Home 2019 February

LifeProof LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 review

REVIEW – Portable batteries/power packs are probably the type of item I have reviewed the most here on the Gadgeteer.  I mean, can you really have too many of them??  This gadget category is so popular that you see them everywhere, in every shape and size. I have them everywhere myself, and I couldn’t live without them.  We all use our cellphones all day long, right?  And I run down batteries faster than Usain Bolt runs down finish lines.  How’s that for an analogy?  So what makes the LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 stand out?  Let’s find out.

What is it?

A portable 20,000 mAh power pack to charge your gadgets.

Product specs from the manufacturer

Dimensions: 6.72″ x 2.96″ x .70”

Weight: 8.8 oz

Power: Dual 10,000-mAh batteries

Energy Saving: auto-stop charge technology

Quick Charge: rapid recharge saves on socket time

Survives Depth:  6.6 feet underwater for 1 hour – Charge port door must be closed

Drop Height: 4 feet

What’s in the box?

The LifeACTIV Power Pack 20, a 20-inch USB-C cable, and a small instruction booklet that anyone over 40 won’t be able to read because the text is incredibly small.

Design and function

Most portable batteries try to set themselves apart by having something that is different from other batteries in this crowded space. The LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 is first and foremost a battery for the ‘active’ person who is going to take this gadget outdoors.  Hiking.  Camping.  Skiing.  To the beach.  The manufacturer bills it as water-proof, drop-proof, dust-proof, and snow-proof.  You can submerge it under water, drop it in the mud or sand, even drop it from a height of 4 feet without incident.

Around the edges of the LifeACTIV you’ll find a rubberized coating to absorb the shock when you drop it.  There’s a door covering the ports that is pretty sturdy and will need to be closed if you want to enjoy all that ‘proof’ I just mentioned.  I did drop it from 4 feet several times and never had any issue with it not working.  I did not submerge it for 1 hour (as listed above in the specs) but I did completely submerge it in water and then when I removed it from the water immediately plugged up my cellphone and it worked normally.

Under the hood, you’ll find two 10,000 mAh batteries that give you 74 watts of power for a total of 20,000 mAh.  For me, that means I can charge my Samsung phone about 5 times before the battery is spent.  The rapid charge feature did indeed appear to be as rapid as other rapid-charge batteries that I have, so no complaints there.  The LifeACTIV also turns off automatically when your gadget has been fully charged, which is nice.

Built into the end of the LifeACTIV is a flashlight (activated by holding down the 1 button on top) that can fluctuate between a normal LED white light, a high-intensity white light, a red light, and a flashing red light.  I can see how this might be very handy for those ‘active’ folks who not only need a flashlight while they are out and about, I can see how the flashing red light could come in very handy in emergency situations.  But of course, using the flashlight will drain the battery.  On top of the battery, you’ll find the standard 4 LED lights next to the 1 button to indicate the status of the power.

On the other end of the battery, you’ll find the small door that opens to reveal 2 ports: a USB-A and a USB-C.  The USB-C port functions as both in and out charging, but the USB-A port is only used to charge your gadgets.  Because it has USB-C, this battery should be popular with the crowd that has Nintendo Switchs, iPad Pros, and Macbooks.  I currently don’t own any devices that use USB-C to charge, so that is the biggest downside of this battery for me right now.  I can only charge 1 device at a time with the LifeACTIV.  I know that will change over time because USB-C is becoming the standard, but for now, all that 20,000 mAhs of juice can only be tapped 1 device at a time for me.

Final thoughts

The LifeACTIV is ideal for those folks who are the adventurous types who need a portable battery that is rugged and tough and big enough to last for days out in the wild, but small enough to carry and stow away easily.  But the price of $99 is a little on the high side, so you’ll have to see the value in having a battery that fits your lifestyle.  The downside is that the number of ports is limited.  So just make sure that your buddy has his own portable battery before you take off on that hiking trip.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Lifeproof.com
Source: The sample of this product was provided by LifeProof.

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LifeProof LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm.

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Take videography to the next level with the Shure MV88+ video kit

NEWS – Since most smartphones now record 4K video, why not equip them with some pro-level accessories and make your videos the best you can? Shure, a global manufacturer of audio equipment, has launched the MV88+ video kit featuring a digital stereo condenser microphone that provides videographers with an all-in-one solution for capturing recordings on-the-go. The MV88+ kit also includes a Manfrotto PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount as well as iOS and USB-C cables for next-level compatibility and connectivity.

The MV88+ video kit builds on the success of Shure’s original MV88 iOS digital stereo condenser microphone, delivering audio quality for podcasters, videographers, content creators, field recordists, and musicians looking to record high-quality audio. The MV88+ helps transform a smartphone device into a professional-level mobile audio and video rig.

“The MV88+ Video Kit provides multiple configurations straight out of the box,” said Matt Engstrom, Senior Category Director, Global Product Management at Shure. “You shouldn’t have to buy half a dozen products to film a high-quality piece of video content one day, and then an audio interview or field recording the next. With the MV88+, you don’t have to. We listened to you and worked to develop a superior microphone with superior accessories. This package gives you everything you’ll need to film in your studio, on-the-go, at home—or wherever life takes you.”

Compatible with iOS and other selected devices, the MV88+ Video Kit comes with new and improved accessories, arming you with tools for recording on-the-go. A headphone jack lets you record in real-time audio. A phone clamp and tripod stand multiplies the environments in which you can record. Whether recording in your studio, filming a YouTube video, or live streaming, you can easily thread your devices into a mounted platform for stable recording. The MV88+ can also be used for standalone audio capture, replacing the need for portable audio recorders.

“The MV88+ takes into account the little things, too,” said Engstrom. “We understand the value of efficiency and improved the design to seamlessly record with or without a protective smartphone case. The included phone mount is also compatible with your existing setup, allowing you to connect to any tripod with a ¼” connector. This empowers you to use the setup that best suits your needs. You’ll also be able to tap into the capabilities of the free Shure MOTIV Video and Audio Recording applications to access our state-of-the-art audio quality in tandem with the microphone.”

The MV88+ Video Kit sells for $249 US and is available from Shure or Amazon.

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Take videography to the next level with the Shure MV88+ video kit originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 20, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Meridio Vintage Apple Watch Band review

REVIEW – When Apple debuted their Watch nearly 4 years ago, one of the selling points was the option to swap out the bands … sporty silicone, stainless steel links, and of course, classic leather, like Meridio’s Vintage Apple Watch Band.

What is it?

Meridio’s Vintage style watch band is a rugged, stylish leather watch band specifically made for the Apple Watch. It comes in several colors and includes matching hardware to fit the style of your Apple Watch’s finish.

Fine leather, nice details.

Hardware specs

  • Color: brown
  • Materials: soft calf’s leather
  • Origin: Italy
  • Hardware color options: Gold, Silver, Space Grey, Black, Rose Gold, Stainless
  • Designed for Apple Watch Series 4, works with all previous versions
  • Optional initial engraving

What’s in the box?

  • the leather Watch band (Watch not included, obviously)
The packaging is nice but maybe a little excessive.

Design and Features

One of my favorite features of my Apple Watch is how easy it is to swap the bands. I have around 5 different bands that I cycle through depending on what I’m wearing that day or what I’ll be doing. So I was excited to get my hands on what would be my first leather band, Meridio’s Vintage style Apple Watch band.

The construction and quality of this band is very good. It is made from thick, Italian soft calf’s leather (which may be a turn-off for some). So it’s sure to last for quite some time and look better with age. Indeed, when I first started wearing it, there were no marks on the band, but after just a couple weeks of daily wear, there were a plenty of creases and nicks. I love that worn look.

You can see the creases and wear from as little as a couple weeks of normal use. They even punched my initials into the end of the band.

During the initial break-in period, the band was fairly stiff, even uncomfortable, until it started forming to the shape of my wrist. The hardware used in the buckle and watch fasters matches the finish on the watch and comes in several colors. Being a belt-style fastener, it offers the possibility of being either a little too tight or a little too loose. My wrist always seems to fall into that trap, but I usually just go with the looser option.

Overall, I really like the band. The color of the fine leather is practical for casual or formal dress, and it has nice details in the hardware and the thread looped near the base of the watch. The only negative I could think of would be the price, as is the case with most leather goods. You’d be looking at just over $100 for the band.

But, there are plenty of individuals who end up spending more money on watch bands than on the Apple Watch itself. Since nearly all bands have been compatible ever since the Series 1, and likely will be with future iterations of the Apple Watch, owning a band that will look even better years later is an attractive option for many collectors.

Like with any other belt style attachment, it could run a little loose or tight.

What I like

  • very handsome, goes with everything
  • will certainly last longer than your Apple Watch
  • looks better with age

What needs to be improved

  • may take a while to break in
  • expensive

Final thoughts

One of the best parts about owning an Apple Watch is collecting bands to adjust your style and function to your activity or mood. And Meridio’s offering adds a touch of class that will likely last longer than your Watch, albeit for a high price of entry.

Price: $104.00 (but currently on sale at $76)
Where to buy: You can pick up a Vintage Watch Band in several colors directly from Meridio’s website.
Source: The sample of this Apple Watch band was provided by Meridio. You can find out more and check out their other fine leather products on their website.

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Meridio Vintage Apple Watch Band review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 20, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Meridio Vintage Apple Watch Band review

REVIEW – When Apple debuted their Watch nearly 4 years ago, one of the selling points was the option to swap out the bands … sporty silicone, stainless steel links, and of course, classic leather, like Meridio’s Vintage Apple Watch Band.

What is it?

Meridio’s Vintage style watch band is a rugged, stylish leather watch band specifically made for the Apple Watch. It comes in several colors and includes matching hardware to fit the style of your Apple Watch’s finish.

Fine leather, nice details.

Hardware specs

  • Color: brown
  • Materials: soft calf’s leather
  • Origin: Italy
  • Hardware color options: Gold, Silver, Space Grey, Black, Rose Gold, Stainless
  • Designed for Apple Watch Series 4, works with all previous versions
  • Optional initial engraving

What’s in the box?

  • the leather Watch band (Watch not included, obviously)
The packaging is nice but maybe a little excessive.

Design and Features

One of my favorite features of my Apple Watch is how easy it is to swap the bands. I have around 5 different bands that I cycle through depending on what I’m wearing that day or what I’ll be doing. So I was excited to get my hands on what would be my first leather band, Meridio’s Vintage style Apple Watch band.

The construction and quality of this band is very good. It is made from thick, Italian soft calf’s leather (which may be a turn-off for some). So it’s sure to last for quite some time and look better with age. Indeed, when I first started wearing it, there were no marks on the band, but after just a couple weeks of daily wear, there were a plenty of creases and nicks. I love that worn look.

You can see the creases and wear from as little as a couple weeks of normal use. They even punched my initials into the end of the band.

During the initial break-in period, the band was fairly stiff, even uncomfortable, until it started forming to the shape of my wrist. The hardware used in the buckle and watch fasters matches the finish on the watch and comes in several colors. Being a belt-style fastener, it offers the possibility of being either a little too tight or a little too loose. My wrist always seems to fall into that trap, but I usually just go with the looser option.

Overall, I really like the band. The color of the fine leather is practical for casual or formal dress, and it has nice details in the hardware and the thread looped near the base of the watch. The only negative I could think of would be the price, as is the case with most leather goods. You’d be looking at just over $100 for the band.

But, there are plenty of individuals who end up spending more money on watch bands than on the Apple Watch itself. Since nearly all bands have been compatible ever since the Series 1, and likely will be with future iterations of the Apple Watch, owning a band that will look even better years later is an attractive option for many collectors.

Like with any other belt style attachment, it could run a little loose or tight.

What I like

  • very handsome, goes with everything
  • will certainly last longer than your Apple Watch
  • looks better with age

What needs to be improved

  • may take a while to break in
  • expensive

Final thoughts

One of the best parts about owning an Apple Watch is collecting bands to adjust your style and function to your activity or mood. And Meridio’s offering adds a touch of class that will likely last longer than your Watch, albeit for a high price of entry.

Price: $104.00 (but currently on sale at $76)
Where to buy: You can pick up a Vintage Watch Band in several colors directly from Meridio’s website.
Source: The sample of this Apple Watch band was provided by Meridio. You can find out more and check out their other fine leather products on their website.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Meridio Vintage Apple Watch Band review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 20, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Fromaggio Home Cheesemaker lets you get creative


NEWS – I don’t know about you, but I love cheese. Perhaps too regularly, we make a meal out of cheese, crackers, and wine. When I saw that the Fromaggio Home Cheesemaker is about to initiate their Kickstarter, it was very exciting to think I could make my cheese at home.


The appliance has an interactive phone app as well as a touch LED screen to guide you through the cheese making process. All you have to do is add the cheese and cultures/rennet and the machine takes care of every step along the way. It can make a variety of cheeses, yogurt and even tofu; additionally it can be used as a sous vide to prepare additional foods. Simple cheeses can take a little as 30 minutes, while more complex hard cheeses can take 48 hours. This product recently impressed attendees of the CES conference in Las Vegas and while we currently don’t have information on price point, the Kickstarter will begin March 6th. They are currently giving away three of these machines, so you can enter to win ahead of the start date.

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Fromaggio Home Cheesemaker lets you get creative originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 20, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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