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Review: 118 Leather Folio

Reviews
Tech

Daniel Waite

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Jul 11, 2023

The 118 Leather Folio from Grams(28) proves that technology can be stunningly beautiful! This incredible Tech Folio case is the modern version of the briefcase. Moreover, it is lightweight and made from the finest Italian leather. Furthermore, it has plenty of pockets and compartments to store your everyday essentials.

This stunning case has been designed to fit the MacBook Air 15” (2023). What’s more, it is suitable for a range of other Mac products, Chromebooks, and leading tablets. The simple but striking design oozes class without a flashy sense of wonderment. Accordingly, it is refined, alluring, and brilliantly well-made.

What’s in the box of the 118 Leather Folio?

The packaging is as refined as the product itself. A simple canvas bag houses the exceptional Folio. This off-white cotton bag has the Grams(28) logo discretely at the bottom. Other than this, the bag is wonderfully understated.
The 118 Leather Folio is beauty personified. Available in 4 colours, I opted for the classic black model. The Folio case has a rear pocket for slim items and a main internal compartment. To the top, there is a robust zip and a colour-matched zip pull. The inside of the Folio case is well organised with a central pocket and compartments on either side.

Build quality.

Grams(28) is renowned for their exceptional leather products. However, the 118 Leather Folio surprised me. Every element of this case was incredible. The stitch work is meticulous and the fine Italian leather begs to be handled. Moreover, the compact design has a substantial feel without being too heavy or uncomfortable to hold.

The black finish is complemented by the light brown internal material. This soft touch lining looks fantastic and protects your laptop or tablet. Furthermore, the strong and robust zip has a bronze finish that works well with the inner lining. This zip is sturdy and strong and comfortable to use. Additionally, the action is smooth and I have no fears that it’ll last the test of time.

So many compartments.

The 118 Leather Folio is a bit of a Tardis. Consequently, this refined product houses a lot more tech than first meets the eye. Thanks to its many internal compartments, you can comfortably carry around your essential daily items. With a pocket for your favourite pen, an area for USB devices, earbuds, paperwork, and other peripherals, this surprised me.

Alongside this, as long as you don’t overload it with bulky items, the Tech Folio case retains its slim and stylish appearance. As such, if you need to commute for work, or you simply want to stay under the radar at a work meeting, you can maintain a professional appearance without leaving any tech at home.

Is the 118 Leather Folio worth it?

You may baulk at the asking price of $239 USD. However, I still think this is great value for money. Yes, this Tech Folio case won’t be for everyone. Yet, if you wish to protect your prize assets whilst maintaining a professional appearance, then look no further. Moreover, the craftsmanship is second to none and the materials are stunning. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here!

_{(More information on Grams(28) can be found here!)}

The 118 Leather Folio has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

News: SteelSeries Amazon Prime Deals

Gaming
News

Daniel Waite

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Jul 11, 2023

0

SteelSeries Amazon Prime Deals are too good to miss. As such, if you are in the market for some exquisite tech at a fraction of the cost, I suggest you look no further. Prime Day lasts but 48 hours. Accordingly, you’ll have to be quick if you don’t wish to miss out.

SteelSeries are renowned for its market-leading tech. Therefore, it is rare to see such massive discounts on their top-end products. However, for 2 days only, you can enjoy massive savings. The Prime sale starts today and ends on July 12^th! Therefore, I best tell you what amazing technology is on offer.

What is available on the SteelSeries Amazon Prime Deals?

Headsets.

Nova Pro Headset. Was $249.99 | Now $199.99.
Nova 7 Wireless Headset. Was $229.99 | Now $199.99.
Arctis 9 Wireless Headset. Was 259.99 | Now $159.99.
Arctis 1 Wireless Headset. Was $199.99 | Now $71.99.

Keyboards.

Apex Pro TKL Keyboard. Was $189.99 | Now $139.99.
Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard. Was $239.99 | Now $179.99.

Mice.

Aerox 5 Wireless Mouse. Was $129.99 | Now $89.99.
Aerox 5 Mouse. Was $79.99 | Now $59.99.

Speakers.

Arena 7 Speakers. Was $299.99 | Now $224.99.
Arena 3 Speakers. Was $129.99 | Now $99.99.

These deals won’t last forever.

Each of these amazing deals is available for the next 2 days. Accordingly, if you want a new accessory for your PC or console, then don’t delay. Why not splash the cash and improve your gaming setup with these amazing SteelSeries Amazon Prime Deals?

Alongside the SteelSeries deals, Amazon Prime subscribers can enjoy an array of free games. So don’t forget to head to the Amazon Gaming section to obtain every perk and freebie.

_{(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)}

_{(More information on Amazon can be found here!)}

Review: Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station

Daniel Waite

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Jul 10, 2023

0

Review: Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station

The Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station proves that convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. This phenomenal device allows you to streamline your workspace whilst maintaining the highest standards. Moreover, it looks fantastic and it won’t break the bank.

This incredible tool allows you to connect up to 3 external displays at once. Furthermore, you can view an array of media devices and charge or connect several accessories at once. As such, you no longer need to scramble around looking for an array of connectors, as this accessory does it all! Accordingly, it is convenient, professional, and well-built.

What’s in the box of the Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station?

Monoprice saves money by simplifying its packaging. As such, the basic but striking monochromatic box does the job. What’s more, it safely houses its contents and can be recycled with ease.
The Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station is a thing of beauty. This sleek device is lightweight but substantial. Additionally, the ports are well placed and the brushed metal and plastic housing look pleasant to the eye.
The 150W DC power unit is designed for an American audience. Consequently, if you live elsewhere, you’ll need to invest in an adapter or transformer.
A 10G, 5A USB-C cable is provided. This 1-metre cable has a rubberised finish.
The user manual talks you through the fundamentals.

Technical aspects.

The Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station boasts an awful lot of technology in such a small device. Accordingly, you’ll have to bear with me as I go through each section. However, in short, this is jam-packed with market-leading tech that will revolutionise the way you work.

Workflow management is a nightmare for any busy streamer or those that work from home. Alternatively, maybe you want to expand your workspace without the hassle of multiple devices and tons of cables. Well, thankfully, now you can. Thanks to the four 4K outputs, you can simultaneously connect up to 3 external displays. With 2 HDMI outputs and 2 DP outputs, there are plenty of choices on hand.

One of the HDMI ports is restricted to 4K/30Hz, whereas the other 3 ports support 4K/60Hz. Consequently, you can enjoy excellent resolution as well as a smoother refresh rate. Fortunately, it is easy to identify each port, so you can select the maximum settings without a problem.

If you are stuck for a reliable HDMI or DP cable, then I suggest you look no further than these options. 1. The Monoprice DisplayPort 1.4 to 8K HDMI cable. 2. The Monoprice 8K Braided Ultra High-Speed Cable.

USB-C ports.

The incredible output power was one thing. However, I was amazed by the data transfer rate via the USB-C ports. The Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station can accommodate a range of leading tablets, mobile phones, and other peripherals. Moreover, with lightning-fast 10Gbps data transfer speeds, you’ll be blown away. I was amazed by how easy and quick it was to access and move files from my tablet and phone. Consequently, not only is this easy to use, but it’s a time saver as well.

Alongside this, Monoprice has incorporated a max output 30W PD downstream port. As such, you can keep your phone or tablet charged whilst you focus on more important tasks.

The surprises keep coming.

This device has 3 USB-A ports as well as the latest in SD and MicroSD card ports. Subsequently, you can enjoy up to 10Gbps from the USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. This allows for rapid data transfer or the use of essential peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard.

The card readers follow suit with their blistering pace. The SD4.0 standard allows for transfers up to 312Mbps. This incredible speed reduces frustration while allowing you to get on with your day.

You may think that a slower transfer rate isn’t a problem. However, I find it a distraction to have multiple tasks running at once. Therefore, having the ability to complete each job quicker was a game-changer that helped to reduce stress and workload.

Do you want wired internet and stable charging? Not a problem!

You may be thinking, “What else can this thing do?”. Well, there is more for me to discuss. A wired internet connection is an essential element of any business operation. As such, why not include a monstrously powerful port in this amazing docking station? A Gigabit Ethernet port ensures that you have a stable and reliable connection at your fingertips. Consequently, you can enjoy lag-free gaming, streaming, or video calls.

Finally, this device has intelligent power allocation! Therefore, a maximum of 96W is allocated to host charging. Moreover, 150W is shared across the whole dock, enabling each port to gain ample power.

Build quality.

The Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station epitomises everything that is great about the business world. The smart finish and slick design are easy on the eye. What’s more, the brushed metal top and smooth matt black plastic are simple but eye-catching. Alongside this, the port layout is easy to understand, and each one is conveniently labelled. Additionally, the power output and display resolution can easily be read.

On top of this, security is a top priority for Monoprice. Subsequently, there are two locking locations to secure your device. You can use a modern Kensington or Standard Nano anti-locking device for peace of mind.

Is the Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station?

There are plenty of docking stations available to buy. However, the Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station leads the way. Thanks to its incredible technology and its plug-and-play approach, this is unbelievably easy to use. What’s more, it looks fantastic, and each port is well-labelled and straightforward to access. Furthermore, it is an incredible business tool that will streamline the way you operate. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here!

_{(More information on Monoprice can be found here!)}

Review: Evil Wizard(Xbox)

Daniel Waite

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Jul 9, 2023

0

Evil Wizard(Xbox) is a smutty and humour-filled affair that’ll drive you insane. Between the many belly laughs you’ll scream as you are killed for the n^th time. However, the balanced gameplay and amusing characters mitigate the ball-breaking mechanics.

Developed by Rubber Duck Games and published by E-Home Entertainment Development Co, this is an action RPG. Moreover, it has Metroidvania elements and a story that sits in the gutter. Accordingly, it won’t be for everyone. However, if you like silly and often rude jokes, this will be right up your street.

Evil Wizard(Xbox) twists the narrative.

Rarely do we enjoy the villains’ viewpoint. Usually, we are programmed to destroy every nasty antagonist we encounter. Unusually, Evil Wizard(Xbox) successfully twists the narrative. As such, this weird approach was thoroughly enjoyable and something that took me by surprise.

You control the titular sorcerer who has been expelled from his gruesome castle. A heroic band of fighters has slayed his demonic followers and taken the castle for themselves. However, the Evil Wizard will not take this lying down and takes matters into his own hands. By exploring the many layers of his evil domain, this cruel protagonist will right the heroic wrongs.

The hero must flick the switches and light the 4 fires. — Flick the switches and light the fires.

Balanced mechanics.

Blending genres can be a tricky experience. Yet, Evil Wizard(Xbox) does it brilliantly. The excellent mechanics lead to a balanced time that is tricky but enjoyable. In the beginning, the wizard is restricted to a rusty sword. However, by exploring the castle, he’ll learn new spells and abilities. Furthermore, he’ll encounter some of his faithful companions that need to be saved.

This sounds pretty straightforward, but it isn’t. Thanks to the minor puzzle elements and the ever-expanding world, you have plenty of plates to keep turning. On top of this, each spell is created from a different element. As such, you’ll need specific magic to open different routes. However, this is not all! As you unlock new areas of the map, you’ll face special monsters and massive bosses. Consequently, there is plenty to understand and loads of elements to consider.

Bosses and monsters.

Your spells are a double-edged sword! Not only are they used to open new paths, but they are essential when killing your foes. With lightning, void, fire, ice, and earth, you’ll burn webs, freeze water, and activate switches. Yet, that is not all. Picking the right spell will undermine every monster you face. For example, you’ll want a fire spell against an icy creature. Alternatively, the lighting spell is perfect to stun large groups.

More importantly, though, is every boss fight. Each of these monstrous creatures has strengths and weaknesses. By selecting the right piece of magic, you’ll scythe down every opponent with ease. This was fantastic, as it added a layer of tactical nuance to the otherwise extremely silly gameplay.

The hero stands before a defaced statue. — Not the nicest of statues.

Side quests.

The core gameplay focuses on exploration, fighting, and getting your castle back. Thankfully, though, the developers have incorporated some enjoyable side quests to increase the depth. These amusing endeavours play with modern clichés and social media. Moreover, they run alongside the main quest line as well.

This was an excellent choice, as you can take on many of the additional quest lines with very little effort. Therefore, it doesn’t feel like a tedious add-on. Instead, the hilarious characters and whacky dialogue make the extra tasks enjoyable and worthwhile.

Evil Wizard(Xbox) is wonderfully pixelated.

Pixelated games are an indie developer’s dream. Consequently, Evil Wizard(Xbox) delivers a wonderfully retro and gory finish. Furthermore, the excellent character models, varied backdrop, and masses of blood are interesting and gruesome. Additionally, the spell animations are great and the combat is slick, enjoyable, and fast-paced.

The audio doesn’t fare so well, unfortunately. The annoying sound bites work for the opening 5 minutes or so. However, after that, they aren’t effective and the constant grunts are annoying. Luckily, though, the music and sound effects are much better. The creepy music and OTT noises work with the fantasy theme. Subsequently, had the developers tweaked the sound bites, the audio would be vastly improved.

The Evil Wizard(Xbox) shoots fireballs at his enemies. — Shoot that fireball and take down those monsters.

Who’d have thought a wizard would be so nimble?

This evil villain can’t half-move! He’s as nimble as a ninja and as quick as a sprinter. Moreover, he rolls like an Olympic gold medallist. Accordingly, every combat encounter is enjoyable and completing any task is simple. Thanks to the excellent UI and thorough tutorial, you’ll master the easy controls in no time.

Alongside the fighting and exploration elements, there are plenty of collectables to find. With hidden paths to discover, treasure chests to open, and wrapped ducks to find, there is plenty to keep you going. On top of this, the Metroidvania elements were fantastic. Consequently, there is plenty of replay value and longevity.

Evil Wizard(Xbox) is hilarious, smutty, and challenging to play.

Evil Wizard(Xbox) is a deceptive title that will push you all the way. The amusing dialogue, colourful characters, and modern clichés were great to experience. Furthermore, the incredible bosses were tough to defeat. Additionally, you must master each spell and understand your opponent’s weaknesses. Subsequently, this wasn’t easy, but when it clicked, the result was rewarding. As such, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you defeat the wholesome heroes? Rescue your friends, destroy your enemies, and get your castle back.

Review: Bittle X Open-source Bionic Robot Dog from Petoi

Andrew Edney

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Jul 9, 2023

0

Review: Bittle X Open-source Bionic Robot Dog from Petoi

Here is our review of the Bittle X Open-source Bionic Robot Dog from Petoi.

Bittle has expanded its Bittle robot dog lineup with the introduction of Bittle X, a palm-sized, open-source programmable robot dog, designed for STEM and robotics education. More advanced than previous versions, the small but mighty Bittle X can respond to voice commands, performing over 35 predefined actions such as sit, play dead and backflip with high performance, lifelike movements. Bittle X’s dynamic maneuverability and behaviors are features typically seen on luxury robots, but Petoi’s technology is now making it accessible to everyone.

Bittle X users can choose from two different options based on their ability. For those just starting out with STEM and younger users, a pre-assembled robot dog is ready for action. The advanced users can select the kit option where they assemble its puzzle-like frame themselves and build the robot.

Bittle X operates on OpenCat, Petoi’s open-source quadrupled robot platform that offers endless programming and customization possibilities. Its bionic construction of legs rather than wheels means that it is able to move more freely over unstructured terrain.

Bittle X comes with 35+ built-in voice commands allowing users to interact with their robot pet as they would with a real dog. It responds quickly and in a lifelike way to voice commands such as scratch, dig, jump and high five. Users can also program an additional 10 voice commands if they want Bittle X to learn new tricks and play games. Additionally, Bittle X can be easily configured and controlled using Petoi’s official mobile app or the included remote control. Users can use the free Petoi Desktop App to design new robotics skills in a visual way.

Bittle X is the first robot powered by Petoi’s latest quadruped robot controller Biboard, a customized ESP32 board with larger programming space and faster CPU resulting in better performance. BiBoard coordinates all instinctive and sophisticated movements. Users are able to attach various smart sensors to Bittle X to inject perception and artificial intelligence capabilities. The optional Petoi intelligent camera module and the newly released Petoi sensor pack, for example, enables Bittle X to recognize objects and patterns and sense of light, touch, gesture and movement, so users can program it to react and play games accordingly.

Perfect for STEM/coding beginners and those learning STEM at school, Bittle X comes with Petoi Coding Blocks, a Scratch-like, block-based programming environment for all ages. It also supports C++/Python programming for more advanced users such as software developers, IoT/robotics/AI application developers and researchers. To empower educators, Petoi offers the introduction to quadruped robotics curricula for free. They are available in block-based programming and C++ programming.

What’s in the box?

The box contains Bittle, a screwdriver, a small box of accessories including a remote control and an instruction card.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

I’ve always wanted a robot dog ever since I first saw K-9 in Doctor Who, so now was my chance to get my hands on another one after having got to play with the original Bittle robot dog earlier this year.

I chose the pre-built kit this time so that we got jump straight into playing with Bittle (last time we built him which was fun but took a long time).

You also need to install some software on your computer in order to upload commands and firmware to Bittle. This is a fairly straightforward process but can take some time – follow all the instruction on the Petoi website as there aren’t any instructions in the box.

Then the fun really begins – you can program Bittle to do all sorts of things, the possibilities are endless. There is also a remote control you can use to control Bittle or an app on your smartphone. This is a really good opportunity to learn coding in a fun and fairly straightforward way.

You can of course just use the remote control to tell Bittle what to do, and thats fun too, but the real fun is coding your own movements and actions, it really is a good learning experience. Bittle can even respond to voice commands, which is new to this edition.

The battery, when fully charged lasts about an hour, so enough for some fun, although you might want to buy an additional battery if you don’t want the fun to stop.

The Bittle X is available from www.Petoi.com from £221 / $279 USD. Bittle X will also be available on Amazon UK from late July 2023.

You can learn more from the Bittle X page here.

Review: iStorage Datashur Pro+C Encrypted Flash Drive

Andrew Edney

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Jul 9, 2023

0

Review: iStorage Datashur Pro+C Encrypted Flash Drive

Here is our review of the new iStorage Datashur Pro+C Encrypted Flash Drive.

The iStorage datAshur PRO⁺C is a user-friendly USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-C flash drive (Type-C to Type-A adapter included) that combines ease of use with top-level security measures. It employs PIN protection and hardware encryption to safeguard your data to military-grade standards. Available in various capacities ranging from 32GB to 512GB, this innovative device ensures your information remains secure.

Additionally, the datAshur PRO⁺C holds the distinction of being the world’s sole flash drive pending validation for FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification.

The drive’s advanced security features provide complete data security and guarantees maximum protection of your data at all times. Built into the drive is a rechargeable battery, allowing the user to enter an 8 -15 digit PIN via the on-board keypad before connecting the device to a USB port. The datAshur PRO⁺C cannot be accessed without the user’s unique PIN, giving users peace of mind that their data is safe from prying eyes if their drive is lost or stolen, as without the PIN, there’s no way IN!

Simply enter an 8-15 digit PIN to authenticate and use it as a standard flash drive.

All data is encrypted when the drive is disconnected (full disk encryption) using AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption (no software required).

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Datashur Pro+ C drive, quick start guide and a USB-C to USB-A adaptor.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The iStorage Datashur Pro+C Encrypted Flash Drive is small and very light – you can easily have it in your pocket or on a keyring and not really notice it. And the best thing if it gets lost is that without the PIN the contents of the drive are fully protected!

Once you have set a PIN all you need to do to use it is press the key button, put in your PIN and then plug in the drive to whatever device you want to use. When you are finished just unplug it and the drive is protected once more.

The drive itself is both water and dust resistant to protect it just that little bit more.

Speed wise, the drive will read at around 310 MB/s and will write at around 246 MB/s.

In order to be able to enter the PIN, the drive needs to have some charge – if the charge runs out, don’t worry, just plug it into a USB port and leave it for about 30-60 minutes to fully charge. You will have to do this the first time you use it too.

If you are using this in an office environment, you can set up both a user and an admin pin, so that if the user forgets their password the admin can always unlock it.

If you would want a highly protected and encrypted flash drive that is fast and durable, and easy to use, then take a closer look at the iStorage Datashur Pro+C Encrypted Flash Drive, you won’t be disappointed.

The iStorage Datashur Pro+C Encrypted Flash Drive is available now with prices starting at £99 for the 32 GB and going up to £249 for the 512 GB version.

You can learn more from the iStorage website.

Review: DynoPunk

Samuel Beattie

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Jul 9, 2023

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This dilemma is exactly what is tackled in DynoPunk, a sci-fi, visual novel-type game. Developed by Tomato Fantasy Games and published by 101XP, DynoPunk is a fantastic game with stunning visuals, an enthralling plot, and a diverse soundtrack. Despite this, DynoPunk has very simple gameplay, which while enjoyable, might turn some players away from this otherwise fantastic experience.

Welcome to Synth City

DynoPunk takes place in an alternate reality where the meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs never hit the earth, and thus the dinosaurs evolved and created a civilization more advanced than ours. Similarly, the dinosaurs act like humans, each with their personalities, jobs, and ambitions. The plot centers around Chris, the player character and the last tyrannosaur on Earth, moving to Synth City and opening a repair shop. It is quickly discovered that repair shops will soon be outlawed to push new device sales. Furthermore, after the repair shop’s grand opening, he finds blueprints on how to build a time machine. So, Chris decides to use his newly opened repair shop to fund the building of the time machine so he can save the tyrannosaurs from extinction.

The plot of DynoPunk is fantastic. I was glued to the screen, wanting to know what happens next. While it’s a simple premise, as the story progresses you will find more complex themes within the game. Furthermore, you will be able to influence the actions of your clients, which even affects the main story. Additionally, there are multiple endings for each of the cast members, making every decision you make impactful. I was also entertained by the many jokes and references this game created. This story is enjoyable from start to finish and left me wanting more.

Repair Gadgets and Gizmos

As stated earlier the gameplay of DynoPunk is quite simple, however, it is still enjoyable despite that. The gameplay is divided into two sections, repairing gadgets and talking to clients. Repairing gadgets is quite simple. It has you investigating the issue and then installing the correct module onto the device. Occasionally, you will be asked to prank your clients. This will hurt your relationship with them, however, you will earn more money by pranking them. Money can be used to buy new tools, upgrades for your shop, or parts for your time machine. I found these sections of the game to be quite enjoyable.

The other portion of gameplay involves talking to your clients, to influence their moods and their decisions. By influencing their mood, you can change the ending each of the characters will receive, making it feel like your choices have weight. You will meet many different characters, each having different moods, which you can sway. By doing this, you will typically gain more money which you can use to further upgrade your store. While this gameplay type is not complex, it’s interesting to see the growth of each character adding to the already engaging story.

Cyberpunk beats to relax/study to

DynoPunk is gorgeous. The cyberpunk aesthetic can be seen throughout the whole game and it looks fantastic. The sprite work is also amazing featuring expressive character portraits. While all that is impressive, it compares little to the fantastic lo-fi soundtrack. There are a variety of songs to unlock and all of them are a treat to listen to. This fantastic soundtrack works especially well with gameplay as it is great background noise while you are figuring out how to fix each device. However, this does not include the vocal tracks. While the vocal tracks are good, I found them to be distracting. Overall the presentation of DynoPunk is fantastic.

DynoPunk, The Hero We Deserve

Despite straightforward gameplay, DynoPunk is an incredible game. The game’s branching pathways, fantastic story, and extraordinary visuals immersed me in the world of this game. It is tough to fault this game as it is entertaining throughout the entire runtime. If you are interested in playing this game, there is a demo version which can be found here and if you want the full game, you can find it here.

Review: Puro BT2200-Plus Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones

Andrew Edney

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Jul 9, 2023

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Review: Puro BT2200-Plus Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones

Here is our review of the BT2200-Plus Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones.

Designed with both comfort and style in mind, the BT2200 Plus headphones boast a lightweight, construction that truly stands the test of time. As well as a durable, supple protein leather headband and ear cushions, guaranteeing a comfortable listening experience while relaxing at home or on the go. The BT2200 Plus also comes with interchangeable ear cups so children can switch from on-ear to over-ear for a better seal and more comfort. It also has a built in microphone, ideal for online learning and children will love the Daisy Chain sharing cable so favourite tracks and YouTube videos can be enjoyed with friends or siblings.

Perfect for the school run, long journeys, or trips away, the wireless Bluetooth v.5 headphones come complete with a foldable design and matching hard cover carrying case to keep them secure and damage free whilst travelling. The BT2200 Plus also has quick charge, so 10 min of charging translates to two hours of play time.

Specifications

Type of headphone: On-ear headphones & Over-ear
Volume limiting: 85 dBA sound Limit
Ambient noise reduction: 83% of noise
Daisy Chain Cable: For two Puro headphones to share one device
Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1 wireless capability
Wireless range: Up to 30 feet from Bluetooth® source
Battery life: 20 hours playback; 200 hours standby
Battery type: Lithium ion rechargeable
Charging: USB-C Charging

What’s in the box?

BT2200-PLUS Headphones
On-ear & Over-ear Cushions
3.5mm Volume Limiting Auxiliary Cable
USB-C Charging Cable
Daisy Chain Sharing Cable
Hard Carrying Case
User Manual

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The headphones are very light weight and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and are easily adjusted for maximum comfort.

The headphones come in a neat carry case that also provides protection when being carried. The case easily fits the headphones and cables.

The box contains both on-ear and over-ear cups, so whatever the situation its very easy to unclick whatever is attached the headphones and replace them. The ones that are not in use sit neatly within the carry case out of the way, but easily accessible.

Pairing the headphones with a device is really easy and only takes a few moments. You can also use the supplied headphone cables should you not want to use Bluetooth – just plug them in!

Battery life is excellent too – when fully charged the headphones can provide around 20 hours of playback and will last about 200 hours on standby, so pretty much any situation you can think of will work for these!

The sound quality is excellent, and one of the main selling points of these headphones is that they are volume limited to 85 dBA so your child’s ears should be protected from overly loud noise! They also provide great noise isolation too! There is a built-in microphone as well if needed and that works well.

All the controls are on the side of the headset, including a physical on/off switch and volume up and down. If you are using a cable to connect the headset then the volume buttons will be disabled and you will need to adjust the volume on the device you are listening to.

If you have a child that wants, or needs a really decent set of volume-limited wireless headphones then take a look, and listen at the Puro BT2200 Plus headphones!

The BT2200 Plus is available in a choice of six colors including black, blue, green, purple, teal and pink from Amazon UK for £100.

You can learn more from the Puro website.

Review: Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug

Andrew Edney

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Jul 9, 2023

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Review: Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug

Here is our review of the Emporia Energy Monitoring Smart Plug.

The Emporia Smart Plug allows you to monitor the energy use and control most home appliances from anywhere with the Emporia App.

Features

Turn devices on/off remotely and even set a timer
Set a schedule for your devices to use energy when it’s cheapest
Be notified if devices use unusual amounts of energy
Voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Home
Automatically turn devices off during your utility’s peak hours
Automatically turn devices off when home energy load is approaching pre-defined peak when paired with an Emporia Vue
Automatically turn on devices when home has excess solar generation when paired with an Emporia Vue

A Closer Look

Using the Smart Plug

In order to use the Smart Plug you need to download the Emporia Energy app and then follow the steps to add the plug, or plugs, this includes naming the plug (something useful like office or kitchen or whatever else you want to call it). During the configuration process if there are any firmware updates available they will be installed on the plug.

When the configuration is complete you will be able to use the energy usage on the app.

Final Thoughts

The Emporia Smart Plugs are really easy to use and set up – you basically plug them in and add them to the app – thats it! Then you plug whatever you want to use into the smart plug and away you go!

You can use the app to turn on or app the plug whenever you want from wherever you are, you don’t need to be in the house to do it. You can also set up schedules, so if you wanted something to come on at a certain time every day and then turn off an hour later, just set it up and let it do its thing.

On its own all that is really great and useful. Now here’s the additional advantage to these plugs, you can monitor exactly how much electricity you are using with each plug, which is really important in the current economic climate with electricity being very expensive.

Grab some of these plugs now, you won’t be disappointed.

The Emporia Smart Plugs are available now priced around £37.99 for a box of 4 plugs.

You can learn more from the Emporia website.

A Closer Look at the Connetix Rainbow Ball Run Pack

Family
Toys

Andrew Edney

-

Jul 9, 2023

0

Here we take a closer look at the Connetix Rainbow Ball Run Pack.

Adults and children alike will delight in the limitless open-ended STEAM learning opportunities the 92 piece Ball Run Expansion Pack will inspire.

This pack features unique exclusively designed clear fluted tubes, 6 rainbow wooden balls, x2 special effect stair soundscape tubes, x2 S-bend tubes and a split tube for racing fun! Also including connector tiles, this is the perfect expansion pack to explore gravity and motion.