This video reviews six different products purchased from online marketplaces, evaluating their quality, functionality, and value for money. The products tested include a fan-cooled vest for personal cooling, a budget thermal imaging camera, switchable privacy film for windows, a battery testing tool, a USB endoscope camera, and a motion-sensing radar light bulb. The creator performs hands-on tests for each item, highlighting features, potential issues, and real-world performance. The review concludes with a mixed bag of results, recommending some products while advising against others based on their performance and stated purpose.
Testing Online Gadgets: A Hands-On Review of Six Eye-Catching Products
0:00 Introduction: The video introduces a series dedicated to testing potentially questionable but "eye-catching" products from online stores, reviewing six items in this episode to determine if they are worth buying or should be avoided.
1:48 Fan-Cooled Vest: A cooling vest purchased for around €24 is tested. Despite an initial issue with a broken zipper, the vest functions well by sucking air through vents and seems made of light material.
2:39 Testing: It moves a decent amount of air. Peak current consumption is measured at 1.6A, requiring a significant power bank (around 20,000mAh) for an 8-hour workday.
3:12 Assembly Challenge: There were no instructions for installing the fans, but it was discovered they unscrew.
3:47 Verdict: The vest works "fantastic," is "incredibly refreshing," and receives a thumbs up.
4:08 Thermal Imaging Camera: A €100 thermal camera with 256x192 resolution is reviewed, prompted by viewer requests. It is compared favorably in resolution to the more expensive €400 Flir One (160x120), which has issues like constant recalibration and a low refresh rate.
5:12 Testing: The camera has a nice enclosure, charges fast (1.6A), and boots up quickly (5s). The user interface is pleasant.
5:43 Flaw: Its main drawback is the lack of a visual camera overlay, making it difficult to identify specific components from the thermal image alone.
6:08 Verdict: Despite the flaw, the quality and UI are good for the price, earning it a thumbs up.
6:22 Switchable Window Privacy Film: A sample (20x30cm) of electric privacy film is tested, which changes from opaque to transparent. The manufacturer video looked futuristic, but the cost for full windows is unknown.
6:57 Testing: The film effectively hides objects when off (opaque). It requires 60V AC to become transparent, which was tested successfully using an auto transformer (it does not work with DC or lower AC voltages like 30V).
8:18 Durability: It seems mechanically stable and can be wiped clean.
8:24 Verdict: The film works as advertised and receives a thumbs up.
8:32 Battery Testing Tool: A €35 battery tester is reviewed, motivated by the creator's old car battery dying and needing to test a new one.
9:09 Testing: The interface looks good indoors. The CCA test didn't work for the specific battery type, but the SOH (State of Health) and Resistance tests provided readings (the new battery was at 90% life). Cranking and Charging tests worked.
9:48 Verdict: The measurements seem reliable, and the tool is recommended if needed, getting a thumbs up.
10:00 USB Endoscope Camera: A 2m long endoscope for under €5 is tested, intended for looking into tight spaces where a phone won't fit.
10:34 Testing: It connects via USB to an Android app. Resolution and refresh rate are deemed "OK" for the price. The built-in LEDs help in dark areas.
10:56 Flaws: The image quality is considered too low, and there is no mechanical control to change the viewing direction (fixed focus).
11:15 Verdict: It's recommended to spend more for a better endoscope, and this one gets a thumbs down.
11:26 Radar Motion Detection Light Bulb: An ordinary-looking light bulb with integrated radar motion detection is tested, as radar can be integrated invisibly unlike PIR sensors.
12:03 Issues: The outer material quality seems low.
12:26 Testing: The radar is "way too sensitive," triggering easily indoors. It is only usable outdoors where constant nearby movement is less likely. It also lacks control over brightness or duration.
12:48 Verdict: Due to the excessive sensitivity and lack of control, the creator would not really recommend it, giving it a thumbs down.
12:54 Conclusion: Most products tested in this episode were useful, with the cooling vest and thermal camera being highlighted. More product tests are planned for a future episode.