2024 Autumn
MUSIC DISCOVERY
Add songs you hear on the radio straight to a Spotify playlist by the touch of a button
DiskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB
EPOMAKER TH40 44-Key VIA Programmable Keyboard
EPOMAKER P75 Mechanical Keyboard with Rotary Knob
Roadie Coach
STM Goods Opp iPad (10th Gen) Protective Case
Technaxx Mini Battery Air Pump TX-261
Cable Guys One Piece Luffy Wanted Phone and Controller Holder
Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Das Keyboard 5QS Smart RGB Mechanical Keyboard
myFirst Fone R2 Smartwatch
Bumpin’ Belt Bluetooth Belt Buckle Speaker
Skullcandy PUSH ANC Active Earphones
HT2 Headphones
PHOTOGRAPHY
Toys Photo Creator Instant Pocket
Majority Bard Internet Radio Music System
Edifier W830NB Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with ANC
NANK Runner Diver2 Pro
HOUSEHOLD AUDIO
Technaxx Music Man TWS ANC In-Ear Headphones Pro BT-X72
Tozo T6 True Wireless Earbuds
OUTDOOR GADGETS
So Slime Go Gooey Snails Slime Race Set
Bangarang Family Card Game
WACACO Minipresso GR2 Portable Espresso Machine
JR Ultra 8000 S4 Slow Juicer
HEALT & BEAUTY
Microplane Black Sheep Truffle Tool 2-in1 Slicer and Grater
SPORTS &
b.box Insulated Food Jar
Tower Sphere Pit N Grill
Virustatic Shield
TOYS & GAMES CONTENTS
PSB M4U 9 Premium Wireless ANC Headphones
FITNESS
Vasque Elias
STM Goods Myth 28L Backpack
DISKASHUR PRO3 SSD 2TB
£660 .00 https://istorage-uk.com/product/diskashur-pro3/
DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOUR DATA WITH TOP-OF-THE-LINE SECURITY, THE DISKASHUR PRO3 SSD 2TB FROM ISTORAGE BRINGS TOGETHER EVERYTHING YOU LOVE FROM ITS PREVIOUS VERSIONS AND PACKAGES IT NOW IN A NEW PORTABLE DESIGN THAT HAS EVEN SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS.
As a big fan of iStorage’s data encryption devices, I was super excited to get to put the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB to the test. The entire unit is compact and sleek in all black, with the PIN pad on the front. Each key is made from wear-resistant epoxycoating which makes them super durable, and therefore resistant to hackers being able to see which keys are used more frequently.
To use the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB, you just have to connect it to a device with a USB port using the included USB Type-A and Type-C cables that are included and input your PIN code. Once you input the correct PIN all data and files on the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB are instantly unencrypted and made accessible. Once you’re done you simply eject it from your main device, and all data once again is encrypted and protected from being accessed by malicious entities.
One of my favourite things about the device is that the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB does not come with a pre-set admin
code, instead, all PINs must be configured before use for an extra layer of security. Plus should the incorrect code be submitted 10 times; the device will be locked and only accessible using the admin code. Should this also be input incorrectly 10 times, the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB will wipe all data on the device as a final safety precaution.
In terms of the security specs, the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB is a TAAcompliant drive, which is FIPS PUB 197 validated with an AES-XTS 256bit hardware encryption algorithm. Additionally, the device has had a recent successful evaluation and issuance of the CAVP which demonstrated the device’s compliance with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules. In addition to this, the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB includes software to protect against Bad USB attacks which utilises the device’s firmware to maintain the protection of data.
iStorage is synonymous with data protection, and the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB is no exception. From ease of use, top-level data encryption, and a range of features to ensure that your data remains only for your viewing, the diskAshur PRO3 SSD 2TB is the perfect data protection companion. This would be ideal for people working on the go to store their files and data in a secure and reliable place, protected from prying eyes or hackers. I will say it’s a high price point, but for the level of data security, you can’t really skimp on the price! However, iStorage does have plenty of other encryption devices, and many with smaller storage space which may be more suited if you are looking for smaller devices for personal use.
PROS:
- Sleek, portable design that is both dust and waterresistant
- Large 2TB storage space for plenty of files – great for both personal and work use
- Industry-recognised security software
- Brute force and USB malware attack protection – including automatic data wipe when incorrect PIN is entered too many times
CONS:
- High price point – but reasonable for software quality and storage space
GADGETS
EPOMAKER TH40 44-KEY VIA PROGRAMMABLE KEYBOARD
$79.99
https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-th40?srsltid=AfmBO op4umQ5pqcjFRfTumvEfpRxhEStGyh0KmHFPb8FzjHal3XCOev3
COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE ARE JUST A FEW WORDS THAT COME TO MIND WHEN YOU FIRST SEE THE EPOMAKER TH40 44KEY VIA PROGRAMMABLE KEYBOARD. THE ENTIRE THING HAS ONLY 44 KEYS, CUTTING OUT THE TRADITIONAL NUMBER ROW AT THE TOP, THE NUMBER PAD AT THE SIDE, AND ALL THE ARROW KEYS. THE RESULTING KEYBOARD IS 40% SMALLER CREATING A RATHER CUTESIZED KEYBOARD THAT FEATURES ONLY THE ESSENTIALS FOR TYPING OR GAMING. THE LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT AND PORTABLE LAYOUT HAS BEEN DESIGNED SO THAT THE KEYBOARD IS PERFECT FOR THOSE WORKING OR GAMING ON THE GO. ITS SIZE MAKES IT PERFECT FOR PUTTING IN YOUR BAG SO THAT YOU CAN WORK FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE SUPPORTED BY A WELL-BUILT YET MINIMALIST KEYBOARD.
Despite its size, the keyboard is anything but small in terms of functionality. Even with a significant number of keys removed compared to a traditional keyboard, the TH40 features 4 switchable layers that can be fully customised to your preferences, whether for gaming, typing, or both! The flexibility comes from the downloadable VIA Programming which allows you to select the layer and input your shortcuts perfect for whatever controls you need to complete your tasks. Then once programmed, you can simply flick between these layers adding multi-layer functionality and complete flexibility to the use of the keyboard – effectively giving your 4 keyboards in 1!
One of the interesting features of the keyboard is that the space bar has been split into two, with the ‘Fn’ key in the middle. The split space bar is designed to provide much faster typing speeds by reducing finger travel across the keyboard. This also helps with the compact size, as it means that you barely have to move your
hands when typing, and instead, you can hit every key with ease. This is great for gaming, as it means you can press each key much easier for even quicker reaction speeds in the game. Plus, each key features an advanced gasket design which makes each keystroke quieter and more acoustic in sound. This is perfect for when working in a quiet co-working space, on the train or even in a calm coffee shop so you don’t disturb other people with obnoxious keys clicking whilst they’re trying to relax or focus.
The overall functionality of the TH40 is great, and with the dynamic RBG backlighting it also looks super aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for a keyboard solution for working or gaming on the go, but don’t want to bring a full keyboard with you every time, EPOMAKER’s TH40 is a fun and functional design sure to be a big hit with any user nightstand. The magnetic aspects would still work well, as any excess wire would be magnetised together to prevent tangles, but it would personally provide greater functionality for my needs.
Overall, a magnetic cable is a brilliant way to transform your cable needs and make your desk space or even your nightstand a little less chaotic. Its compact magnetic design makes it super easy to use, and perfect for throwing in a bag and taking with you on the go.
PROS:
- Compact 44 key design for easy portability – great for working or gaming on the go
- Three completely programmable layers for greater flexibility with keystroke functions
- Tri-mode connectivity for seamless connections to any devices
CONS:
- I wouldn’t recommend the keyboard as a permanent part of a home set-up as the size is quite small and can become uncomfortable to use over long typing sessions –however, for on-the-go use, it’s a perfect space-saving option
$99.99
EPOMAKER P75 MECHANICAL KEYBOARD WITH ROTARY KNOB
https://epomaker.com/products/ epomaker-p75?variant=48039756103988
WITH EVERY KEYBOARD I TRY FROM EPOMAKER I’M CONSISTENTLY IMPRESSED, AND THE P75 MECHANICAL KEYBOARD IS NO EXCEPTION. WITH MOST KEYBOARDS I’VE TRIED HOWEVER, I’M USUALLY CELEBRATING ITS LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN AND EASY PORTABILITY, BUT WITH THE P75 ITS MAIN DRAW IS ITS DURABLE AND WEAR-RESISTANT DESIGN. THE RESULTING KEYBOARD FEELS EXTREMELY PREMIUM WITH A WEIGHTY FINISH – NOT SOMETHING I EVER THOUGHT I’D NEED FROM A KEYBOARD, BUT I AM DELIGHTFULLY SURPRISED
With every keyboard I try from EPOMAKER I’m consistently impressed, and the P75 Mechanical Keyboard is no exception. With most keyboards I’ve tried however, I’m usually celebrating its lightweight design and easy portability, but with the P75 its main draw is its durable and wear-resistant design. The resulting keyboard feels extremely premium with a weighty finish – not something I ever thought I’d need from a keyboard, but I am delightfully surprised. In addition to its heavy design, the keyboard comes in all black with only the space, arrow, escape and enter keys in a lovely peachy pink colour. I loved the contrast between these two and the overall minimalist look it gave the keyboard. However, the keyboard also has south-facing RGB backlighting adding yet another nice aesthetic touch. The overall size is 75% of a normal keyboard making it a little more compact than the traditional size, but this aims to help streamline typing by reducing the amount of hand and finger movement needed to reach each key. One of the other innovative
features of the P75 is the metal rotary knob that sits in the top right corner of the keyboard and allows you to adjust your volume right from your keyboard –a super convenient addition!
The keyboard usefully comes with tri-mode connectivity which means that you can connect either through a wired, Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz connection. I personally love using a wireless keyboard as it helps keep my desk clutter-free. To make the wireless connection even more reliable, the keyboard is built with a 400mAh battery providing much longer periods of use without being hindered by constant recharging. However, the included wire is super long, and this does make it super easy to still use the keyboard even whilst recharging.
The overall typing feel is top quality, and this is something I’ve come to expect from EPOMAKER keyboards. Each key has been designed with EPOMAKER’s signature cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps which have a gentle curve, so your hand sits comfortably throughout the typing experience, and as always, they are hotswappable PCB for easy customisability without soldering.
If you are looking to step up your home set-up with a weighty, premium-feeling keyboard then the P75 Mechanical Keyboard with Rotary Knob is an excellent choice. It comes with all the customisability that we love about EPOMAKER and now in an even more sleek and minimalist, yet durable, exterior.
PROS:
- Weighty premium finish great for a home set-up
- 6-degree typing angle and cherry profile keys for a more comfortable typing session
- Softer more acoustic sound with each key press
CONS:
- Due to the weight of the keyboard, this wouldn’t be ideal for on-the-go working/ gaming setups as it is quite heavy to carry around with you.
https://www.roadiemusic.com/roadiecoach
ROADIE COACH
I THINK MOST PEOPLE HAVE WISHED THEY COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER OVER THEIR LIFE, HOWEVER, THE HIGH PRICE OF LESSONS OR EVEN FINDING THE TIME TO DO A LESSON CAN BE DIFFICULT. THEREFORE, FOR MANY OF US, THE DREAM OF LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT FADES QUICKLY WITH OUR YOUTH AND TODAY WE CAN BARELY HOLD A TUNE, HOW ABOUT PICKING UP AN INSTRUMENT AND PLAYING SOMETHING? THIS IS WHERE THE ROADIE COACH COMES IN AS YOUR PERSONAL MUSIC TUTOR, SMART RECORDER AND MIDI CONTROLLER ALL AT ONCE. WITH JUST ONE INNOVATIVE DEVICE, YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO PLAY A WHOLE RANGE OF GUITAR AND UKULELE-BASED INSTRUMENTSAND ALL FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.
The Roadie Coach simply attaches to your instrument and instantly begins giving you vital feedback to learn how to play and get better with each session. To achieve this the Roadie Coach utilises its built-in mics to listen to you as you play and provides areas to improve on next time. Then, through the accompanying app, you can practice these techniques to learn in a more focused way as you would with a traditional music lesson. This can be anything from getting down a particularly hard chord pattern to having better control of your rhythm. All aspects can be assessed using the Roadie Coach to help you get better every day through guided lesson on both guitars and ukuleles. Plus, to help learn your instrument even more, the Roadie Coach comes packed with a large library of hundreds of songs spanning a great variety of genres so you’re sure to find at least a song or two that you’d like to practice with.
One of the main perks of the Roadie Coach is that it can be used across a range of guitars from electric, to acoustic or even classical, as well as for ukuleles. For this, the RoadieCoach helps you to tune your instrument directly through its hardware, as well as with the app for an always great sound. However, if you’re also hoping to step up your singing game alongside your instrumental capabilities, the Roadie Coach can also analyse your singing and provide feedback on this alongside your instrument feedback. This dual approach means that you never have to split lessons and can develop both talents alongside each other with the innovative help of the Roadie Coach.
Plus, to listen back to your performance, you can even save and download the recordings from each session to store on your device utilising its 8GB of flash memory storage, and 250+ hours of 48KHz OPUS recordings. You can also record in WAV format, and so recordings can be saved and shared directly in mp3 format too! This allows you to track your progress, and even save new musical ideas for future projects should you fancy yourself as an original writer too.
The Roadie Coach also operates as a MIDI Control which can be connected with other devices or your computer for use with DAW or other audio apps. This allows even greater control over your Roadie Coach where you can assign specific MIDI inputs to produce whatever sound you desire. This is perfect for more experienced musicians, who want to continue to develop their skills and create new music using the Roadie Coach. Plus, the microphone sound levels can be adjusted for each recording, as well as the compression and equalizer for even greater control over your sound.
The Roadie Coach makes an ideal gift for someone just starting on their music journey who doesn’t want to spend hundreds on music sessions but still wants to add a musical skill to their repertoire. At under £200, the Roadie Coach is a perfect one-off purchase that can provide hours of learning at your own pace to develop a skill when it suits you and from the comfort of your own home. The entire device is backed by engineers, experienced musicians and music teachers, so you know that with one purchase you are gaining a vast array of expertise to help you learn a new talent completely on your own timeline.
PROS:
-Easy-to-navigate device which fits seamlessly onto your instrument (comes with a range of clamping arms and a ball-head attachment)
- Backed by the Roadie Coach App for real-time feedback and metric monitoring for motivation
- Affordable price point and easy to fit into busy schedule unlike traditional in-person music lessons
- Designed for both beginner and more advanced players to develop skills and record their own tunes
CONS:
- I do wish there was even more selection of songs available on the app to choose from, but more do seem to be being added each week
STM GOODS OPP IPAD (10TH GEN) PROTECTIVE CASE GADGETS
£19.95 https://tinyurl.com/2ry7sn73
KEEPING OUR DEVICES PROTECTED IS SUPER IMPORTANT, AND HOW BETTER THAN WITH A CASE THAT DOUBLES AS A USEFUL STAND AS WELL AS A PROTECTIVE COVERING? THE STM GOODS OPP IPAD CASE DELIVERS TOP-QUALITY PROTECTION FOR 10TH-GENERATION IPADS IN A SLEEK YET RELIABLE CASE.
The Opp iPad Case is designed to be ultra-slim so it can seamlessly clip onto your iPad without providing any extra bulk. In addition to this, the Opp Case provides a clear back, which allows your iPad to maintain its sleek aesthetics, whilst still making the most of the protective layer that the case provides.
The front panel is where STM Goods has included an innovative origami design which can be folded back around the iPad to provide a stand for both vertical and horizontal use of your iPad. This innovative design means that when not in use your screen is supported by its protective layer, with a soft feel design to avoid any scratches on the screen. Then, when in use you just fold the case into a stand, perfect for hands-free use no matter the activity.
I loved using the stand for reading recipes whilst I was cooking in the kitchen. I just folded the case around into a stand
and had my iPad vertically so I could read my recipe as I went. I then loved that I could easily just flip it around and use the iPad horizontally for watching my favourite TV show whilst I ate dinner. The versatility and ease of use make it a great choice for protecting your iPad and perfect for use while at home or on the go. In fact, this would be great for using with a travel keyboard and transforming your iPad into your own little monitor for working on the go too!
PROS:
- Ultra-slim design to add no extra bulk and remain lightweight
- Super functional origami design for easy hands-free use
- Clear back design to maintain the sleek aesthetics of your device
- Integrated Apple pencil holder
https://www.technaxx.de/products-detail/?pid=5095&cid=522
TECHNAXX MINI BATTERY AIR PUMP TX-261
WHEN CAMPING, BY THE POOL OR EVEN AT HOME, HAVING AN AIR PUMP THAT YOU CAN INFLATE A SPARE MATTRESS OR PUMP UP POOL TOYS IS ALWAYS HELPFUL – HOWEVER, IT’S ALWAYS THE ONE BIT OF KIT I FORGET TO THINK ABOUT. OFTEN, I’M LEFT INFLATING THE POOL TOYS MYSELF, AND LEAVING MYSELF OUT OF BREATH ALL BEFORE THE DAY HAS EVEN BEGUN – AND WITH AN INFLATABLE MATTRESS, I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START! THEREFORE, TECHANXX’S MINI BATTER AIR PUMP TX0261 MAKES A COMPACT, PORTABLE AND EASY-TO-USE AIR PUMP SO YOU’LL NEVER BE CAUGHT OUT TRYING TO INFLATE THINGS USING YOUR LUNGS ALONE!
The air pump may be small, but it really is mighty. The powerful air pump is supported by a large 1360mAh battery, which allows the small device to deliver great inflating power at speed. Included in the air pump set from Technaxx is the Mini Battery Air Pump, 5 different nozzles in varying sizes, a charging cable, a user manual and a carry case. The variety of nozzle sizes means that you can pick the perfect one for whatever you’re inflating. I found the larger ones were perfect for inflating my single mattress for when a friend came to stay last week, and the smaller ones were perfect for some balls we’d got to play in the pool with.
Weighing only 79 grams, the small unit is super easy to throw in your bag and take with you to either the beach or the camping field, to ensure that all your items are perfectly inflated for a fun day and a comfortable night’s sleep – well, however comfortable an air mattress can be!
I also loved that the air pump doubles as a camping light, with a built-in LED light. This makes it even more useful for hanging up in the tent for a little extra light at night. The overall battery life is pretty good, although if desired to be used as both an inflating device and then a light for a long trip it may need to be recharged. However, the included charging cable makes this super easy, and you just need to connect it to a power source to have all the great inflating properties once again.
If you’re an avid camper, or always find yourself desperately looking for a pump to save yourself from being breathless inflating pool toys, the Technaxx Mini Battery Air Pumps TX-261 is a great compact choice. It’s the perfect size for taking with you on the go or keeping in the cupboard for all your inflating needs.
PROS:
- Large battery for long life and quick inflation speeds
- Varying nozzle sizes to suit all inflatables
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
CONS:
- Using the unit as both an air pump and a light will decrease the battery quicker – and may need to be recharged more frequently for continuous use
CABLE GUYS
£29.99
https://exgpro.com/products/netflix-luffy-cable-
guys-guys-original-controller-and-phone-
ONE PIECE LUFFY WANTED PHONE & CONTROLLER HOLDER
holder?_pos=1&_sid=cae70640d&_ss=r
ONE PIECE IS A MUCH-LOVED MANGA WITH ITS OWN ANIME TELEVISION SERIES WITH OVER 1000 EPISODES CURRENTLY IN EXISTENCE. THEREFORE, IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT NETFLIX NOTICED ITS SUCCESS AND IS NOW WORKING ON ITS LIVE-ACTION VERSION OF THE SHOW FOLLOWING MONKEY D. LUFFY AND HIS PIRATE CREW IN SEARCH OF THE ULTIMATE TREASURE TO BECOME THE NEXT PIRATE KING. NOW CABLE GUYS, HAVE DEVELOPED YOUR OWN PERSONAL LUFFY TO SIT ON YOUR DESK AND HOLD YOUR CONTROLLER TO CHEER YOU ON WHILST YOU GAME.
The Controller holder holds a variety of video game controllers, including models such as PlayStation 5 Dual Sense and Xbox Series S/X. In addition, the stand can also hold your smartphone for easy video watching while you game. The entire figure and stand are about 30cm in height, with the Luffy figure feeling sturdy.
I personally loved using the stand to hold my controller overnight, and then using it to hold my phone so I could watch Netflix whilst I was playing. After I was done with my game, I just
PROS:
swapped my phone for the controller and could leave it in prime position ready for the next gaming session. This would make an excellent gift for any One Piece fans, particularly those who are looking forward to the upcoming live-action version, to have their own little Luffy sat on their desk ready for their next game or pirate mission!
- Sturdy figurine makes a great addition to your desk
- Reliably holds most gaming controllers or phone devices
- Weighty base for good stability
CONS:
- The stand is designed from the new Netflix live-action version, so may not be ideal for fans of the original anime version
GADGETS OCOOPA RECHARGEABLE HAND WARMERS
£39.99 https://www.ocoopa.com/products/ ocoopa-ut2s?variant=39875423338629
I LOVE THE COLDER MONTHS WITH LEAVES FALLING AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SNOW, HOWEVER, ONE THING I HATE ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR IS ALWAYS HAVING SUCH COLD HANDS! THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN GOING FOR A JOG OR WALKING THE DOG AND NOT BEING ABLE TO FEEL YOUR FINGERS. OFTEN, I’VE OPTED FOR THOSE HAND WARMERS THAT YOU SNAP TO PRODUCE HEAT IN YOUR POCKET BUT THESE RARELY LAST LONG AND OFTEN DON’T DEFROST MY HANDS ADEQUATELY BEFORE THEY STOP WORKING. THEREFORE, WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF RECHARGEABLE HAND WARMERS I WAS INTRIGUED – HOW COULD SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE A PORTABLE CHARGER HELP ME TO KEEP MY HANDS WARM?
The Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers come as two separate pieces which felt cold to the touch when first opening thanks to their sleek aluminium exterior. Each hand warmer has a small button on the flat side, which once pressed turns on the hand warmers. After turning them on, I was shocked that in just a few seconds they were already heating up in my hands. The warmers can be connected via the strong magnetic connection between them to make one complete heating block or can be used individually to warm your hands in your pockets or to share
a hand warmer with a friend. I was immediately impressed with how warm they were getting and realised that you can press the button again to adjust between 4 different heat settings. These range from 100-135°F and were perfect for warming up my cold hands on the way to work.
The hand warmers’ techy exterior makes them a sleek addition to your everyday life to warm your hands. However, they also actually double as two mini 5000mAh portable chargers. This means not only can you heat your hands well, but should it not be that cold, or you need to quickly charge your phone, you can pop open the silicone port cover and plug in your device via the USB or USB-C ports. This innovative design makes the device multi-purpose and a perfect addition to your bag all year round.
I think these would be perfect for kids on their way to school in the morning as I remember just how cold those winter months were standing at a bus stop before school, or for someone who is always outside working or walking. The hand warmers can easily be charged, thrown in a bag and pulled out when your hands get cold. Then, should you need to charge your phone, you have two mini portable chargers with you at all times – perfect for you and a friend!
I was super impressed with the Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers, each one heated up fast, delivered good warmth whilst my hands were in my pockets, and even helped to save me when my phone was dying on a few occasions. These would make the brilliant stocking stuffer this Christmas!
PROS:
- Sleek stylish unit that is easy to throw in your bag for hand warming and device charging needs
- Quick heating in only a few seconds – and quick cool down too
- Good portable charging function
CONS:
- The shape of the hand warmers is great for being compact, but I’d like it if they were a little wider to deliver heat across a wide area of your hand
£150
https://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/das-5qs-
smart-rgb-mechanical-keyboard.asp
DAS KEYBOARD 5QS SMART RGB MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
EVERY WEEK I SPEND HOURS TYPING AT MY COMPUTER WHETHER FOR WORK OR FOR FUN, AND SO I’VE STARTED TO NARROW DOWN WHAT MAKES MY IDEAL KEYBOARD, AND THE DAS KEYBOARD 5QS SMART RGB MECHANICAL KEYBOARD HAS BECOME A QUICK FAVOURITE. WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE SENT THE KEYBOARD BY THE KEYBOARD COMPANY WHO ARE SPECIALISTS IN PROVIDING THE BEST OF THE BEST OF KEYBOARD AND MOUSE REQUIREMENTS. THE COMPANY HAS THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE UK AND IS READY TO FIND THE KEYBOARD PERFECT FOR YOUR EVERY NEED.
Straight out of the box, I was immediately impressed with how premium the 5QS Smart Keyboard feels with its weighty anodized aluminium casing and soft touch keys. However, the real beauty of the keyboard comes to life when you plug it into your PC as the RBG lighting begins to glow. The lighting has been designed so that daylight does not wash it out, so whether you have a bright office or a dark gaming room, your keyboard will glow with each keystroke.
The entire keyboard is covered with RGB lighting, which can be fully customized to suit your needs to show notifications, or essential communications for increased productivity. The keyboard achieves this through its Smart Q software, which allows you to transform your keyboard configure notifications and even preview messages using the keyboard alone. Through the software, you can drag and drop applets, which help you program the keyboard to show you notifications, your workflow, or even urgent correspondence
super easily. A big draw for this is also the Q-volume button which, as the name suggests, can be used to control volume, but it can also be used to preview notifications to see their urgency whilst you’re getting work done.
As I use a keyboard for my job every day, I need a keyboard that is comfortable to type on, and the Das Key 5QS Smart Keyboard doesn’t disappoint. Each key has been developed with Gamma Zulu mechanical switches which ensures you can type fast, whilst each key has a soft-yet tactile click. I personally love the feel of the keys, with each one having a satisfying click without being too noisy in the process – a problem I’ve had with other premium keyboards with key clicks that are too noisy for use in a quiet office. However, the comfortability of the keyboard doesn’t end there, as the keyboard comes with a detachable palm rest that magnetizes to the keyboard. This is a game changer, as I often buy a wrist rest to use with my other keyboards, so having a palm rest that spans the entire length of the keyboard and firmly magnetises to it for added stability was a great addition.
Overall, the entire keyboard feels premium, looks great and provides nextlevel functionality to make your life a little easier and even more productive! The keyboard really is smart and would make an excellent present for yourself if you’re looking to step up your office set-up, or for a loved one who works from home or loves to game. Check out the Das Keyboard 5QS
The Smart RGB Mechanical Keyboard and many other great models, and accessories for the ultimate office or gaming set-up from The Keyboard Company!
PROS:
- Real-time drink temperature is shown on the screen so you can see when your drink is perfect
- Compatible with many different types of ceramic mugs
- Automatically stops heating when the mug is removed and enters into standby mode after 15 minutes of inactivity for safety
CONS:
- My only slight complaint would be that the cord could be a little longer – it’s a good size currently but in my office, I’m running out of plug space so had to move things around a little to keep it on my desk which was a little inconvenient –just something to consider if you are running low on plug space near your desk.
£199.99
MYFIRST FONE R2 SMARTWATCH
https://uk.myfirst.tech/products/myfirst-fone- r2?variant=47336925790530
SMARTPHONES AND SMART TECHNOLOGY PLAY A BIG ROLE IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES, SO DECIDING WHEN TO LET YOUR CHILD HAVE A PHONE OR WHEN IT IS TOO EARLY CAN BE A DIFFICULT THING TO BALANCE. FOR MANY PARENTS, PHONES ARE GIVEN FOR SAFETY TO ALLOW THEIR KIDS TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM QUICKLY WHENEVER NECESSARY. HOWEVER, WITH PHONES, THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, STREAMING PLATFORMS AND GAMES COULD RESULT IN MORE OF A DISTRACTION THAN A USEFUL SAFETY DEVICE
This complicated situation is why the myFirst Fone Smartwatch R2 was developed, which boasts of allowing kids to stay in contact with their parents, take pictures, and maintain good location tracking, all whilst helping parents monitor their kid’s health metrics in the process.
The myFirst Fone R2 Smartwatch has been designed for kids to provide everything you love about smartwatches, whilst all in a kid-friendly and durable format. Straight from the box, I was super impressed with the look of the watch. We got to test out the ‘Nougat White’ colourway, which has an off-white band and watch face. The watch looks like many other traditional smartwatches on the market, instead of having a more childlike look that you might expect from a watch that has been designed for kids. I like that they’ve considered the 5-12 age range, and not made a watch that is too ‘child-like’ for the older users, and not too inaccessible for the younger ones.
The watch strap is made from soft silicone, and the watch has a 1.3-inch circular AMOLED screen. The overall feel and look of the watch is super sleek, and its low-profile design means that it sits pretty flush with your wrist and so does not get in the way of everyday activities. The watch monitors everything from heart rate, steps, distance travelled, and location, as well as provides kids with the ability to receive messages from their
parents, reply with pre-set responses, answer calls and even take photos using the built-in camera.
This all-around user experience provides many of the benefits that a phone would provide, without the need for a phone at all. The smartwatch uses myFirst Fone’s own eSIM which allows the watch to access its own phone modem, whilst not having the same distractions that screen time provides. This eSIM delivers unlimited 4G LTE high-speed data access and free data roaming, all of which are included with the purchase of the phone for the first month. After the first month, a subscription is however required which does add to the ongoing cost of the smartwatch.
One of my favourite aspects of the smartwatch is the included 5MP camera, which provides an 84° wideangle lens and allows your kids to take selfies and send them using the watch or the app. Plus, for added personalisation, the watch comes with a whole range of watch faces to choose from designed to make the watch to make each one personalised to every child’s interests. Overall, the myFirst Fone R2 Smartwatch provides parents with peace of mind knowing they can check on where their kids are, speak to them when needed, and keep an eye on their health metrics, all whilst also allowing them to have more independence every day. The smartwatch is a great choice for parents who aren’t ready to let their kids into the world of smartphones but would like to take advantage of some of their benefits for the daily safety of their kids.
PROS:
- Great functional use for safety and parent peace of mind – monitoring available through the myFirst Fone app
- Comfortable and minimal watch strap
- Has a built-in camera for snaps on the go
CONS:
- Built-in myFirst Fone Sim means that you have to utilise the company’s modem system
BUMPIN’ BELT BLUETOOTH BELT BUCKLE SPEAKER
https://bumpinbrand.com/products/bumpinbelts
WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF THE BUMPIN’ BELT I LIKED ITS NOVELTY BUT WONDERED HOW USEFUL A BELT WITH A SPEAKER ON IT WOULD BE IN MY DAILY LIFE – NOT TO MENTION WHETHER SOMETHING SO SMALL WOULD DELIVER THE SOUND QUALITY OR INTENSITY NEEDED TO MAKE IT AN ENJOYABLE LISTENING EXPERIENCE. HOWEVER, I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED WHEN THE BUMPIN’ BELT ARRIVED ON MY DESK.
The Bumpin’ Belt comes with the belt, the magnetic buckle, the Bluetooth speaker, and a magnetic faceplate. Each one felt sturdy and lightweight, with the speaker itself weighing remarkably very little. The belt was easy enough to put on, and I especially liked the twisting locking mechanism, so you know it is going to stay in place. You then just snap on the magnetic speaker and you’re ready to play your tunes.
I will say the belt is designed to fit a large range of sizes offering up to a 56-inch waist, and you can adjust this a little, but it is recommended that once you have your perfect size you should cut the belt to size. Although, I do wish there was a little more flexibility in the size like with a normal belt instead of cutting it, as I sometimes find I loosen or tighten my belt depending on what activity I’m doing – but this is only a small personal preference. Once you have your belt fitting just right, and the speaker has been charged (the box includes a USB-C charging cable) you simply click the speaker to your belt with the magnetic buckle. You can then turn it on and connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and it operates like any other Bluetooth speaker. I particularly like that the top has navigation buttons, so you can control your music with ease – all without having to get your phone out of your pocket. However, should you be gardening or playing a round of golf and don’t wish to keep your phone near you, the speaker also has a 4GB internal memory where you can upload your own tracks for
listening on the go without your phone or an internet connection.
In terms of sound, I was rather impressed, because, despite its small size, the sound is pretty great. Whilst it won’t be up there with the best of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, the sound quality for the design is perfect for its use. The sound is just loud enough that you can enjoy your own little bubble of music without it being obnoxiously loud for everyone around to hear, whilst also not being so quiet that I couldn’t hear it over traffic on a walk. The sound quality and functionality go hand in hand, making it a nifty bit of kit that delivers a great sound experience while keeping your hands free for whatever you desire.
I think this would be the perfect gift for someone who works alone, likes to walk or hike, or even enjoys a spot of gardening with music playing. The belt allows you to bring your music wherever you go, without the hassle of carrying an additional speaker with you. However, should you want to use it as just a portable speaker you can, and with the magnetic back connection you can snap it to any magnetic surface for easy music wherever you want it. Plus, when it is time to turn off the music, you can just take off the speaker and snap on the faceplate and you then have a perfectly good belt without a speaker too. This versatility from speaker to stylish belt makes it a perfect gift for a music fanatic – especially with Christmas fast approaching!
PROS:
- Lightweight design for easy portability through the strong magnetic connection
- 4GB storage space to load your own songs for listening offline
- Great sound quality for the innovative design style
CONS:
Check out The Bumpin’ Belt at www.BumpinBrand.com and be sure to follow for more on their socials!
- I’d love to see more adjustability with the belt instead of cutting to size so could be used with size fluctuations or activity intensity needs
MAJORITY AUDIO BARD
INTERNET RADIO MUSIC SYSTEM
£179.99 https://link.majority.co.uk/bard_black
IN AN OFFICE FULL OF PEOPLE, FINDING A RADIO STATION THAT SUITS EVERYONE’S MUSIC TASTE IS DIFFICULT – ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE LIMITED TO ONLY A FEW DAB CHANNELS. THEREFORE, WHEN WE GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE BARD SPEAKER FROM MAJORITY AUDIO WHICH BOASTS TO PROVIDE NOT JUST DAB AND FM RADIO STATIONS, BUT ALSO ALLOWS FOR A BLUETOOTH, SPOTIFY AND AUX CORD CONNECTION, WE JUMPED AT THE CHANCE.
The speaker has a retro-inspired design but is filled with modern tech to deliver a great sound experience perfect for filling an office. I loved that straight out of the box, you could just plug in the Bard, connect to your Wi-Fi and it was ready to go. With an internet connection, the Bard has access to thousands of stations across the world thanks to the internet radio mode. We loved being able to flick through all the channels to find one that suited the varied music tastes across the office – something we struggled to do with our previous speaker which only had about 10 radio channels! Plus, with the included remote control, you no longer need to be hunched over searching for the next channel. Instead, you can just change the channel at a distance – a novelty that our office definitely enjoyed instead of getting up every time! However, should the plentiful channels not be to your liking, you can just as easily connect your phone via Bluetooth or through an aux cord to connect your music that way. I loved that I could play a more curated playlist this way, whilst making the most of the sound quality that the speaker delivers.
In terms of sound quality, the speaker is great for filling an office. The Bard is built with two 4-inch speakers with a 5-inch
bass delivering a 100-watt 2.1 stereo experience. The components ensure that each track has a great bass and treble, whilst also featuring its innovative lossless technology to make every internet radio station crystal clear. A key factor in this is the internal subwoofer which is designed to help fill a room with rich sound that has a clear and crisp bass. For us, the Bard has made a perfect addition to the office and now everyone enjoys a variety of music supported by its great sound deliverance.
If you are on the hunt for a great radio for your office or home, the Majority Bard is an excellent choice featuring great sound quality, a plethora of radio stations, and even doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Plus, with an alarm clock setting this would be the perfect addition to your room to wake you up in the morning and start your day with your favourite tunes!
PROS:
- Great sound quality
- Retro-inspired design and functional remote control
- Radio, Bluetooth and Aux connections for any music
CONS:
- The buttons on the front can be a little harder to see in low lighting as they blend in with the unit – however, I found the remote remedied this fine
EAR HEADPHONES WITH ANC
£79.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/
B0D2VH915C?from=websiet_w830nb
WHENEVER I’M ON THE HUNT FOR A NEW PAIR OF HEADPHONES WHICH WILL DELIVER GREAT SOUND QUALITY, AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE POINT, EDIFIER ARE ALWAYS MY FIRST STOP. EACH PAIR PROVIDES A GREAT AUDIO EXPERIENCE, ALL IN AN AESTHETICALLY PLEASING HEADSET – AND THE W830NB WIRELESS OVER-EAR HEADPHONES WITH ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION (ANC) ARE NO EXCEPTION.
Straight from the box I was super impressed with the design, the headset we tested was in a lovely minimalist all-black design with just the subtle edifier logo on the headband. The headphones were super lightweight and sit comfortably on the head supported by extra cushioned ear cups and a soft headband – perfect for wearing for multiple hours in a row without any pressure or pain. I especially loved that the cushioned ear cuffs meant that my glasses weren’t being pushed into the side of my head uncomfortably, so I could wear them all day for work without much fuss.
In terms of sound quality, the W830NB’s are exactly what I’ve come to expect from Edifier – the headphones deliver top quality audio utilising 40mm large dynamic drivers and an independent chamber layout to deliver a rich sound experience every time. In fact, the headphones boast to utilise Bluetooth
V.5.4 and have losses LDAC audio coding that delivers a 990-kbps transfer rate, so you can enjoy your audio with up to three times the music detail of standard Bluetooth codes for a great and crystal-clear audio experience. Whilst I’m no audio expert, I have to say the sound on these headphones is great and measures up to many of my more expensive headphones options –but for a much better price tag!
The Edifier W830NB Headphones deliver 54 hours of playback time with ANC on, and a remarkable 94 hours without it on. This means that no matter where you’re going you will never be caught without charged headphones. The ANC on the headphones is one of the main features that I love about the W830NB Headphones, as it delivers -45dB of noise cancellation to silence the outside work and achieve 18% more noise cancellation than the previous generation. This means that with ANC turned on, you can enjoy a peaceful music bubble without the distractions from the outside wear – super ideal for commuting!
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable pair of headphones which boast great audio specs in a comfortable and well-made design –you can’t go wrong with the W830NB Headphones from Edifier. With hours of playback time, the option for a wired connection, excellent sound quality and a seamless Bluetooth connection all for under £100 – an allaround great choice.
PROS:
- Comfortable, ergonomic and lightweight design for all-day wear
- Seamless Bluetooth connection for top-quality music detail
- Great ANC quality – perfect for commuting, flights, etc.
CONS:
- Requires the download of the Edifier App to fully customize your listening experience and adjust EQ settings
£108.03
https://naenka.com/en-gb/products/runner-diver2- bone-conduction-swimming-headphones-for-sports
AUDIO
NANK RUNNER DIVER2 PRO
IN RECENT YEARS, BONE-CONDUCTION HEADPHONES HAVE BECOME ALL THE RAGE WITH MANY PEOPLE OPTING FOR THIS TYPE WHEN RUNNING, CYCLING OR SWIMMING TO REMAIN AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS WHILST ENJOYING THEIR FAVOURITE MUSIC OR AUDIOBOOKS. THIS IS A MARKET IN WHICH NANK HAS LONG PLAYED A VALUABLE ROLE, SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN 2017 AS A PROFESSIONAL SPORTS HEADPHONE BRAND. THEREFORE, WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR NEW NANK RUNNER DIVER2 PRO HEADPHONES, THE COMPANY REMAINS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING HEADPHONES THAT ARE COMFORTABLE, STYLISH AND FEATURE THE MOST ADVANCED BONE CONDUCTION TECHNOLOGY FOR AN ALWAYS EXCELLENT AUDIO EXPERIENCE
The Runner Diver2 Pro Headphones are NANK’s upgraded version of their flagship Runner Diver model. They feature an upgraded waterproofing design, increased memory capacity, and even better audio quality, all packaged in an even lighter unit. Straight out of the box, I was super impressed with the quality of the headphones, which utilise a bone conduction design so you can experience great audio while remaining aware of your surroundings thanks to the open-ear design. One of the main perks of the Runner Diver2 Pro Headphone is that they have been made with swimming in mind, so they have an IP69 waterproof rating gained through rigorous testing. This waterproofing means that you can take them from the pool to the gym and no amount of water or sweat will interfere with their functionality.
To listen to your favourite tunes you just have to connect the Runner Diver2 Pro to your phone’s Bluetooth to make the most of your favourite playlists on apps such as Spotify. However, should you want to take the headphones into the pool, the Runner Diver2 Pro
comes packed with 32GB of memory to store your favourite tracks and playlists. This can hold up to 4800 songs perfect for finding that perfect song to remain motivated throughout your swim. In terms of sound, I was impressed; the headphones sit comfortably just outside our ear providing a great level of sound and clarity, whilst not blocking your ears in the process. They even feature an adjustable hook to get the fit just right for your ears. The sound is obviously not the same as a pair of in-ear earbuds which block out all surrounding noise, so the bone-conduction design does result in a slightly lower sound quality if you’re only used to in-ear earbuds. However, this is one of the perks of bone-conduction headphones because you can still hear the world around you – but it just might take a little getting used to depending on the type of headphones you’ve been used to. Also, I will say for swimming the sound was a little quieter as I found the sounds of the pool often were a little too loud for keeping crystal-clear audio, but this is to be expected with the headphone type and activity - so just something to keep in mind.
Overall, the headphones are a great option for you if you love swimming or any activity where you don’t want to worry about your headphones getting in the way or getting wet. With a great audio experience utilising its bone conduction design, the headphones pack a punch with large memory and 10-hour battery life all packed into a comfortable and seamless unit. These would make the perfect gift for an avid runner or swimmer looking to keep their motivation, supported by a great audio every time.
PROS:
- Lightweight, comfortable and secure fit headphones for easy long wear
- Top quality waterproofing perfect for the pool or even the sweatiest of gym sessions - 32GB of storage
CONS:
- Bone conduction design does take some getting used to and will not be the same quality as in-ear earbuds
MUSIC MAN TWS ANC IN-EAR HEADPHONES PRO BT-X72
€39.99 https://www.technaxx.de/products- detail/?pid=5192&cid=535
HEADPHONES ARE ALWAYS A GREAT CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO GIFTS, AND AS WE GEAR UP TOWARDS THE FESTIVE SEASON, WE WERE THRILLED TO SEE THE LAUNCH OF ONE OF TECHNAXX’S MUSIC MAN TWS ANC IN-EAR PRO BT-X72 HEADPHONES. WITH A SEAMLESS LOOK THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH EASE OF USE AND FUNCTIONALITY IN MIND, WE COULDN’T WAIT TO PUT THEM TO THE TEST.
The earphones come in a small white charging case, which features a 320x172 pixel screen that allows you to control the earbuds with just a touch. The screen brings a new and innovative design to traditional earbuds on the market, with the controls remaining on the charging case rather than on the earbuds themselves. This makes a fun addition; however, it could be a little inconvenient if you have to get your case or device out when you want to make small gestures such as skipping or pausing your audio. However, it’s a super interesting new design that I was excited to see and found pretty functional even whilst on the go.
Inside the case sits two white earbuds which are very minimalist in design. Each one is designed to sit comfortably in your ears to deliver wireless audio through their Bluetooth-enabled connection. The earbuds can hold a pretty decent amount of charge themselves, and the charging case holds up to 300 hours of charge which equates to roughly 4 whole charges. This means that you’ll never run out of charge whilst out and about. When you do finally need to charge, the case usefully only takes a few hours to recharge
– perfect for a quick power-up before a weekend away or a long day of travelling. The overall quality of the earbuds is pretty good. They deliver decent sound quality for the price through the reliable Bluetooth V.5.3 connection. Whilst this connection does seem to max out at about 10 metres, it seems a fine range as often you’re near the device you’re using – but if wanted for a more long-range wireless connection they might not be as ideal. Overall, they deliver a good audio experience at an affordable price point. For this reason, the earbuds make a good gift for yourself or a loved one for an easyto-use set of earbuds, with a fun multifunctional touch screen and decent sound quality deliverance.
PROS:
- Multi-functional touch screen on charging case for ease of use
- Good sound quality at an affordable price point
- Long-lasting charge across earbuds and charging case
CONS:
- Bluetooth connection isn’t great for use at long distances
£25.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOZO-True-Wireless-Head - phones-Stereo-Black/dp/B07RGZ5NKS?th=1
TOZO T6 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS
WHEN COMMUTING TO CLASS OR WORK, HAVING A GREAT PAIR OF EARBUDS THAT DELIVER GOOD SOUND QUALITY AND REMAIN RELIABLY CHARGED IS ESSENTIAL. THEREFORE, WITH 50 HOURS OF PLAYBACK TIME ACROSS THE EARBUDS AND THE CHARGING CASE, THE TOZO T6 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ARE GREAT FOR TAKING WITH YOU ON THE GO FOR A GREAT AUDIO EXPERIENCE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE.
The earbuds come in a sleek charging case, and once opened reveal the small earbuds. Each earbud is very small and designed to sit perfectly inside the curve of the inner contour of the ear. Each one has a silicone ear tip and comes with a range of extra ear tips to choose the sizer perfect for your ears. However, this did take a little trial and error to find the perfect size that stays put. I spent a bit of time trying each one out, as I worried if I dropped one whilst out and about, I’d never find it again with how small they are! Thankfully, once you have the right size ear tip, they should stay put whatever the activity.
In terms of sound quality, the TOZO T6 Earbuds are designed to deliver a powerful and premium sound quality utilising TOXO OrigX Acoustic Technology. This technology produces an enhanced bass profile, whilst still making sure the lows, midtones, and trebles are blended well. Whilst they’re not the best sound quality earbuds to ever exist, for the price they deliver a good sound quality that would be perfect for any casual music or podcast listener wanting to make workouts, streaming shows or their commute a little better.
One of my favourite aspects of the TOZO T6 earbuds is that they are IPX8 waterproofed, meaning that they can stand up against rain showers, splashes and even sweat. This is perfect
PROS:
- Long battery life with 50 hours across the charging case and earbuds
- Wireless charging supported
as you can take them with you on the go or even to the gym without worrying about the weather or sweat causing any damage in the process. This is especially perfect in typical British weather when you never know when it might rain!
If you’re looking for an affordable set of earbuds which deliver good sound quality, are decently waterproofed for everyday use, and have a substantial battery to support this, then look no further. The TOZO T6 Earbuds are a great affordable choice, and ideal for any students starting school or university over the coming months.
- Waterproofed for everyday use
CONS:
- Whilst they support wireless charging, this requires you to have or buy a wireless charger – if not, the earbuds use a Micro-USB to charge which makes charging a little less convenient as its not a super universally used charging cable anymore now that the USB-C cable is used across most devices
PSB M4U 9
PREMIUM WIRELESS ANC HEADPHONES
£449.00
https://www.psbspeakers.com/uk/m4u-9- premium-wireless-anc-headphones
WHEN ON A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN BEING SAT NEAR A SCREAMING CHILD, OR AWFULLY CLOSE TO SOMEONE WHO IS SNORING THE WHOLE FLIGHT. THIS CONSTANT NOISE, HOWEVER INNOCENT, IS ENOUGH TO DRIVE ANYONE A LITTLE INSANE AFTER A FEW HOURS. SAFE TO SAY, THIS IS NOT HOW ANY OF US WANT TO START OFF OUR VACATIONS, SO A PAIR OF NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST IF I’M TRAVELLING ANYWHERE. THEREFORE, WHEN I GOT THE CHANCE TO REVIEW THE PSB M4U 9 PREMIUM WIRELESS ANC HEADPHONES I JUMPED AT IT AND WAS IMMEDIATELY BLOWN AWAY.
The headphones come in a premium black travel case which is round and has the simple PSB Speakers logo on the front. You just have to unzip the sturdy hard-shell case, to reveal the allblack headphones. The headphones feel sturdy yet lightweight, with a plethora of useful buttons on the right ear cuff. The headband is expandable and supports the cushioned earpads. Each earpad has been carefully designed by PSB Speakers to sit at a tilted 15° angle, which aims to deliver superior comfort on the ears, as well as providing a great seal between the ear cuffs and your head. I found even from the first wear the design makes the
headphones feel super comfy as I could adjust the headband to suit my head, and the ear cuffs sat perfectly over my ears. I personally don’t like headphones that sit on the ears rather than over them, and so I was thrilled to see the PSB M4U 9 Headphones sit completely over them which brought with it nextlevel comfort, as well as superior sound. What really shines about the PSB M4U 9 Headphones is of course the sound quality. The headphones are built to deliver pristine sound supported by graphene-infused drivers, so every music experience is top-quality. The headphones feature side joysticks which allow you to adjust the volume of your music or calls super easy and intuitively. These buttons are accompanied by
the Bluetooth connection button and the USB-C charging port on the right ear cuff. However, one of the special features of the PSB M4U 9 Headphones is that through the PSB Headphone app, you can completely adjust the settings to suit your needs.
Through this, you can access the adaptive technologies behind the headphones which ensure that every listening experience is just like you’re in a room with a top-quality speaker through a natural sound dispersion design. This means that no matter where you are, every song, podcast or call is top quality. An additional way you can achieve this personalised experience is with the Audiodo Personalised Sound™ setting, which asks you questions and
uses precise audio tests to cater the headphones to your ears and specific audio preferences.
One of my absolute favourite aspects of the PSB M4U 9 Headphones is the wireless ANC. I’ve used so many headphones over the years that claim to deliver great ANC, but none ever seem to fully shut out the world around me. However, this was thankfully not the case with the PSB M4U 9 Headphones, as they deliver superior noise cancellation to block external noise and allow you to truly get into your music without distractions. This was essential on a recent trip where we’d missed our connecting flight due to weather delays which meant we had to spend a few hours waiting around in the noisy airport until the next flight. The noise cancellation allowed me to completely block out the hustle and bustle of the airport and allow me to create my own little calm bubble – something super essential for me when the whole flying experience is a little stressful!
Overall, the PSB M4U 9 Wireless ANC Headphones deliver top sound quality supported by a personalised, ergonomic and comfortable design for a next-level listening experience every time. However, I can also appreciate that the headphones do have a luxury price point of £450. Therefore, I do see the headphones as more of a luxury gift to either treat yourself or a loved one, if you’re a music enthusiast who is always in need of noise cancellation.
PROS:
- Top-quality headphone design for a secure and comfortable listening experience
- Personalised sound through the PSB Headphones App to set it to your unique preferences
- Comes with a sturdy travel case, and everything you could need from additional ear cuffs covers to a plane adapter for use wherever you go
CONS:
- The Velcro closure of the travel case pocket doesn’t feel super premium – I’d have liked to have seen a zip for the price
- A premium price point which isn’t super accessible to everyone – but PSB Speakers does have a range of price points across its Headphone and Earbud offerings which can suit more budgets
CANYON TRUE WIRELESS STEREO HEADSET TWS-5
£24.99
https://www.game.co.uk/canyon-gaming-canyon-true- wireless-headset-tws-5-purple-849089#colcode=84908990
AS STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY, A GREAT PAIR OF EARBUDS THAT CAN BE TAKEN WITH THEM ON THE GO IS ESSENTIAL. I RELIED HEAVILY ON A GOOD YET AFFORDABLE PAIR OF HEADPHONES WHEN COMMUTING TO MY CLASSES. SO, WHEN I SAW THE CANYON TRUE WIRELESS STEREO HEADSET, I WAS SUPER EXCITED. THEY’RE AFFORDABLE, THEY LOOK GREAT AND COME WITH A GREAT CARRYING CASE FOR EASY USE ON THE GO.
We got to test out the purple colourway of the Canyon Headphones, which came in a lovely lilac silicone carrying case with a usefully attached carabiner. Inside the carrying case, was the main charging case in white, and upon opening, the purple earbuds sat in the matching purple interior. I loved the colour of the case and earbuds, which were also a lovely lilac. However, should purple not be your preference, the headset also comes in a range of other colours including black, blue, green and white –something to suit everyone’s style.
The earbuds are designed to deliver great sound quality for every listening experience, even whilst on the go. To achieve this the earbuds are designed to pair quickly and reliably with your phone using Bluetooth and deliver up to 8 hours of playback time with each use. However, one of the benefits of the charging case is that once fully charged the case delivers up to 38 hours of battery life – perfect for taking with you on the go every day without worrying that they might run out of charge mid-commute!
Once you do need the charge the earbuds, you just pop them back in the charging case and connect to the included USB-C charging cable, I will say the charging cable included in the box is a little short making charging a little inconvenient. However, being such a universally used cable today, you likely already
have a longer one available to use if the short cable isn’t suitable for your needs. Thankfully the charging case was fully charged in just a few hours and was ready to go all day long.
If you’re on the hunt for affordable and aesthetically pleasing earbuds, which have great sound quality and a usefully long battery life, then the Canyon Stereo Headset TWS are a great choice for you. These would make a great gift for students heading back to school or university this September ready for long study sessions or for listening to a great podcast on the way to campus.
PROS:
- Long battery life
- Look great and comes with a matching carry case with a useful carabiner for carrying
- Easy to use with a reliable Bluetooth connection
CONS:
- Short charging cord
£89.99
https://www.skullcandy.co.uk/products/push-
anc-active?srsltid=AfmBOorkygChHkuvRlMCIT
HPAW5Trajm7czYnXaRSbAs2K2z67q4YAee
SKULLCANDY PUSH ANC ACTIVE EARBUDS
SKULLCANDY IS A BRAND WHERE SOUND QUALITY, COMFORTABLE FIT, AND EASY FUNCTIONALITY MEET TO DELIVER A GREAT LISTENING EXPERIENCE NO MATTER THE HEADPHONE MODEL. SKULLCANDY’S NEW PUSH ANC EARBUDS MESH COMFORTABILITY, TOP-QUALITY WATERPROOFING, AND SUPERIOR SOUND INTO THE NEW ANC ACTIVE MODEL, WHICH DELIVERS AN EXCELLENT AUDIO EXPERIENCE EVERY TIME.
The PUSH ANC Active Earbuds come in a sturdy black hardshell case, which clips shut around the earbuds. Each earbud features a low-profile ear hanger design that hooks over the top of your ear to deliver a secure yet comfortable fit no matter your activity. The earbuds we tested came in an all-black design, with the Skullcandy logo in a bright orange colour for a little added pop to the otherwise quite minimalist earbud design.
One of my favourite aspects of the Active ear hook design is that I could put the earbuds in before a run, or even a particularly dynamic workout session knowing that they’d remain in place in my ears no matter the level of movement or activity. This secure fit is paired with an IP67 Waterproof rating which ensures that they’re also reliably sweat and waterproof, so you never have to worry about the earbuds getting damp whilst you’re on a run, caught in a rain shower, or even in a sweaty gym class. Therefore, the PUSH ANC Active Earbuds are designed to make the perfect addition for any athlete as they promise to help you get into the zone and never hold you back.
A key way that the PUSH ANC Active Earbuds ensure you are never held back is through its top-quality active noise cancellation (ANC) mode. The ANC mode ensures that you can tune out the noise around you and focus in on your own little world – perfect for training sessions to remain in the zone and focused on hitting your goals. I loved using the ANC in the gym after work which is typically quite busy and loud. I could switch to the ANC mode and focus on each weight and movement whilst blasting my most motivating music. However, once my session was over, I loved that the earbuds could then be switched over to the Stay Aware mode where you can hear your music, but also the world around you for added safety. This was great for listening for traffic or people around me, without even having
The PUSH ANC Active Earbuds deliver top-quality sound supported by its 12mm drivers that ensure you get a punchy bass for those super motivating tracks, as well as a clear and full melody. Plus, to make your music even more personalised to your preferences, you can customize the equalisation (EQ) of the earbuds via the Skullcandy app to get the sound perfect for you and your music preferences.
One of the key features I’m always looking for when I choose a pair of earbuds is the battery life, and the PUSH ANC Active Earbuds do not disappoint. With the ANC turned on, the earbuds provide 37 hours of sound, with 7 hours stored in the earbuds and a further 30 hours in the case. This is a great length and ensures that even on a busy day out and about, or long weekend
you’re unlikely to need to recharge your earbuds at all. Plus, with the ANC mode turned off, the earbuds can last up to 58 hours, with 12 hours in the earbuds alone and a further 46 from the case. However, when it does come time to charge, a big perk of the PUSH ANC Active Earbuds is that they are compatible with wireless charging –although they do also come with a wire for charging should you not have a wireless charger already.
As we start looking for presents in the lead up to Christmas, a good pair of headphones that deliver great sound without compromising on comfortability or functionality is always a great choice. Plus, with Skullcandy you can never go wrong, as they always deliver a great audio experience for such affordable price points.
PROS:
- Long battery life both with and without the ANC turned on
- Secure fit with top quality sweat and water proofing
- Great sounds quality – even with Stay Aware mode on for safety
CONS:
- If you do not want to use wireless charging the included wire is a little bit short which makes wired charging a little inconvenient
£58.99
TOZO HT2 ADAPTIVE HYBRID NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
https://www.tozostore.com/products/ ht2?variant=47482257309985
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES IS TESTING OUT THE NOISE CANCELLATION, FOR ME IT’S ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS I LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING ANY AUDIO EQUIPMENT TODAY. I NEED AN ANC THAT MUTES THE OUTSIDE WORLD TO MAKE COMMUTES THAT LITTLE BIT CALMER AND MAKES PLANE JOURNEYS A BREEZE PROVIDING YOU WITH YOUR OWN LITTLE AUDIO BUBBLE. THEREFORE, WHEN I GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE HT2 ADAPTIVE HYBRID NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES FROM TOZO I WAS EXCITED AS THEY BOAST A GREAT ANC, SUPPORTED BY 40MM DRIVERS AND AN ALWAYS COMFORTABLE FIT.
Straight out of the box, I was impressed with the quality of the headphones, which have a lightweight frame and super-soft ear pads. We got to test out the headphones in black, with a nice minimalist exterior with only a silver ‘TOZO’ logo on the ear cup. Each ear cup sits comfortably over your ears (my personal preference with headphones) which adds to the comfort of the TOZO HT2s and helps maintain a higher level of noise cancellation. Plus, the headband is adjustable so you can get the perfect secure fit to your
head, so that whether you’re relaxing at home or on your morning commute you know they’ll stay in place.
Aside from the comfortable fit, one of the main draws of the HT2 Headphones is its active noise cancellation settings. Across the headset, there are 6 different types of ANC which utilise 3 ANC microphones and a hybrid ANC algorithm to block out external sound and help create your own ANC bubble. The settings are designed to tackle a whole range of environments from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to particularly loud plane journeys. It achieves this by adapting its ANC to the frequency range being
exhibited outside the headphones to ensure your listening experience is never interrupted by unwanted noise. However, should you want to hear what is going on around you it also has a transparency mode so you can keep your music going even whilst you’re walking about for added safety. To flick between the ANC and transparency modes, you just have to click a button on the ear cuff, so it is super easy to adapt to your surroundings and needs without having to open the TOZO app or your phone every time.
In terms of sound quality, the HT2 Headphones are pretty good – especially for such an affordable price point. The headphones come equipped with 40 mm dynamic drivers to provide you with your own personal sound stage perfect for whatever type of music or audio you enjoy listening to. I especially liked that via the TOZO app, you can adjust the EQ of the headphones to suit every audio need with 16 pre-set EQs to choose from too. For me the sound was great, no it won’t rival some of the more premium headphone models on the market in terms of both sound and ANC depth, but for the price, it really stands up against others under the £60 price mark simply for its sound quality and adjustable ANC performance.
With each charge, the headphones can carry up to 60 hours of playtime with the ANC off, but even with it on, the headphones will provide you with 40 hours of peaceful bliss. When you are ready to charge again, the headphones come with a USB-C cable to get you charged up and ready for more wireless use. However, if you are a fan of a wired connection, or are using a device without Bluetooth, the headphones also come with a 3.5mm audio jack cable so you never have to be without your music no matter the task.
Overall, I was impressed by the TOZO HT2 Adaptive Hybrid Noise Cancelling Headphones, which deliver a great sound quality, an impressive level of ANC and a super comfortable fit. I could happily wear the headphones all day knowing they’ll feel great and allow me to personalise my listening experience to focus on my work or hear the world around me with just a click of a button. I’d highly recommend these to anyone looking to step into the world of ANC without spending tons for headphones are a much higher price point.
PROS:
- Portable design for great audio wherever you are
- Top quality sound specs for both professional to everyday use
- Compatible with a range of devices and comes with cables to make this possible
CONS:
- The included cables are great – but are a little short in length meaning your device and the hip-dac 3 must be kept quite close which can be a little more cumbersome whilst on the go.
HEALTH
& BEAUTY
SNOOZEBAND™ MAX
https://www.snoozeband.co.uk/products/
snoozeband%E2%84%A2-max-sleep-headphones?srsltid=AfmBO orPBpjJb6EUNkTmIjmI68Y6ejx7MpcNE7hl9WOSzEajewPQ1d24
GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL TO SET YOU UP FOR THE DAY AHEAD AND HELP YOU REMAIN FEELING YOUR BEST. HOWEVER, FOR MANY OF US GETTING TO SLEEP AND THEN STAYING ASLEEP CAN BE A REAL STRUGGLE, WITH EXTERNAL NOISE, LIGHT AND RACING THOUGHTS STOPPING US FROM ENJOYING SOME REST. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXACTLY WHY SNOOZEBAND WAS CREATED TO HELP PEOPLE GET TO SLEEP FASTER AND STAY ASLEEP LONGER. THEREFORE, I WAS THRILLED WHEN WE GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE SNOOZEBAND MAX, THE COMPANY’S MOST ADVANCED BLUETOOTH SLEEP HEADPHONES DESIGNED TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER.
When I first got the SnoozeBand Max out of the box I was a little concerned that it would be a little cumbersome as it looks quite large and has a lot of padding. However, this padding makes the SnoozeBand super comfortable to wear, and the larger size means that 100% of light is blocked out – perfect for helping you stay asleep even on bright mornings. Getting to grips with the SnoozeBand does take a little configuration to connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and then discover all the functions. Once this connection has been made, you can utilise the 10 built-in sleep sounds which offer a variety of white noise options, or you can listen to your favourite music, podcast or audiobook through the SnoozeBand’s connection with your phone.
One of the best parts about the SnoozeBand MAX is the 3D eye cups. The cups provide a soft space for your eyes to sit comfortably without any pressure and even enough space to blink. This makes the mask extra comfortable to wear, whilst still providing a complete blackout. This is perfect for achieving a comfortable night’s sleep, as often I find traditional sleep masks press on my eyes and that pressure makes for an uncomfortable sleeping experience. Plus,
the complete blackout design means that even when the light starts coming in from outside early in the morning, you won’t be awoken before your alarm by light –this will be perfect for when we return to summer, and I can get those last few hours of sleep in before my alarm goes off!
A big perk of the SnoozeBand MAX is that you can set the headphones to automatically shut off, this means that you can enjoy some soothing sounds to help you relax before bed but know that even if you fall asleep with the band on it will automatically turn off after a certain amount of time instead of staying on all night – which could wake you up again. This is great as it means you don’t have to worry about waking up to turn it off for uninterrupted sleep. Plus, it helps to extend the already great 20 hours of battery life in the SnoozeBand Max by powering down when no longer in use. However, when you do need to charge the band, it only takes 2 hours to be fully charged again.
Having tested out the SnoozeBand MAX for a few weeks I have found that I started to fall asleep a lot faster. I originally began using it as a sort of meditation before bed and would then remove it before properly falling asleep. However, after a few weeks, I’ve started falling asleep wearing it more often and found I’ve actually been staying asleep for longer on the nights I do wear it. Therefore, I’d definitely recommend it to someone who is struggling to sleep as for me it’s been a great addition. Plus, it even comes with a lovely sleek travel case perfect for taking the SnoozeBand MAX with you on the go helping you to sleep better whether you’re at home or away!
PROS:
- 100% blackout with 3D eye cup design for a comfortable night’s sleep
- Washable mask to keep it fresh once you remove the electronics
- In-built white noise for meditative sessions and to help with reducing stress and getting to sleep faster
CONS
- To listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts you need to be connected to Bluetooth. However, I personally like to have devices running near me when I’m sleeping so this would be my only concern as you need this to use these features. (No device is needed to listen to in-built sounds offline)
MOONBIRD PERSONAL BREATHING COACH
https://www.moonbird.life/products/
moonbird?variant=37370409812162
LIFE CAN FEEL HECTIC AT TIMES WITH EVERY DAY FULL OF WORK DEADLINES, CHORES, AND PLANS, WHERE YOU NEVER FEEL LIKE YOU GET A SECOND TO RELAX BEFORE IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. THIS LEAVES ME FEELING STRESSED, OFTEN BURNED OUT, AND ALWAYS SLIGHTLY ANXIOUS TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH EVERYTHING. OVER THE YEARS I’VE TRIED MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION TASKS TO KEEP ON TOP OF IT, BUT I’VE ALWAYS FOUND IT HARD TO STAY FOCUSED, IN THE MOMENT, AND NOT THINK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS I SHOULD BE DOING. SO WHEN I HEARD ABOUT MOONBIRD I WAS INTRIGUED.
Moonbird is a breathing device aimed at helping you regulate your breathing to help reduce stress and anxiety, and, in the long term, help promote better sleep. It does this through its innovative ‘breathing’ design which expands and contracts in your hand for you to breathe in rhythm with. Its ergonomic design feels comfortable in your hand made of bio-compatible medical grade silicone. To use you just shake to wake the device, press your thumb on the sensor, and, after a few seconds, the Moonbird starts moving or ‘breathing’ in your hand. It utilises a box breathing technique, something I’ve always returned to during very anxious moments, so having a device that does all the work for you is great. For general use, it expands and contracts in 5-second intervals to regulate breathing and help to reduce stress, however, to help relax before bed and encourage deeper sleep it cycles through 4 seconds of breathing in and 6 breathing out.
Across the device, there are 4 pre-set breathing rhythms, however you can set your own via the Moonbird app. One of the
& BEAUTY
main perks of the app is that you can see real-time data via the optical PPG sensor that your thumb sits on. This allows you to monitor your heart rate and see how your heart rate variability improves as you use the device. Plus the app also gives you unlimited access to audio games and educational content to better relax and unwind.
One of my favourite aspects of the Moonbird is that it is so easy to use and can be taken with you wherever you go. The Moonbird comes with a travel bag so you can throw it in your bag and pull it out when you need 5 minutes to decompress and relax throughout the day. Each session only takes 2-5 minutes, so it is perfect for a quick break from your screen, when stuck in traffic, or even while you enjoy a coffee break. Having this tool in your bag can bring you immediately back into the moment and focus on breathing here and now – this is so important for reducing stress and anxiety as needed throughout the day. However, before bed, I loved using the Moonbird for longer 10–20-minute relaxation sessions, because these helped to slow my thoughts and breathing, to get my body relaxed and ready for bed.
If you, or a loved one, are always running on a hectic schedule and struggle to find 5 minutes to relax during the day, then the Moonbird is an excellent tool for you. Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for taking with you on the go and provides any user with a moment of relaxation amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.
PROS:
- Ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and compact to take with you on the go
- Innovative ‘breathing’ design that expands and contracts to help regulate breaths with the rhythm
- Rechargeable 2-hour battery life for around 6 breathing sessions on a single charge
CONS:
- Does take some practice to stay in the moment and focus on each breath when first using the Moonbird, but this is the same with many meditation or breathing regulation tools
CANAL TOYS PHOTO CREATOR INSTANT CAMERA
£54.99
https://tinyurl.com/3ehvs6hm
THE CANAL TOYS PHOTO CREATOR INSTANT CAMERA IS THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR KIDS TO CAPTURE THE WORLD IN THEIR OWN FUN AND UNIQUE WAY. WITH 20 FUN FILTERS AND EFFECTS, KIDS CAN PRINT OVER 250 PHOTOS INSTANTLY TO ENJOY AND PERSONALISE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Each kit comes with an instant camera, a 4GB Micro-SD card, 4 rolls of printing paper, 4 marker pens, a wrist strap, a USB charger, a sticker sheet and the user manual. The camera is designed so that kids can record and capture the world around them, from selfies with friends to snapshots of family holidays and days out. With each shot, kids can print and then fully customise with the included markers and stickers to make each memory even more personalised.
Each picture printed by the camera is in black and white as it does not use ink. This means that you don’t need to place ink cartridges to continue to use the camera, however, it does mean that the stickers and coloured markers are great for adding a little bright colourful fun to each memory. The set includes 4 rolls, which is roughly enough to print 250 pictures - a perfect amount for creative minds.
However, one of the main perks of the camera is that it comes with a 4GB SD card so all the pictures and videos taken can be stored on the camera, and then can be transferred to your PC to keep them for longer. This allows kids to capture the world around them, print out those that they like the most, and save the rest, as well as videos, to look back on later. The kit even comes with a cable which allows you to both charge and transfer the media to your desktop for even greater ease of use! The overall kit is the perfect gift for kids who are starting to show a keen interest in taking photos and recording the world from their own perspective. With all the things they need to colour, personalise and create their own perfect shots – the Canal Toys Photo Creator Instant Camera makes a great gift for the young budding photographer in your life!
PROS:
- Ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and compact to take with you on the go
- Innovative ‘breathing’ design that expands and contracts to help regulate breaths with the rhythm
- Rechargeable 2-hour battery life for around 6 breathing sessions on a single charge
CONS:
- Does take some practice to stay in the moment and focus on each breath when first using the Moonbird, but this is the same with many meditation or breathing regulation tools
£34
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canal-Toys-Creator- Instant-stickers/dp/B0CTMQL54F?ref_=ast_sto_dp
CANAL TOYS PHOTO CREATOR INSTANT POCKET PRINTER
DESIGNED TO HELP BRING CREATIONS TO LIFE, THE CANAL TOYS PHOTO CREATOR INSTANT POCKET PRINTER ALLOW KIDS TO INSTANTLY PRINT, PERSONALISE AND KEEP MEMORIES STRAIGHT FROM THEIR PHONES. WITH SO MANY KIDS USING THEIR PHONES TO TAKE SNAPS OF THE WORLD, THE NEW PHOTO CREATOR POCKET PRINTER ALLOWS THEM TO KEEP THESE MEMORIES AS PHYSICAL IMAGES WHICH THEY CAN CUSTOMIZE, PERSONALISE AND ADD STICKERS TO.
Each Instant Pocket Printer set comes with the Instant Pocket Printer, a roll of sticky printing paper, three rolls of regular printing paper, three markers and a range of stickers. The various papers mean that you can use the instant pocket printer to print out shopping lists, pictures, or even notes and then stick them in notebooks or keep them as regular images. I love that you can print out pictures with friends to include in a birthday card to make it just that little bit more personalised or add them into a scrapbook. Plus, you can print out a shopping list from your notes to take with you on the go too.
The main function of the Instant Pocket Printer is available through the Photo Creator app which allows you to select,
PROS:
- Inkless printer so saves on buying replacement ink cartridges
and add frames, effects and virtual stickers, before printing. Each printed image is black and white, as the Instant Pocket Printer uses thermal printing, which means that you don’t have to keep replacing ink cartridges for a more economical continuous use.
The Canal Toys Photo Creator Instant Pocket Printer makes a great present for any kid wanting to bring their photos and creations to life. With plenty of paper to bring hundreds of pictures, notes and selfies – the Instant Pocket Printer would make the perfect gift for any birthday, or even as a great Christmas gift as we move closer to the festive season!
- Both sticky and regular paper to use your printings as both stickers and keepsake memories
- Small and compact size, ideal for taking with you on the go
- The app is easy to navigate and print with
CONS:
- Limited selection of stickers and markers
- Replacement paper will need to be purchased to continue to print
£17.99
https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/arts- crafts-and-music/crafts/slime-and-putty/so-slime-
go-gooey-snails-slime-race-set/p/238025/
SO SLIME GO GOOEY SNAILS SLIME RACE SET
SLIME TOYS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH KIDS ENJOYING THE SQUISHY, GOOEY FUN IT PROVIDES. FOR SENSORY PLAY, SLIME IS PERFECT FOR STRETCHING, MOULDING AND SQUISHING, AND OFTEN IT ALSO COMES WITH SOME FUN AND SILLY NOISES WITH EACH MOVEMENT. THEN, WHAT BETTER THAN USING THIS SLIME IN A TOY SET WHERE YOU CAN RACE SNAILS AND HAVE THEM LEAVE THEIR OWN SNAIL TRAILS TOO!
The So Slime Go Gooey Snails Slime Race Set comes with two slides, two snails, and two bags of slime. The snails are uniquely designed so that you can press in the shells to suck in the slime and then squish them to leave behind their own snail trail of slime. However, you can also pour the slimes onto the slides and race your snails down the slides either with a friend or alone.
The snail racing kit is perfect for children because it has been made with bright colours, fun and a little competition in mind. I liked how easy to use the slides and snails were to help kids develop hand-eye coordination whilst still being fun in the process. My only slight concern is that the slides meet at the
& GAMES
bottom so the slimes can start to mix together if not removed quickly.
Overall, the So Slime GO Gooey Snails Slime Race Set is super fun and makes an affordable yet easy-to-use game for kids. If you have a kid who loves slime, then the snail racing kit is the perfect choice for them!
PROS:
- Sensory play activity to develop coordination
- Bright colours and sturdy design
- Affordable price point
CONS:
- Slimes can get a little mixed when at the bottom of the slide
BANGARANG FAMILY CARD GAME TOYS & GAMES
£19.95
https://www.gingerfox.co.uk/products/bangarang- family-card-game?srsltid=AfmBOooSfX5nXMaaKUS
FY-pQH8L3HHhtfm8tcpQwd1OdQES6yAyX1lt3
THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A FUN CARD GAME THAT CAN BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER, AND WITH BANGARANG YOU ARE SURE TO HAVE A LAUGH. IF A FUN WORD GUESSING GAME, WHERE EACH MEMBER HAS TO USE FUN AND UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS TO COMMUNICATE A WORD TO THE GUESSER – GET READY FOR A SLIGHTLY CHAOTIC ERUPTION OF STRANGE NOISES AND ACTIONS AS THE GUESSES DESPERATELY TRY TO DECIPHER THESE CLUES.
To play Bangarang, one player is made the guesser, and the rest are given Bangarang Cards which let the player know how they’re going to be giving their clue which could be in the form of a different word, a sound, by miming it out or even by trying to spell it out with their body. The word cards are then shuffled, and the group will pick either the blue or pink sides to guess from. The top card is then chosen, and placed in the cardholder so the group can see it but not the guesser. The group then starts a timer or uses the online one available via the QR code in the rule booklet.
Once the game begins, each clue giver will give their clue simultaneously with everyone else. The guesser must then decipher their clues to find the word and then can guess as many times as necessary until they get it right or shout ‘Next’ to move on to the next word. The clue-giving team scores a point for every correctly guessed word on the card, and if all 5 words are
& GAMES
guessed correctly the team get a bonus point. However, the chaos of everyone performing their clue at the same time often leads to mayhem and a lot of laughs as people desperately try and act, make noises or draw something to represent the random word.
Once the timer runs out, the Guesser card is given to another player and the Bangarang cards are shuffled and re-dealt among the clue-giving team and the game starts all over again in a new round. As Bangarang is a cooperative game, everyone is a winner and after playing as many rounds as you like the whole team can add up the number of correctly guessed words and that is the team’s score for the game. This can then be your goal to beat for the next time you play – or for large groups, this could be the score the opposing team must try and beat to win!
PROS:
- Easy to pick up game for all the family
- Small box perfect for travelling with for fun games on the go
- Great re-playability as there are plenty of words to pick from, and with the random assigning of the Bangarang cards, no two games are ever alike
The concept of Bangarang is simple but effective – as the best card games are – which allows every member of the family or friend group to get involved in a fast-paced and often lightly silly game of strange noises, mimes and drawings! This would make an excellent game to bring out at Thanksgiving or over Christmas to get everyone involved in a fun game where Charades meets Pictionary!
CONS:
- I wish the rule book contained an option for a more competitive type of gameplay as my friend would have loved a more competitive way to play against each other
£49.00 https://www.wacaco.com/products/minipresso-gr2
WACACO MINIPRESSO GR2 PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE
AS THE AUTUMN MONTHS HAVE ALREADY MADE THEIR DRAMATIC RETURN HERE IN THE UK, EARLY MORNINGS ARE JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER NOW, BEING BOTH COLDER AND DARKER. FOR ME, THERE’S ONLY ONE WAY TO COMBAT THIS AND GET MYSELF READY FOR THE DAY, AND THAT’S WITH A DELICIOUS MORNING COFFEE. THEREFORE, WHEN WE GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE MINIPRESSO GR2 FROM WACACO I WAS SUPER EXCITED, HAVING ALREADY LOVED MANY OF THEIR OTHER ESPRESSO MACHINE UNITS BEFORE.
The Minipresso GR2 delivers many of the excellent features I’ve come to expect from WACACO, including a delicious rich espresso, but now in a super compact unit. The Minipresso GR2 is now smaller and lighter than many of its counterparts on the market and has been designed with sustainability and an even greater user experience in mind.
To use the Minipresso GR2 you just take out the brush, scoop and drip tray accessories which can compactly be stored in the water tank and unclip the bottom coffee cup. Once you’ve done this you unscrew the outlet, add in your coffee, tamp and screw it back into the unit. Then, you just add boiling water, replace the lid, and are ready to begin using the front piston to push the water through the coffee and deliver a rich espresso topped with a delicious thick crema layer. What I love about this unit is that you can actually adjust the coffee basket capacity, from 8 grams to 12. This allows you a little more customization of how strong you
like your espresso, so every single one is perfected to your taste.
With the development of the Minipresso GR2, WACACO has put sustainability at the forefront of its design by using fewer materials in the more compact unit and integrating more biobased materials such as wheat-based polymers. Plus, the unit is completely electricity and batteryfree, relying only on hand-pumping to produce the espresso. Therefore, this produces no excess waste when batteries run down or need electricity generation to make it work, and so does not contribute towards excessive environmental waste. The design is a big win for both the environment and the customer because it means that the Minipresso GR2 can be taken with you wherever you go without worrying about access to a power source to still get those precious first few sips of coffee every morning.
If you are on the hunt for an espresso machine that is portable, easy to use, and even designed with sustainability in mind, the WACACO Minipresso GR2 is an excellent choice. Plus, as we lead up to the festive season, this would make an excellent gift for any loved one who is a coffee fanatic as it delivers excellent espresso every time - and now in a more sustainable and affordable unit perfect for every coffee lover!
PROS:
- Compact, lightweight and sustainably designed unit
- Adjustable coffee basket size for customisable coffee strength
- Easy to use and does not require a power source to work – can be used anywhere!
- Affordable price point
CONS:
- Only designed for up to 60ml espresso with each use so if you are in need of a larger coffee immediately in the morning, this may not be your preference – But WACACO have a whole range of units on their site, so you’re sure to find a unit that meets your coffee needs!
£494.99
HOUSEHOLD
JR ULTRA 8000 S4 SLOW JUICER
https://www.juicyretreats.com/jr-
ultra-8000-s4-self-feeding-slow-juicer
HAVING FRESH JUICES IN THE MORNING IS ALWAYS A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY, BUT MY CURRENT JUICER CONSTANTLY GETS CLOGGED, LEAVES BEHIND A STICKY MESS AND ISN’T SUPER EASY TO CLEAN. FOR THIS REASON, I OFTEN OPT FOR BOTTLED JUICES FROM THE SUPERMARKET THAT ARE MORE COSTLY AND TASTE NOWHERE NEAR AS FRESH. THEREFORE, WHEN I SAW WE HAD THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE ULTRA 8000 S4 SLOW JUICER, I WAS THRILLED TO SEE IF IT COULD FIX MY PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH JUICERS AND SAVE ME MONEY FROM PURCHASING PRE-PACKED JUICES EVERY DAY.
The box includes the main juicing unit, a 3-in-1 strainer, 1 pusher, two jugs (one for the juice and another for the pulp), a cleaning brush, and a useful recipe card. The unit is quite compact and looks sleek on my work surface. I was impressed with just how simple it was to assemble the parts ready for juicing as you just have to connect the main three components, place the jugs in front of the pulp and juice ports, and you’re ready to go.
The S4 Slow Juicer has a 1.8-litre juicing bowl with a 1355mm chute, which allows you to fit in plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus any kind of additional milk and juice to make your perfect juice. I personally love making a green juice in the morning for a healthy kickstart to the day, and the machine provided ample space for this. The bowl can easily fit a whole apple, a big handful of spinach, some celery, half a cucumber and even a little bit of ginger for a nice hot kick. I personally always like chopping my fruits and vegetables before I juice them, but the JR Ultra 8000 S4 Slow Juicer bowl is large enough that you can pack it all inside with only a rough chop and it will effectively juice it all with ease. It achieves this with its high-torque 300watt motor that processes your juice quickly and effectively – all whilst being remarkably quiet!
One of the main perks of the JR Ultra 8000 S4 Slow Juicer is its 3-in-1 strainer design. The strainer sits within the bowl of the juicer and filters your juice through a three-layer filtration
system. It is designed to effectively stain pretty much whatever you throw at it to produce smooth and tasty juices without any clogs. Whilst no juicer can produce a drink that is 100% bit free, the smooth juice produced by the juicer is definitely one of the best I’ve tried. Plus every juice tastes great thanks to the juicer’s ultra-low 37 RPM rotating speed which is designed to preserve the nutrients and taste of your juice, so you know that each one is packed full of vitamin-rich goodness – which for me is the main reason for drinking a green juice in the first place!
In terms of functionality, the washing process is just as easy as using the machine for juicing. You just turn the top of the juicer off, which allows you to leave the electrical base behind before heading to the sink for added safety. Each part then comes apart super easily, allowing you to give a good wash by hand to all of the components in a matter of minutes. A key part of the ease of cleaning comes from the strainer being attached to the juicing bowl because you only have 1 piece to wash, rather than multiple more fiddly parts.
Ultimately, if you’re a big fan of fresh juices the JR Ultra 8000 S4 Juicer is a great choice for you. Whilst I appreciate it does come with a more expensive price tag, it is clear each part has been made with longevity, superior functionality and great aesthetics in mind. Each feature has been designed to make the juicing and cleaning process a breeze so you never have to start your day with a sticky mess and can enjoy a super tasty juice instead!
PROS:
- Super easy to assemble and clean
- 3-in-1 filter for great-tasting smooth juices
- Great Safety features – the juicer will not work with the lid open, and the entire bowl can be removed from the base when cleaning
PROS:
- Like most juicers there are always some bits left behind in the juice – but compared to lower prices juicers this is very minimal
- High price point for a juicer –but the materials used, money saved from buying juices, and long warranty that comes with the juicer make it a little more affordable if used quite often
HOUSEHOLD MICROPLANE BLACK SHEEP TRUFFLE TOOL 2-IN-1 SLICER AND GRATER
£64.95 https://www.microplaneintl.com/en/our-products/ master-series/truffle-tool-2in1-Slicer-Grater
NOTHING SAYS YOU’RE A BUDDING CHEF MORE THAN ADDING A LITTLE GARNISH OF PARMESAN, TRUFFLE OR EVEN NUTMEG OVER A DISH. I FOR ONE LOVE, ADDING A LITTLE BIT OF PARMESAN TO ANY PASTA DISH FOR THAT DELICIOUS CHEESY YET SALTY KICK, HOWEVER EVEN FOR DESSERTS A LOVELY SHAVING OR CHOCOLATE OR NUTMEG COMPLETES ANY DECADENT SWEET TREAT.
To achieve such a fine grate, I love Microplane products. Microplane are the leading and original manufacturer of photoetching technology in graters, which delivers an ultra-sharp cutting edge across its products. Therefore, when we got the chance to test out the new Black Sheep Truffle Tool 2-in-1 Slicer and Grater I was thrilled, as it aims to make grating and slicing a breeze to finish every dish with a little chef-like flare!
The Truffle Tool is sleek in an all-black stylish design. The bottom of the tool has a non-slip base to help ensure that the Truffle Tool does not move when you’re using it, and this is accompanied by the sturdy handle, so you always have complete control over the tool. To slice you can adjust the thickness with the small dial on one side which adjusts the blade to your desired thickness. This is perfect for shaving dainty slithers of truffle for a dish, or even for delightfully thin vegetable slices like radishes or mushrooms. The slicing feature is perfect for a wide range of dishes, and with the Black Sheep Truffle Tool, this is now even easier than using a knife. Then, for grating, you utilise the opposite side of the tool designed with Microplane’s innovative photo-etched teeth. This is perfect for adding a bit of nutmeg over a drink or dessert, as well as for things
like chocolate, ginger, or even parmesan. The grating area is smaller and designed for the final touch for dishes thanks to its super-fine grate.
One of my favourite aspects of the Truffle Tool is that thanks to its super sharp blades it doesn’t get blocked with food, and instead delivers perfect results every time. These perfect results mean that the tool is super easy to clean and with a quick handwash the Truffle Tool can be left to drip dry. By making the slicing easier, the blades do not need extensive scrubbing to clean them and so each one remains perfectly sharp for continuous use.
My only concern with the Truffle Tool is that, like most tools of this kind, you can run the risk of cutting your finger if you’re not super careful. Whilst the blades are perfectly sharp to avoid snagging when grating or slicing, I would recommend being super careful to not catch yourself! However, for any budding chef this won’t be a surprise, and as long as you’re careful the slicing and grating results are well worth the risk. Plus for added safety, the tool comes with a silicone cover to keep the blades safe and away from being accidentally touched when not in use.
The Black Sheep Truffle Tool would make the perfect gift for a budding cooking enthusiast. The entire tool looks sleek and can be proudly displayed using the handle ready for adding those final touches to a dish. If you are looking for a great gift to get someone who loves cooking as we approach the festive season, the Microplane Black Sheep Truffle Tool is the perfect choice.
PROS:
- Sturdy, non-slip and secure tool for added safety when slicing or grating
- Adjustable slicing width for all your slicing needs
- Super sharp grating surface for ultra-fine grate
CONS:
- Like with most slicing or grating tools, there is always a risk of cutting yourself so added safety when using and storing the tool is recommended
£23.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08Z7448L2/ref=twister_
B07V3HSHSW?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
B.BOX INSULATED FOOD JAR
KNOWING WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR KIDS’ PACKED LUNCHES CAN BE A REAL STRUGGLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN A SANDWICH DOESN’T SEEM TO BE CUTTING IT ANYMORE! THEREFORE, I’VE BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR AN INSULATED LUNCH BOX OR TUB THAT WOULD KEEP FOOD WARM OR COLD LONG ENOUGH FOR THE KIDS TO ENJOY AT LUNCH, BUT NOT LEAK IN THEIR LUNCH BOX SO I HAVE A BIG JOB CLEARING THEIR BAGS EACH NIGHT. I WAS EXCITED WHEN I GOT THE CHANCE TO GIVE THE INSULATED FOOD JAR FROM B.BOX, WHICH BOASTS TO DELIVER EVERYTHING I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR IN A KID-FRIENDLY WAY.
b.box was started by two mothers from Australia looking to find solutions to make parenting easier. We’ve previously reviewed their Insulated Drink Bottle, which was well-loved, so we couldn’t wait to put the Insulated Food Jar to the test. The Jar comes with a stainless-steel main component jar, and ours had blue handles that screw over the top, and a black rubber bumper on the base. Attached also to the base was a blue plastic spork for easy storage.
On the top, the Food Jar has a blue and black handle with a large loop perfect for kids to be able to grab hold of and open the jar. The overall design is minimalist, but it’s clear that it has been made with kids in mind with the handles and easy-to-open lid. One of the big perks of the lid is that it also has a stop lock
design so that parents can’t close it too tight that their kid wouldn’t be able to open it unassisted when at school – a brilliant idea I hadn’t even considered till now! However, even with an easyto-open lid, the Food Jar is leakproof so no worrying about things like pasta sauce covering everything!
The jar boasts to keep food chilled for up to 7 hours, and hot for 5 hours – great for a whole range of snacks and meals. You can fit roughly a cup and a half in the container, which makes it a perfect size for younger kids at school. Plus, with the handles and bumper, you know that they’ll be able to securely hold the Food Jar to hopefully avoid dropping the food at lunch too!
One of my favourite aspects of the b.box Insulated Food Jar is that it is dishwasher safe. Once the food jar has been used you just pop it in the top drawer of the dishwasher and it’s ready to go for the next day. This is great as you don’t have to spend additional time hand washing things, and there are no hidden crevices where food could get caught so you can feel happy giving to your child each day knowing it’s clean.
My only slight complaint about the Food Jar is that it is quite expensive for a small, insulated tub for your kids’ lunch box. Whilst I think the design is innovative, and the handles and bumper removed to age up the Food Jar as your kids grow, I fear the small size would quickly become redundant in place of a larger or more dedicated insulated vessel and so the price is a little high for me personally.
PROS:
- Innovative design that makes it easy for kids to open and hold the Food Jar
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- 7 hours cold and 5 hours hot insulation
CONS:
- High price point for a small Food Jar
TOWER SPHERE PIT N GRILL
£109.99
https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/fire-pits/sphere-pit-n-grill
SUMMER DAYS ARE MADE FOR BARBEQUING AND SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS, AND SO WHEN I SAW THE TOWER SPHERE PIT N GRILL, I WAS SUPER EXCITED TO TEST IT OUT BECAUSE IT DOUBLES AS BOTH A GRILL AND A FIRE PIT TO KEEP YOU WARM DURING THE EVENINGS.
Tower has designed the Sphere Pit and Grill with durability and great aesthetics in mind. The robust steel bowl of the pit and grill sits on fixed straight legs providing great support even whilst on grass. The whole thing sits at about 60cm in height, however, it offers enough space to fit a decent amount of food on to feed the family or a small group of friends. I had some friends over for a BBQ at the weekend and I could fit enough burgers, a few sausages and some chicken skewers onto the grill quite easily. The grill surface was great and allowed all the food to cook evenly, and I was especially pleased that none of my food got stuck to it too!
After barbequing, the pit then transforms into a fire pit, perfect for keeping you and your friends or family warm during the evening. To do this you just remove the grill plate, and the bowl of the grill is now a perfectly designed fire pit. I’ve always wanted a fire pit to fit in with my outside furniture, however building one into the garden is costly and takes up too much space. Therefore, being able to use the Sphere Pit n Grill as both a fire pit and BBQ makes it such a great choice as you are saving space and still getting the benefits of great barbequed food, as well as a lovely looking firepit which can be put away when not in use.
One of the best parts of the Sphere Pit n Grill for me was the ash collector tray, as it captures all the ash from the fire and means that once it has cooled you can just take out the tray and throw the waste away. This makes the whole cleanup so much easier, and then all I needed to do was wash the steel plates and it was ready to reuse for the next BBQ we have.
My main concern about the Sphere Pit and Grill is that it is quite low in height, so it can make barbequing a little hard as you’re bending down. Plus, I worry that with it being so low to the ground it
could lead to kids or pets getting too close to the flames and getting more easily. However, this danger does come with any BBQ or fire pit, but the height is definitely something to note if you’re looking for a higher-up grill or firepit model.
Overall, the Sphere Pit n Grill from Tower is exactly what I’ve been looking for to transform my garden parties and summer BBQs. It provides excellent grilling with enough space to feed the family, and then it can be transformed into a lovely firepit perfect for keeping you warm during those late nights. If you’re on the hunt for a fire pit or grill that is compact, convenient and super easy to clean, you can’t go wrong with this!
PROS:
- Dual-use fire pit and BBQ
- Easy cleaning with included ash collection tray
- Sturdy design with a sleek and stylish look for your garden
CONS:
- Is quite low down which can make grilling a little inconvenient
£35.00
https://www.virustaticshield.com/products/rhos - neigr-blue-original-shield%C2%AE
VIRUSTATIC SHIELD
AFTER THE GLOBAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR HEALTH AND FINDING SOLUTIONS SUCH AS FACE COVERINGS THAT PROVIDE NEXTLEVEL PROTECTION, WHILST ALSO NOT CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE. THIS IS WHERE VIRUSTATIC COMES IN, WHICH DEVELOPED A LIGHTWEIGHT, MULTIFUNCTIONAL SNOOD WHICH PROVIDED SUPERIOR COMFORT AND PROTECTION BACKED BY NATURE.
The Virustatic Shield is boasted by the company to be ‘derived by nature, perfected by science’ to utilise biomimicry to develop the materials used from natural and biobased fibres. The material is made from Virustatic’s Virusferrin® which is a protein-based textile which is known for its anti-microbial, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres. These make a sustainable and ecologically friendly alternative to the conventional polyester used in similar kinds of face-covering snoods.
One of the best aspects of the Virustatic Shield is that it is actually completely biodegradable and compostable due to its natural fibres made from wood pulp sources. This means that the snood does not contribute to excessive environmental waste, and instead is fully biodegradable under soil, freshwater and marine environments. This commitment by Virustatic ensures that the snood does not contribute to microplastics or excessive marine litter, which polyester or even recycled polyester typically produces.
Even with all of these environmental features, the snood feels super lightweight, soft and breathable against the skin
PROS:
- Sustainably made material
for effective face covering whether for sport or everyday use. No matter the activity, the mask feels like it delivers great protection from the elements and pollution you may encounter in your everyday life – plus in the upcoming winter months this will be great for keeping my face warm on my morning walk to work!
- Breathable, soft and lightweight against the skin
- Fully biodegradable to not contribute to any waster
CONS:
- Its protection level isn’t easy for the regular user to test more than feeling that it protects from the elements
$230.00
https://www.vasque.com/new-arrivals/st.-elias-G7244.html?srsltid=AfmBOorzRliTvifN-Qx -
OUTDOOR
VASQUE ELIAS
A WEEK AWAY IN MY CAMPERVAN, WITH BOTH MY PARTNER AND POOCH, EXPLORING SUNNY WALES IS MY IDEA OF HEAVEN. IT’S MY TIME TO ESCAPE THE MADNESS OF EVERYDAY LIFE WITH HIKING, WATERFALLS, PUB LUNCHES AND BOOZY EVENINGS AROUND A FIRE PIT.
My faithful old walking boots had seen better days and when I was halfway through a lengthy walk, they were making every step tortuous as they leaked and the insoles were wrinkled, so it was time to get some new ones.
Welcome into my life the Vasque St. Elias which are traditional looking hiking boots with all the advantages of modern technology. I expected these boots to be heavy, but I was wrong as they are comfortably light at 2lbs. They are fully waterproof utilising full-grain leather and Gore-Tex® lining. There are three great colours to choose from, Black, Desert Taupe and Clay (Brown), all of which look great however I opted for my favourite boot colour which reminded me of my first pair of boots as a kid, Clay (Brown). The black are only available in the men’s style.
Vibram® soles are world leaders in the development and manufacturing of high-performance rubber soles and the St. Elias use their Megagrip sole which provides excellent traction; I felt like my feet were stuck to the ground whilst walking about. They performed incredibly on slippery surfaces such as when I tested them out whilst climbing over green slimy rocks at the falls.
The St. Elias are not a cheap boot; however, you don’t get this quality from cheaper boots I have reviewed. They were comfortable from the moment they come out of the box but to be fair it took only 5 10 miles before they had moulded to my feet and felt perfect. They rise nicely up the ankle giving great support. I have wide feet, and the boots come a wide foot option and half sizes, so with a bit of trial and error you can get boots that will feel like you are walking in carpet slippers.
These are incredibly good boots, they look great, lots of traction, the waterproofing was perfect with no leaks when I was splashing around in the streams. I found they breathed well, and my feet didn’t get hot and sweaty; albeit I did test them in the Autumn chill.
Would I recommend the Vasque Elias? Hell yes. They are fantastic and do everything a walking boot should do and I am looking forward to many years, adventures, miles and smiles in these.
PROS:
- Fully waterproof
- Look great
- Good weight
- Great traction
- Vibram sole
CONS:
- Price
$139.95
https://www.stmgoods.com/product/myth-backpack-28/?srsltid=Afm
BOoq9CJp6dfkIjvHW6unhFkijTWoT67EMLKDoIBsFirz1dJWqxmKD
STM GOODS MYTH 28L BACKPACK
COINED TO BE THE ‘SMARTER BAG’, THE STM GOODS MYTH 28L BACKPACK BOASTS TO BRING YOU THE BEST OF THE BEST OF BACKPACK OFFERINGS FEATURING PLENTY OF INNOVATIVE DESIGN CHOICES TO MAKE CARRYING AND PROTECTING YOUR THINGS SO MUCH EASIER.
On first impression, the backpack is super minimalist with a nice and stylish two-tone grey colourway. The straps feel sturdy yet comfortable, and the main body of the bag feels durable and has a water-repellent finish to keep your items inside dry and safe. I was impressed with the overall quality, with all the straps and handles finished with a TPU webbing coating and rivets for added durability. I like the subtle look of the bag without any major flashy branding, and instead remaining simple and stylish for everyday wear.
However, the real innovation of the bag can be found inside with its range of features and pockets to make using the bag so much easier. The first big innovative feature of the bag is the SlingTech pouch which is designed to hold a laptop up to 16 inches. The SlingTech ensures that there is additional padding and gapless corners (one of the main flaws of many bags which have a laptop pocket) to keep your laptop suspended in a protected pouch away from the edge of the bag. This helps to avoid potential damage from accidental bag knocks as the laptop remains in its own little protective bubble away from everything. This was perfect for my 15-inch laptop and meant I could comfortably travel for work using the bag knowing my laptop was safe and protected even if it was to get knocked.
Another innovative feature is the CableReady system, which has a special pocket to put your wireless headphones in, and a special wired headphone holder clip. The pocket is located at the top of the bag for easy access making it super
OUTDOOR
easy to pop your headphones in and get going knowing your charger is safe and secure. The front section of the bag provides ample space for all your needs and even had a useful hole to the device compartment at the back so you can attach a portable charging bank. The back section provides the suspended laptop pocket sling, as well as a large space for devices needing added protection whilst out and about. The entire pocket and sleeve are lined for added protection and can be connected through the hole to your portable charger or power bank. Across the whole bag, there are plenty of pockets, including a quick access outside pocket perfect for throwing a water bottle or umbrella into ready for whatever the day may bring.
Wearing the bag I was impressed with just how lightweight it feels, even whilst full of all my things. The bag has been designed with an air channel back panel and yoke system which wraps around you and helps to distribute the weight for a more comfortable wear even for many hours. I’ll definitely be taking the STM Goods Myth Backpack with me on my next weekend break to carry all my essentials whilst remaining comfortable and supportive.
PROS:
- Functional pockets for easy access to essentials
I will note that the price of the bag is on the more premium side for a backpack, however, it is clear that the bag has been made to last with durability and functionality in mind. If you’re looking for a new back which has a protective laptop case and has been designed to deliver everything you would want from a backpack then the STM Good Myth Backpack is a good choice and worth the investment.
- Laptop SlingTech pouch with fleece lining for added protection for laptop/devices
- Air channel design for comfortable carrying and weight distribution
CONS:
- High price point for a backpack
£299.02
https://www.vantrue.com/en-gb/products/n4-
pro?srsltid=AfmBOorPXXXzcRUvD-JdnExwGpYtBinc3E8M - Bzw-5MIKboKJLUlqzsNy
VANTRUE NEXUS 4 PRO
HAVING YOUR OWN PERSONAL WITNESS TO EVENTS IS ESSENTIAL, ESPECIALLY AS MANY OF US ARE NOW COMMUTING TO WORK IN DARKNESS OVER THE WINTER MONTHS. UNFORTUNATELY, WITH THIS REDUCED VISIBILITY, MORE ACCIDENTS TEND TO TAKE PLACE, AND SO HAVING YOUR OWN CAMERA RECORDING ANY INCIDENTS HELPS PROTECT YOU FROM HEFTY INSURANCE CLAIMS. WE’VE LONG BEEN BIG FANS OF VANTRUE WHICH OFFERS TOP-OF-THE-RANGE DASH CAMERAS, AND SO WE WERE THRILLED WHEN WE GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE NEXUS 4 PRO.
The Nexus 4 Pro is Vantrue’s new generation of the previous Nexus 4 dash camera, now featuring a 3-channel 4k Superb HD recording front, cabin and near cameras. With 3 cameras operating at once, the Nexus 4 Pro provides a 360° view outside of the vehicle to capture a complete view outside of your car. The front camera features a Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 8 CMO sensor, along with HDR technology to deliver superb camera quality that balances the contrast of the shot to ensure that no matter the light, the cameras record everything clearly. This is particularly useful at night when lighting levels are low, so the dash camera is perfect for capturing other cars and license plates even on the darkest country roads. The rear camera provides a similar high-quality image quality, utilising a 2MP Sony Starvis Night vision sensors which operate with an innovative multiexposure technology that can capture license plates, even when a car’s headlights are on full beam behind you.
One of the big draws of the Nexus 4 Pro is that it also features a cabin camera which captures you and your passengers whilst driving. However, especially as the nights are drawing in, the camera has been built with 4 infrared LED lights which automatically turn on when low lighting is noticed to deliver crystal clear black and white footage. This means that you get
even greater coverage of both inside and outside of the car should a claim be made. Plus, should you want to take a picture, lock a recording or end a recording during an event on the road, you can do all of this completely handsfree with just a voice command. All videos recorded are stored on the dash cam’s 512 GB external storage and can be downloaded and saved to your device using the Vantrue app.
When parked the Nexus 4 Pro is also designed to deliver protection, even when you’re away from your vehicle. The inbuilt parking mode, once hardwired into your car, utilises low-light night vision to detect motion or collisions to your vehicle by capturing 10 seconds before the event and 30 seconds after. This gives a great chance of catching any perpetrator or license plates even in the darkest of environments. These safety features help to give you peace of mind overnight to know that your car is safe and protected by a camera watching every movement.
I also love that the device is built with a GPS inside it, which through the Vantrue app, allows you to map your drives and even see the speed with which you are driving. This is perfect for if a claim is made against you, you can see your speed, location and route as evidence. Plus, you can be sure that even in hot and cold climates the Nexus 4 Pro will be there to support you built with supercapacitors which remain functional no matter the temperature, and last much longer than traditional batteries.
As we enter into the winter months, a dashcam is an essential tool for giving you that extra peace of mind, and should an incident occur, you have your own witness of events stored and saved to your device. I personally wouldn’t drive anywhere without my dash cam, so I think it makes the perfect gift for anyone who drives a lot to give that extra bit of protection should an incident occur. Plus, in exciting newsMartin Shang, the head of Vantrue’s marketing department let us know that the N4 Pro will launch an LTE 4G dashcam in 2025!
PROS:
- Great camera quality even in low lighting so perfect for darker winter months
- 360° view surrounding the car across the front, cabin and near the camera
- Control the dashcam completely hands-free for added safety on the road
CONS:
- The dash cam doesn’t come with a SD card to store the footage on so this does need to be purchased separately.
£299.99
https://www.vantrue.net/product/element_3
VANTRUE ELEMENT 3
DASH CAMERAS ARE A NECESSARY ADDITION TO EVERY CAR TO HELP KEEP YOUR OWN RECORD OF UNFORESEEN ACCIDENTS AND AVOID SOME HEFTY INSURANCE CLAIMS WHEN FAULT CANNOT BE DETERMINED EASILY. WITH VANTRUE MONITORING THE ROAD AND KEEPING A RECORD OF THE GOINGS ON BOTH AROUND AND WITHIN YOUR CAR IS MADE EASIER WITH A RANGE OF INNOVATIVE DASH CAMERAS THAT RECORD CRYSTAL-CLEAR FOOTAGE NO MATTER THE LIGHTING, TIME OF DAY OR LOCATION.
I don’t drive anywhere without a dash camera in my car, especially on my rather long commutes to work, as I like the added protection it gives me knowing it is there recording just in case an accident occurs. Therefore, when I got the chance to test out Vantrue’s Element 3 I was super excited as it boasts to deliver ultraclear image quality that monitors both inside and outside of your car whilst you’re on the road and when you’re parked.
The Element 3 dashcam records in 2.7K, with a 1080p video playback. This allows the camera to accurately pick up license plates and passengers, even in the darkest or rainiest conditions. To achieve this the dash camera is fitted with a Sony Starvis night vision mode which utilises infrared lights to capture everything you need even in the lowest of lighting. Therefore, should an accident occur, the camera will have captured the events occurring both inside and outside of the vehicle to help back up any claims with clear evidence.
The entire dash camera is designed with protection and safety in mind, and so has a parking mode that captures video clips from 15 seconds before an event and 30 seconds after to ensure any license plates or people are caught in the video. This is also utilised for collision detection, which records in a low frame mode and low bit rate, which ensures no vital evidence is missed should your car be broken into or hit whilst parked.
One of my favourite aspects of the dash camera is that the device is built with a G-sensor which when triggered from a collision will automatically lock and save the current video being recorded
to an emergency folder for use in filing a traffic dispute or insurance claim. This ensures that even if the worst should happen, you don’t have to go and save the footage yourself to avoid it being overwritten or discarded. Instead, the footage will be securely stored should it be needed in the future. In addition to this, the dash camera is designed to autosave the current video if a sudden power failure occurs, and when the dash cam memory becomes full it only rewrites over the oldest footage stored which is likely to no longer be needed. However, to save any footage, the dash camera connected seamlessly with your device via Wi-Fi where you can save and download all videos for future needs.
The Element 3 dash is controlled by the included innovative remote controller which you can stick to your dashboard. This allows you to quickly press to record, save and take a picture whilst you’re driving. This helps to avoid excessive adjustments whilst on the road which could distract you from driving. I’d personally like to see voice controls integrated across the dash camera so that you can be completely hands-free – however, voice controls are currently available on other models, so the option is there if this is preferred.
In my opinion, every driver could benefit from a dash camera in their car, and so I think buying yourself or a loved one is a great purchase for that added peace of mind. With the Element 3, you get top quality camera quality supported by Vantrue’s innovative systems that safe, lock and protect your footage so you always know that you have an additional set of eyes on the road should something occur.
PROS:
- High-quality camera that works even in low lighting
- Magnetic mount captures GPS and speed for added evidence for claims
- Automatic lock and save function when the G-sensory triggers
CONS:
- The remote control is fine, but I prefer a completely handsfree dash camera to keep all the focus on the road
TERMS & CONDITIONS
AT GADGET HEAD, OUR AIM IS TO GIVE OUR READERS THE MOST HONEST REVIEWS WE CAN.
We also seek to provide all manufacturers with an equal opportunity to promote their goods: in fact, we are incredibly proud that startup companies have just as much of a chance to feature in our magazine as established brands do. How do we ensure all of this? Our policy is simple: we do not offer sponsored reviews. Instead, if you send us goods to review, we reserve to right to keep and sell these on. By funding our magazine in this way, we can guarantee that we are not publishing paid-for opinions or prioritizing larger companies, and there are no hidden fees to having your product reviewed and featured.
Copy Editor Carley Fallows hello@thegadgethead.com
Lead Designer Adam Knights
Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com
Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
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
