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The new LG 8K OLED TV is 33,177,600 pixels beautiful

NEWS – At IFA 2018,  LG introduced the world’s first 8K (7680 x 4320) OLED TV. The 88-inch class 8K model demonstrates the unmatched contrast ratio and true blacks that have made OLED TV’s sought after in lower resolutions. LG was the first to mass produce large-screen OLED TVs and is committed to supporting the market for these premium units as market share and demand grow. Brian Kwon, president of LG Home Entertainment Company, explained, “LG’s first 8K OLED TV is the pinnacle of technological achievement and the next evolutionary step in display technology…4K OLED played a major role in reshaping TV industry and LG is confident that 8K OLED will do the same.” Although no information is on the LG website, more information is forthcoming.

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The new LG 8K OLED TV is 33,177,600 pixels beautiful originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 30, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Turn your tennis shoes into slip-ons with Laceezs

NEWS – Shoe laces are a great way to adjust shoes to better fit your foot, but they aren’t for everyone.  People with dexterity problems can have a hard time with laces.  Young children can have problems with shoes with laces for a few reasons – either they can’t put them on themselves because they haven’t learned to tie them, or they won’t leave them on because it so much fun to untie them.  Velcro shoes aren’t always available in a style you like.  Why not skip all the negatives of shoe laces by replacing them with Laceez no-tie shoe laces?

Laceez are made of  50% spandex and 50% hi-stretch nylon.  They work best with shoes with 4-5 holes, but you can make them work for other shoes by buying shorter or longer Laceez.  You simply thread them through the holes like regular shoe laces, then secure the aglet at the top two holes.  They are available in sizes for kid’s shoes, women’s shoes, or men’s shoes.

The Grommet has white or black Laceez in four sizes for women’s shoes for $11.95 a pair.  The Laceez’s website has them in white or black for men’s or women’s shoes for $9.95 a pair or in a variety of colors for kid’s shoes for $7.95 a pair.

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Turn your tennis shoes into slip-ons with Laceezs originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2018 at 3:40 pm.

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Wondershare Fotophire Image Editing Software review

REVIEW – Photo editing can be drudgery unless you were raised as a graphic designer using Photohsop (like me). Even then, it can be tedious. Today we’re checking out the Wondershare Fotophire Image Editing Software, which combines a whole bunch of image editing features in one package. It’s simple to use, automates a bunch of the work for you, and has a ton of features that don’t require deep graphic experience to execute. Let’s learn more. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a set of tools that allow you to edit & manipulate your photos including filter effects, image enhancements, color correction, background removal, cropping, and the ability to remove unwanted objects.

Software specs

There are three tools included in the Fotophire editing toolkit:

  • The Photo Editor provides basic editing (like cropping, flipping), 200+ filter effects, focus blurs & vignettes, color correction, and more.
  • The Photo Cutter enables you to remove or replace backgrounds in pictures with a set of smart tools that automate the process.
  • The Photo Eraser automates the process of removing unwanted objects from your photos, including watermarks and date stamps.

I’m testing the Windows-based version of the package, but an Apple OS version is also available.

Design and features

The Wondershare Fotophire Image Editing Software kit provides a suite of tools that allow you to manipulate your photos for professional quality results using a series of easy to use, intuitive interfaces that don’t require extensive graphics experience to master. You’ll start by firing up the toolkit launcher, which gives one-click access to each tool:

The first tool is the Photo Editor, which offers a HUGE range of filters and effects. Your photo is presented in an interface that uses a combination of intuitive icons, menus, and excellent help tools guide you through their use:

The effects menu provides over 200 canned filters you can apply for different photo treatments. I chose a random effect to give the whole photo a purple filter here:

The cropping function, available from all three tools, provides a set of pre-packaged sizing/aspect ratio options, which can then be dialed in with on-screen controls:

If you want to do your own color adjustments, you can forego the pre-selected filters and create your own. There’s a whole subset of tools to adjust color balance, tone, contrast, color saturation, etc. You can save these preferences for future use, and even apply them for batch processing later.

Blurs and vignettes enable you to create focus areas in your image. I added a creative blur here, setting the radius and depth of the filter with my mouse to focus on the parrot and blur the rest of the image. As with other effects tools in the package, everything works with friendly and self-explanatory sliders and onscreen tools that are quick and easy to master.

After making those adjustments, I added a frame from another preset menu of options, and then applied a texture to the whole picture.

These samples only scratch the surface of what the Image Editor can do. Color management and tone controls are really deep. You can add text, flip photos, add blends, and more. You can also set the view mode to arrange the desktop with before and after previews if you like, and save your settings for future use or batch processes. It’s an impressive set of features compared to many photo editing apps out there. And the speed is excellent. I ran my tests on an older Windows 10 machine, and saw virtually no lag from application to execution of any of the effects.

The Photo Cutter tool employs a simple, user-friendly automated feature to remove background elements from your photos for isolating the main subject matter. There’s a handy tutorial that takes you through the process the first time.

To use the tool, you’ll start by drawing lines on your image through the areas you want to remove. As you add these lines (shown in red below), the preview shows you what areas are being eliminated from the photo. If you lose too much of the key image, you can go back and highlight areas to include in the finished piece (shown in green). Adjustment sliders allow you to refine the selection process to accommodate the depth and complexity of the original image.

Once you are happy with the preview, press the “erase” button and the background just… disappears.

The finished art is rendered on a separate layer, and you can add in a different background if you like:

In my previous life I spent many, many late nights doing detailed image cropping and background removal in Photoshop… I can tell you that I would buy this package just for this tool. The automation is really good. You will always have challenges with images that have very similar tones, but most of my testing was spot-on in one or two attempts. And the speed is, once again, excellent for a complex task like this.

The Photo Eraser is the final tool in the package. Basically, it acts like an automated “clone” tool used in other photo editing programs to remove unwanted objects. The “Erase” tool lets you set the size of spots on the screen (in red below), and the software will basically blend the surroundings to eliminate the image in the spots. Like so:

You can also do your own cloning, basically copying an area of the image to another to blend out unwanted objects. I removed the buildings behind the monument hereby extending the foliage in the picture. I exaggerated it a bit so that you can get an idea for how it works:

Of the three tool sets in the Wondershare Fotophire package, this is probably the weakest one in my opinion. The interface is great and responsive, but I found that the automated cloning feature is not always as accurate. It’s nice to have in the package, but doesn’t need to stand on its own… this tool could probably be worked into the Image Editor as opposed to standing as its own app.

While the Wondershare Fotophire package isn’t as robust as a fully-functional commercial image editing tool like Photoshop, I think it ticks off just about all the boxes if you are actively publishing photos online on a regular basis. It does each job very efficiently, and it doesn’t require a steep learning curve to produce professional-looking results.

What I like

  • Simple, well designed, intuitive interfaces
  • Snappy performance
  • Excellent help and tutorial support
  • Robust feature set for a photo editing package

What needs to be improved

  • The Photo Eraser tool could be improved, or even integrated in the Photo Editor tool for simplicity

Final thoughts

I think the Wondershare Fotophire is a good value for what you’re getting. A lot of photo editing tools are extremely limited in scope and capability, requiring you to buy a combination of tools to get what you need if you are frequently posting images. The Fotophire package gives you just about everything you need for essential image manipulation in one package, and you don’t need deep graphics experience to use it.

Price: 1 year license for $49.99, lifetime license for $79.99
Where to buy: Download the demo and purchase at the Wondershare Fotophire web page.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Wondershare

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Wondershare Fotophire Image Editing Software review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Where ergonomics is paramount, X marks the spot

NEWS – Here’s a question for you: Have you been sitting all day? How good does your back feel right now? How are your legs doing? If you (like me) regularly have aches and pains after working all day sitting in a less-than-perfect chair while staring at a monitor, there may be hope. Sometimes, all it takes is the right chair—and a company called X-Chair thinks they have the answer.

The X-Chair is an ergonomic wonder. It comes with 10 adjustments that can help the X-Chair fit your body like a glove. Fine-tune the arms, seat, back, headrest, and lumbar until you’re comfortable. SciFloat Infinite Recline, DVL Support, Tilt Lock, and Flex Mesh technologies make what X-Chair says is the most technologically ergonomic chair available. There are color and material options available to help create an individualized environment.

Here are the 10 adjustments:

  1. Dynamic Variable Lumbar (DVL): This support adjusts itself to your body every time you move. It responds to weight, height, position, and the amount of pressure placed on it.
  2. SciFloat Infinite Recline: Created specifically for X-Chair, SciFloat facilitates motion throughout your day. Movement increases circulation, concentration, and energy levels boosting both comfort and productivity.
  3. Tilt Tension & Lock: Adjust the tilt tension to change the amount of resistance as you recline, whether you like a little or a lot of resistance.
  4. Height-Adjustable Backrest: The X-Chair’s independently adjustable backrest lets you raise the variable lumbar support to fit the curve of your back.
  5. Adjustable Seat Height: Easily adjust the seat height so feet rest flat on the ground and knees are at a 90⁰ angle.
  6. Adjustable Seat Depth: An improper seat depth puts undue pressure on the veins and lymph nodes behind your knee, and can lead to poor circulation and leg cramps.
  7. Adjustable Headrest Height: In addition to adjustable seat height and backrest height, the X-Chair’s headrest is height adjustable, so no matter your proportions—you get to adjust the whole chair to fit you.
  8. Adjustable Headrest Angle: Easily adjust the angle of the X-Chair’s headrest to find comfort no matter what position you’re sitting in.
  9. 4-Dimensional Arms: No one keeps their arms in the same position all day, and the X-Chair is ready to move with you with forward/back, side-to-side, up/down, and pivot adjustments.
  10. Premium Mesh & Leather: The X-Chair’s fabric suspension system disperses weight evenly across the chair to helping relieve sensitive pressure points. This improves circulation and keeps you comfortable throughout the day. 

X1 comes with Flex Mesh Technology, a breathable and durable mesh. X2 has K-Sport material, which features a tighter weave for a softer feel. X3 incorporates the same design and ergonomics as the X2 Advanced Tensile Recovery fabric provides enhanced support and comfort getting inspiration from modern material designs. X4 is covered in premium leather. Each fabric is available in your choice of color.

The X-Chair comes with a 15-year warranty. Prices range from $659.99 – $1099.99 US. Visit xchair.com for more information.

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Where ergonomics is paramount, X marks the spot originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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gosh! easyPlay robotic pet fitness puzzle review

REVIEW – As a dog owner I’m always concerned whether or not my 9-year-old puggle Zoey is getting enough exercise. Her activity level isn’t what it used to be, and the summer heat limits the amount of outdoor activity she gets. She’s very finicky when it comes to her toys. Usually, if she can’t eat or destroy it, she won’t play with it. I thought a toy like the gosh! easyPlay would be great for her both physically and mentally. Let’s see if I was right.

What is it?

easyPlay is a robotic remote ball designed to keep your pet active. It uses a smartphone app that lets you interact with your pet and even reward them with treats for playing with it.

What’s in the box?

  • easyPlay robotic ball
  • Micro USB to USB charging cable
  • Feather cat toy accessory
  • User manual

Design and features

The easyPlay is made of a durable easy to clean plastic. The ball itself measures 6-inches in diameter and weighs just over 2-pounds.

The top of the easyPlay twists off to reveal the food pods. You can fill them with your pets food or small sized treats.

There’s a 720P HD wide-angle webcam located on the front of the ball. Just below the cam, there’s a speaker and microphone.

The backside of the ball is where you’ll find the treat dispenser, micro USB charging port, on/off switch, and the reset button. There’s also a battery LED indicator.

The wheel track, which is used to maneuver the ball is located on the bottom.

easyPlay app

To set up easyPlay, you first have to download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.

The app interface is simple and easy to use. The Homepage is where you access all of easyPlays features. You can set a profile pic, feeding times and even set and track your pets activity levels. It also allows you to see the network connection and the easyPlays battery level.

You can also select how you want to interact with your dog.

Manual play allows you to control the ball remotely and access the camera and speaker features.

When autoplay is selected, the easyPlay will move on its own for 30 seconds. Profile allows you to track and set your dogs activity level. The app keeps track of how many plays your dog has for that day. A play is registered every time the ball is rolled, so 1 roll = 1 play. You can choose to set either a daily goal or a minimum play goal. You can even have an alert sent to your phone when your dog hits their daily goal.

Performance

I was really excited to start playing with my dog Zoey using easyPlay. Unfortunately, my excitement was short lived. The first issue came with the fact that the easyPlay can only be used on a completely flat surface. Since most of my home is carpeted, I was relegated to using it in my kitchen where I have a small tiled area. So if you don’t have tile or hardwood floors the remote control feature is unusable.

Controls

Although the app is easy to use and pretty responsive, no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get the ball to go straight. It always wanted to travel in a semi-circle. And the ball is easily knocked off its tracks and often becomes stuck in an unmovable position.

Treat / food dispenser

I was disappointed that there was no way to dispense a treat individually using the app. Instead, you have to set a specific time of day for this to be done. When its time the pod rotates so that it lines up with the dispensing hole. I use a small bite kibble, and Zoey was able to get all of the food out within a few rolls of the ball. I really was hoping it would be a little more challenging for her to get the food out. Even larger treats came out fairly easily, not much of a puzzle.

Camera

The camera works okay, but it’s positioned a little low for you to get any quality still shots. Unless your pet is standing a few feet away, all you see are legs and paws. It’s also located on the opposite side of the treat dispenser, so if your dog is like mine, that’s the part of the ball they’re most interested in. As you can see from the short video below it’s really hard to make out what is going on when your pet is actually playing with the easyPlay.

The app does allow you to save pics and videos to your camera roll or post them on your favorite social site. Although it’s hard to get any pics or vids worthy of sharing. Images below are unedited to give you an example of the camera quality.

The sound quality of the speaker isn’t very good, and the sound from the built-in microphone sounds like a garbage disposal, luckily you can mute the mic from the app.

Battery life

The easyPlay’s rechargeable battery has a continuous play time of  4.5 hours and a standby time of 12 hours. You can put the easyPlay into sleep mode to save the battery but, this disables the WiFi meaning you can’t access it with the app until the sleep mode timer expires. Another issue I ran into was the pop-up alert you get on the app when the battery is low. It pops up non-stop every few seconds, rendering the app utterly useless. Considering the app already has a battery indicator the pop-up isn’t really necessary.

What I like

  • Durable, well constructed
  • Easy to use
  • The app interface

What needs to be improved

  • Too expensive ($150)
  • Remote control feature only works on completely flat surfaces
  • Poor camera placement and quality
  • Poor sound quality from speaker and microphone
  • Can’t immediately dispense treats
  • Short battery life
  • Food and treats come out too easily, not challenging enough

Final thoughts

Conceptually the easyPlay is a great product, unfortunately, most of what it does suffers from poor execution. Sometimes MORE is LESS, and that’s the case here. easyPlay does a lot of things, but it doesn’t do any of them particularly well. I really wanted to like it, but there are just too many flaws that just can’t be overlooked. However, Zoey does like playing with it if only for the food, so that’s a positive.

Price: $149.95
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by gosh!.

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gosh! easyPlay robotic pet fitness puzzle review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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