callmeageeth's stats
- Review count344
- Helpfulness votes1,280
- First reviewJune 13, 2014
- Last reviewApril 29, 2024
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- Average rating4.4
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- Answer count28
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- First answerJune 23, 2014
- Last answerDecember 15, 2021
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From quick tweaks and trims to total transformations, Adobe Sensei AI* and automated options make editing easy, and you can learn tricks and techniques as you go with 88 step-by-step Guided Edits. Present your best pics and videos in beautiful templates for Photo Reels, video Highlight Reels, collages, slideshows, motion graphics, Quote Graphics, and animated social posts. Effortlessly organize everything. And do more on the go using web and mobile companion apps (English-only beta).
Customer Rating
5
Great software for amateurs and pros alike
on November 13, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
Video/photo apps and software are a dime a dozen. You’re likely to have used some version of photo editing, maybe even video editing, on your phone. For me, Adobe is still the gold standard. I’ve used the Elements software for years now and I love them. They’re made for beginners, but certainly have “pro” features for those with experience in the area or after you’ve made yourself familiar with the tools available. I’m speaking to those that are interested in video/photo editing but are turned off by the complexity of some software (which includes Adobe’s other offerings). I’m no pro, but I’ve used both Photoshop and Premiere Elements to create home videos over the years and find them easy to use. There’s still a little learning curve, but each year’s iteration of the software gets better and better at teaching you the basics as well as incorporating smart and simple ways to make basic edits (i.e. removing background). This years version even incorporates AI (whatever that means in practice) to help curate videos which is extremely nice if, for example, you simply want to make a video slideshow of pictures to music.
First, a few things. You’ll need an Adobe account if you don’t already have one. Once you have one, you download the software and enter in your registration/serial number to activate the software. Honestly, this doesn’t take long at all. You’re given two downloads, meaning you could in theory have the software downloaded on 1 desktop and 1 laptop. (or another combination of the two). Also, once you pay for this software you own it. Full stop. This is not a subscription based service, which gets awfully expensive and can really only be justified for those that use these programs on a somewhat daily basis (IMHO).
Second, and importantly, system requirements. My desktop is a bit older, I’m operating an older 10 series NVIDIA GPU with 32 GB RAM and an upgraded SSD drive. My laptop is much more powerful, rocking a 30 series NVIDIA graphics card with 32 GB RAM. Both have Intel processors. I had no performance issues on either device - although my desktop does seem to take longer to render videos and older versions of Elements has frozen on me (but not the 2024 version … yet). But the recommended requirements are Intel 7th gen or newer, or AMD equivalent. You’ll need at least 16 GB of RAM when working with HD files and 32 GB when working with 4K media. You’ll need a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM. To translate, most machines built in the past few years will have no issues. The biggest issue is making sure you have a dedicated GPU and ample RAM.
After the software is on your computer, whenever you open one or the other (Premiere Elements or Photoshop Elements), you’ll be taken to what I see as a “hub.” From there you can select which program you want to open - including your organizer. Think of the organizer as a way to organize all your photos. It will even recognize faces - not unlike Google Photos. I don’t typically use the organizer (maybe I should) because I save all my photos and videos to Google Photos. But it’s a nice feature to have for those that like to organize their photos/videos - versus keeping them in random folders throughout your computer. It basically finds all of them on your computer and you can look at them from one location.
Whether you open Photoshop or Premiere Elements, you’ll see in the middle of your screen towards the top an option for “Quick”, “Guided” or “Expert.” You can think of these as knowledge levels, where being in the Quick screen allows for basic editing - for more common edits like trimming videos, changing colors in photos. Guided actually walks you through, teaching you along the way, different types of skills. For example, in Premiere it will walk you through how to create transitions or add text to your video files. There’s even fun edits like bounce back, slow motion, etc.
The UI is clean and easy to follow. I like the 2024 version much better than 2018. The icons are bigger, and they’re easier to understand which is especially helpful for newcomers. In Premiere, most of the time, this is all I need as I am typically just trimming video clips, adding transitions and maybe some background music. You can of course use your own audio files, but there’s also a decent collection of musical scores available to download within Premiere itself. But as you gain more familiarity with editing photos and videos, you can move into the “Advanced” view which gives you even more control - what I would describe as more fine tuning. And obviously you’re able to perform more advanced video/photo editing techniques like having additional layers of photos or different video/audio feeds overlaying in your video. I will say, some of the built in graphics options are a little lame. For example, you can insert stickers into your videos. These are usually pretty corny graphics - most of which I personally wouldn’t use. But admittedly, to add anything similar to my video (outside of having this feature built in) is beyond my expertise. So I guess in some ways, the tradeoff is the easy ability to add certain types of graphics, effects, etc. to your videos/photos, but you’re limited to what Adobe provides - unless you’re smart enough, already know how, or are willing to figure it our, how to create such graphics and import them.
AI features. I admittedly use GoPro Quik. It’s an app that curates and automatically creates short video clips of my GoPro footage. What I don’t like is that you can only use that on your phone (I prefer working on a larger screen). But the new version of Adobe Elements has something similar. Under Create, you can create a highlight reel, video collage, or video story - with the help of AI. Basically, you pick one of those categories, select the photos/videos you want from Adobe Organizer or your computer, and it processes it to create an automatic video to sound nd transitions without you having to do anything. Once it creates it, you can still go back and tweak it to make it just right. For me, making family videos and editing family photos, this is awesome. While I enjoy making my own videos from scratch, it requires much more work. If you simply want to make a video story of a recent family trip on the fly, you can upload your photos/videos and have a video made quickly. While the videos I create don’t always come out perfect, it’s great to have something to start with that I can then tweak. To me, this feature is one of the biggest selling points of the new version of Elements. This feature did not exist in the older versions I’ve used. I should also add, when making these videos, when you are first creating it you can tailor the output or size of the screen to whatever social media app you want to use (i.e instagram, YouTube, Facebook).
At the end of the day, if you have a passing interest in organizing and editing your own videos/photos, Adobe Elements is the way to go for the newcomer. It has really helpful guides to walk you through what will seem like an impossible task. It teaches you the basics while making videos and photos. You can then utilize the skills you learn to apply more and more advanced techniques. While I can’t say Elements has all the pro features of Adobe Photoshop and Premiere, I think you’d find it has about everything the novice and amateur would need. Top that off with some smart features to create videos for you - that you can still tweak - and software you actually own without paying a subscription for, and you have a pretty good combo.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get eyes on your real front door: The myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad lets you see and control who opens your garage door. Grant access by assigning unique PIN codes for family, guests, or service providers. Get meaningful insights with real-time alerts that will tell you when someone has accessed your garage. Easy installation with integrated Bluetooth technology makes for quick Wi-Fi pairing. A must have for any smart home. Only works with myQ, Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Raynor, and AccessMaster garage door openers made after 1993.
Customer Rating
4
Great upgrade - but features stuck behind paywall
on November 7, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
I, like most people with a garage, use it as primary access to my house. Whether I’m driving into the garage or on foot, our family constantly goes through it. We had a normal keypad which worked fine, but the MyQ video keypad can notify you whenever someone opens your garage and send you a video of who opened it (or for me, a notification with a screenshot). The biggest drawback is that cloud storage is put behind a paywall. Like the MyQ camera, I wish there was some free option for a shorter amount of cloud video storage.
IN THE BOX AND SETUP
In the box you’ll find the keypad, a mount, some screws, a micro-USB charging cable. The battery itself is shipped inside the keypad itself. Installation and setup was an absolute breeze. First, however, you have to fully charge the battery. On the battery itself are green and red lights. Obviously red means it’s still charging, green means it’s fully charged.
In the box you’ll find the keypad, a mount, some screws, a micro-USB charging cable. The battery itself is shipped inside the keypad itself. Installation and setup was an absolute breeze. First, however, you have to fully charge the battery. On the battery itself are green and red lights. Obviously red means it’s still charging, green means it’s fully charged.
Once charged, you slide the battery in the back of the keypad. It then begins the pairing process. You open up the MyQ app, hit the + button to add a device and then pick the type (video devices) and then it appeared as found on my phone almost immediately. I then paired it, and downloaded a quick firmware update. I then had to pair it to my garage opener. (I’ll just say the walkthrough process through the app was extremely easy to follow). But the process was hitting the pair button on the garage door motor, then hitting the pin in the keypad. Then you hit the pin number again and hold the home button. If the door begins moving, then it’s all paired. From there, you install the mount outside the garage using screws or the included drywall anchors. If you already had a keypad installed, you could, like me, simply use the same location and means of installing the bracket. Once the bracket is installed, the keypad snaps in. Finally, you insert a tiny screw at the bottom (not unlike a Ring doorbell camera if you’re familiar with it) which prevents easy theft of the keypad.
I’ll also note that the bracket is not 0 degrees, it’s at an angle. Honestly, this seems best to get better coverage from the camera (since the keypad is generally placed on the frame of the garage, not facing outwards). But there is a 0 degree flat mount you can purchase separately if it better suits your needs.
EASE OF USE
As a keypad, this is simple to use. You simply type in the pin number and hit the home pad. I found it to be extremely responsive with no delay. Same goes for closing. You simply hit the home button and the door closes. It also captures video anytime someone types in the pin (useful for catching the time your kids come home at night).
As a keypad, this is simple to use. You simply type in the pin number and hit the home pad. I found it to be extremely responsive with no delay. Same goes for closing. You simply hit the home button and the door closes. It also captures video anytime someone types in the pin (useful for catching the time your kids come home at night).
The video quality of the camera is pretty great. It’s 1080p resolution which is more than adequate. The images are bright and clear.
You can set up the video to detect motion if you’d like. For me, I turned it off within the app, but it’s nice to have. Again, this feature is stuck behind a paywall and since I don’t expect to pay for it after my trial subscription, I’m trying not to get used to having those features - and I’m assuming the more times you’re getting notifications the bigger the hit on your phone’s battery as well as your keypad’s battery.
THE MYQ APP
I really like the app. I have some experience with it in having a smart garage opener. I really like how the video feed and access to the settings of the keypad is integrated on the home page of the app - meaning you just open the app to see everything you need. Once the video keypad is setup, you open the app and can hit on the camera to load in the live feed. If you have a paid subscription (or are using the 30 day trial) then you can look at the video feed history, download any files, or take screenshots. It also lets you know the battery life right there on the feed which is nice. To access video files, you click on history at the bottom of the app where you’ll see all the access, motion, and activity that’s been detected. If you don’t have a subscription, the only thing you’ll be able to do is to see a live feed - it won’t record activity/motion. Caveat, as I have a trial subscription, I’m unable to verify if you’d be able to see a picture in your notifications whenever someone accesses your keypad. The bottomline is that it’s really intuitive to use and finding your way around to adjust the setting of your video keypad - or any MyQ device you own - is really simple and easy.
I really like the app. I have some experience with it in having a smart garage opener. I really like how the video feed and access to the settings of the keypad is integrated on the home page of the app - meaning you just open the app to see everything you need. Once the video keypad is setup, you open the app and can hit on the camera to load in the live feed. If you have a paid subscription (or are using the 30 day trial) then you can look at the video feed history, download any files, or take screenshots. It also lets you know the battery life right there on the feed which is nice. To access video files, you click on history at the bottom of the app where you’ll see all the access, motion, and activity that’s been detected. If you don’t have a subscription, the only thing you’ll be able to do is to see a live feed - it won’t record activity/motion. Caveat, as I have a trial subscription, I’m unable to verify if you’d be able to see a picture in your notifications whenever someone accesses your keypad. The bottomline is that it’s really intuitive to use and finding your way around to adjust the setting of your video keypad - or any MyQ device you own - is really simple and easy.
CONCLUSION
As a standalone garage keypad with a video camera, this device is terrific. The biggest drawback is the subscription fee that’s required to access all its smart features. In a world where everyone is paying for a large number of subscriptions already, it’s tough to justify another $10 a month for smart access and video recordings of access to your garage. For some it might be fully justifiably, but if you weren’t already video recording and paying for this type of service, it’s tough to justify. Although at the end of the day, I'd still recommend it even if not paying for the paywall.
As a standalone garage keypad with a video camera, this device is terrific. The biggest drawback is the subscription fee that’s required to access all its smart features. In a world where everyone is paying for a large number of subscriptions already, it’s tough to justify another $10 a month for smart access and video recordings of access to your garage. For some it might be fully justifiably, but if you weren’t already video recording and paying for this type of service, it’s tough to justify. Although at the end of the day, I'd still recommend it even if not paying for the paywall.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Smart camera optimized for the garage. Works alone or as an upgrade to your myQ-connected garage door opener, the Smart Garage Camera easily adds streaming video, recorded events, motion detection and 2-way communication to the myQ app.
Customer Rating
3
Good camera, but limited features behind a paywall
on November 6, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
Personal home security cameras are a dime a dozen nowadays. If anyone ever asks me which are the best ones, I would say it mostly depends on what equipment/services you are already invested in. If you don’t already have a smart garage opener (which I highly recommend) then this camera isn’t really for you - because while it would conceivably work, you might lose out on some of the features. But the one exception to a recommendation I might give is the MyQ line of products. While I much prefer seeing all my security video feeds in one app (I mostly use Arlo - and yes, you can connect them and my Nest cameras to Google Home for example, but they don’t always reliably work within the app) I’d make an exception for this camera which ties into the opening and closing of your garage door.
The camera itself is basic. It has 1080p resolution, and offers a wide field of view. It has night vision and a two way microphone (the latter can be disabled within the app). It detects motion and audio. It’s not intended for outdoor use, so you’ll want to keep it inside your garage. It’s powered by micro-USB which seems outdated, but it isn’t really an issue.
Installation is pretty straightforward. You can attach it to anything metal using the magnets, or you can attach the magnet plate to drywall using a single screw and anchor (there’s a single hole in the middle of the plate). The magnets are pretty strong, so there’s no worry about it falling off. Obviously you can hang it on the wall, or on the ceiling (so long as you flip the orientation of the camera). The real issue with the installation, to me, was the length of the power cord. Like I said, the power cord is micro-USB and it’s hardwired into the brick. I didn’t measure the length of the cord, but it seems really short and might pose a problem depending on where you want to place it and the nearest power outlet. Most people might want to hang it on the ceiling where presumably you could plug it into the same outlet as the garage door opener. If that was the case, then the short power cord might not be a problem. Should you want to mount it somewhere else in the garage, you will be limited in your options (again, depending on the placement of your power cables). At the end of the day, this is a minor problem as you can always purchase a longer micro-USB cable - but still, an annoying one.
Setting up the camera and connecting it through the app was super simple. Once it was plugged in and I opened up the MyQ app (note, I already had it installed as I already have a smart garage door opener), I added a device and boom, it was right there. It connected within a minute or so, but then it had a firmware update. Luckily that didn’t take long. All-in-all, from installing it on my wall (I didn’t have an option to install it on my garage’s ceiling) and connecting it to my app, it took just a few minutes.
But what separates this camera from others is its integration with your smart garage opener. After setting it up within the app you’ll be asked to link it to a garage opener. What this allows you to do is to see the live feed of the camera while being able to control the garage from the same screen. Within the app you’re able to find tune the motion detection, audio detection as well as tweaking your notifications. The latter is important - to me. The moment I had my camera up and running I was getting notifications constantly (my kids were outside playing int the garage/outside). It was more than annoying. There’s an option to mute notifications like this for 2 hours (like when you know someone will be working in the garage for a few hours and you don’t want to be inundated with notifications). But you can tweak when you’re notified, like when the camera detects ANY movement, or just when the garage is opened. You can also specifically disable notifications when the garage is closed - again, so as to not get notifications if someone is working within a closed garage.
The paywall. The BIGGEST downside to this camera is that you have to pay for any storage. There’s no local storage, and no free cloud storage (outside a 30 day trial). It will cost you $99 a year ($9.99 a month) to have 30 day cloud storage and smart detection and the ability to download clips. In other words, unless you pay for the service you are effectively paying for a live feed camera. This is a huge drawback to me, and the reason I can only give this camera 3 stars. Most people are likely to already be paying for some home security, and adding another $10 subscription (don’t get me started on all things subscriptions) it just becomes too much. I think there should be some balance - maybe 7 day free cloud storage and downloads? I just don’t see the subscription as a good value proposition. Maybe for your specific use, paying an additional $10 a month for having some kind of peace of mind in your garage makes sense, but not for me. But I’m okay with using this as a live feed of my garage, especially knowing I can check it immediately whenever the garage door is opened.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The DUEX Max DS is Mobile Pixels' most upgraded, portable dual-screen laptop accessory that makes multitasking effortless. It is ideal for 14" and larger laptops. The iconic portable, external monitors complement mobile work, entertainment on the go, and everything in between.
Customer Rating
5
Terrific productivity tool
on November 6, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
As one who is used to a wide screen monitor in the office and travels a lot for work, I dislike working on a laptop screen - it just feels cramped. I’ve tried traveling with free standing external monitors before, but they can be hit and miss depending on your workspace.
IN THE BOX
Inside the box you’ll first find some instructional pamphlets. There’s even a QR code to find instructions online, but I found that unnecessary. You’ll see the monitor, some magnets, extra adhesive pads for the magnets, and two cables. One cable is USB-A to USB-C/USB-A (USB 3.0) and the other is a HDMI to mini-HDMI (the monitor has a mini-HDMI port). Not only will it work with a computer via USB, but you can essentially plug any video source with HDMI into it.
Inside the box you’ll first find some instructional pamphlets. There’s even a QR code to find instructions online, but I found that unnecessary. You’ll see the monitor, some magnets, extra adhesive pads for the magnets, and two cables. One cable is USB-A to USB-C/USB-A (USB 3.0) and the other is a HDMI to mini-HDMI (the monitor has a mini-HDMI port). Not only will it work with a computer via USB, but you can essentially plug any video source with HDMI into it.
GETTING STARTED
As a quick side note, this monitor is 14 inches. It will work with any laptop between 14-17 inches. How it works is that you attach magnets to the top lid of your laptop. The monitor then attaches to the top of the clamshell via magnets. You then slide the screen out.
As a quick side note, this monitor is 14 inches. It will work with any laptop between 14-17 inches. How it works is that you attach magnets to the top lid of your laptop. The monitor then attaches to the top of the clamshell via magnets. You then slide the screen out.
As I said, there’s some instructional pamphlets, with the most important being the template for where to place the magnets. If your monitor is 15 inches or less, you place the template (which has four holes the exact size of the magnets) in the middle of your laptop. If your screen is a little larger, you move the template a little closer to one side of the laptop. The one downside for using a larger screen laptop is that you are choosing up front, which side of the laptop you want the monitor to be on (left or right). For smaller laptops, the magnets are centered, so you can switch it to either side.
Before attaching the magnets, you’re told to clean the lid of your laptop with the included alcohol pad (to help with the adhesive backing of the magnets. After that, and after getting the template where it needs to be (there’s lots of easy to follow guidance in the pamphlets), you simply remove the adhesive backing from the magnets and place them where the holes are on the template. The monitor then attaches easily.
From there, I slide the monitor out and using the USB-C cable port in my computer (my computer also has HDMI but I didn’t use it), you plug it into both the monitor and the laptop and voila. The monitor powers on instantly. From there you can adjust your display settings so the external monitor extends your home screen.
DESIGN
The monitor is smartly designed. It’s very light, but when attached to your laptop, it will, as a full package, feel extremely heavy. It slides out on the tracks easily. The magnets on the monitor itself are oblong shaped, this allows the monitor to slide along the magnets attached to your laptop so that it reaches the edge of your laptop. You can even tilt the monitor towards you (similar to a curved screen I guess).
The monitor is smartly designed. It’s very light, but when attached to your laptop, it will, as a full package, feel extremely heavy. It slides out on the tracks easily. The magnets on the monitor itself are oblong shaped, this allows the monitor to slide along the magnets attached to your laptop so that it reaches the edge of your laptop. You can even tilt the monitor towards you (similar to a curved screen I guess).
The screen itself slides in and out of what can only be called a protective shell. When fully closed, however, there is about an inch worth of screen that is unprotected (meaning when fully closed, there’s a sliver of screen unprotected). I’m assuming this was designed out of necessity to allow the screen to tilt and flip.
Sometimes I found the screen to come off the hinge when trying to slide it shut. When laying flat, the monitor easily opens and closes, but when trying to close it while it’s vertical - i.e. attached to your open laptop screen - it sometimes doesn’t shut right. But all you have to do is pull it back out and gently close it with both hands to make sure it stays on the track.
As I said before, the magnets on the screen itself are oblong, so you can slide the monitor from right to left which allows you to have the display on either side of a 15 inch monitor or less. You can also use the monitor without it being attached to your laptop. For example, you can use the cover as a stand, and have the monitor positioned in portrait landscape. Extending that further, the screen fully rotates backwards, so you can have the display on the back of your laptop facing someone sitting behind the computer so they can see your screen. This is helpful for me as an attorney showing witnesses something on my computer screen - without doing the whole “turn my laptop” around and stand next to them awkwardly.
The screen is 1080p with 60hz. Nothing fancy, but more than adequate. It’s not meant for gaming, but for those that need/prefer an extra monitor when using a laptop.
I also have to add that it simply works. I’ve had zero issues with it not turning on. Once I plug it into my laptop, it powers up immediately without fail.
DRAWBACKS
I mention the word “drawbacks” loosely. For what it is, I think this monitor is about as good as you can get. But there are some things to consider depending on your use case.
I mention the word “drawbacks” loosely. For what it is, I think this monitor is about as good as you can get. But there are some things to consider depending on your use case.
It’s 1080p which can be disorienting when your laptop has a higher resolution. It’s also only 14 inches - when using a 14 inch laptop it’s probably not an issue, but mine is 15 inches and it looks small. Given its 1080p resolution and 14 inch size, the text and images can appear small. But, as recommended in the aforementioned information pamphlets included, you can simply change the scale of the monitor to 125% (or more) to make things easier to see.
It undoubtedly draws on your battery. I suspect that you, like me, would mostly use this monitor when you’re sitting down for an extended period of time - therefore using AC power - just know that it will substantially decrease your battery life.
The shell, if you will, of the monitor seems flimsy. Again, I think this was a conscious and necessary design choice, but I get concerned simply sliding this into a bag with other heavy items inside; I fear it will get crushed. I guess the only way to put it is that it feels delicate. Nothing, some precautions wouldn’t take care of, but I wouldn’t just “throw it” in my backpack. To that end, the one gripe I do have is that I wish it came with a protective sleeve; something to give me some semblance of protection.
There’s also the magnets. I’m not a huge fan of having magnets permanently affixed to my laptop, but they certainly are unobtrusive as a practical matter. They are short enough where they don’t get caught up when sliding my laptop into my bag.
CONCLUSION
If you’ve always wanted more screen real estate on your laptop, whether you work from home or frequently travel, this is one of the best solutions you can find. I’ve been extremely impressed with the versatility of this monitor and its easy plug and play use.
If you’ve always wanted more screen real estate on your laptop, whether you work from home or frequently travel, this is one of the best solutions you can find. I’ve been extremely impressed with the versatility of this monitor and its easy plug and play use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Watch over your little one at home on the 5-inch, 720p High-Definition LCD Parent Unit Display or remotely on your smartphone with the VTech RM566HD Smart WiFi video baby monitor. View rooms from top to bottom with the 100-degree vertical tilt angle and from side to side with the 360-degree horizontal pan capability. Enhance your baby’s sleep environment with a sound & light profile recommended by experts. Magnify details with the industry’s best 30x times zoom on the mobile app or 24 times on the viewer up to eight times and monitor room temperature and humidity levels directly from the Parent Unit Display. Plus, see your baby as clear as day, even in ultralow light, thanks to the automatic infrared Night Vision. Free professional in-app advice and videos provided by the experts at help assist in sleep and the growth and development of your baby.
Customer Rating
5
Full featured baby monitor with app access
on October 20, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
Standard baby monitors are typically limited to the signal between the camera and the monitor itself. For most of us, it’s likely not an issue, but it can restrict your movements (at least when wanting to view the baby monitor). This Vtech monitor solves that problem by connecting to your Wi-Fi. Gone are the days of a lost connection between the monitor and the camera. It also connects to an app on your phone for those times when you forgot to bring the monitor with you or the battery has died. But what I really like about this monitor is the visual clarity and the ability to tilt and zoom - which brings a lot of flexibility.
IN THE BOX and SETUP
You’ll get the camera, the monitor, and two power cables (one for each). The setup for the monitor and the camera is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is plug both items in and they will connect. Connecting the camera to the app wasn’t difficult, but I did accidentally download the wrong app (similarly named). Once I had the correct app on my phone, setup was relatively easy. It’s basically as simple as scanning the QR code on the camera, and typing in your WiFi password.
You’ll get the camera, the monitor, and two power cables (one for each). The setup for the monitor and the camera is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is plug both items in and they will connect. Connecting the camera to the app wasn’t difficult, but I did accidentally download the wrong app (similarly named). Once I had the correct app on my phone, setup was relatively easy. It’s basically as simple as scanning the QR code on the camera, and typing in your WiFi password.
After that, you’ll end up with a traditional baby monitor setup, with the additional ability to monitor (and control) the camera from the app on your phone.
The camera can be placed on a flat surface, or, you can use the wall mount to secure it to the wall. The latter provides better placement as - depending on your setup - you can have the camera above a crib/bed looking down. For example, in our house, we don’t have furniture that is above the railing of the crib, so placing the camera on the changing table nearby doesn’t provide us with much of a view (although we can obviously hear our baby, which is what matters). The mount attaches much like anything else you’d hang in drywall, but the mount can rotate down to provide that top down view. Of course, you’ll need to account for a plug. Luckily the power cord for the camera should be plenty long.
FEATURES
Other than the ability to view your camera from the app, this camera falls in line with what you’d expect. To me, the biggest step up from other monitors I’ve used is the image quality. The video is sharp, crisp and colorful. One can debate whether it’s necessary to have super sharp images on a baby monitor, but it’s better than grainy footage. The marketing claims it's 1080p, but there’s some limitations that are confusing. For example, I only get 720p when viewing on my phone (which is streaming over the internet) but you’ll get 1080p when viewing the camera on the monitor. It also has tilt and zoom, which again, provides flexibility that not everyone would necessarily need; but if you travel and take this with you, it’s nice knowing you can make these adjustments. Plus, tilting and zooming does give you a better view of the entire room (should that be something you’d want to do).
Other than the ability to view your camera from the app, this camera falls in line with what you’d expect. To me, the biggest step up from other monitors I’ve used is the image quality. The video is sharp, crisp and colorful. One can debate whether it’s necessary to have super sharp images on a baby monitor, but it’s better than grainy footage. The marketing claims it's 1080p, but there’s some limitations that are confusing. For example, I only get 720p when viewing on my phone (which is streaming over the internet) but you’ll get 1080p when viewing the camera on the monitor. It also has tilt and zoom, which again, provides flexibility that not everyone would necessarily need; but if you travel and take this with you, it’s nice knowing you can make these adjustments. Plus, tilting and zooming does give you a better view of the entire room (should that be something you’d want to do).
In addition to those features you get the standard fare: night light, music, (timers for both), night vision, sound and motion detection. I was unable to see if you could add your own music to the library, but there’s a decent selection of sounds from white noise to ocean waves. The night light can get pretty darn bright, but you can easily turn down the brightness levels on the monitor.
The motion detection can be adjusted on the monitor or even turned off. I noticed it can get pretty sensitive, so pay attention to that, you might want to adjust it. Our kid moves a lot while sleeping, so we’ve turned the motion detection off and react when we hear noise. The volume coming through the monitor is adjusted with hard face buttons. The speaker gets pretty loud, so if it’s turned up, you won’t have an issue hearing it. Sometimes, I will leave the sound muted (when I’m letting my kid self soothe). There’s a light ring in the top right corner of the monitor that lights up green/red when it detects sound and/or motion. This is a nice visual cue if you are trying to take a break from hearing crying.
The monitor’s default, at least for me, was set to have the screen always on. You’ll definitely want to get into the settings to adjust that - to save battery. I keep the timer on for the screen so that it turns off after a few moments of silence and/or no movement. Of course, when it picks up sound or movements the screen will turn back on.
The night vision is really nice. Most baby monitors have it, but this camera’s night vision really excels. Even in a pitch black room, you can see everything in the room where your camera is located.
In terms of distance, I didn’t walk down my street to see how far the monitor reached, but staying around my yard while sitting outside was not an issue. Not to mention, again, that even if your monitor were to lose connection or say you went to a neighbor’s house, you can always access the camera feed from your phone. I never lost connection from the camera to the monitor, but the range feels inconsequential given the app access.
THE APP
To me the real benefit of this particular model, in addition to the tilt/zoom feature is the app. Imagine you forgetting to charge your monitor; well all you need to do is go to the app. Your app can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection. The app provides similar functionality to the monitor, although you can’t zoom as much (you pinch to zoom in). But you can still bring up a menu to pan and tilt, turn on/off the night light or play music. You can also take pictures and record videos if you so choose. The only downside is that the app has to be open to hear your baby. Unlike my old Arlo baby monitor (RIP) which allowed you to minimize your app, turn off the screen, and the audio would still come through. The app also has some helpful sleep tips for any new parents or parents struggling to get their child to sleep. We haven’t really used them, but I certainly appreciate those tips being there.
To me the real benefit of this particular model, in addition to the tilt/zoom feature is the app. Imagine you forgetting to charge your monitor; well all you need to do is go to the app. Your app can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection. The app provides similar functionality to the monitor, although you can’t zoom as much (you pinch to zoom in). But you can still bring up a menu to pan and tilt, turn on/off the night light or play music. You can also take pictures and record videos if you so choose. The only downside is that the app has to be open to hear your baby. Unlike my old Arlo baby monitor (RIP) which allowed you to minimize your app, turn off the screen, and the audio would still come through. The app also has some helpful sleep tips for any new parents or parents struggling to get their child to sleep. We haven’t really used them, but I certainly appreciate those tips being there.
FLAWS
There’s very few flaws in this monitor. The only things that bug me are the charging cable for the monitor not being USB-C and the battery. First, I’m of the opinion that every personal electronic device needs to charge via USB-C. I hate having to keep track of proprietary cables. But you're stuck here. And the battery life is good, don’t get me wrong. It will provide 10ish hours of battery life. But in my experience, that’s total battery life irrespective of the screen being on or not.. As in even with the screen off - like when your child is asleep and sleeps through the night - it will drain. Since I primarily use this monitor in my house, this isn’t too big of a deal as I can always plug it in and keep the volume up high to hear if my baby cries. But I wish the standby battery life was much longer.
There’s very few flaws in this monitor. The only things that bug me are the charging cable for the monitor not being USB-C and the battery. First, I’m of the opinion that every personal electronic device needs to charge via USB-C. I hate having to keep track of proprietary cables. But you're stuck here. And the battery life is good, don’t get me wrong. It will provide 10ish hours of battery life. But in my experience, that’s total battery life irrespective of the screen being on or not.. As in even with the screen off - like when your child is asleep and sleeps through the night - it will drain. Since I primarily use this monitor in my house, this isn’t too big of a deal as I can always plug it in and keep the volume up high to hear if my baby cries. But I wish the standby battery life was much longer.
CONCLUSION
With a sea of options, this Vtech monitor should be towards the top of your list in searching for quality baby monitors. Vtech is a trusted brand and this model is worth it for the app access alone. And it just works, which at the end of the day, is all you need.
With a sea of options, this Vtech monitor should be towards the top of your list in searching for quality baby monitors. Vtech is a trusted brand and this model is worth it for the app access alone. And it just works, which at the end of the day, is all you need.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Say goodbye to messy, melting ice bags and scalding heating pads. Introducing RecoveryTherm Cube — one compact, reusable device that delivers instant cold, hot and contrast therapies scientifically-proven to more effectively treat injuries, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and maximize muscle and joint recovery. Powered by our proprietary Cryothermal Technology, Cube’s easy to use preset treatments use scientifically optimal temperatures and durations for effective relief and recovery anywhere on the body. Plus, it’s wearable, portable, and convenient for relief anytime you need it.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic ice pack/heat pad replacement
on October 16, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
This cube is an ice pack and heat pad built into one compact device. It quite amazingly goes from off to hot, then hot to cold, and vice versa in almost no time. Its only real downside is also its downside. The surface area of the contact plate that delivers the heat/cold is relatively small, so it doesn’t cover large areas, and it can be hard to use effectively on joints (at least using the strap to hold it in place). But a bigger contact plate would make this device too big, and even more difficult to use on joints (vs. large muscle areas like your quads).
IN THE BOX
In the box you get the cube, as well as a bracket that is used to attach the straps, a long strap (for going around your waist, shoulders, etc.), a shorter strap (for wrapping around legs, arms) and a USB-C charging cable.
In the box you get the cube, as well as a bracket that is used to attach the straps, a long strap (for going around your waist, shoulders, etc.), a shorter strap (for wrapping around legs, arms) and a USB-C charging cable.
OPERATION
It’s really simple to use. There’s a USB-C port on the same side as the two “power” buttons. I say “power” but really, there’s a button that turns on the cold therapy and another for heat. They’re easily distinguishable; one has a snowflake symbol, the other has a fire symbol. Below the buttons are three dots, which represent different temperature levels. Cold therapy for example, has a preset for 41 degrees, 54 degrees, and then 61 degrees. So it’s not really levels of coldness, but different presets. It’s a little unintuitive, but once you know it, it’s not a problem. Just know that one green dot is the coldest setting (46 degrees) and three dots is the highest cold setting (61 degrees). Which level of cold you use is really about personal preference. Heat therapy is the opposite - the more intuitive way IMO - whereby one dot is 95 degrees, and then the third is the highest at 109 degrees. There’s also a contrast therapy session whereby the cube alternates between cold and hot.
It’s really simple to use. There’s a USB-C port on the same side as the two “power” buttons. I say “power” but really, there’s a button that turns on the cold therapy and another for heat. They’re easily distinguishable; one has a snowflake symbol, the other has a fire symbol. Below the buttons are three dots, which represent different temperature levels. Cold therapy for example, has a preset for 41 degrees, 54 degrees, and then 61 degrees. So it’s not really levels of coldness, but different presets. It’s a little unintuitive, but once you know it, it’s not a problem. Just know that one green dot is the coldest setting (46 degrees) and three dots is the highest cold setting (61 degrees). Which level of cold you use is really about personal preference. Heat therapy is the opposite - the more intuitive way IMO - whereby one dot is 95 degrees, and then the third is the highest at 109 degrees. There’s also a contrast therapy session whereby the cube alternates between cold and hot.
To turn it on, you simply hold which button you want. After holding it for a few seconds it turns on. Once on, you hit the same button again to alternate through the presets. To activate the contrast therapy session, you simply hold both buttons at the same time. Then they’ll both light up.
The nice part is that it’s kind of set it and forget it. The heat therapy session lasts 24 minutes while the cold therapy is 18 minutes. Contrast therapy is 20 minutes. I like it because it takes the guesswork out of it, although I guess it really doesn’t matter, even if it didn’t turn off, it’s not like you’re going to forget you’re either holding it or it’s strapped to your body.
The straps are nice and sturdy. The velcro works well and I don’t worry about it loosening even while walking around with it strapped to my shoulder or even my ankle. In fact, it’s possible to overtighten the velcro and have it hold - without loosening and sliding down your leg for example. The long strap is long enough for even a big person like me; it gets around my shoulders. The short one is obviously for your limbs and you shouldn’t have any issues with the length.
The cube snaps in and out of the bracket which is where the straps go into. If you simply wanted to hold the cube in your hand, you could snap it out of the bracket or even keep the bracket on without the straps. The cube easily snaps in and out of the bracket. The only warning with the bracket is to pull it up from the ends and not the sides (the side being the loop the strap goes into). But there's a sticker warning on the device itself to remind you.
EFFECTIVENESS
I just so happened to finish running a long relay race the past weekend. Afterwards, my achilles, ankle, knee, and hamstrings were all sore. I typically would use a gel ice pack to ice my achy joints and muscles, but that obviously requires it to live in the freezer and then having to wait multiple hours to freeze it again for a second use. Not only does the cube not require to be kept frozen, it also heats. It’s tough to replace an ice gel pack’s ability to conform to your body for greater coverage - a limitation of the cube - but the convenience of the cube more than makes up for it. It really works well. And you don’t have to worry about frostbite, or burns. The contact plate can touch your skin directly, so there’s no worries about having an additional piece of fabric to protect your skin.
I just so happened to finish running a long relay race the past weekend. Afterwards, my achilles, ankle, knee, and hamstrings were all sore. I typically would use a gel ice pack to ice my achy joints and muscles, but that obviously requires it to live in the freezer and then having to wait multiple hours to freeze it again for a second use. Not only does the cube not require to be kept frozen, it also heats. It’s tough to replace an ice gel pack’s ability to conform to your body for greater coverage - a limitation of the cube - but the convenience of the cube more than makes up for it. It really works well. And you don’t have to worry about frostbite, or burns. The contact plate can touch your skin directly, so there’s no worries about having an additional piece of fabric to protect your skin.
I used this on my ankle, thigh and shoulders. I like strapping it on and going about my business at home. It does a great job of providing heat and ice therapy. I do find myself using it for multiple “sessions” mostly to treat larger muscles (like my hamstrings for example) which is necessary given that the plate is small, but as I’ve repeatedly said, this is both a necessary and welcome tradeoff given the cube’s versatility. Finishing a session on one part of your muscle, and then hitting the power button again to continue another session on a different portion of your muscle is not a hassle at all.
It does a great job icing your muscles when they’re injured and heating your muscles to help warm them up for any workout. It’s anecdotal, as I can’t scientifically verify it, but it’s really helped me during my recoveries from long runs.
I haven’t tested the duration of the battery, but I’ve gotten at least 5 sessions out of it without having to charge it. And it doesn’t take too long to charge.
CONCLUSION
If you’ve ever used an ice pack or heating pad, or ever find yourself needing help with your muscle recovery, this cube is a fantastic addition to your exercise routine (or even if you don’t exercise, just to ice/heat tired muscles). It’s portability is unparalleled. It’s truly a fantastic little device.
If you’ve ever used an ice pack or heating pad, or ever find yourself needing help with your muscle recovery, this cube is a fantastic addition to your exercise routine (or even if you don’t exercise, just to ice/heat tired muscles). It’s portability is unparalleled. It’s truly a fantastic little device.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the new Shark Cordless Detect Pro Stick Vacuum. It features an ultra-intelligent Detect performance suite—4 deep-cleaning technologies that detect & react to your home to capture hidden dirt on every surface, corner, edge, and crevice. DirtDetect senses the hidden dirt that hides in your home, and automatically boosts power to pull it in. EdgeDetect senses edges and corners and doubles suction* power for more powerful cleaning* (vs. ECO mode). FloorDetect senses carpets and hard floors around your home, and optimizes your vacuum’s performance based on the floor type. Lastly, LightDetect automatically illuminates dark spaces, so you can easily track down hidden dirt. All four of these technologies combine in the Shark Detect Pro to give you up to 50% better* dirt pickup (*Based on ASTMF608, eco vs. boost). Plus, the QuadClean Multi-Surface brushroll tackles four cleaning targets: fine dust, pet hair, large debris, and dust along edges. After every clean, Detect Pro Auto-Empty System brings you the ultimate convenience—it empties on its own. Return it to its base, and it charges and empties automatically, sealing in up to 30 days worth of dust & debris, so you can forget about emptying for up to a month, and leave behind the trips to the trash can after every use. Inside the base, Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors, for a fresh-smelling home. Change the way you clean with the Shark Cordless Detect Pro Auto-Empty System—the dirt-detecting cordless that empties itself.
Customer Rating
4
Good vacuum with high price
on October 8, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
There’s not much to complain about with the performance of this vacuum. It’s extremely lightweight, it doesn’t seem to clog, it works well on hardwood floors and carpet, and the auto empty system means you don’t need to empty the dustbin for weeks. The biggest drawbacks are the cost, and where do you store it? (I've also had concerns with battery life). Assuming you have the floor space and a nearby outlet to store it and you’re willing to shell out the money it should be at the top of your list when looking at vacuums.
IN THE BOX
In the box you get the vacuum (the handheld part with the small dustbin, battery), the extension rod, the brush base, two attachments, an odor neutralizing “puck,” and the auto empty system base. Piecing it together is simple and only takes a few minutes.
In the box you get the vacuum (the handheld part with the small dustbin, battery), the extension rod, the brush base, two attachments, an odor neutralizing “puck,” and the auto empty system base. Piecing it together is simple and only takes a few minutes.
PLACEMENT OF AUTO EMPTY BASE
My 8 year old Dyson stick vacuum is in my small laundry room and attached to the wall. I personally liked having it on the wall so it was out of the way. Here, you can’t really attach the Shark cordless vacuum to the wall (unless you’re willing to build a shelf that will support the weight). While the auto empty base isn’t terribly large, it wasn’t ideal for our setup to have it sitting on the floor. It takes up the limited amount of space in our laundry room. So for now, it sits in the corner of our relatively unused dining room. This isn’t ideal either. And putting it in a closet isn’t an option as we don’t have any outlets in our closets. Obviously, this issue is very specific to your house/apartment setup. But it's something you'll want to consider when considering this as an option.
My 8 year old Dyson stick vacuum is in my small laundry room and attached to the wall. I personally liked having it on the wall so it was out of the way. Here, you can’t really attach the Shark cordless vacuum to the wall (unless you’re willing to build a shelf that will support the weight). While the auto empty base isn’t terribly large, it wasn’t ideal for our setup to have it sitting on the floor. It takes up the limited amount of space in our laundry room. So for now, it sits in the corner of our relatively unused dining room. This isn’t ideal either. And putting it in a closet isn’t an option as we don’t have any outlets in our closets. Obviously, this issue is very specific to your house/apartment setup. But it's something you'll want to consider when considering this as an option.
PERFORMANCE AS VACUUM
This Shark brings plenty of power to pick up most messes. In my kitchen it's easily able to pick up food crumbs and in the living room, pet hair. It picks up most sized objects (within reason) with ease. The brush roll is a blend of foam and rubber blades that promise not to get tangled or clogged. I've yet to run into a vacuum that doesn't, at some point, get clogged with hair over time. But it's too early to tell at this point. Honestly, putting aside the advanced features this model brings, it's very similar in terms of performance from other stock vacuums on the market. Its own advantage might be the size and weight. It's very light and maneuverable.
This Shark brings plenty of power to pick up most messes. In my kitchen it's easily able to pick up food crumbs and in the living room, pet hair. It picks up most sized objects (within reason) with ease. The brush roll is a blend of foam and rubber blades that promise not to get tangled or clogged. I've yet to run into a vacuum that doesn't, at some point, get clogged with hair over time. But it's too early to tell at this point. Honestly, putting aside the advanced features this model brings, it's very similar in terms of performance from other stock vacuums on the market. Its own advantage might be the size and weight. It's very light and maneuverable.
I found that the tube can get clogged when trying to vacuum more than just small crumbs on the floor. I had to clean out the tube twice since I’ve owned it, but it could be more user error as I was trying to vacuum up bigger pieces of food (like chips) that I should have. The point is, it’s not infallible to clogging - like most vacuums.
But when I wasn’t vacuuming things too big for a vacuum, I was pleased with its performance, especially on deep carpets. And you know it’s working when there’s dirt/dust in the clear bin that you didn’t see on the carpet.
EXTRA FEATURES
With this model, you're getting the auto empty base, edge detection, odor eliminator, auto sensing (for power), lights, charging base/dock/auto empty system. Frankly it's a lot, and likely why the price is so high. But I really question the value and need for all of these features - outside the auto empty base, it's most obvious distinguishable feature
With this model, you're getting the auto empty base, edge detection, odor eliminator, auto sensing (for power), lights, charging base/dock/auto empty system. Frankly it's a lot, and likely why the price is so high. But I really question the value and need for all of these features - outside the auto empty base, it's most obvious distinguishable feature
Take the odor eliminator. Sounds great in theory but I could never smell any fragrance (not that I wanted to) which is what I would have expected to smell to know that it's working. I just don't know if it works and Shark now expects/wants me to buy an odor eliminator "puck" every so often. No thanks.
The edge detection is another feature whereby the suction power increases when the vacuum detects the side of a wall (say when vacuuming next to your baseboards). Sounds good, and actually seems to work well - obviously when vacuuming next to a wall, there's the plastic of the vacuum itself that doesn't quite allow the brush roll to get all the way to the wall. The increased power of the side detection seems to alleviate that problem by increasing the power.
There's also the auto detect function, where the vacuum picks up power depending on the amount of dirt on the ground that it detects. This is nice if for no other reason than you feel good about picking up dirt on the ground.
The battery life is also superb. It goes for about 60 minutes (which is what it’s rated for) which basically means you can vacuum your whole house without having to recharge it.
CONCLUSION
This is a nice vacuum with a lot of bells and whistles that you don’t really need. The auto emptying bin is nice, but I never had any issues emptying the dust canisters of other stick vacuums before. I mostly like the stand because it’s a nice way to store your vacuum and charge it so it’s ready to go when you need it. The other features, like odor control and edge detection are nice, but seem a little gimmicky. If you can find a good spot for the large auto emptying base in your home, and don’t mind the cost, this is a great vacuum to consider.
This is a nice vacuum with a lot of bells and whistles that you don’t really need. The auto emptying bin is nice, but I never had any issues emptying the dust canisters of other stick vacuums before. I mostly like the stand because it’s a nice way to store your vacuum and charge it so it’s ready to go when you need it. The other features, like odor control and edge detection are nice, but seem a little gimmicky. If you can find a good spot for the large auto emptying base in your home, and don’t mind the cost, this is a great vacuum to consider.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Arlo Home Security System makes protecting your entire home easier. Get greater protection from All-in-One Sensors integrated with 8 sensing functions, opt in for around-the-clock protection from 24/7 Live Security Experts that monitor your home, so you don’t have to, and experience better whole home protection with SecureLink.¹ All-In-One Sensors have 8 sensing functions in 1 compact design to give you flexibility to place anywhere you need coverage inside your home. All functions are easily controlled through the intuitive Arlo Secure App, simply change or enable more detection functions anytime. Protect your doors and windows by combining open/close and motion detection, or protect areas under your sink by combining leak and freeze detection. You can also enable tilt, ambient light, smoke and CO alarm listening for any of your sensors for additional protection.² Arlo’s All-in-One Sensor protects your everything. The Keypad Sensor Hub controls your security system, has an integrated siren, motion sensor, smoke/CO alarm listener, and pairs devices with SecureLink technology for extended range and a more secure connection.¹ Change your security system mode or use One Tap Emergency Response buttons to send fire, police, or medical responders to your home, directly from the Hub or Arlo Secure App.²
Customer Rating
4
Works great, but made for those invested in Arlo
on October 8, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
Arlo has had some of the best consumer wireless security cameras on the market. In terms of visuals, battery life, versatility, they don’t get much better. The issue for me has always been the cost. Even more so, Arlo’s line of products have become increasingly more complex. I’ve also had issues with Arlo putting its older products out to pasture (like some of the original cameras I have). But, I feel somewhat trapped in its ecosystem after already having purchased many of its products - and paying for a camera subscription. So, the security system makes sense on some levels as it’s one less app to use and the cameras I have should work in sync with the security system. However, it’s hard to recommend the Arlo Security system, not necessarily because of the features or even ease of use, but because of the cost.
IN THE BOX and SETUP
In this box, you’ll get the security keypad, power cable/brick, and two all in one sensors. The setup is pretty easy - surprisingly actually. Reminder that I already have the Arlo app and cameras, so for me, I opened the app and clicked on “add device.” There I added the security system. First I had to “upgrade” the app. I didn’t have to redownload anything through the Google Play Store, the app just took a few minutes to update itself. From there, you walk through a tutorial like setting up your pin to unlock/arm the system. The app walks you through the various modes, like away and home and unlocked. From there, you add the sensors that are included in the box.
In this box, you’ll get the security keypad, power cable/brick, and two all in one sensors. The setup is pretty easy - surprisingly actually. Reminder that I already have the Arlo app and cameras, so for me, I opened the app and clicked on “add device.” There I added the security system. First I had to “upgrade” the app. I didn’t have to redownload anything through the Google Play Store, the app just took a few minutes to update itself. From there, you walk through a tutorial like setting up your pin to unlock/arm the system. The app walks you through the various modes, like away and home and unlocked. From there, you add the sensors that are included in the box.
As you add the sensors - by scanning the QR codes - you’re asked to name them, and asked how you will use them. Again, I was pleasantly surprised by the app’s helpfulness in showing/explaining how you could use the sensors so you could make the best choice to fit your needs.
SENSORS
The sensors really do it all. They detect changes in light, they detect motion, sound, they detect carbon monoxide, smoke, and can even detect water. They really do it all which is nice, because you don’t have to worry about what sensors to buy when expanding your system. You can put them flat on the wall, or in the corner. The app does a great job of calibrating them to detect doors opening, or where best to place them to detect motion in a room (i.e. height, angles). They can be installed using sticky adhesive (included) or a small bracket that you install with screws and anchors.
The sensors really do it all. They detect changes in light, they detect motion, sound, they detect carbon monoxide, smoke, and can even detect water. They really do it all which is nice, because you don’t have to worry about what sensors to buy when expanding your system. You can put them flat on the wall, or in the corner. The app does a great job of calibrating them to detect doors opening, or where best to place them to detect motion in a room (i.e. height, angles). They can be installed using sticky adhesive (included) or a small bracket that you install with screws and anchors.
KEYPAD
The keypad is really responsive. The buttons are clicky and consistently register each push. Given the cost, it would be nice if it had a small screen, but instead, there are lights indicating whether it’s armed or not. It should be noted that the keypad also has similar functionality to the sensors itself - so it can detect motion and carbon monoxide/smoke. This is useful because you don’t necessarily need a sensor in the same area as the keypad. The only real issue I have with the keypad is where to put it. Honestly, i prefer that it be on the wall which you can do, but you need a plug nearby. And even if you have a plug nearby, there’s the issue of having a cable hanging on the wall and the extra work required to hide it (if you so choose).
The keypad is really responsive. The buttons are clicky and consistently register each push. Given the cost, it would be nice if it had a small screen, but instead, there are lights indicating whether it’s armed or not. It should be noted that the keypad also has similar functionality to the sensors itself - so it can detect motion and carbon monoxide/smoke. This is useful because you don’t necessarily need a sensor in the same area as the keypad. The only real issue I have with the keypad is where to put it. Honestly, i prefer that it be on the wall which you can do, but you need a plug nearby. And even if you have a plug nearby, there’s the issue of having a cable hanging on the wall and the extra work required to hide it (if you so choose).
Based on my house’s setup, I don’t have a good spot to have the keypad in a location where it’s easily accessible by the door from my garage. That means I have to walk to a nearby room - tripping the alarm - which makes me feel a rush to get there and disarm it quickly. But this all depends on the setup of your house.
EASE OF USE AND THE APP
We don’t arm our security system very often, because one of us works from home most days, but when we have armed it when no one is home, it’s dead simple to use. The keypad has a microphone in it, which allows for voice commands which makes placement of the keypad a little easier (as I mentioned above).
We don’t arm our security system very often, because one of us works from home most days, but when we have armed it when no one is home, it’s dead simple to use. The keypad has a microphone in it, which allows for voice commands which makes placement of the keypad a little easier (as I mentioned above).
The Arlo app is surprisingly versatile. At first, I was burdened with what I believed to be unnecessary notifications - like change in ambient light as detected by one of the sensors. But spending a little time in the app, you can disable/enable specific notifications.
You can setup routines in the app, which will arm the house at specific intervals of the day which is nice for those you have a pretty consistent routine.
What I do love is the integration with other Arlo devices. They work well together, with sensors triggering cameras to record as one example. And being able to see all of your security devices (cameras, doorbells, sensors) all in one location, in one app, is very nice.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
So one of the rubs with this system is that it’s entirely reliant on the internet. This obviously makes it easy to setup and monitor, but what about those times when your internet is out? There’s no cellular backup option, but you can purchase an accessory kit from Arlo. This is something that should be included in my opinion.
So one of the rubs with this system is that it’s entirely reliant on the internet. This obviously makes it easy to setup and monitor, but what about those times when your internet is out? There’s no cellular backup option, but you can purchase an accessory kit from Arlo. This is something that should be included in my opinion.
There’s also the issue of the limited number of sensors. For better security, you’ll want more than what’s included in this package. Luckily they aren’t too expensive, and one benefit of Arlo over other home security setups is that the sensors themselves are really versatile, which in some respect takes the guesswork out of your setup.
Professional monitoring will cost you extra, starting at $24.99 a month. This seems to be about in line with most companies, although Simplisafe is cheaper. I was already paying for multiple cameras in my house (Arlo Secure Plan) so I’m not thrilled with having to pay even more.
CONCLUSION
At the end of the day, this is an easy to use and easy to setup home security system. But if you don’t already have Arlo security cameras, I would consider staying clear as the upfront costs could get pretty steep depending on the number of cameras you need. But if you already are invested in Arlo, this is a great option to get even more security. You can get away without professional monitoring, but you’ll still need to pay a monthly fee depending on your cameras so there’s really no way to get home security without paying some subscription fee. But it is worth the feeling of security.
At the end of the day, this is an easy to use and easy to setup home security system. But if you don’t already have Arlo security cameras, I would consider staying clear as the upfront costs could get pretty steep depending on the number of cameras you need. But if you already are invested in Arlo, this is a great option to get even more security. You can get away without professional monitoring, but you’ll still need to pay a monthly fee depending on your cameras so there’s really no way to get home security without paying some subscription fee. But it is worth the feeling of security.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Push your gears to the red line with TH8S Shifter Add-On: the sim racing shifter for next-level racing immersion sensations. TH8S Shifter Add-On features an "H"-pattern shift plate with 7 gears plus reverse gear, with direct gear shifting, allowing it to adapt to all types of games and vehicles with manual shifting (rally, trucks, GT, NASCAR). The 1.6"/4 cm metal shift lever and its ergonomic "sport-style" shift knob ensure responsiveness and precision for clean gear shifting. The frictionless H.E.A.R.T technology derived from Thrustmaster's high-end shifter, TH8A Shifter Add-On, ensures the same extreme level of precision throughout the product's lifespan. TH8S Shifter Add-On is compatible on PC with all racing wheels, and compatible on PS5, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S with Thrustmaster Force Feedback racing wheel bases.
Customer Rating
5
Crucial piece of your racing simulation setup
on October 8, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
I am not a great virtual racer, but ever since the PSVR2 was released, I’ve been dipping more into Gran Turismo 7 in VR. While the setup remains the same, when I’m racing, most of the time it’s with my Thrustmaster T128 connected to my PS5, and my PSVR2 headset. Sometimes though, I stick with driving on my TV. I also utilize a racing cockpit to hold my steering wheel and pedals. It’s a basic, cheap one, but luckily it has a spot for a shifter. It doesn’t have a built in seat.
I offer my opinions to those who are like me: someone who is a casual racer and wants a cost efficient racing cockpit.
As I said earlier, I have the T128 steering wheel. It’s a nice budget level steering wheel with force feedback. What it doesn’t have is a clutch pedal - just brake and gas. Honestly, I didn’t think this steering wheel could even accept a shifter because of the lack of a clutch pedal, but that’s luckily not the case.
The TH8S shifter utilizes a clamp - much like the T128 steering wheel. It’s dead simple to use, and can attach to most tables and desks if you don’t have a racing cockpit. I have to recommend investing in a cheap racing cockpit (one with or without a seat) for the best experience. If you’ve ever driven a stick shift car in real life, you know that the shifter sits below the steering wheel, so it feels odd to have your video game steering wheel and shifter on the same level as one another - although it works. Honestly, if you’ve gotten this far and own a steering wheel, and are considering the shifter, you might as well take the next step to enhance the experience.
In any event, onto the shifter. It’s mostly made of plastic, but it’s nice and sturdy. It’s not too large nor is it heavy. The shifting is smooth and easy. It goes up to 7 gears and has a slot for reverse as well. I wish there was a little more resistance in the shifting action to better mimic a real car, but that’s a minor quibble. When you’re in gear it doesn’t move much. And like a real car, when shifting up from your even gears (2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th) it feels like it glides to the next gear. Basically, it’s really responsive when changing gears and I never had an instance where it didn’t move to the next gear.
The shifter comes with two cables, one is a proprietary cable on both ends (looks similar to an old S-video cable if you’re familiar with that). The other cable is a USB-A to USB-C cable. The latter allows you to plug into your computer (to be clear, I didn’t plug my shifter into the computer, I played on the PS5). The proprietary cable plugs directly into the shifter and your compatible steering wheel. I had some issues plugging the cable into the steering wheel, but that was mostly because of my fat fingers. Luckily, I keep my setup plugged into my stand so I don’t anticipate unplugging it again. The cables aren’t terribly long, they have enough length to put the shifter within arms length of the steering wheel. Unlike my steering wheel (which I won’t get into here) I had no issues getting setup and ready to use the shifter. When plugged in, the steering wheel controller immediately recognized it. Again, my T128 doesn’t have a clutch pedal, which I wish I had, nonetheless, it was very much similar to shifting with the paddles on the steering wheel. I had no issues getting used to the absence of the clutch pedal - it didn’t seem like it took too much away from the realism.
In the end, this is a useful addition to any racing simulation setup. It’s not too expensive and adds a certain level of realism that really makes simulation racing games - like Gran Turismo 7 - even more enjoyable.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Yeti GX is a premium RGB gaming mic powered by LIGHTSYNC and designed specifically for game streamers. Combining a custom dynamic capsule with advanced software, this USB microphone rejects noise and key clicks, improves your sound and ensures consistent high-quality audio while you stream. Use LIGHTSYNC to control two separate RGB light zones on the mic and sync them with other G gear in G HUB, including mice and keyboards, for a fully immersive experience. Add fun vocal effects with Blue VO!CE software, and use Smart Audio Lock or set the gain manually with easy on-mic controls.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound, plug and play
on September 28, 2023
Posted by: callmeageeth
The Logitech Yeti GX is a sharp looking and high performance microphone. There are cheaper options out there, and if you already own a Blue Yeti microphone, there's little reason to upgrade unless you just have the RGB lighting.
It's a much smaller than most USB microphones I've used and takes up little space on your desk due to it's small footprint. It's small enough so that when you're streaming or otherwise on a video call it won't be seen, but given it's lighting, you might want to prop it up to show it off.
There's USB-C port on the bottom, RGB light ring on the bottom. On the back, the only buttons you get are a mic gain and a mute button. Honestly, it's really the lighting that sets this microphone apart from an otherwise plain black microphone.
I like that a red light comes on when you're muted, which is nice, although the light and gain dial are on the back. The lights on the gain dial will go red if it's too high and you have the option to push the dial in to hold the gain at a specific level (light goes blue) to prevent accidental changes.
It's purely plug and play. Plugging it in is really all you do to get up and going. You'll get great, balanced sound without doing a thing, although there are plenty of software options on Logitech G Hub to tweak the sound to your liking. G Hub is also where you'll go to change the RGB light ring at the bottom. It's a supercardiod microphone so it picks up the best sound when speaking to it through the top, and rejecting sounds from the sides. It picks up everything from whispers to harsh singing without being too close. It does a great job of not picking up extraneous sounds like game sounds and a clicky keyboard.
One minor hiccup was that I had a hard time getting Logitech G Hub to recognize it on my work laptop. It worked great on my laptop, just by plugging it in, but I wasn't able to to adjust the lights. It was however instantly recognized on my ASUS gaming laptop. It's a small sample size, and I wouldn't necessarily expect you to have the same issues, it was worth noting.
In sum, this is a nice sounding microphone with a small footprint that's dead simple to use (meaning you don't need to make any sound adjustments to get great sound IMO). Although I like it a lot, primarily because it matches the aesthetic of my Logitech gaming keyboard and mouse, other than the RGB lighting it does little to separate itself from the crowd. But it's competitively priced and has the sound you give to expect from Blue Yeti.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Lucyd Starman titanium frames weigh just over an ounce, and with their enhanced flexibility will fit most users out of the box. These patent-pending Bluetooth frames offer a unique mix of durable titanium, designer styling, optional vision correction, and smart features. All Lucyd frames include a 7-day moneyback guarantee and 1-year warranty against any defects in frame or lenses.
What are the glasses capable of?
That's a seemingly broad question, but they connect to any Bluetooth source device and can play music through the speakers embedded in the arms of the glasses. The sound is good based on the open speaker design, so the sound will bleed a little bit. But overall, I like them.
2 years, 4 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Feel safe and protected with eufySecurity Solo Smart Lock D20. Securely open your front door with built-in Wi-Fi to only let trusted friends and family enter your home when you allow it. And when you are outside your front door, connect with Bluetooth via the eufy Security app, so you don’t need to fumble for your keys. Solo Smart Lock is tough, too, with stainless steel construction that earned it a BMHA certification. Plus, the IPX3 weatherproof rating ensures it can endure wild temperature swings and heavy rain. Give yourself peace of mind with Solo Smart Lock, and you’ll always feel your home is secure.
Does it come with the lever handle? If not, how can one order the handle shown?
No, it does not come with a lever. You're stuck with what you have, or going to a home improvement store to get one.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Easily track you and your children’s (pediatric use) well-being with the ability to store up to 60 measurements for up to 2 users. A universal cuff is wearable on any wrist large or small. The Beurer BC57 synchronizes with your smartphone via Bluetooth® technology so you can see your readings over time and share with your doctor. It also identifies arrythmia and alerts you of any detections.
How do you change the battery?
Underneath the monitor itself, where it attaches to the wristband, there's a cover you can pop open to replace the AAA batteries.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Your SWFT journey starts here. Wherever you’re headed, FLEET will get you there with style, safety, and a fresh design that’ll turn heads as you turn corners. Move ahead of the pack with a SWFT e-bike with a detachable, rechargeable battery. Multiple modes allow you to use pedal-assist or your throttle to propel you forward. With a 19.8 mph max speed, you can travel up to 37.2 miles on a single charge of your battery alone. A built-in monitor display indicates your battery output and speed. Let the journey begin.
Do you have to pedal this bike to make it work?
You have to pedal it to get it going, once you turn the pedal maybe twice, the motor kicks in and it will either assist your pedaling or you can use the throttle
2 years, 7 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Your SWFT journey starts here. Wherever you’re headed, FLEET will get you there with style, safety, and a fresh design that’ll turn heads as you turn corners. Move ahead of the pack with a SWFT e-bike with a detachable, rechargeable battery. Multiple modes allow you to use pedal-assist or your throttle to propel you forward. With a 19.8 mph max speed, you can travel up to 37.2 miles on a single charge of your battery alone. A built-in monitor display indicates your battery output and speed. Let the journey begin.
What if I purchase this bike now and and later is cheaper on Black Friday. Do I get the different?
Depending on your membership status, you can get a refund of the difference so long as you're in the return period.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
callmeageeth
GeoBook 120 is a 12.5-inch Windows 10 laptop complete with a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal. Powered by an Intel Celeron Dual Core Processor and 4GB RAM, this lightweight laptop makes easy work of essential tasks, browsing and more. 64GB eMMC storage is built in and can be expanded with the addition of a MicroSD card (up to 64GB). GeoBook 120 also features a 2MP webcam, dual microphones and integrated speakers, plus reliable AC Wi-FI.
Can I play Roblox and Minecraft?
My kid has played both on it, and they run just fine.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Pixel Buds A-Series bring you rich, high-quality sound for a lot less than you’d expect. Their beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear.*** The flush-to-ear design is stylish, and the stabilizer arc keeps them in place so you can wear them even during the sweatiest workout.**
Does it have Noise Cancellation feature ?
No they do not have active noise cancelling. One of the drawbacks of the Pixel Buds (IMHO) is that they let in a lot of ambient noise, even with a good seal/fit in your ears.
2 years, 10 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Pixel Buds A-Series bring you rich, high-quality sound for a lot less than you’d expect. Their beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear.*** The flush-to-ear design is stylish, and the stabilizer arc keeps them in place so you can wear them even during the sweatiest workout.**
Does Google pixel buds pair with iPhones?
I haven't specifically tried it, but it's my understanding they do, but I do know you'll lose the ability to use/activate the Google Assistant through the Pixel Buds.
2 years, 10 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, powerful autonomous functions, and a compact body weighing less than 600 g, DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Take this all-in-one aerial powerhouse along anywhere to experience and record your world in stunning detail.
Can I use my Goggles with the DJI mavic air 2s?
I haven't tested it, because I don't own the goggles, but there's a setting to change the camera to FPV. And according to dronedj.com, it is compatible.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, powerful autonomous functions, and a compact body weighing less than 600 g, DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Take this all-in-one aerial powerhouse along anywhere to experience and record your world in stunning detail.
Will Air 2s work with note 20 ultra?
I don't own that phone, but I don't see why not. Biggest concern is size of the phone and whether it fits into the controller. I use a Google Pixel 4 XL and there's still a little more space for the "arms" of the controller to hold the phone. And in terms of the app itself, you'll need to download it straight from the DJI website (which is the same process for all Androids)
2 years, 11 months ago
by
callmeageeth