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eBlocker Family anonymous surfing gadget review


REVIEW – Whenever I surf the internet or go”window shopping” or even look up something specific online, I notice that shortly thereafter, the items that I viewed pop up as ads on other websites that I visit. I soon realized that the ads “follow me” as a marketing tool that companies customize based on my online viewing habits. Seeing this got me to start thinking about how much of my privacy and the privacy of my family is being compromised and wondering about what else “the eyes” on the internet are seeing and doing. This device promises to protect me and my family when online and to be effective enough to prevent any snooping. Let’s see!!

What is it?


The eBlocker is a small computer, running the proprietary eBlocker Operating System. The eBlocker only needs to be connected to your router and it automatically protects all devices in your network. There is no software to install other than SSL certificates as needed for HTTPS. Even your mobile devices are comprehensively protected.

What’s in the box


1 x eBlocker
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Ethernet Cable
4 x AC Plug Adapters
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x License Card
1 x Feedback Card

Design and features

The eBlocker device is a small cube-like box that contains everything to perform its functions. Apart from the logo on the front side, there is an air vent and 2 USB ports, 1 ethernet port, one HDMI port (currently the manufacturer has not enabled this port for use), and the power port on the back.
Specifications

  • Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core
  • Memory: 1 GB DDR3
  • Operating system: eBlockerOS 2
  • Usage: type 2 Watt, max. 10 Watt
  • Ethernet: 1 x Ethernet
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • Weight: 153 g
  • Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 9 cm

    On the bottom of the eBlocker, there is the basic spec sticker that includes the serial number that you need to set up the device. There is also a mounting hole to mount the device to a wall.

Installation and performance

Connecting the eBlocker to your network is beyond simple. It just involves connecting power and the ethernet cable to a network port on your router or switch. My network includes several switches in different areas, and I just chose an available port on one.

After the hardware connections are done, you open a browser on any computer on the same network and go to http://setup.eblocker.com.

This link eventually takes you to a browser screen that provides you with a dashboard with all of the metrics for the computer that you are using and provides a conduit to another browser screen that provides the metrics for all of the devices connected to your network.

When I loaded the setup page, I was initially lost because the page is not in English, and there is no initial option for you to choose a language or to translate. The issue is resolved by right-clicking on the page and selecting translate. However, I would prefer a clear and present selection option.

Once translated into the language of choice, you follow the prompts which take you to a dashboard for the computer you are using. There are several configuration options to customize the dashboard and once set up, it presents the metrics associated with the network traffic and what is being blocked. It is difficult in a review to provide details of what information is available because of the amount of information available and the type of information available

In addition to the dashboard for the computer you are using, you can open another browser tab that shows metrics related to every device on the network.

When I connected the eBlocker, most of my devices continued to work as normal. However, some practical web pages were blocked and I had to pause the device and create exceptions for those web addresses. Some of the blocked pages are within an online University Portal and have the .edu domain. Also, initially when I wanted to pause the eBlocker effect on the laptop that was trying to get to the .edu page, I had a bit of a hard time because I did not see its IP address in the device list. Eventually, I used the search option on that eBlocker page and searched using the IP address and I found the laptop under a different IP address. I am assuming that the IP was being masked via the IP Anonymous function. I will confirm this as I spend more time with the device. I can see this becoming a more tedious process if many web pages are being blocked. In addition, I have close to a dozen different types of streaming devices on my network, and out of 4 Roku devices, the one connected wirelessly one seems to freeze and stop working once the eBlocker is connected. I have not yet been able to figure out why this happens. The other Roku devices are wired, and so far there has not been a problem with their connection. There is a large number of options and features available for the eBlocker. If you would like to get a better understanding and learn more about the features and possible customization, you can find the instruction manual here.

Here is a list of some of the main features/options/categories, and below the list is a small screenshot sample of some of the screens:
eBlocker Icon – this shows the eBlocker activity on each site and provides access to the control bar by clicking on the icon
Whitelist – This option allows you to disable eBlocker process on websites that you deem safe
Trackers – With this option you can see which trackers are being blocked on the web page
Ads – This is an Ad blocker option to see which ads are being blocked
Anon (IP Anonymous) – this hides your real IP-address
Device Cloaking – makes it seem like you are using a different device to provide you with even more privacy
Pause – Pauses the eBlocker on the device you are using for 5 minutes
Messages – Appears when there are system notifications or messages for you
Settings – Includes advanced setting like SSL support and network configuration settings










What I like

  • The size
  • The functionality
  • The lifetime license included with the Family device

What can be improved

  • Better software design so that additional information is available on the main screen for network devices
  • A language selection option on the first screen

Final thoughts

The concept of the eBlocker is great, and these days, we need to do all that we can to protect ourselves from the vulnerabilities we face when interacting electronically whether voluntarily or not. On a simple network with a couple of PCs and tablets, I can see the setup being very easy. My experience with it has been more complex, due to the number of and different types of network devices that are a part of my network. I feel very assured that this device does a great job at making your network presence mostly anonymous. It will take me some additional time to really get a sense of how to fully customize and take full advantage of the flexibility of the eBlocker, while still evaluating its ability to accommodate the unique challenges that some network devices and web pages can present. For now, I am giving it a conditional thumbs up, and I will follow up with an update if necessary and when I have spent quite a bit more time with it.

Price: $299
Where to buy: eBlocker.com and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by eBlocker.

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eBlocker Family anonymous surfing gadget review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 7, 2018 at 9:30 am.

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Levenger has some “heavenly” notebooks for journal keeping

NEWS – These beautiful notebooks have celestial-themed covers, which would make them a perfect gift for the astronomer in your life.  Each notebook is 5.5″ x 0.25″ x 7.25″ and has 96 pages of 80-gsm ivory paper.

One notebook has lined paper and the other has grid paper.  The celestial images on the covers are taken from the Cavallini archives.You’ll get a set of two notebooks for $14.00.  The Celestial Notebooks can be purchased at Levenger.

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Levenger has some “heavenly” notebooks for journal keeping originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 7, 2018 at 8:15 am.

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The Emergency Cash Stash, never leave home without it

NEWS – With most purchases being made using a debit or credit card these days, most people don’t carry cash with them anymore. But if you forget, or worse, lose your wallet having cash on hand can be a lifesaver. The Emergency Cash Stash is a mini canister that holds one rolled up bill for situations when you need money most. 

The Emergency Cash Stash is machined in the USA from solid brass and is small enough that it will take up hardly any room on your key-ring.

The canister is waterproof and has a clever threadless design that won’t allow the container to open unless it’s off your keyring. Making sure that your emergency cash is always safe.

So if you want a little peace of mind the next time you leave the house, pick up The Emergency Cash Stash.

The Emergency Cash Stash sells for $27 and is available on Cool Material.

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The Emergency Cash Stash, never leave home without it originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 6, 2018 at 5:02 pm.

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Bowers & Wilkins 607 speaker review

REVIEW – When I’m sticking to a budget and needing to buy something, I sometimes look at the least expensive model from a high-end company rather than the top model from a more middle-range company. That way, I figure I’m getting a better made product at a similar price. That’s the theory I would apply to the new 600 Series speakers from Bowers & Wilkins. While the B&W 607 speakers are the least expensive speakers in Bowers & Wilkins’ line, they are still B&Ws. But does the 607 speaker live up to B&Ws reputation?

What is it?

The Bowers & Wilkins 607 is a 2-way vented, passive bookshelf speaker. It is sold and priced in pairs.

Specs

  • 1 in. aluminum dome high-frequency tweeter
  • 5 in. Continuum cone bass/midrange
  • Nominal impedance: 8 ohms 
  • Recommended amplifier power: 30-100 W
  • Dimensions 11.8 in. (H); 6.5 in. (W); 9.1 in. (D)
  • Net Weight: 10.25 lb.
  • Finishes: Black/black; White/gray

Design and features

Let me start with an admission: I am unfamiliar with Bowers & Wilkins’ speaker line. However, I am familiar with B&W’s headphones and Bluetooth speakers, from the P5 wireless and P7 headphones to the iconic Zeppelin wireless speaker. It’s from these reviews that I came to recognize what some call the “B&W sound.”

My first introduction to the 600 series was at B&W’s east coast headquarters in Boston last June. I reported on the visit here. The 600 series speakers consist of the 607, as well as the more expensive (and larger) 606, 603 speakers as well as the HTM6 center channel speaker and a choice of 3 subwoofers. The 600 series are passive speakers, so a power source (receiver or amplifier) is necessary. The 607 is both small and light in weight—a true bookshelf design. 

I chose to review the least expensive 607 speaker for a couple of reasons. They are the most affordable home speakers that B&W makes and I could easily connect them to existing equipment without any issues (there were none). Let other audiophiles write about how the 607 speakers sound with top-rated amps, receivers and turntables. There are plenty of detailed reviews that say it better and in more detail than I can. I wanted to see if the 607 speakers can live in an “everyday” environment with equipment that any normal person might already own—like me.

The 600 series benefits from a “trickle down” approach. Speakers  that were made of Kevlar have been replaced with a Continuum Cone base driver—a more rigid and accurate driver borrowed from the more expensive B&W speakers. They also upgraded the delicate dome tweeter as well as its protective metal mesh cover. While in Boston, I was able to hear a direct comparison between the older and new 600 speakers. As I said in my report, the improvement was subtle at best. If you already own an older 600 series speaker, there is no need to upgrade.

Connecting the speakers can be achieved in two ways, conventional or bi-amplification (or bi-wiring). Bi-amplification is more complicated, but can result in more resolution in low-level detail. But since this is an “everyday” review, connecting to single L and R posts will be fine. B&W includes small, self-sticking rubber pads for the bottom of the speakers. These help the speakers stay in place and can help eliminate unwanted vibrations.

The 600 series is exactly that—a series. Even though I’m reviewing the 607 speakers by themselves, they can be seamlessly paired with a matching center channel, subwoofer and two additional 607 rear channel speakers for a complete home theater experience. It’s something you can build as budget allows.

The 607 speaker cabinet comes in either black or white. There are included removable grills for those who want a cleaner design. I prefer the “naked” speaker look and left the grills in the box.

The 607 dimpled bass port has been redesigned and moved to the rear of the speaker. It’s larger then the previous front port which helps deepen the sound, especially if the speakers are moved closer to a wall. The port design is similar to the rear ports on the Zeppelin speaker. 

Bass can also be controlled by some included foam plugs that fit into the ports—an interesting low-tech solution to lessen bass. I’m not sure why anyone would want to lower the bass impact coming from the 607 speakers. Sure, bass is present and perfectly tuned for these speakers but I wouldn’t call it powerful. These are small speakers and physics is physics—you’re going to get much more bass from larger speakers or a subwoofer. If the room is small, the 607’s bass output is plenty. But if your room is larger and budget allows it, I would recommend getting a subwoofer, even if it does almost cost as much as a pair of 607 speakers.

There’s also plenty of treble from the 607 speakers. A few songs bordered on harsh, but I blame the recording and not the speakers. Generally, I leave any EQ settings on flat, but slightly toning down the treble EQ smoothed things out on problematic songs. 

One thing I appreciate about the 607 speakers is how intimate sounding they can be. For instance, Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” sounds incredible. There’s a lot going on in this song, such as subtle percussive things and strings coming in and then disappearing. But it’s Morrison’s voice that’s magical. You can hear every intonation he makes and his emotions come through with a fine clarity. It’s close to a live sound on these speakers. There’s an airiness to the song that’s missing on headphones or lesser speakers. And I’m not even a fan of Van Morrison!

That intimate sound also comes through on Brian Eno’s “Some Words” from his “My Squelchy Life” album. Eno’s singing sounds almost reluctant as if he would rather someone else do the vocals. But then heart-wrenching strings and beautiful synth keyboards come in and add an emotional context to the song’s second half. The 607 speakers exhibit the necessary detail within the song by allowing each instrument its space, yet letting them blend beautifully. 

It’s this sense of space that make the 607 speakers fun to listen to.

What I like

 The 607 speakers are great as stand-alone stereo speakers, but can also be part of a more complete home theater system later on as budget allows.

Expressive detail and sheer musical enjoyment are built into this speaker. It’s a cliche, but the 607’s sound quality matches or beats many other speakers in this price range and above.

What needs to be improved

Nothing of note.

Final Thoughts

Sure, the more expensive B&W speakers will sound better and also have more of this or that, but the Bowers & Wilkins 607 speakers do an admirable job of living up to the B&W name. At $600/pair, they are not cheap, but they are not expensive either when you consider how long people normally keep speakers. The one caveat to owning the 607 speakers is that you may find that you will eventually want something better and that something will probably be better and more expensive B&W speakers. 

Price: $599/pair US
Where to buy:
Source: The sample for this product was provided by Bowers & Wilkins.

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Bowers & Wilkins 607 speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 6, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The Nima Peanut Sensor allows you to test food for allergens right at the table

NEWS – My daughter has allergies and asthma, and she has a lot of food allergies, including peanut allergy.  Over the years, we’ve had to be very careful with what she ate.  Peanuts can cause anaphylaxis, meaning an exposure can be fatal.  Even when she was tiny, she knew to ask first if food had peanuts in it before she could accept food from even her grandparents.  To make things a little easier for those with peanut allergies now, Nima has developed the world’s first portable peanut sensor, so you can test a new food or a restaurant’s offerings before you take a bite.  I would have lived my life with one of these Nima Peanut Sensors in my hand when my daughter was growing up, if only they had been available then.

To use, you place a small amount of the food in the peanut test capsule, put the capsule in the sensor, and wait a few minutes for the result.

“Nima’s antibody-based chemistry was developed by MIT scientists to be faster, cheaper, and usable right at the dinner table. Nima is optimized to detect 10 parts per million of peanut protein and above. 10 ppm is the lowest adverse reaction level observed in patients during clinical research studies.

“Nima is recognized as a leader in allergen research and has been awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health to develop the peanut sensor. Nima is advised by some of the top allergen researchers in the world.”

Using the Nima app, you can also search their database of over 20,000 results to discover peanut-free restaurants and packaged foods tested by Nima sensor owners.  You can help build the database by uploading information about your testing results.

Nima’s Peanut Sensor has a rechargeable battery that usually needs to be charged about once a month.  It comes with a carrying case and twelve test capsules for $289.00.  You can purchase more test capsules for $72.00 for 12 tests; with automatic refills, the price drops to $59.00 per 12-pack.  To help with the cost, financing for 3, 6, 0r 12 months is available, if you qualify.  And the Peanut Sensor and test capsules are FSA/HSA reimbursable.

Learn more and purchase the Nima Peanut Sensor at the Nima website.

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The Nima Peanut Sensor allows you to test food for allergens right at the table originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 6, 2018 at 8:16 am.

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