The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are one of their latest earbuds to hit the shelves and have much more to offer than the StreamBuds Solo 1 we recently reviewed here and this time they have access to their app which offers more features.
OK so first thing to note is the packaging which is well presented again and hard to open but joking aside they do give a good presentation to start off with which for me means a lot and it only gets better from there.
The charge case is certainly one that gets a thumbs up for me with a weighty feel to it and also an LED display so you know where you stand with your battery life, this is nothing new however looks well on this case and it good to see, the case have MIXX on top to and the build quality of the case is excellent and has a secure lid and magnets inside to keep the buds secure and the case is made with Zinc Alloy.
These buds have a small stem on them which I prefer and a similar footprint on the earbuds themselves to the Solo 1 so if you are moving from one to the other here there is no real difference when it comes to the feel of them. They are also super light.
Controls
The earbuds have controls which you can take control of via their MIXX Control app which has a nice UI and is simple to use which is a great start and when you open the app first it looks really well with a tiled approach. It is simple to navigate and we go though this in the video review below to show you the features.
Find it:
The App has another useful function which may prove invaluable to many who are constantly misplacing earbuds. Just use ‘find it’ and it will show the last location the Ultra Mini earbuds picked up signal and by pressing the ‘click to play’ button it will produce a noise to help find them.
Clear Voice:
‘Beam-forming’ technology is used to focus the four 4 built-in microphones which pick up more of the voice and less of the surrounding noise, making phone calls sound much clearer. Ideal in a noisy environment, a busy office or for a conference call from home and in my testing the calls do sound great both ends also working with Zoom and Teams.
Sound
The sound is crisp and sharp and overall decent for the price you pay there is no lag latency and no tinny sound when maxed out, they are loud enough for me and overall the audio was good, highs lows and mids fine and all genres tested had no issues to report and anyone that just wants to have a decent pair of earbuds that will not break the bank and a cool case will be happy, they have no ANC on board which is the only gripe for me but other than that they are a worthy pair of earbuds to put on your list.
MIXX Control App
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Product Features:
Robust zinc alloy charge case
Customise sound settings with the mixx control app
Touch sensor controls – play, pause and more
Digital display screen showing battery
Hands free calling
6 Hours battery time on single charge
24 Hours total play time with charge case
15 Minute quick charge – 15 mins = 2 hours of play time
Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, is pleased to introduce the Mixx StreamBuds Ultra Mini True Wireless Earbuds range. They provide the ultimate audio immersion with a beautifully designed, robust zinc alloy charge case and sound settings that are fully customisable via the Mixx Control App. With hands free calling, personalised touch sensor control and quick charge, they are ideal for use when exercising, on a daily commute or on a holiday break. The earbuds are made from a silicon stem design, perfect for those that prefer the more traditional stem design. They come with three sizes of silicon cushions for the perfect fit to make them comfortable enough for all day use. The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are available from MIXX in a choice of black gun metal, silver white or champagne for a very affordable RRP of £69.
Personalise EQ sounds and customise controls:
The Ultra Mini earbuds bring customisation to a whole new level and users can now completely change the sound to suit individual personal preference. With the Mixx Control APP, the earphones can be tuned with a simple 10 band graphic equaliser and once the sound is as desired, the earbuds will be programmed instantly with the wearers’ personal sound signature. Offering a truly hassle free experience, this only needs to be done once so, afterwards, the App is not needed, and the sound does not need to be configured again unless any changes are required. It is not only possible to customise the sound but the touch controls too. The fully configurable touch controls allow for complete personalisation of the way the earbuds operate so a user can programme the touch buttons. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.
Find it:
The App has another useful function which may prove invaluable to many who are constantly misplacing earbuds. Just use ‘find it’ and it will show the last location the Ultra Mini earbuds picked up signal and by pressing the ‘click to play’ button it will produce a noise to help find them.
Clear Voice:
‘Beam-forming’ technology is used to focus the four 4 built-in microphones which pick up more of the voice and less of the surrounding noise, making phone calls sound much clearer. Ideal in a noisy environment, a busy office or for a conference call from home.
Quick charging:
The Ultra Mini earbuds offer 6 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 18 hours of charge totaling an impressive 24 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. The digital display on the charging case shows the battery status so users know when a recharge is needed. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.
The MIXX Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are the ultimate partner for a premium, customisable audio journey and at only £69 offer true value for money too.
The Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds are a product that looks like you would find in a sci-fri film and that is not a bad thing either so for the looks alone they get a ten out of ten there in my book but what else do these have and who are they for exactly.
Ok so out of the box these look great in every respect, the look and feel is screaming premium here and that includes the package in a nice solid hard case with a nice lock thrown in, inside you get your cables tips dust caps and a nice carry pouch to store it all in so another win here.
As described up top the case is one to behold with a weighty feel and a nice solid click everytime you turn it this is a piece of art and one of if not the best cases I have seen to date. Also on the underside of the case is a MFB to control the RGB lights which gives a nice effect, these is also lights on the earbuds which can be turned on/off.
The earbuds themselves are also slightly different with their shape but fit well in the ears and look good there is a decent seal and there extra tips provided in the box there is no ANC here or access to the connect app which is disappointing however these are not aimed at music and I get it but still would of been nice so I will let them away with it this time.
The earbuds as mentioned are for gamers with dual connectivity via BT or the dongle provided in the box went with the dongle route and tested on Xbox PS5 and of course my phone, I am not one to spend hours gaming but when I do I like to have good quality tech to do so and these do well in that respect but also in fairness not so bad on listening to music in general.
You have some controls of course but missing some features again these are features more so related to music you can manage call on them you can also manage the lights the modes, play and pause and skip and reverse tracks which is fine. There is no voice assistant or volume control on them.
On the gaming from they set out what they aim to do putting you right in the game you are playing not missing a beat, you will find it hard to get zero latency on earbuds but we are getting there and these are a step in the right direction.
Sound is great powered by Hi-Res Audio with 10mm drivers on board under the Hecate name which is Edifiers professional audio brand for gamers and a new one to me too, on the music from highs lows and mids all came across fine and some bass in there there was no latency on audio on listening to my usual test tracks the audio was crisp and clear and you do have modes to change the audio like gaming and music mode, On a gaming front as mentioned it is excellent putting you in the centre not missing footsteps directional sound and so on making it an enjoyable experience overall.
GX05 in case
GX05 earbuds out of case
Features
· Dual Wireless Convenience. Simultaneously connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless dual-mode for gaming and calls, enhancing multitasking comfort.
· 15ms Ultra-Low Latency. 2.4GHz technology offers 15ms ultra-low latency for wireless and seamless gaming immersion.
· Hi-Res Audio Excellency. 10mm dynamic driver with LHDC 5.0 HD decoding delivers detailed Hi-Res audio for competitive gaming.
· Universal Compatibility, Plug-N-Play The GX05 comes with a USB-C adapter and USB converter and works with Mobile Phones, PCs, Switch, iPad, PS5, and VR, starting instantly upon plug-in.
· Full-Soundstage Position Identification Mode. Under the game mode, players may accurately grasp sound details such as footsteps and gunfire in the game to identify the enemy position easily keeping you ultra-focused on the game.
· Crystal-Clear Communication. The built-in dual MIC noise cancellation ensures clear calls and in-game communication.
· Fast Charging for Extended Play. 16-hour battery life to last you throughout most of the day. Rapid QC2.0 and USB-C charging ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions.
· Dynamic RGB Lighting Effect. 11 unique RGB effects illuminate the GX05 and take you into a fantasy in light and shadow, adding vibrancy and enhancing the gaming experience.
Just picked up your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? Check out the QDOS S24 Ultra Hybrid clear case now on offer from the company which will save you from an expensive drop which is something you do not want, the S24 Ultra is an expensive piece of kit and requires a case in my book no matter if you prefer to go naked as they say.
With this case you are kind of naked being a clear case which many will like, it has anti yellowing treatment and made with a flexible TPU frame with air cushioning which feels nice to hold in the hand and giving you additional grip and giving you peace of mind should you drop the phone you are in good hands.
All the keys work well with nice travel and no interruption in the ports either and allowing you to access the SPen when you need it.
You can still wirelessly charge your phone with this case too and we have tested on several chargers in the house and all work with no issues with any which is great.
There is a raised lip top and bottom and slightly lower on the sides meaning it can be placed face or back down as the camera array is also protected with a raised edge and again giving you some peace of mind.
Overall for the price the case is a worthy investment and best practice to save you from an expensive repair bill.
Ultra-transparent protective case designed with a combination of 2 recycled materials:
• Rigid polycarbonate back with scratch-resistant coating
• Flexible TPU frame with air cushions to absorb falls of up to 2m
Unrivalled clarity, perfectly showcasing the design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G:
• Microdot technology, preventing light interference (Newton ring effect)
• Treated with an anti-yellowing agent for long-lasting transparency
Case optimally adapted to the shape of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G:
• Flexible edges for easy installation and a perfect fit
• Easy to press button cover, responsive touch
• Raised edges protect the screen and lens when placed face down
Environmentally friendly:
• Made from premium recycled materials
• Eco-responsible packaging, FSC cardboard
The SMANIQUE Apple Watch Ultra Alpine Loop Bands look familiar but come at less than half the price than what Apple command which is 99 euro which is a complete rip-off. I have been using NAVA bands recently and again these look pretty much the same and come in slightly cheaper, between them both you will pay around 25-30 euro plus shipping and taxes for them but either way they both look and feel good and comfortable to wear.
The SMANIQUE Apple Watch Ultra Alpine Loop Band – Zefiro which we have two of are well built and design albeit a strap but you want the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to feel secure on your wrist as it is an expensive item to be wearing and costly if you loose it.
The straps offer good breathing space and made with a double layer nylon and the closure is 316L stainless steel. There is a variety of colours available too which is also nice and not limited, NAVA bands are limited on choice for the Watch Ultra 2 with strap colours.
The Boom MEZZO is a compact and well-built video conference kit that comes with a USB 3 cable and a separate remote control. It’s designed for video conference calls with 4K Ultra HD @ 30fps, electronic PTZ, and dual omnidirectional microphones for audio. This model utilizes AI for Auto framing for small meeting spaces with a 10 digital zoom.
Contents:
Boom MEZZO camera
USB 3.0 cable
IR remote control
Quick guide
Features:
Ultra HD 4K video
AI Auto-framing
Wide angle 110° field
of view
4K glass lens
10x ePTZ
Multi codec: H.264,
H.265, MJPEG, YUY2
Two built-in omnidirectional mics
Advanced focus
technology
Low light
optimization
Smooth video
Plug & Play
Compatibility:
The Boom MEZZO is Zoom Certified and compatible with Teams, Webex, Meet, Bluejeans, GoToMeetings, Skype, and more. It works with Windows® 7, 8.1 or 10, Mac OS X® 10.10 or higher, Linux, and Android.
IR remote control:
The remote control that comes with the Boom MEZZO has a variety of options available to control the meeting. The toggle AI Auto Framing turned on would be the first suggested option (and leaving it on as a great feature). The remote is a comfortable size and feels good, while to mute the call requires the use of the Laptop rather than the remote control which can be the most used button on many calls.
Setup:
The setup is minimal and requires only one cable plugged from the Mezzo to your USB-A port on the laptop. Plug and play takes over then. The audio and video were connected directly to the team’s call with no issues observed. The supplied remote required no pairing and worked straight from the box. Setting up the remote with the 10 user-defined presets took a little longer to understand but worked as required which can be great for focusing on a product whiteboard, lecture room, etc.
Warranty:
It’s great to see the confidence of the brand in giving a 3-year warranty as standard but optional 5 years.
3-year Limited hardware warranty
Optional 5-year Boom Care plan
Conclusion
The Boom MEZZO comes with great specs, including a 4K CMOS Camera Image sensor 1/2.8 inch Lens: 4K glass Pixels: 8.28MP, 16:9 View angle: 110° diagonal, 100° height, 53° vertical Zoom: 10 digital x ePTZ Focal length: 2.26mm. The electronic PTZ is limited to the 110° Wide angle field, which can narrow down the complete view of the room. This is interesting as it worked with a broad spectrum to include “Operating system: Android” and Zoom Certified, while not tested on an Android system, meaning the flexibility in its use. The camera is good and has excellent specifications but lacks a manual privacy cover, and a USB-C connector.
The omnidirectional microphones were tested to great effect by having them placed 4 meters from the virtual assistant technology to have this recorded audio and transcribed within an MS team call to great effect. The audio was picked up clearly and translated from speech to text perfectly, indicating the distinguishing quality of the 2 microphones within the MEZZO video conference kit.
Overall, the Boom MEZZO is a stress-free device to connect to a multitude of video platforms with exceptional AI auto-framing options, video images, audio, and supplied remote control for video conferencing.
The Nava Bands Voyager loop strap for Apple Watches might look familiar to those who bought the first Apple Watch Ultra, Nava Bands has a wide range of straps that may look familiar but much cheaper than what Apple charge and a wider variety of colours and style, The Voyager Loop is one of those and my favorite so far and having has a similar band on the Apple Watch Ultra 1 I had to test out this one on the Watch Ultra 2.
There is an extra loop on this one vs what Apple offer and looks better, the strap is comfortable and easy to take on an off compared to the other Nava Band strap we tried out the Nautico band that we recently checked out. I find this strap more secure all round and again if comes in a range of colours but limited unlike the Nautico range.
This strap would suit most users and in my opinion and more comfortable and for me looks better but that is subjective the straps in all sizes again like the Nautico Band and again costing less and I feel this one is better than what Apple offers.
There is a huge amount of brands now offering straps for Smartwatches and if you are an owner of an Apple Watch you can check out the huge range of straps on offer from the company, Customization is popular with consumers today and Nava Bands can help out here too, offering many styles and colours and cheaper than what Apple offer it might be a place to shop for your next strap.
The Nautico range is quite nice and simple to install with an extra strong magnetic clasp and will be secure on your wrist they look well and feel fine on the wrist but does not stretch like other straps are from the range or similar on the market it is more intended for the sports minded folk I would think but looks really well and to the point..
The materials seem to be of high quality as I have several straps here and some more from the company so stay tuned for a look at them soon, check out the video below for more on the NAUTICO BAND.
The latest and greatest from Apple is now here and in short what he have is some slight speck bumps and some new features, the new iPhone 15 pro is the phone of choice for us and the devices are now made with titanium and the feel of the phone in hand is much better than last years iteration and feels much lighter to hold in the nad and has a nice feel to the rear of the device.
The Watch 2 however was said to come in a Black colour this year which I would have preferred and there is literally no difference to the look of the device this year and there is some new features to arrive on it soon which is an odd move from Apple.
We will be doing many reviews in the coming weeks for cases and accessories for both the Watch and Phone and have many in the works now so if you have any accessories and cases etc do let us know and if you have any questions on the products themselves do get in touch.
