thatvirtualboy

iPhone Duo: It's complicated

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Header image: iPhone Duo in Star White and Night Sky. Image courtesy of Apple Newsroom.

Who is the iPhone Duo for? Should you get one?

Well, just like the Duo’s over-engineered hinge, it’s complicated.

I can see the appeal. An iPhone that unfolds into something closer to an iPad is pretty darn cool. But the more I look at it, the more I wonder which compromises I’d actually be willing to live with.

What Would You Miss?

If you’re coming from an iPhone Pro, there’s a decent list of things to consider. Comparing Apple’s specs for the Duo and 18 Pro, the Duo leaves out:

The Action button
Face ID (Touch ID takes its place)
A dedicated telephoto lens
Spatial photo capture
Apple ProRAW
The 18 Pro’s manual camera controls
The Pro’s four studio-quality microphones
LiDAR

It still has Camera Control and 2x optical-quality zoom from the main sensor. But if you’ve built habits around any of those missing features, will you miss them?

Maybe you’ve never touched ProRAW. Fair enough. Face ID, though? That’s something you might notice every single day.

Two Thousand Dollars Gets You What?

The Duo starts at $1,999 in the US. International pricing can make that an even tougher pill to swallow; the UK starting price is £1,999 (roughly US$2,700 at September 15, 2026 exchange rates). To be fair, the UK price includes VAT, while applicable US sales tax is extra.

So what are you gaining over a Pro?

A folding display, Split View with two apps side by side for the first time on iPhone, and an iOS experience built around both screens. Apple Pencil (USB-C) support is also coming later this year, according to Apple’s announcement.

Those are meaningful additions. The question is whether you’d use them enough to justify the price and the features you’re giving up.

Can It Replace Your iPhone and iPad?

Sure, it probably can. Depending on what you do with them.

I think plenty of people will still prefer an iPhone for iPhone things, and an iPad for iPad things. Others will love having one device that handles both. One less thing to charge and throw in a bag? I get it.

The Duo’s 5.4-inch outer display and 7.6-inch inner display. Image courtesy of Apple Newsroom.

But the sizing lands somewhere in between. Folded, it’s wider and thicker than an 18 Pro, despite having a smaller display. Unfolded, it’s still smaller than an iPad.

I also wonder how often I’d start something on the outer screen, then open the phone just to get more room. Comparing a couple of Safari pages, maybe? That could feel wonderfully convenient or become a little annoying. I haven’t used it yet, and I’m curious how that feels day to day.

Why Leave Out So Much Pro?

You guessed it. It’s complicated.

A lot going on in there. Screenshot from Apple’s September 9 event. Image: Apple.

My guess is that fitting all of this into a folding phone forced some decisions around space and cost. Even with those omissions, we’re still looking at a $2,000 device. Apple hasn’t explained each tradeoff, but that hinge certainly doesn’t look cheap.

And there’s a very Apple-looking upgrade path here. Add back a few Pro features with an eventual Duo 2 (Duo Duo?), and suddenly there’s an easy reason to upgrade. That’s speculation on my part, but there’s certainly room to grow.

A Complicated Gamble

Foldables are still a small part of the market: Counterpoint put them at 2.5% of global smartphone shipments in Q3 2025. Apple has to find enough people who want this combination of features and compromises to make the effort worthwhile.

Of course, Apple entering the category is itself a pretty big vote of confidence. I think the announcement alone will get people considering a foldable who never gave one a second thought before.

For the person who wants a little of both devices in one pocket, the Duo makes sense. How much sense depends on what they’re willing to give up.

What about you? Will you be getting an iPhone Duo?

Belkin's Nintendo Switch 2 Grip Charging Case Is an Easy Upgrade

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Nintendo Switch 2 is an incredible portable console. But let’s be honest: flat Joy-Con aren’t exactly the most comfortable things to hold for a long gaming session. I’ve even 3D-printed grips in the past to help, and those have been great. But after spending some time with the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Grip Charging Case with Power Bank, this feels like another level entirely.

It gives my adult man hands the grip and handling needed to avoid cramped and uncomfortable gameplay sessions. Belkin also added a clever magnetic battery and preserved several features I don’t want to give up.

The Grips Feel Incredible

The grips are easily my favorite part of the case. They fill out your hands in a way the bare Joy-Con simply can’t, making handheld gaming much more comfortable. The shape feels natural, the texture adds just the right amount of grip (Taking notes, Nintendo?), and the whole thing feels reassuringly solid.

I’ve used 3D-printed grips before, and they absolutely improve the handheld experience. But the fit, finish, and comfort of these Belkin grips feel way more solid than anything I’ve printed.

Green Was the Right Choice

I was a little hesitant about getting the green instead of black. Black is the safe choice and would obviously blend right in with the Switch 2. In person though, the green looks way better than I expected.

It’s a subtle, almost muted green that pairs really well with the blacks of the console and Joy-Con. It gives the whole setup some personality without looking loud or toy-like. I’m really glad I didn’t play it safe here.

A Power Bank That Feels Like MagSafe

The included 10,000mAh power bank may be the most clever part of the setup. It attaches magnetically to the back of the case with a very MagSafe-like snap. The alignment is effortless, the connection feels secure, and removing it is just as easy.

Belkin built in a short USB-C cable that is exactly the right length. There’s no long cord dangling from the back or awkward loop to manage. It stays close to the unit and makes the charging setup look tidy and purpose-built.

The Stand Still Works

Cases can have a habit of covering up useful hardware features, so I was happy to see that the Switch 2 stand still works while the Belkin case is installed.

That makes tabletop play a legitimate option without taking the case apart or finding somewhere else to put the battery. Just pull out the stand, detach the Joy-Con, and play.

It Still Fits in the Dock

This was the compatibility question I cared about most: would I need to remove the case every time I wanted to dock the Switch 2?

Thankfully, no. The entire unit still fits in the official Nintendo Switch 2 Dock with the case on. It is a more snug fit than docking the bare console, but it still only takes one hand to dock and undock which is a huge win.

Built for Travel

I’m especially excited about the prospects of using this setup for travel. The more comfortable grips make longer handheld sessions much more appealing, while the magnetic 10,000mAh battery adds the kind of extra power that’s genuinely useful on a flight or a long road trip.

There is a small amount of added weight to the unit with the case plus battery in use, but nothing that has hindered my ability to enjoy handheld play.

Final Thoughts

The Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Grip Charging Case with Power Bank gets the important stuff right. The grips feel incredible, the green looks fantastic with the Switch 2, the magnetic battery is wonderfully simple, and the case doesn’t get in the way of the stand or dock.

If you play your Switch 2 in handheld mode and want something that makes it more comfortable while also extending its battery life, this is an easy recommendation. I’m already looking forward to throwing it in my bag for the next trip.

Best Apple Music Settings for My Rivian R1T

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Get Gear Shop $$$ and free Rivian charging credits! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

I’ve spent a lot of time fiddling with the audio settings in my Dune R1T, especially when streaming Apple Music. Rivian’s Premium Audio system has a lot of potential, but the default settings don’t always make Apple Music sound as full or consistent as I want it to.

After lots of listening and tweaking, these are the settings that currently sound best to me.

My Current Apple Music Settings

Disable Spatial Audio
Disable Sound Check
Disable Streaming Quality
Turn 3D Surround Sound on
Set Dynamic Sound Adjustment to High
Use an extreme V curve EQ, with 63 Hz and 125 Hz maxed out

Why I Turn Spatial Audio Off

Spatial Audio can be really impressive in the right environment, but I often find that to only be for TV or movies. For music, Spatial Audio feels gimmicky and causes the track to lose energy.

To turn it off, tap your user profile button in the top right of the Apple Music screen, then review the playback options:

Then toggle Spatial Audio off.

Why I Also Disable Sound Check

Sound Check is meant to normalize volume between songs, which is never how the song artist or producer designed the song to be listened to. In practice, I find it can flatten the experience a bit. I’m quite surprised it’s enabled by default.

With Sound Check off, songs are allowed to keep more of their original energy. That does mean some tracks may be louder than others, but I prefer that tradeoff over everything feeling overly leveled.

Why I Turn Streaming Quality Off

The other Apple Music toggle I turn off is Streaming Quality. In practice, it works well enough, but when it kicks in, it causes a hiccup in the music that’s super distracting and ruins the moment.

I’d rather listen to an entire song in a slightly lower bit rate than have it hiccup as it changes quality.

The Rivian Settings That Help Most

The two Rivian-side settings that seem to make the biggest difference are 3D Surround Sound and Dynamic Sound Adjustment.

I keep 3D Surround Sound enabled because it helps make better use of the cabin speakers, including the overhead tweeters. It gives the soundstage more width without leaning on Apple Music’s Spatial Audio processing.

I set Dynamic Sound Adjustment to High because it helps the system feel more alive, even in scenarios it doesn’t advertise like low speed and low volume. With that combo, you’ll hear a richer, deeper sounding playback than with it off or on low.

The EQ Curve

The biggest change is the EQ. Instead of using one of the built-in presets, I’m using a pretty aggressive V curve:

63 Hz maxed out
125 Hz maxed out
Mids pulled back
Highs lifted enough to keep vocals and detail clear

This gives Apple Music more low-end weight. It also helps rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop tracks feel less thin through the Rivian system. Does it muddy it up a bit? I feel like it should… but I’m actually happy with the extra attention it gives on the lows.

Your Mileage May Vary

Audio is subjective, and cabin sound can change depending on where you’re sitting, what you’re listening to, and how loudly you play it. These settings are simply what sound best to me in my R1T right now.

If you’re unhappy with Apple Music in your Rivian, this setup is worth trying as a starting point:

Turn off Spatial Audio and Sound Check
Turn off Streaming Quality
Turn on 3D Surround Sound
Set Dynamic Sound Adjustment to High
Push the low end with a V-shaped EQ

Hopefully Rivian keeps tuning the audio experience through future software updates, because the hardware feels like it should be capable of more. For now, this setup gets Apple Music sounding the best it has sounded in my truck.

Get Gear Shop $$$ and free Rivian charging credits! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

Why I Built a Pokémon Social Network

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pokemon has a way of pulling people back in.

Every so often, it releases something that, quite effectively, taps into that nostalgia. Pokémon GO. Pokopia. FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch.

For me, it was the Scarlet & Violet 151 TCG set. Every original Kanto Pokémon in their original numbered order. Kadabra, returning after a 20-year hiatus in the TCG. Insanely iconic Special Illustration Rares. It was an exciting opportunity to tap into that feeling of collecting the original Base Set back when I was 10 years old.

But the more I got back into the hobby, the more obvious something felt missing: there still wasn’t a great social app built specifically for Pokemon TCG collectors.

There are plenty of places online where pockets of collectors hang out, of course. But everything felt fragmented. Nothing felt like a true home for collectors where posting, trading, tracking your collection, and just generally being a Pokemon card nerd all lived together in one place.

That’s the gap that led me to build Route 25.

I Wanted Something Collectors Would Enjoy

Most social apps are general-purpose first, and collector-friendly second.

I wanted the opposite.

I wanted an app where the feed made sense for pulls, slabs, binder flexes, and daily activity. I wanted a place where your profile wasn’t just a username and avatar, but a reflection of what you actually collect. I wanted online trading to feel safer and more thoughtful. And I wanted collection tracking to be part of the social experience instead of living in some completely separate app.

That mindset shaped every part of Route 25.

More Than a Feed

At its core, Route 25 is a social app for Pokemon TCG collectors, but I never wanted it to stop at just “post some of your cards.”

I wanted it to support the full collector experience:

A social feed for pulls, pickups, slabs, and activity
A Binder for tracking your collection and browsing sets
A Trade Hub designed to make trading feel safer and secure
Daily community prompts like Trainer Talk
Mini games and XP so participation feels a little more playful

Collecting isn’t just inventory management, and it isn’t just social media either. The hobby is part showcase, part organization, part trading, part nostalgia, and part community.

I wanted Route 25 to reflect that.

Why Safety Matters So Much

One of the biggest things I kept coming back to was trust.

Trading cards with people on the internet can feel sketchy fast. Collectors are often dealing with expensive cards, personal shipping details, and the uncertainty of whether the other person is legit.

That is a big reason Route 25 includes a trading experience designed around privacy and safety. I wanted trading to feel less like rolling the dice in DMs and more like something built with real guardrails.

I’m sure there is still plenty to improve over time, but that principle was there from the beginning: if trading is going to be part of the app, it has to feel worthy of the community using it.

I Also Wanted It to Feel Like a Great iPhone App

Another big motivation for me was craft.

I love building native Apple-platform apps, and I wanted Route 25 to feel modern on iPhone instead of like a generic wrapper around a website. That meant leaning into native design, fast interactions, and platform features that make the app feel more at home on iOS.

That probably won’t matter to everyone equally, but it matters to me. If I am going to spend the time building something ambitious, I want the experience to feel polished, intentional, and fun to use.

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Why This App Exists

At the simplest level, I built Route 25 because I wanted this app to exist.

I wanted a place where collectors could show off a new pull, organize their binder, make trades more confidently, and feel part of a larger community. I wanted to make something fun.

Pokemon should be fun. Collecting should feel social. Sharing cards should feel natural. That’s the entire spirit behind Route 25.

Still Early, Still Building

Like any app worth making, Route 25 is still evolving.

Some of the best parts of building an app like this are seeing how people actually use it, what features they gravitate toward, what they ignore, and what they wish existed next. That feedback loop is where the product gets better and where the original idea becomes something more real.

This is only the beginning of what I want Route 25 to become.

If you want to check it out, visit route25.app.

And if you’re already using it, thanks for being a part of the journey.

The Best Mini Backpack for Travel, Theme Parks, and Minimal EDC

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve been trying to simplify what I carry day to day — especially for coffee shop work sessions where a full-size backpack just feels unnecessary.

This mini backpack has quietly become my go-to.

👉 See it on Amazon

The Single Strap Sold Me Immediately

The thick single strap design is easily my favorite feature.

It makes the bag:

Fast to swing around for access
Comfortable to wear for a few hours
Less bulky than a traditional backpack

Small Bag, Big Carry Potential

This thing looks and feels compact but it holds way more than you’d expect.

It’s the perfect size for a productive coffee shop outing or a light travel day when you want to stay mobile without feeling limited.

What I Pack in It

For a typical day out, here’s what fits comfortably:

Macbook Pro 14”
iPad Pro 11”
iPhone
Water bottle (fits my 18oz YETI)
abxylute M4 magsafe gaming controller
Apple Magic Mouse
Notebook + Pen
Macbook Power brick and cord
plus there was still more room for sunglasses, USB cables, chapstick, and other small items.

High-Quality Zipper (Worth Calling Out)

The zipper is smooth and solid. Feels like it’ll last.

Ideal for Theme Parks & Travel

Another reason I was looking for a bag of this size was for Theme Park days. My kids use their Disney Loungefly bags, but that’s never been my style. I wanted something that felt larger than a fannyepack, but more practical.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a minimal EDC bag that’s:

Comfortable with a smart single strap
Small but surprisingly capable
Well-built with quality materials
Great for travel, theme parks, or coffee shops

This mini backpack is an easy recommendation.

👉 Check it out on Amazon

If you’ve found a similar minimalist bag you love, I’m always down to compare notes.

The Perfect Short USB-C Cable for Rivian Headrest Mounts

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Get Gear Shop $$$ and free Rivian charging credits! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

If you’re using Rivian’s Headrest Device Mounts for backseat entertainment, you’re going to need a cable that not only matches the aesthetics of the Rivian interior, but one that’s as rugged as your truck.

After trying a few different options, I landed on what I think is the perfect cable for this setup: the
chubbycable FlexElbow 90 Degree 240W Fast Charging Cable.

Why This Cable Works So Well in a Rivian

This cable checks three big boxes for me: aesthetics, durability, and length.

1. It Matches the California Dune Interior 👌

Let’s start with the obvious: it looks fantastic in the R1T.

The yellow accent color on the FlexElbow cable pairs incredibly well with the subtle yellow interior accents in the California Dune R1T. Makes things look much more intentional, which is nice in these premium cabins.

Although I opted for yellow, really all the colors they offer look really good.

2. Built Like a Tank (Seriously)

This is one of the most solid-feeling USB-C cables I’ve ever used.

Thick, braided exterior
Reinforced strain relief
Firm but flexible construction
90-degree elbow connector that takes stress off the port

That elbow design is especially clutch when devices are mounted on the headrest. No awkward bending, no torque on the device, and no fear of the connector getting bumped or snapped when kids climb in and out.

3. The 0.82ft Length Is Perfect for Headrest Mounts

At 0.82 feet, the cable is:

Long enough to comfortably reach mounted devices
Short enough to avoid dangling loops or cable clutter
Ideal for iPads, Kindles, and Nintendo Switches on Rivian Headrest Device Mounts

No excess cable to tuck away. It looks good.

Bonus: Overkill Charging Specs (In a Good Way)

The FlexElbow supports up to 240W fast charging, which is obviously more than you’ll ever need for tablets or handhelds — but that also means it’s future-proof.

I’m a big fan of accessories that are under-stressed in daily use.

Final Thoughts

If you’re setting up rear-seat entertainment in your Rivian and want something that:

Looks like it belongs
Holds up to real-world use
Keeps your setup clean and clutter-free

The chubbycable FlexElbow 90 Degree 240W USB-C Cable is an easy recommendation — especially in the 0.82ft length.

It’s one of those small upgrades that quietly makes the whole experience better.

If you’ve found other interior add-ons that level-up your cabin experience, I’d love to hear about it 👇

Get Gear Shop $$$ and free Rivian charging credits! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

Why a 'Done List' Might Be the Productivity Tool You're Missing

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

At the end of the day, it’s easy to focus on what didn’t get finished. That unchecked to-do list can make you feel like you’re falling behind, even if you got a lot done. That’s where a “done list” comes in. Instead of tracking what you should do, it keeps track of what you actually did.

Turns out, there’s plenty of research showing this simple shift can improve focus, reduce stress, and even help you move forward in your career.

Why Done Lists Work

They calm the brain
Checking something off gives your brain a sense of completion. That little “I did it” moment matters—studies show it reduces anxiety and helps you regain a sense of control (Self.com).
They make progress visible
During stressful times, a traditional to-do list can feel like a never-ending reminder of what’s left. A done list flips the perspective—you can see proof of what you’ve already accomplished, even if it’s something small (Wired).
They build momentum
Productivity experts point out that done lists create a feedback loop. Each recorded win—big or small—reinforces progress and makes it easier to tackle the next thing (Inc.com).
They help with reflection
Looking back on what you’ve accomplished is motivating in itself. Chris Bailey, author of The Productivity Project, suggests reviewing your done list at the end of each week to spark ideas and focus for the next one (ChrisBailey.com).

Why Not Just Stick With To-Dos?

To-do lists aren’t the enemy—they’re useful for structure, prioritizing, and reducing mental clutter. The problem is when they’re the only system. They show you what’s left, not what’s working. Pairing a to-do list with a done list gives you the full picture: what needs attention and proof of progress.

How Didly Fits In

The idea of a done list is simple, but keeping up with it consistently can be hard without the right tools. That’s where Didly comes in. It’s built around the value of helping you see progress clearly, stay motivated, and avoid burnout.

Here’s how the platform supports that:

Instant logging of wins – Capture accomplishments in real time, big or small, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Momentum tracking – Didly builds a running record of your progress, giving you perspective that traditional to-do apps miss.
Weekly recaps that work for you – The app automatically charts together what you’ve finished, making reflection part of the workflow instead of another chore.
Support for the small stuff – Gentle prompts encourage logging everyday wins, because those add up to resilience and motivation.

Under the Hood: How Didly Is Built

An Apple-exclusive, Didly is built with care for the platforms you use every day.

Native to iOS and macOS – Built with SwiftUI, Didly feels right at home on Apple devices.
Syncs with Apple Reminders – Optional integration keeps your existing ecosystem connected.
Minimalist by design – The interface is simple and uncluttered, so the focus stays on your progress.
Big impact, low friction – Every feature is designed to help you log, reflect, and move forward without slowing you down.

Why This Matters

For your mind: Done lists take the edge off stress and help you leave work feeling lighter.
For your career: Progress tracking shows you where your time really goes—and makes it easier to highlight wins during reviews or job interviews.
For your motivation: Seeing your track record makes starting the next task feel less daunting.

Final Thought

Perhaps it’s time to flip the script on your traditional to-do list and try focusing on your done list. Remember, you didn’t do didly… you’ve done more than you think.

👉 Download Didly on the App Store
👉 Learn more about Didly

New Rivian? Check out these 5 tips

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

So, you’ve just taken delivery of your new Rivian and are trying to remember all the Infotainment settings and options you covered with your Rivian Guide. There’s a lot to dig into! I’ve compiled five essential tips to help you get the most out of your new ride. Whether it’s an R1T, R1S, or even an upcoming R2! Here we go!

Get $500 of Rivian credit! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

1. Adaptive High Beam Assist

Starting off with a bang, this is definitely one of my favorite features of the R1 Gen 2 vehicles. Also known as Adaptive Drive Beam (ADB), this tech enhances nighttime driving by dynamically adjusting the headlight beams to maximize road illumination while avoiding blinding glare for oncoming drivers. It really is so cool to see in action!

To enable Adaptive High Beams Assist, go to Settings > Vehicle > Displays and Lighting > and configure High Beams Assist to Adaptive

2. Lane Departure

This may be more subjective, but my thoughts are if you’re going to have it, go all in so that you maximize the value. Lane Departure is most effective when it has the highest liklihood of keeping you from crossing the paint lines and driving into oncoming traffic, or swiping into the car next to you. For this reason, I suggest configuring Lane Departure to its most sensitive option.

To maximize Lane Departure safety, go to Settings > Vehicle > Driver Assistance > Lane departure warning and configure it to Early. The Normal setting was just a little to lax for my liking. I also prefer the steering wheel vibration and Lane Keeping Assist enabled.

3. Software Updates

My Rivian Guide made a clear point to keep software updates as a munual procedure, i.e., keeping Automatic Updates disabled. The biggest reason being you don’t want to need to hop in the car only to find it in the middle of an update, crippling your ability to get going. You would be forced to sit and wait for the update to complete, which can take up to an hour on average.

This setting is probably disabled by default for you, but take a moment to go double check: Settings > Vehicle > Updates and ensure Automatically install updates is toggled Off. Now, you can ensure you kick off future software updates when the timing is best for you.

4. Finding Your Odometer

A common question on Rivian forums and online discussions is how to know how many miles you’ve actually driven your car. Many people say, “It’s in the app” which is true, but there is indeed a way to see it in the vehicle itself, as you would expect.

To see your total driven miles head to Settings > About and you’ll see your Odometer in the top right

5. Apple Music Sound Quality

Speaker performance and sound quality is certainly a subjective topic, however a quick browse of the forums and you’ll find a healthy amount of discussions around the Rivian Premium Audio sound quality. If you primarily use Apple Music like I do, you may find a large disprepancy between the quality of the sound amongst your library. Whether I was listending to modern Dolby Atmos tracks, tracks from the 90s and 2000s that have never been optimized for digital streaming, or anything in between, one thing was certain: there was a definite inconsistency in how good it sounded.

After playing with a lot of the settings, here is what I ended up doing to make Apple Music sound better:

Disable Spacial Audio
Configure EQ to Rock
3D Surround Sound On (makes use of the overhead tweeters)
Set Dynamic Sound Adjustment to Low

To disable Spacial Audio, tap on your user profile button on the top right:

And tap the toggle for Spacial Audio to disable it. This is most likely enabled by default for you

With these settings, YMMV so if it doesn’t sound quite right for you, continue playing and adjusting. I’d love to know what settings work best for you!

Hopefully Rivian will continue to tweak and enhance the default soundscape via software updates to really get the most out of this premium sound system.

BONUS TIPS

Whoohoo, Bonus! I’ve got 2 bonus tips for you – they’re bonus because they do require an additional purchase, but they are both totally worth it.

1. 90 Degree USB C Adapters

These little CableCreation 90 Degree USB-C Adapters are super cheap, and super worth buying. They make it so any USB-C cords you plug into the center console aren’t sticking straight up, risking getting bent or broken. It keeps the cords neatly tucked away to the sides and give that extra peace of mind. Even better, at the time of this writing they are 10% off of a $10 two-pack. See them on Amazon.

2. Portable External Solid State Drive

The very first accessory I bought for my R1T (before I even took delivery of my California Dune!) was a Portable External Solid State Drive for extending Gear Guard’s capability. You can see it in the above picture tucked away on the left. Gear Guard is great for adding an extra level of security and peace of mind. There are 3 types of recordings Gear Guard covers:

Road Cam
Incidents
Motion Cam

Incidencts and Motion Cam both utlize the Rivian’s internal storage, so no external hard drive is needed to take advantage of those, which is super cool! However if you want to be able to continuously record driving footage while the vehicle is in motion, you’ll want to get a small SSD to store captures.

Furthermore, with Road Cam setup, two-minute clips can be manually captured by tapping a button on the display, honking your horn for over 1 second, or pressing the SOS button. I certainly wanted this ability in any event where additional footage would come in handy. And the best part is once the hard drive is plugged in and setup, it’s basically a “set it and forget it” – so I know I’ll always be covered!

I personally went with the 1TB Samsung T7 Shield in Beige. Figured it should match the Sandstone California Dune color scheme =)

Thanks for reading and congratulations on your new Rivian!

Get $500 of Rivian credit! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

R1T XPEL PPF and Tint

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Get $500 of Rivian credit! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

I shared a photo of my Rivian R1T California Dune’s recent tint work on the front windows and was asked about some of the details. I thought I’d break down the process and cost for anyone interested in doing something similar. My receipt scans are below!

Dune looking good with the front windows tinted pic.twitter.com/Nv75hLKu94
— thatvirtualboy (@thatvirtualboy) May 24, 2025

Choosing XPEL

I started by following the Rivian x XPEL link in the Rivian Gear Shop. This took me to the XPEL site where I could select my desired product and coverage. Using their configurator, I chose the Ultimate Plus PPF on the Full Front and Prime XR Tint for the driver and passenger front windows. The total in the tool shows $2,195 – which is really quite close to what I anticipated the cost to be. Just look at all that coverage!

With this number in mind, I called a local shop I’ve used before to get a quote for essentially the same configuration, but this shop didn’t use XPEL. To my surprise, their quote was over $3000! 🥵

Without any hesitation, I looked up the nearest XPEL shop which was about an hour’s drive away from me. After sharing with them I called due to their partnership with Rivian for work on the R1T, they gave me a quote for the same options I spec’d out on the XPEL website. Of course I anticipated their quote to match the website and was pleasantly surprised by their number: $1874

I thought that even if they jacked up the price to what I saw using the online tool, at least it was significantly less than the $3000 quote I got.

Tint

At the shop we confirmed the options and tinting. We landed on 20% tint for the front windows, as that level would best match the factory tint on the R1T.

I didn’t get any other windows darkened or UV film applied, just a simple matching of the front to everything else.

PPF

This shop told me that the Rivian PPF can be applied 1 of 2 ways: using Rivian’s pre-cut sheets which tend to cover the body panels up to the edges, or using their method of larger full sheets that get fully wrapped around each edge for maximum protection.

The Rivian sheets were cheaper since it’s ultimately less material, and less laborious to apply and that’s what I ended up going with.

The interesting thing is the sheet used on the hood actually does wrap around all edges - the ENTIRE thing is covered with the Full Front option which is just so awesome. So many other companies just do a third or half of the hood. I feel pretty good knowing the hood is 100% protected.

Paperwork + Final Numbers

In case you’re interested, below is the receipt for the work completed. The total ended up exactly at $1874 + tip. Overall I would certainly recommend the XPEL product – it’s already proven useful here in the Rockies! And if you’re in the Colorado area, I would highly recommend Advance Industries - they were really great to work with! Thanks for reading!

Get $500 of Rivian credit! Use code RYAN4190772 when ordering your new Rivian.

A Fresh Look for Bento|Craft

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introducing the new Bento|Craft icon — a refined visual that embodies the essence of its creative workspace.

Inspired by the recently released Canvas design tool, the icon zooms in on the core element of all bentos: the box. It overlays the signature grid workspace, and features a beautiful blue gradient fill. Most notably, it features the iconic blue dot handle, a staple of Bento|Craft’s new intuitive interaction model.

This refreshed icon represents precision, flexibility, and creativity, just like the tools inside Bento|Craft. It’s a nod to the way you manipulate, resize, and craft with ease.

Excited to see this in action? Update now and dive into the latest version of Bento|Craft!