Add a speaker and an alarm clock to your Amazon Echo Dot with iHome

NEWS – The Echo Dot is a cost-effective way to add Amazon’s Alexa to your smart home, but you’ll find it doesn’t have the best built-in speaker for listening to music.  And sure, you can use Alexa to set a wake-up alarm, and you can ask her the time, but a middle-of-the-night time check might wake up your sleeping partner.  With the iHome iAV2B Docking Bedside and Home Office Amazon Echo Dot Speaker System, you’ll add an alarm clock with digital time display and better speakers to the 2nd gen Amazon Echo Dot you already own.

You just insert the Echo Dot into the chamber on the top of the iAV2B dock, and the dock will power the Dot.  At 5.3″ x 4.6″ x 5.2″, the dock won’t take up a lot of room on your night table.  The front of the dock has a black fabric grill and white LEDs for the time display.  The built-in speaker has Reson8 speaker chamber technology and a passive subwoofer for richer sound than the Echo Dot provides on its own.  The dock connects to the Dot with a USB cable for power and an aux-in cable for sound.  There’s another 1A USB port that can be used to charge your phone.  The iAV2B is powered by an included 100V-240V AC power adapter.  A CR2450 backup battery for the clock is included.

iHome iAV2B Docking Bedside and Home Office Amazon Echo Dot Speaker System is $49.59 at Amazon.

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Add a speaker and an alarm clock to your Amazon Echo Dot with iHome originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 17, 2018 at 2:21 pm.

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Show a loved one that they hung the moon with this necklace

NEWS – For one glorious moment, I thought this necklace was going to change to show the current moon phase – but then, such a necklace wouldn’t be as affordable as this beauty.  The Moon Phase Necklace from Moonglow is made of pewter and has a customized crystal to show a moon phase.  The pendant is accented with a black Swarovski crystal and comes complete with an 18″ pewter chain.

The pendants show the moon at various phases, from new moon, to full moon, and phases in between.  You can even select a pendant to commemorate the recent Blood Moon…

or last years total solar eclipse.

Select the Moon’s phase on a date that was important to you, like your wedding date, a loved one’s birthday, or any other important date.  The necklace would make a perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself.  The Moon Phase Necklace from Moonglow is $38.00 at The Grommet.

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Show a loved one that they hung the moon with this necklace originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 17, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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CTM’s in-ear monitors are clearly tuned from the past and into the future

NEWS – One of the fun aspects of writing reviews and news items on audio gear is discovering companies with a passion for sound. I recently stumbled across Clear Tune Monitors and their Vintage Series of in-ear monitors (IEM) that blend a 50s hot-rod look with a modern flair. The monitor shells sport a retro color scheme bordered by chrome creating a look that spans decades. Think Stray Cats meet the Jetsons and you get the idea.

Note that CTM is known for their custom IEMs, but have ventured into the world of universal fit IEMs that fit everyone out of the box. Their Vintage Series is the result.

The 70s rock group Mott the Hoople had a great song called “The Golden Age of Rock ’n Roll’ that could be the soundtrack for the Vintage Series in-ear monitors. Once I saw them, I just had to know more and share what I learned. 

There are three models of Vintage monitors: the VS2, VS3 and VS4—each with its own aural personality and specific purpose. Each Vintage series monitor is composed of armature speakers tuned for specific frequency ranges. Armature drivers are known for taking up very little room, resulting in small in-ear monitors that have incredible detail and can make familiar tunes sound more alive by exposing elements that were once hidden.

The 2 driver/2 way VS2 monitor is tuned for a flatter frequency response giving it a sharper, more accurate sound. This makes it perfect for audiophiles who are looking for longer listening times with no ear fatigue.

The VS3 is a 3 driver/3 way monitor that’s tuned for live stage work. It’s designed for quick audio attack and recovery in all frequencies creating an intense listening experience—perfect for bass players and drummers/percussionists.

Finally, the VS4 4 driver/3 way monitor is designed for a more powerful sound, but with a smoother and more harmonious balance. It’s made for hours of listening where detail—along with comfort—is paramount.

CTM states that, “We’ve always been passionate about details. This is why we set out to create a series of universal fit in-ear monitors that embody the delicacy and sound quality that takes us back to times when design was about elegance, aesthetic and plain good taste.”

The VS2 sells for $399.99, VS3 for $499.9 and the VS4 for $599.99. All prices US. Each VS model is available in four crusin’ colors: Darth Black, Intense Red, Dusty Blue and Passion Pink. Visit Clear Tune Monitors for more information.

Note: CTM has recently announced a new Da Vinci Series of 9 and 10 speaker IEMs designed for the ultimate listener experience. At $2,000 and $2,400, they occupy that rarefied space of money-is-no-object IEMs. 

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CTM’s in-ear monitors are clearly tuned from the past and into the future originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 17, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Is the Game Theory bag the perfect anti-theft travel bag?

NEWS – Need a new backpack?  Check out the Game Theory before settling for a regular bag.  The Game Theory bag, like many you’ve seen on the market, is quality-made with a water-resistant exterior, reinforced stitching, padded interior, and an ergonomic design with breathable back support.  But Game Theory ups their… well, game… with both anti-theft and travel-friendly features.  Let’s let Game Theory list them for us.

Anti-Theft Features Include:

  • Hidden zippered opening
  • No exterior facing pockets
  • Slash-proof hard shell exterior
  • Secret pockets on the arm strap
  • Secret zippered pockets on the side and back
  • RFID protection pocket

Travel Features Include:

  • TSA approved when lying flat
  • USB portable charging – equipped with an internal USB cable and an external USB port for charging on the go
  • Breathable thick cushioned three-piece back support
  • Reflective lines on straps
  • Luggage strap
  • “Feet” to keep the bag upright
  • Laptop padding
  • Shock absorber handle
  • Laptop drop protection
  • Cushioned arm straps
  • Velcro slack holder at the end of the straps
  • Hydrophobic material at the bottom of the bag for easy cleaning and waterproofing

The Game Theory Bag is available in black or gray for $69.95 at the Game Theory website.

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Is the Game Theory bag the perfect anti-theft travel bag? originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 16, 2018 at 1:42 pm.

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MultiGrip and T’Spin EDC tools, Lyd bottle, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week we are bringing you info about four different crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This week’s campaigns are for people who like to travel, love music, and more.

MultiGrip | 25+ Tools-In-1 Utility Everyday Carry Multitool

What is it?

MultiGrip is a stainless steel multi-tool that has 25 built in tools and can be carried on your keychain.

Why is it cool?

Disc Brand Co. sent me an early sample of the MultiGrip and it’s a well EDC multi-tools that’s designed to last a lifetime. I have used it quite a few times for tasks that would have had me looking for individual tools to do the same job that this one tool was able to do. Some tasks that I’ve used it for so far are opening boxes, scratching off lottery tickets, splitting pills, removing staples, and opening the battery cover of my AV receiver’s remote.

Where can I find more info?

The MultiGrip campaign ends on 9/14/18 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $6,500. You can pre-order a MultiGrip starting at $19. After the MultiGrip campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Lyd: Opens at the touch of your lips & never spills

What is it?

Lyd is a specially designed travel bottle that is spill proof and automatically opens when your lips touch the lid.

Why is it cool?

I like the Lyd because it provides 360-degree drinking access around the lid instead of just one small opening that you need to position correctly when you want a drink. The battery-powered touch sensor in the Lyd opens the lid (getting confused yet?) as soon as your lips touch it and close when you stop drinking. The Lyd’s lid recharges wirelessly on any Qi-enabled charger. Don’t worry though, it will only need to be recharged every couple of weeks.

Where can I find more info?

The Lyd campaign ends on 9/17/18 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Lyd starting at $42. After the Lyd campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Turtlebox: The Loudest, Toughest Outdoor Speaker

blurb by Julian Perry

What is it?

The Turtlebox is being touted as the Loudest and toughest Portable Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker

Why is it cool?

I like the Turtlebox because within the crowded field of portable Bluetooth speakers it stands out for its design, and seems to be loud enough to overcome the usual environmental noise. The manufacturer claims that it provides 128db of distortion-free sound and is IP67 waterproof rated. That fact that it measures only 11.5” x 6.5” x 8.75” makes it a very desirable portable Bluetooth speaker if it lives up to the hype.

Where can I find more info?

www.indiegogo.com
The Turtlebox campaign ends on 8/24/18 and they have already raised $119,000 which is 596% of their initial goal of $20,000. You can back the project now at a cost of $247 for one. After the Turtlebox campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Indiegogo for all the details.

T’spin – Titanium Travel Tool

What is it?

T’spin is an EDC multi-tool.

Why is it cool?

T’spin is not only an every day carry tool that features tools that we normally don’t see in an EDC tool, but it’s also a fidget spinner! Some of the tools include a smartphone stand, SIM eject tool, nano SIM card holder, cord organizer, and traditional tools like a screwdriver, and a bottle opener.

Where can I find more info?

The T’spin campaign ends on 9/28/18 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $24,778. You can pre-order a T’spin starting at $28. After the T’spin campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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MultiGrip and T’Spin EDC tools, Lyd bottle, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 16, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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