By Todd Bernhard
It's hard to make a wireless charger that is distinctive, but Just Mobile sent me its AluBase Wireless Charger (starting at $39.95) to try and it does a good job. Like most of Just Mobile's products, it makes nice use of aluminum. It also has rubber on both the bottom and the top to make sure that the AluBase doesn't slip and that your phone, if naked, doesn't get scratched up.
By Todd Bernhard
I must admit, I was skeptical when Beautyrest wanted to send me its Sleeptracker ($199). It seems like every hardware maker is trying to sell a sleep tracking device but they are all wearable. Beautyrest has a different approach, perhaps because it is a mattress manufacturer or maybe it knows a little more about sleep than the average tech company. Beautyrest's offering is a sensor that is placed under your mattress, aligned with your pillow. It includes two sensors, so a pair of sleepers can be tracked separately. The sensor comes with 3M adhesive tape that can be used to secure the sensors in place. That makes it less portable, but I was able to just let the weight of my king size mattress keep the sensors in place without the tape.
By Todd Bernhard
I've reviewed several Mixcder headphones before and they usually offer quality design and appearance for an affordable price. The company sent me the E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones ($79.99) and these have some premium features at a fair price. For starters, these have a whopping 30-hour battery life, although that is without ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) enabled. If you turn on ANC, you get 24 hours, which is still long enough for just about any flight. And if you like to listen to the in-flight entertainment on the airplane, you can use the included airplane adapter, although that's less important on most of the planes I've flown lately.
By Todd Bernhard
I've been using chargers from myCharge for several years. The company always come up with something novel, and the UnPlugged 10K ($69.99) myCharge sent me is no exception. It looks like the original iPod, all white with soft rounded edges and a gentle slope that makes it have a smaller surface area on the bottom than on the top. Since it's a Qi-based wireless charger, there is a circular charging pad that is reminiscent of the iPod click wheel.
By Todd Bernhard
I have been using Logitech Harmony remotes since before Logitech acquired the Harmony Remote Control company. Each time the company came out with a new model, I would buy it and upgrade my main family room remote then migrate the previous generation Harmony remote to other rooms in the house. But until recently, I had stuck with the last generation model, the Ultimate. With a name like Ultimate, I really didn't expect that the new model could be much better. Then Logitech sent me the newer Harmony Elite ($349.99).
By Todd Bernhard
I have a penchant for old sports cars. Unfortunately that goes hand-in-hand with requiring a jump start every now and then. Over the years, I've tried a number of portable battery packs that have just enough juice to jump start a car, in addition to recharging an iPhone. They are often plastic and don't retain a charge for a long time. Then Limitless Innovation sent me the JumpSmart ($119.95). It looks like a heavy duty (and heavy) flashlight and that's a big part of what it is. The solid metal casing makes it right at home in a Navy Seal's go bag, but it has more tricks in store besides SOS and three other flashlight modes. Heck, it could be used as a weapon, it's that heavy and rugged.
By Todd Bernhard
I'm cautious about reviewing Indiegogo projects because they might not materialize; but in this case,the campaign has already been funded successfully, and the company sent me a working version of the Mu6 Smart Noise Canceling Headphones (starting at $189).
By Todd Bernhard
If you bought an iPhone XR, as I did, you probably spent some time deciding on a color (I chose red) and the last thing you want to do is cover that phone in a solid case. At least that's how I felt. Fortunately, X-Doria makes some very protective cases that have a clear back. The company sent me the Defense Air ($39.99) in several colors. I chose the red one, and it looks quite stylish with the red iPhone XR. But X-Doria also offer versions with silver or black or teal. Apple offers the iPhone XR in more colors than that, so I would hope X-Doria would match the others, but if not, you can still mix and match nicely.
By Todd Bernhard
Bluetooth earbuds are popular, especially those with active noise cancellation, but their small size mandates short battery life. The OV Pro Smart Headphones ($179) offer a nice compromise, so I was eager to try them when OV Loop sent them. Unlike traditional earbuds, the OV Pro have a neckband that allows for a larger battery life and less weight directly on the ears. This makes them suitable for longer use, plus alternate ear tips are included for a custom fit. The result is 14 hours of battery life and a more comfortable time wearing them for that long.
By Todd Bernhard
The Senstroke Drum Sensors (starting at $190) could have helped back when I had a roommate who played the drums. France-based Senstroke sent me its virtual drum kit sensors and I have a new appreciation for the drums. Instead of bothering others, you can play drums on just about any surface and "hear" the percussion from the companion Senstroke iOS or Android app, including via headphones. The app supports Basic and Expert modes, with the advanced option allowing customization of your virtual drum kit.