Review – JMBricklayer – Mechanical Octopus 70123

The JMBricklayer – Mechanical Octopus 70123 is the latest build from the company we have completed and this is one was more challenging than the Botanical money tree we recently done which took less time, however this build was fun and was great watching it come together over the few hours it took us to complete. This piece again has great detail in it and moving parts with some lighting effect which makes it stand out in any room in your house. Check the finished product below in the video for more and see the detail for yourself.

Half Mechanical Style

To adhere to the concept of mechanical creation, this octopus was designed to exhibit a half-natural, half-mechanized appearance, creating a unique and futuristic visual effect. The mechanized side goes beyond simple gears, rods, and axles, but features a simple representation of advanced mechanical components such as an energy engine on its head, a transmission system within its brain, and various electronic elements throughout its body. With intricate details and an overall design, one can almost feel the faint hum of machinery, and the joints of its tentacles begin to tremble slightly…

Overall Appearance

On the base with turbulent water waves, the octopus takes center stage, its presence awe-inspiring. Its head, a massive red transparent sac, gazes with wide, almost angered yellow eyes. Next to its eyeball, the siphon of the octopus stands out, forcefully expanding. Whether its red biological tentacles or the nimble mechanical ones, reach out in various directions into the air, each one asserting its power and dominance. One of the tentacles tightly captures a flying UFO, unable to escape the octopus’s grasp.

Graceful Tentacles

This octopus has a total of eight tentacles, four in its natural form and four mechanized. On the mechanical side, the tentacles are overall in a deep gray, with a bright green duct running along the sides. Adopting a multi-segment design allows each part to rotate freely.

On the natural side, you can better feel the tentacles’ robustness and strength. A small tentacle is hidden behind its brain, but the other three will quickly occupy your field of view, as if dancing in the air due to the rotating feature. The arrangement of red and beige colors distinguishes the inner and outer of tentacles, on the inner side, suckers tightly align and open naturally.

Glowing Brain

Inside the mechanical side of the octopus’s brain, the cerebral structure is exposed. The brainstem, tentacle nerves, and ocular nerves are revealed and appear more realistic with the help of detailed stickers. As the switch is turned, a soft azure glow emanates from the energy engine and cascades through the various brain structures, illuminating the inner workings with a mesmerizing radiance.

On the other side, through the transparent shell, glimpses of the internal structure can be seen. When the internal lights turn on, the glow travels along the conduits, you’ll see a distinct glowing line in a captivating way.

Futuristic UFO

The flying UFO, fixed at the edge of the base, is circular with a white body. Along the edges, fluorescent green ducts wind around it, adding a futuristic touch. At the center, there’s a deep blue cockpit, through its transparent cover, you can catch a tantalizing glimpse of the spacecraft’s inner workings and its simple yet efficient layout.

Inspirational Ideas

In the distant future, Earth faces an invasion from extraterrestrial beings, and humanity develops half-mechanical organisms to fight back. Amidst the turbulent waters of the sea, the half-mechanical octopus engages in a fierce battle against the UFO. It ended with the UFO being caught by tentacles, which attributes to the octopus’s biological intelligence and enhanced attack capabilities through mechanization.

Get a discount below using the code VIPJIM015 until December 31st 2023

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Video Review

Tech Review – Nava Bands Nautico Band for Apple Watch Ultra 2

There is a huge amount of brands now offering straps for Smartwatches and if you are an owner of an Apple Watch you can check out the huge range of straps on offer from the company, Customization is popular with consumers today and Nava Bands can help out here too, offering many styles and colours and cheaper than what Apple offer it might be a place to shop for your next strap.

The Nautico range is quite nice and simple to install with an extra strong magnetic clasp and will be secure on your wrist they look well and feel fine on the wrist but does not stretch like other straps are from the range or similar on the market it is more intended for the sports minded folk I would think but looks really well and to the point..

The materials seem to be of high quality as I have several straps here  and some more from the company so stay tuned for a look at them soon, check out the video below for more on the NAUTICO BAND.

SIZING & FIT
42/44/45/49mm fits wrist 145 210mm –
38/40/41mm fits wrist 145-210mm

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Video Review

Tech Review – Skullcandy DIME 3 earbuds

The new Skullcandy DIME 3 is an affordable pair of earbuds that will not break the bank and keep most people happy with all the features on board for the price they come in at, with some new features than the DIME 2 and in a smaller package it is good to see tech getting smaller as time goes on.

The earbuds are as said small and have a tiny stem and discreet enough in my eyes anyway and you can still manage the controls very well on them even for me with bug hands I found the buttons to work well all the time with no issues at all, there is no app access however but there is plenty on the controls to keep you going like most earbuds, just because there is no app does not mean they lack in features these are fixed features like the EQ for example and the controls themselves and cant be changed which is no big deal really as they are all there.

You have Multipoint pairing so if like me and connected to more than one device you are in luck you also have stay aware mode and you can also use these on their own so if one is charging you can still use other side which is handy,calls are very clear and you can control these on the buds too as well as the music controls which are as follows.

EQ mode – press either side 4 times for Music Mode, Bass Boost Mode and Podcast Mode.

Voice assistant  – press and hold either side for one second.

Play and Pause – press once either side

Volume – up – press 2 times either side 3 for volume down either side. There is no skip/reverse tracks listed in the manual but you can sue your voice assistant to do that and also there is no app access here either which is a shame but the price again here is what we look at.

Rapid charge 

The Dime 3 has Rapid Charge technology via the provided USB-C cable and internally for the earbuds.

  • 10 minutes of the earbuds charging in case = 2+ Hours Playtime
  • 10 minutes of the case charging via USB-C = 2+ Hours Playtime

Battery life

  • There is up to 8 hours of play time in the earbuds, and up to 12 hours in the case, allowing 20 hours of total play time, this will vary per user with volume and EQ settings.
    • Earbuds = 8+ Hours
    • Case = 12+ hours
    • Total = 20+ Hours

Overall these are a well tuned pair of earbuds for the price,slightly on the bright side for me but still good and packed with features often left out at higher priced competition and could be an easy stocking filler this Christmas there is plenty on board here to keep anyone happy but they are by no means for those after high end stuff, the volume is decent they are small and comfortable and easy to use and even an ideal spare pair of earbuds to have at hand and I like them and for me they are ideal for both calls and music at home or just lying down in bed listening to podcasts or music and again out on the bike.

See the video below for more.

Features

  • 20 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge: Enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and an additional 12 hours in the charging case, ensuring extended listening sessions without interruptions.
  • IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance: Fearlessly embark on any adventure without worrying about sweat or water damaging your earbuds.
  • Multipoint Pairing: Seamlessly connect to two devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer.
  • Skullcandy Supreme Sound: Unique audio-tuning process enhances sound depth and detail, providing an exceptional listening experience.
  • Stay-Aware Mode: Stay connected to your surroundings without removing an earbud.
  • Built-In Tile™ Finding Technology: Easily locate misplaced earbuds using the Tile app.
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic: Enjoy crystal-clear calls with reduced background noise.
  • Preset EQ Modes: Select your preferred EQ mode for music, bass boost, or podcasts.
  • Full Suite of Media Controls on the Buds: Manage calls, change tracks, adjust volume controls, and activate native device assistants (Google, Siri, etc.) without touching your phone.
  • Integrated Lanyard Loop: Secure portability that protects the charge case and earbuds from accidental drops.
  • Noise-Isolating Fit: Ergonomically redesigned ear gels provide all-day comfort.
  • Microphones in Each Bud: Use either earbud individually without sacrificing call functionality.

Price: £34.99 – BUY the Dime 3 here

Video Review

Tech Review – Noreve – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 leather cover

Looking for a new case for your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 well noreve have you covered here and covered with opulence with their latest case on offer from their line up of cases, not only does the company keep your smartphones covered but they have a full range of products you should check out to give your device a luxurious finish throughout.

Cases are hard to come by here and in general for flip phones due to their complexity but there is a few good ones to check out and noreve is the latest case we have checked out for the device giving it protection all round and a finish that is hard to match, not only that you get additional grip and have access to the cover display without the need to remove the case either, also you can still wirelessly charge the device too which is an issue with some cases made with finely picked leather materials.

As a user of noreve product for some years now I can personally stand over them and I give my phones a good run for their money so the case that is on it does not get an easy ride, I am not one to drop phones much but more so at home especially resting in bed and I nod off or knock it off the bed when it is beside me and there is when the phones get the most drops and a good idea of longevity with cases protecting them, Noreve for me has stood the test of time and is always a conversation when I am out and my phone is placed on a table, Again the price is brought up but it is quality here you are getting and not some cheap job off Amazon which I have recently had to point out with a leather case from a certain brand who has yet to respond, Noreve also have great customer service to go with their high end products, Needless to say we will not be using that brand again for non existent customer care alone.

 

 

Features 

Exceptional quality of Noreve covers: real leather and vegan texture, craftsmanship and perfect finish

When it comes to quality, Noreve cases stand out for their excellence. Each case is made from top quality materials, such as real leather or the environmentally friendly vegan texture. These materials offer optimal protection while adding a touch of luxury to your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. Noreve cases are handcrafted by experienced artisans, who pay meticulous attention to detail and ensure a perfect finish. With a Noreve case, you are investing in a product that combines functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Extensive customisation with many exclusive options

At Noreve, customisation is at the heart of their offer. Their cases offer a multitude of exclusive options to make your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 unique. You can choose from a variety of finishes, colours and textures to create a case that perfectly matches your personal style. In addition, Noreve offers exclusive options such as a shoulder strap, belt loop, neck strap, as well as logo, name or image printing or embossing options. You can truly create a custom case that meets your specific needs and reflects your unique style.

Protect your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 with a luxury case: avoid shocks, scratches and depreciation!

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a true technological gem with its revolutionary foldable screen. To preserve its beauty and optimal functioning, it is essential to protect it with a high-quality case. A luxury case will provide robust protection against bumps, scratches and potential damage from accidental drops. By avoiding unfortunate accidents, you will be able to keep your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in perfect condition, preventing premature depreciation and high replacement costs.

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Video Review

Tech Review – ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand

The ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand is an ideal accessory for those who have limited cards to carry around and dont mind slapping an accessory onto the back of their iPhone, this however also serves as a kickstand of sorts enabling you to place your device in both horizontal and vertical modes, not only that you have a security loop on the rear of the clip on device to give your additional security when using the phone on the go as it is mostly opportunists grab peoples phones when they are talking on it on main thoroughfares and so on. Yes I have seen it first hand many times and organised criminals are said to be lurking around our country.

The  set up here is also simple and takes literally 30 seconds to connect the device which is great, the magnet is even stronger than apples own, this also has a proprietary charger which is slightly annoying when we are all moving to USB-C but we will forgive them on this one but be sure to keep the cable stored safely. The pogo styled pins do not seem as strong though as could be and nothing near the strength of the product itself when on the back of your iPhone.

This will use your Find My app to locate giving you details of distance terrain and more you can also share with chosen friends if lost which is similar to other trackers out there letting the community give you dig out if lost, there is also a ringtone on it if you have lost in your house or office for example and loud enough to hear it indoors.

Features

  • Full Apple Find My: the first MagSafe wallet on the market with full Apple-certified Find My functionality, letting you instantly see its real-time location, Play a Sound, and receive Left Behind notifications
  • 2x Stronger Magnets: enjoy a powerful 1,500-g magnetic lock on your phone, more than double the strength of the official MagSafe Wallet, so your most important items always stay secure
  • All in One Pocket: lightweight design attaches seamlessly to the back of your phone, holds 1–3 cards equally secure thanks to the dynamic tension spring, and enables instant access to your cards via the small cutout in the bottom
  • Multi-view Stand: the strong, durable hinge opens out smoothly to create a powerfully stable stand at any angle between 15° and 170°, portrait or landscape, for the perfect way to FaceTime, watch videos, or browse hands free
  • Secure Grip: specially designed finger loop on the back gives you a comfortably better grip on the go and quickly folds flat when you’re ready to pocket your phone

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Video Review

Tech Review – INKBIRD IBS-TH5 WIFI

The INKBIRD IBS-TH5 is a handy gadget for your home you can just leave there and let it do its job, once set up in the app you can sit back and relax and let it work, there is a bug screen however to give you information at a glance at any time and you can set up all the parameters to suit your location. Sitting in my house now two weeks we can go through the data and see how it works, with the weather being very changeable the last two weeks it gave the unit a good run for its money and delivered the results,check out the app and video review below.

This gadget would be best put to use moving it around the house into different rooms to get a good idea of how things are going within each room and should you sniff out any issues as they can be sorted out rather quickly which is the best thing to do regardless, it is portable and you can of course change the location on the device should you wish to so do but not a vital unless you are placing in the bathroom or and outside premises such as a shed or office.

The product is simple to use and you can basically set the parameters and leave it there and monitor the goings on over time.

The APP 

 

 

KEY FEATURE 1: 

HIGH-CLASS SENSOR FOR MORE PRECISE, MORE STABLE & MORE RELIABLE

  • Adopts the sensor from Sensirion, the world-leading Swiss sensor manufacturer;
  • More precise, more stable and more reliable;
  • Accuracy of ±0.2°C (±0.36 °F) for temperature sensing;
  • Accuracy of ±1.8%RH for humidity for humidity sensing;
  • Every 2 seconds for data refreshing;

KEY FEATURE 2: 

VERSATILE MONITOR FOR YOUR COZY LIFE

  • Indoor temperature and humidity;
  • Real-time weather info and weather forecast;
  • Clock, day of the week, date;
  • Influenza virus survival risk assessment. Assessed by the monitoring data of humidity &temperature and the data of standard atmospheric pressure, the drier and colder the environment, the higher the risk level. Display with Safe Level, Moderate Risk, and High Risk;
  • Environmental comfort level indication

KEY FEATURE 3: 

WIFI CONNECTION & ALARM NOTIFICATION FOR BETTER FAMILY PROTECTION

  • 2.4 GHz WiFi connection;
  • Automatically synchronize weather data with Weatherbit;
  • Update time and date from the Internet in real time;
  • Instant temperature/humidity/environment alarm notifications;
  • Monitor the indoor air quality from your smartphone anytime, anywhere;

KEY FEATURE 4: 

ALL DATA STORED IN THE CLOUD FOR LONGER DATA STORAGE

  • All data will be stored in the cloud;
  • Up to 2-year of historical records on INKBIRD app;
  • Can be exported to your e-mail at any time;

KEY FEATURE 5: 

LARGE ELECTRONIC INK DISPLAY, HIGH-CONTRAST AND EASY-TO-READ

  • 3.71 inches ultra big electronic ink display screen;
  • High contrast and ultra-wide viewing angle;
  • Easy-to-read, well eye-protecting and well-arranged layout;

KEY FEATURE 6: 

BUILT-IN & RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERY, MORE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY & COST-PERFORMANCE

  • Built-in & Rechargeable 2000mAh lithium battery;
  • Can continuously work for 12 months after a full charge (when the data upload interval is 60 minutes);
  • No need to purchase extra batteries or replace them frequently;
  • More environmentally friendly and convenient.

KEY FEATURE 7: 

CHECK ALL BY INKBIRD APP

  • Supports 2.4GHz WiFi connection to view all upgrading data of temperature, humidity, and environment assessment and time through the INKBIRD APP anytime in anywhere.
  • Receive instant temperature, humidity, environment alarm notifications via INKBIRD APP ;
  • Up to 2 years of data stored in the cloud and support exporting;

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – INSTAX Pal from FUJIFILM

The INSTAX Pal from FUJIFILM is the latest new gadget on offer and has been a huge hit in my house and with friends that have seen it, how it works is also really great and simple to use and you can connect to compatible printers from the brand too, not only that it also comes with a brand new app which is again simple to use and we go through this in full in the video review below which gives you an insight if you have not yet pulled the trigger on this tiny little camera which should be a gift on your Christmas list this year for sure.

Size is of the importance here and no you do not need to carry a printer with you unless you want to hand out snaps there and then which I guess has been the brands main points over the last few years since they were introduced, for me it is all about the size of the INSTAX cam which is tiny and mega portable and can be used remotely by your phone too via the app or use the shutter key on the rear which you can pre-record the shutter sounds if you wish to do so and you should sure why not the feature is there so avail of it and surprise the folks the other end of the camera.

Note compatible INSTAX – INSTAX mini LinkINSTAX mini Link2INSTAX SQUARE Link and  INSTAX Link WIDE smartphone printers.

The camera itself has simple functionality which is great to use, there is two apps you can use or just print directly from the Pal camera, you have main shutter button and you have a switch on the bottom showing F and L being Fun and Link you can also tilt the printer to change modes if you wish, we show you all this in the video review below. You can also add storage via micro SD card or store locally.

With the apps you can get super creative and create slides and videos add text, colour, design and much more which is what I like most here and it does more than just print images, this has been present before so if you are familiar with these cameras you know the story if you are creative you can get creative with what is on offer, again see the video and samples if you are not familiar with the options at your fingertips here.

I am by no means a professional photographer nor ever claimed to be but the camera takes nice pictures which you will see on your smartphone the prints may not reflect this at all times but it is best used in brighter scenarios there is also a flash on the PAl camera which helps the situation though and in short it is about fun here and simplicity and most importantly having a photo there and then in your hand as I always say with INSTAX printers and cameras, as mentioned you don’t need to carry the printer as the images taken will transfer across anyway you can save them for later on though after being out testing it is best to have it with you and have prints at the ready be it for family or friends in the office or at home.

 

The Apps

Instax mini Link 2

Pricing and Availability: 

Fujifilm’s INSTAX Pal digital camera is available to purchase at Fujifilm stockist’s nationwide at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 100.00 (incl. VAT) for Milky White, Powder Pink, Pistachio  Green, Lavender Blue versions and EUR 120.00 (incl. VAT) for the Gem Black version. For more product information, visit  https://www.instax.ie/instax-pal/

Video review

 

Tech Review – X-Plant All-in-One Headphone Stand Organizer from XLayout

Keeping your space tidy can be a challenge and for me it is a daily one due to my work and all the products around I have in for review and this applies to my work space and my bedside locked which I have some control of as I keep the tech to a minimum there with mostly what is in line for review as for me that includes earbuds and headphones and so on so it is important to have something to minimize the space use and this product fro X/Layout is one to help me out called the X-Plant.

The product is well built and solid and can do multiple things at once and it also has a space for storing your headphones, this part however does not charge them there is also a shelf behind the see- through panels to store small items which is neat and there is two shelves here which can be removed, there is 5 light effects inside this panel too that gives it a nice effect.

You can charge you mobile phones and earbuds and other compatible products which is hand and up to 10watts of power is available, there is then a small branch like structure on the end which is made with quality material and you can hang your keys or smartwatches there, this can be used to hold other products and for me it will be my smartwatches which gives me simple access and walk away and the same for putting them on.

Check the video review below for more.

Specs

Dimensions: Base: 23.8*9.5cm /9.37*3.74 inches

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Video review

Tech Review – Burga iPhone 15 Pro cases and Ring Holders

Need to spice up your iPhone 15 Pro or other devices a bit well Burga can help out with a massive range of accessories for your phones and much more. We have been testing Burga goods for some time now and they hold up with their longevity and look well on the phone, not only this they have a huge range of designs and cases to pick from which you can see more of in the video review below where we take a look at what is on offer.

These cases look well and add additional grip to your smartphone and give you peace of mind should you drop it and adding the ring holder also gives you a but more security and also acts as a small stand to consume media at your table or bedside locker. All their products are quality and we know as we have tested many before and still hold up today.

The range of cases come in different types which are as follows

SNAP

  • One-Piece Hard-Shell Design
  • Ultra-Thin, Sleek & Lightweight
  • Camera protected by raised case bezels around camera
  • For those who like the original shape of their phone

TOUGH

  • Dual-Layer: Silicone Interior + Hard Shell Exterior
  • Covers all around the phone
  • Raised Bezel for screen protection
  • Camera protected by raised case bezels around camera
  • Slim Profile & Comfortable to Hold
  • For those who need extra protection, while maintaining the style

ELITE

  • Shock Absorption: Cutting-edge CloudGuard technology absorbs up to 90% of impact force
  • Improved Grip: Dot-pattern finish on the sides ensures a confident grip
  • Raised Bezels: Raised bezels around the screen and camera protect the delicate glass against flat drops
  • Soft Interior: Microfibre lining keeps your phone cozy and prevents scratches from within
  • HQ Image: Our anti-fade printing technology keeps your design as vibrant as day one for months to come
  • Strap-ready: Specially designed sockets make it easy to attach a phone charm
  • Truly premium: An eye-catching gold camera bezel for that subtle touch of luxury

    Tough MagSafe

    • MagSafe®️ Compatible
    • Dual-Layer: Silicone Interior + Hard Shell Exterior
    • Covers all around the phone
    • Raised Bezel for screen protection
    • Camera protected by raised case bezels around camera
    • Slim Profile & Comfortable to Hold
    • For those who need extra protection, while maintaining the style

    Elite MagSafe

    • MagSafe®️ Compatible
    • Shock Absorption: Cutting-edge CloudGuard technology absorbs up to 90% of impact force
    • Improved Grip: Dot-pattern finish on the sides ensures a confident grip
    • Raised Bezels: Raised bezels around the screen and camera protect the delicate glass against flat drops
    • Soft Interior: Microfibre lining keeps your phone cozy and prevents scratches from within
    • HQ Image: Our anti-fade printing technology keeps your design as vibrant as day one for months to come
    • Strap-ready: Specially designed sockets make it easy to attach a phone charm

Please keep in mind that the Tough cases and the Snap cases are two entirely different products and they are not compatible. Check out the drop down menu for case variants

Sunset Glow 

Proper Uniform Elite

Ivy League – iPhone 15 Pro Case

Ring holders 

Check out the video review below.