Felix Gray eyeglasses promise to fix all the bad things screens do to your eyes

OK, that title may be a bit over the top. But if you’re like the typical Gadgeteer, you spend much of your work and leisure in front of some sort of screen, whether it’s coding, IT support, financials, or just a hot & heavy FPS. Even the classic “Netflix & chill” brings with it staring into the bright eyes of the evil LCD, unless you’re using your TV. There have been studies galore condemning this modern pariah, but Felix Gray, an eyeglass manufacturer, promises relief. Their glasses are designed to protect your eyes from the 400-440 nm range of blue light, which (according to their website) is the most dangerous. Increased exposure to blue light in this range results in poorer sleep, blurred vision, dry eye, headaches and eye fatigue.

Felix Gray does not offer prescription lenses as yet, but they do offer a slight magnification for reading assistance and there are several styles to choose from with prices starting around $95.

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Felix Gray eyeglasses promise to fix all the bad things screens do to your eyes originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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Braven (finally) makes a headphone

Ever since I began reviewing Braven’s Bluetooth speakers, I’ve always told my friends that because Braven knows Bluetooth so well, they should make a headphone. Well, now they have—the Braven Signature Wireless Headphone.

Braven’s slogan is “Music On, World Off.” Engineered with active noise canceling technology, their Signature Headphones deliver 32 hours of audio. An adjustable, padded leather headband is finished with integrated aluminum cooling technology to push out heat accumulated during use for a cooler listening experience. Free from background noise and free from wires, the Signature Wireless Headphones feature a fully functional speakerphone with smart ear pad swipe controls to handle phone calls, adjust volume or skip tracks forward and backward. They fold flat into a ballistic nylon carry case to take wherever you want to go.

The Braven Signature Wireless Headphone is available from Braven for $199.99 US. Visit www.braven.com for more information.

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Braven (finally) makes a headphone originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Sarvi smartphone dock, MAGNO INK pen, GoSun Go solar stove, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week I’m bringing you five crowdfunding campaigns that include four products introduced on Kickstarter and one project that is running on Indiegogo. Click through to read more details about these five crowdfunded products.

Sarvi Dock. Designed for Apple and Android devices.

blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
A simple, sleek, minimalist design dock for smartphones and tables with tons of versatility and adaptability.

Why do I like them?
The main reason (among several) that I like it: Sarvi Dock claims to be compatible with “every possible combination of smartphones/tablets with protective cases and docks available.” Every? Well, it claims to fit the likes of Lifeproof, Otterbox, Catalyst, Apple, Spigen, Mophie, and many more. Its elegant “S”-shaped back with soft-touch coating provides solid support for your phone and its design allows unobstructed use of your phone’s speakers as well as audio jack while docked. Its Cable Connect System includes three easily-to-swap connector adapters that cover the vast majority of phones and tablets: Apple Lightning, Micro USB a, d USB C. It’s compatible with wireless charging pads, has a landscape mode and can act as a USB thumb drive reader as well. Finally, it comes with Sarvi Valet, a small stand that holds the unused Cable Connect adapters and the Landscape Kit. Is there a downside to the Sarvi Dock? I haven’t found one yet. I’m excited about this one.

Where can I find more info?
The Kickstarter campaign is in full swing and will end December 1, so there is still time to become a backer. As of this writing, the campaign still has 32 days to go and already achieved over $19,000 of its $20,000 pledging goal. Pledge package pricing starts at $28 for a single early bird Sarvi Dock and increases from there. Estimated delivery is March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Bento Stack for Apple Accessories

What is it?
The Bento Stack is a stackable storage system for cables, chargers, USB flash drives, adapters, wireless headphones, Apple Pencil, Apple Watch bands and other gear that you want to keep organized.

Why do I like them?
I like the Bento Stack because it helps keep all your “stuff” neat and tidy instead of a mess at the bottom of your gear bag. I have used small zippered pouches to keep my gear organized, but the Bento Stack looks like a nice alternative to pouches because you can arrange the storage compartments on your desk when you’re using the gear allowing you to see all the items. Pouches aren’t quite that useful.

Where can I find more info?
The Bento Stack campaign ends in 19 days and they have already passed their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Bento Stack starting at $38. After the Bento Stack campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

MAGNO INK: The World’s Most Intelligent Magnetically Energised Pen.

What is it?
MAGNO INK is an ink pen made of aluminum that uses Neodymium magnets to retract and extend the writing tip.

Why do I like them?
Because magnets! The MAGNO INK pen looks like a nice EDC pen that can accept popular D1 style refills. The magnetic mechanism means you don’t have to worry about losing the cap. It has been designed so it won’t roll off your desk and it also looks like a fun fidget toy.

Where can I find more info?
The MAGNO INK campaign ends in 46 days and they have already met their funding goal of $7,877. You can pre-order a MAGNO INK starting at $40. After the MAGNO INK campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Universal 3.0 Credit Card EDC Multi Tool 60+ Tools in One.

What is it?
The Universal 3.0 is a multi-tool that has over 60 tools but is compact enough to store in your wallet or pocket.

Why do I like them?
I like the Universal 3.0 because it offers a wide variety of tools from wrenches and screwdrivers which are common for multi-tools, to the not so common axe, protractor, sundial clock and compass, and much more.

Where can I find more info?
The Universal 3.0 campaign ends in 15 days and they have already met their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Universal 3.0 starting at $23. After the Universal 3.0 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

GoSun Go: Boil Water and Cook Meals with Solar Power

What is it?
The GoSun Go is a portable stove that uses the power of the sun to cook your food and boil/sterilize water.

Why do I like them?
I’ve talked about GoSun products before, but this new product is smaller and much easier to take with you on your adventures. The GoSun Go gives you the ability to cool food using no fuel (wood) or batteries. All you need is the sun even if it’s cloudy and cold.

Where can I find more info?
The GoSun Go campaign ends in 23 days and has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a GoSun Go starting at $99. After the GoSun Go campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Sarvi smartphone dock, MAGNO INK pen, GoSun Go solar stove, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 29, 2017 at 4:04 pm.

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Snag a copy of “How to Build an Effective and Affordable Smart Home from the Ground Up” (Free eBook)

How to Build an Effective and Affordable Smart Home from the Ground Up written by Joel Lee is an electronic guide that will teach you what you need to know about smart home technology, including what it is, how it works, and which devices to purchase or avoid.

If you haven’t already signed up previously with TradePub, there are a couple hoops to jump through before you can download this ebook. But your small effort helps The Gadgeteer to earn some affiliate fees that enables us to bring you more cool product reviews, giveaways, and more, so your effort will be greatly appreciated.

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Snag a copy of “How to Build an Effective and Affordable Smart Home from the Ground Up” (Free eBook) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 29, 2017 at 2:34 pm.

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(Hopefully) the third time is the charm: Apple Watch Series 3 review

The title says it all… I’ve purchased both the Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watches, taking them both back within Apple’s no-questions-asked return window. Each time going into the relationship starry-eyed and hopeful. But ultimately determining that I didn’t need Apple’s smartwatch or I missed my old school timepieces. Well, oops I’ve done it again, the Series 3 was calling my name and I finally gave in and pulled the trigger. For this write-up, I won’t be diving very deep into the specs (that’s all over the Net) but more into the experience as an old (emphasis on Old…) time watch guy who loves tech gear and fitness. 

I find that as I near 50, my workouts have become less frequent and not nearly as epic as back in the day. While I stay in decent shape, old age is winning. It is my hope that an Apple Watch will help stem the tide and enable me to raise the bar. Being an AR number cruncher, I find the real-time data a smartwatch gives me both nagging and motivating.

After getting over the hump of whether or not to buy a Series 3, the next question is which Apple Watch would satisfy me the most. As I said, I am a long time watch guy. While (a bit) unnecessary in today’s world of smartphones, I enjoy the feel/heft of a timepiece on my wrist. The aluminum and glass Apple Watch always felt a bit light to me, lacking the weight I have come to prefer. So, long story short, I decided to splurge and get the stainless steel black sport Apple Watch with sapphire glass screen. The stainless steel watch is only available with LTE, which I don’t know if I’d have chosen if given the choice. But overall, I walked away with little to no regrets, that deep down I know I would have if I had purchased the base model.

I have benched my classic timepieces and been using the Apple Watch for a few weeks. It really has motivated me to do more. In my hectic life, I find myself walking the stairs in my building more, hopping on the elliptical more often before settling down for dinner, and most importantly…finding the time/energy/motivation to run more.

Theoretically, any smartwatch could do this for you (or better yet sheer willpower) but our family lives in the Apple ecosystem and the Apple Watch only adds to the seamlessness of that world. The watch makes an excellent companion for all my Apple devices from my iPhone to my MacBooks. WatchOS 4.0 and built-in LTE has definitely improved the smartwatch experience making the latest Apple Watch as close to an iPhone on your wrist (or Dick Tracy) that you can get these days. There are several LTE enabled Android/Tisen watches on the market but they’re bulky and lack the refinement of the Apple Watch.

Well, long story short, I’m keeping the Apple Watch Series 3 for the following reasons: refinement, material/build quality, enhanced Apple ecosystem experience, and added motivation. I’m still up in the air about activating T-Mobile LTE on it but I’ll continue to ponder the usability and potential impact on battery life (which I currently find stellar, with 75% power remaining on a typical day and more than 50% on a running & streaming music day). Overall, I truly like the watch and have promised myself I won’t look back or wear my other watches till I lose 10 pounds and hopefully rekindle my workout mojo. Wish me luck 😉

Source: The sample for this review was purchased with my own funds. Please visit their apple.com for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $649
Manufacturer: Apple
Pros:
  • Excellent material/build quality
  • Best smartwatch OS to date
  • Enhanced Apple ecosystem experience
  • Great motivational tool
  • Built-in LTE
Cons:
  • Expensive

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(Hopefully) the third time is the charm: Apple Watch Series 3 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 29, 2017 at 10:23 am.

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