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Online Switch Plus Fountain Pen review

REVIEW – I’ve seen many ballpoint pens with a built-in stylus, but the Online Switch Plus Fountain Pen from JetPens just might be the first fountain pen I’ve seen that has a built-in stylus. It’s like old world tech meets the tech of today with this pen. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Online Switch Plus Fountain Pen is a lightweight plastic bodied fountain pen that is available in 5 colors and with nibs sizes from extra fine to medium. I was sent the Petrol Blue fountain pen with a fine nib and a blue ink cartridge.

Pen specs

Converter Included: No
Eyedropper Convertible: No
Filling Mechanism: Cartridge – Standard International Short, Converter
Diameter – Grip: 10.4 mm
Diameter – Max: 14.9 mm
Length – Capped: 15.0 cm / 5.9 inches
Length – Posted: 16.7 cm / 6.6 inches
Length – Uncapped: 13.9 cm / 5.5 inches
Weight – Whole Pen (Empty): 0.67 oz / 19 grams

Design and features

The Online Switch pen has a modern look with the two-color body and snap-on cap with a chrome pocket clip. The main barrel of the pen has a soft rubber coated area for fountain pen use and two small knurled grippy areas when the pen is flipped over for stylus use.

There’s a window in the barrel so you’ll know when it’s time to replace the ink cartridge. I don’t know how effective that window really is though as I can’t see anything through the window and without a matching opening on the opposite side of the barrel, there’s no light to help you see through the ink cartridge to see the ink level.

I’m not a fountain pen expert but the nib of the Online Switch looks like a typical fountain pen nib to me. The nib is made of steel that has been painted a glossy black and has a split ink channel.


On the underside of the nib is the black plastic feeder channel. Note that the nib on the Online Switch fountain pen is a non-replaceable part.

On the opposite side of the pen’s barrel, you’ll find a capacitive stylus tip. The stylus tip is a wide rubber style tip that doesn’t lend itself well to precision writing or drawing, but it’s just fine for scrolling through pages, tapping onscreen buttons, and icons.

The Online Switch fountain pen uses ink cartridges like the one that you see in the image above. That’s the blue ink cartridge that comes pre-installed. Jetpens sells a large variety of replacement ink cartridges in many colors.

I mentioned earlier that I’m not a fountain pen expert. So I can only compare the feel to writing with this fountain pen to my favorite style regular pens that use the Pilot G2 refill. That said, the Online Switch fountain pen writing tip felt scratchy on all paper that I tried with it.

I think the main problem that I have with fountain pens is the fact that I’m left handed and find it hard to hold the pen so that the nib is at the optimal angle to the paper. There’s also the fact that when you write with your left hand, you push the pen’s tip across the paper instead of pulling it across the paper. When I tried using this pen in my right hand, the nib to paper feel was smoother. But still not as smooth as using a ballpoint pen.

What I like

  • Inexpensive
  • Built-in stylus

What needs to be improved

  • Nib can’t be replaced

Final thoughts

The Online Switch fountain pen is a nice looking fountain pen that has the extra feature of a built-in stylus tip at an affordable price. I have a feeling that this pen isn’t one that a fountain pen afficianado would choose, but for someone just starting out with fountain pens and who also likes to use a stylus with their mobile devices, the Online Switch is a fountain pen to consider.

Price: $21.50
Where to buy: Jetpens
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Jetpens.

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Online Switch Plus Fountain Pen review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

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Firebox has a mult-tool for your kitchen

NEWS – I’ve seen many multi-tools, but I believe this might be the first one I’ve seen specifically for the kitchen.  The Firebox Kitchen Multi-Tool packs 12 tools into a 9.5″ x 4.3″ 2.8″ form.  The tools are made from high-quality stainless steel and include:

  • Grater
  • Stirring spoon
  • Carving fork
  • Channel knife
  • Serrated knife
  • Paring knife
  • Zester
  • Peeler
  • Garlic crusher
  • Cork screw
  • Can opener
  • Bottle opener

The handle splits apart so you can use two tools simultaneously.  (Or if you’re ambidextrous, Firebox says you can use a tool in each hand.)  Firebox calls it the ” ultimate millennial kitchen tool”.  I think it might work best in a tiny home, RV, or for hiking and camping.

The Firebox Kitchen Multi-Tool is $39.69, directly from Firebox.

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Firebox has a mult-tool for your kitchen originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 23, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Flexound HUMU Augmented Audio Cushion review

REVIEW – One of the great things about writing for the Gadgeteer is the number of fun and interesting products I have a chance to review. That being said it isn’t often that I get to review a product that is really unique. The Flexound HUMU Augmented Audio cushion is one of those products. I was excited to be given the opportunity to test it out. Let’s see if my excitement was warranted.

What is it?

The Flexound HUMU Augmented Audio Cushion is a binaural stereo cushion that makes you both hear and feel the sound from your favorite entertainment. The cushion is boosted by Flexound Augmented Audio technology that adds the sensation of touch to all audiovisual experiences. HUMU also uses near-field audio so you can listen to it without disturbing others around you.

What’s in the box?

  • HUMU sound cushion
  • Micro USB charging cable
  • Users manual

Design and features

With its removable vegan suede cover and wedge shape, HUMU has a modern look. Made up of 50% polyurethane and 50% nylon, vegan suede is artificial. Despite not being real suede it feels soft and comfortable against the skin.

I received the cushion in graphite, it’s also available in gray.

There are two zippers one on either side of the cushion that allow you to remove the cover. The zippers blend so seamlessly into the cushions design that it took me a while to find out how to access them.

The cover is easy to remove and put back on. You can spot clean it using a wet cloth or wash it by hand.

On the left side of the cushion, there’s a magnetic flap that lifts up to reveal the power button, charging port and indicator lights.

On the other side of the cushion, there’s a fabric carrying handle.

The cushion itself is pretty comfortable, although it does take a little breaking in. And it holds its shape well.

Battery & Charging

HUMU runs on a rechargeable Lithium battery. On a 3-hour charge, the battery can last up to 8-hours.  A provided 62-inch long Micro USB cable makes it easy to charge the cushion during use.

To charge the cushion plug the cable into the charging port located behind the magnetic flap. The indicator light glows orange while charging and turns off when fully charged.

Connection

HUMU uses Bluetooth 4.2 technology to connect to any Bluetooth enabled device. It can also be connected using a 3.5mm audio cable (not provided).

Bluetooth set up is easy as one, two, three. 1. Turn on HUMU. 2. Enable the Bluetooth function in your smart device. And 3. Select “Flexound Xperience” to pair.

I was able to easily connect it to my iPhone X, iPad Pro, and my 4K Apple TV.

Note: When using the cushion with a Bluetooth transmitter, my tv’s built-in Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio cable I was unable to control the volume level.

How it works

Unlike loudspeakers that vibrate sound into the air, Humu contains a single, proprietary Flexound Augmented Audio module with patented Elastic Vibrating Element (vibrating soundboards) to vibrate sound into an intelligent foam interior. This allows it to produce a wider range of frequencies (20 to 20,000 Hz) than most consumer loudspeakers or headphones. 

Performance

Movies, music, gaming, and relaxation all take on new life using HUMU.

Movies

During action movies, you feel every explosion, gunshot, and punch.

Horror movies are more immersive making them even more intense. I admit I even jumped a few times from the vibration of the cushion during scary scenes.

Even soundtracks seem to come to life.

HUMU’s like a mini home theater built into a cushion.

My experience using Humu to watch movies blew me away. So it’s not surprising that the technology will soon be available in movie theater seats.

If you’re a big fan of movies, you’ll love the 3D home theater experience that Humu provides.

Music

Listening to music provided a front row experience. I could feel the music as though I were actually sitting in the front row of a concert. Vocals, highs, and lows were all crisp and clear. The bass, especially from hip-hop tracks made the cushion rumble. HUMU creates a personal 3D stereo sound bubble that gives music a more spatial element, a wider soundstage if you will.

Why would you only listen to music if you can also feel it?

Gaming

I’m not much of a gamer but I tested a couple of games out on my Apple TV using HUMU. Like with movies and music it made gaming a more immersive experience.

Relaxation

I like to try to sneak a catnap into my daily routine whenever possible. Humu was a perfect excuse for me to take one of those naps. For testing purposes of course. Using my iPhone, I popped on a relaxing thunderstorm soundtrack. The experience was immersive, the rain felt like it was falling around me and I could feel a gentle vibration from the cushion with every roll of thunder. The sound was both resonate and soothing. To say it was relaxing would be an understatement, I was out like a light within 5 minutes. Humu took my relaxation to a whole other level.

What I like

  • Everything

What needs improvement

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

Was my excitement about HUMU warranted? You better believe it was. The Flexound HUMU Augmented Audio Cushion is one of those magical products that don’t come along very often. It provides a personal audio experience, unlike anything I have ever heard or felt before. And it immediately shot to the top of the list of my favorite products ever reviewed for the Gadgeteer. If you’re looking for a unique audio experience that you can actually FEEL, then you need to get your hands on a HUMU.

Price: $279.99
Where to buy: Indiegogo and Sharper Image
Source: The sample of this product was provided by HUMU.

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Flexound HUMU Augmented Audio Cushion review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 23, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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CAMADE keeps your gaming mouse on a leash and that’s a good thing

NEWS – While a lot of us have moved away from using wired mice, gamers still prefer them for the speed advantages over their wireless counterparts. But one disadvantage to using a wired mouse is that pesky tail otherwise known as the cable. When you’re gaming, you don’t want to snag the cable on something on your desk and lose your momentum during an epic quest. One way to prevent this problem is a product like the ZOWIE CAMADE. The CAMADE is non-slip holder that sits on your desk and holds the mouse cable up and out of the way so that it does not tangle on other items while you’re slaying baddies. You can read more about the CAMADE on ZOWIE’s website and you can buy one for $30.45 from Amazon.

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CAMADE keeps your gaming mouse on a leash and that’s a good thing originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 23, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Aukey WiFi Smart plug review


REVIEW – Aukey has entered the home automation market with its new WiFi smart plug. Let’s take a look at how it works and why it might be the entry point you’ve been looking for.

What is it?

Aukey’s smart plug is basically a WiFi enabled switch that you place in between your wall outlet and the device that you want to be able to control. As far as home automation goes, it’s a very easy first step and when paired with a home assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can be quite powerful.

Hardware specs

  • Input / Output: AC 110–125V 15A
  • Maximum Power Output: 1800W
  • Dimensions: 63 x 37 x 33mm / 2.48” x 1.46” x 1.3”
  • Weight: 79g / 2.78oz

What’s in the box?

The review sample was actually their dual pack which makes a lot of sense as you start kitting out your home, and it’s nice to see the minimal packaging. Here’s what’s included…

  • 2 WiFi smart plugs
  • User Manual

Design and features

From an aesthetic point of view the smart plugs are minimalistic and are meant to not draw your attention. Their minimal width keeps them inside the dimensions of most wall plates. Keeping the height down allows you to place one above another on one double wall outlet. This particular outlet I’ve connected it to has USB ports which are now blocked by the unit, but that’s an outlet problem, as connecting USB cables frequently interferes with any AC plug.

Staying consistent with the minimal approach, There’s very little else on the smart plug. On the left end, there’s a power button and a simple LED light on the front edge next to it.

Setup

Getting started is a similar process to most WiFi enabled, app-controlled accessories. Download and launch the AUKEY Home app from the app store for your device. Bounce over to your WiFi settings and connect to the WiFi that the device is broadcasting, and then back to the app to enter your home network information. The app then does the connection for you which in my case took maybe 30 seconds. It was really fast and worked first try on both smart plugs which is something I cannot say for some other smart plugs that I’ve tried.

So at this point, the smart plugs are set up and you will see them (and any others you may have set up) in the app as seen here. If all you want to do is launch an app and turn things on and off, you can read the next paragraph and then skip ahead to performance.

The power button icon on the right of each smart plug lets you toggle power to whatever device you have plugged in. You can see above the language changes ‘Turned on’ vs. ‘Turned off’ as well as the icon on the left is highlighted in blue when a device is on. Clicking into the device also lets you toggle power with the center icon or the bottom ‘switch’ icon (redundancy) and the visual is even more clear as to its status.

You’ll also see the two other icons across the bottom of the screen where you can start to customize further. Countdown lets you set an expiration time in case you might fall asleep while reading as an example. Timer lets you set an event to turn on or off at a specific time and have it recur or be a one time need.

Creating ‘Scenes’ lets you activate multiple smart plugs (and of course the devices connected to them) and set conditions that trigger them. There are four scenes built in as you see above, but you can choose a condition and have it perform a task which is typically toggling a smart plug.

So want your floor lamp to come on at sunset? Choose sunset and the smart plug connected to your floor lamp, and then give the scene a distinctive name. This is important as if you connect an assistant like Alexa you want it to easily understand.

That brings us to the last part of setup if you want to connect it to your Alexa device should you have one. In the profile section (icon in the leftmost image above) you’ll see a selection called integration. Once there, you’ll see these three options.

Amazon and Google are pretty self-explanatory, but if you haven’t heard of IFTTT (IF This, Then That) you should definitely check it out. That may be your solution when you wish you were able to automate something that otherwise doesn’t look to be supported by whatever system you’re using. As for connecting your Amazon Echo, here are the instructions that Aukey provides in app and while this crowded screen may make it look time-consuming, it’s super fast and works first try.

Okay, enough with the setup already. How does it work?

Performance

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times above, Aukey’s smart plugs just plain worked. It’s something that I’ve come to be surprised by in today’s ‘ship it and fix it with firmware later’ mentality. I have 10 (yes ten) smart plugs and switches from an established brand and every time I add a new switch the app forgets some of the earlier ones and let’s not even get into updating wifi passwords (ugh). Aukey’s app is clean, simple and controls devices in a logical way. The integration with Alexa is great with Amazon taking the naming convention directly from Aukey without a problem.

So what’s the catch? None really, just a couple of things to keep in mind.

First, choose distinctive device and scene names. If you’re using Alexa and all your devices are ‘something lights’ there’s a good chance background noise will cause Alexa to only hear ‘lights’ and you’ll get a ‘there are multiple devices with that name’ response which is annoying. You can double this issue when you add scene names as well. The second part of this is just making sure that they’re memorable and not too lengthy. This is an ‘assistant’ problem and not a flaw of Aukey or their device.

Second, the smart plug like all the others on the market, are toggling power only. This means you can’t connect just any device and have it work. Lamps and any other lighting with an AC cord work great (remember the lamp itself needs to be on). A coffee maker, on the other hand, would only work if said coffee maker automatically starts brewing when the power switches on. Similarly, a computer that needs a password after startup, or a TV that always defaults to the input you don’t use won’t work so well.

Lastly, please be careful automating something that could be dangerous, like a space heater. Asking Alexa to turn something on while you’re home is one thing, but if it’s set to come on at 6am to warm up the house and the dog has dropped a toy or pushed their dog bed too close, nothing is going to catch that and decide maybe it’s not a good idea to turn on right now.

What I like

  • Small and compact
  • Two unit bundle
  • They just work
  • Integration with assistants like Amazon and Google
  • The low cost

What needs to be improved

  • Would like to see native Apple HomeKit support

Final thoughts

I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but again, these just work. I’ve spent a few hours mucking around with products like this only to get frustrated or resort to full WiFi reset up. This was as simple as it gets and again I found myself surprised. If you’re looking to have control of a few lights or other compatible devices and want a low-cost way to do it then look no further. The other players in the space are twice this cost and don’t function this well.

Price: $27.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Aukey.

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Aukey WiFi Smart plug review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 23, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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