AliveCor’s KardiaBand takes a medical-grade EKG on your wrist in seconds

When the Apple Watches were first introduced, it seemed there was talk of using the watch to monitor a lot of health conditions that weren’t available at release.  The Watch has been used to monitor some health conditions and for some clinical trials, but not as many as I had envisioned.  Now AliveCor’s KardiaBand is the first FDA-cleared, clinical-grade accessory for the Watch for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal sinus rhythm in an EKG. 

The KardiaBand replaces your normal Watch band.  It pairs with the SmartRhythm app, and you can take an EKG reading as easily as opening the app, sitting down, placing your thumb on the band’s metal contact, and waiting a few seconds while the band takes the measurements.  The app evaluates your readings and determines if everything is okay or if it detects signs of atrial fibrillation.  It even monitors your heart rate and physical activity, and it can prompt you to take a reading if it suspects something may be wrong.

You’ll require a Kardia Premium membership to use the EKG band; it’s $99 annually or $9.99 a month, with the first month free.  You’ll have unlimited storage of all your readings, and you’ll get a monthly EKG summary report for your doctor.  You can also use the app to store your weight, blood pressure readings, and activity.

Just like the Apple Sport bands, you’ll receive three band components so you can achieve a good fit.   The KardiaBand is available in black only and sized to fit the 38mm or the 42mm Apple Watch.  It’s $199.00 at AliveCor.

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AliveCor’s KardiaBand takes a medical-grade EKG on your wrist in seconds originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 1, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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Santa Cruz Wurf Board review

This is the first time I have written a review while actively using the product I am reviewing.  I am in the standing mode of my workstation and beneath my feet is the Santa Cruz Wurf Board and I feel great.  The Wurf Board is an inflatable pad for use when standing in one place for any amount of time. When I received a standing desk station from my employer, I went out and bought what I thought was the best available pad for standing on while I work.  I thought I had the best there was, that is until I received the Wurf Board.  Don’t get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the product, it had everything I thought I needed and I was moderately comfortable using it for long period of time.  The Wurf Board has changed my expectations of a pad for my standing desk. 

I honestly didn’t know much about the Wurf Board when I agreed to review it.  I had a picture in my mind of what one of these pads was and I thought that this was just another one of those with some bold graphics on it…wrong.  I hadn’t researched enough to know that it is inflatable.  At first, I thought “why would someone want an inflatable standing pad for their desk and how durable can this thing be?”.  Those questions were answered as soon as I inflated it in a matter of seconds using the pump that is included and standing on it for the first time.  INSTANTLY, I could feel the micro movements in my feet and legs and the pressure on the bottom of my feet was gone.

At this point, I began experimenting with different amounts of air in the board.  When I released some air, the board obviously became softer but I immediately noticed that I was moving a lot more while standing in the same place.  My weight was shifting and I was engaging my core and leg muscles without thinking about it.  I tried it with my shoes on and off, both felt great but honestly, I remove my shoes at every chance I get to use this because of how great it feels.  On the website, there is a link called “The Science” that has a number of resources for customers to utilize to learn about the benefits of standing desks, active standing, overall benefits of movement and more.  I really recommend you checking it out because I was aware of the benefits of my standing desk since, after all “sitting IS the new smoking” but I didn’t think of my feet or legs getting fatigued while using it.

Included in the package is also a poster with different exercises you can do using the Wurf Board.  These are easy motions that you are all most likelyfamiliarr with anyways but using the slight instability of the air filled board helps to further engage those small muscle groups and your core.  I cannot say that I do the exercises every day but I am probably doing some or all of them 2-3 days per work week.  This is a benefit to this product that is not possible with the first standing pad I bought nor did it ever cross my mind.

Nearly every time someone walks into my office and sees me standing on the Wurf Board, they ask what it is.  People have seen standing pads before but never one with a surfboard graphic on it.  I don’t mind the surfboard look since that is part of the marketing behind this product but I do wish there were other options in this product.  I wear a size 14 shoe so the large was the only good option for me.  The Santa Cruz is offered in small, medium and large sizes ($199, $239, $269) for either more space to move on or to accommodate larger feet like mine.  All of the Santa Cruz models have a similar surfboard graphic on them.  They also offer the Maui Wurf Board, which is currently offered in the medium size ($299) and features a slight curve on the bottom that encourages even ore movement while standing.  This product is offered in three different colors and features a water/geometric design.

The large that I have is 32.9″ x 17.7″ and can hold up to 300 pounds.  It weighs in at only 2.2 pounds so it is very easy to pick up and move around.  The surface features a no slip dimpled design that grips all types of flooring when weight is applied to the board.  It is designed to work with or without shoes but not stiletto heals.  Every board comes with a 2-year warranty against manufacturer’s defect and offers free shipping within the USA.  All Wurf Boards are FDA Class I registered Medical Devices, which may open doors for help paying for this product with your FSA or insurance but please check with your individual policy first, I just thought it was worth noting.

Overall I am extremely happy with the Santa Cruz Large Wurf Board.  I use is every day and slip in some desk exercise with it when I can.  I would definitely recommend this product to those who have or who are looking to get a standing desk.  I do wish it was offered with other graphics options as I am not a surfer and it looks a little out of place in my office but the function it provides makes this something I would buy no matter what the color or design is.  The price is definitely more than a vast majority of pads out there but having owned another standing desk pad before that I paid about $150 for, I think this is well worth the money since I am able to stand at my desk for much longer using this than I was able to previously.

The sample for this review was provided by JumpSport Inc.  For more information on the model I reviewed, please visit the product page and order from Amazon.

 

Product Information

Price: $269
Manufacturer: JumpSport Inc.
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • 300 pound capacity, no stiletto heals.
Pros:
  • Lightweight; adjustable firmness; engages muscles while you stand; eases foot and leg fatigue while standing at your desk; easy to inflate and get going; FDA registered Medical Device
Cons:
  • Only one color/graphic option; price may push this out as an option for some.

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Santa Cruz Wurf Board review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 1, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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Scan photos without removing them from the photo album

A few years ago, everyone seemed to be scrapbooking – taking old and new photos out of existing photo albums and creating new photo books filled with more decorations than photos.  I remember the bane of everyone’s existence then was those old “magnetic” photo albums.  Seems those adhesive strips that held the photos in place welded themselves to the photos over time.  Removing photos from those albums often resulted in wrinkled (at best) or torn (at worst) photos.  With the Rapid Photo Album Scanner, you can get a digital scan of photos in those books, or any other album, without removing the photo or without having to disassemble the album.  The scanner can copy any paper image (up to 4″X6″) on a flat surface, plus 35mm negatives and slides. 

The scanner has a built-in 14MP CMOS sensor, LED lights to illuminate the subject, holders for negatives and for slides, and a 2.4″ color screen so you can see how to position the scanner.  Scans of black-and-white or color photos, negatives, or slides are converted to JPEG format and stored on the included memory card.  You can connect the device to a PC or Mac computer via USB to transfer scanned images.

The Rapid Photo Album Scanner is $199.99 at Sharper Image.  Right now, use code SHIP99 for free shipping and 20% off purchases over $99.00.

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Scan photos without removing them from the photo album originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 1, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Toffee slim leather MacBook or iPad sleeve review

As a gadgeteer, I love computers and gear, but I also love carrying those gadgets in nice cases to protect them. Toffee is no stranger as a brand to the site, so I was finally able to get my hands on a nice looking leather sleeve for my MacBook Pro.  The Toffee slim leather sleeve is sleek, sophisticated, and can be purchased for the MacBook Air, 13/15 in MacBook Pro, or 12.9″ iPad Pro. Let’s take a look!Note: Images can be clicked on to view a larger size.
The Slim Leather sleeve is a beautiful and sleek laptop case.  The sleeve I was sent is made with supple genuine leather in a tan color. The dimensions from the website for the 13″ Slim Leather Sleeve & iPad Pro is 13.8 in x 9.8 in x 0.4 in, and for the 15″ Slim Leather Sleeve is 15.2 in x 10.6 in x 0.4 in.

The hardware for the zipper and pull has a lovely leather tab so it’s easy to unzip the sleeve. I find it’s important to have a good zipper, especially one that doesn’t touch the notebook and leave scratches.

The corner of the sleeve is rounded so it doesn’t poke out at an odd angle when slipping into another bag or backpack. You can see the detailed stitching is really nicely done and well made. I also enjoy that it has a little bit of padding for protection, but not so much to make it bulky.


The inside of the sleeve is a really nice cotton striped pattern, that has an inside pocket that’s good for holding a phone or cards with space for some personal information in case the sleeve is lost.

The sleeve I was sent was supposed to be for my 13″ Retina MacBook Pro (2014 model) but sadly didn’t fit. I think this particular sleeve was made for the MacBook Air, but it ended up not being a problem. My mother’s 13″ Samsung Chromebook fit perfectly into it!

The Toffee slim leather sleeve is an absolute joy to hold in the hands. It’s a handsome addition to anyone with a notebook for work or if you’d like to add a bit of swankiness to your EDC (every day carry). With it’s naturally milled leather and smooth finish, I think it’ll last a very long time and will only look better with handling and age. It’s great as a gift for the upcoming holiday season; or let’s face it, a gift for yourself!

Source: The sample used in this review was provided by Toffee. Please visit their website for more information and you can order through Amazon.

 

Product Information

Price: $99.95 – $112.42
Manufacturer: Toffee Cases
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • 13" notebook or iPad Pro
Pros:
  • Beautiful leather
  • classic colors
  • well made zipper
  • well made interior padding
Cons:
  • A bit pricey but worth it

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Toffee slim leather MacBook or iPad sleeve review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2017 at 4:33 pm.

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Gift Guide: Toys, games, and other fun things

If you’ve been scratching your head trying to figure out what to get your uncle, brother, father, mother, sister, aunt, or mailman for the holidays, here’s a list of completely non-useful items to consider, unless you think having fun is useful, then this list is awesome!

Mebo 2.0 Robot

This is the all-new & improved MEBO robot that features all-terrain tank track treads for more speed and “off-road” robot fun.

You can control MEBO with your phone or tablet and see through MEBO’s HD live streaming eyeball and you maneuver the robot around your home. The 5-way claw has a built-in LED light so you can see what you’re grabbing.

You can also talk through MEBO and disguise your voice and play sounds from an expanded sound effect library.

Price: $149.99
Where you can buy one: Amazon

ZEISS VR One Plus Virtual Reality Headset

If you still haven’t tried a virtual reality headset, what the heck are you waiting for? They are a fun way to experience gaming and you can even learn something by visiting (virtually) far away lands, museums, and more, all while wearing your pajamas on the couch! The ZEISS VR One Plus is a VR headset with premium optics from ZEISS that is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones that have a display size that is between 4.7 and 5.5 inches. This headset has a removable headband and you can even use it if you wear glasses.

Price: $69.99
Where you can buy one: Best Buy

Creation Crates

For the budding maker on your holiday shopping list, consider Creation Crates which are monthly subscription boxes that have a surprise electronics project inside with all the components and parts needed to build the project including instructions. Each kit includes a UNO R3 (Arduino-compatible) microcontroller, which is basically a small computer that you use to program and power the projects that you’ll build like the mood light kit that you see above. These kits are for ages 12-120 and help teach electronics, programming, and problem-solving skills.

Price: $29.99 for one box or subscribe to receive a box each month. Subscriptions range from $26.99 a box for a 3-month subscription, down to $22.49 a box for a 12-month subscription
Where you can buy one: creationcrate.com

Fly Blocks Drone Kit

The Fly Blocks build and fly drone kit lets you build your own drone using 72 LEGO compatible plastic construction bricks. Each kit can build 4 different drones that are controlled by the included handheld controller (no smartphone needed).

This is a STEM-focused kit for kids ages 14 and up, so they can have fun while learning.

Price: $59.95
Where you can buy oneflyblocks.com

Augmented Reality Blaster Gun

Connect your Android or iOS smartphone to this wooden holder and enjoy up to 40hrs (AA batteries not included) of crime fighting, alien invader fighting, and other augmented reality blasting fun with this gaming accessory.

Price: $28.00
Where you can buy one: PressyBox

Vituali-Tee

Have you ever wanted X-ray vision like Superman? Now you can have the power to see your organs with this augmented reality T-shirt from Curioscope. Just slip on the shirt, and install the app on your smartphone. When you hold the phone in front of the shirt, you will see inside the human body. The t-shirt’s design is picked up by the camera function on the app, allowing users to see the pumping heart. Or you can put your phone into a Google Cardboard or other VR headset to immerse yourself in an anatomical adventure. The experience can be enjoyed with others or alone through the ‘selfie mode’.

Price: $29.95
Where you can buy one: Curioscope

3dRudder Foot Controller

The 3dRudder is just what you think it is. It’s a 4 axis motion controller for video games that is controlled by your feet. It provides 360° of movement. That’s right, you can sit down and keep your hands free for other hand controllers, while you use your feet to travel around the VR gaming environment.

The 3dRudder can be used with PC, Windows 8/10, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and VR/PC games.

Price: $139.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Nanodots Magnetic Constructors

Forget about fidget spinners, magnets are the ultimate fidget toy because you can actually make something cool with them. The new Nanodots Magnetic Constructors are sets of 216 small 5mm sized Neodynium-Iron-Boron magnetic spheres. Each tube is a key that unlocks instructions on Dotpedia.com, the world’s largest collection of Nanodot creations. The more Nanodots you have, the more creations you can unlock. Learn how to build a Tie Fighter, a Hexagonal Cluster Cube, and more.  Nanodots are available in several colors to make your models look even more interesting. Just don’t swallow them!

Price:$39.95 – $49.95
Where you can buy one: nanodots.com

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Gift Guide: Toys, games, and other fun things originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2017 at 12:00 pm.

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