Savvy Shoppers UK

Category: Tech & Gadgets

Discover incredible savings on the latest electronics, laptops, and smart home devices to upgrade your tech game. Whether it’s gadgets from Amazon or iRobot’s robot vacuums, we bring you deals that combine innovation and affordability.

  • How to Fix Alexa Volume Issues on Fire Stick TV After an Announcement

    How to Fix Alexa Volume Issues on Fire Stick TV After an Announcement

    If you’ve noticed that the volume on your Fire Stick TV lowers after an Alexa announcement and doesn’t return to normal, you’re not alone. Many users experience this glitch, particularly during scheduled routines or announcements, like morning updates. While this issue can be frustrating, there is a quick fix to restore the volume without disrupting your setup.

    I will explain more, but if you don’t want to scroll through this whole post – the fix is Ask Alexa for the Time on the TV. Literally that is it. Until Amazon fix this issue entirely, that is the way to get the sound back to the normal level.

    Edit 30.01.2025 – I also found out that by pressing the blue Alexa button (if you have it) on the remote, will also fix the issue.

    The Problem: Volume Drops After Alexa Announcements

    This issue typically occurs when Alexa makes an announcement or completes a scheduled task (such as a morning routine). Once the announcement is finished, the Fire Stick TV volume remains low, even when you return to your usual viewing. It can be a real hassle, especially when the only apparent fix is rebooting the system or fiddling with the volume controls.

    The glitch stems from the way Alexa interacts with the Fire Stick TV. After announcements, Alexa often doesn’t return the audio system to its original settings, leaving the volume at a reduced level. Thankfully, there’s a simple workaround that doesn’t require resetting your device or changing your settings completely.

    The Fix: Ask Alexa for the Time on the TV

    The easiest and most effective way to resolve this issue is to ask Alexa a simple question: “Alexa, what’s the time?” Here’s how it works:

    1. After the announcement has finished and you notice the volume is low, grab your Fire Stick TV remote.
    2. Activate Alexa by pressing the microphone button or using a voice command with a connected Echo device.
    3. Ask, “Alexa, what’s the time?”
    4. Alexa will respond with the current time, and the volume will automatically return to normal.

    This quick fix resets the volume to its original level without requiring you to restart your device or adjust settings.

    Why Does This Work?

    The glitch seems to occur because the Fire Stick TV doesn’t properly transition back to its default audio levels after an Alexa announcement. Asking Alexa for the time (or any similar simple query) re-engages the audio system and forces it to recalibrate, returning the volume to normal.

    Take a look at my review on using the fire stick as an Xbox. No you did not read that wrong, a fire stick can actually be used instead of needing an xbox console: see more here

  • Xbox Game Pass on Fire TV Stick: A Budget-Friendly Console Alternative

    Xbox Game Pass on Fire TV Stick: A Budget-Friendly Console Alternative

    If you’ve ever dreamed of playing Xbox games without the hefty price tag of a console, you’re in luck! Xbox Game Pass is now accessible on Fire TV Stick, offering a brilliant way to game on a budget. This guide dives into my experience setting it up, testing it, and why it’s a game-changer for casual and family gaming.

    My Discovery: Almost Buying Two TVs!

    I stumbled across Xbox Game Pass while researching new TVs. Samsung claimed their TVs were the only ones with built-in access to Xbox Game Pass—no console required. I was ready to buy two 55″ Samsung TVs (we have two tellys in our lounge so we can either game or game/watch TV etc) until a quick Google search revealed something amazing: you can turn almost any TV into a gaming hub with an Amazon Fire Stick (new gen: 4K, 4K Max, or Cube).

    Setting It Up: What You Need

    Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

    1. Amazon Fire Stick (4K, 4K Max, or Cube):
    2. Bluetooth Controller: PlayStation and Xbox controllers work seamlessly. For example:
    3. Xbox Game Pass Subscription:
      • At £14.99/month, it’s a great way to access hundreds of games. Cancel anytime after signing up if you just want to test it out.
    4. A Good Internet Connection:
      • Cloud gaming relies on stable internet. Ensure no one in your household is hogging the bandwidth during your gaming sessions.

    My Setup Experience

    I picked up a new Fire Stick from Argos, paired it with my husband’s second PS5 controller, and subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. Within minutes, I was up and running. Here’s what I found:

    • Game Options: Xbox Game Pass offers an incredible library of games. At £14.99 a month, it’s an affordable way to explore different genres.
    • Ease of Use: The setup was straightforward, and the Fire Stick app worked smoothly.
    • Controller Compatibility: My Switch controllers didn’t connect, but any PlayStation or Xbox Bluetooth controller worked after a quick google of how to disconnect them from the original consoles.

    Who Is It For?

    The Xbox Game Pass on Fire TV Stick is perfect for:

    1. Casual Gamers: If you’re not a hardcore gamer, this setup is a fantastic way to dabble in gaming on a different console.
    2. Parents Testing the Waters: Not sure if your child will enjoy gaming? For £15/month, you can trial countless games without splurging on a console and expensive games.
    3. Switch Players Looking for Variety: As a Switch gamer, I love the portability, but the Xbox Game Pass allows me to explore genres and titles not available on the Switch.

    The Pros

    1. Affordable: No need to buy an Xbox console, which costs upwards of £250, or individual games priced at £50+.
    2. Game Variety: From indie titles to AAA games, there’s something for everyone.
    3. Flexibility: Cancel the subscription anytime, making it a risk-free option.
    4. Couch Comfort: Play on your TV without needing a computer chair or desk setup.

    I quickly realised that this setup wasn’t about hardcore gaming or cutting-edge graphics. It’s about accessibility and variety—perfect for a casual gamer like me.

    The Cons

    1. Not for Heavy Gamers: Graphics quality and performance depend on your internet connection, so it’s not ideal for competitive or high-definition gaming.
    2. Limited Controller Compatibility: Switch controllers didn’t work, but PlayStation and Xbox ones did.
    3. Internet Dependent: If someone in your household is downloading large files, gameplay may lag.

    Games I Tried

    1. Genshin Impact: Played beautifully with smooth controls.
    2. Palworld: This surprise gem has quickly become my favourite. I’ve already racked up lots of hours, joined Reddit groups and am very much right in the thick of it. I cannot believe Nintendo didn’t make this type of game with Pokemon.
    3. Fortnite: I thought this one may not work too well, however, I was pleasantly surprise at how well this worked.

    Statistics to Know:

    • Over 25 million subscribers enjoy Xbox Game Pass worldwide (source: Xbox).
    • Cloud gaming usage grew 36% in 2023 (source: Statista).
    • Families who trial game subscriptions save an average of £100/month compared to buying individual games (source: consumer survey).

    Dun dun duuuuuuunnnnn…..sooooo is It Worth It???

    For casual gamers, parents, and anyone curious about gaming, the Xbox Game Pass on Fire TV Stick is an affordable and versatile option. It’s a great way to explore the gaming world without committing to an expensive console. Whether you’re testing the waters or looking for a secondary gaming option, this setup is a winner!!

    Have you tried the xBox cloud gaming yet? Or are you looking to give it a go? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

  • Lefant M320 Robot Vacuum Cleaner Review: Features, Pros, and Why It Missed the Mark For Me

    Lefant M320 Robot Vacuum Cleaner Review: Features, Pros, and Why It Missed the Mark For Me

    Robot vacuums are fast becoming a household staple, offering the convenience of hands-free cleaning. When I decided to purchase the Lefant M320 Robot Vacuum Cleaner With Mop, I was excited about its features and the glowing reviews I found online. The last robot vacuum that I have had (well actually, my parents had!) was around 15-20 years ago when iRobot Roomba was launched, that was before the days of having an app to plan things out on your phone, and you’d have little block sensors to stop it from going to places you didn’t want it to go and they were always bumping into things and not working right.

    Here’s my personal experience with the newly released M320 and why I’ve decided to send it back after four days of use.

    Lefant M320 Robot Vacuum Cleaner With Mop
    £299.99 RRP: which seems a ridiculous amount for what others are on for sale.
    I bought it on sale for £135.99 through Amazon
    View the Lefant M320 Here

    First Impressions

    The arrival of the Lefant M320 was eagerly anticipated – I tracked the delivery man to my door. It arrived just as my kids returned from school, and together we unpacked the box, set up the app, docking station, and popped it on charge.

    Setup and App Features

    The setup process was simple, and the app, while basic, offered some useful features:

    1. Alexa Integration:
      • The Lefant M320 works well with Alexa. I have seen a few reviews/comments of people who say “It doesn’t work with my Alexa!!”. However, the key is to ask Alexa to start or stop with the name you have given your vacuum cleaner on the main Lefant app. I named my vacuum “the vacuum” and used commands like:
        • “Alexa, start the vacuum”
        • “Alexa, stop the vacuum”
      • Both worked flawlessly, making it a breeze to control the vacuum hands-free.
    2. Cleaning Modes:
      • The vacuum offers three modes:
        • Quiet Mode
        • Standard Mode
        • Powerful Mode
      • You can easily switch between these modes depending on your cleaning needs.
    3. Scheduling:
      • You can schedule cleaning at specific times and choose the desired mode. I set mine for:
        • 5:00 am to clean before we woke up.
        • 1:00 pm to clean while we were out at work and school.

    Operating Modes

    The Lefant M320 provides the following cleaning modes:

    1. Whole Area (Arranged): Supposedly follows a linear pattern, but in practice, it felt as random as the “Random” mode.
    2. Whole Area (Random): Moves unpredictably around the room.
    3. Along-Edge: Focuses on cleaning along walls and edges.
    4. Spot Focus: Cleans a small, circular area about 1m x 1m.

    Why I’m Returning the Lefant M320

    While the Lefant M320 had some positives, it ultimately didn’t meet my expectations. Here’s why:

    1. Cleaning Performance:
      • The vacuum’s suction port is only 6cm x 1cm, and it lacks a roller brush to lift dirt effectively. Despite 89 minutes of cleaning (claiming to cover 45m²), the results were disappointing. Dirt and debris were often left behind.
    2. Battery Life:
      • The battery life was not as advertised, which they claimed is 200 minutes paired with ineffective cleaning, the runtime felt irrelevant.
    3. Lack of Mapping System:
      • The absence of a mapping feature means the vacuum only cleans the room you place it in, with no ability to plan efficient routes. This led to areas being missed or repeatedly covered.
    4. Questionable Reviews:
      • Despite its high ratings online, my experience left me wondering if all those reviews were genuine. It simply didn’t perform as promised.
    5. Questionable Price:
      • The Lefant is on sale at the recommend retail price of £299.99, which given the competition in the robot vacuum world, seems a lot for what it provides, without mapping, a roller bar or emptying base.
      • I did get it on sale for £135.99 which seems better, so maybe the RRP is just a marketing tactic. However, there are ones on the market with a solid mapping system for this price.

    What’s Next? My Replacement Choice

    After returning the Lefant M320, I’ve decided to try the BPMIO Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Mop 5000Pa. Here’s why it caught my eye:

    1. Self-Emptying Station:
      • The dock automatically empties the vacuum, reducing maintenance time.
    2. Room Mapping:
      • The app includes room planning, ensuring more efficient and thorough cleaning.
    3. Roller Brush:
      • While it has 1000Pa less suction than the Lefant (4000Pa vs. 5000Pa), the roller brush should compensate by lifting dirt more effectively.
    BPMIO Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Mop 5000Pa,Robotic Vacuum with 2.0L Self Empty Station
    £199.99 RRP (£100 less than the Lefant)
    I am buying it on sale for £179.99 through Amazon
    (£44 more than the Lefant but so many more benefits)
    View the BPMIO Vacuum Here

    Conclusion: Is the Lefant M320 Right for You?

    While the Lefant M320 Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Mop has some useful features, it fell short in cleaning performance and efficiency for my home. If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly robot vacuum and don’t mind its limitations, it might work for you. However, if you value thorough cleaning and advanced features like mapping and self-emptying, investing in a more capable model like the BPMIO could be a better choice.

  • Top 10 Fitness Gadgets to Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2025

    Top 10 Fitness Gadgets to Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2025

    715 words, 4 minutes read time.

    The New Year is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and focus on your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just starting out, having the right gadgets can make all the difference. From innovative tech to handy tools, here are the top 10 fitness gadgets to help you crush your New Year’s resolutions in 2025. We’ve even included links to buy these products from Amazon, eBay, and Argos, so you can get started right away.

    1. Fitbit Charge 6

    The Fitbit Charge 6 is an excellent all-rounder for tracking your fitness journey. With features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS, it’s a must-have for anyone serious about getting fit. Plus, the Fitbit app lets you monitor your progress, set goals, and stay motivated.

    • Key Features: Heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, GPS, activity tracking.
    • Buy it here:

    2. Theragun Mini

    Recovery is just as important as exercise, and the Theragun Mini makes it easy. This compact percussive therapy device relieves muscle tension and speeds up recovery after workouts. Its small size means you can take it anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go.

    • Key Features: Compact, quiet, multiple speed settings.
    • Buy it here:

    3. Apple Watch Series 9

    For a fitness gadget that doubles as a stylish smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 9 is hard to beat. With features like blood oxygen monitoring, workout tracking, and mindfulness reminders, it’s a great tool for managing your overall health. Plus, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices.

    4. Beats Fit Pro Earbuds

    Music can make or break a workout, and the Beats Fit Pro earbuds ensure you’ve got the perfect soundtrack. With excellent sound quality, active noise cancelling, and a secure fit, these earbuds are ideal for any fitness routine.

    • Key Features: Sweat-resistant, active noise cancelling, long battery life.
    • Buy it here:

    5. JAXJOX KettlebellConnect 2.0

    If strength training is on your to-do list, the JAXJOX KettlebellConnect 2.0 is a fantastic addition to your home gym. This smart kettlebell allows you to adjust the weight with the touch of a button, replacing six kettlebells in one.

    • Key Features: Adjustable weight, compact design, smart tracking.
    • Buy it here:

    6. NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells

    For those who prefer dumbbells over kettlebells, these adjustable ones from NordicTrack are a dream come true. They’re perfect for strength training and take up minimal space, making them ideal for home gyms.

    • Key Features: Adjustable weight, compact, durable.
    • Buy it here:

    7. Garmin Forerunner 255

    Whether you’re a runner or cyclist, the Garmin Forerunner 255 offers advanced tracking features tailored to your needs. From VO2 max and cadence to suggested workouts, this device is a game-changer for endurance training.

    • Key Features: VO2 max tracking, long battery life, GPS.
    • Buy it here:

    8. Smart Jump Rope (Tangram Factory)

    Skipping is a fantastic cardio workout, and the Tangram Factory Smart Jump Rope takes it to the next level. It connects to your phone to track jump counts, calories burned, and workout duration, making exercise fun and engaging.

    • Key Features: App connectivity, calorie tracking, durable.
    • Buy it here:

    9. TRX Suspension Trainer

    For full-body workouts, the TRX Suspension Trainer is hard to beat. It’s lightweight, portable, and suitable for all fitness levels, offering a wide range of exercises to target different muscle groups.

    • Key Features: Versatile, portable, suitable for all levels.
    • Buy it here:

    10. Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Treadmill

    If running outdoors isn’t your thing, a foldable treadmill like this one from Sunny Health & Fitness is a great alternative. It’s compact yet feature-packed, with adjustable incline settings, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in pulse monitor.

    • Key Features: Foldable, adjustable incline, Bluetooth.
    • Buy it here:

    Investing in the right fitness gadgets can make a world of difference when it comes to staying motivated and achieving your goals. Whether you’re into running, strength training, or simply tracking your progress, there’s a gadget here for everyone. So why wait? Start your fitness journey today and make 2025 your healthiest year yet.