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

SSA DIGITAL DAY CLOCK & WEATHER STATS TOO!

SSA DIGITAL DAY CLOCK ~ A Digital Clock with Weather Stats too…. BOB SKIDMORE - CORRESPONDENT © 2023 (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 SSA Digital Day Clock/Weather Station, ZN-DP8003, is a unique display promoted as a device that displays the time, temperature, humidity and weather forecasts that are all updated via wi-fi. An eight-inch display available in a black, or a *white housing and is specially targeted to the “senior” market. It’s powered by a supplied AC power supply with a rechargeable memory battery to maintain settings while power is off during power outages. Yes, sounds like the perfect fit for all age groups, but is it what they advertise it to be? Here’s what my tests and experience reveals: The device has many selections, activated by the supplied remote and menu, allowing for various display styles, auto brightness levels, and a display on/off timer when the display’s total darkness is desired. Eight alarm settings are available. Five are programmable and can be set for time and frequency, and three medication reminders for morning, afternoon and evening reminders. The display allows for eight language selections that include English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Portuguese and German. Military or standard time mode and temps in either Fahrenheit, or Cellulous are also selectable via the remote and the menu. The type in the menu is a very small font thus requiring the clock to be positioned for close up viewing when making menu selections. This would certainly have to be considered when deciding where to place, or mount it and could certainly be an issue for seniors. Sounds like it’s feature packed, and it is, but what are the downfalls? Since it’s connected to wi-fi the manufacturer claims that the clock will always maintain accurate time, changing to local times zones and daylight-saving time, if applicable, automatically. Unfortunately, I have yet to see this feature perform. Normally for such a feature to exist it needs to be what is known as an Atomic clock. No mention is made that it includes “Atomic” technology. After several months of use the time can be as much as 4 – 5 minutes fast. The Internet connection drifts in and out as visible on the Internet icon featured on the display, upper right’s tiny icon shown in the above photo, when the Internet is connected. It does however update the weather info when connected to the Internet. Yes, I’ve relocated the display, rebooted the modem and the device, but to no avail. This probably indicates a poor-quality Internet receiver, or internal antenna issues. The manufacturer promotes support via email, web and phone, but after numerous requests on my part there is still no reply. They pitch a one-year return warranty and a lifetime support warranty with a prompt response to you within 24 hours. Bottom line, the SSA ZN-DP8003 Digital Day Clock has many performance limitations. If you can live with the issues I’ve outlined it may serve your needs, but I can only give it one star out of five since it does not perform as advertised and lacks good manufacturer’s customer support.

MSRP: $49.99 - *$51.95 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3FtE2gt Graphic credits: Manufacturer 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 OUR DAILY TWITTER PAGE FOR THE LATEST GADGET NEWS POSTINGS: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

CES ~ CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2023 ~ Highlights

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2023 ~ Highlights Of Some Unique Showings …. 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 Each year manufacturers, distributors, retailers and the media get together in Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show. CES, as it’s better known, is an opportunity for inventors to test prototype ideas and manufacturers to show soon to be available new gadgets and products to resellers and the media. 2023 was no different, with the exception that some 115,000+ attended compared to only 45,000 last year caused by COVID. Exhibits increased as well with some 3200 exhibitors showing their wares, up from 2200 in the previous year. CES is also a venue where tech announcements are made. One such announcement came from Delta Airlines with word that FREE Wi-Fi is coming February 1st to initially more than 500 domestic planes. This access will use T-Mobile service with equipment supplied by Viasat, a U. S. based satellite broadband provider, and will be limited to frequent flyer, members only, however anyone can become a frequent flyer SkyMiles member for free. There will be no limit on the number of devices that can be connected to this in-flight Wi-Fi service. International flight access is planned sometime in the future. This service feature has no effect on rules applying to cell phone usage aboard flights…. Automobiles and their gadgets were a large part of the show. German manufacturer, BMW, I Vision Dee, sees a time when your car will allow you to program emotive, human-like faces into the car’s grille via E Ink technology. The entire car will be made up of 240 E Ink panels allowing you to change the color and create patterns in seconds. AI, artificial intelligence, technology will be able to speak to you like a friend. Bear in mind that some of these features are a concept, but some could actually find their way to BMW’s actual cars…. There were plenty of gadgets utilizing “Matter”, an open-source, universal smart home protocol supported by companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung and many, many others. This protocol consists of a single, Wi-Fi-based standard that bundles together with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri and SmartThings just to mention a few. Devices using this technology include smart lights, smart plugs, roller blinds and a new SmartThings hub. Later in the year we can expect to see more robot vacuums and smart home cameras incorporating this technology too. Many of these items already exist, but improvements are always coming with upgrades using newly developed technology…. Health technology also had a big presence at CES this year. Two companies, Withings and Vivoo displayed sensors that attach to your toilet bowl to analyze your urine. These sensors can monitor nutrient levels, hormones and much more. Another company, Casana, showed a Heart Seat that’s designed to monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen and blood pressure while you sit on the smart toilet seat during extrication. Nuralogix, announced a process to use AI to measure your blood pressure, heart rate and much more by simply analyzing your face from a selfie. Valencell, showed a blood pressure fingertip sensor without the use of a traditional cuff. Hearing aids were also on display since the FDA’s recent approval of over-the-counter sales of hearing aid devices. Some makes and models can even double as earbuds….

Samsung showed an 8K projector known as The Premiere. It can turn any wall into a screen as big as 150” diagonally. Makes for the possibility of large screen displays in tight areas such as apartments, RV’s and mobile homes. This design simply sits on any small table that’s placed against the screen wall and shoots the image in an upward direction thus displaying the video on the wall…. Samsung also introduced their ICX system known as Ready Care. This system uses sensors to measure a driver’s drowsiness and will employ driver-facing infrared cameras to monitor their status. Naturally, this system is expected to interface with Samsung’s many other products such as Galaxy Watch. While we’re speaking of watches, Citizen displayed a smartwatch that can gauge fatigue…. Without question, CES 2023 had many innovative devices and gadgets on display, too many to highlight here. Please remember, some of these items show what the future may hold, but don’t expect to see all of them in stores any time soon. Who really knows what the future holds? The manufacturers and customer interest will dictate this and thus make it happen! Graphic credits: CES 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

Multi-Plug AC Swivel Adapter with USB Charging Ports

MIFASO USB OUTLET EXTENDER ~ AC Multi-Plug Swivel Outlet Adapter With USB charging Ports…. © 2023 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google the publisher of this column & Blog Spot have changed the publishing format. THE GADGETEER’S column may not conform to normal publishing standards. This is not the fault of THE GADGETEER, but rather that of Google and Blog Spot.) Many times, we are in need of what is commonly known as a cube tap that provides multiple AC power sockets from one wall outlet. MIFASO has taken such devices to a new level. Their model X002TOLY3D outlet extender not only provides 6 outlets, 2 front, 2 Left/side and 2 Right/side, but also permits you to swivel the stack thus creating a 180° rotating series of 6 sockets.

This rotating feature allows you to turn the stack up to 90 degrees left, or right from center, This provides a simple way of positioning an outlet in a very unique position not possible with the old-style cube taps. These sockets provide 1800 Joules of surge protection from electrical spikes and other possible electrical faults. As a bonus MIFASO has incorporated 3 built-in IC technology, high speed USB ports; 2 standard USB A ports (output 2.4A/5V per A port) and 1 USB C port (3A/5V), for powering, or charging USB devices. One should always use any type of multiple socket adapter with caution. The electrical socket that you are plugging such adapters into is connected to a feed from your main electrical panel. Naturally, other sockets with connected devices and light fixtures could be connected to this same circuit. Today’s breaker panels are typically designed with 30-amp circuit breakers. The formula to calculate how much power consumption a particular circuit is using is *30/20/15 amps x 120 volts which equals 3600/2400/1800 watts respectively depending on the breaker’s amp load capacity. So, you need to determine what devices are, or will be plugged in to the circuit you are using and add the total wattage being drawn when they are in use. All devices have tags attached to them that tell you the wattage consumption. Overloading a circuit can cause the breaker to trip, disconnect, and if the breaker is faulty and does not trip, disconnect, could cause a fire. If you are in a building built in the 1960’s the chances, unless you upgraded your electrical panel, are that you have 20, or even 15-amp circuits some of which could use fuses in place of today’s breakers. *The formula above will calculate each circuit’s maximum wattage consumption based on the total maximum amp load of the circuit. Note: These figures are based on the USA electrical system standards. They are not a World-Wide standard which will vary from country-to-country. I have found this adapter to be very useful when needing to place it in a unique position otherwise not possible with other multiple socket adapters. Please be sure to adhere to the wattage overload precautions as noted in the article. Available from Amazon MSRP: Amazon $18.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3iB3tam 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 products. Articles are strictly his opinion. endorser 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

~Elecom Trackball for MAC & PC computers

ELECOM WIRED TRACKBALL MOUSE ~ For Mac & PC’s…. © 2022 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.) Are you tired of wireless trackballs that need frequent battery replacement, or constantly having to be charged, as well as their sensitivity pitfalls? The ELECOM WIRED TRACKBALL MOUSE (M-HT1URBK) may be your solution? I recently tested this trackball after much frustration with my previous wireless models. The ELECOM trackball provides precise cursor movement by means of its various settings and adjustments. The cursor’s DPI sensitivity, how fast it can respond, can easily be adjusted to a DPI setting of 500 (low), 1000 (medium) or, 1500 (high). This feature alone is worth the upgrade. The track ball rests on three 2.5mm large ruby style ball bearings. They provide an extremely smooth motion as you navigate the ball. This system minimizes the need for cleaning as often as well. When you do feel the need to clean, the ball easily pops out of its socket. The overall positioning of your hand over the mechanism is specially designed on six specific points in the hand and how the muscles and your skeleton system interact. Optical tracking technology provides precise cursor movement for excellent accuracy so you can easily navigate quickly to where you wish to go on the screen. This feature far exceeds what any other trackball that I’ve ever tested, or owned could do. You can assign the 8 buttons to up to 10 different functions to accommodate your work, or gaming needs. A left/right scrolling tilt wheel provides limitless clicking and movement combinations.

The ELECOM TRACKBALL interfaces with a wired USB connection to both MAC OS 10.12 or later & PC Windows XP, 7, 8.1, RT8.1 and Windows 10, or later. This trackball will not disappoint! I highly recommend it! MSRP: $69.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information visit: https://amzn.to/3QcC4bb Available at Retail & Amazon. Pricing varies! Graphic credits: Amazon & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted 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

BUG ZAPPER THAT REALLY WORKS

Dedady Indoor Bug Zapper ~ by XIAMEN LAIKEN LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY…. © 2022 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 been plagued by Mosquitos, Nats, Moths, Fruit-Flies, Beatles and other pesky flying insects, and not known how to best combat these critters? Well the DEDADY BUG ZAPPER, also sold under various other brand names & suppliers, may just be your low-cost solution. The beauty of this device is that it does not use, nor emit, any chemicals to kill the bugs it traps. Instead it emits noiseless, ultraviolet rays via a recessed blue lamp that attracts bugs to fly into the device and then electrocutes them via an electrified power grid mounted in front of an ultraviolet lamp. This kills them before they ever reach the ultraviolet lamp.

An easily removable blue plastic protective cover prevents accidental access by the user, children and pets thus eliminating the possibility of shock. Naturally, you should still keep this product out of the reach of children, or pets as it’s not a play toy! An on/off switch is provided for your convenience as well. The low power of the lamp is very energy saving, quiet, without radiation, without any special smell and without the possibility of secondary pollution since the trapped dead insects are not distributed to other places such as food, drinks and dishes. Cleaning the device is a breeze too, as shown below:

The DEDADY BUG ZAPPER is an inexpensive, environmentally safe way to trap most insects. Having a wide range of applications, it’s suitable for households, restaurants, hotels, and many other consumer and professional applications. Think about all the bug sprays you won’t have to purchase. Like all methods it’s not going to be a 100% solution, but certainly comes extremely close. I’m very impressed!!! Available from Amazon, Walmart and other suppliers MSRP: Amazon $12.95 Single unit - $39.99 Six-pack (Cost can vary by other suppliers) GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3Q8K6BG Graphic credits: Google Images; Amazon; Manufacturer 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

360° REARVIEW MIRROR SMARTPHONE CAR MOUNT

A 360° REARVIEW MIRROR SMARTPHONE CAR MOUNT ~ An Easy, Safe Way To View Your Phone In Your Car…. (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.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I’ve tested and written several previous columns about smartphone mounts, or holders for your car, but I think I’ve found the “piestar resistance” of such devices. Amazon refers to this gadget as the 21-H02 (ASIN: B09V4L46H) Mirror Phone Holder by Imcneal. The model reference ID may seem a bit odd, but that’s probably due to its being a Chinese import directly marketed by Amazon. This phone holder is made of a new ABS+ metal material and thus resists scratches and breakage while still being simple, practical and easy to install. Unlike other brands, it features a 0.5 – 1.1-inch adjustable mounting jaw clamp to easily attach to most mirror mounts, or other types of mounting surfaces. Unlike other devices, the clamp that holds the phone in place on the holder does not block portions of the smartphone’s screen’s viewing area. Its 360° rotation allows for easy adjustment to any viewing angle, with a fully retractable, adjustable arm, allowing you to position it for maximum viewing in most vehicles. Naturally, you can rotate the holder’s phone clamp to allow for vertical, or horizontal viewing. Its clamp accommodates phone sizes within 3 - 7 inches. Unlike some other holders the fully adjustable capability of the 21-H02 virtually eliminates any daylight washout of your phones display screen, a viewing problem that’s akin to other similar looking products on the market. Without a doubt this is one of the most versatile and practical smartphone mounts I’ve ever tested. And yes, it does not block the driver’s vision thru your car’s windshield since it’s positioned away from the glass and below the mirror. Unlike smartphone cupholder models that require you to totally look down and away from the windshield, viewing is just a slight, quick glance away. However, please remember that smartphone mounts, and the viewing of smartphones, should be limited to navigation and incoming phone call alerts and not the viewing of videos, Facetime, or email and text messages. The latter uses are strictly forbidden by law, and could subject you to a traffic citation as well as be the cause of deadly accidents. If there’s a negative at all, it might be that any attached cables for power, etc., have to hang straight down unless you’ve made other provisions to cosmetically, permanently hide them is some way.

GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $12.99 at AMAZON For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3MAtd0I Graphic credits: Amazon 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