tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113351632024-03-06T08:21:46.518+00:00Euro Tech NewsWhat's happing in the technology arena in Europe.
These are my rantings and may or may not have any significance to real world events.
(c) Steve Karmeinsky / NetTek Ltdstevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.comBlogger1526125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-29953135783113857272024-02-20T18:52:00.000+00:002024-02-20T18:52:00.930+00:00Nank(Naenka) Runner Neo: Bone Conduction for the (Active) Soul music<p>Bone conduction headphones have risen in popularity with runners, cyclists and other sports enthusiasts as listening to music doesn't mean you can't engage with your surroundings and you're aware of what's going on around you.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEien9C-f8nHs6jAciy89oUWYa1OQlby6hQG_hyJ2hR9IqaVtJOXO5rn2SmoaqVNTCDsukD9brcB82Q5z93Y2ypXeiJnQS66NO8O3Z_y5xrOyJwEEcKZV6y2fxIqm1xnFsTb4-uPO9Jsz0e2oWSWNHnWup8WZTBlLA4-eaLjHsAboAipdUyBn8tdUg/s2959/533A8331.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2959" data-original-width="2814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEien9C-f8nHs6jAciy89oUWYa1OQlby6hQG_hyJ2hR9IqaVtJOXO5rn2SmoaqVNTCDsukD9brcB82Q5z93Y2ypXeiJnQS66NO8O3Z_y5xrOyJwEEcKZV6y2fxIqm1xnFsTb4-uPO9Jsz0e2oWSWNHnWup8WZTBlLA4-eaLjHsAboAipdUyBn8tdUg/s320/533A8331.JPG" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Product Box</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The <a href="https://naenka.com/en-gb" target="_blank">Nank(Naenka)</a> Runner Neo's come in three colours, red, grey and green (though the red is quite orangey and the green quite light). A great improvement to other Nank and competitor products is the wireless charging, The charger connects via USB A and has a white LED to showing it's powered. The right control section magnetically sits on the charger and the white LED in the arm will flash (along with the LED in the charger) when it's charging, both light are steady white when fully charged.</p><p>Tech Features: -</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>IP66 water resistant</li><li>Bluetooth 5.2</li><li>Skin-friendly silicone</li><li>10-hour Playtime (2 hours charge time)</li><li>Dual-mic Noise Reduction, Clear Sound Quality</li><li>QCC chips from Qualcomm (High Performance with Low Power Consumption)</li></ul><p></p><p>Also included with the headphones are 2 Earplugs, 6 sound quality enhancers and a user manual.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kilunNM5JS7SiICtYX-G5c5xgycw7HWYB8ZNFVliDIQS_DLUFENNvm7EK9PS0GyrpwdA0eFBfoFm7uS2jHnXhSGRQeb_rNaqnOd2-02A2R1LvMrzlxbhoFp4p7KrtYN1WsvFhw4Vkxb0qYK785rviZCOVXj1kb_EHX3SCB2eDK60s2VNZILy_w/s6720/533A8334.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kilunNM5JS7SiICtYX-G5c5xgycw7HWYB8ZNFVliDIQS_DLUFENNvm7EK9PS0GyrpwdA0eFBfoFm7uS2jHnXhSGRQeb_rNaqnOd2-02A2R1LvMrzlxbhoFp4p7KrtYN1WsvFhw4Vkxb0qYK785rviZCOVXj1kb_EHX3SCB2eDK60s2VNZILy_w/s320/533A8334.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headphone in box</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The Runner Neo boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a one-piece, fully-silicone frame. This not only contributes to a cool, futuristic aesthetic but also enhances durability and sweat resistance – ideal for workouts. The headphones are lightweight, weighing just 28 grams, and sit comfortably on your skin without causing pressure or irritation.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR8vUIsqSnLlkvA9jhrydw7_K7iLykE4h7i1nOpoSa4Crbc2BSk3UjczvOXBLcXimZGvDJTgXey8izvrB7gdxITSTY965GzMyE6BPDwd5U9xLtID-qUK7Wk5Xw13VI93rCdNzJCc3te8cTXzMOOJFaPURmjYpxEpxjXwfO_xwJ2sWIcnOBcsUIw/s6720/533A8335.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR8vUIsqSnLlkvA9jhrydw7_K7iLykE4h7i1nOpoSa4Crbc2BSk3UjczvOXBLcXimZGvDJTgXey8izvrB7gdxITSTY965GzMyE6BPDwd5U9xLtID-qUK7Wk5Xw13VI93rCdNzJCc3te8cTXzMOOJFaPURmjYpxEpxjXwfO_xwJ2sWIcnOBcsUIw/s320/533A8335.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound quality enhancers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The core of any bone conduction headphone is its audio delivery. The Runner Neo utilizes advanced bone conduction technology to transmit sound vibrations through your cheekbones. This approach keeps your ears open, allowing for ambient noise awareness, which is crucial for safety during outdoor activities.</p><p>The sound quality is surprisingly good for bone conduction headphones. While it won't match the bass punch of over-ear options and some in-ear options, the Runner Neo delivers crisp highs, clear mids, and a decent amount of low-end rumble. Podcasts and audiobooks come across clearly, and music playback is enjoyable, especially for genres like pop, rock, and electronica.</p><p>The sound is enhanced when the "sound quality enhancers" are placed in the ear, but that sort of removes the ability to hear what's going around you, which is the main point of bone conducting earphones.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIksobRPmn3z9ffLF5RJYp3MvRBZ5fSxDnDdy-gtos0l0lgRYtTnfb5pfTJdxgItIqKgASzYrDGfvPC92DjtT6OeAyMNX82JDygcbjxEbcTKfE0kwKEB3i8WbSFEvANgIGhPi3bfX8ahA3GHXhubUER4Z74NdE7DiBcp5l2uI1kL1MIA2LTQaX9A/s6720/533A8336.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIksobRPmn3z9ffLF5RJYp3MvRBZ5fSxDnDdy-gtos0l0lgRYtTnfb5pfTJdxgItIqKgASzYrDGfvPC92DjtT6OeAyMNX82JDygcbjxEbcTKfE0kwKEB3i8WbSFEvANgIGhPi3bfX8ahA3GHXhubUER4Z74NdE7DiBcp5l2uI1kL1MIA2LTQaX9A/s320/533A8336.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging cable</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The wireless charging is a great feature, as it removes the need to plug anything in or have contacts exposed, which makes the whole system waterproof and little chance of sweat or rain getting into the internals.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghemR83-Q8xiHJQsiMFpLHdvbgTuCwzxtfNH3LkteZTkeNGSoLABxFOyQZrUqgsSYhP5NlEO7LPbPbvsB8dxnjb_f0J8sLT_-UqpMcDpNvzMY61TOLldFtCy4U3fTxYxGIxAZjiwzb-TfeORUZ0shrDzZTGPMmMGf6NzrMjaT8tlAF8OO9abdzdw/s6720/533A8337.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghemR83-Q8xiHJQsiMFpLHdvbgTuCwzxtfNH3LkteZTkeNGSoLABxFOyQZrUqgsSYhP5NlEO7LPbPbvsB8dxnjb_f0J8sLT_-UqpMcDpNvzMY61TOLldFtCy4U3fTxYxGIxAZjiwzb-TfeORUZ0shrDzZTGPMmMGf6NzrMjaT8tlAF8OO9abdzdw/s320/533A8337.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charger on earphones</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Call quality is decent, with the dual microphones effectively picking up your voice well.</p><p>Controls are simple and intuitive, with three buttons located on the right earpiece. These buttons handle power, volume, playback, and call functionality.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6-Ok3fkEp-reD21I8XQVaVc8a8JhC2Ti0TXxAXZ7VL1LdQ6HNvB6Dwj-n73l_7YmKmdPlRoTXhuXW5F0Z_YEF9CN6yR6hf3C6ExnMiq1LLH9tcOlFJhmyDtRh1_-G3jT-ujex6RviLvF5VvKym1TEVShtlkxXBsvvKMLzLRYKg7n9l2fo_xtdQ/s6720/533A8339.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6-Ok3fkEp-reD21I8XQVaVc8a8JhC2Ti0TXxAXZ7VL1LdQ6HNvB6Dwj-n73l_7YmKmdPlRoTXhuXW5F0Z_YEF9CN6yR6hf3C6ExnMiq1LLH9tcOlFJhmyDtRh1_-G3jT-ujex6RviLvF5VvKym1TEVShtlkxXBsvvKMLzLRYKg7n9l2fo_xtdQ/s320/533A8339.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing charger attached</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>The headphones can do multipoint pairing and connect to two devices simultaneously.</p><p>Though they are comfortable, if the volume is too loud they can vibrate on the skin which gives a tickling sensation which can be annoying.</p><p>Maybe not as high fidelity as some competing bone conduction headphones, but for the price they perform pretty well. They are currently £60.31 from <a href="https://naenka.com/en-gb/products/runner-neo-high-performance-bone-conduction-sports-headphones" target="_blank">Nank's</a> site.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-52098800338903099432023-11-06T14:15:00.000+00:002023-11-06T14:15:06.578+00:00Dualit EcoPress™ Duo Max Pod Recycler, finally, a Way to Feel Good About Your Coffee Habit<p><a href="https://www.dualit.com/" target="_blank">Dualit</a>, famous for their high end kitchen equipment, make <a href="https://www.nespresso.com/uk/en/" target="_blank">Nespresso </a>compatible coffee machines, coffee pods and recyclers.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg3ALakKtyU0IGG28rY3SE6agIWgyQxER69WhJp2q24KT34jh6SkMjhw7pLd39RXuXi2nL_xHxM42YRnnfzhyphenhyphenrYLSS0IvfcXaxe67Osrk3tU4TfO1WzGEybicnvSY0iTZhWBXAlcTNohfOx82tgbY76wy_8jX9jsPyhplFjp9r_2eKK1TYj0IkQ/s6720/533A8320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg3ALakKtyU0IGG28rY3SE6agIWgyQxER69WhJp2q24KT34jh6SkMjhw7pLd39RXuXi2nL_xHxM42YRnnfzhyphenhyphenrYLSS0IvfcXaxe67Osrk3tU4TfO1WzGEybicnvSY0iTZhWBXAlcTNohfOx82tgbY76wy_8jX9jsPyhplFjp9r_2eKK1TYj0IkQ/s320/533A8320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EcoPress™ Duo Max Pod Recycler,</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Recently the EcoPress™ Duo Max Pod Recycler was released. It's slightly more complex than the original EcoPress™ Aluminium Capsule Recycler in that it empties two pods at once and also has a container to hold the emptied pods for washing.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-R4joHs4HyzNObtYGxkKcgrQfR6X-A-6iVMpcBVThiLeB21qjBElS_IJNnTXoZDwy_nmCy1epCExDm1FcRSGpm0_YrzuohB02l6L4YNDhNoRGU-bgqd7Tbd0uRvrhbNBG-4rZIrc5gI_46eiuOEz2GN8Gwg9sSl8F5arDFmUC1CD_jl__7ceWQ/s6720/533A8322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-R4joHs4HyzNObtYGxkKcgrQfR6X-A-6iVMpcBVThiLeB21qjBElS_IJNnTXoZDwy_nmCy1epCExDm1FcRSGpm0_YrzuohB02l6L4YNDhNoRGU-bgqd7Tbd0uRvrhbNBG-4rZIrc5gI_46eiuOEz2GN8Gwg9sSl8F5arDFmUC1CD_jl__7ceWQ/s320/533A8322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing pod recycler left and emptied pod holder right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The pod emptier has a base that can be removed and it sits in a slight depression in the main base that holds the second section.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7boy_5PfOvPV5gsy9_tE52wcjkpOv4_ir2zdoay-r8QrH6SSuPrRFkMZouz79QHdHPwj-7gCbDz4BDhlKYLJ3p11rRDtD39pqzRxgO881WKWsoA9p8zJXKoaSvYNi48OeIFZSLjoQNBheZafqyTa8DbIvKqhdXG2RH9YLeydbi003vjLXr-kWtw/s6720/533A8326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7boy_5PfOvPV5gsy9_tE52wcjkpOv4_ir2zdoay-r8QrH6SSuPrRFkMZouz79QHdHPwj-7gCbDz4BDhlKYLJ3p11rRDtD39pqzRxgO881WKWsoA9p8zJXKoaSvYNi48OeIFZSLjoQNBheZafqyTa8DbIvKqhdXG2RH9YLeydbi003vjLXr-kWtw/s320/533A8326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pods</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Pods are placed silver side down on to the recycling section (the thinner end pointing up), the lid is pressed down and the pod will empty into the container. It can hold about 12 pods worth of coffee before it needs emptying. The other section holds maybe 40 to 50 emptied pods.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtq3UAcJ8rdPw8h-aMRHc_7Z73SKjmYoPn-oUV3p_6mjFoUJa58aAcfqE2LgSOI1PwCzvg5KGJE11TWcOJF-4wZU6j9RIwXkz7eWx16J8YvGAWRkiaL0FnGiEaSBpeWXT0Guj28X5EDgTRbVTKRN_x6EIttC6Nrje9pW53XVhg0nPrvDChbtVHg/s6720/533A8327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtq3UAcJ8rdPw8h-aMRHc_7Z73SKjmYoPn-oUV3p_6mjFoUJa58aAcfqE2LgSOI1PwCzvg5KGJE11TWcOJF-4wZU6j9RIwXkz7eWx16J8YvGAWRkiaL0FnGiEaSBpeWXT0Guj28X5EDgTRbVTKRN_x6EIttC6Nrje9pW53XVhg0nPrvDChbtVHg/s320/533A8327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pods on recycler</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>When lifting the lid off the emptier, it's easy to move the container, so it's no longer sitting in the depression and as quite a lot of force is required to push down, then container can slip.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4RJeHFT2kN7SlVvEkjJD8U8FUSADeQEqHd2pkQipqVpEM8KcmlZWIVvwuEG-DLCMCFo9HkmMFSUSiJvG0e5PvBy3F8M4zU9wbBVkfo6B0nUuxSc0gocKeYuw69LEHwCzAnwkZY4V5RH_AJxIvat0v5hxVZtTapkhhmnw3ITLCH3KwTV0mTYNog/s6720/533A8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4RJeHFT2kN7SlVvEkjJD8U8FUSADeQEqHd2pkQipqVpEM8KcmlZWIVvwuEG-DLCMCFo9HkmMFSUSiJvG0e5PvBy3F8M4zU9wbBVkfo6B0nUuxSc0gocKeYuw69LEHwCzAnwkZY4V5RH_AJxIvat0v5hxVZtTapkhhmnw3ITLCH3KwTV0mTYNog/s320/533A8328.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lid on top of pods</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Emptying the container is easiest by just inverting and shaking the grounds out of the holes, though sometimes a pod will be pushed in and then the base has to be removed. Removing the base for normal emptying isn't recommended as it's fiddly and the holes have to stay on top (or the grounds will fall out).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOwsv7l9oOwnOwnylVpWTOJ37yYPk8wOjpwl-EdLRxBN2g9il-APLSFYVUYmPILAZMZJ_VLQiJNJHjP6VNdCWI8HNMAvd3muGG0yOwLI43StqjS5KFaoMiRjWW0_6P740B2Wfd49DKvkQd3YPfx9SPj1_C5cnMAnDRzVqzAVd7AjRzsqRxO4S7w/s6720/533A8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOwsv7l9oOwnOwnylVpWTOJ37yYPk8wOjpwl-EdLRxBN2g9il-APLSFYVUYmPILAZMZJ_VLQiJNJHjP6VNdCWI8HNMAvd3muGG0yOwLI43StqjS5KFaoMiRjWW0_6P740B2Wfd49DKvkQd3YPfx9SPj1_C5cnMAnDRzVqzAVd7AjRzsqRxO4S7w/s320/533A8329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emptied pods in recycler</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Though most of the grounds stay in the containers, there will be some spillage on to whatever the recycler is placed. It also must be quite sturdy as a fair bit of steady effort is required pushing down the recycler lid.</p><p>If there's a lot of pods to recycle, it's definitely quicker than using the original, but probably not worth an upgrade.</p><p>It retails for £19.99</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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As well as Bluetooth (v5.3) support, there's 32GB of memory allowing for music files to be stored on the device itself.</p><p>The come in a box (that is remarkably similar dimensions to a competitor) which is mainly cardboard with some plastic inserts to hold various items such as the ear plugs, sound quality enhancers and the headphones themselves. They're also a USB-A charging cable and instruction manual.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ62SdTIodiBPxuVyTJB7AOjimKmHjdnGT-MNjDP6g6QtzeAVhiQHte26IgzspHjXJb4rDHVTPVnqKUGv96Qwf0pk3U19-9_39g2FSSkb7kviIRz8ELcnfCH2NqSnWTqLtJ-Y3KmBXn_D3Y9AFKNZM2XrweXjmTVm8SnOilk0xmFLqWDDMwXnlpw/s6720/533A8317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ62SdTIodiBPxuVyTJB7AOjimKmHjdnGT-MNjDP6g6QtzeAVhiQHte26IgzspHjXJb4rDHVTPVnqKUGv96Qwf0pk3U19-9_39g2FSSkb7kviIRz8ELcnfCH2NqSnWTqLtJ-Y3KmBXn_D3Y9AFKNZM2XrweXjmTVm8SnOilk0xmFLqWDDMwXnlpw/w213-h320/533A8317.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headphone box</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>If the USB cable is plugged into a PC (macOS or Windows), the headphones appear as a USB disk and music files which are MP3/M4A/WAV/APE/FLAC can be transferred. The headphones support multipoint paring (i.e. multiple devices).</p><p>Diver is probably not the best description for the headphones as they are only IP68 certified which is 1 metre depth in water for up to 30 minutes - so maybe Runner Swimmer would be more appropriate. While swimming it's necessary to use the MP3 mode as a Bluetooth connection may cut out when the headphones are submersed and will then try and reconnect as they come out of the water.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OtzgbXJaEkZsDzFt0QHWqO-YuxZ1dN61hx_LC2im0plfhtEwUF18hwT9lTeYgpCas87qWa_4u9bKJt1lorfcP90uei5ZU8T-gTb5aci4zTwGLdC32V0H785xfro9WoxnqnX0ykO1L1ub2uT7xxuUR9tM_rB2VWiP8zOGE3-82jpPQ4rWlCPcWQ/s6720/533A8313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OtzgbXJaEkZsDzFt0QHWqO-YuxZ1dN61hx_LC2im0plfhtEwUF18hwT9lTeYgpCas87qWa_4u9bKJt1lorfcP90uei5ZU8T-gTb5aci4zTwGLdC32V0H785xfro9WoxnqnX0ykO1L1ub2uT7xxuUR9tM_rB2VWiP8zOGE3-82jpPQ4rWlCPcWQ/s320/533A8313.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking under headphones</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Bone conduction works by transferring the audio vibrations through the cheekbones so how the headphones fit is quite important. They comes with some silicon inserts called sound enhancers that fit into the ear itself, sitting on the indented bit before the ear canal (so not in the ear canal like in-ear earphones). The sound enhancers come in small, medium and large. The headphones then are placed over the ears.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmYMzNHUNkejO9GRo9BNPc8bDzLm2rrPs1ofSiwURbMgq3ixXUPnYDpd74OhwrHTbjxuH1PsnhKDxQ2YGb7Yn4GDwOeqCPxN0kePC7ivVDAx3wyyKP-Dhz5eRL7Hq35IOHg6qOoNlemjJUV7Chjj4QlyAk5JA4XC6SQScJXbkmzVMOEJQ1T9v9w/s6720/533A8316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmYMzNHUNkejO9GRo9BNPc8bDzLm2rrPs1ofSiwURbMgq3ixXUPnYDpd74OhwrHTbjxuH1PsnhKDxQ2YGb7Yn4GDwOeqCPxN0kePC7ivVDAx3wyyKP-Dhz5eRL7Hq35IOHg6qOoNlemjJUV7Chjj4QlyAk5JA4XC6SQScJXbkmzVMOEJQ1T9v9w/s320/533A8316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound enhancers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The sound enhancers made a huge difference in sound quality and fit, however head shape has a lot to do with it and they may not make a huge difference for everyone. An obvious issue is that they sit in-front of the ear canal so do block some of the sounds from the environment which is why some people are using bone conduction headphones in the first place. There's good bass, midrange and treble supported by the 16 mm speaker. There's also built-in noise cancelling for the microphones.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIp3KuwaMuD97wf0H0jCYG0QyNMJxdvUr1meBl7vxpVGFNt1t_HdgX1yyDBYrzZFTTLfKWMRsue6VcjyzqrGWYIGENJUEJW1nTASys6Vib_p80_GQRNdYEaf-jrYqd9FmJ9E4BxDqlvAILDQ_e8vWJ4-ALV27o5s49i0mX6vA0TgoN6wwW8Y8sw/s6720/533A8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIp3KuwaMuD97wf0H0jCYG0QyNMJxdvUr1meBl7vxpVGFNt1t_HdgX1yyDBYrzZFTTLfKWMRsue6VcjyzqrGWYIGENJUEJW1nTASys6Vib_p80_GQRNdYEaf-jrYqd9FmJ9E4BxDqlvAILDQ_e8vWJ4-ALV27o5s49i0mX6vA0TgoN6wwW8Y8sw/s320/533A8314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking form back<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Battery life is 10 hours (at 60% volume) and 150 hours standby and a full charge takes 1.5 hours and 15 hours talk time. The magnetic connector is polarised so it will only fit one way, but the pins do protrude and can easily short onto any flat metallic material especially if it's ferrous as the magnets will be attracted to it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOgDWgi5AnjWNkrDX8bLl2sgj4isvtAdHlgr6MjEAreDZFuGBsxUwRNWYtSNGuU4HnlCvQfrPHOI_pcpFvK8rOKbTpEpNtZqfHaoAvFh85U5M27ML0C21uTQHO2F_q97l0GBwdX7Dt8Ly7BqzqijohZrRqVvTgA8Dy69VcmpuYPd5hptGAMJXPg/s6720/533A8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOgDWgi5AnjWNkrDX8bLl2sgj4isvtAdHlgr6MjEAreDZFuGBsxUwRNWYtSNGuU4HnlCvQfrPHOI_pcpFvK8rOKbTpEpNtZqfHaoAvFh85U5M27ML0C21uTQHO2F_q97l0GBwdX7Dt8Ly7BqzqijohZrRqVvTgA8Dy69VcmpuYPd5hptGAMJXPg/s320/533A8315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The headphones are reasonably light weight at 32g and are covered in silicone that is skin friendly being soft, hypoallergenic and breathable. The design is meant to resemble a seahorse (well the bone conducting part).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkNjx_5723UN_J5-NinIV7Sb87MQ6qxNk1BKqfbMqk4OCrU_07qu0aLxoQCTi4jrWwJYS5JSvPr1kukZwpI-4MKZud91ji6mZpkx20UOVFW8wQ6Uw_lerjqM0F3z58xlFmi-vQRYmjkFrI6_Y40ejE2vuSGwisQjUTw-sUGXf-fOmhOjo_baQhg/s6720/533A8319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkNjx_5723UN_J5-NinIV7Sb87MQ6qxNk1BKqfbMqk4OCrU_07qu0aLxoQCTi4jrWwJYS5JSvPr1kukZwpI-4MKZud91ji6mZpkx20UOVFW8wQ6Uw_lerjqM0F3z58xlFmi-vQRYmjkFrI6_Y40ejE2vuSGwisQjUTw-sUGXf-fOmhOjo_baQhg/s320/533A8319.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>There are 3 buttons, Power, "+" and "-".</p><p>Power button</p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><blockquote><p>Long Press 3 secs - <span>Power On / Power Off</span></p><p><span>Double click - <span>Wake up Voice assistant / exit voice assistant</span></span></p><p><span><span>Click Once - <span>Play/Pause / Answer/Hangup</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Double Click - <span>Ignore call</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span>Triple Click - <span>Bluetooth/MP3 mode</span></span></span></span></span></p><p>Quad (4) clicks - <span>Sequential/Random play in MP3 mode</span></p></blockquote><p><span></span></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>+ Button</p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><blockquote><p>Click once - <span>Volume Up</span></p><p><span>Long Press 2 seconds - <span>Next song</span></span></p></blockquote><p><span><span></span></span></p></blockquote><p><span><span>- Button</span></span></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span><span></span></span></p><blockquote><p><span><span>Click once - <span>Volume Down</span></span></span></p><p>Long Press 2 seconds - Last song</p></blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>They retail for around £140.00 but a 15% discount is available using the code "<b>Steve</b>" (no quotes required).</p><p>As stated without the sound enhancers, the sound quality and fit wasn't brilliant and they vibrated against the skin annoyingly, with the sound enhanced things improved dramatically but that relates to head shape so things might be completely different for other users. With the sound enhancers sound quality was pretty good (as least as good as the competition). Not a bad headphone.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-72845175310646452022023-09-14T13:03:00.001+00:002023-09-14T13:12:56.709+00:00Feel the Beat of a Different Drum: Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://uk.shokz.com" target="_blank">Shokz</a> (previously known as Aftershokz) have been producing bone conducting headphones for a while, their latest headphone is the <a href="https://uk.shokz.com/products/openrun-pro" target="_blank">OpenRun Pro</a>. This has two sides connected by a titanium band that goes behind the head and over the ears, while each side has a "speaker" that sits in front of the ear connected to a solid bit that connects to the loop (the right hand side has the charging connection and the on/off/volume buttons). This bit has been redesigned so the charging connection is on the angled back, which makes it impossible to even try to force the magnetic connector on the wrong way round. The left speaker has the multifunction button.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H7oK-yShxGEVWHPzgn3ELHwWI5Qoo1Pko_OX48687jRw5knkh21WlzOa66S35tKPRzoMMT2PdQ09uDy4ptcbQI0mUY387dAZrkcLwWZ2NYAKav9TSSzZ2R-eKk_o3AUT1XjmCGUVA9HlzGRzPaVThR_fWOnyMziuW7dBkXRFNBJzdp5C5JauKQ/s6720/533A7846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H7oK-yShxGEVWHPzgn3ELHwWI5Qoo1Pko_OX48687jRw5knkh21WlzOa66S35tKPRzoMMT2PdQ09uDy4ptcbQI0mUY387dAZrkcLwWZ2NYAKav9TSSzZ2R-eKk_o3AUT1XjmCGUVA9HlzGRzPaVThR_fWOnyMziuW7dBkXRFNBJzdp5C5JauKQ/w400-h266/533A7846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OpenRun Pro headphones</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bone conduction works by vibrating the bones which then transmit the sound to the inner ear, this does mean that if the volume is too loud, then you can feel a vibration against the skin (like being tickled) which can be annoying, but assuming the volume is at a sensible level, this doesn't happen. Being "open ear" means you still hear what's going on around you, which may not be what you want if immersing yourself into a movie or travelling on the tube, but for runners, cyclists and even working out in a gym when you want to be aware of your surroundings these definitely work well.</span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); white-space: pre-wrap;">Though similar in design to the older Aeropex, the OpenRun Pro is slimmed down in size for a more lightweight feel and only weighs </span></span>29g.</span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1ayC-nrBuJGjp5StauadozGUWI8080qqQddk3K__IJC__fZH8WsKYO8H4m9ATJKfZJdHC0z6ScaR2EXAVyxAxOYEH75ZK0RKbH7To8ZeiMDjTX3ft0io7U5c-KzG0uEpPYXbPI0bo4-G5kpgQRMEz1pkCjnQBUxKo0PLWSULE4GTo0_xevwyYw/s6720/533A7847.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1ayC-nrBuJGjp5StauadozGUWI8080qqQddk3K__IJC__fZH8WsKYO8H4m9ATJKfZJdHC0z6ScaR2EXAVyxAxOYEH75ZK0RKbH7To8ZeiMDjTX3ft0io7U5c-KzG0uEpPYXbPI0bo4-G5kpgQRMEz1pkCjnQBUxKo0PLWSULE4GTo0_xevwyYw/w400-h266/533A7847.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom view</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Audio quality has improved markedly in the OpenRun Pro and sounds more balanced with better depth in the lower frequencies (TurboPitch). Higher frequencies have always worked better and are crisp and clear. The volume can be adjusted sufficiently to overcome wind noise without distorting. Unfortunately fidelity is unlikely ever going to match traditional headphones, the OpenRun Pro delivers pretty good sound quality (Shokz claim 20Hz - 20KHz frequency response).</span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLb2K8Utx9rHlWgy2nZSQOprV6YmxnqhOqLODDJOVPBQSotUr9xn08dwgAf_eKu0F7OjPVRBZHseKxbr6Ivc1TZK3DagGvmaXUcLJ2tU-lymgbfOCQpM17gDrNwU84Garjt10MMjHxLLv3sBnskW6EtmadKzYXSeKTN8f_oomR2EBAVEYH3G3Dg/s6720/533A7845.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLb2K8Utx9rHlWgy2nZSQOprV6YmxnqhOqLODDJOVPBQSotUr9xn08dwgAf_eKu0F7OjPVRBZHseKxbr6Ivc1TZK3DagGvmaXUcLJ2tU-lymgbfOCQpM17gDrNwU84Garjt10MMjHxLLv3sBnskW6EtmadKzYXSeKTN8f_oomR2EBAVEYH3G3Dg/w400-h266/533A7845.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the base of the right hand there are only two buttons, volume up and down, the volume up button is also the power button, if the OpenRun Pros are off, long pressing it will turn them on (and the blue LED will turn on too), holding it down when on, will turn them off. If turning on and continuing to hold, then the LED will flash red and blue, indicating it is in pairing mode.</span>
</span><p></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's also a multifunction button on the left speaker that pressing will pause/play music, answer a call etc.</span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoyHg0_eLR5KzoMx_WDgDbTMZr0H0PJjFiz5Q2WHVJSKBJ9gc8tWA-VNmnZLw7D37zqUZqNGO4yetR_2rncVsFPkOdoIcOuXCKBrbA3VGNcp7CZvVLFHIQ3suGBXW_-l7uZbx9GmQ8j1pnRv5V7chPDQG-2QXzzNBqk8rCYLUVjXjQN-qpa4TtA/s6720/533A7848.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoyHg0_eLR5KzoMx_WDgDbTMZr0H0PJjFiz5Q2WHVJSKBJ9gc8tWA-VNmnZLw7D37zqUZqNGO4yetR_2rncVsFPkOdoIcOuXCKBrbA3VGNcp7CZvVLFHIQ3suGBXW_-l7uZbx9GmQ8j1pnRv5V7chPDQG-2QXzzNBqk8rCYLUVjXjQN-qpa4TtA/w400-h266/533A7848.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power connection</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are dual microphones which pick up speech which means calls and video conferencing work well.</span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The OpenRun Pros are also IP55 allowing them to be used in sweaty environments. There is a built-in moisture detector.</span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bluetooth is now version 5.1 (though 5.3 is the latest version), but that should allow more stable Bluetooth connections and supporting multipoint pairing (i.e. multiple devices). The SBC codec is supported as well as A2DP, AVRCP, HSP and HFP Bluetooth profiles.</p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Battery life is now 10 hours on a full charge (which takes 1 hour). A 5 minute charge will give 1.5 hours of usage. Standby is up to 10 days.</p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shokz now provide an app (IOS and Android) that allows for 2 levels of EQ (equalisation) optimising for music or voice. The app also supports pairing, multipoint pairing, listening customisation, and user tips.</p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the box there's also a hard shell carry case that holds the headphones and a USB-A charging cable (that can fit into the carry case under a strap).</p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94HpNr98qlidUYgs--wJEGvpTEnFawZoy6ef1fAFMP6JqSTUy6_AIgk1_hnHtR5Aeh4Y0AwVBLraTZ54foDPuGUzp0eYPYceGKdjLF0V1KvjgL7fCaOBYii466Ysm1zJvUFhRR96fEvBBX7GFbAgLt6WXxf7sTPCkMGm2oCkikpSvIxL3yq4Lbg/s6720/533A7844.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94HpNr98qlidUYgs--wJEGvpTEnFawZoy6ef1fAFMP6JqSTUy6_AIgk1_hnHtR5Aeh4Y0AwVBLraTZ54foDPuGUzp0eYPYceGKdjLF0V1KvjgL7fCaOBYii466Ysm1zJvUFhRR96fEvBBX7GFbAgLt6WXxf7sTPCkMGm2oCkikpSvIxL3yq4Lbg/w400-h266/533A7844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard shell carry case</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As an artefact of bone conduction technology, if you have slight hearing loss that is caused by something say in the ear canal or similar, sound can actually sound better (or louder) as it's directly stimulating the inner ear [NOTE this is NOT any advice re hearing loss].<br /><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap" style="border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not the most expensive headphones on the market they can be directly purchased from the Shokz site or other retailers for £159 (purchasing from Shokz gives a 2 year guarantee in certain territories).</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-87658045816431325242023-05-26T16:55:00.004+00:002023-05-27T16:03:01.230+00:00Ear's to Nothing: Why Nothing Ear (2) is Music to Our Ears<p>Nothing has come out with the second version of the Ear phone (earphone) called unsurprisingly the Ear (2) phone.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Founded by Carl Pei (previously having founded OnePlus), Nothing is his new mobile first company making tech that is affordable and aesthetically pleasing. The first product was the Nothing Ear (1) wireless earphones and now, they've raised the bar even higher with the release of their latest model, the Nothing Ear (2).</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBldt2VHZ-X-ENiJnr_52djlO4FvFL6lSpS1tKfmQkanND_jWTYEg3SHZQcGLWwSFF6KxjeFZ9wi0YNCOtcavmRIuroLPv51pyfCRlomEhOgUyTJQSXiD1Q5QBAsXyWC8iEMGiR7i_E2UphyqX3VST0TgQPjxyvp2kZafQw6SKqXqIx9AueI/s6720/533A7210.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBldt2VHZ-X-ENiJnr_52djlO4FvFL6lSpS1tKfmQkanND_jWTYEg3SHZQcGLWwSFF6KxjeFZ9wi0YNCOtcavmRIuroLPv51pyfCRlomEhOgUyTJQSXiD1Q5QBAsXyWC8iEMGiR7i_E2UphyqX3VST0TgQPjxyvp2kZafQw6SKqXqIx9AueI/s320/533A7210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing Ear (2) original package</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The outer box has a tearable strip which allows the inner box to be removed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YcFr_4hDsscMyXUQFyJM6y__y5Uh9ldY2JcyInr1fUCJSpdjWXQgjUrbyheWFcQ7XXyXwx-YjB_QBom5lAjhULdZonpITbpZwT3gSVBJefEDWq7vvG1-_NIa4wG7QOQjH3Kd7hxfUN15NgaAVf94QjBeSOJ_Dn0uhVnTC4Vt9SHD5BDbV5Y/s6720/533A7211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YcFr_4hDsscMyXUQFyJM6y__y5Uh9ldY2JcyInr1fUCJSpdjWXQgjUrbyheWFcQ7XXyXwx-YjB_QBom5lAjhULdZonpITbpZwT3gSVBJefEDWq7vvG1-_NIa4wG7QOQjH3Kd7hxfUN15NgaAVf94QjBeSOJ_Dn0uhVnTC4Vt9SHD5BDbV5Y/s320/533A7211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tearable strip</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The inner box is very black.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGcTA1FAMbM2WYOOUhhV6yE-w6ERGW0YJabTw2rZ7hnJ-GaRZDpCP2XHQiFmmGsT_2iiky7sfdqkKMIcNQexdV02ggXBTiNUuAfCp_JDz88FBlb1sBauBn6kMzgwGwnQpgV3kAFJKyVN-4TryJL4lQ9-M_flLAaLil6MvCZ5dUN4WMzzSHlU/s6720/533A7212.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGcTA1FAMbM2WYOOUhhV6yE-w6ERGW0YJabTw2rZ7hnJ-GaRZDpCP2XHQiFmmGsT_2iiky7sfdqkKMIcNQexdV02ggXBTiNUuAfCp_JDz88FBlb1sBauBn6kMzgwGwnQpgV3kAFJKyVN-4TryJL4lQ9-M_flLAaLil6MvCZ5dUN4WMzzSHlU/s320/533A7212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inner box</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The top bit is the instruction manual in a sleeve.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTEtqnWuecKRfKuPLFVq9bU8M81wW9RZXXriR-Ky5X-ZO_wbfBLAeRY-ybQmyWjnSb9trsujs1kq4AnsX9bv_RMvLCkdea5f9aPL6UOPVhT2ekK7NmAdU5xu67Xl1DqcwAlAhBXNKxe0197fQrM2uVWGhYltL9FIRuqb7uty6nmSGE8KG_C4/s6720/533A7213.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTEtqnWuecKRfKuPLFVq9bU8M81wW9RZXXriR-Ky5X-ZO_wbfBLAeRY-ybQmyWjnSb9trsujs1kq4AnsX9bv_RMvLCkdea5f9aPL6UOPVhT2ekK7NmAdU5xu67Xl1DqcwAlAhBXNKxe0197fQrM2uVWGhYltL9FIRuqb7uty6nmSGE8KG_C4/s320/533A7213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeve holding instruction manual</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Removing the sleeve reveals the earphone case (in a removable plastic protective cover).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVpt97UAGCQQ2my7gsQbr-eut897BoJigmSPTB6oh0m4PuG3hL43Z5HUWnPGLlakFB7Juud_SrX5cxaPt7kJNg4WjslauRPaQmquixsIynhQ9Vt1X5iGhg2DABgbIIo4ZAZzHKocSqUxRmMpcbRLKa8a8P2AvIgrPvn5VX8Bfi073ikGfgxU/s6720/533A7214.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVpt97UAGCQQ2my7gsQbr-eut897BoJigmSPTB6oh0m4PuG3hL43Z5HUWnPGLlakFB7Juud_SrX5cxaPt7kJNg4WjslauRPaQmquixsIynhQ9Vt1X5iGhg2DABgbIIo4ZAZzHKocSqUxRmMpcbRLKa8a8P2AvIgrPvn5VX8Bfi073ikGfgxU/s320/533A7214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Case in protective plastic sleeve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Once the case is removed the side compartments are accessible.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qihdGSnCQF8eCJBbLAHRhPblaq0UZ-_ParEP0ZZ3tYygTmbAiEY_aL5PO1ZOFp9piMTeGrvxuWUKa1Ar8-mlcT_wZSB4lWIbbgjXpHAPeWXK4FEE6ZUDaR3P8nZFeriuf2WKuBJbhTZ200tK2mgGJu-NBpsDuG0rHnRUyHGGcb_HDDS3cjw/s6720/533A7215.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qihdGSnCQF8eCJBbLAHRhPblaq0UZ-_ParEP0ZZ3tYygTmbAiEY_aL5PO1ZOFp9piMTeGrvxuWUKa1Ar8-mlcT_wZSB4lWIbbgjXpHAPeWXK4FEE6ZUDaR3P8nZFeriuf2WKuBJbhTZ200tK2mgGJu-NBpsDuG0rHnRUyHGGcb_HDDS3cjw/s320/533A7215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box side compartments</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>One side holds the USB-C to USB-C cable and the other the small and large silicon tips.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNPLQbGe-6-SaG1_a6m4-WdcueGcwXfF_9doNfqkba0MfQyk-WhRpRjT_zYmYLc71GcYpOQDiToVmCTNzihzM4zUx98AdkZS5eQvbnd79ir_0JDSung_TmwOTMtaaoi_LhAaDxnTq-6-5mDzMirYsQPxtUy2IVRjUOhhpvT2kcK_8IWtbUgM/s6720/533A7216.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNPLQbGe-6-SaG1_a6m4-WdcueGcwXfF_9doNfqkba0MfQyk-WhRpRjT_zYmYLc71GcYpOQDiToVmCTNzihzM4zUx98AdkZS5eQvbnd79ir_0JDSung_TmwOTMtaaoi_LhAaDxnTq-6-5mDzMirYsQPxtUy2IVRjUOhhpvT2kcK_8IWtbUgM/s320/533A7216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USB-Cto USB-C charging cable</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9UJ8gXWfZlbc1wgo1M-8V5AK_EDSXcOKMn1MvZryXQvbP-dcoHDbdM7_P_GQvJw8Lt-BSIUZt9P_CS8KXO28Fi2fuEjRm1FUJ9fg2WrsiT3YRlooAc4vTHnH9F7BovEouAmEqT2RsCE742OIIeuly10J1QREXaPkuawR79sRKGGpp8vFOGc/s6720/533A7217.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9UJ8gXWfZlbc1wgo1M-8V5AK_EDSXcOKMn1MvZryXQvbP-dcoHDbdM7_P_GQvJw8Lt-BSIUZt9P_CS8KXO28Fi2fuEjRm1FUJ9fg2WrsiT3YRlooAc4vTHnH9F7BovEouAmEqT2RsCE742OIIeuly10J1QREXaPkuawR79sRKGGpp8vFOGc/s320/533A7217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silicon tips</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The case has a USB-C charging port and a button to initiate pairing.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkBU5he2PsOM9VsM1MU_tyfeMXJphIjcTJsuDdP-OcnbdFzcJRLw4cJRnk0I4-XbNiSqawESwZkxVuMZuFuKRr1kzwLMWe57yj1rtZExC3QqWKpDMBiQa3aYXfCvEjSTWyPe84upwzbSDm-G6f37-Ct34vnJc1Xg5iPpgE9x7yHVcFgM_VAY/s6720/533A7218.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkBU5he2PsOM9VsM1MU_tyfeMXJphIjcTJsuDdP-OcnbdFzcJRLw4cJRnk0I4-XbNiSqawESwZkxVuMZuFuKRr1kzwLMWe57yj1rtZExC3QqWKpDMBiQa3aYXfCvEjSTWyPe84upwzbSDm-G6f37-Ct34vnJc1Xg5iPpgE9x7yHVcFgM_VAY/w320-h213/533A7218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging case</td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaMPQXF6_s2Gcr2nN6q4P5MPC81JXa87dlJ5SJcgn_0S4JfjvWn9l4S5JvtMmixNuI47yZEurQJNMPyDLe5yysU-ynfjeOiF_iHQ3JZH5y1RqWf3DsWlZfMf5LSKku0JFp7LujnFYm92MYBd7w7Js5gTCBhQgsoW_TQ3Rt6S3uN2It0eGoUY/s6720/533A7219.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj7OIwrdA4V75ZGEJm1sxCOt-SvUm4XvDmE2Dtuo-EU3A1Yhc3SQlaNna7AdlwG0EedpOJuvU6MC_kuvbRIxJp4hsvTb6JfHfPo_s_SiiERhTz6UnS4k2cqMxpZG_KNUYvlBp1pnI7sEInjw9zvxWrLRXgqZ6HKl1gUwza8rxM7IAC5V2dO4/s6720/533A7219.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj7OIwrdA4V75ZGEJm1sxCOt-SvUm4XvDmE2Dtuo-EU3A1Yhc3SQlaNna7AdlwG0EedpOJuvU6MC_kuvbRIxJp4hsvTb6JfHfPo_s_SiiERhTz6UnS4k2cqMxpZG_KNUYvlBp1pnI7sEInjw9zvxWrLRXgqZ6HKl1gUwza8rxM7IAC5V2dO4/w320-h213/533A7219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging case lid open</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">At first glance, the Ear (2) may seem like just another pair of earphones, but a closer look reveals its unique design and features that set it apart from the competition. The Ear (2) boasts a sleek, transparent design that showcases the inner workings of the earphones. This design not only looks futuristic but also allows for a better understanding of how the Ear (2) works.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV_77ZsGZjhiunBaWQG4yASEMAaokEhQqU50PGQ_8PUsjQsKBNYsTQygU_KmWkX36Pwhxq60R6S7M2kQ92wwoUvnD6GuqaxfuvpWeM_rMtTLEbmtSLG8ryWfX3VgYA4h-Q3yO7yv0oKHmbJab2OOrkSfJ4WZ6e60HCc70XqhvXXK-g647iWY/s6720/533A7220.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV_77ZsGZjhiunBaWQG4yASEMAaokEhQqU50PGQ_8PUsjQsKBNYsTQygU_KmWkX36Pwhxq60R6S7M2kQ92wwoUvnD6GuqaxfuvpWeM_rMtTLEbmtSLG8ryWfX3VgYA4h-Q3yO7yv0oKHmbJab2OOrkSfJ4WZ6e60HCc70XqhvXXK-g647iWY/s320/533A7220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ear phones (2)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Looking from the other end, it's possible to see the metal filter that allows sound to pass through while now allowing ingress of particles from your ear.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkh4HCNKcwBMwks-2rUMNCtQZB2z6eRwKyQuz-hUilCFyvose6ixSB5U-V30HvLu_TtWUKL-2Z5Sy_6wwmz-KOHAZFZJlLlzKe-t2gG7XOOGSrHZu6OwLG-uNj1UlCdwfPfU_CZRCeYrWX7skerKslsnX_AjoaMTycxAk5lH82ovLh6h81wA/s6720/533A7222.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkh4HCNKcwBMwks-2rUMNCtQZB2z6eRwKyQuz-hUilCFyvose6ixSB5U-V30HvLu_TtWUKL-2Z5Sy_6wwmz-KOHAZFZJlLlzKe-t2gG7XOOGSrHZu6OwLG-uNj1UlCdwfPfU_CZRCeYrWX7skerKslsnX_AjoaMTycxAk5lH82ovLh6h81wA/s320/533A7222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal grill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">But it's not just about looks – the Ear (2) also delivers top-of-the-line audio quality. With active noise cancellation (ANC), the Ear (2) blocks out all outside noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. And now with an in-house designed impressive 11.6mm driver, the Ear (2) produces clear, crisp sound that rivals even the most high-end (fruity) earphones on the market. The </span>diaphragm is made from graphene and polyurethane.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">One standout feature of the Ear (2) is its press controls. With just a few presses, users can play or pause music, skip tracks, and even activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The touch controls are also customisable, allowing users to set their preferred commands for even easier use. The Ear (1) used touch controls which could be triggered erroneously.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Ear (2) is its battery life. With up to 6 hours of continuous listening time and an additional 34 hours with the charging case, the Ear (2) can last through even the longest listening sessions. The earphone buds are also very light at 4.5g each (the case is 51.9g). Actual battery life will depend on use: -</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Playback with ANC off: Up to 36 hours with case and 6.3 hours with buds only</li><li>Playback with ANC on: Up to 22.5 hours with case and 4 hours with buds only</li><li>Talk time with ANC off: Up to 20.5 hours with case and 3.5 hours with buds only</li><li>Talk time with ANC on: Up to 17.5 hours with case and 3 hours with buds only</li></ul><p></p><p><span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bluetooth is now at 5.3 supporting BLE, SPP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP and AAC, SBC, LHDC audio codecs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water and dust protection has also been increased and is now IP54 for the buds and IP55 for the case.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's important to download the Nothing X app (iOS and Android) as many earphone features such as ANC/bud fit and balancer/equaliser are adjusted within it. It's also quite likely there will be a firmware update and this is performed through the app too.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bNZq9jPahHnZyqbwyl_pCvPX-M5Vm-jgKJY93cZ6A0si6qvLzNYh5bbEwyzshbMk_7X4HcQzE1qa1OvqCmdCp8RWXZhZSHzG6dYUESi-uXh9xWADy3yQ9-Rw64jhZYVG0cb47YpelwuF7QOdat9P6pIJBChWAs2LXRfrpQjOeFB1eyfLqy4/s2796/IMG_6715.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2796" data-original-width="1290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bNZq9jPahHnZyqbwyl_pCvPX-M5Vm-jgKJY93cZ6A0si6qvLzNYh5bbEwyzshbMk_7X4HcQzE1qa1OvqCmdCp8RWXZhZSHzG6dYUESi-uXh9xWADy3yQ9-Rw64jhZYVG0cb47YpelwuF7QOdat9P6pIJBChWAs2LXRfrpQjOeFB1eyfLqy4/s320/IMG_6715.png" width="148" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing X App<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p>When these arrived they also came with a Nothing baseball cap and the obligatory sticker.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik8daDjtln8BA0BCAW_tACJWjRUZQFFTencIkCt6HRIILzjvgC20rJjw-AR8cvqB3aBS9NpdbmQNIYhKvFHtXlNtnvw2QpxZx4q26GX02UuAFzi7sbGl_Ia7OqiSjjEQRrNBKzlUCmleQJFff5q8AMz058Ru7NWOiAZo10vSJVYD09dr83q4/s6720/533A7208.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik8daDjtln8BA0BCAW_tACJWjRUZQFFTencIkCt6HRIILzjvgC20rJjw-AR8cvqB3aBS9NpdbmQNIYhKvFHtXlNtnvw2QpxZx4q26GX02UuAFzi7sbGl_Ia7OqiSjjEQRrNBKzlUCmleQJFff5q8AMz058Ru7NWOiAZo10vSJVYD09dr83q4/s320/533A7208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baseball cap</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhjI0VpAAfBNo9aUQjrC9CoAd59sHnSdlL0FuDzky04udy1ewZCmMHtIunDtxdE--Pa7xAup8DUYGhG8ZsKRpSAswh2-sNrwNFsTLVLiK4kJqsqR1Kh8RjFWUZQP-K2OCd7japrr_qaUoUZD5XBB4VJQPPXfNz60Z8g76w3yV85OfDpwNmV8/s6720/533A7223.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhjI0VpAAfBNo9aUQjrC9CoAd59sHnSdlL0FuDzky04udy1ewZCmMHtIunDtxdE--Pa7xAup8DUYGhG8ZsKRpSAswh2-sNrwNFsTLVLiK4kJqsqR1Kh8RjFWUZQP-K2OCd7japrr_qaUoUZD5XBB4VJQPPXfNz60Z8g76w3yV85OfDpwNmV8/s320/533A7223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The are available to buy from the Nothing store and cost £129 (actually cheaper than the Ear (1)).</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-35605855078111297192023-04-21T17:17:00.003+00:002023-04-21T17:32:54.604+00:00Grounds for Good: How Dualits's Recycling Device Brews Sustainability<p>Whether you're a fan of <a href="https://www.nespresso.com/" target="_blank">Nespresso</a> or not (the coffee can be quite nice), the pods are a pain to recycle. They either have to be taken to a <a href="https://www.nespresso.com/" target="_blank">Nespresso</a> shop or getting <a href="https://www.nespresso.com/" target="_blank">Nespresso</a> to pick them up in a Nespresso (or coffee shop) recycling bag.</p><p>Now there's another solution get a <a href="https://www.dualit.com" target="_blank">Dualit</a> Nespresso Unfill recycling device. It's all plastic with a base.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x7jCGh3p8lDnwbxXzj5L4TMkt_twEyyyYYqaZn0z-lIK-WdzJmXCnGwK_l0C7KLStrMkgViUgcvdQk5V0Tt3PbJwQ4h94oTnKu4m0o1PEDxKcmhH4bCJG7xGe3wl_nrVIbFVmf7_euVnpgwHQYwxr34cR2OrlcROuk4AlL3bJKpu7T5emh8/s6720/533A7224.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x7jCGh3p8lDnwbxXzj5L4TMkt_twEyyyYYqaZn0z-lIK-WdzJmXCnGwK_l0C7KLStrMkgViUgcvdQk5V0Tt3PbJwQ4h94oTnKu4m0o1PEDxKcmhH4bCJG7xGe3wl_nrVIbFVmf7_euVnpgwHQYwxr34cR2OrlcROuk4AlL3bJKpu7T5emh8/s320/533A7224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dualit Until base</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Then there's a green bit that sits on the base and fits semi-screws on to it (or positions itself via a slotted bit). It's ribbed/strengthen underneath.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y_JgYCFvOAin94UxJaAwJ_uNc13TZ3nBdR9EjUL_vzrB9h4VbxbkhExwRT45aYITL0wS_yniWaFM4h1mYmUBUIz_EKqs7f7eHYK-AKIYiz6rXJae63MgEwVygBEE1hS-j0HxPcPCMXPalaSf6vj38Qz1Cz4Re3-TWAwtoGZm4rDtp2mtMEA/s6720/533A7227.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y_JgYCFvOAin94UxJaAwJ_uNc13TZ3nBdR9EjUL_vzrB9h4VbxbkhExwRT45aYITL0wS_yniWaFM4h1mYmUBUIz_EKqs7f7eHYK-AKIYiz6rXJae63MgEwVygBEE1hS-j0HxPcPCMXPalaSf6vj38Qz1Cz4Re3-TWAwtoGZm4rDtp2mtMEA/s320/533A7227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dualit Unfill rim (from below)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div>Looking from above, there's an inner ring where the pod sits on (foil side down).</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBqmCGh0Ts4Ua1-4oQvSe3jJDFZFKJqtFwM6D7bfqMAyfMtGBSJFyiLf_5I1Bllo3dvMbyy_NB1pr9CcixzroMmkUpo7oI4UDaiWK9DsEZ9HUtFTl05_CVMGQdTuzsdSYMtf0eve-ZpEFOTl3PDPBkrItiO8ix3YqNWc25RmHw1KWZ0x95T4/s6720/533A7228.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBqmCGh0Ts4Ua1-4oQvSe3jJDFZFKJqtFwM6D7bfqMAyfMtGBSJFyiLf_5I1Bllo3dvMbyy_NB1pr9CcixzroMmkUpo7oI4UDaiWK9DsEZ9HUtFTl05_CVMGQdTuzsdSYMtf0eve-ZpEFOTl3PDPBkrItiO8ix3YqNWc25RmHw1KWZ0x95T4/s320/533A7228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dualit Unfill rim (from above)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The lid has an inner protrusion which matches the base of the pod.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewiQKTNgHy-mI7hfPRNWgBjouRKlEx_wYVkdT6xWfcBS4tat4sE2hqoCngNoE50CNsNUnnLZfHGnQCgMS5KhyHoSPXvITDtWUGfLmjUpuKL6NIbWw04DojxtRH9k-9slev8v3U81a0Fxzu-2t2olfZybL10jmwfB36D217AmrRMu8uGlLWGY/s6720/533A7225.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewiQKTNgHy-mI7hfPRNWgBjouRKlEx_wYVkdT6xWfcBS4tat4sE2hqoCngNoE50CNsNUnnLZfHGnQCgMS5KhyHoSPXvITDtWUGfLmjUpuKL6NIbWw04DojxtRH9k-9slev8v3U81a0Fxzu-2t2olfZybL10jmwfB36D217AmrRMu8uGlLWGY/s320/533A7225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dualit Unfill lid</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>When put together the green rim sits on the base, then the pod is sat on the rim with the narrower part facing up. The lid is then pushed down firmly and keeping it as straight as possible.<div><br /></div><div>The pod will then be inverted and all the coffee (well most of it) will end up in the the base (some does stick to the remains of the pod). The base holds 7 or 8 pods.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rinse the pods off and then they can go in household recycling (if there's a few, then wrap them in aluminium foil and they'll be detected as aluminium recycling more accurately, they can be pushed into each other for a compact result).<br /><div><br /></div><div>The coffee grounds can then be recycled in food waste, composted or used to add to soil (allegedly slugs don't like caffeine) and there's goodness in the grounds too that plants can use too.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's available for £9.99 direct from <a href="https://www.dualit.com/products/ecopress-aluminium-capsule-recycler" target="_blank">Dualit</a> or many good retailers.<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The earbuds are comfortable to wear and fit securely in the ear, making them a great option for sleeping or working out. The battery life of the Zenbuds is also impressive, with the earbuds lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge.</p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPcd40s8oiTV7-VZfr93jBFfvYWpEkBn8ONWXjWHzGoqYeXNrO7dDq8QVdzvXqMOSyzpL4DC51eXU9nQaUoMtfmF-PBEbKNLh7Oszhp_BiZyoour3lqjzbbIAFaazB2Ip8JqBC8KZebBtiwSdmEPL0RF4v9Eov97KKeopbhP_FOiAiYoi_vk/s6720/533A3501.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPcd40s8oiTV7-VZfr93jBFfvYWpEkBn8ONWXjWHzGoqYeXNrO7dDq8QVdzvXqMOSyzpL4DC51eXU9nQaUoMtfmF-PBEbKNLh7Oszhp_BiZyoour3lqjzbbIAFaazB2Ip8JqBC8KZebBtiwSdmEPL0RF4v9Eov97KKeopbhP_FOiAiYoi_vk/s320/533A3501.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenbuds with small tips<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div>One of the standout features of the Zenbuds is the ability to play white noise or guided meditations to help you relax and clear your mind before bed. These sounds can be customised and set to play for a certain amount of time, allowing you to drift off to sleep peacefully.</div><p>The buds are relatively small, with silicon tips (S/M/L) that fit in the ear canal. The outside of the buds have a silicon protrusion that helps hold them in place in the ear. They are also very light at 2g per bud.</p><p></p><div>One feature is the touch control system, which allows you to easily control your music and adjust the volume without having to pull out your phone. The earbuds also have a built-in microphone, allowing you to take calls or access your phone's voice assistant without having to remove the earbuds.</div><div><br /></div><div>The buds come in a charging case with a USB-C port.</div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sgcs5ZHoaf8YUaH8i1E7A0rxbXw429-c6iynj930dpTdgL-DsgQFI8gJ7g5diOL1w-1OQTtf9WSPPkWL45btJS1FGxQkG9BdgtY6FqlCCHDl6RH9b8GhWy9YF3d9Cz60Odur1z7aQtpIyLiV3Q0hbxZ0kcysPn-E2x4rsLNlbpJFomtlm7A/s6720/533A3495.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sgcs5ZHoaf8YUaH8i1E7A0rxbXw429-c6iynj930dpTdgL-DsgQFI8gJ7g5diOL1w-1OQTtf9WSPPkWL45btJS1FGxQkG9BdgtY6FqlCCHDl6RH9b8GhWy9YF3d9Cz60Odur1z7aQtpIyLiV3Q0hbxZ0kcysPn-E2x4rsLNlbpJFomtlm7A/s320/533A3495.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenbuds case (the lettering is silver and reflective)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Zenbuds are also sweat and water resistant, making them a good option for working out or for use in wet conditions. The charging case provides an additional 4 charges for the earbuds, giving a total of up to 32 hours of use.</div><div><br /></div><div>The top of the case swivels to open and the case has 3 white LEDs showing its charge. The left and right buds must be placed in their equivalent (correct) receptacles or they won't charge, but they do magnetically snap in.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePEZuQefWO6HpywMvJcMPNrfXYeX3l_PsAxqpWAX-Yx1GnrcQLiJVXZccPyklMsh2Esr_2DnPCyyrE_Y30v1B5pUU7nOXvwPQ7SMi-1A0ImG3n_tpCyQqFmaliFZFCNgfzeVqSjxGvxY9UNg6tD1kVDlunomF6KmYecTVZh0E1RqfrzxBHWs/s6720/533A3497.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePEZuQefWO6HpywMvJcMPNrfXYeX3l_PsAxqpWAX-Yx1GnrcQLiJVXZccPyklMsh2Esr_2DnPCyyrE_Y30v1B5pUU7nOXvwPQ7SMi-1A0ImG3n_tpCyQqFmaliFZFCNgfzeVqSjxGvxY9UNg6tD1kVDlunomF6KmYecTVZh0E1RqfrzxBHWs/s320/533A3497.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charge status LEDs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The buds have two electrical connectors for charging and they fit on top of the equivalent pins on their respective spaces in the case and are held magnetically.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1w-BTVFU4y_RmZ7D2YqQD40QIKXVWGTzGpadDyfl2ZC_hJXlI_7Bp3hEG8vMvNBDOhIJL5iRLgspzGxqqizUDtEVI3A5edyQc-zXnmd5VqPHVQfGOI3-CpPW11pVxKQVxGq6HXK0jGzSLIKdwENFMKTbG0Y_aH-cJpj49vHSt0KejFcLjhU/s6720/533A3499.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1w-BTVFU4y_RmZ7D2YqQD40QIKXVWGTzGpadDyfl2ZC_hJXlI_7Bp3hEG8vMvNBDOhIJL5iRLgspzGxqqizUDtEVI3A5edyQc-zXnmd5VqPHVQfGOI3-CpPW11pVxKQVxGq6HXK0jGzSLIKdwENFMKTbG0Y_aH-cJpj49vHSt0KejFcLjhU/s320/533A3499.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electrical connectors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The buds act like normal earphones but also have sensors in to measure heart rate when sleeping and in terms of connectivity, the Zenbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring a stable and reliable connection to both Android and iOS devices. When sleeping The earbuds track your sleep patterns, including how long you sleep, how deep your sleep is, and how many times you wake up during the night.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>This data is then synced to the Amazfit app, where you can view your sleep stats and get insights on how to improve your sleep quality. The app also offers sleep recommendations and suggestions for creating a better sleep environment.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Though the buds have the springy loop bit that fits into the ear, they can fall out, especially if your head moves around a lot and your ear rests on the pillow or mattress.</div><div><br /></div><div>The current design only plays music/sounds for the set duration or until you fall asleep, but if you wake up again, the sounds don't resume which isn't much good for restless sleep. Though quoted for 8 hours, they can run out of power if you have a sleeping problem such as insomnia or don't fall into deep sleep so they don't detect your asleep at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>An alarm can also be set in the app, so the buds will wake you in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are available directly from the UK <a href="https://uk.amazfit.com/products/amazfit-zenbuds" target="_blank">Amazfit</a> store for £119 though can be found on other sites too.</div><div><br /></div><div>They can help with sleep and white noise is preferential to other noises which can be annoying and stop you sleeping, it would be great if they detected you'd woken up again, and started the audio again to re-block external sounds.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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There is a USB cable for charging with a magnetic connector to ensure it aligns with the 2 pin charging port (and cant be put on the wrong way around).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zFKa_oVpYCwnHtYC1ec1J5UDzqpq0uYvgYybYpmLeABKEzYnygQWVq4JZPXwHwVDCGZqNV49Yi8cTKymRa1u8ikvAFSotXThhX2blxGLwGnAITLGBotfMWbyz64ZvFiKWoARtTupolhX5nBM72HLtvrZvDLuPdUi3j7uym3jIjEzOzULliY/s6000/IMG_0122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zFKa_oVpYCwnHtYC1ec1J5UDzqpq0uYvgYybYpmLeABKEzYnygQWVq4JZPXwHwVDCGZqNV49Yi8cTKymRa1u8ikvAFSotXThhX2blxGLwGnAITLGBotfMWbyz64ZvFiKWoARtTupolhX5nBM72HLtvrZvDLuPdUi3j7uym3jIjEzOzULliY/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging port</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Bone conducting technology is a bit of a Marmite® technology (i.e. you love it or hate it). When it works well, it can work very well, or it doesn't.<div><br /></div><div>(After)Shokz are a premium brand and their headphones aren't the cheapest on the market, however they tend to work well and lot of Chinese clones that claim to offer similar technologies will disappoint. An easy test is to turn up the volume and if a buzzing is felt on the skin (like being tickled), then it's probably not a good buy. All bone conducting headphones can suffer this, but cheaper ones will do this at lower volumes</div><div><br /></div><div>The Aeropex have titanium parts internally with a soft touch covering. There's a single multi-function button and volume control with an LED indicator (charging, Bluetooth). A full charge takes around 2 hours and they should last for about 10 days on standby. Bluetooth is version 5.0, supporting <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(47, 47, 47); white-space: nowrap;">A2DP, AVRCP, HSP and HFP and </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(47, 47, 47); white-space: nowrap;">up to</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(47, 47, 47); white-space: nowrap;"> 10 metres away </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(47, 47, 47); white-space: nowrap;">from</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(47, 47, 47); white-space: nowrap;"> the audio source.</span></span></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(47, 47, 47); white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div>The claimed frequency response is 20Hz to 20KHz, however the lower frequencies don't tend to pass so well through bone conduction as they get lost on the device to skin. There are also dual microphones to pick up sound for calls etc.<div><br /></div><div>The multi-function button performs the following: -<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><br />Play/pause musi<span>c - </span>click once<span> - one beep</span></div><div>Next song - double click - <span>one beep</span></div><div>Previous song - triple click<span> - one beep</span></div><div>Answer call - click once<span> - two beeps</span></div><div>End call - click once -<span> one beep</span></div><div>Answer call waiting and end current call<span> -</span> press and hold for 2 seconds<span> - one beep</span></div><div>Ignore a call - press and hold for 2 seconds -<span> </span>two beeps</div><div>Activate voice assistant - press and hold for 2 seconds -<span> beeps</span></div><div>Redial last number - double click on standby<span> - Redial last number</span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Power/Volume+/Volume- combinations: -</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span>Power On - press and hold vol+ for 2 seconds - Welcome to Aftershokz</span></div></div><div><div><span>Power Off - press and hold vol+ for 3 seconds - Power Off</span></div></div><div><div><span>Mute - press and hold vol+/vol- for 2 seconds (on call) - mute on/off</span></div></div><div><div><span>Change EQ - press and hold vol+/vol- for 2 seconds (music playing) - EQ changed</span></div></div><div><div><span>Check battery status - click vol+ or vol- (music paused) - Battery high/medium/low/charge me</span></div></div><div><div><span>Just volume - vol- or vol- (music playing) - one beep</span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br />The LED indicates: -</div></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div>Solid red - charging</div></div><div><div>Solid blue - charged</div></div><div><div>Flashes red/blue - pairing</div></div><div><div>Flashes blue - incoming call</div></div><div><div>Flashes red (every 2 minutes) - low battery</div></div></blockquote><p>The moisture detector will indicate the headphones are wet if plugged into the charger and they should be dried. </p><div><p>Bone conducting headphones do take getting used to as the audio goes straight into the back of the ear, while allowing the ears to hear normally. This can be extremely useful for things like cycling or running so you're aware of your surroundings and what's going on. Probably less useful for wearing in a busy office environment and trying to zone out. They are extremely light and as they don't sit in the ear (or cover the ears) there's no long discomfort per se.</p><p>The only slightly irritating issue is the vibration on the skin if the volume is too loud or the frequencies in that particular range, but that's really a petty issue.</p><p>Though the Aeropex have been discontinued they are still available from sports' shops, the replacement Openrun is directly available from the <a href="https://shokz.uk/?sca_ref=2763572.AuiO1ju0S0" target="_blank">UK Shokz site</a> for £129.95, they come in black/grey, blue/dark blue, dark grey/light grey and red/dark red.</p><p>There's now also the Openrun Pro and Openrun Pro mini, which are newer models supporting Bluetooth 5.1, rated IP55, 12 hours play time, larger multi-function button and enhanced base also from <a href="https://shokz.uk/?sca_ref=2763572.AuiO1ju0S0" target="_blank">UK Shokz site</a> for £159.95 though they are 3g heavier.</p><p><a href="https://shokz.uk/?sca_ref=2763572.AuiO1ju0S0" target="_blank">Shokz</a> now also do swimming bone conduction MP3 players and UC headphones.</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The puck is actually running Linux so there are probably some hacks around.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzrSRZ_PFL5sb9Uu15DyzPpLSmVp0sp3hFHVFnoWJEr6IuRMp412A1TWCNop3-6pI0PCOl1S-HFer8ovxpjeD7dbUlE-JRgRc2SUGIV-yTzzQq6N4CSpWMSUY8Ru_iavLGbvnzqX9S2XZenas9h1D2aYoezECHlGE1jULlXJZtMShojU8skk/s1849/IMG_5549.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1849" data-original-width="1528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzrSRZ_PFL5sb9Uu15DyzPpLSmVp0sp3hFHVFnoWJEr6IuRMp412A1TWCNop3-6pI0PCOl1S-HFer8ovxpjeD7dbUlE-JRgRc2SUGIV-yTzzQq6N4CSpWMSUY8Ru_iavLGbvnzqX9S2XZenas9h1D2aYoezECHlGE1jULlXJZtMShojU8skk/s320/IMG_5549.png" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky puck</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The basic service is HD (1080) but a service upgrade allows UHD. Netflix (basic) is included (watch on a single device), but there are two upgrade options for Netflix Standard (2 devices) and Netflix Premium (4 devices).<p></p><p>TV upgrade packages are Sky Cinema, Sky Sports, BT Sport and Sky Kids.</p><p>The packages can be bought on an 18 month contract or 31 days rolling (the later being more expensive).</p><p>The box arrives pre-configured with the account set-up, just plug it in to the TV via the HDMI cable, if there's Ethernet, plug that in and let it boot, the can then be set-up in the settings.</p><p>It takes a while to boot and a Sky logo will be in white on a black background and when up and running the screen will go to the standard Sky blue colour with white lettering for the options.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhb5XJUJRVqTx8GNQJWyeFETZzkLAMWUCUUWsyMFq5H7IJwzKpxPR-h6pDBpJJQscJBN7D0igL9p7J0CohX75DFq3StdeWycU1_zoFgz31jolhs_UtkY0nSxGZulAKBV3aD1z9zc78BNPrIkTk3oGzurezeaiTcwnHMo91kprcBX17Stl68ow/s3889/IMG_5548.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2273" data-original-width="3889" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhb5XJUJRVqTx8GNQJWyeFETZzkLAMWUCUUWsyMFq5H7IJwzKpxPR-h6pDBpJJQscJBN7D0igL9p7J0CohX75DFq3StdeWycU1_zoFgz31jolhs_UtkY0nSxGZulAKBV3aD1z9zc78BNPrIkTk3oGzurezeaiTcwnHMo91kprcBX17Stl68ow/s320/IMG_5548.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky initial screen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Then get the remote and press buttons 1 and 3 simultaneously (you have to hold them for a while) and the box will ask if you wish to connect the remote (by pressing the middle button on the remote to agree).</p><p>If Ethernet is being used, the settings should automatically be picked up (i.e. IP address/etc), otherwise the WiFi needs to be configured.</p><p>If the UHD package has been selected, then the default mode can be moved the UHD rather than HD. Various audio options are also available (as is what format is sent to the TV).</p><p>Once that's done, hit the Home button and all the channels are available (including terrestrial channels).</p><p>Then there are "apps" for Netflix, iPlayer, ALL4, My5, Disney+, Apple TV+ etc.</p><p>Paramount+ is also available and the app accessed through the Sky system, then an account set-up (again while in the Sky/Paramount app). The price will then be set to £0 per month (i.e. free) when a subscription is taken out.</p><p>If a current subscription to Netflix is in use, signing in through Sky means the billing is moved to Sky (i.e. free for Basic). Netflix will keep the current billing method "on file" such that if the Sky subscription ends, it will revert to the original.</p><p>The picture is very good and services work very smoothly, though using UHD means that at least 25Mb/s is required from the broadband service.</p><p>The packages are: -</p><p>18 month contract per month cost</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sky Entertainment and Netflix (basic) £26</li><li>Sky Sports £20 (offer)</li><li>Sky Cinema £11</li><li>BT Sport £30</li><li>Sky Kids £6</li><li>UHD and Dolby Atmos £6</li><li>Netflix basic SD (included, watch on 1 device) £0</li><li>Netflix Standard HD (watch on 2 devices) £4</li><li>Netflix Premium UHD (watch on 4 devices) £8</li></ul><p></p><p>Getting everything would be £107 pm</p><p>31 day rolling cost</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sky Entertainment and Netflix (basic) £29</li><li>Sky Sports £22 (offer)</li><li>Sky Cinema £13</li><li>BT Sport £30</li><li>Sky Kids £6</li><li>UHD and Dolby Atmos £6</li><li>Netflix basic SD (included, watch on 1 device) £0</li><li>Netflix Standard HD (watch on 2 devices) £4</li><li>Netflix Premium UHD (watch on 4 devices) £8</li></ul><div>Getting everything would be £114</div><div><br /></div><div>Can then add whole home for £12 pm which allows additional pucks in the home (the first puck is free, more are £39 each).</div><div><br /></div><div>Getting the full package on an 18 month contract saves £7 per month which is £126 over the lifetime of the contract.</div><div><br /></div><div>Netflix have announced their new plans (from November) which correspond tp the Sky plans (including resolution and devices) i.e. Basic, Standard and Premium. There is an advertising supported basic plan for £4.99 per month, while the ad free services are £6.99, £10.99 and £15.99 per month respectively. So taking the Sky bundle is a saving if already a subscriber.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a few quirks with the system (hopefully they will be resolved in a future software update), the main bug bear is parental control. When accessing a channel where a program is designated that it needs parental control (12+ during the day), a PIN is required even if parental controls/daytime control have been disabled. If the program then changes to another (which also is deemed to require parental control), then the PIN needs entering again as the program changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The default PIN is the the last 4 digits of the mobile number registered with the service, but can be changed easily. Parental controls can be set to standard ages (U, PG, 12, 15, 18 or None) and also all apps or individual apps may be PIN protected.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's also voice control so it's possible to say "Watch BBC 1" and it will change to that channel (by pressing the microphone symbol on the remote).</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzjmc4OLv3x2x6wtwFjPHJAPZ9p3Rsmm7L45hWkihnBoGnCRweTsJ1MR1AfHCsA_TznXXqoKQ7JfxcxnWXf6VqAOFwMvbmCzQ8_JE3rVgEb4SX1gGyDboMfYYKThhyF7D-zS57hizlYRCLCOL8SOsKxMNHn5GMZJ-G71YigwjpnE1ErZdn7Q/s2236/IMG_5552.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2236" data-original-width="1675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzjmc4OLv3x2x6wtwFjPHJAPZ9p3Rsmm7L45hWkihnBoGnCRweTsJ1MR1AfHCsA_TznXXqoKQ7JfxcxnWXf6VqAOFwMvbmCzQ8_JE3rVgEb4SX1gGyDboMfYYKThhyF7D-zS57hizlYRCLCOL8SOsKxMNHn5GMZJ-G71YigwjpnE1ErZdn7Q/s320/IMG_5552.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Stream remote</td></tr></tbody></table>The buttons nicely light up when the remote is moved making it easy to find what you're doing even in a dark environment.<div><br /></div><div>Another niggle is that it can take a while for the Sky puck to turn on even after the power button is pressed on the remote, but it tends to work after a few goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, this is a nice way to get <a href="https://refer.sky.com/stevek-390" target="_blank">Sky</a> without having to faff with satellite dishes if your Internet connection can cope.</div><div><br /></div><div>p.s. the <a href="https://refer.sky.com/stevek-390" target="_blank">Sky</a> links are referral but if signing up through it, you get discounts too.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-10907326958467202802022-10-18T16:18:00.002+00:002022-10-19T22:34:13.856+00:00It's bigger and brighter, the new Xiaomi Smart Band 7<p>Xiaomi (Mi) have refreshed their fitness tracker the Xiaomi SmartBand 7. It comes in China and Global versions, the only real difference is that the Chinese version supports NFC payments (through Alipay). If you're lucky Alipay may accept your credit card as a payment type and then you can use it through the band. Both versions support multiple languages.</p><p>The 326 ppi AMOLED screen has been increased to 1.62 inches and is now much brighter (it can be distractingly bright), which is a 25% increase over the Band 6 display. The included USB cable has a magnetic connector on the end which aligns the connector with the band and holds it in place to charge.</p><p>Battery life is stated at 15 days, but that will be greatly reduced if various functions are turned on, such as some continuous readings.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXa6aUDPS5vNW6YNxa5JmFLjsaXYDHOmDVCDhRoc5Opfge4Y6Q8LKhFtRU3lIhUDkWU5f-mxxUs8R6_Bq9VQmECqVbdvNzpr5HKrktWxouRaS3gmw16Ij8M0qVntPfFpUK-ijLLSbPS1ZACjjMJW6FTCiZRobpZXCmQeJkVOOUM61fWM7zeE/s1633/IMG_5527.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1633" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXa6aUDPS5vNW6YNxa5JmFLjsaXYDHOmDVCDhRoc5Opfge4Y6Q8LKhFtRU3lIhUDkWU5f-mxxUs8R6_Bq9VQmECqVbdvNzpr5HKrktWxouRaS3gmw16Ij8M0qVntPfFpUK-ijLLSbPS1ZACjjMJW6FTCiZRobpZXCmQeJkVOOUM61fWM7zeE/s320/IMG_5527.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band 7 next to Apple Watch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>There are a variety of straps that can be purchased apart form the standard black.</p><p>Watch faces are download to the watch (over 100 of them) via the Mi Fit app (now rebranded as the Zepp Life app). Some of them maybe quite Chinese in personality and seem quite odd to a western market.</p><p>The band has the following "health" functions: -</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>SpO2 Monitoring</li><li>Breathing Training</li><li>Heart Rate Monitoring</li><li>Sleep Monitoring</li><li>Pressure Monitoring</li><li>Female Health</li></ul><p></p><p>SpO2 (blood oxygen content) and heart rate monitoring are continuous as is sleep monitoring (i.e. no need to tell the band you're going to sleep).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v1B58Q3SjI6eeqfEXB4h99PlN6GEWFdiZ-N49E8Jo7yezJernaUDCXreB_6estSqB1TdajingbG3PTzvNjIYZQTx-Wk7p7kUYYXiqdU0yzhK7jduU_C5RHdx9ZBd5zBOB9nOtoLvVGRGoWGOQt9z00t-N7pUFBrjWvmYP0e_yXIQrmXdC20/s1758/IMG_5529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="1573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v1B58Q3SjI6eeqfEXB4h99PlN6GEWFdiZ-N49E8Jo7yezJernaUDCXreB_6estSqB1TdajingbG3PTzvNjIYZQTx-Wk7p7kUYYXiqdU0yzhK7jduU_C5RHdx9ZBd5zBOB9nOtoLvVGRGoWGOQt9z00t-N7pUFBrjWvmYP0e_yXIQrmXdC20/s320/IMG_5529.png" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p>Band 7 supports 120 sports modes, some of which it will try and switch into automatically and it can be used for swimming down to 50m (but not diving). While training VO2 is estimated and time to recovery as well as aerobic and anaerobic exercise times. Standard sports are directly accessed while others via the All Workouts.</p><p>They are: -</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Running</li><ul><li> Outdoor running</li><li> Walking</li><li> Treadmill</li><li> Indoor walking</li><li> Race walk</li></ul><li>Cycling</li><ul><li> Outdoor cycling</li><li> Indoor cycling</li><li> BMX</li></ul><li>Swimming</li><ul><li> Pool swimming</li><li> Fin swimming</li><li> Artistic swimming</li></ul><li>Outdoor workout</li><ul><li> Fishing</li><li> Skateboarding</li><li> Roller skating</li><li> Rock climbing</li><li> Parkour</li></ul><li>Indoor workout</li><ul><li> Freestyle</li><li> Elliptical training</li><li> Rower</li><li> Indoor fitness</li><li> HIIT</li><li> Core training</li><li> Aerobic combo</li><li> Strength</li><li> Stretching</li><li> Stair climbing</li><li> Flexibility</li><li> Stepper (forward)</li><li> Stepper (backwards)</li><li> Gymnastic</li><li> Yoga</li><li> Pilates</li><li> Aerobics</li><li> Mass gymnastics</li><li> Cardio Combo</li><li> Cross training</li><li> Spinning</li><li> Horizontal bar</li><li> Parallel bars</li><li> Battle rope</li></ul><li>Dance</li><ul><li> Ballet</li><li> Belly dance</li><li> Square dancing</li><li> Street dancing</li><li> Ballroom</li><li> Dance</li><li> Zumba</li><li> Latin dancing</li><li> Jazz dancing</li><li> Folk dance</li><li> Hip Hop</li><li> Pole dance</li><li> Break dance</li><li> Modern dance</li></ul><li>Combat workout</li><ul><li> Kendo</li><li> Karate</li><li> Boxing</li><li> Judo</li><li> Wrestling</li><li> Tai chi</li><li> Muay Thai</li><li> Taekwondo</li><li> Martial arts</li><li> Kick boxing</li><li> Jujitsu</li><li> Fencing</li></ul><li>Ball workouts</li><ul><li> Tennis</li><li> Football (soccer)</li><li> Cricket</li><li> Baseball</li><li> Bowling</li><li> Squash</li><li> Basketball</li><li> Softball</li><li> Gateball</li><li> Volleyball</li><li> Table tennis</li><li> Handball</li><li> Badminton</li><li> Beach volleyball</li><li> Wall ball</li><li> Billiards</li><li> Sepak takrav</li><li> Dodgeball</li><li> Water polo</li><li> Ice hockey</li><li> Shuttlecock</li><li> Futsal</li><li> Hacky sack</li><li> Bocce</li><li> Jal alai</li></ul><li>Water workouts</li><ul><li> Sailing</li><li> Rowing</li><li> Dragon boat</li><li> Kayaking</li><li> Snorkeling</li><li> Flowriding</li></ul><li>Winter workouts</li><ul><li> Curling</li><li> Ice skating</li><li> Indoor ice skating</li></ul><li>Leisure workouts</li><ul><li> Hula hoop</li><li> Frisbee</li><li> Darts</li><li> Kite flying</li><li> Tug of war</li><li> Shuttlecock</li><li> Esports</li><li> Airwalker</li><li> Swinging</li><li> Shuffleboard</li><li> Table football</li><li> Somatosens</li></ul><li>Board and cards</li><ul><li> Chess</li><li> Checkers</li><li> Weigl</li><li> Bridge</li><li> Board game</li></ul><li>Others</li><ul><li> Jump rope</li><li> Archery</li><li> Equestrian</li></ul></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>What the band can actually measure during say a board game is questionable to say the least. Other sports modes to seem to work and it will pick-up walking and running without having to actually switch to that mode. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmuzqXU8QECv-mQHvDO0v7KxWJIFOepXrEyFrz1YFxmfpL-_cR26HfLKxhhhsA4X8hyRSziys3aFJ_uF75Y2gJPe5_IjBMPSka3ao_uRTR1kwVcmE1R7exy4gpdhfQNtcfSFu7T9Xeb3EFv6Fhm6jPahNGsNqorclEt_zQz9fpUEkBLIdZW8/s2047/IMG_5533.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="2047" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmuzqXU8QECv-mQHvDO0v7KxWJIFOepXrEyFrz1YFxmfpL-_cR26HfLKxhhhsA4X8hyRSziys3aFJ_uF75Y2gJPe5_IjBMPSka3ao_uRTR1kwVcmE1R7exy4gpdhfQNtcfSFu7T9Xeb3EFv6Fhm6jPahNGsNqorclEt_zQz9fpUEkBLIdZW8/s320/IMG_5533.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Tracking is reasonable and compares to other much more expensive devices.<br /><p>Nicely Xiaomi have now added a lot of products to their international <a href="https://mi.com" target="_blank">store</a>, including the Smart Band 7 which retails for £54.99 in the UK version (<a href="http://mi.com">mi.com</a> detects your location and uses that to deliver a local store). Straps costs £9.99 (they do break and the button on the clasp can break too).</p><p>It is also possible to go to your friendly Chinese site and buy it considerably cheaper (though pricing has changed recently and shipping charges can be more expensive and there will be VAT/Tax added at the point of sale).</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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It can be directly <a href="https://dl.linearmouse.org/latest/LinearMouse.dmg" target="_blank">downloaded</a> from the site (.dmg) or installed via Homebrew</p><p><span face="ui-monospace, SFMono-Regular, Menlo, Monaco, Consolas, "Liberation Mono", "Courier New", monospace" style="background-color: #111827; caret-color: rgb(249, 250, 251); color: #f9fafb; font-size: 16px;">#brew install --cask linearmouse</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(249, 250, 251); font-family: inherit;">The source code is also available on <a href="https://github.com/linearmouse/linearmouse#readme" target="_blank">Github</a> so it's possible to build the app yourself (more importantly ensure it's not doing anything suspicious in the background).</span></span></p><p>Once installed a mouse looking icon appears in the menu bar and clicking it brings a dropdown menu showing the mouse options and click on LinearMouse Properties.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1p5zR6GaHFU6UG_6qZLjQisr0FuMFxxKZ3r-dKGMlke6MzaparyUsZjfqVdmrX3p3p3L52byEGZ92ZjkigvppXduwIAPWTyoTsORzzuiZ3KUMqt4oS3xXCM5hyjrtHKzpr3pr6ytDtyJ5ZoXO7st5GA9DS7gJ3oRc41mptkSQHQFmvLd7i8/s1194/Screenshot%202022-06-25%20at%2014.47.17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1p5zR6GaHFU6UG_6qZLjQisr0FuMFxxKZ3r-dKGMlke6MzaparyUsZjfqVdmrX3p3p3L52byEGZ92ZjkigvppXduwIAPWTyoTsORzzuiZ3KUMqt4oS3xXCM5hyjrtHKzpr3pr6ytDtyJ5ZoXO7st5GA9DS7gJ3oRc41mptkSQHQFmvLd7i8/s320/Screenshot%202022-06-25%20at%2014.47.17.png" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LieanMouse Preferences</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Reverse scrolling does just that and the scrolling direction will be reversed, but the magic is enabling linear scrolling as this stops the scrolling speeding up. Once you enable it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it, it's a game changer.</p><p>One of the best utilities you'll find for your Mac (now of course Apple will integrate the functionality into a future version of macOS).</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-23957661764912471222022-06-22T23:45:00.004+00:002022-07-07T14:04:28.760+00:00Working from home, be Shure to use a MV5C microphone<p>Shure is known for its professional in-earphones, headphones, microphones and wireless systems and have been around for a long time (since 1925). The in-earphones can produce very high quality audio as they isolate the sound form the outside world and musicians have custom earpieces made so they fit completely into and on to the ear canal (this also allows the audio to play much more quietly which is better for the ear drums and reduces damage).</p><p>More recently conferencing systems have also become part of the portfolio very much aimed at businesses.</p><p>Now with everyone working from home, Shure has moved into the home office space and produced a microphone to suit video and voice calls, the MV5C microphone.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uoTPQ40nJprmxjaRPlBr3ia7TTU-iQ0j_kBWVwUKMdnDyUm8G-8QgP8Sn0drUYY772RLEGZYHmg8et7LWvITg9P0qRK-AYc8vM-Wzqwd_bymN67hXB3mDb50eC6wW0ZdKTlkW9fVxJ7Kjd3Qsk6W7zetZNMT0NG0G4XaERjmO3R3fj7hnhg/s2715/533A5529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2178" data-original-width="2715" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uoTPQ40nJprmxjaRPlBr3ia7TTU-iQ0j_kBWVwUKMdnDyUm8G-8QgP8Sn0drUYY772RLEGZYHmg8et7LWvITg9P0qRK-AYc8vM-Wzqwd_bymN67hXB3mDb50eC6wW0ZdKTlkW9fVxJ7Kjd3Qsk6W7zetZNMT0NG0G4XaERjmO3R3fj7hnhg/s320/533A5529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shure MV5C box</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>There is some assembly required (screw the large sphere ended screw through the base into the microphone ball).<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLFP9cXz_VXV9ctp032wEZGrRwwxkZX0_cyo4HF9CyC3qEr2J2Zjof03RAbaWa8odYDO0OEV1PNrP4y-eX3A5w1VtHFXvDgwwacPVr_au9c1lUAaajHgnG2feAyI6PSVo8OEfEyMTZM54IqdFRs7iqxJ_8Nvqosxue2ev4MEAEY2dT4rhumk/s4018/533A5531.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2542" data-original-width="4018" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLFP9cXz_VXV9ctp032wEZGrRwwxkZX0_cyo4HF9CyC3qEr2J2Zjof03RAbaWa8odYDO0OEV1PNrP4y-eX3A5w1VtHFXvDgwwacPVr_au9c1lUAaajHgnG2feAyI6PSVo8OEfEyMTZM54IqdFRs7iqxJ_8Nvqosxue2ev4MEAEY2dT4rhumk/s320/533A5531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parts from box</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The microphone connects to the computer via micro-USB (why not USB-C in this day and age?). There's also a headphone socket at the back for connecting wired (jack) earphones or headphones so it's possible to monitor the raw input.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpkWi6YveR6K7Bm3vbGpeQ9pAC6H13rE7HNTVPOx2e9HwDZ-gYRvfE9moqvT_gTHz03MMIzbzI0jKfAcQ-AZtmTgIMTdlhBBlD53piQfJYuI-lckKFFw7teGcngE_r_-EmIRl2pSgguALsDG5HsCI7S1TRzUS12YPMcKHmTbVcOAWc2yKOfQ/s3786/533A5534.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="3786" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpkWi6YveR6K7Bm3vbGpeQ9pAC6H13rE7HNTVPOx2e9HwDZ-gYRvfE9moqvT_gTHz03MMIzbzI0jKfAcQ-AZtmTgIMTdlhBBlD53piQfJYuI-lckKFFw7teGcngE_r_-EmIRl2pSgguALsDG5HsCI7S1TRzUS12YPMcKHmTbVcOAWc2yKOfQ/s320/533A5534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of microphone</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p>The completed unit looks quite professional, though the ball of the microphone is made of plastic.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintnMuDgtO6Kue8e91UUxvVmwgn9Zh0XoxS86lAC1H8HgHZgVz-YkFPfsOhPMOurtgT-q2mmpZnSBjnh4G3Q9rIxaNjPofJKmvmNRUfXcaBK-E3lYcJcXsYq8jb-KEU-A_nyA4__zVa-ls5TyWvd60yKkwRIQUXWe3NVHG6fCPd-ht2tNqky4/s4001/533A5532.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3063" data-original-width="4001" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintnMuDgtO6Kue8e91UUxvVmwgn9Zh0XoxS86lAC1H8HgHZgVz-YkFPfsOhPMOurtgT-q2mmpZnSBjnh4G3Q9rIxaNjPofJKmvmNRUfXcaBK-E3lYcJcXsYq8jb-KEU-A_nyA4__zVa-ls5TyWvd60yKkwRIQUXWe3NVHG6fCPd-ht2tNqky4/s320/533A5532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microphone with Shure logo on front</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The microphone should be placed as close to face of the user as possible (in front of the keyboard, the base can slide under some keyboards and still allow the keyboard to be used effectively). The voice quality is very good.</p><p>The main problem is it's very easy to pickup background noise, especially hum from hard disks (i.e. older computers with hard disks inside or backup external disks) and fans. Newer solid state disk (SSD) based systems will sound much better. It would also be possible to mount the microphone on some sound abosrbant material as the hum comes mainly via the base.</p><p>The following are 3 recordings made using the MV5C and Audacity (44KHz sampling with 32bit floats) and and images grabbed of the capture - the base line waveform amplitude shows the hum/background noise.</p><p>Desktop</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uJn742znOmSQNS_G7zqWxY6Bs6zFnbkIu5N-Xn9IGEMUjIKAcM_Mtb3Z346rNGuR8YabkKfoKsVzxiaYhCWQu7ekX2Lp5xk0X3xFhBegjr_8ar5vHsxqmicuSkqz1fcP1Xm9zX6chW9B1nHGqh_Rb-eobKg6vSTKHwtcSIS2U2XPXhxZUuE/s1304/Shure%20MV5C%20desk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1204" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uJn742znOmSQNS_G7zqWxY6Bs6zFnbkIu5N-Xn9IGEMUjIKAcM_Mtb3Z346rNGuR8YabkKfoKsVzxiaYhCWQu7ekX2Lp5xk0X3xFhBegjr_8ar5vHsxqmicuSkqz1fcP1Xm9zX6chW9B1nHGqh_Rb-eobKg6vSTKHwtcSIS2U2XPXhxZUuE/s320/Shure%20MV5C%20desk.png" width="295" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p>The background hum can be heard, but still great quality.</p><p>Off desktop was recorded using some sound absorbing material. The hum is slightly lower.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngGVzgYzoei_TDcbgT9iyZY-sPJa5AxBMSzosJA0bv9dmnIz9oK1EbIkZ8MzCplDDuxgkqlWq2xlBcbbzujB3PDULsrwtUSaOUPbtInz1qyzSOrKumzNNo-WNhHwOPR52s0ohnFgislNHgTfvIoySNA0bbBYXDdI0dEIAjovGjAtrrjFvK20/s1304/Shure%20MV5C%20semi-isolation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1110" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngGVzgYzoei_TDcbgT9iyZY-sPJa5AxBMSzosJA0bv9dmnIz9oK1EbIkZ8MzCplDDuxgkqlWq2xlBcbbzujB3PDULsrwtUSaOUPbtInz1qyzSOrKumzNNo-WNhHwOPR52s0ohnFgislNHgTfvIoySNA0bbBYXDdI0dEIAjovGjAtrrjFvK20/s320/Shure%20MV5C%20semi-isolation.png" width="272" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The final version was recording while holding the microphone so isolated from the desktop (which the computer and backup disk is on) and a screen behind the microphone between it and the computer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtlVCyFCDRur3FPt93Tu3Jzh5O8PCXx47Y0qvoPhJBGSsLJMCPF2uuoTz8VsY80gYp5xzrUZF2zR7PzimTtAJt3PtXQd8tQA7h4ywDcQOE9n_ifNnjucA_Ar0iPtKDBoDNQ2Jy8XEonBVQI90FxVWrFQ3zB-NpEJA06xgP9JhPXU0Ubkm5h0/s1304/Shure%20MV5C%20held.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1098" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtlVCyFCDRur3FPt93Tu3Jzh5O8PCXx47Y0qvoPhJBGSsLJMCPF2uuoTz8VsY80gYp5xzrUZF2zR7PzimTtAJt3PtXQd8tQA7h4ywDcQOE9n_ifNnjucA_Ar0iPtKDBoDNQ2Jy8XEonBVQI90FxVWrFQ3zB-NpEJA06xgP9JhPXU0Ubkm5h0/s320/Shure%20MV5C%20held.png" width="269" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>With each capture the background noise is reduced and placing the microphone where it won't pickup extraneous noise will make a huge difference to the audio quality - though if offline editing, then noise removal would help.</p><p>As a desktop microphone and set-up correctly (and near to the person using it), it is a very good quality mic and can make a big difference compared to poor quality mics in headphones or other devices when using video conferencing or telephony applications.</p><p>The MV5C also works with the <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ShurePlus MOTIV</span></span> mobile recording <a href="https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/software/shure_plus_motiv" target="_blank">software</a> (free download for iOS or Android) though it will require the correct cable (i..e device to micro-USB). The software gives tools to chop audio into clips, fade in and out and save in various formats.</p><p>It retails for £115 direct from <a href="https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/microphones/mv5c" target="_blank">Shure</a> though it can be found online considerably cheaper.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-29048740883419099382022-06-09T16:31:00.003+00:002022-06-09T16:35:32.733+00:00Bose Soundlink Flex speaker<p>The Bose Soundlink Flex speaker is designed for outdoor use. It has an IP64 and IP67 rating, so water and dust proof and can be submerged down to 1 metre for up to a minute. The case is metal with a a "soft touch" silicon coating and the grill has a fabric coating. It's a portable size at 20.1cm across by 9cm height and a depth of 5cm and there's a fabric strap so it can be carried.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09O6_HOtujB0WpXAVFbCVyyHvLrsvX22Z2tqU5LFdEPspFc0tmAaL82nadECaIn0jdg9Ib2WIrXM7SibW2WI1yi6P2O1w3fUKHeBG3NFXuidXfTI4PlGIX0qPKaxdfMiOV9BlZ_eFgTkxctmZKiZ3D7STLPvjgR8WujpNlxiX_g6eQHVD4d0/s6000/IMG_0144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09O6_HOtujB0WpXAVFbCVyyHvLrsvX22Z2tqU5LFdEPspFc0tmAaL82nadECaIn0jdg9Ib2WIrXM7SibW2WI1yi6P2O1w3fUKHeBG3NFXuidXfTI4PlGIX0qPKaxdfMiOV9BlZ_eFgTkxctmZKiZ3D7STLPvjgR8WujpNlxiX_g6eQHVD4d0/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There's a single USB-C port used for charging (a USB-A to USB-C cable is included), it's a shame the port can't be used to connect to an audio source directly so it could be used as a wired speaker/DAC. It takes 4 hours to fully charge the system.</p><p>The audio is only available via Bluetooth (v4.2) and it works up to about 30m.</p><p>There are also front facing microphones which can be used for calls and voice assistants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c-2krZ0saVfQ1XNzrBe7gpxx2X2FUZ-cySJjvFAlJXwYmn_HbmZMkn-Jy0NN7hftW4oiUrBgAd_zBn6UuSBTYbXajOivGZONbm4hXGY70zX8wdbm5Et870k-Zp7_hIfiUuJpaWn_lnv0t9u0lj-bXi2x50TK3ZYFxj3ihUqPNN3cDjN6Kbg/s6000/IMG_0145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c-2krZ0saVfQ1XNzrBe7gpxx2X2FUZ-cySJjvFAlJXwYmn_HbmZMkn-Jy0NN7hftW4oiUrBgAd_zBn6UuSBTYbXajOivGZONbm4hXGY70zX8wdbm5Et870k-Zp7_hIfiUuJpaWn_lnv0t9u0lj-bXi2x50TK3ZYFxj3ihUqPNN3cDjN6Kbg/s320/IMG_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There are 5 buttons across the top, power, volume down, multi-function and volume up and Bluetooth (with indicator light) that can initiate pairing.</p><p>Single pressing the power button turns the device on (and it speaks the battery percentage remaining - which is enabled by default). Single pressing again will turn the unit off. If nothing is playing/connected the unit will auto turn off after 20 minutes, this can be disabled by holding the + (volume up) and multifunction button simultaneously (or in the app), or if disabled this will re-enable it. While on, the amount of battery power will be spoken by pressing the power and keeping it pressed.</p><p>The multi-function button does multiple things depending on mode: -</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When playing audio, single pressing will play or pause, track forwards (double press) and track backwards (triple press).</li><li>Pressing and holding will activate the voice control capabilities of the connected device (i.e. Siri or Alexa etc). Pressing and holding again will exit voice control.</li><li>When there's an incoming call pressing will answer, pressing and holding will reject the call. While in a call pressing and holding will end the call.</li><li>When there are 2 active calls, pressing quickly will switch between them.</li></ul><p></p><p>If on a call, pressing volume up and down simultaneously will mute the call.</p><p>Though not required, there's an accompanying <span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">Bose Connect app (iOS/Android) that enables various functions such as party mode (where multiple Bose speakers can be linked and will all play the same audio) or stereo mode where 2 devices will (after having been connected in party mode) play left and right through each device.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">Once paired the main screen shows a nice picture and what's </span>playing. Touching the on-screen buttons plays/pauses, rewinds and fast forwards and the volume can be adjusted.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozTTAu9lS15IKpdXXlav1O_eeOWHf4yVEMKJ6eIEc8dFsVpEltB_wdoJdS_SSMdrx_aZFoKlyGK3T0Wa3mIk17itAC60CZlJMSVmyQ6aZjR-H66nEok0Lklmx57CZ-a00S_phtFTXjiD8iX63TGvZLSkzD0f69j3-x1znyzhm88WKQhDom3E/s2778/IMG_4412.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozTTAu9lS15IKpdXXlav1O_eeOWHf4yVEMKJ6eIEc8dFsVpEltB_wdoJdS_SSMdrx_aZFoKlyGK3T0Wa3mIk17itAC60CZlJMSVmyQ6aZjR-H66nEok0Lklmx57CZ-a00S_phtFTXjiD8iX63TGvZLSkzD0f69j3-x1znyzhm88WKQhDom3E/s320/IMG_4412.png" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The main screen just shows the device connected.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzC1llxRmZoq4sboevn16u-emJsj1xPbUO2jAaN-u1MQ-riJEQ617nYySZUQsJj1elLK8_kxf2qVSFCws_MSgsIqrO5dHi55uYzIBbx3EjWhUce__lznjI7ENZab9lJSkDHfFXSW5TznGeQu4j1F5AbK_YBpVnGhuEvy_eS9CDqR9OSKBtAg/s2778/IMG_4413.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzC1llxRmZoq4sboevn16u-emJsj1xPbUO2jAaN-u1MQ-riJEQ617nYySZUQsJj1elLK8_kxf2qVSFCws_MSgsIqrO5dHi55uYzIBbx3EjWhUce__lznjI7ENZab9lJSkDHfFXSW5TznGeQu4j1F5AbK_YBpVnGhuEvy_eS9CDqR9OSKBtAg/s320/IMG_4413.png" width="148" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Settings then shows the various that can be changed such as party mode, voice prompts, voice language etc.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduW3ZRzkl436eKk2goLgmQaRzUXbK3UMyy-k-LDfurucTeS6J9axbaFH0Yu5CXEnBfbRdxYjKLA6EPcwayIesqbMn0l4UpHWlZMRWzb58DPoqE0VGtBbhf4lbwzXAIGX8wSMT64lsFuWvc3SvsgKUibtPPu3NcCc-t1UkRGwPWBS9tyoAMMA/s2778/IMG_4414.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduW3ZRzkl436eKk2goLgmQaRzUXbK3UMyy-k-LDfurucTeS6J9axbaFH0Yu5CXEnBfbRdxYjKLA6EPcwayIesqbMn0l4UpHWlZMRWzb58DPoqE0VGtBbhf4lbwzXAIGX8wSMT64lsFuWvc3SvsgKUibtPPu3NcCc-t1UkRGwPWBS9tyoAMMA/s320/IMG_4414.png" width="148" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clicking the user icon takes you into Profile settings where a few user settings can be set.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZNaPSQIV_qtl02b64lDTyJ0NHrWGxbGSHA0ExHdOL0YrdD5bl7aEEY69cnVLzYOm4y7Jba9NU_yZKqHhP3RZnhgpsi32hMbOEPphhoD_0U_xxs5amwIlFDqgc_iceY6AZfIYrY2elLh2HiGp0Kz_pmZ1sG9VnlPWQOUws6YPllhcSB-ctYg/s2778/IMG_4415.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZNaPSQIV_qtl02b64lDTyJ0NHrWGxbGSHA0ExHdOL0YrdD5bl7aEEY69cnVLzYOm4y7Jba9NU_yZKqHhP3RZnhgpsi32hMbOEPphhoD_0U_xxs5amwIlFDqgc_iceY6AZfIYrY2elLh2HiGp0Kz_pmZ1sG9VnlPWQOUws6YPllhcSB-ctYg/s320/IMG_4415.png" width="148" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The USB charging port is visible on the left</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtun2bam_ak47vCO8itUKqeVJHy1QVJcLorpxi2DN9lglz-84CKkvl9ig55qcNZlvjt3gjVLJkURL4aH4n7yJpp7Li5oZ-ZZQz-77PtioFiMnXnr10J0C4vyCdAvDww2AzNp3bx9AumGsN9bFUJyIB5LV-Ut4WdhYbuPYUE7o_X1P9EE3rI4/s6000/IMG_0148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtun2bam_ak47vCO8itUKqeVJHy1QVJcLorpxi2DN9lglz-84CKkvl9ig55qcNZlvjt3gjVLJkURL4aH4n7yJpp7Li5oZ-ZZQz-77PtioFiMnXnr10J0C4vyCdAvDww2AzNp3bx9AumGsN9bFUJyIB5LV-Ut4WdhYbuPYUE7o_X1P9EE3rI4/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>and the strap on the right.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT020mdOFgSoEQGm9b3wIwzlD4ZPklT7IqDz6Pyo4yf-Gg6h6mkRZe247ahxJ_O5Pcxcefyt7SCdLRvbFVYUkkMhiuRhkmyv-857tKobV9WrMAnybMbU_AiqcckkcIapJtKjUL2QpcZZ_6_BXNEUgcnyeSNjEJKaU6oYm9Fst6Ov80i-bLI4g/s6000/IMG_0150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT020mdOFgSoEQGm9b3wIwzlD4ZPklT7IqDz6Pyo4yf-Gg6h6mkRZe247ahxJ_O5Pcxcefyt7SCdLRvbFVYUkkMhiuRhkmyv-857tKobV9WrMAnybMbU_AiqcckkcIapJtKjUL2QpcZZ_6_BXNEUgcnyeSNjEJKaU6oYm9Fst6Ov80i-bLI4g/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>NOTE: as can be seen from the photos, the black silicon coating picks up dust very easily which sticks, it obviously doesn't effect the sound, but it can look a bit nasty.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the speaker is initially turned on, voice prompts are in English, but the speaker supports the following languages: -</div><div><br /></div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>English</li><li>Spanish </li><li>French</li><li>German </li><li>Mandarin</li><li>Japanese</li><li>Korean</li><li>Italian</li><li>Portuguese </li><li>Swedish</li><li>Dutch</li><li>Russian </li><li>Polish</li></ul></div></div><div>The language can easily be selected in the app, but to change via the speaker, press and hold the multifunction button and then press + or - to cycle through the languages, then press and hold the multifunction button again when you are on the language you require.</div><div><br /></div><div>The speaker can be paired with up to 8 devices at a time, though only 2 can be used simultaneously and only one can be playing at any time. To switch between two connected audio sources, pause the one playing and then start the other source. To clear all connections, press and hold the Bluetooth button for 10 seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div>When it's time to party 2 Bose products can be connected in "Party Mode". This allows them both to play left and right or in Stereo mode, one will be left and the other right. Doing this is easy within the app, but can be done through a connected speaker. Make sure both devices are on and one is connected to the Bluetooth audio source and then press the Bluetooth and volume up (+) button together. The speaker will say “Press the Bluetooth and volume down buttons simultaneously on a second Bose device” which should then be done on the other Bose speaker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once in party mode to put them in stereo mode press the Bluetooth button and + on either speaker until it announces “Stereo mode”, then one will say "left" and the other "right". Pressing the Bluetooth and + button again will turn off stereo mode. To disable either mode just turn off one speaker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only via the app, the speaker can be connected to a Bose soundbar using the sync system and whatever's playing on the soundbar will play through the Flex (limited by Bluetooth range of 30m).</div><div><br /></div><div>Bose claim a 12 hour battery life, however if the volume is near 100% (which is often required outside or in a large space like a gym), then battery life is considerably reduced to somewhere over 3 hours. An external power source can be used and works well for topping up the internal battery.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The microphones do work, though placement is key and it's quite easy to get a muffled conversation and probably best to use the phone directly for that important work call.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The speaker comes in 3 colours (black, stone blue and smoke white) and costs £149.95</div><div><br /></div><div>There are cheaper speakers out there, but this does have good base and plays well. Battery life could be better and it's a real shame the USB port can be connected to an audio source for wired playback, but a nice solidly built Bluetooth speaker. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The body is a zinc alloy and is IPX2 water resistant.</p><p>The fingerprint detector is about 1cm across.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjw3BZaEpqTZiclb_EUk3OdNckwAFU3RNX5URyGhgg4xo1K39j_H5lb34OcQGDWNU_LVuPISoY3i4snyTIBlxTmcu2yvWapsDY02XRe0x52IntRyHDldU7p506pwyiJSEcIi1ugqXUfrNRSHEJJOmn9cy7QCPUO4ewDOfZV4ph5oX1H6a8Xs/s6000/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjw3BZaEpqTZiclb_EUk3OdNckwAFU3RNX5URyGhgg4xo1K39j_H5lb34OcQGDWNU_LVuPISoY3i4snyTIBlxTmcu2yvWapsDY02XRe0x52IntRyHDldU7p506pwyiJSEcIi1ugqXUfrNRSHEJJOmn9cy7QCPUO4ewDOfZV4ph5oX1H6a8Xs/s320/IMG_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>In the factory reset state (as shipped) any finger touching the sensor will unlock the padlock. When unlocked an administrator fingerprint should be stored. Hold the required finger on the sensor for 8 seconds until the LED above the sensor goes blue, then 5 successful fingerprint readings will store fingerprint as the admin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu9h87tf4vC_GiJ2lvGAAZD8z5SS6EbmY8DDcaU4X4YXvInkPE5Hh_r_LJVjcwonmKumBR6LG-NBWprOooS9OEZeUVUhfHCqHj1fXvcuhtBM3ssbThcpX17LvJKx5l5-5exqTJ5GXsQAdSFSk3CMpEM-k3haBF6qAHdamzzZoDZHGjcoL-sw/s6000/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu9h87tf4vC_GiJ2lvGAAZD8z5SS6EbmY8DDcaU4X4YXvInkPE5Hh_r_LJVjcwonmKumBR6LG-NBWprOooS9OEZeUVUhfHCqHj1fXvcuhtBM3ssbThcpX17LvJKx5l5-5exqTJ5GXsQAdSFSk3CMpEM-k3haBF6qAHdamzzZoDZHGjcoL-sw/s320/IMG_0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Locking the padlock will now only allow the admin finger to open it (the lock will open and the LED will go green).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaNGOC67AtrOK6YfeI1Pdx1T88FvliE5BI7OUpdqux8p9w0vIjuev0Qr-1TUYhSrV-kjfl515IYuoHfbEJnhi-H3PgwlKWHHVfiQYfrEHJcWneDuQmK17G_XxvFTq8JLc9Wxf3sMobci_NXc7vs5HuS0XvAmqtNiZ6Krff9N5ukw5bfTkv7g/s6000/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaNGOC67AtrOK6YfeI1Pdx1T88FvliE5BI7OUpdqux8p9w0vIjuev0Qr-1TUYhSrV-kjfl515IYuoHfbEJnhi-H3PgwlKWHHVfiQYfrEHJcWneDuQmK17G_XxvFTq8JLc9Wxf3sMobci_NXc7vs5HuS0XvAmqtNiZ6Krff9N5ukw5bfTkv7g/s320/IMG_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If the padlock is unlocked and the admin then holds their finger on the sensor until the LED goes blue, then another fingerprint can be stored (again 5 successful readings are required). Up to 20 fingerprints can be stored.</p><p>It's not possible to delete individual fingerprints, but the padlock can be reset to factory default by unlocking, placing the admin finger on the sensor until the LED goes red, then removing it and placing on the sensor again. All stored passwords will then be removed.</p><p>There's a 100mAh/3.7V (cobalt polymer) battery inside, which Youdian claim will give a year's worth of standby (i.e. leaving the padlock locked and returning within a year it should still unlock). Multiple unlocks will reduce the time, so probably worth charging from time to time (the LED will stay red until it's fully charged). It is charged via micro USB and a USB-A cable is included.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhXLa9o3CQrWSGvuAWHpBVTOldabc0NAQZkEraM12QsReU7qoao_GPRiiD0-GjLatpBOzIwfr1ke8lAzK7kd1G7s-rLQZad7iWvNS1LkBR5BNi1VemS58-jwxt-Oikvv0bdqdtf-iilZnxfb5edP8rHOgFs3wCoNdhBvteOE68cqoEUkMhlI/s6000/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhXLa9o3CQrWSGvuAWHpBVTOldabc0NAQZkEraM12QsReU7qoao_GPRiiD0-GjLatpBOzIwfr1ke8lAzK7kd1G7s-rLQZad7iWvNS1LkBR5BNi1VemS58-jwxt-Oikvv0bdqdtf-iilZnxfb5edP8rHOgFs3wCoNdhBvteOE68cqoEUkMhlI/s320/IMG_0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The padlock does just work and it failed to open with non-registered fingers. Quite useful when you don't want to carry keys around and lock an e-scooter or bike (or even luggage). The padlock is quite secure, though it's probably reasonably easy to break if required.</p><p>It's available from your usual Chinese sites and costs around £15 (before VAT etc).</p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit the data to a phone where the ECG will be displayed in the Kardia app (Apple iOS 10.3.3, or at least Android OS 6.0).</p><p>The box is a cardboard sleeve.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy8SN_3q1OyLlVkICBEUX3LK1Md0HKlle0nddWjF2jg8krFwCiSpYfIu2jw4abHAFYDJ1ebMbd1zpI7laN5w2UQTzQOmYLmWm6EaQV6nOouq6qSX-JHjuIweFv_exwR8Ha_wQqijsD1GL-U1QMXylZaFxEdwtqynhEDgjSZHNojZH1AC5TfA/s6720/533A5144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy8SN_3q1OyLlVkICBEUX3LK1Md0HKlle0nddWjF2jg8krFwCiSpYfIu2jw4abHAFYDJ1ebMbd1zpI7laN5w2UQTzQOmYLmWm6EaQV6nOouq6qSX-JHjuIweFv_exwR8Ha_wQqijsD1GL-U1QMXylZaFxEdwtqynhEDgjSZHNojZH1AC5TfA/s320/533A5144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The inside section slides out and it holds the KardiaMobile 6L and an instruction manual sitting on top.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKgInp3f9j2xFdak_e-kyUeyxhFJqF0MDUe6Md-sFAzGrR_wD_VtZszaknUbwiyLFD7imh2lyjzK7u-28l69LFWFbHxjtlsbRJHRMaSXh3yoYfhUYN190avOP4-0LcxnWxBEmaGQg09cmmfN8MhbVZLcBDNouUKdxbCX0okjrcMNQXnPri2A/s6720/533A5145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKgInp3f9j2xFdak_e-kyUeyxhFJqF0MDUe6Md-sFAzGrR_wD_VtZszaknUbwiyLFD7imh2lyjzK7u-28l69LFWFbHxjtlsbRJHRMaSXh3yoYfhUYN190avOP4-0LcxnWxBEmaGQg09cmmfN8MhbVZLcBDNouUKdxbCX0okjrcMNQXnPri2A/s320/533A5145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>The device has two silver pads on the top surface and the AliveCor logo (or arrow).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLU8DHqPJDSjG_In-7_1Pq71-yL5m8-81OtZbRFHE8kXfgZWKpQXX8kADyuZ6St14z66gDZ3ouPcFNIgmGSPMMeqLsGmiJrqTv77Ri_gyC5Swcwr5mW5CSUFzfOiUL5RFnwgJ9nIdu1GbSYqr0zj4GcOvpsJI89q8-x1EiOoc5yzQNil-ATNc/s6720/533A5149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLU8DHqPJDSjG_In-7_1Pq71-yL5m8-81OtZbRFHE8kXfgZWKpQXX8kADyuZ6St14z66gDZ3ouPcFNIgmGSPMMeqLsGmiJrqTv77Ri_gyC5Swcwr5mW5CSUFzfOiUL5RFnwgJ9nIdu1GbSYqr0zj4GcOvpsJI89q8-x1EiOoc5yzQNil-ATNc/s320/533A5149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The base has a single pad (which can be unscrewed and holds the CR2016 battery which is included).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSo84E7r66Q43jQjJJKQapPPldbicPYOm6aQkrZvVPQtDQr-gWssquJKnlGJsPjU1J21rmI_y5d7hUKplIAcnV2bQyJ8tiMJ1Kl39BDyTRAizfC09vcakxL4Oq7WVzE80o7XnwNmX-Ee0d5jTWmiYV65avK54VRnc6v-sWh6DcGrS2m8bhTY/s6720/533A5147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSo84E7r66Q43jQjJJKQapPPldbicPYOm6aQkrZvVPQtDQr-gWssquJKnlGJsPjU1J21rmI_y5d7hUKplIAcnV2bQyJ8tiMJ1Kl39BDyTRAizfC09vcakxL4Oq7WVzE80o7XnwNmX-Ee0d5jTWmiYV65avK54VRnc6v-sWh6DcGrS2m8bhTY/s320/533A5147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The app should be installed and an account created, the device is then paired with the app.</p><p>If taking a 2 lead reading, put the KardiaMobile on a table or other stable position and place a finger from each hand on the two pads. If taking a 3 lead reading, then sit somewhere that is a comfortable stable position, roll up trousers, if required, to expose the knee area and place the device on knee and one finger from each hand on the two top pads. Again it's important to sit as still as possible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg1AXxY2iu45NZBcCFiz5FcC4DkVWMjiULw6JOdwuVS016ICon3By8dlT2Ln-HKzuL4H8laVRNm0IhYgQHwIyxEj8yTa-xBkU4cEUynJi8voQcF8AfFIEqlGBF7XEdofXIiXXE4W7stJ6wOrDk5EUDXJ_G8mLJ4NAB5_s0_B--slFAk-LXMQ/s2778/IMG_4447.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg1AXxY2iu45NZBcCFiz5FcC4DkVWMjiULw6JOdwuVS016ICon3By8dlT2Ln-HKzuL4H8laVRNm0IhYgQHwIyxEj8yTa-xBkU4cEUynJi8voQcF8AfFIEqlGBF7XEdofXIiXXE4W7stJ6wOrDk5EUDXJ_G8mLJ4NAB5_s0_B--slFAk-LXMQ/s320/IMG_4447.png" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>Once the readings have been taken you are notified that the ECG's have been saved to Apple Health (if sync'ed to Apple Health) and can be viewed on your Apple Watch (so it can be shown to a doctor or clinician).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnuYWbrLVzNBQPpBu2RP6vusck9H3sd8CBIm9AhAuTZr70QLZ1uIHu0HwAokV92m7KM-30qnfM2-pnY-Yys71Ik92-tUm4b4VwdfzG3AaRFEF5bbnVjfiu6FO9jdYGvhb9UajiTeHM6pcFaEnmfsya8E1ZE2PMb0wFHHxTUrRK37oBP7bk8Y/s2778/IMG_4448.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnuYWbrLVzNBQPpBu2RP6vusck9H3sd8CBIm9AhAuTZr70QLZ1uIHu0HwAokV92m7KM-30qnfM2-pnY-Yys71Ik92-tUm4b4VwdfzG3AaRFEF5bbnVjfiu6FO9jdYGvhb9UajiTeHM6pcFaEnmfsya8E1ZE2PMb0wFHHxTUrRK37oBP7bk8Y/s320/IMG_4448.png" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>You are also given a summary of the ECG</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm_zqvjvS07VROYU1b0JaPlm0wDr7YhyVA6vQ_31Xh91kiEOLpq4BJ18bPYYcPOr7z-GqHbjxxuoS2akStlp8FsHwJBSvWCr3cDkJID4Bte_Lfz4qL0ljUKWMwJUl_eBnR7eaU07A2HUOpxBWf4klbuSMzC3Q0A9ycEaFKmA1PwwR9b-dpgc/s2778/IMG_4450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm_zqvjvS07VROYU1b0JaPlm0wDr7YhyVA6vQ_31Xh91kiEOLpq4BJ18bPYYcPOr7z-GqHbjxxuoS2akStlp8FsHwJBSvWCr3cDkJID4Bte_Lfz4qL0ljUKWMwJUl_eBnR7eaU07A2HUOpxBWf4klbuSMzC3Q0A9ycEaFKmA1PwwR9b-dpgc/s320/IMG_4450.png" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's then possible to share the ECG as a PDF and it takes the whole chart like you'd get from a ECG machine in a hospital (but split into pages).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note the first page often has weirdness at the beginning as you settle down and stabilise the readings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ul8Wx2JthRSuWxXmbARlcsWqSRltv1nmmpASSifEZbZrhe96VNbNFQJsYB8BQrzm_7nUeZoHfsCGv_eNUeP6IhbLwrK1wL0i-vq3d3LPdJu6mX3UOUzVBrMCRdqpKslOL-_HyI8_JwS7zPWhXo4704ucLd_DHYzeiU8k0tupRfIqgkQdwas/s2394/ecg-p1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2394" data-original-width="1850" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ul8Wx2JthRSuWxXmbARlcsWqSRltv1nmmpASSifEZbZrhe96VNbNFQJsYB8BQrzm_7nUeZoHfsCGv_eNUeP6IhbLwrK1wL0i-vq3d3LPdJu6mX3UOUzVBrMCRdqpKslOL-_HyI8_JwS7zPWhXo4704ucLd_DHYzeiU8k0tupRfIqgkQdwas/s320/ecg-p1.png" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>The next pages tend to be cleaner with just the normal ECG displayed<div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQZOeEWNkEQkxgy5Y8cYU10t4OCh93ZNL3u63ZwCeMtjfzWDZeEUvCmncHVlCk0rsg9ParqZiGVXBpR97NGgdvbFNWAFjoIKRhyk1ofPsMO8vNV7GLZlCvmycYjLfpr8JzNK468f-L77x34XFp00EfOyJ5hUQsDTlTmzavBS8G2hrj_gNCJA/s2390/ecg-p2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2390" data-original-width="1850" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQZOeEWNkEQkxgy5Y8cYU10t4OCh93ZNL3u63ZwCeMtjfzWDZeEUvCmncHVlCk0rsg9ParqZiGVXBpR97NGgdvbFNWAFjoIKRhyk1ofPsMO8vNV7GLZlCvmycYjLfpr8JzNK468f-L77x34XFp00EfOyJ5hUQsDTlTmzavBS8G2hrj_gNCJA/s320/ecg-p2.png" width="248" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> The final page is an averaged heart rate</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTGNVfU5auP9I0ONaEEeB7YZdRKRQmOYIvUDmLMiD9FCiobf9fg0Lyr6yrRqNxow6ytjpZCqWD5sp-b95gs8BP5HCk1a0X4ct6eJi_1hSdLXDENktVM81rO0a-jEu9BhTXQV7YMfaBdIr8uzdSZm4y43pI3PSfa0Fl2WGqMEx2GBOUiNx9NU/s2386/ecg-avg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2386" data-original-width="1844" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTGNVfU5auP9I0ONaEEeB7YZdRKRQmOYIvUDmLMiD9FCiobf9fg0Lyr6yrRqNxow6ytjpZCqWD5sp-b95gs8BP5HCk1a0X4ct6eJi_1hSdLXDENktVM81rO0a-jEu9BhTXQV7YMfaBdIr8uzdSZm4y43pI3PSfa0Fl2WGqMEx2GBOUiNx9NU/s320/ecg-avg.png" width="247" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div>As stated previously it really is imperative to keep as still as possible to get a clean reading. The app will diagnose simple abnormalities such as Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia and a normal heart rhythm. Giving the ECGs to a doctor may help them diagnose arrhythmias and cardiovascular diseases.</div><div><br /></div><div>The unit is FDA approved as a medical device (which is very different to other wearables that a fitness devices) and acts as though it uses ECG leads I, II, III, aVL, aVR, aVF.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>If you're worried at all about heart conditions, this could be for you, it's easy to use and gives good results.</div><div><br /></div><div>The basic Kardia 6L costs £149 in the UK (direct from the site) and £228 with the addition of a year of KardiaCare which allows advanced determinations (analysis), the results are shared with clinicians and stored in the cloud and you get a heart health summary report. Purchasing separately a plan costs £99 or £179 for 2 years.<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>stevekennedyukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18057591432651334755noreply@blogger.com0Belsize Park, London NW3, UK51.5475617 -0.167107723.237327863821157 -35.3233577 79.857795536178855 34.9891423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11335163.post-33572497062545139432022-01-19T19:24:00.002+00:002022-01-19T19:24:45.017+00:00ConceptDraw Office gets an upgrade<p> ConceptDraw Office has now been upgraded to version 8 and it contains 3 (well really 4) main packages: -</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>ConceptDraw DIAGRAM v15</li><li>ConceptDraw MINDMAP v13</li><li>ConceptDraw PROJECT v12</li></ul><p></p><p>There is also ConceptDraw STORE which offers access to various ConceptDraw solutions and upgrades to the main packages too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhlxfazwreFCfvD3PHZZgv8FmwMIOQ97K2OTDmYvs6eupx8AIg9NCmjYJFn1mJStYdb45B80WfK_eoda1NpPQp5VH84aT9JKo8eAGWXWX4loru_KkEJcTqu2Nf88N12MMMoLqPSXQqe5G6WI3xbkFOjJV_-Q3OcUL8OXXwJVI6hZmsaH6OFBE=s908" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="908" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhlxfazwreFCfvD3PHZZgv8FmwMIOQ97K2OTDmYvs6eupx8AIg9NCmjYJFn1mJStYdb45B80WfK_eoda1NpPQp5VH84aT9JKo8eAGWXWX4loru_KkEJcTqu2Nf88N12MMMoLqPSXQqe5G6WI3xbkFOjJV_-Q3OcUL8OXXwJVI6hZmsaH6OFBE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Diagram offers professional-quality graphic solutions of all sorts for all businesses, Mindmaop is essential to strategic planning, knowledge and team management and Project provides a professional approach to portfolio and project management.</p><p>ConceptDraw Office is available both on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS and are alternative offerings to Microsoft Visio and Project.</p><p>Though the applications can run standalone for basic primitives, the flexibility comes when the Solutions are added, all 215 of them. Many are free and can be downloaded via the Store, while some are paid for and new Solutions are being added all the time.</p><p>The categories of Solutions are: -</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Building Plans</li><li>Business Infographics</li><li>Business Processes</li><li>Business Productivity</li><li>Collaboration</li><li>Computers and Networks</li><li>Dashboards</li><li>Diagrams</li><li>Finance and Accounting</li><li>Food and Beverage</li><li>Graphs and Charts</li><li>Health</li><li>Illustrations</li><li>Industrial Engineering</li><li>Infographics</li><li>Management</li><li>Maps</li><li>Marketing</li><li>Project Management</li><li>Quality Management</li><li>Science and Education</li><li>Software Development</li><li>Sport</li><li>Statistical Charts</li></ul><p></p><p>Some of these are just building blocks, while others can be connected to data to produce charts/infographics based on the data.</p><p>Examples of some of the actual building blocks</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DviaKwnpRLp3MQ-CgM8RkJBTrbXPvsf4h9gUMPp6wZmLhp7C19M4vGNGE4py48Z3O2aLmkZIUVcNyDvCbL3DAQIrgRQ6-5OOKL3oCliy6gUw1GNpQdyG-W3zj5gl5fK77jFJmQ/s2048/Divided+Bar+Charts.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DviaKwnpRLp3MQ-CgM8RkJBTrbXPvsf4h9gUMPp6wZmLhp7C19M4vGNGE4py48Z3O2aLmkZIUVcNyDvCbL3DAQIrgRQ6-5OOKL3oCliy6gUw1GNpQdyG-W3zj5gl5fK77jFJmQ/w400-h216/Divided+Bar+Charts.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divided Bar Chart<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD90IEQxr8DNh5JB0gYF-r823sjrLvs_tprRLvq-8oHUu_sR3p-mrzt2wdswgyiIRh6Qu4aRpSTMkBIaPrkLfX19rja_SfTB-fJU0bpx95UzLp4fXXPQDZPFuhmbuGwIJ2qpp3Bw/s2048/Finacnial+Infographics.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="2048" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD90IEQxr8DNh5JB0gYF-r823sjrLvs_tprRLvq-8oHUu_sR3p-mrzt2wdswgyiIRh6Qu4aRpSTMkBIaPrkLfX19rja_SfTB-fJU0bpx95UzLp4fXXPQDZPFuhmbuGwIJ2qpp3Bw/w400-h221/Finacnial+Infographics.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Financial Infographics</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnXWi5Hm2NwbNJbQlm2IuAwJUuaetk8hUMNV0ghg4zEY34mZ4ha1k9eLG_Lbznm2sGZT2ztmm_MV_E-nqXY6Ey-qIylcv-pf-dzDH6B4RX2kPa_DhQb9PVkesYIaylsx72dgPaA/s1128/Sports+-+Baseball.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1128" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnXWi5Hm2NwbNJbQlm2IuAwJUuaetk8hUMNV0ghg4zEY34mZ4ha1k9eLG_Lbznm2sGZT2ztmm_MV_E-nqXY6Ey-qIylcv-pf-dzDH6B4RX2kPa_DhQb9PVkesYIaylsx72dgPaA/w400-h325/Sports+-+Baseball.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sport - Baseball Field</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Above infographics may be static or utilise data (such as the divided bar chart) or just a picture like the baseball field.</div><div><br /></div><div>The applications can import Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project, Visio, Mindmanager, Xmind and Freemind documents and export pdf, images, Outline, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project and Visio.</div><div><br /></div><div>There still are differences between the Windows and macOS versions such as it's only possible to explore pdf layers on the Windows version of the software.</div><div><br /></div><div>The STORE also allows upgrading the applications and solutions</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0moQJv2g7nP5wnLSdZsa8dO1USLZdLXO6oUh-yoNkve8KGcidU0Vc7J4hh03XvqtNTWh_L54YFQaMrY0DSqcLTzXKogkoZ_-pJyFe6fUQkg9sdZxCW0B7qysRBAHlx7G8hoqgd7uZjzLTzuTTF05JrhoS1PEFzBeWwO5eE3UwRYqVRUxjIsA=s1192" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1192" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0moQJv2g7nP5wnLSdZsa8dO1USLZdLXO6oUh-yoNkve8KGcidU0Vc7J4hh03XvqtNTWh_L54YFQaMrY0DSqcLTzXKogkoZ_-pJyFe6fUQkg9sdZxCW0B7qysRBAHlx7G8hoqgd7uZjzLTzuTTF05JrhoS1PEFzBeWwO5eE3UwRYqVRUxjIsA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It's also possible to purchase new solutions (when a new solution is published it will have a green flag on it)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzYb59-cOQGYhXNjox_jY2F1aO1gFKBl6cSTUJaUfNLAq3woJew9UvbQq8Wh90U1ClwFa3zTVd1Ai7a0qaSGr-9xqN94cXYv18R0eQ-mWYmtFwrxRkJk79LNPOJEH3e22K5e_9gYVjEQbvmTthOT7L96JaBkylpjQjUvTdhTs4qWTcfjV-Tgw=s4654" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="4654" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzYb59-cOQGYhXNjox_jY2F1aO1gFKBl6cSTUJaUfNLAq3woJew9UvbQq8Wh90U1ClwFa3zTVd1Ai7a0qaSGr-9xqN94cXYv18R0eQ-mWYmtFwrxRkJk79LNPOJEH3e22K5e_9gYVjEQbvmTthOT7L96JaBkylpjQjUvTdhTs4qWTcfjV-Tgw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The applications can be purchased individually or as ConceptDraw Office which contains all of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Single user pricing is as follows: -</div><div><br /></div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>ConceptDraw OFFICE 8 £399 (but seems to be £239 now)</li><li>ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 15 £159</li><li>ConceptDraw PROJECT 12 £239</li><li>ConceptDraw MINDMAP 13 £159</li><li>ConceptDraw MINDMAP 13 & PROJECT 12 £319</li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So Office seems a bargain at the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>The solutions vary in price.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you need a suite of applications that can do mind mapping and project planning and you don't want to go the Microsoft route, this could be for you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Which seems unnecessary since it's sealed in the box in the first place. Ripping that open exposes the pouch holding the cloth.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhygFw66j5-B7Q93lnwJrUm6j1W1eotERiG5zJEBj-ChJSUhS0wuGDDPZ7im7GHX_ARPFQVF0UGXk98EYgc4DYhYLWZD3_5UvhSijgFqvrbFhF1m0dY0lweee6awoBWbDEeHKfD4m5FlPYds1tA7Kx5e-T1-JoqNjL9kml9LFPK9zNgSPdcPhk=s6720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smart Screen pouch" border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhygFw66j5-B7Q93lnwJrUm6j1W1eotERiG5zJEBj-ChJSUhS0wuGDDPZ7im7GHX_ARPFQVF0UGXk98EYgc4DYhYLWZD3_5UvhSijgFqvrbFhF1m0dY0lweee6awoBWbDEeHKfD4m5FlPYds1tA7Kx5e-T1-JoqNjL9kml9LFPK9zNgSPdcPhk=w320-h213" title="Smart Screen pouch" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>The pouch is about 2 inches square and holds the folded cloth which is attached by a piece of material and held by a popper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN2vR6pbLpcWl6yLJ70ilO__fozIjtsNF6EQpFfQz_mW_2RjZPLyCe5x9zwHl6UtDB2_eihoigEo7MnKaE1kKkmdLorX2hp5tSMm7tHNgiQDqudx3mTSGO3e57WhcBVd5nSx3W6ghzGdriUqCWykv2YFIkPrICubAobtwb5piX8C53QyRTusI=s6720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pouch with attached cloth" border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN2vR6pbLpcWl6yLJ70ilO__fozIjtsNF6EQpFfQz_mW_2RjZPLyCe5x9zwHl6UtDB2_eihoigEo7MnKaE1kKkmdLorX2hp5tSMm7tHNgiQDqudx3mTSGO3e57WhcBVd5nSx3W6ghzGdriUqCWykv2YFIkPrICubAobtwb5piX8C53QyRTusI=w320-h213" title="Pouch with attached cloth" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Then the cloth unfolds</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivc0k_4fYiJJWxXLJ-Du0LqoWDDWiu1uTWz23GFrgCGVNk0ajhe20h8DY03aB6nvZTgcvcC0Qto3CcDoLVMz8prM6FtqtAIcO0B7tiIPeD_HJ--9U9eVS6MHEsZvbzeyTamrcaAdtXQvDFTHTFQoQnjDH7HFVZDINWJqAZ-H5D99BTCgLnuow=s6720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cloth folded in half" border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivc0k_4fYiJJWxXLJ-Du0LqoWDDWiu1uTWz23GFrgCGVNk0ajhe20h8DY03aB6nvZTgcvcC0Qto3CcDoLVMz8prM6FtqtAIcO0B7tiIPeD_HJ--9U9eVS6MHEsZvbzeyTamrcaAdtXQvDFTHTFQoQnjDH7HFVZDINWJqAZ-H5D99BTCgLnuow=w320-h213" title="Cloth folded in half" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The cloth is impregnated with Blue Shield nano silver particles which (according to the manufacturer) will kill 99% of all bacteria and it will survive 15 washes at 30 degrees.</p><p>As a cloth it does clean screens (though it wasn't possible to test the accuracy of the bacterial killing properties).</p><p>It only costs £9.95 directly from <a href="https://www.smartscreen.store" target="_blank">Smart Screen</a>, though an up market "gold" version is available for £11.50 (or a replacement gold cloth for £4.40). </p><p>Standard colours are Navy Blue, Slate Grey, Powder Blue, Saffron Yellow, Polar White and Camel Brown.</p><p>I would guess it's as functional as the fruity equivalent (though never tested that particular cloth).</p><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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They come with the usual 3 sized silicon tips (small, medium and large - though it's a shame there's no memory foam ones available). They come in a plastic case which holds the earphones magnetically so they align with the charging pins. The right earphone has a red dot on it (as does the magnet in the base) so it's easy to ensure the correct earphone goes into the right ear (sic). They are pretty light at 4.7 grams.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6QGDxthCepOdU_CpLt4oVXFZvy57vf2Z1-ZjaJg2ZED7nYbuFH6MI8wORXY5B7T7iUwRCo1wJG1XTFN2xO9ZbBesPFKIag5jaseD6Yi8rI2NstZXm9GQ4evKnLNP8lScXM4f-A/s6000/IMG_0118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing ear (1) case with earphones" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6QGDxthCepOdU_CpLt4oVXFZvy57vf2Z1-ZjaJg2ZED7nYbuFH6MI8wORXY5B7T7iUwRCo1wJG1XTFN2xO9ZbBesPFKIag5jaseD6Yi8rI2NstZXm9GQ4evKnLNP8lScXM4f-A/w320-h213/IMG_0118.JPG" title="Nothing ear (1) case with earphones" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>They come in a black box with pictures of the earphones, but to open it there's a tear strip so it can be pulled apart. Inside there's a shiny metalised case that pulls open and contains the earphone base (the earphones are in it), a side part containing the ear tips and another containing the USB C charging cable. The outer box does seem a bit of a waste.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbdr44hbuZMF6Sit0bQPoh9pkFWxbz1YGXYpEP7D9jVlmk4yJ_xpZW7ml_f2zPrS0TX_5wUzDR2nzUMa0TL-A_-ce3y4UdC7I5gNm8WnTCXcx8YX8lN9s_1q142sVF6AEdUOn9A/s6000/IMG_0112.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing ear (1) outer box" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbdr44hbuZMF6Sit0bQPoh9pkFWxbz1YGXYpEP7D9jVlmk4yJ_xpZW7ml_f2zPrS0TX_5wUzDR2nzUMa0TL-A_-ce3y4UdC7I5gNm8WnTCXcx8YX8lN9s_1q142sVF6AEdUOn9A/w200-h133/IMG_0112.JPG" title="Nothing ear (1) outer box" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWLM2gi0GWBM4m_Gw6TwS1rgxsoFAsKHwCHcRnNHuHYDQ2Dmr4xIH-qOP6Al00tE3O6XIcSLnbeRK9RULViU9cPPDAM7LGBNEVIRYrIwYAFK4_9Fe5wRFHu3fIXirUVI64qtWKQ/s6000/IMG_0115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing ear(1) box showing earphones in case" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWLM2gi0GWBM4m_Gw6TwS1rgxsoFAsKHwCHcRnNHuHYDQ2Dmr4xIH-qOP6Al00tE3O6XIcSLnbeRK9RULViU9cPPDAM7LGBNEVIRYrIwYAFK4_9Fe5wRFHu3fIXirUVI64qtWKQ/w200-h133/IMG_0115.JPG" title="Nothing ear(1) box showing earphones in case" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbufUtUqdPtWWw5iWVcI0YgyFY7-FCWcnXON0bF0Zba2EsCackUYEbaj8KC2YNMGi0OIjt7WqW3WkKdabg0qQFSMHFMIjSWQA3TIgYxVGTytEZSqnQVzxG5hywU9VUEpr1NWyQGA/s6000/IMG_0116.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing ear(1) box with side boxes holding tips and USB cable" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbufUtUqdPtWWw5iWVcI0YgyFY7-FCWcnXON0bF0Zba2EsCackUYEbaj8KC2YNMGi0OIjt7WqW3WkKdabg0qQFSMHFMIjSWQA3TIgYxVGTytEZSqnQVzxG5hywU9VUEpr1NWyQGA/w200-h133/IMG_0116.JPG" title="Nothing ear(1) side boxes holding tips and USB cable" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The case is 58.6 by 58.6 by 27.3 mm and has a USB C port and a button which is pressed to start the pairing process. It can also be charged wirelessly through any QI compatible charger. It weighs 57.4 grams without the earphones.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGFnP3q9olAGTQSGj5tRBG-0cMk6JFtw94dAz1JKn0HZiSB2nLKlIzgGLgaqjJnzXZ-OMN2X41f6FcAdQK5EM8ijZ6mXst9ehfhWu2MumImuPsaKcvjrgrqE6P9l8vFK5L1gTVA/s6000/IMG_0117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing ear(1) case with USB and pair button" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGFnP3q9olAGTQSGj5tRBG-0cMk6JFtw94dAz1JKn0HZiSB2nLKlIzgGLgaqjJnzXZ-OMN2X41f6FcAdQK5EM8ijZ6mXst9ehfhWu2MumImuPsaKcvjrgrqE6P9l8vFK5L1gTVA/w320-h213/IMG_0117.JPG" title="Nothing ear(1) case with USB and pair button" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuJkwvXKO2tSsWCfMk-L8pYnXJRY2mT7Ih33NnoN27ZEkpAmw2GW489EHLXd5Tzd2jeM053DYJ-BVbTCuy-0Th9qKA_JvEVDK1voSAKCNP7fGKQQab7SoJm-iWaFrRWNFXFrccA/s6000/IMG_0120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing ear(1) earphones" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuJkwvXKO2tSsWCfMk-L8pYnXJRY2mT7Ih33NnoN27ZEkpAmw2GW489EHLXd5Tzd2jeM053DYJ-BVbTCuy-0Th9qKA_JvEVDK1voSAKCNP7fGKQQab7SoJm-iWaFrRWNFXFrccA/w320-h213/IMG_0120.JPG" title="Nothing ear(1) earphones" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There's an accompanying app (iOS and Android) that when connected shows the charge of the left and right earphones.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglQEztq-3XvqNsZa6DkDbOLGHfRJ3nfIRYPppbZgnmlCsPcjzH3ReO9xgRVuGAie9VaIoVQZn1q1wYq0WKXkVFTIUadhw3r2oQG43EyZOaPIfdrePDRHijcHZnlG_ft_p5E72oA/s2608/IMG_4001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iOS app (charge)" border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglQEztq-3XvqNsZa6DkDbOLGHfRJ3nfIRYPppbZgnmlCsPcjzH3ReO9xgRVuGAie9VaIoVQZn1q1wYq0WKXkVFTIUadhw3r2oQG43EyZOaPIfdrePDRHijcHZnlG_ft_p5E72oA/w148-h320/IMG_4001.png" title="iOS app (charge)" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>It allows switching between Noise Cancelation, Transparency and off (and whether it light or maximum).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzXobGp1vcpZAN5aeXX3YeBpL7rQpdmvULGQyZNLqJ_ISGprQ6Vc0pO0W_mbfPqsrnnQoNQLkH2vVxD_UWlOB9oPPTbGwzSOMxKTx1q-wYQG28rvNlHOC1vgB9_Valv4F-e4lgg/s2608/IMG_3998.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iOS app noise cancellation etc" border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzXobGp1vcpZAN5aeXX3YeBpL7rQpdmvULGQyZNLqJ_ISGprQ6Vc0pO0W_mbfPqsrnnQoNQLkH2vVxD_UWlOB9oPPTbGwzSOMxKTx1q-wYQG28rvNlHOC1vgB9_Valv4F-e4lgg/w148-h320/IMG_3998.png" title="iOS app noise cancellation etc" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>Then the equalisation can be selected (Balanced, More Treble, More Base, Voice).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Y9T3z4ENIOmD5xOhnA_KKY1b-meZgwpVZ24efWpVxqeVojSV_sBOhK3Yg5ISULJSKAjtIlMNRwxJsRDeA73WR-4NALI8As6ie3efPzh8WlUKdGfMzOK25N_A2zUQJiAk4uxKw/s2608/IMG_3999.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iOS app equaliser" border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Y9T3z4ENIOmD5xOhnA_KKY1b-meZgwpVZ24efWpVxqeVojSV_sBOhK3Yg5ISULJSKAjtIlMNRwxJsRDeA73WR-4NALI8As6ie3efPzh8WlUKdGfMzOK25N_A2zUQJiAk4uxKw/w148-h320/IMG_3999.png" title="iOS app equaliser" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>Tap settings can also be selected for both earphones (Triple Tap -> Next Song, Previous Song, nothing and Tap & Hold -> Noise Cancellation, nothing).</p><p>The app also allows (per each ear pair incase you've paired multiple pairs) In-Ear detection, Latency Mode (Normal or Low - designed for playing games but more prone to interference from other devices) and Firmware Update (it shows the current version and will allow clicking if a new version is available, updates are via Bluetooth and it can be quite slow and it's easy to think nothing's happening before the upgrade starts).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf96iG6VX_tu90O4eTzJpzXigMt7FXRttH55zWZHED3QV5POnIbHfIq5wx9B4LIjiIrU-qvO6nVN3nZR3OHXA-XglERVFenD7d1kqKbiJH9NwQNmOc9HjEjupVhOR_PmF7xCcKQ/s2608/IMG_4002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iOS app settings" border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf96iG6VX_tu90O4eTzJpzXigMt7FXRttH55zWZHED3QV5POnIbHfIq5wx9B4LIjiIrU-qvO6nVN3nZR3OHXA-XglERVFenD7d1kqKbiJH9NwQNmOc9HjEjupVhOR_PmF7xCcKQ/w148-h320/IMG_4002.png" title="iOS app settings" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The instructions that come in box imply that the the earphones should be paired with the app (there's an option in the settings), however on iOS it did pair with the app, but music and other apps didn't seem to be able to output sounds through the earphones. When paired within the Bluetooth settings, the app recognised that the earphones were paired and all the functions worked and sounds and music could be heard though any app.</p><p>The batteries in the earphones should last around 5 hours and the case holds enough for 34 hours use (though you obviously need to put them into the case to charge them) - if active noise cancellation is on, then the total case time reduces to 24 hours.</p><p>The quality seems pretty good and they also work well for video conference calls (well some better than other, Google Meet decided to echo back your own voice).</p><p>The signal travels well and audio only started breaking up about 10 metres from the connected computer (and going through some internal walls).</p><p>With ear detection on, the music should pause, but when using with a device other than a phone it doesn't seem to work while triple tapping does move to the next track. This behaviour seems to have changed since the last firmware update as jiggling your head around (or dancing vigorously) would trigger something and the music would pause.</p><p>Overall the build and sound quality is very good and for only £99 pretty good value compared to fruity alternatives. They are available directly from <a href="https://nothing.tech" target="_blank">Nothing's site</a> and should arrive in a few days.</p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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You do need to sign into your Google account in order to actually download anything and use the added functionality. It runs on a 4 core CPU with 16GB of Flash storage and 3GB of RAM.</p><p>It has Google Assistant built in, which allows controlling the system and well as normal assistant functionality. There's also built-in Chromecast, so content on an Android phone can be displayed through the PVR.</p><p>As a Freeview Play device, it's possible to record future programs (and series links) as well as catching-up on stuff that you may have missed (requires an Internet connection). The EPG is 7 days in future as well as 7 days past which directly accesses the Freeview Play catch-up service.</p><p>If you happen to have content on a USB drive, plug it in and play away (as long as it's FAT32 formatted) via the USB3.0 port, accessing NAS drives via the network also works and it's possible to install a Plex client (via Google Play) for added functionality.</p><p>There's an accompanying Aura app (Android/iOS) that allows live streaming, recording and reminders etc.</p><p>The remote is easy to use and allows access to the EPG and a big button with Prime Video to access Amazon Video. There are a lot of apps available, but there's a HUGE omission in that so far there's no direct access to Netflix (that may not matter if you have a relatively modern TV with it built in). There are 'hacks' around to side load Netfix, but no official version seems to be available and it looks unlikely it will ever appear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SltLY0QmuXarELscqEtW5pxmWeHJZUNFlmxMNycUKRNRteAk1AMs1lLkh-pCDvvnZiD-DglfliiD2AziCi1dDESHqAQ9Od1w9nV2suidMSmPheqyR-1ZHEJhdsJmFXGDhr-yng/s798/Aura_gallary_6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="798" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SltLY0QmuXarELscqEtW5pxmWeHJZUNFlmxMNycUKRNRteAk1AMs1lLkh-pCDvvnZiD-DglfliiD2AziCi1dDESHqAQ9Od1w9nV2suidMSmPheqyR-1ZHEJhdsJmFXGDhr-yng/s320/Aura_gallary_6.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The actual box is nicely sized (<span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Open Sans, nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="color: #333333;">258 x 43 x 200 mm) and easily fits under or next to a TV, on the front there's a strip that glows red if in standby and blue if turned on, it will go purple if recording or orange if recording in standby and white for Google Assistant.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Open Sans, nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="color: #333333;">The Ethernet LAN port supports Gigabit Ethernet connectivity or there's 2.4/5GHz WiFi.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Open Sans, nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="color: #333333;">There's an co-ax input and output for the aerial connection (and to TV) and also a single HDMI port (supporting </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Open Sans, nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and CEC) and a S/PDIF optical port for audio out (to say a sound bar). There's </span></span></span><span face="Roboto, "Open Sans", nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">Dolby Audio (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus) Dolby Atmos (pass-through) DTS-X surround sound (pass-through) over HDMI as well as HD Audio at 24bit/192KHz.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Open Sans, nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Nicely Humax include an Ethernet, HDMI and co-ax cable and batteries for the remote.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">When the system is initially powered it takes a while to set-up (needs to tune, upgrade Android TV and any apps) and it can be fiddly if you get the order wrong.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Settings are also accessed by pressing the Freeview button, which isn't necessarily obvious, but everything is really an app on Google TV.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Roboto, Open Sans, nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="color: #333333;">Though the lack of Netflix may be a game changer for some, it does have access to a lot of video services such as </span></span><span face="Roboto, "Open Sans", nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and My5, iPlayer etc. It's also possible to run some games, though those that require additional peripherals may not work as expected.</span></p><p><span face="Roboto, "Open Sans", nanum-barun-gothic-light" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">The RRP is £249 for the 1TB version and £279 for the 2TB though on-line prices may be cheaper.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<p>
Though we live in a digital age, people do have a thing for clocks, especially those that are worn on the wrist and these come in a multitude of varieties. These were analogue, then came the invention of the digital watch and then people spent a lot of money on analogue versions again.
</p><p>
Clocks (as in actual clocks) have tended to remain analogue, circular discs with hands that move around pointing to digits painted (or embossed) around the edge. Clocks can be powered with some clever electronics so they keep time accurately such as using a radio time signal.
</p><p>
Digital clocks to exist and they use flat displays such as e-ink, OLED or LCD. They tend not to be very pretty.
</p><p>
In the past, lots of devices used something called a Nixie display, they look like vacuum tubes, except rather than warming up they have a variety of cold cathodes inside, shaped to look like numbers or digits. They were popular in the 1960's but there has been a recent resurgence and a numeric variety the IN-14 is still available.
</p><p>
Nixie tubes are filled with low pressure neon (and sometimes some other gasses or mercury to change the colour) and when a voltage (around 200V) is applied, the cathode will glow. If the gas is neon based, it's usualy a nice orange glow.
</p><p>
Some enterprising <a href="https://gra-afch.com/">Ukrainians</a> have decided to design and build pretty clocks based on Nixie tubes. These come in several varieties and can be Arduino or Raspberry Pi based using IN-14 or IN-18 Nixie tubes and in kit form or preassembled. This review is on the <a href="https://gra-afch.com/catalog/shield-nixie-clock-for-arduino/nixie-tubes-clock-arduino-shield-ncs314-for-xussr-in-14-nixie-tubes/">Arduino Shield NCS314 IN-14</a> variety and has an external DS18B20 temperature sensor. It's also possible to connect an external GPS that uses NMEA protocol and the clock will maintain time, however the GPS unit does need to maintain visibility of the sky so may not be suitable for indoor use.
</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3L8Xzyj2a-Ng6BD7JVRiUL0AxewAogDj0lR8wn0mI5yHZzoPegl__hhnasnOkIw93VjJOX8oC39u_y4Y3OKh3XzoBpVZ_y9ugSbe42c-KKyEN6c4bDM1jNAUIs4cFHSbUgE0IA/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3L8Xzyj2a-Ng6BD7JVRiUL0AxewAogDj0lR8wn0mI5yHZzoPegl__hhnasnOkIw93VjJOX8oC39u_y4Y3OKh3XzoBpVZ_y9ugSbe42c-KKyEN6c4bDM1jNAUIs4cFHSbUgE0IA/s400/IMG_0938.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<p>
There are also RGB LEDs that illuminate the base of the Nixie tubes, but these can be distracting rather than adding aesthetics. This also uses the Arduino MEGA board which runs the software (all available on <a href="https://github.com/afch/NixeTubesShieldNCS314">Github</a>).
</p><p>
There is a mode button which switches between time, date and alarm mode (and up and down buttons to change settings). The LEDs are turned on and off by long pressing the down button and then using the up and down buttons to change the colour.
</p><p>
If you're into pretty old fashioned "digital" clocks, you cant go wrong with a Nixie clock (it is beautiful). The costs vary depending on what options are selected (with/without tubes, sockets, temp sensor, GPS, Arduino Uno/MEGA), but the version shown is about $170.00</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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