Sony WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 now in Smoky Pink

Sony has announced a new colour addition to its award winning 1000X noise cancelling headphones. The WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones are now available in Smoky Pink. This colour offers new ways to accessorise and complement your style with a pink tint and elegant undertones, making for a sound-enhancing fashion staple!

Both the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds host the best noise cancelling and audio quality, featuring magnificent sound engineered to perfection. The WF-1000XM5 currently comes in black and platinum silver, while the WH-1000XM5 comes black, platinum silver and midnight blue.

The new Smoky Pink colour is soft and sophisticated, with a powdery matte texture that boosts your style.

Other features of the WH-1000XM5s include:

  • Up to 30H battery life
  • Multipoint connection
  • Industry leading call quality
  • All day comfort with soft fit leather
  • 360 Spatial Sound personaliser

See our Sony reviews

For more information visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5

Tech Review – NANK Runner Diver2 Pro – Bone Conduction Headphones

The NANK Runner Diver2 Pro – Bone Conduction Headphones comes with an array of features for those who like the outdoors and sports featuring noise cancelling an on board MP3 player with 32GB of on board storage an IP69 rating for Swimmers and Bluetooth 5.4 and give you 10 hours of battery life and 10 minutes charging gives you and hours time to listen to music which is not bad at all.

There is no app with these but the whole ideal is to keep you away from your phone as they are sports orientated but the casual user can use them too.

They have a robust build with a nice texture all round and will easily take many a knock.

Built in there is open ear mode and ANC mode whereby you twist headphones as you will see in the full video review below to set the tone, there is also earpieces you can op in your ears which give good passive noise isolation and the first time I have deen this and it is good to see something new, these work really well and fit well and like the headphones will not fall out or off.

The sound is decent with some slight leakage depending on how loud you have them but expected from such products the volume is decently loud and they are more on the bass heavy side for me but I am ok with that, the sound was fine on highs lows and mids and no tinny sound when maxed out or lag latency noted during my testing.

There is an on board MP3 player which is great and this also has several modes to pick from with 32GB storage there is plenty of room for your listening needs.

The controls are also placed on one side with the charge /data transfer and you have all the controls as expected with skip and reverse tracks, play and pause you can higher and lower the volume and access your voice assistant and calls, calls where fine and again on the deeper side.

Overall an ideal kit for those who are into sports and more they are a solid product that will last.

 

  • Groundbreaking innovation: “The wind noise drowns out my headphones when I’m biking.” “It’s tough to hear my headphones clearly in a noisy pool!” Nank innovative noise-canceling mode will fix these problems.
  • Open-Ear & Noise-Canceling Mode: Featuring a pioneering 35° adjustable ear hook design, you can freely switch between open-ear and noise-canceling modes by adjusting the angle of the ear hooks. Enjoy clear music whether in a quiet or noisy environment.
  • IP69 Swimming Headphones: Certified with top-level IP69 waterproofing, these swimming headphones combine nano waterproof coating technology with ultrasonic welding for a waterproof rating that exceeds industry standards. They support swimming and diving in various environments.
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with MP3 Player: Runner Diver2 Pro can be used as Bluetooth headphones or as an MP3 player with built-in memory. Bluetooth 5.4 pairs easily with iOS and Android devices. Triple tap to switch to MP3 mode and store enough songs with 32GB of memory.
  • Comfortable Wear: The sports headphones are designed with ergonomic memory elasticity, every angle is meticulously crafted for comfort. The streamlined design ensures a secure fit during any activity. The adjustable ear hook design makes the headphones compatible with swim caps, goggles, or helmets.
  • 10-Hour Battery Life: Runner Diver2 Pro bone conduction headphones with the Fast Charge technology, charge for 10 minutes and get 120 minutes of playtime. The headphones offer a 10-hour super-long battery life, keeping the music going through your long workouts.

 

Official website link: https://bit.ly/3Mm9LGc
15% off code: techbuzz15
Amazon link:https://bit.ly/46Tlaa2
15% code: TCFRRS2I

 

See some other bone conduction headphone reviews

Video review

Tech Review – Edifier W830NB Open-Ear Headphones

The Edifier W830NB Open-Ear Headphones have been the latest cans my ears not long after several pairs from the Brand of late which is always music to my ears, recently reviewed here was the W820NB Plus and the WH700NB

So with the newcomer to their product portfolio I was looking forward to checking these guys out which also has access to their ConneX app..

The look is in line with their current portfolio keeping the design hues in order and the fit is great as always with comfortable cups and headband which can be worn for several hours even for gaming as there is a game mode present in the app like many headphones and earbuds come with these days which is good to see.

The controls are all on the right cup which is good and keeping it simple with all your features accessible along with the app to get the custom sound you require which everyone has their own taste there. Alongside the controls is the USB-C charge port and led light and mics.

The finish is robust and clean with a matt finish which has held up well with no marks to date despite the bright colour we have in for review which I preferred out of the colours available.

The controls are raised and work well getting the right command right each time rather than having missed one and they do not trigger accidental commands even when lying down.

Sound quality is as expected with the latest from Edifier here and with their app as seen below and the video review after that we have a great listening experience as one would expect.

Highs lows and mids all good no tinny sound when maxed out and no lag latency noted, with the Hi Res audio LDAC you can be sure to get superb sound with the 40mm drivers and with the app you can customise to your requirements making these an exceptional pair of headphones for the money.

With the ANC turned on you can sit back and enjoy hassle free listening time be it for gaming movies podcasts and more the ANC works really well here and notable in comparison to other brands. try this test at home for yourself and you will notice a clear step in the ANC quality

With multipoint connectivity you can switch between two devices smoothly and for me is an important feature to have making life easy, calls are great nice a clear and with superb battery life and fast charging these are an easy recommendation from me and not expensive and as I have said before the cost to performance ratio has come along way with earbuds and now headphones meaning you do not need to spend silly money for great features and this is what you get here.

 

The Edifier ConneX App 

 

Features

  • [Hi-Res Audio with LDAC] The W830NB features 40mm large dynamic drivers and an independent acoustic chamber layout, supports LDAC high-definition decoding for Hi-Res Wireless audio, transmitting at a transfer rate of 990kbps,offering 3X music detail of standard Bluetooth codes and delivering rich sound quality that lets you feel every note.
  • [-45dB Noise Cancellation] Upgraded hybrid digital noise-canceling technology achieves noise reduction of up to -45dB, an 18% increase compared to the previous generation. Supports four ANC modes that hear what you want by switching modes.
  • [Immersive Spatial Audio] With a three-dimensional sound stage algorithm, it brings a cinema-level surround atmosphere to provide an immersive stereo listening experience.
  • [Astonishing 94 Hours Playtime & Fast Charge] Featuring a built-in large-capacity battery and a low power consumption chipset, it offers an impressive 94 hours of continuous music playback with ANC off. Fast charging feature supports up to 10 hours of use on a 15 minute charge. Easily extends usage without the hassle of frequent recharging.
  • [DNN Noise Reduction for Clear Call] Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise reduction technology intelligently recognizes speech and precisely separates human voices from noise, enabling you to talk clearly even on noisy places.
  • [All-day Comfort & Foldable] Featuring ergonomic design with soft, comfortable earpads and an adjustable headband, weighing around 265g for extended listening sessions. Fully foldable design for flexible portability, travel-friendly.
  • [Latest Bluetooth V5.4 Technology] Featuring the latest Bluetooth V5.4 technology, enjoy a more stable and smooth connection when playing music, online meetings and calls.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport 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.

Presentation is excellent with a cool styled box and an even better earbuds case that slides open with a press and the earbuds seperated in the middle with housed in an aluminium case.

These are secure and fit well on the ears and will not fall off so ideal for the gym bus/train commutes jogging or cycling and really anyone basically.

There is decent battery life here too with up to 48 hrs in total however will vary with EQ and volume settings. the case is on the large side but will give you plenty of juice on the go and they can fast charge too with 5 mins charging giving you 1 hr which is good.

The sound though.. The sound is actually excellent and leaning toward headphones and earbuds quality and with their app really gives you a better than expected immersive experience they get decently loud too and no issues with lag latency or tinny sound maxed out on volume, there is a volume limiter on board but why bother with that but that is just me I prefer to tune things up to the max.

The new app is quite good with a simple UI and looks good and simple to use with all the features expected, you can customize to your own needs and all feature are there such as call control, voice assistant access, higher and lower volume and change tracks so everything you need is there.

Check out the video review below for a closer look at how they work and their app and listen to more on what I have just said, these are certainly easy to recommend in my opinion.

 

 

The OpenRock App 

OpenRock App – techbuzzireland click to enlarge

 

 

OpenRock X Main Features

Secure fit and comfort: Featuring a dual-axis precision pivot design with seamless adjustment, allows users to tailor the fit based on activity intensity and different ear sizes, ensuring stable and comfortable wearing without easy detachment.

Superior bass and immersive sound

Featuring a customized 14.2mm dynamic driver, delve into a world of rich, booming bass, meticulously crafted for the ultimate audio experience.

Acoustic Design: Equipped with the cutting-edge technology BassDirect, integrated the innovative sound leakage prevention technology with exceptional bass response.

Algorithm: Employing the proprietary LISO 2.0 algorithm, comprehensively restores sound details, enhanced by adaptive dynamic technology developed in-house for unparalleled audio immersion

Sound Effects: Indulge in personalized soundscapes with three sports sound effects, allowing users to enjoy a more personalized music experience.

Hearing Protection and Ear Hygiene: Based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization, OpenRock X set three safe volume limits and an over-time Wear Reminder option to encourage a healthy listening habit, and utilizing exclusive liquid silicone and antibacterial coatings to ensure ear hygiene and health.

Smart APP: Equipped with a smart app, users can personalize their experience through adjustable EQ and gesture settings. Additionally, they can enjoy spatial sound effects, adaptive volume control, prompts, headphone search, and firmware upgrades, enhancing the overall user experience.

Crystal-clear calls: Featuring four beam-forming microphones and an AI algorithm with noise reduction technology, ensuring crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments. 

OpenRock X – techbuzzireland

OpenRock X Other 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.

OpenRock X’s Uses

Fitness (yoga, cycling, workout, running), business calls, daily use, driving, etc.

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 

 

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Skullcandy SLYR Pro Wireless Headphones

The Skullcandy SLYR Pro Wireless headphones are their latest headphones for avid gamers who want that bit more than just a plug and play option as these come with extras and an app to give you a more immersive feel to you gaming.

What is an additional benefit here these are cross platform headphones unlike others out there who tend to limit their use case you have choice and not only that can be used as a standard pair of headphones although limited to the controls as they are a gaming headset but the music sounds good and after all it is Skullcandy we are talking about here.

These are comfortable and light and can be worn for long periods of time as gamers tend to do long sessions now myself and my nephew both tested these out for several hours and they are ideal for heavy gamers which I am not nut do some gaming on the weekends when I have time..

You can connect with the USB provided or Bluetooth device dependent and you can use your mobile phone just in case you are wondering, there is simple controls on the headphones on the Left side giving you a volume wheel and power button and sidetone control you also have your I/Os and a mute switch which works by tapping the cup.

The app offers a suite of features enhancing the audio experience with Game/Chat mix Mic Gain Voice prompts and Sidetone you also get an equaliser which is pretty cool and enhanced sound perception you will need to take a hearing test with beeps which is common on Skullcandy products so you need to do this to get the best results.

These can be also used for listening to music too which gives the a kind of hybrid option and you can toggle the EQs to get the best results so overall a decent pair of gaming and music headphones for anyone who likes both that delivers on the audio aspect quite well.

Skullcandy PLYR street fighter edition review 

 

The App 

Features

  • Rapid Charge: 10 min = 4 hrs
  • Platform Compatibility: PlayStation or XBOX, PC, Nintendo Switch
  • Connection Type: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth®, USB-A, 3.5mm Aux
  • 50mm Drivers
  • Bi-Directional Removable Boom Mic
  • LED Mic Mute Indicator
  • ChatMix & Sidetone Adjustment
  • EQ Modes
  • Call & Media Controls

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – iClever BTH20 kids wireless headphones with ANC

The iClever BTH20 kids wireless headphones are one of their new offerings for kids headphones which ads nicely to their line-up of products to keep your kids ears safe rather than handing them your phone or tablet and letting them listen away at higher volumes than they should.

These are very light and comfortable to wear too and even for me and I would wear them no problem, they can be worn for long periods of time and do not sweat the ears you can of course extend the arms each size for a comfortable fit.

The controls are simple to use and there is plenty here, you can play/pause skip/reverse tracks control the volume and take calls if they arrive, there is also an ANC control button on the cup to which is handy and works well.

The sound is good considering these are for kids and no issues there from me with good highs lows and mids and some bass, being a kids pair of headphones they sound good it has to be said with no tinny sound noted on any genre tested or at max volume.

Overall these are ideal for kids keeping their ears in check which I must take note of myself as I like to go full blast on all my headphones and earbuds and perhaps these might teach me a lesson to save the ears in the long run, these are comfortable look well and robust and perfect to keep your kids entertained when on a tablet or phone etc.

 

  • [Excellent Noise Reduction Performance]:These Kids Bluetooth Headphones feature two noise reduction modes with a maximum depth of 40dB (active + passive). The low noise reduction mode offers a gentler ear pressure for kids sensitive to ear pressure, while the high one blocks out most engines and other mechanical noises for an immersive auditory experience.
  • [Strong Durability]:These Kids Noise Cancelling Headphones are crafted from enhanced materials that are free of BPA and PVC, offers over twice the wear resistance, impact resistance, and lifespan of traditional materials and defies drops and bends. Plus, the new reinforced internal structure makes the button last longer and eliminates the issue of sound loss on one side.
  • [Comfortable to Wear]:Coming with a pressure-reducing, skin-like texture, these Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids ensure comfy wear during airplane travel or road trip. Honored with FDA awards, the 90° rotatable earmuffs and 10-level adjustable headband give a perfect fit for kids aged 3 and up while large buttons make operation easy for kids.
  • [Safer Listening]:Employing the iClever Sound Refiner & 80dBA volume limit technology, these Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids effectively reduce the volume in the most vulnerable hearing frequency range (2-4KHz) while delivers clearer and more balanced sound quality.
  • [Long-Lasting Battery Life]:These Bluetooth 5.4 Kids Bluetooth Headphones offer a more stable connection and less power consumption, providing non-stop fun (60 hours with ANC off; 35 hours with ANC on). Better yet, a quick 10-minute Type C fast charge provides 5 hours of use and the included 3.5mm audio cable means no more battery anxiety.

BUY

See our BTH22 review

Video Review

Tech Review – chargeasap Connect Pro Magnetic USB-C data cable

In a world of cables there is plenty to pick from and we have tested many our over the years some offer more than others and some less some look better than others and some don’t but is it looks that matter? In some cases that would be a yes but functionality is a key feature for me and good cable that will last unlike others do..

The latest cable now on offer from chargeasap is a pretty cool one offering more than one would expect from a cable, yeah I know reviewing cable and plugs are tedious to a degree because most people just plug it in connect device and that is the end of it there they do not stop and think what else is behind this cable.hmmm..

This cable is magnetic with a built in power reader and interchangeable tips which is handy and what this means in not fussing about plugging in a device although it has got better since USB-C has become more mainstream now however there is still plenty of tech out there with the older ports and will be around for some years to come yet.

chargeasap have thought of this and these also work with the best of charging plugs out there including GaN chargers which we are no stranger to.

There is several things to note with such a cable/product, you can easily swap out the device, so headphones earbuds, tablets laptops and more can be used and the safety feature here is great with the snap /on/off feature, now we all know we have all tripped over a cable at some stage and took the desk with us do not deny it. Now this is a thing of the past.

With a built in LED screen with built in amp reader you can also see that you are connected and with the support of up to 100W to charge an extensive array of devices, including USB-C laptops, phones, tablets, and more. Also take into account this keeps your ports covered and dust free which is another bonus and something for people think about.

Check out the video below for more.

 

chargeasap connect pro magnetic USB-C cable – techbuzzireland

 

Features

  • World’s first magnetic cable featuring a built-in power reader, showcasing real-time power output in watts on a LED screen
  • World’s first magnetic cable with interchangeable tips to support 100W USB-C and 27W Apple Fast charge for lightning devices
  • Supports up to 100W to charge an extensive array of devices, including USB-C laptops, phones, tablets, and more.
  • Supports full 27W Apple Fast charging for lightning devices, a feat previously hindered by Apple chip constraints.
  • With interchangeable tips, you only need one cable to charge all your USB-C, Apple, and Micro USB devices.
  • The new patented 11-pin design, upgraded from 10 pins also delivers the strongest magnetic connection yet, thanks to the use of neodymium magnets—the most powerful magnets known to man.
  • supports USB 2.0 fast data transfer
  • The USB-C cable end that connects to the wall charger enables higher power input and output.
  • Easy To Connect: User-friendly magnetic connection eliminates the need for precise plug insertions, making it easier for individuals with dexterity challenges to connect and disconnect their devices. No more fumbling around to connect your devices, even in the dark.  
  • LED Indicator: Turns on when your device has been connected and is successfully charging
  • No More Accidents: Tripping over and breaking your laptop is a thing of the past, with our Magsafe connector bringing back the Macbook snag-free feature
  • Protect your phone port: from dust and dirt entering. By leaving the tip in there, it will also extend the life of your phone port from the normal wear and tear of cables being inserted and pulled out on a daily basis.   
  • Crafted from high-quality materials with thicker cables, enabling higher current flow for faster charging.
  • 15 year warranty

 

Product Specifications:

  • USB-C Output: 9V 1.67A/ 9V 2A/ 20V 3A/ 20.2V 4.35A/ 20V 5A
  • Apple Output: 9V 3A
  • Micro USB Output: 5V 2.4A

BUY 

Video review

Tech Review – QCY H3 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones

The QCY H3 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones are an affordable pair of headphones that have been a delight to use the last while and offer plenty for those who want something new, the brand name might not be familiar with everyone but it is one to check out.

The presentation is a standard affair here kept simple like the headphones themselves which are light, clean and kept simple. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and come with a gaming mode so for those who listen to music and game will be fine.

The controls are all on one side here too and kept simple with a dedicated ANC button and all other features present and the ANC is quite good here considering the price point.

ANC is something many like to take on board when buying new headphones and for new it was quite good here in comparison to other more expensive headphones tested and this for me is a good selling point and once this is activated you can forget about anything going on outside.

There is multipoint connection and good call quality which is most helpful these days and if you are like me and work on a laptop and phone it is ideal and with a good battery life of up to 60 hours depending on your settings again good solid points here.

Not only this there is other features to look at such as adaptive mode transparency mode you can also adjust to indoor noisy commuting anti-wind noise and commuting and not only that those modes are adjustable.

The sound is also great here and these are loud with 40mm drivers which is how I like it no lag or tinny sound on testing and generally hit the notes well be it on movies music and even gaming there is also sound channel balance built in, highs lows and mids good and direction and with access to their app which is excellent gives delivery of a real solid pair of headphones and should be check out.

Check the video below for more.

The QCY App

QCY App with the H3 headphones – techbuzzireland

 

Features 

43dB Hybrid ANC: Your Oasis of Silence

Adaptive Dual-Mode: ANC & Audio Enhancement

3-Mic Clarity: Clear Calls, No Compromises

Transparency Mode: Conversations with Your Headphones On

Hi-Res Audio: Pure Sound Quality

40mm Titanium Drivers: Relish Theater-Grade 3D Sound

60H Playtime: Music that Never Stops

Lossless Sound: Type-C/AUX Options

Buy the H3 ANC headphones:
Aliexpress:

HearAngel and Sonical Announce Strategic Partnership to Integrate Smart Hearing Safeguarding for Headphones

HearAngel (a LimitEar company) and Sonical, Inc. today announced a software licensing agreement to integrate the HearAngel smart hearing safeguarding solution into Sonical’s CosmOS operating system for headphones. This collaboration allows manufacturers using the Sonical platform to offer hearing safeguarding either as a standard feature or user option.

Stephen Wheatley, CEO of HearAngel, stated: “CosmOS is enabling the next generation of headphone platform, allowing for personalised and updated devices through downloadable cloud apps. The functionality needed from your headphones can be changed anytime based on preferences and usage”.

Gary Spittle, CEO of Sonical, added “Hearing safeguarding is increasingly important, with extended listening at high volumes potentially causing permanent hearing damage. HearAngel provides easy-to-use information on sound exposure, enabling informed choices to safeguard hearing.”

Developed by LimitEar, HearAngel utilises patent-protected algorithms initially designed for the professional broadcast industry. The software integrates into mobile phones and wireless headphones, measuring sound exposure, with the user interface and controls on a mobile phone. It offers dual modes: managing personal exposure or parental control enabling the management of children’s exposure. The patented technology tracks listening duration and sound levels, providing awareness and management options. Users can also opt for optional automated protection, adhering to ITU/WHO H.870 or EN62368-1:2018 safety standards.

Research indicates that at birth, each ear has 15,000 auditory hair cells, which do not regenerate. Exposure to high sound doses, particularly from recreational headphone use, can lead to permanent hearing damage. Deafness Research UK reports that 1 in 3 individuals under 35 has chronic hearing damage due to headphone use.

HearAngel continuously monitors and profiles hearing exposure, alerting users to make informed decisions. Parental control features enable management of children’s listening habits, limiting peak exposure levels and listening periods. The integration of HearAngel into CosmOS emphasises the importance of hearing protection in the audio industry, catering to both professional users and general consumers. This collaboration aims to set new standards for safe listening practices, ensuring long-term auditory health.

Sonical’s CosmOS offers a customisable operating system for headphones, supporting various audio applications and enabling dynamic personalisation of headphone functionality through downloadable plugins. The partnership will showcase smart hearing safeguarding on the Remora PRO module, compatible with wired and wireless headphones, earbuds, or headsets, enhancing the flexibility of the CosmOS environment.