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How to Use “Hey Siri” on Older Macs

While Apple has made the Siri functionality available for older Macs, the company has not made the “Hey Siri” activation function available for all the Macs that support Siri. If you own an old Mac, you would know you have Siri but you do not have access to the “Hey Siri” hands-free command on your machine. Fortunately, though, you have a workaround to get access to the Siri’s hands-free command even on your old Mac. The workaround uses the dictation feature on your Mac to let you call Siri with your voice. Essentially, by setting “Hey” as a wake phrase and “Siri” as the word… Read more

Posted by / April 20, 2019 / Posted in Mac, siri

What’s New in Ubuntu 19.04?

If you like shiny new software, you may already know that Canonical just launched a new version of Ubuntu. It may be exciting, but is it worth the upgrade? The same question applies if you’re one of those people that don’t care about new things. Your old(er) Ubuntu installation gets the job done. But does version 19.04 solve any problems you currently have? Gnome Performance Improvements It seems Gnome is on a constant roller coaster regarding quality, performance and functionality. Throughout the years, it introduced features people loved or hated. And in the same way, it has removed features and created controversy, such as with… Read more

Aroundsquare skill toys review

REVIEW – If you thought the fidget spinner craze was over and done with, you would be wrong. There’s a whole world of fidget toys out there and Aroundsquare is a company offering a variety of them. Let’s check them out.

What is it?

Fidget toys are usually small items that you can hold in your hand to twirl, spin, flick, and click. What’s the point? Does there have to be one? Seriously though, fidget toys can be stress relievers, focus enhancers, and even dexterity improvers. But above all, fidget toys are fun.

Fidget toys from Aroundsquare include begleri, knucklebones, deadeye contact coins, monkey knuckles, cardistry cards, and more. Aroundsquare sent me a Begleri, knucklebones, and deadeyes.

Deadeye Contact Coins

Deadeyes are specially designed disks that are made of Delrin or a variety of metals that include stainless steel, copper, brass, and titanium. They come in two sizes and different finish styles and are concave on both sides which creates a ridge around the edge that lends itself to really cool manipulation.

Check out the video below for just a small taste of what you can accomplish with Deadeyes if you put the time into learning how to work with them.

I love the feel of the Deadeyes coins between my fingers. They are heavy and smooth. Of the three toys sent to me, I think this is the one that I can learn to “juggle” first. I can almost do the coin spinning on the fingertip trick shown in the video above, but I’m nowhere near as smooth as the performer. Of course, that’s what practice is for right?

Price: $9.00 – $55.00 depending on material and finish

Knucklebones

Knucklebones are dumbbell shaped toys that you can roll and weave between your fingers. Like Deadeyes, Aroundsquare’s Knucklebones are available in a lot of different materials that include wood, titanium, steel, Delrin, brass, aluminum, and acrylic. They even make a modular version like the one shown above that has removal/replaceable ends and center sections.

I like playing with the Knucklebones because it’s something you can do without really paying attention to what you’re doing. You don’t have to look at your hand as you’re twirling it between your fingers. It’s a soothing kind of feeling playing with them.

I will say that although I love the look of the metal one shown in my hand in the picture above, it’s heavy and if you drop it, it makes a LOUD sound on a hardwood floor. So I prefer actually playing with the wooden one they sent me which is much lighter weight.

Price: $20 – $300 depending on the material and finish

Begleri

This is the one toy you’ve probably already seen before. It’s a Begleri and is basically two beads attached with a cord. This is a Greek skill toy that you can twirl, sling, and fling between your fingers almost like a tiny yoyo. And like the other toys, Aroundsquare offers a crazy cool variety of beads to choose from that are made of the same materials as their other toys including Delrin, steel, titanium, steel, acrylic, and more.

Of all the toys they sent, I would say that this one has been the hardest for me to get the hang of to do any trick so far. I really want to get decent at it though because just watching Aroundsquare’s video tutorials is mesmerizing.

Price: $10 – up

What I like

  • Stress reliever
  • Fun and addictive
  • Good for your brain and your fingers

What needs to be improved

  • Get more in stock

Final thoughts

Fidget toys are fun, but these toys from Aroundsquare are a cut above fidget spinners because they are actual skill toys. You can’t just pick them up and expect to be awesome with them from day one. It takes a lot of practice and that’s what makes them fun and frustrating and fun and maddening and fun. They will help with finger dexterity and will even exercise your brain in order to learn new moves.

If you’ve been looking for a new hobby or skill, the toys from Aroundsquare are awesome both in the way they are made, look and feel, and what you can do with them.

Price: Varies, see above
Where to buy: Aroundsquare and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Aroundsquare.

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Aroundsquare skill toys review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 20, 2019 at 10:30 am.

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Naipo Shiatsu Kneading Massager Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat review


REVIEW – Living and working in NYC can be rewarding and exciting, but that benefit is usually overwhelmed by the level of stress that is an inherent part of life in this city. My life in NY is no exception, and many nights I usually have to ask my already tired wife to massage my tense and aching shoulders. The Naipo Shiatsu Kneading Massager Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat sounds like the perfect answer to my aching shoulders and to me bothering my already tired wife.

What is it?

The Naipo Shiatsu Kneading Massager Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat is a personal and portable massager that includes the versatility for it to be used to massage various parts of your body.

What’s in the box


1 x Naipo Massager
1 x User manual
1 x Car Power Adapter
1 x AC Power Adapter

Design and features

Features

● Professional Shiatsu Massage: This Shiatsu neck and shoulder massager comes with 4 big nodes and 4 small ones, which apply deep tissue massage on your neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, waist, thigh, calve, leg, feet, and arm areas helping release stress, relieve sore muscles for full body parts

● Advanced Heating Function: The electric kneading massager has an infrared heating massaging feature; Together with the 8 massage nodes with soothing heat, the massager can be used to relieve muscle pain and tension after an exhausting day

● Adjustable Massaging Intensity: This massager machine also features 3 variable speeds to customize your own massaging style: Low Intensity for normal muscle pain relief and relaxation; Middle and High Intensity for tight knots and tense muscles and acupuncture points

● Suitable for the Whole Family: Made of skin-care premium breathable mesh and PU leather, this versatile massager works well both for the elderly and young; Relax with it regularly for 15-30 minutes per day

The massager is covered in a  very soft and smooth material that feels like leather, but I am not sure that it is in fact leather. It is well made and seems like it would last a long time while enduring the abuse associated with frequent use.
On the inside of the massager where the device touches your body to perform the massaging function, there is a soft cloth type material that covers the contoured surface and the massaging mechanism that includes massaging beads/balls. The surface is designed to contour around the shape of parts of your body. There is also a connection cable with a jack on the end for you to plug in either of the 2 included power adapters.
On one of the massager “arms” there is a control pad that allows you to manipulate the functions and settings of the device.

Performance

The massager arrives in a brown box as shown below with no additional packaging other than a clear plastic bag covering the actual device. Despite the minimal protection, it arrived in perfect condition, and set up is plug and play.



It provides great massages with the ability to vary the speed of the movement of the massage and the direction. The heat option works well and adds to the experience in a positive way.

Caution: This device provides a deep and timed massage using the built-in massaging beads/balls. I have found that restarting the massage cycle once it is completed just because you are enjoying it, will result in aches and soreness the next day that will last for a few days. In other words, one massage cycle per body area is good enough. Do not overdo it.

Here are some pics of how it can be placed and used:



What I like

  • The build quality
  • The feel and the effectiveness of the massage
  • The versatility of applying the device in several ways

What can be improved

  • Safer and more protective packaging

Final thoughts

Whenever I go to the mall near my home, I often try to take a few moments to sit and relax in the public massage chairs. For $1, they provide a 3-minute massage that actually works well as a deep massage. It feels like my back is being kneaded by small fists and the result is really relaxing. This Naipo Shiatsu Kneading Massager Neck & Shoulder Massager does the same but with the added benefit of heat as desired. I am loving this massager, and for the price, in my opinion, it is a good value. I have no issue giving it two thumbs and a well done!!

Price: $49.99
Where to buy: The Naipo website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Naipo.

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Naipo Shiatsu Kneading Massager Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 20, 2019 at 9:30 am.

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Wacom Intuos Pro graphics drawing tablet (PTH660) review

REVIEW – Let me state up front that I have used a Wacom graphics tablet of some form for more than 25 years. Since I do a lot of Photoshop work, the Wacom Intuos Pro tablet is not an option, it’s a necessity. Over the years, Wacom tablets have only gotten better and better with features being added year after year. Yes, the Intuos Pro is expensive, but the prices haven’t increased that much over the years, so essentially, a current Wacom tablet is a better buy than previous models. Note: My home/freelance setup was the older Intuos 3 tablet and my office version is the previous Intuos Pro model (without the Bluetooth option).

What is it?

The Wacom Intuos Pro creative pen tablet is the latest in a long line of Wacom Intuos tablets. It comes in two sizes—medium and large—a  smaller size is only available as the previous version. The medium-sized tablet’s 8.7 x 5.8 in. drawing area is housed in a thinner and smaller body than previous Intuos Pro tablets. It comes with the new Wacom Pro Pen 2—a more sensitive update to the venerable and dependable Pro Pen. It’s battery free, has 8,192 levels (up from 2048) of pressure sensitivity, tilt-response and lag-free tracking. There are two switches for access to customizable shortcuts. 

Also included is a redesigned Desktop Pen Stand that holds 10 extra pen nibs (6 standard and 4 felt nibs). The extra cost Bluetooth option from previous Intuos Pro tablets now comes standard along with a wired USB connection. 

Specs

  • Model Number PTH660
  • Tablet Size 13.2 x 8.5 x 0.3 in
  • Active Area 8.7 x 5.8 in
  • Weight 1.54lbs
  • Black color
  • Multi-Touch
  • Pen: Wacom Pro Pen 2
    Pressure-sensitive, cordless, battery-free
    Pressure Levels 8192, both pen tip and eraser
    Tilt Recognition ±60 levels
    2 side switches on pen, Touch on/off switch on tablet
    Replacement Nibs 10 Pro Pen 2 nibs (6 standard and 4 felt nibs in pen stand)
    Latex-free silicone rubber pen grip
  • Desktop pen stand
  • Tablet resolution 5080 lpi
  • 8 customizable, application-specific express keys
  • Touch ring with 4 customizable functions
  • 6.6 ft cable
  • PC And Mac USB or wireless Bluetooth
  • System requirements: USB port, Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.10 or later, Bluetooth for wireless connection, internet connection for software downloads

What’s in the box

  • Wacom Intuos Pro Pen Tablet
  • Wacom Pro Pen 2 (battery free)
  • Pen stand (includes 6 standard nibs, 4 Felt nibs)
  • 4 extra pen color rings
  • Texture sheet sample card
  • 6.6 ft. USB cable
  • Quick start guide

Design and features

Let’s look at the construction of the tablet. The Intuos Pro looks a lot like the previous model except that it takes up less desk space and is a bit thinner. It feels just as sturdy as before, if not sturdier. Wacom’s build quality has always been stellar and the current Intuos Pro is no exception. One caveat I have is the new USB-C connector wire. It’s a right angle wire that helps keep it flush with the tablet, but it’s always felt a bit out of place in my desk setup. However, the addition of standard Bluetooth helps that quite a bit and it allows me to move the tablet pretty much wherever I want. Plus USB-C allows for faster charging for wireless operation. If there’s any lag between wired and wireless Bluetooth, I didn’t notice it.

As much as I like my iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, I’ve never liked writing/drawing on the iPad’s super-slick glass surface. The Intuos’ replaceable Texture Sheet drawing surface has a slightly rough surface that mimics the feel of paper. This is a far better solution. Optional Texture Sheets come in three degrees of roughness. Note that with a Wacom Intuos line of tablets, you look at a monitor while your hand is drawing on a flat surface out of your sight. While this can be weird at first, it quickly becomes second nature as you acclimate to this new way of working. The much more expensive Cintiq tablets have built-in monitors, so you can draw right on the screen while looking at it—think iPad.

For more money, Wacom does offer what they call the Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition. This tablet actually uses real paper with real ink pens.

This is going to be a bit strange writing about the features of the Intuos tablet. As I said, I’ve been using a form of Wacom tablet for years. When I began, there were no rotary dials or shortcut/function buttons. There was only the tablet and a pen—and that’s how I learned using them. When Wacom introduced the buttons and other extras, I ignored them because I wasn’t comfortable adapting to them, so I disabled all buttons and continued using the Intuos same as before—sans extras. 

That was then and … well, it’s still then. To this day, I don’t use any of the extra’s that Wacom includes on the tablet. To back up my point, I talked with many artists I know that use and depend on the Intuos or Wacom Cintiq tablets. I found that the older that the artist is, the less likely they use these extra features. The younger artists tend to utilize the buttons and dial because their first tablet already had these features. Reviewing the latest Intuos Pro tablet has required me to try these features. 

Wacom has included a row of what they call ExpressKeys. There are eight buttons set vertically that can be made to do almost anything you want to program them to do. A Touch Ring with a center Toggle button divides the ExpressKeys into two sets of four each. In paint programs like Photoshop, the ring can be used to rotate, increase/decrease brush sizes and other functions with variable settings. Pressing the center Toggle button switches between the outer ring functions. If you’re right or left handed, the ExpressKeys can be set to be on the right or left side of the tablet. Once you get the settings done, they’re locked in until you decide to change them. All this sounds more complicated than it really is.

After using the ExpressKeys and Ring for this review, did I overcome my stubborn ways and plan to keep using them? Nope. Sorry, Wacom. (Warning, Photoshop nerd talk ahead) Here’s an example: If I want to resize the brush in Photoshop, I can easily use the Intuos’ outer ring. However, as my left finger is using the Ring while still holding the pen, I can’t see the brush size on the screen. It is much easier for me to have my right hand on the keyboard while I am drawing or retouching with my left on the Intuos tablet. Through the years, I have learned and customized keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop. It’s just easier for me to stick to what I know. (Nerd talk done)

Another feature of the Intuos Pro tablet I usually ignore is Multi-Touch. This basically turns the Intuos tablet into a trackpad. I cannot stand trackpads. It’s probably the main reason I don’t use a laptop. My fingers get all contorted. Ugh. But that’s me. The good news is that it can be turned off. I am aware that for some, Multi-Touch is wonderful and I applaud Wacom for including it. 

Moving on from the ExpressKeys, how does the tablet work in day-to-day work? In a word; great! It’s a Wacom, so that’s not surprising—they are the gold standard among tablets. The increased sensitivity of the pen is a welcome improvement. Drawing or retouching with the pen is almost effortless. Plus, as the pen is turned and tilted, the on-screen brush mimics the moves perfectly by alternating between thin and wide strokes. The Wacom pen has been able to do this for years, but the new Pro Pen 2 is better and even more responsive than before. The Pro Pen 2 is uber-comfortable in the hand. It’s balanced perfectly and the tips are replaceable—yes, they do wear out with age. Also, the pen is light and battery-free. Wacom tablets use electromagnetic resonance technology, which provides power to the pen through inductive coupling. Whatever, it’s magic to me.

What I like

  • Build quality
  • The wonderful Pro Pen 2
  • Smaller size without reducing drawing area
  • Wireless Bluetooth included!

What needs to be improved

  • I wish there was a Pro version available with no ExpressKeys for purists like me
  • Still expensive, although less expensive Wacom tablets are available

Final Thoughts

Although this review is about the new Intuos Pro tablet, it’s also about the many Wacom tablets I’ve used through the years. As the tablets aged, I have replaced them for newer models that were more compatible with the model Mac and Apple system software I had upgraded to. Not once, have I ever replaced a Wacom tablet because it stopped working. Not once. That says a lot about a company and its products.

Price: $329.95 US
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this product was provided by Wacom.

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Wacom Intuos Pro graphics drawing tablet (PTH660) review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 20, 2019 at 8:46 am.

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