It is Google Pixel time of year albeit slightly earlier and that means it is Tudia cases time of year, with my one of if not my favourite Android devices in we have the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL in for review.
Today we take a look at some cases for the Pixel 9 Pro XL from Tudia but we have more on the way for the Pixel 9 Pro so stay tuned for those reviews.
We have two MergeGrip cases and one that is MagSafe compatible which is right up my street as everything here and i my car is MagSafe so it makes like easier.
All three cases are the same apart from that on the outside as always offering additional grip on the sides and a textured back, there is a decent lip around the front of the device and on the lens area meaning the device can be laid down front or rear and knowing it will be safe.
All the keys work well and ports accessible and these also work with wireless charging which is a key factor for me but check out the video review of all three cases below for more.
Protected with ToughRhino dual layer protection you are in safe hands with Tudia cases which I stand over as I use them on any device they serve that I have.
Tudia MergeGrip cases for the Google Pixel 9 XL – techbuzzireland
Drop Protection : Certified military grade protection and ToughRhino Technology for dual layer protection against drops and scratches.
● Raised Edges Protection : Protects your camera and screen with raised lip and edges.
● Enhanced Grip : Non-slip textured design on both sides and back provide additional grip while holding your phone.
● Precise Design : Tactile and clicky buttons designed for stress-free usage.
● Seamless Access : Gesture tap and wireless charging compatible
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have been my main daily drivers the last while and there is some slight differences between both devices and the key differences are their size and of course battery size so it is down to you which size suits you best and if you want the bigger screen estate or if you can handle the behemoth device the Pro XL.
Other slight changes between the two devices are their weight and charging speeds both wired and wirelessly and slight difference in PPI and of course the price for me the XL is the better of the two devices but the Pro is easier to hold in the hand if you are use to that size of a phone but this is subjective and I like em both as they both have sent a clear message to rivals this year which is great and not tipping the scales so much on their price.
Biometrics have greatly improved here and super happy with face unlock and the fingerprint sensor which has changed to an ultrasonic in display scanner.
Both devices have a premium build and look to them and they both have the same camera hump on the rear however this does not follow around the sides of the phones like last years and will not rock sat on a table and it certainly a stand out features on the phones and scream Google Pixel keeping their design language intact.
PIxel 9 Pro and Pro XL techbuzzirelandPixel 9 Pro and Pro XL – techbuzzireland
There is also a flat screen and rounded corners making them easy to hold and do not stab you in the hands with their corners like other rivals ands you will not seen any accidental touches with the screen being flat which is a good thing.
With AI being another key feature now and we cant ignore the AI features on the new Pixel 9 Series is here and I think has jumped leaps and bounds if you are an entrenched user in the Google ecosystem like me it makes life much easier and fluid and that is what Gemini is all about here, being testing on the Pixel 8a the last while and is now on their bigger flagship phones and even better offering more making it again a super productivity device no matter which on your pick.
In effect Google has put it up to Apple in more ways than one here with their AI capabilities and specs but surely next month Apple will tell it differently, Yes I use an iPhone because I review tech and like to keep in with the competition but there is always a pixel device in my hand all year round, because I have an ecosystem that works well and now with their AI event better.
The new screenshots folder is a gift for me as I take countless screenshots daily for tech reviews this is now all in one place and I can simply ask for it on the fly with other new AI features such as photos this is all on-device and with Add Me and best take it all works effortlessly.
The new weather app I love, and I had to throw in the snore detector it is hard to find a good weather app and with the new app it is all I need in one place and one click.
Weather 1
Weather 2
Cough /Snore detection
Gemini
Circle to search
Speaking of AI Gemini Live comes at a cost after one year but if you pick up the Pixel Pro models it is free for the year and after that costing 21.99 which is not bad considering how much of a productivity tool this will be.
Cameras. We know the specs and we touched on the AI Pixel Studio and AddMe check out the night and day image and video samples below for more and let u know what you think.
For now these two devices are a hit but some may see them as a hit in the pocket however they are phones that get better over time and I AM NEVER without a Pixel device in my hand.
We will come back again over the weeks as it is an early review and see what has changed and update.
Meet Pixel 9 Pro/XL. It has a sophisticated, stunning new design, and it’s the most powerful Pixel yet. With the new Tensor G4 processor and 16 GB of RAM, it’s designed for the most advanced AI on Pixel. That means cutting-edge photos and videos, and smarter ways to help all day. And it comes with one year of the Google One AI Premium Plan, for even more powerful AI features.
Pixel 9 ProXL features Google’s best camera system yet, with a pro triple rear camera, a fully upgraded 42 MP front camera, and cutting-edge pro features. With Pixel 9 Pro, Super Res Zoom comes to video, and you can enhance your videos to 8K with Video Boost. Thanks to the brightest, most immersive Super Actua display yet, you’ll see true-to-life colors, even in direct sunlight. And for the first time ever, it will be available in two sizes: 6.3″ and 6.8″ Super Actua displays. So you can get the ultimate Pro experience in the size that works best for you. It features an all-day battery, and Pixel 9 Pro XL offers Pixel’s fastest charging ever.
Pixel 9 Pro starts at 1119 euro and Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at 1219 euro. They’re available in
Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.
Meet Pixel 9 Pro/XL. In its all-new sleek, pocketable design, Pixel 9 Pro/XL helps you take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier. The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main lens for incredible image and video quality, plus a new 48 MP ultrawide camera for Macro Focus closeups. With the latest Tensor G4 processor and an upgraded 12 GB of RAM, Pixel 9 delivers powerhouse performance and advanced AI with ease. The 6.3/6.8 -inch Actua display
is sharp, vibrant, and 35% brighter, with a peak brightness of 2700 nits.
With durable design improvements and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, Pixel 9 can handle whatever life brings – drops, scratches, and splashes. It’s also equipped with a bigger, fast charging, all-day battery you can rely on.
And it can charge to 55% in about 30 minutes.
Pixel 9 Pro/XL redefines elegance with their fresh and modern new look, in a design that celebrates the iconic Pixel Camera. The new sculpted form delivers a thin profile and improved durability, and feels great in your hand. Both phones are thoughtfully crafted with refined and inviting materials, finishes, and colors. Pixel 9 Pro’s silky matte glass finish is complemented by a luxe, dual-finish camera bar and polished metal frame. Pixel 9’s polished glass back perfectly
contrasts with the satin metal finishes on the camera and frame. They’re designed with sustainability in mind and made with recycled materials, including a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure. And the packaging is 100% plastic-free.
Gemini helps you supercharge your ideas.
Press and hold the power button to start writing, planning, learning, and more. Gemini can help you find info from your Google apps to help you plan on the go, like pulling party details from an invite in Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. Or chat with Gemini to get more info or take action on what’s on your screen. You can even snap a photo, and use Gemini to get answers – like how to save a dying plant in your window, or what recipe you can make from what’s in your fridge. Pixel 9 Pro also comes with the Google One AI Premium Plan, giving you access to Gemini Advanced at no cost for the first year.
It includes the best of Google AI and 2 TB storage, all in one plan. With this plan, get access to even more powerful AI features and try Gemini directly in your favorite Google products like Gmail and Docs to summarize your unread messages and documents.
With Pixel Screenshots, Pixel remembers so you don’t have to. Pixel Screenshots helps you quickly save info you want to remember later – like events, locations, and more – just by taking a screenshot. This on-device Pixel-exclusive AI feature helps you save, organize, and recall things you want to remember with ease. Simply search in a conversational way to quickly find what you need, right when you need it.
Pixel 9 Pro/XL features Pixel’s best camera yet. The triple rear camera system delivers pro-level photos and videos, even in low light or from far away. Enjoy stunning detail across a wide zoom range, thanks to optical-quality performance at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x – all with just three lenses. Super Res Zoom lets you zoom in even further, and is available in video for the first time ever.
In addition to improved Night Sight Video, Video Boost can now enhance videos up to 8K resolution for the best video quality on Pixel yet. Pixel 9 Pro/XL gets a major upgrade to the front camera, with a new 42 MP lens – the highest
resolution on a front-facing Pixel Camera – to help you take perfect selfies, even in low light. And it has the widest field of view ever for a front-facing camera on a Pixel.
The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main lens for incredible image and video quality. So you get sharp, vivid photos and videos in any light or from far away. And a new 48 MP ultrawide for Macro Focus creates
magnificent shots from the smallest details. Plus, the front camera now has autofocus for even sharper selfies.
Night Sight takes sharp, vivid photos, portraits, and even panos in low light, like concerts and cityscapes – even the Milky Way with astrophotography. And Magic Editor helps you make complex edits easily. With a few taps, AI can edit backgrounds, move objects, suggest the best crop, and magically expand your image to get more of the scene. And getting a great group photo is easy with the Pixel 9 camera.
Edit photos like magic. For the first time, you can take the picture and be in it too. Add Me, which will release in preview with Pixel 9, makes sure no one is left out of a photo. Take one with the group, then swap in the photographer. Pixel magically merges both photos. And with the popular Best Take feature, you can get an amazing group photo the whole group loves by combining similar photos. It finds the best moment, or you can choose everyone’s best expression.
And with Pixel 9’s advanced editing tools, taking a photo is just the beginning. Magic Editor can now automatically reframe your photo, suggest the best crop, and even expand your image to get more of the scene. You can also use
the new reimagine feature to give your photos a whole new vision – like adding fall leaves or greener grass. Just tap what part you want to change in the photo, and type what you want to see.
Pixel protects you from spam, scams, and other threats, and also looks out for your safety. Need emergency help when you’re off the grid? Satellite SOS on Pixel can connect to emergency services via satellite when you have no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage to get help and share your location with contacts.
And it can now help you check the background and context of an image you come across online, showing information, when available, that can indicate if it was created with AI. Just circle the image on your screen to search it and pull
up the “About this image” feature For added privacy and security on your phone, you can now create a password-protected private space where you can install apps and content that you want to remain private even if someone else uses your phone.
In the event your phone is stolen, Pixel safeguards your sensitive data by automatically locking down the device if it detects suspicious activity, or you can quickly lock it online remotely.
Engineered for improved durability, Pixel 9 phones are designed to get more helpful over time. Pixel automatically gets new and upgraded features with Pixel Drops, so your Pixel keeps getting better over time. Pixel can handle everyday drops, spills, and dust. And the display is scratch and damage resistant, made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2. Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro come with 7 years of OS and security updates.
Disclaimer. Google provided us with the review units and they have not asked or requested for a preview
The Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL has been in my hands some time and we have got our hands on some cases for the devices and today we start off with the official Google case for both phones.
This case is simple and to the point as always with Google’s own cases there is several others on offer on the store so do check those out too and watch out for other case reviews we have on the way.
We are using the Hazel variant this time and the case which matches the colour of our devices so this sits well with us, the case has a nice material on the inside and it has a nice grippy texture on the outside with tactile keys that work really well.
There is a lip around the front on the device which looks slightly larger than the XL so it can be placed face down and the camera bar on the back is also protected which again is good news due to its size.
Overall a simple and effective case that will not break the bank and will protect your device should you drop it. The case is designed together with the phone to ensure that charging capabilities, audio clarity and signal strength are unaffected. And it’s made with at least 42% recycled materials.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has been in my hands some time and we have got our hands on some cases for the device and today we start off with the official Google case .
This case is simple and to the point as always with Googles own cases there is several others on offer on the store so do check those out too and watch out for other case reviews we have on the way.
We are using the Obsidian case which matches the colour of our device so this sits well with us, the case has a nice material on the inside and it has a nice grippy texture on the outside with tactile keys that work really well.
There is a lip around the front on the device so it can be placed face down and the camera bar on the back is also protected which again is good news due to its size.
Overall a simple and effective case that will not break the bank and will protect your device should you drop it. The case is designed together with the phone to ensure that charging capabilities, audio clarity and signal strength are unaffected. And it’s made with at least 42% recycled materials.
The all new instax mini Link 3 smartphone printer has dropped in for review and it has been some time since the last iteration the instax mini Link 2 and you can see that review here.
Nearly two years on now we have their latest offering and look forward to testing this one out over the coming weeks and if you have any questions as always feel free to ask and we will be also checking out how things have changed in their App.
Available in three on-trend colors – Sage Green, Clay White, and Rose Pink – the textured and easy-to-hold instax mini Link 3 printer is designed to be as mobile as your smartphone, allowing you to print photos simply and effortlessly from anywhere. Adorned with three unique LED lights on the front to tell you what the printer is doing, this instant photo printer is both functional and stylish. The printer also supports the instax Pal digital camera for direct print and features a USB-Type C port for easy charging.
Fujifilm’s instax mini Link 3 instant photo printer will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 130.00 (incl. VAT). It is expected to be available for purchase across Europe on 28th August 2024. Available at Fujifilm stockists nationwide or visit https://www.instax.ie/printers/mini-link-3/
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is another new expensive device on the market and ZAGG has you covered from all angle just like the Galaxy Z Fold6 we recently checked out.
Again we have three new accessories on offer from the leading Brand which is not expensive in comparison to other products out there to keep your device from harm which for me is vital when they cost this much.
We once again have a simple and easy to install camera lens with a good sticking power unlike others I have tried in the past and will not fall off after a few days usage with your phone this looks well and blends in with the case.
Onto the case next which offers more grip, this is slim as most cases are for folding phones due to their construction and with Graphene on board is much stronger than most cases out there now on offer at the minute. this will also work with most wireless charges and that meaning the ones that offer the most power which is vital for those who have adopted wireless charging around the home and office like me.
Finally the screen protector for the outer screen is also vital to protect as if it fell whilst your device is closed this will enhance the protection with the Bridgetown case and have you covered.
Glass Elite (Camera Lens)
The Glass Elite Anti-Reflective lens protection has been tested up to 5x stronger than traditional glass screen protection and disperses light to enhance color depth and vibrancy. Keep those camera lenses safe from scratches, surface damage, and the contents of your bag.
Made with aluminosilicate glass, Glass Elite is up to 5x stronger than traditional glass screen protection. Reinforced edges prevent cracks from starting and spreading. Glass Elite has a smooth, silky feel and ClearPrint™ technology that makes fingerprints virtually invisible when your screen is turned on. 5X stronger than traditional screen protection.
5X stronger than traditional screen protection.
Ultimate Scratch and Impact Prevention: Ultra-strong aluminosilicate glass for increased scratch resistance.
ClearPrint® Technology: provides you with a smudge-free screen by eliminating fingerprints.
Anti-Microbial Technology: protects your screen protector by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and degradation by microorganisms.
EZ Apply® Installation: precise installation with our EZ Apply® installation tray.
Made with up to 30% Recycled Glass: Promoting eco-consciousness by using up to 30% of recycled glass.
Limited Lifetime Warranty: ZAGG warrants the product against wear and damage during the lifetime of the device for which the product was purchased
Made with aluminosilicate glass, Glass Elite is up to 5x stronger than traditional glass screen protection. Reinforced edges prevent cracks from starting and spreading. Glass Elite has a smooth, silky feel and ClearPrint™ technology that makes fingerprints virtually invisible when your screen is turned on. 5X stronger than traditional screen protection.
5X stronger than traditional screen protection.
Ultimate Scratch and Impact Prevention: Ultra-strong aluminosilicate glass for increased scratch resistance.
ClearPrint® Technology: provides you with a smudge-free screen by eliminating fingerprints.
Anti-Microbial Technology: protects your screen protector by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and degradation by microorganisms.
EZ Apply® Installation: precise installation with our EZ Apply® installation tray.
Made with up to 30% Recycled Glass: Promoting eco-consciousness by using up to 30% of recycled glass.
Limited Lifetime Warranty: ZAGG warrants the product against wear and damage during the lifetime of the device for which the product was purchased.
Bridgetown is specially made for the Galaxy Z Flip6 folding design. It covers the back of the phone and frames the exterior display for added protection. Bridgetown has been tested to protect your phone from drops up to 10 feet. This slim case combines protection, function, and minimalist design.
Drop Resistant up to 10ft ǀ 3m: Bridgetown has been tested and proven to protect your phone from drops up to 10 feet (3 meters).
Strengthened with Graphene: Graphene is harder than diamond, yet more elastic than rubber, and it’s 200x stronger than steel.
Designed to Fold: Bridgetown covers both back and front of the phone, framing the exterior display.
78% Recycled Content: Bridgetown is made with up to 78% post-consumer recycled materials.
Lightweight Design: Bridgetown Snap fits easily in your pocket and comfortably in your hand.
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
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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.
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.
The Ellie Baby Plus, Baby Monitor Pro is an all-in-one advanced AI monitor for babies, well since we have none we will have to use our dog/or me for samples and how it will work it basically does the same thing and is ideal for anyone with a new baby in the home.
These products can be also useful for the elderly in our family and act as a security camera too which is quite handy when you think of it but the sole purpose is to mind your new baby.
Sporting an app to this looks interesting and we look forward to testing the app out and the camera in action too so if you have any questions in the meantime feel free to ask and another thing to note there is an SD card in the box and no monthly subscriptions..
Any questions in the meantime feel free to ask and stay tuned for more and check out some other reviews
Key Features
The most complete AI features: Includes covered face & rollover detection, breathing detection, sleep quality reports, danger zone detection, cry detection, auto-soothing, person tracking, and auto photo capture.
24-Hour Playback with AI Notification Check: Review video footage and AI notifications from the past 24 hours, ensuring not miss any important events.
Dual Control & 2.5K HD Camera: Connect to the split screen without Wi-Fi, or via Wi-Fi to the mobile app for remote monitoring. Features a 2.5K HD camera and 5″ HD LCD screen for clear day/night viewing.
360° PTZ Rotation & Motion Detection: Offers zoom, large angle rotation, 360° room view, and automatic movement tracking. Features 2.5K QHD night vision and Pan-Tilt rotation.
Two-Way Communication: Talk to your babies through the split screen and app when you are not near them.
SD Card Local Storage: Ensures secure storage without cloud dependency and keep your privacy.
App with No Monthly Fees: Free app with up to 5 sub-accounts, includes features like sleep report generation and photo/video storage. Administrator can manage permissions.
