Jon Turi
Articles by Jon Turi
Engadget giveaway: Win a Sense smart security router courtesy of F-Secure!
With smart home technology proliferating and cybercriminality afoot, adding data security to your home network is a wise move. F-Secure's new Sense router can help monitor your home and provide feedback on the state of your network, IoT gadgets and even mobile devices while providing dual-band WiFi for your home. The Sense router monitors by device type to offer the protection for each connected product, from threats targeting your home PC to checking for unusual activity on IoT products. Sense stays connected to F-Secure's Security Cloud service to stay up-to-date, apply its file scanning services and AI analysis, while upholding its privacy principles. This week, F-Secure has provided us with three of its new Sense smart security routers -- which include a one-year security subscription -- for three lucky readers. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this one-stop home data-security device. Winners: Congratulations to Roy R. of Robinson, TX; Matt A. of Boone, IA and a third TBC.
Engadget giveaway: Win an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus courtesy of Caseology!
I've seen enough Candy Crush players skimming their fingers over fractured displays to know that if you've snagged one of Apple's new iPhone 8 handsets, a case is highly recommended. That's why Caseology has launched a new line of phone protection modules to keep your smartphone looking sexy for the duration. This week, the company has provided us with both an iPhone 8 and an iPhone 8 Plus to get two lucky winners fast-tracked into the world of Apple's latest pocketable computer. You'll also get six new Caseology cases to help keep those things cozy. The Parallax and Apex lines boast geometric styling along with shock-absorbing protection. The Legion puts its military-inspired design to work, while framing your logo for all to see, whereas the Coastline case exposes your entire handset through a clear cutout framed by an edge-defending border. All you need to do is head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of Apple's latest iPhones along with an assortment of protective cases courtesy of Caseology! Additionally, readers can get 30 percent off any Caseology case for iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone Plus at Amazon with this code: LKCOQVPP Winners: Congratulations to Mitchell S. of Dubuque, IA and Chris R. of Oakdale, PA!
Engadget giveaway: Win an Optoma UHD60 4K projector!
If you're planning a new home theater setup, 4K resolution and HDR color processing are definitely where you should be heading. You'll also want to maximize your screen real estate to enjoy it all, but many people don't have room in their layout for big sets or prefer less hardware clutter. That's where projectors like Optoma's high-performing UHD60 really fit the bill. It was the first 4K projector under $2,000 when it arrived a few months ago and uses an improved method over much of the competition to achieve that resolution. The unit can be ceiling mounted and offers a display size of up to 300 inches. Ports include USB (convenient for charging streaming dongles) HDMI, HDCP 2.2, S/PDIF and more. The output is 3,000 lumens of brightness and even standard dynamic range content can be upscaled to HDR here. This week, Optoma has provided us with one of its UHD60 projections for one lucky reader, so they can sample the company's image processing for deep blacks and crisp details. If you'd like the freedom and immersion that this type of 4K display provides, head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning an Optoma UHD60 projector! Winner: Congratulations to Will G. of Washington D.C.!
BioLite's FirePit goes beyond the camping grill
Relaxing and staring at fire is a primordial pleasure, but one that's often isolated to camping trips. It also inevitably leads to burger and hot dog cravings. While your average campfire -- a flaming stack of logs surrounded by rocks or rusty metal -- can be a challenge to cook on, BioLite's new FirePit provides a best-of-both-worlds solution. It's a portable grill station that doubles as a warming and hypnotic flame source, opening up opportunities beyond the campsite. The product is an 20-pound fire pit with folding legs and perforated "X-Ray Mesh" sides for heat distribution and flame visibility. There's also a Bluetooth-controllable fan attachment that helps expedite and regulate combustion, which is excellent for getting charcoal to red-hot ember status quickly. BioLite is introducing the $200 device on Kickstarter today with a May 2018 ship date, but I recently had a chance to check out one of the prototypes and eat a few tasty burgers along the way.
Aftershokz unveils its skinny Trekz Air open-ear headphones
When Aftershokz released its Trekz Titanium bone-conduction headphones, there was a marked change from the Bluez 2 line before it. The design shifted from a stiff plastic headband to a ruggedly flexible and sportier design. Today at IFA in Berlin, the company is launching the next step in the series called Trekz Air with a retail price of $150 and pre-orders beginning September 1st (in the US). The overall style and concept remain the same, except for the 17-percent lighter weight and visibly slimmer silhouette. I've been using the Titanium model on my bike rides for the past year and have enjoyed the more casual fit, but this new model that I tested for two days really raises the bar in terms of comfort. It's worth noting, though, that in a side-by-side comparison, I found this slimmer package may have lost a tiny bit of oomph in terms audio output -- but that slight tradeoff might be worth it.
Riptide's electric skateboard balances power and portability
Electric skateboards have been coming out of the woodwork lately, popping up in all shapes and sizes, with each new company trying to find a niche in the market. There have been examples of extremely tiny models accentuating portability and longboards with hyperextended ranges. It depends on what fits your use case, but I've been eyeing boards that match normal decks for scale, along with a belt-driven motor and a relatively affordable price. The newest entry to hit the crowdfunding scene is the Riptide R1, which dropped on Indiegogo today. So far, it's come closest to what I've been looking for on all fronts: size, price and power.
Engadget giveaway: Win a OnePlus 5 smartphone and backpack!
OnePlus has been making its mark on the mobile scene for a while now and its latest phone doesn't disappoint. The OnePlus 5 is a combination of features, style and price that hits the sweet spot, with the top-of-the-line version packing 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage for just $539. There's a dual camera here, along with software providing bokeh control and the ability to fine-tune settings like ISO, shutter speed and more. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor runs the show and battery life is improved over the previous 3T model, even offering quick charging so you can have "a day's power in half an hour." This week, the company has provided us with two of its OnePlus 5 Midnight Black 128GB models, along with some swag for two lucky readers. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of these highly rated handsets. Good luck! Winners: Congratulations to Sheng T. of Tallahassee FL and David Z. of Fairfax, VA.
Engadget giveaway: Win a River Mobile Power Station courtesy of EcoFlow!
Having a portable power source is a must if you want to be properly prepared for your next glamping trip or just a long day in the park. EcoFlow's River Mobile Power Station is as near a panacea as they come, with a 116,000mAh battery, total output of 500W and 11 charging ports including USB, AC, DC and 12V. This smart charging station adjusts power output to match each device's wattage and even monitors temperature so devices won't get too hot. It holds a charge for about one year and can be topped up via a wall outlet, car jack or even using solar panels. EcoFlow has provided us with one of its River Mobile Power Stations for one lucky reader this week, to help keep phones and laptops full, drones charged up or even use small appliances outside of the house, if you really must. All you need to do is head to our Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this 11-pound portable power pack from EcoFlow! Winner: Congratulations to James D. (TBC)
Engadget giveaway: Win a 55-inch TCL P-Series 4K Roku TV!
TV prices are dropping and quality is on the rise, at least compared to my initial foray into HD over a decade ago. Now, you can pick up a set with 4K, HDR and a built-in streaming platform for well under a grand, like this $650 55-inch P-Series from TCL. This unit is in our Back to School guide for its bang-for-buck value, but it's also a good deal for anyone who wants to upgrade from an aging display and still save a few bucks. The P-Series offers 4K resolution paired with support for Dolby Vision HDR, along with 72 contrast zones and a wide color gamut for your viewing pleasure. On top of that, this TCL set is a Roku smart TV with access to over 4,000 streaming channels and includes a built-in tuner so you can pluck HD content from the air if you pick up an antenna. The price for this 55-inch set with these features is a pretty good deal, but thanks to TCL, one lucky winner will get one for free. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this 4K HDR Roku Smart TV from TCL! Winner: Mike S. (TBC)
Engadget giveaway: Win a Nightingale home sleep system!
While some city dwellers have developed the ability to tune out loud noises, not everyone can ignore disruptive sounds come bedtime. Using optimized frequencies and decibel levels, Nightingale can do what white noise machines and fans fail to accomplish, by interfering with the brain's ability to comprehend noise when you're ready for bed. These unobtrusive units plug directly into wall outlets, while providing a pass-through for plugging in other electronics. You can control Nightingale with its free app (iOS and Android), and also choose if you want to add LED lighting effects in a variety of colors to help set the mood for a peaceful night's rest. The company has provided use with two home sleep systems for a pair of lucky winners this week. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget for up to three chances at winning one of these Nightingale home sleep systems. Good luck! Winners: Congratulations to Austin R. of Honolulu, HI and Will S. of San Jose, CA!
Engadget giveaway: Win a 1TB My Passport SSD courtesy of Western Digital!
A bit like bulky luggage, large file sizes can cramp your style when you're trying to shuffle them around the place. Luckily, external SSDs are here to help out. Western Digital's My Passport series now offers the fastest speeds of a WD-branded portable drive to date, with its My Passport SSD providing transfer rates of up to 515MB/s over USB-C (while supporting the USB 3.1 standard and more). These speedy little drives work with both Mac and PC platforms and offer 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption to help provide some security as you jet around with your data. On top of all that, they happen to look nice too. WD has provided us with two of its 1TB My Passport SSDs for a pair of lucky readers this week. Head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances to win! Winners: Congratulations to Travis K. of Edmonds, WA and Jonathan D. of Orangeburg, NY!
Engadget giveaway: Win a GoPro Hero5 Session and CyberLink software!
With all that's going on in the world, you could immerse yourself in the media or strike out to define your own narrative. This week's giveaway is a starter kit for capturing the world as you see it and editing the output to your whims. CyberLink has provided us with its Director Suite 5 software package, including PowerDirector 15 for video editing (including 4K), PhotoDirector 8 for fine-tuning still images and more for audio and color editing. This software, along with a GoPro Hero5 Session for extremely portable capture, can get you started on your next creative project. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this photo and video editing power combo, courtesy of CyberLink. Winner: Congratulations to Joel D. of Fort Collins, CO!
Engadget giveaway: Win a Samsung Galaxy S8+ and Spigen cases!
Samsung's latest phones seems to be a hit, with pre-orders reaching record levels for the company. Both the S8 and the S8+ have a smooth elongated exterior for easier gripping, but that's not to say these handsets don't obey the laws of gravity. To help keep Samsung's latest safe from harm, case maker Spigen has provided a variety of protective shells for every eventuality, from light weight to heavy duty for both the S8 and S8+. This includes the company's popular Neo Hybrid with a subtle herringbone pattern on the back, as well as clear and even sparkly cases for those with a little flare. This week, Spigen has provided us with a powerful Samsung Galaxy S8+ (for AT&T), along with an assortment of cases and screen protectors for one lucky winner. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of Samsung's latest smartphones and a Spigen safety package to keep it protected. Winner: Congratulations to Hugh D. of Dublin, CA!
Engadget giveaway: Win a Glyph video headset courtesy of Avegant!
If you enjoy the movie theater, but can't stand crowds, Avegant's Glyph could be your saving grace. This rechargeable audio/video headset projects a 720p private screening experience onto each of your eyeballs via compatible devices and a microHDMI connection. We'd have to say it's a viewing rig first and foremost, but it can double as standard headphones when flipped up. Not only is it great for movie viewing, but it's also a capable drone companion, letting you enjoy first-person perspectives and even leverage its 9-axis head tracking for flight control. You can also enjoy a variety of 3D PC games, as well as 360 video experiences. This week, Avegant has provided a Glyph headset for one lucky reader, but that's not all. Anyone can enjoy a $100 discount at the company's website with the code ENGADGET through April 27th. To enter, all you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget and get up to three chances at winning a free Glyph video headset. Winner: Congratulations to Frank M.
Algoriddim's djay Pro finally makes the move to Windows
After a short few months in beta, Algoriddim's djay Pro has finally arrived as a native Windows 10 app. Prior to this, the Apple-centric software added Android to its roster of mobile devices, including the iPad Pro, but otherwise hasn't been available on bigger touchscreens. The extensive line of Windows hybrids seem well-suited to hands-on digital DJing, but when you consider the Surface Studio, you have a monster of an interface and a match made in heaven.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Product Red edition iPhone 7 courtesy of Speck!
There's been plenty of chatter lately about the new Product Red edition iPhone 7, which finally breaks free from the muted metallic lineup with its brilliantly colored exterior. From what I've seen around NYC, though, you'd be well advised to protect any new phone or suffer the all-too-ubiquitous cracked screen. Case and bag maker Speck has just the thing to protect and show off this brightly hued handset, its clear Presidio iPhone 7 case. This protective shell cleared the 8-foot drop test with honors, offers scratch resistance and its custom-engineered material resists UV yellowing, since many users tend to walk around with their phones out and, you know, beach selfies. Speck has provided us with one of these enviable iPhone 7 handsets and a clear Presidio case to keep it safe for one lucky reader this week. You get up to three chances at winning this prize by entering in the Rafflecopter widget below. Don't let that stop you from making a purchase, however, the Product Red edition profits go towards raising awareness and fighting HIV/AIDS. Winner: Congratulations to Michael B. of Union Grove, AL!
Engadget giveaway: Win a smart home package courtesy of Stringify!
If you've been piecing together a smart home setup one connected device at a time, you'll be happy to know that Stringify can help you create smart sequences at the tap of a button or at just the right time of day. While you can link smart devices and even wearables, the app's abilities also tie in to online services such as Google Drive, RSS feeds and push notifications. If you have a Withings connected scale, you can set up a "flow" that automatically populates a spreadsheet with new weight readings. Want to set the mood for bedtime? You can have the lights dim slowly once it gets to a certain hour, with the temperature lowered and even have some snoozy jams playing on your connected speaker -- automatically. This week, Stringify has provided us with a respectable smart home starter kit for one lucky reader, including a Sonos Play:1, LIFX bulbs, a Samsung SmartThings Hub with sensors and an Echo Dot. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning. Already have some devices you'd like to tie together? The Stringify app is free on iOS and Android if you want to check it out. Winner: Congratulations to Mitch B. of Brooklyn, NY!
Engadget giveaway: Win a Harmony Elite and Amazon Echo courtesy of Logitech!
Logitech's Harmony series has come a long way and now with the Elite remote control you can do more than ever before. This universal remote not only lets you control all your media devices (from TVs to streaming media players), but it also handles a variety of smart home products. You can use the Harmony Elite to adjust your Nest thermostat or connected lighting systems, all from that well-worn spot on the couch. As if that wasn't enough, the Elite universal home control also supports Alexa. Now you can even take the remote out of the equation, by simply using your voice along with one of Amazon's smart speakers. Logitech has provided us with just such a pair -- a Logitech Harmony Elite and Amazon Echo -- so that one lucky reader can have total home control with minimal effort. You'll still need to head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning, but that counts as exercise, right?
Engadget giveaway: Win a Marantz receiver courtesy of Auro Technologies!
You may have updated your set to 4K HDR to dazzle your eyes, but don't let your ears miss out on the all the fun. Auro Technologies offers an extremely immersive theater experience with its Auro-3D audio standard. Using a capable 9.1 or 10.1 speaker configuration, you can enjoy realistic three-dimensional sound created through "height layers" and acoustic reflection. The audio experience simulates the sense of location being dictated by the onscreen action. This week Auro Technologies has provided us with a Marantz 9.2 channel receiver that supports Auro-3D for one incredibly lucky reader this week. This top-of-the-line gear ticks all the right boxes for a future-proof setup including HEOS streaming, WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, a 4K full-rate pass-through, HDR and HDCP 2.2 support. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this stellar home theater setup courtesy of Auro Technologies and its Auro-3D software. Winner: Congratulations to Ying J. of Saint Paul, MN!
BioLite's new off-the-grid gear doubles down on power and light
BioLite released most of its 2017 product line today, spearheaded by the new and improved CampStove 2. All the products share common design features, centered around either battery improvements, expanded lighting possibilities, or both. Along with the redesigned stove, which now includes onboard power storage, there's a double-wide solar panel, heavy duty portable batteries and, in the spirit of keeping you charged up, a coffee press. The company has also expanded its NanoGrid lighting system by adding a collapsible and hangable diffusion light, a scaled-down version of the daisy-chainable SiteLight series and the long-awaited arrival of the BaseLantern.