Build your own VW Van before summer

The VW Bus T1 Campervan 3D puzzle from Ravensburger won’t be big enough to drive to the beach this summer, but it will decorate a bookshelf nicely.  It’s designed after the Samba, in the United States also known as Sunroof Deluxe, which Ravensburger says was the most luxurious version of the T1.  The puzzle is made of all plastic pieces that fit and stay together without needing glue.  You’ll build the body on the included wheeled base, and you can assemble by eye or by checking the numbers on the back of the pieces if you run into a snag.

The design is printed directly on the plastic pieces, so there are no glued on papers to get damaged or peel off.  Building the van is a great family activity for children ages 10+.  Once it’s completed, the van measures 11.75″ x 5.5″ x 6″.

You can purchase the Ravensburger Volkswagen T1 Campervan-162 Piece 3D Puzzle for $29.99 at Amazon.

Things 3.4 update adds automation and linking

In the latest version 3.4 update of Things for iOS and Mac OS, automation support has at last been added, making this useful task manager even more powerful.

The linking, automation and handover actions come in the form of a new things:/// URL scheme, allowing the application to launch and add tasks with pre-filled information in the form of variables. URL schemes have been a staple of iOS automation apps such as Workflow and Launch Center Pro, allowing users to launch complex tasks with a single tap.

For example, I was able to create a workflow that asks for a list of groceries that I need that day, parses that multiple item list and adds those items as tasks to my Grocery list with a due date of Today.

There are more examples on Cultured Code’s blog post, as well as full documentation and a nifty link builder tool.

I expect several automation apps will quickly incorporate Thing’s new URL scheme and variables to make workflow building even easier.

Save on dry-cleaning costs with the LG Styler Clothing Care System

I try to avoid buying dry clean-only clothes because it’s a pain – and expensive – to have to run things over to the dry cleaners.  And I tend to avoid wearing the dry clean-only clothes I do have for the same reasons.  With the LG Styler, you can wear your clothes and extend the time between trips to the dry cleaners, because the Styler can remove odors, reduce wrinkles, and keep clothes cleaner by sanitizing at home.  You can even use the Styler to quickly and gently dry clothes that can’t go in the clothes dryer.

The Styler looks like a tall, thin cabinet (about 72″ tall X 17.5″ wide), so it can fit in your laundry room, your closet, or even your bedroom.   It uses pure water to produce steam to clear away odors, wrinkles, bacteria, and even allergens.  LG says that 80-90 minutes in the sanitizer cycle reduces allergens and bacteria by 99.9%, which is more effective than 3 hours in sunlight.

Inside, the Styler has a moving hanging bar to vibrate clothes 180 times/minute to help reduce wrinkles and odors.  There’s also a rack for sweaters and things that don’t need a hanger, a pants press for sharp pleats, and an accessory hanger for ties, scarves, and the like.

There’s no plumbing required; you just load up the portable water container and empty the collection container as needed.  No chemicals are required for cleaning, but you can add an aroma kit to add refreshing scents onto your clothes.

The LG Styler is available in espresso or white;  MSRP is about $1800.  Learn more about the Styler and find a retailer on the LG Styler website.

DJI ups the game with the DJI Mavic Air

Just when you thought it couldn’t get much better, DJI has upped the game with it’s new ultraportable Mavic Air consumer drone.

Building upon the success of its Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, and Spark drones, DJI has proved that it has much more innovation up its sleeve.

The Mavic Air is sleek and small, yet packed with professional level features such as collision avoidance sensors (forward, backward, and downward), a 12MP camera capable of capturing 4K video, a 3 axis gimbal, excellent battery life, and 8GB of internal storage.

The Mavic Air also has SmartCapture (gesture control) and quick shot modes that enable you to make pre-programmed flight sequences that really lend that professional look to your videos. Multiple active object tracking makes filming your subject easier, more flexible, and safer.

With a flight time of 21 minutes and a range of 2.4 miles (4km), and a max speed of 42 mph (19 m/s), the Mavic Air is sure to impress.

Priced at $799, the Mavic Air offers a great value for the impressive features that are packed in this little drone.

The Mavic Air is available from DJI.

The 70MAI promises to be the world’s smartest dash cam featuring voice control

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether for entertainment or security, dash cams are now popular devices and manufacturers have responded to the needs and demands of their customers with innovative and convenient designs.

Enter the 70MAI, which is being touted as the world’s first and smartest English version of an AI powered voice controlled dash cam that promises to make driving safer and more enjoyable. It boasts the ability to capture photos and videos via voice commands, therefore not requiring the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel. In the event of a collision, the 70MAI will automatically record the event and will safeguard the recording by placing the footage in a separate folder for future use. It also features full 1080P HD video, a 130 degree field of view and an app that allows you to view both previously recorded and real-time video.

The 70MAI is easy to install via the built-in mount and is powered by a cigarette lighter power adapter which is included in the package. Once the power adapter is plugged in, recording is triggered when the vehicle is started.

The 70MAI is priced very economically at $39USD plus shipping and can be purchased from Indiegogo.com.

Buyers can expect to receive the 70MAI starting in March, 2018.