Tag Archives: gadget

Furniture, Gadget Man, Man Cave

So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?

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If you’re looking to add a splash of cool to your setup – quite literally – then I’ve got just the gadget for you. Say hello to the So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity, a sleek, stylish, and rather mesmerising little fridge that’s as much about looks as it is about function.

Whether you’re a gamer grinding through an all-nighter, a student burning the midnight oil, or just someone who likes their fizzy pop within arm’s reach, this mini fridge is here to elevate your chill.

🧊 A Mini Fridge That’s Big on Style

The first thing you’ll notice? That mirrored door. But it’s not just reflective – oh no – it lights up with 12 different LED colour modes, creating a visual effect that’s part neon-cyberpunk, part Blackpool illuminations (in the best possible way). You can cycle through the colours or choose one to match your mood. It’s a real head-turner – perfect for streamers, teens, or anyone wanting to inject a bit of personality into their desk or bedroom.

So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?
So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?

📦 What’s Inside?

Inside the 4-litre capacity fridge, there’s enough room for a few cans, some snacks, or even a few skincare essentials if that’s more your thing. It’s neatly laid out with a removable shelf, so you can keep it organised however you like. Think of it as your own personal snack vault.

And it’s not just for your desk either – the dual power options (USB cable + car adapter included) mean this little fridge is road trip ready. Plug it into your car and keep your drinks cool en route to your next adventure.

So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?
So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?

🎨 Make It Your Own

Now, this bit’s genius – every unit comes with a sheet of 90 custom stickers, so you can personalise your fridge to suit your style. Want a kawaii vibe? Retro gamer aesthetic? Random chaos? You do you.

🔍 Specs at a Glance

  • Capacity: 4 litres (enough for 6 standard drinks cans)

  • Cooling Power: Cools 15-20°C below ambient temperature

  • Power Options: USB + Car adapter (included)

  • Lighting: 12 interchangeable LED modes

  • Extras: Removable shelf, sticker sheet (90 stickers)

  • Age: 8+

  • Colour: Black

  • RRP: £44.99

  • Available from: Smyths Toys

So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?
So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity – The Coolest Gadget of the Year?

💬 Final Thoughts

The So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity might be small, but it’s absolutely packed with personality. Whether you’re using it to keep drinks cold, store skincare, or just to jazz up your space with a bit of LED flair, it ticks all the boxes. It’s fun, functional, and fabulously customisable.

At £44.99, it’s also great value – especially as we head into warmer months or start prepping for birthdays, gaming marathons, or back-to-school setups.

So, if you’ve been on the lookout for something cool (literally and figuratively), you might’ve just found it.

Until next time – stay chilled!
— Matt, The Gadget Man

2024, Advice, Apple, Gadget Man, Mobile Phone, Phone Repair, Phones, Radio Interview, Smart Phone, Tech Tips, The Gadget Man, Useful Articles

The Gadget Man – Episode 178: Rice, Phones, and Chili Con Carne: Debunking Tech Myths with Malcolm Boyden

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In this latest episode of The Gadget Man, Matt unravels the long-standing myth about using rice to dry out wet mobile phones.

Despite its popularity, this method is debunked as ineffective and potentially harmful.

The Gadget Man - Episode 178: Rice, Phones, and Chili Con Carne: Debunking Tech Myths with Malcolm Boyden
The Gadget Man – Episode 178: Rice, Phones, and Chili Con Carne: Debunking Tech Myths with Malcolm Boyden

Apple itself has issued guidance against it, warning that rice grains can damage the device by blocking ports and causing corrosion. Instead,

Matt suggests allowing the phone to dry out naturally in a dry, airy place, highlighting modern phones’ water resistance capabilities and the importance of gentle care in case of water exposure.

Rice can damage devices
Rice can damage devices

The conversation takes a lighter turn with a humorous suggestion for the best use of rice: making chili-con-carne, adding a flavourful twist to the tech discussion.

Dropping your phone in water is now not the disaster it used to be
Dropping your phone in water is now not the disaster it used to be

This episode not only clears up a common misconception but also serves up a side of humour, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts and foodies alike.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share!

See you next time!

 

Lifestyle, Travel

RiutBag introduces its anti-theft Crush foldable backpack and Sling cross-body bag

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UK based RiutBag, innovators in sleek and secure backpacks, is pleased to announce the availability of its Crush foldable backpack and Sling cross body bag. RiutBag, pronounced ‘riot’ stands for Revolution in User Thinking and brings an entirely new concept to the wearable technology and travel industries. These lightweight, foldable and incredibly secure bags are available from the Riut website for £39.99 and £29.99 respectively with free UK shipping.

With flexible work and UK travel planned to open up in the coming months, some people might be nervous and unsure about venturing into the public arena. Personal-theft was reportedly 52% lower during July 2020 lockdown. Going on a train or tube again may be more intimidating, especially when carrying valuables, as the threat from pickpockets and gangs of thieves looking to take advantage once again becomes a reality.

 

RiutBags, invented by UK designer Sarah Giblin, first hit the headlines in 2015 for their simple and effective theft-proof “backwards” design with the zips cleverly hidden on the back panel so no one else can access the contents.

 

Even A-list magician and professional pickpocket entertainer, Matt Windsor has endorsed the bags stating, “Given there are no zips available to me, I wouldn’t even look at it as an option to pickpocket. By having a RiutBag, you make it clear to a pickpocket that you’re aware of what they do professionally and they just think, “I’ll pick someone else. I think they’re very difficult to steal from, if not impossible.”

The two latest bags in the RiutBag collection are:

The RiutBag Crush:

The RiutBag Crush offers the ultimate in security and protection from theft as all the zips are positioned against the back so cannot be opened easily and unobtrusively by pickpockets.  This lightweight daypack weighs less than 300 grams and has 14 litres of space, so plenty of room for a day’s worth of belongings in a very light backpack. When it’s not in use, it folds down into a small pocket, weighing just 240 grams, which can be kept inside a main backpack, a car or put away neatly at home for when it’s next needed. Whether on a walk through a city, at a festival, in a crowd or market, enjoy moving with no extra weight and with total peace of mind with the secure RiutBag Crush.

The RiutBag Crush has three pockets, the top pocket, D-pocket and main compartment. The top pocket is about the size of a fist and is perfect for quickly accessing small valuables.  When using the Crush as a backpack, the D-pocket is a great spot for a phone, wallet or passport as it can be accessed securely whilst on the back. It is made from a double layer of high-quality flame-resistant ripstop nylon, the same material used in hot air balloons, and has world-class YKK zips offering the ultimate durability and strength. It is showerproof but for extra protection, in bad weather the RiutBag Cover, which can be purchased separately, makes it 100% waterproof and reflective so perfect for long cycle rides or walks and on a motorbike or moped. On the outside, it is smart, understated and minimalistic black, whilst the inside lining is brightly coloured so items can be found easily.  No animal products are used in the manufacture of any of the RiutBags so could appeal to vegans too.

RiutBag Sling:

The RiutBag Sling is a light, flexible and secure cross-body bag enabling easy reach of the most important small items on the go, so no more searching for keys, payment cards, phones or passports ever again. Unlike other sling bags, the zip faces the body so cannot be opened without a wearer’s knowledge thus offering travellers, commuters and walkers in crowded areas the ultimate in peace of mind and the reassurance that contents are safe and yet easily accessed.

It is a sleek plain black and ultra minimalistic bag with a slimline design that stretches if a larger item is carried offering a total capacity of no more than 2 litres and designed to hold up to 1.5kg. Larger and heavier items should always be carried in a backpack that evenly distributes weight over both shoulders, protecting a user’s back in the long term. It also has a useful detachable key hook inside for easy access to household or car keys.

The RiutBag Sling is worn across the body with the zip flat against the torso, hidden from sight, offering total control on when it is opened. To access it, slide it up to the chest and unzip and can be worn on its own or under the straps of a backpack. On the go, it can be moved to the side or even to a back; whatever is most comfortable. It has an adjustable, high-shine strap with a long, lightweight stretchy pocket.

The RiutBag Crush is available for £39.99 from the Riut website here

The RiutBag Sling is available for £29.99 from the Riut website here

Both items include free UK shipping

Backpack, Clothing, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, On Our Doorstep Baldock, Tablet, Technology, The Gadget Man, Wearables

STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L

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This weeks review centres on a product that is aimed at safely carrying your gadgets or in particular your laptop computer.

For the past few weeks, I have been testing the STM Myth 18 L Laptop Backpack. STM Goods were founded 20 years ago when the founder Ethan Nyholm realised that carrying his laptop around in a padded envelope whilst hiking wasn’t a lasting solution! He teamed up with Adina Jacobs and together they have been making fashion-conscious tech-carrying gear.

STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L
STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L

The Myth is available in three colour schemes, Granite Black, Slate Blue and Winsdor Wine, min was the latter.

Unlike most laptop bags which are simply foam-padded, the Myth utilises a proprietary technology called ‘SlingTech’ which features extra padding and gapless corners and actually ‘suspend’ your laptop away from the edges of the bag and thus out of harm’s way.

Aside from this ingenious protection, the bag also boasts a ton of features including music-centric CableReady systems, AirPod pocket and Earbud keeper. It also has a PassPort feature which allows you to securely attach other luggage whilst travelling, this is integrated with lumbar support, which made carrying the bag very comfortable. Helped by the Air-Channel back-panel which promotes air-flow and keeps you cool, so no more sweaty backs!

STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L
STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L

Aside from the standard back-carry straps, there is also a TPU coated webbing hand which is riveted in place. This allows you to carry the bag and the solid constructions keep it from banging off your legs.

Inside the bag is a myriad of storage, plenty to carry up to 16″ laptop and associated printed material. There are also several internal pockets for pens, plugs and accessories. It also has a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket!

STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L
STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L

The outside of the back is Water repellent and the outer zippers use reverse-coil zippers to protect the teeth and keep moisture and dirt out.

The bag is made from 100% polyester with dimensions of H 17.7 x D 11.4 x W 5.9 in / H 45.0 x D 29.0 x W 15.0 cm. The bag weighs in a 2.2 lbs / 1.0kg (without the laptop!).

I’ve been using this as my main laptop bag for a few weeks, my 15″ Macbook Pro slides in effortlessly and when fully unzipped the bag doesn’t just fall open, it feels like it is opening on a hinge and means the contents aren’t going to just spew out all over the place.

STM Myth Backpack
STM Myth Backpack

The bag feels extremely sturdy and very very comfortable to wear. The added back support is welcome and the flat base means it isn’t falling over when you place it on the floor. I can see many commuters finding a back like this very useful indeed and it has plenty of storage space inside.

If you fancy trying out the bag yourself, you can download STM’s App and use the AR Tag printed here. Once you get it going, it’s quite a bit of fun to play with and you can see how their bags look before purchase. https://www.stmgoods.com/stm-app2/

STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L
STM Myth Laptop Backpack 18L

Gadget Man, Smart TV, Technology

Samsung isn’t listening to your private conversations after all

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There’s been quite a lot of coverage in the UK media overnight regarding the supposed ability for Samsung Smart TV’s to listen in to our private conversations. It all makes great headlines I guess, but after being prompted to comment on BBC Radio Suffolk about the story, we decided to look into the matter a bit more closely.

The story was originally brought to the media’s attention after publication on the online news site The Daily Beast (view) which highlights a particular portion of the Smart TV Privacy Policy (view). The specific section states (important bit in bold):

  1. Voice Recognition
    1. You can control your SmartTV, and use many of its features, with voice commands.
    2. If you enable Voice Recognition, you can interact with your Smart TV using your voice. To provide you the Voice Recognition feature, some voice commands may be transmitted (along with information about your device, including device identifiers) to a third-party service that converts speech to text or to the extent necessary to provide the Voice Recognition features to you. In addition, Samsung may collect and your device may capture voice commands and associated texts so that we can provide you with Voice Recognition features and evaluate and improve the features. Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party through your use of Voice Recognition.
    3. If you do not enable Voice Recognition, you will not be able to use interactive voice recognition features, although you may be able to control your TV using certain predefined voice commands. While Samsung will not collect your spoken word, Samsung may still collect associated texts and other usage data so that we can evaluate the performance of the feature and improve it.
    4. You may disable Voice Recognition data collection at any time by visiting the “settings” menu. However, this may prevent you from using all of the Voice Recognition features.

Again, we looked into the technology behind the TV and found the that these specific Smart TV’s work in two modes of operations

1) The viewer can operate basic features of the TV by saying ‘Hi TV’ out loud. The TV wakes up and can be told to “Change Channel”, “Volume Up” etc. These commands are very basic and no online communication takes place at all.

2) This mode of operation can only be triggered by depressing the ‘Mic’ button on the remote control. whilst depressed, the view can ask natural language questions such as ‘What shall I watch tonight?’. It is at this point that your words are being recorded, when you finish talking those words are transmitted securely to third party natural language translation company Nuance (You might have heard of Nuance as they make the very popular dictation software Dragon Naturally Speaking). Upon arrival at Nuance’s servers, the spoken phrase in converted to text, the recording discarded and the text returned back to the TV for processing. Using a 3rd party means that the accuracy of the translation is much higher and less errors are likely to come about due to difference accents or dialects being used.

So, put simply. Unless someone with very advanced decryption abilities is permanently listening in to your internet connection on the vain hope that you might (whilst asking your TV to find you something to watch) divulge some deeply private secret, the chances of any kind of security breach is very low indeed.

I contacted Samsung for comment and a spokesperson issued the following statement:-

Samsung takes consumer privacy very seriously and our products are designed with privacy in mind. We employ industry-standard security safeguards and practices, including data encryption, to secure consumers’ personal information and prevent unauthorized collection or use.

Voice recognition, which allows the user to control the TV using voice commands, is a Samsung Smart TV feature, which can be activated or deactivated by the user. Should consumers enable the voice recognition capability, the voice data consists of TV commands, or search sentences, only. Users can easily recognize if the voice recognition feature is activated because a microphone icon appears on the screen.

If a consumer consents and uses the voice recognition feature, voice data is provided to a third party during a requested voice command search to execute the command. At that time, the voice data is sent to a server, which searches for the requested content then returns the desired content to the TV.

Samsung encourages consumers to contact the company directly with any product concerns or questions.

So, should we be concerned? Well, yes we should always be concerned about our privacy and where possible take every step we see fit to ensure it is maintained. We are at constant threat of having our privacy interfered with under the veil of protection by companies and possibly governments, so we should shown caution.

However, an obvious legal statement to protect a manufacturer from litigation is perfectly acceptable in our over litigious world and I think in this case, it has been taken out of context.

I would be very interested in what you think, so please feel free to comment as you see fit.

Gadget Man, Review

Samsung Gear 2 – Smart Watch or Novelty?

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As smart technology begins to adapt into new frontiers, stretching its boundaries beyond that of the phone and into other common devices, the Samsung Gear 2 seems to be one of the first to really achieve what it is to be a smart ‘watch’, but does that make it necessary, or an extravagant novelty?

Continue reading Samsung Gear 2 – Smart Watch or Novelty? →