Disconnect or not? Difficult, today, to cut the cord during the summer holidays. Whether it’s to keep in touch with your “box” in spite of everything or to enjoy activities with friends or relatives, being able to communicate remains important. Smartphone, computer, tablet with you? Yes, but faced with the essential, 20 minutes has also unearthed some complementary and sometimes unusual devices ready to spend the summer by your side.
To hitchhike Alexa: Echo Auto, from Amazon
Two years after a first version that we tested, Amazon is launching a new iteration of its Echo Auto. Or how to invite Alexa, the personal assistance of the firm of Jeff Bezos, in his cabin, on the road to vacation.
Now in two modules (an audio receiver measuring 52 x 23.2 x 15, and a speaker measuring 57 x 35 x 14 mm), Echo Auto installs quickly and connects via Bluetooth to the vehicle’s audio system. Once configured, the device receives your voice commands to start music; an audio podcast; or even request a route from a map provider like Waze, for example; or read a received SMS by voice. 69 euro.
Our opinion : Simpler than its predecessor, with better sound and improved voice pickup (even with the car’s fan on!), Echo Auto is satisfying, even if displaying a map on the car’s screen can only be done if you are using Android Audio. Otherwise, it will appear on the screen of your smartphone.
To recharge everything: 548 Powerbank, from Anker
60,000 mAh in the box (the equivalent of ten smartphone recharges, such as the iPhone 14, or three laptop recharges, approximately)!
With its 548 Powerbank, Anker had the idea of a portable battery for frequent travellers, able to charge most of our tech gadgets using its two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports. Camping, caravanning, hiking, barbecue at the bottom of the garden: there will be no shortage of opportunities to use this veritable powerhouse this summer! In addition, the device incorporates a foldable LED lamp on the top (autonomy: 42 hours), as well as an SOS function that will make it flash if necessary to attract attention. 199 euros.
Our opinion : Offering a great promise for a contained price (and a weight of 2.4 kg which is not excessive), this power bank has many advantages. In addition to its screen which allows you to check the battery life at any time, it can be recharged using solar panels using a dedicated socket (XT-60, on the front). Alas, its manufacturer does not indicate any weather resistance.
To protect your screen: Sun visor, from Belveo
If your “official” holidays are not necessarily synonymous with total rest, but you also need to watch your emails, take part in video meetings, etc., the Belveo computer sun visor will save you from having to lock yourself in to use your Mac or laptop.
A veritable “office tent”, the equipment in mesh duck blue polyester rests on a simple system of flexible poles that simply unfold when desired. Placed on a table, possibly fixed with its straps, it reduces strong lights, eliminates reflections and offers much better visibility outdoors. 59 euros.
Our opinion : If we do not wish anyone to need to take out this sun visor during their summer holidays, our tests show that it does indeed keep its promises. In its carrying case, the object, manufactured by a parasol specialist, also has good wind resistance. But it is more expensive than a basic Quechua tent from Decathlon!
To communicate in your tribe: Action Communicator, from Milo
Reminiscent of yesterday’s walkie-talkies, Milo’s Action Communicator consists of a device for communicating between hikers, surfers, cyclists… without the need for WiFi or a smartphone. It is available in grey, red and black.
Each person who is equipped with it can thus address the other members of the group having a transmitter-receiver without the slightest manipulation: the contact is made as soon as one speaks. The range between two Action Communicators is approximately 500 meters, but can be extended if more people are equipped, the devices creating their own communication network. 229 euros per unit.
Our opinion : Effective and well thought out, this hands-free kit (it attaches to a clip on the arm or on a strap, which are provided) allows you to share your adventures “live” with your teammates thanks to its two-way communication system and its six integrated microphones. The absence of manipulation makes the system particularly pleasant to use, especially since the integrated battery offers a day of autonomy. Reassuring, too, for families, but Milo is very expensive…
To refrigerate your drinks with solar energy: Glacier, from EcoFlow
Specialist in batteries and solar energy, EcoFlow launches with Glacier the ultimate container to always keep drinks and fresh food with you.
Mounted on wheels, movable using its handle like a suitcase (weight: 23 kg), the machine incorporates a 298 Wh battery rechargeable from the mains or cigarette lighter socket (autonomy: 40 hours). And she has more than one trick up her sleeve! With two compartments of 38 and 36 liters, it also incorporates an ice cube machine that can make eighteen ice cubes in twelve minutes. And you can choose two operating modes: freezing or refrigeration. 1,199 euros. Additional battery: 299 euros.
Our opinion : Very expensive, this competition machine has something to excite fans of picnics and other frequent travellers. Powerful, it can go from 30 to 0°C in 15 to 20 minutes. And an application allows you to control the autonomy, the temperature, etc.