Top 15 highlights from 2015

15 of the best products from 2015.

2015 has been an incredible year for Gadget Girl Reviews thanks to all of you out there. We've had the opportunity to work with some great brands and companies this year who were kind enough to send us some AMAZING things to share with you all.

The way we choose our favorites is......

"Are we still using it"? 

If we are still using that product months after posting the review that speaks for itself. We've been lucky enough to bring you quite variety of gadgets this year so here are our
Top 15 reviews of 2015

NUMBER 1

Drumroll it has to be..........

Rebelite Xtreme Xflyer RC Stunt Quadcopter

Wow my other half and myself had an absolute blast videoing this and it went beyond doing a review we were completely addicted flying this day and night during the Summer months; its so much fun and so easy to fly.

If you love remote controlled products you have to get this.

Axis Aerius Worlds smallest Quadcopter

Plus I have to mention one of the latest reviews of the "Worlds smallest" Quadcopter just for being the smallest it deserves that mention and being so much fun.  

The next favorite is...DRUMROLL...your favorite...dear readers...this has been the most viewed review and video of 2015.

KitVision escape HD5W Waterproof Full HD Action camera 

with Accessories.

If you guys follow us you will know what fun we had with this, it has to be one of the best Action cams that "isn't" a Gopro.

The "remote viewing" was so much fun to see from your tablet or phone checkout our own video footage.

This also took one of the longest reviews to put together as it had so many fun aspects to it which needed to be videoed and edited. But WOW it was worth it as you guys loved it too. We actually edited "3" videos for this review; starting with video part 1 HERE if you want to catch-up.

2015 was the year of the speaker, we got sent quite a few to show you guys but 1 of them really stood out; not just for its incredible sound but its uniqueness and fantastic build quality .

Pump Air Levitating Bluetooth Speaker

The Pump Air levitating speaker...again this review took awhile to put together as we wanted to capture the floating footage at its best and I think we did that...what do you think?

KitSound Swing alarm clock radio

We also both loved this retro alarm clock radio and still using it now. The sound is fab and it looks great too, the bright red is beautiful and the batteries last ages. Kitsound are definitely a brand that really do stand out for great products.

  I am also on a mission to find the brightest and most long lasting torch/lantern as we live rurally and often have powercuts and with all our technology were also looking for the best powerbank.

ThorFire Telescopic rechargeable lantern, torch and charger

This was just brilliant, the brightness and longlastingness...(is that a word)...was fantastic. Plus its a charger.

  Thorfire WF-502B 500 lumens torch

We have alot of torches but this simple torch is so bright and even knows when its losing battery power to ramp down to low mode so it lasts longer.

 Rebelite Portable 24000mAh power bank

Best powerbank of 2016 is from Rebelite, this charged both my phone and tablet with its high 24,000mAh battery; plus it looks fab too.

Sometimes a product comes along that is just clever and you fall in love; especially when it helps your health.

DreamScience Brainwave-orientated Sleep Companion 

   by Oregon Scientific

The DreamScience is just genius its clever technology really works for anyone who has trouble sleeping or waking up plus it looks so damn sleek and cool. Checkout my full video review and post.

 We also had some great ideas for the car too!

 ChipEx Car Paint touch up system Review

I had so many paint chips on my gorgeous paintwork; that this paint has transformed and tidied up my paintwork. Thank you Chippex

DB Power 9 in 1 Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge with emergency seatbelt cutter and flashlight

 This little gadget has also given me some more millage as my tyre pressure was totally out with each other and now this has been so accurate its actually saving me money.

Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM lens for Canon

I have to mention my latest photography toy my Sigma 50mm lens its gorgeous and now one of my favorites. The depth of field is stunning and the build quality is just gorgeous. I highly recommend this to all you bloggers, vloggers, ebayers as  product images are gorgeous.

I was also kindly sent some amazing "Non-Gadgety" products this year to show you all; so some of them deserve a mention.

Peony Artificial flowers Haul and Video Review

Oh my Goodness these are just stunning and I'm using them in so many backgrounds for my other reviews; bringing nature indoors as they look sooo real.

Bird and Butterfly Wooden Storage Trunk

This charming storage trunk, it really is beautiful and deserves a huge mention of just making your home look great. 

Plus dont forget weve really enjoyed the NEW Raspberry Pi 2 and we have been building new projects; catch-up with those below

WALLE and LUNA-Pi

Incase you missed our other Raspberry Pi 2 projects

ZX+3.14

check it out the complete build below.

Project PI #1 Introduction.

Project PI #2 Choosing the case.

Project PI #3 Introducing the new ZX 3.14.

Project PI #4 The Build 

Project PI #5 The Build is nearly finished.

2015 in summary

  Its been a great year with some great product reviews; but its also been a heartbreaking year for us here too as if you know me you will know I sadly lost my Mum suddenly 2 months ago; so you can now understand my silence for awhile.

We also lost our 15 year old dog too; who was great at reviewing the pet products we received and we will miss him lots.

So its been a tough last few months for us.

Our little ray of light however popped up suddenly online; as we weren't planning for another puppy so soon...but hey you know how it is...if it seems right you have to follow your gut.

So here's our 9 week old little German Shepherd girl Daisy!

I will be doing a proper introduction soon as Im sure she will be at our side trying to eat...er...I mean..help... with every new product.

A big thank you to all of you who are following me, that have sent emails and messages across all our social media; we love hearing from you. Plus of course a big thank you to all the brands who have kindly sent products for us to show you. 

We cannot thank you all enough as its so exciting to have the opportunity to try the latest technology and ideas.

 Looking forward to 2016

Merry Christmas and a Happy Gadgety New Year!

I just wanted to say a big Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Plus Im really excited for you to meet our newest helper our 8 week old German Shepherd puppy.

You will be seeing alot more of this little bundle of fun; as she is into everything and Im sure wont be able to help herself sniffing out the latest gadgets.

We also wanted to say a big thank you to all my readers who have followed us throughout 2015 and before and I hope you will continue enjoying our reviews into 2016.

 Plus a massive thank you to all of you for all your support, emails and comments; we always love hearing from you.

A big thank you to the brands and companies who have kindly sent us products to share with you all. Its been so much fun photographing and videoing such incredible products thank you so much.

So have a great Christmas and really amazing New Year from all of us at 

Gadget Girl Reviews.

See you all very soon as we have some new and unique products coming up for the New year.

Axis Aerius The WORLDS Smallest Quadcopter #Review

Aerius The WORLDS Smallest Quadcopter

Im as happy as a puppy with two tails, I cant wait to show you this insy winsy tiny Quadcoptor which does all the same things that its much bigger brothers do.

I actually reached out to Axis when I first saw this as I really needed to share this little guy with you all.

 

Rebelite Xtreme Xflyer RC Stunt Quadcopter

I recently reviewed the Xflyer and boy did we have some fun with that checkout my video review above.

Axis kindly sent us 2 of their tiniest Quadcoptors to review, this one is the Aerius which is now officially THE SMALLEST Quadcopter, it superseded the previous smallest, the wallet drone, but still just as fun.

Click the jump to checkout this adorable Quadcopter.

Packaging

Just to say quickly I was kindly sent these directly from the US and they arrived from across the pond well packaged with no damage.

The Aerius has fab brightly coloured packaging corresponding to the colour you choose. I chose the orange as I really wanted this little guy to show up for the pictures.

The plastic transparent packaging is printed with  details of the Aerius and the back even shows all the parts to it. 

Plus I love the clever side image (number 3) showing a honeycomb design which shows in icons everything it can do.

In the box you get your little Aerius in its own case/handset, the USB charging cable and your mini instructions.

 Im actually very impressed with the detailed glossy pages of this instruction booklet. It really has everything you need to know to get you started. Even the kids would understand this.

The USB charging cable also had 4 spare rotor blades in the same bag; just checkout how tiny these are. Ive photographed them on a 50p piece to show you.

Description

What gripped me with this mini quadcopter was the fact they had used the words "worlds smallest" thats a massive quote so we just had to see this.

So what size is the SMALLEST quadcopter in the world?

• The NEW World's Smallest Quadcopter ® 

Drumroll...... 3cm x 3cm x 2cm...so cute...so dinky.
Its actually registered and proven to be the smallest. 

Main features are;

• Matching compact 2.4 gHz controller and storage unit.
• 5-7 minute flight time per 15-20 minute charge via its USB cable; 3.7volt 80mAh battery.
• Headless mode (easy)- perfect for beginners to ensure flight orientation.
• 2 speeds pre-programmed for desired level of sensitivity.
• 6-Axis Gyro-stabilization keeps it stable and centered.
• 360 Degree rotational Yaw allows users to seamlessly adjust orientation.
• Pre-programmed trick mode algorithm provides amazing flips and rolls.
• Bright LEDs for night flight, orientation and low battery warning.
• Available in a choice of 4 colours.
• Portable.
• You can practice full flight mechanics.

Choice of 4 fantastic colours. I love the orange as it super bright and easy to see.

I cannot explain to you how excited I am to show you this adorable gadget, it seriously can do everything its bigger brothers can do; but first let me show you round.

First of all I love, love, love how the Aerius can be stored in its OWN handset...genius...just genius I say!!!

Being so tiny how easy would it be to break these tiny rotors bouncing around in a bag or jacket pocket.

What I love even more is the fact the plastic lid has a gorgeous honeycomb design which you can just see in the image above; its these little details I love in products, it could just have been domed and left at that.
note - before closing the lid make sure all rotors are turned in.

The lid flips up to open using these finger edges and has a perfect depth to view your Quadcopter.

Turn it over and you have a coordinating color battery compartment cover which holds 2 AAA batteries to power the 2.4 gHz unit; this by the way is usually the power for outdoor remote controlled toys!!!

So checkout THE AERIUS itself...no really just look at it! Its adorable...sorry to those of you that dont see this as adorable its not a fluffy kitten or a puppy but its so diddy!

Its extremely well built, I was totally taken back to how well this is designed, I expected it to be ultra flimsy, how could it not...

But honestly take a look at how solid it is, its even got a chunky appearance. On the side you can see it has its own on/off button. It even has breather holes so it doesn't overheat as those little motors really have to work.
Even at this size they have incorporated landing feet. Its the little touches in the design that I love about a product.

Here you can see on the left, the charging connector jutting out the side, there's just no room inside, but you barely notice it. The Aerius also has the Axis logo printed ontop too which looks really cool. The 4 white rotors really are tiny as you can see below, they have direct attachment to the motors, which means there is no damage to any gears or cogs, less weight and less to go wrong. 

 They just simply pop off to clean or replace as you can see above.

 They fit easily inside a 50p piece.

Each rotor also has a number on them either a 1 or a 2, so you know which one to fit if you lose one.

make sure the numbered blades sit opposite each other as the instructions dont explain this; otherwise it just wont fly properly.
When I crash landed the Aerius and all souls on board were lost, tiny families are to be informed! Two of the blades came off, I didn't know they were numbered and for the next few tries I thought that my coordination had gone wangy, then I found the embossed numbers under the blades and a quick swap all was good again.

Charging the Aerius

This is the comical bit, the USB fits over the connector chip jutting out and it actually has a really solid join, no wiggling here; again really well made. It's so light you can literally hang it off the cable...Im sure someone will tell me off for doing this but it is firmly connected together.

It can also sit on its side; here you can see how good this connection is.

Yay 15-20 mins later your ready to go...woohoo!

 Just for those who will tell me off; here's the proper way to charge it; sitting neatly inside its own storage case...arhhh...!

What I do love is that the USB cable lights up red and turns off when fully charged approx 15 mins later.

I absolutely love how diddy the remote control is, but

its chunky enough to feel substantial in your hand as it has a good depth to it; even my other half agrees and he has bigger hands than me.

So all that's left is to show you just how good this little quad flies; so I've added a video too as you really need to see this little guy in action.

But I also wanted to show you some size comparison images so here they are below;

This is a AA Duracell rechargeable battery.

 Those of you in the UK will understand the 50p piece; but here's a cent too.

 The ladies out there will understand the YSL lippy comparison.

And if your a keen gardener, well, you get the idea.

Learning to fly

I have to say I have had fun learning to fly this little guy compared to the larger version as its soo fast also more thing to watch out for in the house compared to outside. It has so much power its off like a rocket and I dont know if its just me but you sort of panic to control it and it's hit the ceiling so many times or got caught in my throw on the sofa; but wow its so much fun being an indoor toy. It seems to be bombproof and no damage to report.

 I cant even think of anything wrong with it only that you just start getting the knack of hovering etc and the battery flashes to let you know its time to charge it, but you still get a good amount of time.

Trick Mode

Well...hmm...I personally didn't do very well on this so I definitely need more practice as I'm sure its pilot error here. To get it to do tricks you press the right stick in and then flip in any direction to get it to do a loop Its seems to go into speed mode and I found it harder to control. But I'll update you on this as I'm sure its me doing something blonde!

I can hover and go up and down and straif left/right its just brilliant especially if you hover over someone or something for fun.
If you move the left stick L or R the quadcopter will also rotate on it's axis in that direction.
Below the control sticks are two fine tuning 4 way buttons, if you find it moving while you are hovering.

LEDS

You wouldn't think they could fit in coloured LED into something so small; but they have and doesn't it look gorgeous. We have so much fun flying it in a pitch black room and its actually easier to see and watch. Blue is forward. Once they start flashing you have about 30 seconds of fun left.

Watch the animation below to see it in action.

Being small has its advantages!
A fun animation.

Soft landing!

Opinion

I'm sooo impressed with this amazing little drone, it flies with the power of a larger version and you can feel the blast of air as it flies past you and if it hits your hand or leg it just takes you by surprise.

I love that it sounds like a bee buzzing around and when learning to fly it, it seems indestructible...at the moment..lol!

It is very easy to fly once you have the hang of it, a bit speedy to the uninitiated compared to a larger version (outside) as its so fast, but treat the controls gently and you will be fine. It is definitely an indoor toy you WILL lose it if you take it outside, as its getting that control and the wind could just whip it off in another direction.

Its quick to charge and you get alot of fun for approximately 7 mins; although for me some of that time is picking carpet, hair and even a spider wed from the rotors lol.

The good thing is the rotors pop off and are easily untangled and popped back on again; so far no major or permanent damage has been done, not even a lost rotor, YET!

How many people have said "I want a quadcopter for Xmas", well get them one of these as a starter its fun for everyone even if your chasing the dog or the kids; disclaimer dont chase the dog or the kids ;-) , or landing it on Grandad's Xmas turkey whatever makes you laugh its well worth it; fab conversation starter too.

I have to say I highly recommend it, if you know anyone who loves their remote controlled toys you HAVE to get them one of these...sod it...buy two and treat yourself as well as after-all its the smallest quadcopter in the world, who wouldn't want to own one of these!!!

 Pro's

• Excellent build.
• Spare rotors.
• USB charged.
• Its stored in its OWN handset.
• LED lights.
• Quick to charge.
• Enough playtime for fun.
• Does stunts

 Con's

• None

Buy your Axis Aerius  from Axis Drones

$35

All my thanks goes to Axis Drones for kindly sending us 2 of their amazing Quadcopters to share with you all. Other review coming soon.

All my views and opinions are my own.

Coming soon from AxisDrones is the Wallet Drone Review.

This was the original "Smallest Quadcopter in the world" until it was superseded by the Aerius but this little guy is also charged within its own case.

I cant wait to show you this too.