From the same company that brought you the Vibram FiveFingers shoes comes Furoshiki footwear. Designed to mimic the Japanese practice of wrapping objects in cloth, Furoshiki footwear wraps the soles of your feet with rubber treads.
Available in a variety of colors, the Furoshiki sole wraps are made of 72% Polyamide and 28% Elastane and feature a stretchy breathable material that wraps around the top and bottom of your foot to completely enclose it.
The wraps are multi-sized to allow for a tighter or looser fit to adapt to your foot. The material is not waterproof, but it does dry quickly.
They fold down to a small package that takes up minimal space in a bag compared to traditional shoes.
The Vibram Furoshiki footwraps look like they’d make a comfy round-the-house shoe, or even everyday shoes if you like minimal footwear. Vibram even sells a boot version of the Furoshiki.
You can find more info about these shoes from Vibram and can order a pair for $65 – $110 from Amazon.
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Today I am sharing four crowdfunding campaigns that I thought you might like to read about. Click through to see my list of this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.
The Mirabook turns your smartphone into a laptop
What is it?
The Mirabook is a laptop that is powered by your Android or Windows Phone (and even Raspberry Pi) smartphone and provides it with a larger display, keyboard, touchpad and a higher capacity battery.
Why do I like it?
I like the Mirabook because I still have a dream of using my smartphone as my everything device. The only thing that sort of worries me about the Mirabook is that it physically tethers to the phone with a Type-C cable. That just seems a little awkward to me. I’d still love to try it though.
Where can I find more info?
With 30 days left in their campaign, The Mirabook campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Mirabook starting at $180. After the Mirabook campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
Code Angel: Learn to code amazing games on a Raspberry Pi
What is it?
Code Angel is a Raspberry Pi game programming kit that includes the Raspberry Pi computer and lessons to teach you coding in Python.
Why do I like it?
I like Code Angel because it is designed to teach computer programming in an easy and fun way by coding games. Programming helps develop problem-solving skills and analytical thinking skills that are important for all types of jobs and hobbies that are not just computer related. I’ve always wanted to tinker with a Raspberry Pi AND learn Python, so I’m really tempted to pledge for this campaign.
Where can I find more info?
With 24 days left in their campaign, The Code Angel campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $4397. You can pre-order a Code Angel starting at $124 for a reward that includes a Raspberry Pi. After the Code Angel campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
What is it?
The B-2 Nano Blade is a tiny folding and locking pocket knife that has a blade with serrated and non-serrated sections.
Why do I like it?
I like the B-2 Nano Blade because it’s so small, but has a serrated part of the blade that can be used to saw through things. I also like the locking blade.
There are a couple things to consider before you pledge. We’ve reviewed Bomber & Company products before and the review wasn’t too favorable. Also, this item won’t ship until February 2018 which is a crazy long time to wait for a reward and makes me wonder if the people who have pledged for it really paid attention to the estimated ship date.
Where can I find more info?
With 47 days left in their campaign, The B-2 Nano Blade campaign has already wildly surpassed their funding goal of $5000. You can pre-order a B-2 Nano Blade starting at $25. After the B-2 Nano Blade campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
miniRIG – Capture more with your smartphone and GoPro
What is it?
miniRIG is a video stabilizer for GoPros and smartphones.
Why do I like it?
I like miniRIG because it comes with extra accessories like a LED light, microphone, and legs that attach to turn the miniRIG into a small table top tripod. It is being made by the same people who brought you the Smoovie which I reviewed last fall. I wasn’t impressed with the Smoovie and didn’t recommend it, but it appears that they’ve vastly improved the design to create this new product that has a lot more features.
Where can I find more info?
With 23 days left in their campaign, The miniRIG campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $12,563. You can pre-order a miniRIG starting at $52. After the miniRIG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
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The Nomad Advanced Powerpack is a well-built, powerful, ruggedized external battery pack that is unique in that it has built-in Tile integration. Not only will it quickly charge your various devices, if it’s ever misplaced you’ll be able to find it easily using Bluetooth and the Tile app. The added features will cost you though.
The Nomad comes in very sturdy packaging that appears just about as rugged as the unit itself.
In the box:
Nomad Powerpack
USB-C to USB-A cable
User Manual
Inside the box, you’ll find the Nomad Powerpack, a USB-C to USB-A cord and a small manual.
The overall design and look of the Nomad Powerpack is quite impressive. The Nomad has a very militarized, stealth aesthetic. The pack feels hefty in your hand, more like a weapon than a battery pack. The large size and weight is one of the Nomad’s drawbacks. It has matte textured plastic bevels with the Nomad named imprinted in a groove down the top of the unit.
The unit is protected by a thick rubberized diamond plate-like texture. Furthering the military theme, the specifications say that has 1.2M Mil-spec drop protection. Basically, this means that it can be dropped from a height of 1.2M on to its edge without suffering damage.
The Nomad comes uncharged. A low charge is indicated by a single orange light.
The unit charges by using the included USB-C to USB-A cord. Plug the USB-C end into the IN USB-C port on the Nomad and plug the USB-A end into a powered USB port or a USB-A wall charger. Plugged into my Anker powered USB hub using the included cable, the Nomad went from empty to full charge in about two hours.
A full charge is indicated by three white lights. Interestingly enough, Nomad included an ambient light sensor on the powerpack right between the USB-A port and the Tile button. The unit will automatically dim the indicator lights in the dark preventing the bright lights from disturbing your sleep.
You power the unit on by pressing the small button under the charge indicator lights. I was able to charge my Android Nexus 5X from 10% to 100% in about two hours and thirty minutes using the USB-C to USB-A cable plugged into the USB-A out on the unit. I measured that charge at 5.08V / 1.05A / 5.334W; this was an average reading. Voltages always hovered around 5.00V. Amps averaged around 1.25A. Watts were anywhere from 5.25W all they way up to 8.75W.
The USB-A port is indicated as providing 2.4A out although my testing came in a bit lower.
To get the full benefit of the quick charge capability you will need a USB-C to USB-C cable for newer Android phones or a USB-C to Lightning cable for iPhones.
Setting the Nomad up to use the integrated Tile functionality is easy. Open the included user manual and scan the QR code to initiate the process and install the Tile app on your Android or iPhone. To find the Nomad using Tile simply select it in the Tile app and then select Find.
If your Nomad is within 100ft, it will start playing a little alarm tune repeatedly until you find it and press the Tile button. The alarm is a bit low so searching for the Nomad may take some time if it’s hidden someplace deep in your backpack or behind a couch for example. If the Nomad is out of Bluetooth range you still may be able to locate it using Tile’s community functions. If any other Tile user’s device is within Bluetooth range of the Nomad, you will receive an update with its location.
The Nomad Powerpack is a very powerful battery and the built-in Tile functionality is a great addition. It’s a good deal more expensive than most battery packs and it has fewer ports than a lot of more inexpensive ones. But, if a seriously rugged design and the option to track its location is important to you then it’s worth the higher price point.
Compatible Devices
iPhone 5 through 7/7Plus
iPad (4th Generation +)
iPad Mini (All generations)
iPod Touch
Android Type C and Micro USB phones and tablets
Most Micro USB Devices via USB-A port
PowerPack supports USB C, but it does not support USB PD (Power Delivery) so it will only trickle charge your 2016 Macbook.
Specifications
Capacity: 9,000mAh (29.6wh)
Input: USB C 5V/3.0A (cable included)
Output 1: USB A 5V/2.4A
Output 2: USB C 5V/3A – 12V/2A with Fast Charge technology
Panasonic lithium battery
5.31″ (13.5cm) x 2.9″ (7.5cm) x .78″ (2.5cm)
1.2M Mil-spec drop protection
Tile integration via Bluetooth
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nomad. Please visit their website or Amazon to order.
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When you think furniture quality bamboo you probably don’t think Bluetooth speakers, but with the A320 Bluetooth speaker from Archeer that’s exactly what you get. The body of this speaker is actually made of bamboo, giving it a very unique and rich look. Add to that a skin – friendly rewind fabric material and you get one of the most beautiful looking Bluetooth speakers on the market. The Gadgeteer was fortunate to receive one for review. Is this a case of beauty only being skin deep or is there more to the A320 then just good looks? Time to find out if this Beauty really is a Beast.
In the Box:
1- ARCHEER A320 Home Speaker
1- Micro USB Charging Cable
1- 3.5mm Audio Cable
1- User Manual
This speaker really is a stunner. Its classic design with dual exposed 5W tweeters and 15W subwoofer all set into warm colored bamboo make it a perfect complement to any room. I really like the solid build of this speaker. It has some heft to it but still maintains its portability. The universally understood symbol control buttons for play, pause and volume up/volume down located on top of the speaker are raised and have a rubber like coating.
I also like the rewind fabric that wraps around the body of the speaker. Its gray color is in nice contrast with the warm color of the bamboo. Just another touch that adds to the unique design of the A320. My only concern about the fabric wrapping is that there could be some wear on the bottom of the speaker due to the fact that it comes in direct contact with any surface it’s placed on. I remedied that by adding four rubber bumpers that I purchased for a couple of bucks at the store. One downside to the unit being made of bamboo and having exposed speakers is that it’s not weather or water proof. So if it is used outside keep it out of the weather and away from pools or lakes. This may be a deal breaker for some. But it would make a nice addition to any deck or covered patio this summer.
On the back you’ll find the AUX Port, DC in via micro USB to standard USB, charge light and reset button. In addition, near the bottom of the back of the unit is the bass port.
The A320 uses 4.0 Bluetooth to connect to your device of choice, or you can connect your non – Bluetooth device with the provided 3.5mm audio cable. Pairing the speaker is easy, it’s done by holding down the power button until the power light (located between the volume up and play/pause buttons) flashes green. This means the A320 is in pairing mode, then simply select it from your device’s Bluetooth menu. When connected you will hear a tone and the power button will flash blue.
The unit is powered by a rechargeable 5200mAh lithium-Ion battery. Listening time on a full charge is about 11 hours at 50% volume. It does take about 6 hours to fully charge the A320, however, you can use the unit while it’s charging. Charging is done using the micro USB charging cable. Archeer doesn’t provide an adaptor but you can use any 5V DC adaptor (I used one that I had from one of the many Apple devices I own) or a PC. If you don’t have an adaptor you can purchase one on the Archeer website. While charging the charge indicator light on the back will glow red. Once fully charged the indicator light shuts off.
Archeer also provides a thick nylon carrying bag for the A320. It’s nothing special but will definitely provide some protection for the speaker while traveling.
Remember when I asked whether this Beauty really is a Beast? Well time to find out. I decided to use different genres of music to test the range of the A320’s sound quality. For my tests, I listened to rock, rap, classical and pop. The A320 handled every genre I threw at it very well. The bass was very prominent thanks to the 15W subwoofer, but not overwhelming. The highs and mid-range tones were very clean and clear. Lyrics were also very crisp and discernible. As you might guess rap benefited greatly from the added bass. The Beastie Boys ‘Licensed to Ill’ never sounded better. Even listening to orchestra music was a joy on this speaker. In fact, I was listening to the soundtrack from The Lord of the Rings as I was writing this review and it sounded fantastic. I also like to listen to podcasts from time to time so I tested out an episode of ‘The Nerdist’ podcast. The sound quality of the voice only content was great. And the A320 even replaced a ratty old boom box I was using to listen to sports talk radio with my morning coffee. So no matter what you like to listen to this Beauty truly is a Beast.
The other thing I like to use the A320 with is my Amazon Echo Dot. If you own or have seen the Dot you know that the built-in speaker doesn’t get very loud, but pairing it to the A320 (which is very easy by the way) gave me a whole new Alexa experience.
In Conclusion:
I flat out LOVE this speaker. The Archeer A320 Bluetooth speaker is everything one could want in a wireless speaker. Classic good looks with sound to match. There are more expensive speakers out there, but you would be hard pressed to find one that matches the sound quality and design of this speaker, especially at a more than reasonable price of $79.99. So if you want a Bluetooth speaker with excellent room filling sound that also doubles as a great conversation piece the Archeer A320 is a no brainer.
Warranty:
Archeer offers a 40-day money back guarantee along with a 18-month hassle-free warranty. From the date of purchase.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Archeer. Please visit their website or Amazon to purchase.
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I saw this tool being advertised on Facebook this weekend and thought it looked really useful for DIYers and weekend home remodelers. It’s the Gorilla Gripper and it literally gives you a better grip on drywall and plywood panels.
The Gorilla Gripper is basically a clamp that grips the top edge of a sheet of plywood, drywall, steel, etc and provides a much easier and safer way to transport it with one hand instead of over your head carried between with two hands.
Gorilla Gripper sells a couple versions of this tool, from the heavy duty model shown above which retails for $50 – $70 on Amazon, to a glass-filled nylon polymer version that is priced at $29.95.
You can read more about the Gorilla Gripper by visiting gorillagripper.com and you can order one through their site and Amazon.
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In the box:
