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Julie’s gadget diary – One month with the iPhone 7 Plus has taught me never to say never

I’ve been a devout Android user for close to 5 years after switching from an iPhone 4S to the Samsung Galaxy S III back in September 2012. Wow, that seems like forever ago. After I made that jump from iOS to Android, I fell hard for Android and every time after that when I would test a new iPhone, I would grumble about how it felt so limiting compared to Android devices. If you go back through my past gadget diary posts, you’ll see how I would get excited about new iOS hardware only to send it back a few days later due to disappointment with iOS.

So what changed this time? ,I’m not really sure. All I know is that when circumstances caused me to return an LG G6 that I had purchased for myself last month, I made a spontaneous decision to buy an iPhone 7 Plus. I remember telling Jeanne that was what I was going to do and she rolled her eyes and gave me a “you’re nuts” look. I had previously told her that I would never buy another iPhone again after I bought the iPhone 7 last fall and returned it.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I would keep the iPhone 7 Plus that I bought last month. I just bought it on a whim because I needed a phone and could get one instantly by driving to the Verizon store. So that’s what I did and I haven’t looked back since.

Through the years I’ve complained about the iOS restriction on home screen widgets, the inability to place icons exactly where you want with spaces between them, lack of a back button, and the lack of wireless charging. Those four things have been my main “issues” and they sound dumb now. Well except for the wireless charging because I still miss that – at least until I get an iPhone 8!

Regarding the home screen widgets complaint, I’ve gotten used to placing all the widgets on the swipe right from home screen page. Would I rather have the option of putting at least one widget on the home screen? Yes. I would place the Up Next widget there. But I have found that I’m checking the widget screen pretty regularly throughout the day, so it’s really not a huge deal.

I still wish I could move the icons around exactly where I want them on the various home screens, but I’ve learned to deal with that too by using folders which I never used when I had an Android phone.

No back button is a non-issue because I can just either press and hold the left side of the screen or double tap the home button to switch between open apps.

So it turns out that those complaints were all pretty lame. Except for wireless charging 😉

There is a new complaint though. With Android I would use my Flic buttons or an NFC tag to do things like send a TXT message to Jeanne when I would arrive home from work. NFC usage with iOS is currently limited to things like pairing Bluetooth speakers and not with automation. The FLic buttons work with my iPhone but they can’t be programmed to send a TXT message because the phone has to be unlocked first. Even if you ask Siri to send a message, she’ll make you unlock the phone before she sends the message, which is annoying.

All in all, I’m really enjoying using the iPhone 7 Plus and am excited about what the iPhone 8 will bring.

Are there any other recent Android to iOS switchers out there? How’s your experience so far?

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Julie’s gadget diary – One month with the iPhone 7 Plus has taught me never to say never originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 3, 2017 at 10:43 am.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate!

It’s hard to believe that I started The Gadgeteer two decades ago back in August of 1997.  There are not very many blogs that can claim to be 20 years old and I’m proud of that fact and want to celebrate with a giveaway that includes gear from Audio Engine, Tom Bihn, Waterfield Design, Saddleback Leather Company and more!

Please click through to read the details on the prizes and to submit your entries for a chance to win one of our Gadgeteer 20th birthday giveaway prize packs!

Prizes:

There are 3 price packs, so there will be three winners. Details for each prize pack are listed below:

1st Prize Pack

Audioengine B2 wireless speakers

I reviewed the Audioengine B2 wireless speaker and still use it. In my review, I said:

I hadn’t realized how mediocre the music sounded until I switched to the B2. Now I find that my music sounds so much better. Through this speaker music is full and rich with an excellent bass that isn’t too thumpy, but still easily fills a room.

This is a very nice bookshelf sized speaker that features Bluetooth and aptX.

Price: $225.00
Website: audioengineusa.com

Waterfield Design Bolt Crossbody bag

I’ve been a fan of Waterfield Design bags, pouches, and wallets for as long as I can remember. Their new Bolt Crossbody bag is a vertical laptop messenger bag that has been designed to hold tablets or laptops with their gear in a stylish way.

Price: $119.00 – $219.00
Website: www.sfbags.com

Keyport Essential bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $41.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Terk: OMNITWR

A redesigned multi-directional antenna that serves as a cord-cutters must have accessory for instant access to OTA television like ABC, NBC, FOX and more for free – no monthly fee, no subscription and no contract

  • Functions as an amplified multi-directional HDTV antenna
  • Dual stage amplifier technology, DUALBOOST, provides more HD channels along with the best picture and sound possible
  • Accessories include coax cable, power adapter and removable amplifier for maximum flexibility and performance

Price: $59.99
Website: www.terk.com

YEVO Labs: YEVO 1

A new generation of smart headphones without any wires for total freedom of movement

  • Experience freedom: Bluetooth 4.1 connection and Near-Field Magnetic Induction – NFMI pairing for secure flawless connectivity
  • Excellent music experience: Integrated the latest advancements in audio quality with balanced armatures from Knowles delivering safe, crystal clear audio quality, fine-tuned to hit crisp highs and deep lows for a fully mesmeric experience
  • Audio transparency: Allows users to remain connected to their surroundings by letting sound in with just a tap
  • Two-touch sensors: 4 built-in microphones allows users to take phone calls, control music, and volume, and access Siri or Google Now
  • Battery life: 20 hours of battery life* with the beautifully designed, elegant and slim charge and storage case
  • Available in Jet Black, Ivory White, and Onyx Black

Price: $249
Website: YevoLabs.com

2nd Prize Pack

V-MODA: Remix Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker

World’s First Portable Bluetooth Speaker with a Built-In Headphone Amplifier

  • World’s First Full-Surface 3D Printed Custom Product – REMIXRings™ and removable parts enable the ultimate personalization in a mind-blowing array of materials
  • Easily connect REMIX with Echo Dot via Bluetooth or by the included cable to summon Alexa and enjoy vivid Hi-Fi sound
  • Easy Pairing – Press PAIR to easily connect your Bluetooth device
  • Simultaneous Device Connection – Multitasking users can “multipoint” connect REMIX with two devices at a time, such as smartphone and laptop or smartphone and smartwatch
  • USB-C Charging – Future-proof and safer charging via included USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • Long Life Battery – Up to 10+ hours of music
  • Quick Access Control – Top-panel buttons to control volume and playback of your music
  • Built-In Mic for Calls and Voice Assistant – Use the built-in microphone for calls, Skype or summoning voice assistants like Apple Siri or OK Google – but with far superior music quality
  • Available in two finishes – minimal aluminum (Silver) and luxurious vegan leather (Black)

Price: $300
Available at: V-MODA.com

Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Tom Bihn Brain Bag is a made in the USA 525 ballistic nylon backpack style bag that can hold up to 4 laptops! This bag is built to last for many years and travel adventures to come.

Price: $200.00
Website: www.tombihn.com

Saddleback Leather Company Leather Pouch Wallet

This is one of Saddleback Leather’s latest wallet designs and like all of their products, it’s going to last forever!

Price: $59.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-pouch-wallet

Keyport Outdoor bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • Pocketknife Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $61.97
Website: www.mykeyport.com

 

BEEM UNITED: BeMe D200

Eye-catching colors and cutting-edge technology deliver customizable sound and high-performing active noise canceling for a unique listening experience

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Each earphone features a dual mic with Active Noise Cancellation and pairs with the BEEM UNITED app to enable a 10-band equalizer control
  • HD Audio for a full digital – not analog – audio experience (Digital 24bit/48KHz)
  • Best-in-Class Bass: With higher sampling frequency compared to competing products, BeMe D200 delivers studio-quality bass for personal use
  • Fashion-Forward Design: Offering a variety of on-trend color combinations including Rose Gold, Rebel Purple, Black and Flash Green
  • Striking LED light display brings the listening experience to life
  • Developed entirely around lightning connector cable technology – allowing for the app connection and superior sound quality
  • Aluminum housing
  • Driver/Dynamic: 10.66mm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
  • Max Input Power: 10mW
  • Lightweight with No Battery Needed
  • Ergonomic Eartips for Secure Fit
  • Includes Carrying Pouch

Price: $169.99
Website: beemunited.com

 

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

 

3rd Prize Pack

SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton

After reviewing the SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton, it quickly became my favorite jacket. It’s soft, comfy, and has 21 pockets that hold everything I need.

Price: $95
Available at: www.scottevest.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Keyport Locator Plus bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • BLE Locator + LED Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $66.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

808 Audio: Turntable

Get killer sound anywhere and get the crowd going with the LED light show, and a built-in pre-amplifier, connecting to any device with or without a turntable input.

  • Built-in phono pre-amp allows a wired connection to any device without turntable input.
  • Includes AC power cord, 4 ft. RCA audio cable, 4 ft. Aux-in 3.5mm cloth cable, 45 RPM adapter, cartridges, and stylus with purchase.
  • Ten multi-color LED light modes for every genre of music.
  • Wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-compatible devices, or to wired systems via dual RCA or 3.5mm output cables, included with purchase. Anti-resonance, silicone platter.

Price: $149.99
Website: 808Audio.com

Saddleback Leather Company Dominoes set

 

Saddleback is mainly recognized for their leather bags, but this is a dominoes set that is made of …. you guessed it, leather! Just like their bags, your grandkids will fight over this set when you’re dead.

Price: $189.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/dominoes-set

Focal: Spark and Spark Wireless

Mobile in-ear headphones with exceptional Focal sound and performance at affordable prices

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Electrodynamic 9.5mm mylar driver
  • Flat, anti-tangle cable
  • 3-button remote control with omnidirectional microphone
  • Exceptional performance/price ratio
  • Bluetooth 4.1 in Spark Wireless
  • Included with each pair of Spark are three pairs of silicone tips and one rigid carrying case
  • Included with each pair of Spark Wireless are three pairs of silicone tips, a USB cable, one battery clip for sports activities and one rigid carrying case
  • Available now in Black and Silver Spark
  • Blue Cobalt and Spark Wireless Rose Gold will be available mid to late July

Check out our reviews of the Focal Spark and Spark Wireless headphones.

Price: $69 (Spark); $99 (Spark Wireless)
Available at: www.focal.com/headphones

How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):

Between now and 08/07/2017 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.

  1. How long have you been visiting The Gadgeteer?
  2. What’s your favorite thing about The Gadgeteer?
  3. If you could change one thing about the site, what would it be?

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 20 Yrs old. Join the celebration by winning 1 of 3 gadget prize packs. Entering is easy! http://bit.ly/2vsHIQh

Get a 4th bonus entry by linking to The Gadgeteer home page on Facebook.

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 08/08/2017, I’ll pick three 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.

5. Winner must have a US shipping address.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2017 at 7:03 am.

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5 gadgets that will make your summer sizzle

The dog days of summer are upon us. That means if you’re a kid, it’s time to get outdoors and have some fun before the summer ends and it’s time to go back to school and if you’re an adult, it’s time to relax and act like a kid. Here are 5 gadgets that can help make the rest of your summer one to remember.

1. BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity charcoal starter – Summer is for outdoors and there’s nothing better than a juicy burger or hotdog hot off the grill. The BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity is a charcoal starter that will help get those coals glowing bright red so you can be flipping burgers as fast as possible.
Price: $29.95 from Amazon.

2. Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Elite – If your idea of a great summer is heading out to the woods for an epic camping trip, then don’t forget to pack the Off Grid Survival Axe Elite. This outdoor multi-tool puts a hatchet, a hammer, a saw blade, hex wrenches and more in the palm of your hand. It will also come in really handy in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
Price: $79.25 from Amazon.

3. DynaTrap DT2000XL Insect Trap – Enjoying the outdoors is all fun and games until the blood sucking vampires of the air (aka mosquitoes) come out to play. Nothing makes me want to run back inside faster than hearing that high pitched whine of a mosquito flying around my head. These insects are not only annoying, but they are a health concern. So trap them with the DynaTrap which can cover a 1 acre area.
Price: $134.99 from Amazon.

4. Parrot Swing drone – If just being outdoors doesn’t sound exciting to you, you need an activity to keep you interested. How about flying a drone like the uniquely designed Parrot Swing? As far as drones go, this one is really easy to fly. Even tricks like loops are easy to do with this drone, which is controlled either through your phone or through the included handheld controller. Just don’t rely on the built in camera, because it’s pretty crappy.
Price: Less than $100-$125 from Amazon.

5. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker – Take your pool parties up a notch by blasting Despacito for up to 12 hours while you’re splashing around. You won’t even have to worry about this speaker getting wet because it’s waterproof.
Price: $89.95 from Amazon.

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5 gadgets that will make your summer sizzle originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 24, 2017 at 11:08 am.

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Fiil Product Launch

This past week I attended the Fiil Audio’s U.S. product launch in New York City. Fiil was debuting their signature headphones; the Canviis and Canviis Pro on-ear headphones, the Iicon over-ear headphone, and the Carat in-ear headphone.

The event was held at 1 Hotel near Central Park. Fiil set up a separate listening room where I got a chance to try out each product individually.

Normally, the over-ear headphones would be the flagship of any audio company’s launch, but as it was explained to me, the Canviis and Canviis Pro on-ear headphones were designed and built after the Iicon over-ear headphone, so they are a little more feature packed.

The sound quality of all the Fiil Audio headphones was superb. Highs and lows were perfectly represented and the clarity of sound was impressive.

The build quality of each headphone is also quite well-done. When you put on a pair of the Canviis Pros, they just feel like a high-quality set of headphones. The most innovative feature of both the Canviis and Iicon are the touch controls accessed by moving your finger up, down, left or right on the outside of the right side of the unit. Via touch, you can skip tracks and adjust the playback volume. The feature worked well for me, but some had trouble getting it to activate.

The Canviis and Iicon headphones also fold up to be quite compact. In addition to touch control, there are switches on the Canviis headphones that allow you to access Bluetooth controls and adjust the automatic noise cancellation feature.

The noise cancellation worked very well and the option to allow outside sounds to come in over the music seems like a great idea for times when you need to pay better attention to your surroundings.

The Iicon over-ear headphones have most of the same features of the Canviis, but they are accessed a bit differently.

All of the Fiil Audio headphones can sync with the Fiil Wireless App for Android and Apple devices. With the app, you can control noise cancellation, change EQ settings, and check the battery level.

The app also allows you to control the 3D Sound options that Fiil Audio promotes for the headphone line. With the 3D Sound feature, you can simulate different listening environments. After sampling the options, I found that the sound quality was best with the feature turned off.

I was only able to demo the Fiil Audio headphone line for a short time, but they seem like a great high-end entry into the luxury headphone market.

The Fiil Audio Iicon and Canviis Pro headphones will retail for $349, the Canviis $249 and the Carat will come in at $149.

Visit fiil.com for more info.

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Fiil Product Launch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 20, 2017 at 4:38 pm.

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Julie’s gadget diary – Another successful gadget giveaway day has just ended

Being the Gadgeteer certainly has its perks. I’m very lucky that I get a chance to play with and test the latest and greatest gadgets. But what do I do with all those great gadgets and gizmos once my reviews have been published? I continue to use some products, but the ones I don’t use end up cluttering the shelves of Gadgeteer Headquarters (otherwise known as the basement office of my house). When I can no longer see the floor in the office, it’s time for a gadget purge and another gadget giveaway day at Cummins Inc. (otherwise known as my day job).  

Once or twice a year I fill storage bins with forgotten and unused products sitting on my office shelves, in drawers, in baskets under the desks, and even sitting in the middle of the floor.

That’s what I did this past weekend and was able to fill three large storage tubs with goodies. Then yesterday, Jeanne and I brought the tubs into work so they would be ready for another gadget giveaway day. I always like to bring the items in on a Sunday and then have the giveaway bright and early Monday morning.

The image above shows the bins under my desk filled with gadgets that are ready for a new home.

Before the gadgets are set out. It’s still dark outside because I get to work at 6 AM each day 🙂

At 8 AM I get some helpers to help me move the bins and set out all the items. I then take a picture and give the thumbs up for everyone to grab what they want.

It’s a lot of fun to watch everyone’s excitement as they look through the items and ask me “what’s this?”, “how does this work?”.

 

My co-workers look forward to gadget giveaway days as much as I look forward to clearing the clutter out of my office!

After 30 minutes, the majority of items are gone and by tomorrow, almost everything will be gone. If anything is left after that, I usually take the leftover items and put them in the vending area with a FREE sign and within just a few minutes, they will be gone too.

It feels good to free up some shelf and floor space in my office, but I know that will be short lived.  The life of a Gadgeteer is tough, but someone has to do it! 😉

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Julie’s gadget diary – Another successful gadget giveaway day has just ended originally appeared on on July 10, 2017 at 9:51 am.

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