Tag: gadgets

Categories
Fashion

Roll or Fold

Do you fold or do you roll for a trip?  One of the main concerns for men packing for travel is how minimalize wrinkles.   Philips has solved this problem with a convenient device Steam&Go 2 in 1 Handheld Garment Steamer.  Compact, able to fit into a carry on or a 48 hour bag, the Steamer is the perfect device for quick touch ups of pants, shirts, ties, and suits.  Clothes are ready to go and wrinkle free.  The question of fold or roll has been answered.

For more information on Philips Steam&Go 2 in 1 Handheld Garment Care Device go to: Philips

A Black and Paper Production

Photographer:Dale Grant

Stylist:Hercules Terres

Categories
Fashion Technology

Hasselblad Review

hasselbladHasselblad X1D Review

How did you start as a photographer?

I became a photographer by chance.  I was studying International Relations in Paris, then panning to go to London to study law but as fate would have it I had a good friend who was a photographer.  I began assisting him then fell in love with the camera and photography.  That is how I started my career.

What camera do you normally use?

I have always used Nikon cameras,  usually I work with the D750 and the D810.

You tested the Hasselblad X1D, What where your initial feelings about the camera?

I was curious when the opportunity arose to see how the mirrorless medium format performed because I knew the reputation of the brand. When I have important commercial shoots and the budget allows I place Hasselblad on my wish list, great image quality.  However, I was never hands-on with a camera because I let my assistants do all the necessary adjustments and settings.

Testing the X1D I was very hands-on.  It feels great, light, the ergonomic grip is comfortable.  Usually, I use a neck strap because I do not want to risk letting the camera drop out of my hand, especially one that costs 9400 euros.

I found the camera setting menu very well edited.  It felt like I did not have to go through as many camera settings in the menu as I do with my Nikon.

I really enjoyed the touch screen for viewing and settings, very simple.

zzb7027771How fast can the X1D shoot images?

The camera is fast but focusing can be difficult.  Maybe I was doing something wrong but the lens I was using (XCD 90mm f/3.5) only had one focal point. I had to focus on the model and then reframe the image while my finger was pressing the shutter button half way down.  I am used to the Nikon focal multiple point system.  I found this annoying because it resulted in unfocused pictures.

Using a Medium format camera was there a higher level of expectation?

Yes! The expectation was higher and I was not disappointed.   The images were sharp.

Was the Camera Interface Intuitive?

Before reading the camera manual I wanted to see how intuitive the camera was for a new user.  The camera interface is adaptable quick, ready to usage for a short period of time.  I was able to make adjustments and began shooting.   The manual was good for referencing, very complete.

The Auto Focus Mode

The Auto Focus was very fast, perhaps faster than my Nikon.  I was shooting in low light but I had no problems with the setting.

ISO Mode

Shooting in low light I sometimes had to shoot as high as 6400 iso but I did not lose the image sharpness.  The grain quality was acceptable when blowing up an image 100 times in Photoshop.

Battery Life

This was my biggest disappointment.  I went through a fully charged battery after only shooting 500 images.  Luckily there were extra batteries in the test kit.  For outdoor shooting where there is no access to electricity the camera is a disadvantage.

The fashion production you shot with the X1D, how did the camera perform?

zzb7027553Overall I enjoyed shooting with the X1D.  I could use high ISO settings in addition to opening the aperture to 3.5.

I was happy with the results I produce with the Hasselblad X1D.

 

Dale Grant is professional photographer, instructor, and Black and Paper contributor.

For more information: www.dalegrantphotography.com

Categories
Technology

Black and Paper Christmas List 2016 AfterShockz

Tech Q&A Review from Black and Paper 

aftershockzThe AfterShockz Wireless Trekz Titanium Headphones are connected via Bluetooth to smartphones and other listening devices.  They are good for running, and other exercise.

What did you like about the AfterShockz Wireless?

While I am riding my bike using the headsets I can hear everything around me, in traffic this is important for safety. I can use wear them with my helmet.  Because the sound travels along the jawbone my ears are free.  The headsets are easy to connect to different devices.  I wore them around the house while doing other things they were very comfortable, the fit was snug.

When I was in the room I could listen to two different sources. I am the type of to have a conversation and listen to my audio book.  I listened to football games while sitting on my terrace.

Was there a disadvantage with wireless technology?

The sound quality dropped a bit with music.

How was the battery charge?

Fine, I managed to listen to a hold game and then some on one charge.

Would you recommend AfterShockz Headset?

Yes, my work colleague asked me about it.  He bought one for himself and his girlfriend.

On a scale of 1 to 10 what would you score the device? 8.5

AfterShockz Wireless Trekz Titanium Headphones are available in stores and online.

Categories
Technology

Power in a Small Box

From IFA 2016.  Christmas means a lot of new gadgets as gifts. All those new devices will need an added energy source.  We recommend Xtorm power banks. They are stylish, reliable, lightweight, versatile, and powerful capable of recharging a MacBook.

 

 

This item is a part of the Black and Paper Christmas 2016 Gift List.

Xtorm
Categories
Technology

iPhone 7 impressions

I went to the Apple store to see the latest releases.  They look sleek.  they feel good in the hand.  They perform the way one would expect, but given the level of expectation for the new iPhone 7, after playing  with the latest version of the iconic smartphone, I left the store feeling like the hype was over blown.

Do not get me wrong, the iPhone 7 has plenty of merit.   Performance wise it is a smooth operator.  There are so many features including: water resistant, longer battery life, camera and the most obvious missing detail: the headphone jack.

The Black iPhone looks good.  The larger Plus model I did not like.   The larger iPhones seem awkward.

While at the table I felt the dazzle of previous Apple products was missing.  People (not as many as past product launches) were playing with the phone but not so many inquiries.  That I could actually play with the all the display models on the first day of sales speaks volumes.

I am waiting to see and test the earbuds.

This go round Apple has replaced inspiration with something one step above constant.

The Apple Watch Area of the store was empty.  Need I say MORE!

 

Categories
Technology

DXO One Camera Coming Soon

dxo_one_standalone_front_0042

Categories
Technology

CNET on Smartwatches

 

I am a frequent CNET reader.  I likes this article from the site. 

These are the top five reasons smart watches don’t sell. There’s a brand new Apple watch. Yay. That sums up most people’s responses. Pretty much any smart watch. The time has arrived to dive into the five. At number 5, small screens. How much functionality can you cram into a tiny screen? Let’s look at what happened with phones, shall we? Phones started out with tiny displays. They grew and grew. Then smartphones got huge. Do people need huge wrist cuffs like Leela on Futurama? Not necessarily and that brings us to number 4. Interfaces aren’t there yet. How do you interact with a watch? That you read the swaps, reach gestures a better the turn to select things maybe you tops it. All of those are ways to use Mola watches today. And that the problem, there’s still A great way to use these things. And number three, battery life. The purpose of any watch is to tell you the time. Whenu’re concerned your smart watch could die on a daily basis, the function of the watch part of the smart watch comes into question. At number two, they’re pricey. Smart watches suffer from high prices for several reasons. First, it’s not cheap to put a touch screen computer on a light weight wrist wearable device. Secondly, it costs money to make them look not cheap. Is there a magic price point for a smart watch where all the flaws can be overlooked. Maybe. But there’s still just one giant problem. There’s no killer app. This is the simplest reason why smart watches haven’t taken off like smart phones. Smart watches lack a true compelling reason to exist. When the majority of the functions can be replicated by the other devices that most people carry all the time, their smartphone. Go check out more Top 5’s at TOP5. CNET. COM. I’m Iyaz Akhtar, I’ll see you online.

If you would like to see the video please go to:CNET.com

 

 

Categories
Technology

IFA

 

IFA16 Highlights

Bang and Olufsen

Futuristic minimalism in the shape of a cone from Bang and Olufsen, always known for superior sound quality, the brand played to its strength by introducing two wireless 360 degree speaker designs, the small BeoSound 1 and larger BeoSound 2.  Both are rechargeable with a battery life of 16 hours.   The shining models stuck out but I liked the softer toned ones.

Sphero

Star Wars Fans will have hours of fun with the motion controlled BB8 droid.   The wrist band enables the user to push and pull the droid with arm gestures.  The app describes in details how to full use the small robot.   I saw a demonstration.  It could get addictive, connective toys are the future.

Aedle

Designed and made in Paris, Aedle headphones are for those looking for a subtler but higher style quality with headphone gear.  Constructed with fine leather and other materials there are two choices to choose, over ear or in-ear, both are elegant.   When I travel to Paris I will interview the team behind the brand.

Philips

The consumer brand giant had two products we liked.  The new Innergizer blender can mix anything in a moment.  The second appliance we played with was the Air Cooker, no grease, or oil is needed, all is done by recycled hot air even French Fries.

ZTE

Affordable high end smartphone from the ZTE with Axom 7 mini, a smaller version of the company’s flagship phone but still packing a punch using Android 6.0  OS featuring a 5.2 inch screen, all metal body and curved designed. it delivers a number of good features without breaking the bank including  Dolby Speakers and a 16 megapixel camera.

Huawei

I handled the phone, it is smooth and stylish but what attracted me the most were the colors blue and red.  It is slim and light with a Leica camera.  I have not tested the device yet but soon.

Honorable Mentions

SkullCandy

Skullcandy’s New Crusher Wireless headphones looked nice.  A good accessory for the street wear looks. Check back here for a review.

AfterShockz

I am testing their new sportswear wireless headsets, so far so good.  Check back for the full review.

Xtorm

A better source of mobile recharging, the company improved the capacity of this year’s power bank models while retaining an attractive design. (See our upcoming video)

Samsonite

Added new class to their collection with a slim wireless power bank fitted for a 15 inch laptop integrated into a travel backpack.

Dbramante1928

Affordable leather carrying  cases designed in Denmark for every tech device.  The material is sourced from India.

Fossil

A company introduced a number of wearables this year to track and monitor all activity.  We are using one now.  See the upcoming review.

Keep checking back for more reviews and interviews on tech.

 

Categories
Technology

Apple’s Latest

 

I have not seen the phone, this post is based on my reaction from the iPhone 7 press conference.

I  still think the Apple Watch is a Hula Hoop of technology.  A dated piece of hardware before you unbox at home. If you have $369 or 319 euros invest in a watch that will last more than a season or you will look as stylish as polyester bell bottom pants.

The iPhone 7.  Is this product beginning to show its age? The brands strategy is an upgrade here and one there will be enough to please devotees.   There are two categories of phones, the higher price 7plus with souped up cameras armed with 32 GB or 256B it feels like emotional blackmail to spend more money.   Water resistant, dual speakers are nice features, the latter more so because the new smartphone has no headphone jack,  comes with an headphone adapter, but $180 for the Apple wireless earbuds/Airpods is steep.

I know Apple is a cult of coolness with many faithful followers but this time I feel like the loyalty is being taken for granted.  The more expensive iPhone 7 phone feels like a tacky status symbol, a parody of what it once was.

Categories
Technology

IFA 2016

IFA 2016 Highlights

YEVO

An intriguing product was the Yevo 1 smart wireless headphones.  These small, futuristic earbuds reminded me of Lt. Uhura’s ear piece from Star Trek, with touch control, 20 hour battery life and a microphone. There is a noise cancellation feature.  We did not test them but I will keep you posted.

MONSTER (Showstoppers)

New generation of headphones and a modern take on the 70’s Boom Box, with the Monster Blaster was on display this season from Monster.  The on ear head devices are equipped with hi resolution audio, Bluetooth, swipe control, and direct digital capabilities.  Monster Blaster has 24 hour battery life built, in microphones. It is good for indoor and outdoor settings.

TCL

Another interesting take on a tablet entering the market has been introduced by TCL.  The Aess is an Android tablet/pc hybrid with either 15.6 or 17 inch screen capable of being positioned in four angles.  Easy for Multi-tasking with voice, gesture control and stylus.

UVIFY and Vuzix (Showstoppers)

Connected to the Vuzix VR helmet the Uvify racing drone is made for the ultimate leave your body experience.  It looks veracious. Camera, detachable arms, and fast battery charge are included.

Vuzix Iwear has a high level of video and audio performance.   The headgear is lightweight with options for complete immersion.   A high pixel number means images are sharp with good resolution.  Sound is clear.  I watched Kung Fu Panda.

The UVIFY cockpit and Vuzix headsets were connected when I tested them.  I wanted to FLY!!!!

LIFEPACK (Showstoppers)

A Solar Powered, anti-theft backpack, Lifepack, from Swedish brand Solgaard integrates a Solor bank, lock in a rugged, sleek carry bag.  The solar powered battery can be recharged in the sun, for a full charge, 4 hours is needed. Intelligent features include; Bluetooth speakers retractable locks on the zippers, drop proof laptop storage, work and personal zone and rain cover.

Stay tuned for more updates