The Aula F99 Pro is the perfect mechanical keyboard solution. It features a versatile 96% layout and is available at an accessible price point, filling a crucial gap in the budget keyboard market.

Addressing the Need for Compact Productivity

The Aula F99 Pro specifically addresses a key void in the budget mechanical keyboard market: compact productivity. Its 100-key layout places it squarely in the 96% mechanical keyboard category, offering maximum functionality in a minimized footprint.

This model retains the full numeric keypad, including a full-size ‘0’ key. The rest of the essential function keys are strategically arranged to trim down the overall chassis size without sacrificing functionality. The keyboard also conveniently includes a dedicated volume knob.

I chose the White & Black configuration, which offers a clean, appealing aesthetic that perfectly matches my workstation style.

Build Quality and Connectivity

The chassis is constructed from ABS plastic, yet the overall build quality feels premium and substantial due to its weight. The Type-C port and the connectivity mode switch are positioned on the back of the keyboard.

Tri-Mode Connectivity: Wireless and Wired Flexibility

The keyboard supports Tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), and 2.4GHz wireless.

• The 2.4GHz mode is accessed via the included dongle.
• The wired mode uses the included Type-C cable.

For the lowest latency and the most responsive gaming or typing experience, I strongly recommend sticking with the wired or 2.4GHz connectivity.

Superior Typing Experience: Gasket Mount and Sound Profile

The foundation of the F99 Pro’s feel is its genuine Gasket Mount system. This innovative structure suspends the internal components using soft gasket material rather than traditional direct screw mounts.

The isolation provided by the gaskets effectively dampens harsh vibrations and reduces noise during heavy keystrokes. This setup translates into a highly desirable “bouncy, flexible typing experience” that minimizes stress and softens the bottom-out impact.

Switch Options and Sound

The Aula F99 Pro comes with two switch options: the StarArrow Switch and the Nimbus Switch V3.

I am using the StarArrow Switch, and the sound is wonderfully creamy and non-loud, providing a pleasant experience for long typing sessions. If you prefer a more “thockier” sound profile, I suggest opting for the Nimbus Switch version. Note that the F99 Pro with the Nimbus Switch often features side-printed keycaps.

Battery, Keycaps, and RGB Lighting

Long-Lasting 8000 mAh Battery

The F99 Pro boasts a massive 8000 mAh battery. It’s been over a month since my last charge, and the device is still performing perfectly with no signs of slowing down. For full disclosure, I toggle the RGB lighting based on the time of day, usually turning it off during the daytime and on only at night.

Keycaps and Lighting

The Aula F99 Pro ships with Cherry Profile ABS plastic keycaps. While the dark legends are easily visible from a distance, the keycaps are not shine-through. This means the backlight will not pass through the legends, which can make them difficult to see in complete darkness.

The keyboard features South-facing RGB LEDs and an LED bar near the Escape key, which doubles as a low-battery indicator. The RGB lighting offers pre-defined color modes selectable via the Aula Software.

Verdict: A New Benchmark for Budget 96% Keyboards

The Aula F99 Pro establishes a new benchmark for budget mechanical keyboards with its feature-rich 96% layout, dedicated numpad section, and volume knob.

It should be viewed as an acoustically premium product encased in a budget shell. The integration of a Gasket Mount structure, Flex-Cut PC plate, and five layers of sound dampening is an aggressive feature set that delivers a deep, “thocky” sound profile—features that traditionally require expensive, custom modifications.

A Note on Software: The companion software is limited to Windows only. To switch between Windows and Mac modes, use the key combination FN + W for Windows and FN + E for Mac.

Video Review

Home Assistant can be installed on devices like Raspberry Pi or small PCs such as the Intel NUC. While the installation itself is straightforward, the official documentation and most tutorials prefer installing Home Assistant OS, which can be flashed like any other operating system. However, there are many cases where users prefer to install it as a standalone service or run multiple software applications on a single device.

This tutorial will guide you through installing Home Assistant Core on a Raspberry Pi 5.

Prerequisites:

We assume that you have already flashed Raspberry Pi OS. If not, please flash the OS; we recommend the Lite version.

Steps:

Install the Latest Version of Python in Raspberry Pi 5

Although Raspberry Pi OS comes with Python pre-installed, Home Assistant requires the latest version, and your installed version might be outdated.

Update System:

sudo apt update -y
sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Dependencies:

sudo apt install -y build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev python3-openssl git

Download Latest Python from the Website:

Visit the Python Download page to get the link for the latest source. As of this writing, the latest stable version is 3.13.3. Replace the link below if a newer version is available.

wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.13.3/Python-3.13.3.tgz

Extract the Archive:

tar -xf Python-3.13.3.tgz

Prepare for Build: This will take some time, so please be patient.

cd Python-3.13.3
./configure --enable-optimizations

Build Python:

make -j 4

Install Python: We will use altinstall instead of install to prevent it from replacing the system’s default Python.

make altinstall

Verify Python: Check if the installation was successful.

python3.13 --version

This should output the Python version you just installed (e.g., Python 3.13.3).
Install Home Assistant Core on Raspberry Pi 5

Install Dependencies:

sudo apt install -y bluez libffi-dev libssl-dev libjpeg-dev zlib1g-dev autoconf build-essential libopenjp2-7 libtiff6 libturbojpeg0-dev tzdata ffmpeg liblapack3 liblapack-dev libatlas-base-dev

Create a Local User Account:

sudo useradd -rm homeassistant -G dialout,gpio,i2c

Add the Home Assistant User to Sudo (for easier management later):

sudo usermod -aG sudo homeassistant

Create the Python Virtual Environment: Create the directory and change the ownership to the newly created homeassistant user.

sudo mkdir /srv/homeassistant
sudo chown homeassistant:homeassistant /srv/homeassistant

Next, create and switch to a virtual environment for Home Assistant Core. This will be done as the homeassistant account.

sudo -u homeassistant -H -s
cd /srv/homeassistant
python3.13 -m venv .
source bin/activate

Install wheel: Once the virtual environment is activated, install the wheel package.

python3.13 -m pip install wheel

Install Home Assistant Core: Wait patiently, as this will take some time.

pip3.13 install homeassistant==2025.4.2

Start Home Assistant Core for the First Time: This will complete the installation, automatically creating the .homeassistant configuration directory in the /home/homeassistant directory and installing any basic dependencies. Again, be patient.

hass

Once the instance is running, you can access Home Assistant by navigating to http://<Your_Raspberry_Pi_IP_Address>:8123 in your web browser.

Start Home Assistant Core Automatically After Boot

Perform these steps as your main user. If you are still logged in as the homeassistant user, exit by typing exit.

Create a New homeassistant Service:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/homeassistant.service

Add the Following Configuration:

[Unit]
Description=Home Assistant
After=network-online.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=homeassistant
WorkingDirectory=/home/homeassistant/.homeassistant
ExecStart=/srv/homeassistant/bin/hass -c "/home/homeassistant/.homeassistant"
RestartForceExitStatus=100
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

CTRL + S, CTRL + X to Save the file and exit the editor.

Enable and Start the Home Assistant Service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable homeassistant
sudo systemctl start homeassistant

How to Update Home Assistant Core

From time to time, you’ll want to upgrade Home Assistant to the latest version for new features and bug fixes. Unfortunately, there is no way to upgrade Home Assistant from the dashboard when using the Core installation, so you’ll need to do it manually.

sudo systemctl stop homeassistant
sudo -u homeassistant -H -s
python3.13 -m venv .
cd /srv/homeassistant
source bin/activate
pip3.13 install --upgrade homeassistant

Exit from home assistant user to back to your main user.

exit
sudo systemctl start homeassistant

Before upgrading, it’s a good practice to check the Home Assistant release notes for any new Python version requirements. You might need to install a newer version of Python before upgrading Home Assistant Core.

Vivo X200 Pro

The Vivo X200 Pro boasts a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Processor, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB UFS 4.0 Storage, a 6.78-inch AMOLED Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 6000mAh battery with 90W FlashCharge and 30W Wireless Charging support.

It also features a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, a 50MP[1] ZEISS True Color Main Camera, and a 50MP Ultra Wide-Angle Camera. The Main Camera utilizes a Sony LTY-818 sensor with a 1.28-inch sensor size. Other notable features include 4K 60fps HDR Dolby Vision recording, 100x HyperZoom, 20x Zoom in Macro Mode, and Zero Shutter Lag.

Price: Rs. 94,999

Vivo X200

The Vivo X200 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Processor, 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 Storage, a 5800mAh battery with 90W Charging, and a 6.67-inch AMOLED Display. 

The X200 features a 50MP VCS True Color Main Camera, a 50MP ZEISS Telephoto Camera, and a 50MP Ultra Wide-Angle Camera.

Price:

• 12GB + 256GB: Rs. 64,999
• 16GB + 512GB: Rs. 71,999

The iQOO 13 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU, a 6.82-inch 2K 144Hz display, 12GB/16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB/512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, a Q2 chip for high-performance gaming, and a 7K Ultra VC cooling system.

The phone features a triple camera system:

• 50MP Sony IMX921 VCS main camera with f/1.88 aperture
• 50MP telephoto camera with f/1.85 aperture and 4x lossless zoom
• 50MP ultrawide camera
• 32MP selfie camera

The iQOO 13 camera is powered by VCS and NICE 2.0 technology, which can also be found in Vivo phones. This technology helps to improve night photography. The camera also comes with AI features to further enhance photography capabilities.

The phone packs a 6000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, an IP68 rating, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.

The iQOO 13 runs on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15 and comes with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates.

iQOO 13 Features

• Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 6.82-inch 2K 144Hz AMOLED display
• Q2 chip for improved gaming performance
• 50MP Sony IMX 921 VCS true-color main camera, 50MP Sony IMX 816 telephoto camera, and 50MP ultrawide lens
• 32MP selfie camera
• Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15)
• Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth 5.4
• 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
• 256GB/512GB UFS 4.1 storage
• 7000 mm² VC cooling system
• 6000mAh battery
• 120W fast charging

Price

• iQOO 13 12GB + 256GB: Rs. 54,999
• iQOO 13 16GB + 512GB: Rs. 59,999

Gigabyte India has introduced the new MC27QA Ice Monitor in the Indian market. This 27-inch gaming monitor boasts a 2560×1440 QHD resolution Super Speed IPS panel, delivering a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. To enhance the gaming experience, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync to eliminate screen tearing and VESA DisplayHDR400 for improved contrast and brightness.

Key Features of the Gigabyte MC27QA Ice Monitor:

• 27-inch 2560×1440 QHD IPS Panel
• 180Hz refresh rate
• 1ms Response Time
• AMD FreeSync
• VESA DisplayHDR400
• KVM Switch
• OSD Sidekick
• Black Equalizer
• AIM Stabilizer
• Flicker-Free
• Low Blue Light Certification
• 2 HDMI 2.0 ports
• 1 DisplayPort 1.4 port
• 1 USB Type-C port (Power Delivery up to 10W)
• 2 USB 3.2 Downstream ports
• 1 USB 3.2 Upstream port
• 1 Earphone Jack

Pricing

The Gigabyte M27QA Ice Monitor is priced at Rs. 29,000.

The GoPro Hero 13 boasts a GP2 processor, an F/2.5 lens aperture, a 1/1.9″ CMOS 27.6MP sensor, a 2.27″ rear touch LCD, a 1.4″ display, a 1900mAh Enduro battery, Bluetooth v5.3, and Wi-Fi 6.

Hero 13 offers HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization, 360-degree horizon lock and leveling, timelapse, light painting, and star trails. It can record video in the following resolutions:

• 5.3K: 30/25/24 fps (8:7), 60/50/30/25/24 fps (16:9)
• 4K: 60/50/30/25 fps (8:7), 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps (16:9)
• 2.7K: 120/100 fps (4:3), 240/200 fps (16:9)
• 1080p: 60/50/30/25 fps (9:16), 240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps (16:9)

HDR Video:

• 5.3K: 30/25/24 fps (16:9)
• 4K: 30/25/24 fps (8:7), 60/50/30/25/24 fps (16:9)

GoPro Hero 13 Black Features:

• Slow-mo: 730p @ 400 fps, 5.3K @ 120 fps
• 10% larger battery
• Snap & Go magnetic latch mounting
• Wi-Fi 6
• 10-bit HDR video
• GPS
• Interchangeable lenses

The SMLight A1-SLWF-03 WLED controller is a compact yet powerful device for managing addressable LED strips. Powered by the versatile ESP32 chip and running the popular WLED firmware, this controller is ideal for users wanting app or Home Assistant control.

This review explores its performance, features, and overall user experience.

Design and Build Quality

The A1-SLWF-03 boasts a remarkably small form factor, making it easy to incorporate into various projects. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, while the included adhesive pads and screw holes offer flexible mounting options. The package includes sticky pads, screws, and a small screwdriver for opening the device and connecting the strip.

Features and Performance

Powered by the ESP32 SoC, the SMLight A1-SLWF-03 delivers smooth, responsive performance, capable of handling a significant number of LEDs without compromising speed.

To connect the LED to the device, first unplug the controller. Next, use the screwdriver provided with the controller to open the screw on the device. Connect the wires as shown in the image below. Tighten the screw to ensure the wire is securely connected to the controller.

Pre-flashed with WLED firmware, users can access a vast array of lighting effects, from static colors to dynamic patterns and music synchronization. The intuitive interface and regular updates from the WLED community provide a continuously evolving experience.

The lights can be controlled via mobile app, web app (localhost), or external services like voice assistants or Home Assistant. The A1-SLWF-03 supports Wi-Fi for remote control, IR for traditional remote operation, and a built-in sensor button for hands-free control. Additionally, the controller can be integrated into smart home systems like Home Assistant.

Sound Reactivity: Equipped with a digital microphone, the controller creates mesmerizing light shows synchronized to audio input, enhancing any environment. This feature is ideal for parties or celebrations. The microphone can also be used as a voice assistant microphone for Home Assistant (separate setup required).

The A1-SLWF-03 supports 5V, 12V, and 24V LED strips, offering compatibility with a wide range of lighting projects. The device can be powered by either a DC plug or a standard USB Type-C cable.

Setup

Setting up the A1-SLWF-03 is straightforward due to the pre-flashed WLED firmware. No additional app is needed for Wi-Fi setup. Simply connect to the device’s broadcast Wi-Fi address and access the configuration page to input home Wi-Fi details. Once configured, use the mobile app or access the settings page through a web browser at 4.3.2.1.

Conclusion

The SMLight A1-SLWF-03 WLED controller is an excellent choice for both hobbyists and professionals. Its compact size, powerful performance, and extensive feature set make it a versatile tool for diverse lighting projects. Suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.

SMLight A1-SLWF-03 Video Review

iQOO Z9s Pro

The iQOO Z9s Pro boasts a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, 8/12 GB PDDR4X RAM, 128/256 GB Internal Storage, a 6.77″ AMOLED Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5500 mAh battery, and an impressive 80W Charging Speed.

In terms of optics, the phone features a 50MP Sony IMX 882 OIS main camera accompanied by an 8MP wide-angle camera. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 16MP front-facing camera.

Price

iQOO Z9s Pro Price in India (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 24,999

iQOO Z9s Pro Price in India (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 26,999

iQOO Z9s Pro Price in India (12GB + 256GB): Rs. 28,999

iQOO Z9s

The iQOO Z9s is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, coupled with 8/12 GB PDDR4X RAM and 128/256 GB Internal Storage. It also sports a 6.77″ AMOLED Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5500 mAh battery, and supports 44W Charging Speed.

On the camera front, the iQOO Z9s houses a 50MP Sony IMX 882 OIS main camera and a 2MP Bokeh camera. For selfies, it has a 16MP front-facing camera.

Price

iQOO Z9s Price in India (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 19,999

iQOO Z9s Price in India (8GB + 256GB): Rs. 21,999

iQOO Z9s Price in India (12GB + 256GB): Rs. 23,999

Specifications

AORUS F032U2P

Gigabyte AORUS F032U2P is a 32-inch OLED monitor with DP 2.2 support, 4K 240Hz uncompressed image support, Daisy Chain configurations for multi-display support, and a Tactical switch for quick access functions.

Price: Rs. 134,499

AORUS F027Q3

Gigabyte AORUS F027Q3 features a 27-inch QD-OLED display with a 360Hz refresh rate, QHD resolution, TrueBlack 400 brightness, a 10-bit display, HDMI 2.1 support, and a 0.03ms GTG response time.

Price: Rs. 86,999

Both AORUS OLED monitors incorporate AI-based OLED Care protection to prevent screen burn-in. This system operates discreetly in the background to maintain the monitor’s original quality. Key functions include Pixel Clean, Static Control, Pixel Shift, and Sub-logo Dim. These features collectively optimize performance and extend the OLED display’s lifespan.

Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 boasts a 6.3-inch Actua Display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and a peak brightness of 2700 nits. Powered by the Google Tensor G4 CPU and backed by 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the device is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. A 4700mAh battery with wireless charging support.

In terms of optics, the Pixel 9 offers a dual camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera with an f/1.6 aperture and a 48MP ultrawide lens. For selfies, there’s a 10.5MP front-facing camera.

Price: Rs. 79,999

Google Pixel 9 Pro

The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Actua Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and a peak brightness of 2700 nits. Equipped with a Google Tensor G4 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage, the device is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and carries an IP68 rating. A 4700mAh battery with wireless charging support.

The Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography with a triple camera system comprising a 50MP main camera with an f/1.6 aperture, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens. For selfies, there’s a 42MP front-facing camera.

Price Pixel 9 Pro: Rs.1,09,999
Price Pixel 9 Pro XL: Rs. 1,24,999

Google Pixel 9 Camera Features

• Unblur Photos
• Guided frame
• New Group Photo Mode
• Reframe photo with autofill
• Move photos or objects
• Magic Editor
• Macro & Astro Mode
• Zoom Enhance
• Portrait Light
• Night Sight Video
• 10-bit HDR Video
• Cinematic Pan
• Improved Panorama with Night Sight