Kathleen Chapman

Kathleen has always enjoyed technology and the sciences (biology and entomology). She has worked as an entomological research technician, end user services tech, home educator, and technical project admin. Her continued interest in technology led her to join the Gadgeteer team in 2014.

After taming the Minecraft wolf, have him protect your iPhone 6/5/5s, iPad mini, or Samsung Galaxy S5

minecraft wolf case iphone6

The Minecraft wolf can be a vicious creature until you tame him; then he’ll fight to the death for you. Bring that same fierce protection to your iPhone 6/5/5s, iPad mini, or Samsung Galaxy S5. This ThinkGeek exclusive, officially licensed Minecraft Wolf Character Case is made of silicone and has a lip on the front […]

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Are you tired of tangled earbuds? Slide tangle-free earphones may be what you need

Slide earbuds

Years ago Janet wrote about Zipbuds tangle-free zipper earbuds (they literally looked like a zipper). Now Zipbuds has introduced their Slide tangle-free earbuds in addition to their zipper style earphones. They have a “friction-free” slider that seals the cables together making them tangle-proof and they have ZBXi Ultimate Drivers which “have been precision-tuned to deliver an

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Wifi Analyzer Android app helps you identify optimal channels for your wireless router to improve speed

WiFi Analyzer

I recently switched to T-mobile and upgraded our router to the T-mobile CellSpot (an ASUS dual-band TM-AC1900 router). When setting up this router, I didn’t want to use the default channels. I wanted to select the optimal channels that my wireless router would use on the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands (not all of our devices support the

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Use Ghostery to block unwanted tracking while surfing the net

ghostery

While surfing the internet, your data and activities are being tracked by many companies. Some tracking is beneficial and can provide you with a personalized experience on those websites you visit frequently, but some companies collect your data and develop a profile which they then sell. Additionally, others may not safeguard the information they collect

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Backward compatibility is coming to Xbox One this fall – finally!

XboxOne BackwardCompatibility 1

If you’re like our family, you’ve been waiting and hoping that Microsoft would make Xbox One backward compatible before purchasing one (we didn’t want to spend money on a new console and then have to spend more to purchase new games just to use it). Well, it took long enough, but that day is here at

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Use the Vtech Kidizoom Action Cam to capture those heart stopping stunts of your invincible children

Kidizoom Action Cam

Do you have an adventurous child? Do you ever wonder what the world looks like from their point of view when they are performing their wild stunts? Perhaps not if you’re squeamish, but if you do, you may not want to hand over your $400 GoPro Hero4 action camera to your little daredevil to capture such

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Are your kids bored? Blow up the Death Star for some summertime fun!

Death star beach ball

Summer break is upon us which usually leads to the all too familiar words, “I’m bored.” If you happen to be throwing a Star Wars themed party or have kids (or adults) that are Star Wars fans, why not purchase a Star Wars Death Star Light-up Beach Ball for some summertime fun? The kids can

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ECBC Hercules Laptop Backpack with FastPass System review

ECBC Hercules 1

Backpacks are handy when traveling. They allow you to carry things on your back, leaving your hands free to pull other luggage. Better still, the TSA or security checkpoint friendly backpacks make getting through security with your laptop and other devices quick and painless (relatively speaking). With these backpacks, the laptop portion opens so that

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BlueDriver OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool review

BlueDriver Monitor 1

Cars have become more advanced, and along with the new computer and emissions controls have come the warning indicator lights or “idiot lights” that will go off if the computer detects something wrong with a system in your vehicle. Thankfully, a standard port for accessing that information in the car’s computer system was developed, called

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Google Project Fi – a “new network” for Nexus 6 users

Google Project Fi

In addition to the big carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-mobile, and Sprint, Google is now entering the wireless service arena with their Project Fi network using the Nexus 6, which is currently the only supported device. This project doesn’t create a new network, but rather uses network equipment that is already in place and is

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iClever IC-BTT02 Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver review

iClever Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver 1

We have an old Yamaha receiver/amplifier that has 5.1 Pioneer surround sound speakers connected to it. I’ve been thinking for a while that it would be nice to be able to stream music through these speakers. There a several devices out there that will turn your non Bluetooth speakers into Bluetooth speakers to stream music to and

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Mio Alpha 2 Heart Rate Sport Watch review

Mio Alpha2 1

I love trying out the latest in heart rate monitors, especially those that do not require straps. I currently use a Polar M400 (which Dave Rees reviewed in February of this year) with the Polar H7 Bluetooth heart sensor chest strap and they work really well, but it would be nice not to have to use

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Runtastic Libra Bluetooth Smart Scale and Body Analyzer review

Runtastic Libra 13

I’ve been using a Tanita BC554 Ironman InnerScan Body Composition scale for over a decade and love it. It has been my accountability partner in trying to stay healthy. The only thing I have longed for is either a WiFi or Bluetooth feature that would automatically sync all the data to an app to keep

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MPOW Swift Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones review

MPOW Bluetooth Swift Headphone 1

I only use in-ear headphones when exercising and have used a cheap wired Philips set (SHQ3200) for years, but now I think it’s time for a Bluetooth set. I recently reviewed an iClever IC-BTH01 Bluetooth Stereo Headset and thought it was a decent pair but lacked the strong bass I like when working out. Since I

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PixelBlock – a Gmail extension that blocks marketers from tracking when you open/read an email

Pixel Block 1

Everything we do seems to be tracked these days, even when we open our emails. According to Wired.com, “Marketers—or anyone who’s inspired to snoop—simply insert a transparent 1×1 image [pixel] into an email. When that email is opened, the image pings the server it originated from with information like the time, your location, and the

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Now you can be Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 while riding your motorcycle

Master Chief motorcycle helmet 1

It’s spring! Time to set aside your games of Halo and enjoy the outdoors by taking a ride on your motorcycle. But you don’t have to leave Halo behind completely – now you can be Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 while you ride around town with this Spartan motorcycle helmet from NECAonline.com. There have been other Halo

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iClever IC-BTH01 Bluetooth Stereo Headset review

iClever Bluetooth Stereo Headset 1

I’ve been using an inexpensive set of Philips wired earphones forever and have been pretty happy with them. However, the more time that has passed, the more I have thought about replacing them with a Bluetooth set, especially when doing chores around the house. The iClever IC-BTH01 Bluetooth Stereo Headset was then offered to the

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