Jon Turi
Articles by Jon Turi
Engadget giveaway: Win a 1TB SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card!
The incredible shrinking storage format story continues with SanDisk's latest tiny powerhouse. The Extreme microSDXC now comes with a 1TB capacity option, which can help with the ever-increasing file sizes from 4K UHD video or just store every shot your itchy shutter finger snaps. Read speeds of up to 160MB/s help expedite file transfers and write speeds of up to 90MB/s let you capture more at a faster pace. SanDisk's A2 specs work to improve mobile app performance, and a durable design means less worry if they end up loose in your travel bag. For this week's giveaway, SanDisk has provided us with one of it's Tardis-like Extreme 1TB microSDXC cards, along with a MobileMate USB 3.0 Reader to make speedy transfers easier across your devices. One lucky reader will get this big little microSD card to fill up with action sports memories and caviar dreams. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. Good luck!
Boosted's next electric ride is the Rev scooter
When Boosted launched a new series of boards in 2018, including the Stealth and Mini options, it claimed its mission was to redefine transportation -- at least from the electric rideable standpoint. Now, it's finally broken out beyond the skateboard mold and added the Boosted Rev electric scooter to its stable of products.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Shield TV Gaming Edition courtesy of Plex!
This week's giveaway, courtesy of Plex, could put a sleek multimedia machine in your home. Plex's popular grid-view software helps you organize and navigate your files, while giving you access to them on-the-go. The NVIDIA Shield is a cord-cutting Android TV device with 4K HDR output, Google Assistant and GeForce Now game streaming on board. When paired with a Plex Pass, antenna and tuner you can harness OTA live TV with DVR capabilities, putting those shows seamlessly alongside your own library for easy access. Plex lets you access all this content through its app from a computer, mobile device and even supported systems like Sonos or Amazon's Alexa, wherever you go. You can even subscribe to Tidal x Plex to incorporate the streaming service's music into your own collection. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. Two readers will each receive a Plex Lifetime Pass and NVIDIA Shield TV Gaming Edition. Good luck! Winners: Congratulations to Neal V. of Tampa, FL and Gus N. of West Haven, CT!
Serato Studio helps simplify the path to music production
It's a safe assumption that most DJs have the itch to create some music of their own. Obviously many of them do, but for some, the expense of new gear or the learning curve involved with the software hinders that quest. To help bridge the gap, makers of the popular Serato DJ software are releasing a new product: Serato Studio (macOS/Windows). For those who already use the company's DJ hardware and software, things will be pleasantly familiar, helping ease you into the song-making process. Of course, you don't need to be a DJ; this tool is great for anyone who wants to make music with fewer "technical roadblocks" and more creative flow. Today's soft launch is for the free public Serato Studio Beta version, with limited slots available. If you sign up, you'll be able to kick the tires on this beta release and give Serato your feedback to help them hone the final product. Plus, you'll get updates as new functionality and features are added during that period. The official 1.0 release is expected sometime this summer (for the Northern Hemisphere) and will be a subscription-based model. Although pricing hasn't been announced, we hope it will be an affordable monthly fee similar to the company's other subscription products (usually $10-$15).
Engadget giveaway: Win a Samsung Galaxy S10 courtesy of Speck!
Samsung's just finished its recent phone-launch extravaganza leaving several new handsets to choose from. If you're not a fan of super-sized phones like the S10+, but want to spend that little bit extra, you may be angling for the Galaxy S10. It has many of the hallmarks you'd want in a handset: A quality camera, good battery life, a zippy experience and... a headphone jack! It's still a valuable item to be carting along with you on everyday adventures, so slipping it into a protective case like one of Speck's Presidio line is a no-brainer. In fact, Speck has provided us with a Galaxy S10, three of its cases and a GrabTab ($9.95) for one lucky reader this week. The Presidio Grip ($39.95+), V-Grip ($39.95+) and Pro ($39.95+) all have "Impactium shock barrier" drop protection and easy-to-hold exteriors. They're also a slim fit and allow for wireless charging without removing the case. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning Samsung's latest, along with the peace of mind that Speck cases can provide. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Carlos Y. of Canoga Park, CA!
The GravaStar is a Bluetooth speaker with robotic charm
It's the aesthetic that grabbed me. Bluetooth speakers have become commonplace, but a desktop spheroid robo-speaker with glowing lights? That's intriguing. Being from a crowd-funded startup does lend itself to a bit of skepticism, but after getting to test the GravaStar by Zoeao, I found that it's no cheap plastic toy. It has a solidly built metal exterior, bright green accent lights, a Qualcomm chipset and Harman Kardon audio components. If the design appeals to you as well, you can pick one up for $129+ on Indiegogo as an early bird backer. And if you get in quick enough, you may even have one in your home before May.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Apple iPad (9.7-inch) courtesy of TurboTax!
This is your annual reminder: It's tax time (assuming things reach normality) so don't forget to do your taxes. One of the most convenient and affordable methods of filing is using an online service like TurboTax. By adding your information, answering some general questions and following prompts, it's easier than ever to get this task completed. Those with more complicated returns or mild paranoia about filing through an algorithmic interface can take advantage of the TurboTax Live service. It connects you to a bonafide tax expert in-person (remotely of course) to help you over any humps and settle your nerves. You can even get started on a mobile device and finish on a PC if you'd like. This week, TurboTax has provided us with an Apple iPad (9.7-inch) to help one lucky reader get the process started at home or on the go. It's also included a code for the TurboTax Live service, so you can get human affirmation and professional suggestions when filing. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this timely and immensely useful prize package. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Steve O. of Mauston, WI!
OptiShokz built bone conduction audio sunglasses
Keeping your ears open to the environment is key when riding a bike or otherwise needing to stay aware of your surroundings, but music is life right? The AfterShokz Trekz Titanium and Air series have been filling that need quite well for a while, but the company has broken away into new avenues for this year's models, with all the requisite z's still in place. Today the company has announced the AfterShokz Xtrainerz MP3 headset, along with its sister company OptiShokz's Revvez bone conduction audio sunglasses. The Xtrainerz should hit the market in Q2 2019 with a price of $149.95. Revvez are heading to Indiegogo on February 19th, 2019 for the crowdfunding treatment with an early bird price of $99 (MSRP $179). I managed to get my hands on some pre-production versions of both here at CES and overall, they seem worth a look, slotting nicely into some new categories.
Engadget giveaway: Win a security package courtesy of Bitdefender!
Deliveries left out on your doorstep, nocturnal pet activities and network-connected devices open wide to the world for possible hacking or botnet conscription are just some of the reasons Bitdefender has provided this week's giveaway package. The company's Box 2 is at the center, essentially a dual-band router with a specialty in cybersecurity protection. The device can monitor your network traffic for dubious activity, provide a VPN for privacy and protect your devices from malware. Bitdefender's subscription service also provides Parental Control to safeguard children against cyberbullying and online predators. There are a host of ways this service can be a useful line of defense in an increasingly connected age, and once set up, you can worry less about them. All you need to do is head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this package, which includes a Bitdefender Box 2 (with 1-year subscription), Blink 5-camera monitoring system and Ring Video Doorbell 2. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Jason H. of Gowen, MI! (TBC)
Serato adds SoundCloud, Tidal and more to your DJ toolbox
Serato DJ's latest Pro 2.1 and Lite 1.1 software updates have been in public beta for a couple of months, but today those final versions go live. Included with these updates are the addition of SoundCloud and Tidal streaming services right from your library, which is a big step forward for expanding your repertoire on-the-fly. The Serato Play expansion pack ($39) is also now an option, which provides controller-like tools on your keyboard, four decks, a row of filter knobs and headphone splitter capability, so you can finally do proper sets without connected hardware (if you really need to).
Algoriddim merges its iOS djay apps, adds new Pro-level features
Algoriddim's djay app has been an Apple favorite for some time, regularly appearing in the company's keynotes to show off incremental updates over the years. There's been djay, djay for iPhone, djay for iPad, vjay (for video), djay 2, djay Pro and djay Pro 2, but the whole thing has gotten a bit fragmented. Today, the company is simplifying its app catalog by releasing the new djay for iOS, spanning all the requisite devices and available as a free download in the App Store. On top of that, djay for iOS Pro is now the same app, but with an unlocked set of new features as part of a $5-per-month subscription model (or $40 if you pre-pay for a full year).
Engadget giveaway: Win a Vector smart robot courtesy of Anki!
The Anki Vector is more than a high-tech toy, it's a little AI wonderbot with facial recognition, smart speaker tech and an array of sensors packed into a remarkably lifelike package. This robot should be fun to interact with by asking questions, playing games, checking the weather or taking photos on command. It learns as it goes and can store plenty of faces, so it will recognize familiar ones. Alexa integration is rolling out soon, so you'll also get all of the benefits of an Echo, but with a physically active personality. It's self-sufficient, too. When its battery runs low, it will seek out its charging base and park itself there for a while. This week, Anki has provided three of its Vector robots for a trio of lucky readers. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. Everyone else can still pick up an Anki Vector for $75 off the regular price until December 29th. Winners: Congratulations to Ronald P. of Grover Beach, CA, Andy F. of Germantown, TN and Jay S. of Meridian, ID!
Vinyl record production has finally joined the modern age
When you think of manufacturing in the US, vinyl records probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind, but the industry has been chugging along as best it can. For decades, pressing plants have been using aging machines that require a complex infrastructure of piping for the steam-based heating (and cooling) mechanisms -- not to mention an engineering support team to keep them in working order. New vinyl presses just weren't being made, at least until a few years ago. Two companies emerged to fill that need. Newbilt Machinery launched around 2015 in Germany with slightly updated (cloned) versions of old presses, adding electronic controls and hydraulic power. In February 2017, Jack White's Third Man pressing plant opened in Detroit running Newbilt's manual Duplex machines. That same year, Toronto-based Viryl Technologies joined the market with its WarmTone presses. These machines weren't clones, but built fresh from the ground up including a modular construction, fully automated operation and remote machine monitoring (even from a mobile device) with its ADAPT software. Viryl's tech support can log into the system remotely to help troubleshoot any problems. Still, like Newbilt, they required a large boiler system and network of piping to support their operation. Anyone looking to start a pressing plant still faced hefty startup and maintenance costs, a difficult permit and zoning process, as well as a less-than-ideal impact on the environment.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Smart Light Starter Kit and Home Max courtesy of Google!
If you haven't dabbled in the smart home sector yet, but would like to enjoy some of the perks without investing big bucks, the new made-for-Google Smart Light Starter Kit from GE is tailor-made. This package includes a Google Home Mini and a GE-C Life smart bulb, both of which can talk to each other by Bluetooth, obviating the need for any hubs. It's that easy to set up voice-controlled ambiance with any of the Google Home smart speakers. Plus, since the Home devices are WiFi connected as well, you can remotely control your lights. Additional bulbs can be added without too much cost and if you purchase one of the Google/GE kits between November 22nd and 26th, there are some major discounts to be had at the Google Store. This week, Google has provided us with a Smart Light Starter Kit for two lucky readers, along with a super-sized Google Home Max so you can really crank up the tunes. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to four chances at winning one of these Google smart home packages. Good luck! Winners: Congratulations to Jesse D. of Antioch, CA and Antonio P. of New York, NY!
Engadget giveaway: Win a DiskStation DS718+ courtesy of Synology!
Cloud data storage services are ubiquitous nowadays, but imagine the savings, security and ownership benefits of hosting your own server. Synology's DS718+ 2-bay unit is a good jump off point if you want to get your own network attached storage (NAS) system going. It has an intuitive interface and it's scalable, letting you increase capacity up to around 100TB using an expansion unit with extra drives. The DS718+ gives you a portal to all your files whether you're around the house or on the go. You can schedule automatic backups of all your devices, access all your original files and even stream high-quality media with support for 4K. If you've got a home security setup, you can avoid even more fees by hosting and managing your own surveillance backups. This week, Synology has provided us with one of its DiskStation DS718+ setups to get one lucky reader started. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this NAS starter system to take control of your own world of data. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Scott W. of Memphis, TN!
Engadget giveaway: Stay protected and connected courtesy of Kaspersky Lab!
Kaspersky Lab, has been a familiar name in infosec for quite some time, uncovering malware and espionage tools all along the way. These finely honed skills are also available to help everyday people protect their data and manage their digital lives. The Kaspersky Security Cloud for both individuals and families can cover multiple devices with real-time security alerts, password assistance, parental controls and more. This week, the company has put together a package of devices to keep you charged up, backed up and secure wherever you go. This includes a portable generator, power bank, 3TB portable hard drive, a Kaspersky Lab backpack and a one year subscription to Kaspersky Security Cloud Family (covering 20 devices). All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this protected and connected package. Winners: Congratulations to Mike S. of Metairie, LA and James B. of Shiprock, NM!
Engadget giveaway: Win an iPhone XS courtesy of Speck!
In case you've been living under a rock, Apple just launched its new iPhone XS line. It's their best iPhone yet, and costs a pretty penny, so Speck has jumped in to save the day for one lucky reader this week. The mobile case and accessory company has given us a 64GB iPhone XS, along with a trio of its protective, IMPACTIUM-laden Presidio exteriors. Drop-tested from 8-10 feet up, these will help keep your handset safe and sound when gravity pulls off the inevitable. Speck's Presidio V-Grip helps you keep the phone in your hands, while the Presidio Pro's anti-microbial coating and soft-touch exterior keep your iPhone snug. If you want your case to keep a low-profile, the Presidio Stay Clear shows off the phone's style in a sleeker form factor. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning one of Apple's latest handsets and matching set of Speck's protective cases. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Gustavo S. of Lawrenceville, GA!
Engadget giveaway: Win a SanDisk Extreme 2TB portable SSD!
Hauling around a ton of data isn't back-breaking work, but it helps to have the right device to properly transport your bulky hi-res photo, audio and video files. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers up to 2TB of TARDIS-like storage capacity in an ultra-small package, along with 550MB/s read speeds to transfer data in a flash. Since this handy data library may head on the road with you, it's also been crafted with a rugged IP55 water-resistant build, so you can live life without treating it like your precious. There's even a knockout in the corner of this feather-light device so you easily hang or clip the drive wherever it suits you. This week, the company has provided us with one of its 2TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs (along with a branded carabiner) for one lucky reader. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. You can always use more digital real estate. Winner: Congratulations to Paul D. of Saint Joseph, MI!
Engadget giveaway: Win a pair of Sonos One speakers courtesy of Plex!
Owning your music catalog is a rare thing for some these days, but since you've got it, flaunt it. Plex for Sonos has recently moved out of beta and includes some fresh new features. This means you can serve up your tunes on Sonos speakers anywhere using just the Sonos app. The latest updates bring faster browsing along with additional info on artists including top songs and even tour dates. Plus you can now play FLAC and AAC files. This week, Plex has provided us with two Sonos One smart speakers for one lucky reader, so they can put Plex for Sonos to the test in their own home. This also includes a Lifetime Plex Pass, so you'll be able to set up libraries for all of your music and movies to have at your fingertips whenever you want them. Just head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this Plex for Sonos set up. Good luck!
The case for Boosted's Mini electric skateboard line
Electric skateboards are riding a surge in popularity this past year, with Boosted being one of the more notable players. It's also one of the more recognizable, with its iconic orange wheels. Until now the company's output has strictly been longboards, which is par for the course barring a few exceptions, but the floodgates of mutation are opening. The company's recently released 2018 lineup includes two Mini versions, which is a form factor I've been on the fence about for a while. There are the obvious benefits, including improved maneuverability and portability (they weigh a couple pounds less than longboards). On my part, at least, there's a desire to try and apply street-skating tactics to these smaller boards, but they're new and unique creatures. Is this hybrid format the best of both worlds? No. These are still transport boards, but given some time, I'm sure someone will get a bit crazy with them.