Jingle Bells, Batman Smells… and all that. Sigh, yes it’s Christmas again but it does mean PRESENTS! Giving & receiving, remember? So this week we have a sack full of techy gift ideas for you.

Ailsa Bay – Whisky Hacked

Kicking us off is the awesome Ailsa Bay a ‘Precision Distilled’ single malt. Ailsa Bay is the first whisky to have an analysed measurement of sweetness identified. This is possible through a revolutionary technological process managed by master blender Brian Kinsman. The whisky is defined as having a measurement of ‘Phenol’ content in parts per million, more precisely 022 PPM. The higher the ‘phenol’ levels the more ‘Peaty’ the whisky will taste plus a measurement of sweetness that is 019 SPPM, giving a perfect balance between the peat and sweetness. I can attest to this, in fact, it has an almost uncanny balance of sweet and salty peat flavours that keeps the taste buds jumping pleasantly between the two long after you swallow.

Ailsa Bay is the only scotch whisky to undergo a process called ‘micro maturation’. the distillery’s newly made spirit is first filled into Hudson baby bourbon casks that are between 25-100 litres in size, for six to nine months. the relatively small casks – traditional american oak barrels can contain up to 200 litres of spirit – enables intense rapid maturation. the liquid is then transferred into virgin, first-fill and refill American oak casks for several years. the process is the first of its kind in the scotch whisky industry.

Ailsa Bay is the first whisky to have an analysed measurement of sweetness enabling a perfect balance between the peat and sweetness
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Now the thing that makes this whisky stand out is the technical approach to distilling, these guys are super into their numbers and from trying out the whisky I can say the results are unlike any traditionally made drop. The distillery team use data points to adapt the flavour and apply modern engineering alongside the family’s traditional approach to whisky making, allowing them to create an incredible single malt that delivers a unique balance of smoke and sweetness. The result is a taste that is more mellow and complex.

“No other whisky is made with this much science. Using data points to adapt the flavour and applying modern engineering alongside our family’s traditional approach is truly innovative”. Explained Stuart Watts, Distillery Manager at William Grant & Sons “Ailsa Bay’s new look takes its inspiration from the creativity of science, which reflects the boundary-pushing technology used in our state-of-the-art distillery at Girvan in Ayrshire.

No other whisky is made with this much science. Using data points to adapt the flavour and applying modern engineering alongside our family’s traditional approach is truly innovative
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Tasting notes:

• Nose: Fresh wood smoke with notes of smouldering damp heather and an extinguished bonfire. Following the smoke is a wave of oaky sweetness and vanilla oak, candied orange peel.
• Taste: Beautifully balanced peat and rich vanilla oakiness, this batch maintains an intriguing flavour meandering between smoke, fruit and creamy toffee. The extra maturation period has developed deeper toasty oak notes with every sip.
• Finish: An intriguing balance of oaky sweetness and peaty dryness.

Ailsa Bay is bloody delicious, has an ABV of 48.9% and is available from Amazon, The Whisky Exchange and The Whisky Shop at an RRP of £60 and offers itself as the perfect alternative gift for the tech-lover in your life this Christmas.

Coby Wireless Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Coby USA makes some really neat audio solutions including these cute little waterproof Bluetooth speakers. I tried out the smaller of their two models below and was very impressed with the quality of sound. Small size and a light plastic design make it super easy to carry around then add in the carabiner (included) and a sturdy loop and this tiny speaker will clip on to any bag you might be using. The sound is not great when at higher volumes but is really good at lower levels, speech, in particular, is very clear and defined.

Small size and a light plastic design make the Coby super easy to carry around then add in the carabiner (included) and a sturdy loop and this tiny speaker will clip on to any bag you might be using
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If your phone or device has no Bluetooth then there is a mini-jack IN port which is a nice touch. Surprisingly for a tiny unit, it offers 12 hours of play time from the 1800 mHa battery, easily a day of playback. Each wireless speaker also comes with a USB charging cable and has an amazing 55 hours of standby time and charges fully in just 3 hours. They also boast a built-in microphone that lets you answer and decline phone calls. A smart choice when your hands are busy or you’re enjoying the pool!

FEATURES:

•Play music wirelessly via Bluetooth

•Output power: 8w

•Waterproof: IPX5

•Built-in rechargeable battery •TWS Function

•Includes carrying carabiner

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Each wireless speaker also comes with a USB charging cable and has an amazing 12 hours of playback, 55 hours of standby time and charges fully in just 3 hours
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The slightly larger model pictured below includes a larger battery but basically the same features. I didn’t test this one but the larger size and weight will probably mean a bit better sound when cranked up but overall I like the smaller one for its shape and size. There are lots of similar speakers out there but the Coby models are hard not to like in these bold colours and simple design. Tech Trends recommends these and finally, I must point out their very reasonable price!

 

CSBT-351 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $79.99

Vype eTank Pro 2

Back in October, we reviewed the Vype ePen 3 and today we are looking at its bigger brother, the eTank Pro 2. As the word Tank in the name suggests, this model holds more eLiquid and a larger 1500mAh battery so should keep you shrouded in scented smoke all through a long day. The ‘Tank’ is heavier and much sturdier than the smaller ePen 3. That is a good thing if like me you appreciate a bit of weight in your hand when smoking.

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The 'Tank' is heavier and much sturdier than the smaller ePen 3. That's a good thing if you appreciate a bit of weight in your hand when smoking
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With a powerful 1500 mAh battery and a Japanese cotton wick, the smooth and easy-to-use Vype eTank Pro 2 delivers an intense vaping experience. What’s more, being an open-system device, you can play with mixology and flavour exploration.

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With a powerful 1500 mAh battery and a Japanese cotton wick, the Vype eTank Pro 2 delivers an intense vaping experience
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It is easy to fill up and a really easy smoke with a light pull. The battery lasted longer than I ever used it so I just topped it up every day or so. I found the eTank Pro 2 easy to construct, charge and fill but did encounter an issue where eLiquid leaked into the mouthpiece if the eTank was left horizontal on a table or in a pocket. The eLiquid is foul tasting and leaves your lips tingling which is not very nice. I haven’t yet stripped and cleaned the eTank to see if that fixes the problem so won’t say it is a design problem but something to watch out for.

In the hand, the eTank feels great and the button is well placed. I like the rubberised texture and the mouthpiece was a good size, in fact, the whole package is a good size and pleasant to use. There is a whole range of flavoured eLiquids available but my favourite was Creme Brulee, it really appealed to my cultured palate Ho Ho. No, I think the creamy flavour was the closest of the eLiquids I tested to a flavoured pipe tobacco I like. It is not expensive at £29.99 on the Vype website so check one out for your self, I really like mine.

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In the hand, the eTank feels great and the button is well placed. I like the rubberised texture and the mouthpiece was a good size, in fact, the whole package is a good size and pleasant to use
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eTank Pro 2 Starter Kit Contains

• 1x eTank Pro 2 device
• 1x glass tank
• 1x stainless steel atomiser
• 1x USB charging cable
• 1x user manual

Design Features

• Optimised wattage setting (up to 14 watts) and one activation button for ease of use.
• Colour range with a choice of 3 premium metallic colours with soft touch finish for a comfortable feel/grip
• LED for battery-life indicator
• eTank Pro 2 has a +50% increase vs eTank Pro in terms of battery capacity

Safety Features

• Intelligent software with:
• Device short-circuit protection
• Cell over-discharge protection
• Cell over-charge protection
• Micro USB for simple charging
• CE Certified

 

Colonna Coffee Capsules

The UK barista champion, Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood has launched a recyclable coffee capsule range. Based in lovely Bath, Colonna marries their best competition winning coffees with cutting-edge capsule technology to enable ‘coffee lovers to take the coffee shop home’. Colonna is the only pod company that started in a café and employ a scientific approach with a real love of the finest coffees to offer us a coffee pod you don’t feel so bad about throwing away with fully recyclable aluminium pods (from £11 per box of 20 capsules).

Maxwell and his wife Lesley set up their first coffee company providing people with, as Special Agent Dale Cooper would say “A damn fine cup of Coffee!” at events around the UK. Travelling far and wide, the couple brewed espresso through the night for revellers at music festivals and rain-soaked crowds at regattas. This was fun, but they quickly wanted a physical space to build something special for people from far and wide to visit, as well as creating a coffee lovers hub. The fruit of this vision is Colonna and Small’s in Bath, which is dedicated to showcasing coffee as a drink full of flavour, complexity and as an artisan experience in its own right. Utilising roller grinder technology, a new aluminium design and a revised capsule roasting approach, the Bath-based startup has been able to create Nespresso compatible capsules that translate from bean to cup ever more successfully.

“We are always in search of technology that will help us showcase the full character of the best coffees from all over the world, whilst also trying to improve sustainability. We are constantly looking to improve the aromatics and quality of our capsules. Utilising roller grinder technology, a new aluminium design and a revised capsule roasting approach, we have been able to create capsules that are brighter, stronger and more characterful than ever before.” Said Colonna-Dashwood.

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By embracing new technology, Colonna has also been able to lower the oxygen content in each capsule to under 0.5%. This allows them to capture the freshness and character of each coffee for longer
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By embracing new technology, Colonna has also been able to lower the oxygen content in each capsule to under 0.5%. This allows them to capture the freshness and character of each coffee for incredible lengths of time. The revised life of each capsule is now 18 months, allowing the coffee to shine even longer. Driven by a scientific approach and a pursuit of excellence, Colonna underwent life cycle sustainability studies with Bath University and combined with industry-accepted research, it is clear that recycled aluminium is the most sustainable material for pods. Previously the challenge with aluminium capsules is they contained small amounts of plastic, making them hard to recycle. Colonna’s new plastic-free design can be recycled simply and conveniently, just as you would a canned drink.

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Previously the challenge with aluminium capsules is they contained small amounts of plastic, making them hard to recycle. Colonna’s new plastic-free design can be recycled simply and conveniently
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Colonna is now about to launch a new Bartender Series in January 2019, three unique, single origin coffees but not for your cup, for your glass
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Colonna is about to launch a new range in January 2019, three unique, single origin coffees (RRP £5.50 per box of 10 capsules) but not for your cup, for your glass. The Bartender Series, created by award-winning author and bar owner Tristan Stephenson and Colonna Dashwood, uses Nespresso-compatible technology to deliver an exceptional coffee ingredient at the touch of a button. Designed by bartenders, the capsules are also ideal for coffee-loving home mixologists, to take both the bar and the coffee shop home!

“The Bartender Series by Colonna is a landmark collaboration between barista and mixologist, enabling better tasting and more consistent coffee based mixed drinks. Maxwell and I have spent months exploring the potential in flavour pairing specific coffees with different styles of spirits, with the goal of elevating the role of coffee in cocktails well beyond the generic and into the fantastic. To that end we have sourced three coffees from three unique territories, each with a unique style that leans towards one of three specific flavour camps: FRUIT, EARTH, SWEET.”  Explains Tristan Stephenson. “The solution to ensure consistency, ease of use, and sustainability was to use recyclable capsules that work in any Nespresso machine. For the modern bar this solution meets all their needs, as it is inexpensive, takes up very little space, is easy to stock take, produces delicious results, and it couldn’t be easier to switch between different coffees during a busy shift. We think that this approach to implementing coffee in a cocktail bar environment has the potential to revolutionise the manufacture of drinks like the espresso martini as well as myriad other coffee-based drinks.”

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The Bartender Series by Colonna is a landmark collaboration between barista and mixologist, enabling better tasting and more consistent coffee based mixed drinks
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I drink too much coffee (and some might say a little too much alcohol) so unsurprisingly enjoyed all these coffees and coffee mixers from Colonna. The flavours were a step above your average shop-bought stuff and flooded the mouth with sweet, fruity flavours with nice, balanced bitterness and long pleasing aftertaste. They are not expensive for boutique capsules so I recommend you give them a try (if you have a Nespresso machine) and experience what new tech can bring to the coffee-making process.

Lots more info about the growers and the process here on ColonnaCoffee.com and you can subscribe to buy their capsules or beans here.

Duracell Powerbank

With new Duracell research data revealing Brits are in danger of running out of battery as many as 260 days of the year, this might just be the perfect gift for that person who is always on 20% battery

Duracell research data reveals Brits are in danger of running out of battery as many as 260 days of the year
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Available in three different sizes, these lightweight and great value Powerbanks are designed to keep you swiping, scrolling and surfing for up to 72 hours longer so you can wave goodbye to the dread of running flat at the most inconvenient time. These new Duracell Powerbanks are an ideal gift for the on-the-go commuter, the cultured traveller, the gadget geek craving power for their latest devices or the Instagram obsessed!

These new Duracell Powerbanks are an ideal gift for the on-the-go commuter, the cultured traveller, the gadget geek craving power for their latest devices or the Instagram obsessed
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Product Features:

Ready to use (pre-charged)
Up to 2 x faster with fast charge technology
Up to 5 x iPhone 7 charges
Dual-Charge – Phone or Tablet + Powerbank for simultaneous charging
10 safety features inc. over temperature protection, flame retardant case and overcharge
3-year guarantee
Universal compatibility
Approved for flying
72hr device can charge multiple devices with 2 x USB ports

Further findings from Duracell’s low-battery research include:

1. On average, Brits consider their phone battery almost 10 x a day
2. Over 250,000 of us have shed a tear during a low battery low.
3. 1 in 10 fail to catch a train, tube or bus because their e-ticket was made redundant due to overused battery
4. The average Brit would pay £240 a month to keep out of the red. That’s more than a monthly London travel card for zones 1 – 6!
5. 20,000 Brits have such a symbiotic relationship with their phone that they feel physically drained when their phone is powerless
6. 1 in 7 have sat on the floor in a public place to charge their phone

These new, updated power banks from the most trusted name in batteries are really very nice looking and come with all the latest safety and charging tech options and most importantly for travellers are flight safe, so no confiscations at security or better yet no in-flight explosions!

Duracell Powerbanks are available in three different sizes:
Rechargeable Powerbank 3350 mAH

• For up to 24 hours of extra talk or surf time
• For Apple, Android and most USB-powered devices
• RRP £19.99

Rechargeable Powerbank 6700 mAH

• For up to 48 hours extra talk or surf time
• For Apple, Android and most USB-powered devices
• RRP £24.99

Rechargeable Powerbank 10050 mAH

• For up to 72 hours extra talk or surf time
• For Apple, Android and most USB-powered devices
• RRP £34.99

These cool new Duracell Powerbanks can be had from leading online retailers including Argos and Amazon, and instore at Sainsburys and Morrisons, they are even approved for carry-on!

Johnson’s Baby Bath Time Gift Set and Bedtime Baby range – Johnson’s, still the original and best?

If you refuse to buy your infant child an iPad mini or similar tech products, shame on you! So the least you can do is keep your baby clean and smelling good through Christmas! Johnson’s has the answer, even if it is a non-techy one. As soon as you open any of these products you’ll be hit by that nostalgic Johnson’s smell, you know what you’re getting here and it doesn’t disappoint. The gift set includes Baby Oil, Baby Bath, Baby Shampoo and Baby Lotion. They’ve also included quite a big duck sponge and a bath book which counts up sea animals, both of which genuinely delighted my daughter. There are also some ‘milestone cards’ which aren’t of much interest, and the large clear sponge bag it comes in which is actually really handy.

If you refuse to buy your infant child an iPad mini or similar tech products, shame on you! So the least you can do is keep your baby clean and smelling good through Christmas!
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The Bedtime products (I tested the oil, shampoo, baby bath and baby wash; there is also a cream, powder and lotion) are essentially versions of the traditional range with a different, lavender scent designed to chill out a baby at bedtime. They smell recognisably Johnson’s but distinctly soothing. Giving our baby ‘cues’ that it is bedtime has really helped us in getting our 18-month-old daughter to sleep, I cannot speak highly enough of an established evening routine and it’s really astonishing what a difference we have found with little things like always saying the same final thing before leaving the room. Because of that, I’ll be carrying on with the Bedtime products in the evening to help her know what time it is.

As soon as you open these products you’ll be hit by that nostalgic Johnson’s smell, you know what you’re getting and it doesn’t disappoint
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The bath time set would be good for parents who are establishing a bedtime routine and want to wind down with some calmer fun
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None of the products aggravated my daughter’s dry, sensitive skin and she is clean, moisturised and gorgeous. She loved playing with the bubbles (pop pop pop).
These Johnson’s products are lovely for toddlers; they’d make a great present for the first birthday but in my opinion are not suitable for newborns. The bath time set would be particularly good for parents who are establishing a bedtime routine and want to wind down with some calmer fun, the gift set is a convenient and economical way of getting all the classics in a nicely presented collection.

Available for £19.95 on Amazon here in the UK

Review by Naomi Hepworth-Andrews, Digital & IT Consultant, mother, ferret fanatic and tech enthusiast

Ninja Future: Secrets to Success in the New World of Innovation

How can innovators thrive in a disruptive future? The President of the Consumer Technology Association shares tips for success in a new book out this month. As the much-missed playwright William Goldman once said, where it comes to predicting success, ‘Nobody Knows Anything’. And that certainly holds for technology as well as screenwriting. In fact, it holds for most things in life, but let’s stick with Tech for now. Highlighting case studies from global brands, breakout innovators and startup companies, Shapiro offers an inside look at the emerging technologies that are shaping our world. Read the Full Review here.

Tile Mate – New 2018 Version

The Tile Mate is a great stocking filler and damn handy to have on your important objects. Ring your Tile when you’ve misplaced your belonging if it’s close by, and use it in reverse to call your phone – even when it’s on silent. If you fear you’ve left your belonging further away, check where your item was last seen on a map, or tap into Tile’s community, the world’s largest lost-and-found network, which will anonymously help find the lost or stolen item almost anywhere in the world.

Ring your Tile when you’ve misplaced your belonging if it’s close by, and use it in reverse to call your phone - even when it’s on silent
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This new 2018 version of the Tile Mate has a replaceable battery which is a big improvement meaning it will last as long as you keep replacing the battery. Previously you had to post the old flat Mate back to Tile and pay a little bit for a replacement or just buy a new one. I have had one of these on my keys for a couple of years but always wanted another to go inside my camera bag so I stashed this Tile Mate attached to the interior zip in my bag and know it will be in there if I ever lose it… again! On my keys, it has been a lifesaver so trust me when I say, you will not regret getting a few of these to help keep track of your valuables.

These go for £20 in the UK on the company website.

GP M-Series PowerBanks

Tech Trends tested the new M-Series GP PowerBank Mobile Chargers, the MP15MA 15000mAh in Grey and the MP10MA 10000mAh in Mid Teal.

With an impressive energy capacity of 15000 mAh, the bigger of these two sexy looking power banks is remarkably compact. I loved the solid hardwearing metal case and the full range of connections, compatible with Apple and Android devices. GP make great quality rechargeable batteries so you know you are getting quality and durability in these products and GP’s high safety standards make me feel better about leaving them in hand luggage and charging overnight or on the go. To top them up you get USB-C and Micro-USB IN/OUT ports and a matching 2-in-1 charge and sync cable included in the pack.

The 10000 mAh version is really very slim, perfect for carry-on bags or briefcases. This one will be my new day trip charger and should charge my phone 2.5 times, more than I will ever need while out and about. The solidity and hardwearing designs of these power banks are excellent and they are a pleasure to just hold in the hand, while my testing shows they do their job perfectly, including fast charging from the USB-C Port.

They come with a range of colours and capacities, from 5000mAh to 15000mAh however the 10000mAh and 15000mAh PowerBanks feature a better range of useful ports, including USB-A and USB-C, allowing you to charge up to three devices at the same time in 3A rapid speed. Both these models handle pass-through charging so you can plug the bank into the wall and three devices into the bank at the same time! Stay prepared for anything and keep your devices at full power, always.

Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: 5000/10000 or 15000 mAh
• Input: USB-C: 5V DC 3A, Micro-USB: 5V DC 2A
• Output: USB-C: 5V DC 3A, USB-A x 2: 5V DC 2.4A
• Battery Type: Li-Polymer
• Recharging Time: up to 6.5 hours with USB-C port ^
• 2-in-1 USB Charge & Sync Cable (USB-C & Micro-USB connector) included

Check out the new M-Series range here for more details. They sell for between £19.99 and £34.99 here in the UK.

Devolo Magic 2 WiFi

These network extenders from Devolo are flipping great! Really awesome and I now have a stable cable network in my house after living on pure WiFi for two years, not much fun. The most important thing to do before you start setting these up… download the app!! I did not do this and so there was much stomping up and down stairs, shouting and fiddling about before I found out that there even was an app. Grrrrrrr.

These network extenders from Devolo are flipping great! Really awesome and I now have a stable cable network in my house after living on pure WiFi for two years
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In my defence, I don’t think this was made clear enough in the instruction booklet being mentioned on only one page. Anyway, with the app, available online here and for Android and iOS it was a snip and I was up and running in fifteen minutes. It was simple and is now rock solid across a two PCs, a Mac Mini, a printer plus two servers and integrates with other WiFi connected devices well. I am now a happy rabbit! There is a lot more technical info on their website so you geeks out there can learn about the Devolo system.

It was simple and is now rock solid across a two PCs, a Mac Mini, a printer plus two servers and integrates with other WiFi connected devices well. I am now a happy rabbit!
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Experience the new no-border world of surfing with all-encompassing devolo Mesh WiFi. Magic 2 WiFi streams incredibly stable, ultra-fast Internet through your home at up to 2400 Mbps – and is phenomenally simple, using your power lines. Stream films in fantastic UHD. Enjoy high-speed surfing in any corner of your home. Travel in virtual realities and discover the expanse of the Internet of things (IoT). Everything is possible, nothing impossible – with devolo’s magical Mesh WiFi.

The brochure says - Magic 2 WiFi will be your bridge to the future - and they might just be right. It's simple, get this now
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Dead WiFi spaces are a thing of the past since real Mesh WiFi ensures that you always access the fastest hub
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Devolo Magic 2 WiFi brings fast & stable internet to even the weirdest laid out homes. Dead WiFi spaces are a thing of the past since real Mesh WiFi ensures that you always access the fastest hub. In the remotest corner of your house. Let’s face it, in the UK we are not going to be building advanced connected homes for the masses anytime soon – if ever – so technology like this is essential if we are going to engage with the IoT future in any meaningful way.

Let's face it, in the UK we are not going to be building advanced connected homes anytime soon - if ever - so technology like this is essential if we are going to engage with the IoT future in any meaningful way
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Devolo’s magical WiFi brings the Internet wherever you need it. I daily enjoy UHD films in fantastic resolution without any lags. I test out a lot of VR experiences and this new stable network means less laggy behaviour, quicker connections and more fluid VR frolics. The brochure says “Magic 2 WiFi will be your bridge to the future” and they might just be right. It’s simple, get this now!!! You will not regret it plus it is really cheap 🙂

The Starter Kit is only £169.99 in the UK and a larger kit or extenders enable you to fit the network to your needs.

IQOS 3 & IQOS Mesh – Heated Tobacco vs Vaping

In the quest to avoid smoking classic cigarettes the IQOS 3 is just about the fanciest alternative I have seen. The ‘Heet’ sticks it takes contain a filter and real, compressed tobacco and look exactly like a mini cigarette. They insert into a hand-held battery-powered device that heats the tobacco rather than burning it. The idea is that the vapour produced contains less unpleasant chemicals and nasty cancer causing carcinogens. Once your ‘Heet’ stick is dead you simply swap it out and the IQOS 3 is ready for the next one. My kit came with an excellent how-to video guide inside a small booklet. Very useful and got me started quickly.

In the quest to avoid smoking classic cigarettes the IQOS 3 is just about the fanciest alternative I have seen
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IQOS 3 is a new two-part heated tobacco system that works hand-in-hand to deliver the best taste satisfaction. A newly designed pocket charger fits perfectly in your hand to keep you recharged for 20 single tobacco stick uses. IQOS 3 is engineered to last. Our new IQOS ProtectPlus System uses robust materials and fortified design to safeguard your heated tobacco system.

Charging the device is easy, just slip it back into the ‘Protect Plus’ case and it will recharge itself and stay protected in your pocket or bag. I have to say smoking it is a very nice experience! The smoke is lighter than I expected but has the authentic smell and taste of tobacco and when inhaled gives an almost identical feeling and effect. You definitely get the nicotine through this new heating system and your fingers retain none of that rank old smoke smell. Another hugely enjoyable feature is that the ‘Heet’ sticks feel exactly like a regular cigarette in the mouth with a paper wrapped filter for you to puff on.

I have to say smoking it is a very nice experience! The smoke is lighter than I expected but has the authentic smell and taste of tobacco and when inhaled gives an almost identical feeling and effect
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A robust outer shell enhances shock resistance while stress-tested door openings provide guaranteed performance, even after many uses. We give you peace of mind that your IQOS will remain your reliable companion with a longer battery lifespan. The new IQOS 3 is designed to withstand a greater range of temperatures so that you have guaranteed performance across a range of weather conditions that you and your IQOS encounter.

To be honest I was at first a little baffled by the whole thing but that is just because I had never heard of this cunning technology before
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To be honest I was at first a little baffled by the whole thing but that is just because I had never heard of this cunning technology before but it works perfectly and gives a really nice smoke. Hats off to the inventors for surprising this cynical journalist, it really is something new. Take a closer look on the site for more info and to get a better idea of how it works. The designers have made both the handheld IQOS and the case customisable and there are a vast range of clip-on or slide over options in the shop so you can make this 21st-century smoking device fit with your personal aesthetic, but the Starter Kit they offer starts at £99 and looks like a good place to start.

Next up is the IQOS Mesh, a vaping device similar to the Vype ePen 3 I tested recently but a bit sturdier feeling and nicer looking. It works on the replaceable mouthpiece system with each new mouthpiece already containing the flavoured ‘Veev’ liquid so there is no need for unscrewing tops and dribbling in smelly sticky stuff from horrible little bottles. Of all the vaping device designs out there I think this is the one that will really catch on given time.

Unlike wick and coil e-cigarettes, the IQOS MESH heater, made in Germany, is in constant contact with the e-liquid for a consistent vaping experience. Its smart digital controls detect when liquid levels are low, avoiding overheating and burnt taste. Our IQOS MESH battery is certified according to ISO standards featuring 3 protection levels to prevent overheating, short circuiting and pressure build-up.

It works on the replaceable mouthpiece system with each new mouthpiece already containing the flavoured 'Veev' liquid
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VEEV flavour caps are for exclusive use with IQOS MESH. The cap design eliminates the need for refilling and enables quick and easy flavour switching on the go. VEEV flavour caps contain high quality liquids made in the EU. The liquids contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine for purity, and authentic taste experience.

It has a big battery that is easily charged in the usual expected way and changing the mouthpiece is really simple, a doddle in fact. The smoking experience is very pleasant as you don’t need to keep pressing a little button everytime you want a drag, it is always active until you turn it off. This made a surprisingly big difference for me, I think it was just less to think about so I could concentrate on something else while I was smoking. More relaxing I guess.

The smoking experience is very pleasant as you don't need to keep pressing a little button everytime you want a drag, it is always active until you turn it off
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They offer seven ‘Veev’ flavours at the moment but I got on pretty well with the Tobacco Harmony and the Mellow Tobacco, not stepping too far from the traditional taste I enjoy. Red Berry Fusion sound like hell to me but everyone to their own. There’s a lot more info on the website but I can give it a thumbs up from Tech Trends. If this is your thing then check out their Starter Kits here, however, the IQOS 3 gave me the 21st-century smoking experience I was after. The kits start at £19.99.

GP Xplor PHR15 Head Torch

If you are like me and spend an unusual amount of time crawling around under desks messing about with PCs then you need a hands-free rechargeable prosumer headlamp “designed for the most demanding conditions”, with distance sensor smart brightness control that automatically adjusts light levels to your surroundings. Trust me you do need one… and you could use it for picking up dog poo in the dark, which I also do, Sob!

As with all GP products you get style (as much as possible in a head torch), quality and performance, this 300-lumen lamp has a beam distance of up to 157 metres. Choose from 3 brightness levels plus flashing mode, plus IPX-6 water resistant. Thanks to the headlamp’s distance sensor, the brightness is adjusted automatically by increasing or decreasing the lumen output to suit the environment. USB rechargeable, the lamp provides up to 69 hours of continuous illumination on a single charge. Mini USB charge cable included.

Whether you need a bright light for caving (as if…) or dimmer setting to read your map, the versatile XPLOR equips you with 3 brightness levels as well as a flashing mode for emergency signalling. Other key features include its safety lock to prevent accidental activation, a really useful multi-position tilt clicker thing for near or far objects plus it comes bundled with a reflective washable head strap, making it comfortable and easy to wear even for long stretches of time. I love mine, it is just so damn useful! With the GP XPLOR Headlamp, you know you are ready for whatever comes next.

GP’s excellent batteries, power banks and head torches are available here and the Xplor PHR15 sells for £34.99 in the UK.

Johnnie Walker – White Walker

Send a raven – Scotch has officially entered the realm. Johnnie Walker is proud to present this limited-edition Scotch whisky, inspired by the most enigmatic and feared characters on the hit HBO® show Game of Thrones – the White Walkers.

Created by whisky specialist George Harper, alongside the small team of expert blenders at Johnnie Walker, this innovative whisky is best served directly from the freezer, echoing the chilling presence of the White Walkers.

“Whiskies from Clynelish have endured long, Scottish Winters, not dissimilar to the long periods endured by the Night’s Watch who have ventured north of the wall – so it was the perfect place to create this unique whisky.” Explained Master Blender George Harper.

The Scotch has notes of caramelised sugar and vanilla, fresh red berries with a touch of orchard fruit and features Single Malts from Cardhu and Clynelish – one of Scotland’s most Northern distilleries
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The Scotch has notes of caramelised sugar and vanilla, fresh red berries with a touch of orchard fruit and features Single Malts from Cardhu and Clynelish – one of Scotland’s most Northern distilleries. Blender George Harper used the Frozen North as his starting point for creating White Walker by Johnnie Walker.

This limited edition blend brings you right to the Frozen North with the iconic Johnnie Walker Striding Man now fashioned in armour to fit in among the ranks of the Night King’s forces
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This limited edition blend brings you right to the Frozen North with an icy white and blue design along with the iconic Johnnie Walker Striding Man now fashioned in armour to fit in among the ranks of the Night King’s forces. Utilising temperature-sensitive ink technology, fans will be reminded that “Winter is Here” from an unexpected graphic icy reveal on the bottle when frozen.

Now I have drunk a lot of whisky in my time and am not generally a fan of spiced whisky but this is pretty damn good
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Now I have drunk a lot of single malt in my time and am not generally a fan of spiced whisky but this is pretty damn good. I took their advice and chilled the heck out of it like a good vodka and it was definitely better like that than warm. The bottle is very cool (pun intended) and for a special edition whisky, it is a good price so if you fancy a frosty tipple from beyond the wall give it a try.

Pick up a bottle for £33.83 here.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

The post Christmas 2018 Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

Blast away the February blues, keep your data safe and all your devices charged with Tech Trends’ latest product reviews!

Aukey 20,000mAh Power Bank

Has Tech Trends found the best power bank ever? Well, we just might have! Sure it is big but it is deliciously slim and rounded so it will slip effortlessly into bags and briefcases.

Has Tech Trends found the best power bank ever? We just might have!
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It isn’t one of those sharp cornered bricks that end up blocking satchel pockets and making itself a flipping nuisance, this power bank will sit comfortably between your laptops and folders of paperwork. Its smooth, slim shape is not its only practical feature though, as it also packs 20,000mAh of juice to charge an iPhone 7 around seven times or your Samsung Galaxy Note 8 four times over.

This smooth, slim power bank will sit comfortably between your laptops and folders of paperwork, and it packs 20,000mAh of juice
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I challenge you to find a cable this won’t work with! It has all the standard connections for Apple and Android users, Lightning IN, USB-C IN and Micro USB IN mean you can charge it up whichever flavour of smartphone or tablet you prefer. The three standard USB and one USB-C OUTs mean you can drain all that lovely power into your devices, be it an iPhone X, an iPad, an Honor 7X or a Samsung Galaxy S8 or, charge all four devices at the same time!

It is deliciously slim and rounded so it will slip effortlessly into bags and briefcases. It isn’t one of those sharp cornered bricks that end up blocking satchel pockets and making itself a flipping nuisance
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It comes with Aukey AI Power which supports healthier battery function and faster-charging speeds as well as automatic charging, so just plug in your tech and it will start charging
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Of course, there are LED indicators and a small power button one side but that won’t get much use as it also comes with Aukey AI Power which supports healthier battery function and faster-charging speeds as well as automatic charging, so just plug in your tech and start charging. Currently reduced on Amazon this power bank is the boss, and no mistake.

• Large Capacity: 20000mAh to charge your iPhone 7 6.8 times, or 9.7-inch iPad Pro 1.8 times, or Samsung Galaxy Note 8 4 times
• Universal Charging: 3A total output to charge a USB-C device and three USB-A devices simultaneously (the USB-C port can supply a powerful 3A by itself). Recharge your power bank via USB-C, Lightning, or micro-USB port
• Refined Design: Slimline form makes it comfortable to hold and matte surface keeps it free of fingerprints. Minimalist LED indicator shows remaining battery level at a glance
• Safety Features: Built-in safeguards protect your devices against excessive current, overheating, and overcharging
• Package Contents: AUKEY PB-Y14 20000mAh Power Bank, USB-A to USB-C Cable, User Manual, 24-Month Warranty

RRP: £34.99 reduced from £54.99, wow!

TeckNet Raptor Wired Optical Gaming Mouse

The wired, desktop mouse might feel old school nowadays when digital artists and illustrators use pens & tablets for line drawing instead. But for fine cursor control and ease of use, nothing has really beaten the mouse. It also allows you more finger controls than a pen and this lovely USB optical mouse from TeckNet has 8 buttons to keep your digits busy. It also has shifting coloured LEDs meaning you can find it in the dark and frankly it looks quite cool, definitely not retro.

This mouse just feels more natural, squeezing the whole mouse from the side with your thumb to left click is much more comfortable for me
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After testing this out for a few weeks I can safely say that I don’t need all 8 buttons but the options are there for those who need them. The one button that has changed the way I navigate my PC is the extra thumb button that acts as a second left click option, it just feels more natural, squeezing the whole mouse from the side with your thumb is much more comfortable for me. The super accurate scroll and click wheel with its rubberised edge is also really comfortable and does exactly what I want, when I want, unlike many other scroll wheels I have used.

This lovely USB optical mouse from TeckNet has 8 buttons to keep your digits busy. It also has shifting coloured LEDs so you can find it in the dark
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The next most useful additions are the two Back and Forward buttons that also sit by the thumb. You need to consciously articulate your thumb to reach them but having those common navigation functions right there in your hand is awesome for surfing the web. ‘Built for winners’ and ‘developed with gamers in mind’, every component from the really nice braided cable and tactile surfaces to the gold-plated USB connector is constructed from high quality materials and the 8 buttons also boast a 7 million click lifespan so both gamers and regular users will get more bang for their buck. What’s more, by adding 40g of extra weight to the mouse and a nice ergonomic design, this mouse can be used for hours in total comfort. When it comes to mice, evolution is everything.

• Accuracy is everything: The RAPTOR’s features exclusive TeckNet TruWave gaming sensor optimizations for high-accuracy cursor control. Whether zipping across the screen or honing in on a single pixel, the TruWave gaming sensor responds accurately to your hand movements. This mouse also can be used on any surface, including transparent glass
• Premium Eight Buttons: Bear up to 7 million times click with clear and crisp sound. The unique fire button enables triple clicking at one press and keeps you on top of your game, all the time.
• Fits Like a Glove: Ergonomically designed to fit snugly under the palm of your hand with intuitive button placement for the most comfortable gaming experience yet.
• Be ready in an instant: Make the right moves in any game situation. Shift through up to three DPI settings, from pixel-precise targeting to lightning-fast manoeuvres with a single button press, conveniently located behind the scroll wheel
• TeckNet 18 Months Warranty: At TeckNet, we believe in our products. That’s why we back them all with an 18-month warranty and provide friendly, easy-to-reach support
• Compatible: Win 98/2000/ME/XP/Vista/7/8 /10

RRP: £8.99 in the UK & $13.99 in the US

Aukey USB C Cable to USB 3.0 Type A – 5 Pack

The adoption of USB-C is almost complete. The majority of smartphones and laptops have this superfast connection as standard now and it won’t be long before external drives make use of its fast bus speeds to connect computers to the next generation of SSDs whose transfer speeds far outpace USB 3.0. USB-C ports are even popping up on ATX Motherboards alongside USB 3.1 Gen2 connections so it in your interest to have a few cables to hand.

The majority of smartphones and laptops have this superfast USB-C connection as standard now and it won’t be long before PCs join the new Apple Macs, sporting it as default
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Again Aukey is on hand with an insanely well priced and high-quality option. This 5 pack of (different length) USB 3.0 to USB-C cables is only £16.99 on Amazon here in the UK and claim Data Sync and Charging for Samsung Note 8 / S8+ / S8, MacBook Pro 2016, Nexus 6P / 5X, Google Pixel, LG G5 V20, HTC 10 among others. I had no problems transferring data with these cables but it is important to note that in the emerging and confused world of ‘fast charging’ standards, different smartphone manufacturers vary a lot so it would be foolish to guarantee these would fast charge all devices. The fact the phone manufacturers all recommend you only use their branded cables for fast charging is a bit of a hint that they have different standards so be aware of this. However, these Aukey cables fast charged my Samsung Galaxy S8 without an issue using the a Quick Charge USB 3.0 Mains Charger.

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Data transfer to and from Android devices is a bit of a pain in the arse and I had no luck connecting my S8 to a MacBook Pro with either the supplied Samsung USB-C cable or these Aukey cables. Android and MacOS famously don’t get on and even Google’s Android File Transfer app failed to get the two devices connected. However, on a Windows 10 PC, there was no problem and no extra drivers needed. Transfer speeds over the Aukey cables were stunning – Read 492MBs & Write 231MBs with 4GB files. That is quick!

Transfer speeds over these Aukey cables to my Samsung Galaxy S8 were stunning - Read 492MBs & Write 231MBs with 4GB files. That is quick!
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• Compatible Devices: Samsung Note 8 / S8+ / S8, MacBook Pro 2016, ChromeBook Pixel 2015, Nexus 5X / 6P, OnePlus 3 / 2, HUAWEI P10 / P9, Lenovo Zuk Z1 and other type c supported devices including PC, Tablets, and other Smartphones
• USB Type C: USB C reversible connector design (plugs in both ways) allows you to conveniently connect cable in any orientation
• Data Sync and Charging: USB C cable to USB A cable enables up to 5Gbps USB 3.0 super-speed data transfer, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Built-in 56k Ohm, it protects your device
• Durable and Convenient: Nylon braided cable with reinforced aluminium shielding is designed to withstand every-day wear and tear, and five cables with different lengths can satisfy all your daily needs
• Package Contents: AUKEY CB-CMD2 Three 3.3ft A to C Cables + One 6.6ft A to C Cable + One 1ft A to C Cable, User Manual, 24-Month Warranty Card

These are sturdy, stylish and fast cables for a very low price. The connectors are solid and attractive and the woven cable cover is a nice upgrade from rubbery plastic. Great product.

RRP: £16.99

Aukey USB C to Micro USB Adapter Grey Aluminum – 2 pack

As a cheaper option to the cables above you can simply adapt your old Micro USB cables and chargers to fit your new USB-C smartphone. You won’t get the fast charging or the fast data transfer speeds but you will be able to charge your phone using any of the thousands of old Micro USB cables modern households have kicking around.

You won’t get the fast charging but you will be able to charge your phone using any of the thousands of old Micro USB cables modern households have kicking around
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These little, beautifully made, aluminium, USB-C to Micro USB adapters are super smart and solidly built and at £7.59 on Amazon are a steal. I tested them out and they did exactly what they were supposed to do. Personally, I scattered them around the house on the old charging cables I keep handy and reserve fast charging to my office desk and bedside.

These little beautifully made, aluminium, USB-C to Micro USB adapters are super smart and solidly built and at £7.59 on Amazon are a steal
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• USB C Male to Micro USB Female: It allows you to charge USB C devices and transfer data from micro USB devices to USB C devices with a micro USB cable
• Data transfer: USB 2.0 transfers data at a speed of up to 480Mbps; equipped with a 56-kilo-ohm resistor to ensure the safety and reliability
• Supports USB OTG: Plugin and you can use those computer peripherals like a flash drive, keyboard, hub, or mouse with your USB C equipped phone or tablet
• Easy to Use: Lightweight and compact, with aluminium alloy design, you can take it with you anywhere; plug and play, don’t need to install any drivers; the reversible USB C connector that plugs in either direction
• Package Contents: AUKEY CB-A9 Two USB C to Micro USB Adapters ( Grey ), User Manual, 24-Month Warranty Card

RRP: £7.59

Apricorn Aegis Fortress USB 3 Secure Drive

Here we have a rugged, portable, USB 3 external drive from Apricorn, boasting incredible data security, with FIPS 140-2 level 2 Validated Encryption Module, the Aegis Fortress is a 1TB beast! Tough on the outside, FIPS-validated on the inside, and pocket-sized portability to safely carry your data anywhere you go.

Available in a wide variety of storage capacities in both HDD and more speedy SSD models the Fortress is Software-Free, 100% hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encrypted, onboard keypad PIN authenticated, with ultra-fast USB 3 data transfer speeds. As with the other Apricorn drives Tech Trends has tested, all data is encrypted on the fly and all PINs and remains encrypted while the drive is at rest so relax, your data is safe!

Available in a wide variety of storage capacities in both HDD and more speedy SSD models the Fortress is Software-Free, 100% hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encrypted
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This beauty will work wherever you work, it’s completely cross-platform compatible and OS agnostic. The Fortress thrives with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Chrome. It also works where software-authenticated encrypted devices can’t function, such as embedded systems and equipment in possession of a powered USB port and storage file system, but no keyboard. All internal componentry is protected from physical tampering with a layer of hardened epoxy, and the firmware is locked down to prevent any modifications making it impervious to malware attacks such as BadUSB.

This beauty will work wherever you work, it’s completely cross-platform compatible and OS agnostic. The Fortress thrives with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Chrome
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The Aegis Fortress comes with IP56 Certification, meaning it is dust and water resistant with a durable ABS housing and membrane keypad preventing the drive’s most commonly used buttons becoming visible through use. The drive is unlocked by entering a PIN on the keypad and not the host computer’s keyboard. Until the device is unlocked via its keypad, it remains invisible to the host. Tough enough to go anywhere, the Aegis Fortress’s resilient design makes it perfect for travel and generally well protected against physical damage but the tamper-evident external plastic shell does feel less sturdy than some of their other products.

The Aegis Fortress comes with IP56 Certification, meaning it is dust and water resistant with a durable ABS housing and a membrane keypad
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Self-Destruct PIN:
When Programmed and Activated, Performs a Crypto-Erase and Becomes New Access PIN. The last line of defence for data security when the device’s physical security is at risk. The Self-Destruct PIN defends against these physically compromising situations by erasing the drive’s contents, leaving it in normal working order appearing yet to be deployed

Drive Reset Feature:
All Apricorn Devices can be Reset and Redeployed Over and Over. Drive reset clears both the User and Admin PINs, destroys the data, creates a new randomly generated encryption key and allows the drive to be reused repeatedly, with an infinite number of randomly generated encryption keys, allowing the admin and or user to reset the drive as often as is needed.

Unattended Auto Lock:
Programmable Length of Time of Inactivity Permitted Before Drive Locks Itself. All Aegis Secure Drives will automatically lock once disconnected from a computer’s USB port or the power to that USB port is interrupted or after a pre-programmed period of inactivity.

Two Read-Only Modes:
Global, All Access Settings Controlled by Admin, and User Mode Controlling Individual Settings. Employed in situations that require the drive’s contents to be kept intact and unaltered for later examination. The two Read-Only modes are as follows: Universal Read Only is set by the admin from within the admin mode and can’t be modified or disabled by anyone but the admin. The second read-only mode can be set and disabled by a user but can also be enabled or disabled by the admin as well.

FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Inside:
Meets the U.S. government standards for information technology and computer security. NIST FIPS 140 is the cryptography standard program required by the US federal government for protection of sensitive data.

Advanced Security:
The Aegis Fortress’s FIPS 140-2 validation covers 11 areas of its cryptographic security system, including physical security, cryptographic key management and design integrity. The Aegis Fortress’s FIPS 140-2 Level 2 encryption validation encompasses both the Fortress’s physical tamper-resistant features as well as its identity-based authentication. Tested and validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for use by the Federal governments of the USA, Canada and others, the Aegis Fortress Drive is based on Apricorn’s FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated encryption module as indicated by certificate #2835. The Fortress’s security policy is located on the NIST site at this link.

If it is worth saving it is worth protecting and we strongly recommend the Aegis Fortress and the other Apricorn products we have tested, they prove that security doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to work
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If it is worth saving it is worth protecting and we strongly recommend the Aegis Fortress and the other Apricorn products we have tested, they prove that security doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to work.

RRP: Sizes 500GB – 2TB HDD (£155-£225) & 128GB – 8TB SSD (£135 – £3,425)

Dot Creativity Kit

Essentially the younger sibling of the Cue robot ‘Dot’ – part of Wonder workshops Creativity kit – is a chatty little robot equipped with a wide range of accessories to encourage children to both play and learn via a picture based language the basic mechanics of robotics and programming.

Less mobile and obviously aimed at a younger audience than its counterpart (6+) Dot nevertheless comes with three core downloadable mobile apps that give access to projects that range from crafting and active play to storytelling and construction.

Essentially the younger sibling of the Cue robot ‘Dot’ - part of Wonder workshops Creativity kit - is a chatty little robot equipped with a wide range of accessories
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Blocky – Playing with Dot’s lights, sensors, accelerometer, and sounds, Blockly introduces advanced concepts of coding through playful projects and puzzles. Turn Dot into a ticking time-bot, or use Dot as a robot remote control for sending Dash on adventures.

Go – Go is the first step to getting to know all that Dot can do. Give Dot a new name, change the colour of the lights, blink a robot eye, and more! It’s your mission to teach Dot how to play. Act out storybook characters, and explore the world together.

Playing with Dot’s lights, sensors, accelerometer, and sounds, Blockly introduces advanced concepts of coding through playful projects and puzzles
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The project cards provide games and challenges that direct creative play with each of the kit accessories and turn Dot into - among other things - a Disco ball
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Wonder – Wonder can power all of the Do-It-Yourself projects in the Dot Creativity Kit. Start with Wonder and discover how the picture-based language allows kids to explore and code adventures with the Dot Creativity Kit.

Dot itself is very dependent upon the apps and it is advisable if possible to use a tablet to play with them rather than a mobile as we found it very fiddly and hard to control on the relatively small screen of a smartphone. Younger children may also need a little direction to help get them up to speed and embrace the interface and how the picture language works. When things get a little baffling, on-screen prompts show the child exactly where to move each module to complete the code.

Add in Lego style connectors and a variety of stickers and ‘dress-up’ accessories to personalise your Bot and Dot transcends your usual ‘tech toy’ to become both a source of endurable fun and creative learning
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Unlike Cue – which came to life very quickly and was racing around the room in no time at all – Dot takes a little more effort and involvement before the surprises really begin. It is the project cards that really bring Dot to life and show off its varied capabilities. The project cards provide games and challenges that direct creative play with each of the kit accessories and turn Dot into – among other things – a Disco ball, a fortune telling Magic 8 ball, a talking dice or even (our favourite) a friendly programmable mood lamp.

Add in Lego style connectors and a variety of stickers and ‘dress-up’ accessories to personalise your Bot and Dot transcends your usual ‘tech toy’ to become both a source of endurable fun and creative learning.

What Comes in the Box:

• Dot the robot with attachable stand
• 2 building brick connectors
• 2 plastic to cardboard connectors
• 20 project cards with games & activities
• 10 costumes
• 1 squishy case
• 1 constructible mood lamp
• Over 100 stickers
• Multiple project accessories
• 1 charging cable
• 3 free downloadable mobile apps (Wonder, Blockly, & Go) with dozens of challenges, puzzles, and hours of free play

RRP: £76.39

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

Ashley Thorpe is Film and Games Correspondent at Tech Trends, award-winning director and animator at Carrion Filmsand full-time dad with an interest in educational toys that can entertain and educate lively young minds. Follow him on Twitter @CarrionScreamin

The post February 2018 Tech Trends Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

Tech Trends takes a look at how technology will play a role in the 2017 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

One of the world’s toughest endurance races is about to kick off in La Gomera, part of the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain. Sponsored by Talisker Whisky more than 30 teams of adventurers from around the globe will try to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the island of Antigua in the West Indies while not drowning, being eaten by sharks or going raving mad after spending 40-70 days stuck with the same sweaty teammates.

Tech is part of a modern adventurer's toolkit
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And as we’ve seen when we covered the F1-Level technology behind the America’s Cup race, tech can lend a hand in helping modern adventurers achieve their goals – in one piece. And when you are out on the open ocean you will be glad of any help you can get!

At first glance the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge conjures up images of whiskered sailors drifting at sea, rowing in shifts and hungrily eyeing up each other up (not in that way) but in the 21st century technology has made the race safer, the boats faster and more energy-efficient. It also ensures communications with home are more reliable, and that rations are nutritious enough to discourage cannibalism (THAT’s what I meant, get your mind out of the gutter). The whiskers, however, remain the same!

In 2017 technology has its part to play, making the race safer, the boats faster and more energy efficient
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More people have actually travelled into space, or climbed Mount Everest than have rowed the Atlantic
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The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge really is one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet – more people have actually travelled into space, or climbed Mount Everest than have rowed the Atlantic so even with technology on your side you have to be prepared to endure tropical storms, sleep deprivation, cold, sweltering heat, giant squid and the psychological stresses of living and working in such an unpredictable environment.

Boats cannot take any repair, help or food and water during the crossing
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Angus Collins, a two-time race winner, has rowed over 15,000 nautical miles across three oceans
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Angus Collins, two-time race winner and ocean rowing record holder, has rowed over 15,000 nautical miles across three oceans, trekked through the heart of Papua New Guinea, raced a Tuk-Tuk across India, run ultra-marathons around the UK and along the way has picked up a number of world records. Adventure and endurance are his life. He also works at Rannoch Adventure, specialists in ocean rowing and high tech boat builders. Rannoch makes the vast majority of the boats used in the race this year.

“With Rannoch Adventure, we have worked with over 75% of the teams in the past 4 years (including this year). I have trained teams, run logistics and shipping, helped with refurbishing boats, built new boats, weather routing, race tactics etc. We are proud to say that we live for ocean rowing, it’s everything we do and it’s all we do!” Collins says. “The modern boats have been designed by myself and Charlie Pitcher who holds the solo record across the Atlantic, the two of us have been brought up on the water, with Charlie sailing in the Americas cup campaigns. We have taken everything we have learnt from all water sports and put it into ocean rowing. Our aim is to make the lightest, fastest and – most importantly – safest boats in the market, and to date, we have achieved this.”

Carbon Zerow, are aiming to be the first certified carbon neutral expedition to cross the Atlantic Ocean
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When you picture a boatload of men rowing across the ocean it might appear to be a pretty environmentally friendly endeavour. Muscle power over engine power and all that, but 2017 challenge team Carbon Zerow, are aiming to be the first certified carbon neutral expedition to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

When you picture a boatload of men rowing across the ocean it might appear to be an environmentally friendly endeavour
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In a boat loaded with tech, the batteries are vitally important. You need to keep them charged up and ensure that all systems that draw power do so as efficiently as possible, Collins explains.

Without power, the team has to hand steer the boat with no auto-helm, which means less rest for the rowers
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“The hardest part of rowing an ocean is managing power consumption. If a team runs their water maker for half an hour too long, then their batteries will drop dramatically and it can take days to build this power back up. I ensure that each team member has an update on an hourly basis on the power consumption. Without power, the team has to hand steer the boat as opposed to using an auto-helm, which means less rest for the rowers. We have 1 boat that has a new “roaming” solar panel, this means the team has a solar panel (74watts) that isn’t attached to the boat but can be placed in a number of positions to allow maximum sun angle. This solar panel has a built-in regulator so the whole device can be plugged straight into the batteries from the deck.”

Carbon Zerow wants to minimise their environmental impact by reducing their CO2 emissions where they can, and then offset the remaining CO2 emissions, that they can do nothing about, such as the emissions required to produce pieces of equipment and travel emissions from flying and driving. With team members based in the US, Scotland and London the team have partnered with The Carbon Trust and are already tracking their travel and overnight stays as well as opting to take public transport, purchasing used equipment where possible and even ditching red meat, poor men!

I was able to see any changes in the weather before the rest of the fleet which gave me a slight advantage
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The Internet is helping keep travel time down during training by communicating via Skype
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The Internet is helping keep travel time down during training by communicating via Skype but this has meant that they have only all got together to train once this year! Out on the ocean all boats are equipped at the race start, and cannot take any repair, help or food and water during the crossing so it is a very lonely couple of months with no resupply points but INMARSAT satellite technology will be in place to allow the teams to communicate with base.

“It used to be that teams would have an Iridium sat phone to communicate with people back at home,” Collins recalls. “This would be used to download and upload e-mails with weather information as well as daily blogs etc. I used an Inmarsat GBAN explorer 510 in 2016 and was able to download my own weather grib files. This meant I was no longer dependent on someone on land to route me, I was able to see any changes in the weather before the rest of the fleet which gave me a slight advantage. The second advantage to using the GBAN is being able to send videos back home, this helps teams with sponsorship and raising funds/awareness for their desired charities.”

This latest satellite tech will also keep them in touch with loved ones and they can Whatsapp pictures and video updates and speak to friends and family via sat phone too.

I have always been one to see how hard I can physically and mentally push myself
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Yet no matter how much tech you have access to you still have to have the will to endure the physical challenge and the drive to compete. And let’s be honest, watching robots rowing across the Atlantic would not be half as fun as seeing Angus and his teammates test the limits of technology and their bodies.

“Ocean rowing is such a fast-growing sport and each crossing I learn new things from others, so having beaten the race record, I knew it was possible to put new tactics into place with the aim to get the world record. I have always been one to push limits and see how hard I can physically and mentally push myself, and with the world record in sight, I wanted to make sure I was in the boat breaking the record over someone else.”

And thanks to technology, you can also follow their adventures with the Race Tracker on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge Website.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

The post Technology Helps Tough Guys Too appeared first on Tech Trends.

Brands are using immersive technologies to enhance user engagement and experience in interesting ways. We’ll drink to that! 

This is the age of experience, where consumers have come to expect more of everything. More engagement, more interaction and more effort from marketers. Traditional marketing methods such as poster campaigns on billboards or buses, TV advertising, embedded website ads and pre-play video clips like you see now on YouTube are decidedly outdated. These techniques only really work on a subliminal level, if that, because the truth is consumers have got very good at ignoring advertising. The game has changed to experience-based marketing, and that’s no bad thing

In the age of experience, consumers have come to expect much more of their favourite brands
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Immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality have the potential to break through those barriers by grabbing a consumer’s attention, engaging them directly and exclusively for minutes at a time, and giving them a rewarding and personalised experience with the brand.

AR has the advantage of being much more intuitive and frictionless than VR, as well as cheaper to produce, so it’s no wonder we’re seeing a lot of brands developing interesting content for it. The other thing that makes AR so attractive is that it’s mobile-based and consumers can easily engage with it on their own device in the palm of their hand, as opposed to having to deal with cables and HMDs, which are still cumbersome and still mostly tied to a particular venue. While VR can still have the effect of feeling isolating and shutting out the outside world, AR experiences are inherently social and shareable.

AR experiences are inherently social and shareable
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The intensely competitive drinks industry is at the forefront of AR marketing with big brands already reaping the benefits of this new technology. Big boys of the beer world Budweiser recently launched a very clever AR campaign. San Francisco-based digital agency Float Hybrid worked with sponsors Bud Light and select NFL teams to incorporate the feature into the NFL team apps. Watch the video below and read our review here.

Big brands already reaping the benefits of Augmented Reality Social Apps
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The Bud Light AR campaign was a triumph on multiple levels
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This Bud Light campaign was a triumph on multiple levels, it was literally frictionless as the AR app was embedded within the NFL’s team apps, which fans often already had downloaded to their devices. It was personal and social, using face-activated tech to put the fan directly into the experience and let them choose their preferred team colours and then share their experience straight to social media with the Budweiser branding embedded. This is a very elegant example of the power of AR to personally engage with your core customers and give them a memorable experience that they want to share.

London bar City Social launched a revolutionary AR cocktail menu this year called Mirage
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Upmarket London bar City Social is another example of the drinks industry successfully leveraging AR. Earlier this year they launched an Augmented Reality Cocktail Menu called Mirage, and last month I finally had a chance to try it out. The experience blew me away, and not just because of the strong – and expertly mixed – spirits on offer.

The Mirage experience blew me away, and not just because of the strong drink
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The Bar Manager Lukas Bulika walked me through the Mirage AR cocktail menu and explained how the AR experiences are activated on your mobile by the special coasters served with the drink of your choice. These coasters augment your tabletop into a range of creative animations that complement the style and ingredients of the specially conceived cocktails. Take a look at the video to see some of the inventive experiences on offer.

A range of creative animations complement the style and ingredients of each cocktail
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I got three cocktails into the menu and wanted to continue trying each different drink and its unique linked experience but at that point was a little too sozzled to be fair! They are rather strong tipples…

Augmenting the whole artisan cocktail experience like this was a huge success. The incredible, sky-high City tower location, stunning views, elegant decor, legendary cocktails and fantastic AR experiences come together to give customers so much more than a tasty drink in a nice bar. It elevates the overall experience and sets a new standard for a thrilling night out, which is what you want when paying for a premium experience, whether it’s a mixology cocktail or a gourmet meal.

Augmenting the whole artisan cocktail experience like this was a huge success
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Lukas was thrilled with the boost in patrons the Mirage menu had provided and plans to evolve and develop the concept going forwards using AR technology to help further define City Social the exclusive venue to go to.

Whisky fans were treated to an exclusive Mixed Reality HoloLens experience
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Macallan’s recent MR & AR campaign around its two 12-year-old whiskies is another excellent example of a big drinks brand getting stuck into the opportunities this bleeding edge tech offers to engage with and educate consumers about its products. Whisky fans were treated to an exclusive Mixed Reality HoloLens experience at Gallery 12, a Single-malt infused, mixed reality art exhibition, launched in New York this October to kick off whisky season.

Gallery 12 used Microsoft’s HoloLens technology to tell the story of The Macallan’s two 12-Year-Old whiskies, Sherry Oak 12 Years Old and Double Cask 12 Years Old, while immersing guests in a visual experience that combined whisky, storytelling, digital content and hologram technology.

Wearing Microsoft HoloLens headsets, visitors traveled through The Macallan’s legendary process to help visitors gain an understanding of the unique wood, natural colour, and flavour of each whisky.

The experience combined whisky, storytelling, digital content and hologram technology
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Alongside the exhibition, they released an AR app specifically designed for the newly released Apple iOS11 ARKit. Download the app and point your iPhone at a bottle of The Macallan 12 to launch an augmented journey narrated by brand ambassador Kieron Elliott.

Peer through virtual windows into forests of European and American Oak, learn about the distinct oak casks, generate swirling light ribbons that reflect the natural colours, and activate the distinctive flavours like cinnamon, fruit and honeycomb for each 12-year-old single-malt whisky expression.

The ARKit app lets users visualise the distinctive flavours in the whisky
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The possibilities to change the way brands market their products are clear but few have yet to fully explore the opportunities mobile AR marketing offers. We are on the brink of a boom in mobile AR marketing and a few key players in the drinks industry are already taking the lead, so it will be interesting to see what happens as more brands join them. It is vital that we realise that AR is not just a marketing tool but it also enhances the experience of the product itself as well as providing a social platform for communicating directly with customers. The possibilities are literally mind-blowing, and the potential rewards for brands are huge, so it wouldn’t be surprising if this ends up being the catalyst for a creative arms race.

Tech Trends offers Virtual Reality Consultancy Services that support businesses looking to adopt VR/AR/MR technologies into their strategy.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

The post Cheers to the future of Mixed Reality appeared first on Tech Trends.

As we get ready for yet another Christmas, Tech Trends has been testing the latest cool technology for you. 

Gantri TL2 3D Printed Lamp

We review every design submission according to our six-point criteria. This ensures that all our products reflect the highest level of design thinking and achieve luxury-level design quality. 

To ensure the quality of every product, we engineer, manufacture and test every product in-house. When you shop on Gantri, you’re guaranteed a product that’s thoughtfully designed and expertly made.

New York Standard Watch

Aukey Bluetooth Receiver Wireless Audio Music Adapter

This neat little Aukey BR-C1 wireless Bluetooth music adapter comes with A2DP, Hands-Free Calling and a 3.5mm stereo jack is designed for both home and car audio systems. It is tiny and comes with all the required cables and was a doddle to set up. In my case I wanted a quick and easy way to play music from my phone or laptop straight to my stereo in the living room and this little gadget was just what I needed.

The Aukey Bluetooth receiver looks good, functions well, and is reasonably priced
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I used some higher quality cables than those supplied and pumped up the volume with a little Iron Maiden, some Big Black Delta and then, for decency’s sake, a Bach Cello Concerto. The quality, I found, is really quite good considering the cost. Great price, good looks, easy setup and good sound, this gadget has earned a permanent spot in my Hi-Fi setup!

• Bluetooth receiver allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your Bluetooth enabled devices to your existing wired home stereo systems, speakers, or headphones
• One button easy pairing with iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones, tablets, and computers in seconds and controlling the calls
• Double links: Connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously; free to enjoy music or answer phone call from either of the two paired devices
• Supports hands-free calling with built-in microphone; 8 hours of talk and play time or up to 720 hours standby time
• Package Contents: AUKEY BR-C1 Bluetooth Receiver, 3.5mm Audio Cable, 3.5mm to RCA Audio Cable, Micro-USB Cable, User Manual, 24-Month Product Replacement Warranty and Friendly Customer Service

RRP: £12.98 reduced from £16.98

Eau Good Duo Water Filter & Infuser Bottle

With an activated stick of Japanese Binchotan charcoal in the bottle, it softens water, adds good minerals such as calcium, removes contaminants, balances PH and absorbs unwanted tastes and odours, including chlorine.

We are so proud of our charcoal filter that we didn’t want to hide it in permanent plastic casing – this means it is very easy to recycle and won’t end up in landfill. After the 6 months of water filtration, one suggestion is to break up the charcoal and put in in your plant pots to remineralise the soil.

WiZ Connected Smart LED Lights

The post November 2017 Tech Trends Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.