The Review Smiths Issue 21

Issue 21 Mar 2022

THE

Review Smiths FORGING HONEST REVIEWS

Morrck Baby Blanket

Vivobarefoot Magna FG

Arlo Essential

Cardo Freecom 4X

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 KitchenAid Artisan

CONTENTS

Hi and welcome back!

We are getting into the swing of things now and will be publishing every month again, a special shout out to my mum for entertaining the little man so we can finally get some work done without a tiny human trying to eat the computer mouse.

We have the pleasure of introducing a new writer this month, Dave Hicks who has joined the team and bringing along with it his passion for both writing about and playing with gadgets, and what a collection we have had in this edition! We have had some awesome products to get you out of the house and enjoy some exercise, some beautiful gifts for those expecting a new baby and lots of tech to make your life just that little bit easier. We also have a wide range of headphones from premium to budget to those specifically designed to protect your hearing and even a pair that uses bone conductivity to send those tunes to your ears.

So, grab yourself a cupper, pop your feet up and enjoy perusing these pages, we look forward to seeing you all again in April.

Editor and Chief

Managing Director Alex Hilling-Smith

Writer Dave Hicks

Senior Writer Emma Hilling-Smith

Chief Dribbler 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. Arlo Pro 3 06. Arlo Essential 08. dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve 10. Marmitek Stream S2 Pro 12. moKee Natural Moses Basket 14. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 16. Gamesir VX2 Aimbot 18. Duux Whisper Flex 20. Bloom and Nora Bloomers Mighty 3 Pack 22. KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 4.8L 24. Exotogg 26. ISOtunes LITE 28. Morrck Baby Hooded Car Seat Blanket All Season 30. Ekster Aluminium Brushed Black Cardholder 32. Unibank Power Bank 34. Scanmarker Air 36. Punkt MP02 39. TRIWA Sub Ocean Plastic-Nemo 40. Shokz OpenRun 42. Kally Sleep Sleep Gummies 44. Knog Bandicoot Run 250 Headlamp 46. Wearable X Nadi X 48. BISSELL PowerClean 2X 50. Vivobarefoot Magna FG 52. Cardo Freecom 4X 54. Lindy LTS-50 56. Kosmos Exit the Game The Deserted Lighthouse 57. Creatto Dragon 58. Niche Zero Coffee Grinder 60. Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness 62. Technaxx Full HD Birdcam TX-165

Arlo Pro 3 The Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera is the first 100% wire-free floodlight, giving you greater installation options, choosing where has the best view instead of where has access to a mains supply.

This powerful floodlight can illuminate the vulnerable parts of your property when motion is detected to deter intruders as well as provide a well-lit image for the camera. The light is more powerful than a car headlight providing up to 3000 lumens, it comes with an XL rechargeable battery that can last up to six months depending on how much the light is triggered, additional batteries can be bought separately. If relying on a battery that you have to remember to charge doesn’t fill you with confidence you can invest in the Solar Panel charger or Outdoor Charging cable. Set up is wonderfully simply, there is no hub or lengthy installation process, mount it in your chosen location, then download the app and connect to the camera.

Just like so many security systems this one comes with options for subscription, unlike many security systems however it is reasonably priced with offers of $2.99 a month for one camera and $9.99 a month for up to five cameras.

The Smart plan will give you access to 2K Cloud Recording, 30-Day Cloud Storage, Advanced Object Detection for detecting people, vehicles, and more with Package Detection to see when your orders arrive at your door. Create Activity Zones to monitor specific areas on your property and set Intelligent Alerts that allow you to take action quickly when you are away from home and personalise the notifications to keep you informed of events that matter to you. The Pro 3 floodlight comes with a 3-month free trial included so you can decide whether you need the added extras or just run it on the basic free set up. The camera delivers clear and bright 2K video with colour night vision, a built-in Smart Siren can be triggered remotely, the lens provides a 160° viewing angel and can zoom in on objects whilst maintaining the clarity.

The two-way audio allows you to hear and speak to people on your property whether you are in the bath or miles away, the brightness, video, and audio settings can all be personalised via the app. This floodlight camera is a great choice for keeping an eye on those more remote or darker areas of your property, the robust unit can easily withstand the ever-changing weather and all those premium features make this camera excellent value for money.

A functional flood light 2k security camera with wireless installation protects those darker areas of your property.

£259

Pros Durable, wireless device 6-month battery life Reasonably priced subscription for extra features Clear 2k images Colour night vision Up to 3000 lumen motion active flood light Effortless installation Packed with features For more information on the The Arlo Pro 3 click here

5

Arlo Essential Home security doesn’t have to be complicated, although it can be tempting to think the more features the better sometimes these can get in the way, a watchful eye and a bright light can be enough to deter the bad folks.

We already have an Arlo Video Doorbell so it was incredibly easy to set up the Arlo Essential, simply pair it to the app, however if you don’t have any Arlo products already it’s still a straightforward set up. When trying to find the right location to install the camera the app will show you where you have a strong WiFi signal, and you can live stream as you go to ensure you have the perfect angle for your property. As this is a wire free camera, installation is a breeze as it can be mounted virtually anywhere, the rechargeable battery can last up to 6months depending on the settings.

The Essential camera records 1080p full colour videos, with a 130° viewing angle, the Night Vision feature uses dual 850nm LEDs to illuminate up to 25 feet with an IR cut filter. Although this is an Essential camera it doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with some useful features, including Motion Alerts that will be sent to your phone, you can then set off the built-in siren or call for help if needed, the siren can also be set to sound automatically during an event. There is also two-way audio that lets you hear and speak to visitors (or intruders when you really want to freak them out) over the app, there is a 110° horizontal motion detection sensor and 12x digital zoom.

The strong outer casing is fully weather resistant and can withstand the heat, cold, rain and sun, you can also take advantage of the sun with the optional Solar Panel3 that can be used to power the camera. This camera comes with a three-month free trial to the Arlo secure subscription, this gives you even more features including 30days cloud storage, package, animal and vehicle detection and more. The Essential camera is a simple but highly effective security camera, suitable to add to your Arlo set up or use as a stand-alone device for that extra peace of mind.

Pros Wire free installation Easy to set up Reliable connection Clear, colour recordings 3 month free Arlo service plan Bright flood light 2 way audio and built in siren For more information on the Arlo Essential click here

A straightforward security camera with defined colour images.

£130

7

£160

dryrobe

Advance Long Sleeve

I have been waiting for one of these beauties to land on my desk, pre lockdown I was a keen obstacle runner, the muddier the better, however there was one element I didn’t enjoy, the post-race change.

This would involve trying to strip off soggy Lycra, scrape off mud, almost always in freezing conditions and putting on dry clothes without flashing the other people around you, the success of which was hit and miss. The dryrobe® is perfect for situations like this, allowing you to fully strip off and dry whilst remaining toasty warm with your dignity intact. The Advance range from dryrobe® is now made from 100% recycled fabrics while maintaining the high performance that the brand is known for..

The long-sleeved design, paired with the hood leaves very little skin exposed to the elements, the large sleeves let you draw in your arms and the roomy body makes it easy to change inside. We received the Black Camo design which looked subtle and outdoorsy, there are brighter options available too with 13 different colours in total. The outside shell is waterproof and windproof, treated with eco-friendly BIONIC-FINISH ECO water-repellent technology and sealed seams. There is a full length 2-way reversible YKK zip which can be operated from the outside and the inside, this lets you cover up as much as or as little as you like or simply run around with it like a cape.

There are two deep, fleece-lined external zip pockets which double up as hand warmers, the cuffs can be adjusted for the perfect fit to keep the wind out. On the inside we find the super-warm synthetic lambswool lining made from 100% recycled polyester, this lining actively draws the water away from the skin or wetsuit and into the pile of the fabric, this means it can be used multiple times throughout the day, over wet gear, without needing to be dried in between. There is a large A4 soft-lined ‘poacher’ pocket, ideal for storing your pants, and an internal waterproof zip entry pocket with a wire pass through, ideal for a phone with access for headphones or a charger. The only downside to the dryrobe® if I am pushed to find one is that it is rather bulky, there is an option of getting a dryrobe® Compression Travel Bag which is available for increased storage and portability.

Bulky as it might be the dryrobe® Advance Long Sleeve is lightweight for its size (approx 1.3kg dependant on size) making it comfortable and easy to move around in. The dryrobe® Advance is perfect for those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, be it obstacle runs, triathlons, wild swimming or simply a trip to the seaside or camping, ensuring there is always a warm and dry space to hang out in.

Hopping into the dryrobe® Advance after an event is like getting a big warm hug.

Pros 100% recycled fabrics Re-use multiple times without it feeling wet or cold

Wicks moisture away Preserves energy and core temperature

Light construction Leave it on over clothing or wetsuit Multiple pockets, both inside and out Waterproof and windproof Durable Cons Bulky to transport For more information on the dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve click here

9

Marmitek Stream S2 Pro If you’re anything like me, you’ve attained multiple different techy things over time such as a telly, gaming console, laptop, mobile and so on. But, trying to get them all connected is not exactly straight-forward. I recently had a few home movies recorded on my mobile that I wanted to get on my laptop. Then my partner mentioned how much better it would be to see it all on the telly, good idea and Simple right?

Cue problems. I ordered all sorts of cables (I’m not a hugely techy guy, to be honest a lot of it just confuses the heck out of me…) all that I ordered ended up not working (not to mention having to put the laptop down near the telly and turning it round to face away from you like a child on the naughty step so you didn’t have double-screenage), all because the cable didn’t reach. Not that I got there anyway,

nothing worked! I digress.

Finally, I found this! A wireless HDMi (see, I know tech stuff now!). All I needed to do was plug one into the telly (LOVE how HDMi sockets are shaped different to all the rest…) and the other into the laptop and bingo, instant home movies on the telly! Now, some of you are thinking, so what, big deal, nothing new here. But the great thing with this one is that it also supports Airplay and Miracast (I’m not a complete neanderthal with tech…) meaning that you can stream content straight from your Apple items (iOS and iPadOS supported) and Android ones. I don’t even have to transfer it on to my laptop anymore.

Life just got easier, although the other half does have to put up with my amateur attempts at filming being shown on the big screen now…

Stream straight from any device.

€349.95

Pros Plug-and-play – no drivers needed Cross-compatibility with various devices Er, wireless?

Cuts out the need for a ‘middleman’ (laptop) Cons Pricey but then, convenience costs.

For more information on the Marmitek Stream S2 Pro click here

11

moKee

Natural Moses Basket

moKee have been steadily increasing their range of scandi style nursery and baby products with their natural materials being at the heart of their designs, one of their latest releases is the Natural Moses Basket now available in the Seagrass collection.

This moses basket is available with or without the stand and comes in the choice of a Green or Natural finish, this hand-woven basket is made from seagrass making it a durable piece that fits in with the timeless MoKee style. The basket has internal dimensions of 72cm in length and 38cm in width, the height at the front is 18cm which raises up to 25cm in the back for more of a traditional style. Like all moses baskets it is suitable for babies up to 6 months of age who cannot sit up on their own, roll over and lift themselves up on their hands and knees.

The Seagrass comes with an aloe vera infused quilted cover mattress with a comfortable but firm reflex foam filling, perfect for keeping baby safe, this mattress is also breathable ensuring your little one remains cool whilst they sleep.

The cover has a zip fastening and is machine washable because let’s face it, it will probably end up with some bodily fluid on it fairly quickly, the grey material that lines the Moses basket is also machine washable for those extra messy events. The optional stand perfectly matches the Seagrass basket, it is straight forward to put together (it must be I managed it whilst pregnant), there are additional supporting rungs, and on the sides and in the middle, there are straps for added stability. The stand measures up at 62H x 44W x 89L cm, it is made from solid beech wood with a waterbased VOC free paint finish that compliments the basket beautifully. This gorgeous Moses basket provides a safe space for baby to sleep wherever you are in those precious early months with a minimalist design that will go with any interior.

For more information on the moKee Natural Moses Basket click here

Pros Soft and natural seagrass £169 (£205 Hand woven ) Strong handles Breathable and durable Supplied with Aloe Vera mattress and soft with

stand

grey lining

Optional stand available Minimalist scandi design

A beautiful natural Moses basket that will compliment any interior.

13

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 So, where to start with these bad boys? They may seem a little old in the market, having been released in 2020 but sometimes, newest isn’t always bestest! At least that’s what I tell people when I meet them… The sound quality is awesome! I can hear most things when playing most tracks, although if that guitar riff isn’t a solo it can get lost a little and you may just miss out on some of those characteristic twangs you’re used to on your favourite tracks. But the bass is solid and true and, on the whole, I can honestly say these are some of the best earbuds I have had the pleasure of listening through.

As for functionality – they work best when combined with the Sennheiser App off your mobile phone – get it before you open up the case, it makes life easier, trust me. The buds instantly start searching for a connection when they are removed from their case and they automatically connect quicker to devices with the App. This does mean that to get the most out of them, it’s best to get the App, use it to configure them how you want and then feel free to link them up to your laptop/console/Smart TV comfortable in the knowledge they should play how you want. They also have the standard noise-cancelling option, although this is something many earbuds have yet to get quite right – it also eats the battery up quicker when in use but, unless you’re on a busy commute and the buds aren’t fitting properly, it’s a worthwhile trade-off in my opinion.

Finally, the battery life leaves a tiny bit to be desired at 4 hrs when all bells and whistles are going, but we’ll put that down to age – quality over quantity, right?

£279

Pros Good sound quality

Comfortable Easy to use App Cons Expensive Released in 2020 and still some of the best earbuds on the market.

For more information on Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 click here

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Gamesir VX2 Aimbot The first thing I asked was “who are Gamesir?”. A little research (alright, Google was my friend!) tells me they’ve been around since 2010, are based in China and that they are committed to creating gaming peripherals “that makes each player experience beyond and above a normal gaming experience.”

Quite the mission statement, so how does this translate in to this product and what does it do? Well, for starters, it’s very simple to use: It’s a ‘plug and play’ product so all you need to do is plug it in to your console and away you go! It’s compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5 and the Nintendo Switch and has wireless connectivity for a keyboard and mouse at a handy 2.4 Ghz too – more than enough to handle keyboard/mouse interaction, so you can avoid all those annoying wires (a given, having things wireless these days but hey, I’m an old gen console player – it still makes me happy every time I don’t pull the wire out celebrating!) when using this combo. It is still wired for crossplatform controllers however and, if you prefer old school (or, like me, you have to pick and choose which things are wireless due to your budget), you can connect a keyboard and mouse with a wire too.

An added bonus is the Bluetooth 5.0 Drivers that come installed on the device. Primarily this allows you to use the Gamesir App on your mobile phone, giving you options to tweak in-game settings such as mouse sensitivity. In case you didn’t know, Bluetooth 5.0 is backwards compatible so if you have an older phone with Bluetooth 4.2, you’ll still be able to make us of the app and this is available for all Android devices, via Game Store and on the App Store for Apple.

Play mouse and keyboard on your console.

£49.99

Pros Plug-and-play Compatible with next gen consoles Gamesir App Cons Not the most up-to-date Bluetooth capability.

For more information on the Gamesir VX2 Aimbot click here

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Duux Whisper Flex $149

Don’t get caught out in this years heatwave.

For more information on the Duux Whisper Flex click here

We are getting prepared early this year we are not going to get caught out in a heatwave scrambling about for a fan.

The Whisper Flex is very easy to set up with the instructions and parts all in clearly numbered bags. The only thing I had a slight struggle with was adding the extension to make the fan taller as the instructions tell you to plug the fan directly into the base before they add later in the instructions you can extend it. I was struggling with how to take it apart and looking for the two buttons mentioned in the instructions that needed to be pressed to release. After being stuck with a clueless face for a few minutes I found there was just a long button you press in at the bottom and then pull it away to release.

We had the Whisper Flex without the battery pack which you can pay an additional 50 euros to have this for mobility, without this option you can plug into your mains. We were surprised that you have to buy the battery for the remote separately when for the sake of convenience and not much money a battery could be supplied.

Where the Whisper Flex really excelled and where you want it to succeed is in its general functionality, firstly the fan is really quiet and ranging from 1 – 26 in terms of power you only really hear the fan from 12 upwards.

The fan has a horizontal oscillation from 0-90 degrees and a vertical oscillation of 0-100 degrees. A timer can be set for the fan to switch off automatically from 0-12 hours of being turned on, there is a natural wind function and night mode so you don’t get disturbed by the LED. We have all been there at the beginning of a heatwave at the supermarket or DIY store buying a £20 fan, usually they are noisy as hell and pretty ugly. Yes the Duux Whisper Flex is more expensive but you do get what you pay for.

Pros Really Quiet Easy to setup Looks Elegant Nice and simple functions Cons No battery for remote Instructions to take apart could be clearer

19

Bloom and Nora Bloomers Mighty 3 Pack

I have been using various types of reusable sanitary products in a bid to cut down on single waste plastics, however after the birth of our baby I found it difficult to find a decent maternity pad substitute.

The Bloom and Nora Bloomers Mighty 3 Pack have been specifically designed for heavy days and night wear, they would have worked perfectly for me post-partum too. These pads measure up at 29cm and can hold up to 170ml, if you need a comparison that’s over six and a half shots of tequila, it has a slim contoured cut to fit the shape of standard briefs and avoid bunching up. There is a strong plastic popper which holds the pad in place under the gusset, this proved successful at holding the pad in place whilst going about normal daily activities.

It does feel a little bulky when you first start wearing it, you certainly know it’s there however its actually rather reassuring to feel that high level of protection. The interior is constructed from a soft bamboo fibre that is gentle on your skin whilst allowing it to breath, unlike disposables that can quickly become too warm, not to mention the nasty chemicals that can irritate the skin. There is an absorbent two-layer Polyester Microfibre core and a stay-dry binding for added confidence against leaks. The waterproof outer pad is made from recycled fabrics and there is a choice of colourful patterns, we received the rather aptly named Lady Garden set.

They require a little bit of care but nothing too stressful, just a rinse in cold water immediately after use to prevent staining, they can then be stored in a waterproof bathroom bag. They will need to be washed within 48 hours with a non-bio washing detergent at 40 and with a cool tumble dry and can be reused up to 150 times, that’s a potential of a 12year life span. These soft, planet and body friendly pads can provide a little comfort during an otherwise rather uncomfortable time of the month.

Pros Super soft bamboo lining and absorbent core Recycled materials Breathable Holds firmly in place Soft, made from recycled fabric Wash up well Contoured slim fit Stay-dry binding

Treat your body to a bit of comfort when aunt flow comes around.

£24.25

For more information on the Bloom and Nora Bloomers Mighty 3 Pack click here

KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 4.8L

The KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 4.8L stand mixer is the middle brother of their hugely popular mixer range suitable for cooks, bakers and chefs and professional caters alike, their best selling size. These mixers come in a selection of colours, 28 to be precise such as the iconic Candy Apple, Medallion Silver, Onyx Black, Cast Iron Black, Dried Rose, Empire Red and now their 2022 colour of the year Beetroot.

It uses a high efficiency motor with efficient wattage to power conversion straight into the bowl, the robust design is strong enough to handle even the toughest mixes whilst remaining impressively quiet. Constructed from solid zinc metal it is built to last a lifetime and more and comes with a five-year guarantee, the smooth rounded bowllift professional design is perfect for heavy loads/use and easy to clean. It comes with a 4.8L stainless steel bowl, removable pouring chute, elliptic 11-wire whisk, powerknead spiral dough hook, flat beater ensuring this mixer is ready for anything from bread and cakes, to whipping cream and mashing potatoes. The attachments can all go in the dishwasher which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your food.

The stand mixer was the original home stand mixer with the unique ‘planetary action’, this allows the beater to spiral to at least 59 touchpoints around the bowl for a fast and thorough mix. The speed can be adjusted via the control lever from a gentle stir at level 1 up, beating at 6 and fast whipping at level 10. The tilt head makes it easy to access the bowl without making a mess, the single multipurpose attachment hub on the head opens the mixer to a wide range of additional attachments from a spiralizer to a pasta roller, ice cream maker or food grinder. This mixer will become your sous chef, it’s strong, consistent, reliable and versatile. At the end of your baking session it is easy to clean down, all ready for the next days work.

£599

Pros Powerful Reliable

5-year guarantee Built to last Machine washable accessories

Versatile

KitchenAids colour of the year Beetroot.

For more information on the KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lift Artisan 4.8L click here

23

Exotogg

Some of the best adventures are to be had outdoors in the winter, it is a beautiful time of year, however our warmblooded bodies are not fans of the cold, there are loads of different heated clothing out there to tackle this but they often come with bulky batteries packs that need constant recharging and high price tags.

The Exotogg stands out from the crowd by ditching the cables and using the power of your lungs to keep you warm, you will never run out of power or be restricted by time. Feathers and fur work as effective insulators by trapping air and the Exotogg works in the same way, it has a tabard style cut, that slips over your head and comes with Velcro straps that need to be cut to size for your perfect fit. It has an undeniable plasticky texture, it’s not unpleasant but does carry a slightly synthetic odour, on the plus side it is very light (260g), highly flexible and is made from a tough recyclable TPU. All it takes to inflate the Exotogg is three puffs into the mouthpiece, this is enough for it to retain your body heat, if you get too warm you don’t even have to remove it, simply let the air out, this makes it an ideal mid-layer. Unlike down insulated clothing the Exotoggs performance isn’t compromised if it gets wet and its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties means it will remain fresh. This is important as the TPU material isn’t very breathable, thankfully it is machine washable if things do get a bit sweaty, it’s still better then being cold, plus it helps to keep out the wind chill.

This body warmer comes with a little stuff-bag for storage, its packs down into a convenient compact little piece that can be tucked away in your bag without adding any noticeable weight. The Exotogg is good for a whole range of activities from winter sports, motorcycling and camping to watching your kids play footy at the weekend, Exotogg even have some handy suggestions for when you’re not wearing the body warmer including using it as a pillow, a dog cosy and perhaps most importantly a wine-bottle protector.

Enjoy using your Exotogg guilt-free; no animals were harmed, and no animal products were used in the manufacture of this product. It doesn’t shed microfibers, no toxic solvents were used during manufacture, and it is fully recyclable.

£97

Pros Three puffs to inflate Very warm Battery and cable free Lightweight and compact Flexible Machine washable Versatile Cons Not breathable For more information on the Exotogg click here

A handy mid layer that’s only a few breaths away from keeping you warm.

25

ISOtunes LITE ISOtunes is a company that set out to combine both ear protection and enjoyable audio, why should working in a noisy environment have to be a choice between hearing damage or working in silence.

The ISOtunes LITE are Bluetooth earplugs that come with one pair of TRILOGY Universal Fit eartips and Secure-Fit ear fins, three pairs of double flange eartips (S, M, L), and a micro USB charging cable. At first look the TRILOGY Universal eartips is that they are pretty chunky, they claim to fit most ear canals, I know from experience I have smaller ears and although the eartips held in place it wasn’t a close enough fit for the ear fins to hook into my ears.

The eartips have a memory foam style CustomFit design, the need to be flattened down before putting in the ear and then they slowly expand to form a snug seal, this helps block out the background noise.

There is an intuitive control panel built into the wire, it’s here you can adjust the volume and connect to your phone, the LITE use Bluetooth 5.0 and can dual-connect to devices

up to 30 feet. These earbuds have up to 10 hours of battery life and are designed to work in messy environments thanks to the IP67 sweat, dust, and waterproof casing. When you are not using them, the earbuds will connect magnetically so it forms a necklace to keep them safe. The noise-isolating microphone provides clear communication and lets you activate voice assistants like Siri and Goggle. The ISOtunes LITE are 26 dB NRR / 36 dB SNR certified, offer OSHA-compliant hearing protection and use SafeMax Technology that limits the volume output to 85 dB, the recommended limit for prevent hearing damage. The sound quality is enjoyable but lacks definition in the base, they are best suited to vocal focused music like pop and electronic or classical and podcasts will work well too.

These are a good pair of earphones if you are looking for something to use in noisy environments without risking your hearing, with an enjoyable sound for a reasonable price.

A low cost way to enjoy your tunes whilst protecting your hearing.

£59.99

Pros TRILOGY Universal eartips OSHA-compliant hearing protection SafeMax Technology limits volume to 85 dB. Up to 10 hour battery life IP67 rating Siri/Google Voice compatible Cons TRILOGY eartips maybe too big some Lacks bass detail For more information on the ISOtunes LITE click here

27

Morrck Baby Hooded Car Seat Blanket All Season It is easy to assume that when you have a baby it takes so much longer to get anywhere because of all the feeding, pooping and sleeping, this is only half the story. It is also important to keep newborns warm, when it comes to car seats there shouldn’t be too much padding between their body and the safety straps, this results in constant adding and removing of layers with tiny buttons and awkward poppers.

The Morrck Baby Hooded Car Seat Blanket is an all-season travel blanket, this sits in the car seat, behind the baby allowing you to place them in the seat in their indoor clothes and wrap them up safe and snug. With 24 designs to choose from there is a style for all tastes, there are three sizes to choose from 0-6mths, 5-18mths and 18mths-3yrs and it is suitable for year-round use.

The blanket is made from one layer of super soft anti-pilling fleece and one layer of 100% cotton jersey, making it gentle to the touch, warm, breathable and thankfully easy to wash. Compatible with both three and five point harnesses there is no need to remove it between uses, simply wrap little one up like a burrito. The little hood has a peak on it to ensure the blanket doesn’t slip over baby’s face, although the blanket is classed as clothing and does not require regulated testing, Morrck went ahead and did it anyway to ensure it meets UN Regulations for car seat safety, 44.04 (current regulation) and UN Regulation 129.00 (often referred to as i-size).

Not only does the blanket keep baby warm it protects the car seat from the inevitable mess they come with, it can also be used in a pram, pushchairs and stroller instead of a foot muff or cosy toes, as well as shopping trollies, bouncers and chair swings. This blanket is a simple product but it will give the care givers one less thing to worry about, it also allows them to leave sleeping babies undisturbed when travelling which is worth its weight in gold.

For more information on the Morrck Baby Hooded Car Seat Blanket – All Season click here

Keep baby safe, snug and most importantly undisturbed whilst travelling.

Pros Compatible with 3 and 5 point harnesses Peaked hood Stops blanket from falling on the floor From Super soft Easy to wash £40.95 Protects the seat underneath All seasons use 24 designs Cons Older and wriggly babies can unwrap themselves

29

Ekster Aluminium Brushed Black Cardholder Ekster have taken the traditional wallet and ran with it, these seriously robust wallets are made with metal and unique features to produce a functional and stand out product. Their newest Aluminium Cardholder has now come out in a brushed finish and we took a look at their black version.

This minimalist wallet is made from a space-grade aluminium and has a built-in 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 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.

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

$79

Pros Smart, unique look

Fans out 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

For more information on the Ekster Aluminium Cardholder click here

31

Unibank Power Bank As I type I am currently experiencing a power cut, thanks storm Eunice, how am I meant to successfully procrastinate with 3% battery life on my phone and the kettle out of action, on the plus side this seems a highly appropriate time to check out the Unibank power bank.

This portable power bank arrived with a wide range of accessories to play with, some slightly more niche than others, lets start with a look at the main unit. The Unibank is rather chunky at 18.2cm x 8.4cm x 4.5cm and weighs 370g however this is more than just a battery pack, built into one end is the pull cord which allows you to turn elbow grease into charging power. The built-in 5000mAH battery has a DC 5V 2A input and output, pulling the cord for just 90 seconds can give you 25 minutes talk time on a typical smartphone with the option of charging it via USB as well. The pull cord is a bit fiddly to remove from the main unit, but you then just need to draw the cord out to its full length and let it retract back in to start charging, its not that difficult to do but does require a degree of strength, think of it as a free mini workout.

One thing that’s worth mentioning is it is fairly noisy, if you are charging it up whilst camping, you may get a few questioning looks from your neighbours when you come out of your tent. As well as a charging bank the Unibank also has a built in LED flash light and LED power indicator display, the end of the unit detaches and can be replaced with one of the many attachments. This includes the ambient light which can be connected to the Unibank app, you can change the colour and brightness settings, particularly useful in a black out, the Bluetooth speaker has a rather impressive sound for its little size and a bass boost can be activated on the app.

The panic button attachment is a 120 decibel alarm that can be paired with your smartphone to discretely send emergency texts to your contacts along with your GPS coordinates, there is also an optional subscription service that can be used to connect you to a state of the art Alarm Receiving Centre for emergency responses bypassing 999 call centres. The Laser Measure attachment is a little more specialist, it can be used for single distance, continual measurements, volume and area, it can be used with the supplied bracket to fine-tune the laser’s angle. The bracket attaches to Unibank via its standard tripod thread. The settings can also be adjusted in the app and allows you to store and categorise measurements and send them via email.

We also received the silicone jacket, body clip, arm strap and protective carry case that can house up to two additional attachments that all make transporting the Unibank easier. The Unibank is a bit of a mixed bag, having to choose between the panic button and the light isn’t ideal, I wish the panic button was integrated into the main unit ensuring its ready to go even if you haven’t planned to use it. If the app wasn’t necessary for some of the functions this would appeal to those looking to step away from their phones, but this will limit the Panic Button’s full potential. The best thing is that you have rechargeable power whilst away from any mains connections, this could be a useful tool for those who work in construction, a handy set up to keep in the camper van and for festival goers.

Pros Rechargeable manual power onvert muscle Speaker impressive power into Can be charged via USB Four optional attachments usable energy Built-in LED torch Input and Output 5v 2A 90secs of cord pulling provides 25min talk time Cons You have to choose between light or the panic button Lots of different attachments to carry with you Would be nice if it was completely screen free (no app) Pull cord difficult to pull out to start charging Noisy to charge

C

.

£89.95

For more information on the Unibank Power Bank click here

33

Scanmarker Air

The Scanmarker Air aims to make revision, note taking and research a faster and more user-friendly process with this digital highlighter. It certainly feels more like a highlighter than a pen in your hand with its chunky design, but it is comfortable to hold and incredibly light weight at just 60g, the downside to this is that the plastic casing does feel a little fragile and it only comes with a draw string pouch to protect it in your bag, they do sell hard cases on their online store to make you feel a bit safer.

The Scanmarker Air is compatible with devices with Bluetooth 4.0 or newer, Windows 7+, Mac OS X 10.10+, Android 4.3+, iOS 7+ and iPhone 4S/iPad 3+. Packed with tech the Air has a scanning width of 1cm (0.4 Inch) with a transparent plastic tip and light making it easy to direct, you don’t have to press down but be aware that the tip can leave marks on soft or old pages (if you don’t apply too much pressure no marks are left), you may also not be allowed to use the light on certain texts. Once connected to your smart device simply scan the Air across the page and the text will appear on your screen in real time, it proved highly accurate. Things get a little trickier when it comes to using the translation feature, with over 40 languages including some rather obscure ones, it will do a good job at getting the basic information of the text, but you will certainly need to review it to correct grammar and slang words.

All the text can be edited via any computer application, allowing you to adjust the notes straight away or save them for later. The Air can read aloud in real-time which is really helpful for people with difficulty to read (i.e. dyslectic). The Air recognises 3000 characters per minute, that’s a full line of text within one second and can scan text from sizes 6 – 24pt, it can also be configured for both left and right-handed uses. A few things to consider, you will need WiFi and Bluetooth activated for all the functions, the battery will last up to a couple of hours with constant use, the company guarantees at least 500 scans between charging which last for a typical user for 4-6 days. You just have to make sure that the initial 3 hourse charge is performed) but it is easy to recharge from your laptop via the USB charger, your device needs to be within one metre of the Scanmarker for a stable connection. The Scanmarker Air is a handy tool if you spend a lot of time annotating, note taking and translating for various projects, it certainly isn’t perfect when it comes to translation but is much better than trawling through a translation dictionary.

Ditch the yellow highlighter and upgrade your note taking to the digital age.

Pros

$149

Lightweight Comfortable to hold Fast, real time scan to screen Read out loud feature Translates over 40 languages Compatible with a range of apps and devices

Cons Translations will need editing

Could use a more protective case

For more information on the Scanmarker Air 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

Punkt MP02 The MP02 from Punkt is what is affectionately called a dumb phone, this means it has the basics you need, like in the old days but with less of the distractions that keep us glued to the screen all day, this model has now been launched in a brand new beautiful light blue colour.

If you are looking to step away from the apps and endless scrolling but don’t feel comfortable with leaving the house without internet access the MP02 might be a perfect choice thanks to the built in 4G. When you choose to go online the MP02’s 4G LTE connection can be shared with a tablet/laptop, making it easier to type with than the smartphone, the few more steps needed to go online means you will be conscious about connecting, there will be a reason to go online rather than simply out of habit or in an attempt to distract yourself. The MP02 has a robust and comfortable feel in your hand with a textured finish and physical, intuitive buttons, it is worth noting it is splash resistant but not fully waterproof.

This phone no longer uses a BlackBerry-controlled workstation unlike the previous versions and now runs on Apostrophy which is a new OS made by Punkt allowing security to be all done in house rather than outsourcing..

It is also the first voice phone to offer a downloadable privacy feature that uses the Signal protocol to provide free, encrypted Internet-based calls and texts worldwide via Wi Fi or mobile data (subject to data charges), the Signal system also adds group messaging and voice messages to the MP02.

The monochrome+ display is 100% text-based with no tempting app icons in sight, texting will require going back to that old school way of texting with tapping each button multiple times to scroll through the letters, however you will be surprised by how quickly this skill comes back to you. The MP02 comes at a rather hefty cost which may put some off considering that you are effectively paying for less, however, if you are looking to break away from all the distractions of a smartphone but without sacrificing the connectivity we are all so reliant on, this is certainly a suitable contender.

£299

For more information on the Punkt MP02 click here

Free yourself from the screen without cutting

Pros 4G connectivity Text based only Easy to navigate menus Stay connected without distractions

Ultra-fast, triple USB charger

yourself off Tactile, physical buttons Cons from the Expensive world.

Splash proof only

37

£76

For more information on the TRIWA Sub Ocean Plastic-Nemo click here

TRIWA Sub Ocean Plastic-Nemo TRIWA is a Swedish company with a strong emphasis on transforming an industry that has possibly become a little stale over time – that of the wristwatch. TRIWA stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches (future pub quiz question!) and they aim to do this by utilising innovative materials as well as choosing to work with people that care about what and how they make things. This leads us on to the product in question.

The SUB Ocean Plastic-Nemo is, as you may have already guessed from the name, made completely out of recycled ocean plastic. Its design is reminiscent of old-school diving watches that we all wore so proudly back in the 90’s (well, being someone to keep up with the fashions back then, I did anyway!) even though many of us never actually went anywhere near a body of water deeper than our local swimming pool… But the major difference here is that you can wear this one knowing that you haven’t impacted on the environment anymore than you absolutely have to.

The plastic has been removed from the environment (where it can do all sorts of horrible things such as killing wildlife and ending up in our food supply as micro-plastic, yuck!) and put back out there in a vastly more useful form than it was and nothing else harmful has been created to do so. Win-win in my book! Couple that with the eye-catching colour of the watch and the actually practical, clear and clean watch-face, devoid of all those irritating ‘extras’ that seem to plague modern wrist-watches these days, you could almost be forgiven for actually wanting to go deep-sea diving while wearing it! Now, where did I put my scuba gear? Maybe I left it at the local swimming pool.

A wristwatch made completely from recycled ocean plastic.

Pros Environmentally friendly

Recycled waste plastic from the oceans

Clear, clean fascia with luminescent numbers and hands

Striking colour Cons You may spend extra money on diving lessons

39

Shokz OpenRun I’ve always enjoyed running with music, one song can change my entire mindset during a difficult patch (which for me is normally 90% of the run), I don’t enjoy taking one ear out when I’m on the roads, although I know it’s important for safety it throws me off my stride.

The OpenRun are the latest bone-conduction headphones from Shokz (formally AfterShokz) and have been designed around the bestselling Aeropex. The most noticeable change for me was the neckband was smaller, giving it a better fit and lower profile, they have updated the charging to a quick charge system this gives you 1.5hours of playback for a 10-minute charge, so you don’t have to wait around pre run.

With a full charge you get eight hours of battery life and charge up via a magnetic charging cable, this design means they can have an IP67 waterproof and sweatproof casing (not suitable for swimming). These headphones are comfortably lightweight at just 26g, they rest just over the ear like a pair of glasses…but backwards, the bone conductive units sit just in front of the ear, the transducers send vibrations through the cheekbones and deliver sound directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. This design leaves the ears free to stay tuned to the sounds

around you, allowing you to remain aware of the traffic and people around you at all times without interrupting your tunes.

Whilst running they remain comfortably in place, I even tried them out during a rather vigorous warm up and cool down that involved some downward dog stretches and they didn’t budge. There is a button on the left side that lets you skip tracks and activate your voice assistant, on the right side there is the on/off button and the volume, the buttons are very small so those with larger fingers might accidently hit the wrong button from time to time. The PremiumPitch 2.0+ sound quality is really impressive with lots of detail and layers, the bass is thick enough to get your teeth into, they make good work of most genres which is impressive for this style of audio.

When the OpenRun are up to their top volume I could feel the vibrations on my skin, this wasn’t unpleasant but after a while it made my ears feel kind of itchy, turning it down just a little however stopped this. If you already have the Aeropex it might be worth having a play before deciding if you need an upgrade, the difference in the sound is marginal but I certainly found these more comfortable.

Enjoy your tunes whilst still hearing the world around you

£129.95

Pros Excellent sound Reasonable price More comfortable than their predecessors Quick Charge (8-Hour Battery Life) IP67 Waterproof 26g total weight Cons Buttons a little small For more information on the Shokz OpenRun click here

41

Kally Sleep 5-HTP Sleep Gummies Relax the mind, enjoy quality sleep and wake up ready to tackle the day ahead with Kally Sleeps specially formulated 100% vegan 5-HTP sleep gummies.

Each gummy (60 in a tub) contains an effective blend of active ingredients 5-HTP to naturally support healthy sleep and passiflora to calm, soothe and relax.

Passiflora comes from passionflower, commonly used to help insomnia, stress, ADHD, certain forms of pain, and many other conditions that can impact getting to and staying asleep.

£19.99

For more information on the Kally Sleep 5-HTP Sleep Gummies click here

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15 minutes Automatic start and stop

Knog Bandicoot Run 250 Headlamp When I used to go running in the city, I would wear two high vis armbands and that was it, these days I run in the countryside and I go out lit up like a Christmas tree, there’s no missing me, however in the dark depths of winter I also need something to help me see where I’m going.

The Bandicoot Run 250 Headlamp comes from Knog, an Australian company who have rather sweetly named some of the head torches after native animals. This head torch has been specifically designed for running and features a sweat resistant, translucent, one-piece silicon strap, this comes in a choice of four accent colours, Lime, Blue, Coral and Grape. The body and strap are moulded in a clear matte finish medical grade silicone which claims that it won’t tangle your hair, but it can pull a bit if you remove it too quickly. The adjustable clip at the back means it will fit heads with a circumference from 300 - 660mm, it gentle hugs the head and the silicone ensures it doesn’t slip or bounce about whilst you move.

There are multiple light options to play with thanks to the five LEDS, these have been meticulously placed depending on their purpose, a high beam to see ahead, two elliptical beams for mid and wide beam angles, a red light for night light purposes, and downlights for reading. The head torch can be recharged via the integrated USB point, this means you can plug the light unit directly into any USB port, no cables to worry about, however the curved design might restrict some locations. Knog’s running headlamps create a Red-light Halo-Effect, this shines through the transparent silicone, helping to increase the wearers visibility to other road users whilst working independently from the main headlamp beam.

There are five lighting modes that come pre-programed into the headlamp, with the highest setting coming in at 250 lumens and you can customise the modes using the Knog ModeMaker App to get the right balance of lumens to battery life. This light weight, comfortable headlight can be popped on and forgotten about it, letting you focus on the run safe in the knowledge you can see the way ahead and in turn can be seen.

A simple and comfortable head torch specifically designed for runners.

$74.99

Pro Comfortable and light Sweat resistant Easy to put on 5 light modes adjustable via app 4 hours recharge time Healthy battery life Built in charging point Cons Can pull hair if removed too quickly Not the brightest out there For more information on the Knog Bandicoot Run 250 Headlamp click here

45

Wearable X Nadi X When so much of our lives moved into the virtual world it was soon clear that somethings worked better over video call than others, for example it’s easier to explain a star jump over Zoom than reverse warrior yoga pose.

A slight adjustment of the hips can make all the difference between a wobbly pose to a strong foundation. The Wearable X Nadi X yoga pants aim to give you the gentle corrections in your positions when practising yoga at home away from the instructor, eliminating the fear that some might have of attempting a downward dog around other people for the first time. The Nadi X are more than just a pair of flattering yoga pants, they have sensors embedded in the fabrics which monitor your movements and guide you through vibrations and audio props, don’t worry the technology doesn’t stop you from throwing them in the washing machine (just remove the Pulse) at the end of a sweaty session and even in the tumble dryer ready for the next round.

The Pulse is the rechargeable module that powers the Nadi X, to activate just double tap it until the light starts blinking white, then connect it to your smart phone via Bluetooth, it then clips into the pants behind the left knee.

$249

You can adjust the vibration strength and use the app to select your workout, the audio guidance then talks you through the class with vibrations around your hips, knees and ankles teaching and directing your moves and letting you know if you are in the correct position at the end of each pose. The app allows you to play with a few poses for free but to access the classes you will need to sign up to the subscription service, it appears that the app is only currently available on iOS devices.

The other issue is that the sensors are only working from the hips down, this means your upper bodies form goes unchecked, this could make poses like arm balances more risky without the appropriate guidance. These technical yoga pants are really interesting, the pants themselves are very comfortable and flattering with the added tech having little impact on the fit but whether they are worth the money depends on what you are looking to get out from your yoga session. If you are looking for a more meditative/mindful practice the sensors and app might be distracting but if you are looking to give yoga a try on your own terms but not ready to commit to expensive studio prices the Naxi X is a good introductory teacher.

A clever way to get accurate feedback on your form whilst practising yoga alone.

Pros Intuitive, physical feedback in real time

Comfortable and flattering design

Accurate sensors Washing machine/ tumble dryer friendly

Good range of classes and poses available

Cons Only guides lower body iOS app only For more information on the Wearable X Nadi X click here

47

BISSELL PowerClean 2X After having a rather disastrous experience with a well-known carpet cleaner hire service the thought of cleaning my carpets filled me with dread, however thankfully not all carpet cleaners are created equally.

The BISSELL PowerClean 2X is a new release from BISSELL and can be used to refresh your carpets and upholstery and all manner of difficult to reach places thanks to the stain tool and 2-in-1 crevice tool.

It comes with the Wash and Protect Pro formula sample to help extract embedded dirt, remove tough stains and leave the floor feeling clean and fresh. The 3” Tough Stain Tool has an 8-foot hose making it ideal for using on the stairs or sofa, the floor head features four rows of bristle and the motorized Deep Reach PowerBrush that works deep into the carpet.

The PowerClean 2X is easy to put together, it isn’t the lightest of things its just under 8kg which is still lighter than some carpet cleaners but when you add the water it is a bit of a lump to get it up the stairs. Saying that when it’s switched on the motorised brush helps to move the machine around comfortably, unfortunately the machine doesn’t let you know when its run out of water, but you can tell on the carpet that it has, it also sounds a little different. Talking of sound, you might want to pop the pets out the way whilst you clean as it makes quite a noise, this it’s a huge issue unless you are using it every other day, then you might want to get some earplugs.

Once you have finished cleaning, remove the carpet brush roll and nozzle, empty the dirty water tank and rinse both thoroughly, we found some cat hair was stuck in the dirty water tank but again this isn’t a huge issue. The Express Clean Mode is a good choice for maintaining the carpet instead of giving it a deep clean, this uses less water so you will only have to wait about 45mins for the carpet to dry instead of a couple of hours (temperature and carpet style depending). The PowerClean 2X did a lovely job of cleaning the carpet, getting the speed right is important to avoid damp patches and lines on the carpet when it dries. The handheld tool works well too, in fact you will find your self looking for stuff to clean because seeing that dirty water fill the tank is oh so satisfying.

Pros Effective cleaning Handy stain tool Effortless to use Compact for easy storing Wash and Protect Pro formula smells nice Cons No indicator when the tank is empty Heavy Loud Some dirt left in water tank

£169 (£205 with stand)

I don’t know more satisfying seeing those clean carpets or ditching the dirty water.

For more information on the BISSELL PowerClean 2X click here

49

Vivobarefoot Magna FG

The Magna FG range is the latest release from Vivobarefoot with the FG standing for Firm Ground, these shoes are available in both Mens and Womens Obsidian and Sedona Sage in sizes 3-14, the Magna has been designed with a more casual look than a sports shoe.

The Firm Ground name is due to the outsole, it features a 2.5mm base and 4mm lug height for a multi terrain traction, the sticky rubber compound adds to the strong grip and durability. This sole makes the Magna suitable for everything from wet pavements to dry, rocky landscapes, there is extra texture around the arch for a zonal grip on more technical trails. Moving to the insole the Magna uses the Outlast Thermal Insole, this delivers a degree of temperature regulation which absorbs, stores and releases the heat, helping your feet stay at a comfortable temperature be it warm or cold. The upper is made from a combination of Wildhide Leather and merino wool, the leather is naturally scarred from free-roaming cattle sourced from small scale farmers.

The merino wool is Woolmark certified which provides the highest quality standard and sourcing assurance, this material is highly versatile, with natural breathability, temperature regulation and wicking properties. The upper is finished with a water-resistant treatment and hi-tech seal, it has more of a high-top fit with the knitted collar that provides a sock lining feel around the ankle. These shoes feature all the familiar Vivobarefoot details we are used to seeing, including the Foot shaped (not shoe shaped) cut, the wider fit for natural stability, the thin sole to feel the earth beneath your feet and the high flexibility to let your feet move exactly how they were designed to.

They are also part of the Revivo program which means you can return the shoes when you are finished with them and they will be recycled, remade and reworn. The Magna are perfect for those looking for a stylish barefoot shoe that will keep your feet protected and looking great whether you are training, hiking or simply walking to the shops.

£170

A great all rounder barefoot shoe with excellent traction.

Pros Merino wool and leather constructions Stylish with a casual design Lightweight Flexible Thermal insole

For more information on Vivobarefoot Magna FG click here

51

Cardo Freecom 4X Cardo are the leading manufacturer in the world of Bluetooth motorcycle helmet intercoms and have been one of the front-running companies with this technology for the last 20 years. So, there’s a certain reassurance that these guys know what they’re doing. This particular piece has many functions, undoubtedly a culmination of their experience in the field and we’ll start, appropriately, with the Bluetooth itself. You’ll be pleased to know it utilises the latest version of this software (perhaps unsurprisingly!) which is currently at version 5.2, the latest update focusing on improvements to audio devices. As well as this, it has 2 channels built in meaning you can connect to 2 other Bluetooth devices at the same time (phone and cycle dashboard perhaps?) and universal pairing is included too so you don’t have to stick to the same brand when pairing those devices.

The App that Cardo provide, Cardo Connect, is nicely laid out in design with all the main functions on one easy to use screen, giving you the options of Audio, Phone, FM Radio and the intercom at the touch of a button. Particularly handy if you don’t want to use the voice command function and have your device within easy touching distance.

Speaking of the App, it doesn’t take too long to get it sorted when you first get the Freecom 4X set up and will instantly provide an update to the Firmware. It’s fairly easy to fix the device on to your helmet (you won’t be needing an electronics degree and takes about 15 minutes) and the update from the App will take just under 10 minutes to get installed.

Once you’re set up you can look forward to using the voice-activation to access 23 different functions including internet searching (I can’t help but think KITT from Knight Rider rebuilt as a bike!) and the ability to connect with up to 4 other Freecom 4X devices (although you have to pay more to get 4, the standard model is 2 connections) with a range of ¾ of a mile, terrain dependant of course. You can even share your music if you like (and now I’m just thinking Ride of the Valkyries as you and your mates approach the nearest meet…).

A handy thing with this model is the ability to have wired earbuds (although having these in while riding could impair your hearing a little too much so be cautious) while retaining all the functionality of the Freecom X4 – you’re not taking up a Bluetooth connection after-all. The speakers provided however, are good enough to give you a good, rich sound with volume enough if you like it loud so is there really a need for earbuds? The speakers also come with two types of mounting – a clamp style or the gluing in option, dependant on the type of helmet you have.

The controls are fairly intuitive and well-designed. If unable (or simply don’t want to!) mount your mobile on your handlebars, the controls on the unit itself are easy to use. The front control is for your music and is the first thing your fingers will naturally come in to contact with – the ridged control interface also making it easy to locate, even with your gloves on. The wheel is used to control the volume and a press upwards will pause the music. Easy.

Finally, how long will this last before recharging? Cardo state 13 hours talking time with 2 hours to fully charge it.

Can’t imagine many journeys lasting as long as 13 hours so it ticks all the buttons there.

£235

Another great model from Cardo Pros Ability to connect to up to 4 other Freecom X4’s Option for plug-in earbuds Easy to use App Automatically tries to reconnect for 10 mins – no need to restart when back in range Good voice-activated options Cons Not the latest mesh radio technology For more information on the Cardo Freecom 4X click here

53

Lindy LTS-50 Fan of working out? Always going for runs or looking for the next physical challenge? I’m not. So why is this reviewer asking such things when he should be talking about these earbuds?

Well, the simple reason is that the Lindy LTS-50 earbuds, as well as possessing a decent working battery life of 4 hours with constant Bluetooth connection (16 if you make use of the compact charging case), touch controls for audio and received calls (much easier than trying to grab your phone and answer while running!) and a choice of earbud options available in both silicone or memory foam, it also has a solution to something that I have difficulty with.

On the rare occasion I actually exercise, I have to listen to music or I just give up, it’s my motivator. My lack of fitness however, causes me to do that natural thing your body does when it overheats and I have lost many a set of earbuds in the process. Either falling out and getting damaged through impact (alright, I’ve stood on a few!) or simply shorting out due to the excess moisture. These things have been designed with people like me in mind! They have an Ingress Protection rating of (the far sexier sounding) IPX5, meaning they are protected from a low pressure water stream from any angle. In other words, combined with the lightweight comfort and the aforementioned material options for the buds themselves, these things are going to continue working and not falling out for as long as you need them to, even for people like me pretending to be fit!

As well as that, the sound quality is pretty good. Nice clarity, even over my rapidly thumping pulse and a nice, rich bass helped to keep me focussed. I almost managed to run a mile without stopping.

For more information on the Lindy LTS-50 click here

£39.98

Looking for the perfect gym buddy earbuds?

Pros Choice of silicon or memory foam

Good water resistance

Good clarity of sound

2 Year Warranty Cons I don’t have an excuse to not exercise any more

55

Kosmos Exit the Game The Deserted Lighthouse In EXIT The Game: The Deserted Lighthouse, you must work to solve the riddles and reach the lighthouse’s top to activate its beacon, saving the approaching ship before it smashes against the rocks and sinks to the bottom of the sea.

Only this time it’s different because there are riddles within riddles hidden within puzzles.

Like other EXITs before it, this game has no game board! But it also has no cards; instead, in this new addition to the EXIT series, there are four puzzles, which you will find during play and assemble one section at a time, one puzzle after another. Each puzzle creates an image that will show you what you need to find in the game and what each room looks like.

At the start of the game, all you have available to you are the puzzle bag containing pieces with a grayish-blue back and no pattern, and the decoder disk. But there are also strange items to be found within the game that may be used to help solve the riddles found in each of the puzzles.

The game ends when you have solved the last riddle and reactivated the lighthouse beacon to save the ship from sinking.

For more information on Kosmos Exit the Game click here

£20

Creatto Dragon Creatto is a simple yet versatile building system that consists of just two primary components that can be woven together into countless 3D creations. The flexible yet durable plastic tiles interlock quickly and easily for all skill levels; no additional materials or hardware required!

Soaring Dragon & Flying Friends™ With 138 Creatto pieces and a string of 80 LED lights, you can build a dragon, pterosaur, bird, and dragonfly. Lights powered by USB cable; USB power adapter not included. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

£33

For more information on Creatto Dragon click here

57

Niche Zero Coffee Grinder

£499

The very first thing you notice about the Niche Zero Coffee Grinder is its elegant design, this particularly stands out in the White model with the aluminium body contrasting nicely with the genuine oak detailing for a modern finish.

We all know that looks aren’t everything though but that’s not an issue with this beauty, the Niche Zero is a single dosing coffee grinder, constructed with premium 63mm conical burrs. The patented, straight through design provides a zero-grind retention, ensuring all the flavour ends up right in your cup, there is a dial that can be adjusted for a precise grind setting for your brewing style.

All you need to do is pour the beans into the funnel and switch it on, it will then grind up the beans with surprisingly quiet efficiency, no one needs to deal with a loud blast in the ears before your morning coffee. For safety reasons the Zero will only grind when the lid is fully closed, the dial will help you identify the correct grind size whether you are using a filter, espresso, Chemex or French press, the grind is perfectly consistent no matter the setting.

If we had to be pushed to find something to pick at this isn’t the fastest grinder we have tested but we are talking a matter of seconds here and unless you are in a professional setting it really won’t be that noticeable. It is easy to see the price tag of the coffee grinder and think it is overpriced for home use but if you are into your coffee and use a variety of brewing methods you would do well to find better consistency and retention than this.

This premium coffee grinder delivers a consistent grind for a range of brewing methods.

Pros Beautiful modern design 1 gram/sec grind speed Robust construction 63mm conical burrs hardened steel burrs

Real oak trim Quiet (below 72dB) Infinite grind dial Safety interlocking lid For more information on the Niche Zero Coffee Grinder click here

59

Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness Ruffwear are known for making their products from the point of view of the dogs with an emphasis on ease of use and comfort. The Flagline Dog Harness takes this even further and actually makes it easier for the doggo’s human companion too! With only 4 easy-to-use plastic clip-buckles, all located at the top of the harness for easy access, it’s easy to get on and off your 4-legged friend, even if they’re bouncing around with natural excitement (and if they’re not, you’re clearly not saying “walkies!” right!).

Once on, the straps themselves are easy to adjust to fit your dog comfortably with the standard kind of strap length adjustment clip you find on most outdoor gear, such as rucksacks, located so they will be on your dogs’ flanks – no awkward reaching underneath their jittery legs or dog/human combined acrobatics just to ensure their comfort and no annoying fiddling about trying not to get their fur caught up when all they want to do is go for their walk…

Speaking of which, once you’re out on their adventure, you’ll find it easier to keep control of their exuberance to prevent them from going off on a tangent and pursuing that next lovely smell they just discovered. Firstly because of the design that securely and comfortably cradles the dog but also because you can attach a lead at multiple points on the harness so you can place it where you feel most comfortable while walking your dog. And finally, to top it off (quite literally!), the handle on the top is padded, making it even easier for you to lift them over those obstacles that defeat their usual enthusiasm!

In comparison to a standard dog lead and collar, this is a far superior item, both for your pet and for yourself. Why not?

For more information on the Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness click here

£82.95

Far superior than a standard dog lead

Pros

Durable Easy to put on and take-off Carry handle Cons Storage for a regular lead is easier

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Technaxx Full HD Birdcam TX-165

My husband likes to joke we spend more money on feeding the local wildlife than we do on ourselves, now this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I love seeing all the animals visit the garden especially the little birds.

The TX-165 from Technaxx is a full HD Birdcam, a wonderful way to record and observe the feathered friends via a short focus 6-15cm lens and a large viewing angle of 100°. Now if you have ever tried to take a photo of a Blue Tit or House Sparrow you will know how these little things do not stay still, resulting in plenty of blurry photos and bare branches, this camera can shoot slow motions videos with up to 25FPS, allowing you to get a clear view with plenty of detail. The TX-165 can be set to take video, photo, video and photo or slow motion, it has a built-in microphone and speaker, the microphone I can understand but I’m not sure what you would use the speaker for, perhaps imitating bird calls?

The camera comes with a few mounting options, a mounting belt, wall mount and railing mount, this allows you to test out a few different locations to see which is the most popular. The camera is set into the feeder with the whole thing measuring up at 19L x 15.2W x 22.8H cm, there is a removable food container that will hold up to 150g of bird food, there is also a hook that a suet ball can be hung from and a small removeable water basin at the front. There is a PIR sensor (~20cm) and IR range (~50cm) with 940nm LEDs for night recordings, scratchproof and shockproof auto IR filter and the whole unit has a IP56 rating, there is also a 2.0” TFT LCD display (528x220) and the 4x AA batteries required for power are included.

It can also be powered but external DC6V/1A power lead, but this is not included, there isn’t an SD included either (compatible with up to 512GB MicroSD). The main body of the Birdcam could be a little more robust but the images it provides are clear, even at night, the video functions can eat through the battery quite quickly so investing in some high quality rechargeable are a good idea. The range of this camera are obviously limited so you’re not going to catch every visitor to your garden but the up close and person detail it does capture is rather sweet, animal lovers will get a real kick out of this.

Pros

Photos, videos and slow motion videos 3 mounting options Night shooting 150g feeder Water bowl and suet ball hook 1920x1080 video and 20mp photos 4x IR LEDs Cons Casing could be more robust Video drains batteries Removing the water dish leaves a hole in the tray For more information on Technaxx Full HD Birdcam TX-165 click here

A fun way to get an up close and personal view of your feathered friends.

€149

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