Trobadour
Top 50 Contributor
 
 
Trobadour's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    280
  • Helpfulness Votes
    1,579
  • First Review
    January 27, 2012
  • Last Review
    September 3, 2024
  • Featured Reviews
    0
  • Average Rating
    4.4
 
Reviews Comments
  • Review Comment Count
    2
  • Helpfulness Votes
    1
  • First Review Comment
    November 3, 2015
  • Last Review Comment
    September 21, 2016
  • Featured Review Comments
    0
 
Questions
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    0
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Question
    None
  • Last Question
    None
  • Featured Questions
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  • Answer Count
    42
  • Helpfulness Votes
    137
  • First Answer
    May 24, 2015
  • Last Answer
    June 26, 2021
  • Featured Answers
    0
  • Best Answers
    12
 
 
Trobadour's Reviews
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 Sony - WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones - Blue
Sony - WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones - Blue
Tune out the world with these Sony headphones. Their Wireless Noise Cancellation feature minimizes ambient noise, so you can fully enjoy your content, and the integrated microphone allows you take calls and use your smartphone's voice assistant. These Sony headphones have a swivel design that makes them easy to store in tight spaces.
 
Lightweight, Comfortable, and Immersive
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on March 25, 2018
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---SETUP---
The setup of the Sony WHCH700 was simple. Upon turning the headphones on, it automatically entered bluetooth pairing mode. My phone found it immediately and I was able to listen to music in under 2 minutes. If you ever have to pair a second device, just hold on the power button for 5-7 seconds and it will enter into bluetooth power mode again.
---FEATURES---
This headphones set is loaded with features. Amongst my favorite is the noise canceling button. You can turn this on or off and what it does is it “listens” to the ambient sound around you and mutes it improving your listening experience. It sounds like you put mute on the world and you hear nothing but the audio coming from your headset. Convenient if you plan on listening to audio on an airplane, a mall, or any other audio-busy location. If you download the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can also customize several equalizer settings such as treble boost, bass boost, and others. I left mine on vocal, as I listen to podcasts more often and they do sound more pleasant than with my other headphones.
---PERFORMANCE---
The performance of this headphones set is excellent. It’s sound is something to rival and the equalizer and extra settings in the app really make it go the extra mile. It has a 35 hour lasting battery, that’s almost an entire work-week of continuous sound. Phones calls sound clear (and noise cancellation makes it easier to hear the calls) and the person on the other end of the call could hear me clearly as well. If you’re running low on battery but want to use your headset, a 10 minute charge gives you 1 hour of use.
---EXPECTATIONS---
The product meets my expectations in all aspects except for one. First, the positives: The headset is light, comfortable, and adjustable. I can wear these over a cap and they can still reach my ears, which they cover completely without pressing against my ear. As a person who wears glasses, I didn’t find them uncomfortable with the glasses on. However, these are Sony brand wireless headphones. They do include a non-wireless option, which is to connect them with the included auxiliary cable (2 rings visible). I hooked them up to my Xbox One controller to test the Dolby Atmos and they sound like a charm. However, I connected them via auxiliary cable to try out the sound on a PS4, a Sony product, and I couldn’t get them to produce a sound. I tried connecting them via bluetooth for audio, and though the PS4 recognized the bluetooth headset by the name of the model, it wouldn’t actually give me any audio either. I deduct 1 star for this reason.
---VALUE---
The price for the headphones in terms of value is comfortable and worth it as it rivals its main competitor by 100 dollars under.
---APPROVAL---
I highly recommend this product for people who want to use this headset strictly for listening on their phone, tablet, or other mobile device for long periods of time. I wouldn’t recommend them if you plan to use them for gaming consoles.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+9points
9out of 9found this review helpful.
 
 Epson - Pro EX7260 720p 3LCD Projector - Black
Epson - Pro EX7260 720p 3LCD Projector - Black
Share projects and presentations with this Epson 3LCD projector. Wireless connectivity means you can place this device virtually anywhere in a conference room or classroom, while the onscreen QR code lets you quickly connect your laptop or mobile device for remote operation. Featuring 3600 lumens of equal color and bright whiteness, this Epson 3LCD projector delivers crisp, clear images to your screen.
 
Projector Portability at its Best!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on March 18, 2018
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---SETUP---
The setup for the Epson Pro EX7260 was quick and easy. After opening the box, you see that it comes with 3 cables: the power cable, a USB to firewire cable, and a VGA cable, but I prefered using an HDMI cable which I already had. I tested all cables regardless and they all provide a stunning image for presentations. You only need to have 2 cables connected, the power cable and your choice for display from the aforementioned cables.
---FEATURES---
The key feature for this projector is its portability and its auto sync ability. Opening the box, you discover that the projector is comfortably stored in an included messenger-like looking bag with a strap. The bag comes with a side storage pocket to include cables and the remote wherever you take it. After plugging in and turning on the projector, I noticed that it identified the location of the projector screen and the keystone (determines how close to a rectangle the image will look) auto adjusted itself. That's a wonderful feature if you plan on traveling with this projector and have to set it up at different locations constantly.
---PERFORMANCE---
The performance of this projector is great. I took this to my classroom and it performs better than the projector my classroom has. The image only goes as high as HD720P, but that’s still a very clear image and perfect for presentations and home movies. The projector only gets loud if you are close to it, but it’s not noticeable if you are playing audio, are speaking during your presentation, or away from the projector. The projector’s audio is just ok, but I would use an alternate source for audio.
---EXPECTATIONS---
The product meets my expectations. This is meant for presentations, so I can’t judge it compared to 1080P projectors or higher. Movies still look stunning, though, but keep in mind that if you’re planning to buy it to watch films your resolution will only be as high as 720P.
---VALUE---
The price for the projector in terms of value depends on how often you plan to use it. If you are planning on traveling with this projector, then definitely invest in it.
---APPROVAL---
I highly recommend this product for people who gives presentations often where they have to provide their own equipment to present. Teachers, sales departments, and other presenters would greatly appreciate this. Schools who are searching to upgrade projectors or install new ones at new school buildings should look into getting these.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Sony - SRS-XB31 Portable Bluetooth Speaker - White
Sony - SRS-XB31 Portable Bluetooth Speaker - White
Entertain friends with loud yet clear music by using this Sony portable Bluetooth speaker. Extra bass and three-dimensional sound create a superior listening experience, while the multicolored flashing lights and Party Booster make your gathering more fun. This Sony portable Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and has a protective fabric cover for worry-free use outdoors.
 
Party Mode - Enough Said
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on March 12, 2018
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---SETUP---
The setup for the Sony SRS XB31 speaker was easy but unnecessarily cumbersome. I paired it directly with the bluetooth on my phone but that wasn’t enough. Audio wouldn’t come out. I had to download the Sony App Music Center in order to register the device. Afterwards, the app itself redirected my phone to the bluetooth options and have it paired, then return to the app. The process was easy but, I feel, unnecessary.
---FEATURES---
The key feature of this speaker is that it is dustproof and waterproof at ingress protection 67 (IP67). The 6 is the maximum number of protection against dust and the 7 is the maximum protection against water immersion in depth between 15 cm and 1 meter for 30 minutes. It also works as a portable battery pack and can charge your cell phone, which is a great feature for those on the go. The battery lasts 24 hours of continuous use. There is also a party mode, which causes flashing strobe lights and colorful lights to pulse at the beat of your music. You can connect up to 100 speakers for party mode, but I couldn’t test that as I only had the one to try.
---PERFORMANCE---
The performance of this speaker is superb. The day before I got this speaker, my wife’s bluetooth speaker was stolen. We used this one to project audio while her choir students sang from a pre recorded piano performance. The live mode of the speaker made the piano performance sound natural and live, as if someone was playing the piano. The party mode wouldn’t be adequate in the performance mentioned above, so we turned that feature off by holding the battery button for 3 seconds. I tried party mode at home. It is supposed to have lights blink in synchronicity with your music, but it doesn’t quite pull it off. Regardless, the lights are entertaining to watch and I can see it adding to the mood of a party. Overall, the sound is amazing and the extra features are a nice added bonus.
---EXPECTATIONS---
The product meets my expectations. For the size of the speaker, it produces a loud and natural sound.
---VALUE---
The price for the speaker in terms of value is competitive for speakers in the same category.
---APPROVAL---
I highly recommend this product for people who enjoy their audio on the go and don’t want to carry a separate battery pack for other devices. Also, teenagers or young adults who frequent parties would appreciate party mode, as the flashing lights of the speaker do promote a lively atmosphere.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Linksys - RE9000 AC3000 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Range Extender - Black
Linksys - RE9000 AC3000 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Range Extender - Black
Extend your next-gen AC Wi-Fi connection in hard-to-reach locations of your home such as the backyard, garage, or bedroom, so you can get blazing AC3000 Wi-Fi speeds to Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, iPads, tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Powerful amplifiers and four high-performance external antennas deliver maximum power and range, allowing everyone in your family to enjoy 4K/HD movie streaming, simultaneous online gaming, social media, and more.The Max-Stream RE9000 tri-band range extender helps you get the most out of your home Wi-Fi by delivering faster speeds than dual-band range extenders. Dedicated backhaul technology maximizes Wi-Fi speeds by assigning a single, dedicated 5 GHz Wi-Fi band to your router. This frees up the remaining two bands to focus exclusively on your streaming media players, game consoles, and other connected devices, so you'll enjoy full-strength Wi-Fi without slowdown or degradation.
 
Extended Pleasure
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on March 10, 2018
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---SETUP---
The setup of the RE9000 Linksys extender was extremely easy. What is recommended is for you to connect it at a plug near your existing WiFi router so that you aren’t walking back and forth when setting it up. My existing router is a Linksys AC4000 with Max Stream. It works with any router, but the process is much smoother with a Linksys Max Stream router. After plugging in the RE9000 extender, you wait one minute for the blinking light to turn solid orange. Then, you press the WPS button on your router and the WPS button on the extender and they connect in about 1 minute. After that, you can unplug the extender and plug it in an area that has weak WiFi signal at your home. The light on the extender will tell you if it’s a good spot or not. Solid green means strong signal. Solid orange means a weak signal. A blinking orange light means that the extender is too far away from the existing router. Guide yourself based on that lighting and you are good.
---FEATURES---
The key feature of this extender is that, if you have a Linksys Router with Maxstream, you don’t need to change to another WiFi hotspot in your own home. Your wireless devices just recognize the extension and you have continuous internet wherever you go in your house.
---PERFORMANCE---
The performance of this extender is flawless. I have a two story home and my router is upstairs because that’s where my gaming consoles and PC are at. My family rarely spends time downstairs, except when we go to the kitchen. That’s where it’s a wild west scenario to pick up good WiFi. We usually just take our phones off WiFi to use our cell phone data while watching shows. With the extender, I now have a solid full WiFi signal and can stream without any interruptions.
---EXPECTATIONS---
The product meets my expectations. Before the extender, I couldn’t connect a Google Chromecast at the kitchen TV because it was too far from the router for a stable signal. Now, we are enjoying a strong signal and a good choice of entertainment from the Google Chromecast. This weekend, my extended family came over all with multiple WiFi devices. Approximately 25 devices were connected and it didn’t slow down my network in the area where the signal was weak before.
---VALUE---
The price for the extender is worth is if you are having weak signals in your home. Additionally, it doesn’t slow down other WiFi devices that are connected to your original router because it dedicates a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band to your router.
---APPROVAL---
I highly recommend this product for people who have large homes where their WiFi router is out of range at frequented areas of the house.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
 
 Sennheiser - HD1 Free Wireless In-Ear Headphones - Black
Sennheiser - HD1 Free Wireless In-Ear Headphones - Black
Enjoy playlists in private with these Sennheiser wireless earbuds. The three-button remote lets you take calls or cycle through music with a single touch, and the earpieces are magnetic, so they stick to one another to prevent loss while not in use. These Sennheiser wireless earbuds have a range of up to 30 feet from a paired device.
 
Lightweight Yet Powerful
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on March 2, 2018
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---SETUP---
The Sennheiser HD1 in-ear headphones are easy to set up. Upon turning it on, my cell phone found the headphones immediately under the name HD1 IE Free. Paring took under a minute.
---FEATURES---
These earbuds come with several unique features. One of my favorite ones is the magnetized back of the tips. When you aren’t using the headphones, you can have them hang from your neck, as with most. However, the magnetized back of the tips allow for them to be more secured around your neck and won’t fall off as easily if you are making brisk movements. One complaint I do have is with a feature that it lacks. Sometimes, when you miss something on a podcast or want to hear a specific section of a song, with most headsets, you can rewind or fast-forward by holding the Skip Track button. It isn’t the case with these Sennheiser. The control options are the volume up/down buttons and a middle button between those two for turning on/off the headset and for pairing/answering/hanging up the phone. The volume up and down work by click it over and over until desired volume is found. When holding the volume buttons, what happens is, it will either skip to the beginning of the track (lower volume button) or skip to the next track (raise volume button). Fast-forwarding or rewinding tracks is an important feature that I feel cost this headset one star to be removed. If you haven’t used those features in your audio experiences in a while, then it shouldn’t be part of your purchasing decision.
---PERFORMANCE---
This pair of headphones perform well enough to be your main pair. I have multiple bluetooth headsets that go around the neck. I would put these up against some of my pricier ones any day. In fact, recently, I was listening to a podcast and with these on, I could hear the vibrations of the microphone when the host would hit the arm. I hadn’t noticed that before. Regarding phone calls, there are no complaints in that department.
---EXPECTATIONS---
Going in, I didn’t expect these to feel any different than my other headsets and earbuds. However, the design feels great, they are lightweight, and the sound is incredible. The only thing that I was expecting was for it to have a longer battery life. At six hours, its on the lower end of the spectrum for battery life between charges. However, since it’s USB chargeable, most users will be within charging distance all the time.
---VALUE---
The price in terms of value is comparable to other headsets of similar quality. If you’re in the market for a good pair of great sounding headphones, these are ones to keep on the list of possible purchase.
---APPROVAL---
These headsets are TRO approved. I highly recommend this pair for people who are constantly moving, such as athletes or delivery people. Overall, the headset won’t disappoint.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
6out of 7found this review helpful.
 
 Bitdefender Total Security 2018 (5-Devices) (1-Year Subscription) - Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS, Windows
Bitdefender Total Security 2018 (5-Devices) (1-Year Subscription) - Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS, Windows
Keep files and passwords safe with Bitdefender Total Security 2018 software. It offers increased privacy with web browsing, so your information is protected from potential hackers, and it delivers multilayered ransomware defense for sensitive documents. Bitdefender Total Security 2018 software has game, movie and work modes, so it won’t interrupt you during an entertainment session.
 
Peace of mind for Mac or PC people.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on February 12, 2018
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The installation of Bitdefender was quick and easy. I just had to go to the website in the installation card and the instructions on the card itself were accurate and simple to follow. On a 140 Mbps download speed, it took a little under 30 seconds to download the client. After the client downloaded the software, Bitdefender installed itself onto my PC and informed me that I needed an update for it. The update did take about 3 minutes, but after that it was up and running.
The key feature of security software is that it can defend up to 5 devices for 1 price and can all be managed remotely with the mobile app, including both Android and iOS.
The performance this software is superb! The installation was quick on my first device, a Windows 10 PC. After the installation was done, the options to add further devices was presented to me. I chose the Mac option and a field box appeared to enter my email address that I could open in a mac to directly download the necessary files to secure my Mac. The process, again, was quick and easy. From there, I installed the app on my iOS and was able to see both of my previously installed devices plus had the option to install parental security on the mobile phone.
The software meets my expectations. With the app, I have a peace of mind knowing that I can keep track of my devices from anywhere that I am. I often leave my computers at home on because I have them working in the background with large video files that take time to export or upload. With the app, I can monitor my home devices remotely. I appreciate that Bitdefender Total Security didn’t make me buy different softwares for my Mac and my PC. All with one code, I can protect any 5 devices of my choice.
The price for peace of mind is more than affordable and worth the value. As a gamer, I appreciate the fact that it comes with game mode so that it doesn’t interrupt the installation or function of my games. When in work mode, any software that I install or am using continues functioning as it should. It even installs extensions to protect you while live-browsing the net in case you go into a website that could prove disastrous to you.
I highly recommend this product for people who are interested in protecting multiple devices regardless of whether you want total control (which it gives you) or don’t understand how it may protect you, as there is an autopilot mode that, after installation, doesn’t require you to have much input and it will do most of the heavy lifting in the background for you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
 
 Plantronics - BackBeat FIT 505 On-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones - Black
Plantronics - BackBeat FIT 505 On-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones - Black
Enhance your listening experience with these Plantronics headphones. They wirelessly connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device to eliminate the hassle of traditional corded models, and they work with Siri, Cortana and other virtual assistants for convenient control. A single charge lasts up to 18 hours, so you can listen to your Plantronics headphones worry-free all day long.
 
Great audio; Glasses users beware.
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on January 22, 2018
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The setup Plantronics Backbeat FIT was simple. Upon turning it on, it already had a high battery, which I loved. My iPhone was able to find it rather quickly and pairing up was instantaneous.
The key feature of these headphones is that the battery life is quite long-lasting, a full 18 hours. After several hours of use, I haven’t had to charge them from when they were out of the box and it still says high battery. Also, they are lightweight in design, so they don’t feel heavy on your head. It works great when listening to phone calls as well and works with Siri or Cortana.
The performance for listening to all kinds of audio was satisfactory. I heard some Spanish rock music and it was able to handle the bass. I use them mostly for listening to podcasts and the performers’ voices come through loud and clear.
The headphones meets my expectations audio wise, but they do lack in comfort. For that reason, I deduct 2 stars, as comfort is a big key component of wearing headphones. Since the ear cups are meant to be over the ear and not around the ear, they push down on your ears quite a bit. For people who wear glasses, this can be very uncomfortable because it will be mushing part of your ear against the legs of your glasses. I tried them without my glasses as well, for a fair review. I still felt discomfort after a good hour. The complaint isn’t with the audio itself, just with the discomfort the headphones provides. I do have another Plantronics headset for the Xbox One that covers the entire ear and those are not uncomfortable at all. The brand is trustworthy, but this specific product may be discomforting to some.
The price for the headphones is a great value for its audio performance.
I highly recommend this product for people who do not wear glasses and whose head may not be as big or wide. It would be a perfect gift for teenagers.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
 
 Malwarebytes 3.0
Malwarebytes 3.0
Keep your computer and information safe with Malwarebytes software. It provides protection against multiple attack types, including ransomware that hijacks your computer and demands payment and traditional spyware, and offers fast scanning so your device isn't tied up. Malwarebytes software detects fake websites and prevents you from accessing them or downloading infected programs.
 
Good software, manual installation required.
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on January 14, 2018
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The installation of the Malwarebytes program was quick and painless. I went to the website provided in the installation card, downloaded the software, installed it, and made my first scan within 3 minutes with a 100 Mbps down speed. After installing the software, I was presented with a screen for a 14 day premium trial which gives you full access, as if you purchased the product. Feel free to try it out for yourself before you buy, no credit card required for premium access trial.
The key feature of this software is to clean an infected machine from malware, prevent malware infections, stop ransomware attacks, shield vulnerable software, as well as block bad websites.
The performance the key that was included in my subscription applies for up to 3 computers. The box specifically says that it is for Windows 10 (32 or 64-bit), 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It uses up to 250 MBs on your computer, so it isn’t a large install file. Internet is required to download the software and to keep it updated daily, hourly, or even as specifically as any minutes of your choice. Scanning was quick and easy and the use of the software is self-explanatory within the tabs themselves. I will deduct one star from the registration process, though, as it required me to click on “My Account” and enter my personal information, but after doing so, it didn’t recognize that I had activated a key. I was presented with a message reading, “You don’t have any subscriptions right now, but if you purchase one it will appear right here.” However, the code subscription that came in the retail box was valid for 2 more PCs (3 total) if I input them manually to each computer.
The Malwarebytes meets my expectations. Even though it is labeled for PCs on the box and the word MAC was nowhere to be found, I went to my mac and browsed the Malwarebytes website for the Mac download. After finding it, I downloaded the file and installed it on my Mac. I was surprised that on the Mac, it offers a 30 day free trial. Regardless, I tried the code from the retail box to activate it and it worked on my Mac as well. I don’t know if this will change in the future, but for now, I was able to scan my Mac and it actually detected a malware and asked if I wanted it removed. I did so promptly.
The price for the software in terms of value is great if you plan on installing it on 3 computers, as each computer comes out to 20 dollars for the year of protection. What I did was take a picture of my code and saved it to my Google Drive in case I lose the paper in was printed on.
I recommend this product for people who have at least 3 computers and want to protect them against malware. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to PCs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
 
 Philips - Hue White Ambiance Wellness Dimmable LED Smart Table Lamp - Black
Philips - Hue White Ambiance Wellness Dimmable LED Smart Table Lamp - Black
Give your room a relaxing feel with this Philips Hue ambience lamp. It connects with most wireless devices, providing you control from anywhere, and you can program the lamp in advance. This Philips Hue ambience lamp can mimic sunlight or cool day light, letting you pick what fits the mood.
 
Brighten Your Morning
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on December 11, 2017
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The setup of the Philips Dimmable LED Smart Table Lamp was extremely easy. This was my first venture into smart home lighting. It’s a lot simpler than I anticipated. This product is a lamp with a bulb that can connect to a Philips Hue Bridge. Without the Bridge, you won’t be able to use the lamp. However, the app (labeled Hue on the iPhone) immediately recognized the bulb after pressing the add light option within the app.
The key feature of this lamp is that it is voice controlled. For this to work, you must set up Siri (on iPhone) through the Hue App. The process is rather quick and painless and it works flawlessly. Another great feature is the ability to have the lamp turn off and on based on GPS location. If you forget to turn the light (or lights, if you have several of these bulbs on your Philips Hue Bridge) off at you home, upon leaving your house, they will turn off for you. Upon your arrival, they will turn on if you’ve set up that feature as well.
The performance of this lamp is a great experience. Using voice control is very responsive and accurate to what you want the light to do. By simply saying, “Hey Siri, turn the light on,” the light will turn on without being near it. The app is a great complement to the lamp. Through the app, you can access pictures that you’ve taken. After selecting a picture, you can set it as the ambience and the lamp will do an amazing job at replicating the lighting in that photo you took. I took a picture of blue Christmas lights around my neighborhood. The lamp didn’t struggle at all matching the blue ambience in the picture and it gave off soothing and relaxing tones.
The lamp exceeds my expectations. I didn’t know why smart lamps were necessary nor how customizable they can be. It comes with pre-selected images for various ambiences but you can set you own with any picture from your phone. You can also schedule the lamp to turn on and off at certain times simulating a sunrise, facilitating the wake-up process. You don’t know what you are missing out on until you try one.
I highly recommend this product for people who want to add nice decor that can be controlled with your phone or voice. The lamps base and cover colors blend well with most environments and its customization makes this product a unique and welcoming piece of tech into any smart home.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
 
 JBL - LINK 10 Smart Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Google Assistant - Black
JBL - LINK 10 Smart Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Google Assistant - Black
Stream music uninterrupted with this water-resistant JBL portable speaker. It delivers immersive, high-quality audio inside or outside, and it's compatible with your favorite music apps for straightforward streaming via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This black JBL portable speaker comes with the voice-activated Google Assistant, so you can control it hands-free.
 
Speaks for itself...literally.
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Trobadour
from Hidalgo, TX
on December 8, 2017
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The setup of the JBL Link 10 was simple but could be somewhat confusing for some. On my iPhone, I already had the Google Home App for my existing Chromrcast devices, so I just opened the app and paired the speaker. The app found the speaker immediately and I was able to stream things within the Google Home App like Google Music or Pandora but not anything else that produced sound outside of the app. For that, you also need to pair your phone using bluetooth to the speaker. Essentially, you need to pair the speaker to your phone twice (once to your bluetooth devices and once to your WiFi network) to take full advantage of what it can do.
The key feature of this speaker is that it is a Google Assistant. Think of it as Siri (for iPhone), Cortana (for Microsoft), or Alexa (for Amazon). When the speaker is on, you can say, “Hey Google,” or, “Ok, Google,” and then you speak what you want. You can ask it questions and it will find the answers for you on the internet, you can have it call an Uber for you, you can have it tell you traffic information from your home address to your workplace, and you can even ask it to order food for you. I asked for the most recent news and it began to play live audio feed of an NPR program with the news.
The performance of this speaker is excellent. When watching content, the speaker’s power shines in its loudness. You are fully immersed if that is your only audio source for phones or tablets. Through its loudness, you can say, “Hey Google,” and it will stop the audio to listen for your command. It’s a great way to ask for the weather without looking for your phone when waking up or when you have a quick question that can be answered via a search. It even works as an oral calculator and will give you the answer to math questions you ask out loud. The only downside I found for this speaker was that, though you can use it as an alarm, the speaker has to be on for the alarm to go off. Since the battery only lasts 5 hours, if may not make it through the night on battery alone. You can leave it on and plugged in, but most people aren’t comfortable doing that to rechargeable speakers.
The speaker exceeds my expectations. I have a Philips Hue system and the Google Assistant on the speaker can be used to turn on and off my light fixture. I was amazed at the loudness of the speaker and the accuracy of the things I wanted Google to do. You can use it to wirelessly control Netflix or other apps available through the Chromecast devices.
The price for the JBL Link 10 in terms of value is just right. Other speakers that are equally powerful are priced similarly, but this one has the added benefit of having a Google Assistant.
I highly recommend this product for people who get most of their content through the Google Store and rely heavily on Google Suite Apps, like Google Calendar or Google Hangouts. If you enjoy talking to your tech to do things for you, this is a great speaker to buy. In the mornings, while getting ready, you can have it schedule appointments for you, read your itinerary for the day, and announced traffic or order you an Uber all with your voice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0113448447
Mobile Submission: False
+3points
6out of 9found this review helpful.
 
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