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Sitting between a desktop and laptop viewing area, this next product reminds me of a cup of coffee.
Do you remember your first computer monitor?  I can certainly remember mine with its bulk and weight causing my back to complain whenever I needed to move it to a new position.  Fortunately, nowadays we have access to models that have much larger viewing areas yet are considerably lighter in their weight.  When moving a modern monitor, if I listened carefully, I would probably hear my back utter a sigh of relief.
Unlike other ‘rugged’ notebooks I have reviewed this one is a Tablet as it has no cover, and no keyboard other than an onscreen offering. It is not light as it weighs 2619 grams and the screen is 14 inches, totally touch operated either with finger, glove or the provided stylus. It has eight touch controls below the landscape screen.
The dimensions are 35.5x33x3.5cm with the carry handle extended. The viewable screen is 31x17.5 which gives the notional diagonal imperial measurement of 14inches this display is Lumibond 2.
The Spirit of Revenge - Unrecognised Master is a Hidden Object Adventure game set in a village under the control of a malevolent spirit. This review is based on the Collector's Edition of this game developed by Vendel Games.
As usual with Collector's Edition, this title comes with a number of bonus items to add extra appeal to the game player.  These items are made up of Concept Art, Wallpaper, Music, Video Clips, Mini Games, Strategy Guide and a bonus chapter.  In some cases, such as Concept Art, Wallpaper, Music and Strategy Guide, you are granted immediate access while with other extra items you will need to complete the main game.
Keeping your data safe even when on the move is possible with this next product.
About 18 months ago I took a look at a security conscious, portable, external hard drive from Apricorn.  This was the company's Aegis Fortress L3 product.  Now it is the turn of the Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NXC offering.  Like its bigger brother this small pocket-sized device offers the user automatic protection as part of its feature set.
891157 Apple iPhone 1

Apple iPhone 12

Having recently looked at one of the previous models in the range 23-9-20, I now get my chance to test the latest version from Apple. Out of the box it seems to me to be rather chunky compared to other phones, this of course may help it to survive the odd drop, while the corners are shaved off the sides are a perfect sandwich shape. This is not the Max or the Mini it’s the iPhone 12.
The Apple iPhone 12 measures 14.7x7.2x.8cm apart from its two cameras that protrude on the back slightly from the raised square that contain them and the LED flash. It weighs 162 grams. The box is small because normal things like a charger and ear buds are not included, I read somewhere that Apple consider most people don’t need them. You do get a Lightning to USB ‘C’ cable and of course the Pin to insert your SIM.
As computer-targeted threats continue to grow. so antivirus software companies need to offer users appropriate protection.
As one of the oldest producers of IT security solutions, F-Secure has built up a reputation in the field of developing both hardware and software solutions to face the threat of unwanted attacks on computer set ups.  In the past I have looked at some of the company's hardware products, such as F-Secure Sense, now it is the turn of F-Secure software.  This product is the company's F-Secure TOTAL which is available on a subscription basis to suit the needs of the customer.
891149 Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR Smartwatc

Skagen Hybrid HR Watch

While this is a Smart Watch it can also be a standard watch but it has a battery that may only need recharging around once in two weeks. However link it to your mobile phone and you can get all sorts of notifications, play music and even view your favourite Apps and still have a standard watch face should you wish, or let it tell you far more.
The Skagen Hybrid HR smartwatch has a 42mm face mine was black with similar strap. It has three buttons on the right side which can do a range of things. Like a lot of recent watches it is controlled when you link it to your phone with an App available from the Apple or Google Play store.
When packing your holiday case, don't forget your Hidden Object skills.
The title of this next game, Our Beautiful Earth, does not give a clue as to the genre of this particular offering.  In fact Our Beautiful Earth belongs to the Hidden Object style of game play.  Developed by BD Studio Games, Our Beautiful Earth takes you on a trip to 30 different locations from around the world as you locate various objects and complete mini games in order to continue your travels. Allowing different players to take part in this game, you can create named profiles.
Keeping active minds fully, and positively, occupied can be a difficult task at the best of time. The closure of schools due to the pandemic will not help matters.
Offering to help provide parents with the appropriate tools designed to encourage learning within the home environment are various companies including Geomagworld.  For those not too familiar with Geomagworld, this is a leading organisation in the toy industry which has been developing toys that are meant to stimulate creativity and learning in the young members of society.  Recently I have been given the opportunity to check out one of the Geomagworld products.
891129 debenhamssho

Shoes from Debenhams

I am not a huge fan of buying shoes online, but with no sign of the lockdown ending I bit the bullet and checked a few sites. I ended up with Debenhams – yes I know they will not reopen but any purchase with a Credit/Debit card should be safe – simply because of the price.
As the only way anyone can get around safely is by walking my shoes have taken a fair amount of punishment and with the cost of repairs such as ‘sole and heal’ being astronomical these days it becomes pointless to do so, it may not be good for the planet but when repairs are twice the price of a new pair it’s a no brainer. There is a good amount of information about the shoe and also several images available so if you are sure of your size it becomes easy.
Rather than rising from your favourite armchair, why not ask Alexa to carry out tasks.
The Alexa influence continues to spread its net wide as our households become more reliant on smart technology.  The latest member of this Amazon family to be released into the wild, and make its way to my home, is the 4th Generation Echo Dot.
891085 smart scree

Smart Screen Cleaning Cloth

Very few SmartPhones apart from the very expensive offerings have a matt back and I have yet to see one without shiny sides and screen surround and these of course show finger marks. While the screen more or less has to be shiny and as all but very basic SmartPhones are touch unless you wear special gloves every touch of your finger shows a mark.
Most people when the marks interfere with what they are doing rub the face of their SmartPhone on their trousers or jeans not that vital until a year ago when Covid reared its head but now it’s more important or the next time your finger moves from your screen to your face… At this time of year when out and about gloves are something I wear all the time and the ones designed to enable phone usage do help not only does this save your fingers freezing when you touch your phone but I t
891122 Screenshot 2021 02 08 at 00.19.1

Story Telling Time : Readmio

"Are you sitting comfortably? Then I will begin by reading you a story with the assistance of a new app entitled Readmio".
Readmio, the company, is a Czech start-up that has the desired aim of creating a meaningful bonding experience between the parent and the child.  This is through the natural process of the telling and listening to a story partnership.  To this end the company has developed an app, sharing the company name of Readmio.
Lets take a trip to a world where Kings, Queens, Prince and Princesses rule from large castles while witches and fairies ply their trade in the constant battle between good and evil.
Available at the cut-price of $2.99 from Big Fish Games, Witches Curse in the Princess Isabella series is a Hidden Object Adventure game.  While a little long in the tooth, this Gogii developed game makes a good choice for somebody taking their first steps into Hidden Object game play.  It does this by not only integrating its Strategy Guide into the story line but also allows the player to access its content that is relevant to the location being currently visited.
891059 Acer TC 885 Windows 10 Deskto

Acer Desktop XC-885

This is now becoming a rare beast a Desktop PC rather that a Notebook. Sadly it has one thing missing – from my point of view – an optical drive. However during my testing period it has performed well in all departments that will satisfy most people.
Acer XC-885 measures 32x29x9.5cm, the front of the unit has an on/off button at the top below this in a vertical line down the right side of the front are an SD card slot, always on USB ‘C’ port, an always on USB port and 3.5mm sockets for headphones and a microphone. The back has a kettle style mains input with a fan output beside it, below this are two HDMI inputs and D-Sub.
Unlike some graphics software titles available on a subscription basis, this next offering can be purchased with a single payment.
Developed by the French DxO company, PhotoLab is photo-editing software.  Now up to version 4, this software is available in either Essential or Elite offerings.  This review is based on PhotoLab 4.0 Elite which comes with several new features including the excellent DxO DeepPrime technology but more of that a little later. Firing up this application for the first time can be a little time consuming.
Rather than just looking at paintings, you can step inside them to explore what is happening.
Investigating crime can take up time as this next game proves.
In the past Secret Investigations have tackled the subjects of Nemesis and Revelations.  Now it is the turn of Heritage to form the basis of a series of investigations that make up this Hidden Object game.  As with the early titles, this Heritage offering covers various investigations.  In this case, the investigations are entitled Stolen Will, Ghost Mansion, Gold Legacy, Final Bill and Oblivious Art.
This is a 27inch flat panel 1920x1080 that shows everything just that little bit larger, it also has something that most other flat panels do not have a decent set of speakers so external speakers should not be required, so what else does this recent offering from Philips have to tempt you.
It is 61x36x1cm apart from the base of the screen surround that is 3.5cm and immediately you know why the sound is so good as the speakers are down facing in the base. The surround on the sides and top are .5cm with the base surround being 2.4cm and so the notional diagonal imperial measurement is as stated above, the full 27inches.
Add to your Match-3 playing skills as you attempt to become a Potion Master.
Developed by Green Sauce Games, Secrets of Magic 4 - Potion Master is a Match-3 offering.  The game places you in the company of an experienced witch, named Victoria, and her apprentice, named Beatrix, who is studying hard to become a Potion Master by collecting, and learning about, the different ingredients required for certain spells.  As the different ingredients are only to be found in the Forbidden Forest, this is the location where all the action takes place.
The League of Light is an organisation who has managed to become involved in a number of investigations. In this particular case, the investigation involves a return to Blake's Mountain in responses to a worrying message from Hank Hunter who felt he was being followed by an unknown entity. As a League of Light detective, you are sent to investigate what will become know as the case of the Gatherer.
Developed by Mariaglorum, League of Light: The Gatherer is a Hidden Object Adventure game.  This review is based on the Collector's Edition of the title that comes with a number of extra items.  In most cases these items, such as Music, Wallpaper and Concept Art, can be access immediately.  However there is a Bonus Chapter which remains locked until the main game has been completed.
Following The Tree of Life, The Living Mountain continues the Amaranthine Voyage saga as it relates the further adventures of Professor Burns.
I have been looking at the Collector's Edition of this Eipix Entertainment Amaranthine Voyage: The Living Mountain which comes with a number of bonus items.  While, in some cases, bonus items can be accessed immediately, other will require progress to have been made in the main game and there are some which only become available when everything else has been completed.
891070 Xiaomi Mi 10T Lit

Mi 10T Lite : Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite

Not actually a new company but one that that I have not reviewed before, the company is called Xiaomi, and like a lot of recent SmartPhones comes to me via Vodafone. As far as I can tell this company has not incurred the wrath of the USA as it comes with Google and G-Mail.
The Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite measures 15.3x7.5x.7cm apart from the circle of its back that has its four cameras that protrudes a little more and it weighs 219grams. The notional diagonal imperial measurement is 6.6 inches. 2mm down from the top of the screen in the centre is the front camera so it does protrude into the viewable area. However the items to the left and right are the housekeeping ones so it does not really detract. Boot up time is 14 seconds and shutdown is 2.5 seconds.
TCL continues to offer users a choice of handsets with its latest offerings announced at CES 2021
Looking for a holiday with a difference, then you might like to consider a visit to an Adventure Park.
Acting as a kind of digital travel agency, Casual Arts offers game players the choice of various Vacation Adventures.  In this case you are invited to join a Park Ranger as you visit the different locations that make up the gaming environment of this Hidden Object game. Profiles can be created so that different players can take their adventurous break when they fancy.  The profile will record their progress and score of the designated player.
891050 Charwego international travel adapte

A Power Adapter : Masterspace Charwego

When normality returns, and we can move about at will, the next product could be a useful aid.
This small heavily padded Tablet is something that should withstand rough treatment. There are three in the range with stories from recent Disney hits. There are other claims on the box that I could not always test as some external programs seem to require a controller that – after checking with the PR agency – I am told is not supplied.
The Pebble Gear kids tablet computer measures 19x11x1cm without the slightly flexible cover and weighs 285 grams; the cover fits snugly and adds 90 grams to the overall weight. The screen is 15.4x8.6cm this gives the notional diagonal imperial measurement of 7 inches. The controls and connections are on the right side, first the on/off button, next a 3.5mm socket for headphones and then the micro USB socket and finally volume rocker with a micro SD card socket to its side.
Adding to its range of Alcatel smartphones, TCL has announced two new models at the recent CES event.
While we are bound by the various restrictions imposed by the Lockdown procedure, the Consumer Electronics Show has gone on its merry way with numerous companies announcing new products and initiatives.  One such company is the global electronics TCL Communications with regards to its new additions to its suite of Alcatel products.  These handsets are the Alcatel 3L and the Alcatel 1S.
Looking for new locations in which to arrange hidden objects, Casual Arts place you on board an ocean liner visiting various locations.
Developed by Casual Arts, Vacation Adventure Cruise Director is a Hidden Object game.  As can be surmised from its title, this game involves taking a holiday on board a cruise liner.  All your activities will be organised by the cruise director and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy yourself.  Well not exactly as you will be challenged to complete a variety of tasks aboard the liner and at the different ports of call established during the cruise.
Do you trust a ghostly figure when you are searching for a missing friend pulled back in time or rely on your own instincts.
As is my usual practice, this review is based on the Collector's Edition of the title which comes with a number of bonus items.  In some cases, such as wallpaper, music and concept art, you are granted immediate access to the bonus items.  However to make use of collectibles, achievements, archives and screen saver items, you will need to make progress in the main game.
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