This Week The Trend (Issue 36)
This week's picks include a smart lock, smart power adapter, and valet tray.
How I’d spend $500: Aqara UWB U400 Smart Lock
If you're looking for a smart lock that can do it all, the Aqara UWB U400 is one of the few to consider. It can be locked and unlocked using Apple's home key on iPhone and Apple Watch. It has a fingerprint sensor, a number pad, Bluetooth, and a physical keyhole. The ultra-wideband feature, however, is the best. On the latest iPhones, it detects your approaching direction and speed and will automatically unlock by the time you're turning the knob.
Price: $230 (link)
Value Score: Good
If you're looking to get a modern smart lock with Apple's home key integration, then you're going to be spending a premium. At the top end, Level, Schlage, and Nuki are excellent, but each also runs at least $200. The $230 sale price for the U400 is a solid value. It's a great time to buy it if you're considering a smart lock like this.
How I’d spend $150: Anker Nano Charging Station (100W)
I use the Anker Nano Charging Station every day. It has three AC outlets on the back. But I primarily love it because it has two retractable USB-C cables, one on each side. I can sit at my desk and power all the gadgets I'm reviewing without creating a mess. When I'm done charging, I just let the cable go back into the charging station. 100W is plenty of power for nearly all my uses, and when I need to see the power output, the screen shows that info. If you need more ports, there are extras on the side for a total of seven ports.
Price: $60 (link)
Value Score: Great
Right now, the Anker Nano Charging Station is 25% off. Depending on your desk orientation, it perfectly hides cables and provides lots of functionality for a solid price.
How I’d spend $50: Spigen Modern Valet Tray
Whether it's at your desk or on a nightstand, the Spigen Modern Valet Tray makes a great place to put your stuff. It comes in two versions, one with sectioned off areas and one that's completely open. I particularly like how the part for the phone slopes up so that it can be plugged into power without kinking the cable.
Price: $18 (link)
Value Score: Fair
This isn't an ultra-premium wooden catchall that you see in designer photos, but it also isn't priced like one, either. It's a simple piece for organization on sale right now for under $20.
The winning pick: Aqara UWB U400 Smart Lock
Sometimes it's hard to justify a $230 pick as the best value, but since the U400 is on sale this week, it's a great deal and time to buy. It fares well on features and isn't the most expensive smart lock you can buy. The biggest decision should probably be whether you want the black or silver color.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Denon 600
Denon just released a slew of new wireless home speakers. The Denon 600 is one of the most impressive I've seen in a while. It features an eight-driver array with built-in subwoofers and dedicated height speakers. The company says each driver is powered by its own amplifier. It supports Dolby Atmos for spatial audio, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and more. I'm currently testing the newly announced speaker. I have a few minor quibbles, but if you have some money to burn on a nice sound system, this is one to consider.
Price: $799 (link)
Media pick: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter is back on the screen, but this time on small ones instead of in theaters. The HBO Original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has its first trailer and a surprise reveal that it will debut earlier than expected. The show will be coming later this year, in December 2026.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- A round-up of the best Bluetooth speakers to buy during Amazon's Spring Deals.
- A round-up of the best chargers to buy during Amazon's Spring Deals.
- The Ugreen two-bay NAS is 20% off, down to $175.
- Govee's Tree Floor Lamp with Matter is 26% off, down to $125.
- Flighty has a new airport intelligence feature to show the status of airports around the world.
- There's a brand new Laundry Chair that's perfect for bedrooms.
- My favorite 10K power bank from Anker is down to $45.
This week's published stories
- MacBook Neo review [Business Insider]
- The best packing cubes guide [Business Insider]
- Sonos Play review [Business Insider]
- After 8 Years With Tesla, It's Time for a Change. Here Are 6 EVs I Would Buy [PCMag]
- Sonos Era 100 SL review [Yahoo]
- Aqara U400 smart lock review [Yahoo]
- Hands-on with the new Legoland Galacticoaster ride [Yahoo]
You can follow This Week The Trend directly on Yahoo by clicking the "follow" button on that landing page. You can also follow videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.