dronedad's stats
- Review count190
- Helpfulness votes387
- First reviewJuly 11, 2014
- Last reviewJune 3, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
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- Answer count8
- Helpfulness votes27
- First answerNovember 16, 2016
- Last answerApril 29, 2021
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Only at Best Buy Defend your home from intruders with this SimpliSafe security system. Its wireless design provides reliable, multilayer protection and avoids interruptions from cut phone lines and power outages, and it connects to an app for remote operation. This SimpliSafe security system is easy to install and customizable to homes of any size for flexible use.
Customer Rating
3
Wireless home security with or without the fees
on April 22, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
I have been waiting for the google homes and the alexas to prompt something similar to what happened with the refresh of the simplisafe this year. I was hoping that the newest version would talk more with smart home devices and be able to trigger customized alerts without the need for monthly monitoring fee. The 2018 redesign of the simplisafe gets most of the way there, and I wouldn't be surprised if Google Home and/or Amazon Alexa support is only a software patch away.
Components and setup: The system is all wireless with the exception of a power adapter for the main base, and the need to mount the keypad. The keypad is the brains of the entire operation, letting you carry it around to set up the system and connect them one by one. this is genius and worked very well for me. The entire unboxing is quite pleasant with things nicely nested and labeled. Instructions were useful but not overly technical and got you going. This set comes with a decent number of door/window sensors, one motion detector, the keypad and the brain/siren. Once they're placed/confirmed then you press the button on the sensor while navigating the add device menu on the keypad and it tells you when it connects.
Sensors: So far the door and window sensors work flawlessly. this is an easy one to do well I guess. I followed the instructions and mounted the motion sensor in a sort of "upside down" manner so as not to have any false alerts from the dog. I appreciate that this system is also designed with pets in mind. I haven't had any false alerts yet, but then again the only alerts I've had are the ones I've triggered myself to test the system.
Brain/Keypad/monitoring options: I loved using the keypad a sort of tablet device to set up and modify the whole system. I couldn't help but wonder if they could have cut some costs if that could have been done from a smartphone app. Speaking of I did download their app and found that it was pointless unless I had paid for their monitoring. here's where the simplisafe falls short. I am unable to get the system to do anything but set off the siren when an alarm is tripped UNLESS I pay for monthly monitoring. When compared to some of the main competitors like the Lowe's Iris, this pales. I felt that it should at least be able to alert me via the app or be able to send me a text. I understand that the money is in the monthly monitoring and not the hardware itself... but I refuse to add that to my bill so someone else can call the police for me. I was underwhelmed by the useless app and even less impressed with the options without paying the monthly fee. I'm going to use it this way for a while and see how it goes, perhaps I'll spring for it. At least I get one major form of security that I needed at this point: I can tell if one of my young children has somehow gotten the door/window open at night when I'm not near their bedroom. This alone is worth the cost for me. I assume more integration is coming, but until it does, this thing doesn't talk to my google homes. Even then the role of security might still require these to be kept appliance grade.
Overall it does what it set out to do, I'm just bummed it can't do more. I also own an Arlo system that gets used at another site, and the app for that system has all kinds of alerts and different options that are software based, I was hoping this was similar in options. I'd rate this five stars for the hardware and setup, ease of use, and it's only the app and inability to connect it to other devices or control my own alerts that keep me from giving it a full five stars. I'm torn on whether or not I'd recommend this to someone. As a straight security system, it's quite powerful, but this is the age the of the smart home!
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Pick up over-the-air HD channels with this Mohu Sail antenna. It has everything you need to install it in your attic or on your roof. With a range of 75-miles, the antenna lets you enjoy free entertainment without a cable subscription. The modern curved aesthetic blends in with home decor for a seamless appearance. This Mohu Sail antenna has a FirstStage amplifier located right at the antenna, where the signal is at its best to help deliver a crisp, clear picture.
Customer Rating
4
Sleek indoor/outdoor compact antenna
on April 18, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Mohu does it again with this antenna, they continue to pack the most amount of coverage into the most palatable of containers when it comes to the nasty necessity of cord cutting: the TV Antenna. This newest model: The Sail is no exception. This antenna is fully self-contained and comes with plenty of cables and mounting options. One minor omission that kept me from rating this at 5 stars was that among all the mounting options, included bars and different bases, there wasn't one that simply stood the antenna up, like on a shelf or some other flat surface. This makes the sail almost impossible just to try and even more difficult if you aren't going about the business of permanently mounting it right away. I like to tweak my antenna position and direction, etc, a bit to get the most optimum coverage, so this wasn't conducive to that. Those minor issues dealt with, this thing works awesome. I gained at least one bar on each channel (in my TV tuner) over my previous directional UHF Antenna. This is a smart choice for cord cutters and regular TV watchers alike.
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Customer Rating
4
Ready for summer tailgating
on April 2, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
This little speaker really packs in the sound! Combining a number of Sony technologies into one, this awesome little Bluetooth speaker is (mostly) waterproof, contains a light organ worth of strobes and LEDs and has what feels like a ridiculously long battery life.
Sound quality is just okay, but more important for a speaker like this is that it doesn't distort when I turn it almost all the way up. The unique design is covered in a special fabric that keeps the sand out and aid in the waterproof nature, lending itself to the boat or the beach nicely.
I had no troubles pairing this thing with my phone, and while I haven't gotten the chance to use it yet, the ability to daisy chain this speaker with others, to create even more sound is a nice little add-on feature.
I'm enjoying the shift to making these kinds of electronics waterproof so I don't have to worry about them when I really want to use them. This one rings in at slightly more expensive than it's competitors for size but makes up for it with flashy lights and tons of battery. the manual says 24 hours, I think I'm getting right about 26.
This thing can't wait for it to be summer on the pontoon!!
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Add music to your day with these Sony wireless headphones. Their noise cancelling technology uses artificial intelligence to adapt to your environment and reduce background sounds for enjoyable listening. The Quick Charging battery on these over-ear Sony wireless headphones provides up to 35 hours of playback for convenience.
Customer Rating
4
Sony continues to wow with noise cancelling
on April 2, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
In looking for a new pair of headphones I took the opportunity to spend some time with Sony's flagship - the 1000MX2 and I was impressed with the noise cancelling, to say the least. I also came away with a little bit of surprise at both the price and how unhappy I was with the touch controls. They stymied similar to some other more expensive pairs of cans I can tried.
Enter Sony's new midrange offering. the CH700N appear at first glance almost a clone of the 1000MX2, just maybe constructed from slightly cheaper materials. After putting them on, I can tell you that the noise cancelling is active and works just as well as the 1000MX2 with no real discernible difference in noise eliminated. I did, however, notice a large number of different features between these two sets of headphones. Assuming it's Sony's attempt to keep the CH700N affordable, controls are all physical on these headphones instead of touch. Frankly, I like this better and feel that I'm getting a better response from these kinds of controls than from touch panels. Volume, Power, and Active Noise Cancelling all get dedicated buttons. Play, pause, Skip, Siri is all activated by a sort of ingenious control that functions almost as a dial/knob with pushes back and forth, up and down to accomplish commands.
The Sony headphones connect app gives you more control over the noise cancelling and sound style but isn't absolutely necessary for the operation of the headphones. I paired with my phone without the app or any other instructions. I did notice I had to re-pair every so often, which could be attributed to the large number of Bluetooth devices I swap between.
The sound was great and comparable to other Bose or higher end Sony's I've listened to. No complaints about sound at this price point. Other nice adds are the metal folding hinges and the extra supple leather ear cups.
Overall these headphones are a great catch for someone looking for noise cancelling on a budget. You may or may not have an ear for sound, but you appreciate good materials and construction and sometimes use them for travel. These phones have unseated my most recent favorite pair of JBL Everests as my go to headphone.
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Customer Rating
5
FINALLY Extender with WIRED & WIRELESS networking
on March 23, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
I've been shopping wireless extenders for quite some time as my home needs more than one AP to cover it. At one point I took the time to pull a CAT6, which many of you may have done, or have found that your builders did, but all of the latest mesh routers and extenders have utilized ONLY their backchannel radios... until this device. And frankly, it's about time.
As usual, the Linksys Spot finder app is paired with this extender and it tells you where the best signal strength is to be repeated. It's almost always closer to your router than you're comfortable with, which was why I was glad I could switch modes and take advantage of the wireless access point extender mode.
This extender is reported to work with any brand of router, and I see that there are some complaints from those out there with and without Linksys routers. I had no trouble getting it to connect to mine and stay connected. Once I switched to wired access point mode this became a non-issue.
I found range extended a fair amount using just the radios, but not enough to justify the cost, nor to cover my whole home. In wired access point mode, the range was much greater and covered the area that I need. The two coverages combine to eliminate any wifi dead spots inside my home.
I do like the Linksys setup app that came with my router and this device only uses the spot finder for placement, all other setup is browser based.
This extender is a decent value for an AC extender with MU-MIMO tech and multiple bands. Especially if you're someone who needs all of those acronyms you're already probably bordering on power user and are pushing your existing network to its limits, or would like to be if you could. I would recommend this extender to anyone experiencing deadspots/weak spots in reliable coverage.
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent Business Projector!
on March 15, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS/UNBOXING: Wow this thing comes with a carrying bag! I'm always surprised by electronics when they include nice touches like this, and I appreciate it in this case; of course you're going to be carrying the darn thing places, that's what it's meant for. The unboxing is tidy and a little underwhelming, but then again projectors haven't quite reached smartphone celebrity status.
BUILD/CONTROLS/CONNECTIONS: Epson has been making projectors for a long time and you can tell with the care that goes into these products. Plastic surfaces are sleek, rubber feet are nice and tight and don't feel like they're going to fall off. I like the combination of physical and digital controls on this model - a cover over the lens, focus, keystone, all right near the lens itself. Other options buried in menus accessed with smartkeys to keep the number of controls down. LOTS of connection options, I don't have anything anymore that uses S-video or Composite, but it's still there! Only one HDMI is a bummer, but if you're trying to plug in more than one HDMI cable for any length of time, perhaps you should be looking at a slightly less portable model, or youre shopping in business projectors when you really need home theatre.
APP: The inclusion of epsons new iProject app and ability to create a wireless connection is a welcome feature. I've been asking for years if someone was going to integrate airplay into a projector and they finally did! It's not the most stable or bug-free connection, but it works for business settings and not gaming.
PICTURE/SOUND: Wow, 3,600 lumens is quite a few. The number seems high until you power this thing up in a room lit with banks of flourescent lights, then you'll appreciate every single one of them. The 3 lcd throw goes from extremely short range territory to 30', and a wide picture of 16:10. I noted a max resolution of 1600x1200 and it digested 1080p inputs just fine, but scaled down the 4k display coming from my surface. NO distortion was noted when it did this. The speaker/sound is barely there to play computer startup and error sounds and doesn't do the bright clear picture justice. If you're using ANY audio at all with this projector you're better off using your laptop speakers. With a 10w set of cans shoehorned into this thing, it would score 5 stars from me no problem.
OVERALL: Loving the brightness of the picture and the versatility of this projector. The number of connections and the size that they have them down to, without having to pay extra for it, is astounding. The performance advantages of a projector like this would force anyone looking at a pico projector to reconsider for a little bigger machine. This one borders on picture quality and brightness for use in a home theatre, but the speaker falls short, garnering only 4 stars. The addition of built-in wireless connectivity and the included app just up the ante on what you can do with only one device in hand. I would definitely recommend this projector to fellow businesspeople.
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Customer Rating
4
Light, Wireless, Comfy, Great Sound!
on February 26, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
These headphones arrived to me at a time when I was thinking very critically about what I wanted in a set of 'phones and how I'd use them/wear them. Long story short: On the Ear Cups are WHERE it's AT for someone who likes the comfort of over the ear but doesn't care for the size or weight, OR someone who wears glasses like me. the on the ear cup style seems tailor-made for me there.
Unboxing and Setup:
LIke all decent pairs of headphones these days Bluetooth pairing is easy and basic controls are enabled immediately after connecting. If you want to do anything else, or if you cant' get them to behave, there is a handy app Plantronics has provided. I was a little worried about the weight at first since these are so light, I thought they might fall off if I did any activity, and these are definitely directed towards someone who might be an active user with their water-resistant coating and adjustable fit.
LIke all decent pairs of headphones these days Bluetooth pairing is easy and basic controls are enabled immediately after connecting. If you want to do anything else, or if you cant' get them to behave, there is a handy app Plantronics has provided. I was a little worried about the weight at first since these are so light, I thought they might fall off if I did any activity, and these are definitely directed towards someone who might be an active user with their water-resistant coating and adjustable fit.
Battery life:
Plantronics claims 18 hours, I have consistently gotten slightly better than that off of a full charge. That's only been a few times, but that's far better than underperforming.
Plantronics claims 18 hours, I have consistently gotten slightly better than that off of a full charge. That's only been a few times, but that's far better than underperforming.
Controls:
There are a number of different control schemes out there right now for wireless headphones and this one uses an interesting combination of physical buttons and touch panels. Some high-end headphones that I've tried before ONLY had a touch panel and that drove me nuts, as it was not as reliable as I cared for. The combination in this pair seems to work okay at least. Physical buttons are labeled, especially for the ones you're likely to be using with the headphones off and not as often (Bluetooth pair button) and then the ear cups have different touch controls. I find this slightly more reliable than pure touch controls and a good compromise to the need for "touch". Their inability to always accurately interpret my fingerpresses to skip tracks or play/pause are what keep these from being a 5 star pair of headphones in my mind.
There are a number of different control schemes out there right now for wireless headphones and this one uses an interesting combination of physical buttons and touch panels. Some high-end headphones that I've tried before ONLY had a touch panel and that drove me nuts, as it was not as reliable as I cared for. The combination in this pair seems to work okay at least. Physical buttons are labeled, especially for the ones you're likely to be using with the headphones off and not as often (Bluetooth pair button) and then the ear cups have different touch controls. I find this slightly more reliable than pure touch controls and a good compromise to the need for "touch". Their inability to always accurately interpret my fingerpresses to skip tracks or play/pause are what keep these from being a 5 star pair of headphones in my mind.
Sound:
Sound reproduction is quite good. Some lows and highs are obviously sacrificed in the size of the drivers since these are "on ear" cups, but overall I enjoyed the sound that these headphones have both a decent range and were clear and clean with reproduced sound. No noise cancelling here, but you're a little on the affordable side for something like that.
Sound reproduction is quite good. Some lows and highs are obviously sacrificed in the size of the drivers since these are "on ear" cups, but overall I enjoyed the sound that these headphones have both a decent range and were clear and clean with reproduced sound. No noise cancelling here, but you're a little on the affordable side for something like that.
Overall:
If you're an "on the ear" wearer and you want to work out or are tired of having small earbuds slide out of your ears as you work out, these are for you and me! Great sound and solid construction shows that Plantronics has learned a lot from their years in the headset business and now they're applying it to these headphones to much success.
If you're an "on the ear" wearer and you want to work out or are tired of having small earbuds slide out of your ears as you work out, these are for you and me! Great sound and solid construction shows that Plantronics has learned a lot from their years in the headset business and now they're applying it to these headphones to much success.
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Only at Best BuyFind your favorite songs with the simple sound of your voice with this Insignia voice-activated wireless speaker. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity let you pair with compatible devices for more enjoyment, and Google Assistant is included to answer questions or search the internet. This Insignia voice-activated wireless speaker features a compact footprint and brilliant display.
Customer Rating
4
Value Added Google Home Alternative
on February 19, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
I removed this product from the packaging and immediately noticed that Best Buy has upped the quality of both the unboxing experience for and the quality of the product itself on Insignia branded products.
Setup:
This device gets treated like a regular google home, with the app handling all the setup. You get it connected to your wifi network, train it to understand your voice, or have it use the existing voice model, and it's off and running. I have an existing google home, with some other devices connected, so it was easy to add this one and name it with the room it's in.
This device gets treated like a regular google home, with the app handling all the setup. You get it connected to your wifi network, train it to understand your voice, or have it use the existing voice model, and it's off and running. I have an existing google home, with some other devices connected, so it was easy to add this one and name it with the room it's in.
Build:
If you set this next to the Google-branded home you'll immediately notice that it's almost exactly the same proportions, only squarcled instead of round. It does give it slightly less of a "burial urn" vibe, thank goodness, and makes it fit in more with other decor. It's surprisingly heavy and I assume this is from the magnets on the speakers. The speaker cover is a sturdy gray fabric and the plastic surfaces are solid and feel well made. The power plug is recessed into the bottom and there is an extra USB port that I need to research to see if that has charging capabilities or if it's there for other purposes. The display immediately turns on and gets the local time from the internet, using my address without any setup. The second part of the display doesn't come into play until later when you ask it other things. I wish the LED segments looked a little more modern and less like an old clock, and I wish I could control what was shown on the second line of the LCD at all times, but none of those are dealbreakers.
If you set this next to the Google-branded home you'll immediately notice that it's almost exactly the same proportions, only squarcled instead of round. It does give it slightly less of a "burial urn" vibe, thank goodness, and makes it fit in more with other decor. It's surprisingly heavy and I assume this is from the magnets on the speakers. The speaker cover is a sturdy gray fabric and the plastic surfaces are solid and feel well made. The power plug is recessed into the bottom and there is an extra USB port that I need to research to see if that has charging capabilities or if it's there for other purposes. The display immediately turns on and gets the local time from the internet, using my address without any setup. The second part of the display doesn't come into play until later when you ask it other things. I wish the LED segments looked a little more modern and less like an old clock, and I wish I could control what was shown on the second line of the LCD at all times, but none of those are dealbreakers.
Operation:
As a google home device, this thing is powered by the google assistant and for all intents and purposes appeared to work the same. I did notice that it wouldn't make calls like my other google home can, but the sound that came from it when playing music was comparable and edged the standard google home slightly in sound quality. When you ask the device certain questions such as what's the weather like, it will light up the second display and show the temp. I haven't looked into it yet but I suspect you have some kind of control over what that second display shows, but it's not immediately accessible. When giving it commands I only noticed a slight delay in controlling some of my lights, otherwise all interactions were as quick as the standard Google home.
As a google home device, this thing is powered by the google assistant and for all intents and purposes appeared to work the same. I did notice that it wouldn't make calls like my other google home can, but the sound that came from it when playing music was comparable and edged the standard google home slightly in sound quality. When you ask the device certain questions such as what's the weather like, it will light up the second display and show the temp. I haven't looked into it yet but I suspect you have some kind of control over what that second display shows, but it's not immediately accessible. When giving it commands I only noticed a slight delay in controlling some of my lights, otherwise all interactions were as quick as the standard Google home.
Overall:
I enjoy having the google home, and I find this to be a feature added inexpensive alternative. Somethings like the rotary volume that is sort of kitschy on the Google home have been taken away and replaced with linear volume controls.but overall the operation is so similar that there's no reason to buy a higher priced alternative. Combined with excellent sound from the speakers and you've got a winner!
I enjoy having the google home, and I find this to be a feature added inexpensive alternative. Somethings like the rotary volume that is sort of kitschy on the Google home have been taken away and replaced with linear volume controls.but overall the operation is so similar that there's no reason to buy a higher priced alternative. Combined with excellent sound from the speakers and you've got a winner!
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Only at Best BuyAnswer all your questions and share your playlist with this Insignia portable wireless speaker. Featuring Google Assistant, this compact speaker lets you search the internet or set your schedule with just the sound of your voice. Bluetooth compatibility on this Insignia portable wireless speaker allows sharing and casting to multiple devices, including phones, tablets and even other speakers.
Customer Rating
5
Goes above and beyond other assistants
on January 17, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
I removed this product from the packaging and immediately noticed that BB has upped the quality of both the unboxing experience for something with an Insignia brand on it, and the quality of the product itself.
Setup:
This device gets treated like a regular google home, with the app handling all the setup. You get it connected to your wifi network and it's off and running. I have an existing google home, with some other devices connected, so it was easy to add this one and name it with the room it's in.
This device gets treated like a regular google home, with the app handling all the setup. You get it connected to your wifi network and it's off and running. I have an existing google home, with some other devices connected, so it was easy to add this one and name it with the room it's in.
Build:
If you set this next to the Google-branded home you'll immediately notice that it's almost exactly the same proportions, only squarcled instead of round. It goes give it slightly less of a "burial urn" vibe, thank goodness. It's surprisingly heavy and I assume this is from the magnets on the speakers. The speaker cover is a sturdy gray fabric and the plastic surfaces are solid and feel well made. The power plug is recessed into the bottom and there is an extra USB port that I need to research. The display immediately turns on and gets internet time, using my address without any setup. The second part of the display doesn't come into play until later when you ask it other things. I wish the LED segments looked a little more modern and less like an old clock.
If you set this next to the Google-branded home you'll immediately notice that it's almost exactly the same proportions, only squarcled instead of round. It goes give it slightly less of a "burial urn" vibe, thank goodness. It's surprisingly heavy and I assume this is from the magnets on the speakers. The speaker cover is a sturdy gray fabric and the plastic surfaces are solid and feel well made. The power plug is recessed into the bottom and there is an extra USB port that I need to research. The display immediately turns on and gets internet time, using my address without any setup. The second part of the display doesn't come into play until later when you ask it other things. I wish the LED segments looked a little more modern and less like an old clock.
Operation:
As a google home device, this thing is powered by the google assistant and for all intents and purposes appeared to work the same. I did notice that it wouldn't make calls like my other google home can, but the sound that came from it when playing music was comparable and edged the google home slightly in quality. When you ask the device certain questions such as what's the weather like, it will light up the second display and show the temp. I haven't looked into it yet but I suspect you have some kind of control over what that second display shows, but it's not immediately accessible. When giving it commands I only noticed a slight delay in controlling some of my lights, otherwise all interactions were as quick as the standard Google home.
As a google home device, this thing is powered by the google assistant and for all intents and purposes appeared to work the same. I did notice that it wouldn't make calls like my other google home can, but the sound that came from it when playing music was comparable and edged the google home slightly in quality. When you ask the device certain questions such as what's the weather like, it will light up the second display and show the temp. I haven't looked into it yet but I suspect you have some kind of control over what that second display shows, but it's not immediately accessible. When giving it commands I only noticed a slight delay in controlling some of my lights, otherwise all interactions were as quick as the standard Google home.
Overall:
I enjoy having the google home, and I find this to be a feature added inexpensive alternative. Somethings like the rotary volume that is sort of kitschy on the Google home have been taken away and replaced with linear volume controls.but overall the operation is so similar that there's no reason to buy a higher priced alternative. Combined with excellent sound from the speakers and you've got a winner!
I enjoy having the google home, and I find this to be a feature added inexpensive alternative. Somethings like the rotary volume that is sort of kitschy on the Google home have been taken away and replaced with linear volume controls.but overall the operation is so similar that there's no reason to buy a higher priced alternative. Combined with excellent sound from the speakers and you've got a winner!
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This tough waterproof remote uses Bluetooth Low Energy for maximum battery life and easy pairing with your camera. It features a large high-resolution display that lets you check your camera’s status at a glance, glove-friendly buttons and a handy wrist strap.
Customer Rating
2
Only way to control more than one GoPro 6
on January 16, 2018
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Verified Purchase:Yes
This remote is sort of a necessity - GoPro removed the ability to be triggered remotely over a wired connection from the GoPro Hero 5 and 6, and introduced this Wifi Smart Remote. I had mixed results when using it in what I thought was going to be the perfect environment, with all 6 gopros powered via external sources. It's supposed to be able to power the go pros on and off over the wifi signal, however this isn't consistent. Also the triggers from this remote are generally on/off toggles. In my situation with 6 gopros I could turn all 6 off, and then when I tried to turn them back on 5 of the 6 would power up. If I hit the button again, the other would power on, but then the other 5 would power off. Similar situations would happen when trying to trigger recording; one gopro would get stuck and continue recording. Hitting the record button again to attempt to stop it would stop that rogue camera from recording and then accidentally trigger the other 5 to start recording again. It was inconsistent and a pain to pay attention to whether or not the remote was connected to the cameras, as they would sometimes lose connection and then would reconnect. I'm not a huge fan, but this is the ONLY way to remotely trigger newer go pros so it's sort of necessity. It says it can handle up to 50.... I can't imagine how stressful that would be. This remote also uses a GOOFY little proprietary charger, which plugs in in place of a keychain connection, which is strange since GoPro 6s use USB-C. Once I had things up and running consistently as long as I was using the remote constantly to start and stop video, and didn't go long stretches without making sure the cameras were connected, it would work well. The screen on the remote also tells you if one of the cameras is stuck/still recording, and how many cameras are connected, so you're not totally in the dark. Battery life was sort of dismal in the cold, but at least I could use the remote when it was plugged into a usb source.
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
My Best Buy number: 0320260412
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, powerful autonomous functions, and a compact body weighing less than 600 g, DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Take this all-in-one aerial powerhouse along anywhere to experience and record your world in stunning detail.
While your taking video can you also take a picture at the same time?
You cannot trigger a still while actively taking video. You can grab frames from the 5.4k video after the fact, but you have to stop recording and switch modes to take stills/video.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
dronedad
The Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons elevate the concept of smart lighting into a creative journey of design. A combination of smart technology and sleek ultra-thin design, the modular LED light panels open limitless possibilities for you to explore, create, and play.
Can these be easily removed from the walls? Colleges request easy movable objects
The Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons elevate the concept of smart lighting into a creative journey of design. A combination of smart technology and sleek ultra-thin design, the modular LED light panels open limitless possibilities for you to explore, create, and play.
Can these be easily removed from the walls? Colleges request easy movable objects
Yes. They use 3M command strips that are easily removeable.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
dronedad
iPod & MP3 Players
iPod & MP3 Players
iPod connector for 2005 Volvo XC90?
One of my collegues at work mentioned that he had Best Buy install an iPod adaptor to his 2004 Volvo XC90 (problematic for most of us owners as the radio user fiber optics, MOST system). I have a 2005 XC90, but the radios are the same. He had thought it ran him about $130 when he Best Buy did it a year or two ago. I have a local Best Buy that I can bring my car to and have this done as well, but I thought I would ask the question first of Best Buy online and understand what unit they offer for this connectivity and how it's installed. Please advise! I'd like to do this within a week... I miss having iPod connectivity!! Chris
The 2005 Volvo XC90 DOES NOT have an auxiliary input, nor can you add one without an accessory like the GROM MST. That's the only way to plug in an ipod or anything to an XC90
4 years, 10 months ago
by
dronedad
Accompany your workouts with streaming tunes from these JBL Endurance PEAK Bluetooth headphones. PowerHook technology switches them on when worn, and the TwistLock and FlexSoft features ensure a lightweight, ergonomic fit for comfortable, all-day use. Manage music playback effortlessly on these wireless JBL Endurance PEAK Bluetooth headphones via touch-enabled controls.
Can you listen to just one while leaving the other in the case?
Yes actually you can. I’ve only tried it with the right side. I’m. It sure if it’s interchangeable.
5 years, 1 month ago
by
dronedad
Take to the air with this Bower Sky Capture series carbon fiber propeller set. Made of durable yet lightweight carbon fiber, these propellers are pre-balanced to improve performance and keep your drone stable so that you can capture smooth videos. Install this Bower Sky Capture series carbon fiber propeller set quickly and easily to enjoy a quieter drone in minutes.
So are these actually quick release or the screw on props also are they 100% carbon or are they a blend with other materials
Display work or school presentations on this Epson projector. It produces 3200 lumens of white and color brightness for vivid images, and its easy setup lets you customize specifications in minimum time. This Epson projector is equipped with an HDMI port, so you can connect it to your computer or HD device.
how is the picture with this projector with daylight in the room?
3200 lumens is pretty bright. Epson would recommend you not have direct daylight for optimal use... I can tell you this projector works VERY well with direct overhead lighting, and it keeps up with sunlight okay. It's definitely not like the older deal breaker projectors that required the blinds closed.
6 years, 8 months ago
by
dronedad
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
I want to use HUE lights with this. Can I buy a 2nd Google Home for my 2nd floor so both floors can access Home to turn off/on lights? If my phone (synced to Home) is out of the house, will voice activation still work for the lights?
Google home will let you group and name the lights for each room. I don't believe they are intended to be used overlapping though. In fact you might confuse it with more than one connected to the same google account. The Google Home works without your phone at home, since it connects directly to the HUE account as well as the internet and wifi directly.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
dronedad