By Gregg Ellman
McClatchy-Tribune
With grilling season in full swing, the Oregon Scientific Grill-Right Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer is as timely a gadget as I can write about this time of year.
If you’re anything like me, you love to grill. If you’re a little more like me, you often bring in the food only to return it to the grill for a few additional minutes.
Now if we all we want to do this less, we’ll take a good look at that thermometer.
In a nutshell, the device connects a probe to whatever you might be cooking and displays the temperature on the device’s 3.25-inch display along with sending it to your iOS or Android device. This is done with a Bluetooth connection and the free Grill Right app (iTunes and Google play) on your smartphone.
I found the preset entree temperature (eight choices) alerts were all I needed. Go to the Meat Profile mode and choose what’s for dinner. Among the eight choices are chicken, fish, hamburgers and beef.
It also can be programmed for a specific length of time or an exact temperature before it will send an alert.
You can use two probes at once, but if you only use one make sure it’s in the top socket on the right side of the display. Then just put the other end to the closest part of the center of whatever you are cooking.
It’s important to know that the Grill-Right is not fireproof. But the 7-inch metal probes connecting it to the meat are, with a temperature range of 32 degrees to 572 degrees. The device is made of a heat-resistant material and has a 39-inch fire safe cable to connect the two.
The Grill-Right measures 3.54-by-3.54-by-1.20 inches and works off a pair of AA batteries (included) and includes one probe. Extras can be purchased.
Connecting it to your smartphone is simple, just make the Bluetooth connection, start the app and you’re all set. You also can use the Grill-Right as a standalone device.
Details: $55.50, www.oregonscientific.com
Audio adapter
It doesn’t take long for most electronic gadgets to become dust collectors — and that’s where Logitech’s Bluetooth audio adapter comes in.
In just seconds it can transform an old plug-only speaker into an up-to-date Bluetooth speaker.
The setup is simple; pair up the device with your smartphone, tablet or whatever Bluetooth source your audio will come from and then plug in the included cable to connect the speaker.
The cable has RCA and 3.5mm cables, which can be run in either direction.
You have your choice of standalone speakers, a home stereo system or an A/V receiver.
A power cable is included and you’ll get a range of about 50 feet from your music source to the adapter.
Details: $39.99, www.logitech.com
Wireless headphones
Like I seem to say often with products, I have had the Sol Republic Tracks Air on-ear wireless headphones sitting around my office unopened for a few months.
The great sound wouldn’t say it’s worth the wait; I’d rather say I missed out on a few months of a great sounding and looking product.
They are built with a unique headband track system to ensure you get the right fit, no matter how big or small you head is. Each speaker slides onto the headbands track and can be positioned for comfort.
The right speaker (called Sound Engines by the company) has a microUSB port to charge the internal rechargeable battery for up to 15 hours of use. A solid green light alerts you when the charging is done.
After it’s charged make your wireless connection with Bluetooth or NFC pairing using the multi-functional button on the right speaker, which also can be used for changing tracks.
This side also has power and volume controls, and a microphone for hands-free calls.
I used them on a recent cross-country flight while writing this column. After 2 1/2 hours the only reason they came off my head was the flight had landed.
Both the sound and comfort from the padded ear cups scored high marks in my book.
Another cool feature lets you to connect a pair of devices to the headphones simultaneously.
Details: $199 available in black, blue, red and white; www.solrepublic.com
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