Home Articles

iOS Hacks: Put your icons where you want them… sorta

Regular readers of The Gadgeteer know that there is an ongoing – umm – discussion among the writers and regular commenters here about the two most popular mobile operating systems – Android and iOS – and which has the better feature set. I’m not here to stoke those fires or to say if the feature I’m showing is even worthwhile. I’m just here to make this community aware of a workaround available to mitigate one feature missing from iOS that seems to be high on the list of items Android users prize. What “feature” is this? Being able to place an icon anywhere you want on a screen, rather than being limited to the top-left-to-bottom-right regimentation of the iOS icon arrangement grid. How is this magic accomplished? As it turns out, it’s not really alchemy, and requires no slaughter of any animals or visiting graveyards at midnight. It does require that you set your background to a solid black, however. My friend, Manton Reece, recently featured a blog post pointing to the process below. He uses it to bring the entire set of apps on his home screen down a row, but you can put gaps anywhere.

David Smith has created all the pieces you need at his blog. Basically, you just set the background to black and put in black icons with no name everywhere you want to have a gap. So, there really is something in that gap, but, since it’s the same color as the background, has no display name, and does nothing if you click on it, it’s essentially a blank spot on your SpringBoard. But your eyes don’t see it.

Gift Guide: Gear for Android enthusiasts

A couple weeks ago we posted an iPhone accessories gift guide for people who own or want to own an iPhone or iPad, and now it’s time for us to post a gift guide for people who own or want to own an Android device. This guide includes devices as well as accessories.

Kenu Airframe Leather Edition

I still use this daily in my car. I couldn’t live without it. The size is perfect for a stocking stuffer, and it’s affordable enough to give as a gift to anyone. – Steve Holt

Read our review
Price: $39.95 for the leather version, $29.95 for the non-leather version
Where you can buy one: Amazon

iClever Tri-folding Bluetooth Keyboard (IC-BK05)

A Bluetooth keyboard for your Android smartphone or tablet is a handy accessory that makes it much easier to type data on your device for long sessions instead of using the onscreen keyboard. This folding keyboard from iClever is one of my all time favorites because it’s well made and folds up into a small form factor that fits easily in your gear bag.

Read our review
Price: $39.99
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Airdroid

I use this app almost every day to transfer images that I take with my Pixel 2 XL to my MacBook. Unlike Windows PCs, you can’t just plug a cable between your phone and your Mac when you want to transfer a bunch of files or images. Airdroid lets you transfer images and other files wirelessly between your computer and your phone. This app will also let you send and receive SMS messages using your PC/Mac, and the premium version provides features like seeing through the phone’s camera remotely, and remotely controlling the phone from the web or computer client.

Price: Free or $19.99/yr for the premium version
Where you can buy it: Airdroid.com

Nonda Type-C to HDMI adapter

The Nonda USB-C to HDMI Adapter is very small and features 4K with resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 @60Hz in a fold-up form factor that you’ll have no trouble finding space to store it in your bag or pocket.

Price: $22.99
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Kenu Stance smartphone tripod

This gadget has been one of those items that I didn’t know I needed, but I am so glad I have. Especially at family gatherings when we needed to get a family picture and not leave anybody out! – Steve Holt

Read our review
Price: $19.95
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10.1″ Android tablet

If you know someone who would like to try an Android tablet without spending a fortune, the Fire HD 10.1″ tablet from Amazon is a very inexpensive way to give Android a try. At least than $150 for the 32GB version, this tablet has features like a microSD card slot for memory expansion, built in Alexa voice assistant, 10hr battery, and more.

Price: $134.99
Where to buy one: Amazon

Mujjo touchscreen gloves

If you live in an area where it gets cold enough to wear gloves (it was 22 degrees F here in Southern Indiana this morning!), then a pair of touchscreen gloves are a must-have for any smartphone user. I’ve used and reviewed several brands of touchscreen gloves over the years and keep coming back to Mujjo because they are well made, keep my hands warm AND let me interact with my phone when it’s cold outside.

Read our review
Price: $24.13 – $96.64
Where you can buy them: Mujjo.com

ZTE Axon M dual-screen Android smartphone

If you are looking for an Android smartphone that looks nothing like all the other Android smartphones that are currently on the market, then the ZTE Axon M is the only one to consider. This phone has not one but two displays that offer an extended view or two-screen viewing experience.

Read our review
Price: $724.99 off contract
Where you can buy one: AT&T

Samsung DeX Station

In my gadget daydreams, I have just one device that can be my phone, my camera, and my desktop computer. The Samsung DeX Station is the first device that brings that dream to a reality IF you own a Samsung smartphone. Plug your Samsung phone into this dock, hook up an HDMI monitor and you have as close to a desktop computer experience from your phone as I’ve ever seen/used.

Read our review
Price: $93.01
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Chromecast Ultra

If you have a 4K TV and a mobile device, a Chromecast Ultra is the easiest way to stream audio and video to your 4K TV wirelessly from apps like Netflix, YouTube, NBC, Spotify, Sling, and 1000’s more. You can also use this device to mirror your Android screen to your big screen. I use a Chromecast all the time and just love it.

Price: $54.00 for the Ultra, $35 for the non-4K version
Where to buy: Google

Moleskine Fall & Winter Event in New York City

A few months ago I had the pleasure of going to the Moleskine 2017 Fall & Winter Preview in New York City. They unveiled new products such as planners, bags, notebooks and more. I had a nice time taking in the awesome views of the New York City skyline while viewing some lovely new products. Let’s take a look at what’s available now from one of our favorite stationery brands!

I was greeted at the door of the Soho Grand Hotel penthouse suite with a sea of Moleskine products and light beverages and snacks.

I first watched a demo of the Moleskine Smart Writing Set. Included is a tablet containing special paper designed to work with a stylus called the Pen+.

Described as “Ncoded technology”, the tablet allows the Pen+ to recognize where it is in the Paper Tablet and capture each pen stroke, then capture it on the app. It looks like a nifty combination of the analog and digital worlds.

I then visited the station where illustrator Meagan Morrison of TravelWriteDraw was personalizing the covers of various Moleskine classic notebooks. We were able to choose a notebook color and a design to keep!

I was really excited to get this beauty! I chose the NYC skyline on a classic black notebook. It still sits on my shelf because I can’t bear to use it!

Dotted around the suite were some more new notebooks being released this fall and winter, including the following:

Rolling Stones Limited edition (with ruled pages). These feature the legendary Rolling Stones tongue icon on a different tactile material inspired by Mick Jagger’s extravagant wardrobe: denim, velvet, silk and classic Moleskine PU leather.

The Denim Collection of notebooks (with ruled pages) which reflects and celebrates values of exploration, free-spirited creativity and self-expression.

Star Wars Limited Edition notebooks (with ruled pages). Each notebook features iconic battle scenes from the movies, depicting the epic and timeless struggle of good versus evil.

Moleskine Watercolor pencils for the artist in you. The colors included in the pack are Pitch Black, Woodnote Brown, Maze Green, Breathe Green, Lift Blue, Plunge Blue, Rave Purple, Blush Pink, Pulse Red, Glow Orange, Shine Yellow and Dazzle White.

There are the Grinch Limited Edition notebooks (with ruled pages) available in two designs here.

Keith Haring Special Edition notebooks with various cover designs (pocket and large sizes, with ruled pages).

Snow White Limited edition notebooks with beautiful various designs (pocket and large sized, ruled pages).

Other than notebooks, Moleskine released their Classic backpack in PU and leather options in various colors.

The backpack is a nice addition to any working professional who wants a sleek design and room for a laptop up to 15″ in size.

The size of these backpacks are: 12.5 in x 16.5 in x 4.25 in.

For those weekend trips away, Moleskine has their Classic Duffle available in PU leather. The size is 17.75 in x 13.5 in x 8.375 in.

A new line of iPhone 7 and 7Plus cases and covers are available in the colors black, Steel blue, Scarlet red, and Hay yellow.

Alice in Wonderland and Peanuts limited edition notebooks join the bunch of new notebooks(pocket, large, and ruled pages).

Here’s the NYC skyline and One World Trade Center. Too bad it was a cloudy day!

For the upcoming holiday season, Moleskine products would make a great gift for a person of any age! There are so many styles and fun covers to choose from that you’ll find something for your loved ones. You can take a look at all the products online on their site at Moleskine.com, or visit any of the retail stores around the world and check Amazon online.

Thank you Moleskine for the opportunity!

Bike-sharing in the 21st century

I love riding a bicycle. I started riding again about 10 years ago and spent a lot of time riding in the town I used to live in. In 2013, we moved to a place that is a little more remote, and the roads around the house are a little more car-oriented than those where we previously lived. Recently, though, the city has started issuing permits to companies that do Dockless Bike share. This is a system that allows anyone to download an app on your smartphone, scan a code for the bike, pay whatever fee is involved, and be able to ride pretty much anywhere, and then lock the bike up and remove your responsibility for it. Docked bike share means you have to get and return the bike to/from a dedicated place – an installed rack that the company or municipality installs. “Dockless” means the bike itself has a lock, GPS, and power elements to allow it to report it’s position and to respond to a connected smartphone that is seeking to rent it out.

Here in Durham, NC, there are currently two companies that have permits from the city and started placing bikes around town last week: Spin Bike and Lime Bike. I have tried them both, and they are pretty similar. You download the app, create an account with the company, scan the individual bike’s registration number, and ride off into the sunset. Both have similar pricing – $1 for 30 minutes. I have been using Spin Bike more because they accept ApplePay, which made the initial few rides absolutely seamless. LimeBike gives you a free first ride, but then wants a credit card entered into the app directly.

I park about a 10-minute walk away from my office, but it’s much more fun to grab a bike and take a bit longer route. At $1 a day, I can ride from garage to office, take a spin at lunch, then ride back to the parking deck at the end of my shift. Since both deck and office are in places where there are a lot of folks leave bikes, I have yet to walk out and not find one when I’m wanting one.

If you live in a town where dockless bike sharing has or may become a service, I encourage you to try it out.

Gift Guide: Toys, games, and other fun things

If you’ve been scratching your head trying to figure out what to get your uncle, brother, father, mother, sister, aunt, or mailman for the holidays, here’s a list of completely non-useful items to consider, unless you think having fun is useful, then this list is awesome!

Mebo 2.0 Robot

This is the all-new & improved MEBO robot that features all-terrain tank track treads for more speed and “off-road” robot fun.

You can control MEBO with your phone or tablet and see through MEBO’s HD live streaming eyeball and you maneuver the robot around your home. The 5-way claw has a built-in LED light so you can see what you’re grabbing.

You can also talk through MEBO and disguise your voice and play sounds from an expanded sound effect library.

Price: $149.99
Where you can buy one: Amazon

ZEISS VR One Plus Virtual Reality Headset

If you still haven’t tried a virtual reality headset, what the heck are you waiting for? They are a fun way to experience gaming and you can even learn something by visiting (virtually) far away lands, museums, and more, all while wearing your pajamas on the couch! The ZEISS VR One Plus is a VR headset with premium optics from ZEISS that is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones that have a display size that is between 4.7 and 5.5 inches. This headset has a removable headband and you can even use it if you wear glasses.

Price: $69.99
Where you can buy one: Best Buy

Creation Crates

For the budding maker on your holiday shopping list, consider Creation Crates which are monthly subscription boxes that have a surprise electronics project inside with all the components and parts needed to build the project including instructions. Each kit includes a UNO R3 (Arduino-compatible) microcontroller, which is basically a small computer that you use to program and power the projects that you’ll build like the mood light kit that you see above. These kits are for ages 12-120 and help teach electronics, programming, and problem-solving skills.

Price: $29.99 for one box or subscribe to receive a box each month. Subscriptions range from $26.99 a box for a 3-month subscription, down to $22.49 a box for a 12-month subscription
Where you can buy one: creationcrate.com

Fly Blocks Drone Kit

The Fly Blocks build and fly drone kit lets you build your own drone using 72 LEGO compatible plastic construction bricks. Each kit can build 4 different drones that are controlled by the included handheld controller (no smartphone needed).

This is a STEM-focused kit for kids ages 14 and up, so they can have fun while learning.

Price: $59.95
Where you can buy one: flyblocks.com

Augmented Reality Blaster Gun

Connect your Android or iOS smartphone to this wooden holder and enjoy up to 40hrs (AA batteries not included) of crime fighting, alien invader fighting, and other augmented reality blasting fun with this gaming accessory.

Price: $28.00
Where you can buy one: PressyBox

Vituali-Tee

Have you ever wanted X-ray vision like Superman? Now you can have the power to see your organs with this augmented reality T-shirt from Curioscope. Just slip on the shirt, and install the app on your smartphone. When you hold the phone in front of the shirt, you will see inside the human body. The t-shirt’s design is picked up by the camera function on the app, allowing users to see the pumping heart. Or you can put your phone into a Google Cardboard or other VR headset to immerse yourself in an anatomical adventure. The experience can be enjoyed with others or alone through the ‘selfie mode’.

Price: $29.95
Where you can buy one: Curioscope

3dRudder Foot Controller

The 3dRudder is just what you think it is. It’s a 4 axis motion controller for video games that is controlled by your feet. It provides 360° of movement. That’s right, you can sit down and keep your hands free for other hand controllers, while you use your feet to travel around the VR gaming environment.

The 3dRudder can be used with PC, Windows 8/10, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and VR/PC games.

Price: $139.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Nanodots Magnetic Constructors

Forget about fidget spinners, magnets are the ultimate fidget toy because you can actually make something cool with them. The new Nanodots Magnetic Constructors are sets of 216 small 5mm sized Neodynium-Iron-Boron magnetic spheres. Each tube is a key that unlocks instructions on Dotpedia.com, the world’s largest collection of Nanodot creations. The more Nanodots you have, the more creations you can unlock. Learn how to build a Tie Fighter, a Hexagonal Cluster Cube, and more.  Nanodots are available in several colors to make your models look even more interesting. Just don’t swallow them!

Price:$39.95 – $49.95
Where you can buy one: nanodots.com

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

Gift Guide: Toys, games, and other fun things originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2017 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.