All posts in “living”

Spark Grills presents a classy charcoal grill with smart features

Months of isolation away from the office can make a man forget some things. Thankfully, we can remember that grilling season is almost upon us. Since we are staying home most of the time, we might as well start firing it up and craft mouthwatering meals. While it is always better to have a backyard party with your buddies, the current circumstances make it impossible. Nevertheless, this smart-enabled cooking equipment from Spark Grills becomes a good reason to have one.

First of all, you should know that this is a not a gas grill. Even though it looks like one, it uses a proprietary charcoal briquette system that promises to be versatile. According to Spark Grills, it boasts the precisions of a gas type thanks to the innovative tech that monitors the temperature. Meanwhile, its airflow system uses fans to regulate the heat so you can control every aspect of your food preparation.

The firebox features double-wall stainless steel construction with porcelain enamel to withstand heat and exposure to the elements. Using a smartphone companion app, owners can check the temperature remotely and receive notifications as well. It’s awesome that Spark Grills is including a side shelf for holding your ingredients or beer while you’re busy with what’s on the grids.

Unlike regular models that use traditional charcoal, ignition is a breeze. You see, the exclusive Briq system features a special layer that quickly lights up with a twist of the control knob. Spark Grills seems to have a winner on its hand. Unlike propane or natural gas grills, you’re getting full smoky goodness every time.

Order yours now: here

Images courtesy of Spark Grills

Balmuda is finally offering its premium toaster outside of Japan

Staying home in isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak is teaching us to appreciate a lot of things. Having some form of entertainment truly helps in fighting boredom. Moreover, an adequate supply of food also keeps our tummies happy. Staying in the kitchen most of the time is reminding us of the various ways of preparing meals. As such, we can recall the TO-ST1-T bread oven from Mitsubishi and its promise of a perfect toast. Meanwhile, Balmuda hopes to rival its performance with a fancy toaster of its own.

The Japanese are known for their meticulous attention to small details that enhance the experience. Therefore, just like its fellow brand from the Land of the Rising Sun, its toaster is ready to deliver outstanding quality. Being able to accommodate more than just one slice already puts it ahead of the $270 TO-ST1-T from its rival. Nevertheless, retailing at around $329, it will be a pricey culinary investment.

What makes the Balmuda toaster oven stand out is how it keeps the bread crispy on the outside and still soft inside. It apparently does this with a patented technology that incorporates steam into the mix. While most models just rely on a heating element to get the job done, its innovative approach makes it one of the must-have appliances in Japan.

Instead of a digital control system, Balmuda equips its toaster oven with dial knobs for a vintage touch. The matte black exterior gives it’s a minimalistic design with some golden elements to add visual contrast. It is likewise available in a white colorway to match your style. Furthermore, this premium kitchen equipment can handle a wide range of items aside from toast.

Buy Now – $329

Images courtesy of Balmuda

The Espresso Veloce RS Black Edition from Super Veloce is actually a tribute to Porsche

Our love of automobiles can sometimes go beyond the actual ride itself. For example, if you are die-hard gearhead, there are unique products out there that will impress. We can recall a Bluetooth speaker from Porsche Design that graced our pages before which sourced its parts from a 911 GT3. Then there’s another from the same company which was a writing desk. This time we have something that will perk you up in the morning. This here is the Espresso Veloce RS Black Edition from Super Veloce.

The manufacturer outright reveals that this item is definitely for Porsche fanatics. It appears to be an intricately crafted tribute to the air-cooled flat-six power plant of the 993. Super Veloce is crafting it from high-end materials such as titanium and surgical-grade stainless steel. Additionally, some parts use 7075 and 6082 T6 aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. There are also some carbon fiber sections that add to its attractive aesthetics.

Despite what the name suggests, the Espresso Veloce RS Black Edition is not your standard espresso machine. Instead, it offers the convenience of capsules to ensure that every serving tastes like perfection. Instead of the kitchen counter, it would more at home inside a fancy garage or a man cave. Everything about it just oozes with a style that will certainly make it a fantastic conversation piece.

Super Veloce absolutely knows how to create the most stylish items. The Espresso Veloce RS Black Edition is an exclusive offering with only 993 units up for production. Then there’s the regular version which sports solver and chrome elements, but a similar form factor.

Espresso Veloce RS Black Edition – $11,065

Images courtesy of Super Veloce

Top 10 Best Romantic Movies on Netflix

It doesn’t matter whether you will spend the next evening with your soulmate or in isolation with a glass of red wine, we know one thing for sure – you won’t be bored because we made a selection of the most romantic movies on Netflix.

  1. Set It Up

A young assistant editor of a sports magazine Harper and a personal assistant investor Charlie understand that life passes by them. To feel free at least some time, Harper and Charlie decide to bring their bosses together. The plan works. And while their bosses are going through a honeymoon period, young assistants finally have personal time. According to the classics of the genre, Harper and Charlie also fall in love with each other. But everything is not so simple…

  1. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

Who of us didn’t write love letters to guys and girls? But most of the letters never reached the addressee. So, the main character Lara Djinn writes such letters; however, she has several men at once. By a “happy chance” love letters mix up. How will Lara get out of this awkward situation? And who of them will text back?

  1. No Reservations

She (Kate) is the boss, and he (Nick) is her assistant, who, according to Kate, is applying for her position. But they can’t control their feelings, and a spark runs between Nick and Kate. Now they are more than just colleagues.

  1. Carol

This is the story of the relationship between a young girl and a mature wealthy woman undergoing a divorce. Events take place in a unique atmosphere of the 50s of the last century, which gives the film even more charm.

  1. Revolutionary Road

This movie is already remarkable in that the main roles in it are played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The relationship of this married couple looks ideal from the outside, but in fact, many skeletons and secrets are hidden in their closet.

  1. Alex Strangelove

Alex is an excellent student, the president of the class, and an ideal person from all sides. He dates charming Claire and has a bright future ahead. But everything changes when he meets the charismatic Elliot, who makes Alex think about his own sexual orientation.

  1. When We First Met

Noah was lucky to meet the perfect girl and spend the perfect night with her. But after that, the label “just a friend” was hung on him, and only after a long three years, the guy had a chance to figure out what was his mistake. Going back in time, Noah experiences an unforgettable date again and again in the hope of another ending.

  1. Happy Anniversary

On the day of the anniversary of the relationship, we all want to hear from our loved ones that they are happy to be with us. But what happens to a relationship when the first impression of a partner passes and the honeymoon period ends? The most “interesting” part begins. There are constant quarrels, omissions, and most importantly – the need for a serious decision. Is it worth it to continue the relationship? Or is it better to end everything?

  1. The Last Summer

A group of friends had fun at the prom. Very soon they will go to different cities to continue their studies at colleges. In the meantime, they have little time left for communication because the long-awaited summer holidays have come. Freedom changes future students. They experience vivid impressions, fall in love, confess their first tender feelings, and enjoy life every day.

  1. The Kissing Booth

High school student El is a sociable, sweet, but not yet experienced the delights of kisses, girl. Having once decided to participate in the “Kissing Booth” at the autumn carnival, she couldn’t imagine that her life would change so much.

11 Ravens and Rolls-Royce collaborate to give us the Stealth pool/ping-pong table

With the situation we’re facing right now, you’re probably staying indoors even more than before. We’re guessing that you might have taken a tour around your home and spotted some areas that could do with some enhancements. If your man cave is missing something that would add a level of luxury that others can only dream of, a pricey solution could be on hand. To match your mansion, exotic cars, yacht, why not add the 11 Ravens x Rolls-Royce Stealth pool table?

If the brand seems familiar, we recall featuring one of the snazzy products previously on our pages. Now, the company is reworking its Stealth series in partnership with the British luxury carmaker. Given that 11 Ravens already offers a wealth of customization options, this one, in particular, appears to be the most lavish yet. As such, what we have here is precision engineering at its finest that oozes with style from any angle.

Instead of the name implies, this masterpiece does not fly under the radar. Instead, it will immediately grab your anyone’s attention the moment it is within view. The 11 Ravens x Rolls-Royce Stealth is an exclusive collaboration that is available for the elite few. The set features LED lighting and even comes with custom billiard balls with cue sticks.

While most elements of the pool table are in an elegant black finish, another color adds a beautiful contrast. Using 14-carat solid gold sheets and black Lucite panels, the combination is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Talk about versatility, the 11 Ravens x Rolls-Royce Stealth even doubles as a dining table. With an insane $250,000 price tag, we can only dream of having one.

Check out more from 11 Ravens

Images courtesy of 11 Ravens

Grill with cuttin-edge convenience using the Traeger Ironwood Series 885

While the COVID-19 forces us to isolate from society, it does not mean that we have a good time. As such, we encourage you to do all the recreational stuff you love at home. Read a book, watch movies, play video games, and all other activities that you can enjoy solo or with family. One of our personal favorites is to bust out the grill for some awesome barbecue. To do so, we’re eyeing the Traeger Ironwood Series 885 with next-generation features.

This is perfect because nothing beats knocking back some cold ones with a mouthwatering smoky meal to go down with it. Therefore, if you are in the market to upgrade your backyard culinary experience, this might be the one you need. That measures 47 inches high, 54 inches wide, 27 inches deep and weighs about 170 lbs.

It delivers 885 square inches of primary grilling space which includes a handy warming rack. That enough to accommodate nine pork butts, 10 whole chickens, and seven rib racks in one go. To keep up with our connected lifestyle, the Traeger Ironwood Series 885 comes with WiFire technology. A collection of sensors feeds data directly to your smartphone so you can just relax.

With its D2 controller, it mechanically moves the pellets around to regulate the heat accordingly. To make food preparation convenient, the side shelf on the left even sports tool hooks. Finally, to make it easier to move around, the Traeger Ironwood Series 885 uses swivel casters that can lock into place for stability. Overall, this is the gear we want to have during the lockdown.

Get this grill right now: here

Images courtesy of Traeger

5 Tips on How to Brew the Perfect Coffee At Home

Coffee is an integral part of many of our lives. Unfortunately, high cafe costs sometimes keep our wallets thin, or we’ll have to resort to drip coffee in our own home. There are a few ways to make sure that your home coffee is a winner, however. So, if you’re looking for cafe-quality coffee in your own kitchen… read on, and we’ll give you some tips to make the most of your beans.

1. Use Filtered Water

Good coffee starts with good water. If you’re just using tap water, then you’ll find that your coffee is invariably subpar.

You can run to the store to get the water you need. Reverse osmosis water works great and you can find it at the grocery store. Distilled water isn’t what you’re looking for, as it can strip metal ions from inside your coffee maker and is more corrosive than tap water.

That said, many people invest in a good RO filter for their home. You can also find pitcher filters that filter water as it’s poured through, allowing you to have a dedicated pitcher for your coffee water. You may want to compare them first, but both are a viable start to great coffee.

2. Buy Whole Beans

If you’re starting with ground coffee, then you’ve already lost the battle for great coffee at home. Instead, you need to start with good whole beans for the best end results.

The aromatic components of coffee, which create the flavor, are volatile. That means they’ll leave your coffee beans the longer that they’ve been ground, creating an incongruent taste with the delicious smelling beans you purchased.

For the best results, only grind coffee immediately before using it. This helps preserve the flavor and, in turn, creates the best coffee you can get with your beans.

3. Drop the Drip

Drip coffee is for the office.

When you’re making coffee at home, you can make a much better cup if you don’t use a standard drip coffee machine. The options are endless but depend largely on what you enjoy most.

An espresso machine is an admirable, albeit expensive, option for making awesome drinks. Lattes and such can be made with a high-quality machine, although beginner options focus more on just a great cup of espresso. A Moka pot is a cheap, but awesome, alternative.

For better standard coffee, try a good pour-over. It’s also a lot cheaper than investing in a drip machine, although you won’t be able to program it for when you get up in the morning.

You can also invest in a French Press, which makes some of the smoothest coffee you’ll find anywhere. They’re also remarkably easy to use.

The point is this: there are way better ways of making coffee at home than your standard machines.

4. Changing Measurements

How do you measure your coffee? With cups?

Well, that’s not doing things the right way. Instead, try weighing your coffee using a kitchen scale to provide consistent results. 10 grams of coffee per cup is considered ideal for regular coffee. Keep in mind that’s a 6-ounce cup, not just your mug of coffee.

The reason for this?

Because coffee can be inconsistent. Air pockets in the measuring cup, inconsistent grinds, and just patches of clumped grounds can all deceive you on how much coffee is going into the cup.

But the scale never lies. Not only does it make your coffee better, but it also helps you make consistent coffee. That allows you to experiment to find your own perfect amount.

It’s a little more work, but you can’t have your own coffee ritual without perfect consistency. A consistent brew is one that can be modified until it’s perfect.

5. Pre-Infuse Grounds

Here’s a game-changer: try pre-infusing grounds.

When you’re using a pour-over or drip machine, you can make a brew stronger with this simple step

First, heat around ¼ cup of water, then pour it over the grounds before you start the machine properly. For pour-over coffee, you do the same. The water should be around 200 degrees, and you should leave it alone to soak in for about 45 seconds then turn on the machine or start pouring in earnest.

This allows the coffee to remove any excess carbon dioxide that’s settled in the grounds. Carbon dioxide repels water and will make your brew weaker overall.

It’s a simple step, give it a try and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.

Get Better Coffee… Right at Home

Coffee is life for many of us. Investing a little bit of time and money into making sure that you have excellent coffee available whenever you’re in the mood isn’t just a good idea… it’s pretty much essential for coffee lovers. So why not streamline the process today?

LEGO Technic lets you build a miniature Ducati Panigale V4 R at home

Many experts were already predicting a global health crisis for many years now. Yet, nobody was expecting it hit in 2020. Although it was already ongoing in late 2019, it was not until a few months later that countries began feeling its impact. Without a vaccine or cure arriving soon, we are probably looking at another few months of indoor isolation. Thankfully, hobbies can help against boredom. If you love brick building just like us, this LEGO Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R is something you should look forward to.

Amid the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, we have been experiencing some of the toughest situations in our lifetime. Nevertheless, we should be grateful that there are courageous people in the front lines.

Medical personnel and first responders are working almost non-stop, while we get to stay home and just basically relax until the world discovers a solution to the outbreak. Now, this LEGO Technic set should appeal to those who miss their two-wheelers.

This sophisticated scale model of the Ducati Panigale V4 R will definitely flip the right buttons for bike enthusiasts. At 646 pieces, it can be a shared project with family members. However, if you desire a challenge, we recommend that you go solo on this one. As with most LEGO Technic offerings, the devil is in the details.

The manufacturer is going the extra mile to include small nuances that will please fans of both the toys and the actual machine. Elements such as the kickstand, windshield, dashboard, and exhaust pipe among others are meticulously crafted. Once it is done, it will become an awesome tribute to the Ducati Panigale V4 R in any home.

Pre-order your own now – $69.99

Images courtesy of LEGO

Top five strangest things found in storage lockers

Storage units are excellent spaces to house bulkier items while decluttering your house or moving and are even used by businesses to keep stock safe and secure before being shipped.

However, over the years storage units all over the world have been opened up and inside the strangest of items have been discovered. This usually occurs when payments aren’t kept up on the unit and so its contents are sold to make room for another tenant.

From first edition comic books worth millions to actual people, here’s a quick round-up of five of the strangest things found inside storage lockers.

Nicolas Cage’s stolen Superman comic

Actor Nicolas Cage is best known for his iconic movie roles, not so much his passion for buying first edition comic books. However, in 1995, Cage purchased Action Comics No.1 which featured the first Superman comic ever printed.

It was later stolen and hidden in a storage unit. When payments weren’t kept up on the unit its contents were purchased by collectables expert Mark Balelo who discovered the comic which was then reunited with its famous owner.

A burglar

In 2011, Ronald Dennis entered a storage unit with the intent to burgle it. Later, he found himself locked inside after a guard noticed the door of the unit was open and locked him in. The police were called when the guard later heard Ronald trying to escape the unit and they opened it to find the wannabe burglar inside.

An amputated foot

For many of us, if we found an amputated foot in a grill we bought at auction we’d want to find its owner and be rid of it. But Shannon Whisnant, of Maiden North Carolina, saw an opportunity for fame. Shannon bought a BBQ smoker at an auction that was selling off possessions from storage units that had not been paid for.

He opened the grill later to find the foot and called the police. They tracked down the owner but instead of returning the amputated foot, Shannon began charging people to come and take a look at the severed limb and encouraging media attention.

The foot’s owner, John Wood, wanted his body part back but Shannon stated that it was now his property. A legal battle ensued which was captured in the documentary Finders Keepers in 2015 that told the story of the strange discovery.

Pirate loot

A storage unit containing $500,000 worth of Spanish pirate gold from the 16th Century was uncovered by Storage Wars team Dan and Laura. The gold was so heavy that it required three people to move the loot out of storage!

A submarine car

This storage unit find sent waves through the community of James Bond fans. Under piles of old blankets and sheets, a man found the Lotus submarine car that featured in the James Bond film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’. The new owner of the vehicle had purchased the storage unit’s contents for just $100 and the car was then bought by none other than Tesla CEO Elon Musk for just under $1 million.

How alcohol can ruin men’s mental health

The condition of suffering from a mental health illness and a comorbid alcohol or drug abuse problem is called dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. Discerning between an alcohol-induced mental illness and a mental condition that existed before an alcohol use disorder is not an easy task. Clinicians emphasize the importance of treating co-occurring disorders simultaneously as they usually create a vicious cycle. Treatment requires an integrated approach that helps a person to become and stay sober and address their psychological problems.

The Relationship between Alcohol Abuse and Mental Health

Co-occurring conditions have their own specific symptoms that may affect an individual’s ability to maintain a stable family life, perform at work or school, handle life’s difficulties, and empathize with others.

What is even worse, these health conditions also affect each other. When a mental health problem remains untreated, the alcohol abuse problem continues to worsen. And vice versa, the increase in alcohol consumption usually exacerbates the symptoms of a mental health issue. That’s why it’s important to find a rehab for men: men-only addiction treatment centers that offer medical help for patients with a dual diagnosis.

Don’t hesitate to seek help. You are not alone with this problem. 9.2 million American adults experienced a co-occurring mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2018. A report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that about 50% of individuals with severe mental health illness use some substance. And 37% of alcohol abusers suffer from at least one serious mental disorder.

What Happens To The Brain And Body From Alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse and addiction have many adverse effects on the body. Here are some of them:

  • Alcohol interferes with the absorption of vitamin B1, which is an important brain nutrient.
  • It changes metabolism, functions of the heart, and blood flow.
  • It is linked to poor nutrition.
  • Alcohol affects several parts of the brain; it contracts brain tissues, destroys brain cells, and depresses the central nervous system.
  • Binge drinking may lead to such alcohol-related brain diseases as cerebellar atrophy, hepatic encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, frontal lobe dysfunction, and Korsakoff’s amnesic syndrome.
  • Alcohol intoxication is a common reason of car accidents, fights, and falls that can lead to traumatic brain injuries.
What Kinds Of Mental Illnesses Can An Alcohol Addiction Cause?

People who abuse alcohol undergo changes in their behavior. They include:

  • An inability to set and stick to limits on how much and how often alcohol is consumed;
  • An inability to cut back on alcohol intake or quit drinking;
  • The occurrence of alcohol cravings between the episodes of drinking.

An addicted person who stops drinking or falls below a certain point starts experiencing the symptoms of withdrawal which can be really severe. Rapid and unexplainable mood swings are the major psychological indicator of the withdrawal syndrome. The person can feel depressed, anxious, nervous, or restless. They can lose mental clarity.

People who suffer from alcohol use disorder are at high risk of developing co-occurring mental disorders, such as:

  • Major depression and other depressive disorders;
  • Bipolar disorder (known as manic depression) and other bipolar disorders;
  • Anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, etc.);
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA) report, the risk of having depressive or bipolar disorder is roughly 3.6 to 4.1 times greater among alcohol-dependent people compared with the general population. Alcoholics experience anxiety disorders about 2.6 times more often than others and develop PTSD about 2.2 times more often.

Denial often gets in the way of seeking treatment for male addiction. It can be hard to admit that you can’t control alcohol consumption.

People often deny having mental health issues. The symptoms can frighten them, so they may ignore them and hope they disappear. Shame and fear are major barriers to admitting the problem. But these two health disorders can happen to anyone. And it takes more strength to admit an illness and seek a men-only rehab that to cover it up.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Mental Illness

Mental illnesses may depend on the symptoms prior to alcohol consumption and/or develop because of it. To understand the diagnosis, medical professionals collect and analyze the following information: the patient’s gender, family history, and length of illness.

Since alcohol addiction can cause and exacerbate personality disorders, and mental issues often lead to relapses, both conditions must be treated concurrently. Men-only rehab programs for patients with dual diagnosis integrate treatment approaches for addiction and mental illness and include:

  • use of peer-led support groups
  • a “coaching” therapy style
  • medication regimens tailored to each patient’s specific syndromes.

Men’s rehabilitation employs special psychotherapeutic methods useful for dually diagnosed patients:

  • relapse-prevention therapy
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • motivational interviewing
  • social skills training groups.

Health should always be a priority. Don’t procrastinate with treatment. The sooner you get it, the better.

Hot Wheels Gives Us The Cybertruck Way Ahead Of Tesla

We have to admit that when Tesla took the covers off the Cybertruck, it left us awestruck at the sight of its unconventional design. Instead of the sleek curves found on most modern vehicles, what we get is a rugged angular beast. Further adding to its futuristic aesthetics is the fact that it is a zero-emission vehicle. That’s right, it runs on batteries, which should keep you squarely in Mother Nature’s good graces. While the actual pickup truck is still more than a year off, Hot Wheels has your back with a 1:10 scale R/C Cybertruck.

The brand has been making some of the best collectible toys since 1968 and also offers bigger scale toys. If you prefer an even smaller version, there’s also the 1:64 scale R/C Cybertruck up for pre-order right now. Getting back to the topic, the 1:10 model is a limited-edition item that collectors will love to own.

We consider it as a great chance to take the own a piece that represents an automotive marvel of the future. Just like its full-size counterpart, you can expect this R/C machine to handle off-road terrain like a boss. Hot Wheels claims that it can even manage a scale speed of up to 250 miles per hour. Its all-wheel-drive system should mimic the real thing.

Other cool features to expect include a removable Tonneau “Vault” cover, a telescopic tailgate that turns into loading ramp, and functioning headlights/taillights for low-light visibility. Hot Wheels even throws in a reusable cracked window vinyl sticker to remind us of Elon Musk’s iconic presentation snag. A full charge of its 9.9V, 3,300mAh battery should give up to an hour of pure fun. The R/C Cybertruck will retail for $400.

Grab yours: Here

Images courtesy of Hot Wheels

Get ready for Halo Infinite with the Halo Nerf collection

With Microsoft gearing up for a big presentation at E3 2020, gamers are eager to see what is on the agenda. Of course, we know that the Xbox Series X will be the star of the show, but a powerful console is nothing without a good library of games. Xbox boss Phil Spencer is promising fans that there will be a bunch of titles from Xbox Game Studios. However, we all know people want to see Halo Infinite in action. With the hype is in full swing, Hasbro presents the Halo Nerf collection of blasters.

This isn’t the first time the manufacturer collaborated with a major video game franchise. We can recall a tie-up with the ever-popular Fortnite as well as Activision Blizzard’s hit shooter Overwatch. Now, it is bringing the world of Master Chief and the Covenant to life. Other than the iconic protagonist and his lovable AI companion, the world Halo is full of popular enemies, vehicles, ships, and weapons.

The latter is perhaps the most popular items gamers want to have in real life. Therefore, Hasbro is ready to indulge. The Halo Nerf blasters currently feature three models due to come out this fall. first off the block is the MA40 which will be in the game when it comes out later this year. The magazine holds 10 darts and the blaster uses four C batteries to operate. it will cost $50.

Next are two new entries for the MicroShot catalogue and both of these should be on every fan’s wishlist this holiday. First up is the SPNKR followed by the Needler. Both of these will retail for $10 and will ship with two darts. The Halo Nerf series will launch on October 1, 2020.

Check out more here

Images courtesy of Hasbro

The Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush Coaches Your Next Brushing Experience

The Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush takes the mundane out of brushing and makes it fun and exciting. It allows for personalization to properly guide you on your next cleaning session.

This new toothbrush uses 3D and AI technology to coach you on how to brush your teeth properly or even better. It features a smart pressure sensor that helps keep you from brushing too hard or too soft as if you’re just going through the motions of brushing your teeth  The sensor also informs you when you are doing it right so your gums stay protected. Meanwhile, 3D tracking guides you to all areas of the mouth, across six brushing zones, for a thorough clean. Top, back, front surface, and more, it watches your progress.

Moreover, the Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush comes with an interactive display that makes your brushing experience fun and educational. It delivers personalized brushing encouragement in real-time. The display shows a smiley face for a job well done and even counts the dentist-recommended two minutes so you never miss a proper toothbrushing experience.

This innovative toothbrush comes with seven cleaning modes including daily clean, whiten, and sensitive, to name a few. It connects to the Oral-B app via Bluetooth and functions on a rechargeable battery. It comes with a click-in-place magnetic charger that delivers a full charge in less than three hours.

The Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush stays with you whether you’re at home or traveling. You can take it anywhere with you and pack it in its premium travel case and refill holder.

Reserve Yours Here

Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush

Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush

Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush

Oral-B iO AI Toothbrush

Photos courtesy of Oral-B

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remotely secures your home

Protect your home from unwanted guests with the all-new August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. This security device not only monitors who comes in and out of your house. It also lets you share access to your home to family and friends.

Experience peace of mind when you leave your home with the added security features of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. It uses an auto-lock function which automatically locks your front door once it’s closed or after a specified amount of time. It uses geofencing to automatically unlock the door when you come home.

Meanwhile, a DoorSense sensor tells you whether your door is secure. This saves you from a return trip home when you are uncertain if you’ve left your front door open or not. If not, then Smart Alerts let you know of any changes whether the door is ajar or unlocked.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with a dedicated mobile app that lets you know the goings-on of your front door and also grants you remote access to your home. It lets you remotely open the door for friends and family and lock after them when they leave. You can also send them secure keys through the app. The app also provides an activity feed that lets you see the exact time when guests enter and leave your home.

The device is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for voice commands. The app uses both Bluetooth Energy (BLE) technology encryption and TLS for added protection. Likewise, it offers phone number or email verification and quick app disabling for lost phones.

Installation of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is easy. It’s compatible with most cylinder deadbolts and takes less than 10 minutes to attach it on the inside of your door.

Get Yours Here

Images courtesy of August

KEEP Secure Stash Box Is Perfect Protection For Your Herbs

Philip Wilkins and his co-founders want you to say goodbye to storing your weed inside Ziploc bags, makeup bags, or even under floorboards. They have created something far better: The KEEP Secure Stash Box, which is not just any ordinary portable storage device.

It not only keeps your cannabis stash safe from prying hands but also seals any odour at bay. It uses a hermetic seal to keep your weed fresh and odour-free. This way, it ensures that no one can smell your stash and know its location but you.

Moreover, the KEEP Secure Stash Box discreetly stores recreational drugs because of its sleek appearance. It features an LED display that shows the time and outdoor temperature. This makes people easily mistake it as a bedside alarm clock. It is no ordinary storage device too. It is smart-enabled so you can easily monitor your cannabis stash anytime and anywhere.

You can use its companion app to secure locking, unlocking, and monitoring through WIFI and Bluetooth. A built-in biometric lock that connects to your smartphone enables you to access the device through a passcode, thumbprint, or facial recognition, depending on your phone’s security feature.

Meanwhile, the interior features humidity and temperature monitors, a built-in scale, an organization pod, and a removable rolling tray. The device can store up to 28 grams of flower or a total cannabis weight of 4.4 pounds. The KEEP Secure Stash Box comes in two colour variants namely black and white. It also has a USB charging cable so you can recharge the battery.

Get your KEEP Secure Stash Box here

Images courtesy of KEEP

KOHLER Moxie Showerhead + Smart Speaker Is You All-In-One Bathroom GAdget

Take singing in the shower to the next level with KOHLER Moxie Showerhead + Smart Speaker. Equipped with Alexa, the showerhead allows you to queue up your favourite music playlist. This makes taking a bath not only fun and lively but also time-consuming (pun intended). If you prefer hearing the latest news then you can ask Alexa to play the daily news or current events for you straight from your showerhead.

The KOHLER Moxie Showerhead is a circular ring that easily allows the attachment of the speaker in the middle. The waterproof speaker attaches snugly around the ring-shaped showerhead through magnets. The magnets make it easy to remove the speaker and recharge its battery through its bundle, cordless dock. A full charge to the speaker’s built-in Lithium-ION battery gives up to five hours of audio playback with Alexa enabled. Without Alexa, it is up to seven hours of audio playback tuned by Harmon Kardon.

Unlike other speakers that muffle sound against running water, the speaker lets you listen to music or audio freely even when the shower is on full blast. The device emits a white noise-cancelling frequency that ensures that music or audio playback can still be heard over running water.

The beauty of the speaker on the KOHLER Moxie Showerhead is that it is not just specific for the showerhead. Since it is removable, then it can be used outside the shower space to stream music or news in any room.  It is also Bluetooth-ready, which means it can sync with any wireless devices including smartphones, laptops, MP3 players, and more.

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Images courtesy of KOHLER

Charmin GoLab Is Cutting-Edge Tech For The Bathroom

Men’s Gear makes it a point to feature unique and cool items we spot online. However, it would be a cool change of pace to show something quirky yet fun. CES 2020 is a hotbed of new and interesting tech ideas. As such, you can be sure to stumble upon something that can qualify as crazy. Nevertheless, its always the weird ones that spark the most discussion. Charmin – an American brand that specializes in toilet paper – is teasing a collection of tech that makes us smile. These include the Rollbot, SmellSense, and V.I.Pee from the brilliant mind of Charmin GoLab.

V.I.Pee

Let’s start off with the V.i.Pee. Depending on the type of event you are attending, it sucks that the call of nature can take you away from the action. It could be during a concert, a presentation, and other similar gatherings. Charmin GoLab is a portable toilet assembly that comes with a wall-mounted Oculus Rift S headset. This lets you do your business and use AR technology to virtually stay in attendance to whatever is going on. However, this does bring up questions about the sanitary nature of this installation.

RollBot

Don’t you just hate it when you’re going number two and you run out of toilet paper during the cleanup process? Welcome to the club as millions of people undergo the ordeal when they least expect it. Charmin GoLab proses an awesome solution with the help of robotics. The RollBot is a compact app-connected machine that will deliver a fresh roll to you when you need it. It even comes with a lovable bear face that you will be glad to see when the situation arises.

SmellSense

Finally, the last cool tech from Charmin GoLab should be standard equipment in all public bathrooms. Nobody likes the nasty odours that greet you the moment you step inside the lavatory. Hence, this gadget monitors the carbon dioxide levels to determine if it’s safe to enter. We can’t wait to see the tech hit mainstream markets in the future.

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Images courtesy of Charmin

Coca-Cola Just Made A Coffee Machine Called &Drip

We here at Men’s Gear just love it when our internet excursions lead us to something unique and unexpected. We’ve seen unlikely collaborations, weird yet quirky items, and other similar stuff. Once in a while, a company that specializes on one thing chooses to step into new territory which might be a hit-or-miss affair. However, it seems that this next item we’re going to show you could be the right kind of crazy. Here is the Coca-Cola &Drip, which looks like a compact soda dispenser at first, but actually brews a hot cup of joe.

You read that right. This is Coca-Cola we’re talking about, but a coffee machine is something we did not see coming. Nevertheless, the &Drip still appears classy enough to proudly sit on your kitchen countertop. Japanese design studio Nendo is responsible for its pleasing aesthetics while Makuake was handling its crowdfunding campaign. It is such a big hit in its home country that all 400 if the first batch were all snapped up quickly.

Thanks to its surprisingly warm reception it is getting, Coca-Cola is apparently considering another release soon. What makes the &Drip stand out from other capsule coffee makers is the proprietary technology behind its pods. According to reports, the manufacturing process effectively seals the coffee with less than 1 per cent exposure to oxygen. This keeps the flavours and aromas intact until the users brew a fresh cup. Taking a sip will taste just like a freshly prepared cup of java from your favourite café. Ultimately, with a price of $130, the next production might sell out all over again.

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Images courtesy of Coca-Cola

The New Ember Mug 2 Lasts Longer And Comes With Smart Features

Depending on your preference, most beverages can be consumed either hot or cold. We’ve seen some of the best containers that feature remarkable insulation technology. These can often maintain the temperature at your desired level for hours on end. However, when it comes to cold drinks, one might need to keep it inside the freezer or chiller after a certain span of time. On the other hand, it’s a lot easier when you’re dealing with hot or warm options. Self-heating mugs and other vessels are not exactly new, but the Ember Mug 2 goes beyond that.

We’ve seen almost everything getting the smart treatment and Ember is doing the same for its new product. The original did a fine job of keeping our drinks warm or piping hot, but its time for an upgrade. Perhaps the biggest upgrade aside from its smart functions is the battery life. The original model lasts just a little over an hour, while the 14-ounce Ember Mug 2 goes about an hour and 20 minutes. It might not seem much, but every minute counts. Likewise, the 10-ounce version gets 10 minutes more.

On the other hand, if the charging coaster is nearby, you can practically keep your drinks hot all day long. Some like it warm and some love it hot. Take advantage of the smart connectivity by adjusting the temperature remotely from the companion app on your smartphone. Just wait for the notification LED on the bottom to light up when your beverage reaches the ideal temperature. Finally. don’t worry about coffee or tea staining the Ember Mug 2. The scratch-resistant ceramic coating should keep it virtually spotless.

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Images courtesy of Ember

The 8BitDo N30 Wireless Mouse Takes Us Back To Our Childhood

This here is the 8BitDo N30 – a wireless mouse inspired by a beloved Japanese gaming icon. But before we take a closer look, let’s talk about the current state of the retro gaming market. If you’re feeling the gaming nostalgia creeping in, it’s a good thing to have options. That’s why we’ve been scrounging up all the cool retro stuff gamers would love from the internet and found a few noteworthy items.

For those in the market for a more premium option. Love Hultén is the way to go. For a more generic type of experience, most major video game companies have you covered. Sony, Nintendo, SEGA, SNK, Konami, and others are offering a compact version of their classic consoles. Then there’s 8BitDo – an awesome brand that specializes in gaming gear that oozes style and just enough vintage aesthetics.

We have seen and used most of the company’s products and the verdict is their controllers are fantastic. Not only do these look and feel like their original counterparts, the quality and performance it brings to the table are top-notch. The N30 is a must-buy for fans of the NES and all things Nintendo.

The colourway screams Nintendo Entertainment System all the way and the buttons are the cherry on top. Instead of ones you find on a regular mouse, the left and right buttons are round and bright red. Meanwhile, the area where your thumb normally rests features a familiar directional pad as well. Even though it’s not obvious, the space between the two buttons is touch-sensitive for scrolling. The 8BitDo N30 wireless mouse boasts a 120-hour battery life on a single AA battery and a 10-meter range.

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Images courtesy of 8BitDo