It’s Christmas again, and here are few techy gifts you might consider for those who deserve them.

Crave Sex Toys

Ludicrous sex toys that look like rubber chickens and sound like chainsaws are a thing of the past unless you like that kind of thing of course! New companies like Crave are changing the market, making discreet, attractive and sleek toys that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Star Trek. Tech Trends tried out three models, the stunning Vesper necklace, the elegant Wink+ and the powerful Pocket Vibe. Any one of these would make a thrilling stocking filler for your partner or yourself and guarantee a stimulating holiday season.

Ludicrous sex toys that look like rubber chickens and sound like chainsaws are a thing of the past unless you like that kind of thing of course!
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Without doubt the most intriguing and quirky of these toys is the Vesper an unbelievably slim vibrator that doubles up as a necklace or possibly visa versa. The body, tip, and chain are made of 316 high polish stainless steel, with three finishes to choose from: Silver, 24k Gold, and Rose Gold.

To find more perfect gifts for you, check out Instas GearHungry

You can recharge the Vesper quickly with the supplied cable through any USB port. No batteries to mess with and a full charge gives you an impressive 40 minutes of pleasure
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Make it yours. Personalize your Vesper with a special message to yourself or a loved one. Sweet or naughty, your choice.

The Vesper’s 4 speeds and 2 modes (pulsing and constant) are whisper quiet for extreme discretion and you can recharge the Vesper quickly with the supplied cable through any USB port. No batteries to mess with and a full charge gives you an impressive 40 minutes of pleasure.

Almost as attractive is the sleek and minimal Wink+ Crafted from high-quality metals and body-safe silicone, the Wink+ looks a bit like a perfume bottle and claims to provide a much more intense vibration than traditional plastic or silicone vibrators. With an included USB charging cable it recharges quickly and lasts for an incredible 5 hours on the highest setting. Phew!

The Wink+ looks a bit like a perfume bottle and claims to provide a much more intense vibration than traditional plastic or silicone vibrators
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Wink+ brings an understated elegance to your bedroom. Designed for discretion, this compact vibe doesn’t need to hide in the sex toy drawer.

The Wink+ is very elegant and an optional silky smooth silicone cap provides an additional set of textures to explore. The stainless steel Wink+ is fully waterproof for play anytime and anywhere and easy cleaning.

Finally, for those who want to rock, Crave offer the Pocket Vibe a larger and more powerful toy that looks like it means business.

Strong and solid. The Pocket Vibe is designed for those who enjoy a more powerful and intense experience in a compact classic form.

Despite the promised extra oomph, the Pocket Vibe’s motor is still whisper-quiet, delivering deep, rumbly vibrations at the touch of a button with five settings: low, medium-one, medium-two, high, and wave. You also get three body-safe silicone tips for enhanced sensation options: (shown L-R below) ribbed, focused, and flutter!

Despite the promised extra oomph, the Pocket Vibe’s motor is still whisper-quiet, delivering deep, rumbly vibrations at the touch of a button with five settings
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All these toys are beautifully made from solid metal and are waterproof for easy cleaning. From the slinky Vesper up to the more extreme Pocket Vibe, Tech Trends had a very good time indeed and can recommend you pop a Crave vibe in your partner’s stocking this year.

Be sure to check the Crave website for any holiday deals here and prices (dependant on the finish, are below.

• Vesper from $69
• Wink + from $79
• Pocket Vibe from $89

New TILE 2020 range

Tile call their range of nifty products “a family of finders” and they all do this very well, with a few caveats. You are probably familiar with Tile and how they work but for the uninitiated, I’ll recap as this information is pertinent to my review. Attach a tile ‘dongle’ in their various forms to an important object and use the app on a Bluetooth enabled smartphone to locate that device within BT range. Hmmm can you see my potential issue here?

Attach a tile ‘dongle’ in their various forms to an important object and use the app on a Bluetooth enabled smartphone to locate that device within BT range
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Tile gives everything the power of smart location, locating more than six million unique items every day. Leveraging its vast community that spans 195 countries, Tile’s cloud-based finding platform helps people find the things that matter to them most.

The brand new Tile 2020 range primarily adds range and battery life along with a few design tweaks such as replaceable batteries in the Pro version and a thinner Slim wallet tracker. Nothing to sniff at here, Tile reliably revamps their range each year. However, the new 2020 range includes a sticky-backed little button called the Sticker.

Our new Sticker has a 150 ft or 46m range. Slim and Mate each have a range of 200 ft or 61m. Pro features our longest range, coming in at twice the range of Mate and Slim, measuring 400 ft or 122 m. However, as with all wireless technologies, different environments impact the effective range of Bluetooth signals. If your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can check its last known location on the app. This information is automatically updated whenever anyone in the Tile community comes within Bluetooth range of your Tile.

The real news here is the Sticker, which although a little bulkier than might be hoped does indeed stick to any flat surface, even rough Metalic smartphone bodies as I can attest. It is small and versatile (no pun intended!) and opens up a world of possibilities for tracking your important objects that are not your keys or wallet. I love it.

If your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can check its last known location on the app. This information is automatically updated whenever anyone in the Tile community comes within Bluetooth range of your Tile
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Over the years we’ve seen our customers use Tile for a variety of items,” said CJ Prober, Tile CEO. “From wallets to remote controls, power tools to backpacks, our customers have shown us they want a Tile for everything. We’ve designed our new product line to empower the Tile community to find literally anything.

To caveat my only criticism, I’m not a Tile hater, I have used Tile for years and positively reviewed the system on Tech Trends, the system has also been super useful to me on several occasions but Bluetooth is not a very secure connection and I don’t and will not ever leave it on all the time. This is where the Tile system runs into an issue for me, much like the Sure Petcare Animo dog health tracker I reviewed in our recent Black Fridays reviews post if your BT ain’t on it don’t work and mine isn’t often on. Tile themselves sum this up perfectly on their website:

Bluetooth and GPS trackers differ in many ways. In general, GPS trackers maintain a constant connection via satellite and provide real-time tracking. Bluetooth trackers work within a shorter range and are dependent on a connection to a Bluetooth enabled device. Bluetooth trackers typically cost less, are lighter and use less power.

I agree, Bluetooth trackers are cheaper and Tile’s trackers reflect this. I think they are good value if you take into account the tech and online systems behind the devices themselves. I have no issue with the pricing and must emphasise that Tile doesn’t sit on their laurels, their devices are updated and upgraded every year and are always better value and more useful. I just think it’s time they upgraded from Bluetooth to GPS and made them more useful to more people more of the time.

I think they are good value if you take into account the tech and online systems behind the devices themselves
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However, Tile has made it easier to find items by consistently expanding the Bluetooth range and volume level of its hardware devices and within the limits of the technology they have also innovated by leveraging the community of users to benefit everyone. For those moments when an item is truly lost or left behind, the Tile Community steps in to help. Once an item is marked as lost, if any member of the Tile Community passes within Bluetooth range or spots the missing item, the owner is automatically notified with its location. Tile’s ever-expanding Community, comprised of all customers with the Tile app as well as access points, finds more than 90% of items marked as lost.

Our customers increasingly rely on Tile to find and keep track of all of their belongings,” said Prober. “Whether it’s their backpacks, their cameras, or their keys, the Tile community comes together to locate lost items. With more customers using our expanded hardware line-up, more partners adopting our technology, and more access points coming to market every day, we continue to deliver the most versatile and powerful finding platform.

Tile’s ever-expanding Community, comprised of all customers with the Tile app as well as access points, finds more than 90% of items marked as lost
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These are great devices for day to day items that are always nearby in your home or office, it is simply time that these Bluetooth only devices upgraded to a more comprehensive positioning system and function in a way that means they work for us whatever we are doing and wherever we are and more importantly whatever device and connection we are using. With Apple threatening to release it’s own Tag system soon Tile will need to advance their offering.

These are great devices for day to day items that are always nearby in your home or office
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Pricing and Availability
All four products are available on Tile.com and major retailers; including Amazon, John Lewis, Curry’s and Argos.

– Tile Sticker: Available in Black, starting from £34.99 for a 2-pack, £54.99 for a 4-pack
– Tile Slim: Available in Black for £24.99
– Tile Mate: Available in White, for £19.99
– Tile Pro: Available in Black and White, for £29.99

With gifting season around the corner, Tile has multi-packs available.

– Pro Combo: 2-Pack at £49.99 and 4-Pack at £89.99
– Mate: 4-Pack available at £59.99
– Tile Essentials: 2 Tile Stickers, 1 Tile Slim, 1 Tile Mate available for £64.99
– Tile Mate/Slim Combo: 2 Mates and 2 Slims, available for £69.99

Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam

The Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam is relatively inexpensive at $169.99 considering it is way more than just a dashboard camera. It claims to be the world’s first Dash Cam with Emergency SOS to ensure your journey is safer than ever before. It will alert the emergency services to your location in the event of the accident and send on crucial medical data to aid efficient treatment.

It claims to be the world’s first Dash Cam with Emergency SOS to ensure your journey is safer than ever before
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The MyNextbase Emergency SOS service is designed to alert the emergency services in situations where the user has been involved in an accident which renders them incapable of alerting the emergency services themselves

For me the most exciting feature of this new Series 2 dashcam is it’s Autosynch Bluetooth 4.2 low energy technology and Wi-Fi connectivity meaning your latest video files can easily be sent to your smartphone or tablet. This is huge. No more fiddling to remove tiny microSD cards and manually transferring the video files to a computer, it happens wirelessly. Also the 322GW automatically records two video files (High and Low resolution) so you can easily view the videos quickly whilst having the full high quality available to download if you need to zoom in on number plate detail.

The most exciting feature is it’s Autosynch Bluetooth 4.2 low energy technology and Wi-Fi connectivity meaning your latest video files can easily be sent to your smartphone or tablet. This is huge
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Then once on your phone, Nextbase claims it is quick and easy to edit and share your footage straight to your insurer using the MyNextbase Connect App on Android and iOS. The new Bluetooth Autosync feature also means that your dashcam is automatically connected to your phone when you enter the car, ready to use the Emergency SOS service (model 322GW and above) or Alexa or (422GW and above).

The new Bluetooth Autosync feature also means that your dashcam is automatically connected to your phone when you enter the car, ready to use the Emergency SOS service
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Another cool feature is Intelligent Parking Mode which records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended. Intelligent Parking mode is an option that can be selected in the menu of every new Series 2 Dash Cam. As soon as you park and your ignition is turned off, the Dash Cam will automatically switch into “parking mode” by shutting down everything except the G Force sensor (accelerometer). The sensitivity of the G force sensor is then increased dramatically.

With only the G Force sensor active the power consumption is incredibly low, using the internal battery the dashcam to detect any knock or bump to your vehicle for over a week
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With only the G Force sensor active the power consumption is incredibly low, using the internal battery the dashcam can detect any knock or bump to your vehicle for over a week. If your car is bumped and the G Force sensor registers movement then the dashcam will automatically turn on, record for 3 minutes and then shut back down again. If you are unlucky enough to be hit twice in a row then the dashcam would automatically record again and capture both events.

The GPS is also a step up from other systems I have looked at. Nextbase Series 2 Dash Cams (322GW and up) use two satellites systems combined to give the most accurate and reliable GPS fix. They take data from both the American GPS satellite and the Russian (GLONAS) system to provide data that is very accurate indeed. On top of this, the new Nextbase Series 2 Dash Cams refresh at 10HZ. This means that every second the Dash Cam captures 10 data readings, ensuring that the trace shown on Google Maps is accurate and smooth.

By having such a high refresh rate the GPS system also captures very accurate speed and acceleration data, which is shown in MyNextbase Player and can be critical in the event of an incident
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By having such a high refresh rate the GPS system also captures very accurate speed and acceleration data, which is shown in MyNextbase Player and can be critical in the event of an incident. The 322GW is also compatible with the Nextbase Rear-View Camera Modules to add a second camera. Personalise your Dash Cam and choose one of 3 different rear camera views from Rear, Cabin or Rear Window view.

Features: 1080p HD resolution at 30 fps, 2.5” HD IPS touch screen, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, AutoSync, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Desktop Player

This is a very comprehensive system that has more than a few tricks up its sleeve plus is very reasonably priced. With each purchase, you get one free year’s subscription to the Emergency SOS service, subscribed to via their app, and after that, it is a paid service. Also with every Nextbase Series 2 Dashcam, you are given free MyNextbase Cloud Storage to allow you easily send files to your friends or insurance company. The cloud storage is fully secure, allowing you to access your footage anywhere in the world. Every video uploaded to the MyNextbase Cloud from your app can be hosted for free for a full 30 days before being deleted giving you plenty of time to share the video if necessary.

The MyNextbase Cloud Storage is fully secure, allowing you to access your footage anywhere in the world
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There are plenty more details of this system on the Nextbase website including the desktop video software that I didn’t get around to trying out. I was very impressed with the 322GW camera and all the supporting services and you can pick one up for $169.99 here.

Piper Computer Kit 2

It was way back in 2017 when I reviewed the first version of the Piper Computer Kit and my first impressions were very good. Now, in the tail end of 2019, we are presented with a new version 2, details here. It is an updated kit including a newer more powerful Raspberry Pi and a bigger and much-improved screen.

DIY LEARNING
Piper drives students to learn what is behind the screen. This educational, DIY experience ranges from building a wooden case, to connecting the hardware of a real working computer.

I handed testing duties off to my niece Roxy and nephew Logan, who immediately emptied the box onto the bed and got stuck in. Minor sibling friction aside they did a good job following the cool blueprints and got the Piper put together and running in about an hour.

The Piper Computer Kit provides an engineering blueprint enabling students to engage in a sensory experience that bridges visual and tactile learning
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FEATURES

• 25+ laser-etched wooden and acrylic pieces
• 50+ hardware pieces
• 20+ electronic components
• 9″ LCD display with HDMI cable
• 7800 mAh rechargeable battery
• Integrated speaker
• 16GB MicroSD card
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model BPhillips-head screwdriver
• Wi-Fi Software Updates
• 8 square foot laminated blueprint
• USB Mouse

VISUAL PROBLEM SOLVING
The Piper Computer Kit provides an engineering blueprint enabling students to engage in a sensory experience that bridges visual and tactile learning.

Learning through gameplay and storytelling is not a new idea, but by theming the entire kit around the massively popular Minecraft games Piper instantly gets kids on board
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With endorsement from Steve Wozniak and funding from Princeton University, Reach Capital, Jaan Tallinn and 500 Startups the Piper Computer Kit comes with an impressive pedigree to recommend it and the kit is ultra-slick looking, very tactile and approachable, with play-focused functionality and aesthetics. The Minecraft theme also makes it instantly attractive for kids of all ages.

STORYMODE
Learners explore the virtual world of the Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft and learn electronic concepts through engaging, interactive game levels. Discover new planets, make friends with intergalactic heroes, Pip and Piperbot, and inspire confidence in STEAM to make gaming a valuable and educational experience.

Learning through gameplay and storytelling is not a new idea, but by theming the entire kit around the massively popular Minecraft games Piper instantly gets kids on board, and the building principles of the gameplay work perfectly alongside the engineering, electronics and programming skills the kit introduces.

BUILT TO LAST
The Piper Computer Kit has been designed to be taken apart and put back together multiple times. Whether built, partially built, or disassembled, the purposefully engineered packaging makes storing the Piper Computer Kit incredibly simple.

Overall this is an excellent product if you use it and all the resources available long after the initial build is complete. $299 for the kit alone is a big investment but the Piper team are not exactly resting on their laurels, and they’re constantly expanding and evolving what it’s possible to do with the kit and through their Piper Code website they offer a wealth of ongoing and self-directed project ideas and inspiration.

$299 for the kit alone is a big investment but on the Piper Code website they offer a wealth of ongoing and self-directed project ideas and inspiration
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IMMERSIVE SOFTWARE PIPERCODE
PiperCode uses Blockly by Google, a drag & drop coding language that enables students to modify and change how their electronics work on the Raspberry Pi. PiperCode includes preloaded projects that allow students to code and program physical electronic games!

PiperCode uses Blockly by Google, a drag & drop coding language that enables students to modify and change how their electronics work on the Raspberry Pi
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Learners establish a basic foundation in coding with PiperCode. They will be able to easily transition from Blockly to advanced languages like Python
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• INFINITE CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES
  Go beyond the box and create your games. Students gain coding skills while having creative control over their own projects.
• CODE PHYSICAL GAMES
  PiperCode includes preloaded projects that allow students to code and program physical electronic games!
• FULL CREATIVE CONTROL
  PiperCode uses Blockly by Google, a drag & drop coding language that enables students to modify and change how their electronics work on the Raspberry Pi.
• BASIC TO PYTHON PROGRAMMING
  Learners establish a basic foundation in coding with PiperCode. They will be able to easily transition from Blockly to advanced languages like Python.
• GAME PROJECTS THAT YOU CODE FROM START TO FINISH
  Learn the basics of coding with over 7 fun physical electronic games you code yourself! Follow simple step by step tutorials!

Be sure to keep your Piper Computer updated when it’s connected to the Internet and to get full value out of the kit you must check out all the online resources available as the fun certainly doesn’t end when you complete the kit build, that’s just the start of your adventure.

Find out more and pick one up here and get $70 off with promo code PIPER70
You then only pay $229, now that is a bargain!

Harry Potter Wizarding World Gold Subscription

The new Wizarding World Gold subscription looks to be the perfect gift for the Potter Heads in your family this Christmas. Designed to give official fan club members a little extra, the annual Gold subscription includes a personalised Keys and Curios journal that interacts with the Wizarding World app to unlock further content, access to all the ebooks in the series on your digital devices plus many more exclusive benefits. Your Keys and Curios journal is filled with interactive secrets and surprises that come to life in magical ways with the Wizarding World app. Look out for the Enchanted Keys hidden within to unlock the magic.

The new Wizarding World Gold subscription looks to be the perfect gift for the Potter Heads in your family this Christmas
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Each and every Keys and Curios journal is totally unique and can be gifted so the journal will be personalised with the recipient’s name and Hogwarts House. There are Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts surprises and more to discover each month and with the collectable pin, featuring the Enchanted Key emblem, your spelltastic loved one can wear their membership with pride wherever they go.

Delve even deeper into the magical universe you love with this spellbinding annual subscription. The ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans. Order Gold now for $74.99 (US) or £59.99 (UK) per year.

Each and every Keys and Curios journal is totally unique and can be gifted so the journal will be personalised with the recipient's name and Hogwarts House
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With the holidays in mind, the Wizarding World Gold Subscription can also be presented in a beautiful gift-box! Recipients are then directed to complete their Wizarding World Gold subscription online or in the free app
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With the holidays in mind, the Wizarding World Gold Subscription can also be presented in a beautiful gift-box (Gold in a Box) where recipients are directed how to complete their Wizarding World Gold subscription either online or in the free app.

The first stop on their adventure will start with the Sorting Ceremony to select their house before having the opportunity to order their personalised Keys and Curious journal. In addition to all of the free content already available in the Wizarding World app such as interactive quizzes, secret codes, and weekly fanzine, the Gold subscription will unlock:

• Wizarding World Originals – Immerse yourself in our new video series, which is set to unravel the mysteries and uncover the secrets from all corners of the Wizarding World. Learn about the creative talent and craftspeople who bring you closer to the magic in The Workshop and discover our pick of behind-the-scenes content in From The Archive.
• eBooks – Take the magic of J.K. Rowling wherever you go with all seven eBooks of the original Harry Potter stories, available on the Wizarding World app for the duration of your subscription.
• Collectible pin badges – You’ll receive the first pin badge in your welcome gift. Plus, claim collectible pin badges from selected Wizarding World UK and US locations including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatres in London, New York & San Francisco, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Hollywood as well as at the iconic Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station, London.
• Special events – Get access to Gold subscriber events throughout the year, such as the Wizarding World Christmas Party in the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London later this year.
• Exclusive discounts – Enjoy discounts from the new Wizarding World.com shop, the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station, London, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as Warner Bros. Studio Tour stores in both London and Hollywood.
• Priority booking – Look forward to priority access to tickets for the most popular Wizarding World events and locations, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child shows in London, New York, and San Francisco as well as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
• Early access – Unlock early access to limited-edition Wizarding World Gold merchandise ranges and curious collectibles – before they go on general release.
• Plus, plenty of perks – including new quizzes and puzzles, chances to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and much, much more!

From the imagination of J.K. Rowling – Explore the grounds of Hogwarts as they were first imagined – from the Whomping Willow to the Great Lake – with a postcard of J.K. Rowling’s original Hogwarts sketch.

The Gold discounts and exclusive access features let you enjoy a range of discounts, including 20% off at the Wizarding World online shop, 10% off at the Platform 9¾ store at King’s Cross, 10% off at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter store and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood store, 10% off at the MinaLima store in London and online and $50 off The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package at Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, get early access to limited-edition Wizarding World Gold merchandise ranges and curious collectables – before they go on general release.

The Gold discounts and exclusive access features let you enjoy a range of discounts
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The exclusive content also looks pretty cool. Discover behind-the-scenes content in ‘From The Archive’ and learn about the creative talent and craftspeople who bring the magic to life in the first instalment of the new Wizarding World Originals video series, ‘The Workshop’. There’s a whole host of curious content waiting to be explored, as well as new quizzes and puzzles, updated regularly.

With individual cover designs for each of the Hogwarts houses created by MinaLima – the designers behind the graphic style of the Harry Potter films – the Keys and Curios journal is your chance to own a piece of the Wizarding World.

Discover behind-the-scenes content in 'From The Archive' and learn about the creative talent and craftspeople who bring the magic to life
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Be sure to claim the collectable pin badges from selected Wizarding World UK and US locations, enjoy the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences and look forward to more magical surprises to come.

It's hard to say that when all the benefits included are added up it is not a well designed and high-quality offering!
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A lot of comments from fans online are concerned that, no matter how cool, The Wizarding World Gold subscription is squeezing Harry Potter fans even harder for their devotion to the series but it is hard to say that when all the benefits included are added up it is not a well designed and high-quality offering.

Check out more info on the package here and the annual subscription sells for $74.99 (US) or £59.99 (UK) per year.

Roxi – Ultimate Music Entertainment System

The new ROXi music system is a compact, networked home music entertainment system that is quick to set up, easy to use and compatible with most TVs and external speakers. With 40 million songs available, spanning every decade and genre of music your family will never run out of musical inspiration and on traditional Karaoke nights you will have over 60,000 transcribed tracks to choose from or, unique to ROXi, you can Sing with the Stars, with your voice and theirs crooning together.

The new ROXi music system is a compact, networked home music entertainment system that is quick to set up, easy to use and compatible with most TVs and external speakers
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The nifty handheld controller and microphone features built in voice search to help you find specific songs, games and playlists or you can navigate the simple ROXi interface with good old buttons. The ROXi comes with hundreds of built-in playlists covering every possible mood or occasion from dinner parties to entertaining the kids and even workouts.

The ROXi comes with hundreds of built-in playlists covering every possible mood or occasion from dinner parties to entertaining the kids and even workouts
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It even comes with exclusive playlists put together for you by celebrities including Robbie Williams, Alesha Dixon and Sheryl Crow! An additional controller is available for an extra £19.95 when you buy your new ROXi system so you and your bestie can sing cacophonous duets.

The all new ROXi is a huge leap forward in home music entertanment with a brand-new TV interface that’s fun and easy to use, Smart Voice Technology, an expanded music catalogue with over 40 million songs, music games and ROXi’s unique Sing with the Stars feature. With ROXi you’ll be having so much fun together this Christmas! Rob Lewis – ROXi

Over 10,000 radio stations bring you the latest from the charts plus music from around the world while music trivia games will keep your knowledge fresh and are designed to suit all ages and tastes. If your tired brain needs a rest or you just want to focus on your yoga you can also access a range of curated therapeutic audio tracks in the ROXi Sound Machine.

If your tired brain needs a rest or you just want to focus on your yoga you can also access a range of curated therapeutic audio tracks in the ROXi Sound Machine
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Every ROXi unit comes with a one year Premium Music Pass after which you will need to renew your pass for about £52 for another year of music access. Compared to the other premium music streaming services out there this is a pretty good deal as long as you are happy to stream at home via the ROXi.

Compared to the other premium music streaming services out there this is a pretty good deal as long as you are happy to stream at home via the ROXi
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The device is attractively designed and the soft-touch Wii-style gesture controller allows both easy navigation and sing-along fun
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The device is attractively designed and the soft-touch Wii-style gesture controller allows both easy navigation and sing-along fun. For the menu, simply connect the hub to your TV via an HDMI cable, this cable can carry the audio too if you choose or you can connect to remote speakers via Bluetooth or a good old wired 3.5mm Aux jack output. Then just hook it up to you Wi-Fi or plug in a network cable and you are good to go. The on screen interface is simple and looks great, with the Smart Voice tech often proving the fastest way to get where you want to be.

Tear the kids away from their smart devices and TV screens and get the family together for a good old singalong this Christmas. Pick up a ROXi for a one time discounted price of £99.95 here (don’t forget to order an extra controller!) or for 5 monthly payments of £19.99.

Tom Atkinson is Reviews & Dep. Editor at Tech Trends. Follow him on Twitter @techtrends_tech

The post Christmas 2019 Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

Littlebits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit

Littlebits makes all manner of modular STEM kits and solutions for teachers and parents but this one is possibly the coolest educational toy ever! It includes some Lego-like construction, a bit of electronics and some easy-access coding so kids can modify and personalise their super hero glove as they wish. Including the ability to control the colour and strobing of lights, a movement and speed sensor plus an awesome stealth mode ability – I won’t spoil that one for you. Littlebits draws kids into playing with and learning basic STEM while playing at being their favourite Marvel superhero.

Littlebits draw kids into playing with and learning basic STEM while living as their favourite Marvel superhero.
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I can’t recommend this enough and only wish my hands were smaller! You can pick one up for only $105 here thanks to Littlebits’ 30% off Black Friday deals.

BlitzWolf® AmpCore BW-TC4 3A Braided USB Type-C to Type-C Charging Data Cable 3.33ft/1m

These are really lovely cables. Braided cables have long been my favourite but they can often be a bit thicker than is useful, however, these AmpCore cables from BlitzWolf are pleasingly thin and very well made.

Braided cables have long been my favourite but they can often be a bit thicker than is useful, however, these AmpCore cables from BlitzWolf are pleasingly thin and very well made
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Each cable rolls up small and the Gold-plated heads are really slim so should fit in USB sockets hidden in the narrowest crooks and crannies. Under testing, they stood up to their quoted speeds and quickly charged several phones. As you can see in the video below they are also stronger than the Hulk, just in case you need that. More info on each cable below.

Each cable rolls up small and the Gold-plated heads are really slim so should fit in USB sockets hidden in the narrowest crooks and crannies
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These cables have data transfer speeds of up to 480MBps and also support charging during data transfer
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BlitzWolf® AmpCore BW-TC4 3A Braided USB Type-C to Type-C Charging Data Cable 3.33ft/1m

56kΩ Standard Resistor is included to ensure that your device will not drain extra power out of the power source, which may lead to over-heating and serious issues. Supports 3.6-12V fast charging at up to 3A current, compatible with Qualcomm QC2.0, QC3.0, MTK Pump Express Plus and other fast charging technology. Data transfer speeds of up to 480MBps and also supports charging during data transfer. Compatible with most Type-C port digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras/camcorders, hard drives, e-readers, power banks and portable game players.

Premium Quality Materials: Nickel-plated reversible connector heads and 1m/3.33ft durable braided wire sheath with 22AWG power and 30AWG data tinned copper wire cores can be bent over 5000 times with no change in performance.

Specification:
Brand: BlitzWolf®
Model: AmpCore BW-TC4
Plug: 56kΩ standard resistance USB Type-C Male to USB Type-C Male, Nickel-plated Reversible Connector Heads
Materials: Double Color Injection Molding + TPE Cover & Polyester Fiber Jacket
Wire Core: 30 AWG(Data) + 22 AWG(Power)
Output: 3.6-12V, up to 3A
Data Sync Speed: Up to 480Mbps
Length: 1m/3.33ft
OD: 4.0mm
Color: Red & Grey

BlitzWolf® AmpCore Turbo BW-TC9 3A Braided Durable USB 3.0 to Type-C Charging Data Cable 3ft/0.9m

Fast USB 3.0 Type C: data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, more than 10 times faster than USB 2.0. cables. Internal Resistor: Type C cables without an internal resistor can overheat or damage your device. Ampcore Type C cables have a built-in 56kΩ resistor that provides smooth and safe charging. Supports 3.6-12V fast charging at up to 3A, and is compatible with Qualcomm QC2.0, QC3.0, MTK Pump Express Plus and most other fast charging technologies. Compatible with most Type-C digital devices such as smart phones, tablets, MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, hard drives, e-readers, power banks and portable game players.

Premium Quality Materials:
-Gold-plated reversible connector heads won’t corrode over time and provide unrivalled long-term conductivity.
-Flexible and strong braided wire sheath can be bent over 5000 times with no change in performance.
-Engineered with 22AWG power and 32AWG data tinned copper wire cores for fast charging and data transfer.

Specification:
Brand: BlitzWolf®
Model: BW-TC9
Material: Protective Tinned Copper Mesh + Aluminum Foil Shielding + Environmental Flexible Braided Jacket
Plug: Standard USB3.0 A Male to USB Type-C Male, Gold-plated Reversible Connector Head
Wire Core: 32 AWG(Data)*3 + 22 AWG(Power)
Output: 3.6-12V, up to 3A
Data Sync Speed: Up to 5Gbps (USB3.1 Gen1)
Length: 0.9m/3ft
OD: 4.0mm
Colour: Red Cable & Black Metal Plug

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up the USB-3 to USB-C here for £3.17 and the Type C – Type C here for £4.36

Naked Nutrition Protine Powders & Supplements

We have been looking at wellness products here at Tech Trends and seeing innovation everywhere in this booming market. In September we tried out Soylent Meal Replacements and this month it’s the turn of Naked Nutrition. From Grass-Fed Whey Protein to Pea Protein Powder to Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder, Naked Nutrition provides the “purest supplements”. They claim their powders are loaded with essential amino acids and no artificial sweeteners or colours and commit to offering the best protein powders and supplements including Powdered Peanut Butter, Casein Protein, Creatine Monohydrate and many more.

We are looking at health and wellness products here at Tech Trends and are seeing innovation everywhere in this booming market
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We tested out their Collagen Peptides Powder, the Powdered Peanut Butter and the mindboggling Branched Chain Amino Acids, WTF? Well, this last one claims “the highest pharmaceutical grade, fastest dissolving, and rapidly absorbed Branch Chain Amino Acids available”. OK, so that does what? Naken Nutrition says studies have shown that BCAA supplementation improves strength and muscle development, speeds recovery, and increases endurance for men and women at all fitness levels. I am afraid all I can say is that it tasted OK but as a slothful couch potato I can’t speak to its powers of recovery or muscle boosting powers. I might be the wrong person to review these…? Anyway the Powdered Peanut Butter next!

Naked PB is a vegan peanut butter protein powder made exclusively from peanuts grown on US farms. Our powdered peanut butter is made from slow-roasted, non-GMO peanuts that are mechanically pressed to remove fat and oil. The result is a peanut butter powder that is over 40% protein. Gain the nutritional benefits of powdered peanut butter and enjoy its flavor by using it in recipes from cakes and muffins to smoothies. Naked Nutrition is committed to shortening the steps between our farms and you.

Studies have shown that BCAA supplementation improves strength and muscle development, speeds recovery, and increases endurance for men and women at all fitness levels
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If you love peanuts and crave protein then this is for you, but not me. Now, this next one I can relate to. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and a major component of connective tissues in tendons, ligaments and having a long-term knee injury I can recommend others with joint problems regularly consume collagen and this supplement is as good a way as any to do that.

Consuming collagen provides health benefits including joint health, youthful skin, healthy hair, protecting cartilage and bones, and workout recovery. Our hydrolyzed collagen powder is sourced from European cows that are pasture raised. Highly soluble and tasteless, use our grass fed collagen peptide powder in hot beverages such as your morning coffee, cold sports drinks, tea before sleep or as an unflavored protein base in pre and post-workout smoothies.

I have taken Glucosamine for a few years and this should provide similar benefits without struggling to swallow those enormous horse pills
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Now, this tub will stay on my counter and I’ll keep myself topped up to ease pain and stiffness in my knee. I have taken Glucosamine for a few years and this should provide similar benefits without struggling to swallow the enormous horse pills I used to take. Check out Naked Nutrition here and sample some of their range of 21st-century health supplements.

BlitzWolf BW-BR4 Bluetooth V5.0 aptX 2 Way HD Music Receiver & Transmitter

I have tested one-way Bluetooth transmitters and receivers but not a two-way device and this BW-BR4 from BlitzWolf is one nifty little gadget for anyone who loves music and fiddling with tech. That’s all of you I hope! Set up is super simple if you have a basic need to transmit both ways between two devices but I took it a bit far and made a mess. However, the BW-BR4 performed exactly as it should and the Bluetooth 5.0 sound quality was excellent.

I wanted to stream music from my phone to my amplifier in receive mode and transmit the audio from my Playstation 4 to my Skullcandy Bluetooth headphones using the transmit mode.
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I wanted to stream music from my phone to my amplifier in receive mode and transmit the audio from my Playstation 4 to my Skullcandy Bluetooth headphones using the transmit mode. That means I was using the BW-BR4 as a hub between four devices! Long story short, the hub worked fine but I got in a terrible pickle when managing the four connected devices. Duuuuh!

I kept switching on the wrong device at the wrong time and then getting confused when pairing the phone or the headphones in the right order.

That means I was using the BW-BR4 as a hub between four devices! Long story short, the hub worked fine but I got in a terrible pickle when managing the four connected devices. Duuuuh!
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The BlitzWolf BW-BR4 performed exactly as it should and the Bluetooth 5.0 sound quality was excellent
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I got it to work after much shouting but decided the hub was smarter than my brain so abandoned that crazy config. It has the ports for this, though, and I think most audiophiles will be happy with the connectivity on hand here.

Features:

• Transmitter and receiver 2 in 1
• Transmitter mode: Turn your TV/Computer/Laptop into a Bluetooth-enabled device. You can listen to the audio from your Bluetooth headset and watch a movie or play a game without interfering with anyone.
• Receiver mode: Connect the BR4 to your home speaker system/car stereo/headphones and turn it into a Bluetooth audio device. You can then connect your smartphone or other Bluetooth device and play music wirelessly.
• CSR BC8675 Bluetooth Chip. The CSR BC8675 chip gives you Bluetooth V5.0 and optical audio output for a truly universal wireless solution.
  328 ft Wireless Connection Range
• Built-in antenna, up to 100 meters (328 ft) long range and stable transmission to share your audio from indoors to outdoors.
• Optical Fiber Transmit
• Gives you the option of digital connection to your playback device for maximum audio quality.
• Long Standby Time
• With a built-in 600mAh battery, you get up to 17 hours working time and 175 hours standby time.

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up a BW-BR4 here for £31.79

Piper Educational Computer Kit

So In my honorary role as the eternal child at Tech Trends, I gleefully rolled up my sleeves and got stuck into building my own Piper Raspberry Pi computer. Even for someone used to building awesome toys, this was really something, combining ultra-slick presentation and a very tactile, approachable and play-focused functionality and aesthetics. The Minecraft theme also makes it instantly approachable for kids of all ages, even those in their late 30s.

 

Overall this is an excellent product as it is, but the Piper team are not exactly resting on their laurels, as they’re constantly expanding and evolving their storylines and adding new games and challenges so be sure to keep your Piper Computer updated when it’s connected to the Internet, as the fun certainly doesn’t end when you complete your first mission. In fact, that’s just the start of your adventure.

Get your hands on one for only $249 here with a holiday discount.

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up a BW-AS1 here for £63.59 and save with this Holiday 15% off coupon code AS1:15AS1

This mains powered high speed charger is an excellent travel companion
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It provides six fast charging USB outputs from one mains connection and comes in a variety of standard international plug configurations
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Ever wonder why your smartphone charges faster from some charging ports and slower from others? Often, it’s not just the power that your charger can offer. Instead, it comes down to compatibility. Some ports simply don’t speak the right language to open up your device to full speed charging. Try plugging an iPhone into an Android adapter, or vice versa, and your charge time could be double so the BWS4 gives you six standard USB outputs, all connected to the same 50W power supply, all pumping out the same high-speed charge.

Features :

• 50W of Power – Enough to full-charge multiple devices simultaneously.
• 6 Ports Optional – Enough charging ports to handle a family’s worth of gear.
• 3S Power Technology – High-speed charging of up to 2.4A per port. Safe charging and multi-channel protection.
• Portable & Convenient – Creative two-side holder design, provides convenient charging. Compact and light design, ideal for home, work, holidays and wherever else you may go.

Take a look at all BlitzWolf’s products here on the wonderfully named banggood.com or pick up a BWS4 here for £15.89

The post November BLACK FRIDAY 2018 Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

Welcome to our first reviews post of the new year, and true to form, we pretty much have a gadget for everything. Enjoy!

Zeiss VR ONE Plus Headset

Zeiss is famous for pushing the boundaries of optical excellence and their stills cameras are legendary. They now created a Virtual Reality headset that provides a very comfortable experience (especially for glasses wearers like myself) and great imagery for a reasonable price. The VR ONE Plus is well designed with ventilation ports to prevent fogging and easy access to the headphone jack.

The VR ONE Plus is well designed with ventilation ports to prevent fogging and easy access to the headphone jack
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Any smartphone with a screen size between 4.7” and 5.5” will fit and the expandable handset tray works well and fits nicely into the side of the headset and it all comes apart for cleaning those greasy lenses. I tested it with the budget Honor 7X, a great phone but not the most powerful and the screen is only 1080p but the results were OK. The headset boasts an ”eye-box” that claims to remove the need to make any mechanical lens adjustments during your experience. I am not sure exactly what this is but my screen was certainly in focus during testing, so it worked.

You can use the VR ONE Plus with or without a head strap, but it is a very comfortable and sturdy strap if you do choose to use it. The tinted visor on the front of the headset is enabled for Augmented Reality apps. I couldn’t test this but the visor does leave the camera unobscured so I will chase down a more powerful AR-capable phone and update you. You can choose content from hundreds of different VR apps, games and experiences available through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The big names are all supported –  Within, Jaunt VR, NYTVR and Arte360 as well as VR games and even FPV controller apps for radio controlled vehicles.

Overall it’s a sturdy and useful headset, is smartphone brand agnostic and was easy and comfortable to use. The Zeiss VR ONE Plus was also well made and lacks those dangerously sharp, unfinished plastic edges that are the curse of cheaply moulded headsets and have previously opened a capillary or two of this unsuspecting reviewer.

RRP: £69.99

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3z – USB 3 Flash Drive

RRP: From £70

Cue CleverBot

It has long been a dream to own a ‘living breathing’ interactive robot that will respond to commands whilst exhibiting a distinct personality of its own and Wonder Workshop believes that it’s latest automated toy ‘CUE’, launching this month, is the next leap towards that goal.

You can engage in chat, control movement, create reactive sensor behaviours or even code creative interactions using block or JavaScript
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Unlike many previous automated robots – which were essentially remote-controlled toys with minimal interactive functions – CUE has a more emotive AI system as well as a choice of 4 playful avatars to customise how your robot interacts with you. Linked to an app you can engage in chat, control movement, create reactive sensor behaviours or even code creative interactions using block or JavaScript programming at a variable skill level depending on age and ability.

The robots display autonomous behaviours and encourage emotional engagement, further enhancing the learning experience. Companion apps are available on iOS, Android, and Kindle

Pitched at 11+ CUE is certainly a little advanced for younger children who will delight in the bot roaming the room learning to avoid obstacles whilst chattering away, but will struggle both with setup and some of the more text-heavy interactions. I test played it with a 4-year-old, a 13-year-old and an 18-year-old and although the 4-year-old happily ran around after it like a puppy, the CUE was definitely more suitable for the early teen bracket. Simple functions such as the ability to record phrases into the Bot and send them off to relay messages will delight younger children (and provide an endless source for mischief) whilst the coding possibilities held the teenager’s attention.

The greatest expectation with any automated toy - especially one that pitches itself as an interactive robot - is how ‘alive’ it feels
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Unlike many previous automated robots CUE has a more emotive AI system as well as a choice of 4 playful avatars
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The greatest expectation with any automated toy – especially one that pitches itself as an interactive robot – is how ‘alive’ it feels as on the whole most toys that make this bold claim tend to disappoint and their limitations grow apparent pretty quickly, especially when they come with a hefty price tag. CUE chat can feel quite scripted, like keywords inevitably trigger pre-programmed answers and the repetitive nature of the toys responses whilst roaming soon reveal the limit of its conversation and personality, but functions such as watching CUE react to sounds, looking down at your hand as you reach towards it and an ability to react to its surroundings (and muddle past obstacles) invest personality into the toy and had my children laughing with it rather than at it.

Despite its prevalence in the world, coding is still considered to be a difficult subject/skill to learn, but everything becomes easier if you can make it fun. Cue and Dot are equal parts learning tool and toy. They have been developed to teach children vital skills, widely prized on the jobs market, without browbeating, allowing them to develop at their own pace. Vikas Gupta, Wonder Workshop CEO and Co-founder

The ability to toggle the avatars are definitely a plus and the ability to learn how to code to control CUE will certainly add additional playability. R2D2 it isn’t – not yet – but in terms of an automated toy that can be used both as a simple plaything and a fun way to get children interested both in tech and coding, the CUE is a big robotic thumbs up.

• 3 Proximity Sensors
• Real-time Bluetooth
• IR Robot Interaction
• 3 Processors & Sensor Fusion
• Dual Motors & Potentiometers
• 3 Microphones & Speaker
• Programmable LED & Buttons
• 2 Powered Wheels & Encoders

RRP: £169.99

Review by Ashley Thorpe, Animator & Filmmaker at Carrion Films and Film & Games Correspondent at Tech Trends. Follow him on Twitter @CarrionScreamin

Aukey Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones

These Aukey Bluetooth Wireless Headphones are currently discounted on Amazon and after testing them out they seem to be a bit of a bargain. They boast three EQ sound settings plus aptX technology ensuring that, when used with compatible devices, you get the very best audio quality over Bluetooth 4.1. They also use CVC 6.0 noise cancellation with the built-in dual mic so your calls should sound clear, so the question is, what don’t they do?

Well, I can vouch that they are a comfortable fit and come with several different size ear buds and ear hooks so even a Klingon jogging on a treadmill could wear them without issues. They are super-lightweight (13g / 0.46oz) despite the built-in rechargeable battery and Aukey claims an extended playtime of 8 hours of music (about 120 songs) or 240 hours of standby time on a single 1.5-hour charge. I have used they on and off for a month and not needed to recharge so far.

Water and sweat proof they are IPX4-certified water-resistant with internal nano-coating to withstand sweat and rain when used outdoors and the earbuds magnetically fasten around your neck when not in use. Like all Aukey products, these headphones are backed by a 24-Month Product Warranty which, when combined with Amazon’s excellent returns procedures is very reassuring indeed.

But, I hear you say, do they sound good? Simply put, yes, they sound as good as any in-ear Bluetooth headphones I have used so far, with a solid and pleasing sound. At the reduced price, they are a bargain!

Specifications:
Technology: BT 4.1, A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP, aptX
Microphone Noise Reduction: 6th generation dual-mic cVc
Charging Time: 1.5 hours
Play Time: Up to 8 hours
Battery Type: Li-Polymer (2 x 60mAh)
Operating Range: Up to 10m / 33ft
Weight: 13g / 0.46oz

Compatibility:
Echo Dot. iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch. Android Phones and Tablets: Samsung, Samsung S8, HTC, LG, Sony, Huawei, Blackberry, One Plus, etc. Windows Phones. Siri Wakeup: If Bluetooth earphone connected with iPhone, please short press both volume buttons + & – while the earphone is in the standby mode, and Siri is activated when a prompt tone is heard.

RRP £23.99 down from £34.99

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

Eva II Sex Toy

The Dame Products team behind the original Eva and now the Eva II vibrator have a vision – a brave new world in which women have routinely orgasmic sex just like men through the creation of a small, wearable clitoral stimulator. It’s a noble cause, but how far does their latest offering go in fulfilling it?

Eva II is great for all kinds of play. Use it on your own, or any time you might want your hands free. However you want to enjoy Eva is the right way to use it! Eva II only needs the help of a single finger to stay secure.

Everything about the Eva screams ‘high end’ – through the miracle of wireless charging the device is totally waterproof and easy to clean and the design is all smooth ambiguous curves in muted matt green or pale pink. The vibe itself is powerful for its size and needs to be since the hands-free design allows the device to sit against your sweet spot rather than to press down as you would with a normal vibrator.

The Dame Products team behind the Eva II vibrator have a vision – a brave new world in which women have routinely orgasmic sex
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It does take some practice to comfortably ‘wear’ Eva; its arms are designed to sit snuggly under the labia but it’s quite a squeeze to get them there. After the struggle, it is still easy to dislodge once the actual sex is underway depending on your personal physique and choice of position. It’s also a challenge to adjust the level of vibration since it involves pressing a lubed up button on a piece of smooth plastic.

With flexible wings that tuck under the labia while Eva II sits on top, you can have clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex. Eva II is smaller, lighter, and simple to use – plus, it’s totally waterproof, and comes with a sleek charging base/travel case to boot.

All in all, it’s not really hands-free, but it’s a vast step forward from using a traditional vibrator during sex and its smart presentation and virtuous concept make it the ideal option for those wishing to introduce toys to their partner.

RRP: $135

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

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