ZDNet - The Mobile Gadgeteer

LG TONE Free FN7 review: Active noise cancellation, fast charging, and IPX4 water resistance

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:47:03 GMT

LG released the TONE Free HBS-FN6 headset in the middle of last year and the earbuds offered everything one would want, including a UV bacteria killing light. The new FN7 model replaces the UV light with active noise cancellation and it looks like LG may have some of the best wireless earbuds that few know about.

Garmin Index S2 smart scale review: Weight and body metric data help inform your progress

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:21:04 GMT

Garmin's newest smart scale provides more than simply weight tracking capability. The color display on the scale can also show your BMI, body fat percentage bone mass, weather and more. It's a rather expensive WiFi scale, but it seamlessly connects with the Garmin ecosystem.

Four months with Fitbit Health Coaching: Guidance, encouragement, and accountability

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 14:47:05 GMT

When Fitbit launched the Sense health watch earlier this year it also offered the 1-on-1 Health Coaching service as an add-on to Fitbit Premium. I've been working with a coach for a few months and wanted to share my experiences.

NURVV Run insoles review: 16 foot sensors to help you improve form and prevent injury

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 14:21:03 GMT

Since I am not a professional runner and have no coach to monitor my form, technique, training plan, or other parameter, I rely on technology to help me out. The NURVV Run insoles provide another layer of data so in combination with GPS sports watches I get a complete picture of my running experience.

PowerUp 4.0 smartphone controlled propeller review: Take the joy of paper airplanes to the next ...

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 13:15:03 GMT

Many of us grew up folding and flying paper airplanes. With the new PowerUp 4.0 propeller system we can now fly these same planes for up to 10 minutes with control from our modern smartphones.

Vari Electric Standing Desk review: Break up the remote work monotony

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 13:47:00 GMT

The health impacts of a standing desk are debatable, but initiating up and down movement tends to lead to more movement and activity that is great for you. I've spent a couple of weeks with a Vari Electric Standing Desk after leaving behind my height-adjustable attachment and I couldn't be happier.

Amazfit GTR 2 and GTS 2 hands-on review: Affordable, fashionable, and comprehensive health watches

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 19:26:20 GMT

Amazfit has been releasing a host of new smartwatches and the latest two provide vivid AMOLED displays, attractive designs, and affordable prices while also offering a vast amount of health tracking technology. They are both successors to previous generation models and are well worth your consideration.

Fitbit updates Sense and Versa 3: Google Assistant, answer phone calls, and more

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:00:00 GMT

With this latest update to Fitbit's watches, there is no longer a reason for me to search for a preferred Google Wear OS smartwatch. Google Assistant, receive phone calls on the watch, more blood oxygen options, and voice text messaging take the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 to the next level.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Powerful ANC in an earbuds form factor, six mics for calls

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 13:47:02 GMT

The Jabra Elite 85t earbuds are the next evolution in Jabra's earbud lineup with powerful active noise-cancellation capability with a focus on high-quality calling. They aren't optimized for workouts and are best for commuters, travelers, and remote workers who find over or on the ear headphones uncomfortable.

Zepp Z smartwatch review: Premium hardware, advanced health tracking, and GPS

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:30:02 GMT

The Zepp Z smartwatch has all of the latest advanced health tracking functionality you expect in a smartwatch today, along with integrated GPS for outdoor activity tracking. There are no third party apps and it's more expensive than other comparable smartwatches.

Google Fit and Wear OS updates: Homescreen, sleep, and three new Tiles

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:00:05 GMT

It's been a while since we've seen some attention to Google's wearable platform, but today brings some updates to the smartphone apps and new useful Tiles for Wear OS-based watches.

Palmsolo's Star Wars office: Product boxes, drawers of phones, and multiple screens

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 12:00:04 GMT

Engineer by day and mobile gadgeteer by night, Matthew Miller -- aka Palmsolo -- has organized his office to serve these dual professional roles. Look, it's not clutter if it all serves a higher purpose.

Amazfit Band 5 hands-on review: Advanced health tracking for just $50

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 13:21:03 GMT

Blood oxygen measurement is a popular term today with Apple's introduction of it on the Apple Watch. The affordable Amazfit Band 5 supports this sensor, heart rate, menstrual tracking, and more.

NexDock Touch review: Extend your full smartphone experience, enhanced with DeX

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:03:31 GMT

Nex Computer continues to release products that help make today's powerful smartphones the central computer of your life. This latest model adds a touchscreen panel, reduces the bezel size, and increases the size of the trackpad.

Best smartwatch: Apple and Samsung battle for a spot on your wrist

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 19:57:00 GMT

It's been five years since the first Apple Watch was released, and it is clear that Apple's wearable is the best smartwatch available today. It requires an iPhone, though, so others are better for Android phone owners and those looking for something different.

Fitbit Versa 3 review: GPS sports watch and ultimate health tracker for $230

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:16:00 GMT

With a couple of updates coming in 2020, there is little reason to consider Google's forgotten Wear OS platform for a smartwatch. Fitbit's advanced health and wellness tracking, along with integrated GPS, make the Versa 3 the best smartwatch for the masses.

Casetify Apple Watch 6 bands hands-on: Affordable leather and metal bands

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 15:16:25 GMT

One of the great things about owning an Apple Watch is switching out the bands to fit your style, mood, activity, or another occasion. Casetify has several options available at prices much more affordable than bands you can purchase from Apple.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 review: Qualcomm's 4100 processor powers Google's best Wear OS smartwatch

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 14:15:29 GMT

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform launched in 2020 and Mobvoi is first out of the gate with a Google Wear OS smartwatch. It's a very fast watch with long battery life and available at a reasonable $300 price. Some fitness features are lacking, but it's the best available so far.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) testing app arrives on the Fitbit Sense

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 17:47:54 GMT

The Fitbit Sense is a stunning new wearable that captures an amazing amount of health and wellness data to help you improve your fitness and collect indicators of issues. After passing FTA approval, the ECG/EKG app is now available for all Sense users.

Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam hands-on: Advanced technology and capability provides a safety net for ...

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 14:45:27 GMT

The latest Nextbase dashboard camera comes with high resolution video recording, improved night vision, and software to connect your Android or iPhone. There's even a parking mode to record the scene around you if your vehicle is bumped.