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Kwilt Shoebox Mini smartphone backup adapter review


REVIEW – While I love my iPhone 8 Plus, I hate paying so much money to get the version with the most storage memory. It would be much easier to have all of my pictures stored on a drive and to have access to them whenever and wherever. The Kwilt Shoebox Mini smartphone backup adapter claims to be able to give me exactly what I want. Let’s see!!

What is it?

The Kwilt Shoebox Mini backup adapter, allows you to offload your photos and videos from your phone or tablet, and have access to them and any other media attached to the shoebox from anywhere in the world and at any time, as long as you have internet access.

What’s in the box


1 x Kwilt Shoebox
1 x Mini HDMI to HDMI adapter
1 x Micro USB to USB adapter
1 x 32GB Thumb Drive
1 x Micro USB Power Adapter
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Tips Leaflet
1 x Additional Information Leaflet
2 x Kwilt Stickers

Design and features

The Kwilt Shoebox is a small and lightweight device that allows you to connect a relatively limitless amount of hard drive storage and apart from offloading your pictures and videos from your mobile device to “free up” storage, you have access to the content from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access and the app configured on your device. You can set up additional accounts for family and friends and others.


On the back of the device, from left to right, there is a mini HDMI port, a micro USB data port, and a micro USB power port.


The picture below shows how the cables are connected.


With the mini HDMI to HDMI adapter, you can attach to a TV or monitor and view the content stored on the shoebox. You can connect a thumb drive to the micro USB to USB dongle as shown below, or you can connect a USB hub with multiple drives.

Performance

The initial setup of the Kwilt was very easy right out of the box, with no issues at all. The fact that they provided a 32GB flash drive to get you started is simply amazing and a great gesture by the manufacturer. After downloading the app and following the setup instructions, all was set and ready to go. Before I go any further, here are some of the features offered:
• Creates virtually unlimited phone/tablet memory
• Share with others
• Transfer large volumes of photos and videos
• Store other types of files

Once you sign in to the app, there is the main screen that displays some of your photos and videos as a background, with the options overlayed. In the upper left corner, there is an icon that looks like a large shoebox. Selecting this icon takes you to the options to transfer your photos and videos, as well as to set your preferences. Below are pictures of some of the screens. (Not all of the screens are included in the pictures. There are too many to show, but these should give you an idea).



When I selected the option to transfer my photos and videos together, the app crashed every time without completing the task. Eventually, I selected just the videos, and those transferred successfully. At that point, I figured that it was no big deal, and I would just transfer my pictures separately. However, no matter how many times I tried, the app crashed and I had to try again.  Despite my efforts to reach their customer support by sending multiple emails via their in-app email, I never received a response from their customer service. However, I decided to try the app on my iPad and everything worked. After taking a closer look at what was happening, and comparing my iPhone settings with my iPad, I realized that the Kwilt app does not run in the background if your phone is set to auto lock and if it goes into that mode before the transfer is completed. I find this strange and quite inconvenient since unlike my iPad, I set my phone to auto lock after 5 minutes for privacy and security reasons. The solution here for the first transfer that included a large number of photos was to disable the phone’s auto-lock feature, and then the transfer was successful.

The Kwilt Shoebox can also be set to perform automatic transfers one your device connects to the same network that the Kwilt is on.


Moving on, at the bottom of the screen, there are 3 icons. From left to right, they are the live camera view, sub-menu, and settings icons. The first icon which is the live camera view, allows you to take pictures or record videos from within the app. The middle icon gives access to the sub-menu options. Once you select the middle icon, the sub-menu icons appear in a semi-circle across the bottom of the screen. Here are some screenshots:






The last icon to the right is the settings icon that provides tabs to additional setup options, preferences, account information, help options, social media sharing options and the Logout option.

What I like

I like that the Kwilt Shoebox is small and lightweight, and uses a wireless connection so that you can place it just about anywhere.

I also like that you can attach a drive of any size including a thumb drive, and even a USB hub with multiple drives. This makes the storage virtually unlimited and provides the ability able to accommodate just about anyone that you want to share access with to store their files as well.

The incremental automatic transfer once your devices and Kwilt are connected to the same network is also a great feature.

What can be improved

The app needs some work, since it crashes (or just stops working) if the device goes into auto lock mode during the transfer process.

Without a doubt, customer service/support/response must be improved.

Final thoughts

The Kwilt Shoebox is a really nice device that is designed to perform a very useful and convenient function. It provides for virtually limitless storage for your mobile picture and videos, far beyond the built-in storage capacity of any phone on the market today. What is even nicer, is the ability to allow access to others of your choice. This is a much-needed device that would serve many people very well. Once I figured out the issue with the auto lock, this device became a permanent and convenient asset on my network.

Price: $59.00
Where to buy: Kwilt Shoebox Website and Amazon.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kwilt Shoebox.

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Kwilt Shoebox Mini smartphone backup adapter review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 4, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Stop using disposable plasticware with this cutlery set

NEWS – Whether you use it in your lunch bag, picnic basket, hiking gear, or carry it along to casual restaurants, this KISSWILL stainless cutlery set will replace plastic cutlery, disposable chopsticks, and plastic straws.  All pieces are made of 18/8 ASTM 304 standard food-use stainless steel, and they are dishwasher-safe.

You get a knife, fork, spoon, a pair of chopsticks, a bent straw, straight straw, and a cleaning brush for the straws.  Everything stores in a neoprene bag to keep them clean.

The KISSWILL 7-piece stainless steel flatware set is $10.89 at Amazon.

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Stop using disposable plasticware with this cutlery set originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 4, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Blitzwolf BW-SDB1 Sound Bar review

 

REVIEW – Gone are the days when a whole room of equipment was needed to have great audio. As sound reproduction improves, small and smaller gadgets are being built to permit room-filling sound without the bulk. There are many sound bars on the market to fill such needs so I decided to take Blitzwolf’s BW-SDB1 for a spin to compare.

What is it?

The Blitzwolf BW-SDB1 is a 60 Watt integrated stereo amplifier and speakers housed in an attractive black plastic and metal housing. Inputs include 1/8” stereo jack, optical, coaxial, HDMI and Bluetooth. A wireless remote control is included.

Hardware Specs

  • Material：Aluminum alloy+ PC
  • Dimensions： 35.4*3.4*1.7
  • Weight：3.96lbs.
  • Power Supply：AC 100V – 240V 50 – 60Hz
  • Power Consumption： 60W
  • Audio Input Sensitivity：500mV
  • Frequency Response：40Hz – 20KHz
  • Impedance：8Ω
  • Bluetooth Version：V4.2
  • Transmission Distance：10 – 15m

What’s in the Box?

  • BW-SDB1 speaker
  • Remote control with button cell battery
  • Power cord
  • 1/8” stereo to RCA male cord
  • Optical cable
  • Instruction manual

Design and features

The Blitzwolf BW-SDB1 arrived in a long, slender green and white box. Packaging is good, with foam padding to keep the speaker from thrashing about during transportation

The power supply is integrated into the speaker housing so there is no bulky transformer, however, the AC cord protrudes some distance from the back, so care will need to be exercised to ensure sufficient room. With such a speaker, my primary application would be to install it on top of a wall-mounted television. In my case, there is not enough room to put the speaker on top of my living room TV without purchasing a right-angle power cord, however, my guest room TV is angled away from the wall, so the Blitzwolf soundbar has no trouble finding a home here (as shown above). The audio, optical and HDMI connectors follow suit. Should the speaker bar be placed on a cabinet forward of the television, this would not be an issue.

I powered up the speaker, plugged in my iPhone and selected a short playlist. Drivers in the face and top of the enclosure deliver good quality audio with little distortion. Frequency range is limited predominantly by the size of the speakers, but, to me, sounded better than comparable models. Stereo separation is very good, sounding like the speakers are much further apart than they really are. Bass was fairly good for a unit of this size, particularly when lacking a dedicated subwoofer. Treble was clean and acceptable. Vocal audibility was well balanced and this speaker would do well as an enhancement to TV speakers. I duplicated my tests using the HDMI, Bluetooth, coax, and optical inputs with similar results.

I was able to keep the Bluetooth connected anywhere I went in my home, but your mileage may vary. At the limits of the reception range of about 45’, there was a little dropout, but that is quite typical.

The remote uses a button battery. It’s simple but definitely gets the job done. Equalizer settings are verbally reported as they are cycled.

Buttons on the main speaker can also be used to control the settings, input, and volume.

I’ve used several speaker bars, some more, some less expensive than the Blitzwolf BW-SDB1 with wildly differing audio quality. The BW-SDB1 has good sound, good volume, plenty of inputs and remote control and represents a good value.

What I like

  • Metal construction
  • Remote and cords included
  • Not too expensive

What needs to be improved?

  • Cord placement makes it difficult to mount on a wall.

Final thoughts

Blitzwolf’s BW-SDB1 60 Watt soundbar is a solid contender for those wishing to enhance their television sound. It’s not going to rival a full surround sound system for audio quality, but overall I found it to be very good.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Blitzwolf.

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Blitzwolf BW-SDB1 Sound Bar review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 3, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

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The ZAGG Messenger Folio adds functionality and versatility to your Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro


NEWS – So for those of us that are fans of the Apple tablets, purchasing the iPad or iPad Pro tablet is a serious investment. Apart from paying a premium for the device in the configuration that we choose, we also tend to invest quite a bit of money on accessories, including things like a protective case and a functional physical keyboard.

Once again, ZAGG has responded to the needs of their customers, and they have announced the Messenger Folio which is a case and Bluetooth keyboard combination made specifically for the Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro. This keyboard/case combination is lightweight, and turns the tablet into a portable workstation, much like a laptop. It features a magnetic closure, Bluetooth technology for connectivity, and a built-in battery that lasts up to 3 months between charges. There is also a built-in holder for the Apple Pencil.

You can purchase the ZAGG Messenger Folio is at ZAGG.com and Target locations nationwide for $59.99.

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The ZAGG Messenger Folio adds functionality and versatility to your Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 3, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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IOGear Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85 review

What is it?

The Quantum T3 is a desktop docking station for USB-C computers that adds additional ports and functionality all through a single USB-C connection.

Hardware specs

Front connections: 2 USB ports (USB-A 3.1 and USB-C)
Back connections: Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A 3.1, 3.5mm Audio in, 3.5mm Audio out, 2 USB-C, Displayport and DC power
Dimensions: 22 x 8.1 x 2.5cm
Video capability: DisplayPort 1.2 (up to 4K@60Hz with single video stream), Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C port), up to 5K@60Hz on DP Alt mode with single stream or 4K@60Hz with dual streams

What’s in the box?

  • Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85
  • Thunderbolt 3 cable
  • AC power adapter
  • Quickstart guide & warranty card

Design and features

The Quantum 3 is a beautiful piece of equipment that looks at home with current computers of the aluminum variety and provides all kinds of connectivity to your USB-C computer at your workstation. The main body is aluminum with plastic used for the inset back connector panel and the end panels which sport a cool repeating triangular relief pattern.

As you can see in the next photo, there are also connections for gigabit ethernet, USB 3.0, microphone, headphones, USB-C, displayport and power.

On the front of the unit there is a pair of connectors, one for USB-C and one for USB 3.0.

Setup

Connect to Quantum 3 to its power supply and then the included USB-C cable to your computer. It’s important to note that the first one with the [    ] around the port has a higher throughput and 85 power supply for connecting to your computer, supporting the other functions through the hub and keeping your computer charged without a separate power cable.

All that’s left is connecting everything else you plan to use. I have an HP Envy ultrawide monitor that I selected specifically because it had USB-C input. What I found in initial use is that some of the other connections through the monitor like standard USB 3.0 accessories, required me to add another cable to my mac which is what I was trying to avoid in the first place.

With the Quantum 3, I connected a DisplayPort cable to the monitor along with a USB 3.0 cable and that’s it. The office I work in is all wifi, so I haven’t had to try the gigabit ethernet yet. Maybe in the new office starting next week.

Performance

It’s really quite amazing how seamless a product can be when it does exactly what it’s supposed to. It’s not like I forget that it’s there, but at the same time, I don’t have to monkey with it. With the connections described above, I’m able to set my Mac down, connect a single USB-C cable and everything just works and my Mac is charging. The headphone amp that’s connected to the monitor with USB works perfectly. The monitor’s built-in pop-up camera works perfectly (previously required an extra cable to the mac). I can go on, but you get the picture.

I’ve got the Quantum 3 tucked into a pocket of my desk riser where I have access to the front two ports should I need them and everything else is out of the way.

What I like

  • Simple set-up
  • It just works
  • Single connection to the computer (including charging!)

What needs to be improved

  • The cost is pretty steep (but less so when you factor in the cost of buying a second Mac power adapter)

Final thoughts

The Quantum 3 is a docking station that does exactly what it’s intended to do. It’s not inexpensive but is incredibly well made and will likely outlast a couple of laptops. If the idea of a single connection to your computer gets you excited, this is a great solution. I’m at my desk a lot during the day, but it is generally in fits and starts and that means a lot of plugging and unplugging. The Quantum 3 solved that with style and now the power adapter that came with my Mac can stay in my backpack.

Price: $299.95
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by IOGear.

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IOGear Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 3, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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