--- title: Looking Back 2023 date: 2023-12-31 09:00:55 permalink: https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/31/looking-back-2023/ author: Lester Chan categories: - Blog tags: - "2023" - "2024" - looking back --- 2023 is the “back to normal” year when most countries ended their COVID-19 restrictions. It feels like we lost three years, all thanks to COVID-19. I hope we will never experience something like that ever again in our lifetime. ## Coffee I jumped onto the coffee-making bandwagon and got myself stuck in the rabbit hole. Here is my setup: - Coffee Machine: Leli Bianca v3 - Grinder: [Niche Zero](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/06/niche-zero/) - Weighing Scale: [Acaia Lunar](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/09/acaia-lunar/), Timemore Black Mirror Nano - Tamper: The Force Temper With d-Flat Base - Tamping Station: Saint Anthony Industries The Bloc - WDT: 9-Prong Coffee WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) Tool By [ikaruswill](https://shopee.sg/9-Prong-Coffee-WDT-(Weiss-Distribution-Technique)-Tool-i.139102358.22588011807) - Cupping Tray: Coffee Bean Dosing & Cupping Tray By [ikaruswill](https://shopee.sg/Coffee-Bean-Dosing-Cupping-Tray-i.139102358.23387922014) - Puck: Normcore Ultra-Slim 0.2 mm Puck Screen - Dosing Funnel: Normcore Magnetic Dosing Funnel V2 Tall Version - Pitcher: Kruve Create Latte Art Pitcher - Container: Airscape Coffee Canister Small, Airscape Coffee Canister Large - Cup: Kruve Imagine Glassware Latte Plus, Kruve Imagine Porcelain Latte Plus ## Gadgets/Tech Since I have moved house, this is the year of me getting a lot of Aqara devices from [Souky](https://www.lazada.sg/shop/souky/). - [Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral)](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/01/25/aqara-smart-wall-switch-h1-eu-with-neutral/) - [Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/02/20/aqara-smart-video-doorbell-g4-review/) - [Aqara Presence Sensor FP2](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/02/aqara-presence-sensor-fp2-review/) - [Aqara Camera Hub G3](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/29/aqara-camera-hub-g3-review/) - [Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/18/aqara-temperature-and-humidity-sensor/) - [Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/25/aqara-tvoc-air-quality-monitor/) - [Aqara Smart Door Lock D200i](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/02/aqara-smart-door-lock-d200i-review/) - [Aqara Wireless Mini Switch](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/23/aqara-wireless-mini-switch/) - [Aqara Water Leak Sensor](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/26/aqara-water-leak-sensor/) - [Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/06/aqara-wireless-remote-switch-h1/) - [Aqara Motion Sensor P1](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/23/aqara-motion-sensor-p1/) - [Aqara Camera E1](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/29/aqara-camera-e1-review/) ## Apple Finally, in April 2023, [Apple HomePod was officially available in Singapore](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/28/apple-homepod-and-homepod-mini-finally-officially-available-in-singapore/). I got two new Apple devices. Apple HomePod (2nd Generation) for my new house and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to replace my Apple Watch Series 7. Li Xiang dropped her Apple Watch Series 3, and the screen came off. So I did a “hand-me-down” and passed her my Series 7. Of course, for the usual yearly iPhone upgrade cycle. I got the 512GB iPhone 15 Pro Max in Natural Titanium. ## PS5 “Slim” I am waiting for Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. Sadly, it is exclusive to PS5. So, I got myself the new [PS5 “Slim” Digital Edition](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/19/sony-ps5-slim-digital-edition/) as my Christmas present during the 12/12 sales day for S$549. It is an export set from Japan. ## Travel It feels weird that it is back to normal, and throughout the whole year, I only traveled to Bangkok. And that happens at the end of October 2023. Having said that, I will be going to Tokyo in February 2024. **[What I Said In 2022](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2022/12/31/looking-back-2022/)** > For 2023, probably the most significant change is I might be moving house to somewhere more central in Singapore. If that happens, I will re-look at all the devices I really need in a smart home again. The good thing about your second house is that you will know what you want and don’t like. It is like learning from all the mistakes made with your first house. I did move to somewhere very central in Singapore, and I love the location. Going everywhere is so convenient now, whether by bus, MRT, or driving. It will get even more convenient in 2025 because an upcoming MRT station is just a 2-minute walk away as one of the entrances is just opposite my block. I hope it will be sheltered. My new smart home setup is now primarily on Apple HomeKit, and most are Aqara devices. And for those devices (like my Lights and Ceiling Fan) that are not directly compatible with Apple HomeKit, I bridged them using Homebridge. Here is the list of plugins that I am using with Homebridge: - Homebridge UI – UI for Homebridge. - Homebridge Dummy – For me to create dummy switches for automation. - Homebridge Tuya Platform – My lights and ceiling fans are on Tuya. - Homebridge People Pro – This is much more accurate than Apple’s default Home/Away feature, which is based on geofencing. Instead, this plugin checks whether your iPhone is connected to your home Wi-Fi network. - Homebridge Magic Occupancy – A more advanced way to determine whether a room is occupied. Also, shoutout to [Starling Home Hub](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/02/starling-home-hub/) which makes all my Nest Cameras work flawlessly with Apple HomeKit. This works better than any of the Homebridge plugins for Nest Cameras. ## For 2024 I like the Apple HomePod and use it to control my smart home daily. Though I wish it had a screen. I hope Apple will introduce an Apple HomePod with a screen sometime next year. I am not getting my hopes up, though. My [Apple iPad Pro 10.5″](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2017/06/30/apple-ipad-pro-10-5-space-grey-256gb-wi-fi-cellular/) will be 7 years old next year. It may be time for me to upgrade it. At my new house, I am using the [EverDesk Max Standing Desk](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2021/12/13/everdesk-max-standing-desk-review/) as my gaming and working desk. I hope to get a separate gaming desk soon, as the setup is not conducive for either purpose. Regarding traveling, I hope to visit Taiwan, Hong Kong or China towards the end of next year. **Wishing all my readers, visitors, and supporters a Happy New Year 2024! May we earn more money since inflation is still not stopping, and yet we have another war.** **Looking Back 2023** > 51 posts were posted in 2023, accumulating 82 comments, and 472,753 views. > > December 2023 > > [31st > >
Looking Back 2023
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/31/looking-back-2023/ "Looking Back 2023")[29th > >
Sony DualSense Charging Station For PS5
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/29/sony-dualsense-charging-station-for-ps5/ "Sony DualSense Charging Station For PS5")[26th > >
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller For PS5
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/26/sony-dualsense-wireless-controller-for-ps5/ "Sony DualSense Wireless Controller For PS5")[22nd > >
GilletteLabs x Razer
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/22/gillettelabs-x-razer/ "GilletteLabs x Razer")[19th > >
Sony PS5 “Slim” Digital Edition
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/19/sony-ps5-slim-digital-edition/ "Sony PS5 “Slim” Digital Edition")[13th > >
Roborock Dyad Air Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/12/13/roborock-dyad-air-review/ "Roborock Dyad Air Review")November 2023 > > [29th > >
Aqara Camera E1 Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/29/aqara-camera-e1-review/ "Aqara Camera E1 Review")[23rd > >
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/23/aqara-motion-sensor-p1/ "Aqara Motion Sensor P1")[14th > >
Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/14/apple-usb-c-to-lightning-adapter/ "Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter")[6th > >
Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/06/aqara-wireless-remote-switch-h1/ "Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1")[2nd > >
Starling Home Hub
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/11/02/starling-home-hub/ "Starling Home Hub")October 2023 > > [30th > >
Ulti Flex Single Monitor Arm
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/30/ulti-flex-single-monitor-arm/ "Ulti Flex Single Monitor Arm")[26th > >
Aqara Water Leak Sensor
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/26/aqara-water-leak-sensor/ "Aqara Water Leak Sensor")[23rd > >
Aqara Wireless Mini Switch
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/23/aqara-wireless-mini-switch/ "Aqara Wireless Mini Switch")[16th > >
Mikit MT80
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/16/mikit-mt80/ "Mikit MT80")[9th > >
Ariston Slim2 Lux-D Wi-Fi Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/09/ariston-slim2-lux-d-wi-fi-review/ "Ariston Slim2 Lux-D Wi-Fi Review")[2nd > >
Aqara Smart Door Lock D200i Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/10/02/aqara-smart-door-lock-d200i-review/ "Aqara Smart Door Lock D200i Review")September 2023 > > [27th > >
Apple Watch Alpine Loop (Orange)
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/27/apple-watch-alpine-loop-orange/ "Apple Watch Alpine Loop (Orange)")[25th > >
Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/25/aqara-tvoc-air-quality-monitor/ "Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor")[20th > >
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Clear Case
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/20/apple-iphone-15-pro-max-clear-case/ "Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Clear Case")[18th > >
Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/18/aqara-temperature-and-humidity-sensor/ "Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor")[14th > >
Singtel iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, 15 Pro, And 15 Pro Max Price Plans
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/14/singtel-iphone-15-iphone-15-plus-15-pro-and-15-pro-max-price-plans/ "Singtel iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, 15 Pro, And 15 Pro Max Price Plans")[11th > >
Ugreen Nexode 100W Charger
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/11/ugreen-nexode-100w-charger/ "Ugreen Nexode 100W Charger")[4th > >
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/09/04/belkin-boostcharge-pro-2-in-1-wireless-charging-pad/ "Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad")August 2023 > > [31st > >
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger For Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/08/31/belkin-boostcharge-pro-fast-wireless-charger-for-apple-watch-power-bank-10k/ "Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger For Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K")[28th > >
igloo’s 8th Anniversary
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/08/28/igloos-8th-anniversary/ "igloo’s 8th Anniversary")[24th > >
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Dual USB-C GaN 65W Wall Charger
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/08/24/belkin-boostcharge-pro-dual-usb-c-gan-65w-wall-charger/ "Belkin BoostCharge Pro Dual USB-C GaN 65W Wall Charger")[7th > >
Choo Chiang Is The Cheapest Place To Get Legrand Products In Singapore
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/08/07/choo-chiang-is-the-cheapest-place-to-get-legrand-products-in-singapore/ "Choo Chiang Is The Cheapest Place To Get Legrand Products In Singapore")[2nd > >
Ugreen USB-A to USB-C Adapter
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/08/02/ugreen-usb-a-to-usb-c-adapter/ "Ugreen USB-A to USB-C Adapter")July 2023 > > [20th > >
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Portable Fast Charger for Apple Watch
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/07/20/belkin-boostcharge-pro-portable-fast-charger-for-apple-watch/ "Belkin BoostCharge Pro Portable Fast Charger for Apple Watch")[6th > >
UNI-T Cable Tester (UT681C)
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/07/06/uni-t-cable-tester-ut681c/ "UNI-T Cable Tester (UT681C)")June 2023 > > [16th > >
Roborock Q Revo – First Roborock With Spinning Mop
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/06/16/roborock-q-revo-first-roborock-with-spinning-mop/ "Roborock Q Revo – First Roborock With Spinning Mop")[6th > >
Dreame R20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/06/06/dreame-r20-cordless-vacuum-cleaner-review/ "Dreame R20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Review")May 2023 > > [29th > >
Aqara Camera Hub G3 Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/29/aqara-camera-hub-g3-review/ "Aqara Camera Hub G3 Review")[22nd > >
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/22/roborock-s8-pro-ultra-review/ "Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Review")[15th > >
Ugreen Nexode 65W Charger
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/15/ugreen-nexode-65w-charger/ "Ugreen Nexode 65W Charger")[8th > >
Ugreen DigiNest Cube
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/08/ugreen-diginest-cube/ "Ugreen DigiNest Cube")[2nd > >
Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/05/02/aqara-presence-sensor-fp2-review/ "Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 Review")April 2023 > > [25th > >
igloohome Bridge Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/04/25/igloohome-bridge-review/ "igloohome Bridge Review")[20th > >
igloohome Smart PadLock 2 Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/04/20/igloohome-smart-padlock-2-review/ "igloohome Smart PadLock 2 Review")March 2023 > > [31st > >
Roborock S8 Now With DuoRoller, Improved 6,000Pa Suction, and VibraRise 2
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/31/roborock-s8-now-with-duoroller-improved-6000pa-suction-and-vibrarise-2/ "Roborock S8 Now With DuoRoller, Improved 6,000Pa Suction, and VibraRise 2")[28th > >
Apple HomePod And HomePod Mini Finally Officially Available in Singapore
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/28/apple-homepod-and-homepod-mini-finally-officially-available-in-singapore/ "Apple HomePod And HomePod Mini Finally Officially Available in Singapore")[25th > >
Happy 39th Birthday To Me
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/25/happy-39th-birthday-to-me/ "Happy 39th Birthday To Me")[15th > >
Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Security Camera Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/15/arlo-go-2-lte-wi-fi-security-camera-review/ "Arlo Go 2 LTE/Wi-Fi Security Camera Review")[9th > >
Acaia Lunar
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/09/acaia-lunar/ "Acaia Lunar")[6th > >
Niche Zero
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/03/06/niche-zero/ "Niche Zero")February 2023 > > [20th > >
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Review
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/02/20/aqara-smart-video-doorbell-g4-review/ "Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Review")[6th > >
DYMO LabelManager 160
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/02/06/dymo-labelmanager-160/ "DYMO LabelManager 160")January 2023 > > [25th > >
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral)
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/01/25/aqara-smart-wall-switch-h1-eu-with-neutral/ "Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral)")[11th > >
Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/01/11/ulanzi-st-27-metal-phone-tripod-mount/ "Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount")[4th > >
Ulanzi U-PAD III Metal iPad Tripod Mount
](https://lesterchan.net/blog/2023/01/04/ulanzi-u-pad-iii-metal-ipad-tripod-mount/ "Ulanzi U-PAD III Metal iPad Tripod Mount")