In his overview of the latest tech accessories, SEAN BACHER highlights Apple’s Pencil, Plugz Bluetooth Earbuds, Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse, Dynamic Virtual Viewer and the BSX LVL fitness tracker.
Apple Pencil
Although pens or pencils for tablets are nothing new, Apple’s pressure sensitive Pencil offers a touch of style to the tablet. It was designed to work specifically with the recently launched iPad Pro, meaning that the iPad’s screen recognises when the Pencil is in use and becomes more sensitive and accurate than when using normal fingers. When the Pencil is in use the screen automatically blocks out any other screen inputs, so users can rest their hands on the display and draw or write much like they would do with an ordinary pen and paper. The Pencil’s battery status is shown on the iPad’s screen and it is charged directly through the tablet’s Thunderbolt port.
Stockists: www.zastore.co.za
Expect to pay: R2 000
Plugz Bluetooth Earbuds
As the name suggests, the Plugz Bluetooth Earbuds connect to most Bluetooth phones and tablets. The earbuds include a magnetic control that clips to a shirt or collar, and it can be used to control volume, answer calls or skip tracks. Although these earbuds are advertised as being wireless, they are not entirely so. Running from the left and right earbud are wires that connect to the control unit, so wires will still get caught and earbuds accidentally yanked from ears. Included with the Plugz are three interchangeable ear tips – allowing the listener to find the size that fits his or her ear.
Stockists: www.takealot.com
Expect to pay: R500
Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G403 Prodigy Gaming Mouse is designed to offer long-lasting comfort thanks to its lightweight, ergonomic design. Rubber grips on the left and right sides give gamers added control and the 10g removable weight lets one adjust the mouse’s weight. The G403 mouse has button tensioning that helps keep the left and right buttons primed to click, reducing the force required to click and delivering improved responsiveness. The mouse can be used directly out-of-the-box or, with the included software, users can fully customise lighting, button functions and DPI settings.
Stockists: Most electronics retail outlets nationwide.
Expect to pay: R1 000
Dynamic Virtual Viewer
The Dynamic Virtual Viewer is a virtual reality headset that works with most newer smartphones and, unlike other VR headsets, uses a fan to keep the smartphone from overheating during long periods of use. Once it is connected to the phone, users can watch videos in full VR and play VR games. Automatic eye distance and focal adjustment mechanisms are provided to give an optimal viewing experience with little strain on the eyes. The headset also uses anti-misting lenses and offers a headphone jack.
Stockists: www.gammatek.co.za
Expect to pay: R500
BSX LVL fitness tracker and hydration monitor
Fitness trackers have got to the point where most of them perform the same functions. However, while the BSX LVL fitness tracker monitors all the usual stuff like steps taken, heart rate and sleep cycles, it goes one further and measures the wearer’s hydration level. It is able to do this because of its near-infrared light or NIRS, which is said to be able to “look” 10 times deeper into the body than the standard green light found on other trackers. This allows it to measure hydration levels in the blood, match them with an athlete’s current activity, and provide an accurate measure of how much fluid should be taken at that time. The BSX LVL tracker launched earlier this month on Kickstarter, and the company says the tracker will be available at the end of this year.
Stockists: Visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lactate-threshold/lvl-the-first-wearable-hydration-monitor for up-to-date information on the product and its progress.
Expect to pay: Although not confirmed yet, BSX says the price will be in the region of R3 000.
* Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher
