Google is opening pop-up stores in New York City and Los Angeles to sell their new products announced at the Pixel 2 launch event earlier this month. They will have interactive pods that let you play with the Pixel 2, Google Home, and Daydream View, plus more. If you’re on either coast you can visit the stores from now until December 31 to get your holiday shopping on, or perhaps buy something for yourself! You can find out more about events and products at the Google store website.
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To celebrate fall, we are giving away two prize packs consisting of eight awesome products from Skylink, Circle, Adaptive Sound Technologies Inc, Spider Holster, and Blast Motion. To enter, just answer three questions in a comment section at the bottom of this post. And if you’re willing to jump through a few extra hoops, you can get up to three additional entries which greatly increases your chances of winning. Please click through to read the details on the prizes and to submit your entries for a chance to win our fall gadget giveaway prize pack!
1st Place Prize Pack – 1 of each of the following 7 products:
Skylink: SkylinkNet Alarm System Kit
Connected home security kit integrates directly with Alexa Voice Services and nearly all major smart home devices on IFTTT (If This Then That)
Utilizes Alexa Voice Service technology for maximum integration into the connected home
IFTTT function allows users to connect their kit to other industry leading connected home accessories including Amazon Echo, Nest® Cam™, WeMo®, and Phillips Hue
Homeowners can run recipes for functions unrelated to smart devices, such as receiving immediate email notifications for any occurrences in the home
Equipped with back up battery in case of power failure
App allows up to 6 users to monitor one or various locations at the same time
Works with up to 100 wireless sensors and controllers and 10 wireless cameras
No monthly fees or long-term contracts
Kit includes an Internet Hub, 2x motion sensor, 2x keychain remote, 2x door or window sensors, and 2x plug-in dimmers
Wireless Indoor Camera features 2-way talk with night vision and an audio output jack
Controlled by an Internet Hub that connects through a wireless router to coordinate sensor and receiver activity
iOS & Android smartphone app sends push notifications when sensors are triggered or if the alarm is armed or disarmed
Connected screw-in dimmer integrates traditional light bulbs into the smart home, easily controlled by a smartphone app
Utilizes Alexa Voice Service technology for maximum integration into the connected home
IFTTT function allows users to connect their kit to other industry leading connected home accessories including Amazon Echo, Nest® Cam™, WeMo®, and Phillips Hue
Allows users to adjust lights remotely, dimming, brightening, and switching on and off with an iOS or Android device
Features a quick and easy set-up, using the light bulbs already in the home for more efficiency
Controlled by an Internet Hub ($99) that connects through a wireless router to coordinate sensor and receiver activity
Compatible with incandescent, LED bulbs, and CFL
Compatible with SkylinkNet’s suite of connected home kits and accessories
Connected garage door opener integrates directly with Alexa Voice Services
Utilizes Alexa Voice Service technology for maximum integration into the connected home
IFTTT function allows users to connect the garage door opener to other industry leading connected home accessories including Amazon Echo, Nest® Cam™, WeMo®, and Phillips Hue
Homeowners can run recipes for functions unrelated to smart devices, such as receiving immediate email notifications for any occurrences in the home
Features a built-in LED light for long lasting illumination without the need to replace the light bulb
Equipped with a back-up battery in case of a power outage
Includes a passcode protected, 3-button remote, enhancing security and peace of mind
LCD Wall Console eliminates the need for cumbersome wiring or standing on a ladder for an extended time
Numeric display guides users through programming steps, ensuring easy installation
Wireless design of the garage door opener and safety infrared sensors simplifies installation process
Offers quiet operation, ideal for homes with living space above the garage
Available in durable chain drive or steel-reinforced belt drive
SkylinkNet app is available for iOS and Android devices
Connected plug allows users to control small home appliances through a smartphone app
Utilizes Alexa Voice Service technology for maximum integration into the connected home
IFTTT function allows users to connect their kit to other industry leading connected home accessories including Amazon Echo, Nest® Cam™, WeMo®, and Phillips Hue
Turns electronic devices, such as fans and coffee makers, on and off through an iOS or Android
Elegant space saving, one-outlet design offers unrestrictive access to secondary power outlet for practicality
Controlled by an Internet Hub ($99) that connects through a wireless router to coordinate sensor and receiver activity
Compatible with SkylinkNet’s suite of connected home kits and accessories
World’s first custom monitoring system to protect your family on the Internet
Device pairs wirelessly with home network and instantly detects devices paired with local Wi-Fi network including: smart phones, gaming systems, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, etc.
The companion Circle with Disney app (currently available for iOS 8 or later and Android), gives parents full control over which content is viewed and the time spent on each device
Through the dashboard, parents can create unique profiles for each family member with specific parental control settings such as:
Time Limits – Allows for complete control of screen time usage between a variety of apps, platforms and web-based programs
Bedtime™ – Automatically disconnects and reconnects devices from Wi-Fi at scheduled times
Filter – Set individual age and interest filters for each family member
Pause – Ability to turn off and turn on network Wi-Fi at any time
Circle Go extends all of the features and functionality of Circle in the home to any network (wireless or cellular) to outside the home
Extends all of the features and functionality of Circle in the home to any network (wireless or cellular) to outside the home
Intuitive insights allow parents to track and compare online usage from week to week, month to month, per site, by interest or category
Security at its core, Circle uses end-to-end encryption and ARP spoofing to keep data secure
ARP spoofing automatically monitors all traffic on the home network, and based on the pre-set parental controls, will allow or deny access to the users’ device
Circle with Disney app also recognizes guest devices and can apply a family’s home setting to visitors’ device and block ads from any device on the network
Fully compliant with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) standards
Simplistic design means Circle seamlessly blends into any home aesthetic
No software per device to install
Ethernet cord available for those with bandwidth concerns
Price: $99; Circle Go: $9.95/month (not required to use the product) Website:www.meetcircle.com
2nd Place Prize is the winner’s choice of one of the following Blast Motion products:
Blast Motion: Blast Golf 360
The world’s most accurate and consistent real-time motion capture technology for Driving and Putting
Removable motion sensor analyzes and records putts and full swings for 8 hours, allowing users to quantify progress and share highlights via social networks
Adaptive slow mo gives greater insights into your swing without any video editing (:15 video example)
Paired iOS app performs Smart Video Capture automatically detecting, capturing and personalizing your video highlights with overlaid metrics, creating ready-made sharable videos
First solution to integrate both putting and driving data into a quarter-sized devices
Intelligently detects golf metrics like swing speed (drivers), loft and lie (putters) and it helps golfers identify trends through stats and graphs
Sensor has ability to store strokes when it is out of range from the app
Proprietary sensing technology maintains accuracy within less than one mile per hour
Bluetooth® Smart (Bluetooth® low energy technology) connects the sensor mounted on the driver or putter shaft to your iOS device
Charges in 1.5 hours with included wireless charging base
Blast Golf app is designed for iPhone 6/6+, iPhone 5, iPad 3 / iPad Mini 2 and iPod Touch 5th generation or newer as well as Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6, LG G3, Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen.)
The world’s most accurate and consistent motion-capture technology for batting
Removable motion sensor analyzes and records swing data for 8 hours, allowing users to quantify progress and share highlights via social networks
Adaptive slow mo gives greater insights into your swing without any video editing (:15 video example)
Paired app performs Smart Video Capture automatically detecting, capturing and personalizing your video highlights with overlaid metrics, creating ready-made sharable videos
Intelligently detects metrics like swing speed, power, timing and direction and helps players identify trends through stats and graphs
Sensor has ability to store swings when it is out of range from the app
Proprietary sensing technology maintains accuracy within less than one mile per hour
Bluetooth® Smart (Bluetooth® low energy technology) connects the sensor mounted on the bat to your iOS or Android device
Charges in 1.5 hours with included wireless charging base
App is designed for iPhone 6/6+, iPhone 5, iPad 3 / iPad Mini 2 and iPod Touch 5th generation or newer as well as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6, LG G3 and Motorola Moto X
Sensor to advance player development by capturing batting metrics
Removable motion sensor analyzes and records swing data for 8 hours, allowing users to quantify progress and share highlights via social networks
Intelligently detects metrics like swing speed, power, timing and direction and helps players identify trends through stats and graphs
Paired app performs Smart Video Capture automatically detecting, capturing and personalizing your video highlights with overlaid metrics, creating ready-made sharable videos
Sensor has the ability to store swings when it is out of range from the app
Proprietary sensing technology maintains accuracy within less than one mile per hour
Bluetooth® Smart connects the sensor mounted on the bat to your iOS or Android device
Charges in 1.5 hours with included wireless charging base
App is designed for iPhone 6/6+, iPhone 5, iPad 3 / iPad Mini 2 and iPod Touch 5th generation or newer as well as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6, LG G3 and Motorola Moto X
How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):
Between now and 10/23/2017 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.
What is your default device to read The Gadgeteer? Phone, Tablet, Desktop?
Do you like our mobile theme? If not, why? (FYI: I recently changed the theme)
What is the biggest thing missing from The Gadgeteer?
Get a 2nd bonus entry by subscribing to our newsletter:
You’ll receive 3 emails a week with latest post info. Subscribe here.
If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, let me know and you’ll get a 2nd bonus entry.
Get a 3rd bonus entry by tweeting:
The Gadgeteer is giving away gadgets again! Enter their fall contest now. It’s easy! https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/10/19/fall-giveaway/
Make sure you come back to this page and leave a separate 2nd comment stating that you subscribed to the newsletter, a 3rd comment with a link to your tweet and a 4th comment with a link to your Facebook post. To get the links for Twitter and Facebook, just click the time stamp of your post and it will give you the page with that post so you can grab the link.
At some point on 10/24/2017, I’ll pick two random winners using random.org. The winners will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my emails in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prize packs are claimed.
Rules:
1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).
2. Gadgeteer writers and their immediate family members may not enter this contest.
3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages due to incorrect shipping addresses.
4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize offer within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the contest page comment section and will be emailed using the email provided in the comment section. Check your spam folder.
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Do you brush your teeth at least two times a day, preferably right after you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night? If you answered yes, good for you. If you answered no, I foresee dentures in your future. Seriously though, how do you make dental hygiene a habit and can the right toothbrush be the answer? I’ve been testing a quip electric toothbrush for the last couple of weeks. Let’s see if it has made brushing is my new favorite hobby.
What is it?
quip is a compact electric toothbrush that has been designed to ditch gimmicks like Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, reminder LEDs to change the heads, etc., in favor of creating an easy to use toothbrush that will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What’s in the package?
You can purchase a quip toothbrush with or without quip toothpaste. quip sent me a kit with the brush and a tube of their mint toothpaste paste.
The toothbrush is available in six colors. I was sent the copper version.
Design and features
The quip toothbrush is very compact for an electric toothbrush. It’s barely larger than a traditional plastic handled toothbrush.
The quip brush has a CNC’d aluminum handle with a bead-blasted matte finish.
The brush is made of plastic with a small flat brush head at the end of the handle, that has soft rounded DuPont nylon bristles that are surrounded by a row of rubber “fingers”.
The back of the brush head has a rubber covering with the quip logo and short nubs that can be used to clean your tongue.
As you will notice, there isn’t an obvious charging socket or USB connector built into the handle of the quip toothbrush. You might notice the power button though. It’s built into the white part of the brush head where you see the q. Pressing this button turns on a 2-minute brushing timer.
The brush head can be removed when it needs to be replaced after 3 months. It can also be removed if the AAA battery in the handle needs to be replaced. Rubber O-rings keep the mechanism water-tight.
A toothbrush holder is included with the quip. This holder has an adhesive strip on the side so it can be attached to your bathroom mirror or wall. It can also be used as a travel cover like you see above.
Let’s brush!
Since the quip toothbrush runs on one AAA ordinary alkaline battery, you don’t have to worry about charging it up for your first brushing session. All you need to do is remove it from the package, rinse the bristles, add a pea-sized blob of toothpaste, press the q button on the handle and brush your teeth.
If you’ve used other electric toothbrushes, you won’t be impressed with the way the quip feels against your teeth. Although you can feel the vibration in the handle, the bristles don’t spin or even move at all.
The vibration sensation might cause people to think that they can just hold the bristles against their teeth to clean them without actually moving the brush back and forth across their teeth and gums.
Even though the brush bristles don’t move, the vibration feature is useful because the toothbrush pulses every 30 seconds to prompt you to move to the next quadrant of your mouth. After 2 minutes, the brush pulses twice and stops vibrating to let you know that the brushing session has ended.
One thing I noticed about the quip’s aluminum handle is that it gets slippery after toothpaste and spit start running down your hand.
The toothpaste
I was also sent a tube of quip mint toothpaste. I normally use Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste and found the quip toothpaste to have more grit than what I’m used to but the taste of the paste was just fine and it cleaned my teeth fine as well.
Final thoughts
Do I think that the quip toothbrush cleaned my teeth better than a manual toothbrush? No, not really. But I do think the quip helped me brush longer than a manual toothbrush? Yes, the 30 seconds per quadrant pulsing feature really does help you do a more thorough job of cleaning your teeth and gums.
But here’s the thing. You can go to Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, or one of many other stores and buy a manual toothbrush (with a small head and soft bristles – because that’s the best for your teeth and gums) in a pack of 4 for only $5 or so. That’s much less than what you will pay for the quip toothbrush.
A quip toothbrush starter set without the toothpaste costs $45 and you’ll then be billed $5 every three months to receive a replacement head. That works out to $60 a year. You can save $5 if you prepay $55 for a full year. You’ll also need to replace that AAA battery 3 times a year because quip doesn’t include a battery in their brush replacement kit. So let’s add another $4 for a pack of batteries to make a yearly cost of $59 a year assuming that you go the prepaid route. That means the quip will cost you $54 more a year than buying a 4 pack of manual toothbrushes for $5. The only features missing when you go with a manual toothbrush are the holder/travel cover and the 2-minute brushing timer.
While I like the look and feel of the quip, I don’t see it as a better value than a traditional toothbrush.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by quip. Please visit their site for more info.
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I’ve tried a few über-protective cases for my iPhones, with mixed results. Most have protected well, but their downfall is often a thick, plastic, built-in screen protector that severely reduces the touch-sensitivity of the screen. Perhaps Case Boss has solved that with their Heavy Duty Protective iPhone Case. In addition to being armored against bumps, drops and dings with its aluminum-reinforced frame and rubberized anti-shock silicone interior (the layers even screw together), plus covers overall buttons and ports to aid in water splash and dust resistance, it also features a built-in 9H Gorilla Glass screen protector, which in theory would allow more touchscreen responsiveness than the standard plastic style of screen protector. Available in multiple colors and for multiple iPhone models, each for $79.99. Visit Case Boss for more info or to order. You can also find similar cases on Amazon.
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Let’s face it. Even if you aren’t actually afraid of bugs and spiders, you may still have a problem smearing them all over your walls. I personally don’t like to kill the poor little buggers, but they don’t belong in my house or smooshed all over the place. Having the Redo Rechargeable Bug Vacuum at your fingertips may be a fun way for kids (or squeamish adults) to stop running and screaming for help at the sight of a little intruder, and run for the bug vacuum! It is fully charged in 2 hours via USB cable so it should always be ready to go, and the LED flashlight equipped device will allow you to suck them up day or night. You can pick one up on Amazon for $23.99 and banish the bugs with no mess, and no chemicals!
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