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Vantrue N1 Pro Mini Dash Cam review


REVIEW – For many years, I really disliked dash cameras. I felt like they were in the way of my vision, and always had some sort of shortcoming, whether it was the quality of the footage or connectivity that made me say away from them. Most recently I have been able to test and review a few of them, and I have begun to like them more as the overall quality has increased. This dashcam really caught my interest because of its really tiny size and yet indications of nice built-in features.

What is it?

The Vantrue Dash Cam is a “tiny” dash cam with a 1.5″ LCD and a 160-degree wide angle lens that produces full 1080P HD footage and includes features like Parking Mode and collision detection.

What’s in the box


1 x Vantrue N1 Pro Dash Cam
1 x Suction cup mount
1 x 3’ Micro USB data cable
1 x Car charger/power adapter with connected 10’ mini USB cable
1 x User Guide
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Warranty card

Design and features

This dash cam has a tiny and compact design and measures 1″ x  2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″.

Specifications:

Display: 1.5 inch TFT LCD (4:3)
Lens: 160-degree wide viewing angle and a full 6 layer glass lens with a wide aperture of F/2.0
Languages: English/Japanese/Germany/简体中文
Video Format: .MOV; H.264 compressed format
Video Resolution: 1920x1080P30, 1280x720P30
Image Resolution: 12M Pixels
Image Format: JPEG
Motion Detection: ON/OFF
Parking Monitor: ON/OFF
Audio Recording: ON/OFF
Memory Card: Micro SD Card up to 64GB (Class 10; in FAT32 format)
MIC/Speaker: Built-In
Backlight: Off ON/OFF
USB Port: USB 2.0, mini
Battery Capacity: 130mAh
PC Operation System: Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8/Window 10/Mac

On the front of the camera, there is the logo and to the right of it the camera lens. On the back on the top right-hand corner, there are 2 LED indicators that show when the camera is charging and when it is recording. In the column of the 4 buttons, the top button is on/off power button, the second is the upward selection button that also serves as the fast forward playback button and as the microphone on/off switch. Next, there is the OK button that starts and stops video recording and performs the “confirmed” function, and last, there is the downward selection button that also serves as the slow forward playback button and to turn the screen on or off.

On one side of the camera, there is a micro USB port on top for charging or data transfers, and a micro SD card slot below.


At the top of the dash cam to the left, there is the emergency mode button that you press to capture a photo while the camera is recording, and a long press, while the camera is recording, will put it in Parking Mode. To the right of the emergency mode button, is the connection that receives power for the camera once it is connected to the mount and the mount is plugged in. At the bottom of the camera as shown below is the HDMI port and the factory reset button.


The 3 pictures below are of the windshield mount and they show how it is positioned when connected to the dash cam, the mini USB power jack and how the power adapter is connected to the mount.



Performance

This dashcam really performs well. The settings are easy to navigate and the choices are very straightforward. The image stabilization works well and the video and images are clear even in overcast and/or rainy conditions. Its “tiny” size, it has no noticeable effect on your view when driving.


It includes features like 1080P/30 fps HD video with Supper Night Vision, seamless loop recording on micro SD cards up to 256GB, and a G-sensor that automatically detects a sudden shake/collision and locks the footage to prevent the video from being overwritten even in loop recording. The 24-hour Parking Monitor motion activated parking mode allows the camera to automatically record when it detects motion in front of your car. To take advantage of this feature, the power adapter should be plugged into an “always on” outlet or hard-wired to the battery. This way, if the dash cam is off and it detects a crash to the front of the vehicle, it will turn on and end recording after 20 seconds, and the recorded videos are saved and locked.

If you enable the time-lapse feature, the Vantrue N1 will keep taking photos at the set time interval and then auto edit them together to a video clip. This reduces the size of the video file. The dash cam also provides excellent audio quality. I also like that the power adapter has a nice blue LED on the end that plugs into your vehicle. Not only does it indicate power on/off, but it is a nice interior light.

Videos




 

 




What I like

  • I love the size
  • The video quality
  • The features and ease of use

What can be improved

  • The connector to the dash/windshield mount

Final thoughts

Out of all of the dash cams that I have owned and/or tested, I like this one the best. It is so small that it does not present any type of bothersome obstruction of your view and yet it functions much like the bigger and more expensive dash cams. While it is not 4K, its footage is perfect for its function and quite “crisp and clean”. It is simple and effective, and gets an exuberant thumbs up from me!!

Price: $79.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Vantrue.

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Vantrue N1 Pro Mini Dash Cam review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 26, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Hudly Wireless heads-up display review

REVIEW – Pretty much every car made today is a rolling computer, with who knows how many processors controlling everything from the fuel system to your high-tech LCD display. But there are still many older cars on the road with nothing but an AM/FM radio to keep you entertained and informed. Many of these low-tech cars can be retrofit with an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto head unit. But if the dash of your car doesn’t allow or that sort of thing is too much hassle, the Hudly Wireless is engineered to bring the smarts of your phone to you while you’re driving in a non-distracting, hassle-free manner. Let’s see how well it does bringing some modern day features to our very low-tech Ford Thunderbird when paired with my iPhone X.

What is it?

The Hudly Wireless is a portable head-up display (HUD) designed to project navigation directions, notifications, and other info from your smartphone to your field of view while driving. The latest Hudly product connects wirelessly to both iOS and Android devices and can be installed in virtually any car. Though be aware, for whatever reason Google Pixels and Nexus devices are not compatible.

Design and features

The Hudly Wireless portable head-up display began earlier this year as Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns receiving nearly $750k in combined funding with 1500+ backers.

The Hudly Wireless measures 7.1 by 5.3 inches and stands about 2 inches high with base, less the transparent screen. Its casing is made of black plastic and adheres to your car’s dash via a removable 4.0-by-3.0-inch adhesive base.

The Hudly wireless has a 6.2” screen with a resolution of 800 x 480. The screen reflects onto an adjustable transparent display with a special coating that optimizes the reflection clarity and enhances the color and contrast of whatever you’re viewing. A sensor automatically adapts the brightness to ambient lighting conditions for optimal visibility. According to Hudly, the Wireless can get 5 times brighter than the typical smartphone screen.  Overall, I found the screen very bright, clear, and readable in all lighting conditions.

Hudly uses optical collimation to display directions in a similar focus plane as the road, elevating your reaction time and situational awareness since there is no longer a need to refocus your eyes for directions.

I have to disagree with this feature… I found that the screen was definitely on a closer plane of viewing than the road and objects ahead of me. That said, it is no more a distraction than a mounted smartphone or display in a typical modern car.

In the Box:

  • Hudly wireless heads-up display
  • Cigarette lighter power cable
  • Adjustable mount
  • Cable clips
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Optional OBD2 smart module

Installing the hardware and setting up the app is easy and takes just minutes to get things operational. Then each time you want to use the Hudly Wireless, your smartphone automatically reconnects to the device via WiFi.

But you do have to reestablish the mirroring from your phone to the Hudly. Occasionally the connection would flake and I had to power cycle the Hudly for it to work again but that was a rarity.

Like other vehicle tech-accessories, the Hudly Wireless is powered by a 12-volt power cord that plugs into the miniUSB charging port on the back of the device. The power cable is long enough to go around your dash and along your windshield enabling you to tuck it out of sight/the way. Though since I was using this in multiple vehicles, I never got around to making the wiring look presentable.

Here you see the Hudly Wireless installed in our very low-tech T-bird and it worked well even considering the steep angle of the windshield. Though I did prefer it off to the side and turned towards me, once again due to how the Hudly sat and the angle of the windshield.

Here you see the Hudly installed in my three-year-old car and how it compares to the nav unit in my dash. Overall, the dash screen was brighter but the fact I could mirror Waze on the Hudly was much preferred to the stock nav software. You can also see how your smartphone has to be on and mirroring the screen for the Hudly to work. For extended use, you’d need to plug in your smartphone cause having your WiFi connected plus mirroring/casting with the screen on definitely chews thru your battery.

The front of the device has the power, volume, and brightness buttons for easy access/control. The speaker was loud enough to hear while driving.

If you look real close, you can see Straight No Chaser on YouTube streaming from my iPhone to the Hudly Wireless. There is no safety feature to prohibit this sort of thing while driving. I was able to stream/view many video apps…anything Apple allows to be Screen Mirrored.

As it would happen, my wife was driving towards me while I was testing the Hudly Wireless and the first thing she said to me was how obnoxious the glare from the screen was. Obviously, the special reflective coating works both ways. I told her it was a safety feature like the flashing/oscillating motorcycle headlights.

What I like

  • Well build/engineered device
  • Bright, clear display
  • Mirrors your smartphone screen
  • Adds modern day functionality to old vehicles
  • Quick and easy to setup
  • Loud audio/speakers

What needs to be improved

  • Focal point more in the car than looking forward
  • Smartphone has to be on and mirroring/casting
  • Connection occasional had to be reset

For you motor-heads, the optional OBD2 smart module enables you to also stream your car’s performance data to the Hudly screen as well.

Final thoughts

Bottom line…the Hudly Wireless head-up display works as advertised. It enables you to mirror your smartphone’s screen in front of you while motoring down the road. The screen is bright, vibrant, and clear, easily seen in all lighting conditions. That said, in today’s high tech world, I see it as a relatively niche device. Most vehicles today coming with pretty good tech as a standard/included option, the ability to install Apple CarPlay/Android Auto head units into older cars, or just using a well-placed mount for your smartphone all of which gives you the same capability/features as the Hudly Wireless.

Price: $299
Where to buy: gethudly.com and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Hudly.

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Hudly Wireless heads-up display review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 15, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Bring your car into the 24th century – Make it so!

NEWS – Finally, there’s a set of family stick figure car decals for the devoted Star Trek:TNG fans!  Although these stickers will adhere to any flat surface, they are perfect for identifying your family as the type who Boldly Go to soccer practice and the car rider line.

You’ll get a set of 33 figures, including 27 easily identifiable TNG figures, some generic Borgs, and a logo.  They include tall figures for adults, small figures for children, and even some pet figurines.

  • Tall characters (4 3/4″ tall): Jean-Luc Picard, William Riker, Data, Geordi La Forge, Tasha Yar, Worf, Deanna Troi, Beverly Crusher, Reginald Barclay, Guinan, Miles O’Brien, Alyssa Ogawa, Borg (male), Borg (female), Q, Lursa & B’Etor (one sticker), Sela, Gul Madred, Gowron
  • Short characters (3 3/4″ tall): Young Jean-Luc Picard, Young William Riker, Young Data, Young Geordi La Forge, Young Tasha Yar, Alexander Rozhenko, Wesley Crusher, Borg (male), Borg (female)
  • Other: Livingston the fish (1″ tall), Spot the cat (1 1/2″), Borg Queen Head (3 1/4″) + Borg Queen Body (3 1/2″), ST:TNG logo

You know, I like these stickers, but where are the young female characters?  I’m asking as a mother of a daughter; what if I had two daughters?

These Star Trek TNG Family Car Decals are created by and exclusive to ThinkGeek.  The normal price is $14.99, but they are available for $6.99 at the time of writing.  Get them now.  Make it so by visiting ThinkGeek.

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Bring your car into the 24th century – Make it so! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 15, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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The CarGo Apron helps keep your trunk clean and fully protected

NEWS – If you’ve ever had to transport anything in your car or SUV, you know that the cleanup afterword can be awful. Especially if you’re carting things like mulch, potting soil, plants, and yes even dirty dogs. The CarGo Apron looks to make all that messy, time-consuming cleanup a thing of the past.

Unlike a typical tarp, the CarGo Apron covers the entirety of the back of your hatchback car or SUV. This includes the sides and the back of the seats, not just the floor. Think of it as a protective layer that fits like a box inside your trunk. There’s even a lip shield that helps to protect the bumper.

A suspension hanging system makes the liner easy to install. And when you’re done using it, it rolls up for under seat storage.

CarGo is made of a tough Freight-grade woven material that’s both tear and water-proof.

The CarGo Apron is available in four sizes from small to XL. And to make sure that you get the right size for your vehicle, there’s a handy size chart.

Prices for the CarGo go from $19.95-$49.95, and it’s available on The Grommet.

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The CarGo Apron helps keep your trunk clean and fully protected originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 7, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Ketzal Bags Universal Seat back Organizer review

REVIEW – I love being organized. I loathe clutter and do everything I can to have a place for everything and everything in its place. This extends to my car as well. Driving one of the smallest cars on the road, a Smart, storage space is at a premium. Ketzal’s universal seat back organizer should make it easier to reach my goal of orderly nirvana.

What is it?

Ketzal’s universal seat back organizer is a storage system that straps to the back of an automobile seat.

Hardware Specs:

  • 22 X 14 X 3 inches unloaded
  • Leather construction
  • Metal snaps and buckles

What’s in the Box?

  • Ketzal’s universal seat back organizer, that’s it

Design and features:

Ketzal’s universal seat back organizer is constructed of heavy leather, adorned with a wide elastic band to secure it to the seat.

Leather straps and buckles are used to adjust the height of the organizer on the seat. My car’s seats are integrated, so I needed to reroute the straps. This was a simple and intuitive process.

The adjustments are simple and the organizer fits the seat tightly, but my car has bucket seats. The elastic band does not follow the contours of the seat, but with it stretched across, I was still comfortable sitting and driving.

My car also has an airbag in the side of the seat so it’s probably not a good idea to cover the opening in any way. Ketzal has anticipated this, implementing D-rings and grommets that can be used to secure the organizer without using the elastic band; however, you will need to provide your own straps, string or another mechanism to use alternative attachment methods.

The organizer fits securely and doesn’t flail about while the car is in motion.

Pockets of different sizes cover the face of the organizer.

Anything of suitable size and weight can be placed into the pockets. In my vehicle, I almost always carry tools, a small air pump, umbrella, pen and pencil, and assorted pieces and bits. It’s great to have a place to put things and makes finding them so much easier

The button snaps are easy to fasten and unfasten. Provided the object is small enough to fit completely in the pocket, the snaps should hold securely. In some cases, I decided to leave an object protruding from the top of the pocket. Now I can move lesser used items from my glove box into the Ketzal organizer.

Already, my younger daughter, who does not have her driver’s license yet, has claimed the Ketzal Seat back organizer as her own. She might have a hard time getting me to give it up.

What I like:

  • Fantastic workmanship and construction
  • Premium quality materials
  • Lots of pockets
  • Fits tightly with plenty of attachment options

What needs to be improved?

  • Include additional hardware to utilize other attachment points.

Final thoughts 

I’m finding it more and more difficult to remember where I put my stuff, especially the stuff I don’t use much. I’ve tried to adopt a much more visual storage philosophy and it’s great to have the Ketzal Universal Seat Back Organizer to help. Its first-class workmanship, materials, and construction are superb. This is my first Ketzal product, but after using this, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Ketzal’s other products.

Price: $150.00
Where to buy: Ketzalbags.com
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Ketzal Bags.

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Ketzal Bags Universal Seat back Organizer review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 2, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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