Grouticus's stats
- Review count191
- Helpfulness votes437
- First reviewApril 22, 2016
- Last reviewOctober 1, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count12
- Helpfulness votes31
- First answerJanuary 25, 2017
- Last answerNovember 14, 2021
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The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is Google~s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet. It~s a brilliant way to save energy and keep your home comfortable. It learns the temperatures you like, when you like them, even as your routine changes.~ It gets to know how outdoor temps naturally heat and cool your home to save energy.~ And it helps make sure your heating and cooling systems run smoothly.~
Customer Rating
5
Intelligent thermostat that saves money
on August 22, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
As we all know in this day and age of out-of-control inflation, high gas and grocery prices amongst most other things, stuff isn’t cheap; especially not energy costs. In my opinion, investing in things that have been proven to cut costs and stop bleeding money out every orifice is a no-brainer. Energy is unequivocally one of those necessary things in today’s technology laden world. That’s why, in our 4k square foot, two story house with an ADU and three thermostats, having smart thermostats you can adjust and monitor remotely while encompassing local weather conditions, occupancy, etc. has always been a priority upgrade since we bought our house about a year ago.
We already had Google Nest thermostats on two of our three existing thermostats and were in the market for the last one when the latest 4th generation one was recently released. One of the things that caught my attention with the new model was that it comes with a separate temperature sensor to monitor a separate area within the same heating/cooling zone. We always had one area that was a different temperature because the thermostat is located in our master bedroom therefore the thermostat had no idea the other area was approximately 2-3 hotter or cooler compared to what the reading was. Having the additional and separate temperature sensor allows the Nest to adjust the temperature accordingly to ensure all areas in that zone are covered and not just the area the thermostat is installed.
Regarding the installation, it was fairly simple since we do own a newer home however the new Google Nest tried to cover all options with this model’s wiring schematics and will easily walk you through the installation process through the Google Home application on your smart device. Specifically, mine only needed four wires to connect and I was up and running after one software update and quickly syncing the new thermostat to my account. I selected the room where the thermostat would be installed as well as the room where the separate temperature sensor was being placed. One thing I had to get used to was the screen itself which is aesthetically futuristic looking however is very glossy and concave which is very reflective of light and can be hard to see at times when windows and lights are in the room. Other than that, the large, borderless screen is very responsive and provides most, if not all, features and adjustments directly on the screen versus having to pull your phone out. I also like being able to rotate the dial to adjust the temperature versus a side touch panel, like on their other models, which has its own learning curve.
After installation, the Google Home app walked me through money saving suggestions and tips including learning my routines and syncing my other Google devices to the account so, using my location and phone, it knew when I was home or away. Some other useful features are the System Health Monitor that can sense and alert you of many issues before they become bigger problem, Energy Shift from Nest Renew which can automatically shift energy use to cheaper times and ensuring your system isn’t running while outside temperatures are better that what you have thermostat set to all of which will save you money. One feature I’m surprised wasn’t included on the Nest Thermostat was a built-in microphone for voice controls which I thought would be convenient if I wanted to adjust the temperature while lying in bed without having to get my phone out. However, you can still use other voice-controlled devices, such as speakers and phones, to access the Google Assistant and make those adjustments.
There is much more technology built in to the latest 4th generation Nest learning thermostat compared to its predecessor and other less-costly models however, after using it for several days, I would suggest at least having one of the learning thermostats in your home or office just to take advantage of what the software can do. Ultimately, all of these features have been proven to save you money, paying for itself in a relatively short amount of time, and would definitely recommend it in today’s economic downturn and whatever happens in the future.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Velox Mini Qi2 is a versatile dash & windshield phone holder that utilizes Qi2 technology for a powerful magnetic hold and fast wireless charge. Designed exclusively for Qi2-enabled devices including MagSafe compatible iPhones and cases, the Velox Mini Qi2 delivers up to 15W of power. Just tap your phone against the mount face and powerful magnets will hold it in place in perfect alignment. Securely install the Velox Mini Qi2 on your vehicle~s dashboard or windshield via a super strong, reusable suction cup base with sticky gel formula. A dashboard pad is included to protect you dash from any potential damage. The telescopic arm easily extends from 4~ to 6.75~ and pivots on a 260* arc to give you ultimate flexibility when installing the mount. A ball joint rotates and tilts so you can adjust the cradle for an ideal and safe viewing position in either portrait or landscape mode. A series of ventilation holes constructed around the mount help to dissipate heat and maintain airflow, while the anti-slip silicone finish offers added support and a gentle, scratch-free connection to your phone. Now it~s easier than ever to keep your phone powered up on the go!
Customer Rating
5
Well-made wireless phone charging car mount
on August 20, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
My old car phone mount finally gave out on me after years of abuse and the new iOttie Velox Qi2 wireless dashboard and windshield car mount for mobile devices was a welcome upgrade compared to the old faithful phone mount I previously had in my truck. With the new Velox, it even has the additional feature of being able to wirelessly charge my phone without plugging it in using the latest Qi2 technology that works with both my Qi2 enabled Android phone and my wife’s Magsafe Apple phone. With that new technology comes up to 15 watts of charging power which is great for wireless charging however still not up to wired charging tech but still gets the job done. Since my truck, along with most other trucks and SUVs, has a large dash and windshield that makes it difficult to find a compatible phone mount where you can actually reach your device, the Velox offers a telescopic arm that can extend from 4” to 6.75” that can also rotate for easy adjustments after mounting with a ball joint on the end for even more slight tilts which makes it handy for those pesky sun glares. If you’re a fan of doing a dash mount instead, the Velox also comes with a dashboard pad you can stick to most level surfaces. The reusable suction cup at the base of the mount is super sticky so you know it will remain in place regardless of how good of a seal you get. There are also ventilation holes on the mount that help cool the mount in hot cars which is another great feature since I live in an area that can reach over 100 degrees for several days throughout the summer. Overall I have been impressed with the mount thus far and hopefully it holds out as long as my previous, non-charging, phone mount.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enter a new era of mobile gaming with the power of a full-fledged pro console controller. The Kishi Ultra forges into new terrain as the greatest mobile controller ever created. Meticulously designed with console-class ergonomics, immersive haptics, and Razer Chroma RGB, the Kishi Ultra delivers a true console experience with zero compromise.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect gaming peripheral for mobile devices
on August 16, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
I have had my eye out for a portable gaming console or controller as an option when in places where I needed to kill time waiting around. I just couldn’t justify purchasing an expensive handheld gaming device when I already had a high-end phone that can handle streaming AAA games not on a console. My foldable phone was too big when folded out and too bulky when stacked for the attached gaming controllers I had been looking at unless I wanted to use it as a small monitor with a separate controller which, in some situations, would just be, for lack of a better term, weird. With the latest Razer Kishi Ultra gaming controller, it was the perfect fit for my device and others that we have in our household including our smaller iPad Mini tablet, Google Pixel tablet and other compatible phones. Therefore, this was a no-brainer considering the cost difference between going with the latest semi-expensive handheld consoles or the affordable Kishi Ultra as a peripheral that turns my already existing device into the same, or similar, product using streaming gaming.
Once I got my hands on the highly anticipated Kishi Ultra, I was excited to give it a whirl after it was fully charged. I downloaded the Razer Nexus smartphone app and it took me straight to the fun stuff with gaming options from Xbox Game Pass, to Google Play Store and, when attached to my iPad mini, the Apple App Store. I was able to adjust the settings to open the app once my device registered it was plugged into the Kishi Ultra streamlining my gaming. Within the app you can launch your games, customize the buttons on the controller, adjust the RGB settings for the two LED lights on the hand grips of the controller, update the firmware and even sync the app to live-streaming platforms such as Facebook Live and YouTube which were all super convenient.
My initial thought was to go straight to one of my favorite AAA games I had been playing on Xbox Game Pass and it loaded up flawlessly without hesitation right to my last save spot. My main concern was how the game would play on mobile devices. I was amazed that I had virtually no lag and the graphics looked incredible, so my fears were immediately squashed. The Kishi Ultra felt ergonomically sound and natural as if I were using a regular gaming console controller. The buttons were positioned in just the right areas and felt similar to console controllers’ buttons. The joysticks and D pad were no different as well and on top of the two trigger buttons you would expect from a console controller, they added another, smaller, button on the top of each side of the controller all of which you can customize in the smartphone application. There is also a home button, screen capture button, options button and power button that all default and act as one would expect if you’re familiar to console controller buttons.
Overall, the new Razer Kishi Ultra exceeded my expectations on what it could do with devices I already own at a fraction of the cost compared to other handheld gaming devices and would recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Roomba Combo 10 Max robot + AutoWash dock is our most powerful cleaning robot yet. It vacuums with 100% more suction power*, mops back-and-forth with downward pressure~and learns which rooms get dirty fastest and gives them the deep cleaning they deserve. With advanced smart navigation, it knows how to get around any home and clean each area in the optimal way. Even the dock is smart, automatic bin emptying, liquid refills, washing the mop pad, and pumping clean water through the dock to ensure it stays clean. When your cleaning robot is designed smarter, it makes your life easier.
Customer Rating
5
Incredible next generation floor cleaning
on August 14, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
We have been using robot floor vacuums and mops in our house for the better part of a decade and rely on them to do the dirty work in between running an in-home business with heavy traffic as well as managing our little ones and their friends we commonly refer to as tornadoes. So much, in fact, that we have three robot vacuum and mop combo machines spread throughout separate areas of our house. Unfortunately, our oldest one has been on the fritz and we were in the market for an upgrade that could handle the amount of traffic our house gets on any given day. That’s when we came across the latest iRobot Roomba Combo 10 vacuum and mop with an AutoWash dock that appeared to meet all of our needs in the area we wanted it for which was the highest traffic area.
Being that our last couple robot vacuum/mop combos were a couple years old, I was excited to see what the latest technology had to offer for our space that includes mostly hard floor as well as a large area rug. For comparison on our other robot models, to switch between vacuuming and moping, we would have to manually switch between parts for the robot to mop either the hardwood and tile or focus on just vacuuming and, honestly, it’s kind of a hassle to remember to switch them out as well as ensuring the mopping attachment still had liquid available in the small reservoir. With the new iRobot Roomba combo 10, all these issues are no more as there is no need to swap out parts or constantly fill up the cleaning solution reservoir and I will explain why.
Setting up the vacuum/mop and auto-wash dock, which was relatively larger than the dock we were used to in our previous robots, was reasonably self-explanatory and the iRobot smartphone application walked me through the process step-by-step including making a few attachments to the robot and dock and filling up the large water reservoir in the dock used for mopping. After the robot and dock were synced with the app and did an update via Wi-Fi, the robot remained in the dock for a full charge in preparation for its initial proprietary mapping which automatically labels room types. The mapping process took about 30 minutes for the area we have the robot located. The robot uses several sensors to map out the walls, doors, chair and table legs, floor type, etc. It was recommended to ensure there was enough light in those areas using open windows and lights, however, the robot also has a built-in headlight on the front which helps with that as well. I was surprised at how much faster the Roomba was in comparison to our other robots and maneuvered efficiently between tight spaces, corners and walls including around chair and table legs which is sometimes a challenge for robots. The only issue we experienced was trying to roll over one of the highchair leg support rails where it would sometimes get stuck and I would have to manually pick it up to continue the job.
One of the most impressive features I witnessed was the Roomba’s ability to transform from a vacuum to a mop when going between hard floors and rugs or carpets. The Roomba stops then transforms by moving the mopping pad from the top of the robot to the underneath using a lever style contraption. The Roomba will also ensure the mopping pad is wet before starting to mop so you don’t have one area that isn’t as clean as the rest of the floor. Enabling the SmartScrub option via the iRobot app ensures the areas slated for cleaning get a deeper clean by applying consistent pressure and scrubbing back-and-forth like you would by mopping manually. Using its built-in Dirt Detect technology, the camera on the front of the Roomba can recognize and pinpoint dirt in front of it and ensure it is cleaned properly by making repeated passes before moving on in its clean cycle.
After vacuuming and mopping, the AutoWash dock empties the debris from vacuuming into the enclosed bag, washes and dries the mopping pad, empties the dirty water and fills the water reservoir in the robot in preparation for its next cleaning job. After a few cleans, the Roomba predicts what areas need to be cleaned more based on the debris it cleaned up and prioritize those areas in future cleaning. Using the smartphone application, I was able to set a cleaning schedule, customize rooms and areas, as well as tinker with many of the other features the Roomba has to offer.
After using the new iRobot Roomba Combo 10 for several days, I was extremely impressed with all the new technology and ability to clean given the amount of traffic we have in our house and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a high-end robot that ensures the job is done right with few issues.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet ProArt P16 ~ your ultimate creative companion for the studio and on the move. Its OLED touchscreen ensures precise color accuracy for flawless proofing, while versatile I/O ports seamlessly connect all your peripherals. This NVIDIA Studio-validated laptop packs GeForce RTX 4060 graphics and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with 50 TOPs NPU, a pairing that will supercharge all your creative endeavors. With AI-enhanced creative features and a long-lasting battery, ProArt P16 transforms any setting into your studio.
Customer Rating
5
Great laptop for designers, artists and creators
on July 29, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
ASUS has been a leader in the computing industry for decades and their products have always been on the top of my list for consideration when deciding what to upgrade to. I have been through my fair share of PCs and laptops over the years and the new ASUS ProArt P16 sets itself apart focusing its high-end hardware on catering to content creators, designers, artists and more.
Right after booting the ProArt up, you’ll immediately notice the stunning, colorful, durable, high-resolution 16” 16:10 4K ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen which is VESA DisplayHDR True Black certified and is stacked with additional tech to help prevent burn-in. The screen is unapologetically the main feature that sets the ProArt apart from the competition even comparing it to loaded, expensive gaming laptops. The Nano Black, nano-microporous screen minimizes reflections and has a smudge-resistant finish which was surprising considering how glossy it appears. One of the best things about OLED panels is they emit about 70% less blue light than LCD displays which makes a huge difference if you’re planning on sitting in front of a screen for hours. For peace of mind, ASUS also provides a free OLED screen exchange for any burn-in issues while under warranty. Couple the incredible touchscreen with the new powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics card and the ProArt is a workhorse for those needing superior graphics and streamlined processing power to run 3D modeling, rendering and real-time visualization. If you’re a gamer, you can even play AAA games on it as an added bonus.
After doting over the screen, I was finally able to stand back and notice some of the other technical hardware and aesthetic features of the ProArt including the matte black chassis and track pad which are smooth and comfortable to the touch. I also noticed the speakers on the side of the keyboard which are relatively loud and crystal clear for a thin laptop. The sides of the laptop contain all the ports and connections as the stealth screen hinge folds over the rear providing enhanced durability, stability and improved cooling. On the left side of the laptop you’ll find the charging port, HDMI 2.1 FRL output, 10 Gbps USB-A, an ultrafast 40Gbps USB4 Type-C port and the auxiliary audio output. On the right is another USB-A and USB-C port as well as a full-size SD Express 7.0 card reader. Some notable features and hardware built into the laptop are the latest Wi-Fi 7, 32GB of super-fast LPDDR5X RAM that can run at 8333 MHz, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD with read speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, and ASUS’ advanced cooling technology using their Tri-Fan cooling technology and liquid metal from Thermal Grizzly all making multitasking and heavy workloads a breeze without overheating.
Using the ASUS exclusive AI-powered software, MuseTree and StoryCube, built into the laptop makes creating fun and a breeze. Once you start to use it, the software can help provide creative artist inspiration, digital-asset management for better organization and much less effort on the part of the user. I loved using the random inspiration tool that MuseTree offered for a lot of fun and inspiration for artists. I can’t wait for my kids to eventually start tinkering with it once they can pry my hands off it. It has a dedicated Copilot key providing instant AI assistance. Built into the mousepad is the ASUS DialPad which is useful for creators and artists familiar with using the tool and works great with the ProArt Creator Hub which is designed to enhance and streamline workflows. Another useful AI feature included with the ProArt is Microsoft’s Copilot which is an assistant that can improve user productivity and make Windows even easier to navigate. There is even a Copilot key built into the keyboard. The AI is honestly insane to play around with; I asked it to write me a song and it asked what genre. I said “Country” and, within a matter of seconds, it wrote me a whole country song with verses and a chorus. This example is just the tip of the iceberg of what all the AI built into this laptop can do.
There is so much built into the new ASUS ProArt that I feel like I have barely scratched the surface on what it is fully capable of. As an artist, you could easily spend hours in one sitting tinkering with all the features it has to offer and the plethora of high-end technical specs built into the ProArt makes it even more appealing for anyone.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Pairs perfectly with LG OLED B4, C4 and G4 series TVs. Experience higher dimensional audio with this premium 9-channel soundbar. The up-firing center speaker, a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, let you configure the most immersive surround sound environment. Dolby Atmos~ and DTS:X~ technologies create a spatial audio dome that fills even the largest rooms. Our new up-firing rear speakers have true wireless connectivity ~no special receiver needed. Not only do they deliver an immersive audio experience, they can be positioned anywhere and calibrated accordingly.
Customer Rating
4
Mediocre flagship soundbar with some shortcomings
on July 22, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
If you’re not a tech savvy audiophile and looking for a quick and easy way to step up the sound on your TV without the hassle of hiring someone or running a bunch of wires in a traditional surround sound system, the new 810 watt LG S95T 9.1.5 soundbar with wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer might be a decent option to consider however is not without its shortcomings. In my case, I was looking to increase and spread the sound in a relatively large, open space where we only had a single high-end soundbar (no subwoofer or rear speakers) and wanted the additional rear speakers we could use to spread music through all-channel stereo around that space as well as incorporating more bass and the latest surround sound features. This LG soundbar package appeared to have most features I was looking for so I decided to give it a chance considering I have always been a fan and own several LG products.
It took me approximately 30 minutes to set up the LG 9.1.5 sound bar package in the area we wanted it in including running the HDMI to the TV and syncing the rear speakers and subwoofer through the smart phone app. We did have to purchase rear satellite speaker mounts separately as we didn’t have any surfaces to set them on and the package does not include that hardware so keep that in mind if this is the route you for your set up. The soundbar has a matte black look and is quite large measuring a little over four feet long, about 2 1/2” tall and about 5 1/2” deep. When turned on, there are only a few small lights on the front to inform the user whether the power is on and when you are adjusting the volume. The included remote is very simplistic with minimal buttons and felt light and made with cheap plastic therefore I preferred to use the smart phone app where you can visually see what you are selecting.
The benefit to the S95T’s minimalist design is that it is not distracting to the user however there is a learning curve to know what the volume level is and using the provided remote to switch equalizer settings unless you are using the smartphone app where you can view and select a specific sound such as movie, music, game, etc. As an audiophile, I would prefer to have an LED screen on the front or even an on-screen display to view/change the setting and/or adjust the volume without using my phone app and without having to decipher, using the owner’s manual, what the three LED lights on the front signify. Through the app, you are able to sync your Amazon Alexa account, update the software, review the owner’s manual and adjust several other settings. There is also an option to cast music to the soundbar but not video which was somewhat disappointing especially considering it has an HDMI output to the TV. I plugged a streaming stick into the HDMI input so, in my case, it wasn’t affecting how I was going to use the soundbar.
After setting the system’s hardware up, I calibrated the sound settings specifically for the area using LG’s AI sound calibration button within the smart phone app. That was as simple as holding my phone, which acted as microphone, in the location where you would typically be watching a movie or listening to music, to hear and measure the distance between the user and each speaker to ensure there is no delay, obstructions, etc. Once the sound was calibrated according to the app, I was finally able to take the speakers for a test spin therefore I put on an action movie, of course, to see how the speakers compared to my previous soundbar I replaced and other surround systems in my house. As an avid audiophile, the soundbar and speakers lacked the power and clarity I was expecting to hear from a flagship model and even sounded muffled at times. Unfortunately, toggling through the sound options in the LG soundbar app didn’t make much of a difference. The soundbar was placed in a wide-open space therefore I was able to turn the volume up to 100% volume. At maximum volume the speakers had little distortion during high intensity action sequences and also listening to our favorite music through all the speakers but I felt like the speakers could handle more power than the internal amplifier provided. Selecting the Dolby Atmos listening mode, the sound came from all sides and echoed off the ceiling above giving me a decent surround experience. Using the LG app, I was able to individually adjust each speakers’ volume including the powered subwoofer which was relatively loud for an all-in-one sound bar package.
I would consider the LG S95T soundbar package is a decent option for those wanting to level up their audio game and don’t want the hassle of running a bunch of wires, going through the trouble of setting up an entire stereo system or, in my case, simply isn’t another option given the space. However, it does come with a hefty price tag compared to other soundbar options and is not without sacrifices. In my opinion the shortcomings outweigh the features for what could be considered their flagship model given the lack of visual display features on the soundbar, no option for an on-screen display, lack of power in the main soundbar and lackluster remote features.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Know where your wild things are. Fitbit Ace LTE is the first-of-its-kind kids smartwatch designed to move the next generation of gamers.~ Keep them active with fun games and daily goals that reward different types of movement. Collect new bands to unlock more rewards.~ And with secure in-app calling, messaging, and location sharing, they~re never out of reach.~
Customer Rating
5
Fun features, great tech and parent piece of mind
on July 11, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
For several years we have had children’s LTE smart watches for our little ones, starting at around 4 years old, that provided us means to contact each other while apart as well as track their location in case they got separated. However, we experienced several issues with the ones we were using including depleting battery life and our children losing interest in wearing them as they grow older and it was time to consider other options. We didn’t think they were old enough yet to jump straight into the adult smart watch market and wanted something that still sparked our children’s interest since they are only a couple years older now. Fortunately, the latest Google Fitbit Ace LTE smart watch released just in time and had everything we were looking for in a children’s smart watch and even more than we could imagine.
As soon as we caught wind of the new Fitbit Ace watch, it immediately had my interest as I have been a fan of Google’s innovation for years and couldn’t wait to see how they reinvented the smart watch with a specific focus on children’s interests as well as keeping in mind what parents might want for their children. I immediately noticed they had a couple of color options including the “Spicy” color which appears to be a neat blend of teal and light purple which I knew both our girls would want because they are both spicy. The Ace watch bezel measures approximately 41mm x 44mm, weighs approximately 28 grams without the band and comes with a 120mm-200mm round comfort stretch recycled yarn hook and loop band. Not only is the Ace made with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 providing screen scratch protection, but it also conveniently comes with a matching soft bumper style bezel protector since we all know children like to play rough and can imagine what toll this could take on any type of fragile technology. The watch is also IP68 water resistance rated so you have piece of mind when your child decided to get in the shower or jump in the pool with it on. Because of its size, the battery only lasts about 16 hours with use meaning you’ll have to get in the routine of charging it overnight.
After a quick initial charge with the included magnetic charger, we were all chomping at the bit to see what fun the Ace had to offer. After booting the watch up for the first time, I was taken back by the vibrant colors and brightness of the screen with colorful animations already giving us a sense of what fun the watch had in store. The Ace had simple walk-through steps for set up including downloading the Fitbit Ace smart phone application to the parent’s or care taker’s phone(s). Once the watch is activated and paired to the parent app, it takes you through a tour of what the watch can do, what the buttons are for and other features. The parent app allows you to add up to 20 contacts for calling and messaging specific, parent approved, contacts, GPS location, activity tracking and the option to add “school time” restricting access during specific times of the day. The initial tour provides the parent and child simple and easy to understand features including required milestones such as steps taken, button pushes, etc. before you are able to get into the more advanced features such as the fun games. This had my daughter bouncing around the house to meet those initial milestones while the watch was tracking her movements and steps which was already fun in itself. We could see her look of accomplishment as the watch congratulated her on succeeding each achievement including the main screen “Noodle” that wraps around the bezel while actively moving to her goal of closing the activity ring.
After the initial milestones were met, which didn’t take long, the watch introduced us to the numerous games it had to offer including fishing, golfing, dancing and racing through space. The games can be accessed by simply pushing the lower green button on the watch which takes you right to the games page. During the games, the watch is able to identify specific user movements such as casting a fishing line or swinging a golf club while providing very vibrant and colorful animations. Each game had different activities, movements and goals to achieve which gave her digital rewards and accolades. There are already six games offered in the watch and you can track their movements in the parent app. The Ace also sent push notifications, if allowed, to our phones when she met certain goals such as their step count, activities, heart rate, etc. As she met specific goals throughout the day, it provided her virtual points she could redeem to style and decorate her virtual room and “eejie” which is their digital customizable avatar. For even more creativity, if you decide to switch out the watch band, it will unlock a themed “Bit Valley” mini store that can level up the eejie’s house.
All-in-all, everything about the new Fitbit Ace watch has sparked and sustained our daughter’s interest in being active as well as giving us the piece of mind she will wear and use the watch while we are also able to remain in contact with her during her summer activities away from home and track her GPS location in the event of an emergency. We would recommend it to anyone in the market for a fun, easy to use smart watch at an affordable price and easy for children to understand.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Swann's AllSecure4K+ Wireless Security System is always charged and always secure. The 100% wireless cameras setup in minutes using rechargeable battery power and offering crystal clear 4K color video day and night. Actively prevent unwanted activity with True Detect heat and motion-sensing to trigger recording, spotlights, sirens and mobile alerts. Engage in two-way talk, see what~s happening, arm and disarm the system using the Swann Security app. The 4K+ Power Hub has a charging bay, and a spare battery ensuring there is never any ~downtime~ - just hot swap the batteries to and from the cameras as needed. The spare battery also provides back-up power to the Hub for up to 5 hours in the event of an onsite power outage. Retain up to 2 years of clips at any time on the Hub~s large 1TB local hard drive plus cloud backup. Recording is always free and there are no monthly fees. The system is also expandable as you can connect up to 8 cameras to the 4K+ Power Hub if needed. There~s also offline mode, with the option to view on a TV or monitor and record without internet.
Customer Rating
2
Simple setup, clear video, horrible connectivity
on July 7, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
Having been through a variety of security camera setups over the years, we have recently been looking into potentially switching from our current wireless security system to something with newer technology. This was due to our current semi-outdated hardware with our current system. The new Swann AllSecure4K wire-free security kit caught our attention because of its hardware, software features, well-known brand and price point. We wanted something wireless with local storage, an option for cloud storage, had long range connections, can sense and detect per and great video which the AllSecure4K security kit claimed to have. It sounded great on the surface until we actually had the opportunity to use it over several days.
The AllSecure4K system was simple and self-explanatory to set up out of the box with little to no reliance on the instructions. Once the batteries were charged and the hub plugged in, I was able to begin the rest of the installation process on my monitor attached to the hub using the included mouse and via my smartphone app. All three cameras synced automatically to the hub and my account so there was no need for instructions; I’m not sure if that’s because they came with that hub in the kit or if that happens with any additional cameras you wish to add in the future. The images on the monitor attached to the hub were clear however had some lag in the footage ever with the cameras directly next to the hub, not where they would ultimately end up after mounted on our house which I will talk about later. After they were synced, I began the installation process for the cameras after determining the best placement for them on the front of our house. The cameras were very easy to mount using the provided mounting hardware and only two screws. The four included batteries are supposed to last up to three months however I was not able to test out that claim since I didn’t spend three months with them installed and I’m sure that varies depending on usage and whether you have the LED lights go on/off with motion. It is convenient that the hub charges the fourth battery and they make it easy to swap out once a battery goes dead. The cameras claim to be weatherproof and have 2-way audio which I typically have never found much use for with the exception of a doorbell/doorlock camera when answering the door remotely but it is an added feature.
After the camera installation, I returned to the hub to check my connections since the cameras were much further away now and it showed I still had Wi-Fi reception on both the hub and my smartphone app. Apparently the system does function without the need for Wi-Fi meaning you can connect it to your devices straight to your phone and the hub however you would not be able to connect to the system remotely. The real test would come once I started receiving push notifications and attempted live view and this is where some of the issues started. Because the system uses a hub and not just a Wi-Fi connection, it’s recommended you place the hub somewhere unobstructed and within range of where the cameras are mounted, not just where you’re able to get a Wi-Fi reception. The connection lag is even worse when I’m not at home on my Wi-Fi as sometimes it will take minutes or never connect at all while I’m trying to view something live or recorded. Needless to say, this is not ideal for any security system as you’ll want to ensure you can view live video and review recordings in the event of an emergency. This caused me to reposition the hub and make another attempt at fine tuning the system therefore I found a better spot closer to all three cameras and less obstructed than I initially had. After the first change in location where I placed the hub still well within my Wi-Fi range and closer to the cameras, I tested the connection and live stream again to see if it changed anything. Nope, still the same issues after a day of use. I would get notifications and when I would go into the smartphone application, there would be, most times, minutes of lag before I was able to view any recorded footage and the live feed was even worse. I figured perhaps the third and fourth times moving the hub throughout our house might change but they didn’t; I still had a horrible time viewing recordings and especially attempting to get any live feed. I went through all the troubleshooting steps and nothing worked to improve the connection and the reception. In most cases I was unable to see any of the videos through the app and, in some cases, it wouldn’t connect to the hub even while on my own Wi-Fi. When viewing, or thinking I was viewing live video because that’s what screen I was on in the app, it actually wasn’t live and was from minutes before, would cut in and out, and constantly glitch. Moving the hub around also isn’t convenient when you need a place you can connect it to a monitor to view live feed and/or recordings so placing it somewhere I hadn’t planned on getting full use out of it defeated the purpose of it altogether.
The app and hub when connected to the monitor do have several features and customizations however was missing some other features offered by other manufacturers including setting up activity zones where you can focus on or ignore certain areas in view such as flags that wave that may constantly set off your motion alerts. The app would also crash periodically after not responding which, again, was extremely frustrating. There is a feature that claims to identify and distinguish between people, cars and animals but that would rarely work as intended.
After several days of testing and use with the same results, I ended up uninstalling the Swann system and reverting back to our old system where I could at least have a mostly reliable and responsive live feed and be able to access my recordings without issues. Overall, I was very disappointed and frustrated with this Swann system and would suggest you look elsewhere if you want responsive and reliable security footage.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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MOMENTUM Sport defines a new class of sports earbuds. Body performance tracking sensors integrated into the earbuds measure heart rate and body temperature for sports ecosystems. Full access to the Polar Flow app provides seamless tracking of crucial body performance data. Fuel your performance with unrivaled Sennheiser sports sound delivered by high-quality acoustic transducers. Robustly designed for multi-sports use, the secure, comfortable fit lets you confidently perform in any environment. When working out in noisy environments, the impactful bass and Adaptive ANC let you stay energized and in the zone without distractions. Built for athletes who demand reliable and durable gear, the 24-hour battery life goes as hard as you do, and the IP55-rated earbuds are shock, dust, and sweat-resistant to withstand extreme workouts and harsh weather conditions. A semi-open design with an innovative acoustic relief channel reduces body-borne noises, like footsteps or breathing, for a natural feel and lets you hear some external sound for greater awareness when training outdoors. The Transparency Mode is tailored for sports with external mics that minimize wind noise so you can hear your world when on the move. MOMENTUM Sport will enhance your performance from digging deep to hitting your peak.
Customer Rating
5
Great sound and secure fit for intense workouts
on July 2, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
One the most annoying issues I have encountered while working out with earbuds is one, or both, earbuds falling out in the middle of a rep, on the treadmill or at any other point when I’m in the zone. There have even been times when one has fallen behind or underneath a piece of equipment where I have to completely stop what I’m in the middle of, get an employee, and wait minutes while my heart rate drops. Fortunately, with the new Sennheiser Momentum Sport wireless earbuds, I don’t have that worry about the occasional lost earbud unless my wife smacks them out of my ears when I don’t respond to her because I literally can’t hear anything when wearing them with the adaptive noise cancellation technology combined with their airtight fit. Not only have I been using them while working out but also around the house where my wife and I take care of up to eight children with our in-home daycare business; they work great to drown out the constant ambient sound of screaming children five days a week. If they don’t quite fit out of the box, they included several sizes of earfins and eartips for a better fit.
The Momentum Sport earbuds rock the latest Qualcomm aptX processor, adaptive noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.2, are rated IP55 splash resistant and allow for wireless charging. They are very easy to set up, sync to your smart device and the Smart Control App. After a quick hardware update, you can spend some time tinkering with the settings via the app to adjust the equalizer, toggle through the noise cancellation controls and download the third-party app, Polar, that allows for the earbuds to track your heart rate and body temperature which is great for those who don’t want to wear another device while working out such as a smart watch.
Being an avid audiophile for over thirty years, I also have high expectations and a keen sense for sound in general. Sennheiser has been one of the leaders in the audio industry for decades and they continue to impress with their new Momentum Sport earbuds. You can always expect to hear clear highs and heavy bass from their products combined with the latest technology. They honestly sound great with any genre of music, movies or shows. Because of the amount of features, great sound and secure fit, the Momentum Sport earbuds may eventually end up being my most used earbuds even over my other high-end non-sport earbuds just to have some reassurance I probably won’t loose one under the couch.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Say goodbye to wiring limitations and frequent battery recharges. Our solar panel kit offers flexibility: install it separately with a 13 ft extra-long cable or alongside the camera, empowering you to discover optimal spots for seamless monitoring. Embrace wire-free convenience thanks to the ultra-large battery capacity of 10,000mAH. Delight in crystal-clear 2K QHD resolution for unmatched clarity.
Customer Rating
5
Easy install, incredible video & lots of features
on June 13, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
We have been using the same security cameras for several years now and either they’ve ran their course and life span or there’s been something off with them lately. Therefore, after weighing our options, we decided to delve back into the security camera market to see what the competition looked like and perhaps that would solve our problems. That’s when I came across the new TP-Link TAPO solar powered security camera kit. Having used TP-Link products before in the past including smart devices, light switches, routers, etc. I knew they were a reputable company you can trust and will be around for a while in comparison to some of those other knock off brands you’ve never heard of where you would be lucky to find customer support in the event something were to go wrong with your product(s).
The cameras, solar panels and mounting hardware was very easy to install with little to no reliance on the instructions. Once you fully charge the cameras via the provided USB cable, download the Tapo application, you are ready to sync the cameras to your account and begin the installation process. The syncing process did not take very long and each camera had an update that needed to be installed. The smart device application walks you through the process using simple, easy to understand, instructions providing you pictures and video as well. It even ensures you are mounting the hardware in a good place to ensure everything you want is in view. The mounting hardware provided allows for installation of the cameras and solar panels on one bracket and the option to use the provided long USB cables to mount the solar panels in a separate area in the event the area you want to view is not in the sunlight for power and charging. The whole installation process for all three cameras and solar panels took less than an hour, not including the initial charge time for the cameras.
Within the application, you can live view video and/or recordings. Speaking of the video, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the cameras which offer 2K QHD video. The cameras and software are also able to identify and differentiate between people, animals and vehicles and has color infrared night vision. They have a 150 degree super-wide field of view and you are able to set up activity zones through the app to target or ignore certain areas (think a waving tree or flag that may constantly think there is movement detected you don’t want to worry about). Another benefit to this security camera kit is the lack of a “hub” that you need to plug into your existing modem/router as they simply run directly through your existing WiFi and to the smart phone/device app. The cameras and solar panels are IP66 weatherproof so no need to worry when it rains or snows.
One thing we were looking for when shopping for security cameras was the wireless ability to install them without running wires all over your home or office. Our previous security cameras had solar panels as a power source however they would still die within days even though our house has full sun most of the day. The rechargeable battery in each camera is 10000mAh (almost twice the capacity than the high-end laptop I’m currently using) which makes the battery life relatively long when going between charges or at night when the solar panels aren’t able to charge them; I’m talking days on end because I tried it both ways and was surprised to see the battery percentage barely move even when there’s high traffic and they are constantly recording. I was surprised to see the cameras charging in daylight even when the solar panels were not getting full sun. According to the specs, the cameras can last up to 300 days on a single charge and the solar panels can keep the battery fully charged with just 45 minutes of daily sunlight.
The smart device application is also very easy to use and understand, is very responsive with little to no delay and has plenty of options including to set alarms if a camera senses motion, use them as two-way audio, adjust the video quality, frame rate, turn on/off night vision infrared mode, etc. During the initial set up, you have the option to sign up for a free 30-day trial of their monitoring/recording which allows you to view/cloud store up to 30 days of events anywhere from the application. However, if you’re not a fan of paying subscription fees, each camera also has local storage where you can insert your own micro-SD cards (which are not included) which could run out of storage relatively fast considering the quality of the video these take.
Overall, we have been impressed thus far with our new Tapo security camera kit and will probably eventually expand this system to replace the remainder of our previous system in due time. I would recommend this security camera kit over our previous manufacturer to anyone in the market for a user-friendly, high-quality security camera kit at a reasonable price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Capture stunning imagery with the legendary Hasselblad camera and enjoy a smooth flight with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Every improvement on Mavic 3 sets a higher standard for aerial photography. Fly with Mavic 3 and discover imaging above everything.
WHAT CARD READER DOES THIS TAKE?
You can install a high speed micro SD in the drone right above the battery to increase the onboard storage capacity.
3 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer~ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day~ color night vision, TrueDetect~ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
Does this system record audio or just video?
It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras. We use them in our kids' rooms and for our outdoor security system
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer~ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day~ color night vision, TrueDetect~ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
Does this system record audio or just video?
It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
The Samsung Jet~ 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design and a removable battery that can be easily swapped* for extended cleaning time up to 60 minutes. Compatible with Samsung Clean Station~ for mess-free, automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Second battery sold separately.
Is the unit able to stand upright on its own?
Take panoramic footage with this GoPro MAX digital camera. The 16.6MP sensor captures detailed footage and 360-degree views, and the six built-in microphones record immersive audio. This GoPro MAX digital camera has a touch display that lets you switch between standard and 360-degree video modes and choose from multiple digital lenses to customize your footage.
Can the camera be controlled remotely?
Yes, by your smart phone through the GoPro app or with one of GoPro's optional devices
6 years ago
by
Grouticus
Keep an eye on your home or business day and night with Arlo Pro 3. With no wires, you can install Pro 3 in minutes and view video directly from your phone. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality, a wider field of view, and allows you to auto track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Receive notifications when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals, or packages, and view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with 3 months of included Arlo Smart.* Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio.
Does this come with free 7days of recording? Or is it like the 4k model where you have to pay for cloud after one year?
This two camera Arlo Pro 3 kit comes with three free months of the new Arlo Smart Plan which does 30 days of 2K cloud recording. However, you can also simply plug a USB drive in the hub to record locally. I would check the Arlo website for more details on the new plans they offer.
6 years ago
by
Grouticus
When spills happen, the Braava jet m6 robot is always on call~ready to head to the spot and take them on. Just say to Google Assistant or Alexa, ~Have Braava mop in front of the kitchen counter~, and it heads out and gets to work. Always learning your home and your cleaning habits, it can offer customized schedules that work around your life~even suggesting extra cleanings during pollen season. Using Precision Jet Spray, it loosens dirt and sticky messes without spraying furniture, rugs, or walls~all without any effort from you, making your mopping tasks a thing of the past. *(Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates. Google is a trademark of Google LLC)
How do you keep it from going on your carpets from a tile floor?
It should sense that it's no longer on a hard floor and go in reverse. I would suggest picking up any rugs before you set it to clean so it cleans under the rugs.
6 years, 4 months ago
by
Grouticus
Step into virtual reality with this Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset. The advanced optics produce a sharp display with bright, vivid colors, and Oculus Insight tracking removes the need for external sensors to convert movements into virtual reality. This Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset has a fit wheel that secures the headset with a quick twist.
I am setting up the oculus, but I can’t move the software into the other drive, and the thing it shows me to switch it does not work. Please help me.
This worked for me:
https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/
When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.
To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to
Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/
When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.
To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to
Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
6 years, 4 months ago
by
Grouticus
Call across the room to hear your favorite song with Echo Spot. This voice-activated device is compatible with Alexa and lets you check the weather, watch video clips and even answer your connected phone. The small footprint of Echo Spot slides in easily without taking up space and works with all connected devices and speakers.
Can this work wirelessly??
No, it needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
Keep your head in the game with this Logitech G Pro headset. Its leatherette ear pads isolate surrounding noises to keep you focused, and its featherlight construction minimizes pressure for longer wear. This Logitech G Pro headset's microphone has a wide frequency response and low signal-to-noise ratio for improved communication with teammates and opponents.
Do I have to get a splitter for this or no?
No, they come with an auxiliary splitter if you have a separate mic auxiliary out on your rig.
7 years, 2 months ago
by
Grouticus