NEWS – This collapsible pocket staff/cane looks a whole cooler than it really is, but for less than $25 bucks (a whole lot less depending on where you buy one), this “magic” item might earn you some extra geek points. What is it? It’s a thin metal telescoping tube that extends into a 43-inch long staff and then shrinks back down into a fist-sized form factor that makes it perfect for close up magic tricks.
Made of thin stainless steel, the PocketStaff pops out with the press of a button. Just be careful where you’re pointing it and then also be careful when you collapse it back down because the comments on Amazon mention that the edges are really sharp.
Is the PocketStaff an effective weapon against zombies or hoards of orcs? Doubtful. If you check out the video below, you can see that it looks pretty flimsy. But it’s that pop out effect that you’re looking for right?
You can find the PocketStaff at outdoorlancastor.com for $24.95 and on Amazon for about $11. And just remember that it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.
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REVIEW – Sore muscles are not fun but how do you fix them? Most of the time I just wait it out until the pain goes away, but that can take a day or two. Another solution could be an electronic massager like the Koogeek massager. They sent me a sample of this highly portable device. Let’s check it out.
What is it?
The Koogeek massager is a small pocket-sized EMS electronic muscle massager device that can be controlled via your phone or other iOS/Android device.
What’s in the box?
Koogeek massager
micro USB charging cable
2 gel pads
Instructions
Design and features
There isn’t a lot to say about this device other than it looks like two flattened eggs tethered together by a flat cable.
Each oval pad has a metal snap on the back for the gel patches and one of the pads has a micro USB connector to charge the internal batteries.
Included with the Koogeek EMS massager are two gel patches. These patches are super sticky so you have to be mindful where you lay them down if you don’t remember to put the layer of clear plastic back over them.
Before you can start using the massager, you’ll need to charge the batteries which is done by plugging it into a micro USB adapter. When you do that, an LED around the cable will glow red while charging and will turn off once charging is completed.
According to the instructions, the next step has you install the Koogeek health app which is used for a variety of their health products and even includes a step counter feature. But to use this app, you’ll have to create an account. If you’re like me, you’re thoroughly tired of creating an account for a new gadget. Why do you even need to have an account for an electronic muscle stimulator? Yes, I created one anyway, but not without some grumbling and even after I created it and tried to pair the massager with my phone (Pixel 2 XL), it never connected.
Luckily, you don’t even need to use the app to use this device. All you need to do is turn it on by holding the + button for about 3 seconds on one of the egg-shaped pads. Then you can stick the pads with the gel patches attached on your body in the area that needs the massage and you will feel the electrical pulses which change rhythm during the session. You can also press the + or – buttons on the pad to change the intensity level which goes from 1-10.
I didn’t think a massager this tiny would really do much, but I was surprised when I put one pad on my bicep and the other one on the opposite side of my arm and with each pulse, my arm would twitch and I could feel a very obvious electrical zap which may or may not feel good to you. According to the instructions, the working voltage is 30-60V. Some people might think this type of device feels too intense and even slightly painful at times. I think it just takes a little while to get used to it.
I was also surprised by the battery life on this small device. The battery will last up to 300 minutes of use with up to 23 minutes per session at which point it automatically turns off.
What I like
Small
Long battery life
Surprisingly powerful
What needs to be improved
Only comes with 2 gel patches so you have to buy more after they wear out
Couldn’t pair with my phone to use the app
Final thoughts
Other than the problem that I had with the Koogeek app, this portable EMS device worked great. I was really surprised. That said, I don’t know how well devices like these help with muscle pain. For me, the sensation of the electrical stimulation feels uncomfortable. But others might like it. If you’ve used larger EMS devices and wished you had an ultraportable EMS device, I think the Koogeek is probably as small as they come.
Price: $49.99 Where to buy: Amazon Source: The sample for this review was provided by Koogeek.
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NEWS – The GrabTab from Speck works with any phone to improve your grip, but it doesn’t add bulk that makes it difficult to store your phone in a pocket or bag. GrabTab is about the size of a credit card and, at 3mm, is about as thick as three credit cards. It adheres to the back of the phone or phone case. Because it’s so thin, GrabTab doesn’t interfere with wireless charging, unlike many other grip-assist accessories.
When you want to use it, the center strip slides up and locks into place to form a loop for your finger to slide through.
The loop can also be used as a stand for the phone.
GrabTab works with any phone. It comes in a variety of colors or patterns. The GrabTab is available for $9.95 at Speck.
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REVIEW – Whenever I use any device that is connected to any computer or in any way to the internet, security is always on my mind. Whether I am trying to keep data confidential or to prevent the erroneous deletion or editing of records, I have always wanted a simple control methodology and device all incorporated into one portable component. Finally, I have my hands on the iStorage DiskAshur Pro2 which promises to make all of these dreams come true.
What is it?
The iStorage DiskAshur Pro2 is a hardware encrypted drive, that utilizes secure pin authentication access via a keypad, works independently of any Operating System, and does not require any software installation.
What’s in the box
1 x iStorage DiskAshur Pro2
1 x Carry Case/Protection Case
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Information Sheet on available backup and security software
Design and features
On the front of the drive, there is a keypad and three status lights that represent from left to right: Standby State/Locked (red), User Mode/Unlocked (Green), Admin Mode (Blue). iStorage also provides a nice carry case/protection pouch that securely houses the drive, and as far as I can tell, will provide some limited protected from bumps and drops.
On the side of the drive, there is a built-in USB cable that tucks away neatly into the side of the device.
Performance
NCSC CPA (UK) – Certified: FIPS 140-2 Level 3 (US) – Certified NLNCSA BSPA (NL) – Certified: NATO Restricted Level – Certified GDPR Compliant: Common Criteria EAL4+ ready on-board secure microprocessor Real-time military grade AES 256-bit XTS Full-Disk Hardware Encryption No software or drivers required: 100% Hardware Encryption
This drive is ready to go right out of the case. The setup instructions are simple and the connection is easy using the built-in USB cable and the default pin. I did follow the instructions to immediately change the pin. The short video below show me utilizing the default pin to connect the drive to my laptop, and the lights that confirm connectivity and status. In the background, you can also hear when the drive connects to the computer.
The iStorage drive immediately connects each time you enter your unlock pin and immediately locks when you press the lock button on the keypad. Any time you walk away from your computer, you can simply press the lock button without removing the drive and the drive locks and disconnects from the computer. When you enter your unlock pin and press the unlock button, it immediately reconnects. This drives it great for data privacy and also for ensuring that if someone else uses your computer, that they do not delete or overwrite your files whether intentionally or not. If you lose the drive, no one can access your data.
The read and write speeds are decent and more than adequate for my needs.
Since I am not an expert on technology that is employed with this device, I am including the following facts/features directly from the manufacturer’s website:
FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm
Employing AES-XTS 256 bit hardware encryption, the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 seamlessly encrypts all data on the drive in real-time, keeping your data safe even if the hard drive is removed from its enclosure.
Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism
The iStorage diskAshur PRO2 is intelligently programmed to protect against all forms of Brute Force attacks. After five consecutive incorrect PIN entries, the drive will freeze, requiring the drive to be disconnected and reconnected to the USB port to get a further five PIN entry attempts. If a further five (10 in total) consecutive incorrect PIN attempts are entered again, the diskAshur PRO2 will freeze again. To get a further and final five PIN attempts (15 in total), the “shift” button must be pressed whilst inserting the USB cable to the USB port and then an iStorage preset PIN will need to be entered. On the fifteenth consecutive incorrect PIN entry, the diskAshur PRO2 assumes it is being attacked and will delete the encryption key and lock itself, rendering all data previously stored on the drive as lost forever. At this point, the drive can be reset to factory default settings and redeployed.
Self Destruct Feature
You can pre-program the diskAshur PRO2 with your own unique Self Destruct PIN which, once implemented, instantly deletes the encryption key, all PINs, data and then creates a new encryption key.
Unattended Auto-Lock Feature
Set the unattended diskAshur PRO2 to automatically lock after a pre-determined amount of time where the drive has not been used.
Drive Reset Feature
The iStorage diskAshur PRO2 also employs a useful drive reset feature, which can be implemented with a unique command. This clears all PINs and data, and creates a new randomly generated encryption key, enabling the drive to be reset and redeployed as many times as needed.
Tamper Proof and Tamper Evident Design
In addition to incorporating a secure microprocessor, encrypting the data and the encryption key, the diskAshur PRO2 adds another barrier between your data and a hacker. All the components of the diskAshur PRO2 are completely covered by a layer of super tough epoxy resin, which is virtually impossible to remove without causing permanent damage to the components. This barrier prevents a potential hacker from accessing the critical components and launching a variety of futile attacks. Furthermore, the tamper evident design of the diskAshur PRO2 if breached, will provide visible evidence that tampering has occurred.
Data at rest protection
The iStorage diskAshur PRO2 also employs a useful drive reset feature, which can be implemented with a unique command. This clears all PINs and data, and creates a new randomly generated encryption key, enabling the drive to be reset and redeployed as many times as needed.
Wear Resistant Epoxy Coated Keypad
Designed with protection in mind, the diskAshur PRO2 wear resistant epoxy coated keypad hides key usage to avoid tipping off a potential hacker to commonly used keys.
iStorage also includes a lifetime license to Nero BackItUp software to securely backup the drive, and a free 1-year license to iStorage DriveSecurity Antivirus software.
What I like
The portability
The data encryption
The security provided by the keypad
The functionality
What can be improved
Maybe all of the drives should be SSD to further safeguard data by reducing the likelihood of the effect of minor bumps and drops that can easily damage the conventional hard drive
Final thoughts
This iStorage is a great asset for me. I am now able to save all of the files I need protected and walk away from my desk without worry about what will happen if someone else uses my PC. In addition, when I am in the field on a photo or video shoot, I can copy my footage or pictures to the iStorage drive and lock it, while leaving the PC on and available for use by others on my team. I never have to worry about any accidental deletion, or in some weird cases, any theft of my photos or footage. While I do understand that it is relatively expensive, it is obvious that a lot of thought has been put into the design and purpose. In today’s world when security breaches are of such concern and when data theft is prevalent, this drive protects your data and privacy in several ways. While some may debate function vs. cost, for me, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro2 gets two thumbs way up!!!
Price: 500GB version $250.40 with free shipping. 2TB version (Tested in this review) $450 + $6.99 shipping Where to buy: Amazon Source: The sample for this review was provided by iStorage.
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NEWS – Candles come in many shapes, sizes, and scents these days. The PyroPet is just a little different. It’s a candle that starts out as one thing and becomes something completely different and a little bit unexpected.
These paraffin wax candles come in the shape of different animals like a cat, owl, or unicorn. On the outside, they look like a modern piece of decor but, inside they hold a wicked little secret. Inside each creature hides a metal skeleton. As the wax melts, it reveals the animals aluminum skeleton little by little.
Each candle is slightly different so no two will ever burn the same. And each candle will burn for approximately 20 hours.
The complete PyroPet menagerie includes five different charming creatures, an owl, cat, dragon, reindeer, and unicorn.
Each PyroPet includes one animal candle with an aluminum skeleton. The candles range in price from $28 – $35 and they can be purchased from The Grommet.
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