By Maxx Hartounian

I am a sophomore at Marquette University High School and a technology enthusiast. I’ve turned my passion for gaming into road-testing the latest tech consumer products. If you are interested in tech trends, the newest information on tech products or just general tech tips to increase your knowledge of “connectivity” and smart products, follow my column in Tosa Connection.

TECH YOUR SOUND

THIS FALL, FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS AND PACKER PARTIES CAN BE MADE EASIER WITH A LITTLE BIT OF PLANNING WITH THESE TECH DEVICES

BROOKSTONE BIG BLUE PARTY | $249.99

If you are looking for ideal sound, this indoor/outdoor speaker allows you to play music from any smart device. Enabled with Chromecast, it is compatible with music apps including iHeart Radio, Google Play Music and Spotify Premium and Pandora. For more sound, you can add on Chromecast enabled speakers (sold individually) to create a multi room sound experience.

The speaker includes a built-in rechargeable battery lasting more than 4 hours on a full charge. One excellent feature is that you can use your smart phone as the remote so there is no extra piece of equipment needed. I found this has exceptionally good bass levels for deep sound.

Its weatherproof capabilities include a water resistant body which allows you to take it anywhere with you for music on- the-go. This speaker is ideal for use while tailgating, at the beach, on your deck or in your home.

AFTER SHOKZ TREKZ TITANIUM WIRELESS BONE CONDUCTING HEADPHONES | $129.95

For a household that appreciate individual sound instead of a large speaker or television blaring, this is an ideal alternative sound system for watching a football game!

Sound travels through our eardrums and bones simultaneously. Using bone conduction technology, these headphones work through your cheekbones not your ears. This set of headphones feature transducers that move mini vibrations through the cheekbones to the inner ears for personal sound. While you listen, your ears are not covered up so you can also be aware of other surrounding sounds.

Comfortable for running, working out and travel, these are sweat-proof and made with materials to repel dust, moisture, rain and snow. A single charge will provide about 6 hours of continuous play.

TECH YOUR HUNGER

VIKING STAINLESS STEEL PRESSURE COOKER WITH EASY LOCK LID | 249.99

Pressure cookers are a great cooking tool for families who have teens that are always hungry. Most meals take less than 30 minutes to cook and when used cautiously, these can save time for busy families always on the go. This one has interior markings inside the pot so it makes measuring easy.

With both a quick release and a slow release option, it can be used with a gas, electric or induction cooktop. Pressure cooker recipes on the internet are easy to find. I road tested this one making my version of Mac and Cheese.

Here is my recipe:

1 16 ounce package of dry elbow macaroni
2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated not the pre-shredded kind)
10 ounces of 2% milk or soy milk
2 TBSP Cornstarch
1 TBSP black pepper
1 tsp iodized salt
1 brick (8 ounces) Cream Cheese (not the low-fat kind)
3 cups cold water
1 TBSP butter

Mix cold water and dry macaroni in the pressure cooker. Close and tighten the lid and and set on high for 5 minutes. Depressurize and add the rest of the ingredients except the
cornstarch. Let this sit for 5 minutes off the heat with the lid on. Then, mix and add the cornstarch to thicken up. Make a batch for your fall party!

Q-TECH BLUETOOTH MEAT THERMOMETER | $39.99
If you want to make a steak on your grill while watching the Packer game, you no longer have to get off the couch to cook. This bluetooth meat thermometer works with your smartphone to monitor the meat’s internal temperature and then sends you an alert when it is done.

The base is heat resistant and magnetic so it can easily attach to your grill. The 26 foot cable is included so it is large enough to reach across your grill surface. This thermometer works within a range of 80 feet, is customizable for preferred temperatures and includes pre-settings for beef, pork and poultry. It operates on one coin cell battery which is included.

If you have a tech related question, I’d love to answer it in my next column, just send an email to me at: maxxhartounian@icloud.com.