The Tech Trends team has, as always, busily sourced the best and coolest technology life hacks out there. This month we share with our readers some beautifully simple solutions to annoying problems, productivity and stress reduction tools, bad-ass SnoreTech and titillating  pleasure gadgets, as well as the latest cutting edge media production software, and much more.

ELF emmit

Following a hugely successful round of crowdfunding last year where they raised over 400% of their target on Indiegogo to become one of their top 1% campaigns, ELF emit started selling their “daily mind-body assistant” online and marketing heavily on social platforms like Facebook. As they seem to have a lot of happy customers we though we’d take it for a spin, since anything that promises to improve your focus, sleep and happiness in these stressful times has got to be worth a try.

The premise of this “digital metronome” is that our brains and bodies run at different frequency speeds depending on what activity we’re engaging in – learning, sleeping, relaxing, doing some creative thinking, or worrying about – say – the state of current affairs and whether certain world leaders might get bored enough to launch nuclear missiles on a whim. The problem, according to this theory, is that when those frequencies are not aligned we become stressed and frustrated, but that it is possible to re-align those brain frequencies with your activity by rewiring your mind to connect to your body’s preferred mental state.

The product itself is very elegantly designed, and you wear it a bit like one of those elvish diadems you might see in Lord of the Rings, apart from the fact there is a wire connected to it which plugs into your phone. There is no battery, as the cable draws power from your phone at the same time as it receives instructions from the app about which type of frequency it should be pumping out. Once you download the free app – most of the negative reviews on the app store seemed to be from people who didn’t actually realize that you could only use the app with the device – it’s a simple matter of choosing from one of the 5 options (improve sleep, deepen meditation, reduce stress, improve focus, and fast learning) and let the headband do its thing. And no, you don’t feel anything.

It’s a nice idea, but as far as I can tell the science has not been proven, so it’s very much up in the air whether the fact that I felt refreshed was due to the device efficacy or some sort of placebo effect. But where it comes to stress, one can be as beneficial as the other – just the fact of conciously setting aside the time to “realign your brain” can have a calming effect – so although I’m not sure I’d buy it for myself, I am certainly happy to continue using it for a while longer.

RRP: $129 (including free shipping)

Solo BridgeHampton Backpack

I often work remotely, and every coffee shop out there is a potential office as long as it’s got WiFi and serves a decent brew. But it can be tricky to get a bag to fit all the stuff I need to take with me (notebooks, glasses, an external keyboard etc. as well as, of course, my laptop). This backpack not only fits it all – it has a fully padded 12.3” laptop compartment, two front pockets, and internal tablet pocket but it’s incredibly light (only weighs 1.86 lbs) and comfortable to wear, with soft and sturdy straps. And yes, it looks nice, which is always a plus.

RRP: $89.99

Urban Armor Protective Cases for MacBook Pro and Galaxy S8 Phone

If you’re going to take your gear through its paces but want it to stay in one piece, choosing the right protective case is important, and a worthwhile investment. The Range from Urban Armor looks pretty cool but also meets military drop-test standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6). The latptop cases come with dual lock secure screen closure and impact resistant bumbers, but also have cooling vents in all the right places for uncompromized airflow. As with any of these things, however, you have to make absolutely sure you’re buying the right case for the right model, as even laptops of the same size will sometimes not fit across different cases (the MacBook Pro, for example, has models with a touchbar which are very different from their predecessors)

The Pathfinder Series Galaxy S8 case which I tested in white has a light composite construction with an armour shell and impact resistant soft core with a non-slip ruggedized grip and scratch resistant skid pads ands screen surround. It also didn’t interfere with the wireless charging or Samsung Pay functionality of my phone, so it’s a keeper!

RRP: $79.95 (Macbook Pro 15”) and $34.95 (Samsung Galaxy S8)

We-Vibe Sex Toys

This month we tested out 3 different top-of-the-range pleasure toys – The Verge, Pivot and Sync – from We-Vibe which are great fun both for solo us and with partners. You can read all about it here, enjoy!

Penclic KB3 Pretty Pink Bluetooth Keyboard

I really like the slick colourful look of these new Penclic keyboards (I got the pink one but it also comes in gold) but the main draw for me is that the keys are a dream to type on (I do a lot of typing) and that they are easily paired with a really wide variety of computers, tablets and smartphones. It’s compatible with iOS/OSX, Android and Windows (but not Windows mobile). There is a corded version, but the KB3 is Bluetooth-enabled, which I find more practical and also nicer looking as you don’t have large cables sticking out everywhere and getting in the way. However, it does come with a cable backup in case you should experience a technology fail. It also gives you greater flexibility to place the keyboard ergonomically – and with a wireless reach of 10 metres it is also ideal for controlling playback devices from your sofa – It also features a tenkeyless’ design which reduces the keyboards footprint by placing it to a closer and more comfortable working position wherever you work or browse.

RRP:$105

Amevie Bamboo Sunglasses

Amevie is a Canadian lifestyle brand that produces hand-made sun care products. This model from the Milan range is one of their sustainable bamboo sunglasses, which are light, sturdy, and have lovely little details such as “The sun is new each day” engraved on the inside of the arm . Their founder Ana Caracaleanu tells me the that the brand was born from her desire to develop safe products that protect the entire family from the harmful effects of UV rays. The sunglasses have UV blocking (100% UV protection) polarized lenses, and are both water-proof and sweat-proof. The travel-friendly case was also a hit, as it packs flat when you’re not using it but provides full protection for the glasses when unfolded. Hands down these are the most comfortable glasses I’ve worn.

RRP: $70

Piper Computer Kit and Kitronik MOVE Mini Robot

This month we also got to indulge our inner child here at Tech Trends and play with some of the coolest toys around.

The Piper Computer Kit and Kitronik MOVE Robot show that learning about things such as coding, electronics and robotics needn’t be daunting. It’s actually rollicking good fun. You can read the full review here.

Leatherman Tread Bracelet

This great design puts the functionality of a Leatherman multi-tool in a wearable. Each of its links feature various tools such as Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and box wrenches. I personally loved the look of it, but left the review to Tom Atkinson, who being a man and well into his tools, jumped at the chance. Here are his thoughts:

Having wrists like a girl doesn’t mean I am not a rugged, practical, get my hands dirty and fix a problem kind of guy, and it doesn’t mean I don’t love the smell of grease or drool over rusty old tools and oily mechanical things of all kinds. It does however, mean I can’t fully enjoy the benefits of the Leatherman Tread multi-tool. Sob! The Tread is arguably as much a bracelet for dudes with dirty fingernails as it is a multi-tool, but it is so well designed it succeeds in both these roles. Built like a tank tread, it’s exquisitely designed and beautiful to look at, packing in 29 useful tools including a few surprises such as the Sim Card Pick for popping those damned little card trays out of modern smartphones, plus a Carbide Glass Breaker so you can punch your way through a windscreen and in lieu of a knife a very handy little Cutting Hook. The bracelet design and lack of a knife mean that this is one multi-tool you can get through customs, just in case you need to fix the recliner on your airplane seat. The Tread is very sturdy and made out of corrosion resistant 17-4 stainless steel but in case you manage to destroy it Leatherman do offer a 25 year guarantee, which is always nice. Even if the Bottle Opener is what gets the most use in your day-to-day life, at least you know you will be prepared for those little disasters and if all should fall apart. As an added bonus, it also doubles up as one of the best stress relievers I have come across, I can’t stop playing with it. Stand aside Fidget Spinners!

RRP: $219

Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 14

Tom Atkinson also had a chance to talk to the folks at Blackmagic about their latest platform the DaVinci Resolve 14. For a deep-dive in the technical specs as well as some musings on the past, present and future of Media Production, read the full Tech Trends article.

ISOLATE MiNi Ear Protectors

Earlier last month I wrote an article talking about my struggle to cope with my husband’s snoring issues and launched an appeal for any tech companies out there offering innovative approaches, however ludicrous, which might help alleviate the problem and bring me a few hours of peaceful sleep. And although my quest continues, the MiNi ear protectors that ISOLATE sent me have helped a little. Initially I wasn’t too impressed with the titanium model I had got from the same brand – they made my ears hurt after prolonged use and kept falling out in the night as I tossed and turned – but as it turned out the smaller size worked a lot better, since it was a much snugger fit (meaning more noise was blocked and also making it more comfortable to wear).

RRP: $32

Sitpack Foldable Stool

Founded in 2014 Danish entrepreneur Jonas Lind-Bendixen, Sitpack showcases that lovely Nordic combination of clean design and practicality which I’m a big fan of. In fact, it won several design awards such as the Chicago Good Design Award 2016, Hamburg IF Design Award 2015, and Successful Design Award 2015 in China.

“Correct resting increases blood circulation and thereby your focus. It soothes a tired back and leaves only 30 percent body weight on the coccyx. The SitPack will keep your energy levels higher throughout the day, while stimulating muscles and balance,” says Lind-Bendixen.

#sitpackandrelax

The portable, ergonomic and lightweight seat comes in five funky colours, and once you get the hang of it, it really only takes a couple of seconds to lock the sections in place securely and adjust the telescopic 34.25 inch leg to a comfortable height, propping it up just about anywhere. The seat is 13 inches wide and the entire stool is made out of the same polycarbonate used in riot shields and bulletproof glass enforced with glassfiber. It is therefore incredibly strong (It can support up to 286 lbs) while also very light, weighing less than 13 ounces. Great for hiking, summer festivaling, and general outdoor frolicking.

RRP: $58

For companies looking to get into Immersive technologies such as VR/AR/MR/XR our Virtual Reality Consultancy services offer guidance and support on how best to incorporate these into your brand strategy.

Alice Bonasio is a VR and Digital Transformation Consultant and Tech Trends’ Editor in Chief. She also regularly writes for Fast Company, Ars Technica, Quartz, Wired and others. Connect with her on LinkedInand follow @alicebonasio on Twitter.

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

This month we try out the Playstation VR and other cool gadgets, check it out!

PlayStation VR

The highlight of last month’s reviews batch has to be the fact I finally got hands-on with the PSVR headset. It is comfortable and really cool looking, and generally bodes well for the future of gaming in VR in spite of the initial challenges you’d expect from a first-generation device. You can also read a more in-depth review I wrote for Tech Trends here

RRP: $399

The highlight of last month’s reviews batch has to be the fact I finally got hands-on with the PSVR headset. It is comfortable and really cool looking
Share on X

To find more perfect gadgets and accessories for you, check out GearHungry Instash

FUJITSU Image Scanner ScanSnap iX100

The iX100 model which I tried is FUJITSU’s most compact portable scanner, and what impressed me the most about it was the quality. You do get the same resolution as you do with a much larger, cumbersome scanner, and it links up with your phone or laptop. On the other hand, you do need to set it up via the Wi-Fi network as you would any wireless printer. Maybe it’s just me, but I got frustrated by the fact the phone app didn’t connect to the scanner via Bluetooth. Still, compared to a normal scanner, it’s certainly a lot less cumbersome and more convenient.

The iX100 model is FUJITSU’s most compact portable scanner,
Share on X

If quickly cramming your expense receipts onto a PDF is all you’re after, you’re probably better off sticking with something like CamScanner (the go-to scanner app on my phone), but if quality does matter then this is a good portable option. And if you fancy trying it, watch this space as Tech Trends will be giving away one of those to a lucky reader soon!

RRP: $220

I like the warm colours and textures of these eco-friendly gadget covers
Share on X

Toast Phone Cover

This is a bit of a random one. I really like the warm colours and textures of these eco-friendly gadget covers (everything from your PS4 to your laptop can get a wood-like finish) produced in the beautiful American city of Portland, Oregon. The phone cover I got, however, didn’t quite work for me, mainly because the curves of the Galaxy S7 Edge don’t really lend themselves to this sort of sticker-based cover. In the end I opted for a sturdier, more traditional cover to protect the phone and make it less slippery.

RRP:$34

BakkerElkhuizen S-board 840 Keyboard

Although not quite as light as Apple’s Bluetooth alternative, this keyboard is slim (2cm thick) and portable, and plugged in easily via USB into my MacBook and well as my desktop PC.

The BakkerElkhuizen S-board 840 is a nice ergonomic external keyboard for home use
Share on X

This model doesn’t have a numeric pad, and that saves on space, but it’s not something you really miss. What I did find annoying, however, was that some of the keys did not correspond to where they were painted on, so I spent quite a while fruitlessly trying random combinations in order to get it to produce an @ symbol (got there in the end though). Also, although it’s nice not to have to worry about the keyboard battery constantly draining away – as happens with my Apple keyboard all the time – or picking up other people’s keyboards on the Bluetooth (likewise) the cable does tend to get a bit in the way sometimes.

Overall, this is a nice ergonomic external keyboard for home use (although you could fit it into a laptop bag). I really like the satisfying clunk of the keys (somewhere in between a laptop keypad and a traditional keyboard) which, for someone who does a lot of typing, provides a bit of variety and helps with the old RSI.

RRP: $80

Gyration Voice Control Mouse

Gyration makes the proprietary technology used in the Nintendo Wii Remote, and has recently launched its next-generation wireless mouse, which they claim is the first-of-its-king in that it enables voice control of presentation effects.

Gyration makes the technology used in the Nintendo Wii Remote
Share on X

The customizable voice command functionality means that you can program your mouse to obey commands such as “open browser” from a distance. Quite handy during a presentation as you don’t have to walk back to the computer all the time (it has an impressive 21 meter range, so even large stages are covered), but I mainly used it at home as I tend to watch quite a lot of TV programmes through the Internet, and that doubled nicely as a sort of substitute remote control. Takes some setting up and it’s not the snazziest looking mouse in the world, but I found it handy.

RRP: $99

Most businesses have plans to start incorporating some form of Augmented Reality technology in the coming years
Share on X

My Kingdom Augmented Reality Book

Recent studies show that most businesses have plans to start incorporating some form of Augmented Reality technology in the coming years, so it makes sense that we should start familiarising children with it from an early age. Which, let’s be honest, is not really that difficult, as AR tends to be rather fun.

I really like the idea of bringing books to life through AR, and My Kingdom Books does it in a rather charming way. It’s interactive and customisable, promoting reading skills while leaving room for imagination
Share on X

I really like the idea of bringing books to life through AR, and My Kingdom Books does it in a rather charming way. It’s interactive and customisable, promoting reading skills while leaving room for imagination. Each story features characters based in your child’s name, which pop to life once the Augmented Reality capabilities are triggered. You can setup and preview the stories online before getting the book printed and delivered.

RRP: $25 (includes free worldwide shipping)

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 January 2017 Tech Trends Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

More of us are suffering from Repetitive Strain Injury, so here are some things you can do to tackle this modern curse.

I’ve given up counting how many hours a day I spend on the computer (phones, tablets and other gadgets count). The best estimate I can come up with is pretty much every waking moment. When a friend showed up with both arms heavily bandaged, I asked him if he’s had an accident, but wasn’t all that surprised when he blamed RSI instead. It’s the price we pay for being always on.

RSI is the price we pay for being always on
Share on X

This also costs the economy, as the broad category of “Musculoskeletal Disorders” is responsible for a third of all workplace injuries, lost workdays, and compensation claims. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), RSI affects some 1.8 million workers per year. One government study puts the cost of RSI between $17 billion and $20 billion a year.

RSI affects some 1.8 million workers and costs the economy about $20 billion a year
Share on X

Since I started to struggle more and more with the various pains associated with long hours of typing, tapping and clicking, I researched some of the less radical options (those that didn’t involve surgery or retreat to a remote location bereft of WiFi) and thought I’d share some of my first impressions with you around what worked and what didn’t. Please add your own ideas below!

Work Out

One simple thing that really helped was getting a little exercise routine going. This is something that only takes 3 minutes per session, so I try and do it at the start and finish of each workday. Trust me, it will be the wisest six minutes a day you ever invest on yourself, and I’ve grown to really like it. There are many versions out there, but my favourite is this popular YouTube video:

Strap On

My friend’s solution of bandaging his arms with strips of surgical tape might seem a bit dramatic, but mainly works in two ways: Diminishing the discomfort caused by RSI by applying some pressure, and also making you think about your posture and movement a bit more. Similar to tying a piece of string around your finger, it reminds you to take some care with how you sit, how you place your hands on the keyboard, and other factors that really do make a difference in the long-run. As the name implies, RSI is caused by repetitive movement, and most of us will repeat movements unnecessarily and without realizing it throughout the day. Anything you can do to stop yourself from doing that quite so much is helpful in combatting the problem.

Mix it up

It’s important to take a step back and do your own health and safety assessment every once in a while. Take a look at where you work, and how you’re working. It’s easy to become used to working in a certain way, but often there are simple things we can do to cut back on the kind of repetitive patterns that cause RSI. Do you find that you’re constantly clicking your mouse in a certain way? Think about whether every click is actually necessary. Maybe there is an equivalent keyboard shortcut or voice command that would do the same thing? Try clicking smarter and less often. It’s also good to practice becoming ambidextrous, clicking with your other hand every once in a while, even if it feels strange at first.

Try clicking smarter and less often
Share on X

Take a break

This is the one everyone knows, but few of us manage to stick to. It’s all too easy to caught up in our work and before you know it you haven’t moved from your desk all afternoon. Be strict about creating the habit of taking regular breaks, preferably to go through some of the exercises in that video above. Your work won’t suffer because of those ‘lost’ few minutes, quite the contrary. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks actually increases productivity.

Be strict about creating the habit of taking regular breaks
Share on X

Get the Gear

I recently also tested a few different gadgets that promise to help improve your workplace setup, here are some of my first impressions:

Penclic Keyboard and Bluetooth Mouse

The keyboard promises optimal ergonomic design, and light-touch keys supposed to minimize the strain caused by typing. I found it comfortable enough to use, but the connectivity with my Mac didn’t work too well, so I had to keep pressing keys repeatedly and harder, which sort of defeated the purpose. It got so frustrating I ended up reverting back my external Bluetooth Apple keyboard, which does work smoothly and still has light-touch keys. The main advantage of such external keyboards is that you can adjust their placement in relation to the edge of your desk and screen so that your wrists are properly supported.

I was making an effort to really think about my clicking, and the fact that I could not automate my movements helped with that
Share on X

The Penclic mouse is designed like a swivelling pen mounted on a gliding base, so you don’t need a mousepad, and takes up very little desk space. It’s quite awkward to use, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I actually stuck with it, because I was making an effort to really think about my clicking, and the fact that I could not automate my movements helped with that.

Wacom Pad

My husband is a digital producer and spends a lot of time editing photos and videos. The professional software he uses is incredibly click-centric and so his RSI is a bit different from mine, which bothers me more with typing. He really liked the large surface area of the pad, which meant that he could track movements easily over a large screen, and the buttons on the side, which he could use to click with his left hand while holding the pen on his right. He still likes working with the traditional mouse, however. “you actually forget what an efficient piece of design the mouse is, and for the kind of work I do it is great, apart from when you start to rack up thousands of clicks a day.” His solution is to alternate between using the pad, keyboard shortcuts and the mouse so that no single muscle group gets overstretched for long periods of time.

You actually forget what an efficient piece of design the mouse is
Share on X

Varidesk

By far my favourite home office piece of kit is the standing desk, however. I always thought these looked a bit strange, but the health claims were impressive. Apparently, the mere act of standing up boosts your blood circulation and feeds more oxygen to your brain, increasing energy levels, alertness and productivity. Although sceptical at first, I did feel much more energised as soon as I started using it, and the next day my legs felt like I’d done a bit of a workout! It also folds and adjusts to various heights, so that it can be used as a normal desk if you want. The best part was the way it helped the positioning of my arms and wrists, which were nicely supported and level. It was very difficult to fall back into a bad posture, and my back, neck and hands all thanked me for it even after one week.

I did feel much more energised when I started using the standing desk
Share on X

Backjoy

OK, never mind the rather ill-judged name, and the fact it looks a bit strange… It is actually a nice gadget for when you do want to sit down on a proper chair. Varying your position throughout the day is helpful in keeping you mindful of your posture and movement. The seat works to keep your spine in alignment and works on most chairs, which is particularly good if you don’t quite have enough dosh for a Hermann Miller.

Alice Bonasio is a VR Consultant and Tech Trends’ Editor in Chief. She also regularly writes for Fast Company, Ars Technica, Quartz, Wired and others. Connect with her on LinkedIn and follow @alicebonasio and @techtrends_tech on Twitter.

The post RSI is a Pain: Here’s What You Can Do About It appeared first on Tech Trends.