I once bought a car in part because the concept of a push-button ignition made me feel like I was living in the future. However, nothing feels more futuristic than the August Smart Lock + Connect I installed in my apartment recently —it’s not quite as futuristic as the magic doors in Star Trek, but it’s pretty darn close!
Imagine a smartphone that manages to tick every one of your “what I want/need” boxes. I’m guessing that the Huawei Mate 20 Pro would come very close to doing just that. Packing a 6.39″ screen, a fast Kirin 980 processor, a fantastic Leica camera array, and many other features, there is much to celebrate in Huawei’s latest flagship Android smartphone.
I recently reviewed the Nomad Base Station Hub Edition. I love the sleek design, quality build and materials and the ability to wirelessly charge two phones and wired devices. Sadly, it doesn’t charge my Apple Watch. The new $119.95 Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition has the same great design, and it charges my Apple Watch.
Eufy recently announced an exciting update to their powerful line of robot vacuums, the RoboVac 30C. The “C” stands for connected, as your RoboVac now can communicate via Wi-Fi with Alexa and Google Assistant as well as with the EufyHome app. With a slim body that’s only 2.85” tall with 1500Pa suction, the RoboVac 30C is my top choice.
Originally an Indiegogo campaign, the Soul Electronics X-Shock Bluetooth Headphones offer a lot to love, and a few things to improve on to truly make them a contender in the wireless headphone world.
When it comes to good quality leather cases for my iPhone, I don’t bother with any other company that’s not named Nomad. The company sent me over three of their cases for the new iPhone XS Max to review, and trust me, they beat even Apple’s own leather cases.
As a huge fan of Incase’s ICON backpacks, I’ve always wanted them to release a messenger bag. It looks like my request has been answered as the company has released their ICON Sling Pack. We were sent a unit to review; let’s dive in.
I’m always looking for a light pair of Bluetooth headphones that sound good and are comfortable to wear, so I was pleased when recently sent a pair of the Aiwa Arc-1 Bluetooth Headphones to try. They incorporate a two-piece, stiff bio-cellulose composite speaker cone with a flexible surround, and they are not only comfortable, but they also sound great!
How in the world did I get by without ever owning an air fryer? In my defense, our kitchen space is limited, so we don’t have a lot of room for extra gadgets. But after trying out the Gourmia 5-Quart GAF575 Air Fryer, I’ve found a kitchen appliance I will simply have to find space to keep; it’s that good.
My weeks are filled with meetings. In addition to various weekly meetings with my staff, with students becoming bar or bat mitzvah, and with my various boards, I have numerous meetings each week connected to upcoming weddings and funerals. The Royole RoWrite is a notepad for the digital age, and it is my new best “work-friend.” Reasonably priced, it works.
If you’re susceptible to allergens, odors, and other air contaminants, an air purifier can help. There are spaces and times, however, where using a full-size air purifier is impracticable. For those spaces and times, the Pure Company Portable Air Purifier can help. It uses filter-less ionization to clean the air, and you can place it or bring it almost anywhere.
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that brings the noise, you’ve got to check out the Soundcast VG5. It’s an all-weather speaker that packs a serious punch. With stunning features and performance, the VG5 is a fantastic choice for both outdoor and indoor dance parties. Available on Amazon for $449.99, the VG5’s performance is worth every penny.
Showers Pass has the whole family equipped for all seasons and every weather condition. They were nice enough to send my wife and me some outerwear to try out now that Fall is upon us, the Men’s Trailhead Bamboo-Merino Hoodie and the Women’s Rogue Hoodie. Both demonstrate the high quality that Showers Pass has become known for.
I recently reviewed the ASP Pro DF Flashlight which has a permanent spot in my gear bag. I had the pleasure of also reviewing the Dot ($37), a 130 lumens rechargeable flashlight that fits on a keychain. The Dot is not only tiny, but it’s also rugged and brings plenty of light; it’s a great addition to my flashlight collection.
We recently reviewed the Ventev wireless chargepad+. It’s a small, round disk covered with fabric that delivers 7.5W of wireless charging to Apple devices and 10W of power to compatible Samsung devices. To charge a device, you simply lay your phone on the chargepad+. If you need something fancier, more powerful and flexible, check out the Ventev wireless chargestand.
Even though I rarely need them, I’m a sucker for a good pocketknife. I have a small one I keep on my keychain, and I have a cool fish-shaped one I keep on my fishing rod bag. So of course I said yes when offered the chance to check out the Urbanoider, a compact EDC knife.
With football season in full swing and temperatures falling, many people are spending their weekends in cool stadiums. My wife has spent 21 years following around my football team and is an expert at stadium comfort. She has spent the beginning of my season using The Hot Seat ($79 on Indiegogo). Let’s see how it holds up to the Friday Night Lights.
When it comes to wireless sport headphones, there are three essential features. First, the headphones need to stay in while running. Second, the headphones need to be water resistant. Third, they need to sound great. Jaybird knocks it out of the park with their new X4 wireless headphones. Retailing for $129.99, the X4 checks all of the boxes and more.
If you walk into my living room, you will see a small white WiFi camera sitting on a shelf. It lets me check in on my Goldendoodle Nava when we’re out. These days, however, many WiFi cameras (often called Spy Cameras) are hidden from view. That’s where the SpyFinder Pro Hidden Camera Detector comes in. It is seeking funding on Kickstarter, and it works!
It amazes me at just how much technology has advanced the camera world. What used to involve carrying a shoulder-mounted equivalent of a TV studio camera now fits in the palm of your hand. Trouble is, handheld video suffers being handheld, and therefore is usually very shaky. Enter Snoppa and its new Atom three-axis gimbal.
I reviewed Neuro Gum last spring, and at the time noted it was tasty, offered a nice caffeine kick, and had eased a headache or two for me. They have a new flavor out, CinnaMental, and they gave me the chance to revisit the gum and try the new flavor!