The Review Smiths - Issue 39 - Xmas Special

THE

Issue 39, November 2023

Review Smiths

Special Edition christmas Gift Guide

CONTENTS

Hi Everybody

Welcome to our enormous Christmas edition, whilst the world 04. WaterField Designs Air outside is frosty and cold we have been inside working away with such Duffel Carry-On a level of enthusiasm that Santa’s elves look like lazy part timers.

06. Anker Nebula Cap Max 08. Anker Liberty 4 NC Not only is this magazine packed with over 60 reviews of the latest and greatest products out there, but we have also taken the stress out Wireless Noise 10. Weber Lumin Electric of Xmas shopping by including out iconic Christmas Gift Guide.

12. Beurer BM54 We have inspiration for even the most difficult friends and family members. This issue is packed with games, tech, toys, clothing, things 14. Wacaco Picopresso 16. Brabantia BO Laundry for your home, your garden, your work and so much more!

18. Vivobarefoot Magna So, get your pen and paper out and create a shopping list of dreams Lite WR SG Mens and whilst you are at it, grab yourself a mulled wine and mince pie, as 21. Spyra LX after all it isn’t just Santa Claus that needs a treat whilst at work.

22. Bronze Babe Home Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to seeing Spray Tan Kit you all in the new year.

24. Vital Baby Nourish Prep and Wean Editor and chief 26. Browning Dark Ops Emma Hilling-Smith Pro DCL 28. NYXI Wizard Wireless Joypad for Switch 30. Toucan Doorbell 32. Stackers Laptop Bag 33. Xmas Gift Guide 50. Catapult One pod 52. Torras Coolify 3 54. Compressport Thunderstorm 56. Topdon JS2000 58. Topdon Topscan Senior Writer Managing Director 60. Dr. Otek MTXE Emma Hilling-Smith Alex Hilling-Smith 62. Tado Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+ Writer Chief Mouse Stealer 64. SuperSpeed C Club David Hicks Master Hilling-Smith 66. EKS668BT karaoke 68. Stiga Combi 336e Kit 70. Stiga SC100e For all media 72. Enabot EBO SE related enquiries please contact us at 74. Sphero RVR+ info@thereviewsmiths.com 76. Epomaker RT100 78. Snore Circle YA50G For Advertising Enquiries 80. Epos Audio Adapt 560 II 0208 191 8472 82. And so much more!!!! www.thereviewsmiths.com

WaterField Designs Air Duffel Carry-On

If you travel by plane on a regular basis then you’ll be familiar with the issues of ‘hand luggage’. The sizing has to be right, the weight needs to be under a certain level and somehow, you have to fit everything in it that you may possibly need, not to mention keeping high value items such as laptops or tablets safe when everything is crammed in to a tiny little bag!

WaterField have created something here that should simplify everything. There’s no wasted space on this bag at all with compartments dotted all over it inside and out! First of all you have the main flap at the front that is held in place by two strong magnets making it both secure and easy to access. It handily fits the iPad Pro Air Caddy also, giving you an extra level of protection for this device. There are deep, zip-up pockets on the shorter ends, ideal for your travel documents or even a water bottle. The inside of the lid has 2 meshed compartments for little nick-nacks like headphones or travel sweets for example while the inside is roomy enough to fit 2-3 days-worth of clothes in and has side compartments for things such as toiletries making it ideal for weekend breaks or short business trips.

The back of the bag is designed to accommodate any kind of work-related tech you need to take with you. There is a padded pocket that can fit a multitude of devices with the largest being the 16” Macbook Pro and there is also a slot that you can fit a tablet into, Any power cables can be fitted in to the many pockets provided as well as any pens or pads you may need while on your travels. They’ve pretty much thought of everything and it looks good too!

For more information on the WaterField Designs Air Duffel Carry-On click here

Pros Sturdy design that keeps its shape even when empty Soft enough that you can squeeze it in to overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you

Looks good Sooo many storage options!

Cons It’s expensive so a casual traveller may find it a bit too costly to warrant the use they’ll get out of it.

$429

5

Anker Nebula Cap Max Maybe I’m showing my age a little here but when someone still retain a quality image. The resolution knocks out says projector, I always picture a great big thing attached at a decent 1280x720 with 60 fps so good enough for to the ceiling and a massive white pull-down sheet that whatever you’re likely to be watching. The speaker tops out the long-suffering teacher heroically struggled with (to be at ====dB and with the Bluetooth capability allowing fair, all teachers ‘heroically’ struggled with any kind of you to pair up some Bluetooth enabled headphones, you technology when I was at school!) before a washy image can watch while camping and not annoy other campers. appeared that could only be viewed with all the lights off Helping with this, the fan runs at about 30 dB’s and and curtains closed. We’ve come such a long way since then doesn’t interfere to a noticeable degree with the audio, thankfully and this little beauty from Anker is pretty good giving you a good cinematic experience. evidence of that.

The battery lasts about 4 hours so should be enough for This is the latest projector Anker have produced and it is most movies and it takes about 2.5 hours to fully recharge so far removed from those days of my youth you’d almost although it’s worth noting that it only charges via a DC be forgiven for thinking a teacher could work it (don’t charger, not USB so if you are going to take it camping, be silly – it’s a pre-requisite for teaching that technology be prepared for a one-off experience! As well as this, the confounds you…). It has an impressive 200 ANSI Lumen brightness can tend to dim the longer you use it, making it bulb and can create an image up to the size of a 100 inch more of a night-time thing than watching in the daylight. screen from a distance of up to just over 3 metres and

Pros Great projection Android 8.1 operating system Doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker Remote control provided Cons Doesn’t allow mirroring of some subscription services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video There are much cheaper projectors out there that can, arguably, do just as good a job but with a smaller screen size.

£432.99

A handily sized portable projector with good display brightness in a relatively lightweight unit.

For more information on the Anker Nebula Cap Max click here

7

£79.99

Pros Good battery life Latest Bluetooth Good sound quality Comfortable, with 4 different-sized tips to choose from

Cons Need to be paired with an Android device to get the best out of it

Anker Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Some earbuds are designed for use while exercising whilst others are designed for more leisurely listening. These noise cancelling buds from Anker fall happily in to the latter category and are firmly designed to give you an immersive listening experience wherever you go with the ability to cancel out 98.5% of background noise. It achieves this through ANC 2.0 software, a noise isolation chamber and an oversized driver, all 3 combining to reliably block out external noise. The above-mentioned software employed to achieve this also helps when you are using the 6 microphones (tiny ones of course – you’re not going to be looking like some weird insectoid!) to make calls, giving your own voice a clear quality, eliminating the need to raise your voice, even in an area with plenty of background noise.

The connection is via Bluetooth 5.3 (the latest version), they are Android compatible and, although I started by mentioning this as not a set of buds to exercise with, they

are rated IPX4 so they can handle splashes and sweat, just don’t go swimming in them! The battery life is pretty good too – 10 hours on their own that can be extended to 50 hours when combined with the charging case, giving you plenty of time listening to your favourite tunes or catching up on that movie-binging session you’ve been promising yourself. And, as it only takes 10 minutes to charge it for 4 hours-worth of use, you can make use of them in a snap if you’ve forgotten to charge them!

The sound is crisp and clear, helped out by the LDAC codec meaning more of the digital info getting to your ears (worth noting that this is only compatible with Android). It won’t pick up everything but when combined with the driver, the ANC 2.0 and the app that allows you to adjust the sound to suit you, you have quite the comprehensive and satisfying ear bud experience that you normally wouldn’t hit in this price range.

A comfortably priced set of earbuds that will give you a good all-round, adjustable listening experience.

Well worth it for everyday use.

For more information on the Anker Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise click here

9

Weber Lumin Electric Barbecue Who doesn’t like a good barbecue now and then? Sun’s out, friends are invited over, beers are in the fridge and you’re good to go! Oh, wait a mo, someone forgot the coal! And firelighters. And they don’t deliver free newspapers anymore.

Not to mention no matches and the 1 dodgy lighter you do have is just as likely going to burn you as it is set light to the tinder (which you don’t have because no-one buys newspapers any more, never mind the free ones…). Looks like an oven-cooked sesh again, what a let-down! If only there were such a thing as an electric barbecue…

Of course there is! Hardly a surprise there, these things aren’t exactly new but they definitely are no longer the poor relation to a ‘real’ barbecue. This one comes with settings that allow you to smoke, seer, steam or even boil your food and reaches temperatures comparable to a traditional barbecue, giving you a good range of cooking options. I especially like the ability to smoke your food as you basically get to add whatever kind of smoky flavour you like or have to hand with wood chips, giving you all sorts of flavour options allowing your inner chef to get creative. The other cooking modes are catered for with various components that you can switch out such as a seering grill and the temperature is handled with an easy to use intuitive knob on the side. This flexibility also allows you to set the temperature low to keep food warm and even gives you an environment to thaw frozen food if you’ve forgotten to get it out of the freezer!

It's compact and comes with a foldable, detachable stand so you can easily store it away and, of course, you’ve got no messy (potentially dangerous) ashes to worry about too. Just take it all apart and give it a good clean as you would any other cooking utensils. The power is provided by a battery pack that connects to the side and plugs in to your normal wall socket with a cable 1.8 metres long. Easy.

A great, safe alternative to a messy, flaming barbecue that gives you a wide range of cooking options and is good to go in 10 minutes.

Pros ood range of cooking options £679 OGnly takes 10 minutes to heat up

No messy, hot ash to deal with Being able to smoke foods Cons Most people will need an extension cable Will disappoint the pyromaniac in your family For more information on the Weber Lumin Electric Barbecue click here

11

Beurer BM54

£58.26

Pros Easy to use and read

Can sync data with other devices WHO risk indicators Irregular heartbeat indicator Cons Not a full diagnostic tool

We’re all a little more health-conscious these days, especially those of us getting on a bit in years. One of those things that can creep up on us unawares are changes to our blood pressure, usually due to poor diet/habits over the years (certainly true in my case, I must admit!). Keeping an eye on our blood pressure and ensuring it stays at a healthy level is a sensible thing to do but not usually an option without regular trips to the doctor. This is why the BM54 could be a very handy regular feature of weekly life.

It functions pretty much as you would expect with the arm cuff able to go up to 17.3 inches for those with larger arms. The screen is nice and large and easy to read and gives you immediate information such as systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse rate and an icon that shows if you are possibly suffering from an irregular heartbeat. Bear in mind this isn’t designed to be a full-on diagnostic tool so if that does pop up, don’t panic! Just book an appointment with your Doctor to get a proper medical assessment once you’ve double-checked to make sure it wasn’t a one-off. The risk indicator is based on guidelines provided by the WHO however so it’s certainly worth paying attention to.

As well as being a good monitor in it’s own right, it can also connect via Bluetooth to your phone and you can make use of the Health Manager Pro app to keep a track of your measurements and to see how changes in diet/lifestyle can have an impact on your heart pressure over time via progress graphs and tables. This information can be stored locally or you can sync it with any other systems via the Cloud and it’s compatible with PC, Android and iOS

A useful blood pressure monitor for home use, especially with the free app from Beurer. Always speak to a health professional if you have concerns arise from using this.

For more information on the Beurer BM54 click here

13

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, multi-languages 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!

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

For more information on the Wacaco Picopresso click here

Pros

Cons

Super compact Travel friendly Robust design

Not for those looking for

Produces perfect espresso Double shot

short cuts

£109.90

15

Brabantia BO Laundry Bin 60L

When a company has been around for over 100 years and making home products for 70 of those, they must be doing something right! This laundry bin has been designed to be as inconspicuous as is possible with a laundry bin… It’s still where all your dirty clothes go after-all. Brabantia, in their usual style, have gone out of their way to design this one to blend in with other furniture you may have around and not be an eye-sore with its cabinet-like design.

To begin with, this laundry bin, unlike traditional laundry baskets, isn’t round, it’s rectangular. Seems like a small thing but it does mean that it takes up less space and can slot in to a gap or push up against the wall far more easily.

It also rocks in as a sturdy, solid piece - it’s made mostly out of steel. Not cheap ‘bad-for-the-environment’ plastic that breaks at the drop of a hat that is so common these days but a material that is recyclable for when you feel the need for a change in décor coming on.

Given that it’s made of steel, you’re not going to be wanting to lug this to the washing machine every time you want to wash the contents (although it only weighs about 4 Kg despite the material it’s made from so shouldn’t be a problem when you do need to move it) but thankfully, this comes with a Velcro sealed cotton laundry bag (which is itself machine-washable) that fits in much the same way as a bin bag in a conventional bin. And, to make life even easier, the lid is an easy-to-use quick-drop opening that helps to prevent any unwanted odours escaping. The laundry bin is supplied with non-slip legs that you attach yourself and that make cleaning around it very easy.

Pros Discrete Easy to use Mostly recyclable Laundry bag included Cons Only available in black or white Pricey for a laundry bin

A well-designed and thoughtout item of functional furniture that doesn’t look out of place, worth a look.

For more information on the Brabantia BO Laundry Bin 60L click here

£167

17

Pros

£180

Lightweight Good grip Reactive to micro-adjustments Made from recycled plastic Cons If you’re used to wearing hiking boots, the lack of ankle support could take some getting used to.

Vivobarefoot Magna Lite WR SG Mens I first experienced hiking when I went on a walking holiday that my school arranged and I seem to remember them making a huge fuss over getting the right kind of shoes and making sure to break them in before the holiday. Of course, teenage me knew much better and, motivated by my (extremely questionable) fashion choices, ignored this, insisting on my absolute favourite trainers being adequate for the job… You can imagine what happened and I didn’t make that same mistake when I went again the next year! Nowadays, you don’t need massive hiking boots – technology has come on such that you can happily wear hiking shoes like this pair from Vivobarefoot that I think teenage me wouldn’t have minded wearing at all.

As well as looking like a comfy pair of shoes instead of some huge pair of hiking boots, these things are packed with tech to make hiking in them a breeze. For starters, the insole is thermal with built-in temperature-regulating technology that ensures your feet stay cool when heated up and warm when it gets cooler. The outer sole is soft and flexible and is only 2.5mm thick allowing you to feel the terrain you’re walking in and so giving you the ability to make micro-adjustments in the same way you would be able to if you were walking barefoot – maybe not so surprising given the name of the company! The rubber it is constructed from is ‘sticky’ and the lug height is a decent 5mm so giving you a good grip on unstable terrain. The tread design is ideal for wet and slippery conditions such as you may find on a muddy trail.

As well as being designed for speed these shoes are made from recycled plastic also so, not only are you getting a well-crafted piece of footwear, you can wear them safe in the knowledge that you’ve minimised your impact on the environment.

A well-designed pair of hiking shoes that give you the feeling of being able to walk barefoot over outdoor trails.

For more information on the Vivobarefoot Magna Lite WR SG Mens click here

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Spyra LX “The red car and the blue car had a race, but all Red wants to do is stuff his face!”. Totally giving my age away there but if you recognise those lyrics, you’ll be remembering a certain chocolate-covered nougat snack advert. Relevant because these water pistols come in a choice of red or blue and it’s the first thing that sprang to mind! And don’t worry – in this case, it’s simply a colour choice, the blue isn’t any better (unless you’re trying to psyche out an unwitting opponent of course…).

Spyra have really brought water pistols in to the 21st Century. Gone are the days when you had to run indoors and drip the water from a tap through a tiny hole in the top of your water pistol or hold it under water, freezing your fingers off while waiting for the bubbles to stop rising, all the while getting bombarded by your laughing, uncaring friends who beat you to it. I don’t have bitter childhood memories, honest! No, these water pistols have Pressure Tech!

In simple terms, you just need to stick the nozzle of the water pistol in to water, pump a couple of times and bingo, you’re good to go again. They’ve even textured the handle so you’re less likely to lose your grip when that inevitable soaking begins.

And there’s no feeble stream of water you’re shooting out either. With each full tank you get 18 individual water blasts that can remain accurate up to a distance of 9 metres (just under 10 yards in old money) and, if you lose count, there’s even a tank indicator so you can instantly check how much is left. By the way, there’s a discount if you buy two of them! Please excuse me, but I have to leave now, got to invite an old friend over…. Mwahahaha!

What price can you put on having fun? Some things are worth it and this will certainly make your friends envious, enjoy!

Pros Easy to use Manual so

£79

no charging required

Tank Indicator Refill in seconds

Cons It is quite expensive for a water pistol For more information on the Spyra LX click here

21

Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit

Spray tans are a safer way of getting that golden summery look but not everyone is up for wearing paper pants in front of a stranger, the MineTan Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit lets you do it from the comfort of your own home, no pants required! Whether this is your first ever spray tan or you are an old hand to it the Bronze Babe has been designed to be user friendly, the kit comes with the Bronze Babe Spray Tan Machine, Double Dark Pro Spray Mist (237 ml) and the Bronze on Applicator Mitt. To use simply fill the cup, spray your body and rinse after one to three hours, for best results exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours before especially around the elbows, knees and ankles, wax or shave at least 48 hours prior allowing the pores to close.

Afterwards moisturise every day and after day five, exfoliate with a soft body polish on a daily basis to allow the skin to absorb even more moisturiser, this helps the tan fade evenly, rather than in patches. The gun is lightweight and reasonably compact so you can get around most of your body ok, you will need a hand when it comes to your back unless you are super bendy. It uses a fine mist that can be adjusted via the dial for a streak free finish, we did find is spluttered a few times, but it was nothing the Mitt couldn’t blot away, it was surprisingly mess free in amateur hands.

It dries quickly and is suitable for all skin types, it is also 100% vegan and cruelty free, with 100% natural DHA, uses sustainably sourced and recycled materials and is paraben, palm oil, mineral oil and sulphate free. With all things considered the Bronze Babe is pretty good value for money, you can use your own tanning solution if the included version isn’t for you, it’s as simple as plug in and spray.

Pros Super easy to use

Good value for money

Fast drying Lightweight Cons Can spit at times

Main power limits where you can use it

For more information on the Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit click here

£69

Get the glow of a spray tan without the paper pants.

23

Vital Baby Nourish Prep and Wean

For those expecting a first baby in their home soon or you wouldn’t want to give them. It has 5 different those planning for one, you’ve got to be told (assuming you gradients of blending so you can start with a smooth haven’t been told already by well-meaning family members!) puree and work your way up to a more chunky blend as - having a baby around the house is hard work! You’re they get older. This isn’t just a blender though, you can going to get very little time to yourself and sleep will also steam food with it and it has a sterilising option too end up being a luxury so anything that makes life a little so you can even use it when bottle feeding. simpler and easier while at the same time giving you more control is surely a good thing right? Well, when your baby The thing that stands out with this is that it actually is ready to move on to solid foods, this little unit is perfect has a 2-tier system allowing you to prepare 2 different to help them with that transition and is easy for you to use. ingredients at the same time with different prep times for each one, giving you an alternative ready if it turns out Baby foods you buy off the shelf can end up quite pricey your latest creation isn’t appreciated by the little human and sometimes just don’t meet your babies’ needs – whether that now dominates your life. Or even (shudder!) if you that be from a nutritional point of view or just what they end up with twins… It all comes apart nicely and easily like to eat. This blender allows you to put exactly what you and most of it washes fine in a dishwasher with the rest like in to their food, allowing you to tailor their meals to of it washable in warm soapy water. suit and also with no worries of any added ingredients that

A device that makes preparing food for your weaning baby so easy and gives you the ultimate control over what exactly they eat.

For more information on the Vital Baby Nourish Prep and Wean click here

£119.99

Pros 2-tier steaming Variable blending consistencies Handy size to batch prepare meals You know exactly what goes in to your babies food Cons All of it being machine-washable would make this the ‘best thing ever’ for new parents!

25

$179.99

Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL If you’re a keen wildlife watcher, you’ll be familiar with how tricky it can sometimes be to get to see mother nature at her best. Whether it be staying in the same position for hours on end covered in camouflage or reviewing hours of footage from a camera you’ve left out in the wild in the vague hope you’ve captured something worthwhile, it can often be a futile hobby with varying degrees of reward. So, a camera that triggers only when movement is detected is really a must, especially if you want to avoid nights out exposed to the elements.

The Dark Ops Pro takes these kind of cameras to another level with a casing that helps to camouflage the camera, making it harder to detect and also blends it in to the local fauna so it isn’t quite so jarring to the landscape. Behind this camouflage is a pretty impressive tech spec. With a trigger speed of 0.15 seconds and video that hits 1920 x 1080p and 26MP’s, you should be confident in capturing anything that wanders in front of its 54° angle lens. Speaking of which, this comes with Dual Camera Lens Technology so that, day or night, you get a good, crystal clear picture. The invisible Infrared illumination captures night time footage well and with an adjustable flash range (up to 100ft) you can ensure you get the image you want.

The camera can take an SD card of up to 512Gb and you can view footage on the camera itself on the 1.5” screen so you don’t have to wait to get it home before you get to see what you’ve captured. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery and takes 6 AA batteries to get it going meaning you don’t have to take it home and recharge it, you can just replace them when they run out and keep on filming. This makes this a really good camera to just set up and leave with no worries other than returning to get the footage. Better than freezing your behind off just to get wobbly footage if you ask me!

Pros Camouflaged Rugged and sturdy

No need to remove and recharge

Fast trigger speed

Cons No way to view in real time

A good, discrete wildlife camera, ideal for those that want to see mother nature at her best without interfering or subjecting themselves to the elements!

For more information on the Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL click here

27

NYXI Wizard Wireless Joypad for Switch/ Switch-OLED Hall effect joysticks are becoming more and more common and for good reason! The latest console/games device to benefit from a Hall effect joystick is the Switch with this little beauty from NYXI. Not only does it connect to the Switch in the usual way (Joycon style for those unfamiliar) but it also has Bluetooth capability that allows you to use the controller when you’ve got your Switch docked so there’s no need to switch to a different controller or use the Joycons independently, unless you want to of course.

As well as the Hall Effect reducing/negating stick drift, they have also supplied 2 different types of rings for the joysticks – one is circular on the inside and ideal for games that require freedom of movement such as FPS’s or racing games while the other ring is edged to 8 points of the compass which is more conducive to games like Beat’Em Ups where a little more precision is essential for those devastating combo’s! The trigger buttons are mechanical and quick as a result with only a 0.3mm gap ensuring super-quick response time. The buttons on the back are programmable also and the whole controller is relatively lightweight so there is less wrist/hand fatigue when having a long gaming session.

The signal range is about 10 metres so ideal for those that have unfathomably large games rooms…

A nice little touch is the fact that the button lay-out is near enough identical to the original Gamecube controller (with a few added bits here and there) which should please any old-school gamer that has a touch of nostalgia missing from their lives! The charging time is about 2.5 hours and this gives you about 8.5 hours gaming time. Not huge but seeing as extended gaming sessions can become detrimental to your health over time, maybe not a bad thing.

£57.54

Pros Lightweight Hall Effect!

Different types of joystick ring – love this little touch!

Programmable buttons

Cons Only one colour option

A great, relatively inexpensive choice of controller for your Switch, as long as you don’t mind an ultramarine purplish controller For more information on the NYXI Wizard Wireless Joypad for Switch/Switch-OLED click here

BOMBAZINE pendant

YELENA pendant

KEEGAN wall light

ARONA pendant

For stockists, please visit www.darlighting.co.uk or contact our team directly on: 01295 672 200

Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell With most peoples’ shopping habits shifting to online purchases we’re seeing more and more door-to-door deliveries. Of course, it would be extremely impractical in this day and age to take time off work to constantly be home for all these deliveries and so the video doorbell was invented! At least, that’s the narrative I’m going with here… I imagine someone will pipe up something about ‘security’ or ‘peace of mind’ and such sensibleness but hey, it’s close to Christmas so I’m going with our embracing of capitalism in our society as a whole!

The camera on this video doorbell has a 180° angle, all the way down to the floor so you can easily see anyone that approaches and knocks on the door. The PIR motion detection means you’ll get an automatic notification sent to your phone via the app as soon as anyone triggers it or presses the doorbell, giving you the opportunity to speak to them directly via video there and then. But if it’s not

convenient for you to answer, or you just don’t want to speak to people, you can use one of up to 6 pre-set voice messages and even record your own if you invest in Toucan’s Shield Plan monthly subscription. The camera also has night vision and the trigger distance is about 30 foot and you can adjust the sensitivity for the trigger depending on if you live in a busy neighbourhood or not.

The camera comes with a battery that lasts from anything between 1 and 3 months, depending on usage and it only takes 4 hours to charge fully making it pretty efficient. With no subscription your video is stored for 24 hours and you have the option to download 5 videos per month. Storage time and downloads increases if you pay for the monthly subscription which can either be £2.99 or £9.99 a month depending on which plan you go for.

£99.95 Pros No need to pay for a subscription if you don’t want to

Night vision Good battery life IP56 rated – good for all weather conditions Cons No localised storage (SD Card) so if your internet cuts out, so does your doorbell For more information on the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell click here

A video doorbell that works pretty well without having to pay a monthly subscription cost and for a pretty reasonable price too!

31

Stackers Laptop Bag

£54.99

While writing this, I am looking at my old laptop bag which has now become the favoured sleeping spot of one of our cats. It’s so covered in fur it’s not fit to be used for its intended purpose any more. Makes me wonder if this is the ultimate destiny of all laptop bags, ‘reclaimed’ by creatures that steadfastly do exactly as they please, regardless of what we want!

I mention this because the first thing that struck me about this laptop bag from Stackers is how much slimmer it is than my old one and the obvious comparison (fur included!) ensued. For those that wish to know, the actual dimensions are W:15.7 Inches, H:12.4 Inches and D:2.6 Inches (my old one must be about 3.5 inches deep – I would measure it but Tabitha is putting on a cute face and looking quite content…). Despite being slimmer, it has more storage options that are better organised. The pocket on the front for example is designed to hold all the cables you’re likely to need for your laptop with plenty of elasticated restraints to hold them firmly in place (my old one was just a pocket) and the same layout exists in the main compartment with the addition of an internal zipped area for any books or notepads/tablets you may need.

The storage organisation is great but I also like the fact that they have included straps to wear this as a backpack, freeing up your arms so you don’t have to worry about the bag swinging loose every time you turn suddenly or bend down to pick something up. Personally, I would invest in a little padlock if wearing this on my back otherwise a light-fingered thief could ruin your day. The inside is nicely padded and the bag comes in a choice of 5 colours – not that my cats are going to eventually care about that!

Pros Good storage options Can be worn as a backpack Material has a nice feel to it – faux leather Slim and easy to carry Cons Would have been nice to have an inbuilt lock, especially if wearing as a backpack.

For more information on the Stackers Laptop Bag click here

A great, welldesigned laptop bag for a decent price.

Only the lack of a lock lets it down a little, but small padlocks aren't expensive

s h t i m S e w d e i i u v e G R t f e i h G T

3 2 0 2

Gift Key For the little ones

For the outdoorsy type

For the tech fans

For the Home bodies

For the awkward ones

For the game addicts

KitchenAid Stoneware Small 24cm Rectangular Dish with Lid

This dish is versatile and durable, suitable for everyday use and a variety of meals.

The stoneware construction promotes even heat distribution which helps the recipe to cook through perfectly. The surface is scratch resistant which is safe for use with metal utensils.

The dish itself is oven safe up to 260°C and can be used in the microwave for reheating food. The stoneware dish, without the lid, is dishwasher safe for easy and convenient cleaning however we recommend handwashing the lid and drying thoroughly before storage.

Click here for more info RRP £25

Brabantia Foldable Laundy Basket 40L

This Brabantia Foldable Laundry Basket can hold a machine load of wet or dry laundry, but takes up hardly any space itself. It folds flat in a second, is easy to clean and can also be used as a storage box for paper, or toys. Foldable and lovable!

Click here for more info RRP £39.95

Tracklements Gift Jars

Tracklements have brought out these beautiful embossed gift jars this Christmas, we got to taste the beautiful delights of their Caramelised onion marmalade, Cranberry Port & Orange sauce, Particularly British Piccalilli and Christmas Spiced Chutney. The beautiful gift jars are going to be kept and recycled as they are just a stunning as the flavours themselves.

Click here for more info RRP £7.05

Tracklements Special Editon English Hedgerow Chutney

Tracklements NEW Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney is a fabulous fruity affair. Packed with juicy damsons grown in Worcestershire, tangy Bramley apples from Kent and blackberries from Scotland, it’s beautifully balanced with a careful blend of subtle spices including ginger and nutmeg for an aromatic warmth.

Click here for more info RRP £3.75

Amarula African Gin

Amarula Gin’s gentle juniper notes, subtle orange blossom and peppery Ghanaian grains of paradise perfectly complement the exotic marula fruit. With a light, sweet orange flourish and spicy backbone – this refreshing, uniquely African gin is made for savouring and sharing.

Click here for more info RRP £24.99

Amarula Cream Liqueur

Their original cream liqueur. Made from the delicious Marula fruit of sub-Equatorial Africa, the Marula spirit is distilled and aged in French oak for two years. It is then blended with their velvety cream to create the smooth taste of Amarula – best savoured over ice, preferably with a view.

Click here for more info RRP £10.50

Alcosense Pro

At its price point, the AlcoSense Pro is arguably the most advanced breathalyzer on the market. The culmination of 3 years of research and development, the AlcoSense Pro (and its bigger brother, the Ultra) take accuracy, features and ease of use to a new level.

Designed from the ground up by AlcoSense in the UK with Patented new features, the Pro packs the punch of a breathalyzer twice its price and brings near Police accuracy into the reach of the consumer.

Click here for more info RRP £149.99

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SpyraBase

The perfect accompaniment to your SpyraThree and SpyraLX this Christmas, an essential part of any water fighter's standard equipment. With this sturdy base in team colours, you´ll never run out of water. No time out needed!

Click here for more info RRP £30

SpyraThree

The SpyraThree™ is a fully automated water blaster. They come along with an auto-reload which refills and repressurizes your blaster in under 10 seconds. On top, they have a digital display to be in control of the tank and battery status at all times.

You can switch between three different play styles: Open mode for freestyle, burst mode to have a blast with three blasts by one trigger and league mode for ultimate gameplay.

Click here for more info RRP £169

Allied Medal Hangers Alien – RUN! Bib and Medal Display

Open up that carrier bag of medals and bibs you have been awarded over the years and show them off with this beautiful Alien themed display from Allied Medal Hangers. This is an example of their many beautiful designs and comes complete with bib holders and wall fittings. Varying from 18”, 24” and 30” in length and either with 1 or 3 hangers bars.

Click here for more info RRP $89

Microplane Bowl Grater Fine Blade

The ultra-sharp Bowl Grater Fine Blade easily and efficiently grates hard cheese, citrus fruits, nuts, coconut, chocolate, and spices comfortably and neatly directly into the bowl without ripping or tearing ingredients so that natural aromas are released to enhance flavour.

The Bowl Grater Fine Blade sits comfortably horizontally across the top of a round bowl up to 16cm in diameter. You can also place the grater horizontally or at an angle inside the bowl, for safe, comfortable, and quick grating thanks to the two rounded non-slip ends which are perfectly moulded to fit inside the bowl and prevent slippage.

Click here for more info RRP £19.95

Microplane 3-in-1 Ginger Tool in Black

Peel, slice and grate ginger with this 3-in-1 tool. The non-slip base and handle ensure comfort and stability. You can hold the tool at an angle, or place it flat on a surface to slice or grate. The blades are made of stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.

The tool features a peeler on the side to quickly remove the peel of knobby, fresh ginger root. A wide panel incorporating Microplane's fine photo-etched, ultra-sharp blades makes fast work of grating ginger. A razor-sharp, angled blade towards the bottom of the tool thinly slices ginger with ease and precision.

Click here for more info RRP £19.95

Microplane Professional XL Peeler

The elegant and balanced design of the NEW Microplane® XL Peeler has a longer blade compared to traditional peelers, so you can peel wider fruit and root vegetables with thicker skins such as sweet potato, papaya, pumpkin, mango and melon effortlessly. The swivelling stainless steel, ultra-sharp blade expertly follows the contour of longer fruit and vegetables to guarantee perfect results every time and the Y-shaped peeler design ensures an easy peeling flow. The Soft-Touch, non-slip, ergonomic handle suits all types of grips for comfortable and safe use.

Click here for more info RRP £24.95

NGT Day Cutlery Set

This handy little cutlery set from NGT is a great solution for dining outdoors, with 2 x Knives, 2 x Forks, 2 x Tea spoon, 2 x Plates, Elastic holder for lighter, 1 x Multi tool which includes a bottle opener / blade, 1 x Material case to house the set which zips all the way round with a Mesh pocket on the front of the case to hold your extras.

Click here for more info RRP £12.95

Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar

Make the buildup to Christmas extra enchanting for young Harry Potter™ fans with the 2023 LEGO® Harry Potter Advent Calendar (76418). A magical holiday gift idea for kids aged 7 and up, the calendar has a buildable surprise (with a simple pictorial building guide) behind every door.

Iconic Hogsmeade™ locations Click here for more info RRP £23.99

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Majority Little Shelford Portable Bluetooth Dab+ Radio

This portable DAB Radio with Bluetooth, in a classic-looking, vintage design is a great gift idea for this Xmas. The Little Shelford – includes DAB, DAB+ and FM radio. Designed with portability in mind, the Little Shelford can be both mains and battery powered (insert 4x AA batteries), with a leather-look carry handle to graband-go.

Click here for more info RRP £39.95

Crossfly Everyday Series Ikon 3" Trunk

The IKON 3" trunk is the ultimate premium men's underwear, combining two patent-pending technologies. The X-Fly provides fast and easy access and our Coccoon internal pocket support system minimises chafing and provides optimal comfort & support. Teamed with our super-soft Modal fabric, these will become your go-to favourites.

Super soft fabric for next-to-skin comfort that dries fast and remains breathable Click here for more info RRP £19.99

Geomag (536) Glitter 60-Piece Set

A great gift idea for children 36 months plus. Whats better than building endless 3D magnetic structures with your children, well building glittery ones!

The super-stylish Glitter line dedicated to fans of sparkly colours is now in 100% recycled plastic. Keep the beautiful glitter storage box on you, it will be the envy of all your friends.

Click here for more info RRP £38.99

Geomag (763) Mechanics Loops & Turns 130 Piece Set

It's time for some construction fun with the Geomag Mechanics Loops And Turns Magnetic Construction Set - 130 Pieces. Developed with expert players in mind, the new construction system is based on an innovative "gravity motor" which uses the weight of the Geomag spheres to kickstart the mechanisms and movements of the Geomag Mechanics structures. The motion is provided by the invisible forces of Gravity and Magnetism, without using electricity or batteries. Mechanics Gravity is a STEM product that can truly stimulate curiosity and inspire to learn more about science.

Click here for more info RRP £36.99

Geomag (202) Magicube Shapes 13 Piece Set

This is a great Christmas gift, my little boy has been playing with this constantly for 3 weeks (he is 2 ½). We have fun creating the models from the cards provided, with his particular favourites being the boat and the rocket. For reference the boat does float but it falls on its side, this has provided him hours of fun and I highly recommend.

Click here for more info RRP £25.50

1000 Mile Stile Reflective LED Run Vest & Phone Carrier - UP3260

The Stile Reflective LED Run Vest & Phone Carrier offers total ease of movement and night-time safety. It has rear LED lights with constant and flash modes, which are visible for up to half a mile. Battery powered with CR2032 battery supplied giving 144 hours of use in flash mode, and 72 hours in constant mode One press for constant mode, two for flash. High visibility reflective detailing.

Phone compartment fits most standard and +sized phones Flip-down touch window – use phone screen on the move. Fully adjustable waist and shoulder straps fit most sizes. Water-resistant and ultra lightweight Available in fluorescent yellow and black.

Click here for more info RRP £28 The next generation of Aegis Secure Drives incorporates all of the upper level security features you’ve come to expect from Apricorn with a patented proprietary NVMe architecture to deliver 256-bit hardware encryption at transfer speeds of up to 1000MB/s. Tough enough to go anywhere and smaller than most smartphones, the NVX fits easily into in a pocket or briefcase. Available in 3 storage capacities, The Aegis NVX is Software-Free, 100% hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encrypted, and onboard keypad PIN authenticated with ultra-fast USB 10Gbs data transfer speeds. All Data is encrypted on the fly and all PINs and Data remain encrypted while the drive is at rest. Completely cross-platform compatible and OS agnostic; the Aegis NVX thrives with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, Symbian and Chrome. Being software-free, it also thrives where a computer keyboard isn't present, such as embedded systems and equipment in possession of a powered USB port and storage file system but no keyboard.

Click here for more info RRP £272.18

Apricorn Aegis NVX 500GB

Hasbro Furby

Furby is back! This curious little creature is an incredibly interactive toy friend with 5 voice activated modes and over 600 phrases, jokes, songs, and so much more to discover. Tell Furby what you want to do with these 5 commands: Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let's Chill, and Lightshow. Comes in purple and coral.

Click here for more info RRP £74.99

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Twister Air

No mat? No problem! Take moves from the mat to the screen with the Twister Air game. In this app-enabled Twister game, the party moves onto a player's smart device. This fun party game includes eight colourful Twister Air bands and a device stand that works for any smartphone or tablet.

Click here for more info RRP £24.99

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Busy Chef’s Restaurant

The Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Busy Chef's Restaurant Playset lets kids feel like they're running their own restaurant as they create, customize, and share amazing Play-Doh food creations with pretend customers. Kids can use the stampers to make pretend pizza, burgers, pasta, or chicken and press the lever to stamp 2 pretend foods at a time.

Then, watch the griddle slide over to the prep station as they release the lever.

Create make-believe burger toppings, fantastical fries, crazy cookies, and more pretend foods using the half-molds on both sides of this kids playset.

Click here for more info RRP £29.99

Peppa Pig’s Peppa Cruise Ship

The Wally Euro aims to combine your wallets contents into one streamlined solution, with a slim profile and functional touches, it has the signature Wally Pull-Tab for easy card access, an adjustable money clip, and a handy squeezelock pocket. It will carry notes up to 81mm (3.2in) tall and has the capacity to hold 8 cards, coins, up to 30 bills. The contents stay securely inside thanks to the patent pending FlexLock pockets. Just like the Agent it is constructed from a Rich full-grain leather and is available Ink (black), Hickory (brown) and Slate (grey) finishes.

Click here for more info RRP £49.99

Homedics Quattro Mini Massager

A great little stocking filler for under ten pounds, this mini massager has 4 nodes, one vibration mode meaning you apply the pressure. Its easy to use for one touch and even at this low price includes batteries.

Click here for more info RRP £9.99

Homedics Novo

The HoMedics Novo Mini Massage Gun makes for a luxe, lightweight addition to every routine. Featuring 6 intensity settings that range from 1400 to 2800 RPM and 4 attachment heads (ball, fork, bullet and flat) designed for different muscle areas, you can switch up your session quickly and easily.

Click here for more info RRP £59.99

The Rockit Rocker Rechargeable Version

Does your baby wake up as soon as the pram or stroller stops moving? Have restaurant meals gone cold because you’ve had to jiggle the buggy? Rockit can help with these situations, and many more!

The Rockit Rocker rocks any pram or stroller and has recently been updated to make it rechargeable. It has even caught the eye of the Royal Family, receiving a Queen’s Award for innovation!

Click here for more info RRP £49.95

Zone3 Vapour Swim Goggles

Comfort, vision, functionality, indoors or outdoors, these are some of the things that you had to compromise on when buying swimming goggles. The Zone3 Vapour Swim Goggles have been designed to tick all these boxes, so you don’t have to compromise.

Click here for more info RRP £37.50

Waterfield Designs Air Duffel Carry-On

Waterfield have been working with customers who travel frequently and set out to optimize the personal item allowance on most airlines. The result: the roomy, highly-organized Air Duffel for carrying headphones, neck pillow, water bottle, snacks, jacket, magazine, etc. A separate work compartment holds a laptop and work gear.

Click here for more info RRP $429

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Kikkerland Catch all trays

Put these two felt trays at the entrance of your home, desk or side of your bed for all your pocket paraphernalia. The soft felt is kind to all of your surfaces and after a few days of use, you will train your brain to stop leaving your keys in the strangest of places.

Click here for more info RRP €15

Kikkerland Green Orb Terracotta Planter

No soil or dirt needed, in this clean and low maintenance terracotta planter!

Add water to the inside and coat outside with seeds. Easy to use and reusable, this is a great way to add green to your home or office! Designer: KDT Product Measurement: 14,1 x 15 cm Material: terracotta Click here for more info RRP €22.50

Chipolo Bundle

Keep an eye on your home keys, car keys and your wallet with the ideal mix of Chipolos. Make them ring from your phone or double click any of them to make your phone ring instead. Get a friendly reminder on your phone if you ever leave any of your things behind. This bundle comes complete with two Ones and a card, its great value for money and a great gift idea.

Click here for more info RRP £70

Cheatwell Games Spot the Intro

The greatest musical recognition game! Spot The Intro is the crazily addictive audio quiz game in which teams compete to recognise songs from just 10 second clips! Played using your smartphone, it's a memory jogging mix of fun and nostalgia for anyone with a passion for music. Featuring hits from the last six decades, and utilising your favourite music-streaming service, there's 1,200 great tip-ofthe-tongue tracks for every generation to try and guess! Grab your phone... it's time to get the party started!

Click here for more info RRP £30

Cheatwell Games Christmas Express

Christmas Express is the great family board game for those who believe in Santa, and those that wish they still did! Jump aboard our festive loco and race to be the first to reach the North Pole. Avoid the pitfalls on the way and you might just find out whether you've been naughty or nice!

Click here for more info RRP £25

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

Compact but mighty, the Weatherman Travel Umbrella is every commuter’s favorite accessory to bring on daily adventures or long-term trips. It weighs under a pound and is less than 12 inches in length – the perfect size to carry with you in your purse or small backpack everyday in case of a surprise shower.

Click here for more info RRP £68.86

Brigii MX20

Compact yet Powerful: The Brigii handheld vacuum boasts a high-performance brushless motor that delivers strong suction of up to 9000 PA, while weighing only 375g for easy handling and storage. It can effectively tackle any mess with ease, providing you with a powerful and lightweight cleaning solution.

With its 2in1 brush nozzle and 200 ML dust cup, this mini vacuum is perfect for quick cleanups and versatile cleaning needs, including floors, carpets, furniture, and car interiors. It can effectively clean any surface and make your space spotless.

Click here for more info RRP £58

Snore Circle YA4300

After detecting snoring or sleep apnea, Snore Circle will apply the unique EMA+TENS physical intervention technology to automatically release physical intervention at 30 different levels from weak to strong depending on the users’ condition, this weak and harmless intervention the nerves under the chin and causes the tongue to move forward which stops snoring and sleep apnea and keeps breathing smooth and quiet. Your oxygen will recover to normal level. Give your partner the gift of sleep this Xmas!

Click here for more info RRP $129

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Stiga Mini-T 250

The STIGA toy ride-on mower with pedal movement is suitable for children aged 2.5-5 years. It even comes with a detachable trailer, this has been put aside for our little boy who is tractor mad. Tractor wed, tractor stickers, pointing out tractors wherever we are, this is beautifully made and I can’t wait to see his face on Christmas day.

Click here for more info RRP £119

Staresso Classic

The Staresso Classic portable espresso machine is compatible with both capsules and coffee powder. The coffee basket can hold 10g of coffee powder or 5-6g of capsules, while the water tank can hold 80ml of boiling water or ice water, enabling you to effortlessly make 30-50ml of espresso with a generous crema. You can use this outdoor coffee maker in your small apartment, office and car, and enjoy a fresh coffee at any time.

Click here for more info RRP $79.99

BRIO Advent Calendar 2023

Count down the days before Christmas with this BRIO Advent Calendar.

Fold down the front of the box to reveal a Christmas scene full of fun. Day by day, each door features a toy that is compatible with the BRIO World railway system. The calendar features 24 pieces, including tracks, animals, accessories and exclusive seasonal content such as Santa Claus and a unique gingerbread Christmas Train.

Click here for more info RRP £34.99

Ravensburger Pokemon Labyrinth

Some of the most famous Pokémon have been hiding in this crazy maze. With the popular Pokémon such as Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, players have to move the paths so skillfully in this simple strategy game that they can collect other Pokémon.

At the end of the day, if you catch the most Pokémon in this board game, you win!

Be the first to find all your characters by shifting the walls of the labyrinth to create a clear path. Players take turns to search the Labyrinth for their characters by carefully moving through the constantly changing maze. The character cards are divided between the players, without revealing them to the other players. The maze cards are randomly placed on the playing board and the first player uses the extra card to start moving the first wall. It is up to you to strategically move the walls so you can collect your Pokemon whilst blocking the path for the other players. This game is full of magical and addictive family fun.

Click here for more info RRP £27.99

Ravensburger Horrified Greek Monsters

Greece's most notorius monsters have escaped Pandora's Box! The Gods have called on you as their avatars to trap these beasts once more. Work together to defend against Medusa, Cerberus, Minotaur, Chinmera, Siren and Basilisk.

Each monster presents a unique challenge, and players can adjust the difficulty by playing against a new group of monsters each game. Save the isle of Elysium before terror overwhelms you!

Click here for more info RRP £39.99

Gravitrax Starter-Set

Experience the power of gravity! GraviTrax is the all Construction toy STEM track system from Ravensburger! Use your imagination to build superb tracks and set the gravity spheres rolling!

The starter set comes with over 100 components and offers everything you need to get started right away - a pack full of endless possibilities and creativity.

Click here for more info RRP £54.99

BRIO World 65th Anniversary Train Set

Celebrate classic railway play with the 36036 65th Anniversary Train Set. This all wooden train set takes inspiration from our iconic BRIO railway products first launched in 1958. The 32 piece set is made from FSC-certified European beech wood and includes a classic BRIO train with 3 wooden wagons in bright colours, bridge, switching tracks and wooden trees for scenic decoration.

Click here for more info RRP £69.99

BRIO World BatteryOperated Steaming Train

“Full steam ahead!”. Chug around your BRIO World railway with realistic steam effects in the 33884 Battery-Operated Steaming Train. This battery-powered engine produces safe-to-touch steam from its chimney as it speeds down the tracks. Once you’re out of water, you can easily refill the engine using the refill load that’s being pulled behind the train. Press the red forward button on the top of the engine, the front light switches on as the steam starts to rise and you’re off again on more classic railway adventures.

Click here for more info RRP £39.99

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BRIO World Turbo Train

Crank up the speed with the 36003 Turbo Train. Simply press the big turbo button and this battery-operated toy train doubles its speed, making it the fastest train in BRIO World. The turbo boost lasts for 5 seconds and as it runs at top speed, the white lights along the sides of the engine change to a cool blue. This futuristically designed engine also includes a passenger wagon with enough space for one lucky passenger to enjoy an exhilarating ride to remember.

Click here for more info RRP £44.99

BRIO World Smart Tech Sound - Fire Rescue Set

Smart Tech Sound is an exciting addition to BRIO World that lets kids take control of an interactive play environment.

The Record & Play Engine is the centrepiece of the play and can communicate with its surroundings, automatically reacting to Smart Tech Sound accessories with various actions like sounds, motion and multicoloured lights to enhance the play. Customise play even further by recording your own sounds into the engine or by modifying the sound environment with the Smart Tech Sound app Click here for more info RRP £183

Stance Make My Wish Come True Sock

All we want for Christmas is a pair of socks with Mariah Carey on them... and we’re finally getting our wish. Jingle your way into the holidays with this pair of Mimi-approved crew socks featuring the cover art from her iconic 1994 Christmas album.

Click here for more info RRP £16.99

Stance Icon Crew Sock

For when you can no longer get away with Christmas themed socks, the Icon classic crew maintains Stance's top-shelf comfort in a classic plain look for those days you feel like going a little more low-key.

Click here for more info RRP £10.99

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Stance Regulation Boxer Brief

Because it all comes down to comfort, our 6-inch Regulation Boxer Brief sports an unassuming flash with a super soft secret contained within: Stance's exclusive Butter Blend™ technology. Welcome to a world of style and comfort, without all the bells and whistles.

Click here for more info RRP £25

Triwa Ghostbusters Watch We came! We saw! We kicked its ass! You can too, with the TRIWAxGhostbusters™ watch in the Classic Time for Oceans style.

This timepiece features iconic references to the beloved Ghostbusters franchise, such as a glow-in-the-dark classic No Ghost logo at the 6 position, an engraved No Ghost crown, and a TRIWA x Ghostbusters™ engraved case back. Wear this watch in any occasion - it says you’re a fan, but without screaming it.

Click here for more info RRP $169

Distil Wally Euro

The Wally Euro aims to combine your wallets contents into one streamlined solution, with a slim profile and functional touches, it has the signature Wally Pull-Tab for easy card access, an adjustable money clip, and a handy squeezelock pocket. It will carry notes up to 81mm (3.2in) tall and has the capacity to hold 8 cards, coins, up to 30 bills. The contents stay securely inside thanks to the patent pending FlexLock pockets. Just like the Agent it is constructed from a Rich full-grain leather and is available Ink (black), Hickory (brown) and Slate (grey) finishes.

Click here for more info RRP £69

Bamboo Clothing 73 Zero Denim Shirt

This attractive denim shirt will suit most frames with its relaxed fit, it can be worn comfortably over a T Shirt, it has plenty of stretch allowing you all the freedom of moment to dance the night away at the Christmas party. It is styled with patch pockets, a classic point collar and contrast stitching. Hidden away in the chest pocket is stitched the outline of the global temperature rise from 2006 to 2020. The denim contains 20% recycled cotton and uses 74% less water than conventional denim whilst the take back scheme ensures the shirt will be recycled without a thread going to waste.

Click here for more info RRP £75

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Balega Hidden Comfort Running Socks

Not your ordinary Christmas socks, they are composed of extra-fine yarn to provide plush protective cushioning for running mile after mile. These socks offer ultimate protection and impact resistance with a plush, dense cushioned and 200 needle-count fabric, the enhanced elastane provides additional non-slip security, whilst the extra-deep heel pocket ensures the perfect fit. Your feet will be kept cool and dry thanks to the proprietary Drynamix moisture wicking fibres and the specially constructed, reinforced microfibre mesh ventilation panels.

Click here for more info RRP £15

Bamboo Classic Fairisle Pack Socks

Another classic gift, these Classic Fairisle socks come in a pack of four, two featuring snow flakes designs with the other two in bold colours.

These socks are perfectly soft and comfortably to wear, and because of bamboo’s natural moisture managing your feet stay feeling fresh, dry and odour free all day long. The be sure these socks will last the have both a reinforced heel and a reinforced toe which also adds a little extra cushioning in these areas. Click here for more info RRP £15.60

Nightsearcher Navigator 620R Rechargeable Flashlight

The powerful Navigator-620R has been designed for professional use with a 175 metre spot beam and powerful 620 lumens light output.

The brightness memory function means it will instantly find your preferred light mode when switched on, whilst holding the on/off will dim or brighten the beam. There is a colour battery status and charging indicator so you can see power levels and the tough type III anodised aluminium housing is impact resistant to 1 metre and water resistant to IPX7 rating.

Click here for more info RRP £39.95

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An easy way to analyse your physical performance and target provements designed specifically for football but adaptable enough to cover a number of other sports.

£159.99

Catapult One pod and vest

Getting in to professional sports is harder and harder to achieve these days. The requirements are so very demanding and you need proper dedication and commitment, not to mention some natural talent of course! And, most importantly, hard work. But even if you have all of these things in abundance, there is no way of actually knowing how well you are doing without data and it’s fair to say that most of us won’t have access to the kind of equipment that provides the data that is going to help us identify areas to improve in.

The Catapult One pod is a subscription service that provides the hardware and access to the software you need to track and analyse your physical progress when taking part in sporting activities. It records sprint distance, total distance covered, top speed, load and intensity metrics and does this by detecting up to 1200 movements per second. The top provided is designed to hold the pod in the ideal position to achieve this and the pod uses GPS data to make the measurements. From there, the app will advise you on your numbers, give you the ability to compare yourself with other users based on your age, gender and physical attributes so you can get a good idea of how you rate alongside other users and give suggestions for areas that you can improve on. It even has training plans devised by head coaches to follow and is FIFA approved.

The app works on Android and iOS and the price includes12 months of membership that you can renew if you wish at the end of the 12 months and you can even pause your membership if life prevents you from taking part in your physical activities for whatever reason. Finally, the pod itself is IPX6 water resistant so can handle your heavy workouts and the battery is good for the length of several football matches and training sessions so won’t require recharging very often.

Pros Developed by Catapult with access to over 2500 football teams worth of data

Easy to use Ability to Compare stats to peers Ability to pause your subscription cons

Doesn’t work at all if you don’t have a subscription For more information on the Catapult One pod and vest click here

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Torras Coolify 3

It’s a universal truth that, in the vast majority of relationships one of the two will prefer the temperature warmer than the other and this will lead to much frustration from both parties! Certainly true in my household anyway. I’ll be happily sitting there in shorts and T-shirt and my partner will be wrapped up in her big fluffy dressing gown and pyjamas, complaining about how cold it is while reaching for that dreaded thermostat…

cool towel being wrapped around your neck (minus the fluffiness!) making it more effective than a regular neck cooler. This simple feature means it can be effective when used outside on a hot day and not just inside when your partner decides to turn the temperature up to an uncomfortable level!

Despite its name, it doesn’t just cool you down either.

You also have the option of heating your neck and So, here’s a solution! The Coolify 3 is a device designed providing yourself with some warmth on a cool day or in to be worn around the neck that, quite simply, cools you a cooler, indoors environment. The controls are easy and down. It achieves this through an airflow system that sucks straight-forward with two buttons on the right-hand arm in the air from around you and blows it up and around and the battery can last up to 14 hours if you only use your face. Obviously, this alone isn’t always going to do the the air-conditioning aspect of the device. If you have the job of cooling you down – after-all, hot air being blown cooling effect on maximum strength, you’re more likely around is still hot air! The Coolify 3 has 3 pads on the looking at around 2 hours-worth of use before you need inside (1 on either side and 1 at the back) that get cold and to recharge. these rest on your neck, giving you a sensation akin to a

Pros

Good at keeping you cool in a warm environment Easy to use Right-angled charger port so you can charge from a portable battery pack while using it

Both cools and warms Cons Relatively short battery life at higher settings which is frustrating, especially if you don’t have a portable battery pack.

£238.86

Ideal for those hot days or if you’re working in a warm environment to help you feel ‘human’ again!

For more information on the Torras Coolify 3 click here

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Compressport Thunderstorm 25/75 Jacket Most of us prefer to exercise in ideal weather conditions but, let’s be honest, if you’re keeping up a regime then you can’t really afford to be picky about the weather situation! It’s either good or not-so-good to downright terrible (it’s the UK, what else do we expect?!), especially when it starts to tip it down in typical British weather fashion. Not only are you knackered, you’re wet, your clothes are chafing and you’ve now got to spend extra time on your return freshening up and getting yourself all dry and comfy.

So, a decent waterproof solution would help but who wants to go running in a massive raincoat!? This lightweight Jacket from Compressport has a very impressive 25,000 Schmerber (the way waterproofing of material is measured).

Seeing as the average rain shower is about 1-2000 Schmerber, you can see why this is impressive and how it can easily stand up to the worst kind of weather you’re likely to face with you coming out of it bone dry. It achieves this through having a 3-layer, breathable membrane (75,000 rating where 10-20,000 is the normal standard for sports gear) and through being treated with a Durable Water Repellent that prevents water from gaining access to the interior. Water beads on the outside and runs off with no chance to soak through. It only weighs 126 grams too so you barely even feel it while running and, when the rain stops (if it does before you get home of course!) it easily rolls up in to itself so you can stash it away or tuck it in to your belt until needed again.

On top of this waterproofness it has also been designed with minimum material in mind so you don’t end up with excess that gets in the way or slows you down. The neck is designed to prevent the hood from obscuring vision and it even has reflective strips on the cuffs with panels on the back and front for added visibility. You can’t do much better.

A perfect jacket for exercising in the unpredictable

British weather, especially at this time of year.

For more information on the Compressport Thunderstorm Waterproof 25/75 Jacket click here

£300

Pros Very waterproof!

Very Breathable too!

Lightweight Easily storable Cons Not great at keeping you warm but your exercise should be doing that for you to be fair

Pricey – probably not for casual runners.

55

£

£99

Pros Easily transportable Good capacity

Can charge other things from it Relatively quick charging time Cons None I could find!

Topdon JS2000 If your car is anything like my partner’s then it’s coming to that time of year when the beast outside starts whingeing about the cold and refusing to co-operate when you want to get going. The car plays up a bit too… All 70’s style joking aside, it is a real issue in this household currently solved by plugging in a massive ancient ‘portable’ battery that takes 36 hours to fully charge and is good for about 5-7 jump-starts before it has to go back on charge again.

About time we invest in a new one says I! I was quite happy then to have this land in my lap for review.

To begin with, the battery capacity on this is so much better and can give up to 40 jump-starts before it needs recharging. It does this through a USB port and can take 5-7 hours to fully charge and be ready to go again. The battery bleed is really low too when it’s switched off at less than 0.1mA so you can happily leave it in the car for ages and not worry about it having run out when you need it most. As well as that, with the quick charge USB port

you can use it to fully charge other things too within about an hour or so such as your mobile devices, making it a handy little emergency power bank for general use when you’re out and about in the car. It has a 16000mA capacity and is suitable for vehicles with 8L petrol and 6L diesel engines so should cover most vehicle types.

There is a built-in torch and, unlike the ‘portable’ (the old thing we have must weigh 5 Kg’s at least!) charger we have now this one fits in your hand easily so it can double-up if you break down in the dark as a decent light source with 300 lumens in flashlight mode as well as having flashing modes to help flag down other vehicles if you need help. Finally, it can handle temperatures as low as -20° and as high as 60° as well as having a solid, rugged build able to deal with dust and splashes. Now all I need to do is convince the other half that just because the old one ‘still works’ doesn’t mean we can’t do better.

An essential piece of kit for any car

I think and multiuse too, definitely worth getting. My other half is a lovely person btw and not a whingeing beast!

For more information on the Topdon JS2000 click here

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Topdon Topscan Gone are the days when cars were just simple mechanical a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes – used by engineers vehicles getting us from A to B and we had the knowledge to determine problems with a car) repair guide that, once and know-how to fix them on the roadside. Nowadays, it has determined the code meaning, gives you solutions you’d be lucky to get just a flat tire – probably one of the on how to repair it. only elements left on a car that you can do yourself without having to take it to the garage and incurring a hefty repair As well as the above the Topscan includes reset options bill! With so much useful and good digital technology for 8 of the most common features in cars that need packed in to cars it is somewhat inevitable that repairing re-setting to fix problems. These include Throttle cars has become more and more of a specialised skillset Adaptation, ABS Bleeding, Steering Angle, Airbag, Oil, than ever.

EPB, DPF Regeneration and BMS. The app can also test emissions, determine your engine volume efficiency and The Topscan from Topdon aims to help the average person generate diagnostic reports so you can actually compare unravel some of that technical finesse and actually be able the found problems with what’s been solved, ensuring to do something about it. It’s a scanning tool that combines you get the results you’re after. There’s a lot more you with your mobile phone (Android 7.0 & iOS 10.0 & above) can achieve with this bit of kit but the final thing I will and can locate and diagnose problems for you. As well as mention is the Warning Light Library, very handy when that, it’s actually able to fix some of them by fixing fault that light pops up on the dashboard and you can’t find codes too! Speaking of codes, the Topscan also comes with your manual!

Easy to use and got to be cheaper than constant visits to the garage for those common problematic car issues hasn’t it?

For more information on the Topdon Topscan click here

£59

Pros Works easily via the app on your mobile Very portable Covers 70+ makes of vehicle across America, Asia and Europe Performance testing is also available Cons The DTC repair guide is limited as it only has the full info on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat for now.

59

Dr. Otek MTXE for beginners £119.99

If someone close to you in life is looking for a new hobby, this would be a great gift to help them on their way!

For more information on the Dr. Otek MTXE for beginners click here

Metal detecting can seem a little daunting if you’re first getting in to it. So many things to consider, not to mention the vast swathes of wisdom that can be provided by veteran detectorists - it can be a little over-whelming to the beginner.

So, Dr. Otek have designed a metal detector for all you beginners out there!

The MTXE features 6 easily selectable modes – the standard all-metal mode, the mode that features a varying range of tones depending on the metal type known as DISC and Pinpoint for when you need to zero in on a piece of metal are the 3 standard modes most metal detectors come with. The other 3 modes are Pasture, Park and Sand, each of which is formulated to be most effective in those particular environments. So, for example the Pasture mode is set to trigger for any kind of metal as there is less likelihood to be items that you wish to ignore when combing through a field. For that, Park would be a good mode as you get to single out and ignore certain metal types, allowing for more precise searching. Finally, the Sand setting filters out electrical noise from sand (it’s quite conductive you know), ideal for beach work.

All of the above modes are accessible through either a short or long press on the buttons available, making it very simple to use. There is a 3.5mm jack and this kit actually comes with a set of foldable headphones as well as a finds bag and your own foldable metal trowel to help dig up the ground when you do find something. The whole thing is powered by a 9V battery (you have to buy this separately) and weighs just under a kilo so isn’t too taxing on the arm.

All-in-all, a good starting point for any budding detectorists out there!

Pros Simple to use Kit comes with everything you’ll need Very comprehensive online instruction manual Good arm support and being lightweight makes it imminently useable

Cons Not as powerful or has as much range as other detectors but it’s clearly an entry level item so this is hardly a surprise

61

Tado Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+ My first thought with a wireless thermostat was automatically “Really? How hard is it to just get up and fiddle with the thermostat?” which I wouldn’t be surprised to find out is probably what some of you are thinking! But, when I looked in to it, it’s not really about saving us the monumental effort of getting up out of our favourite armchair and walking a few feet to do something physical, it’s far more useful than that.

You see, by having a wireless thermostat in your home, you’re opening up access to managing your own home more efficiently. You can make use of a whole host of useful features that the Tado app offers including not only controlling the temperature but setting times for when your heating is on and off based on Smart scheduling geared around energy costs and time of day. You can also get usage statistics and reports so you know your actual energy consumption and it has automated functions too such as the ability to detect when a window has been left open through noticing sudden temperature drops and humidity changes. You also get hints and tips on how to ventilate efficiently and how to keep humidity low and it even makes changes depending on the outside weather conditions. You can even set up Geofencing so that it detects when you get home and turns on the heating automatically. In short, you can set it up so that you don’t have to worry about the heating at all and can focus instead on doing far more interesting things. Like sitting in your comfy armchair.

The installation process is pretty straightforward. You simply scan the QR code provided and follow the instructions via the app. All the materials you need to get this done are included in the box and if you don’t fancy doing it yourself, you can even book a qualified engineer to come and do it for you.

A Smart heating system that can be fully automated that you also have full control over. Treat yourself, stay in your favourite chair!

£199.99

Pros Full control of your home environment As automated as you wish it to be Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit Can be used with multiple thermostats and radiator attachments to control the temperature of each individual room

Cons Not all boilers are compatible, especially if it’s an older model.

For more information on the Tado Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+ click here

63

£99

SuperSpeed C Club There are many different ways to improve your golf game and many different training aides out there to do so. This latest offering from SuperSpeed Golf focuses on increasing your hand and arm speed. As with most golf training aides it has a counter-weight on the end of the club that changes the balance point of the club and in this case, moves mass behind your hands. This can then lead to a much faster release speed of the club and then, naturally, to an increased hand and arm speed. Faster release speed leads to faster club head speed and your balls travelling further. It can also aid in increasing your accuracy as a result.

As with all training, you’re not going to suddenly get faster after a few swings! You will need to put in regular practice and training sessions to feel the benefit of this tool and, without any kind of launch monitor, it’s going to be hard to gauge your progress over time other than a vague notion that maybe the ball is going a little faster? When combined with the fact that there are other styles of training club to help with different aspects of your game, it’s fair to say that to really get the benefit of this, you’re going to need additional bits and pieces. Good job they’re offering a discount if you buy a launch monitor and this training club at the same time!

If you’re considering training aides to help improve your golf game for the first time, maybe consider starting with a set. This club is very specifically aimed at doing one thing and so is more suited for someone who is wishing to focus on one part of their game. There are other, more suitable, training clubs for those starting out but for those that are just looking to add to their game, the SuperSpeed C is certainly going to help improve your club head speed over time.

Pros A notable improvement after a few months Relatively inexpensive as far as Golfing goes Discount if purchased with a launch monitor Cons Very specific type of focus – maybe not for a beginner?

A handy, relatively inexpensive training aide to help improve your hand and arm speed, ideal for those already on their golfing journey seeking to improve.

For more information on the SuperSpeed C Club click here

65

EKS668BT karaoke machine

It’s coming up to Christmas and that means party time! And what better way to laugh with (at?!) each other than indulging in a little karaoke? Either that or it’s a great way to find out your child is a musical protégé. Or, as is probably the case for most of us, a tone-deaf wannabe convinced they’re going to be the next Adele or Freddie Mercury. Ah, the joys of parenting…

This unit comes with 4 microphones, 2 of which are wireless and 2 are wired, giving options for more freedom of movement for half of your potential quartet or the freedom to strut your stuff on an imaginary stage while belting out your favourite tune and not having to worry about tripping over a wire! Speaking of wires (or in this case, lack of), it has an internal battery that can last for up to 4 hours, meaning you can easily take it round a friend’s for an evening and not munch up all their electricity. Or, allow the kids to take it upstairs and treat it as a built-in timer… The machine charges via USB so you can just leave it plugged in if you wish and have a more permanent set-up in your home, you lucky thing you!

As for the musical offering, there is a free app that EasyKaraoke provide with thousands of songs and hundreds of artists that gets added to weekly. You just need to download the app to your favoured device, connect it to the machine via Bluetooth (V.5) and place it in the cradle provided so you can see the videos and words on your screen. I’d recommend a tablet if possible, just for the larger screen and to save people having to jostle just to get the words right! Lastly, if you’re worried about the battery running out on your device, there is a USB charging port included also, although this will cut down the battery life of the karaoke machine of course.

Pros Digital key changer Portable Battery life is good for an evening of fun

Fun for all the family and/ or friends and a great

Light system including a opportunity Disco Ball effect! for everyone Cons to embarrass Why only 2 wireless themselves (or is microphones? Seems a missed that just me?). opportunity to not make them all wireless.

£349

For more information on the EKS668BT karaoke machine click here

67

Stiga Combi 336e Kit Gardening is, I find, a stressful endeavour. Probably because I’m not naturally a green-fingered person and approach it with the same level of reluctance usually reserved for getting up for work on a Monday morning. One of the main reasons for this reluctance is the fear of carelessly slicing through a power cord while mowing the lawn. Let’s be honest, it’s unlikely (almost cat-like levels of dexterity get regularly employed to keep that damn cord under control!) but it’s one of those things that was probably highlighted in one of those terrifying government safety videos from the 70’s that have a nasty knack of not going away! The obvious solution of course is a petrol-powered mower but then you’re just swapping one danger for another aren’t you? Thankfully, modern tech has resulted in this, a wireless electric mower!

The Combi 336e comes with a 35 litre grass catcher if you just want to collect all those trimmings and get rid of them with ease but it also has 2 other options for dealing with all that cut grass. You can either choose to have it discharge out of the rear and leave it to fertilise the ground naturally or you can use the mulching plug provided to give you some mulch for other areas of your garden, ensuring all the nutrients in the grass don’t go to waste and you gain the benefit from them. The battery is good to cover about 200 m² before it needs a recharge so most of us should comfortably be able to do our lawn and plug it back in when done, ensuring it will always be charged up for when you need it.

The handlebar is adjustable so you can get it just right for your height and the handle itself is soft-grip, making it comfortable on the hands. The cutting deck is 34cm ensuring a decently wide coverage, which allows you to get your mowing done quicker and more efficiently. The carry handle makes it easy for you to fold up the mower and carry it around when done as well as making for easier storage.

A well-made, decently powerful cordless electric mower that helps in other areas of the garden too.

Pros Good, powerful battery No cords to accidentally cut, yay!

Adjustable handle height Quiet enough that you don’t need ear protectors Cons No excuses for not doing the lawn now

£360

For more information on the Stiga Combi 336e Kit click here

69

Stiga SC100e Not a huge fan of gardening, it’s not something I enjoy undertaking in all honesty although I can’t deny a certain sense of satisfaction once it’s all done. So, anything that makes gardening easier is a good thing in my books and the SC100e from Stiga is one of those things that does exactly that! Gone is the need when pruning to extend the handles ridiculously far just to get enough leverage to slice through those tough branches (I speak through hard-earnt experience here.

You fought well you creeping vine you…) or for a petrol-driven monstrosity doing the job for you. Now, you just need this handy little device.

The SC100e carries a 500W brushless motor. The good thing with this is that, firstly, it’s quieter and cooler (as in temperature, not the social construct for things that are well.. cool.) than a traditional motor as there are no carbon brushes squealing against the blade, definitely a good thing, not to mention the fact that your tool will last longer as a result! Next, it delivers exactly the power level you need for the job rather than just running at full max all the time as tends to happen with brushed motors. This makes it more efficient overall which lends itself very well to the fact that this is battery and not diesel or petrol driven.

This pruning tool isn’t just the motor though. The blades are made of carbon steel and can cut up to a decent-sized 30mm circumference branch which is pretty chunky and likely about as big as most people are going to have to deal with in their own garden and you can adjust the tool to suit 3 different cutting sizes for more precision. Finally, the battery is 20V and you can get about 2000 cuts out of it before you need to recharge. Sincerely wish I had this a few years back. I swear my wrist still hurts now because of that one damn creeping vine!

A really good, useful pruning device that makes even this reluctant gardener happy to don his gloves!

Pros Good cutting speed of 0.4s per 30mm No wires or fumes Good quality blades Right power output for the right job Cons Some may see it as expensive but, in all honesty, the price is well and truly worth it if only to save on your own physical wear and tear!

£140

For more information on the Stiga SC100e click here

71

Enabot EBO SE

£106

A great interactive, mobile communications device at a really affordable price, ideal for those that are away from family on a regular basis.

For more information on the Enabot EBO SE click here

Although video calling is now commonplace, well and truly settled in to everyday life (and it’s not been that long that we’ve had that really!), it still has the potential to expand and adapt to suit what we need it for. One of the shortcomings is having to rely on other people to show you what you need to see or only being able to access cameras in a fixed position. The EBO SE from Enabot is a great way to get around these problems and provides a great way to stay in touch with loved ones and get a sense that you’re actually there with them.

The 1080p HD camera allows for a good picture and the fact that you can remotely control where the EBO goes means you can control what you see without having to rely on someone else doing it for you. The video is only oneway but then, so are your eyes! I can imagine youngsters in the family using the white of the unit to draw faces on it and decorate it accordingly… It’s not only good for video calls though, it can also be used to record and save things.

It comes with an SD card slot and you get a 32Gb card in the box. You don’t even have to replace this as the software automatically over-writes it with new material once it’s full. Just be sure to store treasured memories elsewhere before this happens if you don’t want to lose anything!

This brings us nicely on to the other function of the EBO SE as a security camera. You can set it in a fixed point or have it roam around your home on patrol, ready to activate if motion is detected and immediately start recording. It has night-vision too so you can just set it up to do its thing while you sleep, safe in the knowledge that you’ll get a notification via the app if anything is detected moving around. Finally, when it gets low on battery, it will automatically re-dock itself to get charged up and back to working order.

Pros Two-way verbal

£94.86

communication

Direct it wherever you want it to go

Ability to save videos

Cute Cons If you have carpets, this isn’t going to work as well as you would like

73

Sphero RVR+

As well as the online aids, there is an easily accessible In this day and age, learning coding and programming (Computing Science in general really!) are just as essential app (Sphero Edu) and the device is compatible with multiple 3rd party hardware such as Raspberry Pi and as any other subject at school, especially when it comes micro:bit, allowing you to reach all sorts of heights of to practically applying these skills in adult life when they coding success. Of course, if you don’t make use of those, finally get there (If you’re a parent of children that have there is still plenty to learn with what you get including just left their teens, you’re probably still waiting for it to happen…). The Sphero range of programmable robots have 5 colour plates so you can begin. If you need more, you can purchase them but they also tell you what the RGB been designed with exactly that in mind and come with a whole slew of online aids and puzzles/tasks that inquisitive numbers are so you can print your own if you wish and are on a bit of a budget – handy for schools with minimal minds can take advantage of to further their coding funding and highlighting the importance Sphero put on knowledge. using this as an educational tool, not to mention fun. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn how to program robots?!

The RVR+ is an upgrade from the original RVR. So, as well as the aforementioned puzzles and tasks, this unit has an improved colour sensor, an enhanced gear box that has improved torque, payload capacity and is designed to be more customizable than its predecessor, allowing for more challenging tasks. The re-chargeable, swappable battery has also been improved so you can now just swap in a fully charged battery and keep going rather than having to take a break mid-puzzle and risk losing any progress you may have made.

£279.99

A good starting point for beginners but with the capacity for more experienced

coders to run free with it. An all-round great educational tool.

For more information on the Sphero RVR+ click here

Pros Plenty of online resources Definite improvement on its predecessor Compatability with 3rd party hardware Good app Cons Could come with a few more colour plates – 5 seems a little limiting 75

Epomaker RT100 £119.99

£106

For more information on the Epomaker RT100 click here

Everyone has their own keyboard style that they prefer, whether it be the flexible roll up soft Bluetooth keyboards that rely on simple finger-tapping or a solid, reassuring physical keyboard, it all depends on what works for you. If it’s the latter and you love the retro-look then this mechanical keyboard could be the one for you.

Coming in either ANSI or ISO layout and with a choice of 5 different colours this 97(98 if ISO) - key keyboard has a real retro look and feel, putting me in mind of the office and school keyboards back in the 90’s with it’s overly large keys and font-style. Thankfully, it’s only the look and feel that are retro! The keys are gasket-mounted making for a softer press than you may imagine with the size of the keys but at the same time offer a nice sound that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will no doubt enjoy. The Kaihl sockets support a 5-pin hot-swap allowing you to fully customise your keyboard if you fancy a change further down the line.

The connections available are Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz and wired via a USB-C port. The 2.4GHz port actually holds a mini smart monitor when you get the keyboard and this can give you all sorts of information such as date and time, weather forecast, battery life and you can even modify it to show gif ’s of your own creation through the drawing board available in the Driver settings. Speaking of the Driver, the software can be used to modify the keyboard background lighting, program macros and re-map keys so you can truly make this keyboard work exactly to suit your style. Plus, it’s compatible with both Mac and PC and also with Android and iOS so you can even connect it to your phone or tablet should you wish. Finally, there is a handy little multi-media knob that you can use to instantly adjust volume or modify to play/pause using the software provided. Certainly saves having to find the volume up/down all the time!

An extremely customisable mechanical keyboard with some nice little touches – will especially appeal to lovers of all things retro!

Pros Very customisable Mini monitor – so cute!

Multi-media knob Ability to modify straight out of the box Cons Retro isn’t everybody’s style

77

Snore Circle YA50G VVFLY APAP Lack of sleep is a horrible thing to endure as I’m sure most of us can testify to having experienced at some point and, when it’s caused by your nearest and dearest snoring their head off, it becomes even more frustrating to the point where you start resenting them, leading to problems elsewhere in your relationship. Not a good thing by any stretch of the imagination.

data in real time and shows you where and how your sleep is affected allowing you to make changes to how it works, tailoring it to suit you.

The mask is designed to fit comfortably over your nose and the straps keep it in place. The tubing is 185cm long, giving you plenty of flexibility so you can have the device on a bedside table and not worry about knocking it loose or over. There is a humidifier built in so you don’t end The Snore Circle is a device that you can use at home up with a dry mouth or throat, this technology helping and when travelling to help prevent snoring and promote healthier breathing patterns when sleeping. It achieves this to retain the moisture you need. The unit itself is fairly quiet, coming in at 37dB, quieter than a running fridge. by providing positive air pressure that helps to keep your airways open and thereby prevent the vibrations that tight All of this, combined with the app should give you the airways cause which is essentially what your snoring is. The ability to take control of your sleeping patterns and hopefully get rid of snoring for good! device has two modes – continuous and auto-adjusting.

Auto-adjusting is probably the best way to start as the software reacts to the breathing patterns it detects and adjusts the air-flow accordingly. The app records

A good way to end the frustration that snoring is and inflicts on other people as long as you’re comfortable wearing that mask while you sleep.

For more information on the Snore Circle YA50G VVFLY APAP click here

£385

Pros Helps moderate breathing patterns while sleeping Significantly reduces snoring App provides invaluable data about sleeping patterns generally

Easily transportable Cons Getting used to a mask while sleeping could take some time and may not be entirely comfortable for everyone.

79

Epos Audio Adapt 560 II

£225

For more information on the Epos Audio Adapt 560 II click here

Although working from home is more common-place these days, there’s still a place for busy office environments and all the noise and distractions that come with it. So, when having to make those calls or engage in Teams meetings, it pays to have a decent headset with Active Noise Cancelling and good audio. The Audio Adapt 560 II has this and a lot more too.

To begin with, it’s wireless and connects via Bluetooth 5.0, mainly through the dongle it’s already paired with that comes in the box. You simply plug this in to a USB port on your computer and you’re ready to go. It has a few buttons on the ear piece with the foldable boom that change function depending on if you’re engaged in a call or listening to media. For example, if you press the main button (it’s purple and elongated as opposed to round to distinguish it by feel from the other buttons) once you will answer an incoming call, hold it down for a second and you reject it.

Various multi-taps and holds give you different functions such as putting someone on hold or dealing with multiple calls at once and save you from having to scrabble around for the right button mid-call. There is a mute function available through a separate button but one particular touch I quite like is that when you move the boom up, it mutes automatically, giving you a good, physical reminder that you’re muted and don’t end up chatting to yourself!

It's Microsoft Teams certified and is also compatible with Cortana with voice activation being enabled/disabled with the touch of a button. You can have up to 8 devices stored to connect via Bluetooth with and can connect to two devices at a time, allowing you to take calls from your mobile while in a meeting without having to take the headset off for example, very handy if you need to be available regardless of what you’re up to.

A multi-purpose headset ideal for a busy working environment.

Pros Connect to two devices at a time

Easy mute function Minimal buttons to memorise

Microsoft Teams certified

Cons Having one button do most of the work could lead to confusion until you get used to it

45 81

Rekkord F400

When it comes to vinyl, the quality of sound is king and a decent turntable can make a massive difference to that sound. The guys at Rekkord have been making turntables by hand for almost half a century so it’s fair to say they’ve got a pretty good idea of what they’re doing! They even get 99% of the components for their turntables made within a 25 mile radius of their factory – the suppliers being “ideally suited” for supplying all the parts needed. Sounds good but what does this mean for this particular turntable?

Firstly, this one is fully automatic so no need to worry about getting up to lift the arm off when your record is done – a win in my book! Secondly, the turntable is raised above the main chassis of the unit on a sub-chassis platform. This separates the automatic system (including the arm and damped aluminium platter) away from the main plinth, reducing the potential for noise interference.

Given the plinth is made from MDF (picked for its resonance-damping qualities) already, this gives you an idea of how serious Rekkord are with getting things just right so that you can listen to your vinyls in the way intended. The arm includes massless tracking force adjustment meaning the centre of gravity is firmly at the bearing centre, leading to a smooth and gentle movement that holds no danger for your precious discs! That’s the manual adjustment and fine-tuning of the whole automatic system from the experienced technicians having an impact right there.

The cartridge supplied is an Ortofon 2M Red which is a perfectly good mid-price range cartridge in itself, the only criticism being that some feel its sound is too ‘bright’ but you could easily swap it out with your favoured cartridge if this is the case.

€696

Rekkord doing what they’re known fo

person in your life that finds digital m

wrong with For more information on the Rekkord F400 click here

Easy to use Good sound with hardly any noticeable distortion 4 wood finishes available – Satin Black, Macassar Wood, High Gloss Black & Cherry Wood Lightweight aluminium tonearm Cons Always hard to find one with Rekkord! Although relatively expensive, I don’t think any vinyl enthusiast would think of it as too dear. But for the casual listener

or! If you’re looking for a gift for that

music too ‘dead’, you won’t go too far

with this.

83

Ezviz CB2

A security camera that doesn’t force you to pay monthly for a service to store footage and has no power cable. Love it!

Pros No power cable!

Choice of cloud or local storage Love the square box look Good app Cons Attaching magnetically is cool but maybe a little too easy to simply take off and walk away with?

I’ve reviewed a fair-few security cameras and my main criticism of the vast majority is that they can easily be nullified by simply cutting the power cable. To off-set this requires drilling through external walls and ensuring the camera is near a power source – not always a practical solution. The other main criticism is that you can either store footage in a subscription cloud (I hate the idea of a continuous paid-for subscription to make a product I have already paid for work as it should) or with a memory card and not usually both. Well, this one feels like someone actually took on board those criticisms of mine!

For starters, the camera supports micro-SD cards of up to 512GB of video (this is about 45 hours-worth of 1080p resolution the camera provides) which, when you consider it will only need to record whilst activated actually gives you a decent amount of time before you have to clear the memory card and start again. If this isn’t for you and you prefer to use cloud storage or are worried about the camera being stolen and losing footage you have this option too with a price ranging from £2.99 to £9.99 a month depending on how many days storage you wish to have. Finally, an option of one or the other!

The CB2 is powered by a battery that lasts up to 50 days (based on minimal recording of about 5 mins a day) and has Smart Human Motion Detection so only switches on when it needs to. It also has night vision up to 16 feet and 2-way talk capability although the latter is only available through the Ezviz app, but this is free and very useful for managing your camera. Finally, you have the option of mounting this with the included magnetic stand (best for indoors and varying angles) or by attaching it directly to a metal plate for a more solid grip and it comes in a choice of black or white.

£69.99

For more information on the Ezviz CB2 click here

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Block out the noise instead of replacing it and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Pros Effective noise cancellation Comfortable Hold in place Suitable for side sleepers Not restricted to night-time use Cons £249 Pricey

Quieton 3.1 Some people, my husband for one, could fall asleep in the phase-shifted and equalized sound which is then played middle of a building site, no amount of noise will prevent through the speaker to cancel out the original noise. him nodding off when he’s tired, however some people need The rechargeable battery is little but can still last up peace and quiet to drift off. Life isn’t always that tranquil, to 28hrs from one charge which is about three nights outside traffic, snoring partners, noisy neighbours and sleep, but with the addition of the charging case you can shift working can all make switching off rather difficult, get a full week before having to connect it to the mains. the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds offer a way of shutting out the The QuietOn 3.1 are easy enough to use, they switch on noise without simply replacing it with music or white noise. automatically when removed from the charging case. If These little earbuds use active noise cancelling (ANC) to you are used to foam earplugs you will notice them in the block out the world around you designed specifically for ear more, however we found they were comfortable and sleeping, this means they have been created around the got used to them over a few nights. The noise cancelling ear’s anatomy. Standard earbuds are shaped to fit inside is really effective, if there is a lot of different and loud the concha, these can stick out of the ear and make things background noises, camping at a festival for example, uncomfortable for side sleepers whereas the QuietOn 3.1’s it isn’t completely shut out, but it is greatly reduced to are the smallest earbuds for sleeping. They weigh just 1.8g a level that’s easy to switch off from. As well as being and are around three times smaller than Apple Airpods great for sleep there are other moments in the day the Pro and tuck neatly inside the ear eliminating pressure QuietOn 3.1 are useful, focusing on work from home in when laying on your side. There are four pairs of ear tips to a busy house, taking some time out for meditation, tai choose from (XS, S, M, L) all made from a soft foam for chi, worship, anything that requires a degree of calm and a secure fit and provide some passive noise cancelling, they focus. The QuietOn 3.1 do not come cheap but there is are unlikely to fall out overnight. The ANC uses a tiny no price that can be put on getting a good night’s sleep microphone that takes a sample of the noise and then uses and there is something incredibly empowering knowing active electronics inside the earbud to create a you carry instant serenity in your pocket.

For more information on the Quieton 3.1 click here

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FiiO FH3 Most of us don’t really put a lot of thought in to ear buds. Do they fit and stay in, do they sound OK, are they wireless and how long does the battery last? Maybe a passing concern over the colour. That’s pretty much what most of us think when buying new ones, let’s be honest. So, when you find out about what actually goes in to them to make them work the way they do, you start to understand the price tag and how much effort is put in to them to give you those very simple worries.

These buds from Fiio have 2 balanced armature drivers from Knowles (one to deal with high frequencies, the other for mid frequencies), a beryllium-plated dynamic driver that deals with low frequencies, mono-crystalline silver-plated copper cable and an aluminium-magnesium alloy shell. All these metals are there to basically ensure you get the best sound possible. Beryllium is very strong and lightweight, making it ideal to deal with the stresses of bass vibrations and is chosen for this very reason. Silver-plated copper cable is perfect for carrying the sound in the wire (Silver is the most conductive metal followed by Copper, then Gold) and the jack is gold-plated although this is more to do with avoiding oxidisation than the sound quality.

So, with that little bit of knowledge in hand are these buds worth the price now we’ve lightly touched the technical shenanigans? The shell is reassuringly solid and fits nicely and you are provided with 11 different pairs of silicone eartips, so should suit everyone – they fit. The sound is fairly solid with a great bass – they sound OK. Well, better than OK to be fair! However, unless you fork out for the Bluetooth Earhooks or Neckband separately, you’re going to have to go wired on this one so no – not wireless. As for the battery life, it’s largely irrelevant due to being wired. I started out thinking this was expensive for ear buds and have managed to convince myself otherwise given what’s gone in to it!

Pros Good sound Patented balanced pressure relief technology

Minimal loss of Treble due to placement of driver nearer the ear

Lots of variety in eartip type Cons Not wireless Needs additional accessories for Bluetooth For more information on the FiiO FH3 click here

£99.99 A well-priced-for-what-you-get set of earbuds, a present that would do well for anyone that uses buds

– just check and make sure they’re happy with wires!

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Pure Evoke Home – Cherry Wood Edition

If you want an all-in-one music system that doesn’t look like it’s come straight out of a sci-fi movie, I may have just the thing for you here. With its very simplistic box design hiding a whole range of musical options behind that warm wooden exterior, the Pure Evoke Home lends itself well to many styles of room design, but especially those looking for something with a bit of a nostalgic look and something a little discrete that won’t dominate the room.

Of course, looks aren’t everything so what does this system provide? You get both DAB+ and FM radio, internet radio, Spotify Connect, alarms, a sleep timer as well as a 3.5 audio jack for your headphones and it even has a CD player!

I personally love the last one as I’m the kind of guy that prefers to have a physical copy of my music as opposed to digital only. Afterall, if the internet goes down, how will I listen to my tunes otherwise? It’s a nice little touch in this day and age of digital media that I am grateful they included.

The control panel is a discrete digital display that folds down on the top of the unit so you can use it to set up whatever you’re listening to and then get it out of the way to minimise visual distraction and the included remote means you don’t have to fiddle about with it until you want to change your chosen media. And, even though they’ve included a remote, there is also an app that you can use to control the player so you can just do it all from your phone if you wish. The speakers are two 20mm soft-dome tweeters with 3.5” woofers that deliver a 100W audio output, giving you a decent sound that the wooden grill helps to make softer taking some of the ‘clinical’ noise of a CD down a notch, a definite plus. Seals the deal for me!

For more information on the Pure Evoke Home – Wood Edition click here

Pros Multiple ways of listening to your favourite music Simplistic, non-intrusive design Choice of alarm type (CD, ringtone, radio) Controllable via UNDOK app Cons Only Bluetooth 4.2

A subtle piece of music furniture that gives you a massive range of radio stations,

Spotify and the ability

£449.99

to play CD’s all in one.

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Gunnar Lightning Bolt 360 Well, I learnt something today that is genuinely going one of the most awkward things going and leads to to affect my life. I am a gamer and play regularly on my another problem – that of headaches through too much favourite gaming console. It’s a great way to stay connected constant pressure on your temples. Well, those clever with my friends when I’m unable to see them and to people at Gunnar have come up with a design that relieve stress (depending on the game…). What I didn’t bypasses that also with these Lightning Bolt 360’s. You realise is the negative effect that the light coming from my get 3 arm types with each pair: the regular lightning bolt TV screen has on me. Specifically, blue light. It actually shaped ones, lightweight ones designed to balloon out prevents your brain from producing Melotonin which is away from your head and strap ones, handy for wearing crucial in sending you to sleep and certainly explains not if you’re outside. Switching to suit is pretty easy with a being able to drop straight off to sleep after coming off- button on the inside of the frames allowing you to release line. These gaming glasses help with this. whichever arm you currently have in. You also get both indoor and outdoor lenses which are easy to swap and Basically, they provide protection from the affects of blue allow you to see screens out in the sunshine clearly as well light, much in the same way sunglasses protect you from as providing UV protection. On top of all that, they also UV light. Of course, as anyone that wears glasses will tell provide a subscription service for those that have to wear you, wearing glasses combined with a headset has got to be glasses anyway, sweet!

Pros Adaptable Comfortable 3 different bridge sizes, easily interchangeable Subscription service available Cons Do I want to look like Bono or Ali G?

£94.99

A very adaptable way to look after your eyes as a gamer and also have the versatility to use outside – reading a tablet screen while on holiday anyone?

For more information on the Gunnar Lightning Bolt 360 click here

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Pulseroll VYB Pro Roller You wouldn’t think that something looking like a rolled-up towel that’s primed to take over sunbeds across continental Europe could actually be a useful and practical tool but, here it is! The Pro Roller is a vibrating massage unit, primarily designed for warm-ups and cool-downs when you exercise.

The benefits of vibrations on muscle is well-known and this unit aims to make it as easy as possible to target those tight and sore muscle areas that tend to get the most attention when working out. First of all, it’s a fairly decent size at 38cm long which, for us average size people is very handy as it tends to cover a whole area and can even allow you to massage both thighs at the same time for example. Obviously, it has just as much use for people with a larger build too being able to cover such a large area. There are 5 different speed settings starting with a modest 1200 rpm when dealing with particularly sore or heavily worked muscles and going up to 3500 rpm for that deeper tissue massage. Power Level 4 is a pulse mode, swinging from 1500 to 3000 rpm and is useful for increasing blood flow and stimulating the lymphatic system.

The battery takes about 3 hours to charge and is good for up to 2 ½ hrs at max speed and 6 hrs or so when used at the lower speeds. Given you should only really use these kinds of aides for relatively short periods of time (about 4 mins or so is a good rule of thumb) this is plenty of battery life. The thing I like most about this Roller however is the finger remote. You just strap it on to your hand and are then able to adjust the speed without having to awkwardly reach around and disrupt your routine. Perfect.

A very easy to use unit that does a great job at warming your muscles up or relaxing them after a work-out. Love the finger remote!

For more information on the Pulseroll VYB Pro Roller click here

£149.99

Pros Relatively lightweight for what it is at just over 1 ½ Kg Large – covers more area Finger remote Easy-to-use Cons The large size makes it harder to target smaller problem areas.

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£149.99

Pros 6 different types of massage heads Good battery life Nice range of speeds Compact – doesn’t take up loads of room in your gym bag

Cons None that I could determine. Just make sure you read the manual as with all self-massagers to avoid hurting yourself.

Pulseroll Ignite Mini Massage Gun with Heated Head

The importance of keeping your muscles looked after when working out is more appreciated these days but most of us don’t have access to a fully-trained masseuse or ice bath/sauna (in fact, I’m willing to bet nobody reading this has those!) every time we work out. This is where handy little tools like this massage gun come in to help us out.

The Ignite Mini Massage Gun comes with 6 different heads for different types of muscle massage. The Pneumatic Head is great for warming up and targeting painful muscle groups with its soft, squishy feel and is a good starting point if you’re new to massagers. The Spinal Fork is ideal for that muscle at the top of your spine and base of your neck but please don’t place it directly on your spine or on any bones! The Bullet Head is good for when you want to target smaller groups of muscles and knots and trigger points. The Dome Head is a good all-rounder for general use while the Invigor is a multi-tip head that works great on your hands and feet. The final attachment is the Heated Head which consists of a flat aluminium surface that can be heated to 45 or 55 degrees that not only feels good after a workout but also helps to stimulate your red blood cells, encouraging muscle growth and tissue repair.

As well as the array of heads, the gun also has 4 speed settings ranging from 1800 – 3000 percussions per minute so you can set it at whatever speed suits you. The battery life is good, lasting about 2 ½ hours if used at the top speed and 6 hours at the lowest. Seeing as you should only use it for a couple of minutes on each muscle group, you won’t need to charge it too often and it takes about 1 ½ hours to fully charge via the USB cable provided.

A compact, powerful massager gun that does exactly what you need it to do.

For more information on the Pulseroll Ignite Mini Massage Gun with Heated Head click here

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Heatsbox Go

£135

Pros Very convenient Easy to use Good meal capacity Easy to clean Cons Size is good but I have quite the appetite, a larger capacity would have been welcome.

I have spent many years (much like many of you I reckon) working in offices. And one of the most contested and frustrating aspects of office life is lunchbreaks. Not just dealing with that person who is never flexible when it comes to when they take their lunch - leading everyone else to work around them no matter how inconvenient it is (you know who you are…) – but, more specifically, the queue for the flaming microwave! By the time everyone in front of you has done their heating-up (and it’s always that person that brought a meal that takes at least 7-8 minutes to warm up with them isn’t it?) and you’ve done your own, you’ve barely got time left to actually eat, leading to a hurried scoffing that burns your mouth and takes away any enjoyment you potentially had for the meal you painstakingly put together the previous evening. I’m not bitter, I like home-made salads, prefer them anyway…

Here's the solution! The Heatsbox Go is your personal heating tool for your lunchtime meals. It’s a 1Kg insulated box that heats whatever is in it up to a temperature of 85° in about 15-25 minutes. So, you can set it going before your lunchbreak begins and your chosen meal is heated and ready to eat as soon as your lunchbreak begins. Plus, if you like, you get added smugness watching your co-workers battle over the microwave thrown in for added measure! The stainless steel internal tray (with a leakproof lid) has a capacity of 925ml which is plenty big enough for most one person meals and the actual box is only 8¾” x 6½” and just under 4” deep, making it easily transportable as it can slip in to most bags comfortably. It charges via a USB-C cable and is good for a couple of heating sessions before it needs recharging.

There is an app that allows you to control the heating temperature and that also includes a timer. The box has Bluetooth 5.0 so you can connect with most Bluetooth enabled phones (who doesn’t have one of those these days?) giving you complete control over when your food is ready. Now all you have to do is battle with that inflexible coworker as to when you actually get to enjoy it.

Takes all the hassle out of getting a hot home-made meal ready when at work for lunch and avoids the whole ‘crowded kitchen’ issue. Why wouldn’t you?

For more information on the Heatsbox Go click here

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Humancharger Bright Light Headset My first reaction to this device was one of, shall we say, disbelief (more like a “What the deuce?!” moment tbh. Alright, I didn’t use that word but you get the idea…)? But when I looked in to it, studies have shown that having light beamed in to your ear could actually be beneficial to the brain! I guarantee at least half of you reading instantly thought “OK, so should I start blasting soundwaves at my eyes now?”… Please don’t, it doesn’t work like that and will likely be painful and damaging! The studies have shown a positive effect on the majority of people receiving Bright Light Therapy when suffering from such conditions as SAD and this headset from Humancharger aims to introduce this benefit to the user.

The ear pieces emit a UV-free white light for 12 minutes at a time that they recommend to use within about 30-60 minutes of waking or an hour or two before bed, depending on what works best for you. Try the morning first and, if that isn’t helping, give the evening a go. Now, it’s important to note, this is not a cure for SAD or any kind of mental health issue, it is designed to be a light therapy device that can help to increase mental alertness, energy levels and mood and if you do suffer with depression or big seasonal mood swings, please seek out help and advice from your local GP before using this headset. It’s primary use is to combat lack of sunlight and the downsides this brings to most of us so it can also be handy in dealing with jet lag or helping those that work night shifts.

The headset itself is lightweight, fits comfortably around your neck and comes with a little bag full of replacement earbuds. The battery lasts for 12, 12 minute sessions and they recommend usage at just once per day so you should only need to recharge it every 12 days and it only takes a couple of hours to charge it back up via the USB cable provided.

Pros Relatively discrete if you’re on the go Comes with a handy little travel bag

Could provide many benefits with regular use

Certainly a coffee table

!

talking point

Cons It’s pricey and there are potential side effects such as temporary headaches and nausea For more information on the Humancharger Bright Light Headset click here

If you can afford to ‘give it a go’ it could potentially be very beneficial, especially if you suffer with a lack of regular sunlight.

£160

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£134.99

Proviz REFLECT360 PLUS Road safety is always important, more-so for cyclists. Unfortunately, most high-vis gear makes you look like you should have a clipboard secreted somewhere on your person with a mind to ruining someone’s day or, at the very least, boring them senseless with whatever is on that damn clipboard of yours. I don’t like clipboards. Or high-vis jackets come to that. Essential yet ugly items, both of them.

I’ll get off my soapbox now. This jacket: It’s like someone looked in my head and said “OK Dave, we’ve got this!”!

Finally, a high-vis jacket that doesn’t make you look like a complete numpty! The tech involved in this basically makes the jacket look perfectly normal during the day in a fairly standard grey and then, when a light-source hits it in the dark, it reflects bright white, making you very obvious to other road users as soon as their light hits you. Exactly what you need. That’s not all this jacket can do however.

It has been designed to be both comfortable (adjustable waist is a plus for starters as well as the micro-fleece collar to help keep the warmth in) and breathable (10,000 g/m² - good for most cycling conditions) as well as being waterproof (10,000 mm – should see you good and dry in most downpours although you wouldn’t want to be caught in one for any extended period of time). It also has easy to grip zips for those days when gloves are a must and ventilation all over to help keep you cool once you get going. Two watertight pockets give you some carrying capacity as well as doubling up as extra ventilation when you open them up. Finally, it's nice and lightweight coming in at just 400 g’s. In case you hadn’t noticed, I really like this jacket and it does exactly what it’s intended to do!

Pros Looks good!

Plenty of ventilation designed to keep airflow moving around you

Waterproof Comfortable Cons None. I’m usually one to quibble about price but even I think this is a perfectly acceptable amount to pay for what you get!

A high-vis, comfortable and waterproof cycling jacket that looks like anything other than exactly that!

Well worth parting from your hard-earned cash for.

For more information on the Proviz REFLECT360 PLUS click here

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Ifi Audio Hip Dac 3 Most DAC’s are not exactly what you would describe as ‘portable’ and generally serve as a fixed point unit for improving the sound quality coming out of whatever digital player you use. The major downside to this being the inability to carry your improved sound with you wherever you go, leading to a potentially sub-par listening experience when you are out and about. The Audio Hip DAC 3 from Ifi bridges that gap, giving you a good sound experience whenever you need it.

side of the unit that maximises your sound based on the jack size too using iEMatch technology. Put simply, the software matches the hardware you are using to ensure you get the quality of sound you’re after, especially if you’re using in-ear monitors.

The size and shape of the DAC resembles a hip flask with the ‘cap’ being the power switch – a nice little touch!

You can even get covers for it to complete that look if you wish although the Titanium Shadow finish looks good This DAC has been designed for ease of use. With two enough on its own in my opinion. The casing is actually separate USB portals – one for charging and the other to aluminium and the internal structure has been designed connect to whatever device you are using so you can charge to maximise purity of sound with any distortion near at the same time as listening and there are also two portals enough removed. Finally, the battery lasts for about 12 to suit the jack you have for your headphones (3.5 & 4.4 hours before recharging is required, giving you plenty of mm) so you don’t have to worry about carrying a separate good quality music time. jack adaptor around with you. There is a switch on the

For more information on the Ifi Audio Hip Dac 3 click here

£119.99

A convenient, portable

DAC that helps deliver great sound quality for when you’re on the move.

Pros Very easy to use Discrete and easy to carry around Great audio Caters for both 3.5 and 4.4mm headphone jacks.

Cons Would have liked to see a curve in the design to perfectly mimic a hip flask but that may have affected the purpose of it!

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£589

Orca Apex Flex Orca are a well-known and established company when it comes to water-based sports such as triathlons having been around since 1995. They have a strong reputation for producing good wet-suits suited for every situation (warm and cold-water suits, beginners and expert level for example) and for having a very ethical approach to the gear they do produce, avoiding plastic usage and ensuring their wetsuits last well and serve you for many years if well looked after.

The Apex Flex is a great example of their technology coming to the fore for the more experienced athlete.

Constructed with Yamamoto 44+ and 0.88 Free tech, the Apex flex makes use of much of the technology Orca have come to use in their wetsuits. The thing that makes this one different is the lack of added buoyancy. Buoyancy is used in wetsuits to aid people in getting the right shape for swimming through the water and is ideally suited to those who are new to swimming with a wetsuit but the compromise is reduced flexibility. More experienced wetsuit users find there is less need for this as their expertise grows and they develop a more technical swimming technique. So, without the added buoyancy and with the added flexibility this introduces, swimmers are free to make use of their technical ability more freely, making for a wetsuit that allows you to move faster through the water.

The shorter, inverted zipper also adds to the flexibility of the wetsuit as well as allowing speedier removal when transitioning to the cycling part of your race and the hydrophobic nature of the wetsuit makes taking it off that much easier. And, as an added bonus, Orca will plant a coral for every 75 quid spent on their gear. That’s about 7 corals for this wetsuit alone, not a bad trade-off!

Pros Designed for

A great wetsuit

experienced

designed for

swimmers

those athletes

Flexible Has an almost ‘not there’ feeling

Cons Not a good suit for beginners

at the top of their game and with a good swimming technique.

For more information on the Orca Men's Apex Flex click here

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Pros Able to set the level of amplification with a touch

IP67 rated Good amount of tips Decent battery life £179.99 Cons Can pick up irritating noises if same tone as conversations which can be distracting.

Ideal for when you need to wear ear protectors and still listen to your tunes.

ISOtunes Free Aware We’re looking at 2 different types of headphones from ISOtunes this month, each with their own distinct style and intended use. The Free Aware are a pair of wireless earbuds with noise-reducing technology that help to filter out louder and unwanted sounds and enhance sounds you need to hear. They achieve this through multi-directional microphones that pick up and exclude certain noises and enhance others so you don’t miss the important things and can hear conversations with ease. This makes them ideal if you’re out and about on the street and also handy if you’re working on a site (best with ear protectors over the top) as well as allowing you to cut out the irritating noises when relaxing at home or working out.

either not feed it through to your ear or cap it at 85 decibels. It’s fast-acting too, taking just 2 milliseconds to kick in so you can be sure you’re protected from any sudden, loud noises.

The battery life extends to about 13 hours or so and the charging case is good for another two full charges before it needs recharging itself. The buds also have an auto switch-off after 2 hours and a standing charge time of about 60 hours so if you forget to charge them, they should still be good to go for the next day. You also get 6 pairs of ear tips so you should easily be able to find a pair that fits comfortably and they are IP67 rated so fine in all kinds of dusty conditions and can even take some You have the ability to set the amplification level via a tap water without there being a problem. Connection is via on the left earbud so you can choose how much outside Bluetooth 5.2 which, although not the latest should be interference you get and the really handy thing is that if an good enough for the vast majority of people. outside noise reaches higher than 85 decibels, the buds will

For more information on the ISOtunes Free Aware click here

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IsoTunes Pro 2.0 We’ve reviewed a fair few IsoTunes products over the last couple of years and I don’t believe we’ve had one yet that we haven’t been impressed with. You could be forgiven for thinking they’ve reached a peak so, what can they do to improve on what they’ve already done? Well, new innovations in design and improvements in tech happen constantly and IsoTunes have taken these improvements and come up with this set of ear buds, an improvement over the original IsoTunes Pro. For starters, they’ve redesigned the hook on the ear piece itself making for a tighter, more secure fit with less likelihood of the ear piece coming loose during use. The SNR has improved too, jumping from 27 to 36, giving you much more protection from external noise than the previous version and the maximum decibel output is capped at 82, keeping your delicate hearing safe. They’ve also increased the water and dust proof rating with this

new set rocking in at IP67 so you can be content that they won’t get damaged with dust or moisture and can even go swimming in shallow depths for around half hour or so, just keep an eye on the time!

The Bluetooth has improved to 5.0 from 4.1, the battery life is now 16 hours (dependant on volume levels of course) rather than 10 and even the buttons on the controller are larger and more defined making for easier use. In fact, the only thing I found that hasn’t changed is the weight! Oh, and the choice of ear tips is still the same. The sound quality is fairly rounded with a decent bass and the noise cancellation still does what it needs to do, making these particularly useful if you’re working in a busy environment and don’t want to be wearing massive ear protectors. You could be doing a lot worse for this price!

£109.99

For more information on the IsoTunes Pro 2.0 click here

Pros Certified noise reduction IP67 dust and moisture rating Good battery life Standby time of 270 hours Cons The design won’t suit all ear types and shapes so could end up being fiddly to fit

Not the most up-to-date Bluetooth With the noise cancellation rating, these are a good buy for listening to music/audio books or making/ receiving phone calls while in a noisy environment. A definite improvement on the original.

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Pros Good fit

Just the right amount of £149 battery life

Very easy to use Siri & Google Voice compatible Cons Has a tendency to pick up on other sounds, such as a microwave or fridge and amplify these which can be distracting.

ISOtunes Pro Aware We’re looking at 2 different types of headphones from feature kind of makes up for it. It does this by utilising ISOtunes this month, each with their own distinct style omni-directional external microphones that pick up and and intended use. The Pro Aware is designed to be a set reduce the volume of impact noises as well as picking of earphones that you can wear while working on a site or up and enhancing voices and warning signals so you in a busy, noisy environment. The specifically designed don’t miss the essential sounds while keeping your ears ear pieces stretch around behind your ears and settle in protected. The volume reduction is 33 decibals and these to your aural cavity for a secure fit. There are 3 foam tips earphones come in with an impressive IP67 rating so are and 3 silicon tips provided meaning you should be able to sweat, water and dust-proof, ideal for busy environments. find the right fit that suits you. A minimally long piece of wire connects the two earbuds to save from any snagging The top volume these can go to is 82 decibels which is problems while the controller section settles just below and just shy of the maximum recommended daily level for behind your ear, meaning minimal reaching when you want periods beyond about 8 hours a day so your hearing to change the volume. should be pretty safe. To top it all off, it’s also Siri and Google Voice compatible so, while your hands are The battery life settles in at a suitable 10 hrs, enough for busy, you can simply use the voice-activated commands, the commute there and home if you’re not working long leaving you free to concentrate on whatever task you are shifts of course and it connects using Bluetooth 5.0. Not undertaking! the most up-to-date version but the noise-cancelling

A simple, effective piece of equipment that is comfortable and easy to use.

For more information on the ISOtunes Pro Aware click here

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Olight Baton 3 Pro Max

Pocket torches these days are powerful little tubes of light capable of knocking out many, many lumens, giving most people exactly what they need and this one from Olight is no different. At just 4 ½ inches long and an inch wide, it’s the perfect size to fit in your pocket and actually feel solid in your hand – not so small as to feel like you’ll lose it and not so large that it’s cumbersome. When you then add in the impressive range (up to about 145 metres) and the fact that this can knock out 2500 lumens at its max setting, it’s hard to find fault.

Of course, you don’t want to be using the max setting all the time! It’s completely unnecessary in many situations and this torch has a built-in cut off of only a minute for that 2500 lumen burst of light. After which, it goes to a far less dazzling 800 lumens that then lasts up to about 4 hours. There are 4 other levels of brightness with the most practical probably being the 120 Lumen setting that lasts for nearly a whole 24 hour period. If you’re really worried about battery life, the lowest setting is just 1 lumen but the battery then lasts for 60 days!

The torch recharges in about 4 hours via a USB port and the charging cable provided is magnetic, making it nice and easy to use. Another handy feature is the proximity sensor that automatically switches the torch off if it realises you’ve left it in your pocket. You have the option of switching the sensor on and off also. My favourite feature though is the battery life check method. No need to turn it on, simply give it a vigorous shake and the battery indicator comes on, letting you know the status. Genius.

A really good pocket torch for house and home or being out and about, well worth it, especially if space is at a premium.

For more information on the Olight Baton 3 Pro Max click here

Pros Good range Very bright burst of light for when needed Battery life indicator without the need to turn the torch on Long life at a decent light output Cons With just one button, it takes a little getting used to when you need to hold or double/triple press to get your desired function but it doesn’t take long.

£89.99 115

Pros

£139.99

Powerful beam Good battery life Lightweight

Set the brightness level before switching on Cons Charging cable could have been longer No USB adaptor for plugging in to a socket included

Olight Seeker 4 Pro

Whenever I see torches like this, I immediately start thinking of those kind of TV shows where people are trying to break in to guarded ‘evil corporation’ compounds surrounded by wire fences and inept security guards wandering around with giant flashlights and dogs. After looking at this torch, you can’t help but think some of those shows would have been done and dusted in 5 minutes with the ‘heroes’ caught and handed over to the authorities in no time at all!

This thing is a beast. Not in size (it’s a really manageable 5 ¼ inches long and just under an inch and a half wide at the head weighing in at about 200g making it very easy to handle) but in power.

Although you can turbo mode this flashlight to knock out a ridiculous 4600 lumens (enough to light up a space about 220-30 square feet) for about 2 ½ mins, it’s real strength in my opinion lies in the high setting where you get 1200 lumens for 2 ¼ hrs which is still pretty good for a flashlight. As is common with Olight torches, this drops down to 600 and then 300 lumens as time goes by but in most cases this gives you plenty of time before it needs recharging.

The Seeker 4 Pro comes with a holster and a bracket that you can fix to a wall for the holster to rest on for when not in use - just make sure you get it close enough to a socket as the USB cable is under a metre long and you want to make sure you’re able to charge it when not in use. The holster itself is quite sturdy and you can fix it horizontally so you can have hands-free use. When you do this, it automatically reduces its output to 600 lumens to avoid any heat issues.

One final feature to mention is that you can turn the switch to control the brightness level before you actually turn the torch on, very handy!

Ideal for those who work at night (looking at you inept TV show security guards!) or for people out camping at night who need something a little larger than a pocket flashlight.

For more information on the Olight Seeker 4 Pro click here

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Lag Shot 7 Iron

For more information on the Lag Shot 7 Iron click here

Most training clubs you get these days tend to have artificial weighting on them in order to force your body to adapt to certain postures and movements to get the best out of your swing. This one is different in that it is designed to be used out on the course and you can actually hit balls with it! This allows you to see the benefit straight away and make changes to suit without having to rely on waiting for the next time you go for a round.

It achieves this by having a hyper-flexible shaft and a 7-iron clubhead, ideal for those longer approach shots or for clearing the rough. The shaft helps you to load the shot and automatically generates more lag, giving you more confidence with your shot leading to better timing. This gives you better control and more distance and you can see this as soon as you start hitting the ball. As it functions more like a regular club, there is an ‘immediate’ feel to it that you don’t get with other training clubs and a feeling of achievement when you see the ball go further towards where you aim.

When you buy the Lag Shot 7 Iron you also get access to training videos that can really help. Firstly, you get a training course in using this training club from Adam Bazalgette, the founder of Scratch Golf Academy and a 3 time PGA Teacher of the Year so it’s fair to say he knows what he’s talking about! You also get one that describes and shows the best position for all your various body parts when beginning the downswing, giving you the best outcome you can hope for once you strike that ball. Finally, there’s a video that shows you how to get the perfect impact position when striking so you can get the most out of your shots. All-in-all a fairly comprehensive package!

A good training aid for beginners looking to add lag. The videos really help too.

£99

Pros Real-time feedback Naturally add lag More distance Approach shots can be more accurate Cons Unless you have a driving range, this isn’t one to use at home!

119

Nokta Simplex Ultra

The Simplex Ultra is the latest in a line of metal detectors to come from this Turkish company. It builds on the success of its predecessors in a number of ways, the least of which is by reducing the weight (1.2Kg’s as opposed to 1.3Kg’s) and it achieves this because the shaft is now fully carbon fibre with no aluminium or plastic mixed in. While helpful, the real changes come in the range of ways you can detect.

The Sensitivity settings, volume and Target ID range are all the same but it now has 6 different search modes – Field, Park, 4 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach and All Metal which are all accessible with one touch on the screen. To further help define your search parameters you also have Notch Discrimination which helps to weed out unwanted metals and the ability to shift the frequency in small increments, allowing you to really zero in on what you’re after. One

particular thing I like is the vibration function which is really useful when detecting underwater or for those who are hard of hearing, making metal detecting a little more accessible for everyone.

The Simplex Ultra is waterproof up to a depth of 5 metres and, as well as having a backlight on the screen, it also comes with an LED flashlight so you can see what you’re doing if you are going underwater with your detecting. Very handy for valuables that may have got lost for example! There are additional features such as target ID depth, tone break, frequency and volume so you can really tailor what you hear to match what you’re looking for. All in all, this is a great metal detector, particular for the ease of use making it a good starting point for beginners but still useful for more experienced detectorists.

A good all-rounder with a great r detecting options, ideal for beginn and pro’s alike.

For more information on the Nokta Simplex Ultra click here

Pros Firmware updates easily available Built-in battery – recharges via USB Adjustable shaft length of 25-52” Wide range of detection notifications Cons There are cheaper beginner detectors out there

£339.95

ange of

inners

121

LAVA ME Play

£469

£106

For more information on the LAVA ME Play click here

I tried learning to play the guitar once, many moons ago. I had a very patient teacher (he had to be – I was terrible!) and it’s fair to say I didn’t get very far. I was only able to meet up with him about once a week so it was quite hard to retain what I had learnt for me, I needed teaching more often to make it stick. So, this guitar would have been ideal for me, if only it had been around back then, I could have been strutting my stuff on stage for all we know! Isn’t self-delusion fantastic?

The reason it would have helped me is the Learn App that comes with it. Using this, you can learn the essential basics, chord progression, scales and more and even record your efforts (and share them if you wish). You can link the guitar to your phone as well, allowing you to view your progress without having to constantly look down at the display on the guitar, making for a more natural progression of not having your head down while performing. There’s also a nice little progression system that gives you little rewards each time you pass a milestone or improve on your previous efforts.

You can even make it a little competitive and put yourself on a leaderboard with your peers and other people if you wish, even if it’s only to see how you compare with others.

The LAVA guitars ‘ key feature’ is the touch screen system giving you access to a host of digital effects, including chorus, reverb, echo, overdrive plus a recording and looping facility. You can freely combine them or adjust their parameters to add unique colours to the sounds either plugged into an amp or via the inbuilt speaker.

In addition to all this, you have the ability to select an accompanying drum beat with over 100 choices and backing tracks and even select different effects to apply to your music, giving you the ability to create an even more unique and distinct sound suited to you and what you want to achieve. It comes with a wireless charger stand and the battery is good for about 90 hours, making it ideal for camping trips, especially as it’s designed to handle all weather types.

A well-priced training guitar ideal for beginners, especially those that want to teach themselves or can’t afford lessons from a professional

Pros

Tune your strings without the need for an external tuner

Teach yourself with the app – no need to pay for expensive lessons

The neck and head are designed to make playing easy and comfortable

Not a bad price for a beginning guitar

Cons The sound is never going to match a top-tier guitar of course but this isn’t trying to be one!

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Niche Duo

£778.80

Pros Consistent grind Nice looking unit Not overly noisy at 78dB’s Easy to clean Cons

Makes coffee very hard to resist!

Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd who noted that his goats became restless and wouldn’t sleep at night after eating certain berries. From that, it eventually spread through Egypt and Araby and became common throughout Europe and the rest of the world to become the 2nd largest exported commodity after oil throughout the world today. Little wonder then that there are so many ways to consume coffee these days! But, the essential part of coffee brewing that hasn’t changed over the centuries is how the beans are ground and how this changes the kind of drink you get. And this is how you end up with a machine like the Niche Duo. You get two sets of burrs in the box (hence the Duo name!) – one for espresso grinding and the other for filter grinding. The espresso burr is pre-fitted, presumably because the espresso burr can be used to grind for filter coffee whereas the filter burr can’t grind fine enough to give you a decent espresso. Of course, you still have control over the grind density with a dial at the top around the edge of the hopper that extends from 0 to 70 with 70 being the largest allowing you to grind to the size that best suits you and whatever method you are using to make your coffee.

The 83mm burrs (most home coffee grinders are usually in the 40-60 mm range) are made from hardened steel so you can expect them to last a very long time and also to give you a consistency that would be missing from other materials that would be more prone to wear and tear. The larger circumference and flatness also helps with this as the beans get ground more efficiently as opposed to with a conical grinder for example. This equates to the same quality coffee every time you use it. It’s easy to switch the burrs out and doesn’t take very long at all, just be sure to watch the video explaining how.

You’re not going to get much of a better coffee grinder than this!

For more information on the Niche Duo click here

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LETSHUOER S12 Let’s make something clear before we tell you about this device. These are not earbuds. They are IEM’s (In-Ear Monitors). Although they look very similar, the difference is that IEM’s settle straight in to your ear canal for a more direct sound experience, while ear buds settle on the outer ear. The main advantage here is that the IEM’s, by their very nature, are able to cut out or reduce the ambient noise you would otherwise get from earbuds by ‘sealing’ the ear canal. This way, you can get a clearer sound without having to raise the volume, keeping your ear drums intact!

As well as this, the drivers within these monitors are planar. Normally these tend to be larger but Letshuoer have made a custom 14.8mm planar driver so you can now gain the advantage of planar without having to wear something that looks outlandishly large on your ears. As a result, the sound quality is really good, covering the full

audio spectrum and the design makes them less prone to harmonic distortion. As well as this, they’ve actually designed the IEM’s with 2 vent holes to help reduce pressure against the ear drums meaning if you feel the need to turn it up, there’s less likelihood of long term damage to your hearing. The tips come in foam, standard and clear, ranging from small to large size so you should easily find one that fits.

Topping off this impressive set, the cables have been designed to plug in to the IEM’s a little offset from the ear piece so they don’t twist inwards and make your ears uncomfortable. They are also made from silver plated copper wire and so you get a really good sound transference from whatever you’re listening to via the 3.5mm jack. There is also a 4.4mm adaptor for those products that just don’t want to do 3.5mm.

Pros Great range of sound Clear sound without having to raise the volume

4.4mm adaptor Comfy, barely noticed they were there

Cons Some people may find the concept of inserting something in to your ear canal disconcerting

Planar drivers can be a little more fragile so you need to be careful with these!

A great quality of sound, well worth it if you can handle the feeling of them being in your ears, although I found this to be a minimal issue.

£89

For more information on the LETSHUOER S12 click here

127

£152.12

Nank Runnerdiver2 People have been able to use waterproof headphones for a while now and so, the race to provide the best version available is on, which is good news for us consumers! Nank have upgraded their Runnerdiver bone conduction headphones and here we have the result. And they’re pretty good!

For starters, the Bluetooth is the latest version (5.3) meaning any device with Bluetooth can connect to these headphones and they are fully compatible with both iOS and Android devices. A word of warning though – the Bluetooth won’t work if you’re using your earphones in the water. Thankfully, Nank have catered for this and so the headset has 32GB’s worth of storage which equates to about 5000 songs (double its predecessor!). All you need to do is plug the headset in to your device via the USB charger that comes with it and just drag and drop your mp3 files in to the folder. You can also delete the files in the same way you would normally do so in any digital folder. The real plus with this model for me though is the fact that you now have the option to randomise the playing order, a nice touch so you don’t have to constantly fiddle about with what songs you have stored on it.

This version has improved water-proofing and is IP68 rated although they recommend not using them submerged for longer than 40 minutes. Of course, this also gives them complete protection from sweating so are well and truly suited to all other forms of exercise. You only need to wear buds when using them in water, the bone conduction replacing the need for this at other times. The battery life is about 10 hours if the music is played at a constant 60% of max and only takes about 1 ½ hrs to fully charge.

Pros Ideally suited for all forms of exercise

Able to store up to 32GB’s worth of music and a random playlist function!

Sound leakage is almost non-existent Good sound quality Cons Unable to Bluetooth in the water

A really good headset for the price if you tend to exercise a lot in the water, ideally suited for triathletes.

For more information on the Nank Runnerdiver2 click here

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This magic composter turns food waste into usable dirt in a matter of hours.

Pros Odour free and pest free Fast composting Carbon positive Optional micro-organism pods to improve soil quality

£499

Easy to use Discrete Cons Pricey

On going cost with replacement filters (£59.99 for two)

Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter Even the most conscientious of us will end up with some food waste, unless we start eating our veg peelings and egg shells, all these surplus items contain precious nutrients that your garden and pots plants will greatly appreciate, so why send them to the landfill. The Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter allows you to easily compost your kitchen waste without stepping a foot outside or dealing with messy and smelly bins. The Lomi is about the size of a bread maker, it actually reminds me of a baby bottle steriliser, it will sit pretty on your worktop or can be tucked away in a cupboard, and no one will know of its contents. It has been designed to ensure that no nasty smells are created and pest like insects and rodents aren’t encouraged to come and investigate. It was interesting to discover that when organic waste (i.e. food) goes to landfills, this is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions globally, so it’s good to know that up to 80% of your waste can go into Lomi including fruits, veg, bread, animal products, plant waste (dead headed flowers for example) and Lomi approved products and packaging.

It is super easy to use, it will require mains power and uses 60kWh of energy per 100 cycles which equates to 220 lbs of food waste diverted from landfill and 18lbs of methane emissions avoided. Once you have added your food waste all you need to do is push the button on the front the internal sensors then simulate and accelerate the composting process by using heat and agitation to produce nutrient-rich output in as little as 4 hours, its like magic. You can then use the nutrient rich soil to treat your indoor plants, your garden, or just your green bin depending on the mode you select. When active it is reasonably quiet, it can make some crunching or cracking noises depending on what you have in there but this is normally just at the start. As someone who is obsessed with house plants and will chastise my partner for throwing a yogurt pot in the general waste this is a dream for me, it’s certainly not a cheap investment but it does a fantastic job at quickly composting your waste in a clean and fuss- free way.

For more information on the Lomi Smart Waste Kitchen Composter click here

131

Majority D40X Bluetooth Speakers I usually play all my music off of my laptop and my partner inevitably gets frustrated at the ‘tinny’ sound it produces (fair complaint I suppose. The laptop is a few years old but it doesn’t bother me much personally!) and so I have to go and plug in the portable speakers. They’re better, but not great and trying to find a space to put them if I’m still working on my laptop without causing strangulation/tripping and the wholesale destruction this usually entails is a mission in and of itself…

The fact that these are Bluetooth (5.3) then, takes away the potentially disastrous outcome of keeping my partner happy as well as actually sounding good! They have their own remote control as well as manual controls on the speakers themselves and you can adjust the bass, treble and volume quite easily (volume is only on the remote though). Now, normally you would probably control that from whatever source you’re playing the tunes on so why have it on the speakers? Well, as well as Bluetooth, there is also a Micro SD card slot, USB port, Aux port and optical port too! So, you can near enough connect any device, including memory sticks up to these speakers and do everything you would expect to be able to do on most music devices these days. I love the simple lay-out of the remote too with very obvious buttons to adjust the bass and treble – normally a difficult to execute feature!

As far as the sound quality itself goes, the speaker cones are made out of Kevlar rather than plastic and so produce a much livelier sound than you would expect (even my tone-deaf ears have to acknowledge this) which is quite pleasing, especially given their relatively small size and, as their name implies, they take up about the same dimensions as a hardback book – albeit thicker than most.

£98.95

Pros Fit neatly on most shelves

Multiple connection options

Have their own remote control

Good sound quality

Cons Verbal notifications seem to come out the same volume regardless of what you have the speakers set at!

No settings are retained when you switch off so it can be hard to make sure you have the right setting each time.

A good value for money speaker set with great connectivity options. Can’t do everything but at this price point they’re more than good enough.

For more information on the Majority D40X Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers click here

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Majority D80 Bluetooth Speakers These Bluetooth-enabled speakers have been designed to be adaptable for whatever audio experience you require. They can pair up via Bluetooth to your device of choice to emit your favoured sounds or you have the option of using an HDMI ARC slot so that you can take advantage of them no matter how many different devices you have in your set up. They also come with a USB port and ports to connect the speakers using a traditional wired connection if you wish to do so, making this set of speakers incredibly versatile.

They have a healthy 80W output which, although not as powerful as the D40X speakers from Majority reviewed elsewhere in this issue, gives you a decently powerful audio, suitable for most peoples’ living environment. If you’re prone to hosting large parties, they may not quite cut it but for the rest of us, these will do nicely! From an aesthetic point of view, I find them quite pleasing to the eye with nice rounded features and an almost relaxed, chilled kind of look, leaning back as they do.

The sound quality is solid with manual dials for bass and treble control on the back of the main speaker. Oddly, these functions are missing from the remote, most of the buttons being devoted to selecting whatever sound mode you wish to listen to your audio in with styles such as Movie or Dialogue as well as the option to switch between whatever input you want being your options here. And, of course, the usual track skip back/forwards and volume controls, all easily laid out and identifiable on the remote itself. It’s worth noting that track skipping/rewinding only works on Bluetooth and USB modes which makes sense, seeing as these are not players themselves but hopefully, that will save someone a little frustration!

A punchy set of speakers that can knock out good sound with a multitude of connection options for a relatively inexpensive price.

Pros

£99.95

Good look

Decent audio level Nice, rounded sound Good value for money Cons No batteries included for the remote – rather odd in this day and age. 2x AAA’s by the way.

For more information on the Majority D80 Bluetooth Speakers click here

135

Majority Oakington If there’s one thing guaranteed to cause regret, it’s missed opportunities. All those amazing little gadgets that came about in the late 20th Century (well, they were amazing then!) that I used to have, all gone now. With the current trend for retro items… Ah, if only I had been able to hold on to a few of them, I would be considerably richer than I am today. But the good news is that companies like Majority give us the opportunity to appreciate the aesthetics of yesteryear but with 21st Century technology!

For those that have a hankering for old style radio/stereo’s, this all-in-one system would seem to fit the bill nicely. Not only do you have a programmable CD player allowing you to arrange tracks in whatever order you wish (although you can’t use the remote to skip or rewind when doing this oddly – you have to use the buttons on the unit itself), there is also a USB port for plugging a memory stick in to that doubles up as a charging port, very handy. Another handy thing is the ability to ‘prune’ stations that show up but are unavailable leading to a far less frustrating experience when selecting your channel.

Of course, there is Bluetooth too although it’s worth noting that this is not a transmitter so if you have a preference for Bluetooth speakers, they won’t connect to this stereo but the built-in speakers are perfectly adequate and there is also a headphone jack for that more intimate listening experience although it doesn’t work on headsets with a microphone.

Finally, as if all that wasn’t enough, there’s also an alarm on this thing and you can choose exactly how it wakes you up with any of the modes available. Half expecting this thing to make me coffee now.

An affordable, comprehensive music system with a retro look, well worth a purchase.

Pros Retro look available in 2 different colours Versatile Decent sound Remote control Cons The retro look could turn people off from what is quite a good music system

Doesn’t make coffee

£159

For more information on the Majority Oakington Bluetooth system click here

137

Minelab Xterra Pro The thing with metal detecting is that you’re normally restricted to dry land and decent weather conditions. Not that most people would complain about that, it’s a hobby and surely you want to enjoy it without worrying about inclement weather or lugging your all-weather clothing around with you everywhere? Well, as with all hobbies, there’s always those that want to take things to the next level and this is where a Detector like the Xterra Pro comes in.

Firstly, this machine is IP68 rated, meaning it’s completely waterproof up to a depth of 5 metres. If you’re prepared to go all out and detect underwater, this thing has you covered, opening up all sorts of detection opportunities from keys dropped in a pond to areas that were previously dry land in ancient times. If you’re wondering about hearing notifications when underwater you can connect your headset wirelessly with a good low-latency connection so you don’t miss anything and the handle vibrates also, giving you a further physical sign that you may have got something.

It weighs 1.3Kg’s so is easy on the arm (even easier underwater!) and it packs down to just 25 inches long so it’s fairly easy to transport.

You have 3 searching modes (park, field and beach) and up to 6 custom search profiles so you can take advantage of the sensitivity and threshold settings to search for specific material in specific areas. You get the fairly standard TID range of -19 to 99 (-19 to 0 being the ferrous settings) and it also comes with noise cancelling settings so that you can focus on the auditory cues, making sure you don’t miss a thing. To top it all off, you have 5 levels of depth indicator giving you a good idea of how far down you have to dig to get to your potential treasure.

Pros Comprehensive, complete kit Detect underwater!

Good audio range of notifications Built-in flashlight for when underwater or at times of low lighting

Cons None. It’s easy to use and has a huge range of detecting capabilities and is pretty good for the price too.

For more information on the Mine lab Xterra Pro click here

£299 A more comprehensive metal detector at this price range you are very unlikely to find. And you can go underwater with it!

139

LOQED Touch Smart Lock Home security is becoming more and more important these days but how long before the level of security is just too much and convenience takes a hit as a result? This locking system from Loqed aims to provide the best digital lock for your property with the maximum ease of use. Once installed, you connect the device to your phone and when you get near, it picks it up on Bluetooth and allows you entry with a single touch. Simple!

Now, sounds great but, like yourselves I imagine, I was immediately wondering about the pitfalls such a system may have. Such as, what if you lose your phone or the battery runs out? How do the rest of my family use the lock? What if the battery on the lock runs out? Well, it seems the people at Loqed have thought of all of these things and more!

There is a number code that you can enter on the lock itself if you don’t have your phone for whatever reason, you can ‘give’ digital keys to friends and family and even make those keys one-use so they don’t get abused. If the battery on the lock itself runs out (and you get notifications when the battery is running low) there is a ‘jump-start’ option. Just press a 9-volt battery to it and open it using your app or the number code mentioned above.

As far as security is concerned, the Touch Smart Lock has been given the highest achievable European certification and has the same level of security normally given to banks due to its advanced encryption technology. And for those that worry about such things, not even Loqed can get access! It’s hard to see any faults with this, what reason would you have for not getting it?

Loqed seem to have all bases covered with this impressive bit of kit: home security just got that little more secure.

£299

Pros Bank-level encryption Multiple fail-safe’s Jump-start feature – love this idea!

Easy to install Cons I feel like I should be concerned relying on tech for home security but, in all honesty, I can’t find a problem with this!

141

For more information on the LOQED Touch Smart Lock click here

£139.99

Pros Really good range Plenty of battery life Relatively quick charging

Either mono or stereo playback Cons Windbreaks can come off a little too easily

Luucco Pro Talker S2

The problem with many mic systems is having to wait until you’re back in the office or at home before you can listen back to what has been recorded. If you’re unhappy with what you have, you then either need to spend hours editing or go back and re-record the whole thing, frustrating to say the least. The Pro Talker S2 does away with this by having a ‘plug and play’ feature that can potentially save you so much time! The receiver (named RX. The Transmitters are called TX. So, from now on, they’re getting called Tex & Rex!) has a USB-C connector built straight in to it so you can plug it straight in to your favoured device and instantly re-play whatever it is you have recorded, giving you the ability to decide if a re-shoot is needed there and then. No annoying cables or extra kit to remember, just plug it in to your phone/tablet/laptop and away you go.

The range on the mic’s is pretty impressive at 250 metres (bear in mind local topography may reduce that) and the battery life is a good 8 hours with a further charge and a half available from the case before that too needs recharging so you should be good to go for a whole days’ shooting if need be. Recharging doesn’t take too long at all, 2 hours each for Rex and Tex and 2.5 hours for the charging case. The Tex’s are a decent size (not too bulky and obvious) and are relatively lightweight at about 12 ½ grams each so doesn’t drag down on any clothing you have it attached to and they also come with windbreaks if needed.

The Tex’s also have a 1 click button for noise cancellation that filters out ambient noise and due to a separate signal from both transmitters, you have the choice of playing back in mono or stereo.

A really good mic system with a great range and a decent price.

For more information on the Luucco Pro Talker S2 click here

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Don’t get caught out the morning after

One in five drink drive prosecutions happen the morning after†, many unaware they still have alcohol left in their system after a few drinks the night before. AlcoSense quickly and accurately shows your blood alcohol level, so you know when you’re clear. “a fresh level of accuracy in consumer breath testing”B

£69.99

£99.99

- Successor to the multi award-winning AlocSense Elite 1 and 2 - Premium semi-conductor sensor - Reads up to twice English limit - Don’t drive alert when close to English, Irish or Scottish drink drive limit - Accurate to +/-0.20‰BAC

- Uses a 64mm2 version of exactly the same fuel cell sensor used in several Police breathalysers - Adjustable don’t drive alert to any limit world-wide - Full colour screen and easy to use interface - Multi award-winning

2018

Next day delivery available online, or buy in-store

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instagram/the.review.smiths Order securely at alcosense.co.uk or call 0800 195 0088 †: Source: DfT Road Accident Data 2015, B: Review of the AlcoSense Pro, 24/12/15. Intellectual Property: www.alcosense.co.uk/ip. © AlcoSense Laboratories, part of Now Group UK Ltd, Unit 3 MEC, Cordwallis Street, Maidenhead SL6 7BE

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