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ConnectSense Smart Outlet review

I grew up watching Star Trek and always thought that talking to a computer was the coolest thing! With Siri, Google and Alexa were getting darn close to Captain Kirk’s Enterprise. Ahhh, the joys of home automation! I love it when something cumbersome becomes effortless. Adding ConnectSense’s new Smart Outlet to my home automation system has made that dream one step closer. 

The Smart Outlet arrived in small packaging with only a brief “Getting Started” manual. Turns out, that’s all that was needed to get it working. Plug in the outlet, open Wi-Fi settings on my iPhone, follow the directions to connect to the home network, download the app, create an account, then open Home Kit, enter the device number and, voila, it works. I have to say it was among the fastest and simplest setups I’ve done for a device of this type. Literally, just minutes and everything was up and running.

As soon as the outlet was added to Home Kit, I was able to ask Siri to turn on or off outlet one, two or both using simple phrasing like, “Hey, Siri, turn on outlet 1,” or “Hey, Siri, turn off the living room fan.” Each outlet has a pleasant blue LED to let me know it was on. As an Easter egg, there is even a USB port on the side. The other side has pushbuttons to control the outlets locally, although if plugged behind a couch, they might not be easily accessible.

The device plugs into a wall socket, but it should be noted that while it has only one grounded plug on the back, it blocks both outlets in a standard duplex outlet. It’s about 5 X 3-1/4 and the case protrudes about 1-1/4 inches from the wall, so if you have a tight space, say, behind a dresser, some creativity might be needed to preserve room aesthetics.

Like many Home Kit compatible devices, an Apple TV console is needed to enable control away from the home network. I don’t have one, so I’m hoping Santa thinks I’ve been good this year.

The ConnectSense Smart outlet was very easy to setup get working. It enables voice control of almost any 110volt device up to 15 Amps. I tested it with several lamps and a fan. But have not decided which outlet it will ultimately occupy, but it will be fun figuring it out. Now, if I could just get Siri to speak in Majel Barrett’s voice…

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

 

Product Information

Price: $59.95
Manufacturer: ConnectSense
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Easy setup
  • Home Kit compatible
Cons:
  • Expensive

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ConnectSense Smart Outlet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 23, 2017 at 1:00 pm.

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Black Friday deals on Bluetooth speakers and headphones from Tronsmart

Tronsmart is offering a variety of coupons for Black Friday deals for some of their Bluetooth speakers.  The coupon codes will be valid from November 20th 4:00AM PST to 27th 11:59PM PST at Amazon. Click through to see all the deals. 

The Tronsmart T6 25W dual-driver speaker has 360-degree sound and Super Bass for room filling sound.  A 5200mAh battery keeps the music going for up to 15 hours.  Connect your mobile device via Bluetooth 4.1 or with the AUX connector.  It’s available in black (use code POROP86S for a 22%-off deal price of $32.99) or red (use coupon code UXFSUYMQ for a 23%-off deal price: $33.99). Read our Tronsmart T6 review for more info about this Bluetooth speaker.

Tronsmart T2 10W has two 3.5 watt inner-magnetic loudspeakers covered by a ferro-aluminium outer shell.  A 1900mAh battery gives you up to 12 hours of playback time.  Connect a mobile device via Bluetooth 4.2 or with the 3.5mm audio jack.  Use coupon code HJUM58FA for a deal price of $19.59 for the T2 only. Read our Tronsmart T2 review.

The Tronsmart S5 Bluetooth earbuds are truly wireless.  They can be paired to two different sources simultaneously, or you can use them as stereo earbuds using their TWS (true wireless stereo) function.  Use the 20%-off code TCZ2X373 for a deal price of $31.99. For more info about these earbuds, read our Tronsmart S5 review.

Other Tronsmart deals available from Amazon during the Black Friday sales period:
Tronsmart S1 Bluetooth headphones: 20% off, coupon code: WNAWVO6L, deal price: $17.59. For more info about these headphones read our Tronsmart S1 review.

Tronsmart Presto 10000mAh power bank (Black & White): 14% off, coupon code: HMTVOPS8, deal price: $19.99. For more info about this power bank, read our Tronsmart Presto 10000mAh power bank review.

Tronsmart Presto 10400mAh power bank (Black & White): 15% off, coupon code: 8JNFEX75, deal price: $22.99

Tronsmart Element Mega Bluetooth speaker: 25% off, coupon code: JIK82ITA, deal price: $41.24

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Black Friday deals on Bluetooth speakers and headphones from Tronsmart originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 23, 2017 at 12:00 pm.

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iAsus Stealth Bluetooth mic review

I don’t use Bluetooth headsets anymore since I seem to text and email more than voice. But a Bluetooth headset that is completely immune to ambient noise?  Say hello the iAsus Stealth Bluetooth Mic.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand about Bluetooth headsets for phones is poor outbound quality due to environmental noise, or garbled digital artifacts.  But how does the iAsus Stealth Bluetooth Mic do it?

The answer?  This headset uses conduction points on the throat to pick up your voice.

Here’s the headset without the earpiece.

A screw-off cap reveals a charging port and a blue/red LED for status.  It also functions as the power on button.  Strangely enough, you don’t use this to power the headset off (press and hold the volume + button for that).

Speaking of volume buttons here are the two diamond-shaped volume up and down buttons.  These normally face down when worn.

The kit comes with an audio “tube” earpiece, which is essentially a hollow plastic tube.  It differs from the clear one shown on the website photo.

Alternatively, you can use the electrical minijack option, familiar to most  The three gold-colored contacts on the neck band interface with the round puck that the headphones attach to.

Here’s the short USB cable plugged in…

…and the LED lights up red when charging.

There’s no way around it.  I felt silly wearing it.  It instantly reminded me of the Collars of Obedience Captain Kirk wore.  (I’m the one on the left).

The million dollar question is:  How does it sound?  To test this, I performed a test in my garage with this dusty shop vac.  Take a listen:

First up:  iPhone recording only

Now here’s the same with the Stealth Mic.

I’m happy to say that you can barely tell the Shop Vac is turned on but at the expense of voice intelligibility.  Hard consonants seem to be a little hard to pick out.

If you’re looking for a Bluetooth mic for your phone that absolutely ignores outside noise, this is the one to get.  However, this comes at the cost of clarity.  If you think the test clip is “good enough”, and you want minimum visibility, the iAsus Stealth Bluetooth Headset might be for you.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by iAsus. Please visit their site for more info and check Amazon for ordering.

 

Product Information

Price: $199 (base configuration), $30 for coiled earpiece, $50 for 3.5mm earpiece module
Manufacturer: iAsus
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • Bluetooth, USB for charging
Pros:
  • No visible microphones, immune to environmental noise
Cons:
  • Reduction in voice clarity

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iAsus Stealth Bluetooth mic review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 23, 2017 at 11:00 am.

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales: SCOTTeVEST discounts almost everything 30%

Simplify your EDC by carrying all your gear in your jacket! At SCOTTeVEST, almost everything (only styles excluded are the SCOTTeVEST Jackets, RFID Travel Vests, and men’s Travel Underwear) will be available at 30% off until November 27 @ 11:59 pm MT.

This deal post contains affiliate links. If you buy something using one of these links, The Gadgeteer will make a few dollars which helps us keep the lights on and gadget reviews and news coming your way.

Use the CYBER17 code for the special pricing.  There are some new products also included in the sale, such as:

The Fireside Vest for Men and for Women.  Both styles have 15 pockets, with two exterior pockets and a pad pocket.  Each is $87.50 with the promo code applied.

The Weekender soft cotton, quarter-zip jacket is available for men and women.  It has two pockets to carry a phone and some cards, cash, and keys on days when you carry a minimal kit.  Each is $70 with the promo code.

Other products include:

  • The Docksider and Beachcomber Shirts: short-sleeve, button-down shirts with 7 pockets
  • The Women’s Penny Coat: a soft shell jacket that features a zip-off hood, 19 pockets and all of the classic SCOTTeVEST features
  • The 101 Vests for Men and Women: lightweight, cotton/nylon blend, machine washable vests featuring 9 pockets

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales: SCOTTeVEST discounts almost everything 30% originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 23, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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Nutsac Bags introduces their first wallet design!

Yeah, the name is (intentionally) giggle-inducing, but the folks at NutSac Bags produce some quality carry products that feature locally sourced materials, high-quality US-based craftsmanship, and a customer-focused approach to doing business. Following up on their line of satchels and “man bags,” the money clip wallet is a full-grain leather beauty with three card slots and a spring-loaded clip for your cash… all at a wallet-friendly price point of $69. Not bad for a handmade leather wallet, eh? Check it out at the NutSac Bags website!

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Nutsac Bags introduces their first wallet design! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 23, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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