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UK
£4.95
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Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 Headphones • Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 • Polar Vantage V2 Phonetag • BBhugme Maternity Support Belt • Melitta® EPOS® Coffee Machine • Galaxy 1200 - Rechargeable Robust Work Light • i-Spector Pocket - Rechargeable LED Pocket Light • Tri-Spector - 3 in 1 Rechargeable LED Inspection Light Kit • i-Spector Flex - Rechargeable LED Inspection Light • Navigator-620R Rechargeable LED Flashlight • Micro-1000 Compact Rechargeable LED Worklight • ZOOM 500 Spot-to-Flood Flashlight HazStar Rechargeable Hazard Work Light • LIVALL C20 Smart Helmet • GameSir G4 Pro • Break the Board Hue HD Animation studio • Zing Go Go Bird • JR Puralife P-Series Air Purifiers • Ion8 Water Bottles Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com
Copy Editor James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
Publisher Stephen Warman
stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Freetrain Vest – V1 & VR • Peli 0915 Waterproof Memory Card Case • The One With The Apartment Bet game • Proscenic A8 Air Purifier • HAIX Black Eagle Adventure 2.2 GTX Low/Ocean-Lime Edifier G2 II Gaming Headset • BioLite HeadLamp 750 • eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt • Nova Task Light • Diffrient World Chair L6 Laptop Holder • FR500 Ergonomic Foot Rocker • Phelps Ninja Swimming Goggles • Robo Kombat Balloon Puncher • Gtech HeadWave Patio Heater • eufy Video Doorbell 2K
ANKER SOUNDCORE SPIRIT X2 HEADPHONES DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU HAD TO THREAD YOUR HEADPHONE WIRES UP UNDER YOUR SHIRT WHEN YOU WENT FOR A RUN? DO YOU REMEMBER THE EARPHONES NOT SITTING IN YOUR EAR COMFORTABLY? DO YOU REMEMBER HOW TINNY THEY SOUNDED TOO? UNFORTUNATELY, I DO. BUT FORTUNATELY, IT IS A DISTANT MEMORY. The new wireless earbuds by quality? One of the core selling points of Soundcore live up to everything that you the Anker Spirit X2 earbuds is their epic expect them to be. Out the box you get the bass. And quite frankly, it really is epic. pair of Soundcore Anker Spirit X2 earbuds, For something so small they pack a hell of a a charging case, spare ear tips, spare ear punch. This is crucial for a headphone that wings and a USB-C cable for charging. will be worn at the gym, there is no way The first noticeable feature of these that you can inspired by your gym playlist wireless earbuds is the sheer comfort of if you are listening to your tunes through them. Many over-ear and in-ear headphones some cheap tinny earphones, the Soundcore can cause all sorts of discomfort but the Anker Spirit X2 have a booming bass that extra-flex eartips and hooks allow the will really get you into the zone. Plus, with earbuds to rest in your ears with ease yet 9-hours playback time (36 in total if you use secure enough that you can move around the charging case), then you can do at least a however you like. No matter what you do, whole week, or even a month, of working out the Anker Spirit X2 earbuds will not fall out. without having to constantly plug them into There are plenty of options if the initial tips a wall socket to charge in between. or wings do not fit – as the box comes with Unsurprisingly, this is another huge three sizes of each. success by Soundcore. They tick all the Soundcore had exercise in mind when boxes for a perfect pair of wireless in-ear it comes to the Anker Spirit X2 earbuds. headphones. Comfort? Check. 36 Hour The fit allows for full movement and the Playtime? Check. Booming bass? Check. It is SweatGuard Technology allows for extra a full house! comfort as they will not be slipping about on your sweaty ears nor will the electronics in your earbuds be damaged because the submarine structure and hydrophobic nanocoating will protect them. Of course, they may be perfect for the gym, but do they still deliver the audio-
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Budget price
£79.99
http://www.soundcore.com PROS Comfort Secure fit Charging case
Audio quality Budget price
ANKER SOUNDCORE LIBERTY AIR 2 SOUNDCORE ARE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING TO COVER ALL BASES WITH THEIR HUGE RANGE OF HEADPHONES AND EARPHONES. THE NEW ANKER SOUNDCORE LIBERTY AIR 2 EARBUDS ARE SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT USAGE IN THE WORKSPACE. ONCE UPON A TIME IT WAS SIMPLY THE BLUETOOTH HEADSET CONNECTED TO THE LANDLINE, BUT NOW IT HAS BECOME MUCH MORE COMMON PLACE OVER RECENT YEARS TO POP IN YOUR BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES AND TAKE THE CALL IN THE OTHER ROOM AWAY FROM THE COMMOTION OF THE OFFICE. Out of the box, you receive the pair headphones or pieces of music software, you of Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 earbuds, can change the EQ to suit the genre that you 5 sizes of eartips (XS/S/M/L/XL), a charging are listening to, but you can also create your case, and a USB-C cable to plug the charging own personalised sound profile. The HearID cable into the socket. tailored sound feature maps the sensitivity With work in mind, the first stand of your hearing across multiple frequencies out feature of the Liberty Air 2 earbuds is and creates custom EQ settings just for you. the ability to send and receive crystal clear This would be brilliant if you either have calls. The earbuds use a simple touch control sensitive, or a lack of, hearing. The sound to play and pause music, take calls, and quality on the earbuds is already exceptional use voice-assistance on your smartphone. with the diamond-inspired drivers that There are 4 built in microphones, one on create the perfect balance of treble and bass, the top and bottom of each earbud, they all but to tailor this to your ear really shows come enabled with cVc 8.0 noise reduction Soundcore’s sense of commitment to the technology which enhance the clearness perfect headphone. of your voice to the recipient, whilst also Yet again this is another win by supressing the ambient and room sound so Soundcore. Striving to create the best that you really do come through crystal clear. possible headphones, they manage to create The most unique feature of the Anker quality, whilst keeping it within a reasonable Soundcore Liberty Air 2 earbuds is the HearID. budget of under £100. This is the first time I have come across such a feature on a pair of headphones. Like many
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£89.99
Touch control
http://www.soundcore.com PROS Touch control Call features
HearID Budget price
POLAR VANTAGE V2 The Polar Vantage V2 is a sports watch with so many features, I’m not even sure if we’ll be able to cover them all here! This watch is waterproof, it has a GPS, it monitors your recovery and performance rates, and it is equipped to help you with just about every step and stage of your workout and training regimes. Still think it sounds like the other sports watches you know? Let me try to break it all down – there’s a lot to get through! Polar is known for its heart rate sensors and workout monitors, producing products that can keep track of every element of your body’s fitness progress. In the Vantage V2, they seem to have pulled their tech together into one piece of kit. This watch offers various performance tests, including different modes for testing your cycling and running, and also offers various specialised recovery tests, including an allover Recovery Pro™ and a more specific test for leg day. One criticism I have is that the Recovery Pro™ test relies on you owning a separate Polar heart rate sensor, which I expected to be a function built into the watch. However, the tests themselves were impressively detailed and yet also extremely easy to understand, which is a combination I appreciate. One of the recovery monitors I was surprised by was a function called Nightly Recharge™, which measures how well you have recovered from the day’s workout during the night. All you have to do is wear the watch during your sleep, and in the morning you will get two readings – your ‘Sleep Charge’ and your ‘ANS Charge’. The ‘ANS Charge’ refers to your automatic nervous system: the watch monitors how much this has calmed down during the night by measuring your heart rate, heart rate variability and breathing rate. The ‘Sleep Charge’ measures, you guessed it, how well you slept. Combined, the watch will give you a read-out to tell you whether you’re ready to train again or whether you should take it
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easy today. The readout is nice and easy to understand, with a red to green system and messages like ‘Very Good’. This was a nice touch, as I wouldn’t be sure what to make of a number read-out next to an ANS Charge. The whole feature was something I’d not come across before, and I was impressed by it. However, do remember to also listen to your gut. This example gives an idea of how carefully this watch measures _everything_. You can track your performance, see what areas need improvement, see how well your body is taking the strain– it definitely takes the guess-work out of work-outs. On top of these features, the watch also has a GPS system that allows you to plan your running or cycling routes (using the Komoot app), and you can even connect to wireless headphones and navigate your playlist etc from your watch, which is so much easier than pulling out your phone. In regards to the look and feel of the V2, I was surprised at how light it was in comparison to some fitness watches. It was comfortable to wear, and I was a fan of its sleek, minimalist, down-to-business look. This watch doesn’t get in the way, meaning you can wear it all day and make the most of its monitoring functions - I was even able to wear it comfortably in my sleep. This monitoring is all very well and good, but the detail that takes the V2 from ‘neat’ to ‘extremely useful’, in my opinion, is the watch’s ability to sync this data with your other fitness apps. This is done using Polar Flow, which also comes with training planning and analysis tools, an automatic training diary, progress reports, and many other support tools. This, plus the ability to integrate your data with your other apps, makes the V2 a fantastic all-inclusive fitness watch. The Polar Vantage V2 is available in either Small or Medium/Large. We received the watch in green, but it is also available in black and silver and grey-lime.
£449
arrow-alt-circle-right
www.polar.com PROS: Comfortable Lightweight GPS Music navigation
Monitors performance & recovery Syncs data with other apps
CONS: Some functions require a separate Polar heart sensor
Thr pho hold
PHONETAG BY NOW, EVERYONE HAS HEARD OF THE POP SOCKET – IT’S TAKEN TO BE THE WORD ON CONVENIENCE WHEN IT COMES TO HOLDING YOUR PHONE (SOMETHING WE HOLD FOR SO LONG EVERY DAY THAT WE NEED ADDITIONAL HELP IN MAKING IT THE HAND-EXTENSION IT IS IN OUR HEARTS), BUT WHAT IF THERE WAS A PRODUCT THAT DID EVERYTHING A POP SOCKET DOES, AND THEN SOME? From the creator who brought us right angle to make them great for video the CouchCoaster comes the Phonetag. This calls and scrolling, and staying securely little gadget is a three-in-one phone stand, in place thanks to the tag’s rubber foot. holder and magnet, aiming to offer every kind of convenience going. This rotatable When on a stand, you can tilt your phone little device sticks onto the back of your between 45° to 60° vertically, and 40° to phone and pops out to provide a landscape 85° horizontally. When held in your hand, or portrait stand, the hole in it makes for a you can take selfies with ease, can text and comfortable ring-hold, and it has a magnet browse more comfortably, and generally feel mount to stick your phone to metal surfaces free from the risk of dropping your phone! – for example, against your fridge door Best of all, the Phonetag can sit flat to your whilst you’re cooking. phone, so you’ll have no trouble slipping it This little tag attaches easily and into your pocket as usual. feels extremely secure – I can wave my hand My only criticism for the Phonetag around and have no fear that it’s going to fly is that it doesn’t have the Popsocket’s away. For a fair test, I tried it on a variety potential for funky designs. It is finished to a of phones: for most, it worked perfectly, nice quality and is available in metallic black, though on the tallest phone I tried, I did silver or ever-popular rose gold, but to truly have to make a couple of attempts to get it complete an aesthetic accessory, I think it’s to stand horizontally. To be fair, though, going to need a far wider range of colours. this phone was the Infinix Zero8, which However, if you’d rather pick substance over is even taller than the Samsung S20+, so colourful Youtuber merch, the Phonetag that was a rare exception! With every other already has you covered. phone, it worked without a problem, at the
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ree-in-one one stand, der, magnet
£11.99
www.myphonetag.com PROS: Three-in-one phone stand, holder, magnet Comfortable to hold
Rotates Secure Lies flat
CONS: Needs more colours
BBHUGME MATERNITY SUPPORT BELT LADIES - WE WEAR BRAS FOR SUPPORT EVERY DAY, SO WHEN WE’RE DEALING WITH A GROWING BABY BUMP, WE CAN FIND OURSELVES LONGING FOR A SIMILAR KIND OF SUPPORT THERE. A LOT OF THE OPTIONS OUT THERE, THOUGH, LOOK INTIMIDATINGLY MEDICAL AND NOT ALL THAT COMFORTABLE – THAT IS, UNTIL I SAW THIS ONE FROM BBHUGME. This Maternity Support Belt has a understood that appeals to me. The subtle look that isn’t too bulky and can slip website even has an instructional under or over most clothes easily – whatever video to help you pick the right size works best for you. Unlike some of the hefty option for you, which is extremely things out there, this is easy to put on, and helpful. Like buying a bra, getting the it feels more like wearing a piece of workout right size is so important in order to get kit than a whole medical apparatus, which is the support you need, but unlike bras, how other designs have made me feel. It’s we’re not used to working out our size for even made of sportwear fabric, for stretch, this! comfort and breathability. Wearing this belt This product is fantastic and helps to support your pelvis and lower back, instantly makes such a noticeable difference. which can end up under huge amounts of My only critique is it would have been nice if strain without some sort of help. However, it came in different colours – then it would it still keeps your core muscles active, which be easier to pass off as an accessory with means you won’t end up relying on the belt different outfits and would be a bit of fun. and ending up with a weak core once the However, this criticism is minor – it already baby is here. A balance between your core looks so much better than most maternity muscles and your lower back is the key belts out there, and it was so easy and to a comfortable life, and definitely not comfortable to integrate into my day-to-day. something to throw out of balance before all Thank you, bbhugme! that standing by a crib waiting in the future! The bbhugme Maternity Support Belt is designed by female chiropractors who specialise in pre-natal healthcare, and you can tell. This belt feels like it was made by people who understand what you need: it’s comfortable, it’s soft, it breathes, and it instantly makes your baby bump feel much better. Like all products from bbhugme, it’s that attention to detail and sense of being
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Comfortable
£65 www.bbhugme.com PROS Comfortable Pelvis and lower back support Keeps core active
Breathable Soft Discrete
CONS I wish there were more
colours
MELITTA EPOS COFFEE MACHINE ®
®
Adjust coffe streng
MELITTA BENTZ AND COFFEE GO WAY BACK. IN 1908, THIS COMPANY INVENTED THE COFFEE FILTER: OVER A CENTURY LATER, OUR ENJOYMENT OF THE BEVERAGE HAS COME A LONG WAY, AND THIS JOURNEY IS REPRESENTED THROUGH THE SMOOTH EXPERIENCE OF THE MELITTA EPOS. Coffee culture has become about style Using a touch and indulgence, and the visual design of the panel, you can select the Melitta EPOS certainly fits. It looks fantastic number of cups you want in your kitchen – in fact, it made me want to to make (up to eight) and the update my kitchen just so it could keep up! desired strength (mild, medium The EPOS is about more than just or strong). The EPOS then prepares making coffee quickly. In fact, its aims aren’t the right amount of powder for both about speed: unlike other machines, the settings. This was really easy and took all the EPOS takes a moment to allow your coffee to weighing and measuring of careful coffeeachieve its full flavour and aroma, much as a brewing out of the equation. barista would in an artisanal coffee shop. The Once poured, the EPOS’ hot plate key to this is the Pour Over System – pouring keeps your coffee warm for up to 40 water over the coffee and giving it time to minutes. I occasionally forget that I’ve made swell in a process known as ‘blooming’. In myself a drink and come back to a sadly cold the Melitta EPOS, this ‘hand infusion’ style cup, so if you’re forgetful like me, this has of pouring has, for the first time ever, been you covered! After 40 minutes, the hot plate incorporated into a machine, allowing a turns off, to save energy and be safe. fuller flavour to develop. The EPOS is very easy to clean. The If you’re nerdy about coffee, this water tank, bean container and grinder are might be the machine for you. Every part of all removable and the glass jug is dishwasher its design shoots for this ‘by hand’ experience friendly. There is even a warning light that – it has a 360-degree rotating water spout to will tell you when it needs descaling. This is make sure all of the coffee powder is wetted, the less glamorous side of convenience, but a built-in grinder that you can fill with fresh very important. beans and set to different consistencies, or, All in all, the EPOS shows off alternatively, you can use pre-ground beans. how well Melitta knows coffee. It brings I appreciate this flexibility, as there’s nothing a touch of tradition into your caffeine, more frustrating than being gifted lovely and it looks great whilst doing so. If coffee beans or ground coffee (whichever you you love coffee, this is a game-changing don’t usually buy) and not having the correct machine that’s well worth considering. way to prepare it.
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table ee gth
£299.99 www.melitta.co.uk PROS: Attractive design Adjustable coffee strength Switchable grinding mechanism
Integrated grinder Easy to clean Allows blooming of flavours and aromas
GALAXY 1200 RECHARGEABLE ROBUST WORK LIGHT WE HAVE RECEIVED SOME BRILLIANT WORK-AREA LIGHTS FROM NIGHTSEARCHER IN THE PAST, BUT THE GALAXY 1200 HAS THE BONUS ELEMENT OF BEING RECHARGEABLE. THIS COMPACT WORK LIGHT IS A SMALL, CONVENIENT SIZE, SELF-STANDING, IS WORKPLACE-SAFE AND, ON TOP OF ALL THAT, YOU CAN’T GET CAUGHT OUT NEEDING BATTERIES WHILST ON SITE. LET’S GET INTO IT ALL. I’ve always been particularly fond of and rotates up to 180°, and it even comes this style of work light from NightSearcher: with a magnetic carry handle: all in all, it is whatever their size, I like that this shape convenient both to transport and to set up means they’re low to the ground, hard to wherever you need light. knock over, and are safe for everyone around And what an impressive amount of them. I have done plenty of assisting on light – as the name suggests, the Galaxy 1200 photoshoots and film shoots during my time, gives out 1,200 lumens, to a controlled but so I know the stresses of an equipment- still wide highly useful 50-meter beam. It filled area, as well as the need to have areas can run up to 7 hours, which isn’t the longest safely well-lit whilst they’re being worked NightSearcher runtime, but given its light on. This particular model is very small, output it isn’t surprising – and this is where is a vibrant orange to make sure it can be the convenience of recharging comes in! seen in the dark even when it isn’t lit, and If you’re looking to light a wide it has heavily padded, robust edges. These workspace for multiple people to operate in, edges both protect it from falls (with an you might want to consider a larger model impact resistance of 1 meter) and even more of NightSearcher’s work lights. However, if importantly, protect the feet and shins of you’re working on a construction and repair others! These edges also make it far easier job and want to light what you’re doing handsto grip. It is a very small model, meaning it free, the Galaxy 1200 is the perfect option. is possible to mount on a tripod as well as to leave it self-standing. Its stand swivels
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1,200 lumens
£31.15
www.shop.nightsearcher.com PROS: 1,200 lumens 50 metre beam Compact size Work site safe
Rechargeable Rotating stand
CONS: Only 7 hours run-time
£18.50
I-SPECTOR POCKET RECHARGEABLE LED POCKET LIGHT THIS POCKET LIGHT IS ONE OF THE CHEAPER PRODUCTS WE’RE LOOKING AT FROM NIGHTSEARCHER THIS MONTH, BUT WHILST IT’S A LOWER PRICE, IT’S NO LESS USEFUL. THIS POCKET-SIZED INSPECTION LAMP HAS A DUAL USE: YOU GET BOTH A NARROWBEAM TORCH IN THE END OF THE TOOL AND A WIDE FLOOD BEAM ALONG THE SIDE. THIS MAKES THE TOOL VERSATILE AND WORTH CONSIDERING, AND BEING RECHARGEABLE OF COURSE ADDS TO ITS APPEAL. The i-Spector us designed to be handLike many NightSearcher products, held, but it can also clip into your sleeve, the i-Spector Pocket is resistant to the words collar or pocket and has a strong magnetic of chemicals and solvents you’re likely to base, which makes it easy to set up in a way find in a workshop, and it made with a hardy that’s hands free. casing that should survive wear and tear. Its Its LED beam is bright and clear – at two beam options are a definite selling point, 350 lumens, it is far from the brightest of and at such a low price compared to some of NightSearcher’s products, but it does the the company’s torches and lamps, this is a job. Its runtime of 5.5 hours isn’t the longest great way to get a quality light source for a of the i-Spector range, either, but the this is low investment. because it offers the wide beam option as well as the narrow beam.
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arrow-alt-circle-right www. shop.nightsearcher.com PROS Bright, clear beam Narrow beam and high beam option Hardy casing Solvent and chemical
resistant Magnetic base Tunic clip Rechargeable
CONS Short battery life Not a directional light
TRI-SPECTOR - 3 IN 1 RECHARGEABLE LED INSPECTION LIGHT KIT CAN’T DECIDE WHICH OF NIGHTSEARCHER’S MANY PRODUCTS TO BUY? THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY THIS THREE-IN-ONE PRODUCT, THE PUNNILY NAMED TRI-SPECTOR. THIS PRODUCT COMBINES THREE OF THE COMPANY’S INSPECTION LIGHT DESIGNS, MAKING A KIT THAT COMES TO A FAR LOWER PRICE THAN BUYING ALL PIECES OF GEAR SEPARATELY. The issue I’ve had when reviewing inspection kits, because it covers all of the NightSearcher’s inspection lights in the past bases. You can’t always predict what sort is deciding which I would choose if I had to of take you may be doing and what type of opt for only one. Each one offers different light source would be best, and with this vantage points, such as wide beams, product, you don’t need to. Like all of the directional beams, different manners of company’s inspection kids, the Tri-Spector holding, hanging or fixing it, etc. Each has has a hardy base that can withstand knocks its merits, and nothing has every feature and workshop chemicals, a hook for hanging at one – or, that was the case until the Tri- it in place and a magnetic base for fixing Spector came along. This lighting kit offers it to metal surfaces. The bulbs are LEDs, pretty much everything you could need: producing clear, bright beams, and the an 80lumen torch with a rotatable light device is rechargeable. If you don’t want to head, a 600 lumen inspection lamp with a get caught out and want to make sure you’re directional neck, and a rotatable standing prepared for any situation, this seems the flood beam lamp. safest, most versatile way to go. This, for me, seems to be the ultimate purchase out of NightSearcher’s
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Three lights in one £59.95
www.shop.nightsearcher.com KEY FEATURES: Three lights in one Torch, beam or posable spot light 360° rotating head Magnetic base Hanging hook
1 metre impact resistant Rechargeable Resistant to common chemicals & solvents
NIGHTSEARCHER I-SPECTOR FLEX RECHARGEABLE LED INSPECTION LIGHT ANOTHER OFFERING FROM NIGHTSEARCHER’S ARRAY OF PRACTICAL TORCH SOLUTIONS, THE I-SPECTOR FLEX IS AN INCREDIBLY HANDY TORCH FOR YOU WHEN NEED LIGHT HANDSFREE AND IN A HARD-TO-REACH SPOT. Like all of NightSearcher’s products, Another handy element to this torch this torch is for professionals and amateurs is, of course, its recharge capabilities. This alike – anyone who finds themselves doing a torch recharges at a USB port, capable of spot of work or repairs in the dark and needs 16 hours of run time after a 4-hour charge. a hanging torch with a bit more reliability I do find that I sometimes have too many than swinging your standard pocket-torch things that need charging up at USB ports at from something and hoping the light falls once, but with this kind of battery life, you where you need it. The i-Spector Flex is shouldn’t need to charge it that often. capable of 500 lumen of output, offering a If you’re looking for a narrow, narrow, focused beam of bright, clear LED directional light, this one puts out a clear, light on a 360° flexible arm, allowing you to bright beam. As with all NightSearcher light up all those dark, tiny, hard-to-reach torches, you not only get convenience, but places that crop up during DIY and repairs. everything is also made to a professional You can adjust this output with a dimmer standard. For example, this torch has the switch, toggling from the full 500 all the way added bonus of being resistant to common down to 50. chemicals and workshop solvents, meaning Instead of juggling a torch that doesn’t it’s safe to use wherever you’re needing to quite manage the job, you can suspend this work. torch, adjust the light as needed, and focus on the task at hand. It even has a magnetic base, which was great for when I used it to see how many nooks and crannies I could light up under my car bonnet. For nonmagnetic surfaces, it also comes with a hanging hook. This does have the slight limitation of needing something to hang it front, and unlike some of NightSearcher’s products, this doesn’t come with a way to affix it to your person, but at a pinch, you can slide it into your front shirt pocket.
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16 hour run time
£29.95
www.shop.nightsearcher.com PROS: 500 lumens 16 hour run time Directional beam
Magnetic base Hanging hook Chemical resistant
CONS: Not easy to fix to self
NIGHTSEARCHER £39.95 NAVIGATOR-620R RECHARGEABLE LED FLASHLIGHT ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT NIGHTSEARCHER PRODUCTS IS THE AVAILABILITY OF PROFESSIONAL-GRADE TORCHES AT REGULAR PRICES. SURE, £40 MIGHT BE A HIGH-END OF WHAT YOU’D PAY FOR A TORCH FOR PERSONAL USE, BUT WITH THIS COMPANY, YOU DEFINITELY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. The Navigator-620R is a rechargeable it says in the name, is the fact that this LED torch that delivers on light. If I think torch is rechargeable. Some torches do this ‘rechargeable’, I tend to presume that the through a portable charging station, which, torch in question is going to have a dimmer, whilst convenient, can get a bit bulky. If you more conservative output, but in this case already know that you’ll have easy access to that couldn’t be more wrong. LEDs are able USB charging points, such as at home or in to kick out a brighter light on less energy your car, then this USB-rechargeable torch than a traditional bulb, which is how the is a smart option. Why stress about batteries Navigator-620R is able to put out a beam of when we’re surrounded by USB ports? The up to 620 lumens. Of course, you might not torch even has a helpful light to show you always need a beam to be THAT blinding, your battery levels. which is why you can dim or brighten the Like many of NightSearcher’s torch by degrees by pressing the on/off torches, this model had a fantastic grip and button. This was nicely intuitive, and what a sturdy Type III hard anodised aluminium was even better was the torch’s ability to casing, which makes it impact resistant remember which light setting I’d chosen. up to one meter. It also has an IPX7 water Instead of having to cycle through every resistance rating, which means it’s basically time, the torch came back at the light setting waterproof. All in all, this is a reliable torch I’d left it at, which was a nice bit of attention that does everything you could want it to at to detail that made the experience feel very a high level, and you don’t need to worry convenient. about the waste of burning through batteries This torch’s range is 175 meters, – that’s greener and more convenient! which is less than some hand-held NightSearcher torches, but still an extremely good range. However, its key feature, as
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Rechargeable
arrow-alt-circle-right www.shop.nightsearcher.com PROS: Rechargeable 620 lumens 175 meter beam Dimmable
Remembers light setting Sturdy case Good grip IPX7 water resistance
MICRO-1000 COMPACT RECHARGEABLE LED WORKLIGHT WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF WORKLIGHTS FROM NIGHTSEARCHER, BUT THIS LITTLE LAMP IS NUTS. WHEN LIGHTING A LARGE AREA, ONE GENERALLY ENDS UP DEALING WITH HEFTY LIGHTING SET-UPS, OR ELSE BEAMS THAT ARE NOWHERE NEAR BRIGHT ENOUGH. THE MICRO-1000, LIKE ITS NAME SUGGESTS, IS COMPACT IN SIZE, BUT KICKS OUT A CRAZY 1000 LUMENS OF LIGHT. To give you an idea of scale, this lamp visible even when its stunning 1000 lumen can fit in your palm, but it still throws out a output isn’t lit. 90 degree beam of bright, truly impressive This light is perfect if you have an light. Unsurprisingly, it only has a short area to light and not much in the way of free battery-life of 2 ½ hours, which I would space in order to set them up. Small and criticise if it wasn’t giving out such a strong out of the way, this light will flood an area beam. Fortunately, it is rechargeable, without getting underfoot – just make sure which makes this short life-span far less of to keep it charged. a problem – just be aware of it when you purchase, in case you need to work for a long time without interruption. You can use the Micro-1000 either by attaching it to a metal surface using its magnetic base, or by hooking it in place. The bulb can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing its spotlight to fall wherever you need, and its hardy casing seems nice and robust. I would have preferred for it to be padded, to protect it (and you) from knocks and falls, as I like to see this extra level of safety on anything that might be scattered around a worksite. However, it does tick the other box of being a bright orange colour, making it nice and
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Bright, clear 1000 lumen LED light
£31.15
www.shop.nightsearcher.com PROS Bright, clear 1000 lumen LED light Rechargeable Rotatable 90° beam
Hangable Magnetic base Aluminium heat sink Safety orange
CONS Short battery life
NIGHTSEARCHER ZOOM 500 SPOT-TOFLOOD FLASHLIGHT THE NEW ZOOM 500 SPOT-TO-FLOOD FLASHLIGHT FROM NIGHTSEARCHER MAY, AT A GLANCE, SEEM LIKE THE KIND OF BASIC TORCH YOU FIND AT THE BOTTOM OF EVERY HOUSEHOLD ‘STUFF’ DRAW, BUT IT IS ACTUALLY PACKING A SECRET PUNCH. NightSearcher has recently launched beam of light or a narrow, focused beam. its new ‘ZOOM’ range of torches, and if This isn’t a new feature in torches by any there’s one thing we’ve learnt after reviewing means, but this range seems to do both many NightSearcher products in the past, settings properly. I’m used to torches of this it’s that their torches always have a feature size having a so-so beam that doesn’t light that sets them apart. In this case, this new much up, and whilst you can toggle between range offers the company’s most advanced a slightly brighter or a slightly broader beam, spot-to-flood torches to date. it doesn’t make a huge load of difference. We recently added a border collie to With this torch, however, you feel like you our family, which means we suddenly need have a professional-grade, beefy tool – but to head out on two walks a day to vent all one that came at an affordable price and his energy. In perfect timing, the days are tucks easily into your pocket. Even crazier, getting darker much earlier, and that means its battery life (4 x AAA) can last up to 45 one of our daily walks always feels like it’s hours, so you can head out for a long night at night. For everyone heading out in the with no worries at all. evenings, it helps to have a handy, compact torch with you that will actually do the job of lighting your way! This dinky, hand-sized torch kicks out an impressive 500 lumens – in case you don’t know your ‘lumens’ talk, that’s bright. What’s more, that beam has a range of 285 meters – that’s an insane field of vision from such a small torch. You might not always want that much light, though, and that’s why the ZOOM 500 comes with five light settings: Low, Medium, High, Boost or flashing. But what does ‘spot-to-flood’ mean? Basically, you can slide this torch between two settings, so it either throws out a wide
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Up to 500 lumens
£32.95
www.shop.nightsearcher.com PROS: Up to 500 lumens 285 meter range Spot or flood beam 5 light levels 45 hour battery life
Batteries included Secure grip Sturdy case Convenient size Good price
NEW HAZSTAR RECHARGEABLE HAZARD WORK LIGHT ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS, AND CERTAINLY THE MOST STRESSFUL PARTS OF YOUR CAR BREAKING DOWN IS MAKING SURE YOU’RE SEEN BY OTHER DRIVERS. IF YOUR CAR IS STUCK SOMEWHERE IT SHOULDN’T BE AT NIGHT, YOU WANT TO KNOW THAT YOU’RE VISIBLE NOT ONLY TO THE REPAIR PEOPLE HEADED TO RESCUE YOU, BUT ALSO OTHER DRIVERS. GONE ARE THE DAYS OF A HAZARD TRIANGLE THAT RELIES ON REFLECTING THE BEAM OF OTHER DRIVER’S HEADLIGHTS: THE NEW HAZSTAR HAZARD WORK LIGHT FROM NIGHTSEARCHER IS EQUIPPED WITH A DUAL FUNCTION TO BOTH WARN OTHER DRIVERS THAT YOU’RE AROUND AND ALSO LIGHT UP YOUR WORK AREA FOR ANY EMERGENCY TIRE CHANGES AND OTHER ROADSIDE REPAIRS. A brilliant detail in the HazStar is has a handy stand and is made of robust that it’s rechargeable, so as long as you have material, or they can detach to be placed engine power, you can’t get caught out. elsewhere around the car. It has a red hazard light that shines in the Ever ready for an emergency, this traditional triangle shape to let other drivers light ever comes with the ability to charge know you’re broken down, and can also work your phone, to make sure you can call for as a regular work light to brighten an area help! I would feel much safer knowing this whilst you check on your car. The 3 x red work light was in my car’s box of emergency hazard light can be removed from the light supplies: it isn’t a cheap purchase, but when and magnetically placed around a broken it comes to road safety, your future self will down vehicle and is visible up to 100m and thank you for the investment runs for nine hours, whilst the regular light has a 15m beam and a six hour run time. Both lights are able to shine at an impressive 2000 lumens, so you don’t need to worry that you won’t be seen! The hazard lights can either remain on the work light itself, which
30
Hazard lights and a work light beam
£67.00
www.shop.nightsearcher.com PROS: Hazard lights and a work light beam Removable hazard lights
Rechargeable Charges your phone 6-9 hour battery life
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LIVALL C20 SMART HELMET AS AN OFFICE OF CYCLISTS, WE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY ON THE ROAD, AND AS WE HEAD DEEPER INTO WINTER, THAT THOUGHT IS ALL THE MORE ON OUR MINDS. BACK IN THE DAY, A STURDY HELMET, SOME BIKE LIGHTS AND SOME REFLECTIVE STRIPS WERE ALL YOU COULD HOPE FOR, BUT NOW, MODERN TECHNOLOGY HAS OPENED UP NEW DOORS. LIVALL’s first smart helmet launched your emergency contacts to let them know, in 2015, and they have kept updating the as well as your GPS location so they can come concept ever since. The LIVALL C20 Smart find you. To set up your emergency contacts, Helmet has been created to not only make you need to first install the LIVALL Riding you more visible on the road, but to enable app, but this was nice and easy to do. you to communicate clearly with other roadThere is a 90 second count-down on users, which is another huge boost to your the app before the SMS is sent, which was a safety nice touch, as this lets you cancel any false My first impression of the LIVALL C20 alarms (so your loved ones aren’t rushing to was its sleek, smooth finish. This is a really your aid every time you drop your helmet nice-looking helmet that manages to have a or take a harmless fall!) This is an amazing classic appearance whilst also looking a little feature that does so much for peace of mind. sci fi. It feels sturdy, and when I popped Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s it on, it was easy to adjust and sat very reassuring to know that it’s there in case you comfortably. do. On turning the helmet on (yes, this is a Another little detail that I liked was helmet that needs to be turned on!), the first the helmet’s smart lighting capability – you thing that sprung to my attention was its LED can set it (using the app) to turn its lights on lights, which run in two strips along the front automatically whenever it’s dark, which is a and the back for the sake of visibility, as well very useful feature for someone as forgetful as giving off the helmet’s life-saving road as me. You’re also protected against the signals. This helmet is able to detect when lights being left on for too long – if your you slow down and responds by brightening helmet has been disconnected from your both of its lights for three seconds, to make phone and not moved for 15 minutes, it will sure that surrounding traffic is aware of you. turn its lights off, which protects you from I gave this a test by asking my partner to waking up to a flat battery after leaving it on wear it whilst she cycled down our road, and all night. without fail, the lights got brighter when she The C20 doesn’t have the most put on the breaks! This is a brilliant feature features I’ve ever seen in a smart helmet, and it makes me wonder why all helmets but it has a number of brilliant ones that aren’t doing this now. could make all the difference for your safety. The best feature, though, in my The helmet is even compatible with Strava, opinion, has to be the fall detection and iHealth and Siri, all via the app. This helmet SOS alert system. Just as it can tell if you’re is available in Ocean Blue or Midnight Black, slowing down, this helmet knows if you fall, and for its price, it is an incredibly useful and will send an automatic SMS message to cut-above the usual helmet.
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ÂŁ69.99
Smart lighting
https://livall.co.uk/product/livall-c20/ PROS: Smart lighting Improved visibility Fall detection
CONS: No music or road signal functions
SOS alert Auto on/off Comfortable fit
GAMESIR G4 PRO HANDS UP – WHO ELSE HAS BEEN GAMING MORE DURING LOCKDOWN? FOR ANYONE WHO GAMES OFTEN AND DOES SO OVER MULTIPLE PLATFORMS, THE G4 PRO FROM GAMESIR IS HERE TO OFFER A SMOOTHER, MORE CONVENIENT GAMING EXPERIENCE. INSTEAD OF SWITCHING BETWEEN CONTROLLERS FOR EACH CONSOLE, THIS ONE CONTROLLER CAN BE USED WITH EVERYTHING. THIS IS DEFINITELY AN ADD-ON ACCESSORY RATHER THAN A NECESSITY, BUT THAT SAID, IT IS AN EXTREMELY PRACTICAL ONE THAT CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE MUCH EASIER. BACK IN THE DAY, I USED TO HAVE TOO MANY TV REMOTES – NOW, IT’S CONSOLE CONTROLLERS! I’ve seen products like this before six-axis gyroscope that makes it sensitive to that allow you to switch between your Xbox your movements and allows you to control and Playstation, but the G4 Pro goes far your character with a tilt of the hands, beyond that, compatible with your Apple making it compatible with Switch and and Android phones, your Switch and even mobile games. It is very comfortable to hold, your PC! The huge advantage of this for me is and when I popped out the top section to slot that I only need to learn the muscle-memory in my phone, the grip seemed secure and I for one controller, meaning there isn’t that was never worried about my phone falling. slight culture-shock when you switch from It switches between consoles without much one gaming system to another after a while. faff or difficulty, and it has a fantastic battery This should increase performance, which in life, which instantly puts it above my current turn helps you to compete. PlayStation controller! One detail that I really loved in the If you are a casual gamer with all of G4 Pro was the fact that the ABXY buttons your games on a couple of platforms, you are magnetic, meaning you can switch them may not need the G4 Pro, but if gaming is around to suit whichever console head-space an important part of your life, than this you’re in. Another element of customisation accessory could be a welcome boost to your allows you to set its vibration levels – just be convenience. This is a controller that handles aware that the stronger they are, the more nicely in its own right, and if you have games battery they use. over three or four different platforms, it The controller also came with a could really streamline your experience. screenshot key that works on any device, which I abused thoroughly, and a Turbo key that lets you perform combo moves more quickly. This feels a little like cheating to me, but if your competitors have one, you need one too! This controller does more than just recognise your different consoles – it has a
36
Compatible with most games & platforms
PROS:
£49.99
Compatible with most games & platforms Comfortable and easy to hold Secure grip on phone Switches between
modes easily Magnetic buttons Motion sensitive Screencap and Turbo keys
CONS: Not compatible with ALL games – check
before purchase
BREAK THE BOARD LIKE JACKIE CHAN AND THE DAYMAN, YOU TOO CAN BECOME A MASTER OF KARATE. OR, YOUR KIDS CAN, ANYWAY. THE BREAK THE BOARD GAME HAS SOMEHOW MANAGED TO TURN CHOPPING A BOARD IN HALF INTO AN ELECTRONIC GAME. THIS IS A FUN, UNUSUAL GAME THAT MAKE A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY MARTIAL ARTS ENTHUSIASTS THIS CHRISTMAS. (BUT, IF THEY’RE REALLY INTO THE SPORT, DO THINK ABOUT GETTING THEM ACTUAL CLASSES, TOO!) Break the Board can be played solo break the board, you must perform different or with a group of up to ten. It has four sequences that increase in difficulty as you play modes: training, level up, freestyle go on – it’s kind of like a karate Bop It! and competition. At first, I was sceptical of This is a fast-paced, fun game that the notion, but the way this game has been challenges speed and memory. It’s got a designed is really fun. The look of the thing clear novelty hook, it has loads of replay is brilliant to start with, really putting you value, and it can be used alone or in a group in mind of the cartoons that might have – aka, everything you need from a game or gotten your kids karate-chopping the air in toy! Suitable for ages 6 and up, this could the first place, and the different play styles be a fun gift for your future blackbelts this means this has much more entertainment Christmas. value that I first anticipated. The game uses sensors to recognise what motions players are making, between chops, swipes, strikes and breaks. The board has different lights that signals which move you should make; to
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Colourful design
£19.99
arrow-alt-circle-right PROS: Colourful design Solo or group play Up to 10 players
Tests speed and memory Fast paced and fun
HUE HD ANIMATION STUDIO FOR SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES ALIKE, THE HUE ANIMATION STUDIO FROM HUE HD IS MORE THAN JUST A TOY – THIS IS A KIT THAT ALLOWS YOUR KIDS TO PUT TOGETHER PROPER STOP MOTION ANIMATED VIDEOS, GIVING THEM EVERYTHING THEM NEED FROM IMAGE CAPTURE TO EDITING SOFTWARE. MANY BIG-TIME FILM MAKERS STARTED AT HOME WITH A VIDEO CAMERA AND A STOP MOTION PROJECT, AND WITH YOUTUBE AND OTHER PLATFORMS MAKING VIDEO CREATION A MORE VIABLE CAREER THAN EVER BEFORE (AND ONE KIDS ARE MORE AWARE OF THAN EVER), THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR KIDS TO DEVELOP IMPORTANT SKILLS WHILST HAVING A LOT OF FUN. The HUE Animation Studio guarantees but breaks the information down in a way that you have everything you need to set your that they can understand. The materials kids up to do a stop motion project, or better were put together by teachers, so they know yet, for them to feel like they have the tools how to make something that is clear to to set it up themselves. The kits, available in follow whilst still being inspiring. I was also red, blue or green, look fun and accessible impressed that, even though this software rather than intimidating, even down to the is for kids, it doesn’t limit them by dumbing fun, wiggly, posable, ‘monster eye’ style down its capabilities. You can edit frames, camera. The camera plugs in with a USB and add text and special effects, and can even has a built-in microphone, so it’s super easy use a green screen – this would have been to use to capture film footage AND audio, so much fun to have had as a kid, and would and equally easy to set up and link to the still be fun now! software. With digital media a more accessible In total, the kit comes with this and viable outlet for young people than ever camera, the required software, a CD of before, this kit makes sense. These are skills support content and a book that offers a that your kids are probably going to value step-by-step guide on how to create a video, having in their digital futures, so why not including some prompt ideas of some videos get them started now? This kit is well put your kids might want to try making, if they together by people who know what they’re find following a guide the best way to start doing, providing much more structure than them off. The book also mentions various downloading MonkeyJam and wondering sound effects and backgrounds that your what to do (which is what I did when Kid kids can use to help them make their movies, Me tried her hand at stop motion). If your all of which are included on the CD (or are kids have a creative side and like making available for download if you don’t have a CD up stories, this would be a fantastic gift drive). Of course, they can also import other this Christmas. It’s made me want to make files, including ones they make themselves! movies again myself! What I loved about this kit is it enabled kids to achieve ambitious projects,
40
Posable camera
arrow-alt-circle-right
£45.00
www.huehd.com PROS: Posable camera Easy to use Fun design Support materials made by teachers Support book and CD Provides starter sound
effects, backgrounds, special effects Green screen Accessible but comprehensive software
ZING GO GO BIRD THE GO GO BIRD FROM ZING TAKES FLYING TOYS TO A NEW LEVEL. YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER THE SMALL FLYING HELICOPTER TOYS OF YESTERYEAR, THE SPINNING FAIRIES AND STYROFOAM PLANES, BUT IN THE ERA OF DRONES AS STOCKING FILLERS, WE NEED OUR AIR-BORN TOYS TO MEET A HIGHER BAR. ENTER THE GO GO BIRD FROM ZING! The Go Go Bird combines old-school game controller that you can fit in one hand. remote-control technology with modernThe already decorated birds are made day drone tech. The colourful, fun design even more so with multi-coloured, changing of the Go Go Bird is available in either red, LED lights for visibility at night. This sort green or blue, with vibrant ‘feathers’ and an of visibility is useful, as the bird can fly up attractive trailing tail. I used to have a kite to 200 ft away from your controller! The that looked quite similar to this design, back design is lightweight and seems durable: if when all we needed to launch a flying toy this somehow did crash, despite its obstacle was wind and string. At the risk of sounding avoidance, it would be hard for it to damage old, do kids still fly kites these days? itself, as the material has a lot of bounce to Anyway, Mary Poppins sentimentality it. aside, this toy delivers a lot of fun features This bird flies much better than I (and it should do, at that price). The big one expected, due to its drone-like sensors and to highlight is that the Go Go Bird flaps its its well-made bionics. We have come a long wings, which makes it exciting to launch way from the flying toys of my childhood. for younger and older kids alike. Unlike OG A tale as old as time, though, this toy has a remote-control toys back in the day, this short battery life, flying for only around 15 toy has sensors that tell it if an obstacle minutes at a time. It seems that no matter is too near, and it will fly the other way to how advanced these toys get, time in the air dodge around it. Its drone-like intelligence remains the limit. But, with so much going (a sentence that used to be oxymoronic) on with the Go Go Bird, it’s not a surprise! isn’t limited here, though: due to its six-axis If you’re looking for a fun present to sensor, it can also launch into the air with a mix things up this Christmas, this bird is Smart Takeoff if you lift it up on your hand. fun, easy to use and should appeal to kids This is an awesome feature, as it feels like at a range of ages. You might even end up launching a real bird into the air – very cool playing with it yourself! for kids! As for the manual controls, these are easy to use, looking similar to a video
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Easy controllers
$49.99
WWW.ZING.STORE PROS Easy controllers Flies well 200 ft range Smart sensors
Avoids collisions Light-up LEDs Range of designs
CONS Short battery life
Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
In Tune With You
Discover and enjoy live and on-demand audio effortlessly, anywhere.
Copyright Š 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE.
Visit www.pure.com to view our full range
JR PURALIFE P-SERIES AIR PURIFIERS THE PAST YEAR, MANY OF US HAVE BEEN INSIDE MORE THAN USUAL, AND WE HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVING MORE THOUGHT TO THE QUALITY OF OUR AIR AND THE STRENGTH OF OUR LUNGS. THE MORE TIME WE SPEND INSIDE, THE MORE DUST AND OTHER PARTICLES WE’RE BREATHING THAT AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE AIR WE’RE TAKING IN. HOWEVER, PURIFIERS LIKE THE JR PURALIFE P-SERIES CAN CAPTURE THESE PARTICLES AND CLEAN UP OUR AIR, MAKING OUR HOMES HEALTHIER TO LIVE IN, EVEN IN THE COLD WINTER MONTHS WHEN WE WANT OUR WINDOWS FIRMLY SHUT! According to Juicy Retreats, the JR out into the Puralife P-Series purifiers can remove up room. They to 99.97% of the harmful particles in your also use preair. This includes dust, fluff, pet dander filters, UVC and pollen, mould and airborne bacteria, light and an industrial emissions, odours, benzyne, Anion Ionisor to formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide, and even further neutralise the ultrafine nanoparticles, viruses and germs! air that passes through them. Given the current global climate, that’s I was happily surprised to find that extremely good news indeed. these purifiers run quietly, as I was under Granted, these purifiers aren’t the impression that they tend to make cheap, but for that sort of peace of mind, quite a noticeable sound. You can also I’d consider it. The air in my home definitely toggle between two speeds, which greater felt fresher after using these – I felt more reduces the noise when you want to whilst energised and generally a bit healthier, and still keeping the purifier running. Their the air didn’t feel as dense. We’ve recently appearance is simple and neutral, letting you bought a puppy, so the house has been filled tuck them away anywhere in your home. with all sorts, so knowing the air was clear All in all, these purifiers are undefinitely made us feel better about it! obtrusive and do a useful job that greatly So, how do these purifiers work? improves the hygiene of your home. I never They combine various filters, such as a considered an air purifier before, but testing carbon filter and H13 antibacterial filters, to these products may have changed my mind – capture and kill the particles you don’t want especially given the world we live in today. in the air, and then kick that cleaner air back
46
5 filter layer system
P.20:
£289 P.30:
£339
www.juicyretreats.com PROS: 5 filter layer system Two speed settings Neutral design Quiet
Removes up to 99.97% air pollutants Kills airborne bacteria and viruses
ION8 WATER BOTTLES IN OUR QUESTS TO LIVE GREENER LIVES, MANY OF US HAVE FINALLY TURNED AWAY FROM DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND HAVE INSTEAD TURNED TO REUSABLE ONES THAT CAN COME WITH US ON THE GO. THE NEW PROBLEM IS, THERE ARE SO MANY BOTTLES TO CHOOSE FROM, HOW ARE YOU MEANT TO PICK OUT THE RIGHT ONE? The stress I have from a lot of bottles wasn’t too slippery. The insulation in the is that, no matter how carefully I close them, two that had it was fantastic, keeping drinks they still manage to leak, which makes them hot or cold for the entire time I was out. As wet and annoying to hold and can ruin my for the kid’s cup, its stainless steel kept it stuff – a real faff when you’re out shopping just as insulated, but nowhere near the same or at the gym! (not that I’ve done much weight, which is ideal for a child. of either of those lately). However, Ion8 Our permanent bottle has become has developed technology that keeps your something of a statement piece accessory to bottle leak proof, using their OneTouch and us, and thankfully, Ion8 has acknowledged OneTwist technology. We received some that by providing every bottle in a wide range bottles to test out, and we can safely say – of colours, patterns and designs. At the end they don’t leak! of the day, many of us will pick our bottle We received three bottles from Ion8 based on look, not practicality, but with Ion8 to review: the Vacuum Insulated, Leak Proof bottles, it seems you can have both! Steel Water Bottle, 500ml in navy; the I was really impressed by these Vacuum Insulated, Leak Proof Steel Water bottles, and if you visit the Ion8 website, Bottle, 320ml in purple; and the Stainless you’ll see all the other options they have Steel Leak Proof Kids’ Water Bottle, 400ml available. Whether you’re looking for a in blue. Whilst Ion8 has a wide range of water bottle to last you the day, a smaller battle and flask designs, the overall design of flask to replace disposable coffee cups, or all three products was similar, but of course even something to hold your soup, Ion8 has featured some important differences. For the product for you, in whatever fit, material one thing, Ion8 allows you to select exactly and colour you choose! what you’re looking for from your bottle, Ion8 Leak Proof Steel Water Bottle, including the width (out of the Pod, Slim Vacuum Insulated, 320ml: £16.99 and Quench styles) and whether your bottle is steel, insulated or a sports style, which Ion8 Leak Proof Steel Water Bottle, determines its weight vs its insulation value. Vacuum Insulated, 500ml: £19.99 To compare the differences between Ion8 Leak Proof Kids’ Water Bottle, our bottles, I’ll start with size. The smaller Stainless Steel, 400ml: £9.99 of our two bottles for adults was, naturally, easier to carry by hand, but I found that both were more comfortable and natural to hold onto than I expected. It was aided by the bottle’s comfortable width and a surface that
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From £9.99
Good insulation
www.ion8.co.uk PROS Selectable insulation, weight and width levels Good insulation Comfortable to hold
Wide range of colours and patterns
FREETRAIN VEST – V1 & VR
IN ESSENCE, THE FREETRAIN IS A HARNESS TO WEAR WHILST RUNNING THAT STORES YOUR PHONE AT THE CENTRE OF YOUR CHEST. IT IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE EASE OF CARRYING AND USING YOUR ESSENTIALS WHILST YOU TRAIN WITHOUT THEM HINDERING YOUR RESULTS. PART OF THE LOGIC TO THE FREETRAIN IS THAT UNEVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION CAN AFFECT HOW YOU TRAIN, AND CAN EVEN LEAD TO INJURIES: BY PLACING YOUR PHONE OVER YOUR STERNUM INSTEAD OF ON YOUR ARM OR IN YOUR POCKET, THIS AVOIDS THAT RISK AND KEEPS YOUR TRAINING BALANCED. A really run feature of the Freetrain One sports bra is already not much fun; you is that, as well as being able to access your don’t want to put a second one on top of phone from the top of the chest pocket, you that. can pull down a hinge that allows you to see That said, the harness IS extremely your phone on the go. This clever pocket has comfortable. It’s soft, it doesn’t dig, and a transparent, water-resistant screen that it has been designed to be breathable. Its you can view and use your phone through. I minimal design means it isn’t adding more wasn’t sure how responsive my phone screen heat or layers than it needs to, and it leaves would be through the plastic, but it worked your limbs free to move. great! It was an effort to make the home Sizing-wise, these products are button work, but the screen itself responded unisex and one-size-fits-most, but I wouldn’t without issue. say ‘all’. One of our review team found that We received both the V1 and the VR his rode up too high for comfort: whilst the vests from Freetrain, which offer identical main body stretches a little, most of the features, but come in black and silver adjustability is in the sides. If there was a way respectively. The silver option is highly to make the harness longer in the shoulders, reflective, making the harness a safety he would have had a better time of it. So, if feature on night runs; the black option you’re looking to buy the Freetrain, do check has a few high-vis details, but if you run at out the range of sizes it is appropriate first. night often, I would recommend going with The phone pocket benefit of this the VR. That said, the company also sells harness is brilliant, but I wasn’t overly attachable lights that you can use to make impressed by its other pockets. It comes either harness extra bright and safe during with two, one on each shoulder, supposedly winter training. for storing “energy gels, bars or even an The material has a similar stretch and inhaler”. You could store an energy bar or gel feel to a sports bra, meaning that whilst it in the Velcro pocket at a pinch, but there’s no does stretch to let you get into it, so it’s a way my inhaler could fit into either pocket. close and secure fit once it’s on. This aids The zip pocket in particular only really has in keeping the harness streamlined and room for a house key or something similar, preventing it from affecting your movement, and so much of the pocket is taken up by the but as a female runner, I did find that wearing zip that I didn’t feel safe opening it whilst this plus a sports bra felt a little restrictive. running.
50
Balanced phone storage
However, these pockets are sidedetails – bigger ones would have affected the cut of the vest, and it’s more important that you’re able to move. The point of this product is the phone pouch, and this worked well. The placement even has the added advantage of meaning you can listen to your music out loud instead of needing headphones, which means you’re far safer, as you’re able to stay alert to traffic noise. This central pouch even has a divided-off section for storing cash and cards safely, which is a great detail that made life much easier. This may seem an extravagant purchase to some, but if you’re looking for a more convenient way to use your phone on the go, it’s worth checking out. Just read the sizes first and make sure it is right for you.
https://freetrain.co.uk PROS
£29.99 each
Balanced phone storage Phone flips down for use on the go Breathable Reflective
Comfortable Doesn’t hinder movement Unisex One size fits most
CONS Doesn’t fit everyone
Small side pockets
PELI 0915 WATERPROOF MEMORY CARD CASE THE 0915 WATERPROOF MEMORY CARD CASE BY PELI PRODUCTS UK IS A FAIRLY SELF-EXPLANATORY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. IT ALLOWS YOU TO CARRY 12 SD CARDS, 6 MINI SD CARDS AND 6 MICRO SD CARDS WITH YOU ON THE MOVE. NOWADAYS SD CARDS ARE NOT AS COMMON IN PHONES DUE TO THE IMPROVEMENTS OF INTERNAL MEMORY ABILITY. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, FILM MAKER OR VLOGGER, THEN THIS MAYBE A CRUCIAL BIT OF KIT. If you’re on the go or in the field on when you’re busy without needing to sort an assignment, you can be reassured that through a messy stack. your memory cards will be safe, as this case All in all, the 0915 Waterproof is produced with a tough polycarbonate Memory Card Case by Peli is a sturdy piece resin with a shock absorbing foam insert. of hardware that will keep your data safe on This will keep your memory cards protected your SD cards no matter what the weather is. from breaking, even on location in rough conditions. The water resistance of the case will also keep your mind at ease, knowing that the IPX4 rated seal will protect your memory cards from potential leakages. As well as being safe, this case will keep your memory cards well organised, making them clear to view and whip out
52
Sturdy
£27.36
www.peliproducts.co.uk PROS Sturdy Shock absorbency
Water-tight seal Keeps your cards tidy
THE ONE WITH THE APARTMENT BET GAME IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN! BASED ON THE QUIZ THAT THE GANG CREATES IN THE ONE WITH THE EMBRYOS, THIS TRIVIA GAME LETS YOU TEST YOUR OWN ‘FRIENDS’ KNOWLEDGE IN A PERFECT NOTE-FORNOTE COPY OF THE ONE IN THE SHOW. The set-up of this game is a pretty F r i e n d s standard question-and-answer situation, fans, so a la the quiz in the episode, but it has you’ll be some brilliant attention. For example, the p l e a s e d questions have the same category names as to know the quiz in the episode, and the score board that a few is the exact design of the one Ross made. questions were The gameplay is, as it was in the a surprising deepepisode, very simple. Following the pattern cut – you may find of the show, the game is also therefore quite yourself amazed at what short, and this would be my one criticism. obscure trivia you do remember, and then Each team only answers two questions what obvious things you forget! from each of the four categories – so, eight One fun detail in this game is that questions each in total. When this is over, before you begin, each team agrees on a you compete in a Lightning Round, and wager. In the show, the teams play over that’s the game settled. Whilst this made whether the boys will give up their pet sense on TV, where we can’t watch a whole chicken and duck, or whether the girls will half-hour game take place, in real life, I give them their apartment. Similarly, you’re would have preferred for the gameplay to encouraged to make a wager of some kind to have been extended and made a little more spice things up (though preferably nothing complicated. I found the best way to play so life-changing!) This is a fun idea that gives was to do several rounds, as otherwise we the game higher stakes, though again, I’d didn’t really feel like we’d played for long argue that it is a reason to make the game enough to get into it properly. Especially as, longer. Of course, there’s nothing to stop out of those eight questions, we were likely you agreeing to play ‘best out of three’ or to have most of them right! whatever suits you. I found a lot of the questions quite This game is suitable for 14+, and easy, but then again, I’ve seen every episode every question is about something inof Friends more times than I’d care to universe, rather than asking any trivia about calculate, and it’s rare a day goes by that the show’s production. With an impressive someone in my house doesn’t quote a sound- 250 question cards, there’s loads of replay bite from it, either unwittingly or on purpose! value, as you’d have to play this game a lot However, I’d say that such is true for many to get through them all!
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Attention to in-show detail
£9.99 PROS Attention to in-show detail
Easy to play Good mix of questions
CONS Short gameplay
PROSCENIC A8 AIR PURIFIER THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO HAVING AN AIR PURIFIER IN YOUR LIFE. WHETHER YOU SUFFER FROM ASTHMA, STRUGGLE WITH SLEEP OR SIMPLY WANT TO REMOVE A FEW STUBBORN ODOURS FROM YOUR ROOM, AIR PURIFICATION WITH AIDE YOU WITH ALL THESE ISSUES. The new Proscenic A8 Air Purifier is also decreased to 24db, meaning that you is perfect for all rooms, whether this is can sleep undisturbed. If you are not a fan the bedroom, large rooms or an office, of sleeping in total darkness, then you can effective in an area of up to 40m² (430 ft²). make use of the unique night light, this The Proscenic can capture 99.99% of all comes in a special PM 2.5 infrared sensor allergens, smoke or other airborne pollutants design. The lights represent the quality of (such as dust, pet dander, pollen) using it’s 4 the air in the room – green, yellow, red. This stage HEPA filter systems, making it suitable can be comforting to see and will reassure for more or less anywhere. you that the purifier is working and that it Air purification is not a new concept, is enhancing the quality of the room. If you but what makes the Proscenic A8 Air Purifier do not want the lights on, these can also be unique is the app control. The Proscenic turned off via the app or your voice assistant. allows you to control various aspects of the Overall, this seems to be a nice piece air purifier from the comfort of your phone. of equipment from Proscenic. After the Whether this is the fan speed, the schedule, initial set up, I could tell that it was working the timer, or the child safety lock, you can well simply from the clean scent emanating easily change the feel of a room in a moment from the filter. The design is certainly sleek with the easy to use interface on the app and the connection to your phone makes (available for both Apple and Android). If it incredibly convenient and easy to use. you cannot even be bothered to pick up your You won’t realise how much a difference phone, you can also connect the Proscenic to an air purifier can make to your room until your Alexa or Google Home voice assistant. you get one, and if you’re going to make You can then control the same functions as that investment, then you should get the you can from the app with even more ease. Proscenic A8 Air Purifier. Another great feature of the Proscenic A8 Air Purifier is the Sleep Mode. This mode minimises the fan speed and the energy usage of the purifier. The noise level
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£119
App/Voice Assistance Control
www.proscenic.com PROS App/Voice Assistance Control Sleep Mode
Effective
HAIX BLACK EAGLE ADVENTURE 2.2 GTX LOW/OCEAN-LIME WE ARE NOT UNFAMILIAR WITH THE HAIX BRAND OF CLOTHING AT THE GADGETHEAD OFFICES. IN FACT, THIS IS THE ELEVENTH REVIEW THAT WE HAVE DONE FOR ANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS. SO, IF YOU CANNOT TELL ALREADY – WE ARE BIG FANS! Today we will be looking at the also allows for a quick release of the closed HAIX Black Eagle Adventure 2.2 GTX Low lacing system, making it easier to take off that comes with a lovely Ocean-Lime colour the boots after a long walk. finish. Straight from the unboxing, these are Additional features that make the a stylish pair of walking boots and you can HAIX Black Eagle Adventure 2.2 boots an tell that the focus of this upgrade was on the essential addition to your shoe rack include mode of design. We previously reviewed the the lightweight body and cushioning of the 2.1 version, and it is clear to see that all the boot, the additional toe protection and the positives from this range remain with the water proofing. The outsole of the boot is 2.2. made of rubber, and this makes your boots After going on a brief ramble, I can fuel and heat resistant whilst insulating your tell that these are another good pair of feet from the cold. Additionally, this rubber quality boots. Regardless of the weather or outsole is self-cleaning and does not scuff the terrain underfoot, you can be confident with marks. in knowing that you will remain stable in the Once again, HAIX has impressed us HAIX Black Eagle Adventure 2.2s. Like the with another brilliant product. Even though rest of their range, these HAIX boots boast the 2.2 does not have many new features an anti-slip feature, providing you with the compared to the 2.1 range, this does not traction underfoot that will have you covered matter. What does matter is consistency. even on the most precarious of icy footpaths. HAIX reaffirms that they are able to make These boots are comfortable whilst you are a product suitable to its means, and if you wearing them and are easy to take on and off are looking for a good quality, reliable, and too. comfortable pair of walking boots, then we The HAIX Dynaframe is a design can assure you that the HAIX Black Eagle element on these boots made from tensile and Adventure 2.2 GTX Low/Ocean-Lime boots tear-resistant PU Material. This Dynaframe will keep you in your stride, and will keep surrounds the top of your foot and takes the you looking trendy all the while. tension off of the lacing, allowing for a more comfortable fit. The Smart Lacing feature
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Anti-Slip
€149.90
www.haix.com PROS Design Anti-Slip
Comfort
NEW EDIFIER G2 II GAMING HEADSET
LET’S FACE IT – GAMERS GET THE BEST STUFF. COMPUTERS, CHAIRS, KEYBOARDS – THE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR THEIR COMPUTER SET-UP SETS THE BAR IN QUALITY IN MANY CASES. Like office furniture, gaming gear position it wherever you need to get the best needs to set you up for a comfortable and audio quality. Again, this makes this set high-spec experience for hours at a time, and amazing for if you’re planning to stream your when it comes to games, product designs are gameplay on a platform like Twitch. having fun with it. Over lockdown and my As for the audio output, it was clear resulting Zoom-based experience, I’ve come and immersive, with great bass and lots of to appreciate another of the many fantastic detail. This is partially thanks to the set’s products made for games – good headsets. next-gen 50mm composite diaphragm, but A gaming headset needs to not only the biggest boost to immersion had to be have excellent audio output, but also needs the full 360° surround sound effects. This a clear mic so you can yell at the other manages to play audio to you in such a way players in your campaign. This also makes that you get a sense of where everyone and them great headphones for video calls, everything is in relation to you, which is streaming on Twitch, filming for YouTube, REALLY useful during combat, and seriously recording audio for a podcast etc. Basically, cool to experience. any of the digitally based ways people have I was a fan of the black and red design been spending their time could use a set of for this headset, but if that’s not your thing, good headphones. So, we took a look at the Edifier has headsets with looks that will suit new G2 II Gaming Headset from Edifier® all tastes. It has the typical glowy lights that International. all gaming gear seems to think it needs, but We have reviewed several makes of that was a fun touch, and most importantly, headphone from Edifier in the past, and we it was very comfortable to wear. haven’t been disappointed. This is the first headset I’ve tried from this company, and I’ve got to say, I loved them. I’m not much of a gamer, but to give this headset a proper test, I shelved The Sims for a minute and blew the metaphorical dust off of my Monster Hunter: World account. It was fantastic! The noise cancelling microphone meant the other players could hear me clearly despite my puppy dropping his toys against our wooden floors. I was impressed to find that this mic was detachable, forming a 6mm electret condenser mic, to better enable you to
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7.1 surround sound
£59.99
arrow-alt-circle-right
www.edifier.com PROS: 7.1 surround sound offering 360° sound positioning 50mm driver unit
Excellent sound quality Noise-cancelling detachable mic Comfortable
BIOLITE HEADLAMP 750 THE NEW HEADLAMP 750 BY BIOLITE IS A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL HEAD TORCH THAT WILL CERTAINLY BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY. IT IS USB RECHARGEABLE, PROVIDES YOU WITH A MAXIMUM OUTPUT OF 750 LUMENS, AND HAS A VARIETY OF FEATURES THAT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH ALL THE LIGHTING OPTIONS THAT YOU DESIRE. The HeadLamp 750 is the elite option giving off. Apparently, most other head of BioLite products. It comes with 3 more torches decrease the number of lumens lighting options than any of the other head over time in order to conserve energy, and torches in their range: White Spot, White because your eyes are becoming adjusted to Strobe, White Flood, Red Flood, Spot & the dark. However, with 150 hours low, 7 Flood, 30 Second Burst, Rear Red Flood, and hours high and 8 hours reserve means that Rear Red Strobe. The 30 Second Burst and you will maintain clear visibility for this rear light options are only available on the whole period. The second pro feature is 750 model, so if you require people to see Run Forever. Because the HeadLamp 750 you from behind, then the HeadLamp 750 is is rechargeable via the mini-USB port, you probably your best bet. also gain the benefit of being able to charge This product’s 3D Slim-fit construction it whilst you are using it. This increases the means that you will be able to wear your head run-time to way over 7-hours on high usage, torch with maximum comfort. BioLite have or its incredible 150-hours on low usage. I integrated the electronics of the device into cannot even think of an example of when you the band that wraps around your head and would need to be submerged in darkness for have created a flush low-profile on the front, such a long period of time. Maybe you fell meaning that you won’t get any bounce or into a cave with the convenience of having movement while you’re on the go. The power your portable USB charger on your person, or unit is in the back of the HeadLamp; this maybe you are spending winter in the artic distributes the weight of the torch and will circle, where it is night-time all the time! keep the pressure off your forehead while This is a nifty piece of kit by BioLite. If the headband contains moisture-wicking you are professional that spends a lot of time properties so that you keep nice and dry. wearing a head torch, then the HeadLamp After wearing the BioLite HeadLamp 750 750 is exactly what you require. Though the for over an hour, I honestly forgot that I was cost of this product is quite dear, bear in wearing it, and could have happily kept it on mind that it is an incredibly important piece for a few more hours too. of equipment, particularly for your safety, As this is the pro edition by BioLite, and quality of light and the runtime that the HeadLamp 750 comes equipped with you will receive from the HeadLamp 750 are a couple of pro features that make this second to none. product float above the competition. The Constant Mode keeps you in control of the number of lumens that the HeadLamp is
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$99.95
HighQuality
www.bioliteenergy.com PROS Comfort Constant Mode
Run Forever Mode High-Quality
EUFY INDOOR CAM 2K PAN AND TILT SECURITY AND PROTECTION WITHIN THE HOME IS VITAL, WHETHER YOU LIVE ALONE, OR ARE RAISING A YOUNG FAMILY. HOME INSURANCE AND A BURGLAR ALARM CAN ONLY BE SO EFFECTIVE AND ARE FAIRLY PASSIVE MEASURES. THE NEW INDOOR CAM WITH 2K HD AND PAN AND TILT FEATURES BY EUFY TAKES THE NEXT STEP IN HOME PROTECTION. Eufy have simplified this product Cam possesses is night vision. The dead of by streamlining it into one device. Other night is a time when all of us feel the most products by eufy have a HomeBase that vulnerable, but with the eufy Indoor Cam set secures all your data on it, but the Indoor up, you can feel safe an secure knowing that Cam comes with storage included in it. it will notify you of any activity under the Videos from the device stay private but are moonlight in your home. available to access via a 256-bit encrypted Overall, this is another impressive connection, meaning to can see what is product by eufy. All the features make this going on inside your house from the safety easy to use and of course they keep you safe of your phone. too. It is not a criticism, but as this is only You can use the Indoor Cam in various one camera, and if you wanted a set up for ways around your house. AI can detect raised every room in your house, then you would noise levels which can make it an effective have to buy a few of these. If you have just baby monitor is you want to know when your one room or something specific to protect in child needs you. You can also speak to anyone your house, then this is the perfect indoor via the camera, so if you need to let someone security for you! know that you can see what they’re up to, you can do this straight through your phone. Instant detection features mean that as soon as someone moves in front of the camera, it will begin recording straight away. Thanks to the pan and tilt built into the camera, this will also follow the motion so can keep viewing whatever is happening. If you want to restrict the camera action to certain areas of a room, then the Customization feature allows you to draw an activity zone on the camera, so if you wanted to protect a certain cupboard or drawer, you could create an activity zone around this to assure you that you would get a notification if anyone went near it. One of the most seemingly obvious security features the eufy Indoor
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Motion tracking
£47.99
http://www.eufylife.com PROS Motion tracking Night vision
Easy usage
CONS Only protects one room
HUMANSCALE
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF HOME OFFICE SET-UPS DURING LOCKDOWN (AND LOCKDOWN TWO: THE SEQUEL), SO AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, I WAS THRILLED TO RECEIVE A SERIES OF PRODUCTS TO TEST FROM HUMANSCALE. Based in New York, Humanscale is a company that focuses on producing ergonomic, carefully designed office furniture and accessories that aim to give you the healthiest, most comfortable office set-up you can get, and to look stylish into the bargain. Let’s face it – when we evolved, we weren’t evolving to sit in one spot for our 9 to 5, so when we’re at work, we need to take care of ourselves. This became more apparent to me than ever during lockdown, as I spent months hopping from one chair to another in my house looking for somewhere to hunker down with a laptop, and my back hasn’t thanked me for it! Now, finally, I’ve put together a proper office space. So, how did these products from Humanscale fit in?
HUMANSCALE NOVA TASK LIGHT PROMOTIONAL OFFER CODE IS WFHG-GH Whilst setting up my home office, once of the pieces I struggled to find was a suitable lamp. The Nova task light from Humanscale is extremely stylish in a simple, sleek, industrial way that makes it look like it belongs in a converted New York loft. This directional light is easy to adjust to any angle, lighting up your workspace however you need, and its LEDs kick out a strong 440 lumens beam. It’s a brilliant amount of light without being glaring, making it perfect for lighting up an office space. Lamps like this that I’ve had in the past had a tendency to slip and lose the position you set them to, so I was impressed to see this light didn’t do that. That’s thanks to something Humanscale called ‘Forever Hinges’. I was also impressed by the lamp’s touch dimming function – 440 lumens is the recommended amount of light for a work surface, but if that’s too bright for you of your office’s location, you can set it to the exact amount you need.
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There’s something about this beam that felt very clean and artistic. It creates a single, clear shadow, which shows how clear the beam itself is. Wonderfully, the lamp is also green – its LEDs should last for 50,000 hours, and the lamp is Energy Star certified for being energy effective. It even turns off when it hasn’t detected movement for a while, so you don’t need to worry about wasting power by leaving it on! We received the Nova task light in black, but it is also available in white or grey. The model also comes with optional charging bases, which let you wirelessly charge your phone! How clever is that? It definitely saves space, rather than having a wireless charger sat on your desk as well. All in all, I was very impressed with this lamp, and everything else we received from Humanscale. My office space have definitely levelled up!
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Clean LED beam
RRP $379 www.humanscale.com PROS: Clean LED beam Fully adjustable direction Holds its shape Saves energy
Touch dimmer Motion detection No glare
HUMANSCALE DIFFRIENT WORLD CHAIR PROMOTIONAL OFFER CODE IS WFHG-GH
WE RECEIVED THE DIFFRIENT WORLD CHAIR IN PINSTRIPE/ WHITE, BUT IT IS AVAILABLE IN A HUGE RANGE OF COLOURS AND PATTERNS, ALL OF WHICH YOU CAN SELECT AND CUSTOMISE WHEN YOU ORDER. I’M A BIG FAN OF THE DESIGN WE RECEIVED: THE LIGHT COLOURS COMPLIMENT THE MINIMAL DESIGN OF THE CHAIR TO GIVE IT A CLEAN, SLEEK, UNOBTRUSIVE FEEL. A LOT OF DESK CHAIRS DOMINATE THE ROOM, BUT THIS FELT LIKE IT JUST ACCENTUATED IT. As for the design itself, I’m always tends to happen about two days into a new wary of mesh chairs – the look of a big padded chair! chair just tells my subconscious that I’m All the little details about this chair going to have a cosier time. However, this are simple yet clever. The armrests attach to chair is extremely comfortable. It breathes the back of the chair, meaning they recline easily, it lightweight to move, and it fits to and move with you. This plus the automatic the shape of my back – I was comfortable recline meant I was able to squirm and shuffle whilst still maintaining a good posture, around, and the chair was always supporting which is rare for me! me correctly. My back hasn’t been this happy Designed by Niels Diffrient, this was in months. This chair is light and intuitive, Humanscale’s first mesh chair. I think they moving with you instead of making you feel were right to venture into the area – dare I like you’re adjusting and dragging around say I’m a mesh chair convert? What’s great some big weight. The front of the chair even about this chair is that at a first glance, it curves downwards to protect your legs from seems like a very simple office wheelie – the usual uncomfortable edge on hard chair just one with an attractive look. However, fronts. the designer crammed functionality into it, In the world of office chair prices, and did so whilst aiming to keep it as sleek this product is the affordable side of quality, and minimal as possible. It has a weight- and you get a cleverly designed piece of sensitive recline that adjusts automatically, equipment for the price. I can’t fault this using your weight and gravity to adjust, chair, and I hope the Gadgethead team lets so the designers were able to gut all the me keep it when we move back to the office! mechanisms these chairs usually have. This also means you don’t need to worry about these mechanisms breaking, which for me,
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RRP $914
www.humanscale.com PROS: Lightweight Minimal Adjusts with you Comfortable
Breathes No heavy mechanisms Many customisable design & colour options
HUMANSCALE L6 LAPTOP HOLDER
RRP $99
PROMOTIONAL OFFER CODE IS WFHG-GH I AM DEFINITELY GUILTY OF HUNCHING OVER MY LAPTOP, AND EVEN WHEN I HAVE A DECENT DESK AND A GOOD DESK CHAIR, SITTING AT A LAPTOP EVERY DAY STILL TAKES A TOLL ON MY SHOULDERS AND BACK. I TRY TO STRETCH, KEEP GOOD POSTURE, EVERYTHING, BUT STILL, I CAN FEEL THAT TENSION IN MY SHOULDERS MOUNTING WHEN I SIT AND TYPE. THE L6 LAPTOP HOLDER FROM HUMANSCALE SEEKS TO COMBAT THIS ISSUE BY GIVING YOU A HEALTHIER, CONVENIENT LAPTOP SET-UP THAT MIMICS THAT OF A DESKTOP. When I first saw the L6, I was adjustable, allowing you to select the exact surprised by its front panel. This panel height and tilt that’s comfortable for you. Its covers your laptop keys –granted, most base also swivels, which is a fun detail that laptop holders do presume that you’re going makes it easier to show your screen to others to pair your device with a keyboard, but what in a collaborative setting. Its movements I like about most of them is that your laptop were smooth and it held whatever angle keyboard is still reachable, meaning you you adjusted it to well. Possibly its best have a choice. This lack of choice in the L6 feature, for me, was the forethought that seems to remove an element of convenience, has gone into heat ventilation: unlike many in my opinion. laptop holders, this one leaves move of Apart from this, however, the L6 has your laptop’s base exposed to the air, which many brilliant features. I appreciated the greatly reduces its chances of overheating. way it keeps your cables tidy – you thread I was very impressed by this detail, and I’m them through the back on either side, and sure my laptop appreciated it. the holder frame keeps them neat and in Personally, I wish this holder didn’t place. This does slow down a quick get- have its front panel, but even so, it is a very away if you include your charge cable in slick, well-made desk accessory. Being able the mix, but the idea is that you use these to have the full desktop computer experience for keyboards, additional monitors etc – (comfort wise) and then smoothly transition anything that you place to leave in the office back into having a laptop is definitely when you turn your laptop back into a laptop convenient. And, in defence of the front and take it home. panel, it provides a great place to stick a This holder is surprisingly lightweight, research print-out or many, many post-it which I always appreciate, and it is also notes!
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www.humanscale.com PROS: Easily adjustable Holds its position Lightweight
Attractive Secure Keeps cables neat
CONS: Requires an external
keyboard
HUMANSCALE FR500 ERGONOMIC FOOT ROCKER PROMOTIONAL OFFER CODE IS WFHG-GH I DIDN’T THINK OF A FOOT ROCKER AS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE DESIGNED STYLISHLY, BUT I WAS WRONG. WE RECEIVED THE FR500 ERGONOMIC FOOT ROCKER IN A BLACK WOOD, BUT IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN A POLISHED CHERRY. IN BOTH CASES, THESE WOODS ARE PAIRED WITH AN ATTRACTIVE ALUMINIUM AND STEEL. OVERALL, THE DESIGN LOOKS TIMELESS, LIKE IT COULD BE EASILY AT HOME IN EITHER A MODERN OR OLD-FASHIONED OFFICE AESTHETIC. The purpose of this product, as you H u m a n s c a l e might have guessed, is to keep your feet included these, rocking whilst you’re at your desk. Ever had but I’m even more to stop working to fidget around, flex your impressed by the fact that feet or stretch your legs? This rocker tackles they did so without lessening the attractive that problem, and in a way that’s far better look of the design. for your joints than being at a standing desk I wouldn’t have thought to get a foot all day! As well as benefitting your legs and rocker for my office, but now, I’m thinking feet, it also relieves pressure from your again. Combined with the right chair, this lower back – all in all, that’s desk discomfort could make your time at your desk so much solved! more comfortable, which in turns means it’s The difference in my comfort levels healthier and probably more productive. For whilst using this rocker was huge, and I also $99, this isn’t cheap for an add-on accessory, appreciated the fidget-move it provided. I’m but it’s proven to be a more essential item a natural fidgeter, so it was nice to have an than I previously thought, and you get a lot outlet that I knew was better for me, not worse of attractive design for your buck. (usually, my fidgeting turns into slouching!). A god-send for a squirmer like me, the rocker has subtle rubber grips on the surface to help your feet to stay in place. I’m glad
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Healthier circulation in legs and feet
arrow-alt-circle-right RRP $99 www.humanscale.com PROS Healthier circulation in legs and feet Relieves presure from lower back
Fidget move Attractive design Rubber grips
PHELPS NINJA SWIMMING GOGGLES AS THIS NEXT PRODUCT IS A PAIR OF SWIMMING GOGGLES, LET’S DIVE STRAIGHT INTO THIS REVIEW! THE NEW NINJA SWIMMING GOOGLES BY PHELPS ARE A CRUCIAL PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE AN AVID SWIMMER. IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS TOO, THEN BE ASSURED THAT THESE ARE A PAIR OF FINA APPROVED GOGGLES AND HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS TO MAKE THEM SIT AS COMFORTABLY AS POSSIBLE ACROSS YOUR FACE. Though they are a fairly cheap pair Exo-Core Technology that creates stability of goggles, Phelps Ninja Swimming Goggles and protection in the structure around the boast a lovely sleek design and come in a lenses. Ultra-soft Softeril material means variety of colour schemes – grey/blue, white/ that these goggles are both streamlined and black, white/blue or black/yellow. lightweight to wear. I tend not to use goggles when I go As these are a Phelps pair of goggles, swimming, mainly because I tend to keep my they have competition in mind. The Ninja head out of the water and just do lengths, is a new goggle launch for the 2020 and is but it is also because I had poor experiences the Race Fit System. This is a one lifetime with goggles in the past. They either low-profile strap adjustment system that is leaked, steamed up or just felt incredibly paired with a high quality, low profile silicone uncomfortable to wear. Clearly, I never had strap. This means that once you have set the the Phelps goggles in my life before now! fit, it will never budge. This is an incredibly These goggles are designed with the convenient feature for a professional level frequent swimmer in mind, as comfort and piece of equipment. The last thing you want practicality are paramount in the features to be doing before your 100m butterfly is included. The Curved Lens Technology messing around with the strap because it is allows to see clearly whilst you are in the either too tight or not tight enough. Your pool. Superior optic engineering rids any mind will be at ease knowing you can pop blurriness and gives you a full 180° scope them straight on and have the perfect fit of vision alongside maintaining superior every time. hydrodynamics. The Interchangeable Nose So, whether you are a competitionBridge lets you customise your goggles with level swimmer or simply just take yourself to ease. Many cheap pairs of swimming goggles the local pool in the morning for a brief dip, are one size fits all and usually rely on the you can find benefits from the Phelps Ninja stretchy rubber strap to do all the work. Of Swimming Goggles. As these have the seal course, Phelps realise that no two faces are of approval from the Olympic Gold Medal the same, so they included 4 different bridge winner himself, Micheal Phelps, then you sizes that can be changed with ease, all the can assure yourself that you are purchasing while maintaining comfort and the leak a product that could help you reach your own free seal. Comfort is also provided by the swimming heights too!
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£33.99 to £57.00
Perfect Fit Every Time
www.michaelphelps.com PROS Comfort Design Perfect Fit Every Time
Strap 4 Nose Bridge Sizes
ROBO KOMBAT BALLOON PUNCHER IF YOU HAVE EVER ENJOYED WATCHING ROBOT WARS ON TV, THEN I CAN GUARANTEE YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THE ROBO KOMBAT BALLOON PUNCHER BY SILVERLIT. THE ONLY DOWNSIDE IS THAT THERE’S NO CHEEKY BANTER FROM CRAIG CHARLES OR MESMERISING COMMENTARY FROM JONATHAN PEARCE - YOU’LL HAVE TO MAKE THAT UP YOURSELF! This is certainly going to be a So, whether you need to ease the contentious addition to any stocking filler this tension after a heated family Christmas Christmas. As the box alludes, balloons are dinner, or if you have a score to settle with going to be burst. Though it is recommended your sibling, then the Silverlit Balloon for ages 5+, it might be worth keeping this Puncher will be getting heavy usage and will away from younger or more audibly sensitive inevitably let you go out with a bang! children. The main premise to this game is that you get to control a robot fighter that possesses a balloon head. The two controllers make this a multiplayer game, but you can also switch on the challenge mode and battle against AI. The joystick comes with a simple button configuration; you have a full range of movement with the robot fighter and can punch with both the left and right arms, plus you can use the combo punch too. Go head to head, pop your opponent’s balloon and claim victory! The packet comes with 24 different multicoloured balloons, allowing the fighting to go on for a while. Of course, you will run out of balloons eventually, but everyday balloons will do the job once you require some more.
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Fun for whole family
£31.99
PROS Fun for whole family Easy to use
Playful design
GTECH HEADWAVE PATIO HEATER NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE ARE UTILISING OUR OUTSIDE SPACES. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, I THINK I HAVE SAT OUTSIDE IN PUB BEER GARDENS OR CAFÉ SEATING AREAS ON THE STREET MORE THAN EVER. AT HOME, TOO, I SEEM TO BE EMBRACING THE WEATHER NO MATTER WHAT THE FORECAST IS. HOWEVER, AS WINTER BECKONS ON US, IT IS GOING TO BE HARDER AND HARDER TO JUSTIFY SITTING OUTSIDE TO READ MY BOOK IN THE SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES. I THINK I MIGHT NEED A HEAT LAMP. The new Gtech HeatWave Patio running the HeatWave is approximately 30p Heater is exactly the type of device I require per hour. As it uses infrared and the latest for my garden. With up to 2kW of power, the heating technology, this outdoor heater uses Gtech HeatWave will heat up in a matter of low energy at a low cost. The lower wattage seconds and provide warmth up to a range of heater means that almost 100% of the of 6 metres. electricity used to power it is transformed Out of the box, the Gtech HeatWave into heat used to warm you up. There is Patio Heater is incredibly easy to install. It no waste: no noise and barely any light or comes readily assembled, and all you need to internal overheating of the product. do is attach it to a wall in your garden using This is a wonderful piece of kit the fixings provided with the box. Set up can that will keep you nice and toasty in the be done in a matter of moments. If you are forthcoming winter months. As it is easy to not planning to use the Gtech for a while, set up, easy to use, and does exactly what it then you can also disassemble it and store it says it does, it is hard to find any faults in with ease in a drawer or kitchen cupboard: the Gtech HeatWave Patio Heater. My only it is very compact and only measures up to criticism would be that it is not very portable. 570x105mm. Though you can assemble and disassemble it Once installed and plugged in, all you with relative ease, you must always be near need to do it switch it on and you’re ready to a mains socket and a wall to get use out of go. The infrared technology means that you it. If you have a big garden and usually sit will be provided with instant heat whilst also further than 6 metres away from a solid wall, feeling natural and not too overwhelmingly or simply do not have a solid wall suitable hot. The Gtech HeatWave is completely for installation, then you might have to find weather-proof, which really should be a another outdoor heater. However, this does given seeing as it will only be used at more not hinder the quality of this product, and I precarious times of the year. Even though it am sure Gtech HeatWave will enable you to is compact and easy enough to uninstall, feel enjoy the brisk outdoors this winter whilst comfortable leaving it outside whatever the staying comfortably warm. weather. According to Gtech, the cost of
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Instant Heat £149.99 www.gtech.co.uk PROS Efficient Instant Heat
Easy to use/set up Compact
CONS Not portable
EUFY VIDEO DOORBELL 2K THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS TIMES IN THE PAST WHEN I HAVE RETURNED HOME TO FIND A SLIP IN MY LETTER BOX INFORMING ME THAT I HAVE MISSED A PARCEL. REGARDLESS OF THE DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS I INCLUDE WITH THE PACKAGE, THE POSTMAN WILL NEVER LEAVE THE PARCEL BEHIND THE BINS OR GIVE IT TO MY NEIGHBOURS TO HOLD ON TO, SO ANNOYINGLY I MUST WAIT 2-3 MORE DAYS FOR THE REDELIVERY. LUCKILY, THE WIRELESS VIDEO DOORBELL WITH 2K HD BY EUFY CHANGES EVERYTHING. The eufy Video Doorbell is very simple Extra features that make the set up. All you need to do is attach the mount Video Doorbell by eufy unique include the and the snap to your doorbell, and as it is Customized Detection and the Enhanced wireless, this is all you need to do. It merely Human Detection. The Customized Detection takes a matter of minutes. The HomeBase feature allows you to draw a line on the stays inside your home and this stores all the screen around the area that you want the recordings from your Video Doorbell. The Doorbell to notify you about. If your camera fact that all the data is stored locally on this is facing the street, you do not want a device means that you do not have to pay any notification if someone is simply walking extra fees for cloud data or storage. To make past on the pavement, this will keep the it extra secure, the HomeBase comes with notifications strictly for activity happening military-grade AES-256 data encryption to on your driveway/property. The Enhanced ensure that no one else can get access to it. Human Detection feature also means that if The Wireless Video Doorbell has any animals scuttling past will be ignored. features that allow it to be connected to your If you have foxes on your garden at 4am you voice-assistant such as Alexa, and to your certainly do not want the Video Doorbell to smartphone too. The doorbell will ring via be notifying you that somebody is there, but your Echo Dot or your phone, meaning that if it is a human – you certainly do! you will never have to miss the door again. Ease of usage is crucial when it comes If you are away from the house, you can to any technological device. And when it pre-record up to 3 instant responses, so if comes to security, you want to feel sure the delivery man comes to the door you can that maybe your grandparents can use the simply press the option for your door bell to Video Doorbell and feel comfortable inside say to them, “Leave it around the side”. Of their own home. With easy instalment, a course, if you are still in the house but a little simple interface, and military grade security bit preoccupied (or simply do not want to go encryption, eufy have mastered this with to the door), then you can still speak directly their new Wireless Video Doorbell with 2K to anyone at the door with the two-way audio HD. feature. Maybe it saves you trip to the door all the way from the back of the garden!
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£179.99
Militarygrade protection http://www.eufylife.com PROS Instalment Easy to use
Military-grade protection
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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