Category: #Reviews

Review – TIBO Electronics Plus 2.1 bluetooth stereo speakers #TIBO #Bluetooth #Speakers #Audio

I love my bluetooth speakers and sport a wide range of them and today we have a new company on board by the name of  TIBOELECTRONICS  and they have sent us out a pair of Bluetooth Speakers that are made with quality materials and to top it off POWERFULL SOUND.

I was not expecting much from these off the bat as it is a new brand but I was wrong. The build quality is excellent and looks really well no matter where you rest them and they can be moved anywhere and you are not restricted to just using Bluetooth either. These can be hooked up to your TV via audio cables which are provided or OPTICAL. If you have and optical connection I suggest you use this as it works better and for all things connected to your TV the sound will shine through and it is loud.. Very Loud and just how I like it.

These will shake the flooring in your house and your sofa will vibrate they are that loud and it immerses you into the picture you are watching or music you might be streaming. Set-up is simple and the materials used here are not cheap either with crappy connection points. You will see all there is to see in the video review below…

TIBO Plus 2.1 Bluetooth active bookshelves speaker system will provide remarkable sound in multiple set-ups. Supported by 2 x 35W amplifier, 32mm soft dome and 100mm woofer are a unique design, the Plus 2.1 powered Bluetooth speakers also come with standard RCA and 3.5mm connections to connect just about any Hi-Fi source. For TVs, CD/DVD, game consoles, and Blu-ray players there is an optical digital input. Still not enough bass? Use the sub output to connect to a subwoofer. With built-in amplification, there’s no need for a separate amplifier. Containing a Class D digital amplifier, the Plus range is more than capable of filling a room with music. Simply plug the active speaker into the mains and connect the other, passive, speaker via conventional speaker cable. You can listen to music from just about any source – even via wireless Bluetooth using the TIBO Plus range.

Simply pair the speakers with your Bluetooth enabled device and stream your music library, internet radio, or services like Spotify, TIDAL etc. at CD sound quality. The Plus 2.1 can be added to a smart home audio set-up by adding a TIBO Bond, part of the TIBO Ecosystem. You will be able to stream Worldwide digital internet radio via your own Wi-Fi and pre-sets for easy access to your favourite radio stations and online playlist. TIBO products offer the latest technology in both product development and design, delivering perfect sound in fully digital high-resolution audio. For speakers that blend quality sound with style and connectivity, the TIBO Plus range is a winner through and through. Box Contains pair of speakers, remote, cables.

SPECS

  • 2x35W Powered Active Bluetooth Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker System with an elegant and immaculately finished cabinet
  • Perfect speakers for PC, studio, turntable, DJ system, and TV
  • 1x Sub out for connecting to external subwoofer for extra bass
  • Multiple inputs: 1×3.5mm mini jack, 1xoptical and 1xRCA Line
  • Easy to use remote control provided

BUY HERE 

Review – Skyroam.. WIFI Anywhere. #Skyroam #WiFi #Travel #Tech

You will be no stranger these days to car salesmen having a new selling point of connected car being fitted with Wi-Fi which would be simply a wired dongle or similar to keep you connected on your travels but this limits you to just your vehicle and again you can’t remove it and keep it with you on your travels outside your region but it is a topic nonetheless that’s a moot point in my book when there is options elsewhere and one such option is Skyroam.. Yes we do have mobile dongles we can carry from our providers too but again limited options and high rates to use abroad and if you go over your limit you get fleeced blind which again says something regarding the roam like home bravado we seen which in reality is bullshit as you get a percentage of your overall allowance..

Skyroam changes this as it can be used in over 100 countries,you can take it anywhere and it also doubles as a powerbank and to top it off the battery life is excellent and from testing hard with two devices latched on all day using maps,social email and browsing I seen only a 30% reduction in charge each day which is quite remarkable considering how hard I punished this unit.

TRAVEL RESULTS WITH SKYROAM

UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS RESULTS IN HOUSE

Keep in mind test above is to see how effective in other areas away from source but you can carry this in your pocket.

Set up is simple but can be problematic for some this could depend on your area or surroundings and even at home where I have a new build materials are also now an issue and proved same in tests here for getting a clean strong signal in the house, On the road this is great however and I suffered no latency or loss of signal at all and performed really well pushing it with just two devices connected. It really impressed me and the portability factor is also a benefit if you are staying at hotels for example where they tend to want to know everything about you before you can access it.

Skyroam also offer multiple package deals too so there is something to suit each pocket and needs and its flexible from day passes to more which is also good unlike other offers out there where you can only pick from a select few plans which none may suit.

Overall this is a handy item to have at your exposure and if like me you travel quite often its a must have the app is simple to use which will be shown in the video below and its a simple enough set up process and they have a help team at hand too should you run into difficulty and keep in mind it does take a few minutes to set up and get local tower signals and after that you are good to go and get connected anywhere. Finally it’s a great back up device to have should your network goes down which happened to me during testing..

SEE SKYROAM FOR MORE

Review – The EZVIZ Mini O HD indoor camera. #EZVIZ #Security #Home #Tech

I love how things have changed with fixed alarm systems at home over the years and I have tried out several connected options in that time and prefer them despite having a complete system set up in house I love the better affordable options due to their simplicity and great apps behind them which gives you everything at your fingertips via your smartphone anywhere in the world. I have tried many from the likes of Y-cam, Blink, Honeywell and more and even a more local camera from Smartfrog.

 

SIZE COMPARISON

The EZVIZ Mini O is a new player in town and they offer great products and this fella is a breeze to use and a breeze to set up and the app is also excellent which is of course important and you can also store data locally on an SD  or you can use cloud storage and EZVIZ NVR.

Portability is a key factor with such devices at home as you can move them freely anywhere and this unit is small and non obtrusive and can blend in with furniture or surroundings too not being the eyepiece of the room like some cameras can. With a 111 degree 720p HD lens you are covered in a large or small room be it day or night with IR infrared lights nothing will be missed with instant alerts. Set up will vary per person and there is an array of settings in the app to choose which suits your needs which will be seen in video below.

Installation is simple.You can either place on a surface or fix it but the fixing process too is simple with a magnetic plate requiring just two screws to fix in place however I find most will leave it sat on a surface to suit their needs. It’s also small and light but wired which is the only downside on this unit nonetheless though it works a charm and done everything it said on the tin and most of all its affordable compared to wired in house CCTV systems out there today. Having said that you know they saying ” You get what you pay for” with the EZVIZ Mini O you get value for money,security and peace of mind that it works.

To top it off this also works as a two-way speaker so you can also chat to people from anywhere or perhaps a pet if you are worried and away longer than expected and its compatible with Amazon devices.

  • Compatible with Alexa via Echo Show and Echo Spot
  • Compact 720p camera with a magnetic base
  • Two way audio and 5m night vision
  • View anywhere and anytime through the app
  • Multiple recording options – local (up to 128gb MicroSD), EZVIZ cloud or EZVIZ NVR
  • Works on 2.4ghz WiFi only – if you have a dual band router please set to 2.4ghz network to pair

BUY HERE 

Review – The Jabra Move Style Edition. #Jabra #JabraMove #Tech #Headphones

Jabra recently announced some cool products at CES this year and we have their all new Jabra Move Style Edition and have been testing them out. Since the last pair of Move we had these are a great improvement in every aspect but keeping things original from the past so for those looking to upgrade it will be a simple process.

Build quality to start with is excellent and with metal arms they are robust and stealthy looking, The headband is fabric coated and has very comfortable padding on the underside and will be easy to wear for long periods with the cups also being soft.

Connectivity is simple as always just switch them on and your phone will find them instantly and pair and you will get that lovely Jabra voice prompt to tell you that you are connected you will also get a battery low warning voice prompt at 50% which is a bit premature?? . Controls are simple as before yet on the small side but we go through that in the video review below.

On the left we have our music controls skip/pause/stop and volume, redial and we also have the 3.5mm headphone jack should you run out of juice on the go but with battery life on these up to 14 hours you should easily get two days or more on long commutes but Jabra are always spot on with battery time if not better than slated.

On the right side is the power on/off and bluetooth settings along with two led lights for status. The main thing though people want to know is how they sound… As a whole they are great with great soundstage and balance however not very loud nor much bass but with an equaliser you can fix that. For the music lover on the go they will be pleased with the performance having tried highs,mids and lows the sound was crisp and clear and balanced well with no hissing or tinny at max volume, You can turn these up full blast and enjoy and also the leakage is minimal too and most of the external noise is isolated despite being on-ears which was better than I expected.

Two gripes with these is they are Micro USB and short a carry case which is now becoming the norm but I can live with it..

Key features of the Jabra Move Style Edition:

  • Sound: Superior wireless sound with music control
  • Battery life: Enjoy up to 14 hours of play
  • Design: Ultra-light headband tested to withstand life on the go
  • Stylish: New colour shades – Titanium Black, Gold Beige and Navy

BUY FROM JABRA

Review – AlcoSense excel digital breathalyser. #Motoring #SelfTesting #Safety #Drinking #Driving

Self testing is a touchy subject for some in some circumstances and this topic today is one of those subjects. For me this is an important topic and many others and a gadget like this should be in every drivers arson for their own safety yet alone others.

OK.. Here is where I have an issue with the current law recently set. Lets take a look at the limits.. There is two…First of all this is wrong and leaves a window of opportunity leaving one to think they will get away with just the one drink. (The second test conducted proves for me I can drive under the higher limit but not on the lower,this is where the problem is with ZERO TOLERANCE and how we react differently on an individual basis to alcohol intake)We are all different and have different metabolism levels and some can handle their drinks better than others it has always been that way and always will.. So lets look at these levels..

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 50 milligrams (mg) for all drivers, and 20mg for specified drivers, defined as learner or newly qualified drivers (for a period of two years after passing their driving test) or professional drivers (of buses, goods vehicles and public service vehicles).

The problem I have with the above is the limit should be the same for all and ONE limit.If you are licensed to drive a vehicle you should abide by the rules simple as and two BAC limits is rather stupid. As is when we pass our test it is a lifetime ticket to drive I also have an issue with that but that is a discussion for another day.

Source of info 

Recently in the news it has been said we should avoid self testing as it is not accurate and I find this reactive when people are willingly trying to be pro active and a simple test like this can ultimately stop you being banned from driving or killing someone. OK it might not be accurate according to calibration levels set by the garda but lets be honest here they have not had a great run either when it comes to figures either,its the world we live in.

 

So what is Alco sense which has recently hit Ireland..

The Alcosense Excel senses the volume of breath exhaled during the test and takes a reading after 1.2 litres of air – ensuring the most accurate and consistent sample is always taken.  Easy-to-read on-screen prompts coach you on how to, and when to, stop blowing.  If you make a mistake, it tells you that too.  And if you’re using your breathalyser in low light, such as a dark Winter morning, there is a light to ensure you put the blow tube into the machine correctly.

Need a job in IT or tech? Click the image below

To improve accuracy even further, readings are fine-tuned according to temperature so even if there is the biggest snowfall for 30 years, the Excel will compensate to ensure the correct reading.

The AlcoSense Excel can also be set to any worldwide limit­.  With detailed, clear readings in traffic light colours, the Excel will clearly alert you not to drive if you are close to or over the limit.

OK so that is AlcoSense and it is really meant for the morning after which is when many people get caught out thinking it is ok to drive which is fine. For me you should test before you go to bed so you can allow more time next day if required So I tested this out over a period of time and tested before I drank and had a meal and after my meal at both allowances here in Ireland to see how effective it is on both sides of the fence and I found it to be accurate with one small issue but nonetheless it works and results conclusive.

Set up is simple and its slide form factor reminds me of slider phones and its also a very portable unit. Once set up and to your PERSONAL limit of 20 or 50mg you will blow into the tube,there is several provided in the box and blow for around 6 seconds,don’t worry if you get it wrong it will tell you. Then you await the result to your set limit and your faith awaits you.

 

One issue I found was a Sensory Overload where by the manual it tells you have consumed more than a human can take in which is a false negative and means you just blew into the tube directly after having a drink and this will lock you out of the system for 24 Hours and acts as a sensor saturation repair so if you are not familiar or unsure how to use it and want to test before you go to bed don’t because you will not be able to use it the next morning which what the product is designed for but as mentioned there is no harm to check the night before either. Other than that it just works and would certainly recommend one even though they might seem pricey its a cheap price to pay if you have to use your car or drive a vehicle when you think about it.

 

The AlcoSense breathalyser range is available in Ireland from Halfords or direct from the company’s website – www.alcosense.ie

Note. This test was based purely on my Alcohol intake over an 6 hour period between a meal. 2 pub shots baileys and 5 pub measure shots of Captain Morgans with Orange. Results will vary per person.

Review – Mozo Fabric And Leather Back Covers for the Nokia 7.1 #Nokia7 #Ireland #Mozo

Mozo have sent us their latest cases for the Nokia 7.1 and for those who are familiar with the company they make really stylish simple cases for smartphones giving them a really nice look and feel. The Nokia 7.1 is a tad slippy but these case sort that issue out and give you some form or protection too.

These cases are minimalist yet offer some protection with a small lip on the front of the device and all the corners are catered for. All ports and keys are easily accessible and there is not much thickness added to the device yet you gain extra grip. The two tone look is really nice and stands out sat on a table or flat surface yet will last some time depending on the person themselves.

1 / 14

Designed in Helsinki, this case is a classic example of Mozo design and represents Mozo’s long legacy and passion for Nokia devices!

Created to be the perfect fit, this handmade case with light grey texture and beautiful Spanish leather seamlessly styles up your Nokia 7.1. Slim yet protective, it adds extra grip which is essential in everyday use.

Minimal and sophisticated.

  • Ultra slim & a perfect fit for Nokia 7.1
  • Material: textile, premium Spanish leather, non-toxic water-based edge paint, and PU
  • Extra layer of protection & grip for your device
  • Handmade in Europe

BUY – LEATHER AND LIGHT GREY FABRIC

BUY – LEATHER AND BLACK FABRIC

Review – Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi. #Devolo #WiFi #Mesh #Tech #Home #Office

The Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi box is heavy with typical Devolo features clearly visible on the box.  The three sockets are heavy and solid. The most noticeable feature of the kit is the plug socket allowing a separate plug to be plugged into the socket. The traditional socket means that you lose a wall socket when using a power extender.  The socket is physically wider than a typical plug which may result in two plugs not fitting into the same socket.  The Devolo focuses on magic but the technology via the home plugs allows broadband via the plug socket and then Wi-Fi to the other area expanding the home. The Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi Powerline used the power cable in the property to carry the data around your home or office.

 

Box Contains:

  • 2 x Devolo magic 2 Wi-Fi add-on adapters
  • 1 x Devolo magic 2 LAN add-on adapter
  • 1 x Ethernet
  • User guide

 

The Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi features:

  • Powerline
  • Speeds up to 2400 Mbps
  • Over distances up to 500 metres
  • Security – with 128-bit AES Powerline encryption

 

  • An integrated electrical socket
  • A PLC button with LED status display
  • A Wi-Fi button with LED status display
  • Four internal Wi-Fi antennas,
  • Two gigabit network connectors
  • A reset button (next to the network connectors).
  • Enchanting mesh Wi-Fi: Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi transmits data amazingly fast via the power lines thanks to the latest G.hn-standard, setting up its magical Wi-Fi umbrella with Wi-Fi ac, at any power socket
  • Compatible with all routers, Devolo Magic adapters and HomeGrid Forum certified products; dLAN Powerline adapters and other HomePlug AV products are not supported
  • Magical Internet from your wall socket: Incredible transmission speeds of up to 2400 Mbps and a range of up to 500 metres characterise the Devolo Powerline adapters;
  • Enchantingly integrated: You can use Devolo Magic two Wi-Fi to connect mobile and stationary terminal devices quickly with the home network – wirelessly or via two Gigabit LAN connections on the housing
  • Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi is compatible with all routers, Devolo Magic adapters and G.hn-based products.
2 / 12

 

Setup:

The basic setup is easy; plug in the Devolo Magic Lan directly to the router, initially plug the other plug in the same room and allow the light to change to white (max 3 minutes). The initial setup requires the home plug connected to a max of 10 meters and wait for a white light.  Press the home button and press the WPS button on the router within 2 min. Take a note of the Wi-Fi code on the back of the 2 Wi-Fi add-on adapters for use afterwards. Once the setup is done the individual Wi-Fi add-on adapters can be moved to other sockets in the house or garden. The plug socket must be on the same supply line and cannot be used with a surge protection extension socket.

Search for the Wi-Fi as normal and enter the Wi-Fi code on the back on the plugs. Once the setup has been completed the display is a white light which is better than a red light which is less distracting. Once set up, the speed was increased in the furthest bedroom. One of the Wi-Fi add-on adapters was placed in an external shed, this resulted in Wi-Fi signal at the end of the garden which normally had no Wi-Fi coverage. The internet speed increased with increased stability.  The speed was listed as 2400 Mbps with a range of 500 m.

 

Software: Devolo Cockpit 5.0.1 – Windows

The software is optional and not required for normal use but if used it can give the option to use advanced features which you would expect in a business environment, this can enhance the security in your network. The setup of the software was not as straight forward as the initial setup. The initial setup required my antivirus to change and a reboot to pick up the Wi-Fi add-on adapter on the network.

The basic setup is easy for use with a standard setup to extend the coverage in a home. The advance (optional) setup in the software Devolo Cockpit had a few setup issues.  The unit was connected in areas in the home that traditionally would have dropouts when watching Netflix and WhatsApp videos. These areas normally had no coverage or limited coverage. When using the Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi add-on adapters the coverage was excellent, validated with speed test sites getting a similar speed as connected beside the router. The Wi-Fi add-on adapter was connected to an IP CCTV, the connection was instant with no manual adjustment required, allowing IP video feeds to transfer clearly without latency. The Devolo kit will only expand the range of the current broadband from the router. If the Broadband speed is poor to the router / home the Wi-Fi add-on adapter will only expand the signal and not improve this.

The use of the Powerline cable within a property that has thick walls, floors, ceilings or foil back stud partitions block the signal and is overcome using the Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi box which used the internal wiring of the property. The Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi box has the added advantage of creating a new Wi-Fi hotspot or a wireless Mesh network which extends the range of the broadband. This is a genius bonus over the lower range having the extended Wi-Fi.  The Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi has an advantage of allowing the use of a pass through plug but can be classed as large visually out of place in a home setting.

The initial cost of the unit may be classed as expensive but when struggling with poor broadband in an area, the Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi solves this problem effectively and easily. Technically this product does exactly as one would expect from a quality brand with a big thumbs up.

Amazon

DEVOLO

Review – The Plantronics BackBeat 500 headphones. #Plantronics #BackBeat500 #Headphones

The BackBeat 500 are a stylish colourful headset offering all your needs bar ANC. ANC seems to be the talk of the day but these headphones are durable,comfortable,lightweight and give you crisp and clear sound killing most of the outside world regardless.

Built well,these are robust and will last with a nice matt finish on the exterior headband flanked by a nice padded material which is perfect for long term usage be it for gaming or long commutes to work or even the gym and you do get a carry bag should you want to store them.

The pads are comfy which is important but not too deep and one thing that is good here they do not sweat but this may depend on the individual or environment. They sport adjustable arms each side which are solid and will not move during activities.

The cups have a really nice finish to them with its rubber like feel and on the left side you will have easy access to control buttons for music selection,skip,pause and so on and the keys are slightly raised so you can easily navigate blindly. The right side has a plastic cover instead and has no function side but the rest of the action here is done with raised buttons place around the sides being your power-on/off and you have your quick access key to Siri/ Google Assistant which all work well

The Left side also has your 3.5mm socket and Micro USB Port and volume up/down keys so there is a mix between the two sides to avail of all the functions.

Sound wise these are well-balanced but no app to control EQ so you will have to use your own built-in app or a third-party one. The is an app you can use though which will see in the video below but overall these are well-balanced with highs,lows and mids and offer a crisp sound which is clear with some bass and overall I would not complain looking at it from your average users point of view. For those whom are audiophiles they might feel shortchanged with quality and the lack of an app but these are not intended for such but they pass the test here with me when it comes to someone looking for decent cans at an affordable price.

Listen/talk time Up to 18 hours of listening and talk time on a single charge
Range Stream up to 10 meters/33 feet from Bluetooth-compatible devices
Audio 40 mm drivers and advanced acoustic technology provide premium audio
Wideband enabled mic Take calls with a wideband-enabled mic and access Siri, Google Now, or Cortana straight from the headphones
On-ear controls On-ear controls let you play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and easily take calls
Connect multiple devices Multipoint Bluetooth lets you automatically connect up to two devices simultaneously and pair up to eight
Power conservation Maintain battery charge for up to six months with DeepSleep hibernation mode
3.5 mm jack Design enables analog cable to be plugged in for uninterrupted listening
Weight 155g
Bluetooth version 4.1 4.1
https://youtu.be/CYK9KziJXQI

Review – The Edifier B3 CineSound B3 Soundbar. #Edifier #Audio #Tech

Many soundbars have passed through here and they are a great addition to your home setup if you want that extra audio experience immersing you more into what you watch on your TV. Built in soundbars on many TVs are not really effective and point downwards and there is some out there that point at you but the sound is weak. This soundbar however really impressed me and you can mount it wherever you like too or leave it sat under your TV as I did.

 

The sound that comes from this is exceptional and something I would expect from Edifier and they did not disappoint again. You have plenty of connection types this time but no HDMI connection and you get a small remote control that is simple to use and offers all you need on it.

The 3D sound option is fantastic and the floors will rattle at full volume which is loud and just the way I like it. Sound via TV your phone or streaming or any source is replicated well and balanced with some nice bass for the bass lovers. This also could be used at a house party and you can use your mobile phone or just use through your TV and listen to the radio or watch your favourite TV show or film and you will really feel the quality of sound that comes out of this unit and it is also portable around the house too which is handy if you have multiple TVs.

 

 

 

Check out the video below and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Once again thanks to EDIFIER and they are a company you should check out when it comes to having a really great audio experience.

BUY ON AMAZON

EDIFIER

  • POWER OUTPUTRMS 16W×2(Treble)+19 W×2(Mid-range and bass)
  • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO≥85dBA
  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 60Hz~20kHz (±6dB)
  • INPUT SENSITIVITYLine in: 700 ± 50mV AUX: 550 ± 50mV OPT, COA: 400mFFs ± 50mFFs
  • INPUT TYPEAuxiliary/Line in/Coaxial /Optical/Bluetooth
  • BASS DRIVER2¾” (70mm)
  • TREBLE DRIVER3/4” (19mm) silk dome tweeter
  • SPEAKER DIMENSION1000×79×80 mm
  • PACKING BOX DIMENSION1066×170×143mm