I’d also like to thank ECOVACS for being an ongoing sponsor of the blog and the YouTube channel. While they are paying for my time here, they have not told me what I have to say or what I can’t say about the new X2 Combo, and I got to test it as I wanted to. So these thoughts are 100% mine.

What you get: ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO

The all new ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO not only adds some new cleaning features, it’s improved on the robot vac-mop too.

In a nut shell, The all-new DEEBOT X2 COMBO combines the hands-free convenience of a nearly autonomous robot vacuum and mop, with the flexibility of a handheld vacuum. You can also upgrade to the DEEBOT X2 COMBO COMPLETE, which includes additional accessories that convert the hand vac into a full-sized stick vacuum.

The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO has an impressive 8,700 pascals of suction—which can be double and up to three and four times as powerful as most other vacuum robots, and it’s up even from the substantial 8,000 pa on the previous X2.

This should mean it will do an even better job of suctioning nearly every thing from your floors. We’ll check out what it can do in my cleaning tests, coming up.

Watch my hands-on review of DEEBOT X2 COMBO in my home

Unboxing ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO

Let’s unbox it to get a closer look… There’s a few components in here; first and most importantly is the DEEBOT X2 robot. This D-shaped bot has a squared front for getting closer to baseboards and edges. Underneath, a corner brush and roller brush inhale dust and dirt, while two rotating mopping pads wash the floor. We’ll dig a bit deeper on this in a bit…

Also in the box is a handheld vacuum. Three brushes come with the handheld; a flat dusting brush, a mini motorized brush, and a crevice tool.

The all-in-one OMNI station is the biggest component and this is base camp for your bot. Inside the OMNI station is where your bot will empty its own dustbin, then wash and dry the mopping pads. Two large tanks under the lid hold clean water and dirty water.

There’s also the power cord, extra vacuum bags and a small ramp for DEEBOT to get to its garage.

How it all comes together is pretty cool: the robot parks under the ONMI station and just above that is where the dustbin auto-empties into a sealed bag. To the right is where you can dock your handheld vacuum. The dock will automatically empty the handheld for you too after every use, and it keeps it fully charged.

Cleverly, a small drawer in the base holds all your tools so there’s no misplacing them, and I love this feature so much.

Now I will be transparent here and say that this base station is very large and does need a good amount of space to operate. The station measures about 20-inches tall, 22-inches wide and 14-inches deep. And you will need it to have some clearance for the bot to come and go and to pull the handheld from its dock too, so keep that in mind.

Set up

Getting things set up is going to take just a minute or two. From my experience reviewing numerous ECOVACS robot vacuums, the process has been easy, seamless, and bug free. It’s one of the reasons I really like recommending ECOVACS; the user interface is easy, particularly for those new to robot vacuums.

You just need the free ECOVACS app. Sign up for or sign into your account and then choose the option to add a new robot.

Essentially you’ll power the robot on, scan the QR code on the bot and connect to your home’s Wi-Fi.

With that done your DEEBOT will prompt you to go on a mapping run of your house so it can learn the layout. I was really impressed that the robot found its way around my space in about 10 minutes and I had a fully generated, and accurate map, where it had even chosen the room labels for me and they were correct! Freakishly impressive.

With the house mapped it was time to put the DEEBOT X2 COMBO to work.

Cleaning tests

Whenever I test out a floor cleaning robot I always run them through the same set of tests. I will spill finer stuff like flour or sugar, middle size bits like rice or oatmeal, and bigger cracker pieces on both carpet and hard floors. With the mopping I create liquid spills and let some dry to test the scouring prowess.

Since this unit also has the handheld vacuum, I’m going to test it out on a few different things since I’m doing my spring cleaning this week. I’ll try it out on the dog bed, the sofa (which is usually loaded with dog hair) and then I’ll take it to the car and the camper van where I think it will actually be really valuable.

Vacuum tests

There was nothing I threw at this bot that it couldn’t clean. It was a master at vacuuming up pet hair, and we have a lot of it this spring because it’s shedding season. DEEBOT X2 was also able to pick up every last speck of granola, flour, sand, dried fruit and more, whether it was on the hard floors, or carpet and rugs.

It even vacuumed up spare change!

I’d say from my days of testing it got about 99-100% of anything on the floor.

The DEEBOT is only about 32cm or 12 inches in width with a ground clearance of 9.5cm or just under 4-inches tall so it’s made to get under furniture like the sofa, the bed and it manoeuvres well around the legs of tables and chairs.

Mopping tests

I was really impressed with the mopping, as I was on the original X2. The mop has a neat way of wiggling itself over particularly troublesome stains to add wiping to the scrubbing motion. In all of my tests, the DEEBOT X2 COMBO was able to clean the floors beautifully, again getting about 99-100% of spills bot damp and dried.

The DEEBOT has scrubbing, spinning mopping pads, and I like these better than a flat pad because I’ve found they work better at routing off dried on stains. Technically ECOVACS calls this the OZMO Turbo 2.0 Rotating Mopping System, and it’s designed to apply constant pressure to the floor for deep mop scrubbing. The soft and nubby chenille pads can lift up to 15mm off the ground so if the robot hits carpet, it won’t get it wet.

When I tested this I was able to see the lifting in action—and you can too.

Another feature I really like about the mop is that I can dial the water flow up or down.

Handheld tests

I have to say I found the additional handheld vacuum got a lot more use than I initially thought it would. It was so easy just to grab it from the dock to vacuum up a small spill in the kitchen or to give the dog bed a once over. When I put it back to recharge, it empties itself.

In the camper van, it’s small enough that we could bring it on any trip, and it was really great at keeping the bed, cushions, seats, and even the floor free of sand, grit, and pet hair. If the auto empty base is not nearby, you can just pop the bottom open over a garbage can.

I also found this vacuum is the ideal car cleaner. The three attachments make it ideal for getting into every space; the mini motorized brush can clean the floor wells, the dusting brush is perfect for vents and cupholders, while the crevice brush gets into all the small spaces in the car.

Self cleaning & emptying

The All-in-one OMNI station has several functions, like I mentioned. It works to keep all your tools charged, but it also automatically empties both the robot and the handheld vacuum into the same sealed dust bag. It automatically refills the robot’s on board water tank with fresh water, and it will clean the mopping pads with 60-degree hot water if they are getting too dirty. Once the full clean sweep is over, it gives the pads a final hot water wash then starts a 2-hour Hot Air Drying cycle, which runs absolutely silently.

The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO keeps fine dust from getting back into your home with a 4-stage filtration system. There are filters both in the DEEBOT, and in the handheld vacuum. The sealed dust bag inside the station also prevents particles from escaping.

Yiko Voice assistant

Another feature I wasn’t sure I needed, but found was so handy is the Yiko voice assistant. Just by asking Yiko, I can start or stop a clean, empty the dustbin, wash the mops or pause drying.

You can even go anywhere in your home and call for Yiko to ‘clean this spot’ and it knows where you are by measuring the distance to your voice. Pretty cool.

Schedule

One of the most useful features of a robot vacuum is the ability to schedule cleanings anytime. The app makes it easy to choose regular daily or weekly cleanings and I find this is one of the best ways to maximize your investment.

Obstacle avoidance

After reviewing dozens of robot vacuums, I’ve come to learn that obstacle avoidance and hazard recognition are actually a very underrated feature.

The truth is if your robot floor cleaner is not smart enough to see, assess, and then avoid potential hazards, it may become very unlikely to finish its cleaning jobs. ECOVACS bots in my opinion are some of the best in the market when it comes to never getting tangled up in the first place and the X2 combo is no exception.

On more than one occasion it was able to unstick itself from a tricky throw rug, a charging cable, and even the base of some stools. That means DEEBOT X2 Combo requires virtually no help from you to get its spring cleaning chores done.

Battery life

This new generation of DEEBOT has a 6400mAh battery which adds up to about 140 minutes of runtime when used at full power, and you can get up to 210 minutes or 3.5 hours if you run it at lower power and in vacuum only mode.

The Handheld has a 4000mAh Lithium Battery, which will let you clean up to 60 minutes.

Noise level

I really appreciate the fact that with this robot floor cleaner you can adjust the noise level by adjusting the cleaning power. Inside the app you can simply dial the vacuum suction up or down if you want which also lowers the noise level. This is great if you’re trying to have a work call while you want the floors cleaned. When DEEBOT is emptying itself, the noise level does go up a bit, but the auto empty sequence is much faster and really only lasts less than 10 seconds.

Overall review: ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO

Overall, I think ECOVACS has another winner here. In essence the company has taken the floor bot I’ve found it the market’s top performer, and made it even better by adding the handy handheld vacuum, and boosting suction. Let’s go over the pros and the cons.

On the pro side, the vacuuming performance is outstanding, picking up every scrap from sugar grains to cereal. The mopping actually cleans floors extremely well with downward scrubbing pressure and spinning pads.

The handheld vacuum has quickly become our go-to for small spills and it’s a lifesaver for the car and the camper van.

ECOVACS bots are easy to set up, schedule and they’re super user friendly, and with the Yiko voice assistant you don’t even need your phone. You can also dial the suction and the waterflow up or down for more cleaning power or a quieter task.

So what are the downsides? I think the biggest barrier for folks will be the size of the base station. There’s no escaping that it’s huge and you do need clearance for it, due mainly I’d say to the larger water tanks. So the tradeoff here is the station is bigger but there’s less emptying and refilling. I solve the size issue by putting it in our guest bedroom.

In short I can absolutely recommend the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO if you’re looking for the smartest, most versatile best cleaning floor bot with extras.

ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO sells for about $1,599 USD / $2,149 CDN and you can get one from ECOVACS.com or from Amazon.

You can also take a look at some of ECOVACS’ other high-tech floor cleaning robots… right now. (link to other bots, X2 OMNI, T20)

The post Review: ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 COMBO appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

When cooking with fire, it’s too easy to go wrong, after all, you can’t tame fire… or can you? But the taste of grilled foods is like nothing else…

What if you could take the flavour and fun of a traditional charcoal grill and make it easy to bring this type of cooking under your control. That’s the premise of the new Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill.

In this review I’m going to test one out for a few weeks at my home to see what it’s like to use, how easy it is to operate, if it truly can make charcoal grilling easier, and most importantly how the food turns out. I’ll wrap things up by going over the pros and cons and then I’ll let you know from my personal experience and hands-on review time, if I think I can recommend this smart charcoal grill to you.

A quick note here; Kamado Joe has generously gifted me with this product so that I can do an extended review at home. While the company has provided the product to me it has not had a hand in my creation of this review and has not told me what I have to say or what I can’t say about it so you can consider these thoughts my own.

Preparing for delivery

A word of advice about preparing for the delivery of your Kamado Joe Konnected Joe grill. It will likely be delivered on a large truck. The box is absolutely massive and weighs nearly 300 pounds according to the driver who dropped mine off. You’ll want to make sure you have a clear space for the delivery person to use a skid to maneuver it up to your house. There will be no moving the box itself once it’s delivered so make sure you can place it where you want it until you can unpack it.

The best thing to do is to open the box by removing the top lid and then lifting the sides of the carton off. Inside is the grill and many smaller boxes. Pull the boxes out and take them to where you’ll be assembling the grill. Open the grill up and take out the rest of the items that are stored inside including the heavy fire bricks. This will make moving the grill itself far easier. The last step will be to move the grill unit itself. You will absolutely need two people for this process or some kind of wheeled dolly. There are good handles on the side that allow you to grip it securely so you won’t feel like you’re going to drop it.

Watch my hands on video review of Kamado Joe Konnected Joe

Assembly

The assembly process was actually far easier and faster than I thought it would be. While I won’t go into excruciating detail about the exact steps; in a nutshell you put the legs onto a base, add the bottom shelf, then attach four caster wheels. The main Grilling unit then sits in the assembled base and gets secured with screws.

The last steps are to assemble the parts you need on the inside; there are several rather unique and perhaps indistinguishable parts. You’ll add:

1. 5 AMP ceramic fire bricks; AMP stands for advanced multi panel.
2. These fit together tongue-in-groove and shield the bottom of the unit from heat escaping.
3. Next a stainless steel ring goes over the top of those bricks to hold them in place and to provide a base for the racks that will go in above.

On top of the stainless steel ring there is what’s called the “divide and conquer” flexible cooking rack. On top of the cooking rack you’ll place two halves of a circular ceramic heat deflector. This looks kind of like a pizza stone cut in two.

An accessory rack goes in next where you can securely place optional cooking tools or pots. Finally the “half moon cooking grates go in which is your top-most grilling surface. Because this is divided in two, you can remove one or both if necessary.

Automatic charcoal starting with heating element and fan

A couple of other really cool features to take note of; there is an automatic fire starting system (AFS) which uses a heating element and fan in the base of the grill to ignite the charcoal for you easily. The heating element is on when a red light on the front is glowing.

Once engaged this heating element will stay on for 10 minutes and the igniter will automatically turn off if the grill temperature goes above 190°F or 88°C. You can also press and hold the AFS button to turn the element off anytime you prefer.

Kamado Joe app gives you full remote control

Now that we’ve gotten to know a bit about our grill, let’s get it connected. For this you will need the free Kamado Joe app. Sign up for or sign into your account and when you’re ready plug in the grill. This will activate the Kontrol panel and allow you to get the grill connected to your smart phone.

With that said you can use the app to control your grill, or simply use the control board on the front if you prefer or you don’t have Wi-Fi.

Getting to know the Kontrol Board

Taking a quick look at the control panel, there’s two parts to it; on the right is the input for up to three meat probes. Below that is the AFS or Automatic Fire Starter button. On the main screen is really only a handful of buttons and a small screen. On the left you’ll see screen cycle at the top which allows you to cycle through different controller views.

How to set temperature on the grill

Below that is the temperature button which allows you to set the temperature; to use it press the button to initiate the temperature sequence then turn the knob to your desired temperature. Press the button again to set the temperature. Below that you’ll see the ‘set time’ button and at the bottom is the pairing button.

My Set up experience

When you use your grill for the first time it’ll open the Kamado Joe app and follow the instructions for pairing your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi grill with your smart device. When I did it I was connected in seconds.

Two ways to use Kamado Joe

One of the first questions I got as I began my review is whether or not you need to use the smart connectivity or whether you can simply use the grill as he would a traditional charcoal grill. The answer is, you can use it either way.

Using it with the companion app is known as Automatic Mode, while using it without any of the smarts is called Classic Mode. I’m going to focus first on using automatic mode since that’s what differentiates this grill.

How to start Kamado Joe Konnected Joe in Automatic Mode

To start your cook make sure any existing ash from the firebox has been cleaned out since this can prevent new charcoal from igniting.

Add your charcoal to the firebox and close the bottom vent fully. When running the grill in automatic mode the bottom vent should be closed completely at all times, which is unlike running a typical charcoal grill or even using this one in Classic mode. That’s because temperature sensors combined with the fan inside are going to be able to regulate the temperature for you.

Close the dome and power your grill on with the switch on the back. Then power on your controller. Choose what temperature you want to heat the grill to. Then press the AFS or automatic fire starter button to engage the element to ignite the charcoal. The element turns on and a red light will glow. This element will stay on for 10 minutes.

The heating element inside will light the charcoal for you, meaning one of the more finicky tasks of charcoal grilling has become completely automated.

In my personal experience with charcoal grilling, I have often struggled trying to get charcoal to start and then to burn properly. I also find it very fiddly to be opening and closing different vents at the top and the bottom and I will happily admit that I don’t really understand the whole airflow thing.

But with the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill, I don’t actually need to even play a part. The grill knows what it’s doing and can deliver a hot grill on demand. Let’s take a look at it in action.

Cooking on the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill: my experience

One of the first things I cooked on my Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill was a steak.

We built a fire in the bottom of the Joe to break it in. The coals lit very quickly with the electrical element which is also connected to that small fan. The fan cycles on and off as it needs to, to keep your charcoal at just the right temperature.

We took the grill up to about 600°F and also took the opportunity to do some foil wrapped potatoes. Husband Roger used the stone diffusers included in the kit to cut some of the heat under the potatoes so they would bake instead of scorching. I have to say these came out absolutely perfectly and cooked fairly quickly. When it came time to sear the steak, the grill was piping hot and I can say that our two steaks came out absolutely perfectly.

Burgers – using the probe

On more than one occasion we used the Joe for grilling burgers, and I can stay without a doubt that these are the best burgers I’ve ever made on any grill or barbecue. Being able to precisely control the temperature, and deflect heat as maybe necessary means the burgers get perfectly cooked without turning into charcoalized hockey pucks.

Plus I got to experiment with using the temperature probes and I found that this can make a very easy grilling process even more error-proof, since your phone will alert you when your meat is cooked to the exact temperature or range you want, whether you like it rare or well done.

Because of the Kamado Joe,I’m getting more confident about grilling, so lettuce burgers are becoming a regular part of our rotation.

Pulled Pork – Feb 18

Next up husband Roger wanted to try out a pulled pork. This kind of all day grilling can be quite challenging because you need to manage the fire and the temperature throughout the day, and possibly add charcoal at some point. Using the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill for this couldn’t have been easier.

The grill got up to temperature fairly quickly and then stayed parked there. There was no fiddling or adjusting or constant checking. The best part was that the app kept me up-to-date about exactly what was happening on the grill. So much so, and so confident was I by this time that I felt comfortable going out on a long bike ride knowing I could keep one eye on the app and my cook from afar.

The pork roast we made was tender, smoky and succulent.

Beef ribs – Feb 19

Next up we tried another multi hour cook, this time with beef ribs. We put them on early in the morning thinking they would take close to all day. By the time we checked on them at midday we were surprised to find they were perfect; this put the cook time on the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe at least a few hours faster than using our old charcoal grill. The ribs were tender and tasty, with a nice bark on the outside.

Making pizza

We also used the Kamado Joe to make pizza. I will note there is a special pizza platform called the DoughJoe (haha) that turns your grill into a de facto pizza oven. I didn’t have that, but would certainly consider getting one. We got the grill up to temperature, assembled the pie, and had fully cooked fresh homemade pizza in under half an hour. Impressive.

Kamado Joe creates confidence

Charcoal grilling is an art. It takes practice and knowledge to cook well on a charcoal grill, and more so if you’re going to tackle longer all day cooks. For that reason I’ve always preferred to simply use a gas grill, but well gas grills can be quick and convenient, they can also dry out and scorch food a lot easier. Plus you just don’t get that beautiful smoky charcoal grilled taste when using a gas grill.

After spending about six weeks with the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe, I can say one of the best things about it is that it has made me a far more confident charcoal griller. I am no longer preoccupied with vents, airflow, and trying to fine-tune fire. I let Joe handle the intricacies of the fire and I get to watch via the app. It couldn’t be easier to master charcoal cooking.

Overall Review: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill

Overall I have to say I’ve been blown away by how easy this grill makes cooking with charcoal.

Let’s go over the pros and cons so you can use my personal experience to make your own decision.

On the pro side, the grill is well built and feels substantial; like something I’ll own for life. It was incredibly easy to assemble, and the set up process was quick and smooth. The package comes with everything you could possibly need to grill effectively, and overall it’s just very intuitive.

Using the Konnected Joe makes cooking any kind of food virtually foolproof. I had amazing success cooking everything from burgers and steaks, to pulled pork, roast chicken and ribs. Even pizza got elevated thanks to this grill. I found it was incredibly hard to overcook or burn anything when following the app and letting the connected smarts manage the food for me. I think I said it before but I’ll say it again; I’m super impressed with how user-friendly this grill is and how much confidence it’s given me to cook with charcoal.

On the downside, it’s truly hard to find a lot of things I didn’t like. If you are new to charcoal grilling you might find the large size and extraordinarily heavy weight of this grill to be more than you want to manage. With that said this style, design, and size is all in line with similar ceramic or egg-shaped charcoal grills of this ilk. Other folks may not appreciate the fact it requires assembly, but I can attest that it was extremely simple to do. You will need two people for the last couple of assembly steps so plan ahead.

What are you want to cook with the help of technology using the app, or freestyle it on your own, this grill can accommodate both type of cook.

I can absolutely recommend the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill to you.

It sells for about $1699USD and you can get it from places like Home Depot, Best Buy and even Amazon in the US.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Review: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe smart charcoal grill appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

You strap on a helmet for a bike ride or buckle the seat belt in a car, hoping you won’t need it but feeling snug knowing it’s there. The same goes for your house – And the Ring Alarm system is one of the least expensive and accessible ways to get a home security system installed on your house. So, between Ring Alarm Gen 2 and the Ring Alarm Pro systems currently on the market, which one is best for you?

Meet the Ring Alarm Family

There are two Ring Alarm systems currently on offer- the standard Ring Alarm Gen 2 and the Ring Alarm Pro. Of course, the Pro version has a little more to offer than its sibling.

Ring Alarm Gen 2

Ring Alarm Gen 2 keeps it classic. It’s the straightforward, no-frills home security system that gets the job done without making you feel like you’re navigating a rocketship. And as such, it’s got all the good stuff you’d need.

The Good Stuff:

• DIY Installation: This system is easier to set up than your grandma’s famous cookie recipe. Seriously, even if you still have nightmares about assembling that IKEA furniture, you’ll be just fine.
• App Control: With the Ring Alarm 2, you’re like the wizard of your own home. Control everything from your phone with a tap.
• Sensors and Detectors: Ring’s got you covered with door/window sensors and motion detectors.
• 24/7 Monitoring (Optional): You can add professional monitoring, so while you’re out camping or enjoying the outdoors, someone’s always got an eye on the fort.

If you want a more in-depth look into the Gen 2, you can click on this link to our hands-on review or on this video if you’re more of a visual learner.

Ring Alarm Pro

If the Ring Alarm 2 is like your classic, reliable blue jeans, then the Ring Alarm Pro is the fresh-off-the-rack designer denim with more features. It’s got everything the standard alarm system has plus a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router.

The Good Stuff:

• Built-In Eero 6 Wi-Fi: With Eero’s reliable Wi-Fi 6 technology on board, Ring Alarm Pro essentially gives you a router upgrade and ensures that your home security doesn’t freeze when your internet service provider does a vanishing act.
• Expandable Backup Power: The Alarm Pro essentially turns your home into a worry-free zone where your network doesn’t need to take a power nap, even when the power’s out.
• eero Secure: Steps up your network security game and system management capabilities. It offers an array of features to enhance your online safety, such as threat scans, content filters, ad-blocking, and even more detailed insights into your network’s activity

Making the Decision

Deciding between the Ring Alarm 2 and the Ring Alarm Pro feels a bit like standing at a tech crossroads. The decision all boils down to what you need and want from your home alarm system.

First off, let’s talk Cost vs. Features. Ring Alarm 2 is reliable, straightforward, and doesn’t break the bank. It covers all the basics of home security without asking for much in return. The Ring Alarm Pro, on the other hand, is a little pricier, but it also doubles as a Wi-Fi router courtesy of Eero integration and throws in local video storage among other advanced features. So let’s call it how it is – are you saving for a rainy day or investing in a versatile piece?

On to the realm of Flexibility and Expansion. Both systems nod in agreement here; they’ve got you covered with options to add more sensors and gadgets down the line. In fact, they have similar kit offerings with the 8-piece kits looking identical if not for the larger base station.

Now, let’s not forget about the Set-Up and Use. Both Ring versions have a reputation for being delightful to set up, with clear instructions and an intuitive app that virtually holds your hand through the process. However, the Alarm Pro is essentially going to replace your Wi-Fi router so you have that extra bit of set-up to go through.

The deal breaker lies in the Coverage and Reliability. Because what’s a security system if it occasionally decides to take a nap, right? Both Ring Alarm 2 and Pro are vigilant watch dogs, but the Pro version, with its added Eero Wi-Fi mesh capabilities, backup power, and 24/7 emergency network ensures your system stays connected even if the power or your network goes out. However, do make sure to invest in the Ring Protect Pro plan to enjoy most of these extra features.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Ring Alarm 2 vs Ring Alarm Pro: whats the difference, how to choose? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Usually Amazon Echo products are a smash hit. So when the company’s newest device is earning only three star reviews… What’s going on? If you ask me, people don’t know what to make of the new Echo Hub, and may not understand its place in the larger Alexa ecosystem. This is not simply a new smart home speaker, it’s something else. In this review I’ll dig in on what makes Echo Hub different from my hands-on personal experience, who it’s actually geared for, what it’s best for and not as good at. I’ll wrap things up by going over the pros and the cons and letting you know if I think I can recommend this home hub to you.

What is Echo Hub?

As Amazon tells it, the Echo Hub is an “easy-to-use Alexa-enabled control panel for your smart home devices”, but that doesn’t help us very much since it sounds a lot like every other Alexa speaker device with screen.

You could say that while many Echo devices are speaker-first, the 8-inch Echo Hub is smart home-first. It integrates with all of Amazon and Ring’s smart home devices like alarm systems, cameras, thermostats, smart locks, and lighting, and gives you a central place to manage control of all of them a little easier than on a typical Echo screen device.

Some of the key innovations here are that it’s flat, and designed to be wall mounted (though a $30 stand is available) and you can more easily customize the controls and widgets displayed on the screen, and adjust which devices you see, or which cameras you can pull up quickly.

This small flat panel also uses presence sensing, which Amazon calls ‘adaptive content’ to detect when someone is nearby so the screen will switch automatically from a clock or photo display to the customizable smart home control screen.

In my opinion, I would say this device is designed to be your smart home at a glance. Whereas other Alexa devices like the Echo Show 15 or Echo Show 10 are designed to be more information focused and will display things like news, weather, interesting stories, jokes, or other Alexa how to information, the default viewing on Echo Hub’s screen is your smart home and its gadgets.

Power options (& battery life)

If you choose to wall mount this device you will still need to manage the cable. Amazon recommends mounting it near a plug, but right out of the gate I think I would find that a little messy. You can get a wall rated conduit to hide the power cable inside your wall, but this is a little more trouble than I think it’s worth.

Another option is to use the Power over Ethernet option with a compatible USB-C converter. I opted to use the counter stand and simply have it plugged into the wall.

What can Echo Hub do?

After spending several weeks with this device in my home, I’d say Amazon Echo Hub has four key features.

1. Smart Home security hub

Anyone who had a home alarm system more than 10 years ago likely remembers you needed a hard-wired central panel to arm and disarm the alarm. It looks like we’re back to the future with this concept meant to be placed in a central location in your home.

Echo Hub is an ideal alarm system control panel. I have had a Ring Alarm system for many years, and one of the things I was looking forward to doing with this, is setting up my Ring Alarm 2 system.

I connected my Echo Hub with the Ring Alarm 2 (and you can see the full review of that here). When I call up the alarm system I can see at a glance if my home is disarmed or armed.

Initially, while I was able to arm the system with a tap, when I tried to disarm it from the hub, I got an error message saying “access code required to disarm. Go to security system device settings in the Alexa app to set up an access code”.

I wasn’t able to find the settings anywhere so I reached out to a contact at Amazon for a little assistance…

I was able to get better instructions for how to set a pin code for Echo Hub with Ring Alarm 2. Full details are here but the steps are:

To set Echo Hub to manage your Ring Alarm, load and activate the Ring skill in the Alexa app.

1. Open the Alexa app .
2. Open More , then select Skills & Games.
3. Use Search Alexa Skills to find the Ring skill. Select it and then select Enable.
4. In setting up the skill, sign in to your Ring account, to link it to your Alexa account.
5. After you sign in, Alexa looks for Ring devices and connects with them automatically. If you don’t want a particular device to connect, select Forget. Your alarm system appears in your Devices list in the Alexa app.

Next, set an access code for your system, to use with Alexa and the Echo Hub.

1. Open the Alexa app .
2. Select your Ring Alarm system, then select Settings .
3. Under Disarm by Voice and Echo Hub, turn on Enable/disarm.
4. Enter and confirm a 4-digit access code.
5. To disarm your Ring Alarm when you return home, enter the access code on your Echo Hub, by voice or by touch.

Following the instructions worked for me and I was able to use the Hub to arm and disarm easily.

2. Security camera feed

One of the other interesting things I found the Echo Hub can do is show a longer-term feed of any of your cameras. Just choose which camera you want to keep an eye on, and open it up on the screen of the Echo Hub and you can see and hear everything that’s going on for up to about 7 minutes. This seems to be a bit of a newer feature as some other Echo Show devices I’ve tried let you drop in on a camera for a short time but then always return to the Alexa main screen after a few seconds.

This is something many Ring customers have been asking for since it lets you use one of your cameras like a de facto baby or pet monitor. Even so, 7 minutes isn’t a very long time, and it’s annoying to have to re-load the camera constantly. I’d love it if I could simply choose a camera to keep up on the screen for an hour or more.

3. Smart home control

You can also use this device to manage all of the lights in your home; turning each one on or off with a virtual tap. While I generally find it far more convenient just to use voice control for this, it’s good to know this home hub can become a de facto remote control also. It also works to control thermostats and door locks, so it can be a good way to put your home to bed all from one location.

I also found the echo hub makes an ideal secondary control panel to keep in the primary bedroom. This lets you see your home at a glance and secure everything if you’ve already gotten into bed.

4. Plays Music

This Hub wouldn’t be an Echo device without some audio capabilities. You can absolutely use it to play music, news, and podcasts, though with that said the audio quality is not as good as some other more music-focussed Echo devices.

The only speakers for this one live in the top of the device and they are quite small. Amazon doesn’t give any information about their wattage or power; so I can best describe them as adequate. While they’re not high fidelity and they’re not going to fill a room, they’re more than fine for issuing and confirming smart home demands and listening to audio if you’re nearby.

Set up

I’m not going to spend a lot of time on the set up because pretty much every Echo device I’ve configured in the last five years has been a breeze, and the Hub was the same. Plug it in and it will automatically put itself in set up mode. You just need to follow a few prompts either on the Hub or in the Alexa app depending on your device. I had it online and connected to my smart home in just a few minutes.

Amazon might be one of the few smart home corporations that get this better than right. In my opinion, every one of its gadgets is super easy whether you’re a novice or an experienced smart home guru.

Managing your Hub dashboard

On the hub screen you’ll have a series of boxes or “widgets” you can adjust the order in which these display and choose to show or hide any of them. Along the left-hand side is a list that shows a shortcut for Home and your Routines, then a list of your rooms.

Taking up the most real estate on the screen are the larger widgets; things like your cameras, weather, an area for your favourites and more. Along the bottom there’s a list of buttons which you can tap on to open up more options for each.

While Amazon describes the screen as “customizable” there’s not a whole lot more you can do, other than change the order in which they display. For example I had been hoping to get the security widget to display in a large box on the screen so I could see it and all my devices at all times, but if it is possible it was not intuitive how to do it.

And even once I have tapped the Alarm widget to open it up, the only thing I can do is view the arming status; I can’t see which sensors may be open or closed or which cameras may be online or not. The limited viewing options here are actually quite disappointing.

The toughest part about managing your home screen is ensuring your smart home is up-to-date.

A difficulty I have that is unlikely to affect most of the rest of you is that I have a ton of smart home devices across various brands. Many of them are compatible with Alexa and many of them still show up in my Alexa app even if I only use them for a short time to review them. So a piece of advice; if you have a good amount of smart home gadgets he will want to manage from the hub, spend a little time in the Alexa app deleting unused devices and organizing your devices into their correct rooms so that everything will be much easier to manage on this screen.

Accessing Content & Controlling Devices by Voice

This being an Alexa speaker you can of course ask Alexa to control devices with your voice or access music or other content.

Using commands like:

• “Alexa, show me my cameras”
• “Alexa, dim the lights”
• “Alexa, turn off [living room] lights at [5pm]”
• “Alexa, enable the start my day routine”
• “Alexa, what’s on the calendar today?”
• “Alexa, show me the weather”

I found the voice control works well whether I was asking for light adjustments or for the Alarm system to be set..

Who is Echo Hub for?

I think there are some very specific use cases where this device will be helpful, and others where it will simply be frustrating. Let’s go over the best and worst use cases.

In my opinion, the new Echo Hub is a device for people looking for a slimmed down Alexa experience that can mainly be used to control smart home devices.

In my opinion this device is best for someone who wants to wire it in and wall mount it. Any other Alexa or Echo Show device with the exception of the Echo Show 15 is not really meant to be wall mounted. Yet conversely if you don’t have a need for a wall-mounted option, pretty much any other Echo Show device still works to control your smart home, albeit with additional taps on screen, and it likely gives you better audio to boot.

I would also say this device is not for people that already use their voice for most of their smart home control. Any other Alexa speaker or screen device will give you that same control. This device is more for someone that wants that tangible touchscreen option… Yet at the same time it’s not really a good remote control because it has to be plugged in and is designed to be mounted to a wall.

At its best it should work as a central alarm management hub for Ring Alarm 2, except at the moment the only thing it is able to do is arm and disarm the system. There’s no viewing of your alarm components.

Speed concerns

One of the things I did become a bit concerned about after using the Hub for a couple of weeks is its speed. Navigating with the touchscreen can be quite sluggish taking anywhere from a couple of seconds to up to 8 seconds in rarer occasions to accomplish some tasks. Also, I found frequently it required several taps on some apps before anything would happen.

Overall review: Amazon Echo Hub

Overall I have to say I’m incredibly conflicted about this device. It seems to be bobbing aimlessly on a sea of Amazon gadgets looking for just the right port to dock in. I think for the right user with the right use case this will be a very handy device. However if you are simply evaluating this alongside more traditional Amazon speaker gadget and you don’t already have a specific reason for choosing the Echo Hub, you can opt out.

Let’s go over the pros and cons.

On the pro side the Hub is easy to set up, it’s got a nice streamlined design, and is perfect for wall mounting. It’s geared primarily at controlling smart home devices and uses presence sensing to decide whether to show a clock and photo screensaver or your smart home devices, and accomplishing this with no camera built into the hub, you don’t have to worry about privacy. The on screen interface is simple and uncluttered and makes it easy to find what you need.

On the downside, the audio quality is not going to be top of the line, but you can find plenty of Echo speakers that are, such as the Amazon Echo Studio, or even Echo Show 10. I also found the screen can sometimes be slow to react, and with some products the settings and options presented on screen are extremely limited.

Like I said if you know exactly what you want this for it will probably do what you need, if you’re hoping for a whole new Echo experience this might not be enough for you. But that’s why I like to share all the info and let you make your own decision.

They all new Amazon Echo Hub sells for about $179USD with the additional countertop stand costing $30. You can get it of course from Amazon.

While Amazon did provide me with an Echo Hub at no cost the company did not request or receive any input or approvals over the content so you can consider these thoughts mine.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post New Amazon Echo Hub hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Ring cameras are definitely top of market when it comes to options, ease of set up and user-friendliness. And it seems like each year Ring brings out new cameras and accessories that are genuinely useful. Case in point the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug In with Pan-Tilt mount. In this review I’ll take a look at what you’re getting with this kit, what this specific camera is designed to do, and how well the Pan-Tilt mount works to help it see into more places. I’ll wrap things up by going over the pros and the cons and let you know if I think I can recommend this set up for you.

Trying to find the right home security camera these days can be overwhelming. It’s no longer just about 1080p vs. 720p, wide vs. narrow field of view; it’s now also about wired or wireless, app compatibility, remote operation, how it integrates into your existing smart home, and a ton of other features. Then, there’s the installation. Some setups are so simple that they’re genuinely a breeze – a “plug-and-play” dream come true. Others, however, seem to require an entire afternoon to figure out.

What you get

3rd Gen Ring Stick Up Cam Plug In

Ring Stick Up Cam Plug In is one of Ring’s most popular cameras and it’s been around for several years. While Ring’s battery powered cameras tend to be the most popular, there’s often still a case for wanting a camera that has power 24/7. This version is the third generation model which uses a cord that connects to a standard wall plug and can be used both inside or out. It can also sit on a table or piece of furniture or be mounted to a wall, and a separate ceiling mountain kit is also available.

Ring does not appear to declare an IP rating for this camera, saying only it is “Weather Resistant”, and noting the maximum operating temperature are -5°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C). I’ve reviewed probably over a dozen ring devices over the years, and I can say that they’re outdoor cameras are extremely durable. My previous Ring outdoor cameras are still going strong out in my yard after many years of harsh climate.

Pan Tilt Mount

The indoor-outdoor Pan Tilt Mount is a separate device that will connect with your ring stick up cam. The mount consists of an electronic base with a swivelling L-shaped bracket that the slides onto. Once it’s connected to the camera it offers full 360° motion as well as 117° tilt. (*For video do this part on camera and control it).

I will add that the camera won’t spin in a complete circle; it will only go to the edge of its field of view before you will have to pan it back all the way around to get to the other side.

You can create your own default position to easily reorient your device.

It might be important to point out that this camera camera does not track motion automatically as some other similar devices, such as the Echo Show 10 can do. Instead you need to manually adjust your camera’s field of view by panning and tilting your camera using the Ring App.

I will say I am a bit surprised by that. Ring, through its partnership with Amazon is clearly using this technology in other places, so I’m a bit surprised to find Ring still has no dedicated motion tracking home security camera… That I’m aware of.

Ring Protect Plan

I don’t want us to get too much further into this review without touching on an important point. To get the most out of this camera and really the entire ring system expect to pay a monthly fee. Ring has monthly cloud recording and storage plans known as Ring protect plans. If you don’t opt for one of these plans you really only get the ability to take a live look at your cameras.

While the basic protect plan costs just about $5USD per month, it only allows you to operate one camera or doorbell. Any more than that and you will need to upgrade to a more robust plan (Plus gives you unlimited cameras for $10USD/month). I have had a Plus plan for years and I think it’s been worth it. Before you hit add to cart, I do recommend going to Ring’s website and checking out the options before you commit.

Set up & Installation

Setting up any Ring device is super easy whether it’s a first for you or you’ve got plenty of other devices across the ecosystem. In this case just plug in the camera and open up the ring app. The app will search for your camera and add it to your lineup. A few more steps will take you through a few configuration options where you can make adjustments but then that’s it and you’re ready to go. I opted to place my camera indoors in my house so I could keep an eye on my dogs when we are not home.

Video

1080 HD resolution cameras are table stakes when it comes to video quality, and that’s what you’re getting with this camera. It’s an excellent balance of clear image quality and efficient bandwidth usage, but identifying faces outdoors beyond about 5 feet away might be a little difficult because of the limited resolution.

Stick Up Cam (when used without the pan tilt mount) has a wide field of view for maximum coverage, with a 130°diagonal, 110° horizontal, 57° vertical field of view. Adding the mount you can reach to full 360° motion as well as 117° tilt, but of course that’s only if you’re operating the camera; when it’s locked into its home position you only get that base reach.

Ring cameras use Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones to alert you to any motion within range of the camera. You can set your camera to alert you to any motion or just at certain times of day or certain types of motion. Plus, the camera has Color Night Vision to help you see better in all types of spaces.

Like I said my primary use was indoors for watching the dogs, and it was more than enough for me to keep an eye on them. I also found it useful to do things like check if the front door was locked, or if I left the stove on. It’s quite handy having a moveable camera in the house since it can be the eyes you might not be able to have.

Control with joystick

I can definitely say the camera is easy to maneuver using the 4-way virtual joystick inside the Ring app. The movement actually responds quite quickly so it should be easy to catch anything that’s happening.

The motion of the camera is virtually silent too; it makes a very subtle humming sound as it is changing position, but it’s barely perceptible.

Outdoor use

I did also move the camera outdoors and place it in the yard for a while to test its weather worthiness and ability to give me a more all encompassing view.

Two-way talk

For an entry-level security camera, the two-way audio of the Stick Up Camera is a welcome feature. You can turn on the microphone or speaker and talk or listen.

The audio that beams out of the camera is surprisingly crisp. It’s not going to replace your phone anytime soon, but it’s entirely capable of handling quick exchanges with your delivery guy.

Adjustable motion zones

A cool feature of many of these ring cameras are the adjustable motion zones. With these let you do is essentially tell the camera that certain parts that are visible in the frame don’t need to trigger alerts. This is most handy if you live on a street with a busy sidewalk, and only want to get alerts if someone walks up to your door. Similarly inside a house, you could set your camera so that it doesn’t alert you if your pets are in the living room, but if they get up on the sofa you’ll get tagged.

You can even combine Ring Stick Up Cam with Alexa so that when anyone triggers Ring’s built-in motion zones, your Echo device will jingle and make an announcement, of your Echo Show will let you see, hear and speak to anyone captured on camera.

View camera for longer with Echo Hub

If you add in something like the new Amazon Echo Hub, you can keep the Stick Up Cam’s feed up on the device for longer stretches, meaning you can use it as a pet or baby monitor, for up to about 8-10 minutes.

Can I use Ring Pan-Tilt Mount with Stick Up Cam Battery?

Ring Pan-Tilt Mount can only be powered with the Indoor/Outdoor or Indoor Power Adapter Barrel Plug and cannot be powered with the Quick Release Battery Pack or Solar Panel.

Real time alerts

I will say the alerts from Ring cameras come to my phone fairly quickly. Well there are sometimes they are delayed a couple of seconds, it’s not usually a problem. And of course if you’re subscribed to one of the ring protect plans you’re going to get recorded video footage of that stuff anyway so you’ll have a chance to review it after the fact. Yet another good reason to subscribe to the plan.

Overall review

Overall this is a great camera package for those who don’t need something wireless. Like all the Ring devices I have reviewed this one is easy to set up and integrates perfectly into my ring and Alexa enabled home. The resolution is standard for home security cameras of this type and includes night vision. The addition of the pan tilt mount goes along way to increasing the available view. Using the joystick in the Ring app it’s easy to move the camera around, and even with all that motion, you’ve got a couple of options for mounting it. I also appreciate that the electronic motor that moves the camera operates silently. When it comes to the downsides, on its own merits I can’t really think of anything that’s problematic with this camera. Well I would love to see Ring introduce some motion tracking that could actually follow a person around a room with the camera, that might be me nitpicking and wishing for features that don’t exist yet within the Ring ecosystem. Even if they do exist with other devices. So for that reason if you’re looking for a consistently powered smart home security camera that doesn’t take up a lot of space I can recommend the ring stick up cam plug-in with pan tilt mount for you. It sells for about $145USD when packaged with the mount. The camera on its own can be had for about $99 and you can add the mount on later for about $45.

If you do want to check out what a motion tracking 360° moving camera is like, I reviewed one from Wyze and you can check that out right now.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 3rd Gen Ring Stick Up Cam Plug In with Pan-Tilt Mount: hands on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

The company kickstarted its IP65 ambitions with AC240’s smaller sibling, the AC60, which boasts a 600W output. A full year later after the AC60 announcement, BLUETTI is bringing that dustproof and weatherproof ruggedness to customers seeking a power station that can last days under rough outdoor conditions.

We’d like to thank BLUETTI for sponsoring this post. The company has been a long-term sponsor of the blog which helps us keep things running, and we are grateful for their support. Please read on for a special discount for TechGadget readers.

IP65 – Dust Tight Protection with a Splash of Water Resistance

BLUETTI’s vast array of power stations are geared for outdoor usage as long as you keep them dry. This means rushing to keep the batteries underneath a roof or tent when sudden rainfall occurs. The BLUETTI AC240 eliminates the need for those extra steps thanks to its refined and patented design that adds additional sealing to its electronic compartments along with double-layer protected ports, independent air ducts, and a special drainage system. Thanks to these improvements, the AC240 has earned an IP65 dust and water-resistant rating.

Although the new design doesn’t fully prevent water from entering the power station, the AC240 does utilize internal exhaust fans to expel the water while the built-in heat dissipation system handles the rest by evaporating any remaining moisture. This makes the BLUETTI AC240 a suitable companion for open sea sailing expeditions.

Powerful, Yet Still Compact

Weighing about 72 lbs or 33 kg, the added weatherproofing makes the BLUETTI AC240 weigh a bit more than other BLUETTI products with similar power output. However, the AC240 retains the same microwave-like compact form factor of its siblings allowing easy transport to and from a car, boat, or RV.

The power station’s 2,400-watt output is enough to energize refrigerators, window-type air conditioners, coffee makers, heaters, microwaves, and other appliances. More demanding appliances such as space heaters and hair dryers can also take advantage of the AC240’s Power Lifting mode which raises the power output ceiling to 3,600W.

The BLUETTI AC240 offers two (2) standard AC outlets for plugging these appliances. For smartphones and other small gadgets, the AC240 provides two (2) 18W USB-A ports as well as two (2) 100W USB-C for charging laptops and drones. Other available output options include an RV port, a cigarette lighter outlet, and a NEMA TT-30 port.

The AC240’s internal 1,536Wh LFP battery can sufficiently power a small refrigerator for a day or several smaller appliances for several days. Once fully drained, the AC adapter can recharge the battery from 0% to 80% in 45 minutes using Turbo mode. Up to 1,200W of input from solar panels is supported too as a clean energy alternative.

Stack Up the Power

When the adventure calls for more energy storage, BLUETTI’s B210 expansion battery can add 2,150Wh of power doubling the power station’s overall runtime. The AC240 supports up to four (4) B210 batteries for an effective maximum capacity of 10,136Wh. The B210 batteries have their own trio of DC outputs making them serve as independent water-resistant power banks.

BLUETTI is also introducing a new parallel connection technology with the AC240 being the first to support. This technology enables you to link two AC240 units using a special BLUETTI Parallel Box P480 sold separately to double the total output to 4,800W while retaining the voltage. This breakthrough technology means you can safely invest in a AC240 to save money and later buy a second one when your house expands and you wish to provide backup power to all your appliances.

This simple setup supports parallel connection to the grid too with a slightly reduced output of 4,000W. Because the BLUETTI AC240 offers full UPS functionality, the power station can reliably detect power outages and immediately switch to battery power within a swift, 15-millisecond period.

AI Brains and Brawn

Like other BLUETTI power stations, the AC240 uses a lithium iron phosphate battery which can retain around 80% of its capacity after 3,500 charge cycles. Combined with BLUETTI’s AI battery management technology called BLUETOPUS AI BMS, the AC240 can maximize its efficiency based on usage to achieve the best possible lifespan without sacrificing performance.

If you wish to fine tune these settings, you may use the official BLUETTI app which lets you tweak the various power settings, UPS profiles, and charging speeds. BLUETTI is backing the AC240 with a lengthy 6-year warranty to give its customers that full peace of mind in owning a truly reliable backup power solution.

Pricing and Availability: special discount!

You can purchase the BLUETTI AC240 directly from BLUETTI’s official website and BLUETTI Amazon store for a starting price of $1799. As a bonus to all you TechGadgetsCanada readers, you can score an extra $50 discount with the promo code PR240 if you buy from April 2 to April 29. BLUETTI will launch a slightly bigger variant of the AC240 called the AC240P alongside matching B210P batteries that week as well.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Pushing Power Boundaries with New Weatherproof BLUETTI AC240 Portable Power Station appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

We could all picture ourselves living in a palatial midcentury place like this… But the reality is that a $1 million home is going to be out of reach for most of us… Me included. But that doesn’t mean I can’t feel like I’m living the good life. For a much smaller price I can have the comfort and looks of a chic modern home, thanks to… a chair. Yes, a chair. I recently picked up a high quality lounge chair from Sohnne and in this review I’ll try it out in my home, see what the shipping and assembly is like, and most importantly I’ll share my personal experience about how comfortable the Sohnne Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Premier Tall version) truly is and whether I think I can recommend it to you.

My in-home review: Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Premier Tall version)

When Sohnne offered me the opportunity to try out its furniture to see firsthand what the quality is like, I jumped at the chance. The company has graciously gifted me one of its iconic Eames chairs in exchange for my full and honest opinion, and has not made any requests or requirements about my content. So in this review I’ll check out the build quality and design, the comfort and see how it fits into my home. I’ll take a look at the pros and the cons of buying a replica chair like this and I’ll wrap things up by letting you know if I think you should make your order from Sohnne.

Watch my hands-on video review of Sohnne Eames chair

Should I buy a replica chair?

For some people mid-century modern is kitschy, but for others it’s a lifestyle steeped in tradition. One of my favourite places in the world is Palm Springs California where mid-century architecture and design is everywhere. I love the look of furniture and design from the mid century and I’ve inherited several amazing mid-century pieces.

But there’s a few iconic mid-century modern furniture pieces that I’ve had my eye on but just couldn’t afford. So how does one get the chic and timeless look of iconic furniture without the staggering price?

Choosing replicas may be the way to go. But some replicas can be made of cheap materials with poor construction. So I’ve been on the lookout for a reputable company that makes durable furniture of similar quality to those iconic originals.

How to choose a mid-century chair

I spent a good amount of time on Sohnne’s website trying to choose a great piece of furniture that would fit in my modern but smaller space. The chair I ordered is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Premier Tall version) in Ivory White Leather/Walnut Wood. There’s a few different wood finishes and you can choose from black or white leather as well. I have to say I was also crushing pretty hard on the Togo Chair replica and the CH25 woven lounge chair replica too, so my decision was a tough one.

Shipping

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect before the chair arrived—just about one week after my order. When delivery day came, one large box smaller box were delivered to my door. I tore into both immediately. The smaller box houses all of the metal parts and fittings for putting the chair together, well the larger box contains the four pieces of the chair. Everything is well packed in foam to keep it from getting scratched, dented or ripped.

How to assemble Sohnne chair

Assembling the chair was a lot easier than I thought. The ottoman goes together in a minute; just bolt on the 4-legged stand. For the chair, the back, which looks like it’s two pieces but it already connected, attaches to the seat with thick and immovable steel brackets and bolts, and while it doesn’t look like it should hold together, I can 100% confirm that it does.

With the shell of the seat in place, I assembled the base stand. Then all I had left to do was add the arms.

Hilariously, I only realized after I finished the assembly and taking a seat for a few minutes, that I had put the arms on backwards! Just like the original version, the hardware should be completely invisible in the finished chair, so husband Roger and I flipped the arms around to their correct position and were rewarded with a beautiful, comfortable chair.

Build quality and comparison to original

I have to say I have been extremely impressed by the quality of this chair. I did a lot of research before my order about how to measure the quality of this particular chair. In short, you don’t want things like screws simply driven right through the wood and into the fabric. Ideally quality replica should be faithful to the original design.

While I was assembling it I actually noticed how weighty and substantial the pieces feel. The wood is beautiful and solid and doesn’t look like glue-lam, or that it will split along the edges. The leather covering the seats feels thick and substantial while at the same time being smooth and supple. There’s leather piping along the edges where the fabric meets the wood, and leather covered buttons punctuate the seat, back and ottoman, but they are driven in far enough that you don’t feel them when you sit down on them.

The colour of the wood I chose, a light walnut, is perfect for my space, and seems evenly applied and the overall feel is silky smooth.

Even the metal bases for the chair and ottoman feel like solid steel with a nice brushed silver finished on top. Each of the small feet goes in on a screw so that makes each one individually adjustable.

There is absolutely no visible hardware on the chair, so it looks just like it marched off the pages of a 1960s Architectural Digest magazine.

Is Sohnne Eames chair comfortable?

This chair it shelf is insanely comfortable. Because of the odd angle the chair sits at I wasn’t sure if this would be comfortable for long stretches. I’m so glad to find out that it is. Whether I was reading the morning news, or watching TV, the chair is beyond comfortable. Perhaps that down in part to the fact I ordered the taller frame.

Even husband Roger has fallen in love and has even coined the term WFC or “work from chair”, to describe how much more time he is spending in this chair as well.

The amazing thing about this replica is that it makes you comfortable whether you prefer to sit up and read, or lounge back and relax. It’s kind of hard to describe how it can make both things comfortable… But I guess that’s the secret of a good design and probably why this chair has become so iconic.

About buying replicas

Reproductions and replicas have existed for decades, but is it me, or are these “inspired-by” designs coming closer to looking like the real thing?

I had some reservations about purchasing a replica. Eames chairs are iconic and rightfully so. Both the design and unique construction of this chair in particular has stood the test of time. And it has the amazing ability to look both fresh and modern and vintage all at the same time. While I would love to own an original, I eventually came to the realization that will never be in the cards for me. Spending $5-7,000 on one single seat, is just not justifiable.

But is it okay to purchase a replica?

I actually did some reading on this (including this very interesting article) and in a nutshell there’s nothing wrong with owning replica design goods. in some cases design copyrights expire making it okay for retailers to build and sell replicas.

What’s really important is buying quality. You want to make sure the design and construction are durable and the materials are high-quality. After all, if you find a knock off Eames chair online for $500, chances are it won’t last you very long.

There are a few considerations and some do’s and don’ts when it comes to the replica furniture market. For starters, do you want to make sure any manufacturer is not pretending they’re selling the real thing. If you’re going to be paying top dollar for an original, make darn sure the place you’re buying it from is licensed.

Overall review of Sohnne chair: my personal experience

I’ve had the chair in my home for about three weeks now, and husband Rodger and I have been forced to take turns sitting in it because we both find it so comfortable. It’s pretty great when a new piece of furniture is such a good addition to your home that you end up fighting over it!

Let’s go over the pros and the cons of this Sohnne Eames Lounge Chair replica to see what you need to know.

On the pro side delivery was fast, assembly was quick and easy, and the price is definitely right.

The chair is supremely comfortable, it feels very durable, and I actually believe I am going to have this in my home for years to come. I find the materials to be really high-quality; from the wood, to the steel, and the leather, all the components feel extremely high-end.

Now, anytime I do a review I try to find some downsides or at least things that might end up being red flags for some shoppers even if not for me. I have to say I am legitimately struggling to find anything I did not like about this chair. At most I would have to say that because I have only had it for a short period of time I can’t assess or speak to its longevity.

Not only am I a huge fan of this new chair, but I am already shopping the site for a second so Roger and I don’t have to fight over this one.

I can absolutely recommend the Sohnne Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Premier Tall version) in Ivory White Leather/Walnut Wood.

Also Read:

1. Valencia Home Theatre Seating – Verona chair

The post My hands-on Sohnne chair review: Eames Lounger appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Withings Body Smart Scale hands-on review

Withings Body Smart scale: What you get/What’s in the box

When you unpack the box you’re really only getting one thing; that’s your Withings Body Smart scale. Fortunately the batteries are included, you’ll need to remove a small battery protector from underneath the battery compartment lid and once you do you should be ready to get set up.

See my hands-on personal experience with Withings Body Smart

Set up & First Use

I delayed the set up of my scale for as long as humanly possible because I was dreading it. Previous experiences with Withings products have resulted in literal hours long set up experiences and calls to customer service for help when things didn’t work correctly. I am both thrilled and flabbergasted to report that with this scale I was able to follow the in app sequence and had it connected to my phone in less than five minutes.

I did have one small glitch where once I entered my Wi-Fi network information I got an error message, but I simply clicked the try again button and it went through the second time. This is much easier than what happened to me in the previous reviews.

Then it was time to take the first measurement.

First measurement

The first time I measured myself I went to check it in the app, but I could not find any measurements under the “latest measurements tab.

Fortunately I’ve been here before so I knew what to do, but I still think this is a sad user experience that Withings could further streamline.

What you’ll need to do to begin recording your weight, is go into the small square scale icon in the top right corner of the app, known as ‘My Devices’.

Next tap Unknown Measurements. In here you will likely see the measurement you just took. You’ll need to assign this measurement to yourself as a user. So, select the measurement and then assign it to yourself, then in Latest Measurements, you should see that number.

Essentially you have to tell the scale who you are and what your weight is off the top so that it knows where to assign future weigh ins. I think this is tedious and extra steps, and is absolutely not how most other smart scales work.

Withings says that after a few measurements the scale should recognize you and begin assigning those measurements to your profile.

If you see a small person icon on the scale with an X through it it means your measurements are not being assigned to you.

I decided to take multiple measurements all in one day to try to hurry this setting along. But it didn’t seem to have much effect until after about the sixth time… after that the unknown measurements tab seemed to vanish from my app and the measurements looked like they were being recorded automatically. I also got confirmation on screen with my name, so bottom line here is if it doesn’t appear that your measurements are getting tracked in the app, monitor that unknown measurements section and weigh yourself a handful of times. That should do it.

Data & what it tracks

As one of the entry-level smart scales on Withings’ lineup, the Body Smart covers the basics you’d expect and a bit more. First off, it measures your weight, but it doesn’t stop there. It also dives into your body composition.

It can measure your visceral fat index—yeah, that’s the fat lurking around your organs. While it may not show on the mirror, it’s still crucial to keep an eye on this data as a high visceral fat index could indicate higher chances of cardiovascular diseases. It will also check your water mass.

Then, there’s your BMI (Body Mass Index) which is a simple yet effective way to gauge potential disease risk. It’s a built-in formula that takes your height, weight, and waist circumference in consideration which are all accessible through your app and from the sensors on the Body Smart scale.

It also shows you an approximation of your basal metabolic rate or the rate of calorie burn you get at rest.

The scale will also give you your heart rate. The first couple of times I took a measurement I just got a heart rate error message on the scale and nothing showed up in the app. But after about the third time it started to display my data.

Again this just illustrates to me that the Withings scale is a bit glitchy. But in all honesty these glitches, while frustrating for myself and other users, I bet, seem to resolve themselves this time which was a huge relief.

How Withings Scale works

The Withings Body Smart scale, like most smart scales, utilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). It’s a widely used method for estimating body composition which operates on the principle that body fat causes greater resistance or impedance than lean body tissues when an electrical current is passed through it.
When you step on a Body Smart scale, it sends a weak electrical current through your body, while measuring its rate. It hits resistance (impedance) which primarily occurs when it hits areas of your body with fat concentration as these are typically more resistant than lean muscle mass. This system is what allows the Body Smart scale to measure your body fat percentage and visceral fat index.

Number of users

Withings Body Smart scale can keep track of up to eight users.This feature is incredibly useful for families or households where multiple people are keen on monitoring their health and fitness progress. Each user’s data is kept private and separate from others, ensuring personal metrics are only accessible to the individual to whom they belong.

Customize display

You also have the option to customize what shows up on the scales own screen. There is a tab in the my devices section which will allow you to choose what gets displayed you can just get your weight, or check in on your BMI, muscle or fat ratings, even your heart rate and get the weather too.

Battery Life and Power

The Body Smart scale takes four AAA batteries that come pre-installed. You just have to pull a plastic cover on the connections and it’ll be ready to take your weight measurements immediately. These should take about 15 months before they need replacing, depending on the frequency of use. Since I’ve only had the scale for a few weeks, I won’t be able to make a judgement about the battery life just yet.

Other modes/features

Eyes-closed mode

Withings recognizes that getting on the scale can induce anxiety so they’ve implemented what the company calls Eyes-closed Mode. When this mode is enabled, instead of displaying your weight on the scale screen, all chosen measurements are recorded and tracked within the app, allowing you to check them later. This helps in keeping people focused on their weight loss progress and not the natural day-to-day fluctuations. Instead of your weight, the Body Smart will display motivational messages to keep you engaged in your fitness journey.

Athlete mode

For people who maintain an active lifestyle or professional athletes, body composition numbers and resting heart rate numbers may be a little off compared to people with less active routines. To keep readings more accurate, Withings has set up Athlete mode, which uses a different algorithm for measuring resting heart rate and body fat composition to attenuate for different lifestyles.

Baby mode

You can also use the Body Smart scale to track your baby’s weight changes across his or her growth. To weigh your baby, you first need to weigh yourself. After your weight is displayed on the scale’s screen, you then hold your baby and step back on the scale. The scale is smart enough to calculate your baby’s weight by subtracting your weight from the combined weight. You can track the progression by adding your baby’s profile to one of the eight user profiles available in the app.

Pregnancy mode

With pregnancy mode, mothers-to-be can track their weight change throughout pregnancy. The app then shares some helpful tips depending on your progress and where you are in your pregnancy.

Overall review: Withings Body Smart scale

Overall I’m relieved to say I had a much better experience this time around. While I will want to spend some additional time with this scale to be sure, I am heartened to find things seem to be a little easier for users. Let’s go over the pros and cons. On the pro side, the scale’s design is sleek and modern, it feels durable—not like you’re going to crush some glass, and the weight seems accurate for me personally. The colour display screen which I can customize to show whichever metrics I’m most interested in looks nice and makes the experience more personal.

The scale automatically feeds data to the Withings app even if you don’t have it nearby or open on your phone. You also have the option of adding manual weights if you need to weigh in somewhere else and just want to keep things recorded in the Withings app. The scale also tracks some solid and useable data and it integrates with other health apps you might want as well.

When it comes to the downsides, I did find the scale still a touch glitchy, but nowhere near the disastrous experiences I have had with previous Withings scales. I feel like the company is doing its best to refine the user experience and make a better and more user-friendly product. I also don’t like the way you need to manually assign the first half-dozen weigh ins, and that the app doesn’t walk you though how to do this.

In short, I can recommend the Withings Body Smart scale to you if you are looking to keep better tabs on your health. This model sells for about $99USD / $149CAD and you can get it from places like Amazon or Best Buy. If this smart scale is out of your budget, I reviewed a $20 smart scale recently that absolutely blew me away. You can check that out here.

Also Read:

1. Withings Body Cardio Scale Review

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Withings Body Smart Scale hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

With more cities in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world building more bike lanes, e-bikes are becoming a more viable option for beating the traffic, and reducing carbon emissions, or just getting outdoors. I’m relatively new to e-bikes but I’ve been really enjoying the experience and learning about new brands. I recently received a test sample of the Himiway Big Dog E-bike to try out and see what the experience is like. In this review I’ll show you what it’s like to assemble and ride, and what makes this fat tire cargo bike unique and different. I’ll go over the pros and cons and then I’ll let you know if I think I can recommend the e-bike to you.

A quick note that while Himiway provided this sample to me at no charge, it did not make any requests about the content of my review so these thoughts are 100% my own. Read on to see how to get $50 off your purchase.

What is Himiway Big Dog E-bike?

Himiway named this particular e-bike “Big Dog” to describe its primary function as a utility or cargo bike and it has the looks to play that part. The bike’s aerospace grade aluminum frame is twice as thick as other commuter bikes allowing the bike to carry as much as 400 pounds worth of payload. If that figure sounds familiar, it’s the actually the same payload as the Himiway D5 Zebra I reviewed last August.

But the devil is in the details as the overall design of the Himiway Big Dog differs from your average all-terrain bike. The Big Dog has almost a moped form factor with a low center of gravity supported by chubby 20-inch alloy wheels. This combination makes the e-bike feel more comfortable to ride even if you fully load it.

Watch my full video review of Himiway Big Dog e-bike

Set Up & Assembly

A word of warning when the bike is delivered that it comes in an extremely big box and is extraordinarily heavy. The bike alone weighs 79 pounds so you might need assistance to get it somewhere or you can unbox it.

I assembled an e-bike last year and it wasn’t hard, but since it was extremely unfamiliar to me it did take me a while. We couldn’t wait to get this bike on the road so husband Roger assembled it pretty much the moment it arrived. It took him about 45 minutes to attach the handlebars, wheels, pedals, and a few accessories.

The bike does come with all the tools you need to do the assembly which is massively helpful. It also boasts a few extras like a bell. An AC-powered transformer and power cable are also included for recharging.

Battery & Range

The Himiway Big Dog E-bike uses the same 960Wh Samsung or LG 48V 20Ah lithium-ion battery as other Himiway all-terrain bikes like the Zebra. On a full charge the bike can last up to about 60-90 miles, or 96-144 kilometers. Like other Himiway bikes, you can easily swap or replace the battery by unlocking the bay with the included key and sliding it out.

You can charge the battery either on or off the bike.

How long does recharging take?

Charging a fully drained Big Dog takes about 7 hours. Wow that does seem infinitely long, the truth is that this is a massive battery; far larger than your average power bank, so it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that it will take a while. The best thing to do is to charge it overnight if you don’t want to deal with downtime.
Himiway claims that its battery can retain about 80% of its capacity after 1,000 charges.

Display & controls

Mounted in the middle of the handlebar is a good sized display screen. The multifunctional display offers all the essential data when riding including the average speed, mileage, and battery level.

On the left handlebar is the power and speed switch box which will get your bike turned on and allow you to dial up the pedal assist.
A headlight on-off switch and information button is also located here. A Shimano shift lever is located on the right hand side of the handle next to the throttle which operates by turning it towards you.

One other thing I really appreciate is the fact that an LED headlight and LED tail light are also included on the bike and can simply be activated with the push of a button.

Riding experience: Power on & go

I took the Big Dog our on several rides, and husband Roger also tested it out. While I did find it a bit strange to get used to the different dynamics of the smaller and fatter wheels, I got over it quickly. The bike feels very stable and supportive and the ride is extremely smooth—despite the bike’s weight.

Adjustable shock absorbers on the front allow you to make adjustments for street riding or going off road.
The bike is surprisingly comfortable to ride even for long distances; one of the first times we took the bike out to test it, we ended up on a three hour crosstown bike ride without realizing it.

The other way this bike is great is for keeping you stable when you hit grass, or dirt; those chunky tires dig in and keep you from skidding.

Carrying Cargo

You’ve got several options for carrying cargo with this bike. The rear rack is placed low down above the wheel so you could simply bundle soft bags onto here and secure them with bungee cords. You could also add some thing like a box or saddlebags or panniers and transport whatever you need to that way.

We opted to give the big dog that European chic feel by bolting a wine box onto the back.

Now it can carry groceries, a backpack or case of beer easily.

Speed & Power: 7-speed Drivetrain

Himiway outfitted the Big Dog with a 750W brushless geared hub motor. At full throttle, the Big Dog, can reach a top speed of 25 mph as delivered which makes it a bit slower than the Juiced CrossCurrent X Step-Through, but still on par with other Himiway bikes. When Roger and I tested it out, we couldn’t get it much faster than about 20 mph even when unloaded. Himiway says that’s because customers who want to unlock more speed must first agree to a safety disclosure to receive a code to unlock higher speed.

The 7-speed drivetrain does give you some peddling flexibility but be prepared for a workout especially when you fully load its already heavy frame. Speaking of weight, if you plan on storing the Big Dog on a bike rack, make sure it can handle at least 90 pounds to support its 88.6-pound body.

Interestingly this bike also has something called walk mode which will give you very low power assistance when you’re walking the bike long distances or up small hills. Just press and hold the minus button on the left side keypad to slowly power the bike forward at walking speed.

Power assist, pedaling, or full throttle

Like many e-bikes you have options for how you want to power it; you can of course simply pedal the bike and get where you’re going, though as noted above because this bike is so heavy it is indeed quite a work out.

A good thing then that you can engage the adjustable pedal assist which will make peddling much easier. You can dial this power assistance up or down depending on how much of a boost you need. If you want to extend the bike’s range beyond 60 miles, the pedal-assist system will give you a nifty 15% range boost.

Like operating a motorcycle, the Himiway Big Dog offers a half-twist throttle which is great at quickly and effortlessly launching the bike forward while at the same time, offering a layer of protection against accidental activations.

Although Himiway advertises the Big Dog as a city cargo bike, the 20-inch x 4-inch Kendo fat tires help the big dog adapt to tougher terrain and weather conditions while providing good shock absorption as well.

Mechanical Disc Brakes & Kickstand

The Big Dog also features the same Tektro 180mm mechanical brakes as the Zebra on both wheels. After a little bit of calibrating, I had no problems with these brakes on the Zebra. However, loading the Big Dog with cargo can affect the stopping distance.

When parking the Big Dog, you can use the heavy-duty U-shaped aluminum kickstand since its double-leg design helps with the stability which comes in handy when loading and unloading, or doing repairs or replacing the battery.

Exclusive Accessories

The Himiway Big Dog is built like a tank just like the Zebra, but if you want to maximize its rugged frame, you can equip the bike with an accessory or two.
Himiway sells a special front-mounted basket as well as an extended large rear rack for those larger loads. You can also attach the bike to a foldable cargo trailer sold on Himiway’s website. Finally, the Himiway Cobra Rear Rack initially made for the Himiway D7 Cobra and D7 Cobra Pro is compatible with the Big Dog as well.

Security

In this day and age it’s important to have good security features. The big dog gives you the ability to create a security pass code which is required to power up and ride the bike. You can set your own pass code by following the instructions in the manual. Even so, someone would still be able to pedal the bike away if they were determined. I would also like to see something like a hidden AirTag compartment either in the battery or the frame…or both, so that it could be tracked if stolen.

Weather resistance

Naturally one hopes a e-bike is weather resistant, and the Big Dog does have IPX4 water resistance. Still, Himiway recommends you not park your bike outdoors in cold or inclement weather for extended periods of time.

Overall Review: Himiway Big Dog E-bike

Not all e-bikes including some all-terrain ones are made specifically for cargo, deliveries or just those that need to carry stuff on two wheels. Himiway did a good job filling in that niche because the Himiway Big Dog is a fun e-bike for transporting stuff or just tooling around in, and it has some off-road chops too!

Soup it up with a rack accessory and you have an e-bike that can really stack up the load while having a big enough battery for long distances. The Big Dog’s cargo-focused role does mean that Himiway had to compromise a bit on its all-terrain performance so be sure you really need the cargo features before finalizing your purchase.

Overall I think this is a great e-bike and extremely well made. I love the versatility of the Cargo focussed design; I think the fact the cargo rack is placed lower down behind the seat and over top of chubby tires gives it so much more stability for whatever you need to carry. I think this would be a really great e-bike for someone who needs to navigate a densely populated urban centre while carrying the essentials. while the bike does weigh a lot, it actually gives me a lot of confidence that if I ever did face a crash, the bike would survive, and so would I.

When it comes to the downside for this bike, there’s not a lot that truly stands out to me. I do think the heavy weight, while necessary to its core purpose, is a lot of bike to manage, and if you were to try to transport this on a vehicle, just lifting it up would be a huge challenge for one person. Plus, you’re going to have difficulty finding a vehicle rack that can accept its weight. If you’re interested in the Himiway brand, you can also take a look at the Himiway Zebra, which is slimmer and lighter.

The other thing I would like to see on this bike is some better anti-theft options like a hidden AirTag compartment.

Those are less distractions from the bike itself and more just observations and future considerations.

I and Roger have been loving the Himiway Big Dog and I can absolutely recommend it.

If you’d like to check it out on Himiway’s website you can get $50 off by using my affiliate link, or use coupon code TECHGAD23 to get that $50 off.

Also Read:

1. BenjiLock Fingerprint Bike Lock review

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Himiway Big Dog cargo e-bike review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.