Gadget Guru: Helios range extender promises extreme Wi-Fi coverage, no speed loss

Just about everyone has Wi-Fi somewhere in their house, but the word “somewhere” is critically important.

The most common spot is a home office, which often doesn’t provide the same signal strength throughout the home.

The Amped Wireless Helios-EX tri-band range extender ($179.99) fills the gap between the existing signal and where it’s needed in extended areas. Moreover, it’s built for multi-device households.

The company touted the extender’s ability to maintain Internet speed, which many other devices I’ve tried claimed to do, but didn’t live up to the billing. They did extend the signal, but not a strong signal.

Amped Wireless was true to its word. From one corner of the house to the other, I not only could surf the web but stream as well. The company says range could be extended up to 12,000 square feet.

Just as important: You don’t have to be a tech head to set it up. Power it up, then connect a computer, tablet or smartphone to access the setup menu. It’s straightforward and walks users through each step, including selecting your existing Wi-Fi network (with password). It’s simple, easy and takes just minutes.

More information: ampedwireless.com

Bluetooth speaker

The Bluetooth speaker market is crowded and I often wonder how it keeps growing. There’s a simple formula for a speaker to be successful: It needs to have great sound.

When you add stylish craftsmanship as Wren has with its new V3US ($399), it’s a winner.

A genuine wood cabinet makes it attractive. That’s not reason enough to buy it, but it adds value after playing music.

The sound is superb, crystal clear at any volume level. I’ve used it as background sound as well as turning the volume up to head-banging levels.

Either way, this AC powered speaker stands out for many reasons. It connects with up to 16 speakers simultaneously on the same network, and users can set up the speakers to hear the same music or different groups in multiple rooms with multiple zones.

In addition to Bluetooth, it streams AirPlay and Play-Fi with Apple, Android hand-held devices and Mac or PC computer operating systems.

Even with its rounded edges, it can be positioned vertically or horizontally.

Wren also makes a portable version, the V3USP ($449), which has a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery.

More: wrensound.com

Remote-control dinosaur

Robotosaur ($99.99) caught my attention, so since we are in the holiday gift time, it’s worth telling others about the interactive remote control dinosaur.

It features a mood sensor with built-in sound effect, yawns when tired and snores while in sleep mode. When awake, its LED eyes change colors to reflect its mood.

The remote lets users control forward and backward movements, including spinning, shaking and wagging of its tail.

It can be found nationwide at major retailers.

This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 10:43 AM with the headline "Gadget Guru: Helios range extender promises extreme Wi-Fi coverage, no speed loss."