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Category Archives: Conferences, Events, etc.

Review: Kwilt® Shoebox Personal Cloud Gateway

Posted on by Posted in App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Music la la, Phones – Smart and not, Still Life, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Want an alternative to One Drive or Dropbox? Don’t want to pay for monthly or annual fees just to have access to your images and videos? Want to have control about the amount of storage you have in the cloud?

The Kwilt Shoebox is one solution that positively answers these questions. A personal cloud, scaled by you.

From September 2017, the Kwilt® Shoebox Launch Video:

With just a few small pieces of equipment, apps, USB storage and a WiFi connection that is under your control, you can create your own cloud. There are no additional costs beyond the cost of the Kwilt Shoebox unit (the retail price at press time was $69 US).

Kwilt Shoebox box front

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox box front

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Kwilt Shoebox, box back

Kwilt Shoebox, box back

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Paper bits, including a fabulous K sticker, inside the Kwilt Shoebox box

Paper bits, including a fabulous K sticker, inside the Kwilt Shoebox box

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Kwilt Shoebox, equipment before unboxing

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment before unboxing

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Kwilt Shoebox, equipment spread out

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment spread out

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mini-HDMI port, micro-USB for storage, micro-USB for power

Kwilt Shoebox: mini-HDMI port, micro-USB for storage, micro-USB for power

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All plugs occupied

Kwilt Shoebox: all plugs occupied

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Only power brick plugged in

Kwilt Shoebox: only power brick plugged in

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Only power and USB adapter plugged in

Only power and USB adapter plugged in

At press time, there was little reason to use the HDMI output. An expected feature called KwiltCast will allow you to view videos and photos accessible by your Kwilt account to a connected television. Your Kwilt app will act as your remote control.

HDMI port adapter and HDMI port

HDMI port adapter and HDMI port (not yet functional at press time)

The last thing I did before proceeding with app acquisition, WiFi setups and testing, I plugged in a small USB drive.

USB drive plugged into USB port adapter.

Kwilt Shoebox: USB drive plugged into USB port adapter.

The point of the Kwilt Shoebox is you may turn single or multiple storage devices into your personal cloud. Your iOS or Android smartphone device is your computing and management tool for this. Your actual drive or drives are the storage medium for your cloud, something you can physically managed and control. Beyond your personal connectivity costs, media costs and the Kwilt Shoebox unit cost, you should not be worried about the (additional) monthly or annual fees you pay Dropbox or other services. Even then, you can integrate Dropbox into your Kwilt workflow if you already have it.

I started with this small SanDisk USB drive and then later tried out system with the addition of a powered USB 3 hub with multiple ports.

Kwilt app in the iOS App Store

Kwilt app in the iOS App Store

The first network activity is to connect your mobile device directly with the Kwilt Shoebox.

Talking to the box via the app

Kwilt Shoebox: Talking to the box via the app

You will eventually connect your setup to your WiFi network. This works as expected with you are able to provide ID and password access to the device, like a typical home WiFi setup.

Naming and securing your setup

Kwilt Shoebox: naming and securing your setup

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An initial view of my iPhone photos before copying or transferring

Kwilt Shoebox: an initial view of my iPhone photos before copying or transferring

If you have a large enough storage setup, you can copy or even offload your phone’s videos and photos to the Kwilt Shoebox. This means that you worry less about running out of built storage on the device. iPhone HEIC photos should be more fully supported by the time you read this. As press time, the Kwilt app could read HEIC photos and videos already on your iPhone or iPad. You could even transfer them to your Shoebox. Once there, though, the Kwilt app was not able to render or read them.

I found that WiFi connections worked well while my 4G and LTE connections were less peppy.

If you switch on the included KwiltKeys photo Keyboard for iOS, you can locate any image and place it in an app that takes keyboard input by.

KwiltKeys - custom keyboard input for images in collection

KwiltKeys – custom keyboard input for images in collection

Beyond the basic backup and external storage functionality, Microsoft Office 365 apps can access your Kwilt app-acknowledged content, including your Dropbox account, if you so choose. These additional apps – Kwilt for Office 365 and Kwilt for Outlook – are available from the Office store.

KwiltKeys in Microsoft Word on my iPhone, looking for image to insert

KwiltKeys in Microsoft Word on my iPhone, looking for image to insert

Inserting photo of Jerry, one of my Birman cats, via the KwiltKeys feature

Inserting photo of Jerry, one of my Birman cats, via the KwiltKeys feature

Following the instructions, I had no significant difficulties getting all of the expected features to work.

The main quirk encountered so far was navigating in and out of videos.

At about 59 seconds into the recording, the Kwilt app seems to quit or exit rather than return me to the file menu.

An alternative method for accessing videos is through the Kwilt app interface itself, rather than depending on this folder-based interface I demonstrated.

As mentioned earlier, the KwiltCast feature was not ready at press time. When I last connected the Kwilt Shoebox to my Sony HDTV, I see this screen.

KwiltCast Coming Soon

Kwilt Shoebox: KwiltCast Coming Soon

When I happened to unplug the device and plug it back in when the television was still tuned to the Shoebox, I got this display. Seems that the TV identified it as a Raspberry device.

Raspberry code/instructions from the Kwilt Shoebox output

Raspberry code/instructions from the Kwilt Shoebox output

At press time, the release of the KwiltCast feature is expected for the early part of the second quarter of 2018. The Android app, in beta form as of this posting, is expected to be in its official form by the end of March 2018.

All-in-all, the Kwilt Shoebox meets all features available at press time. Its easy setup and ease of use, while limited to your 4G/LTE or WiFi Android and iOS devices (i.e. no wired Ethernet connection), is buoyed by the modularity of your storage options and the non-requirement of a subscription fee. While the KwiltCast feature will be interesting to play with, its lack of availability is not yet a major concern for me. The Kwilt app is clean but needs some refinement, like the navigation issue shown in my demonstration video. I experienced this each time I wished to move among my video clips.

I rate the Kwilt Shoebox a strong 9 out of 10.

Review: ChargeGuardZ Cord Protector

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

Sometimes, the most useful of tools, of accessories, are those that are clean and simple.

A distinctive looking item, the ChargeGuardZ charge cord protector, is one such tool.

ChargeGuardZ cord protector in black

ChargeGuardZ cord protector in black

Some background…

Have you experienced the faithful but well-worn device cable? You travel with it, use it in your car, on trips and the bit just around the plug breaks open and frays.

What do you do?

Some times you resort to specialized cables, like this right-angle Lightning cable for iOS devices:

Right-angle Lightning plug/cable

Right-angle Lightning plug/cable

Sometimes you try to use specialized stands:

Metal stand with fixed opening for charging cable

Metal stand with fixed opening for charging cable

All well and good, but what if you have devices that all have different connectors, like micro-USB?

The ChargeGuardZ cord protector works with various devices and, therefore, with all sorts of connector types.

ChargeGuardZ works with various types of cables - microUSB and Lightning shown

ChargeGuardZ works with various types of cables – microUSB and Lightning shown

Here are additional photos of the black ChargeGuardZ unit that shared with me at the ChargeGuardZ booth at CES 2018:

ChargeGuardZ, sideview

ChargeGuardZ, sideview

ChargeGuardZ, top view

ChargeGuardZ, top view

Some videos about the cord protector:

I can confirm that everything that had been demonstrated and shown by George Zaytoun at CES 2018 and in his company’s videos can be replicated by me and more.

Since CES in January of 2018, the ChargeGuardZ website has presented the cord protector for direct online sales as well as through Amazon and select retailers in the New Bern (North Carolina) area. The suggested retail list price is $9.99 US.

At press time, additional colors available included blue, green, purple and red.

To use the ChargeGuardZ to protect your cable, you first insert your plug into one of the openings on either leg from outside of the unit. Next you bring your plug up through the top opening. It may take some effort, as it is a secure, snug fit.

ChargeGuardZ: plugged first in through one of two sides and the up through top.

ChargeGuardZ: plugged first in through one of two sides and the up through top.

When you have pulled the desired amount of your cable plug through the opening, plug the cable into the port in question. Slide the Chargeguardz cord protector flush against your device.

ChargeGuardz: just inserted (landscape view)

ChargeGuardz: just inserted (landscape view)

Finally, gently pull the extra cord outside of the side opening to remove the slack.

ChargeGuardz: pulled in more tightly (remove slack)

ChargeGuardz: pulled in more tightly (remove slack)

To ensure a secure fit with larger phone cases, consider this from George that he shared online:

Larger phone cases require pulling the charging cord out of the top of the Chareguardz then when the cord is plugged into the phone, slide the ChargeGuardZ up tight against the case.

When not in use, the Chargeguardz can be used to wrap/organize your cable.

ChargeGuardZ: Extra cord wrapped around

ChargeGuardZ: Extra cord wrapped around

I agree that theChargeGuardZ with my Amazon Fire Tablet made it easier to read and browse for longer periods of time by allowing the resting of the tablet on my chest (this was demonstrated in the first of the shared videos). May not necessarily be useful on other anatomy configurations, but it certainly was with mine.

My primary concern is that, while Lightning plugs are more often than not consistent in thickness, this  is not necessarily the case with microUSB plugs/cables.

Some were modest or trim in size, similar to Lightning plugs/cables:

ChargeGuardZ, average-sized microUSB plug

ChargeGuardZ, average-sized microUSB plug

Others were, well, huge:

ChargeGuardZ: larger microUSB plug, supertight fit

ChargeGuardZ: larger microUSB plug, supertight fit

The ChargeGuardZ worked in these cases, but, boy, a really tight fit. My recommendation: get a dedicated ChargeGuardZ for these particular plugs.

I found using the ChargeGuardZ cord protector in my car’s beverage holder to be a default application. As we are barely into the middle of winter, it has held up well to plugging and unplugging multiple times per day for four weeks. The harsh summers in Las Vegas will surely be a significant test for the durability of this item but, so far, I’m pleased that it is so easy to use.

ChargeGuardZ: on my iPhone 7 Plus, in my Mustang

ChargeGuardZ: on my iPhone 7 Plus, in my Mustang

The ChargeGuardZ charge cord protector travels well, fitting easily in my messenger bags and my computer bags with the cords with which I tested the unit. It is flexible; its rubber form-factor meant I never worried about it breaking if I dropped it.

The cases I have did not present any attachment problems for the ChargeGuardZ cord protector. Happily, all of my application attempts worked: iOS, smartphone, tablet and e-readers.

ChargeGuardZ: microUSB connection with Kindle

ChargeGuardZ: microUSB connection with Kindle

Absolutely.

I give theChargeGuardZ cord protector a 10 out of 10. It does what it does well, easily and simply.

 

 

CES 2018 – Some of the vendors with whom we visited

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., Fashion Forward, General Site News, Normal Computing, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!
Front of box of Kwilt Shoebox

Front box of Kwilt Shoebox from #CES2018

Black ChargeguardZ cord protector

From #CES2018: ChargeguardZ Cord Protector

Various Filofax eniTAB accessories for tablets

From #CES2018: Filofax Tablet accessories

Steve Anderson in a Polaroid

Steve Anderson in a Polaroid at the Polaroid pavilion #CES2018

CES 2018 Reflections Begin

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., General Site News, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

After totally missing CES 2017, Steve and I rushed through as much as we could of CES 2018 in only two days. We’ll post photos as well as videos as we can process them. In the meantime, we will be begin reviewing a few products from some of the vendors with whom we visited this go-around.

Review: Wocket Smart Wallet (NXT-ID, Inc.)

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc.

At CES 2015, a new device called the Wocket caught my eye. It offered a way to secure credit card information and to downsize your wallet by not having to carry multiple credit cards. Further it seemed simple enough to set up and operate so as to be usable by many of my more technology challenged senior friends.

So what is the Wocket? This simple and well-made device is a smart wallet where you can electronically store your credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, passwords and other secure notes. After seeing the Wocket demonstrated at CES 2015 by its maker NXT-ID, Inc., I signed up to do a review of it and recently was sent one to review.

Wocket Box

Wocket Box

Set-Up

The Wocket comes smartly packaged in well designed box and includes the Wocket device, the Wocket card with your name on it, a card reader, an accessory wallet for holding the Wocket and card, and a charging cable. After unpacking the component parts, the first task is to charge the Wocket through any USB port or charging device. I left mine plugged in and when I checked back in two hours, the device was fully charged. I suspect it charged much sooner than the two hours I had left it plugged in.

While charging your Wocket you can download the app for your smartphone from your either your iOS or Android app store. While this app is not necessary for using the Wocket, the app is the method to manage updates to the firmware for your device. After my device was charged I used this app to easily carryout a firmware update.

Entering your cards into the Wocket is also incredibly easy. You attach the card reader to the Wocket and then swipe your cards to enter them into the device. After swiping the card, you can then use the touchpad to provide a short description of your card. There are three lines on which you can enter data. There is room to enter up to 8 credit cards and 8 debit cards.

Wocket Cardreader

Wocket Cardreader

In addition to storing credit and debit cards, you can also store loyalty cards and other cards you may have that have a swipe stripe on them. For cards that do not have a swipe strip, you can enter them into the device manually.

All of the set up steps are clearly described in the Quick Start Guide. This was one of the easiest devices I have ever set up. All of the steps worked flawlessly and there was no frustration over the process.

Set-up Rating: I give the Wocket a full 10 out of 10 rating in terms of set up. Anyone who can read and follow directions will have no problem setting this device up. You do not have to be a technological wizard to have success in getting your Wocket ready to go and use.

Wocket Contents

Wocket Contents

Using the Wocket

To use the Wocket you hold down the one button on the front to turn it on. The first screen is one that asks you to enter your PIN number. The establishment of a PIN number is done in the setup process. The use of a unique PIN number serves to protect the contents of your Wocket if you should lose it. After entering your PIN, you can then choose the card you want to use. Once you select the card you want it then programs your Wocket card with that card’s information. You then remove the card from the holder and swipe it as you would any credit card. If you then want to use a different credit or debit card for your next purchase you then merely select it and wait until that card has been programmed onto the Wocket card and then use it as you would regularly.

Wocket P.I.N.

Wocket P.I.N.

Again this whole process takes no more than seconds and is very easy to carry out. The bottom line is that the Wocket not only easy to set up, but it is also very easy to use.

The downside of the Wocket is whether the specific card reader of the merchant or vendor you are going to can read the Wocket card. My first uses of the Wocket were using either one of my credit or debit cards at Walgreens. I had no problem checking out and the Wocket worked perfectly in their card reader. My next use was paying for a visit to the dentist and their reader refused to accept the Wocket card. Each time it was swiped it gave a processing error message. This was for three of my four credit cards that I tried to use. Buying groceries at Vons was also a success as was paying for prescriptions at CVS. A trip to Wal-Mart came next and their devices refused to accept the Wocket card for either my debit or credit cards. Their card reading and swiping device said that I had to put the card in the card reader as it recognized that the card came with one of the new EMV chip equipped cards. Since there is no chip, the card reader will not accept the card. Some of the problems seem to rest with how a vendor programs their card readers and swipe machines. Some will recognize the card as chip enabled, but let you use the card via the swipe reader. This is not the case with Wal-Mart. After Wal-Mart I stopped at my local Chevron station to fill up with gas. Again I found that the pump card reader would not read the card. Last, I found that the Wocket card would not work in Bank of America ATMs as they employ an ATM system that pulls the card entirely into the ATM machine. At the end of my shopping experience with the Wocket card, I realized about a 70% acceptance rate.

During a telephone interview with Gino Pereira, President and CEO of NXT-ID on November 16, 2015 he acknowledged the challenges of developing this product in a changing environment for credit and debit cards. He indicated that they are looking at how they might incorporate EMV chip technology into the Wocket. Also, they are looking at how they might incorporate NFS payment technology into the Wocket. This would make the device similar to how one uses Android Pay or Apple Pay. Gino reflected that at the present time they are shooting for an 80% acceptance rate and consider that a good benchmark of acceptance. I also found exciting that Gino reported they were working on a voice recognition system to replace having to type in a PIN to activate the device. This feature would be especially wonderful for seniors with arthritic fingers that do not do so well on small touchscreen keypads.

Wocket Categories

Wocket Categories

Recommendation

I am really impressed with the ease of set up and use of this device that has been designed to provide you with greater security in the use of your debit and credit cards. The ability to use just the Wocket card in place of carrying multiple cards makes this a most worthwhile device. The biggest drawback is learning where it will work or not work. Until you figure this out you will need to carry both the Wocket and at least one other regular credit or debit card. This makes an 80% acceptance rate acceptable for being in one’s own local area. I would be very hesitant at this time to travel with the Wocket at this point, as I would never know in a new locale where it would work or not. Thus, I would feel more secure when traveling to carry all of my credit cards in my wallet.

I was also impressed with the willingness of Gino Pereira, President and CEO of NXT-ID to talk with me by telephone. He conveyed a sense of dedication and excitement about this product and a desire to continue working on it and improving its usability. This kind of leadership bodes well both for the product and the company.

The inclusion of either EMV and/or NFC technology into the device would be highly desirable and greatly increase the utility and acceptance of it at a wider range of merchants. At a retail price of $179 I will leave it to you as to whether you feel an 80% acceptance rate makes this worthwhile for you.

Overall Rating: 6 out of 10 rating based largely on usability. At this point I just would not have the confidence of being able to use the Wocket without having to also carry other credit cards or an NFC enabled smartphone. The inclusion of NFC capability for the Wocket would make it far more reliable to carry.

Stephen C. Anderson
Technotraveler.com

Review: Case Logic Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Fashion Forward, Normal Computing, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

Finally, a few months after CES dies down, and after some one-on-one time with Case Logic’s latest innovation, the Reflexion camera messenger bag, it’s time to review!

Figure 1. Front facing (color: Anthracite)

Figure 1. Front facing (color: Anthracite)

 

Figure 2. Main body compartment

Figure 2. Main body compartment

 

The official name is: Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag in Anthracite (aka charcoal gray). There is also a Morel color, which is more of a green-ish earth tone. If you are looking for just a small bag that is primarily for your camera, then there is a “small” version of this messenger whose features are the same. The popular color for the Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Small Cross-body Bag seems to be Pomegranate right now, considering that at the time of review, it was temporarily sold out on the Case Logic website!

 

Figure 3. Reflexion Medium in Morel

Figure 3. Reflexion Medium in Morel

 

Figure 4. Reflexion Medium in Pomegranate

Figure 4. Reflexion Medium in Pomegranate

 

The great thing about these bags are that they don’t look like camera bags. I would gladly use the Reflexion as an everyday bag, which I have been using for the past few months. The numerous pockets and pouches add to the practicality of the messenger bag, which I take to school, work, and on trips. Surprisingly, the most functional pocket for me was below the flap, as I put my more valuable items there knowing that it would be more difficult for any potential thiefs to steal from that pouch.

 

Figure 5. Main compartment filled with items.

Figure 5. Main compartment filled with items.

 

Figure 6.Front facing with main compartment open

Figure 6.Front facing with main compartment open

 

Figure 7. Front zipper compartment

Figure 7. Front zipper compartment

 

Figure 8. Compartment under the front flap

Figure 8. Compartment under the front flap

 

Even better is the removable camera pouch, which I think might be the greatest feature of this bag. This pouch has two handles, and a cinch to enclose the bag for easy transport. The interior has multiple compartments, which allot for additional camera lens, tripods, batteries, etc.

 

Figure 9. Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Removable Camera Bag with cover cinched, and Reflexion Medium Messenger

Figure 9. Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Removable Camera Bag with cover cinched, and Reflexion Medium Messenger

 

Figure 10. Removable camera bag with cover folded down

Figure 10. Removable camera bag with cover folded down

 

Figure 11. Removable camera bag, top view

Figure 11. Removable camera bag, top view

 

Typically, I carry quite a few items with me when I go out for work or school. What’s great about the medium sized Reflexion messenger is that it fits more than just an iPad. As shown in the photo, I’m able to fit my Microsoft Surface Pro 3 laptop, my Canon SL1 DSLR camera (not photographed because it was used to take the photo), telephoto lens, extra battery and charger, mini tripod, wallet, lip moisturizer, glasses, AND two cell phones. With all these items in the bag, I’m still able to add more, such as a binder or a textbook, some snacks, etc. The bag is large enough to hold a backpack’s worth of items, yet small enough to be carried as a cross body messenger bag.

 

Figure 12. Reflexion Medium Messenger with all items unloaded

Figure 12. Reflexion Medium Messenger with all items unloaded

 

Practically speaking, this bag has everything that the everyday working man or woman would need. However, I did discover one disadvantage to this bag, as a busy woman myself. Because of the hinged zipper opening of the main compartment, which allows for a wider opening of the bag, it is very difficult to impossible to close the main compartment of bag. Now normally this wouldn’t be that big of an issue, but when my arms are full and I’m in a hurry, sometimes I need to grab something quickly out of my bag. I’m able to open the bag fairly easily singlehandedly, but I’ve not successfully figured out how to zip the bag shut with one hand.

 

Figure 13. Reflexion Medium Messenger, main compartment (empty)

Figure 13. Reflexion Medium Messenger, main compartment (empty)

 

Figure 14. Main compartment open, with camera bag and Microsoft Surface Pro 3 inserted

Figure 14. Main compartment open, with camera bag and Microsoft Surface Pro 3 inserted

 

I give the Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag a 10 out of 10. The various zippered compartments and pouches at every accessible place on the bag allows for the ability to house multiple items everywhere. The removable camera bag allows for the bag to convert to a standard laptop or tablet messenger bag. The design of the bag is casual, yet plain enough to use in the workplace, and does not look like a camera bag. Other than the one minor issue of single-handed operation of the main compartment, overall, the Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag is a winner in my eyes, and I can understand why it was a 2014 Red Dot award recipient. I would highly recommend purchase of the Reflexion bag for your camera bag and everyday use.

 

Figure 15. Reflexion Medium Messenger, Case Logic logo

Figure 15. Reflexion Medium Messenger, Case Logic logo

Review: Universal SwingHolder™ Floor Stand (Stand For Stuff)

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Sometimes you encounter a product that exactly matches what you expected. This is a good thing. The Universal SwingHolder™ Floor Stand from StandforStuff.com, which I saw at CES 2015, is a product that was described as easy to setup and easy to use. The product allows you to have your tablet or e-reader available at the ready and “floating hands-free” while you are seated somewhere or even while convalescing.

The limited amount of assembling took me about 10 minutes (not including my stopping to take photos). After you complete the assembly process, you can place your tablet near you while you are reading, quickly adjust the height and angle of presentation and read, view, etc. You can gently swing it away to move about.

Unboxing...what's in the box

Unboxing…what’s in the box

Looking at the bottom of the base.

Looking at the bottom of the base.

Routing USB cord into base...

Routing USB cord into base…

Securing the vertical support post.

Securing the vertical support post.

Securing counterweight

Securing counterweight

One assembly tip: Make sure that you feel and hear the “pop” of the counterweight when aligning the hole where you apply the screw that will secure the counterweight to the pole. Otherwise, you will not have an easy time inserting or securing it.

Completed setup of Universal SwingHolder™

Completed setup of Universal SwingHolder™

To place your device in the holder, you begin by depressing a square gray button on the back of the holder. This button is associated with the top arm. Pull up this top arm.

Next, you press the other button, connected to the bottom arm, which you will then pull down. To minimize your chances of dropping your tablet or e-reader, don’t pull much more than to clear the rubberized diagonal corners or fingers that will “grip” your device.

While holding your device within the opposing diagonal corners, align the corners of your tablet or e-reader with these. Finally, squeeze this toward each other to secure your device.

For this in action, view their provided instructional video clip:

The setup was as easy as shown in the videos. For viewing at my favorite reading chair, I could have my iPad Air 2 or my new Samsung Tab 4 Nook at just the perfect angle and height for my viewing or reading pleasure. The base is quite heavy and convincingly stable as I moved the arm about. The counterweight allowed me to confidently angle the displayed device up and down. I could easily angle the device around.

A 3D photo from Phereo.com showing the back view of a device (my Samsung Tab 4 Nook) in place in the stand:

Another 3D photo from Phereo.com showing the Stand in use:

Initially I found the front camera on upper right corner of the Samsung obscured with the default arrangement. When I rotated the holders around to grip the other set of corners and rotated the mounted setup, I didn’t have the holder blocking the camera.

Swivel around to do a selfie with the Samsung Nook

Swivel around to do a selfie with the Samsung Nook

This is a Vimeo video showing me using the Universal SwingHolder:

One application for power-users is keeping an eye on your email or Facebook on your SwingHolder-mounted device near your workstation. Your laptop or desktop screen can be devoted to your applications or major tasks.

As a tripod, the Universal SwingHolder was surprising flexible for angling and positioning my iPad Air 2 for recording video footage of the cats.

For beds of typical height, you can use this unit to hold your device up and beside you while you rest or convalesce. To get it out of the way, you can gracefully push it out of the way.

A provided USB extension cable, which provides one end to connect to your micro-USB, 30-pin or Lightning cable. The other end routes through the posts, through the base and out to connect to your charger block. You can use this setup with a Kensington lock to provide a secured kiosk setup to customers or clients.

Images with additional tablet and e-reader devices:

Looking at a 3D photo of the Stand on a Neo3D0 tablet

Looking at a 3D photo of the Stand on a Neo3D0 tablet

Positioning a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader

Positioning a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader

While the Universal SwingHolder™ Floor Stand is not portable, as in “slip-it-in-your-purse mobile, it is not difficult to move from room-to-room. I have seen photos of its use in kitchens while cooking, which didn’t work in my kitchen because of limited space around our island. However, it has proven itself usable on our patio, while enjoying the evening view of the Las Vegas strip from our Henderson home. While watching light entertainment on TV, the base slides easily under the soft so that it is relatively unobtrusive when in use or when it isn’t. The cats haven’t figured how to tip it over, which is a very good thing.

For $199 (free ground shipping in the U.S.), you get a versatile holder for your one tablet or devices of various sizes. While it is easy to assemble, the base is quite heavy. You may need some assistance if the base is a bit too heavy for you to manipulate or move on your own.

If you will need the use of a stand with an elevated mattress, such as a hospital bed or a home TempurPedic, you might look at the Tall Universal SwingHolder™ Floor Stand instead.

I give the The Universal SwingHolder™ Floor Stand from StandforStuff.com a 10 out of 10. It sets up quickly and easily. Even more importantly, it does what it does reliably and simply. You can use tablets, e-readers and even larger smartphones with it and the gripping fingers provide a stable yet gentle hold.

Preparing review: Universal Swing Holder (Stand For Stuff)

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., General Site News, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

I have the opportunity to review the Universal Swing Holder from Stand For Stuff. The stand caught my eye as a straight-forward way to hold up tablets while at work at a couch. Perhaps it can be used as a free-standing kiosk.

Stand for Stuff, Unopened box

Stand for Stuff, Unopened box

Stand for Stuff, Opened box

Stand for Stuff, Opened box

We’ll document the assembly process (assembly is required) and then the use of the stand.

Review: iCam HD 360 from Amaryllo

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Have you ever wanted to know what was going on at home while you were away? Do you want a security device to video record activity in your home? If these are questions you have asked, then maybe the iCam HD 360 is something for you.

 

iCam HD 360 from Amaryllo. Presented at CES 2014.

iCam HD 360 from Amaryllo. Presented at CES 2014.

 

iCam HD 360, after rotating to the left...

iCam HD 360, after rotating to the left…

 

iCam HD 360: the backside with buttons and SD card slot.

iCam HD 360: the backside with buttons and SD card slot.

 

The iCam 360 HD was first seen in the US at CES 2014. This is a product just hitting the market in the US.  The device is made by AMARYLLO, which is based in the Netherlands. There are basically three models of the iCam.  These are the iCam HD, iCam HD 360, and iBabi HD. All of these devices feature 1280 X 720 high definition video recording and a lens with a viewing angle of 100 degrees. Further they all feature night vision to capture video in complete darkness, a passive infrared motion sensor, an audio sensor, support micro SD recording and have a built in microphone. The iBabi HD also has support for Micro SD MP3 support to play music for the baby. Both the iBabi HD and the iCam HD 360 feature pan and tilt capabilities and provide for 360 degree viewing. Thus while they have some slight specification variations depending on your use and desired features, they work in basically the same manner.

 

What You Need

The iCam is a colorful cube shaped device that almost looks as if it were made from putting large LEGO blocks together. It connectivity is through Wi-Fi, so a good home Wi-Fi system is a necessity. Since it operates from a power plug, it needs to be positioned in an area of your home that has access to an electrical outlet either directly or by extension cord. Since the remote viewing is done through making a Skype video call to your iCam, a Skype account is necessary.  Last, video recording is done on a micro SD card and then uploaded to Google Drive you will need both a micro SD card and a Google account.  You get from AMARYLLO 15 GB of free storage on Google Drive.  Before you purchase a micro SD card, check the AMARYLLO website for compatible brands and capacity.

 

Operation

Among the various remote cameras that can operate from an iOS or Android device, the key selling point of the iCam HD 360 was that you could connect to it over Skype and that it uploaded video to Google Drive.  Further by giving simple commands via the Skype message feature, you could tilt and pan the camera.   You type in L for left, R for right, and either a U or D for up and down. These features made it one of the easiest devices on the market to utilize, especially if one already had a Google and Skype account.

The iCam app provides the basic controls.  The controls include recording at either 720 p, 480p, or 360p; voice controls for turning on the microphone, setting the speaker volume, and enabling two-way audio; Miscellaneous the enables you to turn on or off the night vision, set the time zone, turn on or off the motion control and the ability to grant control to other phones; Wi-Fi AP list showing the Wi-Fi system it is connected to; Skype viewer list that enables you to add Skype accounts for individuals that you want to be able to connect to the camera through Skype; and the controls for turning on or off the motion sensor, audio sensor and setting the audio sensitivity and whether to alert you through a snapshot or a text.  Everything about the iCam is simple and straightforward.  This makes it an excellent choice for those that are not that tech savvy beyond the basics.

 

Setting Up

 

iCam HD: Google Play

iCam HD: Google Play

 

iCam HD: Apple Store (iOS)

iCam HD: Apple Store (iOS)

 

Reference to QR code for Android-specific app

Reference to QR code for Android-specific app

 

Initially my experience with the iCam HD 360 was one of frustration.  Despite the very clear and simple instructions for getting the device up and running, I found the process anything but easy.   I just could not get it connected. After spending several hours attempting to set up the iCam I gave up and turned it over to my more tech advanced colleague.  He also spent far more complicated than the easy 1-2-3-step process found in the instructions.  He did get it to work finally.  However, I felt that if I was going to write this review that I needed to be able to set it up myself.  Thus, I wrote to AMARYLLO tech support and got a prompt reply back to do a device reset and use the specific iCam HD 360 app.
 
With that in hand I sat down to see if I could successfully set the iCam up. I followed the procedures to the letter and spent another 2 hours resetting, reinstalling the app, and faithfully going through the SIMPLE set up steps.  My efforts and time were all to no avail. At that point I felt that I would never write this review or if I did was to pan the iCam as one ornery and anything but simple device. However, to be fair I again sent off an email to AMARYLLO tech support.  Within 15 minutes of having detailed my latest trials and travails with the iCam I got a response asking me to send a picture of the QR scan sticker on the bottom of the iCam. Within 15 minutes of that I got back a response telling me that by mistake I had been sent the European version of the iCam HD that has a lion head logo on the QR code. Thus, I needed to install the iCam HD app rather than the iCam HD 360 app.  In addition to the email response a member of their support team also sent a connect request to my Skype account and offered to walk me through the process step by step via Skype.  Any number of companies could well take a lesson from the prompt and personal support given to me by AMARYLLO.
 
With this new information, I downloaded the app onto my smartphone and then reset the iCam and let it go through its startup process. I then followed the simple installation steps that are contained on the app. You enter your Wi-Fi password, take a picture of the QR scan code on the bottom of the camera, enter your Skype account information, hold your smartphone with a picture of a QR code on the screen in front of the iCam, wait until it beeps once and you are connected.  Simple, straightforward and it all took about a total of 4 minutes.  It really was as easy as described on the app and on the website.

 

Video Recording and Alerts

The last feature that I wanted to comment on was the video recording and motion alert snapshots.  Below is an example of a motion alert snapshot.

 

Sample motion alert snapshot from the iCam HD

Sample motion alert snapshot from the iCam HD

 

Motion and audio alert snapshots appear within Skype. Audio detection alerts and motion detection alerts show up as messages in the iCam’s Skype account.  Skype messages also show that the iCam sent a file. Currently the app version of Skype states “This version of Skype doesn’t support that yet.”  However, I can download the snapshot files in the desktop version of Skype.  The one above opened on my desktop within Skype and I then opened it with my preview program. Since the app version of Skype was just updated, I suspect that the transfer and opening of the file will be worked out in the future.
 

Note: there is some loud static at the beginning on this unedited video. Please consider turning down your audio level before playing.

 

The videos are easily accessed from the iCam app on your smartphone.  All you need to do is to click on the Google Drive icon on the opening page of the app.  The videos can also be accessed directly from logging into Google Drive. You get up to 15 GB of free storage on Google Drive. It is amazing the sharpness of the video. Anyone caught on camera in daylight would be very sharply identified with the HD quality of the video.

 

Two-Way Audio

Another feature of the iCam HD 360 is that it has a built in speaker and microphone.  This enables you during a Skype call to listen to what is going on in the room.  It further allows you to speak and be heard through the device.  The audio is not stellar (it sounds like talking on a walkie-talkie) but it is clear enough that one can hear what is being said.  To clearly hear through the device, the sound needs to be fairly close by and loud enough to be picked up.  I enjoy watching the startled look on my cats when I speak to them through the camera.

In Summary

Despite my early frustrations, I have found the iCam HD 360 a very useful tool to monitor the activity of my cats when I am gone from home.  It also gives me a way to monitor the back entry to the house.  When you have the right iCam with the correct app, the set up is truly as easy as 1-2-3.  Beyond the easy setup, setting up the features for the camera and viewing recorded videos is easily done from the app.  Connecting to the iCam through Skype is also seamless and it is easy to give pan and tilt commands.

Support for the iCam is provided on the AMARYLLO website.

Click on the Support tab and it will take you to a series of questions about iCam settings and services.  When you click these general questions it will take you to a page that will have a series of detailed things that you may be asking or wanting to know more about.   Some of these are then linked to YouTube videos that demonstrate and walk you visually through what to do.  If these resources do not suffice, then you can contact their support team by email.  Given my issues, I found that I needed to do this and was tremendous impressed by how quick the team responded and solved my problem.  Most impressive was how one of the team set up a Skype contact and was willing to walk me directly through the setup process while on a real time Skype video call.

 

The iCam HD 360 retails for $199. It comes in three colors, (red, white and blue; all white; or green on the top and bottom with white in the middle).  The iBabi HD that comes in pink and blue also retail for $199.   The iCam HD that lacks the remote pan and tilt control retails for $149 and comes only in white.  All of the models can be purchased directly from AMARYLLO through the store on their website.  B&H Photo Video also can supply the iCam at the stated list prices.  If you do a Google search you may be able to find the device for $20 less.  I would encourage you to carefully note shipping prices as they may make it more expansive than directly buying from the AMARYLLO store.

 

Rating

The iCam HD 360 is a very versatile remote camera that allows you to view its home area from your smartphone or tablet device.  The iCam HD 360 does everything that it is advertised to do and does it simply and well.  I will not let my initial experience downgrade my review as I discovered that their support services and staff were excellent.

Pros:

  • Easy to set up
  • Connectivity through Skype
  • Recordings viewable and saved on Google Drive
  • Quality of picture
  • Tilt and Pan
  • Support Service

Negative:

  • Lack of more neutral or black colors
  • Upgrades to Skype, Google Drive, and or AMARYLLO app

Since the iCam HD 360  needs to get along with Skype and Google Drive, any changes and updates with them will most likely require an update from AMARYLLO.  I suspect this is the case currently in not being able to view the alert snapshots due to the app version of Skype not supporting the file type in the upgraded version of their program.  This is a common problem today in getting everything to play together nicely all the time.  Last, the bright colors that are offered do little to make the camera inconspicuous in a room.  Thus, for a security device it is rather obvious to anyone entering the room.  It would be nice to have it available in black and other neutral colors so as to better blend in with the home décor.

 

Device: 9 out of 10
Support: 10 out of 10

Stephen C. Anderson
Writer/Reviewer

The iCam HD 360 (from Amaryllo) in action from Rex Suba on Vimeo.