Over the last two years or so I have been testing out Sudio products and they are consistent in quality and design and also their presentation which works well for everyone and the latest product from them has jumped in many way ways and the new Sudio FEM are their best yet when it comes to Audio quality and design.
You get the typical packaging from Sudio which as always is excellent and well presented and the case looks like the Sudio NIVA we did some time ago with a nice matt black finish that is rubberised and comes with USB-C charging/quick charge and gives great battery life giving you 20hrs in total but you do not get wireless charging here and there is no EQ app but there is no need for one in this instance.
The design is nice with a small stem that sits perfect on your ear and they offer a snug tight fit isolating much of the outside world and you also have 4 mics and noise cancelling which you have no control of but that is also fine for me. They are light and have a nice finish to them and we go through all the features in the video review below.
These work individually too so one can be placed in the box this applies to both sides which is something you dont see to often today and you also have volume control alongside the usual features you would expect to find and the FEM offer some more at the pricepoint they come in at.
When it comes to sound which is what you all want to know is they have upped their game over the previous true wireless on offer and they have a nice bass level thrown into the mix here, I was impressed with my usual test run here and across all genres and sound stages all quite clear crisp with good direction and separation here overall. My usual You Tube and Nextlfix delivered excellent results and no lag latency and phone calls great both ends and clear. You will not be left short changed here with the Sudio FEM minus the lack of wireless charging and no app they still deliver an excellent product that comes in an array of colours.
Real Clear Voice: 4 environmental noise-cancelling microphones
– IPX 5 (splash/rain/sweat proof)
– Touch control
– Individual automatic pairing
– Total 20h of playtime, 6h in a single charge
– Weighs 5.5 g per earbud
You can get an extra discount too from us using the code TECHBI at the till
Skullcandy are a known audio brand delivering several products to cover most pockets but the Cassette wireless headphones come in at the €40 price mark and like this entry level and mid tier market it is quite over saturated with such products but its the audio quality you want most for you euros and after that whatever you get is a bonus. Like I have said before the cost to performance ratio is coming down and we are all now expecting top tier specs for little money,In some cases you get this but many factors still omitted and this is subjective as to what people want in their headphones and what they get.
The Cassette are cheap but built well, I have my video review below and gave these a good twist and no creaks or nosies and they did not snap. I have done so before with headphones at this price and they snapped and the companies involved just said forget it and never heard from them again,So much for being up – front about things and how they operate but this is not the case here as you will see.
The headphones are light and comfortable too which is great,smaller cups (they are on ears rather than overears though) than I would like but having said that they do no sweat the ears and are really comfortable to wear for long periods of time,there is also a leather cushion on the top of the headset, you will notice they are thinner than say their crusher range but thats fine,these are not aimed at the real audiophile at all but something they could consider as a spare headset to have lying around of for travel perhaps.
Controls on these are great and all placed on one side where your USB port is for charging and a status LED light and of course your 3.5mm headphone socket should you run out of juice, But these have quick charge which gives you 2 hrs of play in just ten minutes. B
The controls are in a small cluster and rubber coated and simple to use and raised perfectly for navigating blindly in comparison to some recent headphones I test which seen it a bit more troublesome to get use to where the buttons are and they have a good tactile feedback and you know when you hit a command easily.
Given these are entry level they have voice assistant present,there is no audio pass through or ANC but again this is fine at this level,the cups do a decent job of noise isolation and do not clamp onto your head so overall this works well at this price. Bluetooth connection is good and I got at least the typical 10M average with no problems,battery life is great and as mentioned you get quick charge too and not forgetting you get the audio cable just in case.
The controls offer the usual features you would expect with play/pause ,call control and skip and go back on tracks and you also have volume control here,this is something that is omitted from many headphones and true wireless. The sound overall is great and for me I got a nice bass orientated feel from them and deeper tones, there is no lag latency at all on my testing the usual Netflix and You Tube playlists and overall the music experience is generally good with all genres ,instruments and direction very good but nothing near the level of the crusher series which is probably one of the best experiences you will find on headphones today especially if you are in the market for bass heavy cans.
You cant go wrong if you want something affordable that gives a good listening experience overall and you need access to a voice assistant,comfort is great and the ease of use too and for €40 you will find it hard to get something decent, I have been talking about headphones on sale now in the likes of local garages and multiple supermarkets for example coming in less than €25 euro but these are trash I have tested in store and the audio experience is woeful as a whole and lacking features.
Over the last while we have checked out several of the new Nextbase dashcams from high end to entry level and the Nextbase 322 GW sits right in the middle coming in at €149.99 and comes with lots of new features for your money. Today we take a tour of the device and go through the features and unboxing experince and we will come back later with out final thoughts on it and see if it is worth your money, Nextbase is a brand I always recommend when it comes to dashcams and this one should be no different.
The world’s first Dash Cam with Emergency SOS ensures your journey is safer than ever before. It will alert the emergency services to your location in the event of the accident and send on crucial medical data to aid efficient treatment. A vastly upgraded 2.5” IPS HD touch screen for menu selection and playback provides the ultimate user experience.
Key features: 1080p HD resolution at 60 fps, 2.5” HD IPS touch screen, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, AutoSync, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Player
The 322GW is also compatible with the Nextbase Rear-View Camera Modules to add a second camera. Personalise your Dash Cam and choose one of 3 different rear camera views from Rear, Cabin or Rear Window view.
Over the last week I have been testing these headphones and they are the kind that fall into what most would call the budget range, having said that the cost to performance ratio is dropping every year when it comes to features and specs and these coming in under the €100 mark fall into that bracket for me delivering across the board with what is on offer.
They are comfortable to begin with and once placed on the head you will notice immediately how much sound they block out and that is a good start. They do not have audio pass through so lets get that out of the way and that is fine at this price point. They have nice soft leather padding on the cups and headband which gives way to long periods of use without sweat in my testing and conditions. Overall simply comfort to be expected and good build quality.
Controls are simple to use with raised buttons offering the usual features and we also have a dedicated ANC key which is great and you will be best served leaving this on all the time to really immerse yourself in the music and whatever it might be you are watching.
Controls work as follows.
Call handling
Answer a call – Press MFB (1) to answer. You can adjust the volume by using Volume (2
Volume-(3)
Reject a call – Hold MFB (1) for 1 second to reject the incoming call
End call – Press MFB (1) while in the call to end it
Redial – Press MFB (1) twice in quick succession to redial the last phone number you
called on your device
Mute microphone – Press MFB (1) twice in quick succession whilst in a call to mute the microphone and repeat to unmute the microphone
Switch microphone – Hold Volume (2) for 1 second in order to switch between the headphone
microphone to the microphone of the handset
Voice dialling – Hold MFB (1) for 1 second and wait for audio tone before giving voice
command to device.
Play/Pause – Press MFB (1)
Adjusting the volume – Press Volume+ (2) or Volume-(3).
The volume can also be controlled on your device
Changing track – Press and hold Next Track (2) or Previous Track (3)
When it comes to sound is where it really matters for most so how would I describe it?? They have good base to start with and once the ANC is turned on you will leave it on end of story and just relax and enjoy, I found these deep and not bright with deeper highs,lows and mids and this is quite a unique situation to be in any many people like this, YOU can clearly hear instruments well and there is good sound direction from Netflix and Youtube meaning you can hear where the sound is coming from be it behind or in front and all genres of music turned out well for me,there is no app so no EQ but this is fine at this price point.
If you want a rich deep feel to your tunes these are the ones to try out,there was no lag latency noticed either with my usual testing which was great to see, The sound stage well balanced overall and if you want comfort and easy to use controls at this price these are ones to put on your list to check out, I would like to see more colours but the matt Black finish looked well overall and lets not forget you get the nice travel case thrown in too.
Recently we check out the Spunky Beat true wireless from the company and we have lots more on the way from them to check out so be sure to sty tuned for some tech at really affordable prices coming soon on Tech Buzz.
This pair is one of the latest on offer and they have a wide range of products you should check out that is affordable and up to par on specs to and the previous pair we checked out are pretty good across the board and we look forward to checking these out and see how they pair up with the previous ones.
These come in a really cool charging case and also have wireless charging built in with USB-C so these two features alone put them up with the big players in the market, Over the next few days we will be checking these out so if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Dont forget Tronsmart products are now available on Amazon worldwide and we have some discount codes below for you.
Check out the Spunky Pro on AMAZON or their site HERE
DISCOUNT DEALS..
UK – Amazon UK Price: £26.99 with 20% OFF on-page Voucher
Claim code:RNZLWAAB (20% OFF)
Start Date:11/12/2019 12:00 GMT
End Date:31/12/2019 23:59 GMT
Final Price: £17.27 Apply the discount code RNZLWAAB (20% OFF) and the on-page voucher (20% OFF) at checkout at the same time.
As you well know, we like to keep you updated on the software we review, and a new update comes from Investintech.com, makers of their all-in-one PDF suite, Able2Extract. They just released their latest version – Able2Extract Professional 15.
When we last wrote on Able2Extract Professional, the software was updated with PDF signatures and PDF to Excel conversion templates that utilise Artificial Intelligence.
This time around, the company has added handy features and improved existing ones – all aimed at boosting your PDF productivity. Let’s take a look.
Newly Redesigned User Interface
Toolbar & Side Panel
The first thing you’ll notice is the change in interface. It is completely redesigned. The new ribbon-style tabbed menu toolbar makes it easier to accomplish PDF tasks, grouping all the PDF tools you need in one place.
It works in conjunction with the new Side Panel which provides you with additional settings and options for those PDF tools. It allows you to further refine whatever PDF taskyou need and get the most out of each feature.
New Start Page
Also new to the interface is the Start page. Here, you get a dashboard to help you get started. You can access recent files, customise the work space and even access hands-on walk-through tutorials for whichever task you’re trying to accomplish.
Clicking on one of the tutorial buttons will close the Start page and start directing you each step of the way. All you have to do is follow the the tip balloons. You can close them off easily and revisit them whenever you wish.
From here, you can easily choose and select Theme, Language and Scale options to tailor the UI as you want. We cover a couple of these in more detail below.
Support for Light and Dark Themes
One of the customisations possible from the Start page is the new support for light and dark themes. This means you can switch the interface theme from Light to Dark to help prevent eye strain when working in dimly lit environments or when working long hours spent in front of the screen.
Simply click on the Dark/Light icons on the Start page or in the footer bar in the bottom right-hand corner to toggle between both themes.
Different Languages Support
Another exciting customisation? Support for different languages. You can specify in which language you want the interface to appear in. Now, you can choose from French, Spanish, and German.
To switch, select one of the languages in the drop down menu on the Start page. Note that switching languages will require you to restart your computer. Afterwards, you can enjoy working in an interface that speaks your language!
Batch PDF Creation
The software has also stepped up the PDF creation feature and added capabilities for batch PDF creation. You can create PDFs from multiple file formats, and in addition, you can merge the batch created PDFs into one file output.
Support For OCR Languages
Able2Extract Professional has long been capable of converting scanned PDF documents. Up until now the software could only convert scanned PDFs in English. Well, this latest version has given that feature a boost and now allows you to convert scanned PDFs that are in French, Spanish or German.
This feature can be accessed from the Conversion Options dialog (via the Convert Document tab). You can select which languages you’d like the OCR engine to detect.
Batch Converter Improvements
The Batch conversion tool has also received some improvement. The first being that it can now batch convert PDF to HTML. Secondly, the tool now allows you more control over the files you select when uploading whole directories to convert with a filter file type tool. And like the Batch Creator tool, the batch converter can merge batch converted PDFs into one file output.
Custom Excel Tweaks
As if you didn’t have enough control over your custom Excel conversions, this newest version provides you with control to apply header, footer and text splitting settings for each individual table structure. You can also simply double-click to erase row and column lines, making your custom Excel setup that much easier.
Other Notable Features
There are also a few other enhancements that make PDF tasks easier. For one thing, you can split documents into even parts for quicker, more efficient document assembly. In addition, you can create a new PDF from blank pages and build your PDF content from scratch.
The Search PDF function has also been improved. It works faster, showing all occurrences of your search query, and lets you search your document in reverse. Lastly, the OCR has been tweaked to enhance bitmap quality before OCR.
Verdict
With each version, this software packs on more and more features that you need and will need, whether you know it or not. This PDF suite has got you covered.
Want to give the above features a test drive? Get a 7day trial from the developer’s website here.
The Somfy indoor security indoor camera is one with style and can be placed anywhere in the home and will not look out of place, Moving from the industry standard look this one has a different approach with shape and design with a really cool privacy shutter on board. It looks more like an air freshner but that is not a bad thing at all by any means.
Somfy does not require a hub which is great and it takes around 5 minutes to set up and all you need is the app a WiFi connection and follow the simple instructions to get going in no time at all and it was an easy process which is good and no tech skills needed.
This camera sells itself on the privacy shutter which can me manually operated or smart activated based on location so if you forget to turn it on it will do so which is handy. It is a cool idea and good for those with privacy issues but like any other camera you can switch off when not in use or when at home like I would with my set up bar the outdoor systems I have in place especially with these early dark evenings and darker mornings.
Quality on the camera is great and it has a 130 degree wide view which will cover any room in the house you can take images on a live feed and you get notifications sent to your phone via the app and email with a snapshot of the motion detected which is great and these work well and never miss a beat, you get 30 second recordings which is above the norm which is typically around 15 seconds on most these days and sufficient on the free plan but you can upgrade to get more recording and storage options on a good value plan and you also have to option to use free uploads to Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive.
DAYTIME CAPTURE
NIGHT CAPTURE
Using the live feed works quite well offering the usual features like two way talk, 4 X zoom live captures and all save direct to your phone in a folder, I used an Android device on testing but you will see more on the video review of the app, This is has access to you typical assistants like Alexa and Google and works with Nest and Apple home kit. I found the app a bit troublesome at times with logins but could have been my WiFi connection,The app has also a feature to make emergency calls which is handy and you can pick your own number for this or even have family and friends added to the account which is another handy idea to have and use at your own will.
Check out the video for more on the app and recording samples.
Free service plan..
Taking photos during live streaming
Push message if something is amiss
Push message to all users if something is amiss
30-second video clip if movement is detected
Download 30 seconds of images free of charge
Recorded images are valid for 7 days
Free upload to Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive
Paid plan – For just £4.49 per month you get 24/7 video recording as soon as it’s activated (download up to 10 minutes)
I have been using the MX 2s mouse over the last few months and it simply something I should have been using long before now, Why? I use laptops mostly and got into the routine of using the typical track-pad on them and just got stuck in my ways as you do, The chance came up to check out the MX 2 several times and I did not bother but finally gave in as I have changed my set up at home and having the need for one albeit no my main office driver but when I finally gave in and decided to use it on my laptops things changed rather quickly plus I could switch from one to the other on the fly and how fast things could be done with it just has me sold since..
There is some changes from the 2S which I have mentioned in the above video and one for the better is USB-C charging which with a one minute charge gives you 3 hours use and this is fast charge and a full charge will last you 70 days, I cant confirm that duration yet but from using the 2S i can put money on it but again it depends on the individuals use.
MX3 VS MX2S
The set up is the same as before with your bluetooth dongle and then you have software to edit the buttons on the mouse and here is where you can enhance productivity by assigning keys as you could before. The wheel this time is faster with a slight design change and for those who like to scroll through things its a joy at how fast this can move. My use case for the mouse would differ than others so I am speaking of my use case scenario here with some office work,blogging and a bit of gaming, Not a massive PC gamer fan by any means but tested some on it just to see how it compares to your typical boring mouse and it is a productivity enhancing tool you need in your daily carry, I take mine with me everywhere on meeting and trips.
Sitting in hotel lobbys/conference rooms or at meetings people often ask why use a mouse with a laptop and I invite them to try and each and everyone where amazed at how fast things are and walk away impressed and many I know have actually bought one since and thanked me, I do tend to show people the tech I have with me when I out and about but its what most expect anyway being involved with a certain circle of clients and friends anyway and they would be disappointed if I turned up empty handed which never happens.
The ergonomics on the MX3 has changed ever so slightly too and button placement but if you want to buy the old one cheaper I would not say no but if this is your first such mouse just buy the MX3 and get off with the latest,things are pretty much the same coming from the older one but some slight changes you can easily adapt too. The scroll wheel has (MagSpeed) electromagnetic resistance and is great and will take time to get use to it if you have not used one, you can just flick the wheel let it go or manually glide through, you will soon work out how it works and it it seems to be a bit more quite than the 2S, 2S owners will notice more so than a newcomer the ratchet sound is not as loud..
As mentioned you can customise the keys and there is custom set ups ready to use I am not a heavy office or spreadsheet user or use specific programmes I have a clean PC mostly using Google docs etc but you can have and avail of custom set ups or tweek presets for the likes of Office and Adobe.
You can use Flow which allows you to connect multiple devices which is very handy I have two set ups in my house one with two laptops and one with a laptop and monitor add on so I can easily connect and move files from one to another and again switch between rooms, I have a set up downstairs and upstairs but soon having a new custom office built for work to take place in one room but as mentioned I have the software on all and can easily switch and change between device and go upstairs or downstairs and get connected quickly which is important for those in a similar position.
Overall my thoughts from moving up form the 2S is that the improvements are welcome much remains the same inside,the new wheel is great and other design changes and it is less noisy which is not a huge deal, My use case as I said would vary but I know from using both and their potential and how much it mas made things much easier for me since I started using the 2S the new MX 3 is better again and a joy to use, If you are not familiar with a mouse like this perhaps go try one out and see what it can do, Some shops might have demos or if you ever bump into me I will gladly show you, As mentioned I meet a lot of people with my work and have helped them with tech purchases based of either using products I have or discussed,this is a must have mouse full stop,some might thing they are expensive and have said it to me but it quickly turns to a moot point when people see how productivity improves and how much time is saved.
Virgin Media has partnered with Google to become the first Telco in Ireland to offer Irish consumers the ultimate Smart Home packs, helping customers to experience the thrill of a Smart Home
Virgin Media has officially unveiled their custom built Smart Home experience with packages including leading smart home technology products from Google and TP-Link. Virgin showcased the new packs in a purpose built new ‘home’ at the company’s HQ in Dublin today.
Virgin Media unveils Smart Home Experience .Pic Brian McEvoy
The new systems enable Virgin Media customers to streamline countless tasks throughout the home and now, with Virgin’s upgraded Complete Pack which includes the Google Nest Hub, users can do even more at home, all powered by Ireland’s fastest in-home Wi-Fi.*
With the inclusion of Google’s Nest Hub in the Smart Home Complete Pack, users can use the 7” HD touchscreen display and speaker not only to hear Google results to questions, but can also see images and videos to help as well. The Google Nest Hub is the perfect kitchen companion for searching out recipe videos and getting step by step tips preparing meals for the family.
The Virgin Media Complete Pack comes also comes with a Google Nest Hello Doorbell, Google Nest Mini, Google Chromecast and 2 TP-Link Smart Plugs and keeps its original price of just €55 a month for 12 months.
Virgin Media unveils Smart Home Experience Pic Brian McEvoy
On top of this newly upgraded pack, Virgin Media broadband customers can also choose from two additional packs, the Entertainment Pack and the Home Automation Pack.
Karen Faughnan, Senior Propositions Manager at Virgin Media Ireland said:
“Our research shows that 60% of Irish consumers are planning to purchase smart home devices in the next 12 months and over 58% of those surveyed had already purchased one or more smart home device (distinct from smart TV’s/phones etc).”
It’s these numbers that show us that there is an ever growing appetite amongst the Irish population to purchase and install smart home products and, with our partnership with Google and TP-Link, we’re making it easier than ever for those customers to create their own smart home experiences, all powered by Ireland’s fastest in-home Wi-Fi*.”
Virgin Media unveils Smart Home Experience – Pic Brian McEvoy
With our new Smart Home Packs, customers can rest assured that their Virgin Media superfast broadband will be strong and reliable enough to connect all the different devices and, with our specialised Smart Home technicians taking you step by step through the installation process, you’ll be able to get the very best from your new products.
“With Christmas fast approaching, there’s never been a better time for customers to upgrade their homes to a smart home and, as an added incentive, the packs are up to €129 cheaper than the recommended retail price of the bundles being purchased separately with a technician install.”
Packages start from as little as €15 a month with customers free to keep the devices once the 12 monthly payments are complete. You can learn more about Virgin Media’s new Smart Home Packages at www.virginmedia.ie/smarthome
Packs available to customers include
1. Entertainment Pack
The pack includes:
· Google Home Speaker
· Google Nest Mini
· Google Chromecast
PLUS: Smart Home set up by a Virgin Media technician.
2. The Home Automation Pack
The pack includes:
· Google Nest Hello Doorbell
· Google Nest Mini
· 2x TP Link Smart Plugs
PLUS: Smart Home set up by a Virgin Media technician.
3. The Complete Pack
The pack includes:
· Google Nest Hub – Smart Home Display
· Google Nest Mini
· 2x TP Link Smart Plugs
· Google Nest Hello Doorbell
· Google Chromecast
PLUS: Smart Home set up by a Virgin Media technician.
Ookla®, the independent consumer initiated testing platform, named Virgin Media as Ireland’s fastest In-Home Wi-Fi network.
The Speedtest® results show that Virgin Media is more than twice as fast as its nearest competitor for broadband and In-Home Wi-Fi.
