Simon Walsh

For several months now, I’ve been dabbling in the Alexa ecosystem. This has been due largely to frustration with Siri and the steep pricing associated with HomeKit-compatible products. Through this endeavor, I’ve found Amazon’s voice assistant to be smarter in many ways, but as you would hope, Alexa’s Head Scientist, Rohit Prasad, thinks the platform can go much further.

At the EmTech Digital 2019 Conference, Prasad said, “The only way to make smart assistants really smart is to give it eyes and let it explore the world”. This statement certainly seems logical since a robot would be able to more easily learn about its surroundings.

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If you’re anything like me, when hearing about a Yale product announcement, your mind probably jumps straight to its robust smart door lock line-up. Well it just so happens that the company’s latest product is not a door lock at all. It’s actually a feature-packed security camera.

The new Yale security camera is being touted as an all-in-one device as it features light, sound, and well, a camera. Yale appears to be taking a page from Apple’s book by simply calling it the new all-in-one camera. It’s made to work both indoors and out, making it a well-rounded option that will suit many consumer’s needs.
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If you’ve bought a car within the last few years, there’s a good chance it already has a backup camera. Like many features, backup cameras used to be expensive add-ons, but are now standard in many new vehicles.

For the people out there with an older vehicle that lacks a backup camera, there are a slew of aftermarket options out there, but they typically require some sort of wiring. The new Garmin backup camera sets out to alleviate this with a few other tricks up its sleeve.
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With smartphones satisfying many folk’s photography needs these days, companies that develop dedicated cameras are being forced more than ever to ship new products with compelling features and designs. Sony is one of these companies and despite growing pressures, its latest release shows it is far from throwing in the towel.

Being touted as the ‘world’s smallest and lightest’ premium ultra-compact camera, the Sony RX0 II is a truly impressive piece of tech. Its tiny form-factor sports a 15.3 megapixel sensor that’s capable of shooting 4K video. A rugged external shell contributes to water, dust, shock, and crushproof ratings.

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Not very long ago, I too was on the hunt for a beginner 3D printer. I spent several hours pouring over a slew of the options, but still didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. Once I made my decision, I placed my order and have had a blast ever since.

In this guide I will cover three options for folks who are just getting started and don’t want to be overwhelmed. I’ll also include a bonus suggestion for those of you looking for a bit more of an adventure.
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Earlier today Sid Shuman, the Director of Social Media at PlayStation, announced that the console manufacturer would begin hosting a recurring news event called State of Play. As you may expect, the event will cover updates revolving around PlayStation 4 and PS VR including new game trailers, announcements, and more.

Considering that PlayStation pulled out of E3, it is exciting to see that the company plans to return to the stage not just once, but in a recurring manner. Now that Nintendo has Direct and Microsoft has Inside Xbox, the announcement of PlayStation’s State of Play is certain to be welcomed by its fans.
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Dyson has been hard at work developing new products. The company and its employees can now officially reap the rewards of their efforts after having introduced not one, but three high-end products for the masses. As most would expect, an upgraded V11 vacuum is one of the new gadgets, followed by the Pure Cool Me personal purifying fan, and finally, the product I find the most interesting, the app-enabled Lightcycle task light.
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Just one day after HP announced its all-new Reverb VR headset, Oculus has unveiled its latest Rift offering. Sticking with the branding of its most popular headset, the Oculus Rift S delivers a robust feature set at a rather compelling price.

The Oculus Rift S brings resolution enhancements, increased comfort, and an improved light blocking design. This is just a few of many ways that Oculus is planning to deliver one of its best PC-compatible headsets to date.

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The new HP Reverb VR Headset was announced earlier today, and boy, it sure does pack a punch. The company unveiled its new headset during HP Reinvent, an invitation-only event that is hosted once a year.

With a resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye panel and a 114-degree field of view, the new HP Reverb VR Headset without a doubt has garnered attention from competitors like Oculus, HTC, and Lenovo.
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The number of hits that come up when searching for a new gaming headset can easily overwhelm anyone. This is a category where I can be confident when saying that a high percentage of the results are not worth the investment.

For a product category like this, it’s likely best to stick with brands that have been in the business for a while and have a solid track record of pleased consumers. Turtle Beach is one of these and its all-new Turtle Beach Recon 70 Series headsets are a follow-up to the best-selling Recon 50s with new features at a budget-friendly price.

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From lawn mowers to grills, it seems that all the tools we know and love are getting smarter each day. In some instances it is arguably unnecessary, but when it isn’t, we are all left wishing that we had a bit more expendable income to throw at whatever the new gadget may be.

Today’s new Wi-Fi-enabled tools include a line up of new Traeger smart grills. Technology packed inside the grills is largely what most would expect, allowing users to tweak temperatures, set timers, and keep an eye on how warm or cold the food is. The companion app offers a variety of recipes that can be downloaded directly to the new Traeger Smart Grills.

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Razer has been developing gaming peripherals for going on two decades now. Its products have become loved and well-respected by consumers and have also pushed the envelope when it comes to what’s available in the industry.

Up to this point, the only real caveat to shopping Razer has been that its products can be somewhat costly. With the release of this new Razer gaming lineup, the company attempting to reach customers that have been put off by high prices. At launch, the new Razer gaming lineup consists of three products that include a keyboard, mouse, and headset.

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Over the past few years the projector market has been booming. ViewSonic recently debuted its impressive portable projector and Anker isn’t holding back either. While these two offerings merely scratch the surface of what’s going on, they do paint a picture of what consumers are looking for, and that’s portability.

With the release of the Miroir Ultra Pro Projector M631, consumers now have an option designed from the ground up to work with iPhone, iPad, MacBook and Apple TV. It weighs less than two pounds, is battery-powered, and charges via USB-C.
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It’s not often, but there certainly are times, when I miss the simplicity and reliability of plugging into a physical headphone port. While most would agree that the benefits of wireless headphones easily outweigh their drawbacks, there are times when wired connections can be preferable. Moshi now has a forward-thinking solution for when those times occur.

With the release of Moshi Avanti C, the company has a new pair of wired on-ear headphones that embrace a USB Type C future. By focusing less on USB-C in addition to 3.5mm, Moshi Avanti C achieves wider compatibility for newer devices.
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I’ve been using the Polk Audio Command Bar for several weeks now. While no one can argue that there is a shortage of sound bars on the market today, finding a solution with Alexa baked-in is an entirely different story.

Many will wonder if paying a premium to have Alexa in a sound bar is worthwhile. The answer largely depends on how much your household relies on Amazon’s voice assistant. If everyone is used to conversing with Echo Dots (as am I), then it could offer increased convenience for those in your home.

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Whether you’re interested in concerts, sports, art, theater, or many other event types, Ticketmaster is often one of the best ways to find a way in. The company’s ticket-selling dominance comes from spending over forty years in the industry and always being on the lookout for new ways to serve its customers. The company is relentlessly continuing this pursuit with the launch of a new Alexa skill. Once enabled, the Ticketmaster Alexa skill will allow users to search for, then hear a list of events which they can purchase tickets for using its service.

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While there is no shortage of smartphones lens kits, this doesn’t mean that finding high-quality solutions for your next trip is not a difficult process. Amazon is flooded inexpensive options that can be prove to be quite tempting, but they may not end up delivering photos worth the effort of lugging them around.

With the launch of high-end Black Eye smartphone lenses, companies like Moment and Olloclip will face stiffer competition than before. Black Eye refers to its new offering as its Pro Kit G4. It is comprised of three lenses made for wide-angle, telephoto, and fish eye shots, along with a handy carrying case makes it fit nicely in purses, backpacks, and more.

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Outside of PCs, all major gaming systems out there still accept physical media. For many this is still their preferred way to play. While I do not fall into this category (and have not purchased a physical game in years), discounts and the ability to resell beaten games on discs (or cartridges) are not lost on me.

According to a report published by Windows Central, Microsoft is likely preparing to release a digital-only version of its popular Xbox One S. The internal code name is ‘Xbox Maverick’ and preorders could open up as early as next month. It is anticipated that the new console will be called the “Xbox One S All-Digital Edition”.
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If I had to start from scratch and rebuild my smart home, outside of lighting accessories, Alexa-enabled wall outlets and plugs would easily qualify as one of my highest priorities. While this is largely due to the easy toggling of fans, lamps, and more, it’s also partly because of the energy usage information that most tend to offer.

This feature has provided me with the ability to zero in on which electronics suck up the most energy in my home. Not only do they provide this information in kilowatt hours, but some even offer an estimated cost, laying out an easy-to-understand figure that allows you to tailor usage habits.

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It was just over a month ago that Amazon officially announced the launch of its new Scout delivery robots. If you missed that news, Amazon’s robots will initially be accompanied by people, but there isn’t much question that the goal is full automation at some point in the near future.

Now that you’re caught up to speed on that, prepare yourself for the FedEx SameDay Bot. The SameDay Bot is FedEx’s approach to Amazon’s Scout robots, albeit a more utilitarian design that can actually climb steps. The FedEx SameDay Bot is made to make local same-day delivery options more accessible to consumers.
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With the launch of 1TB microSD cards and the new Sony CFexpress memory cards, the capabilities packed into such small devices can be quite stunning. Additionally, the prices continue to drop at a rapid pace, making it a no-brainer to go all-in on digital Switch games with such inexpensive 400GB microSD cards.

While the new iteration of Sony CFexpress memory cards may not reach 1TB, they do double-down on performance. Well, they actually ratchet things up a bit more than that with speeds tripling its most-recent CFast memory card series. Additionally, Sony CFexpress memory cards are capable of withstanding quite a bit of abuse and accidental damage.
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Much like Apple does with its store catalog, Target reviews and curates the items that make it into its retail and online outlets. Target does this to make the shopping experience a high-end one by weeding out options that are of lesser quality. Naturally this approach has prevented it from letting third-parties sell on its website like Amazon and Walmart currently do.

The company has unveiled a solution that keeps customers from being overwhelmed but also allows it compete on some level. It is called Target Plus (displayed in marketing as Target +) and according to the company, third-party offerings will still be curated in an attempt to keep the shopping experience simple.

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If you’re getting a bit tired of paying a premium for HomeKit-compatible smart devices, you’re not alone. For years I’ve been all-in on Apple’s ecosystem and until recently HomeKit was an area that thought I’d never switch away from. This all changed when I purchased a bunch of Echo Dots over the holidays and began dabbling with the skills that Alexa wields.

I absolutely love the simplicity offered by Alexa when it comes to voice control, but abhor the moment when I need to launch the Alexa app. In this guide, I’ll show you how I put IFTTT Webhooks to work so I could use iOS Shortcuts with Alexa-compatible devices.
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The Microsoft Kinect has had a somewhat strange life. It was first debuted as a device that accompanied Xbox 360 consoles then later on it was refreshed and released alongside the Xbox One. Kinect was perhaps at its peak during the Xbox 360 days, when folks were moving on from the hype of Nintendo Wii.

Since its Xbox One refresh, talk and use of Kinect for gaming may have dwindled, but this hasn’t stopped Microsoft from completely rethinking how Kinect technology can be remain relevant today. With its latest release, Microsoft is following-up its Kinect for Windows with a much nicer device for advanced AI software development.
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I’m a hardcore Mac user, but even I’ll admit that quite a few gaming PC components are very eye-catching. Just like anything, bright multi-color LEDs can look ridiculous when overdone, but when someone pieces everything together just right, it can be mesmerizing.

Corsair is a company that is constantly churning out RGB PC gear. From products like the Crystal 570X Case to the LL120 Dual Light Loop Fan, Corsair has something out there that’ll grab nearly anyone’s attention. With the launch of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB, folks looking to upgrade their RAM will now be able to pick up sticks that sport a bunch of RGB LEDs.
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For the Anker fans out there still on the fence about installing security cameras, the company has a new offering that could check all the boxes for most. One look at the Anker eufyCam E Security Camera paints a clear picture who the company is competing with and that’s Arlo.

Many of the features offered in the Anker eufyCam E are quite impressive. At the top of the list for many is 365-day battery life. Additionally a ‘top-of-the-line’ Sony Exmor sensor yields “crisp” footage (even at night) and no monthly subscription fee required are sure to help many make the Anker eufyCam E their obvious choice.

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If you are a fan of Mario games but prefer the PlayStation ecosystem, there’s a good chance you have spent some time playing the LittleBigPlanet series. The simple fact that it sports easy controls and couch co-op make it a must-have for most gamers since the series is quite approachable and creates a foundation for pro and amateur players to have fun together. Media Molecule, the team responsible for bringing LittleBigPlanet to the masses is nearing an Early Access release of its latest game, Dreams. Anyone who missed its debut at PSX 2017 can compare it in some ways to Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker.

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Whether you are a fan or not, virtual reality is a technology that does not appear to be going anywhere. While companies like Apple and Microsoft push alternatives like augmented and mixed reality, there is arguably something far more immersive about VR as demonstrated in a recent release from LEGO. This is an argument that is only getting stronger now that the Varjo VR-1 Headset has officially been unveiled.

Features like advanced eye-tracking and a mind-boggling 3,000 PPI resolution without a doubt make the Varjo VR-1 headset a top-tier device. High profile companies like Unreal, Epic, and Audi have said as much and all tend to agree that it is the best out there.

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When it comes to buying robots, there is a vast supply of options to consider. Many of the choices available aim to not only be fun to interact with, but are also educational and help users learn how to code. Not all robots are created equal as the Sharp RoBoHoN robot line-up has much loftier goals than many of Amazon’s best-sellers.

Sharp is showing a continued interest in developing RoBoHoN. The company has announced new and updated models that are now available for pre-order. The second generation includes three robots distinguished by one that is always seated, and another that walks and connect to Wi-Fi, and finally, a top-tier walking option that also wields LTE connectivity.

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While this McIntosh may not be made by Apple, the attention to detail in McIntosh Lab’s new Wireless Loudspeaker System certainly matches up with what we’d expect to see if it were. Dubbed the RS200, this powerful speaker system is a clear step up from McIntosh’s nearly two-year old RS100.

This should not come as too much of a shock when considering the RS100 is a bookshelf form-factor that sells at 1/3 of the price. That being said, features like AirPlay 2 and Alexa support make McIntosh’s latest release a no-brainer when going all-in on audio equipment.
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When it comes to playing video games on-the-go, the last decade has brought us a robust line-up of options. From iPhone and Android to Nintendo Switch and 3DS there is certainly no shortage of games to play.

Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions has delivered several authentic NES games to the masses, but the Switch’s form-factor can still be too large to carry in some circumstances. To combat this problem, Super Impulse, the makers of Tiny Arcades, is at it again with a new design that is as small as a credit card.

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If you follow Leica, you know that this is a company that obsesses over every attribute of its products. Like most companies with a similar attention to detail, Leica charges a premium for its work and innovation. We are certain that its latest release will be no exception.

The Leica M10-P ‘ASC 100 Edition’ has been developed by the company as a tribute to 100 years since the founding of the American Society of Cinematographers. This version of the Leica M10-P sports a gorgeous black and gold design with the ASC logo placed prominently across the lens’ top plate.
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We have all done it. We’ve gotten roped into watching QVC pitch the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos. This typically leads to one of two outcomes, either we pick up the phone and order the product, or chuckle a bit, roll our eyes, and move on.

No matter which camp you find yourself in, Amazon is vying for your attention too. The company calls its take on the experience Amazon Live. It is very similar to what QVC viewers are used to watching in addition to the perks that Prime subscribers benefit from.
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More and more folks are decking out their homes with smart plugs, motion sensors, door locks, and lighting. While adding gear to your home can be exhilarating, it can also be daunting when attempting to ensure that every device can talk to one another.

Samsung SmartThings and Wink hubs have existed for many years to help to bridge the gaps, but Hubitat thinks it has a solution that beats the competition in several areas. It’s called Elevation, and like SmartThings and Wink, it works with big names like Alexa and Google Assistant, but also has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.
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If you’ve ever been on a trip and wished that you had smaller bag for toting essentials during the day (or night), meet the Wandrd VEER 18. Instead of hauling a large and hefty bag around once you’ve made it to your destination, VEER is a packable backpack that shrinks to fit in a travel-sized option.

Once you’ve removed VEER from your travel bag, it expands into a fully-functional backpack. An inflatable back panel and camera cube ensure that even when your expensive pieces of gear jostle, they will be protected against potential damage.

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When it comes to online gaming — especially when playing shooters like Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Fortnite, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds — the impact of audio should not be underestimated. These types of games require you to react quickly with precision in order to stand a chance.

With the announcement of four new gaming headsets, Logitech aims to have an option to suit the needs of most gamers. All of its new offerings are a part of the company’s G line-up, which (unsurprisingly) is focused on gaming. Two of the new headsets feature Logitech’s LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting, a perk that synchronizes illumination with its similarly spec’d gear.

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Ever since I bought fifteen Echo Dots, I have been on the lookout for more ways that I can lean on Alexa for help throughout the day. As with any voice assistant, there are areas in which I find Alexa lacking. One major disappointment that is always on my mind is how some skills do not support multi-room audio. Even with occasional letdowns like this, I am happy with my investment in the Alexa ecosystem and want to share some of tips and tricks that I have learned on my adventure.
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When comparing DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with smartphones, the beefier devices tend to win in photo quality and performance categories. This is not too surprising since camera tech captures more light and detail with larger sensors and lenses.

There is an area that smartphones have been leading in. It’s the ability to shoot 4K video at 60 fps. Apple introduced this capability in its iPhone lineup back in 2017 with the launch of its 8, 8 Plus, and X devices. Since then, many Android devices have added it, but DSLRs are still lagging behind. With Panasonic’s new Lumix S Series, we are coming closer to that no longer being the case.
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When it comes to gaming, many folks prefer a keyboard and mouse, but few (if any) actually prefer gaming on a touchscreen. Game controllers are generally the preferred input method, but it can be a jungle out there with many platforms being choosy regarding which devices they will play nice with.

SteelSeries, a company that is definitely a staple in the gaming industry, has taken the wraps off of its latest controller. Stratus Duo aims to be platform agnostic thanks to having multiple wireless technologies which allow it to work on mobile devices, PCs, and many VR headsets.
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Not only is Panasonic’s new HomeHawk FLOOR a strange device, but the debut of said product is also a bit odd. I feel this way because the company is testing the waters through a new Indiegogo campaign. While it is not rare for large companies to test the reception of a new product on a crowdfunding site, it is certainly not a common practice.

The HomeHawk FLOOR’s greatest strength is also its biggest weakness. This is its ability to blend in without making folks feel like they are being watched. While this is a step forward in many ways, it is also a tad creepy.
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Projectors have received a bad rap for a while now. With fierce competition from both major players and newcomers like Anker, we’re seeing companies in the projector market rethink everything. If you’re unconvinced, have a look at the Nebula Capsule which pairs the convenience of battery power and Android OS into a soda can-sized device.

InFocus, a company that’s been making projectors since 1986, has put its best foot forward with today’s announcement of two new projector lines. The IN1100 and INL3100 Series serve two different audiences with the former prioritizing portability and the latter brightness.
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Turntables have been making a comeback over the past several years. There are loads of options out there that folks love to use for consuming both old and new records alike. While I can understand the appeal of this, I find the bulkiness of most turntables to be off-putting.

By combining a turntable with a slew of other additional features in its latest offering, McIntosh has produced an option that hits not two, but several birds with one stone. By taking this approach, consumers may find themselves more inclined to add a turntable to their home.
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Nintendo has a track record for shipping incredible games, many of which cash in on nostalgia since the company still produces follow-up games for series that initially got their start on NES. Metroid is one of them.

At E3 2017, Nintendo created a ton of excitement for its fans when announcing that a new Metroid game was in the works for its Switch console. Aside from providing the name Metroid Prime 4, the company did not share many details. Since then, information about the game has been lacking, with an explanation of why hitting the web earlier today.

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If you own or have owned a projector, you are likely aware that they tend to have some drawbacks when compared to TVs. A few that come to mind include loud fan noise, dim projections in bright places, and failing lamps.

Panasonic’s new PT-VMZ50 Series takes aim at all of these issues while also managing to deliver it in the “world’s smallest and lightest” form-factor in its class. With the release of its new series, Panasonic may help pave the way for better projectors across the board.
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If you are one of the 800,000 people that live in Snohomish County, Washington, you may soon see one of the first 6-wheeled Amazon delivery vehicles out for a stroll in your neighborhood. These cooler-sized package delivery devices are referred to as Scouts and to my eye, look very similar to one of Anki’s adorable robots.

Amazon Scouts are capable of self-navigating down sidewalks and delivering packages to the proper destinations while rolling at an average walking pace. Scouts do not appear have a ton of room inside, so do not expect to see them when ordering hefty or bulky items.
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