2019 – Page 95

VOAMOKO Mouse Pad with USB Hub review

REVIEW – Our family computer is a MacBook Pro that lives on the kitchen table but floats around the house wherever it’s needed. It’s not a particularly powerful laptop, but we only use it for ordinary things, like banking online, writing documents, and checking Facebook. In general, our setup works, but it does have a couple of drawbacks. One, our table isn’t a great mousepad, and two, our MacBook doesn’t have enough ports. The perfect solution to our problem would be a mousepad that doubles as a USB hub, and that’s exactly what VOAMOKO’s gadget is!

What is it?

The VOAMOKO Mouse Pad with USB Hub is exactly what its name says: It’s a metallic mousepad with a built-in USB hub designed to work with laptops.

What’s in the box?

The only two things in the box are the mousepad and a 7-inch-long USB cable. Atypically, there are no manuals, quick start guides, or any warranty information.

Hardware specs

The mousepad is made of an aluminum alloy. It’s available in gold, rose gold, black, space gray, or silver. It’s 10.5 long x 8 inches wide and has 6 ports on the back:

1 x RJ45
3 x USB 3.0
1 x SD
1 x Micro SD

Design and features

I have the silver mousepad, and it matches the silver on our MacBook Pro pretty well. The main part of the mousepad is a flat surface, like any mousepad, but the back part that houses the hub is a raised, triangular shape. The connector to the host is indented on the left side. It almost looks like something that Apple would have designed.

Installation and setup

Installation is super simple. I connected the USB cable to the port on the left side of the mousepad to the USB port on the right side of the laptop. Done. No power supplies or drivers required.

Performance

The mousepad is a slick, metallic surface, which means it’s very fast and not very tactile. Personally, I prefer this to the slower speed of a cloth mousepad, but if it’s too fast for you, you can adjust the tracking speed of your mouse, if it supports this feature. The mousepad seems very rigid and sturdy to me, and I expect it will work very well for a long time.

The great thing about this design is that when I need to use the laptop somewhere else, I only need to disconnect two cables, the USB cable to the mousepad and the power cable. Everything else can remain right where it is, ready for whenever I bring the computer back.

The ports on the back of the hub work great! I connected an SD card from my Canon EOS 60D camera, a SanDisk USB drive with some files, the wireless dongle for my Logitech mouse, and my SanDisk SSD drive for Time Machine. Everything just works without any fuss or drama, which is exactly what I want, and there’s plenty of space between each port. It should be noted that the 3 USB ports implement the older, slower USB 3.0 specification, so the max throughput is only 5 Gbps. If you consistently need to move lots of large files, you may find this to be too slow, but for normal, everyday usage, it’s probably just fine. Amazon has an alternate version of this mousepad that connects to the host computer using USB-C, but as far as I can tell its ports are still USB 3.0, so you won’t see any difference in performance.

There are a couple of constraints that you should be aware of. First, the port for connecting to the host computer is only available on the left side of the mousepad, which means that the mouse pad only works on the right side of your laptop. Unfortunately, all of you “lefties” out there have been left out. If you want to move the mousepad to the left side of your laptop, or if you don’t want your mousepad to be right next to your laptop, you’ll need to buy a longer USB cable. Second, the cable is fairly rigid, which means that the mousepad is exactly 6 inches away from my laptop. My personal preference would be to move it closer, but the cable won’t let me move it very far. I wish that VOAMOKO had included a braided cable, which would provide the flexibility to adjust the mousepad’s location.

The bottom of the mousepad has a black, rubber surface attached to it, which provides good traction. I never have problems with it slipping around while using it.

One final consideration is the price, which is currently $59.99 on Amazon. You can buy an aluminum mousepad for less than $20, and you can buy a similar USB hub for less than $20. That means you’re paying an extra $20 for the convenience of merging these into one product and decluttering your workspace. I’m a fan of simplicity, so this seems like a good deal to me.

What I like

Solid construction
Nice aesthetics
Functional ports

What I’d change

A braided USB cable for connecting to the host computer

Final thoughts

I like this mousepad from VOAMOKO. It does everything that I hoped it would do without any problems. The functionality of the extra ports and the convenience of only having to plug in the one USB cable are good things. If you’re in need of a mousepad and a hub, then I commend the VOAMOKO Mouse Pad with USB Hub to you.

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by VOAMOKO.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Mouse, USB hub

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AMAREY A900 Robot Vac review

REVIEW – After spending a month with the AMAREY A900 Robot Vac, I find myself wondering what I did without one. This brilliant little guy does a wonderful job of keeping the floors clean… and it’s smart enough to keep from getting itself into real trouble. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a smart vacuum that happily cleans away, with smart mapping technology to optimize the work for future chores.

What’s in the box?

You get the unit, a docking station, 4 brush heads (2 replacements), two sets of filters (1 replacement), a cleaning tool, and rechargeable batteries. There’s also a remote that you can use if you prefer that over the app.

Hardware specs

Cleaning unit: 12.7″ by 12.7″ by 2.9″, 5.7 pounds.
Lithium ion rechargeable batteries (included).
100 minutes of operation between charges.
145 degree navigation sensor and VSLAM technology for site mapping.
Auto-adjustable suction for different surfaces.
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Design and features

The AMAREY A900 Robot Vac is a bluetooth enabled smart vacuum that takes care of your cleaning duties. It’s got a nice slick profile with a single power/function button on the top face.

Looking underneath (pardon the mess, it’s been working!) you’ll see a bit more of the mechanics powering the beastie. The vacuum roller sits to the rear of the unit with a pair of edging brushes on the front face to gather the dirty bits. A 360 degree pivot wheel sits in the nose, with a pair of spring-loaded wheels on the sides that adjust to floor height. A bumper on the front face detects hard objects, redirecting the unit’s course of travel.

Assembly is simple. You snap the edge brushes into place and insert the batteries, and you’re ready to charge.

The docking station plugs into a standard outlet. We have our vacuum patrolling the second floor of the house, so we plugged it into a wall socket in the hall.

Those metal tabs on the docking station align with tabs on the base unit for charging. The light turns blue in normal function, and purple when power is running low.

The receptacle for the dirt and grunge pops out of the back of the unit by pushing down on a thumb lock.

You’ll find a pre-filter and sponge filter here that can be removed and cleaned.

Pop loose the drawer to empty the nasties between cleanings.

Nothing feels cheap in any components of the construction. At a total weight of about 6 pounds, it’s a solid unit that’s also pretty nimble as we’ll see in the tests. The vacuum also has a pleasant female speaking voice that notifies you when it starts, runs, or gets stuck. We’ve taken to calling her “Amy,” which seems appropriate.

Once you’ve charged the unit you can get started on that cleaning. It does include a remote control, but where’s the fun in that when you can control it from an app? Scan the QR code in the manual to download the app, pair it up, and you’re ready to get to work. Simple and efficient.

Performance

So here’s where the fun begins. Open up the app and you’ll find all of your options in an easy-to-use interface. You can control the movements via the remote if you want to play with it, but we went right to the app. Just hit that “Auto” button to get started.

The vacuum then begins its journey. The first time out it wanders around a bit, mapping out the space. As the unit maps out the space, it remembers the map and learns how to do it in a more efficient pattern for future runs. If it encounters trouble like a table leg, it simply backs up ad readjusts until it has mapped a track around the item.

The low profile makes it easy to get under bedframes and the like. Here it is running under my son’s bed, making short work of all the dog hair and who knows what else collects under a teenager’s bed. Ick.

It’s also pretty smart about not getting itself into trouble. It does come with a strip of rubberized material that you can put down for “no-go” areas, and we thought we would need to use that to keep it from taking a nosedive down the stairs. But it has sensors for that! When the unit notices a sudden drop it stops, backs up and corrects its path.

Here it found the edge of the step, made a left, and continued on its way. It remembers this for the next time, too.

It’s really good at managing other transitions. Here the little fella has wandered into our bathroom. Note that it navigated the transition from carpet to linoleum, and the transition from linoleum to our shaggy carpet rug. It will also adjust the suction power based on the surface, which is nice. You can manually set the suction power in the app, but we haven’t seen a need for that yet.

As the unit does work it updates a map you can review on the app. You can see here how it has run through the entire second floor of our house. And if it starts to run out of juice, it will drag itself back to the docking station for a recharge… and then come back to finish the job.

As it wanders along, it will speak to you if it runs into trouble. It also sends an alert to the app, as seen below. What I really like is that it doesn’t push the limits. When in doubt, it just shuts down and waits for human assistance. Note the second alert below… we picked it up mid-flight, and it let us know.

If you want to fully automate the cleaning, you can create a repeating cleaning schedule. You can also adjust the suction level if you like for more or less powerful operation. The device will get about 100 minutes of cleaning time before requiring a recharge.

A month of regular service and the AMAREY A900 Robot Vac is performing like a champ. It survived my dog’s shedding season with nary a whimper. The dirt chamber does require regular emptying given the smaller size, but more frequent cleaning compensates for that.

What I like

Simple, brainless and painless operation
Sophisticated sensor system keeps it out of trouble
Easy to empty the dirt tray and clean the filters

What I’d change

Catch chamber for dirt and stuff requires regular emptying, but does seem generous for the size of the unit

Final thoughts

Smart vacuums are not an inexpensive investment, and the AMAREY A900 Robot Vac will set you back around $400. But at that price you’re getting a pretty sophisticated piece of technology that handles roadblocks, multiple cleaning surfaces, and other hazards with ease. I am a huge fan of the plug-and-play nature of this unit. No manual mapping of the areas or other “training” required; it does all the work for you and gets smarter as it learns. If only my teenager was as easy to manage…

Price: $389.99
Where to buy: Buy it now on Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Amarey.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Home and Kitchen, Vacuum

AMAREY A900 Robot Vac review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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6 Gadgets that will take your workspace into the future

ARTICLE – Modern technology is creeping into so many areas of our lives that it makes sense we’d start to see it on the professional level. The enterprise world has always run on certain kinds of technology, but we’re talking strictly about innovative gadgets — many you might see in the IoT or smart market.

You’ve probably heard that the future of modern living lies with the smart home. Well, the same is true of the business world. The technologies and solutions used inside these spaces will significantly improve convenience and productivity, as well as sync up various functions and activities.

Here are six gadgets that will transform your workspace into a more futuristic environment.

1. Interactive Whiteboards

There are few things more valuable in a collaborative space or conference room than the whiteboard. For years, these tools were nothing more than low-tech analog boards that you draw or write on using conventional markers. That’s no longer the case.

Electronic or digital whiteboards work similarly to a touch-screen tablet. They can record, store and print all content written or drawn on their surface. Not only does this help save time during work sessions, but it also improves collaboration for everyone that has access to the board. Notes can be added, and the final mockup can be sent to everyone on the team via email or internal applications.

These high-tech whiteboards can interface with mobile devices, allow for real-time adjustments and modifications, display presentations and allow multiple users to interact or add content simultaneously.

Check out GoTouch on Amazon.

2. 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, creates several unprecedented opportunities. Prototypes and conceptual designs can be realized quickly, accurately and on-site. There’s no need to send plans to a manufacturer and wait until it produces a limited run. It can all be handled in-house using a relatively inexpensive printer.

3D printers also allow resourceful engineers to create a vast array of goods, items and devices. A printer can be used to create any type of tool, object or gadget you might need at work.

Plus, any office filled with 3D printed goods is going to look futuristic anyway.

Check out some of our 3D printer reviews!

3. Modular Office Pods

Cubicles suck, and that’s something pretty much everyone can agree on. They do serve a crucial purpose, though — especially in large corporate office spaces. They give each worker a personal environment to work in, separating them from the rest of their department or team.

A lot of offices have moved away from large, cubicle-filled spaces and instead opt for more open and social areas. When you do need that personal and quiet space to get some work done, queue the SnapCab pods or modular office pods. They are cozy workspaces that personnel can enter alone — or with a small crew — to work in peace. It’s a place to go when you don’t want to be in the open or social.

Their modular nature means they’re easy to install and can be connected with other pods and similar modular walls or surfaces. Another would be the SnapCab Portal, which introduces intelligent and integrated multimedia walls.

4. VR and AR

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) solutions will truly digitize and transform the average in-office experience.

By using VR, workers can immerse themselves in an entirely digital space or environment. Imagine transporting to an isolated beach to get some work done, or demoing a potential prototype in a realistic, bustling world?

AR, on the other hand, involves projecting digital content or experiences in the real world. “Pokemon Go” is an obvious example, but IKEA’s Place app is another. AR will allow workers to project information in front of them as they work or alter the way they interact with their surroundings — like displaying indicators or notifications on real-world surfaces.

5. IoT and IIoT

Just as homes are being made smarter through IoT integration, so are office spaces and corporate campuses. The technology is incredibly broad but collectively syncs up all functions, devices and systems to create a more intelligent, automated and convenient environment. Even something as simple as the office coffee maker can be engaged from a mobile device remotely.

During meetings, your smartphone might record important notes and schedule reminders and appointments automatically. A real-time location system can tell you when a co-worker you need to talk to enters the office or when they have free time. Another one can turn on lights when you walk into a room and off again — with no input from you.

6. AI Voice Assistants

Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are all voice-enabled AI assistants that can take commands and complete various actions. You can tell Siri and Alexa to turn on additional smart devices in or around your home. While there are many assistants out there, many of them are designed for personal and consumer use. That’s about to change, however.

A company called JLL has created an assistant named JiLL to help out around the office. JiLL is just the first of many as the technology is adapted for work and professional use, in addition to everything else it’s capable of.

Imagine being able to arrange meetings with colleagues, schedule work-related calendar events, send emails and communications, or even submit work orders just by using your voice.

Future offices will be smart, convenient and efficient.

Featured image by Shridhar Gupta

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged: Office

6 Gadgets that will take your workspace into the future originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Google Adds to Its Malware Woes with Yet Another Found in Google Play Store

At one point certain operating systems had a more difficult time with malware, and certain OS were considered nearly safe, but that is no longer the case. Every OS can be victim to malware, whether mobile, Windows, Mac, etc. But what can make a difference is whether a tech company is willing to do more to help keep malware out and help keep its users safe. This seems to be a problem with the Google Play Store, with yet another “ordinary” app being labeled as malware being found. Malware App Found in Google Play Store … Read more

How to Speed Up Your Steam Downloads

Steam is your portal into the world of PC gaming. Yes, the power balance may be shifting with Epic making its own inroads into the space and Google Stadia flaunting its cloud-gaming chops, but for now Steam remains king. You want it running nice and smooth and making sure that downloads go smoothly is a big part of that. Luckily, there are a fair amount of tricks you can do to speed up your Steam downloads. Here we’re going to show you the best ways to do it. Related: How To Use Steam Play to Play Windows Games on… Read more