Gadget review: X-Lapse 360 Rotating Camera Mount

THE sinking of both Jessops and HMV in quick succession was hardly a surprise with the relentless march of both multi-megapixel equipped smartphone cameras and iTunes digital music downloads.

That little black slab of silicon that rests in your pocket is fast becoming a powerful market changer, as well as a phone, camera, internet browser, music player and e-mail device.

The Veho MUVI X-Lapse is a classic example of the shrinking of technology into the mitts of the masses. I’ve seen some strange upgrades for smartphone cameras, including a mini telephoto lens attachment, a strap-on microscope and a fish-eye convertor. To be perfectly frank, they are all rather rubbish. The X-Lapse, which unusually for gadgets I review, requires no power or batteries whatsoever, is in essence a slow motion rotating platform for capturing 360 degree time lapse videos.

I twisted the bottom of the platform to select the time of the rotation – anything from 15 minutes to 60 minutes. My attention span being what it is, I plumped for 15 minutes, stuck my Android Smartphone in the two claws on the top and downloaded a free time App called “Lapse it” from the Play Store.

All I needed to do with the App was select how many photos I wanted automatically taken per minute and press record. I then released the X-Lapse and it started to rotate. The App stitched together all of the images into a rather impressive time lapse of multiple cats roaming across my lounge.

For less than £20, and with the added ability to mount normal cameras via the built-in tripod thread, there’s little not to like about this gadget.

• Veho MUVI X-Lapse 360 Rotating Camera Mount, £19.95 from www.mobilefun.co.uk, see www.veho-uk.com for more