Tag: tech

First Look – Creative Zen Air wireless earbuds

Creative recently announced their newest earbuds to the world called the Zen Air wireless earbuds and these look impressive for the price your pay with all the features given and access to their app which is not seen often at this price point which only mirrors what I have been saying for some time now with the cost to performance ratio, but how will these sound is what the big question will be so stick around for a full hands on review soon as usual. These are small and light and come in a glossy white case on our review unit and come with ANC and wireless charging so out of the box they tick all the boxes for me and we look forward to testing these out.

Today we take a first look at the new earbuds and as always if you have any questions drop them in the usual places and we will have the answers and we will have our full review soon.

Tune Out the World

Creative Zen Air offers users a better listening experience with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that can help filter out unwanted background noises so users can stay focused – be it at the office during an important conference call or listening to their favorite beats on the go without any interruptions.

With a simple tap of the earbuds, users can easily switch to the Ambient Mode to let just the right amount of surrounding sound in, which works perfectly when running errands or while hiking on a busy trail.

Small but Mighty

The Creative Zen Air weighs next to nothing at merely 46g, but it can deliver a hefty audio punch with 10 mm Neodymium drivers that boast clear high and well-balanced mids to produce high-quality audio performance that greatly exceeds its price point.

It is also fitted with 4 microphones that offer better voice pick-up to ensure clearer communication so users can experience hassle-free and uninterrupted calls anytime, anywhere.

On top of that, the latest true wireless earbuds can offer up to 18 hours of battery life with up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge to meet the user’s every audio need – whether for commuting, exercising or just out for a short errand. For a fuss-free and quick charge, users can simply place the charging case on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Together with Bluetooth® 5.0 connectivity and a certified IPX4 sweatproof rating, the Creative Zen Air ticks all the right boxes to make it the perfect everyday audio companion.

Creative Zen Air is priced at £39.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/ZenAir

Unboxing

Tech Review – DC Comics Superman TWS Wireless Earphones

Superhero branded products always catches peoples eyes and it is not the first time we have tested such here and there is more to come on that front but today we have the OTL technologies Superman themed earbuds and whilst they look good the sound is an important factor to take into account and with the really cheap price point they come in at how do they sound is what people will want to know and we have been testing these for a bit now and it is time to talk about them.

They come well presented in a simple superman themed box and with some extra tips and a USB-C cable to get you going and the case is plastic with a glossy finish but free from attracting fingerprints the overall case does feel light and cheap but remember the price here.

The earbuds design is fine with me and average and they fit really well and snug and will not all out of your ears, these for me are more so aimed at kids but this does not mean anyone else can use them. There is decent isolation of the outside world once fitted with the right tips and you are good to go.

There is no app here which is acceptable for me and again I do think these are aimed at a younger generation and it also keeps the cost down, there is no wireless charging on the case either. Battery life is decent enough and without having ANC and other features that demand some power and 6 hours is acceptable at this price, in my testing around 5hr 30 mins was more accurate.

So with the lack on an App and EQ settings how do they sound and what controls have we got. You can skip and reverse, play/pause a track, answer/reject phone calls or activate voice assistant and there is also volume control. So it is a simple affair and simple to use.

Overall the sound was on the deep side with bass and doable but for a child or teenager they are fine there was no distortion at max volume and do a decent all round job, you might want a third part EQ to try get a better balance for your if you are an older person but for kids these are fine, anyone that is older perhaps expecting more out them when it comes to customising may look elsewhere.

Specs

Bluetooth version: 5.0
Bluetooth chipset: JL6973
Frequency range: 2.4-2.48GHz
Transmission distance: up to 10m
Frequency response: 20-20kHz
Playing time: up to 6 hrs
Battery capacity: 30mAh/side *2
Box capacity: 350mAh
Charing times: 3 times around
charging time for earbuds: approx 1.5 hrs
charging time for box: approx. 1.5 hrs
Standby time: up to 180hrs

Available at gamestop amazon DID electrical and more.

Video Review

How To Make Money From Video Games

Many people of all ages like to spend their free time playing video games. When you can also earn on it https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/digital-media/video-games/worldwide, it is many times more enjoyable and adds motivation. Many players are not only able to dream but to turn fantasies into reality. With good skills, an understanding of the games, and a responsible approach, a certain profit will be obtained after a while. Some users in the gaming industry earn incomes that are 2, 3, or more times higher than the average salaries in the country.

What Should You Do in the Video Game Industry?

Many people who are unfamiliar with the video game industry tend to underestimate it. This industry is dynamically developing and growing, there is a turnover of very large sums of money. Many gamblers successfully combine business with pleasure, spending time on their favorite games, and choosing the best payout casino, while receiving a good deal of money. The advantages include:

  • a wide range of options for earning money;
  • an occupation that you like;
  • the possibility of changing careers at any time;
  • with the right skill and luck you can become a millionaire;
  • work from any location in the world subject to access to the Internet.

It should be understood that in this area there is also quite a lot of competition. Therefore it will be necessary to work with full dedication. For example, 7bit casino slots will help bring the participant a good income.

Profit Opportunities in the Video Game Industry

If you haven’t delved into the ways of making money in the games industry, you might think there aren’t very many. In fact, their number exceeds all expectations. Let us review the most popular of them.

Cynersports This is an option that requires a lot of effort but it’s very lucrative. Even if they have reached an intermediate level, cyber athletes can already count on a monthly salary of $5,000 to $7,000. If you take prizes in tournaments, this amount increases. Cybersport is actively developing and the number of fans is constantly growing.

Getting into a team of eSports athletes is not easy. You will have to constantly train and improve your gaming skills. If you manage to position yourself well, there is a chance to get into one of the cyber league teams. 
Bets Athletes who excel in the gaming industry can expect to excel in other areas. GS:GO players, for example, show a very good reaction time. In this indicator, they have better results than professional athletes in other disciplines.

Therefore, they can earn not only on video games but also in the betting industry. Knowing cybersports well from the inside, they can predict the outcome of most competitions and make good profits.
Trading If you are interested not only in making a profit but also in taking an active part in these processes, then trading will be a great option. Passing through such video games as Dota 2 and CS:GO involves obtaining various valuable items, resources, and skins. Often in the course of the game, they are obtained for free, and later you can sell them to other players. These items can only be obtained by prolonged gameplay. Usually, beginners prefer to buy the necessary things and items for real money as they do not want to spend a lot of time.
Streaming This is quite an interesting and widespread option, which requires a small investment. It is necessary to purchase equipment for broadcasting quality videos. The popularity of video bloggers is starting to decline, while at the same time the audience of streamers and viewers is growing. During the stream, you can show your audience the game in real-time. Streaming is available on online platforms familiar to all users – YouTube, Twitch, and GoodGame.

If you get an audience and become popular, you can count on a good income. Having a certain amount of charisma and humor, it is realistic to attract the attention of viewers. Making a profit is possible through donations from their subscribers. Also, by becoming known among the audience, you can pump up social networks, broadcast ads, and find sponsors.
Training Good players who have reached a certain level and regalia can always engage in teaching newcomers. It is clear that it will be conducted only for a particular video game. However, if it is popular, then to improving the skills and learning certain secrets from the wizard will be of interest to a lot of players. Thanks to the training, students correct their mistakes in the game and work out the correct strategies. Many gamers who have undergone training, later became professionals and got into cybersports teams.

According to SmartGuide’s analytics, coaches get quite a lot of money. However, you need to have a good experience in the game. If you do not have a name in cybersports, it is quite difficult to get such a job.
Account upgrade (drivers) Having certain skills, you can pump user accounts. Most often it is necessary for such games as MMORPG, in some famous projects, including “Fight Club”, “Legacy of Dragons,” and others. “Drivers receive a quite large remuneration for such work. Players also invest in order to maximize the promotion of their main account. The owner himself goes into it from time to time to launch a game. The rest of the time a “driver” works on it, developing and upgrading it.
A support person at a game development company Just like in other industries, a manufacturer needs customer support. Therefore, users are given the opportunity to work in the area of interest to them. The salary of such employees is quite high. Also, large companies are engaged in hiring game administrators. He conducts games with other gamers, and provides support in chat competitions. Blizzard can serve as an example. The level of pay for the work largely depends on the skills and communication skills of the employee.
Selling goods with a video game theme A very promising way to earn money is to engage in the production and sale of products with a game theme. This can be clothing, souvenirs, tableware, stickers, magnets, etc. Profits in such work depend only on your ability to sell. By understanding the marketing, and making the right advertising, you can get a fairly large monthly income.

Everyone chooses which way of making a profit suits him best.

Summarizing

With some experience in video games https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game, it is quite realistic to succeed in any of the above options and make a profit. It is necessary to look at the experience of those users who have already been able to achieve results in this sphere. It is good if you don’t get hung up, and try to make money from several sources.

 

Tech Review – CASEKOO Mag Clear Case for iPhone 14 pro

The CASEKOO mag clear case is a nice clear case which is one of many options available from the brand, however this company offers some more for your more for money and is aimed at the younger owners perhaps as with your purchase you get two sets of Pandakoo stickers thrown in which I have not seen before with any case manufacturer so this could be something you could look at or if you are passing down the phone later on to one of your kids.

Magsafe compatible this case has all the needs you require to keep your iPhone protected and can be paced face or back down and no damage will come to the lens area or screen on a flat surface, all ports are accessible and you also get extra grip on the phone too which is great.. For a closer look, we recommend checking out the social media profiles of Ben Schmanke and Randy Earnhardt.

With the addition of the sticker packs you can get creative too if you like or just keep your phone clear and use the stickers elsewhere and is a nice touch to have those included, overall the case for me is robust and will keep your phone safe and check out the video below for more and where to buy and check out their full range of accessories.

Features

  • [Strong Magnet]:Stronger, Safer and Faster charging. The Magnetic is same like for original apple, MagPrime array and strong N52SH magnets make this iPhone 14 Pro Case be No.1 magnetic, its magnetic attraction reaches 2600 gf, which is almost 7X stronger than ordinary. Magnets make for iPhone 14 Pro Case be No.1 magnetic.
  • [Crystal Clear & Not Yellowing]: Clear Case for iPhone 14 Pro released in 2022, Crystal transparency shows off the brilliant colored finish for iPhone 14 pro, precise cut-out holes allow all the functional ports easily accessible.
  • [Military Grade Drop Protection]:There are camera lens protective lips raised 3.53mm on the back that prevent the screen and camera from drops & scratches and provide extra careful protection
  • [Slim Design & Comfort Grip] :The 14 Pro Cover minimal bulkiness for max protection designed for iPhone 14 Pro 6.1 Inch fits into your pockets effortlessly and makes using one hand easy. The processed TPU bumper provides a secure non-slip grip designed for texting, gaming, and taking selfies.
  • [Easy to Install]:It is very easy to install and remove and can be done in a few seconds.

BUY

Video Review

Pro Audio vs. Consumer Audio Systems – Are There Differences Besides Marketing?

Some industries use devices that differentiate between pro and amateur options. For instance, nobody with a consumer camera would consider it on par with a professional camera used in Hollywood, which can set you back a 6-digit number.

However, Audio systems are a bit hazier. After all, they emit sound, so how can you know something is “professional” or “consumer” oriented? What are the differences anyway? We’ll delve into detail in this article.

Different Requirements

Sound is difficult to assess because it’s not visible, unlike video. And sometimes it’s a matter of personal preferences whether something sounds “good” or “bad”. Proof of this is music genres and artists. Some might be terrible for certain people while great for others.

As such, professionals must ensure specific parameters so their work is top-notch. Consumers would get something that sounds good enough. They would prefer to use their extra time for activities like playing in an online casino like casino777 or watching TV.

A key difference between audio systems geared toward professionals vs consumers is the data offered in their manuals. For example, parameters such as 

frequency response, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, impedance and much more are found in any professional audio device. 

More of Everything

Many devices in pro audio have no market in mainstream consumerism. For example, mixing consoles, PA systems, power amplifiers and other equipment make no sense for installing in home theatres or for stereo music at home.

But even then, some shared components include microphones and loudspeakers. What are the differences between pro and amateur equipment, then, besides the price tag and that the manual has more info?

We won’t delve into much detail, but loudspeakers need to be precisely sized, have acoustic isolation, and offer top-notch electronics inside. They have premium materials for the cone and transducer to offer the best possible sound transmission. Also, many professional loudspeakers don’t even have a volume knob since it’s no use in certain studio situations.

As you can see, pro gear is tailored to the needs of the professional, which generally means superior audio and a lack of end-user features. Another important consideration is that professional audio is generally meant to be used in rooms with special acoustics, while consumer audio isn’t.

What Do Differences Feel Like?

Some audio enthusiasts get surprised when they hear pro audio equipment for the first time. Many times, microphones and loudspeakers sound “bland” or lack crispness. But quite the opposite is true.

Consumer equipment is often “embellished”, meaning sounds you hear aren’t like reality. Professional audio tries to keep sound as natural as possible, so the audio engineer can know precisely how something sounds and what they need to do about it.

Summing Up

Even though they’re similar, professional and consumer audio are worlds apart. Surprisingly, regular consumers will have certain disadvantages from purchasing professional audio equipment, such as fewer features. 

However, anyone interested in superior, real-life sound quality will be better off with pro equipment. The only extra needed is the necessary knowledge to take advantage of it.

Cracked Cameras and Slow Charging: Is The Pixel 7 Faulty?

Since its launch in November, Google Pixel 7 has been a solid compromise between affordability and good performance. However, many customers have reported issues that appear within the first months of use. Some reviewers have already noticed a few pinpoints, such as slow charging issues, and others have noticed that the camera’s glass would shatter for no reason.

It’s normal for a new product to encounter a few minor problems, but critics regarding the Pixel 7 are piling up. Is the Pixel 7 generally faulty, and is Google good enough at repairing these issues? Here’s a cautionary tale or two about the new brand flagship.

Shuttering Cameras Experienced By Some Users

Don’t get us wrong: the Pixel 7 is a lovely phone with enough performance to compete with the best Samsung and iPhone on the market. First, we enjoy its elegant and sober design and its fast responsiveness. Second, we enjoy the ability it gives you to multitask as you can place a phone call, play some online casino games from betFIRST and watch a Youtube video on its very decent-sized screen.

Nonetheless, a handful of users from different places have noticed that the glass or their camera shattered for no reason. Witnesses’ accounts are always similar. They all had a protective case, never dropped it on the floor, and the glass exploded after just a few months of use.

 

This particular issue could cause a significant hazard as the glass is sharp enough to cause damage. When confronted about this, Google’s customer service doesn’t help to find a cause and doesn’t give a refund. Some users reported that repairing this issue would cost 200 to 300 $ at their local phone repair shop.

Agreed, this is a bit concerning for a 600£ handset. Google still has to investigate that matter, which recently appeared among users. A similar issue happened to Samsung phones two years ago.

Slow Charging And Connectivity Issues

Another disappointment with the Pixel 7 is the slow charging speed of the device. Users have noticed that it can take up to one hour and a half for a full charge. Nowadays, customers expect ultra-fast charging speed, and the performances of the device need to be better. To add insult to injury, no charger is sold with the phone. It costs more than 25£ in phone shops.

People that enjoy using wireless chargers are also out of luck, as the Pixel 7 doesn’t seem to have the necessary power to support these gadgets.

As the slow charging speed is a general issue, it is up to Google to find a solution, but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of some customers due to the hefty price tag of the phone.

Other issues include connectivity problems and phone calls that end within a few seconds. Many users have experienced these problems, but it might be due to poor phone coverage.

The Pixel 7 has other minor problems, such as issues with the fingerprint scanner and scrolling. However, Google quickly acknowledged these shortcomings and is willing to work on them regularly. If you’re experiencing these issues, don’t hesitate to check websites like Android Authority to know how to fix them.

Tech Review – EMEET Meeting Capsule 360° Video Conference Camera with 8 Mics, Hi-Fi Speaker

When it comes to working from home or the office conference calls can be part of the daily routine and it happens quite often here with myself and having the right tools is essential to do the job at hand but how many tools do you need to get the job done, you could look at this as an all in one package though by looking at it you might not see how it works and this is what makes this piece of kit something different and quite unique and it is pretty cool too.

We have tested many conference kits here and this is the latest offering from the company who strive to give us good products at affordable prices and we use some of their kit still today and they work really well which is something to take note of.

The product itself is super robust and perhaps bigger than one would be use to having at home but maybe no the case in an office environment, it is simple to use with a remote control that is also simple to use and has all the buttons down one side of the device where there is LED status lights on the opposite site and then up top is where the magic happens the 360 degree panoramic HD camera that can be also turned off and muted like the audio when not in use.

OK so how does this work, well there is plenty of AI here involved which is pretty cool and it is a simple set-up and works cross platform and you can download some additional software if you like but there is no need to it is a plug and play product which what people like to see with no hassle to get moving. You have one cable to connect to your PC it will not work with a mobile phone  nor can you ad and external mic and you have on power cable for the device itself so it is not one of those systems that have wires for each individual at the table or product to match.

There is a cool speaker built in too which you can use during the conference calls etc or just even as a personal speaker and it has a good sound with some nice bass built in.

There is 5 modes of use here which covers all aspects.

1. Collaboration Mode

Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s collaboration mode, all attendees’ 360° panoramic picture and main 1-3 speaker’ split screens will be shown on the same screen simultaneously. In the split screen, one speaker will be tracked and displayed, and when she/he isn’t talking anymore, she/he will be removed from the screen, ensuring the new speaker becomes the next on-screen speaker. By using this mode, all participants concentrate on not only the speakers but also the listeners.2. Speech Mode

2. Speech Mode

Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s speech mode, all attendees’ 360° panorama picture and only 1 speaker’s split slide will be displayed at the same time on the screen. If the former speaker stops talking, the device will automatically center on the latter speaker. Besides, the image can be adjusted via the remote control. In a speech occasion, the conference room webcam is the best choice to deliver the speaker’s expression content.

3. Classic Mode

Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s classic mode, people in front of the 180° wide-angle device will be shown in a non-split screen. For a stabler and clearer image, the AI capturing tech is closed here. The webcam with remote control can be used to adjust the image and degree. The classic mode’s FOV (Field of View) is 180/120/60 degrees, being able to be adjusted by the remote control. The conference webcam is great for medium to large meetings.

4. Spotlight Mode

Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s spotlight mode, the conference webcam becomes a personal video conference camera, which means you can choose the part you would like to show on the non-split screen. Auto capturing tech is forbidden here for a high-definition imaging. Both remote control and eMeetLink can be used to change the FOV between 60-95 degree. You are the only one who enjoys the 3 in 1 smart video conference system in the spotlight mode.

5. In-privacy Mode

Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s privacy mode, you will enjoy both electronic privacy and physical privacy. To cut off the image transmission, the electronic 360 webcam flips the lens to 0° and the whole physical cap turns to 0°. Meanwhile, the microphone will quit picking up voice immediately. However, the 10W HIFI speaker continues to work to deliver the other side’s voice. Privacy mode is frequently used during your side’s negotiation and decision time.

Overall this is a one stop shop with less cables cameras and more for that important conference meeting be it at home or in the office and it is simple to set up and get going meaning a clutter free environment and excellent quality meetings. The cohe st might be an issue for some here but when you think about it one product can do the work of multiple here and for me this is a win and from testing with personal work meetings and so on the people at the other end agree.

Features

  • Includes everyone: 360° panoramic 1080P HD camera, 8 mics and 90dB Hi-Fi speaker.
  • AI-powered autofocus: Intelligent multi-modal algorithm autofocuses on active talkers responsively.
  • 5 video modes: Swivel lens with 5 video modes on your command for various scenarios.
  • Optimized voice pickup: Exclusive VoiceIA® DSP algorithm features noise reduction, human voice enhancement and full duplex.
  • Plug and play: Launch meetings instantly without the need for cell phones or WI-FI.
  • Smart coverage: Extend coverage from 18ft to 36ft when daisy chained with our signature speakerphone M3.

BUY

Video Review

Urbanista launches the Urbanista Atlanta true wireless earbuds

Find your rhythm with Urbanista Atlanta, advanced true wireless earphones for total music listening with deep bass and detailed sound. Atlanta’s active noise cancelling technology delivers a powerful and precise audio experience that you can enjoy for hours, and the earphones’ noise-reducing triple microphones make sure you can take calls in crystal clear sound in any environment. With up to 8 hours of playtime per charge and a charging case holding three additional charges, Atlanta provides the energy you need to own the day, all day.

The Urbanista Atlanta, advanced true wireless earphones for total music listening with hybrid active noise cancelling and multipoint connection for up to two devices which in today’s world is one of the latest key features required for people on the go and work on multiple devices be it at home or in the office.

The Urbanista Atlanta is available in 4 stylish colors, expressing the vibrant style of their iconic namesake.

 

KEY FEATURES

Playtime 8 hours
34 hours total playtime
Hybrid active noise cancelling
Transparency mode
Microphone noise reduction
Automatic play/pause
Multipoint connection
Touch controls
Voice assistant support
Wireless charging
IPX4 water resistant (earphones)
USB Type-C charging
App support

BUY

 

 

 

Test Your Mettle with HOOK’s Exhilarating New Sailing, and Foiling Sim Hydrofoil Generation

Indie publishing label HOOK is thrilled to announce a publishing deal to bring the exciting and realistic sailing and foiling simulator Hydrofoil Generation to PC via Steam Early Access in early 2023. Developed by Jaxx Vane Studio, Hydrofoil Generation is a passion project from Stefano “kunos” Casillo co-founder of Kunos Simulazioni, the globally acclaimed studio behind the racing simulation masterpiece Assetto Corsa, and is an exciting and accurate first-person simulation of multiplayer “in-shore” regattas.

“I was amazed the first time I saw hydrofoil boats racing in real life, and I immediately fell in love with the experience”, commented Stefano Casillo “With my experience working with Assetto Corsa, I wanted to replicate hydrofoil racing in a game for simulation fans to enjoy.”

 

Hydrofoil Generation puts you at the helm of state-of-the-art sailing craft, modelled with unprecedented accuracy to replicate the exhilarating experience of ‘flying’ over the water at speeds over 50kn. Take control of your vessel and fine-tune the sailing mechanics of your foils to reduce drag and increase your speed. Customise your craft to overcome the demands of the changing winds, sea conditions and currents as you compete against up to 10 opponents in thrilling multiplayer racers in exciting locations such as Den Haag, Hong Kong and Bermuda. Thanks to Hydrofoil Generation’s demanding and realistic simulator mechanics, the fine line between speed and capsizing is a continual threat and will not only push your sailing skills but your vessel to the very limit.

Features:

  • Realistic sailing and foiling simulator
  • Choose from a range of vessels including the 40ft modern foiling monohull Jx40 and the 50ft modern catamaran Jx50
  • Created by Stefano “kunos” Casillo former co-founder of Kunos Simulazioni
  • Real regatta fields with coastlines carefully recreated
  • Vessel customisation system
  • Compete against 10 opponents in multiplayer racing sessions

Hydrofoil Generation will launch PC via Steam Early Access in early 2023 and can be added to your Steam Wishlist now. Follow the game on the HOOK official social channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HOOKcrew

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/jZUUaZkUGP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOOKcrew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookcrew_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hookcrew