Tag: Apple

Beyond Spotify: Exploring Unique Music Streaming Alternatives

Spotify is an active music service that millions of users are using. This music streaming service has acquired millions of worldwide users, accounting for 31% using only the Spotify platform, according to ExpressVPN. Spotify gives access to more than 80 million licensed songs, including videos and podcasts. However, accessing Spotify alternatives that offer different tastes and uniqueness are always welcomed. 

Apart from giant music streaming services, i.e., Spotify, other streaming services, such as Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, SoundCloud, YouTube, and many more, share a pie to reach equality. But, as you are looking for Spotify alternatives, you can find the details for each platform, including features, in the post below. 

Delve into this below and explore some of the best music platforms hidden from music lovers’ eyes. Scroll down and find their distinctive offerings now. 

Spotify Streaming Alternatives

Mostly, music streaming services offer similar gateway and features to Spotify. But their features and offerings are quite different in their way. Let us help you explore a few Spotify alternatives. 

1. Tidal: The Audiophile’s Haven

Tidal music streaming service is well-known for its high-quality content and exclusive content. It offers features that no other streaming offers. Tidal offers content, including exclusive albums, music videos, and live performances. 

Features of Tidal

  1. Tidal helps audiophiles to stream high-resolution music content. 
  2. It offers two-tier audio quality: HiFi in CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and HiFi Plus in high-quality audio (up to 24-bit/ 192 kHz). 
  3. It also offers audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio. 

2. Deezer: Curated Playlists Galore

Deezer is a music platform with over 90 million songs. Its subscribers can also access podcasts. Users can access curated playlists, and this feature makes this platform different from others. Deezer also has a music editors’ team who create playlists for various moods and genres. 

Features of Deezer

  1. The Dezzer platform is mostly known for its personalized playlist feature. 
  2. You can also download songs from Deezer and later play them offline. 
  3. It also displays lyrics that will help listeners understand songs’ wordings more accurately. 
  4. On your listening selection, this platform creates a personalized playlist. 

3. Qobuz: Hi-Res Audio Nirvana

Qobuz is a French music streaming platform. This platform is known for its high-quality audio and focus on exclusive content. You can also access editorial content such as articles, reviews, and interviews. 

Features of Qobuz

  1. On Qobuz, you can download high-resolution audio content. 
  2. You can access music directly from your devices without using your computer or laptop. 
  3. Qobuz also offers two-tier audio quality content: HiFi in CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and HiFi Sublime in high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/ 192 kHz).

4. Pandora: Radio Reimagined

The Pandora music streaming platform allows you to create personalized radio stations based on your favorite artists, songs, and genres. Research also found that it is the first launched streaming service platform. 

Features of Pandora

  1. You can give ratings to the songs by clicking on the “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” selections.
  2. On your listening habits, it constantly recommends new songs and also browses its curated playlists.  
  3. It also offers a premium subscription for ad-free listening and downloading. 

5. SoundCloud: Home for Indie Artists

SoundCloud is a music streaming service that recently became popular, especially among Indie artists. The platform is becoming popular for its discovery and commitment to supporting independent artists and musicians. 

Features of SoundCloud

  1. Listeners and artists can use SoundCloud’s services at no cost. 
  2. The platform’s interface is easy to use. Artists need to create their accounts and upload their tracks. Afterward, they can share their uploaded tracks on social media and other platforms. 
  3. SoundCloud also helps you make a fanbase and helps you to interact with them. 
  4. SoundCloud also helps you to reach music websites and music blogs and help you find whether they are interested in your music.

6. YouTube Music: Visual and Auditory Fusion

YouTube is a free music streaming platform that helps audiences get a wide range of songs, live performances, remixes, covers, and official music. YouTube music is the perfect choice if you wish to watch or discover new music or albums. 

Features of YouTube Music

  1. YouTube music combines audio listening and video content, and this helps listeners to enjoy music. 
  2. Based on your search and watch history, it also recommends new songs. 
  3. For every mood and genre, YouTube Music also creates a curated playlist for its users. 
  4. It also allows you to download music for your offline listening.
  5. It also has a search bar that helps users search for their preferred songs. 

7. Apple Music: Integration with the Apple Ecosystem

Apple Music is a perfect choice for Apple users. Music listeners can discover new music and enjoy their favorite songs on all their Apple devices. Apple Music is considered a unique platform as it integrates with the ecosystem. This music platform service works with all devices, such as Apple Watch, HomePod, Mac, iPad, and iPhone. 

Features of Apple Music

  1. You can get a wide selection of Apple Music, including covers, official music, remixes, and new categories. 
  2. Based on your search and listening history and preferences, Apple Music recommends songs for you.  
  3. Apple Music also allows its users to download their favorite tracks for offline listening. 
  4. For every genre and mood, it also offers various curated playlists. 
  5. To control your Apple Music, you can use “Siri.”
  6. With AirPlay, you can stream your favorite songs from Apple Music to AirPlay-compatible devices. 

Conclusion

Spotify might be an exclusive and colossal music platform with its great music promotional services, but other music services offer similar and distinct features. Each stated Spotify alternative in the above post has a unique feature that helps you cater to various music priorities and preferences. Apart from Spotify, there are many music alternatives that you can choose from, whether you prefer to get high-audio quality, curated, or personalized playlists or looking to support independent artists. Look at each mentioned Spotify alternative music platform, and then find the one that resonates with your preferences. 

 

Tech Review – ULTIMAL Sports Strap For Apple Watch Ultra 2

The ULTIMAL Sports Strap Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a comfortable and affordable strap to check out if you need a new strap these straps are also compatible with most of the Apple watch range too and comes in all sizes and colours and other variants which is also cheaper than what apple command for their straps which is ludicrous in some cases.

The buckles are made of stainless steel and so is the clasp and sits nicely on the wrist when on, these bands are bigger and thicker than what Apple offer and look good and stand out so if that’s you and want a new strap that is cheaper and perhaps better checkout their range on Amazon.

The strap will cost around 30 euro including shipping which is a fair price,see the video below for more.

  • 【Compatibility】ULTIMAL Sports Strap compatible with Apple Watch Ultra Strap 49MM, for iWatch Strap Series Ultra/Ultra 2. Fitting Range:6.7”-8.9”(170-226mm).
  • 【Breathable Nylon】It is compatible with the apple watch Ultra 2 strap which is made of high quality woven nylon and is comfortable, soft, breathable, durable and sturdy.
  • 【Stylish Function Design】Hook & Loop is designed to better adjust the length of apple ultra watch strap 49mm to fit your wrist. Hollowed-Out design allows for better breathability and sweat resistance.
  • 【Security & Easy to Install】Stainless steel clasp with lugs for precise and secure locking on the watch. One-click installation and removal. You can keep the watch safe even when you are exercising.
  • 【Service】If ULTIMAL apple watch band has any defect or quality problem, you can contact us at any time.We will try our best to offer you a solution.

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Video review

Tech Review – Benks JoyTouch Matte Screen Protector for iPhone 15 Pro

Next in from Benks is the JoyTouch Matte screen protector for the iPhone 15 Pro which takes seconds to install and the job is done, this is different to other screen protectors we have used in the past and is nice to touch and looks great and better for the eyes, it feels smooth and is fingerprint free so far from my testing over the last few days.

Inside the box you will get wipes and tape to remove dirt and dust and a plastic guide to install your screen protector, two come in the box which is cool and not seen too often. Once installed you will feel the difference between this and other screen protectors and it is better on the eyes overall, check the video below for more.

Features 

  • Less Glare, More Eyes Comfort
  • Extreme Scratch & Shatter Protection
  • Smooth as Silk
  • Clean, Smudge-free Screen
  • Advanced Edges
  • Hassle-Free Installation

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Video Review

Tech Review – Benks MagClap Mist Phone Case for iPhone 15 Pro

Benks is a brand that has plenty of tech accessories for your iPhone and much more which we have reviewed over the last few years and now we have some cases in for the all new iPhone 15 pro which we are now checking out along with the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The Mist phone cases is one of the cases now in and a nice one too offering great protection for your device all round with MagClap and works with compatible wireless charging, the case gives additional grip  and has metal buttons giving it a premium look. These buttons are tactile and work well and are comfortable on the fingers and also comes in three different colours. The raising lens bezel design acts as a vigilant guard, ready to shield the lens from the unforeseen accidents of daily life and there is a lip on the front of the case allowing you to place it face down.

Check out the video review below for a closer look.

 

Features 

  • Fully MagSafe® Compatible
  • Slim Profile & Fit Perfectly
  • Full Body Protection
  • Clicky Metal Button
  • Sleek Design
  • Free Replacement Guaranteed if Not Compatible

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Video Review

Tech Review – CASEKOO Magic Stand Series CloudCush Version Cases for iPhone 15 Pro

CASEKOO hace sent over some of their latest cases on offer for the iPhone 15 pro and have a wide variety of cases on offer, these cases come in a range of colours and look well and have a new layer of protection added in the form of and airbag which is new to me on cases but it works well and feels good and your device will certainly be better protected.

The Koo Air Cushioning Technology with an air-layered airbag structure enhances shock absorption effectiveness by 120%.
Highly elastic airbags for shock absorption, providing stringent military-grade standards for 3-meter drop protection. The case offers extra gripping power too and really comfortable in the hand.

The adjustable stand offers versatile angles ranging from 40° to 120°. This feature ensures an optimal perspective for both portrait mode(productive video calls during work) and landscape mode(immersive movie-watching sessions).This also can add a layer of security to your phone if you put your finger through it as you will see in the video review below.

The cases also come with advanced Magsafe technology and the magnet on board is super strong unlike some cases out there. Also noted is that these cases have Anti-Yellowing technology.

10% off coupon code: 10JimOBrien

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Video Review

Apple Watch Ultra 2 and iPhone 15 Pro first look

The latest and greatest from Apple is now here and in short what he have is some slight speck bumps and some new features, the new iPhone 15 pro is the phone of choice for us and the devices are now made with titanium and the feel of the phone in hand is much better than last years iteration and feels much lighter to hold in the nad and has a nice feel to the rear of the device.

The Watch 2 however was said to come in a Black colour this year which I would have preferred and there is literally no difference to the look of the device this year and there is some new features to arrive on it soon which is an odd move from Apple.

We will be doing many reviews in the coming weeks for cases and accessories for both the Watch and Phone and have many in the works now so if you have any accessories and cases etc do let us know and if you have any questions on the products themselves do get in touch.

Watch Ultra 2 link  Apple iPhone 15 Pro link

Tech Review – OMOTON Sodi Bagel Capture BM310 phone stand

The Bagel Capture is a productivity tool that will work with all iPhone models 12/13/14 versions and MacBook models released after 2017, and is and ideal portable kit for your iPhone this also works with your macbook with the holder itself that is removable to clip onto the rear of it or other slim tablets as seen below.

What is nice with this product is its build quality and how it can be put at any angle yet not topple over as the iPhone is not light by any stretch. This can simply sit beside your laptop or PC and can you can make use of your phone for other means whilst working such as checking social media and more, you could also have it on your bedside locker to consume media as it rotates and gives you a better elevation than being sat there in a case or resting on something else.

Having the choice of angles is great and is more flexible than other phone stands out there and the quality again is top notch and not cheap, there is rubber feet underneath to make it stable and not move and you can also charge your phone on it too which is neat, check the video below for more.

FLEXIBLE VIEWING – Effortless angle adjustments.

The BM310 Stand is a sleek, versatile solution that supports multiple viewing angles, whether it’s portrait or landscape. Adjust to exactly the perfect angle to enhance your visual experience.

ON-THE-GO DEVICE SUPPORT – Compact, foldable, and always within reach.

The perfect solution for anyone seeking portable, versatile support or their device. With its small, foldable design, this stand easily fits in your pocket, so you can take it anywhere you desire.

VERSATILE USE CASES – Elevate your presentations.

This is not just a phone stand. Use it to securely mount your phone to your laptop screen to add another dimension to your computer setup. And now you can try Desk View mode! Capture striking, high-angle shots and keep yourself perfectly in frame during video calls or presentations. An important tool to effectively showcase your work and ideas.

  • Adjustable and Versatile. BM310 has multi-angle and height adjustment options for the best viewing angles.
  • MagSafe Charging Support. Effortlessly charge your device by replacing the magnetic plate with a MagSafe charger.
  • Enable Desk View. Capture high-angle shots to effectively showcase your work and ideas.
  • Portable and Compact. BM310 is foldable and pocket-sized. You can take it with you wherever you go.

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Video Review

Tech Review – NOMAD sports band for Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra is an expensive companion device and one I never thought I would get myself but after owning the Series 7 and the latest SE I took the plunge and got one to try out and now holding onto it and like the case business the strapo business is now booming and we have covered some strap reviews here for the Apple watch over the last while and nomadgoods gave us a sports band to try out that matches their case for the iPhone 14 pro and both go hand in hand together and looks great as a pair and gives me assurance my strap will not fall off even with heavy use and for being a bit on the sporty side myself with activities it also lets my wrist breathe.

The strap itself is made from quality materials and is simple to swap out like any other Apple watch strap and to replace it takes 30 seconds at most, what I like about this strap is the looks and colour and also the how the closure works on the strap itself. Again like a case people just put them on and on they go but having both the looks feel and protection is what matters for me and not only that your wrist can breathe whilst you do your workouts and so on and the pin and tuck closure makes it easy to put on and take off.

Check out the video review below for more and do check out the link below and see what options are available for you to pick from as they have a great range of products and stand out colours to give you a more premium look on your devices.

Workout Ready

Sport Band is built around a minimalist design meant to keep the weight low and ventilation high. Channels in the bottom of the band and full length adjustment holes increase breathability and flexibility.

Pin and Tuck Closure

Sport Band is finished with a custom-designed pin and tuck closure mechanism that is both slim and secure. The aluminum pin latches through the band while the tail end is tucked away neatly against your wrist.

High Performance

We use FKM on Sport Band for its excellent balance of comfort and durability. FKM’s natural flexibility allows the band to easily contour around your wrist and its resistance to oils allows it to quickly wipe clean after a workout

Bold Design

A sporty aesthetic and sharp details combine for a distinct, yet understated look unique from any other band. The Marine Blue FKM is finished with a subtle microtexture for a classy satin finish.

Features

  • FKM fluoroelastomer rubber
  • 100% waterproof
  • Interior ventilation channels
  • Custom aluminum closure pin
  • Designed for Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch

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Video Review

Tech Review – Zox Apple Watch Bands

When we buy a new phone we most likely go look for a new case if you do not get one in the box and it is a huge industry with lots of money to be made and now choice and choice is a win for the consumer and not only that we can now personalise cases too, alongside that we also can now do the same for our smartwatches and is now a huge industry.

When I get a new phone or watch I tend to get new cases and now I am the same with my smartwatches, currently I use the Google Pixel watch and Apple watch ultra and already I have changed their look with new straps..

Zox is a brand that can help out here with a different take on new watch straps and not only that they look nice and stand out and each strap has a story behind it, the straps are well built and feel really nice on your arm too and very comfortable and easy to adjust and lets your wrist breathe too.

Like all ZOX, each Apple Watch band is individually numbered on both the band and matching collectors card to ensure no two are ever the same. Numbers 00001 – 00100 are stitched in gold and include Gold Cards that can be redeemed for special, limited edition rewards.

 

Each strap has a custom message written on it and a card with the same message which can all be seen in the description of the strap on site. The company also makes other items with the same idea behind it such as wrist bands dog leads bags and clothing and you should check them out they are really nice and fashionable.

The company also has an app where you can shop and also check out their website HERE

Like all ZOX, every watch band we produce is made using elastic we mill from recycled water bottles with our friends at Repreve. Each one takes the equivalent of one 8oz water bottle out of our ecosystem, meaning you’re changing the world with both kind words and a brighter tomorrow.

Check out the watch bands below we have checked out and do check out the company who are doing something really nice and thinking of the environment and you as a customer with personal messages.

Video Review