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SOUL Emotion Wireless Earbuds review


REVIEW – As my quest for the best earbuds for me continues, there seems to be a constant battle among the earbuds that I test, with all challenging for supremacy and the number one position. The Soul Emotion Wireless Earbuds from Soul Electronics are the next to take on the challenge. So, here we go!!

What is it?

The Soul Emotion earbuds are wireless Bluetooth earbuds that provide the functionality for audio listening and phone functions. Their functions are similar to the standard earbuds.

What’s in the box?


1 x Soul Emotion Earbuds
1 x Charging Case
3 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Communication card

Design and features

Specifications
Bluetooth Version: V4.2
Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, and HFP.
Range: 10 meters (33 feet)
Charging time (Full charge): Approx. 1 hour
Playtime: Up to 6 hours
Standby time: up to 40 hours
Charging Box: 300mAh
Recharge Earphones: 2 Times for each fully charged charging box
Weight: 27g Charging Box, 5g Each Earphone

Music Functions:
On either the left or right earbud:
1 press – play/pause
2 presses – track forward
3 presses – track backward

Call Functions:
On left earbud:
1 press – answer call
1 press – end call
1 long press – reject call

The charging case is small measuring just 2″ x 1″ x 1″, and the earbuds are also small and lightweight. They are offered in both white and black.

Inside of the charging case is a simple layout with a place for each small earbud and with charging pins on each side. In the center of the case between the two earbuds, there is a small circular LED that flashes during charging. (Check out the video below)

Performance

These earbuds are very lightweight and very comfortable in the ears, I was able to find a set of the included ear tips that fit me perfectly. When you first use them, you have to look carefully at the contacts, and remove the thin plastic film that covers them. The thin film is almost invisible to the naked eye, and I have to be honest and say that I only figured it out after I could not get the earbuds to charge even after plugging them in overnight. Pairing the earbuds is very easy and straightforward, and after the initial pairing, they automatically power on and pair with that device each time you remove them from the case. Their function includes the standard voice commands that confirm power status and connectivity. They also properly disconnect the Bluetooth connection when placed into the case. They produce a well-balanced sound, but for my taste, they do fall short a bit in the lower frequency.  I tested them with Jazz, Reggae, Gospel, Easy Listening, R&B, Soul and the Classics, and overall they performed quite well. The Bluetooth connection remained solid throughout testing with no disruptions even when in the high interference areas that I usually travel through each workday. It is important to note that they do employ a volume limiter, so they never get really, really loud. They fit well in your ears and do not attempt to fall out even during vigorous movements. When I tested them for phone calls, I could hear the other party clearly, but the other party kept saying that I sounded like I was in a basement and I did have to raise my voice quite a bit for them to hear me. Since I am convinced that somehow this is an issue that is specific to me regardless of the earbuds, these earbuds might handle phone calls better for others. One downside is that since the charging case battery is only 300mAh, so you only get just about 2 charges from the case per case charge.


On a sided note, they provide quite a nice light show when charging. (I shot the following video in my dark truck while it was raining heavily outside)

What I like

  • The compact size of the case and earbuds including how lightweight they are
  • The instant connection and disconnection when placed into or taken out of the charging case
  • The solid Bluetooth connection

What can be improved

  • The overall frequency range to provide deeper bass
  • A bit more volume range

Final thoughts

The Soul Emotion earbuds are a great balance of sound, size, weight, and functionality. They work very well in each category and are very pleasing to use. In this challenging battle to “wow” me and to reign supreme as the best earbuds for me, they do not earn the top spot, but they certainly earn a Good Performance rating. However, if rated in a class of earbuds in a similar price range, they could possibly earn top honors. They get a job well done and a thumbs up!!

Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Soul Electronics.

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SOUL Emotion Wireless Earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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The Stance Legends of Horror collection puts iconic horror film villains on your feet

NEWS – Halloween is less than two weeks away, so there’s no better time to show your holiday spirit. Stance can help you do just that with their Legends of Horror collection. They’ve brought back some of your favorite horror film icons and put them on a pair of socks.

The Legends of Horror collection features four different iconic horror film villains, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Pinhead. From Jason’s blood-spattered hockey mask to Freddy’s razor-sharp gloves these socks are perfect for your next Halloween party or showing off your love of horror films all year round.

Along with being scary these cotton crew socks also feature terry loop cushioning, arch support, reinforced heel and toe, as well as, a seamless toe closure.

The Stance Legends of Horror Socks sell for $18-$20 a pair and are available from the Stance website. Just make sure to stay away from Camp Crystal Lake, steer clear of Elm Street and never trick or treat alone.

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The Stance Legends of Horror collection puts iconic horror film villains on your feet originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station review

REVIEW – Every gadget I have reviewed has one important thing in common: They all use power. It doesn’t matter if it’s a smartphone, Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones—the batteries eventually need charging. To charge my various devices, I use outlets, hubs, my car and when I’m not around a power source—a battery backup. Let’s now take this a step further—the electricity is out and won’t return for a few days (when you live in Florida this isn’t far-fetched), your devices are dying and that trusty battery backup is drained also. Now what? Consider a large backup for your backups—a portable power station. One such mini-monster is the Jackery Explorer 240Wh Emergency Backup Lithium Battery.

What is it?

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a portable power station. Among its many ports are a 12V auto, two USB and one 110V AC. It’s made for outdoor and indoor use and is capable of charging multiple devices at the same time. It is a sine wave inverter. This means that the power output is clean power—like utility-supplied electricity. Inverter power is safer for delicate electronics.

Specs

  • Capacity: 240Wh
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs
  • Dimensions: 9.0’’ x 7.8” x 5.2”
  • Input: 8mm DC, 12V~30V / 40W max.
  • AC Output: 110V, 200W (300W max.)
  • Car Port: DC 13.3V, 10A
  • USB Outputs (2): 5V, 2.4A (each)

Design and features

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a power station that can power almost anything for a decent amount of time—depending on the device. For example, its 240Wh will recharge a tablet 7+ times, smartphone 20+ times, laptop 3+ times, a GoPro 40+ times or even power a car cooler for 6+ hours or a 32” TV for 3+ hours. If you’re camping, the Explorer 240 will power a 5W light for 40+ hours. In other words, it should easily power a weekend camping trip. 

If you’re a serious camper, optional solar panels will recharge the Explorer 240 in 10 hours (depending on sunlight). Jackery’s 50W solar panel will cost an extra $200. Otherwise, the Explorer 240 will recharge in 7 hours via house outlet or 12V car charger (both cables included). 

Note that you cannot take the Explorer 240 on an aircraft. It is not waterproof, so if used on camping trips, it should be kept out of the elements. All of the Explorer 240’s power comes from lithium ion batteries, so it’s completely silent with no vibration and zero emissions. 

Many safety features are built in using what Jackery calls its Battery Management System (BMS). BMS offers protection from short circuits, over current, over charging, over voltage and is temperature resistant. It comes with a 24 month warranty.

The Explorer 240 weighs less than 7 lbs. and is easy to carry with its conveniently oversized handle. It’s constructed of high impact plastic with all the ports placed on one side, so there’s no guessing when searching for the correct port. Each of the ports has its own power button that lights up when on. Note that plugging in a device does not automatically charge the device. The corresponding button for that port must be pressed.

Also on the port side is a light-up LCD window that shows total power consumption in watts (if it goes over 200W, it will automatically shut off). For example, charging a smartphone takes a whopping 1-2W! The LCD also shows the percentage of how much battery life remains on the Explorer.

Using the Explorer 240 couldn’t be easier. Just carry and plug-in devices as needed. All ports are well made, so any connection feels solid and secure. The small size makes it easy to store without taking up much room in either a car or tent. Plus its rugged exterior feels like it will last for years while enduring rough handling.

What I like

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Powerful
  • Totally quiet
  • No fumes
  • All ports on one side

What needs to be improved

  • Not water resistant
  • Expensive

Final Thoughts

You might say that the Jackery Explorer 240 is a one-trick pony and technically you would be correct. But what a pony it is! It’s comforting to know that you can have hours of quiet, safe and reliable power instantly available during extended blackouts, camping trips or even as part of a winter emergency kit for your car.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with the Jackery name, They’ve recently teamed with Honda, who will market identical power stations (with slightly different battery capacities)  under the “Honda by Jackery” label. If Honda is confident enough to put their name and reputation on Jackery’s power stations, then that should count for something.

Price: $299.99 US
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this product was provided by Jackery.

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Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Basal Traveller is the perfect carrying case for your coffee equipment

NEWS – If you use a coffee maker like the Aeropress, Kalisa, Hario v60, or a small pour-over dripper, the Basal Filter Coffee Traveller is the perfect travel case for your coffee-making kit.  In the image above, the case is holding an Aeropress, a manual grinder, coffee, and a mug.  The interior of the lid has a sleeve to hold filters.  All you’ll need is hot water.

The Traveller is made of waxed canvas and lined with ballistic nylon.  It’s padded to protect your kit.  Internal dividers let you configure the interior to fit your equipment for even more protection.  It’s small and compact storage that fits into your daily bag or your carry-on bag for travel.

The Basal Filter Coffee Traveller is $45.00 from Amazon.

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Basal Traveller is the perfect carrying case for your coffee equipment originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuard iPhone Xs Max screen protector review

REVIEW – The new iPhone Xs Max costs a trillion dollars so you better protect it, especially the display. One solution is a ZAGG InvisibleShield glass screen protector, but the one I’m going to tell you about isn’t just any ordinary screen protector. This one also blocks blue light. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuard is a glass screen protector for the iPhone Xs Max and other phones.

What’s in the box?

InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuard screen protector
Instructions
EZ Apply tray
Microfiber cloth
Cleaning wipe
Dust removal sticker

Installation

I went into this review expecting to be disappointed because every screen protector that I’ve either installed or had someone install for me has resulted in at least a few specs of dust or bubbles under the glass. But ZAGG sent me this protector without even asking if I was interested in reviewing it. And as fortune would have it, a few days later my iPhone Xs Max arrived just begging for protection. So I thought what do I have to lose?

I followed the instructions which tell you to clean the screen with the included wipe. I then used the bright lights of my SHOTBOX to make sure the screen was completely free of dust specs.

For the next step, I placed the EZ Apply Tray over the iPhone like you see above. That yellow cloth under the iPhone does not come with the screen protector, that’s just a glass cleaning cloth that I use to keep things clean.

The next step instructions you to peel the #1 protective liner off the InvisibleShield.

This protective liner is as thick or thicker than the actual screen protector and I felt like I was going to snap the glass protector in half trying to remove the line because pulling the two pieces apart caused both pieces to flex. But the glass didn’t snap, so on to step four.

Here’s the InvisibleShield with the protective liner removed. The trick is to place it quickly before any dust can fall on it or the phone’s display.

Luckily the EZ Apply Tray makes positioning the screen protector pretty much fail proof. One the protector is placed, you just touch the center of the protector and it applies itself. Seriously. It was that easy.

My first EVER perfectly applied screen protector. No dust, no bubbles, no ugly halo around the edges that won’t stick. It was perfect and has turned me into a screen protection advocate when I have been a dissenter in the past.

In addition to the easy application, the InvisibleShield screen protector offers a feature that I’ve not seen offered with other screen protectors. It has a special EyeSafe layer that filters out blue light which is known to cause eye irritation, sleep disruption, blurred vision, and more.

The image above shows the iPhone’s display before the screen protector was installed and the picture below is with the screen protector installed.

I thought it might make the screen look dimmer or even amber colored, but nope, the built-in blue light filter layer does the job without affecting the way the screen looks at all. True colors are preserved, even blues. Color me impressed.

To my eyes, the iPhone Xs Max display with or without the screen protector looks the same which is all I can ask of a screen protector. This protector doesn’t hinder touch sensitivity either. It provides 3x the shatter protection vs. an unprotected screen and it resists smudges too.

What I like

  • Simple to install
  • Filters blue light without affecting True Color
  • Lifetime warranty

What needs to be improved

  • Expensive

Final thoughts

I didn’t think I’d ever sing the praises of a screen protector but after my experience with the ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuardscreen protector for the iPhone Xs Max, I think I’ve become a convert. Now if they can just get the price down a bit. $45 is a lot to pay, but if that’s the cost for peace of mind, I suppose it isn’t completely out of line.

I ended up returning the iPhone Xs Max to Apple, but I look forward to trying another ZAGG screen protector for my next phone so that I can provide a long-term review update.

Price: $44.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by ZAGG.

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ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuard iPhone Xs Max screen protector review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 18, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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