DavidJr's stats
- Review count291
- Helpfulness votes2,335
- First reviewDecember 8, 2015
- Last reviewJune 30, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
- Review comment count3
- Helpfulness votes2
- First review commentJune 3, 2016
- Last review commentJune 3, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- Answer count104
- Helpfulness votes220
- First answerDecember 9, 2015
- Last answerDecember 23, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers34
Keep your kids safe online with this Circle Home Plus monitoring setup. The included device uses your router to manage every device on your network, and Circle App makes it simple to limit screen time, filter content, and check browsing histories. This Circle Home Plus monitoring setup is easy to set up and lets you create custom settings for each family member.
Customer Rating
2
Pause the internet and the ability to unpause it.
on May 7, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Roanoke, VA
The Circle Home Plus, a cube shape, is simple to install and for the most part simple to manage through the mobile app, which is the only way to manage it. It allows some control over most network connected devices, such as application filters and time limits. With the tap of the pause button you can prevent most items from connecting to the internet, but it seems hit or miss at times on when and what is paused. It can also provide history of some internet activity of connected devices, but not all. The only way it will get full control and all history is if you install the Circle app on an Android or iOS device as a kid device and let it use the background VPN. If you want the most control over your child's cell phone or tablet, the circle app will do it without even needing the Circle Home Plus. At first, when following the simple directions, I didn’t even know what the home device was for, as everything seemed focused on the app and mobile devices. However, once you add the Home to the Circle app is when you get access to your other network connected devices.
Unlike some other parental control and network protection devices, like on many routers, this attaches to the network and is not in line with the network, but an extension of. Like some, the parental control devices are the router or between the router and modem, this is just another device, which I found odd and I think is the source of some of the issues I have with it. Some issues included a long delay in deactivating and activating devices whether it was for bedtimes, granting extended rewards, or just pausing. When pausing the internet, it wasn’t like router controls and stop actual network activity, so some activities, like watching Youtube would continue until the page was refreshed or a new video selected. This wasn’t just buffered video either. There was also no warning page, like other parental control devices have, showing that they were blocked or to ask for permission, it just wouldn’t load. The biggest issue I had was that my mobile device, which was added to a profile and controlled the Circle Home, couldn’t unpause the network because it lost connection to the Circle Home. I would have to disconnect from my WiFi and use mobile data to unpause my internal paused network. As with router parental controls you are still connected to the internal network, just not to the internet. The Circle Home just attempts to interrupt everything.
The premium features of the Circle app are included for one year and for a fee per month after that. These features include bedtime, time limits, off time, location, rewards and pause. It is reduced to filter, history and usage if you don’t subscribe after 12 months. Which seems odd to pause your own internal network for that much per month. With the app and the background VPN I found that network speeds were reduced drastically. We were getting about 25Mbps on the 100Mbps connection and latency was a major issue. This is a constant background application as well and has some impact on battery life as it requires to bypass power management.
Some additional features of the Circle Home Plus include battery backup and the ability to connect to the network using 2.4Ghz WiFi. This is good if your kids think simply unplugging the Circle Home Plus will bypass their interrupted connection. If not connected using the ethernet cable, the Circle Home Plus will continue to work, but at a connectivity cost for all managed devices as it uses the 2.4Ghz connection, adding latency and reducing connectivity speed.
For complete parental control of mobile devices I can see the Circle App on Android and iOS devices providing that total watch and control. For home devices that aren’t covered under those, the Circle Home Plus does add some feature control, but with added frustration and not as smooth as using any software supplied by newer routers. For example, the safe search feature for Google and Bing worked perfect on the mobile device that had the Circle App installed. But, on any other device, like a managed PC, it worked on Google but not Bing. With this you essentially pay for 12 months of the premium features ahead of time and get a little more network monitoring. I can say that the mobile device features may be worth it as most home parental controls don’t extend to mobile connections, as kids can easily turn off their WiFi to get back on the internet if they have data services. But, there are other smart home security systems that have applications that can provide the same features and work much better on the network.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+3points
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Create keepsakes with this ladybug red Canon IVY CLICK instant printer. Compatibility with microSD cards up to 256GB makes it easy to store and share digital files, and a small mirror by the lens lets you take group selfies quickly. The reprint button of this 5MP Canon IVY CLICK instant printer allows you to create extra copies.
Customer Rating
2
Cute, fun, instant photo, for 1998
on April 29, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
Though this camera is fun and cute, it really makes you realize how far we have come along in small digital cameras to roll back to something like this. It is somewhat satisfying to snap a shot and in less than a minute have it printed out and ready to stick anywhere. However, when you snap that shot and then wait one minute to realize you just wasted about 50 cents to get a bad picture that you need to take again, it gets disappointing quick. Using the tiny selfie mirror, for the most part came out just as expected, but using the tiny viewfinder and the very faint sight picture I had a lot of chopped off pictures. However, with any camera, a little experience with it does tend to get better, but that is $$ wasted each time. If you get the refill paper in bulk, you can get the cost per picture down a fair bit. But, being that there is absolutely no way to preview the shot before printing, it really just feels like I’m wasting money and time to find out it was not the shot I was looking for.
With everything auto for this camera, it really is just point and shoot. However, feedback is a little slow and the single led just blinks in all sorts of fashion. There is the capability to save the pictures on a micro sd card and they are actually a bit larger than what is printed. As in the printed pictures are a cropped version of the original. However, their quality, at 5MP, is fairly low. But, being that they were only meant to be printed on a 2x3 inch piece of paper, they don’t need a lot. The only problem is, this model has no way of selecting and printing any of those other pictures again. You can reprint the last picture, but that is it.
The quality of the prints aren’t bad. I’d say better than classic Polaroid pictures, but far less than ink jet printer images. Even a cheap ink jet printer prints larger and better quality pictures. To me, it looked like a blue hue to every picture I took, especially in shadows and gradient areas. Like there isn’t actually a black in the zero ink process but a really deep blue. But other colors were surprisingly vibrant.
In general, this camera is fun, but being that I have been spoiled with modern digital cameras where I can choose to save or delete the image, especially before putting it to paper, I feel like I went back in time. A time where we had no idea what our pictures truly looked like till they were developed. At least the picture is developed in a minute compared to the old 1 hour photo. But, even then, it just doesn’t fully feel worth it to me.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+4points
8of 12voted this as helpful.
Listen to music with improved quality using this Sony XB22 portable speaker. The LIVE SOUND feature provides a three-dimensional sound experience and broadcasts music to a large area for a concert-type feel, while the EXTRA BASS boost improves low-end tones. This Sony XB22 portable speaker is convenient to use with a variety of devices with Bluetooth capabilities.
Customer Rating
4
Decent stereo sound from a handheld speaker
on April 17, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
For the past three years Sony has made this style of SRS-XB series speakers and each year they make slight changes. This year the XB22 has the texture style of the the XB20 but the shape of the XB21. This is good so that you can stand it on end and gives it a sleek style. However, the smooth surface shows those oily finger marks much easier than the full grill like version of the XB21. However, they can easily be cleaned. Sound quality is still pretty surprising for the size of it and the Live effect really does give it a surround effect, so long as it is directly in front of you. Otherwise it just sounds like the highs are just increased.
With it’s IP67 rating and rigid build style you can do pretty much anything while playing music without worry. However, with their design they expect you to either sit it down, or hold it in your hand. While outside, it would have been great to clip it on my belt with a lanyard loop like they have on the XB12. It is small and light enough to carry around, but would have to be put in a pocket or carried in hand if you want to travel while playing. With the whole concept of the party chain, which I really would love to see 100 speakers playing in person, I can’t image everyone willing to occupy one hand with something bigger than your average beverage bottle.
Other party features include the Party Booster where you can smack the back two times, or use the app, to enable 5 sound effects when a side is hit. The effects can be fun to add your own mix to the song, but they have 2 volume levels depending on the intensity of the slap which ranges from unnoticeable unless really low volume, to overwhelming the song. With each hit the lights also pulse a unique pattern to the sound. The lights can be set to pulse with the music in three modes, Rave, Chill and Strobe through the app with slight variations on how rapid the two LED lights flash. It looks like they intended for the light to reach the sides with the translucent material, but with only two lights in the middle, it missed the opportunity.
Overall it is still a great speaker that is small enough to put in a bag and enjoy pretty much anywhere for around 10 hours of use. I was just hoping for more improvements over the previous models than just visual appearance.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
3of 6voted this as helpful.
Enjoy over 20 hours of playtime on a single charge with this Marsha ll Tufton portable Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth 5.0 technology connects to a variety of wireless devices with a range of up to 30 feet, while a three-way system produces clear and deep sound across all frequencies. This Marshall Tufton portable Bluetooth speaker features flush-mounted corner caps for added durability.
Customer Rating
5
Rocking Bluetooth stage speaker
on April 7, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
This speaker is aimed at a very specific market. If you know Marshall speakers and amplifiers from your favorite rock band on stage, then you get that nostalgic feel in your own space. Everything about this speaker makes me feel like I’m a lightweight roadie helping bring in the band's equipment. From the sturdy leather grain box feel, the metal mesh grill with the Marshall logo to the simple volume, bass and treble knobs on top and the felt lined carry strap. The Bluetooth connection and battery life bar is very subtle and at first glance, I didn’t even notice the 3.5mm aux input on the back of it.
When you turn this speaker on and hear the small guitar riff you know this is meant to bring the inner rocker out in you. Simple to connect via Bluetooth or aux cable with no frills or special applications. The sound from this speaker is clear and the bass is deep. With four speakers and amplifiers you know they are serious about sound. The front has a woofer, mid range and tweeter speaker with an additional mid range speaker out the back to provide 360 sound. Cranking this speaker to max easily fills the area with your music of choice. As I showed it off at my office, we couldn’t get past half volume without getting the attention of everyone.
As with everything wireless, the battery life is very dependent on usage. If you listen to this speaker at ¼ volume using aux cable you will get the 20+ hours they advertise. However, if you crank it up to get the full quality of sound and use Bluetooth you might get 6-8 hours. It came with US and EU power cords and is 110-240v 50/60hz, so you can safely plug it up just about anywhere.
I personally find it a bit hard to buy at this price point, as you can get larger multi-functional systems in this range. However, none of them look and feel like the original stage speakers from 50 years ago and none of them make me feel like I’m making a statement of “I like to rock!”
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Enjoy your favorite music and podcasts anywhere with this Sony PG10 portable wireless speaker. It features a splash-proof top with four built-in cup holders, and will be great for parties with outdoor party mode. Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing this speaker with up to three devices simultaneously, while the built-in rechargeable battery lasts for up to 13 playback hours.
Customer Rating
4
Loud, functional party box.
on April 7, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
I don’t normally open a review on a negative note, but I really feel Sony missed one major thing with this outdoor wireless speaker that they even advertise as “Easy to carry.” No one wants to carry this 14lb speaker with two hands. If you are bringing it to a party, you are going to want to carry your favorite beverage in one hand and this party machine in the other. Even a simple fabric strap would have made all the difference. The carry handles are shallow and flat, so it is even difficult to try and hold it on your hip with one hand. Ok, rant out of the way.
This Sony GTK-PG10 speaker is a nice party in a box though. You can connect to it through Bluetooth, USB, or stereo audio cable (not included). It has a FM tuner built in so you can listen to local stations or the broadcast at your favorite sporting event. It also has a microphone input and some simple microphone settings so you can use it as an announcement system of karaoke machine. It can even be set on a tripod pole like other event sound systems.
Sound from this system can be heard clearly from a fair distance. I know my neighbors were wondering what was going on while I was first testing it out on my nearly acre lot. Flipping the top open makes a noticeable difference as well. With it closed the tweeters are strictly high sounds. However, when flipped open it is like some mid range sounds are pushed through them to help project the audio. As with most of Sony’s speakers, it has the usual Mega Bass option that even with it off this system delivers decent bass. However, since it is the only speaker for everything other than the highs, it can flutter a bit at high volumes in mixed range songs.
The front panel on this speaker can be a bit overwhelming, with 13 buttons. Then, if you actually read the manual, you will find there are even more settings that require combinations of pushing buttons. Like being able to truly disable the demo mode, enabling child lock so kids don’t have fun with the buttons and checking the battery level. Some of this can be handled through their Sony Music Center app as well as some additional settings.
They claim up to 13 hours on battery life, but there are so many variables to this that you are unlikely to get that time unless you are just using it to listen casually in a small room at low volumes. However, at “party” levels you are still going to get several hours of use and you always have the option to plug it into a 110v outlet. The USB port on this can also provide your mobile devices with a charge, so long as you aren’t using USB as a function to play music. So, if you want to keep your phone running while nowhere near an outlet, you have a life line.
Another thing I find odd that they didn’t include is the party chain option. With two or more of these speakers linked you could truly have the big event feel wirelessly, but hope you have a device that can stream to two Bluetooth devices to do it. The audio cable input for this is also standard red/white RCA instead of 3.5mm aux, so depending on what you are intending to connect, you will need to consider the cable.
As the weather starts warming up, this speaker will definitely get more use. With it’s splash-proof top it can sit on a table without taking up useful space. With it’s simple design it doesn’t look like I’m trying to throw a rave, but just having some music for a party.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
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Upgrade your connectivity and entertainment with this Sony Xperia 10 plus smartphone. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.8GHz octa-core processor combines with the 4GB RAM to power the device for seamless running of programs and applications, while the 6.5-inch Full HD display provides crystal-clear images. This Sony Xperia 10 plus smartphone features dual 12MP and 8MP cameras for capturing high-quality pictures and videos.
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
I thought another phone of mine had an odd form factor, but this Sony Xperia 10 Plus with it’s 21:9 ratio hits the new odd shape for me. However, that is not necessarily bad, just different. It is slim and tall, which gives any media that you have to scroll through a bit more space on the screen. However, it is narrow, so it creates more line breaks in dynamic text, filling up that space. In landscape mode it is perfect for cinema movies, but large bars or cropped top and bottom for any other format. The good thing about it being narrow, it it is real easy to hold onto with smaller hands compared to other Plus model phones. Being so tall it is hard to manage the full screen with one hand, but with a double tap of the menu button, it will put the whole screen in the selected corner for you so that it can be easily managed with one hand.
I personally have not had a phone in this price range in some time, so it is hard for me to find an equal comparison, but it is in no means a fair compare to a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone that is two to threes times it’s price. For instance, the camera isn’t bad, as I have seen worse on cheaper phones, but it is not top end either. It does have two cameras on the back for a 2x photo zoom. However, the camera sticks out a fair bit on the back, so I would highly recommend getting a case for it, preferably one that can help with added protection as theres no IP rating either.
A slightly different feature compared to some other phones I have had is the fingerprint scanner on the side. It is in an easy position for the thumb of the right hand and the index finger of the left hand, with just a natural grip. However, the power button above it and the volume below it do seem a bit awkward to use at times. The volume button in particular is so shallow that it is hard to differentiate up and down. As for volume, the audio from the speaker sounds very metallic and hallow. Although the bottom of the phone is symmetric and gives the appearance it has stereo speakers, only one is a speaker.
For everyday use, it has lasted me throughout the day without concern. As with any device though, watching videos will burn it up fairly quickly. However, with it just sitting around it has been over a week without charge and seems to have barely moved. And this is with it still getting regular notifications from various applications.
The version I have is unlocked and was a simple as taking my AT&T sim out of my old phone and putting it into this one. The sim tray is easier to take out than some other phones and the micro sd slot is under the tray cover. Default applications on the phone are fairly minimalistic based around Sony applications. There is also a built in FM tuner that requires wired headphones for the antenna. Something you don’t even see on high end phones.
Overall, it’s a decent phone that has some high end capabilities that cuts a few corners to keep it within the price range. It is different in some aspects, but nothing that would make me dislike it. I would give it a 4.5 rating if I could, but I just can’t consider it a 5.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-25points
11of 47voted this as helpful.
Load up your phone's battery quickly with this Belkin BOOST UP 5W wireless charging pad. The compact design allows for easy portability, making it simple to bring this charger on trips, to work or other various places. This Belkin BOOST UP 5W wireless charging pad is convenient to use and comes in black for a sleek appearance.
Customer Rating
4
Simple, but verify the wattage best for your phone
on March 19, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
This is a very basic wireless charger. Everything about it just looks like a cheap knock-off version of a wireless charger, with its sharp edge and all black plastic design. However, it is Qi certified, does it’s job and comes with a 2 year warranty. It does charge through a decent sized case and the rubber grip ring keeps the phone from easily sliding off. The biggest key here is to check what is the best wattage for your device. This model, 5 Watts, is really meant for smaller and older devices that can use wireless charging. New iPhone devices can use 7.5W and Samsung devices can use 9W. If you use this 5W device on a device like the Samsung Note 9, it will take about 4 hours for a full charge.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Enjoy quality signal reception with this Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro antenna. A 65-mile range ensures reception of a wide variety of channels, while the integrated TV signal indicator LEDs simplify placement for optimal signal strength. This Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro antenna comes with a 16-foot detachable high-performance coaxial cable for connectivity and features a plug-and-play design for quick installation.
Customer Rating
5
Simple as hanging a poster
on March 18, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
As with any TV antenna, they give you the best scenario of some mile range and you will see the chart on the display showing your local area and location of transmitters and think “Wow, I’m only 45 miles away, I should get 45+ channels.”
Well, what they don’t really tell you is that there are a lot of things between you and them that will easily interfere with those “perfect numbers.” So, no matter what antenna you decide to go with, it will always depend on many factors that you can’t control. What it really comes down to is what lengths are you willing to go through to get more channels. Sure, a powered outdoor antenna can get you all those channels, provided you get 10 feet above the average roof. But, like myself, I’m renting and not climbing out there. So, I need something that is easy and not permanent.
The Mohu Supreme Pro is as simple as hanging a poster and conveniently has an integrated signal indicator to help you figure out what is the best wall to stick it to, once connected to USB.. Even though it claims to be multi-directional, there are still other factors that help increase your chances of a stronger signal. For me, the north side of my house is in the general direction of the major city and in the window I could get 2-3 lights, while the west wall never saw more than one. Like I mentioned, I’m renting, so the included Velcro stickers make it easy to install and easy to remove from the window. It also came with a couple pins for minimal impact on drywall. It also has a black side and a white site and with the white side facing out in my window, you can barely notice it against the blinds. However, it does still have the LEDs when powered on.
Once connected I was able to get 20 channels in my location and everyone of them maintain crystal clear reception. According to an antenna site, I am getting channels 44 miles away in my rural home.For me there was a mix of HD and standard stations and 4 were duplicates from another tower, so I get 16 unique channels. Now it is just hard to believe we used to watch those old TV shows at such low resolution. Every location will be unique and in a month or so I will be using it in a different city in which I hope I get similar results. Considering it only took me a few minutes to install, I didn’t have to do anything crazy to get it set up and I’m getting the local channels I was looking for, this is well worth it to me.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+26points
26of 26voted this as helpful.
The SURFboard SBG7600AC2 is a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with a built-in AC2350 Wi-Fi Router. The SBG7600AC2 is equipped with four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports and provides Wi-Fi speeds up to 2350 Mbps. It is compatible with major US Cable Internet providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others. It's best for cable internet speed plans up to 800 Mbps. Setup is quick and easy with the SURFboard Central app.
Customer Rating
4
All-in-One Cable modem and router
on March 15, 2019
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
If you are looking for a Gigabit cable modem of your own, so you don’t have to pay the typical $10 a month rental fee and you need an 802.11ac wireless router with some built in McAfee protection features, then you found your modem. This modem is simple to get up and running and has all the features of most modern routers.
I have Comcast/Xfinity in my area and failed to pay attention to the note in the instruction pamphlet that says to visit xfinity.com/activate. Instead I called XFinity directly and they were not able to activate my modem due to an error in their database. However, after having the cable modem connected and using that site from a connected device I was online in minutes.
The device itself is a bit bigger than my old modem but very simplistic. There are four 1GB LAN ports on the back for wired connections and there is a default built in wireless 2Ghz and 5Ghz wireless network. Conveniently they placed all the needed information for activating and connecting to the default wireless on the quick start guide, so you don’t have to write anything down or try to read it off the modem each time. Once connected using the ARRIS SURFBoard Manager, the user interface is pretty generic, but gets your network set for you. If you use a web browser and connect to the default 192.168.0.1 you get a fair bit of advanced features.
As for security, it requires using the McAfee Secure Home Internet application for parental controls rather than the advanced setting in the web manager. With the McAfee Secure Home Internet installed, you can control individual device access and enable parental controls. The parental controls only allow blocking of sites by categories, however, when the device attempts to access a blocked category site, it has the option to ask for permission and the parent can allow or not. If you decide to use this feature, be sure to attempt to access a blocked category at least once for the first time as you will be asked to accept the terms or the child device can get the ability to disable the parental controls.
In the McAfee Secure Home Internet application it also checks if connected devices have anti-virus protection. If they don’t, you can select install McAfee and the next time that device attempts to open a web page, it will be redirected to install McAfee Live Safe. With this though, it ends up blocking other applications internet access until they install it or you select cancel in the Secure Home Internet application. Included with the modem is 90 days of Pro subscription of the McAfee LiveSafe app and from my activation it looks like it counts from the moment the modem is activated.
On the front of the modem it has a USB port and in the web manager it has USB file share settings. However, I was not able to get it to work with an external USB 2 hard drive, a USB 3 hard drive or a USB thumb drive. There is no real mention of the USB on the specifications page and only the fact it is in the web manager of the downloaded user manual. So, it appears to be unused for the time being.
If you already have a newer router with 802.11ac wireless access, I wouldn’t get this modem in addition to. However, if you are in need of a wireless router upgrade and want to replace your cable modem, this is a nice option when you consider saving the rental fee and replacement router.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+9points
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Get fast, interruption-free Wi-Fi capabilities with this ASUS dual-band router. Speeds of up to 6000 Mbps mean less waiting for games and videos to load, and the Trend Micro security technology shields your devices from potential breaches. This ASUS dual-band router is compatible with Amazon Alexa, making it easy to integrate your network connection into your smart home setup.
Posted by: DavidJr
from Rineyville, KY
If you like to be on the bleeding edge of technology and like to have as many features as possible, then this router is for you. I’ve personally had a lot of routers over the years and many of the consumer products have basically been reduced to simple icons with minimal control. I’ve even used software like DD-WRT on other routers just to get some additional feature administration. Well, the ASUS RT-AX88U, Wireless AX6000 Dual Band Gigabit Router already has all these features.
It is 802.11ax, which not many devices have the capability to utilize yet, but it will be faster with higher throughput and less congestion. It has eight (8) gigabit LAN ports and two (2) USB 3.0 ports which can be used for hard drives or a 3G/4G USB modem. It can function as a media server, print server, cloud server, PC free download manager, an OS X time machine, or as a VPN server or client. There are so many configuration options on this device that it blurs the line between consumer and enterprise like settings for RADIUS and remote log servers. You can also setup dynamic DNS and create an SSL cert so that you can remotely access your router and AiCloud through your own custom URL at https://yourname.asuscomm.com. While at the same time, it has easier to handle options like AiProtection that is listed as “state-of-the-art, three-pronged security from Trend Micro, gives you enterprise-level security in the home” and Alexa & IFTTT integration so you can enable/disable guest network, streaming mode, game mode or pause the internet.
As ASUS is commonly known for Republic of Gamers line of products, there are several features on this router directly intended to improve gaming. Features like adaptive quality of service (QoS) in One Click Game First mode, Gamers Private Network, powered by WTFast, an option in wireless settings to Optimize for Xbox and the AiProtection mentions “You can temporally turn off anti-virus on your PCs to reserve system resources for gaming.” Though I haven’t tested each of these modes out, the results can vary drastically with your internet provider.
As for security protection, you can easily run the router security assessment that gives most common vulnerabilities, like weak passwords, web access and various port features. Though some features aren’t all bad, they provide tips on how the can affect you. The AiProtection provides “real-time network monitoring to detect malware, viruses and other intrusions before it reaches your PC or connected devices.” These modes also may cause some to question privacy, as “your information will be collected by Trend Micro through AiProtection, Traffic analyzer, Apps analyzer, Adaptive QoS and web history.” But, how else will they block malicious sites for your systems if they don’t know the site you are going to. More manual control can also be accomplished through parental controls so that groups of network devices can be set to time restrictions or block specific sites. I have 175/25 Mbps cable internet and noticed no difference in speeds and even tested some malicious material in which it blocked and popped up on the device a nice warning message. However, there are no options to permit specific sites that you may trust that are flagged malicious and the warning page just takes you to Trend Micro or your router settings page.
There was one issue which I only happened to stumble across when I looked through the Wireless >> Professional settings. There is an option for “Bluetooth Coexistence” and at first didn’t see a need for it until I left my home and returned. Apparently the Bluetooth connection between my Samsung Gear S3 watch and Note 9 phone was getting interrupted by something. When I changed that setting to Enabled, everything returned to normal. So, just as a heads up, if you have Bluetooth devices, that might need to be a setting you enable.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+21points
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DavidJr's Review Comments
Samsung Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones: Mobile virtual reality is finally here. Watch movies in your own private cinema, be at the center of your favorite games, and socialize with friends in a virtual world all your own. The lightweight design and intuitive touchpad drop you right in the action and allow for hours of immersive entertainment.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Very unhappy about not getting the GearVR programs
By Sunshower
I tried many different ways to find out how to download the Gear VR programs by going to Samsung and Oculus online. All unsuccessful!!
DavidJr
June 3, 2016
Once you connect the Gear VR to the phone it starts a download for the software. There appears to be no other way to initiate the install. Once the Oculus software is installed, games and applications can be purchased through the application or from inside the store while wearing the device.
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Samsung Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones: Mobile virtual reality is finally here. Watch movies in your own private cinema, be at the center of your favorite games, and socialize with friends in a virtual world all your own. The lightweight design and intuitive touchpad drop you right in the action and allow for hours of immersive entertainment.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Need certain phones to use this.
By Donna
Wasn't told at time of purchase that certain phones were required to use this device. After purchase was when this was discovered. During this time we purchased a new home and was moving. After the move, tried to return the item because I didn't want to purchase a new phone. The only way the store would accept this return was to give me a gift card. I didn't want a gift card that I would most likely not use. Not happy with this policy at all. Also have made posts to FB in regards to your policy. I will not EVER enter your store again or make another purchase from you online. This is NOT how you treat a customer and expect more business from them.
DavidJr
It is labeled on the box and the site details
June 3, 2016
It says on the front and back of the box, "Compatible with Note5/S6 edge+/S6/S6 edge" and anywhere you look online it says it as well.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Samsung Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones: Mobile virtual reality is finally here. Watch movies in your own private cinema, be at the center of your favorite games, and socialize with friends in a virtual world all your own. The lightweight design and intuitive touchpad drop you right in the action and allow for hours of immersive entertainment.
Overall2 out of 5
2 out of 5I have problems getting my phone to sync with this
By Drestyle
When I put my phone in the unit it doesn't seem it. I keep having to pull it out and try again.
DavidJr
June 3, 2016
What phone are you using and is it up to date? The Samsung Gear VR is only compatible with Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and a software update from your carrier is required for S6 edge+ and Note 5.
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DavidJr's Questions
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Ethernet Cables
I'm wanting to connect my DVD player to the internet. I can't afford the manufacturer's adapter. I have a broadband router, but I need cables for it. At least 25' from the wall outlet to the router. Trying to look on-line, there seem to be different types of cables. I'm a little technologicially challenged... Well, geographically too... The router is a Cicso/Linksys wireless G broadband router, Model WRT546 version 6. I've seen prices from $50 on down to $10. I'm worried that I'll wind up with the wrong type of cable. What's the best price for a 25' (or 35') cable? I'll need several shorter ones as well - to connect the DVD player, the Wii... Thank you!!!!!!!
Any Cat 5e Ethernet cable will work for a typical home router connection. If there are any major power cables that you cross over in that 25 feet you may want to look at the STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) as opposed to UTP (Unshielded). However, for the most part CAT 5E UTP will work just fine for connecting your device to the router so long as it has an Ethernet port.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
DavidJr
Hit the gym with these Monster adidas Sport adistar 128648-00 headphones, which feature Bluetooth technology for a wireless connection to your MP3 player and a water-resistant design. Pure Monster Sound technology delivers rich, powerful audio.
Can these headphones be rinsed off in the sink after a workout?
They are listed as "LIFETIME WARRANTY AGAINST SWEAT," not water. You can remove the ear tips and wash them and wipe the headphones with a damp cloth just fine, but you are at your own risk if putting them under the faucet.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
DavidJr
Stay tuned in on the go with these Sol Republic Shadow 1140-04 earbud headphones, which feature wireless technology and a long-lasting battery, so you can listen to music or talk on the phone using Bluetooth for up to 8 hours before recharging.
will these fall off of me when ih ave them plugged in because they are just hanging on my next?
will they slide off or fall off while maybe running or walking?
If not in both ears and no collar to hold them, they slid around a lot on me. When in only one ear, the other side will pull against you, especially if turning your head and can lead to pulling out the other earbud at times.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
DavidJr
Enjoy your favorite music while you bike or hit the gym with these Jaybird X2 wireless headphones, which feature a Bluetooth interface for wireless streaming and SignalPlus technology for clear, smooth playback. Comply ear tips offer a comfortable fit.
what is the range you can be away from the main source with your headphones and still have them work?
Effective Range 10 meters (30 feet). Any obstructions, such as walls, and that range is severely degraded.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
DavidJr