News – Page 301

Need to watch your mobile data use? Try the Datally Android app by Google

Datally is an app created by Google to help Android users save on mobile data. “It blocks background data and lets you control which apps use data.” It also helps you find WiFi networks nearby and lets you know how other Datally users have rated that WiFi network before you connect.

When you install Datally, you must set up the app. It requires the following permissions:

Phone (“Used to help you monitor your phone’s mobile data usage. Datally doesn’t make or receive phone calls on your behalf.”)
Location (“Used to show you high-quality WiFi networks nearby.”)
SMS (“In select countries, this enables you to check your mobile data balance with your carrier and to get smarter recommendations on how to save mobile data.”)
VPN – sets up a local VPN in order to “block unwanted mobile data usage – it doesn’t send any of your traffic through Google’s servers. The Datally VPN is only on your phone and doesn’t redirect your Internet traffic to any other servers or locations.”).
Usage access – to see which apps are using data.

It is a very straight-forward app that has the “Data Saver On/Off” sliding toggle prominently displayed on the homepage.

If you would like to manage which apps can use data, you simply need to tap on the “Manage data” button on the homepage and then tap the lock icon next to the apps you wish to change.

To view the WiFi networks near you, you need to tap on the “Find Wi-Fi” button on the homepage of the app. You will then get a list of WiFi networks near you, how far away they are from your location, whether or not a password or web login is required, and thumbs up or down icons indicating user ratings for that network.

Datally will even give you real-time data use information as you use the apps on your phone (displayed as a small bubble in the app you are using – see above screenshot) – that is, as long as you do not have any Accessibility services turned on.

While you do have access to turning off background data use for each app through your device settings under your Data Usage section, Datally makes it a little easier to manage. So, if you have to watch how much data you use, Datally is certainly worth a try! Check it out on Google Play.

Canon’s new 470EX-AI flash may be just the right solution

I have been a photographer for many years, and like many photographers, on any given day I will grab my camera, my “go to” lens, a professional flash, and head to some place for the opportunity to get great shots. In many cases when I have to travel light and when the opportunity is an event that allows for pictures of people, one of the many challenges is being able to position the flash head to take one or two relatively quick vertical and horizontal shots, and being able to set the correct “bounce” angle to get that nearly perfect smooth, wide and filling light that is most flattering to the subject. Since pointing a flash directly at a subject usually results in harsh light with distracting shadows, the technique of “bouncing” light is used. It is done by estimating the distance between the camera lens and the subject, and the lens and the ceiling, and “bouncing” the light produced by the flash off the ceiling. In some cases, other surfaces in the room are used to have the light from the flash “bounce” off of, to provide the desired effect.

A few days ago, Canon announced the 470EX-AI flash that does the work for you. The “AI” stands for Artificial Intelligence and the flash has three modes: manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

In automatic mode, the flash automatically measures the room that you are working in, the distance between the subject and the lens and the ceiling and the lens, and automatically tilts and rotates the flash head to produce the best lighting ability. In semi-automatic mode, you can set the starting position of the flash head towards the surface that you want the light to “bounce” from and then once again, the flash remembers that position, measures the distance between the lens and the subject and rotates as necessary for that optimal shot.

The 470EX-AI also includes Canon’s E-TTL/E-TTL-II technology which when used with compatible Canon DSLR cameras, automatically calculates the light metering between the lens and the light it produces for each shot.

This AI flash is an amazing tool for both professional, beginner and enthusiast photographers, that will make their flash photography that much better and easier.
You can head over to B&H Photo Video and pre-order the 470EX-AI flash for $399. Its current release date is May 1st, 2018.

The universe is at your fingertips with the smart, app-connected Stellina telescope

The Stellina doesn’t look like a typical telescope. Instead of a long tube, Stellina is a 19″ x 15″ x 4.7″, 15lb block that opens into an ED doublet refractor with an 80mm aperture, f/5 focal ratio, and 400mm focal length sitting atop an alt-azimuth mount. Its 6.4MP Sony CMOS image sensor has 3096 x 2080 pixels and a 1° x 0.7° field of view.

The integrated computer can automatically find your target of interest, and the Stellina uses the included derotator to automatically follow the target as the stars rotate for long-exposure astrophotography. It’s powered by a micro-USB 5V 2A AC power supply or by an optional mobile power charger. You can expect up to 10 hours of use with a 20,000mAh external powerbank. It’s controlled by an app on your smartphone or tablet. Vaonis says: “Stellina opens up new ways to collaborate with the scientific community through crowd-sourced science. Exoplanet transits, asteroid occultations, variable star or supernova monitoring: contribute to the research by sharing your data with research scientists. Be more than an observer, be an explorer!”

Because of the compact size and light weight, the Stellina and its included tripod are easily thrown in a backpack to take along on hikes and camping trips. Its IP53 water-resistance rating means it will be safely transported and used in less-than-ideal conditions.

Vaonis is taking pre-orders now at a $500 discount. Pre-order now for $2499, and you can expect delivery in the third quarter of 2018. Learn much more about the Vaonis Stellina telescope and place your pre-order at the Vaonis website.

Ko-Axis Rail Pen, a raincoat in your wallet, fidget toys, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are bringing you five crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter. This week’s campaigns are for people interested in EDC gear like wallets, pens, bags, and more. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Ko-Axis Rail Pen

What is it?
The Ko-Axis is a flat pen designed by TEC Accessories.

Why do I like it?
I like the Ko-Axis because it has a unique design, won’t roll off your desk, and doesn’t require any special tools to change standard D1 refills. It also uses magnets to extend and retract the writing tip. I love anything that uses magnets, so… I’m also a fan of products from TEC Accessories, so I know they are a company you can trust to deliver rewards when they say they will.

Where can I find more info?
The Ko-Axis Rail Pen campaign ends on 3/29/2018 and they have already met funding goal of $7,500. You can pre-order a Ko-Axis Rail Pen starting at $49. After the Ko-Axis Rail Pen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The NOMATIC Messenger and Laptop Bags

What is it?
NOMATIC is a brand of messenger and laptop bags.

Why do I like it?
I like the NOMATIC messenger and laptop bags because they look sharp, have a lot of built-in features that let you easily carry your EDC, and they have a really cool shoulder strap mechanism that uses magnets which if you read about the campaign above, I really like. The Messenger (the one I’m really interested in) can stand up when placed on a flat surface, has a reconfigurable interior, is airport friendly with a pass through on the back to attach the bag to your rolling luggage, and a dedicated laptop holder that makes it TSA compliant.

Where can I find more info?
The NOMATIC campaign ends on 4/21/2018 and they have blown way past their funding goal of $100,000. You can pre-order a NOMATIC starting at $119. After the NOMATIC campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SonarPen: World’s most affordable Smart Pen for iPads

What is it?
The SonarPen is an inexpensive active stylus for your favorite iPad (and has some support for Android and Windows tablets too) and iPhone.

Why do I like it?
I like the SonarPen stylus because it doesn’t require batteries that need to be replaced or charged because it plugs directly into the 3.5mm audio jack to draw power. If you are using the SonarPen with an iPhone that doesn’t have an audio jack, you can use a lightning adapter that’s provided with the SonarPen. The pen doesn’t require a Bluetooth connection either and can detect different pressure levels.

Where can I find more info?
The SonarPen campaign ends on 3/23/2018 and they have already more than met their funding goal of $25,546. You can pre-order a SonarPen starting at $25. After the SonarPen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

VORTECON- Kinetic desk toy with mesmerizing motion

What is it?
The VORTECON fidget spinning desk toy made of solid stainless steel, brass or copper.

Why do I like it?
I like the VORTECON because it creates an optical illusion of a continuously spinning helix design on the side that looks hypnotic and soothing.

Where can I find more info?
The VORTECON campaign ends on 3/28/2018 and they have met their funding goal of $2,791. You can pre-order a VORTECON starting at $32. After the VORTECON campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Raincard – The First Credit Card sized raincoat

What is it?
The Raincard is a full-size raincoat that has been compressed down to the size of a credit card that can fit in your wallet or your pocket.

Why do I like it?
I like the Raincard because it’s so small that you can easily add one to your EDC with little to no additional bulk. The only downside is that it’s pretty much a one use type of product since you won’t be able to fold it back down into the same form factor. But the right side is that you get 10 Raincards with the lowest price pledge amount.

Where can I find more info?
The Raincard campaign ends on 3/24/2018 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $6,636. You can pre-order a Raincard starting at $11 for 10 Raincards. After the VRaincard campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Make your daily carrying tasks easier with the UpCart deluxe folding cart

I am one of those independent types who carry 3 or 4 different carts around in the back of my truck, to help me to move or carry stuff that I constantly and seemingly habitually find it necessary to move around. Whether it is speakers or a couple of large cases of water, I always do fine on flat surfaces. However, as soon as I encounter stairs or sidewalks my simple tasks become quite difficult. Depending on the load, there are many occasions when extra manual labor is required to either try to pull the cart up or when that fails, I usually just take the packages off and carry them one at a time.

Recently I came across the UpCart Deluxe All-Terrain Stair Climbing Folding Cart that seems to answer all my moving and carrying challenges. It is a three-wheeled type of cart that makes going up a curb or stairs much easier. And, despite its design, it folds flat enough to take up not much more space than the average folding cart. It even handles uneven surfaces well, and with its capacity of up to 125lbs and solid tires, it should hold up well over time.

The UpCart Deluxe can be purchased on Amazon for $85.99.