Tag: #review

Tech Review – Twelve South Curve SE desktop stand for laptops

If you are working from home or in off and indeed travelling having the right equipment is key and sitting at the right angle or having your laptop at the right angle is an ideal move and the Curve SE from Twelve South is one item you should check out, it comes in three parts and takes ten seconds to assemble, you can disassemble in the same time and it is held in with a clip each side.

There is rubber footing on the underside and on the laptop tray to stop anything from moving and once in position it is very hard to move it, the idea of the product here is its simplicity and angle you have your laptop at which is important and ideal for a better posture rather than being slouched over. The product also gives your laptop breathing space as opposed to being flat on a table or desk and in turn does more good for your product being used.

The Curve SE raises your laptop 6 inches (15cm) off the surface to keep your screen at eye level and help to reduce neck and shoulder strain as mentioned above and from me using a sit/stand desk at home which is adjustable I can already feel the benefits of using this. 

With high quality materials being used again here which Twelve South are known for this is something you should look at for yourself or even a gift this Christmas. The Twelve South Curve SE desktop stand for laptops is for anyone really.

 

  • AN ECONOMICAL CURVE SOLUTION: Curve SE comes in 3 easy to assemble aluminum sections vs one solid piece of aluminum, and a new Silver color. This entry level model still has the same dimensions and basic benefits of our original Curve, and is a perfect way to test out the Curve Family! Once assembled, we do not recommend disassembly as it is meant to be a permanent connection.
  • NEW HEIGHTS- Curve SE raises your laptop 6 inches (15cm) off the surface to keep your screen at eye level and help to reduce neck and shoulder strain.
  • Multiple Uses – Pair with a full-size keyboard & mouse for a comfortable desktop setup or use with a monitor for dual screen functionality
  • Air Flow – Curve SE keeps 70% of the base exposed for optimal cooling
  • Protection – Full coverage anti-slip silicone pads and bent arms keep laptop in place and prevent scratches

BUY

Video review

Tech Review – Hollyland Lark Max Microphone System

The Hollyland Lark Max Microphone is an ideal tool for creators, new reporters and more, for me it is a product I have not used much but reviewed many mics over the years but this one is probably the best one so far when it comes to the product itself its build and the entire package as a whole.

You get a fantastic presentation and box with all the bits and pieces and more and a nice touch shell travel case so you can bring it with your in your tech or travel bag should you need it. It is a one stop shop for all your audio needs and looks like a pro kit too for those not familiar with them.

There are several ways this can be used which is handy, examples being just your self using it or having someone in the audience with you so if you are doing a podcast or interviewing someone it is a simple set up and you can get going in minutes, there is an array of cables in the box but what i like most is you can just plug it into your phone of choice and get going pretty fast which is convenient if  you are on the go and moving between interviews for example in different rooms like you would a tech conferences and the likes. It has a simple to use touch screen and control knob so you have choice here on control use.

It would be best to test out headphones yourself so you can get the sound you want and it is tunable so for me I have no particular sound stage in mind as I typically use my phones to do my recording but when testing this kit there was a notable difference in the tone of my voice and when positioning the mic you can notice the differences in the audio.

What is also beneficial here is the distances this can be used with not that I would ever have the need to or use but it is there which is up to 82oft and then you have exceptional battery life which is 14 hours, being honest I have not tried a kit like this one but that battery life seems good and legit after me testing it out over a few weeks I have had to only recharge it once.

I would not be an expert in the mic field per say but I can tell the big difference in the quality and tone of my voice having it on compared to other run of the mill mics I have tested and the audio is just better all round, this kit serves more than just one person unlike the other mics I have tried and overall a great addition to have at your disposal.

 

Features

  • Studio Quality Audio: Lark Max wireless lapel microphone comes with a 48kHz sampling rate, 24-bit depth, 70dB SNR (no interference noise), and a maximum of 128dB SPL (no sonic boom, providing more possibilities when recording in loud environments), capturing every detail and nuance with stunning clarity.
  • Professional Environmental Noise Cancellation: First time our wireless lavalier microphone is equipped with professional ENC technology, effectively recognizes and reduces environmental noise but still captures the low-frequency audio details for you.
  • One-Click Internal Recording: No additional app is needed for this lavalier microphone, just one-click recording. Each transmitter has an 8GB, 14 hours duration internal audio recording, recording epic sound quality in uncompressed and lossless wav files. Provides an extra layer of security when working on important projects.
  • 820ft (250m) Long Range Transmission: Lark Max wireless lav mic features max 820ft ultra-long distance transmission (in an open area, with no obstacles). Digital audio transmission technology provides a stabler and clearer audio collection, no interference. Perfect for outdoor events, interviews, and vlogging.
  • 22-Hour Battery Life: Lark Max wireless mic provides a charging case and a storage bag. Each Tx duration is 7.5 hours and can reach up to 22 hours with a fully charged charging case. One More Thing-The receiver can be charged and used simultaneously. Will last an entire day on set.
  • Sound Cavity Design: A good sound cavity is the key. By redesigning the multi-layer combination, Lark Max can capture more sound details, and produce natural, clear sounds.
  • Wide Compatibility: Hollyland Lark Max wireless lapel microphone comes with all accessories you need to connect with the a camera, iPhone, Android, or PC, all in one, and ready to go.

 

BUY from the links below

Hollyland Lark Max Microphone:

Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/46KcAK0

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/40cJ4db

Official Website: https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-max

Video Review

Tech Review – ACEFAST – Fast Charge Wall Charger A45 PD65W GaN (2xUSB-C + USB-A) EU

The ACEFAST – Fast Charge Wall Charger A45 PD65W GaN (2x USB-C + USB-A) EU is a new product on offer from the company and following our review of ACEFAST Crystal 2 T8 earbuds we see where the idea came from with going transparent with tech which is cool and people seem to like it and many more manufacturers are joining in.

In short most chargers supplied with phones or tablets are poor and more the case now is you are lucky to get a charger in the box to save on the “climate” yet the very people that do this will still sell you chargers at inflated prices which makes no sense at all and utter rubbish in my book.

Fast chargers do come with some products and one of the latest buzzwords is GaN3 chargers which we have tested some in the past and still serve me well here at home as with all the devices I have on the go and in for testing I need fast charging on a daily basis and also carry such with me on my travels.

So this charger offers much more efficiency and power and is not by any means a larger charger but has 3 ports in total allowing you to boost up three devices at once which is excellent and ideal for anyone really and again perfect for travelling alone or with as a couple even a family.

The charger comes in a cool array of colours which again is something I like than the boring Black or White plugs we see and this one offers more than that being transparent and offers AI intelligent temperature control technology 2.0, filtering charging hazards.

Overall it is a must have for charging devices faster it looks well you can bring it anywhere but they could of gave us some cables in the box.

Protocols 

USB-Ports 1/2  For PPS / PD3.0 / PD2.0 / QC4+ / QC3.0 / QC2.0 / AFC / FCP / SCP / DCP1.5A / iP 2.4A / SAM 2A.

USB-A 1 Port – For QC3.0 / QC2.0 / AFC / FCP / SCP / DCP1.5A / iP 2.4A / SAM 2A.

Features 

  • GaN3 65W wall charger with transparent design.
  • Three ports [2xUSB-C + USB-A].
  • High power – 65W (max.).
  • EU plug.
  • AI temperature control technology.
  • Support most fast charge protocols.
  • Safety certification.
  • Flame-retardant PC.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Twinkly C9 Bulbs

Following on from our Twinkly Candies review we now have to check out what the Twinkly C9 Bulbs have to offer which can be used indoors or outdoors and as mentioned in the last review we decided to get all in and get up on a ladder and show them off to the neighbours since there is hot competition on the street this year.

Again a simple product to set up and an app to get creative the C9 bulbs can be set up in whichever way suits your needs best and you can control them to show off even more with the Twinkly App which is great and again we have used and tested this app many times over the years and allows you to get creative. These would be best suited outdoors but can be used indoors if required and either way will look great no matter where installed.

The Twinky app once again will allow you to get creative and we have gone over this many times but again show you in the video review below of what can be done with ease there is many designs and colour palettes to mix and match which makes it more customisable than others out there.

 

 

Set a merry scene with  traditional pine cone lights reimagined with Twinkly technology. The C9 faceted lights are designed to embellish homes with a mix of tradition and innovation. The C9 LED string lights come with Twinkly’s patented smart light technology to create the most captivating holiday display.

The C9 come in two lengths 12 or 24 metres (40 and 80ft). The C9 are www.twinkly.com at the MSRP of £99.99 for the 12 metres and 40 LEDs model, while the 24 metres and 80 LEDs variant comes at the suggested MSRP of £189.99.

All Twinkly products, including Christmas Wreath, Icicles, Pre-lit Christmas trees, Strings, and more, are available at www.twinkly.com for the holiday season.

Video review

Tech Review – Twinkly Candies Candles HD smart lights

The festive season is well and truly here and we have a range of tech for the home indoors and outdoors to brighten things up and show off to your neighbours and it is already heating up on the street here but I have some cool lights here for both inside and out to let them step back and enjoy.

Twinkly has been in my home now some years and this year we are taking the festive approach with real tech this time and whats more these can be controlled via an app on your smartphone be it Android or iOS with cool designs and colours which will get the neighbours talking.

First up is their new Candies candles. they come in a few styles and we picked the candle shaped version, you can also get pearls, stars and hearts. There is a cable colour choice too which is clear Green or Black, we picked the clear cable.

The presentation is nice and inside the box you get two separate bundles of candies wrapped up to make life a bit easy as you have 2X 19.6 ft of cable to deal with so there is plenty to get creative with, you do not have to have them on the tree as the box suggests but you can create designs or wrap around current items in your home and so on.

With 16 million colours, you can unleash your full creativity using the free Twinkly app available on iOS and Android. The Twinkly app is also compatible with voice assistants including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Thanks to Twinkly’s exclusive mapping function, you can completely customise your lighting effects to your heart’s desire and instantaneously transform any living space into a playful canvas of beautiful, radiant colours and ambiance.

Setting up is simple and takes a few minutes once you have planned how you are going to execute you grand design or put on your Christmas Tree. You have a USB-C plug which is great and there is a control on the plug for the simpler things that changes the colours and how they operate but the app is where it is all at.

The APP

Features

  • Multicolour RGB LEDs: Choose from pearl, candle, star or heart-shaped Candies. Great as mood lighting in the living room, for your kids’ bedroom, for gaming, or as Christmas decoration
  • Unleash your Creativity: Enjoy a variety of ready-to-play customisable effects or craft your unique light show by choosing from 16 million colours with the Twinkly App for the ultimate decorative lighting
  • Gaming Integrations: Perfect for content creators, gamers and streamers. Compatible with the Homey app, Razer Chroma RGB and OMEN Light Studio for the ultimate gaming experience
  • USB-C Powered: Versatile indoor use, perfect for cosy nights in, festive celebrations or streaming setups – without ever running out of battery
  • Smart Home Device: Switch lights on and off, dim them or apply timers with the Twinkly app and use Twinkly Music (sold separately) to sync music with your lights. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Live! Meet 4K

The Creative Live! Meet is a 4K UHD  conference Webcam with an auto-tracking camera speakerphone with AI Technology inbuilt,  This comprehensive kit has touch buttons on the top of the speaker and houses 4 pairs of ultra-sensitive omnidirectional microphones. With a wide-angle field of view (FOV) of up to 115°, this conference speaker exudes solidity, weighing 734g and providing a stable presence on any table.

The touch buttons on the unit allows adjustment of camera angles, zoom, and focus, while volume control and mic muting can be effortlessly managed by tapping the top panel of the Creative Live! Meet 4K. Additionally, the kit includes a remote control, offering convenient access to the main features, with the most common functions prominently located on the front of the remote and the top of the conference speaker. The package also includes in the packaging a QR code linking to the website with all the key features and performance controls

Contents:

1 x Creative Live! Meet 4K

1 x USB-C to USB-A cable

1 x Quick Start Guide

1 x Remote Control*

1 x Power Adapter

* Batteries not included

 

Specification

 

Overview

Remote

 

Setup:

The setup is plug-and-play, requiring no additional driver installation, and only necessitates a power supply cable plugged into the Creative Live! Meet 4K and a USB 2.0 connection to a laptop running on Windows or macOS platforms. During testing on an MS Teams call, the kit excelled in terms of audio from the mic, with the 5W speakers delivering impressive sound. The clear and physically large buttons on the device facilitated easy operation, with the unit’s color changing to red when switched off. However, there were occasional discrepancies in color changes when muting or turning off the camera within the Teams app, leading to a less favorable experience in multi-user calls. The on-screen display provides clear text indications, although it defaults to mirror mode when viewed by the user, but displays correctly for the other call participants The creative app was downloaded to the laptop and tested with very few features adapted to the review.

The AI function when enabled worked well in terms of this following the presenter’s head around even when moved from one site to the other side of a room up to 115°. The 7X digital zoom worked via the remote control allowing one to focus on eg a particular area in the room.

Additional features in terms of hand gestures, allowing the trigger specific actions by gesturing in front of the Creative Live! Meet 4K!

Warranty and Niggles:

The Creative Live! Meet 4K is backed by a 2-year limited hardware warranty for EU countries and a 1-year limited hardware warranty for non-EU countries. However, some minor niggles were encountered, such as issues with the user guide QR code and the absence of batteries in the remote, which detracted slightly from the overall experience. Additionally, discrepancies in color changes and default mirror text mode were observed, albeit without significant impact on the unit’s functionality or call quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Creative Live! Meet 4K offers an array of impressive features, including a responsive camera, clear buttons, and remote indications of call status. The AI capabilities add an extra dimension with gesture control, while the auto-tracking feature and excellent audio from the 4 built-in omnidirectional microphones, coupled with the depth of the speaker audio, provide a compelling conferencing experience. The 4K UHD resolution, powered by the Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS Imaging Sensor, delivers a premium video experience, further enhancing the unit’s appeal. Despite minor setup nuances, the remote’s responsiveness and effective zoom functionality make the Creative Live! Meet 4K a solid choice for those seeking a feature-rich conference solution

BUY

Video Review

Review – GlobaLink Christmas Window Lights

The GlobaLink Christmas Window Lights are an affordable option to dress up your home this Christmas and simple to use and simple to install you can be set up in less that five minutes and have your window or wherever you might place them looking nice in no time.

These are again battery operated requiring three AA batteries which are not included so get your batteries in early folks as every year there does be a rush to get them, there is sticky pads to stick to your window or wall and you can create your own design no matter where placed in the home or even outside as they are IP65 rated.

Overall these are a nice addition to your home and effective and as always this time of year we have many homes competing with each other and in fact has already started but watch what else is coming soon with some more real tech decorations for the home.

 

 

 

Features

  • Stunning Star Lights】GlobaLink Christmas window lights – the perfect addition to your festive decorations! Overall length is 2.2M, the light wire is 1.2M and extension wire is 1M. There are 5 strands of different lengths of string lights with stars（30CM spacing）and a total of 96 LED beads. These sparkling star fairy lights are perfect for adding a warm and fantastic glow to your windows, curtains, or even your Christmas tree, creating a strong festive atmosphere.
  • 🌟【Battery Operated & Timer】– The fairy star window lights is powered by 3*AA batteries(Battery not included in the package), which guarantees better flexibility and convenience, so you don’t worry about whether there will be a proper socket to match the plugs. The LED star christmas lights also has a timer function: it can be set to turn on for 6 hours and turn off for 18 hours. Such a user-friendly function to facilitate your life.
  • 🌟【8 Modes and Colour Changing】– Choose from 8 different modes, switching easily between warm white and coloured lights to suit any occasion or mood. The 8 lighting modes include Warm white-constant, Warm white-flashing, Warm white fade, Coloured-constant, Coloured-flashing, Coloured-fade, Two colour toggle flashing and fade.
  • 🌟【IP65 Waterproof & Safety】– With its IP65 waterproof rating and high-quality materials, you can enjoy these star curtain lights year-round, both indoors and outdoors! The lamp beads of our low-voltage fairy Christmas star window light produce almost no heat when working, means they’re always safe for children and animals to be around all season.
  • 🌟【Easy to Install】– We have designed small hooks on each of the 5 strands of string lights and the battery box, and come with 6 sticky hooks. These can help you install and remove the LED star Lights and avoid damage caused by entanglement.

BUY 

Video Review

Review – Avoalre 40cm/16 inch Christmas Wreath with 40 LED Lights

Want an easy to use and nice wreath for the holiday season Avoalre have just that for you which is now available to buy on Amazon, the company brings all kinds of seasonal lights for your home and have a huge selection for the Xmas period and look really great if your into decorating the house as many are and often the case we see neighbours try outdo each other every year, this has even trickled down to Halloween now and it looks nice but too much effort for my liking and I like to keep it simple.

All you need to go is three AA batteries and place them in the compartment on the back of the wreath, there you also find the control panel and set accordingly it is that simple. It is simple to mount and should be safe for the duration you leave it there for, again it is subjective to where people put these but overall they do look nice and give things that seasonal look. Check out more in the video review below as seeing is believing.

 

 

Features

  • 【Christmas wreath with Lights】 Need a wreath to highlight your holiday celebration? Add a touch of Christmas sparkle to your holiday decoration this year with our beautiful 40cm artificial Christmas wreaths! Avoalre front door Christmas wreath has 40 LED lights. Compared with other Christmas decoration wreath, it can glow with beautiful and warm lights at night, which is more eye-catching and festive.
  • 🔋【Battery Powered & Timer】– The Christmas wreath for front door is powered by 3*AA batteries, which is safer and more flexible to install than traditional plug lights. Say goodbye to messy cords and limited plug-in locations, it can be used anywhere! But that’s not all, the Christmas wreath also features a convenient timer function. Simply press the button on the battery box to activate the timer, and the wreath will cycle on for 6 hours and off for 18 hours.
  • 👍【Unique and Ingenious Design】– As if the wreath itself wasn’t special enough, it also comes with a variety of decorative ornaments. Red, gold and green balls, glittering gold accents and lush PE artificial spruce, so it looks very full and creates a lively atmosphere. Especially as they amp up the sparkle of a Christmas wreath with lights, making a interesting addition to holiday decor.
  • ✨【8 Flash Modes】– The light up Christmas wreath features 8 light modes: Combination, In Waves, Sequential, Slo-Glo, Chasing/Flash, Slow Fade, Twinkle/Flash, and Steady on. Be as imaginative as you can be! Complete your holiday scene with this beautiful wreath.
  • 🎀【Easy to Install and Hang】– Our artificial Christmas wreath for front door is equipped with 2 insulated cable ties to help you hanging it. You can use cable ties to fix this light up christmas wreath where you want to decorate, which is convenient and time-saving. Suitable for hanging on the front door, living room, fireplace, cabinet, wall, window, shelf, side of the escalator, etc. The recommended hanging height is 1.8M/6FT.
  • 🎄【Excellent Holiday Decoration】– Avoalre Christmas wreath with lights is very suitable for Christmas, parties, festivals, families, weddings, shopping malls, banquets, etc. It is an ideal decoration for indoor and outdoor. The 16-inch diameter is so suitable that it can harmoniously fit the space your decorating and the look you’ re going for. The Christmas door wreath is also a surprising gift for relatives and friends, which can offer a colorful, confident greeting to guests and family alike.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe luxury 3-in-1 charging stand for Apple devices

Twelve South is a brand we have been testing products for some time now and when it comes to Apple products these guys offer premium accessories to match your premium priced Apple goods. Today we check out their latest edition of the HiRise 3 Deluxe which is their latest offering and back in 2019 we checked out their 2-in-1 wireless charger and now they have upped the game.

The HiRise 3 Deluxe 3-in-1 charging stand allows users to connect their iPhone in both portrait and landscape modes, delivering up to 15W of fast wireless charging.  It allows users to connect their iPhone in both portrait and landscape mode (perfect for StandBy mode in iOS 17), delivering up to 15W of fast MagSafe wireless charging.

Additionally, it offers fast-charge for the Apple Watch and a 7.5W wireless charger in the base for AirPods or a second compatible phone. I have tested other Qi enabled devices and all worked fine with no issues on the product.

With this product you not only save on space but cable this is portable and can be brought with you if you wish to do so, it could also act as another screen beside your laptop to check emails and social media and it is charging while doing so, it is high enough to leave standing beside your desktop or laptop and you can also consume media.

The build quality is top notch here again and you would not expect anything less from the company, it looks great on any desk or bedside locker although it is on the higher end of pricing for similar products it is the better one and metter quality and I have tested several similar products that cost much less but they do not last and this one is built like a tank and will last.

HiRise 3 on locker where you can still interact with notifications and more.

Features

  • Wirelessly charge iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods (or second phone) from one single outlet – 40W International Power Adapter included
  • Adjust iPhone angle in portrait or landscape to view notifications, videos or turn your iPhone into a bedside clock in StandBy Mode
  • Built with official 15W MagSafe Charger for iPhone, Apple Watch Fast Charger, and a Qi-certified 7.5W wireless charger for AirPods or a second phone
  • Space-saving vertical design has a footprint smaller than an iPhone Pro Max

 

HiRise 3 Deluxe is available from Apple UK for £149.99 or can be pre-ordered now from www.twelvesouth.eu.

Video review