The Review Smiths Issue 22

Issue 22 APRIL 2022

THE

Review Smiths FORGING HONEST REVIEWS

Blurams PTZ

Artiphon ORBA

On Running Cloudstratus

Gtech Pro 2

Cubo Ai Plus

Urbanista Los Angeles

CONTENTS

Hello there, Is it just me or does it feel like we haven’t had a real summer for about 3 years? Well, it’s on its way and spring has arrived, we hope you have had a chance to enjoy some of this beautiful sunny weather, although as I write this it is snowing but we will chalk that up as a one off, good old British weather.

We have got some great products to help you enjoy this fresh air, including a portable generator, some excellent running shoes, hiking boots, a drone, and a wonderful portable espresso maker. However, we are very aware that the sunshine isn’t for everyone, so we also have some superb indoor products to keep you entertained and sunburn free, including some gaming headphones, a guitar pedal and even an interactive toy for your pooch.

So, slap on some suncream (or maybe a woolly hat if its anything like today) and enjoy the spring, after you have read this mag of course.

Editor and Chief

Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith

Writer Dave Hicks

Senior Writer Emma Hilling-Smith

Chief keyboard wacker Master Hilling-Smith

Writer Peter Hilling

For all media related enquiries please contact us at info@thereviewsmiths.com For Advertising Enquiries 0208 191 8472 www.thereviewsmiths.com

04. Wacaco Picopresso 06. Vasque Sunsetter NTX 08. Stubble and Co The Backpack 10. Cheerble Wicked Ball 12. Banana Loca 14. Gtech Pro 2 16. Artiphon ORBA 18. Olight i5R EOS Rechargeable EDC Torch 20. Urbanista Los Angeles 22. Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor 24. Frugi Clothes 26. On Running Cloudstratus 28. Holystone HS360 30. Oclean Flow Sonic Electric Toothbrush 32. Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive Guitar Pedal 34. OWC Thunderbolt Dock 36. Anova Precision Cooker Pro 38. Edifier NeoBuds Pro 40. Ecoflow River 42. Dr Brown’s Newborn Gift Set 44. Duux Globe Table Fan 46. Blurams PTZ Outdoor Cam 3MP 48. Doro 7030 50. Oaxis myFirst Sketch Book 52. Edifier Gx High-fidelity Gaming Headset 54. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip Tapo L900-5 56. Angelcare AC327 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound

Wacaco Picopresso We have been fans of Wacaco ever since we learnt we could have decent coffee halfway up a mountain with zero interaction with other humans, bliss, now we have had a chance to look at the Picopresso, Wacacos smallest and most compact portable espresso machine. This dinky little device is just 9.05x7.24x6.64 inches and weighs only 2.75lb, the perfect travel companion, it comes with the Picopresso, double filter basket, tamper, scoop, brush, distribution tool, funnel, protective case, multilanguages instruction book, warranty card, and a Wacaco sticker because why the hell not.

It features a naked portafilter, to produce delicious creamy espresso that flows directly from a standard 52mm 18 grams stainless steel filter basket. The water tank has an 80ml capacity that’s enough for a double shot.

Now this isn’t a coffee machine for those lazy brewers, this can take a little time to master but it will be so worth it in the end. Saying that, it isn’t complicated to use, just a matter of perfecting your grind, tamping, and pulling technique, once you have that down it becomes very easy, pop in your coffee, release to press handle and pump for up to 18 bar/261 psi pressure.

You don’t have to worry about damaging it on your travels this thing is robust, made from metal and durable plastic it can withstand some impact and will last for years to come. When it comes to cleaning it’s worth enjoying your coffee first and allowing the metal components to cool down before getting your hands on the interior parts.

We have mentioned about using the Picopresso in the great outdoors, but it can easily replace your office coffee machine and even your home maker without taking up any of your work top space. Once conquered the Picopresso produces a beautifully smooth espresso with the full depth of flavour and rich crema that you would expect from your favourite barista…which will now be you!

Pros Super compact Travel friendly Robust design Produces perfect espresso Double shot Cons Not for those looking for short cuts

For more information on the Wacaco Picopresso click here

£109.90 All the power of a barista machine squeezed into this compact portable espresso maker.

5

Vasque Sunsetter NTX The Sunsetter NTX boots from Vasque have been inspired by their successful iconic Sundowner boots but with the focus being on modern comfort and sustainable technology for everyday outdoor adventures. The Sunsetter has kept all the iconic features of its older brother but with a reduced weight of 997g. There are familiar details including the full leather upper which is a soft suede and comes in the choice of Ebony, Lion and Thyme and in sizes 7-14 with half sizes available. The moulded mesh collar hugs the ankles whilst the cut away areas allows for flexibility and natural movement without losing support.

The Nature-Tex waterproofing membrane is made with 50% recycled materials and will protect your foot against, rain, puddles and snow, there is a high level of cushioning in compression moulded EVA midsole which is very soft and comfortable, ideal for long treks over rough terrain. The smooth lining is made from 100% recycled materials and lets you easily slip your foot in and out with the aid of the loop at the back, there is a choice of laces with a spare set included and the tough metal eyelets provide a durable lacing system that locks down precisely. The robust Vasque Micro Plus outsole is dotted with deep lugs to create the ultimate grip on slippery and uneven surfaces however stones can get stuck in some of the trenches. The fit is fairly snug so those with wider feet might need to look for a roomier shoe but other than that these are a good choice for those looking for that extra bit of comfort whilst exploring the great outdoors.

A straightforward security camera with defined colour images.

For more information on the Vasque Sunsetter NTX click here

Pros Waterproof Vasque Micro Plus outsole Effective lacing system Full leather upper Generously padded midsole Cons Slightly narrow fit

$159.99

7

£105

Stubble and Co The Backpack Stubble & Co is a British brand that has been on a mission to produce tough, durable and highly functional bags for all types of travel, from holidays to hiking, shopping to the gym whilst upholding their ethical and sustainable practices by using recycled plastics, offering in-house repair services and offsetting their transportation carbon footprint.

The Backpack arrived in 100% recyclable packaging, we received the beautiful Olive design, it is also available in All Black or Pirate a soft grey colour. It comes in its own draw string bag that can be used for storage or a handy separate bag in its own right, this bag measures up at 31w x 49h x 14d cm, it is super light at just 1kg and has a 21lt capacity. The Backpack is an all-new design from Stubble and Co, it is 25% bigger than the popular The Daypack, it is constructed from British Millerain Tekwax canvas providing a water-resistant finish, it has a minimalist design with all the bits you need and nothing you don’t, the canvas is robust but maintains a good amount of flexibility. There are two side pockets big enough to house a 500ml water bottle or umbrella, as well as smaller zip access pocket, perfect for storing things you might need to grab in a hurry, sunglasses, travel cards, snacks for example.

The main compartment is accessed via a metal G clip, it can be a little fiddly at first, but this is also handy for an extra level of security. There is a drawstring closure under the cover for flexible storage, the black lining looks good but doesn’t make it that easy to find things in the bottom of the bag, there is a protective 16” laptop compartment with a popper to keep it in place. There is an inner zip pocket for storing valuables. Back on the outside there is a grab handle on the top, and the flexible ergonomically designed straps that have a good amount of padding and mesh design for ventilation, this mesh and padding extends to the entire back panel to ensure a comfortable ride even when it’s fully packed. The Backpack achieves everything it set out to do, it is wonderfully practical and has a timeless look that will be at home on holiday or on the commute, it is built to last so it can join you on plenty of adventures for years to come.

This stylish bag is as practical as it is beautiful.

Pros Water-resistant premium Tekwax canvas

Protected 16” laptop compartment

Two side pockets sized for 500ml water bottle or umbrella

Breathable and cushioned back panel

Backpack closure with G clip for quick and secure access

Drawstring closure under cover for flexible storage

Inner zip pocket for valuables 21L capacity For more information on the Stubble and Co The Backpack click here

9

Cheerble Wicked Ball for Dogs There was one family member who found lockdown a real via the USB port and 1 hour of charge time will provide treat, they have four paws and a waggy tail and just loved 8 hours playtime, completely hands free with no app having you home with them every single day, it was a tough required. move when their owners went back to the office, and they The Wicked Ball claims to never get stuck thanks to the had to entertain themselves again. automatic obstacle avoidance sensor, this works reasonably The Wicked Ball for Dogs from Cheerble has been well but isn’t fool proof, it can still tuck itself away under designed as a toy that will eliminate boredom when you the furniture out of pups reach. There is a small hole are away, it is fully interactive and triggered by your dogs’ that can be used to tuck away a small snack although it actions. So, what exactly is it? well, it is a 3inch, 200g would be handy if it was larger and could house a few, rechargeable ball, that’s similar to the size of a tennis ball, although it might be best to skip the snacks altogether to it comes in a range of finishes, there is a choice of blue, avoid encouraging chewing as the toy isn’t suitable for very green and yellow smooth finishes, an artificial wool and heavy chewers. The IP67 rating makes it waterproof and the cyclone finish that we received, this is a less destructibleprotected from sand and dust which means you can take it model than the others. The outer casing can be removed on holidays, walks and other outdoor adventures. The ball with additional covers sold separately; on the inside you will try to tempt your dog into a game of chase or hunt will find the brains of the toy. It is easy to activate there by rolling around, vibrating, flashing, shaking and jolting is one button that turns it on and selects the play mode, about the room encouraging them to stay active and Green for gentle play (10 minutes play time followed by challenging them mentally. The Wicked Ball is a clever 30 minutes of rest time, with 8 hours battery) Blue for idea but won’t be suitable for all dogs, those with plenty normal play (10 minutes play time followed by 15 minutes of energy to burn off will appreciate it best however it is of rest time with 5 hours battery) and Pink for active (100 worth remaining in the same room whilst they play for the minutes straight of play time). The battery is charged first few times to ensure it is 100% safe for them.

For more information on the Cheerble Wicked Ball for Dogs click here

£40

This ball will play with your dog when you can’t.

Pros Triggered by dogs interaction 3 play modes playful

Replaceable covers Good battery life Cons Not suitable for heavy chewers Small hole for snack Can get stuck under furniture

11

Banana Loca

As a parent, sometimes a little kitchen magic goes a looong way. Making smiley faces with bacon and eggs, creating ‘mountains’ with mash potato, ‘trees’ with broccoli, you get the idea. Normally in an effort to get them to eat whatever it is you know is good for them. But sometimes, something is fun to eat already so why not jazz it up a bit now and then? The Banana Loca does exactly that.

It’s easy: cut an end off the banana, core out the centre, put a filling in the dispenser and slot the banana on. Give the dispenser a squeeze and hey-presto, you’ve got yourself a filled banana without even having taken the skin off! Give to child and reap the rewards of being the most awesome parent on the planet! Until the next time you refuse to buy them whatever essential-to-life-itself item they want of course…

For all those without kids though, what’s stopping you?! How often have you ended up with the munchies and needed something sugary? Eating fruit by itself, while really quite tasty (and thoroughly recommended) doesn’t quite scratch that itch does it? So why not use this device to satiate that feeling of being a little naughty while actually staying healthy? Low-fat chocolate spread, sugar free sauces, I reckon you could even do a little bit of sugar-free jelly in the middle, just make sure you seal it up good before placing it in the fridge to set, yeah?

The downside to anything that helps in the kitchen is the clearing up however. And this is where the Banana Loca is less fun. Child A wants chocolate spread, child B wants jam. Do you really want to be washing up the whole thing while one eager kid munches happily away with the other staring forlornly at you?

A fun little gadget to add something different, just be prepared for the endless washing up!

Pros Easily core bananas Fill with a variety of toppings – let your imagination run riot with this one!

Earn parent points!

Easy to use Cons Not really practical for different types of fillings at the same time

Needs cleaning straight away

$28.99

For more information on the Banana Loca click here

13

Gtech Pro 2

It is easy to assume that corded vacuums have the upper hand over cordless when it comes to suction power but the Pro 2 from Gtech can certainly give some of the big boys a run for their money.

This handheld vacuum comes with the Pro 2 Chassis with dust bag already fitted, extension pole, power floor head, battery, floorcare charger, dusting brush, crevice tool, three dust bags and a hair removal tool. The Pro 2 is two vacuums in one transforming from an upright machine into a handheld unit suitable for upholstery, stairs, skirting boards and tight corners, in fact with all the attachments included the Pro 2 has 11 possible cleaning modes. The new and improved powered brush head features Gtech's unique AirLOC Technology, this is designed to pick up larger debris while you vacuum forwards, and lifts fine dirt, dust and embedded hair on the backstroke. The lightweight, 2.8kg build ensures it isn’t a workout to move around the house, the extension tubes are made from aluminium which makes overhead cleaning comfortable too.

The dust bags seem a little bit of a step backwards in the day and age of reducing single use products, although they do make emptying the vacuum a cleaner procedure. These bags are made up of three breathable layers which filter different grades of dust and debris, this helps the Pro 2's airflow compress dirt, each bag essentially acts as a filter, trapping dirt and dust. Gtech predict that homes with pets and children, where cleaning is done three times a week, use on average 10 bags a year with a pack of 10 costing £12.99. We don’t like the idea of throwing away the bags, but it is easier and cleaner than washing the filter and perhaps uses less plastic then replacing a filter, although we cannot guarantee this. The Pro 2 is powered with the 22V lithium-ion rechargeable battery, it will take around four hours to receive a full charge and will provide up to 40 minutes of cleaning on Eco mode and 20 minutes on the Max mode.

The four stage LED indicator shows you just how much juice is left in the tank and the suction remains consistent right up until the very end. There are LED lights integrated to the front of the power floor head, this helps you see under furniture and in darker corners of your home. The only thing it struggled with was imbedded pet hair, particularly on the sofa but it’s a rare thing to find a vacuum that doesn’t struggle with this, the battery life is more than enough to get around the average size home. The Pro 2 is very user friendly, everything about it has been designed to make cleaning your home that little bit easier, its powerful battery performs impressively well on large and small dirt particles.

Pros

£179.99

Powerful suction Good battery life Two power modes Dust bags double as a filter Powered Brush Head

Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre Cons Disposable bags Struggled with embedded pet hair

A powerful cordless vacuum suitable for the majority of homes.

For more information on Gtech Pro 2 click here

15

Artiphon ORBA OK. So, being not musically minded at all, I’ll confess I had no idea what I was looking at with this. Then it twigged!

As a kid, I got given an electronic keyboard guitar and I thought I was the bee’s knee’s! But… there was something lacking. Yeah, you got it, musical talent! Not to mention the damn thing was heavy, ate batteries like no tomorrow and had the musical range of a tone-deaf duck…

The ORBA from Artiphon is clear evidence that we’re living in the future as far as my 14 year old self is concerned.

The internal synthesizer has been manufactured to respond to how you move the device and what kind of finger actions you use on it. If you tilt it, you get a kind of sliding scale noise, if you shake it, you get a wobbly noise and if you tap it on the side, it sounds pretty percussiony (a new word I created, just for this review – aren’t you lucky souls?).

Of course, this is all within the relatively limited sound selection of synthetic music but if you like that kind of thing then no problem, right?

It’s fair to say that this thing is fairly intuitive and easy to use. It fits neatly in your hand and is small enough to allow your fingers to do the talking when it comes to the music. You can also link it up to your favourite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation for us un-initiated) and music making apps via Bluetooth and use it to help create some new tunes or improve on current ones with ease. And, despite the limited sound selection, there is a surprisingly good level of depth for those willing to explore.

$99.99

An intuitive, easy to use musical synthesiser that fits in the palm of your hand.

Pros Small yet still large enough for those of us with larger digits

Easy to navigate Bluetooth Connectivity Intuitive Excellent build quality Cons Limited Sound Selection Only really finds its full potential when combined with a DAW. For more information on the Artiphon ORBA click here

17

Olight i5R EOS Rechargeable EDC Torch If you are carrying something on you everyday it might as well be nice to look at, most flashlights come in a uniform black design but the i5R EOS is available in a bright Rosy Plum, matte Titanium and the Red design that runs from red into silver with a gold clip to finish, oh and there’s also black. This little flashlight has more than just a pretty face, it has a customised 1420mAh built in rechargeable battery and comes with the USB Type-C cable needed to get it juiced up, you can get another compatible battery for just under £10 which prevents you from getting caught short of power. The length of battery life depends on the light mode used, there are two to choose from.

Level 1 provides 350-150 lumens and offers a run time of 10mins at 350 and 170mins at 150, Level 2 provides 15 lumens and will last for 37hours. The i5R EOS offers a beam distance of 64m and has a tough body with a waterproof IPX8 rating, perfect for using in the worst of weather. The torch is turned on via the tail switch, this is also used to toggle through the modes, its compact body is just 3.76 inches in length and 0.7 inches wide, it weighs 60g, that’s about the same as a Mars bar, perfect for putting in your pocket, storing in the glove box or leaving in a bag.

If you want to keep the flashlight to hand the two-way pocket clip can be used, it can be attached to a hat brim, there is also a 1.5mm lanyard hole so it can be carried around your wrist.

A perfect EDC flashlight, with a colourful finish.

£39.95

Pros Compact Light weight Rechargeable IPX8 waterproof case Max output 350 lumens and a 64 meter throw Two-way pocket clip Brighter colour design makes it easy to locate

For more information on the Olight i5R click here

19

Urbanista Los Angeles Every now and then something comes along that is such a clever yet somehow obvious idea that is makes you think, how has this not been done before?

The Los Angeles from Urbanista is exactly one of those products, these rather unassuming looking headphones are in fact the world’s first self-charging wireless headphones.

These cans are powered by Powerfoyle solar cell material, this clever green technology can convert all light, be it sunlight or artificial, into energy to deliver a virtually infinite playtime.

What a great idea! This is no gimmick either this actually works, you would basically have to spend 80hours in a dark cupboard before you completely ran out of juice and hey, maybe that’s your thing, no judgement here. If so, you can still reach for the USB C charger and power up old school. This smart tech blends in seamlessly to the design, you wouldn’t even suspect there was anything different going on here, they are comfortably padded and fitted me perfectly however I am aware I have a small head and the snug fit might become a little uncomfortable for those more generously endowed in the head area.

There are multifunction buttons on the earcups which provide control over the hybrid Active Noise Cancelling and the Ambient Sound Mode letting you choose between blocking out the world and keeping an ear on your surroundings.

There is a companion app which provides some added extras like live tracking the drain and gain of power and different sound modes, but you probably won’t find yourself using it too much. The sound the Los Angeles provides won’t disappoint, the tones are clear and well defined with a lovely balanced bass that’s chunky enough to get your teeth into.

Compared to some of the other Urbanista’s we have tested out these are definitely the most expensive, but the combination of that solar power tech and enjoyable sound make them hard to resist.

The worlds first Solar powered headphones…and yes, they work!

For more information on the Urbanista Los Angeles click here

£169 Pros Virtually infinite playtime

Solar charging Bluetooth 5.0 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling On-Ear Detection 80h battery reserve Voice Control Siri and Google Voice Assistant Cons Slightly snug fit 21

Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor When ti emsoc to ayb eilspng in teihr wno mor ouy etnr a drlow fo tnocradi,s no eno edis ouy aer gratfeul rof tha peac adn qtuei adn no teh toehr teh edis tha lack fo ioesn eamns t’i s ton ngol erofb ouy vinoec ouyreslf tha ouyr ltie darling has manedg to kspi teh lcwirang tsaeg adn edvom tsrahig iton climbng tou teh .wiodn Thankfuly tehs dysa ew evha ayb nrotm,si adn tyeh ’nod t emoc cumh ctuer than teh Cubo Ai Plu,s this etws ltie ibdr can be pcedrh pu tou fo erach adn egvi ouy a ibdr ’s ey wevi fo teh etnir toc. Ther is a ecioh fo teihr pucrhaisng teh awl oumtned kti ro teh 3-stadn tes, tboh aer suetilab rof aesg 0-5+ eayrs. This caemr is acedpk wtih AI to ekp an ey no ouyr ayb icdnul g teh Coedrv Faec adn Roervlo detecnoi adn teh ntopsi fo ecslting daengr Zoen adn veicrng toinfcas ehnw tehs aer ebracdh. The 1080p hd, 135° edwi aelng enls can be toraed to teg teh percft ae,lng ti has hd nthig vnois adn wil mtoaucily ujatsd to teh lthig elvs fo teh mor. you ’now t mis a dnoecs thanks to teh Ai Auto Phto Catpue,r toau pduate moetmns Wa l , tohp adn edvoi etslvira m adn lyesrap fo t e h t o i n f c a et n v s .

When ti emsoc to elsp tehr is teh ntopi fo elsp nrotmi g wtih teh elsp an ylctsi adn etnv tag,s tehr is pu to 18hr aclybkp adn buit-l in ul esaib to pehl edsn tehm ,fo tehr is a los Treu Cr y detecnoi tha ckips pu teh difecrn tbenw a ‘seylp tsir’ cr y adn an ‘I end ’ouy .cr y Ther is a los a tepmrau adn uhmdtiy nrotmi buitl in, to-w yaw dauoi adn a nthig lthig, adn rof ouyr rpacviy adn tecorpnsi teh AI Plus has enter pis elv ecsurtiy wtih ecsur edvoi tsera m adn ecnr ytpd dat tecorpn.i The pa is uesr fredniyl wtih erliab nocet, ti is ehr ouy can ujatsd teh acbkgourdn ,dauoi tes pu ouyr aerlt,s hsaer ctue etmnos wtih afmiyl adn frednis adn env awlo pu to tehig difetrn oglin uesr os na y adn gradn can cehk in no teh ltie en.o The Cubo Ai emsoc wtih en-o eayr fer Cubo Ai Caer Premui icednul, hwci begins ehnw teh hawder adn fostawer fo teh cuodrpt is apiedr. After this ti wil tosc £7.99 a tnomh to tnioceu ro £4.99 a tnomh to dpor to teh acbis acpkeg (this wil ertsci emos ).eatfurs This is a gerat ltie tes pu espcia ly rof f irts tiem apetrns ohw wil evol teh extra eatfurs awliong tehm to erlax adn ylposib env teg e m o s e rt s .

Pros Clear HD video day and night

Lots of safety features and alerts

Sweet little bird design Security streaming User friendly app Temp and humidity monitor

Sleep analytics Cons Some features are premium subscription only

3 set stand is a pricey option For more information on the Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor click here

This smart little bird will watch over your precious little one when the time comes for them to sleep in their own room.

From £189

23

Frugi Clothes Frugi Clothes (formally Cut4Cloth) was born way back in 2004, in Cornwall, when the founders, Lucy and Kurt struggled to find clothing that would fit over their little ones cloth nappies, from there they have gone from strength to strength, collecting many awards on the way. We received three items, the Bobby Applique top, Character Crawlers trousers and a Snuggle Fleece.

Starting with the top, this is a super cute long-sleeved top with a smiley dinosaur applique it is made from a superduper soft and snuggly 100% GOTS organic cotton, ideal for those cooler days and keeping that delicate skin protected from the sun. It features an envelope neckline, perfect for pulling down over the body instead up over their head, bringing all their spilled dinner with it. The Character Crawlers trousers we received features a tractor on one leg and a little sheep? on the other and is made from a soft GOTS certified organic cotton brushback fleece. The elasticated waistband also has a drawcord to prevent those little builders’ bums and the stretchy rib cuffs on the ankles help to lock out the cold on chilly days.

In sizes 0-3years they have been tailored to fit over cloth nappies which are often bulkier than disposables, saying that they still look fine with disposables. Lastly, the Snuggle Fleece, there are a range of designs available, but we received the colourful Cobalt Multi-stripe (currently 50% off), this fleece is incredibly soft with the fluffy indigo blue lining.

There is a cosy hand warmer pocket in the front which doubles up as toddler treasure storage (stones, leaves, snails etc), the high collar keeps out the cold. The Popper fastening makes getting dressed a breeze and quickly allows you to provide a little ventilation if they get too warm, there is also a handy hanging loop at the back of the neck. The designs are quite traditional with farm animals, tractors and dinosaurs, they might not appeal to those looking for something that steps away from the norm, but we loved the colourful style. These three items are beautifully made, the materials are high quality and feel durable, you can tell they are made to last, ideal for handing down to younger family members and friends.

From £20

Pros Organic cotton Durable Thick, soft fabrics Colourful traditional designs

UK’s leading ethical and organic children’s clothing brand

Make good gifts Cloth nappy cut For more information on Frugi Clothes click here

This ethical company uses only organic cotton to produce timeless, high quality clothing.

25

On Running Cloudstratus We are already fans of On Running here at the Review Smiths, between all of us there are four different pairs that get taken out for runs (some more regular than others) so we were more than happy when the Cloudstratus came through the door.

These road runners have been made with the maximum amount of cushion for optimum impact protection from the concrete and have that classic On Running look with the Cloud outsole. They are available in designs Rose/Red, Marina/Magnet in women’s, Lake/Flare, White/Black in men’s, Black in both, they come in sizes 3-9 in women’s and 6.5-13.5 in men’s with half sizes available too. These runners use Double CloudTec technology, this features two layers of Helion-enriched Clouds for increased vertical and horizontal cushioning, that’s double the cushiony clouds to spring forward on. The connected forefoot Cloud elements are perfectly aligned with the Speedboard, offering big energy returns, durability and impact protection allowing you to run anything from 5k to a full marathon and all the

training in-betweens. The Cloudstratus have a 6mm heel drop and weigh 305g, not the lightest out there but by no means the heaviest and this is mostly down to the outsole, weight has been reduced in the upper and heel area. The upper is constructed with around 75% recycled polyester, this stretchy mesh allows for a good amount of ventilation as well as a generous toe box which provides space for the toes to spread out. The heel has been improved to give you a more secure hold with less bulk and the tongue has a small amount of padding whilst retaining high flexibility, all this helps to hold the ankle in place whilst preventing chafing and friction. The star-lacing system pulls the shoe in and locks it down for a precise fit whilst the grippy rubber finish on the outsole ensures optimum traction on the surface of the road, even when wet. If you are new to On Running you might find they are a little firmer than some running shoes but it is exactly the responsive spring that we have come to love, making them the perfect partner to rack up some serious miles in.

A responsive and comfortable shoe, ideal for training on the roads.

£150

Pros Double CloudTec technology Breathable Roomy upper Star-lacing system 75% recycled polyester Improved heel hold Attractive two toned designs Grippy outsole Cons Firmer sole might not be for everyone Stones can get stuck in clouds For more information on the On Running Cloudstratus click here

27

Holystone HS360 Remember when drones were just a fun toy? When everyone had a go just to fly something fancy around and everyone that wasn’t nerdy enough to buy an RC plane could safely ‘be cool’ with a drone? Well, they’ve kind of moved on now.

Now we actually have a use for drones…

The Holystone HS360 comes equipped with a 2.5K HD camera (2560 x 1440p) mounted on a 2-axis gimbal. Not only that but it has a 118 degree FOV lens with a further 80 degrees available from the gimbal. In other words, you can get some really good pics and vids that capture a fair bit of detail for some truly stunning aerial shots of whatever it is you’re wanting to capture!

Not only does it have a fancy camera, it’s also got some nifty little features such as an Intelligent Flight capability where you set an area for it to circle around or tell it to go to certain multiple points using the app (literally just tap on a map to tell it where to go), allowing you to film or take pictures of an area as it goes. There is also an option that allows you to automatically follow whatever is being filmed (thereby keeping the framing of the shot) and even a ‘Return Safe’ function where the drone will return home automatically using the inbuilt GPS. That’s all the fun bits. From a practical point of view, it has an effective range of 1000 metres, a battery life of 46 mins and 4 brushless propellors, leading to easier maintenance, not to mention superior stability while in the air. It also looks pretty cool if I’m being honest, kinda want to put an Action Man on top of it in a space suit.

For more information on the Holystone HS360 click here

Useful features, a really good camera and it looks cool

Pros Good quality camera $269 1 KM range Practical Features Return Home function Cons Can take time to master it, maybe not for beginners You need a TF card for recording photos or videos

29

Oclean Flow Sonic Electric Toothbrush The Flow Sonic Electric Toothbrush from Oclean steps aside from the traditional oscillating toothbrush and instead uses Sonic technology to remove debris from your teeth and provide a deep clean. The benefit of the Sonic style toothbrush is that as well as cleaning efficiently it is gentle on the gums and drives the water and toothpaste in between the teeth and best of all it’s lovely and quiet, helping you ease into the morning instead of sounding like a drill in your head.

The brush delivers 38000 RPM of motor cleaning power, with five different cleaning modes to choose from, Morning, Night, Standard Cleaning, Whitening and Gentle. The hefty 2500mAh battery will last up to 180days of normal usage that’s nearly 25 weeks, meaning less charging time and less energy being used in your home, when you are hitting 10% of power left the indicator light will be in a "flashing red" state when it’s switched on. The IPX7 waterproof rating makes it suitable for taking into the shower and saving a few extra minutes in the morning, there it is an automatic two-minute timer that will prompt you every 30seconds to move to a different quadrant in your mouth.

A lot of toothbrushes are now coming with apps and connectivity, but this isn’t available with the Flow for some this might be a deal breaker but for others this will be a breath of fresh air, one less icon on your phone screen to worry about. Simplicity is at the heart of this toothbrush from its ease of use to its pearly white design. When you consider the price the Flow is a good deal, it provides an efficient clean without over complicating things, no one needs that in the morning or just before bed.

A practical sonic powered toothbrush that delivers a quiet, gentle and deep clean.

Pros Good value for money 5 modes 2 minutes smart timer with 30s reminder IPX7 Waterproof 180 Days Long Standby Quiet Cons No smart connectivity

$29.99

For more information on the Oclean Flow Sonic Electric Toothbrush click here

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Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive Guitar Pedal

This is a valve overdrive pedal and pre amp and must be the worlds most advanced overdrive pedal because it says so on the box!

First impression of the pedal is that it isn’t just another overdrive pedal to join the infinite ranks of other solid state clones of the basic tuber screamer, all of which work perfectly well and produce slightly different tones that are mainly the result of either soft clipping or hard clipping circuitry. From the guitarist’s point of view the purpose of an overdrive is usually to get the tone of a tube amp which has been driven to the point of break up and slightly beyond.

The Dept. 10 dual drive is twice the size of the average overdrive pedal and has an abundance of knobs and switches to play with together with the head of the valve peeping out of its burrow in the centre of the case like a little prairie dog, presumably to prove to all that this is indeed a true tube driven pedal. Even with its plethora of knobs, switches and in and out connections it is not as complicated as may first appear.

The unit is probably best regarded as a pre amp rather than just an overdrive. There are two separate channels switched independently by the two foot switches which will allow you to set up two tones and switch between the two (say rhythm and lead in a gig situation). The lower 4 knobs are E.Q. controls to give full range of bass, mids and treble control plus the Blackstar ISF knob which replicates either an American tone on the left one or a British tone on the right and anything in between, and yes it does make a difference. The E.Q. control is far more flexible than the standard single tone control that you would expect on a basic overdrive. The left hand channel has two voices, the clean tone which is fully transparent and a crunch tone which is where the overdriven distortion fun starts.

Move over to channel 2 and the crunch tone is basically the same as that encountered on channel 1 but switch to overdrive and the amp will start to sit up and squeal. Both channels have tone and level controls as you would expect plug your guitar into the input and output either straight into the front of any amp and it will give you all the choices of overdrive you could possibly wish for. The valve pre amp will also add a valve amp of voices to a basic solid state amp clean channel. If you add it to your pedal board it is recommended that the separate 9 volt power supply provided with the pedal is used as this unit is quite power hungry. There is also the option of a send/return connection at the rear. This covers the standard functions of what is an excellent two channel pedal at a price which is only £40-£50 more than a boutique single channel pedal.

This brings us to the third part added value part of the unit, which may be considered as either complicated or sophisticated depending on your technical skill levels. The D.I. line out at the rear can connect the unit direct to a P.A. mixing desk or interface for recording. Combine this with the USB link to your computer to the free Blackstar Architect software to gain access to a choice of 24 virtual speaker cabinets with a whole bunch of microphone types positioned to create any number of different miked cabinet sounds with the idea of picking three favourites to store in the unit for future selection via the central ‘cab rig’ toggle switch. This avoids the need to be consistently linked to a laptop. The cab rig outpoint jack on the left will enable the unit to connect to headphones making the unit a standalone practice amp to use a tube amp voice through a virtual speaker cabinet set up of your choice.

The unit is therefore more than just another overdrive pedal and its more than a choice of two overdrive pedals is also a useful tool for recording using a massive range of cab rig settings. It should appeal to both the’ plug it in and see what happens’ user and the ‘let’s spend hours tweaking the sound for a perfect recording result’ user.

Appealing to both the’ plug it in and see what happens’ user and the ‘let’s spend hours tweaking the sound for a perfect recording result’ user.

Pros Easy to use American or British Tone Flexible EQ control Can connect to a P.A. mixing desk or interface for

£229

recording

For more information on the Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive Guitar Pedal click here

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OWC Thunderbolt Dock

When it comes to Docks, I always find they are so specific! One portal wrong, one USB-2 rather than USB-3 and that’s it, you’ve wasted your money. Well, this one seems to have most things covered. And I really do mean it. 4K monitor? No problem, how about 2? 5/6/8K? All good! PC? New Mac1? Doesn’t care, bring it on baby! Headphones?

Plug it in Jack! Err, I’d like to charge my notebook.. Seriously? You need to ask this? Sink it in the socket bro…

In all seriousness though, this sounds great but is it really that versatile? Well, now that Thunderbolt 4 Technology has made cross-compatibility much more of a thing (short, overly-simplified history lesson – Thunderbolt was Apple-only in early days, USB was everything else), devices like this Dock finally have a chance to be what they were intended to be from the start. There are 4 of the USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 connectors and 3 USB 3.2 connectors giving you plenty of options for multiple device connection and charging, an SD card reader (4.0), the afore-mentioned audio jack and a further USB 2 for any backwards compatibility you may need.

It’s not the snazziest looking docking station, it’s very functional looking, a simple block with multiple slots to connect devices. But it doesn’t need to be snazzy looking, it does what it needs to do and that’s really what matters. To top it off, it’s fairly affordable for what it does and offers. The ports are even future-proofed for USB-4 so you even have some longevity built in, not that common with the way tech advances so rapidly these days. RRP Summary - If you have multiple devices you need to connect or working from home requires you to have two 4k monitors or someone else in the household has a Mac and you don’t, whatever, this fits the bill.

If you have multiple devices you need to connect or working from home requires you to have two 4k monitors or someone else in the household has a

Mac and you don’t, whatever, this fits the bill.

Pros Thunderbolt 4 Tech Delightful Engineering Affordable Adaptability 90+ Watts of charging ability Cons If you’re in to how a thing looks

For more information on the OWC Thunderbolt Dock click here

$299

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Anova Precision Cooker Pro The Anova Precision Cooker Pro basically allows you to cook in this style at home and with what seems to be a great level of control. It’s accurate to within 0.05 Degrees C and can heat up to 100 litres of water effectively and to the same temperature all the way through. It’s like a portable heating element basically. Imagine a kettle without the containing part that holds the water and with a touchscreen level of control of the temperature. Now imagine that your kettle actually regulates the temperature by pushing the water around. That’s pretty much what you’ve got here.

It’s better made than your average kettle: Aluminium, Teflon and Stainless Steel go in to this. It seems quite durable and it’s got a decent cord length of 53” so you hopefully won’t need to balance you’re water container too precariously!

Which means I have to finish with the downside and that is that most of us don’t have fully equipped massive kitchens at home with lots of space. Not to mention large containers handy to hold all that water, although you could probably make do with a large saucepan. Just please be careful, especially if you’ve got little ones with grabby hands.

The chef in me wants this badly however, Sous-Vide at home? Yes Please!

£369

Sous-Vide at home? Yes Please!

For more information on the Anova Precision Cooker Pro click here

Pros Extremely well made from aluminium, Teflon, & stainless steel

Very precise temperature control Strong, powerful, brushless motor Extremely long operational period Can heat large volumes of water Excellent touchscreen 2-year warranty Cons Extra level of safety needed when little ones are about

Quite a lot of water to use in times when we’re all being a little more environmentally conscious

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Pros Hi-Res Audio TWS headphones with LDAC and LHDC Impressive sound $129.99 Hybrid ANC Up to 24hr continuous playback 80ms low-latency game mode supported IP54 rated Antibiotic ear tips For more information on the Edifier NeoBuds Pro click here

Edifier NeoBuds Pro The NeoBuds Pro from Edifier are some sleek looking earbuds, they come with a compact charging case, storage bag and 7 colour coded ear tips, the brushed chrome effect stems with their angular design stand out from the crowd.

The earbuds are larger than some out there but for me it makes them easier to handle, especially when running or wearing gloves, they are very light however and remain comfortably locked in place even during vigorous exercise.

The IP54 rated dust and water resistance also make them a good companion for exercise, the eartips are germ proof, specially designed to prevent bacterial growth caused by daily wear-and-tear. The NeoBuds Pro are the first True Wireless Stereo earbuds to have Hi-Res Audio certification and have a frequency response of 40KHz and it is noticeable from the first few seconds.

These support both LHDC and LDAC with the decoding rate up to 900Kbps, the sound quality is impressive with a deliciously deep bass and balanced mid tones, topped off with clear and cheerful high tones, you can hear every instrument and each breath. This is particularly good when it comes to gaming, there is also a Gaming Mode, where the latency is reduced to as little as 80ms, for faster reactions and better game play. The seal on these earbuds is pretty good at blocking out the sound but for an added push there is an Active Noise Cancellation up to 42dB, you can choose between the High mode and Comfortable mode. There are six built-in microphones, to provide clear phone calls without distracting background noise, this is a companion app where the EQ can be personalised. The battery life will last about 5 hours + 15 hours with the charging case and with the ANC off it will last about 6 hours + 18 hours with the charging case.

The first true wireless stereo earbuds to achieve Hi-Res audio certification.

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Ecoflow River

Myself and my friends go camping every year. It’s a very simple field we go to with limited amenities – which is how we like it! However, there has been occasion where something like this generator would have come in very handy…

Whether it be lighting at night to play cards by, somewhere to plug in a stereo or someone’s mobile phone needing charging, a multi-faceted charger such as this is what we need!

You can charge it up at home (taking just over 1 ½ hours to fully charge from a mains socket) before you leave, use your car battery to charge it when you need to or even use a solar panel, although you would have to buy this separately. Once charged up, it has a standard AC output of up to 600 Watts but this can be boosted to 1200 Watts if needed so if you have multiple items to charge up, not a problem. Speaking of which, what can you charge with this? There are 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-A fast charge port, a USB-C port, European style 2-pin sockets and of course, standard UK sockets. Meaning most things you are likely to bring with you can charge from this whether it be a drone, small fridge or your kettle for that essential coffee in the morning! It certainly seems to have the edge on most of it’s competitors with this diversity.

And of course, everything has an app these days! Although this one does seem to have some teething problems with connectivity to the River, it boasts that you can check how much solar power you're drawing, turn off AC outlets to conserve battery, or ramp up the recharging speed if needed.

Relatively light for what it is at 5Kg, this is a versatile (if pricey) bit of kit.

Pros Versatile Short charging time from the mains International charging sockets for travel beyond the UK Relatively light Not much it can’t charge!

Cons Pricey Solar power charging is an expensive, additional outlay

£379

For more information on the Ecoflow River click here

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Dr Brown’s Newborn Gift Set

Having a baby can be an overwhelming time, equally overwhelming is being invited to a baby shower and tasked with getting a present that will be useful and appreciated by the new parents, no pressure. We can help you out however if you find baby bottles on the gift list, Dr Brown’s bottles have long been the go-to for many families thanks to the anticolic design, thankfully I have never had to deal with colic but a close friend’s little one had it on and off for the first 6 months, making an already tough time even harder.

The Dr Brown’s Newborn Gift Set comes with everything the family will need to start bottle feeding the baby, it comes with a microwave steriliser with tongs, three 270ml Options + Anti Colic bottles, two 150ml Options + Anti Colic bottles, two Level 2 teats, two Level 3 teats, a bottle brush, two travel caps, three vent cleaning brush, level 1 teats are supplied on each bottle. These bottles use the enhanced design of Options+ Anti-Colic system, this is clinically proven to reduce windy colic, this comes in the form of an internal green vent which provides a 100% vacuum free feeding. This vent is removeable if needed, which means they can be adapted as the child grows out of feeding issues (that’s one less thing to clean) and making it a teat-vented bottle.

The breast-like teat shape is correctly contoured to encourage a proper latch and a more natural bottle-feeding experience, this makes it easier to switch from breast to bottle and back again. The teats are specially engineered to offer the same consistent natural flow that your baby is used too, helping them ease into the transitioning. The bottles themselves are comfortable to hold for adults when they are little and then the child when they are older, all the materials are BPA free and suitable from 0months+. This set is super practical, but we would like to see a bit more of a gift style presentation, this could be sat in the nursery for a few months so it could look a little prettier, just to add to the excitement of those days leading up to the birth.

Forget the giant teddy bears and cute but

impractical outfits, give the gift of colic free feeding.

£64.99 Pros Anti-colic vent system

Clinically proven to reduce colic

Contoured breast-like teat Aids in digestion for a good night’s sleep

BPA free and 0m+ Cons Could be better presented For more information on Dr Brown’s Newborn Gift Set click here

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Duux Globe Table Fan We’re all a lot more environmentally conscious these days and sometimes we have to make the odd sacrifice to satisfy our desire to ‘do our bit’ for the environment. When I found out how much energy my fan used for example (a massive 60 Watts and it’s huge!), I started using it far more sparingly and just had the windows open instead. Unfortunately, the noise from the main road outside my top floor flat made listening to music and watching my favourite shows problematic to say the least. And I do like my lazy days doing those very things!

Then, along came this little beauty and oh, what a difference! The energy consumption is far better (up to 27 Watts but can be as low as 2!), it’s powerful, easily reaching all areas of my front room (it can reach up to 7 metres apparently) and it even goes up and down, not just sideways (it’s the little things sometimes…). Most importantly for me though, it’s quiet. I can close my windows and make sure there’s plenty of cool airflow all around my front room and barely even notice it when the latest episode of whatever I’m bingeing on my favourite streaming service is on.

It’s also a lot smaller than my old fan and it looks… well, pretty cool actually! Like a little rotating ball throwing out cool air. It comes with a remote so I don’t even have to get out of my chair to adjust anything. My only criticism of it is that there are only 3 speeds and the oddity that is the automatic time-out mode. Just 1 or 3 hours? Would it have been that hard to include a variable timer?

Small grumbles though: compact, quiet and energy efficient wins the day for me.

For more information on the Duux Globe Table Fan click here

Prepare yourself for this years heatwave

Pros Stylish looking £79.99 Remote control Quiet and powerful Energy efficient Cons Only 3 speed settings Only 2 set choices for automatic time-out

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Blurams PTZ Outdoor Cam 3MP Ever had one of those ‘discussions’ with a delivery company? The kind where they insisted they tried to deliver an item but nobody was home, even though you were home and never once did you leave your vigil - watching, eagleeyed for that very important parcel? Well, this is where the Blurams PTZ Outdoor Cam comes in to its own!

“What time did you say you tried to deliver my parcel? Oh, reallllly….”.

It’s got Smart Motion Tracking with Human detection, facial recognition, it’s weather-proofed, has coloured night-vision and a lifetime, free Cloud storage capacity. So, not only is it good at proving that pesky delivery driver certainly did not attempt to deliver at such and such a time, it’s also really good at proving when people have come on to your property! Which leads us to the matter of security.

It comes with a built-in siren and flashing alarm that you

can activate remotely via the Blurams App. As soon as the motion detector notices someone in the view of the camera (which can have a fixed field view or a sweeping scan), the app notifies you and you can instantly tap in to what the camera is seeing, allowing you to set the alarm off if somebody looks suspicious. It also has Wi-Fi capability as well as being able to connect via ethernet so no worrying if someone cuts the wire!

This camera is also pretty versatile in that it works with IFTTT (If This Then That) applets and so you can create your own trigger points for when you want to be notified or download recordings at certain times. When combined with the very reasonable cost of the unit itself, this becomes a pretty versatile piece of kit for not a massive lay-out.

Affordable, £47

adaptable and instantly accessible video footage make this a pretty good deal.

For more information on the Blurams PTZ Outdoor Cam 3MP click here

Pros Affordable IFTTT Applets Life-time storage Face recognition Motion Detection Cons No battery option – you have to make sure that power cable is hidden!

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Doro 7030 Well, here’s something I hadn’t even considered before: a phone designed for use by the senior citizens of our society. I feel ashamed I hadn’t personally ranted about this before, what a cracking good idea! Doro focus on providing phones for senior citizens and offer all sorts of features that cater for those members of our society that may not be quite as capable of enjoying all the bells and whistles everyone else seems to.

The Doro7030 is a flip-phone for starters. So no embarrassing bum-dials! It also has really easy-touse, large, separated keys with large, easy-to-see icons, ideal for when your eyesight is not so sharp any more.

Combine this with the high contrast screen and it makes using it, easy.

But the real winner here (other than the fact that it’s a flip-phone – guarantee anyone that was a kid in the 60’s will be using this just like Captain Kirk as soon as they get a chance!) is the fact that it includes Facebook and WhatsApp already on the device. No need to download the app, it’s already there! Meaning your elderly relative will straightaway be able to connect with the rest of the family (hopefully not to the absolute horror of the younger ones…) and get involved with digital family life, reducing any feelings of isolation which can’t be a bad thing.

It has 4G, Wi-Fi and GPS, the battery lasts a decent while, covering several days if not used intensively (6 hours if speaking to someone all the time) and it also has a Doro Response Button for emergencies. It has a torch, you can set calendar reminders, adjust the font size and all the usual kind of things that people use phones for these days on a daily basis.

An easy to use phone, ideally suited to senior citizens

Pros Large, spaced buttons Decent sized screen for viewing photos Designed for ease-of-use Enhanced sound and audio for the hard of hearing Optional displays for visually impaired users Cons No display when cover is shut Only available in Black or White

£82.99

For more information on the Doro 7030 click here

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Oaxis myFirst Sketch Book

Life has changed a lot since I was a kid, if I wanted to doodle, I had the choice of using fax paper, lined paper or the back of my hand, these days kids have the digital world to scrawl away without wasting paper.

The Oaxis has created myFirst Sketch Book and to stop the adults feeling too left out it is suitable for them too, it comes with a smart stylus, three additional pen tips, a leather case and charging cable. The thin profile makes it easy to transport at 138.3x11.8mm, it is also lightweight weighing in at just 335g, this also makes it suitable for little hands to use. The 10” LCD screen provides an 8192 pressure point sensitive drawing area with an anti-glare finish making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It is powered by a built-in 1000mAh battery that will deliver up to 50 hours of drawing time after a two-hour charge, the stylus pen will also require a charge up and will last for almost 200 continuous hours. There are unlimited colour choices to draw with, but these will require the use of the app, your art will only appear in green on the screen. The app will work in real time over Bluetooth, they can also be played back so you can watch your designs take shape, amendments can be made by adjusting the font thickness, pen type and tip size.

The Sketch Book has a built-in memory which can save over 1000 pieces of artwork and notes, these can be saved into JPEG files for ease of sharing and editing. The writing experience is quite natural with the screen reacting to the pressure of the pen and changing the line thickness accordingly, saving is straight forward, and the app is easy enough to use. An issue we came across is there is no erasing option on the Sketch Book itself, this can only be done in the app, you will need to delete the entire image and start again. On the flip side if the battery dies or you switch the Sketch Book off your image will remain on the screen, just as you left it, the next time you turn it on. The Sketch Book is a little pricey for what it can offer but if you are looking for an uncomplicated drawing pad it is a good choice, plus it’s high portability means it’s ideal for keeping kids entertained on the move.

For more information on Oaxis myFirst Sketch Book click here

A portable, digital notebook, great for kids on the go. pros

$119

Highly portable Built-In memory Recording function Natural drawing experience

Instantly digitised in real time Cons No eraser Limited features on the app Stylus could be more robust

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Edifier Gx High-fidelity Gaming Headset The quality of your headset can make or break your gameplay, being able to pinpoint that footstep could mean all the difference between protecting your kill streak or laying in a heap on the floor. The Gx High-fidelity Gaming Headset from Edifier is a wired headset that comes with large 50mm titanium diaphragm drivers and is Hi-Res Audio certified.

There is a good amount of padding around the earcups and across the headband all encased in a leatherette material for comfortable wearing over long sessions, there is a reasonable amount of breathability, but you sacrifice some for a decent seal around the ear. The volume can be adjusted quickly and smoothly with a rolling dial, there are also buttons to switch between the gaming and music modes. The built in LEDs in the earcups will turn on and off with a tap and switch between eight colourful lights. There is a retractable mic which feels super sci fi when you pull it out to chat to your teammates, but this might be awkward for those with large fingers and very short nails. The mic itself is ok, the vocals are clear but perhaps a little quieter than we would like for this price range. The ENC Dual Mic noise cancellation is effective at blocking out the sounds of the world including your keyboard.

The 96KHz/24-bit high resolution decoding transmission together bring you a high-fidelity sound quality producing clear and detailed tones for both immersive gaming and enjoying your music. The Gx have multi-platform compatibility thanks to the included type C/USB/3.5MM audio jack, the issue however is if you use these with a console and the jack you will lose some of the features powered by the USB which is a shame. We want to love these, we know what a great job Edifier can do when it comes to cans but these didn’t blow us away, they were good but for the asking price we expected more, especially as they are wired, they are probably best for the PC games with comfort being a priority.

Pros

Cons

Long wearing comfort 96kHz/24bits decoding

Some features lost when using the jack

Effective noise cancelling Mic is average Retractable microphone Mic can be difficult for RGB lights chunky fingers to extend

£89.99

For more information on the Edifier Gx High-fidelity Gaming Headset click here

A reasonable headset best suited for PC gamers.

53

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip Tapo L900-5 Lighting can make a huge difference to the atmosphere and energy of a place, whether you want to create a calm and tranquil space, or a lively party vibe and it needn’t involve expensive installations and electrician bills. The L900-5 Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip from Tapo is a quick and convenient way to change the ambience in a room, this flexible strip comes in packs of 5 or 10 meter strips (L900-10) that can be cut to any length and fixed to any surface with the included Peel-and-Stick 3M adhesive. There is no hub required simply download the app and connect it to your home’s secure Wi-Fi network and it is compatible with your smart assistant, letting you use simple voice commands to control your light strip. The L900-5 uses LED beads, each operating independently from the next that have a life span of over five and a half years of constant use, it has a durable construction designed for better heat dissipation and uses low voltage that does not flicker or emit blue light. The app offers a range of intelligent features with over 16 million colours available including warm white, or cool daylight. Light modes can be created and saved, and scheduled for certain times of the day, this can be adjusted at anytime, anywhere letting you control your lighting even when you are away from home. There is the option of letting your music pair up with the lighting where it will sync to the frequency and the beat, creating a party environment in your home, whilst the Away Mode will simulate someone being at home to deter unwanted visitors. You won’t always need your phone to hand the Controller Box can be used to manipulate the light strip by turning it on or off, resetting the light and changing the current colours. Do not worry if it is your first piece of smart home tech the L900-5 is so easy to use and if you already have Tapo products it can be seamlessly integrated into your smart set up, a low cost, low hassle way to breath new life into a room.

For more information on the Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip Tapo L900-5 click here

£16.99

A fun and easy way for add some

Pros Multicolour, dimmable lights

Schedule, Timer and ambience into Voice Control Cuttable any room.

Easy Setup No Hub Required 5.5years lifespan Cons Adhesive could be stronger

55

Angelcare AC327 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound Bringing a new baby home is absolutely rife with anxiety, especially if it is your first, chances are you a sleep deprived and completely overwhelmed plus mum has so many hormones coursing through her body she probably couldn’t spell her own name if you asked. For me I was terrified to sleep whilst my baby slept, Angelcare have been helping ease parents though this scary stage by keeping an eye on your baby for you whilst you get some rest. The AC327 uses SensAsure technology in their Movement Monitor and Video and Sound Monitor which all works together to track your little ones movements and if nothing is detected after 20 seconds it will send an alarm to the Parent Unit. The movement monitor sits under the mattress so theres no need to remember to clip anything to baby’s nappy or foot every nap and bedtime. It does require a flat surface underneath it so it baby’s bed has slats you will need to pop something on top for the monitor to rest on, a thin bit of ply wood would do. The camera can be placed on a shelf or countertop, or wall mounted out of reach, it can zoom and pan to keep an eye on the room, you can also talk directly to baby over it via the parent unit. The parent unit means you don’t have to rely on your phone and wifi to keep an eye on bubs, it has a 4.3” full colour LCD video screen with infrared night vision, it will also display the temperature of the room and send alerts if the battery is low on either the movement sensor and or the parent unit. The is the option of adding two extra cameras to the one parent unit so you can keep an eye on the whole family via split screen. The Angelcare AC327 is a great little set up, the wireless sensors and battery powered parent unit make for easy installation and convenient use around the home, knowing that little one is sleeping safe and soundly will let anxious parents get some well deserved rest.

For more information on Angelcare AC327 click here

Pros Wireless, contactless motion sensor Attach up to 3 cameras Full colour parent unit £199.99 Infrared night vision Two way audio Straight forward installation Cons Motion sensor requires hard surface

This guardian angel will watch over baby whilst they sleep.

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