Home 2018

myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K Fast Wireless Powerbank review

REVIEW – Powerbanks, external batteries, portable chargers, no matter what you call them, they are useful accessories to have in your gear bag for those times when you have no access to a wall outlet and your smartphone or other gadget has run out of juice. Powerbanks aren’t the most glamorous gadget and pretty much only do one thing and that’s charge a device. But today I’m going to show the myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K fast wireless powerbank that has an extra feature that increases the convenience of an already convenient product.

What is it?

The myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K fast wireless powerbank is a 10,000mAh 10W backup battery that has 2 built-in USB ports and built-in Qi wireless charging so you can charge three devices at once.

What’s in the box?

myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K powerbank
micro USB cable

Specs

Battery: 10,000mAh Lithium Ion
Product Dimensions: 2.8 in x 0.8 in x 5.8 in
Product Weight: 0.4 lbs.
Wireless Output: 10 Watts
USB port delivers 2.4A output

Design and features

The UNPLUGGED 10K is a powerbank with a soft-touch white shell and a power button that turns on the wireless charger and is used to see the battery capacity by lighting up the row of status LEDs on the top.

On one end are 2 USB-A 2.4A ports and a micro USB port that is used to recharge the powerbank itself. Note that this powerbank has pass-through charging which means that you can charge the myCharge at the same time the myCharge is charging up to 3 devices.

The UNPLUGGED 10K powerbank comes pre-charged and ready to use. But when it needs to be topped off, you just plug in a micro USB cable and let it juice up until the 4 white LEDs light up.

My first test of the myCharge was to see how quick it could re-charge a Sony Xperia XZ2 from flat to full. Here are the results.

Started with battery at 0%
30 mins battery 11% charged
60 mins battery 24% charged
1 hr 30 mins battery 38% charged
2 hrs battery 50% charged
2 hrs 30 mins battery 62% charged
3 hrs battery 71% charged
3 hrs 30 mins battery 81% charged
4hrs battery 92% charged
Test end

In another test, I connected my Pixel 2 XL and my drained Rowkin micro Touch Bluetooth earbuds to the myCharge the next day after my Sony test.

Pixel 2 XL battery at 29%, Rowkin earbuds 0% (or what appears to be 0%)
30 min Pixel 2 XL battery 47% charged, one Rowin earbud fully charged, the other still charging
1 hr 10 mins Pixel 2 XL battery 75% charged, Rowkin earbuds fully charged
2 hrs Pixel 2 XL battery 86% charged
2 hrs 30 mins Pixel 2 XL battery % charged
Test end

At the end of my 2 tests, the battery level of the myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K was down to just one lit LED.

What I like

  • Can charge 2 USB devices and 1 wireless device at the same time
  • Meets Apple and Samsung fast charge standard
  • Pass through charging – Can charge the myCharge AND charge 3 devices at the same time

What needs to be improved

  • Wireless charging is slow

Final thoughts

If you’re in the market for a powerbank and you have a Qi enabled device like a newer iPhone, Sony Xperia or Samsung Galaxy, the myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K is a nice option because it offers the ability to charge those devices wirelessly and also charge 2 other devices at the same time. Even if wireless charging is slower than plugging in a cable, the fact that this one powerbank can charge more than one device simultaneously gives it an extra check mark for usefulness.

Price: $69.99
Where to buy: myCharge and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by myCharge.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

myCharge UNPLUGGED 10K Fast Wireless Powerbank review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 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.

5 Windows PC problems that you can fix yourself

ARTICLE – Although some PC problems require a technician to repair them, there are many issues that you can fix at home all by yourself.

Regardless of whether you’re dealing with an older computer or a cutting-edge gaming PC, many solutions to common problems are similar. Consider the following five.

1. Computer Is Slow

Is your computer taking too long to boot up? Or perhaps you find yourself waiting too long for a program to open? When resolving a slow computer problem, it’s important to identify precisely what is slow.

If a specific website is slow to load, your computer may not be the culprit. Some sites are slow to load due to their own server issues or page configuration. If a specific site is slow though most others work fine, it’s likely the website’s issue.

However, if your computer takes too long to boot up, the issue lies in your system. The first thing to check is if you have enough space on your hard drive. On the bottom left corner, in the Windows search box, search for ‘This PC’ and click on it. Here, you will see how much space you have left. If the disk space bar is almost full and red instead of blue, you should clear space. More space will help your PC run faster.

Free up space by removing unnecessary files or programs you don’t use. You can also use a cloud-based platform like Google Drive to store data digitally instead of on your hard drive. An external hard drive can also help you store files, giving your internal hard drive (where your operating system resides) more room to breathe.

Another potential culprit of slow boot time is that too many programs are running when you start up your computer.

You can change this function by searching for ‘msconfig’ and opening System Configuration and then ‘Startup.’ From here, ensure that only programs you need are starting upon boot. Programs that load slowly may have issues because of other programs hogging resources in the background.

2. Pop-Ups Are on My Desktop

If pop-ups and advertisements are appearing on your PC even when you’re not surfing the web, it’s likely that you installed adware, probably by accident.

Although getting rid of spyware isn’t easy, you can do so by using the trusted Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free. Malwarebytes will likely eliminate the spyware after a scan and restart.

If that step fails, you can either Google a removal process for the specific adware or reinstall Windows completely, both solutions are entirely possible at home.

3. A Program Looks or Acts Strange

Whether a particular program is going haywire or you accidentally changed its settings, sometimes a program can look weird, ranging from issues like a blurry text or a dead pixel that appears as a spot to the program randomly closing.

The first step to take is right-clicking on the program in which you’re encountering issues and clicking on ‘Properties.’ From here, click on ‘Compatibility’ and then ‘Run compatibility troubleshooter.’

The troubleshooter should promptly fix any issues. You can also use the ‘Compatibility’ settings to change the screen resolution and color settings for the program, which can help resolve visual issues.

4. The PC Is Overheating

Computers will generate some heat, though it should never be to the point of getting extremely hot to the touch. If you feel that your computer is overheating, usually accompanied by a fan sounding like it’s working on overload, there are several solutions you can try.

Dust accumulation is one of the most common culprits of overheating. While your PC is off and unplugged, use a compressed air duster can to get dust out. Also, ensure that your PC has adequate ventilation and that there are no blocked vents.

It’s also possible that your fans are dysfunctional or a temperature rise is resulting in a chemical reaction to the battery. These cases require technical support, though in most cases of overheating, you can remedy the issue by using an air compressor can and ensuring proper ventilation for your PC.

5. Random Shutdowns and Restarts

It’s very frustrating to have your work interrupted by a computer that shuts down or restarts without prompting. In many cases, the restarts are a consequence of automatic Windows updates.

Search for ‘Windows Update settings‘ to change settings so that updates are less frequent or, at the very least, give you some time in advance to prepare. It’s a bad idea to turn off updates entirely, though you can set the updates to be less insistent.

These five issues are common among PC users, though fortunately, they can often be resolved with some time and focus at home rather than you spending money for a technician and waiting several days.

Image by Laurent Peignault

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

5 Windows PC problems that you can fix yourself originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 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.

Show a loved one that they hung the moon with this necklace

NEWS – For one glorious moment, I thought this necklace was going to change to show the current moon phase – but then, such a necklace wouldn’t be as affordable as this beauty.  The Moon Phase Necklace from Moonglow is made of pewter and has a customized crystal to show a moon phase.  The pendant is accented with a black Swarovski crystal and comes complete with an 18″ pewter chain.

The pendants show the moon at various phases, from new moon, to full moon, and phases in between.  You can even select a pendant to commemorate the recent Blood Moon…

or last years total solar eclipse.

Select the Moon’s phase on a date that was important to you, like your wedding date, a loved one’s birthday, or any other important date.  The necklace would make a perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself.  The Moon Phase Necklace from Moonglow is $38.00 at The Grommet.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Show a loved one that they hung the moon with this necklace originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 17, 2018 at 10:00 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.

Aura Frames digital photo frame review


REVIEW – As a photographer, a nice photo displayed in a complimentary frame is considered “a thing of beauty”. However, like many photographers, we simply have too many favorite pictures to frame, and the cost to do so and the space required to display them is simply prohibitive. In these days of advancing technology, Digital Picture Frames have “stormed” the market in an attempt to provide a solution to this issue and to do so while preserving the originality, authenticity, and purity of the original photograph. For this review, I got the opportunity to test and review a digital photo frame from Aura Frames that promises to deliver “cutting edge” technology with attractive bells and whistles.

What is it?

The Aura Frame is a digital photo display frame that allows you to wirelessly upload and display your photos.

What’s in the box


1 x Aura Digital Picture Frame
1 x Stand
1 x AC Adapter
1 x Instruction Booklet

Design and features

The Aura Digital Picture frame (Modern Version) is 11.75” W x 10” H x 0.75” D in size and is built incredibly well with a sturdy and weighty feel to it. It actually weighs 3.2 pounds. The actual screen size is 9.7”, with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 on a LED-backlit display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. For setup and use, both Bluetooth 4.2 and 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz wireless connectivity are built in. The frame is controlled by the Aura frame app that is available for ios 9.1 or higher, Android 4.4 KitKat or above. It is available in two colors: Slate and Stardust, and can be displayed in both landscape and portrait mode.


On the back of the frame there is a locking slot for attaching the stand, and within the slot, there is a micro USB power port. Once the cable is plugged in, the stand is attached as a result it locks the power cable in place to prevent it from accidentally coming loose.




Once you power up the frame and download the app, getting connected, creating an account and loading pictures is a quick and easy process that is all controlled by the app. The following pictures are examples of some of the many screens that guide you through the process.






Performance

Once I loaded the first set of pictures, they appeared on the frame in seconds and the display is absolutely beautiful. The hand gestures that control the changing of pictures if so desired and that control the “wake up” function if the frame is in sleep mode, work flawlessly. The auto-dimming feature also works very well and enables the correct lighting to match the ambient light of any room.

Here are some additional features:

  • Aura creates collections of People and Pets using facial recognition software. You will see collections of the people you take photos most often of in the Aura app. All you need to do is select a person or pet, click “Add All” and any photo of that person – past, present, or future! – will get added to the frame.
  • Aura automatically applies a quality filter and will not display any photos that are blurry, have red eye, are duplicates, are too light or too dark, are poorly cropped, or where people have their eyes closed. Just select an album or a person or pet to add to your frame, and Aura will do the work for you, automatically sorting your photos and skipping over any you wouldn’t want to see on your frame.
  • We also have state of the art nudity filters so no inappropriate photos will ever make their way on to the frame. In addition to nudity, we also have filters to weed out photos of your driver’s license and passport.


 

The huge “elephant in the room” is that for $299, the use and the lifespan of the ability to display pictures are entirely controlled by the company. There is no built-in ability to use an SD card, or USB drive or network storage. Sine Aura can perform updates via the internet and since the frame has built WiFi, it would be a great value for them to add the option of storage via your own local network.

What I like

• The build quality of the frame
• The finish of the frame
• The ease of setup and the flawless performance
• The features including the hand gestures, the ambient light recognition and ability to enable friends and
family to load pictures to the frame from anywhere in the world.

What can be improved

  • The storage options of pictures so that the frame is not exclusively dependent on the infrastructure of the
    company
  • Additional frame size options

Final thoughts

The Aura Digital Photo frame is a really great display with fantastic resolution and in its current form, limitless storage. I love the build quality and the finish on the frame. The features are really well implemented and just make this frame a joy to have and to use. And the ability to maybe install it at grandma’s house and send current pictures of the grandkids to it is just one way that it can provide joy and value for years. However, the fact that the pictures are stored on the company’s storage and depend on their uptime and existence is a major deal that in this day and age not only raises the issue of privacy but also of ownership and longevity. For the cost of this frame, the local storage option via one’s own network is, in my opinion, a must and a big miss by this company. Otherwise, if you are willing to take the risk, then you will love this frame.

Price: $299
Where to buy: Aura Frames Website
Source: The sample for this display was provided by Aura.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Aura Frames digital photo frame review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 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.

CTM’s in-ear monitors are clearly tuned from the past and into the future

NEWS – One of the fun aspects of writing reviews and news items on audio gear is discovering companies with a passion for sound. I recently stumbled across Clear Tune Monitors and their Vintage Series of in-ear monitors (IEM) that blend a 50s hot-rod look with a modern flair. The monitor shells sport a retro color scheme bordered by chrome creating a look that spans decades. Think Stray Cats meet the Jetsons and you get the idea.

Note that CTM is known for their custom IEMs, but have ventured into the world of universal fit IEMs that fit everyone out of the box. Their Vintage Series is the result.

The 70s rock group Mott the Hoople had a great song called “The Golden Age of Rock ’n Roll’ that could be the soundtrack for the Vintage Series in-ear monitors. Once I saw them, I just had to know more and share what I learned. 

There are three models of Vintage monitors: the VS2, VS3 and VS4—each with its own aural personality and specific purpose. Each Vintage series monitor is composed of armature speakers tuned for specific frequency ranges. Armature drivers are known for taking up very little room, resulting in small in-ear monitors that have incredible detail and can make familiar tunes sound more alive by exposing elements that were once hidden.

The 2 driver/2 way VS2 monitor is tuned for a flatter frequency response giving it a sharper, more accurate sound. This makes it perfect for audiophiles who are looking for longer listening times with no ear fatigue.

The VS3 is a 3 driver/3 way monitor that’s tuned for live stage work. It’s designed for quick audio attack and recovery in all frequencies creating an intense listening experience—perfect for bass players and drummers/percussionists.

Finally, the VS4 4 driver/3 way monitor is designed for a more powerful sound, but with a smoother and more harmonious balance. It’s made for hours of listening where detail—along with comfort—is paramount.

CTM states that, “We’ve always been passionate about details. This is why we set out to create a series of universal fit in-ear monitors that embody the delicacy and sound quality that takes us back to times when design was about elegance, aesthetic and plain good taste.”

The VS2 sells for $399.99, VS3 for $499.9 and the VS4 for $599.99. All prices US. Each VS model is available in four crusin’ colors: Darth Black, Intense Red, Dusty Blue and Passion Pink. Visit Clear Tune Monitors for more information.

Note: CTM has recently announced a new Da Vinci Series of 9 and 10 speaker IEMs designed for the ultimate listener experience. At $2,000 and $2,400, they occupy that rarefied space of money-is-no-object IEMs. 

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

CTM’s in-ear monitors are clearly tuned from the past and into the future originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 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.