by Sharm | Mar 17, 2014 | Home & Living, Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews
I was recently loaned out the Mini Jambox by Jawbone to review from Verizon Wireless and have to say it is quite nifty.
This tiny wireless Bluetooth enabled speaker has a trendy design with a single aluminum enclosure and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
I had a blast trying out and thought it sounded great! The Bluetooth capability allows it to pair with a smart phone, tablet, iPhone and other Bluetooth enabled devices and becomes a speakerphone that will receive and make calls all with the touch of a button.
With not being much bigger than a cell phone, the Mini Jambox is easy to take along anywhere you go or sit seamlessly anywhere in the house. It can play music and audio that is already on your device or if you prefer using one of the many music apps, those will play as well. It can be connected to gaming units, laptops and televisions and enhance the sound of anything you may want.
If Bluetooth is not available, a speaker cord comes with the Mini Jambox that can be connected to any device that has a speaker output. I tend to watch a lot of Netflix and found connecting the speaker wire to the laptop while watching gave me much better volume control and clarity.
Connecting the Mini Jambox to a computer via the USB cord and installing the Jawbone updater allows the speakers firmware to be updated and allows a number of voices and languages to be used for the voice prompts that notify you of the amount of battery life left, incoming and outgoing calls and more.
Speaking of battery life, the website claims to have 10 hours of continuous play. I never tested it or ran the speaker that long as it seemed my phone needed charging before then. The Jawbone app available in both iTunes and Android format allows users to control the Jambox’s options.
Although, the Jambox was only on loan and I have to give it back, I wish to thank Verizon Wireless for allowing me to test it out. I did not think I was in the market for a wireless speaker, but after using this Mini Jambox, I may reconsider. I will admit I am not as tech savvy as some others out there and with the Mini Jambox; you do not need to be! It was easy and simple to use, had great sound and the sleek designs will fit any personality.
Additional information on size, specs, compatibility and any other questions you may have can be found at Jawbone.com or Verizonwireless.com.
by Sharm | Jan 9, 2014 | Home & Living, Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews
The cool folks over at Verizon lent me the Ellipsis 7 tablet to try out and I have to say it was quite nifty. I currently have an android phone and an out of date laptop that weighs a ton so having to send this tablet back makes me a bit sad. If Verizon’s goal of letting me borrow this tablet would convince me to buy one they have succeeded.
In compared to my phone the android operating system is similar but the features are much better. I loved the larger screen, the faster surfing and the pre-installed apps such as iHeartRadio and Redbox Instant by Verizon. 
The Flipboard feature is great. The 7-inch screen is clear and makes it much more enjoyable to read on, play on or watch content while still being small enough to take it on the run. I am avid Daily Plate user on Livestrong.com and this tablet made it easy to log my food on the go!
The Google Maps system is up to date and since it is small enough to take along anywhere, I enjoyed using the navigation system on it separately from the one on my phone, as it does not interfere if a text or call comes in.
At home, when I was in the need of a quick Google search or email check the tablet easily became a replacement for my laptop. I am also an avid cook and using it in the kitchen with all the amazing food apps was a dream!
For me this tablet far exceeds anything I already own and has more features than I will probably every use. As far as specifications go, I am not tech savvy enough to give you the pros and cons of the operating system so you can get all the details of that here if you in need of certain information on features or specifications.
The price on the tablet varies on whether you get a contract or not but is still affordable for a tablet these days. For more information on pricing and plans for the Ellipsis 7 check out Verizon’s website.
by Sharm | Oct 11, 2013 | Health
As a blogger, I occasionally get to try out products and I was recently provided with a FitBit One by Verizon Wireless who loaned the device out to me for a review. After wearing it for a few weeks, I reluctantly had to send sent it back. As always whenever I am given a product to test out, all opinions are entirely my own and I have to say it is a nifty device.
I am a bit of a fitness buff and already own a Body Media armband that I bought a couple of years ago. Therefore, the chance to try out another device was right up my alley.
The FitBit is easy to set up; you just turn it on and synchronize it to the profile you create on fitbit.com. The FitBit tracks calories burned, steps taken, stairs climbed and sleep. The information then synchronizes to your computer and to your smart phone where you can see all of your activity. From the website or the app, you are able to see the FitBit tracking information. You can also log food and workouts making the FitBit the ultimate activity tracker.
Compared to the Body Media Armband, the Fit Bit One is much smaller and is able to clip onto on a waistband, pocket, sleeve, sports bra or any place you would like to wear it. Just be aware that wherever you choose to wear it, you will just want to remember to remove it from your clothing as not lose it to the washing machine. The monitoring fee is included in the purchase of the device as to where the Body Media Armband has a monthly fee. The battery life lasts longer and the wireless technology is convenient.
I really enjoyed using the device and would recommend it to fitness buffs or those new to the activity-tracking world. It is easy to use and is a great tool for body awareness and tracking.
I wish to thank Verizon for lending it out to me; I think it has convinced me to make the switch from my armband.
In addition to the FitBit One, FitBit has also just introduced the new FitBit Force Wristband. The FitBit family also includes a Wi-Fi smart scale. For more information on the FitBit One and all, the products available check out FitBit.com.
