Like everyone, I am making the most of working out, running in the park everyday, sprinting on stairs. But my gym recently opened with new protocols, less equipment, new routine. Change is good, but I wanted to turbo charge my workout. Garmin watches have a reputation of durability with a fitness following.
Sprint the stairs
My first impressions: A bit complicated to set up but it is my first time with the device. Thankfully, there are many YouTube videos. I managed to get the basic data up and running.
Garmin Tech
The Workout Zone
Still working on how to navigate the interface. I took the watch for a run in the park, then a round at the gym. Slowly, I could around to having a digital fitness partner.
Stay Tuned for the unboxing and my opinion on the Garmin 945 watch.
What did Steve think of the affordable Monolith Headphones?
The Monolith Headsets kit on display.
First, the Monolith M300 Planar Headphone set is sumptuously packaged in a deluxe black box that slides out to reveal a leather case with Velcro closure containing a heavy duty plastic headphone with long nylon cable, and metal adaptor. There are also different size plastic ear hooks included which offer adaptability to the user. However, they’re not so flexible. The pieces have a sense of breaking easily which could lead to the trouble of finding more durable replacements. Also included are no less than four sets of ear plugs for added comfort. Overall, the aesthetic is not exactly state of the art. Instead going more for endurance against wear and tear (despite the ear hooks) as opposed to a trend-setting look. The latter could have been easily achieved, perhaps Monolith is looking for an alternative appeal in the market.
The sound performance, ultimately the most important aspect, is where the M300 Planar is at its most competitive. Whether it is on the Laptop, Smart Phone or Amplifier. There is a definitively balanced, detailed and spacious stereo soundscape clarity which elevates it to the level of a practical choice at mid-price level and should ensure customer satisfaction. Compared to other headphones in its price range there is a conspicuously louder and more balanced sound, layered in its frequency while very harmonious on the ear. Overall, if its sound first and foremost the user is looking for, then the M300 Planar does well against its competitors.
Where the headsets falter is the heavy black nylon cable with bolt-like adaptor. This is reminiscent of an old electric guitar lead. It might not be everyone’s choice, particularly to youth buyers.
I have been in the market for a new laptop. Currently, I use a MacBook Pro. Loyalty is a not factor because I have had different brands over the years. My needs change or evolve when it comes to work devices.
Given a chance to test the HP Spectre gave me an opportunity, why not? I know the HP brand but I am not familiar with the companies product line. Certainly, I did not think they had a stylishly designed product that would fit my needs. I had a pleasant tech surprise.
My Impressions
The Box
My initial reaction: A nice finish, pleasing to the eye, and easy to put under the arm in a rush with the leather case.
Battery life is good. The flat keyboard is comfortable with a responsive touchpad. The overall performance, fast, while easy to use.
While I was using this Spectre I broke my arm, then in a cast for 7 weeks.
I had a mixed impression of the facial ID system. Without glasses, fine, there were problems wearing glasses for identification. I used the ID code.
The portability factor, weighing around 3 pounds, worked for me while traveling around Italy and France on a working holiday. I used the tablet feature for spontaneous on set conversations. When writing I put in the table top setting. The tent mode was good for breakfast meetings.
I had a touch screen PC in the past. Using one again reminds me what I missed about them. They are intuitive and easy to use. The 13 inch backlight screen is sharp.
Staying in the premium league for Spectre, the Bang Olusen speakers are good for those like me who listen to music while working.
The Modes
Working in the South of France
I had no problems with heating while simultaneously keeping many windows open.
HP is positioning the Spectre for those searching for a style with reliability in their PC’s. You will not be ashamed sitting at a cafe using this slick device.
To my surprise, even the accessories were well designed.
Lastly
About this review, sadly, I broke my and ended in the hospital and with a cast for almost 2 months. I did not have the opportunity to really put the Spectre through a more rigorous test. However, overall, I liked the PC.
Quick Specs
Intel Core CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, micro sd port, 13 inch touch screen
I knew I had a noticeable camera for covering Paris Fashion Week Couture when the hotel staff told me to be careful walking around the city with a camera like this. The warning: Do not let that camera out of your sight. I took it to heart. The funny matter of the situation. At many events i got asked, “Are you a photographer?” I could have been in the photographers pit. I gained respect over my other colleagues carrying an iPhone. There is still credibility having a DSLR.
Felt good on my shoulder
The Canon EOS 750D feels and looks like a good professional camera at an entry level point. I managed to get some fast shots sitting front row. At 6fps combined with 24.2 pixels, I did not worry.
Perfect in a Low Light Setting
I got the pics
The Auto Focus was reliable. I used the control dial a bit depending on the lighting situation never sure whether to use the screen or view finder for a shot. I noticed I got better shots with using the viewfinder. The common critical thread about the viewfinder for this model is the viewfinder only covers 95%, not 100%. It means the user has to be careful when framing a shot or prepare for a surprise reviewing the images later.
Simple TouchScreen
Paris
Canon EOS 750D
The simple to use touchscreen flips making it easy for me to use the HD video feature. I produce walking video commentaries on the streets of the French Capital while dashing to a show. I mix producing both videos and pictures but need something light to carry around on the run. If the quality is good enough for streaming online immediately, I am happy. The 750D matched those needs.
A runway shot
Fashion Designers
I did not use the WiFi Connection for my tablet. There is a Canon app for controlling the camera remotely.
As a creative device The EOS 750D has good merit. There is no need to spend an arm and leg to go to the next level. There are enough goodies to stay in the content production game.
At IFA 2019, I met Tamy Ribeiro at the Shift Automotive Conference. Tamy spoke on the subject of the changing automotive field. New technologies have risen challenging the classic models of transportation. As an expert on topics and trends shaping mobility today and in the future, her opinion is valued in an ever changing industry.
What peaked my curiosity was the fact a female executive talking about both technology and automotive subjects. Both industries are highly male driven with only a few women getting a corner office. After a chat, I asked if she could answer a few questions on the obstacles a woman faces in these worlds. Mrs. Ribeiro said, “Yes”.
Tamy Ribeiro
The Interview-Part One
Women are speaking out in other fields, has the tech area been slow to respond?
I think this is a very broad issue, and sexism is prevalent in almost every industry on the planet. It’s common knowledge the tech industry has been dominated by men essentially since its inception. It does bother me to know companies like Amazon rarely offer information on how female employees are treated at the workplace or how many are in leadership positions. I believe that transparency is the first step towards a fairer future.
Nevertheless, progress is being made. It’s my job to spread awareness for the tech company I work for. I’ve made a career for myself in a male-dominated industry. I’d love to see more women doing the same in the future, and it’s going to take a team effort for us to get there!
A Presence in 2 Fields
Why did you choose both tech and automotive as a career field?
My journey into mobility was not the traditional path. First, I started my career in travel and then after over a decade of work I had a mid-life crisis and I decided that it was the best time to start my life over again by moving to Germany to raise my kids. I joined Wunder in 2016 to do a one-month internship and conclude a course without expecting a long-term contract – I was actually enjoying going back to this student life. I planned to keep studying after concluding it.
However, I fell in love with the company and its mission. Moreover, I saw a great opportunity to learn by doing. I had the support of my leadership team to gain the experience and skill sets I desired. Luckily, I had the chance to grow with the company and see it expand its portfolio and presence worldwide. Both industries are challenging for women, but to be honest, that’s why I loved it since day one.
Advice
What advice would you share with a woman starting in this field?
Always believe in yourself, even when it seems impossible. You are more capable than people would have you think. Your opinions are valid, and you are just as smart and knowledgeable as the other men on the team. Don’t let their bravado fool you! Often it’s the ones who talk the loudest who know the least. Don’t be afraid to speak up and have your voice heard.
Do you get asked certain “woman” questions?
If by “woman” questions you mean things relating to my appearance or how I could possibly juggle all my work with motherhood, I’ve been fortunate – most people just leave me alone about that. When and if it happens, I think them so insignificant and I feel so embarrassed for the person that I don’t waste my time feeling bad, I feel sorry. Instead of putting myself in the victim position, I feel privileged for having more clarity and access to information than the person who is asking me the question.
Sexism is Real
Sexism, how would you explain the experiences?
I consider myself strong and well prepared to deal with sexism. One of the reasons is because tough challenges are key to my personal motivation. There is nothing more rewarding than listening to a sexist comment and proving with numbers and facts that the person is wrong afterwards. I’m not saying that it doesn’t affect me – I had several moments in which I smiled at the situation then turned to the next page and kept working. But afterwards, I had to hide myself to get my breath back.
However, when you start seeing it as a challenge to overcome and you end up accomplishing what you had in mind, no words are necessary. Nothing makes me prouder as a woman than looking back and seeing how many sexist voices I could shut up by simply continuing to achieve my goals – I truly believe that this is the most effective way to make them notice their failures and reconsider their way of thinking.
Melissa Myer and Meg Whitman made it to the top of big tech companies. Can they be used as examples of the tech field being diverse?
Melissa Myer and Meg Whitmann are both hard-working, highly intelligent women who deserve to be in the positions they’re in. Nevertheless, I would be careful of using them as “examples”, seeing as how they’re both white women from privileged backgrounds. The tech field is not diverse – to say anything to the contrary would be sort of ridiculous. Women make up 59% of the total workforce, but they only make 30% of the workforce in tech companies. To make matters worse, of the 41 Fortune 500 tech companies, only five of them have a female CEO. So while I applaud Melissa and Meg for their contribution to the industry, I don’t think they signify diversity in tech.
Tamy Ribeiro is Chief Mobility Evangelist & Head of Partnerships for Wunder Mobility based in Hamburg, Germany
A very, very, busy at IFA to say the least. Is the hype around 5G real? I attended the Key Note Address by Qualcomm Head Cristiano Amon turned my head around on the subject. The informative talk gave me a lot of insight. A new industrial revolution could be at hand.
The other keynote address by Huawei’s Richard Yu showed the direction the tech giant brand is headed. The new Kirin Chip is small and fast. Additionally, the debut of new phones in pleasing colours showed the company is moving to challenge Samsung and Apple in the lifestyle tech area. The Freebuds 3 are similar in look to other earbuds. I will report on them later. According to Mr. Yu they are vastly superior.
Stay Tuned for more coverage. A bit overwhelmed by IFA 2019
Samsung showed off its technical prowess by unveiling its highly anticipated Galaxy Foldable Smartphone. A welecome design change to the market in my opionion. I saw the new phone from a far. The display counter was chalked full of tech press waiting to get their hands on it.
The Korean Brand also showed off a closet steamer for clothing care. As a fashion editor, I gave it a thumbs up.
IFA 2019 is around the corner. Our coverage starts September 4 from Berlin. 27 halls filled with A.I.,Virtual Reality, Connectivity, Headsets, and Automotive devices. All the latest news and trends from world’s most important consumer electronics show.
The IFA Innovation Media Briefing 2019 showed the world of connectivity is expanding. The emphasis was centered on lifestyle. New home appliances with features aimed at making life easier were shown. I was reminded of those 1950’s television commercials showing new microwave ovens to housewives
A.I. or Artificial Intelligence moves forward. But the subject is so large it felt we are seeing pieces not the whole picture. The moral implications as well as social aspects were examined.
Korean brand LG launched a new washer machine with the meaning “durable” as the center piece. (See Video) After seeing the demonstration I can say, “That is Durable”. A second piece of added technology is the steam function, making clothing less wrinkled after washing.
The Medisana droid is the Star Wars is here now moment. A robot with multiple cameras, screen, and self movement made for senior care monitoring. Soon, R2D2 will soon be a household appliance.
WMF Fondue Grill
Small appliance goods producer WMF introduced a few products for relaxing. A herbal pot with light, a wine chiller, and a table top fondue set for 8.
Tech giant Samsung is rolling out Bixby. A smart-home voice service challenge to Google Assistant and Alexa.
Karcher Steamer
I hate moping floors. The Karcher floor steamer maybe my life saver. The brand still produces in it’s home country, Germany.
The Inside Info
The side conversations at IMB were interesting. They are opportunities for learning inside information and getting real opinions.
Media Gathering Berlin Dome
Google Assistant and Amazon now dominate the home leaving Microsoft and Apple in the dust.
Will American technology dominate in the future in the face of Trade Wars?
I was a bit surprised by the lack of mobile phone technology this year.
Stay Tuned for full coverage of IFA 2019 starting September 6th. We will have the latest news and trends.
The first thing you notice about these Skullcandy Ink’d wireless Bluetooth headphones is how light they are. Initially this can give the impression of them being cheap and disposable. But you will soon find that the opposite is true and the design grows on you. They are a flexible collar-style fit and extremely comfortable. What’s more, after a short while you barely feel that you are wearing them. This makes it easy to go about your daily duties, at work or jogging in the park, with ease. The slim low-profile design means not attracting attention. They easily blend in to whatever you are wearing.
As for the quality, Skullcandy’s Ink’d is a consistently decent sound quality that compliments its already comfortable design fit. For one, it avoids the treble and bass push you get from many contemporary headphones so has a balanced decent clarity sound in the midrange. The drawback on reduction in bass means these aren’t going to be the greatest headphones for every type of music. However, it still competes well against other neckband-style Bluetooth headphones on offer.
It also functions as a headset for making and receiving cellphone calls with an instant pause on the music as notification. The integrated remote is on the left side of the neckband and the controls are large and easy to operate by touch. When fully charged, the battery life is somewhere around seven hours which is pretty good. Perhaps the only drawback is that it’s missing extra features like magnetized buds and there’s also no way to adjust the cord lengths. Overall though, better than it looks and definitely competitive in its price range.
