Category: #Reviews

Google Pixel 9a first impressions after one week

The Google pixel 9a is one of the latest devices in my hands now and I have been testing this out for the last week and so far impressed with what you get for your money.

Each year in the Pixel cycle the a series is a phone to watch an this time round coincides with the new iPhone 16e which is not worth the money in my book.

Moving down from the 9 Pro and XL series has never been an issue over the years and with the new 9a this remains the same you are not missing a whole lot overall with what you pay for the latest device from Google and all the AI features are there if you have gotten into the love of all things AI.

The build quality this time round also is something to note, not like the Pro or XL however still good enough to make it feel more premium than before.

After loading all my apps on the new 9a from the 9 Pro it has been fine over the last weeks testing and it was a seamless switch to transfer from old to new device as always is the Pixel phones.

Below there is some camera samples including images and videos from the Hodson Bay Hotel for those who like that aspect and we also have multiple case reviews for the new Pixel 9a so do check those out too later on here and on YouTube. Also below is a walkthrough of the device and we check out what is on board and a long term review will follow later on in the year.

On the camera front everything is here again as expected Macro focus add me best take audio magic eraser reimagine and auto frame in magic editor.

Gemini is on board of course with 2.0 Deep research and Gemini Live you have also got call assist circle to search and pixel studio and also just announced camera and screen sharing to Gemini Live

Since popping my sim in last week my Pixel 9a has had no issues I have missed nothing and has worked fine with my daily tasks which would be more than the average user would use and also the battery has been great thus far with real world testing loaded with apps again which much more than average users and for me is still an excellent productivity tool.

Need cases for your pixel 9a check out some we have tried out

 

Images and Videos 

 

Ten things to know about the Google Pixel 9a

1 Magic made  simple. Meet Pixel 9a – engineered by Google with more features than you expect, for less than you think. Like Gemini built in to help supercharge your productivity and creativity.1 An incredible camera. All-day battery.2 Durable design. And seven years of updates so it keeps feeling like new.
2 Easy, amazing photography. With a 48 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide camera, you can take photos so amazing, you won’t believe you actually took them. For the first time on an A-Series phone, you can capture the smallest details using Macro Focus. With Add Me, you can make sure that no one is left out of a group photo – just take one photo with the group, then swap in the photographer. Pixel magically merges them together. Night Sight on Pixel 9a enables you to take amazing photos at night and even capture a short clip of the stars with Astrophotography, a first on an A-Series phone. With Real Tone, all skin tones are represented beautifully and accurately in photos and videos.
3 Magical  editing. With Pixel 9a’s editing tools, taking a photo is just the beginning. Google AI lets you create perfect group photos with Best Take, and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur. Magic Editor can automatically reframe your photo, suggest the best crop and even expand your image to get more of the scene. You can also use Reimagine in Magic Editor to give your photos a whole new vision – like adding a bed of flowers or greener grass.5 Just tap what part you want to change in the photo, and type what you want to see. And with Pixel Studio, make your own memes, stickers and whatever else you can dream up in seconds, from wherever you’re typing.6A surfing tiger, anime style? And make it a sticker? You got it.

 

4 Built to last. Pixel 9a is Google’s most  durable A-Series phone yet. With a metal frame and improved IP68 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display. And it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. With over 30 hours of power, the largest battery in an A-Series yet, Pixel 9a is dependable through the day.Additionally, seven years of Pixel Drops and OS and security updates makes Pixel 9a a phone you’ll love to hold on to.
5 Gemini. Your built-in AI  assistant. Gemini helps you supercharge your ideas. Press and hold the power button to start writing, planning, learning and more. Gemini can help you find info and take action across your Google apps on the go, like pulling party details from an invitation in Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. Chat with Gemini to get more info or take action on what’s on your screen. Or instead of typing, use Gemini Live and have a natural, free-flowing conversation. Gemini follows along, even if you change the topic or switch the question mid-sentence.
6 Smooth lines, durable  design. Pixel 9a has been crafted with a new streamlined camera design that looks flat-out fresh, a unique design that’s a first for the A-Series while still iconically Pixel. Inspired by nature and water droplets, the Camera Bar is slightly domed, simple and beautiful. The phone is made with recycled materials and a recycled aluminium frame to help reduce carbon impact. Even the back cover is 81% recycled plastic – plus, the packaging is 100% plastic free. And Pixel 9a comes in four colours: Iris, Peony, Porcelain and Obsidian.
7 That  new-phone  feeling every few months. With Pixel Drops, your phone keeps getting better over time, automatically for seven years. It gets brand-new features, so you don’t have to keep getting a new phone. These may include features for camera, battery, calling, AI and more.

 

8 Protects you and your  information. Pixel 9a is designed for your peace of mind. It helps protect you from spam, scams and other threats, and also looks out for your safety. Pixel is built with safety features that help you prepare and react in an emergency. It can quickly call emergency services and share accurate location info so they know where to send help. You even have protection if your phone is in the wrong hands. If suspicious activity is detected, Pixel automatically locks to give you peace of mind that your sensitive information will stay private.
9 Built to  protect.  Beautifully. Made specifically for Pixel 9a, the ultra-smooth Pixel 9a Case sits perfectly along the streamlined camera design. Match it precisely to the hue of your phone, or mix things up. The case is designed together with the phone for seamless charging, clear audio and uninterrupted calls. And it’s made with at least 40% recycled plastic.
10 Get more with Pixel 9a. It’s easy to switch to Pixel, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 9a includes three months of Google One,20three months of YouTube Premium21 and six months of Fitbit Premium22to help you get the most out of your new phone. Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. With YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, and offline. And give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.

 

See our Pixel reviews 

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First look and unboxing video

PanPan Kids Smartwatch Review It is simple to use.

The PanPan Kids Smartwatch is a simple effective product to keep track of your child or even elder with no fuss or hard things to learn based on your personal set up the key USP for me here is simplicity which is what we all want and this compared to other kids watches is the simplest form you can ask for.

The watch itself is robust and has just one button on the left allowing you to turn on/ off get your heart rate and steps, make an emergency call and receive one you also have the date and time battery level and signal level on the homescreen.

The product comes with an app the parent will use and it works on both Android and iOS which we tested on both to see if there is any differences which there is none.

The app works well giving constant location data and the historical location of your child’s whereabouts and keeps track of calls and other data you have signed up for like 24/7 monitoring geofencing and so on

The PanPan kids watch keeps track of your child fitness which is also hand built in here and allows you to watch for anomalies.

Call quality is quite good as you will see in the video review down below and overall this is one of the simplest kids smartwatches yet to date I have tested and simple works for more people compared to other watches we have in here for review which requires adding APNs and all that kind stuff which can be cumbersome for many.

 

The App – with functions requested 

 

Key Benefits for Parents
  • Privacy-Focused – No camera or recording functions, ensuring safety at school and compliance with GDPR.
  • Affordable and Convenient – Provides essential connectivity without the distractions or risks of a smartphone.
  • SOS and Two-Way Calling – Instant connection between child and parent at any time.
  • Real-Time Location Tracking – GPS location accessible through the app.
  • Geo-Fencing Alerts – Parents can set safe zones and receive notifications when their child moves beyond them.
  • Activity Monitoring – Built-in pedometer promotes movement and healthy habits.
  • Durable & Kid-Friendly Design – Comfortable, customisable straps and available in fun colours.
  • Optional 24/7 Monitoring Support – Additional security for families (available at an extra cost per month).

Video Review

Other SmartWatch Reviews 

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Jartoo – World’s First Carbon Nanotube Heated Blanket Review

A new kind of tech product has dropped in for review and it is the Jartoo Heated Blanket is a fusion of innovation, safety, and sustainability, designed for eco-conscious and tech-savvy consumers. It’s not just a heating solution—it’s a step toward smarter, healthier living.

What this offers users is much more than one might expect and even for me as I got a brief introduction to it but this Blanker offers far Infrared Heating, Promotes blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and overall wellness, with a 24V Low-Voltage System that eliminates electric shock risks, even with spills or pet damage.

It is also Eco-Friendly & Energy Efficient and Uses 60% less energy than traditional electric blankets and Machine Washable & Lightweight: Perfect for families and on-the-go use. All with Carbon Nanotube Technology and Delivers rapid, even heat without bulk or safety concerns.

The presentation is excellent and you get all you need in the box including cables a remote and a travel bag which is convenient, the remote has several controls on board and simple to pair up if not paired out of the box.

The blanket itself is luxurious so to speak with a soft feel all round, house in the blanket there is a button and charge port behind the zipper which is kept safe when not in use.

The button will change colour on your settings and this gets warm fairly fast from as little as 30 seconds so you will be warm in no time at all here.

Be it used as a blanket or snood you will feel relaxed and the soft material which is washable and the fabric is tough so this will last for many years use.

Not only all this but it saves you on your electricity bill which in Ireland is gone beyond a joke so this is an added bonus compared to other heated blankets on the market.

Check out the video review below for more and yes you see it in hand and me wearing it.

 

 

  • More Peace of Mind: The Jartoo nano heated blanket incorporates multiple advanced safety circuit protection technologies. Despite being powered by 120V-240V AC, it outputs only 24V—well below the 36V safety threshold, making it safer for both children and the elderly. Even in the event of localized damage, there is no risk of electric leakage, ensuring absolute safety protection.
  • More Energy-Efficient: Achieves far-infrared rapid heating in just 30s with a power consumption of only 70W—60% more energy-efficient than other heated throw blankets, saving approximately 1 kWh per day. Far-infrared technology delivers deeper, more soothing warmth for enhanced comfort and relaxation.
  • More Comfort without Wires: Ultra-soft nano heating material and 320gsm velvet fabric ensures the Jartoo electric throw blanket feels soft and perfectly conforms to your body, eliminating the stiffness and discomfort of wires. It is easy to carry, can be used on bed, sofa, office, and also great for outdoor traveling.
  • More Convenient to Clean: The innovative nano heating material, with a structural strength 100x that of steel, ensures exceptional durability. Unlike traditional heated shawl, it won’t get damaged during washing or drying, and even pets can hardly damage it. Clean and dry with confidence (recommended drying below 149°F).
  • More Practical: The portable electric blanket comes with a separate wireless remote to adjust 6 temperature levels (95°F-131°F) and 5 timer settings (2h intervals, up to 10h). You can also control the temperature directly using the buttons on the electric blanket.

Heated cushion for your pet review

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Video

Oclean X Pro Elite Sonic Toothbrush Review

The Oclean X Pro Elite Sonic Toothbrush is their latest on offer and comes in at an affordable price too in comparison to other well known brands on the market some time ago we checked out the X10 toothbrush and now it is time to go to their Pro Elite premium set this time around.

The package comes well presented and packed with everything you need including a carry bag, wireless charge a wall mount and of course extra brushes which is handy and you now have an app to help you along with your dental routine.

With the app can select tooth grade and programmes for your needs and the AI will even suggest plans for you based on your brushing and gives you a breakdown of your cleaning habits which is cool and I put to the test myself and shows in a 3D image where needs attention. It effectively gives you a health report on your brushing

As for a user experience with cleaning is it good you ask. Well yes we are habitual creatures and with a regular toothbrush it is boring with a smart one it seems longer than the time you assign, two minutes for example seems a lifetime but the thing is with the programmes you get it done as stay at it till the brush switches off which it does however there is no warning as to when the time is up like say a 10 second warning beep to let you know your hard work has been done. There is 4 different modes and 32 different intensities with a cool sounding maglev motor.

The grip on the toothbrush is quite nice with a sandstone feel to it so it wont slip out of hand and leaves no mess when finished and a simple rinse cleans it off.

There is a small touch sensitive display on the toothbrush which is hand to change modes and settings on the fly you can of course use the app for a more detailed look though for your personal needs.

Overall this toothbrush is quite good it is not as noisy as others here that I have and cost more and it coaches you into a better mouth hygiene regime pushing you to miss the places with a report each time it is used this is a great feature to have for me rather than be stuck in typical routine with a regular boring toothbrush this gives you insights encourages you to break old habits and of course leaves your teeth clean which feels and looks good and has a great battery life.

The App 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Smart Screen-Brushing Result Instant Display
  • Ultra-Quiet Technology (<45dB)
  • 84,000 Movements/min Maglev Motor
  • 4 Modes and 32 Intensities for Clean Mode
  • Brushing Plan Customization APP
  • Dupont Diamond &W Shape Bristles
  • Up to 35 Days Battery Life
  • IPX7 Waterproof

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Oclean X10 review

Video Review

 

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 USB Flash Drive Review

The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 USB Flash Drive comes in several storage options to suit one’s personal needs these range from 32GB to 256GB which is what we have here today.

Flash drives are ten a penny these days but security is vital today with what we store and now with GDPR laws encryption is vital in any business and indeed personal use.

We have review many brands in the past like iStorage for example who seem to have vanished since we seen them last but Kingston offer similar products here too and again many other brands we have covered in this category of tech.

This USB Flash drive is built well with a nice finish that stands out and also has an LED light on board to show when it is in use. The build quality alone sets it apart from plastic housed devices out there and also you can attach to your keyring if required.

The set up is relatively simple here and a much simpler process than others there is a complex or passphrase mode here also an admin mode for others to access which is not the case for us here it is just me that will use it. You can see how this works in the video review below it is simple to be honest and not a complex process. You can also hide your password whilst typing which is hand for several obvious security reasons.

The LP50 comes with the latest AES hardware encryption and XTS mode and stops brute force attacks.

 

You can also back up direct to cloud with a pop up every time you use it  if not chosen from the start this is handy to have and supports several platforms such as box and google drive which would suit many again you can see this in the video review below.

Performance is fine here for a USB key with no issues swapping files across and back in no time and works well on all laptops I have here during testing overall a simple handy effective gadget to have to keep your data safe where it should be.

Features
  • XTS-AES Encryption with Brute Force and BadUSB Attack Protection
  • Multi-Password (Admin and User) Option with Complex/Passphrase modes
  • New Passphrase Mode
  • Automatic Personal Cloud Backup
  • Additional Security Features
  • 256GB
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1
  • 115.0 write speed

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Kingston External SSD XS 1000R review

Video Review

 

TOZO Open EarRing Wireless Open Ear Headphones Review

The TOZO Open EarRing Wireless Open Ear Headphones are their latest on offer with a nice new design that is now starting to catch on with earbud manufacturers.

On first look most people ask what are these and I tell them these are the new style of earbuds you can expect to see in the shops going forward and do not knock them as i did before until you try them they will surprise you folks.

The fit is really good despite how they look and settle well in the ears and are super clean with their looks and not to obtrusive even with the design.

Once in the ears they remain there and are solid to be fair and they do get people’s attention which is a good thing. You need not worry about them falling out on light exercise.

They come in a cool case with a display letting you know what battery life is left and that is handy even though the app can tell you this but still I love cases with displays on them.

Battery life is decent and this will vary due to the settings used and volume etc and everyone is different here with their use case. the app again is great and TOZO deliver once again.

The sound it better than I expected too given these do not go right into your ears unlike traditional earbuds but the sound was excellent and with the app you can customize it even more which is great, the highs lows and mids all good nice bass nice volumes and overall the sound for me is good with no tinny sound or lag latency noted and calls great too on both ends.

Overall if you are in the market for new earbuds with a new style check these out and if you are a TOZO fan well you know how they rock and fans will be happy.

 

Key features include:

  • 40H Playtime: Keep the music going all day long with up to 40 hours of continuous playback.
  • IPX5 Waterproof: Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or caught in the rain, these headphones are built to withstand it all.
  • Bluetooth 5.4: Enjoy stable, fast, and efficient connections with the latest Bluetooth technology.
  • Smart Digital Display: Stay informed with the sleek display that shows battery status and connection details at a glance.
  • Custom EQ via App: Tailor the sound to your preferences with a customizable equalizer, giving you a personalized listening experience like never before.

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Other TOZO reviews

Video Review

Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds review

The Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds have been in my ears for a bit now and their latest earbud design which is catching on in the market does not disappoint.

Again this is a new style of earbuds now gaining traction in the market and we have tried several to date and these are now getting better each pair we test out.

The presentation is standard here and all you need is in the box and kept simple as always.

The fit is one concern people ask me with these new clip-on earbuds and they fit rather well as any other pair we have reviewed over the last few months and they are secure you can go jogging go to the gym and cycle with these on and with not being a full on in ear earbud you can hear your surroundings which is perfect for those on the move.

They are also comfortable to wear given their design you can wear for hours on end and like any other earbud you will forget they are there in no time.

The sound is quite good here with their 12mm drivers and expected from Edifier and they pack a punch you also have their app to tune things up a little more and now with app access with these earbuds they are getting better and almost like a true in-ear experience most people are custom to these days.

With access to the EDIFIER ConneX App y0u get additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and some EQ functions making them more favourable over ones out there with no app access.

Highs lows and mids all good no tinny sound no lag latency great bass and decent volume can be had here which is great, you can play/pause skip/reverse tracks basically all you need is here apart from ANC.

You also have decent battery life and calls have been clear on my testing they also have an IP56 rating and overall there is nothing to complain about here and I love the colour we got to checkout see more in the video review below on what to expect.

The App – Edifier ConneX

 

Features

 

  • Open-ear clip-on design offers all-day comfortable wearing.
  • Smart audio channel detection for interchangeable use of left and right earbuds.
  • Directional acoustic technology minimizes sound leakage and enhances sound quality.
  • 12mm dynamic driver with titanium-coated composite diaphragm delivers a dynamic, detailed, and powerful sound.
  • AI algorithm ensures clear phone calls.
  • IP56 dust and water resistance ensures durability.
  • Multipoint connection enables smooth devices switching.
  • Effortlessly pause/resume music with wearing detection.
  • Bluetooth® V5.4 for seamless audio streaming and a stable connection.
  • Compatible with the EDIFIER ConneX App for additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and more.

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Other Edifier Reviews

Video Review

TOZO PA2 Bluetooth Portable Sports Speaker Review

The TOZO PA2 Bluetooth Portable Sports Speaker is their latest on offer and if anything is to go by with their last model the PA1 this one we looked forward to testing out and it did not disappoint at all it has to be said.

With a design that has changed from the PA1 we checkout before I think this one is better and the colour we reviewed more so and it stands out and looks great.

With the array of keys up top you have all the controls required you have also access to your voice assistant, on top you can play and pause tracks pair with a second speaker and higher and lower the volume you can also skip tracks here and you have an EQ button which I strongly suggest you try out.

With access to the app you have even more at hand which is excellent and let me tell you this speaker packs a punch for its size with dual full range drivers which you can here many samples of below in the video review it packs a serious punch sounds excellent no matter the genre and you will be pleasantly surprised.

There is no sd card slot here which is no big deal and the buttons on top are tactile it is waterproof so trips to the beach or going in holidays is sorted and great battery life on board too with around 25 hours playback in total depending on you settings there is lots to pick from in the app which we also go through in the video below.

 

The TOZO App

 

 

  • [Three EQ Modes Adjustments With TOZO APP] The TOZO APP allows for convenient and quick connection of TOZO PA2 speaker, and supports three EQ adjustment modes, enabling users to freely switch between music styles and enjoy the ultimate music experience at any time.
  • [Stereo Sound Quality &Dual pairing] The TOZO PA2 Bluetooth speaker is equipped with dual dynamic coil drivers for audio output, allowing not only a single speaker to support left and right channel audio playback, but also two speakers to be connected in series for simultaneous use, enhancing the sound quality of both left and right channels, particularly suitable for outdoor and party.
  • [Waterproof] The TOZO PA2 speaker features powerful waterproof professional-grade waterproof protection that has been rigorously tested for waterproofing to effectively withstand rain and splashes during outdoor sports and travelling, making them ideal for camping, the beach, and listening to music freely.
  • [25H Continuous Playback] The TOZO PA2 speaker with powerful battery capacity, allowing the Bluetooth speaker to operate continuously for 25 hours on a single charge. The uninterrupted, extended battery life experience creates a better immersive listening atmosphere for enjoying music.
  • [Supported Calls] TOZO PA2 speaker supports direct calls via Bluetooth, voice conferencing, group chat, and access to the device’s default voice assistance, such as Siri to make a call, allows users to free their hands, enjoy the convenience of intelligent life.

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Other TOZO reviews

Video Review

iWALK LinkPod Reel 10,000mAh 30W powerbank review

The iWALK LinkPod Reel 10,000mAh powerbank is a handy portable kit to have at home or the office and of course travel which will fit in most pockets and travel bags and if you are someone like me who is on the go with multiple devices this is a must have and convenient.

You can charge up to three devices at once such as earbuds tablets phones laptops and much more and with 10,000mAh of juice inside you are good to go for days depending on your on personal gear on your person.

It looks cool too like a music player of sorts and has a digital display up top to inform you of what power is left, which is quite handy it has bi directional charging and pass through charging making it more efficient and can be used whilst it is charging itself again handy.

It has 30W PD charging on deck with three outputs and so you can also share with others if needed, the party trick with this is the retractable cable on board which means you cant loose it as cables are a thing that go missing all the time and perhaps in their next model they could offer more than one cable and this would be an excellent idea going forward meaning less cables to worry about and go missing.

Check the video below for more and a hands on look.

 

 

 

  • 70cm/27.5 inches/2.3ft Retractable USB-C Cable: iWALK LinkPod Reel power bank is equipped with a built-in retractable cable. Adjustable cable length, charge easier with Reel. Say goodbye to tangled cables and a messy charging environments.
  • 10000mAh Capacity for Widely Devices: Provides enough power for nearly 2 charges for cellphone. Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, android mobile phone, iPad and even MacBook. Experience effortless energy on the go.
  • 30W PD Bi-Directional Fast Charging: Boost your portable charger to 50% in just 45 minutes or charge your iPhone 15 Pro Max to 60% in 30 minutes, thanks to PD 30W fast charging in both directions.
  • Triple Devices Simultaneous Charging: Total 3 Output, PD USB-C cable1, PD USB-C port1, QC USB-A port1. Effortlessly charging three devices at once. Share the power to your friends.
  • Smart LED Display: This Pocket Size power bank features an LED digital display that shows the remaining battery power, ensuring you won’t run out of power unexpectedly.

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Other iWalk reviews

Video Review