Home 2018 November

Fossil’s new Sport Smartwatch is colorful and packed with features

NEWS – Fossil’s smartwatches have come a long way since Judie and I posted our joint review of their Palm and Pocket PC wrist PDAs over 16 years ago! Those bulky monochrome monstrosities are nothing like the smartwatches of today and are definitely not like Fossil’s latest Sport Smartwatch which runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform and the newly redesigned Wear OS by Google. The new watch features:

  • Nylon case, aluminum topring and pushers
  • 41 mm, 43 mm case size
  • Stunning touchscreen digital display
  • 24+ hours battery life (based on usage) + 2 additional days in battery saver watch mode
  • Interchangeable straps and bracelets (18mm / 22mm)
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 3100 Platform
  • Sensors: Heart Rate, NFC, GPS, Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light, Microphone
  • Powered with Wear OS by Google and compatible with iOS 9.3+ and Android™ 4.4+ (excluding Go edition)
  • Connect via Bluetooth® technology
  • Wireless syncing + magnetic charging

Designed to keep you on track with your health and other activities, the Sport smartwatch will sprint through the whole day without needing a recharge and when it does need to be juiced back up, you won’t be waiting around because the rapid charging feature allows the smartwatch to be almost completely charged within an hour,

The Fossil Sport Smartwatch retails for $255 and is available for purchase on www.fossil.com, Target, and other retailers.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Fossil’s new Sport Smartwatch is colorful and packed with features originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Nomad Base Station wireless charging dock review

REVIEW – Back in September, I wrote a news story about the Nomad Base Station wireless charger. As someone who has a lot of devices, I was glad when Nomad recently sent me one to review.

What is it?

The Nomad Base Station is a wireless charging hub capable of charging up to four devices simultaneously.

Hardware Specs

  • 3 coils with 10W output per coil
  • USB-A 7.5W port
  • USB-C PD 18W port
  • LED wireless charging indicators
  • Ambient light sensor dims LED’s at night

What’s in the box?

  • Base Station wireless charging dock
  • AC power adaptor
  • International EU & UK adapters

Design and features

The Base Stations design is highlighted by a black soft padded leather charging surface. The chassis is made of aluminum, making it almost impossibly light.

It also has a low profile, with a height of just half a centimeter.

On the bottom of the device, there are two no-slip grip rubber feet.

The Base Stations clean and simple design makes it perfect for use on an end table, nightstand or desktop.

On the front of the dock, there are 3 small LED wireless charging indicator lights.

On the back, there’s an ambient light sensor that dims the LED’s at night. It’s also where you will find the power and two charging ports.

Let’s charge some stuff

With 3 high-power coils, Base Station Hub charges one or two devices simultaneously at up to 10W each.

When wirelessly charging your phone the LED indicator on the front of the dock glows orange, when charging is complete it glows white. There are 3 lights, one for each coil. This feature comes in handy when charging two phones simultaneously.

The padded leather surface is exactly the same size as my iPhone Xs Max when it’s placed on the charger horizontally. And even though I use a case, I like the fact that it provides extra protection for my phone. The10W charging coils did a great job of quickly charging my iPhone, on par with other fast wireless chargers I have used.

The only issue I found was when placing your phone on the charger vertically (as you would if you were charging 2 phones simultaneously), it’s hard to find the sweet spot on the coils to charge your phone.

USB-A 7.5W charging port

The USB-A 7.5W charging port is perfect for plugging in an Apple Watch charger, a non-wireless charging capable phone, charging a pair of wireless headphones, or any other device that uses a USB-A charging cable.

I used it mainly for charging my 10.5” iPad Pro, and although it doesn’t charge as fast as the included iPad charger, it does the job. And if I need to, I can always plug my Pro into the hub while I’m using it.

USB-C 18W charging port

Having a USB-C port is great. Along with being able to charge a MacBook or MacBook Pro, it also assures that the Base Station is future proof.

I love being able to charge my MacBook Pro from the Base Station. Again, charging here isn’t as fast as with the included MacBook Pro charger but, it still charges my MacBook pretty quickly.

As an added bonus USB-C can now be used to charge the new iPad Pro.

What I like

  • Solid build quality
  • Padded leather wireless charging surface
  • Charges up to 4 devices simultaneously (including fast wireless charging)
  • Easy to use
  • Eliminates having to use multiple chargers and cables

What needs to be improved

  • When charging 2 phones or placing a phone on the charging pad vertically, you have to move it around to get it to charge

Final thoughts

The Base Station wireless charging dock is the kind of high-quality product I’ve come to expect from Nomad. I love its clean, elegant look and the ability to charge all my devices from a single hub. I also like that it eliminates the need for multiple chargers and cables. The Base Station now sits on an end table next to my recliner as the central charging hub in my house.

Note: Nomad recently introduced the Base Station Apple Watch Edition which I will be reviewing soon. Stay tuned.

Price: $99.95
Where to buy: Nomad’s website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nomad.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Nomad Base Station wireless charging dock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Nyrius ORION streaming device review


REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box


1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.


On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.


Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.



When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.


The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

  • Size of Transmitter and Receiver
  • Operational range
  • Eas of set up and connectivity
  • Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

  • In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: , , ,

Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Nyrius ORION streaming device review


REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box


1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.


On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.


Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.



When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.


The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

  • Size of Transmitter and Receiver
  • Operational range
  • Eas of set up and connectivity
  • Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

  • In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: , , ,

Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

PURP screen protector, PIXL magnetic building blocks, ONDU III pinhole cameras, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week we are bringing you information about six different crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter that will be of interest to camera buffs, EDC fans, and more.

PURP NanoTech TGlass Blue Light Screen Protector

What is it?

PURP is a screen protector for iPhone 7, iPhone 7Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8Plus and iPhone X, iPhone XS iPhone XR and iPhone XSMax that blocks harmful blue light.

Why is it cool?

A screen protector that protects your phone’s screen and blocks blue light is cool because blue light is bad for your eyes. too much exposure may increase the risk of macular degeneration because blue light from devices like your phone penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) where it can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina.

What to consider before pledging

Right now, PURP is only going to be made for iPhones. If you have an Android device you are out of luck. Also, they won’t be shipping until next May. I have a feeling other blue light blocking screen protectors will be on the market well before PURP begins shipping their rewards. In fact, I reviewed such a screen protector that is available now. The ZAGG Invisibleshield+ with Vision Guard filters out blue light too.

Where can I find more info?

The PURP campaign ends on 12/08/18 and they have already met their funding goal of $5,317. You can pre-order a PURP screen protector starting at $21. After the PURP campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SoundWave

What is it?

SoundWave is a Bluetooth speaker with a built-in light that makes it look like a candle.

Why is it cool?

The built-in light looks like a “candle” that flickers to the beat of the music that you’re playing and the speaker has a 25hr battery life. It also has a microSD card slot that you can use to plug in a whole library of tunes.

What to consider before pledging

Rewards aren’t scheduled to ship until July of next year. That’s a long wait time.

Where can I find more info?

The SoundWave campaign ends on 11/23/18 and they have already met their funding goal of $12,789. You can pre-order a SoundWave starting at $127. After the SoundWave campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

PIXL: A Magnetic Building System

What is it?

PIXLs are teeny tiny multi-colored building blocks that have rare-earth magnets in them that can be used to make 2D and 3D creations.

Why is it cool?

Ummm… magnets! Need I say more?! I didn’t think so.

Where can I find more info?

The PIXL campaign ends on 12/14/18 and they have already met their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a PIXL starting at $16. After the PIXL campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

ONDU III- Pinhole Cameras

What is it?

ONDU III is a camera that has no lens, no mirror, no batteries, and don’t need to be focused. They are pin-hole cameras that use 120 or 135 rolls of film (remember what that is?) to create old-school images.

Why is it cool?

The ONDU III is cool because… well, look at it. Any photography enthusiast would love to have one of these cameras as a gift. You can even use filters with them because they have a special magnetic mount.

Where can I find more info?

The ONDU campaign ends on 11/28/18 and they have already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order an ONDU starting at $89. After the ONDU campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Morph Bottle

What is it?

The Morph Bottle is an insulated water bottle that has a built-in storage compartment in the bottom. The bottle can hold 15-20 ounces of liquid depending on how full you fill the storage compartment.

Why is it cool?

The think the Morph Bottle is cool because it’s an all in one water bottle and gear holder. You can put your keys, a protein bar, etc., in the bottom of the bottle and still use the bottle to hold water or another beverage. The EDC compartment collapses to allow the storage of my liquid if you don’t carry as much in the storage compartment. It’s a pretty genius idea.

Where can I find more info?

The Morph Bottle campaign ends on 12/23/18 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Morph Bottle starting at $37. After the Morph Bottle campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

LUNA Tiny Titanium Flashlight

What is it?

LUNA is an ultra mini flashlight made of Titanium.

Why is it cool?

The think the LUNA flashlight is cool mainly due to the size and material it’s made of. But it’s good to know that it’s been designed to be waterproof and highly durable.

What to consider before pledging

It is powered by hearing aid batteries and there’s no info on the run time yet.

Where can I find more info?

The LUNA campaign ends on 12/08/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $999. You can pre-order a LUNA starting at $20. After the LUNA campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

PURP screen protector, PIXL magnetic building blocks, ONDU III pinhole cameras, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.