Great stuff
Words by: Sean Woods. Article from Popular Mechanics August 2015
Huawei Talkband B1
Get fit and communicate
Wearable fitness trackers that monitor activity levels, calories burnt, sleep patterns and the like are nothing new. Huawei’s Talkband B1 goes further, though, by adding Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC connectivity. This allows you to not only pair it with your smartphone to download and manage captured data, but also to take and make calls using a headset. Its modest 90-mAh battery provides enough juice for around six days of regular use, seven hours of talk time and 14 days on standby. It also comes with an IP57 waterproof rating and is dust-protected. Price: about R1 600. Contact distributors DCC on Oil 201 8927 or visit.
Thule legend for GoPro
Safe and secure
Based on feedback from professional athletes and GoPro users, Thule developed the Legend protective case. The Advanced Case (price: about R1 200) can stash up to two GoPro cameras, Flex clamp, 3-way, Gooseneck, LCD backpacks, remote control, extra batteries and SD cards in the crushproof, padded compartment. The smaller Case (price: about: R800) carries one GoPro camera plus the LCD backpack, remote control, extra batteries and SD cards.
Inside both cases removable die-cut foam organiser units keep the cameras and accessories firmly in place. Plus the integrated quick-grip collapsible handle attaches easily to a belt, harness or pack with a carabineer. Contact Thule SA on 0861184 853 or visit.
Lukas LK-7200 Full-HD car blackbox DVR recorder
Record your drive
Safety- and security-conscious drivers are wising up to the benefits of dashcams and car DVRs such as the Lukas LK-7200 Full-HD Car Black- box DVR Recorder. Besides being able to record manually or in three-minute loops continuously, it has smart recording ability thanks to a built-in G sensor. In the event of a sudden change of direction or impact, it will save a 30-second recording – 10 seconds before and 20 seconds after. A built-in GPS module ensures that co-ordinates and speed are recorded to the SD card (8 GB supplied).
Resolution is 1080P Full HD at 30 fps, optimised for a 16:9 ratio widescreen. Plus, the Samsung 2,1 MP sensor has a sensitivity of just 1 Lux, making it suitable for capturing footage at night. Price: about R3 000. Contact Mantality on 011 462 5482 or visit.
Garmin Nuvicam LMT
More than just a GPS
Boasting a built-in dashcam and advanced alerts to enhance driver awareness on the road, Garmin’s all-new nuviCam LMT could very well redefine the highly congested PND (personal navigation device) market. Its camera continuously records to the included 4 GB microSD card and, in the event of an accident, Incident Detection software automatically saves files on impact. A Snapshot feature allows drivers to capture still images in or outside the vehicle. And it’s more than just a camera: forward collision and lane departure warnings, normally found only on luxury vehicles, are included. Plus, Garmin’s Real Vision takes the guesswork out of deciphering hard-to-see house numbers by displaying a bright yellow augmented reality arrow to direct you when approaching select destinations. Connectivity includes voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth and a smartphone link that can provide real-time data services such as Garmin Traffic or safety cameras. Free lifetime map updates and a magnetic mount are part of the deal. Price: about R5 000. Contact Garmin on 011 251 9999 or visit.
Lifestraw Mission
Thirst quencher
Originally introduced in 2005 as an easy-to-use emergency response tool for disaster-hit areas, LifeStraw’s drinking water filtration technology is thoroughly proven. Fill the Mission’s wide-mouth reservoir from a puddle, stream or river, fold the top to seal it and then hang it from, say, a sturdy tree. Gravity then forces the dirty water through an advanced 0,02 micron ultrafiltration membrane, which removes most viruses, bacteria and protozoa. You can expect a flow rate of between 9 and 12 litres per hour, depending on the water quality, and 18 000 litres of pure drinking water during its lifetime. The Mission weighs 430 grams and is supplied in a drawstring stuff-sack. It’s available in 5- or 12-litre capacity; expect to pay between R1 400 and R1 600. Contact distributors Aqua for Life on 074 383 0001.
Razer kraken Pro headset
Game on
Razer has a reputation for making great gaming gear and its new Kraken Pro headset is no exception. Optimised for extended wear, it has a comfy closed ear cup design with plush padding to keep outside distractions at bay, as well as in-line remote and flexible, fully retractable microphone boom. The beefy 40 mm neodymium magnet drivers are tuned for wide-range audio, combining clear high- and mid-ranges with powerful lows. Price: about R1 200 for standard colours (black, white and green) and about R1 300 for the neon range. Contact distributors Corex on 011 700 7188 or visit.
Skullcandy Air Raid
Bring on some noise
Thanks to an impact-resistant silicone outer shell and weatherproof design, Skullcandy’s Air Raid Bluetooth portable speaker is designed to stand up to hard-partying users, splashes or drops from up to 2 metres. But sound quality hasn’t been entirely neglected: its two 50 mm drivers deliver a maximum of 88 decibels. (To get the best sound, place the unit on its back with speakers facing up.) For non-Bluetooth devices there’s a 3,5 mm jack. Recharged by via a microUSB port, it’s said to be good for up to 14 hours of music at moderate volume and about 5 hours when you’re having an absolute blast. Price: about R2 000. Visit.
14 in 1 Solar robot kit
Build for the future
In time, today’s young minds will be wrestling with finding solutions for tomorrow’s energy problems, so there’s every reason to encourage youthful tinkerers to become familiar with the basic concepts while they play. Full of accessories and parts, the Solar Robot Kit, suitable for ages 10 and up, can create 14 different designs that include a multitude of comical and functional movements. Two levels allow children to become familiar with the simpler designs before progressing to the more complex. Price: about R310. Contact Yuppie Gadgets on 021 593 5511 or visit.
Trackimo Personal GPS Tracker
Track what’s yours
If you care about it, there’s a good chance that Trackmio can help you track it in real time – whether “it” is a disobedient pet, your wayward teenager, a stolen car or that valuable shipment you sent to Canada. It’ll also alert you by phone if your child leaves a pre-set safety zone, and features an SOS button in case of emergency. Measuring 47 mm x 40 mm x 17 mm and weighing just 42 g, it has a GPS that uses the GSM network (SIM card included) to track its location anywhere in the world, to an accuracy of about 15 metres. It has a waterproof silicone case, magnetic attachment, lanyard and 600 mAh lithium-ion batteries good for between 48 and 96 hours of operation. Price: about R1 500. Contact Cape Union Mart on 021 464 5800 or visit.
Casio Edifice Watch
Smart timekeeper
Casio’s new Edifice ECB-500/510 watch might look like your average traditional masculine timepiece, but don’t be fooled. Sophisticated tech, including Bluetooth, bring it up to speed with the modern world. Once connected to your smartphone via the Casio Watch+ app, it makes juggling between time zones a breeze. You can even use your phone to adjust watch settings such as hand positions and alarm times and transfer stopwatch data to your handset to create a log file of up to 100 entries. Plus, if you have mislaid your phone, simply press a button on the watch to set off an audible alarm. Other features include Casio’s proven solar power module, water resistance down to 100 metres, screw-down crown, mineral glass, flight mode and full auto calendar. Price: about R7 500. Contact distributors James Ralph on 011 314 8888 or visit.
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