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PhotoFast Call Recorder review

For years, we have had the ability to record analog phone conversations with little effort. Suction-cup mics, dual-socketed wires that sent the audio to tape or another listener, or even build-in features of corporate phone systems have been around for 30, 40, 50 years or more. But now we have digital cell phones, and end-to-end encryption that blocks or severely limits this ability. What can we do? The folks at PhotoFast have solved this for iPhone users, through a plug-in device called the Call Recorder. (Yeah, catchy name, but accurate, amirite?) They sent me one to test.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

The unit arrived in a hanging package that would feel right at home in an Apple Store beside all the other cases and add-ons. Inside is an EarPod case-sized square box in White with a clear cover. Inside that is an oval tube about the width of the iPhone SE (actual measurements are 2.125″ x 1.25″ x .375″), with a Lightning connector sticking out of the top center of one edge. One one side, there are buttons for play/pause and record, plus volume adjustment. On the lower left edge, there is a .125″ earbud jack. On the back, opposite the jack is a slot for a microSD card. You can record directly to your iPhone’s internal memory, or onto the onboard storage of a card inserted into this slot.


When the phone is unlocked and you first insert the Call Recorder into the Lightning port, the firmware in the device sends a link to the free app on the App Store for you to download.

Once you install this, it will launch automatically when you insert the device. If you just tap to launch the software, there is an automatic check to make sure you have connected the Call Recorder, and that there is an approved headphone connected to the recorder. If you’ve not done this, you will get an error message.


I found this to be a little irritating since many perfectly good earbuds were rejected by this test. Reseating them and jiggling them in the socket did nothing to make them be acceptable. If they were rejected, they would never work.
I tested the Call Recorder by placing a call to my mother. I got her, but the call recorder did not record my side of the message, and she could not hear me while the recorder was attached. Then I called my wife’s phone since she was working out in the yard. Both sides of the conversation were recorded, but since her phone was close by, I think the ringing and some of the other noises associated with me juggling two phones may have interfered with getting a good recording and getting some static.

I was finally able to perfect the task of having the software up, dialing a number, and getting both parties recorded onto my phone. Even after getting good connections, there were still issues at times. I called Mom earlier today through the Call Recorder app and was immediately told she heard an echo, so we hung up. I called back through the regular phone app, with identical results. Only when I removed the device from my phone could she not hear an echo. (My mom is not very technical, being a member of the “Greatest Generation”, so explaining to her about testing a call recorder produced, I’m sure, a glazed-eyed look, and her response of “Oh, OK” revealed her amusement that I’m always playing with “some new toy.”)

Once recordings are made, they are listed in the log by date and time, but renaming to something a little more helpful is easy, as is moving them to or from the external memory, or to a connected account.


This last bit is probably the most beneficial feature of the package. The free PhotoFast ONE app offers a wealth of features for transferring all manner of files to and from your iPhone and devices that can read microSD cards. It can also transfer directly to some services (iCloud, Google Drive, and DropBox), it can gather and .zip or unzip files before and after transfer, and open photos, videos, and .mp3 files natively. (Unfortunately, the renaming is not transferred to the actual file, so when it’s moved over to, say, Dropbox, the original filename is again seen. I recommend listening on the final platform and renaming there to make sure you’re changing the correct file to a name you want.)

I rarely have cause to record both sides of a conversation. If you need calls recorded, there are many apps and utilities out there, many easier to setup and deal with than the Call Recorder. But if you’re needing to move files to and from iOS devices, you’ll find few cheaper alternatives than the free PhotoFast ONE app or the Call Recorder and a microSD card reader.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by PhotoFast. Please visit their site for more info and order through the Indiegogo Marketplace.

 

Product Information

Price: $125.00
Manufacturer: PhotoFast
Retailer: IndieGoGo
Requirements:
  • iOS device with phone capabilities
Pros:
  • Single piece with no battery – powered form phone
  • Launches free software on attachment
  • Software offers many options
Cons:
  • Not all headphones/earbuds are compatible
  • Attachment/Recording is intermittent
  • Small buttons on unit

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PhotoFast Call Recorder review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 25, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)

Welcome to part two of an on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for five of our writers here on the Gadgeteer team. Enjoy!

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)

Ryan Chapman

I am not someone who carries a bag around often; unless I am going to the dojo. Years ago my sister bought me an Ogio Gymbo duffel bag for Christmas. It is large enough to fit two karate uniforms, tonfas, sparring gear, purse, and a water bottle. For being about six years old and used multiple times a week, it is in immaculate shape.

The side pocket is used for odds and ends such as hair-ties and any important papers I may receive. It is thin, long, and not very wide. The back pocket is supposed to be used for shoes or dirty clothes, but I use it to store snacks and my purse to keep them away from my sparring gear and uniform.

You can read more about Ogio bags at ogio.com and although this particular bag doesn’t appear to be available any longer, you can buy similar Ogio bags from Amazon.

Joe Porletto

Here’s a pic of my trusty GoRuck GR1, 26L. I’ve been using this bag every day for the last two years and there’s barely any signs of wear. It’s the toughest, most durable piece of gear I own, which is important because it carries ALL of my other gear on a daily basis. It was a large investment for a backpack, but knowing that it will most likely be the last EDC bag I ever have to buy makes it all worth it. Can’t say enough good things about it.

You can read more about this bag at goruck.com.

David Ferreira

With all the hurricanes and prep and such, getting in and around Atlanta has been fun, in a totally not-fun kind of way. I was scheduled to return on Monday but weather delays, over-booking and general madness delayed me until Wednesday night. Finally made it back to Seattle, and will be here until after Irma visits Atlanta next week, so time to catch up. I managed to use the OVC earbuds under the most strenuous circumstances, so the review on those are coming early next week.

In the meantime, the zip has 4 pictures of my bag – use any of them you like. The next paragraph starts the bag post. More soon.

I travel a lot these days. I mean A LOT (sorry to shout). I leave on Sunday morning and get back home early Friday morning. It can be grueling so my bag has to be able to withstand anything the airlines, hotels, Uber and I can throw at it.

My gear bag is the Tumi Alpha Bravo Shaw Deluxe Brief Pack. I’m guessing they just couldn’t fit any more nouns in the name. Regardless, this bag is big – since when I am not at home my office is my bag, so it would have to be. I can carry pretty much anything I need – laptop(s), tablets, notebook, power and charging gear, cables, pens, ibuprofen, and Altoids.

One of the nice things (especially when I am in Seattle) is the waterproof side pocket that holds my umbrella when I am home or a bottle of Smart Water when I am not. And the luggage handle sleeve on the bag makes sure that no matter how much I overload it, I can just hook it on my luggage handle and not overload myself.

Plus it is an upscale-looking bag, which is never a bad thing when meeting with clients. This bag solves all my carry problems, and a few I didn’t know I had until I got the bag.

You can read more about this bag at tumi.com and you can order one from Amazon for $365.

Andy Chen

My gear bag is the Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II Backpack.

Overall size: 9.5″(L) x 8″(W) x 17.5″(H)
Main compartment: 9″(L) x 4.5″(W) x 17″(H)
Volume: 1100 cu. in. / 18L
This is what I carry to my desk job. I don’t carry much, but I want it to be comfortable. It’s one of the smallest dual-strap backpacks in the Maxpedition lineup, which is what I wanted. I like that it has many loop attachment points on the outside for hanging things (trauma shears, flashlight), plus two “bottle” mesh pouches on the outside just in case I want to convert my work bag into a day pack.

You can read more about this bag at maxpedition.com and you can order one from Amazon for $100.

Available in Black, Khaki, Wolf Gray and Foliage Green.

Ryan Pagel

I recently bought my first piece of Filson outside of their clothing line.  I decided to go with the 24 Hour Tin Briefcase.  This has quickly become one of my favorite gear bags for many reasons.  It is what I am currently carrying to the office to hold my computer, charging cables, notebook, etc. and has the style of a rugged waxed canvas bag with bridle leather accents that fit in a corporate setting but also says “I have my own style and march to my own beat”.

What I love about this bag is that although it is technically a computer bag, it is also a great gear bag for weekend excursions, a day hike or a day trip up to Estes Park, Colorado to see the sights and do some walking, shopping and maybe a picnic with the family.  One main pocket with a padded area for a computer holds a lot more stuff than you would think.  the two front pockets have some interior organization for pens and a zippered compartment for hiding cash, thumb drives, passports, etc.  there is an open back pocket for quick access to papers, an iPad, plane tickets (I am assuming they still have paper tickets, I just use my phone now), and also has a strap across the back to put it over the top of the handle of your roller bag.

Filson has been a master of canvas bags for decades and they just seem to be getting better.  I would highly recommend checking out this great bag whether you are looking for a new EDC to the office or something for the weekend getaways and especially if you are looking for both.  If you need more storage or want to carry camera equipment or bulkier items, I would recommend looking into their Padded Computer Bag.  It has many of the things I love about my 24 Hour bag but offers more padding and internal volume.  You honestly can’t go wrong with Filson.

You can read more about Filson bags at filson.com and you can buy this back on Amazon for $389.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)

—

We’ll post another series of favorite gear bag blurbs next week for five more Gadgeteer team members, so stay tuned.

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 25, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Ecovacs Deebot R95 robot vacuum review

I’m a big fan of robot vacuums for one main reason – I’m lazy and don’t want to push a vacuum around my house when I can get a robot to do my work for me at the press of a button or automatically on a schedule that I set. The newest robot vac that I’ve had the opportunity to test is the Ecovacs Deebot R95 robot vacuum. Let’s see if it sucks… but in a good way.

What is it?

The Ecovacs Deebot R95 is a robotic vacuum and mop that you can control with your smartphone.

What’s in the package?

Ecovacs Deebot R95
Charging dock
Advanced wet/dry cleaning cloths (2)
Advanced wet/dry reservoir
Measuring cup
Direct suction option
Side brushes (4)
Instruction manual

Design and features

Like most robotic vacuums, the Ecovacs Deebot R95 has a circular shaped plastic housing.

The round module on the top cover of the vacuum is the laser distance sensor which the R95 uses to map the room.

There is a button and a panel of four status LEDs on the top of the R95. The status LEDs include a WiFi indicator, a scheduled cleaning indicator, spot mode indicator, and a return to charger mode indicator LED.

The top cover of the vacuum lifts up to provide access to the dirt bin and main power switch.

The dirt bin/filter housing has a handle that allows it to easily lift out from the vacuum for emptying.

Under the lid below the power switch is the upgrade port that can be used to update the vacuum’s firmware and a small tool that can be used to cut strings, hair, or other debris that might wind itself around the brush.

If you flip over the R95, you’ll see the three wheels that propel the vacuum. There are two driving wheels and one smaller wheel at the front that is flanked on both sides by anti-drop sensors.  Two more anti-drop sensors are located above the driving wheels. These sensors prevent the R95 from falling down steps and stairs.

Included with the Deebot R95 are four side brushes that attach magnetically to the bottom of the vacuum. These small brushes help lift dirt from wall edges. Only two brushes are used at a time so two extras are included for use when the first two brushes wear out.

With the side brushes attached and the main brush in place, it’s time to charge the R95 to prepare for cleaning.

The charging dock plugs into a wall outlet and the R95 charges by sitting on two charging pins on the bottom edge of the dock.

At this point, you can install the Ecovacs app on your iOS or Android device so you can take advantage of advanced features like scheduling, do not disturb times, and more. Note that it’s not mandatory that you use an app with the vacuum. You can control the vacuum manually including a basic scheduling feature that set it to vacuum once a day at the same time each day.

Note that it’s not mandatory that you use an app with the vacuum. You can control the vacuum manually including a basic scheduling feature that set it to vacuum once a day at the same time each day just by pressing the Auto button twice.




The app will allow you to set scheduled cleaning times, do not disturb times when the vacuuming will not run even if a prior cleaning was on hold due to battery recharging, and a work log where you can check to see how many hours that the D95 has vacuumed.

I tested the D95 in a carpeted room and in a room with wood floors and found that it did a decent job picking up large pieces of cat fluff and other dirt.

Here’s the dirt bin after vacuuming the basement floor a couple of times. Ick. You can see some Cheerios in the bin. No idea where the heck they came from. Yes, we do like to eat Cheerios, but I don’t know how they got on the floor and how we didn’t see them. I guess that’s what a vacuum is for though, right?

Unlike other robot vacuums that I’ve tested before like the Neato Botvacs, I like that the Deebot doesn’t bang roughly into objects like furniture before adjusting course. The Deebot has a more gentle touch. It’s also less noisy than Botvacs. Unfortunately, that’s the only praise I can give this robot vacuum, because it has some definite issues.



One of the main reasons why I was excited to test the Ecovacs Deebot R95 is because the app is supposed to allow you to mark areas on the map to avoid. The mapping feature is pretty cool and it’s fun to watch a live view of the robot vacuuming when you’re not there. But the problem is that the app (at least the iOS version of the app) does not have the avoidance feature. The instructions say that there should be a special icon on the screen that you can press to then set areas to avoid. I’ve yet to see that icon. But I have seen the message shown in the screenshot above on the right.

I read some reviews on Amazon for the R95 and apparently, it takes MANY hours for the avoidance feature to become available. I’ve used the R95 to clean my floors at least 10 times now and still haven’t seen the feature.

Another problem is that if you toggle power on the vacuum, or move the charging base, the map gets reset and you’ll have to start the process again.

Another problem I noticed is that there’s an option to turn on voice reports. I didn’t even realize that the vacuum talked until I started writing the review and was taking screenshots and saw the option. I had the option turned no but hadn’t heard any voices. So I did a hard reset at which point the vacuum started telling me when it finished vacuuming, or if it was stuck. A voice telling me about a problem is a lot more useful than the Neato Botvacs that just beep when there is a problem. However, the voice reports stopped soon after they started. No idea why.

The R95 also started appearing offline in the Ecovacs app and I wasn’t able to get it to come back online even after doing a hard reset multiple times which has been frustrating.

The vacuum also has a weird habit of continue to run even when you try to stop it. Most robot vacs that I’ve tested will stop running when you pick them up and manually put them on their charging dock. Sometimes the R95 will sound like the brush is still spinning or the motor is still running even when it’s sitting still. I’ve had this happen when I take it to a room and press the auto button so it will just clean that room. When it stops, a voice will say “cleaning complete” or something to that effect (if the voice reports happen to be working) and the vacuum will stop moving but it will continue to make whirring noises until I flip the power switch under the lift up cover.

Final thoughts

The Ecovacs Deebot R95 robot vacuum does a decent job picking up dirt from carpet and also does a good job wet/dry mopping hard surfaces, but app and special features like voice reports, obstacle avoidance, and WiFi connections are buggy which makes using this product frustrating. For those reasons, I’d steer clear of this particular robot vacuum until these issues have been resolved by a firmware update of both the device and the app.

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

 

Product Information

Price: $439.99
Manufacturer: Ecovacs
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Can be used manually or with an app
  • Doesn't damage furniture
  • Can vacuum carpet or wet/dry mop
Cons:
  • Buggy voice report feature
  • Buggy WiFi connection
  • Obstacle avoidance feature no available.

Filed in categories: Reviews

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Ecovacs Deebot R95 robot vacuum review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 24, 2017 at 3:39 pm.

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Shake up your next cookout with burger dogs

If you’re not a fan of hotdogs, don’t want to buy hamburger buns AND hotdog buns, or you want to confuse your guests at your next cookout, you need to check out these burger dog gadgets. What are burger dogs you ask? They are hamburgers shaped like hotdogs…duh!

For less than $9 you can start out with the Kitchen Art 18550 Ham Dogger which is a single plastic mold that lets you mold raw ground beef into a hotdog shape.

And then for the hardcore burger dog chef, there’s the Chef Tony Grease Away Burger Dog Pan for $11.96.

This is an all-in-one pan that lets you mold the ground beef into hotdog shaped burgers and lets you cook them.

The two-piece pan even allows the grease to drain away from the burger dog so that they are “healthier”. Now I’m hungry…

Filed in categories: News

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Shake up your next cookout with burger dogs originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 24, 2017 at 12:03 pm.

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ODRVM 1080P waterproof Wi-Fi action cam review

I wouldn’t describe my family as overly adventurous, but we do participate in our share of outdoor activities. We enjoy trips to the beach, water parks, and amusement parks. We also enjoy riding our bikes and we’re hoping to get our children into snowboarding this winter.

For these reasons, I’ve been toying with the idea of purchasing an action camera.

Fortunately for me, I was offered the chance to review the ODRVM action camera. It’s a 1080p waterproof camera that can be connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi.

I’m hoping this is the perfect camera to catch my families outdoor moments.

Specifications

  • Lens – 170 degree wide-angle
  • Video Resolution – 1080P (30FPS) / 720P (60FPS) / VGA (60FPS) / QVGA (60FPS)
  • Video Format – MOV
  • Photo Resolution – 12MP/8MP/5MP
  • Battery Capacity – 900 mAh
  • Waterproof Depth – 30M (100 ft)
  • Memory – supports up to 32GB class 10 micro SD

Design

I’ve never used an action camera before, but I’ve seen others use them; as far as I can tell this camera looks similar to every other action camera I’ve seen.






The front of the camera contains the lens and the power/mode button. On the back is the display and two LED indicators. The top of the camera has an “OK” button and another LED indicator. One side of the camera contains an HDMI port, USB port, Micro SD slot, and the mic opening, while the other side contains the Wi-Fi button and up/down selectors. Finally, the bottom of the camera is where you insert the battery.

As the title of the review implies, the camera is waterproof; however, you have to insert the camera into a waterproof case first.




There isn’t much to the case; it fully encloses the camera, while still allowing you to access all of its buttons.

When the camera is inside the case you can use it with a variety of different mounting options.


Finally, everything can be stored in the included carrying case.


You have to position all the accessories like you’re playing a game of Tetris, but they’re all able to fit inside.

Performance

The action camera is capable of taking both videos and photographs; it’s incredibly easy to use.

When you’re in video mode, you can start and stop recording by pressing the “OK” button.

I first tested the camera by taking a quick movie in my parent’s yard.

I was very impressed with the video; I’ve previously reviewed devices that claimed to record HD video but found the video dark and grainy. This camera’s video was very clear; if you pause the video you can make out fine details.

The part of the camera I was most excited about was its ability to function up to 30 meters (100 feet) underwater.

To test this feature, I literally jumped into my parent’s pool and began to record.


The video was a bit darker but just as clear as before; you can actually make out wrinkles in the pool’s liner.

After testing the recording capabilities, I decided to leave the camera in my bathing suit pocket so it would remain submerged for an extended period. After approximately 15 minutes I removed the camera from my pocket and found it worked perfectly fine.

I next decided to take a few pictures with the camera.



As with the videos, I found the photos to be very clear.

I was pleasantly surprised with this camera. It produces quality photos and videos, something I can’t say about every High-Def device I’ve reviewed.

App

The camera also works with an app, ZSANYCAM, which is available for Android and iOS.




I didn’t find the app particularly useful; it connects to the camera via Wi-Fi and allows you view a live feed, the videos/photos that have been recorded, and change some camera settings.

I tested it for a few minutes and never found the need to access it again.

Conclusion

I was really impressed with the action camera. It was very easy to use and took really good quality videos and photos.

The camera is waterproof and comes with a variety of accessories so you can use it for a variety of reasons. I plan on bringing it to every vacation and outdoor family adventure.

Along with all the camera’s great features, it’s also incredibly affordable at $49.99.

If you’re into outdoor activities and want to capture some great moments, I can’t think of a reason not to purchase this action camera.

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

 

Product Information

Price: $45.99
Manufacturer: ODRVM
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Good quality videos and photos
  • Plenty of accessories
  • Easy to use
Cons:
  • Video slightly dark underwater
  • Accompanying app not very useful

Filed in categories: Reviews

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ODRVM 1080P waterproof Wi-Fi action cam review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 24, 2017 at 8:45 am.

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