Summer/Autumn 2022
UK
£4.95
www.thegadgethead.com
Inspired By Your Success
DiscovR A Smarter Speaker MUSIC DISCOVERY Add songs you hear on the radio straight to a Spotify playlist by the touch of a button
Visit pure.com/discovr to learn more Copyright © 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE. Apple and Airplay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Amazon, Alexa and the Amazon Alexa logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licences. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,Inc. and any use of such marks by Pure International Limited is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
CONTENTS Sensoria Smart Socks VTech Kidizoom Smart Watch DX2 Blue Alexa Skill: Bing Time! ROK Zero Jar Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier Graphite Grey Pool toys from Zoggs: Zoggy Dive Rings and Fun Swim Ring 60cm Kidi DJ Mix LatteSelect Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Twelve South: MagicBridge Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com
Copy Editor James Lapping
MELITTA Series 600 Latticia OT Dóttir In-ear ANC Headphones
james@littlegatepublishing.com
NeatCharge
Lead Designer Alina Sandu
Melitta® Epour
studio@littlegatepublishing.com
Publisher Stephen Warman
stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
QuietOn 3 Soundfreaq - Charge Rise
SENSORIA SMART SOCKS WE KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT BE THINKING. “SMART SOCKS?! WHAT WILL THEY TRY NEXT?” IT COULD SOUND LIKE A STEP TOO FAR, BUT ACTUALLY, THIS PRODUCT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WHEN IT COMES TO SPORTS AND HEALTH MONITORING. AFTER ALL, WHY MONITOR YOUR STEPS FROM YOUR WRIST WHEN YOU COULD DO SO MUCH MORE ACCURATELY FROM YOUR FEET? Sensoria’s smart socks are just on your feet: not only are these socks one of many smart sports garments from brimming with Smart features, they have this company (which also produces smart been designed to function as comfortable, shirts and even smart sports bras). Able practical sports socks, too. to track speed, pace, cadence and foot The level of data these socks are able landing, these socks do more than just to gather is excellent for preventing injury. work as a pedometer. They even compare If your feet land in a way that could lead to a the efficiency of your various shoes and how twist or a fall, these socks will let you know, they impact your walking and running. via your smartphone or smartwatch, with So how do these socks work? The both audio and visual feedback (making fabric of the entire garment is infused with them more accessible). Keeping an eye on proprietary 100% textile sensors: these the quality of your running, these socks sensors send information back about the are fantastically useful if you’re training entire shape and movement of your foot, at an advanced level, if you’re brand new allowing the smart socks to analyse this to training or if you’re recovering from an data and feed it back in a useful way. This injury or illness. Whatever level of fitness is something a Smart Watch just can’t do. you are at, the areas these socks check Despite this design feature, these and track are essential for both efficient socks are safe to get wet (a relief to know, workouts and for staying safe. as you’ll be running in them!) In fact, Because of this, these smart socks incredibly, they are machine washable – have won several awards, including “Best all you need to do is remove the monitor New Wearable Technology Device” by chip (microelectronic 9-axis IMU - IDTechEX and “Cool Vendors in Wearable accelerometer, gyroscope & magnetometer Electronics, 2014” by Gartner®. - Sensoria Core device, to be exact!), which Currently, these socks are only easily unclips and the rest of the sock can available in black, though the company is go in the machine. The sensors in the working to produce a wider colour range. fabric will be unaffected, and the fabric Please be aware that the Sensoria Run app itself actually proves to be breathable and is only available through iOS smart phone moisture-wicking fabric despite everything devices, not Apple Watch. else the socks have going on. The socks even fit with comfortable compression
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$198/ £164.50
www.sensoriafitness.com PROS: Monitor the quality & safety of your running & footfall Sensors throughout fabric Tracks whole shape of your feed Machine washable
Comfortable to wear Good compression Wicking and breathable Audio and visual feedback Supported by an app Not a high price
CONS: Needs more colours (coming soon)
Not available on Apple Watch
VTECH KIDIZOOM SMART WATCH DX2 BLUE
“KIDS HAVE TOO MUCH TECHNOLOGY THESE DAYS!”! I SEE PEOPLE WORRYING ABOUT CHILDREN HAVING ACCESS TO PHONES AND TABLETS FROM THEIR TODDLING YEARS, AND GRANTED, I DIDN’T GET MY FIRST PHONE UNTIL I WAS 13. I HAD TO TALK MY PARENTS INTO EVEN LETTING ME HAVE THAT, BUT LOOKING BACK, I REALISE IT COULDN’T EVEN GET ONLINE – WHAT WAS THE BIG WORRY? THESE DAYS, IT’S A DIFFERENT STORY - THERE’S SO MUCH OUT THERE, AND FOR ALL THAT THESE DEVICES ARE FUN AND USEFUL, THEY ALSO COME WITH A BOUNDLESS ACCESS TO THE WORLD THAT KIDS JUST DON’T NEED YET. IF YOU’RE CAUGHT IN THIS DILEMMA, THE KIDIZOOM SMART WATCH DX2 FROM VTECH IS A FANTASTIC SOLUTION! These ‘Smart Watches’ from VTech learn how to tell the time. You can even go are kid friendly, made with apps, functions onto the Learning Lodge to download more and games that a young child can enjoy, but apps, all of which have been designed with without any of the bits you’d choose to keep the KidiZoom interface in mind. These them away from. Whilst its appearance extra apps greatly expand the use you get makes it look like a toy, don’t be fooled - out of your KidiZoom watches, making these watches are capable of taking photos them a greater and greater tool and toy for and even videos or voice recordings, your children. providing a watch, timer, alarm clock and These watches are splash proof, stopwatch, and even include a pedometer which is a must-have for anything that’s and motion tracker! With touch-screen going to be on your kid’s wrist for extended interfaces, they are easy for your kids to periods of time. The only feature I hoped use, and also get them used to such devices, they would have that they seem to be lacking ready for adulthood in the modern age. is a GPS tracker of some kind, to allow you As well as these many handy to find your kids if they’re lost. That, and functions, all of which mirror those found possibly an SOS button, would found these on adult smart watches, the KidiZoom DX2s off nicely by perfectly replacing everything also come with an augmented reality game that I want a young kid to benefit from in called Monster Detector, which allows them having in a smart device, whilst removing to ‘scan’ for monsters in the real world and all the extra bits that they don’t need yet. ‘find’ them using their watch! They can also However, that’s not what these watches edit the photos and videos they take with advertise, and what they DO bring to the cool effects, and enjoy other small touches table is both educational, useful and a lot such as being able to customize the clock- of fun - with ever-more possibilities with face to a design they like. Lastly, on top of every app! all the watch capabilities that come with We received out VTech KidiZoom the KidiZoom, the Smart Watch also comes Smart Watch DX2 in blue; it is also available with a Time Master app that helps kids in pink.
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Splash proof £39.99 www.smythstoys.com PROS: Splash-proof Touch screen Downloadable extra apps Clock, stopwatch, timer, alarms Changeable clockface Game to learn telling the time
Augmented reality games Records audio or videos, takes photos Photos and videos editable Pedometer
CONS: Would be nice to have colours other than pink or blue
ALEXA SKILL: BING TIME! THE NEW ALEXA SKILL FOR KIDS, FROM THE CREATORS OF CBEEBIES’ SHOW, BING “Alexa, open Bing Time!” If you content? Kid-friendly Alexa skills provide have young kids, you probably already interactive entertainment that utilises the know the CBeebies show ‘Bing’. If not, if voice-command qualities of Alexa to allow follows a young bunny of the same name as children to engage with stories, math he faces the ups and downs of life, based on practice, games and even exercise. the children’s books by Ted Dewan. Now, There are plenty of variations on the fun of Bing can be brought to your kids these available, and Bing Time is one of through the interactivity of Alexa Skills. We them, bringing in the characters and stories had a play to check it out. from Bing to entertain kids with a show To review Bing Time, we were sent they know and love. To access Bing Time or a 4th generation Echo Dot Kids – that any of the other kid-friendly Alexa Skill, you is, a kid-friendly Echo Dot that allows need to be subscribed to Amazon Kids+, or your young ones to access Alexa for their you can browse the Alexa Skill store. From entertainment and education, without there, simply activate the skill by saying the functions they don’t need or access “Alexa, activate Bing Time”, followed by to content they shouldn’t reach. This kid- “Alexa, open Bing Time”, and you’re away! friendly Dot allows parental controls such On the topic of voice commands, as time limits, filtering explicit songs and Bing Time was extremely easy to use. If content, and even reviewing activity on the you’re outside of the skill and ant to run a Amazon Parent Dashboard. You can also set certain function of it, you can jump straight the mic off and delete your voice history – to it by saying “Alexa, ask Bing Time to run all important for keeping your kids private. – “. If you’re already in the skill, it’s even Best of all, rather than simple colours, it’s simpler – all you need to do is ask Alexa for available in ‘Tiger’ or ‘Panda’. We received a story or song, and it will understand that the panda. you’re inside of Bing Time and play you Bing These kid-friendly Echo Dots are content. a brilliant idea. As well as allowing them Even this can sound fiddly to us to set alarms and ask questions for their fuddy duddies, but it’s extremely easy and homework, this Echo Dot Kids allows intuitive when you’re doing it – especially if children safe access to Amazon Kids+ and you’re already used to using Alexa – and kids content such as Alexa Skill apps. That pick things up extremely quickly. They’ll brings us back to Bing Time! have no trouble at all playing with Bing For those that don’t know, what IS Time, getting fun and education without an Alexa Skill app? Whilst an Echo Dot Kids needing supervision – especially with the will allow you to safeguard your children, Echo Dot Kids keeping their searching safe. but what about providing them with quality (Of course, it’s fun to join in with them too
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– especially as so many of the activities are interactive!) Bing Time lets kids play with all the main characters in Bing as they get additional world content through games, songs and stories. You can even speed up songs, which always amused so no end as a kid (and honestly still does now. Is Nightcore still a thing?) To put an age on myself, I remember having cassette tapes as a kid that you could follow along with using a picture book, and I believe they also came with a cuddly toy. I also remember having CDs of games with fun math challenges and the like, which could only be played on the big, chunky computer in the living room. This delivers much of those same experiences but is so much more flexible and easy to access, meaning it can be enjoyed from younger, and probably more often and for longer. There’s even a visual element – if you link up your tablet or other screen device and watch accompanying videos as you listen and play!
uk.bingbunny.com/bingtime PROS: Captures the characters & fun of Bing Enjoyable and educational Songs, stories and games
Comes with videos Easy and selfexplanatory to use Made for kids Interactive
ROK ZERO JAR IF YOU’RE INVESTING IN A GOOD-QUALITY COFFEE, YOU’RE TAKING TIME OVER YOUR TECHNIQUE OR YOU’VE PERFECTED YOUR MACHINE’S SETTINGS...WHATEVER YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS THE PERFECT CUP, YOU DON’T WANT IT ALL TO FALL DOWN WHEN THE COFFEE YOU PICKED OUT LOSES ITS FLAVOUR. For me, I’m a hoarder – when I have does not leak it back in. This design allows something I consider a ‘treat’, I want to the lid to not only remove air from storage consume it slowly, and nothing stresses when you first fill the jar, but also allows me out more than balancing that instinct said lid to lower as your coffee levels lower, against knowing that foods can only be kept thus keeping your coffee away from air as so long before they go off. With the ROK much as possible. It’s simple yet extremely Zero Jar, one no longer has to worry about effective! The hiss is extremely satisfying, that with coffee. This creates an air-tight seal, and The reason coffee ground can lose yet, vacuums like this make things a struggle its taste and crema over time is oxygen. to open again, right? That’s the crazy thing Mixing with O2 affects coffee’s taste, but about this jar lid - the o-ring releases the air ROK’s Zero Jar solves this problem, without tight seal that the lid makes, allowing the needing any elaborate set-up. No valves, no plunger to move without difficulty. vaults – you don’t need a special room like a It’s important to note that whilst cigar humidor! And yet, these are no simple these jars hold 250g of coffee (or any jars: the Zero Jar creates an air-tight seal – granular food that you feel like storing in one that is easy to make, and, even more there instead!), they come in pairs. So, amazingly, easy to open. you’re actually getting 500g of storage for The key to these jars is their lids. the price! The jars themselves are a convenient size (taking up to 250g of coffee) and an attractive design that put me in mind of a science experiment: they will look classical and neutral in your kitchen or pantry, as well as putting your coffee beautifully on display through the glass. However, the lids are where the magic happens. Designed from a combination of plastic and silicone, these lids press down towards your coffee with a pressure much like the lid of a cafetiere, but these come with a difference. A slit in the top of the lid has been designed to allow air to release as the stopper slides downwards, and yet
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Air-tight seal
£45.00
www.rok.coffee PROS: Air-tight seal Protects from air damage Easy to open
Lowers with contents level Beautiful glass finish Comes as a pair – 500g storage
CONS: These are glass, so just be careful not to break them!
ERGOBABY OMNI BREEZE BABY CARRIER GRAPHITE GREY
BREATHABILITY IS THE AIM OF THE GAME WITH THE OMNI BREEZE, AS YOU CAN PROBABLY TELL BY ITS PRODUCT NAME. THE OMNI BREEZE BABY CARRIER IS ONE OF THE LATEST PRODUCTS FROM ERGOBABY, A BRAND WE HAVE TESTED PRODUCTS FROM MANY TIMES IN THE PAST AND ARE ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY. Ergonomically designed, Ergobaby stress-free to wear compared to many baby focus on both the physical security of your carriers. baby, and also their sense of emotional In addition to this perk, the carrier security and bonding between infant and has many of the other fantastic elements parent. This is because their carriers are that Ergobaby knows to offer us: easily designed to cradle your baby in their natural adjustable straps, side pockets, a good sitting position and to evenly distribute lumbar support, and adjustability that both their weight between parent’s hips and allows you to alter your carry position and shoulders. This makes it possible to carry your child’s size. This carrier is suitable your child for longer, and much more for a newborn all the way to a toddler – comfortably. considering its price, that’s a very good The Omni Breeze takes all of this, thing! If you have to replace this in a few and then focuses on breathability, Omni months, it would be a lot to pay: however, Breeze is rated #1 in Airflow* when tested as it is, the is well worth the investment with comparable carriers. We received ours to have a pain-free back, all the elements in Graphite Grey, and it is also available you could want, and the option to carry in Slate Blue, Olive Green, Midnight Blue, your baby however best suits the pair of Sapphire Blue, Onyx Black, Pearl Grey or you. The carrier even comes with a privacy Pink Quartz. All options are attractive and hood, which is fantastic both for discrete fairly neutral, meaning you shouldn’t ever breastfeeding and to offer your child sun find yourself regretting their combo with protection. your outfit choice! The body of these carries This carrier either adjusts to hip is made from a SoftFlex™ Mesh fabric to carrying, back carrying, front facing in or allow as much airflow as possible. Note out. Do note that hip and back carrying are – this material is 100% polyester, but an only suitable for 6 months and up – keep extremely breathable variety. We were those newborns close to your chest to keep surprised at how light and fresh it felt! them feeling safe. Even in hot weather, this was pleasant and
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£174.90
www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk PROS: Breathable Feels light Keeps child secure Suitable from newborn – toddler. (~0-48m; 3.2kg – 20.4 kg) Four carry positions – front inward facing (from birth upwards), front facing out (from 5 months+), Hip Carry (from 6 months+), Back Carry (from 6 months+) Ergonomic in all carry positions. Lumbar support
Adjustable straps Side pockets Machine Washable. Privacy hood for sun protection and feeding. Breast/chest feed in carrier. AGR Certified and Recommended. *Compared to other leading mesh carriers. Based on NPD data, June 2020.
POOL TOYS FROM ZOGGS
ZOGGY DIVE RINGS AND FUN SWIM RING 60CM
DID SOMEONE SAY POOL PARTY!? THE TEMPERATURES HERE HAVE BEEN BAKING, AND ONE OF THE REVIEW TEAM AT THE GADGET HEAD HAS RECENTLY INVESTED IN A POOL, SO WHEN WE RECEIVED THESE TOYS FROM ZOGGS, IT WAS AN EXCUSE FOR US ALL TO HEAD OVER! TECHNICALLY, THESE TOYS ARE PROBABLY INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR KIDS (ESPECIALLY THE DIVE RINGS!) BUT BOTH ARE STILL OBJECTS THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY, AND THAT’S ALL THE JUSTIFICATION WE NEEDED.
ZOGGS ZOGGY DIVE RINGS Excellent for youngsters learning to swim underwater, these Zoggy Dive Rings are colourful, fun-looking rings that will stand on the floor of your pool for people to dive down and collect. Super light, these rings stand upright and are an easy, safe target to grab and bring to the surface. Whimsically, they are designed like seals wearing goggles and shirts for swimming, with one in green, one in blue and one in orange, to allow you to set up races, contests or other games that require telling them apart. A pack comes with three Zoggy Dive Rings. Simply throw them into the water, and they’ll land on their feet. They fill with water on the way down, which is what keeps them anchored. These are designed to be kid-safe, kid friendly and to encourage confidence in underwater swimming, but there’s no reason adults can’t use them to if you want!
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£18.00
PRO Fun design Sink to the bottom and stand themselves Safe to use Different colours to enable games
CONS None – we can’t fault them!
£6.00
FUN SWIM RING 60CM Fairly straight-forward, the 60cm Swim Ring is just that - a two-foot-wide inflatable ring for the pool. The size of this ring makes it perfect for kids to wear at chest-height, giving them easy flotation as they learn to swim and build up confidence in the water. This ring isn’t the best at retaining its inflation – you will need to top it up a little if you use it for a long period of time, and it will definitely deflate a little if left overnight, but such is the case with most inflatables. For its low price, it’s fantastic, and a fun addition to pooltime sure to make a splash.
PROS Helps kids learn to swim Safe and well-made No sharp edges
CONS Loses air a little over time
Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
In Tune With You
Discover and enjoy live and on-demand audio effortlessly, anywhere.
Copyright © 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE.
Visit www.pure.com to view our full range
KIDI DJ MIX LET’S FACE IT – KIDS LOVE TOYS THAT MAKE LOTS OF NOISE! IF THEY’RE GOING TO PRESS BUTTONS AND MAKE A RACKET, IT MIGHT AS WELL BE TOWARDS SOMETHING CREATIVE, AND MAYBE EVEN SOMETHING THAT WILL SOUND GOOD. The Kidi DJ Mix from Vtech is a first the music. Doing this will help teach your introduction to DJing for kids 6 and up. The kids about programming and timing, and it set-up looks and feels like a mini DJ set, makes a cool result! and it had easy-to-use yet fun to explore As well as learning through functions that mimic and even enable the experimentation whilst using this toy, kids experience of DJing in many ways. can also learn from it in a more focused To get your kids started, this toy sense. One mode of the Kidi DJ Mix is its comes with 15 built-in tracks in four ‘Academy Mode’, which is essentially a different music styles. From here, kids can rhythm game. Between this, programming add to and ‘remix’ the tracks. Alternatively, the lights and creating their tracks in you can plug in your music device (using a different ways, there is plenty here to 3.5mm jack or a Bluetooth connection) and keep kids occupied and entertained, not to use tracks from there! There is a cross- mention plenty that will teach them as they fader, tempo controls, and even a toy play. turntable that produces 5 different effects The Kidi DJ Mix can support when used. All of this can let kids learn remembering the recording for three lots and explore how music can be altered, of three-minute tracks, as well as five with easy, immediate results to learn recorded sound effects. In total, it has from. Going further, the system also has something like 2000 sound combinations, Launch Pad buttons, labelled with shapes so there’s plenty of room to create without and colours to aid navigation, which are repeating yourself. assigned to different instruments and This is a fun, detailed, involved toy sound effects. There are even 5 buttons for that has much to discover and yet is easy to sound effects that you can record yourself. use and get started with. It can entertain The set comes with a microphone, both for your kids in any season of the year, and recording these sounds and for speaking or who knows – maybe it will start them down singing over a track whilst performing. All a pathway to music? (Or maybe they’ll just in all, you can imagine the noise, but you have a lot of fun!) can also imagine the fun! Best for ages: 6+ Years To aid performance further, it is possible to control LED lights and an LED screen, with lights synching up to parts of
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Fun & educational £59.99
www.vtech.co.uk PROS: Fun & educational Easy to navigate & use 2000+ sound combinations 15 sound effects 5 ‘record your own’ effects
15 tracks to edit, in 4 different genres A toy turntable with turntable sound effects Editable LED lights Microphone
CONS: You’ll never have quiet again!
LATTESELECT FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE MACHINE
WE ALWAYS LOVE A PRODUCT FROM MELITTA, AND THE LATTESELECT IS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF WHY! DON’T BE LED ASTRAY BY THE NAME – THIS COFFEE MACHINE CAN ACTUALLY PRODUCE TWELVE DIFFERENT COFFEE RECIPES, NOT JUST LATTES! (THOUGH, THAT SAID, LATTES ARE MY FAVOURITE, SO THE ONE I TESTED WAS PRODUCING PLENTY OF THOSE) It also produces the other staple to clean. The milk section (the part that classics: the four most common go-tos are will need the most cleaning!) detaches and ready to go on the main buttons, and via the is dishwasher safe. As for the nozzles and menu, you can access the others. The ‘main other parts that come into contact with four’ in this case are espresso, café crème, milk, every time you make a milky beverage, cappuccino and latte macchiato, with the LatteSelect offers to steam-clean these others such as lungo, espresso macchiato parts for you. I really appreciated this, and the classic americano also available. as hygiene is something I get quite fussy You’re not limited to these options, about, so this was excellent peace of mind. either. Twelve recipes already provide As for the rest of the machine, it will tell you a brilliant number of options, but this when it detects that it needs to be cleaned machine goes further, allowing you to edit or descaled, so you never have to worry your settings in order to create your own, about it becoming damaged by accidental specific coffee preference. If you’re just build-up. looking to heat or froth some milk, this is A detail we love about the also possible with the touch of a button. LatteSelect, and many Melitta products, Once you’re happy with your selection and is that these machines mimic the correct, its results, you can save the parameters Italian barista way of making coffee. So, to the My Coffee feature - a feature that for example, the espresso and milk will can save and remember the preferences be poured and combined in the right order for up to six people. I appreciated how for the beverage in question, changing many profiles it is able to remember – beverage by beverage. The results don’t this is suitable for a slightly larger than feel like a quick and easy ‘coffee machine’ average household, or can even be used for - this is a barista experience that runs itself yourselves and your regular guests. And, of for you. course, with its Double Cup Mode, you can At £1000, these machines aren’t pour two matching drinks at once! cheap, but you honestly get what you pay The actual look and build of this for. We’ve had some glorious weather this machine are simple, stylish and easy to look summer, and spending it out in the garden, after. Its stainless steel, silver-coloured nursing a barista-level coffee has been the exterior is anti-scratch, including the drip cream on top. tray, and every part of the machine is easy
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£1.049
www.melitta.co.uk PROS Delicious, Italian-style coffee Barista order and timing in coffee prep Adjust and program every preference Stores 6x people’s preferred coffee recipe
Anti-scratch Easy to keep clean Alerts when it needs cleaning Extremely quiet grinder Can also use with preground coffee
CONS The separate milk chambre adds to its counter footprint
TWELVE SOUTH: MAGICBRIDGE
THE BEST INVENTIONS MAKE YOU WONDER WHY THEY DIDN’T ALWAYS EXIST. IN THE CASE OF TWELVE SOUTH’S MAGIC BRIDGE, THIS DESK-TIDYING ACCESSORY IS SO SIMPLE THAT YOU’LL WONDER WHY IT WASN’T RELEASED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PRODUCTS IT SUPPORTS. In short, the MagicBridge turns your Magic Trackpad 2, specifically. However, Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 into the MagicBridge Extended is now also one singular control surface. By turning available, for those who use the Extended these two items into one, you no longer Apple Keyboard. have a scattered or untidy work area. You can place the trackpad on Instead, everything looks slick streamlined either side of the keyboard, depending on and controlled. If you’re like me, you like a personal preference. The MagicBridge has work area to be as tidy and minimalist on been designed to allow easy access to power the desk surface as possible, so I love this. switches and charge ports. An added bonus Some people like to be more disordered, but of its polycarbonate design is also that it for me, this solution equals peace of mind. won’t trap Bluetooth signals. There is also a far more practical, Like we said, it’s simple, but as with direct reason to use the MagicBridge. Even many of Twelve South’s solutions, once if you’re not bothered by organisation or you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why you ever aesthetic, this product keeps your keyboard went without it. and trackpad aligned in a way that makes them easier to use, preventing them from moving or separating from each other. As one single unit, you can use them in combination with added ease. It also allows you to use this pair of tools in your lap if you wish, rather than on a desk, and to be able to do so without juggling two loose, separate devices. Made from polycarbonate, the MagicBridge is extremely light, so it’s no encumbrance to use. What’s more, it not only comes with silicone feet on its base to keep it in place and protect your desk, but it also has these feet on the inside, to do the same for your keyboard and trackpad. The MagicBridge is designed to work with the Magic Keyboard and
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Lightweight
$49.99
arrow-alt-circle-right
www.twelvesouth.com/products/ magicbridge PROS: Lightweight Holds keyboard and trackpad in place Organised
Can position trackpad on either side Tidies desk Easy access to ports
CONS: Only for these products specifically – check before purchase
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MELITTA SERIES 600 LATTICIA OT
WHEN I NEED A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE, I’M PROBABLY EITHER TIRED, DEEP IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME WORK OR HAVING A PEACEFUL, RELAXING KIND OF DAY. IN NONE OF THOSE SITUATIONS DO I WANT A DEAFENING LOAD OF NOISE TO PREP MY DRINK! THE SERIES 600 LATTICIA OT FROM MELITTA IS A BEAN-TO-CUP MACHINE THAT MAKES YOUR DRINKS EXTREMELY QUIETLY, WHICH MEANS IT INSTANTLY BECAME MY BEST FRIEND. GIVEN THAT I OFTEN WAKE UP FOR WORK SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE THE REST OF MY HOUSEHOLD, IT BECAME EVERYONE ELSE’S BEST FRIEND, TOO. Of course, whilst silence may be water compartments are huge compared to golden, it isn’t everything – when it comes a lot of machines (taking up to 1.5 litres of to coffee machines, the gold I’m most water and 250g of beans), which means you interested in is the stuff in my cup. That’s won’t have to refill them too often. Phew, why, like many good MELITTA offerings, because when I need a coffee, the last thing this machine gives you the ability to adjust I want to do is think. both the strength and grind of your coffee. I may be caffeine-fuelled, but I’m I enjoyed the trial-and-error system of as lazy as I am busy, so another feature I exploring these different options and massively appreciate is that this machine finding the perfect settings for my taste. has automatic cleaning and descaling And, of course, as any serious coffeeista capabilities. Yes, please! This isn’t a cheap will know, this might change again from machine, so I’m very glad I won’t ruin it one type of bean to another. If you’ve gone from lack of care. Maintaining the Series down to your local hipster dispensary and 600 Latticia is easy enough that even I’ll do picked out a new flavour to try, give these it. In that vein, the body is made from an adjustments another ago until you’ve found anti-scratch material, so as well as taking your new sweet-spot. care of its internal workings, it’s hard for As well as these more granular its external body to get scuffed. adjustments (no pun intended), to pour Like with coffee itself, you get what the drink itself, you select from four drink you pay for. If you’re invested in some good types (cafe crème, cappuccino, espresso beans, there’s no point pouring them into and latte macchiato, plus extra milk a subpar machine. MELITTA never see us foam, all helpfully labelled with cute little wrong, and this is another fantastic model pictures!) and six drink sizes. A giant latte, to consider. please! Speaking of giant, the bean and
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Extremely quiet £549.99
www.melitta.com PROS: Extremely quiet Whole bean Highly adjustable Easy to use
Self-cleans Doesn’t scratch Large water tank and bean dispenser
DÓTTIR IN-EAR ANC HEADPHONES IN MANY WAYS, WIRELESS HEADPHONES ARE FANTASTIC FOR EXERCISE – THERE’S NOTHING TO GET TANGLED UP IN OR TO LIMIT HOW YOU MOVE. THAT SAID, SOME EARBUDS DON’T ALWAYS FEEL THE MOST SECURE: IF I’M RUNNING OR TWISTING TO ODD ANGLES, I WANT TO KNOW THAT I’M NOT GOING TO NEED TO STOP AND FUMBLE FOR AN EARBUD IN THE MIDDLE OF A WORKOUT. AT BEST, IT’S ANNOYING, BUT IT COULD LEAD TO LOSING A HEADPHONE OR EVEN INJURING MYSELF. SO, WHEN I TESTED THE IN-EAR ANC HEADPHONES BY DÓTTIR, I WAS THRILLED AT HOW SECURE THEY WERE. These sports in-ear headphones Bluetooth connection – something Dóttir is have been designed with exercise in mind: working on – but in terms of waterproofing, sweating, sprinting, turning upside down it’s completely safe! In comparison, sweat – they have been prepared to withstand it and rain are nothing to worry about. And, all. Ear-hooks help them to stay in place yes, they still stay secure when you’re securely, whilst their shape itself makes for swimming! a comfortable fit. The headphones arrive Of course, whilst is all very with 12 earpieces to choose from, allowing interesting, the real question when it you to find the best fit for you. I’m quite comes to headphones is, how is the sound fussy about whether I find headphones quality? The Active Noise Cancellation comfortable, but these were snug without works well, softening or completely being a bother. I was surprised by just how cancelling out most of the ambient noise secure they were, until I found out that they around you. This function can be turned were designed with cross-fit in mind by two on or off, to allow you to be more aware of women who know cross-fit well. With this your surroundings when you are crossing varied and rigorous exercise in mind, these the road, for example. When you want it, earbuds seem to be ready for anything – I however, you can block out almost anything certainly wasn’t able to shake them loose! except your audio. According to Dóttir, who Reassuringly, these buds also have went and quantified it, we’re talking about an IPX7 Rating – a much higher water 97.8% of background sounds. To quanitfy resistance rating than I’m used to finding that another way, that’s up to 35dB noise in earbuds. Both sweat and waterproof, you reduction. All I know, as someone who is can even wear these swimming to about a easily bothered by unwanted sound, is that meter’s depth for up to 30 minutes, if you they worked like a dream. were so inclined! The online drawback is that doing so will risk interrupting your
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Apart from when you’re swimming, the Bluetooth connectivity works brilliantly, and calls are clear on both ends. The music, however, it where the audio really shines. I love a heavy bass, especially when working out, and thanks to their powerful 13mm dynamic drivers, these buds deliver. That said, they manage to balance the rest of the audio well – the highs and mids aren’t drowned out, but come through lovely and clear. The final test for me is always battery-life, because the number of times I let my wireless headphones die
drastically counters how preferable I find them to wired options. However, these buds have 72 hours of listening time, so even I can’t forget to charge them for that long! All in all, these headphones are brilliant: if you’re an active person who cares about keeping your headphones in your ears as much as you care about your tunes sounding good, then these score points in both columns and are well worth considering. We received these buds in black, but they are also available in white.
www.dottiraudio.com
NEATCHARGE KEEPING DESKS TIDY AND UNCLUTTERED IS A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS PEACE OF MIND – OR, THAT’S CERTAINLY MY EXPERIENCE. WHETHER IT’S AT WORK OR IN YOUR HOME OFFICE, IF YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME AT YOUR DESK, IT CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO KEEP IT CLEAR OF WIRES AND OTHER MESS. Home offices, especially, are more cannot possibly get in the way, it creates prevalent now than ever before, and people zero clutter and it’s extremely easy to use. has discovered the need for a space that However, this design does bring is professional and easy to use. Likewise, some limits. We were pleased to find that you many people having gaming spaces that they don’t need to use this device in a thin table curate with as much, if not more precision. (it can cope with up to 1.33” of thickness), The NeatCharge from humanscale can but of course, there must BE somewhere for help in both of these cases, as well as any the underside to go. You cannot use this on other side-table, bed-sided table or other an entirely solid table, for example. Bear in convenient charging place that you would mind that chests of draws aren’t as solid as like to keep tidy. they seem, as you can place this under the NeatCharge is a wireless charger: top surface by going into the first draw, but as long as your device is compatible, you even so, it is important to check that your only need to lay it on top of it, and it will intended surface will be compatible before charge. There are no touchpoints – you purchase. Likewise, check that your device just set your device down and you’re is compatible with wireless charging (and done. There are several brands of wireless not that if your phone is being used with charger out there, and all of them have MagSafe, the thickness limit is 1.14”). this fantastic advantage of ease, but the These are important specs to check. NeatCharge stands out from the crowd in However, if your device is Qi-compatible, just how unobtrusive it is. Unlike many, it then this charger can handle charging up sits practically flat to the surface seemingly to 10W. no more than a flat circular shape. This All in all, this is a sleek, simple is because the workings of the charger charger that stays out of the way and is the attaches to the bottom of the desk or table, definition of easy convenience. As long as making the charge point itself as little you do your research before purchase, you of a presence on your table as possible. It should be thrilled by the results.
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Starts at £186
www.humanscale.com PROS: No touchpoints Attaches under the table No clutter
5.14” in diameter Easy to use Charges up to 10W Qicompatible devices
CONS: Requires a table surface below 1.33” of thickness
MELITTA® EPOUR www.melitta.co.uk
MELITTA KNOW COFFEE. WHETHER THEY’RE PRODUCING A COMPLEX BARISTA-ESQUE MACHINE OR GETTING YOU YOUR FILTER COFFEE IN THE MORNING, THEIR PRODUCTS ARE DESIGNED WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO PRODUCE A GREAT TASTE. THEY ALSO UNDERSTAND USABILITY AND EASE, WHICH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT IF YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PURCHASE. That’s why we always enjoy receive and give the coffee time to bloom: rather a Melitta product to review, and this time, than rushing water through at a fast pace, fittingly in keeping with that Back to it is best to damped the grounds and let the Work feeling, we received the Epour – an flavour slowly unlock and blossom before Electronic Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine. pouring the coffee itself. The pre-brewing The Epour would be a great addition function on the Epour allows you to do this to any office (it’s a great addition to ours!) and get the most out of your coffee choice. Alternatively, it’s a fantastic addition to Another great feature for ensuring your home, to fuel you up first thing in the the right taste is that the Epour keeps its morning or when you get home after a long brewing temperature high. There’s nothing day. Sometimes, we don’t want an espresso worse than lukewarm coffee, or even or a latte – we want an honest-to-goodness lukewarm water attempting to brew coffee. cup of joe, and that’s what the Epour You aren’t investing in good coffee simply provides efficiently and well. to have it ruined and turned watering by Traditionally preparing filter coffee your filter machine! The Epour knows this involves a process that can accurately be and isn’t going to let that happen on its described as ‘faffy’, with the results kindly watch. But don’t touch! When we say high describes as ‘variable’, but the Epour claims temperatures, we mean it – at 92 to 96°C, to “rethink” the beverage and it shows. this water is piping! Firstly, it shows in the coffee itself. A brew from the Epour takes around Its water outlet rotates 360° and alternates 4-6 minutes, and thanks to its pre-brew, its direction. The purpose of this is to water rotation and these high temperatures, ensure an even pour, rather than all the the result is delicious. If this is too long a water landing in the centre of the coffee wait, however, it’s even possible to pour grounds and leaving other areas barely a coffee before the jug has finished filling! touched. This results in a stronger, richer, This is thanks to the integrated drip stop, better taste, and avoids waste. and is a god-send to people like me who As with all Melitta products, design leave preparing for heading to work a little choices have been guided by replicating too late in the morning! what a human barista would do. Having As well as making a great brew, the worked as a trained barista myself, I can tell Epour is sleek, modern and easy to use. you that one would take time with the drip, Its water compartment is easy to remove moving the pour to make sure it reached all and fill, and because it is see-through, it is of the coffee in the way the Epour mimics. easy to know when this needs to be done. A barista also knows to take things slowly Cup markings on the side give you a great
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£199.99
indicator of how much water you need, rather than accidently coming up short, and the whole segment is easy to clean. In fact, the whole unit is easu to clean, and an LED limescale indicator will let you know when more serious cleaning is needed, which should help to protect your product from any accidental damage. The hot plate will only stay hot for 40 minutes, and will then turn off. This happens for many reasons: firstly, after than length of time, your coffee’s flavour will begin to deplete and it’s best to brew a new batch. Secondly and much more critically, this function saves both power wastage and protects you from fire hazards if the hot plate is accidentally left turned on. Run electronically, the Epour has been designed for efficiency by allowing you to access and request a coffee from your preferences with a simple press on the machine’s touch-panel. This panel will allow you to trigger all functions, as well as set up four different user profiles, in which one’s individual coffee preferences can be easily saved and accessed. At only 17 cm wide, this machine is far easier to integrate into your home than some of this company’s (albeit enviable) offerings. It’s no wonder it won the seal of the European Coffee Brewing Centre in Oslo!
PROS: Easy to clean Brews in 4-6 minutes Can pour before brewing is finished 360° rotating water outlet Pre-brew setting Strong, clear flavours Four user profiles 2 – 8 cups Always pours with hot water Indicates when it needs descaling Fits easily in kitchen
QUIETON 3 LIKE MANY PEOPLE OVER THESE HOT SUMMER MONTHS, I HAVE REALLY STRUGGLED TO GET TO SLEEP. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE THE WINDOW OPEN, WHICH ULTIMATELY LEADS TO THE SOUND OF BUSY TRAFFIC FLOWING INTO MY ROOM AND DISRUPTING MY PEACEFUL REST. THAT’S WHY WHEN QUIETON SENT US A SET OF THEIR LATEST EARBUDS, THE QUIETON3, I COULD NOT WAIT TO SEE IF I COULD FINALLY DRIFT OFF WITH EASE. Thankfully, the QuietOn earbuds is provided did not disappoint! I was able to drift off in is also very minutes. What is also so good about them, n i c e l y is the fact that you can hardly feel them in designed your ear when you are lying on the pillow, and easy leaving them completely unnoticeable. to use. This is really important to me as I need It has a maximum comfort, and other ear plugs are charging too uncomfortable to wear throughout the point in night. QuietOn earpbuds, however, have a the case, really nice feel, with soft foam inserts that w h i c h cleverly mold to you ear and fit like a glove means that whilst simultaneously blocking out all the you can never noisy traffic and a snoring partner. worry about The success of QuietOn noise them running low, cancellation can be heard far and wide, as and it also means the the company has delivered over 85,000 active noise cancellation is always working units across 15 countries, since their at its best. The robust case that it comes establishment in 2015. Therefore, I have correlates to its technological efficiency as great faith that the product would deliver on earbuds and may as well be a fluffy white its promise of peaceful slumber, equivalent cloud carrying you off to sleep. to “Nordic Quietude”. This is very much the Overall, I am really pleased with case, as the comfort and noise cancellation the earbuds as they allow me to be super makes me think I’m asleep in a log cabin productive at work, due to my uninterrupted next to a wood burning stove, rather than and comfy beauty sleep, washing those eye in a bustling city center. bags away! Furthermore, if your annoying It must also be said that the design of co-workers are chatting too loud you can the earbuds is very sleek and almost futuristic. also take the earbuds to work and subtly The small size also adds to its unnoticeable block out the background noise, allowing aspect, allowing you to look your best you to get back to all those emails in peace! whilst in quiet slumber. The packaging that
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Efficient noise cancellation
£229.00
www.QuietOn.com PROS: Efficient noise cancellation Long life battery and easy charging
Really comfortable Ensure a good night’s sleep
CONS: The best is never cheap!
SOUNDFREAQ CHARGE RISE
Wireless charging
TWO ESSENTIAL BEDSIDE ITEMS IN ONE, THE CHARGE RISE FROM SOUNDFREAQ COMBINES AN ALARM CLOCK AND WIRELESS PHONE CHARGER. THROW YOUR PHONE DOWN AND HAVE IT CHARGE OVERNIGHT WITHOUT NEEDING TO PLUG IT IN, AND BE ABLE TO EASILY SEE THE TIME AND DEAL WITH YOUR ALARM WITHOUT HAVING TO FAFF WITH YOUR PHONE THEN, EITHER. PERFECT! I don’t know about you, but I’m alarm sounds gradually forever twisting to grab my phone from building up, a backlit display – my bedside table, unplugging it to set an but enjoying the massive bonus of alarm, check the time or have a final scroll this charging pad. of Twitter. Then, I’ve got to find where the In case you’re wondering whether wire’s gotten to and plug it back in again this set-up will fit on your bedside table, before I can lay back down. The Charge Rise the Charge Rise’s measurements are 6.8” does away with all of that. W/ 4.2” H/ 3.5” D, and the charging pad There’s a throwback feel to its is rotatable to find an arrangement that clockface, giving me 2000s vibes with its works for you. rounded body and large digital display. Have some devices that aren’t QiHowever, this is combined with the compatible? That’s not a problem – the extremely modern-detail addition of Charge Rise also has USB charge ports, wireless charging for your Qi-compatible allowing you to use it for all of your devices, devices. This set-up is great as cutting not just a select few. This makes it ideal out so much faffing around, and it does so to use in your home, or, as Soundfreaq with a charger that couldn’t be easier to advertises it, it is also a great, universally use, and a clock display that’s extremely useful addition to a hotel or Airbnb. easy and accessible to read. It’s even easy Wherever you’re looking to use to adjust for daylight saving time – instead it, this is a handy device that combines of needing to get into the time settings and the old and the new, the classic with the move it forward or back by an hour, you super-modern. It’s helpful no matter your only need to flip a switch! devices, great for either your room, a guest The alarm clock has every feature room or, as Soundfreaq correctly point out, you would expect, skimping on nothing - somewhere available to the public. snooze functions, one-off or regular alarms, Available in black or white.
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www.soundfreaq.com PROS: Wireless charging USB charging Fully functional alarm clock Easy to use
Super convenient Charging pad rotates to fit table Regular or one-off alarms Not too large a footprint
CONS: Charging pad is a little thick
TERMS & CONDITIONS At Gadget Head, our aim is to give our readers the most honest reviews we can. We also seek to provide all manufacturers with an equal opportunity to promote their goods: in fact, we are incredibly proud that startup companies have just as much of a chance to feature in our magazine as established brands do. How do we ensure all of this? Our policy is simple: we do not offer sponsored reviews. Instead, if you send us goods to review, we reserve to right to keep and sell these on. By funding our magazine in this way, we can guarantee that we are not publishing paid-for opinions or prioritizing larger companies, and there are no hidden fees to having your product reviewed and featured. We don’t guarantee 5-star reviews, but we do guarantee an honest one!
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EXPLORE. ENJOY.
MAXIA 4
THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever. • ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt
Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.
Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com