Edifier recently announced their all new true wireless earbuds the TWS NB with ANC and they have just landed here in house, Also recently announced was their new range of colours in their TWS1 which we also have and stay tuned for a review on both soon.
The latest TWS NB are offering their latest technology including ANC which will be interesting to check out too alongside aptx and ambient mode so I look forward to checking these out of the next few weeks, if you have any questions in the interim feel free to ask.
Main Features:
Advanced ANC Technology. Industry-leading Feed-Forward Active Noise Cancellation technology from AMS that offers you true freedom from background noise with enhanced audio quality.
Superior Sound Quality. Φ13mm large graphene diaphragm delivers a much deeper and punchy bass with the rich details of sound reserved, which makes TWS NB be distinguished from others.
Up to 33-Hour of Playback. Enjoy up to 5-hour ANC playback and 15 hours with the charging case, thanks to Qualcomm’s ultra-low-power architecture. With ANC off, you can enjoy 33-hour playtime.
Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm CVC and aptX Technology: Enjoy fast transmission and clear calls within 10m(33ft), thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX audio and Laser Direct Structuring antenna.
Ambient Sound Mode: ANC technology gets you fully immersed in the music, while ambient sound mode keeps you informed from the outside world. (Note: Control it by the button or “Edifier Connect” app)
Over the last few months we have been using the Jabra Elite 75t which for me have been the best true wireless that i have tested from countless pairs of true wireless that has passed through our review table, Jabra have a new player in town called the Elite Active 75t which I look forward to checking out over the coming weeks and will have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy music during this current crisis.
The Elite active look much the same as the originals but come in a matt finish case in the navy colour we have here so over the next while we will be checking these out and if you have questions feel free to ask away here or on our social channels in the interim. These come with the usual features you would expect from Jabra with an IP57 rating 7.5 hours use and up to 28 hours with the case, USB -C charging and fast charge, Bluetooth 5.0 HearThrough and 4 mics, Not only that you have their fantastic Sound Plus app to tune these to your needs which is one of the best Apps out there.
Otterbox have sent us over some products to check out which includes their super tough powerbank and some cables which simply beat most others out there due to their construction and also some cases but more on those at another time.
The powerbank is a solid block with what looks like the 21:9 aspect ratio which we now see in many phones today and is built like a tank with ports that are covered with a flap and textured edges and this is a 10,000 mAh which is more than enough for one person but three people can share this with its port availability making it a piece ideal for travel or going to festivals to keep you powered up on the go and knowing you have a solid piece that is built to last. This can be also got in a 20,000 mAh version too.. The top of the unit has a textured finish too and you also get some status LED lights to let you know how much juice you have left which is nice..
Car charger are available all over the place but what I find is they are rubbish and fall apart after a few weeks or less due to the crap build quality with either the springs going or the ends falling off, this will not be the case here with this product and just like any other Otterbox product it is built to last,this offers USB A and USB-C charging which again can be used to charge to products on the go in your vehicle which saves you ports too..
USB-C to Lightning Cable 2 meter and Lightning Connector to USB Cable
Just like car chargers there is an abundance on offer in Euro shops and garages out there that always come in cheap and from any I have tried they are not worth the money and do not last and do offer a fire risk the cable is week and the ends typically wear down or just break off and thats it you are done, the saying is true “buy cheap buy twice” these cables are built to last and are constructed very well especially at the ends where most problems begin and these will last,these are also compatible with your car charger above and the wireless charging power bank too. With this range of cables you are sure to have power where and when you need it with knowing the cable will not fail your or get damaged easily.
Some might find such cables expensive but you have to pay to play and have the best equipment to ensure you are guaranteed a non failure when it comes to charging up your devices be it at home in the office or on the go.
Rugged and designed for long-term use, the Apple USB-C to Lightning cable from OtterBox features an extended strain relief at that notorious weak spot where the cable and connector attach. It charges at 3.0 AMPs and its braided nylon avoids tangling itself into knots. Pick from 1-meter and 2-meter lengths to upgrade your charging experience with the cable that’s made to last.
Charge up your iPhone or iPad with this ultrafast OtterBox Lightning Connector to USB-A cable, made robust for long-term durability.
When it comes to watches I am a bit of a collector along with my phones and other things but now I am more focused on technology products I do own several smartwatches or hybrids and it is nice to have the option to switch over, But I am one to keep wearing the latest on offer and when you look back you can see how things progress from the past when it comes to features and more.
The Withings Move is no different here than any other watch but does stand out and looks really nice and minimalist looking yet people ask me what does it actually do compared to others you have had.. This is because there is no actual digital display or anything to give it away that it is a much more capable watch despite on how it looks.
The box is a familiar sight and so is the watch and if you cast your mind back to the Nokia Steel which is still own and again like before it looks minimalist thought this time around the packaging is more eco friendly which many companies are headed now which is a good thing considering the climate change issue we have and it does need to be addressed..
The build is quite good and should last some years, I have my Nokia Steel still and it is as new but this has a plastic face and this happened which is not great and to note my previous versions have not a mark on them and this would annoy anyone, down to clumsiness perhaps but a light scratch off a bench……..These things happen in life..
Looking at the watch as a timepeice it just tells the time and little else bar your progress level,there is no option at all to see it in the dark as mentioned in my Nokia steel review the tips on the hands should be illuminated at least. In comparison to the WITHINGS MULTI SPORT which I love,this has something to look at with a window on top offering information on the fly and can be used to get information on notifications and calls etc but this is the cheaper model so you have to consider this but coming from the higher end model down to this you do miss the information on screen..
Battery life on this is excellent,One thing that puts me off smartwatches is having to charge every night and this is not the case here, In fact the battery life at times has excelled past the claim time on several occasions but this could down to my personal use I take my watch off at night and leave it off most weekends as I wind down from technology but not for the first few weeks testing this so for me the battery is stellar.
Whilst the watch itself may lack in the looks department for some it is the app that is where you get all the information at hand,the app has not changed much is simple to use and understand and also customise at the same time making it s fluid experience. The watch does more than you might think via the app tracking multiple sports and more
The App
1 / 13
Having a companion device for some is a bit much but this is different and cost effective keeping tabs on your activities and compared to others out there this is on the cheap side if you are looking to get into having a companion device, On the face of it the watch as mentioned does not look like it does much and to the general concerning eye they would ask what can this do that a normal watch cant but tell the time it is what you get via the app with all the vital information.
Honestly I like watches with something more going on with the face but having said that I do have a collection of minimalist watches too that just look good even if they just tell the time yet there is more to this when you can have some kind of physical action with it to take your pulse for example by squeezing each side of the watch you can take your ECG which is neat and takes just 30 seconds to get a reading, Now when have you seen that as a feature on a watch that looks like it does nothing Also you can take your Pulse using the phones camera too which is also neat.
Overall if you want an affordable companion device this that will not break the bank this is one to look at for sure and it comes in two colours and a choice of strap colours and offers more than one might think with great extras,thought more so app focused if you are new to such it looks good and minimalist but offers great value and is highly accurate bar the sleep tracking which I found giving random results though I am not a good sleeper anyway this is what you need, It will automatically track walking, running, swimming and detects 30+ activities, plus workout mode, stair climbing & connected GPS Automatically tracks walk, run, swim and biking. You get plenty for your money here whilst depending on how you like how your watch looks it looks good on you too..
The new PTZ310N and PTZ330N models feature NewTek’s NDI® video standard integration that enables the cameras to communicate, deliver and receive high quality content with low latency, which is also frame-accurate and suitable for switching in a live production environment.
The NDI® standard enables seamless interaction between various control systems and AVer Europe’s camera hardware for capturing and livestreaming. Users can create robust IP workflows throughout all components of their production setup via one cable rather than having to wire every video or audio source directly into an SDI router, saving significant time and money through increased efficiency.
This new functionality combined with the powerful zoom, smooth movement and high-quality imaging offered by AVer Europe’s PTZ cameras, enables higher education institutions to capture classroom lectures and broadcast events such as Ted Talks or graduation ceremonies. The cameras also facilitate coverage of major awards, press conferences and tradeshows in business.
“This upgrade for the PTZ310N and PTZ330N enables users to access a new range of event capturing and livestreaming capabilities within both education and business,” explains Rene Buhay, AVer Europe Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By integrating NDI HX2 with our existing advanced features in our PTZ range, we are improving Pro AV processes for content producers all over the world.”
The PTZ310N and PTZ330N from AVer Europe feature a powerful autofocus that maintains vivid, 1080p/60fps imaging quality in virtually any lighting environment. In addition to a 12X/30X optical zoom, the cameras offer precise, steady pan/tilt movements as small as 0.1° per step.
With built-in smart functions, AVer Europe’s newly upgraded cameras use facial recognition to adjust the field of view and can automatically track presenters through pre-set frames, eliminating the need for a camera operator.
AVer Europe’s PTZ cameras are available with a year’s warranty at PTZ310N MSRP £1699 exc. VAT and PTZ330N MSRP £2399 exc. VAT. For more information, please visit www.avereurope.com.
Edifier® International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces the TWS NB True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds.
The Edifier TWS NB Earbuds feature Industry-leading Feed-Forward Active Noise Cancellation from AMS to give users a fully noise-free, immersive listening experience, as well as exceptional sound quality.
The TWS NB has an extremely high standard for acoustic components and brings over-ear noise cancelling headphone technology to a mini, truly wireless earphone package. The large graphene diaphragm delivers a much deeper and punchy bass with the rich details of sound reserved, which distinguishes the TWS NB from other noise cancelling headphones on the market. With extensive testing, all components of the earphones are certified to block medium to low environmental frequencies while giving the user a completely balanced sound with no outside interruptions. Use Ambient mode if you still want to be aware if people are talking to you etc
“There is an ever-growing need for premium quality audio devices, but we wanted to be able to provide this at an affordable cost,” said Stanley, Edifier’s CTO. “We are bringing our users the unmatched audio experience and noise cancelling capabilities of traditional, over-ear headphones, in a more convenient and travel friendly package. Now, great audio can be with you wherever you go without taking up too much space.”
Thanks to the Qualcomm low power-consumption chipset you can enjoy up to 5-hour ANC playback and 15 hours with the charging case. With ANC off, 33-hour playtime is available in total between battery charges. The TWS NB also utilizes lightning-fast charging, which allows your device to be fully charged in one hour. There is also a USB Type-C cable included which makes the charging of the case easy and convenient.
Edifier don’t believe in sacrificing aesthetics for sound quality. The TWS NB earbuds have been created with a metallic finish and a classic design and the earbuds themselves are also scratch-resistant to ensure they stay sleek. The anodization processed fade-resistant aluminium charging case also makes a strong statement. With the seamless and sleek design of the earbuds and charging case, comfort, style and great technology are at the user’s disposal.
Main Features:
Advanced ANC Technology. Industry-leading Feed-Forward Active Noise Cancellation technology from AMS that offers you true freedom from background noise with enhanced audio quality.
Superior Sound Quality. Φ13mm large graphene diaphragm delivers a much deeper and punchy bass with the rich details of sound reserved, which makes TWS NB be distinguished from others.
Up to 33-Hour of Playback. Enjoy up to 5-hour ANC playback and 15 hours with the charging case, thanks to Qualcomm’s ultra-low-power architecture. With ANC off, you can enjoy 33-hour playtime.
Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm CVC and aptX Technology: Enjoy fast transmission and clear calls within 10m(33ft), thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX audio and Laser Direct Structuring antenna.
Ambient Sound Mode: ANC technology gets you fully immersed in the music, while ambient sound mode keeps you informed from the outside world. (Note: Control it by the button or “Edifier Connect” app)
Price & Availability:
The Edifier TWS NB is available at £99.99 from Amazon:
Review by Liam Burke. The Tapo C200 is indoor security/monitoring camera from TP-Link. During my review I mainly used as Pet camera could be used as baby monitor or home security monitor also. In the box, you get Tapo Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera, Standard UK Plug with 3 metre cable, Quick Start Guide, Mounting Screws and a Mounting Plate The built-in speaker and power connection are at the rear of the camera.
The Microsd slot is located underneath the camera lens alongside the reset button (No Microsd included) On the base of the camera there is 3 soft rubber feet which give it some grip when placed on a surface.Using the mounting plate you could mount it on a wall/ceiling but I just placed mine on my kitchen counter, it’s a pity more companies don’t include a mounting guide.
Configuring the Camera
Using the Tapo App (available from Goolge Play Store or iOS) setting up the camera app was very straightforward. First sign-in to your Tp-Link account
You will be prompted to connect to a wifi network that the Tapo C200 will create for the initial connection, then you will get prompted to select the wifi network of your home that you want your Tapo to connect to and its Wi-Fi password.
Finally, there’s an option to name your Tapo C200 device and give it a nice looking icon for it. And that’s it! Your all set.The Tapo app is very straight forward and all the main features for the camera are easily accessible when you select your camera.
In the above screenshot the main options are clearly laid out like changing video settings from HQ/LQ video Auto (Day/Night Mode) and the Main Settings Menu.If you have multiple Tapos you can view them all on one screen at the same time. From the main screen if your viewing the stream you can take a picture or Start/Stop a recording, or make the picture fullscreen.
Other features are
*One way talk
Allows one way communication from your phone to the camera’s speaker, handy mode if you want to talk to a baby or a miss behaving pet.
*Pan and tilt
I found it very responsive it has a good range of motion (360 Degree Rotational Views, 114 degree Vertical range) The apps has some modes of rotation, horizontal/vertical pan and mark a position that you can quickly return to.
Privacy button
To easily stop the recording functions of the camera.
*Switch Alerts on/off
Allows the user to disable/enable audio alerts on the camera’s speaker
*Playback and memory
This shows you what you have recorded and also the videos/pictures that you have saved.
Voice Call
Allows you to make a two way “normal” call to the Tapo from your device.
Camera Settings Menu
In the Settings menu you have plenty of options to configure the Tapo C200.
You can rename the camera, see what wifi network that your connected to and view signal strength. It would be nice if you could connect to a 5Ghz wifi but only 2.4Ghz is supported. Also there is an options to check for Firmware updates
Location will give you nice icon to show where the camera is located
Video Rotation, if you place the camera on a ceiling and you want to flip the images to that it appears the correct way up in the app.
LED. Option to disable/enable the LED.
Detection & Alerts, alerts are audio prompts that will use the cameras speaker.I have the Tapo set to Motion Detection for me, as I only want to record when the camera detects motion. It records in 1080p and Night vision up to 30ft and I found the quality of night time images quiet good.
“Notifications”, I disabled this as my pet as always setting of a recording then I would get notification, if you were using the camera as a security camera I would keep it enabled.
“Camera Alert” The camera will make an audio alert that it has detected motion, I had this disabled as I didn’t want the camera to make audio notification but if you setup a schedule it would be good security feature to enable. Even if you have pets you can select a certain area to check for motion
SD Card, I had issues with my 128GB Microsd card, the app should make it a bit more obvious that it has to format a Microsd card for the camera to use it. When I first inserted the card the camera said it had problems with the card. To resolve this you need to select the Format option in the settings menu and then you should be good to use your existing Microsd card (from the TP-Link website 128 GB on a microSD card, equal to 384 hours (16 days) of footage)
The Edit Schedule settings allows you to define periods when you want to record/not to record.
On-screen Display, essentially allows you to inserts a timestamp and or customer text on your recording.
If you want to integrate with your Smart device I was easily able to get it to work with Alexa by using the Tapo Skill.
Image of the camera on the Amazon Echo Show 5, “Alexa show Kitchen”
If you looking for a security/indoor monitoring camera without a paid for cloud subscription that has excellent video quality it would be hard to beat the Tapo C200.
This is a smart plug that allows the option to Instantly turn connected devices on/off via the Tapo app. This is set up via the phone / Google assistant or Amazon Alexa with No Hub Required.
Key Features:
Remote Control – Instantly turn connected devices on/off wherever you are through the Tapo app
Schedule – Pre-set a schedule to automatically manage devices
Timer – Create countdown timer lists for connected electronics
Voice Control – Manage your smart plug with voice commandsvia Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant
Away Mode – Simulates someone being at home by automatically turning the connected devices on/off randomly
Compact Design – Mini-sized to avoid blocking adjacent sockets
Easy Setup and Use – No hub required, set up quickly and manage easily via the free app
Setup:
The setup is made easy by scanning the QR code on the box and following the app instructions. This app requires you to register and install a new ‘Tapo’ app which is another App to be used on the phone. The setup for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for Voice Control is more challenging as it requires linking accounts with as limited instruction on either app for the setup. This model is not Kasa compatible as other TP links,
Overall the unit is reasonably priced from a recognised brand that works as required with a variety of options that can be used for scheduling to turn the socket on or off from any location. It may be worth getting a set of the same brand of kit to prevent having multiple apps on the phone. This unit worked well without breaking the bank.
Creative Technology has boosted its PC gaming audio range with the release of Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus, an enhanced version of the original Sound BlasterX AE-5 boasting more surround sound features aimed at enhancing the audio experience for die hard PC gamers.
The celebrated Sound BlasterX AE-5 was a double CES 2018 Innovation Awards honoree in ‘Computer Hardware and Components’ and ‘Computer Accessories’. Backed up with Sound Blaster’s long legacy of audio processing technology such as the award-winning Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier, and powered by a 122 dB 32-bit / 384 kHz ESS SABRE32 Ultra-class DAC, it was the also world’s first sound card with an integrated RGB controller and already a stand-out gaming fan favorite in its own right.
Now, with support for Dolby Digital Live and Connect encoding, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus provides more delivery options to external audio devices, for an even more enhanced gaming experience than before. Together with the existing AE-5, it has also been updated with the latest Sound Blaster Command software, which features a user-friendly interface. In addition, the soundcard’s low price tag also means it provides more value for PC gamers.
Pricing and Availability
Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is priced at GBP139.99 and is available at Creative.com.
