Showing posts with label Product review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product review. Show all posts

1More Open Earbuds S70... Reviewed!


Today, I’m excited to present the new 1More Open Earbuds S70. They look sleek and stylish, but are they worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s dive in and find out... after this unboxing!

Quality

In terms of my initial impression, the box is sturdy. It’s not exactly one of 1More’s premium boxes, but it’s not bad and will protect the headphones even from a firm press from your hands. As for the 1More Open Earbuds S70 case, it has a nice metal finish that’s cool to the touch when you sit it in a cooler room and features a little display window that reveals the headphones. You might question whether it’s actually metal or plastic when you tap it, but put a magnet next to it. It’s thinner than I’ve experienced, but the metal is there in some form and it feels durable enough. The shape of the case allows it to slip right into my pocket next to my wallet.

When it comes to the actual earbuds, they look sleek and are suitable for both casual and business settings (they won't look out of place with a suit either). They have a quality feel when holding them in my hands. Now, let’s get into the... comfort level (dun dun dunnnnn).

Comfort Level

These earbuds get a strong 5 for comfort, even over the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50. The design allows them to sit on your ears and almost vanish in terms of how they feel. Sometimes, I have to check if they’re still there when nothing is playing. No joke, I’ve taken a series of naps to test these earbuds😏, and over 4 days, one of them came off just once. It actually happened the day I had an awesome dream. I was about to win something after making the baker laugh, and a certain someone woke me up. I totally tried to go back to sleep to see what it was, but I digress.

These earbuds don’t put the weight directly on the top of the ear; it’s distributed nicely. Thanks to the ergonomic earhook design. Nothing goes directly in your ear either. 1More describes it as the Balance AIR+ Technology, but I call it... a job well done. By the way, I didn't find it awkward to wear sunglasses with these earbuds. I've been asked this question several times so far.

The earbuds sit near the opening of the ear canal with no ear tips, which increases the tolerance of wearing them. Ear tips work well for some options, but the need to adjust is real when they're on deck. Plus, sometimes it feels like something might be on them trying to infiltrate your ear. Maybe that’s just me, but something tells me I’m not alone.

Specs and Features

Third up, let’s talk about the specs. These earbuds come equipped with 4 AI ENC Mics for crystal-clear calls... compliments of the minimized background noise. I put this to the test by making a call to a busy restaurant while shopping at a grocery store. I added a last-minute item to my order, and the lady on the phone heard me perfectly, despite my deeper voice. I double checked just to make sure she actually heard me. Spoiler alert: She did!

Other features include:

  • Bass Enhancement for Directional Sound: This feature ensures you get that rich, immersive audio experience.
  • Fast Charge Support: Just a 5-minute charge can give you an additional 2 hours of audio. Perfect for those on-the-go moments.
  • Ingress Protection 5 Rating (IPX5): These earbuds are water and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for a hard workout or a day out in the hot sun. Just don’t go swimming with them; they’re not built for continual immersion like IPX7 or IPX8 ratings. Not that I’ve seen many people swimming with earbuds, but hey, feel free to shrug.
  • Low-Latency Gaming Mode: A game-changer for all you gamers out there.
  • Customizable Controls: Change your tap actions in the app by selecting desired tap functions -
    Both the Right and Left earbud get 2 functions to choose from with 2 or 3 taps.

    My settings:
    Left Earbud 2 Taps = Skip
    Left Earbud 3 Taps = Play/Pause
    Right Earbud 2 Taps = Volume Up
    Right Earbud 3 Taps = Volume Down
    Long press for 5 seconds = Power on (outside of case)
  • Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth Range 10m: Quick and strong connection. These earbuds fought to play audio 4 rooms away from the connected device.

Audio Performance

In terms of specs, the impedance is 16 Ohm, which requires more power than 8 Ohm but delivers more output in terms of bass. The bass can be a bit shy, but you can hear the depth in certain audio experiences. The Tesla-grade magnetic acoustic design is made from lightweight aerospace-grade titanium and soft skin-friendly liquid silicone. The secure fit has allowed me to keep the earbuds in without needing to adjust them throughout the day. That’s probably one of the things I love the most about these earbuds—they fit and stay put.

The sound clarity is based on the dual magnetic drivers and DiamondFlex diaphragms that enhance the bass. These earbuds were also tuned by the Grammy-winning Luca Bignardi.

Back to the sound. The bass is there, but it’s a tad shy until you find the right tracks to flex the ehanced bass. I did deep bass tests, listened to a variety of tracks including the Dolby Atmos test, and played games like Black Myth: Wukong and an indie game titled Office Fight that always puts a smile on my face. The sound holds up with the mids and highs being the strongest, followed by the lows. Black Myth: Wukong gave me the best audio experience thus far, and the lows were richer. It’s open ear, so you can still hear things in the environment, but it doesn’t affect the sound. The preset EQs allow you to switch up the equalizer from Studio, to Bass Booster, to Hip-Hop, Pop, Podcast, etc. You get an extra oomph from the Bass Booster when activated.

Additionally I listened to the following tracks while playing with the EQs:

   


1More Open Earbuds S70 vs 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Sound and Comfort Comparison

Both the 1More Open Earbuds S70 and 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 offer impressive sound quality and comfort. The sound is similar between the two, though the edge goes to the S70. The S70 has a slight edge with better battery life as well. The S50, however, boasts a superior IPX7 rating compared to the S70’s IPX5, making it more water-resistant. For comfort, the S70 stands out with a more secure fit (it's not just a loop around the ear... the ergonomic earhook design is sweet), making them ideal for activities and naps. You can see the improvement, making the S70's a clear upgrade based on 1More’s commitment to quality. I put these in my fave category with other products like the 1More Quad Driver Headphones (wired) and 1More SonoFlow over-ear headphones.


Price and Value

You can get these headphones for $129.99. If you want an upgrade over the S50s, you've found it in the S70s. Plus, you can apply a $35 coupon for a limited time.

At this price point with the specs and the comfort of these headphones, they qualify for 5 cool points for sure. So, are the 1More Open Earbuds S70 worth the investment? I’d say yes. They offer solid audio, phenominal comfort, and useful features at a reasonable price.

Quality 5

Comfort 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points


 + Sophi 

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Creative Pebble SE... Reviewed! Stylish and Functional PC Speakers for Gamers



The Creative Pebble SE PC speakers are a perfect blend of style and functionality, making them an excellent addition to any gaming setup. These speakers feature a sleek, orb-shaped design that adds a touch of elegance to your desk. The built-in RGB rings at the base provide an illuminating pop of color, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your gaming space. Once you set these speakers, wipe the finger prints off, and let them shine.



Perfect for Any Setup

Whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop gaming setup, including the Valve Steam Deck, the Creative Pebble SE speakers are a great fit. They can easily connect to the Steam Deck dock, making them versatile and convenient for various configurations.

Impressive Specs and Features

  • Design: Stylish orb shape with built-in RGB rings
  • Drivers: 2" full-range drivers
  • Passive Radiators: Located at the back for enhanced sound quality
  • Connectivity: USB-C cable and 3.5mm aux-in
  • Power Output: Up to 4.4W (2.2W x 2); Up to 8.8W Peak power
  • RGB Rings: React to sound with the push of a button; 7 Lighting effects

The RGB rings are not just for show; they react to sound, adding a dynamic visual element to your audio experience. This feature can be activated with a simple push of a button, making your gaming sessions even more immersive (to a degree).


Quality Build You Can Feel

When you pick up the Creative Pebble SE speakers, you can immediately feel the quality of the build. They are sturdy and well-constructed, with passive radiators on the back that complement the 2" full-range drivers. Despite the bass being a bit on the shy side, the speakers deliver a solid sound that you can appreciate up close.


Ideal for Small Gatherings... If you bring them to the Party!

While these speakers might not be the best choice for a large house party, they are perfect for small gatherings in an office, small living room, or dorm. Turn on the RGB lights, switch them to the reactive setting, and enjoy some tunes while playing spades with family and friends.


Tested and Approved

I tested the Creative Pebble SE speakers with a variety of music tracks... like those you see below:

I've also played games + watched shows that include: Metal Slug Awakening, XDefiant, and the new... Batman: Caped Crusader TV show. The audio quality was impressive, especially considering the price point of $24.99.



Room for Improvement

One area where Creative Labs could improve is expandability. Adding an option for a subwoofer would have been a great addition. However, at $24.99, the Creative Pebble SE speakers offer good value for money.

You can grab these speakers with an additional 10% off while the deal lasts. I give the Creative Pebble SE two thumbs up at this price point.


By the way... I highly recommend getting a USB-C to USB-A adapter, just incase you don't always have access to a USB-C port to power up your speakers. I also recommend a USB-C wall charger for those of you who want to free up a USB-C port on your desktop or laptop, because all it does is supply power.


Build Quality 5

Funtionality 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points



 + Sophi 

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True Detective: Night Country... Reviewed!

Before I get started, shout out to the WB for supplying a copy of this show for our review. My opinions are my own.



 Story: True Detective: Night Country is an interesting blink and you'll miss the action type of show that follows a blunt detective by the name of Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and the kinda sorta religious Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis). Set in Alaska, this psychological horror like show... is set around the disappearance of eight scientists and the investigative process. During the investigation, you will see the various ups and downs that take place in the lives of the detectives, including both of them experiencing other worldly things. When I saw a hand touch Liz, and then it was gone when she looked, I was like... "Oh hell no". The show would've been called 'Goodbye Alaska' if it were me, with a spin off called... 'Hello Florida!'.

Things start to rev up as the detectives uncover more information about the incident at the Arctic Research Station. It has a certain charm that I feel most would appreciate (especially those curious about Alaska), just keep an eye on the action or you'll miss certain key moments for sure. I mention this because when the action isn't high, some viewers may tune out, but the backstory of the characters also plays a part in the story. Speaking of which, one thing I didn't like about Liz is how selfish she can be, literally crapping on Officer Prior's relationship. She tried to be understanding, but no one wants to hear it when they're trying to keep their relationship intact while also following orders of the chief to keep their job. It wasn't the standard shift, it was her calling him and pulling him away from his family. I get it to a small degree, but not when it was completely avoidable because she couldn't put the bottle down (like... WTH?!).

You'll see how her blunt ways affect her relationships in general, and Jodie Foster did a great job. Seeing how rugged she would act at times in this role would make me chuckle... because I've seen people just annoyed with everything at times and so they want to make every word sting (but the way she would do it was funny at times). One situation I understood completely was a certain relationship she opposed, but she needs to work on those soft skills in general (even though I understand to an extent why she doesn't care about much anymore, but... it's the wrong job to be in on that note). Eventually Liz and Evangeline hit a certain point where their beliefs bump heads too and another dot will be connected before the trail gets hot again.

This gives me 'The Outsider' vibes to an extent, but... its different. I think they try to mix one too many things in for the sake of making it well rounded, but it runs the risk of losing some viewers in the sauce. Overall it's showcasing the hectic and complicated lives of two detectives taking on one of the craziest cases they've ever experienced, and it ends on a note that a number of people will appreciate. I won't get into the details of why some may have wanted an entirely different ending, but... you'll see what I mean when you grab your copy of True Detective: Night Country on Blu-Ray.

Before I wrap this section up, I will say that i'm glad they left a certain situation regarding a particular woman... unfinished because it leaves the door open for more.

 Visuals: Visually, the show serves up a cold and unforgiving atmosphere to represent the Alaskan setting. I thought "Night Country" meant that Alaska had multiple days of darkness, but you'll see what it means when you watch the show. It's fitting though, because most of the scenes were at night, and the overall show is on the dark & spooky side. You get some laughs here and there, but that cold rigid and dark theme are maintained. You get plenty of mids, some dolly shots tucked in, over-the-shoulder shots, POV, close-up's and more.

This is an undeniably nice angle.

 Audio: When it comes to the audio, it's served up in DTS-HD MA & Dolby Digital 5.1. I wrestled with this one. Good audio elements were there (i.e. most of the chilling screams), but... audio didn't draw me in as much as it could have. One thing I noticed with the scenes is they were a bit hard to hear, where as others were loud or had certain elements that sounded as if they peaked out. Luckily the peak didn't occur alot, but... they could've tightened things up a bit more. I found myself increasing and decreasing the volume, especially during the intro... which was a bit annoying.

 Price: True Detective: Night Country... is $29.98 on Blu-Ray and $24.98 on DVD. If you can get the Blu-Ray... the extra $5 for the visual boost is worth it. I think the sweet spot for the SRP would've been $5 less for both options, but... no worries, we have the hook up!

In addition to the standard show, you also get extras:

  • Meet the True Detectives - Cast Q&A
  • New Chapter
  • Exploring Indigenous Themes
  • Max Inkblots
  • Setting Featurette
  • Atmospheric Teases


Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 3

Price 5

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points




Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

This is a serious blast from the past, and shout out to WB for providing a copy of this product for my review. My opinions are my own.


I've never seen this show before (like ever), but... when I heard the theme song, I was like... ohhhh. The theme song is connected to multiple things I've heard growing up, "Welcome back... Welcome back... Wel-come... baaaacckkk!", but I never knew the origin. 'Welcome Back', was created by John Sebation back in 1975 (before my time) specifically for the 'Welcome Back, Kotter' TV sitcom. Enough about the theme song though, is the actually show any good? Let's jump in and find out!


 Story: I recognized a few faces in this show, which includes John Travolta, Lawrence Hilton, Della Reese, Vernee Watson, etc. Never knew this was Travolta's breakthrough role, I was thinking of Saturday Night Fever, but that came out a few years after the show started (again, before my time). 'Welcome Back, Kotter" takes place back in 1970's Brooklyn (NY)... keep that in mind, because it will feel outdated in a number of aspects (especially the singing and dancing). That 'Jeppers Creepers' performance definitely felt like something from that time (I made it through without hitting the mute button, but... I've never been crazy about singing in tv/film).

I won't say that this show isn't digestible by anyone beyond the time it came out or the location, because there are certain comedic touches that can be applied today. Horshack is a prime example. He was running his mouth trying to fit in with the other members for the Sweathogs when they were talking smack to Carvelli and Murray (but mainly Carvelli), and wrote a check with his mouth... that his butt didn't care to cash. He tried to get out of it by acting as if he didn't say anything. Some of you can relate to that via the Trolls on social media alone.

I think the story can be appreciated by newcomers aswell, especially teachers... because Mr. Kotter returns back to James Buchanan High School for the purpose of making a positive impact on the slackers. He takes a creative approach to connecting with the class for the purpose of engaging them, and teachers of today come to mind because the saga continues for a number of reasons. It could potentially be inspiration to connect with the students even more and gain more inspiration for the sake of helping them reach the finishline. I wouldn't say let your students trade off the way Kotter did, but... he wasn't uptight to the point where they weren't receptive.


Although the show revolved around Mr. Kotter and the Sweathogs, there were other aspects that challenged work/life balance for the teacher... because he was also a husband and father. It was good to see that addition added in there to give more depth.

 Visuals: Visually speaking, the show was cleaner than I assumed it would. It wasn't super grainy, the colors pop... and if you're cool with visuals that primarily consist of mids, longs, and closeups, enjoy! Speaking of visuals, I think you'll get a kick out of seeing the fashion from that time.

Speaking of visuals, it's too bad Afro's like Boom Boom's are deemed a fad a lot of the time. I rarely ever see them. It's not a fade, it's... natural.


 Audio: The audio is good. It's nothing that wowed me, but it's what I would expect. Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono.

 Price: Pricewise... the SRP for the 'Welcome Back, Kotter' complete DVD series is $74.99. But... you can get the hook up here for $55.99. You get all four seasons (95 episodes), which delivers a total of 35 hours & 30 minutes. If it were me, I would've added a fake gag mustache (similar to Mr. Kotter's) to the package. Overall, not a bad show at all and... I could see people crowding around the old telly back in the day. I think it's a good show for those of that time who want to revisit it, those who are curious and want to get a dose of that era + teachers and other faculty.

Story 4

Visuals 4

Audio 3

Price 5

4 out of 5 Cool Points




HexGaming Phantom Controller... Reviewed!

Thank you for checking out this review of the Hexgaming Phantom Controller for PS5 and PC. Before I jump in, I want to give a shout out to Hexgaming for supplying us with a controller for the sake of reviewing it... for you. My opinions are my own.

Before I get into the specifics... let's unbox this thing! 

Before I was able to do anything, I had to figure out which thumbsticks I was going to use first, so I went with the standard... concave regular thumbsticks just to see what the experience was like when compared to similar thumbsticks of alternate controllers. My focus is the quality and what makes this controller worth the money for... Playstation DualSense Controller users looking for an upgrade, PC Gamers in the market for a new game controller, eSports players, and break dancing puppies with at least a 2.5 GPA (who love Parappa the Rapper). So with the thumbsticks connected... let's play!

If you haven't picked up a Playstation controller in awhile, then you... (like me) will have to figure out how to sync the controller to your PC if it's your target platform. You may think it's as simple as turning on the controller, but you will have to press the power button + the share button (the 'Select' button on the left) to enter into pairing mode. It won't require much to sync it from that point, just go to Start (in Windows OS) > Bluetooth and other devices settings > (when the pop up box appears... click) Add Bluetooth or other device > (click on) DualSense Wireless Controller. I'm listing this, because it's not on the website from what I see (I would present such an option to better help people connect to their devices without the need to go elsewhere). By the way, the same steps will also help you connect to the PS5(... duh of the day), phones, and tablets.

If you didn't hear everything in the video, I complimented the grip of the controller. You get a nice thorough feel. It's not a gummy grip, its a nice quality textured grip for the handles + you get a nice grip from the thumb sticks that's available on both the rounded and concave options. You can feel the quality. If you aren't familiar with the weight of a controller like this (based on the extra tech on deck), you will notice it, but... it's nothing that decreased my game time (tolerance wise). I've easily sank in 6 hours of game time with this controller, but I also bounced between the standard Xbox & Luna controllers. It wasn't fair to compare, and I won't as far as details go, but... it's a night and day difference as far as features go (for the most part).

It still took some getting adjusted too, but... the long thumbstick (at least for the right analog stick) is something I never realized I would benefit from until given the option. I suspected that it would allow me to improve my aim and so forth (at least with some games), but my assumption was correct... for FPS games.

Can I get by with the standard controller... absolutely, but this controller has options that you will only find in an eSports ready controller (especially if you need such a thing).

You get 8 swappable thumbsticks... which help you refine your feel based on your needs (some domed, wide, rounded, standard, long) and all options have nice grip. So based on your needs, you're good to go.

The 4 extra buttons on back (as mentioned in the video), allow you to add certain moves that you wouldn't normally utilize with that type of placement. You don't need them, but they're good to have if you want to use the for taking cover or whatever the case may be... and you're not limited to one layout. Double tap the button you see below and the options change based on the game you're playing and how you set it up. There are other options where the back buttons run across... but reaching past another button to hit one that's further away isn't as easy as the set up you see in this Hex Phantom controller. Your middle finger is in easy reach of these buttons.


There is one thing that also crossed my mind when it comes to the placement of these buttons, what if someone has a physical challenge preventing them from using other buttons (i.e. L1, R1)? This could increase the abilities some gamers have in terms of enjoying themselves and even taking on the competition in esports because all they have to do is assign the buttons to the back. These do not fully replace an adaptive trigger... so don't get it twisted when it comes to that, but it could make playing more games possible.


By the way, you're able to turn L2 & R2 into digital triggers with the flip of a switch... along with adjusting the trigger pull. This is serious customization, it's not just an a or b switch... you're able to tweak to adapt. I still have to fully setup the controller in a way that suits me. You have to test and test and test... and it's awesome that the controller is able to do such.

Speaking of which... eSports players will love the stick drift fix. You literally just go in and adjust your thumbsticks on the website. You will simply go to the testing page and correct it... in real time (or test to see if it's centered). This allows for accuracy, and less frustration when taking on the competition. Also, money doesn't grow on trees... this manual adjustment is a great way to keep cash in your pocket after such an investment. Speaking of investments, if you're spending money on a pro controller like the Hex Phantom... either get the kickstarter bundle with the case or get a case from the HexGaming store. They also have the USB cables and more thumbsticks.


Weight wise it is heavier than the standard DualSense by 17g. The standard is 278g, and the Phantom is 295g... which is something to take into account. There is a big but though, because the PS5 DualSense Edge is 325g in weight. On that note, let's jump into some more comparisons.

Standard PS5 DualSense
  • Adaptive Triggers
  • Weight 278g

    Price $69.99

PS5 DualSense Edge
  • 2 Remappable Back Buttons
  • 4 Switchable Controller Profiles
  • Trigger Stop Mechanism
  • Adaptive Triggers
  • Replaceable Analog Stick Modules
  • 6 Interchangable Thumsticks
  • Weight 325g

    Price $199.99

  • 4 Remappable Back Buttons
  • 6 Switchable Controller Profiles
  • Trigger Stop Mechanism
  • Digital Triggers
  • Adapter Triggers
  • Built-in DRIFIX Modules
  • 8 Interchangeable Thumbsticks
  • Premium Performance Grips
  • Weight 295g

    Price $189 (100 set) or $199 Kickstarter
    Price $209 Kickstarter + Carrying Case + USB-C Cable


Quality 5

Comfort 5

Customizations 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points




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Outta Sight | June 15, 2024!