UK £4.95 FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL 2024 Inspired By Your Success
MUSIC DISCOVERY
Add songs you hear on the radio straight to a Spotify playlist by the touch of a button
SPORTS HEALT PHOTOGRAPHY HOUSEHOLD AUDIO OUTDOOR GADGETS TOYS
DiscovR Visit pure.com/discovr to learn more Copyright © 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE. Apple and Airplay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Amazon, Alexa and the Amazon Alexa logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licences. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,Inc. and any use of such marks by Pure International Limited is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. A Smarter Speaker
Edifier WH700NB Wireless Noise
Cancellation Over-Ear Headphones
iFi Go blu
Tozo T20 Earbuds
Hecate by Edifier GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS Gaming Earbuds
Ikago Mug Heater
Twelve South BookArch Flex Laptop Stand (Chrome)
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
Ekster Aluminium Card Holder (Oil Slick)
EPOMAKER TH80 PRO V2 Keyboard
TOZO S3 Smart Watch
BAM Clothing Novea Training Vest (Mens, Pear)
GYMPROLUXE Band and Bar Set 2.0
BAERSkin 3.0 Hoodie
PHOTOGRAPHY HOUSEHOLD AUDIO
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Mask
Withings ScanWatch 2
OUTDOOR GADGETS
Withings Body Scan Stanley AeroLight
SPORTS & FITNESS HEALT & BEAUTY
TOYS & GAMES CONTENTS
IceFlow Bottle 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 26 28 30 32 34 38 40
EDIFIER WH700NB WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLATION OVER-EAR HEADPHONES
£39.99 www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-WH700NB-Active- Cancelling-Headphones-Black/dp/B0CFVLVD46
DESIGNED TO LET YOU DROWN OUT THE NOISE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES OR THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE ON YOUR MORNING COMMUTE, THE WH770NB OVER-EAR HEADPHONES ARE EDIFIER’S AFFORDABLE ANC OPTION TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR MUSIC IN PEACE. I RELY HEAVILY ON NOISE CANCELLATION DURING MY MORNING COMMUTE AS THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN BEING CAUGHT OUT SITTING ON THE TRAIN WITH NOTHING TO LISTEN TO. THEREFORE, I WAS THRILLED TO TEST EDIFIER’S NEW ANC-FOCUSED HEADPHONES.
Straight out of the box, the headphones look great –mine came in a lovely grey colour which added a stylish change to the standard black headphones I usually use. The matt grey finish is accompanied by super soft ear cushions, and a firm but comfortable headband. The side of the earpieces have a subtle Edifier logo which I liked as it maintains the rather minimalist and sleek overall look of the headphones. However, should the grey colourway not be to your liking or aesthetic, they also come in black, white, and blue options.
Putting the headphones on felt comfortable as they had a firm hold on the head with a decent amount of head cushioning in the ear pads and headband for comfort. After wearing the headphones for a few hours, I was impressed with how comfortable they were to wear. I especially loved how the ear cups sit around the ears, rather than on them so there’s no uncomfortable squashing. The true test of the WH700NB was in the sound quality and effectiveness of the noise cancellation. The WH700NBs are
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designed with 40mm dynamic drivers, which deliver exceptional sound quality for such an affordable price. However, a big draw of the WH700NB is that they have active noise cancellation to help you focus on your listening experience and drown out background noise. I personally found the sound quality excellent with each song and podcast meeting sounding just as good as some of my more expensive headphone models. I also found the ANC pretty substantial as it did cut down on excessive outside noise whilst I was on the train and in the office.
The WH700NB boast to have up to 68 hours of continuous playback when the ANC is turned off, and 45 hours of playback when it is turned on. I used the headphones for a few days and after an initial charge, I didn’t have to recharge them again for a long while which personally is a big plus for me. To make this playback possible, the WH700NBs are fitted with a V5.3 Bluetooth Chipset which delivers a stable connection to your headphones and ensures that the sound quality remains high. In fact, you can connect the headphones to two outputs at once, so you can flick between them and different activities with ease.
Whilst the headphones are not going to be able to rival some of the most expensive ANC-focused headphones on the market which have a hefty price tag due to the top-of-the-line mechanics, the WH700NB Headphones are still way ahead of the competition for under £50. Therefore, I think the Edifier WH700NB are a great choice for those who want a great level of ANC and great sound quality for everyday use at an affordable price point.
PROS:
- Great sound quality and reliable ANC
- Strong wireless connection for stable playback
- Affordable price point for the sound quality and ANC tech
- Excellent battery life
CONS:
- My only fault is that when listening to loud music, a small amount of the sound leaks out so those around you can hear your audio a little which isn’t super great in quiet settings.
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IFI GO BLU
£199.00
https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-blu/
GET READY TO TAKE SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY WITH YOU ON THE GO WITH IFI AUDIO’S GO BLU PORTABLE HD DAC/AMP. THE GO BLU IS DESIGNED TO BE YOUR LIGHTWEIGHT COMPANION, PERFECT FOR SLIPPING INTO YOUR POCKET OR BAG TO DELIVER SEAMLESS BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY FOR THE HIGHEST-QUALITY AUDIO EXPERIENCE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE.
Upon first opening the GO blu, I was impressed (and a little shocked) that such a small device boasts some big sound quality specs. The device is only a few centimetres in height and width and has a lovely, brushed copper design to it. The side of the device has a ‘ChronoDial’, designed to allow you to perfectly adjust your music’s volume, pause, play, and skip tracks, whilst also offering the option of activating the voice assistant of your core device. On the base, there is a USB-C input for charging, or connecting a device via USB instead of Bluetooth. Then, on the top, there is a balanced headphone 4.4mm jack and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone jack. The GO blu is compatible with most wired headphones and earphones through one of the two jack options and it even has a CMOS-MEMS microphone built into the bottom so you can make the most of hands-free calls on the go too.
So how does it work? The GO blu is designed to connect via Bluetooth to your device, which could be your phone, tablet, or laptop. Then, you just need to plug in your wired headphones to the GO blu and it provides you with excellent audio whilst allowing you to enjoy your music without being tethered to your device. As soon as I connected the GO Blu to my headphones, I was thrilled with just how lightweight it felt, something I’d want when going for a wireless catering device.
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The GO Blu is only a remarkable 26 grams; however, it still boosted the audio quality of my music significantly – something I thought may be difficult when using wireless options as I assumed there would be more interference causing some sound quality to be lost. However, the GO blu has been built with a Qualcomm fourcore QCC5100 Bluetooth processing chip which is designed to deliver highdefinition Bluetooth audio across every device by providing exceptional range and connection stability to ensure toplevel audio performance.
Having tested the GO blu for the last few weeks the superior sound quality and seamless connectivity really shine through. If it wasn’t for the superior sound, I’d have easily forgotten I was even using it as it was just so lightweight and added barely any weight to my headphone wire. However, with such a small device that already has so many benefits, you’d be forgiven for thinking there must be some downside like poor battery life, but iFi Audio have even thought of this and in fact, the GO blu provides up to 10 hours of battery life. This means you can use the amp whilst on the move for hours at a time without worrying about recharging – perfect for adventures this summer if you ask me!
Ultimately, if you are looking to enjoy the benefits of amplified sound but love the freedom of remaining hands-free, then the iFi GO blu is a perfect choice. It’s small, and powerful and works to deliver superior sound quality for every listening experience.
PROS:
- Powerful sound quality packed into a tiny unit
- Super lightweight and intuitively designed
- Loaded with reliable Bluetooth connectivity to remain hands-free without sacrificing the music quality
- Great battery life
CONS:
- Wireless connectivity relates to the source device, rather than the earphones/ headphones which still are required to be wired. This means it cannot be used with the common wireless earphones that many of us use for everyday listening. For those looking for superior sound quality and don’t mind using wired headphones connected to the GO blu rather than their device, this isn’t too much of an issue, but for the average user who doesn’t have or use wired headphones everyday, this may be a little inconvenient.
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TOZO T20 EARBUDS
£39.99
amazon.co.uk/TOZO-T20-Headphones- Waterproof-Cancelling/dp/B0BS3THTLC
AFTER TRYING OUT SOME TOZO HEADPHONES PREVIOUSLY, I WAS SO EXCITED TO GET TO TRY OUT THE T20 EARBUDS, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DELIVER TOP-QUALITY SOUND ALL IN A COMFORTABLE ALL-DAY WEAR FIT. THE CURVED ERGONOMIC DESIGN ALLOWS YOU TO USE THE EARBUDS FOR HOURS ON END WITHOUT THAT UNCOMFORTABLE PAIN THAT YOU GET WITH MANY OTHER EARBUDS AT THE SAME PRICE POINT.
Upon opening the earbuds the case is much like you would expect from many others on the market in a smooth black finish with the little earbuds inside. However, what makes the charging case so special is that the front displays the charge left in the earbuds/case. From a single charge the earbuds can last 13 hours, and with the charging case, this is increased dramatically to 48.5 hours. This length of battery life is top quality – especially for the affordable price point. I found the smart LED display was super useful to quickly check how much charge was left before leaving the house, but with over 50 hours of combined charge between the case and buds, you are rarely going to be caught short! When you do have to charge the earbuds the case flashes from 1 to 100 so you can easily see when they’re ready to go. Additionally, the case supports wireless charging so they’re perfect for popping on your usual wireless charger for easy charging whenever you need.
For the price, the sound quality of the TOZO T20 earbuds is exceptional. Each features a 10mm diameter speaker which has the latest dynamic horn loudspeaker and larger drivers. The T20s have been upgraded with a diaphragm area which is over 50% larger than the previous generation to bring better allaround sound quality. I tested out the earbuds whilst working and was thrilled with the sound quality which made every single one of my songs sound great. However, should you prefer a very specific EQ setting for your listening experience you can download the TOZO app which offers a selection of pre-set and personalised EQ settings to truly tailor your earbuds to you.
I even tried the T20 Earbuds for a call which I find is a true test of sound quality, and they performed very well. The earbuds have a dual-mic ENC Noise Cancellation which makes calling so
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much clearer by suppressing ambient background noise whilst working to make your voice clearer. This would be a game change for calls whilst on the go, to help reduce background traffic and enhance your voice so the person on the other end can hear you clearly.
If you are thinking about getting some new earbuds but don’t know where to start the TOZO T20 Earbuds are a great choice. For the price, they deliver top-quality sound, and exceptional battery life which would suit the needs of just about anyone. These would make a great gift for any music lover in your life, and for the price, you might as well treat yourself to a pair too!
PROS:
- Premium sound quality at an affordable price
- Long battery life and smart screen to monitor charge
- EQ personalised via the TOZO App
- Supports wireless charging
CONS:
- To make the most out of your earbuds you need to download a further app
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HECATE BY EDIFIER GX05 ULTRA-LOW LATENCY TWS GAMING EARBUDS
£149.99 www.amazon.co.uk/HECATE-GX05-Wireless- Bluetooth-Cancellation-Grey/dp/B0CF9TDSNL
WHEN GAMING WIRELESSLY, YOU REALLY START TO NOTICE THE DELAY IN SOUND COMPARED TO THE FRAME RATE. THIS DELAY IS SOMETHING THAT THE HECATE BY EDIFIER GX05 ULTRA-LOW LATENCY TWS GAMING EARBUDS ARE DESIGNED TO COMBAT TO HELP YOU TAKE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
When I first opened the GX05 Gaming Earbuds I was thoroughly impressed with their design; the earbuds come in a sturdy case that looks like something from a sci-fi film used to hold some precious intergalactic cargo. Upon opening the case, the triangular device sits, made from zinc alloy, with a spinnable top piece, which once turned reveals the earbuds and an adapter. When turned the sides of the earbud holder light up in a rainbow of colours giving a cyberpunk feel to the device.
Aside from the impressive aesthetics of the GX05 Gaming Earbuds, they also pack a punch in terms of audio experience. The earbuds are designed to utilise both Bluetooth and the 2.4G adapter connection to provide superior audio quality with latency as low as 15 milliseconds between your device and earbuds. This is all thanks to the impressive 10mm dynamic drivers and decoding performance of up to 96Hz/24bit. These allow you to hear every footstep, enemy approach, and movement from other players in the game mode with crystal clear quality.
I tested out the earbuds using my switch, and whilst I wasn’t playing any tactical games, the sound quality and reduced latency were superb. These would definitely be a game changer for those who play more intense games when listening out for other teams
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or enemies is essential to succeed. Often, to get the same level of sound quality and minimal latency you need large wires headsets, however, the earbuds offer a less cumbersome option which also includes ENC dual microphone noise cancellation so you can talk to your friends while gaming. One of my favourite aspects of the dual connection of the GX05 is that you can connect your earbuds using both the adapter and Bluetooth, so should a call come in on your phone whilst you’re gaming you can answer without missing a second of gameplay.
In terms of wear, the earbuds are super comfortable and designed with an ergonomic fit perfect for hours of continuous gameplay. You simply have to tap the side of the earbuds to change volume and settings, which once you get the hang of are super easy to use while mid-game. The earbuds also have a combined 16 hours of battery life and support super-fast charging, so you can experience hours of gameplay without too much interruption.
Overall, the Hecate by Edifier GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS Gaming Earbuds are a refreshing take on the gaming headset. Crafted to look like a futuristic device, the GX05 Gaming earbuds provide next-level sound quality, comfortable wear, and topquality latency specs making gameplay a breeze every time. If you have an avid gamer in your life, or are looking
for some top-quality earbuds to make calls seamless, then the GX05 Gaming Earbuds are an easy choice.
PROS:
- Futuristic design with lights for added flare
- Top quality sound and ultra-low latency
- Adapter suited to most gaming consoles on the market
CONS:
- Each earbud singularly only has 4.5 hours of battery life which in long gaming sessions may not be ideal to pause to recharge
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IKAGO HEAT COASTER PRO FULL SET
£54
www.amazon.co.uk/ikago-Smart-Mug-
Warmer-Thermometry/dp/B0BML12VKN
THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN MAKING YOURSELF THAT PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE IN THE MORNING AT WORK, BUT THEN GETTING SO DISTRACTED WITH EMAILS AND CALLS THAT BY THE TIME YOU RETURN TO IT, IS COLD AND PRETTY GROSS TO DRINK. HOWEVER, WITH THE IKAGO HEAT COASTER PRO SET COLD COFFEE WILL BE A THING OF THE PAST, AS IT WORKS TO KEEP YOUR COFFEE HOT FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED IT!
I was super excited to try the ikago Heat Coaster Pro Set as I’ve become known for leaving half a mug of cold coffee on my desk most days as I can’t bring myself to drink cold coffee. I hate how much I end up wasting, therefore, having a coaster which will keep my coffee at the perfect drinking temperature no matter how distracted I get is a big win in my books.
Inside the box is the coaster plate, along with a lovely mug, spoon and lid. Every component feels super study, with the coaster plate in a silver and matt black design, and the mug, spoon and lid all finished in the same matt black finish. I love the cohesive look this gave the unit on my desk; however, I was super happy to read that the coaster is actually compatible with any ceramic mug so it can still be used while the main mug is being washed up.
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So how does it work? The coaster plate delivers an infrared beam through the cup to heat its contents to the perfect temperature which has been preset on the coaster digital interface. The interface allows you to set your desired heat setting between 105175 degrees Fahrenheit, and then you can see in real-time what temperature your drink is at. Now, as someone who lives in the UK, I did have to Google the conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius, but once I’d found my perfect setting I was very thankful to see the coaster remembered this temperature, so I didn’t have to make this search every time I wanted to use it!
One of the big perks of the heating method using infrared is that it maintains the desired temperature of your coffee without overheating. This meant that every sip was as good as the last and for once, I actually finished my coffee! I personally loved that when the mug is removed from the coaster it instantly pauses heating to ensure that it is not mindlessly heating away which could cause a hazard, however, once you return the mug to the coaster it begins heating it to your desired temperature again.
Ultimately, the ikago Heat Coaster Pro Full Set makes a perfect addition to anyone’s desk, especially for those who get a little too distracted with tasks to drink their coffee whilst it’s still hot. With Father’s Day fast approaching, this would make the perfect gadget to get the father figure in your life to make their morning coffee just that little bit more luxurious.
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.
GADGETS
£59.99
https://twelvesouth.co.uk/products/bookarc-flex
TWELVESOUTH BOOKARC FLEX LAPTOP STAND (CHROME) GADGETS
WHEN WORKING FROM HOME HAVING ENOUGH DESK SPACE FOR MY LAPTOP TO SIT ALONGSIDE MY MONITOR, KEYBOARD AND MOUSE CAN BE A LITTLE BIT OF A STRUGGLE. OFTEN, I’M LEFT CAREFULLY BALANCING MY LAPTOP SOMEWHERE SO I CAN STILL USE IT AS A HUB OF MY WORK WHILST MAKING THE MOST OF A LARGER SCREEN AND SEPARATE ACCESSORIES. IN THE PAST, I’VE FOUND TRADITIONAL LAPTOP STANDS STILL TAKE UP TOO MUCH SPACE ON MY SMALL DESK. THEREFORE, I WAS THRILLED TO GET TO TEST OUT THE BOOKARC FLEX FROM TWELVESOUTH WHICH PROVIDES ALL THE SAME FUNCTIONALITY OF A LAPTOP STAND, WHILST TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE MACBOOK’S SLIMLINE BUILD TO HOLD IT VERTICALLY ON THE DESK INSTEAD.
The BookArc Laptop Stand is designed to carefully clip your laptop in a vertical position so you can use it as a hub for your work where you can connect a screen, keyboard, and mouse too – all without the need for the laptop to be open and taking up space on your desk. For me, this is perfect for holding up my laptop behind my monitor so I can use all the functionality of the laptop without it hanging over my desk on a large laptop stand.
The BookArc Flex I tested out came in a lovely chrome colourway, which looked super sleek and added a nice touch of elegance to my desktop set-up. However, if chrome isn’t your thing, the BookArc Flex is also available in black and white, so there is a colourway perfect to fit in with any set-up and perfectly complement your other accessories. The BookArc Flex comes ready to accommodate laptops of up to 1 inch in thickness and roughly 16 inches in width. This size range ensures that it is perfect for a range of laptop brands and models, for both your laptop now and any variations in the future. This flexibility
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means that should you change laptops in the future, flick between a personal and work laptop, or have a slightly thicker laptop than a MacBook, you can still make the most of everything that the BookArc Flex has to offer without needing to buy another one.
The BookArc Flex provides a minimalist design whilst delivering full functionality and that’s exactly what we have come to expect from TwelveSouth. The modern architecture-inspired design looks lovely sitting on my desk, keeping my laptop securely held and out of the way whilst still making it functional for use. My only slight concern is that as the laptop is held vertically, so if the laptop is knocked a little too hard, you could run the risk of the whole BookArc Flex falling over. However, this just needs to be taken into account when you decide where to place the BookArc.
Overall, if you are looking for a sleek yet stylish way to use your laptop without the need for large amounts of desktop space, the BookArc Flex is an excellent choice. With a great look and easy functionality, I found it kept my laptop out of the way and let me get on with my work without too much fuss. I personally love the flexibility of laptop sizes which the stand provides to ensure that once you buy the BookArc Flex you will not need to buy it again as it is designed for your laptop now and for a variation of sizes which you may use in the future. However, should it not fit your new laptop a range of inserts are also available on the TwelveSouth website, so you can keep using your BookArc Flex as normal.
PROS:
- Stylish stand so you can use your laptop whilst saving space
- Designed for a variety of laptop widths – perfect for your laptop now and in the future
- Minimalist modern design with a beautiful chrome finish adding a great look to your desktop set-up
CONS:
- As your laptop is held vertically, it could lead to more opportunities for it to easily be knocked over and potentially damage your laptop in the process
GADGETS
GLOCUSENT LED NECK
£29.99
https://glocusent.com/collections/neck-reading-light/ products/glocusent-upgraded-led-neck-reading-light-gray
READING LIGHT
FOR MANY OF US, READING IS A BIG PASTIME BEFORE BED TO HELP US PROPERLY WIND DOWN FOR THE EVENING. HOWEVER, WE ARE OFTEN THEN FACED WITH THE PROBLEM OF TURNING ON A LAMP AND SITTING AWKWARDLY UNDER IT TO SEE THE PAGE, OR PUTTING THE MAIN LIGHT ON WHICH DOES NOT HELP CREATE A COSY AND CALM ATMOSPHERE MANY OF US ARE SEEKING BEFORE BED. THEREFORE, HANDY READING LIGHTS ARE PERFECT FOR ALLOWING YOU TO STILL READ AND AVOID EYE STRAIN WITHOUT HAVING TO THEN GET UP AND TURN LIGHTS OFF RUINING YOUR COSY AND POTENTIALLY SLEEPY VIBE
As an avid reader, I was super excited to test Glocusent’s LED Neck Reading Light as I’m always on the hunt for a reading accessory which makes the whole experience more comfortable. The Neck Reading Light it is designed to sit comfortably around your neck and illuminate your book leaving your hands free to turn the pages. Straight away the reading light was lightweight with a sturdy neckband to hold the lights in place without feeling uncomfortable after a few hours of use. It comes with three light mode options: warm yellow, warm white and cool white. The warm yellow has been specifically designed for reading before bed as it boosts your melanin and cares for your eyes at a perfectly designed 1800k ambient mode.
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The other brighter white lights are better for more focused reading in a darkened room. On one arm there is a button to turn the lights on and set a 30-minute timer, whilst on the other you can adjust the light colour mode and the light intensity. This was great as I could customise the light to how dark my room was and make the light dimmer when my partner was sleeping beside me. Having tested out the Glocusent LED Reading Light for a few weeks I am thoroughly impressed. Not only does it come with a 30-minute timer to autoturn off (great for when I fall asleep reading on occasion), but I haven’t had to charge the reading light once! The light is advertised to hold up to 80 hours of battery life, which is plenty even for avid readers like me who will read for a few hours every day before bed. However, should I have to charge it, it comes with a useful USB-C type cable which you just plug into the back of the reading light.
Overall, if you are a big reader then the Glocusent LED Reading light is perfect for you! With multiple light mode options, hands-free design, and easy intuitive buttons it’s hard to fault this reading light. I think the light would also be great for handheld hobbies such as knitting or crochet so you can see what you’re doing more easily without the need for another lamp. Ultimately, the functionality of the light is great, and I will definitely continue to reach for it every time I want to read in a dark room.
PROS:
- 3 light colour options, with 3 brightness settings for each one
- 80-hour battery life – up to 20 days of reading at 30 minutes a day even on the brightest setting
- 30-minute timer to autoturn off
CONS:
- The only small con I could see is the reading light does not come with a plug for the cable - however, most of us have a plug readily available so this isn’t much of an issue but is worth noting
GADGETS
£66
https://www.ekster.com/en-gb/products/ aluminum-cardholder?variant=40370190549055
EKSTER ALUMINIUM CARDHOLDER (OIL SLICK)
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW AND STYLISH CARDHOLDER, THAT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE ACCESSING YOUR CARDS SO MUCH EASIER? THEN THE EKSTER ALUMINIUM CARDHOLDER IS FOR YOU, AND NOW IN A SUPER FUN IRIDESCENT COLOURWAY!
Ekster Cardholders use space-grade aluminium to provide compact and lightweight storage for up to 12 cards and cash. All of your cards sit seamlessly in the main section of the cardholder, and to retrieve them you just push the side button, and all your cards are pushed out in a staggered format. The button mechanic makes accessing your cards super easy, and the staggered format means there’s no fiddly picking between cards. However, if like me, you have a ton of loyalty cards and like to carry a small amount of cash, you can slip these into the backplate. The back plate is securely strapped to the main section of the cardholder, so all your cards and notes are compactly stacked together.
Along with the great functional design, the oil-slick colourway adds a perfect iridescent sheen to the cardholder. The main body of the cardholder is black and the backplate is where the oil-slick iridescent design takes centre stage. I loved the design, which is super minimalist but with a little splash of colour. So many of my friends even commented on the fun colour of the cardholder when they saw me using it over the last few weeks.
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In terms of security, the cardholder is designed with RFID antitheft technology to ensure that your details cannot be stolen whilst out and about. If you are used to a chunky wallet which takes up plenty of space in your pocket, the Ekster cardholders will be a nice change with the sleek design. However, you may spend the first few days frantically tapping your pockets like I did just to check it is still there - it’s just so sleek and minimalist that you almost forget it’s there!
The cardholder is not designed for carrying coins, which can be a little annoying when you buy things with cash and are left with some change. However, I found as the cardholder was so sleek putting coins in your pocket alongside it isn’t too much of a hassle - and let’s be honest, not many people carry cash these days anyway!
Having tested out the cardholder for a few weeks, I would definitely buy an Ekster Aluminium Cardholder for a friend or loved one. The cardholders are stylish and make a great compact wallet alternative to traditional foldable leather ones. If you are looking to buy a great gift for yourself or a loved one, an Ekster Aluminium Cardholder is always a great choice, and with such a variety of colour options, you’ll be sure to find one to suit anyone’s style.
PROS:
- Great iridescent colourway
- Compact, secure, and sturdy design
- Super functional card button release, and backplate for extra cards and cash
CONS:
- Doesn’t allow for carrying coins – but few people carry coins these days so not a giant issue
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$99.99 epomaker.com/products/th80pro-v2-via
GADGETS
EPOMAKER TH80 PRO V2
EPOMAKER ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR EXCELLENT RANGE OF KEYBOARDS WHICH ARE DESIGNED FOR OPTIMIZED FUNCTIONALITY WHILST ALWAYS DELIVERING PRODUCTS OF AESTHETIC BEAUTY –AND THE TH80 PRO V2 IS NO EXCEPTION. THE EPOMAKER TH80 PRO V2 IS A COMPACT AND CUSTOMIZABLE GAMING KEYBOARD WHICH IS DESIGNED TO STEP UP YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE AND MAKE EVERY KEYSTROKE COUNT.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed with how compact the keyboard was compared to a full traditional keyboard. However, despite its reduced size, the functionality of the keyboard is just the same, if not better than any standard keyboard I’ve tried before. I loved the slightly retro-inspired design of the TH80 Pro V2 with an off-white colour you’d expect from a more retro finish, mixed with the fun dark red and purple accent keys. However, the keyboard features an extra modern twist with the addition of a 1.14-inch RBG screen in the top righthand corner which you can program to show the date, time, logo or even game stats. This screen adds a nice little futuristic touch to the keyboard, which allows you to put your own personal
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touch on your keyboard. In addition to the screen, the keyboard has south-facing LED lights which glow a rainbow across the keyboard whilst it is on. For me, the overall design of the TH80 Pro V2 is exactly what I’ve come to expect from EPOMAKER, with a funky retro feel and a plethora of futuristic aspects which ensure that the keyboard is eye-catching on any desk or gaming set-up.
I’ve had the TH80 Pro V2 on my desk for a good few weeks now and I am thoroughly pleased with its design. The smaller size saves a ton of space, and with the tri-connectivity, I can easily connect the keyboard to my PC, tablet, or device with a wired, Bluetooth and wireless 2.4Ghz
connection. I loved the wireless 2.4Ghz connection, which just needs you to plug in the included wireless USB receiver into your PC and you can then use the keyboard without any wires. I hate having so many wires on the desk, so this was perfect for keeping my set-up tidy and functional. Now, I can’t highlight how great the keyboard is without discussing the satisfying click of the keys. Each key feels soft to the touch and makes the typing experience very enjoyable. Although, whilst I loved the clicking, those in my office did find it a little annoying, especially in very quiet moments. So maybe think about this if you want the keyboard for a quiet office instead of a gaming set-up!
As with most EPOMAKER keyboards, all the keys are 3/5-pins so are hot-swappable so you can customize your keyboard to your needs. However, EPOMAKR has gone one set further and has designed every single key of the TH80 Pro V2 to be VIA programmable, so you can make shortcuts that work for you no matter whether you’re writing an email or playing a game. To do this you need to download the Via Json file from the EPOMAKER website, after which you will be able to make all the changes you need to make your keyboard completely unique to your needs.
As a gaming keyboard, the TH80 Pro V2 is an excellent choice with its compact, multipoint connectivity and complete customizability to make every gaming experience catered to you. However, even as a standard keyboard in an office, the space-saving design and ease of use make every task just that little bit more functional – with the addition of a fun rainbow light glowing behind it! For any gamer, or anyone looking for a new space-saving keyboard, the TH80 Pro V2 is an excellent choice and would make a great gift for yourself or a loved one.
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PROS:
- 8 ports for a range of USB, USB-C, audio jack, SD and Micro SD card readers and HDMI cables
- Seamless, stylish and lightweight unit perfect for travelling
- Great for those who work on the go a lot and need greater laptop port availability for things such as charging or data transfer
CONS:
- The charging speed is impacted the more cables you add to the PowerLink Combi unit, but this is to be expected when charging/ using multiple functions of the device simultaneously
£49.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOZO-S3-Bluetooth- Waterproof-Compatible/dp/B07L1GWR66
SPORT & FITNESS TOZO S3 SMARTWATCH
TAKING CARE OF OUR HEALTH IS SUPER IMPORTANT, AND OVER RECENT YEARS MANY OF US HAVE TURNED TO USING SMART GADGETS SUCH AS WATCHES AND RINGS TO MONITOR THIS. HOWEVER, KNOWING WHERE TO START AND NOT FACING PRICEY PAYWALLS OR HEFTY SUBSCRIPTION FEES TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR REAL-TIME HEALTH METRICS CAN BE DIFFICULT. THEREFORE, TOZO HAS INTRODUCED THEIR NEW S2 SMART WATCH, GIVING YOU THE BEST OF SMARTWATCH FUNCTIONALITY AT SUCH AN AFFORDABLE PRICE POINT.
The S3 comes in a sleek box that feels premium, and inside you have the 1.63-inch HD colour touchscreen watch face, a silicone strap, a user manual, and the smartwatch charging cable. Each part is carefully packaged, and after a quick assembly and charge, you can get started. I first had to download the TOZO Health app (which was free) and pair my smartwatch. This was a very simple process and works in a very similar way to other smartwatches I’ve tested. Once paired, I was then ready to test out the S3. On first impressions, the watch face is a little larger than other ones I’ve tried, which makes navigation and visibility whilst working out super easy. I’m not personally a big fan of the wide silicone strap, which is common with most smartwatches, but the TOZO one feels secure and is good for swimming or when particularly sweaty to remain both waterproof and easy to clean.
The watch is designed to provide you with real-time data on a range of health metrics from sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen and stress levels, to help you better understand your health and focus on areas that you would like to improve. One of my favourite parts about the S3 is the sleep monitoring, which provides you with an in-depth analysis of your sleep stages, which can be viewed in the app. This is particularly helpful when you wake feeling tired and can see which areas of sleep you were lacking in and understand what contributes towards you feeling well rested during the day.
The best way to monitor your fitness level is by getting some movement into your day and recording it with your watch by choosing one of over 100 exercise options available, including anything from walking to swimming or biking. I set up the watch to
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track my walk on the beach with my dog and could see my steps, calories burnt, and distance travelled all on the watch screen without the need to take my phone out of my pocket – perfect for monitoring my fitness whilst on the move.
Another key perk of the S3, aside from its fitness and health metrics, is that it allows you to see your notifications and make, answer, and reject calls directly from your wrist. This is great for urgent calls whilst you’re working out, or for keeping up to date throughout the day without the need to open your phone. I loved the easy view of my notifications throughout the day and found it helped me to stay focused as I’d set the S3 up to only show notifications from certain apps, this allowed me to not get drawn into my phone and end up mindlessly scrolling instead of being productive!
Overall, I’m very impressed with the S3 which for such an affordable price, offers a great range of fitness and functional qualities suited to help you have more awareness of your own health. Having tried out a few different smartwatches in my life, the S3 is super comparable in functionality and looks to those at a higher price point. So, if you are looking into the smartwatch world to take control of your own health, then the TOZO S3 Smartwatch is an excellent place to start.
PROS:
- Over 100 pre-loaded workout options
- Easy to view health and fitness metrics
- Can view notifications and take calls all from your wrist
CONS:
- Battery life boasts to be 10 days with typical use and 7 days with heavy use –however, I found with typical use it needed charging a little more regularly
FITNESS
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https://bambooclothing.co.uk/shop/
mens-novea-training-vest-pear-green/
BAM CLOTHING MEN’S NOVEA TRAINING VEST
WHEN I’M WORKING OUT, I WANT CLOTHES WHICH ARE SIMPLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, AND EASY TO THROW ON SO I CAN SPEND MY TIME FOCUSED ON GETTING A GOOD SESSION IN. WITH BAM’S MINIMALIST AND EASY-TO-WEAR DESIGNS, SUCH AS THE NOVEA TRAINING VEST, I CAN SIMPLY THROW IT ON AND GET GOING – PERFECT!
The BAM Novea Training Vest has been designed with ease of movement, in mind with a breathable and soft fabric. I tested out the vest for a run on a rather sunny spring afternoon and was super impressed with the feel. I found it hung super nicely on the body and was just loose enough that it felt breathable without getting in the way of more dynamic movements. The vest is made from BAM’s nature-based fabric Novea, which blends bamboo with Naia™ for quick drying. This material was perfect for practising some sprints. Usually when sprinting I’m left a little hot and sweaty with my t-shirt sticking to me, but with the Novea Training Vest, I remained cool and dry throughout. One thing I especially loved about the vest is its lovely pear green colour which makes a nice change from my typical black or dark grey gym clothes. On the back and sides, there
SPORT & FITNESS 26 £34
are grey panels and a lovely minimalist reflective detailing. I love the simple design, and the reflective dots and dashes actually spell out Bamboo Clothing which is a nice but subtle way of getting some branding onto the item vest without a giant logo on the front – something I typically try to avoid as much as possible.
One perk of BAM’s clothing is that every piece has been made with sustainability in mind. For every piece, BAM has carefully designed them to deliver performance, whilst also being made from bamboo which continues to help the planet. Bamboo is known to absorb 5x more carbon than hardwood trees and is one of the fastest-growing crops on the planet, consequently, it makes a great choice for use in clothes as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuel-based fibres. Therefore, with BAM Clothing you can have piece of mind that you are purchasing from a company that really cares about the planet and puts this at the forefront of every single design.
Ultimately, the Novea Training Vest is designed to feel great, look great and not get in the way of working out – a big win for me! I loved the feel and will definitely be adding this into my gym wardrobe rotation as I know it will be perfect for some nice summer runs as the weather continues to improve, as well as some high-intensity gym sessions. If you, or someone you love, is on the hunt for a new vest for working out then BAM’s Novea Training Vest is an easy choice.
PROS:
- Sustainably made material designed for quick drying
- Stylish and minimalist look with nice reflective detailing
- Affordable price for highquality and sustainable training vest
CONS:
- I’d love to see some more colour options – the pear green/grey and black/blue are lovely but I’d like to see some more colour variety options for summer
& FITNESS
£129.99
https://www.gymproluxestore.com/prod - ucts/gymproluxe-band-and-bar-set-2-0
BAND AND BAR SET 2.0
IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, ACTUALLY GETTING YOURSELF TO THE GYM CAN FEEL LIKE THE BIGGEST FEAT – ESPECIALLY AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK. I’M FOREVER WISHING I HAD MY OWN GYM SET UP AT HOME, BUT LIVING IN A FLAT I DON’T HAVE THE SPACE, AND THE EQUIPMENT CAN BE SUPER COSTLY. THEREFORE, WHEN THE GYMPROLUXE BAND AND BAR SET 2.0 CAME ACROSS MY DESK I WAS SUPER INTRIGUED – COULD MY DREAM OF A FULL-BODY WEIGHTED WORKOUT FROM HOME FINALLY BE A REALITY?
The Band and Bar Set 2.0 arrived quickly after dispatching and I was immediately shocked by just how lightweight and compact the set was. Upon opening the box, I was met with the detachable bar, a padded exercise belt, 6 adjustable belt tubes and a lovely little bag for storing it all in. The adjustable belts come ready attached to the exercise belt, and collectively provide up to 90kg (200lb) of resistance. The adjustable belts have 3 weight options – the white belts are 10kg, the green ones are 15kg, and the black ones are 20kg. This means you can get a full body workout using the same kind of weights you’d likely be choosing in the gym, but all from the comfort of your own home.
Using the Band and Bar you can achieve a whole range of exercise options including bench press, hip thrusts, bicep curls, and chest flys – to name only a few! The set actually boasts to allow you to allow you to do more than 100 gym-quality exercises all from the comfort of your own home. I set it up to do a bench press to get a feel for the bands. Laying with the belt underneath me with only the 10kg belts attached to it, and the bar looped through the belt’s handles, I could push the bar up and slowly lower it to complete a rep. It was super simple to set up and I was impressed with how smooth each rep felt. I worried that the bands wouldn’t feel secure or that the bar would make movements hard to keep stable, but each one felt controlled thanks to the high-quality design.
SPORT & FITNESS
GYMPROLUXE
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One thing I will note is that as you are using resistance belts rather than traditional free weights you actually experience a constant tension on your muscles throughout the whole movement. This means that as your range of motion increases so does the tension on your muscles and so you can build more targeted gains. In doing this, the set targets each body part to build muscle and strength without overloading the joints. Therefore, the set is actually a lot safer for your joints and should lead to fewer injuries.
After trying out the Band and Bar Set 2.0 for a week I’m impressed. Not only could I do a full body workout, but I could do it with the weights I’m familiar with and all from the comfort of my own home! The weighted bands are easy to interchange, and I personally felt they helped me focus on each muscle throughout each rep for more purposeful movements. I also found working out from home helped me to be more intentional about my exercises as I wasn’t getting distracted or avoiding certain machines that were full like usual. Therefore, I could do all the movements I wanted for my personal fitness goals without feeling rushed.
I loved that on the days I was struggling to decide on a workout plan, I could turn to the GYMPROLUXE app which has a whole range of easy-tofollow workout options available – this was especially great when I was first getting to grips with the set. In the app, there are also a range of workshops and challenges to help give you a boost of motivation when you need it most. I
liked that the app also lets you track your progress and even set goals to help make each one just that little bit more achievable.
Overall, if you’re looking to get a full-body workout, but rarely have time to go to the gym, the GYMPROLUXE Band and Bar Set 2.0 is the perfect choice. The set is portable, lightweight, and compact making it perfect for home storage or even taking with you on the go. With the one-off purchase of the set at an affordable price, you can get a full body workout and access to a library of pre-set workout plans – all without having to leave your house! That’s an easy win for me!
PROS:
- Portable and lightweight full-body workout set
- Up to 90kg of weight resistance possible all from the comfort of your home
- Access to the GYMPROLUXE app for a whole host of workouts and challenges
CONS:
- If you are a super advanced gym-goer the 90kg limit may not be enough for your regular workouts. However, more weighted adjustable belts can be purchased from the GYMPROLUXE Store
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FITNESS
Currently on 60% off
https://baerskinhoodie.com/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=direct
BAERSKIN 3.0 HOODIE
DESIGNED TO BRING HOME COMFORT ACROSS ANY ACTIVITY, THE BAERSKIN 3.0 HOODIE DELIVERS A SECOND SKIN FEELING AND NEXTLEVEL COMFORT WHETHER YOU’RE OUT HIKING OR CHILLING ON THE COUCH. MADE FROM A 100% DOUBLE-NAPPED AND BRUSHED FLEECE MATERIAL, IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT THE HOODIES BOAST BEING THE WORLD’S BEST OUTDOOR GEAR FOR ALL THAT LIFE THROWS AT YOU.
We were sent two hoodies by BAERSkin in a lovely dark blue and a nice green colour. Straight out of the box, you can feel how luxurious the fleece material is. Made from 330gsm BAERSkin Fleece™, the hoodies are made to keep you warm and remain resistant to wear and tear. The double-napped fleeces felt lightweight, but after putting one on you instantly understood the warmth they offer.
The fleeces are designed to keep wind out using its Windsulation™ design which uses rubber cuffs, a full-length zip storm flap, an elastic waist tie and an adjustable hood to make sure you can customise the fit to your body. I was surprised by how comfortable it felt as often fleece hoodies can be a little too heavy duty for daily wear. However, the BEARSkin hoodie is not only designed for outdoor hiking activities but it is made to be comfortable and lightweight enough to be great as a layer to wear around the house.
SPORT & FITNESS
at £79.95! RRP £245
special
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I loved the range of pockets the hoodie has to offer. Across the entire hoodie, there are 12 pockets – an unheard-of amount! On the outside, there are 6 high-quality zipped pockets, and then there are an additional 6 interior pockets – 3 of these are zipped and the others are drop pockets. The range of pockets allows you to take everything you need with you on the go. When on a hike you have space to securely keep your phone and wallet in an interior zipped pocket, and then use the exterior ones to hold snack bars, gloves, a hat and even a lightweight fold-up waterproof jacket. The pocket space is great, and essentially removes the need for a super heavy-duty rucksack so you can enjoy your time in a less restricted way.
The hoodies are reasonably waterproof, however in extremely rainy conditions they may need to be paired with a more waterproof top layer. This is only a slight complaint about the hoodies, as the level of comfort and functionality that the hoodie offers seem to make this worth it – and, thanks to the pockets, taking a waterproof jacket with you is a very easy task!
Overall, with every aspect of its design catered to make your experience when wearing it comfortable and functional, we can see why the BAERSkin Hoodies are so popular. If you have someone in your life that loves hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, or travelling then this lightweight, super comfortable and versatile hoodie is a perfect choice for them.
BAERSkin is also currently running an extended Black Friday sale with up to 60% off its hoodies perfect just in time for Father’s Day!
PROS:
- High quality and warm double-napped and brushed fleece material
- 12 pockets for all your needs and essentials
- Lightweight and super comfortable adjustable design to suit your needs
CONS:
- Not 100% waterproof but will keep you warm
& FITNESS
MAVOGEL COTTON SLEEP MASK
£6.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cotton-Sleep-Eye- Mask-Comfortable/dp/B07D3M5TTZ?th=1
GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE THINGS WE CAN DO TO SET OURSELVES UP FOR THE DAY AHEAD. BUT FOR MANY OF US, GETTING TO SLEEP AND STAYING ASLEEP CAN BE A BIG STRUGGLE SO WE OFTEN TURN TO SLEEPING MASKS TO BLOCK OUT LIGHT AND HELP US TO STAY ASLEEP. HOWEVER, I’M SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED SLEEPING MASKS SLIDING DOWN DURING SLEEP, OR PRESSING UNCOMFORTABLY IN DIFFERENT SLEEPING POSITIONS WHICH ULTIMATELY WAKES YOU UP! THIS IS SOMETHING THAT MAVOGEL NOTICED, AND IT BEGAN DEVELOPING SLEEP MASKS WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE CAN GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP.
The Mavogel Cotton Sleep Mask is designed to sit securely across your eyes with a cotton triangle wing design to provide next-level support around the sides of your head, so it stays in place all night. The eye covering has 5 layers of material for superior light blocking and a delicate feel across the eyes. There’s nothing worse than an eye mask that feels rough across the eyes or uncomfortably squishes you. I tested out the Mavogel Mask for a few nights and was impressed with just how comfortable it felt, I did worry that being a little larger than other ones I’ve used it might be a big heavy or press excessively on the sides of my head, but it didn’t, and I got a great night’s sleep.
HEALTH 32
One of my favourite aspects of the Mavogel Sleep Mask is that it has an ergonomic design to ensure that no light gets in through the nose section – something that many other sleeping masks on the market struggle to do. The nose section has a patented bending cartilage design which can be adjusted to your nose share to firmly block out all light no matter which way you turn in your sleep. This was a game changer for me as the current light mornings mean that I’ve been waking up so much earlier as light comes into my room. However, now with the Mavogel Sleep Mask, I can get in those precious few hours of sleep in the morning before my alarm goes off.
I already know this will be a game changer this summer whilst on longhaul flights. With this mask and some great noise-cancellation headphones, I’m going to be having a lovely peaceful sleep on my future trips! If you’re off on holiday this summer, I’d definitely recommend trying out the Mavogel Sleep Mask for that extra bit of comfort and sleep aid while away. Ultimately, the Mavogel Sleep Mask is an affordable and well-
designed sleep accessory which is sure to help you get to sleep and stay asleep longer. As we approach Father’s Day, the Mavogel Sleep Mask would make an excellent gift to help the Dad or Father figure in your life improve their sleep and make those inevitable afternoon naps just a little more luxurious.
PROS:
- Handmade mask with seamless edges for extra comfortable wear
- Wide winged sides for a secure fit
- Ergonomic nose panel for supreme light-blocking
- Breathable cotton material
HEALTH
£319.95 https://www.withings.com/uk/en/scanwatch-2
WITHINGS SCAN WATCH 2
EVERY DAY WE PUT IN THE WORK TO TRY AND MAINTAIN OUR HEALTH AND KEEP FEELING OUR BEST, BUT THERE’S SO MUCH WE CAN’T SEE THAT WOULD HELP US TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW OUR BODY IS WORKING BOTH FOR AND AGAINST US. THIS IS WHERE SPORTS WATCHES HAVE TAKEN HOLD OF THE MARKET. HOWEVER, OFTEN THESE DON’T LOOK SUPER STYLISH OR CLASSY FOR WEARING THROUGHOUT THE DAY WHILST AT WORK OR EVEN FOR A NICE DINNER WITH THE FAMILY. THEREFORE, WITHINGS HAS DEVELOPED SCANWATCH 2, A STYLISH EVERYDAY WEAR SMARTWATCH DESIGNED TO LOOK GOOD WHILST PROVIDING YOU WITH USEFUL HEALTH DATA AND NOTIFICATIONS TO REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR HEALTH.
Boasting 30 hours of battery life on a single 2-hour charge, the ScanWatch 2 utilises TempTech24/7 Module technology to provide you with 24/7 tracking on things such as temperature, heart health, respiratory system, physical activity, and even sleep. However, straight out of the box, the ScanWatch 2 looks just like a regular watch, with only the black OLED screen at the top suggesting there is something a little extra special about the item. To get set up you need to download the free Withings App from the App Store or Google Play
HEALTH 34
and pair it with your watch. From there, you can decide what is shown on the watch’s face so you can see your real-time metrics whilst on the go. When using the watch it records your temperature fluctuations using a miniaturised heat-flux sensor which sits on the underside of the watch against your skin. Through this sensor, the ScanWatch 2 can establish a baseline temperature and notify you when changes to this baseline are made. These changes are thought to be useful for indicating the onset of an illness or health condition, and in real-time help you to adjust your
activity for better performance and recovery to keep you in tip-top shape. Alongside temperature fluctuation monitoring, the watch provides data on heart health by monitoring our heart rate through ECG and AFib detection. Other monitoring metrics include sleep monitoring to provide you with an insight into how much sleep you get impacts your energy every day, and respiratory monitoring to keep track of blood oxygen levels. These monitoring metrics help you to understand how your body works and which fluctuations are normal to you. However, one of my favourite
HEALTH
WITHINGS SCANWATCH 2
aspects of the ScanWatch 2 is that you can use the watch and synced App to track your physical activity. The watch uses real-time data during your workout to help you make meaningful active lifestyle choices which benefit your health. I personally love walking and using the ScanWatch 2, I could monitor things such as how far I’d travelled, how high my heart rate was and how many calories I’d burnt during a walk. This was great and allowed me to compare the data from previous days to see how well I was performing and which areas I’d like to continue to develop.
One of the benefits of the Withings App which goes alongside the watch is that you can keep a record and remain motivated in your fitness or health journey. By purchasing the ScanWatch 2 you gain access to Withings+ the premium side of the app for 3 months. This allows you to make the most of even more programs, workouts, and recipes for an even better health companion. However, the free version of the app has been made by Withings to ensure that you still get the most out of your device and I personally found everything I needed was on the free version. The app is super easy to use and syncs with the watch well. I loved how via the app I could decide what would show on the watch face throughout the day for whatever activity I was undertaking or which metric I wanted to monitor that day.
Overall, the ScanWatch 2 is a brilliantly designed watch which delivers the same functionality as many of the typical smartwatches on the market, but instead focuses primarily on health monitoring and
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PROS:
- Military-grade drop protection
delivering metrics to help you maintain your well-being – all packaged in a stylish and minimalist traditional watch design. I had multiple people compliment my watch whilst wearing it, and when I got to tell them it was recording a whole range of health metrics, they were super impressed! If you are looking at implementing a smartwatch into your daily life, but aren’t a fan of the typical sports watch models, then the ScanWatch 2 makes a great addition to your or a loved one’s life to help maintain the thing that is most precious to us all – our health.
- Comes with option for lanyard loops or reinforced corner protection depending on your needs
- Included lanyard and eyelet corners for added protection whilst handsfree
CONS:
- The case has a more premium price point – but for the level of protection I think it is definitely worth it
HEALTH
WITHINGS BODY SCAN
£349.95
https://www.withings.com/uk/en/body-scan
FOR MANY, STEPPING ON A SCALE OFTEN COMES WITH LITTLE MORE DETAIL THAN A NUMBER WHICH DOESN’T GIVE THE FULL PICTURE OF OUR HEALTH. THIS NUMBER DOESN’T TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THINGS LIKE BODY COMPOSITION, GOALS, OR EVEN MORE HEALTHFOCUSED METRICS WHICH PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. THEREFORE, WITHINGS HAS REVOLUTIONISED THIS PROCESS AND TODAY DELIVERS THE BODY SCAN; A COMPLETE AND CLINICALLY VALIDATED CONNECTED HEALTH STATION READY TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR HEALTH IN A WHOLE NEW WAY.
When the Body Scan first showed up on my desk, I was a little sceptical that a scale could tell you so much about your body, but how wrong I was! I opened the scale up, turned it on and connected it to the Wi-Fi and with the Withings App via Bluetooth. It was super easy to connect the scale to the app, and within a few short minutes, I had a full account and was ready to step on the scale. Using the scale is remarkably easy, you just step on and pull up the top bar which is attached via a cable to the scale. Holding the bar still with both hands firmly on it and with your feet on the scale you just have to wait 90 seconds and your daily scan is done. The scale shows a range of metrics on the screen, however, to get the full picture you simply go to the app on your phone and can see all the measurements the scale takes. These metrics include a heart health assessment which records cardiac rhythms using an electrocardiogram (ECG) test to detect atrial fibrillation. This can report back on cardiac anomalies which could indicate potential health conditions.
However, the heart is not the only thing the Body Scan records, as it also focuses on nerve health and provides detection of peripheral autonomic neuropathy, which is often associated with the first signs of diabetes. Therefore, the Body Scan provides a daily check of the heart and nerves to monitor these baselines and irregularities to provide you with the info you need to take better care of your health and potentially seek medical intervention earlier.
However, one of my favourite aspects of the Body Scan is that not only does it provide a precise weight measurement, but it also provides you with a better understanding of body composition. This is vital as a weight measurement alone doesn’t always take into consideration where the weight is focused with muscle mass and fat being grouped together. Therefore, with a central focus on the torso,
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arms and leg, the Body Scan provides body fat and muscle mass percentages so you can focus on areas that you’d like to develop in training.
As someone who is currently working on building muscle mass, this was super helpful as often when I’d step on a scale I wouldn’t be able to tell which aspects of my weight were the cause of any muscle-building or just normal weight fluctuations. On the Withing’s App, you can see a 3D version of you with the fat and muscle percentages shown in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way which I really found helped develop a better mind-body connection when I was training.
I personally loved trying out the Body Scan as every day I just needed to step on the scale, and I was provided with essential information to help me better understand my health. I loved seeing all the metrics and insights in the app in an easy and information-led manner, which made me feel more in control of my health. Plus, the whole family can use the scale with up to 8 profiles - the scale can even automatically detect just from stepping on the scale!
Whilst, I don’t think the scale and its various monitoring systems should be used in place of medical services, it is super useful in providing a little insight into how your body is functioning that day to make better choices for yourself and your needs. This would make a great gift for yourself or a loved one who is conscious about their health, especially as they age and want to take control of their health a little more.
PROS:
- First kind of connected health station on the market delivering a whole range of health metrics
- Detailed metrics available on the scale screen and through the app for a better understanding of your body
- Body composition metrics to understand the role of muscle mass and fat percentage in weight
- Super easy to use and offers automatic user detection
CONS:
-The Body Scan is at the more luxury end of the scale market as it is designed to be so much more than just a scale. If you are serious about understanding your health in a whole new way the price is worth it, however, if you’re just looking for a weight scale then this maybe is not the best option for you.
HEALTH
STANLEY AEROLIGHT ICEFLOW BOTTLE
BY NOW WE’VE ALL HEARD THE HYPE SURROUNDING STANLEY CUPS, WITH THE 40OZ QUENCHER GOING VIRAL ONLINE. HOWEVER, STANLEY HAS NOW INTRODUCED THE NEW AEROLIGHT ICEFLOW BOTTLE DELIVERING ALL THE INSULATED JOYS OF THE QUENCHER, BUT NOW IN A CONVENIENT ENCLOSED CARRYING STYLE PERFECT FOR THOSE WITH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE.
£39.99
hhttps://www.johnlewis.com/stanley-aerolight- iceflow-recycled-stainless-steel-leak-proof- drinks-bottle-600ml/lilac/p111206580
Now I’m already a massive Stanley fan with my current Quencher cup coming with me wherever I go, but it does have some downsides being that it’s not completely leakproof and the lid is not insulated so my drinks often get warmer a little quicker than with a fully insulated bottle. Therefore, I was so excited to see the IceFlow bottle come across my desk as it deals with all of these issues by delivering a leakproof and insulated bottle perfect for taking with you on the go.
The IceFlow I got to try was in a lovely bright blue colour, with a blue handle and cap. The bottle has the same quality feel that I’ve come to expect from Stanley, with the lid, screw-top drinking spout and handle all carefully designed to optimise function and deliver a superior drinking experience.
One of my favourite aspects of the IceFlow is that the handle is on the top which allows the bottle to remain quite slimline. The handle allows you to carry your bottle without fear of your drink spilling out, and when in use it even has a perfect cap holder in the handle. The cap fits securely to the handle and makes it perfect for drinking whilst on the move. I loved using the IceFlow whilst on a walk, as I could easily hold the bottle by the handle as I walked and then I could also throw it in my bag without much fuss as the completely enclosed design is perfect for ensuring there is no leaking. One of the main benefits of the IceFlow is that it will keep your drink cold for hours! I poured some cold water into my bottle with some ice before a walk, and it remained icy cold the entire journey, later into the evening and then even the next morning the water was still cold. I was super impressed by this, as the bottle boasts to keep drinks cold for up to 10 hours and iced for 2 days. Whilst I don’t think I’ve ever left a drink in it for more than a day or so, I’m pretty confident that for most people’s needs the bottle delivers more than
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enough insulation for a refreshing cold drink every time.
A key perk of the Stanley range is that the bottles and cups are completely dishwasher-safe. For me, this is a game changer for cleaning as you don’t need to faff about with specialist cleaning brushes or delicate sponges to reach the base. Instead, you can take apart the lip, cap and bottle base and pop them all in the dishwasher for an easy and carefree, clean. This is one of the things that continues to draw me back to Stanley products as they are designed for convenience and durability to make your whole drinking and cleaning experience much easier.
By choosing the Stanley IceFlow Bottle you’re choosing a great, convenient, and durable bottle that is designed to deliver excellent insulation, a top-notch drinking experience and easy cleaning. I think the IceFlow is a little more convenient for those on the go and with an active lifestyle than the Quencher, as the IceFlow is completely leakproof and can easily be thrown in your bag or carried via the handle without worrying about spills. Therefore, I think the IceFlow is an excellent choice that delivers everything it says and will leave anyone looking for a great insulating bottle with a big smile on their face.
Also, if you are on the hunt for a good gift for a loved one, this would make a great choice! The IceFlow is at a slightly more luxury price point in the insulated bottle market, but with so many great qualities behind it, it then makes a perfect present for someone in your life that you want to spoil a little.
Available now from John Lewis.
PROS:
- Easy cleaning in dishwasher and a wide opening for ice
- Superior Insulation – 10 hours cold and 2 days iced
- Functional design – great for fitting in cup holders and features a cap holder in the handle
CONS:
- The only downside of Stanley products is that they do fetch a more luxury price tag compared to some other insulated bottles on the market. Without having tried any products from Stanley I was also a little sceptical, but the convenience, ease of cleaning, and functionality –not to mention the hours of lovely cold water you can get with them – I personally think the price tag is worth it.
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
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WE DON’T GUARANTEE 5-STAR REVIEWS, BUT WE DO GUARANTEE AN HONEST ONE!
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
EXPLORE. ENJOY.
Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.