Home Reviews

Etekcity Smart WiFi Light Switch review

REVIEW – We are smart home fanatics at our house.  We have almost every light in our house, including ceiling fans controlled by Amazon Alexa.  The few lights we don’t have under Alexa control are either lights we rarely use, or they are three-pole lights.  Three pole lights are lights that are controlled by two different light switches.  That means each switch has extra wires coming into it compared to a single pole switch.  Up until recently, there were no smart light switches available that handled three pole switches.  So when I was given the opportunity to review the Etekcity Smart Wifi Light Switch that can handle three poles, I jumped at it.  Let’s see how it works.

What is it?

Etekcity makes several smart products.  Two of which are smart switches.  One is for a standard single pole (ESWLO1) and the other for three pole switches (ESWLO3).  I received the ESWLO3.  Like I stated above, a three pole switch is a switch that can control a single light or lights along with another switch.

What’s in the box?

  • 1 x Safety Card – states that the device should only be used to control incandescent, LED, Halogen, and compact fluorescent lightbulbs.  You should only use the device indoors, and turn the power off while installing.  It also mentions contacting an electrician if you are in any way uncomfortable with installing the device.
  • 1 x Facebook group foldout card – asks you to join their Facebook group
  • 1 x Etekcitizen foldout card – will give you an extra year of warranty, free products, and exclusive deals if you join their Etekcitizen group.
  • 2 x packages of hardware to install two light switches
  • 2 x smart light switches including backplates.  I have one facing up and one facing down so you can see the wires coming into the back of the unit.
  • 1 x user manual

Hardware specs

The big thing to note about these switches is that they are specifically designed for three pole switches.  You have to have a neutral wire, ground wire, two traveler wires, and a hot wire in your box for this device to work.  Also note that even though they give you two switches, you only need to replace one of the two switches on a three-pole system for it to work.  So technically, you can replace two different three pole setups with a single box.

Setup

The first thing the instructions tell you to do is to separate the face plate from the main switch.  This was easily done in the picture above by just popping the switch out by pressing on it.

The picture above shows you the light switch I am replacing.  Its partner switch is part of another two switch bank that I did not feel like messing with.

I did not take pictures of the actual wiring.  There is a great video put out by Etekcity showing you how to install the switch.  I ran into two ‘issues’ when installing this switch.   My original switch had four wires coming out of it.  The two traveler wires, a ground wire, and the hot wire.   I had to dig into the back of the box to find the neutral wire already tied off to another neutral in the box.   So I ended up adding the new switch neutral wire to an already existing neutral wire pair to have a total of three neutral wires tied together.   The other issue was just the amount of wire I had to try and stuff back into the box.  I have large metal boxes for my switches, but I guess I have a bunch of extra wire coming into them.  I really had to stuff those wires back in order to get the large switch to fit flush into the box.   The video of the install you can find on YouTube here: Etekcity Three Pole Light Switch Install Video

The picture above shows the light switch installed. You just simply touch the power button area and the light will turn on or off.  You don’t feel any kind of switch movement.  It is a touch sensitive plate.  The WiFi indicator below helps you connect the switch to your WiFi and shows you if the switch is currently connected.

After installing the switch, the next thing I did was to install the Vesync app.  This is available for both Android and iOS.  In the screenshots above you can see the app first asked for an account or you can create an account.  I created one with my email address.  An email was sent to my account to verify it before I could continue further.   Once signed in, I was asked to add my first device.

As you can see from the screenshots above there are many products from Etekcity.  I chose switches and was then presented with two choices.  I chose the three-way switch.

The app then asks to make sure the switch is installed properly.  I tested this by being able to turn my lights off and on with the switch manually.  My next step was to press and hold down on the power button for five seconds.  After that period of time, the WiFi logo below started to blink on and off.

The app then instructed me to connect my phone’s WiFi to the switches WiFi.  You can see the Etekcity WiFi name in the screen shot above.  I connected my phone to that and went back to the app.

The next step which I won’t show, was me having to place my WiFi password into the app.  I was then presented with the screen above that did a count up to 100% as it connected to my WiFi.  Once connected I was able to rename the switch to whatever I wanted to.  I chose the word Breakfast since it controlled the lights in my breakfast area.

The first screenshot above shows the main control screen in the app for my breakfast switch.  The app has several nice features where you can set a schedule to turn the light off an on (great for when you are on a vacation) and a basic timer.  The other screenshot shows the device in my Amazon Alexa app.  I simply added Vesync as a skill and logged into my account.  I then searched for devices and it found it.   In Alexa, I could add the light to my group ‘all lights’ or any group I wished.

Performance

The switch has been performing flawlessly for how we use it.  I have not tried any of the scheduling features.  I did notice there is a firmware update, so I will be sure to update the switch when I get next to it again with my phone.

What I like

  • The app is really easy to use.
  • Setup of the app and getting it to recognize the switch was a breeze.
  • I like how the switch is just a touch panel and not a toggle switch.

What I’d change

  • Please try and not make the switch box so deep.  I realize it may have a lot of technology, but it makes it difficult to install with all the extra wires.

Final thoughts

I can highly recommend this switch for anyone looking to convert a three pole switch to a smart switch.  I have installed several other smart switches and it was very easy to set up app wise.  Like I stated earlier, I just wish the switch box were not so big.  People with small plastic switch boxes in their walls will not be able to use this switch because it will be too big with all the extra wires involved.

Price: $49.98
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Etekcity.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Etekcity Smart WiFi Light Switch review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 9, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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.

Crane Bone Conduction Headphones review


REVIEW – Over the past year and a half, I have reviewed several Bluetooth earbuds with a wide range of results and conclusions. All of those earbuds were similar in design and function. Several years ago, I owned some bone conduction headphones, and while I loved the sound they produced, they were made of very rigid plastic, that would hurt to wear for an extended period. In addition, the rigid plastic meant very little flexibility, and eventually, they broke. Just recently, I got my hands on the Crane Bone Conduction Headphones. Since it has been years since my first experience, I want to believe that several design elements must have changed that would all but guarantee a different if not better experience. Let’s see!!

What is it?

The Crane Bone Conduction headphones allow you to listen to music and make calls without earbuds in your ears or anything heavy on your head and resolve the need to remove them whenever you need to hear other sounds or conversations. They also remain in place while you work out.

What’s in the box


1 x Crane Bone Conduction Headphones
1 x Micro USB Cable
2 x Ear Plugs
1 x User Guide

Design and features

Specifications
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Weight: 26 grams
• Waterproof: IPX5
• Playtime: 4 hours playtime
• Receiving Sensitivity: 88dBm
• Frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
• Mic: Anti-interference microphones, -42DB

Features

  • Built-in microphone with background noise reduction
  • On-bone detection (autoplay/pause)
  • Siri / Google assistant
  • Multipoint connection: Connect 2 devices simultaneously, you will never miss any calls from your devices
  • Controls: volume, play, pause, next song

These headphones have one set of controls on the right side of the neckband. They are volume up, volume down and the micro USB charging port. There is also a mic and the LED status indicator light.


On the right side earbud, there is the multi-function button that controls power on/off, answer/hang-up calls, the Bluetooth connection, and Siri communication.

On the left side earbud, there is a button that controls play/pause.

Performance

When I received these headphones, I was so excited to try them that I was hoping that they were already partially charged. Much to my delight, they powered on, and immediately entered pairing mode. Once I easily connected them to my iPhone, they showed an 80% charge which allowed me to start my testing right away. I placed them around my neck/head and on my ears as shown below.


I took some time to find my comfortable placement, and I started the music. I was immediately delighted. The headphones while not audiophile, do provide a well-balanced sound, and because of their design are very likely much better for preserving your hearing. I can still hear the ambient sound around me, but there is noise management capability that does not allow the ambient sound to adversely affect the listening experience. It is a very nice balance. Winner Gear also provides a pair of earplugs should you want to completely shut out all of the other sounds around you. The headband that connects the two earpieces is extremely flexible and so much so that they would not be easy to break. I was concerned that the material was so flexible that they would not properly stay in place and that they would easily fall off. I was wrong again. Not only do they stay in place, but they never fall off despite my vigorous movement to dislodge them. These will work great when working out.

Most of our readers that have followed my earbud reviews know that I always experience major issues when using them for phone calls. This is not the case with these and neither myself nor the person on the other end of the line experienced any quality issues. For me, this is fantastic. I also test Siri, and that was as easy as it could get. I love the autodetection feature that allows them to automatically stop/pause the music when removed and start the music when I put them back on.

The only other issues that I notice is that the Bluetooth connection does not have the range of several other devices I own. If there is no line of sight, it seems to be limited to about 15 ~ 20 feet. (This is with no line of sight but still open doors from one room to another). Also, the battery charge only allows 3 ~ 4 hours of playtime with the longevity being closer to 3 hours if played at high or maximum volume.

What I like

  • Build quality including that it is lightweight
  • Simple controls
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Nice sound if worn correctly – including phone calls
  • Flexibility
  • Ambient sound management capability
  • Auto-detection feature

What I’d change

  • Better playing time between charges
  • Stronger Bluetooth connection to enhance the range

Final thoughts

When I first removed these headphones from their packaging, I did not expect much from them. They felt way too flexible and quite different from the construction and design of the ones that I had previously tested years ago. However, my testing has made me a fan and quite unexpectedly they have become a fixture in my EDC bag. I take the railroad back and forth to work every day, and with conventional earbuds and headphones, I have frequently missed announcements that have left me scrambling to find out information when there has been a change or cancelation of service. With these headphones that is not an issue. For me, they provide more than adequate sound for non-audiophile, daily leisure listening, and no discomfort when wearing them for extended periods of time. My phone calls are always clear and the auto-detection feature is a winner. While they are not perfect, I give them a well done and two thumbs up!!

Price: $149
Where to buy: WinnerGear website
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by WinnerGear

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Crane Bone Conduction Headphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 9, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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.

iNA minimalist titanium containers review

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – Small metal vials are a convenient way to store small items such as medication, matches, dollar bills, and more. If you like titanium, look no further than iNA minimalist titanium containers which are currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.

What is it?

iNA minimalist titanium containers are small vials made of food safe grade 5 titanium.

Design and features

The iNA storage containers are available in the 4 sizes that you see above. I’ve placed a quarter next to the vials to give you an idea of their size.

Each vial has a perfect satin finish that is smooth and doesn’t attract fingerprints or smudges. They are also corrosive resistant.

These storage containers have been expertly machined so that you can’t feel or even see the seam between the two parts of the container.

The top and bottom of each container are threaded and the top section has an adjustable braided cord loop.

The bottom section has an O-ring to keep the interior waterproof.

What I like

  • Well made
  • Waterproof
  • 4 sizes

What I’d change

  • Individual containers are expensive

Final thoughts

The iNA minimalist titanium containers are a simple product that is well made and attractive. If you add one of these containers to your EDC, you’ll be able to use them for years to come.

Where can I find more info?

The iNA campaign ends on 8/12/19 they are working towards their funding goal of $2,245. You can pre-order an iNA titanium container starting at 49€ ($55). After the iNA campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Aokimade.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

iNA minimalist titanium containers review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 8, 2019 at 12:23 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.

Linkind Aroma Coffee Brewer review

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – I am a coffee drinker, and each day at work I drink at least 2 large mugs of French Vanilla coffee that I brew from ether Dunkin Donuts or Folgers ground coffee. I keep a medium size coffee brewer at my desk and each day I go through the process of brewing my coffee and then washing the filter and carafe which is made from glass and is quite fragile. Nevertheless, it continues to serve we well after 2 years and counting. The Linkind Aroma Coffee Brewer promises the perfect cup of coffee along with portability, durability and it should also be very easy to clean. Will I forsake my old trusty coffee brewer for the new? Let’s see!!

What is it?

The Linkind Aroma Coffee Brewer is a battery-operated brewer that works by creating the ability for evenly poured hot water over ground coffee to yield an evenly brewed aroma rich cup of coffee. It is made of impact-resistant material for longevity.

What’s in the box


1 x Linkind Coffee Brewer Main Body
1 x Coffee Grounds Filter
1 x Filter Holder
1 x Water Reservoir and Cover
1 x Coffee Measure Spoon
1 x Instruction Booklet

Design and features

The Linkind Aroma Coffee Brewer is made up of a main body and parts that compliment it to make up the entire device. On the side of the main body, there is a battery compartment and an on/off switch.

There as a metal reusable filter that is used to hold and filter the ground coffee.

The filter sits in a holder than then sits in a hole at the bottom of the brewer that rests above your coffee cup.

Performance

Once you unpack the brewer, the instructions say that you should wash all of the parts with warm water and soap. I washed everything except for the main body because it contains the battery compartment and because it does not come into contact with the coffee. I then dried all of the parts that I washed and inserted the 2 AAA batteries.

As per the instructions, I filled the included coffee spoon with coffee and then poured it into the filter.


The next step is to place the filter into its holder and into the main body of the brewer that should be sitting over the coffee cup. For this test, I used a drinking glass so that the brewing process can be easily seen.

See it in action

Brewing………….

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The functionality that makes a tasteful and aroma filled cup of coffee
  • Easy to clean

What I’d change

  • Should include a good carry/travel case
  • Should include batteries
  • Should have a slightly larger reservoir so that it yields a full cup of coffee
  • It does not heat/boil water

Final thoughts

Linkind‘s Aroma Coffee Brewer is a nice lightweight and compact coffee brewer that works well for a nicely brewed single half-cup of coffee. The coffee that it brews does taste like a well-brewed, flavorful mixture, but my biggest gripe is that I would like a bigger reservoir so that I can pour enough hot water at once to get that full perfect cup of coffee. At the Max line on the reservoir, I get approximately a bit less than half a cup of coffee and I am using what would be considered a regular size cup. My solution is to keep the kettle nearby and to keep pouring water to make a full cup, which also requires more than a spoonful of ground coffee. This is obviously an inconvenience especially considering that you are using hot water and spills and other mishaps can occur, and you have to carry a flask of hot water to make the portability worthwhile.

I drink at least 2 large cups of coffee every weekday, and while my coffee brewer does require electricity and is much larger with a somewhat fragile/breakable carafe, it only cost me $21, it boils the water as a part of the process and so far it has worked well for over 2 years. I like the portability of this brewer, and if access to hot water whenever you need a cup of coffee is no problem, then this might just work for you.

Price: Super early bird price $38.99 US ($304 HKD)
Where to buy: Linkind’s Indiegogo page
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by Linkind.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Linkind Aroma Coffee Brewer review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 8, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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.

WORX 20″ 3-in-1 cordless lawnmower review

REVIEW – The last couple of springs I’ve been researching cordless electric lawnmowers because my trusty gas-powered model seemed to be on its last legs. Well, this spring it finally died. As luck would have it, I received a review offer for the WORX 20″ cordless lawnmower. Needless to say, I was very excited to see if an electric mower could perform as well as a gas-powered one.

What is it?

The WORX 20” 3-in-1 cordless electric lawnmower is a lawnmower that’s powered by 2-20V batteries instead of gas.

Hardware specs

  • Rated voltage – 40V
  • Deck width – 20”Cutting diameter – 19”
  • Cut height range – 1.5”-3.5″
  • Grass bag capacity  – 1.4 bushels
  • Machine weight – 66.8 lbs
  • Warranty – 3 years

What’s in the box?

  • Lawnmower
  • Grass bag
  • Mulching plug
  • Side discharge attachment
  • (2) 5.0 Ah 20V Power Share Batteries
  • HR dual charger

Design and features

The mower came pretty much pre-assembled in the box. The only thing I had to do was extend and tighten the handle and charge the batteries.

At first glance, the WORX 3-in-1 looks like a typical lawnmower minus the gas tank and oil dipstick. The battery compartment is located where you’d normally find the gas tank.

The mower is powered by 2-20V 5.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries giving the mower 40V of cutting power.

There’s a battery life indicator located just behind the battery compartment that allows you to check the battery life with the push of a button.

Charging the batteries is done by sliding them into the included dual charger. While charging, the indicator lights flash green. When the batteries are fully charged, the lights will remain solid. Fully charging the batteries takes about 2.5 hours.

The mowers batteries are also part of WORX Power Share. This means you can share the 20V batteries with other WORX garden and lawn tools.

The mowers outer housing and wheels are made of lightweight, durable plastic. The 20″ cutting deck is made of steel and gives the mower a cutting width of 19″. Steel is not only more durable, but it’s also more mulching friendly as grass slides off steel better than plastic or aluminum.

The handle is fully collapsible for compact and easy storage.

When folded you can stand the mower up on end so it can easily be placed up against a wall. I love this because it makes it easier to store in my shed where space is at a premium.

The ergonomic handle is also padded, making it more comfortable to maneuver while cutting.

One of my favorite features is the single lever height adjustment. It allows you to quickly adjust the cutting height from 11/4” to 4” using a single lever. Much easier than my gas powered mower which required each wheel to be adjusted individually. I can’t begin to tell you what a pain that was.

The mower offers 3 different cutting methods. You can mulch, bag, or side discharge. Mulching is done by installing the included mulching plug at the back of the mower. If you choose to bag your clippings as I do, you can use the included 1-bushel bag which easily installs at the back of the mower. Lastly, you can use side discharge by installing the side discharge attachment.

Performance and use

Using the mower couldn’t be easier, just drop the batteries into the battery compartment, and you’re ready to mow. To start it, insert the plastic safety key and hold down the start button while engaging the operating bail handle. For safety, the motor stops as soon as you let go of the operating bail handle.

This mower is amazingly quiet and lightweight compared to my gas-powered model. It sounds like you’re cutting the grass with a fan. You can actually have a normal conversation with someone without having to yell over a loud engine. And its light enough that my 74-year-old mother said that even she could cut the grass using it.

Performance wise it simply blew me away. It cut my lawn every bit as good as my old gas-powered mower. It powered through tall grass and damp grass without issue. And pushing it around was like a walk in the park. Below is a video showing how easy the mower is to start and use. 

I used the bagging function, and the bag was easy to take off and empty. It’s a smaller size (1 bushel) then I’m used to so I did have to empty it more often, but that wasn’t a big deal.

My lawn grows uneven, and some areas have taller grass, being able to adjust the cutting height with a single lever was easy and time-saving.

I was also remarkably impressed by the battery life. I was able to cut my front, side, and back lawn (approx. 6,000 square feet) and still had more than half of a charge left.

No gas, no oil, no maintenance… no brainer

Maybe the best thing about this mower is that it’s pretty much maintenance free. Especially compared to a gas-powered mower. No more buying gas, changing oil or replacing air filters. About the only thing you have to do is keep it clean and maintain the blade. Over time this mower will pay for itself with the money you save on gas and other maintenance.

What I like

  • Easy to use
  • Collapsible handle for easy upright storage
  • Incredibly quiet
  • Good battery life
  • One lever height adjustment
  • Low maintenance

What I’d change

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

The WORX 20” cordless lawnmower is the perfect choice for small to medium size yards, and it doesn’t cost much more than a high quality gas-powered mower. I like products that make everyday tasks we dread doing easier and in the case of the WORX cordless mower, a tad bit more enjoyable. Personally, I love using this lawnmower, and I’ll never go back to gas again.

Price: $349.99 currently marked down to $319.99 on the WORX site.
Where to buy: WORX and Home Depot
Source: The sample for this review was provided by WORX.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

WORX 20″ 3-in-1 cordless lawnmower review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 8, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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.