Category: #Reviews

Tech Review – NAVITEL R9 DUAL Front & Rear WiFi Dash Cam – Full HD Compact Car Dash Camera

The NAVITEL R9 Front & Rear WiFi Dash Cam – Full HD Compact Car Dash Camera has lots of features on board and not just a dash cam, it comes with Night Vision, Built in GPS & Speedometer – Ultra Wide Panoramic Viewing Angle – Parking mode, G-Sensor also included when you purchase isa voucher with over 45 maps for around the world.

Presentation is excellent with lots of information provided on the box itself then inside you get all both front and rear camera and an array of cables and mounts to secure the dash cam to your front and rear windscreen.

Installation will take about 15 minutes all in if you are handy at stuff like that and if you are not sure you can get someone that is qualified to do so.

Once setup there is a choice of two apps to use. There is a navigation app which costs to download maps for available regions and there is the app to run the dashcam which we are focussing on here today but we will show you both in the video review below.

The system is easy to set up and get going and then you can change the metrics to your specific needs in the app it is simple to use with a good UI you can download videos and photos from all incidents to your device or plug into a pc at home.

You can also set up easily on the dashcam itself and again we show you this in the video review below so you are aware of what is involved it is not that hard at all being honest.

OK so both cameras do a great job with all the features there to tune in to suit your needs and if you just leave it there to do its job it will, there is some hardwear keys to also go through things on it as we show you in detail in the video review below.

Ensure you mount the cameras both front and rear correctly to get the best video recording it is in your interest to do so to have results when needed.

Overall this is a great dashcam to have and simple to use with a non taxing UI to get through to get things done and we take a much closer look in the video review below so go check it out and let us know if you plan to get one for your motor.

The DVR center App

 

The NAVITEL  Navigator App

 

Features

  • FULL HD & WIFI CONNECTIVITY > The NAVTIEL R9 dash cam includes a full HD front facing compact dashcam with a built in screen, 1080p resolution and an additional 1080p rear view camera. With the Navitel DVR Centre mobile app, you can view real-time video from your recorder, change your device settings, and save files to your smartphone or tablet.
  • BUILT IN GPS & DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER > Built in gps and digital speedometer – record the location of your footage and your speed with built in gps. The digital speedometer shows your current speed on the dash cam screen.
  • EXTRA WIDE VIEWING ANGLE > an extra wide panoramic 170° angle allows recording of a wider portion of the road ahead of a car, including neighbouring lanes and the roadside
  • PARKING MODE > thanks to parking mode NAVITEL R9 can detect vibrations and start recording even when the car is parked, the driver is absent, and the device is turned off
  • NIGHT VISION > The Navitel R9 dash video camera is equipped with the high-quality Sony 307 starvis sensor and a 6 layered glass lens for a high-quality and detailed image even in low light

BUY at the links below

https://www.diy.com/departments/navitel-r9-dual-dash-cam-full-hd-front-and-rear-cameras-with-wi-fi-and-gps/8594181745208_BQ.prd

https://www.debenhams.com/product/navitel-r9-dual-dash-cam—front-and-rear-cameras-with-gps-and-wi-fi_p-e422fac5-03a2-4d88-a2d4-df9ac0f1ea25?colour=Black

Video Review

Tech Review – dbrand Google Pixel 8a Grip case and Skins

dbrand is a well known case and skins company who are very reputable and have a fantastic way of putting words to things even on social media which is great in my book they say it as they see just like me and move along swiftly often leaving a bitter taste in some people’s mouths that rightly deserve it and if you do not follow them on X you are missing out.

They have kindly sent me their newest Grip case and some skins for the all new Google Pixel 8a which I was delighted to receive after some email tennis which at first I thought was a wind up!..

It was not a wind up after all and I fucking love it that they have chosen a quite colourful character from Ireland to check out what they have to offer and we will get into it now as I have said enough..

OK so presentation is great with the Black box that opens out presenting you with some facts a cloth the grip case and skins more should do this as presentation is key but some will say it is only a case, that it maybe but first impressions last.

The first thing you will notice on taking out the Grip case is just how grippy it is and as a well season case reviewer this is the grippiest case I have held and you can be sure you will not drop this one with its textured microdots then along the sides you have got grip strips adding to the gripping power.

The buttons are tactile and work really well nice and clicky with good travel and work as expected with precision each time there is also some ridges on the volume keys on the case. A feature also not seen before is a chamfered lip and crescent arc which just makes life easier using the case over others, your fingers will love it.

All the cutouts are perfect for your ports and the camera area is well protected too, there is raised ridges on the back for the skins to be applied should you wish to install, I suggest you do as it will stop your case getting scratched.

Skins for the Pixel 8a

The back of the case is smooth to the finish but this is where the skins come in to spruce the look up and with a big range of eye catching colors you are not short of choice and the range I had to pick from was great and something for everyone here.

Yes you can still charge your phone wirelessly with no issues and I tested on several wireless chargers at home and one in my car so it works do not worry.

Overall the grippiest case I have tested with super cool skins and you should get so watch the flaming video below for the hands on experience and buy one.

BUY 

Video Review

 

Tech Review – Ringke case line-up rear lens protector and screen protector for the Google Pixel 8a

Next up we have the Ringke case line-up and their new rear lens protector and dual easy film protector for the Google Pixel 8a which in short will protect your phone front top to bottom and front to rear with the latest products they have on offer.

Havin used Ringke goods before on many devices you are in safe hands and what is new here that I like most is the new rear lens protector.

The cases already do a great job of protecting the entire camera bar on the rear which Google’s own case once again forgot on the 8a meaning it will be free from scratches. The lens cover is an extra measure to ensure the glass does not get damaged and ideal here for Pixel 8a.

We also have 4 cases to check out so we will leave all the links below as to what you prefer and all cases are good but there is some differences to be noted, they all work with wireless charging and give additional grip, the two clear cases has less texture on them for better grip so my two favourites are

This is subjective though on what one prefers as the clear cases let you see the phones color and still offer a decent lip around the front protecting the screen you could place them all face down and the keys again all tactile and work really well check the video below for more but the choice is yours.

Google Pixel 8a Case | Onyx

  • Tough heavy-duty protection case with a Ringke-exclusive design for the Google Pixel 8a.
  • Made of slim & lightweight TPU material for increased protection against impact and scratches.
  • Streamlined design with an anti-skid & anti-fingerprint granulate texture on the back and frame.
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the device allow for the usage of accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms. (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility.

BUY

 

Google Pixel 8a Case | Fusion

  • Secure your Google Pixel 8a in a minimalist clear case to display the natural beauty of your device.
  • Durable hybrid case made of polycarbonate transparent back panel and TPU bumper frames.
  • Impact absorbent and lightweight design enhance grip-ability with minimal bulk.
  • Duo-QuikCatch lanyard holes on each side of the device allow for the usage of accessories such as hand straps, wrist lanyards, and phone charms. (Additional accessories not included)
  • Supports wireless charging and screen protector compatibility.

BUY 

 

Google Pixel 8a Camera Lens Protector | Glass (3 Pack)

  • Compatible with Google Pixel 8a
  • Shield your smartphone’s rear camera lens with a full-coverage glass protector
  • 5-Layer coating enhances efficiency and durability without adding extra bulk
  • Easy-to-install via clear adhesive for maximum transparency
  • Take clean pictures and videos through super-clear glass with zero flash interference.
  • Case-friendly design

BUY 

 

Google Pixel 8a Screen Protector | Dual Easy Film

 

  • Protect the Google Pixel 8a with a slim, lightweight film-type screen protector.
  • Made of high-performance EPU with self-healing properties, easy swipe feel, and fingerprint-resistant coating.
  • Full adhesive design reduces the chances of lifting after folding and guarantees a genuine touchscreen response.
  • 4-layer structure for maximum protection. Includes a transitory adhesive layer that removes dust and allows for multiple re-tries for the perfect alignment.
  • Case-friendly design. Complete your protection by pairing it with a Ringke case for a guaranteed fit!

BUY

 

Video Review

Tech Review – TUDIA MergeGrip case for the Google Pixel 8a

It is Google Pixel 8a time and it is time to begin checking out some cases and first up it Tudia Products and their DualShield  MergeGrip case in several colours for the all new Pixel 8a.

I actually still have one of their cases on my Pixel 8 Pro and you can see the reviews for those cases here. Nothing has changed to the structure of the dual layered cases which is fine as they are a case I can vouch for as I use them all the time and have done for some time now, being dual layered gives you optimal protection and the softer TPU which is always a favourite of mine ensures full protection all round.

You have additional grip here with a textured back and grips on the sides and there is a nice lip on the front giving your screen some protection the raised camera bar on the back is also protected really well which will stop it getting marked as it is prone to them so with your new Tudia case on deck here your phone is in safe hands.

The cases also work with wireless charging which is great meaning there is no need to remove the case to charge your phone and if like me and have wireless chargers all over the house it is a win.

Overall you can’t go wrong with these cases and as mentioned I am a long time user and can certainly with ease recommend them to people no matter what device they have. Check out the Pixel 8a first look here too and check out the video review below.

 

Features

  • [Compatibility] Case compatible with Google Pixel 8a (2024) Only
  • [Drop Protection] Certified military grade protection and ToughRhino Technology for dual layer protection against drops and scratches
  • [Raised Edges Protection] Protects your camera and screen with raised lip and edges
  • [Enhanced Grip] Non-slip textured design on both sides and back provide additional grip while holding your phone
  • [Precise Design] Tactile and clicky buttons designed for stress-free usage
  • [Seamless Access] Gesture tap and wireless charging compatible

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Official Google Pixel 8a case BAY

Next up in our case reviews is the Official Google Pixel 8a case in BAY to match the colour of our device which we have a first impressions of here.

Again the case comes in familiar packaging and kept simple. The case is made with stain resistant silicone and has been drop tested by Google.

The case according to Google is made with 38% recycled plastics and will not interfere with calls USB or wireless charging or audio and also has has a polycarbonate shell made with 75% recycled plastic and gives you a better grip.

There is a small lip on the front of the device and the camera bar on back is protected though dust might gather in the corners the keys are tactile and work well and finally with the color itself it is hard to see how long the color lasts with dirt and fading but we will report in a few weeks.

 

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds

The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are one of their latest earbuds to hit the shelves and have much more to offer than the StreamBuds Solo 1 we recently reviewed here and this time they have access to their app which offers more features.

OK so first thing to note is the packaging which is well presented again and hard to open but joking aside they do give a good presentation to start off with which for me means a lot and it only gets better from there.

The charge case is certainly one that gets a thumbs up for me with a weighty feel to it and also an LED display so you know where you stand with your battery life, this is nothing new however looks well on this case and it good to see, the case have MIXX on top to and the build quality of the case is excellent and has a secure lid and magnets inside to keep the buds secure and the case is made with Zinc Alloy.

These buds have a small stem on them which I prefer and a similar footprint on the earbuds themselves to the Solo 1 so if you are moving from one to the other here there is no real difference when it comes to the feel of them. They are also super light.

Controls
The earbuds have controls which you can take control of via their MIXX Control app which has a nice UI and is simple to use which is a great start and when you open the app first it looks really well with a tiled approach. It is simple to navigate and we go though this in the video review below to show you the features.
Find it:
The App has another useful function which may prove invaluable to many who are constantly misplacing earbuds. Just use ‘find it’ and it will show the last location the Ultra Mini earbuds picked up signal and by pressing the ‘click to play’ button it will produce a noise to help find them.
Clear Voice:
‘Beam-forming’ technology is used to focus the four 4 built-in microphones which pick up more of the voice and less of the surrounding noise, making phone calls sound much clearer. Ideal in a noisy environment, a busy office or for a conference call from home and in my testing the calls do sound great both ends also working with Zoom and Teams.
Sound

The sound is crisp and sharp and overall decent for the price you pay there is no lag latency and no tinny sound when maxed out, they are loud enough for me and overall the audio was good, highs lows and mids fine and all genres tested had no issues to report and anyone that just wants to have a decent pair of earbuds that will not break the bank and a cool case will be happy, they have no ANC on board which is the only gripe for me but other than that they are a worthy pair of earbuds to put on your list.

MIXX Control App

 

Product Features:
  • Robust zinc alloy charge case
  • Customise sound settings with the mixx control app
  • Touch sensor controls – play, pause and more
  • Digital display screen showing battery
  • Hands free calling
  • 6 Hours battery time on single charge
  • 24 Hours total play time with charge case
  • 15 Minute quick charge – 15 mins = 2 hours of play time

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Go 4 speaker is a small portable and lightweight speaker that you can carry anywhere with you and is IP67 waterproof and dustproof which makes it ideal for the beach or pool to get the tunes going.

This comes in several colours which is nice and we have been testing the Red one out which stands out in the crowd  but do check out the available colours which are nice and good to see rather than the boring speaker colours out there today.

The build quality is also top notch here with a familiar design and looks to their product range keeping them noticeable.

There is an app as seen below which allows you toggle between the EQ setting which gives you more punch and a boost once the boost switch is activated you cant toggle between the EQ settings you can also of course customise your EQ to your needs. You can manage calls skip and reverse tracks and higher and lower the volume with the Three raised keys up on top of the speaker

When it comes to sound being a small speaker it packs a punch and not tinny when maxed out nor is there any lag latency noted when watching videos either it will easily give good audio to a large room and even fine for a back or front garden  party it does a great job and overall anyone that picks one up will be satisfied with the price it comes in at.

 

 

Features

  • Powerful sound: The JBL Go 4 is about to become your everyday grab-and-go speaker, with a compact design that fits in the palm of your hand, delivering loud, clear JBL Pro Sound and rich, punchy bass
  • Keep the good times rolling: Don’t worry about running out of battery because this speaker has up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge; a tap on PlaytimeBoost gets you an additional 2 hours
  • Your music anywhere: This sturdy little speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof so it can handle almost any environment, from a poolside party to a picnic by the sea
  • Multi-speaker connection: Pair two GO 4 speakers for superb stereo audio or wirelessly connect multiple compatible JBL speakers using Auracast for even bigger JBL Pro Sound
  • Items delivered: 1 x JBL Go 4 speaker, 1 x USB-C cable, 1 x quick start guide, 1 x warranty & safety sheet, in red

BUY ON Amazon

Buy from JBL 

Video Review

Tech Review – Edifier WH700NB ANC Headphones

The Edifier WH700NB ANC Headphones are the latest cans on offer from the brand that delivers great audio experiences at affordable price which for me puts it up to other headphones that are overpriced with a clean look and comfortable finish they have another winner here.

The presentation is low key here with simple packaging and no hard case given this time however this is fine, the headset is robust and no creaks on twisting it about and they do fold up for travelling and could be placed in order carry cases if you have any.

They have a ratchet style extension arm each side which is solid and will stay in place, the cups are comfortable and can be used for hours on end and the headband is too with no clamping effect notice during my many hours of testing.

The controls are all on one side here again and easy to use and navigate giving you a clean and easy task to get things done with your controls which we demo in the video review below.

You have small but definitive buttons here even for my big fingers there was no issue doing what I wanted but then you have the Edifier connect app to that will help you also with controls.

We have play/pause skip and reverse tracks volume control and access to your voice assistant and of course call management.

There is a dedicated multifunction key too for ANC control on this key you can turn on/off ANC and switch ambient sound on and off.

The sound is excellent with decent due to being equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers coated in titanium, volume too how I like it, the ANC is also decent too highs lows and mids no issue and listening to all genres and some movies of course delivered an excellent audio experience with the ANC and volume turned up to the max and not hearing a thing going on outside which is how I like it, there is game mode too so if you are a gamer you will enjoy this, gaming is not a huge thing on my list but I do from time to time play so on the phone and it works really well.

Call quality is also rather good here for the few calls taken and a zoom session, and battery life is up there with some of the best on the market too with high end brands. We also have dual connection here so for me working on my laptop an using my phone all day this works really well and will do for anyone in similar positions which there is many of out there today.

There is no lag latency no tinny sound maxed out on volume or on any EQ setting so for me overall another great pair of headphones almost as good as their WH950NB Hi-Res audio headphones.

 

The Edifier connect app

 

Features 

     Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation Experience advanced multi-mode active noise cancellation designed for both outdoor and indoor environments, including commuting, library, airplane, and underground use.

·         Up to 68 Hours Playback Time

·         Crystal-Clear Call Clarity Powered by advanced Al algorithms and a single microphone with DNN noise cancellation, the headphones picks up the human voice clearly even under noisy conditions. Effortlessly engage in hands-free calls or tele-conferences with impeccable clarity.

·         Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers coated in Titanium, the WH700NB headphones deliver deep, impactful bass and crystal-clear high frequencies.

·         Fully Foldable For a Comfortable Use Designed for your comfort, the W700NB headphones boast skin-friendly ear cushions and a soft-toned headband. The foldable and compact design enhances portability, making them your ideal on-the-go companions.

·         Seamless Dual Device Connectivity The headphone can connect two source devices at the same time. Seamlessly transition between music, online meetings, videos, and calls across two different devices.

·         Customized App Control Unlock a realm of possibilities through the Edifier Connect app. Tailor your listening experience with 4 preset EQ settings, soothing sounds, customizable button configurations, and more. Your audio preferences, your way.

 

Overall here for the money Edifier has once again delivered on a well balanced pair of headphones with a clean look and plenty of features at your disposal including access to their Edifier Connect app which is also clean and simple to use and if you want good sound at a really affordable price here it is on one package that you cant complain about.

 

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2

The Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2 have been on my bonce the last few weeks and is their latest cans on offer and as promised we will doing more headphone reviews over earbuds but keeping the pace going on both.

Presentation to begin with is excellent here as seen below in the unboxing a review and you get nicely laid out instructions in the box and lots of detail on the box which is not cheaply made, you also get a hard case for travelling and storing away when not in use and you should use this by the way to get more longevity out of them

The build quality is top notch here with plus ear cups and headband which makes for comfortable listening for hours which is nice, the top of the headband has a leather finish giving them a premium look.

The controls are all on one side and you have all the requirements needed here by the usual combination of taps which are as follows.

Check battery level – Double Press power button

Play and Pause – Press center button

Skip track – Double press centre

Reverse Track –  Triple press center ( I feel these would have been better placed on the volume keys with a long press)

Volume – Volume up/down key press once.

Voice Assistant – Again sees you pressing the center button.  So effectively the center button is an MFB ( Multifunctional Button)

The sound

There is three modes to start with and you should check these out.

  • Music Mode: enables users to experience listening through high-end speakers and is the most subtle, maintaining the original source material.

  • Cinema Mode: emulates the low frequency excitement that users experience in a theatre that employs subwoofers for an immersive, larger-than-life sound through clarity, presence, and natural sounding dialogue.

  • Podcast Mode: brings the voice of a user’s favourite podcast host closer to their ears.

Unlike some earbuds or headphones there is a notable difference here between these and this again is subjective to one’s audio taste but for me these work well and are excellent and give you all angles to get a feel for how audio works if you have not tried such before. Also in the app as you can see in the screenshots you can pick between the EQ settings, again a must have and you must try this it is again yes you guessed, excellent.

 

ShurePlus PLAY App 

 

Additional Features and Benefits:

  • Enhanced Environment Mode: Immerse yourself in the outside world with a simple switch. The adjustable slider on the ShurePlus™ PLAY app lets you refine the ambience settings to your liking.

  • Extended Battery Life: Holds up to 45 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities, more than doubling runtime from the earlier generation. The quick charge feature provides up to five hours of use with only 15 minutes of charge.

  • Customizable EQ: Choose from a variety of presets or create your own personalized sound profile using the ShurePlus™ PLAY app. Save your settings directly to the headphones for a seamless and personalized audio experience across different apps and devices.

  • Crystal Clear Communication: Experience superior call quality with beamforming microphone technology and proprietary automatic gain control (AGC) settings. Leveraging six microphones, the precision-engineered system adjusts automatically to minimize surrounding noises, providing unmatched clarity for video calls and phone conversations.

  • Cutting-Edge Bluetooth® 5 Wireless Technology: Seamlessly connect to your phone, tablet, or laptop with the class one transmitter, offering enhanced stability and a remarkable range of up to 100 meters.

  • Premium Headphone Amplifier: Enjoy support for Snapdragon Sound™ with Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive technology for high-res music streaming, and AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs.

Overall these are the best yet I have tried from Shure when it comes to headphones and their app is also excellent giving them more justification for their high price they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and when it comes to the audio experience you have more than enough at your fingertips to get the desired audio experience you need and it is a joy to wear them and block out the outside world.

BUY

Video review