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The Andiamo by Tivoli Audio is a small Bluetooth speaker that may pack a big punch!


As Bluetooth speakers continue to become mainstream and par for the course, companies continue to design and redesign their products to provide more convenience and better sound for consumers, and of course to be a better choice than the competition.

Tivoli Audio is an audio company that has been around for a while, and recently they decided to offer the Andiamo, which is a small compact Bluetooth speaker. It is being marketed as a high-end compact Bluetooth speaker, with finishes that include an Italian leather carrying strap. It will be offered in a black or silver model, and hopefully since the name Andiamo means “Let’s go” in Italian, it will sound as good as or better than the competition.

Tivoli Audio is scheduled to release the Andiamo in June 2018, and it will cost $199. You can visit the Tivoli Audio website for more details.

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The Andiamo by Tivoli Audio is a small Bluetooth speaker that may pack a big punch! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 5, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug review

The Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug is a device that can turn on or off the AC outlet on it’s front. The device can be controlled manually, self-controlled by timers set by an app, or controlled by the IoT through the Smart Life app, Amazon Alexa, Google Home,  or IFTTT. It also has two 2.4 amp USB ports. Read on to see what I think!

What is it?

The Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug is part of a new wave of inexpensive AC Adapters that allow users to remotely turn on and off items through a Wi-Fi connection. Smart plugs came into existence about eight years old; even though they costs less these days, they still offer about the same features as they did at their introduction. Not every manufacturer offers every feature but the smart plug generally offers local control, remote control by one or more communication protocols, energy monitoring, and USB power. The design of smart plugs includes various layouts and power capacities. What has immensely improved in the past eight years is the maturity of home automation and IoT. These days, the capacity of the smart plug to integrate with home automation and IoT is a key component of it’s usability.

What’s in the box?


Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug
User Manual
Information card

Design and features

Specifications

AC Input: 10A 125V ~ 1250W Max
USB Input: 100-250V ~ 50Hz/60Hz 0.45A Max
USB Output: 5V 2.4A(Auto 2.4A Max Per Port)
Total USB Output Power: 12W
Size: 3.25 x 2.00 x 2.40 inches
Weight: 96g

Unboxing

The Bestek Wi-Fi Smart Plug comes in a no-frills cardboard box. The two pack comes in a cardboard sleeve. The front, back and sides are printed with the product, specifications, and QR codes for the control app. 

The QR codes below will redirect you to a page to download the control app.

 

Design of the Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug

The Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug is a white plastic plug adapter that looks similar to the “wall wart” transformers that are part of many electronics.  However,  like many Apple voltage adapters, its smooth lines and unobtrusive design enables it to blend in to light colored wall plates better than the typical black plastic designs.

The front of the unit contains a 15 amp grounded receptacle. Since it isn’t tamper resistant, to comply with the intent of the NEC and for general safety, only install the smart plug if an item is plugged in it.  Also, even though the receptacle on the front is a 15 amp design, the unit itself is only rated to 10 amp. Consequently, to ensure that this item is not overloaded the user must be cautious and ensure the wattage of items plugged in to the front does not exceed 1250 watts.   This precludes using this item with many space heaters, most ovens/toasters and perhaps coffee brewers. I do not see any internal circuit breaker or fuse, so I’m not sure what will happen if this powers something over 1250 watts.

The rear of the unit includes a specification decal and the unit’s plug that slightly protrudes from the rest of the unit’s rear. The stepped design of the real may allow installation of the smart plug on decorative wall plates where the outlets are slightly below the highest point.

The unit’s plug does not block the top outlet of a duplex receptacle. However, the portion of the smart plug that contains the electronics and the USB connections will block the bottom outlet of a duplex receptacle.

The bottom of the unit contains two USB plugs that are not switchable but can power and recharge USB devices.

Operation

The smart plug operates in three ways: by the manual pushbutton, by an internal timer, and by an IoT signal.

Manual mode

Manual operation is by a pushbutton on the unit’s side. When the receptacle on the front is on the button glows red.

The red glow may seem overbearing at night. Some electrical tape will block out the red glow if its presence is a nuisance.

Timer Mode

Timer mode requires the Smart Life or BESTEKHOME app. You can use either one – the BESTEKHOME app is the same as the Smart Life app with a new title and app icon. To connect the smart plug to the app power it on, wait ten seconds and then power it off, then hold the power button for ten seconds. The power button will blink after performing these steps.  The app will ask for Wi-Fi credentials so that the device can join a network on its own. Note that this device only supports 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi channels. The device has its own access point that can pair to a phone if no other Wi-Fi is available.  in this scenario, the phone needs to join the devices AP.

After installation, the app can turn on the device remotely, turn on or off the device after a set time (like a countdown timer) or schedule the device to turn on or off at some future time. The schedule may apply to each day or certain days during a typical week.

IoT Mode

There is an entire 26-page booklet of instruction for how to connect the device to Amazon, Google, or IFTTT. The manual can be viewed here (https://fccid.io/2AKS6-MRJ1011/User-Manual/User-Manual-3801625) on the FCC site. In each case, the first step is to pair the unit with the Smart Life or BESTEKHOME app. The activation by Amazon Alexa is straightforward and the IFTTT includes both trigger and action. Note that IFTTT integration permits SmartThings to interact with the device; IFTTT can turn on the physical smart plug when SmartThings switches on a virtual switch, and vice versa.

Performance

The operation through the Smart life or BESTEKHOME app is very quick and operation through Amazon Alexa is only a little slower. The relay inside does make an audible pop, so using this to blink decorative lights is going to create a lot of unwanted noise.

The smart plug contains circuitry that optimizes USB port current to intelligently charge or power the connected device. However, I was not able to get a full 2.4 amps out of the port even with a mostly dead phone battery. 1.58 amps is the highest draw I saw.

What I like

  • Lots of IoT connectivity
  • Included USB ports

What needs to be improved

  • 15 amp service
  • internal circuit breaker/fuse

Final thoughts

The Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug has a host of connectivity options that enable control with a variety of services. If the allowable current were only more than 10 amps this would be a really great design.

Price: $15.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by BESTEK.

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Bestek MRJ1011 Wi-Fi smart plug review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 5, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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The Heroclip 3-in-1 Versatile Swivel Clip is an extra hand when you need one

Heroclip is a collapsible S-shaped carabiner that holds your stuff together for easy carrying.  Open it up into the S-shape, and you can use it as a hanger.  It’s not for climbing, but it is a perfect assistant for outdoor activities or for traveling.  It’s made of high-quality aircraft-grade 7000 series aluminum; the Dual Pivot and Swivel System is made of a nylon composite with metal reinforcements.  Its open hook has a rubber tip which allows Heroclip to grip on nearly any surface.

With Heroclip, you can attach things to your gear bag to keep your hands free.  When you take a break in your travels or reach your destination, open up the clip and use it to hang your bag or your gear from a tree limb, doorknob, or a table top.

The clip measures 3 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches.  It is available in a variety of colors for $19.95 each at Amazon.

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The Heroclip 3-in-1 Versatile Swivel Clip is an extra hand when you need one originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 5, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The Hanwha Techwin HD All-in-One DVR Security Systems give new meaning to peace of mind!


As a gadget nerd and a lover of photography and videography, I am always buying some new piece of gear or trading in and up to the next level of gear. Over the years I have accumulated so much gear and upgraded to so many expensive products, that security is now an integral part of the environment where my gear is stored. For maintaining my peace of mind, and for validating the accompanying insurance policy that covers any loss or theft of my equipment, I utilize security cameras and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

In early May 2018, Hanwha Techwin released a new HD All-in-One DVR Security System. The new system is available with either 4 cameras or 8 cameras, with a 10 camera version to be released soon. It is a 5 MP Super HD security system that boasts a resolution of at least 2 ½ times clearer than 1080P HD. According to Hanwha Techwin, “the cameras feature 1944p resolution, 104-degree Wide-Angle views, Motion Zone Selection and Event Detection, Privacy Zone and Digital Noise Reduction that results in clearer video images.” The cameras are water resistant, and with an IP-66 rating, they can be used indoors or outdoors in just about any weather. In addition to recording to the DVR, the security system has the ability to upload footage to the subscription-based Wisenet Life Cloud for storage, and there is an app that allows real-time viewing.

You can purchase any of the Hanwha Techwin HD All-in-One DVR Security Systems from the WisenetLife website, the SamsClub website, or from Sam’s Club Stores. The 4 Camera; 8-Channel system costs $299.99, and the 8 Camera; 8-Channel system sells for $449.99.

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Utama Spice Danau Satu nebulizing essential oil diffuser review

If you’re interested in trying aromatherapy with essential oils, you will need a diffuser. This is a topic I’ve been aware of for a while now but had never tried until I was offered the opportunity to review the Danau Satu nebulizing essential oil diffuser from Utama Spice.

What is it?

The Danau Satu nebulizing essential oil diffuser is a small wood and glass device that diffuses essential oils (concentrated forms of herbs, spices, and plants) into the air to fill a room (up to 400 sq ft) with the aroma of the oil which can provide calming or other effects. The Danau Satu diffuser does not use water or heat so it is more effective at dispersing the aroma throughout a room or your home.

What’s in the box?

  • Danau Satu diffuser base
  • Glass reservoir
  • Glass cap
  • 2 eye droppers
  • USB power cable
  • USB AC power adapter
  • Manual

Design and features

This is the first essential oil diffuser that I’ve ever used, so I don’t have anything to compare to, but my first impression of the Danau Satu is that it has a very attractive minimalist design.

The base is made of wood, and the reservoir is made of clear blown glass.

There are two glass parts. The main reservoir and the glass cap which sits in the top of the reservoir to direct the diffused oil particles into the surrounding air.

There is a little bit of assembly that is required before you can use the Danau Satu diffuser. You press the pointed end of the reservoir into the wooden base. It’s important not to twist it into the rubber gasket in the base, but to just press it in place. The same goes for removing it when you need to clean it. You can wiggle it back and forth as you pull it out, but you shouldn’t twist it as it could break off in the base.

Once the reservoir is seated into the wooden base, you can plug in the included power cord, add a few drops of essential oil into the opening at the top of the glass reservoir, place the glass cap on top and then turn on the diffuser using the knob which rotates from low up to a high setting.

How does it work?

There is a glass nozzle and a microtube at the bottom of the reservoir that is connected to the tube that is pressed into the wooden base.

Air generated from the base enters the bottom of the reservoir and forces the oil to diffuse through the microtube and out through the glass cap.

A white LED glows from the base when the diffuser is turned on and a special timer diffuses the oil for 2 minutes and then turns off for 1 minute before turning back on for 2 minutes. This cycle continues for 2 hours before the diffuser turns off. Note that the LED does NOT turn off after 2 hours, but remains on.

While the diffuser is running, it does make a sound, but it’s not too loud or annoying.

Utama Spice included a small bottle of their Citronella essential oil with the diffuser so that I would have something to test. It’s important to only use pure essential oils that do not contain perfumes or other synthetic fragrances since you will be breathing in the oil particles. It’s also important not to use thicker oils like sandalwood, cypress, etc. which can clog of the microtubes.

It is pretty easy to clean the reservoir which needs to be done occasionally. The manual advises that you can put some alcohol in the reservoir and diffuse it for a few minutes to clean the microtubes or you can submerge the glass reservoir into a pan of hot water.

The Utama Spice Danau Satu nebulizing essential oil diffuser is very easy to use and easily filled my basement with a wonderful aroma. That said, I wasn’t able to use it very many times because I happened to read that some essential oils are toxic to cats and the citronella essential oil that they included with the diffuser was on the list of toxic oils that should not be used around a cat. Since I didn’t want to make my cat Max sick, I only tested the diffuser a few times with him outside at the time. I don’t have a lot of experience with essential oils, so I wasn’t sure how long the oil particles could “hang” around in the air. I didn’t think there would be any harm testing the unit with him outside, but it made me a little nervous that I could make him sick doing it very much, so I limited my testing.

What I like

  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Attractive design

What needs to be improved

  • Box or manual should provide a warning that some oils are toxic to pets.

Final thoughts

There are many uses for essential oils for aromatherapy. Some oils can help with headaches, stress, insomnia, anxiety, and even some health problems. The Utama Spice Danau Satu nebulizing essential oil diffuser is an easy to use and attractive diffuser that will let you explore this type of therapy. Just make sure you read about all possible toxic issues for pets and even babies BEFORE you use any essential oils.

Price: $54.99
Where to buy: Utama Spice and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Utama Spice.

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Utama Spice Danau Satu nebulizing essential oil diffuser review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 4, 2018 at 4:53 pm.

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