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Tapplock Lite fingerprint lock review

REVIEW – One of my recurring nightmares is trying to open my junior high combination lock. I have a very bad memory, so I avoid combination locks whenever possible. The Tapplock Lite features fingerprint unlocking with a “Morse code” backup. I know Morse code, so I wanted to check this out.

What is it?

The Tapplock Lite is a lightweight lock with a capacitive fingerprint sensor and can be managed via smartphone app (Bluetooth).

Hardware specs

  • 8 month battery life per charge (1200 unlocks)
  • Stores up to 100 different fingerprints per lock
  • Inner width: 23mm
  • Shackle diameter: 6mm

What’s in the box?

There’s not much to it: Just the lock, a short microUSB charging cable, and manual.

Thankfully, the instructions explain how this lock works. That’s good because I didn’t have the foggiest idea what the LED colors meant.

Design and features

I was set the “Electric Yellow” colored lock. The body is plastic, which isn’t very reassuring. There’s an LED indicator above the TAPP logo, and that square thing is the fingerprint sensor. It’s not a mechanical button.

Setup

The lock came with a partial charge. The micro USB charging port is under a rubber plug. The LED glows red when charging.

Once paired with the app, I discovered you can set up multiple users and provide levels of access (start and end dates).

I liked the ability to add different fingerprints per user. You can add ten prints per person (five left, five right).

Performance

Understanding the user interface is critical for this lock, so I’ll sum up:

  • Squeeze the shackle once: Wake from sleep. LED = steady white
  • Squeeze 2nd time: Bluetooth mode. LED = blinks blue
  • Squeeze 3rd time: Morse code mode. LED = steady purple

To unlock with a fingerprint, you squeeze the shackle once to wake from sleep, then press your print on the square sensor. The sensor doesn’t click since it’s not a physical, mechanical button. If the LED turns green, the lock opens. If it blinks red, it’s rejected the print.

If you’ve ever used a phone with a fingerprint sensor, this feels a lot like it, including the occasional frustration of failed unlocks. I learned the lock doesn’t care what orientation you align your print, which is nice.

In Bluetooth mode, you can manage the lock settings via smartphone app. You can also unlock this way, too.

Morse code mode was incredibly frustrating, but maybe only to me. When in Morse mode, the LED attempts to show purple by illuminating a blue and red LED, but it ends up looking like two tiny LEDs (one red, one blue) which is sort of confusing.

You set the Morse unlock code via the app with dots and dashes. Registering the presses on the lock itself was a steep learning curve.

When in Morse mode, you register a “dot” by briefly squeezing the shackle. If you’re successful, you see a blue LED blink. For a “dash”,  you will see a white flash. Given the way the multi-color LED is set up, it’s a little tricky telling white from purple. If you get the code wrong, the LED will flash red. Green means you got it right, and the lock opens. Morse is intended as a backup, and I can see why. It’s tiresome.

What I like

  • When the fingerprint opening works, it’s magical.

What needs to be improved

  • For something more heavyweight, you may not want a plastic-covered lock.

Final thoughts

I see a lot of copycat lookalike fingerprint padlocks online. This is the first time I’ve seen one in person. I have a little “range anxiety” about how long the battery will last, but maybe I should just stop playing with it and let it keep my things secure.

Price: $59.00
Where to buy: Tapplock.com
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Tapplock.

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Tapplock Lite fingerprint lock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 24, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Jaybird Run XT True Wireless Sport Headphones review

REVIEW – I’ve used Jaybird earbuds on and off for the past couple of years as I’ve found them to be comfortable to wear and make my music sound good while I’m working out. The Jaybird earbuds that I’ve used during that time have all been Bluetooth earbuds that have a cable between each bud. But now I’ve gotten a chance to test the new Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones. Let’s see if the RUN XTs become my new favorites.

What is it?

Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones are exactly what you think they are. They are Bluetooth earbuds that don’t have any wires between each earbud.

What’s in the box?

  • Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones
  • Battery charging storage case
  • micro USB charging cable
  • 4 pairs of ear tips
  • 4 pairs of fins
  • Quick start guide

Design and features

The RUN XTs store in a grey plastic charging case that has a latch with a green LED and another green LED on either side that shows the battery charging status. All three LEDs flash green while the buds (and the case) are charging and glow steady when fully charged.

The earbuds charge with a micro USB cable. I don’t get it, why aren’t more companies using USB-C now?

Press the button on the storage charging case and the lid pops open to reveal the RUN XT earbuds.

The earbuds have their own designated slot that has 5 springy electrical contacts for charging the earbuds.

The earbuds themselves look similar to many other wireless earbuds on the market right now. They have ear tips and optional ear fins so you can customize the fit.

Fit and comfort

Like all earbuds, fit and comfort is going to depend on the shape of your ears. What I might find comfortable could be very uncomfortable for someone else.

I found the Jaybird RUN XTs to be my third most comfortable earbuds that I’ve tested in the last few months. I can wear them for an hour or so before I need to remove them to give my ears a rest. I must have really small ears because even with the smallest ear tips and ear fins, I still feel some pressure after a while.

I will say that the earbuds do not fall out of my ears and I was able to work out with them. Keep in mind that I run or jump while working out, but I do move around and have my head down during some exercises, so there is an opportunity for them to fall out if the fit wasn’t good.

Speaking of workouts, the Jaybird RUN XTs are IPX7 rated which means that they can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes. So it’s safe to say that they are sweatproof and waterproof.

Controls

Each RUN XT earbud has one large button on the outside with a small status LED on the edge. It may look like there’s a smaller button on the side but that’s just the Left/Right earbud “post” that helps position the ear fins.

The button on each earbud has multiple functions which means you’ll have to memorize which button does what. For example, pressing the left button will activate Siri or Google assistant while pressing the right button will play/pause music or answer/end a call. Double pressing the right earbud will skip forward in a song or decline a call and holding either button for 3 seconds will power the buds on or off. Holding for 6 seconds will initiate pairing from the off state.

I’ve never liked physical buttons on earbuds. I always feel like I’m cramming the earbud into my brain when I have to press the buttons.

Sound quality for music and video


If you’re just planning to use the Jaybird RUN XT earbuds to listen to streaming music from your phone or laptop, you’ll be pretty happy with the sound quality which I would say is above average because you can customize the sound with the Jaybird app. You can choose from a selection of presets or you can create your own to match your favorite style of music.

I like to listen to all types of music from pop to country, R&B, rock, and even some classical now and then. So I was pretty happy with these earbuds.

They do a really good job of isolating you from outside sounds because they fit snugly in your ears. I think that helps with songs that have thumpy bass lines. Some songs I enjoyed testing to with these earbuds include:

Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Mark Ronson featuring Miley Cyrus
Without Me by Halsey
Sunflower by Post Malone
Burning Man Dierks Bentley

Listening to music with these wireless earbuds is enjoyable but if you like to watch YouTube, the Jaybird RUN XT earbuds will really annoy you. They have noticeable audio to video sync issues that make you feel like you’re watching an old kung fu movie with bad dubbing. I didn’t notice this when using the earbuds with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Hulu. I asked Jaybird about this and here’s the response that I received:

We allow for a small amount of latency when watching video using Jaybird RUN XT. To ensure a premium music and sound experience and to guarantee the left and right earbud are always in sync, we introduce a small latency.

Ummm… ok… That makes no sense to me… Also, a quick Google will bring up results of user complaints about audio/video syncing that go back to the previous version of Jaybird RUN earbuds. Sorry Jaybird, but that’s just not cool.

Sound quality for calls

Not much to say here. Using the Jaybird RUN XT earbuds to make and receive calls will be comparable to using other Bluetooth earbuds. Talking with them in your ears will make your voice echo in your head a little bit. Also, the call audio only comes through the right earbud.

Battery life

The earbuds will have about 4hrs of play time per full charge and the charging case will provide an additional 8hrs of recharge/play time for a total of 12hrs before you need to recharge the case and buds again.

Removing the earbuds from the case will automatically turn them on and putting them back in the case will turn them off after about 20-30 seconds.

What I like

  • Sound customization with Jaybird app
  • Secure fit
  • Water and sweatproof for epic workouts

What needs to be improved

  • Youtube audio/video sync lag
  • Not true TWS. Can’t use each earbud by itself without leaving the charging case open

Final thoughts

When it’s all said and done the Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones are not going to become my new favorites. They sound pretty good when listening to music, but the lag while watching YouTube videos kills it for me as does the fact that they aren’t TWS as in you can’t listen with each one independently. For example, if you open the case, and just put the left earbud in your ear, you can’t close the case with the right earbud still in the case. If you do, the Bluetooth connection ends. I also find the RUN XTs to be considerably overpriced. I’ve been a fan of Jaybird earbuds for a few years, but I’m sorry to say that this pair has been a disappointment.

Price: $179.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Jaybird.

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Jaybird Run XT True Wireless Sport Headphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 23, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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VanTop Moment 4 4K Sports Action Camera review


REVIEW – After having a not-so-good experience with another brand of action camera, I decided to give the VanTop Moment 4K action camera a try. Was it a painful experience? Read on to find out!

What is it?

The VanTop Moment 4K action camera is, as it sounds, a 4k action camera that has a form factor much like other action cameras, at a much more affordable price. It features a Sony sensor, which is highly regarded when it comes to cameras.

What’s in the box?

  • VanTop Moment 4K action camera
  • Dual rechargeable 1050mAh batteries
  • Waterproof housing
  • Folding backpack
  • 32GB Kingston TF card
  • 2.4GHz remote with wrist strap
  • Long connector
  • Short connector (2)
  • Surface J-Hook Buckle
  • 360° adapter
  • Tripod mount Adapter
  • Bicycle handlebar Mount
  • Helmet mounts (2)
  • USB Cable
  • Cable tie
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Helmet belt
  • Adhesive pads (2)
  • Manual





Design and features

The VanTop Moment 4 4K action camera has a Sony 20MP true depth sensor. It features 4K/24fps video recording and 20mp image capturing. The high quality 170 degree lens provides for a wide angle view.

The 2.4 inch IPS touch screen provides for a real-time view of what you are shooting and makes the operation of the camera much easier than other products that don’t have a touch screen. This is what I consider as perhaps one of the “must have” features when it comes to cameras like these. Changing the settings and reviewing clips is so much easier using the touch screen as compared to other cameras that have a limited number of buttons. The camera only has two buttons, the Power/Mode button and the Shutter/Select button.



Two 1050mAh batteries provide for up to 70 minutes of video recording in 4K (per battery). The camera comes with a 32GB micro-sd card, and the specs say it supports cards up to 64GB (although the manual says 128GB).

Electronic image stabilization (EIS) provides for smoother video and photo capture during sports shooting and low light photo taking.

The 2.4ghz wireless remote is a very nice touch for a product at this price point and can be used to start and stop recording during extreme sports activities, although it is not waterproof. There are two buttons on the remote, one for taking a photo, and one for starting and stopping the video recording. Quite a nice feature! Alternatively, you can use the camera’s WiFi connection to configure and control it via the “Camking” smartphone app. The smartphone app can be used to transfer photos and video to your mobile device.

The VanTop Moment 4 4K action camera features multiple modes for both video and photos such as:

  • Video – Record Video
  • Photo – Capture a single photo
  • Motion Detection – Start recording when any movement is detected
  • Car Mode – Work as a driving recorder (dash cam)
  • Video Lapse – Records a video by capturing frames at a set time interval
  • Slow Motion – Records video in -2x or -4x slow motion (plays back at 30fps)
  • Photo Lapse – Captures a series of photos at set time intervals
  • Burst Mode – Captures a burst of photos
  • Under Water – Take pictures or record videos underwater (compensates for color changes)

With the waterproof case, the camera is water-resistant up to 100ft (30 meters) but is not designed for touch screen use so when in use you have to use the two buttons to change settings, which can be a bit frustrating.

Ports on the camera include the micro-sd card slot, micro-usb charging, and a micro HDMI port. This brings up one of the things I don’t like and that is that the ports are right next to the tripod socket, which requires the removal of any accessory screwed into the bottom in order to access the ports. This makes it almost useless as a car dash cam. The same goes for the battery and SD card.

Although the camera has settings for wide, medium, and narrow fields of view, the medium and narrow modes show a drastic loss of quality in the image without much difference in the field of view.

The slow-motion mode looks as though it records at 720p 120fps and then saves the video to playback at 30fps making it easier to use the video without processing it later.

The photo mode might be useful for some people, but overall I found the image quality of the photos to be very poor.

As a nice little bonus, the camera came with a nice little backpack that folds up into itself. Although I would probably not carry around the camera in it, I will toss it in my truck in case I ever need a little pack.



Sample video, Slow Motion video, and Time Lapse video.

What I like

  • Very nice touch screen
  • Smart phone app
  • Wireless remote
  • Many mounting accessories
  • Seems to have very good audio recording

What needs to be improved

  • The indicator LED for recording is only visible on the back, and is very difficult to see
  • Can’t shoot in 2.7K or 4K while using the phone app, other modes are limited
  • Tripod mount is too close to the power connector

Final thoughts

Overall I think I’ll get some good use of this camera. I plan to use it to film some of my photography outings where there’s always a chance it will end up in the sand or the lake.

Price: $79.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by VanTop.

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VanTop Moment 4 4K Sports Action Camera review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 23, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Hedgehog umbrella review

REVIEWS – When you live in southern Indiana, you just never know what the weather is going to be like. It’s February but we’ve had lots of rain and even thundersnow. Yes, that’s really a thing here. This week I’ve been testing the stormproof and unbreakable Hedgehog Umbrella. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Hedgehog Umbrella is a compact umbrella designed in Canada to withstand winds of up to 70MPH without turning inside out. That’s hurricane category 1 wind speeds.

Design and features

They sent me a Gen 2 in Sky Blue. The canopy is made of a 210 thread-count Water Repellent Pongee fabric that’s thin, but strong. You can choose from a variety of colors and you can even buy replacement canopies to easily switch out. Even better is the fact that they are going to soon offer a service where you can design your own canopy by uploading an image.

The umbrella ships with a slipcover which you’ll probably toss and promptly lose after the first time you use it.

When it’s collapsed and wrapped for storage, the umbrella measures 13 inches long and it weighs close to a pound. I consider this a medium sized umbrella that is small enough to fit in a backpack. I’ve seen and used umbrellas that are much smaller and easier to carry around, but this is the perfect size if you want true coverage and protection from rain. The ultra small ones really aren’t that useful in a storm.

The Hedgehog has a comfortable soft touch handle with a thick elastic cord. You might think that you can deploy the umbrella by pressing the button on the handle. You would be wrong. Unfortunately, there’s nothing automatic about the Hedgehog. This is a fully manual umbrella which is a bit disappointing given the price but I can understand that the automatic mechanisms are probably the weakest point of an umbrella the designers of the Hedgehog decided to bypass any issues by not including that feature.

So to open the Hedgehog, you just hold the handle in one hand and use your other hand to push the carbon fiber frame up the handle to the locking point at the top.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a robust frame as the one on the Hedgehog umbrella. It’s very sturdy and they claim that it is unbreakable.

When fully deployed, the umbrella is very roomy and large enough to that a friend can share with you.

When it’s time to collapse the umbrella, you just press the button on the center frame mechanism and it will unlock it so it can fold and slide back down the center handle.

The Hedgehog umbrella is perfectly balanced so it’s comfortable to walk with and I found that the canopy was large enough that I remained completely dry in all but sideways downpours.

What I like

  • Extremely well made
  • Withstands up to 70MPH winds
  • Ability to switch out the canopy
  • Ability to design your own canopy – coming soon
  • Lifetime warranty

What needs to be improved

  • It takes two hands to deploy it due to the lack of an automatic push button mechanism
  • Pricey

Final thoughts

The Hedgehog umbrella is very well made. I have no doubt that it’s been designed to last for years and the ability to switch out the canopy if there’s ever damage or if you just want a new color is great. The only issue I have with the umbrella other than the high price is that it takes two hands to open and close it. I don’t like wrestling with an umbrella when I’m going into and out of buildings and cars. I just want to hold it out in front of me, press a button and start walking. With the Hedgehog you can’t do that. If that’s not a deal breaker for you and you also live in a very windy/rainy area, this is definitely an umbrella to have in your bag.

Price: $79.00 – $99.00
Where to buy: Hedgehog Umbrella
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Hedgehog Umbrella.

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Hedgehog umbrella review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 22, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Blue Ember XLR Studio Microphone Review

REVIEW – Blue is an audio company known best for making many different types of microphones for podcasts, streamers, musicians, and audio professionals. Many podcast and Youtube content creators feature their products in their videos and shows, and I’ve always wanted to try one for myself since I wanted to start streaming on Twitch, as well as use it for online gaming chat. I got the chance to review the new Blue Ember XLR Studio microphone, so let’s take a look!

What is it?

The Blue Ember microphone is a studio microphone for recording, podcasting, and live-streaming. The XLR connection means that it delivers more crisp, clear sound rather than a USB connection and also reduces background noise.

Hardware specs

  • Transducer Type: Condenser capsule
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 38 Hz-20 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 12 mV/PA
  • Output Impedance: 40 ohms
  • Rate Load Impedance: 1k ohm
  • Maximum SPL: 132 dB SPL
  • Power Requirements: +48V DC Phantom Power
  • Weight: 0.84 lbs
  • Dimensions: 8.62″ x  1.5″ x 1.26″

What’s in the box?

  • Blue Ember microphone
  • stand mount
  • stand adapter
  • user manual

Design and features

The Blue Ember XLR Studio microphone is heavyweight, sleek and features a metallic blue-grey body with a black capsule. The thin body of the design makes it easy to position in smaller spaces, such as a computer desk or small music studio. It doesn’t take up a lot of real estate if you’re using it on camera, due to the fact that you speak into the side of the capsule rather than the front like a traditional microphone. It’s important to note that an audio mixer is that supports an XLR input is needed. You will also need a microphone stand or a desktop boom arm to hold the microphone. Blue supplies a small stand mount and stand adapter so that you can connect the mic to the stand.

Setup

Setup was a bit more complicated for me due to the nature of the Blue Ember having an XLR connection rather than a native USB connection. If you’re using it on a PC like I am, you will need an audio mixer that support an XLR input which then connects to a computer via USB. I was fortunate to have my brother lend me an XLR cable and a Behringer XENYX Q1202 audio mixer, but there are plenty of other options out there smaller/inexpensive mixers.

Performance

Compared to an old microphone I used to use, the Blue Ember mic’s sound blew me away. The crisp clear audio that I got was a huge improvement from the background noise I was used to getting with a microphone with USB connection. This makes sense since XLR connections are traditionally used for professional audio.

For this first sample, I just spoke a couple of sentences, in as quiet of a room as I could, with the audio mixer settings that I found appropriate for a speaking voice. I’m not an audiophile, but I liked how these settings worked for me chatting through discord for gaming, or if I do a Twitch broadcast.

For this sample, I read the intro paragraph off of Blue’s website:

If you’d like to hear more examples of the Blue Ember with musical instruments or singing, head over to their website or SoundCloud for better samples!

What I like

  • Wonderful, crisp sound
  • Thin design for out-of-the-way placement on camera
  • Solid weight and good feel in hand

What needs to be improved

  • Extra equipment needed to connect to a PC, such as an audio mixer, cables and mic stand

Final thoughts

For the value, the Blue Ember microphone is definitely recommended if you want some awesome quality audio for a podcast, stream, or video recording. It’s a wonderful upgrade to anyone looking to sound more professional, but note you will also need extra equipment for a full setup.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy:  Bluedesigns.com and BHPhoto
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Blue Microphones

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Blue Ember XLR Studio Microphone Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 22, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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