Tag: #EARBUDS

First Look – OpenRock X sports earbuds

The OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds are their latest product on offer from the brand and this time packed with new features and a new app which is a great start.

Today we can give you a first look at the latest on offer and a full hands on review soon and also take a look at their new app and give you the lowdown on what is new here and how these will sound, over the last two years these kind of earbuds have been gaining traction and now getting popular with sports fans and general users alike.

Stay tuned for more and if you have any questions feel free to ask as always

Features 

Open-ear Design: Allowing users to stay aware of the surrounding environment in real-time, eliminate auditory masking to ensure a safer workout experience.

Multipoint Connection: With the latest 5.3 BT tech ensures reaction sensitivity and makes the connection and transmission faster, also users can seamlessly switch between two devices for enhanced versatility.

Long battery life: Up to 12 hours of playtime and a total of 48 hours battery life with the charging case, 5 minutes for 1 hour of use with fast charging.

IPX5 Water/Sweat Resistant: With IPX5 water resistant protection and can handle the great majority of workout intensity and circumstances.

Appearance: Liquid silicone rubber with metallic finish accents, the earbuds combine performance with aesthetics. the charging case features an interesting PUSH-PUSH design and the hanging ring can be attached to a backpack or handbag for easy carrying.

What are open-ear headphones?

Headphones that sit outside the ears, allowing for ambient sound awareness, are ideal for runners, fitness enthusiasts, and those seeking to enjoy music without disconnecting from their surroundings.

 

OpenRock S Review

OpenRock Pro Review 

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Unboxing

QCY MeloBuds Pro first look

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.

See our QCY Reviews and watch out for more

MeloBuds Pro in-ear ANC earbuds:
Aliexpress:

Unboxing

Tech Review – JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds

The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds are their latest on offer moving up from the JBL Tour Pro 2 with similar features and looks which unfortunately I never tested but from the getgo I was intrigued by being able to control your music from your earbuds case and how well it would work but these can offer more than one would expect after testing them out now for a few weeks. You can see a detailed first look here.

The presentation is as always excellent and identifiable easily in a store or online and the overall package pretty cool putting up as one of my favourite earbuds case this year so far and that is due to what can be done and how you can use the case and I am pretty sure others will follow in time which in fact some chinese manufacturers have done so with rampant ads on Facebook with a really cheap price so be warned, they most likely will be brutal and cheap knock offs some even using the JBL logo and trying to hide it, yes we seen you….

So the case is excellent and the earbuds are on the small side with small stems LED lights and magnetic points to stay put in your case with subtle branding on the outside of the stem, colour dependent this may stand out more but not in your face.

Of course you get the JBL app to set up the earbuds and you can use the case to do so too however once set up via the app I find you will no linger need to go near the earbuds you can even get message notifications on the earbuds case which is handy and this is also a neat way to keep you away from your phone giving you a little taste of some detox which is not a bad idea. The notifications are not rich however still it is a great idea.

email notification on the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds case – techbuzzireland

 

Onto the sound as we go into detail on the case in the video review below and overall it is as you would expect from the brand with their custom sounds and app access you are in control not only from your phone but from the case, with their 10mm drivers highs lows and mids all fine nice bass and after going through my test look everything did really well you can customize the sound to your own needs which is vital on a pair of earbuds an no issues for me no lag latency or tinny sound when maxed out which is how I like listening to my music and movies etc.

Some might find the case as a gimmick however I found myself using it all the time and with some travel I have done I have brought them with me and will be doing so on upcoming tech trips very soon so watch out for some new cool tech coming soon here on the site and YouTube.

Battery life is also solid and you have an IP55 rating and with your ANC and really good ambient sound on tap these certainly should be on your radar and not overpriced either compared to the benchmark offerings from Apple.

The App

Apps settings 1
App settings 2
App settings 3

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

JBL SoundGear Sense Review

JBL Go4 speaker review 

Video Review

 

First Look – Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones

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.

For more information, visit here

Unboxing and Tour

Creative Triumphs at EHA Awards 2024 with Double Accolades for Innovative Products

Creative proudly announces its recent triumph at the prestigious European Hardware Awards (EHA) 2024. Both Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus have received top accolades, cementing the brand’s position as a frontrunner in the technology industry.

The EHA Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the European tech landscape, uniting over 100 of Europe’s most respected technology journalists from prominent publications to recognize the year’s best hardware innovations. Celebrated for a decade of highlighting top technology hardware, the awards draw expertise from editors at leading tech publications across Europe, including Hardwareluxx (Germany), Geeknetic (Spain), KitGuru (UK), Cowcotland (France), PurePC (Poland), IO-Tech (The Nordics), Hardware Upgrade (Italy), Technology Insider (The Netherlands), and Lab 501 (Romania). Together, they ensure that the awards represent a comprehensive view of the best in the market.

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 clinched the Best Earphones award, a testament to its superior sound quality and innovative design. Powered by xMEMS technology, the Aurvana Ace 2 unleashes the full potential of lifelike sound. It offers superior CD-quality clarity and precision, enhanced by Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. These premium features are beautifully complemented by an aesthetically pleasing translucent compact charging case, perfectly blending performance and style.

In the Best Speakers category, the Creative Pebble X Plus stood out for its exceptional sound clarity, compact design, and powerful audio performance. Boasting an impressive RMS power of up to 30W and a peak power of up to 60W, both the 2.0 and 2.1 configurations promise a superior listening experience for music, movies, and gaming. In addition to its audio prowess, the Pebble X Plus features customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to create a pulsating light show to match any mood. With both wired and wireless modes, these speakers are an excellent choice for those seeking a premium desktop audio upgrade.

“We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive these prestigious awards from the European Hardware Association,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative. “The recognition of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus underscores our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering outstanding products to our customers. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

For more information about their award-winning products, visit their website at Creative.com

See out latest Creative reviews

Tech Review – Creative Zen Air Pro SXFI earbuds

The Creative Zen Air Pro SXFI earbuds with LE Audio is another new pair of earbuds from the brand that are affordable with great sound and features on board.

Recently we tested the Zen Air Plus which are really great value for money and worth looking at if you are unsure of what your requirements are. There is slight differences between the pair and to be honest either pair is great with the price you pay.

Again we have access to their apps which enhances the audio experience on a budget giving you the SXFI experience too which is great if you have not tested it out yet. On setting up there was an app update so be sure to do this before you move on to get the best features.

The case is a standard affair not as nice as the Zen Air Plus but still nice with the creative logo on the front and a button and on the  bottom is the USB port you can also charge these wirelessly too which for me is a win.

The earbuds again have a small stem and sit nicely in the ears giving a good seal so check you have the right tips for the best experience. The earbud is on the larger size but still fits well.

Creative Zen Air Pro – techbuzzireland

Sound is up next and again it’s good to report it is excellent slightly outdoing the sister product and anyone that does decide to check them out will be happy. Highs low and mids all good decent volume and with app access you have options. . No tinny sound when using with full volume lo lag latency or distortion noted either again here which just solidifies the product as before.

Creative App

Creative SXFI App

Features

  • NEXT-GEN BLUETOOTH LE AUDIO – With Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, high-quality LC3+ (ULL), LC3, AAC and SBC audio codecs, delivering rich and uninterrupted audio streaming all day long
  • NOISE CONTROL FEATURES- Hear what you want with Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, the Creative Zen Air Pro is decked with a total of 6 microphones
  • LONGER BATTERY LIFE -Offer up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge, and up to 33 hours of total playtime when placed in a fully charged case
  • 6 MICS FOR ULTRA-CLEAR CALL EXPERIENCE – Creative Zen Air Pro is also further enhanced by advanced AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN)
  • POWERFUL AUDIO WITH IPX5 RATING – Equipped with 10 mm Dynamic drivers to accompany you through your gym workout or outdoor jog

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Video Review

 

MIXX launches the StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 Wireless Earbuds

Mixx, known for its premium, yet affordable, audio solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of the upgraded StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 wireless earbuds. With a 7-hour play time and a handheld charge case for an additional 25 hours, a choice of 3 EQ sound modes, touch sensor control and many more premium features, it is the perfect companion for an active lifestyle. Added features in this new model include Apple and Google compatibility, hands-free calling and USB Type C charging and the Sports Charge 2 earbuds have also had a complete physical makeover to make them more aesthetically pleasing and compact for increased portability. The StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 are available from MIXX in a choice of black, blue or burgundy all for an incredibly affordable £40.
Preset EQ sounds and ease of control:
The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, adjust the volume, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch. No need to pause the workout to look for a phone now! With the EQ presets, users can also choose between music, bass boost or voice dependent upon preference and the listening environment.
Quick charging:
The Sports Charge 2 earbuds offer 7 hours of playtime on a single charge with the handheld charge case adding another 25 hours of charge totalling an impressive 32 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop during a long workout or even a marathon! The digital display on the charging case shows the battery status of each individual earbud and the case itself so users can see clearly at a glance when a recharge is needed. Built in Qi Wireless charging is also available with the Sports Charge 2 for added ease.
Over ear hooks:
 
The over-ear hooks on the StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 are flexible loops that wrap around the ear to provide a secure and comfortable fit during physical activities. This offers stability and prevents the earbuds from falling out during hardcore workouts, making them an ideal choice for working out at the gym, for the daily run or a long cycle ride. For added comfort the earbuds come with 3 silicone ear cushions (small, medium and large) to ensure users get the best possible fit.
Eco friendly packaging:
 
MIXX makes a huge effort to keep packaging eco-friendly. Made with paper from sustainable sources, it is FSC certified. Any plastic used on the box is made from 30% recycled plastic and the whole package is 100% recyclable.
The MIXX StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 wireless earbuds are the ultimate partner for an active lifestyle and at only £50 offer true value for money too.
Main Features:
  • 7 hours play time on a single charge
  • *32 hours in total if you include the charge case
  • Touch sensor controls to play, pause, skip tracks and talk hands free
  • 3 EQ sound mode presets to choose from, Music, Bass or Boost
  • Handheld charge case
  • In-ear fit
  • Silicone ear cushions (small, medium, large)
  • Digital display screen
  • Siri and Google compatible
  • Over ear hooks for a secure fit

See our MIXX reviews to date

Jabra Unveils Second Generation of Elite 8 Active and Elite 10, Taking Sound and Streaming to the Next Level

Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, is unveiling the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earbuds. Building upon the same great design and success of their predecessors, these next-generation earbuds come with enhancements that strengthen the audio experience.  

This includes the world’s first LE Audio smart case, enhanced spatial sound powered by Dolby Audio for a better music experience, and enhanced Natural HearThrough for better awareness when outdoors. Jabra’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has also been made even stronger with improved mid- and low-frequency noise cancellation. 

Streaming anywhere 

Jabra has looked beyond the earbuds themselves with this next generation by engineering the world’s first LE Audio smart case. With an innovative design featuring dual USB-C and 3.5mm jack compatibility, the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 Gen 2 prioritise universal streaming and connectivity at the press of a button.

Integrated seamlessly into the case, the built-in chip enables users to effortlessly connect and stream audio from a variety of devices directly to their earbuds. With lower latency than standard Bluetooth connections from case to buds, users can experience better audio and video sync, alongside Hi-Fi sound quality, courtesy of the LC3 codec. The 2-in-1 cable transforms the smart charging case into a versatile adaptor that can be plugged into any device. Whether on a flight, treadmill or at home watching TV, users can simply plug in the case to enjoy spatial sound streaming directly to their earbuds.  

New dimension of audio experience 

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**.   

Jabra’s next-generation earbuds also offer an improved call performance with 6-microphone call technology and enhanced AI call algorithms. The microphones distinguish which sounds are background noise and prioritise the spoken voice. Effective noise-reduction algorithms are automatically switched on to provide a clear call performance depending on activity or location to ensure high speech clarity.   

Jabra has also improved the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which can block up to twice as much noise as previous generations. The noise reduction performance of the internal feedback microphone has been increased to provide a better ANC effect for noises in the mid- and low-frequency range.  

Furthermore, the Adaptive ANC algorithms have been enhanced to maximise the adaptive effect for more users. The result is stronger noise cancellation in multiple scenarios, including aircraft and gym background noise.  

The next generation earbuds also provide increased situational (or outdoor) awareness with new Natural HearThrough which is optimised for wind noise reduction and is twice as effective as the previous generation. Thanks to smart algorithms that increase the frequency range of HearThrough, the surrounding ambient sounds now appear clearer and more natural, while wind noise and whistling are noticeably reduced. 

Ehtisham Rabbani, Chief Executive of the Gaming & Consumer Division at Jabra said, “With these next generation buds we’ve stepped up those features which we know matter most – improved noise-cancelling and enhanced situational awareness – whilst for the first time bringing innovative LE Audio streaming functionality to the charging case, making it possible to connect to just about anything, anywhere.” 

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 

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 
  • 6-hour battery (27 hours with case) with ANC on 
  • IP57-rating 
  • Bluetooth Multipoint connection 
  • Fast Pair, Swift Pair, Spotify Tap playback 

Jabra Elite 10 review

Jabra Elite Active 8 review

Tech Review – Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds

The Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds are one pair of a duo recently announced and of course we have both which is the Zen Air Plus and Zen Air Pro to check out just like the Aurvana Ace duo recently reviewed here on site and YouTube.

The Creative Zen Air Plus comes in a really nice case which is a good start and is a creamy hue color and comes with wireless charging and the flip top lid has a unique opening compared to others. It will fit in any pocket has a matt finish to the touch and just looks really nice. There is a USB-C charge port LED light and reset/connect button.

The earbuds themselves have a really nice fit and give a great seal straight away and these will not fall out of the ears either once the right tips are applied as I always advise people to do. The better the seal the better the sound and this is all before you even touch ANC mode.

You have the choice of two apps here these are SXFI ready and with Creative this has been a favourite of mine some years now, you also have the standard Creative app and there is where you find all your functions and features to get things going and set up to your personal requirements.

The controls are touch controls on the earbuds and work really well and as expected from the brand if you are familiar with the company you will already know there touch control game is on point and still is.

Creative Zen Air Plus – techbuzzireland

You have all the features you would expect to find here like skip and reverse tracks volume and call controls and voice assistant access plus more which you will see in the video review below.

Highs lows and mids are fine with decent volume and nice bass no lag latency or tinny sound or disconnecting during my testing and overall a pleasing sound which anyone would enjoy, battery life is quite good to for such small earbuds and overall there is little to complain about here and they come in a fantastic case and colour.

Creative APP

Creative SXFI APP

 

Features 

 

  • NEXT-GEN BLUETOOTH LE AUDIO-Improved wireless audio performance at lower bitrates and power consumption. Plus, seamless audio sharing via Broadcast mode, changing how you engage with audio
  • CRAFT YOUR SILENCE AND AMBIANCE WITH HYBRID ANC AND AMBIENT MODE-Together with 10 mm neodymium drivers, enjoy deep bass, balanced tunes, and a low latency (~55 ms) for seamless audio playback
  • BATTERY LIFE THAT LASTS MORE THAN A DAY-Up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 32 hours in total with a fully charged case. USB-C cable included for charging
  • BE HEARD CLEARLY-Effectively analyze and filter out background noise, while delivering clear voice input and superior call quality with six microphones and ENC technology
  • COMPACT CHARGING CASE-The Creative Zen Air Plus, weighing 48.6g / 1.71 oz with IPX4 rating, features Bluetooth 5.3 and touch controls, making it perfect for active use

BUY

Video Review