Something on the Side: Connect your watch

This week, SEAN BACHER showcases the CooKoo Bluetooth connected watch, the Marantz NR1604 AV receiver, Western Digital’s 7mm 1TB hard drive, the Joby GorillaTorch Switchback and the Epson EH-TW550 gaming projector.

CooKoo Bluetooth connected watch

The CooKoo Bluetooth connected watch can seen as an extension of the smartphone. It keeps users notified of any new reminders, incoming calls and text messages with a beep, avoiding missed calls because of not hearing the phone. There are many other watches that perform similar functions, but they are built to work with a specific phone. The CooKoo will work with any smartphone that is Bluetooth enabled. An app is also available that lets users configure the watch. The watch tells the date and time too and will even warn when the phone’s battery is running low.

Stockists: Order from www.mantality.co.za.

Expect to pay: R1 700.

Marantz NR1604 AV receiver

The Marantz NR1604 AV receiver offers multiple inputs and outputs for music and video. It features built-in AirPlay that lets users play music from an iOS device. The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standard lets users stream music and video over a wireless network. Six HDMI inputs at the rear and inputs at the front offer easy access. The receiver also works as a powerful 7-channel amplifier, each channel being able to push out 90W of power. Setting up the device has been made simple thanks to the graphical user interface, and the Marantz Audssey MultEQ room measurement tool means that speakers can be placed in their ideal position first time round to get the best sweet-spot.

Stockists: Visit www.hfxsystems.co.za for ordering information.

Expect to pay: R10 000

Western Digital Blue 7mm 1TB hard drive

At only 7mm thin, the Western Digital (WD) Blue is said to be the world’s thinnest 1TB hard drive. It is designed to fit in most new slim notebooks and ultrabooks, as well as older computers that use the industry standard 9.5mm drive slot. The WD Blue offers ShockGuard technology that protects the mechanics and drive platters from drops. WhisperDrive keeps the drive running as quietly as possible. The drives are available in capacities ranging from 320GB up to 1TB.

Stockists: Most electronic retail outelets nationwide. Expet to pay: R1 400 for the 1TB drive.

Joby GorillaTorch Switchback

The GorillaTorch Switchback will transform from a lantern to a headlamp in seconds. It is specifically designed to be used when camping, as no additional straps are needed either in a lantern configuration or when strapped to a user’s head. The GorillaTorch Switchback uses LEDs for illumination, meaning that less energy is consumed than with conventional torch bulbs. The LEDs can be adjusted from 5 to 130 lumens. The Switchback offers two white LEDs for a floodlight and two red LEDs for night-vision.

Stockists: Order from www.wintecsolutions.co.za

Expect to pay: R500

Epson EH-TW550 gaming projector

The EH-TW550 projector is light and slim enough to move between rooms or carry to a friend’s house for a gaming tournament. Setup is quick thanks to manual horizontal and automatic vertical keystone correction. The projector includes a variety of connectivity options, allowing two consoles to be connected to it at the same time. Connections include a component video, two HDMI ports, two USB 2, one S-video and one composite video.

Stockists: Contact Epson on 011465 9621.

Expect to pay: R11 000

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