GadgetSpeak Articles

GadgetSpeak has close to 5,000 product reviews and other articles. You can use this page to find others opinions on anything from mobile phones to computers to the latest kitchen appliance

 
Using wireless technology, this next product should be fine for relaxing listening and while exercising.
The Cyrus soundBuds is a set of wireless sports earphone.  Along with the ear-buds, which I found slipped easily into my ears, you get three pairs of interchangeable ear-tips,  These are of various size for use with different sizes of ears.  Completing the package is a charging case with a small standard-to-micro USB lead plus a small concertina type User Manual.
887110 Google Nest Route

Nest Wi-Fi Router & Point

If your Wi-Fi is slow – or even non existent – in the further flung places of your home then you are likely to need a ‘Point’ which duplicates the signal once linked to the ‘Router’. The ‘Router’ sits beside your modem, and the ‘Point’ at a place where it pumps up the signal to reach those places that otherwise will not get a sufficient signal.
Like so many things today it is controlled by an App. There are two sides of instructions on 12x12cm card that consists of three items on the left side, Plug in your Router, Get the Google Home App and Set up your devices. The right pane has illustrations in order that a total novice can identify the supplied parts. These are the Router, the Point, a couple of Power Adapters and an Ethernet Cable.
"Real","Counterfeit"
Many more years ago that my memory is capable of delivering total recall, I attended a Microsoft event dealing with the topic of counterfeit products.  Actually it was just over 19 years ago and the event had Graham Norton as its compère.  The numerous attendees were divided into various teams.  Each team had to identify which items, from a selection, were genuine or counterfeit.
887121 Pure StreamR Portable Wireless Digital Radio Speake

Pure StreamR

This is a DAB and FM radio with presets, it is also a speaker for those who want output from the ‘Aux’ input plus it also has ‘Alexa’ built in. This oval unit has another big plus the ability to run from its internal battery for up to fifteen hours.
I called it oval as it has rounded corners but in truth it is a 10cm cube when in use. The height when switched off is only 8cm. The on/off mechanism is simply by pushing down in the centre of the top and this releases the unit to show the display, push down again from any mode and the display disappears and it becomes 10x10x8cm. On first switch on you should be given the option to set your language of choice.
Leonardo, the detective cat, returns for further Match 3 game play.
A little over a year ago I reviewed a game entitled "Mystery Loss".  This game belonged to the Match 3 genre and dealt with the less than dynamic duo of Grandma and her pet cat, named Leonardo, as they attempted to solve the mystery of a case of bird-napping.  Now Intersol has produced a follow up offering which is simple entitled "Mystery Loss 2". As with the original title, "Mystery Loss 2"  is a March 3 game but with a slightly different cast list.
886735 ROKiT IO PRO 3D Android 8.

ROKiT IO Pro 3D

An interesting offering at the top end of the budget and below the mid price phone category. This comes with lots of extras not just things like a case and even a solid looking suitcase but also several software offers to temp you but as always it’s the phone that matters.
This is a 3D SmartPhone and once setup the globe on the front screen is an eye catcher. It comes in a large 18x12x4cm hard sided zip up case rather like a suitcase. Inside are a case for the back of the phone, a nice long USB to micro USB for charging, a wrist strap, and the all important tool to open the SIM slot and a small 13x7cm eight side fold out getting started sheet. The phone is 15.8x7.5x.8cm; the viewable screen is 13.
886742 blume growing dol

Grow your Own : Blume Dolls

Money may well not grow on trees but a child can grow their own toy with this next product.
The clue regarding this product, not surprisingly, can be found in its title.  Alright the spelling might cause a little confusion but saying the title and you could get a clear indication as to what to expect from this offering Skyrocket UK.  I am, of course, referring to the Skyrocket Blume product.
886851 AOC Porsche Q27T1 27inch Widescreen IPS LED Monito

AOC Q27T1 Flat Panel

This is a 27inch panel that takes up not a great deal of your desk space. The secret is the shape of the stand that remains mainly within the footprint of the panel. So will this achieve everyone’s nirvana of a clean and clear desk space?
The screen is 61x36x1cm and the stand is24x15cm in the shape of a wide ‘U’, it lifts the display by 10cm from your desk and it gives you plenty of both back and forward tilt. There are a line of five buttons under the bottom right edge if you think you can get a better display than the ‘Auto’ offering. In reality you will probably only use the on/off button. The connections are hidden under the back left behind a detachable part of the housing.
While banks expect us to trust them, does this trust extend to their security arrangements when payments are concerned.
Part of the impetus behind this research was the concern felt by Generation Z, made up of those born after 1995, regarding their views on banking fraud and the possibility of any follow up issues that have generally be known to occur after such instances.  With payment fraud seemingly becoming the norm in today's society and the banks doing little to improve security standards and ease the concerns felt by consumers, some form of pressure was required and should be welcomed.
886683 Krups KP1A0140 Nescafe%CC%81 Dolce Gusto Piccolo coffee pod machin

Krups Piccolo XS

It’s the nations favourite Pod coffee brand often known as Nescafe Dolce Gusto, for those who like Starbucks coffee it now includes Starbucks brand coffee to work in their Pods. So what does this ‘XS’ machine offer well first it is rather small with a water tank to match. So probably the ideal unit for a single user or just maybe a couple.
The Krups Piccolo XS measures 28cm tall, 24cm deep and 13cm wide so any other Krups machine dwarfs it. The only instructions are on the outside of the box but as everything is assembled all you need to do is insert the mains plug, put water in the clear container at the back and lift the preparation lid an insert a capsule.

Toys for Christmas : Dream Toys 2019

It is that time of year again when I need to make the trip from my Sound London base to the area Sherlock Holmes called home.
886665 OnePlus 7T 8 GB RAM 128 GB UK Android Smartphon

OnePlus 7T

OnePlus are rapidly becoming a SmartPhone that has new features and pushes the boundaries. In fact a lot of their ‘fans’ will reserve in advance as they are happy with what produced, so what has this latest offering from OnePlus at the top end of mid pieced handsets have to offer.
It is 15.9x7.2x.8cm and weighs 189grams. The viewable screen is 6.9x15.2cm which gives the notional diagonal imperial measurement of 6.54inches. Going around the outside has the on/off button on the right side with a lock button above it. The base has a speaker, USB ‘C’ for charging and OTG devices, the SIM entry point is also there. The left side has volume rocker. The top has a pin hole microphone. There is a raised circle of 2.
It is a strange, strange world you are about to enter with Skyland - Heart of the Mountain gaming environment.
I have been looking at the Collector's Edition of Skyland - Heart of the Mountain.  Developed by Cordelia Games, this Hidden Object game comes with a number of bonus items.  These elements can be accessed from an Extras section on the product's main title screen.
This is a keyboard for those who hate the onscreen keyboard that you get with SmartPhones and Tablets. But it is small in its collapsed dimensions it even has a carry bag and the whole thing is 27x5x3cm and weighs only 228gram including instructions.
The bare keyboard weighs only 189 grams and unfolds to 25x10cm with each key being 1.3cm square and to save you checking those on a normal desktop PC are 1.5cm square so still very typeable. The area behind the keyboard needs another 6cm of space and here is where your Tablet or SmartPhone sits. So total space required is 31cm.
886658 spyro phone holde

Hold the Phone! : able Guys Spyro

Offering to look after your mobile phone when it is being charged is a purple dragon.
While, for many, there is the opinion that the majority of others, not including themselves, cannot exist without the safety blanket of using the all-enveloping features of this communication device.  But there has to be periods when a temporary separation of the user and their device might be called for at various intervals.  I will leave you to draw up your own list of these possible short-term separations that could occur.
With all the advertising on television and magazines I am sure we all know that a powered toothbrush gives better cleaning results than a manual brush. While the whiteness of your smile is important to some, perhaps the most important thing is to have no tooth – or tooth associated – pain.
It is 25cm long 3x2.5cm at the base and slightly thinner towards the top of the handle, the replaceable head forms the last 8.5cm of the length. While the 22x7x4.5cm flip shut case has space for two toothbrush heads only one comes in the box. There is a 7cm round clear stand that is supplied for when at home and this clips over an identical one which forms the charge point ending in a two pin plug which are the only plug sockets that should be in a bathroom.
The Doro 8080 has been designed to meet the needs of those who want to obtain the benefits of a smartphone but are less familiar with technology
With the 8080 Doro has recognised that the sophistication of a smartphone can be daunting to a new user. Consequently, in the Quick Start Guide and when setting up the phone for the first time, one is given the choice of selecting between “Yes, I am a beginner”, “No, I have already used one” or “I’m setting the phone up for someone else”.
This next title combines Hidden Object, Match 3 and Card Pairing game play.
"The Far Kingdoms - Hidden Magic" belongs to the Hidden Object genre of gaming.  Developed by Lazy Turtle Games, this title casts you in the role of a princess who had embarked on a sort of gap year experience to broaden her knowledge of the wide world and different communities over which she would eventually rule.
886504 Google Pixel 4 X

Pixel 4XL Smart Phone

Google do not make cheap phones so if you are looking for a bargain buy it’s not here, having said that Google make phones that look good and normally work well, however any phone these days has to be great to get to be the desired one.
It is 15.8x7x.8cm and weighs 192grams. 14.5x7cm is the viewable screen which gives the notional diagonal imperial measurement of 6.3 inches. The screen resolution is 1440x3040 pixels. I was sent the orange backed one which to my unfashionable eye looks weird, the front and sides apart from the orange on/off button are black and the orange on the back is interrupted by the 2.4cm raised square that are the cameras. Switch on is 9 seconds which is good.
Offering to deliver music where ever you go is the next product under review.
With its goal to "free the sound", Libratone has set about creating wireless technology enabling music that can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere in the home and its surrounding area.  The result of this work is the Zipp 2 device which is the subject matter of this review. The Libratone Zipp 2  is a portable cylindrical, tower speaker with attitude.
886505 panda dome advanced securit

Panda Dome Advanced

This is one of several security software products that promise to keep you safe. What each product promises is slightly different so they all have a place according to what you want, here an offering from Panda their Internet Security offering.
The ‘Dome’ is what they claim will protect you; some of the offerings are switched on by default others are up to you. When you click on it the front screen will tell you your PC is protected and how many files it has scanned in my case 162,216 when I looked, scroll down the Window to see exactly what is and is not currently protected. The first choice is Scan and this would take place when required once done it then checks everything extra as it is connected or attached.
Be careful what you seek as it could bring more trouble than it is worth.
Developed by Interactive Dreamscape, Outlaws: Corwin's Treasure is a Hidden Object game.  With this particular title you are invited to an abandoned town of St. Matrick,  This location is rumoured to be the site where the fabled ancient treasure, known as Corwin's Treasure, is meant to be hidden.  You have been hired to help the wealthy Mr. John Atkins, who to ensure your full cooperation and loyalty, has arranged for your wife to be kidnapped and held prisoner.
886413 3Doodler Create Plus 3D Printing Pe

3Doodler create+

This is a pen that allows you to make almost anything in 3D. The illustration on the side of the box can be made in a few minutes others will take a lot longer and maybe even require some artistic talent to create but the basic process is simple.
In the box is the pen rather like a thick biro at 15.5cm long, it is near diagonal in shape with the sides 1.5cm wide. There are two buttons 2.5cm from the tip. At the back is where the mains lead is connected as well as where the filament strips are inserted. The strips are 25cm long; the box contains three different packs each with five strips each of five colours so if my maths are correct that is 18.75 metres of filament which should build quite a few items.
886657 Doro 6620 3G Clamshell mobile phon

Doro 6620 clamshell phone

The Doro 6620 is an easy-to-use clamshell phone which has been designed to meet the needs of the elderly
Having a closed size of 106 x 55 x20mm, and weighing just 110 g it slips conveniently into a pocket or handbag and has large and easy-to-use keys together with a 70mm easily read display.   On the right hand side of the phone are the volume up/down controls while, on the opposite side is the standard 3.5mm headphone socket together with the microUSB charging port.
Be careful what you drink otherwise you could end up like a character in this next game.
Designed by Magnussoft, Wizard Quest - Adventure in the Kingdom is a Match 3 game set in a land where royalty, magic and fire-breathing dragons are important factors in this storybook land.  The game involves an ancient wizard named Sygmand who spends most of his time creating potions and sometimes he even knows what the potion is meant to do.
886232 Skyroam Solis X International Mobile WiFi Hotspo

Skyroam Solis X

Mobile Wi-Fi in almost any country, this is what this small orange coloured unit promises. Like the majority of things today it is run from an iOS or Android App. Once the App is downloaded and the Solis is charged a couple of minutes for setup should have you connected anywhere.
While I cannot claim to have used this in the Scottish Highlands, the Sahara Desert or the middle of the Atlantic Ocean everywhere I did try it I got the ability to collect and send emails and browse the Internet, with a SIM inserted in your phone you can also send and receive phone calls and SMS messages, that last statement may seem strange of course you have a SIM in your phone but I deliberately set up a brand new phone so it never had my Wi-Fi information so it could not use it.
While not a familiar brand to me, the Kurbis is a German speaker system.
The Kurbis is a Bluetooth Bookshelf speaker system that forms part of the Thonets & Vander's catalogue of audio products.  For those not familiar with the company, Thonets & Vender is a German organisation originally founded, in Berlin, during the middle of the last century, by Hannes Josef Einrich using his telecommunication experience gained during the Second World War.
886344 OPPO Reno2 Z Dual Sim Camera Smartphon

Oppo Reno2 Z

Just after my review of the Oppo Reno was published I was invited to the launch of version 2, having checked that these items would be available for review without a long wait I journeyed to East London for the launch event held in Canning Town.
Two phones were launched as well as a headset. Here I am looking at the slightly lower specifications of the Reno 2 Z which has a Gorilla glass back so it could be a little slippy, however there is a reasonable back and sides case in the box. It is 16x7.3x.9cm and it weighs 200grams. The right side has the SIM entry point and below that the on/off button. Boot up is 15 seconds and shutdown is 3 seconds. The base has speaker, USB ‘C’ port, pin hole microphone and 3.
I expect many of you already know of the connection between a coven of witches and the Full Moon. For those who don't I would suggest joining the Witch Hunters and taking a look at the Full Moon Ceremony game
Available from Big Fish Games, in either Standard or Collector's edition format, "Witch Hunter: Full Moon Ceremony" belongs to the Hidden Object Adventure genre of digital games.  I have been dipping my game playing experience into the Collector's edition version of the title.    Developed by Top Evidence, this particular version of the game deals with the activities of a group of evil witches intent on taking control of the world.
In the morning there are two stimulants to get you out of bed one you will know about as you reach older age -your bladder - and the second the smell of a fresh brewed cup of coffee, even the sound of the beans being ground could do it.
As Bean to Cup coffee machines go this is thin at 19.5cm wide, it is 48cm deep and 35cm tall. Setup is just a matter of putting beans in the hopper on top of the unit and putting water in its container that shares the back part of the unit with the bean hopper. Next flush some water through and test the steam from the milk frother. Now place a cup under the coffee outlet and in less than two minutes you can be drinking your first cup of black or white coffee.
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