The Review Smiths Issue 20

Issue 20 Jan 2022

THE

Review Smiths FORGING HONEST REVIEWS

Fitbit Charge 5

Laurastar IGGI Intense Red

GoCube Sennheiser

Theragun Pro

Urbanista Lisbon

CONTENTS Hello there and happy new year!

We have said goodbye to the last year, a rollercoaster that brought about several major changes in ours lives, some tough times and some pretty magical ones too. Now its time to cut out the bad and leave it where it belongs, in 2021 and bringing with us into 2022 only postive and good vibes.

You may have noticed this edition is a little shorter than our usual magazines, due to some bouts of illness (who hasn't been sick this winter) it's been a tough one to get together but fear not, we will be back in full force for out next issue.

In the meantime check out our collection of tech and gadgets, you never know, you may find just what you need to make that new years resolution stick...this time.

Editor and chief

Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith

Senior Writer Emma Hilling-Smith

Chief Dribbler Master Hilling-Smith For all media related enquiries please contact us at info@thereviewsmiths.com For Advertising Enquiries 0208 191 8472 www.thereviewsmiths.com

04. Bond Touch 06. Draytek VigorAP 802 08. GoCube Edge 10. Jackery Explorer 240 12. Orca Openwater Perform 14. Fitbit Charge 5 16. Easy Karaoke Smart Bluetooth Karaoke System 18. Divoom Tivoo Max 20. Moment Pebble 22. TomTom Go Discover 7 24. Proviz Classic Mens Tour Cycling Jacket 26. QuietOn 3 28. Laurastar IGGI 30. Ekster Aluminium Cardholder 32. Sennheiser CX True Wireless 34. Sennheiser HD 250BT Wireless 36. KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 6.9L 38. Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric Toothbrush

£108

Bond Touch The Bond Touch are a set of bracelets that work in pairs and the idea of them sounds like the perfect present for those who are often separated, like long distance relationships or couples that are often away from home for work.

In the box we received two bond touches in black (also available in white), two sports bands in black (also available in gold and silver) and two USB chargers. The bands are highly adjustable and will fit all wrist sizes, they are also waterproof and if you wanted to change colour of the bands, there are twelve differently coloured sports bands available on their website and three metal mesh bands. They are charged by USB and battery life is four days, to charge fully they take around three hours.

To set them up initially make sure they are fully charged and download the Bond Touch app, the app runs on both ios and Android, make sure the other person does the same thing and then you can add them as a pair. Once this is done you can start communication with the bracelets and even coming up with codes ie 2 taps (I miss you), 3 taps (check your phone), 4 taps (SOS) etc. When you tap the Bond Touch it alerts your partner with vibrations reminding you that you are loved.You need to make sure that you phone is always within 10m of the Bond Touch or they will not work as they connect via Bluetooth to you phone to feed off the data. The App is really easy to use and I like that it allows you to see your partners location and what the weather is like where they are.

After using the product for a month it does work well although we did have some syncing issues every so often which took some fiddling, my main gripe with the device is that you do always need to have the App running in the background and it does drain your battery. However this is a really nice idea and the product does do what it says it would and is a really sweet idea for a present.

Feel close to your loved one's even when they are out of reach.

Pros Innovative Idea Comfortable Lots of choice in Colours Clever App Cons Syncing Issues Drains phone battery For more information on the Bond Touch click here

5

Draytek VigorAP 802 The VigorAP 802 from Draytek is a Mesh Wireless 802.11ac Range Extender & Access Point. With a Mesh network, you can easily expand wireless coverage, eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones and significantly reduce the cost of network deployments. DrayTek's Mesh wireless solution supports VLAN tags, allowing you to provide two distinct and separate wireless networks, such as an internal and a guest network, without any cable installation required.

The VigorAP 802 is a Mesh Node to be used in conjunction with a Mesh Root, such as the VigorAP 903 Mesh Wireless Access Point. It can also be used as a traditional Access Point to provide wireless connectivity for your network. Extend wireless coverage for regular wireless networks without Mesh with the Range Extender mode. This joins the VigorAP 802 to an existing wireless network, expanding its coverage.

The plug design makes the VigorAP 802 easy to install and tidy once in place. With a Gigabit LAN port on the underside to connect Wired Ethernet devices into your Mesh network.

Initial setup of the VigorAP 802 is easy with the DrayTek Wireless app, whether it's joining an existing Mesh network or being set up in AP and Range Extender modes, the Quick Start Wizard assists throughout.

Manage the VigorAP 802 centrally through the VigorACS central management platform, VigorConnect, Router AP Management, or simply on its own as a stand-alone access point. The VigorAP 802 has the flexibility to be used how you need it.

£95.99 Pros Operational within minutes Simple App Great Speeds Got rid of dead zones in the house

The VigorAP 802 has great flexibility as an extender and access point.

For more information on the Draytek VigorAP 802 click here

7

GoCube Edge The Rubik’s Cube was invented in 1977 by Hungarian professor of architecture Erno Rubik and has been baffling brains ever since, with 138,000 people from around the world having participated in WCA competitions to date it is clear it still hasn’t lost its appeal. The GoCube was created via a successful Kickstarted project and is suitable for both types of cubers, there are only two, those who can do it and those who have to peel off the stickers to do it. The GoCube is the world’s first connected cube, it is rather wonderfully presented in a smart box that opens diagonally making it a great gift. This smart cube comes with a charging cable and charging display stand, this doubles up as a phone stand when using the GoCube there is also a handy carry pouch to store everything away. The GoCube connects via the companion app available free on both iOS and Android, it is very easy to set up, suitable for young and old, the app itself is also intuitive offering a range of interactive games and tutorials. The GoCube claims it can teach you how to solve the cube in just one hour. Join the GoCube Academy for an interactive learning journey, for those more advanced cubers you can improve your skills, track your progress and compete with friends and other cubers around the world. The built-in advanced sensors track and measure activity, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track the cube’s orientation and connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.0. The cube feels durable in your hands, it has a lightweight, smooth and quiet magnetic rotating mechanism which won’t irritate others in the office or the bus to work. This tactile motion is fast and slightly addictive, ideal for those who like fidget spinners for example. The app is very sleek, it can track your moves in real time on the screen, there is a range of games and online battles with leader boards and live competitions to join in, you can also embark on missions or use the cube as a controller to play minigames and 3rd party games. The price is a little steep even for all the smart tech included, however, the GoCube is an entertaining and satisfying game, it works your hands and brain but beware it easily becomes addictive, step out of the screen for a bit and check out this physical game instead.

$99.95

Suitable for beginners and advanced players, this

GoCube is addictively entertaining.

Pros First connected cube Ideal for beginners and advance cubers Tracks play in real time App provides challenges, games and tutorials Light indications Use as a controller for games Quiet, fast and tactile magnetic mechanism Portable Entertaining Cons Not suitable for WCA Pricey For more information on the GoCube click here

9

Jackery Explorer 240 The Jackery Explorer 240 is a portable charger to help bring your indoors with you wherever you want to go, with an impressive 240Wh battery on the unit we reviewed but it can go up to an ever more impressive 2000Wh!!

The device has one 230V AC outlet, one 10A car charging port and two 5V USB’s and you can quite literally power anything you want on this, I mean what is wrong with testing it with an extension and plugging in your TV and console when you are in the middle of a field getting away from technology. The device feels solid, solid in a way that you can chuck it in the back of the car with no remorse, it also has a convenient handle and only weighs 6.6 pounds.

The dimensions of the Jackery Explorer 240 are 23cm by 14cm and 20cm tall and is actually quite attractive with its dark grey and orange colour scheme.

The Jackery Explorer 240 includes a 14.4V 16.8Ah or 241.9Wh battery, hence the name. To break this down it powered my tv and console for 90 minutes, to give you examples of more obvious gadgets you would charge off it.

Iphone 13 – 22 times, Samsung Galaxy S21 – 17.5 times, Macbook Air – 5 times.

On the front of the charger there is an LCD display which will show you the level of charge left, output power of the devices connected and input power if it’s being charged.

You can charge the power station three ways: using the included 19V, 3.42A 65W mains charger, the included car charger cable, or you can use an optional solar panel with its built in MPPT controller.

One gripe I did have with the device is that the AC outlet is low on the front of the device, so for some larger plugs with undercarriage I would have to have the Jackery 240’s front up in the air. You can switch off each of the outputs separately. The max output is 200W anything over that and the device will turn off, I found this quite educational as at home you just plug products in and suck up the bill.

A really decent gadget and one that is coming with us on all camping trips in the future.

Blow your friends battery packs out of the water.

Pros 240Wh Battery $199.99 Charge your iPhone 13, 22 times!

Easy to use Check your combine output Charge through AC outlet as well as USB Portable Cons AC outlet should be higher up

For more information on the Jackery Explorer 240 click here

11

Orca Openwater Perform

Openwater swimming has increased in popularity over the last few years with more people embracing the elements in the name of health. Before you go diving headfirst into your local lido you might want to equipt yourself with the right gear, a decent wetsuit is essential for even the most warm-blooded swimmers out. The Orca Openwater Perform is the first Orca wetsuit with FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) certification and has been specifically designed for the technically adept swimmers in mind. The FINA certification not only means it has passed the exhaustive tests performed by FINA before they approve products. It can therefore be used in official FINA open water competitions.

This wetsuit is ideal for those who want a flexible suit with neutral buoyancy and the thermal insulation to practise and compete in open water.

There is a lot going on in this second skin, the Yamamoto 40 that is used in the shoulders and back alongside the Infinity Skin lining, it’s this material that provides the stretch needed for the arm strokes, can stretch by up to 130% (72% less resistance than a conventional wetsuit) which easily accommodates the wide range of movements that occur in the shoulders. The Yamamoto neoprene also boasts high durability, it is the best neoprene on the market offering both lightweight and high-performance, there is a combination of materials used in constructed panels. Aside from being highly flexible this suit also has thermal insulation, it’s surprising to learn that its thin construction delivers 77% more protection than if you did not wear a wetsuit, this is thanks to the Infinity Skin 2. Designed from a high elasticity nylon and bamboo fibres, this maintains body heat longer and reduces bad odours (both from you and the water) and the presence of bacteria in your neoprene. It is also composed of natural and environmentally sustainable materials, to avoid skin irritation and to care for the environment.

The Orca Openwater Perform is ideal for competitions but equally suitable for hobbyists allowing for completely natural movements in the water and protection from the cold.

For more information on the Orca Openwater Perform click here

Pros FINA certification

Highly flexible Insulating Ergonomically cut

Yamamoto 40 Infinity skin 2

£299 Increase performance to competitive levels with this

FINA

certified wetsuit.

13

Fitbit Charge 5 I have been using the Fitbit Charge 4 for the last year a device I have been very pleased with that has come along with me on every run, although not as many runs as I should have gone on, alas the life of a father with a seven month old. I was very excited to take a look at the Fitbit Charge 5 and upgrade my model.

Upon opening the box of my new Fitbit Charge 5 I am greeted with the device itself linked to a small size band, a spare large band and a charging cable. The device itself is a thing of beauty with its AMOLED screen that is twice as bright as my Charge 4, I love the curved lines of the Gorilla Glass 3 Lens and they have done a really good job on this.

You get on-board GPS for tracking runs without a watch, an EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor for measuring stress responses, contactless payments, sleep tracking, excellent heart rate monitoring, and sleep monitoring – all presented in a neat interface that's intuitive and simple to use, even if you've never owned a Fitbit device before. The Readiness Score feature that wasn't available at launch is now available, however Fitbit has dropped the Spotify support that allowed you to control playlists through the Charge 4. The lack of music is a shame since the Charge 5 is designed with workouts in mind and for me that was one of the features I loved the most about the Charge 4, I do hope they bring this back with an update.

I found the new infinity band really comfortable and breathable and I can wear this all the time, whereas with the Charge 4 I used to take it off at night as I did find it uncomfortable after a while. I have decided to replace my Charge 4 with the Charge 5, but I am really hoping they will bring back the Spotify support in the next patch update.

£169.99

For more information on Fitbit Charge 5 click here

Pros Sleek new design Comfortable band On board GPS EDA Sensor Contactless payments

Sleep tracking Heart rate monitoring

Sleep monitoring Readiness score Cons No Spotify controls

a new sleek design

15

Easy Karaoke Smart Bluetooth Karaoke System The Easy Karaoke EKS468BT Smart Bluetooth® professional family karaoke party system is the ideal present this Xmas, suitable for karaoke at home or for a party with its 100W output. With 6 built in speakers, multiple flashing LED lights and disco ball it is an all-in-one party system, including four microphones and holders.

You also get access to the Easy Karaoke ‘smart karaoke app’ to stream thousands of free HD quality karaoke songs to your tablet or smart phone via a QR code.

Incorporated is a universal phone/tablet cradle and charger. The fact that it comes with four microphones really does make this a monster of a machine. Not only that but It's fully portable weighing only 8kg and can be powered by USB or battery (battery life four hours). The microphone cable length is two metres allowing you to strut your stuff on both the stage and your living room.

Functions include record, allowing you to repeat that hideous version of Mr Brightside your uncle did whenever you feel like it, you can also mess around with the voice button allowing you to change your male voice to female voice or vice versa, or making your mum sound like a robot, or your wife like a baby. You can add echo onto the output and turn down the microphones if someone is absolutely butchering a group song. A really impressive piece of kit, well worth the money.

A must have for parties this year.

£250

Pros Great sound Portable Four microphones Loads of functions

Recording

For more information on the Easy Karaoke Smart Bluetooth Karaoke System click here

17

Divoom Tivoo Max P

Every now and then a product comes along that simply brings pure joy, the Tivoo ros Max from Divoom is one of those products, an audio and visual delight this is reat sound quality something you can have a lot of fun with, it has a sixties TV set look about it with rounded edges and four little chrome feet. However, this speaker is truly an with punchy bass eighties child at heart thanks to the pixel art display, but we will take a moment to look at the speaker first. The Tivoo-Max audio is composed with 40 watts, etro design 2.1 stereo audio setup, it has a 20W active subwoofer which provides a punchy panel with amount of bass and features the latest DSP technology, this compact little beast kicks out some serious volume that is enjoyable enough before we start digging into million colours all the other features. The large screen has 256 programmable LEDs built into it and is capable of 16 million different colours, the Tivoo Max comes preloaded ixel art animation with a handful of pixel art which can be switched via the large dial, however if you and text creations download the Divoom app there is a whole world of creations to play with and this is where you can get creative yourself, produce images and animations of your ownload more own as well as downloading others art. We found Pokemon, Mario, Link and all sorts of great characters as well as loads of original creations, you can like, share, pixel art from the follow and comment on your favourite artists and post your own work which can app win competitions and points that can be used to get more Divoom products. Funky pictures aren’t the only thing the Tivoo can produce, you can use it as a message arn points from billboard, just enter your message and it will play across the screen, the Silent Alarm feature simulates a real-life sun rise effect, where both lighting and an audio alarm your online come on gradually. The Sleep Aid produces high quality Alphawave white noise creations tracks combined with special calibrated melatonin-inducing light waves, the lighting can be adjusted, you can receive social media notifications with the corresponding uilt in sleep aid logo to alert you. The Tivoo Max will give you 10hours of playback time and takes 4-5hours to fully charge up, it connects easily over Bluetooth 5.0. The Tivoo Max is and alarm profiles a lot of fun, the app can take a little getting used to when it comes to creating your ocial media own animation but once you get the hang of it there is a world of creative possibility, the sound quality is great and the combination of some pumping tunes and lively notifications pixel art makes for a striking piece in any room.

G

R 256 LED 16 P ,

,

D

E

48 B

-

S

10hour battery life

For more information on the Divoom Tivoo Max click here

$149

Is it an alarm clock, speaker, sleep aid or art?

Well, it’s kind of all of them and we love it.

19

Moment Pebble Mental health and stress management awareness has become increasingly important in recent times, mindfulness, yoga and exercise are all heathy ways to manage stress and release endorphins.

The Pebble is a small natural stone device, weighing 300g (10.65oz), that on command rhythmically glows with a gentle light you can use to take 40-second moments of mindfulness. At first glance it looks like nothing more than a pebble, but the touch controls and LEDs combine to deliver a basic breathing exercise to help relax you.

Each stone is marbled and hand polished, with an ultra-smooth finish. The electronic components are encased in a smaller pebble inside the main one. The whole thing fits neatly in the palm of your hand and is light and compact enough to take on your travels too.

The stone has enough battery to last for a couple of weeks, so you could take it on trips, and it might help those who find flying stressful. When the battery does run low it charges wirelessly on an included stone cradle (which itself is powered via USB-C) rather than having a charging slot in the stone itself.

Most tech wellness products are based around a screen, from popular apps like Headspace and Calm to wearable health watches from Apple and Fitbit. While these can bring great results, they're still centred on a screen – itself a major factor in our stress-filled lives.

The Moment Pebble rejects the screen-based approach for something more tactile, and as old as the Earth. It is shamelessly unconnected in an over-connected world.

Pros No Screen £57.99 Elegant Compact Allows you to relax and scale back

For more information on the Moment Pebble click here

A gentle reminder to stop for a second and strip your worries away.

TomTom Go Discover 7 In a world now ruled by phones and Google Maps I was very interested in taking a look at the new Go Discover from TomTom to understand why someone who doesn’t already have Google Maps already integrated into their dash would not just use their phone to access Maps.

The TomTom Go Discover comes in three sizes, 5-inch, 6-inch, and the largest of the three is the 7-inch model which we got to review. The Go Discover has a resolution of 1280x800 pixels and the maps displayed looked very crisp and clear, the functions on the device were great and it was easy to navigate. I found the screen really responsive when compared to the integrated dash I had on my Nissan Qashqai. Functions included are live speed cameras, live fuel pricing and live off street parking.

These live services do come at a price however, the TomTom GO Discover comes with a one-year trial of these Live Services, after which time you'll have to pay for a subscription. It costs £4.50 per month, or £23.99 per year, which is quite a lot considering Google Maps is free. But I guess when you weigh that up with finding cheaper fuel and free parking it can soon pay for itself. My favourite function hands down was free off road parking.

As the Go Discover has built in WiFi, you will not find more up to date world maps with 3 x faster map updates. If you are looking for a dependable sat nav that does everything to the best of its ability then look no further. I have been converted now I have got used to the off road parking detection.

Remember TomTom, check out their flagship device the Go Discover.

For more information on the TomTom Go Discover 7 click here

£279.99

Pros Available in three sizes Very responsive clear screen Live Speed Cameras Live Fuel Pricing Live Off Road Parking

23

Proviz Classic Men's Tour Cycling Jacket

For those days when the weather is a tempting excuse to put off a ride there is the Proviz Classic Tour Cycling Jacket, this is going to be a staple item in your sportswear collection, especially less favourable riding conditions. This Classic Tour jacket is incredibly lightweight (400g) thanks to the polyester peach material, that doesn’t mean it has compromised on performance, it is fully waterproof with a PU coating that offer 10,000mm of waterproofing and is breathable with 10,000/24hr.

The sealed seams keep out the rain and wind whilst the waterproof zip features a soft zip garage to ensure the elements stay out. The inside of the jacket had a wonderfully soft, suede like texture which will sit comfortably against bare skin and almost hugs against any layer’s underneath, preventing it from riding up out of place. The super soft Micro-Fleece Collar adds some extra warmth on those colder rides, there is also the strategically placed REFLECT360 trim built into the jacket, this will help you remain highly visible in poorer light conditions.

The hardwearing cuffs have a smart hook and loop attachment for adjusting the size quickly, giving you extra airflow when they are loose and further protection when they are tightened. The waist is also adjustable via the adjustment toggle, it can be used to pull in the waistband for a precise fit which can change depending how many layers on you have underneath or how much chocolate you have had over the xmas period. This function also helps to keep your profile tight and ensures no spray from the tyres goes flinging up your back on rainy days.

Keeping with the rainy-day theme the two side pockets are fully waterproof, the extended zip pull provides easy access to your belongings on the fly even whilst wearing gloves. It comes in Blue, Red or Yellow designs and in sizes XS-XXXXL. The Proviz Classic Men's Tour Cycling Jacket is a great year-round companion but you will appreciate its protection on those wetter days which, lets face it, in the UK can be any day of the year.

£99.99 Pros Waterproof (10,000mm) Highly Breathable (10,000+gm/24hr) Lightweight Polyester peach material

Seam-sealed Micro-fleece lined collar

REFLECT360 detailing

Adjustable waist and cuffs

Storm zip

A lightweight cycling jacket with weather protections and high visibility.

For more information on the Proviz Classic Men's Tour Cycling Jacket click here

25

QuietOn 3 A good nights sleep can make the difference between having a productive, enjoyable day and a sluggish, irritable one, you can create the most peaceful, soothing sleep routine but throw in a partner that snores or noisy neighbours and all that relaxation goes out the window.

The QuietOn are noise cancelling earbuds designed to help you get a quiet night’s sleep, they can also be used to prevent noise distractions whilst working. These wireless earbuds have a small design with memory phone ear tips in sizes large, medium and small, to provide a tight seal whilst remaining comfortable through the night. These earbuds use both active noise cancellation technology and acoustic noise attenuation to block out the background noise including low frequency noises which foam earplugs can let sneak in. Tackling these low frequencies make them ideal for blocking out snoring, cars blaring out bass, and airplane cabin noises. They come in a solid, protective case and it’s through this case the earbuds receive the charge.

The hinge on the case rattles a little, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to fall apart anytime soon but does make you

For more information on the QuietOn click here

question the build quality when first handling the device.

The battery life lasts for 20hours and takes about 1hour to recharge, those foam tips will ensure the earbuds aren’t going anywhere even for side sleepers and fidgety sleepers.

These are the only active noise cancelling earbuds in the world, the active noise cancelling uses a microphone to sample the sound, and a speaker to create a phase-shifted sound that cancels the original sound. There is a small button on each ear that can be pressed to activate hearing mode in individual ears, you don’t want to miss out on your partner offering you a morning cuppa. The issue here is you have to press into the ear to switch it off, it might be easier to take it out, but the option is there. It is worth noting that these earbuds cannot be connected to your phone to play your own sleep casts or white noise, it is just the noise cancellation which was a surprise when you look at the price tag. If you need quiet not noise to help you drift off or concentrate and are regularly in situations with lots of noisy distractions these might be worth the investment.

£199

These comfortable little earbuds block out the world around you to let you have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Pros Active Noise Cancellation Comfortable all night wearing Long battery life Hearing mode button Cons Expensive Limited features

27

Laurastar IGGI Intense Red Thanks to recent events we are suddenly a lot more conscious of germs and where they might be lurking, after moving around in highly populated areas you might be left wondering what nasties might be attached to your clothing. The IGGI from Laurastar is a hygienic handheld steamer that disinfects all fabrics and objects, using a Dry Microfine Steam (DMS) it kills 99.9% of viruses (including coronaviruses), bacteria and 100% of dust mites present. Washing at low temperatures doesn’t kill all germs as they need to be exposed to temperatures 60°C for a length of time for it to be success, the steamer allows you to sanitise your clothes quickly post wash when you are ready to wear them.

The Laurastar Dry Microfine Steam (DMS) exceeds 100°C. It eliminates 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and dust mites in just a few seconds and lastingly purifies your clothes as shown by scientific studies conducted by independent laboratories from 2017 to 2020.Not limited to clothing it can also be used on all sorts of things like soft toys, fabric masks, motorcycle helmets, door handles, cushions, glasses, keys and much more, it is suitable for even the most delicate of fabrics.

The DMS technology provides an effective disinfectant deep into the fibres without causing any damage, this helps to restore the volume, it works 15 times faster than traditional steamers and doesn’t leave the clothes wet. The compact design makes it highly portable at 9.9 x 4.3 inches and weighs just 2.2lb, it offers 56.6 psi of steam pressure and the 80ml water tank will heat up in 2.5minutes, the 1.8m cable makes it easy to get to most of your belongings. There is a built-in safety trigger means that the steam will only be produced when you need it, avoiding the steamer from being accidently switched on. This easy-to-use steamer is a handy portable device for sterilising both clothing and kids toys from all types of nasties.

A portable way of killing viruses, bacteria and dust mites on clothes and objects.

For more information on the Laurastar IGGI Intense Red click here

Pros Compact Safety trigger Easy to use Cabin baggage compatible Kills 99.9% of viruses (including coronaviruses), bacteria and 100% of dust mites Cons Mains powered only

£179

29

Ekster Aluminium Cardholder Ekster have taken the traditional wallet and ran with it, these seriously robust wallets are made with metal and unique features to produce a functional and stand out product. The new Aluminium Cardholder comes in Green Ore, Space Grey, Matte Black, Midnight Blue, and the Redwood, Metallic Rose, Metallic Gold, Metallic and the new Navy Blue and Camo Green designs we received.

This minimalist wallet is made from a space-grade aluminium and has a built-in button that with a quick press pops up your cards and fans them out for easy access, when you are done simply replace the card and push them all back into place. Even with the most vigorous shaking these cards aren’t going anywhere without that button being pressed, even if you choose to store one card. One to six cards can be stored in the main compartment (maximum of six non-embossed cards, or a combination of 4 - 5 embossed/non-embossed cards, depending on the thickness of each card) with the option of storing an extra nine in the expandable aluminium backplate. This can also be used to hold notes, however the more bits you have tucked in here the more it slows you down in identifying and retrieving them.

The wallet measures up at 0.29 x 4.1 x 2.3 in (0.75 x 10.5 x 6 cm) making it easy to tuck into a jacket or trouser pocket (even skinny jeans), however be aware of removing it from your back trouser pocket before sitting down, you won’t damage the wallet, but your backside will certainly know about it. The Aluminium Cardholder uses an integrated RFID blocking layer that prevents thieves from stealing your identity and money by data skimmers. The optional Ekster Tracker Card can be bought separately, which helps locate your wallet from your phone (or vice versa), with a solar powered battery and up to 200ft (60m) range with Bluetooth 4.0. The Ekster Aluminium Cardholder is a stylish and distinctive looking device, it is probably best suited for occasions rather than day to day use unless you tend to carry a minimal amount of cards/cash with you.

This card holder will certainly stand out in the crowd, especially when you push that button.

$79

Pros Slim profile Expandable backplate Blocks RFID Holds 1-15 cards + bills Smart, unique look

Fans out cards with a push of a button Super durable space-grade 6061-T6 aluminium Cons Minimal storage Difficult to access lots of cards and cash in the back plate

For more information on the Ekster Aluminium Cardholder click here

31

Sennheiser CX True Wireless If you’ve seen any of Sennheiser’s recent true wireless releases, the CX True Wireless should be pretty familiar.

You will notice these earbuds feature the same shape as the previous CX 400BT, albeit now with all-black matte touch panels instead of the previous glossy ones.

However, if you don’t mind that the Sennheiser CX True Wireless looks almost identical, there’s a lot to like here.

The earbuds are a nice size and pretty lightweight while secure, provided one of the four included pairs of silicone ear tips (extra small, small, medium, and large) fits your ears well. I personally like to know I have an earbud in my ear so every 500 yards I am not tapping my ears worried I have dropped one on a run. Unlike many other true wireless earbuds, these don’t have any sort of hook or fin to more actively stay in your ears, so finding the right tip is imperative.

What’s to really love about theses earbuds is that they are cheaper then their predecessors yet are cheaper although packed with loads more features such as a longer battery life and improved Bluetooth connectivity. So firstly on the battery life fully charged the buds will give you 9 hours and stored in the charging case is a further 18 hours.

Should you run out of battery, the CX Plus will go from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ in an hour and a half, while just 10 minutes on the mains will buy you an hour or so of playtime.

Secondly the CX True Wireless have Bluetooth 5.2

compatibility and SBC, AAC, and aptX codec support .

As such, you shouldn’t experience any issues streaming hi-res audio tracks. Pairing the earbuds with our phone was a breeze, and we didn’t suffer any annoying dropouts through testing. You can also use each earbud independently if you wish, while dual microphones inside each bud should deliver clear calls; and, a new Sidetone feature has been designed to make it easier to hear your own voice during calls. This is adjustable thanks to a slider in the app that lets you control how much of your own voice you can hear.

Google Assistant and Siri are both available (though you need to use the touch-controls to wake them), and both are alert and responsive. The touch-controls themselves take the form of a large capacitive surface on each earbud, and here’s where you can deal with all the fundamentals (‘play/pause’, ‘volume up/down’, ‘skip forwards/backwards’, ‘answer/end/reject call’, ‘wake voice assistant’ and cycle through your noise-cancellation options).

Audio quality is exactly what you’d expect from Sennheiser, with a wide soundstage, clear mids, detailed trebles, and powerful bass frequencies. For the price point these should be your go to wireless buds this Christmas if active noise cancelling (ANC) is not a must have as these do not have that, but nonetheless are ideal for runners etc.

Pros Google Assistant and Siri Great Sound Bluetooth 5.2 Light Perfect for running

£115

Ideal wireless earbuds for

For more information on the Sennheiser CX True Wireless click here

running

33

Sennheiser HD 250BT Wireless

I have reviewed a lot of products from Sennheiser over the years and the German powerhouse have brought out a very affordable set of wireless headphones in their HD 250BT Wireless. Every set of Sennheiser I have reviewed in the past have had high quality audio, but are these headphones going to take a hit in quality to match the low price point?

So before we touch on the design, battery life, app and connectivity lets take a look at the sound quality.

The HD 250BT is converting the electrical input with dynamic 32 mm drivers that reproduce frequencies between 20 Hz and 22 kHz. I tested them on Nirvana’s unplugged in New York album and found the sound quality impressive particularly when you take into account the products price point. You can hear the instruments individually with good clear bass throughout, my only slight on them would be they are not too loud and I do like to crank my music up.

I really like the design of these and they are fairly light only weighing 127 grams, however they are certainly not the most comfortable over ears we have tested and I did find the plastic band digging in, adjusting the position of the cups did help but for me comfortability is as important as sound.

Looking past the comfort, the tech in these is superb with 25 hour battery life, USB-C charging and Bluetooth 5 Connectivity. You can also make use of Sennheisers Smart Control App. If you are not satisfied with the sound or would like a boost in certain frequency ranges, you can make an adjustment using Sennheiser’s free Smart Control app (iOS and Android.) The HD 250BT can also be used to make phone calls. This is done with an omnidirectional microphone that operates in a frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz and provides good and clear speech intelligibility under optimal conditions.

For me if these headphones were a touch more comfortable they would be near perfect.

Ideal wireless earbuds for running Pros Smart Control App Bluetooth 5.0 25 hour battery life

Great Price Great Sound Cons Comfortability

For more information on the Sennheiser HD 250BT Wireless click here

£39.99

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KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 6.9L The KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 6.9L stand mixer is the big brother of the hugely popular medium mixer suitable for cooks, bakers and chefs and professional caters alike, especially those who like to go BIG with their bakes.

These large mixers come in a selection of colours, the iconic Candy Apple, Medallion Silver, Onyx Black, Cast Iron Black, Dried Rose and Empire Red. It uses a 1.3 HP high efficiency motor with efficient wattage to power conversion straight into the bowl, the robust design is strong enough to handle even the toughest mixes whilst remaining impressively quiet. Constructed from solid zinc metal it is built to last a lifetime and more and comes with a five-year guarantee, the smooth rounded bowl-lift professional design is perfect for heavy loads/use and easy to clean.

It comes with a 6.9L stainless steel bowl, removable pouring chute, elliptic 11-wire whisk, powerknead spiral dough hook, flat beater ensuring this mixer is ready for anything from bread and cakes, to whipping cream and mashing potatoes. The attachments can all go in the dishwasher which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your food. The stand mixer was the original home stand mixer with the unique ‘planetary action’, this allows the beater to spiral to at least 59 touchpoints around the bowl for a fast and thorough mix. The speed can be adjusted via the control lever from a gentle stir at level 1 up, beating at 6 and fast whipping at level 10.

The tilt head makes it easy to access the bowl without making a mess, the single multipurpose attachment hub on the head opens the mixer to a wide range of additional attachments from a spiralizer to a pasta roller, ice cream maker or food grinder. This mixer will become your sous chef, it’s strong, consistent, reliable and versatile. At the end of your baking session it is easy to clean down, all ready for the next days work.

£699

For more information on the KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 6.9L click here

Beautiful, efficient and reliable, super size your bakes with this big mixer.

Pros Powerful Reliable 5-year guarantee Built to last Machine washable accessories

Large 6.9L bowl Versatile 37

£76

Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric Toothbrush

Ever since having a baby I’ve become an incredibly light sleeper anything can wake me to the point where one morning the sound of my partner’s electric toothbrush woke me, it sounded like he was brushing his teeth with a hammer drill.

The first thing that stands out with the Oclean X Pro Elite, it is so quiet, it operates below 45 dB, so even me with my super hearing, a five-month-old and two cats all remain undisturbed. Not only is this great for sharp eared family members but it will ease you into the morning without rattling your brains awake first thing, even on its most powerful settings. The Elite looks sleek with a 0.96inch colour touch screen built into the body, it has an IPX7 rating which means it can accompany you into the shower when you are pushed for time in the morning. It comes with a colour matching wall mounted holder where it can dry after use safe from being accidently knocked over, this could be improved by allowing the brush to be charged from this position.

This brush is compatible with wireless Qi Quick Charge which will give it a full charge in just 3.5 hours, this will then last for about a months’ worth of cleaning. The X Pro Elite uses a magnetic levitation high-powered motor that can produce speeds of up to 42,000 rpm, the DuPont Diamond Bristles can clear smoking and tea stains whilst protecting the gums and enamel. A personalised brushing plan can be set and will instruct you via touch, the dental model will be displayed on the screen too, the IoT capabilities produce detailed brushing reports on the companion app, it is here you can also customise your brushing plans. It’s a shame the brush can take in this information but can’t provide you with any feedback whilst you are brushing, if you are brushing too hard for example. There are 32 intensity settings for each brushing mode, this feels a little like overkill, you will always be questioning if you have the right settings. When it comes to the options we feel less is more, in fact the whole app could be simplified to be a lot more intuitive. The X Pro Elite is a reasonably priced brush, it feels ultra modern and provides a comfortable, quiet and deep clean, the app needs improvement and a bit of feedback whilst you brush would be good but overall this is good value for money.

This brush is wonderfully quiet and packed full of tech.

Pros Innovative Idea Comfortable Lots of choice in Colours Clever App Cons Syncing Issues Drains phone battery

For more information on the Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric Toothbrush click here

39

Theragun Pro

We have reviewed a lot of massage guns over the last two years and Theragun is the holy grail within this field, we are extremely excited why this is the most expensive product on the market and we have been testing their premium model the Theragun Pro aimed at professional athletes and jampacked with features.

Theragun have recently added Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to its huge pool of international athletes that endorse the product. This includes British Olympic Champion Mo Farah, England and Liverpool footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold, American Grand Slam Champion Maria Sharapova and NBA superstar, Paul George. The reason I have told you the above is the RRP of the product is £549, which is a lot of money but if it can alleviate aches and pains and save you paying for a masseuse it will certainly pay for itself quickly.

So lets take a look at the features and specs, it has 300 minutes of battery life and comes with a spare battery giving you a combined 600 minutes of use between charges, it is also enable for wireless charging with the multi device wireless charger costing an additional £75.

This is the first massage gun we have reviewed with Bluetooth technology and the app is great, its intuitive and

packed with features. The app is free and will guide you on how to use the device and with what attachments, features include wellness, ailments, lifestyle, studio warmup and workout recovery.

The above does set it apart from its rivals already but with it being able to reach 60% deeper than other massage guns with 16mm amplitude and the triangular handle allowing you to hit muscles at different angles it is hands down the most effective gun we have tried yet.

With 60lb’s or force, adjustable arm and a plethora of attachments this really is the rolls Royce.

What differentiates the Theragun Pro from their other models is that it has a rotating head allowing you to aim it in four different directions giving you further access to hard to reach muscles, it also has more attachments and a spare battery.

This reviewer is sold on the functionality and price compared to its rivals, however is it worth it for you?

What the device can do is help speed up recovery for athletes, if you’re a keen runner, cyclist, gym-goer or swimmer with an intensive training schedule that often leaves you with sore muscles this will help massively, if you’re even the slightest bit curious, Theragun offers a 30day no-quibble money-back guarantee.

The Holy grail of massage guns

Pros 300 minute battery life Spare battery Rotating Head Loads of attachments Bluetooth Great app 16mm amplitude 60 lbs force Adjustable arm

Cons Price

£549 For more information on the Theragun Pro click here

41

Urbanista Lisbon Urbanista was established as a brand in 2010 in Stockholm out of love for cities and urban life. We have reviewed a number of products from Urbanista in the past and their new true wireless earbuds called Lisbon are their most compact to date.

The Lisbon are available in five colours Midnight Black, Mint Green, Coral Peach, Vanilla Cream and Blush Pink, and come with a charging case, USB charging cable and instruction manual. These earbuds are so easy to use, the moment you open the case they automatically become available to pair, they can store up to six paired devices and they worked fine ios, Android and Windows. They have a nine hour battery life and you can store a further two charges in the case, so 27 hours total which is really impressive. What I did really like was that they tell you when they need to be charged with a “low battery” indication 30 minutes before they die. They also have touch controls, allowing you to answer calls, turn the volume up and down and you can also connect to voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, so you can comfortably look like a weirdo on the bus talking to yourself.

The sound quality is as we have come to expect from Urbanista, a complete sound with the top notes ringing out nicely although the mid tone lacks a little depth and for the price bracket they are in they are certainly over performing.

These are not for audiophiles, but then they wouldn’t be shopping in the £49 market. These are great everyday wireless earbuds with their variety of colourful options definitely a pull factor.

Pros Great Sound £49.90 Compact Design 27 Hour Battery Life 5 Beautiful Colour Choices Touch Control

For more information on the Urbanista Lisbon click here

Available in five beautiful colours.

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