Gadgethead_Autumn25

A Smarter Speaker

MUSIC DISCOVERY

Add songs you hear on the radio straight to a Spotify playlist by the touch of a button

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

HyperX Cloud Jet Wireless Gaming Headset

iFi GO Link Max

myFirst Headphones AirWaves (Pink)

Poly Voyager Free 20 True Wireless Earbuds

TOZO NC3 Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation Earbuds

diskAshur DT3 (12TB)

EPOMAKER Cypher 81

EPOMAKER G84 HE Keyboard

EPOMAKER HE68 Lite

EPOMAKER Luma84

EPOMAKER Magcore 87

EPOMAKER Tide Alice

EPOMAKER Tide49

TIDRADIO TD-H3 Multi-Band Ham Radio Handheld

Canyon Wireless Charging Pad WS-105 (White)

STM Goods ChargeTree Swing

Cable Guys Sonic the Hedgehog Dr Eggman Controller Holder & Phone Stand

Cable Guys Sonic the Hedgehog Earphone and Phone Holders

Warmies Keyrings and Bag Charms

BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss Baby Bouncer (Sand Grey – 3D Jersey)

Blade & Rose Halloween Collection

Blade & Rose Autumn/Winter Collection

OUTDOOR BABY CONTENTS

Build Your Own Periscope

So Slime Sensation ASMR Surprise Box

Core Balance Hex Dumbbell Set with Rack (12kg)

Cardo Systems Packtalk EDGE

Miofive Dash Cam Mini S

Miofive Mirror1 Dash Camera

Ruroc Aurora Helmet with Cardo Shockwave Mesh Intercom

SPORTS & FITNESS TOYS & GAMES GADGETS VEHICLE AUDIO

Ruroc Riding Backpack

Technaxx Car Charger TX-322

Technaxx Magnetic Car Charger TX-323

Trail Langley Skylight Driveaway Awning

Minelab X-Terra Intrepid Metal Detector

LEDLENSER HF8R CORE Rechargeable Head Torch (Teal Green)

luminAID Modular Solar Lanterns with Phone Charger

Swimcell HydraMate 5L Foldable Bottle

Swimcell Microfibre 2-in-1 Changing Robe and Towel (Blue)

SwimCell Waterproof Key Holder Arm Band (Black)

Swimcell Waterproof Phone Case (Large - Blue)

EDIFIER ES20 PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

£49.99

www.edifier.com/global/p/wireless-speakers/es20

THE NEW ES RANGE BY EDIFIER IS DESIGNED TO BRING TOGETHER HIGH-END FIDELITY AND SOPHISTICATED STYLE, TO PROVIDE A RANGE OF SPEAKERS THAT NOT ONLY DELIVER A GREAT SOUND BUT LOOK GOOD ON YOUR SHELF TOO. WE GOT TO TEST OUT THE ES20 PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER FROM THE RANGE, WHICH DELIVERS A PUNCHY SOUND IN A SLEEK, COMPACT UNIT.

I was surprised when I first opened the box at just how small the ES20 speaker is, measuring just larger than the size of my palm. The square speaker we got to test out came in a lovely ivory leather-effect exterior, which gives a lovely soft touch feel to the outside of the speaker, with grey front and back speaker plates. The top of the speaker features the on/off button, volume up and down buttons, and the light button. Across the whole design, the ES20 looks premium, whilst remaining remarkably small, so it’s still ideal for taking with you on the go.

For sound, the ES20 is impressive, delivering powerful audio thanks to the 43mm full-range drivers with neodymium magnets and a 55mm passive bass radiator. These are then supported by the speaker’s high-efficiency Class-D amplifier that brings your music to life, to deliver 6 W (RMS) of dynamic sound. The overall sound experience is great, especially for a speaker so small. Whether for your favourite album or an audiobook, the speaker delivers a great sound quality, making it the perfect compact speaker for a whole range of uses.

One of my favourite aspects of the ES20 is the light on the back. Around the edge of the speaker’s back plate is a light strip

which provides the speaker with a lovely ambient glow when in use. However, should you want something a little funkier, you can hit the light button again and switch between different lighting effects, including a rainbow transition, a bright white light or even a pulsing effect. With the light on the back, it means it reflects off whatever you put around it, providing a lovely ambient glow, without being too direct. This isn’t super noticeable during the day, but in low lighting, it provides a lovely glow for that added touch of elegance to the look of the speaker.

Pairing the speaker with my phone is super easy, and like many of Edifier’s other speakers, you can connect the speaker with the Edifier ConneX app. The app provides you with extra personalisation where you can adjust your speaker and deliver a more well-connected audio experience. I like that the speaker can be connected to multiple devices at once and can even support stereo pairing to deliver a surround sound experience when paired with another speaker. Plus, you can even use the speaker for calls as it has a built-in microphone, making it a useful unit to have around the house should you get a call.

Overall, the ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker brings together the high level of sound quality that we’ve come to expect from Edifier over the years and blends it with the sleek and stylish design of the ES range to bring a touch of luxury to every listening experience. If a powerful yet stylish portable speaker is what you’re looking for, then the ES20 is the perfect choice.

PROS:

- Long battery life – up to 15 hours of playback time

- IP67 dust and water resistant

- Sleek and stylish design

- Impressive sound for such a small unit

- Ambient backlighting for an added touch of elegance to the design

- Super compact for easy portability

HYPERX CLOUD JET WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET

£54.98

https://uk.hyperx.com/collections/pc-mac/products/

hyperx-cloud-jet-wireless-gaming-headset

WHEN IT COMES TO GAMING HEADSETS, I HAVE A FEW CRITERIA THAT NEED TO BE MET; THEY NEED TO HAVE A GREAT SOUND QUALITY FOR EVEN THE QUIETEST NOISES, A DECENT MICROPHONE FOR CALLS AND ULTIMATELY, THEY NEED TO BE COMFORTABLE FOR LONG GAMING SESSIONS. AFTER TESTING THE HYPERX CLOUD JET WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET FOR A FEW WEEKS, I THINK THIS HEADSET MEETS ALL MY NEEDS, AND FOR SUCH AN AFFORDABLE PRICE.

The first thing I noticed when opening the HyperX Cloud Jet Wireless Gaming Headset was how sleek and minimalist the headset is. I liked the all black colourway of the headset, with only a minimalist HyperX logo on the ear cup. The main body of the headset is made from plastic, which doesn’t give the most premium feeling; however, it does allow the headset to remain remarkably light, which is always a good thing in my book!

The headphones offer dual wireless connection, which means that you can connect them with Bluetooth or via the included 2.4GHz dongle. This connectivity means that you can easily flick between devices, all the while experiencing reliable connectivity. The bulk of the controls for the Gaming Headset are located on the same side as the microphone, allowing you to adjust your volume, toggle between connections and mute/unmute your microphone all with just one hand. One of my favourite things is that you can mute your microphone by just pushing up the boom mic arm. This is super useful whilst on calls, to quickly mute yourself without having to find the right button mid-game. In fact, all of the controls, from the volume wheel to the connection toggle, are super easy to manoeuvre, and are designed for their ease of use when in the middle of a game.

After wearing the headset for a few long gaming sessions, I have to say the headset is super comfortable to wear. This is largely due to the large over-ear design of the ear cups, which have a lovely squishy mesh padding on them to gently cup your ears. As someone who wears glasses, I sometimes find that wearing glasses and a headset can be a little uncomfortable. However, the soft mesh design helped ensure my glasses

didn’t press too much into the side of my head for an extra comfortable wear. Plus, the mesh makes the ear cups a lot cooler than some other headsets I’ve tried because the mesh helps keep the ear cups breathable. One of my favourite aspects was the elastic suspension headband that sits across the top of your head. This helps to evenly distribute the headphone weight across your head, helping support the

super lightweight yet secure feel of the headset.

For sound, the headset performs pretty well and is comparable to many of the other gaming headsets I’ve tried at this price range. It captures quiet noises well, and balances loud game play so it doesn’t feel distorted. This is possible due to the 40mm drivers in the headset, which are designed to deliver deep and steady audio for the unit. This noise clarity is then paired with the over-ear cup design, which helps to cut out background noise and really helps you focus in on your game without distractions. As a casual gamer, the headset was great for gameplay and allowed me to fully immerse myself in every game, supported by great functionality and a super comfortable fit. Plus, after using the headphones for multiple gaming sessions, the battery lasts pretty well, and even when it does get low, the headset comes with a USB-C cord, which you can plug in and charge up the headset with ease. Overall, for roughly £55, the HyperX Cloud Jet Wireless Gaming

Headset is a great entry into the world of wireless gaming headsets. With the design, functionality and sound all optimised to deliver a great gameplay experience, you really can’t go wrong and especially for such an affordable price. I love just how easy they are to pair with my PC or console, and with a decent battery life behind them, you can enjoy hours of gaming without any fuss.

PROS:

- Lightweight design for comfortable wearing, even for long periods

- Easy to control with just one hand – great for mid-game adjustments or to mute the microphone

- Great sound quality for the price

- Long battery life

CONS:

- With the headset being made largely from plastic, the main body doesn’t feel super premium, but this is a sacrifice I’m willing to make for the lightweight design and price point – just something to note if the aesthetics are a deal breaker for you!

https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-max

AUDIO

IFI GO LINK MAX

ONE OF THE MAIN USES OF MY DEVICE EVERY DAY IS TO LISTEN TO MUSIC; HOWEVER, MODERN DEVICES SEEM TO BE COMPROMISING THE QUALITY AND OUTPUT OF THEIR DEVICES, IN FAVOUR OF OTHER ASPECTS. IN FACT, MANY DEVICES HAVE COMPLETELY REMOVED THE TRADITIONAL AUDIO JACK, LEADING MANY TO FAVOUR BLUETOOTH HEADSETS, WHICH CAN FURTHER SACRIFICE YOUR AUDIO’S SOUND. THEREFORE, THE NEED FOR DEVICES THAT CAN BOOST THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR DEVICE’S AUDIO ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR. .

This movement away from audio quality in today’s smartphone devices is something that iFi Audio, an award-winning British Hi-Fi audio tech company, noticed and so developed a range of DAC dongles that could enhance the quality of your devices so you can enjoy your music as close to recording quality as possible. We’ve previously seen their audio expertise with the likes of the GO Link, which delivered superior sound quality that brings the best out of your device and headphones to make every listening experience detailed. However, iFi Audio have taken this technology one step further, and introduced the iFi Go Link Max, which is designed to be the ultimate headphone DAC dongle to deliver an enhanced balanced output technology for the best possible sound in an innovative plugand-play unit.

Straight out of the box, the GO Link Max looks very similar to the previous model; however, the Max features two audio jack ports with both a 4.4mm port and a 3.5mm traditional port. Already, the introduction of an additional port immediately enhances the compatibility of the unit, with more headphone models being able to utilise the device. To further enhance its output compared to the previous model, the GO Link Max provides 241mW of output power, which is a significant step up from the previous model’s 70mW, which is an impressive five times the output from a MacBook Pro’s headphone jack. Utilising this increased output, the GO Link Max can unlock the potential of your device and deliver an exceptional listening experience.

For sound, the GO Link Max is impressive, utilising Sabre DAC’s Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) technology, which delivers a dynamic sound where every high note and deep bass is enriched for an original audio recording sound delivery. I was impressed when we tested out the original GO Link from iFi Audio, and the GO Link Max

really does take this to the next level with a +6dB of dynamic range, which effectively doubles the perceived difference between highs and lows for a superior audio experience, especially compared to using the device with headphones alone. I didn’t realise just how much of my audio was being sacrificed when using my typical headset, as after just one use of the iFi GO Link Max, I was surprised by just how detailed the sound was.

What is baffling is how such a small device can deliver such enhanced sound quality. The entire unit, whilst marginally larger than the previously model, remains super small and sleek. Thus, the GO Link Max is a brilliant pocket-sized DAC solution that is perfect for those seeking to enhance the audio of their device, without compromising the portability of their phone. There is no giant bulky unit; instead, the sleek small device just slots into your device’s port, and then you plug in your favourite headphones and hit play. This plug-and-play ease of use makes it such a brilliant addition to your device, both for newcomers to the world of hi-resolution audio, or those who are true audiophiles. I was impressed with the previous GO Link, but for just £20 more, you get the enhanced sound stage of the GO Link Max, an additional port for enhanced compatibility, an overall richer sound and an enhanced power output. If you’ve been thinking about trying a DAC dongle to enhance your audio experience, the iFi GO Link Max is an excellent option that really does deliver a superior listening experience, supported in an innovative and super-portable unit.

PROS:

- Two headphone ports for enhanced compatibility

- Superior sound technology for rich, detailed sound where no note is lost

- Pocket-sized for easy portability for great audio experiences on the go

- Comes with USB-A and Lightning cable adapters to attach to the USB-C original cable, to make it compatible with most big device brands on the market

CONS:

- The spiral cable connecting the adapter to the main unit provides great flexibility to the device, but this feels more fragile than the rest of the unit, which could cause connection problems in the future if this is damaged. However, whilst using the unit, I found no problem with the cable, and instead, this is just something I would keep an eye on with long-term use.

££49.00

MYFIRST HEADPHONES AIRWAVES (PINK)

https://uk.myfirst.tech/products/myfirst- headphones-airwaves

I USE MY HEADPHONES EVERY DAY, WHETHER FOR LISTENING TO MUSIC WHILE DOING TASKS, OR TO WATCH TV ON MY PHONE WITHOUT DISTURBING OTHER PEOPLE. THEREFORE, IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT KIDS TODAY, WHO ARE GROWING UP IN THIS TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED WORLD, ALSO WANT THEIR OWN SET OF HEADPHONES SO THEY CAN PLAY GAMES AND LISTEN TO MUSIC TOO.

However, one of the main concerns for headphone users, both young and old, is the effect headphones can have on your hearing – especially when listening to music a little too loud. Therefore, myFirst have developed a pair of headphones designed specifically for kids that will protect their ears whilst giving them the independence to listen to their own music.

As soon as I opened the box, I was impressed with just how minimalist yet colourful the headphones were. The pair we reviewed came in a lovely pink and blue colourway, with the earpieces in baby pink, whilst the connecting band was a lovely light blue. On one of the pink earpieces, there are purple buttons, and these allow kids to turn on the headphones and adjust the volume. However, parents don’t have to worry about kids turning the volume up too loud and hurting their hearing in the long term, as the headphones don’t go above 85dB. This means parents can let their kids use the headphones with peace of mind knowing that they won’t be hurting their hearing.

This focus on safety is further enhanced by the openear design, which uses air conduction. This design ensures a comfortable over-the-ear wear, which is safer for kids than an

in-ear design, as the sound is not being directly channelled into the ear canal. Instead, the air conduction means that they can hear the audio just fine, without such direct sound into the ear canal. Another key aspect of the design that I like is just how flexible they are. The headphones are wireless with just a connecting bar between each earpiece. This band is super flexible, which means that the headphones can be twisted or bent without causing any damage to the headphones. Instead, the headphones are designed to bounce back, which allows them to be durable enough to withstand the drops and bumps that might occur when a kid is playing.

One of the key perks of the myFirst Headphones AirWaves is their ability to provide around 8 hours of playback time. This is perfect for allowing your kids to listen to music or play a game with the headphones on without them running out of charge too fast. With many parents limiting screen time already, I’m sure the headphones would last a few days with a couple of hours of use a day.

If your kid has been wanting to use your headphones, but you’re worried about damage to their hearing, the myFirst Headphones AirWaves are a great place to start. The headphones give your kids a little independence as they discover music, whilst giving you peace of mind that the protection of their hearing has been taken into consideration across the whole design.

PROS:

- Child-friendly headphones design with comfort and safety

- Reduced decibel level to protect hearing

- Ear to use controls

- Flexible design that ensures durability

£85.00

https://www.hp.com/gb-en/poly/ headsets/bluetooth-headsets-and- earbuds/voyager-free-20.html

POLY VOYAGER

FREE 20 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS

CONCEALED IN A SUPER SLEEK, SHINY BLACK CASE, THE VOYAGER FREE 20 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ARE POLY’S ANSWER TO AFFORDABLE NOISE CANCELLATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED BY AN ALL-DAY COMFORTABLE FIT. NOW I’VE TESTED MANY EARBUDS OVER THE YEARS, WITH MANY BOASTING TO OFFER NOISE CANCELLATION FOR AN AFFORDABLE PRICE POINT, BUT MANY FAIL TO HIT THE MARK WITH EITHER THE SOUND, BATTERY LIFE, OR ANC BEING SACRIFICED IN PLACE OF OTHER SPECS. THUS, I WAS EXCITED TO GIVE THE POLY VOYAGER FREE 20 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS A GO, TO SEE HOW WELL THEY DELIVER ON NOISE CANCELLATION, WHILST KEEPING COMFORT, SOUND AND BATTERY LIFE AT THE HEART OF THE DESIGN. .

When you first open the Poly Voyager Free 20 True Wireless Earbuds, you can’t help but feel that they’re premium, with the earbuds enclosed in a lovely high-shine black charging case, with just the simple Poly logo on the top. Inside the charging case are the two small earbuds, with the logo on just one earbud. The true wireless earbuds remind me of many other brands on the market, favouring the very small earbud shape. This means that whilst in the ear, the earbuds have a super low profile, making them largely undetectable and ideal for those who like a more discreet look.

The earbuds connected super quickly to my device via Bluetooth, offering multipoint connectivity so I could also connect them to my laptop and flick between the two devices for audio

output without issue. Once in the ear, the earbuds feel super comfortable, and you can pick between the range of earbud tips to get the most secure fit for your ears. This ability to find the most secure fit is super important for noise cancellation, as this gives the earbuds the best chance of delivering on cutting out background noise.

In terms of functionality, the earbuds are pretty intuitive to use, with the earbuds having touch controls, so with just a few taps you can play/pause your music, skip to the next song, and even answer calls. I like being able to control my media without having to get my phone out of my pocket, especially when I’m commuting or at the gym. The earbuds also feature a useful smart sensor technology, which means that you can answer calls by putting the

earbuds in your ears, and pause or resume your music as you remove them. This means that you never miss out on your podcast or song when answering a call or if you have to remove your earbuds to speak to someone. For sound, the Poly Voyagers were great, and whether listening to music or a podcast, or even on a call, the sound was crystal clear, supported by the earbuds’ 10mm powerful speakers. However, the sound quality is further enhanced thanks to the noise cancellation setting of the earbuds, which definitely are one of the big selling points of the Voyager Free 20 earbuds. The earbuds utilise the 3 speakers built into the outside of the earbuds, which automatically tune out the right amount of unwanted noise when listening to music or on calls.

This adapts to the noise around you, and helps to improve the level of ANC, and on calls, filters out noise around you to the person on the other end can hear you better. With the ANC turned on, I have to say it was pretty good, especially when working in the office. I felt like I was in my own little bubble, blocking out the sound of the radio and kettle well. However, for louder noises whilst out and about, I could hear these a little. However, this is something I find with most true wireless earbuds with noise cancellation, as I think it has something to do with the fit in my ears, which means I can always hear noises over the ANC a little. Personally, only over-ear ANC earphones have ever been truly noise-cancelling, so this isn’t unexpected.

For calls, however, the adaptive ANC was impressive. I often call my friend to catch up when walking home from work. My route takes me along a rather busy road, and the earbuds were great at filtering a lot of the traffic noise out so my friend could hear me a lot better, and I had to repeat myself a lot less – which was great! However, when not on call, I love that there’s also a transparency mode built into the earbuds, so I can listen to my music when walking home whilst staying aware of my surroundings for safety. Thus, this ability to flick between staying aware and shutting out the world thanks to the ANC is a big plus for the earbuds. The final aspect I must mention is the battery life of the earbuds, as often this is the area most sacrificed,

especially when it comes to using earbuds or even headphones with ANC built in. The earbuds have a total of 30 hours across the earbuds and charging case, with 12 hours in the earbuds alone. However, this is only when the ANC is off, and instead, with the ANC on, you’re looking at something closer to 8 hours in the earbuds alone. For me, this was a decent amount of time and covered pretty much a whole day at work. Plus, the case supports fast charging, and with just a 5-minute charge, you can get another hour out of the earbuds, ready for the commute home. Overall, the charge is pretty decent. Would have liked it to be larger? Yes. However, for the

level of adaptive noise cancellation, it’s a balance I think is justified with the Poly Voyager Free 20 Earbuds and especially for the price point. Overall, the Poly Voyager Free 20 True Wireless Earbuds provide a great listening experience, supported by intuitive controls, a decent noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings, and a fair battery life for all of this. If you’re looking to step up your true wireless earbuds that still stay under to £100 mark but deliver a good level of ANC supported by a sleek, minimal profile design, then the Poly Voyager Free 30 True Wireless Earbuds are a good next step into the world of inear noise-cancelling earbuds.

PROS:

- Sleek, low-profile earbuds that feel comfortable in your ears for all-day wear

- Adaptive noise cancellation to adjust to your environment for the best listening experience possible and clear calls

- Touch controls for easy control

- Powerful sound for such small units

CONS:

- I just wish the charge was a bit longer with ANC turned on, but this isn’t a huge problem with the additional charge in the charging case

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOZO-Cancelling-Bluetooth-Wireless-Waterproof-Black/dp/

TOZO NC3 HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION EARBUDS

HAVING TESTED PLENTY OF EARBUDS OVER THE YEARS, I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR A PAIR THAT DELIVERS TOP-QUALITY SOUND, A GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND CAN EVEN DELIVER NOISE CANCELLATION WHILST STILL BEING UNDER THE £50 PRICE POINT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A HARD BALANCE TO STRIKE, WITH THE NOISE CANCELLATION OFTEN BEING THE THING THAT GETS SACRIFICED, ESPECIALLY AT THE MORE AFFORDABLE PRICE POINTS. HOWEVER, TOZO HAVE RECENTLY COME OUT WITH THE NC3 HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION EARBUDS THAT AIM TO HIT ALL OF THESE POINTS, SUPPORTED BY A DURABLE BUILD AND ERGONOMIC DESIGN FOR A COMFORTABLE ALL-DAY WEAR. .

The NC3 earbuds come in a sleek and compact black case, with the two earbuds inside. The case is nice and sturdy with a secure closure to ensure your earbuds are safe when thrown in your bag. The earbuds themselves look like many on the market with the typical earbud and smart bar shape, which makes putting them in your ears and the earbuds staying in a lot easier. Each one has been designed with ergonomics in mind, which, when paired with the soft silicone ear tips, allows you can achieve a super comfortable all-day wear. I like that the earbuds come with multiple different-sized ear tips, which help to get a secure yet comfortable fit. These help support the noise cancellation efforts of the earbuds, too.

The other design aspect I have to mention is the front HD display, which shows how much charge is left in the charging

case and each earbud. This is super useful for keeping track of how much charge you have left, and meant I was never caught out whilst out and about with my earbuds out of charge. This is definitely one of the standout aspects of the earbuds’ design, as we’ve all been in situations where your earbuds run out mid gym session, and it’s the absolute worst. Therefore, I loved being able to quickly check the charge before heading out, but with 55 hours across the charging case and 13 in the buds themselves, I haven’t found that they need charging all that often for everyday general use.

Whilst the design is great and durable, it’s the sound quality that we’re really all interested in, and the NC3 Earbuds do not disappoint. The earbuds feature 12mm dynamic

drivers, which deliver a great sound with a decently powerful bass and clear highs. The earbuds can achieve this thanks to the composite dome of the drivers and the high-elastic polymer diaphragms, which allow for it to expand, delivering a better frequency range responsible for the range of detailed sound possible. Then, the immersive true-to-life audio experience is further enhanced thanks to the OrigiX 2.0 Acoustic Technology, which ensures that you can hear every note for an all-around immersive sound experience.

One of the central features of the earbuds is their noise cancellation functionality. The TOZO NC3 earbuds feature smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which adjusts the noise cancellation of the earbuds to suit

your environment. The earbuds utilise three built-in microphones on the exterior of the earbuds to hear the noise level around you when wearing the earbuds, and in response, adjust your noise cancellation level to better block exterior noise out. I was super impressed with just how easily the earbuds adjusted to the noise around me and delivered impressive noise cancellation. Whilst the earbuds deliver an impressive level of noise cancellation across most background noise, great for office or gym use, they didn’t cut out every sound possible and especially not loud ones. However, I’m yet to find a pair of earbuds that can do this completely – maybe it’s something to do with how earbuds fit in my ears, but I can always hear some noises, especially those which are loud, instead of being completely in my own little bubble.

Although for general use to cut out background noise, they definitely stand up against other earbuds that claim to be noise-cancelling. Therefore, if you’re just looking for a pair of earbuds for everyday noise cancellation in office or gym settings, I don’t think they’ll disappoint and especially not for the price point. Plus, the noise cancellation for calls is actually pretty good, and even when used whilst walking home from work on a call, the majority of the traffic noise around me was significantly reduced for great, clear call quality. Overall, for just under £40, you’re getting a really decent pair of

earbuds that boast a good level of noise cancellation, supported by all-day comfortable wear thanks to the ergonomic design. Whilst they look like many on the market at the same price, the quality of sound technology in them just tips them over the edge for me, and places them among some of the better affordable earbuds on the market.

PROS:

- Ergonomic design makes all-day wear comfortable

- Innovative front display to see charge level

- Decent level of noise cancellation for the price point

CONS:

- Noise cancellation could be even better, but a lot of this may be down to needing to find the best earbud tips for a snug fit to help support the unit’s noise cancellation settings

GADGETS

DISKASHUR DT3 (12TB)

£769

https://istorage-uk.com/product/diskashur-dt3/

ISTORAGE IS A BRAND WE KNOW AND LOVE FOR DATA ENCRYPTION AND DATA SECURITY. EACH UNIT OR DEVICE THEY CREATE IS MADE WITH THE SECURITY OF YOUR DATA IN MIND, AND THE DISKASHUR DT3 IS NO EXCEPTION. THE UNIT DELIVERS A STATE-OF-THE-ART DESKTOP HDD THAT IS SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK IN THE WORLD OF DATA SECURITY. THE HDD BRINGS TOGETHER ALL THE THINGS WE’VE LOVED ABOUT PREVIOUS DATA SECURITY SYSTEMS FROM ISTORAGE, BUT HAS ADVANCED THEM IN THE NEW DISKASHUR DT3 UNIT THAT IS LEADING THE WAY, NOW OUTPACING THE SPEEDS OF THE DISKASHUR DT2 RANGE.

Designed with enhanced portability and security in mind, the diskAshur DT3 provides a sleek and user-friendly encryption device, supported by next-level security to keep your personal data safe. The hard drive plugs straight into your laptop or computer, via the included USB-A or USB-C cables. Once plugged in, you just put in your configured PIN password and all your data on the device is decrypted and made available to you. Once unplugged, the diskAshur DT3 will encrypt all the data on the unit to keep it safe. For this reason, the diskAshur DT3 is an encrypted TAA-compliant drive that is redefining the standard for securing your personal data. For encryption, the diskAshur DT3 utilises a new FIPS 1403 level 3 validation standard and, following a successful evaluation and issuance of the CAVP certificates, is certified with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules. This high level of data security ensures that all your data on the hard drive is backed by leading certifications in the data security industry. Additionally, the drive features a secure microprocessor which is certified to Common Criteria EAL5+, along with a distinctive flash lock mechanism, and provides defence against potential attacks.

I love how simple the diskAshur DT3 is to use, as you just need to remember your password and you’re into the unit and can access all your files. I like that the unit doesn’t come with a generic PIN password built in; rather, you have to configure your own PIN, which can be between 8-64 digits, before you can even use the unit. Once this has been configured, you’re the only one who knows the password to the hard drive, and should someone try and guess the password, after 10 consecutive incorrect PIN entries, the PIN will be removed, and only the admin PIN can be used to access the hard

drive. If this is also entered incorrectly 10 consecutive times, all data on the unit will be lost, and only reconfiguration will allow you to access the unit, but all the previous data will be wiped. This ensures the top level of security for you information – just be sure not to forget your PIN!

The entire unit is made to be super seamless, and so the only way to access the internal components would be to break it open, which would highlight any attempt to tamper with the unit and attempts to access your data. However, should someone open up the unit, all the components are covered in a layer of durable epoxy resin for a nice added touch for security against physical attacks on the device. Even the durability of the keypad has been taken into consideration, with the keys made from epoxy resin to prevent them from showing wear, which could alert a hacker to frequently used keys. Plus, they’re backlit so you can see them even in a low-light office!

Overall, with three encryption modes, from the AES-XTS 256-bit default mode to the optional AES-ECB 256-bit and AES-CBC 256-bit modes, the entire system’s patented technology delivers everything you could need from a top-quality HDD to keep your information safe and protected. With the cables and software to support all the latest PCs and Desktops, the diskAshur DT3 provides you with the peace of mind that your data and files are protected when using the unit. If you’re on the hunt for a data security system that is super easy to use, but not easy for hackers to get into, then the diskAshur DT3 is an excellent choice.

PROS:

-Top-quality data security supported by leading data encryption systems and compatible with multiple processing systems

- Configured password that is secure, and an anti-brute force attack protected

- Secure unit that has been protected against physical attacks, as well as digital ones

$89.99 https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-cypher-81

GADGETS

EPOMAKER CYPHER 81

EPOMAKER ALWAYS DELIVER ON AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONALITY, BUT I THINK THE EPOMAKER CYPHER 81 MIGHT JUST BE MY NEW FAVOURITE. FROM THE WHITE, BLUE AND PURPLE DESIGN TO THE INNOVATIVE DISPLAY AND COMPLETE FUNCTIONALITY, THE CYPHER 81 IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY WHILST LOOKING GREAT ON YOUR DESK.

The keyboard comes in a white colourway with many of the control and modifier keys in a contrasting light blue or purple. This colourway gives a lovely pastel look to the keyboard, which as someone who is a sucker for purple and blue together, I’m a big fan! However, the lovely aesthetics of the keyboard don’t end there, because under each key are south-facing RGB lights which add a lovely glow to your keys when typing and look great in a dark gaming set-up. I also like the addition of a small light bar on the right-hand side, which adds a lovely bit of additional glow to the keyboard. One of the most exciting parts of the keyboard is the 0.85inch TFT mini screen that sits in the top right corner. The screen functions much like a smart watch, and can be used to show you useful updates, the time and date, as well as any other useful bits of information that will be useful when you’re working or gaming. I like that it’s small and compact, but still large enough to be useful for giving quick updates to help you stay productive whilst still connected for any urgent updates. Next to the screen is a small rotary knob, which can be programmed to further personalise and control your keyboard. Across both the rotary knob and the mini screen, the keyboard is transformed from just a standard keyboard into an interactive assistant that helps support your typing sessions. However, the next level functionality of the keyboard doesn’t end there, and instead, the keyboard features next level VIA programmability, which allows you to remap the keyboard with secondary layers and flick between them depending on your activity. This makes the keyboard ideal for shortcuts and means you can switch between these depending on your activity. The personalisation of Epomaker keyboards is one of my favourite things about the brand,

and the Cypher 81 is no exception. Plus, with the keys being hot swappable, you can even further customise the keyboard down to the feel of each key to suit your needs.

I loved the feel of the keys that came built into the keyboard, which are supported by the gasket which is designed to eliminate vibration during typing to deliver an improved feel and sound with each key press. As someone who has used a mechanical keyboard for a while, I was super impressed with the feel of the keys that are responsive, soft touch and make typing a joy.

I was glad to see the keyboard is supported by tri-mode connectivity, which helps save space and delivers a wire-free user experience via either Bluetooth or 2.4GHz. These are supported by the 4000mAh battery, which supports a long usage period between charges. However, should you need to charge your keyboard, the included charging cable can be plugged straight into your PC to allow you to stay productive even whilst recharging.

Overall, the Epomaker Cypher 81 keyboard provides a super fun and aesthetically pleasing keyboard, which delivers great personalisation opportunities to make the keyboard your own. I love the screen and rotary knob which add a nice touch to the keyboard to help you stay connected and informed, and makes a nice addition compared to a more traditional keyboard design. If you’re looking for a compact keyboard that looks great, delivers a great typing experience and is completely programmable, then the Cypher 81 is a great choice.

PROS:

- Mini screen for notifications, updates and alerts for added connectivity and personalisation

- Programmable with multiple layers for enhanced optimisation of the keyboard functionality

- Long battery life for long wireless typing sessions

CONS:

- Compact size can take a little getting used to as the right-hand side number pad has been removed, which may not be as ideal if used for things like accounting

$84.99 https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-g84-he

GADGETS

EPOMAKER G84 HE KEYBOARD

EPOMAKER ARE A BRAND WE KNOW AND LOVE HERE AT GADGETHEAD. EVERY KEYBOARD WE HAVE TESTED DELIVERS A SUPERIOR TYPING EXPERIENCE, SUPPORTED BY TOP SPECS AND ALL PACKAGED IN AESTHETICALLY PLEASING UNITS THAT LOOK GOOD ON YOUR DESK – AND THE EPOMAKER G84 HE KEYBOARD IS NO EXCEPTION. THE KEYBOARD BRINGS TOGETHER ALL THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE COMPANY’S KEYBOARDS, AND THEN TAKES THEM TO THE NEXT LEVEL, DELIVERING A KEYBOARD THAT FEELS AND LOOKS GREAT TO TYPE ON, BUT IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY HYPER-PRECISION AND PERSONALISATION ACROSS THE KEYS TO MAKE EVERY TYPING OR GAMING EXPERIENCE PERFECT FOR YOU. .

The Epomaker G84 HE keyboard is designed for precision gamers who want to take their gameplay to the next level, supported by the customised Duskrise Magnetic Switches. These switches deliver a smooth typing experience and benefit from a 0.01 RT adjustable actuation point. This actuation can be adjusted to 3.33mm to help optimise the sensitivity of your keys for your specific typing or gaming needs. Plus, the keyboard boasts an 8 KHz polling rate and a 156k scan rate designed to reduce latency to just 0.125ms, making it perfect for even the most fast-paced games. This ability to adjust your keyboard to your specific needs is one of the things I’ve always loved about Epomaker’s keyboards, as each one is designed to be customised to your specific needs to deliver the perfect keyboard for you.

For further enhanced gameplay, the keyboard is also designed with SOCD logic, which prioritises your last input to help maintain enhanced precision when typing or gaming. Alongside this, the keys feature DKS, which allows you to execute up to 4 commands purely based on how far you press and release a key. This provides next-level control over your actions and is part of the keyboard’s wider Epomaker software that allows you to fully personalise the keyboard across everything from the backlight effect to the sensitivity of the keyboard, and even allows you to remap the keyboard for a fully customised experience.

software going on inside the keyboard, the outside also does not disappoint. The keys feature a lovely blue-teal gradient effect that goes down the keyboard, giving a lovely and sleek look to the keys, even when not in use. However, once turned on, the RGB backlighting shines through the keycaps, illuminating the letters and symbols in blue. The backlight shining means you can clearly see the keys in a dark room, which is ideal for late-night gaming. However, like the rest of the keyboard, these lights can be fully customised using the Epomaker software, allowing them to respond to your actions for an even more fun and customised user experience. The keys themselves are designed with sound-dampening to deliver a great user experience for enhanced acoustics and satisfying key presses. Plus, each key is coated in a grease-resistant coating, so you never see greasy fingerprints across the keys – even on late-night gaming and snacking sessions!

Overall, if you’re looking for a gaming keyboard that will look great in your gaming set-up, is supported by next-level functionality to make keystrokes responsive, and can be fully

customised to your specific needs, then the Epomaker G84 HE is an easy choice. Plus, with it being priced under $100 for all the specs and aesthetics, it really is a good deal. If you’ve got a loved one who is super into gaming, or you are looking for a fun and functional keyboard for your own typing needs, the Epomaker G84 HE would make the perfect gift –and especially as we start thinking about the festive season!

PROS:

- Hyper-precision keys for enhanced game play and typing functionality

- Super aesthetically pleasing look with gradient keys that are illuminated when in use

- Super customisable to make the keyboard completely your own

- Comfortable typing experience and durable key design

$49.99

https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-he68-lite

EPOMAKER HE68 LITE

COMPACT, COLOURFUL AND FUNCTIONAL – THESE ARE THE THREE WORDS I’D USE TO DESCRIBE THE EPOMAKER HE68 LITE KEYBOARD. DESIGNED AS A COMPACT GAMING KEYBOARD, THE HE68 LITE DELIVERS NEXT-LEVEL RESPONSIVENESS, COMPLETE CUSTOMISABILITY, AND SUPERIOR AESTHETICS. PLUS, WITH A PRICE TAG BELOW $50, THIS REALLY IS AN IMPRESSIVE KEYBOARD FROM EPOMAKER. .

The Epomaker HE68 Lite we got to test out came in a lovely all white colourway. My first impression of the keyboard was that it was more minimalist and simpler in design, with a compact layout, especially when compared to many of the other models under the Epomaker brand. However, once turned on, the keyboard comes to life with the A-RGB backlighting, which combines the best of dynamic under-key lighting with traditional key backlighting to deliver a 2-layer lighting system. This gives a lovely rainbow glow to the keyboard and illuminates the letters and symbols of each key from underneath, thanks to their slightly see-through design. This means that when using the keyboard at night, the keys are illuminated to help you hit the right one every time.

The switches on the HE68 Lite are brilliant, each key features a Clear Mag Switch, which are factory-lubed magnetic linear switches designed for quick responsiveness. The keys support DKS and MT functions, which allow for each key to deliver up to 4 actions depending on how much you press and release a key. These are ideal for common actions and key combos, especially those used during gaming to speed up your manoeuvres and outsmart your opponents. In fact, you can adjust your keys to fine-tune their sensitivity to help customise the exact point at which keypresses are registered and where they stop. This ensures there are no dead zones, so every click counts. Plus, with SOCD software, the keyboard is designed to prioritise your last key press when selecting opposing commands

to ensure that every command is completed accurately and quickly.

Much like many of Epomaker’s other keyboards, the HE68 Lite delivers an 8k polling rate, which ensures a near-instantaneous key registration. This is then paired with the keyboard’s 128khz scan rate, which ensures that your actions on screen directly line up with your keyboard commands to allow you to complete complex manoeuvres and fire off rapid combo moves without any delays or lag. With all of these high precision and responsiveness specs, the keyboard is perfect for gaming sessions, and with the glowing lights, it looks extra pretty during late-night campaigns. However, even for use as an everyday keyboard, it’s perfectly functional, and each key feels comfortable and responsive.

PROS:

- Double-layer lighting for a great look and easy visibility at night

- Super-responsive keys that are designed for gaming

- Compact design ideal for working on the go or smaller desks/gaming setups

CONS:

- The compact size can take a little getting used to – but is ideal for saving space

$93.49

https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-luma-84

EPOMAKER LUMA84

WHETHER USED FOR WORKING OR GAMING, THE EPOMAKER LUM84 BRINGS TOGETHER EVERYTHING WE LOVE ABOUT EPOMAKER’S KEYBOARDS AND NOW DELIVERS IT IN A LOW-PROFILE AND SLEEK UNIT SUPPORTED BY UNPARALLELED FLEXIBILITY AND CUSTOMISATION TO TRULY MAKE EVERY USE A BREEZE. .

Straight from the box, the keyboard is quite unassuming in the lovely uniform black colourway with just the ESC and ENTER keys in a contrasting light blue colourway. However, as soon as you turn it on, you are greeted by the glorious RGB backlighting that transforms the keyboard into a stylish yet still minimalist unit, perfect for fitting into any office or gaming setup. In terms of the keyboard design, the keys feature a low-profile mechanical keyboard which supports a cushioned gasket mount for a supported yet satisfying typing feel. This is even further supported by the Luma84’s soft-touch keys that are responsive with a satisfying thud for an even smoother typing experience. All of these features are held within the durable aluminium frame, delivering unmatched sturdiness and ergonomic comfort with each keystroke.

One of the key benefits of the Luma84 Keyboard is that it has been designed with flexibility and customisation in mind, so you can make the keyboard your own. The keyboard features complete VIA software customisability, which allows you to automate tasks via macros that help streamline tasks and improve efficiency. This

is great for helping you get through your work with ease or to help you hit the right key combo to win a game. Across this customisation, you can remap the keyboard to make frequently used keys even easier to hit.

Additionally, all keys are hot swappable, and so the entire keyboard can be adjusted and customised to your needs. I love that I can fully customise the keyboard down to the very keys to deliver a completely custom experience that suits my specific needs. However, I was already a big fan of the keys that come built into the unit, as they are DSA profile keycaps which adopt dye sublimate and double-shot processing for clear and responsive keystrokes every time.

Plus, this superior functionality is supported by a 3000mAh battery for use wirelessly with either the 2.4GHz adapter or via Bluetooth 5.0. However, you don’t have to worry about the power running out mid-meeting, as the keyboard can also be used with a wired connection. Utilising the included USB-C cable, you can plug in the keyboard directly to your device, so you never miss a beat.

Overall, the Epomaker Luma84 brings together everything I love about the company’s keyboard design and delivers it in a sturdy and ergonomic keyboard supported by Epomaker’s unmatched programmability. With a satisfying click with each key, the Luma84 will transform any workspace or gaming set-up thanks to its super functional and aesthetically pleasing design, which is ready to take your productivity to the next level.

PROS:

- Complete programmability to remap the keyboard to make frequently used keys easy to hit

- Wireless connection for wire-free set up – but also can be used with a wire for charging

- Ergonomic design with soft touch keys for a comfortable typing experience

$199.99 https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-magcore-87

EPOMAKER MAGCORE 87

DESIGNED WITH STABILITY AND CONSISTENCY IN MIND, THE EPOMAKER MAGCORE 87 KEYBOARD DELIVERS A TOP-QUALITY KEYBOARD SUPPORTED BY EPOMAKER’S RESPONSIVE AND CUSTOMISABLE SOFTWARE.

When I first saw the Magcore 87 keyboard from Epomaker, I liked how sleek and minimalist the design is, with the entire gasket and most of the keys in a black colourway, while just the ESC, Space, Backspace, and Enter keys feature a transparent blue design. The transparent accents on the keyboard add a touch of uniqueness, allowing you to see the switches underneath and giving the keyboard a fun and high-tech appearance. The keyboard features a full-function tenkeyless layout, which ensures you have all the essential keys you’d need for everyday tasks, with only the larger number pad traditionally seen on the right of a keyboard removed. I like that the keyboard features a slightly compact form compared to a traditional keyboard; this makes it perfect for slightly smaller desk spaces without compromising on the functionality of the keyboard.

In terms of the keys, each one utilises Kalih Box Inductive Switches, which are designed to deliver a stable performance for both typing and gaming sessions. The switches provide a lovely, smooth typing experience to each key, whilst enhancing the precision with which each one registers and responds to your clicks. For enhanced responsiveness, the Magcore 87 delivers an 8k polling rate thanks to its wired connection. This means that the precision of each keystroke is enhanced whilst lag is reduced through the stable wired connection signal. This makes the

keyboard perfect for everyday typing accuracy, but especially for competitive gaming sessions to ensure you’re able to respond to the game with speed and accuracy.

One of the things I love most about Epomaker keyboards is the complete customisability across each one, and the Magcore 87 is no different. The keyboard features a customisable actuation point, which means you can adjust the sensitivity of each key for your needs. This means a much higher sensitivity can be achieved for gaming for rapid fire responses, as well as lower sensitivity for deeper presses to make everyday typing sessions satisfying with each click of the key. In fact, each key also features RGB backlighting, which can be further customised to a variety of colours to suit your gaming or office set up, whilst delivering a lovely glow for the keyboard even in low lighting conditions.

PROS:

Ultimately, the Magcore 87 feels like the perfect choice for an everyday keyboard that is designed with functionality and precision in mind, whilst remaining sleek yet customisable to suit all your gaming or typing needs. This is definitely a great all-round keyboard that can be used across activities to keep you productive all day at work, and then be used to play your favourite games at night without needing to invest in two different keyboard setups. Therefore, thanks to the customisability and actuation flexibility of the keyboard, you are essentially getting multiple keyboards in one unit and all for a single affordable price point.

- Durable gasket design with compact but functional keyboard layout

- 8k polling rate for enhanced responsiveness and accuracy

- Adjustable actuation point for enhanced gameplay

CONS:

- Does use a wired connection, which is great for the 8K polling rate, but not ideal if you prefer a wire-free keyboard set up

$129.99

https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-tide-alice

GADGETS

EPOMAKER TIDE ALICE

I’VE TESTED MANY KEYBOARDS OVER THE YEARS, AND THE TIDE ALICE FROM EPOMAKER IS ONE OF THE MORE INTERESTING DESIGNS I’VE SEEN. THE TIDE ALICE FEATURES AN INNOVATIVE ERGONOMIC DESIGN TO SUPPORT A COMFORTABLE TYPING EXPERIENCE, WHICH IS PAIRED WITH ENHANCED PROGRAMMABILITY AND A PREMIUM GASKET MOUNT FOR AN OPTIMISED USER EXPERIENCE.

The first thing you notice about the keyboard is that the keys have been divided into two sections, in a similar way to the Epomaker Split 65, but both halves are built into the same gasket mount. The keys are in two slightly curved sections to support the natural positioning of your hands when typing. Keyboards are often designed in straight lines, but when typing, our wrists are rarely in such a straight position. Therefore, the curved 65% Alice layout takes into consideration our natural wrist and arm position when typing and has positioned the keys to fit this. In turn, this means that there’s less strain on your wrist to deliver a more comfortable user experience, even during long typing sessions.

To further support a comfortable typing experience, the Tide Alice has a gasket-mounted FR4 plate which features 5-layer sound dampening. The sound dampening is achieved with layers of Poron sandwich foam, IXPE switch pads, PET sound-improving film, Poron case foam, and PET insulation pads. These layers come together to make each keypress cushioned, whilst still delivering a satisfying click as you’d expect from a mechanical keyboard. I loved the feel of the keys as they were cushioned yet super responsive for a supported typing experience. However, should you want to further customise the feel of your keys, each one is hot-swappable, and so you can add in different switches, which ensures you can completely customise the keyboard to get the perfect level of comfort and support for every use.

The keys are held within a CNC-anodised 6062 aluminium case, which feels super sturdy and adds a little weight to the keyboard. The aluminium gives the keyboard a sleek and stylish finish, and the monochrome black colourway makes it a lovely yet minimalist addition to my desk set-up. The weight adds a nice sturdiness to the keyboard when typing, which again further supports a secure and

comfortable typing experience without the keyboard moving or shaking at all. The looks and aesthetics, supported by the ergonomic design and sound dampening, deliver an all-around well-built keyboard that is great for helping you feel supported for long typing sessions.

However, the perks of the Tide Alice don’t end there, as the keyboard is made by Epomaker and so it features full VIA programmability, which allows you to customise the keyboard and remap the layout and build shortcut layers to make the keyboard work even better for you. This could be from enhancing shortcuts for everyday work tasks or even delivering a more optimised keyboard ideal for gaming. This programmability means you can make the keyboard entirely your own, for an optimised workflow and productivity. I love that the keyboard even has a rotary knob in the top right corner which can be used for controls or to flick between layers for even more enhanced productivity. Plus, with a 4000mAh battery inside and tri-mode connectivity, you can stay productive without worrying about the keyboard running out of charge mid-meeting.

PROS:

- Sleek, portable design that is both dust and waterresistant

- Large 2TB storage space for plenty of files – great for both personal and work use

- Industry-recognised security software

Overall, the Tide Alice keyboard brings together all the functionality, customisation and programmability that I’ve loved about many Epomaker keyboards and now delivers it with an enhanced ergonomic layout perfect for making every use a little more comfortable. If you work at a computer a lot during the day, or even like a long gaming session, having a keyboard that has been made with comfort in mind is key, and with the Epomaker Tide Alice, you get exactly that.

- Brute force and USB malware attack protection – including automatic data wipe when incorrect PIN is entered too many times

CONS:

- High price point – but reasonable for software quality and storage space

$119.99 https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-luma40

EPOMAKER TIDE49

FOR ME, AN ORGANISED AND UNCLUTTERED DESK SPACE IS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A PRODUCTIVE WORKDAY. FOR THIS REASON, I LOVE A WIRELESS KEYBOARD THAT ALLOWS ME TO KEEP MY DESK ORGANISED AND WIRE-FREE.

However, I’ve seen an increasing presence of compact keyboards on the market, which are much smaller than traditional keyboards to help cut down on clutter and maximise the space on your desk. Therefore, I was excited to give the Epomaker Tide49 a go, to see how it stands up against a traditional full keyboard in terms of functionality and productivity, whilst still maximising my desk space and organisational needs.

Straight out of the box, I was surprised by just how small the Tide49 actually was. The keyboard spans just 49 keys, removing all the typical top function keys, arrow keys and the right-hand number panel which you’d typically expect from a traditional full-sized keyboard. Instead, the keyboard focused on just the essential letters, numbers and primary control keys. The reduced size means that a lot of the keys you likely rarely use are gone, and instead, just the essential keys that you’d use every day are left. I like the compact layout and find that for my everyday tasks, it is perfect.

However, if I found I needed one of the keys that had been removed, I could utilise the complete VIA programmability of the keyboard and create macros and different layers that I could switch between to transform the usual keys into shortcuts for specific needs. This means that despite its size, you aren’t missing out on any of the functionality you’d expect from a traditional keyboard, thanks to the programmability of the keyboard’s software. The complete programmability is paired with keys that are hot-swappable, so you can achieve a fully customised yet compact keyboard that is designed to work for you. I was super impressed with how easy it was to program the keyboard, and in fact, the ability to create many layers means

you can actually achieve multiple keyboards in one, ideal for remaining super productive with multiple layers delivering everything you could want from your traditional keyboard - but now in a more compact form.

In terms of the aesthetic design, the keyboard is minimalist in an allblack colourway with the casing made from CNC aluminium for a durable and sturdy finish. However, the keys add a little fun to the keyboard with each one having its letter or symbol in a different colour. This adds a subtle but colourful touch to the keyboard, which can be paired with the southfacing RGB lights under each key to transform the keyboard into a fun and colourful unit, perfect for any desk setup. I particularly liked the keyboard when the room was a little darker, as the lights under the keyboard provided a lovely rainbow glow across my desk.

Across the design, functionality and aesthetics of the Tide49 keyboard, I was super impressed. I love the compact design as it saves a ton of desk space and is wireless, whilst still delivering the functionality and typing experience I’ve come to love about many of Epomaker’s keyboards. If you’re looking for a durable and sturdy keyboard that will be well-suited to a small desk space, then the Epomaker Tide49 is a brilliant option. From its large 3000mAh battery life and tri-mode connectivity, to the programmability and hot swappability, the keyboard delivers everything you could want from a more traditional keyboard, but now in a more compact form!

PROS:

- Compact 49-key design ideal for small desk spaces

- Durable and sturdy design, supported by 5 layers of padding for added support and comfort whilst typing - Tri-mode connectivity for easy and seamless pairing with devices – can be wired or wireless

CONS:

- The smaller size with many of the function keys removed may not be ideal for someone who utilises these keys for their everyday job, whilst you can program in different layers and shortcuts, it may not be as ideal as having a main key directly on the keyboard

GADGETS

TIDRADIO TD-H3 MULTI-BAND HAM RADIO HANDHELD

$49.99 (Currently on sale for $25.99!)

https://tidradio.com/products/tidradio-td-h3-ham-

gmrs-unlocked-8-band-walkie-talkie

THE TIDRADIO TD-H3 MULTI-BAND HAM RADIO IS DESIGNED TO DELIVER CLEAR COMMUNICATION OVER RADIO FREQUENCIES, EVEN WHEN CELLULAR NETWORKS ARE UNAVAILABLE. I’VE NEVER REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT USING A RADIO FOR COMMUNICATION, BUT I KNOW THAT FOR THINGS LIKE SECURITY OR EVENT COORDINATION, SUCH DEVICES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR KEEPING EVERYONE UP TO DATE. SO, I WAS INTERESTED TO SEE HOW THE TD-H3 HAM RADIO WORKED AND ITS USE FOR AMATEURS.

The TD-H3 Ham Radio is a small but mighty bit of kit that is designed with 8 bands of frequency, including AM and FM, for longdistance communication. The TD-H3 radio comes with the handheld unit, a 2500mAh battery, a standard antenna, USB programming and charging cable, a USB wall charger plug, a lanyard cable and a user manual. The overall body of the unit feels super sturdy and secure, with a good weight behind it, showing its durability whilst still remaining lightweight enough to carry with you. The 1.44-inch LCD colour screen makes it super easy to see what you’re doing and helps you navigate around the radio with ease.

One of the main benefits of the TD-H3 Ham Radio is its multimode programming. This means that the radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth or via a traditional 2-pin system. I like that it can be programmed via Bluetooth using the Odmaster App, which allows you to wirelessly program the radio using your phone. The radio has access to 199 channels, and should you want to copy a channel, there is a fast copy button which allows the radio to save a frequency from a nearby transmitting radio as a new channel. This allows for better syncing up of channels, which I’d expect to be ideal when using multiple radios together.

The radio has two modes of operation, either via a frequency (VFO) mode or a channel/memory (MR) mode. For everyday use,

the MR mode is the most commonly used, and the VFO mode is often kept for experimentation out in the field instead. In the MR mode, once a channel has been selected, to make a call, you just press down the top PTT key on the side of the radio, which allows you to send your message. When doing so, the radio shows a red light and then, when receiving a call, the radio shows a green light. However, make sure you have the right licences before you do this, as transmission over some radio frequencies is illegal without the correct licensing!

In terms of longevity, the radio is designed with a 2500mAh battery, which holds a much longer charge than many others on the market, which often use a 1800mAh battery. With a larger battery size, the TD-H3 boasts to provide up to 2 days of charge in standby mode. However, when you do charge the radio, it can be done so very quickly using the included charging cable and plug.

Overall, the TIDRADIO TD-H3 Ham Radio is designed for amateurs who want to utilise the functionality of radio communication. Whether for event coordination, hiking or security, the TD-H3 Radio is designed to deliver a seamless communication experience that allows you to stay in touch without the need for cellular networks. If you’re an amateur looking for a Ham Radio that delivers seamless functionality supported by a long battery life and sturdy construction, the TD-H3 is a great choice and available at a great price point.

PROS:

- Sleek, portable design that is both dust and waterresistant

- Large 2TB storage space for plenty of files – great for both personal and work use

- Industry-recognised security software

- Brute force and USB malware attack protection – including automatic data wipe when incorrect PIN is entered too many times

CONS:

- High price point – but reasonable for software quality and storage space

£29.99 (Currently on sale for £24.99)

https://www.ryman.co.uk/canyon-wireless-pad-ws-105-15w-qi2-white-1

CANYON WIRELESS CHARGING PAD WS-105 (WHITE)

DESIGNED WITH PORTABILITY AND CONVENIENCE IN MIND, THE WIRELESS CHARGING PAD WS-105 FROM CANYON IS THE PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION TO KEEP YOU CHARGED UP WHILST ON THE GO. I’M ALWAYS RUNNING OUT OF CHARGE WHEN I’M USING MY PHONE FOR NAVIGATION OR FOR STREAMING SHOWS WHEN I’M AWAY FROM HOME, SO HAVING AN EASY CHARGING SOLUTION THAT SAVES SPACE AND ALLOWS ME TO CHARGE MY PHONE EASILY IS A MUST.

The Charging Pad from Canyon is remarkably small but delivers a powerful charge. The white circular unit, which connects to a plug with a USB-C cable, attaches to an iPhone and other Qi2compatible devices using the phone’s magnetic back connection. This magnetic connection allows the phone to charge up, whilst keeping the Charging Pad in place.

The charger delivers 15W of fast charging, making it perfect for keeping you charged up and ready to go all day long. I like that the Charging Pad also has a little stand that can be clicked out from the back. This means that you can use the Charging Pad as a stand whilst charging your phone too, adding yet another level of functionality to the device. This is perfect for streaming your favourite TV show or playing a game whilst you wait for your phone to charge up.

One of my favourite things about the Charging Pad is that it comes with a long 1.5-meter cable, so you don’t have to

be sat super close to a plug socket to charge your device. Instead, you can comfortably plug into the Charging Pad to a plug and wall socket without having to worry about feeling completely tethered to the wall. I’ve used chargers before that are super short, which had me sitting uncomfortably on the floor trying to charge my phone; therefore, I love that the longer wire makes the use of the Charging Pad just that little bit more convenient.

Overall, the Charging Pad is a super convenient little charger that magnetises to your phone to keep you powered up all day. If you’re looking for a sleek and compact charger that is perfect for taking with you on the go, then the Canyon Wireless Charging Pad WS-105 is an easy option, supported by Certified with Qi2 CE Standards for an added touch of safety.

PROS:

- Compact charger for easy portability

- Magnetic connection for secure and reliable charging

- Long charging cable for easier functionality

CONS:

- I wish the Charging Pad came with a USB-C compatible plug, as many plugs are USB-A to USB-C, so an additional plug may need to be purchased to use the Charging Pad

£24.99

https://www.amazon.co.uk/STM-Goods-ChargeTree-Charging-Station/dp/B08YJNF8HJ/

STM GOODS CHARGETREE SWING

I’VE USED A FEW DIFFERENT CHARGING STATIONS OVER THE YEARS, AND STM GOODS ARE ALWAYS SOME OF MY FAVOURITES. EACH UNIT IS BUILT TO LOOK SUPER SEAMLESS AND SLEEK, WHILST DELIVERING USEFUL CHARGING SOLUTIONS. THE CHARGETREE SWING IS DESIGNED TO STREAMLINE CHARGING INTO A SINGLE UNIT WITH THREE CHARGING POINTS FOR YOUR PHONE, EARPHONES AND SMARTWATCH TO HELP KEEP YOUR DESK CLUTTER-FREE.

The ChargeTree Swing features the main phone stand, on which you set your phone, supported by the small ledge. The back and base of the phone stand feature a soft light grey silicone, which protects your phone and ensures that it doesn’t slip off when charging. The backplate allows for wireless charging using Qi technology, which is compatible with most iPhones and various other magnetic charging-supported devices on the market.

The back of the phone stand is where the earphone and smartwatch chargers can be found. The back of the stand has space to charge your earphones in their case. It’s compatible with earphones such as AirPods. The smartwatch holder then swings out from the right-hand side of the unit. Both the smartwatch and earphone charging stations deliver wireless charging. One of the nice aspects of the swing-out smartwatch stand is that it is designed for use specifically with the AppleWatch, which has a nightstand mode to transform the ChargeTree Swing into a useful hub for overnight charging. However, I think it would also be perfect for using at your desk to hold your devices and keep them charged up during the day in one complete unit. Across each of the charging points, the unit supports fast charging, delivering great charging speeds that are perfect for getting your devices powered up in no time.

One of the things I typically dislike about having to charge all my devices at once is the number of different chargers and

plug sockets you need to charge every single one. This is something that the ChargeTree Swing rectifies, delivering a single charging unit that can charge all your devices at once, whilst needing only a single plug and wire to do so. However, I will note that you do need a specific wall plug for the ChargeTree. Whilst the unit does come with a USB-C to USB-C cable, you will also need to purchase a wall plug that is USB-C compatible and supports 20W charging output. I’d have liked to see this included in the box, but I appreciate that, for the price, this isn’t too much of an additional expense, and you may already have one!

Overall, the ChargeTree Swing is a really useful charging station that would make the perfect Christmas Gift, especially for the tech-savvy person in your life. With quick charging speeds, useful 3-in-1 charging options, and a sleek yet stylish look perfect for your desk or nightstand, the ChargeTree Swing is the perfect answer to declutter your space and keep your devices charged up all day long.

PROS:

- 3-in-1 charging unit to charge your phone, smart watch and earphones all at once

- Reduces the amount of wires and clutter on your desk with a single included USB-C to USB-C cable to power the charging station

- Compact size for easy portability and a streamlined desk set-up

CONS:

- Does not come with a charging plug and needs a specific wattage size, which would have been nice to be included, rather than a potential additional cost

£29.99

https://exgpro.com/products/sega-dr-eggman-cable-guys-controller-and-phone-stand-1

CABLE GUYS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG DR EGGMAN CONTROLLER HOLDER & PHONE STAND

WE ALL LOVED PLAYING SONIC THE HEDGEHOG AS KIDS, AND NOW YOU CAN BRING A LITTLE BIT OF THIS NOSTALGIA INTO YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE WITH CABLE GUYS’ RANGE OF CONTROLLER HOLDERS AND PHONE STANDS. WE GOT TO TEST OUT THE DR EGGMAN CONTROLLER HOLDER AND PHONE STAND VERSION, WHICH IS PERFECT FOR THOSE WHO WANT THEIR VERY OWN VERSION OF THE ICONIC VILLAIN FROM SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ON THEIR DESK.

Cable Guys deliver such a great range of stands and holders that add a lovely touch of personality to your desk, and the Sonic the Hedgehog range is no exception. The Dr Eggman stand and holder is super sturdy, and provides ample space for your gaming controller, remote control or phone to sit carefully cradled by the iconic villain’s arms. I love how secure it feels, so you know your phone or controller isn’t going to fall.

The entire holder stands around 8.5 inches tall, making it the perfect hub for your controllers or phones that helps keep

PROS:

- Sturdy holder for secure holding – great for desk organisation your desk or gaming set-up organised. Plus, I love that you can run a charging cable through the hands of the phone holder, allowing you to easily charge your phone even whilst it’s in the arms of Dr Eggman!

If you have a gaming-obsessed loved one or want to add a touch of villainous charm to your desk with Dr Eggman, the Sonic the Hedgehog phone holders and controller stand make the perfect addition to any desk or gaming setup.

- Phone and controller stand is compatible with lots of devices and controllers

- Iconic Sonic the Hedgehog characters to add a fun gaming-inspired flair to your desk or gaming set-up

CABLE GUYS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG EARPHONE AND PHONE HOLDERS

£17.99 https://exgpro.com/

KEEPING YOUR DESK ORGANISED HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY WITH CABLE GUYS’ RANGE OF PHONE AND EARPHONE HOLDERS. EACH ONE PROVIDES THE PERFECT SPACE TO PROP YOUR PHONE UP TO WATCH A VIDEO, OR TO HOLD YOUR EARPHONES WHILST YOU’RE BUSY GETTING WORK DONE OR DEEP IN A GAMING SESSION. HOWEVER, CABLE GUYS HAS NOW BROUGHT THE BRILLIANT CHARACTERS OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG TO LIFE ACROSS ITS PHONE AND EARPHONE HOLDER RANGE TO DELIVER FUN GAMING-INSPIRED HOLDERS THAT TRANSFORM ANY DESK WITH A TOUCH OF PERSONALITY..

We got to test out both the Super Sonic Phone Stand and the Knuckles Phone Stand, which are smaller versions of Cable Guys’ typical holders. These make them the perfect size for your phone or wireless earbuds to keep them handy whilst you’re at your desk. Both the Super Sonic and Knuckles look exactly like the iconic characters from the games, with bright colours that are sure to bring a fun and colourful look to your desk. Each one feels super sturdy and secure to hold your phone or earphones with ease. The green platform base helps to provide added stability, especially if you have a large phone, as the stands are only about 4 inches in height. I will say, if you have a large

phone, you can’t always see the face of the character whilst it’s in use, as your phone usually covers this, but it’s not much of a problem, and means when not in use, the stand looks just like a cool figurine on your desk or nightstand.

If you love Sonic or are looking for a fun and gaming-inspired phone and earphone holder for your desk, then the mini Cable Guys holders are the perfect choice. The Sonic the Hedgehog range looks great, and will add a lovely pop of colour to our gaming set-up with some familiar character faces!

PROS:

- Fun and accurate character designs that look great on your desk

- Compact size ideal for organising small desk or nightstands

- Stable design for secure holding of your phone or earphones

£8.99 –£9.99

https://warmies.co.uk/pages/warmies%C2%AE-keyrings-bag-charms

GADGETS

WARMIES KEYRINGS AND BAG CHARMS

IN RECENT MONTHS, THERE HAS BEEN A SHARP RISE IN THE BAG AND KEYRING ACCESSORY WORLD. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ADDING A WHOLE RANGE OF CUTE AND CUDDLY ACCESSORIES TO THEIR BAGS TO ADD A BIT OF CHARM AND CHARACTER TO WHAT MAY BE AN OTHERWISE DULL BAG. WARMIES, A LEADING SOFT TOY COMPANY THAT BELIEVES THAT EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE COMFORT IN THEIR LIVES, HAS ENTERED THE BAG ACCESSORY MARKET WITH A RANGE OF SMALL KEYRINGS AND BAG CHARMS THAT FEATURE THEIR TYPICAL SOFT AND SCENTED CUDDLY FRIENDS, BUT NOW IN A MORE COMPACT FORM TO COME WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.

I was super excited to get to test out the Warmies Keyrings and Bag Charms, because who doesn’t want an adorable little cuddly friend on their bag or keys all day! I got to test out the Avocado Keyring (£8.99) and Donut Bag Charm (£9.99). The Avocado Keyring is a super adorable half avocado soft figure, with a cute little face, arms and legs. The Donut Bag Charm is slightly larger and features a cute pink ring donut with sprinkles, and it has a face, arms and legs like the Avocado. Both are covered in a super soft, fluffy material that makes them a joy to hold.

However, unlike most of the bag accessories currently on the market, Warmies brings its unique comfort-focused design to the keyrings and bag charms, as each one contains dried lavender. This lavender adds a lovely, subtle smell, which is designed to help promote calmness. This is a super nice addition, especially in the bag accessory market, as the cute little figures can be smelled and held to promote relaxation no matter where you are, because it’s right on your bag or keys. This makes the Warmies Keyrings and Bag Charms a lovely gift for someone who might get a little anxious sometimes, to help them relax, or for kids to help create a calmer atmosphere.

The Donut bag charm also has a special microfibre ring on the back, which is ideal for cleaning your phone screen whilst on the go – making the bag charm not only cute and relaxing, but also functional whilst on the go.

One of my favourite things about the Warmies keyrings and bag charms is that each one comes on a silver-coloured keyring with a clip that allows you to easily attach each one to your bag or keys. I personally much prefer silvercoloured hardware on my bags, so this matched my personal metal preference well. However, the clip also makes it super easy to move and attach your keyring or bag charm, which is ideal if you change bags a lot!

Overall, the Warmies Keyrings and Bag Charms provide a fun, cute and relaxing focused accessory for any bag or set of keys. If you want to bring your own cute little friend with you on the go or have a loved one who is a big fan of the bag and key accessory trend that is happening right now, then the Warmies Keyrings and Bag Charms are a perfect choice for their look, feel and functionality.

PROS:

- Super cute range of designs to suit everyone’s interests

- Lavender filled to promote calmness even whilst on the go

- Super functional and sturdy key rings and a clip for secure attachment to your bag or keys

https://www.babybjorn.co.uk/products/baby-bouncers/bouncer-bliss/

BABYBJÖRN BOUNCER BLISS BABY BOUNCER

WITH SO MUCH TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS, BEING ABLE TO KEEP YOUR BABY ENTERTAINED WHILE YOU CAN GET THINGS DONE IS A MUST. THE SOLUTION TO THIS IS A BABY BOUNCER, WHERE YOUR BABY CAN GENTLY ROCK THEMSELVES AND PLAY, WHILST KEEPING YOU HANDS FREE. BABYBJÖRN, A LEADING BABY ACCESSORY BRAND, HAS A WHOLE RANGE OF BABY BOUNCERS, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO HELP MAKE LIFE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN EASIER AND MORE ENJOYABLE.

The baby bouncer we got to review is the Bouncer Bliss, which is a lightweight and handy baby bouncer that you can take with you wherever you go to provide a cosy and safe place for your baby to play close to you. The Bouncer Bliss we tested came in a lovely Sand Grey colourway, which is a lovely neutral colour. This is made from a 3D jersey material that is super soft and made from 80% polyester, 16% cotton and 4% elastane to gently hug your baby with a little stretch for added comfort.

In terms of the design, as with all of the products from BabyBjörn, the Bouncer Bliss has been designed with experts and medical specialists. This means that the bouncer has been ergonomically designed to provide the best support for your baby’s back, neck and head across three different positions. In addition, the bouncer has been recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a hip health product, so you can use it knowing your baby is supported by the safe and healthy design. Plus, as the bouncer comes in such close contact with your baby, the fabric is super soft on their skin and without any harmful chemicals, so it’s safe for them to touch and even taste.

As I mentioned, the bouncer has three different position options that range from a more upright position to a more laid-

down position. To adjust between these, the back has a little lever that can gently move the bouncer between these positions. These positions are designed to offer the perfect level of support depending on the age of your baby. The bouncer is therefore designed to support your baby from the newborn stage, and up until the age of 2. As your baby grows, the positioning of the bouncer allows them greater rocking

ability, which helps them develop balance and motor skills as they figure out how to make the bouncer rock by wiggling their arms and legs.

The back lever also allows you to fold the bouncer flat, which makes it easy to transport with you on the go. In fact, its collapsible design makes it ideal for taking with you on the go in the bottom basket of your pram, to provide a safe and comfortable place for your

little one, whether you’re at home or at a friend’s or family member’s house. Plus, with the entire material seat cover being machine washable, you can take the bouncer with you wherever you go without worrying about any mess or dirt that might get on it. If it gets dirty, the whole thing can be slipped off the metal frame super easily, and thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

When your child reaches 9KG or starts trying to sit up in the bouncer, they have outgrown the bouncer function of the Bouncer Bliss. However, by just turning around the fabric of the seat, the bouncer can then be used as a comfortable seat for your child when they have greater mobility. The Bouncer Bliss can be used as a chair for your child up until they are around 29lbs.

I was excited to see that the Bouncer Bliss we tested came with the Soft Friends Toy for Bouncer Accessory (£49.90), which attaches to the side of the baby bouncer. The metal arm is covered in s fabric cover, made from soft cotton and 3D jersey. Attached to the arm are three little animal shapes that are made from 100% BCI-certified cotton, ensuring that even if your baby puts them in their mouth, they’re completely safe to do so. The Soft Friends set we tested came in a lovely neutral colourway, matching the neutral colour of the Bouncer Bliss we tested. They provide a lovely, fun addition to the bouncer, and can help keep your baby distracted

whilst developing their motor skills at the same time. This makes a great addition to the Bouncer Bliss and is the perfect accessory for keeping your child entertained.

If you’re a new parent and are looking for a way to keep your baby close to you, whilst allowing you to still have your hands free to get things done, then a bouncer is an essential. The Bouncer Bliss provides

a lovely, supportive and safe space where your baby can rest and play. I love how the bouncer is designed to grow with your baby, with three different positions to support your child as you grow – even becoming a chair once your baby has left the bouncer stage! Plus, the Soft Friends bouncer accessory makes a perfect addition to make the bouncer even more fun for your kids.

PROS:

- Super soft material to support your baby

- Machine washable cover for easy cleaning

- 3 different position variations to grow with your baby

CONS:

- The Soft Friends Toy accessory is quite a significant additional price for an accessory, which may not be super affordable in addition to the bouncer

Range: £7.99£30

https://bladeandrose.co.uk/collections/halloween

BABY

BLADE & ROSE HALLOWEEN COLLECTION

HALLOWEEN IS SUCH A FUN TIME OF THE YEAR FOR KIDS, WHERE THEY GET TO DRESS UP AND GO TRICK-OR-TREATING. WITH THE SPOOKY SEASON SOON UPON US, BLADE & ROSE HAVE RELEASED THEIR VERY OWN HALLOWEEN COLLECTION, WHICH FEATURES FUN AND ADORABLE COSTUME DESIGNS, WHILST STILL HAVING THE SAME SUPER SOFT AND COMFORTABLE FABRICS THAT THE COMPANY ARE KNOWN FOR. .

Across the Halloween Collection, Blade & Rose have a skeleton costume, some fun ‘Boo’ leggings and a pumpkin-themed jumper. However, the costume we got to review was the adorable Fluffy Spider Outfit (1-2 Years) – £30.00.

The Fluffy Spider Outfit comes with three parts: the leggings, a long-sleeved top and a detachable cape. The leggings are super fun with a black and white striped colourway, with the black stripes actually being fluffy and a spider print on the bottom. They come in the usual super soft material that Blade & Rose are known for, with a wide elastic waistband for a snug and secure fit. The leggings are great for small children as they are durable yet soft and include extra stretch to fit around all types of nappies. This means that your child can go on all kinds of Halloween adventures, whilst still being comfortable.

The top is super soft, made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane. It comes in all black and features an adorable spider print on the front, with giant green eyes. While it’s a long-sleeve top, it remains super breathable to keep your child cool and comfortable. The top even has contrasting poppers to make getting dressed easier, and a neckline that is designed to prevent irritation. These design aspects help to make the whole outfit more comfortable and functional to wear.

The final adorable part of the outfit is the detachable cape that features a similar black and white stripey print as the leggings, with a bright green trim. The cape is super soft, made from the same material as the top, and adds an extra fun element to the costume, whilst

helping to keep it comfortable and practical for wearing. We all remember wearing those plastic-feeling costumes as kids, so this makes a lovely change where comfort and wearability have been prioritised, whilst still keeping the design super cute and perfect for the spooky season.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun yet comfortable Halloween costume for your child, then Blade & Rose is the place to go. The Fluffy Spide Outfit is super soft and functional, whilst being perfect for Halloween activities. The outfit comes in a range of sizes from 1-2 years, up to 5-6 years in its junior size range. The high-quality materials ensure each piece will last a very long time, and for many Halloweens to come. However, as your child will likely have grown out of the costume by next year, please do check out Blade & Rose’s Preloved marketplace. This allows parents to sell gently loved Blade & Rose pieces, helping to make shopping more sustainable and supporting families with budget-friendly options in the process.

PROS:

- Super soft materials that ensure comfort

- Three-piece costume for added Halloween fun

- Designed for functionality with extra stretch for nappies and poppers for easy dressing

CONS:

- The costume is priced at £30, which might be a little high, especially if your child will grow out of the set quite quickly; however, via Blade & Rose’s Preloved Marketplace, you can sell gently loved Blade & Rose products to let someone else’s child enjoy the costume and make some of the money back in the process!

BLADE & ROSE AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION

Price Range: £3.50£28.00

https://bladeandrose.co.uk/collections/autumn-winter-25

AS WE ENTER INTO AUTUMN AND THE WEATHER TURNS COLDER, GETTING SOME NEW CLOTHES FOR YOUR CHILD IS A MUST TO KEEP THEM WARM AND COMFORTABLE AS WE TRANSITION TOWARDS THE COLDER MONTHS. ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO GET SOFT, COMFORTABLE AND RESPONSIBLY MADE CLOTHES FOR YOUR CHILD IS BLADE & ROSE, WHICH HAS JUST RELEASED THEIR AUTUMN AND WINTER COLLECTION 2025.

The Autumn and Winter collection features an adorable array of clothes featuring dragons, farmyard animals, dinosaurs, Paddington and the Gruffalo designs – to name just a few! We got to review the Teddy the Dragon Hoodie (6-12 months) (£28), which provides an adorable and cosy layer to keep your child warm. The hoodie features a navy zip-up hoodie, with yellow accents around the hood, cuffs and waistband. However, the true fun of the hoodie is on the back, with the hoodie having soft 3D red spikes that go along the spine and up onto the hood. This turns your child into a little dragon themselves, ready for a whole day of dragon adventures.

One of the things I always love about Blade & Rose products is that every clothing item has been designed with comfort and functionality in mind, and this is the case with the Teddy the Dragon Hoodie. The body of the hoodie is made from a 60% cotton and 40% polyester material that feels soft and helps keep your child warm, whilst being durable enough for everyday play. Plus, for added comfort, it features a full zip guard and snug cuffs to make playtime easy and prevent any irritation from the tip.

We also got to review the Rustic Farmyard Top (6-12 Months) (£14), which comes in a lovely burnt orange colour, perfect for the Autumn months. The top features a green tractor

with chunky wheels, perfect for those kids who love tractors! Like all the products we’ve seen from Blade & Rose, the top is made from a super soft material that is 95% cotton and 5% elastane, which makes for a comfortable all-day wear. The top even features poppers to help make getting dressed easier and is designed with a neckline to stop irritation for added comfort.

Across both the Rustic Farmyard Top and the Teddy the Dragon Hoodie, comfort and functionality have been met with Autumn style. If you are on the hunt for some new clothes for your little one, ready for the upcoming seasons, Blade & Rose is the place to go with a range of products and designs that are sustainably made, whilst being super cute and comfortable.

PROS:

- Range of super cute designs that are perfect for the Autumn/Winter months

- Super soft materials are used across the designs for comfortable all-day wear

- Functional designs for easy wearing and to avoid irritation

TOYS & GAMES

£14.99 /buildyourownkits.com/product/periscope/

BUILD YOUR OWN PERISCOPE

BUILD YOUR OWN ARE A COMPANY PASSIONATE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND STEM LEARNING, AND BELIEVES THAT THE BEST WAY TO BRING THESE TOGETHER IS THROUGH CONSTRUCTION KITS THAT ARE FUN AND CREATIVE. EACH KIT IS DESIGNED WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY IN MIND, AND ARE A GREAT WAY TO GET EVERYONE INVOLVED AND KEEP KIDS AWAY FROM SCREENS. .

Across the kit, there are 39 card pieces and two high-quality mirrors, which all fit together to build the periscope. Each piece comes in a ‘stealth’ black colour, with silver metallic accents, to make the completed periscope perfect for bird watching, looking around corners and over walls with a good level of camouflage. One of the exciting parts of the periscope construction is that it can even be extended up to 61 cm, so you can see things high up. This makes the final periscope construction perfect for kids, to help them explore the world and nature around them from a new point of view.

As with all Build Your Own products, sustainability is key. Each piece, including the box, is 100% recyclable to ensure that even when the product is no longer used, it is not contributing to global waste levels. Even with the recyclability of the Periscope, each piece is sturdy, fits together securely and is built to last the test of time. For the Periscope, care has been taken in its design to ensure it is both lightweight and ergonomic, whilst including a safety cap to protect the mirrors from getting damaged and causing any harm.

Across the entire Build Your Own Periscope activity, fun is underpinned by STEM principles. By bringing STEM and fun together, kids can develop these skills without even knowing it. I like that once built, the kit provides kids with a continuous learning experience, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of the design. If you’re looking for a fun activity that will take your kids away from their screens and bring the whole family together for a fun STEM-focused project, then the Build Your Own Periscope kit is a great choice.

PROS:

- Each piece is recyclable, ensuring the overall sustainability of the kit

- No glue needed for assembly, making it a great option for mess-free projects

- STEM-inspired activity which brings learning and fun together

CONS:

- Some pieces can be a little fiddly to put together, so kids may need parental supervision

https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/arts-crafts-and-music/crafts/

slime-and-putty/so-slime-sensations-asmr-surprise-box/p/249416

SO SLIME SENSATION ASMR SURPRISE BOX

OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, SLIME HAS SEEN A BIG INCREASE IN ITS POPULARITY, WITH MANY KIDS WANTING TO MAKE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL CONCOCTIONS TO STRETCH AND SQUISH. CANAL TOYS SAW THIS POPULARITY AND HAVE DELIVERED THE ULTIMATE SLIME KIT FOR KIDS, FEATURING MULTIPLE DIFFERENT SLIMES AND DECORATIONS THAT CAN ALL BE MIXED TOGETHER!.

The So Slime Sensation ASMR Surprise Box is fun from the get-go; after unwrapping the box and opening the front cardboard flat, you turn the handle to push out the first surprise ball. This turns the box into its very own vending machine, making the collecting of each slime-filled surprise ball a little bit more fun. Inside each of the balls are a variety of colourful slimes and decorations that can be mixed into the slime. Once mixed, you can create textured slimes that provide a fun sensory experience.

The surprise balls contain up to 6 different types of slime, from regular to foam and in a wide range of colours. The different decorations include such things as small beads, balls and cubes. When mixed, the slime and decoration can see more than 100 different combinations made, making every slime unique. Plus, once you’ve unboxed all the slimes, they can be put back into the balls and placed back into the box vending machine. This means that kids can then start the whole experience over again, discovering new, weird and wonderful combinations with every surprise ball from the Surprise Box.

PROS:

- Surprise Box operates like a vending machine, adding a fun experience to discovering the slimes and decorations

- More than 100 different combinations inside

- Affordable price point

CONS:

For a slime lover, the So Slime Sensation ASMR Surprise Box is the perfect gift. With so many different slimes and decorations inside, every surprise ball unboxing is a treat. Plus, at such an affordable price point, you really can’t go wrong with the Surprise Box!

-Once the slimes and decorations have been mixed, they can be difficult to separate, which means that when putting them back in the box to open again, there may be less variety

SPORTS & FITNESS CORE BALANCE HEX DUMBBELL SET WITH RACK (12KG)

£39.99

https://www.corebalance.co.uk/products/hex-dumbbell-set-with-rack

WHETHER YOU’RE A GYM VETERAN OR A BEGINNER IN THE WORLD OF FITNESS, HAVING A GOOD SET OF DUMBBELLS AT HOME MEANS YOU NEVER HAVE TO MISS OUT ON A GOOD WORKOUT - EVEN WHEN LIFE GETS IN THE WAY! I’VE LONG BEEN A FAN OF CORE BALANCE’S FITNESS EQUIPMENT, AND THE HEX DUMBBELL SET MIGHT BE ONE OF MY FAVOURITES, PROVIDING ME WITH A RELIABLE, AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AND DURABLE DUMBBELL SET THAT MEANS I DON’T HAVE TO VENTURE OUT OF MY FLAT TO STILL GET SOME MOVEMENT IN.

Having recently moved house, my gym routine has been off as I’ve spent all my time unpacking, and I’m still on the hunt for a new local gym that I like. Therefore, at-home workouts have been my main form of exercise…if you don’t include carrying boxes up stairs! Most of my at-home workouts are usually just using my own body weight or some resistance bands I’ve acquired over the years. However, I’ve been loving incorporating weights into my routine at home to help build and maintain my muscles, even without all the fancy gym equipment. This is where the Core Balance Hex Dumbbell set has been super useful. The set includes two 1kg, 2kg and 3kg weights, providing you with three weight options to choose from depending on your exercise. Whether for lateral raises, bicep curls, or even bent over rows, the weights provide that extra bit of resistance to help keep my arms and body feeling super strong. The weights included in the 12kg set that we tested were perfect for making each movement a little harder, whilst still making them super safe to do at home. For this reason, I think the set would be super ideal for beginners, and especially those who may be a little scared to step into the weights section of the gym alone. Instead, you can practice your form in the comfort of your own home and build up muscle and technique, ready for when you do step into the gym. However, even if you’re a gym veteran, having a good set of weights at home is super useful, especially for those days when

you don’t have time to make it to the gym for a long lifting session. I liked the 12kg set, and found the weights included were helpful, but if you’re used to lifting much heavier ones, Core Balance also have an 18kg set. This set includes two 2kg, 3kg and 5kg weights, helping to make your exercises a bit more difficult with the added weight size. With both sets, you can work your way through the weights, making them a great option for getting a sweat on and maintaining your fitness even on those hectic days.

In terms of the design, Core Balance have thought of everything with each one featuring a solid iron core, which has been balanced to help with form when lifting. The iron core also means that should you drop the weights, they won’t chip or crack like some other dumbbells, which have a cement core. Each one is covered in a soft neoprene coating that not only provides a lovely, sleek yet colourful finish in the light blue, pink and teal colourway, but ensures that you maintain a solid grip on each dumbbell even if your hands get a little sweaty. Then, should you use the weights for push-ups (which they’re great for and help support your wrist more), each one has a hexagonal end which means they don’t roll. This means that for push-ups, you are supported, and during HITT workouts, you don’t spend precious rest moments searching for your weight that’s rolled under the sofa! Once you’re done with working out, the set comes with a sturdy rack stand so you can store your weights out of the way, ready for your next workout.

Overall, the Core Balance Hex Dumbbell Set with Rack is perfect for athome workouts and would make a great

addition to any home gym. With three weight sizes in either the 12kg or 18kg set, you can get a dynamic workout in, all from the comfort of your own home. Plus, at just under £40, you really can’t go wrong with the functionality, aesthetics and storage!

PROS:

-3 weights in the set for a range of weighted exercises and to help you build up muscles

- Ideal at-home set – great for when you can’t get to the gym or are new to working out

- Anti-roll and non-slip design for added support for each movement

VEHICLE CARDO SYSTEMS PACKTALK EDGE: THE ULTIMATE COMMS KIT?

Single: £356 / Duo: £635

https://cardosystems.com/products/packtalk-edge

BY A BLOKE WHO’S BEEN IN THE SADDLE LONGER THAN MOST BIKES STAY ON THE ROAD I’VE BEEN RIDING MOTORCYCLES FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS. JUST ME, THE BIKE, AND THE OPEN ROAD— NO INTERRUPTIONS, NO CONVERSATIONS, JUST THAT SWEET MECHANICAL SYMPHONY IN MY EARS. BLISS. OR SO I THOUGHT....

About a decade ago, someone handed me a motorcycle communication system and said, “Give this a go.” I scoffed. Talk to people while I ride? Isn’t the whole point of riding to escape the noise? But I gave it a fair crack, clipped it on, paired it up with a couple of mates, and off we went. By the end of that ride, I was a convert.

Gone were the frantic coffee stop catch-ups where we’d all shout over each other trying to recap the ride, the weather, the potholes, that mad sheep that ran into the road. Now we could talk in real time—laughing, warning, singing (badly), and generally having a blast from the moment the helmets went on.

Since then, I’ve tested most of the communication systems on the market. Some were brilliant in theory but fell apart in practice—too clunky, battery life that wouldn’t last a Sunday run, and setups that required a PhD to operate. But one name has consistently stood out: Cardo. And their latest model, the Packtalk EDGE, is a peach.

Let’s start with the basics: it’s sleek, light, and doesn’t make your helmet look like it’s sprouted a satellite dish. It’s absolutely rammed with features, but still somehow dead simple

to use. One click and you’re off—music, podcasts, audiobooks, or just chatting nonsense with your riding crew. It even makes phone calls… though let’s be honest, I’m out on the bike to avoid those.

The EDGE comes with JBL speakers—and yes, they sound as good as that makes you think. Crystal-clear audio, solid bass, and a microphone that genuinely cancels out the wind (and your mate’s dodgy singing). The voice control is intuitive too, so you can shout commands like you’re in Knight Rider, or just hit a button if you’re more old-school.

One of my favourite features is the automatic volume adjustment.

As the wind picks up or dies down, your music adjusts accordingly, like a tiny audio technician lives inside your helmet. It’s so smooth you forget it’s even happening.

And let’s not overlook the safety perks. Riding in a group while connected is like having a team of guardian angels on your shoulders. Someone sees a speed camera, a deer, or a dodgy white van man? Boom—instant heads-up. I’m pretty sure this feature alone has saved our bacon more than once.

Now, the EDGE gives you two ways to connect: Bluetooth or Cardo’s clever Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC). The mesh system is where it gets seriously clever—everyone in the

group links up like a web, so if someone drops out or changes position, the connection doesn’t break. No faffing around, no shouting “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?” into the wind. Even better, once connected, it remembers your gang. Next day? Just switch it on and ride. Magic.

Our road test was a proper 10day jaunt across France with three riders and zero mercy for our gear. We rode through glorious sunshine, torrential Normandy rain (the sort that laughs at Gore-Tex), twisty roads, and straight blasts. The Packtalk EDGE never missed a beat.

Battery life? Outstanding. They say 13 hours and I believe it. Even after a long day’s ride, I’d power down and be told I still had 25% left. Charging is easy too, with a USB-C port tucked safely behind a water-resistant rubber flap. No fiddly nonsense.

Oh, and no aerial. That’s right— no flimsy little stick poking out the side of your head. The EDGE doesn’t need one to hit its impressive 1.6km range, which means less chance of snapping it off while loading your lid into the panniers.

One of the smartest design touches is the Air Mount system. You don’t clip or screw the unit onto your helmet—it literally snaps on with a magnet. Just wave it near the mount and thunk, it’s on. It even locks in place automatically, so it won’t fly off mid-wheelie.

So, is the Cardo Packtalk EDGE the best motorcycle comms system on the market? In a word: yes.

It’s not cheap—£356 for the single unit or £635 for the duo—but this is premium gear that delivers. Think of it as an investment in better rides, safer trips, and a lot less shouting over exhaust pipes at service stations. And let’s face it, motorcycling ain’t a budget hobby. We gave the EDGE the full test: long days, heat, torrential rain, dodgy Euroservice coffee, and not a single hiccup. If you’re the kind of rider who loves big trips, scenic routes, or just a chinwag between bends, this is the kit for you.

PROS:

Pros:

• Near-instant pairing with Bluetooth 5.2

• Outstanding battery life (13 hours!) with handy voice updates

• Automatic volume adjustment – no more deafening tunes at traffic lights

• JBL 40mm speakers serve up top-tier sound

• Mesh mode connects up to 15 riders with no signal dropouts

• USB-C charging, magnetic mount, and IP67 waterproofing

CONS:

• Pricey—but worth every penny if you’re a serious rider

Bottom line?

The Cardo Packtalk EDGE isn’t just a comms unit—it’s a riding\ companion. And once you’ve used it, you’ll never go back.

£69.99

https://miofive.com/products/mini-s-uk

MIOFIVE DASH CAM MINI S

WITH THE NIGHTS BEGINNING TO DRAW IN, HAVING A DASH CAMERA BECOMES EVEN MORE VITAL WHEN VISIBILITY IS LIMITED. UNFORTUNATELY, ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO INSURANCE CLAIMS, HAVING YOUR OWN RECORD OF EVENTS IS CRUCIAL IN PROVING LIABILITY. FOR THIS REASON, I NEVER DRIVE WITHOUT A DASH CAMERA IN MY CAR, AS IT OFFERS AN EXTRA LEVEL OF PEACE OF MIND, WHETHER ON LONG OR SHORT JOURNEYS. I WAS THEREFORE PLEASED TO SEE THAT MIOFIVE OFFERS THE MINI S DASH CAMERA, WHICH IS HIGHLY USER-FRIENDLY AND ALLOWS YOU TO PLUG THE DASH CAMERA STRAIGHT INTO YOUR CAR AND GET RECORDING FOR THAT EXTRA LAYER OF SECURITY WHILE YOU’RE ON THE ROAD.

The Mini S Dash Camera is a super small bar-shaped dash camera that attaches to the front windscreen of your car using the provided adhesive patch on the top of the camera. Once attached to your car, the camera can then be pivoted to provide the best angle of the road. One of the best things about the Mini S Dash Camera is just how easy it is to get the camera set up. You just have to plug it into your car’s power source using the included car charger and car charging cable, and then follow the instructions in the manual. This shows you how to connect the dash camera to your phone via the Miofive App, where you can then activate and start using it for your drives.

Once connected, the Mini S Dash Camera delivers a 4K 2160p camera that is designed to capture clear recordings of the road, no matter the time of day. The camera can be focused on a specific range of interest, and then the camera corrects the windshield colour to help ensure all footage has the best image

quality possible. Then, for nighttime driving, the Mini S features ‘super night vision’ thanks to its 3D DNR technology and intelligent AI algorithm that reduces image noise and ensures you can capture every detail around you, even in dark driving conditions. As you drive, the camera also has a nifty audio alert setting that can help you with your speed awareness and warn you of speed cameras along your route. The audio cues mean you can keep your eyes on the road, making your driving safer, whilst ensuring you are sticking to the speed limit for a safer drive.

I do need to note that the dash camera does not come with an SD card, so you would need to use one you already have or purchase a new one. I’d personally have liked to see one included in the box for added ease and convenience, but I appreciate this would likely have bumped up the price of the dash camera. The dash camera supports SD cards between 32 GB and 512GB, with the smaller size holding only a few hours of footage, and a 512GB SD card holding up to 36 hours of footage. However, a big positive is that the dash camera is designed to automatically loop its recordings

to ensure that you never run out of memory space. This means you could use a smaller SD card if you’re only driving a few hours a day, because new footage is automatically recorded over older footage to keep space on your dash camera for new footage from each drive.

In the event of an accident, the Mini S Dash Camera has a built-in G-sensor. This is designed to respond to sudden movements or knocks, as might be experienced during a crash, and so the dash camera locks the footage for review later. This ensures that accidents are securely stored and are prevented from being overwritten, so you can use them if an insurance claim or police report needs to be made. Recorded footage can then be reviewed instantly on your phone via the Miofive app, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi of the dash camera. Plus, the Mini S Dash Cam records your vehicle’s location and speed data thanks to its built-in GPS tracking, adding yet another level of protection when it comes to claims to prove your speed and location in the event of an accident.

The Mini S Dash Camera does have a parking mode; however, this does require the purchase of the Hardwire Kit HWK2, as the camera needs to be directly plugged into your car to allow the camera to turn on even when your car is off. Once hardwired, the dash camera is designed to have two parking modes for collision detection or time-lapse to help protect your car when it is parked.

Overall, if you’re new to the world of dash cameras or just want a super easy dash camera that you can connect and get working without a lot of fuss, the Miofive Dash Cam Mini S is a great option. It’s super easy to use and provides a nice bit of peace of mind knowing that should an accident or crash occur, you have a copy of the events for insurance and legal proceedings. Whilst ideally, we will never need to use the footage we record, in a world where insurance claims are hard to determine, having a copy of events could save you lots in the long run and help keep you accountable on the road.

Also available from Amazon at just £49.99 now!

PROS:

- Easy to set up and use the dash camera

- Great quality camera footage to clearly see what’s happening on the road – even at night

- G-sensor to respond to sudden movement to ensure bumps or crashes are captured

CONS:

- Doesn’t come with an SD card – I would have liked to see at least a 32GB SD card included in the set so you can record at least a few hours of footage, and then decide if you’d prefer a larger memory card

£262.46 (Currently on sale for £245.44!)

https://miofive.com/products/mirror-1-uk

MIRROR1 DASH CAMERA

I TRIED A FEW DIFFERENT DASH CAMERAS OVER THE YEARS, BUT THE MIOFIVE MIRROR1 DASH CAMERA MIGHT JUST BE THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED ONE I’VE EVER SEEN. THE UNIT OPERATES NOT ONLY AS A USEFUL FRONT-VIEW DASH CAMERA TO CAPTURE THE ROAD IN FRONT OF YOU, BUT IT ALSO CAPTURES THE ROAD BEHIND YOU AND THEN DISPLAYS IT FOR YOU ON THE REARVIEW MIRROR-STYLE SCREEN. THIS TURNS YOUR USUAL REAR-VIEW MIRROR INTO A HIGH-TECH SCREEN PROVIDING AN EVEN GREATER VIEW OF THE ROAD FOR ENHANCED SAFETY WHILE ON THE ROAD. .

The Mirror1 Dash Cam brings together the expertise of Miofive’s team of developers to deliver the next generation of vehicle safety. The Mirror1 dash camera provides an enhanced view of the road, recording everything from your view to your location and speed on the road for added peace of mind should an accident occur. The central part of the Mirror1 is an 11.26inch IPS touchscreen with an anti-glare 2.4D curved design that, once attached to your existing rear-view mirror, provides a technologically advanced dash camera and rear-view mirror in one. When not in use, the dash camera’s reflective screen operates much like a typical rear-view mirror, with its large size providing a decent view of the road behind you. Then, once turned on, the screen displays a detailed 138° view of the road behind you, providing an even greater field of view than many typical rearview mirrors supported by the STARVISS 2 IMX675 sensor.

However, the great tech in the dash cam unit does end there, because on the back of the rearview mirror screen is the front-facing dash camera that captures the road in front of you

in 4k, thanks to the SONY IMX415 sensor. Together, the front and rear cameras provide an unparalleled view of the road, capturing every turn, movement and manoeuvre in crystal clear clarity. These cameras deliver great image quality whether during the day or at night, with each one operating at 30FPs. You can then review the footage captured using your phone via the Miofive App. This seamlessly connects to the dash camera with 5Ghz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to manage your recordings, zoom into videos for further inspection and then share those clips should they be needed as evidence. In addition, the app also allows you to keep the device up to date with the latest OTA firmware updates to ensure it remains current and ready to serve you with the latest technology and features.

However, the Mirror1 is designed to go beyond just being a dash camera; in fact, it’s been designed with enhanced AI-driven assistance systems which help make your driving experience safer. The dash camera features an alert system designed with UK driving conditions in mind to help keep you aware of your speed and let you know when you’re exceeding the speed limit on the road. This helps to hold you accountable and promotes safer driving. In addition to this, the dash camera can provide real-time alerts for traffic and lane departures to help enhance your awareness on the road. Plus, for even more added safety, you can customise your view, allowing you to see the front, rear or a split screen of both at once on the rearview mirror screen. This allows for enhanced visibility on the roads and a more versatile perspective to ensure

every movement is safe and your blind spots are more adequately covered. Should an accident occur, the cameras have a three-axis G-sensor that automatically detects and locks the footage during impact to ensure it captures the event, what led up to it and the outcome. It does this to ensure that, should you need to make an insurance claim or police report, you have the footage of the event securely stored to back up your version of events. Plus, you can easily watch back and zoom in on your recorded footage via the Miofive app. I was super glad to see that the dash camera comes with a 128GB SD card in the unit, designed for capturing high-speed footage. Unlike many dash cameras that don’t come with an SD card, the Mirror1 makes it super easy to open, set up and get recording without any additional purchases. Plus, with loop recording, the oldest footage is recorded over in favour of new footage, to ensure you never run out of space. The only difficult thing about the Mirror 1 is that it can be a little more complex to set up than a smaller single-camera dash camera. However, this is to be expected for the payoff you get with the front and rear camera, and rear-view mirror display. Thankfully, Miofive have tried to make this as easy as possible with a 3-in-1 power cable system that minimises the number of wires and means that the unit’s GPS, front camera and power are all integrated into a sleeker and minimalist look across your car.

Unfortunately, accidents do occur, and many of us can be left facing costly insurance claims when liability cannot be determined. For this reason, investing in a good dash camera is the way forward to keep your own record of events should an accident occur. With Miofive you are not just investing in a great dash camera, but you are investing in an all-around innovative unit that is designed for enhanced safety and visibility. Whilst the price is more on the premium side for the dash camera market, you are getting two premium quality cameras and an innovative display (not to mention all the great safety and GPS features) all for one price. Therefore, the Mirror1 is an investment, but a worthy one for enhanced visibility and safety when on the roads.

PROS:

Available on Amazon now for £229.99 (With the £30 voucher applied)

- 4k and 2k cameras for enhanced image capture and a crystalclear view of the road

- Innovative rear-view mirror display which can be adjusted for your preferred camera (front, rear or both)

- Comes with an SD Card installed for plug-and-play functionality

- Seamless connectivity with the Miofive app to view, manage and share footage

CONS:

- Premium price point for the everyday use dash camera market, but worth the investment for the dual camera, display and enhanced safety feature

VEHICLE

RUROC AURORA HELMET WITH CARDO SHOCKWAVE MESH INTERCOM

£539.00 (discounted to £377.30 with free delivery from Ruroc.com) https://www.ruroc.com/en_gb/eox-aurora

I GENERALLY RIDE IN A GROUP OF THREE, AND AS WE WERE LONG OVERDUE A HOLIDAY, THIS YEAR’S MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE LED US TO AIX-LES-BAINS, A CHARMING TOWN NESTLED BETWEEN LYON AND GENEVA, JUST A SHORT RIDE AWAY FROM THE FRENCH ALPS AND SWITZERLAND. IT’S A DREAM DESTINATION. WE ALL WEAR DIFFERENT MAKES OF HELMETS AND CONNECT THROUGH OUR CLIP-ON CARDO PACKTALK EDGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, WHICH HAVE NEVER LET US DOWN. THIS YEAR, THINGS WERE ABOUT TO GET EVEN BETTER, THANKS TO A SURPRISE FROM RUROC..

Enter the Ruroc Aurora helmet, with the integral Shockwave mesh powered by Cardo (£299.00) intercom system, designed to seamlessly connect with our other Cardo units. I had seen and read about Ruroc helmets, but this was my first time wearing one. The installation of the Cardo Shockwave intercom system was simple, taking just five minutes to fit and instantly pairing with my Cardo app.

A Helmet That Makes An Impression

The Ruroc Aurora is a bold declaration. With its fierce, retroinspired drag-racer design, it makes you feel like you’re ready to launch off the starting line at Santa Pod. The Aurora is the vibrant green exposed carbon fibre one, and it is striking. From the moment I opened the quality box, I knew I was in for something special. The helmet comes in a drawstring bag, creating an extra layer of anticipation and protection. And when I pulled it out, it felt like

holding a piece of art. The glossy green finish is so reflective, it practically shines with a mirror-like quality.

Unveiling the Details

Inside the box, you’ll find a clear visor, a dark visor and a Pinlock insert, which is double glazing to eliminate fogging – a must-have feature. I also had the Photochromic Visor (£89.00) to test, which automatically adjusts its tint depending on the light conditions. The visor’s quick transition between shades is like magic, ensuring you’re never squinting in bright sunlight or fumbling with extra visors. Switching out the visor is easy with just a couple of clicks, and you’re set.

Comfort That Lasts

Now, let’s talk about comfort and fit. Breaking in a new helmet can be hit and miss, and the prospect of a 10hour ride ahead of me didn’t fill me with joy at the thought of a painful lid. By the time we hit the first stop, the helmet already felt great, and within a couple of hours, it felt like I had always worn it. The fit is top-notch, with no pressure points. Of course, a helmet is highly personal, but for me, this one felt tailored to my head. The Cardo shockwave mesh system worked like a charm too, connecting me to my riding buddies without a hitch, and the battery life was equal to my old Edge unit, which was a welcome surprise.

The Magic of the Visor

Let’s circle back to the visor because this thing is pure brilliance. It adapts to lighting changes as you ride, providing optimal shade at all times. The transition is smooth and fast, and it never leaves you wanting for more, and it proved its worth as we rode around the Alps, from sunny mountain roads to plunging into dark mountain tunnels. The visor went from dark in the sunshine to clear as soon as we hit the tunnels. This photochromic visor makes this stylish helmet even cooler. It’s a perfect blend of form and function. In my opinion, it’s far better than the flip-down shades or integral sunglasses options.

Lightweight, Quiet, and Impressive Performance

The Ruroc Aurora is lightweight, and the aerofoil on the back takes weight off the neck, which makes it even more comfortable. But what impressed me the most was just how quiet this helmet is. For anyone who spends long hours on the road, this will make a world of difference. Whether you’re carving through mountain passes or cruising on the motorway, the noise reduction lets you focus on the road and your ride without distractions.

Performance on Different Bikes:

Adaptable

and Comfortable

I’ve tested this helmet on a couple of different styled bikes for many hours, and it performs admirably on both. My steeds are a naked Suzuki GSX1400 and a racier Suzuki GSXR750, and the

helmet works flawlessly on both. The helmet’s chin is deep, and the back neck area is high, so whether I was sitting upright or bent over, it didn’t rub on the collar of my jacket. The helmet looks amazing, are true stunner, but for me, comfort was the standout feature. I’ve learned that comfort must come first, and it’s not often you find a helmet that balances both looks and comfort so well.

The integrated Cardo Shockwave system is brilliant and must be one of the standout features of the Aurora. Unlike other helmets which must have the communications systems bolted on the side, the Shockwave being fully integrated inside the helmet is so slick.

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer For Riders

If you’re on the hunt for a helmet that offers style, comfort, performance, and technology, the Ruroc Aurora coupled with the Cardo Shockwave system is everything you need and more. It’s a helmet designed to elevate your riding experience, with its combined communication system, quiet ride, and intuitive visor, that excels in every category.

For riders who value both performance and aesthetics, the Ruroc Aurora is spot-on and delivers top-tier functionality; this is the one to beat. The price point is spot on. It may seem like a lot of money, but what isn’t in the biking world, and I think this package offers superb value for a very special helmet.

£49.00

https://www.ruroc.com/en_gb/motorcycle-riding-backpack

VEHICLE

RUROC RIDING BACKPACK

MY OLD MOTORCYCLE RUCKSACK HAD GIVEN ME YEARS OF FLAWLESS SERVICE BUT HAD BEGUN TO RESEMBLE SOMETHING FROM AN APOCALYPTIC WASTELAND. WHILE IT SERVED ME WELL, TIME AND USE HAD TAKEN THEIR TOLL - FRAYED STRAPS, WORN SEAMS, AND A GENERAL LOOK OF EXHAUSTION. SO, WHEN RUROC SENT OVER THEIR NEW RIDING BACKPACK FOR TESTING, I WAS EAGER TO SEE IF IT COULD LIVE UP TO MY OLD FAITHFUL. SPOILER, IT’S BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF A REVELATION. When I think about a bike backpack, I have a few nonnegotiables: ample space, plenty of pockets, top-notch comfort, weather resistance, and most importantly, long-term durability. The Ruroc Riding Backpack checks all these boxes and more. With a generous 38-40 litre capacity, this bag offers more than enough space for all the essentials and then some. Whether it’s my computer, tools, snacks, extra layers, or even a spare pair of shoes, this bag handles it all. Plus, with 4 external pockets, 2 zipped side pockets, 6 internal pockets, a laptop sleeve pocket and an easy-access front compartment, it’s a breeze to stay organised. No more rummaging around in a bottomless pit of gear; everything has its place.

Comfort On Long Rides

Let’s talk comfort, because when you’re on the bike, this is the dealbreaker. The back panel of the Ruroc Riding Backpack is firm yet cushioned, ensuring you don’t feel the contents digging into your back. The shoulder straps are generously padded, fully adjustable, and have easy draw pulls to tighten and release the bag to your back. The chest strap keeps the shoulder straps in place, and this is a small feature that I feel makes a huge difference. The chest straps ensure the bag doesn’t shift while you’re riding, no matter the speed or how rough the terrain is. One of the clips that connects the chest strap has a clever whistle built in, so if the unthinkable happens and you end up in a crumpled heap, you can be heard and found. And let’s not forget the GoPro camera clip on this strap, which is secure, easy to use, and perfect for capturing your journey.

Rain? No Problem.

The Ruroc Riding Backpack is crafted from durable, water-resistant materials, all designed to keep the elements out. It’s marketed as 100% waterproof, and I put it to the test in a biblical rainstorm on my way through France. After several hours of heavy rain, everything inside stayed dry. That said, like most backpacks, some water might sneak in through the zips. But in my experience, it handles wet weather like a champ, keeping your gear where it belongs - on the inside and dry!

Design That Doesn’t Compromise

Ruroc has always been known for blending style with functionality, and this backpack is no exception. At first glance, it doesn’t scream “motorcycle gear,” even with its high-vis logos; instead, it feels like an extension of your riding kit rather than just another bag. I have put this bag through its paces with commutes, long trips, varying weather and heavy loads, and it still looks pristine with no fraying, no fading, and no signs of wear. It’s a bag that’s built to last and designed well.

Performance, On and Off the Bike

Whether I’m embarking on a longdistance ride or commuting through city traffic, the Ruroc Riding Backpack stays securely in place, feels light, and most importantly, doesn’t dig into my back; it’s very comfortable. I don’t just use it for biking, and on days when I’m not riding, this bag still gets a lot of use. The comfort and style translate seamlessly into everyday life, so when I ditch the bike and walk, this backpack still holds its own. It doesn’t look out of place, whether I’m hitting the trails or the coffee shop.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ruroc has really knocked it out of the park with this one. If you’re in the market for a backpack that combines durability, comfort, and versatility, the Ruroc Riding Backpack is hard to beat. So whether you’re navigating commuting traffic, enduring a long ride, battling weather, or simply carrying your daily essentials, this bag is built to handle whatever life and the road throw at it. If you want a backpack that looks the part and performs like a true companion, this one’s a winner at a great price.

TECHNAXX CAR CHARGER TX-322

€39.99 https://www.technaxx.de/products-

detail/?pid=5259&cid=536

I’VE HAD A PHONE MOUNT ATTACHED TO MY WINDSCREEN FOR MANY YEARS TO HOLD MY PHONE IN PLACE FOR DIRECTIONS AND MUSIC WHILST I DRIVE. THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN FINE, BUT I DON’T LIKE THE RINGS IT LEAVES BEHIND WHEN I TAKE IT DOWN, AND SOMETIMES THE SUCTION HOLD DOESN’T FEEL SUPER SECURE – ESPECIALLY DURING MORE BUMPY RIDES. THEREFORE, I WAS EXCITED WHEN I GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT THE TECHNAXX CAR CHARGER TX-322, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO SIT IN YOUR CAR’S AIR VENTS RATHER THAN ON THE WINDSCREEN OR DASHBOARD.

The Technaxx Car Charger TX-322 clips around the bars of your car’s air vents and utilises a twisting mechanism to hold the phone holder in place. Once in place, the phone holder is secure and can then be plugged into your car’s power source using the included USB-C to USB-A cable. However, this will need to be plugged into a car adapter for power, which you may need to purchase alongside the TX-322 for charging if you don’t already have one. Once the charger is installed and connected to your car’s power source, it is then ready to charge your phone via a Qi2 magnetic connection. This magnetic charging means that you don’t need to plug your device in every time you get into the car; instead, you can simply place your phone in the holder, and it will hold it securely while providing fast charging to your device.

I like that the phone holder cradle can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to get the perfect angle while

driving. However, even with such manoeuvrability, the phone cradle remains super firm to hold your phone in place well without it moving – even on bumpy rides! The cradle holds phones up to 6.7 inches, which is perfect for most phone models on the market. However, if you have a particularly thick phone case, you might want to check the specific size specs of the TX322 charger to ensure your device will fit even with your case on. Overall, if you like to listen to music by connecting your phone to your car, or use your phone for navigation whilst on the road, then having a stable and reliable phone holder is a must. However, the Technaxx Car Charger TX-322 has taken this one step further and has integrated a super-fast charger into the phone holder to ensure that you are never caught without navigation or your perfect driving playlist whilst you’re on the road.

PROS:

- Secure air vent attachment for easy viewing without getting in the way of your view of the road

- 360-degree holder rotation to get the perfect viewing angle every time

- Delivers fast charging via the Qi2 connection for easy and wire-free charging on the go

CONS:

- You do need a car power adapter to plug the TX-322 cable into, which may need to be purchased separately if you do not already have one

TECHNAXX MAGNETIC CAR CHARGER TX-323

€39.99

https://www.technaxx.de/products-

detail/?pid=5260&cid=536

I LOVE USING MY PHONE FOR MUSIC AND NAVIGATION WHILST I’M DRIVING, BUT WITH BOTH OF THESE WORKING AT THE SAME TIME, IT CAN REALLY DRAIN MY PHONE’S BATTERY. SO I WAS EXCITED TO SEE THE TECHNAXX MAGNETIC CAR CHARGER TX-323, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MAGNETIC CHARGING WHILST HOLDING YOUR PHONE AT THE PERFECT ANGLE FOR NAVIGATION.

The Technaxx Magnetic Car Charger TX-323 comes in an all-black colourway, fitting seamlessly into the interior of my car. The unit is designed to fit into your car’s vents, with parts that you twist to expand and hold the TX-323 in place. This can be a little fiddly to get secure, but once in place, it provides the perfect viewing angle and keeps your dash or windscreen clear of the messy suction rings that many dashboard-mounted holders leave behind.

The TX-323 holds your phone using a secure magnetic connection that is compatible with most Oi2 devices that support magnetic charging. This includes most iPhones that are 12th generation or newer. With the magnetic charging, you can just click your phone to the TX-323, where it can start charging without needing to plug in a wire directly to your phone. Instead, the TX323 connects to your car’s power source via the included USB-C to USB-A cable. This helps to keep wires free from your device and makes charging your phone even easier whilst on the go.

The overall functionality of the TX-323 is super useful as you don’t need to worry about plugging your phone in every time you get in the car, or have to fight with a traditional phone

holder to clip your phone into place, instead you just attach your phone via the magnetic connection and you’re ready to get going on your journey, knowing your phone is charging up in the process. Plus, the TX-323 supports 15W fast charging, so your phone charges up super quickly when connected, which is perfect for topping up your phone’s charge even on shorter trips.

If you drive a lot and are looking to upgrade your car phone holder, the Technaxx Magnetic Car Charger TX-323 is a great option that lets you go wire-free whilst keeping your device charged up, even on long drives. I like how it clips to your air vents, which are typically lower than standard dashboard mounts, so your field of view is a lot clearer than with a standard windscreen or dashboard mount, which can limit your view. Plus, at only €39.99, the phone stand is an affordable, functional and makes charging whilst you drive super easy.

PROS:

- Secure magnetic charging, which firmly holds your phone in place and is compatible with most Qi2 devices

- Supported by 15W fast charging for quick charging speeds

- Fits to air vents for a messfree installation and clearer field of vision when driving

CONS:

- If you do not already have a car power source adapter, you will need to purchase one in addition to the TX-323 for it to plug into your car’s power via the included charging lead

£599.99 (Now on Sale for £297.49)

https://www.trail.co.uk/products/langley-skylight-driveaway-awning

TRAIL LANGLEY SKYLIGHT DRIVEAWAY AWNING

ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF THE WARM SUMMER WEATHER IS VENTURING INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE TO ENJOY SOME BLISSFUL DAYS AWAY FROM THE STRESS OF THE CITY. ALL IT TAKES IS THROWING SOME THINGS IN MY VAN AND PITCHING UP IN A CAMPING FIELD SOMEWHERE TO FEEL A BIT OF BLISS. I’VE OFTEN JUST SETTLED FOR A REGULAR TENT, POPPING TO AND FROM IT TO MY VAN WHEN I NEED THINGS. HOWEVER, WHEN I SAW THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT A VAN TENT AWNING, I JUMPED AT THE CHANCE.

The Trail Langley Skylight Driveaway Awning is designed to provide you with extra space when you’re touring or campervanning. The awning fits most mid-sized vans, compact campers, and multi-purpose vehicles, and means you can create a lounge or sleeping area, whilst keeping you connected to your van. Made from heavy-duty TRX210T 70D polyester, the awning attaches to the side awning rail of your van and provides a complete awning space reinforced with durable taped seams and a clip-in heavy-duty groundsheet. However, one of the main perks of the awning is that you can just unclip the awning from your vehicle and drive away without needing to disassemble it. This means you can leave your awning to pop to the shops or take a trip to the local beach, without the need to take everything apart first.

The Langley Skylight Driveaway Awning was super easy to put up, with the included driveaway kit helping to seamlessly attach the awning to the side of my van. You then connect the roll-out awning to the floor via the ground pegs and hi-vis guy ropes, and the shape of the awning begins to take shape through the fibreglass pole that gives it structure and stability. The awning includes 2 side door panels which sit close to the side of your van, providing coverage when accessing your vehicle through the side or front zipped door. In the main section, the awning benefits from full-length PVC windows, which provide great light

to the inside of the awning. Plus, there are skylights, which allow you to stargaze at night and provide extra light during the day. However, be sure to close the toggle curtains to the skylight when you’re done stargazing; if not, you might be woken up super early like I was when the morning light began creeping in!

One of the great aspects of the awning is the extended front canopy section, which provides extra covered space where you can cook or store your items to keep them sheltered from the inevitable rain showers of British summer time! This makes the whole awning feel a lot larger, and

makes staying in a camping ground more comfortable as you don’t feel as confined to your campervan or tent alone. Inside, there’s plenty of room for either a few chairs and a table, or for a sleeping area. The included ground sheet helps to keep the inside clean, protects well from draughts and stops any unwanted insects from venturing in. I will note that, if you do choose to use the awning for sleeping like I did, you might be interested in purchasing the additional clip-in pod that blocks out sunlight for a better night’s sleep, uninterrupted by early morning light. I think it would be super useful if I were using the awning for multiple nights in a row, but for the occasional trip, it’s not an essential.

The entire design of the Langley Skylight Driveaway Awning has been designed with functionality in mind, with every aspect from the included front storm straps to the lantern hooks has been taken into consideration. These help make the awning super functional and make it a lovely place to rest when enjoying some peace from the hectic nature of everyday life. With plenty of space for a range of activities, without feeling cramped, it is the perfect choice if you love touring or campervanning across the country during the summer to make stops just that little bit more comfortable.

PROS:

- Easy installation for a whole range of vehicles/vehicle heights, aided by the included easy-to-install driveaway kit

- Great size where you can comfortably stand in it, with plenty of extra space for a sitting or sleeping area

- Strong and durable structure designed to withstand typical British weather

- Driveaway design means you don’t need to take down the entire awning if you want to move your van

CONS:

- During summer, the light can creep in quite early, which isn’t ideal if you want to sleep in, but the included toggle curtains do help - but if you’re easily woken by light, the additional purchase of a sleep pod might be ideal!

MINELAB X-TERRA INTREPID METAL DETECTOR

£99.98 (Currently On Sale for £84.98!)

https://uk.minelab.com/x-terra-intrepid

FOR MORE THAN 35 YEARS, MINELAB HAVE BEEN LEADING THE WAY DELIVERING TOP-QUALITY HAND-HELD METAL DETECTORS SUPPORTED BY LEADING TECHNOLOGY. ACROSS ITS METAL DETECTORS, THE COMPANY ARE FOCUSED ON DELIVERING UNITS THAT MAKE METAL DETECTING EASY, NO MATTER YOUR SKILL LEVEL. AS SOMEWHAT OF A NOVICE, THE EASE OF USE AND LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN OF THE X-TERRA INTREPID METAL DETECTOR MODEL MADE IT THE PERFECT UNIT TO START WITH.

The X-Terra Intrepid is designed for those who want to find treasure without any complicated controls. Instead, the whole unit is designed for super easy functionality, with its controls remaining pretty intuitive to use. The metal detector, weighing an impressive, 2.7lbs, is super lightweight making it easy for using for long periods of time without feeling weighed down. I liked that the metal detector can be expanded and collapsed back down, this not only makes it ideal for use at a range of heights (including being small enough for kids to use at its most compact form) but makes the metal detector super easy to store when not in use or to transport to your desired treasure hunting ground.

In terms of functionality, the X-Terra Intrepid Metal Detector features a 3.5-inch screen which is the command central for the unit’s operations. The screen allows you to see and adjust everything from the volume setting to the target group filters, and sensitivity levels, whilst also seeing the identification number of a target on the screen. This identification number is the central thing you’ll be looking at when metal detecting, as this number indicates what types of treasure you’ve found which is especially helpful when using the all-metals setting. The higher the number, the more likely it’s a good treasure find, and the lower, the more chance of it just being some discarded bottle cap. This is ideal

during the all-metal detecting mode to filter between rubbish and real treasure, but also during the non-ferrous metals mode which helps pinpoint more valuable treasures so you can locate and uncovering them so much easier. With the target identification on the screen you can make more informed decisions on whether digging for the treasure is worth it or not! Plus, the metal detector has shortcuts which mean you can look for specific types of treasure with just a quick switch over to the coins, custom, or even jewellery settings.

The metal detector uses a 10inch coil detector head providing a great surface area of searching, and when a treasure is found it alerts the user on the screen accompanied by a beep to make metal detecting super easy. In fact, the coil is completely waterproof and so can be used in beach surf and streams, at a submersible depth of up to 3ft. This waterproofing makes the X-Terra Intrepid perfect for summer beach day adventures or walks through river areas to see what treasures you can uncover. If you’re interested in getting into the world of metal detecting or are a veteran looking for a compact and lightweight option that is quick and easy to use, the X-Terra Intrepid Metal Detector is a brilliant all round choice. I’d recommend this to anyone wanting to go on a little treasure hunting adventure before the summer ends, and I really think it would make such a fun family day out where everyone can get involved looking and digging for treasure – and especially for such an affordable price in the metal detecting market!

PROS:

- Lightweight and compact design which is easy to transport and store

- Easy to use functions –large screen and various modes make it easy to decide what you want to look for and focus in on this

- Waterproof up to 3ft for easy use no matter the environment

CONS:

- It doesn’t include some of the more complex modes an experienced metal detectorist might desire, but for a beginner with its focus on simplicity, it’s a great entry level option

£129.95

https://ledlenser.co.uk/products/hf8r-core-head-torch

LEDLENSER HF8R CORE RECHARGEABLE HEAD TORCH (TEAL GREEN)

WHETHER FOR EARLY MORNING WALKS WITH THE DOG, WORKING ON YOUR CAR, OR IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, HAVING A GOOD HEAD TORCH IS A VALUABLE TOOL TO HAVE IN YOUR HOME. FOR THIS REASON, LEDLENSER HAVE DEVELOPED THE HF8R CORE RECHARGEABLE HEAD

TORCH AS A ROBUST, TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED HEAD TORCH DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE ANYTHING YOU NEED.

Straight out of the box, I was surprised by just how sturdy and durable the entire head torch was. The headtorch light is encased in an aluminium shell that gives extra sturdiness, ensuring no knocks or bumps will damage the light inside. Plus, it’s made with an IP68 waterproof rating, so it is made to maintain its illumination even if submerged in water. The headtorch we got to review came in a lovely teal colour, which covers the light, and then the same colour is featured along the head strap, which connects with a rubber band that sits across the back of your head. The torch even comes with a top strap, which sits over the top of your head for added support. Across all of these, comfort and support have been taken into consideration to securely fasten the head torch to your head, whilst being designed to stay super comfortable. Plus, it even comes with an additional adhesive pad that can be attached behind the headtorch light for extra comfort. The light itself is super powerful and backed by a ton of leading technology from LEDLENSER. The light has three brightness levels, as well as a maximum power boost function of 1600 lumens. One of the main perks of the light is that it is

built with a patent-pending Adaptive Light Beam Technology. This technology means that when the light is on, it will automatically dim and focus without the need to touch the headtorch. This gives a brilliant hand-free functionality to the head torch for easy operations, even when your hands are busy.

In addition to this hands-free function, the headtorch also features another patent-pending Digital Advanced Focus System, which is used in the rotary wheel on the front of the head torch to allow you to adjust the light from spot to flood lighting. This means you can adjust from a flooded light to a focused spotlight that offers up to 210 metres of illuminated range.

For battery life, the head torch is super impressive, with up to 90 hours of battery life from a single charge. This long battery life is ideal for long camping and hiking adventures, and when you do need to charge the head torch, it is super easy using the included magnetic charging system, which comes with the head torch. This just magnetises to the headtorch and provides a fast level of charging, with the ability to fully charge the head torch in just 4.5 hours.

For a head torch, the LEDLENSER HF8R CORE Rechargeable Head Torch is a great choice. With a bunch of great technology behind it, the head torch is designed to deliver superior functionality, hands-free control and easy fast charging. If you frequently go camping, or are looking for a great headtorch for emergencies, then the LEDLENSER HF8R CORE Rechargeable Head Torch is a brilliant choice to keep you on your way – even in the dark!

PROS:

- Hands-free function for easy use

- 90-hour battery life and fast charging

- Comfortable fit and durable construction

CONS:

- It’s a hefty price for a head torch, but for the patentpending technology and great functionality, it’s a great option if you are a frequent head torch user

£59.00

LUMINAID MODULAR SOLAR LANTERNS WITH PHONE CHARGER

https://luminaid.com/products/trio

WHETHER ENJOYING A SUMMER EVENING IN THE GARDEN OR CAMPING WITH FRIENDS, HAVING SOME FORM OF LIGHTING IS NECESSARY WHEN IT STARTS TO GET DARK. NOT ONLY TO ALLOW YOU TO SEE WHERE YOU’RE GOING, BUT ALSO TO PROVIDE A BIT OF AMBIENCE. THIS IS WHERE THE LUMINAID MODULAR SOLAR LANTERNS COME IN TO PROVIDE THREE SEPARATE UNITS THAT CAN BE ARRANGED AROUND YOUR GARDEN, HOUSE OR CAMPSITE TO ILLUMINATE THE AREA WITH A LOVELY GLOW.

The LuminAID Modular Solar Lanterns set includes 3 modular lanterns that connect together on a shared solar docking station. Each unit can then be disconnected and configured around your area to distribute light. The set includes a larger rectangular unit and two small square units. Each light can produce a warm, cool or bright white light, making them super adjustable and ideal for a gentle warm ambience with the warm setting, or a more visible illumination with the cool and bright setting.

The station allows all three units to be charged up by the sun, which takes roughly 35 hours to achieve a full charge. However, this charging can be supplemented by charging with a USB cable, which can charge the unit in just a few hours. Once charged, the units deliver hours of operation, although the longevity of each unit’s battery is based on the light setting you use. For the high settings, the rectangular and cube units last around 2 hours, with the lower power modes delivering greater longevity of battery life. In fact, in the candle flicker mode, the rectangle light can last as long as 100 hours. The long battery life on the units makes them an ideal addition to any camping

or hiking trip, or even just for leaving on in the garden when you have people over.

One of my favourite things about the units is that they have been designed with functionality in mind and so feature a magnetic plate which allows you to attach them to metal objects. In addition, each one has its own strap handle, which allows you to hang the units from things. This is super ideal for hanging from garden furniture or from the top of your tent to provide you with a nifty little night light. However, the lanterns don’t just deliver light; in fact, the larger rectangular unit also doubles as a phone charger. The unit features a 2000mAh battery that you can plug your phone into to keep your devices charged even when you’re away from a plug socket. This is the perfect addition to the lantern units as it adds yet another function to their operation, making them the perfect solar-powered battery ideal for camping or hiking.

PROS:

- Sleek, portable design that is both dust and waterresistant

Overall, the LuminAID Modular Solar Lanterns are a nifty gadget to have to illuminate your garden with a comforting glow or to keep visibility high on the campsite. I love the addition of the phone charger, as it makes the units just that little bit more functional, and with the whole thing being supported by solar charging, it’s a unit that can keep you powered up even when you’re away from a power source. If you’re a frequent camper or are looking for a nifty lighting system for your garden, then the LuminAID Modular Solar Lanterns with a Phone Charger are a brilliant choice.

- Large 2TB storage space for plenty of files – great for both personal and work use

- Industry-recognised security software

- Brute force and USB malware attack protection – including automatic data wipe when incorrect PIN is entered too many times

CONS:

- High price point – but reasonable for software quality and storage space

SWIMCELL HYDRAMATE 5L FOLDABLE BOTTLE

£9.99

https://www.swimcell.com/products/hydramate- 5l-water-carrier-foldable-bottle

SWIMCELL IS KNOWN FOR ITS INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS THAT MAKE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES A LITTLE EASIER. THESE PRODUCTS ARE ALL INSPIRED BY REAL-WORLD SITUATIONS, WHERE SWIMCELL IS PASSIONATE ABOUT DELIVERING PRODUCTS THAT SOLVE PROBLEMS WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS. THIS IS THE CASE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HYDRAMATE 5L FOLDABLE BOTTLE, WHICH MAKES WATER STORAGE FOR CAMPING AND FESTIVALS SUPER EASY.

The HydraMate 5L Foldable Bottle includes a set of 2 5-litre foldable water carriers which provide BPA-free, lightweight and collapsible water containers suited well for camping. Each bottle has been designed to fold down completely when not in use, making them super easy to pack into your camping gear. Then, once full, the bottles hold up to 5 litres of water and are designed to stand upright when full. Atop each bottle are moulded carrying handles that make it super easy to carry the bags once they are full – great for carrying across a festival camping ground!

One of the things I like about the foldable bottles is that they have a large spout at the top, making them ideal for refilling from taps or other water sources. Then, on the side of each bag at the bottom, there is a tap spout making the bottle super easy for filling up cups or pans for drinking, cooking or cleaning. The spouts are pretty easy to insert into the bag, which means that once you’ve used up all the water inside, you can easily disassemble the tap from the bag once again for compact storage. However, SwimCell also offers the HydraMate 5L Foldable Bottles without taps should you prefer them without.

The HydraMate Foldable Bottles aim to make water storage easier and more convenient, especially when water stations at camping grounds or service stations along a road trip might

be far away. The 5-litre capacity was great, and across both, you get 10 litres of water from a single trip. The bottles were great for use during the day at a festival, and they saved us a lot of time as we didn’t need to revisit the water stations as much during the day. We could refill our individual water bottles for the day, make a cup of tea in the morning and wash up our cups before heading into the field for the day with plenty still spare.

If you’re an avid camper or love to make the most of festival season, then the HydraMate 5 Litre Foldable Bottles are a great pick for ensuring you have water readily available in your tent. With a large capacity, ensuring fewer trips to the water refill stations, you will always have access to a decent amount of water, making drinking, cooking and cleaning without direct access to a water source so much easier.

PROS:

- Large capacity size ideal for camping, road trips or festivals

- Included taps for easy access to the water inside without needing to tip the bag

- Collapsible design for easy storage and packing

CONS:

- The water bottles need to be left open to dry between uses; otherwise, they can get a bit gross inside from trapped moisture

OUTDOOR

MICROFIBRE 2-IN1 CHANGING ROBE AND TOWEL (BLUE)

£29.99

https://www.swimcell.com/products/

microfibre-changing-robe-and-towel

GOING TO THE BEACH HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVOURITE ACTIVITIES IN THE SUMMER, BUT AFTER SPENDING THE DAY IN THE SEA AND GETTING COVERED IN SAND, CHANGING BACK INTO NORMAL CLOTHES TO GO HOME WHEN YOU’RE DAMP AND SANDY IS ONE OF THE WORST FEELINGS. NOT TO MENTION, THERE’S RARELY ANYWHERE TO CHANGE ON THE BEACH THAT IS PRIVATE, AND INSTEAD, YOU END UP DOING A WEIRD DANCE WITH A TOWEL TO GET YOUR WET SWIMMING COSTUME OFF AND SOME REAL CLOTHES ON WITHOUT SHOWING ANYTHING TO THE WORLD.

Having seen their popularity among surfers and swimmers alike, I’ve been on the hunt for a changing robe that lets me dry myself off and change clothes whilst protecting some of my dignity. For this reason, I was glad to give the Microfibre 2-in-1 Changing Robe and Towel from SwimCell a go.

Straight away, I noticed just how soft the Changing Robe is, in the lovely microfibre fabric that felt nice against my skin and felt super absorbent. The robe we tested came in size large and in a lovely, deep blue colour. However, if the blue isn’t to your style, it also comes in grey or pink, and in a range of 4 sizes ideal for both adults and kids. Once on, the robe provided plenty of space to manoeuvre around and get changed. Down each side of the robe are popper studs, which help hold the robe together. I did worry these might pop undone as I moved about to get changed, but thankfully, the robe had enough room, so there was plenty of space to get changed without bursting the robe at the seams. Plus, the gaps between the popper studs mean you can put your hands through the side of the robe to manoeuvre your clothing underneath without needing to open the entire thing up.

One of the main advantages of the popper stud edge design is that the robe can be completely undone and transformed into a towel. This means you can dry off as much as possible and then connect the

edges to turn the towel into a robe, ready for getting changed with some privacy. However, this also means that the robe can also just function as a towel, and in fact, the last popper has been put in reverse, which means the towel can easily be clipped to a sunbed to help hold it in place and provide a perfect beach towel for sunbathing.

I loved just how fast the robe/towel could dry compared to a typical cotton beach towel. The microfibre suede, whilst absorbing up to 7 times its weight, still took a lot less time to dry than my usual towel. I could hang the towel up for only a few hours after a beach day, and it was dry in no time, and this is thanks largely to its lightweight design. Plus, the lightweight design also means you don’t feel overheated even in the heat, making it the ideal weight and size for a post-swim option. Once you’re done with the towel, you can just roll it up and secure it with the built-in elastic loop that keeps the towel compact. This is great for rolling up and throwing the robe in your bag, ready to take with you on your next swim.

In terms of washing, the robe is super easy and can be thrown in a standard washing machine at 30 degrees. Once washed, you can either hang the robe up to dry or tumble dry it on low, making it a nice low-fuss option when it comes to cleaning. After a wash, the robe still feels super soft and absorbent and will now be an essential item for me for any beach or pool days.

If you love going for a swim and are looking for a solution that allows you to get changed afterwards whilst maintaining your dignity, then the SwimCell Microfibre 2-in-1 Changing Robe and Towel is a great option. Even if you’re just looking for a good beach towel, I think the Changing Robe is a great option to help you dry off thanks to the microfibre material, whilst providing

that extra bit of coverage and comfort. Plus, with the innovative popper design, you don’t even need to use it as a robe, and instead can use it as a typical towel, making it super versatile for any beach, pool or open water swimming day.

PROS:

- Large size is ideal for easy changing

- Super soft and absorbent microfibre suede material

- Can be used as both a towel and a changing robe, thanks to the popper side design

- Quick drying and lightweight

CONS:

- I did note that when the towel is folded flat for putting on a sunbed, the hood and pocket can be a little lumpy if not folded flat underneath, and so might need a little more adjusting than a typical towel to get it flat and comfortable for sunbathing

OUTDOOR

SWIMCELL WATERPROOF KEY HOLDER ARM BAND

£16.99

https://www.swimcell.com/products/waterproof-key-holder-

armband-pouch

WHEN IT COMES TO WATER SPORTS OR EVEN JUST GOING FOR A RUN, KNOWING WHERE TO LEAVE YOUR KEYS CAN BE A BIG PROBLEM. I CAN LEAVE MY PHONE AND MY OTHER PRECIOUS BELONGINGS IN MY CAR, BUT THEN FINDING SOMEWHERE ON YOUR OUTFIT TO PUT YOUR CAR KEYS CAN BE AN ISSUE – ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON’T HAVE A ZIPPABLE POCKET. FOR RUNNING, I’VE OFTEN OPTED FOR A SMALL RUNNING BAG OR VEST, WHERE I CAN THROW MY KEYS AND ESSENTIALS TO KEEP MY HANDS FREE. HOWEVER, THIS CAN FEEL A BIT BULKY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS WARM. THEREFORE, I WAS INTERESTED TO SEE HOW AN ARM BAND HOLDER WOULD WORK, AS OFTEN I’VE WORRIED THEY WOULD SLIP DOWN WHEN MOVING.

The arm band I tested was the SwimCell Waterproof Key Holder Arm Band in black, which features a clear, waterproof pocket where you can keep your keys and even a card. This waterproof pocket then connects to a soft material arm band, which sits around your bicep. The pocket features SwimCell’s patented twist lock design, ensuring that everything inside is kept super secure and cannot be easily undone even with a lot of movement. The pocket is therefore IPX8 waterproofed, the highest possible rating you can get.

The pocket provides plenty of space for my keys, and I could easily fit both my house key and car key inside. I liked that the armband even comes with a key cover, which you can place over particularly pointy keys to stop them from breaking through the plastic pocket, which would make it no longer waterproof and could risk other things falling out. Whilst the plastic does feel super durable, this extra touch to protect the pocket from your keys harming it is a good idea. However, I’d have liked to see a few more key covers included with the arm band, as my keys have a few different ones on them, and I’d have liked to use the covers on them all. But you can purchase additional Silicone Key Blade Covers from SwimCell for multiple keys.

The arm band attaches to a Velcro adjustable arm band, which felt super soft when wearing. The band comes with an extra bit of fabric inside that extends to cover the buckle, which makes it more

comfortable to wear and helps prevent skin irritation. The band can be adjusted from a 20cm circumference to a 38cm circumference to accommodate most arm widths. However, SwimCell also offer XXL armband straps if a larger circumference is needed. The armband strap was relatively easy to put on and adjust to the right size. I did have to try and few different tightness options, as I realised quite quickly after starting a run it wasn’t tight enough and started to slip down my arm. However, after a few adjustments, I found the right tightness, which made it stay in place well and hold my keys whilst I was running. I didn’t mind the armband design for running, as it meant I was pretty handsfree and didn’t have the bulk of other keyholding options I’ve tried. However, the armband can also be used on the ankle or wrist if the bicep isn’t ideal for you, but for me, these felt a little more distracting. My only complaint would be that the arm band is quite thick and so can get a bit sweaty, and doesn’t dry super fast. Whilst this isn’t too much of a worry on my shorter runs, I do worry that for longer runs, or activities such as paddleboarding, swimming and surfing, where it is likely to get wet more often, it could become a little uncomfortable and weighty to wear. However, one of the benefits of the armband set is that it also includes a lanyard, so you can wear the waterproof pocket around your neck instead. This is great for activities where you think the armband design might not be as useful, whilst giving versatility to the use of the waterproof pocket.

Overall, the Waterproof Key Holder Arm Band is a good option for holding your keys and personal belongings that you want to keep safe from water, sweat or from dropping them during more physical

activities. I like the included key covers and appreciate the overall functionality of the armband design. If you’re on the hunt for a key-holding solution, it’s definitely worth giving the Waterproof Key Holder Arm Band from SwimCell a go.

PROS:

- Highest rating waterproofed pocket to protect your keys and personal belongings inside

- Includes key covers to protect the pocket from damage

- Soft and adjustable arm band to get the perfect fit for comfortable wear

- Available in 4 colours (black, blue, orange and white)

CONS:

- The arm band is quite thick and doesn’t dry fast, which may not make it ideal for situations where it will get wet intentionally

£15.99

https://www.swimcell.com/collections/all/

products/swimcell-waterproof-phone-case-large

AUDIO

SWIMCELL WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

(LARGE - BLUE)

I LOVE TO STAY OUT AND ABOUT DURING THE SUMMER, MAKING THE MOST OF THE WARMER WEATHER. THIS MEANS MY SUMMER SCHEDULE USUALLY INCLUDES ATTENDING MUSIC FESTIVALS, GOING TO THE BEACH WITH FRIENDS, OR EVEN TAKING A TRIP TO THE LOCAL LEISURE CLUB TO LOUNGE BY THE POOL. IN ALL OF THESE SITUATIONS, I’VE ENCOUNTERED ONE SLIGHT PROBLEM – WHERE TO PUT MY PHONE. I DON’T WANT TO LEAVE IT BEHIND FOR SAFETY, BUT I ALSO DON’T WANT TO LEAVE IT IN MY BAG ON THE BEACH AND RISK IT BEING STOLEN. .

In recent years, I’ve invested in various phone cases that attach to lanyards, which have been great for festivals and days out, but they aren’t ideal when it starts raining or when I’m venturing to the beach, where it could get wet. Therefore, I was excited to give SwimCell’s Waterproof Phone Case a go, as it provides a completely waterproof case to keep your phone protected, whilst still allowing you to keep your device near you.

The Waterproof Phone Case has an IPX8 waterproof certification, which provides your device with the highest possible waterproof rating. The case we tested was in the large size, ideal for most smartphones on the market, and features SwimCell’s patented twist lock mechanism. This mechanism ensures a secure lock along the top of the case, which you just have to turn the two top clips, slip your phone inside, and then re-lock the top of the case. The lock mechanism creates a super secure waterproof seal to the case, and thanks to the twist lock system, it means this can’t accidentally be opened when doing activities which could lead to your phone getting damaged. I like how secure the twist lock mechanism feels, as each one is very firm to open – which adds a nice peace of mind that it will stay shut no matter the activity.

The phone case has high-quality PVC windows on each side, which allow you to still use your phone when it is in the case, and also means that you can use both the front and back-facing cameras to capture your adventures – even when you’re underwater. I loved

using the Waterproof Phone Case during a recent festival because I could put my phone in the case, attach the included lanyard, and hang my phone around my neck. I loved that with the lanyard, I always knew where my phone was and could still record some of my favourite artists without having to remove it from the case. The case was particularly helpful when it started to suddenly rain, as no matter how damp we were, having forgotten our rain jackets in the tent, my phone was well protected from the elements.

Overall, the SwimCell Waterproof Phone Case is a great option to protect your phone throughout a range of different activities. From canoeing to pool days, the case will ensure that your device stays safe, protected from sand, sea and rain. The large size was perfect for my phone, but should you have a smaller device or want to put a smaller camera in it, SwimCell also have a standard size one that is a bit smaller, so you have less excess material around your phone. Plus, the case comes in 5 different colours (black, blue, pink, white and neon) to get one to match your style. Ultimately, the case is perfect for keeping your phone protected and makes the perfect addition for any adventures this summer.

PROS:

- Secure twist locking system which can’t be accidentally opened for added protection

- High-quality PVC sides, which allow you to still use your phone and cameras easily

- Great for water-based sports, pool days, festivals, beach days, and even snorkelling

CONS:

- The lanyard feels a little less sturdy, with just a thin cord attaching it to the phone case, which I worry about getting wearing down over time – so I would have liked a metal carabiner clip for a little extra added security and durability, but I appreciate the necessity and ease of the quick-release clip for safety

TERMS & CONDITIONS

AT GADGET HEAD, OUR AIM IS TO GIVE OUR READERS THE MOST HONEST REVIEWS WE CAN.

We also seek to provide all manufacturers with an equal opportunity to promote their goods: in fact, we are incredibly proud that startup companies have just as much of a chance to feature in our magazine as established brands do. How do we ensure all of this? Our policy is simple: we do not offer sponsored reviews. Instead, if you send us goods to review, we reserve to right to keep and sell these on. By funding our magazine in this way, we can guarantee that we are not publishing paid-for opinions or prioritizing larger companies, and there are no hidden fees to having your product reviewed and featured.

Copy Editor Carley Fallows hello@thegadgethead.com

Lead Designer Adam Knights

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

MAXIA 4 THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND

GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever.

• ABS cover with a new design

• Internally strengthened outer edge

• Double cover made from plastic and aluminium

• New outer band

• New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band

• Capacity: 56 lt