For users of technology on-the-go!!!

Category Archives: Internet, Schminternet

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

.

Kwilt Shoebox, box back

Kwilt Shoebox, box back

.

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

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

.

Kwilt Shoebox, equipment before unboxing

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment before unboxing

.

Kwilt Shoebox, equipment spread out

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment spread out

.

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

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

.

All plugs occupied

Kwilt Shoebox: all plugs occupied

.

Only power brick plugged in

Kwilt Shoebox: only power brick plugged in

.

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

.

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.

Steve’s finally ordered iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for Rex

Posted on by Posted in General Site News, Internet, Schminternet, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

Steve gave it a decent try: got in line before 8 am on Friday, September 19th. He was in the 25th position but the Apple iPhone 6 Plusses were gone by the 6th person.

He braved it later in the morning so I could go with him as I had nominally decided to consider the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which was released from pre-ordering the day before.

Steve at ATT with demo iPhone 6 Plus

Steve at ATT with demo iPhone 6 Plus

In the interest of curiosity and research, I have opted to go with the also-recently announced Samsung Galaxy Note 4. After considering what made me unhappy with the Sprint-issued Samsung Epic 4G and the context of the limited audience that model served, I am committing the next 18 months of my life back to an Android-based smartphone. I’ll still very much have my iPad so I will still be dependent somewhat on the iOS universe. Besides, with my purchase last year of the Neo3do tablet, I never really left.

SM-N910 Charcoal-Black, Combination Pen

SM-N910 Charcoal-Black, Combination Pen

My phone is projected for an October 17th delivery date. Steve’s iPhone 6 Plus is some time in November…

Review: iCam HD 360 from Amaryllo

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

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.

3D Videos of CES 2014

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Destinations and Departure-Points, Fashion Forward, General Site News, Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

The videos are gradually being completed. For every successful edit and render, I have had four or five incomplete attempts.

The footage was shot with a Sony stereoscopic video camera, is being edited on an i7 Sony VAIO with 12 gigabytes of RAM and a 2-gig nVidia video card with the Sony Movie Studio Platinum but the system just seems to struggle.

If you want to have access to the entire collection when it is ready (Days 1, 3 and 4), please try this link.

I am compiling ideas for posting here and on our companion blog, rexonline.us. Our notes here will be portable- and mobile-focused

First look: Office Mobile for Office365 Subscribers

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, App-etite, Internet, Schminternet, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

Up to this point I have relied on third-party products to work directly with my Microsoft Office documents. This past week, Microsoft made one small step toward more direct support on iOS devices: Office Mobile for Office365 Subscribers. While this app itself is free, You must have a subscription to Microsoft’s Office 365 service for this to be of use.

On my iPhone 5, can open, view and do basic edits and manipulation of the basic file formats.

This product, strangely but not surprisingly, does not (yet) support the iPad or Android devices.

More later.

technotraveler.com’s look is changing…

Posted on by Posted in General Site News, Internet, Schminternet

The theme we have been using up to this point has received no significant attention from its creator. To ensure that the experience is consistent within the offerings of a theme, we are changing and upgrading our current look to another. Please bear with us during this construction. We should be firmly in place by late March 5th (Tuesday evening), U.S. Pacific Time.

Review: BlueWi Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System (from CES 2013)

Posted on by Posted in Accessories make the traveler, App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., Fashion Forward, Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

In November 2012 – just weeks before the Consumer Electronics Show – a CES 2013 Design and Engineering Honoree award was given to BlueWi for their product: the Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System. This product goes takes the now-ubiqitous Bluetooth earpiece or headset to the next level. Courtesy of Julie Oien, BlueWi’s Business Development Manager, we had the privilege to test and review this product. This modular, multi-location, audio package really has a number of possibilities that a mere headset can only dream of addressing. To say we were impressed would be an understatement.

Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System

Nighthawk Bluetooth Microphone Combo System

The features, as stated on BlueWi’s website:

Nighthawk Bluetooth Multifunction Microphone on the road (from the passenger seat!)

Nighthawk Bluetooth Multifunction Microphone on the road (from the passenger seat!)

  • Longer talk time
  • Greater clarity.
  • More comfort and safety.
  • From on-person to hands-free.
  • Control MP3 Bluetooth devices.
  • Free recording app for smartphones.

What was in our starter package:

  • A removable earbud
  • The multifunction, clip-on, microphone unit
  • An external speaker attachment
  • USB cable
  • Wall charger unit
  • Instructional pamphlet

 

External Speaker Attachment (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

External Speaker Attachment (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

Removable Earbud (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

Removable Earbud (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

Available for separate download directly from the BlueWi website is a free recording app.

The reason I stated “starter package” is that the Nighthawk system can also be combined with some additional pieces that really make this a great package for extended hands-free talking for those who are doing customer service, law enforcement and other mobile/conversational tasks.

At the center of the Nighthawk experience (I’ll refer to the unit by this name, from this point on, to make references shorter) is the multifunction wireless microphone unit. It appears to be the most substantial, multi-faceted part of the system package. The form factor feels sturdy and finished; no rough or sharp edges.

Microphone Unit with External Speaker Attachment (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

Microphone Unit with External Speaker Attachment (BlueWi Nighthawk Microphone Combo System)

  • There is a combination power/pairing button at what is the bottom of the unit. When you are playing music, you can use it as a “play/pause” button. You press this same button to accept and hang-up on telephone calls. Pairing was simple and straightforward (I always read my instructions anyway); worked as expected the first time.
  • Two buttons on the front of the unit serve as volume controls when held; they serve as “advance/reverse track” buttons when tapped.
  • There is a USB power connector on the right side. According to the instructions, it takes up to three hours to fully charge the unit. The instructions specify a 150-hour standby time and 12+ hours of talk time.
  • On the top of the unit are the embedded microphone and the 3.5 mm port. You can plug in the provided earplug, the provided external speaker attachment (which looks like a large black vitamin with a 3.5 mm plug) or any other output device that has a 3.5 mm plug.
  • For future applications is a “PTT” (push-to-talk) button on the left side of the unit.
  • On the back of the microphone unit is a clip that swivels. This was most important so that I could click the microphone to the air vents in my Honda Accord.

Here is a video with a basic demonstration of the microphone in use with the external speaker attachment and with the AUX-in in my car:

The provided earbud is decent for a start but most users who will be also listening to music or audiobooks in addition to speaking will have more substantial listening accessories. One reason to be thankful for the earbud is the length of cable, or rather, the lack of length. The cable is only 14″ long and so (for clipping on to a shirt collar or pocket) there was just enough length to provide a comfortable looseness between the microphone unit and my ear.

Using the Nighthawk with the provided earbud.

Using the Nighthawk with the provided earbud.

Using the unit during a 35-minute exercise walk provided a useful test of the connectivity. I connected my Sony over-the-ear headphones while I listened to an audiobook and walked. I didn’t enjoy having the extra cabling of the Sony headset, so I really appreciated the relative shortness of the cable on the provided earbud.

Using the Nighthawk with a wired stereo headset.

Using the Nighthawk with a wired stereo headset.

There was a bit of interference when I got started with the walk. As the walk proceeded, I could easily adjust and manipulate my iPhone 5 wirelessly (it was in the pocket of my sweats), as described in the instructional pamphlet. The sound passed through was quite good and was almost as crisp and clear as the direct wired connection using Apple’s provided earphones.

The provided external speaker attachment caused a bit of feedback at the other end of a call when I had the microphone unit at full volume. Lowering the volume reduced the amount of feedback received at the other end of the call but then I couldn’t hear the speaker as well over the road noise (a Honda issue more than a Nighthawk issue). Connecting an extension cable significantly reduces the feedback but then I have the added worry about where and how to elegantly secure the speaker unit when moving about.

There are two benefits that truly make the Nighthawk something special. In addition to be able to easily transition the sound use from in-car to indoors to exercise, there is the BlueWi app which, when paired with your smartphone, turns the Nighthawk into a wireless lavalier microphone.

Setup screens for/of BlueWi app for iOS:

[SlideDeck2 id=1838]

 

BlueWi app - what it looks like when in action (iOS)

BlueWi app – what it looks like when in action (iOS)

Here, I have left the car with NPR playing. The installed BlueWi app is running while I record my video, so the audio from the radio (that the Nighthawk is picking up with the embedded microphone) is my soundtrack. I walk away from my parked car and the sound is cleanly recorded until I return the car and conclude the recording.

For a real-world example, we have Julia Oien using the Nighthawk as a mobile lavalier microphone in the “What are Parents saying” video on her animemomnow.com blog and website.

Another real-world example of the Nighthawk in use is this law enforcement demonstration, provided on the BlueWi site:

The sturdy form factor, the 12-hour talk time/150 hour standby time and the transitional usage of an audio product would be useful “as is”. But a convenient app for mobile recording of audio for your smartphone video (or audio only) enhances this product and adds up to a 10 out of 10. Clear documentation and detailed instructions (provided with the unit as well as on the BlueWi website) make use clear and set-up a breeze. A truly versatile product for those of us on-the-go!