Tag: #review

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

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Video Review

Tech Review – Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro official cases

We have been testing out the Pixel 8 Pro a few days now and had time to check out their official cases which comes in a nice range of colours to match their latest phones,we also have other cases on the way so stay tuned for those reviews very soon, The Pixel OG cases though are today’s topic and in short these are a nice job and will protect your device and gives you additional grip.

The cases come in the colors Bay, Coral, Mint, Porcelain and Charcoal and fit the device perfectly with all ports clear and buttons that work really well and are tactile, the cases are also made with 42% recycled materials. The case also has a polycarbonate shell made with 75% recycled plastics and the external portion of the case’s power and volume buttons is made with 100% recycled aluminum.

According to Google the cases are stain-resistant, silicone material with microfiber lining offers durable protection though time will tell how they hold up on the exterior but for now so far so good and we like them.

Check the video review below for more. Note, wrong case sent out from our order hence the pixel 8 case included we have many more to come from other brands so stay tuned

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Video Review

Tech Review – FINAL ZE8000 true wireless earphones

The FINAL ZE8000 true wireless earphones are a different shaped pair of earphones that stand out with an unusual shape and I like this as it is something different and if you don’t try you will never know as design can only go so far but there stand out from the rest and many have asked questions as to what they are and who makes them.

Being shaped differently does not mean quality lacks elsewhere right? They fit the same as any other earbud but have a different outer frame so to speak and once fitted with the right tips they will not budge from your ears they give a great seal and blocks out much of the outside world. The texture of the earphones and looks are also nice with a matte finish and they look great some folk even said they look wet.

How they sound though with 8K thrown in there is important and they sound great really crisp and clear and a tad on the bright side but you have an EQ option in the app which could have offer some more however for me they did the job and for all your movies music and games you will not be disappointed by the sound quality,calls also great crisp and clear for me and on the other end. Highs lows and mids are fine and any genre tested in my usual test run, they feel centred more so and overall a great listening experience but your source of music is important here. No lag latency no distortion or tinny sound when maxed out either which is how I listen to my earbuds and decent enough ANC.

There are four listening modes available for the ZE8000, all of which have their own benefits and clear intended scenarios for the user:

  • Noise Cancelling Mode – Eliminates ambient noise and allows users to concentrate on the music.
  • Wind-Cut Mode – Significantly eliminates wind noise captured by the microphones when there is a lot of ambient air movement.
  • Ambient Sound Mode – Seamlessly blends music and ambient sound, allowing users to be aware of their surroundings while listening to music.
  • Voice Through Mode – Ambient sound is prioritized over music, allowing for clear conversations without removing the earphones from the ears.
    Overall a quality pair of earbuds with a fresh new look over the industry standard these days and will gather attention when wearing out.
Final ZE8000 Earbuds – techbuzzireland

The App

The ‘final Connect’ app provides the following functions unique to the ZE8000, opened up in addition to basic functions such as checking the battery level of the earphones.
  • Switch between 4 modes: Noise Cancelling, Wind-Cut, Ambient Sound, and Voice Through.
  • PRO Equalizer allows users to make adjustments onto the sound presentation in the most effective way without causing degradation of sound quality
  • Setting up the Volume Step Optimizer to upgrade the smartphone’s volume control, allowing for finer volume adjustment near the preferred volume with greater precision.
  • Switching the voice guidance language (Japanese/English)
  • Activating 8K SOUND+
  • Easily install firmware updates when available

Features

  • Flagship True Wireless earphones featuring revolutionary 8K SOUND
  • Latest Bluetooth Version 5.2
  • Qualcomm aptX, aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon compatible
  • Distortion-free active noise cancelling system
  • Works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices
  • 13mm equivalent ultra-low distortion dynamic driver
  • 5 hours of playback per earbuds full charge, maximum 15 hours with charging case
  • IPX4 water resistant
  • Manufacturer warranty: 12 months

Specifications

Colour: Black / White
Format: Bluetooth 5.2
Chipset: Qualcomm QCC5141
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 44 kHz
Codec Supported: SBC, AAC, Qualcomm aptX, aptX Adaptive
Profiles Supported: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Continuous Music Playback: 5 hours, Up to 15 hours with charging case
Charging Time: 1.5 hours for earbuds / 2 hours for charging case Battery Capacity: 54 mAh for earbuds / 420 mAh for charging case
Water Resistant: IPX4

Review – JMBricklayer Botanical collection money tree.

The latest on offer from JMBricklayer has been here for us to build over the last few weeks and this one is different due to the meaning of the product and not so much the build itself which will take you a few hours at least, this is more for the decorative side and can be placed anywhere in the home to offer some form of symbolism and significance.

Again this was a fun build and now placed in my home hoping to bring me some good luck in the future as is believed in many cultures today. One could look at another side of things here with many folk believing in a money tree out their back garden and you can go shake it and cash in on what falls down but this one will fit right in your home and look well amongst plants or put in a window for passers by to take a look at and maybe get in on the wishing thinking back garden saying and it will bring them some luck.

Check out the video below for more and see it in real life and tell us is this something that would interest you?

Symbolism and Significance

The Money Tree, scientifically known as Pachira Aquatica, is a tropical plant native to Central and South America. Characterized by its braided trunks and lush, palmate leaves, it is renowned for its distinctive appearance and cultural symbolism.

  1. Financial Prosperity: In many cultures, the idea is that by cultivating a Money Tree, one is nurturing their wealth, encouraging it to grow over time. The branches of the tree, laden with symbolic currency or coins, exemplify the hope for a fruitful and prosperous future.
  2. Symbol of Luck: The Money Tree is considered a lucky charm in several cultures. It is believed to attract good fortune, helping individuals not only accumulate wealth but also safeguard it from misfortune or financial setbacks.
  3. Feng Shui and Energy Flow: In Feng Shui, the Money Tree is employed to enhance the flow of positive energy, or chi, in one’s living or working space. Its vibrant green leaves and symbolic wealth elements are believed to promote harmony and balance.

Detailed Representation

  1. The pot: The pot features a square design, achieved through the clever use of Lego-compatible bricks. This shape adds a modern and clean aesthetic to the model, accentuating its elegance. The pot’s construction relies on a huge number of interlocking small plates, and a handful of tiles that mimic the texture of ceramic or porcelain, making it visually engaging. The pot serves a dual purpose—it not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides essential stability and support for the entire plant set.
  2. The trunks: The core structure of the trunks relies on trunk elements and connectors. In some cases, bendable hoses or flexible tubes may be integrated into the trunks to achieve specific curves and twists. These elements provide the necessary flexibility to replicate the shapes of real tree trunks. The use of various shades of brown bricks, including dark brown and reddish brown, creates a variegated effect, mimicking the natural coloration of tree bark. Ensuring structural integrity, sturdy Technic pins and axles are employed to securely connect the various elements within the trunks.
  3. The branches and leaves: To achieve the natural straightness of branches, long Technic pins are used. These specialized pins can be gently moved, allowing for graceful turns and sways in the branches. The leaf elements are incorporated to simulate the Money Tree’s foliage, the ones at the top are lighter in green, while the others darker. The leaves are arranged in a natural and slightly irregular pattern, avoiding a uniform appearance. Scattered among the leaves are $100 banknotes, adding a playful and symbolic touch.

Decorative Display

As a decorative item, the Money Tree set brings elegance and symbolism to any space. Whether displayed in a living room, office, or business establishment, the decorative tree stands as a stunning centerpiece that draws admiration. Its unique design sparks conversations about wealth, prosperity, and the cultural significance of the Money Tree. Also, when given as a gift, this set carries wishes of fortune and success. Its decorative value goes beyond aesthetics and reflects the thoughtful intention of the giver.

Discount code until December 31st is VIPJIMO15

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Video review 

Tech Review – StoryPhones & StoryShield – Headphones for Kids – Disney Edition

The StoryPhones & StoryShield Storytelling Headphones for Kids is a great idea and simple product for you child to listen to audio without a phone or tablet in their hand keeping them free from harms way which these days has become an issue and this will be a great idea for Christmas or a gift.

The presentation is also excellent giving you plenty of details on the box itself and there is an app to go with it which we delve into in the video review below, it is simple to get going you can connect via cable or bluetooth and you can sign into your Wi-Fi and a one time process, the store has lots of other offers there to so check it out.

The controls are simple to use for any child with volume controls on the app to pick from, there is no real control on the app as to what you can do but these are on the headphones and simple to use, the disc that sits on one of the cups also acts as a control to skip and reverse and taking it off pauses which is neat, these can also be customised and you can upload your own audio which is really neat. I did find the magnet a little week but when your child is sitting down they should be fine.

These are comfortable to wear too and light and seem robust enough for kids and should last though the maintaining them might be an issue as time goes on keeping them clean with the Blue and Pink colours available but hey kids will be kids.

Overall these are a great product with crisp clean audio for any child to listen too and better again it keeps them off mobile devices which is not good for their health.

The APP

 

 

StoryPhones & StoryShield

StoryPhones are the first smart, portable wireless audio entertainment device for children combining high-performance headphones with an internet-connected content player. Access stories by simply popping a StoryShield disc into the StoryPhones. It will then automatically download the story into the headphone’s memory and start playing. After the initial download, it will play the content independent of any network or other device.

Curated Content

Discover the StoryPhones library full of carefully curated content, suitable for children aged 3 and up, that entertains and educates with audio stories, music and more. This careful selection allows parents to relax, knowing it’s not necessary to monitor what children are listening to. Over the coming years, ONANOFF will continue this ongoing collaboration with Disney to build an enchanting collection of magical stories for kids to enjoy. In addition to Disney, other exciting licensing collaborations will be added to bring even more characters to the range of StoryShields.

Record a Personalized Story with PlayShield

StoryPhones also offer the option of recording personalized stories, in a loved one’s voice, through the mobile app, creating a customized StoryShield called PlayShield. This way, users can record family stories and share the ones that shaped an individual’s life with generations to come. It’s also a brilliant way to stay connected with loved ones far away. Even though grandparents live in another country, a child can hear a bedtime story read by grandma and when away, or at work, parents can soothe children with a pre-recorded lullaby.

Relax with ZenShield

A StoryShield, aptly named ZenShield, contains relaxing audio profiles to help overstimulated kids calm down, relax and even sleep. The shield includes a collection of pink noises, from piano to ocean waves, from rain drops to the original and exclusive RoRo Sound.

Audio Promotes Literacy and Improves Comprehension

By listening to stories, children are encouraged to increase learning capabilities. 85% of what is learnt, is learnt by listening and listening to audio increases reading accuracy by 52%. It also improves comprehension by 76%, providing context and helping children decode words and understand the text better. Listening to audio also increases motivation by 67%. Taking children away from the screens of smart devices can help children sleep better and focus better at school.

Buy below

IRE –  https://www.harveynorman.ie/

UK – https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/storyphones/

 

Features

  • Built-in Internal Memory
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 Class 2 & BLE
  • Internal microphone
  • Volume limit settings 75/85/94dB
  • 600mAH Lithium battery
  • Multi-Axis MEMS Accelerometer
  • USB-C charging
  • 40mm diameter size driver
  • Audio sharing
  • 3.5mm jack audio in/out

Video review 

Tech Review – ULTIMAL Sports Strap For Apple Watch Ultra 2

The ULTIMAL Sports Strap Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a comfortable and affordable strap to check out if you need a new strap these straps are also compatible with most of the Apple watch range too and comes in all sizes and colours and other variants which is also cheaper than what apple command for their straps which is ludicrous in some cases.

The buckles are made of stainless steel and so is the clasp and sits nicely on the wrist when on, these bands are bigger and thicker than what Apple offer and look good and stand out so if that’s you and want a new strap that is cheaper and perhaps better checkout their range on Amazon.

The strap will cost around 30 euro including shipping which is a fair price,see the video below for more.

  • 【Compatibility】ULTIMAL Sports Strap compatible with Apple Watch Ultra Strap 49MM, for iWatch Strap Series Ultra/Ultra 2. Fitting Range:6.7”-8.9”(170-226mm).
  • 【Breathable Nylon】It is compatible with the apple watch Ultra 2 strap which is made of high quality woven nylon and is comfortable, soft, breathable, durable and sturdy.
  • 【Stylish Function Design】Hook & Loop is designed to better adjust the length of apple ultra watch strap 49mm to fit your wrist. Hollowed-Out design allows for better breathability and sweat resistance.
  • 【Security & Easy to Install】Stainless steel clasp with lugs for precise and secure locking on the watch. One-click installation and removal. You can keep the watch safe even when you are exercising.
  • 【Service】If ULTIMAL apple watch band has any defect or quality problem, you can contact us at any time.We will try our best to offer you a solution.

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Video review

Tech Review – SoundMAGIC P60BT ANC Headphones

The SoundMAGIC P60BT ANC headphones is an affordable pair of cans that get the job done and rather than use keys to get things moving these are gesture based and work really well and sound really good for the price the company is looking for which is great news for the consumer and I have said it many times there is no need to go out speding silly money on headphones or be a brand loyalist and this is coming from someone who tests more headphones than most in Ireland.

These are comfortable to wear too and do not clamp on the head either nor sweat after hours of use, when I mean hours I mean hours, most times when new earbuds or headphones arrive I give them an immediate 4 hour test as I would head to bed a tune into my projector and watch movies and YouTube for the evening or sat on the couch.

The controls work really well and I have had no issues getting the action I wanted,some headphones like this can make you take several attempts to get what you want done and to be fair it is a matter of getting use to them too which is by no means hard, a few minutes on the head and you will pick it up quite fast. Also a really cool feature is one touch hits are ruled out here so if you happen to tap or rub of pillow etc when on couch they will not do anything unlike other headphones, some of which I am testing now and they tap the pillow and pause the media playing etc which is super annoying.

The Hybrid ANC technology uses internal and external microphones to reduce a wider range of frequencies when compared to standard ANC. With Ambient mode selected, ambient awareness is increased and users are able to hear their surroundings without having to remove the headphones. aptX HD compatibility as well as AAC and SBC means that users will get the best audio quality delivered from their device. And aptX Low Latency provides gamers with lightning speed wireless audio so they won’t miss a thing. Not so much a gamer myself however I have tried these with gaming for some time and they offer an excellent immersive experience and they do come with a small mic to add on if you want to talk to others when gaming which is better all round.

SoundMAGIC P60BT ANC Headphones – techbuzzireland

Overall the sound that comes from these is more than decent at the price level they are on offer for and I enjoyed testing these out, highs lows and mids all great,nice bit of bass and no distortion or tinny sound when maxed out, so for gaming movies music and more they do a great job, the call quality was not bad either. NO lag latency was noted either in all my testing.

There is also great battery life here which is to be noted meaning you will not be in a rush to charge them up and if so you can get 5 hours of charge with ten minutes charging via USB-C. The only thing missing here for me is an app which I hope they will do next time around.

Check out the video review below for more.

Features 

Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth 5.2
Driver: 40mm Dynamic, Neodymium
Codec Support: aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Transmission Range: Up to 15m
Playtime: Up to 50h
Playtime with ANC: Up to 45h
Battery: 800mAh Li-ion Polymer
The SoundMAGIC P60BT is available now from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide for £99.99/$189.96/€149.

Tech Review – Sharp XParty Street Beat (PS-949)

The Sharp XParty Street Beat (PS-949) is a large speaker that can get several jobs done at once and ideal for street parties and more hence the name and it is still portable too, given that it is not too heavy but it comes ready to move like a suitcase either way which is really handy. This is one of the biggest speakers I have checked out recently and it certainly makes a statement when it comes to sound let me tell you, if like me you have neighbours playing all kinds of rubbish on their tinny sounding speakers this one just comes out and takes over them all.

What is also cool with this is the lighting effects on it so it is no one trick pony and to add to it there is a mic built in and not is only that loud the speaker is loud and comes with some cool presets too which is ideal for the street party or if you fancy doing a bit of dj work and so on.

The speaker is well built and has several inputs and outputs on it too which is covered by a rubber flap on the rear, this is where you plug in the mic and it also has two USB – A ports and a regular 3.5mm socket, you can connect your device that way or via Bluetooth which is how I used it and is probably the best way, not only that you have an app to go with it which matches the top deck which is super cool and makes life much easier if you are in control of the speaker.

The controls are simple to use and laid out nicely on top with a disc type wheel for volume etc,, this gives you the real dj effect which I am not by any stretch but it is fun to use and the controls again straight forward and it is easy to switch between modes and sounds. Also up to is a spot to rest your phone or tablet.

The sound is excellent from this speaker and being big gives you big sound, the bass is excellent and the EQ settings are also excellent with a notable difference between them unlike other speakers I have tested asides the sound the light show it emits is also great which takes the boring effect from a speaker with no RGB effects, there was also no lag latency noted on this speaker and it certainly packs a punch when it comes to banging out the tracks and dwarfs most home speakers your neighbours might have.

Finally there is also around 13 hours of battery life so no matter where you go with it you have power on the go and it will last the day and you can charge your mobile phone with it too should you run low on juice.

The App

 

Check the full video review below for more and see how it works and most importantly how it sounds, you will take over any party in the home, back garden or street with this one.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Edifier W320TN Earbuds With Adaptive Noise Cancellation And AI Multimodal Adaptive System

The Edifier W320TN Earbuds are the latest on offer from the brand that delivers great audio products at decent prices and we are no stranger to them here and as always look forward to their latest tech when it drops, speaking of their latest earbuds have been here some time now and we have been testing them over the last while and today we will take a look at what you get for your money in a very saturated market.

Packaging is the same as always which is clean and to the point which we like and all is straight forward from there as you will see in the video review below, you get your earbuds,books and cable and you are good to go, there is no tips this time around.

The case is quite nice and will fit any pocket and has a glossy finish that matches the earbuds, I do like the colour here and it is different than the normal black and white colours we tend to see all the time, the earbuds have a small stem with a pinch area on the end, so it is not a touch sensitive area or button which some might need some time to adjust but they work well after a few minutes even for me who uses so many earbuds.

The design is a standard one however the angle of the earbuds is better and fit well in the ears and will not fall out and look nice when worn. Battery life is decent and on par with the company’s suggestions.

When it comes to sound you can only expect decent quality sound from Edifier and this is exactly what you will get here and overall the sound is excellent, gamers can also avail of gaming mode with up to 80ms latency which is now becoming a standard feature, with all the usual testing runs I do there was no lag latency no distortion when maxed out either and all highs lows and mids in all genres, Netflix and movies listen to which makes for a really good audio experience.

The controls have all the options required to save you the hassle of taking out your phone and so on and you can see all this in operation in the full review below and finally for calls these were excellent too with no issues either end on my testing.

 

The App 

 

 

Main Features:

  • Long Battery Life. Playtime with ANC off is 5.5 hours plus 22 hours with the charging case.
  • Open Fit & light weight design – reducing the pressure you may feel.
  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation automatically offers the most suitable noise cancellation mode., The ANC mode can also be adjusted manually using the Edifier app.
  • Hi Resolution Sound provided by larger 13mm dynamic drivers plus LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
  • Crystal clear call quality identifies voices and filters out disruptive noise.
  • Wear Detection – Music will play / pause automatically.

Price & Availability:

The W320TN is available at £99.99 from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7Q43WRR

Video Review