Keyboards aren’t glamorous, but they are useful. These third-party iOS keyboards for iPhone and iPad users will help you type faster and more accurately, with options for emojis, stickers, gifs, and more. Installing Third-Party iOS Keyboards Third-party iOS keyboards for the iPhone and iPad are downloaded from the iOS App Store. The keyboards may come bundled in a larger app: Google’s GBoard lives inside the Google Search app, for example. Once the app is downloaded, you’ll need to enable the keyboard. Navigate to “Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboards -> Add New Keyboard …” and choose the… Read more
REVIEW – I am usually interested in almost every type of gadget that is designed for videography and/or photography. These days, almost everyone has a smartphone and many people use the built-in features to shoot either videos or to take pictures or both. In response to this popularity, many companies have manufactured various kinds of gadgets to help phone users to get more enjoyment and versatility when shooting. The Pivo Tiny Pod is just that type of gadget.
What is it?
Pivo is a smart interactive pod for smartphone photography and videography. It is built around 12 main features that include 9 quick create modes, 2 auto-follow modes, and 1 multi live streaming mode.
What’s in the box
1 x Pivo Pod
1 x Panoramic Mount
1 x Adjustable Mount
1 x Remote Control
! x Micro USB Cable
1 x Travel Case
1 x User Leaflet
Design and features
Specifications Pivo Pod – Max Load: 1kg Bluetooth: BLE 4.0 Rotation Degree: 360 degrees Speed Rotation: 10s/r-2h/r Bluetooth: 2402MHz~2480MHz SRD: 2440MHz Battery: 500mAh Charging Method: Micro-USB Part, 5VDC, 0.5A Charging Time: 1 hour Working time: 10 hours Height (without mount): 5 cm / 2 inches Height (with mount): 7.3 cm / 2.9 inches Width: 6.3 cm / 2.5 inches Weight: 176g / 6.2 ounces
Looking at the Pivo Pod, on one side, there is the grip fastener at the top, the 360-degree rotation gear below that, and a USB charging port at the bottom. Around the body of the Pod, there is a sort of rubberized finish/coating.
On the opposite side of the Pivo Pod, there is the power button.
Looking down at the Pivo from the top, there is the smartphone holder/grip and a bubble level.
At the bottom/underneath of the Pivo, there is a 1/4-20″ tripod mount and 3 extendable feet.
The Pivo Pod also comes with a remote that controls shooting modes, speed, capture and rotation functions.
Performance
The Pivo Pod is very easy to set up and use. Just take it out of the box and charge it, download the app and it is ready to go. The app requires that you create an account and then login. It connects via Bluetooth but the app controls the connection. Once you mount the phone into the Pivo you can start recording. You can mount it either vertically or horizontally.
It has several modes that can track in different ways to handle tasks like panoramic or 2 persons back and forth switching or individual movement tracking, timelapse, motion timelapse, etc. Since it is a bit hard to explain and showcase all of its functionality, here is a video to help do so:
The Pivo Pod app is also easy to setup and use. Here are some screenshots from the app:
The following is a short tracking video test that I did from my point of view:
What I like
The compact size
The features and functionality
The versatility
The ease of use
It works with the remote, snapping your fingers and even saying cheese
It uses front and back cameras
What I’d change
It works great so I can’t think of anything at the moment.
Final thoughts
I really like the Pivo Pod, especially in my case for shooting product videos and product photography. It shoots 360-degree photos/video. The tracking feature is great and responsive enough that it allows for versatility when shooting video. The remote works well for any distance that I have need. You also have the ability to stream live to popular platforms like Facebook and YouTube, and they have partnered with Ustream to allow streaming to over 30 platforms. I give this device a well done and two thumbs up!!
Price: $109 Where to buy:The Pivo Website Source: The sample for this review was provided by Pivo
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REVIEW – How many times have you needed something – a screwdriver, knife, something to pry with? One solution is to carry the well-known Swiss army knife, but those tend to be bulky and heavy. That need led to the creation of multitools – small, pocketable tools and Leatherman is at the forefront of that market. Always innovating, Leatherman has a new tool in the game – the Leatherman Free T4.
What is it?
The Leatherman Free T4 is a small and lightweight multitool that comes with a cool dozen tools.
What’s in the box?
Leatherman Free T4 tool
A really basic “how to use” card
Hardware specs
Closed length: 3.6 in / 9.3 cm L x 0.62 in / 1.51 cm W
Blade length: 2.2 in / 5.6 cm
Weight: 4.3 oz / 121.9 g
Design and features
Each side has a lock-release thumb switch to release opened tools. The back has a removable pocket clip with a lanyard loop included on the clip.
The T4 feels great in the hand. It’s super-solid and at the same time, very lightweight. In fact, my wife, the engineer, couldn’t believe how light it was. But, a tool’s value isn’t in how it feels or how light it is. It has to function, and the T4 brings a dozen tools to the party. Let’s see what’s included in this beauty.
Item #1 is a 420 high-carbon stainless steel knife
Item #2 pulls triple duty as a pry tool, package opener and, a medium screwdriver
Item #3 is is a twofer with a wood/metal file and a small screwdriver
Item #4 is a spring-action pair of scissors
Item #5 is both an awl and an extra-small screwdriver
Item #6 is a Phillips screwdriver as well as a bottle opener
Item #7 is a pair of tweezers in the top of the unit and pictured below
When a tool is opened, it locks in place. There are two releases – one for each set of tools. A push of the thumb releases the lock so the tool can swing back to its stored position.
A cool feature of this locking mechanism is that it uses magnets and makes for a very smooth open/close.
Speaking of opening – historically, that was one of the pains with multitools. To get at specific tools, it took industrial-strength fingernails to pry the tool out from its stored position. The Free T4 changes that with a thumb-driven opening mechanism that simply pivots the desired tool up so it can be easily accessed.
This design allows for one-handed opening operation – a very nice feature.
What I like
It’s solid
It’s light
It has most everything I need
What I’d change
It is a tad thick in my pocket, making it a challenge to get my wallet out (perhaps that’s a bonus…), but I don’t know how I would include all these features in anything smaller
Including a reusable toothpick would have been nice
Final thoughts
I tend to travel light. I have my trusty cell phone in one front pocket and wallet (and sometimes key fob) in the other. Adding the Free T4 on the wallet side was a non-event. I never felt it. It clipped perfectly on my pocket and rested in my pocket. As I mentioned above, because it is a little thick, it will take some getting used to getting my wallet out, but I expect that won’t take much time.
All Leatherman tools (including the Leatherman Free P2 which we also reviewed) are proudly made in the USA. The Free T4 comes with a 25-year warranty. I really like the Free T4 and look forward to it becoming a key player for every day carry.
Price: $59.95 Where to buy: Direct from Leatherman. It is announced on Amazon but pricing and availability are not available. Source: The sample of this product was provided by Leatherman.
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Even if you don’t identify yourself as a gamer, there is a good chance you have heard of “The Legend of Zelda/” This is one of the most critically and commercially successful video game franchises in history, spawning nineteen entries and various spin-offs. In addition, The Legend of Zelda has appeared in other media like comic books, television and more. Ever since the original game was released in 1986, It has been a prominent and influential series, with many of the titles in the franchise considered to be some of the greatest video games ever made. Related: 9 of the Best Nintendo… Read more
There are many ways to increase your Instagram following by using the right hashtags, finding your niche, etc., but Instagram is primarily a photo-sharing site, so the first step to finding success on the platform is taking good pictures. Here are six steps to creating an Insta-gallery of attractive and professional-grade pictures. Related: How to Prevent Other Instagram Users from Finding You 1. Use Natural Light It is unwise to rely too much on your smartphone’s flash photography feature. While the flash can brightly illuminate the subject, the resulting picture appears too bright to be aesthetically… Read more
REVIEW – I am usually interested in almost every type of gadget that is designed for videography and/or photography. These days, almost everyone has a smartphone and many people use the built-in features to shoot either videos or to take pictures or both. In response to this popularity, many companies have manufactured various kinds of gadgets to help phone users to get more enjoyment and versatility when shooting. The Pivo Tiny Pod is just that type of gadget.
