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Tag: iPhone Xs Max

June 23, 2019

In Search of an Apple Watch Stand with a Built-In Charger

A third-party charging stand for your Apple Watch shouldn’t be hard to find, right? Well think again… Here’s what’s really out there…

I’m a big Apple Watch fan and have been happily wearing my Series 4 throughout this past year. But it’s also brought me two lingering problems to solve…

The fueling of my Apple Watch has been entirely reliant on the one magnetic charging puck that came with the Apple Watch when I bought it. If it breaks or I misplace the cable, my watch will effectively become a hockey puck within 48 hours.
(I don’t have the same challenge with my iPhone XS Max, because over the years, I’ve accumulated several backup cables and USB wall chargers through past iPhone purchases.)

The other ‘problem’ is the general clutter that both my Apple watch and iPhone creates when I’m charging them overnight on my nightstand next to the bed.

An Apple Watch ‘charging dock’ would certainly help clean things up a bit…

Assessing the Landscape
So, of course Apple provides the perfect solution… but at a premium price.

  • The official Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock goes for $79.
  • And a simple back-up Apple Magnetic Charger to USB Cable costs $29.

Hmmm…

So, I did a little research to see what else was out there, and surprisingly, I found a fairly barren landscape…

Most third-party Apple Watch charging stands are just… stands.
(You’ve got to provide your own magnetic charging cable and USB power adapter.)

And nobody with any recognizable name is making their own magnetic charging cable for less.

There does appear to be a healthier market for ‘portable’ Apple Watch chargers with their own batteries for on-the-go travel… but that’s not specifically what I was looking for.

The Belkin Choice
I did find one name-brand candidate…


The Belkin is a simple, silver and white stand with a built-in Apple Watch magnetic charging module.

It lists for $79.99, but Amazon had it for $34.95.

The Value of Yesterday’s Model
It seems like this Belkin model was more in vogue a few years back and has been superseded by a dual charger design by Belkin that also handles an iPhone.

But I’ve got my iPhone XS Max imprisoned in its ‘bullet-proof’ Kevlar protective case made by Pelican. So my iPhone isn’t slipping easily into a sleek charger any time soon.

The Runner-Ups
After some intense research, I scrounged up two other choices to consider.
(The market is really almost nonexistent.)

  • Mangotek Apple Watch Charging Stand
    $46.99 on Amazon Prime
    This one looks a lot like the Belkin and also comes with a USB charging port you can plug your iPhone into.
  • UGREEN Portable Charger Stand
    $33.95 on Amazon Prime
    Its portable design flips open to become more stand-like if you want, or you can also use this black charger in its flat position.

While both stands are Apple MFi-certified, include integrated chargers and also receive decent reviews, at the end of the day, I decided to go with the ‘name’ manufacturer I knew.

Buying the Bargain
I presumed the Belkin’s price was cut by more than half, because it’s a relatively old model, and at only five dollars more than just the cost of the simple Apple magnetic puck, I figured it was a real bargain!

Click.

Now, I’ve got my back-up plan for charging my Apple Watch, and a little less clutter next to the bed…

Yay!

Belkin Really Isn’t the Choice… Anymore
But as satisfied as I am with my Belkin purchase, there’s a major wrinkle…

As I prepared this post to share my happy story, I realized a disturbing reality that made me feel a bit like the last man on Earth… or the last man on Earth to buy this Belkin charging stand… because I think I am.

It’s not available anymore on Amazon.

And Belkin’s website lists it as having only a “last few remaining.”

Huh.

So, I got a close-out deal on yesterday’s tech that there’s apparently no market for anymore…
(Hey, Belkin… Really?!)

I usually try to end these blog posts with a clear choice or solution that I can extend out to the world…

But for today, all I can really offer are my two runner-up options…
the UGREEN or the Mangotek.

Something is better than nothing…
(UGREEN and Mangotek are really the last two third-party stands with integrated chargers left standing.)

Of course, there’s always the option of going with the Apple-made dock.
It’s already perfect.

You’ve just got to spend more money…

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June 9, 2019

How to Record Better Field Audio When Shooting iPhone Videos

I admit it… I’ve created the Frankenstein iPhone. Why? I simply wanted to enhance its 4K video recording capability with cleaner audio in the field. Here’s how I did it…

Look, I know my iPhone XS Max isn’t a ‘real’ video camera (although it is). And you wouldn’t think it’s supposed to carry the weight of capturing conversation in the not-so-quiet outdoors. But why not?

With the right lighting conditions, an iPhone XS Max can capture beautiful 4K video. And its multiple onboard microphones do an effective job in many situations. Its only real limitation with field audio is handling windy conditions. And that’s the case with any video camera that doesn’t have an attached directional microphone with a windscreen.

So, why wouldn’t the solution be to simply attach a directional mic and windscreen to my iPhone?

And that’s exactly what I set out to do…

The Price for Better Audio in the Field
Audio production is an expensive business, and you can easily spend more on field audio equipment than the price of an iPhone.
(Seriously)

So I gave myself a budget of $100 to see what was possible…

My final ‘creation’ was both hideous and glorious. I’ve truly created a Frankenstein iPhone. I probably should feel ashamed, but I don’t.
Consider yourself warned…

Rode VideoMicro
I zeroed in on the Rode VideoMicro compact on-camera microphone. Rode is well regarded in the audio industry, and this inexpensive cardioid condenser microphone that’s marketed to the DSLR market was a prime candidate for my little project.

Cold-Shoe Clamp
But of course, an iPhone isn’t a DSLR with a cold-shoe mount to easily attach a microphone. So you’ve got to somehow anchor a cold shoe mount to the iPhone…
The Shape Smartphone Aluminum Clamp is one solution.

Lightning Dongle
The VideoMicro uses a 3.5mm plug, which won’t plug directly into an iPhone’s Lightning port. So, the next step is to use an Apple Lightning to 3/5mm Headphone Jack Adapter.

TRS to TRRS Cable
And before you can use the VideoMicro with a smartphone, you also need the TRS to TRRS cable (Rode SC7 Cable). That’s instead of the TRS patch cable that comes in the box… which will not work with the iPhone.

Included Accessories
Perhaps most importantly, the VideoMicro comes with a furry windshield (sometimes called a “dead cat”) to handle the outdoors. It also has a nice little shock mount to suspend it in the cold shoe.

Final Price Tag
Altogether, my Frankenstein plan totaled $104.54. There’s nothing simple or elegant about it, but the Rode should immediately come to life when paired with an iPhone…

Click.

Rode Video Mic Me-L is the Runner-Up
I chose the VideoMicro over Rode’s Video Mic Me-L, which plugs directly into the lightning port of a smartphone. Yes, Rode’s design engineers have actually created the exact product I needed, but I didn’t bite…

The deal breaker was the snug fit required by the Video Mic Me-L that most iPhone cases would prevent. I just couldn’t handle the prospect of having to take my iPhone XS Max out of its cozy Pelican case every time to pop on a microphone.

And even though my VideoMicro is a more cumbersome (and expensive) solution with all of its necessary ‘adapters,’ the fact that it lets me keep my iPhone in its case is the more important feature.

Test Results

First off, my Rode VideoMicro works just fine with my iPhone XS Max. I saw some online chatter that it’s incompatible…
NOT TRUE.

I also read an online comment that there’s a slight audio delay when using the Rode VideoMicro and an iPhone…
TRUE!

Many people may not notice the two-frame lag, but if you’re a video editor, it’s pretty obvious.
(I’m not surprised with all the necessary cable Macgyvering.)

But it’s not a deal breaker, as long as you intend to edit your video footage. All you have to do is separate (unlock) the audio track from the video and then slip the audio track forward a couple frames.

It’s a straightforward step when using standard editing software like Final Cut Pro X, though an admittedly unnecessary step if there wasn’t an audio lag to begin with.

The VideoMicro provides clean, crisp sound… though it is a bit thin compared to what the iPhone’s onboard microphones capture in otherwise perfect conditions. So, you might also want to add in a little bass while you’re working with it in your editing software.

Perfection Not Required?
At this point, you should be wondering why anyone would want to use this Rode and go through all of these extra steps.

Well, don’t forget why I Frankensteined my iPhone in the first place… It’s to capture more directional audio that’s not as affected by the windy outdoors.

And it does successfully deliver on that value proposition at a decent price point.

I also must admit that using my iPhone XS Max with the VideoMicro is a still completely imperfect audio upgrade solution, because it doesn’t provide one additional key feature…

You can’t monitor the audio as you’re recording it!
(Don’t forget that the iPhone’s lightning port is already occupied as the microphone input.)

So, if you want to be sure you’ve captured good sound, you need to review your video clips in the moment. And depending on how much time you have, that can be a real drag…

And let’s face it, as much as the VideoMicro can give you better field audio, it’s never going to do the same job of a more expensive shotgun microphone or a lavalier microphone.

Still…

Better iPhone Audio in the Field for $100
When the need presents itself, using the Rode VideoMicro is a clear step in the right direction.
(And if nothing else, the monster you’ve created that was once a sleek iPhone is sure to be a head turner.)

Recording audio has always been the forgotten cousin of video production… and often the Achilles’ heel of any video shoot.

If you’re serious about putting your smartphone to use recording people talking outdoors, you’ll eventually want to invest in some additional audio muscle, especially if you’re shooting in the field with noisy air flow.

For a hundred bucks, Rode’s VideoMicro along with a team of cables and small clamp is a solution that will help get the job done!

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April 28, 2019

Offbeat Photo Moments from our London Vacation

If you’re expecting iconic London photography, there’s nothing more to see here. If you’re hoping for something a little different, well then… I might have something for you. Unique or throwaway? You decide!

My family and I have recently returned from a week’s vacation in London, and yes, I snapped more than a few pictures along the way. As part of my little photographic exercise, I also attempted something a little different…

In addition to finding iconic shots as well as any number of family selfies, I tried to also observe our London experience using a different eye. So, I took a few photos that represented the story of our trip from an alternate perspective… imagery that you might easily miss (as well as a few that were entirely impossible to ignore).

These offbeat moments were right in front of us. I just had to open my eyes a bit wider or turn my head in a different direction to spot them…

Sunrise at Heathrow Airport
When you’re walking off the jetway at 6am after your seven-hour flight, you’re probably not taking the time look out the window towards the airport. Well, you should… a sunrise is beautiful just about anywhere!

Kensington Gardens
As I experienced a little jet lag on our first morning, I stumbled through Kensington Gardens on a cloudy day. Then, suddenly this moment presented itself. My vacation had officially begun!

The Elphin Oak
I found this delightful sculpture filled with fairies, elves and animals at the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.

British MuseumDon’t forget to look up! This skylight ceiling bathed visitors with blue-cast sunlight seemingly from an alternate reality.

The London EyeWhile everyone else was looking up and over London, this reverse view down was really cool.

Cutty Sark
For me, viewing the hull of this restored 19th century clipper ship from this angle was the true highlight.

Tower of London
Sure, everyone races to see the Crown Jewels. But the Tower of London tour also houses many other treasures, including the opportunity for my third grader to get close to chainmail armor.

Hungry Raven
My son spotted this peculiar moment as this hungry Tower of London guardian tried to figure out how to get inside an already-open Pringles can.

Tower Bridge
I got the complete view by looking up to look down.

Lock Hatters
My father visited this iconic hat store on St. James’s Street 60 years ago and recommended I stop by and ask if they remembered him. While I stopped short of asking the very proper salesman to check their records, I did FaceTime my dad while we were walking through Lock Hatters and facilitated a reunion of sorts.

The View on St. James’s Street
This view had a timeless feel. So I quickly pulled out my iPhone XS Max to capture the image.

Ceiling at King’s Cross Station
The grafting of this ceiling extension using such a modern design onto this old structure is both radical and brilliant.

Chilly Night by the Thames
A hot chocolate street vendor provided some additional heat to help this pop-up café also serve as a warming station.

Silent Disobedience
This doesn’t appear to be much of an accident…

The Tube
Riding the Underground was our total transportation solution. It felt more cushy than NYC’s subway cars, but the space was also a bit tighter and rounder. Mind your head!

Red Telephone Box
A phonebooth? Still? How quaint.

Sunset over London
Both a sunrise and a sunset during a London trip?! That’s definitely worth calling out. And a nice way to end our little photographic journey across the pond!

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