Gadgets :: July 10, 2019
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
Not everyone has Bluetooth built into their devices but with Scosche’s new FlyTunes, you’ll instantly have it added to old and new audio devices. It’s so easy that after using it just once, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
The pocket-sized audio transmitter (1-by-1.875-by-0.5-inches) plugs into a 3.5 mm AUX audio output and, via its internal Bluetooth transmitter, pairs with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously sending the audio wirelessly.
Now two people traveling together can watch and listen to the same movie on an airline’s inflight entertainment or with your own movie player without extra cables or connections. This device does it all and the setup is easy.
Traveling is just one way to use it; most TV’s have an audio output, which is rarely used and night time TV watchers can keep the outside noise silent to others with the FlyTunes. Home stereos, gamers and fitness machines are just a few other ways to make use of the Bluetooth audio connection. 
If it has a 3.5 mm audio output, it should work. I couldn’t find anything it wouldn’t work on including my first generation iPod Shuffle. A multi-function button is on the center of one side and is pressed to pair a Bluetooth headset (not included), turn it on or off or play/pause your audio.
An internal battery will last for 8 hours of use, a USB-C charging cable is included along with a soft storage pouch and a 4-inch 3.5 mm extension cable.
Airplanes have been slow to adapt to audio systems, and since some old connections are still in use, the FlyTunes can adapt with its two folding prongs. They connect to dual outputs or just a single one.
If your headset is Bluetooth, it will work with the FlyTunes. I tried it with a dozen and had complete success.
www.Scosche.com $39.99 available in black or white
The Para‘Kito is perfect for this time of year to keep pesky mosquito’s away from in style.
The bug repellent system has a mosquito protection wristband, which stores the mosquito repellent in a small pellets. Each is good for up to 15 days and slides in an out of a mesh pocket on the outside of velcro wristband bracelets, which can be worn on your wrist, ankle or wherever.
My wife and I tested the bug repellent wear during a recent night out on a lake. While I can’t guarantee we would have gotten mosquito bites if we didn’t have the wristbands on, we came away from the night bug bite free.
What makes this even better is that the pellets are made with all-natural essential oils, not chemicals and annoying strong scents. They do emit a fragrance, which is typical for most bug repellents, but was not offensive or annoying in any way.
The pellets’ active ingredients are citronella (34%) rosemary (22%) geranium (21%), mint (10%), clove (2.5%), peppermint (1.5%) and cinnamon (1%). Para‘Kito states the product is a Minimum Risk Pesticide.
The flexible wristbands are Velcro adjustable and are available in all kinds of fun, colorful and stylish choices for adults and children.
If a bracelet isn’t your thing, there are other choices to hold the pellets including repellent clips, which is the version I used (my wife went with the wristband) attached to a belt loop.
Each wristband or clip ($19.50 each) is waterproof and includes two replacement pellets. Repellent refills are available in packs of 2 ($13), 6 ($34.95) and 12 ($78).
The all-natural mosquito repellent oil is also available in a roll-on ($19.50) with a 5-hour efficiency of each use.
