This Week The Trend (Issue 55)

This week's picks include a smart lock, wireless earbuds, and a digital camera.

Tyler H

07 Aug 2026 • 3 min read

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This Week The Trend newsletter consists of me selecting three products worth buying at different price points. Each product is given a Value Score—based on price and function—and then one is crowned the winner at the end. Affiliate links may be used.

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My thanks to UGREEN for sponsoring this week's issue. The company has a new line of Air chargers and adapters it would like you to know about. The company had no editorial oversight or input about these picks.

How I’d spend $500: Schlage Sense Pro

If you use a modern iPhone or Apple Watch, then you can take advantage of the Schlage Sense Pro's best feature: ultra-wideband. The Sense Pro can unlock as you approach, without even needing to touch it. The smart lock has a plain design and might not fit everyone's style, but it works well. I've been using it for weeks.

$399 at Amazon

Value Score: Poor

While the Aqara UWB U400 lock is cheaper, the company doesn't have the same long-term reputation as Schlage. So, if you want to go with a proven lock company, then the Sense Pro is a good choice.

How I’d spend $150: CMF Clip Pro

The number of open earbuds is growing like crazy. The Clip Pro buds from CMF by Nothing are the latest and offer good sound and a comfortable fit for a reasonable price. Beyond the wireless earbuds themselves, the case offers a volume dial that spins and clicks to control playback.

I've been using these for running, and they work well for outdoor activities. As long as you don't need to block out noise, this open style is a breath of fresh air.

$79 at Amazon

Value Score: Good

The CMF Clip Pro earbuds retail for $99, but now, during their pre-order, they're on sale for $79. Even at full price, they're a worthy purchase.

How I’d spend $50: Godox C100 Mini Camera

The Godox C100 Mini Camera is wild. The handheld device doesn't have any screen, only a transparent viewfinder. So, you're just looking through a window to frame your shots. Photos and videos are stored on the camera, and then you can see them once you transfer them to your phone or computer with a USB-C cable.

The photo samples I've seen look average, but they do have an old-school nostalgic vibe to them. It's definitely a way to stay in the moment without missing the opportunity to capture it.

$44.90 at Amazon

Value Score: Fair

While the image quality wouldn't justify a high price, the $45 one seems like a fair value for the screen-free device. It comes with a keychain hook, cable, and 1GB memory card.

The winning pick: CMF Clip Pro

While there are plenty of decent open earbuds, the CMF Clip Pro are a good option at a good price. My favorite running earbuds are the $200 Shokz Open Dots 2, but the Clip Pro might be my second choice.

Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.

Media pick: Blade Runner 2099

The new Blade Runner 2099 series on Amazon Prime from Ridley Scott is coming November 25th. The series stars Michelle Yeoh.

This week's other interesting deals and product news

Bose's new QuietComfort Headphones (Gen 2) have better ANC and a few other improvements. (These ship August 13.)
Ford's new Fathom small EV truck will debut next year and come in under $30,000.
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen 2 is on sale for 16% off, down to $303, and comes with a free case and Tappy page turner.
Peak Design has a new line of City backpacks and totes.
Field Notes has a cool new line of notebooks with fruit pops as the covers.

This week's published stories

I swapped my Apple Watch for an analog one to see if I still need it [PCMag]
Schlage Sense Pro review [Yahoo]
CMF Clip Pro review [Yahoo]
The best blue dial watches for every style and budget [Yahoo]
Ugreen MagFlow Air 10K review [Yahoo]

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