Flying selfie camera launches to rave reviews

Typically when I test a new gadget, it doesn’t take long to determine whether the product will hold my interest.

After using the Rova flying selfie ($299) for the first time, I couldn’t wait for the batteries to recharge and use it again.

The Rova looks like a drone and acts like a drone, but it’s not a drone. Shaped like a quadcopter, it’s a flying selfie and includes a camera. It has a 98-foot communication range, via the Rova WiFi network, and its maximum height is 33 feet from launch.

Before I used it, I watched a video on the Rova site that showed the flying selfie take off and land in the palm of a hand. That was the first landing I tried and sure enough, there it was in my hand.

Full disclosure: I rarely read manuals or instructions on gadgets (like everyone else), but I did this time and I recommend that to anyone using a flying object since there are safety issues.

It’s not as small and portable as a selfie stick but it’s certainly a lot more fun and provides a far great variety of images.

The camera has a wide-angle lens and image stabilization. Four propellers are enclosed in a polycarbonate frame, which you can use with or without bumpers.

The Rosa app (App store and Google Play) controls the device, with settings for 12 megapixel JPEG photos or HD video in 360 degrees. Still images can be taken automatically or with a specific timed interval and there’s a flash built into the camera.

The flying selfie is compact (8-by-8-by-1.4 inches) and weighs 10 ounces. Included are a carrying case, a 16GB microSD card, two lithium ion batteries, charging cradle, USB cable and four disposable bumpers. Each battery is good for about 8 minutes of flight time and recharges in 90 minutes.

More: theiotgroup.com

Mobile accessories

While the term USB is common in today’s vocabulary, USB-C might draw some curiosity.

The oval-shaped 24-pin connector cable allows devices to be connected for transferring data and power, and it is slowly becoming an industry standard for Apple and PC systems. It’s similar to the Apple Lightning connection – just plug it in.

This brings us to a new set of USB-C cable accessories from Ventev, which include durable AC wall outlets, a car charger and durable, flat, tangle-free cables.

The wallport pd1300 charger ($44.99) has a single C connector with folding AC prongs for easy connection and storage. It supports power delivery up to 45 watts.

You get 6 feet of cable with the chargesync USB-C cable ($29.99), with the C connections on both ends making it reversible to plug either end into your device or power source.

The cables can be used with the dashport pd1300 charger ($34.99), which plugs into any standard auto 6V port.

Don’t let new technology or higher cable prices scare you; once you try them, you’ll see the speed, versatility and durability that makes Ventev a quality product.

More: mobileaccessories.ventev.com

Cellphone protectors

Invisible Shield, an industry leader in protecting the display of many portable electronics, announced a new model for the slick-looking Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones with its edge-to-edge HDR display.

The Invisible Shield Sapphire Defense Curve and Glass Curve install in seconds and fit perfectly with or without a case.

According to the company, the Sapphire Defense Curve ($49.99) is infused with sapphire crystals that provide a smooth, glassy feel for scratch protection.

The Glass Curve ($49.99) goes edge-to-edge on the existing unprotected curved screen thanks to its meticulously designed composition.

Both protectors come with a limited lifetime warranty.

More: Zagg.com

This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 12:23 PM with the headline "Flying selfie camera launches to rave reviews."