OtterBox uniVERSE Case System and charge force battery review

Phone cases can be a highly personal thing. People have all sorts of requirements for what they want in a phone case, color, size and even features. For me, I like a case that can meet my daily needs as well as my travel needs, as an example my current case the Dog&Bone Backbone case. This case offers protection for my iPhone as well as Qi charging and a removable backup battery. OtterBox has come out with their new uniVERSE Case System that does all of what my Backbone case does and more.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

The question you may have is “do I need a case that does more than just protect my phone”? For some of you, that may be no, but the answer is yes for me. The OtterBox uniVerse Case System Case has the following listed feature on the OtterBox web page;

  • Modular design: connect modules to give your phone smart new features
  • Powerful protection: engineered to survive drops, scuffs, and scrapes
  • Slim design: one-piece build that complements your phone’s clean lines
  • Easy to install: slips onto your phone fast and comes off quick

And is made with the following materials;

  • Synthetic rubber interior with engineered ribbing helps absorb shock
  • Hard polycarbonate exterior helps prevent scratches
  • Synthetic rubber raised beveled edge helps keep your touch screen safe

The charge force battery has the following features;

  • Designed just for the uniVERSE Case System
  • Low-profile battery easily connects to any OtterBox uniVERSE case and fits comfortably in your hand.
  • 2,500mAh battery gives users 39 total hours of talk time.
  • Universal wireless charging compatible with Qi and other wireless charging systems like those available at coffee houses, in furniture and many new cars.
  • Compatible with all Mophie Charge Force wireless accessories and mounts.
  • uniVERSE case sold separately. Available for iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

And is made with the following materials;

  • Premium soft-touch plastic
  • Lithium-ion battery

The uniVERSE Case comes in two colors, black and snow capped (white and gray as seen by the one I am reviewing). It has a lightly textured finish for a good grip and feel in the hand.

I am using an iPhone 6 for this review so all the buttons and switches are on the sides. The top of the uniVERSE case is smooth except for a notch point to attach some of the external accessories made for this case.

The bottom of the uniVERSE case is cut out to allow access to the Lightning port, the headphone jack, and speaker.

On the right side of the case has a covered on/off button cutout that functions well and feels solid when used.

[OtterBox uniVERSE Case System-7 left side]

The left side of the uniVERSE case has a cut out for the phone silent slider and covered volume rocker switches. Like the right side covered switch the rocker switch cover works well and feels good to use.

There is nothing really special about the front of the case, it has the cutouts for the camera and flash. On my case the upper half of the molded case is gray

The back of the OtterBox uniVERSE case has the cutout for the camera and flash and the removable accent plate that slides off to allow the users to attach the different modules that are made for the case system.

When being offered the chance to review this case I was also offered a chance to review the mophie charge force battery designed to be used with this case. The features and materials are listed above.

The back of the mophie has mophie stamped in the middle, a button in the lower left and four LED lights next to the button. The lights are used to tell you how much charge you have in the battery. You can tell this by pressing the button. When attached to the uniVERSE case and your phone the button also starts the charging process on the phone.

The front of the battery unit has a Lightning connector, an accent plate connector to attach the battery to the case and the serial number and technical information (the technical info is hard to see because it is black). When connected to your phone and the case the battery stays in place with no noticeable movement.

The bottom of the mophie charge force battery has a bump out that holds the Lightning connector. The bottom also has the Micro USB port that allows the battery to be charged. A nice feature of this battery is that it can be charged on or off of the phone case, and when you are charging the battery, when it is attached to the phone it, will charge the iPhone as well. Let me address the Micro USB port before I go on. I know some of you will say “if it is an Apple specific product why doesn’t have a Lightning connector” and I originally thought that way with my Dog&Bone case, but I found out that when you are on the road it is easier finding a Micro USB cable to borrow than a Lightning cable, plus the battery comes with a Micro USB cable.

So, what’s my bottom line here? Well, that depends. I like the case and battery a lot. The fit, finish, and materials seem first rate. So, it comes down to about three things for me. Price, accessories integration, and need. As you see from above I have a Dog & Bone Backbone case that serves the same function as the OtterBox uniVERSE case. Honestly, I think the Dog & Bone design and integration is better than the OtterBox offering. Although the Dog & Bone case is slightly longer nothing sticks out of the end. On accessories the OtterBox uniVERSE case has the Dog & Bone beat hands down. What made the Dog & Bone Backbone case appealing to me was the Qi charging integration and the ability to add an integrated battery, OtterBox has upped the ante with a host of products that can be integrated to its uniVERSE system; speakers, chip readers even thermal imaging cameras. This one goes to OtterBox for sure. Price is the final factor here and on that front, the cases are tied. Although the Dog & Bone Backbone case is initially higher in price ($89.95) compared to the OtterBox uniVERSE case ($49.95). The Dog & Bone case comes with the Qi charging back and a charging pad so if you add in any of the uniVERSE accessories (prices range from $19.95 to $299) you break about even.

When it comes down to the common accessories that I have for both cases, the mophie battery I will admit has more juice in it and is built nicer with the LED readout on the back telling you how much charge you have left in it. But, as I mentioned above the battery integration on the Dog & Bone case is better. And now that I have left you with no clear winner in this comparison let me say this, both of these cases are worth consideration. Both are solid choices for protection and use. I guess what it comes down to is how you plan to use your phone and what accessories you potentially want to use with your iPhone. The versatility of the OtterBox uniVERSE Case System will appeal to a lot of folks who want to use their phones for more than a phone. The OtterBox uniVERSE case is available for $49.95 on the OtterBox website along with the $69.95 mophie charge force battery.

ource: The sample for this review was provided by OtterBox. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $49.95 case $69.95 mophi battery
Manufacturer: OtterBox
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • iPhone 6/6s, 6 Plus or iPhone 7/7 Plus
Pros:
  • A lot of attachable accessories

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OtterBox uniVERSE Case System and charge force battery review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 29, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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Leatherman adds Watch to Tread, Tread LT

Leatherman has finally added a watch to the Tread Bracelet called the Tempo. It is a Swiss-made quartz movement with diver’s bezel, glow-in-the-dark hour markers and hands (stainless only), and a shock resistant sapphire crystal.  It is water resistant to 200m.  It will retail for $575 and be available in November.

Leatherman has also announced the Tread LT which is 20% narrower and 10% lighter than the original. The tools will be a 3/32″ Screwdriver, Cutting Hook, 6mm Hex Drive, 4mm Hex Drive, 8mm Box Wrench, #3 Square Drive, #1 Square Drive, Pozi-Driv #2 and 11mm Box Wrench. It is also TSA-friendly and comes in stainless steel and black.  Prices will start at $175. Visit Leatherman for more info.

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Leatherman adds Watch to Tread, Tread LT originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 29, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Hasselblad True Zoom Camera Moto Z Mod review

When you shop for a new smartphone, do you base your decision on how good the camera is? It’s a determining factor for me. I wouldn’t consider buying a phone that has a sub par camera because my phone is my main camera. That’s why I’ve been fascinated with camera accessories like clip on lenses that might improve my images and when Motorola and Hasselblad created the True Zoom camera Moto Mod, it perked my interest and I was happy to get the chance to try one out for a few days. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Hasselblad True Zoom is a Moto Mod for Motorola Moto Z smartphones that turn the Moto Z into a true pocket camera with a zoom lens.

This quick review isn’t going to be super technical because I’m not a professional photographer and I don’t know all the ends and outs of lenses and camera gear. I just am a casual photo snapper who mainly uses automatic mode to snap a few images every day. But I am always interested in making those images look better with the least amount of effort.

You probably already know what Moto Mods are by now, but just in case you don’t, they are magnetic attachments for Motorola Moto Z phones that offer extra functions and customizations. There are decorative covers for the back of the phone, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, gaming controllers, and more.

The Hasselblad True Zoom Camera Moto Z Mod shown above on the left has electrical contacts that match up with contacts on the back of a Moto Z phone to create an electrical connection. The mod is also magnetic which allows it to attach to the back of the phone without clips or latches.

At first glance, the True Zoom looks like a point-and-shoot camera. But upon closer inspection, you will notice that it doesn’t have a viewfinder, a display or a memory card slot. That’s where the Moto Z comes in.

The True Zoom snaps securely to the back of the Moto Z to turn it into a full fledged 12MP camera with 10x optical zoom, a xenon flash, shutter button, and zooming mechanism.

What’s in the box?
Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod
Protective carrying case
User guide

Camera specs
Sensor type: BSI CMOS
Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch
Pixel size: 1.55 um
Aperture: f3.5-6.5
Zoom: 10x optical/4x digital
Focal length: 4.5-45 mm (25-250mm 35mm equivalent)
Macro: 5cm @1x – 1.5m @10x
Image stabilization Still: OIS Video: EIS
ISO equivalent: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Dimensions: 152.3 x 72.9 x 9.0 – 15.1 mm
Weight: 145g

The True Zoom doesn’t need to be charged as it gets all the power it needs directly from the phone it’s attached to. It also doesn’t need its own software because it uses the built in camera app. So all you need to do is snap it on the back of the Moto Z and you’re ready to shoot.

The True Zoom Moto Mod adds considerable thickness to the very thin Moto Z2 Play Android smartphone that was included with the True Zoom for my evaluation. It’s a bulky mod and as such, it’s not something that you would leave attached to your phone all the time.

The True Zoom lives up to its name because it does indeed have a built in lens that zooms from 4.5-45 mm (25-250mm 35mm equivalent).

The Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod has a small power button on top and a larger shutter button with a spring loaded collar around it that is used to zoom the lens in and out.

Just like true cameras, you can press the shutter half way to focus and then all the way to snap the image.

The mod also offers a nice grip that adds even more to the pocket camera feel when you’re using it.

Let’s check out some images to see if the True Zoom makes a noticeable difference shooting images compared to capturing the same images with just the Moto Z2 Play.

Example images

I tried to frame the comparison shots as closely as I could and snapped them one after the other. So I would take a picture with the Moto Z2 Play and then put the Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod on the back and shoot the same image in that order. Also, all shots are taken without a tripod.

All images can be clicked to see the original full size photo.


Indoor shot with bright backlight. Both were taken with no zoom applied.


Both images above were taken without any zoom applied. They are similar except that I think the True Zoom captures colors that look more natural compared to the Moto Z2 Play’s image on the left which has too much green/yellow tint to it.


Both images have zoom applied and we start to notice that the True Zoom is sharper than the digital zoomed image from the Moto Z2 Play without the moto mod attached. The color tinge on the Moto picture is still noticeable.


More zoom applied to both. Both are blurry when you view the full sized image but the True Zoom pic looks considerably better in small sized web images.


Max zoom applied to both. The Moto Z2 Play image looks very blurry compared to the True Zoom pic. But if you click to see the full sized image, the True Zoom is also a little blurry. That could be because the picture was taken without a tripod which probably should be used with 10X zoomed pics. A threaded tripod socket on the True Zoom would be a nice feature that is lacking.


The yellow mailbox in the True Zoom image looks better than the Moto Z2 Play’s image because the color on the top curve of the mailbox is smoother and not over exposed like in the Moto Z2 image.


Again, the True Zoom’s image looks better when you compare the two Android figures.




When it comes to indoor low light pics, the Moto Z2 Play’s image without flash is brighter than the True Zoom’s image.

Using flash, the True Zoom’s image looks better. Check out the window in both images and notice how you can see the trees in the True Zoom’s picture (FYI: this is a basement window).

Note: you can shoot in RAW format with the True Zoom.

Using the Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod was easy for the most part because all I had to do was place it on the back of the phone and launch the camera app. No other special changes are needed. But I did notice a few issues.

The camera app seemed to crash on a semi-regular basis while the True Zoom was connected to the phone. I also noticed that sometimes the lens would extend when I would pull the phone with the attached mod out of my pocket because it was easy to press one of the buttons on the mod which sometimes (but not always) cause the mod to activate and wake the phone.

Final thoughts

I like the idea of the Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod, but when it comes down to the images improvements over a Moto Z without the True Zoom, I wasn’t overly impressed especially with non-zoomed images. I’d personally only carry this mod with me when I knew I’d be taking a lot of telephoto (zoomed) shots. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother using it due to the added bulk. There’s also the price which puts this accessory in the “I’d like to have this but I don’t want to pay this much for it” category for most people.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Verizon Wireless. Please visit their site for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $249.99
Manufacturer: Hasselblad / Motorola
Retailer: Verizon Wireless
Requirements:
  • Moto Z family of smartphones
Pros:
  • Easily snaps on the back
  • No charging necessary
  • 10 X zoom
Cons:
  • Bulky
  • Expensive
  • Camera app crashes regularly
  • Lacks a tripod socket

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Hasselblad True Zoom Camera Moto Z Mod review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 28, 2017 at 4:53 pm.

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Syllable D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones review

I am writing this review on a train while heading into the City of Philadelphia for a business meeting. I also happen to be listening to one of my favorite podcasts on my new favorite headphones: the Syllable D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones. I’ve been using these for a month, and I am a big fan of their sound quality and overall design. Are they the right headphones for you? Let’s have a look at the details…

Design and Construction

The Syllable D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones are a one-piece, necklace-style design that consists of four parts: the ear pods, a control pod, and a cord that connects everything together. I’ll walk you through the key components, then tie it all together.

The primary component of the design is the two post-style ear pods, which contain all the hardware bits for the headphones. Each pod is about 1-3/8″ by 3/8″ by 1/4″, with the earbuds positioned at a 120-degree angle so that the pods themselves don’t rub against your ear when in position. There’s also a crescent-shaped bit of rubber on each earbud that tucks in under the whorl of your ear when in a position that anchors the earbuds in place. 

The control pod is set in the connecting cord and hangs a few inches below your right ear. You’ll find three control buttons set into this pod, arranged in order from top (closest to your ear) to bottom: volume up, a multifunction button, and volume down. The buttons are raised and well-spaced with good tactile feedback, promoting intuitive operation when you’re running about. You’ll also find the charging port here, sealed behind a rubber tab when not in use. There’s also a tiny LED status indicator light on the control pod (more on that below). The necklace-style chord itself is 23 inches long from earbud-to-earbud, including the control pod.

Construction of the Syllable D300L is very good. It’s designed for use during exercise, so the whole setup is designed to be water resistant. The ear pods themselves are solidly assembled with no moving parts, and all seams are sealed and/or rubberized to promote water resistance. It’s a solid build, so it will take some pulling, dropping, or being thrown in your gym bag without worrying about pieces breaking. I don’t think I would test it by stomping on it, but I’ve used it for a month of abuse without any cracks or fails in the construction.

The complete package includes several different sized ear nodules and crescents so that you can find a fit that works based on the size/shape of your ear. You’ll also find a USB charging chord, with a micro USB end that fits into the charging port on the control pod. I’ve been using my iPhone or iPod power pack as the charging base, and this works just fine… just don’t lose that power chord unless you have another USB-to-micro USB cable. You also get a little felt drawstring bag to keep everything together.

In Use

The Syllable D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones use Bluetooth 4.2, which is great for use across a broad range of devices. Pairing is fast and easy. Turn on the device via the multifunction button, then push and hold the button for three seconds. The LED will blink red and blue to indicate discovery mode, at which time you can pair it with your device. Once paired the device retains a memory of previous pairings, so it automatically reconnects to the last used device if it’s in range. There are also audio tones that indicate successful pairing so that you can just turn it on and listen for confirmation that you’re connected while wearing the headphones. The earphones also have a range of up to 10 meters from the device, which is convenient if you’re roaming about the office or your gym (provided that your device is safe!).

Sound quality is excellent. I don’t claim to be an audiophile, but I have found that the earphones have a broad volume range, with great stereo sound and bass. Listening quality is excellent even at lower volumes in noisy places. I’ve been even more impressed with the quality of phone calls. People I have been on the phone with have commented on the clarity, even on a moving train and speaking in a low tone (so I don’t offend my fellow travelers… I tend to have a booming voice). The microphone does a decent job of eliminating background noise as well. I’ve taken conference calls in busy places like airports, with no distracting background noise reported by my fellow meeting participants.

As far as comfort and functionality goes, I’ve been very happy with the design. The whole arrangement seems like it would be awkward at first with all that hardware hanging off of your ears, but I found them to be pretty unobtrusive in active use. With the rubber ear buds in place, I also found it to be surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The chord is long enough that you can wear it below your chin or flip it over to rest on the back of your neck, but it is not so long that it will get caught up in something if you’re throwing your bag on your shoulder or in the middle of a workout. I’ve also found that those rubber crescent bits on the earbuds do a very good job of keeping the pods in position when worn, and are resistant to the occasional bump or pull.

If there is one big drawback to this headset, I would say that it is the battery life. Syllable claims that the earphones have 4 hours of active use which seems accurate in my testing, but their claim of 10 hours of standby time doesn’t match up to my experience. This basically means that if you forget to charge the earphones, you’ve got 4-6 hours from the last charge until they konk out. This may not seem too bad if you’re just using them to go to the gym… unless you forgot to power down the earphones after your last visit. I found on more than one occasion I was facing a dead battery because I forgot to turn the earphones off after the last use. I have also found that I need to manage them closely during day trips, powering down periodically to conserve battery life.

Pricing and Conclusion

The Syllabus D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones really have some nice features going for them: comfortable, excellent sound quality, quality construction, and easy pairing are all highlights in the design. The relatively short battery life is a problem, however, that may not work for you depending on your desired use. If you want a good quality set of headphones for the gym or short periods of use, they are fantastic. If you need something with extended battery life, they probably won’t work for you unless you bring your own portable charging device.

Here is the other factor to consider, however: the price. You can pick these earphones up on Amazon right now for under $30, which seems to me to be an excellent value given their quality and durability. Check them out on Amazon for more information.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Syllable. Please visit the product page on Amazon for more information.

 

Product Information

Price: $29.99
Manufacturer: Syllable
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Well built & durable
  • Great sound quality
  • Excellent for phone calls (microphone quality and background noice cancellation)
Cons:
  • Short battery life requires regular charging
  • Ear pod design may be uncomfortable for some

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Syllable D300L Wireless Bluetooth Earphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 28, 2017 at 11:00 am.

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Wallflower lets you know if you’ve left your stove on

Have you ever left the house and forgotten to turn a burner off on your stove? That’s not a trivial problem as every year many house fires originate with the stove. Wallflower is a smart device that will send an alert to your phone and will sound an audible alert when you’ve left the stove on for an extended period of time.

Currently only available for electric stoves, Wallflower is an easy to install module that plugs in between the stove and the wall outlet where the stove is currently connected.

An iOS or Android app on your mobile device pairs the adapter and has remote monitoring options as well as a geofencing feature that will alert you if you leave the house with the stove still turned on.

Be aware that the Wallflower module is designed only to let you know when a burner on your stove top has been left on. It will NOT turn the burner off for you and it does not monitor the oven.

Wallflower is priced at $169.00 and is available now. You can read more about it at wallflower.com

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Wallflower lets you know if you’ve left your stove on originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 28, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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