Improving the loading speed of your website can have a dramatic effect on the success of your site. Faster loading times improve user experience, SEO rankings, conversion rates, time on site, lower bounce rates, and increase engagement. You can check the speed of your site using Website Speed Test Tools. These tools analyze items such as testing Time to First Byte or the time it takes for a browser to start receiving information. They also check total load times, page sizes, and the number of requests. These tools identify scripts, fonts, and plugins that cause load time issues (HTML, JavaScript, CSS)… Read more
CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Here are four Kickstarter campaigns that caught my eye this week. Let me know if these products interest you too or if I missed a really good campaign that I should talk about.
TRIO: The on-the-go dual & triple screen laptop monitor
What is it?
TRIO is a magnetic dual monitor setup for your laptop.
Why do I like it?
I like TRIO because it lets you add additional screen real estate to your laptop at home and even on the road without having to lug large heavy traditional monitors. I’d love to use this at home with my MacBook and ditch my regular monitors just because it looks like it would save me some desk space.
Where can I find more info?
The TRIO campaign ends on 8/3/19 they have more than met their funding goal of $35,000. You can pre-order a TRIO starting at $185. After the TRIO campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2020. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Get: Hi-tech bracelet with bone-conduction technology
What is it?
Get is a wearable bone conduction headset for your phone that transmits sound from your wrist through your finger into your ear.
Why do I like it?
I like Get because it’s a futuristic way to take calls while you’re on the move without having to use an uncomfortable headset. I’m not sure how it sounds to use tech like this, but you can’t deny that it looks really cool. The only downside is that it isn’t “handsfree” since you do have to hold your hand up to your ear to hear the audio.
Where can I find more info?
The Get campaign ends on 7/31/19 they have already met their funding goal of $24,848. You can pre-order a Get starting at $130. After the Get campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2020. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
The Pocket Guitar Stand
What is it?
The Pocket Guitar Stand is exactly what you would guess it is It’s a guitar stand that fits in your pocket.
Why do I like it?
I like The Pocket Guitar Stand because it’s much nicer looking than the ugly metal stands that I have for my guitars. The Pocket Guitar stand is made of wood and you can take it with you when you travel with your guitar. Heck, I’d like to have one (or three) for my house!
Where can I find more info?
The Pocket Guitar Stand campaign ends on 7/11/19 they are still working towards their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Pocket Guitar Stand starting at $49. After the Pocket Guitar Stand campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Noni Backpack – Moving with Ease
What is it?
The Noni Backpack is a backpack that is made of Tyvek.
Why do I like it?
I like the Noni Backpack because it’s ultra lightweight (18oz when empty), waterproof, and stainproof.
Where can I find more info?
The Noni Backpack campaign ends on 8/1/19 they have already met their modest funding goal of $735. You can pre-order a Noni Backpack starting at $44. After the Noni Backpack campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
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College students, faculty, and staff can save on a new MacBook and tons of other Apple hardware. Apple’s Education pricing can save you between $50 and $200, depending on what you’re purchasing. It can also provide a 20% discount for some subscription services. You’ll need a .edu email address and may need to log in through your student portal to verify your status as a student. Verifying Your Student Status In order to get Apple’s education pricing and hardware, software, and subscription products like Apple Music for Students, you’ll need to verify your student or educator status with… Read more
REVIEW – I remember the days when many toys were wooden and any electronic toys were a rare and amazing gift. These days, almost every toy is technology based and many are interactive. I love the way my kids interact with interactive devices designed for kids, and I was so happy when I got a chance to take a look at the Wodtoizi RC Robot Dinosaur.
What is it?
The Wodtoizi RC Robot Dinosaur is a remote-controlled Dinosaur toy that works via a variety of commands and instructions. The remote control works up to 33 feet away, and the experience includes several interactive functions and features. It features a rechargeable battery and is made from non-toxic ABS plastic that is odorless and phthalate-free. The toy is recommended for ages 7+.
What’s in the box
1 x Wodtoizi RC Robot Dinosaur
1 x Plastic Rockets
1 x USB Charging Cable
1 x Water Bottle
1 x Remote Control
1 x User Guide
Design and features
I don’t usually mention the packaging in this section of a review, but I have this time because this Dinosaur robot comes in an attractively designed box that would immediately catch the eye of most children.
All over the head and body of the Dinosaur, there are horns that light up.
On the top near the back of the Dinosaur, there is the rocket launcher mechanism as shown below.
Underneath the Dinosaur, there are the wheels that allow it to move, and there is the battery compartment that holds the rechargeable battery. On the bottom left, you can also see the power switch.
There is a remote control that is included that has buttons for all of the functions including the fire breathing, directional control, the voice, and music controls, the rocket launcher, etc.
Performance
In order for the Dinosaur robot to work, you first need to install batteries in the remote control and remove and charge the rechargeable battery that comes contained in the battery compartment at the bottom of the toy. Since there is no external USB charging port on the Dinosaur itself, you have to use a screwdriver to open the battery compartment and remove the battery, and then connect the supplied charging cable that plugs into a USB power source for charging. The battery compartment of the remote control is also held in place by a screw, but the remote uses conventional AAA batteries.
Once everything is charged, you then want to use the supplied “water bottle” to put some water in the designated reservoir on the top of the dinosaur. This is what creates the mist for the fire breathing feature. See below:
Once you have filled up the water, you are now ready to play with and interact with the Dinosaur. The remote control does not have an on/off button so you just need to turn on the on/off switch that is underneath the toy.
Here are some videos of its activity:
The robot toy has many modes including Battle mode, fire breathing modes, story mode, song mode, dance mode, etc.
My kids are younger than 7 years old, and I made the decision not to let them play with the rocket/missile launcher feature. The projectiles insert into the launcher and click into a spring-loaded mechanism. The projectile does release with a good amount of force that I feel can hurt a child and even an adult if it hits them in their eye. Otherwise, the rest of the features are fun for them.
What I like
The attractive design
The functions and features
What I’d change
The construction seems a bit fragile for an energetic child
A built-in charging port that does not require you to unscrew the battery cover and detach the battery each time to charge.
Final thoughts
The Wodtoizi RC Robot Dinosaur is an attractive toy with entertaining features. It is marketed as an educational toy, and while it does include interactive capabilities, it is still more like a toy. The manufacturer indicates that it is appropriate for ages 7+, and I would agree mostly because the projectiles that it fires could potentially hurt someone given the velocity. Nevertheless, it is a nice toy and for the price, it is worth it for the joy a kid will get from playing with it.
Price: $49.99 Where to buy: Amazon Source: The sample for this review was provided by Wodtoizi.
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NEWS – The AtomXS is a tiny backup battery that offers 800mAh of juice for your phone. That’s not a lot of battery capacity, but it’s enough to provide around 2hrs of usage when you need it the most.
This keyfob styled charger has a retractable tip and is available in USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning connector versions. Charge it up and hang it from your keychain so you’ll always have portable power right when you need it. The AtomXS charge will last up to 3 months and you can find more info at AtomXSmall.com and buy one of the USB versions for $29.95 or the Lightning version for $39.95 from The Grommet.
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: Hi-tech bracelet with bone-conduction technology
