marcoscu

ZOMAKE 30cm Metal Shoe Horn Review https://youtu.be/hSIgyfBrtGs More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/22dj482o Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: As you get older getting your shoes on is not quite the easy task it used to be and a shoehorn can make life much simpler. An extra long shoe horn like this means that shoes can easily be slipped on without needing to bend down. I am not at that stage yet, but time marches on for us all. What you get here is a single long, well made and ergonomically designed shoe horn designed to make getting your feet into over-tight or poorly designed footwear less of a task than it would be otherwise. Packing and presentation are minimal, which is fine for me, with the shoe horn simply packaged in a shaped plastic bag with protection for the handle grip. No paperwork or other items were included and none were needed. The stainless steel shoe horn weighs 130g and is 30 cm in length (12 inches) with a hanging hook bend and handle on one and a shaped area to support the foot on the other. There is a hole on the grip end through which a short hanging strap is attached. This shoe horn is robust, well made and designed for long term use. It is shorter than some which makes it easier to store and to manipulate when seated. I found it simple and easy to use and it sits well in the hand. The smoothly well finished metal construction means it will not snag on clothing, prove abrasive to the skin nor bend under stress. Storage is easy as it can be hung from a radiator or any handy projection and is large enough not to be easily mislaid. Priced at £6.45 this is not the very cheapest out there but this is a well made, cleverly designed item, built to last that may well make your life just a little bit easier. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Brisket Taco - Cumbia Deli

BESNOOW J53 Wireless Earbuds Review https://youtu.be/qBXHDuPsMrQ More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/2chkvann Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: There once was a time when true wireless earbuds were expensive, unreliable and sounded terrible, but those days have gone. Technology has moved on and gone are the days of dropouts, thin sound and flimsy construction. This one is no exception and is a perfectly good if rather unexciting new entry into a very busy marketplace. The main difference between this and the last almost identical headset I reviewed is the larger driver size of these headsets and the increased battery time. All the latest boxes are ticked – Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C charging, IP7 water resistant. This set in addition is robust, well made and unlike many of the rivals not hard to remove from the magnetic case. In the box, you receive the wireless earbuds, charging case, charging cable, spare gels and a well printed and easy to read User Guide. Despite the light weight, everything has a quality feel to it but without the flimsiness of some rivals. I am not usually a fan of the AirPod style stem design but it usually does make for superior sound quality, more secure fitting and easier handling.This new headset is compact in size, both the buds and case, with a glossy black finish that is otherwise similar in design to the many rivals out there. There was a time when you had to pay plenty to get decent quality True Wireless Earbuds but the introduction of Bluetooth 5.0 seems to have changed all that. Before Bluetooth 5.0 all but the most expensive TW earbuds would continually drop out, crackle, pop and generally prove more trouble than they were worth. The earbuds use the very latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology which is supported by the latest high-end smartphones but of course, they will also work with older Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth 5 adds a longer range and greatly improves both the stability of the wireless connection and battery life and v5.3 gives even better sound quality and reliability. First time pairing could not be simpler and took just a few seconds. Simply remove the two buds from the case and pair them in the usual way to your phone looking for the name ‘I53’. Subsequently, taking the buds from the case powers them on, and they connect to each other and to the phone automatically, returning them to the case turns them off and begins charging. You should get at least 8 hours of music time from each 90 minute bud charge and about 40 hours in total from a fully charged case, which also takes just 90 minutes to charge. There is a small but useful LED display on the case that shows you both the case and bud charging status and level. These stem format buds are easy to remove from the magnetic case and holding them by the stem prevents accidental button presses, for me a major selling point. The buds are small, neat and comfortable to wear even up to the full 8 hours of music per charge. Sound quality is excellent for a TW headset with a very decent level of bass together with clean mid-tones and a sibilance free high end. Calls were clear to hear and easy to make, perhaps due to onboard ENC and CVC 8.0 mic noise reduction. I found call quality to be fine at each end of the conversation with no dropouts or excessive background noise. Each bud has a single soft touch button on it which can be used to end/reject calls, play/pause music, navigate tracks, alter volume and invoke your phone’s voice assistant. The buds turn on and pair automatically when taken from the case or you can power them on or off by long pressing the button on each bud. You can reset the buds by clicking either button five times, a handy feature I have not seen before. The buds can be used as a stereo pair but can also operate individually. The buds are IP7 water resistant rating and should be fine in the rain or at the beach but not for swimming. Currently discounted to £18.99, they are incredibly well priced for the technology available, indeed this headset compares very well with the high-end rivals I have tried as regards sound quality and features. If you want a pair of good quality, good sounding true wireless earbuds at a budget price for use at home or on the sports track then I doubt you would find much better than these. The Good Lightweight Comfortable Good Audio Quality Good Build Quality Auto On/Off Bluetooth 5.3 Magnetic Case IP7 Waterproof Reset Option The Bad No Dual Device Pairing Music: YouTube Audio Library: Marimba Chill - Jimena Contreras

AliExpress Lightdow Macro Lens Set Review https://youtu.be/7WVPdXAPVHQ More Info and Purchase: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006109532177.html Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: I wanted a simple close-up lens kit to use with my Sony ZV-E10 camera which has a fairly unusual 40.5mm external lens thread. This budget priced set from AliExpress seemed to fit the bill. I paid £10.93 for it but the same kit is widely available at a range of prices, brand names and sellers across AliExpress and in 13 filter sizes from 37mm to 82mm. It took a couple of weeks to arrive undamaged from China and when it did the package contained four lens set plus a storage pouch. The four close-up lenses - rated +1. +2,+4, and +10 dioptres all seemed pretty decent quality, well made from metal with optically good glass lenses. Each lens is marked with the filter size and magnification strength around the edge. The lenses have exterior threads to allow them to be screwed together to obtain higher magnification levels. The generic pouch is not so good as it is clearly designed to hold much larger lenses and these rather small 40.5mm lenses do have a habit of falling out. That said the pouch itself is reasonably well made from a heavy duty velcro secured cloth with transparent interior pockets for the lenses. I am very happy with the images obtained from the lenses although if I needed to use them more often I might decide to upgrade to professional quality lenses from a more prestigious photographic brand. If you need a decent quality set of macro lenses and don't want to pay too much then for the budget price this is a pretty solid buy. The Good Great price Good Lens Build Quality Good Quality Optics The Bad Generic Storage Pouch Slow Delivery Time Music: YouTube Audio Library: Tales from Southern Mexico - Jimena Contreras

Fullicon Aquaseal 7 Day Pill Box Review https://youtu.be/TBvdGv43dg8 More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/29wv7ks9Links Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: I only actually take three prescribed daily pills but I do take quite a few vitamin and mineral supplements in a pathetic attempt to keep healthy and ward off advancing old age. Too many pills and capsules to fit comfortably into my old daily pill box causing it to pop open from time to time resulting in tablet confusion and rage. Time to get a new and larger box to dispense my daily health allowance. For the size and features this pill box from Fullicon seemed a good buy for just £7.99. In the box, which bears the Aquaseal name - Fullicon, I suspect, are resellers - I received the pill box, and a set of 14 daily marked stickers, no instructions or user guide was included or needed. The pill box weighs in at 1 hefty 140g and is 22.58 x 5.79 x 2.9 cm in size with each of the seven daily boxes being 20.8 x 40 x 30 mm, large enough to hold about nine 45mm capsules. Each compartment is grommet sealed and secured by a clip and is designed to be impact and water resistant. This does seem to work as in my tests I have given it a good soaking under the tap and dropped it onto a stone floor from head height several times without making an impression on it. That said, I would not advise hitting it with a hammer or immersing it in water for any length of time. The size and build quality are the selling point of the box but also the main issue with it. The catch is a bit fiddly to use and those with arthritic fingers might find it challenging, also the box is too large, colourful and heavy to be discreetly tucked away or easily packed into a bag. At nearly 9 by 2.5 inches in length, this has to be the largest weekly pill box I have yet tried and not just the largest but also the best made, best protected and most robust. The price is great and the build quality first class but it may well be too large and heavy for some users, so think carefully before purchasing. The Good Great Build Quality Large Compartment Sizes Impactv Resistant Water Resistant Great Price The Bad Bulky Heavy Fiddly Locking Catches Music: YouTube Audio Library: Bossa Sonsa - Quincas Moreira

XREXS Digital Dual Kitchen Timer Review https://youtu.be/ATl1QbpElhA More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/2ykoyvyq Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: This is a fairly traditional timer, battery powered and with a large and non-backlit LCD screen. The main selling points are that it contains two separate timers each of which has itsowndisplay and can used together with or independently of the other one and that it features a pair of brightly coloured front panel LEDs to help monitor the active alarms. In the simple but attractive box, you receive the 11 x 8 x 3 cm 99g timer, lanyard strap, two AAA batteries and a well written and easy to read user guide. Build quality seems fine, not premium but robust and built to last. On the front of the timer is a large two line LCD screen, one line for each of the timers. On the left of the screen are two large LED buttons. the top for channel one and the other for channel two. When selected the channel button flashes green during the last 50 seconds of the countdown process and red on completion with the audio beep alarm also sounding. Along the bottom are buttons for Memory, Hours, Minutes, Seconds and Start/Stop. On the side of the unit is a slider switch for power off, audio alert off, and audio alert on. Operation is simple enough. Set the power On slider and press the selection button for the timer you need, press the Hour and Minute buttons together to reset it to zero. Press the Start/Stop but to start timer counting up and again to cancel it. To count down, when your selected timer is set to zero then use the Hour, Minute, and Second buttons to input the desired time and then Start/Stop to begin or pause the timer. A loud audio alert beep will sound and the timer channel LED will flash Red when the countdown ends. The timer will then automatically start counting upward, a nice touch that will tell you how long ago the countdown finished. The two timers can be used independently of each other and each timer will remember the last time count up or down paused state. The Memory button can be used to save a time period to be used as the default for each timer. The maximum period for the timer is 99 Hours, 59 minutes and 59 Seconds. That is all there is to it. This device is two simple and easy to use timers in one. It can be used in the kitchen but is just as happy on the sports field or in the workplace, Currently priced at just £11.99 I think it is a pretty good buy. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Marimba Chill - Jimena Contreras

XREXS 3 Channel Digital Timer Review https://youtu.be/c6h9DPF8OFY More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/22g5d94n Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/05/02/xrexs-3-channel-digital-timer/ This is a fairly traditional timer, battery powered and with a large and non backlit LCD screen. The main selling point is that it contains three separate timers in of which has its own display and can used together with or independently of the other two. In the simple but illustrative box, you receive the timer, lanyard strap, two AAA batteries and a well written and easy to read user guide. Build quality seems fine, not premium but robust and built to last. On the front of the timer is a large three line LCD screen, one line for each of the individual timers. Above the screen are selection buttons for each timer, on the left selection buttons for hours, minutes and seconds, on the left are buttons for power on/off, clear memory, and timer start/stop. On the rear of the unit are the combined clamp and kickstand, magnetic mount, lanyard mount, and the compartment for the two AAA batteries. Operation is simple enough. Long press the power On button and press the selection button for the timer you need, use the Clear button to set it back to zero. Press the Start/Stop but to start timer counting up and again to cancel it. To count down, when your selected timer is set to zero then use the Hour, Minute, and Second buttons to input the desired time and then Start/Stop to begin or pause the timer. A loud audio alert beep will sound and the screen will flash when the countdown ends. The three timers can be used independently of each other and each timer will remember the last time setting used or count up or down paused state. That is all there is to it. This is three basic timers combined. It can be used in the kitchen but is just as happy on the sports field or in the workplace, Currently priced at just £9.99 before discounts this little device can only be a good buy for the low price. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Chris Haugen: Mirage

XREXS Rechargeable Kitchen Timer Review https://youtu.be/wvWgEk99YhQ More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/22hhm9jz Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/04/26/xrexs-rechargeable-kitchen-timer/ This is a simple but rather impressive looking kitchen timer. In the box, you receive the timer itself, a USB charging cable and a well written and easy to read user guide. Build quality all seems fine and the device has a premium feel not often found in budget devices such as this one. The LED display takes up all the front panel with the controls in large, well marked and easy to use buttons around the side. On one side is a slider for the power and screen display. There are three screen modes - off, standard brightness, high brightness and power saving (10 second auto off). On the other side is a slider for the alert options - standard audio, loud audio, flashing screen and vibration.Around the top are standard buttons to program the timer along with a timer reset and start/pause buttons. The 7.2 x 11 x 2 150g cm unit contains a 1000mAh lithium which is charged through the USB-C port on the side with a status LED confirming charging. The LED screen also has a battery status icon to alert you when charging is needed. The timer will still function when charging. Like all kitchen timers, this one can count up and down and give audio and visual alarms after a preset period. The blue LED display is large, vibrant and easy to see even in a bright and well lit kitchen. At first, I was surprised that the unit did not also function as a clock, but on balance, I think that keeping things simple is the best way and that it would be a mistake to complicate things by offering non timer related options. Operating it is as simple as you might expect. When the front panel display is set to zero, pressing the start/stop buttons begins the timer counting upward. To count down, press the rest button to zero the display and then use the hour, minute and second buttons to input the period you want to a maximum of 9 hours, 59 minutes 59 seconds. Long press unit buttons to fast scroll the time. The side buttons are used to select the display and alert options you require. The device is easy to use with a minimal learning curve and works perfectly every time. Currently discounted to £11.69 on Amazon, if you need an easy to use, easy to see timer that looks a cut above the rest, then this would be a great buy. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Beckoning - Telecasted

AliExpress WH-1000XM5 Bluetooth Headphones Review https://youtu.be/w-nz5b0ZOjo More Info and Purchase: https://www.aliexpress.com/ Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/04/23/aliexpress-wh-1000xm5-bluetooth-headphones/ I bought the AliExpress "WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphone" for just £8.64p with free shipping, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, which they very closely resemble, are priced at £319 on the Sony UK website. As with many products on AliExpress they are widely available from many sellers at a range of prices. In the box, I received the headset itself, a short charging lead and a very small user guide. The headphones are lightweight but otherwise seem reasonably well made and don't look particularly cheap and nasty. The earcups and headband are quite nicely padded with a protective film over the earcup speaker grills. There is no apparent distinction between left and right earcups but one has a standard audio input port, USB-C charging port and buttons for Calls/Vol/Track Up and down, Bluetooth On/Off and another button which changes the language of the spoken alerts from English to Chinese and also invokes the phone's digital assistant. Unlike with the Sony original there are no earcup touch controls. The spoken alerts are clear and easy to understand in good English. Charging takes around two hours and uses a USB-C port. An LED confirms charging and this is also used to indicate Bluetooth 5.2 pairing mode, which is fast and with spoken alerts to confirm the connection and power status. One charge will give me around a day of normal Bluetooth use. The audio quality is OK it's fairly good considering the price with a decent level of bass, and clear and well defined mid tones but a high end which is rather muffled and indistinct. I also noticed some clipping and distortion at high volume levels. All in all, for the price the sound is pretty good. The microphone works pretty well and the headset does a reasonable job of call handling. So this is certainly no Sony WH-1000XM5. There is no noise reduction, and other high end features are neither present nor claimed. The build quality, although OK, is by no means premium and the presentation is anything but high end. Their is no carry case or fancy box included and the packaging is distinctly low end. What you get is a decent quality pair of Bluetooth headphones with pretty good but not great audio quality. You may have to move quickly to pick these up as AliExpress fakes seem to vanish instantly and at once from the marketplace when copyright claims are made. They may also be available on Temu, Wish, and other Chinese marketplace websites. The Good Great Price Decent Audio Quality Microphone Bluetooth 5.2 Spoken Alerts Digital Assistant Ready The Bad No Noise Reduction No Touch Controls Poor Presentation Lightweight Build Quality No Audio Cable Music: YouTube Audio Library: Unicorn Heads:My Train's A Comin'

AliExpress 1000w 990 Million Lumens Flashlightt Review https://youtu.be/pS5VoyYtLYI More Info and Purchase: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005807745843.html Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: You never really know what you are going to get when you buy from AliExpress, I have had some bargains and been ripped off a few times but one thing is for sure, never believe the description or review for the products. This flashlight is a good example as it is an excellent product available for a good price but fails to meet the outlandish claims made for it. According to the product description this torch outputs 1000W LED and 990000000LM and is visible at 1500m range! Elsewhere in the description, more modest claims are made that the light output is a more modest and believable 4200Lux. I do have to say here that this is the largest and perhaps the most powerful torch I have yet reviewed. I paid ￡23.47 but it is widely available on AliExpress from a range of sellers for as little as £15. In the plain unbranded white box, I received the torch itself, a very short USB-C charging cable and a shoulder strap. No instructions or information sheet was included. The torch is impressively large at about 265mm in length with a maximum front diameter of 72mm. The body is largely made of plastic with the front lens assembly section made from aluminium alloy. Midway down, is a gromett protected bay containing the USB-C charging port and the USB A power out port – yes, the flashlight is also a power bank. On the other side is the single control button with an LED display around it confirming charging and operation status. On the rear is the large COB light controlled by the same button. Long press the button to activate the COB light, and short press to scroll through the three lighting levels of the main torch and the SOS strobe light. There are lugs front and rear to connect the supplied shoulder strap. The torch claims to be IP68 waterproof and this may well be true. Rotate the front of the lens section to focus the light beam and push/pull to zoom the beam. The torch is much lighter than I expected due to the plastic body but the lens assembly section feels more robust and better made. Unlike many torches, this cannot be disassembled to access the batteries but there are claimed to be three rechargeable 500mAh batteries inside. The front lens can be removed but this does not give access to the battery area. In general build quality seems OK but my torch does rattle and something is clearly loose inside although the torch seems to be working fine. Some buyers on AliExpress claim theirs arrived damaged or not working. Charging is fast and easy with an LED display confirming the charging status. The internal battery is supposed to be 1500mAh and I have no reason to doubt this. There is a USB A output port to allow the torch to work as a power bank and this it does. and although not particularly fast it will allow you to charge or top up your phone or other device. The performance of the torch is better than I expected and although nowhere near that claimed it is very powerful indeed, perhaps the most powerful I have yet tested. The focusable and zooming lens allows it to emit a tight narrow beam of light that looks like a searchlight when projected into the night sky. As you would expect there is fringe distortion when the beam is tightly focused but not enough to detract from its effectiveness. When zoomed out the beam is wide enough to fully cover the room from a short distance. I have to say the output from this budget torch is very impressive indeed. For the price, this is a remarkable buy. There are a few negatives to be aware of but if you want a large and powerful torch at a budget price, then this could be a great buy. The Good Very Powerful USB-C Rechargeable Zooming Lens Focusable Lens Power Bank Wide Angle Lens Shoulder Strap The Bad Large Size Dodgy Build Quality No Battery Access No User Guide Great Price Music: YouTube Audio Library: Mulholland - King Canyon

AliExpress GT4 Pro Smartwatch Review https://youtu.be/D7wQe4Rm6g4 More Info and Purchase: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006068800507.html Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/04/14/aliexpress-gt4-smartwatch/ The HUAWEI GT4 is a high quality premium grade smartwatch currently priced at around £230 on Amazon. The AliExpress GT4 smartwatch - which very closely resembles the expensive original - is widely available across AliExpress from multiple sellers at a range of prices. The one I am looking at today cost me £20.93 including shipping. The AliExpress watch has a 1.53" 360x 360 display, a stainless steel body, a stainless steel body and a 300mAh battery with wireless charging. The product page claims a wide range of features for it including GPS, NFC, notifications, wireless charging, Blood pressure, SP02, sleep and heart rate tracking, Bluetooth calling, music control, camera control, and multiple sports tracking. How many of these features are actually present and working? In the box are the watch, silicon strap, charging cable and a User Guide in English. The presentation is OK but far from premium grade, the box is low to mid market but attractive enough with some thought given to the design. I was very surprised by the build quality. The watch body feels weighty and substantial with a classy and impressive screen apparent even before switching the thing on. The watch strap is silicone with a simple traditional style metal buckle but does not feel cheap or low end. So far, as regards the hardware, I would genuinely think this was a premium product. Things start to change when looking at the magnetic charger which is lightweight and seems cheaply made The user guide too is not good, being poorly written, badly printed and hard to read but does contain all the instructions needed to use the watch. The magnetic charger works well enough but the magnetic connection is not very strong and it is prone to falling off. I found that I could get two to three days of normal use from a full charge. Turning the watch on for the first time I have to say I was very impressed by the display, which is bright colourful and detailed and would not be out of place on a high end watch and, I think, superior to that of my usual Amazfit smartwatch. The watch paired easily to my phone running the required RDFit app. and I was pleased to see it immediately downloaded and installed a firmware update. The phone link seems pretty stable and I have not yet needed to manually reconnect. The RDFit app covers most of the claimed health tracking modes, although not all are fully supported by the watch. The app is reasonably well designed and easy to navigate, although good eyes are required to read the tiny lettering and often hard to read lettering. A large number of free watchfaces can be downloaded through the app onto the watch but many of them are very similar to each other and not well designed. The watch comes with 5 built-in watch faces which cannot be changed and one custom watch face which can either be downloaded or designed inside the app from your own original photo. For some reason, I have noticed that the active watch faces do seem to cycle of their own accord. The watch interface is simple and easy to navigate reacts instantly and rapidly to touch and is fast, responsive and lag free in use. Again, this could be the screen of a high end smartwatch. From the home screen swipe down to access a shortcut screen with links to important control features, scroll up to view current app notifications, scroll left to view principal app screens (music control, steps, sleep), and scroll right to see widgets for weather, music control, exercise, sleep analysis, heart rate, blood pressure, SP02 and buttons for the four most used apps. The functions of the top button can be defined inside the watch settings app and I have mine configured so that a single press gives the installed apps which can be scrolled through either by touch or rotating of the top button, a double press opens the stopwatch, a long press opens the sports menu. The lower button returns to the home screen, turns off the display and gives an option to power off the watch. The watch monitors these parameters: Steps. Distance, Calories, Sleep, Heart Rate, SO02, Blood Pressure GPS route tracking and NFC. It also shows weather, phone notifications, breathing mode, phone music and camera controls. Let’s look in more detail at watch the watch can do NFC - It may do something since they seem to keep mentioning it, but it will not work in any way I am familiar with and cannot be used for card purchases or to interact in any way I can find with the phone. GPS - There is no onboard GPS but it will offer connected GPS using your phone. The GPS takes a few seconds to sync but there is an onscreen progress bar to take the guesswork out of it. To my surprise, after an exercise session, the full GPS track is shown in the app along with calories used, pace, heart rate graph etc. I checked the GPS track on the onscreen map and it seems reasonably accurate. Steps – The step counter works but with results different from my usual watch . Distance – This works OK and uses the phone GPS but gives acceptably accurate results. Calories – The app calculates this and is probably no more accurate or otherwise than any other, as I have doubts about them all. However, it does seem consistent and is probably good for showing a day on day usage. Sleep – This seems to work and mirrors pretty much the same feature on my Amazfit watch although in less (unneeded) detail. Heart Rate – The heart rate monitor seems pretty accurate and will poll automatically 24/7 in the background although less frequently than my usual watch. Spot readings can also be taken. Blood Pressure Monitor - This attempts to work but, as with every other watch BP monitor I have tried is so inaccurate as to be useless. SP02 Monitor - It seems to work and is reasonably accurate. Music Controls – Yes, this works well and seems to recognise most audio phone apps. You cannot store music on the watch itself but only control playback from the attached phone. Phone Notifications – Yes, these work, and are large and easy to read although do not identify the app used. Siri/Android Assistant: open the watch. tap the screen and speak, audible reply comes through watch speaker Phone calls - Works and you can initiate and answer a call from the watch. Callers voice comes through the watch speaker. SMS Message - Yes, they can be read on the watch screen Lost Phone/Watch Alert – Yes, this works well and is noisy and hard to overlook. Do Not Disturb – You can define a start and stop time and it works just fine. Sedentary Reminder – yes, this seems to work. Weather – Yes, this works too but is very bare-bones. Watch Faces – A small selection can be made from within the watch and others can be downloaded using the app, either way, is a simple process. So this is no Apple Watch, but it is certainly no cheap throwaway item. The hardware seems premium quality with a screen that is bright, clear, fast and responsive. On your wrist, this really does look like a £250 watch. It has all the basics that you may need but many high end features are missing and some of those claimed are not present or do not work correctly. A good number of apps are included but no third party ones such as Facebook, Instagram etc. There is no onboard GPS or NFC and some of the tracking apps, such as for sleep, are rather basic. Physically this watch looks very much like the HUAWEI GT4 but lacks the high end features and of course, will not work with the native HUAWEI apps. This is no HUAWEI although it does look pretty much as good on the wrist. This is a great buy for the price. If you need a well made, and easy to use smartwatch, that performs the basic features OK and looks fantastic then this is for you. If you want a simple sports tracking watch then this is for you too. For the crazy £20 price this is a great buy but don't expect a HUAWEI. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Dove Love - Quincas Moreira

XREXS Red 17 Inch Bluetooth Digital Wall Clock Review https://youtu.be/R1UOYiuJYqc More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/2y7kkwxo Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: This is a large, remote controlled, mains powered wall clock with a big bright red LED display, 17 inches across it also works as a timer, a thermometer, and as an alarm clock with three alarm modes and a range of loud, annoying but very effective alert tones. The clock is also available with a blue display. The clock comes with a full sized remote control used to configure the clock and set the time which can also be done using the control buttons on the clock itself. The time can also be set automatically over Bluetooth. In the attractive box, you get the clock itself, a power cable with a standard UK plug, a full sized remote control, and a well written and easy to read user guide. The clock is all plastic but the build quality and design both seem fine to me. The clock can be wall mounted using the handy enclosed template, or self supporting using the fold out kickstand at the rear. The 42 x 14.5 x 2.5 cm, 0.88 kg clock is nice and simple to use with a large, bright, clear LED front panel display, 12.3 cm high contrast digits, and a range of big clicky buttons on the back to set the time, alarm times and 5-stage brightness. The clock has two AAA backup batteries preinstalled but is powered through the port behind the rear flap where excess cable can also be stored. The backup batteries are to preserve data only and cannot power the display. It comes with a well printed and easy to read user guide and a 2m power cable with a hard wired UK plug. The clock has three basic operating modes: clock, alarm clock and timer. The timers can be operated separately and can count up or down, as required. The maximum timer length is 29 hr 59 min 59 sec with a 90 second ending alert. The alert sound for the three mode alarm clock and timer can be selected from the three sounds available. A nine minute snooze feature is available for heavy sleepers in all alarm clock modes. The clock can also be set to sound an hourly chime. The clock features auto brightness dimming as well as manual brightness control and this along with other features such as 12/24 hour formats, and C/F selectable temperature mode, can be set on the rear panel or using the full sized remote control. Using the remote control you can fully control the clock even when it is mounted up on the wall. On the top right of the clock display is a Bluetooth pairing indicator. The clock will enter Bluetooth pairing mode when first powered on or when the Bluetooth button (centre, top) is pressed for three seconds on the remote control. The clock will then automatically sync the time with any previously paired smartphone. On first use, when the Bluetooth indicator is shown on the clock, pair your Bluetooth phone to 'LED Clock' and the time will be synced as soon as the connection is made. There is no need to install a special app on your phone. So this is a big in your face clock that’s got loads of functions and is simple and easy to use. I think it is a pretty good buy for the pre-discount Amazon price of £41.99 The Good Bluetooth Time Syncing Remote Control Bright display Auto/Manual Dimming Easy to configure 3 Alarms Good Audio Quality Good User Guide The Bad No Smart Control No Battery Power Option Music: YouTube Audio Library: Brisket Taco - Cumbia Deli

XREXS Blue 17 Inch Bluetooth Digital Wall Clock Review https://youtu.be/qThGQLZtXyM More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/29gsxofc Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/04/11/xrexs-17-inch-blue-display-bluetooth-digital-wall-clock/ This is a large, remote controlled, mains powered wall clock with a big bright blue LED display, 17 inches across it also works as a timer, a thermometer, and as an alarm clock with three alarm modes and a range of loud, annoying but very effective alert tones. The clock is also available in red. The clock comes with a full sized remote control used to configure the clock and set the time which can also be done using the control buttons on the clock itself. The time can also be set automatically over Bluetooth. In the attractive box, you get the clock itself, a power cable with a standard UK plug, a full sized remote control, and a well written and easy to read user guide. The clock is all plastic but the build quality and design both seem fine to me. The clock can be wall mounted using the handy enclosed template, or self supporting using the fold out kickstand at the rear. The 42 x 14.5 x 2.5 cm, 0.88 kg clock is nice and simple to use with a large, bright, clear LED front panel display, 12.3 cm high contrast digits, and a range of big clicky buttons on the back to set the time, alarm times and 5-stage brightness. The clock has two AAA backup batteries preinstalled but is powered through the port behind the rear flap where excess cable can also be stored. The backup batteries are to preserve data only and cannot power the display. It comes with a well printed and easy to read user guide and a 2m power cable with a hard wired UK plug. The clock has three basic operating modes: clock, alarm clock and timer. The timers can be operated separately and can count up or down, as required. The maximum timer length is 29 hr 59 min 59 sec with a 90 second ending alert. The alert sound for the three mode alarm clock and timer can be selected from the three sounds available. A nine minute snooze feature is available for heavy sleepers in all alarm clock modes. The clock can also be set to sound an hourly chime. The clock features auto brightness dimming as well as manual brightness control and this along with other features such as 12/24 hour formats, and C/F selectable temperature mode, can be set on the rear panel or using the full sized remote control. Using the remote control you can fully control the clock even when it is mounted up on the wall. On the top right of the clock display is a Bluetooth pairing indicator. The clock will enter Bluetooth pairing mode when first powered on or when the Bluetooth button (centre, top) is pressed for three seconds on the remote control. The clock will then automatically sync the time with any previously paired smartphone. On first use, when the Bluetooth indicator is shown on the clock, pair your Bluetooth phone to 'LED Clock' and the time will be synced as soon as the connection is made. There is no need to install a special app on your phone. So this is a big in your face clock that’s got loads of functions and is simple and easy to use. I think it is a pretty good buy for the pre-discount Amazon price of £41.99 The Good Bluetooth Time Syncing Remote Control Bright display Auto/Manual Dimming Easy to configure 3 Alarms 25 Alarm Tones Good Audio Quality Good User Guide The Bad No Smart Control No Battery Power Option Music: YouTube Audio Library: Lazy Laura - Quincas Moreira

SALA X-Large 12 Pack ShoeStorage Box Set Review https://youtu.be/cbY0CJbCUaE More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/2bwhfn7v Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: What we have here is a lightweight modular storage set consisting of twelve transparent boxes with front opening magnetic door flaps. The assembled 25 x 33.5 x 18.5 cm storage boxes can be stacked horizontally and vertically and can be locked together. The kit arrives dissembled and flat-packed in a large box. Inside you will find the twelve folded transparent casings, door rear panels and additional plastic strips required for horizontal box locking. A well written user guide is included but the best assembly instruction comes from the short video found on the Amazon product page. To assemble each box, first fold the seams of the box casing until it forms the rectangular shape of the box, then fold the small projecting flaps on the casing inwards to allow them to lock in place when the casing edges are fitted into the edging slots of the rear panel. A loud click will be heard when the casing flaps lock in place. Then fit the front panel in the same way. Be sure to have the connector pins on the front and back box ends on the same side of the box to allow them to be stacked together correctly later. This is easier to perform than to explain and examining each box set shows how it is done. The first box I assembled took ages because I tried too hard and attempted to force the casing flaps into the edge slots, the best way is to just position the casing and allow the flaps to connect in their own time. The assembly time got quicker with each box and by the end, it was taking just a minute or so. Once assembled they cannot easily be disassembled so just be patient and do not rush. When the boxes are all assembled they can be locked together using the connector pins on the boxes - it now becomes important that the boxes were assembled correctly to allow the pins to connect vertically. A set of plastic straps is included to connect the boxes horizontally. The boxes are perhaps primarily designed for shoe storage, with each box being able to hold shoes up to UK size 11, but in fact, any suitable object can stored inside. Priced at 32.99 for the set, this is an inexpensive and attractive way to store and display your shoe collection or other precious items. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Silent Partner - 7th Floor Tango

XREXS Drain Buster Unblocker Plunger Review https://youtu.be/1ajB5gYrXsc More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/ykfox69v Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/04/05/xrexs-drain-buster-plunger/ We have all used plungers before to clear sink or drain blockages and this one does the same job only better. Traditional plungers just use the air in the plunger bell to clear the blockage but this new drain clearer from XREXS incorporates a pump, like an old style bicycle or stirrup pump, to force larger amounts of air under higher pressure down the drain to remove the blockage. In the box you receive the pump, a drain clearing head, a toilet clearing head, a storage bag, and a user guide. Fully extended the drain cleaner is 64 cm in length with a 30 cm body. The toilet head is 17 x 7cm in size and the drain head is 6.4 cm in diameter. Build quality is all excellent, and nothing seems likely to fail or fall off anytime soon, my only criticism is that the storage bag is made from cloth, I think that plastic might have been a better choice. If the toilet head attachment has been folded or squashed during the shipping process, then before first use, immerse it in hot water and press the cup downwards and it will return to the correct shape. Operation is perfectly simple. Attach the small head for use with a sink or bath or the larger head when clearing a toilet. With the pluger handle fully depressed push the head onto the toilet or sink drain hole and form a seal. Add water to cover the plunger head and then, pressing down firmly, operate the pump handle, be sure to always maintain the seal over the drain hole. That really is all there is to it. This is like a normal sink plunger on steroids and will clear the blockages too impacted for traditional plungers to shift. Not a bad buy for just the current Amazon discount price of just £9.99. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Time Slips By - Go By Ocean _ Ryan McCaffrey

REXS 14 Inch Digital Wall Clock Review https://youtu.be/MGhIsOiT50o More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/yspnftf2 Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: This is a large, battery powered wall clock with a big clear display, 14.17 inches across. It also works as a timer, a thermometer, and an alarm clock with three alarm modes and a loud, annoying, but very effective alert tone. The clock is available in black or white casing and in 14” or 18” sizes. All you need is in the box, and in the attractive box, you get the clock itself, a wall mounting template, a full set of batteries and backup batteries and a well written and easy to read user guide. The clock is all plastic but the build quality and design both seem fine to me. The 36W x 14.8H cm, 800g clock is nice and simple to use with a large, bright, clear non backlit LCD front panel display, and a range of big clicky buttons on the back to set the time, alarm times and timer. The clock has two AAA backup batteries preinstalled and 4 AA batteries for the main display. The backup batteries are to preserve data only and cannot power the display. The clock can be wall mounted using the handy template supplied and has a built-in kickstand for off wall use The clock has three basic operating modes: clock, alarm clock and timer. The timer can be operated separately and can count up or down, as required. The maximum timer length is 29 hr 59 min 59 sec with a 90 second audible alert. A 5 minute snooze feature is available for heavy sleepers in all alarm clock modes. The clock features such as 12/24 hour formats, and temperature mode, can be set on the large rear panel which can be accessed even when the clock is wall mounted. Perhaps the main feature of this clock is the lack of trailing cables when wall mounted, and in fact this is perhaps the largest battery powered wall clock I have yet tried So this is a big in your face clock that’s got loads of functions and is simple and easy to use. I think it is a pretty good buy for the pre-discount Amazon price of £29.59. The Good Easy to configure 3 Alarms Timer Audio Alarm Tone Good Audio Quality Good User Guide No Trailing Cables Batteries Included The Bad No Mains Power Option No Smart Control Music: YouTube Audio Library: Woodshedder - Quincas Moreira

LETOUR Solar Camping Light Review https://youtu.be/RsS5YEI0NtQ More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/yrttx3b6 Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: This new remote controlled combined solar powered camping lamp and power bank from LETOUR is simple but versatile with a good long running time coupled with an unusual design and multiple features. In the box, you get the lamp, remote control, and a USB charging cable. No user guide is included and none is needed. The build quality of the plastic bodied lamp is lightweight but it’s IP45 water and dust resistant and seems well made and built to last. The 16 x 10 cm, 264g lamp has a solar panel on the top with above it the flexible plastic hanging hook which is adjustable and can be folded into the body of the lamp when not needed. Below the panel is a small recessed grommet protected bay housing the micro-USB power in port and the USB A output port. Next to it is the 4 LED battery status light and below it the single operating button. Short press the button to scroll through the lighting modes - three brightness levels plus fast and slow SOS patterns. The 42 LED 2000 lumens lamp is rechargeable with a 6-hour charge of the 2200mAh battery giving up to 8 hours of light depending on the lighting mode used. The lamp can also be used as an emergency power bank by connecting your phone or other rechargeable device to the USB-A port. A fully charged battery should allow you to charge a mid range phone or top up a power hungry high end device. Power bank charging speeds are not fast but it will get the job done in the end. The credit card sized remote control is lightweight but is non generic and designed for this unit with buttons for On, Off, SOS, and each brightness level. It works well, gets the job done, and will save having to traverse the campsite at night to control the lamp. The light is IP45 waterproof, can be safely used outside and should be fine in normal levels of rain but in the event of a downpour bring it inside to be on the safe side. Using the hanging hook it should be good for in tent use with the remote control allowing it to be easily controlled when in your sleeping bag. Priced at just £8.39 before discounts, this would be a pretty good buy as a camping, travel or emergency light and power bank. The Good Light Weight Compact Size 5 Lighting Modes Remote Control USB-C Charging The Bad Dated Micro USB Port Music: YouTube Audio Library: Time Slips By - Go By Ocean _ Ryan McCaffrey

XREXS 16.5 Inch Digital Wall Clock Review https://youtu.be/4aa7-Bn6XeY More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/yo93x72s Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: This is a large, remote controlled, mains powered wall clock with a big bright display, 16.5 inches across it also works as a timer, a thermometer, and as an alarm clock with three alarm modes and a range of loud, annoying but very effective alert tones. The clock is available in five display colours and five sizes. Mine is the Large sized Ice Blue display model. In the attractive box, you get the clock itself, a power cable with a standard UK plug, a full sized remote control, and a well written and easy to read user guide. The clock is all plastic but the build quality and design both seem fine to me. The 41.91 x 14.47 x 2.48 cm, 0.88 kg clock is nice and simple to use with a large, bright, clear LED front panel display, 4.84 inch high digits, and a range of big clicky buttons on the back to set the time, alarm times and 4-stage brightness. The clock has two AAA backup batteries preinstalled but is powered through the port behind the rear flap and features a useful post to wrap the excess battery cable around. The batteries are to preserve data only and cannot power the display. It comes with a well printed and easy to read user guide and a good length power cable with a hard wired UK plug. The clock has three basic operating modes: clock, alarm clock and timer. The timers can be operated separately and can count up or down, as required. The maximum timer length is 29 hr 59 min 59 sec with a 90 second ending alert. The alert sound for the three mode alarm clock and timer can be selected from the range of sounds available, including music, beep alerts and nature sounds. A five minute snooze feature is available for heavy sleepers in all alarm clock modes. The clock features auto brightness dimming as well as manual brightness control and this along with other features such as 12/24 hour formats, and C/F selectable temperature mode, can be set on the rear panel or using the full sized remote control. Using the remote control you can fully control the clock even when it is mounted up on the wall. So this is a big in your face clock that’s got loads of functions and is simple and easy to use. I think it is a pretty good buy for the pre-discount Amazon price of £33.99. The Good Remote Control Bright display Auto/Manual Dimming Easy to configure 3 Alarms 25 Alarm Tones Good Audio Quality Good User Guide The Bad No Smart Control No Battery Power Option Music: YouTube Audio Library: Too Late Now - Go By Ocean _ Ryan McCaffrey

JJC TP-S1 Sony Camera Shooting Grip Review https://youtu.be/fSdl6qPIBDM More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/yudr9p7q Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: Having just bought a Sony ZV-E10 camera, I was tempted by the official Sony GP-VPT2BT but changed my mind when I saw the £144 price tag. I looked around for alternatives and there were several but this one was the cheapest but for just £44 could it be any good? This handgrip works with the following cameras: Sony ZV-1, ZV-1 II, ZV-E1, ZV-E10, ZV-1F, a6100 a6400 a6600 a6700, a1, a7 III, a7 IV, a7C, A7C II, A7C R, a7S III, a7R III, a7R IV, a7R V, a7R4A, a7R3A, a9, a9 II, a9 III, FX3, FX30, DSC-RX0 II, DSC-RX100 VII. The packaging and presentation are rather low end and in the box, you receive the Grip, CR202 battery, wrist strap, and a user guide. The box and Amazon listing says the device is the TP-S1 but for some reason, the user guide calls it the BTR-S1. The build quality is OK but lacks the premium feel of a high end device, but that is perhaps to be expected for the price. The 46 x 193 x 40 mm grip attaches to the tripod mount on the underside of the camera with a thumbwheel giving a secure tight fit. The grip opens up to form a non-extendable mini tripod with a detachable Bluetooth LE remote control built into one leg. The tripod is stable enough with the ZV-E10 kit lens fitted but less so when a longer or heavier lens is installed. Press the large button on the hinge below the thumbwheel to allow the camera to tilt 180° front or back. Press the rectangular button on the rear of the grip just above the tripod legs to rotate the head a full 360°. The head tilt and pan operation is smooth, slick and easy to use. The remote control is powered by a CR2032 watch style battery which should last a good length of time although I would have rather had a rechargeable battery. The proper clicky buttons on the remote are well laid out and easy to find by touch or eye. On the front face are buttons for focus/zoom, with below a large button to start/stop video or stills image taking (lightly press to obtain focus, fully press to take an image). Below these are buttons mirroring the camera's Autofocus and C1 buttons, the function of both buttons can be defined in the camera settings. On the top left of the front face is a handy status LED. On one side of the remote is a lock/unlock switch to prevent accidental operation and on the other side turret switches to select movie/stills mode and zoom/focus operation. The selection made will determine the way the main and top two buttons operate. I have to say it all works well enough. I have had no Bluetooth issues and all the buttons work reliably every time. I like the way that the remote control is detachable and the LED confirms the Bluetooth connection. On the negative side, I have to say I do not like the cheap feel of this unit, although this does not affect the way it works. Some users have reported that the legs do not fully close to form the handpiece of the grip, but I have to say my one seems OK. On balance, I am very happy with my purchase with the only drawbacks being the cheap feel and poor presentation of the product. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Unicorn Heads: Town_of_24_Bars

XREXS Electronic Whistle Alarm Review https://youtu.be/nKIn7ufh_UU More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/26qzqny4 Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: This is an electronic noise alarm which offers a choice of three electronic alert sounds, all very loud and impossible to ignore. The design is sports orientated with a lanyard attached to allow it to be hung around the neck when not in use. It would be perfect for a referee, teacher, or anyone needing to gain attention in an outdoor space very quickly. In the box, you receive the alarm itself with a lanyard string attached, 4 CR2032 batteries (installed), a tiny reset pin, a carry bag and a short and rather unnecessary user guide. Build quality is lightweight but acceptable for the £11.69 pre-discount price, The alarm is 5.35 inches long by 1.54 inches across and although quite lightweight at around 75g, it sits nicely in the hand and feels quite substantial. On the front is the speaker opening, on the top is the alert sound On/Off button, on the side is a small turret switch to select power on and three alert sound options. The alert tones vary from a shrill screech to an electronic burble but all are very loud and impossible to ignore and almost painful to the ear when used indoors or at close range. In fact it can get as loud as 125dB +/-5dB., which is VERY loud. This is an excellent device and useful to teachers and referees everywhere. My only criticism is the use of watch button CR2032 batteries, the device is large enough to accommodate the more powerful and easier to find AAA style, or better still, a built-in rechargeable. That said, for the price, this is an excellent buy and with it, your days of being bored are behind you. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Clover 3 - Vibe Mountain

JYJZPB NP-FW50 Battery Charger Set Review https://youtu.be/SGEFBudEcnc More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/2y48p7yq Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/04/20/jyjzpb-sony-zv-e10-battery-charger-set/ Having recently bought a Sony ZV-E10 camera, although otherwise delighted with it, I have been less than impressed by the battery life, and so additional batteries needed to be obtained. original Sony NP-FW50 are fearsomely expensive but there is a wide choice of alternatives out there. This set comprising a charger and two batteries seemed a pretty good buy. I should say that the identical product is available under a range of brand names from AliExpress for £10 less than the Amazon price of £35.99 but the longer shipping time and possible problems with returning it made me select Amazon despite the higher price. As well as my Sony ZV-E10 it also supports batteries compatible for Sony Alpha A6000 A6400 A6500 A6300 A6100 ZV-E10 A7 A7II A7RII A7SII A7S A7S2 A7R A7R2 A5100. In the box I received the charger, two batteries, and a USB-C charging cable, no user guide or product specifications were included, which was a pity. The build quality seems fine, although the 35.6 x 38.1 x 9.4 cm case was lighter in weight than I was expecting at just 280g. The case seems well made and attractively designed with the two batteries clicking into custom slots to charge and for storage and once in place they will not fall out or work loose. In the lid is a metal storage bay capable of holding two full sized SD cards, there is something is something of a learning curve in mastering the art of opening the bay, but once clicked shut, the cards are not going to fall out. On the front of the case are four LEDs, to show which batteries are currently either charging or being used to charge an external device. On the side are USB-C and Micro-USB power in ports and a single USB A power out port. Looking at the two batteries, branded JYJZPB and rated at 7.4V 1300mAh, they seem functionality identical to the Sony originals and for me at least work just as well. Charging is simple and obvious, Just insert one or both batteries and they will begin charging as soon as the unit is connected to a USB power source. It takes about two hours to fully charge one or both batteries from flat. The LEDs on the case will glow red to show which batteries are being charged, but there is no indication of the current charge held. The Amazon listing shows the device working as a power bank charging an external device and I assumed that the unit had an internal battery for that purpose and to charge the camera batteries. No, the unit uses the camera batteries as the power source with blue status LEDs showing which of the two batteries are being used and with a maximum output of 10w. Take note that the device supports Android only and cannot be used to charge iPhones. So there it is. This is a neat and well designed device that will charge and store your camera batteries and house your spare SD cards. It works well and gets the job done for a price that will not break the bank. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Last Train to Mars - Dan Lebowitz

Aptkdoe BK01 Wireless Earbuds Review https://youtu.be/c7x_jHWRVh4 More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/2a34my5r Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: It is has been a while since I reviewed a bad set of earbuds and I am not going to start today. Technology has moved on and gone are the days of drop outs, thin sound and flimsy construction. This one is no exception and is a perfectly good if rather unexciting new entry into a very busy marketplace. The main difference between this an the last almost identical headset I reviewed from Aptkdoe is the increased battery size and music play time available. All the latest boxes are ticked – Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C charging, IP7 water resistant. This set in addition is robust, well made and unlike many of the rivals fairly easy to remove from the magnetic case. In the box, you receive the wireless earbuds, charging case, charging cable, spare gels and a well printed and easy to read User Guide. Despite the light weight, everything has a quality feel to it but without the flimsiness of some rivals. I am not usually a fan of the AirPod style stem design but it usually does make for superior sound quality, more secure fitting and easier handlinmg.This new headset is compact in size, both the buds and case, with a glossy black finish that is otherwise similar in design to the many rivals out there. There was a time when you had to pay plenty to get decent quality True Wireless Earbuds but the introduction of Bluetooth 5.0 seems to have changed all that. Before Bluetooth 5.0 all but the most expensive TW earbuds would continually drop out, crackle, pop and generally prove more trouble than they were worth. The earbuds use the very latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology which is supported by the latest high-end smartphones but of course, they will also work with older Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth 5 adds a longer range of up to 15m and greatly improves both the stability of the wireless connection and battery life. First time pairing could not be simpler and took just a few seconds. Simply remove the two buds from the case and pair them in the usual way to your phone looking for the name ‘BK01’. Subsequently, taking the buds from the case powers them on, and they connect to each other and to the phone automatically, returning them to the case turns them off and begins charging. You should get at least 8 hours of music time from each 90 minute bud charge and up to 48 hours in total from a fully charged case, which also takes just 90 minutes to charge. There is a small but useful LED display on the case that shows you both the case and bud charging status. These stem format buds are easy to remove from the magnetic case and holding them by the stem prevents accidental button presses, for me a major selling point. The buds are small, neat and comfortable to wear even up to the full 8 hours of music per charge. Sound quality is excellent for a TW headset with a very decent level of bass together with clean mid-tones and a sibilance free high end. Calls were clear to hear and easy to make, perhaps due to onboard ENC mic noise reduction. I found call quality to be fine at each end of the conversation with no dropouts or excessive background noise. Each bud has a single soft touch button on it which can be used to end/reject calls, play/pause music, navigate tracks, alter volume and invoke your phone’s voice assistant. The buds can be used as a stereo pair but can also operate individually. The buds are IPX7 water resistant rating and should be fine in the rain or at the beach but not for swimming. Currently available for £19.99 before discounts, they are incredibly well priced for the technology available, indeed this headset compares very well with the high-end rivals I have tried as regards sound quality and features. If you want a pair of good quality, good sounding true wireless earbuds at a budget price then I doubt you would find much better than these. The Good Lightweight Comfortable Good Audio Quality Good Build Quality Auto On/Off Bluetooth 5.3 Magnetic Case IP7 Waterproof The Bad No Dual Device Pairing Music: YouTube Audio Library: Too Late Now - Go By Ocean _ Ryan McCaffrey

ULBTER Sony ZV-E10 Screen Protector Set Review https://youtu.be/RH5wCXpRek8 More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/26v943ul Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: I have to say that this screen protection kit for the Sony ZV-E10 camera is a cut above the rest and I think a real bargain for just £7.49 In the box, you get 3 hardened glass screen protectors, 3 wet cleaning papers, 3 dry cleaning papers, 3 dust removers, 2 hotshoe spirit levels, a user guide and a useful storage box. Applying the screen protector, which is glass and not just a transparent film, is easy enough. Firstly, clean the screen using one of the tiny wet papers, then remove any moisture using one of the dry papers, next use the dust removing sticky pad to take care of anything not already removed. Finally, remove the label and protective skin from one of the glass screen protectors and carefully press it sticky side down on the monitor screen of the Sony ZV-E10 camera. Press down carefully and push any bubbles to the edge and off the screen. This works well and should any tiny bubbles remain they will not be visible when the screen is active. Also included in the kit are two spirit levels designed to fit into a camera cold show mount. The spirit levels are made of rubberised plastic and fit smoothly but firmly into the cold shoe mount and once in place will not fall out accidentally. The spirit levels have a central marked circle, centre the bubble within the circle to achieve a true level. Frankly, I would be happy to pay the purchase price for the spirit levels alone as they are of decent quality, work well, and are not the cheap and nasty items I was expecting. Finally, the whole set is presented in a useful heavy duty plastic storage case which will be needed to store the unused items. I am not sure why three screen protectors and two spirit levels were included. The screen protector is not hard to fit and once installed should last a long time, if not the full active life of the camera. Most cameras have only one hot/cold shoe mount and this is often used by lighting or other devices, so many if not most users will probably not need even one spirit level. I have to say that as my camera is installed in a protective cage, which has two cold shoe mounts in addition to that on the camera, having the two spirit levels is good. Once installed you soon forget it is there. The screen display is just as bright as before, the touch screen capabilities are not impared and the Oleophobic Layer of the protector keeps fingerprints to a minimum. The tempered glass gives a good layer of protection to the camera monitor screen and should disaster strike, then you have two spare protectors in the box. The screen can rotate fully as before and remains flush to the body of the camera when folded back. If you have a Sony ZV-E10 camera this kit would be a good buy even if it came with just a single protective screen. Three screens and two spirit levels may well be overkill, but it does make it a bargain indeed. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Lazy Laura - Quincas Moreira

Lexenic 24oz Vacuum Insulated Cocktail Shaker Review https://youtu.be/lkQDwSsuT5A More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/yrzcnvm4 Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/03/12/lexenic-24oz-vacuum-insulated-cocktail-shaker/ This new Cobbler style cocktail or martini shaker set from Lexenic consists of a 24 oz tumbler with measuring cap and internal strainer, a two-sided measuring jigger (1.0 oz & 0.5 oz) and an attractive fluted long-handled stirring spoon with end tamper. The set is supplied in a well designed branded presentation box, which has a distinctly upmarket feel to it and adds to the appeal of the set as a gift. The cocktail mixer set is entirely made from high gloss food grade 304 18/8 Stainless Steel and has a robust and well made feel to it. Nothing looks likely to scratch, mark, break or bend anytime soon. Good quality food grade steel is important as the metal has a crucial role in both dissipating the heat and mixing the drink. Unlike many cheaper and lesser rivals, this one has a vacuum-insulated, double-walled construction and although it does mute the satisfying rattling of ice cubes while shaking, it keeps your drink cold without freezing your hands. Inside the cap are easy to read marks for 1 to 6 oz measures with a built-in filter on the end cap to keep solids out. Using it, of course, is up to you. It can be used with the supplied steel strainer which gives a smooth pour at 45 degrees while holding back ice solids or Boston style with a mixing glass. Either way, the results will be delicious. This is a nice product, well made and easy to use and I hope that soon a deluxe version will be made available with perhaps a recipe or cocktail preparation guide. If you are keen to have a try at mixing your own fancy cocktails, this would be a great way to start. It is not cheap at £44.98 but there are many more expensive rivals out there and in any case, some things are worth paying for. More Info and Purchase Music: YouTube Audio Library: Jane Street - TrackTribe

TOFLANTUR Football Shin Pads Review https://youtu.be/KIx3lkmTysU More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/25anvc6h Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: When I was at school the sports shin pads we had - when we bothered to use them - were heavy and bulky, never fitted very well and soon woked free from the socks during the heat of the game. That has all changed now and these new shin pads are far lighter, easier to wear and use and can be custom fitted to the leg of the owner. In the box, you receive a pair of 153 x 100 x 5mm 35g shin pads, two EVA foam pads, a storage bag and a simple but well written user guide. The build quality and presentation are both fine and have the feel of a quality product, well designed with some thought behind it. For best results, the pads have to be customised and preformed before fitting. This can be done in two ways. Firstly you can remove the pads from their plastic packing and place them in an oven preheated to 100°C for two minutes and then press the pad firmly against the shin for around three minutes until it hardens and takes the shape of the leg. The second way, which I think is easier, is to place the pad still in its plastic bag into a tray of boiling water for just five seconds and then press it against the leg in the way described above. If you don't get it right the first time then just reheat the pads and try again. You can then attach the supplied self-adhesive anti-slip EVA foam pads to the inside of the shin guards for additional protection. When this has been done you can use scissors to trim the pad to the exact size you need. Once completed the pads will be moulded precisely to your leg and this plus the non-slip surface of should ensure the shin pads will not work loose during play. The shin pad itself is tough and rigid enough to give protection against direct blows from boots, hockey sticks or hard objects and the rear pads are soft enough to reduce the force of any blows or impacts. Priced at just £8.99 before discounts per pair these pads should be a must for any sporting youngster. Music: YouTube Audio Library: Look Both Ways - Nathan Moore

Aptkdoe HD65 Wireless Earbuds Review https://youtu.be/yHCpCfPUU8U More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/25laqhfz Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcoscu6 Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2024/03/09/aptkdoe-hd65-wireless-earbuds/ I am not usually too much of a fan of ear clip design earbuds but it usually does make for superior sound quality as well as a more secure fitting and this is the case here too. This headset is larger in size, both the buds and case, than the in-ear rivals but the larger case and buds are more difficult to lose and fitting them into the case is easier. There was a time when you had to pay plenty to get decent quality True Wireless Earbuds but the introduction of Bluetooth 5.0 seems to have changed all that. Before Bluetooth 5.0 all but the most expensive TW earbuds would continually drop out, crackle, pop and generally prove more trouble than they were worth. As technology develops each headset is better than the last and this new set which features the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and USB-C charging has some of the hardware on board. Aside from Bluetooth 5.3 this headset also boasts IPX7 water resistance, ENC microphone noise reduction, USB-C charging as well an active case design new to me. In fact, this is certainly one of the most technically advanced sporting headsets I have tried yet. But is it any good? In the box were the clip-on earbuds together with a short USB-C charging cable, three pairs of gels (one fitted), a slightly larger than normal charging case, and a well written and easy to read User Guide. The case is lighter in weight than you might expect but everything has a quality look and feel to it. The earbuds use the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology which is supported by the latest high end smartphones but of course, they will also work with older Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth 5 adds a longer range, reduces latency and greatly improves both the stability of the wireless connection and battery life. First time pairing could not be simpler and took just a few seconds. Simply remove both buds from the case and pair in the usual way to your phone looking for the device name HD65. Subsequently, taking the buds from the case powers them on, and they connect to each other and the phone automatically, returning them to the case turns them off and begins charging. Auto-on and pairing starts when the buds are removed from the case giving a slightly faster connection time with a voice alert confirming connection. The buds can be used together as a pair or individually. If no device is connected the buds will power down after about five minutes. The 480 mAh Lithium Polymer case battery can recharge the buds around 4 times, giving a total of around 60 hours of music. A full charge will give around 15 hours of playtime from each bud, with one hour from a ten minute charge. There are LEDs on both the buds and case to show charging and connection status with the buds charging automatically when placed into the case. The case features an unusual design with the LEDs showing the charging status of the case and each bud visible through the transparent lid. The clip-on over ear format buds are easy to remove from the magnetic case and in use holding the flexible ear hook prevents accidental button presses, for me a major selling point. The buds are neat and comfortable to wear and are far more secure than in-ear rivals. Sound quality is excellent for a sports headset with a very decent level of bass together with clean mid-tones and a sibilance free high end. Calls were clear to hear and easy to make. I found call quality to be fine at each end of the conversation with no dropouts or excessive background noise. Each bud has a single multi-function soft touch button which can be used to end/reject calls, play/pause music, navigate tracks, alter volume and invoke your phone’s voice assistant. This works well and is easy to use. The buds are IPX7 water resistant rating and should be fine in the rain or at the beach but not for swimming. Currently available for £24.99 before discounts, they are well priced for the technology available, indeed this headset compares very well with the high-end rivals I have tried as regards sound quality and features. You would need to go a long way to find a better sporting wireless for anywhere near this price. The Good Lightweight Comfortable Good Audio Quality Good Build Quality Auto On/Off Bluetooth 5.3 Magnetic Case IPX 7 Waterproof The Bad No Apt-X Codec Music: YouTube Audio Library:Too Late Now - Go By Ocean _ Ryan McCaffrey