MAGAZINE
Roberts Radio WhatHiFi Advertorial.indd 1
06/05/2015 15:48
LAY-Z-SPA HOT TUBS
PAGE 25
GIVI X.01 TOURER HELMET
PAGE 28
HARMAN KARDON ESQUIRE MINI
4 Anki Drive 6 Sega Toys Homestar Original 6 Sleepphones 7 Guantes Softy Touch 8 Roberts Revival Blutune Radio 9 Roberts Travel Pad 11 Proporta Iphone 6 Plus Super Slim
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12 The Wedge 13 Martian Notifier Smartwatch
Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com
15 Moto Air Hi Vis Jackets
Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com
16 Baby Gigl
Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com
15 Indiana Jones Bridge 17 Givi Tanklock Bag 26 Intel Compute Stick
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
27 Roboreel Cord Reel
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
28 Lunaround
28 Jabra Move Wireless Headphones 31 Lightweight Tents From Terra Nova 34 Plantronics Backbeat Go 2 35 Waterproof One Piece Suit 36 Pocket Click Stick 37 Mini Tough Drive Ssd
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Anki Drive
EACH CAR IS DIFFERENT IN LOOKS AND ABILITY
Anki Drive thrusts slot car racing into the modern age. With no slots on the track and no wired pull trigger controllers in the hands of the players everything is controlled entirely from mobile devices that steer the cars, keeps track of scores, manages the AI-driven cars, and even allows video gamelike combat. Unlike other slot car sets, Anki Drive doesn’t need more than one person to work. Up to four cars can race or battle either controlled by friends or by AI. This is one of the big appeals of Anki Drive which has transformed slot car racing into a real-life video game, complete with computer controlled enemies. The starter kit gives you everything you need to race with a friend or on your own and it is so fantastically packaged that I was intrigued and excited to open it up. You get two cars, a starter track/mat, two chargers, three-ended micro USB charging cables for charging multiple cars at once, and
a wall adapter. This great packaging doubles as a carrying case and our kit came with two additional cars with their own unique specifications. There is even garage space for them in the carrying case. Cars come with their own charging cradle that connects to the three-ended micro USB cable which is included and FYI an eightminute charge lets each car run for about 20 minutes. Each car is different in looks and ability; they all enjoy unique items and equipment and points are earned as you play enabling car upgrades and the unlocking of extra weapons and items. You get a vinyl mat racetrack which measures 3.5-by-8.5-foot and the option to purchase different courses. Made of a heavy, durable material the matts come packaged with a handy cover with which you can roll to protect them when not in use. The Anki Drive cars are entirely controlled through the free Anki Drive app for iOS and Android. Once the app is downloaded you are introduced to Anki Drive and follow a tutorial narrated by the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, which is magical. The whole set up took my eleven-year-old son less than 10 minutes before he was into competitive races and battles. You control acceleration and braking
with a slider on your devices touch screen and steer by tilting your mobile device left or right like a steering column. Steering automatically shifts your car left or right on the track as if it was changing lanes, and you can’t actually drive off of the boundaries of the track allowing for handy competitive cheats. You drive around the track attempting to complete a set number of laps in a race or knock out enemy drivers a set number of times in a battle. Besides driving, you can also use weapons and support items during the race which are depicted on the phone app. It’s fun, and it lets you enjoy some variety with the cars as different weapons and items behave differently and require new strategies to use and avoid.
Anki Drive is a unique and welcome spin on slot car racing, adding loads of features like combat and car upgrades. The ability to race against AIcontrolled cars really adds to the experience www.anki.com
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SEGA TOYS HOMESTAR ORIGINAL Imagine enjoying the sky full of stars while sitting on your sofa. This dream can become reality with the Homestar Original from Sega Toys. The high definition planetarium with the ultra-bright 3 watt LED and its rotating movement projects the Night sky throughout the year. Two interchangeable disks contain the fixed stars in the northern hemisphere will enable you to observe the night sky or the map of constellations. And with the integrated “shooting star” function you can help your dreams come true even quicker. Projection angle and focus are adjustable. The handy timer lets you fall asleep while gazing at the stars turning off the planetarium automatically. www.segatoys.eu
SLEEPPHONES Claiming to be “the world’s most comfortable headphones for sleeping”, SleepPhones provide a comfortable, if deeply unfashionable, solution to the problem of getting to sleep when you share your bed with someone who snores but you love too much to kick out of bed. Unlike normal headphones, which are uncomfortable to wear in bed, SleepPhones have thin speakers that fit next to your ears inside a fleece headband. Go wireless and escape strangulation in the night, SleepPhones are designed to be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, but you can buy cheaper, wired SleepPhones too. You can use them to play music, for meditation, as a personal alarm clock, or even to listen to the Harry Potter books – whatever sends you to sleep. Coming in a range of sizes, the
GUANTES SOFTY TOUCH
fleece headband is very comfortable and can double up as an eye mask. But comfort isn’t the only feature as the headphones produce good quality sound, as well as blocking out external noise, which is important if they’re the only thing between you and a snoring partner. Simple but effective, SleepPhones are a sure-fire way to get a good night’s sleep. www.sleepphones.com
All too often the modern motorcycle glove comes in loud colours, plastic protectors, zips, go faster strips and the list goes on and on. I wanted some subtle comfortable black leather protective motorcycle gloves to wear bimbling around on my Triumph T140 throughout the UK summer. Tucano Urbano sent me their Softy Touch SKU 9926m. These are designed to be a winter glove however they are light enough for the UK summer. They are made of super soft leather, fully waterproofed and breathable. They also are touchscreen friendly. From the moment I tried these gloves on they felt comfortable but like most items of clothing the fit just gets better each time as they mould around your hands. Euro 59.00 for great quality and style. www.tucanourbano.com
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Roberts Revival Blutune Radio The Roberts Revival DAB radio looks as
classic radios of the fifties.
retro as classic radios, but the DAB digital
The Revival DAB radio isn’t just what
element and Bluetooth functionality inside
it says on the tin though. As well as DAB
set it apart. It’s a modern wolf in vintage
radio, you can also listen to music from your
clothing.
laptop, tablet or smartphone. It’s a radio
There’s no way of hiding it, the Revival
and a Bluetooth speaker, which makes it
DAB radio looks stunning. With blue
truly multifunctional. At just over 15cm tall
beading around the black leather exterior,
and 1.6kg heavy it’s easily portable, but the
simple tuning dials and antenna that tuck
sound quality from the mono speaker is still
round the back, it’s an edgier take on a
good.
classic design. It’s all about attention to
The Roberts Revival DAB radio is a quality product and a stunning blend of old and new that looks, feels and sounds good. www.robertsradio.co.uk
detail, from the embossed “Roberts” logo on the front, to the back that swings open, allowing you to access the radio’s inner workings. There’s even a headphone socket and carry handle – the same features as the
Roberts Travel Pad It might sound like a notebook from the 1940s, but with wireless Bluetooth technology and clean, high-quality sound packed into a sleek design, the Roberts Travel Pad is anything but oldfashioned. The simple black design with a tactile rubber surround and Bluetooth, battery level and maximum volume indicators is neat and modern and even though it weighs just 336 grams, the Travel Pad fits in a range of up-to-theminute features. Its HFP enables you to make hands-free calls and it supports both aptX and Bluetooth v4.0, the latest and best quality audio available with
Bluetooth. It can memorise up to eight devices, meaning you can pair it with all your must haves, from compatible smartphones and tablets to your home PC and with a rechargeable battery, holding up to 12 hours’ life, it can keep going through even the wildest parties. That all sounds brilliant, but does the speaker? The sound quality is clear and open, but like most small speakers, it lacks some of the depth and richness that comes with quality bass tone. The Roberts Travel Pad might not quite hold its own against Thrash Metal, but it’s a highly portable and functional speaker and it looks pretty too. www.robertsradio.co.uk
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HARMAN KARDON ESQUIRE MINI With its ultra-stylish leather and brushed aluminium design, the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini’s good looks will instantly grab your attention, but it’s not all style and no substance; its features might just blow you away too. With wireless Bluetooth audio streaming to play music from any of your devices and a USB port for charging external devices while you’re doing it, the Esquire Mini is all about multitasking, cramming a lot into one 238-gram package. It even doubles as a phone conference system, complete with dual-microphone and echo and noise-cancellation, making it a brilliant travelling companion for work or play. Functional as it is, you won’t buy the Esquire Mini unless you love its
chic design andnd let’s face it, you probably do. With a smooth plastic grill protecting the dual 4 watt speakers on the front, scratch-resistant leather binding the back and a chrome kickstand that aims the sound up towards you, it’s a beautiful thing, but not one that you’ll be scared to use in case you break it. If looks and features are what you’re looking for, you can’t find much better than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini – probably the most gorgeous Bluetooth speaker on the market. www.harmankardon.com
PROPORTA IPHONE 6 PLUS SUPER SLIM REAL LEATHER CASE If you’ve shelled out on an iPhone 6 Plus, a case that protects your phone but doesn’t decrease its functionality is a must and it ought to look good, too. Proporta’s Super Slim Real Leather case does all that and more. It’s very functional as the magnetic close system means that the case snaps shut easily and the durable leather exterior always keeps your phone safe from bumps and scratches. The soft feel lining sits nicely against your phone’s display, keeping it dust and scratch-free and it’s easy to use too. With cutouts allowing access to the camera, charging port and buttons and a super slim profile, it doesn’t bulk your phone out at all. A high-quality, good-looking solution to the problem all iPhone 6 Plus owners face: keeping your baby safe. www.proporta.co.uk
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THE WEDGE Whiteboards - the cleaner, sleeker younger sister of the blackboard, has been an established feature in schools since the 1970’s and has undoubtedly withstood the test of time. Since the eve of the new Millennium Paul Norman Plastics have been taking Wedge Whiteboards to a range of places in numerous countries across the globe, from the UK to Australia! The Wedge is not just another whiteboard - it is unique, multipurpose and extremely versatile. You can use it in the classroom, on the playing field, at home or in the office. You can use it as a front of class teaching aid, as a base for group work, for paired activities, one to one tutorials, as a display board for notices or at events – the list of possibilities really is endless.
This easy to use whiteboard can either be used as a table top tool or on the floor, and is perfectly suitable for a variety of teaching and training activities in both schools and offices, or at home. This triangular whiteboard is double sided which boasts a number of benefits - it facilitates interaction, promotes engagement in activities and aids learning and communication skills. With its dual purpose surface being both magnetic and dry-wipe, it can be used for making notes or as a display board for communicating key messages and tasks. Wedge Whiteboards are lightweight and extremely portable making them a unique solution for all your whiteboard requirements. Wedge Whiteboards are a high build quality - solid construction, with anti-slip rubber feet, this range of whiteboards are manufactured and individually hand made with love in the UK. They are extremely durable and purpose built to withstand regular use. Wedge Whiteboards are a simple and effective solution for a wide range of requirements from teaching and training to brainstorming and informing. This exciting range of Whiteboards are an extremely valuable tool at excellent value for money. www.the-wedge.co.uk
MARTIAN NOTIFIER SMARTWATCH Branded as an out-of-this-world product, the Martian moves past the conventions of more Earthly smartwatches and brings analogue technology (and, more importantly, battery life!) to the field. An elegant watch, with stainless steel, properly 3D, hands and numbers, quick change wristbands, and a steel clasp, the Martian has a discreet OLED screen to display notifications from any app along with a customisable vibration pattern. The watch connects to your phone or tablet (Android 3.0+, iPhone 4S+ or iPad 3rd generation) via bluetooth and
a dedicated app. The setup process only takes a few minutes, and after pairing the two devices you can filter which of your apps send notifications to the watch. By default, you get calls, texts, emails and alarms, but this can be extended to anything on your phone, whether it’s social media, fitness tracker or online banking. Be warned though of the temptation to set a custom vibration pattern for each one, as you might end up spending quite a few hours doing just that. Once an alert comes in, tap the glass to dismiss it, or to recall it within 5 minutes. The Martian can also trigger your phone’s camera and even sets a 3 second delay on the shutter to allow you to get in position. And if you misplace your phone or wander too far away from it, your watch can help you find it by getting it to ring, with the Find Phone and Phone Leash functions. The battery life itself doesn’t disappoint; while connected to your phone it will last about 5 days, and after that you’ve got another 2 years until the analogue display runs out of juice. Overall, a good selection of flexible tools with just two buttons. www.martianwatches.com
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Moto Air Hi Vis Jackets One of our staff recently broke his back coming off his motorcycle. Although he is making a full recovery it could have been so different for him. I have ridden bikes all my life and this incident has prompted me to test motorcycle airbag vests. The vests we have chosen are to be worn over normal motorcycle jackets and offer an additional level of protection your usual riding gear can’t. The inflated airbag protects the chest, spine, abdomen, cervical and waist. Can these vests be as natural as
putting on your helmet before riding? We have a long European bike tour in July and will be doing a full report on these vests. Now we are just wearing them every time we ride to see how we get on with them and what other people think of them. We are testing models from the best out there: The Helite Motorcycle Airbag vest and two models from Motoair which are their Hi Vis Airbag Vest and the Air Bag One (Hi Vis) We will let you know what we think. www.motoair.co.uk
Indiana Jones Bridge After getting our first cat we looked around for cat furniture but couldn’t find anything we liked. We ended up using my girlfriend’s parents chop saw to make this Indiana Jones Cat Bridge. After realizing how much use it was getting, my mom mentioned that we should start selling them. So this is the piece that started our cat furniture shop. Even to this day, our bridge is one of our most popular items. The bridge is made out of solid wood. Each
end platform is 18” long, 9.5” deep and 2” wide. The posts are made by hand and reinforced with metal brackets. The bridge slats are slightly skinnier than the platforms . The railing is handwoven twine to stabilize the bridge and give the cats the ability to lounge. Our cats love napping in the middle of our bridge together and our 16 lb. cat Ickle sleeps on his back in it. www.catastrophic creations.com
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BABY GIGL Baby Gigl is a smart baby bottle holder that analyzes, corrects and monitors the way a baby is bottle-fed and measures the amount the child consumes. By tracking data from the bottle holder, Baby Gigl monitors the child’s wellbeing throughout each stage of feeding as the baby grows. Equipped with an inclinometer, the baby bottle holder alerts users with a sound and light signal that the angle is not correct. A too sharp of an angle may make a baby spit up. A baby bottle held too flat may result in the child drinking air.Through its mobile application, the Baby Gigl baby bottle holder connects on demand to the smartphone the baby’s caretaker. Baby Journal 3.0 includes all the information collected by Baby Gigl related to the baby’s feeding and general care. The Baby Journal also tracks other information manually entered or provided by other connected devices such as the number of diapers used, number of burps and temperature log. www.slowcontrol.com
BABY GIGL MONITORS THE CHILD’S WELLBEING THROUGHOUT EACH STAGE OF FEEDING
GIVI TANKLOCK BAG I WAS REALLY SURPRISED HOW EASY IT WAS TO FIT AND THE TANK REMAINS UNTOUCHED.
Motorcycle tank bags have been my nemesis for years. I have grown to hate them and swore blind I would never use one again after a magnetic version picked up a hair clip, and I gave the magnetic flaps a good wiggle to ensure a good fit. On removal of the bag I noticed the hair clip on the magnet and I had rubbed off the tank paint down to the metal. Everyday I would be reminded of this tank bag . My editor asked me to test a Givi tank bag on my brand new motorbike and I laughed. “But this is the tank lock system and the bag doesn’t touch the tank.” He said. You know when you get asked a question when there is only one right answer so reluctantly I agreed. So you fit a riser plate on the petrol filler cap and the tank bag clips on and off this. I was really surprised how easy it was to fit and the tank remains untouched. The bag I have is the Givi 25l, which has numerous compartments, is very well made and looks good. It is shower proof and also comes with its own rain cover and I can fit all my lunch and Mac Book in with loads of room to spare. I said I would never use a tank bag again however Givi have changed my mind and I am much happier riding with this bag on the tank than a ruck sack full of hard stuff on my back. Well done Givi on the XS306, a brilliant tank bags with no magnetic issues. www.givi.co.uk
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EXPLORE. ENJOY.
GIVI 50.4 SNIPER GIVI 50.4 SNIPER sets a new benchmark in the evolution of GIVI’s full-face helmets. An innovative project, made from a technopolymer compact shell with a sophisticated mechanism for the visor, which can be rapidly released without the use of tools. • Double visor, removable breath guard, and wind deflector • Removable inner lining made from anallergic fabric
Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.
Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com
EXPLORE. ENJOY.
MAXIA 4
THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever. • ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt
Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.
Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com
Relaxation to the Nation:
HOW LAY-ZSPA HOT TUBS ARE CHANGING GARDENS ACROSS THE UK Exeter, UK – Since their launch over 7 years ago, hundreds of thousands of Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tubs have been sold across the UK, delivering 40 degree bubbling luxury and relaxation to the nation, from just £399.00, a fraction of the price of a traditional tub. Used exclusively by start-up success story the ‘Hot Tub Cinema,’ Lay-Z-Spa have seen a huge growth in sales over the past 4 years, culminating in a record year of sales in 2014, thanks in part to being cameo appearances in Richard Ayoade’s ‘Gadget Man’ and ITV’s ‘The Only Way Is Essex.’ The beauty of Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs is that they have all of the exciting features of a traditional fixed hot tub with the added benefit of being portable, but without the high price and hassle of professional installation.
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And the new ‘Palm Springs’ with its premium leather look, stylish colour palette, leather texture and cushioned air pad floor further closes any remaining gap in perceived quality between traditional tubs and the innovative Lay-Z-Spa range. “In 1998 when we first launched Lay-Z-Spa, the team said to each other that they’d be happy if they sold 250 in a year. Now in 2015, we are on course to sell over 60,000 in the UK, which surely makes us the bestselling hot tub brand by a light-year. It just goes
to show how much the British people love hot tubs!’ said Tom Ellyatt, Lay-ZSpa UK marketing manager. Now for 2015 the UK’s leading hot tub brand have just launched a new TV campaign (which you can see at www. lay-z-spa.co.uk) and introduced a new premium spa model to their range called the ‘Palm Springs.’ A Lay-Z-Spa will also be inflated and on show in every Homebase store across the UK over the summer months. www.lay-z-spa.co.uk
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Givi X.01 Tourer Helmet In the motorcycle world Givi are best known for their quality bike luggage and accessories. However they have taken the move to mix it up in the helmet market and have been given me their X.01 Tourer to test. Endeavour magazine has a team of bikers riding through Europe in July and I will be wearing the Givi so will give an update within that article on what it is like longer term. My impressions so far are very positive. The first thing you notice is that the price is low with a RRP of just ÂŁ180. I wondered if it was too cheap for a quality helmet however I had confidence in the Givi
A GOOD LOOKING, LIGHT, COMFORTABLE, ADAPTABLE AND WELL-MADE MULTI PURPOSE HELMET. brand. The visor comes Pinlock ready to fit the anti fog lens which in my mind is essential. These come in at around £18. I ride all year round in all types of weathers. I commute, tour, spend days on the back roads and go on group rides. I enjoy the full spectrum of riding and need a helmet that can deliver the same. The Givi X.01 is marketed as a “dual sport” full-face item with a removable peak and chin bar. If you want an adventure style helmet there are many available however few come in offering such a low price coupled with quality. The Givi is plushly padded and offers a lot more than its price would suggest. Scratch resistant, the visor gives a good, clear panoramic view and is rain resistant There is also a drop down internal sun visor activated by a well-positioned lever on the left side of the helmet. Britain’s spring and autumn’s low sunshine makes such a peak essential if you don’t want to be blinded or
crash. Or both. The chin bar can be removed to convert the full face to an open face and even remove the peak to transform the helmet in seconds. I found the X.01 to be a comfortable helmet however a mate said it didn’t fit his head at all but as any biker will tell you, helmets need to be shaped for individual heads and this is less an example of a functional failure by the X.01 and more an example of my mate’s oddly shaped noggin. I would sum up the Givi X.01 as a good looking, light, comfortable, adaptable and well-made multi purpose helmet. Simply put it is a brilliant bit of kit at a surprisingly low price. www.givi.co.uk
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INTEL COMPUTE STICK The Intel Compute Stick is a new category of compute devices that enables you to transform a display into a fully functioning computer. Now any HDMI enabled TV or monitor can become a basic computer by simply plugging in the Intel Compute Stick. Connect. Compute. It’s that simple. The Intel Compute Stick ships as a full computer – with memory, storage, connectivity and OS installed and ready to go out of the box. The STCK1A32WFC SKU comes with a quad core Intel® Atom™ processor (Z3735F), 2GB of DDR3L memory, 32 GB of on board storage, a micro SD card slot (with support for up to 128 GB of additional storage), 802.11b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, and Windows 8.1 with Bing*. This sku will be available through Intel Authorized Dealers for much of the world including the US, the EU countries, Japan, Australia, Canada, and others by the end of April. Availability in remaining countries such as PRC, Vietnam, and Peru will occur in June. A full list of availability can be made available upon request.
ROBOREEL CORD REEL A second sku, STCK1A8LFC, will be available worldwide in June and will be very similar to the Windows sku. The only differences will be 1 GB of DDR3L, 8 GB of on board storage and Ubuntu* 14.04 LTS OS. The Intel Compute Stick is a new category of computing and enables some great usages. For home users, the ability to browse the web, access content, view personal photos and movies, stream movies and TV shows, skype with friends and stream games are all possible with the simple addition of an Intel Compute Stick to your TV. For businesses, the Intel Compute Stick will enable entry level digital signage, thin clients, kiosks, and many other solutions that require basic computing in a tiny, low power solution. www.intel.com
The revolutionary RoboReel Cord Reel is the world’s first extension cord reel worthy of being called a power tool and is designed as an easy way to help keep an extension cord neat, safe and out of the way when not in use. This portable, motor driven power cord system delivers 50 feet of 12/14 gauge cord with a ‘smart’ three outlet receptacle ball on the end. The RoboReel Cord Reel features a rugged circular casing made of high impact plastic that can be placed virtually anywhere (including being mounted on the wall, ceiling, or on the back of a truck). The RoboReel Cord Reel winds in fast and slows down to docking speed - all at the touch of a button - to prevent whipping action that can cause injury or damage. The RoboReel Cord Reel features redundant thermostats to prevent overheating and fire hazard, and features a 15-amp circuit breaker to protect those valuable tools. www.roboreel.com
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Jabra Move
WIRELESS HEADPHONES Do you have to take out a second mortgage to get a decent pair of wireless headphones? My first impressions were how well packaged they came, complete with charger and cable to connect nonwireless devices. They don’t have a case to hide them away however for the low price I can understand that. They charge quickly and then I slapped them on and was surprised by how comfortable they felt. Linking them up
Lunaround While we are not certain that this Lunaround moon watch will help you forecast the tides or even the next Harvest Moon, we are certain that the Lunaround will move and rotate as does the actual moon! The Lunaround Watch is a black IP stainless steel watch measuring 40mm in diameter. The red minute and second hands punctuate the “luna” or moon shaped hour hand that rotates one complete cycle every 12 hours not unlike its namesake. Within the center of the moon (hour hand), the hour digits can also be seen moving. Be sure to check out our video, it shows Lunaround in action. Look carefully,
to my smart phone was a simple walk through process and hey presto Spice Girls! The sound quality was very good through bass to treble. I comfortably sat through a film using them with them and they seem to hold their battery life well. These Jabra headphones are a good honest headset at a really great price.
because not only is the hour hand moving showing the hour numbers inside, but, the entire round “moon” is rotating as well. The Lunaround Watch is gray and black and accented with red hands making it the perfect timepiece for both day or evening wear. Lunaround is a unisex watch measuring 40mm (1.57″) in diameter and 8.8mm (0.35″) high. Lunaround measures 10″ from end to end with 7″ to the closest hole and 8 ¾” inches from the farthest hole. Lunaround is made of a black IP stainless steel and comes with a 20mm (3/4″) black leather band. www.projectswatches.com
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10 YEARS OF RECORD BREAKING LIGHTWEIGHT TENTS FOR
Terra Nova Terra Nova Equipment is marking its 10th year in the Guinness World Record books for producing the lightest tent in the world. The firm is celebrating by launching two new record-breakers for its 2015 Ultra lightweight range – with the world’s lightest two person tent and lightest freestanding two person tent. Building on a long-established reputation for making some of the best outdoor gear on the global market, Terra Nova has spent the last decade revolutionising lightweight kit and collected 4 Guinness World Records along the way. Using the extremely tough and durable, yet incredibly light Ultra fabric, Terra Nova’s Ultra range is super-light with the Laser Ultra 1 achieving the Guinness World Record in 2011 for lightest tent in the world at just over 500g /1lb 2oz – a record yet to be broken. The company was the first to produce a two skin tent under 1kg, the Terra Nova LaserLite in 2004, and since then has been using its technical development expertise to reduce the weight of 1 and 2 person tents without compromising performance and space. Since then, the company has smashed its own record three more times, slicing around half the weight off the tents in the process. Now, with 10 years forging the way in superlight design and technology and the
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addition of the new super lightweight two person tents for 2015, Terra Nova is firmly established as the industry leader in lightweight kit. The Laser Photon 2 was launched in 2011 and until now has been the lightest 2 person tent available on the market, with a minimum weight of just 880g / 1lb 15oz. For SS15 the Laser Photon 2 relinquishes its title with the introduction of the Laser Ultra 2, with a minimum weight of 650g / 1lb 7oz. Terra Nova has also turned its attention to creating the lightest freestanding 2 person tent with the launch of the Solar Ultra 2. Using ULTRA fabric for the flysheet, the Solar Ultra 2 tent weighs 772g / 1lb 13oz , just 386g / 14½ oz per person . The benefit of the Solar range is that the flysheet can be used with a footprint instead of the inner tent when conditions allow, trimming even more weight off the shelter.
Carolyn Budding is a Director at Terra Nova. She said: “We were the first company to produce a sub-1kg tent and have used our design knowledge and outdoors expertise to ensure the tents remain practical even though the weight has been trimmed. “Our rich heritage has grown from mountain tents which are regularly seen on Everest or at the poles. But as extreme sports have become more popular and people are keen to challenge themselves in new ways, lightweight kit is increasingly in demand. “Now we’re determined to continue to lead the market in producing lightweight outdoor gear for decades to come.” www.terra-nova.co.uk
“WE WERE THE FIRST COMPANY TO PRODUCE A SUB-1KG TENT AND HAVE USED OUR DESIGN KNOWLEDGE AND OUTDOORS EXPERTISE TO ENSURE THE TENTS REMAIN PRACTICAL.”
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PLANTRONICS BACKBEAT GO 2 Plantronics, a pioneer in wearable technology, introduced the BackBeat® GO 2 + case, the next generation of the company’s best-selling wireless stereo earbuds for today’s always-connected consumer. The BackBeat GO 2 allows users to seamlessly switch between listening to music, watching videos and taking phone calls. Delivering the ultimate in versatility and connectivity for the multi media enthusiast on the go, the BackBeat GO 2 now includes a stylish charging case. Connecting to smartphones, tablets, and music players, the BackBeat GO 2 + case is an ideal solution for users in any environment whether immersed in their media, commuting to work, or living an active lifestyle. It features high quality audio with rich bass, crisp highs, and natural mid tones, along with providing premium acoustics in a compact, lightweight design. Plantronics has also improved the power management with extended listen and talk times and the introduction of DeepSleepTM hibernation mode to preserve battery life. The BackBeat Go 2’s sleek, durable, and compact charging and storage case increases listening and talking time by two full charges (approximately 10 hours). www.plantronics.com
WATERPROOF ONE PIECE SUIT TUTA NANO I ride all year long, in all weathers so I have very good Gortex riding gear that are fully waterproof and keep me dry regardless of what is being thrown from the skies. However if I suspect it is going to be hammering down I want to cover the Gortex with a light rain suit to keep it dry. My reasoning for this is at some point I will need to put the Gortex back on and I would rather put on dry clothes than wet. On touring trips it is easy to ring out an over suit than try to dry a full Gortex suit with a bathroom hairdryer not so much on a day to day home to work basis. The Tuta Nano Sku 730 from Tucano Urbano does exactly what I want. It rolls small enough to chuck in a bag and forget about it. It is roomy and well made and keeps most of the rain off my main suit. It comes in at just euro 89.00. www.tucanourbano.com
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Pocket Click Stick
With the #selfie revolution happening sometime in 2013, selfie sticks have been around for a while now, allowing you to take full advantage of the global phenomenon that is taking a picture of yourself. But not all selfie sticks are born equal, and the thumbsUp! Pocket Click Stick is one of the best. The key is its simplicity. The Click Stick doesn’t need batteries, Bluetooth, or to pair with your device – it automatically detects your Smartphone model and is compatible with iPhones and most Android phones. At just 17cm when folded, it’s very light and portable, so you can always keep it in your pocket or bag should the prime selfie opportunity arise. When it does, you can extend the frame up to 66cm, long enough for even big group shots, and take a picture with the click of a button. And the wrist strap means you can keep hold of the Click Stick wherever your selfie adventures take you. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s fun. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just about town, the Click Stick solves what is for many of us the biggest problem of 2015. www.robertdyas.co.uk/thumbs-up-pocket-selfie-stick
COMPACT, RUGGED AND VERY QUICK
MINI TOUGH DRIVE SSD
Freecom has added a compact solid-state drive (SSD) to its award-winning Tough Drive family. Aimed particularly at businesses and discerning home PC users seeking a pocket-size solution, Freecom’s Mini Tough Drive SSD is rugged, looks stylish and backs up data fast and reliably. As its name suggests, Freecom’s Tough Drive Mini SSD is far more resilient than standard portable drives. It has an internal anti-shock frame and an attractive scratch, dust and water-proof silicone cover that provides extra grip for users. With its IP55* enclosure and no moving parts, the Mini Tough Drive SSD can easily withstand drops up to 3 metres ensuring high reliability. SSD technology also delivers significant performance gains with the Mini Tough Drive SSD providing data transfer speeds of up to 430MB/s, making it at least four times faster than standard hard disk drives. Since it’s a solid-state drive, there is no fan so the unit is silent during operation.
Gadgethead Magazine
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