Gadgethead Summer 2023

PLAYMOBIL Ferrari SF90 Stradale • Gel Blaster Surge • Geomag

Classic Panels • Katamino Pocket • Newton’s Lab Colour Disc •

Newton’s Lab Make Your Own Pulley Crane Kit • Quoridor Mini

• Kikkerland Stack-A-Bug Wooden Game • Kidoki Teeter Totter

Shapes Wooden Balance Game • Build Your Own Plane Launcher

Twelve South’s BackPack for iMac and Studio Display • Logitech

MX Anywhere 3S • Logitech MX Keys S • Logitech MX Master 3S

• STM Goods ChargeTree Go

GADGETS TOYS & GAMES OUTDOORS

Cadac 2-Cook 2 Pro Deluxe QR • Zamberlan 335 Circe Low

GTX Hiking Shoe • Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

OG701UK • Technaxx 21W Solar Charging Case TX-207

Studio Creator Podcast and Vlogging Kit • JOBY GorillaPod

Mobile Vlogging Kit

EmeTerm HeadaTerm • EmeTerm Explore Anti-Nausea Wristband

Tower VL70 Flexi Anti-Tangle Vacuum • SCOTT Simplissimo Chef

All in One Cook Blender • Melitta AromaFresh II • ZeroWater

500ml Steel Bottle with UV-C Cap

Edifier MP230 Portable Bluetooth Speaker • Edifier W820NB

Plus Headphones • Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless

PHOTOGRAPHY HEALTH&BEAUTY HOUSEHOLD AUDIO

Earbuds • Skullcandy Crusher Evo All Love Edition Sensory Bass

Headphones • Skull Candy X Burton - Push Active True Wireless

Earbuds

Cardo Systems Packtalk EDGE

TOYS AND PLAYMOBILGAMES

FERRARI SF90 STRADALE

PLAYMOBIL IS A BRAND WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE, AND THEY DON’T DISAPPOINT WITH THEIR NEW COLLECTOR’S EDITION OF THE FERRARI SF90 STRADALE. WHILE I HAVE NEVER BEEN MUCH OF A CAR ENTHUSIAST OR COLLECTOR, THIS MODEL REALLY IMPRESSED ME. THE ICONIC FERRARI DESIGN WITH ITS SLEEK, AERODYNAMIC LINES AND BRIGHT RED COLOUR IS MATCHED WITH PLAYMOBIL’S UNIQUE MODEL DESIGNS MAKING THIS THE PERFECT COLLECTOR’S PIECE. The box hosts bright colourful imagery, whilst still being made of cardboard in line with PLAYMOBIL’s usual sustainable packaging design. Inside we are greeted with the impressive red Ferrari car and a whole host of figures and accessories, totalling 43 pieces. The box contains 1 man and 1 woman figure, the Ferrari SR90 Stradale Car, a travel bag, 2 golf bags with clubs, 2 visor caps for each figure as well as a wristwatch for each too. The car however is the focus point, and the attention to detail in its design is truly impressive. The model car comes with a removable sunroof, which when removed reveals an impressively detailed interior in keeping with the usual Ferrari high-quality design. Inside the car we see an illuminated dashboard, Ferrari logo steering wheel and enough space to fit both the two human figures inside. The model has both the authentic interior design we know from Ferrari alongside PLAYMOBIL’s talents incorporating realistic light functions. What is truly impressive is that we can open the trunk to see a model replica of the V8 engine synonymous with the Ferrari’s Italian production. With the Ferrari logo across the steering wheel, bonnet, boot, and wheel rims it’s no surprise why this is such a sought-after collector’s item. Furthermore, in keeping with PLAYMOBIL’s standards, the model car meets the highest quality and safety tests that ensure the model maintains the established safety requirements which have made PLAYMOBIL such a household brand. The model is still

only recommended for 5 years and up due to it containing small parts, however, this car would certainly bring a smile to anyone’s face as both a toy for an older child or as a collector’s pieceeither way, the PLAYMOBIL Ferrari model is not one to be missed.

You can’t help but be excited to open the PLAYMOBIL Ferrari SF90 Stradale as it is clear that a great deal of design has gone into the model to make it as iconic as the real car itself. There is no doubt this would make a great present for anyone who loves the PLAYMOBIL or Ferrari brands, but I think this model will be especially perfect for the car collector among us to get their hands on this impressive collaboration between two such giant brands.

PROS:

- Collector’s Item with Ferrari sleek design and logo

- Detailed features and figures

- Sustainable Packaging

CONS:

- Requires 3 1.5V micro batteries (AAA) which are not included

TOYS AND GAMES

GEL BLASTER SURGE

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER FUN QUITE LIKE A WATER FIGHT, BUT LEAVING WATER EVERYWHERE CAN BE MESSY AND CAUSE SLIPPING HAZARDS. HOWEVER, THE GEL BLASTER SURGE FULFILS THE JOY OF A WATER FIGHT WITHOUT ANY MESS. USING ECO-FRIENDLY AND NONTOXIC GELLETS THAT BREAK DOWN ONCE BLASTED, THE GEL BLASTER PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION THAT WILL KEEP PARENTS HAPPY WITH ITS NO MESS, NO MARKING, AND NO RESIDUE DESIGN. IT IS SAFE TO SAY THIS WAS INCREDIBLY FUN TO TEST OUT AND MET MY HIGH EXPECTATIONS WHILE BOASTING SOME GREAT DESIGN FEATURES BEHIND IT.

Straight out of the box, the Gel Blaster is already charged with a few hours of play and includes a hopper filled with 800 pre-hydrated gellets ready to attach to the top of the Gel Blaster base. The base of the Gel Blaster is sturdy, featuring an easy switch button to alternate shot modes from single, to off and then to full-auto. The white base with electric green gellets and tip fins is incredibly eye-catching. The green tip fins can also be removed to indicate teams when playing as a group. The Gel Blaster comes with a lot of customizable features including its adjustable velocity with the 2 barrels included in the box. The white barrel can shoot over 100 feet and the orange barrel has a velocity of 90 feet. Also included in the box is a USB-C charging cable ready to recharge the Gel Blaster’s lithium-ion battery, which with each charge provides 4 hours of gameplay. Therefore, its design is sturdy, ready to go and adjustable for a variety of game options.

I’m impressed by the gellets for their eco-friendly specifications that are starch-based, non-toxic, non-irritating and burst on contact. Even with their electric green colour, the gellets do not stain or need any cleaning up, making them a great choice for parents who don’t want to be left with a mess post-

battle. The Gel Blaster Surge comes with a pack of 10,000 dehydrated gellets ready to be hydrated and turned into ammo for the blaster. These take 2 hours to fully hydrate but can either be kept in an airtight container for 2 weeks or submerged in water for 3 months, so you can always have ammo ready to go. The only downside is once the gellets have been fired, you will need to buy more, however, this seems a fair trade for the eco-friendly and mess-free option that the Gel Blaster provides. The gellets are not designed to cause any pain and will burst upon impact, however, safety is essential, so safety glasses are included with the Gel Blaster to ensure that eyes are kept safe.

Overall, the Gel Blaster Surge is great fun and makes for hours of enjoyment for anyone from a teen, due to the 14+ age rating, all the way to adults. Its careful eco-friendly design is innovative and will definitely be a plus for parents. If you are looking for a water fight alternative the Gel Blaster Surge is a great choice and will bring the battle anywhere!

PROS:

- Eco-friendly, non-toxic gellets

- Ready to use out of the box

- adjustable velocity design

CONS:

- Requires more gellets to be purchased once used up

TOYS AND GAMES GEOMAG CLASSIC PANELS

£25.48 https://www.geomagworld.com/en/classic/panels-recycled/

GEOMAG IS LEADING THE WAY IN CONSTRUCTION TOYS. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY VARIATIONS OF THE GEOMAG GAME, THE ORIGINAL CLASSIC PANELS ARE ARGUABLY THE BEST. THE CLASSIC PANELS ARE PERFECT FOR LETTING YOUR MIND GO WILD WITH THE LIMITLESS POSSIBILITY FOR CONSTRUCTION. AS SUCH, I HAD GREAT FUN TESTING OUT MY BUILDING SKILLS. By combining education and play, the 52-piece set is the ideal toy to introduce children to the world of STEM. Even though I was simply playing around with the magnetic rods and steel balls, I was in fact building the skills needed to create an interest in engineering. Consequently, despite the fact that the Geomag Classic Panels are marketed to children, it is perfect for numerous generations (made for ages between 5 and 99).

The concept behind the Geomag Classic Panels is relatively simple but highly effective for providing hours of fun. In a nutshell, you connect the steel ball bearings to the magnetic rods. Due to the rigidity that is created by the magnetic connection, you can quickly build 3D structures, with even bigger and more complex structures

being made thanks to the panels, which strengthen and decorate the structure, making even bigger and better inventions. Since it is such an easy and fundamental concept to grasp, it can be beneficial in teaching the young ones the construction of shapes and fine motor skills, pushing them to think outside the box.

There are many different forms of the Geomag Classic Panels, available in numerous colours and sizes. Other sets are available in Panels 35, Panels 52, Panels 78, Panels 114, each in cold colouring (blue and green) and a warm range (yellow, red and orange), adding even more versatility to the classic toy. In the 52-piece set I tried, Geomag provides not one but two storage boxes. This is incredibly handy as it meant that I wasn’t constantly losing any of the small pieces. Additionally, each

rod, magnet, and panel had a particular spacing in the box, so you don’t have an excuse to leave it untidy. Plus, this makes it easy to keep count of everything. Ideal! Another fantastic feature is the fact that the packaging is 100% recyclable, which demonstrates a big effort in reducing Geomag’s environmental impact. This also sends a really important message to the young ones about the importance of thinking green.

Overall, the Geomag Classic Panels would make a fantastic gift for any budding engineer, as it is effective in teaching the skills needed for STEM under the guise of fun and games. So, at a really affordable price, the Geomag Classic Panels cannot be missed.

PROS:

- Great for teaching important skills like fine motor movements.

- Encourages STEM learning.

- Opens up the mind.

- Fun for a broad age range.

- Different sizes and colours available.

- Comes with two storage boxes.

- 100% recyclable packaging.

- Affordable price.

TOYS AND KATAMINOGAMES POCKET

KATAMINO POCKET PROVIDES YOU WITH HOURS OF FUN COMPLETING PUZZLES IN THIS COMPACT AND PORTABLE VERSION OF THE KATAMINO GAME. IT MAKES A PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT WHILE IN A CAR, ON THE TRAIN OR EVEN JUST FOR A FEW MINUTES ON YOUR COFFEE BREAK. IT INCLUDES OVER 500 PUZZLES TO BE COMPLETED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS, SO THE PUZZLING OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS!

Katamino Pocket contains 12 pentaminos which are made of lightweight colourful plastic, giving a retro feel to the puzzles. The puzzle options are set out in the included challenges book, which is kept in the helpful compartment below the playing board. The challenges book clearly shows which pentaminos are needed for each puzzle and where the divider should be placed to ensure that the playing board is the correct size. The variability of the puzzle is great, as you can decide on the difficulty you want depending on the amount of time you have spare to spend on the puzzles.

Due to the compact design, the Katamino Pocket all stays together in its own closable case, making it great for playing whilst on the move. I can imagine this would be great fun for long car rides to keep your brain focused on the puzzles and to pass the time. Although, the pieces can sometimes be a little fiddly to fit together, so it may be harder to play when you don’t have a completely flat surface. However, I tried out a few of the more challenging puzzles whilst I was sitting on the train to work one morning and found them fun, easy to use, and a satisfying way to wake my brain up.

Overall, Katamino Pocket makes a great choice for adults who want a little brain challenge or for children to help develop their problem-solving skills. Therefore, Katamino Pocket is perfect for a variety of ages with its portable design, colourful aesthetics, and vast puzzle options - making it a great option for puzzling on the go all summer!

Available from www.amazon.co.uk and all good Hobby Stores

PROS:

- Colourful retro-inspired design

- Compact and travel friendly

CONS:

- Fiddly pieces

- Variety of difficulties available across 500+ puzzles included in challenges book

- Best when played on a flat surface

TOYS AND GAMES

NEWTON’S LAB COLOUR DISC

£14.40

ONE THING I REMEMBER FROM MY SCIENCE LESSONS BACK AT SCHOOL WAS NEWTON’S DISC, IN WHICH THERE WAS A COLOUR WHEEL THAT WOULD SPIN TO CREATE THE COLOUR WHITE. AS ANY SCIENCE TEACHER WOULD TELL YOU, THIS IS USED TO DEMONSTRATE THE COLOUR THEORY AND THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE CREATION OF LIGHT. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY, AND KIKKERLAND HAS REVAMPED NEWTON’S DISC TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE FOR CHILDREN TO DO AT HOME.

Marketed for anybody aged 14+, the Colour Disc demonstrates the physics behind light and colour theory. This works by painting a disc with specific colours and attaching it to a piece of string, then pull the string from both ends and away you go! I must admit that feeding the string through the holes was rather fiddly, so you may need someone to help you. When you pull the string, the disc spins incredibly fast, so all the colours formulate together to create pure white. This is a great demonstration for kids who want to know more about colour theory and understand the science behind the creation of light. The Newton Lab Colour Disc packaging is completely plastic-free, coming in a cardboard box, making it very environmentally friendly, which is advantageous given that the toys and games industry is trying to become more sustainable. Admittedly, the writing on the box is in yellow font, which can make it difficult to read at times, however, it becomes okay once you look closely. The kit includes six cardboard discs, which lets you experiment with different colours and see how this affects the formation of different shades. It also comes with small pots of paint and a paintbrush, along with some string. Although the discs provided are made with thick cardboard, and you get given paint, I think £15 is a tad pricey. However, it would make a great gift for anyone that enjoys physics and want to see the science behind colour theory in action.

https://consciouscraft.uk/products/colour-disc-newtons-lab

PROS:

- Accurately demonstrates Newton’s wheel in an accessible way.

- Plastic-free packaging.

- Numerous discs provided.

- Comes with paint and a paintbrush.

CONS:

- A bit overpriced.

NEWTON’S LAB MAKE YOUR OWN PULLEY CRANE KIT

THE IMAGE OF A CRANE CAN OFTEN BE SEEN ACROSS A CITYSCAPE AND HAS BECOME A SYMBOL OF CONSTRUCTION. BUT NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THE SCIENCE THAT IS BEHIND THE TECHNICALITIES OF A CRANE. HOWEVER, WITH NEWTON’S LAB’S LATEST RELEASE OF MAKE YOUR OWN PULLEY CRANE, TEENS CAN EASILY UNDERSTAND HOW A CRANE AND PULLEY SYSTEM WORKS, BRINGING NEWTON’S THIRD LAW (THE THEORY THAT FOR EVERY ACTION, THERE IS AN EQUAL AND OPPOSITE REACTION, SHOWN BY THE PULLEY MECHANISM OF A CRANE) TO LIFE AT HOME!

The Pulley Crane from Newton’s Lab reinforces lessons learnt at school, as it teaches teens the forces that are at play to create a pulley system, alongside the direction of forces used to lift heavy objects. In a science lesson, this can be quite mundane for most. However, with Newton’s Lab’s Pulley Crane, these lessons can be learnt whilst implicitly hidden in building your own mini crane.

Science class aside, this is also great for teens that are interested in construction, and the necessary precision behind it. The kit provided includes five die-cut cardboard pieces, metal screws and nuts, a metal hook, a sticker sheet, a wooden dowel, and a string and pulley. All the materials given in the pack are of

good quality, but despite this, I still think that the price could be reduced slightly. Since you are using screws and such in the building process, the Pulley Crane is advised for ages 14+. However, being quite a bit older than this, I thoroughly enjoyed giving this technical challenge a go. The instructions provided are easy to follow in pictogram form, making it more accessible for a greater range of languages. I was able to put together the pulley crane in a good amount of time and found it really satisfying once I finally got it to work. Unsurprisingly, Newton’s Lab loves teaching the joys of Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking work in science. In the case of the Pulley Crane, teens can learn about the vital processes of opposing forces. Consequently, it wasn’t until I finished feeding the string up and through the crane, that I realised I had just recreated Newton’s Third Law – a great feeling!

PROS:

- Learn about Newton’s Third Law.

- Educational but enjoyable.

- Easy to follow instructions.

CONS

- Slightly overpriced.

TOYS AND GAMES QUORIDOR MINI

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE SIMPLICITY OF THE GAME, AS QUORIDOR MINI WILL HAVE YOU OVERTHINKING EVERY MOVE TO BEAT YOUR OPPONENT. THE PREMISE IS STRAIGHTFORWARD - MOVE YOUR PAWN ACROSS THE BOARD TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE BEFORE THE OTHER PLAYER, BUT FOR EACH TURN YOU CAN EITHER PROGRESS YOUR PAWN OR PLACE A WALL TO HINDER YOUR OPPONENT’S PATH. THE GAME INVOLVES MAKING MANY STRATEGIC CHOICES TO HELP YOU WIN, WHILST DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO STOP OTHER PLAYERS FROM WINNING FIRST!

The board game is simple but well-designed like many of Gigamic’s games. Inside the box, we find the 18x18cm playing board which has been reduced in size from the original game board (which is 28x28cm) to make it perfect for travelling. The board is divided into squares to place your pawn on, and the grooves between the squares provide space to place the little wooden walls to obstruct your opponent’s path. The game feels good in quality, with a sturdy board, 4 nicely designed pawns and 20 wooden walls. It comes compact in a small box making it perfect for popping in your bag to bring out all summer while travelling, at a pub or on a picnic.

It’s a game that once you have played it, you can’t help but want to play it again – and your friends will be just the same. The only crucial rule of the game is that you cannot completely block off your opponent’s pathway leaving them walled in, which makes sense, or the game would end very early! With great gameplay for 2 players, and the option for a maximum of 4 players, Quoridor Mini is great for small parties that want a casual game to play whilst socialising.

Overall, Quoridor Mini is a fun game to play, as it’s easy to grasp, quick to play and will result in some hilariously competitive movements. The game was super enjoyable to play with some friends when they came over for a coffee, and it will remain a go-to game for me when I have a friend over. Therefore, it is no surprise why this game has recently been picked up as a TikTok craze, with thousands of people discovering the fun of Gigmanic’s Quoridor Mini.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk and all good Hobby Stores

PROS:

- Easy game to grasp

- Quick gameplay

- Travel-friendly version

£25.00

TOYS AND GAMES KIKKERLAND STACK-ABUG WOODEN GAME

TOYS AND GAMES COMPANY, KIKKERLAND, ARE GENIUSES AT REINVENTING OLDER POPULAR GAMES, GIVING THEM A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR A YOUNGER GENERATION. THE STACK-A-BUG WOODEN GAME IS NO EXCEPTION. WITH COLOURFUL AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING DESIGNS, THE LITTLE ONES CAN ENJOY THE AGE-OLD CLASSIC.

The Stack-A-Bug Wooden game differs from many more conventional Jenga games, as it incorporates a fun and creative design that gives an attractive added element to the game. The Stack-A-Bug offer six quirky bug designs. The use of different colours and patterns means that there is the extra challenge of trying to pick out a set of the same colour or design on each level. Moreover, Kikkerland has added dice, which provides an even greater twist, as it could land on a particular character, so you have to concentrate really hard rather than having a choice in picking the easiest block.

As is important to Kikkerland games, the Stack-A-Bug has an educational aspect in that it teaches children fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Any parents out there will be glad to hear that the children will have no idea they are learning such important skill sets. Moreover, as expected, the game is packaged in a slim tall box, which is completely plastic-free!

Kikkerland’s Stack-A-Bug game is a great twist on an iconic game, with added elements and designs, making gameplay much more fun.

PROS:

- Reworking the iconic game of Jenga with cute and colourful.

- Dice adds an extra twist.

TOYS AND GAMES KIDOKI TEETER TOTTER SHAPES WOODEN BALANCE GAME

SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME, STACKING BLOCKS HAS BEEN A STAPLE ACTIVITY OF FUN AND LEARNING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. AND YET, FOR SOMETHING SO FUNDAMENTALLY SIMPLE, THE TEETER TOTTER SHAPES WOODEN BALANCE GAME HAS TAKEN STACKING BLOCKS TO A NEW LEVEL, PROVIDING FUN FOR ALL.

Unlike the conventional stacking of wooden blocks, which could become mundane, Kidoki has developed an entertaining balancing game, where you must try and balance different shapes on a weighted crescent block, which tilts and rocks. The crescent is weighted, so it not only stands up but remains stable. Despite the fact that it is made for children aged 3+, I admittedly was addicted to trying to make a topsy-turvy tower out of all the interesting shapes. Each block is a different size and shape, offering a triangle, teardrop, arch, among more. This lets children improve their fine motor skills and helps build awareness of how size affects balance, whilst being distracted by the fun of the game.

Although some would argue that £25 is too pricey for wooden blocks, I would argue otherwise by the fact that the blocks also have rounded edges that have been made with smooth wood, giving them a really professional finish. Another little quirky feature is the googly eyes that have been given to some of the bigger shapes, creating bubbly characters that can be played with outside of stacking. Overall, the Kidoki Teeter Totter Shapes Wooden Balance Game is a great twist on an iconic child learning activity. Not only does it have a very fun aesthetic, but it also allows children to learn whilst providing hours of fun!

PROS:

- Fun and inventive.

- Elevated an instinctual children’s game.

- Weighted block remains stable.

- Rounded smooth finish to avoid sharp edges.

- Learn and develop important skills whilst playing.

£19.99 https://buildyourownkits.com/product/plane-launcher-kit/

TOYS AND GAMES BUILD YOUR OWN PLANE LAUNCHER

I WAS EXCITED TO TEST OUT THE BUILD YOUR OWN PLANE LAUNCHER AS IT IS SUCH A FUN CONCEPT THAT I COULDN’T WAIT TO GET STUCK INTO IT AND FLY PAPER PLANES ACROSS THE ROOM! THE KIT IS COMPRISED OF 47 PRESS-OUT AND CUT-OUT PARTS WHICH ALL FIT TOGETHER WITH THE USE OF ELASTIC BANDS TO CREATE YOUR OWN PAPER PLANE LAUNCHER. ONCE ASSEMBLED THE BOX INCLUDES 10 DIFFERENT FOLD-N-FLY PAPER PLANES TO TEST YOUR CONSTRUCTION ON AND SEND PLANES FLYING ACROSS THE ROOM. IT’S NOT A SURPRISE THIS PRODUCT WAS SO MUCH FUN TO TEST AND HAD US SEEING HOW FAR WE COULD EACH LAUNCH A PAPER PLANE ACROSS THE ROOM.

I’m always impressed by the Build Your Own Kits, but this one sets itself apart as not only is it a mess-free construction, but it is designed to continue to challenge you to fly your plane the furthest. Once assembled the box contains 10 different paper planes with simple instructions to help you make your own personalized planes. This allows for the continued exploration into the nature of aerodynamics, leaving you competing with yourself and friends for hours to fly yours just that little bit further. No glue is required in the construction of the launcher, making it a great choice for parents that don’t want to be worried about the mess that comes with other craft projects.

I was particularly impressed by the sustainable aspects of the kit, as all pieces are made of sturdy cardboard with no plastic

elements. This is evidently a top priority across the Build Your Own ranges, as they all focus keenly on ensuring that every part of their kit is environmentally responsible, whether that be from the easily recycled box or the sturdy but recyclable pieces. You might expect the pieces to be flimsy when sustainability is such a key focus, however, Build Your Own has ensured that durability is also central to its design. Once you have built the launcher and had fun with the paper planes, the kit also includes distance targets, that turn the craft project itself into a whole new game that can be played with friends to see who can build the best plane, and then who can launch it to try and hit the targets. Therefore, the ‘build-your-own’ aspect of the kit may first appear as a craft project to spend some time on, but it then doubles as a functioning toy for twice as much fun! I would highly recommend this to people of all ages, especially early teens. However, I had just as much fun constructing and testing it out in an afternoon, so would make a great unique gift for people of all ages.

PROS:

- Mess-free construction

- Environmentally Responsible

- Variety in fold-n-fly planes

CONS:

- Not super powerful

- Takes 45 mins to build

- Construction is a little fiddly

SOUTH’S BACKPACK FOR IMAC AND STUDIO DISPLAY

TWELVE SOUTH’S BACKPACK PROVIDES A GREAT SPACE-SAVING OPTION FOR YOUR IMAC AND STUDIO DISPLAY NEEDS. IF YOU ARE USED TO HAVING A DESK CLUTTERED WITH WIRES AND HARD DRIVES, THE BACKPACK PROVIDES A SLEEK AND CONVENIENT STORAGE SOLUTION FOR YOUR COMPUTER ACCESSORIES.

The discreet storage shelf is sturdily designed, to act as a little platform to be placed behind your screen. All it takes is a quick clip onto the stand of your iMac or Studio Display and the small platform is in place – no tools required! Made of sturdy aluminium, the BackPack is white to blend seamlessly with Apple’s iconic aesthetics. It’s a decently weighted shelf to provide secure support to your hard drives and dongles, and it even comes with an additional strap that can allow more devices to be attached to the underside of the BackPack shelf making it a great choice for when space is limited.

I was impressed by its quality design, including the ventilation holes to ensure that when devices are placed on the shelf or it is used for charging, the devices will not overheat. The landing pad which sits firmly against your iMac or Studio display has silicone buffers to make sure that your monitor is not scratched or damaged by using the BackPack.

Overall, if you are looking for a space-saving solution Twelve South’s BackPack is a great choice. It seamlessly can be added to your monitor and provide a perfect space to put any device, hard drive or even some small, personalised objects to decorate your pc set up if the back is easily visible. Its no-fuss design makes it a great choice if you have an iMac or Studio Display and are looking to clear up some space.

PROS:

- Study design

- No-tool assembly

- Seamless aesthetic design with Apple products

CONS:

- A little overpriced for a storage shelf

- Only compatible with Apple iMac and Studio Displays

GADGETS LOGITECH MX ANYWHERE 3S

PROVIDING COMPACT AND VERSATILE PERFORMANCE LOGITECH’S MX ANYWHERE 3S COMPUTER MOUSE IS MADE TO MAKE WORKING FROM ANYWHERE AS SEAMLESS AND PRODUCTIVE AS POSSIBLE. WITH ITS SLEEK DESIGN, HIGH PRECISION AND RECHARGEABILITY, IT MAKES A GREAT HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHOICE PERFECT FOR WORKING ON THE GO.

As the ‘Anywhere’ name suggests the mouse is designed to work for you whenever and wherever you may need it to, which includes across an array of surfaces meaning you can work from a coffee shop, on a train or even in an office all with the same seamless and highly precise movements. The mouse is designed with a quiet click design to ensure that its use causes less distraction and more focus. I tried the mouse out at my desk and the quiet click design was great, as no one was distracted by my mouse clicking away whilst doing some editing. I imagine this design feature would be perfect for working from a co-working space or coffee shop where you don’t want to distract others with a constantly clicking mouse. The mouse is designed for next-level precision and responsiveness with 8000 DPI mouse sensitivity, 6 easy-click buttons for all of your needs and a hypersensitive wheel which can scroll through 1000 lines per second. The tracking speed and pre-defined app-specific customizations can be adjusted to optimize your desired workflow with Logi Options.

I found the mouse easy to use with its Bluetooth connectivity, which made connecting to my laptop seamless and efficient. The mouse requires Bluetooth low-energy connection which is compatible with a variety of operating systems including Windows and MacOS. Furthermore, the mouse is compatible with a variety of devices, and even more with the Logi Bolt USB Receiver – however, this is not included in the box. The wireless

nature of the mouse makes it a great choice for use on the move, especially when your work can take you all over. The MX Anywhere 3S is rechargeable and can last 70 days on a single charge. This impressive battery life makes it a great no-fuss choice, as you don’t need to be constantly recharging it. However, the MX Anywhere 3S does also include a USB-C charging cable that can be easily plugged into your USB port to ensure that even if it does need to be charged it can be done easily and rapidly. The mouse boasts that just one minute of charging can power the mouse for three hours – a massive plus!

Overall, the mouse makes a great choice for those who want to work on the go and have the continued precision that the Logitech brand offers. It can seamlessly connect to 3 devices and serves as an advanced compact mouse option which lets you stay productive wherever your work takes you.

PROS:

- Compact design

- Quick recharging speed

- Hypersensitive mouse movements

CONS:

- Does not include Logi Bolt USB Receiver and is not compatible with previous Logitech receivers

https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/keyboards/mx-keys-s.920-011585.html

GADGETS LOGITECH MX KEYS S

THE MX KEYS S KEYBOARD BY LOGITECH IS BOTH AESTHETICALLY BEAUTIFUL WITH ITS BACKLIGHT DESIGN AND IT IS FUNCTIONAL WITH ITS SOFT TOUCH KEYS. THE KEYBOARD IS ENGINEERED FOR COMFORTABLE, FAST, AND FLUID TYPING TO PROVIDE AN ADVANCED WIRELESS OPTION FOR YOUR EVERY WORK NEEDS.

The keyboard is impressive with sensors which illuminate the keyboard when your hands are near the keys. The backlighting can be increased or decreased based on the environment making it a great choice for late-night typing with its illumination. On a full charge, the battery of the keyboard lasts 10 days with pre-defined illumination settings, or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off. Using Bluetooth low energy tech or the Logi Bolt USB Receiver (which is included in the box), the keyboard seamlessly connected to my desktop and made a beautiful addition to my desk. I got to try out the pale grey keyboard which has a grey backing and white keys. I was impressed by the soft touch of the keys, which are spherically dished to fit your fingertips making them very easy and stable to type on. Furthermore, the keys have been engineered to ensure that they don’t produce excessive noise, which makes for focused typing – perfect for a quiet office or even a late-night working session.

The MX Keys S is designed to be customizable to your needs with smart action options to allow you to skip repetitive actions and automate tasks with a single keystroke. Unlike other keyboards, you can easily access emojis, dictation modes and mute keys from the keyboard. The keyboard can also seamlessly connect to up to 3 devices and switch between them at the push of a button. With its ergonomic design, the keyboard helps to optimize your natural wrist position whilst typing to bring increased comfort and effortless precision. However, the

keyboard is also made with the planet in mind and uses 11% post-consumer recycled material in its construction.

The MX Keys S keyboard is designed for increased ease, productivity, and comfortability, whilst offering a range of customizable features to suit your every need. The keyboard was a pleasure to type on and felt much more luxurious than many standard office keyboards. The aluminium design gives it a sturdy weight and feel, without being heavy or cumbersome. If you are on the hunt for a new keyboard that is both aesthetically pleasing and designed to make your typing experience so much better this makes a perfect choice.

PROS:

- Ambient backlighting illumination

- Sturdy, sleek, and stylish design and feel

- Seamless Bluetooth connectivity

CONS:

- Higher-end price point for keyboard

£119.99

https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/mice/mx-master-3s.910-006560.html

GADGETS LOGITECH MX MASTER 3S

THE MX MASTER 3S HAS BEEN MADE WITH EVEN MORE PRECISION BY REMASTERING ITS PREVIOUS MODEL, TO BRING YOU A MOUSE WHICH IMPROVES PRECISION, TACTILITY, AND PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT EVERY TASK.

When getting the mouse out of the box you can’t help but notice it’s a little more uniquely shaped that a standard computer mouse. It is shaped ergonomically to bring you all-day comfort, by providing your wrist with a carefully designed tilt to position the arm in a more natural way. I found this angle helped to provide a more natural posture and increased comfort when I tested it out during a few days of work. However, the shape is not the only feature that is designed for increased comfort and productivity, the mouse includes optimally placed thumb controls on the side which allow for fast navigation, and a side scroll wheel which follows the natural movement of your thumb for fluid horizontal navigation. The mouse I tried out was in Logitech’s sleek pale grey colourway which felt great in the hand and looked stylish when sitting on my desk.

The mouse features the most accurate sensor for Logitech ever with its 8000 DPI sensor and next-level precision, to complete all tasks in the most efficient way possible. It also includes the MagSpeed electromagnetic scrolling wheel which provides you with precise movement and the ability to scroll through 1000 lines per second. Being part of the Master series for Logitech it can track across a range of surfaces, provides a range of options to make your mouse specified to you and is designed for quiet clicks. In terms of battery life, the mouse can last for 70 days on a single charge but includes a charging cable which can rapidly charge the mouse whenever needed.

I was impressed by the flow that the mouse can provide

across different operating systems when using Logi Options+. Using this, the mouse lets you move between computers simply by moving your cursor to the edge of the screen, and, when combined with the MX Keyboard, allows you to continue working between different systems. This ability to flow seamlessly between different devices through Logi Options+ brings an unrivalled productivity level to your work.

Overall, the MX Master 3S brings productivity in your work to the next level. It makes working not only comfortable but seamless and efficient

with its range of specialised features with Logi Option+ and its ergonomic design. If you are someone who works at your desk for long hours, you need this mouse as it is made to suit your every need whilst ensuring that your hand and wrist are supported all day.

PROS:

- Ergonomic design

- Adjustable features with Logi Option+

- Hypersensitive tracking and scroll

CONS:

- Higher price point for a computer mouse

STM GOODS CHARGETREE GO

IN TODAY’S WORLD DESKS AND NIGHTSTANDS ARE COVERED WITH ELECTRONICS CHARGING OVERNIGHT FOR USE THE NEXT DAY. FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, THIS INCLUDES THEIR PHONE, SMARTWATCH, AND WIRELESS EARPHONES, WHICH NOT ONLY TAKE UP A LOT OF SPACE BUT CAN CAUSE A HASSLE IN FINDING ENOUGH PLUGS TO CHARGE EACH ONE INDIVIDUALLY. HOWEVER, THE CHARGETREE GO COMBATS THESE ISSUES BY PROVIDING A SLEEK, FOLDABLE, AND PORTABLE STAND WHERE YOUR PHONE, WIRELESS EARPHONES AND SMARTWATCH CAN ALL BE CHARGED SIMULTANEOUSLY USING JUST ONE PLUG SOCKET.

Inside the box, we have the white sleek charging tree that, in one swift and easy motion, can be folded up to hold your phone. Once folded up the back charging platform provides space to place wireless earphones, such as an AirPod case, and the side of the phone stand has a pop-out watch charger for a smartwatch to sit on. The retractable watch charger has been angled perfectly to allow Apple Watches to go into nightstand mode, perfect for overnight charging. Its slim vertical design makes it a great choice for saving space on a desk or nightstand with all devices charging in one unified frame. The feel of the ChargeTree Go is sturdy and has a clean look. Its design makes it lightweight and easily portable for charging at home or whilst travelling.

If vertical space is an issue the Chargetree Go also folds flat and is still operational, unlike many other charging stations. However, this does reduce the number of devices that can be charged at once. For me, the ChargeTree Go was perfect for my nightstand and did not take up much space at all. In fact, it saved me from reaching for three separate chargers, and I woke up the next morning to them all charged and ready to go. However, one downside is that the ChargeTree Go does not include a wall block for the included USB-C to USB-C cable to plug into. It requires a 20watt or higher wall block, which would need to be purchased additionally

PROS:

- Portable design

- Wireless charging for multiple devices

- Sturdy stand

CONS:

- Wall block needed for charging not included

if you don’t already own one. The charging tree is fitted with Qi-certified wireless charging, which with the correct wall block, can usefully power all three devices simultaneously. The ChargeTree Go is compatible with any phone that uses Qi charging, including Android Phones.

Overall, the ChargeTree Go is a great product for bringing all charging devices together and reducing the need for multiple cables with its reliable wireless charging technology. It makes for a great addition to any desk as a useful charging station, so if you are looking to save space and charge all your devices with style then this is the product for you!

CADAC 2-COOK 2 PRO DELUXE QR

£145.00

https://www.cadacuk.com/product/2-cook-2-pro-deluxe-qr/

AS BARBECUE SEASON IS NEARLY UPON US, PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE BLOWING OFF THE DUST FROM THEIR OLD CLUNKY BARBECUE. HOWEVER OUTDOOR GIANTS, CADAC, LET YOU BRING THE JOYS AND POWER OF STATIONARY BARBECUING TO THE BEACH, THE CARAVAN, OR EVEN THE TABLETOP IN THE GARDEN, WITH THE 2-COOK PRO DELUXE QR.

With the Cadac 2-Cook, barbecuing has never been easier and quicker. Unlike many conventional barbecues, the Cadac 2-Cook is a much more compact and manageable cooking station, but not at the expense of cooking efficiency and overall smoky barbecue flavour. It cooks food wonderfully using a gas-fired dual burner system. The Cadac 2-Cook also offers a ceramic flat grill plate, as well as a ceramic ribbed grill plate, elevating it from more typical barbecues. This gives you different options for cooking, so you can have the kebabs and sausages going at the same time. The combination of a dual burner and ceramic plates means that the plates reach a high temperature in no time at all. Additionally, the ceramic plates are really easy to attach and detach, making them super easy to clean.

The cooking system is sat in a sleek and robust steel case. This makes the Cadac 2-Cook easily portable, as an entire barbeque can be neatly packed away, making it ideal to take on holiday or camping trip. And yet, the Cadac 2-Cook convenience sees no limits, as it also comes with a carry bag, so you can easily take it down the beach. However, even though it’s smaller than a stationary barbecue, it still happily cooks food for two

to four people, having enough room for four meaty burgers on one plate. Alternatively, the two-enamel pot stand keeps a kettle stable and gets the water boiling quickly, perfect for the desperately needed cup of tea.

When looking at the technicalities, the Cadac 2-Cook boasts a 90-degree rotating quick-release coupling. This makes for a very easy set-up as there is no need for adjustable spanners or extra manual work when fitting the gas source, making it much quicker and safer to use. Furthermore, it uses a Piezio Ignition, so you can really start cooking on gas at the push of a button!

The days of mediocre disposable barbecues are gone, as the Cadac 2-Cook 2 has innovated the standard barbecue to create a portable and highly technical piece of kit. Therefore, this summer make the most of the beautiful weather by using the highly convenient and efficient Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe QR.

PROS:

- Easily portable and highly convenient.

- Powerful dual burner system.

- Two ceramic grill plates, flat and ribbed, sat on enamel.

- Caters for two to four people.

- Packaged in a sleek steel casing.

- Comes with a carry bag.

- 90-degree rotating quick-release coupling.

- Piezo push-button ignition.

$250.00

ZAMBERLAN 335 CIRCE LOW GTX HIKING SHOE

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER QUITE LIKE A PICTURESQUE HIKE WITH FRIENDS TO ENJOY THE SUN, THE VIEW, AND THE COMPANY. HOWEVER, I’M SURE I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO’S BEEN CAUGHT OUT NOT WEARING THE RIGHT SHOES AND THEN SPENT THE NEXT FEW DAYS WITH SORE FEET. WITH ZAMBERLAN THIS NEVER HAS TO BE THE CASE AGAIN, AS THEIR NEW CIRCE LOW GTX SHOES ARE DESIGNED TO BRING YOU LASTING COMFORT AND SUPPORT, WHILST LOOKING STYLISH IN THE PROCESS.

The shoes are named after the Greek goddess Circe, which is fitting as the comfortable design of these shoes is some kind of sorcery! The Circe Low GTX shoes provide careful cushioning, support, and stability to ensure that the shoes are functionalwhether that be for a long treacherous hike or a leisurely walk. The all-female team behind the design have focused on making the shoes with the female foot in mind and are designed for versatility by providing support and protection for a range of activities. I was impressed by the aesthetic design, as often hiking shoes can look a bit dull with comfort and durability being the only selling points. However, the Circe Low GTX shoes I got to try are a beautiful wine colour with a lovely suede effect design, and I loved wearing them to add a pop of colour to my usual walking gear.

As we expect from a trusted brand like Zamberlan, the shoes are fitted with some high-quality design features such as

the protective PU inserts, Eva Wedge midsole, Vibram® Junko MEGAGRIP® outsole and Gore-Tex’s waterproof lining. The widened sole was great as it provided a greater surface area for a secure grip across a range of terrains. Furthermore, if you happen to get the shoes muddy, they are easy to clean with the care instructions written clearly on the inside of the box. Available in a variety of colours, and in a mid-ankle design, the shoes are designed to be comfortable and durable across a variety of activities. I loved wearing these on a walk with some friends and got loads of compliments on them. If you are looking for some new hiking shoes that are designed to look and feel great, then these are a great choice for you!

PROS:

- Versatile Comfort Design

- Gore-Tex waterproof and breathability

- Stylish colours

CONS:

- Higher-end price point for quality hiking shoes

WOODFIRE ELECTRIC BBQ GRILL & SMOKER OG701UK

SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER AND THAT MEANS BBQ SEASON! IF LIKE MYSELF, YOU LOVE COOKING UP A BBQ FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY BUT ARE PUT OFF BY USING THE OFTEN LARGE AND LABORIOUS GASFIRED OR CHARCOAL BBQS, THEN CHECK OUT NINJA’S NEW NINJA WOODFIRE ELECTRIC BBQ GRILL & SMOKER.

Over the weekend whilst camping with some friends, I had the opportunity to test out Ninja’s new electronic kitchen appliance and it was nothing short of a game changer!

This easy to use, all electric barbequing device comes with impressive 7 cooking functions, including - grilling, smoking and air frying. Not only does it use less energy, but it effortlessly achieves authentic BBQ flavours that put traditional gas and charcoal models to shame. This is made possible by the integrated smoke box that uses real woodfire pellets to create an unrivalled rich and tantalising smoky flavour. Coming, also, with different automatic timer settings you can get the perfect cook for all your barbequed meats.

One of my friends who I was camping with is from South Africa, meaning he knows a thing or two about barbecuing. To say that he was impressed by the quality and flavour of the barbecued meat would be an understatement. He was certainly taken aback by the fact that such a small electrical device could rival the cooking conditions of a gas or charcoaled system. Together we agreed that the brisket we cooked was just about the juiciest we had ever eaten.

Being small and weighing in at only 12kg, you can also just about grill anywhere with this device, whether that be in gardens, patios, campsites or balconies. Its size and portability make life so much easier. It’s perfect for those with little storage and for those, like myself, who enjoy camping. I am always having to use large inconvenient grills or ones that are too small and fit only for single use. With this small and lightweight device, I could easily cook and carry on the go. All I had to do is place it on my foldout table, plug the cord in, put my meats and veg on the grill and press a few buttons. As simple as that!

Another stand-out feature whilst testing this appliance was definitely how each component was fully detachable. This meant everything could be easily washed and cleaned, unlike the big BBQ models we are all used to cooking with. They are always

a nightmare to clean and usually, if you’re not too careful, you just end up forgetting about cleaning them entirely.

Ninja’s smart new electric grill is admittedly quite expensive in comparison to other models, coming in at just under £350 pounds. But like all Ninja digital kitchen appliances you know you’re getting something that is highly durable, energy efficient and convenient. With its multiple cooking functions, easy to use digital settings and overall portability, this small, little neat device is definitely worth a few extra quid.

Whether you’re a seasoned barbequer, like my South African friend, or simply looking to enjoy a summer evening’s meal with family and friends, you will struggle find a better option than this!

PROS

- Small and lightweight

- Portable

- Easy to clean

- Energy efficient

- Multiple cooking functions

- Automatic timer settings

- Inbuilt smoke box CONS

- Expensive

TECHNAXX 21W SOLAR CHARGING CASE TX-207

IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN CAMPING YOU KNOW ALL TOO WELL THE FEELING OF WHEN YOUR PHONE IS RUNNING LOW ON CHARGE, AND YOU HAVE NO WAY OF CHARGING IT. THIS IS WHERE THE TECHNAXX 21W SOLAR CHARGING CASE TX-207 COMES IN! THE CHARGING CASE FEATURES A MONOCRYSTALLINE 21-WATT SOLAR PANEL THAT YOU CAN STRAP TO YOUR RUCKSACK WHILE OUT WALKING OR HIKING. THE SOLAR PANEL GENERATES POWER THAT CAN BE USED TO CHARGE YOUR SMARTPHONE, CHARGING BANKS, TABLETS, E-BOOKS, CAMERAS, AND OTHER PORTABLE GADGETS.

Opening the box, I was impressed by the design of the Technaxx Solar Charging Case as it is made of a durable PET material, which compactly folds up with the solar panel inside. The entire charging case is lightweight and folds out to reveal the solar panel, and the material has loops at the edges for it to be attached to a rucksack. When I attached it to my rucksack it wasn’t noticeable and didn’t add a considerable amount of extra weight which was great. It includes a large pocket to charge your devices via two USB ports with a max output of 3 Amps. The solar panel can also be laid out alone or propped up through its three-fold design to sit in the sun for hours ready to provide power when needed.

For me, it was easy to use and did not impact my walk which was a massive plus. After a few hours of walking to charge up the solar panel, I put it to the test and plugged my phone into one of the USB sockets and it immediately began charging. I was impressed by its charging capabilities and how fast my phone

battery gained power. It makes a perfect backup power source especially when spending a lot of time outdoors. I imagine this would be a great choice for camping and hiking, especially when electrical power is not always guaranteed.

Overall, I was impressed by the renewable energy solution that the Technaxx Solar Charging Case offers. Using solar power, the charging case takes advantage of the natural sunlight that you get when you are spending a great deal of time outside and puts it to great use in supplying power to your portable devices. I think if you are an avid hiker or camper this would be a great product for you. Although, due to its design, I can see this working across a variety of environments including beach days, picnics, and sunny days out for a great backup power option.

PROS:

- 2x USB port in one pocket for easy charging of power banks and smartphones at the same time

- Compact Design

- Renewable energy source

- Lightweight

CONS:

- Not as effective at producing power on gloomy days or at night

PODCAST AND VLOGGING KIT

IN A WORLD WHERE TIKTOK AND YOUTUBE CREATORS ARE SO PRESENT IN THE MEDIA WE CONSUME EVERY DAY, THE STUDIO CREATOR PODCAST AND VLOGGING KIT ALLOWS YOU TO TRY YOUR HAND AT MAKING VIDEO AND AUDIO CONTENT WITHOUT THE GIANT PRICE TAG OF SOME MORE ADVANCED CONTENT CREATOR SETUPS. WHILE I AM NOT A CONTENT CREATOR MYSELF, I TOOK THE KIT FOR A SPIN TO SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO SET UP AND CAPTURE CONTENT AS A NOVICE.

The box is brightly coloured showing all the pieces that are included inside, with images showing possible uses for the product from vlogging, streaming and podcasting. Inside the kit we have a noise-reduction microphone, a LED light, a smartphone holder, an audio cable, and a tripod frame. The tripod is sturdy and doubles as a hand grip for vlogging on the move. The smartphone holder is said to work with most smartphones, and I did not have an issue with it fitting mine. However, the only issue comes with the microphone and audio cable if you have a newer iPhone, or another smartphone device that does not have the standard headphone jack, as you would need an adapter to connect the audio cable from the microphone to your smartphone. However, for me, it all fit together fine with the smartphone holder sitting on the tripod, with the light and microphone stacked on top. Usefully these can all be swapped around to suit your set-up needs from vlogging to just podcasting without the smartphone holder.

It was lightweight and easy to carry when I took it on a spin to record some footage to see how well the kit worked together. The resulting footage was fairly good, and the audio was definitely clearer than the standard audio from a smartphone video alone thanks to the noise-reduction microphone. The LED offers 3 lighting levels, which were useful in illuminating the shot and so made the picture quality better in gloomy settings. The whole setup worked well and was helpful in allowing me to easily capture video and audio. It is fairly compact, however, definitely

more noticeable than just using your smartphone alone, but in return, you get greater control, lighting and a microphone to help improve the quality of your content. For nearly £20 the kit allows you to try your hand at vlogging without having to spend considerably more for a full camera, microphone, and tripod set-up. Therefore, as an introduction to vlogging or as a toy for teens, this makes a great choice for those who want to try their hand at capturing video content in a fun way.

PROS:

- Affordable entry kit into content creation

- Bright LED with multiple settings

- Easy to set-up

CONS:

- Requires 3 AAA batteries which are not included

- Requires a standard headphone port

£197.95

https://joby.com/uk-en/content-creator-kits/full-set-kits/

JOBY GORILLAPOD MOBILE VLOGGING KIT

DO YOU DREAM OF BECOMING AN INFLUENCER? OR JUST WANT TO CAPTURE SOME HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO CONTENT ON YOUR PHONE? THE JOBY GORILLAPOD MOBILE VLOGGING KIT HAS YOU COVERED! CREATED WITH INFLUENCERS AND MOBILE CONTENT CREATORS IN MIND, THE VLOGGING KIT COMES WITH EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT NEED TO START YOUR JOURNEY INTO CONTENT CREATION.

Upon opening the box, we have the mobile rig, suitable for a variety of phone sizes to stabilize your phone camera and provide seamless recording quality, without the usual hard task of finding the perfect spot to prop up your phone. The mobile rig fixes securely onto the GripTight Pro 2 tripod, which supports both vertical and landscape filming whilst providing a steady base that can stand alone or be wrapped around things. It can even be held for more stable vlogging on the move. The box also contains a Beamo Mini LED which is Bluetooth controllable to light your shot, and a Wavo Mobile Microphone to enhance your phone’s audio quality. The vlogging kit felt sturdy whilst still being lightweight, making it easy to move about and even hold up for recording whilst walking.

The vlogging kit is compatible with both mobile phones and cameras including a USB-C and 3.5mm jack cable in the box. I was thrilled to find an Apple MFI lightning connector cable in the box, which is so often missing in products like this, as often cables are not compatible with newer iPhones. I found the entire set-up worked perfectly with my phone and allowed me to

record some high-quality content with good lighting, better audio and a more professional look. On the day I tested out the vlogging kit, it was a fairly bright day, and I could have removed the light and moved around the setup to just feature the microphone. Therefore, I was impressed by how each component fit together whilst still allowing for my own customisation. Overall, I was impressed by the quality of the GorillaPod Vlogging Kit, it was lightweight and provided a good introduction to the world of content creation. Whilst I am not a content creator, the set-up was fairly straightforward making it a great step up from simply recording on your phone. The kit allows you to improve the quality of your content at home and on the go and provides you with a more affordable vlogging setup before committing to a significantly more expensive camera rig.

PROS:

- Light Weight

- Apple MFI Lightning Cable included

- Sturdy Tripod

CONS:

- Not very compact

- Can be fiddly to move around for customisation

HEALTH& EMETERMBEAUTY HEADATERM

MIGRAINES AND SEVERE HEADACHES ARE AN ANNOYANCE THAT PLAGUES EVERYBODY AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME. THEREFORE, THE FACT THAT THERE ARE FEW SOLUTIONS THAT DON’T INVOLVE TABLETS IS RATHER SURPRISING. AS SOMEONE WHO STRUGGLES TO TAKE MIGRAINE TABLETS, ANY NON-INVASIVE FORM OF HEADACHE RELIEF IS A GODSEND. THANKFULLY, MEDICAL COMPANY WAT MEDICAL HAVE RECENTLY RELEASED HEADATERM, WHICH IS SAID TO QUICKLY RELIEVE HEADACHES. THE HEADATERM IS ALSO MARKETED TO BE GOOD FOR STRESS AND INSOMNIA, WHICH, AGAIN, ARE CRITICAL THINGS TO OVERCOME. THEREFORE, THE IDEA THAT PLACING A SMALL BAND ON YOUR FOREHEAD CAN ALLEVIATE SUCH WIDESPREAD ISSUES IS QUITE MAGNIFICENT.

Upon first look, the HeadaTerm is great as it is small and lightweight. It works by placing the device on your forehead, sitting comfortably on the front without having to wrap it the entire way around your head. From there, the HeadaTerm uses non-invasive neuronal electrical stimulation technology to treat any headaches or insomnia. This means that the device is highly versatile as it can be worn anywhere, whether it be at home, in the office, on a dog walk, in bed, pretty much anywhere. Moreover, the fact that you don’t need tablets is a huge bonus, as it is great for people who are allergic to certain ingredients used in tablets, or find it difficult to swallow them. (Myself included in this…) I found that it was in fact comfortable to wear the HeadaTerm over long periods of time, thanks to the specialist ergonomic design. When I gave it to my friend who had one of her regular cluster headaches, she was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it worked! Some people may, however, feel self-conscious wearing a white band on their head. Although this is understandable, I would say that it is not only small but clinically proven to work as pain relief, therefore worth slight embarrassment.

The HeadaTerm comes with a hard case and cloth, so it can stay clean and maintained. It is also non-rechargeable and can be worn for 20 minutes per session, subsequently being easily disposed of. Therefore, once you have worn the HeadaTerm for a total of 7 hours, you must buy a replacement. Thankfully,

the device can be purchased in packs. However, considering the cost of a single device, such a valuable solution may not be accessible to all. And yet, at the same time, it is more affordable than other non-invasive pain relief products on the market, as WAT Medical has positioned this generation of products as an experience version based on low-cost design. A new version of the HeadaTerm has been announced for release soon into the US market as an over-the-counter product, which has rechargeable batteries, enhanced conductive gel adhesion, and improved processing technology that does not require additional fixing straps.

PROS:

- Highly effective pain relief for headaches, migraines, insomnia, and much more.

- Non-invasive.

- Small and lightweight.

- Comfortable to wear over long periods.

- Clinical recommendations and American research papers require 23% higher effectiveness than the standard

CONS:

- Limited use so may need to purchase more.

- Not affordable for everybody, but cheaper than other options on the market.

$179.99 www.emeterm.com/en-gb/products/emeterm%C2%AE-explore-anti-nausea-wristband

EXPLORE ANTI-NAUSEA WRISTBAND

ON LONG CAR JOURNEYS, I HAVE ALWAYS GOT A LITTLE TRAVEL SICK BUT WITH THIS NIFTY WRISTBAND, I THINK THAT’S ABOUT TO CHANGE. WHETHER IT’S TRAVEL SICKNESS OR MORNING SICKNESS, EMETERM EXPLORE ANTI-NAUSEA WRISTBAND HAS YOU COVERED. THE WRISTBAND IS DESIGNED TO EFFECTIVELY AID IN THE TREATMENT OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING CAUSED BY THESE KINDS OF SICKNESSES. USING ELECTRICAL PULSES, THE WRISTBAND GENTLY STIMULATES THE MEDIAN NERVE, WHICH SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE BRAIN VIA THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. THE LOW-FREQUENCY PULSE HELPS BY ADJUSTING NERVE SIGNALS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE STOMACH TO PREVENT OR POSTPONE THE STOMACH FROM CUEING NAUSEA SIGNALS, WHICH IN TURN REDUCES THE NAUSEOUS SENSATION IN ITS USER.

Upon opening the wristband, I was impressed by how sleek its design was whilst boasting such impressive medical qualities. The strap is a soft and low-allergen material in a stylish navy that is also IP67 waterproof, which makes it very comfortable to wear. What makes EmeTerms products, like the Anti-Nausea Wristband impressive is the ability of their products to deliver precise, wearable, and smart solutions for debilitating medical conditions whilst remaining a non-drug treatment option. Most anti-nausea treatments require some form of tablet medication which is either difficult for or poses other side effects to its users, but the EmeTerm Explore Anti-Nausea Wristband is a non-invasive, non-drowsy option, which has no side effects. The wristband is FDA-approved as an all-natural solution to nausea and has seen an 85% success rate in EmeTerm’s clinical trials.

Aside from its impressive benefits for nausea and sickness, the wristband has a useful 40 hours of battery life. The interface has an increased contact area to allow for better conduction

without the need for gels like other Tens electrical devices. The controls are straightforward with small control buttons and a few small indicator lights, and the charging is just as simple using magnetic technology for easy recharging.

Currently, the EmeTerm R&D team are working on developing the EmeTerm Smart model for release by the end of 2023, which will be equipped with a touch screen and include smart features such as step counting and heart rate monitoring. Excitingly, the new Smart model is planned to combine the function of relieving nausea with that of a smart fitness tracker.

Overall, whilst I cannot speak to the effect that the EmeTerm Explore has on morning sickness, it did seem to have a great effect on a long car journey for me. However, it doesn’t take much to notice the hundreds of positive reviews and recommendations on the EmeTerm website, which suggests it is truly a great natural option to combat the cause and symptoms of many types of nausea and its related sickness.

PROS

- Non-invasive and all-natural option

- Sleek and minimal design

- Great battery life

- Soon to be compatible with Apple Systems

CONS

- The physical method of relief may vary from person to person due to individual differences

FLEXI ANTITANGLE VACUUM

THE DAYS OF CORDED VACUUM CLEANERS ARE LONG GONE, AND I FOR ONE COULD NOT BE MORE THRILLED TO SEE THE BACK OF THEM. I STILL SOMETIMES WAKE UP IN A COLD SWEAT, HAUNTED BY THE IMAGE OF A GREAT SMILING MONSTER BEING TRUNDLED OUT FROM THE CUPBOARD UNDER THE STAIRS. THE BACKACHE MAY HAVE FADED, BUT THE MEMORIES NEVER SHALL.

The VL70 is, by comparison, utterly lightweight; almost elegant, if a vacuum could ever be described as such. The limitations of the old Henry Hoovers were never more on show than when vacuuming those difficult-to-reach areas: the corners of the ceiling, for example, or the tops of wardrobes. This isn’t a problem with the VL70, whose range is only limited by the length of the human arm. In fact, 75 centimetres of easy-tomanoeuvre lightweight piping should get any room spotless. No force of suction is sacrificed for this mobility – my dog-hairriddled carpet has never been cleaner, and it worked just as well in my hardwood living room.

A built-in chargeable battery negates the need for a tangly cord to trip over, but I will admit to a level of disappointment with the 40-minute runtime. I live in a shared house with two floors and a grand total of five tiny rooms, and I could barely finish cleaning before the VL70 required a recharge. In a bigger house, I imagine cleaning would end up taking much longer than other vacuums might allow for. I would then recommend the VL70 for odd jobs around the house, not for a deep clean – if your little ones decided to spill an entire packet of long-grain rice on the living room floor, for example, the VL70 will extract every grain.

At just under £120, you’ll be getting a strong, efficient, stylish vacuum for relatively affordable price compared to others on the market.

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/cordless-vacuum-cleaners

PROS:

- Effortlessly manoeuvrable

- Strong suction

- Excels in hair removal – pet owners or people with curly hair would benefit

CONS:

- Poor battery life – not recommended for large households.

- Smooth design, with very little aggravating noise for quiet households

- The highly-advertised antitangle measures do not make a massive difference.

SIMPLISSIMO CHEF ALL IN ONE COOK BLENDER

NOTHING QUITE SAYS IT IS SUMMER LIKE A NICE SMOOTHIE, AND WITH THE SIMPLISSIMO CHEF, YOU CAN ENJOY SMOOTH AND COLD BEVERAGES WHENEVER YOU LIKE. HOWEVER, THE SIMPLISSIMO CHEF BOASTS A WHOLE RANGE OF MODES TO HELP YOU ENJOY A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT FOODS THROUGH ITS COOKING AND STEAMING FUNCTIONS - PERFECT TO FIT INTO A BUSY LIFESTYLE.

The SCOTT brand is known for providing high-quality and premium appliances, and the Simplissimo Chef is no exception. The design of the blender is sleek, with a touchscreen LED interface to easily switch between the 8 pre-programmed mode options or 3 manual blending modes. Included in the pre-set modes are options for chunky soup, smooth soup, sauce, and smoothies. Usefully, especially in summer, they also include an ice-crushing function perfect for adding to a drink or for blending your favourite frozen fruit into a perfectly cold smoothie.

I was intrigued as the Simplissimo Chef is so much more than a blender, as it features cooking modes to heat soups, keep them warm, a steam option, and a sous-vide option for a slow but constant temperature to cook food. This is not something you would get with a regular blender, and thus the Simplissimo Chef takes on a larger role in the kitchen to provide blending, heating, and cooking options to fit in with a busy lifestyle. However, the great features of the Simplissimo Chef do not end there; its functionality has been carefully designed by SCOTT with a variety of small luxury details to give it a premium quality. The jar design has a cold liquid capacity of 1.75 litres and a hot liquid capacity of 1.4 litres with a stainless-steel blade at the bottom. Usefully, the blender also provides an audio cue when food is done. Included in the Simplissimo Chef’s

(Currently on a limited-time promotion for £74.99!) https://scott-gear.co.uk/product/all-in-one-cook-blender/

function is an auto clean setting to clean the Boroscilicate glass jar, which is essential for quick clean-ups, especially as this design is aimed to fit into a busy lifestyle.

I was thoroughly impressed by the SCOTT Simplissimo Chef All in One Cook Blender as it not only serves as a brilliant blender but includes a variety of other cooking functions to make it a must-have addition to the kitchen. I was thrilled with the smoothie I created when testing this out, as I personally

like a very smooth smoothie and the Simplissimo Chef did just that with ease! This is a brilliant buy for summer to have easy cooking options for soup without the need for hot ovens or the hob to be turned on, and to be able to have ice and smoothies on hand quickly. If you are on the hunt for a new blender that can exceed your expectations and will become a crucial appliance in your kitchen, then this is the one for you.

PROS:

- Variety of mode settings for blending

- Cooking temp of 40-99 °C

- Easy Clean mode

CONS:

- Quite a heavy appliance

- Fairly short cable to plug into mains

HOUSEHOLD MELITTA AROMAFRESH II

MELITTA IS A BRAND WE TRUST TO GIVE US THAT MUCH-NEEDED CAFFEINE BOOST TO START THE DAY…AND THERE’S NO BETTER SMELL THAN FRESH COFFEE IN THE MORNING! THE NEW AROMAFRESH MODEL FOCUSES ON CRAFTING A PERFECTLY BALANCED BREW TO BRING YOU CUP AFTER CUP OF FLAVOURFUL COFFEE.

The AromaFresh II model is designed for convenience, so includes an LCD display to seamlessly help you to choose your coffee needs; with cup quantity controls, 11 bean grinding settings and a pre-set timer to have coffee ready when you are. The machine is easy and intuitive to use, with its curved display and button design. Furthermore, the machine focuses on giving you the best cup of coffee possible using its ceramic grinder to grind your coffee to your exact liking. However, if pre-ground coffee is your preference, the grind settings can be turned off and the machine will provide perfectly filtered coffee as normal. Therefore, the AromaFresh is a great choice for those who want personalised barista-quality coffee in the convenience of their own home.

I was most impressed by its pre-set timer function, as I could set it to begin grinding and filtering my coffee ready for when I needed my first cup in the morning – which was delicious! Not only that, but it can also keep your coffee warm for up to an hour making it a great choice for turning on and providing a continuous stream of great coffee for you and your family throughout the morning. However, with big machines like this, there comes a fear that it is going to be tricky to clean – but Melitta’s design is made to make your life easier when it comes to cleaning it. Not only does it automatically stop the drip of coffee

when the jug is removed to ensure no mess is left at the bottom, but the machine comes with handy QR codes to show how to easily remove and clean all of the necessary parts. Additionally, the jug and filter insert are dishwasher safe, with the AromaFresh design including a swing filter draw for easy filter removal and cleaning.

Overall, the Melitta Aroma Fresh II guarantees you a great cup of coffee that is made to your specifications and ready at a time that is convenient for you. Every feature reminds us why Melitta is such a giant in the coffee machine world, and the Aroma Fresh II is no exception. If you love coffee and want a machine that is designed to make the simple pleasure of coffee drinking that much easier – the AromaFresh II is perfect for you.

PROS:

- Pre-set timer function

- Easy and intuitive design

- Adjustable Coffee Strength

CONS:

- Large machine which will need counter space

HOUSEHOLD ZEROWATER 500ML STEEL BOTTLE WITH UV-C CAP

WHEN YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT THIS SUMMER IS SO CRUCIAL TO STAY HYDRATED, AND WITH ZEROWATER’S STEEL BOTTLE AND UV CAP, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT THE WATER YOU ARE DRINKING IS SAFE, GERMFREE, AND ALWAYS COLD.

Looking first at the bottle, it’s a nice matte grey colour with a smooth-to-the-touch feel. ZeroWater’s branding on the side is stylish in complimentary white and blue lettering. It’s a sturdy bottle and is even dishwasher proof, unlike many brands of water bottles, making it easy and quick to wash up. The bottle has a double wall insulation design which keeps liquids cool for 24 hours, and hot for 12. The bottle is designed with a chic simplicity, is BPA free and even leak-proof – making it a great and stylish addition to any summer travel plans.

I was particularly interested in the UV-C Cap design which boasts that it can keep your bottle clean and fresh by periodically blasting the bottle’s contents with ultraviolet rays. These rays sterilize the bottle through a 2.5-minute process from the bottle cap. Then once an hour the bottle is repeatedly sterilised for 20 seconds through the cap’s UV-C rays. The cap is said to remove all TDS (total dissolved solids) from your water which can include minerals, salts, metals, chemicals, fluorides, and runoff pollutants. It is meant to be particularly great at removing any excess TDS from your tap water. The filtration system, therefore, I supposed to leave you with germ-free water, for healthy hydration. One perk of this system is that it should also leave your bottle clean and without odour too!

When I tested out the bottle it worked great and kept my water cold while out and about for a long day in the sun.

The UV cap did its thing all day, and while I didn’t notice any giant change to the water taste, and I do not own a chemistry set to test the water mineral level it seemed to do exactly what it said. It gives great peace of mind that while your water is in the bottle all day it is not developing any germs and will be there to provide you with clean and healthy hydration when you need it. If you are looking for a new water bottle and want one that you can ensure will keep your water germ free all day, this is a great choice to test out. However – I must note that is bottle does not filter water or remove chemicals, metals or plastic contaminants, so is only recommended for use with water sources which are already drinkable either from a water filtration system or from a household tap.

PROS:

- Keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12

- UV Cap sterilized bottle contents hourly for peace of mind

- Removes all TDS through the filtration system

CONS:

- Cannot be sure if completely effective

EDIFIER MP230

PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

IF A STYLISH DESIGN AND GREAT SOUND QUALITY ARE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOUR NEXT BLUETOOTH SPEAKER, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER - THE EDIFIER MP230 IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED! EDIFIER IS A LEADING BRAND IN THE WORLD OF AUDIO SOLUTIONS, CREATING PRODUCTS THAT SPECIALISE IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND TOP-QUALITY DESIGNS FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.

The MP230 takes on a classic wooden retro design which has been combined with the top-quality audio we expect from Edifier. Upon opening the box, I was impressed by the design of the speaker; its look makes it more of a planned feature item in your home than the often-artificial box speakers we see from other brands. Inspired by the vintage radios from the 1950s and 1960s the speaker’s drivers are encased in a wooden design, with a front grill and piano key controls. The gold detailing nicely accents to wood, making it a lovely item to have on a shelf for all your audio needs.

Aside from its beautiful aesthetics, the speaker boasts some hefty technology positioning it as both a great choice for its audio and its speaker design. Inside the compact speaker, there are two 48mm full-frequency driver units, which are coupled with an integrated large-size dual passive radiator. I was very impressed by the audio quality of such a compact yet stylish device, as the speaker puts out a great sound, with the wooden casing reducing the acoustic resonance. This shows how every aspect of the design is tailored to ensure that the quality of the audio output is its top priority.

Connecting to the speaker is usefully straightforward, using the inbuilt Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility which kept a stable connection throughout my listening experience. The MP230

has multiple audio inputs with an aux, USB-C and Micro SD (TF) Card slots, which allows for the speaker to connect to many devices. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the piano key controls, which make for a nice touch to the retro design, whilst still being functional and easy to use. The longevity of the speaker is not bad, it did not need recharging the entire time I was testing it out, and it holds 10 hours of battery life.

Overall, the Edifier MP230 is a great choice for a speaker that has top-quality sound, design, and accessibility. Edifier has taken every detail into consideration, even down to the cushioned foot pads to protect the speaker and surfaces from marks. I was blown away by its sound quality, and think it makes a great choice for anyone who wants a stylish speaker that contains the proven high-quality audio technology that Edifier provides. Therefore, it is no surprise that it was honoured at the CES Innovation Awards 2022, for its design and quality.

PROS:

- Stylish design

- Strong Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

- Easy-to-use controls

CONS:

- Only 10 hours of battery life

PLUS HEADPHONES

IF NOISE CANCELLATION, EXCELLENT AUDIO QUALITY AND COMFORTABLE YET STYLISHLY DESIGNED HEADPHONES ARE WHAT YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR – THEN LOOK NO FURTHER EDIFIER HAS YOU COVERED! THE EDIFIER W820NB WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLATION OVER-EAR HEADPHONES PROVIDE YOU WITH TOP-QUALITY AUDIO AND EFFICIENT NOISE CANCELLATION TO ENSURE THAT EVERY LISTENING EXPERIENCE IS MEMORABLE.

Inside the box, we have the headphones which are minimal and sleek in design. I got to test out the headphones in black and they were very understated, with only a small gold Edifier logo on the side of the headband. The feel of them was surprisingly lightweight but still sturdy enough to sit comfortably on the head. The lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear for extended lengths of time, unlike heavier headphones, however, they are not so lightweight that you fear they will not stand the test of time.

I was impressed by the headphone’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as it really drowned out external environmental noise and focused your listening experience on the audio. This was even great during a call, as the W820NBs picked up on vocals and eliminated external and environmental noise. With ANC turned on the headphones have a battery life of 39 hours, and with ANC turned off up to 49 hours. I personally was a big fan of the ambient mode which is perfect for listening to your music whilst being aware of the world around you.

The headphones feature LDAC high-definition codecs technology which allows for a transmission of up to 990kbps, which ensures that high-bit-rate audio files are transmitted with greater protection to retain about three times more audio detail for a natural and full sound as nearly nothing is lost in transmission. Edifier leads the game with its audio design to ensure that its sound quality is always top-notch. Furthermore, to explore more audio possibilities the headphones can be altered via the Edifier Connect app to adapt to individual demands like

the power display, EQ adjustments, shutdown timer, prompt volume and soothing sound features. Additionally, the headphones feature a game mode which has a low latency of 0.08s for a seamless gaming experience with the sound and pictures highly synchronized.

Overall, Edifier guarantees the best sound with its 40mm titaniumcoated composite diaphragm drivers which provide an excellent transient

response to improve the resolution of high frequencies. The drivers, therefore, deliver improved sound quality that has a dynamic bass and a rich midtreble. If you are looking for a pair of headphones that continues to deliver top-quality sound and provides an allaround excellent listening experience, then the Edifier E820NB Plus Headphones are an obvious choice.

PROS:

- Lightweight and comfortable design

- Long battery life

- High-quality audio and ANC design

CONS:

- Requires further app download to adjust headphones to specific requirements

SKULLCANDY PUSH ACTIVE TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS

CREATED TO ENHANCE YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE THROUGH TOUGH WORKOUTS AND INTENSE ADVENTURES, THE PUSH ACTIVE EARBUDS ARE A CLEAR REMINDER OF WHY SKULLCANDY LEADS THE WAY WITH THEIR TOP-QUALITY AUDIO AND INNOVATIVE DESIGNS.

Inside the box, we have the smooth pale grey charging case which is minimalist in design with just the Skullcandy skull emblem on top in white. Once you open the charging case you are greeted with a bright blue interior. The earbuds match the grey colour of the case with the same accent blue interior colour across the buttons. The earbuds are perfect for their high-intensity purpose, as the over-ear design ensures they securely stay in place. Whilst I am not an avid high-intensity workout person, I took these for a short run and felt confident that they would not fall out and get lost. However, even if you did drop them, the Push Active earbuds are fitted with Tile finding technology, which is a great extra layer of protection for peace of mind.

The Skullcandy-iQ Smart Feature technology is what I was most impressed by with these earbuds. The Smart Feature technology allows the earbuds to be used fully hands-free as you can change the song, ask Alexa questions, and answer calls all without having to touch them at all. This is perfect when used whilst on the move for true wireless freedom. Furthermore, via the Skull-iQ app, you can activate other voice assistants, alter the 5-band equaliser, and customize the earbud buttons. The app even provides your earbuds with constant upgrades. As the SkulliQ app is updated so are your earbuds with the latest features;

since the original Push Active’s launch, the updates have included the ability to control volume through voice commands and the option for 5 different languages.

Skullcandy’s experience and love for great quality audio is incredibly apparent in the earbud’s design, with the IP55 sweat and water resistance, the stay-aware and personal sound adjustability, and the rapid charging capabilities. Therefore, if you are looking for earbuds that will deliver top-quality sound, whilst boasting great battery life and innovative technology all in a sleek and minimalist design - the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds are exactly what you need.

PROS:

- Skull iQ Smart Feature Technology

- Tile Finding Technology

- Secure over-ear fit

- Long battery life and fast charging

CONS:

- Short USB-C charging cable

EVO

ALL LOVE EDITION SENSORY BASS HEADPHONES

£179.99

SKULLCANDY HAS RETURNED WITH THEIR ALL LOVE COLOURWAY HEADPHONES TO CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH AND TO KEEP THESE CELEBRATIONS GOING ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! TEAMING UP WITH TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS, SKULLCANDY IS SPREADING THE LOVE AND CELEBRATING THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY A LITTLE LOUDER AND PROUDER, WHILST REMINDING YOU THAT NO MATTER WHAT – YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.

The headphones come in a sleek white box which upon opening is covered in a rainbow-reflective interior. On the inside of the box, we see a note from Skullcandy about the All Love Edition headphones which have been designed to be a celebration of self-expression and inclusivity. Inside we find the Evo All Love Edition Travel Bag which holds the Crusher Evo All Love Edition Sensory Bass Headphones. The travel bag is white and high in quality with a super soft protective grey lining inside. The headphones, however, are the star as no two headphone patterns are the same, so they are as unique as you are. The inside and top band of the headphones are covered in a gradient rainbow design which extends down into the ear cup cushions. The outside of the ear cups are white, and the design uses bright and colourful accents across the small details such as the bass slider button and ear cuff edging. The bright colourway of the Crusher Evo aims to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community with every colour of the rainbow.

Being made by Skullcandy the Crusher Evo All Love Edition includes the high audio quality and customizability that we expect from the brand. The headphones are built to get loud and focus on how you feel your music with an adjustable bass slider to range your listening experience from a more chilled listening session to feeling the bass of your music in your bones! The sound of the Crusher Evo is unmatched, with its adjustable sensory

bass and customisable personal sound composition. Therefore, tailoring your sound to you is easy, and available in the Skullcandy App. With the headphones, you can seamlessly call, track, and control the volume through its strong Bluetooth connection, and, like many of the Skullcandy designs, they are fitted with the Tile Finding Technology for peace of mind in case they are misplaced. The headphones have up to 40 hours of battery charge, and support rapid charging using the included USB-C charging cable in the box.

One of the most crucial aspects of the All Love Edition is its collaboration with To Write Love on Her Arms, to which a portion of the proceeds is given. To Write Love on Her Arms helps to fund LGBTQIA+ mental health programmes, as the community face higher than average rates of depression, PSTD and anxiety disorder. Therefore, Skullcandy’s collaboration with this

organisation shows the combined dedication to bringing hope and help to people struggling with these conditions. For Skullcandy the headphones are not just about Pride month, they may turn up the bass during June, but they are committed to keeping the party going all year long with their unique All Love design.

It’s clear Skullcandy’s collaboration with To Write Love on Her Arms focuses on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and have created a headphone design that not only has top-quality audio design, but a crucial message behind it that every person deserves to live boldly. The Crusher Evo All Love Edition Sensory Bass Headphones are designed to not just make a statement but to work to make a difference by donating towards organisations which are actively supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

PROS:

- Bright and unique colourway

- Supports and donates a portion of proceeds to To Write Love on Her Arms

- Customisable and Adjustable Sensory Bass

CONS:

- Requires further app download for complete audio adjustability and Tile Finding Tech

X BURTONPUSH ACTIVE TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS

SKULL CANDY RETURN WITH A BRIGHT AND BOLD COLLABORATION STRAIGHT OFF THE SLOPES WITH BURTON. IN A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT, THEY HAVE MADE A PAIR OF EARBUDS PERFECT FOR ANYTHING FROM A SKI TRIP TO THE OFFICE. EITHER WAY, THE PINK AND ORANGE GRADIENT LEOPARD DESIGN IS SURE TO BE EYE-CATCHING AND MAKE ANY LISTENING EXPERIENCE AN OCCASION.

Opening the earbuds, we are met with the sleek charging case, this time covered in the bold leopard print known from Burton’s snowboards. The pattern is every bit as iconic as Burton’s and covers the top of the charging case and across one earbud in the bold and bright colours we know from Skullcandy. However, the aesthetics of these earbuds are paralleled by the great technology we know and love from Skullcandy products. Boasting 44-hour battery life, blue tooth connection and handsfree voice control these buds may be small, but they are mighty. Where Skullcandy take this product to the next level is in the Title Finding Technology. Never again will you have the sudden panic of misplaced earbuds. These nifty buds are fitted with title-finding technology that makes locating them a simple tap away with the use of the mobile app. The Skull-IQ App also becomes central to the innovative design as it allows the earbud features to constantly remain up to date. For me the comfort of the earbuds is crucial and Skullcandy never fails to deliver. The earbuds have an over-ear hook design to ensure they are secure in your ears and able to do all the fun and adventurous activities the Burton brand caters for whilst remaining unbulky and

comfortable for quality audio. Further, they are made with IP55 technology that is both sweat and water-resistant to ensure that no matter the activity they are a perfect choice.

Skullcandy as always champions sound quality over everything, and these do not disappoint. Their bright and bold pink and orange leopard design brings a new look to the incredible technology behind Skullcandy. The collaboration between Skullcandy and Burton seems an obvious choice as both champion bold innovation and design in every product. These earbuds make a great choice for a leopard print lover in your life or those wanting a bright, bold, and comfortable pair of earbuds for all the adventures they might want to do.

PROS:

- Bright colourful design

- Tile finder technology

- Secure and comfortable fit

CONS:

- Some features require the use of an app

Single: £356, Duo: £635

CARDOVEHICLES SYSTEMS PACKTALK EDGE

I’VE BEEN RIDING MOTORCYCLES FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS, BUT THIS WAS FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGED ABOUT A DECADE AGO WHEN I WAS ASKED TO REVIEW A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USED BETWEEN RIDERS. INITIALLY, I WAS SCEPTICAL TO USE ONE AS I WAS CONVINCED THAT PART OF THE JOY OF RIDING WAS THE UNINTERRUPTED TIME I HAD TO THINK. HOWEVER, WITH A COUPLE OF PALS, WE FITTED THE UNITS AND WENT FOR A RIDE. WE SPENT ALL DAY RIDING AND TALKING, AND I LOVED IT. GONE WERE THE MACHINE GUN CHATS AT COFFEE STOPS WHERE WE WOULD BATTLE TO DISCUSS THE RIDE, THE SIGHTS, OUR WORK WEEKS, FAMILY ETC.

I have tested most of the systems you can buy, and they have changed considerably over the years. When the first units came out, they were experimental and still finding their feet. Many were either too big, too complicated, had poor battery length or just didn’t work very well. Whereas Cardo has been making their communication systems for nearly 20 years and it’s fair to say they are the market leader for a reason. The EDGE is easy to use and at the click of a button you can turn on your tunes, radio, or audiobook. You can also link it up with your sat nav and of course, make and receive phone calls - but I skip this one as I ride to get away from that.

The Cardo Packtalk EDGE is one of the smallest and lightest units to have on your helmet whilst being swamped with technology. The noise-cancelling microphone and high-quality ‘Sound by JBL’ speakers that come as standard are superb. We all noticed that the new mics don’t pick up nearly as much wind noise as previous models. Voices were always crisp and clear, and listening to music was superb with a great level of treble and bass. The voice control is easy and effective to use, however, you are still given buttons to use if preferred. The automatic volume scaling works great too, and you will forget it’s there whilst it

perfectly turns the sound up and down in response to ambient wind noise. You can’t overlook the safety element too when linked to your mates. We all miss things when riding, be it changing lights, animals, speed zones, cars creeping at T junction etc. When connected to your mates you are all on the lookout and these extra eyes can point out all the potential dangers, some of which you may have missed. I know this has saved us on more than one occasion.

The units offer two ways of connecting – Bluetooth connection or mesh, using Cardo’s proven Dynamic Mesh Communication connectivity, now in its 2nd generation. In mesh mode, each of the units acts as a ‘hub’, connecting to all the other units around it, meaning no breaking of the chain when swapping positions or moving in and out of range (a common pet hate for many riders using comms). The DMC also proved handy as once our units were connected, the next day when we switched them on, they remembered each other, we put our helmets on and rode – no need to mess around reconnecting.

Our testing ground was three riders jollying around France for 10 days and usually, on a trip of this length you will notice gremlins in new gear but there was nothing. The battery life never once let us down. I believe the estimated battery life is 13 hours and after testing it I have no doubt that this is true. Even after a full day of use I only ever got down to 25%, which you are told the percentage remaining as you power down the unit. I like that the EDGE gets a USB-C port which in my opinion is one of the easiest to use for quick charging. Furthermore, the charging port is at the back and protected by a little rubber flap from getting water in it. We got caught out in a few very heavy downpours in Normandy, to the point it got through my Gore-Tex clothing, however, the headsets had no issues with their IP67 waterproof design.

The EDGE uses Bluetooth 5.2 and it is fast – most notably with updates and pairing speed. We found once you turned the unit on, put on your gloves and sat on your bike we were all connected. The EDGE doesn’t need a flick-up antenna to gain range

which makes them sleek and has less chance of breakage without losing any of its 1.6 km lineof-sight range – brilliant!

The EDGE uses a magnetic “Air Mount” to connect the unit to your helmet. Once the unit has been removed from your helmet and charged, you just hold it near to your helmet and it is magnetically pulled and snapped into place. Then, once on it won’t come off as it activates a security clip that keeps it in place.

So, is the Packtalk EDGE the best motorcycle communication unit available?

Yes, I think it is. I have had less success with other units, and it feels like Cardo has used their experience to create the ultimate communication unit for bikers. The kit is a lot of money to buy, however, they are superior quality and work fantastically - and let’s face it, everything related to motorcycling is expensive! They will last for years so maybe if you look at it in relation to years of use for the price they are not as expensive. To sum up, we had an extensive 10-day test, long days, changing weathers of heat and rain and we had no issues, not one!

PROS:

- Seamless pairing with universal Bluetooth 5.2

- 13 Hours of Battery Life and battery percentage reminders

- Automatic sound level adjustment from ambient noise

- Top-quality audio with JBL 40mm high-definition speakers

- Can connect up to 15 riders

at a range of up t 1.6km with 2nd Gen Dynamic Mesh Communication intercom

CONS:

- The units are pricey – but they are a worthwhile investment if you are an avid biker for all their incredible functions and years of use per cost

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.

WE DON’T GUARANTEE 5-STAR REVIEWS, BUT WE DO GUARANTEE AN HONEST ONE!

Copy Editor Carley Fallows

hello@thegadgethead.com

Lead Designer Alina Sandu

studio@littlegatepublishing.com

Publisher Stephen Warman

stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

EXPLORE. ENJOY.

MAXIA 4 THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND

GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever.

• ABS cover with a new design

• Internally strengthened outer edge

• Double cover made from plastic and aluminium

• New outer band

• New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band

• Capacity: 56 lt