Reviews – Page 270

ANNKE 1080P lite security system DVR review

I think I’ve indicated before that I’m a bit paranoid when it comes to home security. I have several cameras in and outside my house, and I’m always considering adding more. Not only are the cameras great for deterring burglars, but they often help find toys my children lost.

Recently I volunteered to review a DVR security system by Annke. It’s a four camera indoor/outdoor system with a multitude of features.

In the box

Annke DVR
4 x 720P indoor/outdoor cameras – wired
4 x video cables (60 ft)
2 x power adapters
Power adapter “splitter” for cameras
USB mouse
4 x anchors for mounting cameras
Quick user manual
Software CD
2 x door/window stickers

Specifications

Analog video input – 8-ch;BNC interface (1.0Vp-p, 75 Ω)
HD TVI input – 720P, 1080P
AHD input – Support
CVBS input – Support
IP video input – 2-ch;Up to 960p resolution
Audio input/Two-way audio input – 1-ch;RCA (2.0 Vp-p, 1 KΩ)
HDMI/VGA output – 1-ch, 1920 × 1080/60Hz,1280 × 1024/60Hz, 1280 × 720/60Hz, 1024 × 768/60Hz
Audio output – 1-ch, RCA (Linear, 1 KΩ)
Video compression standard – H.264+/H.264
Encoding resolution & Frame rate – 1080p lite/720p： 12 fps;960H：25fps(P)/30fps(N)
Video bitrate – 32 Kbps to 4 Mbps
Stream type – Video & Audio/Video
Dual-stream – Support
Audio compression standard – G.711u
Audio bitrate – 64 Kbps
Synchronous playback – 2-ch
Remote connections – 128
Network protocols – TCP/IP, PPPoE, DHCP, Hik-connect Cloud P2P, DNS, DDNS, NTP, SADP, SMTP, NFS, iSCSI, UPnP™, HTTPS
SATA – 1 SATA interface
Capacity – Up to 6 TB capacity for each disk
Network interface – 1; RJ-45 10 M/100 Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet interface
USB interface – Rear panel: 2 × USB 2.0
Power supply – 12 VDC
Consumption(without hard disks) – ≤ 12W
Working temperature – 14ºF to 131ºF
Working humidity – 5V DC±10%
Power Consumption – 10% to 90%
Chassis – 1U chassis
Dimensions(W × D × H) – 10.2 × 8.7 × 1.8 inch
Weight(without hard disks) – ≤ 2.2 lb

Design

The DVR looks a bit like a cable set-top box without an LCD display.

The front of the DVR has LED indicators for power status, hard drive activity, and network activity. The rear of the DVR contains all of its ports. The top of the DVR is plain while the bottom contains the model number, serial number, and external access code.

The system also includes four 720p cameras.

Each camera is equipped with infrared LEDs, providing 66 feet of night vision.

Additionally, the cameras have an IP66 ingress rating, meaning they are rain and dustproof.

The remainder of the system is primarily composed of cables and power adapters.

I can’t imagine any DVR system being completely inconspicuous; however, this system does a fine job blending into the background. The DVR would blend in with any entertainment center containing your everyday media devices, and the cameras could be tucked away into just about any corner.

Setup

The system isn’t particularly difficult to set up; however, the included user manual is of no help. The manual immediately skips from describing the LEDs and ports on the DVR, to explaining how to install a hard drive; there is absolutely no mention of how to connect the cameras or power adapters. Fortunately, if you’re somewhat tech-literate, the process is pretty easy to figure out.

First you attach the plugs from “cable end A” into the plugs at the end of the camera. You then plug the blue end of “cable end B” into one of the video ports on the rear of the DVR. Next you plug the red end of “cable end B” into one of the power adapter splitters. You then plug the splitter into one of the power adapters.

Once you’ve installed the cameras you can plug the DVR into a HDTV or computer monitor. You then attach the system to your router, plug in the remaining power adapter, and plug the mouse into the USB port.

Once all the hardware is set up, you can begin the on-screen setup; this is a pretty simple process.

The first time you turn on the system you will be asked to activate it. This requires nothing more than choosing an administrative password for the system. You next choose an unlock pattern in order to avoid having to reenter a password repeatedly. Finally, you go through the setup wizard.

Once you’ve completed the wizard, the DVR system is ready to operate. For the most basic use, this is all you need to do. I’ll discuss more advanced use later.

Performance

Although I’ve never had a DVR system for my home, I’ve utilized and interacted with them countless times at work. I was very pleased with how well the Annke system worked compared to others I’ve seen.

The system was easy to use and the picture quality was generally very good; although, in low light situations the image was a bit darker than I would like.

Truthfully, the basic use of the DVR system is so simple there isn’t a lot to write about. You install it, go through the setup wizard, and it immediately starts streaming a live view of things.

It works wonderfully, and that’s really all there is to say.

Annke App

Not only can the system be viewed through your TV or computer monitor, but you can also access it through Annke’s app.

The app is available for Android and iOS.

After you download and install the app, you’ll go through an easy setup wizard where you’ll choose your location, set up your mobile account, and connect your system.

After you’ve completed the wizard, you should have access to your live view.

As with the basic use of the DVR, the mobile app is wonderfully simple to use.

Advanced Use

So here’s the thing, this DVR would be great for a basic home surveillance system, but it also has a ton of features that would make it great for protecting a business or any other institution. In fact, it has so many features that I couldn’t have possibly gotten around to trying them all.

In order to take advantage of all the extra features, you’re going to want to install a hard drive in the DVR. (according to its Amazon listing, the system does not include a hard drive; however, the sample they sent me included a 1 TB hard drive.)

Once a hard drive is installed you can choose from several different recording features.

You can set the DVR to record continuously or only record during specific hours on specific days.

You can choose to have it record when motion is detected or when specific types of motion, AKA “events”, occur.

Examples of events are as follows: face detection/face capture, line crossing detection, people gathering detection, fast moving detection, parking detection, unattended baggage detection, etc.

Admittedly, I didn’t come close to testing all the different triggers; however, I did set a motion alarm and it appeared to work well, consistently.

As with recording, there are a handful of different ways to playback events.

You can choose to playback an event by time period, by event type, by user created tags, by using smart search to analyze video footage, and by going through system logs.

If the DVR is connected to a network there are another dozen options to consider, including connecting to a Network Time Protocol sever, configuring email settings for email alerts, monitoring network traffic, etc.

This is just scratching the surface; you can set on-screen labels, place a black privacy box over certain areas, run hard drive diagnostics, and create backup files.

The amount of features available is borderline overwhelming, but in a good way.

My only issue with all the features was the lack of instruction in the included user manual. While some features were covered, most didn’t appear to be. I was able to locate a 110 page advanced user manual on Annke’s website; however, based on the diagrams inside, it wasn’t the manual for the exact model I was reviewing.

Conclusion

I’m impressed with the Annke DVR; it can function as a basic home surveillance system or work as a full featured security DVR.

The system provides good video quality and an abundance of features.

Everything is fairly easy to use and set up, but you have to do some digging on Annke’s website to get the correct information.

All in all, for $109.99, I’m not sure you’re going to find a better deal.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Annke. Please visit their site for more information and Amazon to order.

Product Information

Price:	$109.99
Manufacturer:	Annke
Retailer:	Amazon
Requirements:	An extra computer monitor or TV with HDMI to display video footage Android, iOS, or Windows device for certain features
Pros:	Simple set up despite lack of directions Good video quality Tons of features
Cons:	Included user manual not always useful Footage can be dark in low light

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Home Security, security camera

ANNKE 1080P lite security system DVR review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2017 at 3:20 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker review

It’s summertime again, and that means pool parties, camping, canoe trips, picnics, and barbecues. But what’s a great summer get-together without a killer soundtrack? There’s just one problem… how are you going to get everyone to actually hear that bangin’ playlist you spent all day making?

Ditch the awkward phone-in-a-cup sound hack and stop worrying about getting that Bluetooth speaker ruined by a spilled beer… the JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker has got you covered.

What is it?

The Flip 4 by JBL is a small external Bluetooth speaker with a waterproof case and sound to spare. It features Bluetooth 4.2 streaming with speakerphone and voice assistance (OK Google/Siri) capability, a 3000mAh battery that purportedly lasts up to 12 hours of playtime, and a waterproof rubber and fabric casing that can even be fully submerged in water with no ill effects. Additionally, it’s JBL Connect+ enabled, which allows for linking of over 100 supported speakers, if you, um, happen to have a few dozen of these laying around.

Their packaging is indeed lovely.

Actually, it would be pretty cool to have several scattered around your back deck or party area. I was not able to test this function, but can imagine the results.

Let’s Get Physical

The Flip 4 is roughly the size of a 16oz. energy drink (think can of Monster or Rockstar) and just a tad heavier.

The form factor of a giant can of Red Bull.

It’s wrapped in a waterproof fabric material, flanked on both ends with rubber. There is a weighted, flat rubber strip running the length of the unit that serves as a rest on a flat surface, preventing it from rolling away. The power button, Connect+ button and charging/aux ports (with waterproof cover) are located on that strip, with the control buttons just above it on the fabric material. There is also a handy wrist strap looped onto the unit, allowing it to be hung up or tied to a pack or wrist.

Both ends consist of the bass radiators, which reverberate and vibrate with the beat. It’s pretty neat to watch, but if something comes into contact or leans into them, it will cause some buzzing. Likewise, a towel or shirt pressed against either end will cause some muffling.

There’s a waterproof plug insulating the ports.

The waterproof housing is one of the main selling points, I took the liberty of running the speaker under the tap for about 30 seconds to no ill effect. It just felt a bit damp when I shook off the excess water and was nearly dry with a quick towel wipe. Really impressive stuff. One wouldn’t have to fear getting sand, dirt or ocean or pool water on it, allowing for high versatility of applications. This speaker would be right at home on a beach towel, backpack, pool deck, boat or campground. It could even survive a lengthy dunk in the pool, which is tough to say of many electronics.

(PSA: Don’t be that camper or beachgoer who is blaring their music for everyone in a square mile to hear, just because you can. Be considerate, people.)

How’s It Sound?

No matter how many neat little features you can cram onto a speaker, it’s all going to come down to what sort of sound it can crank out. The Flip 4 is no slouch. I put it through its paces, throwing everything from Mozart to Daft Punk to Frank Ocean. It definitely prefers bass-heavy, what I’d consider “party” music. It’s definitely LOUD enough. At half volume, streaming through my iPad, it’s definitely loud enough to be heard in a large room, and any louder would be enough to obscure normal conversation levels.

Keep your shirt away from these woofers!

Turning it up louder than 50% resulted in the expected sacrifice of bass and treble for more volume. At around 75% volume, which, again, is probably much louder than you’d typically want to go in most settings, the bass and treble diminish and you’re left with mostly the mid-range. I’d guess the only times you’d want to turn it up to that level is in an already loud setting, like moving at a fast clip on a speedboat, or if you were blaring it from a window pointed out toward your backyard party.

All in all, at the sound levels that someone would most likely be using this at, it sounds great. Hands-down better than anything you’d get out of your phone or tablet, but that’s a pretty low bar to clear.

Final Thoughts

I really like this little speaker. It’s small, super easy to pair and use, is plenty loud and dismisses the common “what if I get it wet or dirty” worries. There are better sounding speakers of similar size, but they’re most certainly not as rugged or as affordable.

The Flip 4 is available from JBL for $99.95.

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

Product Information

Price:	$99.95
Manufacturer:	JBL
Retailer:	Amazon
Pros:	– Excellent portability – Waterproof, sand and dirt resistant – More than loud enough
Cons:	– Sound tends to get muddy at high volume – Exposed bass speakers need clearance

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Bluetooth speaker

JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2017 at 7:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker review

It’s summertime again, and that means pool parties, camping, canoe trips, picnics, and barbecues. But what’s a great summer get-together without a killer soundtrack? There’s just one problem… how are you going to get everyone to actually hear that bangin’ playlist you spent all day making?

Ditch the awkward phone-in-a-cup sound hack and stop worrying about getting that Bluetooth speaker ruined by a spilled beer… the JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker has got you covered.

What is it?

The Flip 4 by JBL is a small external Bluetooth speaker with a waterproof case and sound to spare. It features Bluetooth 4.2 streaming with speakerphone and voice assistance (OK Google/Siri) capability, a 3000mAh battery that purportedly lasts up to 12 hours of playtime, and a waterproof rubber and fabric casing that can even be fully submerged in water with no ill effects. Additionally, it’s JBL Connect+ enabled, which allows for linking of over 100 supported speakers, if you, um, happen to have a few dozen of these laying around.

Their packaging is indeed lovely.

Actually, it would be pretty cool to have several scattered around your back deck or party area. I was not able to test this function, but can imagine the results.

Let’s Get Physical

The Flip 4 is roughly the size of a 16oz. energy drink (think can of Monster or Rockstar) and just a tad heavier.

The form factor of a giant can of Red Bull.

It’s wrapped in a waterproof fabric material, flanked on both ends with rubber. There is a weighted, flat rubber strip running the length of the unit that serves as a rest on a flat surface, preventing it from rolling away. The power button, Connect+ button and charging/aux ports (with waterproof cover) are located on that strip, with the control buttons just above it on the fabric material. There is also a handy wrist strap looped onto the unit, allowing it to be hung up or tied to a pack or wrist.

Both ends consist of the bass radiators, which reverberate and vibrate with the beat. It’s pretty neat to watch, but if something comes into contact or leans into them, it will cause some buzzing. Likewise, a towel or shirt pressed against either end will cause some muffling.

There’s a waterproof plug insulating the ports.

The waterproof housing is one of the main selling points, I took the liberty of running the speaker under the tap for about 30 seconds to no ill effect. It just felt a bit damp when I shook off the excess water and was nearly dry with a quick towel wipe. Really impressive stuff. One wouldn’t have to fear getting sand, dirt or ocean or pool water on it, allowing for high versatility of applications. This speaker would be right at home on a beach towel, backpack, pool deck, boat or campground. It could even survive a lengthy dunk in the pool, which is tough to say of many electronics.

(PSA: Don’t be that camper or beachgoer who is blaring their music for everyone in a square mile to hear, just because you can. Be considerate, people.)

How’s It Sound?

No matter how many neat little features you can cram onto a speaker, it’s all going to come down to what sort of sound it can crank out. The Flip 4 is no slouch. I put it through its paces, throwing everything from Mozart to Daft Punk to Frank Ocean. It definitely prefers bass-heavy, what I’d consider “party” music. It’s definitely LOUD enough. At half volume, streaming through my iPad, it’s definitely loud enough to be heard in a large room, and any louder would be enough to obscure normal conversation levels.

Keep your shirt away from these woofers!

Turning it up louder than 50% resulted in the expected sacrifice of bass and treble for more volume. At around 75% volume, which, again, is probably much louder than you’d typically want to go in most settings, the bass and treble diminish and you’re left with mostly the mid-range. I’d guess the only times you’d want to turn it up to that level is in an already loud setting, like moving at a fast clip on a speedboat, or if you were blaring it from a window pointed out toward your backyard party.

All in all, at the sound levels that someone would most likely be using this at, it sounds great. Hands-down better than anything you’d get out of your phone or tablet, but that’s a pretty low bar to clear.

Final Thoughts

I really like this little speaker. It’s small, super easy to pair and use, is plenty loud and dismisses the common “what if I get it wet or dirty” worries. There are better sounding speakers of similar size, but they’re most certainly not as rugged or as affordable.

The Flip 4 is available from JBL for $99.95.

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

Product Information

Price:	$99.95
Manufacturer:	JBL
Retailer:	Amazon
Pros:	– Excellent portability – Waterproof, sand and dirt resistant – More than loud enough
Cons:	– Sound tends to get muddy at high volume – Exposed bass speakers need clearance

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Bluetooth speaker

JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2017 at 7:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

No 8 Opinel X Topo Designs limited edition folding knife review

Topo Designs, makers of unique outdoor gear and apparel, has collaborated with Opinel, the venerable French knife makers, to bring us a new collaborative project. It’s a limited-edition version of the classic Opinel knife, combined with a sheath custom-made by Topo Designs for the collaboration. How cool is that? Let me tell you about it!

A Bit of History

Based in Savoie, France, Opinel has been manufacturing knives since 1890 and has a worldwide reputation for simple, functional knives used by working men and women. The iconic design has been recognized for years for its simplicity and elegance and is considered a design masterpiece on par with legendary designs like the Porsche 911 and Rolex watches.

Topo Designs is based in Colorado that’s built a reputation for outdoor-oriented gear & apparel that emphasizes practical design with a distinctive, funky aesthetic. All of their products are made in the USA at their LEEDS-certified facility with rock-solid construction and materials. They feature unique color combinations and material choices that highlight their rugged, adventurous style. They are also known for collaborations with other outdoor-oriented companies like Woolrich and Chaco, creating new and interesting products that combine the best of both companies.

Given the history and reputation of the two brands, this project is a natural fit for a collaboration. Let’s have a look at how it all comes together.

The Knife

The design of the collaboration is based on the Opinel No. 8, their most popular model. The handle is made from French beech wood and measures 4-3/8”. It’s a round handle, gently contoured, that features a simple flare at the base to enhance grip. A locking collar is affixed where the blade meets the handle and is twisted to lock the blade in either open or closed position. The blade itself presents a curve on the cutting edge, is 3-3/8” long, and folds into the handle when closed. Total length when opened is 7-3/4”, which is just about the perfect size for a multipurpose pocket knife.

There are several subtle but significant enhancements to the No. 8 design included in this collaboration. Opinel handles are typically left natural, but this model includes a Topo-inspired band of bold color here that gives the knife a distinctive look. The blade itself is made of stainless steel coated with titanium nitride to enhance corrosion resistance and durability. You’ll also find the addition of a 1.5 mm para cord loop (attached at the base) for additional carry and handling options. We have a traditional Opinel No. 8 in the house I recently purchased for my son, so I have included a comparison picture below for reference:

With all that said, the No. 8 Opinel X Topo Designs knife is a pleasure to use. Opening and closing the knife is a two handed operation, which is a good thing in my mind to ensure that the blade doesn’t open accidentally in your bag. The locking collar setup is brilliantly simple: rotate to lock the blade in open or closed position, and it’s not going anywhere. The grip is substantial & comfortable in your hand, encouraging confidence for both light cutting work (like slicing an apple) and more difficult jobs (like cutting rope). It’s also wicked sharp out of the box, slicing paper and cardboard with virtually no effort.

I really don’t have any significant criticisms about the knife. The paracord loop is handy, but you might want something a bit longer if you weren’t using the Topo-designed sheath (see below). In that case, you could easily replace the cord with a new one. It’s also a working knife, so it’s a bit bigger to carry around than a typical light-duty pocket knife. Note that this could be an issue depending on local regulations… you definitely want to check into that before you start carrying any knife around, especially if you’re flying!

The Sheath

The collaboration also includes a custom-made sheath designed by Topo specifically for this project. Measuring 5.25” by 2” by 1”, the sheath is made from a green Cordura pack liner. It uses a single YKK zipper that runs the length of the sheath, including a para cord zipper pull that matches the one on the knife. For attachment options, you have two choices: a paracord loop at the top of the sheath, and a wide bit of webbing on the back of the sheath to secure it to your belt or the strap on your bag.

As with all Topo products, construction is excellent. You won’t find any flaws in the stitching or assembly and it’s perfectly sized for the knife. Topo Designs uses the best zippers around, with smooth operation and chunky construction for long-term use. With multiple attachment options, it’s easy to find a place to keep you knife handy.

I really enjoy using the sheath in conjunction with the knife. I typically keep my knife in my bag, and it’s great for protecting the knife when it’s banging around with the rest of my gear. I can also hook it to a carabiner, attach it to my belt, or hang it from a cord around my neck if I am working in the yard. It’s also great if you’re keeping it in your toolbox or with your camping gear, protecting the knife from dirt & water when it’s not working.

Conclusion, Pricing, and Availability

Topo Designs is known for smart, well-designed collaborations; I think they have knocked it out of the park with the Opinel project. The whole package pays respect to a classic, functional working knife while providing nice enhancements that complement its functionality. At a retail price of $49, it’s a great item to add to your collection.

Here’s the catch: it’s a limited edition, with only 500 units produced in the initial run. Both Opinel’s and Topo’s web sites are currently showing this as unavailable, but the Topo Designs web site does indicate that some may be available in their brick and mortar stores. I would highly recommend you keep an eye out, and grab one if you can!

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Topo Designs. For more info visit their site. You can also check Opinel on Amazon and Topo Design on Amazon.

Product Information

Price:	$49.00
Manufacturer:	Topo Designs
Retailer:	Amazon
Pros:	Great multipurpose knife Unique take on a piece of history Useful, functional sheath allows for multiple carry options Coated stainless steel prohibits corrosion
Cons:	Limited edition – may be hard to get!

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Knives

No 8 Opinel X Topo Designs limited edition folding knife review originally appeared on on July 16, 2017 at 8:47 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Blast Motion Blast Softball review

The Blast Motion Blast Softball Swing Analyzer is a tiny sensor puck crammed with some big technology. Along with its companion app, it’s easy to set up, attach to your bat, and get right to swinging. At $149.99, it’s a great, affordable way to improve your swing and get some incredibly useful stats in the process.

The Blast Softball Sensor comes in a nicely designed flip-lip box emblazoned with a picture of Blast Motion Athlete and National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) professional player, Lauren Chamberlain. The NPF logo is clearly displayed as well since Blast is the official sensor tech of the NPF.

Opening the box reveals the Blast sensor puck, set into a custom panel; under that panel are the rest of the box contents.

The Blast Softball unit comes with the Blast Softball Sensor, a clear softball bat attachment sleeve, a wireless charger, a USB-A to micro USB charging cable, a free sticker and quick start instructions for downloading the Blast Motion mobile app. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, or Android and connects to the unit via Bluetooth.

You’ll need your own USB wall plug to charge the unit or you can charge it via the USB port of any computer.

The small Blast Softball sensor fits deep into the bat attachment, which is a sort of stretchy, clear rubber sleeve.

It takes a bit of wriggling, but once inside, the sensor is protected very well from drops or other damage; the sensor itself is also waterproof.

Once placed in the bat attachment sleeve, the unit charges wirelessly by being placed on its charging pad and connecting the pad to a power source via USB. The unit is powered by one rechargeable lithium ion battery,

Out of the box, the sensor puck took about an hour to reach full charge.

Once fully charged, the sensor and sleeve are ready to be pulled over the end of your bat and the fun really starts.

Having no athletic prowess myself, I had to a recruit a literal heavy hitter to properly put the Blast Softball Sensor through its paces.

My friend Daniella Roselli plays softball for Division Ave High School on Long Island, NY. She’s a 2019 graduate and was voted one of the top 100 players on Long Island by Newsday (one of only six sophomores). She was also voted All-County this season and ranked 5th on Long Island in Home Runs as a sophomore in 2017.

When it comes to slugging softballs, Daniella does not mess around.

Daniella loved the Blast Motion and found a lot of features of the app very useful. She said that the readings were accurate and consistent, markedly better than some similar sensors like the Zepp.

Having the unit attached the end of her bat did not affect Daniella’s swing at all, due to the light weight of the unit and the strong attachment of the sleeve. The super slugger said that she didn’t even realize it was there.

After a number of swings, the benefit of the analytics from the Blast Motion app became apparent. “I like how I was able to track my bat speed and set goals to increase it each time,” Daniella said.

The screens and data of the app are very detailed, yet easy to navigate and access. One very cool feature of the app is the Blast Factor. The Blast Factor is an aggregate of a number of different stats for each swing and you can use it to gauge the overall effectiveness of each swing as compared to the previous.

Another great aspect of the Blast Motion app is the ability to record actual video of each swing, which you can then analyze to correct mechanics.The app can automatically clip video to create highlights synced with your metrics. There is also an adaptive slow motion function built-in to the app.

If you’d like to take your training to the next level, Blast Motion offers a service called Blast Connect. For $59.95 a year for the athlete membership, you can get detailed swing analysis, performance history statistics, a media library of your swings and access to a real-time leaderboard ranking and stats for events. We did not test out the Blast Connect features for this review.

Overall, we really liked the Blast Motion Blast Softball sensor. It’s competitively priced, super useful, easy to setup, and fun to use. The one caveat is that the Blast Motion provides simple raw data with some basic analytics, it’s up to the user to figure out how to better themselves. To get better more in-depth analysis, you would have to sign up for the Blast Connect service. But, even without the service, the Blast Softball sensor would be a great addition to your softball training arsenal.

Specifications

Mobile Operating System:

Apple iOS 8.x, iOS 9.x, iOS 10.x, WatchOS 3.x
Android OS 5.x (lollipop), 6.x (marshmallow), 7.x (nougat – Moto Z, Galaxy S7, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel XL, Pixel only)

Apple iOS Compatible Devices:

iPhone SE, 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6S, 6 Plus, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus
iPad Mini 2, Mini 3, iPad 3, iPad 4, Air, Air 2, iPad Pro 9.7”, iPad Pro 12.9?
Apple Watch, Apple Watch 2

Google Android Compatible Devices (metrics + video):

Samsung Galaxy S5, S5 Active, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, S6 Active, S7, S7 Edge, Note 4, Note 5
Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL
LG G3, G4, V10
Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen.), Droid Maxx 2, Droid Turbo 2, Moto Z

Google Android Compatible Devices (metrics only):

Samsung Galaxy J7, Note 3, HTC One (m8), LG G5, Motorola Nexus 6

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Blast Motion. Please visit their website or Amazon for more info.

Product Information

Price:	$149.95
Manufacturer:	Blast Motion
Retailer:	Amazon
Requirements:	Softball Bat
Pros:	Easy set up Lots of features
Cons:	Provides pure data, need Blast Connect service for ways to improve

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Sports

Blast Motion Blast Softball review originally appeared on on July 15, 2017 at 2:16 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.