Tudia Products again are one of the first to drop some decent cases for the all new Google Pixel 8 series and there is two that you can pick from, one is their standard Merge Grip case and they also have a case that has a magnet built in which makes it MagSafe compatible which is excellent news for those who may cay both Android and iOS devices like me and makes them all work together with accessories.
The cases are built Rhino Technology and can take drops galore and do not add much built to the phone, I have been using the companies cases for some years now and almost always end up with their case on my phone full time in between testing other cases as we do.
You have dual layer drop protection with a soft TPU edge and this is what I like about these cases and then you have the additional grip factor the case offers which is why these have become one of my favourite case makers over the years for my phones.
You have raised edges front and back to protect the screen and camera array do the device can be placed face or back down and knowing it will not get marked on a flat surface.
The back of the case is anti- slip with extra grip so you can be sure your device is safe in your hand and on the surface it is left on. The cases are magsafe compatible and gesture compatible and the keys also work really well and overall makes these cases on of the first you should look at if you are picking up any of the new Pixel devices this year, they also cater for other brands and of course older Pixel devices.
Check out their range of Pixel cases here and the rest on offer here, then check out the video review below.
Keyboards are a vital accessory for content creators journalists and more and especially those in office environments and ZAGG have announced a slew of new keyboards recently for you to check out and they are very robust and simple to use, keyboard type though is subjective to each user though as you have travel and tactility to think about, for me I typically use square keys and I use chromebooks most of the time and again keys are square and near flat on my laptops.
I have not used a standalone keyboard in years however I am changing my set-up at home to a monitor and this keyboard will fit right in after using it for a few weeks and have come to like it, This even works on a mobile phone which is great and has multipoint connection so you can use up to three devices at once which suits me perfectly right now, On one test I used my Galaxy Z flip5 and two chromebooks so moving between either is simple with the three standout blue keys up top of the keyboard, there is also and extra numeric keypad on the right which is something I have not used in years and last used on an old dell laptop which is handy for some people.
A few keys have a backlight for ease of use and the keys are perfectly sized although it did take me some time to get use to the travel and tactility but you can adjust fairly fast however I have big fingers and typing is always an issue when speed typing but that is just me but there is others out there like me.
One thing I have noticed is less fatigue on the fingers and hand after using this for some time which is valuable for someone like me who is constantly on my laptop writing tech reviews,even if not on the laptop I can use my phone which sometimes I do to get the ball moving on some things which have some urgency so if in a hotel room or travelling this keyboard works much better than the tiny keys on my phone and being a Flip phone this pair well with it.
Like I said a keyboard is subjective and or me this is the first one I have used in years and it is perfect for my needs,looks good and is robust with a super batter life and comes with wireless charging and you should check it out, check the video below for more.
Features
·Qi-Compatible Wireless Charging –Charge the ZAGG Pro Keyboards on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad to ensure uninterrupted typing when you need it most. Qi charging eliminates the risk of a dead battery and keeps your workspace tidy and free from unnecessary cables. Users can also charge with the included Type-C cable.
·Pair with up to Three Devices –You can pair the ZAGG Pro Keyboards with up to three devices to seamlessly toggle between a phone, tablet, or computer from one keyboard.
·Long-lasting Battery –Thekeyboards have a Li-polymer battery that allows for three months of use before it needs recharging.
The ZAGG Pro Keyboard 17 (€89.99/£79.99/$89.99), Pro Keyboard 15 (€79.99/£74.99/$79.99), Pro Keyboard 12 (€69.99/£64.99/$69.99),ZAGG Connect Keyboard 12C (€59.99/£54.99/$59.99), and ZAGG Connect Keyboard 12L (€69.99/£64.99/$69.99)are now availableonZAGG.comand at ZAGG franchise locations nationwide. Each keyboard includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The latest earbuds from EDIFIER have been in my ears some time now and it is time to have a chat and once again they knock it out of the park bar one small caveat for me so lets get that out of the way which is in fairness a small gripe and that is the limit on the controls at one time on the earbuds which is two commands. It is no huge deal but can be fixed with a software update but the rest from here on in is just great.
The design is clean I like it with the glossy white finish and nice clean case to go with the earbuds so overall clean simple and to the point and not too bulky an earbud either. They fit well in the ears and look good and also stand out and the brand logo is there for all to see, I have noticed here more shops stocking EDIFIER products which is great and they are a company I can stand by as I have done so for years with great audio products and I like to see the brand being now noticed more by third part retailers here.
The EDIFIER connect app is where it is also at and again they have all the features required bar the control limits but having said that you cans till put your own options in here, they are fully customisable and let you take control, Why I say this about the controls and the two controls option per side is we are mostly used to having three or more options each side but it is fine due to the options you have here and for most I would imagine will give them a pass here.
The EQs are great you can also customise your own and enjoy all the other features on board you have also go wear detection, low latency so for gamers they are ideal and I noticed no lag latency during my testing on gaming or audio etc, the volume is loud which I personally prefer and the ANC is pretty decent you also have two levels of ANC and transparency mode/ ambient sound which is great.
The sound overall though is brilliant, loud clear clean hues on all genres and pretty much center stage and for the price you cant really go wrong, battery life is on the lower end but no huge deal here and overall anyone who picks them up will be happy with these earbuds and again I would not expect anything less from the company.
The App
Main Features:
Long Battery Life. Around 4 hours music playtime with ANC ON with 12 hours charging case. A total 16 hours playtime.
Active noise cancellation with 2 levels of ANC selection and multiple ANC modes is designed to reduce unwanted background noise in various environments.
Clear call quality. Built-in microphone to ensure high quality calls.
Wear Detection. Music will pause automatically when taken out of your ear and will start playing once you place them back in.
Ultra-low latency connection with seamless experience on gaming activities.
Edifier Connect App. Unlock all the features through APP: customize control setting and EQ selection (Classic/POP/Classical/Rock).
Dust proof and splash proof for active wear. IP54 certified.
Open-Ear bone and Air conduction earbuds/ headphones are now a thing these days and we are going through some amount of pairs to test which is a good thing so we can show you how these things work with hands on time with the products and not lazy stock image reviews so you get context. The OpenRock Open-Ear Air conduction earbuds have been on my ears some time now and as mentioned before there is a difference between bone and air conduction headphones and we are now seeing more of the air conduction earbuds hit the shelves.
Also mentioned before in some reviews you will not get to near your earbud or headphone quality here but this is certainly changing for the better and with these sport earbuds again I see a difference in the tech and enhanced over other models tested in the past, there is no app with the OpenRock but hopefully in time we will see one soon but the news is good more or less from here they couldn’t be simpler to operate either.
You get a pretty large case as seen in the video and some might call that a caveat it is still pocketable and you will know you have it at all times unlike some small earbud cases for example, the case is also super robust so the goods inside will be safe.
The Earbuds are also robust and solid and can be moved to get the perfect fit, these will not fall off once you adjust them to your requirement. As mentioned no app so some limitations.
You have no auto play or pause no multipoint connection, EQ and no wireless charging and after that the rest is there, you can use these individually so effectively doubling battery life for those who use one side only which people do and is a good feature to see here.
The controls are simple to use with one button each side to execute the commands which are fixed and you have access to your voice assistant too the button on each side is the perfect size and works right each time and that is all there is to it really. you can skip and reverse tracks, play and pause and higher and lower the volume and control calls.
Overall the sound is pretty good here and a decent audio experience to be had and you can also hear your surroundings too which is not a bad thing there is some leakage on maxed out volume but no lag latency no tinny sound or distorted either when maxed out. Check out the video review for more.
Superior Sound with TubeBass Technology
OpenRock Pro each headphone with dual 16.2mm dynamic drivers (3 times bigger than other earbuds), has redefined the sound of air-conduction headphones with a distortion rate of less than 1% and sound quality performance that is transparent and mellow, outperforming all previous air-conduction headphones.
OpenRockTubeBassTM” Technology
The TubeBass bass enhancement technology can increase the low-frequency resonance of the sound to enhance bass and the rhythm of music, thus invigorating your movement pace. It makes low frequencies more solid, deeper, and enveloped, allowing pianissimo details and vocals to be bright and clear.
Specs
•Audible unit: 16.2 mm dynamic
•Audio decoding: aptX, AAC, SBC
•Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
•Waterproof rating: IPX5
•Battery life: 19 Hrs (earphones only) 46 Hrs (with charging case)
•5-minute charging for 1-hour of play •Full charge duration: 1.5 h
•Charging port: Type C
•Rated input: 5 V 400 mA
•Support: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
•Weight: 13g (single earphone) 90 g (complete set)
Sharp Consumer Electronics, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is presenting the new SumoBox Pro, a high-performance portable speaker, at IFA 2023. The newest model in the line-up, and big brother to the SumoBox, bulldozes past its peers to impress music enthusiasts and performers with its enhanced power and versatility.
A knockout performer: Introducing the new SumoBox Pro
Sharp SumoBox Pro (CP-LS200) delivers up to 108 dB of pure sound pleasure through its powerful 200W RMS stereo speaker system, with the 2x 10-inch woofers and 2x 3-inch tweeters delivering sumo-powerful beats. The SumoBox Pro’s wooden cabinet offers precise acoustics, and the angled design ensures optimal sound dispersion.
The SumoBox series by Sharp utilises technology from Devialet, the high-end French audio brand, on-boarding their SAM® (Speaker Active Matching) technology.SAM® by Devialet enables SumoBox Pro to produce a richer, more detailed and powerful bass with minimal audible distortion. Coupled with the unique closed box (unvented) design, the speakers precisely managed to reproduce audio as it was intended to be heard.
Hero on any stage: Multi-functional sound system for the perfect performance
The SumoBox Pro’s professional panel has three input channels for a variety of connection options, including TRS/XLR combo (2x) with reverb, bass and treble adjustment, AUX and a wireless Bluetooth connection, all with independent level control. Audio lovers can conveniently connect any mixer/keyboard, guitar, or microphone and set the optimum level at the flick of a switch using the instrument selector. The SumoBox Pro can also be wirelessly connected to another SumoBox Pro in Duo Mode for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Bluetooth playback. Alternatively, the wired connection can be used to link multiple speakers together and share input sources. For gigs or events, the SumoBox Pro can be mounted with a convenient standard 1-3/8″ speaker pole mount on the bottom.
As tough as it looks: Robust design, perfectly adapted to all your needs
The black industrial steel grille gives the SumoBox Pro a robust and chic look, while the removable silicone corner protection balls provide an extra dose of protection during transport or while on the stage floor. The speaker can be placed vertically, horizontally or on a stand. The handles on the top and sides allow for easy transportation and set-up, and thanks to the IPX4 splashproof water protection, the SumoBox Pro is well-prepared for outdoor use.
Ready for the next round: Interchangeable battery pack and smart app control
The removable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 8 hours of playtime and can be replaced with another battery pack within seconds, preventing interruption of playback. Alternatively, the SumoBox Pro can be plugged into a mains socket to power-on and recharge the battery at the same time. The speaker can also be controlled from anywhere in the room via the SharpLife app, adding to its incredible versatility.
Matt Sienko, European Product Director for Audio at Sharp Consumer Electronics, says:“We are excited to introduce another amazing speaker to the SumoBox range. With SumoBox Pro, we’ve succeeded in creating an affordable, high-performance portable speaker that will delight music lovers and become a trusted companion for performers all over the world. With potential for high quality, crazy-loud sound, tons of connectivity, indoor/outdoor EQ and splashproof housing, there are no limits for SumoBox Pro.”
Bone conduction headphones have surged in popularity over the last two years and we know that due to the numerous models we have tested and stay tuned for more by the way which are in the review process and for the most these are simple products to use and set up and again for the most there is no app to content with so they are a connect to your phone device and away you go, some however offer more and then you have Air conduction headphones.
Creative however is not new to the scene here nor is the brand and known for delivering excellent audio products be it speakers headphones or earbuds and this is their second time around now with these bone conducting headphones and there is an improvement on last years models and that being in the sound department.
I am speaking about the two products in one review because they are almost identical and the pro offering extra on board storage and a better IP rating other than that the sound for me was identical the controls are identical and the audio profiles are also identical so is the looks apart from the colour choice.
The build quality is great as before and these are super robust they could be flung about the place and still work they can be twisted and tortured and they still work so they are built to last.
Some folk find these neckband type headphones annoying and the questions I always get asked is does the band bounce up and down and how do they sound same two questions all the time oddly enough they never ask about battery life or any other factors.
The neckband sits nicely on your neck to begin with and stays there even in the gym once you have these sat on your ears correct there will be no issue now you might get the odd bounce on the neck if you push it but for the most they are grand and comfortable the only difference is they don’t do in your ears and that is a transition you can only decide if it is for you and it is not as bad as some might be lead to believe.
Controls are simple to use on these guys and both identical you cet three small raised buttons that are tactile and work well to do all the things you need to do so which is volume control skip and reverse tracks play and pause control calls and activate your voice assistant so you have all the controls required however there is no app here.. You have a mfb or better known as a multifunction button which you press 4 times yes 4 times to change the latency, now I say 4 times however there is some earbuds I recently tested that went up to 5 times to do something which is a bit of a joke to be honest.
How do they sound then, well they will and bone conducting headphones will never be as good as headphones or earbuds however the sound quality is getting better as the technology improves over time and for me it has from what I have tested to date and these have vastly improved over their previous models and you have to take into account these are aimed at the sporty person but anyone can wear them which I often do asides from testing.
These both have some bass in there pretty decent sound overall for the technology in play here and deliver a good audio experience whilst being able to hear what is going on around you which is important, not as good as in ear earbuds or headphones but overall you can’t complain when using this technology but it is getting better.
Creative Outlier Free+ is priced at £89.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierFreePlus
Creative Outlier Free Pro+ is priced at £119.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierFreeProPlus
Not so long ago we had a scorcher of a few weeks and hopefully not the last but now as this review goes out it is on the cool side which is is what the latest from Jisulife has on offer with their Neck Fan Pro 3 earlier we tested out the Handheld Fan Pro 1s and Neck Fan Pro 1 which literally saved my life as I am not a huge fan of the heat and they worked a treat and anyone that seen them first knda scoffed them however once they tried them out they quickly changed their mind which was funny.
So now we have the newer model Neck Fan Pro3 which has of course additional features thrown in and all for the benefit of the user, the design is similar but some aesthetic changes yet still comfortable to wear and we still have the same top fan speed which is what keeps you cool and I mean cool these products really work folks trust me.
This time around we have got a four dimensional balanced air duct, air negative ions which purifies the air, reduces particulate matter by 99.99%, removes allergens,pollen, dust mites and more and kills bacteria with a steraliation rate of 99.98%, now I can’t prove this but you can certainly feel the air and it feels clean with no smell and better noise reduction this time around.
We have also got an infinite 100 toggle setting so you are in control to what suits you best but from using it top speed is best for me and of course it will have an effect on the battery but this time around we have got fast charge with 18W and a 6000 mAh battery to give us a longer time of use.
Pro 3.1
Pro 3.2
Pro 3.3
Pro 3.4
Pro 3.5
There is two buttons, one each side and a speed toggle and of course a USB-C port to charge and that is it nothing complicated no app just turn on and go and that is all there is to it and of course enjoy the cool clean air. The switches are for turning on the negative ion which also has an indicator light and the other for speed as mentioned with an LED display but this time the cover seems frosted and not as easy to see.
Negative ions, also known as “air vitamins,” can be generated in forests through waterfalls, streams, photosynthesis of plants, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. Negative ions have benefits for the human body, including purifying the blood, activating cells to enhance immune function, regulating the autonomic nervous system, and eliminating insomnia, headaches, and anxiety while preventing arteriosclerosis.
Features
Millions of air negative ions, purifying respiration.
100-speed infinite variable speed, customized to your preference.
Ultra-high battery capacity + super fast flash charging.
Ergonomic design, pressure-free and comfortable to wear.
Sound attenuation and reduction evaluation technology.
The latest from EDIFIER has dropped in to be tested out and it is the new Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 earbuds packed with features and app connection for small money and an update to the TSW1 earbuds which we tested back in 2021, you can see that review here.
We have the White version here and they do look super clean and has a glossy finish to them and look well out of the box and we look forward to seeing how much things have changed over the last two years, the cost to performance ratio has come down over the years yet Edifier still always maintained to deliver great audio products regardless at any price point.
With ANC, wear detection, ultra low latency and app connection we look forward to testing the latest out and if you have any questions feel free to let us know as ususal.
Main Features:
Long Battery Life. Around 4 hours music playtime with ANC ON with 12 hours charging case. A total 16 hours playtime.
Active noise cancellation with 2 levels of ANC selection and multiple ANC modes is designed to reduce unwanted background noise in various environments.
Clear call quality. Built-in microphone to ensure high quality calls.
Wear Detection. Music will pause automatically when taken out of your ear and will start playing once you place them back in.
Ultra-low latency connection with seamless experience on gaming activities.
Edifier Connect App. Unlock all the features through APP: customize control setting and EQ selection (Classic/POP/Classical/Rock).
Dust proof and splash proof for active wear. IP54 certified.
Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces an update to the popular TWS1 earbuds: the TWS1 Pro 2. The TWS1 Pro 2 is a pair of truly wireless in-earbuds which combine Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, Ambient Sound Mode and a Titanized Hybrid Diaphragm to provide you with the ultimate true wireless, musical experience.
The new Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature Active Noise cancellation with multiple ANC mode, the earbuds boast a noise cancellation performance of up to -42dB, furnishing users with an exclusive, quiet
experience. Users can customize different levels of noise cancellation in the Edifier Connect App – eg – High or Low Noise Cancellation; Wind Reduction or even Noise Cancellation Off.
Thanks to the Ambient Sound Mode, users can always stay alert and aware of their surroundings. Simply tap the earbuds and turn on the Ambient Sound Mode for listening or communication and adjust the sound volume through the Edifier Connect App.
The Edifier development and technology teams are continuously looking at how to improve their award-winning products. For the TWS1 Pro 2, the Edifier Acoustics Laboratory selected a Titanized composite diaphragm to improve sound quality and create richer and more delicate sounds. Featuring surging bass and crystal-clear mid-range and treble, the earbuds present CD-level original sounds. Gamers have also been thought of! With features like optimized audio transmission and reduced latency, the earbuds can handle all mobile games.
Phone calls are also clearer, thanks to the AI Call Noise Cancellation Technology where the earbuds can intelligently identify and eliminate environmental sounds, enhance voice quality and improve call experience.
The earbuds are equipped with an intelligent wearing detection function to identify the wearing state and its pause and play features allow users to enjoy every listening moment.
The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature a long battery life of up to 24 hours for your complete enjoyment. No running to charge at the last minute! A 10-minute charge gives an hour of use whilst a full charge gives 6 hours of playtime. Coupled with the charging case, the earbuds have a long battery life of up to 24 hours for you to lose yourself in wonderful, incredibly clear music.
Lightweight and ergonomically designed for a snug fit, the stylish low-profile true wireless earbuds carry an IP54 rated housing for dust and water resistance, making them perfect for use during a workout or on the go. The TWS1 Pro 2 is available in a range of 6 colours.
Main Features:
Long Battery Life. Around 4 hours music playtime with ANC ON with 12 hours charging case. A total 16 hours playtime.
Active noise cancellation with 2 levels of ANC selection and multiple ANC modes is designed to reduce unwanted background noise in various environments.
Clear call quality. Built-in microphone to ensure high quality calls.
Wear Detection. Music will pause automatically when taken out of your ear and will start playing once you place them back in.
Ultra-low latency connection with seamless experience on gaming activities.
Edifier Connect App. Unlock all the features through APP: customize control setting and EQ selection (Classic/POP/Classical/Rock).
Dust proof and splash proof for active wear. IP54 certified.