Last minute gift guides? Consider Tile Bluetooth trackers

With Christmas fast approaching, are you on the hunt for great gifts to include in last minute gift guides? If so, look no further than a Bluetooth tracker from Tile.

Ideal for attaching to essentials such as keys and bags, or tucked into wallets and purses – Tile is the ultimate gift or stocking filler for the person who’s always misplacing their valuables. Via the free Tile App, users can keep track of their items and ‘ring’ something if it goes missing. Tile can also be used in reverse to call a phone if it’s misplaced – even when it’s on silent. If an item is truly lost, the Tile app also lets users check its last registered location on a map.

Tile Mate

RRP from £19.99

Available from: uk.tile.com and Amazon

Mate is perfect for attaching to any frequently misplaced items, such as keys, bottles and bags! Available in limited edition colours and patterns.

Tile Slim

RRP from £29.99

Available from: uk.tile.com and Amazon

Slide Slim into wallets and luggage tags or blazer/jacket pockets. Available in limited edition colours and patterns.

Tile Pro

RRP from £29.99

Available from: uk.tile.com and Amazon

Pro is Tile’s high-end tracker. It’s ideal for keys, backpacks, athletic gear or anything else of value. Pro has a 400 ft. Bluetooth range, Tile’s loudest ring and a user replaceable battery. Available in limited edition colours and patterns.

Tile Sticker

RRP from £24.99

Available from: uk.tile.com and Amazon

Sticker is Tile’s smallest design. This tracker has an adhesive back that can be attached to almost any item including pencil cases, water bottles etc.

Tech Review – Creative Pebble V3 Artisan Edition Speakers

Back in 2021 we reviewed the Creative Pebble V3 and for me did not think it was that long back but moving on there is a new version of the speaker now available called the Artisan Edition which is a new collaboration with the brand which is great to see and it is one of several brands we are now working with that have collabs going on and brings colour and art to the mix over the typical stock colours of products released and it is cool.

All round though these speakers are much the same as before that pack a powerful punch look good and sound great with really nice bass not drowning out the music no lag latency and no tinny sound when maxed out at all, these sound great anywhere in the house and are super easy to connect, you also get a bluetooth dongle in the box and you can connect via BT via phone or laptop once they are powered up, speaking of you just need to plug them into your USB-C port or use the adaptor provided and you can also connect your phone if you wish to do so.

There is good B&O speakers on my laptop but with these plugged in they sound drown them out and you will see this in the demo below both connected to the laptop via USB-C and then a separate test connected to a smartphone.

The Creative Artisan Edition bridges the worlds of sound and art to offer limited edition products that not only deliver exceptional sound quality but also double as art pieces.

The launch of the Creative Artisan Edition marks the beginning of a series of partnerships with talented artists worldwide, and Creative is thrilled to kickstart this journey with Lester Lim, a Singapore-based artist and a true creative maven. Lester Lim’s transition from a movie poster apprentice to a dynamic artist speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. Among his captivating works, JELILO stands out as a masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the jellyfish. More notably, the anti-bully story behind JELILO sends out a powerful message that people can be bigger than their fears. This narrative behind the art holds profound significance and has the power to resonate with people universally.

Features 

  • Wireless Bluetooth® 5.0 streaming and AUX-in connectivity
  • USB Audio for power and audio
  • Clear Dialog audio processing
  • Automated high gain switch for amplified audio without distortion
  • Larger 2.25″ full-ranger drivers for 50% louder and richer acoustics than the original Creative Pebble
  • 45° elevated drivers that directs audio straight to your ears
  • Powered entirely by USB for a fuss-free setup (no wall plug required!)
  • Small form factor that packs a mighty punch
  • Perfect for computers and laptops

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Video Review

Tech Review – IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone

The IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is a conference speakerphone that claims to be the first speakerphone with two-way AI noise reduction. The speakerphone has Mic mute/unmute, Power switch, Bluetooth pairing button, volume knob, microphone mode switch – directional/omni, AI Voice for Mic, AI Voice for Speaker buttons on the unit. It is compatible (Plug & Play) with Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks and can connect to PCs, mobile, and Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Package Contents:

  •         IPEVO VOCAL
    USB Type-C cable (3.94 ft / 1.2 m)
    Quick Installation Guide

 

Features:

 

Controls:

 

 

Compatibility and Output Connectivity   USB Type C, Bluetooth 5.1

Compatibility (Plug & Play)   Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks.

Connectivity  Can connect to PCs, Mobile & Bluetooth Enabled Devices

 

Setup:

The Setup is standard in terms of connection to a Laptop via USB C cable or Bluetooth to a Laptop or phone etc  The setup worked as required while when turning on the IPEVO VOCAL this played music but did not advise connect or not. On occasion having connected to 2 phones and 2 laptops, it was hard to distinguish what the IPEVO VOCAL was connected to as does not have multimode technology and was slow to connect even when the other devices were switched off.  The option of Omni-directional: 360° voice capture or Directional: 120° voice capture was the change of a button which worked seamlessly allowing the whole room to talk or filter out to only one person speaking.

Niggles. The IPEVO VOCAL was tested on numerous conference calls, WhatsApp calls, and traditional calls. During the calls, the peak output power of the 5W speaker was low in terms of sufficient volume to hear for one person in a room, or a small group but a larger room would be difficult to hear with the volume turned up Max. The unit while connected to the various technologies via Bluetooth has worked but switching off and on struggles to automatically connect to the specific device, which resulted in manually connecting again. On occasion having connected to 2 phones and 2 laptops, it was hard to distinguish what the IPEVO VOCAL was connected to as does not have multimode technology and was slow to connect even when the other devices were switched off.

Warranty: 2 years from the date of purchase.

Conclusion:

The IPEVO VOCAL came with Two digital MEMS omnidirectional microphones with a Pickup distance of 5 m, which on paper may not compare well to many other brands which have more microphones. The 5w speaker volume is lower than many others tested in the past.

Ignoring all the above niggles, and specs this is a WOW conference speaker, wow in terms of using the best equipment in the past, conference, or earphones this outshines them all, When the AI Mic option was switched on, with a dog barking and a robotic vacuum running in the background, all the noise was drowned out. The other end of the call could not hear the noise through its artificial intelligence noise filter which used distinct data to capture natural sound while removing noise. The Omni-directional: 360° voice capture or Directional voice capture works flawlessly during calls (This can be heard in the video review when enabling the AI features.)

In conclusion, the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is a conference speakerphone that claims to be the first speakerphone with two-way AI noise reduction. While it has some niggles such as low speaker volume and slow Bluetooth connectivity, its AI noise reduction feature works flawlessly during calls.  This is a product that often-marketing teams exaggerate their claims of “It removes background noise on both ends of the call and delivers crystal-clear conferencing free of hassle.”  On this occasion, this statement is correct with a sensation feeling of this technology for the future. This is a product that must be tried /heard to believe it’s so good.

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Video Review 

Tech Review – Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Printer PL70e Shipping/Label Printer

There is no shortage of printers out there however most are big and cumbersome and can be challenging for some with the tech packed into some of them these days. This printer however is small neat and portable meaning you can bring it with you if required and can be moved from room to room.

The build quality is also good and it is simple to use and you can use your mobile phone too if you wish which is my preferred method for doing labels and printing items from. Over the years I have been using HP printers and one of the most popular ones being the HP Deskjet 2720e and serves me well and again I print off material via my smartphones as this is where I print all my docs from and always have so the same will apply to this printer but it works on all platforms and is more aimed at shipping labels but you can print of other things is you wish to do so which makes it handy.

Set up takes a few mins and you are good to go, we will show the app and how it works in the video review below but once set up it can print anything on your phone if you wish to do so, it is super fast in comparison to other printers I have used in the pat including the current one and there is plenty of templates and settings at your fingertips to get done what needs doing.

Overall this is a really great product if you are in need of shipping labels fast or you have a business that requires labels printed regularly, this can also save you time and money in the long run and is a worthy investment and not expensive to purchase it will also work with regular shipping labels you can but at any stationary stores. Best of all no ink is required.

How to use PL70E Bluetooth Shipping Desktop Label Printer via Phone?

Step 1: Scan to install “Shipping Printer Pro” APP

Step 2: Allow APP access and open “Bluetooth”, “Location”

Step 3: Tap “Not connected” and connect printer

Step 4: Tap “File”

Step 5: Select file

Step 6: Tap “More settings” to adjust density

Step 7: Tap print icon to print

If received files from other app, open with “Shipping Printer Pro” app.

 

The App

 

Features:

1 – Two Printing Methods – via Bluetooth and USB Cable

2 – High Speed & Quality – 150mm/s; 72 Labels/min; 203 DPI

3 – Support for Multi-Size: 1.57″ – 4.1″ (40-104mm) Wide

4 – Wide Application

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#IFA2023 – JBL launches the PartyBox Ultimate speaker

Bigger, better, bolder. JBL’s popular PartyBox speakers have a new headline act, introducing JBL PartyBox Ultimate. Packed with superior JBL Original Pro Sound, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and a breathtaking light show moving in sync with your beat. JBL PartyBox Ultimate is guaranteed to level up any party, anywhere.

Feel the sound, don’t just hear it. The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is the best-sounding and loudest JBL PartyBox yet, featuring superior JBL Original Pro Sound with two high-sensitivity mid-range drivers and dual tweeters so you can listen to all the details of your favourite tracks, even at the loudest volumes. No space is too big – the JBL PartyBox Ultimate can rock the size of two basketball courts as a pair of 9-inch subwoofers provide thunderous bass you can feel from anywhere in the room. Dolby Atmos* puts you in the centre of your favourite songs as the music comes alive around you with unparalleled clarity and depth.

Transform any space into the ultimate party with the biggest multi-dimensional light show of any party speaker. Thanks to a new starry night effect, cool light trails, and dynamic strobes, the light show moves in sync with the music delivering a party to your ears and eyes, whatever your style.

Wi-Fi connectivity has joined the party

Stream high-definition music and take the music with you thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Hosting a house party while phone notifications keep popping? The Wi-Fi connection lets the music play without interruptions. Switch easily to Bluetooth for seamless audio whether you’re indoors or outside. No matter where you are, the JBL PartyBox.

Ultimate will automatically tune itself to its surroundings every time you turn it on. Customise your own party flow with the interactive JBL PartyPad™ on the PartyBox top panel. Three simple fingertip actions, tap, hold and slide, unleash DJ-quality sound effects all night long. Play your favourite playlist or take the stage with guitar and dual mic inputs and karaoke EQ tuning. Wherever the party takes you, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate is IPX4 splashproof and has an easy-to-grip handle with sturdy wheels so you can take the party anywhere.

“Every party needs music, but to get people dancing, you need bass. With our latest and largest addition to the PartyBox family, you can hear the music while you feel the bass. We also introduce our most immersive light show along with new technologies that bring real benefits like Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic self-tuning, and Dolby Atmos,” said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN.

The JBL PartyBox Ultimate will be available at uk.jbl.com from the end of August 2023 for
£1299.99/€1499.99

Features of the JBL PartyBox Ultimate:
● JBL Original Pro Sound with automatic self-tuning
● Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready) connectivity
● Dolby Atmos
● Multi-speaker connection – stereo pair two JBL PartyBox Ultimate speakers for a
wider soundstage or connect multiple speakers wirelessly
● Signature JBL PartyBox light show that automatically syncs to music
● JBL PartyPad™ to customise your party flow with three simple fingertip actions – tap,
hold, and slide
● Get the party rolling – IPX4 splashproof status, sturdy wheels, an easy-to-grip handle,
and a cable compartment to store your power cord when not in use
● Control at your fingertips with the JBL One App – control the music, adjust EQ
settings, and customise the colours and patterns of the light show
*Dolby Atmos only available over Wi-Fi. A streaming service subscription with Dolby Atmos
support is also required to listen to music in Dolby Atmos.

Tech Review – BIGGERFIVE BH-100 Wireless Kids Headphones

The BIGGERFIVE BH-100 Wireless Kids Headphones are a nice new product for kids who like to tune out and lets be honest most do and listen to music or play games on their phones or tablets which gives the parents some time out too, these are super light and very comfortable to wear with nice padding on the cups and a nice padded headband too, they have a ratchet adjustment each side to get the right fit and are very robust which for kids is important.

The controls are all one one side which makes life nice and simple for your child too and you have got a switch to power on and off you have a light switch to change the colour setting which is on the cups and you also have controls to play /pause skip and reverse tracks which again is laid out nice and simple.

The sound quality is great but the important feature here is the sound levels which has two settings and you can override the first one if you will you can limit audio volume between 85 and 94dB which will not change even if accidently touched. The sound is crisp and clear and decent for a kids pair of headphones and I have to consider this as they are aimed at kids and not older teens etc, so on my assessment they sound decent here and your child will be fine as they will not be looking for the highs lows and mids and bass drops etc but they are well balanced overall.

Battery live overall is decent and if you you run out of juice as kids normally do with such products you have a wired option to avail of which is handy but overall you can expect around 48- 50 hours with the lights turned off and significantly less if they are on but still overall good.

For the money you will pay for these you cant go wrong for your child and these will keep them entertained for many hours even with or without the lights on the cups which does make for nice aesthetics in a darker room and again these can be controlled too on the headphones.

 

  • 【WIRELESS KIDS HEADPHONES】 BIGGERFIVE 2-in-1 wireless and wired on ear kids headphones bring kids premium stereo audio quality, clear mic talk, vivid 7 colorful led lights and long battery life. Make kids’ long trip, flight, online class, homework, watching cartoon or movies and listening to, music more colorful and interesting. Let kids loves what they listen to.
  • 【SOFTER & MORE COMFORTABLE& PORTABLE】Unique soft silicone outer-layer, light and cozy foam ear cushions, soft PU earpads cover and foam cushioned on headband ensure direct touch between kids and headphones soft and safe. Adjustable headband fits for growing kids to ensure maximum comfort. Foldable design with ergonomic headband is portable for travel, flight, and train.
  • 【KIDS SAFE VOLUME LIMITING & BUILT-IN MICROPHONE】Limit audio volume between 85 and 94dB using combination key so the volume switch will not be accidentally touched. There is no need of worry about children’s hearing damage, even if without parental accompanying and surveillance. Let your kids love what they’re listening to, at a safe volume for different environments or tasks. Plus, use the built-in microphone to talk hands-free to friends and family!
Controls on the headphones
  • 【50 HRS PLAYTIME & USB-C CHARGING】21 hours playtime of non-stop playtime in wireless led flashing mode is extended to 50 hours playtime of non-stop playtime in wireless non-led mode. One time charging gives 100 hours standby time. Using a USB-C cord for incredibly fast charging. You kids can play, pause, answer and end calls with the touch of a button.
  • 【STABLE WIRELESS CONNECTION & WIDE COMPATIBILITY】BIGGERFIVE Wireless kids headset adapts BT 5.0 connection to ensure stable connection with long working range of up to 33 feet (10m). Use with all your favorite devices like cellphones(compatible with iPhone’s siri), tablets, laptop, computer, Chromebook, MP3, MP4 and other Audio devices.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Urbanista Memphis Bluetooth Speaker

The Urbanista Memphis is one of the latest speakers on offer and two were announced recently and this one is the smaller of the two launched, not only that it is one the lightest speakers I have tested in some time and even for its size it packs a punch and has all the features you need to take it along with you anywhere. Being the size of a can of drink perhaps smaller being honest it is super portable and can be used anywhere be it the beach the pool your back garden or just sat on your bedside locker and will certainly get the tunes going with a great punch and bass behind it.

The speaker is as mentioned smaller than your average can of soft drink and has a nice fabric around the main housing, there is a rubber circular foot underneath to stop it moving however we did notice it moving as some speakers can sue to the vibration they give out, the is three buttons on the bottom to control the tracks pair another speaker and power it on and off, there is a port in the back to charge the unit via USB-C and a real bonus having a micro sd slot to add your own tunes to it which is handy and like me I do have a card loaded with tunes..

There was no distortion noted whatsoever when turned up to the max and highs lows and mids came out fine too, no matter what genre you throw at it the speaker sounds exceptionally good for its size and was better than I had anticipated. To top things off this can also be hung from a tree or your backpack or even bike with the large carabener clip that comes with it inside the box.

Check the video below for a full hands on tour and hear the samples for yourself.

Mix up the mood of the weekend pool party, beach gathering or camping trip with the ultra-portable Urbanista Memphis. Memphis is compatible with both Android and iOS devices so everyone’s invited to wirelessly share their favourite tracks through easy Bluetooth pairing. With up to 12 hours of playtime, this speaker will elevate the mood in any occasion for as long as you need it to. You can even connect two Memphis speakers together for a true stereo experience with the Stereo Link feature.

 

KEY FEATURES

Playtime 12 hours
Rain and splash proof (IPX5)
Button controls
USB Type-C charging
Dual speaker support
Carabiner hook
Dual stereo sound
100% recycled outer plastic

SPECIFICATIONS

Output power: 5 Watts
Bluetooth range: 10M
Bluetooth® version: 5.2
Audio source: BT5.3/TWS/HFP
Sound channel: Mono
Frequency Range: 20Hz-20KHz
Power Input: 5V-1A
Speaker: 2”*1
Battery: 1500mAh
Product dimension: 79*62*79mm
Weight: 190g

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Video Review

Urbanista Launches Two New Bluetooth Speakers – Nashville & Memphis

Urbanista Nashville and Memphis bring your favorite music with you, whether you’re headed for a weekend in the city or to the great outdoors. The rugged and durable speakers are water-resistant, and pack a surprising punch in terms of their sound, delivering a balanced mix of high quality audio in all environments. Built from recycled plastic and fabrics, Nashville & Memphis are the perfect portable speakers for any music lover’s backpack.

URBANISTA NASHVILLE

Urbanista Nashville brings your favorite music with you, whether you’re headed for a weekend in the city or to the great outdoors. The rugged and durable Nashville is IPX7 protected against water, and packs a surprising punch in terms of its sound, delivering a balanced mix of high quality audio in all environments. Urbanista Nashville is great for campers, travelers, or anyone who wants to experience their music out loud. Made from recycled plastic and fabrics, Nashville offers everything you need to immerse yourself in music, wherever it takes you. The integrated carabiner hook and rugged design are built for convenience, water-resistance and durability so you can take your tunes anywhere.

KEY FEATURES

Playtime 18 hours
Rain and splash proof (IPX7)
Button controls
USB Type-C charging
Dual speaker support
Carabiner hook
Dual stereo sound
360° direction sound
100% recycled outer plastic

BUY

Urbanista Memphis

Urbanista Memphis is a truly portable water-resistant Bluetooth outdoor speaker thanks to its compact size and convenient attaching on the go with the included carabiner hook. With its sleek design, solid build and water-resistant features, Memphis is ready for any adventure that comes your way. With IPX5 protection against splashing water, Urbanista Memphis is the perfect portable speaker in the city, by the pool or in the great outdoors. The compact and versatile Urbanista Memphis can also be easily attached to your backpack or belt loop so that you can enjoy music wherever you go. Built for durability from recycled plastic and fabrics, Memphis will last for up to 12 hours on single charge, making sure you won’t run out of playtime when you need it the most.

KEY FEATURES

Playtime 12 hours
Rain and splash proof (IPX5)
Button controls
USB Type-C charging
Dual speaker support
Carabiner hook
Dual stereo sound
100% recycled outer plastic

BUY 

Tech Review – Soundynamic Vibe RGB speakers

Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes and there is speakers to suit all pockets and for the most they are simple products to use and get a party going, We have reviewed the most bluetooth speakers here in Ireland and like to see what is new on the market and the latest ones in for testing is the Soundynamic Vibe inspired by a jellyfish which you will get to understand and see more of below and in our hands on video review.

The presentation of the product is also excellent here and is an important start for me with any new product on the market and they come secured with ties in the box too which is something you do not see every day. The packaging is nicely designed and you get your extra cables inside and all good to go once you get them fully charged and then get moving on to their app which is quite cool and gives you plenty of options to customise them and also there is an EQ built in too so overall a great start with a nice looking product and good app to back it up.

The App

As from the screenshots from the App below you can see it has a simple UI and it is easy to navigate, again we demo this in the video review below its simple to use and any adjustments can be seen almost immediately on the speaker or speakers depending on your personal setup.

You can change the colours tone volume and EQ within the app and add colours or use the templates inside the app it is good to spend some time and see what there is in the app to see all the features provided which allows you to take control and the effects are cool and basically the lights will dance to the tunes you play from your laptop pc tablet or mobile phone.Vibe can pair to 99% devices in the market with bluetooth 5.0. Easily pick up calls and speak to the built-in Mic with your friends and families.

This pint-sized enclosure is packed with more technology than meets the eye. A 1.75 in. full-range speaker. Dual-vibrating diaphragms. All of which simply means you’ll get lifelike sound … Prepare to be captured by Vibe’s presence sense.Stainless steel cylinder shape makes you can’t help grabbing it. Covered in dome Acrylic lampshade , Vibe’s transmittance reaches 92%, higher than that of glass. You can customize the LED light through our Soundynamic app as well! And if you prefer to spice up the room – the LED light reacts to your music rhythm, glittering along with the beat – so feel calm and relax. Dance to music in your party!

Overall having spend some time with these speakers they are certainly shaking things up offering more than most modern speakers and for the size to and the powerful sound these really fit the bill will fill any sized room with super audio and more and I also suggest picking two up rather than one but you can see both in action and one on its own below. With controls on the app and the speakers it is a seamless product to use and show off to your guests or even chilling by the beach or poolside.

Features

  • Bluetooth 5.0 
  • Provides faster connection and stability
  • Dynamic Party RGB Light
  • Has brilliant lights dancing with music rhythm
  • Up to 12 Hours Playtime
  • Can run up to 12 hours on a single charge
  • IPX7 Waterproof
  • Continuously work for nearly half an hour in 1m deep water
    Official store Link $10 OFF (Code: J0NVNVZ6CMHE ) :
    Amazon store 30% OFF:

 

Video Review