Justin Power Products Review
While we like to get external battery packs for our everyday charging needs, often we try to find a particular kind of battery pack, or size, or shape, or function, and we end up landing with an ugly brick-shaped battery that does not fit well in your pocket or purse. Justin Power Products by innovative technology looks to solve this issue by making a variety of different external battery packs to provide for your needs. Here I will be reviewing three of them, the Ultra Slim Power Bank, the Power Bank with Built-In Stand, and the Round Power Stick.
Justin Power Bank with built-in stand
Power Bank with Built-In Stand
This external battery has a dock built-in, allowing you to stand up your device while it’s charging so you can watch movies, YouTube videos, or whatever. It has a 6,000 mAh battery, which should charge the average smartphone about twice.
I don’t really use docks (except in my car), but it occurred to me that I could use this one at my new desk job. However, I have outlets at my job, so I had to somewhat force myself to use the battery. This is just personal preference, in saying that I don’t find use for this particular product. However, I could see use for this if you have kids who use your device all the time, putting it down somewhere to charge while they watch a movie.
Nevertheless, the actual battery is great. In a week, it lasted more than 4 days, with each day charging from 40% to 80%. The charge held well, with the level staying the same from one day to the next. Considering it houses a stand and a 6,000 mAh battery, it is not a bad size. However, I would not carry this around in my pocket as it is too bulky, but I don’t think that is what this was designed for. For keeping it on your desk or on a table, it is just the right size.
The page for this product does not claim too much, so the advertised value for this battery is solid. It has a stand that works well and keeps the device pretty sturdy from button presses while standing. The 4 LEDs that indicate the level of the battery work, and actually blink in a neat way while charging (similar to the turn signal on a new Mustang, blinking from left-to-right). The 2.1 A port allows your device to charge quickly without frying it, which is nice. On each product page there this PDF which indicates how much charge a particular battery size should charge your device. While I have a Moto X (2013) (a 2,200 mAh battery) and not a Galaxy S4 (a 2,600 mAh battery), I don’t find the chart far from the truth, if a bit overzealous (but what company isn’t about their product?).
Overall, I had an enjoyable experience with this product. If you find you’re in situations where you need a portable stand with a battery to charge your device, then for $39.99 this is a great option. I give this 4.35 stars.
Here’s a link where you can purchase this online, otherwise Justin Power products are sold at many retailers, here is the page where they’re sold.
Justin round power stick
Round Power Stick
The lip-stick shaped external battery is a popular form, as it allows a hold of a decent battery size and can fit in a pocket or purse easily. While this battery works well, I find it boring compared to the many options Justin Power provides, and compared to the other two devices reviewed here. This form factor has been done many times before. Nevertheless, it works well.
With a 2,200 mAh battery, this charged my Moto X (2013) about 43%. Of the three, this was the least impressive to me when it comes to its capacity:charge amount ratio. However, it holds its charge well, able to keep its charge for the few days I tested it. The size is great as I mentioned before. The advertised value is alright: it is small and lightweight, the aluminum finish is nice and you have several color choices. However, they not only say that this can charge your device from completely drained to full, but on their PDF describing charge percentages compared to mAh sizes, It does not seem to hold up to normal standards as it should be able to charge the Galaxy S4 60%, and it couldn’t do this for my Moto X, which has a smaller battery.
If you’re looking for a small and lightweight battery that will hold its charge and feels sturdy, then this is good option. At $19.99, and with a not great capacity:charge amount ratio, I don’t find this particular product to be of great value. I give this 3.3 stars, but mostly because of its size and charge hold.
If you’re interested, here’s a link of where to buy this online.
Justin ultra slim power bank
Ultra Slim Power Bank
This is easily my favorite of the three products. Maybe because it’s so cool, and looks so good, and is just a great all around value, I’m not sure. What I know is when I opened the Ultra Slim Power Bank, I fell in love. Even my wife who is largely uninterested in my articles and reviews asked if she could use it.
The only thing I don’t like about this product is its battery capacity, as 2,000 mAh, but that’s because it’s so thin. I’m frankly amazed, of how it all fit in it. The battery is about the size of 4 credit cards, and comes with a neat leather pouch with a pocket meant for an I.D., credit card, etc. essentially acting like your wallet. This is a cool spin on the external battery pack. It has 4 LEDs that light up in the same way that the Power Bank with Built-In Stand does, and all the edges have a blue plastic so the whole things glows really cool when you’re using it or charging it. It comes with a tiny 2 inch cord so that you can easily fit the battery and cord in your pocket without hassle. It’s got a metal casing, making it feel very premium.
As for the actual battery, it does fairly well. It charged my phone 51% (better than the one above… see my point?) which isn’t the best, but pretty good considering the size. It held a charge very well over the several days I used it, where I was able to charge my phone, stop and use it again the next day and it do well. The size as I mentioned is great, so it fits easily in a pocket. The advertised value is good, as they don’t really claim much with this device other than the size. The only real issue I came across is while charging your device it can become quite warm, and without the case even hot. Not a huge deal as it cools quickly and I only charged it outside of my pocket, but just a word of caution.
The other problem with this device is its price: $39.99, the same as the Power Bank with Built-In Stand. It’s probably because of the work that goes into making it that small, and the metal casing and leather case. But even $10 cheaper would make this a better value in my opinion. And due to this, it brings my rating down to 4.35 stars. If it was cheaper I’d probably have given it more like 4.75 stars. However, if you’re willing to spend that money I highly recommend this particular battery. The size, the finish, the wallet case. I guarantee when you open this, you’ll know it was worth it.
Here’s a link of where to buy this online.
Conclusion
Overall, Justin Power Products seem to be a different experience with each product. The Power Bank with Built-In Stand and Ultra Slim Power Bank are the best here, and the Ultra Slim would be even better if it was cheaper. The Round Power Stick is average, and that is mostly because of its size. One thing is for sure, all of these hold their charge very well, something Justin Power gets right across the board.
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POWER UP! Verizon announces Motorola Droid Turbo for October 30
Verizon, as expected over the last few weeks, today announced the newest member of its Droid family. Arriving tomorrow, October 30, the Droid Turbo is the most powerful Android handsets to date.
Powered by Android 4.4.4 KitKat, the Droid Turbo boasts a 5.2-inch Quad HD display, 21-megapixel rear camera, and 32GB/64GB internal storage. In keeping with its namesake, the smartphone packs a 3900mAh battery which can be charged with up eight hours of power in 15 minutes. Toss in the quad-core 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 processor with 3GB RAM and you’ve got a veritable monster.
Go up to 48 hours without stopping to recharge thanks to a 3900mAH battery, one of the largest ever put in a smartphone.
Additional hardware features include NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and a host of sensors. Like other Motorola Droid models, this one also offers a water-resistant coating to protect against life’s splashes.
The 32GB Droid Turbo will be sold in three color options (Metallic Black, Metallic Red or Ballistic Nylon) for $199 with a two year service agreement. The 64GB model comes in Ballistic Nylon and retails for $249 with the same contract.
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Microsoft will borrow Mac-like trackpad gestures for Windows 10
Those of us who try to bring the handy two- and three-finger trackpad gestures from a MacBook over to a PC laptop are usually treated to digitus interruptus. But during TechEd, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore said that Windows 10 will have new three finger gestures (not to be confused with salutes) for PC trackpads. Swiping up and down will bring up the “Task View” to minimize and restore active windows, while left and right gestures will switch between apps. Sound vaguely familiar? On a MacBook, three-fingered left and right swipes let you change virtual desktops and apps, while up and down gestures reveal OSX’s Mission Control — a decidedly similar feature to Task View.
The new features reinforce the fact that Microsoft wants to put some emphasis back on the humble trackpad and away from its beloved touchscreens. With Windows 8.1, it made a concerted effort to improve poorly-regarded PC trackpads by working with Intel and Synaptics. While some might decry the new gestures as being a bit more than paying homage to Apple, it will certainly make it easier for users to switch from Macs to PCs. If you’re curious to try the new features, you’ll have to wait — they’ll be available in a future Windows 10 Technical Preview build.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Microsoft
Via: Gizmodo
Source: Channel 9 (Silverlight required)
Google Fit for Android is ready to compile all of your fitness stats
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google
Via: The Next Web
Source: Google Play, Android Official Blog
Amped Wireless gets into the touchscreen wireless hardware game
Amped Wireless, as you know, is the plucky outfit that builds WiFi routers designed to cover huge spaces with internet. This time out, however, the company has decided to develop a range extender that, like a few others in its class, comes with a 3.5-inch touchscreen for easy setup. According to Amped, the biggest reason that WiFi gear gets returned is a lack of “user friendliness,” because lots of people aren’t comfortable plugging in an Ethernet cable and heading over to 192.168.1.1. This way, all a person has to do is follow along with the on-screen instructions and boom, their home network is set up within a matter of minutes. Once you’re done, the screen will even display a clock, so at least you’ll nave a reason not to cram it into a cupboard.
Pulling it out of the box and setting it up took less than five minutes, including a fresh firmware update. Unfortunately, the firmware update wiped the settings that had previously been entered, which was more than a little vexing. The user interface is wickedly simple, although the resistive touchscreen isn’t up to much, which is why there’s a stubby stylus tucked away in the top of the housing. On the upside, all of the options you’d require, including output power and access schedule if you hate your kids and don’t want them accessing WiFi during homework hours. Certainly, the ease of use and simple UI are benefits here, although the fact that the device is limited to the 2.4GHz band will probably mean it doesn’t get a thumbs up for performance nuts. Still, if you’re always doing tech support for that one relative, the device will set you back $120, with shipping kicking off on November 6th.
Filed under: Wireless
Source: Amped Wireless
Motorola DROID Turbo Finally Official, Available Oct. 30th starting at $199
The last few weeks have been a flurry of leaks about the Motorola DROID Turbo. We got our hands on some legitimate images of the actual device, saw the users manual, caught various renders and seemingly caught all the specs for the next DROID. There really wasn’t much left to be told, except for its official release date and pricing. This morning Motorola made the announcement via their blog and now we know when and just how much.
The Motorola DROID Turbo will be landing in Verizon stores and online on October 30th. It will be offered in two storage options, a 32GB and a 64GB. The 32GB variant will be offered in Metallic Black, Metallic REd or Ballistic Nylon where as the 64GB variant will only be offered in Ballistic Nylon. Price wise, the 32GB will set you back $199 on a two-year contract and the 64GB model will cost you $249. If you go for the Edge program, Verizon shows the 32GB at $599.99 for $24.99 a month. No specifics on the 64 GB Variant.
Official Specs:
- Android 4.4.4
- 5.2-inch Quad HD display 2560 x 1440, 565dpi
- 2.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor
- 64-bit memory access Adreno 420 @ 600 MHz GPU
- 3 GB of LPDDR3 with 64-bit access RAM
- 3900 mAh battery rated for mixed usage for 48 hours
- 21MP rear camera (5248×3936) in 4:3 & 15.5 MP (2952×5248) in 16:9
- 2MP front shooter
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n.ac (dual-band capable)
- Water Resistant
Need I say more? This is a serious piece of hardware and one that I am sure will thrive in the market quite nicely. Verizon doesn’t have the device up on their site in any pre-order capacity. However, they do have a sign-up page to get notifications about the device.
Source: Motorola | Droid Turbo | Verizon
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Taco Bell Launches Mobile Ordering App for iPhone [iOS Blog]
Taco Bell today launched a newly updated Live Mas Taco Bell mobile app that’s designed to allow Taco Bell diners to place and customize their orders ahead of their arrival at the restaurant. After downloading the app, those seeking a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme, or other food item from Taco Bell can tap log in or start a session as a guest.
From there, tapping on the “Order” button will bring up a list of all the Taco Bell restaurants that are located nearby, and selecting one will bring up a store’s individual menu. After selecting a location, scrolling downwards will provide a list of food options that have been organized into separate categories like Breakfast, Combos, Tacos, Burritos, and more.
Taco Bell(R) Mobile Ordering is Here. Customize. Order. Pay. All from the new app. Now you can easily select a local Taco Bell, customize your favorite items and pay for your order. No need to select a pick-up time. We make your food when you arrive because just-prepared food is the best. Then skip the in-store line like you own the place. Plus, reordering your favorites is as easy as a twist of the wrist.
Every food order contains customization options so that it can be prepared to a customer’s specification. For example, with the Waffle, it comes with sausage, cheese, egg, and syrup, any of which can be removed. There’s also an option to add extra of any ingredient, and there are options for add-ons like nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, onions, tomatoes, and more. While some options are free, many add an additional cost to an order.
According to Taco Bell, while an order can be placed ahead of time, it is not cooked until a customer arrives at the restaurant they selected and checks in, at which point the employees begin preparing the meal to ensure freshness. Mobile orderers will not need to stand in the Taco Bell line upon arrival, and will be called up to the mobile counter when their meal is ready. Payments are made in the app with a credit card.
The app has options to allow users to sign in to track their most recent orders, which makes re-ordering the same meal easy, and there are e-gift options that let customers send gift cards. Another helpful feature is the Nutritional Info, which lists the calorie content of all of Taco Bell’s offerings.
Taco Bell has been working on adding mobile ordering capabilities to its app for several months now, with the first news of an updated app coming back in February. At that time, Taco Bell’s mobile lead Jeff Jenkins said that mobile is becoming increasingly important to quick service restaurants. “If you can get 10 million people to download your app, you’re putting a portal to Taco Bell in 10 million pockets,” he said.
Taco Bell’s revamped iOS app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
YouTube may launch music service with ad-supported and paid versions
YouTube’s music service has become the topic of many rumors lately, with some sources claiming the service is very close to launching. We still haven’t heard anything concrete, but YouTube’s Susan Wojcicki discussed what’s happening with the service with Re/code to shed some light on what we’ve been hearing.
According to Wojcicki, the service is still in the early stages, which means it might not be available as quickly as we’d thought. YouTube is still exploring how to best create a music service to compete with other subscription models like Spotify or Pandora. One of the options she mentioned was an ad-free service, similar to Google’s own All-Access.
However, YouTube wants to give users options, and since YouTube pulls in almost all of its revenue from ads, it wants to keep an ad-supported service open, too. Google’s All-Access does not have a free, ad-supported option.
Unfortunately, she didn’t clarify anything past that, so the idea of a YouTube music service is still very murky. We know it’s coming, but we don’t know when and how. Hopefully we won’t have to play the waiting game much longer.
Hit the link below for the rest of the interview.
source: re/code
Come comment on this article: YouTube may launch music service with ad-supported and paid versions
Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge touches down in South Korea
Following a successful launch in Japan earlier this month, Samsung has today released its first curved phablet, the Galaxy Note Edge, in South Korea. The handset is available to purchase in either black or white colorways through SK Telecom for an eye-watering 1,067,000 Won — approximately $1015.
In terms of performance, the Note Edge is a very impressive high-end smartphone, packing a 5.6-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, an Exynos octa-core System-on-Chip, 3GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel shooter, 32GB of internal storage (expandable up to 64GB via microSD) and a 3,000mAh Li-Ion battery.
Out of the box, the handset will run the latest build of Android 4.4.4 KitKat with Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface plastered over the top. The device is, however, expected to be one of the first on the market to receive the much-anticipated Lollipop update when it’s distributed later this year.
If you like the sound of the Note Edge and you’re based in South Korea — you can click the source link below to purchase one.
Source: SamsungTomorrow
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge touches down in South Korea
Verizon and Motorola officially launch the DROID Turbo
As expected, at a press event this morning Verizon and Motorola have officially launched the DROID Turbo, a Motorola manufactured device exclusively available through Verizon. With all of the rumors and leaks, there may not be much in the way of surprises about the specifications for this newest addition to the DROID line of devices, but we’ll touch on them after the break.
Motorola and Verizon determined that a key way to differentiate the new device was through battery life and recharging capabilities. A large battery that provides plenty of useful life is not a new concept to Motorola and the DROID line as the DROID MAXX still reigns supreme for LTE smartphones. The DROID Turbo adds some quick charging features thanks to a special Turbo Charger, which is included with the device. This gives the DROID Turbo the ability to add enough juice in just 15 minutes of charging to power the device for up to 8 hours. A full charge of the 3,900mAh battery is rated to last 48 hours once all the battery optimizations kick in.
The big, fast-charging battery is needed to power the 5.2-inch quad-HD screen that achieves 565ppi. The DROID Turbo comes packed with a Snapdragon 805 processor clocked up to 2.7GHz and 3GB of RAM. This should keep things running smoothly. Two models will be available, one with 32GB of internal storage and one with 64GB of internal storage. Motorola has also included a 21MP camera capable of shooting 4K video and a 2MP front-facing camera. The DROID Turbo will come with Android 4.4 KitKat installed, bu Android 5.0 Lollipop is expected to be available “in coming months.”
Verizon will start taking pre-orders for the DROID Turbo at 1:00 ET today on their web site. However, you shouldn’t have to wait long to get your hands on the actual device as in-store availability is scheduled for this Thursday, October 30th. Customers will have a choice of Metallic Black, Metallic Red, and Ballistic Nylon for colors in addition to the choice of internal memory size, although the 64GB version will only be available in Ballistic Nylon. With a 2-year contract, the 32GB DROID Turbo will cost $199.99 while the 64GB version will run $249.99 with a two-year contract.
Come comment on this article: Verizon and Motorola officially launch the DROID Turbo
AIVAnet 