Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 12th Gen: FULL Review Erin Lawrence 2026-09-17 | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 12th Gen: FULL Review
DONT buy Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian until you watch this first to see whats so special Erin Lawrence 2022-11-16 | Get Kardashian color here: amzn.to/3X6xDC8Get regular Beats Fit Pro here: amzn.to/3tDCuglRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaBeats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian ReviewAlmost all of us have a need for wireless headphones, and brands are doing everything they can to make new offerings stand out, both in their quality and the design. AirPods and Beats earphones are iconic and easily recognizable but if you want something a bit more unique, Beats has partnered with global reality star Kim Kardashian on a new pair of headphones. The standout feature of these is not that they’re flashy or blingy, but that they’re subtle and more of an incognito offering. I recently picked up a pair of Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian earbuds off Amazon to take a closer look. In this review I’ll take a look at what sets these earbuds apart, what the audio quality is like, and if they might be a good pick for you. I will also add that while I’m looking at the Kardashian coulourway, these are the same Beats Fit Pro you’ll find from Apple in more standard colours.Design and StyleDon’t fret if you are a guy or maybe not a Kim Kardashian fan because this collab is all about the paint job on the charging case and earbuds themselves! The custom lineup consists of three styles featuring varying shades of neutral, skin-toned colors – Kim K dubs them Dune, Earth, and Moon. The idea is that these colored Beats Fit Pro earphones blend into your ears. Compared to the iconic Apple AirPods Pro, the Beats Fit Pro has a more subtle design that’s still playful and hip with a rounded exterior and angled wing tips along with the recognizable “b” logo.What’s in the Box?Unique colors aside, these earbuds function exactly the same as the original Beats Fit Pro and come with the same accessories. You get a USB-C to USB-C charging cable (only in black sadly), three sizes of ear tips and a quick start guide. Like the iPhone, you don’t get any wall adapter for charging.Comfort & on-bud controlsThese earbuds slip in easily, and the silicone fin tucks easily in the ear to create a secure fit. These buds do have what you could term a bit of an ‘edge’ to them, creating a flat area that’s made for easy-access touch controls. Indeed here there’s subtle clicakable buttons on each bud; tap once to play or pause, double tap to jump forward and three taps to go back. Volume gets changed by using your phone or device, or by asking Siri. While it would be nice if there was on-ear volume controls, that’s not the case here.These earbuds have dual Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, which both blocks out all noise or lets some in. A long push on the buttons on the buds will swap between modes and we’ll get to the effectiveness of this in a minute.Key FeaturesSound qualitySince these are marketed as fitness earbuds, I wasn’t sure what to expect from them in terms of sound quality. I can say I was pleasantly surprised by the overall sound. They’re quite well balanced, and resonant; vocals (like Taylor Swift’s Anti-Hero) are really intricate and full sounding. Particularly with the noise cancelling on its really easy to focus on the music.The bass was surprisingly booming too; not head rattling and buzzy, but more rich sounding.In short, I was surprised at how great these sounded.Smarter gutsFor those who might not be aware, Apple still owns the Beats by Dr. Dre brand and as a result, you can find plenty of AirPods DNA in the Beats Fit Pro although they are positioned as a tier lower than Apple’s flagship AirPods Pro. Spatial AudioThe Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian also comes with Apple Spatial Audio which is like Apple’s implementation of Dolby Atmos. As long as you watch supported content from streaming services including Apple TV+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Hulu, you can expect an immersive 3D audio effect that feels like you are in a multi-channel surround sound environment. You can enjoy this effect on the music you listen to as well and Apple hopes you get that from Apple Music since it makes use of the Beats Fit Pro’s dynamic head tracking support which makes the audio seem like it’s beaming from your phone or tablet, even if you’re turning your head away from the screen.Noise Cancelling & Transparency ModeAdaptive Noise Cancelling is another cool extra you’ll get from the Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian. I found Apple’s technology around noise cancelling to be some of the best in the business. It’s quite possible to create a major cone of silence using AirPods, and I am pretty excited to see that high quality noise cancelling does extend to the Beats lineup. With noise cancelling turned on, I was blissfully able to focus on my work without distractions like the neighbour’s snowblower or a barking dg.
Yeedi Mop Station Pro in-home review: great design, a few kinks Erin Lawrence 2022-11-15 | Shop it here: amzn.to/3AzIKtNRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Ninja Professional Blender 1000/BL610 - review Erin Lawrence 2022-11-14 | Get one here: amzn.to/3O4cHrpRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaI look at budget blenders with a little bit of skepticism because low prices often mean low-quality materials and/or an underpowered motor. That doesn’t automatically make all blenders in this category terrible but they do often come with major limitations related to the types of food you can blend with it—leafy greens and frozen fruit being the biggest hurdles. The problem is, using budget blenders outside of their capabilities often results to non-repairable damage to the pitcher or motor.Professional blenders are a better long-term investment as the extra money translates to added years in doing just about anything with the blender. Ninja has a couple of these types of blenders including the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 (also known as Ninja Professional BL610) which has a rather budget-friendly price at around $140 CAD. So is this blender worthy of the “Professional” label or is it a budget offering wearing someone else name tag? In this review I’ll look at what it’s like to use, how well it works, any special features it has, and if I can recommend it for you.What’s in the box?The Ninja Professional Blender 1000 BL610 package includes 4 parts—the base, the pitcher, the stacked blade assembly, and the ‘Easy Lock’ Lid. Excluding the base, the other three parts are also sold separately on Ninja’s website in case you need replacements and are all dishwasher safe.The pitcher has a glass-like transparent look but is made of rigid BPA-free plastic. The front of the pitcher has some measurement labels in both ounce and cup units at half cup or 8-ounce intervals maxing out at 9 cups or 72 ounces. The lid completely locks and seals the pitcher shut providing some basic leak protection. However, there is a chance of spillage if you try to blend a mixture above the 64-ounce mark. Ninja advises against using this for storing or blending hot liquids such as soups.The stacked blade assembly consists of three layers of curved blade pairs for a grand total of 6 blades. These blades are very sharp so be careful when handling it especially when trying to clean it or take it out from the dishwasher! One nice positive about this part is the fact that several other Ninja blenders use the exact same one, making it easier to find spares.Locking lidThe lid has a clever handle which doubles as the locking mechanism when attaching it to the pitcher. You just use the arrow as a guide for aligning and then press the handle down to lock the lid in place. Removing the lid is as simple as pressing the “Release” button to pop the locking handle out. The lid also has a small covered opening that you can lift so you can conveniently pour your mixture through the pitcher’s spout.Attaching the pitcher to the base is also simple as the base has an indicator showing the direction you need to twist the pitcher in to lock it. Combined with the base, the blender measures slightly more than 17 inches tall and weighs 7 pounds which is pretty light given the capacity. The base also has a dedicated spot for coiling the power cable when you aren’t using it.Blending CapabilitiesThe Ninja Professional Blender 1000 comes equipped with a 1000-watt motor which sounds good on paper as it matches the wattage of pricier blenders like the Vitamix S55. 3 speeds only: is that a problem?But, this Ninja blender only offers three blending speeds as opposed to ten. From my testing with this device, that actually doesn’t limit the blender’s versatility because the stacked blade assembly provides some muscle to the motor’s three speeds.Having three blend settings makes the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 a bit more straightforward to use. Regardless of the speed I chose, the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 handles large amounts of ingredients quite well because all the blades contribute to finely chopping and blending the ingredients. Several other budget blenders only have bottom blades which means you need to pulse more often to blend the bottom ingredients and wait for the top ingredients to drop down.Overall review: Ninja Professional 1000With a well-rounded package and most of the parts replaceable, the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 is a solid budget-yet-professional option. The only real compromises you’ll get from getting the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 is the limited speed options and plastic pitcher and lid. Calling this a “Prosumer” blender would be more accurate because it still has a large capacity and the blade array really contributes to amazing blending power. Overall I was surprised at how powerful it was and how well that stacked blade array obliterated chunks or frozen fruit, leafy greens and veggies too. I can definitely recommend the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 to you. It sells for around $140CAD/$99USD and you can get it from Amazon.
Review: Sony XB23, XB33, XB43 - whats changed 3 years after my first review? Erin Lawrence 2022-11-14 | Get XB23: amzn.to/3NxPGggGet XB33: amzn.to/3SUVZv7Get XB43: amzn.to/3T27alTTechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
No more dead batteries! (Heres why) Reviewing 13 of Ankers most popular chargers (Links in Descn) Erin Lawrence 2022-11-13 | Find them here:Anker 621/622: amzn.to/3AdjOYKAnker 6 foot cable: amzn.to/3G7v5xwPowerport atom: amzn.to/3WSo61rAnker 511: amzn.to/3AbhkKvPowerhouse 100: amzn.to/3UAlfshAnker 733: amzn.to/3hA4yP8Anker 737 with Power bank: amzn.to/3E32bMbAnker 313 slim power bank: amzn.to/3g8ZEImPowercube: amzn.to/3AcmcPhAnkerPower Drive car charger: amzn.to/3EsYyR6Anker 623: amzn.to/3AfCqarRead more: http://www.Spy.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Dreo Heaters - a good pick for reliable warmth? Erin Lawrence 2022-11-13 | Get Atom here: amzn.to/3XbHw1xGet Solaris Max here: amzn.to/3Ae4KKhRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan review: small footprint; surprising power! Erin Lawrence 2022-11-13 | Get one: amzn.to/3teTl9hRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaDepending on where you live there's almost never a bad time to own a quality fan. While those in warmer climes appreciate the cooling breeze, those of us who live in colder cities can still benefit from fans even when the weather turns. A good fan can keep air circulating, which is helpful when you’re running the furnace, plus a fan can keep the air from getting stagnant and stale, particularly in basements. I recently received a smaple of a new budget-friendly fan; the Dreo Pilot Max tower fan. In this review I'll take a look at how the fan works, what kind of smart features it has, how effective it is, as well as how noisy it is. And then I'll talk about whether I think this could be a good fan for your smart home needs.The Dreo Pilot Max Tower fan is a taller fan design which has a small footprint, making it ideal for small, narrow spaces.Set upIt requires very simple assembly without any tools needed, and attaching the base is quick and easy. With 12 speeds, this fan should be able to adapt to a variety of in-home needs, form a light breeze to more powerful blast. A small remote control is included in the package and a small display screen on the top arc of the fan will display the current speed. The fan can also oscillate from 30 to 120 degreesFeaturesNoise levelA key problem many of us have with fans is that they can be extremely noisy and annoying. One of the first things I found about this fan is that it's extremely quiet. At a mid-level airflow range of about five or six it's almost undetectable. Dropping that level down to three or four provides almost complete silence. Even at level 10 or 12 it's obviously a lot more noticeable, but it certainly does not come close to making what anyone would term a racket.Dreo declares this fan runs at 25dB which it terms “ultra-quiet performance”.Sleep Mode & TimerWell some people enjoy falling asleep to white noise, fan sounds included, others can find this bothersome. Dreo has solved the issue by adding a sleep mode which interestingly decreases the fans speed every 30 minutes or so until it gets down to level one. This should allow you to feel quite cool while you were trying to doze off, while at the same time cutting the airflow and the volume so it doesn't in advertently wake you up in the middle of the nightThe fan also has a timer function which will let you choose how many hours before it will shut off automatically anywhere from 1 to 12 hours.Auto ModeYou can also set this fan in what's called auto mode, where the fan speed will adapt to the ambient temperature in the room. The warmer it is, the higher the power it will operate at.AirflowWhen it comes to the airflow, the Dreo Tower Fan provides a good tall bar of air. Unlike some simple fans with a single spinning directional blade, this fan seems to be able to cool and much taller area, and when that tall fan face is combined with the strong air flow, it's able to sweep quite effectively across the room.Remote controlHaving a remote control for a fan is a huge advantage. It allows you to make adjustments from across the room, or if you're using it in the bedroom you don't need to get up. The remote control that acompanies this fan has power and span fan speed controls on the device and you can also switch between modes, turn the oscillation on or off and also set a timer.Overall review: Dreo Tower fanOverall, there's lots to love about this fan. The small footprint doesn't take up a lot of space in a room, but the tall fan unit itself does cover a wide area. The fan’s 12 adjustable speeds mean its easy to find a setting that will work for you. Plus with extra features like a timer, sleep function and its extremely quiet operation, it should check most of the boxed of those looking for a new fan.So what are the downsides?The fan is constructed almost entirely of plastic, so I'll be interested to see it's durability overtime. Also since the fans blades are completely behind the grill, I'm not certain how easy it might be to clean over the long-term. The height of the unit and its base construction also does make it a bit wobbly, though I don’t think it would tiop over It would also be nice if the remote had a magnet or storage clip to keep it handy.Those factors aside, I think this tower fan is actually a pretty good and effective device it sells for about $129USD/$215CAD and you can get it from Amazon.
Review: FOREO LUNA 4 plus - this device actually combines all the best of ALL Foreo gadgets in one! Erin Lawrence 2022-11-11 | Get one here: flip.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=4&aff_id=4762 Follow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFOREO is known for making high quality skincare gadgets that can help to solve a variety of skincare concerns. I’ve been lucky enough to try many of them, and I’ve often wondered if there could be a way to combine the best of several FOREO devices into one magical device… Like the heat and LED light of a FOREO UFO2, the microcurrent benefits of FOREO BEAR, plus the cleansing basics of FOREO’s T-Sonic pulsations found in LUNA cleansers. Now it looks like that magical device of my dreams is for real. The brand new FOREO LUNA 4 plus is a new and improved facial cleansing brush with new added benefits. In this review I’ll look at what’s new and how the features work, how it cleans and if I can recommend this new device for you.I’d like to thank FOREO for sponsoring this post. The company’s support helps me keep the blog and the YouTube channel running so I’m grateful. While they are sponsoring this the company has not told me what I have to say or what I can’t say so these thoughts are my own.What is FOREO LUNA 4 plus?LUNA 4 plus is the only facial cleansing device with both clinical-grade anti-aging treatments including targeted microcurrent, plus thermo & LED light therapy in one device.On the front of the brush are the soft silicone bristles, plus a ring of LED lights. On the back is the massage side and two microcurrent pins.If you’re already familiar with facial cleansing brushes, you know gadgets like FOREO LUNA are designed to provide deeper cleaning, gentle exfoliation and firming benefits. The LUNA 4 Plus also 17% softer than previous LUNA brushes, with more delicate hygienic silicone touchpoints or bristles. I can definitely say these pristles are softer than other LUNA devices I’ve treied. I’ve always found these silicone touchpoints to be quite gentle, so I marvel every time FOREO is able to make them even more velvety.This device also uses FOREO’s T-Sonic pulsations, a mode meant to “increase circulation, eliminate toxins & ease facial tension, resulting in smoother, softer, glowier skin.”Let’s dive deeper into the newer technology and what it does:LUNA 4 plus LED light therapyInterspersed among the silicone touchpoints are eight small LED lights. These near-infrared LED lights are meant to help reverse signs of skin aging (and we see this in sun spots & dullness for example, and if you’re anything like me you’re starting to see some of that). The red LEDs are also said to increase collagen and elastin production, which could help restore the thickness and elasticity of typically youthful skin. Foreo says 86% of users report skin looks & feels more elastic, while 98% of users report more luminous skin, based on third-party consumer trials LUNA 4 plus Thermo-CleansingThose eight lights have another purpose! They also provide heat, and that’s known as thermo-cleansing, which is a fancy term for cleaning with heat! It’s actually really nice to use a warm face brush to wash up with! I loved cleansing with this brush, because it was warm and gentle and relaxing; kind of like wrapping yourself up in a comfy bathrobe.FOREO says thermo-therapy’s gentle heat melts away 99.5% of dirt, oil, and makeup residue with the help of its precision thermo-cleansing beads integrated into the silicone brush surface. But it’s not just about being cozy; that thermo-therapy can also help your skincare products penetrate better too. Turn your brush on and use it to apply night cream, serum or moisturizers; day or night.FOREO says 100% of users report better results after cleansing with LUNA™ 3 plus.LUNA 4 plus Microcurrent technologyThe last major addition of tech to this brush is microcurrent technology.If you’ve checked out my review of FOREO BEAR, you know that microcurrent devices are designed to plump skin, tone your facial muscles and boost elasticity.These devices use tiny, almost imperceptible electric shocks to tone, wake up and improve your skin which can also help improve the look of fine lines.By using the back of the brush and its targeted microcurrent pins on the back you can get even more skincare benefits.
First look! New 11th Gen Amazon Kindle (2022) | TechGadgetsCanada.com Erin Lawrence 2022-11-09 | Get one: amzn.to/3Uwmjx0
Review: Ember Mug 2 - temperature controlled mug (14oz) Erin Lawrence 2022-11-08 | Get one: amzn.to/3t7EQEjRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaCold coffee is the worst. I generally top my coffee up constantly to give it a warm up, but it turns out technology can make life easier.The Ember mug is a rechargeable coffee mug that promises to keep your beverage at what it calls the perfect drinking temperature for hours. Since it’s cold out there right now I decided it’s high time to review this gadget and see if it delivers on what it promises. I’ll show you how the mug wortks, what is does, and what it does NOT do, and then I’ll let you know if I can recommend it for you.In the box you get your Ember mug and a coaster with AC plug. The mug has a built in power bank to hold temperature, or use it with that coaster to prolong your heating time.The mug feels both like metal and like plastic; it’s light weight, but has that nice ceramic mug feel, thanks in part of a ceramic coating. I couldn’t really tell what it’s actually made of but my guess it it’s aluminum. I actually really like that it looks and feels like a regular mug, save for the tiny LED light under the subtle logo.Ember smart mug 2 reviewFirst off: Don’t think of Ember as a “heating” mug. Instead it’s actually built for cooling and holding temperature. I initially thought it was going to keep my coffee at stovetop temperature until I was ready to drink it. Not so; the Ember mug is designed to let your beverage cool to a drinkable temperature you choose, then hold it there, potentially for hours.How Ember mug 2 worksThe Ember Mug uses seven temperature sensors, a rapid cooling system, a microprocessor-controlled heating system, and temperature presets (though you won’t see any of that, just it’s smooth, chic design) to easily dial in your perfect temperature. What’s that temperature? It’s up to you. You can have it cool your coffee or tea to anywhere from 120°F and 145°F, or 50°C and 62.5°C. The mug is available in two sizes; either 10 or 14 ounces.Setting up Ember mug 2 Setting the mug up for the first time is easy; Make sure it’s fully charged then just download the Ember app, then follow the instructions. The app should see you mug and prompt you to pair all on it’s own as mine did. Then you can choose a colour for the LED light on the front of your mug to personalize it—and to help tell it apart from your partners.Using Ember mugPour your hot beverage into the mug, and mine seemed to recognize there was liquid in it right away. In fact, Ember intelligently wakes up when hot liquid is poured in and enters sleep mode when not in use, which is fantastic and I found it worked seamlessly for me in my testing.The app will show you the temperatuere of what’s inside, then you can choose how much to let Ember mug lower the temperature. I like my coffee pretty hot, so I chose the warmest temperature it would allow me to have which was 145F.The mug lets your drink cool to that temperature, and then will hold it there either as long as the rechargeable battery has power, or while it's connected to its AC powered coaster.How long does Ember mug keep drinks hot?The built in battery on the Ember keeps your drink at temperature for about 90 minutes in my testing.In my review., Are used the mug without the coaster during my morning routine where I would sit on the sofa, drink my coffee, and peruse the news. It was nice not to need the coaster for this and the mug’s battery lasted long enough—until I had to get up and get working.Cleaning Ember mug 2Naturally anytime you're using a connected device that's also meant for eating or drinking, there's questions about how to clean it. The ember mug is not safe for dishwasher or microwave, and must be hand washed. Overall review – Ember travel mugI love the idea of this mug and found it easy to use and that it operates precisely as it describes. I like the design, and it feels like a real at-home ceramic mug; not like a weighty piece of tech.On the downside, It does have to be handwashed; not a huge deal but something to be aware of. And the 90 minute battery life is a wee bit disappointing for me; I’d love a bit more juice out of this mug. But at the same time, 90 minutes is all Ember promises. For me, 90 minutes was long enough to chill on the sofa and not need to go running for the coaster. And when I did hit the home office, I found the coaster was great at keeping my coffee hot until I was done with it.
T3 Micro SinglePass Curling Iron review - is less expensive less good? Erin Lawrence 2022-11-07 | Get one: amzn.to/3t6jRBARead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Shark FlexStyle multi-styler Review : is it time to kiss your Dyson obsession goodbye!? Erin Lawrence 2022-11-02 | Get one: amzn.to/3DvJhgKRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Breville Barista Express espresso machine: it costs a mint, so is it WORTH IT? Erin Lawrence 2022-11-01 | Get one: amzn.to/3TUBvE9Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaBreville Barista ExpressSome of the most popular products I review are coffee makers and espresso gadgets. It seems we love our coffee and our technology so whenever we can merge these two passions, we embrace it fully. I’ve been experimenting with automatic espresso machines recently, and I’ve been dying to get my hands on the Breville Barista Express. This espresso machine is quite pricey, but it gets amazing reviews so I wanted to see what the hype was about and if it's actually worth it. In this review I'll show you my hands-on experience, look at the features of this machine, talk about the quality of the espresso and how it's made, as well as the milk frothing capabilities, and let you know if overall I can recommend it for you.What is Breville Barista Express?This machine is an all-in-one espresso machine: It stores and grinds the beans, extracts the espresso, and heats and foams the milk; all in one moderately sized unit that stands about ?? Tall and fit easily under my cabinets. You can make single shots, doubles, or adjust these sizes to your own preference. It also dispenses hot water.What’s in the box?Let's take a look at what you get in this generously kitted out package. Naturally the machine is the main component. There’s a large 2 L water tank with filter option. On top is the sealed coffee bin, and there’s an area to the right of it that also warms your cups.There’s adjustment knobs on the side for the grind, and all your key controls are on the front… and we’ll get to these in a bit more detail.The steamer wand and controls are off to the right hand side of the machine and of course there's also a solid-feeling portafilter.On the bottom is a drip tray, and a neat hidden storage container for tools.There's lots of extras in here as well including:4 filter baskets: single and double options for pre-ground coffee (single wall) or ground-to-order (dual wall)A stainless steel milk jugCleaning tools, disk and tablets,Water filterRazor dose trimming toolHow it worksI’m going to pull a shot for you just so you can see the process quickly, then we’ll look at the key features that get us to finished espresso.Turn the machine on and it takes just ??? To heat upI’m using the automatic dosing here, and to start the grind I just push the portafilter in towards the back of the machine. I’m making a double shot.Tamp the coffee, then run some water through the group head by pressing the single shot button.Insert the portafilter and lock it into place, then press the size of shot you want.The machine will run the pre-infusion to wet the grounds, then increase the pressure to pull the shot.My double took about ?? Seconds to be ready.Let’s look at the key features of the Breville Barista ExpressConical Burr GrinderThe Breville Barista Express can grind your coffee to your preferred fineness. It uses the preferred conical burr grinder inside for a more even texture.A dial on the side of the machine lets you adjust among 16 settings from fine to coarse. You can also allow the machine to automatically measure or ‘dose’ your portafilter (and that’s the basket where the coffee is extracted). The dosing is also manually adjustable so you can use as much or as little as you want.Integrated tamper + Coffee lovers no that once your coffee is dosed you need to tamp it just right. There's an integrated tamper right next to the grinder output that allows you to conveniently press your ground coffee. Inside the package is also a handheld tamper if you prefer.Espresso pressure gaugeOne of the challenges of making truly great espresso is getting the rate pressure, but you also have to combine that with just the right grind for your beans, as well as the correct amount. Anybody who's made espresso manually knows this can be a tricky process and that things like humidity, temperature, and the particular roast of your particular beans this month can all affect your espresso shot. Adjustable temperatureLots of coffee lovers want adjustable temperature options in their espresso machines. Particularly depending on the beans you like to buy, since different beans may require different water temperatures to extract their best flavor. The barista express allows you to adjust water temperature plus or minus 4°F in two degree Fahrenheit increments from the default temperature.Milk heating & foamingThe barista Express uses a steam wand to heat and foam milk in the included stainless steel cup.
5th Generation Echo Dot with Clock Review: much more than a bedside alarm? Erin Lawrence 2022-11-01 | Get One: amzn.to/3SQIDQvRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaThere’s a lot of new smart speaker-digital assistant products on the market these days. The latest to arrive is the 5th generation of the popular Amazon Echo Dot with Clock. This compact smart home helper features all the power of Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant with the added functionality of a bedside alarm clock. I had a chance to wake up with the new 2022 version of the Echo Dot with Clock for a week and in this review I’ll talk about what’s new, what it’s designed to be best for, how it works and if I can recommend it for you.What is Echo Dot with Clock?The key feature of the Echo Dot with clock, as you might guess, is the addition of a LED digital display to the front of the spherical Dot. The display can show things like the time, temperature or the status of a timer if you set one. While the LED lights don’t really change much about this device and its true core purpose as a smart home hub, it does make it easier to use beside your bed or even in a bathroom, which is where I placed mine.A built-in light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness, day or night, and when I did move it to the bedroom for a few days, I didn’t find it too bright for sleeping.What makes 5th Gen Echo Dot with Clock different?There are a few key additions and improvements in this device that makes it a bit of a better choice over previous versions. The last time I reviewed Echo Dot with Clock was the third generation, so some of these upgrades will be even more useful to those of us with an older version.For starters Amazon says the speaker sounds better with, “an improved audio experience for clearer vocals, deeper bass, and vibrant sound.” The LED display now does more and apart from time and temperature it can now also display more weather details, song titles and more relevant info to your inquiry.5th Gen Echo Dot with Clock also has a temperature sensor built in so you can use it to create routines based on the temperature in the room.The final addition and improvement is that there’s a Wi-Fi booster built in if yo use the Amazon Eero network. With the Wi-Fi capabilities in here you can add up to 1,000 sq ft of wifi coverage to a compatible eero network.That’s actually quite a bit of improvement in the new version, particularly when compared to my 3rd gen version.Setting up Amazon Echo Dot with ClockSetting up this device, like all Echo devices, is easy and straightforward. You'll plug it in then follow the instructions you’ll get verbally or via the Alexa app. That basically involves getting connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network and signing in to, or creating, an Amazon account.Once that’s wrapped, you can manage the Dot with Clock’s setting inside the Alexa app. Alexa as your Alarm ClockThis Dot is made for your night stand and its small footprint means it doesn’t take up a lot of space.You can ask Alexa to set an alarm each day, or ask her to see an alarm for every weekday so you don’t need to worry about remembering every night. I liked that feature a lot. You can customize the sound Alexa will make as your alarm inside the Alexa app. There’s an expanded choice of different sounds since I last explored the device, and there’s options from light wakeful tones to songs and celebrity voice clips too. When it rings, you can tap the top of the device to snooze it, or just ask Alexa to shut it off.Amazon Echo Dot with Clock as a SpeakerWith the smaller speaker, the Echo Dot with Clock is definitely less powerful than some of the other Echo devices, but Amazon has continued to make improvements in the audio quality so it doesn’t sound small and tinny. Even so, this small unit is meant to be a supplementary or satellite to your overall system.Echo Dot with Clock has always sounded just fine to my ears, given its place int the Echo ecosystem. The 5th Gen Dot with Clock sounds quite good for its small size, and the improvements are noticeable. It gets good and loud but the audio is also clear and crisp; in the 5th gen there is a lot more detail in the music and more resonance in the bass than before. Particularly on the high end of the music spectrum, the previous versions of the Dot with Clock could lean into tinny, but Amazon seems to have balanced the speaker much better so it has more of a natural sound. The bass is actually pretty good on this speaker, and it can get quite loud while still keeping the overall sound big and clear. In short it sounds great and you’ll have a hard time cracking on this speaker’s quality, given its size and price.
Review: EZVIZ BC2 compact wireless home security camera - this 2 inch cam can hide anywhere Erin Lawrence 2022-10-31 | Get one here: ezviz.com/product/bc2/39984Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaIt’s getting so much easier to keep your home secure and an eye on what’s precious. Case in point; the EZVIZ (and it's pronounced Easy-Viz) BC2 Battery-Powered Smart Home Camera. This tiny battery-powered wireless camera boasts 1080p HD video resolution, up to 50 days of battery life and the option of either cloud recording or the use of a Micro SD card. In this post I’ll look at what the camera can do, what it’s best for, how to set it up and what you get in the box, as well as how the video quality is. I’d like to thank EZVIZ for sponsoring this post: Their support keeps the blog and YouTube channel running. Even though they’re sponsoring this, they have not told me what I have to say or what I can’t say, so you can consider these opinions my own.EZviz BC2 compact camera reviewDuring my testing phase, I left one camera set up at home in Canada to provide security while we went on vacation.The super small size—measuring just 1.5 by 2-inches —means it was easy to tuck in an out of the way corner where it wouldn’t be noticed, and it's so small it could even be tossed in your bag for travel to keep an eye on your room too.This camera can be used both indoors and outdoors though it’s not waterproof. Even so, it does have very good temperature range. It will operate in temperatures from -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113 °F ), and humidity of 95% or Less.Unboxing, installation & set upThe EZVIZ BC2 is a compact package and that’s because it’s a very small camera. In the box you get the camera unit itself, a magnetic base mount, a charging cable, as well as some installation accessories including screws, magnetic pad, and adhesive.When it comes to installing the camera, it's small enough to be discreetly hidden in almost any location in your home or elsewhere. Set it on a shelf, or countertop, or use the magnetic mount to clip it to your refrigerator or any other metallic surface.To get it set up, download the EZVIZ app, and sign up for or sign into your account. The instructions to add the camera are inside the app, and are easy. I had my camera ready to go in just a few minutes.Using EZVIZ appThe EZVIZ app is your control centre for the cameras and I found it easy to navigate and to find what I needed. You can access your camera’s live feature at any time for a look at what's going on at the moment. Inside the app you will also find any recorded videos.Recording options: Cloud or cardYou can opt into the EZVIZ CloudPlay recording for a fee or install a microSD card up to 256 GB and record directly to the camera.Inside the app you can also record videos directly to your smart phone or tablet, adjust the video resolution, use the app to talk through the cameras speaker and interact with anyone who's there. Finally you can also use the app to check your camera’s settings and remaining battery life.Video QualityThe HD video quality on this camera is quite good, and I’m easily able to see faces, details and to know exactly what’s going on.Wide viewing angle.The viewing angle is wide enough to see most of a room, an entryway area or to get some nice panoramas!Night visionIt's good to know this camera also comes equipped with infrared night vision within about a 5 m or 16 foot radius. That means even if it is full dark in your home, you should still be able to see anything clearly.
If you worked at Amazon, what would YOUR dream smart home look like? An employee confesses Erin Lawrence 2022-10-31 | Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Review: Amazon Halo View fitness & activity tracker - should Fitbit be nervous? Erin Lawrence 2022-10-30 | Get one: amzn.to/3fisg1DRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaThe word fitness tracker may be a bit of a misnomer. It gives the impression that if you aren’t into exercise, training, and all around fitness, that you have no use for any type of activity tracker. But if fitness and activity trackers were called wellness trackers, maybe more of us would embrace them, since they do a lot more than track your run. Case in point, Amazon has gotten into the wellness data game with its Halo View. But is it a worthy competitor to something like Fitbit or Garmin? I recently got a Halo View to test and review so I’ll tell you what it can do, how it works, what kind of data you get and if I think it’s a good option for you.What is the Halo View?The Halo View is Amazon’s second-generation activity tracker. Unlike its predecessor, the Halo Band, the Halo View has a new OLED screen so you can get all the biometric data you need without relying solely on the Alexa app on your phone or an Amazon Echo device (which you did have to do with the original). The original band was billed as a tracker that didn’t distract you with its screen notifications, but it seems folks found that weird, so here we are.Adding a screen, for better or worse, makes the Halo View look pretty much like most of the other budget dedicated fitness trackers on the market. There is no Amazon branding or fancy band designs so what you get (if you’ll forgive the obvious comparison) is essentially a Fitbit Inspire powered by Amazon technology. It is available in two sizes (which differ only in band length) with three colors to choose from – Active Black, Sage Green, and Lavender Dream. The packaging is pretty simple and other than the band itself, all you get is a charger, a quick start guide, and a couple of motivational stickers. Halo View Health FeaturesHalo View will track and report on all the n ow-standard fitness, activity, movement and sleep data as other devices do, including:• Sleep• Steps• Heart rate• on-demand blood oxygen levelsStep count seems accurateI tested the halo views step counting reliability by strapping the device onto my wrist counting my steps, then sinking with the app. For the most part, I found the step count to be quite accurate, if a little delayed to update inside the app. I’d say the step count was only off by a step or two which I consider to be quite accurate.Several times in my testing the halo View registered my heart rate at extremely high levels, particularly when I was sitting or otherwise chill.At one point while working on my laptop I checked in on my heart rate and it showed a problematic 135-140 bpm. I checked it against a Fitbit, and then an Apple Watch, just to make sure I wasn’t on the verge of a crisis. Both other devices detected my heart rate at about half what the Halo View showed it at. Even so, at other time the View was much closer to the Apple Watch. If your Amazon Halo app isn't correctly reflecting your resting heart rate, max heart rate, or live heart rate, there could be a few reasons for it.Body CompositionAmazon’s unique spin on this fitness tracker is that it can also do a Body Composition analysis and use what’s called its Tone of Voice feature. The Body Composition feature requires you to submit full-body pictures of yourself (in minimal clothing) to analyze your body fat. The app informs me that Halo body is powered by a computer vision algorithm that estimates the percentage of body fat tissue in someone’s body and that a 2021 study found the halo body assessment to be as accurate as clinically recommended body fat estimation tools and more accurate than the at home smart scales it was tested against.The Halo View scan put my body fat percentage at 32.5% which is in the lower-normal range, so I’d say that’s accurate for me. By way of comparison, I have a Fitbit area scale and the scale puts my body fat percentage at 35.3%. The Tone of Voice feature puts a grade on your voice in various areas and tries to paint an emotion profile. I used the Tone of Voice feature and found it interesting, if easy to dupe. Getting this feature set up requires you to read some text aloud in your natural voice. Then you use what’s called the Live Mode real time voice analysis to interpret how you sound. When I spoke in my normal voice I got a positive reaction when I spoke in my normal voice I got a positive reaction generally speaking it showed that I was focused knowledgable confident and generally in a good mood. But then I was easily able to push it into the negative by dropping my voice and sounding more clipped, constrained and constricted. You can delete the files when you’re done with them.
FOREO LUNA 4 review & whats new? Erin Lawrence 2022-10-27 | Get one: flip.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=4&aff_id=4762Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaFOREO devotees are abuzz with the launch of the newest iteration of the popular LUNA cleansing device. LUNA 4 is now available, so in this post, which FOREO has graciously agreed to sponsor, I’ll take a look at what the LUNA 4 can do for your skin, what’s new compared to the LUNA 3 and if it might be a good choice for your skincare needs. Though they are sponsoring this post FOREO has not told me what I have to say or what I can’t say about the LUNA 4, so consider these thoughts my own.What is FOREO LUNA 4?The Foreo LUNA 4 is a smart, connected, soft silicone facial cleansing brush that gently removes dirt and residue that can cause breakouts—and this new version is billed as the most gentle and powerful LUNA ever. The soft silicone surface is gentle on the skin, and the small bristles feel like they’re cleansing well, without harshly scrubbing. What’s new?The most gentle LUNA yet, FOREO says LUNA 4 is made of 17% softer silicone touchpoints that glide even more effortlessly across skin to help maintain its natural elasticity. (And this is after FOREO already made major improvements to bristle softness on the LUNA 3!) I can say that just running my fingers over the brush surface it’s noticeably softer, so I’m looking forward to trying it on my face.New FOREO LUNA 4 massage patternsLUNA 4 has some new cleansing and massage options and they are divided up in the app labelled as Massage and Treatments. Each one has subtle differences, so you can choose one based on how it feels, or what you hope to accomplish. The different massage patterns range from waves that increase and decrease and intensity to more staccato vibrations as well as some subtler low-intensity massage:Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Boosts circulation - eyes & jaw.Deep Tissue Massage:Relieves tension - cheeks & jaw.Trigger Point Massage:Relieves muscle tightness - neck. Shiatsu Massage: Promotes calm - forehead & temples.Reflexology Massage: Restores energy - eyebrows & ears.The LUNA 4 also has four different treatment options: “Eyes on the Prize” (for firming the eye-area), “Nothing but Neck” (for toning the neck and décolleté), “Contour Crazy” (sculpts the jawline and cheeks), and “Mouth Magic” (tightens jawline and reduces frown lines). All of the settings for both devices have video tutorials that show you how to properly use the device. The connected app by the way can also be used for locating a lost device, and can help you track your cleansing habits. Custom CleansingIt's possible to create your own custom cleansing routine by using the FOREO app. The app makes it easy to adjust the duration and intensity of your cleansing treatment; you can choose to lower the intensity of T-Sonic pulsations, for example on sensitive cheeks prone to rosacea, or augment them to more thoroughly clean an oily forehead. Just choose your device in the FOREO app and then select the Settings tab.LUNA 4: what to expectLUNA devices are made to help you better and more throughly cleanse the skin on your face, neck and chest, without being harsh. They offer gentle skin exfoliation that helps to clean up makeup, sunscreen, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and just about anything else you may get on your face. To prepare for a treatment, open the FOREO app and choose your massage or treatment option. Alternately you can simply push the power button on the back of the device to get started without connecting. If you use the app, it is quite easy to navigate and all the options are very clearly laid out.Using LUNA 4Using the LUNA 4 definitely gives you a more thorough clean than soap and water or washcloth alone and it will tell you when to move on to different areas of the face so you get a complete, thorough clean. When you first turn it on you'll feel the gently vibrating device as you press it against your skin and this micro-scrubbing is helping cleanse and shake the dirt and oil build up from your pores. Special double pulses at certain times will be a clue that it's time to move on to another area of your face. I can confirm that the silicone bristles on the LUNA 4 are definitely much softer and silkier than even the LUNA 3. They feel much more like a soft brush than a silicone pad and though I’ve never found them harsh or rough, anyone who’s been waiting will want to try the LUNA 4 now thanks to this softer version.Final thoughts on LUNA 4
Turn leftover cream into BUTTER in 2 minutes with blender or food processor: TechGadgetsCanada.com Erin Lawrence 2022-10-25 | ...
New Google Pixel 7 smartphone review Erin Lawrence 2022-10-20 | Get One: amzn.to/3MM5wmWRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
NEW Google Pixel Watch review - better than Apple, Garmin or Fitbit? Erin Lawrence 2022-10-18 | Get one: amzn.to/3g92WepRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
First look Comparison: Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro Erin Lawrence 2022-10-12 | Full review soon TechGadgetsCanada.com
FIRST LOOK: Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphone Erin Lawrence 2022-10-12 | Full review soon TechGadgetsCanada.com
Huawei MateView monitor review - is it really any good for home office? Erin Lawrence 2022-09-27 | Get One: amzn.to/3LPhs75Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada++In my quest for the perfect monitor there are two key factors: excellent resolution and great design. It’s easy to find monitors with outstanding resolution, but findiong ones that are well-designed is a lot harder. My search has brought me to the 4K Huawei MateView. IN this review I’ll look a t the screen quality, design, and any spcial features, plus I’ll tell you if I can recommend it for you.Huawei MateView: basics Huawei MateView is a 28.2-inch 4K monitor that sits on a sleek footed stand. I opted for the Mystic Silver colour, but it’s also made in black.The display is all screen with a huge wide viewable area and almost zero bezel or frame with about a 94% screen-to-body ratio and a barely visible 6 mm bezel. At 3850 x 2560 resolution, it’s sharper than other HD monitors, and Huawei also boasts that it has an extra 1.5 million pixels, compared to standard 4K meaning it should seem sharper and clearer; and potentially great for fine detail or document work.One of the other selling features is the burst of colour from the “cinema-level” colour gamut. The sales pitch here is that there’s over a billion colours in here, but since the human eye can only actually see a fraction of that, most of it will be lost on us. The Coles Notes is that you should be able to see more realistic colour and subtler transitions, and I’d say in my several weeks of use, that’s true.DesignThe design of this monitor is really beautiful; it’s one of the nicest designs out there. The back aluminum alloy panel is sleek and bright and subtle. The screen sits on a sliding stand that moves smoothly up and down, from about 2.5-inches off the surface to about 7-inches. The screen will tilt but not swivel. The construction looks durable and high-end.The 28-inch size isn’t the biggest monitor out there (32-inch monitors offer a bit more real estate) but the remarkable barely-there bezels make this screen seem larger than it really is.Ports and connectionsCleverly, most of the ports are built into the side of the stand, and there’s two USBm one USB-C and a headphone jack. There’s also a USB-C power connector in the back, plus HDMI and a Mini Display Port/DP connection. The monitor comes with a MiniDP to DP cable plus a USB-C to USB-C cable. I opted to use the USB-C to connect to my MacBook Pro, and it was a quick, easy and efficient connection that meant I could plug in direct instead of needing a separate adapter.No VESA mountI was a little disappointed to see there is no VESA mount adaptor as part of this monitor. This means the monitor can only be used on its proprietary stand. This is a disappointment for me since I would much rather have my monitor up on a monitor arm and off my desk.Smart barWhile some monitors have buttons or joysticks to adjust settings, the Huawei MateView uses a Touchbar. By tapping and swiping along the bottom centre of the screen you’ll bring up a menu of options, and you can adjust things like brightness, input sources, colurs and access to adjustments to minimize eye strain.Screen qualityI can definitely say using this monitor was a treat. Particularly when working on documents, the text was crisp and sharp and easy to read. When it came to using the screen for editing videos and photos, the colour quality was great, and all my video review projects looked sharp and accurate.I also put on some nature videos to check the 4K video quality and the results were stunning.Speaker QualityYou can opt to use the built-in dual 5 watt speakers in the Huawei mate view monitor. The speaker is cleverly concealed as part of the stand, and while it's a little bit tinny sounding (like most monitor speakers), it does get plenty loud. It’s not high fidelity by any means but could do the job nicely of you don’t have other speakers.Overall reviewOverall, I’m really loving the Huawei MateView and have really nothing I can complain about. The key downside for me is that there’s no VESA adapter so I can’t put the MateView on a monitor arm, but honestly that’s kind of common in this type of premium, fine-design 4K monitor; the sam is tru of the Samsung M8 which I recently reviewed also.In short the video quality is outstanding, the colour looks gorgeous and the overall design adds a lot to my home office. I can definitely recommend the 28-inch 4K Huawei mate View to you. It sells for about $899CAD and you can get it from Best Buy or Amazon.
Tineco Toasty One smart toaster review - do you really need a smart toaster? Erin Lawrence 2022-09-23 | Get one: store.tineco.com/products/tineco-toasty-one-smart-toaster Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Eve Aqua 3rd Gen review: can this remote water controller save your garden? Erin Lawrence 2022-09-19 | Get one: amzn.to/3UcVRciRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaGet one: amzn.to/3UcVRciRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaYou know how smart thermostats work by automatically adjusting your climate-control system to improve efficiency? Smart water controllers work the same way but for your outdoor watering needs. Eve recently launched its new Eva Aqua water metering device. This rather large block of technology gives you remote control over your hose, sprinkler or drip irrigation flow. In this review I'll talk about what the device can do and what account, what it's like to install, and how well it works overall.What is Eve Aqua? In short, Eve Aqua is a remote water controlling device. It attaches to your hose bib to allow you to control the flow of water any time. Used with the Apple HomeKit app (and yes, that’s the only way to use it) you can adjust schedules, turn your water on and off and even connect drip irrigation and time daily waterings for your plants. All from your iPhone.Installation & power for Eve AquaBefore you install your device you need to put in the included AA batteries. These batteries should give you about five months of power; probably enough for most of the spring and summer season. I will point out that installing the batteries was a bit frustrating. The mechanism and battery cover on the inside is rather oddly designed, and makes it extremely difficult to open the compartment and wedge the batteries inside. Installing the Eve Aqua onto your hose bib is pretty simple as the top screw should securely attach to any standard outdoor tap. The included 26.5 mm threaded hose connector makes the Eve Aqua fully compatible with all the popular water distributors and hose systems like Gardena. Even so Eve Aqua's size is particularly huge… While most folks probably won't have this concern, I struggled to get it to fit it into a small area near our back steps, and needed an adapter. But no knock on Eve for this… You can turn on the water by pressing the button on the front or use your iPhone, Apple Watch or Siri. The Eve for HomeKit app grants you more than just a remote trigger for your water distribution system; it also tells you all sorts of useful stats such as the last time you switched the Eve Aqua on and your water consumption per day. It also gives you full flexibility on scheduling and automation with support for Siri Shortcuts. You can even pause watering automatically if rain is in the forecast; more on that later…Do I need Wi-Fi in my garden?The secret behind the Eve Aqua’s multi-month battery life is the fact that it solely relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) so you don’t need Wi-Fi in your garden. Although that limits the wireless range, having a HomeKit-enabled product like a HomePod or Apple TV 4K greatly helps the Eve Aqua feel like a full smart device citizen.It also makes the Eve Aqua a very practical choice if you have another Eve product in your home such as an Eve Weather since you only need a single iOS app to manage them all. Operating rangeI'll spill a wee bit of ink on the operating temperatures for this device, particularly since I live in the great White North. The Operating Range will handle heat, but not any kind of cold, running smoothly from 4 °C – 50 °C / 39 °F – 122 °F. This means Canadians and my pals in the colder parts of the USA will want to remove this device for the winter and wait until overnight freezes pass before spring installation. For us, that’s not that much different than winterizing your hose bib which you should be doing any way.Overall Thoughts on Eve AquaOverall, Eve Aqua is a cool, handy gadget and it’s going to make next summer’s garden even more productive and healthy. Now that I have it, I’m probably going to add a drip irrigation system so I can keep on top of things.Using the push button to turn water on or off is easier than twisting a rusty old dial, and asking Siri to water the garden is even easier. The Eve for HomeKit app is pretty easy to navigate and offers a lot of customization and options for your needs. I love the scheduling feature, and while I think the ability to pause the schedule when rain is in the forecast is neat, it could be even more automated.Downsides?The device is quite large, but I think in most installations that won’t be an issue. It does only work with the Apple Homekit ecosystem which might be a disappointment for some. Changing and installing the batteries isn’t super easy but that should only be a once or twice a year problem.All that aside, Eve Aqua is a great, handy automation gadget for the yard or garden. It sells for about $149USD/$219CAD and you can get it from Apple or Amazon.
THX Onyx Review & what to know Erin Lawrence 2022-09-15 | Get one here: amzn.to/3qRdctKVideo Sponsored by THXQobuz free three-month trial with purchase of THX Onyx is available now for anyone while the offer lasts!Current THX Onyx special pricing at $149 is expected to run on Amazon through mid-SeptRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Dyson V12 Detect Slim in-home review: do LASERs make it better? Plus what to know before you buy Erin Lawrence 2022-09-07 | Get one: amzn.to/3RG5Ft8Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
HP Sprocket mini photo printer: review & what to know Erin Lawrence 2022-09-07 | Get one: amzn.to/3RElH6XRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanada
Hands-on Review: Sceptre 1080p 24 LED Monitor - can cheap still be good? Erin Lawrence 2022-09-06 | Get one: amzn.to/3KLFyz3Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaWhether you’re building a PC, adding extra visual workspace, or you need to enlarge your laptops workable area, there are all kinds of reasons to buy a computer monitor. You’ll find options from brands like LG, ViewSonic, Dell, Samsung, MSI and many others. I’ve been looking for the perfect monitor to use with my Apple MacBook Pro; my laptop is only a 14 inch screen, and with all the video editing, photos, and website design I do, I just need to be able to see more things, larger. I’ve recently narrowed down some choices that are extremely popular on Amazon, and that’s what brought me to the Scepter 1080p 24 inch monitor. In this review I’ll look at what you get with this monitor, what your options are for set up and connections, the quality of the screen, and any special features. I’ll let you know if I think it’s a good bet for you.How to choose a monitorChoosing a monitor is all about your personal workflows. Knowing your exact use cases will help beeline you towards the best path. My strategy is to start off with three specific areas: the maximum price you are willing to pay for the monitor and your use cases for both the short term, and the long term. Focusing on the budget and short-term use case is most important but figuring out your long-term game also helps because monitors last many years, and maybe you don’t want to contribute to e-waste by replacing your monitor every few years.For instance, if you do plenty of multitasking, need more screen real estate and do some gaming on the side, you might gravitate towards an ultrawide monitor with low input lag and less emphasis on color accuracy to hit a certain budget target. Once you have identified your preferences, do your research and either see the monitors up close and personal or look for reviews online and learn the experts’ opinions. The final step is to make a shortlist of 3 to 5 monitors that tick every box in your list of requirements and identify the key differences of each. Having this data all in front of you really helps in making the best decision.Should I choose a 1080p or 4K Monitor?If you want to treat your eyes well, a 4K monitor is the way to go. I remember when Apple introduced the iPhone 4 and didn’t think users needed a super high-resolution display until I actually saw the Retina display and really noticed how much sharper the text and image details were. For monitors, screen resolutions are all about screen real estate and detail and since Windows lets you choose the scaling, you can decide the best balance between the two with larger 4K monitors offering more versatility.No height adjustmentIt will be important to note that (perhaps understandably) for the price, the monitor doesn’t offer any height adjustment options, but you can tilt the screen a bit.VESA adapterIt does have a built-in 100mm x 100mm VESA mount. Thanks to the mount, you can buy a monitor arm like the Kensington Monitor arm and instantly gain that flexibility.Ports and connectionsOn the connections side, the main highlight of this Sceptre monitor is the dual 75 Hz HDMI 1.4 ports and single VGA port. You won’t find any picture-in-picture or split source modes though so you are limited to cycling through different sources like an ordinary TV. Overall review: Sceptre 1080p 24-inch MonitorOverall, this monitor is just fine. Well it’s not much to look at in the design department, and the resolution is basic, it’s a fine monitor for those on a budget.The Scepter 1080p 24-inch monitor is proof that you can get a decent display for a low asking price because most of your money goes towards the hardware with very little to spare on the branding. While I can agree that some established companies may offer better quality and higher resolution, I’m glad to see options like this exist for people who want a good combination of basic features without any major negatives, for a cheap price.When it comes to the downsides, there’s nothing wrong with this monitor per se. I mean, you could complain that the resolution isn’t as sharp, or that it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as other options, but if that’s the case, I would direct you to several other higher end monitors that you’d pay more for. With this one you’re getting basic monitor features at a great price.I can recommend the Sceptre 24-inch monitor to you.It sells for about $205CAD/$129USD.If you want to check out some other higher end options and 4K display panels, check out my reviews of LG, ViewSonic, Dell, Samsung, ***
Samsung 2022 M8 4K monitor + TV: DONT bother with Apples Studio Display, get THIS instead Erin Lawrence 2022-09-05 | Get one: amzn.to/3cV32F8Read more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaI love my laptop, but sometimes you just need a bigger workspace. Particularly if you work with photos, video, or multiple docs or sheets at once, having a bigger monitor can make for more comfortable working. I currently use a 14-inch MacBook Pro and while it’s great for travel, it’s too small for detailled video editing which I do almost daily. For that reason I’ve been testing out a lot of monitors. The 32-inch Samsung M8 monitor in sunset pink has arrived into my test kitchen, and more than a simple 4K computer monitor, this baby has a design-focused look and it doubles as a TV, making it pretty ideal for smaller spaces, like dorm rooms, or shared apartments.In this review I’ll look at what this monitor can do, what sets it apart, what’s it’s good at and not so good at, and if I can recommend it for you.What is Samsung M8 MonitorThis 32 inch monitor is a 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) smart monitor, and it actually looks. alot like Apple’s Studio Display, albeit at about half the price. I may be skipping ahead here bit if you’re looking at Apple’s monitor, stop and look closer at the M8.This 16:9 display with a 60 hz refresh rate comes with a detachable webcam, and it has smart streaming built in so you can use it as a TV too, with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV all available via Wi-Fi without having to connect to a PC or TV. There’s also a small remote control; mainly for using it as a TV, but it does come in handy for adjusting the monitor settings too.The monitor comes in some cool colours which is definitely satisfying my design sensibilities. It sits on a flat thin foot and is adjustable up or down within about 1.5 to 6 inches off its foot. In a bit of a design oversight, it does not have a VESA adapter so you can’t put it on a monitor arm to get it off your desk space, which is a bit of a shame.The monitor has almost no bezel or edge and the screen is huge with lots of space.Set up & connectionsIn another oddity for me, the monitor’s ports and connections are all located underneath the sliding mount, making them extremely difficult to access easily. I presume Samsung did this to hide visual clutter, and in truth you’re probably not going in here constantly after your initial connections, so maybe it’s a not issue.This monitor, in yet another oddity, does not have an HDMI port, which meant I needed another solution to connect my laptop. Fortunately, Samsung included a USB-C to USB-C cable which plugs into my hub adapter and worked for my set up.To properly set up the Samsung M8 smart display as your Apple MacBook extended monitor, you need to use that included USB C to USB C cable. Then you will go to the Samsung Smart Display’s menu option. Choose connected devices, then (again, oddly) choose PC. Though it shows PC as the option, this will be whatever computer you have connected, even if it’s a MacBook. With that selected, you should see your laptop screen appear. Then, you can use your MacBook’s settings to either make the monitor an additional display, or a mirror of your existing laptop monitor. Screen mirroring or remote loginYou can also choose Screen Mirroring if you want to avoid cables altogether or use a remote login. (On a Mac, to use screen mirroring, choose screen mirroring, from your settings on your MacBook then select Smart Monitor.)I can say this works fine, but using my MacBook’s trackpad or mouse on the Samsung smart monitor was out of sync. The mouse speed and accuracy is way off; it seems slower and takes longer to react, and is less precise than using it on the MacBook. This makes it absolutely maddening to move between the laptop screen and the Samsung smart monitor. So I switched to the hard-wired connection.Using Samsung M8 Smart DisplayThis monitor is a dream. The 4K resolution is crisp and clear and makes video editing and blogging easy on the eyes. The colours seem natural and bright and everything looks great. I love the widescreen size and the edge-to-edge design. Using M8 Smart Display as aTVIf you want to use your monitor as a TV it's as simple as hitting the Home button on the remote, or choosing one of the quick-start buttons for Netflix or Prime.The video viewing quality is fantastic; just like a smaller 4K TV, and with all the streaming channels including Samsung’s live TV options, you’ll be saying, “Cable who?”
Ninja Creami ice cream, smoothie bowl & frozen dessert maker Erin Lawrence 2022-09-04 | Get one: amzn.to/3wrPFDdRead more: http://www.TechGadgetsCanada.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TechGadgetsCanadaIs there anyone else there who doesn't like ice cream? Even if you have dietary restrictions, there are plenty of frozen treats to enjoy. Why a quick trip to the grocery store or local ice cream shop is always an option, it's now becoming easier than ever to make a variety of frozen desserts more easily at home. I recently had a chance to try the Ninja CREAMi dessert maker. It’s not really an ice cream maker; the premise it it’s a lot easier and less work, so in this review, I’ll look at what this machine can do, how it works, if the frozen desserts it makes are good and if I can recommend it for you.What is Ninja CREAMi? Ninja CREAMi, (model NC301) is an ice cream, gelato, milkshake, sorbet, smoothie bowl and lite ice cream making machine.It churns out small 16 ounce pints of frozen treats that you prepare, but unlike traditional ice cream makers, you don’t need to prepare custards, or freeze special bowls. The premise of this machine is that you can use very few ingredients, in some cases it will work with just a can of fruit, to prepare fresh, tasty, and healthy desserts.The machine automates seven different programs and you carry them out with the touch of a single button.The machine comes with a recipe booklet that can guide you through several different options, and you can easily dream up your own creations too.What’s in the box?In the box you get the machine, which Ninja calls the “Motor Base with Dual-Drive Motors and Creamify Technology”, a special locking bowl and lid, plus two pint containers and what’s known as the Creamerizer Paddle which is what shaves and churns ice particles into a frozen treat. Using Ninja CREAMiBefore you get too far, it's important to note that you're going to need to choose your recipe, mix up the ingredients, and then freeze them for a full 24 hours before you can enjoy your dessert, so plan ahead.The machine can make a frozen dessert out of a variety of different ingredients. For the most part it uses milk, cream sugar, and cream cheese to make ice cream. It will also turn a can of fruit, like mandarin oranges, peaches or pineapple into a sorbet. Important to note is that your can of fruit needs to be in juice, light, or heavy syrup. Using canned fruit with no added sugar such as fruit and water may damage the unit.Ninja doesn’t really explain why, but it seems the sugar helps prevent the ingredients from freezing too solidly, allowing the machine to whip them up effectively?The machine will also make dairy free treats using unsweetened coconut milk, or coconut cream, and can make less sugary treats by varying different type of sweeteners including agave syrup, Stevia or corn syrup.There is also an option for a fresh fruit only sorbet that does not require added sugar.Making Ice CreamI used the Ninja CREAMi to make a variety of desserts. Let’s start with ice cream.The ice cream recipes are quite simple and use ingredient do you likely already have on hand. I opted to make fruity cereal ice cream. This recipe essentially uses a sugary cereal like Froot Loops or Fruity Pebbles plus milk, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and cream. The cereal gets soaked in milk to absorb all its flavor, then strained and mixed with the other ingredients.They are poured into the pint container, and frozen for a full 24 hours. When you're ready, remove the lid from the pint container and click it in to the special bowl. Attached the creamer riser paddle to the lid, then lock that into place. Next, lock the entire bowl into the machine, and select the Ice Cream program.The machine will run for about two minutes, churning your ingredients for you. There is an option to add additional serial pieces by using the mix in program. This essentially stirs extras in at a lower velocity. When the mixing program is done, remove the bowl and take out your pint. Your fruity cereal ice cream is ready to eat.I can say that the very limited ingredients made this recipe super easy to make, and the flavour is out of this world. This ice cream option is definitely going on repeat in our house.
