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Technology

Affordable Listening

Skullcandy Ink’d Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

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. 

By Steven Yates

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Technology

Lamenting DESIGNS

What happened to mobile phone designs? New smartphone designs are the same.  They completely lack style. If you have seen one, you have seen them all.  I am looking forward when a tech brand breaks the current monotony. 

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Technology

A review of the SX 740 HS Powershot

I used the Canon Powershot SX 740 HS camera during Pitti Uomo in Florence and in Milan for Menswear Week.  I found it hand and practical for my needs because the best feature was I could slip it into my pocket on the run.  There are many other features to this solid point and shoot including, a zoom lens and top video recording quality.  It is made for being on the go.

I am not a photographer.  I appreciate their work.  It is an art form and skill set I value.   

Stay Tuned, I will have more after Milan Fashion Week.

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Technology

Small but GREAT

A Good Camera 

As a person who is not a photographer but I take pictures at many events like fashion weeks, film festivals, and trade shows. I attended Pitti Uomo and Milan Fashion Week Men recently. Two events where I needed to make a lot of images and videos.

I wanted an SLR camera with many capabilities: external mic, able to shoot in all lighting conditions. Imagine my surprise seeing a point and shoot in the mail.

For YouTube

I got the SX740 HS point and shoot from Canon for a test. At first I was not sure if the camera would fit my needs. I wanted to send it back. To my surprise, the little image maker device worked well, easy to use, and convenient. 4K video feature is excellent, fantastic picture quality. I would say any YouTubber content producer would be happy to have this as their main production camera. It captures details. The flip 3.0” LCD screen is good for selfie lovers. I placed the camera on a tripod, then flipped up the screen for one man production.

The sound quality was my biggest concern because of the loud background noises. Normally I use an external microphone during interviews and commentaries. I made my first video commentary from Pitti Uomo using the Canon SX740 HS The sound quality was fine, good for YouTube and other social media channels.

I liked the portable aspect of the camera. I just popped the camera in and out of my jacket pocket at a moments notice. As I said, I am far from a professional photographer. My strategy for taking pictures, point a shoot, hope I get the right light and composition. I was not afraid to play with the camera control dial. I switched form one setting to another, experimenting with speed and opening.

Shooting in close quarter, I did not use the 40x optical zoom but not as much as I would have liked. I shot a few model on the runway pics without problems.

I did not use the built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features that enable connection to mobile devices. I do not carry a smartphone.

Overall 

Canon has built a powerful camera in a small package. I am not just saying that. Check out other reviews as well.

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Technology

The Philips Connected Blender Final

From IFA the Philips Connected Blender

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Technology

Philips Connected Blender Part 4

So many features, this is not your typical blender. 

Stay tuned for the the final.

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Technology

Part 3 of Philips Connected Blender

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Technology

APPLE 2018


It is the middle of September, the annual roll out of Apple’s new devices is upon us. All eyes are on Cupertino.

Apple Watch is the #1 Smartwatch in the world. It is like taking sand to a beach. Apple Watch is the #1 watch in the world. I’ll be the JUDGE OF THAT! It is ugly. Who wants this thing? The redesigned screen and display is a step above. It is still a niche watch. All the new gimmicks, ECG, heart monitors, Fall Detection. Is this device for an EDERLY HOME? FDA and American Heart Association clearance. The term “complications” being used for the Apple Watch. Sounds like a winning product for the insurance companies. An 18 hour battery life. If your heart stops during the other 6 hours, you are out of luck! I stopped paying attention after the battery specs, no clue about the price.

The new iPhone is becoming a device for everything, gaming, video, and picture.

iPhone 10s, 2 displays 5.8 and 6.5 inch display.

iPhone 10 X SMax. Is a creative smartphone. OLED display. Fast response. Face ID for data protection. The 12 Bionic chip and Neural Engine. It got too technical for me but it is a powerful handset.

Able to process 5 trillion operations per second with a number of Siri shortcuts This phone is about engagement from sun up to sundown.

7MP front camera

The camera is impressive with BROKEH and depth of field benefits.

Battery life 90 minutes longer than the previous devices.

Dual Sims.

Premium prices for all models.

The brand has a sustainable , recycle, give back programs

iPhone 10R Edge to Edge LCD Display A cheaper smartphone for 750 euros.

Haptic Tech. I am not a fan.  It reminds of being hit with a ruler at school. 

Will I buy the iPhone? The price tag puts me off a bit. I can wait. I do not take selfies. I see myself in the mirror everyday.  

Categories
Fashion Technology

IFA 2018 Continues

IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung 

IFA 2018 was not all about the glamour tech of smart phones or pc’s.  There was also a lot on offer for new devices that do not get the attention but are just as innovative.  Check out these 3 stories.

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Technology

IFA 2018 for the HOME

IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung 

No More Burned Meals
1 Billion Sold 
Chic + Washing