Showing posts with label #Gadgets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Gadgets. Show all posts

Friday, June 4, 2021

What Is Amazon Sidewalk, and Should You Disable It?

Sidewalk.jpg?width=600&height=250&fit=cr
On June 8, 2021, most Amazon smart home devices—as well as certain other connected gadgets—will become part of a nationwide network called Sidewalk. Here’s what you need to know, and how to opt out if you choose to.

Read This Article on How-To Geek ›

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/732351/what-is-amazon-sidewalk-and-should-you-disable-it/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Michael Franco



! #Headlines, #Amazon, #Gadgets, #Hardware, #Internet, #Newsfeed, #Privacy, #TechNews, #TechTips, #WiFi, #News

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Should You Charge Your Smartphone Overnight?

charge-your-phone-featured.jpeg One of the biggest questions around smartphone ownership is whether you should charge your smartphone overnight. No smartphone myth has floated around as long or has become as mainstream as the question of charging overnight. Is it good or bad for the phone? Is it dangerous? Can you overcharge? All of this leads to the question of whether you should undertake this practice. The answer is often dependent on who you ask, but fortunately, science can help make sense of this and find the real truth. Related: 5 Apps that Notify You When Your Android Battery Is Full … Read more14443435.gif

Source: https://tracking.feedpress.com/link/12555/14443435/should-you-charge-smartphone-overnight
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: David



! #Headlines, #Gadgets, #Newsfeed, #Smartphones, #TechNews, #TechTips, iphone android smartphone ipad, #News

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Smart home guide for beginners: Make your home more convenient to live in without spending lots of time or money

gettyimages-616878868-3000px-100768087-l

One way to build out a smart home is to buy lots of components—sensors, smart bulbs, security cameras, speakers, and whatnot—and connect them all to a hub that helps them communicate with each other and with you, via your smartphone. But let’s be real: That can involve spending a lot of money and investing a lot of time. And for some people, it’s just overkill. If your wants and needs are simpler, just a few relatively inexpensive products will deliver most of the conveniences a high-end smart home can deliver, and on a much more modest budget.

And if you make sure those smart home products are compatible with each other, you’ll build a solid foundation that you can expand over time. The key is knowing which smart home products don’t depend on a smart home hub to operate. While hubs offer advantages—the most important of which is having a single user interface to control everything—they’re not always essential. One thing you must have, however, is a good wireless router—ideally one that can reach all corners of your home.

To read this article in full, please click here

Source: https://www.techhive.com/article/3297744/smart-home-guide-for-beginners-how-to-make-your-home-more-convenient-to-live-in.html#tk.rss_all
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Christopher Null



! #Headlines, #Gadgets, #Newsfeed, #Smarthomes, #TechNews, #TechSupport, iphone android smartphone ipad, #News

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Google and Samsung Are Teaming Up To Simply Your Smart Home Setup

A man looking at a Nest camera stream on a smart refrigerator.Samsung

The problem with owning smart home devices from multiple companies is all the apps you have to manage. Soon you’ll find yourself struggling to remember which app controls which device. Google and Samsung want to help and announced a new integration that will let you control Nest products from the SmartThings app. Or watch your Nest camera feed on your smart fridge.

Prior to the upcoming integration, if you owned both SmartThings and Nest devices, you had to jump back and forth between SmartThings and Google Home to control them. While voice commands helped, setting up scenes or viewing camera streams was still difficult.

Now Google says can soon control your Nest devices in the SmartThings apps, allowing you to hope back and forth less. That includes Nest cameras, thermostats, and doorbells. And if you own SmartThings appliances, like a smart refrigerator or TVs, you can soon view your Nest Camera feeds through the SmartThings appliance. That can be handy if you don’t have a Nest Display in your living room, but you do have a Samsung SmartThings TV.

The companies also promise that more Samsung SmartThings devices will come with Google Assistant built-in, which will be a nice change from Bixby. If you have a SmartThings oven, you can call out, “Hey Google, preheat the oven to 350 degrees,” and the oven will do the rest.

Google and Samsung are taking integration a step further, too. The SmartThings app will get an update to allow it to set up Google Assistant devices. With more work like this, you may not need to open the Google app anymore if you’re in the SmartThings ecosystem.

Google didn’t give an arrival date for the new features, but it promises you should see the updates “soon.”

Source: Google

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/63618/google-and-samsung-are-teaming-up-to-simply-your-smart-home-setup/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Josh Hendrickson



! #Headlines, #Android, #Gadgets, #Google, #Newsfeed, #Review, #Samsung, #Smarthomes, #TechNews, #TechnologyNews, #News

The 9 Best Tech Gadgets to Beef Up Your Cooking Game

Collage of featured smart home kitchen gadgetsSuzanne Humphries

Every room in your house could benefit from having some fancy-shmancy technology in it, especially your kitchen. There are so many amazing gadgets out there that can make your baking and cooking adventures run smoother and more efficiently, so we figured we’d round up a few of our favorites and share them with everyone. It’s time to turn that tired-old kitchen into a smart kitchen.

From smart Wi-Fi air fryers and instant pots to smart displays that show us helpful recipe tutorial videos, we’re sure these are the best kitchen tech gadgets. After all, we’re huge fans of anything that takes care of the heavy lifting when it comes to cooking, especially when we get to reap the tasty benefits! So, grab a few things off our list and pull a seat up to the dinner table because your meals are about to get even better.

Cook Dinner on the Go: Instant Pot Smart WiFi

Instant Pot Smart WiFi on table next to two bowls of cooked foodInstant Pot

Instant pots are one of the most popular kitchen appliances out there, and with good reason. They can cook all sorts of things, from an impressive Sunday roast to tasty yogurt and birthday cakes. You can even use an Instant Pot as a saute pan, vegetable steamer, or rice cooker. The Instant Pot Smart WiFi combines eight appliances into one—including a slow cooker, steamer, and more—and is a particularly great appliance for home chefs of all skill levels.

The Instant Pot is compatible with Alexa over Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it with simple voice commands. You can also manage what you’re cooking with the Instant Pot mobile apps for iOS and Android, which is packed with over 1,000 recipes and enables you to verify cooking progress and receive alerts while you’re away from home (or, okay, just chilling on the couch).

In addition to the cooker, you’ll also receive accessories like the rice paddle, stainless-steel steam rack, measuring cup, and condensation collector. The Instant Pot itself also has built-in programs for cooking specific types of food, including ribs, soups, desserts, rice, poultry, and more. The inner pot is also dishwasher safe, which we love, making for easy cleanup.

Let Alexa Make You Some Coffee: Hamilton Beach Smart 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach Smart 12-Cup Coffee MakerHamilton Beach

Enjoying a nice cup of coffee whenever you want just got even easier. With the Hamilton Beach Smart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, you can tell Alexa to start brewing your coffee even before you’re out of bed. You can also program it to run at the same time every day, which is great for mornings and afternoon pick-me-ups alike; all you need is the Alexa app for iOS or Android, or an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to kick things off.

The coffee maker can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time and has five clearly labeled buttons for power, brew strength, scheduling, starting a brew, and Wi-Fi connection. The glass carafe is designed with a drip-free pour spout so you won’t have to worry about messes. The coffee maker will even remind you when it’s time to clean it.

Cook Meat Like a Pro: MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer

MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer and companion mobile appMEATER

Nothing is more disappointing than biting into a tough dry piece of meat. The MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer aims to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again with its dual temperature sensors and advanced cook estimator algorithm. The single wireless probe is a cinch to set up and use, and it works in ovens, smokers, and grills with all types of meat. It can monitor internal meat temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and ambient or external temperatures up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit.

The MEATER accompanying app (for iOS or Android) has a guided cook system that will walk you through every step of the cooking process, while simultaneously guaranteeing a perfect and consistent cook. It also lets you set up custom notifications based on desired temperature or duration. The app even has an advanced algorithm that estimates how long to cook the rest of your meal (like veggies and rice) based on the progress of your meat.

Plus, the Bluetooth probe has a range of 165 feet, meaning you can monitor how things are going on your smartphone or tablet from the comfort of your couch. The MEATER smart wireless meat thermometer is also dishwasher safe, so you can throw it in there after a grill session and forget about it.

Enjoy Fried Foods, Skip the Oil: COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer

COSORI Smart Air Fryer next to smartphone with companion app for air fryerCOSORI

Few foods are more delightful than those of the fried variety. And with the COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer, you can enjoy all the benefits of fried foods without any of the extra calories or messy oil. What’s more, you can even control the fryer with voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, or with its companion mobile app for iOS and Android. Plus, the app features over 100 pre-programmed recipes that you can directly connect to the air fryer, ensuring the perfect cook.

Air fryers typically cook faster than conventional ovens and produce crispier and tastier results. You can use this fryer’s series of one-touch presets to automatically cook things like steak, french fries, bacon, bread, and desserts. Or, you can opt to manually program in recipes. The fryer’s updated ergonomic angle makes it easier to view what you’re cooking without straining your neck, and its slim footprint won’t take up much space on your countertop.

Smart Displays

Though it might not seem obvious at first, having a smart display in your kitchen is actually a great idea. You can use a smart display to search for and view your favorite recipes or view a cooking tutorial video if you’re trying something new.

For Google Lovers: Google Nest Hub

Google Nest Hub smart display with YouTube video playing set on kitchen countertop next to lemonsGoogle

For those with Google Pixels or other Android phones, the Google Nest Hub offers a familiar interface and your favorite voice assistant. The Nest Hub makes it easy to search for a recipe or video hands-free, so you can stay focused on whatever you’re cooking. But the Nest Hub isn’t limited to just recipes—you can also use it to control your connected smart-home devices, view your live camera feeds, set timers and reminders, and even catch up on the latest news stories.

And when you’re not using it for cooking, you can watch your favorite videos on YouTube, listen to music on Spotify, look at the weather forecast, or even scroll through your digital photo albums. It also enables you to do things like create routines and reminders, view your upcoming calendar events, and dim your smart bulbs to create a cozy dinner setting.

For Google Lovers

Google Nest Hub



Available now from Google for $89.99.

For Alexa Fans: Amazon Echo Show 8

Amazon Echo Show 8 smart display set on modern countertopAmazon

For those who prefer Alexa to other smart voice assistants, check out Amazon’s new Echo Show 8 smart display. With its 8-inch high-definition display, you can easily use it for reading recipes, taking video calls, watching cooking videos, listening to podcasts or the news, and so much more. The simple device is the perfect addition to your kitchen, and it’s great for keeping you (or your kids) entertained while you cook dinner.

You can also use the Echo Show 8 to control your connected smart devices—like your lights, cameras, or thermostat—or to set up routines for them to run on. Of course, the petite display can also show you your photos, to-do lists, upcoming calendar events, and more. You can even use it to take photos of the meal you just cooked!

Let an All-in-One Oven Help You Cook: Tovala Countertop WiFi Oven

Tovala Countertop Wi-Fi connected 5-in-1 ovenTovala

The next best thing after hiring a personal chef is to get a kitchen appliance that’ll make cooking dinner easier. The Tovala Countertop WiFi Oven has five cooking modes—bake, broil, steam, reheat, and toast—enabling it to cook any type of food properly. It also comes with nine kitchen accessories including a sheet tray, measuring cup, hot pad, drain tray, crumb tray, steamer cover, oven rack, quick-start guide, and a set of recipe cards.

You can control how the oven cooks from your smartphone thanks to Tovala’s companion mobile app for iOS and Android. The app also plays host to a library of chef’s recipes you can peruse, and it can perfectly cook groceries simply by scanning their barcodes, which is perfect for those who love frozen foods.

Keep Your Tea Warm All Day: Ember Temperature Control Mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug against brown backgroundEmber

The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug keeps your tea or coffee warm while you relax, so you won’t have to worry about it getting cold while you’re scrolling Twitter or doing work. The convenient and stylish mug has a battery that’ll last for 1.5 hours, or you can keep things warm all day by using the included charging coaster.

You have control over the precise temperature the mug stays at with the companion app for iOS and Android. The app pairs with the mug to show you notifications and let you set custom presets. The mug also has an auto-sleep feature that intelligently knows when to enter sleep mode and turn it back on automatically when it senses liquid or movement. The mug has an IPX7 rating and is submersible, but it must be washed by hand.

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/64050/the-9-best-tech-gadgets-to-beef-up-your-cooking-game/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Suzanne Humphries



! #Headlines, #Coffee, #Cooking, #Gadgets, #Newsfeed, #Review, #Reviews, #TechNews, iphone android smartphone ipad, #Cannabis, #News, #Science, #ThePlanet

Friday, October 30, 2020

This portable cooler + beer tap turns cans of your favorite brew into frothy, freshly-poured bliss

Finding the perfect balance is essential in practically everything. For beer connoisseurs, that pursuit is no less critical. For true fans, one beer is almost certainly not enough. A full keg is almost definitely overkill. Thankfully, the existential question about the pinpoint perfect middle ground in that age-old debate has now been answered. — Read the rest

Source: https://boingboing.net/2020/10/30/this-portable-cooler-beer-tap-turns-cans-of-your-favorite-brew-into-frothy-freshly-poured-bliss.html
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Boing Boing’s Shop



! #Headlines, #Beer, #Gadgets, #Newsfeed, #Random, #Reviews, #News

Thursday, September 10, 2020

7 best dispensers so you can pour a draught pint at home

<p>This is how to get a real brew on tap at home</p>

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/food-drink/beer-cider-perry/best-beer-dispenser-home-draft-draught-tap-keg-automatic-a8123111.html
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Lesley Jones



! #Headlines, #Beer, #Gadgets, #Newsfeed, #Reviews, #Trending, #News, #WorldNews

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Meet the Oral Sex Simulator That One Reviewer Said Was “10/10 For Me!”

ktoimtmbqfu4gs1arxfh.jpg

As our period of social distancing and quarantine isolation drags on, we’ll be bringing you a series of sex toy reviews to help you make the best buying decisions to keep your solo sex life buzzing along, or to spice things up for couples (or thruples or etc, etc, etc.) who may be experiencing some boredom in the

Read more…

Source: https://theinventory.com/meet-the-oral-sex-simulator-that-one-reviewer-said-was-1844375825
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to Gizmodo



! #Headlines, #Gadgets, #Gizmodo, #Newsfeed, #Sex, #TechNews, #TechnologyNews, #Toys, #News

Monday, July 13, 2020

The Best Portable Coffee Mugs to Take Your Brew on the Go

A reusable coffee cup in sandcarlprescott_photo/Shutterstock.com

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, second only to water and, possibly tea. So, what you drink your daily coffee out of is a surprisingly important question. Single-use coffee cups are an environmental issue. Even paper cups have a plastic barrier on the inside to stop hot coffee from leaking, which makes them harder to recycle.

The simplest way you can help the issue is by using a portable reusable coffee cup. Not only are they better for the environment, but they let you make coffee at home and bring it along when you want to, saving you a few bucks. Really, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have a great one at home—just in case.

What to Look for in a Great On-the-Go Coffee Mug

Reusable coffee cups are for sale everywhere nowadays, but many of them are a pretty poor replacement for a paper cup from your local café. If you are going to the effort of getting an on-the-go mug, get a great one.

Here’s what cup qualities you need to look for:

  • Easy to carry and toss in a bag. These are mugs for when you’re out and about. Big bulky thermoses that won’t fit comfortably in your hand or bag are going to give you more hassle than they’re worth.
  • Take a beating. You shouldn’t have to worry about your mug getting bounced around in your bag. You want something that will replace hundreds of paper cups, not crumple like one.
  • Not spill your coffee. Spilled coffee is both incredibly sad and potentially hazardous to electronics. Again, if you’re getting a portable mug, make sure it’s one that won’t leak.
  • Only keep your coffee hot if you want it to. The problem with thermoses is that they actually keep your coffee too hot. A proper camping thermos will keep your morning coffee undrinkable-y warm until well past lunch time. Make sure you get a mug with a level of insulation that suits your needs—or be prepared to leave it cool with the lid off.
  • Be losable. Or at least not irreplaceably expensive. You’re going to forget your mug or potentially even lose it entirely. Don’t get something you can’t afford to misplace for a week or two.
  • Be sustainably produced. A benefit of replacing single-use products with reusable ones is that they’re more sustainable. Most mass-produced plastic cups are no better for the environment, so look for something made from glass or other non-plastics if this is important to you.
  • Easy to clean. Your cup needs to be cleaned after each coffee, especially if you make some kind of milk-infused drink. Don’t get something that’s awkward to take apart to clean. Also, clean your cup yourself. It’s not your barista’s job to wash your mug.

Best for Your Barista: KeepCup

keep cup

KeepCup is a name that’s practically synonymous with reusable coffee cups. They’re available everywhere—and with good reason. KeepCups come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. They’re affordable, customizable, and great to drink out of.

KeepCup was created by two former-baristas and café owners, and it tells in the small details. They’re designed to fit underneath espresso machines so the drink can be made directly into your mug. The edges are also perfectly curved, which lets your barista get perfect latte art. They’re also simple to rinse, so if you forgot to do it yourself, you might only get glared at (instead of murdered).

With all the options available, it’s really choosing your own adventure with a KeepCup. Personally, I love the 12oz glass and cork model.

Best for Your Barista

KeepCup Brew Cork Tempered Glass, 12oz, Press


The original, and still one of the best. It’s hard to beat the thought that’s gone into KeepCup’s design.

Best Eco Option: Ecoffee Cup

ecoffee cup

Any reusable cup is going to be more sustainable than single-use cups (as long as you actually use it) but there are some specific, even more eco-friendly options. Our favorite of them is the Ecoffee Cup.

The Ecoffee cup is made from upcycled bamboo and corn starch, and “a proprietary resin containing aloe, soy, and <3% melamine.” There’s also some food-grade silicon for the lid. It’s recently upgraded the design, so the new cup is hardier and microwave safe.

Like KeepCups, Ecoffee Cups are available in lots of different sizes with different designs. I’m partial to the 16oz Dark Energy cup.

Best Eco Option

Ecoffee 16oz 470ml Reusable Cups with Silicone Lid Tops, Made with Natural Bamboo Fibre, Dark Energy


Just using a reusable cup goes along way to help the environment, but you can also get ones made from up-cycled materials—like the Ecoffee Cup.

Best for Brewing Great Coffee at Home: Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug

fellow carter everywhere

The Fellow Carter Everywhere mug is a bit bigger—and significantly more insulated—than the other models we’ve looked at, but it’s too good not to feature.

The Carter Everywhere is designed for bringing great coffee with you, rather than getting coffee while you’re out. Its extra-wide rim fits all the most popular manual brewing devices (like the Aeropress and Hario V60), so you can brew directly into it. It also means that when you drink, you get the full aromatic experience of your coffee. Unlike most other insulated mugs, the Carter Everywhere features a thin drinking lip so you get a proper mug-like sip, and it’s ceramic-lined to preserve the flavor of your coffee, too.

That’s not to say you can’t get it filled up at your local coffee shop, it’s just that one of our other picks is more convenient for it. Or, if you want something that’ll keep your coffee warm, check out our full guide to insulated travel coffee mugs.

Best for Brewing Great Coffee At Home

Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug, Vacuum Insulated w/True Taste Ceramic Coating, Matte Black 12oz


The Fellow Carter Everywhere is the best way to bring the coffee you make at home, well, everywhere.


If you look after any of the reusable cups on this list, it’ll last for years and replace hundreds of single-use cups. Even if you don’t use it absolutely every time you get a coffee, it’s worth having one around—every small step helps.

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/47069/the-best-portable-coffee-mugs-to-take-your-brew-on-the-go/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Harry Guinness



! #Headlines, #Coffee, #Gadgets, #Newsfeed, #Review, #Reviews, #TechNews, #News

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Why You Need a Graphics Tablet for Photoshop

drawing-tablet.jpg
A graphics tablet is a computer peripheral that enables you to use a pen or stylus to interact with your computer. They closely mimic pen and paper, making them useful for digital and comic book artists, photographers, designers, or anyone who does any kind of digital art, drawing, or painting.

Read This Article on How-To Geek ›

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/681114/why-you-need-a-graphics-tablet-for-photoshop/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Harry Guinness



! #Headlines, #Apps, #Creativity, #Gadgets, #Hardware, #Newsfeed, #TechNews, #TechSupport, #TechTips, #News

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Underwater scooters are a hot new way to enjoy your summer under the waves

After being stuck in the house for months, you’ve got to be thinking about planning at least one summer adventure somewhere. If that plan calls for some aquatic activities, this could be a good time to try out one of the hottest and most entertaining pieces of watersports tech around, the underwater scooter.

When you go under the waves, just grab hold of the handles and the scooter will zip you through the water, cutting down all the time and serious exertion it takes to make a long swim.

sale_26982_primary_image_wide.jpg?w=970&

Over the past few years, Geneinno has become one of the premier names in the aqua-scooter game, powered by their Trident model ($549.99; originally $699.99). Fire up the Trident’s mighty dual propellers and this scooter has a pair of speed modes that’ll have you cutting through the water at over 4 mph, which is essentially just a touch faster than a world-class swimmer. At home in freshwater, seawater, or even in a pool, the Trident can dive up to 160 feet down and runs for up to 45 minutes on its removable, rechargeable battery. It’s even got GoPro and light mounts to capture amazing underwater footage.

sale_28989_primary_image_wide.jpg?w=970&

If you don’t need to move quite that fast, the Geneinno S2 ($359.95; originally $399) still humps up to an impressive 2.7 mph maximum speed from its deceptively small size. With up to 60 minutes of running time, it’s got enough juice to help improve any snorkeling, diving, or swimming outing. And in case you want to keep a close eye on the training of any young swimmers, the S2 has an app control feature that lets you change and record speed, depth, distance, and battery life, all from your phone.

Or if you’re eyeing the best value, you can right now save $200 off the retail price of the Sublue Whiteshark Mix ($499; originally $699.99).  The streamlined and simplified user-friendly design makes the Mix a perfect choice for swimmers of all levels.  The twin motors produce 17.6 lbs of thrust, enough to propel the Mix up to 3.4 mph to depths of 130 feet. And at just over 7.5 pounds, the Mix is super lightweight and easily fits in the included carry bag for easy transportation and storage. 

Prices are subject to change.

Source: https://boingboing.net/2020/06/27/underwater-scooters-are-a-hot.html
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Boing Boing’s Shop



! #Headlines, #Gadgets, #Random, #News, #Newsfeed

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Amazon kills its coolest Dash product after ignoring it for years

amazon-dash-wand-full-100727046-large.3x

First Amazon took away our Buttons. Now it’s broken the Wand.

In an email to users, Amazon announced that the Dash Wand will no longer be supported as of July 20, effectively killing the coolest product in its automated shopping arsenal. So now if you want to add products to your shopping list or cart, your only option is Alexa.

When Amazon launched the Dash Wand in 2014, it was more potential than phenomenon. It was limited in both scope and geography, but there was something incredibly cool about scanning groceries in your kitchen. Amazon updated it in 2017 with Alexa and gave it away to Prime members, but without any updates or Whole Foods tie-in, the Dash Wand has languished. I don’t know how many people still use it, but my guess is very few.

To read this article in full, please click here

Source: https://www.techhive.com/article/3563557/amazon-kills-its-coolest-dash-product-after-ignoring-it-for-years.html#tk.rss_all
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Michael Simon



! #Headlines, #Amazon, #Cancelled, #Gadgets, #TechNews, #TechnologyNews, #News, #Newsfeed

Monday, June 15, 2020

Ghost boxes, psycho-phones, and other devices for listening to spirits

Dating back to the 19th century, occultists, engineers, and hoaxers have employed new audio technology to communicate beyond the grave. This includes wax cylinders, white noise generators, AM radios, hacked phonographs, and other curious contraptions. Even Thomas Edison got in on the phone, making a machine to communicate with the spirit world. He later admitted it was a joke but, of course, his phonograph does provide the ability to listen to those who have passed on anytime we want. Over at the Daily Grail, John Reppion surveys the history of “Ghost Boxes and Psycho-Phones“:

In 1957 a Swedish painter by the name of Friedrich Jürgenson – a man so famed for his artistic ability that Pope Pius XII had a total of four portraits painted by him at his personal request – purchased a reel to reel tape recorder. Jürgenson only wished to record his own voice singing but, listening back to the tapes, he began to notice strange fadings in and out. In 1959 he and his wife went to spend the summer at a cottage they owned in the countryside, and Jürgenson took his tape recorder along. The machine had been left running outdoors to record the bird song, but on listening back hardly any birds could be heard. What sounded like a thunderstorm of static was, shockingly, interrupted by a loud trumpet and then a voice speaking in Norwegian. Friedrich was amazed to realise that it was the voice of his own long-dead father, seemingly speaking directly to him through the machine. Soon after his deceased mother’s voice also appeared on tape, and this was enough to convince Jürgenson to give up painting and devote the rest of his life to spirit recordings. Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) is the name now commonly given to recordings which are believed to contain communications from ghosts, extraterrestrials, or other entities.

Source: https://boingboing.net/2020/06/15/ghost-boxes-psycho-phones-an.html
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: David Pescovitz



! #Headlines, #Gadgets, #Random, #WeirdNews, #News, #Newsfeed

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Ben and Jerry's releases statement in support of Black Lives Matter stressing 'urgent need to dismantle white supremacy'

ben-and-jerrys.jpg

‘The murder of George Floyd was the result of inhumane police brutality that is perpetuated by a culture of white supremacy,’ ice cream company states

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/ben-and-jerrys-statement-support-black-lives-matter-white-supremacy-a9545981.html
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Sabrina Barr



! #Headlines, #BlackLivesMatter, #BusinessNews, #Food, #Gadgets, #Politics, #Protest, #Trending, #News, #Newsfeed, #WorldNews

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Brass “Touchless Door Openers” Are Everywhere Now—But Do They Actually Work?

Someone opening a door with a brass hook.Keypal

Brass “touchless” door opening hooks (or keys) are showing up all over the internet with a simple pitch: use them instead of your fingers to open doors and punch keys to protect yourself from germs. Brass is an alloy of copper and usually zinc, and copper does have antimicrobial properties. So, will it protect you from germs and more importantly, COVID-19? Probably not, and here’s why.

Copper Does Have Microbial Properties

A brass doorknob on a wooden door.Copper doorknobs really can help stop the spread of germs. Suti Stock Photo/Shutterstock

The first thing to know is that copper really does have antimicrobial properties. That’s why you’ll find brass used on frequent contact items like doorknobs and push plates. But it’s not instant germ death; it can take as long as two hours for copper to kill a wide range of harmful microbes.

We’ve known about copper’s antimicrobial properties for centuries, and the EPA has thoroughly tested it against several viruses and bacteria types, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Influenza A virus, and even fungi. Depending on the purity of the copper, the results were pretty outstanding, with a kill ratio of 99.99% within 2 hours.

We Haven’t Tested It Against SARS-CoV-2

However, it doesn’t mean copper kills every type of bacteria and virus. The number of germs we have tested is far less than the strains of viruses, bacteria, and fungi that exist in the real world.

We haven’t thoroughly tested it against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Without that testing, we can’t be sure it works at all against SARS-CoV-2, and it might not. Even the Copper Development Association, a nonprofit tasked with ensuring the proper public claims of copper, says as much in an official statement on its site. Officially, the EPA only allows claims against six types of bacteria (not viruses).

In early testing, some studies have shown that copper may be effective against SARS-CoV-2 in 4 hours, which is double the time of other bacteria and viruses we’ve tested. But we’ll still need more testing to know for sure.

Copper Doesn’t Prevent Cross-Contamination and Requires Cleaning

A copper handrail with evidence of dirt and paint.A dirty or painted copper handrail won’t protect you from germs. stockphotofan1/Shutterstock

In every statement about copper’s antimicrobial properties, you’ll find two included details that matter a great deal to brass hooks. Dirty copper doesn’t kill microorganisms as effectively, and copper won’t prevent cross-contamination. Here’s the Copper Development Association’s version of that:

Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, uncoated copper alloy surfaces kill >99.9% of the following bacteria within 2 hours of exposure: MRSA, VRE, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli O157:H7. Copper surfaces are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices and have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but do not necessarily prevent cross contamination or infections; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices.

Note the “regular cleaning” and “do not necessarily prevent cross-contamination” portions of the statement.

You’ll see that hinted at in nearly every brass key’s marketing if you look closely. Usually, the terminology is something to the tune of “with regular cleaning and proper handling.” Without cleaning, copper becomes less effective at killing microbes. Or rather, a barrier of dirt and grime builds up that prevents the copper from killing bacteria.

So, the more you handle your brass or copper key without cleaning it, the worse it gets at the one you thing you want it for—killing germs. And given that it can take hours for copper to do its job, if you use a hook to open a door, shove it in your pocket, then shove your hand in your pocket to get it back out—you probably defeated the point entirely. Copper can deposit germs before it kills them.

That’s why most brass hooks manufacturers depict the devices hanging from a belt loop or key chain. But even that’s not a perfect solution; you’ll have to be diligent not to touch the part of the hook that touched a door or PIN pad, or not to brush your hand against the part of your pants that makes contact with your brass hook.

How do you clean copper? Well, that depends on what made it dirty, and how sanitary you want to make the hook. But according to the Copper Alloy Stewardship, “standard hospital cleaners are compatible with antimicrobial copper materials…” but you need to be careful to use something that won’t leave the surface “waxed, painted, lacquered, varnished, or otherwise coated.” That goes back to interfering with the interaction between copper and germs. 

And, of course, if the brass hook you buy turns out to be brass plated, then you run the risk of damaging the brass while cleaning it, thus destroying any chance of killing germs.

So, What Should You Do?

You may be wondering if brass hooks aren’t the magic bullet to protect yourself from germs, what can you do? Well, there isn’t a singular magic bullet, unfortunately. The EPA does have a list of disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2, but you’ll likely find them in short supply.

As the CDC suggests, the best thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly, and avoid touching your face and nose when you’re out in public. Wearing a mask can not only help protect you from infection, but it may also help with the goal of not touching your face. It’s a physical barrier, after all.

Even if you do use a tool like a brass hook, you’ll still need to wash your hands early and often. Did you handle the brass hook to open a door? Wash your hands anyway. And specifically, you’ll need to do so for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap.

If you want the perfect version of washing your hands, you can go beyond singing happy birthday twice and follow the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Google will help you with that if you ask.

And naturally, in addition to good hygiene, self-isolation is a good defense against infection. The more people you encounter, the higher your risk of exposure. Conversely, avoiding people also avoids the risk of exposure. And if you still aren’t sure, check reputable sites like the CDC and NIH for more information.

But ultimately, $20 spent on soap and hot water is a safer bet to protect you from infection than a brass hook filled with vague but just inside the bounds of legal promises.

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/42304/brass-touchless-door-openers-are-everywhere-now-but-do-they-actually-work/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Josh Hendrickson



! #Headlines, #CoronaVirus, #Gadgets, #Health, #Review, #Reviews, #TechNews, #Coronavirus, #News, #Newsfeed

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

The Best Coffee Scales for a More Consistent Brew

Artistically arranged coffee with beans and pourovermavo/Shutterstock.com

To make great coffee at home, you need to be consistent—whatever brew method you use. There’s no point having a great morning cup of coffee one day and a terrible one the next.

The simplest way to get consistent with your coffee is to use weighing scales and a stopwatch. If you always use the exact same amount of ground coffee and water, and, depending on your brew method, pour in the water over the same period of time, you’ll have very similar cups every day. It’ll quickly become part of your morning routine.

What to Look for in a Coffee Scale

You probably already have a weighing scale at home but, if it’s not a dedicated coffee scale, it’s unlikely to be sensitive enough for brewing coffee. Here’s what you need to look for in a good coffee scales.

  • High Accuracy: Coffee beans are pretty light, so a good coffee scale will be accurate to the tenth of a gram (around 3/100ths of an ounce). If the scale is only accurate to the half gram, or worse, the whole gram, you won’t be able to consistently measure out the same dose of coffee.
  • High Precision: With weighing scales, there’s generally a trade-off between the speed of the measurement and how precise the measurement is. Good coffee scales are still fast—but they prioritize precision. If the measurement jumps around a lot as you add water, it’s almost impossible to be consistent with your pours.
  • A Digital Readout: Analog scales are impossible to read accurately enough for brewing coffee. All good coffee scales have a responsive digital readout.
  • A Built-In Timer: Most dedicated coffee scales have a built-in timer. It’s really useful as you don’t have to look at a stopwatch or clock to time your brews. While it’s not an essential feature, we’d recommend getting a scale with a built-in timer when you can.
  • General Utility: We’re loath to recommend scales that can only be used for coffee. Instead, a good coffee scale should double as a good general kitchen scale. It should be able to weigh accurately up to at least a few pounds so you can use them for cooking, baking, and other simple weighing tasks.

Now, let’s look at some scales that will do the job.

A Great Affordable Weighing Scale: Coffee Gator Coffee Scale with Timer

coffee gator scalesCoffee Gator

Coffee Gator’s Coffee Scale with a built-in timer is a great coffee scale—though it will weigh anything else you want, too. At $20, it’s one of the most affordable scales that’s accurate to a tenth of a gram, so you can weigh out small quantities of beans time and time again. It’s not limited to small quantities though; it remains accurate up to 6.6 pounds, so you can easily weigh out the ingredients for a good-sized cake to go with your coffee.

For pour-over, the Aeropress, and even a French press, it’s a good idea to time how long it takes your coffee to brew. You can use the stopwatch on your phone, but it’s less convenient to look between different displays. That’s where the built-in timer on the scales come in handy. As soon as you pour the water into your brewer, you can start the timer and track things perfectly.

The Best Coffee Weighing Scale: Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer

Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer

Hario, the Japanese manufacturer responsible for the V60 coffee brewer is one of the most important companies in coffee brewing. It’s no surprise that its dedicated pour-over coffee scale and timer is one of the best out there.

The V60 scale is accurate to a tenth of a gram. Even better, the scale is remarkably precise: the weight doesn’t jump around too much as you pour water into your brewer, so you’re unlikely to overshoot.

Also, the V60 has great minimalist styling. You can leave it out on your countertop ready to go and it won’t look out of place. This is the scale I use at home and it’s been great.

The Best Coffee Scales

Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer, Black


The Hario V60 scales are a great looking, precise scales from one of coffee’s biggest companies.

A Tiny Option for Travel: American Weigh Scales Blade

american weigh scalesAmerican Weigh Scales

If you like to make great coffee on the go, you need a small scale that can fit in any bag (or even your pocket). The American Weigh Scales Blade, at just 3.8-inch by 3.8-inch by 0.8-inch, is perfect for the job—and still accurate to a tenth of a gram.

The Blade uses a clever pop-out LCD display to stay so compact. It also comes with a lid that doubles as a measuring tray to protect the scale from any bangs and scrapes.

If you’re putting together a travel coffee kit, it’s the scale for you.

Best Travel Coffee Scales

American Weigh Scales Blade Series Digital Precision Pocket Weight Scale, Black, 1000 x 0.1G (BL-1KG-BLK)


American Weigh Scales’ Blade is absolutely tiny. Perfect for making great coffee on the go.

A Smart Scale for Tracking Your Brews: Acaia Pearl

acaia pearl scalesAcaia

It seems like there is a smart version of every household appliance available, and coffee scales are no exception. The Acaia Pearl is a high-end coffee scale with a built-in timer. Like the other scales, it’s accurate to a tenth of a gram. Unlike the other scales on this list, it has Bluetooth.

You can use the Pearl as a regular extremely accurate (if expensive) coffee scale, and it’ll work perfectly. However, it’s the Bluetooth connectivity that sets it apart. You can connect your Pearl to your smartphone and use Acaia’s suite of apps to improve your coffee brewing. For example, the Brewguide app has brew recipes for different coffees, and you can upload and share your own. The Brewmaster app logs information from your brews, like the ratio of coffee to water, flow rate, and brew time, so you can repeat them exactly—or see where you deviated.

If you’re just going to use the Pearl as a coffee scale, it’s not worth the cost. The Hario V60 is a third of the price and just as good. However, if the idea of logging every cup of coffee you make appeals to you, then Acaia’s apps might be enough of a reason to upgrade.

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/41214/the-best-coffee-scales-for-a-more-consistent-brew/
Droolin’ Dog sniffed out this story and shared it with you.
The Article Was Written/Published By: Harry Guinness



! #Headlines, #Coffee, #Gadgets, #Review, #Reviews, #TechNews, #News, #Newsfeed