By Todd Bernhard
I have reviewed a number of SleepPhones wireless headphones from Acoustic Sheep over the years, and while they always do the job, namely serve as Bluetooth headphones integrated into a soft headband, suitable for sleeping, I did write that I wish they had could charge as easily as my Apple Watch and iPhone do. I'm glad to announce that they now come with wireless charging!
By Todd Bernhard
It's amazing what Apple has done with the iPhone and iPad. The devices have displaced countless products such as GPS navigation systems, CD players, DVD players, and more. As a parent of two kids, I've had dedicated DVD players in my cars but wouldn't think of doing that now. The kids can use an iPad with downloaded movies from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, plus play games, etc. But it's nice to have a headrest-mounted viewer. Enter the AirVue Car Headrest Tablet Mount ($49.95) that Kenu sent me to review.
By Todd Bernhard
I have been a customer of Logitech Harmony remotes since the beginning, before Logitech acquired the Harmony Remote Control company, so I am always excited when the company introduces a new model. The latest is the Harmony Express ($249.99) and they kindly sent me a review unit to try. Compared to the traditional models, the Express is much more compact and sleek. And since it's so small, it's nice to know you can use the app to find the remote control. It charges using a microUSB cable (included) and not a cradle as other models do. I would have preferred USB-C or, better yet, Qi-based wireless charging so I could just place the remote on a charging pad.
By Todd Bernhard
I try to make my home as smart as possible, and I have Alexa devices and smart lights in just about every room, but one set of appliances has been left out. Until now. The folks at Bond sent me their Bond Bridge ($99) to review. It bridges the gap, no pun intended, between Alexa-type voice assistants and traditional RF-controlled devices like ceiling fans and electric fireplaces. In the future, it should work with air conditioners, window shades and similar devices.
By Todd Bernhard
I reviewed the Reolink Go a while back, and while I liked it, I don't have a remote property that requires a cellular plan for transmitting videos. So I was interested in the more affordable Wi-Fi-based model, and the folks at Reolink asked me to try their Argus Eco ($74.99). It's a lot more affordable, and there's no ongoing plan required. You can provide your own microSD card, up to 64 GB, for storage or leverage Reolink's cloud service. The company has a free plan and reasonably priced offerings if you want to store recordings beyond seven days. The same companion app works with all of the company's cameras, so you could mix and match.
By Todd Bernhard
So what are sunglasses doing on an iPhone site? Well, they are smart sunglasses, with Bluetooth 5.0 and a microphone built-in. You can listen to music or talk for up to 8 hours on Mutrics' crowdfunded Smart Sunglasses (starting at $69), with a whopping 200 hours (claimed) of standby time. We'll see when the final version ships, but those are good numbers.
By Todd Bernhard
There are two ways to approach indoor security cameras. You can have a really obvious one that acts as a deterrent but is also often ugly. Or you can have a tiny hidden camera, perhaps embedded into a teddy bear or wall charger. The folks at Momentum sent me their new Robbi Wi-Fi Camera ($99.99) and it breaks the mold. It's beautiful and obviously takes its design cues from the Eve robot in the movie Wall-E. You won't mind displaying this security camera in plain site. It comes with an extra long microUSB cable, about ten feet long, and adapters to wall mount the device either via a couple of screws (not included) or adhesive tape (included.)
By Todd Bernhard
If Indiana Jones needed to carry an iPad or MacBook, he'd probably use the Men's Fashion Genuine Leather Shoulder Bag ($99.99) that SupWatch gave me to try. It's made of buttery-soft brown leather and looks great draped across the shoulder or men or women, and goes with just about any outfit. I would like to see more color choices, but this is neutral enough pull off do full-time duty, at work or play. It's larger than a purse, but smaller than a briefcase, so it's fine for your airplane "personal item" yet there are multiple compartments for storage.
By Todd Bernhard
There's a lot to like about the SHIVR 3D Noise Cancelling Wireless Headset ($169). After successful campaigns on both Indiegogo and Kickstarter, the headset is currently available for pre-order. The unit I received was well-packaged and pretty darn close to final. Speaking of pre-order, it will sell for $199 but can be pre-ordered for $169.
By Todd Bernhard
My whole family has Apple Watches so I'm always looking out for the best way to charge them. On the go, the Keychain Charging Dock for Apple Watch ($38.99) that Choetech sent me to review is my favorite. It's small, essentially palm-sized, but it houses 900 mAh of extra battery life and includes its own Apple Watch magnetic charging mechanism. The charger itself charges via microUSB so that's another cable to remember to bring.