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UOFMTIGER'S DEN

Apple Watch Ultra for the Slacker?

9/9/2022

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​So, Apple came out with its rumored "extreme" sports watch.   They showed it being used in mountain expeditions, scuba diving, etc...  I don't blame them, there is a certain segment of society that fits into those categories or at least likes products that have the ruggedness to fit into those categories.

Below is the Apple Video I am referring to:

So is this watch also for slackers?

Personally, I don't do any of the activities in the video, but I ordered the Apple Watch Ultra.  Why?   There are a few reasons.....

1.   The battery life - I have an Apple Watch 4 that is already having battery issues.  My guess is that a longer battery (36 hours with normal use...double the amount of their new AW8) will not only help now, but also down the road as the battery power starts declining.  

2.  Bigger Brighter screen -  A bigger brighter screen is also welcome.  While the current screen (on my Apple Watch 4) is decent,  a bigger, brighter screen is always welcome.  For example, it makes it easier to read, especially in the sun.  Additionally, this screen is so bright it can be used as a flashlight! 

3.  Action Button - Having an external button that can be programmed to start an activity is great.  Not sure if they will let you program it to non-active apps, but I could use it in the pool or when I take dogs for a walk.   Even a slacker has to move on occasion.  LOL
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​4.  Better Mics and Speakers - When I answer calls with my watch, it usually means I am outside or working on something away from my phone.  Better mics and speakers will be welcomed!  The mics use beam forming technology, which means wind noise and other noises should be kept to a minimum.

5. Bigger and more tactile Digital Crown - Better for big guys like me (6'5).   I also look forward to using it with gloves on.

6.  Night Mode - Sorry, this red and black face, just looks too cool.  Looking forward to trying that out at the theater or in other dark arenas.

7. Will act as a dive computer up to 40 meters - While I don't dive, I expect this to be great for the pool and visits to the ocean.  It is supposed to be able to give you the water temperature, which will come in handy.

8. Chunky design -  I know many people will not like the thicker styling of this watch.  As I mentioned, I am bigger than most people, so I expect it to look decent compared to my size.  However, I still have the Apple Watch 4 if I need to have something slender for wearing with a suit or something like that.  I also have a regular mechanical watch that I typically wear on special occasions, so I am covered in any event.
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9. Watch Bands - Even though they changed the case size, the old bands will still work.  I went with their Alpine Loop design.  The reason is that I don't have anything like it and I expect it will be harder for 3rd parties to duplicate.   Not sure I will want it for everyday use, but I have old bands that will work if it proves to be a pain to take on and off.

10. Improved GPS tracking with Backtrack - We do go to the Smokies on occasion.  One time, I was still out on a trail when the sun was going down and I would have loved to have this backtrack feature.  Will be great for visiting large cities, as well.

11.  Bluetooth - They even have a better version of Bluetooth on this watch compared to the series 8.  I will use Bluetooth headphones with this watch, so great to know they went with a higher standard ( 5.3 vs 5.0).

While the price on these is more than I paid for my Aluminum Watch with Cellular, it still seems like a bargain a $799 (for Apple anyway).   Last year, I considered a watch upgrade and didn't like any of the colors, so I was seriously considering a stainless steel watch.  If I remember correctly, those were $749.   With this lightweight titanium design with all of these new features, this price is lower than just about anyone expected.   

And for style, it should fit in nicely with my Jeep Wrangler.   I could see the watch coming in handy when I take the Jeep on back trails as well as using it on an everyday basis.   Of course, I don't have the watch yet, so maybe I will hate it when it is actually in hand.  We will see, but I thought it was worth a trip to the Apple Store if I do end up returning it.  ​
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WiiM Mini Amazon Ultra HD

7/25/2022

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I added the Amazon Beta update for my WiiM Mini (a demonstration in video below).  Personally, this is what I want from a streaming platform... the ability to stream directly from the native iOS/iPad app in the native resolution of the file, even at 24/192.  It works like a charm, so I went ahead and added Amazon Music to my monthly subscription services.  This service is cheaper than Qobuz (I already had a Prime membership) and works with the many Amazon devices I have around, so that makes it more bang for the buck.   

I am still keeping Apple Music alongside it because I also have HomePods and CarPlay along with AppleTVs.   So, I guess, I am just going to carry two services.  Luckily. Apple bundles Apple Music with other stuff and it makes sense for our family needs.  
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My 2022 Apple Wishlist

7/15/2022

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So, here we are a few months from the Apple updates and I thought I would throw out some of my wishlist items..just in case they are listening.  LOL.    Personally, I haven't kept up with the rumors this year, but hopefully, some of these concepts are on their way!

1.   Apple TV - I love my AppleTV ( I have the 4th edition with the old remote), but it resamples all audio to 48k.  I want it to do bit rate switching on the fly to take advantage of the better audio capabilities of Apple Music.  Outside of that, and the remote they updated last year, I am happy with my current AppleTV, but this kind of update would put me on the upgrade path.

2.  Speaking of Apple Music, they need to update Airplay 2 to handle hi res.  Well, by that standard, I saw articles last year saying that Apple Music was compressed with Airplay2, so that also need to be fixed (if it hasn't by now).   

3.  MacOS - Along those same lines, they need bit rate switching on the fly so multi-thousand dollar Macs have the same capability as the cheapest iPad on the market.

4.  Apple Watch - I am looking for one single feature that lets me run any app with always on mode.  I want to take full advantage of my Clockology watch faces.  I will take the battery hit!   

5.  Homepod - Simply bring back the bigger model and make it cheaper.  I have the original and the mini and the mini is not in the same league.  

6.  iPhone - Better lenses.... more megapixels.  I would also love to get rid of the ultra wide lens and replace it with another telephoto.   They need a long and shorter telephoto.  Personally, I find the distortion on the ultra wide so bad that the lens is mostly unusable. 

7.  iPadOS / iPad - Please add some version of Final Cut.. and make the large iPad's lighter and thinner (where is Jony Ive when you need him? LOL) 

8.  Macs - 4k screens would be nice....however, I can't see me updating my 2016 MBP because I prefer using the iPad when I am not in front of larger screens.  

I doubt I will update any hardware this year unless I see some of these changes.    Just better things to spend my money on than changes I will barely notice or not even use.   All in all, the Apple Music lossless/Hi Res release was so exciting, but they have so many products that can't take real advantage of it that it is disappointing.   
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WiiM is a Hi Res Streamer

3/22/2022

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I wanted to get a quick video up to discuss Wiim's Hi Res Audio options at the moment.  Please forgive the rushed feel, but I wanted to get it out there as soon as possible.  

The reason I posted it is because I was watching a Darko video where he says he doesn't believe the WiiM is a Hi Res streamer.   I also included his video below (it does look like he edited it to remove some info about Qobuz, if I remember the initial video correctly), but as of this post it still says "he doesn't believed that this is really a hi res streamer (3:51 into the video unless he edits it after this post).

Below I talk about how to get Hi Res audio out of the streamer, show you what I believe to be gapless playback from the WiiM app (you can judge for yourself), and demonstrate using it with DLNA.   While I know this won't wipe out the people that only see his video, but maybe someone looking into the device with stumble onto my video.  
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Canpur JF1&2 Earphones Review

3/2/2022

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I got a pair of Canpur JF1&2 Professional 2BA+1DD in-Ear Earphones HiFi Headset, Wired Balance Armature with Dynamic in-Ear Earphone to review.   I haven't had a new pair of Earphones in a long time, so I was looking forward to giving them a spin.

​Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).

First off, they came in a nice box and has a gift worthy presentation when you open it.  The buds are good looking and the cable is made up of copper and black wire,  which matches the flecks in the earphones..  It looks great, but I wish the cable was a bit longer even if it tangles easily.   It has a bunch of different ear tips, some cleaning supplies, and a nice blue case for carrying them.
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Sound quality is one of those “ in the ears of the beholder” type of things.  However, these offer a bright, forward presentation.  Some will find that they are too bright with their associated equipment.  However, these things have an unbelievable amount of detail.   As a result, you will probably hear things in some recordings that you have never heard (for better or worse).  

I will admit that if you listen to music like “Keith Don’t Go”, the high pitched notes on the guitar might hurt your ears.  However, that song is an extreme example.   Personally, I tried these with multiple amps and DACs.  My preference was hearing them connected to my Little Dot MKIII tube amp.  Tons of detail with the warmer sound of tubes is amazing.   I tried them with an early version of the Dragonfly Black DAC and enjoyed that combo, too.   With some DACs, the treble may be too bright.  In that case, I tried some of the Apple Music EQ settings and the “increase bass” setting seemed to help.   You can also use the “treble reducer” setting if you are highly sensitive.  
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Comparisons

For comparison purposes, I compared them with my Grado SR60s open back headphones.  The main reason is that the Grados are also considered on the bright side.  The Canpur's were still brighter and the Grado's have a warmer sound in the bass notes.  

Since these are pocketable, I also compared them to my Etymonic ER4P buds.  The Etys have been my travel headphones for years, so I am fond of the sound.  However, compared to the Canpurs, it was like a big veil went up when listening to several songs.  Even with the brightness, I prefer the Canpurs to my "go to" monitors.  They really just pull every note out of a song especially when using the Dragonfly DAC.  The HiDizs DAC was more of a toss up because I think the Canpurs are just too bright when matched to this portable DAC.  However, when EQ is employed, they can be reigned in if you are playing music with a lot of treble.  In that case, they were comparable, if not slightly better sounding to my ears than the Etys.

Wrap up

Personally, I prefer more analytical headphones because I find it easier to reign that in that getting detail from those with a warmer, laid back sound.   The Canpurs are brighter than any headphones I have tried, so I don’t think they are for everyone, especially if they don’t want to mess with EQ.  However, I love them with my tube amp.   In fact, it has had me listening to a bunch of my old favorite albums just to see what I discover.  For me, these have become my new "go to" buds.  Once you adapt to that kind of detail, it becomes addictive.   As a side note, they look like they have an $80 off coupon for the time being.  May be worth giving it a shot at that price.
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WiiM Mini Hi Res Update Review

2/20/2022

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Wow!  Just WOW!!   I can't really tell you have long I have been looking for an audio product under $200 that can do just about everything that I would want.  The Wiim does nearly everything I want at less than $90 (current price).

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This is going to be a long article, but if you want to skip ahead, I will have different titles for specific features.   I am going to start with Hi Res since that is the one that really sets this product apart.  However, I will move into other features that were pretty awesome before the latest Hi Res update.

Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).
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Hi Res Audio for a C Note (or less)

Yesterday, I contacted Wiim to see when we would get the firmware update that turned this 16/48Khz device into a Hi Res audio device.   They said it was already being rolled out and it was!  About 2 hours later, I had the update on myWiiM Mini.   I also had an update to the WiiM app on my iOS device.   With this update, we now have Hi Res audio available from both the analog (according to WiiM) and the optical output.   I personally don't own one DAC that can take a 24/192k signal over optical, but I did test the 24/96k output.   WiiM was quite clever with their integration by giving you the ability to choose a sample rate of 48kHz, 96kHz, or 192kHz along with a bit depth of 16 bits or 24 bits.  Once you make the selection, you can play test audio and it will play if your DAC is able to play the signal.  
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They will also let you turn on "Fixed volume output", which I assume gets you a bit perfect signal without the volume control of the iOS device causing issues.  
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Qobuz and UPNP

The WiiM currently has a couple ways of playing Hi Res.   You can use Qobuz inside the WiiM app and choose your output and it will play Hi Res from the WiiM app.  As I mentioned, I can only test up to 96kHz and it worked great.  If you choose a lower rate file (16/44.1) it will play it without upsampling.  I confirmed this using my Cambridge DACMagic.    
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UPNP also works great.   I have discussed the Audirvana app on this site many times and it is awesome with the WiiM Mini.  I tested it with my own Led Zeppelin 24/96 file and also tested it with Qobuz and Tidal.   It works with all of the above at 24/96 and lower resolutions.  I noticed that Tidal has files in 88.2 and it played them in their native formats, as well.   I also tested LMS (Logitech Media Server) and it works via UPNP.

Amazon Ultra?

Amazon and Tidal both have streaming available inside the WiiM app.   Neither offer Hi Res via the app at this point (as I mentioned above, you can get Tidal via UPNP running on Audirvana).   I emailed the company and they are hoping to add Amazon Hi Res files in April this year.   They aren't sure if they will add support for Tidal due to the MQA issues.   

Amazon's Music Service is available in their app, though.  You can even use an Echo device to control what is playing on the WiiM by voice if you have Amazon Music and an Echo.  I tested it with Apple Music, which works on the Echo, but it says "Apple Music is not supported on this device".   When you use the voice features on the Echo, I believe it uses Bluetooth to send the signal.  In any event, you will get a 44.1 signal using this method.  

Airplay 2 and Apple Music

I believe Airplay 2 gives you audio access to every app on iOS.  Sorry, I haven't tested the WiiM on Android...but maybe I will try that down the road for a separate review.   I noticed that the signal for Airplay 2 is locked in at 48kHz regardless of the signal I am sending to the WiiM.   This is the same resolution that the AppleTV uses for Airplay, so I assume that is why they implemented the feature this way (I have an email out asking them, so will update, if necessary).  I tested sending audio from Netflix and Youtube.  I didn't see any issues with lips being out of sync, but I am not saying it isn't there if you are super sensitive to it.  It looked fine to me, though.  You do need to be careful jumping back and forth between apps if you have "Fixed volume output" enabled.   Each app seems to have their own set volume, so some are softer or louder than others.  

One of the upsides to using Airplay with Apple Music is that it can be controlled with Siri (once you add WiiM to the Home App).   This can be controlled via the iPhone (Apple Watch), HomePod, iPad, and MacOS.   This also allows for easy multi-room control.  

Note (3/4/22) - I asked WiiM about the Airplay issue and they have resubmitted their app to Apple to get Airplay to use 44.1 rather than 48k.  I will update when I see that update come through. 

Spotify 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the free version of Spotify supported.   Unlike Tidal Connect, you don't need a premium account to use Spotify Connect, either.   This will send their compressed file from the web directly to the WiiM without routing through the Apple Device of choice first (unlike Airplay).   Some will find this more useful if they want to use their iPhone for phone calls or don't want to risk running down the battery while listening to music.  Personally, I rarely run into those issues, but everyone has a different use case.  It would be great if Spotify got on the Hi Res/Lossless bandwagon like the rest of their competitors, but we will see what happens down the road.

Bluetooth and other stuff

The app has the option of using Bluetooth, Wifi, and Aux.  I tried the aux and it worked fine.  Bluetooth works great, too.   

Other Apps

The WiiM app has other services, servers and features.  One that I like is Plex access to my local music library.  It uses DLNA, like Audirvana, so it will also work with Hi Res files.  I tested a 24/96 file and it played at its native resolution.   You can also have access to other services I did not mention above, though I didn't test all of them.
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The Wrap Up

The WiiM Mini is a device that does many things well at this price point.  Airplay2, Alexa, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, UPNP, etc.   They are selling devices that only do Airplay 2 for the same money, so this is as a major bargain.   The fact that it can also handle bit rate switching on the fly seems almost too good to be true. It seems that Apple hasn't figured out a way to do that with their multi-thousand dollar Macs yet (LOL).   Personally, I love theWiiM Mini and I expect it to show up on my Top Ten Tech List at the end of the year.   I know the year is young, but I can't see 9 other products coming out that will top it.

Upsides
Airplay 2
Alexa
Spotify Connect
Tidal Connect
Bluetooth
UPNP
Hi Res Output with certain applications (mentioned in article)
Digital out
Aux out
Aux in
Bit Rate Switching on the fly

Downsides 
WiiM only supports Qobuz service for Hi Res natively as of today
Would love a USB audio output
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WiiM Mini Update to Hi Res is HERE!!!

2/19/2022

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This is just a quick update about the WiiM Mini. 

I will have a more thorough review coming, but I had to mention that the WiiM Mini now has bit rate switching on the fly up to 24/192.   It lets you choose a max output resolution of 48, 96, or 194 so that it will be compatible with most DACs.   I have tested it via UPNP using the Audirvana app using both my native files and the Qobuz plug in and it works as advertised.

I don't see how to use Qobuz or Amazon HD in the Wiim app, but I have an email into their customer service.

This a big update for those using UPNP with Hi Res.  I still have to see how useful it is outside of that, though.   Stay tuned.
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New posts coming

2/16/2022

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As many of you may know, I used to post quite a bit, but over the last few years, I have really cut back,   Part of the issue, other than life just getting in the way, is that I simply got out of the habit.   As a result, when I do have something to post, I am just not in the habit of it, so I end up passing on the opportunity.  I still write a lot of reviews for Amazon, so usually the issue is that my website doesn't even cross my mind when I am posting new reviews.

I am going to try to remedy this by expanding the number of things I write about.   I have mainly kept it to tech, and it will still be a large portion of tech, but I have other things that come my way that don't necessarily fall into that bucket, but I feel that some will still find interesting.  

Anyway, my goal is to start posting once a week even if I am just reviewing something that doesn't fit in my normal bucket or just have something cross my mind that I want to get off my shoulders.    I hope to put something up this weekend, so stay tuned.  I will probably call it "Article of the week" with a date or something like that and go from there.  That way, I can just make sure I write something to get back into the habit. 
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Top Ten Tech 2021

11/17/2021

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As in past years (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top tech.  The list contains my favorite things from the last year, even if they were available in prior years.  By "tech" I am basically including any new toys, apps, etc... that I find cool and/or useful and currently own or owned in the last year.

Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).

My Favorite of the Year

Uplift Desk - I added some incredible tech this last year, but nothing was as important as the Uplift Desk.   I started working from home with a desk too short for my 6'5 frame, so I had severe neck and back issues that I couldn't resolve.  I ended up getting the Uplift Desk which allows me to adjust the height to my liking and put it in a standing position when I am so inclined.  It also had the option to add castor wheels which make it easy to get back behind it when I need to.   This had to my my favorite tech this year because it made it easier to do my job without pain.
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For the Photographer (and more)

iPad Pro M1 12.9 - I have the first 9.7 inch iPad Pro,  but this one took a convenient media consumption device to a new level.  The bigger, amazing screen and fast processor made it possible to do amazing edits with apps like Pixelmator.  Of course, it works for more than a photographer.  I also use it for music all day, as well...but more about that later.   I also want to mention theLogitech Keyboard that expands the use of the device and makes it a full fledged laptop replacement for many (but not all) people.   With these two things, I rarely use my MBP anymore.
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Big things in Little Packages

Mac Mini M1 - While the new MBP laptops are getting all the attention...for good reason...I added the Mac Mini M1 to the stable in the last year.  What an amazing upgrade.   I had the 2018 Mini that I traded in and this was a night and day difference.   It is super quiet and ridiculously fast.   It is probably the best bargain of all of Apple's computers especially if you stick with the capable base version.  I have the version I linked above, though.  I am looking forward to see what Apple does with the "Pro" version, but for my needs this does everything I need...except do bit rate switching on the fly like the iPad/iPhone, but that is the case for all Macs.   
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Don't forget PC

Alienware M15 R4 RTX 3070 - While I am mainly known for liking Apple products, people would be surprised by how many computers I have running Windows around the house.  This laptop can be a full computer replacement for someone that wants to dock it and then take it somewhere without feeling like they are making a huge sacrifice.   It also looks snazzy with its LEDs and modern design.  Obviously, the upside is the 300HZ screen and the fact that it is optimized for games.  I have a review here.  With my current workflow, I am still considering selling it.  It doesn't seem fair to just have this awesome machine sitting around.
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Massage therapist

I am counting the selections below as one choice because they are for the same purpose.
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Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager - This may be the bargain of the year for me.  My legs are often tight from sitting at my desk for hours on end.  One of the downsides from working at home is spending many more hours a week sitting at my desk.  This little massager is fantastic and even provides heat to the area.  
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Power Dots - These are for the same thing as the above and aren't cheap, but may be better therapy for some people.  You can strap them to areas that may be harder to reach with the massager (the back, for example).   They also have a nice app that makes it easy to tailor a program that works for you.  A more professional TENS solution for injured or tight muscular areas.
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Digital Loving Audiophile with a touch of home theater 

Apple Music - I sang the praises of Qobuz last year and feel it is still a great choice for many.   However, I dumped it this year and stuck with only Apple Music (which I was also carrying last year).   Their update to allow files up to 24/192 means they matched Qobuz in resolution.  They also carry Dolby Atmos ("Spatial Audio") files that work with my Favorite Tech of 2020, the Denon X3700H.  Of course, Apple Music integration into the Amazon Dots, Homepods, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Airplay 2, made this an amazing service for the money... they didn't even raise their prices for these updates!  I would still recommend Qobuz for a select group, but for someone with Apple devices everywhere, this is a no-brainer.

Budget Friendly Analog 

Angels Horn Turntable - I wrote a review about this turntable that I would recommend reading if you are interested.  I have this in my office and couldn't be happier with its performance. I also love the looks of it.  As of this moment, this specific design isn't available, but I am linking their current players.  Who knows?  It could be back in stock by the time you read this.
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For the person that has everything

​Vanity Mirror with Lights by KOHLER, Bathroom Vanity Mirror with Amazon Alexa - Definitely not the cheapest mirror and it has its faults.  However, we put this in when we remodeled our small master bath and it looks amazing.  The built in LEDs can be controlled by voice and it has Bluetooth speakers and Alexa built in (though it has not been updated to support Apple Music directly).  I use it every day for Bluetooth.  The speakers aren't close to audiophile quality, but for a bathroom they are fine.  It saves you from having speakers and wires on your vanity top.  The lights can also be controlled with Alexa.  We love it.
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For the blogger/vlogger

VIDEOGEAR Black Mini 5 Inch camera monitor - I like to use my Sony A7 RIII occasionally for videos, but the issue is that it does not have a screen that can articulate enough to see it from the front.  This little 5 inch screen can solve that by allowing you to mount it where your flash would typically go. It looks great and does the Job. I still don't make enough videos, but I know its here when I need it.  Below you can see that it also has the ability to feed a larger display. 
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Apple Watch App of the Year

Clockology - I get really tired of using the native Apple Watch apps.  Everyone has the same things!  Clockology is a free (with a premium side I have not used) app that can give you access to numerous watch faces.  It is fun to wear a Rolex (for example) face on my Apple Watch.  No, it isn't the same thing as a real Rolex, but it is a homage to that style.  I have an Omega that I wear on special occasions, but this allows me to keep a similar face on my wrist even when the Omega is on the winder.
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The Wrap Up

As you can see, there were definitely some cool stuff the I added this last year.  It was obviously focused on getting my office to a point where I don't mind spending 8 or more hours in it a day.  When we go back to the office, I will still enjoy it more now that I fixed most of the issues I had with the space.

Obviously, the recent big releases were the iPhone 13 and the new MBP Pros.  I wasn't in the market for either.  I got the iPhone 12 Pro Max last year and honestly I don't want to trade out the telephoto lens that is 65mm to 77mm equivalent.  I use this all the time to take photos because it is the only lens with very little (if any) distortion.  The 77mm is just too long for my use.  I hope they come out with two telephoto lenses down the road.  Would be nice to have a 50ish mm and a 100mm without distortion.  

The reason I am not in the market for the new MBPs is that I just don't have a need for it.  My 2016 MBP rarely gets used and I have the powerful Alienware laptop if I need that kind of juice on the go.   I mainly use the Mac Mini M1(when sitting at the desk) and the iPad 12.9 (when I am away from my office) combo.  They get most of the jobs done for me and both are quick enough that I don't feel like I am waiting on the computer most of the time.    

There are also cameras like the Sony a1 out that are compelling for the right person.  I am still more than happy with the Sony A7 RIII.  

I think things are pretty stable as far as tech/hobbies for me at the moment.   I do wonder what next year will bring...besides a new vinyl liner for the pool (already sucking $$$ from my pocket).  I had talked about updating speakers, and I may still do that.  I also wouldn't mind some new Tamron lenses if we do end up leaving the house more, too.   I was all set to update to the new Apple Watch, but then I looked at the colors and I am thinking about holding out another year unless I get stainless steel (which I am considering).      

Have a great 2022!!

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New Beginnings

11/6/2021

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As I have mentioned in the past, I don’t really write much about my personal life and that is by design.  It isn’t because I lack a life (which I have been accused of), but it is more about wanting to keep the focus on tech and hobbies.   Obviously, the lack of consistent posts over the past few years would suggest that I have other things competing for my attention.

That being said, back in July 2018, I revealed that I was coming out of a long term relationship and was just starting to get things back on track.   It was definitely a rough time for me, but we can put that experience and the lessons learned on the back-burner for another day.   

During that time, I was very lucky to get to meet one of my mom's best friends.  Funny, my parents had spoke of her many times before, but I thought she was my mom's age, not younger than me! For a month, we texted back and forth before we ever met.  Things were so natural when texting, but who knew how things would go in person?

Well, we finally met and we have been almost inseparable since that day.  I guess you could say I was awestruck.   She was everything I could have dreamed of...smart, hilarious, talented, artistic, creative, compassionate,  patient, fun loving, happy, worldly, classy, elegant and beautiful inside and out.  

While I could talk more about her MBA, published book, her art that hangs in galleries, or her world travel, what I really want to talk about is her big heart.  One day, before I ever knew her, she went out to her back porch and a wounded opossum that had been shot in the back was laying there.  She ran it up to the vet and they did surgery, but they told her it could no longer use its back legs so she would have to care for it or they would put it down.  

She took it home and took care of it without even thinking about the downsides (and there were many).  However, she loved that opossum like she loved the cats she also took in. 
​
Since then, she also brought in a cat that was being neglected by a neighbor.  They had the cat for 15 years, but when she found out the cat needed an eye removed, she told the owners and they said she could just keep the cat.   Of course, she took care of it and it is thriving despite having poor health.  We are fortunate this cat came along because it was fearless and trained Obi to tolerate cats.  In fact, Obi (my schnauzer) loves this cat and tolerates the others now.  
Picture
Picture
After being with this kind and happy soul for over three years now, I have come to the conclusion that she is the only one for me.   So, on October 18th, we tied the knot and we couldn’t be happier.
​  

I don't know who will read this since I don't get the number of hits I did prior to 2017, but if  you stumbled upon it, please wish us many sunny days as we move into the future together!  

Below are some pics that I think show her personality.  It should be mentioned that on our wedding day, there was a butterfly buried in the sand by the incoming tide.  I saw it, but thought it was dead.  She stopped everything, went over and dug it out of the sand and brushed it off.  The pic of her with the butterfly on her chest in the slideshow below is the butterfly that she saved that day.  Funny thing is, after she saved the butterfly, it 
didn't want to leave her.  

​In so many ways I can relate to that butterfly!
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    About me:

    Dog loving, Big Green Egg worshiping, Tech enthusiast, residing in Memphis, TN.  Home of the Tigers, Grizzlies, Elvis, Al Green, Stax, Hi Records, Ardent Studios, Beale Street, Peabody Ducks, etc..  I have also added the Jeep Wrangler to the list of things I am enthusiastic about.

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