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ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella review


Do you carry a compact umbrella with you for rainy days? I have one in my drawer at my day job and one in the glove compartment of my car just so I have all my bases covered. The overall design of compact umbrellas hasn’t changed much over the years unless you include the button on the handle that automatically extends the canopy over your head when you press it. Yes, that’s a very handy feature, there hasn’t been a button to automatically close the umbrella until now. Let’s go singing in the rain with the ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella.

What is it?

The ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella is a 14″ long umbrella that fully opens and closes with the press of a button.

What’s in the box?

ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella
Protective sleeve
AC adapter
Instructions

Design and features

At first glance, the ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella looks like an ordinary black umbrella that you probably already own.

The umbrella is 14″ long when closed and features an 8-panel design that is made of a black polka dotted polyester material that has a rain repellent Teflon coating, sturdy fiberglass ribs, and a steel shaft.

The e-Motion has a comfortable rubberized handle with a wrist strap. But when you look a little closer you’ll notice two arrow buttons and a battery status LED below them.

The ShedRain is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for months on a charge which is done using the included AC adapter. The adapter plugs into a socket on the bottom of the umbrella handle and a small rubber cover protects the socket when it’s not being used.

Charging the umbrella is as easy as plugging the cable into the umbrella, plugging the adapter into a wall outlet, and then waiting for the LED on the AC adapter to turn from red to green.

There’s also a status LED on the umbrella handle, which turns red when the battery needs to be recharged. I’ve yet to see it light up because one charge provides enough power for up to 150 openings and closings.

How does it work?

It really couldn’t be any easier. You unwrap the velcro strap around the closed umbrella and press and hold the up arrow on the handle. That’s it. To close you press and hold the down button. Like I said, easy.

See it in action

As you can see from the video, using the ShedRain is easy and it’s fun too. I love it!

Final thoughts

Most standard umbrellas offer a one-button open of the umbrella, but they still have to manually push the folded canopy down the handle. I bet some of you thinking that people are lazy if they can’t even close an umbrella without needing a button or a motor to do it. But think about it for a minute. Closing an umbrella is awkward when your other hand is holding something, you have dexterity problems or you only have one arm in the first place.

The only criticism of the ShedRain that I can think of is that it uses a proprietary AC adapter. I wish it used a microUSB or USB Type-C connector instead so I could charge it at the office, in my car, etc. As is, you have to to make sure not to lose the AC adapter that ships with the umbrella.

Note: I’m not sure what happens if the battery in the umbrella is completely dead. Will it open? I have sent that question to ShedRain and will update the review as soon as I get an answer.

The ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella makes using an umbrella fast and easy by completely opening and closing it with the simple hold of a button. Now I look forward to rainy days!

Source: The sample for this review was provided by ShedRain. Please visit their site for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $99.00
Manufacturer: ShedRain
Pros:
  • Very easy to use
  • Opens and closes with the press of a button
  • Compact
  • Rechargeable
Cons:
  • Uses a proprietary charger

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ShedRain e-Motion motorized compact umbrella review originally appeared on on June 28, 2017 at 4:56 pm.

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PITAKA modular wallet, Touch wireless earbuds, FODI device stand, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns


Today I have a selection of five Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects for you to read about. Click through to see my list of this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

PITAKA – Redefine Carbon Fiber Wallet

What is it?
The PITAKA is a modular, magnetic RFID-Blocking wallet made of lightweight carbon fiber.

Why do I like it?
I reviewed the original PITAKA wallet earlier this year and found it to be an interesting design for a minimalist wallet. My main negative feedback was that credit cards with magnetic strips could not be used in the wallet for fear of the magnets damaging them. This new version of the PITAKA wallet solves that problem by adding an anti-degaussing module that can hold up to 3 cards. There are also other new layers that can hold keys, coins and more.

Where can I find more info?
With 31 days left in the campaign, The PITAKA campaign has already reached their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a PITAKA wallet starting at $69. After the PITAKA campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

EverSleep – Wake Up Refreshed 5-In-1 Sleep Tracker

What is it?
EverSleep is a sleep tracking device.

Why do I like it?
I like EverSleep because it doesn’t just track the different sleep levels like light, REM, and deep, but it also tracks your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, movement and your respiratory function. It looks like a more comprehensive sleep tracker than the ones we see on the market today that are built into our wearable fitness trackers. The EverSleep’s main function is tracking sleep, so it focuses all its effort on that task.

Where can I find more info?
With 17 days left in the campaign, The EverSleep campaign has already reached their funding goal of $40,000. You can pre-order an EverSleep tracker starting at $169. After the EverSleep campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

FODI – The flat multi-purpose origami stand

What is it?
The FODI is a thin Origami stand that folds into different sizes to support phones, tablets, laptops more.

Why do I like it?
I like the FODI because it’s thin, easy to store, and can be used with a variety of devices instead of just phones or tablets. It’s made of a thin polypropylene fibre but is strong enough to hold up to 44 lbs.

Where can I find more info?
With 39 days left in the campaign, The FODI campaign has already reached their funding goal of $7,607. You can pre-order a FODI starting at $14. After the FODI campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Touch – Affordable, Ultra Small, Wireless Earbuds

What is it?
Touch wireless Bluetooth earbuds are that are very small and store in their own recharging case that easily fits in your pocket.

Why do I like it?
I like the Touch wireless earbuds because they look almost identical to the Rowkin earbuds that I reviewed last year. I loved the size and fit of those earbuds, but they had a lot of problems with connectivity. Touch earbuds are the next generation of that design. I asked the people behind the Touch campaign how their earbuds different from the Rowkin buds and this is what they had to say:

the differences between the Rowkin Bit. Touch is the second generation product where we’ve replaced the single multi-function button with a touch sensor. Now you don’t have to fiddle around to make sure you are pressing the button all the way. In addition, now the earbuds feature a brand new chipset and redesigned RF module with Bluetooth 5.0.

In your review, you mentioned the minor disconnects when you move around. With Bluetooth 5.0, the range is increased 4X and the new chipset has double the processing power for better DSP (better audio).

Otherwise, the same size and bullet styling is nearly identical with a slight angle where the ear-tip attaches for better fit!

I’m anxious to give them a try!

Where can I find more info?
With 16 days left in the campaign, The Touch campaign has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a pair of Touch earbuds starting at $89. After the Touch campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

eWheels: Turn Any Pushcart to an Electric Remote Golf Caddie

What is it?
eWheels turns any pushcart to a remote-controlled motorized electric golf caddie.

Why do I like it?
I don’t play golf, but I just think that eWheels is a cool idea that could be applied to other uses like a motorized garden cart. We spent last weekend moving rocks using a pull cart and it was a lot of work. Turning our existing cart into a rechargeable motorized cart that we can remote control sounds great! Although I can’t find any info on how much weight the eWheels can handle.

Where can I find more info?
With 8 days left in the campaign, The eWheels campaign has already reached their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an eWheels starting at $429. After the eWheels campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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PITAKA modular wallet, Touch wireless earbuds, FODI device stand, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 28, 2017 at 9:35 am.

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Koogeek BP2 blood pressure monitor review


I don’t take my blood pressure on a regular basis, but maybe I should.  I have EMT training so I own a manual sphygmomanometer (“blood pressure cuff”) as well as a tabletop automatic and a portable. The Koogeek BP2, however, looked so small and sleek, I knew I had to give it a try.

The BP2 comes with a microUSB charging cable and documents.

  • Length (Fold): 150mm
  • Width (Fold): 75mm
  • Thickness (Fold): 85mm
  • Weight: Approx. 300g
  • Cuff Size: Approx. 220-360mm
  • Battery: 400mAh lithium charged via MicroUSB. Good for at least 50 times of continuous usage on one charge.

The top of the BP2 consists of (left-right) a microUSB charging port, reset button (recessed), LED and power button.

The BP2 reminds me of an iPod Mini.

Here’s a close-up of the cuff.  Check your upper arm circumference before ordering.

The BP2 also includes wireless connectivity to your Android or iOS device. I started to install the App, and came across this:

Why do I have to give them my email and password just to start cuff inflation and take a reading?  The app logs your blood pressure measurements, but I don’t see why you can’t just write it down yourself.  I guess I’m old fashioned that way, and I don’t feel like sharing my health information in this manner.

In the instructions, I found this note about not using your cell phone near the BP2.  I’m not sure someone proofread this. Why have a companion app, then?

Even more troubling was this note in part 4, “After the measurement”.  Why would the BP2 upload your readings to the server if you don’t launch the app?

Fortunately, for the paranoid-minded like me, you can operate the BP2 without the app.  Simply power it up, and press the power button a second time to begin cuff inflation.

As you can see in the video, the BP2 display shows systolic (the “upper” number) and diastolic (the “lower” number) plus heart rate.

But is it any good?  I was a little concerned when I saw my readings.  They were high for me.  So over the course of an hour, I took my blood pressure at rest using different methods.

Koogeek BP2:  125/74

Hyundai upper-arm portable:  118/75

Omron desktop: 114/77

Manual cuff with stethoscope: 115/80

On average I noticed the Koogeek BP2 measured about 10 mmHg higher than what I think is normal for me.  That’s not reassuring. It could be an individual error. I also noticed the screen went blank after giving a reading in about 10 seconds. If you don’t use the app, I would note the reading or write it down quickly.

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

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Koogeek BP2 blood pressure monitor review originally appeared on on June 28, 2017 at 8:30 am.

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This MacBook stand gives new meaning to luxury (and insanity)


I’ll be honest, I like nice things. I have a brand new LG G6 smartphone on the table next to me, a 12″ MacBook at home, and a MINI Cooper in the parking lot. I save my money and I buy above average quality products with a hope that they will last longer than cheaper products and that I’ll enjoy using them. That said, I don’t blow my money on stuff just because it is perceived as being the best by its price tag. That’s why this MacBook stand from de Domomieu has flipped my WTH trigger.

Why does this laptop stand made me grumpy? Because the de Domomieu BLOCK MacBook stand is priced between €3,200 and €3,600. That’s $3634 – $4092 in US dollars, and why I’m putting it firmly in the WTH category.

What is it? The BLOCK is a German made wedge-shaped MacBook stand that’s made from one piece of Statuario Marble from Carrara, Italy and weighs between 6-10kg (13.25 lb – 22.0 lb).

Does the de Domomieu BLOCK MacBook stand look like something you wish you had on your desk? If so, let me save you several thousand dollars. Buy yourself a marble leather tooling slab. Just prop up the back of the slab with a rolled up towel and bingo! You have yourself a luxury MacBook stand for $69. And FYI, shipping on the leather tooling slab is free if you order it through Amazon. You’re welcome.

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This MacBook stand gives new meaning to luxury (and insanity) originally appeared on on June 28, 2017 at 7:30 am.

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Your greatest dream of drinking coffee from a horn has come true


No, Gadgeteers, I am not kidding. Apparently, travel mugs in the shape of a horn are the next big thing. Or that’s what the fine coffee loving folks at Goat Story hope will be true with their GOAT MUG.

What the heck is a GOAT MUG Julie? Well, my friends, it’s a 12 or 16-ounce BPA-free mug that’s shaped like a horn. A goat’s horn to be exact.

Featuring attachment points at the top and bottom for the included strap, the leakproof GOAT MUG has been designed to be worn over your shoulder while you’re on the go.

When you get to your destination, you can remove the cuff, flip it around, and it becomes a stand for the horn/mug. Kooky or cool? I’ll let you be the judge if this is a useful beverage container or a hipster coffee chalice.

The crazy thing is that the GOAT MUG was a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that brought in more than $450,000 of pledges, so go figure.

Want one a GOAT MUG? It’s is now available for $28.50 and up depending on the size and strap material. Visit Goat Story and Amazon for more info.

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Your greatest dream of drinking coffee from a horn has come true originally appeared on on June 27, 2017 at 12:36 pm.

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