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YEVO Air Bluetooth earbuds review


REVIEW – Here we go again on my earbud journey. I won’t repeat my intro from this continuing series on my quest for the best earbuds for my individual taste, but I have another opportunity to keep going with these, so let’s have some fun.

What is it?

The YEVO Air Bluetooth earbuds are a pair of wireless, Bluetooth lightweight earbuds with the usual charging case. They are auto-pairing, and they perform the standard audio functions including phone functions.

What’s in the box



1 x YEVO Air Bluetooth earbuds
1 x Charging Case
1 x Micro USB Cable
3 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x Instruction Booklet

Design and features

The YEVO Air Bluetooth earbuds come in attractive packaging and are safely packaged. Once you remove them from the packaging, you will notice that they are fully charged and ready to go. They automatically go into the auto-pairing mode and appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your mobile device. Pairing is quick and easy, and I was able to use the Ear Tips that were pre-installed and get to listening right away. I can confirm that these as stated, the contemporary YEVO Air design is engineered to stay comfortably in your ears.

Specifications:

Bluetooth: 4.2
Speaker size: 6 mm
Sensitivity: 93±3 dB
Impedance: 16Ω±15%
Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
Earbud type: Hands-free with Microphone
Play Time: 14 hours with the charge case
Charging: Micro USB, 1.5 hours charging time
Compatibility: Compatible with Android, iOS, OSX, and Windows
Compatibility: Hands-free with Microphone

Performance

Using the earbuds: (MFB = Multifunction button on the surface of each earbud)
On Left or Right Earbud:
Power On and Pairing: Press MFB for 2 secs
Power off: Press MFB for 4 secs
Power on and Reset Bluetooth: Press MFB for 10 secs

On Right Earbud:
To answer a call/ end call/ switch call: Tap MFB once
To reject a call: Double tap MFB
To transfer a call: Press MFB for 2 secs
To play/pause music: Tap MFB once
Next track: Double tap MFB
Previous track: Triple tap MFB
To switch to the next song: Double tap MFB
Siri / Google Voice: Press MFB for 2 secs

On Left Earbud:
Volume up: Tap MFB once
Volume down: Tap MFB twice

When you take the earbuds out of the case, they automatically connect to each other and the process like with all other functions is confirmed by voice command. The LEDs then flash blue as a confirmation of connectivity and status. Placing them back in the charging case disconnects them from the Bluetooth connection. The only other LED is a red LED on the back of the case next to the micro USB charging port. It lights up when charging the case and until it is fully charged.


These earbuds perform very well. Once again like some of the others I have tested, the sound is very good and clear, and the Lows, Mids, and Highs are all present and well balanced. Also as with some of the other earbuds, the maximum volume has a limiter so that you are never in danger of turning the volume up too high and damaging your hearing. However, I do wish that they could go a bit louder (Personal preference). They are very pleasing to listen to, and these have the best Bluetooth connectivity of all of the earbuds that I have tested so far. They even remained connected most times when I was within those geographical high interference areas that I mention in all of my earbud reviews.
They work quite well for phone conversations for me. This is notable if you have been following my reviews and know of my history of having issues with the other party not hearing me clearly with almost every earbud I have tested. It is also great that these earbuds allow phone use with either earbud. They are comfortable and are the most lightweight and best fitting I have experienced so far.


One issue that really bothers me is that there is no magnetic connection between the earbuds and the case. A few times when I opened the case and it was not level and fully upright, the earbuds fell out or almost fell out.

What I like

  • The stability of the Bluetooth Connection
  • The overall balanced sound
  • The size and fit
  • The build quality

What can be improved

  • The earbuds need to have a magnetic connection with the charging case to prevent them from accidentally falling.

Final thoughts

To date, I have tested and reviewed several earbuds, and I must say that these  YEVO Air Bluetooth earbuds have earned a spot at the top of my list, or at least tied for first place. With all of the innovation going on these days with earbud design and capabilities, I have no doubt that its pole position will soon be challenged. However, until then, this solid performer will hang out with me every day. Well done!!

Price: $129
Where to buy: The Yevo Labs website.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Yevo.

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YEVO Air Bluetooth earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 15, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Sodastream Fizzi One Touch review

I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. But then I became sensitive to caffeine and had to cut out all caffeinated drinks. I took this problem and turned it into my motivation to stop drinking artificially sweetened drinks. But the problem is that I really missed fizzy drinks. For a while, I made my own using seltzer, stevia, and Cappella’s flavor drops. This worked fine but it meant that I needed to keep a supply of bottled seltzer. Then I switched to a SodaStream Crystal Sparkling Water Maker for on-demand fizzy drink goodness. I loved that machine. Well, except that I had problems getting consistent fizziness of my drinks. But those days are gone now that I’ve started using the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The SodaStream Fizzi One Touch is a table-top appliance that carbonates water with 3 levels of carbonation to choose from.

What’s in the box?

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch
60 liter co2 carbonator
1 liter BPA-free reusable source carbonating bottle
AC adapter

Design and features

The Fizzi One Touch looks similar to other SodaStream sparkling water makers. It’s a 5″ x 7 1/4″ x 17″ high gloss black plastic device with the SodaStream logo on the front.

The back of the One Touch pops off the back of the unit to reveal the holder for the CO2 cartridge.

Installing the cartridge takes just a few seconds. All you have to do is peel off the wrapper at the top and remove the cap. This reveals the connector.

Then you slide the cartridge in place and screw it into the receptacle.

The next step is to attach the AC adapter to the bottom of the unit and route the cable. This is the first SodaStream that I’ve used that requires power. The others that I’ve tried over the years were manual sparkling water makers that required me to press the button as many times as needed to carbonate the water. That’s where the Fizzi One Touch is so much better because it does all the work for you!

The Fizzi One Touch comes with one BPA-free 1 Liter plastic bottle. The bottle is clear with a chrome-covered cap and base. Printed on the bottom is a fill line that helps you fill the bottle to the appropriate level.

The One Touch has a nozzle that goes into the bottle to “inject” the carbonation into the water.

Around the nozzle is an automatic clamp that holds the top of the bottom when you insert it.

You might be wondering if you can fill the bottle with something other than water and the answer to that question is no. The SodaStream is designed to only carbonate water. Trying other liquids can result in a mess and/or ruining your SodaStream, so don’t try it.

The nozzle swivels out from the unit to allow you to angle the bottle into the clamp.

When the bottle is in place, you press the bottle back into the unit so it’s in an upright position and is ready for carbonation.

As I mentioned earlier, the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch is a powered carbonator. On the top of the unit are three buttons that light up in blue when the unit is active. The left button (one drop) is for light fizz, the middle button (two drops) is for medium fizz, and the right button (three drops) is for high fizz.

It takes one button press to wake up the unit at which point the buttons will light up. Then you can press the button you want for the desired amount of fizz. Then the Fizzi will carbonate the water in the attached bottle. As soon as the lights on the buttons go out, you can remove the bottle.

See it in action

Using the One Touch is pretty much effortless. I prefer to fill the bottle with water and put it in the fridge so it gets cold BEFORE I make my drinks. But that’s just because I don’t want to water down the flavor with melting ice.

I like my homemade flavored soda drinks to be very fizzy, so I always use the max fizz button. I’ve been VERY happy with the performance of the Fizzi One Touch. Each time the fizz level is exactly the same unlike other SodaStream that I’ve used that have different fizz levels based on how many times and how long you press the manual button. I much prefer the One Touch do the work to get it the same fizz level each and every time.

Time will tell if the CO2 cartridge in the One Touch actually ends up lasting longer or not as long as the cartridge in a manual sparkling water maker. From what I’ve read, one cartridge should be able to carbonate up to 60 liters. New cartridges cost about $15 when you trade in your old one at Best Buy, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc.

What I like

  • Consistent results with one button press
  • Easy to use

What needs to be improved

  • A 2nd bottle would be nice

Final thoughts

I love the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch. It has removed the only pain point that I had from the previous SodaStream that I used but adding the one touch carbonation feature. The only way that I could be better would be to include an extra bottle but otherwise, it’s a definite keeper and popular gadget in our kitchen.

Price: $129.99
Where to buy: SodaStream and William Sonoma
Source: The sample for this review was provided by SodaStream.

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Sodastream Fizzi One Touch review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 14, 2018 at 12:46 pm.

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Posture Stand review


REVIEW – For folks like me and my wife who spend a lot of time working on a laptop or tablet, finding a comfortable position to do so is not always easy. Sometimes I work at night in bed or sitting on the floor or even the sofa. There are many companies that offer solutions for this type of working situation, and this device is just such a solution.

What is it?

The Posture Stand is an ergonomically designed stand that helps you to find the most comfortable and supportive position when working with your laptop or mobile device or even reading a book. It supports good posture and spinal alignment.

What’s in the box


1 x Posture Stand
1 x Accessory Rest
1 x Informational Booklet

Design and features

The Posture Stand is a great versatile mobile work platform that has the adjustability to adapt to your most comfortable work position. Whether you are sitting on the floor, or in bed, or sitting on the sofa, and whether you are using your laptop or tablet or just reading a book.




There is an accessory rest that can be attached to the end section of either side of the stand, and it can be used to place whatever accessory you choose within reason.


Each leg section of the stand can be adjusted incrementally up to 180 degrees in either direction. There is a metal locking ring that can be moved side to side to adjust and lock each section.


This stand is also versatile enough that it can be used as a side table or end table and can accommodate a lamp or ornament or maybe you just use it as a food tray as well and enjoy lunch.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The flexibility and versatility
  • The ability to be folded away in a compact form when not in use

What can be improved

  • An accessory tray that can be mounted in more locations for better use

Final thoughts

The Posture Stand is a very convenient and versatile stand that works very well for me. I have found many uses beyond the use of mobile devices and reading that include a tray for eating while sitting on the floor or in bed, a display stand for taking pictures, etc. It is very sturdy and yet relatively lightweight. It is definitely a good product that will be continuously utilized in my household. In my opinion, it is a good value for the price.

Price: $74.99
Where to buy: Back Pain Help website.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Back Pain Help.

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Posture Stand review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 14, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Aermoo B3 Bluetooth earbuds review

REVIEW – As I continue to get opportunities to test and review more earbuds, it feels like the battle is heating up and each new addition to the race is getting closer to claiming the title of “Best earbuds for Julian”. These earbuds are the next contenders. Let’s see how they stack up.

What is it?

The Aermoo B3 earbuds are a pair of Bluetooth wireless earbuds for listening to music and other audio from any audio device with Bluetooth capability. They also handle phone call functions.

What’s in the box


1 x Pair of Aermoo B3 earbuds
1 x Charging Case
2 x Pairs of Wing Tips
3 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x USB Micro USB Cable
1 x Instruction Booklet

Design and features

The Aermoo B3 earbuds are nicely and safely packaged. When you remove them from the box and you charge them, they are ready to go. The Wing Tips and Ear Tips that came pre-installed fit me perfectly. The instruction manual is small but provides all of the details that you need.

When you open the charging case you will notice a unique feature, one that I have never come across before. This case has 4 charging level LEDs that light up blue, and above the LEDs, there is an on/off button that controls the charging of the earbuds when they are placed in the case. This is unlike most other earbuds that automatically charge once they are placed in the case. When the on/off button is depressed, it allows the case to charge the earbuds. Since I very rarely read instructions, I ended up with “dead” earbuds before I figured that it was not just a press of the button, but rather I had to use the tip of my finger to really push the button down until it stayed in and then it was in the on position.

On the back of the charging case, there is the micro USB charging port. The case itself is a bit smaller than most I have come across measuring just 2.5″ x 1″ x 1″.

Performance

Specifications:

Bluetooth version: 5.0
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Headset Battery: 45mAH
Charging Case Battery: 460mAH
Charging Case Charging Time: approx. 2hrs
Music Playing Time: approx. 2.5hrs
Talk Time: approx. 3hrs
Standby Time: 100hrs

Using the earbuds: (MFB = Multifunction Button)
To answer a call: Short press of MFB on either earbud.
To hang up: Long press MFB on either earbud.
To reject a call: Press and hold MFB on right earbud.
Voice dial: Double-click MFB on left earbud.

To play/pause music:
In standby mode: Short press MFB on either earbud; double-click MFB on right earbud to pause.
Switch song forward/Backward: Long Press MFB for 2 seconds on right earbud for forward and 2 seconds on left earbud for backward

When you first take them out of the charging case, you press the multifunction button (MFB) on each earbud for 2 seconds and they turn on, their LEDs flash red/blue, they immediately go into pairing mode and show up in your phone’s Bluetooth connection choices. Pairing is simple and quick. The earbuds automatically connect to each other and the process like with all other functions is confirmed by voice command. The LEDs then flash blue as a confirmation of connectivity and status. Placing them back in the charging case disconnects them from the Bluetooth connection. The next time you remove them from the charging case, they automatically connect to your phone without the need to power them on or to pair them. I did notice that it the power button in the case is in the off position, the earbuds do not automatically disconnect from the Bluetooth connection.

These earbuds perform very well. The sound is very good and clear, and the Lows, Mids, and Highs are all present and well balanced. The maximum volume has a limiter so that you are never in danger of turning the volume up too high and damaging your hearing. They are very pleasing to listen to. I experienced very few Bluetooth disconnections and when I did, it was always within those geographical high interference areas that I mention in all of my earbud reviews.

I was quite surprised at how well these worked for phone conversations for me given my history of having issues with the other party hearing me with almost every earbud I have tested. It is also great that these earbuds allow phone use with either earbud.

The Aermoo B3 earbuds fit my ears snugly and stay in place quite well. I did not ever feel like they would fall out. However, they are a bit big and are not as comfortable as some others. If not seated just right, they can be a bit uncomfortable. The picture below provides an example of the size.

What I like

  • The build quality of the earbuds and the case, and the feel of the case. (It feels like soft velvet)
  • The overall quality of the audio presentation
  • The ability to use either earbud for phone calls
  • The stability of the Bluetooth connection

What can be improved

  • The size of the earbud so that it will fit better
  • The function of the on/off button in the case so that it engages and disengages with less effort and provides a confirmation of function. (Maybe a click?)

Final thoughts

As I spend more time testing and reviewing earbuds, I have come to realize that there is not necessarily a confirmed and measurable relationship between price and quality of sound and performance. The Aermoo B3 earbuds are relatively inexpensive but are a really great bang for the buck. I honestly was not expecting them to perform as well as they did, and for a price that is well short of even $100, they can challenge some of the much higher priced earbuds that I have tested. While they are not perfect, they are quite worthy. I always mention that fit and sound are individually subjective dynamics, and I am always careful not to provide any universal recommendations. Having made that declaration, I must give kudos to Aermoo for these earbuds.

Price: $69.99
Where to buy: The Aermoo website and Amazon.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Aermoo.

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Aermoo B3 Bluetooth earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 13, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Minger Govee Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer Review

REVIEW – Are you one of those folks who think it’s too cold at work? I’m the opposite! I always think it’s too dang hot. Our office building HVAC system seems a little funny to me sometimes, so I thought something like the Govee wireless thermometer/hygrometer that logs data might come in useful.

What is it?

The Govee is a battery-powered device that displays temperature and relative humidity on an LCD screen. The party trick is the ability to record up to 32,000 data points view the records over your smartphone via bluetooth.

Hardware specs

  • Temperature Accuracy: -20°C to 60°C (-68°F – 140°F)
  • Humidity Range: 0 – 99%
  • Humidity Accuracy: ±3%
  • Dimensions: 40mm x 40mm x 16.5mm / 1.57″ x 1.57″ x 0.65″
  • Weight: 40g / 1.4oz
  • Battery: AAA (included)
  • Battery Life: Typ. over 1 year (more in normal conditions, less in extreme cold)
  • Sampling Interval: Every 2s
  • On-board Data Storage: 20 days
  • In-App Data Storage: 2 years
  • Compatibility: iPhone, Android

What’s in the box?

You get the Govee device, a mount with peel-off adhesive, and documentation. AAA batteries included!

Design and features

There’s not a whole lot with the device itself. There’s only one button on the front to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Don’t forget to pull the little plastic tab from the included batteries!

The device itself fits in the palm of your hand, with an easy to understand LCD display with a battery icon on top.

Setup

I downloaded the iOS app “Govee Home”, shown below. It’s free.

For some reason, you have to sign up with an email and password. I don’t know why and I’m not too crazy about this.

Performance

Once your smartphone is paired with your Govee, you can make changes to your settings. Note the temperature alarm slide on the left. I set the upper range to 80F to see what would happen. More on that later.

On the right is a snapshot of the data over a brief period. You can slide the records left and right in time.


Once the data is uploaded to your phone, you get the grammatically questionable “Complete to upload the data”. (Attention programmers: “Data upload complete” is shorter and better.)

I let the Govee sit in my office for a week to get a sense of what was going on with the temperatures. See the red peaks on late Saturday and Sunday? Those are times when the recorded temperature exceeded the limits I set at 80F. It appears that over the weekend, the air conditioning (what little there is) is shut off to save energy.

What I like

Simple to set up. Data is easy to interpret on a smartphone.

What needs to be improved

Maybe not for you if you’re paranoid about setting up an email and password for an app. The grammar choices bug me a little.

Final thoughts

Easy, straightforward, and batteries included. I like it!

Price: $42.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Minger.

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Minger Govee Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 13, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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