Hey gang, Valkor here. Around this time, I usually have a page for an NYC Pepcom event floating around. However, I ended up missing it. But since there’s usually an east and west coast event, I took the time to head out to San Francisco, to see how the other side handles things. It was a smaller venue than I had expected. But it was still worth the journey.
As always, if you’re interested in the company and what they have to offer, simply click their name.
HyperX – We’ve covered plenty of their audio products here on the site. But now HyperX is looking to take gaming to a whole new level. First up we have the sequel to the Cloud Revolver – the Cloud Revolver 2. The difference between the two headsets is that the Revolver2 comes with 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound and an audio controller, similar to the "Cloud II. Next is the Fury S gaming mouse pad, the Pulsefire FPS gaming mouse, and the Alloy FPS Mechanical gaming keyboard. And this is only the beginning of what HyperX has to offer. But until the newer stuff makes their way to market, expect reviews of the Revolver 2 and Pulsefire in the coming weeks.
Dojo – As we become more and more connected with the Internet of Things, we need ways to protect ourselves from outside forces that look to do our networks harm. Enter Dojo, which is a similar product as the Bitdefender BOX that we reviewed some time ago. However, Dojo touts an easier setup, better protection, and a more prominent notification light, which shows various statuses on your network. I’m definitely looking forward to giving this one a run as the BOX, while it still a solid performer, was a lot more work than it should have been.
JLab Audio – With the might of summer just getting started, you gotta be well prepared for spending more time outdoors. Thankfully, JLab has a few products of interest that will add some jam to your summer blast. The three items that look most impressive would be the House and Block Party Bluetooth speakers. And giving some competition to AMPS AIR would be the Epic Air. Now, I say these items look impressive because we have tested out their audio capabilities… yet.
Switchmate – I was impressed with the ease of use of the Switchmate light panel – so impressed that ended up testing it out on my mom, who isn’t very tech savvy, yet she found it so easy to use. Well, Switchmate is moving beyond light panels and onto something related that looks to give you a smart home without all the complications with the "Instant Smart Home Starter Kit". This line of products adds smart plugs as well as cameras to the mix. The smart plug gives you control over most items you plug into it, plus it has a night light and two USB ports on the bottom. The smart camera offers up 1080p video clips and switches between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when necessary. And of course, there are updates to the Switchmate lineup, which now comes in different sizes.
Monoprice – Looking to expand beyond cables and other tech accessories, Monoprice is about to take things to a whole new level with their latest product lineup. First up, the company brought along a couple of 3D printers, with the first being the MP Select Mini v2 (on the right), and the second MP Mini Delta (on the left). Both can create very intricate designs and at an affordable price. Finally, we have the Strata Home Sous Vida Precision Cooker, which promises a perfect and tasty meal every time. And I’m always interested in a good meal, so this should be a fun review item.
Coolpad – Not everyone needs the power of the latest iPhone or all of the features of a Samsung or an LG smartphone. Enter Coolpad with their entry into the low-end market – the Canvas. It runs on the latest Android OS (Nougat), comes with an 8MP rear camera, 2500mAh, and a host of other features. It’s simple yet very effective. And given its affordable pricing, it’s perfect as a backup, or for the older or younger crowd.
Next round of Pepcom will be coming your way next month. So stay tuned to the pages of TOV for more events tech or otherwise.