Mums like tech too! Mothers Day gadgety Inspiration for Sunday 15th March

Mums like tech too!

Hi everyone...are you rushing round trying to decide what to get your Mum for Mothers Day on Sunday?

Shame on you leaving it so late....oops...me too ;-)

Of course chocs and flowers are the Mothers day staple but have a quick think; does she use a smart phone, tablet, kindle and/or PC then your Mum loves a bit of tech too.

So here are a variety of gadgety ideas for those Mums who love a bit of tech. These products are all items I have tried and tested and can absolutely vouch for and would love to receive as a gift. Click the links underneath to see my full photo review. There is a mix of UK and US products.

The Mecam (US)

This is a genius fun and whimsical affordable little action camera; this takes wearable tech to its best as you simply pin it on your clothes and carry on; perfect to capture fun family gatherings like parties, barbeques without having to worry about carrying a camera and missing the fun; now you simply press play and forget you wearing it.

KleverCases for Kindles (UK) 

Most of us have Kindles nowadays and I feel most Mums love a bit of peace and quiet to read a good book on their Kindle. Then treat your Mum to a fab case that looks like a stunning book cover. Klevercase's offer an amazing selection of covers for everyone's taste.

  The Single Pen Quiver for notebooks and journals. (US and UK)
I have to say every Mum Im sure, would love one of these in beautifully handmade leather.
How many times have you been without a pen or stylus when you need it. With the Quiver it slips easily onto the notebook, journal or tablet to not only keep your pen in place; but they will give your notebook an elegant old world charm feel. 

The Gerp (US) 

Next is this unique looking gadget The Gerp which suckers firmly onto your gadgets. Its sitting on my desk now what a fun gadget to use as well as being so damn useful.

  This selection comes from a 1 stop shop for all your charging needs

 Mobile Solar chargers  (UK) 

I have 3 different types of charges to take you from home to car to traveling.

First charging at home with the Premium Ultra Thin QI Wireless Phone Charging Pad Just pop your phone ontop while grabbing a coffee surfing or on the phone; I haven't stopped using mine since it arrived; its amazing and looks so elegant and sleek too.

Next charging in your car with the  QI Wireless Car Charger and Cradle which charges wirelessly while your in the car to work or traveling etc. 

Finally from this brilliant company is a rugged waterproof charger to take anywhere The holiday essential the Aqua Trek USB Waterproof 7800mAh Charger perfect if you know Mum is off traveling, camping, boating this year. I have been using all three of these gadgets above as each has its own busy place in my life and found them invaluable; I simply cannot do without these as I always need more charge on one of my many gadgets.

Photojojo iPhone and Android lens series (US)  

Does your Mum love photography like I do; then Photojojo offer these 3 amazing lenses which magnetize onto your phone. Its fun and affordable and you can really grab some amazing piks you wouldn't normally be able to. Checkout what I managed to capture last Summer.

Sensu Portable Artist brush and stylus (UK and US) 

A stylus is something so many of us use but does your Mum love art; does she sketch or paint using a tablet. Then the Sensu is perfect with a 2 in 1 normal stylus...and a...paint brush with conductive hairs so you have the real feel of painting with a brush. Plus just look how elegant and beautiful it is.

Venostech Sidecars (US) 

Does your Mum juggle with laptop, tablet and phone; then look no further surprise your Mum with one or 2 of these Sidecars. I bet she wont have seen these before so you get extra kudos for being the best pressie giver ever!

 KitSound and Kitvision (UK)

I cant go without mentioning one of my favorite gadgety companies Kitvision and Kitsound. As I said on my Valentines post their sound and vision products are affordable fun and brilliant quality....who wouldn't want to receive any of the above. Everyone enjoys music so checkout the KitSound Hive Bluetooth speaker or the mini fun buddy bee speaker which makes you smile too.

KitSound Clash On-Ear Headphones with In-Line Mic look stunning and has great sound. The Kitsound Cadet rugged Bluetooth portable speaker is perfect for camping or hiking or simply in the garden. But my favorite 2 products has to be the KitVision Splash Action cam...oh my goodness what an incredible camera as it comes with all the mounts and a waterproof case you could ever want for. Then there is the stunning Kitsound Swing radio alarmclock this is one of the most most beautiful retro radios Ive seen and matching sound quality to boot.

 Butterfly Paperweight review

For something a bit more personal checkout this beautiful paperweight from personalise.co.uk where they have a huge variety of products to make it a tad more special to say you love your Mum.

 I hope this has given you all some ideas but if you still need some Mothers day gadgety inspiration then checkout my full gadget review page for products in the UK and US. HERE

So all you Mums out there have a great day. 

I just hope my furred and feathered babies remember its Mothers Day on Sunday...sigh...!

Valentines Day with Kitvision and Kitsound!

Happy Valentines Day!

 With 

Kitvision & Kitsound

This is not a sponsored post.

 

To all my gadgety readers; here are some techie ideas for your loved one.

Kitsound and Kitvision are both sister companies I have had alot to do with over the last few years and I can honestly say I have loved every product Ive reviewed with them. They are excellent quality, great design, quirky and all have incredible sound and vision.

If you have a partner that's a techie lover then you wont go wrong by getting one of these amazing gadgets; or if you are the techie lover send your partner this link as a great HINT tell them I told you too...they wont mind ;-)

Kitsound Hive Bluetooth portable speaker
 (with a few friends)

The Hive was one of my favorite portable Bluetooth speakers I reviewed last year and it just had that extra style to it as well.

Plus for those of you that love the quirkiness Kitsound also do the

 Kitsound Buddy bee speaker (also in lots of other animal designs) and of course without forgetting the adorable  Trendz USB bee. 

Did you get that I love my bees?

 The Kitsound Cadet Universal Portable rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker

Those of you that know me know how I love my more rugged gadgets and this amazing little speaker has incredible sound when hung on a tree or hanging from your rucksack or just from your handbag.

Do you go to camping or to festivals...then this little speaker will be your perfect accompaniment for you and your friends to enjoy. It charges quickly and lasts well.

KitSound Clash On-Ear Headphones with In-Line Mic

Do you have to keep the noise down where you are...or are you at a busy home or in University dorms; then these over ear headphones will be for you. Great sound and clarity with inline mike for your important calls.

 This gorgeous Kitsound Swing will give your home that retro style and its small enough to take with you anywhere to enjoy some radio relaxation time. 

Watchout for my next review. 

Doesn't it look stunning with the Kitsound Clash headphones and my red tablet case too....what a great pressie to get these together for that special person...not just for Valentines day it would make a fab gift for anytime.

The Kitsound/My Doodles wireless Kids speaker dock

I know this post is for Valentines day but this is one for the kids...or bigger kids. A fun quirky way to wake-up in the mornings or just watch your favorite YouTube videos. Speaker dock which charges your phone and tablet...yes at the same time too.

The Kitvision Splash

One for the girls as well as the guys here. How many of you girls collect everything pink...well now you can have your own girly action cam too. There are 3 other colours to choose from too...don't worry guys you wont lose out there's black and blue too. This just adds a bit of colour to your tech and I love that. This has to be one of the best cams Ive reviewed the quality of sound and vision is just superb . 

We had so much fun reviewing this and were still using it as one of our regular cams now...love this! Its so affordable and comes with its own waterproof case and 7 different types of mount all INCLUDED in this incredible kit. You wont have to go out and buy any accessories its all there!

Checkout my full photo and video review..HERE

Trends 10 inch tablet case

With the Kitsound Bee and Ladybird Buddy speakers

and....see below the adorable.....

Bee 8GB USB drive

Hope this has given you some ideas for your loved one or some ideas to give to your other half for you. 

Send them this link and Im sure they will make a great choice of what to get for you.

REVIEW COMING SOON

is the NEW

 Kitvision EscapeHD5W

This is the updated version of the Splash I reviewed above and I cant wait to show this brilliant piece of kit. Everything you need again with all the mounts and the waterproof case...and...it has wifi!

Come back soon for my full photo-loaded review and video.

 *I just want to say I have NOT been sponsored for this post; I just LOVE Kitvision and Kitsound products so much they have really added to my love of technology.

Happy Valentines Day

to all my readers.

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

• Powerful amplifier.
• Passive radiator for warm bass.
• Sturdy design.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Rechargeable.
• 10 hours of playtime approx.
• Black velvet pouch to keep it in.

Con's

• No SD card slot, but Kitsound offer many other alternatives if you want an SD card slot.

Buy your own Kitsound Hive

Choose from 5 great colours
For ONLY
£39

All my thanks goes to the lovely girls at Kondor/Kitsound for sending me this gorgeous speaker for this review.
All my views and opinions are my own.

If you after something different checkout my other Kitsound Reviews below

Kitsound Cadet

Deadmau5

KitSound Clash On-Ear Headphones with In-Line Mic

If you loved the Trendz USB Bee in the above photos see my review below.

 

Trendz Character Bee 8Gb USB drive