Kit makes iPhone a real-camera experience
Shiftcam’s SnapGrip creator kit is the best product I’ve seen to add hardware to your MagSafe iPhone and turn it into an authentic camera experience. Non-MagSafe phone owners can still use the SnapGrip with the included magnetic sticker.
The kit includes the SnapGrip, which magnetically snaps to an iPhone’s backside MagSafe connection to create a camera feel for comfortable shooting. Inside the SnapGrip is a USB-C charging 3,200mAh battery to double the iPhone’s battery life.
The ergonomic SnapGrip also has a DSLR-like shutter button, which connects to the iPhone’s camera via Bluetooth. With the SnapGrip attached, it gives the feel of a digital camera. Since it’s attached magnetically, the grip can rotate 180 degrees in your hand for taking photos at any angle. The grip has a flat bottom edge for sitting hands-free on flat surfaces.
But there’s more: The kit includes a SnapPod magnetic handle to extend the camera for a perfect selfie and a magnetic tripod. And lastly, there’s a SnapLight magnetic LED ring light with four brightness levels.
The light has an attachment so it can be clipped to the top of the phone and face the subject for the front-facing camera. A small mirror is in the center of the light ring for last-minute hair and face checks.
Since all the accessories — the GripSnap, handle and the LED light — are magnetic, they can be stacked for simultaneous use. You can also use the light away from the iPhone to get different light angles. The kit is available in five color choices, and a storage pouch is included. shiftcam.com $129.99
Jabra PanaCast 20 personal video conferencing camera
Jabra’s PanaCast 20 personal video conferencing camera, built with artificial intelligence, is picture-perfect. And it only takes a few seconds of use to know that.
The black metal portable camera attaches to a monitor with its built-in clip for a one-on-one video conference or a packed conference room. An optional Jabra PanaCast table stand is available for $55.
Using the camera with the AI shows you how great this is, along with the picture quality. The AI-driven Intelligent Zoom follows you in the conference call if you stand up, walk or point to props. Whatever you do, you’re on camera in real time and in the center of the frame as long as you are in the camera’s field of view.
Inside the camera is a 1/3.2-inch sensor with a camera resolution of 13 megapixels. The video resolution has choices of 720p (1280 x 720 at 30 frames per second), 1080 full HD (1920 x 1080 at 30 fps) and 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 at 30 fps).
The 1.73-by-1-by-3.14-inch PanaCast 20 lens has intelligent zoom, and the focal length is 2.6 mm with a 2.25-inch aperture. It delivers a 90-degree view horizontally, 75 degrees vertically and 117 degrees diagonally. Three microphones are inside with a frequency range of 100 to 8000 hertz.
The PanaCast 20 works with a variety of software choices. Adjusting settings and firmware is done with the Jabra Direct software.
What’s important is how easy it is to set up and how it works: simple and great. The intelligent zoom and tracking followed me as long as I stayed in the frame — it’s not a pan-tilt-zoom, so it won’t follow you if you do 360s around the back of the camera. The three built-in microphones also captured my voice well, even when I intentionally turned away from the
camera while talking.
The camera adjusted as I changed the amount of light in the room.
A storage case is included. jabra.com $329
Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds
If you’re looking for a solid choice of true wireless earbuds away from the white mainstream choice, look no further than Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds with active noise cancellation.
The stem-style earbuds have a glossy finish (also available in white) and come with various-sized CloudComfort ear tips (S, M1, M2, L) and a fast-charging storage case. Inside each earbud are 9.2 mm and 6 mm dynamic drivers.
Anker promises with the Liberty 4 that you’ll hear a wide frequency range with every detail from deep bass to sparkling treble, along with what they call 360-degree spatial audio sound. This enables the sound to be heard from all directions. And you do.
What’s most important is they sound
great. I ran them through my standard playlists and everything sounded as advertised.
The on-ear controls are responsive and do everything you need to control the music — turning it on and off, modes (movie or music) and track choices. Access other settings with the companion app.
The Liberty 4 true wireless earbuds have also added a heart rate tracking feature and the Soundcore app. They have an IPX4 water rating but must be fully dry before being put in the non-waterproof charging case. The USB charging case also works with Qi chargers. Anker ratings have them lasting up to nine hours per charge with active noise cancellation off; the case holds an additional 19 hours.
As for the noise cancellation, that feature is known to work great on airplanes, but since I didn’t have a trip planned, I took them with me on a journey with my wife to the mall. They did their job to lower the background noises and keep me tuned into the music.