TECHBEENGOOD's stats
- Review count287
- Helpfulness votes3,145
- First reviewOctober 18, 2013
- Last reviewApril 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
- Review comment count3
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentOctober 5, 2014
- Last review commentAugust 1, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- Answer count30
- Helpfulness votes78
- First answerNovember 19, 2015
- Last answerNovember 1, 2021
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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini – the immersive sound from just one compact device for movie and music lovers. AMBEO Soundbar Mini delivers a cinema-grade sound experience from one sleek unit, with no more cables and speakers cluttering your precious space. Developed with the German research organization Fraunhofer IIS Institute, the AMBEO virtualization technology creates a virtual speaker setup that delivers the maximum possible 3D immersion a single compact device can offer. Designed with Sennheiser’s audiophile expertise, AMBEO Soundbar Mini brings music to life and automatically adjusts the sound to the type of content. AMBEO can even upmix stereo and 5.1 content to make you feel like you are in a concert hall. Enjoy the best of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG-H audio. Set up is easy. The self-calibration feature adapts to your room’s acoustics, positioning virtual speakers around the room. The intuitive app provides easy control for audio settings, equalizer, voice comprehension, and more. AMBEO Soundbar Mini’s modern design, elegantly crafted to fit any room, hides a feature-loaded digital soul. AMBEO|OS supports all major audio streaming services, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, granting access to powerful features. Upgrade your audio experience with Sennheiser’s AMBEO Soundbar Mini.
Customer Rating
5
An audio engineering toolkit comes with a soundbar
on November 1, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
Sennheiser - AMBEO Soundbar Mini. The newest TVs, with their photo-quality images and bigger screens, demand a sound quality and “bigness” that matches. In fact, in my biggest rooms, my home theater and family room I’ve configured audio systems that are pretty grand. I’m spoiled. In my bedroom and smaller activity room I want high quality picture and sound, too. Sennheiser’s AMBEO gets both quality and “big” almost perfectly. Even where I have a trivial criticism, Sennheiser offers solutions.
SETUP: The process is a (a) connect power and HDMI wire to the ARC input/output of your TV; (b) download the Sennheiser SMART CONTROL App; and with your soundbar powered on; (c) a bluetooth connection is immediate followed by a hand-off to WiFi. I felt like I was trying to keep up with Sennheiser’s flow of activities, ‘cause it all happened so fast.
The App provides some initial guidance and invites you to calibrate the AMBEO so it performs best in your room. The AMBEO uses an array of microphones for the calibration and for responding to Alexa or Google or Siri commands. Setting up my desired Google control was easy. This is all slick and flawless and had me searching for my first movie to try. Top Gun: Maverick and we’re filling the room with cinema quality sound. Well, very close.
FEATURES and PERFORMANCE: I didn’t need to know anything or set anything special to achieve outstanding sound from my TV, using the TV’s internal Apps, or the Apple TV connected to it. The AMBEO received the multichannels from either my TV or my streaming device. It creates a 3-dimensional sound stage with its 6 internal speakers (4 full-range and 2, 4” woofers). It is very convincing in every way. I should also note that there is a nice remote control that I rarely used. But it gives access to volume and a number of other settings.
The Sennheiser SMART CONTROL App offers a set of adjustments for both connectivity and sound modifications. There’s a set of equalization controls behind EDIT on the Adaptive button. or I can use the fixed equalizations provided by Music, Movie, News, Sports, or Neutral. There is Voice Enhancement and you can recalibrate at any time. No searching for the calibration mic; it’s built in.
The AMBEO, in my opinion, outperforms some really good soundbars. There is no voice coloration, so human voices remain natural and believable. In fact voice clarity makes this an especially easy soundbar to recommend to those of us frustrated by poorly mixed or muffled dialog in TV programming. There are even voice emphasis options in the App. Without adding the available subwoofer, the bass output is still satisfying in small to medium sized rooms. The bass isn’t room-shaking but it is properly balanced and contributes to the “wow, this is such a full sounding system!”
I didn’t have a wireless Sennheiser subwoofer available to augment the lower bass. I think in most average to smaller size rooms. most people would agree with me that the added bass won’t be necessary. And for those of you in larger rooms, add that subwoofer. I added “Pitch Perfect” and “Fury” to compare very different takes on bass performance, and the bass heavy hip-hop music in the former and the hard hitting artillery and gun fire were jolting coming from this small speaker centered under my 55” TV and then my 65” TV.
I didn’t speak about music yet, but in some ways it was the more revealing test of the AMBEO’s sound quality and accuracy. I’ve become very familiar with various music performances and musicians’ voices. It’s here that the Sennheiser AMBEO again separates itself from the competition. One example is an older recording from Laura Nyro. “Billy’s Blues”, a song accompanied by her piano and a sax with a full orchestra joining her sounds large and live. As long as I’m listening to music, I tried testing the ease of using first “Apple Play” off my iPhone followed by Bluetooth from the same phone and my laptop. My music Apps on my phone or my MacPro laptop quickly connected to the AMBEO. No drama. It just connects, disconnects and switches to the other source. And all types of music sound great.
CONCLUSION: The AMBEO can create a sound such as I hear on my dedicated, classic studio-like audio system as well as my very modern premium theater multichannel system which both cost far more. The sound is uncolored, natural, and very accurate. Movie special effects and a huge soundstage are fun and desirable. But before anything else, I’m looking for voices I recognize, dialog that is clear, and sound reproduction that can recreate a movie theater when needed. Will I eventually add a subwoofer in these smaller rooms? Unlikely. In a larger room, probably more likely, or I’d look at a bigger system.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create photos you’ll love to share. Adobe Sensei AI* and automated options make editing easy, and you can learn creative techniques as you go with 62 step-by-step Guided Edits. Present your best pics in beautiful Photo Reel, collage, slideshow, and Quote Graphic templates. Effortlessly organize everything. And do more on the go using web and mobile companion apps (English-only beta).
Customer Rating
5
I probably should read the instructions, but . . .
on October 25, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
Adobe PhotoShop Elements 2024 challenges a casual user such as me to try to accomplish some photo editing with minimal guidance. I believe I’m like many potential users of PSE who want to do some intense photo manipulation, but maybe only every few months. That puts us in the frustrating situation of learning, mostly forgetting, and having to relearn a very useful program. Not so with PSE. I’m going to spoil the drama and point to my 50 year old photographs of our grown children, a subset of a dozen pictures I played with, modified, and turned into artwork over the past 24 hours. PSE is really that easy to use. It’s fun.
SETUP: Adobe is serious about copy protection. I needed to download, install, and activate the software with either/both? a 24 character REDEMPTION CODE and/or the 24 character SERIAL NUMBER. It’s clear sailing after that.
Adobe includes in the package a very comprehensive ELEMENTS ORGANIZER that I found much easier to use than previous iterations. I have 60,000 photos so it took awhile for ORGANIZER to catalog and display them. I had about 10 ORGANIZER crashes, and sent out the optional reports to ADOBE. The computer never crashed. No matter, the importing process was simply restarted and eventually finished hours later with no losses. Not sure where the problem originated, but I’m more likely to use Mac’s PHOTOS (or my ugly, no structure no organization, anyway).
MODIFYING PHOTOS: (I think Photoshopping is now the adjective to describe this.)
ORGANIZER working in the background did not prevent me from diving into PSE and start editing a photo. I do wish PSE made it more intuitive to pull in image files from Apple’s photos. Why can’t that be a choice in the NEW or IMPORT menu? IF YOU START from within Apple’s PHOTOS, in the IMAGE MENU, down next to EDIT WITH …. you can select Adobe Photoshop Elements. Complaint over. Instead, to the clipboard I went. I searched for an old faded family photo from the 1970s. First I needed to correct the faded, distorted colors. Adding a selected photo in PSE drops it into the work window and the PHOTO BIN where I can return again and again for more edits. Just remember to SAVE with a new name.
ORGANIZER working in the background did not prevent me from diving into PSE and start editing a photo. I do wish PSE made it more intuitive to pull in image files from Apple’s photos. Why can’t that be a choice in the NEW or IMPORT menu? IF YOU START from within Apple’s PHOTOS, in the IMAGE MENU, down next to EDIT WITH …. you can select Adobe Photoshop Elements. Complaint over. Instead, to the clipboard I went. I searched for an old faded family photo from the 1970s. First I needed to correct the faded, distorted colors. Adding a selected photo in PSE drops it into the work window and the PHOTO BIN where I can return again and again for more edits. Just remember to SAVE with a new name.
PSE includes a Search feature, so I tried “faded” with no effect. I tried “color” and sure enough, I got 5 different photo processing features I might find useful. I could also have clicked on the top menu tabs. The top level menu has 3 broad categories, QUICK, GUIDED, and ADVANCED. I saw that features that would be GUIDED were further sorted into tabs as follows: BASICS (12 features), COLOR (2 features), Black & White (6 features), FUN EDITS (18 features), SPECIAL EDITS (14 features), or PHOTOMERGE (6 features). Adobe says there are 62 step-by-step guided edits in all. Now it’s time to play.
My most recent PSE dates back to 2019, so I found many new features, some improved menus, and the Intro page offers a steady supply of potential projects and an easy way to access them.
There is color matching, to colors you might have in a photo you have.
PSE2024 continues adding to tools that facilitate social networking interactions. Photo Reels are new and easy to accomplish.
I no longer have to learn about or even search for alternate backgrounds. Various skies are already in submenus, ready to replace that dreary, flat sky in every outdoor photo.
Smart lassos are smarter. They more effectively snap to my intended subjects.
In some features an entire process is merely a single selection away. I can eliminate JPEG artifacts in photos that were saved with too little resolution or too much compression.
I can smooth skin, eliminate haze or colorize a photo with a click.
Adobe offers free access to thousands of stock photos from within the App.
Photos can be instantly converted into art simulating a range of artistic styles.
PSE2024 continues adding to tools that facilitate social networking interactions. Photo Reels are new and easy to accomplish.
I no longer have to learn about or even search for alternate backgrounds. Various skies are already in submenus, ready to replace that dreary, flat sky in every outdoor photo.
Smart lassos are smarter. They more effectively snap to my intended subjects.
In some features an entire process is merely a single selection away. I can eliminate JPEG artifacts in photos that were saved with too little resolution or too much compression.
I can smooth skin, eliminate haze or colorize a photo with a click.
Adobe offers free access to thousands of stock photos from within the App.
Photos can be instantly converted into art simulating a range of artistic styles.
CONCLUSION: It’s all in a sample of photos. Like noted earlier, I searched for an old faded photo from the 1970s and made corrections in the basic feature collection, as well as tools in the PERFECT PORTRAIT submenu so it looks like it was captured last month and not scanned from an old scrapbook. Eliminating JPEG artifacts helped, too.
I turned that single corrected photo into a B&W version, and used the B&W COLOR POP to bring out (and then change) a focus color.
I added text to the picture using MEME MAKER.
With only a few clicks I swapped out the background of my photo and substituted a pattern from PSE’s collection.
I returned to the corrected original photo and tried a WATER COLOR effect followed by a different artistic style, all with a single click.
POP ART was another click away.
I’ve run out of space to share but the PUZZLE EFFECT was easy and fun but the OUT of BOUNDS effect was the most dramatic. They both create 3D illusions, with the latter simulating one of your photo subjects stepping out of the photo.
I added text to the picture using MEME MAKER.
With only a few clicks I swapped out the background of my photo and substituted a pattern from PSE’s collection.
I returned to the corrected original photo and tried a WATER COLOR effect followed by a different artistic style, all with a single click.
POP ART was another click away.
I’ve run out of space to share but the PUZZLE EFFECT was easy and fun but the OUT of BOUNDS effect was the most dramatic. They both create 3D illusions, with the latter simulating one of your photo subjects stepping out of the photo.
I have infrequent use of Adobe’s Photoshop Elements. But that’s the reason I get a new version of PSE every few years. I don’t have to be an expert. I don’t have to immerse myself in this program to get signifiant functionality out of it. It’s very intuitive. It has tremendous depth for the serious user, and in my estimation, it lets a broad range of end users find a way to access the thrill of creating art and turning basic images into dramatic presentations. I recommend this newest version of Adobe’s PSE.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Nothing about your personal style is standard. So why should your appliances be? Created for those who want to reflect their true style in every room of their home, Café is distinct by design. Backed by showstopping features, every Café appliance gives you the form and the function you've been craving. Now you can bring that exceptional style to your countertops thanks to elegant and innovative Specialty Grind and Brew Coffeemakers with Thermal Carafe from Café, which are as intelligent as they are beautiful. All Café coffee makers are WiFi enabled and feature voice-controlled capabilities, connected through the SmartHQ app and compatible with Alexa and Google Home. Flexible temperature controls and a variety of brew settings allow even the most discriminating coffee connoisseur to enjoy the ideal amount of coffee at the ideal brew, without ever sacrificing flavor or performance. The modern, clean look pairs perfectly with the signature Café copper accents that truly mark these as the world's most stylish appliances.
Customer Rating
5
Simplicity that satisfies fussy coffee drinkers.
on October 21, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
Café - Grind & Brew Smart Coffee Maker with Gold Cup Standard
Café’s approach to this complete coffee experience starts with eye-catching style, continues with tech that adds convenience to the tedious, and finishes up with perfectly brewed coffee. My wife has experimented with the more elaborate coffee systems and has no problem firing up the simplest office machine. Her conclusion regarding Café’s exciting looking coffee maker is that it’s possible to impress the most meticulous coffee snob (her included) while keeping the effort surprisingly simple. It’s now her choice to keep the process “office machine“ simple or spend a few minutes more to tailor the coffee preparation to achieve her ideal cup or carafe. The Café is very pretty, in a modernist way. And, yet it does not sacrifice simplicity and function to convince you of how special it is. It makes great coffee.
Café’s approach to this complete coffee experience starts with eye-catching style, continues with tech that adds convenience to the tedious, and finishes up with perfectly brewed coffee. My wife has experimented with the more elaborate coffee systems and has no problem firing up the simplest office machine. Her conclusion regarding Café’s exciting looking coffee maker is that it’s possible to impress the most meticulous coffee snob (her included) while keeping the effort surprisingly simple. It’s now her choice to keep the process “office machine“ simple or spend a few minutes more to tailor the coffee preparation to achieve her ideal cup or carafe. The Café is very pretty, in a modernist way. And, yet it does not sacrifice simplicity and function to convince you of how special it is. It makes great coffee.
SETUP: Kudos for Café for their very useful, complete, easy-to-read, and accessible instruction booklet. The machine is very intuitive so that helps. There is even a cheat sheet which we’re going to laminate. (Psst, GE, you could do that, too.)
Every step can be modified from the control panel, but the Café starts you off with setting that get you close.You will need to set the clock, and if set up Wi-Fi the time will stay accurate and you can save your preferred settings. (Hold HOUR + MINUTE to initiate WiFi setup.)
The Default setting are a the starting point,, but from there you find the button on the CONTROL PANEL to pick your TEMPERATURE, pick your brew size (volume), pick your STRENGTH, start BREW, or the next button over DELAYS the start, and start GRINDER action or CLEANING with the final button. The instruction booklet contributes immensely to your understanding of the machine, the adjustments that will improve your coffee to your taste and some art and science behind the brewing process..
SUMMARY: After you get past the distinctive design, the imposing size, and the very complete-while-staying-simple coffee making process you have to marvel at the thoughtful engineering. Café has managed to create a coffee machine that manages to compete with more complex and fussy machines and pleasantly satisfy serious coffee lovers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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SimpliSafe delivers advanced security solutions that put you, your home, and your safety first. With optional professional monitoring powered by Fast Protect Technology, SimpliSafe combines innovative hardware with advanced AI and real people — for 24/7 professional monitoring that delivers fast emergency response when you need it most. The award-winning SimpliSafe system is effective, intuitive, and affordable – so that home can be safe and secure for everyone. You can protect every inch of your home. SimpliSafe has sensors for every room, window and door. HD security cameras for inside and out. Smarter ways to detect motion that alert you only when a threat is real. Hazard sensors that detect floods, and other threats to your home. Powerful sirens that can help stop intruders in their tracks. And, it’s backed by optional 24/7 professional monitoring—experts who are ready to dispatch emergency help immediately. That’s the unmatched combination that separates SimpliSafe Home Security from the others. At SimpliSafe, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe at home. That's why our bundles are designed to be effective yet affordable. And with no long-term contracts or hidden fees. This 8-piece wireless security bundle provides 24/7 protection. The Base Station is the brains of the system. It sends alarm signals to the monitoring center with a built-in cellular connection and includes a back up battery that lasts up to 24 hours and a loud, 95 dB siren. The smash-safe Keypad is soft to the touch, easy to use during the day and night, and requires no plug so it can be placed anywhere. Entry Sensors (4 total) protect your doors, windows, and cabinets and are designed to blend into the background. And Motion Sensors (2 total) are designed for human detection, not pet detection. Advanced security, whole home protection. There's no safe like SimpliSafe.
Customer Rating
5
Super . . Simple, Secure, Expandable, Affordable
on October 20, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
SimpliSafe - Indoor Home Security Kit (8-piece) (Includes KEYPAD, 2 Motion Detectors, 4 Entry Sensors, Base Station)
Safety and security can be completely under your control. That includes features and price. My SimpliSafe system will eventually be more elaborate. Adding features can be done at a reasonable price and won’t require a service call with that unnecessary expense. I’ll sometimes have my property monitored and sometimes I’ll manage without monitoring. Easy to accomplish when I’m in charge. SimpliSafe does home security monitoring quite well, for less, without the bullying, the inscrutable contracts, and the obstacles to you leaving. SimpliSafe isn’t that company.
Safety and security can be completely under your control. That includes features and price. My SimpliSafe system will eventually be more elaborate. Adding features can be done at a reasonable price and won’t require a service call with that unnecessary expense. I’ll sometimes have my property monitored and sometimes I’ll manage without monitoring. Easy to accomplish when I’m in charge. SimpliSafe does home security monitoring quite well, for less, without the bullying, the inscrutable contracts, and the obstacles to you leaving. SimpliSafe isn’t that company.
SETUP: My system is fully installed, in less than an afternoon. The entire setup begins after setting up an account on your phone. Step one begins by plugging in your BASE STATION. Location does not seem to be especially critical, but somewhere central seemed reasonable. Distribute your SENSORS to your preferred locations, remembering to yank the battery protection sleeves out. All sensors have adhesive pads, so think first, then attach. (I eventually used the screws, too.) Same for the KEYPAD. I chose NOT to adhere it permanently, because I wanted it with me for setup, and I really wasn’t sure where to place it. The entire setup can be accomplished from the keypad, but it is so much easier using the phone App. The KEYPAD is (less) easy to use. That black screen at the top is actually a large 4-way rocker pad. Your selection choices are always at one of the 4 edges where you press to make a selection.
Now comes the “discovery” process. Each sensor has a slightly recessed button which I depressed. Both the App and the Base station acknowledge when a new sensor is added to your system. I was done adding all my sensors in about 15 minutes. It took longer for me to decide where to put the various sensors. SimpliSafe has thought through this technology pretty completely. At no point did a sensor fail to register. My home is all on one floor and extends 2800 square feet with a decorative brick archway which somewhat divides the home. No problem for me, although those of you with rambling mansions might have issues I didn’t see.
MONITORING: I’ll talk about monitoring because it does have value, if only to get (potential) home insurance discounts. SimpliSafe offers monitoring at several different price/service tiers. My descriptions will be OVERSIMPLIFIED to keep this review shorter and you will want to get updated pricing anyway.
STANDARD MONITORING is $19.99/months for the basic response to a triggered alarm that results in a call to police, fire or medical help depending on the sensor that has been triggered. No video storage for cameras attached to the system at this price.
FAST PROTECT™MONITORING adds $10 to the above price, includes those features and offers video storage and more advanced features.
If you only want access to video storage and you will do your own Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings, the total charge is $9.99.
Or, the entire system is fully operable, but without monitoring with no subscription fee.
STANDARD MONITORING is $19.99/months for the basic response to a triggered alarm that results in a call to police, fire or medical help depending on the sensor that has been triggered. No video storage for cameras attached to the system at this price.
FAST PROTECT™MONITORING adds $10 to the above price, includes those features and offers video storage and more advanced features.
If you only want access to video storage and you will do your own Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings, the total charge is $9.99.
Or, the entire system is fully operable, but without monitoring with no subscription fee.
WISH LIST: Not complaints, just comments. . . Every home in my region has pre-installed fire, smoke or CO alarms. It seems that SimpliSafe could either interconnect or at least sympathetically react to and repeat the alarm within the SimpliSafe ecosystem. SimpliSafe’s own fire, smoke, CO detectors are surely fine, too, but another solution should be possible.
The ENTRY sensors sit a bit high off my door frame surface. They link back to the base perfectly fine, so I suppose they look worse than they work, operationally.
As an end user, it’s hard to have a real time awareness of device status, especially the motion detectors. I would love a tiny LED activity light as long as it doesn’t shorten battery life.
The ENTRY sensors sit a bit high off my door frame surface. They link back to the base perfectly fine, so I suppose they look worse than they work, operationally.
As an end user, it’s hard to have a real time awareness of device status, especially the motion detectors. I would love a tiny LED activity light as long as it doesn’t shorten battery life.
OBSERVATIONS and SUMMARY: The SimpliSafe system has continued to evolve. More sensors and features have been added. Setup has become very simple, with the App becoming a guide in your hand. This kit’s particular collection of sensors along with a Base Station and Keypad is a good place to start. I’ve become very familiar with the SimpliSafe product. While this package has enough flexibility for my purposes today, I’m ready to add some other sensors. [A water sensor is next plus a 2nd Keypad for the Master Bedroom] As noted above, interoperability with existing detectors is a missing element. Other than that concern, this is a great security system. It is well built, and it has proven able to accomplish what it promises. All connections are very stable. Mostly, I love the idea of being in charge of my security system. And, it’s not as if there is a price penalty; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’m saving money and feeling secure. Recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The convenient and easy-to-use Philips Lady Shaver Series 6000 is designed to be gentle and comfortable on the skin in different body areas*. 80% of our consumers confirm no razor burns and redness**. Achieve hair-free skin without compromising on skin comfort. The floating foil glides naturally over your curves and contours, maintaining close contact with your skin for an even shave. For an even more gentle and comfortable shave, use during your shower or bath routine with anti-slip grip for optimal Wet & Dry use. Includes 7 convenient accessories.
Customer Rating
5
(Successful) Adventures in electric shaving
on October 14, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
[From my wife, the only user of this Philips Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000, Cordless with 7 Accessories] I’m a newcomer to electric shaving. This past week of new experiences makes me wonder why I put off going electric. I’ve successfully used this easy-to-control shaver completely dry and also under the shower, with and without my favorite sudsy soap. All these experiences were different, but the result was pretty much similar. And, in every way, they were better than my razor. It’s nice to be able to get a closer shave of every skin area without risking shaver burn.
Without completely dismissing Philip’s descriptive names for their accessories, let me offer my perspective. Having used razor blades for many years, my (conditioned) natural shaving motion would drag the lower cutting blades across my skin and not allow the foil to fully contact my skin. So, I placed the “Skin Stretcher Cap” on the shaver head, and it forces a proper shaving angle. All three cutting surfaces remain exposed, but the cutters are more parallel to my skin surface. Works perfectly for me. I can highly recommend the Philips because it cuts closely and easily matches my old razor. It has a full set of accessories which all make the task comfortable, safe, and as enjoyable as shaving will ever be.
Philips’ other accessories further modify the shaving experience:
SKIN STRETCHED CAP, as described above, is my favorite. It fully exposes the cutters and foil, but controls the angle of shaving.
SOFT GLIDE CAP slightly covers the top and bottom cutters and only fully exposes the foil cutter. It is recommended for underarms and under knees where the tighter angles would make safe shaving more difficult. This is a perfect choice for these areas, especially when I’m half-asleep.
The TRIMMING COMB is the larger comb for the regular shaver head. It works nicely to significantly reduce the length of larger, thicker areas of hair.
Trimmer head with comb, accomplishes similar reduction of hair length but for smaller areas.
Cleaning brush
Exfoliation glove has the feel of dry sponge (kind’a like loofah)
USB-A charging cord (only)
Pouch
The only note of concern is the lightweight plastic material used for the various accessories, especially the “CAPS” which I find critical to my enjoyment of the Philips shaver. The fussing required to place and remove them could lead to a broken piece. It hasn’t happened, but plastic is not very forgiving.
SKIN STRETCHED CAP, as described above, is my favorite. It fully exposes the cutters and foil, but controls the angle of shaving.
SOFT GLIDE CAP slightly covers the top and bottom cutters and only fully exposes the foil cutter. It is recommended for underarms and under knees where the tighter angles would make safe shaving more difficult. This is a perfect choice for these areas, especially when I’m half-asleep.
The TRIMMING COMB is the larger comb for the regular shaver head. It works nicely to significantly reduce the length of larger, thicker areas of hair.
Trimmer head with comb, accomplishes similar reduction of hair length but for smaller areas.
Cleaning brush
Exfoliation glove has the feel of dry sponge (kind’a like loofah)
USB-A charging cord (only)
Pouch
The only note of concern is the lightweight plastic material used for the various accessories, especially the “CAPS” which I find critical to my enjoyment of the Philips shaver. The fussing required to place and remove them could lead to a broken piece. It hasn’t happened, but plastic is not very forgiving.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Don’t let the battery of your device die as you work throughout the day. The Insignia NS-MW3130C1W24B 30W USB-C Foldable Compact Wall Charger for Smartphones, Tablets and More has a 30-watt output to quickly charge all your USB-C devices. Its compact, durable body and a foldable plug easily fit into a purse or pocket, ready for when you need it. An included 6 ft. USB-C cable provides flexible placement options and is braided for an improved look and feel. All that and a simple white design pairs well with your other accessories. Keep your devices working as hard as you do with this easy-to-carry charger.
Customer Rating
5
High quality build, quick, effective charger.
on October 7, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
Insignia™ - 30W USB-C Foldable Compact Wall Charger Bundle with 6’ USB-C to C cable. If you’ve ordered this online, you’ll be surprised by the delivered package. I’m reluctant to spoil the nice surprise. This is a well designed device and it has a premium feel, from cable to the premium feeling device. The folding plug means I’m not damaging other expensive electronics stored in the same bag. The included 6 ft. (1.8 m) braided cable feels rugged and flexible, which is nice for control of placement. And testing it all with a variety of devices showed that it delivers on the promises.
I’ve got security cameras and bluetooth speakers that all benefit from a USB-C charger that can deliver. I've got repurposed smartphones, and tablets which also benefited from the high current capacity. This charger from Insignia specifies that this is rated for international use ((100–240V, 50/60Hz). The Insignia doesn't just feel and look nice. It delivers. Fast. Reliable. Easy to transport. And I'm going to have to hide it from the family.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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We all deserve a Cleaner, Greener, Earth. The Aspire Vero is our answer. A product with an eye on sustainability, it uses 40% PCR plastic in the chassis that cuts CO2 emissions by 21% to 30%. Easily upgradeable and recyclable and made to adapt to our planet’s needs, the Aspire Vero is an eco-friendly unrivaled computing experience.
Customer Rating
5
Good features, performance, value and Eco friendly
on October 3, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
ACER Aspire Vero - Green PC Laptop - 15.6” Full HD - Intel i7-1355U - 16GB LPDDR5 - 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD (Fall 2023)
It’s possible to buy a solid performing, comfortable and enjoyable-to-use, laptop while saving money and the planet. This eco-friendly laptop doesn’t sacrifice features or performance. The only outward hint that this is a bit special is what I’ll describe as its “breath mint” case. It’s kind’a like flavor crystals (remember those?) embedded in the high tech plastics, but, please, don’t lick it. I actually feel good using this Aspire Vero, because of its eco credentials. I like it because it is a laptop focused on performance, ease of use, and efficient use of resources.
It’s possible to buy a solid performing, comfortable and enjoyable-to-use, laptop while saving money and the planet. This eco-friendly laptop doesn’t sacrifice features or performance. The only outward hint that this is a bit special is what I’ll describe as its “breath mint” case. It’s kind’a like flavor crystals (remember those?) embedded in the high tech plastics, but, please, don’t lick it. I actually feel good using this Aspire Vero, because of its eco credentials. I like it because it is a laptop focused on performance, ease of use, and efficient use of resources.
SETUP and USABILITY: The setup routine didn’t need much input from me other than a few selections and entering my Microsoft account. It performed an update followed by what seemed like another update, but I was ready to add in my applications and media files within the first hour. I was viewing media, writing this review, cropping some photos and preparing an upload all on the same day. That’s what you want in a home, school or business laptop.
Really Important stuff:
LEFT SIDE PORTS: DC-Power jack, 2X Type-C Thunderbolts 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 (supports offline charging
RIGHT SIDE PORTS: K-slot Lock port, USB 3.2, Headset jack.
Intel’s 13th Gen (Q1’23) Core i7 Processor i7-1355U (10-Core, 12 thread)
Not a touch screen: 15.6”, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD); LCD, IPS, 300 nits
SSD 512 GB (PCIe 4.0 interface)(pretty easy to upgrade)
System Memory 16Gb
Graphics Intel Iris Xe
Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6E
NO Ethernet Port, (so use a USB-ethernet adapter, hub, or use Wi-Fi)
Front Facing 1080p camera with built-in Mic
Keyboard includes number pad, backlighting.
Fingerprint Reader embedded in OceanGlass Touchpad
Windows 11 Home
14”W x 9.33”D x 0.7”H 3.84 Weight plus included Laptop Case
LEFT SIDE PORTS: DC-Power jack, 2X Type-C Thunderbolts 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 (supports offline charging
RIGHT SIDE PORTS: K-slot Lock port, USB 3.2, Headset jack.
Intel’s 13th Gen (Q1’23) Core i7 Processor i7-1355U (10-Core, 12 thread)
Not a touch screen: 15.6”, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD); LCD, IPS, 300 nits
SSD 512 GB (PCIe 4.0 interface)(pretty easy to upgrade)
System Memory 16Gb
Graphics Intel Iris Xe
Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6E
NO Ethernet Port, (so use a USB-ethernet adapter, hub, or use Wi-Fi)
Front Facing 1080p camera with built-in Mic
Keyboard includes number pad, backlighting.
Fingerprint Reader embedded in OceanGlass Touchpad
Windows 11 Home
14”W x 9.33”D x 0.7”H 3.84 Weight plus included Laptop Case
As noted in the list of ports, it is a good feeling knowing I can easily add a large monitor for working at home via the HDMI port and the Thunderbolt ports mean I can add my preferred external SSD Thunderbolt drives via a Thunderbolt hub. I don’t need a 4K screen and the saturated colors and contrast provided by Acer’s Full HD screen makes for a nice (if not perfect) gaming and video watching experience. The screen is quite rich in color and detail. I have the newest Wi-Fi 6 mesh router in my home so I can easily achieve Gig Internet speeds with Acer’s Wi-Fi 6 implementation. Meetings using the 1080p camera with microphone are also trouble-free. Sound quality is very good but I always use either earbuds or external speakers.
This is not a bare-bones laptop despite the reasonable price. The venting is ample, effective, and not visibly obvious.The case is easy to grip and doesn’t feel fragile in any sense. It protects Intel’s newly released CPU (i7-1355U) that contains 10 Cores and 12 Threads that can fairly claim to be suitable for games and AI processing.
An unusual feature of Acer’s Aspire Vero laptops is how easy they have made them for end users to accomplish their own upgrades for memory and SSD drives. The 11 screws on the lower case only require a Phillips screwdriver and a seam separation tool. The Acer will accept a replacement m.2 PCIe SSD (after FIRST remembering to clone the internal drive and then) following the 9 steps shown in a video on their site. The same process allows you to swap out your RAM and upgrade it.
The keyboard feels great although I’m not fully ready for those special mirrored R and E keys which hint at Acer’s new ECO mission. The POWER BUTTON is at the top right of the key panel, at the end of the row of shortcut keys. The TOUCHPAD has a FINGERPRINT reader embedded in the upper left corner and it works perfectly for me, every time. I love regaining wasted time and energy.
SUMMARY: I’m impressed with this ACER Aspire Vero for its all around performance and ease of use. It is a perfect laptop for just about any Windows user whose workload doesn’t include heavy duty graphics, competitive gaming or serious video editing. It will. of course, accomplished all of those activities, but pros know to aim higher. For the rest of us, it is too easy to get caught up in chasing performance we will never use and shouldn’t have to pay for. For most of us, the Acer is an eco-friendly, high performing laptop ready for every day computing activities. Acer has been constantly updating and upgrading this popular laptop, so check specs so you’re getting the newest and best. Easy to recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The battery-powered TC85 Security Cameras are 100% wire-free and allow for easy installation both outdoors and indoors. The double sided, magnetic mount allows you to effortlessly mount the camera anywhere you want. Get alerts and watch live video directly from your smart phone via the Tapo App. Pair with a Tapo A200 Solar Panel (sold serpately) to make re-charging easier than ever!
Customer Rating
5
Video security; internal or subscription storage.
on September 27, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
TP Link TC85 3PK SMART Tapo Wire-Free Magnetic Security Camera
TP Link’s approach to security cameras puts maximum value on flexibility of location and a simple setup regime. No wires are required. Period. The magnetic mounting base ensures adjustments and battery access are convenient. WiFi connection range is proving to be exceptional. Battery longevity is promised (300days!) to be excellent. IP66 rating (Able to protect against powerful water jets for 3+ minutes) lets you place the camera exposed to weather with no fear. And I get to choose whether I want to use internal storage or pay for a subscription. So, I’ve been using these for a few days and will share some observations. There are many more features.
TP Link’s approach to security cameras puts maximum value on flexibility of location and a simple setup regime. No wires are required. Period. The magnetic mounting base ensures adjustments and battery access are convenient. WiFi connection range is proving to be exceptional. Battery longevity is promised (300days!) to be excellent. IP66 rating (Able to protect against powerful water jets for 3+ minutes) lets you place the camera exposed to weather with no fear. And I get to choose whether I want to use internal storage or pay for a subscription. So, I’ve been using these for a few days and will share some observations. There are many more features.
SECURITY CAMERA CATEGORY:
Wi-FI Access required, NOT wired by ethernet.
Battery powered, NO power wire; no POE
I do not add or subtract “stars” when reviewing security cameras based on the PRESENCE of these features. Different design objectives are neither right or wrong. I do try to determine how successful these features are implemented. It may be very important to another buyer to know how connectivity and power are addressed, but my opinion is not in the score. Other camera types might work better for you.
Wi-FI Access required, NOT wired by ethernet.
Battery powered, NO power wire; no POE
I do not add or subtract “stars” when reviewing security cameras based on the PRESENCE of these features. Different design objectives are neither right or wrong. I do try to determine how successful these features are implemented. It may be very important to another buyer to know how connectivity and power are addressed, but my opinion is not in the score. Other camera types might work better for you.
SETUP: TP Link’s TC85 series relies on their App which can be downloaded from Apple and Android stores. The process is step by step, with accompanying instructions, as well as pointing out what you’re looking for. TP Link has made the effort to ensure that we will succeed setting up their cameras. I’ve used cameras from various manufactures, and it doesn’t get better. It would be fair to describe TP’s instructions as a security camera primer because they provide advice, explanations, and trouble shooting. They do this while not getting too wordy.
Within the setup process TP Link offers a sales pitch for their recording storage service. It is detailed and short and has a NEXT tab to skip to alternative methods. That alternative is NO recording storage, or simply a live video feed. Or, you can insert a Class 10 (or higher) microSD memory card with storage from 8GB to 512GB. The TC85 camera will format the card for you.
Every imaginable camera parameter is accounted for on the main video image page (Talk, Alarm, Privacy, Light, image tagging). Playback & download are here also. These basic ON/OFF switches are repeated in the SETTINGS (Behind the Gear) where you can fully modify the sensitivity, volume, brightness, and update with new firmware. AI processing allow the camera’s notification to identify the type of object it has recognized using its motion detector. I can set up activity zones to further limit false notifications. Brilliant spotlights can be enabled or turned off as part of the detection feature set. TP notified me of a Firmware update later in my setup process. It was accomplished automatically and quickly. I believe TP-Link is continuing to fine-tune its detection algorithms. If my experience with their other products continues with the product, it’s a company that will keep improving these cameras.
SUMMARY and CONCLUSION: The TP Link TC85 offers a very high quality video security camera with advanced features, all simple to use, and manage. My accompanying pictures tell the story, and I feel confident that I will have a useful video clip if I ever need it for protecting my property. Images are crisp and colorful during the day. Night time pictures were very sharp and in focus for an extended distance while still providing color. The field of view was broader than previous cameras. I am hoping the TP Link improves the sensitivity of human and vehicle detection, as it seems not everything is being captured. Managing videos and images couldn’t be easier. The use of a magnetic mount lets me quickly access the camera so I can recharge it, or clean it, or re-aim it. Of course, an end user relying on the local microSD will need to mount the camera well out of reach if it’s visible.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Jlab Epic USB Webcam. The Epic HD Webcam gives you pro-level image quality and sound to match whether you’re hopping from video calls or recording the latest installment of your webinar. In addition to high definition video and photos, auto focus, adjustable exposure, and an adjustable zoom will ensure every frame is picture perfect—whether you want to show off your space or keep the other half of your room off camera
Customer Rating
4
An EPIC upgrade to my image and meeting staging.
on September 25, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
EPIC USB WEBCAM from JLAB
I’ve created a comfortable work station centered on a nice, really big monitor, with a separate keyboard/mouse all connected to my laptop, Before I attached this EPIC Webcam to my very large LG monitor, my current video camera was pushed off to one side because it’s embedded in my laptop. And this EPIC camera is much better in every viewing measurement. It’s sharper, far less grain, and crisp images. This is an improvement I'm very pleased with.
I’ve created a comfortable work station centered on a nice, really big monitor, with a separate keyboard/mouse all connected to my laptop, Before I attached this EPIC Webcam to my very large LG monitor, my current video camera was pushed off to one side because it’s embedded in my laptop. And this EPIC camera is much better in every viewing measurement. It’s sharper, far less grain, and crisp images. This is an improvement I'm very pleased with.
SPECS: JLAB’s EPIC Webcam does a good job upgrading my image while simplifying my home/ office meeting staging. The EPIC USB camera has been a great addition to my work station. It offers full 2k resolution, a 5 Megapixel sensor, operates at 30fps, has a 90 degree field of view, allows adjustable exposure and zoom.
SETUP: Plug it into a USB port, which on my MacBoo Pro 14” (2021) means I’ll use a connected hub or a dock. Unfold the not-really-a-clamp base so it straddles the top of your monitor or use the provided tripod screw location if you have a stand. In FaceTime or several other Meeting Apps I tested you will need to select the EPIC Webcam instead of the built-in FaceTime Cam. Using the appropriate meeting controls you should be able to view your image. Almost. I had an issue which seems unique to my MacBook Pro (2021) 14”.
I needed another step. First, keep I’m mind that the MacBook Pro (and many other computers) offer no way to modify or manipulate video parameters (such as brightness, contract, color, etc). Plug in a video camera and it should automatically replace, with adequate video parameter settings, the internal camera.
(As verified by JLAB …) the Epic add-on camera may need to be unplugged and reconnected. Or, as I discovered, I needed an add-on webcam software, seemingly to increase the camera’s image from its very dark picture to a more usable and brighter image. I looked for the least expensive App in the App store (Free!) and discovered that Spedal Webcam Software worked perfectly with the meeting software I tested, including FaceTime, Microsoft Teams and Zoom. I expect any other webcam software will do the same.
PERFORMANCE and SUMMARY: Once I sorted out the excessively dark image issue by using a Web Cam App (SPEDAL), the JLAB EPIC CAM performed wonderfully. JLab’s confirmation of my issue suggested this was unique and related to some Macs. I have no reason to complain in any event, as the necessary (for me) App was free and required little more than opening the extra App and moving the sliders to increase video gain. in fact, I’m glad I was forced to look for an App with features that allow further adjustments of the camera, because now I can do some color correction, modify brightness, contrast, sharpness and color balance.
The JLAB EPIC CAM’s own top control button for brightness worked as described, but it’s rather awkward and crude to use. Use an App. The Zoom was more limited but also more obvious in its variations. I suppose it is nice to have, but I’ll use a zoom in the meeting App if available. The picture from the EPIC was FAR superior to the image provided by my FaceTime camera. It was more natural and had better detail and color. Considering everything, the slight quirks and final outcome, this is a camera I can recommend and it will get significant use from me. For some folks, the few obstacles may be too frustrating, although it remains to be seen if this quirk is inherent to some equipment setups.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ideal for creative professionals, the sleek Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub can provide 40Gbps bandwidth for connecting external displays and high-speed peripherals while simultaneously delivering 60W of charging to the host device. It features three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports that support daisy chaining up to six Thunderbolt devices to maximize your creative space.
Customer Rating
5
Satechi makes it work, and well!
on September 15, 2023
Posted by: TECHBEENGOOD
Satechi - Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub: Does my review title suggest I’ve set the success bar too low for this Thunderbolt hub? Sorry. But you must not have tried buying and using these necessary devices before. Thunderbolt hubs can be very frustrating, often having quirky problems, or failing at the easy stuff, or not delivering the speed or adequate power. The Satechi is a serious alternative that works. With a total of 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports for adding peripheral devices (with another port for both power and/or data to/from the computer) this a potent device. It has no quirks I could find, it works well with my high speed devices, and I daisy chained my less capable hubs behind it to manage other less demanding peripherals. Everything works.
SETUP: My MacBook Pro M1 (2021), with an LG HDR 4K display, a SanDisk PRO-G40 SSD 2TB External Thunderbolt 3 storage, plus a Hyper - DUO PRO 7-in-2 USB-C Hub connecting to an external keyboard, mouse, and a pair of special purpose WD 5TB USB 3.0 DRIVES and my Gig ethernet connection to my ISP. I’m not sure what each devices’ power demand is, but each port delivers 15W and everything is performing fine.
I wish my photo of my connected Satechi was prettier, but connecting wires can be an ugly business. The connectivity provided by the Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub allows me to hide most of my connections below the counter, below where my laptop, keyboard, mouse and secondary 4k screen are alone, sitting neatly arranged.
PERFORMANCE and CONCLUSION: That sleek looking hub, sitting in the now opened box, seems almost as heavy as my laptop (it isn’t), but it is solidly built. Picking apart the packing material reveals the power brick behind the power of the Satechi. It’s not light (0.6lbs) and not tiny (5”x1”x2”) which explains the first impression. But, it sits most often under my desk. The box also contained a USB-C to USB-C connector, but it’s not labelled as Thunderbolt so I provided my own cable for the connection to my laptop.
My current M1 pro configuration with its Thunderbolt4/USB-C ports can support a potential 40GB/s data transfer. The SanDisk Pro drive that I have connected advertises maximum Thunderbolt 3 speeds of 2700MB/s read and 1900MB/s write speeds. I achieved 2694 MB/s read and 2396 MB/s write speeds when using the Satechi hub or with it out of the path. It creates no bottleneck. My 4k LG monitor requires using an HDMI to USB-C adapter and worked perfectly.
The Satechi Thunderbolt Slim Hub provides a high degree of confidence that it will deliver speed and reliability. It’s a drama-free experience with all my devices getting along with each other.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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TECHBEENGOOD's Review Comments
Keep food fresh and cool with this LG LFX32945ST 32.0 cu. ft. French door refrigerator that features Smart Cooling Plus technology to maintain temperature and humidity for optimal freshness. LoDecibel quiet operation ensures minimal noise.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Large capacity, useful and COLD.
By TECHBEENGOOD
from AUSTIN
My experience has been quite good. This was a purely indulgent purchase. We come from a generation when you never want to run out of food or miss an opportunity during store food specials. This LG ends those fears. It simply soaks up frozen and refigerated foods. We love the open cabinet space and various door and specialty spaces.
I've placed calibrated thermometers in multiple locations in the frdge. It took almost 3 days for the temps to settle down, but now they are within a 4 degree range of the settings. (The LG does NOT show the temp, ONLY the settings. You must use your own thermometer.) The door space in my unit is only a couple of degrees higher, and only during periods of use. The drawers are usually colder than the open space of the fridge. My situation may be unique.
The low noise level is especially welcome. We loved our previous Maytag, but this is another level of quiet. We wondered about the extra depth, but the approx. 2" are not an issue for us. Tighter kitchens may present a problem.
I also called customer service with LG during the 1st 48 hours to understand why the fridge was taking so long to reach the settings. There is a language issue. The pleasant person on the phone struggled with anything other than the simplest presentation of facts, had no appreciation for humor, and was fairly quick to over-react to criticism. Her attachment to the script was frustrating. Most importantly, telling a customer that it's perfectly fine and normal for the temp setting to be 37 and the actual temp to be 42 is wrong. She did not understand that the "setting" is NOT the actual temperature. She then fussed around and helped me cycle through the demo/operational settings which may or may not have helped. The temperature did settle in another 24 hours nad has been perfect for weeks. Customer service needs some work..
I should also add that this purchase was originally made at another long-time national retailer who utterly failed to complete the delivery due to incompetence. Best Buy/Pacific handled sale and delivery with wonderful professionalism.
TECHBEENGOOD
AUSTIN
Edit of review: about that freezer middle drawer
October 5, 2014
I would probably lower the score by 1/2 star after several months of use. You may feel differently. . . . That cute middle slide drawer in the freezer needs a redesign. It occasionally pops out of its track with very little effort. It does not pop back in quite so easily. We've not yet figured out what we've done wrong but with unusual caution and we can avoid the problem. Busier families with kids will not be so fortunate. It'll be an aggravation.
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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."
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Google (runs my) Home
By TECHBEENGOOD
Google Home
“Hey, Google . . . play “Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young” and so it was done. Google Home used the Pandora account I just entered, and a rather smooth, well balanced music playback began. It could get loud without harshness out of a cute beer-mug sized device. Without any other command, Pandora was now playing. Seemed like magic to my visitors who were listening in to my conversation with Google Home while I was setting it up.
“Hey, Google . . . play “Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young” and so it was done. Google Home used the Pandora account I just entered, and a rather smooth, well balanced music playback began. It could get loud without harshness out of a cute beer-mug sized device. Without any other command, Pandora was now playing. Seemed like magic to my visitors who were listening in to my conversation with Google Home while I was setting it up.
Set up took less than 10 minutes, but I don’t have many of the partner products (NEST, Philips Hue, SmartThings, IF) that Google Home operates with right out of the box. But Google Home has a nice bag of tricks with which to work. With the right Chromecast enabled speakers, you can apparently get the house rocking relying on Pandora, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube Music, or Tunein to provide the tunes.
Both my wife an I are getting a kick out of challenging Google to provide weather reports, news updates, or filling in our grocery list (using Google Keep). It’ll do a very accurate job of answering trivia questions and has no trouble deciphering our voice commands. It could provide the names of local restaurants and addresses, but couldn’t schedule a table for us. It could list where movies were playing, but not when. Google Home easily picked out our voices over a playing TV and was quick to respond. It wasn’t ready with TV schedules, however . . yet.
For me, the real excitement begins if/when Google operates my Logitech Harmony Theater system hubs, my HomeBrite Devices, or maybe lets us order from some online stores. I have no trouble recommending the Google Home device, but I’m also expecting ti to expand its partner list. These are wonderfully useful gadgets, but they rely on Google to play nicely with a variety of other products that I want to control.
TECHBEENGOOD
Austin
Have you got "multiple" networks? Read.
December 7, 2016
I discovered an aggravation in recent days with my Google Home. if you've set up a roaming or extended network in your home, there is a potential problem. (Others with a simple, single router, network can stop reading.) At some point, typically after moving your Google Home or manually quitting then restarting WiFI, you may discover Google Home can't connect to your network. Huh? You've got it extended everywhere in your house and you have a problem ONLY with Google Home? Seems silly. Well, Google Home wants to see your original setup device (phone/tablet) on the same BRANCH of your network. Anything else creates a crisis. Start over, be sure to find the Google device with your setup App on your phone/tablet, and re-establish the connection. Be patient, it will reconnect.
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Get seriously clean floors without the effort thanks to this Roomba robot vacuum. It automatically navigates across your carpet or vinyl while avoiding hazards and keeping track of its location all the while picking up dirt, debris and mess. Automatic recharging keeps this Roomba robot vacuum powered so that it's ready to go.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Roomba, you're hired.
By TECHBEENGOOD
from Austin
I WILL volunteer to vacuum. Of course, I haven’t developed my wife’s skills or strategies for coping with our home’s diverse floor landscape. All those transitions to wood, tile, various carpet types and back again, through a forest of chair legs, blind hallways, low hanging sofas, beds and chairs, and scattered debris, most of it mine. I’m a work in progress. Which brings us to this iRobot Roomba 890. Kudos to the teams of skilled designers, engineers, of focus groups who built and tested a robot that so successfully accomplishes that which has confounded me for so many years. My wife, our specialist, will have the final judgment on the Roomba.
Setup requires a minimal amount of planning. The Roomba’s charging station needs to be located where the Roomba can find it, be plugged in and docked. At this point, after a few hours to fully charge, you have a working automated, intelligent vacuum. Hate technology? Don’t need it. Press the CLEAN button (x2) whenever you’re ready to vacuum. For me, it’s as I’m heading out the door. And I love technology, just not vacuuming tech. Most others will want to take advantage of the Roomba’s ability to schedule vacuuming sessions, get notifications, and monitor cleaning cycles from the app. Once it’s on your home Wi-Fi, a connected Roomba will work with Amazon’s Alexa.
I’m not going to detail the Wi-Fi connection process. It’s not that it’s lengthy but it requires your close attention to details. My efforts required some restarts, but then, I’m notorious for trying everything first with minimal scanning of the instructions. Don’t try that with the Roomba. Also, you may be jolted by the “unsecured network message” (on the iPhone), but that only indicates a temporary setup condition while configuring the nearby Roomba. Roomba’s online support provides easy-to-follow help if you get into trouble. Don’t be reluctant to reset or restart, as this solved all my issues.
How does this Roomba 890 work? Navigation is effective, as it deals with obstacles, drops, rises, and transitions without problems. Watching the Roomba negotiate my tangle of wires, sneak under our low sofas (low even for our manual upright), and easily climb over our various throw and area carpets is impressive. In places we were sure it would get stuck, it either solved the predicament or avoided it. The combination of sensors, thoughtfully designed rollers and spinners, and logic makes these Roombas special. Oh, and it is surprisingly quiet. We didn’t have to adjust the TV volume, even as it maneuvered around our chairs. At just shy of 90 minutes it found its way back to the charging dock.
My wife’s evaluation? She’s quite willing to leave our home in the tireless, relentless, fastidious care of our new robotic housecleaner. The iRobot Roomba 890 is pretty competent. I think you know my feelings.
TECHBEENGOOD
Austin
I checked again
August 1, 2017
Well, now you've got me wondering if I was sloppy in my review. So, I ran another test today, several weeks after my initial posting. I set my Roomba off on its task by double-clicking the CLEAN button. Set my stopwatch . . . and . . . you can almost set a clock by my Roomba. On my iPhone I got 1:29:10.25 (89 minutes) of vacuuming. Yes, I have 85% hardwood floors (with several large oriental rugs), tile in the bathrooms, and the remainder in a carpeted bedroom. And I do hear the motor working a bit harder on carpet. Your experience will certainly differ, but I'm confident you'll get well past an hour.
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TECHBEENGOOD's Questions
TECHBEENGOOD has not submitted any questions.
Night Owl is excited to offer our U.S. designed and engineered 4K Wi-Fi Bluetooth Network Video Recorder with Wi-Fi IP 4K Spotlight Cameras and Pre-Installed Hard Drive. With secure app-based Bluetooth setup, there is no need to connect a TV or monitor for setup or viewing (optional). You can easily configure your system right from the app on your smartphone or tablet with the Bluetooth connection. While a TV or monitor is not required, with Google Assistant you can use simple voice commands to stream camera footage directly to your TV or monitor, all while remaining hands free. Each camera has 2-Way audio (talk and listen) as well as a built-in siren and preset voice alerts. From within the app, you can easily activate the built-in siren, startling intruders and sending them packing. Have a guest but can’t get to them? Use a preset voice alert to let them know! Smart detection technology including human detection, facial capture, and vehicle alerts reduce the risk of false alarms, keeping you safe and well protected. Facial capture lets you see who is on your property by snapping a photo and sending the image to your Smart Device. Motion-activated dual spotlights flood your yard with bright lights when human motion is detected, instantly warding off trespassers. Proudly designed and engineered in the USA, our security system uses a built-in wireless connection for uninterrupted viewing with no delays. Our app gives you control of your system and easy access to your recordings, regardless of where you are. Night Owl never charges fees for storage or access to your videos. All recordings are securely stored on a pre-installed hard drive for convenience. You can view and download the recordings as you need them. This system provides the latest technology to give you the ultimate security experience. NOTE: Your Wi-Fi recorder is compatible with our BWNIP2 (Wire Free), WNIP2 (Wi-Fi IP) and WNIP8 (Wi-Fi IP) Series devices and is not backward compatible with other Night Owl products.
Can I add more cameras
Yep. I added cameras from the previous wireless series (1080p) with no difficulty. Your added cameras need to be Night Owl wireless type but they definitely work.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
Add that professional touch to your video calls with this set which features a 60 LED light that illuminates your videos and helps you shine on social media. True to its name, the achiever is perfect for experienced or aspiring social media bloggers, travel, working professionals and journalists.
What are the Circular Stand’s Dimensions? I need a Stand that is no more than 3 inches deep (front-to-back). It is going to sit on a desk behind my laptop.
5.25" diameter. Keep in mind, the light unit has a separate, multi-purpose clip which readily attaches to a laptop screen, or anything else that isn't too thick.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
BISSELL CleanView Allergen Pet Lift-Off is designed to give pet parents a quick, lightweight and convenient way to keep up with pet hair on multiple surfaces in their home. The innovative Lift-Off Technology boasts a removable canister that lets you easily clean pet hair anywhere. It's also packed with pet cleanup features, like a HEPA Sealed Allergen System, Tangle-Free Brush Roll, One Touch Easy Empty, and pet tools that store right on the vacuum. And this machine doesn't just clean up after pets, it helps save them, too! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
What is the sound decible? I have sensory issues and your BC vacuums tend to be extremely loud
Sound level for our vacuums is a pet peeve of mine, so I make it a point of measuring. With my uncalibrated iPhone App I measure my house on a typical day at 44dB. We're quiet. This vac kicks the noise up to 75-77dB from a yard or two away. The pitch, overall, is not too bad, except for a bit lower volume, higher frequency sound I find annoying. This isn't a quiet vac. Ask the BB store support to fire one up for you. I should note that various vacs of the same model might have differing volumes and pitches.
3 years, 3 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
Add music to your workout routine with these Skullcandy Push Ultra true wireless sports earbuds. The moldable ear hooks offer a secure fit during vigorous exercises, while built-in controls and microphone enable hands-free calls. These Skullcandy Push Ultra true wireless sports earbuds provide up to 40 hours of battery life to last through long hiking trails.
can you just use just one
YES. I even tried it for myself. Either earbud can become your monaural single bud. Placing the unused earbud into the case triggers a switch mono-play for th earbud you're using..
3 years, 10 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
The Linksys Velop MX10 whole-home Wi-Fi 6 system gives you more speed, coverage, and capacity than it ever has before. Wi-Fi 6 combined with Velop's Intelligent Mesh™ technology delivers true Gigabit Wi-Fi speeds, up to 5.3 Gbps, to every corner of your home, even the backyard and outdoor smart home devices. Wi-Fi 6 also sends and receives multiple streams of data simultaneously and reduces latency, providing up to 4x more capacity compared to Wi-Fi 5 technology. So, it can handle the demands of up to 50 devices and more, from laptops and gaming consoles to smart home devices and 4K TVs, all competing for the same bandwidth. You'll also always have a more efficient Wi-Fi experience with OFDMA that enables more data to and from your devices in a more streamlined manner. And, with BSS technology, congestion is also minimized eliminating interference from nearby wireless networks to deliver a strong, clear Wi-Fi signal to your home, so you won't have to worry about your neighbor's Wi-Fi interfering with yours again. You'll even have 7x more battery life with Target Wake Time that reduces network interference, allowing your devices to remain in sleep mode longer. The MX10 whole-home Wi-Fi 6 system is a part of Velop's modular system, so if you need more coverage, just add more nodes. Plus, setup is fast with the Linksys app, so you can enjoy the next evolution of Wi-Fi in minutes.
Does this have to run on battery?
Each device must be plugged in. No battery necessary.
4 years, 5 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
Google Pixel 4 XL is the phone made the Google Way, with a camera that takes a perfect shot every time and the new Google Assistant. It also provides Motion Sense™ technology. Google Pixel 4 XL is built around Google software you know and love that's always getting better.
Unlocked, means that I can use it right away with any carrier included Europe (Poland) mobile operator, correct?
Any carrier that uses the same underlying wireless networks.
GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1/2/4/5/8
CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/46/48/66/71
eSIM11
Or, simply use Wi-Fi.
GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1/2/4/5/8
CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
LTE: Bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/46/48/66/71
eSIM11
Or, simply use Wi-Fi.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
Cut down on cooking time with this Bella Pro air fryer oven dehydrator. Top and bottom heating elements ensure exceptional cooking results, while the 10.5-quart capacity holds plenty of food. This Bella Pro air fryer oven dehydrator features a touch-screen control panel for quick operation, two nonstick racks for crisping and one pan for baking convenience.
Does the drip pan go underneath the heating element or above?
The instructions on Page 5 of the instructions (item 17) say to only place the drip pan on the oven floor, under the heating elements. This is in direct conflict with the diagram on page 8, where the drip tray is drawn so that it is clearly on the first pair of guides (runners) ABOVE the heating elements, and not on the oven floor. The fact is, it will not sit on my upper guides. It only rests on the oven floor.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
Dell Inspiron Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Smart meets sleek in this compact 2-in-1. 15" laptop with a heat dissipating hinge design, full-size Dell Premium Active Pen, adaptive thermals, 4k UHD screen and full number pad. Work efficiently while on the go with this Dell Inspiron two-in-one notebook. The 15.6-inch Ultra HD touch screen with Active Pen support lets you create sketches with precise detail, and 16GB of RAM handle seamless multitasking. This Dell Inspiron two-in-one notebook features a 512GB SSD for prompt data access, and the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card enable intensive photo and video editing.
Is it windows 10 professional or home that comes with this system?
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)
Can you use Swiffer Dry and Wet Jet Pads on this like the Braava 300?
The m6 appears to sense the unique hole pattern on the mounting plate of each pad type to identify the dry or wet pads and perform tasks accordingly. If I'm correct, it seems unlikely that a generic pad will work properly.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD
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)
We have a pretty big open floor plan and own a roomba i series that empties itself. The only thing holding me back on purchasing the mop is if there is a mechanism where it goes back to its station and can refill with water or does it stop when out?
Our m6 heads back to its dock and the App indicates that it needs a refill. The mop is a bit more hands-on that the vacs.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
TECHBEENGOOD