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Tech Review – Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds

The Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds are one pair of a duo recently announced and of course we have both which is the Zen Air Plus and Zen Air Pro to check out just like the Aurvana Ace duo recently reviewed here on site and YouTube.

The Creative Zen Air Plus comes in a really nice case which is a good start and is a creamy hue color and comes with wireless charging and the flip top lid has a unique opening compared to others. It will fit in any pocket has a matt finish to the touch and just looks really nice. There is a USB-C charge port LED light and reset/connect button.

The earbuds themselves have a really nice fit and give a great seal straight away and these will not fall out of the ears either once the right tips are applied as I always advise people to do. The better the seal the better the sound and this is all before you even touch ANC mode.

You have the choice of two apps here these are SXFI ready and with Creative this has been a favourite of mine some years now, you also have the standard Creative app and there is where you find all your functions and features to get things going and set up to your personal requirements.

The controls are touch controls on the earbuds and work really well and as expected from the brand if you are familiar with the company you will already know there touch control game is on point and still is.

You have all the features you would expect to find here like skip and reverse tracks volume and call controls and voice assistant access plus more which you will see in the video review below.

Highs lows and mids are fine with decent volume and nice bass no lag latency or tinny sound or disconnecting during my testing and overall a pleasing sound which anyone would enjoy, battery life is quite good to for such small earbuds and overall there is little to complain about here and they come in a fantastic case and colour.

Creative APP

Creative SXFI APP

Features

NEXT-GEN BLUETOOTH LE AUDIO-Improved wireless audio performance at lower bitrates and power consumption. Plus, seamless audio sharing via Broadcast mode, changing how you engage with audio
CRAFT YOUR SILENCE AND AMBIANCE WITH HYBRID ANC AND AMBIENT MODE-Together with 10 mm neodymium drivers, enjoy deep bass, balanced tunes, and a low latency (~55 ms) for seamless audio playback
BATTERY LIFE THAT LASTS MORE THAN A DAY-Up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 32 hours in total with a fully charged case. USB-C cable included for charging
BE HEARD CLEARLY-Effectively analyze and filter out background noise, while delivering clear voice input and superior call quality with six microphones and ENC technology
COMPACT CHARGING CASE-The Creative Zen Air Plus, weighing 48.6g / 1.71 oz with IPX4 rating, features Bluetooth 5.3 and touch controls, making it perfect for active use

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Video Review

Tech Review – JBL Soundgear Sense

The JBL Soundgear Sense are an open ear design pair of headphones which are now a trend and we have checked out about 20 different pairs now and look forward to testing JBLs offering,.

Like any open ear headphones these just sit on your ears rather than in them and loop around you ear to keep a secure fit these also come with an additional neck strap which is similar to other open ear headphones with no loop around the ears so I see what they did there.

These are clean and typical from JBL with a nice clean look and come in two colours so you decide amongst yourselves which suits you best. Unlike their headphones and earbuds the colours are limited but it is the same for all these open ear headphones.

They are secure and comfortable once on either with or without the neck strap so these are ideal for those into fitness, the gym jogging and any sport. Anyone can wear these in fact not just sports folk.

They have simple to use touch controls and and ergonomic design to suit most ears out there and these have an extra pivot point I have not seen yet on other offerings out there having three level adjustment rather than two that most have.

Sound is great here given the open ear design and for most this will be a new experience, they are not as loud as I would like however that is just me but they still deliver on the audio with decent highs lows and mids and testing an all genres they done pretty good, there is video mode too which gives you a better experience for watching movies videos and even gaming where no lag latency was noted nor tinny sounds on full volume.

You will not get the same quality of audio as you would in headphones or earbuds here but these do a great job overall there is no ANC as expected and that is one drawback of these kind of headphones but they also let you hear what else is going on so for cyclists joggers and gym goers they are ideal.

JBL Headphone App

Product Features:

JBL OpenSound technology
Enhanced dynamic sound
Up to 24 hours of battery life, plus speed charge
JBL Headphone App
Touch Control
Water Resistant
IP Code: IP54
Charging cable
Voice Assistant integration
Built-in Microphone
Hands Free Call
Sweat Proof
Speed charge
Rechargeable battery

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Video Review

Tech Review – Majority MP3 Player Pro

Majority Audio recently launched the Majority MP3 Pro and we took a first look at it here if you want to check that out before we move along where we took a good tour of the UI and what to expect inside.

As stated in that article it has been a bit since I actually used an MP3 player and I went through some amount of those back in the day, like most if not all we now use our phones to consume music which is fair but for me this is like a dumb phone to an extent as it has taken me away from my phone and all the notions and not listening to my music to its full extent also this has been good for testing earbuds headphones and speakers too along the way.

The build quality is excellent here and it does remind me of how good some MP3 players did look and feel like, this also comes with plenty of on board storage and you can add your own via Micro Sd card which was ideal for me as I had a pile of music stored one from years ago but the album art was out of kilter however all the tracks still in place but then check my old laptop which gave me some more music with album art in most instances which never really bothered me however when you have a display it of course looks aesthetically better than a random image.

This does not look cheap and looks more premium than what you will pay for it with its color screen with buttons on the right side and a navi wheel on the front which at times for me took a while to get use to using being so long since I last used such a device.

The earphones that came with the device are not the greatest in the world but decent and give you great crisp and clear audio however you can connect to your own or even a speaker to really get things going, you can also use the built in speaker on the device but connecting it to a speaker is better but then again if you only want low volume or personal use the speaker is fine you can also use this to record audio on the go which is handy for taking notes they can be done in wav or MP3 files. You can also watch stored movies on this which is kinda cool so if you have any ensure to transfer to your SD card.

When it comes to sound it does a great job but I would also check source of music as many of my songs are on an SD card years old and I think partially corrupted when I added new music it sounded great with my own choice of headphones and earbuds this is not to knoch the earbuds that came with the device which are find for anyone not to hooked up on fantastic audio and the price you pay overall here you should not expect insane quality audio but with decent earbuds you will be fine and it is nice that they gave you earbuds in the first place as they are a dying item now with phones and other products normally shipped with such.

For the price you pay though today you are getting a sound robust quality product with a color screen and many other options not seen on MP3 players and good sound and also a distraction from your mobile phone with the ability to connect to external speakers.

Key Features of the Majority MP3 Pro:

5.0 Bluetooth Connectivity
4hr Charging Time
65GB Internal Storage
Compatible with SD cards up to 128GB
Earphones included
Integrated Speaker
Dimensions: 4.2cm x 6.6cm x 1.8cm
Weight: 33g

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Video Review

Tech Review – JMBricklayer Ghost Ship The Flying Dutchman 40001

The latest project from JMBricklayer – The Ghost Ship The Flying Dutchman 40001 has been our latest build from the company and this time again proves a more challenging task. Like any other build from the company you will need to set aside some time to get done and commit yourself to it, that for me is difficult due to the workload on tech reviews I have to cover however I like a challenge and again accepted this one.

Done over two days again followed the steps provided in the book that is very detailed with instructions and got stuck in this has some LED lights built in too giving the ship a nice green glow in the dark and looks really well also what is nice on this is the sails and the finished product looks really well so if you are into ships and the likes this is one for you to check out and give yourself a challenge.

Features

【VIVID GREEN LED LIGHTING】 Equipped with 9 green LED beads, simply connect the power source to turn on the lights, infusing the model with a peculiar and enchanting green radiance, and creating an immersive mysterious atmosphere. But it’s not just about the lighting – our pirate ship’s side stickers also incorporate a glow-in-the-dark design, adding to the effect. In the darkness, it glows in harmony with the ghost ship’s lights, creating a truly astonishing visual spectacle.
👻【CAPTIVATING GHOST SHIP EXPERIENCE】Relive legendary tales, explore the enigmatic pirate seas, and embark on an adventure inspired by the Flying Dutchman ghost ship. Enjoying an unparalleled creative and building experience as you recreate this ghost ship that can never dock. This pirate ship toy building set offers modeling enthusiasts and pirate aficionados an extraordinary assembly and display experience.
👻【THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION】Whether it’s a birthday, a special event, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or any other holiday, our model ship makes the ideal gift choice. Surprise your loved ones or prepare something special for the kids. Our pirate ship model building kits boast exquisite design and unique lighting effects that will leave a lasting impression. Suitable for boys, girls, and adults ages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and above.
👻【ONE-OF-A-KIND MODEL SHIP COLLECTIBLE】The JMBricklayer’s original pirate ship brick set is unlike anything else out there, making it a prized possession for collectors. Display it with pride in your home or office, showcasing your taste and uniqueness, drawing all eyes to this fantastic brickwork. This whimsical creation also serves as an extraordinary decoration, adding intrigue and mystique to any environment – truly the star of your home decor or office decor.
👻【INFINITELY CREATIVE BUILDING TOYS】JMBricklayer ghost ship promises endless fun, allowing you and your family to handcraft this grandiose brick ship and create beautiful memories. Beyond the excitement of the modeling process, model kit fosters problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative thinking. Suitable for older children and adults, it’s a versatile source of enjoyment and growth.

See more JMBricklayer reviews

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Video Review

Nike Air 180 (2024) review On-Feet Ireland

Most of my followers know I am an avid trainer collector as well as a phone collector and I do not review shoes at all but the Nike Air 180 (2024) deserve to be mentioned here as there is lots of tech involved this shoe as was back in 1991 designed by Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgroe when they first came out. We have Leon Witherow and his team to thank for the all new version.

For me this was the ultimate training shoe back in the day but was re released back in 2018 when I had all colourways and cost me a small fortune not only that I had the ankle boot and basketball boot versions too and rumor has they are set to return again with this release being long awaited by fans worldwide and they sold out in minutes and I was lucky to get a pair on launch day.

The 2024 edition of the Nike Air 180 was retooled and 3D scanned and Nike had to go back to their archives to get the shoe back to their OG glory unlike the retro models that came out there was some differences with them mainly the Air Bubble unit in the heel which was half the size of the OG unit meaning less cushioned one would think but these shoes had a psi number attached to them. There is also an updated upper shape and an updated 180-degree visible Air unit which from the bottom does not resemble the 1991 model from my recollection.

The 2024 version of the shoe is part of their cult classics and as Nike says The Cult Classics Collection is a carefully curated line-up of iconic releases that transcend time and style. Each pair carries a story of cultural significance, whether it’s from the past or in the future.

These are iconic like the Nike Air Max 90 range which today is still a shoe we see time and time again in lots of new designs and colourways.

The Air 180 shoes back then were so comfortable and excellent for running however I did find they are not TTS ( True to Size) so a half size up was a better fit after having many pairs it was the way to go, in fact there is only a handful of Nike shoes that fit the same way for me.

With this release I find them as before they fit well look great and stand out an are really comfortable to wear but the only thing is keeping these clean and over time the yellowing of the Air unit might become an issue but time will tell.

Overall Nike has done a good job keeping it OG but never gave us the little bit and pieces in the box as before but thankfully I still have them at hand. You can see more of my collection on Instagram.

See some of our other Nike review

New 2024 Air max wallet

Tech Review – Sony WF-C700N earbuds

Sony, a renowned Japanese electronics giant, has maintained its stronghold in the earphones and headphones market, with its division reporting annual sales revenue exceeding $1 billion. The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option that offers key features expected from a premium brand, while also considering sustainability.

Design and Comfort

The earbuds weigh in at a surprisingly light 4.6 g each, thanks to their plastic-type material construction. The case also features the same material, ensuring a lightweight and portable package. The WF-C700N earbuds come in a variety of colours, including Sage Green, White, Black, and Lavender, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences.

Features

Features

Waterproof IPX4 rating, protecting against splashes of water, making them ideal for gym use but not suitable for underwater activities
Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for stable and reliable wireless performance
USB-C charging for convenience and compatibility with modern devices
Support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC codecs for immersive and high-quality audio
Frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz for a wide and detailed soundstage

Headset operation features

Battery:

Sony Headphones Connect App

The Sony Headphones Connect app, with over 10 million downloads and 229,000 reviews, boasts a 4.1 score on the Google Play Store. This app allows users to customise their listening experience by offering a variety of presets to match the genre of music they’re listening to, as well as the option to create their own custom EQ settings. The 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer feature also captures and analyses the user’s ear shape, creating a personalised spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA XR™ TVs.

Warranty and Drawbacks

The 1-year warranty is a disappointment, as I prefer to see longer coverage periods. Additionally, the build quality is noted to be plasticky, which may not appeal to those seeking a premium feel. The Sony website has lots of information for support but is avoided given the actual warranty details which indicate retailers/regions may offer unique warranties depending on the promotions.

Performance

The WF-C700N earbuds deliver a lively and engaging sound, with good volume and stability. They provide clear vocals, detailed instruments, and a balanced sound profile that prioritises clarity. While the bass may not be as powerful as in more expensive options, it still offers richness and weight.

Overall

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option with an abundance of features These earbuds come with 5mm drivers, active noise cancellation, and a battery life of 7.5 hours with ANC on and 15 hours total with the case. They weigh 4.6g per earbud and have Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, USB-C, and support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC. The frequency range is 20Hz – 20kHz, and they have an IPX4 waterproof rating. The Sony Headphones Connect companion app allows for customisation, including ambient sound control and wind-reduction mics. The multimode option allowing connection to 2 phones Android & iPhone is a bonus which is a must for my requirements while carrying 2 phones on most occasions. The weight of the earphones stands out lighter than expected without compromising on the key features. The standardised USB C cable included is great to see from a premium brand rather than a proprietary cable with a solid app for customisations.

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly noise-cancelling option with good sound quality and a range of features. With their lightweight design, customizable sound profile, and support for advanced audio technologies, these earbuds offer excellent value for money. While the warranty and build quality may not be on par with more expensive models, the WF-C700N earbuds still deliver a satisfying listening experience that is hard to beat in their price range.

https://www.harveynorman.ie/tvs-headphones/headphones/all-headphones/noise-cancelling-headphones/sony-wf-c700n-in-ear-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones-black.html

Video Review

Tech Review – SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Security Camera

The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Cam is one of several home security devices from the company and we have tested their indoor security system recently here which works really well and now we are going outdoors this time around.

Having outdoor security is equally as important as having indoor security in my book especially when you are not at home and having a simple system to set up is even better which SwitchBot is and takes only a few minutes to get up and running.

If you are not sure on how to install onto you wall or facia you can always ask someone else to do it or indeed the whole camera I often have done it myself for some folks which is fine and great to lend a hand.

Once you have the app installed you can then set all the parameters required to suit your needs and start protecting your home there is a myriad of features here on this camera including two way audio and nice loud alarm and a spotlight which gives you a color view at night but also acts as a light if you need to do something and of course there is AI built in to determine what has been spotted.

The app has plenty to toggle with and we go through it all in the video review below to give you an idea, it is best to get an sd card to store footage locally which you can download or view on your smartphone which is hand you can also view from anywhere in the world on your phone and get notifications do you are safe no matter where you are to get notifications should they arise.

I have tested this both on Android and iOS and there is not difference in how the app works and it works really well as does the camera having test other SwitchBot camera this one again yields a really good camera to have at your house and delivers each time on testing and in general and easy to recommend but do check the full video review below for more and what to expect.

Switchbot App

Features

Features AI Human/Pet Detection: SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera is able to differentiate between human, pet, and other forms of movement to help prevent false alerts. You can also receive smart alerts when motion is detected.
Weather Resistant with Great Battery Life: Dust, rain, snow? No problem, whatever the weather our battery operated security camera is made to withstand, and we’ve included a 10,000mAh battery to give you a longer charge life. Also offers an optional SwitchBot solar panel for unlimited power supply(Additional purchase required).
1080P Clear Night-vision: With a built-in infrared sensor and lens you’re now able to get an even clearer picture when recording at night, all in color. There’s also a spotlight that can be activated when movement is detected.
Includes Two-way Talk: You can communicate using the built-in mic on our cam and talk to whoever is on the other side, you can even use Alexa or Google Home and use voice commands to check devices like Echo Show (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi only).
Local & Cloud Storage Options: You can store video either via a MicroSD card (supports up to 256GB) or via the cloud using our AWS server services to safely backup your footage.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1BT headphones

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT-K DJ Headphones with Bluetooth are the next step up from the HDJ CUE1 we reviewed last year and for me living my wireless headphones it is nice to see these in a wireless version.

These are built really well and are a clean looking pair of headphones for DJ headphones this must be the case with strengthened stress points on these they are built to last, joints is one of the main areas that go on headphones but these are built here and it is visible in comparison to your standard headphones. The ratchet style extensions are made with metal rather than plastic and the headband is tough too also so are the arms holding the cups. Some might feel edgy seeing lots of screw but trust me they last and my old pair is still going strong that I have given to my daughter who is by far not the most caring with all the headphones and earbuds passed down.

These are comfortable given the smaller cups than I would like they isolate much of the noise once placed on the head and there is no ANC or App available there is no clamp effect either and can be worn for long term use too however this may vary per person as all our heads are not the same. Comfort is important and for a DJ especially which I am not so and they will be happy here at the level of comfort here and lightweight for general use at home and so on.

There is some controls this time around too and if you run out of battery you can plug in direct with the cable provide, the buttons are raised nicely and large enough even for my big fingers to navigate. With no app you have no control over the EQ but these are designed for DJs and I have some woofers here etc I can plug into and it all sound great, you can also play and pause skip and reverse tracks and higher and lower the volume.

The sound is bass heavy via my smartphone and that is how I like it and once tuned up to the max you will not hear a thing outside so you can soak in all that bass in peace and quiet. Highs lows and mids are all fine and any genre tested but again bass heavy which many folk like out there.

Overall these are not expensive headphones now and give you great comfort and an enjoyable listening experience and lets you sit back and relax or lie down where the buttons cannot be interfered with and enjoy your music or films on Netflix. They are robust and will last and anyone in the market looking for such headphones which can be used in a hybrid manner should check them out.

Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT-K, DJ Headphones – techbuzzireland

Features

HIGH QUALITY SOUND. Hear the full richness of your music when DJing or just listening to a favorite track. Dynamic drivers enable you to feel the bass and hear mids and high-end sounds with crystal clarity, helping you to mix with pin-point precision.
BUILT TO LAST. Each HDJ-CUE1BT model can handle the heavy stress that DJing places on headphones. All moving parts have passed our strict-in house durability tests and extra-strong metal sliders in the headband bring added reliability.
COMFORTABLE PRO STYLE SOUND. With ear cups that turn a full 90 degrees and a flexible, cushioned headband, you can comfortably monitor your mix your way. Listen with one ear while the other cup rests on the back of your head, or while your headphones are draped around your neck.
CUSTOMIZABLE LOOK Personalize your look and express yourself by switching out the cable and earpads for one of 5 brightly colored replacements. Our separately sold HC-CP08 accessory pack is available in orange, yellow, green, blue, and pink.

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Video Review

Tech Review – JBL Tune 770 NC headphones

The JBL Tune 770 NC headphones are the next pair of cans to check out as I did say before it is headphone season here with more to come soon, the latest headphones come packed with features and have a nice clean look to them so lets talk some more.

Packaging is the standard affair here with the recognisable colours on the box and once opened we get presented with a white bag to store the headphones we get a 3.5mm cable an Orange charging cable and the headphones themselves and of course the statutory manuals we never read.

The headphones are light and have a clean look with all the keys on one side keeping it simple and the way I like it, the buttons are slightly raised some more than others but easy to navigate and use blindly there is two small indicator lights too and an ambient key.

The controls are simple to use as said with that you have skip and reverse tracks volume control voice activation and play and pause, the controls are fairly similar to the JBL Go 4 speaker we recently checked out with the center button being the MFB or Multi Function Button.

JBL Tune 770 NC controls – techbuzzireland

These are comfortable to wear for long periods and you will need it because they sound excellent and with the EQ control on th app you wont be taking them off in a hurry and with the added bonus of video mode even better, for me this is great as I spend lots of time on YouTube and this works well and also works rather well for the gamers out there, note that when you swap from video to audio or vice versa your headphones will disconnect for a few seconds.

Battery life is impressive here to on my testing and up there with their claims on my settings and there was no disconnections at all, being able to pair to two devices is another bonus for me too as I work on my laptop and phone all day and always have something to test out which is great.

So back to the sound, these are loud the ANC is excellent as well as the ambient sound and will keep anything going on outside where it should be, and if you want to hear some more you can do that too, there is no lag latency no tinny sound on maxed out volumes which is the way I go and overall you will not be complaining and with the JBL signature sound and bass it is only to be expected and for the price these are a must have for those who want all the above and then some.

For the money and if you are a JBL fan you have to check em out.

JBL headphones App

JBL LIVE 770NC features:
● Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio support
● True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient
● 2 beamforming microphones for perfect calls
● Up to 50 hours of battery life with Bluetooth and ANC on and up to 65 hours without
● 5-minute speed-charging for an additional 4 hours of playtime
● Autoplay and pause
● Multi-point connection for seamless switching between devices
● JBL Headphones App support for personalisation and EQ adjustments

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Video Review

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