Home 2018 December

Neato Botvac D7 software update adds zone cleaning feature

NEWS – I am a huge fan of Neato’s Botvac robot vacuums. I have two of them in my home. One for the main floor and one for the basement. They are both scheduled to automatically run 3 times a week, but now that we’re replacing the carpet on our main floor with luxury vinyl planks that look like barn wood, we’ve found that we need to keep those areas vacuumed more often due to Max tracking his cat litter. Luck for me and you if you own a Neato Botvac D7 Connected, there’s a software update which adds a new zone cleaning feature.

With zone cleaning, users can add extra cleaning for specific rooms or custom areas of a home that require additional cleaning and schedule the work to happen in addition to Neato’s regular household routine. The feature allows you to:

  • Create zones on your floor that make the most sense for your life, be it an entire room or just a trouble area.
  • Name zones using a list of pre-determined labels or create custom zone names.
  • Make multiple, overlapping zones in a single floor plan. Zones can be placed in any way that works for your lifestyle and your home.
  • Add No-Go Lines to any zone, creating off-limits areas in any area or room of your home
  • Deploy Zone Cleaning across multiple floorplans, pinpointing zones for a more efficient clean, controlled on-demand or scheduled via the Neato app.

When my D7 gets the update, I’ll be able to have it vacuum the areas of my main floor that no longer has carpet each day so that I don’t have to see little cat litter granules or cat fur tumbleweeds flying around.

This new feature will begin rolling out to users of the Botvac D7 Connected via a software update today on Tuesday, December 4th, and the rollout is expected to be complete by the weekend. For more info about Neato Botvacs, you can visit Neatorobotics.com and their Amazon page. I love love love mine!

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Neato Botvac D7 software update adds zone cleaning feature originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 4, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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BenQ PD2700U DesignVue Designer 27″ 16:9 IPS Monitor review


REVIEW – The Gadgeteer readers that have been following my news stories and reviews already know that I am a fan of BenQ products including their monitors. As a photographer/videographer, I always need a good monitor with great color reproduction and enough display space to assist with the many hours of editing I do each week. For this review, I got the chance to work with the BenQ PD2700U DesignVue Designer 27″ 16:9 IPS Monitor. Let’s see if I am still a fan.

What is it?

The BenQ PD2700U DesignVue Designer 27″ 16:9 IPS Monitor is capable of a UHD 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 with a 60 Hz refresh rate.  It supports 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamuts, as well as HDR10. It also offers three special modes – CAD/CAM, Animation, and Darkroom for different viewing/working scenarios.

What’s in the box


1 x BenQ PD2700U DesignVue Designer 27″ 16:9 IPS Monitor
1 x AC Power Cord
1 x Video Cable: DP to mini DP
1 x Video Cable: HDMI
1 x USB Cable
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Warranty Booklet
1 x User Manual/Driver CD-ROM

Design and features

Specifications:

Screen Size: 27”
Resolution (max.): 3840×2160
Panel Type: IPS
Backlight Technology: LED backlight
Brightness: 350 cd/㎡
Native Contrast (typ.): 1300:1
Viewing Angle (L/R; U/D) (CR>=10): 178/178
Response Time: 5ms (GtG)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Display Colors: 1.07 billion colors
Color Gamut: 100% sRGB/Rec. 709
Display Area (mm): 596.74(H) x 335.66(V)
Pixel Pitch (mm): 0.155
PPI: 163
DCR (Dynamic Contrast Ratio) (typ.): 20M:1
Color Bit: 10bits
Audio -Built-in Speaker: 2Wx2
Headphone Jack: Yes
HDCP: 2.2
VESA Wall Mount: Yes
KVM Switch: Yes
HDMI: HDMI (v2.0) x1
DisplayPort: DisplayPort (v1.4) x1
Mini DisplayPort: MiniDisplayPort (v1.4) x1
DP out: DP out (MST)
USB 3.0 Hub; USB Downstream x 4; USB Upstream x 2
See the full list of specifications here.

Features

4K UHD High Resolution with HDR10 Support
The monitor is optimized for visually intensive work in animation, visual effects, graphics, and photos. It is equipped with HDR10 (ST2084) technology so designers can preview their work in HDR during the editing process to ensure the perfect final product.
AQCOLOR™ technology
Supports the concept of “Accurate Reproduction”.
Reference-Grade Color Performance with 10-Bit, 100% sRGB, and Rec. 709
Covers 100% of sRGB and Rec. 709 color spaces. Its advanced IPS wide viewing angle technology minimizes color shift to produce incredibly accurate color. 100% sRGB color gamut accuracy adheres to industry standards in digital production, and Rec. 709 reproduces accurate resolution, frame rate, color gamut, gamma, and white point performance in high-definition video work.
Professionally Factory Calibrated for Supreme Color Accuracy
Each BenQ Designer Monitor is individually factory calibrated to assure precise Delta-E and Gamma performance.
CAD/CAM Mode
Offers superior contrast for lines and shapes in technical illustrations, and accentuates the finest details to produce incredible display performance in Pro/E, SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, CATIA, or other design software.
Animation Mode
Animation Mode enhances the brightness of dark areas without overexposing bright regions and provides 10 levels of display brightness to bring out every subtlety clearly in any ambient lighting.
Darkroom Mode
Adjusts image brightness and contrast for superb clarity and sharp details, and creates the optimal setting for work in darkened post-processing environments.
Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) Switch
KVM Switch function allows users to display and control content from two different PC systems on one screen using just one keyboard and mouse to save space and improve work efficiency.
Daisy-Chain Configuration Capability
The Monitor is a daisy-chain-enabled* display equipped with multi-stream transport technology (MST), allowing you to extend your notebook’s screen across several displays using DisplayPort output for a multiple monitor setup.
DualView Mode
DualView Mode allows you to showcase designs in two modes simultaneously side-by-side without the need for two screens.

Eye-care™ Technology

Brightness Intelligence Technology
Eliminate Eye Strain Any Time of Day by monitoring ambient light in your viewing environment and actively adjusts screen brightness for the most comfortable viewing experience possible.
Low Blue Light Technology
Unique BenQ Low Blue Light Technology is designed to filter out harmful blue light, effectively diminishing eye fatigue and irritation.
ZeroFlicker™ Technology
ZeroFlicker technology eliminates flickering at all brightness levels and effectively reduces eye fatigue.

Right out of the box, the monitor looks sleek with a relatively small bezel. The control buttons are under the bottom right-hand corner. Once you know their individual functions, using them becomes easier. In the middle of the bottom of the display, there is a light sensor.

On the back of the monitor, there are air vent holes across the top half and in the middle, there is the Vesa/Stand mounting slot.

The relatively heavy base has two metal posts that slide into the stand to provide stability when the base is secured to the stand.

Below is the upright portion of the stand that includes a metal plate that is designed to be attached to the Vesa slot on the monitor, slide rails and slots in the upright to be able to adjust the monitor vertically, and a cable management hole below.

The base slides into the upright and is secured by a wingnut in the center of the base.

Once the base and upright are assembled, the stand is inserted into the mounting slot of the monitor. There is a release button below the mounting slot on the back of the monitor to remove the stand if and when necessary.

If you are facing the back of the monitor, the connectivity ports are on the bottom right-hand side. From left to right they are HDMI socket, DisplayPort socket, Mini DisplayPort socket, 9. DisplayPort output socket (for
Multi-Stream Transport, MST), Headphone jack, USB 3.0 port (upstream 1; connecting to the PC), USB 3.0 port (upstream 2; connecting to the PC), and 4 x USB 3.0 ports (downstream; connecting to USB devices)


The only connection on the left side bottom of the monitor is the AC power jack.

Performance

Once you take the monitor out of the box, you quickly realize that from the weight of the base and the construction of the display panel that it is well built and that it will be very stable. Assembling the base to the upright and to the monitor is very quick and easy.

Once assembled, I plugged in the DisplayPort (PC End) to HDMI cable that is always hanging from my computer and ready for testing any monitor, and I turned on the monitor. Just like my previous experience with BenQ monitors, the colors were fantastic right out of the box. I quickly toggled through the display modes and could quickly see that the CAD/CAM and Darkroom Modes would be my favorites. I also tried the DisplayPort to Mini DP cable and it worked as well, but I switched back to my original cable simple because of convenience for my routine. I also performed a quick test with my mouse and keyboard connected to the monitor and the USB cable connected between the PC and the monitor via the upstream USB port. They worked with no issues, but again because of the layout of my desk and workspace and the numerous cables, I plugged my mouse and keyboard back into the powered USB hub that normally I use. I also temporarily tested the headphone jack on the monitor and it sounded clean and clear. Unfortunately, my second (Backup) workstation is down at the moment, so I was not able to properly test the KVM function. However, I intend to do so in the near future. This function has worked without issue on previous BenQ monitors that I have tested.

As with the previous BenQ monitor that I tested for manipulating the monitor itself, BenQ offers Display Pilot Software on their website that you can download and add functionality to the monitor including switching it into portrait mode. This allows you to extend the monitor to its maximum height, tilt it the full 20 degrees that it can tilt, and then rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. As I indicated in my other monitor reviews, I never use any monitor in portrait mode, and my cabling setup does not work properly when the monitor is in portrait mode.

The monitor has built-in speakers that automatically assume the default audio playback device assignment when you first connect the monitor. I use a DAC for my sound, so I changed that setting back to my preference after listening to them for a short while. The speakers sound decent considering what they are by design and are loud enough and clear enough to be effective.

In terms of working with the controls buttons to adjust the monitor, there are many settings that you can manipulate according to your preferences. The following are some diagrams from the User manual that illustrate the functions:



Application performance
For my editing and production photo and video tasks, I regularly use Adobe Premiere, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Capture One, and PortraitPro StudioMax.
The following are some examples of the applications in use on this monitor during my workflow as a part of my various projects:


 


What I like

  • The amazing display and color reproduction
  • The display modes
  • The connectivity options
  • The build quality
  • The built-in KVM function

What can be improved

  • Should include more than one HDMI and DisplayPort

Final thoughts

After working with this monitor for everyday general use as well as video and photo editing, I can truly say that I am really enjoying using it and I really appreciate the viewing modes that make it much easier on my eyes. This monitor has performed flawlessly so far without any hiccups and continues to be a permanent part of my studio desktop. If I could have a personal wishlist, the only thing that I would change is the size. I wish I could have this exact monitor in a 32″ form factor. As always, well done BenQ!!

Price: $539.99
Where to buy: BenQ or Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by BenQ.

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BenQ PD2700U DesignVue Designer 27″ 16:9 IPS Monitor review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 4, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Holy Stone HS220 quadcopter drone review

REVIEW – What’s more fun than a remote-controlled quadcopter? A quadcopter that you can control with your phone or a dedicated controller that also has a built-in camera all packaged in a 2-in-1 folding format. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Holy Stone HS220 is a quadcopter drone that can be controlled with a battery-powered remote or an iPhone or Android device.

What’s in the box?

  • Holy Stone drone
  • Handheld remote
  • 2 batteries
  • micro USB charging cable
  • 4 replacement propellers
  • 4 replacement feet
  • Screwdriver
  • Tool
  • User manual

Design and features

The Holy Stone HS220 drone is made of white and black plastic and features a quadcopter design with 4 rotors. On top of the drone, you’ll see the Holy Stone logo which doubles as the touch-enabled power button. You’ll also notice two other icons which are designators for how to position the drone when in folded (as shown here) and unfolded Wing flight mode.

The bottom of the drone has for LED status lights and the battery slot.

A black plastic cage protects the rotors and your fingers from damage. You’ll also notice the four rubber feet that let you land the drone on different types of surfaces without damage.



As mentioned earlier, the Holy Stone HS220 is a folding drone. Each rotor folds out to create a larger X-shaped drone that is almost 2x the original size. Note, that you have to unfold the drone to be able to remove the battery for charging.

You’ll also need to use the drone in wing flight mode if you want to take pictures and video with the built-in camera.




The HS220 comes with a handheld remote control which doubles as the battery charger. It is powered by the same type of battery that the drone uses. The control has a micro USB connector on the front edge that is used to charge the batteries for both the controller and the drone.

The drone can fly for about 7-9 minutes per battery charge, and the remote will work for a much longer time on one charge, so you can swap batteries with the controller when you’re out in the field if the drone’s battery is too weak for flight. The drone’s weak battery will still work in the controller and the controller’s battery will power the drone for a few extra minutes until you need to go inside for a recharge.

Note that it can take up to 150 minutes (2.5 hrs) to recharge each battery which seems like forever when you just want to fly your drone.

The controller also features a fold out phone holder if you want to use the Holy Stone app and the controller to control the drone.

The app

The app is available for iOS and Android. I tested the app on my Pixel 2 XL and the Huawei P20.

The app’s user interface is relatively basic. And the main part of the screen is used for a live view through the drone’s camera. Note that you have to use the app if you want to record video and / or capture images with the drone. Also note that the image you see above is the ONLY time I was able to see a live view from the drone’s camera. Every subsequent time that I used the app, it the screen would be black. However, if I clicked the picture capture button on the handheld remote control while the app was open and my phone was connected to the drone’s WiFi, the app would make a click/capture noise. But video and images came out with a black screen.

Let’s fly!

To fly the Holy Stone drone, you first have to charge the battery for the handheld controller and the battery for the drone. As mentioned above, both batteries are charged using the controller. After both batteries are charged, you can decide if you want to fly the drone in the folded (smaller) form factor or the wing flight form factor. In my experience, the drone is more stable in the unfolded wing flight form factor. When it’s folded, you can snap pictures or capture video and the flight pattern is a little wonky which you’ll see in the video demo below.

Before you can start flying, you will tap the logo on the drone to turn it on and press the power button on the controller. Then you will want to press the lift joystick up, then down to pair the controller with the drone, then press the one key start/land button. This will cause the drone blades to start spinning and you can use the left joystick to lift the drone.

See it in action (or not)

As you’ve seen in my 1st demo video above, I had a LOT of problems flying this drone. It seemed to have a mind of its own for the first few flights. Even so, it stood up just fine from getting stuck in a tree, to slamming into the side of the house, and other flight stopping maneuvers. I have to hand it to Holy Stone for making a rugged little drone.

I got better at flying it, but the drone does drift in different directions, which require frequent trim operations to resolve that problem and even after performing the trim operations, the drone would not just hover completely still in one place, it would always drift a little bit. Also when using the one-key landing button, it would not just descend straight down and land, it would descend at an angle and then land.

What I like

  • Small foldable design
  • More rugged than other drones I’ve reviewed
  • Can fly it with or without using your smartphone
  • One button launch and land

What needs to be improved

  • Control. Requires frequent trim procedure
  • Takes too long to charge the batteries (150 minutes)
  • Android app bugs. No way to capture pictures or video without using the app

Final thoughts

After some practice, I was able to fly the Holy Stone HS220 drone pretty well, but I was never able to see how well the built-in camera performed as I was not able to get the app to show the live view of the camera or record from the camera.

When it’s all said and done, flying this drone was fun but is overpriced at $100. For that much money, I expect the camera feature to work and I think there should be a way to capture video and images without needing to use an iOS or Android app.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Holy Stone.

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Holy Stone HS220 quadcopter drone review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 11:34 am.

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Deals: Save big $’s on JLab headphones, microSD cards, gaming gear, and more

NEWS – Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are behind us, but that doesn’t mean there are no more deals. There are lots more to come including the 12 days of deals from Amazon. Today is day 2 of their 12 days of deals and the theme is gaming. So check below for some money saving gift ideas for the gamer on your shopping list. We are also sharing a couple deals from JLAB audio for their headphones and earbuds. As always, these deals can vanish quickly, so act fast!

Amazon

  • SanDisk 128GB microSD cards for only $18.21 on Amazon
  • OMEN by HP Mindframe PC Gaming Headset with World’s First FrostCap Active Cooling Technology for only $119.99 (you save $80) on Amazon
  • Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker for $79 (you save $60) on Amazon
  • Samsung UN55NU8000FXZA Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series Smart LED TV (2018) for $847.99 (you save $352.00) on Amazon
  • Acer Predator Utility Backpack for only $83.99 (you save $66.00) on Amazon
  • HyperX Alloy FPS RGB – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for only $89.99 (you save $20.00) on Amazon
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Gaming PC Laptop for only $1,699.00 (you save $300.00) on Amazon
  • SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSD 1TB for only $197.99 (you save $102.00) on Amazon

JLAB Audio

  • Neon Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones – $20 ($30 Original price) good through December 3-5
  • Rock Bluetooth Earbuds – $15 ($30 Original Price) good through December 3-5
    Available only on https://www.jlabaudio.com/

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Deals: Save big $’s on JLab headphones, microSD cards, gaming gear, and more originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Albedo100 makes sure you’ll always be seen at night

NEWS – Albedo is a measure of how reflective an object, usually a planet or moon, is – how much of the incident light is reflected by the object.  Despite how bright they are, the Earth’s albedo is only about 0.3, meaning 30% of light is reflected, and our moon when full is only about 0.5, or 50% of light reflected.  The permanent reflective spray from Albedo100 would seem to promise to greatly increase the reflectivity, and therefore the visibility at night.

Albedo100’s spray is a “permanent formula that dries a matte gray and can last up to three months, defying wind, rain, and UV rays.”  It’s intended for use on hard surfaces, and it works best on concrete, metal, stones, and wood.  Spray it directly on your bike frame, walking stick, sports equipment, shoes, or helmet to greatly increase your visibility and safety outdoors at night.

A can of Albedo100 permanent reflective spray is $18.95 at The Grommet.

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Albedo100 makes sure you’ll always be seen at night originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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