The Review Smiths Issue 24

Issue 24 June 2022

THE

Review Smiths KitchenAid Espresso Machine

Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Apollo Stealth

Larq Bottle

DEWALT Powerstack Twin Kit

CONTENTS

Happy July Everybody!

We are halfway through the year, where has the time gone? This time last year we were just coming out of a combination of the new baby fog and post lockdown anxieties, stepping out the door for anything other than a trip to the supermarket felt like a huge deal. This year it feels like we are spinning plates trying to keep up with work, social and family responsibilities but we wouldn’t change it for the world (well maybe a few extra hours sleep would be nice). We have created a delightful collection of goodies for you to look through in between summer holidays, BBQs, Jubilee Street parties and Father’s Day. Talking of Father’s Day, you can get some shopping inspo in these pages, we have some unique wallets from Ekster, premium coffee products, tools, smart home tech and even a high end dartboard.

Have a lovely month, enjoy that extra bank holiday, spoil your dad and wear suncream!

Editor and chief

Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith

Writer Dave Hicks

Senior Writer Emma Hilling-Smith

Chief Mouse Stealer Master Hilling-Smith

Writer Peter Hilling

For all media related enquiries please contact us at info@thereviewsmiths.com For Advertising Enquiries 0208 191 8472 www.thereviewsmiths.com

04. Humanscale NeatCharge 06. DeWalt 18V Powerstack Twin Kit DCK2050E2T 08. KitchenAid Espresso Machine Artisan 5KES6503 10. KitchenAid Coffee Grinder – Artisan 5KCG8433 12. Marmitek TV Anywhere Wireless HD 14. Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core 16. Lola & Lykke Breastfeeding Starter Kit 18. Gravastar Sirius Pro Earbuds 20. Gravastar Ferra Case Iphone 13 22. ERA Protect Indoor Wifi camera

24. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free 26. Arlo Chime 2 28. Trinity Zero 30. Apollo Stealth 32. Larq Bottle 34. Babolat Pure Strike VS 36. Niwaki Sentei Topiary Clippers 38. BOOX Nova Air C 40. Drifta Classic 1900 Swag Kit Antelope 42. Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells 44. Pause Me 46. Hario Bloom V60 Buono Drip Kettle 48. Acebeam Rider Rx 50. Rockit Wooshh 52. ISOtunes FREE Aware 54. Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit 56. Datacolor SpyderX Capture Pro 58. Ekster Father's Day Bundle

Humanscale NeatCharge I hate a messy desk space, I feel like I can’t concentrate with loads of clutter and cables about, my brain is far too easily distracted, the Humanscale NeatCharge is a wonderful idea for keeping things tidy at work. Humanscale abide by the philosophy that good design achieves more with less and products that solve problems with simple, efficient designs and it shows with the NeatCharge. This unassuming disk attaches underneath your desktop, a bit like those sucker fish you see on sharks and lets you charge wirelessly through the desk. The NeatCharge is compatible with any Qi device, including mobile phones and tablets, and works with work surfaces that have a minimum thickness of 0.6” (1.5cm) up to 1.33” (3.2cm) it won’t work with metal but will do with most other materials. It is surprisingly simple to install, you will have to get a tape measure out and concentrate a bit but it’s not hard, the main unit can either the screwed in place or attached via the adhesive sticker (which is provided) if the desk cannot be drilled into (although this will have a slight impact on the charging power).

The Charging Location Sticker is then placed directly above the unit with the Position sensor on top of it, move everything around until the LEDs light up on the main unit, once all six LEDs are lit up (it’s a bit like a game of hot and cold) ,you can stick the location sticker to the desk. The sticker lays flush on the desk, it is grey in colour, and we would love to see some different colours to blend in with the desktop, perhaps transparent or wood tones but as it stands the grey is reasonable unobtrusive. There are two adhesive cable tidies to stick underneath the desk to finish off the job.

You don’t have to be restricted to your desktop either you can put it on your bedside table, coffee table or breakfast bar. The charger tops out at 10w which is the standard charge speed for most devices, it’s not the fast charge you can get with some of the newer devices, it will still need to be plugged in if you want to take advantage of that.

Pros Keeps the desktop clean and tidy Quick to install £186 Works with all QI devices Suitable for most surface materials Cons Charging location sticker only in one colour Doesn’t support fast charge keep your workspace neat and tidy with this discrete contactless charger For more information on the Humanscale NeatCharge click here

5

DEWALT 18V Powerstack Twin Kit DCK2050E2T The DEWALT DCK2050E2T 18V Brushless compact twin kit comes with the 177mm DCD805 hammer drill driver and 100mm DCF850 impact driver as well as two 18V 1.7Ah POWERSTACK lithium batteries, a 50min Multi-Voltage charger and a TSTAK case to store it all away. The Hammer drill features increased power with improved transmission for a better performance, it has a pivoting LED light for better visibility in dim corners and poorly lit areas. The reduced length and compact build makes it comfortable in the hand and easier to squeeze into tight spots, and the new POWERSTACK battery helps keep the weight down thanks to the 25% more compact and 12% lighter design than its predecessor. Don’t be deceived by 1.7Ah rating either, as the revolutionary new pouch cell technology in the POWERSTACK batteries allows for far greater power output and runtime than traditional cylindrical cell batteries, delivering 50% more power than DEWALT’s existing 2Ah XR battery and up to 2 times the lifespan. DEWALT also offer an extended 3 year warranty on the POWERSTACK battery, compared to the usual 1 year on cylindrical cell batteries.

The DCD805 drill can knock out up to 90Nm of torque with two speed settings and 15 torque settings for precise control over drilling and fastening jobs and can be adjusted between 0-2000 rpm. The DCF850 Impact Driver features a brushless motor and a variable speed trigger for full control over applications and to prevent over tightening, its compact, 100mm little body can produce up to 205Nm torque. The improved 1/4" bit holder has reduced the bit run out, the 3-mode switch with precision drive lets you select different modes and speeds to suit the application, whilst the ergonomic grip handle provides a comfortable hold for prolonged use. It has a built in LED ring light to illuminate the workpiece, it has a 1/4" drive with variable speed control, capable of producing up to 3250rpm. The robust storage case has solid metal hinges and heavy-duty metal latches, the side latches allow connectivity for easy carrying and safe stacking and the built-in bi-material handle improves user comfort. The POWERSTACK Twin Kit is a powerful set of tools thanks to the user-friendly design and POWERSTACK battery, a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

£405.95

For more information on the DeWalt 18V Powerstack Twin Kit DCK2050E2T click here

Two compact tools with powerful batteries and a tough storage case, what’s not to love?

Pros

Powerful POWERSTACK battery

Compact tools LED lighting Robust storage case 50min fast charger User friendly

7

This Espresso machine lets

£599

you make café grade coffees from the comfort of your own home.

KitchenAid Espresso Machine Artisan 5KES6503 My partner is hooked on chai lattes, I have tried to satiate this addiction with various home brew methods however without the frothy milk it just isn’t the same (apparently), so imagine his delight when the KitchenAid Espresso Machine Artisan 5KES6503 complete with steam wand arrived.

This espresso machine features dual, smart temperature sensors which talk to each other to ensure optimal temperature and authentic taste. The steam wand can be used to steam or dispense hot water to top up your americano and tea or to make warm foamy milk for cappuccinos and lattés, it uses a commercial grade portafilter with a flat base for even tamping. The 58mm diameter helps maintain optimal heat during extraction and can be used to prepare one or two shots with the two spouts, the low pressure pre-infusion and the 15-bar Italian pump work together to deliver a thick crema. The Espresso Machine is surprisingly compact for something with all these capabilities, it feels robust and sturdy thanks to the metal body and German engineering. This machine will appeal to both beginners and coffee making pros, there are two wall basket sizes, the double wall baskets help give consistent results, best suited for beginners, half asleep and hungover people, whilst the single wall baskets provide greater control and full-bodied shots. You can choose

between a single or double shot with a touch of a button and the machine can even be programmed to your preferred shot size and it will be ready in under 30 seconds. It isn’t the most intuitive machine, you will need to read the instructions properly but after a few goes it becomes second nature, it comes with a frothing jug, stainless steel tamper, cup warmer and drip tray to get you started. When it comes to using the steam wand you need to first dispense a little hot water and switch off this mode before it will let you activate the steaming mode, this is just like the baristas do in the coffee shops, just to make sure the nozzle is clear before it’s put into the milk. Again, just like the coffee shop machines the steam wand can get fairly loud, just warning for those wanting a cappuccino before the rest of the family have woken up, the wand can be fully detached too for a thorough clean.

We were really impressed with the machine, although the steaming could be a little more straightforward it produces lovely, polished milk, both dairy and non-dairy and the espresso shot was textbook perfection from the first pull. As for the chai latte addict, he is happy he can have a hit of his favourite drink anytime of day without leaving the house, especially if I’m the one making it for him.

Pros 15-bar Italian pump produces faultless crema Semi-automatic operation for 1 or 2 shots Steam wand for frothing and heating milk Use single or double wall baskets Dual, smart temperature sensors Descaling mode with reminder Fast shots Steams and froths both dairy and non-dairy successfully

Cons Steaming wand action, a little awkward Loud when frothing milk For more information on the KitchenAid Espresso Machine Artisan click here

9

KitchenAid Coffee Grinder – Artisan 5KCG8433 The perfect partner for the Espresso Machine Artisan is the KitchenAid Coffee Grinder, you might have to dedicate a bit of worktop space for this baby, or it can live in the cupboard until you need more grinds, it is a little chunky.

Having said that it looks impressive so if you have the space you might want to show it off permanently as it does pair perfectly with the Espresso machine, it will happily produce coffee for any brew method not just espresso. The grinder can knock out 70 different grind sizes thanks to the commercial-grade, stainless steel conical burrs they provide superior grinding precision, with uniformly sized grounds.

All it takes to get the perfect grind is a push of a button, the brew method icons help guide you in the right direction for size and amount, so you don’t waste a single bean. Select the cups or shots you’d like, and the grind-time is adjusted accordingly, for espresso you can grind directly into the portafilter (54mm or 58mm) of the KitchenAid Espresso machine and there’s a built-in portafilter holder so that you’re all ready for tamping. The anti-static technology reduces the static charge, so there’s less mess and a clean coffee grind, the hoppers are both UV-resistant to help keep beans and grounds fresher. This grinder takes all the guess work out of the coarseness of your beans, no matter what brewing style. You can match it with your espresso machine or go for a completely different colour, the glossy Almond Cream and Candy Apple will look particularly stunning in any kitchen.

Get the perfect grind and volume every time with this user friendly grinder.

£199 Pros Automatic smart dosing volume and consistency

Superior grinding precision

70 grind sizes Commercial-grade stainless steel conical burrs

Grind directly into a portafilter

Neat, airtight container for freshness

Can be used with all brewing methods

Cons Takes up more worktop space For more information on the KitchenAid Coffee Grinder Artisan click here

11

Marmitek TV Anywhere Wireless HD

Remember the days when you all had only the one screen in the house, and you all had to watch the same thing?

Thank goodness that’s over, these days everyone can enjoy their favourite show and now it’s even easier with the Marmitek TV Anywhere Wireless HD. This HDMI extender delivers wireless HDMI signal transmission of connected audio/video equipment to a TV or beamer, the signal is powerful enough to pass through walls and ceilings without any loss of quality. This means you can watch your favourite shows anywhere in the house without drilling holes, dragging cables through walls and generally making a mess. This kit wirelessly transfers the signal up to 50m and supports video resolutions up to 1080p (Full HD), it can be used with your decoder, media center PC or Blu-ray player in HD quality on a 2nd TV/projector or on your smartphone/tablet (through a free app). It is straight forward to set up, it comes with the transmitter and receiver, the transmitter connects to any HDMI source such and then the receiver is connected the secondary source, a TV for example and it’s ready to go.

The infrared return means you can operate the AV equipment remotely, allowing you to switch the channel just like you would on the transmitting device. When a PC is connected to the transmitter, you can also operate the PC remotely with a keyboard and a mouse connected to the receiver, this means you can work on your PC or laptop that is located elsewhere in the home, perfect for WFH set ups. The Loopthrough enables you to watch the same content at two locations simultaneously, this is particularly good for gatherings to watch big events, World Cup, Super Bowl or Eurovision (yes that counts as a big event). The app lets you finish watching your show in the bath or in bed on your phone or tablet, you can even use a pair of VR glasses for a fully immersive experience. This plug in and play kit does exactly what it promises to do freeing you up to enjoy your favourite content without cluttering up your home with cables and wires.

Transmit your fav shows and films anywhere in the house, wire free.

Pros Plug in and play €199,95 1080p (Full HD) Loopthrough Transfers up to 50m, through walls and ceilings

Operate your AV equipment remotely Control your PC remotely Supports HDCP and is fully compatible with all HDMI versions

For more information on the Marmitek TV Anywhere Wireless HD click here

13

Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core The chances are even if you have never picked up a dart in your life you will recognise the name Winmau, it is synonymous with the game and has been for over 70 years. The Blade 6 Triple Core is PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) Endorsed and meets official tournament specifications, this is not your dingy games room type of dart board, this one is for the pros. Constructed with a triple core carbon base it has an all-new patented system with a seamless playing surface and a third, high compression layer with carbon fibre reinforced sisal. It is made with durable East African sisal, suitable for the most demanding players and environments, with optimal fibre density and reliable dart retention, the Hi Visability Sisal fibres are topped off with all-new graphics and uses the world’s first laser cut anti-glare number ring for ultimate visibility.

The Blade’s web design has the latest ‘Density Control’ wire for the best fibre density and increased dart retention in the double, treble and bullseye zones and the ultra-thin 60° angled wire guides the darts into the scoring zone to reduce frustrating bounce outs. The bullseye and outer bull are fully hardened, and the ‘Density Control’ wire are now 25% thinner, the Rota Lock mounting system is easy to adjust, and it comes with a Spirit Master levelling tool to ensure the board is correctly installed and ready to play within minutes. The magic lays within the triple core, it has a lower compression around the outer core which reduces surface resistance whilst increasing the resistance just below the surface, this means it absorbs any excess kinetic energy for improved stability. This board provides a premium foundation for the game, suitable for professionals but equally a great place for beginners to hone their skills thanks to the reduced bounce outs and higher scoring opportunities.

Pros PDC Endorsed Triple Core Carbon Base Reduced bounce outs Hi Visability Sisal 60° Angled Blade Wire Rota Lock

This premium board offers ultimate dart retention and scoring possibilities.

£75

For more information on Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core click here

15

Lola & Lykke Breastfeeding Starter Kit There is a world of new gear needed when a baby is on the way, if you are planning to breast feed then a bundle like the Lola & Lykke Breastfeeding Starter Kit takes some of the hassle out of nesting, leaving more time for sleep and snacking. We have been lucky enough to review the Smart Electric Breast Pump from Lola & Lykke which is included in this bundle, this breast pump is small, compact and has no tubes or wires to worry about making it highly portable, it is battery powered with a USB rechargeable battery, one full charge will deliver 2-hours of continuous use. The Smart Touch Screen digital display features a memory button and timer for tracking and recording pumping sessions, it’s here you can increase the stimulation and suction levels.

The intuitive smart capabilities automatically move through the two stages stimulation and expression mimicking baby's natural sucking pattern, there are six levels of stimulation and nine levels of expression. The screen is quite sensitive and without a physical response to the button press it is easy to accidently jump up a few levels instead of just the one. This kit also comes with 10 breast milk storage bags with adapters, 30 breast milk storage bags, three breast shields (21mm, 24mm, 27mm), two nipple teat 2-packs (3M+, 6M+), two baby bottles (0M+, 3M+), a set of silicone spare parts, two pairs of curved bamboo nursing pads and a smart looking pump carry and cooler bag. The bottles are BPA free, but the pump is also compatible with most standard baby bottles, which is very handy as it can take a few goes to fine the right one for baby. The adaptor bags mean you can express straight into the bag, which is helpful if you are expressing away from home, it can then be used in reverse by attaching the feeding teat to the bag so that’s one less thing to wash and sterilise.

The bags can be laid flat for fast freezing, they arrive pre-sterilised, leak-proof and ready thaw and warm up for use, the bags are BPA and phthalate free and can be safety frozen for up to six months. Although these bags are convenient unfortunately, they are single use only, this may put people off as society moves away from disposable plastics. This Starter Kit comes nicely presented in a gift box which means it’s ideal for a baby shower present, perfect for both new and experienced moms, with all the bits needed to start that feeding journey.

This Starter Kit comes with everything you need to begin your feeding journey.

Pros Compact, intuitive breast pump Pump and feed straight from the storage bag Wireless Anti-colic nipple teats All the accessories needed for feeding Storage/cooler bag Cons Storage bags are single use

£219

For more information on the Lola & Lykke Breastfeeding Starter Kit click here

17

Gravastar Sirius Pro Earbuds I feel like these are totally aimed at unashamed sci-fi and gaming nerds like myself, and I would probably be right! The case looks like it’s been lifted straight from a warzone with the colouring effect even being called ‘war-damaged’. And it looks like the sort of thing you would see someone in a post-apocalyptic movie whip out prior to shooting something loud. And by all accounts, it would work for that too…

The Sirius Pro Earbuds come with environmental noise cancellation, crystal clear sound, Bluetooth 5.2 and ultra-low latency. So, if wearing while gaming or watching your favourite movies (sci-fi ones of course!) there should be no delay between what you see and what you hear. The earbuds are also equipped with a small 7.2mm Dynamic Driver, engineered by Knowles, the leading manufacturer in balanced armature drivers so you can be rest assured these earbuds are of good quality. For the gamers out there, it also has 5.1 virtual surround sound meaning you can hear those enemy footsteps coming from a mile off…

The earbuds themselves have a simple one-touch element to them and are rated at IPX5 for waterproofing.

So, along with all the technical bells and whistles, the charging case has just as much thought and effort put into it. It’s made from a zinc alloy material that helps protect it from scratches and bumps and has an actual button on it as well as a laser-engraved touch panel. And, get this, it has a built in bottle opener! If that doesn’t tell you this charging case means business, I don’t know what will! The battery life maybe? 4 hours continuous playing time and 3 rechargeable batteries gives you a potential 16 hours listening time.

They look good and sound good and you can crack open a bottle of beer with one of the coolest looking charging cases out there, what’s not to like?

For more information on the Gravastar Sirius Pro Earbuds click here

£129.95

Pros They look the bees-knees!

Really good sound quality 3 different sized ear pieces so you can choose the most comfortable

A built in bottle opener Cons Earbuds are a little awkward to get out of the charger.

Gravastar were Sirius with these little beauties.

19

Gravastar Ferra Case Iphone 13 I feel like these are totally aimed at unashamed sci-fi and gaming nerds like myself, and I would probably be right! The case looks like it’s been lifted straight from a warzone with the colouring effect even being called ‘war-damaged’. And it looks like the sort of thing you would see someone in a post-apocalyptic movie whip out prior to shooting something loud. And by all accounts, it would work for that too…

The Sirius Pro Earbuds come with environmental noise cancellation, crystal clear sound, Bluetooth 5.2 and ultralow latency. So, if wearing while gaming or watching your favourite movies (sci-fi ones of course!) there should be no delay between what you see and what you hear. The earbuds are also equipped with a small 7.2mm Dynamic Driver, engineered by Knowles, the leading manufacturer in balanced armature drivers so you can be rest assured these earbuds are of good quality. For the gamers out there, it also has 5.1 virtual surround sound meaning you can hear those enemy footsteps coming from a mile off… The earbuds themselves have a simple one-touch element to them and are rated at IPX5 for water-proofing.

So, along with all the technical bells and whistles, the charging case has just as much thought and effort put into it. It’s made from a zinc alloy material that helps protect it from scratches and bumps and has an actual button on it as well as a laser-engraved touch panel. And, get this, it has a built in bottle opener! If that doesn’t tell you this charging case means business, I don’t know what will! The battery life maybe? 4 hours continuous playing time and 3 rechargeable batteries gives you a potential 16 hours listening time.

They look good and sound good and you can crack open a bottle of beer with one of the coolest looking charging cases out there, what’s not to like?

Tough, rugged and well priced.

For more information on the Gravastar Ferra Case Iphone 13 click here

Pros £17.35 Tough Durable Relatively inexpensive when compared to replacing a broken screen!

Compatible with Magsafe accessories

21

ERA Protect Indoor Wifi camera What is a ‘Wifi Camera’ exactly? Well, put simply, it’s a camera that has no storage capacity by itself and relies on connection to an external storage system (in this case the ERA Cloud) via Wifi. Simple. The advantage being that there is no way for an intruder to tamper with, or steal the recording and you don’t have to worry about keeping the recordings unless you want or need to. The recordings stay on the ERA Cloud for up to 30 days if you upgrade (although you do get 3 months free when you purchase and it only costs about £2.50 a month after that) and will only take up precious space on your hard drive if you download them. So far, so good.

A reasonably priced indoor camera

The ERA Protect Indoor Wifi Camera itself has a ‘walkie-talkie’ function allowing two-way communication between whoever is accessing the live feed via the App (yourself, one would hope!) and whoever is the subject of the recording. The image is a decent 1080p resolution and the night vision is good for up to 6 metres away. As well as this, it also has inbuilt PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) that automatically triggers a recording when motion is detected.

The recordings themselves are transferred to the Cloud using encrypted 128 bit SSL technology – equivalent to bank-grade security so you can be assured your recordings are safe.

All sounds good! The only issue I have with this system is the fact that there is a relatively short range between it and the router it’s going to connect to (they recommend 10 metres maximum but this can be reduced when walls are taken in to account) and if you have a large home, this could be restrictive, although as it’s an indoor camera, this is less of an issue. As well as this, it’s powered by a standard adapter in a wall socket. It can’t record if it gets unplugged.

Pros Small, easy to install Uses the same App as other ERA products No storage on the device itself Cons Not fool-proof Relies on the Wifi working For more information on the ERA Protect Indoor Wifi camera click here

£44

23

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free The thought of actually missing a delivery due to being out of the house has seemed like some ridiculous idea over the last year but with the restrictions relaxing it is becoming much more likely.

One way to ensure you don’t miss out on your latest purchase or long missed guests is through a video doorbell, however complicated installation might be something that has been holding you back. The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is a wire-free option which gives you all the perks without the hassle of difficult cables, thanks to the rechargeable battery, or the need of a hub or base station within the home it simply connects to your 2.4Ghz WiFi network in a few seconds. This kit comes with the Arlo Video Doorbell, a flat mounting plate as well as an angled mounting plate, the power kit, all the screws you will need and a security latch release pin and wire extensions if you do want to wire it in to an existing doorbell for continuous power.

The Essential Video Doorbell is a rather chunky unit, this might put some off but for us it means that visitors won’t miss it and will also let unwelcome guests know they can be seen on our property. Installation was easy, just download the app, set up an account and connect to camera to check your view angle before attaching the plate. The camera offers 180° Diagonal Viewing Angle which covered our door, front garden and drive even with the door tucked into the porch. The camera records in a clear 1080p HD video with a 1:1 aspect ratio for head to doorstep viewing, the image quality is bright and clear both night and day. The robust unit is fully weatherproof, it can handle hours in bright sunshine and hot days as well as heavy rain, snow and cold days. The battery can last up to 6 months, but it very much depends on your motion

detection settings, how many callers you get etc but even with a lot of action it can still last months without needing a charge. The Essential offers direct video calling straight to your mobile phone letting you hear and speak to whoever’s at your door, you can even set up a pre recorded message to visitors when you can respond (for example “shhh, new baby, we are all asleep, please leave presents by the door”), visitors also have the option of leaving a voicemail if you are not home. This is the only video doorbell that comes with an integrated siren that can be triggered automatically when motion is detected or be setoff manually from the app to deter intruders or freak out your party guests.

There is the optional subscription to Arlo Smart Premier Plan for £2.49 per month, this gives you access to AI powered monitoring and verification for the doorbell with Object Detection (detecting the difference between a person, package, vehicle or animal), setting up custom motion detection zones, fast access to emergency services by dialling 999, phoning a friend or sounding the alarm from your phone’s locked screen. This service will also give you up to 30 days video playback history which can be shared as well as allowing you to connect other cameras to the same system. It is worth noting this kit doesn’t come with an internal chime unit but there is a wireless option available separately, your phone will alert you to callers and if you have Smart Things or a Google assistant device it can be connected to chime through that. The Essential is a good choice for those looking for an easy set up but high performing video doorbell, the lack of a chime unit can be forgiven for the quality of the video, free features and low-cost subscription for additional features.

Pros Captures vivid details day and night

Set up easily Connects directly to Wi-Fi Get instant phone alerts Low-cost subscription plan for added features

Works with SmartThings and Google Assistance Robust, tamper and weatherproof design

180° diagonal viewing angle with 1:1 aspect ratio Cons No internal chime unit Chunky unit

£179.99

This high performing video doorbell asks for very little from you but provides so much in return.

For more information on Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free click here

25

Arlo Chime 2 If you don’t want to rely on your phone to alert you to who’s at the door there’s always the optional Chime 2 plug in chime unit. This dinky little device can be plugged into any wall outlet and provide you with a traditional ‘Ding Dong’ audible alert when the doorbell is pressed, it can also be triggered when motion is detected outside, alerting you to potential intruders. The Chime 2 measures up at 92 x 31 x 44.8mm making it easy to find the perfect location, it then simply connects directly to Wi-Fi for a wire-free installation. As an added bonus there is a built-in siren that can be set up to sound either automatically or manually from the Arlo App, you can use this to scare off trespassers or to gently encourage guests its home time, it’s up to you. There is a variety of melodies to choose between, from a classic tone to something a bit more out there, there are seven in total, if you have multiple doors/doorbells you can allocate a different melody to different doors. This chime is compatible with both the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free and the Audio Doorbell.

This plug in chime is the perfect partner for the

Arlo doorbell.

£44.99 Pros Instant audible notifications

Can be triggered via motion

Built in siren Connects of Wi-Fi Different doorbells can have different melodies

Easy installation Plug in a play Cons Could have more melodies For more information on the Arlo Chime 2 click here

19

Trinity Zero The Trinity Zero from Trinity Coffee really has been a labour of love for the founder Mark. Beginning in 2015 with the Trinity ONE it quickly became Australia’s most funded coffee project on Kickstarter, in 2021 they realised that in order to move forward, they needed to step back and focus on environmental issues. With the founder being an environmental engineer, it was a logical step to merge the two passions and make a coffee press with the smallest environmental footprint possible. The Trinity Zero is a patented coffee press which can create a stronger coffee, in a shorter time anywhere and at any time from the office to the top of a mountain, it is highly portable due to its ultracompact design 90mm x 65mm and weighing just 115g.

This little device can knock out a coffee in just 60 seconds with very little effort from you, it uses a built-in stainlesssteel filter which means no disposable pods or messy filter papers which also means no additional purchases.

The brewing process is simple, take 18g of your ground coffee, somewhere between a French press and espresso grind coarseness and pop it in the basket. Fill the water chamber to the marked level, give it 30 seconds, then attach the lid and press firmly until the water stops dripping, repeat until all the water has passed through (between 10-15 pumps). Then you just need to top up the shot with hot milk or water up to 225ml, it isn’t an espresso so you probably wouldn’t want to drink it as it is, but the finished coffee is stronger than what you would get from a French press. The Trinity Zero could give the Aeropress a run for its money, with a more compact build it is travel friendly and doesn’t require filters, but it does take longer and costs more. The coffee is a lovely rich hybrid brew, if you love your coffee full of depth and flavour this environmentally friendly press is a great little travel buddy.

This portable hybrid brew coffee press is so dinky it can be tucked away in your pocket.

$49.95

Coffee Hit makes making freshly brewed coffee at home simple. You can enjoy a barista coffee experience easily from the comfort of your home with free delivery and returns (over £40).

Pros Compact and highly portable Concentrated coffee in 60 seconds from 10-15 pumps Reusable filter basket Hybrid Brew Reduced environmental impact with minimal materials used

Cons Pricey For more information on the Trinity Zero click here

29

Apollo Stealth OK, I’ll admit, I was pretty sceptical with this. Something that improves your resilience to stress? Just by wearing it?

And costs how much?! Sounded like some dodgy bloke trying to flog glass as crystals with ‘healing properties’ at the outer edge of the local market on a Thursday to me… But, credit where it’s due, these guys seem to have gone out of their way with all sorts of independent studies and tests, probably to keep cynical old so-and-so’s like me happy!

The Apollo Stealth (Am I the only one thinking Battlestar Galactica here?) works by emitting silent vibrations. These are apparently “..proven to improve heart rate variability (HRV), a key biometric of stress resilience” and it does this by “sending silent, soothing soundwaves”. You can use the Apollo app to set it to work 30 mins before bed time to help you get to sleep, set it to start at different times so you can be relaxed and ready for that important presentation for example.

The Apollo Stealth comes with two units in the box, one to fit round your ankle, the other round your wrist – you don’t have to wear both, it’s so you have a choice – a fancy looking wrist-watch style device or an ankle device for those that wish to be a little more discreet.

The good news is, there is a 60-day money back guarantee so, if it doesn’t feel like it’s achieving what it should, you won’t be out of pocket. It’s discrete, seems to be backed up by science and bona-fide field tests so why not give it a shot?

If it works, it’s money well-spent!

For more information on the Apollo Stealth click here

Stress no more.

Pros life has got be worth a shot.

£199 Money-back guarantee A lot of control with the App Fairly discreet so you can have it on with nobody noticing

Anything that helps reduce stress in your day-to-day Cons Pricey You’ll need to fork out initially to really see if it works.

31

Larq Bottle Plastic pollution is a major issue these days – Plastic straws have been banned and micro-plastics are in practically everything we eat so, anything we can do to help improve that situation is a good thing, right? Whether it be less use of one-use plastics or a more conscious approach to how we dispose of our waste and recycling, we can all do our little bit to help. But, sometimes, ease wins out and I reckon most of us have a little inkling of guilt for not doing our bit as often as we should. The Larq Bottle however, gives us a very easy way to help and benefits us at the same time!

It’s a water bottle with a filtration system. Although, this thing is far beyond any water bottle I’ve ever owned! It’s made from BPA-free stainless steel and is double-walled – effectively giving you the same sort of heat (or in this case, cold) retention as a decent thermos flask. The filter itself has two layers of filtration – activated carbon and a layer of nano zero iron that traps heavy metals. This removes all the impurities from your water and gives you a tasty filtered drink on the go while keeping it nice and cold. Each filter lasts for about 2 months or 40 gallons, whichever comes first and the filters cost about half the value of the water bottle itself. When you compare this to 40 gallons-worth of bottled water (about 300 bottles), there really is no contest.

It’s also really easy to use, you don’t even have to tip it, just flip the ‘straw’ and take a sip. Finally, if you want purification as well as filtration, there is an optional cap you can purchase to put on it so you can even take advantage of a random stream in safety when on your travels!

Pros Good for the environment

Cleaner water Easy to use Easy-grip Cons Filters will always need replacing

Filtered water on the go

£130

For more information on the Larq Bottle click here

33

Babolat Pure Strike VS Unstrung

Babolat have completed their VS range with the Pure Strike VS to join the Pure Drive and Pure Aero, the VS series takes the regular model and makes a few subtle changes that performance players will benefit from. Designed for highskilled attacking players who take the ball early and go for maximum control and precision, the VS features a smaller head size 97 square inches instead of 98 for extra precision, but it is better protected from scrapes with the court surface. This racquet has a 626 cm² head size with a 68.5cm length and weighs 310g unstrung, it has a 31cm unstrung balance, a swing weight of 295, uses a 16/20 string pattern and a 67 +/- 7 stiffness rating. It comes unstrung in grip sizes 2, 3 and 4 and offers a flexible centre for high levels of control, ideal for those looking for security without lift.

The broader head frame gives greater stability on impact letting you catch the ball early with good feedback to the hand, the attractive natural looking leather grip is firm and has excellent traction, it ensures superb transfer of the ball’s impact. This racquet is all about control, the frame has been developed with a square beam frame that has the energy of an elliptic beam structure. The bumper shield is longer and thicker, specifically designed to protect the frame and strings during frequent use and low shots, standard racquets fit the bumpers from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock, but on the Pure Strike VS has been extended from a 9 to 3 o’clock position for more protection from abrasions. The Pure Strike VS is a perfect racquet for an attacking style of play by balancing power and control in a flexible frame that’s both highly responsive and robust.

Pros High levels of control

Firm grip Responsive Suited for attacking style of play

Flexible frame

Extended bumper shield

The new Pure Strike VS completes Babolats VS range. £229.99

For more information on the Babolat Pure Strike VS Unstrung click here

35

Niwaki Sentei Topiary Clippers We are moving into summer this month and that means only one thing, it's bush trimming time! Get your minds out of the gutter this has nothing to do with skimpy beachwear, we are of course talking about topiary. Now is the perfect time to get those balls into shape (seriously I promise I’m talking about plants) and Niwaki has got the perfect tools to get you started. Niwaki (pronounced Ni-Whacky) means garden tree in Japanese and is inspired by the pristine and intricately designed gardens in Japan. These clippers have been purpose built for topiary, everything about them feels like you are being handed a precious weapon, they come in a good quality draw sting canvas storage bag, inside that is a presentation box. Both bag and box are red and white in colour, both prosperous colours and representing the Japanese flag, inside the box you will find your weapons of mass creation, the Sentei.

Sentei means to prune in Japanese, exactly what these bad boys have been designed to do, they come in a protective plastic sleeve however for an extra £28 you can get a long leather holster. These clippers fit neatly in the hand and feature 5" KA70 carbon steel blades with a soft spring action, the delicate profile and all metal finish deliver a timeless and attractive look, adding to the pleasure of the hobby. These require minimal pressure thanks to the sharp and wide set blades making it easy to use with one hand (left or right), you will only be cutting through the soft new growth after all. There is a spare spring included to extend the life span of the clippers and there is an easy-to-use locking catch for safety when the Sentei are not in use. With the right care these clippers will provide years of topiary service, allowing you to enjoy both the physical process of your creations as well as the final results.

Trim your bushes and

£49

trees to perfection with the graceful topiary clippers.

Pros 5" KA70 carbon steel blades One hand operation Great value for money Beautifully presented Spare spring included Long and wide blades Left or right-handed For more information on the Niwaki Sentei Topiary Clippers click here

BOMBAZINE pendant

YELENA pendant

KEEGAN wall light

ARONA pendant

For stockists, please visit www.darlighting.co.uk or contact our team directly on: 01295 672 200

BOOX Nova Air C BOOX (pronounced as books) released their first eReader in 2009 with mixed results, since then they have been improving their devices to the point, they can now comfortably compete with the big boys with a mix of fun and practicality. The Nova Air C has a paper like quality, with similar colour paper produced by the Kaleido Plus On-Cell ePaper display and has TÜV paper like display certification, with the front lights on or off, the colours are saturated and easily distinguishable. The ultra slim eReader weighs only 245g, making it easy to transport, it will even fit in a coat pocket, it has a 7.8-screen that supports magnetic pens and has Android 11 built-in. It has a 16 soft colour pallet with fixed brushes, various note-taking tools for example layers, notes search and custom templates. It has an improved handwriting feel that makes note taking a really natural and enjoyable process, there are built-in buttons on the magnetic protective case for easy page turning and comes in a bright orange with a fun print and more subtle silver.

The Magnetic BOOX Pen Plus features a precise nib, ergonomic grip, it attaches to the side of device when it isn’t in use although this could be a stronger magnet as it can be knocked off accidentally. There are built in dual speakers which provide a reasonable sound but are in no way mind blowing, the Air C also features 5GB of free cloud storage to save your notes and view them anywhere from your computer and mobile. Third-party apps can be downloaded to the device from the Google Play store however it isn’t made to be your go to entertainment device the colours and the screen aren’t glossy enough to binge a box set but will do for a quick catch up to avoid spoilers. If you are looking for a responsive, intuitive and colourful eReader/note taker with some extra features the Air C could be for you, ideal for students and creatives on the move especially with its hefty battery life lasting up to a month on standby.

Pros Paper like display and feel

Colourful note taking Built in speakers 5GB cloud storage Great in direct sunlight Intuitive and creative Supports Android and Google Play Store Responsive Cons Expensive Not ideal for watching films For more information on the BOOX Nova Air C click here

$449.98

A colourful and flexible eReader, perfect for working or reading on the move.

39

Drifta Classic 1900 Swag Kit Antelope

Drifta was born in Austraila in 2000 but has since spread out into Europe bringing with it their range of camping and outdoor gear, we received the Drifta Classic 1900 Single Swag Kit Antelope to take a closer look at. The kit comes with the swag, swag bag, mattress and military webbing straps, there is a sheet set and leather straps available which are sold separately. The outer bag is fully waterproof with waterproof zips and protective flap, this means the Swag can be strapped on top of a roof rack safe in the knowledge the contents will remain dry. It comes in the Antelope colour, a warm and natural brown but it is also available in black. The Swag is held together with two durable military webbing straps but we were lucky enough to get the leather straps. These straps are made with strong buckles that lock firmly into place letting you compress the swag as much as possible, they look smarter than the webbing straps but are much stiffer to begin with.

There is plenty of room in the storage bag, so you don’t need to wrestle it back in when you are done, plus there’s room for sheets and a pillow if needed. The mattress measures up at 1900L x 760W x 75H, you can choose to sleep on top of it with the waterproof cover underneath you or tuck yourself inside for protection against the elements. The egg shell foam design gets the balance right between comfort and compact portability and will protect you from lightly rugged terrains, big old stones will poke through. It is perfect for using in a tent, van, camp bed or as we discovered, a poorly child’s bedroom floor. A lovely little touch is the inclusion of the shoe mat, a waterproof piece of canvas for stashing your muddy boots or standing on whilst you get changed keeping your feet dry and clean. The Drifta Classic 1900 Swag Kit Antelope is perfect for those who travel about regularly never knowing where their next adventure might take them but also enjoy a comfortable nights sleep.

Wherever you lay your Swag is your home.

For more information on the Drifta Classic 1900 Swag Kit Antelope click here

Pros Fully waterproof storage bag $459 Lightweight Comfortable Portable Additional canvas mat Spacious Cons Leather straps a little stiff to begin with

41

Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells Most weeks I will try and squeeze in a workout in between working and running around after a toddler, I normally grab the opportunity when the boy is taking a nap or has gone down to bed for the night.

The downside to this has aways been that the clattering and clanging noises I make whilst switching between weights risk waking the little shouty man, adding a level of distraction and anxiety I don’t need during my limited me time.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells take the hassle out of changing the weight thanks to the nifty selection dials feature, this allows you to swap between 2kg all the way though to 24kg in a super-fast way. The dumbbell slots easily into the stand, then simply rotate the dial at either end of the dumbbell to you desired weight and lift it out again with the new weights attached. Either end of the dumbbell can be adjusted individually so you could for example have one end heavier than the other.

This system effectively gives you 15 sets of weights all diminished down into a compact little unit, saving you space.

This is great for me as previously I would have to hide mine under the sofa to stop my son getting hold them but with these, I can leave them out, twist them onto the heaviest weight and he doesn’t stand a chance of moving them (and neither do I), having said that a lock button might be handy to prevent accidents when he’s older and to help move them around the house if needed. They do come with storage straps and although these are highly secure they are a bit fiddly for day to day use, involving an hex key and screw, its more little bits that I don’t want laying around with a small child about.

The dumbbells are a little longer than the standard design, but this doesn’t have much of an impact on most workouts and if you need inspiration there are plenty of ideas to build-up those leg, back, chest, ab, shoulder and arm muscles on the free Bowflex SelectTech training App. My favourite thing after the speed of changing these weights is how much quieter they are, the durable moulding around the metal plates provides for a smooth lift-off and the even spacing stops them clanging against each other. The SelectTech 552i Dumbbells are perfect for home workouts, space saving and versatile, suitable for beginners and athletes alike, the only noises I have to worry about now is the bad language coming out of my mouth.

Quiet, compact, versatile and ultra-fast weight changes there is nothing not to love about these dumbbells.

£429

Pros Space saving

15 sets of dumbbells in one Wide weight range (2-24kg) Free workout app Premium grips Ultra-fast weight changes with a Turn of the Dial

For more information on the Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells click here

43

Pause Me

Given the massive rise of online meetings the curse known as Coronavirus has bestowed upon us, it was somewhat inevitable we would get products like this sooner or later! The majority of us have had to put up with Zoom calls while working from home whether we’ve wanted them or not and, I don’t know about you, but sometimes, real life just happens and pays no attention to what you’re actually trying to do to keep those readies flowing in to your bank account.

This device allows you to take a little more control of those situations. It connects via Bluetooth and needs no additional software so is very easy to use. It also has a range of up to 50 feet for when you’re in a situation where you’re unable to be sat in front of your computer for the whole duration of the meeting. But, what does it actually do? Well, it’s fully Zoom compatible and, as well as looking pretty, it remotely controls whether or not your camera is on and whether or not you’re muted. Two simple buttons do this, one either end of the device. You couldn’t ask for it to be much easier to be honest.

However, I am left wondering – I can just press the ‘mute’ button on the Zoom call. I can also easily turn the camera on or off in Zoom with a click of a mouse button. So, what’s this offering that I can’t already do anyway? After some thinking, the best reason I can see for this existing is for someone with limited physical capability. A mouse can be a daunting prospect for some, and this device would make Zoom meetings far less so and anything that empowers someone is a tick in the box for me.

Could be a God-send for some, don’t think I need one myself though.

$30

Control meetings with

Pros Good range Easy to use

Looks stylish Cons Doesn’t really add anything I can’t do already.

this little device

For more information on Pause Me click here

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15 minutes Automatic start and stop

Hario Bloom V60 Buono Drip Kettle

As a coffee lover I have a wide range of gadgets to make my favourite brew, from electric espresso, to manual, French press and AeroPress and there is even a Tassimo lurking in one of the cupboards, however there is one product I have never tried, the drip kettle. These funny looking kettles, also known as goose neck kettles have been designed to provide precise control over the brewing process, not just the speed of the water but also the area of the coffee grounds you chose to saturate this is for serious coffee makers. The new Hario Bloom series comes in 100% plastic free packaging and is suitable for baristas, coffeehouses and coffee lovers alike, the V60 drip kettle features a classic and graceful design and comes in 600ml or 800ml sizes. Featuring a low-mounted spout and a high-mounted handle, this gives you total control of the flow-rate, making it ideal for use with a dripper brewing method.

This style of brewing involves pouring the water directly onto the coffee in even, circular motions at a steady pace which is precisely what the Hario V60 kettle allows you to do. The Kettle is compact at 274W × 144D × 147H mm, constructed with a durable but lightweight stainless- steel body with a flat-bottom design, it is compatible with all types of stoves, gas, electric, induction and radiant. The ergonomic handle is made from a grip friendly phenol resin which lets you pour out the water with minimal effort, the flat knob on the lid is also made out of this easy grip material. This type of brewing process has been a bit of an eye opener for me, it probably won’t be my go to morning coffee but there is something very meditative about pouring the water over the coffee out of this beautiful kettle, it does a great job at pulling out the flavour of the beans resulting in a delicious coffee.

This kettle gives you precise control over water flow and direction For more information on the Hario Bloom V60 Buono Drip Kettle click here

£60

Pros 600 or 800ml capacity Precise pour-over spout Easy-grip handle Flat knob lid Directly use for drip coffee Light weight Works with any stove Cons Pricey Time-consuming brewing process

47

Acebeam Rider Rx It’s definitely near to camping season again isn’t it? One of the worst things about camping, in my humble experience, is that moment in the middle of the night when everyone has retired and you wake up needing the loo and it’s right over that ridge. The one with several tents and their vicious guide-ropes (that are totally out to get you – those things are sentient and looking to over-throw humanity, I tell you!) along the way. In the dark. After that dread realisation, you then discover you forgot to bring a torch and the odyssey begins…

(or forgot) to charge your torch during the day. When fully charged, it can knock out a pretty impressive 650 lumens of light for a few minutes, more than powerful enough to light a whole room and probably enough to wake up all the other campers in the area too! So maybe go for one of the less bright yet still useful settings of 450 or 330 lumens. The brightness for the AA battery is nowhere near as impressive but 85 lumens for 35 mins is nothing to be sniffed at.

There is one other interesting feature for this torch and I’m getting one of these things this summer! It’s a pretty that is that it has ‘fidget’ parts on it. The clip is moveable impressive looking piece, with a stainless steel shell and a and will hopefully provide entertainment for the bored or Lithium ion battery built in that can be charged with a usb restless. At the very least, it should help to give someone a cable. But, even better, is the fact that you can also use a little bit of relaxation while avoiding those suspect guide regular alkaline AA battery, just in case you were unable ropes.

Small, powerful and smart looking, I want!

For more information on the Acebeam Rider Rx click here

£50.95

Pros VERY bright if needed Has decent battery life at lower settings too

Easily fits in your pocket and less bulky than a traditional torch

Fits on to a cap peak so you don’t even have to hold it Cons Small size could find it hard to find in your tent, especially if you’re in a rush

49

Rockit Wooshh

£19.99

Whilst baby is cooking away for 9 months they are already taking in the world around them, however due to all the layers between their ears and the outside world sounds are distorted, this is why they find some noises extra comforting. As well as all the noises outside baby can also hear mums’ heartbeat, stomach gurgles and the whooshing of the air entering and leaving the lungs, this all comes together to make a soothing rhythmic tune for baby to chill out to. It is understandable they have such a tough time falling and staying asleep once they leave this melodic comforting space. The Rockit Wooshh helps transition baby into the world with eight high-quality soothing sounds with four volume levels. This tiny little rocket (60H x 36W x 36D mm, 36g) can be stood, clipped or strapped close to Moses baskets or cots, on pushchairs and anywhere baby is willing to have a snooze (always keep out of reach of baby), it charges up via USB, which means you can charge it at home or via a portable power bank for extra convenience when out and about.

It can be set to play for 1 hour or for 10 hours for those extra tricky nights, the sounds are really impressive for such a little speaker, there are two types of shushing noises to pick from, as well as a stream, heavy rain, a womb sound with pink noise, a cat purring, lullaby and a genuine outer space noise (used with kind permission from NASA). My little man uses white noise to help him sleep and one issue we have come across now he’s older and having sleep overs or naps away from home is that we don’t have the white noise to hand, that’s what makes the Wooshh a great idea.

You can easily toggle through the sounds with a push of the button, holding the button down changes the volume, the Wooshh will remember the last sound selected so it’s ready to go with baby’s favourite next time. The Wooshh is a fab portable baby soother, excellent value for money for something that can put baby to sleep anywhere, anytime, oh and, it works great with adults too.

The Wooshh is an ultra-portable, soothing sound machine to lull your little ones to sleep wherever you are.

Pros 8 high-quality soothing sounds and 4 volume levels Super compact and portable USB Rechargable 1 hour or all-night mode Stand, clip or strap it (out of reach of child) Great value for money 10% of profits donated to The Aidie Trust Protecting vulnerable babies

For more information on the Rockit Wooshh click here

51

ISOtunes FREE Aware ISOtunes create a bridge between work safe hearing protection and enjoyable audio, allowing you to stay safe whilst on the job and hear your favourite songs or podcasts to keep you motivated. The FREE Aware claims to be ISOtunes’ most versatile and innovative to date, letting you communicate clearly and work freely, they are completely waterproof and cord-free thanks to the Bluetooth 5.2 connection providing a range of up to 30 feet. They come with three pairs of Tall TRILOGY eartips (S, M, L), three pairs of Short TRILOGY eartips (S, M, L) one pair of triple silicone eartips, USB-C charging cable, charging case, and charging case lanyard. It is best to try on each eartip size to ensure you get the perfect fit for the best hearing protection, they have a memory foam style consistency, so you squeeze them down a little, pop them in and as they expand, they create a seal to hold them in place.

The earbuds are a little on the large size, I do have small ears and found they stuck out a bit, not the most comfortable but they did hold in place, they have an IP67 rating to protect against dust, sweat, and water. The level-dependent Aware Technology means you can continue to communicate with colleagues and listen out for important information, warning signals and safety alarms for example, all while receiving non-stop certified protection. The FREE Aware have a 32 SNR for noise reduction, are OSHA-compliant for hearing protection and limits the volume output to 85dB. They last a whopping 13hours from one charge which increases to 25hours when used with the charging case, they will automatically power off after 2 hours without Bluetooth connection for battery conservation. The background noise-reducing microphone offers clear communication in loud environments and lets you activate Siri/ Google Voice when needed. These headphones provide clear, detailed and enjoyable tunes at safe volumes, protecting your hearing from both exterior noise and the music volume itself.

For more information on the ISOtunes FREE Aware click here

£169.99

Enjoy the best of both worlds with clear audio at safe levels whilst remaining connected to the world around you.

Pros Aware Technology for complete situational awareness Certified protection from harmful noises 32 SNR for noise reduction Dual-connection Up to 13 hours of battery life (25 extra hours with charging case) Background noise-reducing microphone for clear communication in loud environments

Siri/Google Voice Compatible Cons Large earbuds Pricey

53

Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit Spray tans are a safer way of getting that golden summery look but not everyone is up for wearing paper pants in front of a stranger, the MineTan Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit lets you do it from the comfort of your own home, no pants required! Whether this is your first ever spray tan or you are an old hand to it the Bronze Babe has been designed to be user friendly, the kit comes with the Bronze Babe Spray Tan Machine, Double Dark Pro Spray Mist (237 ml) and the Bronze on Applicator Mitt. To use simply fill the cup, spray your body and rinse after one to three hours, for best results exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours before especially around the elbows, knees and ankles, wax or shave at least 48 hours prior allowing the pores to close.

Afterwards moisturise every day and after day five, exfoliate with a soft body polish on a daily basis to allow the skin to absorb even more moisturiser, this helps the tan fade evenly, rather than in patches. The gun is lightweight and reasonably compact so you can get around most of your body ok, you will need a hand when it comes to your back unless you are super bendy. It uses a fine mist that can be adjusted via the dial for a streak free finish, we did find is spluttered a few times, but it was nothing the Mitt couldn’t blot away, it was surprisingly mess free in amateur hands.

It dries quickly and is suitable for all skin types, it is also 100% vegan and cruelty free, with 100% natural DHA, uses sustainably sourced and recycled materials and is paraben, palm oil, mineral oil and sulphate free. With all things considered the Bronze Babe is pretty good value for money, you can use your own tanning solution if the included version isn’t for you, it’s as simple as plug in and spray.

Pros Super easy to use Good value for money Fast drying Lightweight Cons Can spit at times Main power limits where you can use it

For more information on the Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit click here

Get the glow of a spray tan without the paper pants. £69

55

Datacolor SpyderX Capture Pro When it comes to editing it is a must for photographers to have accurate colour management, what you see on different screens can vary greatly and it only takes the slightest anomalies for the end products colour to be off. The SpyderX Capture Pro is the ultimate colour management tool it comes with the SpyderX Elite monitor calibrator, Spyder LensCal lens calibrator, Spyder Cube for white balance and RAW conversion and the Spyder Checkr for camera colour calibration. Starting with the SpyderX Elite monitor calibrator, this is an integrated ambient light sensor that measures your room light throughout the day allowing you to adjust your display brightness and contrast to ideal levels.

The software can remind you to recalibrate or do it automatically for you with custom profiles based on light level. SpyderX Elite features 3 ambient light settings.

The SpyderX Elite offers One-click Calibration, Stepby-step Assistant modes and Expert Console modes, you can calibrate multiple laptops, desktop monitors and front projectors. The SpyderProof feature, lets you see the difference between your monitor colours before and after calibration and it has the most extensive selection of calibration options, including photo, video, prepress and scientific calibration standards. The Softproof enables you to preview how your changes will look in print form on a specific printer model, paper and ink, and upload ICC printer profiles. The Spyder LensCal lens calibrator lets

you calibrate your interchangeable lenses and recent DSLR bodies, ensuring you have razor-sharp focus and that the lenses are working properly. It is compact, lightweight and durable, and can easily be mounted on a tripod. The Spyder Cube speeds up RAW processing by taking a reference shot in any light conditions to set white balance, exposure, black, and brightness for the entire series giving you all the right information for RAW corrections.

The chrome ball is used for measuring the highlight to analyse the overexposed areas of the image and the white areas define the lights in relation to the highlights. Lastly there’s the SpyderCheckr, this is a colour calibrator, perfect for when multiple cameras need to be colourmatched, the 48 spectrally engineered colour patches include colours for more precise skin tone, medium saturation colour, and near-white tints and black tones. There is a full-size grey card on the back of the SpyderCheckr for correct white balance and you can track the light exposure of your target with the FadeCheckr light-sensitive patch (replacement cards available). The whole kit comes with a tough and compact carry case for easy transportation from the studio to location shoot to editing suite, the software is user friendly, encouraging you to get the calibration correct in a quick and reliable way so you can focus on creativity.

A complete calibration kit from shoot through to editing.

For more information on the Datacolor SpyderX Capture Pro click here

£359 Pros Four calibration tools Robust carry case User-friendly software Compact tools Precise and accurate

57

Ekster Father's Day Bundle

Stuck for ideas for father's day? well stress no more, Ekster has put together this wonderful little bundle of their most popular products and accessories, we will be taking a closer look at each, starting with the Parliament wallet.

on sale from

£95

Ekster Parliament Wallet

Ekster sets out to make life as easy as possible by reimagining the traditional wallet by making it easier to use and harder to lose. Based in the Netherlands Ekster is named after the Dutch word for Magpie, well known for its habit of collecting and hiding shiny things.

Inspired by the Magpie the Ekster’s flagship wallet the Parliament (named after a flock of Magpies) was created to protect everyday valuables. The Parliament wallet comes in seven editions in its classic design (we received the Nappa Black version), it is also available in three different colours of vegan leather, made with PVB sourced from scrapped cars and three matte finishes to ensure there is a perfect colour and material for everyone. The Nappa Black is constructed from genuine leather which will age beautifully with use and are tanned under gold-rated LWG environmental protocols. The built-in aluminium cardholder is one of the things that sets this wallet apart, with a press of a button the card-slider mechanism pops out up to six non-embossed cards (or a combination of 4 - 5 embossed/non-embossed cards) in a staggered fashion making it easy to locate the card you need. I found selecting a card easy when they were fanned but my sausage fingered friend struggled to separate them, there are two pockets where you can store your most used cards.

This wallet can take 12+ cards but it is recommended that 9 is the max number. The RFID/NFC protecting technology in the wallet protects your cards from wireless skimming and private data theft, the elasticated strap can be used to store bank notes but unfortunately there is nowhere to store coins. There is a lot to love about the Parliament, however, there are elements that won’t work for everybody. It is reasonably compact (1.1 x 10.5 x 6.5 cm) but the metal construction means it is better suited in a jacket pocket than a trouser pocket, the cards in the card slider can slip out if given a shake (I’m not sure why you would do this but it’s something to consider). It is hard to see all your bank notes under the strap and removing just one at a time can be fiddly, something this wallet was trying to avoid. This wallet comes down to personal preference, it is a premium construction and RFID protection are great features but the limited space and solid body make it best suited for evenings out and special occasions rather than everyday use.

For more information on Ekster Parliament Wallet click here

Pros Quick card access mechanism $89 RFID blocking technology Premium leather construction RingerRing your wallet or phone (with Tracker card) Voice-Activated Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri (with Tracker card) Selfie-mode takes remote group selfies with your Tracker card Cons Inflexible Cards can slip out Larger fingers may struggle with card slide Cash notes are hard to organise No coin storage Need to remember to charge card every two months

This wallet won’t be perfect for everyone, however its durable design and quirky look will have quite the charm on some.

59

Ekster Aluminium Cardholder

The Aluminium Cardholder now comes in 15 different designs including the brand new Forged Ember, Matte Black and the Graphite version we received. This minimalist wallet is made from a space-grade aluminium and has a builtin button that with a quick press pops up your cards and fans them out for easy access, when you are done simply replace the card and push them all back into place. Even with the most vigorous shaking these cards aren’t going anywhere without that button being pressed, even if you choose to store one card. One to six cards can be stored in the main compartment (maximum of six non-embossed cards, or a combination of 4 - 5 embossed/non-embossed cards, depending on the thickness of each card) with the option of storing an extra nine in the expandable aluminium backplate.

This can also be used to hold notes, however the more bits you have tucked in here the more it slows you down in identifying and retrieving them. The wallet measures up at 0.29 x 4.1 x 2.3 in (0.75 x 10.5 x 6 cm) making it easy to tuck into a jacket or trouser pocket (even skinny jeans), however be aware of removing it from your back trouser pocket before sitting down, you won’t damage the wallet, but your backside will certainly know about it. The Aluminium Cardholder uses an integrated RFID blocking layer that prevents thieves from stealing your identity and money by data skimmers. The optional Ekster Tracker Card can be bought separately, which helps you locate your wallet from your phone (or vice versa), with a solar powered battery and up to 200ft (60m) range with Bluetooth 4.0. The Ekster Aluminium Cardholder is a stylish and distinctive looking device, it is probably best suited for occasions rather than day to day use unless you tend to carry a minimal amount of cards/cash with you.

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$79

This card holder will certainly stand out in the crowd, especially when you push that button.

Pros Wide range of finishes available Smart, unique look Fans out your cards with a push of a button Super durable space-grade 6061-T6 aluminium Slim profile Expandable backplate Blocks RFID Holds 1-15 cards + bills Cons Minimal storage Difficult to access lots of cards and cash in the back plate

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Ekster Carbon Fiber Cardholder This New Carbon Fiber version has all the same features as the aluminium model but is constructed out of 3K Spacegrade Carbon Fiber making it noticeably lighter whilst maintaining that durability these wallets are know for. There are only two styles to choose from in this material right now, the Carbon Forged and the Carbon Fiber, both featuring a dual tone finish.

$129

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Ekster Carbon Fiber Cardholder Continuing the theme of minimalism meets durability we have another new edition from Ekster, the Tool Card. This ultra-compact multi-tool has been designed to fit in your wallet, card holder or cash clip and packs multiple tools into a neat little card (0.1” x 1.8” x 3.5”). It combines a flathead screwdriver, 5-inch wrenches (¼”, 5/16 - ½” hex bit, 3/16” and 9/16"), SIM card pin, box opener, bottle opener, metric and inch ruler. Made from 304 stainless steel, this tool card caters to a busy lifestyle and is built for travel. The whole thing is made from 304 stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion, temperature, and impact damage and is compatible with TSA guidelines. This 7-in-1 multi tool is suitable for any wallet or pocket, perfect for those who want to remain prepared whilst travelling light.

$39 For more information on Ekster Tool Card click here

Ekster Cash Clip $19

This cheeky little add on is a minimal way to carry cash when you need it, it has the Ekster logo engraved against a Space Gray gloss finish giving it an elegant style suitable for everyday use, it is handcrafted and made to last.

The streamlined slim design provides maximum storage, at 0.8” x 2” x 0.3”/0.04” it can hold cash or cards (One to three, depending on the thickness), it can be used on its own or attached to a card holder or wallet. This clip is anti-slip, anti-scratch, anti-bend and anti-ugly, small and discrete but always secure.

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