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Holy Stone HS220 quadcopter drone review

REVIEW – What’s more fun than a remote-controlled quadcopter? A quadcopter that you can control with your phone or a dedicated controller that also has a built-in camera all packaged in a 2-in-1 folding format. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Holy Stone HS220 is a quadcopter drone that can be controlled with a battery-powered remote or an iPhone or Android device.

What’s in the box?

  • Holy Stone drone
  • Handheld remote
  • 2 batteries
  • micro USB charging cable
  • 4 replacement propellers
  • 4 replacement feet
  • Screwdriver
  • Tool
  • User manual

Design and features

The Holy Stone HS220 drone is made of white and black plastic and features a quadcopter design with 4 rotors. On top of the drone, you’ll see the Holy Stone logo which doubles as the touch-enabled power button. You’ll also notice two other icons which are designators for how to position the drone when in folded (as shown here) and unfolded Wing flight mode.

The bottom of the drone has for LED status lights and the battery slot.

A black plastic cage protects the rotors and your fingers from damage. You’ll also notice the four rubber feet that let you land the drone on different types of surfaces without damage.



As mentioned earlier, the Holy Stone HS220 is a folding drone. Each rotor folds out to create a larger X-shaped drone that is almost 2x the original size. Note, that you have to unfold the drone to be able to remove the battery for charging.

You’ll also need to use the drone in wing flight mode if you want to take pictures and video with the built-in camera.




The HS220 comes with a handheld remote control which doubles as the battery charger. It is powered by the same type of battery that the drone uses. The control has a micro USB connector on the front edge that is used to charge the batteries for both the controller and the drone.

The drone can fly for about 7-9 minutes per battery charge, and the remote will work for a much longer time on one charge, so you can swap batteries with the controller when you’re out in the field if the drone’s battery is too weak for flight. The drone’s weak battery will still work in the controller and the controller’s battery will power the drone for a few extra minutes until you need to go inside for a recharge.

Note that it can take up to 150 minutes (2.5 hrs) to recharge each battery which seems like forever when you just want to fly your drone.

The controller also features a fold out phone holder if you want to use the Holy Stone app and the controller to control the drone.

The app

The app is available for iOS and Android. I tested the app on my Pixel 2 XL and the Huawei P20.

The app’s user interface is relatively basic. And the main part of the screen is used for a live view through the drone’s camera. Note that you have to use the app if you want to record video and / or capture images with the drone. Also note that the image you see above is the ONLY time I was able to see a live view from the drone’s camera. Every subsequent time that I used the app, it the screen would be black. However, if I clicked the picture capture button on the handheld remote control while the app was open and my phone was connected to the drone’s WiFi, the app would make a click/capture noise. But video and images came out with a black screen.

Let’s fly!

To fly the Holy Stone drone, you first have to charge the battery for the handheld controller and the battery for the drone. As mentioned above, both batteries are charged using the controller. After both batteries are charged, you can decide if you want to fly the drone in the folded (smaller) form factor or the wing flight form factor. In my experience, the drone is more stable in the unfolded wing flight form factor. When it’s folded, you can snap pictures or capture video and the flight pattern is a little wonky which you’ll see in the video demo below.

Before you can start flying, you will tap the logo on the drone to turn it on and press the power button on the controller. Then you will want to press the lift joystick up, then down to pair the controller with the drone, then press the one key start/land button. This will cause the drone blades to start spinning and you can use the left joystick to lift the drone.

See it in action (or not)

As you’ve seen in my 1st demo video above, I had a LOT of problems flying this drone. It seemed to have a mind of its own for the first few flights. Even so, it stood up just fine from getting stuck in a tree, to slamming into the side of the house, and other flight stopping maneuvers. I have to hand it to Holy Stone for making a rugged little drone.

I got better at flying it, but the drone does drift in different directions, which require frequent trim operations to resolve that problem and even after performing the trim operations, the drone would not just hover completely still in one place, it would always drift a little bit. Also when using the one-key landing button, it would not just descend straight down and land, it would descend at an angle and then land.

What I like

  • Small foldable design
  • More rugged than other drones I’ve reviewed
  • Can fly it with or without using your smartphone
  • One button launch and land

What needs to be improved

  • Control. Requires frequent trim procedure
  • Takes too long to charge the batteries (150 minutes)
  • Android app bugs. No way to capture pictures or video without using the app

Final thoughts

After some practice, I was able to fly the Holy Stone HS220 drone pretty well, but I was never able to see how well the built-in camera performed as I was not able to get the app to show the live view of the camera or record from the camera.

When it’s all said and done, flying this drone was fun but is overpriced at $100. For that much money, I expect the camera feature to work and I think there should be a way to capture video and images without needing to use an iOS or Android app.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Holy Stone.

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Holy Stone HS220 quadcopter drone review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 11:34 am.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review

REVIEW – My father imparted many tidbits of wisdom to me prior to his passing a few weeks ago. One of his gems was, “Locks keep honest people honest.” How true this is. With Yale’s Assure Lock Deadbolt, my pockets have become a bit lighter and my home is protected in technological style.

What is it?

The Yale model YRD226 is deadbolt lock with an integrated keypad and wireless capabilities, enabling a homeowner to lock or unlock a door using a traditional key, user-programmable code, Bluetooth, Cellular or Wi-Fi.

Hardware Specs:

  • Installs in standard doors in minutes
  • Replaces existing deadbolt with just a screwdriver
  • Fits on doors 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″ thick (*1-3/8″ requires thin door gasket
  • Backset 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″
  • Face Bore Hole: 2-1/8″
  • Edge Bore Hole: 1″
  • Adjustable Latch
  • Create up to 250 keypad access codes using the August with Network Module or 25 codes without
  • Lifetime limited warranty for finish and mechanical, one year
  • Certified ANSI/BHMA A156.36, Grade 2
  • Finishes:  Oil Rubbed Bronze US3, Satin Nickel US15, Oil Rubbed Bronze US10BP

What’s in the Box?

  • Yale Real Living Assure Lock™ Touchscreen Deadbolt
  • August Wi-Fi Bridge module and Bluetooth lock module
  • Installation Guide
  • Mounting Screws
  • Door Template
  • 4 AA Batteries
  • 2 Keys
  • August Warranty card

Design and Features:

At 150 years old, Yale is no stranger to door locks, are several patents. The latest incarnation, provided is a testament to Yale’s legacy.

I received the well-packaged, brushed-nickel model which matched my current door hardware.

Since I was replacing an existing lock, I did not need to drill holes, save for the 5/16” hole for the door closed sensor magnet. Yale’s illustrated instructions are extremely well written and easy to understand.

Installing the lock took approximately 15 minutes using nothing more than a Philips screwdriver.

I opted to install the lock detection magnet in the door frame for a more polished appearance

The lock and finish is attractive and intimidatingly heavy, as a lock should be.

I was almost startled upon installing the four AA batteries into the lock because it talks! A pleasant female voice directs the remaining setup functions and made setup simple and efficient and, to be honest, rather fun.  There is a brief calibration process, opening and closing the door that worked flawlessly the first time.

Using the keypad, I was able to create a master entry code, allowing access to the remaining configuration functions. I added a few sub-user codes and tested the lock. My daughter’s friends are notorious for leaving the front door unlocked, so I was thrilled at the lock’s automatic lock feature which works like a champ. I set it to lock the door 30 seconds after the door has been closed.

Installing the August app, I was able to connect to the lock and set up the Wi-Fi bridge module in minutes. It should be noted that the bride module communicates to the lock via Bluetooth with a limited range of about 10 feet, so plan on having a nearby outlet.

The app is compatible with Apple’s Home Kit and Alexa and works perfectly. Setup was painless. It’s great to be able to order Alexa or Siri to “unlock the front door.” I was also able to add the lock to my Wink hub, configure some IFTTT Applets and use the lock functions to activate lots of cool home automation. The Yale lock is one of the most well-connected gadgets I’ve had the pleasure of using thus far. Other manufacturers are encouraged to take note.

The app is intuitive, allows configuration of the lock without using the keypad and can operate the lock anywhere there is an internet connection.

Lock settings and instructions are thoughtfully coded and the instruction videos are top-notch.

The activity log provides a record of when and how the door was opened.

What I like:

  • Quality manufacturing and workmanship
  • Outstanding installation documentation and illustrations
  • Easy hardware and app installation
  • Delightful voice prompts
  • Plenty of locking options
  • Excellent variety of connectivity options

What needs to be improved?

  • Expensive

Final thoughts

Yale’s Assure Lock YRD226 is an outstanding product, combining great quality, easy installation, fantastic connectivity, and was a genuine pleasure to install. Frankly, it’s rare to not run into some kind of hiccup installing new hardware and apps.  It’s my hope that other manufacturers follow in Yale’s footsteps with all of the possible connection options, making home automation choices plentiful. At some point, I will be adding more of these to the other exterior doors of my home.

Price: $279
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Yale. Please visit their site for more info.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation review

REVIEW – Mobile devices are great, in that they can be moved from place to place with little effort, and real work can be done virtually anywhere. But if you want to sit in a place where you don’t have a “desk” for a while, but need your laptop, or a tablet or even a large book, the Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation may be what you’re needing. I’ve been using one for a month or so and found some interesting things I’d like to share.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

What is it?

The Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation (RLW) is a weighted rolling base with a single vertical telescoping pole, topped by a single arm mounted at a right angle to the pole. This supports a 16.5” x 12.25” work surface that can be almost infinitely adjusted to hold what you need to be held. The main pole ranges from 23” to 41” from the floor. The base is in an hourglass shape, which helps it to get close to you in various chairs and tables.

What’s in the box?

Workstation, in pieces. Easy assembly takes less than ten minutes.

Design and features

The RLW is a compact, well-designed piece of kit. The three sections of the main pole are adjusted with two friction clamps that open and close with ease using custom clamps that have 1.5” finger locks. You’re not going to be breaking nails or looking for screwdrivers to pry them open, and they are going to stay where you clamp them. The 13” horizontal arm terminates in a three-piece U-joint that lets you adjust the angle of the center-mounted work surface to almost any position. For safety, the side-to-side tilt motion has a lock that only allows about 15º from either side of true horizontal.
The work surface itself is made from a hard plastic with a pebbly texture. Across the top, there is a thick woven elastic cord that can be used to hold your device in place. I found it perfect for my 15” MacBook Pro, as well as the cases of my iPads. (Note the safety cord holding my 10.5″ iPad Pro below.) With this in place, I never worried they would slide off when I wasn’t right there paying attention.


In addition to the elastic band, there are 4 flip-up “fingers” across the bottom of the workspace. They can be clicked up halfway or at a full right angle from the surface. These let the user have items on the surface that might otherwise fall off – pencils, rulers, or smaller digital devices. With the fingers only, all my devices will stay on, but I’m more worried than when they are held with the elastic as well. But if I want to just sit my iPhone there, for instance, I don’t have to worry about it sliding off, if the fingers are deployed. I did find them to get in the way when typing on an iPad onscreen keyboard or a MacBook, however.

In addition to being good for digital devices, the RLW has a Book Kit available, which consists of two hook-and-loop straps that secure the book to the stand, and two page holders, which allow the reader to quickly turn pages but keep them from flipping back or forward. One of the slots for the straps can be seen in the photo above between the flip-up fingers.

What I Like

  • Non-fiddly. You set it to the height and angle, and go.
  • Flip-out fingers and elastic loop are strong enough but easy to deploy/stow.

What needs to be improved

  • Short arm means base needs to be close. This is sometimes difficult.
  • When extended a good bit, it tends to lean or bow a bit.

Final thoughts

Sometimes, you just want to work from someplace different. It may be the kitchen table or counter, the sunroom, or the deck. You may have a table there, or not, but you need to have your technology for working near at hand. Or, in an office setting, you may have to wander around a large area, checking on patients, wiring closets, or classrooms, while needing your equipment at each stop. In these instances, a light, portable, yet functional stand can help. The RLW can handle any size laptop you throw at it and will adjust from standing to squatting with just a flip of the clamp. With the safety tether, you’re not going to have your laptop slide off, either. At $180, it’s a tad on the pricey side of what I’d want for a quick-and-dirty home solution, but the build quality and materials are there to last quite a while, even in a corporate environment, and I’ve seen “name-brand” stands cost far more.

Price: $179.99
Where to buy: Levo Store
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Levo.

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Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 2, 2018 at 9:32 am.

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Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat review


REVIEW – I’ve wanted a WiFi controllable thermostat for quite a while now, so when the opportunity to review the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat came along I thought this might just be the answer to my temperature war with my wife.

What is it?

The Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat is a color touchscreen WiFi controllable thermostat.

What’s in the box?

  • Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat
  • Instruction Manual
  • Mounting Screws



Design and features

The design of the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat is simple. There are no external switches or dials, everything is controlled via the color touchscreen.

Installation was pretty straightforward for anyone that has done thermostat wiring before, but I would recommend having someone install it for you if your wiring doesn’t exactly match up with one of the possible configurations listed in the instruction book. Thermostat wiring can be a bit frustrating depending on how good the installer was and how old the home is. Newer homes probably have the correct wiring. The Venstar website also has some videos on installation and operation that are quite helpful and a support staff that can help you out.

The ColorTouch T7900 has a beautiful screen. It’s easy to read and looks great. The touch response is nice and the user interface is pretty decent. There are a lot of things you can do with this thermostat, but there are only a couple of steps to get up and running quickly.

On the main screen there is a current temperature display, heat to and cool to indicators so you know what you have it set to, “buttons” to change the current temp setting, and a status bar/menu where you can choose home or away, mode, or menu. Mode simply offers the options of Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off.

The menu contains most of the configuration items such as schedule, screensaver, themes, WiFi, etc. More on that later.

The mobile app was disappointing. It has limited functionality. The app has three sections: Control, Info, and Configure. Control allows you to set the mode (Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off), change the current temp, and displays a weather forecast (after you configure your location via the Skyport website).

The Info section has icons for Alerts, Messages, Sensors, and Energy use. The Alerts is kind of self-explanatory. The Messages icon allows you to send a text message to the thermostat display. The Sensors icon shows inside and outside temperature and humidity, although it will hang if you haven’t set your location via the website. The Energy use icon will show you energy use for today, this week, and last week. It doesn’t really show energy consumption but rather how long the heating or cooling was running.

The Configure section of the mobile app allows you to set Home/Away, Schedule on/off (but not edit the actual schedule), and set fan control to On or Auto.

I was disappointed that I could not edit the schedule or upload images via the mobile app.

The mobile app is best used for checking or changing the temperature and turning on and off your schedule.




I found the scheduling feature to be perfect. You can edit individual days, or all of the days at once. You can set a morning, day, evening, and night temperature. This is so much easier to do with a smart device like this than a standard LCD display thermostat.



There is also the free Skyport website that you sign up for to connect via WiFi and also change the settings. The website has all of the features of the mobile app, and additionally has most of the features that the thermostat itself has, such as being able to edit schedules, set screensaver options, etc. This was really impressive because I was not expecting to be able to do all of the things you can do from the website!

The thermostat has built-in background images (themes) for several locations and holidays, but the feature I like the most is being able to put my own images on the device. There’s a background image and screensaver images that basically turn your thermostat into a digital picture frame. You must use their desktop app to configure that though. After importing the images, you export them to an SD card and then on the thermostat you can import settings and/or images. The screensaver can display an analog clock, digital clock, or your images.







The thermostat also has a security feature which may come in handy if you have kids. With the security feature enabled you can lock down all the functions and adjustments with a passcode and to restrict the temperature range. This allows you to let people change the temperature, but only to the minimum and maximum that you set.

One thing I really like is the ability to set a notification for a low temperature. If the temperature goes below the value I set, you get an email. This is reassuring in the winter time.

What I like

  • Website can be used to control and configure the thermostat
  • Screensaver/wallpaper feature is really cool
  • Thermostat/App/Website show not only the temp but if the heating or cooling is actively running

What needs to be improved

  • Mobile app needs more features

Final thoughts

Overall I really like the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat. It’s nice looking, performs well, and has features that a non-WiFi thermostat just doesn’t have. I like the peace of mind that the mobile app gives me when I’m away from home for long periods during the winter.

Price: $268.68
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Venstar.

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Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 2, 2018 at 8:32 am.

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Choetech Desk Charger and Car Charger review

REVIEW – As the market for wireless (primarily Qi-compatible) chargers heats up, I’m starting to enjoy the benefits of this technology. I was sent a different brand wireless car charger a good while back, but am always interested in testing the approach other makers use. I was recently sent two items from Choetech: their desk USB-C wireless charger, and their car dash model with the suction cup. (They also make a car model with a vent clip.) I’ve added them to my life, and am ready to report!

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

CHOETECH Desk Charger

What is it?

The first item is the wireless charging stand. This has a USB-C connection and has nothing but the bottom rail to hold your phone up. I put it on my desk, and it’s been nothing short of fantastic. Before when I would plug my phone in mid-day to get the charge topped off, I would have to find a good place to put it. Amid the soda can, coffee cup, and my usual desk items, there wasn’t really a good place for it to sit. But this stand not only gives it a reserved seat, but it also doesn’t require two hands to put down or pick up. And I don’t have to worry about it getting charged up too quickly because the stand and the phone discuss safe charging practices.

Hardware specs

  • Intelligently identify charge models – fast wireless charge up to 10W for the Samsung Galaxy S9, S9 Plus, S8, S8 Plus, Note 9, Note 8, S7, S7 edge, S6 edge+, 7.5W wireless charging for iPhone x/ XS/ XS Max/ XR/ 8/ 8 Plus ( QC2.0/3.0 adapter needed for fast charge) and 5W standard wireless charge for All Qi-enabled phones.
  • High-efficiency charging stand – built-in 2 coils fast wireless charger stand allows to charge cell phones vertically or horizontally and provide you with a more flexible choice for reading, listening to music, watching a video or work sessions.
  • Case friendly design – our wireless charger can identify your phone sensitive and support phone case within 5mm(0.2 inch) while 4mm(0.16 inch) is the best wireless charging distance (please Note that metal attachments or credit cards will interfere with charging ).
  • Sleep-friendly&safe protection – built-in intelligent indicator shows you charging status, extremely soft Green LED light for well sleeping without distraction during sleeping at night, multi-protection system for all-around protection against over-charging, over-voltage, over temperature and over-current, provide a safe charge to protect your devices.

What’s in the box?

  • 1 x CHOETECH Fast wireless charger stand
  • 1 x 3.3ft USB-C cable
  • 1 x user manual
  • 18-month warranty card

 

Design and features

The desk stand is a single angle (about 30° from vertical) that has a grooved shelf along the entire width to place the phone in. This allows me to glance at it when notifications come in and easily read it from my position behind the computer keyboard. Since I’m using an iPhone 8 Plus, I don’t have FaceID, so I have to touch it to actually turn the screen on (like an animal!). There is a subtle (in office lighting) green LED that is under the shelf the phone sits in, which does not turn off when charging is done. I think this has something to do with Power Delivery, but I have a simple cable that has such an indicator in it, and it turns off power and the LED when the charge is at 100% on my iOS devices. Not sure why Cloetech has the “remove from the charger when charged” warning for iPhones. This LED would probably make for an irritating bedside table unit. (According to the manufacturer, the light goes out when Android phones are fully charged. Go figure.)

CHOETECH Wireless Car Charger

What is it?

The second item I was sent was the “CHOETECH Wireless Car Charger, USB Type C 7.5W Wireless Car Charging Mount Stand Compatible with iPhone XS Max XR X 8 Plus, 10W Fast Wireless Charging Samsung Galaxy S9/Note 9, 5W for All Qi Enabled.” (Just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?) As the name says, this is a stand-type charger for modern Qi-enabled phones. It has a suction cup which affixes to a smooth surface, and your phone is held tightly by side rails.

What’s in the box?

  • Cradle
  • Stand
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • User Manual and warranty card

Design and features

This unit consists of a cradle that connects to a stand via a 4-point keyhole friction lock. The tabs on the lock are mounted to a piece with a ball-joint connection to a mounting stand. This ball joint has full rotation through 360º and tilt/yaw through probably 100º. It’s easy to move yet tightens with a thumbscrew and hold position well. The clutch for the ball joint is on a right angle shaped piece that has a 3” suction cup at the other end. The suction cup is silicone and uses micro-suction to enhance the hold. It also has a lever-activated vacuum enhancement. Due to the 360º rotation, you can easily mount it to the dash or the windscreen and it will stay through rough roads, weather, and all manner of bumps and knocks.


The rear of the cradle has two buttons – one at the top that actuated the side rails, and another at the bottom that releases the bottom spring-loaded rail that adjusts the lower wide of your phone. This lets you tune it to the sweet spot for charging. I found touching the top button releases the side rails just barely, which allows the phone to be removed one-handed. (Well, once I unplugged in the audio cable. I don’t have a BlueTooth infotainment system yet – but the holidays are coming, right?)

Performance

I found both the car and desk units keep my phone topped up with very little effort on my part. It’s good to have a consistent spot to place my phone at my desk, and it allows me to keep it between the 20%-80% recommended charge easily.

What I Like

  • USB-C connection
  • Light indicates active charging
  • Holds unit solidly to avoid losing connection during charging.

What needs to be improved

  • The car charger is a bit bulky.
  • The desk charger should have a way to turn off or cover the charging light.

Final thoughts

Wireless charging is fairly new to Apple product users. It was first introduced with the iPhone 7, which for me was an off year. I had bought the iPhone 6s less than a year before it was released and was very happy with it – and the thought of doing without a headphone port was scary back then. (Still is aggravating, but I understand the tradeoffs and don’t have the animosity some of my friends still bear.) So the 8 Plus that I’ve had for the past year is my first and only item with Qi. Recently, my Lovely Bride left her iPhone 6 on the roof of her car as she left the parking garage. Needless to say, it needed to be replaced when she finally recovered it after several cars ran over it. So her iPhone 8 is another unit using wireless charging. It’s time to get serious. I even invested in a wireless unit for her bedside table. These units from Choetech are not that much more expensive, but with USB-C and PD, they are going to last longer and do a better job than the low-cost knock-offs.

Price: Desk stand – $16.99, Car stand – $26.99,
Where to buy: Stand at Amazon – Car Cradle at Amazon
Source: The samples of this product were provided by Cloetech.

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Choetech Desk Charger and Car Charger review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 1, 2018 at 9:11 am.

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