BBQ like a pro with Heston Blumenthal’s innovative Everdure Fusion

With summer in full swing, there’s no better time than now to take advantage of the languid temperatures and gather your loved ones for a sumptuous barbeque by the pool or beachside. If you’re more BBQ novice than grillmaster, though, fear not, as one particularly handy gadget can purportedly help you achieve the perfect grill with minimal effort.

Dubbed the Everdure Fusion Charcoal Electric Ignition Barbeque, the contemporary machine is designed to simplify old-fashioned charcoal cooking and achieve that smoky flavour like a pro. With an innovative Fast Flame Ignition System, you can achieve the ideal charcoal burn temperature with a boost from an electric charge – something that can apparently be achieved within 10 short minutes.

What’s more, its patented Rotiscope Technology allows you to set up a perfect rotisserie spit equally breezily, while the helpful addition of Cliplock Forks ensure your prized cut of meat remains exactly where it should be throughout the cooking process. To round out its no-muss, no-fuss approach, the porcelain enamel firebox and charcoal trays have been designed to be easily cleanable, while the addition of a free-standing pedestal means you can choose to set up your grill wherever you please.

While all this may sound slightly too good to be true, the Everdure Fusion Charcoal Electric Ignition Barbeque comes with the highest of recommendations, most notably from celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, owner of the world-famous The Fat Duck in Berkshire, UK. This may be of little surprise, though, since the Everdure range of barbeque gadgets is actual his personal brainchild, launched to create a ‘3 Michelin star barbeque range’ in the comforts of your own backyard.

To find out more and pre-order your own Everdure Fusion barbeque unit, visit this site.

FoodMarble Aire: Identify your food intolerances with this handy gadget

Prince or pauper, high-net-worth individual or homeless hobo, we all have at least one thing in common – the propensity to develop Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive disorder that can cramp your lifestyle just as much as it can cramp your organs.

Its persistence, according to most eminent stoolologists, can be curtailed if you can excise the trigger foodstuffs from your diet. The problem – up until now – has been that the exact trigger varies from scoffer to scoffer, with every bunged-up bowel potentially irritated by something different.

The “up until now” in this instance comes courtesy of FoodMarble, a Dublin-based start-up, whose debut product – the FoodMarble Aire – literally sniffs out just what’s getting your tum into such an untimely tangle. It does this by logging the fluctuating levels of hydrogen in your exhalations.

Fitted into an eminently portable square package (with mouthpiece attached), the FoodMarble Aire has a companion app that tracks your readings instantaneously. All that’s required is inhaling for three seconds then exhaling into the device. What’s more, it is even said to track your sleep and stress levels as well, providing a more holistic way to track your body. The higher the level, the more indigestible your belly is finding whatever it is you are currently tucking into. It then goes one step further and identifies whatever it is your system is a little intolerant of – whether that’s lactose, sorbitol (a sugar substitute), wheat or something a tad more exotic. What’s more, the US$159 FoodMarble Aire provides instant readings and reports via its companion mobile phone app.

No-Curl Power: New ghd platinum + styler could unlock your hair’s potential

Since time immemorial, the more curly-haired girlies have experimented with every variety of trichological trickery in a bid to hamper humidity-induced frizz or to try and untangle seemingly untameable tresses – a quest that ultimately gave rise to the high-tech hair straightener that is now a staple of so many bathroom cabinets.

Despite their ubiquity, this particular manifestation of tonsorial technology often takes a barbarous toll – dried-out hair strands, follicle damage or permanent colour loss.Now, though, the coiffure connoisseurs at ghd, the UK-based specialists in robust ringlets, have introduced the ghd platinum + styler, a device they claim delivers “healthier styling in one stroke”.

More specifically, thanks to integrated predictive technology, this handy hairstyler adapts its settings to best suit your hair texture, tracking the lustre of your locks and the speed of your strokes, then adjusting its heat and power accordingly. It is also said to deliver 70 percent stronger hair, twice the colour protection and 20 percent more shine than its competitors.

While there may be more comb-over than substance to some such claims, there is no denying that the ghd platinum+ styler is both efficient and versatile, with the add-on rounder barrel allowing you to add curls and waves to your straight-hair repertoire too.

Newton Lever-Press Espresso Maker offers back-to-basics java

High-tech electronics and intricate engineering seem to have become part-and-parcel of the modern coffee-making experience, with high-end java-focussed brands like Nuova Simonellia and Concordia almost entirely removing the human element of creating an espresso. Thankfully, not all brands have gone the all-automated route, and the new Newton Lever-Press Espresso Maker is just one example.

The brainchild of the New Zealand-based espresso enthusiasts at Newton Espresso, simplicity underlines every aspect of the Newton Lever-Press Espresso Maker. Available as a counter-top model or a wall-mounted appliance, the process is minimalism at its very best. Simply add your grinds to basket, pour boiling water, then raise and lower the lever, and enjoy your freshly-made espresso.

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with its mechanisms, the non-electric device also allows you to further personalise your beverage in several ways – the force applied to the lever, the coarseness of the ground coffee, quantity of beans used, etc – so that you can have your cuppa made just the way you like it.

Crafted in a sleek stainless steel frame with anodised aluminium barrel and lever and an American hard maple timber base, it’s also easy to clean and stain-resistant – a handy feature for any accidental drippage. What’s more, the entire process is whisper-soft, while also being wholly eco-friendly – no capsules, plastic wrappers or filters. To pre-order your very own US$580 Newton Lever-Press Espresso Maker, visit this website.

Introducing: The SafeSleeve Anti-Radiation RFID Phone Wallet Case

It’s no secret that in today’s Digital Age, we are all addicted to our mobile phones to one extent or the other, logging hours each day browsing through work emails, social media accounts and news sites. But what many may not be aware of is that our phones actually emit harmful Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF/EMR) that are detrimental to our health.

When considering that the average adult spends roughly 24 hours, the equivalent of one whole day, every week on their phones, the consequences of EMF/EMR are frightening. Thankfully, though, one particularly handy gadget is capable of blocking these harmful waves – the SafeSleeve Anti-Radiation RFID Phone Wallet Case.

As its name suggests, the SafeSleeve Anti-Radiation RFID case comes equipped with technology that blocks over 90 percent of EMF/EMR thanks to its Anti-Radiation and Anti-RFID technology. But that’s not all. With a heavy emphasis on efficiency and functionality, this gadget also boasts a practical in-built three-slot wallet, and comes in a variety of options whether you own an iphone, Android or any other phone. For more information on this useful yet innocuous US$39.95 device, check out the video below.

Umay Rest: Optimum optical relief for your peepers

According to a 2016 study by Nielsen, the New York-headquartered market research giant, the average adult now spends more than 10 hours a day staring at electronic screens of one kind or another – whether perched in front of an office PC or slouched at home while peering at the latest OLED TV.

Inevitably, this persistent proximity has seen the emergence of a wholly new medical condition – Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Triggered by prolonged optical exposure to digital devices, the condition is characterised by headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes, and can also lead to disrupted sleep patterns and, in extremis, mental health problems.

In order to counter this all-too-common phenomenon, an innovative Edmonton-based start-up – Umay Care – has developed the Umay Rest, a high-tech meditation device solely geared to soothing irritated eyes. Superficially resembling a traditional eyemask, the system combines the company’s patented Meditative Heat thermal therapy with a series of gentle, programmable vibrations, all designed to soothe your dry eyes and de-stress your ocular muscles.

Now available for pre-order at US$179, everyday use of the Umay Rest is said to reduce the likelihood of future optical sensitivity problems. Thoughtfully designed to complement your own sleep schedule, its Thermal Meditation technology is even said to help confirmed insomniacs get a little shut eye.

Y-Brush: Revolutionary new high-tech toothbrush delivers 10-second clean

Ever since our first mini-molars broke through, we’ve all been lectured on the importance of giving our teeth a good brushing for at least two minutes twice a day. It’s a habit that’s only become further ingrained by nightmarish images of gaping cavities, rampant infections and terminal tooth decay. The Y-Brush, a recently devised bit of gum-friendly gadgetry, though, could free future generations from such tooth-related tyranny.

Created by FasTeesH, a French dental-care company, this revolutionary new toothbrush is said to fully cleanse every recess of your oral orifice in just 10 seconds. So, how exactly does this high-tech farewell to fillings function?

Well, the first clue that it’s not exactly a regular toothbrush comes from its distinctive contouring. Essentially, the Y-Brush resembles nothing more than a mouthguard, with its U-shaped oral insert allowing you to clean one entire jaw at a time – a boon to all those less slavishly dedicated to dental care. What’s more, the entire tray comes lined with 45-degree bristles – the optimum contact angle according to no less an authority than the American Dental Association.

With efficiency and ease of use clearly of paramount importance, users need only apply toothpaste to the device, insert it in their mouths and activate it while making a vague chewing motion. Five seconds a side and you’re done. With four sizes available, there’s a Y-Brush out there for every family member.

LG HomeBrew: Brew your own craft beers with this innovative gadget

It’s no secret that the world is experience something of a craft beer renaissance at the moment, with the industry netting US$26 billion in the US in 2017 alone. Hong Kong has also experienced a surge in craft beer connoisseurship, as we learnt from Heroes Beer Co founder Christopher Wong here. Building on this burgeoning interest, renowned electronics giant LG has introduced a new do-it-yourself appliance to help you create your own brews at home – the LG HomeBrew.

Introduced late last year, this kitchen appliance is perfect for those who’re in the mood for a little beverage experimentation. Utilising a design popularised by coffeemaker Nespresso, the LG HomeBrew encompasses an efficient and convenient capsule system, additionally fitted self-cleaning capabilities and a companion app that allows you to track your beverages-to-be as it’s being made.

Each beer batch can be crafted using a set of single-use capsules – containing malt, yeast, hops oil and flavouring – which are then automatically fermented, carbonated and aged in two weeks. To date, there are five available flavours to tickle your taste buds with: American Pale Ale, American IPA, English Stout, Czech Pilsner and Belgian-style Witbier.

“LG HomeBrew is the culmination of years of home appliance and water purification technologies that we have developed over the decades,” said Song Dae-hyun, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “Homebrewing has grown at an explosive pace but there are still many beer lovers who haven’t taken the jump because of the barrier to entry and these are the consumers we think will be attracted to LG HomeBrew.”

High Jinx: Are drones a soaring scourge or a helpful hoverer?

Three months ago, right in the middle of the peak Christmas travel period, London’s Gatwick Airport underwent a forced three-day shutdown when an unidentified drone continuously encroached on its airspace. Almost a thousand flights were diverted or cancelled and over 120,000 understandably irate passengers were affected as a result of what the airport’s chief operating officer dubbed a ‘highly targeted’ attack aimed at causing ‘maximum disruption’.

While certainly the most high-profile instance of drone-related mayhem, it’s hardly the only time these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have interfered with flight operations. Thankfully, to date, Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport has largely been spared such miscreant behaviour.

However, there are laws in place aimed at curbing any future transgressions. The Airport Authority Bylaw states that should any UAV activity affect the airport’s operations, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) – the government body under whose jurisdiction UAV activities fall – will immediately be alerted, with the responsible party then likely to face ‘suitable arrangements’ (there is, however, no indication as to just how egregious the said arrangements may prove to be).

Far less vague, however, are the CAD’s guidelines as to exactly how Hongkongers should be using their unmanned flying devices. A long, long list issued by the department includes such strictures as no flight over an altitude of 300m, no usage after dark and maintaining a distance of at least 50m from members of the public. There’s also a series of specified no-fly zones within the city which, including the airport.

Despite such clear instructions, though, local drone flyers have caused problems by flouting these restrictions. In fact, many unsuspecting members of the public have ended up having unwelcome encounters with these hovering botherers. According to the CAD, the number of complaints lodged against drones has surged in recent years, more than doubling over 2015-2017. Overall, two-thirds of the cases involved flights in restricted areas, while many of the remainder related to privacy issues.

To be fair to drones, their poor PR of late has actively obscured many of their good deeds. Indeed, in some aspects of Hong Kong life, UAVs are actually making a very creditable contribution. In the case of CLP, for instance, the electricity company is now using a fleet of drones to help maintain its Castle Peak Power Station in Tuen Mun. This has seen it commission several US$10,000-a-piece flying operatives to help inspect otherwise inaccessible parts of the facility. This has both slashed costs and taken a potentially perilous task out of human hands.

In an even more dramatic vote of confidence, the Hong Kong government has been looking at using drones as part of its ongoing bid to counter the pollution caused by container ships. Cited as the single-largest source of pollution in and around the city, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s 2016 study showed that shipping pumped more than 1,480 tonnes of PM2.5 particles into the local environment, as well as high levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

As part of moves to tackle this, in January this year, HKSAR authorities enacted a new regulation limiting all vessels in Hong Kong waters to using only fuels that contain a sulphur level of 0.5 percent or below. Taking a page out of CLP’s playbook, they now hope to use drones to help monitor compliance with this new ruling.

In order to make this a technical reality, the EPD commissioned the University of Science and Technology’s Division of Environment and Sustainability to undertake a HK$1.1 million research initiative aimed at developing new-gen UAV sensors capable of detecting air pollution and emissions remotely. Fresh off the bench, Ning’s prototypes are now being trialled over local waters, with their full deployment expected later this year.

So, hounders of holidaymakers, a rampant runaway scourge on runways or the saviours of hard-pressed maintenance men and potential environmental guardians with an ever-watchful eye on mid-Pacific polluters? As ever, technology is a double-edged sword, which is probably what social commentators have been saying pretty much ever since double-edged swords were created (around 2,700 years ago).

There is nothing that man can create that someone somewhere won’t seek to subvert for darker purposes – from atomic energy to webcams. And the humble drone is no exception. Hopefully, when such things are ultimately tallied, the doings of the good drones will far outweigh those of their rogue counterparts.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Nuraloop: Upcoming smart headphones could offer perfect audio experience

The makers of the Nuraphone – an innovative headset that personalises its audio experience to suit an individual’s unique traits – are back again with an all-new design, the Nuraloop. Aimed at reducing bulk while still retaining the self-same customisable audio technology that made its over-ear predecessor such a success, this new gadget was designed to be a discrete accessory for on-the-go audiophiles.

The upcoming Nuraloop in-ear headphones, which made its debut at the CES 2019 electronic fair last month, is the latest device from Melbourne-based audio specialist Nura. As with the brand’s first offering, the new design utilises a self-learning algorithm that studies listening patterns and adjusts its output based on your responses to low, mid and high tones.

“A person’s hearing is as unique as their face, fingerprint or voice,” said Nura co-founder and CEO Dragan Petrović when introducing the Nuraloop. “That’s why trying to design a perfect sound-system without taking into account the listener’s hearing system would be like trying to make glasses without asking ‘Who is going to be wearing them?'”

In addition to the just-for-you experience, these headphones are said to be water resistant – a handy feature should you suddenly get caught in the rain or spill your coffee – while also featuring a Bluetooth 5-actived noise cancelling system as well as a TouchDial function that allows you to adjust volume and answer calls. In another deft move to cater to day-to-day travel, a special in-built Social+ feature can be used to allow ambient sounds to penetrate without ever having to remove the ear buds. So far, there’s no word on the pricing and release date of this upcoming gadget, but if it works as well as its predecessor, there’s no doubt it’ll be in hot demand.