Category: #Reviews

Tech Review – ESR iPhone 14 Pro cases Classic Hybrid and Kickstand with HaloLock

Not picked up the iphone 14 Pro yet due to the hype of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra well here is some new cases to check out from ESR and also stay tuned to see more from them very soon for your iPhone 14 pro but the company also does not just cater for iPhone users and of course cater for Samsung.

Today we check out two cases from the company which are simple and effective and do a super job keeping your phone out of harms way and not only this they look good and give you addition gripping power too.

ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case with HaloLock

This is a simple and effective case with HaloLock, clean all round and transparent which allows you to see your device in its natural colour which many people like this case also has anti yellowing which transparent cases have been known to suffer from but not the case here, the buttons work really well with good travel and also all ports accessible and not only that you can still wirelessly charge your phone without having to remove the case it is a win win.

  • Stronger Magnetic Lock: powerful built-in magnets with 1,500 g of holding force enable faster, easier place-and-go wireless charging and a secure lock on any HaloLock or MagSafe accessory
  • Compatibility: only compatible with iPhone 14 Pro; full functionality maintained via precise speaker and port cutouts and easy-press buttons
  • Military-Grade Drop Protection: rigorously tested to ensure total protection on all sides, with specially designed Air-Guard corners that absorb shock so your phone doesn’t have to
  • Screen and Camera Protection: raised screen edges and Camera Guard lens frame provide enhanced scratch protection where it really counts
  • Stay Original: scratch-resistant, crystal-clear acrylic back lets you show off your iPhone 14 Pro’s true style in stunning clarity that lasts

ESR Classic Kickstand Case with HaloLock

This case is more or less the same as the one above however with an additional kickstand thrown in and high quality which enable the user to use the phone for media consumption without having to remove the case to do so which is real handy and common today with case manufacturers not only that you again get additional grip here with a raised front and you can place the device down either on its face or rear without the the camera lens or screen damaged. There is air guard on the corners which give extra protection if dropped and the phone can be used in several ways to consume media on the go or at home, it is a must have case at an affordable price which will save you an expensive bill if you drop the iPhone 14.

 

  • Stronger Magnetic Lock: powerful built-in magnets with 1,500 g of holding force ensure a secure lock on any HaloLock or MagSafe accessory
  • Adjustable Camera Guard Kickstand: fully adjustable between 0 and 85° to ensure the perfect angle for catching up on your favorite shows
  • Built to Last: robust and durable zinc-alloy construction ensures stand stays looking like new while hinge is lab tested to retain its strength after more than 3,000 uses
  • Military-Grade Drop Protection: Air-Guard corners, scratch-resistant acrylic back, and raised edges combine to keep your phone protected from drops, bumps, and scratches

Video review

Tech Review – Arylic S10 WiFi Music Streamer

Looking for a new Wi-Fi streaming well look no further than this affordable piece of kit that connects to all your favourite streaming apps and more and comes in at a really good price and upgrades your home system you can even use your smartphone too which for me is really handy as it is where all my music is stored. You can also use a USB key stored with music to make this kit even more useful and there is multiple ports to pick from and it will work with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,

You can stream Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Napster, TuneIn, Internet Radio, iHeart Radio, QQ Music, QQ FM and not only that you can stream music from your devices library to if you wish which is excellent.

The S10 mini stereo receiver connects directly to your online streaming providers to play high quality audio, avoiding Bluetooth bottlenecks and compression so in short better audio and no lag latency noted.

Connectivity is another win on this device as there is plenty and it is easy to set up to and comes with a  free app called 4Stream and you can see all this in action in the video review below.You can also add other Arylic wireless streaming devices to build a multiroom system, manage and control all your wireless audio devices in one app.

Connections

Airplay – Stream any audio directly from your iOS system.

Bluetooth – Play any sound from your smart devices and paired with their streaming devices.

Web Control – Quick web control without app, enjoy your preset content and personal radios in a sec.

Remote Control – local remote control without network.

4STREAM APP – Take full functionally control via our 4STREAM app with network, streaming your favorite sounds, multiroom control and other personalize settings, this app is simple to use with a nice UI and makes life easier.

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Video

Tech Review – ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 Pocket fill light

Looking for a small pocketable light for the house or travel look no further than one the latest products from ZHIYUN which is the FIVERAY M40 pocket fill light is all you will need, this can be anywhere be it at home in the office or like me who stays in hotels quite often and does reviews there where the lighting in general is terrible in rooms most of the time with dim lights to give you some kind of brightness which to be fair I understand.

This is well built and robust and simple to use to which makes even more a product that should be on your radar if you are in the market for such, there is a port to charge via USB-C and this is covered by a swivel type cover that also protects the two wheels to control the brightness and colour temperature and there is 4 LED lights on one side to give you a status of the charge.

This is about the size of an old styled camera and looks like one in some instances and has fans all round to let the heat out and you can see the vents throughout the product and has a nice bit of heft to it too but again will fit in a pocket or travel tech bag which is what I tend to use not taking up much space. As I do travel a lot I keep things to a minimal and this certainly will be a perfect edition to my bag now filling a void that was always an issue but not only that this makes any working space super bright and you can control it to your needs without the need for additional stands and so on and this also can be mounted on a tripod or existing bar or light stand that suits. Check out the video below for more.

 

The palm-sized ZHIYUN M40 360° fill light epitomises simplicity and utility. Based on the attitude-control algorithm applied on gimbals, DynaVort technology enables better heat dispersion, allows for smaller fans, and therefore, a compact device without compromising on its 40W power. Products of a similar size currently only give 5-13W of power. Weighing only 320g, it fits neatly in pockets, looks stylish and is the ultra portable illumination companion for videographers, whether amateur or professional.

Features

  • 【Tiny but Professional】With a palm size and only 320g that fits well in pockets and looks chic on your desk, providing 360° fill light with 40W peak illuminance.
  • 【14000 Lux, Ultra-Bright】Embedded with 176 LED chips that bring an incredible peak illuminance of 14000 lux, M40 rivals the key light provided by bigger equipment.
  • 【Dual Wheels Design】Precise dimming of color temperature and brightness is available via two separate wheels. Offer adjustable dual color temperature ranging from 2700 to 6200k that enables power output peaks at 40W with no strobes.
  • 【Simplified Setup】The adjustable stand of M40 extends possibilities for various occasions, while two 1/4″ screw holes allow the M40 to be mounted on a tripod or light stand.
  • 【Adaptive Charging Technology】M40 supports a 50W PD fast charge protocol that allows real-time charging.

Overall this is a powerful simple to use effective product which is now part of one of my home set-ups..

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Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Zen Air earbuds

The Creative Zen Air earbuds are the latest on offer from the brand and pack more than expected for the price which is great for the consumer and this is now becoming a common trend in the the earbuds and headphones department and of course welcome news and we have been testing these for a while now and it is time to take a look and see what you get for your money.

First up these come in a neat case that comes with wireless charging not seen at this price and you get around 18 hours in total with the case which is decent considering their size, they fit well too giving a good seal leaving a great audio experience all round and you have access to the SXFI app to which changes the game here if you have not already experienced what this app can provide which we have discussed any times here.

The earbuds come with 10 mm Neodymium drivers, which packs a punch and we go through the app in the video review below and all the features on board and how to control the earbuds which is a simple process and they work really well as a whole and nothing complicated here. You do get ANC on board which is decent and of course for those who want to hear their surroundings you get ambient mode.

You also get Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a certified IPX4 sweatproof rating here so these are for everyone be in the indoor person or sports and certainly those who commute on a daily basis, there is no sound leakage or lag latency either and make quite the pair of earbuds that are cost effective and certainly should be on your list if you are hunting for a new pair.

Creative Zen Air will support upcoming SXFI READY devices (e.g. smart TVs, PCs and mobile devices) that come built-in with the award-winning Super X-Fi Spatial Holography technology that allows users to enjoy SXFI Spatial Holography that recreates a multi-speaker system soundstage within the headphones. Users can download the SXFI App to preview this technology on local content on their phones.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Zen Air is priced at £39.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/ZenAir

Video review

 

Tech Review – X-Sense Wireless heat alarm XH02-W

Want an easy piece of kit to protect your home garage or shed well this is it and cost effective too with no expertise to set-up required at all and a ten year battery life the X-Sense heat alarm is where it is at. This can be placed literally anywhere in the home garage or shed and you will have peace of mind and if you have part of their ecosystem even better.

You just need to drill two small holes and use the fittings provided or you can use adhesive pads which is better in my view which is what we did to save drilling any holes and again can be moved elsewhere is required, then you attach the base then screw on the main unit clockwise and the job is done it literally cant be any easier.

There is no access to the app here which is my only issue unless you have more of their product range so if the alarm does go off you would need to be nearby or perhaps a neighbour could let you know as it is a loud siren at 85db. After that it is just leave it sit there and do its job and we have tested several times to ensure it does work and it does every time and it is seen in the video review below. As we had only one unit to test we had to base our review on that alone but if you have several if one goes off they all will sound of their alarms which is a good thing.

Features 

  • Class A1 Heat Alarm for Fast Fire Detection: This heat alarm is equipped with an ultra-sensitive NTC thermistor that accurately detects a sudden rise in temperature or static temperatures between 129°F (54°C) and 149°F (65°C); it is not triggered by smoke, dust or cooking fumes, saving you from the nuisance of constantly having to turn off alarms
  • Wide Coverage & Comprehensive Home Protection: By interconnecting it to up to other 24 X-Sense Link+ series alarms, you can create a wireless home safety network throughout your entire house; when one alarm is triggered, all devices will sound an alarm, giving an early alert to everyone in the home
  • Compliant with Scottish Regulations: CE-marked and powered by a sealed battery with a 10-year lifespan, this heat alarm is designed to be wirelessly interlinked with our X-Sense Link+ series which includes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combination alarms, making it suitable for any home in Scotland
  • 10-Year Lithium Battery: In addition to being tamper-proof, this alarm’s built-in 10-year sealed lithium battery has a low power consumption, saving you the trouble of having to regularly change the battery; your home will be protected 24/7 with the X-Sense heat alarm, even in case of a power outage
  • Loud 85 dB Sound: During a fire, this heat alarm will deliver an 85 dB alarm tone within a distance of 10 feet (3 m), loud enough to be heard by anyone in your family, giving you more time to either put out the fire or escape to safety
  • Large Test/Silence Button: This alarm’s Test/Silence button allows you to silence any non-threatening alarms or low battery warnings and test the unit’s functionality; it can also be operated by the X-Sense remote control (sold separately) without the need for a ladder to actually press the button on the unit
  • Easy Installation and Setup: This interconnected heat alarm requires no wiring and can be installed on any wall or ceiling in a few minutes, simply by using adhesive pads (not included) or the accessories provided; ideal for areas where standard smoke alarms cannot be installed, such as attics, garages, kitchens, basements and more

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Video

 

Review – JMBricklayer brick set toy review, 3 in 1 Medieval Weapon 30001

JMBricklayer is a new company with a brick toy set company which is quite similar to LEGO only cheaper and each product has a unique story behind it, the background in which they were created, the fun facts about how they were made, or some detailed explanation of them. I am a LEGO fan fan myself and when to company asked me to try out one of their sets I said sure why not then when I checked out their website they have some really cool stuff there and very affordable and no doubt I will continue to build on adding to my list

Now with any complex product build it has moving parts and will take time to do so do not expect things to move along swiftly and time for me is very much precious but I did manage to sit down and get this model done which has three different finishes and again they have other builds I have my eyes on and will get at a later stage. And as you can see they have plenty of cars to pick from which is my scene.

The package comes well presented and inside is seperate bags of bricks numbered and of course an instruction manual and all is kept simple so after that it is bust open the bags get organised and get building and that is basically how it is done but make sure you have space and time to to it and prepare to spend a few hours at it and once you get started you will most like likely keep at it until complete or you can span it out over a few days but the end result is worth it and do check the video below for more about it.

3 In 1 Medieval Weapon 30001

It can be disassembled and reassembled to build 3 different model toys – the  Ballista / Catapult / Bombard kits, which are inspired by early mechanical inventions, interesting, and rich in historical stories.

This building block toy can be disassembled and reassembled into three different model kits, each of which is a lot of fun. A block kit can reap three pleasures, and you can build any one of them. Building block models can be used not only as decorations but also for play and collection.

You can display it at home or in the office.The game of building blocks can very well promote the close relationship between you and your family and friends, you can take back and experience the fun with them. The building block kit as a 3D puzzle game or stem educational programs are great to allow your child to learn a lot in the process, such as the development of the child’s brain, and can develop children’s hands-on skills and hobbies.

DISCOUNT CODE – VIPTBI15% 15% OFF for all non- discounted model sets expiry date: 2023 April 30

BUY this model

Check out their website

Video

Tech review – Mobfree SuperCharge – Worlds first 3-in-1 dual-sided wireless watch charger for Pixel Watch Apple watch and Samsung

If you are one to own more than one smartwatch and from more than one brand this latest product is what you need in your life right now and is affordable and not only that it is portable and USB-C, there is many offerings around that charge watches as a standalone product but this one does all watches without the pin connectors and having tested it here on several of my own smartwatches it is an ideal piece of kit to have and you should have as you will be aware it is costly to replace the charger that comes with your watch.

This product is launching beside a US based product which is a 9 in 1 SuperDock which you can see in the link below but we are here to talk about this pocket sized little smartwatch charger which is super cool and does more than it says on the tin after our testing.

This can charge most Samsung watches and Apple watches and also the Google Pixel watch and not only that is does also charge my years old moto 360 smartwatch which is pretty old by today’s standards but it still works and I still love it and wear it from time to time but now I wear either my Google Pixel Watch Apple watch or Samsung smartwatch and it works on all of them which is great and as we know battery life on these is not the best in the world but with this little gadget you can plug it in anywhere and even a power brick and charge all your watches and it also charge the Apple Airpods Pro 2 which we do not have here.

Check out the video below for more and of course check out their kickstarter page

Video Review

Tech Review – Humixx iPhone 14 Pro protection kit

When it comes to protecting your phone there is plenty of options out there today such as cases and screen protectors and there is no shortage but a one stop shop that does more including protecting your lenses too is more appealing to me, Last year with my iPhone 13 pro one of the lenses cracked despite being in a protective case and since then I always look for a solution on any phone I use and with my iPhone 14 pro the same applies.

Humixx is a brand that has a solution for many devices and not just the iPhone and sent us a kit to test out which we have looked at and for me ticks all the boxes for the complete kit to protect your device all round, they keys work a treat the device can be place face or rear down without it getting damaged and all ports accessible too and also gives you additional gripping power. Check out the video below for more and see for yourself the protection you can give your iPhone 14 Pro and also check out their other products too.

Each Humixx product has gone through hundreds of hours of research and meticulous design. From product details and colors, we strive to create HUMIXX style. Customer satisfaction always is our pursuit.

Features 

  • 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Humixx iPhone 14 Pro case kit provides full protection for your phone, including 1x translucent case, 2x Tempered Screen Protectors, and 2x HD Camera Protectors. Designed with 1.2mm raised screen edges and 2.8mm camera lips, 𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐒 anti-shatter and anti-scratch features, this case kit can safeguard your phone even when lying on a rough surface. Everything you need for optimal protection of every aspect of your iPhone, is all in one place with this case!
  • 👍𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 & 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: When the low-profile and luxury meet innovation! This phone case for iPhone 14 Pro adopts an Ergonomic sleek design and the unique laser pattern tech to avoid the phone slipping due to sweat or grease, delivering you the ultimate cozy grip. And coated with an upgraded Nano Oleophobic, the 14 pro phone case truly resists fingerprints and scratches. In addition, the frosted translucent case loomingly reveals the Apple logo while providing daily drop defense.
  • 🥇𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 & 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭: Certified by SGS (MIL-STD-810H 516.6), this iPhone 14 Pro protective case has survived over 8,000 10FT drop tests. Additionally, this 14 pro phone case features multiple cushioning structures, including 4-corner Upgraded external airbags, reinforced soft TPU bumper, and shockproof grooves of PC, dispersing the 99% of impact force, layer by layer. It provides optimum drop protection, keeping your phone safe without sacrificing aesthetics.
  • 📸𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 & 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Provide 100% compr𝐞h𝐞nsiv𝐞 front and back protection to your iPhone 14 Pro! The screen protector adopts the 9H anti-shatter Aluminosilicate Glass, which not only resists scratches and splinters, but offers you a bare-screen touch feeling and won’t sacrifice visual quality. Plus, with the advanced 100% light-transmitting molecular material, the HD lens protector keeps the camera scratch free, providing you an ultra-clear photo-taking experience.

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Video Review

Tech Review – DC Comics Superman TWS Wireless Earphones

Superhero branded products always catches peoples eyes and it is not the first time we have tested such here and there is more to come on that front but today we have the OTL technologies Superman themed earbuds and whilst they look good the sound is an important factor to take into account and with the really cheap price point they come in at how do they sound is what people will want to know and we have been testing these for a bit now and it is time to talk about them.

They come well presented in a simple superman themed box and with some extra tips and a USB-C cable to get you going and the case is plastic with a glossy finish but free from attracting fingerprints the overall case does feel light and cheap but remember the price here.

The earbuds design is fine with me and average and they fit really well and snug and will not all out of your ears, these for me are more so aimed at kids but this does not mean anyone else can use them. There is decent isolation of the outside world once fitted with the right tips and you are good to go.

There is no app here which is acceptable for me and again I do think these are aimed at a younger generation and it also keeps the cost down, there is no wireless charging on the case either. Battery life is decent enough and without having ANC and other features that demand some power and 6 hours is acceptable at this price, in my testing around 5hr 30 mins was more accurate.

So with the lack on an App and EQ settings how do they sound and what controls have we got. You can skip and reverse, play/pause a track, answer/reject phone calls or activate voice assistant and there is also volume control. So it is a simple affair and simple to use.

Overall the sound was on the deep side with bass and doable but for a child or teenager they are fine there was no distortion at max volume and do a decent all round job, you might want a third part EQ to try get a better balance for your if you are an older person but for kids these are fine, anyone that is older perhaps expecting more out them when it comes to customising may look elsewhere.

Specs

Bluetooth version: 5.0
Bluetooth chipset: JL6973
Frequency range: 2.4-2.48GHz
Transmission distance: up to 10m
Frequency response: 20-20kHz
Playing time: up to 6 hrs
Battery capacity: 30mAh/side *2
Box capacity: 350mAh
Charing times: 3 times around
charging time for earbuds: approx 1.5 hrs
charging time for box: approx. 1.5 hrs
Standby time: up to 180hrs

Available at gamestop amazon DID electrical and more.

Video Review