Tag: Headset

SteelSeries Unveils Arctis Nova 5 in White

From the creator of the revolutionary Arctis Nova line of headsets, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, introduces an all-new white version of the Arctis Nova 5 series of headsets. Launched earlier this year, the Arctis Nova 5 series and Nova 5 companion App quickly garnered numerous awards and established an all-new “affordable luxury” category
in the gaming headset market.

Offering gamers a sleek achromatic new colorway, along with the Nova series’ reputation for exceptional audio quality and elegant design, plus the world’s first 100+ audio preset Companion App, the white Arctis Nova 5 series is the newest addition to the Nova franchise, which include the white Nova Pro series and white Nova 7 series headsets.

For gamers wanting a stylish universal colorway of the Nova 5 series, the design and engineering teams set out to craft something new with three innovative goals in mind; create better audio for the games people play on Xbox and PlayStation; develop a wireless gaming headset that’s both premium and accessible; and allow gamers to play longer and harder. The result is the Arctis Nova 5, and the Nova 5 Companion App, the first of its kind app to give players access to over 100 audio presets at their fingertips, Quick Switch Wireless freedom with high-speed 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.3 at the tap of a button, an extraordinary 60+ Hour Battery Life, and a $129.99 price point. That’s “affordable luxury” at its best!

The Arctis Nova 5 is perfectly equipped for console gaming on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms.

The Nova 5 Companion App – The revolutionary app features 100+ game-specific audio presets that have been meticulously crafted and custom-tailored to each game by audio engineers, esports Pros, and game developers. Gamers can change their audio presets on the fly in real-time and without leaving the game, providing a distinct competitive advantage. Hear what others don’t with precisely honed audio profiles for top games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and more.

• Neodymium Magnetic Drivers – Gamers can hear everything with an ultra-detailed soundscape of
crystal-clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass. The custom-designed Neodymium Magnetic
Drivers are engineered to ensure the perfect audio experience, whatever game or track they are
playing.

• Quick-Switch Wireless – Easily take calls while gaming, switching from high-speed 2.4GHz to
Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button. Mobile connections remain on standby when players are back
in the action, so they can receive calls. Keep Fortnite EQs on the 2.4GHz bandwidth without affecting
specific media profiles for Bluetooth audio.

• Cross-Platform Gaming – A compact USB-C dongle allows gamers to easily swap between all
systems, supporting Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, Meta Quest, handhelds, as well as phones and
tablets that support USB-C.

• ClearCast 2.X Mic – 2X the bandwidth, 2X the clarity. SteelSeries’ ClearCast microphone features a
new high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio to keep comms crystal clean and clear.
Gamers can supercharge vocals even further with Sonar AI-Powered Noise Cancellation on PC for the
ultimate two-way noise reduction on comms. A unique design seamlessly blends the mic into the
earcup when fully retracted for on-the-go.

• 60+ Hours of Wireless Gaming – A 60-hour battery life equates to a full charge lasting 8 hours each
day for 7 days in a row. A USB-C fast charging delivers another 6 hours of charge in only 15 minutes.

• Sonar Audio Software Suite – the first pro-grade parametric EQ designed for gamers. Specifically
designed to turbocharge any headset for gaming and provide a limitless ability to control sound
across games, team chat, and the microphone, Sonar allows gamers to adjust every individual
frequency and hear the sounds that matter the most.

The White Arctis Nova 5 Series is available at SteelSeries.com and select retailers around the world for the
following MSRP:
• Arctis Nova 5/5X/5P Wireless White – NA $129.99 | EMEA €139.99 | APAC $139.99
• SteelSeries Sonar Audio Suite – Free Download

Lexip Follows the Way of the Ninja, Bringing its Stunning Range of Licensed Naruto Shippuden Accessories to UK Gamers

Lexip a leading manufacturer of high-end PC and console accessories, part of the Pixminds group, announced today the UK launch of a new range of Naruto Shippuden licensed accessories, designed in collaboration with Tsume Art, a world-renowned design agency specialising in the creation of quality products inspired by the world of manga, anime and video games.
The new licensed range of Naruto Shippuden accessories, marks Lexip’s first foray into the UK hardware scene, after long being established as a leading brand of choice by gamers across Europe and North America since 2018. Known for thoughtful design, state-of-the-art features, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Lexip is pleased to be bringing a full range of products to UK gamers, starting with the Naruto Shippuden range which marries their signature quality with stunning artwork led by Tsume Art.
The internationally acclaimed anime series, Naruto Shippuden, is regarded as an epic masterpiece, spanning 500 episodes, and telling the story of teenage ninja Naruto Uzemaki and his allies, as he follows his quest to become the greatest ninja in the land.
Bringing key characters of the Naruto Shippuden saga to life in stunning detail, the new Lexip range includes twelve jaw-dropping products grouped into three distinct character ranges from the show: Sasuke, Kakashi and Madara.
With Lexip’s legendary attention to detail, the licensed range is a shining example of how to do justice to a beloved franchise, with each product lovingly crafted by renowned creator Cyril Marchiol from Tsume Art. The razor-sharp details of shuriken’s, armour, horns, and wings which feature so heavily in the TV show, come to life via the unique transparent materials featured in the product’s engineering, with intricate design details highlighted via the reflections found in ambient light. Fans of the show will be certain to find each product loaded with Easter eggs from the show, and which any self-respecting anime fan is sure to adore.
Each of the three character ranges consist of four distinct products, a low-friction Mouse Pad, a state-of-the art Optical Mouse, an advanced Wireless Bluetooth® Headset and an ergonomic Wireless Controller. Features of each product in the range are as follows:
Naruto Shippuden Wireless Controller (Sasuke / Kakashi / Madara):
The Naruto Shippuden Wireless Controller has been expertly crafted, bringing the stunning details of the anime series to life. Key elements of scenes taken directly from the show feature via an ultra-detailed sculpture extending over the entire front of the controller. Featuring a rock solid 2.4GHz wireless connection, the controller includes four programmable buttons, dual vibration feedback and a 600mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. With the prestigious German Design Awards recognising the Wireless Controller ergonomics as the “best in the industry”, the new Lexip x Tsume series is the hardware of choice by the LxP Valiant team, French Valorant™ champions and third in the world in Fortnite™.
Naruto Shippuden Mouse Pad (Sasuke / Kakashi / Madara):
The licensed Naruto Shippuden Mouse Pad features a strikingly broody design paying homage to the show. With unique stylization, detailed artwork, power button and even the colour of its illuminated outline themed to appeal to fans, the Mouse Pad has been designed to stand up to the most rigorous of gaming sessions, thanks to the rigid structure and micro-textured surface, engineered to maximise precision and comfort. Even better when used in combination with the Naruto Shippuden Mouse whose patented ceramic feet have been designed in conjunction with the Mouse Pad surface.
Naruto Shippuden Optical Mouse (Sasuke / Kakashi / Madara):
Engineered for sustained gaming sessions, the Naruto Shippuden Optical Mouse range features beautifully sculptured designs of weapons wielded by each hero used at crucial moments in the show. The Optical Mouse integrates two flagship Lexip technologies: extremely comfortable ceramic feet facilitating fast and precise movement, and a thumb joystick allowing for easy in-game navigation, fully configurable via dedicated free software. With 12 programmable actions and a powerful PAW3327 optical sensor which can be adjusted from 100 to 12,000 DPI, the Optical Mouse has been designed to dominate and is even better when used in combination with the Mouse Pad, as the surface has been designed in conjunction with the Optical Mouse’s ceramic gliding feet.
Naruto Shippuden Wireless Bluetooth Headset (Sasuke / Kakashi / Madara):
The Naruto Shippuden Wireless Bluetooth Headset features intricately detailed artwork, engravings and sculptures taken directly from scenes of the show and features them on the reinforced metal frame, microphone and the interior seams of the headband. Utilizing powerful wireless Bluetooth technology, the headset includes a fully detachable microphone, and its high-quality sound profile is fully configurable via a dedicated equalizer.
Lionel Chataignier, President of Lexip (Pixminds group), commented, “We believe that Lexip products offer best-in-class design and value in the competitive PC and console hardware sector. We design our products in-house with a relentless commitment to excellence through our quality customer service and supporting our gaming community. We’re thrilled to be bringing our range of Lexip products to the UK, and the licensed Naruto Shippuden range serves as an ideal introduction to Lexip for the discerning UK audience.”

The new licensed Lexip Naruto Shippuden Range is available now from Amazon and coming soon to other leading retailers

For more information and full product specifications of the Lexip range of licensed Naruto Shippuden products, please visit: https://lexip.co

Tech Review – Conambo K10C Bluetooth Headset

The Conambo K10C Bluetooth Headset is one of several variants on offer from the company and ideal for those who work at home, the office or those who drive for a living.

On the headset there is an array of controls to get things done, now there is several variants of this model do do check what suits you best as some features might mean more to some than others, this one is missing skip and reverse tracks for instance and a digital display and distance is less on connectivity.

The device will work on both Android and iOS platforms and there is no app to install so it is a basic Bluetooth connection and you are good to go, there is call control music control though limited and you can access your voice assistant.

Speaking  of the controls they are well placed and very tactile and easy to navigate after a few minutes use we go through them all in the video review below. You can higher and lower the volume here and play and pause tracks.

The call quality is excellent and the volume is loud and not often I see a headset with the volume being so loud which is good to see, the calls a crisp no issues indoors or outdoors and again for music it is simple and clean so you can listen to tracks on the go and take calls but you are using one ear which is a good thing for hearing your surroundings.

Overall an inexpensive headset to have at your disposal with decent battery life and does a decent job overall with the features on board and as mentioned there is several variants available which is a good thing for those who are feature dependent.

Conambo K10C Bluetooth Headset – techbuzzireland

 

  • Bluetooth V5.1: The wireless headset has the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology provides a fast and stable connection to most Bluetooth devices such as iOS or Android smartphones from up to 33 feet (10 metres). The headset features multipoint technology that allows you to connect up to two devices at the same time.
  • Clear calls: Experience clear voice calls with the Conambo K10C Bluetooth headset. With two CVC8.0 noise cancelling microphones and a built-in ENC noise cancelling system, the headset filters out 96% external noise and reduces interference during the call, making communication easier.
  • Comfortable fit: the headset with microphone weighs only 0.68 oz/18 g and comes with 9 earplugs in different sizes. Flexible design with 180° rotating ear hooks and 270° flip boom rotating swivel arm, suitable for a variety of left and right ear shapes. You can wear it for long periods of time without any inconvenience.
  • Long battery life: K10C headset Bluetooth mobile phone with 1.5 hours fully charged headset provides up to 16 hours of talk and 360 hours of standby. Powerful battery life brings convenience to your life. Perfect for driving, business, office, home and more.
  • Hands-free Bluetooth ear: easily control mute, volume, answer/end a call. These Bluetooth headphones support Siri, Google or other voice assistants to make hands-free calls. Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom and other leading platforms. With 45-day money back and 24-month warranty.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – New Bee M51 Wireless Bluetooth Headset

The New Bee M51 Wireless Bluetooth Headset is a handy headset for call and music and ideal for those on the go or those who work in an office environment with decent battery life and comes in a handy carry case which is on the larger size compared to earbuds.

Offering all functions you would find on earbuds this headset has access to your voice assistant you can control your calls and you can manage your music being able to skip and reverse tracks play and pause and higher and lower the volume.

The mic also has a silent button which also acts as your voice assistant button and all the controls are tactile and work well and well placed on the device.

The fit is secure and will not fall off your ear with good noise isolation due to the large tip on the but still comfortable and still fits well in the ear and comfortable to wear.

The main part of the headset is quite malleable and can be moved into any position for all ears as they all differ in size and shape so this will work on anyones ears.

Call quality is also decent and the music is too considering it is not intended for music so to speak but the sound is decent and well balanced although there is no app for me it does a decent job and serves not just as a tool to manage calls on the go but a well rounded audio device in general.

Check the video review below for a detailed look and how it works.

New Bee M51 in case with digital display – techbuzzireland

Specifications

Model:NB-M51

Bluetooth Version: 5.2  / Battery: 115mAh

Charging Box:500mAh (Charging 3 times) Talk Time: About 12 hours

Music Time: About 15 hours /  Standby Time: About 1440 hours

Charging Time: 2 hours / Transmission Distance: 15 meters

Microphones: Dual Microphones / Connection: Bluetooth/Connects to 2 cell phones simultaneously

Digital Display/ Sound Quality: HIFI

BUY

Video Review

Ex-Microsoft execs launch AR headset and partner with TeamViewer

The popular global leader in remote IT support TeamViewer has signalled its shift to augmented reality (AR) having struck a strategic partnership with AR startup Almer. This news comes hot on the heels of Apple’s entry into the AR market with the launch of their Vision Pro headset next month.
The Almer Arc headset enables collaboration with remote individuals as if they were physically present and augmentation of the wearer’s environment with relevant information for pointing out objects in reality. Almer is also announcing the launch of Arc 2, it’s latest headset which features a 25MP camera, beamforming microphones, built-in speakers, and a holographic see-through screen with 8-hours battery life. As opposed to Apple’s Vision Pro, the Almer Arc 2 is a mere 138 grams, 4 times lighter. Thanks to the completely transparent display of the Arc 2, it can be employed in mission critical task and changing environment, while the Vision Pro is for a static interior environment.
This partnership will enable TeamViewer to expand into untapped opportunities with industrial companies. Meanwhile, Almer will be able to scale its operations and advance AR adoption.
Mei Dent, Chief Product & Technology Officer at TeamViewer: “Approximately 80 percent of the global workforce does not work at a desk but at a company’s frontline, and most of them currently benefit very little from digital transformation. There is immense potential for efficiency and productivity gains by enhancing the frontline work with digital tools and connecting this huge part of the global workforce to their companies’ backend system. Our joint offering with Almer allows companies to explore how Augmented Reality opens new opportunities for business and operations and massively increases the speed of their digitization efforts.”
Almer Arc AR Headset – techbuzzireland
Almer was founded in 2021 by Sebastian Beetschen and Timon Binder. Sebastian was working on the Hololens 2 at Microsoft Research and felt the AR opportunity extended beyond clunky helmet-like apparatus. He felt he could make a more compact, comfortable, and affordable AR device and teamed up with Timon, a former jet fighter pilot, who recognized the potential. Timon brought his experience with AR jet fighter helmets that led to the creation of the Almer Arc headset.
Sebastian Beetschen, CEO and co-founder of Almer commented: “Our headset is much like a jet fighter visor, mounted directly in front of your eyes, featuring a transparent, see-through screen. The Almer Arc is a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use AR headset. When a problem arises, the frontline worker takes the Almer Arc and contacts a remote expert, who can see and hear what the worker experiences. The expert identifies the issue, highlights objects, and displays documentation in the worker’s view, simulating a collaborative, in-person experience.”
Today, Almer has 21 customers, including Switzerland’s largest defense contractor, which uses the Almer Arc to service fighter jets remotely in the US, as well as several international machine manufacturers. Almer is venture backed startup having raised $7.6m to date from strategic investors including engineering giant Stena and manufacturing leaders Helbling among others. The Almer team consists of top talent from the fields of computer vision and microtechnology, from renowned Swiss institutes of technology, ETH and EPFL.
On the launch of Arc 2, Sebastian Beetschen commented: “We have learned a lot on how to make the headset super adaptable and users can set their preferences on how they wear it. Something new entrants like Apple still have to learn. Not only this, Arc 2 comes with an improved wide angle 25MP camera that can see and understand everything that you see and zoom into tiny details as never before. This makes it possible to understand the environment and assist, enabling superhuman capabilities”.
The global augmented reality market is projected to grow from $62.75 billion in 2023 to $1,1 trillion 2030, at a CAGR of 50.7%. Within this trend, the market for AR headsets is exponentially increasing over the next few years and is set to hit $120 billion in 2026. Initially, Almer is focusing on the Swiss industry and will soon expand into the neighboring DACH region before going global.
Sebastian Beetschen added: “The cost saving potential of using AR to service all installed machines for the 10 largest tooling-machine manufacturers in DACH alone accounts for £7.9 billion per year**. So, the opportunity is very real”.

Tech Review – Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Premium BT Headset

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Premium BT Headset might be a pricey headset for most but if you are one who works in an office or works from home it makes sense and it makes sense to be pricey if you want the best in the game. I have tested some older models before and people snubbed the idea these type of headphones can be used for both work and general wearing and when they tried them on they quickly changed their tune on the matter and this is due to the quality of sound and most importantly voice for calls and teams chats and so one, one thing that is clear with these is how good voice sounds no matter what instance you use them in.

The headphones are also comfortable to wear for hours on end which is great and again important for those who would wear them.

There is no boom on these which I prefer with such headphones and these still do a superb jobs on phone calls alone and of course your teams meetings and so on, there is a busy light on these too to let others know you are in fact busy when you are on either which for me is great and stops people annoying you, I hate those who tap you on the shoulder trying to get your attention but this still happens sometimes for those not in the know.

Controls are great which is done with gestures which I am now a fan of after testing several pairs of headphones recently with the same approach and going forward I would like to see this more common than it is today with any headphones.

The sound quality is excellent all round here but voice is what stands out for me on these overall on your teams and phones calls I have never had a pair of headphones that sound so good in this area in particular it is outstanding, and for music they are also great which makes for a great pair of hybrid headphones. On the music front they are fine with all genres highs lows and mids and there is an EQ app but not so much for music but more control over their target demographic.

All round though the sound is impressive they are comfortable and easy to use with apps for all to take even more control to make them your own in what setting you use these in, they are expensive but for me and what they do they are worth every penny and a go to if you work from your office or home like me especially with two devices connected it is a seamless operation and a no brainer choice of headphones to own. Check the video review for more.

The App

Features

  • Adaptive ANC and over-the-ear design
  • 6 microphones for clear transmit audio
  • Up to 21 hours of talk time
  • Intuitive touch controls for calls and music

BUY

Video Review

Jabra announces the Evolve2 65 Flex, Evolve2 55 and Evolve2 50.

Jabra, world’s leading professional audio brand, expands its best-selling line of professional headsets, the Jabra Evolve series, with new Evolve2 mid-range headsets. The revolutionary Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex, the Jabra Evolve2 55 and Jabra Evolve2 50 are engineered for ultra-flexible hybrid working. 

Jabra’s 2022 research found that 80% of all meetings globally are either fully virtual or hybrid, and hybrid natives like Gen Zs consider their “office” to be their laptop, headset, and wherever with a strong internet connection, and find themselves working in a “third space” such as a co-working space, café, or library. The new Evolve2 headsets are meant to empower users with the most useful and professional features to protect their focus zone and enable them to take calls and meetings no matter their environment. Additionally, they have optimised sound for professional use and music, so there is no need to switch headsets when it is time for a break. 

 
Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex: the most portable professional headset* with unique fold-and-go design  

To provide maximum flexibility, the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex has a unique fold-and-go design with a collapsible hinged headband, slimmed-down earcups. It comes with a soft sustainable pouch, allowing users to easily tuck it into even the smallest of bags, or your pocket. With the headset, users can be sure to be heard clearly even in loud locations, thanks to a powerful chipset, advanced digital algorithm, and beamforming Jabra ClearVoice microphones for the open office. The chipset and noise-cancelling technology delivers a best-in-class Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and close-fitting memory foam earcups help seal out even more of the surroundings.  

Using the headset for flexible working and for entertainment means that users would likely be wearing their headsets for hours each day. Evolve2 65 Flex features the Jabra Air Comfort technology and flexible earcups that rotates to move whenever users do – making the headset incredibly comfortable, no matter how long it is on. The unique technology also layers ultra-soft perforated foam inside the collapsible headband for a gentle cushioning effect.  

The headset has a 360° busylight, a shorter hide-away boom arm and it is certified for all leading virtual meeting platforms, like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom. Workers can be rest assured for all-day work and play with the headset promising up to 32 hours of music time and up to 20 hours of talk time with ANC/busylight off.  

Jabra Evolve2 55 and 50: on-ear headsets designed with new, revolutionary comfort technology 

With more flexible working, and therefore more potential for distractions, Jabra is bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) into more professional headsets, with a wireless option, Evolve2 55, and a corded version, Evolve2 50. The headsets are built with powerful ANC that has a unique acoustic chamber design, 28mm custom speakers, a specially designed chipset that powers speech-separating, and two premium noise-cancelling microphones.  

Both products are certified for all leading virtual meeting platforms, like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom, all while providing a comfortable fit with the Jabra Air Comfort technology.  

Holger Reisinger, SVP for Enterprise Solutions at Jabra says, “The current generation of hybrid workers are in search for comfortable, flexible, and easy to use devices for both work and music. Meanwhile, headsets are evolving from mere accessories to a business necessity for productive work. This was why we sought to create high-quality mid-range headsets so we can meet the needs of both the business and end-user. Particularly with the foldable version, everyone will have the ability to look, sound and be professional, working from anywhere.” 

Key features of all three Evolve2 products:  

·         Maximum comfort with Jabra Air Comfort technology 

·         Jabra ClearVoice Microphone systems that meet premium microphone for the open office standard 

·         Integrated 360° busylight  

·         28mm custom speakers deliver premium sound for music  

·         Certified for leading virtual meeting platforms (UC-certified and Microsoft Teams-certified variants available) 

·         Up to 30m/100ft wireless range (Evolve2 65 Flex & Evolve2 55 only) 

·         Personalisation with Jabra Sound+, Jabra MySound and voice assistants (Evolve2 65 Flex & Evolve2 55 only) 

·         Connect two devices at the same time with dual connectivity (Evolve2 65 Flex & Evolve2 55) and connect to another device via Bluetooth while plugged in (Evolve2 50) 

·         Boom arm mute and answer call 

·         Available in stereo and mono (Evolve2 55 & Evolve2 50 only) – Evolve2 65 Flex available in stereo 

·         UC and Microsoft Teams variants 

·         Optional charging stand (Evolve2 65 Flex & Evolve2 55 only) 

Key features only of the Evolve2 65 Flex: 

·         Most portable professional headset* with unique fold-and-go design 

·         Best-in-class Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)*  

·         Hide-away boom arm for discreet on-the-go professionalism 

·         Up to 20 hours of talk time with ANC/busylight off, up to 15 hours talk time with ANC/busylight on, up to 32 hours of listening time with ANC/busylight off, up to 21 hours listening time with ANC/busylight on 

Key features only of the Evolve2 55: 

·         Up to 16 hours talk time with ANC/busylight off, up to 10 hours talk time with ANC/busylight on, and up to 18 hours listening time with ANC/busylight off, up to 15 hours listening time with ANC/busylight on  

·         A comfortable fit that’s the best-in-its-class 

 

Pricing and availability 

The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex, Evolve2 55 & Evolve2 50 will be available in April. 

Evolve2 65 Flex MSRP £265/€299 (£310/€349 with Wireless Charging Pad) 

Evolve2 55 Stereo MSRP £199/€229 (£233/€269 with charging stand) 

Evolve2 55 Mono MSRP £189/€219 (£224/€259 with charging stand) 

Evolve2 50 Stereo MSRP £155/€179 

Evolve2 50 Mono MSRP £147/€169  

Find out more about Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex at www.jabra.co.uk/evolve2-65-flex 

Find out more about Jabra Evolve2 55 at www.jabra.co.uk/evolve2-55 

Find out more about Jabra Evolve2 50 at www.jabra.co.uk/evolve2-50 

Tech Review – Limited Edition 35th Year Anniversary Street Fighter x Skullcandy Headset

The Limited-Edition Skullcandy x Street Fighter PLYR headset is loaded with nods to the classic game, as you would of seen in the unboxing there is many audio nods installed on the headset itself  to the game and when you navigate the controls on the headset which is really cool if you are Street Fighter fan which there is many of out there today of a certain age group.

Looks and build.

Well these do look similar to the SLYR we reviewed recently and the same applies here when it comes to comfort only this time round there is no padding on the headband but this time round we get a band that does just the same job but has a nod to street fighter on it. I do think though this headset is robust and the looks stand out even more this time and I love the speckled finish on it and for me after testing these for countless hours they are comfortable for gaming and listening to music without any clamping effect either on the head which some headphones can do so especially after long hour of use.

Controls

The controls again are familiar but more this time around however kept simple and that works for me it is not a complicated set up at all, you have got two panels on one cup and a wheel and one switch yet all your commands can be done here or from the app which this time around is really cool, the wheel can also control your EQ on the headphones which is amazing for getting the right set up you need not only for the gaming aspect but the audio experience too and it is simply fantastic.

The App

Here is what you can find in the app below but we go through this in detail in the video review and it is a fantastic looking app too and simple to use, you also have tile built in which everyone is familiar with here on this site as we have covered it countless times but it s good to have especially with this limited edition headset in case you happen to misplace it.

Compatibility

Ok so these are aimed at gamers so if you have a PS5 XBox or Nintendo Switch you are good to go, you can connect via Bluetooth or cable , there is  their own dongle to avail of too but there is alternatives out there or you may have one already, You can also use these with your mobile phone I tested on the Nintendo Switch and my Phone, there is a PC app too and the app we tested is the one for mobile as I am not a PC gamer at all but the options are limitless for gamers.

The Sound

I will make this short and sweet these sound fantastic you have control in the app to get the right tone you require, As mentioned I have the SLYR already and they were quite good but these are on another level and you can decide what tones suit you with the app, there is no ANC hear however but you do not need it, the passive noise isolation is good and once the volume is cranked up you can forget about what is going on around you which is what I like. There is also no lag latency here noted during my testing.

Overall this is a really cool pair of headphones with a removable mic nods to the game built in as you go along and is an easy recommend from me of you can get your hands on them, there is no ANC or Voice Assistant here and no option to reverse tracks but these are for gaming but they for me are also for people who listen to music and they have delivered both sides of the coin here.

Features

  • Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Technology – Enables enhanced power management and stronger connectivity to bluetooth-enabled media and gaming devices

  • Skullcandy Supreme Sound – Unique audio-tuning process enables users to maximise the depth and detail of each sound

  • Enhanced Sound Perception – A hearing test tunes audio levels to match user’s unique hearing needs

  • Advanced Audio Controls via Skullcandy Software – Compatible with both mobile app and PC software to unlock advanced features and customise button functions

  • Clear Voice Smart Mic – AI-based technology removes unwanted background noise to enable crystal-clear communications

  • Mute & Volume Control – Easy-to-reach, on-board controls enable gamers to quickly mute and adjust volume without gameplay interference

  • Adjustable Suspension Headband – Reduces pressure on top of the head for true, all-day comfort

  • Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge – Headset will charge when connected to select gaming devices via USB-A to USB-C

  • Built-In Tile™ Finding Technology – If the headset is misplaced, simply ‘ring’ it from the Tile app

  • Skull-HQ Software – Available for both PC and Mobile App

  • Ultra-Low Latency Wireless Transmitter (sold separately) – Available early 2023, the wireless transmitter will enable low latency wireless connection to PlayStation console and PC.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Jabra Engage 50 II

The Jabra Engage 50 II  came in a well-presented box with the main features and operational instructions visible on the box.  This is a hard-wired headset with ear cushions and fitted with a USB-A connector which fits directly into a laptop. This model came with a Link Call Control kit which allows the volume, mute, and answers calls. The link can be disconnected and plugged directly into a USB-C phone connection.

Contents:

Jabra Engage 50 II MS Wired Stereo Headphones with Link Call Control Unit, USB-A Charging Cable and Carry Pouch . 

Features:

Audio

  •       Noise-isolating fit   Yes
  •       Noise reduction on calls Yes
  •       Speaker size 20mm
  •       Speaker max input power   30 mW
  •       Speaker bandwidth (music mode)   50Hz – 20000Hz
  •       Speaker bandwidth (speak mode) 100Hz – 14000Hz
  •       Microphone type   2 x MEMS Microphone sensitivity -26dBFS/Pa
  •       Microphone bandwidth   100Hz – 14000Hz
  •       Materials used Leatherette, PC & PC/ABS plastic, PP, silicon rubber, stainless steel, TPE
  •       Headset Weight (stereo variant) 65g | 2.3oz
  •       Headset Weight (mono variant)   45g | 1.6oz
  •       Weight (stereo) w. Link 152g | 5.4oz
  •       Weight (mono) w. Link   132g | 4.7oz
  •       USB cable length (sku dependent)
  •       1.6m | 2.4m | 5.2ft | 7.8ft
  •       Warranty   3 years
  •       LED features and functions Busylight, incoming call, Microsoft Teams notifications (SKU dependent)
  •       Certifications and compliance Cisco, Unify, Microsoft Teams (SKU specific), Zoom, Google Meet, Amazon Chime
  •       LED behavior Busylight, incoming/active call, mute/hold call, Microsoft Teams notifications
  •       Materials used   Silicon rubber, TPU, PC & PC/ABS plastic, TPE, PP
  •       SmartRinger Yes

Setup & use.

The setup requires no installation but rather plug and play which has the option to download free software to personalise the experience, the free software allows greater control and control of the buttons in use.

Software

  •       Jabra Direct
  •       Jabra Xpress
  •       Jabra Engage+

The software allows the personalisation of the experience allowing for a variety of setting amended as required, eg this allows the headset to be used on either side.

 

Conclusion:

The Jabra brand has been known for its audio quality but has a  sustainable focus with the box’s 100% Recyclable material. This is followed up by the hearing protection in Jabra SafeTone™ 2.0, PeakStop 105, EU Noise at Work, G616, OSHA. At Techbuzz we regularly get questions about which is better wireless or hard-wired.  Most gamer gamers will typically use hard work function but lack the convenience of answering the door, walking to make coffee or moving around the desk. From a technical perspective hard-wired generally work better with less latency, less interference, and distortion and required no battery charging.

The Jabra Engage 50 II  has professional call quality with its noise-cancelling 3-mic technology to ensure worthy call quality which is required for both users. The earphones are ultra-lightweight and do not require a battery to charge with the controls built into the Link controller, this experience is enhanced with Noise protection for your ears with Jabra Safetone to allow comfortable use for hours. The earphones are certified for Microsoft Teams allowing for the usually expected functionality, answering and muting calls, adjust the volume.

Overall another professional hard-wired product from Jabra allows a sustainable product, ear protection, 3-year warranty with professional call quality. See video review below for more. 

BUY 

Video Review