Geekazine

During this time of #StayAtHome, being able to keep your health up is a valuable thing. Watching your weight, and making sure your healthy is key to getting through this tough time. EROS is here to help with a scale that tracks more than weight. It will tell you how healthy you really are.

I received the scale as a sample from Inevifit – all opinions are of Geekazine, and no input was added by the company. Review Policy here.

The EROS Smart Body Fat Scale looks like any other bathroom scale – same size and weight. However, this is a smart scale – allowing you to track your weight progress and get to your goals.

And it does more than just tell your weight.

EROS at Amazon

EROS at WalMart

EROS from Google

The EROS scale is made of tempered glass, with electrodes weaved through the sides. No, it’s not going to shock you – but it will read your bio-metrics right through the soles of your feet.

The scale is powered by 3-AAA batteries. Step on the scale to turn it on. Bluetooth is activated, which contacts your phone. Standing on the scale, it starts with your weight. After it settles, the scale will then start taking bio-metrics.

And it sends all that to the app on your phone.

Setting up the app for your iOS or Android device takes no time. Simply download, tell it basics (like height and age), then register an account. You can set up profiles for family members, but they can also download the app separate.

Keep in mind, the scale will connect to the first device that has the app open, so it’s best to have your phone or tablet close by when you weigh in. The app does false-positive correction if the numbers are way off.

When done, step off the scale and put away. Check the app for your numbers. You might be surprised where you’re at.

For example, I am over-weight, and I know it. But I didn’t know my water level was low.

I got to find my numbers for BMI (Body Mass Index), body water, skeletal muscle, protein, and Metobolic age. I was 6 years older!

And the EROS app tracks via weeks, months, and years. That way, you have a progress chart to getting healthier.

In the month and a half that we’ve used the scale, I have changed my numbers. Nothing dramatic, but I know I’m on the right path. I set a goal of 10 lbs weight loss, and I have gotten halfway there.

Of course, I had to find an alternative for the gym, due to Stay at home. But where there’s a will, there’s a treamill in the back of the closet that can be pulled out.

The only thing I personally don’t care for is the sound effects of the app. It makes a negative sound when you gain, but it also makes a positive sound when you lose. I usually have my phone on silent, anyway.

Part of Geekazine’s business model is to go to events and get product interviews. Of course, with current events, that cannot happen. That is why I have taken this online.

Through my Calendly page, you can schedule a time to talk about your product. You can present the product, use a presentation, send me photos to use during the event, and more.

The interview will be about 10-15 minutes, but we have extra time for setup and discuss talking points.

You can also Sponsor the Interview. With a sponsorship, it helps keep Geekazine moving forward, and I’ll be able to promote your video when it’s posted.

Thoughts When Planning for Interview

This is a one-on-one interview, just like if we were doing it at a conference, or for CNN. With that in mind, please:

* Make sure your surroundings (background) is appropriate for an interview. Light the room well, but don’t have bright lights behind you. Don’t have a window behind you, either.* If you have to use your phone, have a mount for it* Put your camera lens at eye level so your face is in proper frame. Your face and upper torso should be in shot.* Phone – Landscape over Portrait. If using your phone, turn it sideways.* You have a decent microphone – not just the device’s on-board mic.* Have headphones nearby if the sound is not working right* Lights are better behind the camera, than behind you. Make sure the room is well-lit* Computers connected directly to the network are preferred. (LAN cable)* Close all other programs to alleviate the computer processor* –This includes closing browser tabs–* Pause apps like Dropbox, Box, Clean my Mac, OneDrive, etc.

Creating music and podcasts has gotten even more portable with the iRig Pro Duo I/O. This interface, by IK Multimedia, allows you to record two tracks of separated audio into a phone or computer.

It gives your smartphone a better way to use the microphone and wired headphones.

The high quality dual-channel interface allows you to plug in XLR mics, instruments, and even MIDI products. The interface even works with any program that accepts external interfaces.

I can plug it into an iPhone, and record tracks on Garageband, then plug into a computer, attach a keyboard, and play piano on Ableton Live. I can also use Adobe Audition Multi-track, and record voices; two at a time.

iRig Pro Duo at Best Buy

iRig Pro Duo at Guitar Center

iRig Pro Duo at Sweetwater

Podcasters can use it with Backpack studio (formerly Bossjock), and allow for 2 microphones, then record a portable podcast.

I can also create TikTok videos, Instagram posts, Facebook Live or YouTube Live videos, and more.

iRig Pro Duo I/O at Amazon

The unit contains 2- Neutrik inputs, +48 phantom power, dual gain knobs, left-right monitor out option, headphone jack with direct monitor, and option for DV 9V 500mA power. 3.5 inch MIDI jacks are also on the unit, which convert with adapter cables (included).

Also included is a breakout cable to USB-C, USB-A, and lightning. The USB can also power the unit – you won’t need batteries if you plug in to a computer with USB 2.0 or greater.

The iRig Pro Duo I/O is also perfect for using with IK Multimedia programs like the flagship Amplitube software. Plugged in turns it into a perfect practice system for musicians.

I have been using iRig devices for years now, and I love the fact the Duo can do 2 channels at a time. I did my first Facebook Live concert of original tunes. It was quick to setup and easy to use.

I would like to see a belt-clip option, or a case to hang the unit off a stand. You could get a selfie-style mount to hold it on a stand.

The unit is $199 and available now.

It’s not anything fancy. It will scan. It will print. And with the app, it will fax out. The HP Neverstop 1202w is a USB and Wireless connected printer that will print right out-of-box. 5,000 pages, to be exact.

It’s perfect for someone who wants to update their home printer, SMB printer, or in-cube office printer.

HP Neverstop 1202w

This laser printer is small, and ready for 8.5×11 or 8.5×14 B&W prints. The unit is the world’s first cartridge-free printer. Inside the drum holds the toner, which can be refilled through a special toner plunger.

The unit is only 24.4 lbs, and 15×11.6×11.3 inches. It connects via USB, or Wifi – using the HP Smart App.

Upon unbox and filling the tray with paper, you can start printing, scanning, and copying. An LCD panel is on top to work from the printer. Otherwise, you can use the computer attached, or HP Smart app.

The Neverstop is ECO-certified, and Energy Star 3.0 certified. It has an 84% smaller environmental footprint than other printers.

Refilling the Neverstop

Purchasing and using the refill unit (sold separately) it a lot different than with other printers. This plunger-style toner refill attaches through the opening next to the drum, and takes about 15 seconds to refill. The locking mechanism ensures no mess when adding new toner.

Thoughts on the HP Neverstop Printer 1202w

It’s a basic all-in-one that gets simple jobs done. First print takes around 25 seconds, but you can get 21 ppm after. Toner levels are indicated on the front of the machine, so you’ll know when it’s time to refill.

There is no duplex option, nor sheet feed. This printer scans at 600 dpi, but since it’s meant to scan documents over graphics, I don’t see that as an issue.

This is a perfect printer for a Small-to-medium business, or anyone that needs to print out documents from their desk – replacing older ink jet or laser printers.

The “drop and print” ability is nice. Of course, being able to use the HP Smart App allows me to print from anywhere.

HP Fax Feature

With the HP Smart App, HP is introducing a Fax out feature. It will not receive faxes, but if you need to send documents in this format (e.g. Tax forms), you can scan your document, and send through their service. You will have to sign up separately o use the feature.

The Neverstop 1202w is $329.99. A 1001nw version is also available for $279.99, with all features except the flat-bed scanner.

Get HP NeverStop 1202w Here

We are all doing it now – in order to work, we need to video conference. Maybe you’re also joining on a podcast or starting your own.

I was on a video call where participants used the webcams on their laptops, which pointed up to their faces. Others had their webcams on their monitors, looking down on their faces. Some cases, the lighting in the room was horrible, and they did not look their best.

These issues can reflect badly on the participant. It could be no different than showing up to work in tattered clothes. Looking – and sounding your best is important when you are teleconferencing, joining live streams, and even podcasting.

It only takes a few tweaks to make your area look and sound so much better.

How to Set Up Your Area

If I was doing a teleconference right now – through a laptop webcam – laptop is on my lap.

First of all, assess which room you will use for your teleconference. Is it a room that can be closed off to family traffic? Does the room have a noisy bounce to it when you clap your hands? When you sit in front of the camera, what do people see behind you?

Some people might not have many options for their space. Especially if they live in a small apartment. But the good news is you don’t need much space to set up for conference.

Laptop on the table, camera looking up on me.

A good spot that has minimal clutter allows for the best scene. If you can turn your desk so a wall is at your back is the best option. In the photo above, I was on my couch, with the laptop on my lap.

While it looks OK, people will notice that I am on my couch. The notebook cam is lower than my face, so you get an upward view – looking into my nostrils. The lighting is glaring on my glasses, and the back-light is washing out the scene.

Webcam – How to Place

If you use the webcam from your laptop, then raising the camera to eye-level is key. Setting the computer on a desk, raising it with a box or stand, and you’ll look a lot better when presenting.

This laptop stand from Pyle is only $16, and can raise the computer up to 13 inches off the desktop. You can then level the screen so your face is properly in the shot.

This stand collapses quickly, and takes up minimal storage space.

When you level the screen, you can see what’s going on, and give the illusion that you are looking at the person, rather than the screen, where their faces actually are.

A webcam on a stand allows you to keep the laptop on your desk, especially if you are using it to help give a presentation. Something like the Logitech Webcam 920S can be put on a tripod, and works well in PC and Mac computers. Installing the software allows you to control the light, color, and focus.

A webcam can also distance you a bit, so you have more than a head in the shot. That way, you can show off your clothing style as well.

Using a Phone or Tablet Camera?

Building up your home security camera system? EZVIZ has updated their line with USB plug cameras. This includes a Pan-Tilt (PT) offering so you can see the surroundings.

EZVIZ C1C

This is a static camera in 720 and 1080p versions. C1C covers about 40 feet of area, and with Super Night Vision, can capture events when all the lights are out.

This static USB camera can detect motion, and report back to you in many ways. With the full duplex option, you can hear what’s going on in that area, or speak into your phone, which will be heard at the location.

MicroSD card slot can hold events. RTSP available to connect to a security server. Subscription model services are available for extended

The C1C is $24.95

EZVIZ C1C on Amazon

EZVIZ C6CN PT Camera

This Pan-Tilt camera allows you to see all around your house. You can mount to a wall or ceiling to keep an eye on the surroundings. Panographic options to get 360 degree photos. Night vision option helps to monitor events when it’s pitch black.

AI features allow the camera to move with identified movement. This camera also is a duplex audio, so you can talk to people in the area of the camera.

Subscription services are available for extended video storage.

The C6CN is $39.95

EZVIZ C6CN on Amazon

It is a good time to learn how to play an instrument. Piano is a fun thing to learn, and you can impress your friends by playing a couple favorite songs when it’s sitting in the corner at a party.

The One is a keyboard company that makes several keyboards that help you learn to play.

The One Keyboard Air

Get The One Keyboard Air

This is a 61-key keyboard for your practice needs. The Keyboard Air has only a power button, and volume dial. All other settings can be changed via the app, which you can connect via USB cable, or Bluetooth.

Connect a sustain pedal (certain pedals might not work. I have found this Yamaha pedal works best.

With light-up keys, you can pair an iOS or Android phone or tablet, and play along to the sheet music provided. The app also has some fun games, and video tutorials to learn how to play.

The app can change the sounds of your keyboard, split the keyboard for different sound zones, and even layer voices. Turning on the Keyboard X option turns on the MIDI keyboard. You can then connect to your favorite program for more sounds, or to record your music.

In-ear monitors are just a fancy word for “headphones”. As a musician, I’ve been wearing Shure in-ear monitors almost every time I play out. It saves my hearing from further damage.

But as time goes on, better and cheaper devices come out. In 2007, things changed as we added TRRS (Tip/Ring/Ring/Sleeve) 3.5 mm connectors from our phones. With podcasters and musicians making content, not all monitor system comes from the rack mount and mixer.

And as we make smaller and more complex electronics, we can add cool tech to our in-ear experience. For example, most ear buds nowadays comes with more than one speaker packed in the ear. 2 or 3 driver (aka speaker) systems are not uncommon.

And there is even a 5 driver in-ear monitor!

Add to these facts that a no-name company will make, and sell on Amazon ear buds that can rival the $500 or better pro models. If they break, another pair can be on your doorstep in 2 days.

As we get into this era of COVID-19, I looked at these monitors not only for musicians, but anyone thinking of using them in a podcast or webinar situation. I bought 4 different headsets that ranked well on Amazon.

Quick Definitions

* TRS vs. TRRS – This is the 3.5mm connector to the device. T=Tip, R=Ring, S=Sleeve. A phone headset with microphone is a TRRS, whereas a stereo headphone is TRS. * Hz & kHz – This is the frequencies where sound is produced. 10,000 Hz is also 10 kHz. * ohm – This is Impedance via the amount of power that is supplied to the headphones. Most headphones are passive in power (meaning you need no extra battery to run them).* dB – Decibels. This is how loud the ear buds can get. ASHA states that a safe level to avoid hearing loss is under 70 dB. In a live environment, I try to stay under 85 dB.

BASN BSinger BC100

This is a Dual driver headphone with a design that fits in the inner-canal of the ear. The buds are detachable to change cables between TRS and TRRS using MMCX cables.

The ear buds weigh around .7 ounces per ear.

As a 2-driver headphone, I am impressed how they work. In sound tests, I hear response around 20 Hz to 14 kHz. It fits in the ear easy, and doesn’t clip in my ear.

BASN Website

BASN on Amazon

AS Triple Driver Earphones 6D Sound

This in-ear headset is TRRS only. I added these because of the ratings, and the unique design. It touts to be “6D’, whatever that means.

One of the bass drivers actually hits the ear wall, most likely using the ear as an extended bass.

The biggest issue with this pair was the left and right ears were flipped. They really didn’t fit my ear too well,

Next week I’ll be debuting a new show and because of it, I will be doing some stuff with the Amazon Fire Tablet. I already have a Fire 7, but I needed the fire 10 for the apps I’ll be installing. So why not unbox and set it up?

Amazon Fire HD 10

This is a 10.1 inch tablet with Mediatek Octa-core processor at 2 GHz with 2 GB RAM. Two models of the generation 9 tablet – 32 and 64 GB storage, with SD card slot to add an additional 512 GB.

The screen is 1920×1200 – or 16:10. The Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array gives you HD video at 224 ppi.

The tablet also comes with 2 MP front and rear cameras, 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers (positioned for use in landscape mode), and a USB-C 2.0 plug (which is not meant for docking stations).

Volume and power buttons are on the edge of the tablet. Inside, the battery will last up to 12 hours of standard use. Charging time will depend on your cable – it can do fast charge.

Software inside is Amazon’s Fire OS 7.3.1.2, which is based on Android 9.0 (Pie).

Unboxing the Fire 10

This is a fairly straightforward process. Inside is the tablet, instructions, and a power cable. Unboxing takes only a couple minutes.

Turning on the Fire 10

Upon powering up, the tablet sets up fairly effortlessly, and within 30 minutes (depending on Internet connection and download updates). I am able to play games, read books, and watch movies right away.

The Appstore, Prime Video, Books, Music, Audible (if subscribed), photos, games, and of course – Alexa, is at my fingertips.

If you are upgrading your Fire device, Amazon will bring those apps over upon request.

The Fire 10 HD starts at $149.99 for 32 GB internal storage and with advertisements. Of course, you can also get the Fire 7 ($50), or Fire HD 8 ($80) if you don’t need that much power.

Get Fire 10 HD at Amazon

With the Corona Virus causing world-wide concern, and many companies having decided to either ban or limit travel, we now have to turn to online conferencing to get business done. Our computers will be working harder, but webcams and microphones might not be up to the job.

So a good microphone can help you in your calls. A podium microphone (a.k.a. Goose neck microphone) gets it close to your mouth, but doesn’t get in the way. That is why I’m looking at 3 different microphones you can get online. Each one is from a company that has multiple options for audio creation.

Advantages of a External Microphone

When you are in a video conference, you need your computer to do different things. That means typing on your keyboard, tapping your touchscreen, and more. This can become an annoyance to others, as they might hear the typing, whereas you don’t.

With the podium microphone style, you can have this mic further away from your laptop. It can even be on a towel, or mouse pad to further noise transfer.

Extra software can be installed to help control the audio of your microphone. In some cases, to the point where you might not have to wear headphones.

3 Types of Goose Neck Microphones

Pyle PDMikC5

This is a microphone I have used from time to time for a couple years now. Pyle is known for great sounding low-cost microphones.

The Pyle PDMikC5 is an XLR-based microphone. You will need to connect to a mixer. Battery power, or phantom power. It’s got a wide freqency range, working for any type of voice.

The mute does need a battery to work.

This mic is available for $35.

Pyle on Amazon

Pyle on B&H

CMTeck Gaming Microphone

This gooseneck USB microphone is small. The full sized goose neck allows you to collapse it to fit into a bag.

This microphone has a mute button, and a LED to notify if the mic is muted or active. The mute button does cause a click. Table tapping is non-existent, and plosives are really good.

This microphone is $15.99

Get CMTeck on Amazon

Fifine Goose Neck Microphone

I was really impressed with this microphone. It adds a volume option, which can really help in your sound.

The Fifine has a dual goose neck, for a little more adjustment.

The mute button also causes a “click” noise, when pressed. Plosives were noticeable when I turned up the volume, as well as table-tapping. You might want to put a towel underneath the base for extra noise reduction

The Fifine Goose Neck Microphone is $24.99

Get Fifine on Amazon

What do you use for your podcast or conference needs? Let me know!