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VAVA VOOM 22 True Wireless Bluetooth Speaker review

I have bought and currently still own a lot of Bluetooth speakers.  For some reason every time I see a new design or one that has a slight advancement in functionality, I want it.  Why?…I have no idea.  I don’t go on a lot of outings where I need a speaker, the ones I have are already great for going on the deck or backyard where having some music makes for a more enjoyable time, yet I still find myself drawn to these things.  The VAVA VOOM 22 is the first pair of Bluetooth speakers that I have owned that are portable and offer stereo sound when paired together.

Offered on Amazon for $129.99 for one or $219.99 for a pair, these speakers have quickly become my new favorite and not because they are my latest audio toy, because they offer a rich stereo sound and are more geared for home use.  You could easily take these speakers with you on a car trip but if you are looking for something to drop in a suitcase or backpack for on the go listening, these are probably not for you.  If, however, you are in the market for a speaker or set of speakers that can go from the living room to the patio or something that is more permanently set up in somewhere in your home or office, I highly recommend that you seriously consider these speakers.

Once paired, the wireless connection between the speakers in instant.  There is no volume lag if you reduce the volume on one speaker, they operate in perfect harmony no matter which speaker you choose to control via the onboard buttons.  You have full control of the EQ, track selection, volume control, power and Bluetooth buttons onboard each unit.  You can also connect your music source directly to the speaker using the 3.5mm audio cable connection on the back of the speaker.  There is also a USB power outlet on the back for charging your phone or another device while listening.

Each speaker is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, which VAVA says will provide 4-6 hours of playback after a 3-4 hour full charge from empty.  The speakers can also operate full time if connected to a constant power source.  Each unit is equipped with a 10W driver and a 20W subwoofer, totaling 60W when a pair of them is connected.  There is no lack of power here.  Whether listening in your home/office or filling an outdoor space, you will not be left wanting more power.  Each speaker is 5.9″ x 4.33″ x 9.84″, making them ideal to sit on a desk, shelf or table but maybe not so much if trying to pack them in a suitcase or backpack.

The design of the VOOM 22 is very attractive with the fabric mesh wrapping and the rubberized end caps, giving each surface a very satisfying feel.  Each speaker is easily moved using what I assume is the subwoofer output in the back that doubles as a handle.  They look right at home with your home entertainment system or on a shelf or desk.  During a majority of the time, I spent testing the VOOM 22 I was using the pair of speakers.  I did test a single speaker but wasn’t as impressed with the sound as I was when paired with its twin.  This is exactly what I expected as the richness you get from a stereo experience far exceeds that of a mono sound. The experience I got from using just one speaker was similar to other Bluetooth speakers I own, which isn’t a bad thing but where this product shines is when used with its twin.  If you bought the single unit, I don’t think you would have any complaints at all.  In hindsight, I should have tested the single speaker first because now I am hooked on having them in opposite corners of my living room.

One downside to these is the slight delay when using these while watching a movie on your iPad or another device.  The delay isn’t as long as other Bluetooth speakers or headphones that I have but it prevents me from using them for this purpose.  This delay is less than a second but if you don’t want your movie to seem like an old Kun Fu movie with the English dubbed over the top where the sound doesn’t match the moving lips of the actors, I would recommend connecting your device to the speakers using the audio cable.  When plugged into the source while watching a movie, the speakers sound great and there is no delay.

Overall, I am extremely happy with the Voom 22 Wireless Bluetooth Speakers from VAVA and for $219 for a pair, I don’t think you will be disappointed.  If you are in the market for a new sound source, I definitely recommend that you take a serious look at buying a pair of these.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by VAVA. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $129-$219
Manufacturer: VAVA
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Rich stereo sound when paired to another VOOM 22; attractive design; 4-6 hours of 30W playback via the 4000mAh battery on each speaker; instant response of controls via Bluetooth connection (no volume or track lag); great value for $219 considering the quality of sound; onboard USB power output for charging your phone or other devices.
Cons:
  • Larger size makes these less portable if you want to leave the house with them; Bluetooth delay when watching a movie.

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VAVA VOOM 22 True Wireless Bluetooth Speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 8, 2017 at 11:29 am.

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This guitar rack has been aged to perfection

There are lots of ways to hang a guitar on a wall, but most of them won’t have the aged patina and beauty of curved oak barrel staves.  The wood used in these racks was reclaimed from barrels used in Napa Valley wine production.  Brad Evans crafts these curved barrel staves into beautiful, protective guitar hangers.  The padded hooks are adjustable to hold any guitar, or ukulele, as seen in this image.  Each guitar rack measures 2″ deep X 3″ high; the single hanger rack is 18″ long and the double hanger rack is 37″ long.  Each rack includes screws for hanging and oak plugs to cover the screw holes.  The single rack is $55.00, and the double is $90.00.  The Wine Barrel Guitar Rack is available at UncommonGoods.

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This guitar rack has been aged to perfection originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 8, 2017 at 9:58 am.

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Halberd proximity based PC lock, Deskspace planet models, PAL modular light, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are featuring seven crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Click through to read more details about these seven crowdfunded products.

Halberd – GateKeeper’s NextGen Proximity-Based Computer Key

What is it?
GateKeeper is a smart Bluetooth key and lock for your computer.

Why do I like it?
I like the GateKeeper because it is compatible with Windows, Macs, Android, and iOS. Put the Halberd keyfob on your keychain or wear it around your neck. The included USB dongle will act as the lock. Now when you walk away from your computer, it will lock automatically when you are a few feet away and will unlock as soon as you come back into range. If you have multiple devices like a laptop and a tablet, it will lock and unlock them both.

The key (the Halberd keyfob) doesn’t transmit your user info to the lock to open it. It just acts as a beacon so your info is safe and by using military-grade encryption to store your credentials using AES-256 encryption.

Where can I find more info?
The GateKeeper campaign ends on 1/5/2018 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a GateKeeper starting at $30. After the GateKeeper campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

LET VisionAI Smart Glasses with Alexa & Stereo Sound

What is it?
LET VisionAI Smart Glasses are eyeglass frames that have integrated Alexa features.

Why do I like it?
The LET VisionAI Smart Glasses look interesting to me because I wear glasses in case you didn’t notice and having the capability to perform Alexa voice commands no matter where I am sounds pretty cool. With VisionAI glasses, you can answer and make calls using your glasses. Just tap the frame with your finger, say the command, and enjoy. You don’t need to stick an earbud in your ear because the frames use bone conduction to transmit the sound to your ears. Slick! The glasses even track your steps, so you can leave your Fitbit at home.

The glasses have a built-in Li-ion battery that will last up to 10 days in standby mode and 5 hours in playback mode. The battery is charged with a magnetic charger.

Where can I find more info?
The LET VisionAI Smart Glasses campaign ends in a month and they are getting pretty close to meeting their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order one of the 3 frame styles of VisionAI Smart Glasses starting at $119 (prescription lenses can be added for an extra charge). After the VisionAI Smart Glasses campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

OneManBand (OMB) – A New Way to Play Guitar

What is it?
OneManBand is an upgrade kit that you connect to your existing guitar or it’s an acoustic guitar or electric guitar with a built-in OMB module that plays backup band audio accompaniment while you play the instrument.

Why do I like it?
I think OneManBand looks like a really fun way to experience the feel of playing with a full band without having to deal with actual humans. It adjusts to your guitar playing in real-time and lets you play with other instruments sounds with no latency. It will also let you turn your guitar into a different instrument and play that way too.

Where can I find more info?
The OneManBand campaign ends on 1/28/2018 and they have already gone way past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a OneManBand starting at $149. After the OneManBand campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018 (ouch, that’s a long time to wait). Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

DeskSpace: Handcrafted Solar System Desk Accessory

What is it?
DeskSpace is a set of nine planet models (including Pluto) made out of gems and minerals.

Why do I like it?
I think the DeskSpace solar system set looks gorgeous. Each planet has been recreated from high-quality polished gems or minerals like Earth is made of Sodalite and Mars is made of Obsidian. The gems and minerals were chosen to match the look of the planet as close as possible.

Where can I find more info?
The DeskSpace campaign ends on 12/31/2017 and they have already met their funding goal of $12,800. You can pre-order a DeskSpace starting at $64. After the DeskSpace campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

HEXAGONAL RULER

What is it?
The HEXAGONAL RULER is an electroplated stainless steel ruler with a hexagonal shape and built-in “tools” for sketching.

Why do I like it?
In addition to functioning as a ruler, these small metallic rulers also have other features like a protractor, circles, spirograph patterns and more. A set of these hexagonal rulers would be a perfect companion to my journal or for anyone who sketches.

Where can I find more info?
The HEXAGONAL RULER campaign ends on 1/17/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $2,560. You can pre-order a HEXAGONAL RULER starting for $14 and all 4 rulers for $65. After the HEXAGONAL RULER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

BoxLock Home – Smart Padlock for Protecting Deliveries

What is it?
BoxLock Home is a smart padlock that has been designed to protect packages delivered to your front door from thieves.

Why do I like it?
As you would imagine, I receive a lot of packages. Luckily, I live in a rural area with little traffic or humans within sight distance. But if I lived in a city or a busier area, I’d need a way to protect my deliveries. BoxLock Home looks like a cool way to do that without having to ask for packages to be held at the local shipping depot. This lock has a built-in scanner that the delivery driver uses to scan the label on the package. Once the label is scanned, the lock unlocks so the driver can place the package in your secured storage box (that you supply) and relock the BoxLock Home.

Where can I find more info?
The BoxLock Home campaign ends on 12/15/2017 and they have already more than doubled their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a BoxLock Home starting at $99. After the BoxLock Home campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

PAL | A Versatile Rechargeable Light for Home and Outdoors

What is it?
PAL is a multi-use light with 3 350 lumen Cree LEDs and a modular multi-use design that lets this light replaces your flashlight, headlamp, lantern, bike, emergency and task lights.

Why do I like it?
I’m a minimalist in training, so I like the concept of the PAL light because it replaces a bunch of one-use lighting gadgets. It’s also always ready for use because you store it plugged into an outlet. When you’re ready to use it, you just twist and remove from the charger to use it with a head strap, flashlight handle (which doubles the battery life), a lantern holder, and more.

Where can I find more info?
The PAL campaign ends on 12/14/2017 and they have already achieved their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a PAL starting at $89. After the PAL campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Halberd proximity based PC lock, Deskspace planet models, PAL modular light, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 8, 2017 at 9:07 am.

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This Ameribag protects your back and your identify

I’ve used Healthy Back Bags from Ameribag for years.  I even reviewed a shiny red vinyl HBBevo bag a couple of years ago that I still like and use.  This new Urban Traveler Healthy Back Bag shares some design features with my old bag.  It still has the main zipper against your back to prevent pickpockets from opening it and to keep the contents easily accessible to you without removing the bag; it still has lots of internal and external pockets for organizing your stuff, too.  It has added an internal RFID-protective pocket to protect your ID and credit cards from skimmers.  It’s a medium-sized HBB with a padded pocket for a tablet and a silver lining that helps you see and find the contents of your bag.  The Urban Traveler is made of 100% nylon, making it water-resistant and machine washable. Amazon has the Ameribag Urban Traveler in Stormy Grey for $59.95, which is the best price I’ve seen.

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This Ameribag protects your back and your identify originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 8, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Enhance your Amazon Echo Dot with stereo speakers and clock display

An Echo Dot can serve as your wake-up alarm all by itself, but iHome has created the Bedside Stereo Speaker that makes your Dot look like a regular alarm clock.  The Dot (generation 1 or 2) connects to the iHome via AUX cable to play all audio, so you can listen to the music Alexa plays for you through the stereo speakers.  It also powers the Dot, so you’ll only need one power cable.  The iHome has a dimmable digital display, so you can see the time at a glance in the middle of the night without having to ask Alexa for the time, but you’ll still use Alexa commands to set your alarm times.  There’s a USB port so you can charge up your phone as you sleep, too.  The iHome Bedside Speaker for Amazon Echo Dot measures 6.7″ X 6.7″ X 2.13″, and it’s available in black only for $49.99 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond or black ($49.77) or white ($49.95) at Amazon.

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Enhance your Amazon Echo Dot with stereo speakers and clock display originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 7, 2017 at 12:00 pm.

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