ZAGG, a global leader in accessories that empower mobile lifestyles is sponsoring an iPhone 15 screen protector giveaway. This giveaway includes ZAGG’s screen protectors for the newest additions to the iPhone product line. Three (3) lucky winners will be chosen to win a ZAGG screen protector for the iPhone 15 of their choice.

About ZAGG’s InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 for iPhone 15

Glass XTR3, made with Hexiom impact technology, is ZAGG’s most technologically advanced screen protector. It provides seamless, edge-to-edge protection with Eyesafe RPF60 technology to filter blue light (435-440 nm). The anti-reflective technology enhances the color depth and vibrancy on your screen. Glass XTR3 also has an anti-dust adhesive and an EZ Apply install tray so you get perfect alignment.

Main Features

• 10X Stronger: Glass XTR3 is made with shock-absorbing Hexiom impact technology that makes it up to 10X stronger than traditional glass screen protection.¹
• Highest Level of Blue Light Filtration: New-to-world Eyesafe RPF60 technology filters blue light (435-440 nm) to improve eye comfort and sleep, and it won’t change the colors on your screen.
• Anti-reflective Technology: This new treatment significantly decreases reflection and increases the light transmitted to improve your screen’s clarity and enrich the color depth and vibrancy of the images on your screen.
• Smooth, Ultra-Touch Sensitive Surface: Glass XTR3 has an SiO2-enhanced coating for maximum touch sensitivity and a super smooth surface.
• Anti-dust Adhesive: Even if a little dust gets on your screen during installation, our new adhesive will install smoothly over most dust.
• Anti-microbial Treatment: Glass XTR3 contains anti-microbial properties that protect the screen protector by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and guarding against degradation from microorganisms.²
• Recycled Glass Content: Glass XTR3 is made with up to 30% post-consumer recycled glass.³
• TÜV Rheinland Certified Green Product Mark: Glass XTR3 is made with up to 30% recycled glass, its installation tray is made from 100% recycled content, and its packaging is 100% recyclable.
• FSC Certification: With recyclable packaging made from 100% recycled materials, Glass XTR3 has been certified by FSC, an organization working to protect healthy forests.
• Precise Installation: The EZ Apply® installation process with tray ensures perfect alignment.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: If your InvisibleShield ever gets worn or damaged, we will replace it for as long as you own your device.

1. Tests conducted by 3rd party independent lab; tested up to 10x stronger than traditional glass screen protection.
2. Contains anti-microbial treatment that protects the screen protector by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and guarding against degradation from microorganisms.
3. Recycled material is certified through a third-party mass balance allocation process.

How to Enter

This contest is open to all United States and Canada legal residents. You must be 18 years of age or older to win. There is no purchase necessary to enter. If you wish to enter, simply fill out the form below with your full name and email address. Full contest details can be found below in the Contest Details section.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, BUT THE CONTEST IS CLOSED AT THIS TIME.

Extend the life of your device today with accessories from ZAGG. For more information, visit zagg.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Contest Details

Five winners will win a bundle of ZAGG accessories for the iPhone 15 including a Screen Protector for the iPhone 15. The winners will be given the choice to choose which screen protector they want for their new iPhone.

Communication Agreement

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Official Rules

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. Eligibility
Zagg iPhone 15 Giveaway (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of Canada, the fifty (50) United States, and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of ZAGG and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

2. Sponsor
The Contest is sponsored by ZAGG, located at 910 West Legacy Center Way, Suite 500, Midvale, Utah 84047.

3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Contest constitutes the entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.

4 Contest Period
The Contest begins on September 18, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. Central Daylight Time and ends on September 24, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Central Daylight Time (the “Contest Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted via the official contest form on this page.

5. How to Enter
Fill out the official contest form on this page. Include your full name (first and last) and valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period, regardless of the method of entry. Entries from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. 

6. Prize Drawing
On or about September 25, 2022, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner(s) via email. If the potential winner(s) cannot be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner(s) in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.

7. Prizes
The prize bundle includes ZAGG accessories for the iPhone 15 including a ZAGG Screen Protector for the iPhone 15. The winner(s) will be allowed to select the specific product they want for their prize package under the Sponsor’s direction.

8. General Conditions
The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

9. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Party’s liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the Entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not, limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

10. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Utah. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants’ rights, and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, in, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Utah, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Utah.

11. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to the sponsor’s privacy policy.

As technology has advanced, several issues and needs have been addressed, modified, reduced, or completely eliminated.  Despite the improvements and changes, more devices means more cables, power plugs, and clutter.  Although I am content to be a “piles-guy” at work, knowing where each paper is in its representative stack, I have an aversion to cable clutter.  To reduce the visual distraction of the cable cacophony, I utilize cable straps, cable ties, 3M tape-paired wall/desk mounts, hubs, and quirks of devices to hide their cables strategically.  Recently, I have turned to Wrap-It Storage strap solutions to enhance my home/office cable management. 

The Wrap-It Super-Stretch Storage kit arrived in a black-colored 9 5/8 inches long by 4 1/4 inches wide by 1 5/8 inches thick retail package.  Instead of a bland, standard, white-colored outer shell, the company used a matte-black surface color.  The bright yellow accent surrounding the “Wrap-It” name paired beautifully with the yellow font “Storage.”  The resulting contrast provided a vibrant, eye-catching, high-vis logo on the cover, side, top, and bottom panels.  The white-colored rear sticker showcased three possible uses for the “Super-Stretch Wrap-IT Storage Straps.”  Like the cover, the rear panel successfully employed yellow accents to highlight the title and logos.  You will find three product features (1. Stretches to 1.5x the original length. 2. Weatherproof. 3. Multi-purpose) and demonstration images. I liked that the company used the images of the Wrap-It straps to constrain the power cords of an iron, hand vacuum, extension cord, sander cord, and Shop Vac. Each provided a valuable example of the benefits of the Wrap-It straps. Lastly, the rear panel provided a product SKU barcode, an informational QR code, and a note that the product is not weight or strap-rated and should not be used to hang or lash anything. 

Within the box, I found eight multi-sized Wrap-It Storage straps.  The two smallest straps (6”) measured 7 1/8 inches long by 1 inch wide from buckle to strap tip.  Each had a well-stitched elastic buckle segment, a 4 1/2 inches long loop segment, and a 2 inches long hoop segment.  I could stretch the 6 3/4 inches long elastic strap to approximately 13-inches.  The outer elastic segment had a 1 15/16 inches long by 1 inch wide Wrap-It logo patch, which was oriented parallel with the strap.  The patch was similar to the cover logo but added red accents for “Super Stretch,” and “Storage Strap.”  These straps were perfect for smaller appliances/tools, and shorter extension cords, but were a bit hefty for USB cables.  If you are looking for USB-A, USB-C or smaller cable ties, the Wrap-It storage company Self-Gripping Cable Ties may provide a more optimal form/function.  Additionally, if desired, they also make a few varieties of hook/loop cable labels. 

The next-sized strap (9”) measured 9 3/4 inches long (buckle to tip) by 1 1/2 inches wide.  The strap provided a 7/8 inches tall by 1 13/16 inches wide buckle, a well-stitched elastic attachment point, an 8 5/8 inches long loop segment, and a 1 1/2 inches long hook segment.  With effort, I could stretch the strap from 9 1/4 inches to approximately 17 inches long.  You will find a 1 1/2 inches wide by 1-inch tall Wrap-It Storage patch on the outer surface of the elastic band.  Unlike the smaller patch, the larger patches were oriented perpendicular to the strap, rather than in-line.  The wider/longer (9”) strap worked well for small to medium appliance cables, but not as well as the medium-large 12” strap. 

The third strap measured 12 3/4 inches long from buckle to strap and was 2 inches wide.  The 2 1/4 inches wide by 7/8 inches tall buckle was attached to a well-stitched elastic loop, a 10 3/4 inches long hoop segment, and a 2-inches long hoop segment.  I could stretch the 12” strap to approximately 21 inches in length.  Lastly, the largest 18″ strap measured 18 7/8 inches long by 2 inches wide from the buckle to the tip.  The 2 1/4 inches wide by 7/8 inches tall buckle was attached to a well-stitched elastic loop, a 16 1/8 inches long loop segment, and a 2-inches long hook segment.  I was able to stretch the elastic strap to approximately 32 inches long.  

To utilize the straps, you can wrap the strap around your cables and affix the hook section to the loop section.  Even though this method will bundle your cables, it will not utilize the buckle, and is not as adaptable as the true intended use.  For optimized use, place the Wrap-It strap Velcro down, position your coiled/folded cable on the back of the elastic strap, then insert the end of the strap through the buckle with the hook segment facing upward.  Pull the hook segment away from the buckle, stretch the strap around/over your cable, then affix the hook segment to the loop segment.  It is important to choose the proper size strap based on the size of the coiled, circular, figure of 8, or daisy chained cable.  The secure hook-loop segment should remain attached until you decide to release the strap. The super stretch kit will work better for items inside a drawer, organizer, or tool box. If you need to hang items, Wrap-It has better options than the Stretch straps.

If you are interested in a jack-of-all-trades strap kit, I would recommend the Wrap-It Storage Super-Stretch 8-pack.  The inclusion of small, medium, medium-large, and large straps ensured a variety of options, but may not be the best option for some smaller tasks. I appreciated the elastic nature of the straps, the durability, weather resistance, the strength of the hook-loop (Velcro), and the overall design. However, I would have preferred that these straps had a grommet like the heavy-duty straps or a hook/carry strap like the Easy Carry Storage Straps. Check out the Wrap-It website for your back-to-school cable management needs. You may find the perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays.

Learn more about the Wrap-It Storage Stretch and follow Wrap-It on Facebook

Stand is a sturdy, Inexpensive, ergonomic upgrade to your productivity

Even though I love my MacBook Pro 15” (2018) and my iPad Pro 12.9”, I often struggle to find an optimal/comfortable ergonomic angle for viewing my device and dealing with heat management.  I regularly type office notes, messages, reviews, scroll webpages, and check emails while lying on my bed or floor.  My iPad Pro 12.9” with Magic Keyboard has no issue with heat management, unlike my MacBook Pro, which seems to struggle when flat on my bed or carpet.  Additionally, I dislike the wrist angle when using my flat Magic Keyboard and MacBook Pro keyboards on flat surfaces.  To improve the comfort of my devices and to improve heat dissipation, I employ risers like ivoler’ s Rotatable Laptop Stand.   

UNBOXING:

The ivoler Rotatable Laptop Stand arrived in an 11 1/2 inches long by 9 3/8 inches tall by 2 7/16 inches thick tan-cardboard retail package.  The top, left, right, and front panels were unadorned, while the cover/back panel provided helpful information for the consumer.  Even though the cardboard coloration felt a bit bland, the overall design/layout of the packaging proved to be appealing.  You will find the ivoler company name and the generic “Rotatable Laptop Stand” descriptor along the top left of the cover panel.  Beneath the product name, the company listed four product features: 1. 360 Rotatable. 2. Heat Dissipation. 3. Ergonomic Design 4. Wide Compatibility.   The lower left corner displayed a product barcode sticker, while the lower right segment displayed boxes and color options (silver/black/space gray).  Interestingly, none of the boxes were marked.  The main showcase of the panel was the large ink-outline image of the laptop stand. 

The rear panel provided a large image of the four-step transformation process to transition from the retracted to the expanded configuration.  The lower left segment listed information regarding the manufacturer name, address, contact information, support@ivoler.com and www.ivoler.com/support addresses, plus a few product manufacturing labels.  The lower right segment provided a helpful “Attention” diagram/description to tighten the stand screw should the stand loosen.  The material was presented in a very straightforward manner and provided a reasonable overall presentation of the stand.  I would have liked to see a specifications table/segment to detail the weight/parameters on the rear panel or within the instruction manual.  Alas, outside of the four-step setup process on the back of the box, I did not find any included instructions. 

USE/TESTING:

I cut the tape along the lower front panel, lifted the cardboard lid, and then removed the plastic-wrapped 2 pounds 6.8 ounces metallic stand and the 1.6-ounce tightening hex tool from the box.  The ivoler laptop stand measured 10 1/4 inches long by by 8 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall at the front lip (1 1/2 inches from plate to plate).  The upper panel provided four 1 1/8 inches long by 1 1/8 inches tall, “L”-shaped rubberized pads at each of the corners, dual 1 9/16 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall by 1/8 inches thick front laptop rests, the ivoler company name printed at the center of the panel, and surrounded by a large cutout segment that resembled the recycle logo.  The cutouts reduced the overall weight and allowed for improved air current exchange when using/charging my devices.  The front risers had 1 1/2 inches long by 9/16 inches tall rubberized pads to protect the front of your laptop/MacBook or iPad.  

The bottom plate had an 8 1/4 inches diameter by 1/8 inches thick spinning base.  The base had a centralized 1 1/2 inches diameter by 3/8 inches thick rubberized pad and four 2-inches wide by 3/8 inches wide arcuate rubberized feet. You can use the stand in the retracted state or choose to expand/deploy the stand and still enjoy the benefits of the rotatable bass.  In the retracted state, the cutout segments allowed my MacBook Pro Fan to cool the device better than when it was flat on the floor/bed.  To expand the stand, grip the top and bottom plate’s rear aspect and lift upward.  You can then lift the front and adjust the angle to your desired level. You must put some effort into the process, as the screws were designed to be rather tight.  Thankfully, the tight riser arms allowed the stand to hold my 15” MacBook Pro without sagging.  

Although the stand measured 7 5/16 inches tall when fully extended, I could not use the device in that orientation due to the uncomfortable nature (height) and lack of balance with my MacBook Pro and Ipad Pro.  When fully deployed, the top panel rested too far posteriorly about the base plate, which caused the setup to lean backward.  I found the fully retracted/flat orientation or a mid-height position (support arms at a 45-degree angle) to provide both of my devices’ optimal rise and balance.  The L-shaped rubberized feet along the four corners of the top panel and the front risers prevented my devices from sliding forward, with the angled top panel facing downward.  

SUMMARY:  

The ability to fold the stand into a flatter, more-compact configuration was my favorite feature of the ivoler device. The flat configuration allowed me to store the device within my Timbuk2 Messenger bag. The swivel base, rubberized base pads, rubberized upper panel pads, and stiff side arms/risers allowed me to optimally position the stand without drift/sagging of the setup.  I loved the cutouts on the top panel and found improved MacBook efficiency/cooling while typing while lying prone. 

It is important to note that you must remove your device from the stand before repositioning the stand due to the stiff riser arms.  With up to an 11 pound load capacity (website data), you can enhance your computer/tablet viewing and use angle for most portable devices. Definitely consider picking up an ivoler rotatable stand for a lightweight, inexpensive, upgraded experience.. 

Learn more about ivoler and follow ivoler on Facebook and Twitter.

3-in-1 MagSafe 5,000mAh Power Bank Wallet

Packaging:
The HaloLock Power Bank Wallet arrived in an attractive 4 1/8 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches tall by 1 inch thick hanging-style retail package.  The ESR company name and HaloLock product name were listed at the top of the cover panel, along with a generic Power Bank Wallet descriptor.  I liked the addition of the blue-green color within the ESR title/descriptor and the dark blue font/coloration on the packaging.  The panel provided five icons/descriptors regarding the wallet’s features: 1. 5,000 mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank with Vegan Leather Wallet and Adjustable Stand. 2. Power in a Snap. 3. throng 1200-g Magnetic Lock. 4. Adjustable Stand. 5. Securely holds 1 or 2 cards.  In addition to the labeled icons, you will find a small image depicting the wallet/card holder feature along the bottom and showcased an oblique image of the stand/phone along the middle of the cover panel.  The image demonstrated the stand feature plus the magnetic attachment to the iPhone.  Even though the cover did not specifically mention the details, the MagSafe-compatible iPhone was displayed sans case.  

The royal blue right side panel provided the ESR name and “TECH MADE EASIER” slogan, while the left panel listed the #esrgear hashtag and FaceBook/Twitter/Instagram icons.  The white-colored bottom panel listed the 2G513 model number, while the turquoise top provided the clear plastic hanging tab.  The rear panel ended up being a bit busier than the other panels. The top segment showcased a horizontal iPhone with a vertically oriented Halolock stand.  The clear image did a great job of suggesting improved productivity and was a great addition without being redundant. Below the image, you will find a multilingual (EN, FR, IT, DE, ES, PT, RU, PL, NL, KO, JP, SC, TC, AR) description of the icon/features listed on the cover panel (Power in a Snap. Strong 1200-g Magnetic Lock. Securely Holds 1 or 2 cards).  Beneath the segment, you will find a well-organized specification/contents section: Size 106x 66 x 16mm, weight 170g, battery capacity 5,000 mAh, magnet force 1200g, USB-C input 12W, USB-C output 12W, Wireless output 7.5W/5W, Halolock power bank, 3 Foot USB-C to USB-C cable.  The remainder of the panel displayed information about the product manufacturing (labels, Designed in USA, UPC barcode). 

Unboxing:

I cut the tape along the top panel and slid the inner turquoise tray from the primary packaging.  Within the box, you will find a light blue informational panel, which detailed information about becoming a super user (QR code, 24-month warranty, exclusive access to newly launched products), and a back panel with various products.  I removed the panel, then the tiny accessory box with USB-C cable, the clear plastic tray, the instruction manual, and the 6.2-ounce, 2 5/8 inches wide by 4 3/16 inches tall by 11/16 inches thick Halolock bank.  I plugged the 40-inch USB-C to USB-C cable between an Anker 511 Nano 3 30W USB-C wall charger and the Halolock power Bank, while perusing the instruction manual.

Power Cable: 

Each end of the 40 inches long USB-C to USB-C cable had a 1/4 inches long by 5 1/6 inches wide by 3/32 inches thick metallic USB-C prong attached to a 1/2 inches wide by 5/8 inches tall by 1/4 inches thick oval-shaped collar segment.  The silver-colored collar was attached to a black neck segment, measuring 7/16 inches tall, and tapered down to 1/4 inches diameter.  The rubberized component was connected to the 1/8 inches diameter black-colored rounded cable (37 3/8 inches long).  I tested each metallic USB-C prong by grabbing them and bending them forward-backward 25 times.  I then gripped the prong/collar and tugged outward.  I griped the neck/collar and bent the cable 25 times, and pulled on the jacket/collar section.  I gripped the cable, tugged at the neck segment, and then bent the cable forward/backward/side-side another 25 times.  Lastly, I plugged each of the prongs into a variety of USB-C wall outlets.  The prongs were well-machined and provided a good fit with various wall chargers.  The device’s cable held up to rigorous testing, and I was pleased with the durability and design.  The cable’s durability should allow for prolonged utility before breaking down.  

Instruction Manual/Setup:

I plugged a Klein tools multimeter into an Anker USB-C charger and a USB-C cable between my multimeter and Halolock power bank to charge.  While the multimeter displayed the 8.92V/1.20A charging rate, the LED along the lower segment of the power bank flashed to suggest it was charging.  As the Halolock device charged, I turned to the instruction manual to learn more about the device.  The accordion-style, multilingual instruction manual expanded from a credit card size to a 24-panel (front/back) informational packet.  The first panel provided a helpful QR code setup link and six labeled demonstration/ink-outline drawings of the device/features.  Each panel provided the diagram and a labeled instruction in one of fourteen languages (EN, IT, ES, RU, NL, JP, TC, FR, DE, PT, PL, KO, SC, AR).  The panels detailed the short press power on, the 3-second long press to power off, the location of the USB-C port, how to insert 1-2 cards, how to open the stand, and the method to use the stand adjustment.  

Panels seven through twenty showcased the lower edge of the charger, the LED’s, and provided a helpful LED legend (charged, USB-C output, USB-C input, Error) in each language. Each panel listed several important reminders/safety warnings: 1. Only use on a caseless iPhone or one with MagSafe Official case/ESR Halolock Case. 2. Wireless pass-through charging. 3. Max wireless charge rate 7.5W, Max USB-C input/output 12W.  4. No support for wireless and wired charging simultaneously. The system defaults to wired charging.  The remainder of the manual provided information regarding the FCC ID, IC, Declaration, product manufacturing information,  and an #esrgear panel.

When I started the charging process at 8:30 PM, a single LED flashed at the rightmost edge of the LEDs.  By 9:10 PM, the first LED was solidly illuminated while the second LED flashed. This process continued until the device was fully charged by 11 PM.  I slid a standard credit card and driver’s license into the credit card slot and affixed the stand to my caseless phone.  I was impressed with the magnetic grip and leathery surface of the MagSafe attachment point but disliked removing my Catalyst Influence case.  The stand could open to 70 degrees and accommodate my phone in a vertical or horizontal position. 

To evaluate the power output, I allowed my iPhone 14 Pro Max to charge via wireless power.  Starting at 5:13 PM at 23% charge, the phone increased to 32% by 5:28, 39% by 5:40, 45% by 5:50, 59% by 6:14, 74% by 6:43, 77% by 6:53, 82% by 7:12.  The battery was fully depleted by the end of the test.  With the ~4323 mAh battery of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, I found it interesting that the 5000 mAh battery only provided ~2550 mAh of power to my phone.  I recharged the battery over about a 3-hour timeframe and then charged my iPhone via USB-C to lightning.  I plugged the Klein Tools Multimeter into the battery, then the USB-C to Lightning cable between the multimeter and iPhone 14 Pro Max.  The multimeter displayed 5.12V/1.93A, while my iPhone displayed 61% at 7:52 PM.  By 7:56, my phone was at 65%; by 8:16, the phone was at 79%. It reached 87% by 8:32, 94% by 8:49, 97% by 9:05, and 100% when I checked back at 9:30. With 3 LED remaining, I plugged the USB-C to lighting cable into my wife’s iPhone 11 and used the remaining charge to get from 12% to 56% power. Despite the superiority of wired charging, the added convenience of wireless charging should not be overlooked.

Summary:

The ESR Halolock device will add a convenient upgrade to your MagSafe compatible iPhone. I was able to charge through my Catalyst Influence case but found the connection was markedly more secure with the careless iPhone. I enjoyed the stand and the ability to reposition the phone in horizontal or vertical viewing mode. The added weight did not detract from the experience and provided more versatility than expected. At ~$65, I felt that the 5000 mAh battery was a bit underwhelming; I typically prefer my portable power banks to run ~10,000 mAh to gain about 1.5-2 iPhone charges. However, the tradeoff for size provided dual charging options (wired/wirless), credit card storage and a kickstand in a classy design.

Learn more about the ESR HaloLock Power Bank Wallet and follow ESR on Facebook and Twitter.

In recent years, there has been an ever-growing trend of artwork featuring deconstructed Apple products. These pieces often feature the iconic logo and silhouette of Apple devices like iPhones, laptops, and iPads taken apart to expose the intricate components underneath. This type of artwork is a unique and interesting way to bring a bit of tech into your home. For people who appreciate the beauty in both high-tech gadgets and traditional artwork, this combination provides a perfect balance. Having artwork featuring deconstructed Apple products not only looks cool and modern, but it can also be meaningful in other ways.

Last year, I was introduced to this type of artwork in the form of a frame that featured a deconstructed iPhone. This artwork now hangs in my fiancé’s office and I knew that if I had the opportunity to install one for my workspace that I would choose the Apple Watch. Xreart made this possible.

About Xreart

Xreart is a photography studio that was established in 2019 that focuses on product photography. Xreart does a tear-down of classic electronic devices and frames them as artwork. Some of the pieces they create include iPhones, Game Boy, XBOX, Switch, PSP, and the Apple Watch. These ‘frames’ are then defined as artwork and are suitable as collectables and room decorations. They also make great gifts.

Xreart makes their frames available in two different types of wood — European Beech and Walnut. Both are more durable and scratch-resistant than other product deconstruction art pieces. They also use high-quality tempered glass as opposed to acrylic panels. This not only ensures a sophisticated look as well as a light transmission rate of 92.5%.

The Xreart frames have a specially designed back clasp to prevent the bottom lock of the frames from popping off and scratching the frames during transportation. In addition to the premade pieces, Xreart also offers DIY kits for customers to assemble their own art frames. This sets them apart from other competitors in the same space.

Pricing & Availability

The Xreart Apple Watch 1st Generation Frame has a list price of $219.00 but is currently on sale for $199.00 from xreart.com.

User Experience

The Xreart Apple Watch Frame arrived in a designed-style shipping box. The presentation of the product is impeccable and is one of the reasons it would make an awesome gift for any Apple fan. The frame comes with hanging hardware that is easy to use. There is no assembly required and aside from removing protective film from the front of the frame, it’s ready to be installed.

It’s a nostalgic experience having the original Apple Watch hanging on my wall. I remember jumping out of my skin when Apple announced it for the first time in 2015. I grew up watching Inspector Gadget and always wanted their communicator watches. Apple Watch made that a reality. So, the Xreart Apple Watch 1st Generation Frame was given to me.

The artwork is made well. The watch is mounted on a backboard that includes printed labels on all the parts that are exposed. Even though Apple Watch had several options for watch bands, the original Fluoroelastomer Sport Band in black is what is included with the frame. An interesting option might be for users to have the option to select the band color they want to be included. Since Xreart creates these pieces of artwork from discarded devices, I understand why giving users the option to select watch series or individual components is difficult, but I would think the watch band itself would be fairly easy to find.

Since I have already had some experience with Xreart’s competitor, GRID Studio, I naturally saw some similarities between the two pieces of artwork. I do not own the Apple Watch art from GRID, but they include detailed photos on their website. The two pieces have the same basic layout for the deconstructed Apple Watch and the biggest visual difference between the two is the quote. The GRID Studio art also includes a reproduction of Steve Jobs’s autograph; the Xreart version does not.

Another big difference between the two artwork options is that Xreart offers users the option to purchase DIY kits. The kits come complete with labeled backing, tools, and frame. I found this to be an interesting option because it gives users the opportunity to preserve their own products. I would have loved to be able to keep my first iPhone. And while I no longer have that device, I do have an original iPhone 3GS that I could tear down and mount using an Xreart kit.

Conclusion

I am very impressed with the quality of the Xreart’s Apple Watch Frame and I would recommend it to any Apple fan. I really love that they offer people the chance to create their own works of art with their DIY kits. I’m interested to see what Xreart offers next.

For more information, visit xreart.com, Facebook, or Instagram.

Handheld Language Translator Device

According to a June 9, 2022, lingua.edu article, there are approximately 7106 living languages, 2508 Bible language translations, and 915 languages that are considered dying. When you ponder about travel and the ability to reach nearly any point on the planet within about a day (longest nonstop flight is Singapore to New York, 9537 miles at 18 hours 50 minutes), I wonder how long it will take for languages to blend/homogenize?  What will be the final tally when travel times seem to approach instantaneous?  What languages will be spoken by most people?

Currently, the top 10 languages are English (~1.45 Billion), Mandarin Chinese (~1.12 Billion), Hindi (~602 Million), Spanish (~548 million), French (~274 Million), Standard Arabic (~274 Million), Bengali (~272 Million), Russian (~258 Million), Portuguese (~257 Million), Urdu (~231 Million).  Interestingly, the Cinema Language of the Solomon Islands is the least spoken language with a single surviving speaker. Sadly, several languages are at extreme risk of extinction within the next few years and efforts are underway to attempt to capture examples in written and spoken forms.

The importance of communication expands as we become more interconnected and global in tourism, business, and education.  Beyond academic programs like university or primary school settings, one can turn to Apps/programs like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo.  These can provide some assistance for those interested in gaining some mastery over a single to few languages and learning some of the academic nuances.  For those who may travel to several countries with multiple distinct dialects/accents/languages, using a universal translator/software may provide a much-needed boost.  The ability to communicate with someone in their native language could open doors that would have remained inaccessible. 

Packaging

As a portmanteau of fluent/talk, the Fluentålk portable translator device strives to decrease language barriers. The device arrived in a 4 5/8 inches wide by 6 inches tall by 1 5/8 inches thick retail package.  The cover panel was divided into clean-white, larger segment toward the left, and a sea foam green smaller segment to the right.  You will find the product name at the top left, “portable translator” along the top right, T1 along the bottom right, and the main showcase product image at the center of the panel.  The slightly raised, glossy image of the phone-shaped translation device provided a great representation of the translator, the HD screen, and the three side buttons. 

The image of the screen suggested clear visual translation, and suggested WiFi, LTE, and Bluetooth connectivity based on the icons at the top of the panel.  The image on the screen showed a Spanish-to-English communication followed by an English-to-Spanish communication and provided a microphone icon at the bottom suggesting the ability to add audio communication to the visual dialog. The top/bottom and side panels listed the Fluentålk name, while the main spine listed five product-defining icons: 1. Small in 1/2 passport size. 2. 0.2-second instant translation. 3. 40 Languages 93 accents. 4. Quad-Core 12NM High-performance CPU. 5. Maximum 95% accuracy.  I liked the clean white edges and felt that the black-on-white contrast was well done.  Additionally, the sea foam green accent colors provided a refreshing splash of color.

Even though the rear panel proved to be a bit busier than the others, it ended up being a necessity.  The top section listed the product specifications (116.8 x 58.6 x 11.2 mm 115g, quad core arm 12NM 2.0GHz cpu, 3G RAM/32GB ROM, Android 10 OS, 4.0 Oncell 540×1080 screen size, 8 Megapixel camera, dual speaker, multi-microphone array, Type-C 5V/1A charging, 1500mAh battery, WiFi/Nano-sim/E-sim, 2g/3g/4g LTE wireless technology), four product defining icons (4 inch QHD+ touch screen, ask for directions/chat in multiple modes, multi-mic array, 2 year international unlimited data plan for free), and an attractive ink outline of the device.

The lower segment listed product manufacturing labels, Bluetooth icon, UPC barcodes, and two language defining tables (13 Pairs of offline translation, 40 languages/93 accents online): 1. English to Chinese/Japanese/Korean/French/German/Spanish/Russian.  2. Chinese to English/Japanese/Korean/French/German/Spanish/Russian.  Online languages include: English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean/French/German/Spanish/Russian/Portuguese/Italian/Dutch/Danish/Norwegian/Swedish/Finnish/Icelandic/Greek/Ukrainian/Czech/Slovak/Croatian/Bulgarian/Romanian/Slovenian/Thai/Vietnamese/Indonesian/Malay/Filipino/Telugu/Tamil/Hindi/Arabic/Turkish/Urdu/Catalan/Polish/Hungarian/Hebrew/Cantonese.  

Unboxing

I removed the outer plastic, then separated the left outer section of the box from the right/inner segment. Within the box, you will first find a cardboard accessory box containing a cardboard card/SIM removal tool and a 64-page multilingual instruction manual. Beneath the manual, you will find the 4.1-ounce, 2 5/16 inches wide by 4 9/16 inches tall by 3/8 inches thick translator. Lastly, hidden beneath the translator, you will find the accessory box with 6 1/2 inches long wrist lanyard and 39 3/4 inches long white-colored, rubberized, round-style USB-A to USB-C charging cable.  Overall, the product was well-packaged, organized, and presented.  

Before testing the device, I evaluated the surface features and button layout.  Resembling a book, the device had a rounded spine with three color-coded buttons, a flat grey top, bottom, and left side panel, and a front panel with a sleek 4 7/16 inches tall by 2 inches wide dark HD screen against a metallic grey frame. Along the right edge of the screen, you will find five speaker cutouts and indicator lights.  The rounded right side provided a circular 1/4 inches diameter power button with central yellow identifier, an oval-shaped 7/32 inches wide by 13/32 inches tall button with central blue oval identifier (other language), and an oval-shaped 7/32 inches wide by 13/32 inches tall button with a central red oval identifier (primary language). 

The flat top panel had two oval-shaped microphone cutouts, while the bottom panel had a lanyard slot, USB-C charging port, and a few other small cutouts for another microphone and speakers.  The flat left side panel had a port for a SIM card and a 5/8 inches long by 1/16 inches tall volume up/down button.  I liked the layout/design of the product and found the buttons perfectly aligned for quick access for a right-handed individual.  Holding the device in my right hand, I could easily access the three spine buttons with my thumb, while also accessing the volume buttons with my pointer finger.

I plugged the included USB-A to USB-C cable between a standard 5V/2A USB port and the device and was impressed with the quality of the bright HD screen.  Once the device was connected to power, it displayed a vibrant lightning bolt charging indicator, and a battery icon with percentile.  Excitedly, while the device charged (30-40 minutes out of the box) to full, I reviewed the English section of the multilingual manual.  The first page provided a helpful packaging list (translator, charging cable USB-A to USB-C, slot pin, wrist lanyard, and user manual) and button layout diagram. 

The second page detailed the basic unit operation (power on/off/restart, charging, install nano-SIM card, Use WLAN hotspot, lanyard installation, Gestures), while the third and fourth pages walked the user through the translation functions (One click Translation, Photo Translation, Ask for Directions mode, Listen Mode, Chat Translation, Offline Translation, Translation Settings).  The final two pages provided information about FAQ, product specifications, safety, warranty information, and contact information. The subsequent pages provided instructions in Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Korean (Hangul), Arabic, Russian, and Traditional Chinese.

Device Use

I pressed and held the power button to activate the device.  The bright screen displayed the time along the top left of the screen, while the top right provided signal strength and battery icons.  The midsection of the screen showed a large bold white digital military time and date (day, month, date) above an image of the globe. The lower segment of the screen showed options for “one-click Translation,” “Photo Translation,” and the ability to change the two languages.  From the main screen, you will find one language with a blue icon (other language) and another with a red icon (native language).  To test the “One-Click” feature, I set the red button to English and the Blue button to American Spanish.  I sat down with my friend Jesus and had a fun little conversation.  Hold the red button, talk into the microphone, and the device will translate your statement.  “How are you today? Quickly translated as ¿Cómo estás hoy?  When the other button was held down, my friend was able to communicate back ¿Estoy bien y tú? (I’m good and you?)”  We were able to have a conversation and used the device to go back and forth.  If you tap the three hamburger icon, you can set the device for offline translation, adjust the speaking interval, or toggle on/off the voice announcement.  I did not find a feature to change the voice or to change the gender from female to male.  

The translation was quick and worked nearly flawlessly, living up to the 95% accuracy mentioned on the website and packaging.  My wife and I changed the language to English/French, and then Spanish/French, and found the translation worked great.  One of my son’s friends was taking the German language in school, while my son was taking Spanish.  We tested the App/features with some of their basic coursework and found that the translations were prompt, succinct, and grammatically well-constructed. 

From the main screen, tap the Photo Translation option to navigate to the photo screen.  The new panel will provide a 3×3 grid with instruction to “Keep text aligned with the reference line,” which runs vertically.  You can tap the photo icon along the bottom left to translate or you can snap a picture in real time.  I tested the Spanish to English translation using a few Billboards and comics and found the translation was passable but not as good as the voice to translate.  One of the downsides of the mode/feature is that you will need to make sure that you set the language before taking the picture. 

Unfortunately, it cannot register the language type and then translate it for you.  You will need to select the language prior to snapping the photo, or save it to translate at a later time (Note from Timekettle: The next generation-T1 mini can automatically identify the language you set).  I tried the feature with Russian to English, Spanish to English, French to English, German to English, and Chinese to English. I was impressed with the quality and speed of the translation but did note the translations were less literal/formal than with the text/speech options. 

Additional Modes

If you swipe from the right to the left, you will navigate to the third screen.  The panel had additional feature modes such as Ask for Directions, Chat Translation, Listen Mode, Voice memo, User Guide, Common Expressions, SOS, Settings.  The Ask For Directions feature provided a helpful/useful method to start a conversation.  I loved the ability to preset a custom statement of communication.  The default “Excuse me, can you help me? We can use this translator to communicate” summarized the need/utility quite well and served as a useful ice breaker.  You can add/change the default or hold-touch over the saved custom phrases to delete them.  The feature was quite useful as a conversation starter.  You can tap the three hamburger icon at the top right, add conversation starters for different languages/scenarios, and set them to default.  When you double-press the power button, the preset phrase will play. 

The “Chat Translation” feature opened a two-panel screen with one half facing toward you and another toward the other individual.  The dual Fluentålk translator microphones were designed to capture directional sound to translate your language to the other person, and then their language back to you. The mode captured the verbal conversation, composed the text in your language on your side, and then written text and audio on the other side.  If you want to hear the translation again, you can tap the microphone option to replay the sound clip. You can tap the language option in the top right of your segment to change the language selection. 

I liked the playback option, and the option to read/hear the translation.  I used the feature with English to Spanish, Polish to English, Polish to Spanish, French to English, and French to Spanish.  I did not have anyone locally to test other languages.  I found the translation to be quite well done for Spanish/French and was passable for Polish (per my test contact).  Some of the translations were a bit too literal but were understandable.  As noted above, the device appeared to maintain a 95% accuracy. 

The Listen Mode created a one-way real-time listen/written translate function, while the voice memo allowed the user to capture messages.  As an added convenience, you can adjust the speaking interval to the habits of each individual.  The helpful User Guide laid out each mode and provided several panels worth of information/guidance.  If you tap the Common Expressions mode, the panel will show the following options:  Urgency, Traffic, hospital, Bank, Hotel, Restaurant, Shopping, Attractions. If you tap/open one of the options, you can employ common phrases. 

As an example, if you tap Hospital you can select options like “Soy alérgico a los antibióticos,” “I am allergic to antibiotics,” or “Tengo un poco de resfriado y fiebre,” “I have a cold and fever.” You can tap Restaurant, “¿Hay mesa para tres personas?,” “Is there a table for 3 people?,” or ¿Cuánto tiempo tenemos que Esperar,” “How long do we have to wait.” This mode allows you to choose amongst a variety of standard quick phrase features.  Once the translator gives the information, hold the blue button on the device when the person answers for the translator to give you information back in your language. 

Throughout the testing process, we only had issues with busy/loud environments picking up ambient noise/sounds.  Moving to quieter locations improved accuracy and nuanced communication translation.  I loved the features, the easy-to-use system, and that each device provides 2-year’s worth of free international data.  I could pair the device to Bluetooth earphones, to my local network, and could enjoy downloaded languages when needed.  Through the settings section, you can change the base language, evaluate the storage space (32GB) and delete stored conversations (by date), adjust the date/time (sync network time or change between 12H/24H), adjust the SOS options/see the area code, and download languages for offline use. 

When I swiped from left to right, the translator device showed a clock for Tokyo and Washington.  When I tapped the clocks, I found that I could change to Americas: USA, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Dominica Republic, Chile, Cuba, Colombia, Europe: France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria, Greece, Russia, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Ukraine, Poland, Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Iceland Asia: China, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, UA, Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Phillippines, Indonesia, Africa: Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Côte d’lvoire, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Oceania: Austrian, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea. Many of the countries had additional options.  If you select USA, you can change between Washington, Anchorage, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York.  As an example, I set the time to Paris GMT+01:00 (04:56 am) and Chicago GMT-06:00 (21:56 PM).

Below the clocks, you will find a currency exchange feature, allowing you to evaluate the exchange rates between countries 1D=17.966MXN=0.910FR EUR=6.890 CNY YUAN etc.  I compared the values at the time of the writing to online sources and found the device had accurate spot prices. I liked the main screen Translation Record feature, which allowed the user to scroll back through the recent One-Click Translation history. I liked that the feature maintained the last conversations so that I could return to review the conversation chain at a later time.   Additionally, if you tap each translation, you can play/hear them again.

Charging

I used a USB-A to USB-C 5V/2A wall charger with the USB-A to USB-C cable.  Starting at 1642 at 1%, the translator increased to 5% by 1646, to 24% by 17:00, to 40% by 17:10, and 50% by 17:18. The translator was at 100% when I rechecked it at 18:05.  I was pleased that the product took just over an hour to charge to full.  I could use the device for several hours at a time over a weekend before needing to charge the device.  You can expect the device to last several days on a single charge if offline and in airplane mode.

Summary

My only complaint/gripe/plainte/queja (etc.) was that the device did not have a carry case or screen protector (Note from Timekettle: This is already in process for the accessory list and it’s expected to be sold in the next half year).  A belt loop holster would have been very helpful for easy access or possibly, a small felt pouch.  Despite the single negative, I found so many positive features of the device.  I loved the small cellphone-like size, the button layout, the touch controls, and the intuitive mode/screen layouts.  The mid-screen one-touch translation was likely the most used feature, followed by the Chat Translation. 

The included common expressions were a fantastic option for those who wanted a quick conversation starter.  The ask-for-directions feature provided a helpful/useful method to start the conversation, a quick, easy-access button combination, and the ability to adjust the ice-breakers as needed.  I loved the ability to preset custom statements of communication.  The default “Excuse me, can you help me? We can use this translator to communicate” summarized the need/utility quite well.  

If you want a highly portable, easy-to-use, offline-abled, handheld device, look to the Timekettle T1 Fluentålk device.

For more information, visit fluentalk.com, Facebook, or Twitter.

Cleer Audio, an industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer, is pleased to announce the addition of a new black finish to its top-of-the-line and most popular Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphone, the ALPHA.

The award-winning ALPHA Wireless Intelligent Bluetooth Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphone is like no other headphone with its Immersive theater-like sound performance with Dirac Virtuo™ spatial audio technology.

Patrick Huang, President, and CEO of Cleer, says: “The biggest request from our dealers and customers was to make the ALPHA in black. We listened and now delivered. I will also add that the black ALPHA looks great.”

About ALPHA:
The ALPHA wireless intelligent noise-cancelling headphone revolutionizes music pleasure on the go with spatial audio and industry-leading Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. With Cleer’s patented award-winning 40mm Ironless Driver™, Bluetooth 5.1 connection, Qualcomm’s cVc™ 2-mic solution, and 35-hours of playback in ANC mode, ALPHA delivers the best wireless audio quality, immersive sound, and audio performance.

On the daily outing, ALPHA’s adaptive noise cancellation function and upgraded earpads with a cooling feature significantly improve the users’ wearing comfort. The ALPHA is an advanced personalized lifestyle product, more than just a headphone.

The Cleer ALPHA was awarded a prestigious 2022 CES Innovations Honoree Award, honoring its outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products, by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

ALPHA includes:

• Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (A-ANC)
• Spatial Audio with Dirac Virtuo™ Immersive Sound
• Cleer+ App, User Interface 
• Class leading Battery Life with quick-charge feature

Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (AANC): Adaptive ANC automatically changes the levels of noise cancellation on its own, detecting changes in the frequency of sound coming at the listener and adapting in real-time for the best possible performance. While others offer their variations of this feature, Cleer’s focus on simplicity in execution while optimizing the technology by introducing a 24-bit, low-power stereo CODEC based on a one-bit delta-sigma modulation to support an adaptive approach to noise suppression. It focuses on addressing needs in different listening environments, while maintaining an open and crystal-clear audio performance. 

Dirac Virtuo™  – Dirac’s patented algorithms deliver a compelling sound experience without complicated and expensive hardware upgrades. Optimal and immersive audio without requiring specifically encoded 3D formats. Dirac onboard offers a faster, easier, and more cost-efficient path to perfect signature sound. Their tuning system and technology yield incredible performance with lower lows, higher highs, and a mid-range so thick you can feel it. This is high-precision and transparent spatial audio.

Cleer+ App, User Interface: Advanced simplicity was applied to the interface with reduced buttons, swipe/touch control and smart assistants built in. With swipe controls and Cleer+ app, consumers have additional ways to control and optimize their experience. The Cleer+ app allowed our designers to reduce button count, eliminating a cluttered button cluster that led to errant button presses. The app also allows users to optimize headphones performance for both sound and noise cancellation features.

Class leading battery life: Engineers focused on low power consumption chipsets and software management to extend the lithium polymer battery life to 35 hours of playback while the noise cancellation feature is activated. If the consumer needs a little extra battery to get them to their destination, we’ve included a quick charge feature that replenishes the battery by 4.5 hours with a quick 10-minute charge when leveraging the USB-C charging port. This extended battery life provides assurance that the user will not run out of battery during their trip. 

Color options: Black, Midnight Blue and Stone. Black finish available now.

For more information, visit cleeraudio.com, Facebook, and Twitter. 

ABOUT CLEER AUDIO

Established in 2012, Cleer Audio offers award-winning high-performance headphones and smart speakers unbound by the shackles of conventional thinking, that allow users to discover freedom through unparalleled audio. Cleer believes in elevating and transforming every experience through sound, creating with intention, and anticipating the consumer’s needs before they’re even recognized. Based in San Diego, California, the brand has received many awards at CES 2020, the world’s leading and largest consumer electronics trade show.  Cleer is devoted to pioneering breakthrough, award-winning audio technologies with uncompromising performance. 

Make the most of your iPad with Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand.

Tablets have become an essential part of our lives, allowing us to access a wealth of information and entertainment at a moment’s notice. iPads are the most popular tablet option, thanks to their sleek design and easy-to-use interface. My 12.9″ iPad Pro is integrated into my personal workstation at home as a second communication device and for entertainment. For the longest time, I had the iPad resting solely on its Magic Keyboard, which took up a large amount of desk real estate. In order to reclaim some of that space back, I found that investing in the Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand was the way to go.

About the Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand

The Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand is a cutting-edge accessory that revolutionizes how you use your iPad. This stand elevates your device at eye level, allowing for comfortable viewing and an ergonomic experience. Its sleek design accommodates any modern aesthetic, and its magnetic technology provides a secure and stable foundation for your iPad.

The stand’s powerful magnet attaches to the back of your iPad with ease, creating a seamless connection that enables you to effortlessly adjust the angle of your device. Whether you are using it for work or entertainment, the Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand offers versatility as well as stability. You can rotate it 360 degrees or tilt it up to 45 degrees, allowing you to customize the perfect viewing experience.

In addition, this stand’s compact design makes it easy to carry around wherever you go. It is ideal for those who travel frequently or need an efficient workspace on the go.

Main Features

• Product Name: Infinity Pro Magnetic Stand for iPad
• Folded Size: 305 x 160 x 36 mm (iPad Pro 12.9”); 295 x 142 x 36 mm (iPad Air 4/5, iPad Pro 11”)
• Magnetic Pad Size: 158 x 260 mm (iPad Pro 12.9”); 142 x 214 mm (iPad Air 4/5, iPad Pro 11”)
• Weight: 860g (iPad Pro 12.9”); 720g (iPad Air 4/5,iPad Pro 11”)
• Compatible Model: iPad Pro 12.9”(2018/2020/2021); iPad Pro 11” (2018/2020/2021); iPad Air 4/5
• 4 Hinges
• Rotatable Base
• Anti-Skid Base
• Mechanical Sound
• Portrait / Landscape Switch

Pricing & Availability

The Infinity Pro iPad Stand has a list price of $95.99 for the 12.9” model. It is also available for $89.99 on Amazon.

User Experience

The Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand comes in a very sturdy retail-styled box. The front of the box has an image of the product on it along with a few illustrative directions. The one ‘complaint’ I have about this product has to do with the packaging though. The box simply says, “Magnetic Foldable Stand for iPad” and not “Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand.” This was a little confusing as there really wasn’t anything to match up the two products. I was able to finally find a model number on the back (L43) and when I Googled it, the Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand page of benks.com was the first option in the search results.

Other than that labeling issue, I’ve been very impressed with the stand. There is no assembly required, which I have encountered with other magnetic stands. You simply lift the stand out of the box, unfold it from its flattened state, and place your iPad on it. This was also something I really liked about this stand — you didn’t have to guess where the iPad would best attach to the magnetic pad. I never had any issue with iPad connecting with or adhering to the magnetic surface. It is incredibly secure on it.

I love the swivel base. It has an audible click that actually confused our dog a bit. It isn’t super loud, but it sound a bit like a socket wrench. I like it because you know that a movement has occurred for sure. I did notice that if you bend the main arm too far forward, the entire arm will fall parallel to the base.

Out of the box, the stand was fairly stiff, but the more I used it, the more the arm loosened up. One suggestion I would have for the manufacturer is to provide some method for tightening the joints. After a period of time, I could see them getting too loose and that would cause stability issues.

The stand takes up a minimal amount of desk space since is had a modest round base. I used it daily to keep up with email correspondence, play videos, and listen to music directly from my iPad. I’ve been very impressed with it.

Conclusion

The Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad Stand is an ideal choice for those looking for a secure and stylish stand to enjoy their iPad. Its slim, lightweight design allows it to blend into most home décor or office settings and the powerful magnets keep your device secure. The clean lines and three viewing angles make this stand perfect for any media consumption, from watching movies to video conferencing. Plus, its foldable design means it is easy to take on the go when needed.

For more information, visit benks.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Finding unique artwork to place in your office can be a lot of fun. There are many options available to make your office stand out. Some people use decals and stickers while others mix and match art prints to create their own sense of style and showcase their individual personalities. One of the most unique pieces of artwork I have in my office actually a piece of technology — the GRID iPod Touch.

About

GRID Studio was formed when the six founders decided to create an art project from an iPhone 4S. One of the partners was compelled to deconstruct the iPhone and mount it onto paper. The result was an amazing piece of art that they felt should be shared with others. What was once a hobby quickly turned into a mission of keeping amazing technology alive.

GRID collects devices from repair shops and collectors in order to get the parts they need for their artwork. All the parts they use are original to the device with the exception of the batteries. Fake batteries are used with the art so that there is no danger of explosion or corrosion over time.

GRID currently offers more than 60 options for their unique art pieces. The categories they cover are Mobile Phones, iPad, Game Console, Smart watches, Portable Music Players, Pins, and MacBooks. The GRID iPod Touch is one of four items in the GRID Studio Portable Music Player lineup. The other pieces are the iPod Photo, iPod Nano 3rd Generation, and the iPod Classic 4th Generation.

History of the iPod Touch

The iPod Touch was originally introduced in 2007 with the final generation being released in May 2019. The iPod Touch is a portable media player that was designed by Apple. It is a multi-touch device that includes a 3.5-inch widescreen display and had both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The final generation of the iPod Touch was powered by the Apple A10 Fusion chip.

The iPod Touch featured a built-in camera for taking photos and videos, as well as a front-facing camera for FaceTime. It also had a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing users to make phone calls and listen to music without needing to plug in headphones.

The final iPod Touch model was available in three different storage sizes: 32GB, 128GB, and 256 GB. The 32GB version was available in Space Grey, Gold, Silver, and Pink, while the 128GB and 256GB versions are available in Space Grey and Gold.

Approximately 100 million units of the iPod Touch were sold at the time it was discontinued. The iPod Touch was the last product in the Apple iPod’s product line.

Pricing & Availability

The GRID iPod Touch is available from gridstudio.cc with a list price of $169. It is currently priced at $139 (at the time of this review being published.

User Experience

GRID Studio does a first-rate job of making a user feel special. The framed device comes wrapped in black paper and is closed with a wax seal. This adds an extra level of luxury to the experience of unboxing this unique artwork. The frame also comes with wall mounting hardware and a dust cloth so you can keep your art looking its best. In addition, the GRID Studio website includes detailed care instructions and other helpful tips to ensure that your device lasts and looks great for years to come.

You can remove the deconstructed device from the frame pretty easily as it is mounted to the frame’s cardboard backing. In order to capture close-ups of the parts of the iPod Touch, I did remove it from the frame. I discovered that the screen was already peeling off its mount. I placed a little bit of adhesive behind it so that it wouldn’t pop off the backing anymore. Aside from that, I did find a few dust particles inside the frame. This can easily be removed by using a vacuum or canned air to blow the dust off of the art.

Replacing the backing was very simple and anyone who has ever framed a photograph will be able to handle it. My iPod Touch had a film on the glass of the frame. It peeled off without much effort, but some of it does get caught under the frame unless you remove it from the frame first.

Installation is an easy process, too. The frame has picture hangers on the back and it’s very easy to use the provided hanging hooks to mount the GRID artwork to the wall. It feels secure and it looks great in my office as a decorative piece.

Conclusion

With proper care, the GRID Studio’s iPod Touch makes for a unique and eye-catching addition to any office or home. It’s especially great for any tech lover or Apple fan. If the iPod Touch isn’t one of your favorite devices, they have many different pieces of art to choose from and each is more unique than the last.GRID Studio offers unique artwork for offices and homes, such as the GRID iPod Touch

For more details, visit Grid Studio, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Desk Mat Pro is a solid addition to your workspace accessories.

I’ve been working from home for a little over 2 years now and I love my home office. I use a smart desk which is great because I can stand up every once in a while while I work. The only problem with the desk is its top. The desk is durable but susceptible to scratches. I’ve been very careful but still end up with some surface damage here and there. I’ve been using a desk mat for this very reason.

Desk mats are made from a variety of materials, including rubber, cloth, and leather. Some desk mats have special features, such as built-in mouse pads or gel padding. The one I’ve been using most recently is designed to work with magnetic products. The Desk Mat Pro features a metal-infused layer that allows magnetic items to cling to it so they don’t slide behind your desk when they are not in use. Read on to learn more about the product and my experience with it.

About Desk Mat Pro

Desk Mat Pro is a specially designed desk mat from Function 101, a company that focuses on creating functional, stylish accessories that complement the hardware of a modern workspace. The designers of Desk Mat Pro paid special attention to the needs of Apple users. It is in fact referred to as the “ultimate Apple Accessory Management System” by Function 101.

The desk mat is crafted with premium PU Pebble Leather and has a faux suede bottom. There is a matching collection of silicone cable accessories that are designed to work with the magnetic properties of the desk mat. Desk Mat Pro is extra long but narrow. Its dimensions are 31in x 16in, which is large enough to accommodate a keyboard and mouse, tablet, or laptop.

Pricing & Availability

Desk Mat Pro has a list price of $39.95 from function101.com. It’s sold as a package on Amazon with two Cable Block XLs for $59.95. There are four different colors — black, gray, navy, and purple.

User Experience

The Desk Mat Pro is shipped in a rectangular cardboard box. The mat itself is rolled up and when you pull it out, it is a little rolled up on the ends. I do have to say that the mat flattens out relatively quickly — especially in comparison to other desk mats I’ve used. Function 101 actually recommends 1-2 days for the desk mat to fully flatten out. Their instruction state, “…as wrinkles or lines will disappear from being rolled up in shipping.” I didn’t have that big of an issue with wrinkles or lines and since I laid it on my desk with a keyboard weighing it down, it didn’t take nearly that long to flatten out.

In my daily use of the Desk Mat Pro, I’ve noticed that it slides around quite a bit on my smooth desktop. This doesn’t bother me though because it makes it easier to adjust how I am sitting and repositioning my keyboard isn’t a difficult thing to do. I know that sliding might be a problem for some people but it really isn’t for me.

My previous desk mat was the Harber London Microfibre Desk Mat — which is also a very nice accessory. I’ve been using it for around 6 months now and with 16+ hours of daily use with it, I’ve noticed that it has darkened quite a bit due to the natural oils in my hands as well as other dirt. That desk mat wasn’t very easy to clean. The surface of the Desk Mat Pro is.

With a simple damp cloth, you can wipe the surface clean and since it’s smooth, you can blow or easily dust off crumbs or other dust particles. Since I practically live at my desk, this is a big bonus for me.

One day I knocked my practically empty cup of coffee over on the desk mat. Fortunately, there were only a few droplets that sprayed onto the desk. What did get on the desk mat was easily wiped clean. I didn’t have to worry about it getting stained or damaged due to the hot liquid. I just took a damp cloth and wiped it clean.

I also really like the color I chose (purple). It’s a pale lavender with a hint of a gray tone mixed in. It really personalizes my desk space and adds a splash of color that is calming and not distracting in any way. I like the colors that Function 101 chose to launch the Desk Mat Pro with, but I do hope they come out with more options in the future. I would love to have the opportunity to swap desk mats out with my moods or even the change of the seasons.

The Cable Block XLs have been a big help to me, too. When I read about the desk mat having magnetic properties, I realized it was a function I never thought I needed one I’m grateful to have. I constantly have two cables (a USB-C and a Lightning cable) strung across my desk. They are usually hidden and draped inconspicuously behind something so they aren’t annoying me but being able to have them close at hand without them falling behind my desk is wonderful. I also really like that the blocks’ colors are designed to match the desk mat. They almost completely blend in which is a nice touch.

I also really like how my Apple Pencil and Apple Watch Charger stick to the mat as well. Again, this was something I didn’t think about needing, but I really hate it when my Apple Pencil rolls off my desk. Now, it stays in place on the mat. I did try to see if my iPhone 14 Pro would adhere to the mat, but it does not. I would guess that is because the camera system causes the phone to not lay 100% flat on a surface.

Conclusion

The Function 101 Desk Mat Pro is a great mat for those who are looking for a way to organize their desk. It has a lot of features that make it easy to use and it is also very durable. Because it’s so easy to keep clean and it adds color to an otherwise monochromatic workspace, the Desk Mat Pro is a solid winner for me. I would recommend it to anyone and would even buy it again.

For more details, visit FUNCTION, Facebook, and Twitter.

Who can make security easy? With Toucan, you can!

As our homes become more tech-integrated and WiFi technology improves, many have turned to Doorbell cameras to track/monitor guests, comings/goings of relatives/loved ones, and to monitor precious packages. Even though I have trusted Vivint with my home monitoring needs, I know many that prefer a stand-alone, plug-and-play hubless monitor.

With modern smart home devices and App integration, it has become possible to piecemeal a “customized” setup for your home with features like HomeKit, IFTTT, Google, and Alexa integration. For those interested in an unmonitored, wireless, rechargeable, do-it-yourself Doorbell camera, consider the budget-friendly Toucan Wireless Doorbell Camera.

Packaging:

The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell arrived in an attractive 6 1/2 inches wide by 6 1/4 inches tall by 2 11/16 inches thick retail package.  The top white panel displayed the Toucan name/logo in black/orange font and listed the generic product name.  Instead of relying on a flat white background, the company chose a more vibrant presentation.  My eye was immediately drawn to the emergency cone-orange colored accents and the large slightly raised, glossy image of the doorbell camera on the cover. 

The company name was listed in the upper left corner, while the left panel displayed six product-defining features: 180-degree ultra wide angle, video call, built-in rechargeable battery, easy wire-free setup, videos encrypted for privacy, and free 24-hour video history.  The generic product name and an image of the wireless door chime were listed within the lower orange footer. 

The slipcover spine (orange colored), listed the product name, and displayed a labeled image of the App experience (Scroll to see everything, 180-degree ultra-wide angle, pre-recorded messages, two-way talk, siren alarm, call emergency services, photo capture, video capture), and QR codes for the App Store and Google Play Store. 

The orange-colored rear panel provided a substantial amount of information for the user.  The product name, “We Make Security Easy” catchphrase topped an array of twelve product feature icons:  Weatherproof IP56, PIR Motion Detection, Night Vision, Instant Notification, Instant Live Feed, Two-Way Talk, Siren Alarm, Wireless Connection, Call Emergency Services, No Hub Required, Pre-Recorded Messages, Access Anywhere. 

The lower edge of the panel displayed three colorful images to showcase the simplistic installation process, which promised stick it, pair it, and connect it functionality.  The grey lower panel listed information about the product limited warranty, legalese information about the company, product manufacturing labels, a product inclusion list, and SKU barcodes.  Overall, the packaging felt inviting, informative, and exciting, without feeling overburdened or over-techie. 

I know many families balk at tech devices that seem overly complicated.   I liked the shape of the camera, the inclusion of the accessory button chime, the promise of an easy setup, and the access anywhere App design. 

Contents:

I slid the inner white box away from the slipcover, lifted the lid, and removed the internal contents. Nestled atop the inner plastic tray, you will find a black surgical mask (plastic wrapped), and an instruction packet.  Beneath the accessories, you will find a white plastic tray with two cutouts. The left cutout contained the Video Doorbell (5 1/2 inches tall by 2 1/8 inches wide by 1 3/16 inches thick, 6.9-ounces), while the second cutout contained the doorbell chime (2 9/16 inches tall by 2 9/16 inches wide by 7/8 inches thick at 1.6 ounces).

I gripped the red plastic tab at the top of the camera and slid it out of the box.  Once removed, I found a 4 7/8 inches long by 1 7/8 inches wide by 1-inch thick accessory box with mounting bracket, camera mount 3M tape (1 1/4 inches wide by 2 11/16 inches tall), wireless chime mount 3M tape (1 7/16 inches square), two 7/8 inches long drywall screws plus anchors, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a 20-inches long USB-A to a USB-Micro cable.  Beneath the wireless chime, you will find two Energizer-branded AA batteries.

Installation/Testing:

I opened the instruction manual packet and found two orange/white, 3 3/4 inches tall/wide octagonal “SECURED BY TOUCAN” stickers, a limited warranty slip, a thin instruction manual, and a customer support card (email, App QR code, Live agent link QR code, Instagram QR, Facebook QR, YouTube QR).  I liked the dark-on-light visual theme of the instruction manual.  The first section provided a labeled diagram of the doorbell/chime, followed by charging instructions. 

I lifted the 1 1/16 inches wide by 1/2 inches tall rubberized back cover, and plugged the USB-A to USB-micro cable between a standard 5V/2.1A USB port and the camera.  The central 2 1/8 inches diameter by 3/32 inches thick LED ring started with a solid bright-red ring to indicate the charging battery status, before changing to flashing soft blue LED. 

Once the LED ring changed colors, a female announced “The Device is initializing,” while the LED ring continued to flash.  I utilized the QR code within the instruction manual (Outer Packaging or Support card) and followed the link to the 4.5* Toucan Smart Home App.  I updated the App, previously downloaded to pair with the Wireless Outdoor Camera, and subsequently opened the App.

I tapped the “+” icon at the top right of the Toucan App and scanned through the three camera options (Wireless Security Camera Pro -Coming soon-, Security Light Camera, Wireless Outdoor Camera), the two Doorbell options (Wireless Video Doorbell Pro – Coming soon-, Wireless Video Doorbell), and the single lighting option (Sconce light on light bar).  I tapped the “Wireless Video Doorbell” option, and even though I appreciated the ability to add a custom name, I chose “Side Door” as the name for the device.

I then followed the App instructions, pressed and held the Set button near the USB port, and navigated to the final screen.   The blue LED illuminated and the female announcer stated “The device is initializing, setup is in progress,” “Connection succeeded, you can use your device now.”  This entire process took about three minutes to complete. After about 45 minutes of charging/pairing, I was ready to install the camera.

Once the camera installation finished the setup process, the App informed me that the camera needed a firmware update.  While the App finalized the firmware update (3 minutes), I slid the back plate away from the door chime, installed the batteries, removed the plastic film from the front of the chime, added the small 3M square to the back of the chime, and installed the chime in my entryway. 

I pressed and held the set button and heard the announcement state “Setup is in progress, press the doorbell to connect.” I was quite pleased with the rate and ease of the pairing process.  At first impression, I thought that the doorbell camera was going to sit flush against the wall and would block the charging port. I was a bit concerned that I would have to finagle the rear port open to try to charge the camera. Luckily, the included metallic bracket proved that this was not the case.

I cleaned the surface of my home’s vinyl siding with isopropyl alcohol, affixed the 3M tape to the metallic backing of the included bracket, and then stuck the camera bracket against the siding.  The rear panel of the camera contained orientation slots that aligned perfectly with the bracket.  To install/remove the product, I simply aligned the camera with the bracket and then tightened or loosened the lower set screw. The installation process, like the App setup/pairing proved to be an elementary endeavor.

The App review ended up being very similar to my Toucan Wireless outdoor camera review.  I liked that the App was designed with ease of use in mind and proved to be quite intuitive to navigate.  Select your desired camera feed from the main screen and visualize the camera feed along the top panel.  The bottom panel provided six small icons (auto speech, video capture, image capture, SOS call, Pro setup/features, siren) and one large mute icon. 

If interested in additional features beyond the base App features, you can move into the Pro for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year and gain video-in-video function, specialized holiday greetings, saved/bookmark recordings, 10 shared users per camera, 30s/60s/90s playback, adjustable siren duration, 7 days recorded video history, and unlimited video downloads.  For $9.99 a month/$99.99 per year (price again for the camera), you can upgrade to the elite and gain up to 90 days of recorded video history in addition to the Pro features.  I thus far have been happy with the basic plan and have not needed to extend to the Pro status.

The $99.99 Camera/Chime Setup may be one of the cheaper options on the market.  The size was similar to other doorbells and provided a sexy glossy black face with a clean white frame.  With the included 6500 mAh battery, you can expect >2 weeks of regular use before needing to recharge.  I liked that the App sent my iPhone alerts, but I was a bit frustrated after the first day of installation with the frivolous movement alerts. 

At least, I was frustrated until I dove deeper into the App settings and adjusted the motion detection and motion zones.  I was able to filter out the moving American Flag in the picture and enjoyed fewer alerts.  When I navigated to the App, I saw squirrels, tree branches, and a nice 180-degree wide angle of my porch.  It is important to note that without add-on cost features, you cannot use Picture in Picture technology. 

However, the PIR motion detection, free 24-hour video history, video call, instant live feed, and two-way talk worked very well.  The beauty of the system is the easy 1-2-3 point setup, the quick app integration, the hub free, base station free design, the waterproof elements, and a payment free App experience (unless you choose to add on features).  For those who want just a bit more, simply add on the perks.  

I compared the images from the Wireless Doorbell to the Toucan Outdoor Wireless Camera and felt the outdoor camera provided slightly crisper imagery. When I snapped still frames with the Toucan camera and accessed them from my iPhone, the borders were abnormally blurred and the detail was of lesser quality than when I snapped a screenshot. I think this was a feature of the 180-degree camera/App and how the data was processed. 

I was more impressed with the rate of transition between light and night mode and the quality of the imagery in the night mode.  In fact, the infrared imagery appeared more vibrant than the daytime color images. My Vivint Doorbell Pro provided clearer pictures than the Toucan and provided high-quality data/saved shots in my camera roll. Perhaps the Toucan Pro camera “coming-soon” will improve upon this feature. Until then, I would still prefer to depend on Vivint for my main security needs.

Like many stand-alone or monitored systems, you can access the camera images from anywhere an LTE signal can be found. If you tap the cog icon, you can turn on/off auto greetings such as “Hello, who is it?” “How can I help you?” “Dog barking” or you can add custom greetings through the Pro features (purchased content). You can tap “Emergency Call” to manually enter a number to call or to select a number from the contact lists.

Adjust the time zone, set a do not disturb for notifications, or set a schedule for notifications. The battery life combined with the wire-free installation and iP56 waterproofing allowed for 2 weeks of utility through several rain showers. I paired the device with a side door and added a camera to my current monitored system. I liked that I could press the top set button on the chime to change the sound, but wished the announcer would have voiced the setting or that you could change it through the App.

Cons:

Despite the plethora of positive features of the camera, there were a few less-than-ideal aspects that require mention. First, even though the camera promised Alexa/Google Assistant interaction, neither the instruction manual nor the website provided easy-to-follow instructions. For a promise of easy-to-install hardware, the company left the user to figure this process out on their own. Navigate to the Alexa App, select devices, search for “Toucan Camera,” and then follow the prompts.

Once the process was set up, I liked that I could tell Alexa “Alexa, show me Side Door” and the App followed the instruction. This process should have been easier for the average user and improved instructions should be provided either online or in the box. I do not have an Echo show and the iPhone/iPad App will tell you “Cameras Do not work on this device.” The second issue was with the captured images when you snap a photo with the App.

I definitely appreciated the improved capture field of the 180-degree camera and the optimized ratio. However, if you capture the image for later use/need, you will note some distortion in the images. I did not mind hiding better features through a paywall, but felt that the 24-hour recorded history was a bit low for the price. I think 72 hours would have been fairer for the basic shield plan, with the pro extending to 10 days, and the elite up to 6 months (if not indefinite).

Despite the few critiques, I was quite pleased with the overall design of the camera and the App. Some may question why the device only uses 2.4Ghz receivers, and state that wired is safer/more secure. I understand the issues/concerns but also realize that added features drive up the cost.

The chime/camera paired nicely, provided adequate range, and the kit worked to add monitoring/communication to one of my doors. Based on website information, Toucan’s goal is to reach as many as possible with a cost-friendly, feature-packed kit. For those interested in a simple setup, simple App integration, and a hubless, wireless installation process, look to Toucan.

Learn more about the Toucan Wireless Doorbell Camera
Follow Toucan on Facebook and Twitter.

Illuminate the darkness with an App-Enabled Solar-charged Bluetooth Lantern from LuminAID.

After the Midwest ice storm of 2009, I knew that I had to embody the Scout’s BSA motto “Be Prepared!”  My wife and I made sure to have extra batteries, lights, heating sources, and water sources for emergencies.  We purchased a generator, a pop-up outdoor shower booth with propane shower and water bag, a solar water pump, made sure to have gasoline on hand, rotated this out to the cars every few months to keep a fresh stock, and picked up various types of flashlights/solar lights. 

Even though we try to keep our emergency gear ready, we have not been put into a situation to use our supplies.  Unfortunately, some of our Kentucky friends did not fare as well through the tornados of 2022.  I ended up donating my three LuminAID lights, nearly a dozen portable batteries of various sizes, numerous USB-style cables, most of our flashlights, several sets of clothing/blankets, spare water, food rations, and more.  I was glad that early preparation was able to help several families in need.  

Whether I am camping, spelunking, backpacking, entertaining, or prepping for emergencies, lighting options are always on my mind.  I want reliable gear that provides some form of redundancy to try to reduce weight.  LuminAID lights have fulfilled several of these needs with their portable, lightweight, flotation-style, hanging lanterns, some of which also serve as battery backups for small electronics.  When I heard about the new App enhanced Bloomio Twist, I knew that I wanted to try it out on our upcoming BSA scout campout.  

Unboxing/Packaging

The LuminAID Twist Portable Bluetooth Lantern arrived in a sleek 6 1/2 inches wide by 5 1/4 inches tall by 1 5/8 inches thick hexagonal hanging-style package.  The left side of the cover panel provided the lumainAID name in grey/lime green font at the top of the panel, the Twist name, Portable Bluetooth Solar Lantern, four product icons (Smart Control, Light Schedules, Bluetooth Enabled, Auto Sunset mode), and a beautiful picture of an illuminated, expanded lantern.

The right side of the cover provided a helpful pentagonal window to visualize the Twist Lantern, the solar panel, and several of the surface features.   I appreciated the ability to visualize the lantern directly and prefer this method of presentation over flat images. Each of the 3 1/2 inch length sides contained a sticker seal with the help@luminAID email address, information about the 1-year warranty, and a restocking warning.  The top panel had a 5/8 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches long lime green colored nylon carry strap.  

Like the front panel, you will find the luminAID name proudly displayed atop the rear panel.  Beneath the product name, you will find eight product-defining icons (Hundreds of Color Modes, Cool White & Warm White Settings, Smart control, Light Schedules, Bluetooth Enabled, Auto Sunset Mode, IP67 Waterproof Rating & Floats, Able to Recharge Via Solar Panel & Micro USB INPUT), and four colorful lantern images with descriptors (SET THE MOOD, LIGHT YOUR PATH, SET TIMERS, EASY STORAGE).  

The lower segment provided a helpful 3-step set-up instruction panel (download the App, Turn on Bluetooth and tap + Add New Light on the home screen, Customize your lights!”), a QR code, and product manufacturing labels.   I liked the vibrant colors, the image contrast against the clean white background, the layout of the panel, and the overall presentation of the device.

Setup

I removed the five lower tabs, opened up the packaging, and reviewed the “How to Set It Up instructions printed on the underside of the cover (same as the back panel). Besides relaying the same information as the rear panel, you will also see a QR code (www.LuminAID.com/ssg-faq), website for FAQ/directions, and the help@luminaid.com email address. 

I removed the instruction manual, 44 1/2 inches long white-colored, rounded USB-A to USB-micro cable, and the 7.1-ounce 5 3/4 inches wide by 5 inches tall (3-inch sides) by 1 3/8 inches thick (deflated) hexagonal lantern from the box. I plugged the USB-A end into a standard 5V/2.4A charging brick, opened the rubber stopper from the charging port at the top right of the lantern, and inserted the USB-Micro port.  The little red charging LED illuminated while charging. 

The instruction manual detailed the initial setup for the Bluetooth, to scan the QR code to download the  4.1* LuminAID App, and then to pair it with your phone’s Bluetooth.  I pressed the power button for five seconds and noted that the green LED flashed once to alert me to the active Bluetooth status.  When I opened the App, I was greeted by a request to access Bluetooth.  I selected “OK,” and then tapped the “+ Add New Light” at the top of the panel. 

Within about five seconds, the App displayed an overlay with the Twist 4113 light, a touchable circular button with a “+” icon, and a lower Cancel/Save option.  When I tapped the “+” icon, the icon changed from the grey background color to the lime green LuminAID color.  I then tapped the “Save” option and was given a Warning “Do you want to rename your lights before saving?”  I chose yes, changed the name from Twist 4113 to Nova, and perused the App.  

App

The LuminAID App provided a hamburger option at the top left, which provided access to the tutorial, Help Videos & FAQ, Shop, About LuminAID, Inspiration, Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Support) and the company name centered along the top of the panel.  The next row allowed me to access the “Lights,” “Groups,” and “Schedule” features of the App.  The Light section allowed me to add new lights, power on/off the light, and see helpful battery/solar indicators.

When I swiped left, I was taken to the “Groups” and “Schedule” tabs.  The “Groups” tab would have allowed me to control lights as a group but I did not have more than the single Twist light to control.  The Schedule tab allowed me to “Add New Timer.”  When I tapped the “+” icon, the Smart Solar Garden App asked me to use my location to calculate sunset time.  I am often rather leery about the feature but felt that the information would help with the time-setting feature.  I chose “Allow While Using the App” and was taken to another panel.  I set a simple command to turn my Nova light on at 8:35 PM, to set it to Red color, and then to turn it off after 1 minute.  

I was impressed with the connection between the App and the device and how well the process worked. I then set another timer to activate at 8:37 with a green color.  I could edit the schedules, create new timers between clock and sunset, dictate when the lights turned on, and when they turned off, selected which lights to activate, and then adjusted the colors.  If inclined, you could use this light as a game timer for children. 

Turn the device onto a certain color to show the team when to begin, extinguish the light to tell them when to end, and then repeat the process for the other teams.  Additionally, the process could be used for a child’s nightlight.  Set the light to turn on at a certain time and then activate a sleep function to turn It off after a set amount of time.  You can activate the light manually with the included button to cycle through soft white, warm white/pink, red, orange, green, purple, blue, and off.   

If you tap on the lantern image from within the “Lights” tab, you will be directed to a large color wheel, a centralized green power button, a lower brightness toggle, and an image of the Lantern color status, a Bluetooth icon, battery widget, and solar %charge. You can set the desired color by tapping the color wheel on white, warm white, or any other hue of the ROYGBV wheel.

I tapped “Patterns” along the top right of the panel, and reviewed the 22 option choices.  After testing each of the options, I found “Flame Flicker” was my favorite.  If you choose one of the strobe options, you will need to approve the epilepsy warning before proceeding.  The strobe option may be a better choice in an emergency than an always-on light.  I would love for them to add an SOS feature/pulse to the list of options.  

Lantern

When ready to expand the lantern, grip the lower valve and pull it outward and away from the Twist.  I gripped the top/bottom panels and pulled outward while rotating the top counterclockwise and the base clockwise.  Once the lantern inflated and produced its final puff, I reinserted the lower valve, made sure the USB-micro port was closed, and placed the lantern on my outdoor deck.  Fully inflated, you can expect the lantern to stand 5 5/8 inches tall.

The top panel had a 5/16 inches diameter green power button, a 1/4 inches diameter battery indicator button, a bank of four battery indicator LED lights, a red charging indicator, and a 3/8 inches tall by 1 3/8 inches rubber USB-micro cover.  The main portion of the panel was devoted to the large six-sided solar array (3 1/8 inches long top, 2 1/4 inches long base, 2 1/2 inches tall).  When ready to compress the lantern back to its retracted position, remove the lower plug and compress the top/bottom together while rotating the opposite direction.  Replace the plug and store the device for later use. 

Charging

The Twist lantern can be charged via USB-A to USB-Micro connection or by placing the lantern into direct sunlight.  Even though I would have preferred USB-C charging in 2022, I was pleased with the length and durability of the included USB-A to USB-micro cable.  I gripped each of the ends, bent the metal prongs, tugged on the jackets, and pulled on the cable neck segments.  The generic USB cable passed each of the tests and plugged securely into the charging port on the top of the lantern. 

I found that the lantern fully charged via Micro USB in just at 90 minutes and was able to provide light from sunset until bedtime without concern.  I turned the light on about an hour before sunrise and then set it to turn off about an hour later.  I placed the solar array into the sun and arranged it a few times throughout the day to best capture the available light.  I set the App timer for sunset and was pleased to find that the light illuminated at sunset. 

I repeated this process for three straight days and had no issues with the length of charge when using 4-5 hours of light per day (50% brightness through the app).  The battery widget noted that the battery got down to about 10% with each nightly use of the lantern.  You can expect about six hours of output on the highest white/color setting and up to about 8 hours on the lowest setting. 

To fully charge the lantern, you will need a good 14-16 hours of sun exposure.  Like many solar charging devices, and USB lights, you can expect a variety of results with testing.  Make sure to charge the device via USB if expecting bad weather or if you expect to use the lantern for more than 4 hours.  The battery did seem to discharge faster than expected when off.  Remember to test/charge the device regularly.

Summary

I have been a fan of the LuminAID design since I learned about the product on Shark Tank and met with the team at the Consumer Electronics Show CES in 2016.  The idea of combining the power of solar charging with a waterproof, floating LED light was perfect for emergencies.  I liked that some of their tech developed the ability to charge smartphones but did not like that the devices became heavier. 

The current Bloomio Twist lantern favored the PackLite Nova light with the smaller size and 1000mAh battery, instead of the bigger Max 2-in1 Phone Charger and its 2000mAh battery.  The max 75-lumen output may be on the lower end for some outdoor enthusiasts but I would suggest that it works well for accent lighting.

If I was going to design a Bloomio Twist 2.0, I would modernize the charging cable to USB-C, I would try to increase the battery to a 2000mAh Battery, and I would redesign the carry handle.  I loved the idea of the carry handle but the plastic ball/socket design dislodged much too easily. I liked the hexagonal shape, the auto-inflation tech, the solar array, and the placement of the charging port. 

Additionally, I felt that the App was easy to use, easy to navigate, and quite responsive.  The free app provided useful battery widget, light modes, color flickering features, and a timer.  If you are looking to entertain at the pool or beach, consider picking up a few of the devices and linking them into a group.  Even though the app does not currently support music sync mode, perhaps this could be a future feature of the Bloomio Twist 2.0 device.   

Learn more about the Bloomio Twist from LuminAID
Follow LuminAID on Facebook and Twitter

Speaker provides floatable, portable, lightweight sound in the palm of your hand

Portable sound has progressed drastically from the inception of the headphones in 1891 by Ernest Mercadier, the first true headphones in 1910 by engineer Nathaniel Baldwin for the US Navy, from the walkman of the late 1970s, to the iPod generation of the early 2000’s. With the introduction of Bluetooth technology in the 1990’s, and the improvement of codecs and drivers, portable speakers, in-ear earphones, over-ear headphones, and on-ear headphones have steadily gained function. With improved battery life, waterproofing, solar charging, quick charging, and many other features, users should have no problem enjoying portable entertainment.

UNBOXING

The Sunfox speaker arrived in a 5 1/8 inches long by 4 1/8 inches wide by 2 inches tall retail package.  The cover panel displayed the sunfox name/logo along the middle of the panel, just above the generic “Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Solar & USB Rechargeable” product name.  The lower segment of the panel displayed six labeled icons for the beach, pool, camping, boating, biking, and patio. The front panel displayed six additional labeled icons regarding the 20-hour runtime, solar charging, hands-free calling, waterproof nature, shockproof nature, and sand-proof nature. 

The top panel listed the product manufacturing labels, product name, and contact email (questions@luminaid.com).  Lastly, the rear panel displayed the sunfox name, the luminaid.com web address, three product defining sentences (16-18 hour solar recharge, 1-2 hour micro-USB recharge, 15-20 hours variable playback, IPX6 waterproofing), a product SKU barcode, information about Bluetooth 4.2/10-meter connection, and information about the frequency/built-in rechargeable Li-Po battery. 

After reviewing the outer packaging, I was pleased with their presentation.  I appreciated the clean white slipcover, the use of the black-on-white theme, and their little fox icon.  The inclusion of the product-defining icons likely provided the most useful information for the customer.  I removed the slipcover from the inner tan box, opened the lid, and then removed the 8.7-ounce blue speaker, black accessory box, and instruction manual. 

The accessory box contained a very short 12 1/2 inches long USB-A to micro charging cable, 20 inches long 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, and a 3 5/8 inches long by 1/4 inches long wrist lanyard.  I removed the thin plastic wrap from around the 3 5/8 inches wide by 3 5/8 inches tall by 1 3/4 inches tall blue speaker and evaluated the features.  The main panel had a 3-inch diameter speaker with white solar/power icon printed onto the surface. The blue plastic shell had an interesting wrinkled-fabric design at each of the corners and led into a hex screw.  

The top/front of the speaker had a rubberized 2 inches wide by 9/16 inches tall button segment with 9/32 inches-wide by 1/4 inches tall buttons for power, phone, “+,” and “-”.  The bottom panel provided the sunfox by LuminAID name and a standard 1/4 inch screw mount.  One of the side panels had a 1 1/2 inches long by 5/16 inches thick by 1/8 inches tall black-colored lanyard port, while the opposite side panel had a 1 7/16 inches by 1/2 inches wide rubberized access port for the USB-micro and 3.5mm ports.

The panel opposite the speaker port provided a 3 inches diameter solar panel with an array of dark silver lines upon the black textured backing.  I removed the access port plug, inserted the micro-USB cable, and then charged the speaker with a standard 5V/2A port.  The LED along the 2 o’clock position changed from blue to red and conveniently demonstrated the charging status of the speaker.  

TESTING/SOUND

Once the device was connected to power and actively charging, I installed the wrist lanyard and perused the instruction manual.  The eight-panel manual provided a helpful product information segment, which detailed the “Bluetooth Module, HiFi speaker, audio amplifier, vigorous bass, and loud treble for “high quality” on-the-go music. 

The manual promised continual solar charging/playback with a 1:1 power-to-playback time ratio (30 minutes solar charge=30 minutes playback), 20-hour total battery storage, and IPX6 water resistance.  Unfortunately, many companies use the idea of IPX6 as waterproof when it only resists splash/rain/shower/jet pressure from any direction but does not protect from any submersion in water (requires IPX7 or IPX8 ratings).  Interestingly, the manual details a dustproof case but did not provide a dustproof rating (x).  

I pressed the power button for 2 seconds, listened to the chime, and then heard a female voice announce “Bluetooth Mode.”  I then navigated to Settings on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, to Bluetooth, and subsequently selected “Sunfox” from the list.  The speaker made a dual high-low chiming noise and quickly paired it with my iPhone 14 Pro Max.  To test the sound output, I navigated to the audiocheck.net website and ran through the audio tests. I started with the Low-Frequency Response and Subwoofer Audio Test (10-200 Hz) and heard the rumbling bass starting between 30 and 40Hz. 

This was a little underwhelming, considering our range of hearing starts at 20 Hz.  For the second test, I changed to the High-Frequency Response and Hearing Audio Test (22-8 kHz) and set the volume to 50%.  My 11-year-old son heard the high-pitched tone at 19kHz, while my 7 year-old-daughter (history of ear issues) and I heard the sound around 15kHz. As we age, or if we have had ear trauma/infection/issues, we tend to lose the ability to hear higher-frequency sounds.  Thus, many adults can hear from about 20Hz to 14-15kHz, while children can hear up to ~18-19kHz.  

Overall, I felt the device did fairly well with the above tests, especially for the size/design.  It is important to note that the device was not designed to be a bass powerhouse or an audiophile-grade speaker.  Instead, like a flashlight or camera, the best speaker is one you can have with you when you want one.  For those interested in backpacking, kayaking, beach/pool, or other outdoor activities, many of the higher-grade speakers cannot tolerate the moisture or they are just too heavy. 

The Sunfox speaker, on the other hand, was designed for portability, endurance, and thanks to the solar charge option, longevity.  We took the speaker on a recent scouting campout and enjoyed many songs during the day and most importantly for use at the campfire.  We listened to a variety of songs at ~75% volume and felt the higher frequency sounds never got tinny nor did the bass get muddy. 

I was able to move around the campsite and roamed around at 30-40 feet without cracking/splitting sounds. The sound should easily fill a dorm room, living room, bedroom, or deck/porch but will become quickly overwhelmed with too much background noise.  Additionally, the speaker provided similar sound quality at the lowest volume level.

The four front-facing speaker buttons were easy to access and were quite receptive.  I appreciated the raised, rubberized buttons, the layout, and the presence of the “+” and “-” buttons.  At first glance, it would appear that the plus/minus buttons would control the volume of the speaker.  Unfortunately, a single press of the plus button advanced the smart device to the next track, while the minus button returned to a previous track. 

To increase or decrease the sound, you will need to hold the appropriate plus/minus button.  I have seen several speakers that utilized that particular programming design and have felt disappointed each time because the volume becomes finicky and lacks control.  By the time you get to the intended volume, you will have likely overshot or undershot your desired level.  For the devices that lack single button press volume, I find superior control through the smart device volume features.     

When I test headphones, earbuds, or speakers, I like to utilize many of my favorite songs to provide a basis for comparison.  I listened to Queen’s Live Aid on Youtube, the Rocketman Soundtrack, the Star is Born Soundtrack, CCR, Alabama, Beach Boys, Home Free, and Styx.  When I listened to Home Free Ring of Fire, I missed the feel of the lower F# growl.  Similarly, when I listened to Holly Cole’s “Train Song,” the speaker failed to provide the expected bass punch.  

The speaker did an okay job with poppy songs from Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, with country/rock from Alabama, and “Purple Rain” from Prince.  I enjoyed the blend of the mids/upper sounds in the Far and Away and Robinhood Prince of Thieves soundtracks.  However, when I returned to the Dark Knight Soundtrack “Why So Serious, ” I had similar issues with the lack of build-up and bass support. My sons and I watched an episode of She-Hulk on Disney Plus, Homestead Rescue and Battlebots on Amazon Prime, then watched a few snippets from Vudu, Paramount+, HBOMax,  Netflix, and even YouTube. 

I was able to enjoy video/sound playback and noted a good sync between the audio/video.  To complete my review, I used the call feature and both accepted and made calls from the speaker.  The phone button will play/pause a song with a single press and will call the last number if you double-press the button.  My wife noted that the speaker sounded okay with mild distortion/background noise.

CONCLUSION

The main selling point for the SunFox speaker was the lightweight design and the long battery life.  I was able to enjoy 1-2 hours of music each evening for the past week without needing to recharge the speaker.  I left the speaker outdoors throughout the day and had full power after about two full days of charge.  I was able to keep the device nearly fully charged by charging a few hours each day.  

If I were going to optimize the device, I would change the USB-micro to USB-C, and improve the bass, while maintaining weight. To summarize the overall experience, I would give the speaker a 7/10 for sound, 9/10 for weight/portability, 10/10 for battery life, 7/10 for accessories (USB-micro should be USB-C), and 7/10 for packaging. Even though headphones are more portable/lightweight, sometimes you may want to play/enjoy music with a group, the lightweight, water-resistant, solar-charging sunfox should get the job done.

Mission

I have been a fan of the Luminaid team and mission since watching the story on Shark Tank and meeting them at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2016. The Give light program allows those in need to have an inflatable solar-powered light when they need it most. I would encourage you to peruse the website to learn more about the mission.

At the time of this review, >50,000 lights have been delivered to over 100 countries around the world through covid, natural disasters, and war. My wife took a few of them to Uganda on a mission trip and I had several friends send lights post-Katrina.

Learn more about the Sunfox Speaker.
Follow Luminaid on Facebook and Twitter.

A Bluetooth Tracker like an AirTag but cheaper.

I know I am not alone in wondering how people survived before smartphones.  As a Xennial, born into an Analog world, I had the luxury of growing up alongside the tech revolution.  I can remember maps, lost keys, books, and filling time with one’s imagination.  My children have asked how people used to navigate.  How did they pass the time?  I have stated several times that people survived just fine without the tech.  However, this does not mean that technology has not solved problems and made life much easier.  

One piece of tech that has truly helped reduce stress within my family has been the keyring tracker.  I remember asking my wife where she left her keys only to spend precious time hunting them down.  I would like to think back and imagine that the scenario was a rarity.  It was a common enough occurrence that I became a keyring finder early adopter and sampled various types. With the release of the Apple AirTag in April of 2021 and the integration with the Find My feature, I thought that I had found the holy grail of trackers.  Imagine my excitement when I found a device that provided easy pairing, Find My integration, and saved some money. 

Unboxing

The Atuvos Bluetooth trackers arrived in a 4 1/4 inches wide by 3 inches tall by 1/2 inches thick retail package.  The avocado-green ATUVOS product name was listed at the top left corner of the sterile-white cover panel.  Along the bottom edge of the panel, you will find a vibrant blue Bluetooth 5.2 icon, and the green/black “Works with Apple Find My” icon.  The main showcase of the panel was the 1 1/2 inches tall by 2 inches wide image of the Atuvos trackers. 

The grey edge provided a bit of contrast with the cover but the etched product name proved difficult to see due to the color choice.  A grey or off-white background color would have been a superior choice to display the white-colored trackers.  Despite the limitation, the cover provided a good impression of the key ring, activation button, etched product name, and approximate size of the trackers.  

Turning to the side panels, you will find a few sentences regarding trademark and legal statements. The rear white-colored panel listed the product name, the AT2101 model number, and then seven product-specific icons: 1. Range up to 400ft(120m). 2. NFC tap for Lost mode. 3. Voice Control with Siri. 4. Loud Ring. 5. Water Resistant. 6. Replaceable battery (CR2032). 7. Privacy is built in.  The bottom edge of the panel displayed the manufacturer information, Made in China, and product manufacturing labels. 

Lastly, you will find UPC/SKU barcodes and a AR code along the top right of the panel.  I was pleased with the empty space on the back cover as well as with both the top/bottom panels.  With so many companies attempting to bombard the consumer with details/facts/imagery, it was refreshing to find a succinct presentation.

Device

I removed the tape at the top edge of the packaging, opened the top flap, gripped the tiny pull tab, then removed the 2 7/8 inches tall by 4 3/16 inches long by 7/16 inches thick foam pad and instruction manual from the main box.  The 0.3-ounce Atuvos trackers measured just under 1 3/8 inches square by 5/16 inches thick. 

The device had an oval 5/16 inches wide by 3/16 inches tall keychain ring at the top rounded corner, the ATUVOS name etched into the center, and a 3/8 inches diameter button along the bottom rounded corner.  The rear pane provided a QR code and serial number along the lower corner.  The edges were slightly beveled inward, while the bottom edge/corner had a small access gap.  

Instruction Manual

The bilingual (English/German) accordion-style instruction manual was more involved than I expected for a tracker.  The eleven panel English section provided a quick overview overview of the device, followed by a panel detailing the method to return the device to factory reset.  Although the first panel was a bit wordy, it provided a fair representation of the device.  The factory reset panel provided a helpful labeled diagram and prose commentary regarding the ability to factory reset. 

The third through seventh panels proved to be the most useful.  The third panel provided a button action table which detailed the quick press/power on/two short beeps, the press and hold for 3 seconds/Power Off/Long beep, and the press and hold for 10 seconds/reset/two long beeps separated by seven seconds then two short beeps.  I appreciated the tabular format and the easy-to-follow layout.  The lower segment repeated the key features that were presented on the back panel, but also added “compact design” plus listed the contents of the box.  

The fourth panel provided a Specification List for the CR2032/DC3V Battery, the Find My OTA firmware update, 2402-2480MHz operating frequency, 8dBm Max. transmit power, 0-40C Operation temperature (32-104F), and a Quick Start guide.  The manual recommended updating your iOS, and then ensuring that Bluetooth was active (navigating to Settings, then to Bluetooth).  Next, pull the tab when ready to use and ensure it is closely approximated to your iPhone/iPad. 

Lastly, tap the “+” icon to add the item and then follow the onscreen prompts.  Interestingly, I did not find a pull tab on the trackers.  The fifth panel provided instructions to update the firmware through the Find My App, while the sixth panel showed how to change the battery.  The seventh panel provided an important button cell battery warning, while the remaining panels listed FCC/IC/CE statements, and legal notice information.  

Testing

I navigated to the Find My App on my new iPhone 14 Pro Max, selected the “+,” selected “Add Other Item,” then quick pressed the button on the ATUVOS tracker. The iPhone screen showed a large “Atuvos Tag” connected panel.  I navigated to the subsequent screen and named the item “She Shed Keys,” added an emoji (monkey see), and then agreed to the Item Link information.  I placed the device five feet from me and activated the “Play Sound” feature of the find my App. Using the Decibel X App, I found the device reached 52.7 dB.  At 1 foot away the decibel meter registered 79 dB.

I repeated the test with a small pillow placed atop the device and found a max of 43.4 dB.  For a subsequent test, I had my kids hide the keys in the grass of the backyard.  Since the keys move between our home and outdoor shed, we have either left them in the lock of the shed, the kids have dropped them somewhere in the grass, or they have been left in a coat/pants pocket in our entryway. I was pleased with the dB output, the size/shape of the device and the built in Keyring.  I was able to use the Find My App to navigate and found that I could find the device easily on my acre plot of land.

With the Find My App, you can get directions, play sound, add notifications (when found/left behind), see the manufacturer, serial number, model, and firmware. Some may dislike the inability to change the tracker ringtone, but I did not find this to be a desired feature. I was pleased with the seamless integration with the Find My App and found it was just a tad more difficult to use than the AirTag automatic add-on ability.  My only complaint was with the battery removal. 

With too-short fingernails, I turned to other options to attempt to pry open the small opening. Since a quarter was too big, I turned to the edge of a butter knife.  Unfortunately, the metal proved to be too robust for the plastic and marred the edge of the plastic.  With some effort, I was able to remove the plastic battery shell, easily remove the battery, and replace the battery. The Find My App did tell me the battery indicator level, which proved fairly accurate.  I replaced the battery with a nearly depleted one and found the battery indicator displayed a lower power battery icon.  

The product claimed water resistance and I wanted to test the feature.  After watering my yard, I tossed my keys into a puddle of water that was ~1/4 foot deep, and left it for about ten minutes.  I searched for the keys with the App and was able to approximate the location and even heard the jingle.  I repeated the test with a large bowl of water; after 30 minutes, the tracker still worked.  I was rather impressed with the sound output in the water and was confident with the durability if left outdoors by mistake.  

Summary

If you are looking for an inexpensive, budget-friendly key-finder, consider the Atuvos Tracker.  At ~$18.99 each or ~$34.99 for the duo pack, you can enjoy many of the features of the Apple AirTag while saving ~$10 per tracker.  You can either place the device inside of your luggage, backpack, jacket, clothing pocket, or add to your keyring.  Add a small carabiner (not included) to place onto other devices. 

I would have liked some 3M tape to adhere to remotes or other easily lost items, but this was not a deal breaker.  I liked the clean, sterile packaging, the product design/orientation, and the shape/color of the tracker.  I found that the sound output was adequate for indoor/outdoor search/recovery, and the waterproofing should ensure survival in an outdoor environment.  As noted above, the only negative that I had with the tracker was with the soft plastic edging material while removing the battery compartment. 

It is important to note that this product is an iOS-specific device and will not work with Android devices.  Having tested various trackers, I enjoyed the Atuvos tracker and have since added the two-pack to our army of keyrings.  

Learn more about the Atuvos tracker

If April showers bring Mayflowers and Mayflowers bring Pilgrims, what does September bring? Apples! Even though Apple has moved into the iPhone 14 series, many people still utilize previous generations of iDevices. One of the neatest features introduced with the iPhone 12, and continued through to the newest iPhone 14, was the MagSafe technology. Initially designed for MacBooks to reduce damage from a pulled power cord, the magnetic charging iPhone technology created a market for magnetic attachment accessories. Beyond simple wireless charging tech, companies like atom studios realized the benefit of add-on features. 

UNBOXING

The atom studios keep magnetic wallet arrived in a 3 3/4 inches wide by 3 15/ 16 inches tall by  5/8 inches thick hanging-style retail package. Upon initial impression, I appreciated the recycled cardboard packaging, the 1 1/4 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall front cutout, and the vibrant information-packed stickers. The tan/green cover sticker provided information about the keep wallet, the “premium eco” carbon black cork materials, MagSafe Compatibility, and dual card storage.

The open cutout expanded the presentation beyond a simple flat image and allowed the user to actively touch the cork material. The larger rear panel expanded upon the product features mentioned above: 1. Sustainable, tactile, and durable, cork is perfect for storing your essentials. 2. Built-in magnets connect securely to your phone or MagSafe phone case.  3. Compatible with MagSafe iPhones, including iPhone 12 and 13 range. 4. Holds up to 2 cards in a slim profile. Lastly, the rear panel provided an ink-outline image of the case, information about the 2-year warranty, copyright information, a California P65 Warning, recycled packaging logo, and a UPC barcode.

I removed the tape at the side of the packaging, lifted the lid, and appreciated the “all things considered” slogan stamped into the surface. I returned to the cover and found the atom studios name stamped into the bottom left, and the atom logo stamped onto both side panels. I appreciated the attention to detail and the faux leather feel to the stamped recycled cardboard.

I slid the inner cardboard tray from the outer packaging and removed the 0.8-ounce, 3 3/4 inches tall by 2 9/16 inches wide by 1/4 inches thick keep wallet. I was impressed with the light weight, the black color, the hidden atom icon visible within the 1 1/4 inches tall by 3/4 inches wide rear cutout, and the stamped atom studios name on the cover. Despite the allure of the cork materiaI, I did not particularly appreciate that the surface appeared to have clear glue residue stuck to the surface.

TESTING

The wallet will allow you to keep/store up to 2 cards, including credit cards with raised numbers. The secure MagSafe attachment allowed the wallet to stick to my iPhone 13 Pro Max and to the outer surface of my Catalyst Active Defense Vibe Series Case when held upright, upside down, and when I shook the device. I placed the phone with my keep wallet into and out of my pocket a few times and did notice a few displacement events.

However, I was impressed with the amount of force required to remove it from the Catalyst case. Additionally, I did not experience any loss of cards from the wallet. I enjoyed the ability to add the keep wallet to my phone to carry my driver’s license and credit card when I went to the local gym. I was able to place my phone into my Nite-Ize case and found that I did not need anything more than my phone case. Honestly, the ability to leave my Slim wallet at home proved to be a rather convenient bonus.

Summary

If you are looking for a lightweight, inexpensive, add-on magnetic wallet for your iPhone 12/13/14, consider the keep magnetic wallet from atom studios. I appreciated the concept, product design, and the attention to resource management with their eco-friendly packaging/product. I liked the color, the cork feel, and the firm magnetic attachment but was less satisfied with the appearance of the clear glue residue.

Learn more about atom studios keep wallet.
Follow atom studios on Facebook and Twitter.

ZAGG, a global leader in accessories that empower mobile lifestyles is sponsoring an iPhone 14 accessory giveaway. This giveaway includes ZAGG’s cases, screen protectors, and mophie charging accessories for the newest additions to the iPhone product line. Five lucky winners will be chosen to win a bundle of ZAGG accessories for the iPhone 14 including a Gear4 case, an InvisibleShield screen protector, and a mophie power accessory.

About ZAGG’s iPhone 14 Accessories

iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max arrived in stores and were delivered to customers who pre-ordered their devices on Friday, September 16. The newest members of the iPhone family boast some impressive features including a powerful new camera system, all-day battery life, Always-On Display, and safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite.

Even though the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models are splash, water, and dust resistant and are built with materials that have proven to withstand daily use, protecting this rather expensive investment with accessories is a smart plan. InvisibleSheild and Gear4, ZAGG’s premiere brands for screen protectors and cases have some great options such as:

The All-Day Battery Life is also one of the newly promised features of the iPhone 14 devices. The phones have a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 hours of video playback (up to 23 hours with the Pro models) or 80 hours of audio playback (up to 75 hours with the Pro models). Even with that type of battery capacity, you don’t want to find yourself without a backup option, which is where mophie’s charging companion products come in handy.

How to Enter

This contest is open to all United States and Canada legal residents. You must be 18 years of age or older to win. There is no purchase necessary to enter. If you wish to enter, simply fill out the form below with your full name and email address. Full contest details can be found below in the Contest Details section.

ZAGG is also offering a 30% discount at zagg.com when customers bundle a screen protector, case, and mophie power accessory together for the iPhone 14. Extend the life of your device today with accessories from ZAGG. For more information, visit zagg.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Contest Details

Five winners will win a bundle of ZAGG accessories for the iPhone 14 including a Gear4 case, an InvisibleShield screen protector, and a mophie power accessory. The winners will be given the choice to choose which Invisibleshield, Gear4, and mophie product they’d like for the bundle.

Communication Agreement

MacSources is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, and we’ll only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you requested from us. From time to time, we would like to contact you about our products and services, as well as other content that may be of interest to you. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By submitting the entry form for this contest, you consent to receive other communications from MacSources.com and to allow Mac Sources to store and process the personal information submitted above.

Official Rules

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. Eligibility
Zagg iPhone 14 Giveaway (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of Canada, the fifty (50) United States, and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of ZAGG and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

2. Sponsor
The Contest is sponsored by ZAGG, located at 910 West Legacy Center Way, Suite 500, Midvale, Utah 84047.

3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Contest constitutes the entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.

4 Contest Period
The Contest begins on September 19, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. Central Daylight Time and ends on September 26, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Central Daylight Time (the “Contest Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted via the official contest form on this page.

5. How to Enter
Fill out the official contest form on this page. Include your full name (first and last) and valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Contest Period, regardless of the method of entry. Entries from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. 

6. Prize Drawing
On or about September 26, 2022, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner(s) via email. If the potential winner(s) cannot be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner(s) in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.

7. Prizes
The prize bundle includes ZAGG accessories for the iPhone 14 including a Gear4 case, an InvisibleShield screen protector, and a mophie power accessory. The winner(s) will be allowed to select the specific product they want for their prize package under the Sponsor’s direction.

8. General Conditions
The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

9. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Party’s liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not, limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

10. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Utah. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants’ rights, and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, in, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Utah, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Utah.

11. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to the sponsor’s privacy policy.

Upgrade your iPad Pro Experience with an adonit Stylus

Even though I was a late adopter of the Apple iPhone, I quickly joined the iPad party. I navigated through various Android phones, tablets, and even had a Blackberry and Palm Pilot for a while. I grew accustomed to bulky styluses and was often saddened when I lost the one that fit into my device.

I liked the ability to quickly jot down an idea, draw, make a graph/annotate notes. It was thus funny to hear that Steve Jobs abhorred styluses in his famous quote: Who wants a stylus? You have to get ’em, put ’em away, you lose ’em. Yuck! Nobody wants a stylus. So let’s not use a stylus.”

When I purchased the Apple Pencil generation 1, I quickly realized the device’s limitations. Even though I could take notes and edit slide presentations in my graduate school classes, I struggled with a few features. I was not too fond of the tail-end charging feature and the inability to carry the device with my iPad. Since the device did not attach directly, I regularly found an uncharged device or that I completely lacked a pencil to take notes or doodle.

The second-generation pencil solved the above issues with magnetic attachment and charging. I rarely leave home without a pencil for my iPad Pro 12.9″ generation 5. If you are not interested in spending $129 on yet another Apple dongle-thingy, consider checking out the adonit NEO PRO stylus, which provides many of the features at under half the price.

UNBOXING

The Adonit NEO PRO arrived in a 2 1/8 inches wide by 7 3/4 inches tall by 5/8 inches thick hanging-style package. The Adonit name and triangle base pyramid logo were displayed along the panel’s top within a matte black square. The black box contrasted beautifully against the clean white background, allowing the name/logo to shine through the negative space. I liked the white/grey/dark black gradient, the angular design, the bold-white “NEO PRO” name against the dark black base, and the silver pen against the white/black background. The right side panel provided the company/product name within the upper black section, and a multilingual “for iPad/iPad Pro” along the lower white segment.

The opposite side panel provided the same information but within the lower grey, and upper white segments respectively. The top panel provided the clear plastic hanging tab, while the bottom provided an SKU barcode, product manufacturing labels, and address information. Lastly, the rear panel provided three multilingual (English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic) product defining icons (Magnetically Attach & Wirelessly Charge, Palm Rejection, Tilt Sensitivity), information about the limited warranty, and a QR code for the Adonit One App. 

I gripped the clear plastic hanging tab, lifted the internal tray out from the packaging, and then removed the thin white instruction manual from the top of the tray. The front panel of the manual provided two QR codes with links to adonit.net/support/Neo-pro plus Adonit.net/support, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter tags, and the help@adonit.net address.

The rear surface of the instructional panel listed the FCC guidelines and product manufacturing labels. I removed the 0.4 ounce, 6 1/2 inches long by 3/8 inches diameter silver pen from the white foam cutout but left the two accessory tips within the lower right cutout. I placed the pen atop my iPad 12.9 gen 5 and noted that the LED at the end flashed red three times before assuming a solid green LED, which then extinguished.  

TESTING

I pressed and held the rear button for three seconds and noted the rear LED illuminated a pleasing blue color. I navigated to Settings, to Bluetooth, and selected “ADONIT NEO PRO” from the list. Since I had previously attached an Apple Pencil Gen 2 to my iPad Pro 12.9”, I was not initially able to utilize the Adonit Neo Pro. I used the camera app on my iPhone 13 Pro Max and scanned the QR code atop the instructional panel.

The Adonit Neo Pro Support page listed the features (magnetic attachment to iPad, Wireless charging, palm rejection),  provided a list of supported devices (iPad Pro 11” 1st/2nd/3rd generation, iPad Pro 12.9” 3rd/4th/5th Gen, iPad Mini 6th generation, and iPad Air 4th/5th generation), how to use/pair the device, detailed the 5-minute auto-off feature, a section titled “Why can’t I use Adonit Neo Pro on iPad Pro 2020,” and detailed information about the product specifications, 2-hour charge time, 9-hour run time, battery widget, LED meaning, interchangeable tips, and information about the 1-year limited warranty. Thankful for the panel, I ensured that my iOS version was 12.2 or above and found I was fully updated with version 15.6.1. Next, I selected Apple Pencil from the Bluetooth list and “forget this device.” 

Once the Adonit Neo Pro was the only pencil connected via Bluetooth, I found that I was able to utilize the device/features. To start the test, I navigated to the Notes App, tapped the three dots inside the circle, and selected “Lines and Grids” from the list. When I tapped the pen icon at the top right, the App opened a list of pens and pen colors. I selected the pen to the far left (pen to text) and kept notes at a recent meeting. When I selected the fourth pen, I was able to maintain pen/writing style notes, and I wrote down a schedule for our BSA campout.

Next, I navigated to Pages App, selected the paintbrush icon at the top right, and then selected the “Scribble” pen to gain handwriting-to-text functionality. I tried several of the options, including the pen, crayon, and highlighter. I was pleased with the grip, with the weight, and felt that they were very similar in feel to the Apple Pencil Generation 2. I had no issues with the stylus tip and found the palm recognition worked well. 

The magnetic attachment and charging features of the adonit Neo Pro will give the Apple Pencil generation 2 a run for the money. I liked the darker color of the adonit device and found it paired better with the aesthetic of the iPad Pro than the white Apple Pencils. I was impressed with the magnetic attachment and even more so with the magnetic charging features. Most of the available styluses I have previously tested charged via USB-C and lacked the main functionality.

You can use the included iOS battery widget to evaluate the remaining power, use the palm rejection to avoid unintended lines/swipes, and then enjoy tilt sensitivity. Despite the positives, the one glaring omission was the lack of pressure sensitivity within the Apple Pencil Generation 2. Several peers have relayed this to be the biggest reason not to purchase a non-apple add-on. Personally, I find the ability to annotate notes/pdfs and to quickly draw/jot down ideas the primary use for a stylus/pen/pencil, and I have not used the pressure sensitivity feature.

I loved the ability to place the stylus onto the iPad to charge and found the battery/charge ratio favored the user. If I was given the choice today to purchase an Apple Pencil Generation 2 versus the adonit Neo Pro, I believe I would opt for the adonit and pocket the difference.

If you are looking for a pencil/pen option without the $129 price tag of the second-generation Apple Pencil, consider the $44.99 Adonit Neo-Pro. Additionally, I found that I could navigate to their website, subscribe, and gained 15% off on my first order.

For more information, visit adonit.net, Facebook, and Twitter.

Kensington, a leading provider of desktop and mobile devices, is expanding their Professional Video Conferencing Solutions to include audio gear. This new product release includes a Pro Audio Headset Switch and an On-ear Headset. The headset switch will allow professionals to use their favorite wired or wireless headset with up to three devices. This provides a convenient way to switch between devices so users can mute, take calls, join meetings, or simply listen to music without having to worry about switching inputs or headsets.

The complete details of both devices are included below. Click here if you would like to skip ahead to our review of the products.

About Kensington Universal 3-in-1 Pro Audio Headset Switch

The innovative Kensington Universal 3-in-1 Pro Audio Headset Switch allows professionals to use their favorite wired or wireless headset with up to three different devices, eliminating the need for multiple headsets and creating seamless, smooth audio transitions between devices. The Pro Audio Headset Switch provides users with a convenient way to switch between devices, quickly mute, take calls, join meetings, or simply listen to music, all through the same headset.

Features and benefits of the Pro Audio Headset Switch include:

• Universal Compatibility – Enables Bluetooth, USB-C, USB-A, or 3.5mm wired headsets to be used across different devices and operating systems, including laptops, phones, and tablets. The plug & play Pro Audio Headset Switch works with popular videoconferencing applications such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and Cisco Webex.
• Simple and Precise Audio Switching and Audio Controls – Dedicated buttons enable the user to easily transition between audio sources, with LED lights providing confirmation of the channel and device in use. Precise switching guarantees uninterrupted connections. Easy-to-reach volume controls and a mute button silences microphone signals across all wired and paired devices.
• Smart Technology – Easily transitions between audio sources and automatically connects to one wired and two paired (Bluetooth) devices, leveraging premium channel isolation for a professional audio experience. Adaptive Bluetooth 5.0 connection technology automatically remembers previously-connected devices.
• USB-Powered – The Pro Audio Headset Switch connects to any open USB-A or USB-C port (5V/0.9A) on a Windows or macOS computer or docking station to power and enable data transfer of audio.

About Kensington H1000 USB-C On-Ear Headset

A component of Kensington’s Professional Video Conferencing Solution, the Kensington H1000 USB-C On-Ear Headset delivers premium productivity, comfort, and durability that enables users to Communicate like a Pro. The headset provides an advanced audio experience with a feature set that includes a noise-canceling microphone, LED indicators for “busy” and mute, sidetone for better call engagement, and in-line music controls. The plug & play headset works with popular calling applications, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.

Features and benefits of the USB-C On-Ear Headset include:

• All-Day Comfort – Lightweight ergonomic on-ear design provides a comfortable, secure fit featuring an adjustable leatherette headband, comfortable earpads, and a microphone that rotates up to 270 degrees and can be worn on the right or left side.
• Advanced Sound Technology – A directional noise-canceling (DNC) microphone suppresses distracting sounds such as keyboard clicks and nearby voices. Sidetone confirms you are being heard and 40mm drivers deliver an advanced audio experience with HD voice support.
• In-Line Controls and Indicators – Quick access to the volume, play/pause, mute, and integrated busy light buttons help maximize productivity. LED indicators provide visual confirmation of status, including an integrated busy light on the back of the microphone keeps other informed of the user’s call status to minimize interruptions from colleagues.
• Reliable and Flexible– A long 6-foot tangle-free nylon braided USB-C cable provides the dependability of a wired connection and the freedom to stand and stretch during extended calls.

Pricing & Availability

The Kensington Universal 3-in-1 Pro Audio Headset Switch (K83300WW) and H1000 USB-C on-Ear Headset (K83450WW) are backed by two-year limited warranties and are available now through the Kensington Store and its partner sites. The switch is listed for $149.99 and the headset is listed at $49.99 at the time of publishing.

Review

I’ve always been impressed with Kensington’s products, but I have to admit that I’m particularly fond of this Headset Switcher. I was fortunate enough to have both of these new products provided to me prior to today’s release. I’ve been impressed with both of them but I really feel that the shining star of this launch is the switcher.

Both products are shipped in Kensington branded boxes. The packaging has images of the products on the box wrap. The switcher comes with a very long USB-C to USB-A cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. The headset is wired and has a control pad on the cable.

It’s been a long time since I’ve used a wired headset, but I thought the sound quality was very good from the H1000. They aren’t noise-canceling and because they sit on the ear rather than over it, you will likely hear some ambient noises in your area. The headset is quite comfortable and very lightweight. It has a boom mic that is easily lowered when needed or flipped up when it’s not. The cable on the headset is long enough to extend wherever the user might need it. Given that the headset is less than $50, I would say they are a really good value.

The specs of the switcher state that you can use a wired or wireless headset with it. I decided to try the wired headset first. I plugged the switcher into my Kensington dock and then plugged the headset into the USB-C port on the front of the switcher. The headset was immediately recognized and the controls worked fluidly.

The connection to my MacBook Air was recognized, but I did have to set the output audio device to the Kensington Audio Switcher in the System Preferences. The first Bluetooth device I selected was my iPhone 12 Pro. I set the channel to pairing mode and then selected “Kensington Audio Switcher” from the Bluetooth menu. It connected immediately. I then repeated the process with my iPad Pro.

So, at this point, I had all three device options programmed on the switcher and the H1000 headset plugged in through a wired connection. I started listening to some music through Pandora on my iPhone and hit the Bluetooth 2 button on the switcher to flip over to the iPad, which had a movie from Disney+ paused on it. Pandora paused the track and the movie started playing with the audio streaming through the headset perfectly.

There were no sync problems between the video and audio. I hit the Bluetooth 1 button to switch back to the iPhone. The movie on the iPad paused and Pandora on the iPhone started back up. There was very little lag as I switched between the two Bluetooth devices. I would say the connection timing was less than a second as I switched back and forth. Next, I added the wired connection to the computer into the mix.

As I mentioned above, I did have to tell the MacBook Air to change the audio output device to the switcher through system preferences. After that was completed, I had the same connection experience as I did with the Bluetooth devices. There was one major difference, however. I started playing music through the Music app on the computer.

At that point, the computer was selected on the switcher. I started the music playing and the sound came through the headphones. When I switched over to the iPhone on the switcher, the Music app continued playing but swapped the output device to the laptop’s external speakers. I wouldn’t consider this a flaw. It’s just a difference in the experience.

I didn’t have any connection issues but I did notice that after a certain amount of downtime, the iPhone did disconnect from the switcher. I had to manually reconnect it in the Bluetooth menu on the phone. The device was still on the menu. I just had to tap connect.

The Kensington Switcher and AirPods Max

If you are an AirPods user, you will think that it might be silly to run the headphones through the switcher. But, what if you are using your AirPods with multiple devices that use different Apple IDs? This is my case study.

My AirPods Max has been my ride-or-die headphones for work since I got my first pair in January 2021. They have had the best microphone for video conferences and they’ve been the most comfortable for me to use for long periods of time. I’ve actually tried other headphones with my colleagues and they’ve noticed right away that I sound different when I don’t use the AirPods Max.

The only issue I’ve run into is that my work computer does not use my personal Apple ID. Now, I’ve connected the AirPods Max to my work MacBook Pro using a standard Bluetooth connection, but when I swap back and forth between my personal devices and the work computer, I’ve noticed that it’s not as seamless as it is when I’m changing devices using the same Apple ID. Sometimes the connection is forgotten and that can become a real problem when you are trying to join a video conference with your boss and he has to wait for your technical glitch to be resolved. The Kensington Switcher solves this problem for me now.

While the sound quality is above average, I have noticed that the special audio features such as Spatial Audio that are unique to the AirPods Max, are lost because of the connection running through the switcher. Because the audio quality is still very, very good, I’m willing to sacrifice those special audio features for the ability to quickly and easily switch headphone inputs during my work day.

I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to connect the AirPods to the switcher considering that you can’t visually see the connection through an app interface. The trick is to put the switcher into pairing mode and then put the headphones into pairing mode. If they are connected to anything else, they won’t connect to the switcher.

And, if you switch back to a direct connection between the AirPods and your Apple device, the switcher will lose its connection to the AirPods. I noticed that the Bluetooth connection between my iPhone and the switcher was still operational, but the headphones were no longer connected.

Final Thoughts

I think the Kensington Universal 3-in-1 Pro Audio Headset Switch is a clear win. I would recommend this handy little device to anyone who works remotely. I know the stress of swapping headsets between devices and this switch makes it possible to have a much smoother transition between devices.

In addition to the basic functions, I did have a few additional observations.

• I was able to mute the H1000 headset from either the switch or the headset. The only thing that was a little bothersome was that the LED indicator for the mute function didn’t light up on the switcher when I muted the headset from the inline controls.
• The mute button on the switch works really well with Zoom and Teams. I used it a few times and didn’t have any issues with it. The only thing to watch for is that the button on the switch does turn red when mute is enabled, but the mute function in the application will not show you muted. For example, in Zoom, the microphone will not have the crossed-out icon as it normally does when you mute yourself in the application. It will, however, stop showing an audio level in the microphone when you are muted.
• The volume controls on the switch are a big selling point to me as I hate having to reach for volume controls on different devices as I use them.

I truly hope that Kensington keeps this device in their pipeline and continues to make improvements on it. It would be great to have a play/pause button included as well, but I’m really happy with the functions that are included currently. It’s a great device.

For more information, visit Kensington.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Ever since the Apple Watch was introduced in 2015, it has been an essential accessory for me. I appreciate it for both fashion and function. One of the ways I’ve kept it feeling ‘new’ is by swapping out my watch bands. Having multiple watch bands allows you to change your look and have a different style for every occasion.

It gives you the option to mix and match the bands to create a unique look. There are endless possibilities when it comes to having multiple watch bands — especially with companies such as gear4 creating great options like the Sport Watch Band.

Details

gear4’s Sport Band is designed to be a lightweight, breathable watch band. It mimics the style of the Sport Loop by Apple. The band is made with durable nylon that contains recycled materials. It is adjustable and is tough enough to withstand daily use. Because it’s breathable, it is comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. The band comes with a 2-year warranty and gear4 will replace it if it gets worn or damaged during that time.

The Sport Watch Band is available for the small (41mm-40mm-38mm) or large (45mm-44mm-42mm) Apple Watch and has several color options including black, forest green, navy blue, red, and yellow. gear4 offers the watch band — in either size — for $39.99. Currently, the watch band is only available through gear4’s website.

User Experience

The Sport Band comes in a simple Zagg + gear4 branded box. There is a cut-out on the front so that you can see and feel the band – if you happen to be grabbing it off a store shelf. The box provides some of the product’s details on the front of the box including the materials, the color that should be in the box, and the size.

When you open the box, the band is inserted into a cardboard cutout that you can easily remove it from. The insert has instructions for installation in both English and Spanish. There is also an illustration that shows how to properly slide the band lug into the watch body and how to remove it.

I didn’t have any issues installing the band, but I noticed that the fit isn’t as precise as the other band I have from gear4. With that band — the Braided Watch Band — I discovered that if it is installed upside down, it will appear as though it doesn’t fit. With the Sport Band, you really can’t install it upside down. So, I know I had it properly installed.

Aside from that tiny bobble in design, I’m really a big fan of this band. I had the Apple Sport Loop and was thrilled to add the gear4 option to my collection. In comparison to the Apple band, it’s nearly identical. Even the velcro has the same shape on both bands. The big advantage that gear4 has over the Apple Sport Loops is that Apple does not offer solid colors in that band any longer. The Apple band is also priced higher than gear4’s Sport Band.

The Sport Band is very comfortable to wear — even for long periods of time. As I mentioned in my other review of the gear4 Braided Watch Band, I spend most of my day sitting behind a keyboard. Therefore, having a comfortable watch band that doesn’t rub my wrist the wrong way is necessary if I want to wear my watch. When this design was originally released by Apple I knew it would be my ideal option. The gear4 Sport Band feels secure and the color is noticeable, but not gaudy. I would buy more of this band in a heartbeat.

Conclusion

Finding a watch band that is both comfortable and durable can be challenging. Discovering those elements along with something that works with many different wardrobe styles is almost a miracle. The Sport Band accomplishes all these features for me and I would easily recommend it to others.

For more details, visit ZAGG, Facebook, and Twitter.

Quick, what do you call a boomerang that does not return to you? It’s a stick! I think dad jokes, like my interest in products and their reviews, excite and bemuse my interests through their catchy, gimmicky, and sometimes corny presentations. My wife has tolerated my desire for gadgets and gizmos and regularly questions the purpose of my “toys.” 

Like Ariel from the Little Mermaid, I want to understand thinga-ma-bobs and likely have twenty different mounts for my phone. From bike mounts, to grip mounts, to fixed mounts, to bend mounts, to screw mounts, etc., each provides a few to several solutions for what to do with my phone. So when I saw the playful art of the tri-legged suction Tenikle device, I knew that I had to have one.   

Unboxing

The Tenikle 360 device arrived in a 3 1/4 inches wide by 6 1/8 inches tall by 2 5/8 inches thick retail package. The colorful red/turquoise product name was listed atop the cover panel and contrasted beautifully against the clean white background. I liked the jovial “Mount Stuff Anywhere” catchphrase, the included video QR code, the large image of the multi-leg suction cup mount, and the fun descriptor along the bottom of the panel: You can Mount Phones, Tablets, Cameras, + More – Virtually Anywhere.

The inviting cover features were perpetuated on both of the side panels. The panel to my left showcased the wrapped quick mount feature plus the camera mount. The right side panel demonstrated the ability to rotate, bend, and flex the 360-degree screw mount. Both panels successfully employed the red/turquoise color accents and the contrasting black mount/white background pattern.

I loved the sharp edges, the light/dark theme, and the overall presentation. Furthermore, the rear panel demonstrated the ability to bend and shape the Y-shaped suction mount into the stand and car mount modes. The panel added credence to the promise that the “All-in-One Solution” Tenikle will be the only accessory you’ll ever need.  

To access the device, I gripped the 3/4 inches wide by 1 1/8 inches long red nylon loop and unrolled the box like a scroll. The inner side panel requested the user to unleash their inner creator while detailing the 33-pound super suction and the bendable/wrappable pole/bike mount setup.

The colorful inner panels showcased the Y-shaped Tenikle, the ten suction cups, silicone material, 44-pound support, 1/4-20” universal mount, detachable fourth arm, virtually indestructible nature, the 1-year factory warranty, a QR code to rate the device, and eight small photos of the device at work. Lastly, you will find a clear plastic window adjacent to the vibrant images.

I was pleased to see the viewing portal and loved the product display method. I could better understand the device, the hunter-green color, and the screw-on mount features. To capitalize on a classic cliché, the view/picture was clearly worth a thousand words. 

Even though I enjoyed the presentation, the ability to access the product ended up being a bit more of a challenge than I had originally thought. I attempted to squeeze my finger into the top edge of the clear plastic followed by the bottom edge, the outer edge, and ultimately the inner edge. I bent the plastic inward and finally separated the top/button and left segments from the inner box.

I folded the plastic upward and gained access to the contents of the internal space. I removed the 5.2-ounce hunter-green mount, a plastic wrapped 0.8-ounce, black-colored expandable phone mount, the bag with a 3 1/4 inches long by 15/16 inches wide hunter-green mount with dual screw ports, two D-screws, and a two-panel instruction manual along the bottom.

Each of the Y-shaped Tenikle legs measured 6 1/2 inches long and provided three 1 1/8 inch diameter by 5/8 inches tall suction cups. A single centralized suction cup completed a total of ten suction mount pieces. At the end of each of the suction cup arms, you will find a 1/8 inches diameter cutout. The top surface of the mount provided an etched “Tenikle” name along one arm, and a centralized metallic D-screw port. 

Testing

Before testing the device, I perused the dual-panel instruction manual. The manual provided a helpful visual list of the 360-degree arm, phone mount, #2 D-screws, 33-pound mounting strength (box said 44#), 12-hour suction life, and the need for smooth surfaces. The second through fourth rows provided a 12-step pro/con setup process to enjoy the device.

The manual recommended keeping the device clean, testing it before you let go of your phone, wrapping the legs before applying the suction mount, using at least two legs to attach to the base, to use at least 2 suction cups to attach to your phone/device, and to avoid logos/bevels/seams. For extra functionality, attach the D-screw through the 360-degree arm, attach the phone mount to the back of the Tenikle, and then enjoy the functionality.  

Like many dads, I chose to stick one of the suction cups to my forehead as my first test. I was impressed with the pop and with the attraction power of the suction cups. My wife was not pleased with the discolored hickey, although it was only temporary. Interestingly, each of the ten cups reminded me of one of the pop-up toys that my children regularly earn through Chuck-E-Cheese winnings.

After playing with the suction cups against my hand, my cheek, my table, my craftsman toolbox, my window, the roof of my car, etc., I started to bend the arms into a bunch of different shapes. We hung my son’s iPad Mini Gen 4 from our kitchen light for a mealtime movie. I attached my wife’s iPhone 12 to the phone mount and stuck the suction cups to the music stand on the piano for some baby shark piano action. 

To test the strength of the suction cups, I filled a Nalgene bottle with water and attached two suction cups to the side. Although the leg was not able to maintain the horizontal position, the suction cups stuck firmly to my bathroom mirror.

I bent the legs, twisted the legs, attached the suction cups to various surfaces, and was amazed at the plethora of mounting options. Use a single leg to attach to the surface, then curve the other legs around as support arms. Use one arm to attach a device, another to attach it to a surface, and the third to stabilize. Finally, wrap the legs around a surface to grip it tightly, and use the suction cups or the phone mount to hold your phone.  

I was amazed at the 1 3/8 inches wide phone mount clip and the ability to expand to 4 1/8 inches tall. The clasp easily accommodated my wife’s standard iPhone 12 and my iPhone 13 Pro max inside of Catalyst Active Defense Vibe Series Case. Additionally, the D-Screw mount allowed the plate to stand either upright or flat against the 360-degree plate.

I was able to rotate the plate, bend the arms, and affix the mount to my wall, door, window, mirror, car, toolbox, etc., without any issues. I attempted to stick the device to a painted beam between my living room and piano room but found the device would not remain attached in a vertical position.

When I wrapped two legs around the beam and attached a suction cup to the underside and to each of the side sections, the mount was able to hold. The Gumby-like device was able to bend, flex, and twist, and did not falter throughout any of my tests. The device will not suction to porous materials/surfaces like the back of my Catalyst case but will affix securely to nearly any smooth surface.  

I struggled to find a negative/con for this device. I was pleased with the ~$45 price tag, with the shape, the size, the weight, and the accessories; I was amazed at the quality of the packaging. If I had to give criticism, I have two items that I would address. First, the clear plastic window was a bit of a challenge to remove.

A pull tab at the side would have made that process a bit easier. Second, I would have loved a cloth cinch bag or carrying case. If I decided to remove the D-screws and the 360-degree plate, I would love to have a place to store the phone mount, washer, and screws without losing them. Although this was not included, perhaps version 2.0 will incorporate this idea.  

The fun/energetic/youthful packaging paired well with the device and did a great job at representing some of the features of the Tenikle.  If you are looking for a contortionist-level phone mount, look to the Tenikle.  

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