Simon Walsh

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.

Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

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.
Expand
Expanding
Close

When it comes to SSDs, Samsung sells some of the best options on the market. As one of the big players in tech, it is the company’s job to always be on the lookout for how it can push technical boundaries and make a better product year-over-year. With the announcement of its 970 EVO Plus, Samsung is keeping its competitors on their toes.

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the 970 EVO, by providing significant improvements write speeds and more while also keeping its foot on the brakes when it comes to price.
Expand
Expanding
Close

3D printers enable us to create solutions to problems that we would otherwise have to search Amazon for and perhaps never quite find. Before AirPods existed, I ordered a Quirky Wrapster to make carrying headphones less of a mess. You can tell from the low review count that the product never garnered huge success, but it could easily be classified as something that should exist, even if it can easily fly under the radar. With today’s new DigiLab 3D40 FLEX 3D Printer announcement from Dremel, the company inches us closer to a creative and headache-free experience that allows us to make things that no one else is.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Metroid Prime, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Super Mario Sunshine are just a few titles on a long list of nostalgic GameCube releases that immediately came to mind when I saw this epic Nintendo Switch dock mod posted on Reddit.

At first glance, you might think that Reddit user Littlewolf128 simply cut a chunk of the GameCube out and placed his Nintendo Switch inside. As it turns out, the OP went to great lengths to ensure that even the original gamecube controller ports function after the surgery.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Nikon took the wraps off two new COOLPIX cameras earlier today. Dating back to the company’s first COOLPIX in 1997, Nikon has had plenty of time to create a recognized and trusted lineup for consumers. Its latest releases will join the A Series and B Series cameras and have model numbers of A1000 and B600.

While both cameras pack incredible zoom, the B600 is the clear winner in this department with 60x optical compared to the A1000’s 35x. Folks who opt for the A1000 will have a more compact form-factor that makes it easier to carry or stuff in a bag.
Expand
Expanding
Close

I love home automation. For so long I have bought a thing or two here and there to expand my smart home, but up to this point the high-cost of HomeKit-enabled accessories has kept me from going all-in on light bulbs and switches.

When I made the switch to using Alexa as my primary voice assistant, one of the deciding factors was how inexpensive it is to buy Alexa gear compared to competitors that support Apple HomeKit. Head below for a look at which lighting products I’m using to illuminate my home.
Expand
Expanding
Close

When it comes to competing with the leather cases and watch straps produced by Apple, there are not many companies that have what it takes to offer the same level of quality and attention to detail. Of the few that do, Nomad prominently stands among them.

Earlier today, Nomad took the wraps off of its Natural leather collection. Although the company has gear for products made by Apple, Samsung, and Google, the products included in the new release are all made for Apple devices. The Natural leather collection is comprised of two Apple Watch bands and an AirPods case.

Expand
Expanding
Close

There are multiple reasons to pick up a new TV before the Super Bowl. The obvious one is to have the best viewing experience, but an additional perk is that you can typically lock-in some additional savings before the big game. With loads of options out there, it can be confusing which one is right for you. This guide provides a look at the best models at various price points so you can quickly find the perfect fit for your home.

Expand
Expanding
Close

At CES 2019, Ecovacs Robotics showed off its latest robot vacuum, the Deebot Ozmo 960. What differentiates the Ozmo 960 from some of the company’s other high-end cleaners is the implementation of AI that detects obstacles like cables, socks, and more. Once it finds these items, the robot avoids them entirely so it doesn’t clog itself and or damage the item in question.

Without a doubt, this is a feature that every robot vacuum should have, but don’t. Thankfully this type of innovation is bound to expand throughout the rest of the market since it is what consumers expect from automated devices.
Expand
Expanding
Close

It only took a few weeks of using Alexa to make me want everything I own to offer some sort of integration with Amazon’s ever-popular voice assistant. Prior to adding around fifteen Echo Dots throughout my home, I would have seen something like Cybic’s Alexa-equipped Legend bicycle as sort of ridiculous, but now I actually want one.

In addition to Alexa, the Cybic Legend also packs impressive features like Wi-Fi, 3G, and a touchscreen. All of this is put into what I consider a sleek-looking design that I would love to ride along the trails around my home.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Anyone who has spent a fair amount of time using a camera knows that proper lighting significantly increases the quality of both photos and video. Despite this knowledge, many do not go out and buy lighting equipment for a whole slew of reasons, ranging from heat produced to the amount of clutter that it brings to a space. Elgato, a company known for its gaming gear, has set out to fix these problems with its new Key Light.

Expand
Expanding
Close

At CES 2019, Sony has announced five new Extra Bass Bluetooth speakers that are scheduled to join its existing lineup in the near future. These new models come in all sorts of shapes and sizes with its largest, the GTK-PG10, easily being the most intriguing of the bunch considering that it will hold on to four drinks within its built-in cup holders.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Once you have tried Qi charging, plugging in a cable immediately feels antiquated. That being said, very few folks that I know have actually forked over the money to buy Qi chargers for their smartphone. Unless manufacturers begin bundling Qi chargers with their gear, some may skip Qi altogether and go straight for OTA charging when seeing what Powercast has showcased in its upcoming Nintendo Joy-Con grips. The company’s new grips not only extend Joy-Con battery up to 38 hours, they also charge without a cable or charging pad.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Truth be told, outside of the 4K monitor mounted to my desk, I have not really embraced UHD. While this is partly due to not typically seeing a large difference between 1080p and 4K streams, the main reason is a lack of other exciting features to push me over the edge and invest in new gear. With my recently-established love for Alexa, ViewSonic’s upcoming X Series may have what it takes to inch me along in spending the money required on a UHD projector.
Expand
Expanding
Close

If you are anything like me, you have spent quite a bit of time dabbling with smart home gear and appliances. While the majority of the devices that I have spent time with may not have been made for use in the kitchen, GE’s new Kitchen Hub, as the name implies, is meant for exactly that. It’s a ventilation system that installs above your stove that also happens to have a 27-inch touch screen for controlling apps installed from Google Play Store.
Expand
Expanding
Close

The whole internet situation has significantly improved over the past couple of decades. We have upgraded from slow dial-up modems to blazing fast connections that can be had wirelessly. To top all of this off, in many instances the iPhone in our pocket and potentially Apple Watch on our wrist are able to use internet speeds faster than what many folks’ get at home. With D-Link’s announcement of its DWR-2010 5G router, we are one step closer to merging traditional home internet with the simplicity of cellular data. 
Expand
Expanding
Close

In a world of storage manufacturers like Western Digital, SanDisk, and Samsung, ADATA is a brand that seems like relatively new player. Despite the fact that it has been only been around since 2001, the company has earned its place in the market by becoming the second largest DRAM manufacturer back in 2017. ADATA is constantly releasing competitive products in the storage market, and with its upcoming SE800 external SSD, the company clearly has no intentions of slowing its pace.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Up to this point, I have been adamant about using Siri as the only virtual assistant in my home. Feelings on this began to change as Siri failed my wife and I time and time again. Whether it be our iPhones not hearing us say “Hey Siri” several times in a row, or seeing them change the correct transcription of what we actually said into what it thought we said, these failures have really gotten on our nerves. For this reason and many others, I have bought several Echo Dots and am now using Alexa to control my smart home accessories.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Electronic Express (99% positive feedback) via Rakuten is offering the TCL 43S405 43-inch 4K Roku Smart LED TV for $207.99 shipped when coupon code SAVE20 has been applied during checkout. Note: You will need to be logged in to a free Rakuten account to use this code. That’s $52 off the going rate found at retailers like Best Buy and beats the lowest price we have tracked by $22. I own several of TCL’s Roku TVs and love having features like automatically booting to a specific input and full support for HDMI-CEC. Inputs include 3 HDMI 2.0, 1 USB, 1 Ethernet, and more. Rated 4.2/5 stars.
Expand
Expanding
Close