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Science + music = The Happy Song, to make babies happy (especially over the holidays!!)

“YES!!!!” You say. “I need this! JUST GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!” Okay, okay! Here are the links to access the song: Amazon Music, iTunes, Google Music, and Spotify.

For those of you who are curious about the background of the song, while I was reading my Curiosity app (which I LOVE, by the way), I stumbled upon an article on “The Happy Song” that used science and music to create a song to make babies happy. If you are a parent of a baby, you know how valuable that is. When he/she decides to have a meltdown it’s like the ripple effect. The cries emanate 360 degrees from the epicenter and jolt everyone within the audible radius. Some people are understanding while others, not so much. 

At the request of C&G Baby Club, scientists Casper Addyman (lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London) and Lauren Stewart (music psychologist) were tasked to create a song based on science that babies would like (from theconversation.com).

They found that not much is known about babies’ music preferences, so they started with what they knew the song should incorporate: it should be written in a major key, have a simple repetitive melody, should be upbeat, and have a mother’s sing-song voice. Imogen Heap, the composer who also has an 18 month-old, started with four tunes and decided on a melody that when tested on 26 babies, 20 seemed to enjoy.

The scientists then asked 2500 C&G Baby Club parents to vote on the sounds that made their babies happy. According to theconversation.com,

The top ten sounds included “boo!” (66%), raspberries (57%), sneezing (51%), animal sounds (23%) and baby laughter (28%). We also know babies respond better to “plosive” vocal sounds like “pa” and “ba” compared to “sonorant” sounds like “la”. Heap very cleverly worked many of these elements into the song.

Since happiness is a shared social emotion, the scientists needed something the parents would enjoy too. After some tweaks to the tempo, lyrics, and sound effects, they had their masterpiece. I rather like it. Especially the babies’ laughter.

Perhaps this is just the song you need before embarking on your holiday travels. This one may even make it onto your favorite playlist! Again, it is available on Amazon Music, iTunes, Google Music, and Spotify. Check out the Youtube link to the song (I love it!):

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Science + music = The Happy Song, to make babies happy (especially over the holidays!!) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 23, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Jaybird Freedom 2 wireless sport headphones review

Now that smartphones like the latest iPhones and my new Pixel 2 XL have abandoned 3.5mm headphone jacks, the quest to find the perfect pair of Bluetooth earbuds has been high on my tech wish list. The latest test buds to show up on the Gadgeteer testing bench are the Freedom 2 wireless sport headphones from Jaybird.

What is it?

The Freedom 2 wireless sport headphones are earbuds that connect to a smartphone, tablet, or computer using Bluetooth.

What’s in the box?

Freedom 2 buds
Charge clip/Battery pack
USB charging cable
4 pairs of silicone tip/fin combos
Shirt clip
Carry pouch
Quick start guide

Design and features

The Jaybird Freedom 2 wireless sport headphones are available in black and in white/gold like you see above.

These are in-ear style headphones which come with 4 sets of ear tips with built-in fins that really help keep the earbuds in your ears even when you’re working out or running. Speaking of which, the Freedom 2 headphones are water and sweat resistant, so you can get as icky as you like and the headphones won’t skip a beat.

I found these headphones to be comfortable even for extended wear. I like the fin design of the ear tips because they never feel like they are about to fall out of my ears. They easily stayed put when I was sitting at my desk and when I was working out. I’m not a runner, so I didn’t test how well they stay in your ears while pounding the pavement, but I am pretty confident that that won’t fall out.

The headphones are small and compact and feature an inline controller and speedfit cord clips that allow you to customize the length of the cable for the perfect fit.

The inline controller has three buttons on one side that control volume and functions like power, pairing, play, pause, call answer, call end, and next track.

On the other side of the controller are electrical contacts that mate with contacts on the snap-on backup battery/charger.

To charge the Freedom 2’s battery, you snap on the charger and then connect it to a USB port or AC adapter.

Yes, that means that you’ll always need to carry the snap-on charger with you so you’ll be able to charge the headphones where ever you are.

If that sounds like a hassle, I agree with you. But, the good news is that the snap-on charger is pretty small and easily fits in the included pouch. Even better news is that it doubles as a battery extender that will provide up to 4 hours of extra play time for the headphones. As you charge the headphones, the backup battery also charges.

Without the backup battery snapped to the controller, the Freedom 2 headphones will play for about 4 hours on their own. Snap on the charger/backup battery and they will play for an additional 4 hours, for a total of 8 hours of play time. Note, that when you connect the battery clip it will power off the headphones and you’ll have to power them back on which is a little annoying.

I rarely listen to music for more than a couple of hours at a time, so 4 hour battery life isn’t a problem for me.

Pairing the headphones

I had no problems pairing the Jaybird Freedom 2 headphones with my Pixel 2 XL Android smartphone and so far I’ve had no problems with the phone and headphones reconnecting after cycling power on both devices.

The headphones have a female voice that will tell you that the headphones are powering on, battery level, when they are connected, and when they are powering down.

These are multi-point headphones which means that you can pair them with two devices at the same time. You can have the headphones connected to your phone for calls and your computer for media. The headphones will also remember up to 8 devices.

How do the Jaybird Freedom 2 headphones sound for music?

I wasn’t initially that impressed with the audio quality while listening to my favorite tunes through Spotify and Amazon Prime Music apps. But then I installed the Jaybird app on my Pixel 2 XL and customized the sound settings and was MUCH happier.




The app offers pre-configured sound settings or you can start from scratch to create your own. The app also offers music playlists that might help you find some new favorite tunes.

Depending on the sound setting that you choose (my current favorite is called Perfect Quality) through the Jaybird app, you should be happy with lows, mids, and highs.

I don’t listen to just one type of music, I like almost all genres and so far the Jaybird Freedom 2 headphones have not disappointed me. If I don’t think a particular type of music sounds as good as it can, I choose another setting in the app and am happy again. But honestly, the Perfect Quality sound customization pick has been the one I settle on about 95% of the time.

How do the Jaybird Freedom 2 headphones sound for calls?

I don’t like taking calls with in-ear headphones because I feel like I’m talking in my head with the way my voice sounds. That said, using the Freedom 2 headphones to take calls is fine. I could clearly hear the person on the other end of the call and they said that they could hear me. Only one time did someone tell me that I sounded a little quiet.

Final thoughts

Right now the Jaybird Freedom 2 wireless sport headphones are my favorite Bluetooth headphones because they are comfortable to wear, sound great, and have the ability to play for up to 8hrs with the clip on battery. They get two thumbs up from me.

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

 

Product Information

Price: $149.99
Manufacturer: Jaybird
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Comfortable
  • Very good sound quality
  • Good battery life + extra snap on battery
Cons:
  • Proprietary charger/backup battery
  • Connecting the battery clip will power off the headphones

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Jaybird Freedom 2 wireless sport headphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 22, 2017 at 2:25 pm.

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Gift Guide: Health and fitness gadgets and gear

Give your friends and loved ones a gift that gives back to them in the form of health and fitness improvements. From fitness watches, and other exercise gear, to personal grooming products, this gift guide will help you figure out the perfect gift for the person on your list that is already active or needs the motivation to become active.

Price range $200+

FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro Sit Stand workstation

Standing desks have been popular for the last few years, but the FlexiSpot goes one step further. It’s a standing desk AND a riding desk. That’s right, you can ride and work at the same time. It’s surprisingly easy to do. You actually forget you’re pedaling after a few minutes. This well made easy to use desk will help you burn calories while you surf and work on your computer, read magazines or binge watch Netflix.

Price: $499.99 (Use Coupon code: julie100off for a $100 off discount when purchasing directly from FlexiSpot. Code expires on Nov 27th, 2017).
Where you can buy one: FlexiSpot and Amazon

TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music + Headphones GPS Fitness Watch

The Spark 3 fitness watch from TomTom comes with everything you need to track your daily activity, sleep, and workouts. It has built-in GPS to keep track of your running and walking routes, a heart monitor to record your heart rate readings without needing a chest strap, and the watch has 3GB of storage that can store over 500 songs so you can enjoy your favorite workout playlist. This watch even comes with a pair of wireless headphones and personalized workouts through the TomTom app that will guide you to reaching your fitness goals.

Price: $249.99
Where you can buy one: TomTom or Amazon

 

Clarisonic Mia Fit and Alpha Fit

Many people swear by Clarisonic devices for improving their skin while cleaning it.  There are many models of Clarisonics on the market, and the Fit is the newest and most compact version.  There are two version of the Fit – the Mia Fit in white, pink, or blue, and the Alpha Fit, which is marketed towards men but works for anyone who prefers the gray.  Many men may not think about using a special facial cleansing brush, but it reportedly helps prepare your beard for shaving while cleansing and improving your skin.

Price: $219
Where you can buy one: Clarisonic or at a discount through NewEgg.

ŌURA Ring

Fitness trackers are usually worn on your wrist or clipped to your belt. The ŌURA Ring is a ring that you wear like jewelry on your finger that can track your activity, heart rate, and sleep. If you want a fitness tracker that isn’t like everyone else’s tracker, this one is it.

Price: $299 – $499
Read our review: ŌURA Ring review
Where you can buy one: ŌURA

Nokia Cardio Body Scale

When The Gadgeteer reviewed this scale, it was branded Withings, but Withings is now Nokia.  The only changes in this scale from the one reviewed is the name, though.  The Cardio Body Scale still shows you your weight, BMI, percentage water and body fat, muscle and bone mass, heart rate, and the exclusive pulse wave velocity measurement which indicates cardiovascular health.

Price: $179.95
Read our review: Withings Body Cardio scale review
Where you can buy one: Nokia, Amazon

Activ5 isometric workout device

The Activ5 handheld system, by Activbody, is a portable isometric workout program that can be used for 5 minute (or longer if you choose) workouts at home, at the office, or while traveling.

Price: $119-$160
Read our review: Activ5 isometric workout device review
Where you can buy one: Activ5, Amazon

Price range $50 -$100

Muehle Shave Sets

Shaving hasn’t changed much over the centuries, until recently.  No longer do you use a single blade to cut hairs; now everybody tries to see who can fit the most blades into the smallest plastic cartridge.  Those cartridges are very expensive, leading to people trying to economize by using the same blade far longer than they should.  A lot of people have re-discovered the old razors used by their fathers or grandfathers, and they have switched to the old single, replaceable blade razors.  Some people use vintage razors that have been cleaned and sanitized, others prefer newly manufactured “double edge” razors.  Shoebox Shave Shop offers a nice set for the man or woman who wants to give double-edge shaving a try.  These Muehle sets come with a double-edge razor and a pure badger brush – because you can’t experience a great shave without a nice lather.  The sets are on sale now for $99, and they include a stand to dry your razor and brush on after use.  Shoebox Shave Shop also sells the razor blades you’ll need; they only cost a few cents per blade, so you won’t have to use them for weeks to get your money’s worth.

Price: $99.00
Where you can buy one: Shoebox Shave Shop

Price range $10 – $50

Bayite Fitbit Charge 2 Stainless Steel Milanese Loop Bracelet

If you like the Milanese Loop band for Apple Watches, perhaps you’d like to try one with your Fitbit Charge 2.  Bayite has a stainless steel mesh band for the Charge 2 for under $15, so it’s probable that the quality of this band won’t exactly match the quality of the Apple band.  It would be a contender for a sweat-proof band if you don’t like the plastic band that comes standard on the Charge 2.

Price: $11.90-14.90
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Stand Corrected Perfect Posture Stretching Device

From Bob’s review: The StandCorrected was designed Dr. Tom Carpenter, a certified trainer, chiropractor, and corrective exercise specialist. By elongating shortened and tight muscles in the upper body, the claim is that the device will correct posture issues and pain associated with hunching over our electronic devices all day. They even claim that the StandCorrected can reverse damage from years of poor posture is used regularly over time.

Price: $20-$25
Read our review: Stand Corrected Perfect Posture Stretching Device review
Where you can buy one: Stand Corrected, Amazon

Kettle Gryps

A Kettle Gryp is an adapter made of light weight ABS plastic that snaps around an ordinary dumbbell o provide a handle that allows the dumbbell to mimic a kettle bell.

Price: $34.95
Read our news post: Turn your free weights into kettle bells with Kettle Gryps
Where you can buy one: Kettle Gryp, Amazon

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Gift Guide: Health and fitness gadgets and gear originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 22, 2017 at 1:24 pm.

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EPSON Expression Photo XP-8500 Printer review

For this review of the EPSON Expression Photo XP-8500 Printer, I am turning it over to my lovely wife who is obsessed with photography and documenting our family’s life.  Her experience with at home photo printing far exceeds mine so I will turn it over to her. 

I am scrapbook obsessed. Seriously. I am a firm believer that pictures shouldn’t stay on your phone forever and that all the little bits of your life have a story and deserve to be told.  So, every year, week by week, I document what is going on in our lives.  While I appreciate the prints from professional labs, I just don’t like waiting for my pictures.  So several years ago I started printing at home.  I print a minimum of 10 pictures per week, but sometimes many many more, so I need a printer that can keep up.

What’s in the box?

The Epson Expression XP-8500 all-in-one, manual/start here guide, CD ROM for product setup (everything can also be downloaded from the Epson website, power cord, 6 Claria Photo HD ink cartridges (cyan, yellow, magenta, black, light cyan and light magenta)

System Requirements

Windows – 10,  7, 8.x and Vista, Macintosh – OS 10.12.x, 10.11.x, 10.10.x, 10.8.x, 10.7.x and 10.6.8

Let’s take a look

Out of the box, set up was simple.  Just plug it in, lift the scanner glass to insert the ink cartridges and the printer walks you through the setup.  The calibration process is rather lengthy compared to other printers and requires you to print a few items and answer multiple questions about the print quality.  Overall, the set up took about 15 minutes.  I was then able to connect it to our wireless network and install the driver on my computer.

This printer has a small footprint (13.7″w x 13.4″d x 5.6″h) and it is lightweight (14.8 pounds).  You could easily place this on the corner of your desk and not lose much workspace.  Please note that these dimensions will be slightly different when the printer is actively printing because the paper output tray opens and slides out.

There are only two buttons – a power button and a home button.  The home button will take you to all the options – copy, print photos, scan, various prints, settings, and maintenance.  The Various Prints menu has a variety of options such as types of design paper, calendars, greeting cards and more.

There are three ways to load the printer.  The upper cassette is designed for photo paper in the following sizes: 3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 16:9 wide.  The lower cassette is designed for your copy paper, presentation paper, and legal sized paper.  There is also a rear paper feeder for one-off projects and it can accommodate a variety of paper sizes and types.

The printer has both SD and USB ports on the front so you can print without using your computer or phone.  I usually don’t print directly from a memory card; however, for me, this was convenient when scanning a document so I could automatically save it to the device.  Also, with the Epson Event Manager software installed on my computer, I was able to select my computer as the destination and the scanned document showed up on my computer screen a few seconds later.

There is not an automatic document feeder.  To be fair, most printers in this class do not have them.  Since I mostly use my printer for printing photos this wouldn’t deter me from buying this printer, but anytime I have to scan more than two pages at a time, I wish I had one.  This may be something for readers to consider if you feel that the scan and copy feature will be used often.

Let’s start printing.  There is a catch in the paper tray when removing and inserting but I found if I was a little too fast it was easy to pull the tray all the way out or push it too far in.  Once I realized this, I was a little more careful and it was easy to feel when it was inserted correctly.  When you insert paper into the tray, there will be prompts on the screen to select the type of paper to ensure proper printing.  I have other printers that I can hear printing from an adjacent room but not this one.  The printer is very quiet.

For everyday document printing, the XP-8500 can print about 9 pages per minute.  It can also print two-sided documents to reduce the amount of paper used (print speed is 4.7 ppm for all black ink when printing 2-sided).  There are certainly faster document printers out there but this was sufficient for my home printing needs.  After all, this printer is a photo printer first.

Epson says this will print professional quality photos in as little as 10 seconds when printing in draft mode and I found that to be true.  I printed a majority of my pictures in a higher quality but the time it added was negligible.  I have been printing pictures wirelessly from my phone for almost a month and it produces crisp images with vibrant colors.  Also, the ink used is the Claria Photo HD ink, which Epson says will produce images that last up to 300 years in an album.  As a scrapbooker, archival quality photos is a must and it is awesome that an at-home printer can produce them.

When selecting a printer for home use, there are a lot of factors to consider – primary use, print speeds, running costs, etc.  If you are looking for a printer to document your memories, the Epson Expression Photo XP-8500 Small-in-One should be a high contender on your list.  At a retail price of $249.99, I believe you get a great bang for the buck and would highly recommend this printer to our readers.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Epson.  For more information please visit the product page and you can order from Amazon.

 

Product Information

Price: $249.99
Manufacturer: Epson
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Compact, vibrant colors, crisp images, long lasting prints, very quiet, easy set up, great value
Cons:
  • No automatic document feeder

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EPSON Expression Photo XP-8500 Printer review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 22, 2017 at 11:00 am.

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Otterbox is harnessing of the power of the Force to protect your iPhone

When people want to wrap their smartphone in the ultimate protective case, they buy an Otterbox case. And now that protection comes with some extra geek appeal because Otterbox just announced their new collection of Star Wars inspired iPhone cases. Compatible with the iPhone 7, 8, 7 Plus, and 8 Plus, these five new Otterbox cases will protect your iPhone from the dark side while remaining slim and sleek in your pocket.

The new OtterBox Symmetry Star Wars Series iPhone 7/8 ($44.95) and iPhone 7 Plus/8 Plus ($54.95) are available now on otterbox.com. Go there now and may the force be with you.

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Otterbox is harnessing of the power of the Force to protect your iPhone originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 22, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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