By Gregg Ellman
Tribune News Service
San Disk’s new plug-n-play Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 has the typical USB connection on one end, as expected from a flash drive. But this one stands out because the other end has a microUSB connector which makes it ideal for moving content on devices including OTG enabled Android smartphones.
To organize and transfer content, you must download the free SanDisk Memory Zone app in Google Play. Consider that app your file cabinet to access files and move content on or off a device.
This includes photos, music, movies and contacts. You can also access and use anything on the drive without first moving to your device.
For example, if the memory of your smartphone is full and you want to watch an HD movie, plug in the Ultra Dual drive and watch it without having to transfer it.
The standard USB works with any Windows or MAC computer (no driver needed). It measures just 0.43-by-0.78-by-1.44-inches, has a slider to expose the connection you want and is available in 16GB ($13.24), 32GB ($18.49) and 64GB ($34.24) capacities.
Check the SanDisk for a complete list of compatible devices. The USB 3.0 port is back-wards compatible with USB 2.0.
Details: www.SanDisk.com
Activity tracker does it all
The Oregon Scientific Ssmart Dynamo 2 plus activity tracker does everything you would want from a wearable fitness device.
It’s super easy to set up and get going along with the free Smart Fit for Android (version 4.3 and above) and iOS (version 7.0 and above) devices.
It works 24/7 or as long as you wear it to track sleep patterns, fitness activities and even stay connected with friends and family.
The latter happens after the tracker is paired with your cellphone to receive or reject (Android only) calls, caller ID and displays text messages and email. It also allows you to share fitness results on social media.
As for the fitness aspect, which is the main reason to have an activity tracker, it tracks heart rate data, the distance you go and how many steps it took to go that far. It also estimates how many calories burned.
It also features Find My Phone, which if you ever have to use it, you’ll understand the value.
Within the Smart App, everything is displayed in simple pie-charts, not complicated graphs. Many features and displays can be customized to your liking, including the wristband button and the display.
Up to seven days of information can be stored on the tracker.
Details: ssmart.oregonscientific.com, $99.99
TrackR can help find stuff
The new TrackR bravo is a coin-sized device you easily attach to a valuable item and it helps you locate it if lost or the most popular, misplaced.
When you get separated from whatever you attached it to, you’ll get notified through the TrackR app in seconds.
Through the app, the device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0 and has a 100-foot range.
It uses the Crowd GPS network to find the TrackR and displays the distance between you and the item on the App. If you ever played the game hot or cold, that’s how this works to let you know if you’re on the right track to find it.
It’s ideal for keys, mobile devices and even suggested for pets.
The rounded item measures 1.2 inches in diameter and is just .13 inches. It easily attaches to a key chain, camera strap, bicycle or a pet’s collar.
Register up to 10 TrackR Bravo devices on the TrackR app for simultaneous tracking. Also, within the app, many of the alert sounds and notifications can be customized.
Details: www.thetrackr.com, $29.99
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