Sunday, October 1, 2023

SIMPLE AND ELEGANT ~ A Smart Watch That Tracks Numerous Vitals, Or Does It???

SIMPLE AND ELEGANT ~ A Smart Watch That Tracks Numerous Vitals, Or Does It? © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Have you been awaiting a smart watch that can do more than the current series of Apple watches? Well SIMPLE AND ELEGANT and other offshore manufacturers think they have the answer. We recently obtained the SIMPLE AND ELEGANT model and put it to the test. This watch claims such features as: accurate blood sugar readings; heart rate monitoring; blood pressure; calorie counting; sleep monitoring; pedometer; distance – just to mention a few of the claimed benefits. Probably the most desirable and most asked for feature would be the ability to accurately measure Glucose, “blood sugar” reading stats at a moment’s notice. The popularity of having such a benefit would be the elimination of having to prick your finger to obtain a blood sample, not to mention eliminating the on-going high cost of supplies required to perform this test. Unfortunately, this watch uses a measurement standard known as MMOI/L. The American market does not use this measurement standard, but rather uses the MG/DI standard. This makes it difficult using this watch for users in the USA to obtain an understandable reading. Yes, one can obtain a conversion chart to aid in interpreting the reading by conversion, but this is certainly not convenient for most users since the concept is to supply measurements on the go to cope with ones busy lifestyles. Furthermore, we noted that the readings were quite often not accurate when compared to the finger prick method. These issues were presented to the manufacturer via one of the suppliers and the reply was that this is what we offer with no changes in the offing. Certainly the USA market would be their largest and should therefore warrant addressing the measurement standard issue not to mention the inconsistent accuracy that is a vital concern for diabetic users. How difficult would it be to make a model for the American market? Other vital sign features lacked consistent accuracy as well, thus making this a questionable product at best. Available in men’s and women’s styles that work with Android & iPhones via Alexa and Bluetooth for answering and making calls. Perhaps this is why Apple still has an Apple version under development? Other features include: smart notification; 24/7 all-around health tracking; 60+ sports modes; IP68 waterproof; O2 % measurement; magnetic charging with their supplied magnetic cable, just to mention a few. An Apple Watch Clone? Is it, or isn’t it? Perhaps it’s best to wait for Apple after all??? Available from: Amazon, Cosmor Tumblr PTE, LTD and other suppliers. MSRP: Amazon $99.00 List – Discounts vary as low as $59.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★ For more information go to: https://bit.ly/3rhvfNL Graphic credits: Google Images; Amazon Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com , or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

Friday, September 1, 2023

SCAMS, HACKING & MORE ~ What To Look Out For & How To Protect yourself… © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) I’ve written about email scams and hacking in previous columns, but it’s becoming more prevalent, so here’s a bit of an update. Above, you’ll see an email that I received recently. As shown, it looks pretty official and even includes an iCloud logo. I happened to be in Beverly Hills next to an Apple store in the Beverly Centre Mall when I received it. I knew it was bogus after having *checked the available memory on my iPhone, but just to be certain I checked with Apple. Sure enough, I was told that this has become a regular scheme with scammers and to disregard and trash it at once! Since receiving this one I’ve received several others similar in content, but minus the iCloud image logo. If you complied with their instructions you would soon be hacked and could have serious complications with using your iphone and other devices thus requiring re-establishing your account with Apple and maybe even infecting your various other accounts, files and contact information, not to mention giving them access to this info. To *check your available memory on an iPhone simply: Click on SETTINGS> GENERAL> iPHONE STORAGE. This will display how much memory you have used and how much iCloud memory you still have remaining. Android owners, let this be a warning too as you can be just as easily hacked and vulnerable! Other scams to watch for: Shipment being held by USPS, UPS & FedEx, wanting you to contact them immediately to provide info possibly including credit card information; Purchases with a stated dollar amount having been successfully made and asking you to respond to a number, or email link if this is not your purchase. This includes phony merchants claiming to have charged purchases to your PayPal account; Bit coin purchases with a stated dollar amount asking for you to contact them to dispute the transaction if incorrect; The discontinuance of your Amazon Prime Account due to numerous attempts to charge your credit card for PRIME benefits and failing; McAfee subscription late renewal; FaceBook “MESSENGER” ~ Be on the lookout for messenges supposedly sent by friends asking how you are followed by directing you to a link where you can get some sort of financial benefit they claim they received. Simply replying to the message is enough to allow access to your device, and clicking on the link opens the possibilities even further. When hacked on FaceBook, or Messenger you will need to change your password immediately. If you’re unsure how to accomplish this on a specific device, Google for instructions listing specifics such as device type. (You’ll now need to update the new password on other devices that feature FaceBook) When in doubt with requests from merchants, etc., always contact the merchant directly and only use a phone number, or email link that you know is valid & legitimately published. Never use phone numbers, or links included in the suspected email that you received! This is what they want you to do and may result in becoming a hack victim costing you time, money and the sharing of your device’s information. Lastly, delete all such emails immediately! You can remove the displayed MESSENGER APP from your iPhone screen, however it’s not possible to remove the MESSENGER APP itself from it or your other devices. Your iPhone will still show that you have messages in the top upper right corner of the FaceBook screen. If you click on this indicator it will open up MESSENGER, something you do not want to do. Good luck, and always STAY CYBER SAFE! Graphic credits: Amazon & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: http://twitter.com/bskidmore

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

RIKI CUTIE HD MIRROR LED LIGHT ~ A Rechargeable Mirror Light For Many Uses…. © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) The RIKI CUTIE HD LED LIGHT is a portable mirror light for many uses. Its size and shape resembles that of a smartphone. Its battery is rechargeable via a supplied USB micro cable that attaches to your phone’s 5 volt charger, or most any other USB port that supports charging devices. The mirror’s built-in twelve recessed LED lights provide three stages of illumination settings producing more than enough light for most applications. Included is a side-mounted retractable finger ring holder, as well as a rear mounted kickstand allowing the mirror light to be functional as a stand-a-lone device in a horizontal, or vertical position, or in a handheld mode. The RIKI CUTIE HD LED LIGHT, is a multi-purpose source for illumination. Women can use it as a compact for on-the-go make up and touchup needs, and thus its “cutie” reference in the name. Men can use it when viewing the rear of electronics to read model numbers, serial numbers, jack and port designations in hard to view places. It’s also extremely useful when servicing appliances and automobiles where components are in hard to see places. I have found the RIKI CUTIE HD LED LIGHT to be an excellent source of light in tight, hard to get to places, or simply for women on the go. Its compact size, 0.38 x 5.56 x 2.75 inches, the size of most smartphones, makes it ideal to carry with you whether in your purse, pocket, or toolkit! In fact many smartphone belt packs will accommodate the light nicely, or you can store it in the supplied soft material pouch. MSRP: $75.00 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/39dnnUB Available at Retail & Amazon. Pricing varies! Graphic credits: Amazon & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

Saturday, July 1, 2023

SOLAR POWER BANK FOR SMARTPHONES, AND MORE....

YELOMIN 2000ma ~ Solar Power Bank © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Now that the hurricane season is upon us, and with all the other disasters that Mother Nature seems to put upon us, you’re probably concerned as to how to keep your handheld devices charged and operating when electrical power is lost. Well the YELOMIN 2000ma Solar Power Bank may be the practical solution.
The YELOMIN 2000ma is a 25000mAh high capacity Lithium battery, solar, or USB charged, power source that can be recharged by solar energy, or a conventional AC power USB charger not included, USB charging cable is included. It should be noted that charging time in the solar mode can take several days for a full charge. Charging in the USB mode is about ten hours for a full charge. So, only charge in the solar mode when all power is lost, and keep it topped off when possible. I keep it in the original box and write the date of the last charge on it. The YELOMIN 2000ma has the ability to link up to your devices via common USB cables, not included. It includes two led lights that provide normal flashlight capabilities. It can also be programmed for a steady-slow, or rapid, SOS strobe modes. Five led pilot indicators show the status of the charging effect. The first of these five lights is a mode indicator; a green light when charging by solar and a blue one when charging via a conventional USB wall charger. Two built-in double 5V/2.1A USB outputs allow two devices such as cellphones and iPads to simultaneously be charged. The power bank is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, and includes a compass making it useful for camping and hiking in addition to being the perfect power source in almost any emergency. The YELOMIN 2000ma is truly a “must have” device to keep your electronics charged in any emergency situation! MSRP: $29.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: bit.ly/3p3vriG Graphic credits: Amazon Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ##

Thursday, June 1, 2023

JAYDEAR COATING, "GERM KILLER" MACHINE, for Smartphones, keys & much more....

JAYDEAR COATING “GERM KILLER” MACHINE ~ A Portable Aromatherapy Cleaner For Small Items…. © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Germs and virus are all around us, but how do we minimize the risk of our devices being a carrier? The JAYDEAR COATING MACHINE may just have an easy solution! This unique white sterilizing container accommodates cell phones, keys, small remotes, watches, jewelry, toothbrushes, face masks, dentures, hearing aids, ear buds and much more. Basically, anything that can fit it its 4.1W x 6.9D x 1.1H-inch container can be sanitized.
It utilizes built-in double quartz bulbs and advanced physical technology, UVC, ensuring 360° coverage and maximum effectiveness. No need to flip the contents over either. A four-stage progress indicator gauge indicates the progress of the cleaning cycle which will be completed in a mere 5 minutes. Upon completion the unit shuts itself off and sounds an audible alarm indicating completion. If you like, after completing the cleaning cycle, or at a later time, you can even add an aroma of your choice to make your cleaned device smell wonderful. Just add a few drops of your favorite perfume or cologne, not included, in the aromatherapy inlet located at the bottom, top right inside the container. Press the incense button and wait three more minutes at which point it will automatically shut-off and sound the completion alarm. The JAYDEAR COATING MACHINE is powered by your cell phone’s 5-volt charger, not included, or any other USB device capable of charging devices such as this. A USB cable is included. UVC Lamp technology is known to be a bacteria deterrent. There is no practical, or accurate way to test the effectiveness of this unit other than in a lab with the proper testing procedures and equipment. Therefore, if in doubt, you can always run the cleaner through a second cycle. After all, some disinfection is better than none and the price is certainly right! MSRP: $12.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3NF89qr Available at Retail & Amazon. Pricing varies! Graphic credits: Amazon & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

Monday, May 1, 2023

Eneloop Rechargeable Battery Kit For AAA & AA Batteries

ENELOOP RECHARGEABLE BATTERY KIT (776230) ~ Contains AA & AAA Batteries & A 4-Position Charger…. © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Have you ever asked yourself, “are rechargeable batteries worth considering”? Well, the short answer is yes! They may initially cost twice as much, or more, as single-use disposable batteries, but when you consider that you can literally recharge them hundreds of times it becomes well worth considering. Eneloop, marketed under the SANYO brand name owned by Panasonic, offers a very practical package, item # 776230, containing 8 AA and 4 AAA batteries along with a 4-position charger. This charger makes it possible to charge up to 4 rechargeable batteries, at a time in these configurations; 2 AA & 2 AAA, or 4 AA, or 4 AAA. at a time. Each of the four battery’s individual compartments contain a smaller recessed compartment below the AA compartment to accommodate the smaller sized AAA battery thus maintaining the small physical size of the charger. Batteries must be charged in duplicate pairs. Each pair has its own indicator light that flashes while they are charging . When charging is completed the light remains lit indicating that the charging cycle is complete and continues to remain lit until the batteries are removed. These recharged batteries can retain a storage life of up to 70% over 5 years versus a 50% retained charge of one year for other brands of rechargeable batteries.
To get the most savings, use rechargeable batteries in devices that require frequent battery replacements, such as your computer’s wireless mouse, toys, radios and flashlights. Disposable batteries are better suited for such things as smoke detectors, clocks, TV & stereo remote controls. Savings & quick replacement are the factors to consider in making this a worthwhile investment! REMEMBER, NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE STANDARD DISPOSABLE BATTERIES! BATTERIES MUST STATE THAT THEY ARE RECHARGABLE! YOU COULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION AND/OR A FIRE!!! MSRP: $39.95 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3HehIdf Available at Retail & Amazon. Pricing varies! Graphic credits: Amazon & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at: bskidmore@mac.com or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

Saturday, April 1, 2023

HOW'S YOUR SMARTPHONE'S BATTERY HEALTH???

HOW’S YOUR SMARTPHONE’S BATTERY HEALTH …. BOB SKIDMORE (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) CORRESPONDENT © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Does your smartphone’s battery seem to hold less of a charge? You may not need to replace it yet. A simple status check may reveal what, if anything, needs to be done. If you have an iPhone open settings
SETTINGS • CLICK ON BATTERY • CLICK ON BATTERY HEALTH & CHARGING • VIEW MAXIMUM CAPACITY iPHONE SETTINGS SCREEN DISPLAYS
Now, take note of the battery percentage adjacent to the maximum capacity indication. That indicates how the battery has degraded over time. If this number is less than 80%, it’s time to replace the battery. If you have a Samsung Galaxy, a popular Android model, launch settings, tap on battery & device care followed by tapping on diagnostics and then battery status. Samsung will either show the battery status as normal, or display a message that the battery needs replacing. Battery replacement should normally be performed by an authorized service provider. Expect to pay around $70.00 for iPhone battery replacements. Android phone battery replacements may vary in price depending on brands and models. Graphic credits: Google Images & THE GADGETEER Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com. or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore iPHONE SETTINGS SCREEN DISPLAYS