2019 – Page 294

Mixcder E9 headphones review

REVIEW – If you’re looking for reasonably priced headphones with excellent battery life and background-noise buffering, consider the Mixcder E9.

What is it?

Mixcder E9 noise-canceling, wireless Bluetooth headphones feature an over-the-ear headset and exceptionally long playing time.

What’s in the box?

Headphones
Hardshell case
Instruction manual
3.5mm aux cord
Charger
Airplane adapter

Hardware specs

Weight: 9 ounces
Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.6 x 3.4 inches
Playtime: 30 hours (80 hours in wired mode)
Charging port: Micro USB
Batteries: 2 Lithium Polymer

Design and features

The Mixcder E9 headphones have an adjustable headband, making them comfortable for children and adults. They’re labeled left and right, printed onto the headband piece. And they’re cushioned, designed to fit entirely over the ear.

There’s “+” and ” – ” volume control buttons on the right earpiece, as well as the micro USB port for charging and the power on-off button.

On the left earpiece is the ANC toggle switch to turn the noise-canceling feature on and off.

Under the ANC switch, you’ll find the 3.5mm aux connection for plugging in to your device with a wired connection.

The earmuffs swivel and turn into themselves for easy storage. And the hardshell case is great for keeping them protected while traveling, or really any time you’re not wearing them.

It comes with a charger (though the battery life is stellar), and aux cord (though the Bluetooth works great) and an airplane adapter (though I haven’t needed one of these in ages).

Noise cancellation

We tested these headphones by having my 10-year-old yelling and playing loud music, both of which we could hear through the earmuffs. So these aren’t true blue, can’t hear a single thing noise-cancellation headphones.

For busy moms desperate for a minute of peace and quiet, this isn’t your miracle cure.

However, it does perfectly muffle out road noise, the refrigerator buzz and the ticking clock. And if you put on some soft music along with the noise cancellation, then you’re in business. (Take note, parents!)

Performance

We took these with us for spring break on a five-stop, nine-night road trip through the Midwest. My teenager usually prefers earbuds he can shove in his pocket, but decided to give these a whirl. Turns out, they were so comfortable, with such good audio quality, I doubt he’ll ever go back to earbuds.

Right away I noticed it was difficult to get his attention during the drive. Where I could normally yell back to him, I had to physically touch him to get his attention. With his music on (at half volume, so not exceptionally loud), he couldn’t tell I was speaking to him.

On a similar note, we couldn’t hear even a hint of his music, even when sitting right next to him.

When using it with Bluetooth, which is how he usually connects, it was quick and easy to pair.

We also tested out the microphone feature, and it worked well on my son’s smartphone while we chatted on a call. He had no trouble pairing or using the mic, and on my end, the clarity of his voice was the same quality as a speakerphone call, maybe even a little better.

At this point, my son’s been using these consistently, wired and with Bluetooth, for two weeks including about 15 hours in the car and at least 15 more outside the car, and they’re showing no signs of needing to be charged.

He notes that the sound balance of bass/treble is quite good with the factory settings but it’s also easy to adjust the balance on your device.

What I like

Exceptionally long battery life
Good for buffering background noise, especially with music on
Very comfortable

What needs to be improved

Overall noise cancellation could be better

Final thoughts

Comfortable travel headphones with long battery life and decent noise cancellation for the price point.

Price: $69.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Mixcder.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Bluetooth headphones

Mixcder E9 headphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Tactical Urban Carry System – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Companies are making bag and packs increasingly durable, versatile, and feature-loaded these days. Plus, the military look is in. Have a look at the Tactical Urban Carry System, currently in a Kickstarter campaign from AMABILIS.

What is it?

The Tactical Urban Carry System from AMABILIS consists of a backpack and a tote bag, both of which are military-influenced in style and appear to be made from durable materials and to be packed with features geared toward urban/commuter users.

Why do I like it?

First off, I like the style. I dig the appearance of the “tacticool”-styled bags and packs. As mentioned above, the system consists of a backpack and tote bag, both of which are made from “Military Grade Waterproof Tarpaulin,” main exterior and “SuperFabric Ceramic Armor Plates for Maximum Durability” along the bottom, and are “Fully Lined w/High-Viz Waterproof Nylon,” and include Velcro fields with laser-cut MOLLE webbing on the exterior to mount morale patches or other accessories. The flagship bag in the system is the UR-2 (short for Urban Responder) Rucksack, which features a “GI duffle” style top closure, a waterproof dry bag collar, quick-access lockable laptop compartment, a removable modular Velcro organization board and lots of other features. The Tactical Tote features a magnetic top closure, interior organization pockets including a laptop compartment, a heavy-duty shoulder strap and many more features.

Where can I find more info?

The Tactical Urban Carry System campaign ends in just a few weeks on April 17, 2019, and has already surpassed its funding goal of $25,000. Pledge packages start at about $79 for a single Tactical Tote and increase from there depending on the options selected. After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in August 2019. Visit the Tactical Urban Carry System campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Bags, Crowdfunded

Tactical Urban Carry System – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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MP Magic-Premium socks review

REVIEW – I’ll admit it, I was skeptical about writing a review for these MP Magic-Premium socks. I mean, what can you really say about a pair of socks? It’s just a tube of cloth right? Well, I was wrong.

What is it?

The MP Magic-Premium socks are just as they sound, premium socks. If you’ve never had really nice socks, then read on and find out what you’re missing!

What’s in the box?

1 pair MP Magic-Premium socks

Design and features

I know what you’re thinking: “What’s so magical about these socks?”

I’ll admit it, I was skeptical about the MP Magic-Premium socks when I first took this review. I have sweaty feet. They sweat when they’re hot, they sweat when they’re cold. When it comes to clothing, I’m fairly casual and not very fashion conscious, so I’ll pretty much wear or try anything, especially if it aims at comfort.

The MP Magic-Premium socks boast a nice feature list:

24-hour comfort
Antibacterial
Odorless
Japanese fabrics
Italian knitting machine
Fast moisture wicking
Cushioning for protection
Customized Left & Right
100% money back guarantee

The first thing I noticed about these socks was the stitching. It was obvious that these were very high quality. MP team has chosen to use the finest cotton from Japan and the high-quality Santoni Italian knitting machines capable of 200 needle count knitting which produces items with tiny details perfectly.

It may sound strange, but I looked closely at the stitching of the sock and was quite impressed with not only the quality of it but the design. It appears as though each and every part of the sock has a purpose and the stitching varies based on what they want it to do – it’s more than just a tube of cloth.

The socks are infused with silver, copper, and zinc which are known for their anti-bacterial properties. This is a big plus, just ask my wife. After wearing them for the day I really do think they helped with odor. Yes, there was the obligatory “smell my feet”.

Although the MP product page lists Cushioning for Protection, Chafing Prevention, and Shock Absorption the socks are not overly bulky or poofy. The “cushioning” is minor and more of a thicker weave than a layer of cushioning that you might expect when hearing that.

Here is the feature that intrigued me the most, moisture wicking. There are times that I change my socks two or three times a day because of my sweaty feet. The moisture wicking ability of these socks is outstanding. The convection effect is noticeable, you can actually feel your feet being cooled as the moisture evaporates.

The socks are thinner than my other cotton socks, almost like some of the thin dress socks. They have a more pleasing cotton feel as compared to polyester dress socks.

What I like

Comfort – these are really comfortable socks
Odor control

What needs to be improved

Needs an ankle high version and color selection in white (colors not yet specified)

Final thoughts

I wish I had more pairs of these socks! I scrounged around the house for stuff to wash just so I could wash these and wear them again. My feet stay noticeably drier and cooler.

Price: Pricing not yet announced
Where to buy: MP Magic-Premium
Source: The sample of this product was provided by MP Magic Socks.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Clothing

MP Magic-Premium socks review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Nisnas industries Vortex Shadow is a sling for urban adventurers

NEWS – I followed the first Kickstarter of these guys with their Kole flask back in August of 2015. Since then, they have released several other unique high-touch products (two wooden whiskey tumbler styles, and two vegan backpacks sized for women, among others). The one that I have always lusted after, however, is their Vortex Shadow.

In natural tan, this slim sling looks like Robin Hood’s quiver remade for an inner city walk. As the ad copy states, “The Vortex is designed to be a mid-range bag for a one-day urban adventure, the sweet-spot between longer trips and a commute. Perfect for a day in the city, to take your camera and essentials on an adventure where the city will take you.” With my recent descent into the world of sling bags of just this ilk, it’s looking more and more attractive. There’s a smaller one now, the Vortex Shield, but I think that won’t hold my regular sized iPad.

If you’re into leather (natural brown or black) and have just a bit more than all your pockets can hold, this may be the bag for you. They offer free shipping anywhere in the world, and ship in just a few days. Visit NiNSAS Industries for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Bags

Nisnas industries Vortex Shadow is a sling for urban adventurers originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Facebook Finally Shows Us Their Frustrating News Feed Algorithm

All Facebook users know the frustration of going to your news feed and not reading what you were hoping to. We are told it’s because of the social network’s algorithm, but it doesn’t seem to make much sense, just like the algorithm that drives Google search. Finally, Facebook is letting us in on the news feed algorithm and showing how they decide what we’re seeing. They’re also providing some limited controls to change it Granted, it could be more, but this is a great start. Why Am I Seeing this Post? Whose posts are you expecting to see in your news feed? Your mother’s? Your… Read more