Grouticus's stats
- Review count148
- Helpfulness votes409
- First reviewApril 22, 2016
- Last reviewMay 7, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count12
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- First answerJanuary 25, 2017
- Last answerNovember 14, 2021
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Beoplay Portal are Bang & Olufsen's newest headphones engineered for gaming, built with Active Noise Cancellation and designed for long-term wear. Beoplay Portal comes with Dolby Atmos for Headphones, offering virtualized surround sound for an immersive and precise gaming experience on Xbox and computer platforms. The virtual boom-arm makes way for crystal clear conversations .
Customer Rating
5
Incredible sound from a leader in the business
on June 7, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
I was so incredibly excited to hear that one of the best and well-known brands in the speaker and sound business, Bang & Olufsen, created wireless headphones for gaming especially after recently acquiring the new Xbox Series X. The Beoplay Portal Wireless Noise Cancelling over-the-ear headphones was a welcome addition to my gaming set up even though I already had good headphones to prior to getting the new Beoplay Portals as I have been an audiophile for over 20 years and love to see what the high-end competition is creating.
The packaging is what you would expect from B&O, simple yet classy, and briefly covers the features and options you can expect from the headphones. They come with a simple set of directions, a USB-C charging cable and an auxiliary headphone cord which is needed to plug into the controller and set up the Dolby Atmos registration on the Xbox through the app. The headphones themselves are made using high grade materials with a combination of metal, breathable fabric, leather, and hard plastic. This combination creates a comfortable and durable masterpiece of sound. You are able to adjust and control settings, including sound and the ANC transparency, through the smartphone app even while connected to the Xbox. You can adjust the equalizer on the app for different genres of music, movies and games.
The Beoplay Portal headphones are a Limited Series specifically designed for Microsoft Xbox and PC gamers in mind. They connect to the Xbox via a 2.4 ghz wireless instead of Bluetooth to create a more solid connection and not take away from the Bluetooth signal the Xbox controller uses. The gaming experience with these headphones is next level offering not only a Bluetooth 5.1 surround experience but also Dolby Atmos sound which can be activated through the Dolby Access application on the console. The headphones are perfect for when my wife prefers the sound off and not blasting out ears with the full stereo on during gaming or movies. They sound amazing regardless of what gaming you are into and especially for first-person shooters as you can hear everything going on around you. The microphone is built into the headphones and acts as a virtual boom arm so there is no need to attach a mic for chat or talking smack. The active noise cancelling works great although not the best I have heard from the high-end headphone market.
To add to the impressiveness, I want to add how incredible they sound for music or movies on your Bluetooth smart device. Every time I put them on, I am seriously blown away how much better they sound compared to the other high-end wireless over-the-ear headphones I have used in the past. The balance of low-end bass, mid-range and high, crisp highs creates a symphony of incredible sound no matter what genre you are listening to; honestly, better than any other sounding headphones I have ever used. To ensure it was not just me being bias about the B&O brand and knowing they always raise the bar in sound, I decided to showcase them to several other friends who own other makers of high-end, expensive headphones. Needless to say, they were all taken back by the sound as well; I even had a neighbor tell me to put them away before he walked off with them.
Personally, I am thrilled I have headphones that sound amazing for gaming, movies, and music. I can easily see these replacing and consolidating every set of headphones I own; or, perhaps, this is just me justifying the high price tag since they cost about the same as buying two separate sets of other maker’s headphones... feel free to use that excuse as well to negotiate with your spouse the purchase of these as, in my opinion, it’s well worth the investment in sound. You’re welcome. Now I just need to make sure I lock these down before someone does take off with them… I hope the next version adds GPS tracking because I would hate to lose these masterpieces.
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Breathe in fresher air with the PureZone™ 3-in-1 Air Purifier from Pure Enrichment®. Enjoy improved air quality as the premium 3-stage filter and UV-C light safely clean the air in any home or office. With its modern design, PureZone adds a touch of elegance to any space while its true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns caused by spring or fire season and pets. It's the perfect solution to help make the air more comfortable for people with common breathing issues like allergies and asthma. †Staphylococcus albus (95.8%), Escherichia coli (96.6%), Aspergillus niger (88.2%), H1N1 (99.9%) independent testing
Customer Rating
5
Small, quiet and great for allergies
on May 25, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
The Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 true HEPA filter air purifier is great for people like me who suffer from allergies and have an appreciation and need for air clean of allergens. It is small enough to fit in a tight space and for small rooms or offices up to 200 square feet. I live in a valley area filled with trees I am allergic to year-round. We have air purifiers all throughout our house and wanted one for my office at work as well to help alleviate allergens while I am there five days a week. This model happened to be the perfect size for my office and fits nicely either on my desk or on the floor. On the top of the purifier you have push button options for three speeds, an option to turn the UV light on/off and a timer which also comes in handy when I am not in the office. The highest fan speed is quiet enough in a small office to not be too much of a distraction. The 3-in-1 filter consists of a pre-filter, a carbon filter to filter any smells, and a true HEPA filter to rid the air of dust and allergens. I have been happy with the investment so far and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a small air purifier for their home or office.
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Bring the captivating experience of cinema and pro sound into your home. The Miroir M1200S Ultra Pro Smart Streaming 1080p projector works with your favorite streaming apps: Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more. The Miroir M1200S Ultra Pro has advanced image, sound and network controls to create the perfect Home Theater experience. Bright enough for challenging room environments where controlling light is difficult. The M1200S uses Texas Instruments Digital Light Process (DLP) Technology to create a theatre like experience. Enjoy the M1200S’ near silent operation during your movie night or Netflix binge.
Customer Rating
4
Great compact smart projector
on May 5, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
The Miroir Ultra Pro Smart wireless projector stands up against the growing projector market with its modest entry level price and performs great for those on a budget. I upgraded my portable projector in our bedroom with this one hoping for a brighter and clearer picture along with some added smart features. Out of the box, the projector is a bit larger than I would have preferred however this comes with the added features compared to our last projector such as the built-in apps, Digital Light Projection (DLP) and impressive sounding speakers which I will talk about later. The projector measures a little under 8” tall X 6” wide X 8” deep and weighs approximately five pounds so it does take up a little more space than I would have preferred however the features outweigh the size specs in my opinion. It supports up to a 4K resolution maximum input allowing for a 1920 X 1080 native resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 3D technology support. The hardware can downscale a 4K input to full HD and the picture is still crystal clear. Those specs coupled with 1000 lumens brightness and a 400:1 contrast ratio creates a clear, bright, and colorful picture in most dimly lit, dark and outside areas at night. I took pictures in our theatre room, which already has a larger 4K projector installed against a 120” screen in both daytime and nighttime, to show the difference in the image brightness and clarity. The projector can produce a decent image up to 150” and down to 24” and you can also adjust the image size in the software settings so you don’t have to keep moving the projector itself.
One of the most impressive features is the auto focus feature which works very well and adjusts automatically in real time while you may be moving the projector around. You can also adjust the keystone at each corner in case the projector is off center. I typically will have this projector in our bedroom displaying an image on the textured ceiling, which I would recommend to anyone who has not tried that yet as it is the most comfortable way to enjoy shows. Mind you, the textured ceiling may be a distraction at first, but the projector is bright enough to help with this and you get used to it after a while.
You can connect the projector to the internet during set up or in the settings via Wi-Fi or the wired ethernet port. You will want to ensure you update the software as soon as you set up the projector as many of the application options did not show up in the app store until it was updated. The built-in software has dozens of apps you can install including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. You also have the option to plug in an external source into the one HDMI input (which supports HDMI DHCP 2.2) and even stream from your mobile device. If you are using a smart stick style device, you can also use one of the two USB ports to power that device instead of using a separate power source.
The remote is simple and easy to navigate except for figuring out when you need switch from using the navigation buttons to using the point style mouse to select screen options, type usernames/passwords, etc. It took me a few minutes to figure out why the video apps were not allowing me to select the sign in option because I needed to switch to the point mouse holding one of the buttons on the remote for a few seconds. Everything else on the remote is basically self-explanatory without having to reference the basic instruction sheet that comes in the box.
One feature I wanted to highlight is how loud the built-in speakers are. I had a sound bar with a wireless subwoofer hooked up to our last portable projector and was able to bypass and get rid of that set up all together as the speaker was loud enough for the space we have it in. According to the specs listed, it produces sound up to 29 decibels which was much louder than I thought. There is also a fiber optic SPDIF output to transmit sound to an external source.
Overall, this projector performs great, has a bright, clear and colorful picture, surprisingly loud sound and plenty of mainstream video and audio applications to choose from. At this price point, I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a smart projector from a newer American company trying to make a name for themselves in the projector market.
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Enjoy a smooth gaming experience with this 27-inch ASUS Full HD monitor. The Shadow Boost feature increases clarity in dark scenes, and the ultrafast response times minimize blurring and streaking for seamless gameplay. This ASUS Full HD monitor has an ergonomic design that allows tilting, swiveling and pivoting as needed.
Customer Rating
5
Remarkable gaming monitor
on April 29, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
ASUS is way ahead of the game industry with this beast of a gaming monitor. The ASUS TUF 27” IPS WLED FHD VG279 gaming monitor is the most impressive gaming computer monitor I have had the pleasure to game with. Overclocking with a savvy 280 Hz rapid refresh rate, 1 millisecond grey-to-grey response time, 1920 x 1080 FHD, NVIDIA G-Sync and shadow boost technology, which makes a huge difference in low-light situations, gaming in my house has never looked so crystal clear, colorful, and bright.
The monitor was simple to plug-and-play into my computer’s HDMI port and comes with the power cable, HDMI cable and DisplayPort cable. The monitor has two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort input, headphone jack and standard USB. You can adjust the height of the monitor by sliding it up and down on the stand and rotate the monitor 90 degrees for a vertical view. The monitor with stand weighs a little over 12 pounds. I like the detail ASUS put on the back of the monitor; it gives it some gaming personality you do not see in other manufacturers. The bezel on the front of the monitor is slim and barely noticeable when you’re entrenched in gaming on the large 27” diagonal horizontal screen.
I have played several games on the monitor, as well as doing standard internet browsing, and the display looks incredible. It is very bright and has very dark blacks which is great for gaming. The refresh rate is so fast I could not see any drag or lag in the screen. I took a picture with it next to my newer gaming laptop and you can see the difference between the two monitors, especially when looking at it from the side.
Overall, I do not know what else you can ask for in a gaming monitor and would recommend this monitor to anyone with this budget set aside for a high-performance monitor. Now we just have to wait for more availability of games, processors and graphics cards to be as far advanced as this monitor to catch up to this fast of refresh rate.
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Tech for real life. This 45mm Gen 5 LTE touchscreen smartwatch features a black silicone strap, phone-free calling functionality, 8GB storage capacity and three smart battery modes to extend battery life for multiple days. Fossil Gen 5 LTE smartwatches work exclusively with Verizon branded Android phones (not unlocked phones) on the Verizon Network with qualified Numbershare data plan. NumberShare is required to activate service on LTE smartwatches. Numbershare is available with an eligible Verizon monthly plan. Adding a smartwatch to your Verizon data plan will incur additional monthly charges. Customers must have a compatible Android Smartphone (4G or 5G) active on their Verizon account. Compatible Android smartphone must have OS 6.0 or later, excluding Go edition, with an updated version of the MVS app "My Verizon Services" (v.1.0.104.2 or later) and must be HD voice capable, have HD voice turned On and be on an eligible plan. LTE smartwatches do not support a standalone activation, only activation via NumberShare is eligible. For more detailed information, please refer to your Verizon Connected Devices plan. Fossil Gen 5 LTE Smartwatches powered with Wear OS by Google are only compatible with Verizon Android™ phones on the Verizon network. Wear OS by Google and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Supported features may vary between platforms. To avoid damage to your watch, only use with included charger. Do not use a USB hub, USB splitter, USB y-cable, battery pack or other peripheral device to charge. Product should be kept more than 20cm away from implanted medical devices to minimize potential for RF interference. See product insert for full details.
Customer Rating
5
Major upgrade to the Fossil smartwatch line
on April 27, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
Finally, after the Google acquisition of Fossil to have a competitor against other well-established manufacturers in the smartwatch market, they have produced a beautifully designed smart watch in the new Fossil Gen 5 LTE watch. I have been waiting years for an update to the Google Wear OS line of watches that sets itself apart from other manufacturers because, in my opinion, the competition has really been lacking in that department which, in turn, the consumer ultimately suffers. With the new Fossil Gen 5 LTE smartwatch, I think they are finally on the right track to take on the competition.
After charging and during the initial set up of the watch, you will be prompted to download the Google Wear OS application through the Google Play Store on your smart device (phone or tablet) and sync your Google account to the watch via a Bluetooth connection. Once the watch is set up, which only took a few minutes, it goes through a short tutorial on how to use the main functions of the watch by swiping in all direction and using the three side buttons; you can also see this tutorial through their website which was useful to see how the watch functions prior to actual use. You are prompted to set up the LTE connection through the Wear OS application which will sync to the Verizon network using number share if you have a compatible Android phone with the My Verizon Services application on the Verizon network. If you do not, you are still able to use the watch on a Bluetooth connection but not a standalone device on an LTE network.
I have always preferred the look of a round watch face over the square face, however, I think many people, including myself, would argue the functionality of a square face smartwatch tends to function better and have more usable screen space for certain purposes including a larger viewable area and easier to type. The viewable, round and bright 1.28” AMOLED watch face is large enough to read and type, even for someone like me who has terrible up-close vision. You can adjust the brightness automatically or manually and even set it up to detect daylight to make it easier to view when the sun is out. The scrolling between screens is very responsive and fluid. You can adjust the font size to a certain point, and, for some, that might still not be large enough when trying to read text messages, emails, etc. The smartwatch screen options, mostly accessible through the watch itself and through the Wear OS app, are customizable including the faces, what is displayed on the screen, the order certain shortcuts may appear while scrolling, quick buttons for workouts, and much more.
The notifications on the watch, including texts, emails, news, etc. is almost simultaneous to them showing up on your phone. You can customize notifications including sounds, vibration and what notifications appear on your watch. You can also password protect the watch if you prefer.
The battery lasts more than a day with moderate to heavy use. You can adjust the battery usage using the Smart Battery Modes in settings including a multi-day extended mode and toggling the always-on display. I have always made it a habit to charge my smartwatch overnight so that has never been an issue. The battery charges using the included magnetic cable and will charge almost fully in about an hour. There is 8GB of built-in memory that you can use to store media or additional apps.
In my opinion, one of the most impressive functions of the watch is the fitness tracking, specifically during a workout. During setup, you have the option to set fitness goals which would equate to heart points in the Google Fit app on your smartphone profile. I have done everything from running, bike riding, stationary bike and strength training using the watch. I was surprised during the strength training when the watch somehow knew, or made an inclined guess, as to which type of exercise I was performing. The watch learned from my input if the first guess was incorrect and adjust for the next time I made a certain motion. I was able to keep track of the number, weight and time of my reps during the workout and at the end it uploaded those results to my profile in the Google Fit application. You can also opt for coaching and a voice assistant through the Fit app. On top of all that, you can have the watch and app track your steps, heart rate, weight, sleep, etc.
With the Fossil Gen 5 LTE, the first stand alone LTE watch in the Google OS market, I believe they set a strong foundation to build on and believe what they currently have going for them is a huge step in the right direction to compete with others in the smartwatch market. It takes some time to figure out everything the Fossil Gen 5 LTE smartwatch is capable of but, in my opinion, more customizable options is typically better when it comes to technology; you can customize this watch to be as simple or as complex as you wish depending on your needs. It is also nice to know with the LTE option you have another way to communicate and get notifications if you leave your phone behind.
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ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ provides you the value of an all-in-one cleaning robot that mops and vacuums simultaneously. Strong 2300Pa suction power extracts hard-to-reach dirt and dust from any floor, and the OZMO™ Mopping System leaves hard floors sparkling. N8+ uses advanced laser navigation and mapping to accurately map your home, creating efficient cleaning paths for thorough coverage with fewer missed spots. Your N8+ comes with an Auto-Empty Station to enjoy hands-free cleaning for a month at a time. DEEBOT N8+ is a dependable workhorse designed for busy households that need vigorous floor cleaning on a regular basis.
Customer Rating
5
Great all-in-one robot vacuum and mop
on April 14, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
The new ECOVAC DEEBOT OZMO N8+ is everything a typical homeowner should need in an automated vacuum and mop built into one machine. After removing everything from the box, registering and logging into an ECOVACS account via their smartphone application, completing the simple set up and charging the vacuum on the base, the DEEBOT was ready to start mapping the area in preparation of its first clean job. I found the mapping and navigation to be one of the most impressive features of the DEEBOT N8+ in comparison to the previous robot vacuums I have used. While using the ECOVACS app, I could see the DEEBOT was mapping out our kitchen and living room space over 30 feet away. We have a fairly large area to cover on our downstairs where the DEEBOT is located, about 1500 square feet, which includes multiple turns, table and chair legs and high-density rugs to map and navigate while cleaning. After the initial mapping, which took about an hour, the DEEBOT had to dock to charge again before starting its first cleaning job. While it was charging, I linked the ECOVACS account with my Amazon Alexa account to use voice control on the vacuum which is much more convenient than accessing the app on my phone.
During its initial clean, I immediately noticed many of the upgrades and differences compared to my previous robot vacuum. For starters, the DEEBOT is much quieter than my last vacuum, even on a higher suction setting, and still had as good, or better, suction power. Also, because of the enhanced navigation and mapping technology, the DEEBOT hugged corners around my walls and furniture like a sports car on the inside corner of a road race… perhaps not as fast. Speaking of speed, the DEEBOT cleaned at a reasonable pace, not too fast and not too slow in my opinion, to ensure a thorough cleaning. Our entire downstairs is waterproof laminate, except for a couple large dense area rugs, therefore I have opted to keep the reusable mopping pad installed most of the time before use and ensuring it is rinsed off after use. The only issue I found with having longer thread rugs is the DEEBOT thinks they are an obstacle instead of a rug therefore will not traverse from the laminate to the rug for cleaning and sometimes gets stuck during the attempting transition when the mopping pad is not installed. The two fan sweeping brushes sweep on each side push debris on the sides towards the middle of the vacuum. The microfiber mop attachment does a great job cleaning using just water in the tank and no solution to worry about and is easy to remove and fill. There is also an option to use disposable mop pads instead of the included reusable microfiber pad; the package I have came with 10 disposable microfiber pads.
Using the smartphone app, I could view an overview of the area the DEEBOT mapped, where it has already cleaned, the square footage of the area cleaning while in progress, the time the DEEBOT has been cleaning, battery life, cleaning preferences and much more customization option including the ability to add a virtual boundary. The app also allowed me to automatically clean on a schedule which was convenient to set and forget. The mopping function built into the vacuum is one of my other favorite features and allowed me to consolidate both a robot vacuum and robot mop into one device.
After cleaning, the DEEBOT automatically returns to the base and empties the debris it collected into a disposable bag located in the base; the package I have included two disposable bags. The debris emptying process is much louder than the actual cleaning, but only take a few seconds to complete. I have used the DEEBOT about ten times and the disposable bag is not even a quarter full. The battery lasted well over an hour on one charge and using a higher vacuum speed setting. I have kept the DEEBOT on a regular cleaning schedule and my floors have remained clean without putting thought into it.
In my opinion and comparing my experiences with some well-known previous model robot vacuums, the ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ is easily the best robot vacuum I have had. It has everything you would need built into one machine and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a robot vacuum that does it all. Now I just need to convince the wifey to get one more for our upstairs.
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The new Denon Home 150 plays all your music wirelessly with the great sound you expect from Denon. Enjoy your music in any room of your house, and group other products with HEOS Built-in such as AV receivers, Hi-Fi systems, sound bars and speakers to fill your whole home with music. With a dynamic tweeter and powerful mid-bass driver, enjoy accurate, room-filling sound, without sacrificing the space needed for a full Hi-Fi system. Play music from your favorite online streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, Pandora, TIDAL and more, or play music stored on your phone or network via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth.
Customer Rating
5
Crisp, deep sound in a small package
on March 17, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
From one of the most well know and reliable names in the audio business comes the new Denon Home 150 wireless speaker. I have been a fan of anything Denon over the past several decades and for good reason; every audio device I have ever owned from Denon, whether it be a receiver, amplifier, etc. is very well made and the sound they have been able to create over 100 years of experience still stands true with the new Home 150 wireless speaker. Considering this is the smallest speaker in their line of wireless smart speakers, I was amazed by the power and sound just one sounds in a large room. Now with the option to sync multiple speakers throughout your house, business, etc. opens so many opportunities for audiophiles like myself and puts the Denon home wireless line near the front of the line as many other companies who have had the edge on this market for years.
Right out of the box and before I even plugged the speaker in, I could really see and feel the craftsmanship from the weight and materials they used to put this speaker together. The instructions for setting it up were fairly simple and similar to most other devices in this generation. After you plug in the speaker, you download the HEOS application on your smart device and, after logging in or creating an account, it will automatically recognize the speaker and sync it with your account along with your other Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, or other devices such as addition speakers and receivers with the HEOS technology/logo. The app provided an easy walkthrough during set up. After the speaker and/or other devices are synced on your account, you can add any music services you subscribe to stream to the speaker including Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Napster, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, etc. The speaker also has options on the rear for an auxiliary input, USB input for digital audio, Bluetooth sync button, mounting screw hole and an ethernet input if you opt for a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, at this time, the smart speaker support has not been set up yet therefore I was unable to test those capabilities until the application receives a software update. The entire set up process including downloading the app, creating an account, and logging in to sync all my music streaming services took about 30 minutes.
Now for my favorite part, the sound. Initially I tried to use the speaker with the voice assistant however that is when I realized the software update has not been provided yet which is mentioned on a disclaimer on the side of the packaging. Therefore, I opted to stream music directly through a third-party service offered on the smart phone HEOS app. Saying I was surprised at the sound from the speaker would be an understatement, and this was even without adjusting the highs and lows. If you are familiar with the brand, it is what anyone would expect from a Denon product. The overall sound was incredible, better than most other devices I have used in the recent past. One of the distinct features of all Denon products I have owned in the past is their ability to provide ample power for low end bass while not overpowering or distorting the highs. I planted this speaker in a discreet area in the corner of our master bedroom to not distract from how my wife decorated which she was happy with and was only able to turn this speaker up to about 75% before it was so overpowering that we could hear it clearly on the other floor on the other side of our 3600 square foot house. Keep in mind, this was just with one speaker. Pairing it with additional HEOS compatible speakers/devices throughout that large of a space should amaze anyone who is into music as much as us and I can only imagine what the larger, more expensive, speakers in this line sound like. Not only do you have availability to change the streaming service through the smart device app, you can also set up to three presets on the top of the speaker itself as well as control the volume and play/pause and I can’t wait until voice assistance is added at a later date.
Overall, I’m very impressed with this speaker considering it’s the lowest model in this lineup and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a wireless smart speaker that loves crisp, loud sound.
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Take outdoor entertainment to the next level with this 2.1 rock speaker system by Sonance. These durable rock-like speakers are weather-resistant and hold up to heat, wind, rain, snow, and UV rays. They resemble large rocks, so they blend in perfectly with the landscaping in any backyard or garden. Two satellite rock speakers and one 10” rock woofer deliver amazing high-quality sound with crystal clear highs and full-bodied bass that blends in among the landscape.
Customer Rating
4
Camouflaged high end yard speakers
on March 4, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
In my opinion, the Sonance Mag Rock speaker package are designed for audiophiles, like myself, who appreciate music so much they must incorporate their obsession into the outdoors to enjoy premium sound. Right off the bat, let me say the box these came in is HUGE as it contained all three rock speakers and is not exactly lightweight. However, the weight of the speakers show Sonance did not skimp on the material used to build these speakers not including the time it took to design them and add the finishing paint touches to attempt to blend them in with the outdoor environment. One issue I did notice that I would like to mention is on the underneath of the rock speakers, they appeared to just use clear caulk to seal the speakers together as you will see in the pictures I provided, and it was applied in a not so discreet way. This was surprising to me considering the attention to detail in the rest of the speaker design and aesthetics.
The speakers are a simple plug-and-play set up however you will need a receiver/amplifier to power the speakers as they are not a standalone and need a power source. Simply put, you connect a left and right set of speaker wires from your power and sound source to the bottom of the larger passive 10” subwoofer rock. You will then use the included wire from each of the other left and right rock speakers to plug into the bottom of the subwoofer rock… and voilà, you are done.
After I set up the speakers where I decided would be the best option in our yard which is where we would usually congregate when entertaining company or relaxing on our own, I tested a few genres of music. The speakers can handle a relatively good amount of power. I am using Zone 3 off my main entertainment center receiver, rated at 105 watts per channel, to power them. The right and left speakers were relatively crisp with a good balance of mid and high range sounds with no distortion. One drawback to sound I immediately noticed, and was aware of prior to acquiring the set, is the 10” subwoofer rock is not powered which means you are not going to get that dedicated power you might expect from a powered sub with an amplifier and crossover built in. One benefit to this in an outdoor set up is you do not need a power source in that area but, as an audiophile, you do sacrifice sound. The built-in crossover located in the subwoofer rock still allowed for some highs to pass through the subwoofer. This was not too much of a distraction since, with my set up, the right and left speaker were not too far away. However, music may sound odd if you extend the included six feet of cable for each speaker to further than that as one area of your yard will have no mid or high range sound while the other two area will have no low-end bass.
Overall, I am impressed with the quality build of the rock speakers except for the caulking on the bottoms which you cannot see when they are in place. However, keep in mind, a lot of what you will hear really depends on the power you are providing to the speakers and quality of the receiver/amplifier you are using.
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Grill at home and indoors with great flavor and no smoke with the Bella Pro Series 9-in-1 Indoor Grill with 5.8-qt Air Fryer, Roast, Broil, Bake, Sear, Sauté, Pizza & Dehydrate. Do so much more than grill. Grill, Air Fry Crisp, Roast, Broil, Sear, Sauté, Dehydrate and Bake all your favorites including chicken, steak, french fries, pastries, pizza and homemade jerky. The temperature controlled grill grate with cool air zone ensures a smoke free kitchen and excellent cooking results. Powerful 1700-watt power heating with 500°F circular air technology for fast and flavorful cooking. Tender and juicy on the inside with tasty char-grilled marks on the outside. Large 12” x 12” grill grate, 5.8-qt. air fryer basket and 9-qt. cooking pot for family sized meals. Digital display to control time, temperature and 9 preset functions, including pizza. Dishwasher safe, BPA free nonstick cooking plates for easy clean up.
Customer Rating
5
Incredible 9-in-1 kitchen appliance
on January 25, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
The Bella Pro Series AirPro XL indoor grill is a fantastic indoor kitchen appliance for anyone wanting to avoid enduring the cold, wet or hot outdoor elements while also offering many other cooking options including roasting, broiling, baking, dehydrating, air frying, searing, etc. and is large enough to cook up to a 12” pizza. Calling this appliance just a grill would do it disservice. Right out of the box I could see and feel how well made and durable the appliance is. The lid, which is where the fan and splatter shield is located, is quite large, the 9-quart cooking pot, 5.8-quart air-fryer basket and grilling plate are all ceramic for easy cleaning, non-stick cooking, and are all dishwasher safe. It also includes a stainless-steel baking rack. The grill has several different presets on the control panel including broil, sauté, sear, pizza, air-fry convection, grill, roast, bake and dehydrate. It also has manual settings to control the temperature and a time and heats up within minutes due to the 1700-watt heating element and can be heated up to 500 degrees.
A recipe book is included in the box so, for my first run, I decided to try out making a pizza from scratch and cooking it in the grill. The pizza turned out delicious however you may want to check on it every so often because it does cook fast and the top got a little crispier than I expected because of the circulating air on the top. For my next run, I grilled chicken breast and steak to perfection on the first try with little effort while also not smelling up the kitchen thanks to the circular air technology which also allows for much faster cooking. For my next trial, I went with the air frying option and made broccoli as a side with a little olive oil, lemon and garlic salt. This also cooked much faster than I was used to compared to our last air fryer and was glad I opened the lid a little early to check on it; it took about 7 minutes and was cooked perfectly. There are many other recipes included in the book that we will be trying in the future and I am looking forward to how the grill performs considering the success I have had so far.
Overall, I have been pleased with the grill and the cooking options. After having separate appliances to perform all these functions, it is nice to be able to consolidate all into one machine clearing out more storage space in the kitchen. However, the grill is relatively large compared to other kitchen appliances so I would recommend measuring for storage space; the grill measures approximately 18” deep, 14” wide and 13” tall when closed. I would recommend this to anyone in the market for a great all-in-one kitchen appliance that is built well, cooks food to perfection with little effort and perhaps are looking to cut down on the amount of appliances you have in the kitchen.
A recipe book is included in the box so, for my first run, I decided to try out making a pizza from scratch and cooking it in the grill. The pizza turned out delicious however you may want to check on it every so often because it does cook fast and the top got a little crispier than I expected because of the circulating air on the top. For my next run, I grilled chicken breast and steak to perfection on the first try with little effort while also not smelling up the kitchen thanks to the circular air technology which also allows for much faster cooking. For my next trial, I went with the air frying option and made broccoli as a side with a little olive oil, lemon and garlic salt. This also cooked much faster than I was used to compared to our last air fryer and was glad I opened the lid a little early to check on it; it took about 7 minutes and was cooked perfectly. There are many other recipes included in the book that we will be trying in the future and I am looking forward to how the grill performs considering the success I have had so far.
Overall, I have been pleased with the grill and the cooking options. After having separate appliances to perform all these functions, it is nice to be able to consolidate all into one machine clearing out more storage space in the kitchen. However, the grill is relatively large compared to other kitchen appliances so I would recommend measuring for storage space; the grill measures approximately 18” deep, 14” wide and 13” tall when closed. I would recommend this to anyone in the market for a great all-in-one kitchen appliance that is built well, cooks food to perfection with little effort and perhaps are looking to cut down on the amount of appliances you have in the kitchen.
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Get organized fast with the WorkForce ES-500W II wireless duplex desktop document scanner. This reliable, easy-to-use performer speeds through scans up to 35 ppm/70 ipm1, capturing both sides of each sheet in one pass. Its 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder allows you to breeze through stacks of documents of varying sizes. Intuitive Epson ScanSmart Software2 means you can easily preview, email and upload your scans. The included TWAIN driver ensures compatibility with most document management software. Wirelessly scan to cloud storage accounts2 and create searchable PDFs. You can also scan directly from your mobile device using the Epson Smart Panel app3. Color and image adjustment features such as auto crop, staple protection, dirt detection and paper-skew correction help ensure remarkable image quality.
Customer Rating
5
Fast and discreet with great quality scans
on January 22, 2021
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
The new Epson Workforce scanner is everything I wanted and more built into a small, discreet at home scanner. At first glance, I thought it was going to be larger than I imagined considering all the bells and whistles it has built in however I was pleasantly surprised that it was much smaller measuring at less than 12” wide, less than 7” deep when collapsed, less than 8” tall when the top is collapsed and less than 12” tall when the automatic feeder is up. Set up was simple and self-explanatory as I only had to reference the manual to see what webpage I needed to go to download the software. The Epson software walks you through the setup in a few simple steps by linking the scanner and your Wi-Fi. You can also download the smart phone application and scan files/images directly to your phone wirelessly.
After setup, I performed my initial single page scan as a test and was shocked at how fast the page fed through the scanner, claiming up to 35ppm/70ipm, and the image popped up on my laptop wirelessly. The image I scanned was crystal clear, much better than the all-in-one printer I was using previously, and I did not realize until I scanned it that it scanned both sides without me even choosing the option to do so. There is also an option to connect the scanner with the supplied USB cable if you prefer that option. After the initial scan, I then entered a stack of papers and it automatically fed them through the scanner with ease and no hang ups or errors; according to the manufacturer you can load up to 50 pages in the auto-feeder. The software included with the scanner works great as I have used it previously with an older Epson all-in-one and has plenty of options to customize whatever project you are working on. It also has an option for software that will read data on your receipts and export them to third party software such as Quicken, QuickBooks and Turbo Tax to keep organized throughout the year for tax season.
Overall, I am pleased with the performance and how compact this powerful scanner is and would recommend it for anyone in the market for a great document and receipt scanner.
After setup, I performed my initial single page scan as a test and was shocked at how fast the page fed through the scanner, claiming up to 35ppm/70ipm, and the image popped up on my laptop wirelessly. The image I scanned was crystal clear, much better than the all-in-one printer I was using previously, and I did not realize until I scanned it that it scanned both sides without me even choosing the option to do so. There is also an option to connect the scanner with the supplied USB cable if you prefer that option. After the initial scan, I then entered a stack of papers and it automatically fed them through the scanner with ease and no hang ups or errors; according to the manufacturer you can load up to 50 pages in the auto-feeder. The software included with the scanner works great as I have used it previously with an older Epson all-in-one and has plenty of options to customize whatever project you are working on. It also has an option for software that will read data on your receipts and export them to third party software such as Quicken, QuickBooks and Turbo Tax to keep organized throughout the year for tax season.
Overall, I am pleased with the performance and how compact this powerful scanner is and would recommend it for anyone in the market for a great document and receipt scanner.
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Capture stunning imagery with the legendary Hasselblad camera and enjoy a smooth flight with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Every improvement on Mavic 3 sets a higher standard for aerial photography. Fly with Mavic 3 and discover imaging above everything.
WHAT CARD READER DOES THIS TAKE?
You can install a high speed micro SD in the drone right above the battery to increase the onboard storage capacity.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
Grouticus
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer™ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day™ color night vision, TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
Does this system record audio or just video?
It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras. We use them in our kids' rooms and for our outdoor security system
3 years, 5 months ago
by
Grouticus
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer™ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day™ color night vision, TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
Does this system record audio or just video?
It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
Grouticus
The Samsung Jet™ 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design and a removable battery that can be easily swapped* for extended cleaning time up to 60 minutes. Compatible with Samsung Clean Station™ for mess-free, automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Second battery sold separately.
Is the unit able to stand upright on its own?
Take panoramic footage with this GoPro MAX digital camera. The 16.6MP sensor captures detailed footage and 360-degree views, and the six built-in microphones record immersive audio. This GoPro MAX digital camera has a touch display that lets you switch between standard and 360-degree video modes and choose from multiple digital lenses to customize your footage.
Can the camera be controlled remotely?
Yes, by your smart phone through the GoPro app or with one of GoPro's optional devices
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
Keep an eye on your home or business day and night with Arlo Pro 3. With no wires, you can install Pro 3 in minutes and view video directly from your phone. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality, a wider field of view, and allows you to auto track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Receive notifications when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals, or packages, and view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with 3 months of included Arlo Smart.* Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio.
Does this come with free 7days of recording? Or is it like the 4k model where you have to pay for cloud after one year?
This two camera Arlo Pro 3 kit comes with three free months of the new Arlo Smart Plan which does 30 days of 2K cloud recording. However, you can also simply plug a USB drive in the hub to record locally. I would check the Arlo website for more details on the new plans they offer.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
Grouticus
When spills happen, the Braava jet m6 robot is always on call—ready to head to the spot and take them on. Just say to Google Assistant or Alexa, “Have Braava mop in front of the kitchen counter”, and it heads out and gets to work. Always learning your home and your cleaning habits, it can offer customized schedules that work around your life—even suggesting extra cleanings during pollen season. Using Precision Jet Spray, it loosens dirt and sticky messes without spraying furniture, rugs, or walls—all without any effort from you, making your mopping tasks a thing of the past. *(Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates. Google is a trademark of Google LLC)
How do you keep it from going on your carpets from a tile floor?
It should sense that it's no longer on a hard floor and go in reverse. I would suggest picking up any rugs before you set it to clean so it cleans under the rugs.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Grouticus
Step into virtual reality with this Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset. The advanced optics produce a sharp display with bright, vivid colors, and Oculus Insight tracking removes the need for external sensors to convert movements into virtual reality. This Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset has a fit wheel that secures the headset with a quick twist.
I am setting up the oculus, but I can’t move the software into the other drive, and the thing it shows me to switch it does not work. Please help me.
This worked for me:
https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/
When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.
To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to
Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/
When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.
To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to
Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
Call across the room to hear your favorite song with Echo Spot. This voice-activated device is compatible with Alexa and lets you check the weather, watch video clips and even answer your connected phone. The small footprint of Echo Spot slides in easily without taking up space and works with all connected devices and speakers.
Can this work wirelessly??
No, it needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
5 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
Keep your head in the game with this Logitech G Pro headset. Its leatherette ear pads isolate surrounding noises to keep you focused, and its featherlight construction minimizes pressure for longer wear. This Logitech G Pro headset's microphone has a wide frequency response and low signal-to-noise ratio for improved communication with teammates and opponents.
Do I have to get a splitter for this or no?
No, they come with an auxiliary splitter if you have a separate mic auxiliary out on your rig.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
Grouticus