Gadget Review: November 2014

Sabtu, 22 November 2014

Exciting Reviews coming up soon

Reviews Coming Soon
Do you see something you like?

Today Im just going to let you know what exciting new products I have coming up soon on Gadget Girl reviews!

Wow only a month till Christmas its crept up fast this year, plus I have just had my Birthday...eeep and feeling alot older....sigh!

Christmas ideas or just treats for yourself; you know you can treat yourself too you know....!

November is the start of my NEW updated Utube channel
Gadget Girl TV; as I have just got a pair of amazing Pivothead Video glasses for my Birthday this month.
Kindly bought as a Birthday pressie by my lovely other half.
Thankies huny XxX

Pivothead Recon Video glasses.
*Kudu pivotheads formally known as Recon Pivotheads.
Im going to be using these fab glases to video all my future review videos for gadget Girl TV. The camera is centralized between my eyes so you will be seeing the product as Im seeing it, as you would see it...does...that...make sense!
Definitely one of my favorite gadgets of the year for me.

Coming very soon
The amazing MeCam

Wearable tech is so big this year and the brilliant MeCam is no exception; this fun affordable piece of kit will find a use in every home. Whether wanting to record a trip to the park with the kids, a barbeque, or Christmas party coming up. You can simply pin on MeCam press play and forget your wearing it; then capture a few still piks for fun along the way too.

Bluetooth Selfie monopod
Everyone has seen the selfie pole BUT have you seen the "Bluetooth" shutter button version from GMYLE ; how easy is this to use now. No more Bluetooth remotes controls to carry around too.
You just need phone and pole.....Simples......!

Kitsound BoomBar2
Another amazing speaker from Kitsound, much improved and updated I cant wait to show you. Boombar2 with its sleek sharp lines and upgraded sound.

Kitvision Splash
Im so excited to have the opportunity to bring you the latest Action camera from Kitvision; The Splash.
With GoPros all the rage this year and this very similar in styling I predict this is going to be a very popular buy for Xmas. I cant wait to play with this and show you what it can do.

More phone case reviews with a wonderful selection of Griffin and Survivor cases; plus an give-away for three of you to win one for yourself.

You know how I love my survival prepping products well these are right up my street despite a little late reviewing; but will make fantastic stocking fillers the Friendly Swede Parabands; which are a lovely selection of Friendly Swede Paraband survival bracelets. I have 5 different types to show you.

Be prepared at all times; you never know when you may need the super strong cord, fishing lines, fire lighters etc!

USB LED Flexible light
This amazing Flexi-light from Mobile solar chargers works via USB on power banks like these. Perfect for camping, hiking or during powercuts, anywhere bright light is needed quickly.

Garrett EuroAce Metal Detector
Garrett Pinpoint Probe and coil cover.

Black Ada Invader 2 Metal detecting trowel.
The Garrett Euro Ace metal detector and some accessories needed to make this hobby so much more fun!

1Byone Safety driveway alarm.
This is something so affordable for personal security of your home and work, a 30m range so you will always have a warning bleep when anyone is in your driveway or comes to the front door. Infact place it anywhere you need a quick warning system.
We live in the middle of nowhere so security is paramount to us and I look forward to trying this as its something we will be using 24 hours a day.

1Byone USB Smart charger

This smart charger will save you room from spaghetti wiring on your desk; with 4 normal USB's and the last 3 can charge anything even when your PC is off.

Oregon Scientific Prysma projection clock with indoor/outdoor temp

Oregon Scientific's brand NEW clock with sensors to show outside and inside weather. A perfect gift for those who need to know the time and what its doing outside without having to be outside. Will you need those thermals or not?
Plus isn't it gorgeous to look at!

The NEW Expert Shield a screen protector for my Nexus 10
Good protectors are so hard to find for larger tablets like mine.

Plus something for the kids big and little ones for Xmas. The My Doodles speaker dock which comes in a monkey or girly cute winking owl design.
I have the monkey to show you all.
(Doncha just love these animated exploded views; its so interesting)
Read more about them here.

A camera lens mug and lid (Birthday pressie) to hold my choccy bikkies...he knows me so well lol!

My new watch, I love this steampunk urbany look with the added butterfly charm.

Geek to chic S4 phone cases.
Plus another selection of Samsung S4 phone cases Ill try and squeeze in for you.
I cant help collecting phone-cases for my S4. Im torn between my blingy girly cases and the unusual geeky styles. Above is the Dr Who open-door Tardis...incase you didn't know and a Nail polish bottle and 2 different colour aluminum battery covers; I just couldn't decide between pink and turquoise so got both as sooo cheap.

So these are just a few of the fun gadgets and products I have coming up for you guys. I hope it helps with some Xmas ideas or treats for yourself but don't forget to pop back soon for the full photo-loaded and video reviews of all the above.
Coming very soon.

Look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Bye for now gadget-aholics!

Ravage by Iain Rob Wright Book Review

Ravage by Iain Rob Wright

Blurb

FIRST PEOPLE GOT SICK. THEN THEY GOT VERY SICK..
Nick Adams is just a normal guy. He loves his family, appreciates his home, and covets his car. But he absolutely hates his job. Which is what makes it so difficult that not a single customer has come by his store today. It seems as though there’s a bug going around, something that has come out of nowhere and is keeping people at home. Still, it’s probably nothing to worry about. People get sick all the time.

And besides, things are finally starting to look up. Nick’s first customer of the day has just stumbled through the door…

HIS DAY IS ABOUT TO GET WORSE..
It won’t be long before Nick’s entire life is turned upside down, sending him on a frantic journey through a ravaged world that will ultimately lead him 500 feet upwards to a hilltop amusement park. Is it the last safe place on Earth, or are the monsters at the top of the hill even worse than the ones below?

WELCOME TO RIPLEY HEIGHTS. WHERE THE FUN NEVER STARTS.

I have been reading zombie books this year like there's no tomorrow...end of the world...pun intended lol. So certain books stand above the rest in keeping you on your toes; Ravage is one of those. Its extremely fast paced and I couldn't stop turning those digital pages till the end.
I found this book when it was free on Amazon and I have to say I loved it, this is the first Iain Rob Wright book Ive read and I'm now looking into getting the next.
I would always recommend trying new books when they are free as you get read to try new authors which you wouldn't normally read.

Iain writes with gusto and realism; as a group of strangers from all different walks of life find themselves in 2 separate groups which will lead them to Ripley Heights amusement park and zoo high up on a hill away from the town.
At the beginning the book is divided into 2 main groups that we follow, the first group starts in the town.
I immediately related to Nick the phone salesman, likable, funny and just one of us; whose last customer isn't what it seems and he is eventually rescued by Dave the bus driver and a few others he picked up along the way including some escaped prisoners...which is never going to end well is it!

The second group has Annaliese a young vet called to help out a foal being born at Ripley Heights zoo. I really love this tough kick ass no nonsense young woman with a huge love of animals. I can see alot of her in me...yay girl power!
She accidentally encounters some trapped residents of Ripley Heights and helps them escape to safety risking her own life in the process. This group is run by the abrupt power hungry manager Shawcross; who is so dis-likable and you love to hate.
The two groups eventually combine; but its certainly not what it seems; there's thieving, murder and deceit amongst the newly formed group; with strong characters clashing who want to be in charge....god help those who don't follow them.
Iain has produced some brilliant evolving characters that are realistic and believable; plus one of my favorites; Lily a welcome addition to the book who lost her mate and baby too....
I loved the 2 different types of zombie; the infected newly turned who were fast and the walking dead slow lumbering both still deadly.
Iain's creativity throws you into many twists and turns bringing out the worst of human nature and engages you with your favorite characters; its fast paced as you are swept along not knowing who to trust with an unexpected thought provoking ending.

Buy yours from Amazon UK and US

Author Bio

Iain Rob Wright is one of the UK's most successful horror and suspense writers, with novels including the critically acclaimed, THE FINAL WINTER; the disturbing bestseller, ASBO; and the wicked screamfest, THE HOUSEMATES.
His work is currently being adapted for graphic novels, audio books, and foreign audiences. He is an active member of the Horror Writer Association and a massive animal lover.
Check out Iain's official website for updates at: http://www.iainrobwright.com or add him on Facebook where he would love to meet you.

More book reviews I have read from Iain Rob Wright below.

Jumat, 21 November 2014

Zombie Fallout 8: An Old Beginning by Mark Tufo Book Review

Zombie Fallout 8: An Old Beginning by Mark Tufo

Blurb

Mike and his family escaped a vast zombie horde to find themselves imprisoned by a clandestine group that seeks global domination by the most nefarious means possible. Help is coming, in the form of a 500 year old Pop-Tart loving vampire named Tommy. Will he be enough to get the Talbots to freedom or will he succumb to monsters new and old? On top of all this Mike discovers that he is in the crosshairs of an ancient enemy and it is only a matter of time until the final showdown.

OK same as before zombieholics; if you've read any of the Zombie Fallout or Indian Hill series and loved it...STOP and go click Buy Now! You don't need me to tell you its an aaaamazing read!

Ohh my Goodness I thought the other 7 books were brilliant but I reeeeally loved this one; its brought the whole series together and has introduced some amazing new story-lines and possibly another war...eeep!

If you've read book 7 you will know Mikes been imprisoned with his family and Thomas is on the way to rescue him. Deneaux is back with a vengeance and is up to her usual deceitful evil tricks...she has to be the most hateful person EVER...when is someone gonna throw her to the zombies...no really when...argh?

Mark is one of the few authors who can introduce Knights of the Templar, more vampires and a zombie gorilla and make it absolutely believable; just run of the mill everyday thing.

I cannot stress how much I enjoy Mark's books, his writing is gripping, compelling, vivid and exciting. The dialogue is always fresh and the Talbotisms are so hilarious Im still laughing outloud.

We finally discover the depth that Tommy knows about Mike and the Talbot's and he drops a massive bombshell for the coming of Book 9...oh my I cant wait Im so excited... for....book 9.....!

Buy yours from Amazon UK and US

Anyone new to Mark's books I highly recommend you start at book 1 where its flow and pace will keep you glued. Your Tufo addiction will become pretty bad and you may need ZF rehab; but you will appreciate Book 8 so much more when you understand how they all got where they are now.

Author Bio

Mark Tufo was born in Boston Massachusetts. He attended UMASS Amherst where he obtained a BA and later joined the US Marine Corp. He was stationed in Parris Island SC, Twenty Nine Palms CA and Kaneohe Bay Hawaii. After his tour he went into the Human Resources field with a worldwide financial institution and has gone back to college at CTU to complete his masters.

He has written the Indian Hill trilogy with the first Indian Hill - Encounters being published for the Amazon Kindle in July 2009. He lives in Colorado with his wife, three kids and two English bulldogs.

Visit him at marktufo.com or http://zombiefallout.blogspot.com/ for news on his next two installments of the Indian Hill trilogy.

All my Thanks goes to Mark for sending me a copy of this book for this review.

My views and opinions are my own.

Here are my Book reviews of the whole series so far.
Im lovin the new book covers, its exactly how I imagine these guys!
What do you think?
(Play spot the Henry on the covers...if you don't know Henry you need to read the books ;-)

More books by Mark Tufo;

The Book Of Riley 1,
The Book of Riley 2,
The Spirit Clearing,
Callis Rose,
Timothy,
Tim 2,

UK Blog Awards 2015 Vote Now!

Well its that time again for the UK National Blog Awards for 2015!

Ive never been entered into any blog awards before so I'm really excited!
Im so happy to be entered but it would mean so much just get shortlisted.
Gadget Girl its my full-time love to be able to share my addiction to gadgets and technology with you all.

So if you enjoy reading gadgety reviews and seeing the many photos and funny animations that are uploaded through the year. I would love it if you could just spare a few minutes to vote for Gadget Girl Reviews, it would mean the world.
Thank you!
X

Jumat, 14 November 2014

Kitsound Hive Bluetooth Wireless portable stereo speaker Review

Kitsound Hive Bluetooth portable speaker
(with a few friends of the Kitsound Buddy bee speaker and Trendz USB bee.)

Ive something exciting for your music-o-holics out there today, I know Ive brought you quite a number of mini portable speakers this year; but The Kitsound Hive is one I'm excited about as Ive heard so many good things and seen so many great reviews.

Ive also had the opportunity to review a few of Kitsound's products already and know what great quality they are.

So when Kitsound offered to send me a couple of their best speakers to bring you to review I couldn't wait to try them.

The Kitsound Hive and The Kitsound Boombar 2

(The Boombar 2 is an upgrade to the Boombar.)

Today I'm bringing you The Kitsound Hive

Click on the jump to read my full photo-loaded review and video below

Packaging
You know I love great packaging on products as I feel if the company has taken the time and effort on the outside; the inside has to be good.
Kitsound always make a huge effort on their packaging and the Hive is no exception. Great colour design of elegant greys and yellow contrasting sides with a good product photo.
Inside you pull out an inner box which is...yes you guessed it is bright yellow.

This bright yellow inner box has some cool hive hexagonal shape designs cutouts so you can pop them out and use it as a gift box with your own writing on. Inside this you have yet another...yellow box containing the cables, pouch and user manual. Along side it you have your Hive in a soft plastic bag.

In the box you get your

Hive speaker.
Micro USB charging cable.
Axillary cable.
User manual.
Velvet black pouch storage bag.

Description

The Hive Bluetooth Wireless portable stereo speaker does alot for its cute size; this black rubberized coated speaker is built to withstand a few knocks which I love as in this house we have pets that can be quite curious. I also like to take my portable speakers outside in the garden or to another room and don't want to be worrying about chipping paint etc.

I absolutely adore the Hive design as they've used the bee hive hexagonal styling for the speaker cutouts and added accents all over the speaker. Ive always had a soft spot for bees so I really appreciate the design.

Even the three buttons across the top are hexagonal in shape to add something different to round buttons. You have your Bluetooth, minus and plus buttons which are extremely responsive and have a high quality feel to them.

The side of the speaker has the Auxiliary in port, the transparent on/off button with LEDs, plus the Micro USB charging port.

Each of these are very neatly set into a hexagon accent; everything has been thoroughly thought out.

The back of the Hive also has the added hexagonal accents so it looks good from all sides.

Underneath the hive its hexagonal theme even extends to the four little rubber feet. Here you can see the passive radiator to provide full warm, bass sound.

The Science Bit

Bluetooth; V2.1.
Range: Up to 10 meters.
Playtime: Up to 10 hours.
Output: 5W RMS (2.5W@4ohm x2).
S/N Ratio: 78dB.
Frequency response: 50Hz - 20kHz.
Aux: 3.5mm.

Measurements
16.5cm long x 4.9cm depth x 6.1cm high.
Weight is 400g.

Charging
Its easy to charge the Hive, simply plug in the micro USB to your USB on PC or wall and leave for at least 4 hours especially the first time.

When charging the on/off button glows red and once charged it glows green. Once green you then have 6-10 hours play time; depending on volume levels.

Pairing

This couldn't be easier.

Turn on the Hive via side on/off button.
Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the top for 5 seconds and you will get a lovely electronic bleep and the indicator light on the front bottom right hand side will flash red and blue alternatively.
Turn on Bluetooth on the device you wish to use and my phone scanned and found it within a few seconds; saying Hive on my Bluetooth list.
The light on the front will remain a stationary blue once its found the connection.

Your ready to rock!

My own Sound Comparison between my Samsung S4 and the gorgeous Hive.

Sound

I was expecting alot from this little guy and I wasn't disappointed, the Hive really does deliver gorgeous controlled mid ranges and trebles as well as warm bass. I still personally wanted a bit more bass but its certainly gave some rumble when turned up to around 3/4. Anymore and I got distortion on my bass so you may have to juggle with your devices equalizer to get it just right.

I'm so happy the sound is gorgeous all round and definitely one of the best speakers I have in sound, design and the fact its Bluetooth with brilliant range. It states 10m, but I left it upstairs went to the bottom of the stairs and it still worked, turned to another room and it faltered a bit. We live in a cottage with foot thick bricks; outside it managed at least 15m with nothing in between so its quite impressive.

Portability
I love companies that offer pouches and cases to use with their products and again we get a lovely black velvet pouch to store the Hive in.

Its portable to a limit but its actually a bit too big for most of my handbags, it would fit easily into a tote size bag or large handbag or even a rucksack; but its a bit weighty to carry around all day especially if hiking etc; if your based at a camp site its perfect.

Weight wise, I would say its equivalent to a tin of baked beans and a tin opener, or a small first aid kit; so incase of a zombie apocalypse what would you rather have a tin of baked beans or your music.

This adorable Hive is ideal as a home speaker to move from room to room or take outside for a barbeque or while your gardening or to take away in a caravan its ideal as its rectangular design is very stable and wont roll around.

But its not mobile enough to carry around while hiking its a little too heavy for me.

It almost comes in as an in between size speaker for me.

If you need really portable I would recommend the Kitsound Cadet I reviewed earlier this year as its quite a bit smaller and rounder it fits easier into a handbag.
Or the cute Kitsound Buddy bee speaker.

Opinion

This gorgeous Hive fills a room with your favorite vibes, it looks elegant and stylish especially with the choice of colours available and it can take a knock or two with its tough rubberized coat; although this coat also shows up finger prints and dust. It has good bass and with a bit of juggling with your equalizers you can turn it up high with no distortion. The radiator underneath really does make a difference for such a small speaker. I even turned it on its end so the bass side faces me and it gives you more bassey sound. But I personally still wanted a bit more, but that's just me as Im a complete bass-aholic.

Its one of the best bass speakers I own and its really getting some use here on my desk infront of me as I type.

The fact its stereo 5 Watt speakers (2.5W x 2) too makes the sound really good. It looks yummy on my desk and it gets alot of admiring glances from friends and family.

The fact it comes with a lovely velvet pouch means I can pop it in a bag and take it with me and the rubberized coat will protect it from any bangs and small falls.

Pro's