Monday, December 16, 2013

Goal Zero Rock Out 2



Goal Zero has shipped a new outdoor portable speaker called the Goal Zero Rock Out 2. The speaker is water resistant, rugged and connects with a simple auxiliary cable into the headphone jack. In addition, it features a rechargeable 20 hour Lithium-ion battery and can be recharged either through the USB port or an optional Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel. It is aviable for 59.99 in a variety of colors. For more information follow the link www.goalzero.com/rockout2/ . Please check back for our full review! 

The Mini Computers are Coming!


The Shuttle Computer Group is releasing a new line of gaming computers based on Fourth-Generation Intel Processors. The SZ87R6 and SH87R6 mini computers have been outfitted with Intel Z87 and H87 express chipsets; support the new Intel Haswell processor and have integrated HD graphics. According to Shuttle Computing Group graphics performance has been doubled. For more information follow the link http://us.shuttle.com/.  Remember to check back for our full review.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Misfit's activity tracker Shine, your business professional fitness tracking device



To go with the UberBuds, insinuating to get my ass out of a chair, Misfit has provided me with their personal fitness tracker that is unlike anything like it. We have seen a surge of activity and fitness trackers over the last year and some work incredibly and others fizzle out quickly, the Shine looks like it has what it takes to be a big contender in the market with stand out features like Aircraft-grade aluminum, a halo of 12 LED lights, and extensive activity/sleep level tracking. Toting a Chic design, this little watch/sensor is also built to be seen and there are a number of accessories to help do so, one of which includes a leather watch band(purchased separately). In terms of it’s tracking abilities, the Shine captures and syncs all steps, distance, and calories burned to your iPhone or Android device whether walking, bicycling, or swimming.

What I liked about the Shine was that it did not look like an activity tracker, it was something small enough to be stored away and not noticable or on your wrist to go with most any suit. As a watch entheusiast, Misfit’s device is a standout as it displays the time when double tapped along with showing daily proress on the halo of 12 LED's on the face. The tracker is built to take a beating, with no glass to worry about breaking and it is also waterproof so it can be worn swimming. The data which is synced to the phone, my iPhone in this situation displayed current progress, past statistics, awards, and the ability to show off your achievements with others sporting Shine. Rechargeable this device is not, but uses a long lasting watch battery and the face will indicate when it is time to replace the battery and includes a tool for easy replacement.

The Misfit Shine is an elegant multipurpose device, regardless to if you choose to wear it on your wrist, neck, shoe, lapel, or pocket. Syncing is incredibly fast and easy while also being durable knowing it can face impact and elements without breakage. My only issue was keeping it clean as any time I bumped it against my desk or countertops I would have to clean marks from it and be sure not to leave water spots. I particularly enjoyed the unique way that the time is displayed and then my daily status to let me know how much time to focus at the end of my day to reach my goal. The Sport Band was sent with the Shine activity tracker and while I felt it was a bit narrow, it was comfortable, light, and went with me everywhere. The Misfit Shine is available now in grey, jet, topaz, and champagne colors for the price of $119.95.

Monday, December 9, 2013

MuseMini brings wireless audio to earbuds with the UberBuds

Next up we have Musemini's answer to Jabra's Sport + Wireless headphones with the the Uberbuds. Rightly named, these buds cut the cord and offer an even more compact solution to active people looking to reduce time spent adjusting headphones while working out. The Uberbuds are minimalistic on the outside, but inside the buds Bluetooth 4.0 is used to help deliver the signature UberTone high quality sound. Outside of the buds, but still in the package came three pairs of various sized tips and UberStays for the most stay protection and a hard clamshell case to provide safety when stored away. Jabra was the first “sports” wireless headphone we have had the opportunity to review, so lets see if they still carry the torch or if the UberBuds will take the throne.

For starters, these buds are much easier to just stick in my ear and go. Sure I wrestled with the tips at first, like most other earbuds, after time and figuring out the UberStays, it was a quick sync and go process without fumbling with the 90’s hearing aid look to support the receiver and stay in place. I was a bit worried that I would be fumbling here and there during movement but on a bicycle, eliptical machine, or skateboard I had no issues outside of how often I was removing them to hear what people were saying. The battery life is nice, especially with how small the UberBuds are, I got a whole work shift in without them dying, which means that those looking to only use while working out, should likely only have to recharge once a week. The charger was a bit difficult to figure out at first but is nice that no port covers need to be removed, which can be even more diffucult if you lack the amount of nail needed to unplug. Most surprising though was the sound quality, they were loud, clear, and packed a punch with a lot more bass than I am used to from earbuds.

MuseMini’s UberBuds threw me for a loop, as I was expecting to get a very compact set of wireless earbuds, and while I got just that, but both the size and the amount of bass that came from them were a very, very nice surprise. With wireless fitness headphones, it is very important that they stay in and with the UberBuds, they were much easier to put in without struggling to get them in place to start moving. Sure the charger is not a universal micro USB input, so you have to make sure not to misplace it and the hard clamshell case is a nice added touch to prevent wrapping the headphones and risking damage over time. The UberBuds are available now with a black or yellow cable for $129.99.

Be on the look out for: Onbeat-200

I little bird has made me aware that Christmas has come early amidst the flurry of CES announcements. Divoom has sent us out their Bluetooth speaker, the Onbeat-200. Different from Divoom’s previous speakers, the Onbeat-200 sports not one, but two speakers. The device comes in at a portable 6 inches and of course a passive bass radiator is included in the design for that added depth topped with onboard controls and built in microphone. In the spirit of other Divoom portable audio speakers, the Onbeat-200 comes sporting their common assortment of color and an aggressive low price of $79.90.

In the following week we will see how it compares and if it deserves a spot on Santa’s nice list.