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# This Week The Trend (Issue 68)
- URL: https://www.thisweekstrend.xyz/this-week-the-trend-issue-68/
- Published: 2026-11-06T14:55:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-06T14:55:17.000Z
- Description: This week's picks include a learning camera, retro headphones, and old-school phone.
- Author: Tyler H

💡

**This Week The Trend newsletter consists of me selecting three products worth buying at different price points. Each product is given a* [**Value Score*](https://www.thisweekstrend.xyz/value-score/)**—based on price and function—and then one is crowned the winner at the end. Affiliate links may be used.*

## How I’d spend $500: Dex Language Camera

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/72/0d/720db06e-9992-46d5-baea-d1089f946e24/content/images/2026/11/CleanShot-2026-11-05-at-7.46.02-PM@2x.jpg)

The Dex learning camera is aimed at kids ages 3 to 8\. You point the lens at an object, press the button, and it identifies it and tells you what it is. For young kids, it's a way to build vocabulary. But it also does translation.

Dex can identify an object and then tell you how to say it in another language. Advanced learners can even go through the whole process in the foreign language. This is one reason people in my household, much older than 8 years old, have stolen it from me to use. 

While object identification is the bulk of the functionality, there are mini games like a scavenger hunt, so kids need to look for certain types of objects and capture them with the camera.

[$249 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Dex-Language-Learning-Camera-Kids/dp/B0HGFN4C8P?crid=RB437YV42IOH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jNcYNShUmionHjRKvIX0-QtpaseUmWqVgT6d9UlVlApf8xJad5%5FW-PX5z8520iR2xJ6m5Jr5qmy%5FGZ7O%5Fc-Hj50ZwaYuSUA%5FM5JXgf-bie9SVaEUsU%5FlPkJ9EEM9DPFmi%5FyOH-Xbbij7NpeUDBXdCJm%5FL5Fsb1eowYRU5waQURBZgNs0HNLBolnYUIJ0fgE0RRGg5U4xRHD1jWdXJI0K2qZ8a5B2tBS7piT4T-3ev48.pNdh63fTT9tSQmvDTvJlPXATeZgReYlSzkqMGg621SA&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=dex+camera&qid=1793936143&sprefix=dex+camer%2Caps%2C490&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=b7d26963f9de3a5383e6042a096bbeaf&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)

**Value Score:** Poor

The $249 retail price is steep. However, Dex is a pretty powerful device that has performed perfectly since I've started using it. It does have parental controls built in and can avoid talking about certain topics if turned on.

## How I’d spend $150: Sony MDR-3R

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/72/0d/720db06e-9992-46d5-baea-d1089f946e24/content/images/2026/11/CleanShot-2026-11-05-at-9.20.46-PM@2x.jpg)

With a USB-C connector, the MDR-3R are new tech, made for modern devices. But with a style birthed in the late 1970s, these are also officially retro. However you see these, they're sure to provoke emotion. 

The good news is they're easy to wear because of their lightweight design. The microphone is good for voice calls. The sound is also respectable despite the airy, on-ear fit. Plus, they come with two sets of foam pads.

[$59.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-3R-Comfortable-Interchangeable-Tangle-resistant/dp/B0HMJSKKRT?crid=3SNZLLBKN0MOC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gcV0Tan2VI8O4dcV48vaiZHY7MJoE3kx6wc0ucVx0BS3C%5F79ahW2R3DI7y-mR4ELGJ2NLZMSLlKQd63AJCBGVpdYXZoTNyhDUBuWFRnmDC5dpxxWrV83ZouiTYuqbyTPNu7jPLnYcDP8dB4WtjSCfpghP6zgYycMqScQITfso8dWsen4UWBkiKqZXuheJrFPMe4tAkXDKhHbolTs%5FbHU-J30lrOlaHmiZw1yUMo5Wek.qcYV1rfL5PFohRO5Nkc5ehyPmiZiq%5F2dbbvI%5Fglfe30&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=sony+mdr-3r&qid=1793937085&sprefix=sony+mdr-3r%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=70ed936a982528ecfb6d01c3310d29ca&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)

**Value Score**: Fair

There just aren't many low-cost wired USB-C earbuds that are worth buying. The $19 Apple EarPods are the best, but I think these Sony ones sound better.

## How I’d spend $50: Native Union Pop Phone

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/72/0d/720db06e-9992-46d5-baea-d1089f946e24/content/images/2026/11/CleanShot-2026-11-05-at-7.48.54-PM@2x.jpg)

Speaking of retro tech, the Native Union Pop Phone is all about the old-school vibes. This handset plugs into a phone, tablet, or laptop and can then be used to take calls with its embedded speaker and mic.

The limited edition Bubble Gum clear model is about as 90s as it comes. So, if you're going to use an old-style handset for more ergonomic phone calls, you might as well lean fully into it.

[$39.99 at Native Union](https://www.nativeunion.com/products/pop-phone-bubble-gum-limited-edition?ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)

**Value Score**: Poor

No matter what reason you pick, it's hard to justify the $40 cost of this receiver—so don't. It's just a fun accessory that some people might find better to use than a Bluetooth one.

## The winning pick: Sony MDR-3R

I've been using [Sony MDR-3R headphones](https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-3R-Comfortable-Interchangeable-Tangle-resistant/dp/B0HMJSKKRT?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lpn4EjsVeGdou0NtJZr-MaaDJ2j-xlxAGSlKG9BmYOJNVG1e8zjbCokbWdmLoze1GWsdVO9ngu2BuWxTk3YnfnQQHbCeBEa3q7hhj9tyx-U.IRazV1BkBwvrX8%5FnADwmw7-NvF%5FKnZ4S956xO-Ux-F8&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=mdr-3r&qid=1793938917&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=6250c512b18cbcc551b124b8ef02e43b&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) for weeks before they were released. I've come to really like their lightweight feel and airy sound. Although they're not right for every situation, they are nice to have on hand, including for phone calls, since the mic works well.

---

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

## Media pick: *Exoplanet* by Andy Weir

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/72/0d/720db06e-9992-46d5-baea-d1089f946e24/content/images/2026/11/CleanShot-2026-11-05-at-8.29.24-PM@2x.jpg)

*Exoplanet* isn't exactly a new book from Andy Weir, author of *Project Hail Mary*, but it is a new audiobook from him. A cast of superstar actors brings this four-hour sci-fi thriller to life. It's available to buy for $22, or you can get it for $0.99 as part of Audible's new $1 for 3 months promotion.

As a fan of *The Martian* and *Project Hail Mary*, I've been waiting for another Weir adventure.

[$0.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HDDTB4MD?lv=shuf&channelId=600&plpRedirect=mhFallback&th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=1170d961f45af2656bfb77e4b9d6aa73&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)

## This week's other interesting deals and product news

- Twelve South's 2-in-1 charger, the [HiRise 2](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCLQQPNL?lv=shuf&gaOptInStatus=false&optOutTS=1789061426122&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=44a30777c4abef8ebf0ddac629c852dd&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz), is 48% off, down to $41.
- Sony's [WH-1000XM6](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3PQHWTZ?lv=shuf&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=d5e11f78817e5a145e03ef1979f839c9&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) headphones are finally on sale, down to $378, 18% off.
- Jackery's FridgeGuard Power Station is now for sale at Costco for $630.
- [*Apple: The First 50 Years*](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982134593?lv=shuf&gaOptInStatus=false&optOutTS=1789061426122&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=7c0486b92a991b78f67fbd06528a884c&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) hardcover book is 48% off, down to $26.
- You can get Toshiba's [100-inch mini-LED TV](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNT537KR?lv=shuf&gaOptInStatus=false&optOutTS=1789061426122&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=39d805eb31490a3e04c596ab14d06c62&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) for $1,800, 28% off. Yes, 100-inch.
- SwitchBot's new [Permanent Outdoor Lights](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H4KQQVGJ?lv=shuf&hvlocphy=9190289&hvptwo=&hvnetw=g&mcid=&hvext=429179600016&hvadid=812901172005&hvpone=&hvlocint=&hvcampaign=23942095604&hydadcr=14641%5F13796029%5F2516874&hvpos=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvocijid=7041251080903066601--&hvqmt=a&hvexpln=0&hvtargid=kwl-2484167636399&adgrpid=194460982981&hvrand=7041251080903066601&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=e4dce23cb95558633b472cc9fdb96c4b&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) normally cost $239.99, but a current Amazon coupon brings them down to $159.99.
- Twelve South has a new [65W charger](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HHJK9TGB?lv=shuf&ascsubtag=srctok-4bbb8ca54cab73ff&btn%5Ftype=ss&th=1&gaOptInStatus=true&btn%5Fref=srctok-4bbb8ca54cab73ff&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=thisweekstren-20&linkId=d0eea4b2cef63c3c9a682ffb6b0c4432&language=en%5FUS&gaOptInStatus=true&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) with international plugs. It doesn't seem much different than what's out there for its $50 price.
- [Readwise](https://blog.readwise.io/readwise-books/?ref=thisweekstrend.xyz) is building a bookstore in its read-tracking app.

## This week's published stories

- Sony MDR-3R review \[[Yahoo](https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/sony-mdr-3r-review-these-59-retro-wired-headphones-sound-surprisingly-good-160000580.html?ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)\]
- Boox Picco e-reader review \[[Yahoo](https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/boox-picco-review-i-tested-this-tiny-e-reader-and-now-i-want-to-take-it-on-every-trip-203650113.html?ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)\]
- HomePod mini 2 review \[[Yahoo](https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/i-test-smart-speakers-and-apples-new-homepod-mini-2-is-a-disappointing-upgrade-235100133.html?ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)\]
- How to pick a good iPhone Duo case \[[Yahoo](https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/how-to-pick-a-good-iphone-duo-case-from-a-longtime-tech-writer-234647527.html?ref=thisweekstrend.xyz)\]

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