Month: October 2021

Tech Review – Puro Sound labs BT2200 kids headphones

The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 come equipped with a volume restrictor of 85 dB to limit output that a child cannot go above. The 40 mm dynamic driver combining with 82% noise isolation renders sounds more clearly, with the dynamic range from 20Hz to 20kHz and less than 1% harmonic distortion. This studio grade audio quality together with the Puro Balanced Response® ensures the headphones deliver an amazing listening experience with clear, crisp vocals and full, dynamic bass all within 85 dB volume limit.

The BT2200 is made with high quality materials to help prevent the possibility of allergies whilst using the headphones in the wireless mode stops the dangers of possible cable entanglement and tripping.

The ultra-lightweight design allows children to enjoy their favourite tunes without pressure to head or ears. An adjustable headband completes the natural, fine-tuned fit whilst the protein leather ear cups offers the optimal in comfort.

Controls are limited here however these are for kids use not adults so we have to take that into account here but it is an easy headset to use with raised buttons for ease of use and all kept on one side, you can play and pause music and change the volume and that is where it ends so skip and reverse tracks not present which is not a huge deal from a kids perspective.

The battery life is around 19-20 hours which is good for a kids headset and you can get a few days easily however it depends on how many hours a day but you will get at least two days of heavy use. Overall these a a really premium looking headset with great sound and great for kids with the added protection of their hearing which is vital.

BUY 

Video

 

Urbanista Lisbon First Look

Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand, announces Urbanista Lisbon, their most compact true wireless earbuds to date are available now, in a range of five playful colours. Priced at £49,90 / €49,90 / $49,90 / 499 SEK / 499 NOK / 399 DKK MSRP, Lisbon combines functionality with personality and delivers an impressive sound for its size.

We take a first look today at the new earbuds from the company and in the meantime if you have any questions feel free to ask while we them out, they come in a really nice range of colours too and look really well..

Urbanista Lisbon is now available at www.urbanista.com/lisbon

Video link 

Urbanista Lisbon Key Features

True Wireless Earphones – Compact design – 9 hours Playtime

27 hours of Total Playtime – Wireless charging case holds up to 2 charges

Touch controls – Universal GoFit wing included

Bluetooth 5.2 – USB Type-C Charging

Compatible with iOS and Android devices

Siri and Google Voice Assistant

Profitable Small Businesses Worth Considering in 2021

Starting a business is an exciting yet risky adventure — it can easily become the best decision of your life or the worst. Considering the veritable number of businesses in the world today, it is hard to stake your money and passion on one. Also, you never know which would be lucrative or fruitless. 

So, if you are looking to start a small business but can’t seem to make a decision, we’ve compiled a list of the most profitable businesses worth starting in 2021. Take a long and good look at this list and weigh the options that best suit your interests, financial capability, and dreams! 

 

5 Most Profitable Small Business Ideas in 2021 

  1. IT Support

It is no secret that the world runs and thrives on technology! In a world where technology rules supreme, the IT industry is in high demand. As a result, it is one of the most lucrative industries today. Starting an IT company can be your gateway to acquiring wealth and success. Though it has its ups and downs, you can navigate the steep road with the right mindset and business know-how. 

 

  1. Digital Marketing

With more and more businesses embracing online marketing and selling, the demand for digital marketing services has gone through the roof. You can consider this a great business opportunity and set up a digital marketing agency to meet the ever-increasing demands of online small businesses. You can help these businesses establish a strong online presence and expand their clientele/consumer base through services like copywriting, web design, content creation, and a host of others. 

 

  1. Delivery Services

Thanks to the pandemic, most people are confined to the four walls of their homes. It has become something of a luxury to run errands or pick up your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant. Enter delivery services; the knight that delivers everything deliverable to the populace. That said, the delivery industry has witnessed a staggering growth, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In good truth, online food delivery services alone are projected to grow by over $104 billion in 2023.  You don’t want to miss this lucrative business opportunity. You can establish a delivery service within your vicinity for delivering groceries, food, medications, and other essentials. 

 

  1. Cleaning Services

Here comes another industry that experienced exponential growth owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. On the surface, a cleaning company might appear uninteresting and mediocre profit-wise, but it offers much more than what meets the eye. Cleaners are in high demand, as evidenced by the billowing advertisements for them.

Best of all, you don’t need to break a bank to start this business. You only need a bright, positive and optimistic attitude, and some cleaning supplies. However, note that the cleaning industry is as competitive as it gets, so you have to be as creative and strategic as possible to make your business stand out. 

 

  1. Personal Training

These days, fitness enthusiasts don’t need to make the daily commute to the gym to be in shape. The fitness industry has moved a large percentage of its operations from gyms to online and outdoors. The current obsession with remote work has contributed to this shift. 

And given the importance of exercise, becoming a personal trainer can bode well for your career growth and finances. Breaking into the personal training field is quite simple. You only need to take a certification exam, and you are qualified. In some instances, you only need to be a self-trained fitness aficionado!

 

The Bottom Line 

These five small businesses are the equivalent of profitable and low-risk! You can narrow down the list to your interests and budget and start something great and life-changing. Find more details and guide about small business opportunities on the Biz Op website.

BlueParrott Introduces Two New Wireless Headsets with Active Noise Cancellation for Safe, Hands-Free Communication Behind the Wheel

BlueParrott, a leader in wireless headset technology, and part of the GN Audio family alongside sister brand Jabra, announced the launch of the new S650-XT and B650-XT headsets, built for the modern-day trucker. The S650-XT and B650-XT Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) wireless headsets are engineered to give you a superior call and sound performance both on and off the road. Designed for truck drivers, these headsets offer a durable form factor to withstand the most challenging environments, including new stereo to mono convertibility with the S650-XT.

Convertible Stereo-Mono Sound

The S650-XT is the first convertible headset from BlueParrott with stereo to mono sound. With the push of a button, the S650-XT is engineered to allow drivers to convert from an immersive 2-earcup stereo experience to a mono headset. Designed for drivers who need safe, hands-free communication while trucking, but also want an immersive media experience when pulled over after a long haul, the S650-XT delivers the flexibility to do so.

 Hear and Be Heard on the motorway

Equipped with powerful ANC, the BlueParrott S650-XT and B650-XT headsets work to remove ambient noise from your surroundings, giving your ears a rest and leaving you free to immerse yourself in whatever, or whoever, you’re listening to. The ultra-noise-cancelling microphones remove an industry-leading 96% of background noise from your end of the call. Even in the middle of a busy motorway, with the windows down and music blaring, the person you talk to will hear you loud and clear.

With up to 36 hours of talk time, the S650-XT and B650-XT headsets allow you to stay connected even on the longest of trucking routes. And with up to 300 ft / 100 m of wireless range, drivers are given the flexibility to leave their phones behind and get out to stretch their legs or check their truck without worrying about the connection dropping.

A Durable Design and Personalised Experience

On the road you don’t always have time to tuck your headset away carefully, which is why the S650-XT and B650-XT are built to withstand a bit of rough treatment. IP54-rated protection from dust and water makes these sturdy headsets the ideal cab companion. Additionally, ergonomically designed with soft, flexible ear cushions and an adjustable headband, the headsets provide a comfortable fit from the first mile to the last.

Beyond the customisable fit, both headsets also provide personalised programming with the BlueParrott Button™ for instant access to your most-used feature, keeping your hands and eyes on the road. For safe, hands-free communication behind the wheel, the S650-XT and B650-XT also allow drivers to use their voice to activate the headset, control calls, GPS directions, music, voice assistants and more.

“Life on the road can be very noisy and it is essential for those who work in loud and high-mobility environments to be able to take calls and perform their jobs in a safe and comfortable manner,” said Yves Dupuis, SVP for the BlueParrott brand. “With the S650-XT we have developed BlueParrott’s first ever convertible headset, giving drivers the flexibility they need on the road to transition from a mono sound experience while driving to stereo so they can enjoy everything from movies to music and more. Both the S650-XT and B650-XT provide the first-class noise cancellation, call quality, durability and personalisation that those in the trucking industry need to stay safely connected while on the road.”

BlueParrott S650-XT key features and specifications:

  • 2-in-1 convertible from stereo to mono sound
  • 96% noise-cancelling mic
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  • Up to 36 hours of talk time
  • IP54-rated durability
  • Customisable BlueParrott Button™
  • Hands-free voice control
  • One-year warranty

 

BlueParrott B650-XT key features and specifications:

  • 96% noise-cancelling mic for clear calls
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  • Up to 36 hours of talk time
  • IP54-rated durability
  • Customisable BlueParrott Button™
  • Hands-free voice control
  • One-year warranty

 

Pricing and Availability
The BlueParrott S650-XT and B650-XT wireless headsets will be available for pre-order on BlueParrott.co.uk from November 1st, in-store and online at Amazon at the end of the month. The headsets will retail for S650-XT at £229.99 GBP and B650-XT at £199.99 GBP.

Tech Review – Skullcandy Push Active Skull-iQ true wireless.

I go through many earbuds here, in fact the most true wireless earbuds in Ireland for any tech review site here and every now and them something different comes along and I genuinely say to myself “these are something different” and this is the case for the new Skullcandy Push Active Skull-iQ which I have been testing a while now and you will get to see why in our full real hands on video review below, for context we like to show you more than stock images and show you the products we review so you get a better idea of what you are getting.

So what makes these different you may ask me, Well there is two things here that make these different apart from their great sound and we will go into this as we go on here in the review..

Build and design.

These come in a larger than usual case which is fine with me and it stands out once opened up with a nice bright Orange and Black look to it, the case is nice to hold, might be to big for some but overall it is a solid case to protect your earbuds and the magnets inside are strong too and the earbuds will not fall out. These also come with an IP55 rating which is Sweat and Water Resistance.

Skullcandy Push Active Skull-iQ techbuzzireland

Comfort and fit

These also fit really well too and have over ear hooks that goes around the ear and will not fall out of your ears,even for the most active folk and can be worn jogging or in the gym, there is one button on each side for controls but they have a new trick up their sleeve and buttons do not have to be used at all and you can just say “Hey Skullcandy” to do what you need them to do, more on this in the video below you need to see this in action.

Sound

At the price you pay here you get great sound however no ANC but this is fine with the really secure fit you will not hear much going on outside anyway unless outdoors in a noisy environment, with my ususal test loop they performed really well, highs lows and mids are fine and a good balance overall and then you have the app to play around with too with the EQ settings and also edit the button controls too which is excellent.

Hey Skullcandy

Users can simply  say, “Hey Skullcandy” to initiate seamless voice control. They can then give commands to play or pause  content, accept or reject calls, turn on Stay-Aware Mode for enhanced safety and even launch Spotify. Through a  partnership with the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, Skullcandy is the first to provide  voice-activated Spotify Tap™ access. A simple, “Hey Skullcandy, Spotify” voice command enables the most  frictionless way to access music and podcasts, or users can press a button on their earbuds to activate. Skull-iQ also makes it easy to issue audio commands directly to a device’s personal voice assistant without any additional  setup. These game-changing convenience features are ideal for anyone seeking added flexibility, but especially  important for active lifestyle users engaged in activities like snowboarding, mountain biking, skateboarding and  more.

As they say above this is the one of the new features I really like and it works well as you will see in our video review below and not only this you can use your earbuds as a remote shutter for your phones camera and this is something else I really like and something that will be very handy for people out there..

Conclusion

These are a super pair of earbuds for the price you pay and the features you get, there is some exclusions like auto play and pause and no wireless charging however this is fine there is fast charge and with the features aside that these are something for the more active folk or anyone in fact to consider looking at.

 

Push Active True Wireless Earbuds – £69.99 MSRP.

  • Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology – Issue simple, hands-free voice commands to take calls, change tracks,  adjust volume, turn on Stay-Aware Mode, activate device assistant, launch Spotify Tap, and more. • Over-the-Air Updates – Update earbuds via the Skullcandy App to add new features for enhanced functionality  and added value.
  • Premium Audio Quality – Experience supreme sound thanks to expertly-tuned acoustic drivers, dual  noise-reducing microphones for natural and clear call quality and a noise-isolating fit.
  • Up to 44 Hours of Battery Life – Listen longer with 10 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 34 hours in the  charging case.
  • USB-C Rapid Charging Case – For 10 minutes spent in the case, receive 2 hours of battery life. • True Wireless via Bluetooth® 5.2.
  • Auto On/Connect – Enjoy automatic turn on and pairing with the last device used.
  • IP55 Sweat and Water Resistance – Go on any adventure without missing a beat.
  • Built-in Tile™ Finding Technology – If an earbud is misplaced, simply ‘ring’ it from the Tile app.

For more information on Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology as well as Push Active True Wireless Earbuds,  visit http://www.skullcandy.co.uk

See the video below for more context and how they work.

 

 

Tech Review – The Jabra Elite 3

Over the last while I have been testing the all new Jabra Elite 3 which is their latest entry to the market and it is their first affordable pair if you will keeping much of their trademarks in play here, I have said for a long time now Apple and their prowess in the earbuds market is long gone and any tech journalist that continues to say different is just a mega fan boy in denial and that is all there is to it and before you get rich with your keyboard I own Airpods, there is much better value out there now and Jabra now throw a new pair of earbuds into the mix. You can check out the full unboxing HERE

Build and design

The design has changed slightly and more industrial looking but this is ok and they look well in the standard dark gray we have you can see an image compared to the 85t below, they fit well in the ears and give a good seal and are locked into place rather well and with the right size tips on you should be good to go and get the maximum benefits you would expect, there is no stem on these like previous models either and perhaps something other folks might like but earbuds with or without a stem do not bother me.

These also have a smaller profile that the 85t and do not stick out as much and that could be a big win for some too and again something that does not bother me much but does for others.

Jabra Elite 3 vs 85t techbuzzireland

Controls

The controls work well here and by that I mean you have a large are top tap here with that clicky button effect over the tap a certain area which means you are guaranteed to pull off the command you want and you also get the Sound Plus app but here is what I found really odd was that you loose adjustable EQ controls you get from say the 85t, in fact when testing at first I thought I was loosing the head for a minute and popped back in the 85t just to be sure and I was right, this is an odd exclusion here but you have to remember the price but you do get the access to the app which is a bonus.We go through the controls as ususal in the video review but for the most we have go the needs required and expected at this price point.

Sound

The part people really only want to read in a review – I will be the first to admit given I am a huge Jabra fan but we are not biased here, they are no 85t but also they are sub 100 euro earbuds either, they do lack ANC and Auto Play/Pause but with the seal you get with the right tips gets them off the hook for passive noise isolation here and as for the Play/Pause thing it never bothered me you have controls to stop the music after all. If this is your first venture into buying new earbuds you will not be disappointed and from coming down from the 75t I was not either given the price of the earbuds the overall sound was great, not as loud or punchy or defined as the 85t but a decent job overall with highs lows and mids and are fine for Netflix You Tube and music and it is better again in a quiet environment.

Conclusion

For the price you pay here you are doing well for the money even with the excluded features, you do get an IP55 rating which is sufficient for most,decent battery life and an overall good listening experience which overall I would describe as bright, they are robust and easy to use and you have to remember the cost of these, Jabra is a well known brand and that might slip people’s minds here but the entire package as a whole delivers overall and throws a spanner into the works for other manufacturers to think about, just like smartphones the cost to performance ratio has dropped significantly over the last few years and the time has well come for earbuds too.

See video below for more. BUY

Tech Review – Google Nest Cam with floodlight (wired)

As most are aware Google have launched a new range of home security products and the latest to hit the shelf is their new outdoor camera with floodlights thrown in for good measure and this time it is wired, some might not like the idea of a wired product however if it suits and you have an outdoor connection box this saves you having to drill through a wall and is also one less camera to charge.

By no means is this a small unit you can see the full unboxing here and from that point of view it is a deterrent alone, the camera that mounts onto the floodlight is the same as the other one we reviewed which is the outdoor cam for those wondering, it is the same unit and will match your existing set-up. I have this placed out my back garden pointing towards the office and my neighbours have noticed how bright it is which is a good sign and it also helps them when they are out late at night and from my point of view it is excellent should you need to be out the back garden late say putting out the bins etc.

Set-Up is simple enough however this time around it might not suit all due to the wiring required, I have an existing outside socket which worked for me but you can go through a wall if required with a verified electrician of course, but you do need to get up on a ladder and drill 4 holes to mount the mounting plate, we have done a different video review with this one and is a vlog style and you can watch that below and also get a look at what you get and what is in the app as there is the floodlight to think about here which has a simple intuitive control to brighten and dim it or just turn it on or off.

This camera is for someone who wants a decent light and especially with the dark evenings and mornings with us now it ideal to have this as part of your setup and besides that keeping your property secure, this is also something that has invested in Google Products like myself and with that you get an entire ecosystem which is better than having several types and then everything is at your fingertips on your smartphone in one app which for me is the right route to go.

The bonus of having the wired camera is that you do not have to keep charging it where as the wireless versions do require charging every now and then and that is one major benefit here, even though wired may seem like trouble having to set up it can be done quite simply so do not let that get in the way of a solid purchase if you are already invested in Google hardwear and want to get this floodlight

Specs

See the full video below for a look at the set up, the app and its features.

 

 

Dell unveils new Latitude Rugged laptops for extreme jobs

Dell has today unveiled the latest additions to its Rugged line which include the new Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged and the Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme.

With the ever-increasing role technology plays across the most extreme industries, the new Dell Rugged PC portfolio will help to assist first responders, offshore energy workers, government and law enforcement.

Built to withstand the world’s harshest environments while maintaining the highest levels of performance and connectivity, the new Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged and Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme feature:

  • Enhanced field productivity with 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, with vPro optional,
  • Mission-critical connectivity with Intel® Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G-capability,
  • Improved daylight-readable and glove-touch capable screens of up to 1400 units of brightness for optimal field usability,
  • Improved battery run-time to almost 25 hours with dual hot swappable batteries and Express Charge Boost for up to a 35% charge in 20 minutes for 24×7 field operations.

Commenting on the announcement, Vice President and General Manager for the Performance PCs portfolio of products at Dell Technologies, Tom Tobul said: “No matter the type of occupation, one thing you can’t afford to worry about is if your technology is as rugged as your job needs it to be. Lives might literally depend on it. Whether you’re working on an oil rig, are a first responder, work in manufacturing or are a member of the military and out in the field – your technology is exposed to elements and conditions like extreme temperatures, constant vibrations or high levels of dust and humidity – environments that would push the limitations of a traditional office laptop. That’s why the Dell Technologies’ Latitude Rugged PC portfolio is designed and tested to withstand the harshest and most demanding environments.

We hear it all the time from our customers: they want a PC that handles today’s modern applications, stays connected no matter where they are, doesn’t run out of power easily and stays functional in varying extreme environments. Our Latitude Rugged PC portfolio has been doing just that.”

Dell Latitude Rugged

Ruggedness, reliability and performance are key when you’re out in the field, but it can’t come at the expense of security. Both the new Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged and the Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme come with TPM 2.0 ControlVault™ advanced authentication to secure devices. Integrated cryptographic keys, contacted and contactless smartcard reader and touch fingerprint reader options provide additional device security. In addition to all these features, first responders and public safety personnel can use the 5G-network connectivity option to coordinate field responses quickly during emergencies.

Taking a closer look

If you have a job that requires excellent field durability combined with optimal performance, then the Latitude 5430 Rugged is for you. Starting at only 1.97kg, the 5430 is built for performance, coming with an optional professional discrete graphics card. It’s drop-tested from up to 3-feet and Ingress Protection (IP)-53 rated for a high-degree of protection against dust, dirt and water ingress.

Taking it up a notch with enhanced durability, the Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme features a 1400-nit direct-sunlight viewable and gloved multi-touch capable screen, is drop tested from up to 1.8 meters and has an IP-65 rating for maximum protection against dust, dirt and water ingress.

All of this comes with Dell Technologies’ industry-leading enterprise services and support, including Next-Business-Day on-site support option. Both devices are the first from Dell Technologies to ship with the new Windows 11 preinstalled, providing the best and smoothest user experience possible from the start – because experience should be the same no matter what condition. To further enhance the performance of the system, new Rugged laptops also come with Dell Optimizer, a software application that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize performance based on usage.

Availability

 Dell Latitude Rugged 5430 and 7730 laptops will be globally available for order on December 9th, 2021, shipping with Windows 11.

Tech Review – ITSKINS hybrid clear case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Next up in our Samsung Galaxy Z flip3 case round up is the latest on offer from ITSKINS who recently partnered with Samsung and this case is one for those who like to see their natural colour of their device, this one does this and also protects your device both front and rear with a raised edge on the front allowing you to place the device face down.

There is several colours available to choose from too which is nice and you are not stuck with the usual that some manufacturers offer. The case also provides a better grip and also the buttons are tactile and work well..

This slim, crystal-clear case lets you show off your phone’s premium design. A custom anti-yellowing TPU polymer ensures your case stays clear longer.With an optical-grade acrylic armor hardback and dual material construction, HYBRID // CLEAR offers premium drop protection to your device. Our signature HEXOTEK impact absorption technology has been integrated into the interior perimeter of the case, making it drop safe from up to 3M/ 10 Feet. The slim, lightweight design won’t add extra bulk to your phone. Raised edges shield the screen and camera against everyday bumps and scratches. Our custom high-performance antimicrobial polymer helps keep your phone microbe and germ-free. HYBRID // CLEAR has been Eco-Designed, using 100% recyclable materials and produced with sustainable methods wherever possible

See the video below for more –  BUY