Tag: tech

Tech Review – Nokia 3210 (2024)

Being an avid high end smartphone user it is challenging at times when testing phones like this but the Nokia 3210 has more uses than one would think and now people are and can use technology to detox and that is what I have been doing and the Nokia 3210 is a start to help you detox which I think many of us need to do.

Now I went through in detail all the features on the device which you can see here and has been popular so if you need a rundown check out the video below while we talk about this phone can help you detox amongst other things.

First up is the design of the 3210 which many said on my social media it looks more like the 3310 but that is subjective and for me makes no odds the device is super light and think with tactile clicky keys that work well and will fit in any pocket.. It does feel cheap but it is robust and after having it a few weeks now it has not got marked or scuffed either which is a good sign although I am careful with my phones.

There is lots to do on the phone itself and you can use your own earbuds/headphones to listen to the tunes which you can load via your microsd card and the music sounds alright it would be my most use of the phone apart from calls and text which takes getting use to but you pick it up rather fast. Oh it has a radio so if you have no music or forgot to load some again sounds great.

Nokia 3210 (2024) with headphones plugged in for radio – techbuzzireland

There is a decent battery life on this too which is not something you see everyday today and it is removable again another thing you do not see and refreshing. There is plenty of games to test out too and some with limited goes and then you have to purchase you can certainly forget about battery anxiety with the Nokia 3210 that is for sure..

There is a camera and video recorder on board which will not win any prizes but look it takes alright photos I guess if you felt the  need to do so on your time away I guess and to be expected really it is not a phone for social media despite internet access which is not the best either and how it should be and keeping you away from pings all day long and just relaxing listening to the radio or your own music. I would advise daytime shots or bright areas though to get a decent image that people can see.

Overall this is not a phone out to set records by any stretch but more to detach your from the internet and social media it has plenty of battery and features on board to take away for a weekend like I did and feck eveyone else after that you can make phone calls and send text and being frankly honest I think we all need to step away from the internet and social media every now and then and this device can help like previous reboots from Nokia and HMD.

See more on the Nokia 3210 here and some videos

 

 

Tech Review – SPORTLINK Waterproof Drop Proof Dust Proof and Snow Proof case for the iPhone 15Pro

The  SPORTLINK Waterproof Drop Proof Dust Proof and Snow Proof case for the iPhone 15Pro is a case you might want to check out if you need a new case for your phone as this has you covered in all aspects.

First up on protection is that the case is IP68 Waterproof and stops dirt and dust getting in under the skim so to speak it is also kids proof and has no effect on the screen when in use with the built in screen protector which is good to see.

I have tested in water and drop tested and no issues were found since installing the case on my phone. The case takes only a minute to install and has a special key to remove it should you want to at a later date.

The keys all work well and slightly raised and there is also gripping points on the side of the case and decent bumpers on the corners there is also the option to use a lanyard strap if you desire to do so which is not my thing.

There is a combination of TPU and PC to give an extra layer of protection which is a good option although I prefer TPU based cases only but this is fine to use and will protect your device.

The camera area is well protected to and does not interfere with taking videos or photos which is why you should ensure there is no air trapped inside the case when installing as the lens would fog up and not only that you would then see water inside if not correctly installed.

Wireless charging still works which is good to see and tested in the video review below so be sure to check it out and tell us what you think.

All ports are accessible so your music mic and charging will be affected either the closure on the rubber flap is solid and secure and i can say no water or dirt has got in since installed so you are good to go and fully protected with this case on your expensive iPhone 15Pro

Check out the other case reviews for the iPhone 15 Pro

  • 🐳【Compatibility】 SPORTLINK designed for iPhone 15 Pro waterproof case ✅only compatible with iPhone 15 Pro (6.1 inch) 2023 Released. Precise cutouts allows full functionality and access to controls.
  • 🐳【IP68 Waterproof】 Water, dirt, drop, and kid-proof, Sportlink waterproof case safeguards against the elements and everyday life. It meets the IP68 dust and continuous submersion rating. Support underwater photography, swimming,snorkeling, surfing and more. In addition, the washable design ensures easy cleaning and keeps your phone and case always stay clean and looks like new.
  • 🐳【Real Shock Protection】 Meets the MIL-STD-810G standard, survive drops up to 6.6’/2m. The internal structure is designed to protect your Apple iPhone in the event that it is dropped or compressed. The combination of PC and TPU materials provides protection from impact. Raised edges on the case and built-in screen protector create a barrier from external elements. Soft rubber stoppers keep dust and liquids out of the charging port opening while still allowing easy access in dry conditions.
  • 📱【HD Screen Protector】With built in HD screen protector, this case can prevent the phone screen from scratches as well as provides a sensitive touch and ensures a quick response. And different from ordinary tempered film, it is not easy to break, and Maintain the most original visual experience.
  • 📱【Clear Sound Quality & High Touch Responsive】 We employ our latest design solution for the microphone and earpiece area of the phone, which provides crystal-clear call quality and an impeccable music experience. If you’ve been bothered by sound issues, I highly recommend trying out our case because it feels like you don’t have a phone case at all, offering both protection and functionality. Moreover, it maintains compatibility with touch sensitivity

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Video Review

Tech Review – Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds

The Creative Zen Air Plus Earbuds are one pair of a duo recently announced and of course we have both which is the Zen Air Plus and Zen Air Pro to check out just like the Aurvana Ace duo recently reviewed here on site and YouTube.

The Creative Zen Air Plus comes in a really nice case which is a good start and is a creamy hue color and comes with wireless charging and the flip top lid has a unique opening compared to others. It will fit in any pocket has a matt finish to the touch and just looks really nice. There is a USB-C charge port LED light and reset/connect button.

The earbuds themselves have a really nice fit and give a great seal straight away and these will not fall out of the ears either once the right tips are applied as I always advise people to do. The better the seal the better the sound and this is all before you even touch ANC mode.

You have the choice of two apps here these are SXFI ready and with Creative this has been a favourite of mine some years now, you also have the standard Creative app and there is where you find all your functions and features to get things going and set up to your personal requirements.

The controls are touch controls on the earbuds and work really well and as expected from the brand if you are familiar with the company you will already know there touch control game is on point and still is.

Creative Zen Air Plus – techbuzzireland

You have all the features you would expect to find here like skip and reverse tracks volume and call controls and voice assistant access plus more which you will see in the video review below.

Highs lows and mids are fine with decent volume and nice bass no lag latency or tinny sound or disconnecting during my testing and overall a pleasing sound which anyone would enjoy, battery life is quite good to for such small earbuds and overall there is little to complain about here and they come in a fantastic case and colour.

Creative APP

Creative SXFI APP

 

Features 

 

  • NEXT-GEN BLUETOOTH LE AUDIO-Improved wireless audio performance at lower bitrates and power consumption. Plus, seamless audio sharing via Broadcast mode, changing how you engage with audio
  • CRAFT YOUR SILENCE AND AMBIANCE WITH HYBRID ANC AND AMBIENT MODE-Together with 10 mm neodymium drivers, enjoy deep bass, balanced tunes, and a low latency (~55 ms) for seamless audio playback
  • BATTERY LIFE THAT LASTS MORE THAN A DAY-Up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 32 hours in total with a fully charged case. USB-C cable included for charging
  • BE HEARD CLEARLY-Effectively analyze and filter out background noise, while delivering clear voice input and superior call quality with six microphones and ENC technology
  • COMPACT CHARGING CASE-The Creative Zen Air Plus, weighing 48.6g / 1.71 oz with IPX4 rating, features Bluetooth 5.3 and touch controls, making it perfect for active use

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Video Review

Tech Review – JBL Soundgear Sense

The JBL Soundgear Sense are an open ear design pair of headphones which are now a trend and we have checked out about 20 different pairs now and look forward to testing JBLs offering,.

Like any open ear headphones these just sit on your ears rather than in them and loop around you ear to keep a secure fit these also come with an additional neck strap which is similar to other open ear headphones with no loop around the ears so I see what they did there.

These are clean and typical from JBL with a nice clean look and come in two colours so you decide amongst yourselves which suits you best. Unlike their headphones and earbuds the colours are limited but it is the same for all these open ear headphones.

They are secure and comfortable once on either with or without the neck strap so these are ideal for those into fitness, the gym jogging and any sport. Anyone can wear these in fact not just sports folk.

They have simple to use touch controls and and ergonomic design to suit most ears out there and these have an extra pivot point I have not seen yet on other offerings out there having three level adjustment rather than two that most have.

Sound is great here given the open ear design and for most this will be a new experience, they are not as loud as I would like however that is just me but they still deliver on the audio with decent highs lows and mids and testing an all genres they done pretty good, there is video mode too which gives you a better experience for watching movies videos and even gaming where no lag latency was noted nor tinny sounds on full volume.

You will not get the same quality of audio as you would in headphones or earbuds here but these do a great job overall there is no ANC as expected and that is one drawback of these kind of headphones but they also let you hear what else is going on so for cyclists joggers and gym goers they are ideal.

 

JBL Headphone App

 

Product Features:
  • JBL OpenSound technology
  • Enhanced dynamic sound
  • Up to 24 hours of battery life, plus speed charge
  • JBL Headphone App
  • Touch Control
  • Water Resistant
  • IP Code: IP54
  • Charging cable
  • Voice Assistant integration
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Hands Free Call
  • Sweat Proof
  • Speed charge
  • Rechargeable battery

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Video Review

Tech Review – Majority MP3 Player Pro

Majority Audio recently launched the Majority MP3 Pro and we took a first look at it here if you want to check that out before we move along where we took a good tour of the UI and what to expect inside.

As stated in that article it has been a bit since I actually used an MP3 player and I went through some amount of those back in the day, like most if not all we now use our phones to consume music which is fair but for me this is like a dumb phone to an extent as it has taken me away from my phone and all the notions and not listening to my music to its full extent also this has been good for testing earbuds headphones and speakers too along the way.

The build quality is excellent here and it does remind me of how good some MP3 players did look and feel like, this also comes with plenty of on board storage and you can add your own via Micro Sd card which was ideal for me as I had a pile of music stored one from years ago but the album art was out of kilter however all the tracks still in place but then check my old laptop which gave me some more music with album art in most instances which never really bothered me however when you have a display it of course looks aesthetically better than a random image.

This does not look cheap and looks more premium than what you will pay for it with its color screen with buttons on the right side and a navi wheel on the front which at times for me took a while to get use to using being so long since I last used such a device.

The earphones that came with the device are not the greatest in the world but decent and give you great crisp and clear audio however you can connect to your own or even a speaker to really get things going, you can also use the built in speaker on the device but connecting it to a speaker is better but then again if you only want low volume or personal use the speaker is fine you can also use this to record audio on the go which is handy for taking notes they can be done in wav or MP3 files. You can also watch stored movies on this which is kinda cool so if you have any ensure to transfer to your SD card.

When it comes to sound it does a great job but I would also check source of music as many of my songs are on an SD card years old and I think partially corrupted when I added new music it sounded great with my own choice of headphones and earbuds this is not to knoch the earbuds that came with the device which are find for anyone not to hooked up on fantastic audio and the price you pay overall here you should not expect insane quality audio but with decent earbuds you will be fine and it is nice that they gave you earbuds in the first place as they are a dying item now with phones and other products normally shipped with such.

For the price you pay though today you are getting a sound robust quality product with a color screen and many other options not seen on MP3 players and good sound and also a distraction from your mobile phone with the ability to connect to external speakers.

Key Features of the Majority MP3 Pro:

  • 5.0 Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 4hr Charging Time
  • 65GB Internal Storage
  • Compatible with SD cards up to 128GB
  • Earphones included
  • Integrated Speaker
  • Dimensions: 4.2cm x 6.6cm x 1.8cm
  • Weight: 33g

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Video Review

Nike Air 180 (2024) review On-Feet Ireland

Most of my followers know I am an avid trainer collector as well as a phone collector and I do not review shoes at all but the Nike Air 180 (2024) deserve to be mentioned here as there is lots of tech involved this shoe as was back in 1991 designed by Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgroe when they first came out. We have Leon Witherow and his team to thank for the all new version.

For me this was the ultimate training shoe back in the day but was re released back in 2018 when I had all colourways and cost me a small fortune not only that I had the ankle boot and basketball boot versions too and rumor has they are set to return again with this release being long awaited by fans worldwide and they sold out in minutes and I was lucky to get a pair on launch day.

The 2024 edition of the Nike Air 180 was retooled and 3D scanned and Nike had to go back to their archives to get the shoe back to their OG glory unlike the retro models that came out there was some differences with them mainly the Air Bubble unit in the heel which was half the size of the OG unit meaning less cushioned one would think but these shoes had a psi number attached to them. There is also an updated upper shape and an updated 180-degree visible Air unit which from the bottom does not resemble the 1991 model from my recollection.

The 2024 version of the shoe is part of their cult classics and as Nike says The Cult Classics Collection is a carefully curated line-up of iconic releases that transcend time and style. Each pair carries a story of cultural significance, whether it’s from the past or in the future.

These are iconic like the Nike Air Max 90 range which today is still a shoe we see time and time again in lots of new designs and colourways.

The Air 180 shoes back then were so comfortable and excellent for running however I did find they are not TTS ( True to Size) so a half size up was a better fit after having many pairs it was the way to go, in fact there is only a handful of Nike shoes that fit the same way for me.

With this release I find them as before they fit well look great and stand out an are really comfortable to wear but the only thing is keeping these clean and over time the yellowing of the Air unit might become an issue but time will tell.

Overall Nike has done a good job keeping it OG but never gave us the little bit and pieces in the box as before but thankfully I still have them at hand. You can see more of my collection on Instagram.

See some of our other Nike review

New 2024 Air max wallet 

Nike Air Max BW

Nike Air 180 2018

Video Review 

Air 180 concord 2024

 

 

 

 

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Tech Review – Sony WF-C700N earbuds

Sony, a renowned Japanese electronics giant, has maintained its stronghold in the earphones and headphones market, with its division reporting annual sales revenue exceeding $1 billion. The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option that offers key features expected from a premium brand, while also considering sustainability.

Design and Comfort

The earbuds weigh in at a surprisingly light 4.6 g each, thanks to their plastic-type material construction. The case also features the same material, ensuring a lightweight and portable package. The WF-C700N earbuds come in a variety of colours, including Sage Green, White, Black, and Lavender, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences.

Features

 

Features

  •         Waterproof IPX4 rating, protecting against splashes of water, making them ideal for gym use but not suitable for underwater activities
  •         Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for stable and reliable wireless performance
  •         USB-C charging for convenience and compatibility with modern devices
  •         Support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC codecs for immersive and high-quality audio
  •         Frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz for a wide and detailed soundstage

Headset operation features 

Battery:

Sony Headphones Connect App

The Sony Headphones Connect app, with over 10 million downloads and 229,000 reviews, boasts a 4.1 score on the Google Play Store. This app allows users to customise their listening experience by offering a variety of presets to match the genre of music they’re listening to, as well as the option to create their own custom EQ settings. The 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer feature also captures and analyses the user’s ear shape, creating a personalised spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA XR™ TVs.

 

 Warranty and Drawbacks

The 1-year warranty is a disappointment, as I prefer to see longer coverage periods. Additionally, the build quality is noted to be plasticky, which may not appeal to those seeking a premium feel. The  Sony website has lots of information for support but is avoided given the actual warranty details which indicate retailers/regions may offer unique warranties depending on the promotions.

Performance

The WF-C700N earbuds deliver a lively and engaging sound, with good volume and stability. They provide clear vocals, detailed instruments, and a balanced sound profile that prioritises clarity. While the bass may not be as powerful as in more expensive options, it still offers richness and weight.

Overall

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option with an abundance of features These earbuds come with 5mm drivers, active noise cancellation, and a battery life of 7.5 hours with ANC on and 15 hours total with the case. They weigh 4.6g per earbud and have Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, USB-C, and support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC. The frequency range is 20Hz – 20kHz, and they have an IPX4 waterproof rating. The Sony Headphones Connect companion app allows for customisation, including ambient sound control and wind-reduction mics. The multimode option allowing connection to 2 phones Android & iPhone is a bonus which is a must for my requirements while carrying 2 phones on most occasions. The weight of the earphones stands out lighter than expected without compromising on the key features. The standardised USB C cable included is great to see from a premium brand rather than a proprietary cable with a solid app for customisations.

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly noise-cancelling option with good sound quality and a range of features. With their lightweight design, customizable sound profile, and support for advanced audio technologies, these earbuds offer excellent value for money. While the warranty and build quality may not be on par with more expensive models, the WF-C700N earbuds still deliver a satisfying listening experience that is hard to beat in their price range.

https://www.harveynorman.ie/tvs-headphones/headphones/all-headphones/noise-cancelling-headphones/sony-wf-c700n-in-ear-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones-black.html

Video Review

Tech Review – SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Security Camera

The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Cam is one of several home security devices from the company and we have tested their indoor security system recently here which works really well and now we are going outdoors this time around.

Having outdoor security is equally as important as having indoor security in my book especially when you are not at home and having a simple system to set up is even better which SwitchBot is and takes only a few minutes to get up and running.

If you are not sure on how to install onto you wall or facia you can always ask someone else to do it or indeed the whole camera I often have done it myself for some folks which is fine and great to lend a hand.

Once you have the app installed you can then set all the parameters required to suit your needs and start protecting your home there is a myriad of features here on this camera including two way audio and nice loud alarm and a spotlight which gives you a color view at night but also acts as a light if you need to do something and of course there is AI built in to determine what has been spotted.

The app has plenty to toggle with and we go through it all in the video review below to give you an idea, it is best to get an sd card to store footage locally which you can download or view on your smartphone which is hand you can also view from anywhere in the world on your phone and get notifications do you are safe no matter where you are to get notifications should they arise.

I have tested this both on Android and iOS and there is not difference in how the app works and it works really well as does the camera having test other SwitchBot camera this one again yields a really good camera to have at your house and delivers each time on testing and in general and easy to recommend but do check the full video review below for more and what to expect.

Switchbot App

 

Features

  • Features AI Human/Pet Detection: SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera is able to differentiate between human, pet, and other forms of movement to help prevent false alerts. You can also receive smart alerts when motion is detected.
  • Weather Resistant with Great Battery Life: Dust, rain, snow? No problem, whatever the weather our battery operated security camera is made to withstand, and we’ve included a 10,000mAh battery to give you a longer charge life. Also offers an optional SwitchBot solar panel for unlimited power supply(Additional purchase required).
  • 1080P Clear Night-vision: With a built-in infrared sensor and lens you’re now able to get an even clearer picture when recording at night, all in color. There’s also a spotlight that can be activated when movement is detected.
  • Includes Two-way Talk: You can communicate using the built-in mic on our cam and talk to whoever is on the other side, you can even use Alexa or Google Home and use voice commands to check devices like Echo Show (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi only).
  • Local & Cloud Storage Options: You can store video either via a MicroSD card (supports up to 256GB) or via the cloud using our AWS server services to safely backup your footage.

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Video Review

JBL Live Beam 3 First look. Control your music from your earbuds case.

JBL had a Dubin launch event recently and we went along to check out the latest on offer from the brand and there is some really cool tech on offer if you are into your audio and after several demos there is plenty here to keep those ears happy let me tell you.

We have several reviews coming up an if you want to see the coolest earbuds case on the market it has to be this one on the Live beam 3 which we are looking at today. if you have any questions do drop them in the comments and we will gladly answer. Check out the JBL Go4 speaker Tune 770 NC headphones and watch out for more reviews soon.

With three different wearing styles – Buds, Beam and Flex – the JBL Live 3 Earbuds series ensures comfort and flexibility. Equipped with Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly and JBL Signature Sound, the newest true wireless lineup also features Bluetooth 5.3 with LE so users can enjoy stable multipoint connections plus an improved, extended battery life. Available in two new colorways, Black and Silver, the JBL Live TWS 3 lineup offers users both style and durability with an IP55 waterproof rating.

Features

● Smart charging case

● 10mm dynamic driver

● True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with custom controls

● BT 5.3 with LE Audio*

● High-res audio wireless with LDAC

● JBL Spatial Sound

● 6 mics for perfect calls and customized call experience

● IP55 certified waterproof

● Personi-Fi 3.0

● Multipoint connection

● Wireless charging

Up to 40 hours total playtime

10+30H play time (ANC off) with speed charge (10min=4h) via Type-C

The JBL Live 3 Earbuds series are now available on JBL.com for $199.95

 

Unboxing