Tech Review – Ringke Google Pixel 8 Pro Clear Case | Fusion

Next up from Ringke is the Fusion clear case for the Pixel 8 Pro if this is not for you perhaps try the Onyx Case instead which is my favourite of the two but that is just my choice. This case is for those who like it clear but still protects your device all round and giving you additional grip. Again we have raised lips around the front of the device meaning it can be placed face down and of course on the rear with the camera bar being fully protected too which is great as it is prone to scratches.

All ports are accessible and you have an option to add neck or lanyard straps if needed which the company also sells, the case is also fine with wireless charging so no need to remove and they also claim it can sustain yellowing for a longer time now which is an issue with clear cases and many now say they have anti-yellowing properties.

Again it has a micro dot pattern and made with TPU which is the best option to go in my option as hardened edged cases tend to transfer knocks rather than absorb, check the video below for a full look.

Features

  • See-through back shows off original design of device.
  • Robust clear bumper provides better grip for comfortable handling.
  • Raised lips protects front display from potential scratches and damage.
  • Attach hand or neck straps with the built-in dual QuikCatch lanyard holes. (Strap sold separately)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatible.

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – Ringke iPhone 15 case line up and tempered glass screen protector

Ringke is a brand we have been using some years now for cases for our mobile phones and a well know brand, they offer a wide range of cases and accessories for your smartphones and keep you protected at reasonable prices too and today we are showing you a range of cases on offer form the company, there is something for everyone here and you can check them out at the links below each description,not only that we have one of their screen protectors to put on our iPhone 15 Pro which happens to have a damaged one on it.

There is a range of cases to go through here and we have a detailed video below for you to check out, the kind of case people want will differ but my opinion here is any case will do and keep your protected, from keeping it simple to more dressy looking clear or tough all cases works really well and look good on your device, Check out the full video rundown below and let us know what case you would pick.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Case | Fusion

  • Protect your iPhone 15 Pro in a minimalist, clear hybrid case to fully display your device’s original color & design
  • Hybrid case with a durable polycarbonate back panel and TPU bumper frames ensure secure protection
  • Slim, lightweight design with impact absorption and lifted bezels around the rear camera and screen
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the case allow for the usage of accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms. (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility

BUY 

 

iPhone 15 Pro Case | Onyx Magnetic

  • Tough, heavy-duty case with enhanced grip and protection
  • Slim & lightweight TPU material defends against impact and scratches from everyday use
  • Streamlined design with anti-skid & anti-fingerprint granulate texture on the back
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the device allow for the usage of accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility

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iPhone 15 Pro Case | Fusion-X

 

  • Unique X-concept designed hybrid case with high levels of protection and performance for daily use
  • Tailor-made to fit the device with covered buttons and camera bezel, precise cutouts, and easy access to all ports and functions
  • Anti-yellowing clear polycarbonate back and flexible TPU frames provide solid protection against drops and scratches
  • Triple QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the case and at the top corner to attach accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility

BUY 

 

iPhone 15 Pro Case | Fusion Bold

  • The Ringke Fusion Bold silhouettes in a striking, opaque border for enhanced grip and robust protection
  • Anti-yellowing hybrid case made of a durable polycarbonate back and flexible TPU sides
  • Two options for polycarbonate back with clear and matte clear. Soft matte coating on the clear polycarbonate back resists fingerprints and smudges for a cleaner look
  • Micro-dot pattern on the sides amplifies the overall grip, making it easier and more comfortable to hold your phone
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the case allow for accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms. (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility

BUY 

 

iPhone 15 Pro Screen Protector | Full Cover Glass

  • Premium edge-to-edge 9H hardness tempered glass protects the touchscreen from scratches and scuffs
  • Edge-smoothing technology naturally integrates the screen protector into the device without sharp borders
  • Full adhesive design from top to bottom for easy, long-lasting installation without bubbles and lift
  • Case-friendly design. Complete your protection by pairing it with a Ringke case for a guaranteed fit!

BUY 

Full video of the above cases and screen protector 

Tech Review – FNTCASE Magnetic Clear Case and Military Grade Rugged Case With Kickstand

FNTCASE has a wide range of cases for many devices all with protection in mind, we have two cases here today for you to check out and one is for someone who wants it simple and clear and one is aimed at the folk who are hard on their devices.

The Magnetic Clear case comes with a lens protector and has a magnetic lock with raised camera edges and tactile buttons that work really well the company also claims they use high grade TPU which is my favourite kind of case and will never yellow which many companies are now saying. The case gives you a look at the real colour of your device and additional grip and of course works with wireless charging.

The Military Grade Rugged case with built in kickstand is one for those who want it all, built in screen protector kickstand and more, this can take a beating and has 4-ply cushioning with X-Shock 3.0 technology so this one should last the lifetime of your phone. This case takes it to the next level of protection and the built in screen protector works fine and so do the keys, again additional grip is given but you are down on wireless charging here. Check the video below for a closer look.

iPhone 15 Pro Phone Case: Magnetic Clear Case with Camera Lens Protector

  • 【Stronger Magnetic Lock】Compatible for Magnetic chargers and other Qi
  • 【Crystal Clear & Never Yellow】This iPhone 15 magnetic clear case using high-grade Bayer’s ultra-clear TPU and PC material
  • 【10FT Military-Grade Drop Protection】 Made from a TPU bumper of 4-ply cushioning structure and tough polycarbonate, and crafted with exclusive X-Shock 3.0 Technology on all 4 corners
  • 【Raised Camera & Screen Protection】 Molded strictly to the original phone, all ports, lenses, and side button openings have been measured and calibrated countless times, and each button is sensitive and easily accessible.

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iPhone 15 Pro Case: Military Grade Rugged Cell Phone Cover with Kickstand

  • Designed for iPhone 15 Pro 6.1 inches (not suitable for any other device), please check your phone model before buying.
  • Military-grade protection:
    Our iPhone 15 Pro case uses a combination of soft and hard PC and TPU, plus a hybrid construction to provide military-grade protection for your smartphone.  The matte texture of the case and the non-slip texture of the tires on both sides provide a good grip and a comfortable grip
  • Built-in Kickstand:
    This iPhone 15 Pro case is designed with a built-in stand that allows you to look down at your phone from a comfortable angle, both horizontally and vertically, without the trouble of a bulging back.
  • Built-in screen protector:
    The iPhone 15 Pro case with built-in screen protector with excellent light transmission and responsive touch performance provides easy and comfortable access to your phone’s features while preventing accidental scratches on your smartphone. The built-in screen protection design perfectly solves the trouble of putting on a screen protector for you.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Ringke Onyx Google Pixel 8 Pro Case and Tempered Glass

The Pixel 8 Pro is one of the devices I am using right now and tend to always have a Pixel in my daily driver routine all year round and having said that having protection is the norm for me as I prefer to have a case on and be protected, I do like the naked feel of a phone but still keep them in good order, We have a few case reviews for several devices from Ringke and screen protection and today we start off with the Onyx case and tempered glass screen protector for the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

In the hand this case offers superb grip and is clean, all ports are accessible and you can also add lanyards or straps if you wish to do so, the keys are very tactile and work well and there is raised corners and lip on the front of the screen,, the camera bar on the rear is also fully protected from edge to edge and raised to keep that glass protected, Ringke also have lens protectors on offer plus much more on their site.

The case is made with TPU which is my preferred option on a case and feels smooth yet grippy all round giving you the best protection along with their screen protectors,not only that you can still wirelessly charge your device without the need to remove the case, check the video below for more.

Google Pixel 8 Pro Screen Protector | Glass

  • 2 Pieces of Glass Screen Protectors (Compatible with Google Pixel 8 Pro)
  • Premium edge-to-edge tempered glass screen protector precisely designed to fit the Pixel 8
  • 9H hardness tempered glass protects the touchscreen from scratches and scuffs
  • Edge-smoothing technology naturally integrates the screen protector into the device without sharp borders
  • Full adhesive design from top to bottom for easy, long-lasting installation without bubbles and lift
  • Case-friendly design. Complete your protection by pairing it with a Ringke case for a guaranteed fit

Buy 

Google Pixel 8 Pro Case – Onyx

 

Features

  • Rugged Back Case Compatible with Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Made from flexible, long-lasting premium silicone-type TPU for heavy-duty defense
  • Grip enhancing circular emboss sides and sleek button covers provide extra protection
  • Unique matte, granulate texture is anti-skid and anti-fingerprint
  • Attach hand or neck straps with the built-in dual QuikCatch lanyard holes (Strap sold separately)

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Nava Bands Voyager Loop strap for Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Nava Bands Voyager loop strap for Apple Watches might look familiar to those who bought the first Apple Watch Ultra, Nava Bands has a wide range of straps that may look familiar but much cheaper than what Apple charge and a wider variety of colours and style, The Voyager Loop is one of those and my favorite so far and having has a similar band on the Apple Watch Ultra 1 I had to test out this one on the Watch Ultra 2.

There is an extra loop on this one vs what Apple offer and looks better, the strap is comfortable and easy to take on an off compared to the other Nava Band strap we tried out the Nautico band that we recently checked out. I find this strap more secure all round and again if comes in a range of colours but limited unlike the Nautico range.

This strap would suit most users and in my opinion and more comfortable and for me looks better but that is subjective the straps in all sizes again like the Nautico Band and again costing less and I feel this one is better than what Apple offers.

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Video Review

Tech Review – GAOMON PD1161 digital drawing tablet

The  GAOMON PD1161 is a digital drawing tablet with an 11.6-inch IPS display that can connect to a laptop allowing drawing on the Tablet. The kit has 8 Shortcut customised keys and 5 Menu Keys on the tablet. The kit is solid to feel with grips to prevent slipping and working tilted allowing for E-learning, digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting etc The tablet is small and portable, making it easy to carry around.

Supplied Accessories

 

Setup:

The connection required the integrated cables connected to various ports in the Tablet and laptop. This looks confusing in the number of cable ports to connect but works well once connected.

Installation software – This is downloaded free from www.GAOMON.net/download

Screen calibration is recommended on initial setup and pen pressure test

The software download, setup, and calibration worked well with no issues observed allowing the tablet to be placed flat on a surface or at an angle ( Bracket not supplied for angle use ) Once connected to the Laptop the option to duplicate / Extend the display is available.

Manufacturer:

GAOMON was started in 2011 with a core area in pen tablets, pen displays, and manual tracing boards with a sales network spanning across more than 50 + countries and regions for their ten digital products used in various fields.

Comparison :

GAOMON Multi-Size Graphic Drawing Tablet with screen and pen for selection

Warranty

The warranty is disappointing in one year and I would have liked to see more on the warranty for a quality product.

Conclusion

The drawing table is listed as suitable for beginners and certainly requires minimal technical use to set and use.  The software installation & calibration on a laptop worked flawlessly we have reviewed similar tablets in the past here and this one comes out tops with ease of use. 

The 11.6 inch IPS screen display & 1920*1080 Resolution gave excellent picture quality allowing a high zoom option to get into detailed drawing close up. The 60-degree tilt Function allows for multiple uses to ensure comfortable hand movement.

The 8  Customisable  Shortcut keys and 5 Menu Keys are excellent allowing modification of the colorimetry, brightness, contrast, etc

Most users will notice the Battery-Free Pen which allows painting similar to using a standard pen and is compatible with the major drawing programs: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio, Lightroom, Sketchbook Pro, Manga Studio, CorelPainter, FireAlpaca, OpenCanvas, Paint Tool SAI2, Krita etc. The tilt, drawing pressure, and calibration option allow for easy use of the pen which feels like a standard pen, and the 1920*1080 display is clear. This is an easy-to-use, detailed clear tablet/pen use

Features

  • [11.6 Inch Work Area] GAOMON PD1161 drawing tablet comes with 11.6 inch IPS screen display & 1920*1080 Resolution, which can make you draw intuitively. Richer Color Gamut—178° Viewing Angle & 72% NTSC & 16.7 million display colors. Suitable for both right and left-hand users.
  • [8192 Battery-Free Pen] AP50 with 266PPS & 8192Levels & 5080LPI, you could have a comfortable painting and natural drawing feeling. Needs no charge or battery, which is environmentally friendly.
  • [Support Tilt Function] 60 Degrees Tilt Function, Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between finest sketches and lines.
  • [Customisable Express Keys] 8 Shortcut keys and 5 Menu Keys. There are 8 shortcut keys on the left side, you can set 8 press keys based on your preference, which not only saves your time but also enhance your creativity.[5 Menu Keys]—- AUTO/+ /- /MENU/POWER. They are placed on the left side of the tablet, which allows you to easily adjust the colorimetry, brightness, contrast, etc.
  • [OS Support& Art Program Compatibility] GAOMON PD1161 drawing pen display must be used with a computer. Support Windows 7/8/8.1, Mac OS 10.12 or later; Compatible with most drawing programs: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio, Lightroom, Sketchbook Pro, Manga Studio, CorelPainter, FireAlpaca, OpenCanvas, Paint Tool SAI2, Krita and so on; It’s ideal for E-learning, digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting, and more

BUY ON AMAZON 

Buy Direct

Video Review

Tech Review – ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 Video Light

Be it a content creator filmmaker you need lights, how many will vary and this to some extent is an overkill for me however will be used and going forward with plans will be part of the set-up and you could consider this  rather affordable start up cost for a small producer I might ad as some kits run into the thousands. This one the ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 Video Light will set you back 400 euro but it is worth the money and portable and everything comes in a cool travel case saving space time and keeps all the kit in one place.

Probably an overkill for me however the light output is fantastic as you will see in the video demo below and alongside the app makes it simple to use and it can certainly give you the light required to focus on a subject or area, the app allows you to control the lights as well as the controls on the device itself which for me is a better option so the light can be placed anywhere and for the user standing back away from it can get a better idea of the brightness situation rather than being behind it which gives you a better look from both perspectives.

There are two fans on the device and yes it can be warm around it,these fans are silent more or less and emit no noise which is important for most using this I would imagine having such a big output,  The ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 boasts a peak output of up to 200W under normal usage, with a one-press MAX Extreme mode that delivers a staggering peak output of up to 300W.

Three modes for professional scenes

Normal mode: Simply turn on the light using the conventional switch.
Live mode: Automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. You can sync multiple lights with a single power source.

Music mode: The built-in radio port flashes synchronously according to the ambient sound volume.

The App

The ZY Vega App supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching of presets. Achieving professional lighting on any film set or studio is effortless and convenient.

 

Features 

Powerful, steadfast illumination

At peak brightness, G200 offers: 9460 Lux (without reflector); 61500 Lux with ZHIYUN’s standard reflector (at 1m). In MAX Extreme mode it offers: 13800 Lux (1m, without standard reflector) 85800 Lux (1m, with ZHIYUN standard reflector). CCT (colour correlated temperature) range is excellent: 2700K – 6500K. A colour rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a television light consistency index (TLCI) of ≥97 make for accurate rendition of the subject’s colours.

Three lighting modes = exciting visual experiences 

In normal mode, you can turn on the light and adjust the brightness to your desired level. Live mode automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. Music mode syncs your lighting with music beats to create a dynamic and immersive experience for your audience.

Accessories and apps for full creative control

The G200 comes with a stand with 180° flexibility: the stand’s 180° adjustable arm and full-range rotation capabilities, making it easy to adapt to any setting. The stand has a universal lighting umbrella slot for added convenience. The G200 is compatible with the Bowens mount accessories by ZHIYUN and other Bowens accessories. In addition, ZHIYUN’s ZY Vega app: supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching between presets, allowing for professional lighting results on any film set or studio.

• One-press MAX Extreme Mode for 300W Peak Output
• DynaVort Cooling System™
• 180° flexible support for full adjustment
• Easily equipped with a variety of light control accessories
• Three Modes for professional scenes:Normal mode, Live mode, Music mode

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Video Review

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