QCY have dropped over some new products for us to check out and the MeloBuds Pro are an interesting affordable pair of earbuds with plenty of specs on board.
Coming in under 50 euro we will be testing these out over the next while along with some other products so stay tuned for those reviews and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Equipped with Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation(ANC), MeloBuds Pro auto-adjusts noise cancellation to adapt to your ear accordingly by analyzing your ear canal structure and how you wear it. The ANC system contributes to a wide frequency range (20 Hz–2500 kHz), with maximum ANC depth as high as 46 dB. Featuring 6 microphones and a wind noise-minimizing design, AI-based voice pickup technology ensures crystal-clear calls by cancelling ambient noise while enhancing vocals.
High-Resolution Sound
MeloBuds Pro supports LDAC high-resolution codec and is certified by Hi-Res Audio Wireless, supporting fast transmission of up to 990 kbps, and transmitting pure high-fidelity sound that spares no detail. Its advanced spatial audio algorithm enhances the soundstage, offering a 360° Stereo Sound experience. Equipped with a 12mm dynamic driver unit, MeloBuds Pro also offers a rich cascade of sound, texture, and detail.
Transparency Mode
Adjusting from 6 levels of Transparency Mode, users can stay engaged with their surroundings while enjoying music with MeloBuds Pro. The earbuds can enhance vocal during face-to-face conversations, allowing clear interactions without removing the earbuds.
Other Features
Smart Wearing Detection: MeloBuds Pro’s proximity sensor knows when they’re worn, pausing audio when taken out and resuming playback when put back in.
Extended Battery Life: Enjoy up to 34 hours of playtime with the charging case and get up to 1 hour of use with just a 10-minute charge.
Dual-Device Connectivity: You can connect MeloBuds Pro to two devices and seamlessly switch between them with simple touch controls.
Ultra-Low Latency: With an 80ms latency, MeloBuds Pro ensures synchronized audio and video for an enhanced gaming and movie experience.
IPX5 Waterproof rating: Splashes and sweat won’t stop MeloBuds Pro.
The all new Skullcandy SLYR pro have dropped in for review, if you are a gamer these are the latest product on offer from the brand and after checking out the Street fighter Edition PLYR earlier this year and still love and use today we look forward to seeing what these have to offer.
SLYR Pro takes your game to the next level with advanced features you just can’t get in other wireless headsets. Skullcandy Supreme Sound delivers full, rich audio and our advanced Clear Voice Smart Mic uses A.I. to isolate your voice for ultra-clear communication.
Game/chat mix, custom EQs and sidetone can be accessed through the Skull-HQ App. The icing on the cake is our exclusive Enhanced Sound Perception feature, which utilizes a hearing test in the app to optimize the sound to your unique hearing.
Any questions feel free to ask as always and stay tuned for more soon.
Features
Headset Type: Wired/Wireless Over-ear
Connection Type: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth®, USB-A, 3.5mm Aux
The emporiaME.6 is a top smartphone with the latest 5G technology, Android 13, triple main camera and Camera Pro, lightning-fast processor, NFC, fingerprint sensor, voice input, ASHA support (particularly good hearing quality even with a hearing aid), etc. This device follows on from the SMART.6 we reviewed last year.
And yet it stands out from the crowd in three respects:
1) The user makes the decision: clear, easy user interface or conventional Android mode. The emporiaME.6 starts up in the familiar Android mode by default. The mobile phone can be switched to the clear, reduced easy mode with just two presses. Or straight back again. It is a conscious decision that YOU make.
2) The Info Centre, which is only available in simple mode. This is where all notifications come together in one place. Whether it’s a missed call, new email, WhatsApp message or a notification from Facebook Messenger, you can keep an eye on everything here.
3) The external, directly accessible panic button. Press firmly once and help is automatically called. Good to know if you’re walking home alone at night, for example. Or if you are planning a lonely mountain tour. 360 hours (15 days!) of standby time should be enough even in this case.
So much technology packed into just 209 grams, available for less than 300 euros and with a 2-year warranty? The European smartphone manufacturer emporia shows how it’s done.
We will be checking this phone out over the next few weeks so if you have any questions feel free to ask and stay tuned for more with our full review soon, check out the unboxing and walkthrough below and some image and video samples to date.
The all new Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones have finally arrived and we will be testing these out over the coming weeks but today we give you a quick tour of the new duo from Creative who have been on a roll of late with their product releases.
Recently review have been the Creative Aurvana Ace series and the Creative Zen Air series earbuds which are really solid products now we have an all new ZEN SXFI series to contend with which I look forward to checking out.
The Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, designed to transport users into the immersive world of Super X-Fi. With a simple tap, users can expand their soundstage and be engulfed in every detail of their preferred content across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, all powered by the built-in SXFI technology.
Boasting additional features such as Adaptive Hybrid ANC and Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, low-latency of up to ~100 ms, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are poised to redefine how users engage with their favourite content.
Coupled with the SXFI APP, available on iOS and Android phones, the full potential of Super X-Fi can be further unlocked by personalising Super X-Fi to users’ exact head and ear shape for an even more precise rendition.
Beyond the Super X-Fi integration, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are packed with nifty features to cater to today’s diverse users.
With Hybrid ANC, Adaptive ANC, and Ambient mode, users can seamlessly switch between the three modes, adapting to different environments and choosing to immerse themselves in music or stay aware of their surroundings.
Moreover, the low-latency mode ensures audio stays perfectly synced up, whether users are gaming or watching movies. And with Multipoint connectivity, users can easily switch between two Bluetooth devices without missing a beat.
Any questions drop them in the comments or ask on our social media handles.
Pricing and Availability
Creative Zen Air SXFI is priced at £69.99 and is available for order at Creative.com.
Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI is priced at £89.99 and is available for order at Creative.com.
The latest and greatest from Jabra has arrived and the all new Jabra Elite 8 and Elite 10 Gen 2 which which dropped out of the blue not so long ago and you can read more on that here.
With the Elite 8 active in Olive and Elite 1o in Soft White these are two of the better colours to date from the company and both earbuds are packed with plenty of specs for the spec lovers.
These earbuds offer a new dimension to the audio experience, with improved spatial sound tuning and Dolby Atmos support, as well as new spatial sound benefits across a wider range of content, including podcasts. In blind tests, 95% of respondents preferred the spatial sound tuning delivered with Gen 2
We will be testing these out over the next few weeks and today give you a side by side comparison of both so you can see what you get for your hard earned cash.
Any questions do ask on our social media and YouTube where you will find the first look and unboxing below.
Pricing
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: MRSP £229.99, available in Navy, Black & two new colours (Coral and Olive), Mid-June 2024. Find out more here: www.jabra.co.uk/elite8activegen2
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: MRSP £259.99, available in Titanium Black, Gloss Black, Cocoa and two new colours (Denim and Soft White), Mid-June 2024. Find out more here: www.jabra.co.uk/elite10gen2
Key features of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2:
LE Audio smart case for streaming spatial sound from gym equipment & more
Improved Spatial Sound powered by Dolby Audio
Improved Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise cancellation. Up to 2x stronger than Elite 8 Active previous generation
New Natural HearThrough with enhanced wind-noise detection. Twice as effective as Elite 8 Active previous generation
Improved call performance with 6 microphones, wind-protecting mesh and noise cancellation algorithm
Fully sweatproof, waterproof and workout- proof with IP68 rated earbuds (and an IP54 rated dust and splash proof case)
Secure wing-free fit with Jabra ShakeGripTM technology
Up to 8-hours battery life and up to 32-hours with case (ANC on)
Stable Smartwatch connectivity***, Swift Pair, Google Fast Pair & Spotify Tap playback
Bluetooth Multipoint connection
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 – techbuzzireland
Key features of the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2:
LE Audio smart case for streaming spatial sound from home TV’s & more
Improved Spatial Sound with Dolby Head Tracking & a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience
Improved Jabra Advanced Active Noise Cancellation. Up to 2x stronger than Elite 10 previous generation
Improved 6-mic call technology with effective noise-reduction algorithms
New Natural HearThrough with enhanced wind-noise detection. Twice as effective as Elite 10 previous generation
Rich bass from powerful 10mm speakers
Semi-open design with Jabra ComfortFit technology for all-day comfort
The all new instax WIDE 400 is by no means a small camera and after having it for a day we will take you on a tour of the new camera from FUJIFILM.
The package is well presented as expected and comes with some accessories inside such as a lens clip on for close ups or selfie shots a neck strap and another little strap that can give you a better angle for using the selfie timer which is pretty cool as you will see in the video how that works.
The camera can be mounted on a tripod too and although it is on the cumbersome side the way the housing is shaped gives you a good ergonomic grip and does not weigh down to one side even with the 4 batteries inside and also provided in the package.
There is a big lens on front which also turns the camera on and off with two focal lengths for you to pick from and also there is new films to check out which we will do in the full review soon..
Main features of the instax WIDE 400:
(1) Analogue instant camera compatible with wide-format film.
・This simply designed analogue instant camera is compatible with instax
WIDE-format film. With automatic exposure and flash control, simply turn the lens to switch it on, hold the camera and press the shutter button.
After turning the lens to switch the power on, turn it further in the same direction to switch to Landscape mode, allowing you to capture distant scenery from a distance of more than 3m.
Furthermore, by attaching the included close-up lens, you can capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.
(2) Equipped with a lever-operated self-timer for that analogue feel.
A lever-operated self-timer is mounted on the front side of the camera. When the lever is turned, the LEDs light up in sequence and the self-timer can be set for up to 10 seconds.
Pressing the shutter release button starts the countdown and the LEDs go off one by one every two seconds. Group shots can be easily taken while enjoying the sound of the timer and the operation of turning the lever.
(3) Includes useful accessories for self-timer shooting.
By using the included camera angle adjustment accessory, choose between two height options for the optimum shooting angle, all without the need for a tripod.
JBL had a Dubin launch event recently and we went along to check out the latest on offer from the brand and there is some really cool tech on offer if you are into your audio and after several demos there is plenty here to keep those ears happy let me tell you.
We have several reviews coming up an if you want to see the coolest earbuds case on the market it has to be this one on the Live beam 3 which we are looking at today. if you have any questions do drop them in the comments and we will gladly answer. Check out the JBL Go4 speakerTune 770 NC headphones and watch out for more reviews soon.
With three different wearing styles – Buds, Beam and Flex – the JBL Live 3 Earbuds series ensures comfort and flexibility. Equipped with Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly and JBL Signature Sound, the newest true wireless lineup also features Bluetooth 5.3 with LE so users can enjoy stable multipoint connections plus an improved, extended battery life. Available in two new colorways, Black and Silver, the JBL Live TWS 3 lineup offers users both style and durability with an IP55 waterproof rating.
Features
● Smart charging case
● 10mm dynamic driver
● True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with custom controls
● BT 5.3 with LE Audio*
● High-res audio wireless with LDAC
● JBL Spatial Sound
● 6 mics for perfect calls and customized call experience
● IP55 certified waterproof
● Personi-Fi 3.0
● Multipoint connection
● Wireless charging
Up to 40 hours total playtime
10+30H play time (ANC off) with speed charge (10min=4h) via Type-C
The JBL Live 3 Earbuds series are now available on JBL.com for $199.95
It is Pixel time of the year and of course the Pixel 8a has dropped in for us to check out and this time around with have a much more lively color which I love by the way in Bay Blue which looks great and stands out in the crowd, and before we go on we have some cases to check out as we always do and a new brand on board which is pretty exciting so stay tuned for that this week..
Out of the box the device stands out immediately and having it in my hands for a few days we will give you our first impressions and later on talk some more on the device, the 8a is a perfect size device dare I say coming from the Pixel 8 pro which I still use and love the 8a is offering more for your money this time around from previous (a) devices and I have seen some say get the Pixel 8 and why bother with this one and could they be right and google shooting themselves in the foot? I do not think so as if it was me sporting the 8 right now I would still go for the 8a.
The Pixel 8a has a better footprint and just looks better, OK I typically have the black versions so slightly biased on that front but the camera bar is smaller it feels better and just looks better and has all the features of the two superior models but nothing is better than a new phone and the pixel a series have always been solid for me and I end up sticking to them until the next version comes out which will be the 9 and have done so for years and as I have said many times I always have a Pixel phone on me but I test phones and try others over the course of the year like I am now but the Pixel always sticks with me, in fact I have just moved on my S24 Ultra because I got bored with it but bought that myself like most other devices and I carry an iPhone 15 pro which is a secondary device for obvious reasons but has to be said it is never a main device with a secondary testing sim inside.
With only a few days testing as mentioned this is just an initial first look and so far the device has been flawless given I would have much more going on my phone than others which in itself is taxing on any device. First thing to notice is the adaptive 120hz refresh rate and again I have been open about this most will not notice but as a seasoned phone reviewer I do and it is a good feature to have, the device is as expected fast and fluid or as some say buttery smooth.
Wireless transfer has got better, Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro – techbuzzireland
The back of the Pixel 8a is finished with a matt finish meaning no smudges which is annoying for some and some have critiqued me before for saying so with products that leave fingerprints everywhere which is fine when most of us sport cases on our phones but not all but it is worth noting anyway and for the record I do often take the case of any phone at home where it safe to do so to get a real feel for a device.
The build quality is excellent with aluminium sides rather than plastic and feels better and more robust than previous A devices and with a 6.1 inch 430 ppi OLED (actua) display it shines and great for media consumption and has a gorilla glass 3 screen which is fine and you have a screen protector on board.
The Pixel 8a features Magic Editor, Best Take and now Audio Magic Eraser which is ideal for content creators or even just the average user, with the AI features on Pixel devices they have grown in popularity over the years and provide simple to use tools for anyone and the cameras are again great with some samples below for now and we even got to see some of the northern lights for a few minutes which was not expected where I was.
Wireless charging (18w) is on board which for me is great but seems to be a bearbug with many folk these days when omitted and if like me with wireless charging docks all over the house and in my car it is a must have and mainly for convenience but as a tech guy I am lucky to be in a position where I have these chargers all over the place and adopted it early.
Overall for the past few days using this device very carefully with no case ( first time to take a phone out with no case but used carefully) I have been impressed so far and with the loads I put on my phones they are by no means used lightly with all the daily tasks I use my phones for with social media emails docs web browsing and other calls with Google meet zoom and teams it has proven again a worthy device so far.
Battery life I can’t comment on just yet as I have not had it long enough to give a good indication vs older models but over the last few days it has been solid enough but not put to the full test due to being off at an event and a wedding plus embargo reasons and not on full view but so far so good and I would not expect anything less, stay tuned for more on the Pixel 8a and case reviews coming this week and then I will be going full on with this device loaded up to the hilt with apps as you will see in the unboxing video below and again now already can say it will be a daily driver until the next model arrives.
Google Pixel 8a – techbuzzireland – jim o brien
10 things to know about the Google Pixel 8a
1 – Pixel 8a Colourful. Powerful. AI- full.
The Pixel 8a, engineered by Google. Take amazing photos with the Pixel Camera. Do more, even faster with Google AI – like fix blurry images, screen calls and learn new things. Top-rated security features help protect your data.1 All at a great price. Pixel 8a is bright and bold, and feels great in your hand. And it’s built to last.
2 – The most durable A- Series phone yet.
Pixel 8a is Google’s most durable A-Series phone yet, with a metal frame and camera bar. With IP67 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display, and it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. And it’s designed with a smooth finish and a matte back cover.
3 – Save time and do more with Google AI.
Pixel with Google AI makes it easy to get things done. Search for something just by circling it – an image or text, even in a video – right from the app that you’re in. Google AI finds it fast. Write messages quickly using your voice with Assistant voice
typing. Send messages in multiple languages with Live Translate And At a Glance shows useful info right when you need it, like travel updates, event tickets and more.
4 – Tensor G3: the same chip as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Tensor G3 is the next-gen processor custom-built for Pixel. It’s Google’s fastest, most efficient and secure chip yet – the same chip that’s in Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It powers Google AI and advanced machine learning for amazing photo and video quality, improved audio on phone calls, speech recognition and security. It makes Pixel 8a fast, efficient and helpful.
5 – Incredible photos and videos with the Pixel Camera.
The Pixel Camera makes photos perfect, every time. It’s easy to take amazing pictures in low light with Night Sight. Thanks to Google AI, you can create perfect group shots with Best Take10 and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur.11 All skin tones
are represented beautifully and accurately with Real Tone photos and videos. And Pixel 8a includes Super Res Zoom for clear close-up portraits from far away.
6 – 7 years of security, OS and Feature Drop updates.
Pixel phones are built to last and get better over time. With your Pixel 8a, you’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for seven years, plus helpful new Feature Drops every few months.12
7 – The highest- rated security features.
With Google Tensor G3 and the certified Titan M2 security chip, all Pixel 8 phones are built with multiple layers of security to help keep your personal info safe.13 And they come with VPN by Google One built in to help protect your online activity no
matter what app or web browser you use. You can also use Face Unlock for more things, like app sign-ins and payments, thanks to Tensor’s advanced machine learning.
8 – Help making calls. And avoiding them.
Phone calls are easier with Pixel Call Assist, a set of features that help with everything from making calls to avoiding them.15 Your Pixel can now detect and filter out even more spam calls.16 If you’re too busy to pick up, Pixel can tell you who’s calling and why. Call Screen on Pixel can now suggest more contextual replies for you, so you can easily respond to unknown callers in a way that fits the situation, without having to take the call yourself.17 And with clear calling, Pixel reduces your caller’s background noise, so that you can hear them more clearly.
9 – Engineered by Google. For all that you do.
Pixel phones, tablets, watches and earbuds are powered by Google AI for personalised help throughout your day.19 So that you can save time, live healthier and get more done. Take stunning photos and videos, and easily edit them. Track your health and fitness with the power of Fitbit. And have peace of mind with Safety Check and Emergency SOS.20
10 – The best of Google, included with Pixel.
Pixel is easy to switch to, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 8a includes three months of YouTube Premium (then X per month), three months of Google One and six months of Fitbit Premium to help you get the most out of your new
Pixel. For new eligible users only. Recurring billing. Cancel anytime Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. And with YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, in the background and offline. Give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.
I can’t even remember the last time I had an MP3 player which was many years ago and I went through quite a few since mobile phones came along and now we get the chance to turn the clock back and listen to music the old way with this device.
For me this is great and will keep me off my phone and listen to music for many hours a day, you do get earphones with the product and this also gives me a chance to test out my endless supply of headphones earbuds and speakers.
First impressions of the Majority MP3 Pro are good so far and this has an excellent build quality and not made with plastic it has a simple to use menu and UI and now it is time for me to get the device loaded and get away from my laptop and phone for a few hours, so if you have any questions feel free to ask while we test this out and watch out for the full review in a week or two and do check out the unboxing and first look below.
The Majority MP3 Pro is available on Amazon for £34.95/€39.95/$39.95.