Design and Aesthetics

Upon unboxing My Little Morphee, I was immediately taken with its child-friendly design. The device’s compact size made it easy for her daughter to handle, and the friendly teal green colour help create a calming atmosphere. The device’s design was not only appealing to the child but also to my friend, who appreciated its sleek and modern aesthetic. It doesn’t look out of place in a modern living room or an

Stories

One of the standout features of My Little Morphee, according to my friend, is its extensive library of stories and sounds. Her daughter was captivated by the variety and often asked for a different story each night. The stories were engaging, and the sounds were soothing, creating a peaceful environment conducive to sleep. While some of the content seemed a bit advanced for her age, the soothing sounds often lulled her to sleep within minutes, demonstrating the device’s effectiveness.

You are able to tweak each story by choosing the animal with the left dial which is associated with a theme (for example the Giraffe is about generosity) and adjusting the setting or scene (island, castle, mountains etc.) with the right dial. This creates a lot of variation to help keep the kids engaged long-term.

Music and Soundscapes

In addition to the stories, there is the option to choose from 8 different pieces of music or soundscapes. These are incredibly relaxing and soothing and will do a good job of fitting the theme of each setting. For example, the Castle setting’s music is in the style of relaxing medieval bard music.

Portability

The portability of My Little Morphee was another feature that my friend appreciated. The device’s compact size and lightweight design made it easy to carry along, whether they were at home or travelling. This portability allowed them to maintain a consistent bedtime routine for her daughter, regardless of their location, which was a significant advantage.

User Interface

However, my friend did notice a few areas for improvement. The lack of a screen made navigating through the various options a bit challenging. While the device is designed to be simple for children to use, the absence of a visual interface made it difficult for her three-year-old to navigate on her own. This was a minor inconvenience, but it did make the initial setup and learning process a bit more time-consuming than expected.

However, after using it for just a couple of weeks, her three-year-old has become more than used to the controls and seems to love the dial interface.

I have to say the absence of a screen makes a lot of sense in the context of this product which is designed as a sleep aid. As we all know using a screen late at night is a sure way to delay your sleep.

Price Point

Another point of contention was the device’s price. While I had gifted My Little Morphee to her, its high price point might be a deterrent for some parents considering purchasing it. She. The device offered a lot of value but the cost might be a bit steep for some families, especially in the current financial climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, My Little Morphee has been a valuable addition to their bedtime routine. Despite a few minor drawbacks and her daughter being at the lower end of the suggested age range, the device’s engaging content, soothing light, and portability have made bedtime a more enjoyable experience for both of them.

Based on my friend’s feedback, I would recommend My Little Morphee to other parents, keeping in mind the minor issues she mentioned. It’s a thoughtful and effective tool that can make a significant difference in a child’s bedtime routine.

The post A Gift of Sweet Dreams: A Mum’s Experience with My Little Morphee appeared first on Mr Gadget.

The truly wireless nature of these earbuds, combined with their compact carrying case, offered a level of convenience that I appreciated. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and comfortable, thanks to the soft silicone material and flexible ear hooks. I was able to wear them for extended periods without any discomfort whatsoever. 

The sound quality of the Shokz OpenFit earbuds exceeded my expectations. Despite their open-ear design, they delivered clear, detailed sound with a decent bass response. This was achieved through the use of traditional drivers and Shokz’s direct pitch technology, which directs sound into the ear canal while minimizing sound leakage. The dynamic range control feature, which adjusts the EQ in real time, contributed to a natural and immersive audio experience.

I’m a big Hip Hop fan and while listening to my 90’s Hip Hop playlist I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and clarity of the bass lines. The beats were punchy and the vocals came through crisp and clear. 

The built-in dual microphones provided clear call quality. I found the ability to hear my own voice naturally during calls to be a significant enhancement to the call experience. They also did an excellent job at minimising wind interference which is surprising given their open design. The earbuds also have an IP54 rating, making them resistant to water splashes and dust, which adds to their versatility and durability.

The battery life of the Shokz OpenFit earbuds is impressive, offering up to seven hours of playback. The case provides several additional charges, totalling up to 28 hours of use. I found this long battery life to be suitable for extended use. The Shokz app allowed me to control the earbuds and adjust their settings, offering options to customize the touch controls and tweak the audio settings.

The app is simple but effective, with no real innovations but it does what you need and it does it well. But I must mention that I did find the touch controls a little bit difficult to use. You have to be quite precise which I found quite annoying while running.

While the Shokz OpenFit earbuds have many strengths, I did notice a few other areas that could be improved. One of these is the slight sound leakage that occurs when the volume is turned up past about 60%. While this wasn’t a major issue for me, as I rarely listen to music at such high volumes, it’s something to be aware of if you’re in a quiet environment or don’t want to disturb others nearby.

The pairing process also proved to be a bit cumbersome. While the earbuds automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode the first time you take them out of the box, pairing them to a new device requires both buds to be positioned in the case and the touch pads on each bud to be pressed simultaneously. This isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s a bit more involved than the simple one-touch pairing offered by some other wireless earbuds like the Belkin Soundforms.

Lastly, while the battery life of the Shokz OpenFit earbuds is impressive, I was a bit disappointed to find that the charging case does not support wireless charging. This means you’ll need a USB-C cord to charge the case. While this isn’t a major inconvenience, it’s a feature that I’ve come to appreciate on other wireless earbuds like the NuraTrue Pros and would have liked to see included here, especially at the price point.

Despite these minor drawbacks, I still highly recommend the Shokz OpenFit earbuds. Their comfort, sound quality, safety features, and decent battery life more than make up for these small issues, and they remain a versatile choice for safety-conscious fitness fans.

The post Shokz OpenFit Earbuds Review: A Sound Choice for Fitness appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Australia’s Nura is known for its high-performance earbuds and headphones. And the NuraTrue Pro earbuds are no different from what the brand has been offering. If you didn’t get a chance to try these earbuds during Nura’s Kickstarter campaign, now is the time. But first, you need to know what you are getting and this hand’s on NuraTrue Pro earbuds review is here to help.

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks using these earbuds as my go-to audio device, whether it be in the gym, working in the office or just walking around the city of Melbourne. I cover the specs, features, and functionality of Nura’s latest true wireless earbuds to help you determine if they’re worthy of the high price tag. If you have time, you can have a look at our Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 review for comparison purposes.

Overview

Wireless earbuds are a favourite among most people because they offer more freedom and comfort. This makes them ideal for people who want high-quality audio without the burden of headphones. However, the downside with most wireless earbuds is the lower-quality audio, less-effective ANC, and short battery life.

Well, if you’re an audiophile then audio quality is something that you won’t have to worry about. They use Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec for audiophile-quality audio when connected to devices through Bluetooth. As such, all the data will be transferred bit-for-bit, thus preserving all the effects for an exceptional listening experience.

On the downside, you can only utilise this feature if the transmitting device is aptX Lossless compatible. The caveat is that not many devices use this codec, including the highly revered Apple smartphones, which is what I use. However, what I will say is that to my untrained ear, the audio quality is barely noticeably worse than the Sony WH-1000XM4 which I use on planes and in louder environments where I need to focus.

It shares several features with its predecessor, the NuraTrue. Nonetheless, the NuraTrue Pro has more features and is also more advanced than the earlier iteration. Additionally, the NuraTrue Pro boasts a large capacity battery that will provide you with up to 32 hours (with case) of listening time compared to NuraTrue’s 24 hours (with case).

To add to its list of features, the NuraTrue Pro can accurately measure your hearing using sound-sensitive microphones built into each earbud. This allows the earbuds to produce balanced and quality sound customised for your ears. That way, you will be able to feel not only the beat but all the beautiful acoustics making up the music.

Overall, the NuraTrue Pro is a feature-rich wireless device that will provide you with high-quality sound in a very high-quality package.

Features

The NuraTrue Pro has amazing features that would blow most wireless earbuds in its class out of the water. Below are some of those features:

Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation

Most true wireless earbuds on the market use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology for an improved listening experience. However, Nura decided to take things a notch higher by equipping the NuraTrue Pro earbuds with adaptive active noise cancellation technology.

The latter uses advanced algorithms that allow each earbud to fine-tune the noise cancelling function continually depending on the environment that you are in, thereby providing you with unrivalled sound regardless of how noisy your surrounding is.

Now, it may not have the ANC prowess found in headphones but for in-ear earbuds the ANC is excellent. For example, they completely block out the music at my gym and are more than capable of cancelling out all but the loudest of offices.

I’ve been using them in busy Thai restaurants while I work and if they can keep me focussed in one of those, then they must be pretty good!

Wireless Charging

Tired of using pesky charging cables? If so, you will be happy to know that you can juice up the NuraTrue Pro earbuds wirelessly using any Qi-certified wireless charger. Simply place the case atop the charger and you’ll be good to go.

The case has a shorter charging time compared to most options currently available on the market, making it even more convenient. It’ll take approximately 1 hour to reach its full charging capacity.

Bluetooth Multipoint Connectivity

NuraTrue Pro’s multipoint connectivity will enable you to connect the earbuds to two devices at a go. This allows for quick and seamless switching between the connected devices. This is perfect for someone like me who uses Spotify on my Mac while working but will use Spotify on my mobile during my lunch break. All you have to do is walk away from your laptop until it auto-disconnects and then press play on your mobile. Your phone and the Nuras will connect and start playing the same song seamlessly.

It’s impossible to overstate how much I enjoy this feature!

Personalised Sound

The NuraTrue Pro earbuds feature sensitive microphones that can pick up otoacoustic emissions generated within your inner ear. These measurements are then used to self-tune the EQ to give you quality audio that is tailored for your ears.

Auto-pause

Ever wished to have a pair of earbuds that can automatically pause your music? Look no further because the NuraTrue Pro earbuds have optical sensors that’ll pause the music automatically when you remove them from the ear canal.

Best of all, the music will automatically resume playing when you place the earbuds back into your ears. With this feature in place, you can interact with those next to you without having to manually hit the pause button.

Immersion Mode

These true wireless earbuds have a special mode that will provide you with high-quality bass. The powerful transducers will make you feel like you are using wired headphones with enhanced bass. Furthermore, you can easily enable or disable this function using the immersion slider

Fit Detection

In addition to having the above-mentioned sensors, the NuraTrue Pro has fit detection sensors that’ll ensure each earbud is correctly positioned in the ear canal. Plus, the earbuds come with different sizes of ear tips that you can choose from based on the shape of your ear.

Specs

Dimensions (case): 72.4mm x 30.2mm x 35 mm

Weight: 8.6g (each earbud), 51.2g (case)

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3

Wireless Charging: Yes

Driver Size: 10mm

Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 40000 Hz

Bluetooth Range: 15m

Battery Life: 8hrs (32 hrs with case)

Water Resistance: IPX 4

Battery Life: 83 mAh (per bud), 500mAh (case)

Sensitivity: 101dB

ANC: Adaptive

NuraTrue and NuraTrue Pro Comparison

The NuraTrue and NuraTrue Pro are almost identical in terms of design but differ when it comes to features, with the latter having more advanced features than the former. As discussed earlier, the NuraTrue Pro has a larger battery than the NuraTrue, so if you are looking to get more playtime, you should consider the NuraTrue Pro.

Also, the NuraTrue uses Bluetooth 5.0 whereas the NuraTrue Pro utilises Bluetooth 5.3 technology for a more secure and stable wireless connection. The other noticeable difference is that the NuraTrue Pro supports wireless charging while the NuraTrue doesn’t work with Qi chargers. You can also achieve multipoint Bluetooth connections with the NuraTrue Pro, something that is not possible with the NuraTrue earbuds.

The NuraTrue Pro also has a better frequency range than its counterpart. It will provide you with an impressive 20Hz to 40kHz compared to NuraTrue’s 20Hz to 20kHz. Both the NuraTrue Pro and NuraTrue earbuds are IPX 4-rated for maximum sweat resistance. The NuraTrue Pro earbuds and casing are however heavier.

NuraTrue Pro Earbuds Voice Calls

With the NuraTrue earbuds, you can make and receive phone calls with ease. Each earbud is equipped with a powerful microprocessor and four microphones for clear voice calls. But that is not all, the earbuds feature bone-conduction microphones for low-frequency sounds.

As if that is not enough, the microphones on the NuraTrue earbuds can effectively cancel environmental noise while improving your natural voice. This is one of the reasons why the NuraTrue Pro earbuds perform better in noisy environments than major competitors. However, it does pick up some wind noises and isn’t as good as just using your phone.

Design

There’s no doubt about it, the NuraTrue Pro earbuds deliver when it comes to design, in terms of both aesthetics and also comfort. They are premium devices with premium materials and well-thought-out design choices that make them a pleasure to look at and use.

On both the charging case and the earbuds themselves Nura opted for a chrome and black palette that is both refined and simple, giving them an aesthetic worthy of the high cost.

The only real downside if you can even call it that is how easily fingerprint marks show up on the device and the case. Now,m this is true for most pieces of tech but you can see from the images in this review what you can expect.

The charging case has a nice solid feel to it and the magnetic lid has excellent hinges and a satisfying opening and closing motion.

The NuraTrue Pro earbuds have a circular design, with each earbud measuring 26mm in diameter. Each earbud weighs approximately 8.6g, which is a bit bulky compared to what most competitors offer but isn’t noticeable when worn.

This also applies to the case, weighing 51.2g, meaning you’ll be carrying around 59.8g. More on this, the outer rings and inlays are made of high-quality ceramic for durability purposes. The black matte finish makes the earbuds more stylish and aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Upon purchase, you will get additional foam ear tips, silicone tips, and wing tips for added convenience. Like the earbuds, the case is durably built and also has a matte black finish. The case is quite compact and can fit into your pocket without giving you any problems.

NuraTrue Pro’s case has a USB-C port that allows for fast charging. Alternatively, you can make use of the wireless charging function. The three indicator lights on the case will show you the battery status when charging the device – which is actually very useful.

NuraTrue Pro Earbuds Review Verdict

The NuraTrue Pro earbuds can be an excellent pick for audiophiles and people who want to stand out from the crowd of Airpods. They not only offer a range of features but are also designed with every user’s need in mind. The earbuds utilise aptX Lossless codec for uncompressed audio, making the NuroTrue Pro one of the best true wireless earbuds that you can buy in Australia.

Also, the battery life is pretty decent and will provide you with up to 35 hours of uninterrupted playtime. If you have a device that supports aptX Lossless codec like the Asus Zenfone 9 or Asus ROG S6 phone, this may be the perfect pair of buds for you. Although the price is a bit steep, these earbuds have unique features you won’t find on most wireless earbuds and will set you a part from the crowd!

The post NuraTrue Pro Earbuds Review: My Experience with Nura’s Flagship Earbuds appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Being an improvement of the original model, the Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 offers more features and greater performance than its predecessor. Additionally, these earbuds are reasonably priced and will only set you back around $160. However, they are a bit cheaper on the Mifo website.

As with most gadgets and audio devices, there is always more than meets the eye, so continue reading this Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 review to get all the info that you need about this product.

Overview

Mifo has done a great job with the O5 Plus Gen 2. We are particularly impressed with its long playtime, thanks to the large capacity battery. The earbuds come with a carrying case that doubles as a power bank. Equipped with a 2600mAh battery, the case can help you charge your smartphone and other devices on the go.

In addition to this, the earbuds feature 60mAh batteries that will provide you with up to 7 hours of continuous playtime. Amazing right? Each of the earbuds has buttons that will give you quick access to the audio functions. That said, the Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 may not suit those who prefer wireless earbuds with smart touch controls. This device utilises Bluetooth 5.0 technology for reliable wireless connection up to 12 meters, making it somewhat similar to the Sony WF-1000XM3.

With the Bluetooth chipset in place, you can enjoy your favourite tunes even without being close to the paired device. If you are worried about compatibility, the Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 supports both Android and iOS operating systems. It also has a quick pairing function that will get you connected in seconds. On the flip side, the O5 Plus Gen 2 does not have a companion app like most wireless earbuds with a similar design.

Mifo claims the earbuds feature built-in auto-tuning firmware for enhanced performance. Still, we feel the Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 could be better if it had a partner app, as this would allow you to adjust the settings from your smartphone. Also, the earbuds can be quite uncomfortable when you press the buttons since this pushes the ear tips deeper into the ear canal.

Features

Transparency mode

The problem with most earphones is that they completely block ambient sounds. This is not a disadvantage, since we all know the benefits of active noise cancellation. To ensure that you get the best experience, Mifo designed the O5 Plus Gen 2 earbuds in such a way that users can juggle between what they are listening to and the surrounding sounds. This feature can be a lifesaver when crossing the road or when engaging in activities that require partial attention.

Interchangeable ear tips

One of the things that you need to take into account when buying earbuds is comfort. And that is why Mifo provides you with different sizes of ear tips to help the user find the perfect fit for their ear canal.

Long battery life

The Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 offers a longer playtime compared to most wireless budget earphones on the market. We reckon you’ll love the charging case. The built-in battery will allow you to charge the mini batteries on the earbuds to full capacity without using up all the juice. You’ll get up to 100 hours of continuous playtime.

Built-in microphones

The Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 earbuds are fitted with microphones, meaning you can comfortably answer calls without touching your smartphone. This allows for hands-free operation when you are at the gym.

Passive noise cancellation

Mifo’s earbuds can effectively block high-frequency and irregular outside noise, allowing you to enjoy the music. If you pair this feature with the transparency mode, you’ll be able to customise the earbuds to match your needs when commuting.

IPX7 waterproof

These earbuds are tightly sealed to prevent the ingress of sweat, water, and dust. The nano-coating keeps rust at bay and also protects the delicate components from the elements. You can even use these earbuds in the rain.

Specs

• Form Factor: In-ear
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (12 m range)
• Product Weight: Approx. 4.5 grams
• Playtime: 100 hours
• Noise-cancelling: Yes
• Waterproof: IPX7
• Wireless Charging: No
• Built-in Microphone: Yes

Design

The Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 true wireless earbuds are shaped like teardrops and come with well-designed ear tips that offer comfort. To make them even better, the ear tips are interchangeable, so you can customise the earbuds according to your preference. The ear tips will provide you with a secure fit, so you won’t have to worry about the earbuds falling off.

As such, you can use these wireless earbuds when jogging, weight training, or during yoga. The included charging case is built like a tank. It is made of high-quality aluminium, a material that is both durable and lightweight. However, some users still find the charging case a bit heavy. The earbud housings are made of the same material and also utilise vacuform technology to prevent conduction. This means the earbuds won’t in any way be affected by heat or cold.

When it comes to performance, the earbuds deliver high-quality sound, but the bass is not that great. The max volume is also low compared to most true wireless earphones in its class. More to this, the mid is average. Although Mifo claims it studied more than 2000 earbuds before coming up with this product, its design still needs a lot of improvement.

For starters, the use of buttons to control basic functions takes away a few points from the O5 Plus Gen 2. Secondly, the case could be smaller and lighter. This will make it more pocket friendly, thus allowing for easy portability when going for a run or taking part in other physical activities. For the price, we really can’t complain much, since the product offers the bare basics and has all features that one may look for in true wireless earphones.

Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 Review Australia Round-up

Now that you are done reading our Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 review, here are the key points that you should take home. This device is reasonably priced, durably built, and comfortable to use. Well except when pressing the buttons on the earbuds.

The fact that the earbuds are waterproof means you can use them even when you are drenched in sweat. They can also withstand rain, making them even more convenient for outdoor enthusiasts. And because the earbuds have built-in microphones, you can take calls with ease.

The post Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 Review: An Upgrade of The O5 Plus appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Had enough of having to lug around a smartphone just to listen to some tunes while you’re out for a run? Sure there are tons of compact music players out there, but what if you’re like the millions of people out there who get their music exclusively from Spotify? Well, the Mighty Vibe is a nifty gizmo that aims to solve all your sound tripping troubles.

This adorable square-shaped device offers the unique feature of listening to your Spotify or Amazon music tracks or podcasts without needing to stay connected to the internet, allowing you to do your activities without having to bring along your phone.

In this Mighty Vibe review, we’ll figure out if this little guy is worth buying over other gadgets that have a similar feature, such as Samsung’s newer line of smartwatches.

Cant’ stick around for the entire review? Just click on any of the links below and we’ll take you right to that section.

Overview

Mighty Audio is a company that’s built its identity around developing music devices that cater to the streaming age. Their flagship gadget – the Might Vibe – is a handy little music player about the size of a poker chip that has obvious nods to the old Apple iPod Shuffle. It’s both WiFi and Bluetooth capable and enables you to play songs from hit music platforms Spotify and Amazon Music without having to remain connected to the internet.

This allows you to go for a run or work up a sweat at the gym without being forced to carry around your significantly larger smartphone. It also continuously updates your playlists and podcasts every night and is both drop and water-resistant for that extra layer of security most phones just don’t have.

Features

Offline Streaming

Mighty Vibe allows you to take your Spotify and Amazon Music experiences to the next level by giving you the capability of offline streaming. You’ll be able to listen to your favourite playlists and podcasts without having to stay hooked up to the internet.

WiFi & Bluetooth Capable

You can sync the device with your phone wirelessly and it is fully compatible with either Bluetooth or wired headphones, earbuds, or speakers.

Impressive Battery Life

For such a tiny thing, the Mighty Vibe comes with a solid battery that gives you more than five hours of continuous playback which is more than enough for an average workout session or daily jog

Generous Storage

The Mighty Vibe’s 8GB storage system can house more than a thousand songs, which translates to hundreds of hours of your favourite podcasts and music that you can take with you on the go.

Voiceover Playlist Navigation

This device may not have a screen, but it does a great job of making playlist navigation a lot easier by speaking the name of each playlist directly into your headphones.

Automatic Updates

The Might Vibe automatically keeps your podcasts and playlists constantly updated every night so you always remain up-to-date when it comes to your tunes and stories.

Sturdy Build

This little guy is both drop and water-resistant, allowing it to withstand the occasional tumble or splash of water. It’s IPX4 rated so it should be able to even handle some light rain without any trouble.

Android & iOS Compatible

Whether you’re an Android fan or an Apple enthusiast, the Mighty Vibe is fully compatible with both platforms.

Specs

If you like music then you will like the Lumi Keyboard

Aesthetics

The Mighty Vibe offers a low-profile design that still manages to stay chic and stylish on account of its vibrant assortment of available colours. The device itself is essentially just a flattened cube with a circular panel in the centre that serves as its controls. Here you can pause and play your tracks, as well as shuffle between them or control the volume. On the top-right corner, there’s a dedicated button for playlists shuffling.

It obviously draws heavy inspiration from the Apple iPod Shuffle when it comes to its design, and its minimalist nature perfectly suits its simple purpose and control scheme. Depending on your tastes, you can get a Mighty Vibe in either Zazzy Black, Gully Blue, Mooshu Red, or Shamrock Green, with the brighter colourways looking especially flamboyant. There’s beauty in simplicity and Mighty Audio understands that exceedingly well.

What’s it like to use?

Using the Mighty Vibe is as simple as it looks. You’ve got a bunch of well-labelled buttons across the device’s face which you can use to control audio playback, browsing, and volume. The dedicated playlist button allows you to shuffle through your playlists and the Vibe actually reads out the playlist name straight to your earphones to make it easier to navigate even without a screen.

Utilizing the Mighty companion app is equally as effortless. All you have to do is download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, select the music service that you plan on using, and then sync your playlists via WiFi. After that, you can leave your phone behind and go on that jog or workout sesh.

Final Thoughts

e having to fuss around with your smartphone or stay connected to the internet. It’s small enough to just latch onto your shirt or bag and its controls are simple enough to work even with your eyes closed.

The voiceover playlist navigation is also a wonderful feature that minimizes the disadvantage of not having a screen by reading out your playlist names so you know exactly which one you’re on. To top it all off, the Mighty Vibe comes in a variety of eye-catching colours to suit different tastes and styles. If you loved the iPod Shuffle and are dying for a successor, the Mighty Vibe will scratch that itch and then some.

The post Mighty Vibe Review: Mini Spotify Offline Music Player appeared first on Mr Gadget.

CHECK TODAY’S PRICE HERE: See at Amazon

If you’re short on time, feel free to skip ahead to different sections of the Jlabs Jbud Air review:

Who should consider buying the Jbuds Air?

The Jlabs JBuds are a very good purchase if you fall into these categories:

People on a budget. The majority of wireless earbuds in the same price bracket are terrible no-name products on Amazon. The Jbuds actually deserve your consideration.

Gym-goes & Runners. Surprisingly, the Jbuds Air has an IP55 rating meaning they won’t be damaged by some sweat or rain.

People new to the wireless earbud market. Wireless earbuds are incredibly convenient but also easy to lose and require battery management. Because these are so cheap, it’s a good test to see if this type of product works for you.

What are the Jbuds Air like to use?

Honestly, I am very impressed with the Jbuds Air ability to compete against more premium true wireless earbuds. Of course, I am lowering the bar due to the insanely low price, but honestly, there is nothing about them that automatically rule them out. They do cut corners with material choice (plastic, plastic, plastic) and functionality, but honestly, I enjoyed the time I spent reviewing the Jbuds Air.

Pairing the Jbuds Air

Pairing these guys is easy as pie thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0, which delivers a stable and strong connection up to meters away. To pair the Jbuds Air, simply open the case and hold down the button on both earbuds for 3 seconds. This will connect each earbud to one another. Once this process is complete the right earbud will flash blue and white, letting you know they are ready to pair to your phone. Simple open your Bluetooth settings and connect.

I found this process to be a little more involved than the majority of other true wireless earbuds, but what can you expect for the price point. They’re a long way away from the seamless set-up of the Pixel Buds 2 or Apple AirPods Pro, but it’s still super easy.

Comfort

The Jbuds Air is a little clunkier and larger than most other wireless earbuds but remains lightweight due to the all-plastic casing and come in at just 6 grams per earbud. This is certainly on the lighter end of the scale but isn’t enough to make them a comfortable fit.

However, if your ears on the larger side of things the Jbud Air may work for you, but they didn’t work for me. After just 20 minutes they became an annoyance and after 45 minutes I had to give my ears a rest from the discomfort.

Jlabs does include 3 separate pair of ear tips to accommodate different-sized ears, which is commendable at this price point, but they weren’t enough to make these comfortable for me. There is also the inclusion of cush-fins to provide better in-ear stability, which again, is a generous inclusion at this price point, but didn’t do much to improve comfort.

Controls

The Jbuds Air has surprisingly good controls for such a budget pair. And utilise a single button per earbud approach to managing the device. The buttons control is a little frustrating and finicky but I did get used to them pretty quickly.

The required multiple clicks on the eardrum area in combination with the large plastic casing is a bad combo. So, I learned quite quickly that it’s best if hold the buds in place while pressing the button to avoid discomfort.

The left earbud is used to control volume down and to skip back a track, while the right ear does the opposite. You can switch through three different audio presets (more on that later) with three clicks on either earbud and activate the voice assistant with a double-click on the right earbud. Play and pause are controlled by a double click on the left earbud.

You can see why they take a little bit of getting used to but honestly, the controls are decent enough.

Jbuds Air Battery Life

OK, this is where I started to really notice the cost-cutting. The Jbuds Air holds a measly 3 hours of battery in the bud. This is certainly enough for 90% of people working out or for your daily commute, but three hours means they’ll have to be charged daily for more people. 3 hours of battery life isn’t the end of the world, but it did require me to make sure they were fully charged at the beginning of each day.

Thankfully the charging case holds an additional 10 hours of juice and can fully recharge the earbuds in around an hour and a half. It’s not brilliant, but again, these are cheap!

Charging Case

The pillbox-shaped charging case is made from the same plastic present on the earbuds. Yes, it does look a little cheap, but honestly, it doesn’t look too bad in person. There is an integrated USB cable that folds in neatly to the underside of the case. This is a good idea, but what happens if it breaks?

Jlabs has stated that it should survive 10,000 bends before it shows signs of damage, but I’ve heard this before. It’s also a USB A cable and these ports are becoming rarer and rarer. However, it is one less cable to carry around with you!

Overall the Jlab Jbuds Air charging case does its job well enough. It doesn’t have the sophisticated design of the Sony WF-1000XM3 or the tiny form factor of the AirPods Pro, but it does hold up well for the price.

Are they good for workouts?

Yes, the Jbuds Air are an excellent choice for workouts. The IP55 rating and 3-hour battery life make a good combo for exercise. You won’t have to worry about sweat damage and the three hours battery will get you through all but the longest workouts. The only thing to consider is the discomfort, but it may not be as uncomfortable for others as it was for me.

Also, if you happen to drop a weight on them, well you’re only out 50 bucks!

Are they good for productivity & focus?

No, not really. They have no noise cancellation, a very average microphone and become uncomfortable quite quickly. For me personally, I found these to be more a distraction rather than productivity aid!

Are they good for commuting?

They’re OK. They play music which will remove some of the sounds around you, but they don’t block out much noise. The three hours will get through most commuted back and forth on a single charge but will require a recharge in the evening.

Worthy of a listening experience?

Maybe. Let’s me be clear, these are far from audiophile-grade but do compete with wireless earbuds much more expensive than the Jbuds Air. I’d say they’re close to the original AirPods in sound quality but miles away from the Sennheiser True Momentum 2.

Bass

The bass is easily the weakest part of the sound profile. Bass-heavy tracks can become distorted during intense bass sections, and in others, the bass almost disappears. It’s a bit disorientating and disappointing.

Mids

The mids are the best part of the sound profile. It is very well balanced and supports lead vocals and instruments very clearly.

Treble

The treble is well represented in the Jbuds Air. The highs come through crips and clear and only very occasionally sound piercing. The piercing effect is very rare but it is present at high volume on the very high pitched sections of a track.

Aesthetics

The aesthetic is simple and functional. These won’t win any design awards but the low-key, functional design won’t offend anyone either. The same can be said about the case. Sure, it’s a bit bland but it’s usually in your pocket or bag anyway.

If the aesthetic is an important factor in your purchasing decision, it’s hard to recommend these, but if you’re not fussed by this type of thing, the Jbud Air design is fine.

Jlabs Jbud Air Review Summary

The Jlabs Jbud Air punch well above their weight class and may be the best value for money true wireless earbud available. For the low price you do miss out on a lot of the useful features found elsewhere but the core functionality is present, and they don’t look bad either.

If you just want a pair of simple wireless earbuds for working out, then these are for you. If you want a pair of wireless earbuds that enhances your music, then you’ll have to look elsewhere!

I’d be happy to recommend the Jbud Air to somebody new to the market and wants to dip their toe in before forking out $200+ dollars for a more premium pair.

Jbuds Air Price

You can pick up very the Jlabs JBuds very cheaply on Amazon. I told you these guys were cheap. It’s worth spending some time finding the best deal because different vendors sell them at slightly different rates. Some of them offer free shipping, some don’t.

Jlabs JBuds

See at Amazon

FAQs

Full Spec List

The post JLab JBuds Air Review – Best Budget Wireless Earbuds? appeared first on Mr Gadget.

It’s about time I wrote an in-depth review on the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds.It’s rare that a product exceeds the hype, but the Sony WF-1000XM3 has done just that.

CHECK TODAY’S PRICE HERE: See at Amazon

We all knew that these would be good, but didn’t realise just how good. If you want a pair of stylish, feature-rich wireless earbuds with the best ANC on the market, then you’re reading the right review.

The Sony WF-1000XM3 has it all, and it does it in style! It’s not easy to be considered as one of the best wireless earbuds on the market but the WF-1000XM3 easily makes the list! Let’s find out exactly why the Sony’s rank so highly!

If you’re short on time feel free to skip ahead to the different sections of this WF-1000XM3 review:

Who should consider buying the WF-1000XM3?

People who like to block out noisy distractions. The Sony WF-1000XM3 has the best ANC of any wireless earbud.

People who stay dry and sweat-free. One downside of these is the lack of sweat or water-resistance. Do not get these wet, they have a high chance of damage.

People who like quality. You get what you pay for (and more) with the WF-1000XM3, but they’re not cheap. If you want a stylish pair of feature-packed earbuds, consider these.

What are the WF-1000XM3 like to use?

The moment you open the box and see what’s inside is the moment you realise Sony means business. First impressions count and boy, what a first impression. The Sony WF-1000XM3 has a somewhat unique style and it works! But what are they actually like to use? Let’s jump in and look at how well they are designed as a usable device.

Pairing the WF-1000XM3

Disappointingly there is no multi-device pairing, which is a feature that goes a long way in delivering a smooth user experience and is found in some other wireless earbuds like the Jabra Elite 75t.

However, they do have NFC pairing, which is a rare including for wireless earbuds. My daily pair of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM3 (yes, they share almost identical product names) has NFC pairing and I use it every day to switch from laptop back to my phone while I walk to work.

The WF-1000XM3 NFC is just as useful and consistent and minimised the lack of multi-device pairing significantly. Yes, I wish it was a thing, but it’s not a huge turnoff.

Bluetooth 5.0 ensures that the connection is consistent and strong up to meters away and that pairing is a quick and stress-free process.

To initiate the pairing process for the first, all you have to do it remove the earbuds from the charging case and it will start. Then just enter your Bluetooth setting and accept. If you’re connecting to a second device after the initial pairing, place both earbuds in your ears and place your fingers on the touch sensors of each bud for 7 seconds to initiate the pairing process.

All in all, the pairing process is incredibly simple and the NFC makes things that much better!

Comfort

Sony has done a good job making the WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds as comfortable as possible with some clever designs and options. These are relatively lightweight at 8.5g per bud (not as lightweight as the Elite 75t at 5.5g) and utilise a ‘Tri-hold structure’ to effectively spread the weight.

In addition to a lightweight structure, Sony has included 7 (yes, seven!) ear tips for you try out and find the perfect fit. This is many more than what can expect from other brands).

I have to say that these are more comfortable than the majority of the wireless earbuds I have reviewed. Even after a few hours of use, they were still comfortable which is a rare statement in the wireless earbud world!

Controls

I usually find touch control to be a bit finicky but Sony did a great job with e WH-1000XM3 and they’ve done it again with the WF-1000XM3. For some strange reason, Sony has done what Apple did with the AirPod Pros and omitted on-device volume controls. Thankfully all of the controls can be adjusted (including add volume controls) using the Sony Headphones App available on both Apple and Android.

The touchpad is found on either earbud and is large enough to comfortably use. Those of you with large fingers may find it a little small, but I had no problems at all. The touchpad does a good job of recognising taps even if you’re not tapping in the centre. You can view the full list of controls here on Sony’s website.

Overall, I was very impressed with the touchpad and the customisation options. The buds were responsive and the controls were intuitive.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Battery Life

Powerbeats Pro’s remarkable 9 hours. It’s not often that you’ll use a pair of wireless earbuds for longer than 8 hours, but it’s there if you need it!

Charging Case

The WF-1000XM3 charging case holds an additional 3 three charges worth of battery, bring the total to potential battery life to 32 hours. This easily has one of the best total battery capacities. In addition to storing a lot of juice, it has quick-charge functionality that will deliver 1.5 hours of juice in just 10 minutes.

The USB-C charging case holds the buds in-place magnetically, preventing them from coming loose during transit and halting any charging. It’s also useful in preventing them from toppling out when you open the case. This is something I would like to see from every pair of premium wireless earbuds.

Are they good for workouts?

No. It’s that simple. The Sony WF-1000XM3 has no water or sweat-resistant rating, which is an odd immission. Realistically these would be ok for light workouts but for anything strenuous, I really would not recommend it unless you want to be buying a new pair after each workout.

Are they good for productivity & focus?

Absolutely! These guys have the best ANC on the market for this type of device and are impressively effective at blocking out unwanted noise. I work in a pretty noisy office and putting these on feels like you’re in your own little world. The noise cancellation was also very effective during my bus commute. The droney bus engine all but blocked out and the chatter around disappeared to a silence.

If you want a pair of earbuds for making and taking calls, it’s hard for me to recommend these, as there are better options like the Jabra Evolve 65t.

Are they good for commuting?

Yes, these are excellent for commutes. The long battery life, excellent ANC and ability to switch to Ambient Sound mode make these arguably the best wireless earbuds for commuting. If you need to quickly order a coffee activate the Quick Attention feature to have chat without taking the earbuds out or passing.

Worthy of a listening experience?

There’s no doubt about, the Sony WF-1000XM3 sound superb. They have brilliant sound quality across the full range and the ANC only makes things better. Let’s have a look at things in more detail.

Bass

The bass performance is top-notch. The Sony WF-1000XM3 delivers a lush, rich and thick bass that greatly enhances bass-heavy music like EDM or dubstep. I listened to a classic dubstep album Skream! by Skream and it sounded better than I remembered! The deep, synthy basses were a joy to experience and completely blocked out the outside noise with ANC turned on!

Mids

The mids do a great job of promoting the vocals and lead instruments without crowding out the bass on the treble frequencies. On Skream’s album, the vocal came through with amazing clarity and felt as if they were a part of the music without getting in its way.

Treble

WF-1000XM3’s treble performance is arguably the best performing part of the sound profile. The snare and cymbals sounded fantastically bright without any distortion or uncomfortable piercing. They punctuated the music with perforating it and deliver a nice sonic contrast the luxurious bass.

Aesthetics

I think the Sony WF-1000XM3’s are best-looking wireless earbuds. They are currently available in two colour options that are equally attractive and have their own unique qualities. I am reviewing the back version of the WF-1000XM3 and wow do they look good. The black looks excellent with the copper accent seen on the logo and around the microphone. It’s a subtle and refined contrast that makes the earbuds look premium.

They have a sophisticated silhouette that is different from most other wireless earbuds. They’re not the smallest but nowhere near the largest and don’t look silly hanging out of your ear.

The charging case follows the same design principle and material choice. With the back version of the WF-1000XM3, you receive a black case with a copper lid that looks extremely sophisticated. It easily the most attractive charge case in my opinion.

WF-1000XM3 Review Summary

The Sony WF-1000XM3 is arguably the best wireless earbud you can purchase right now! The ANC is easily the best on the market and surpasses that of the Apple AirPods Pro with ease. The sophisticated and refined aesthetic, coupled with the feature-packed buds make these a top-tier choice for those in the market for a pair of premium wireless earbuds.

Of all the wireless earbuds I have tested, I think the WF-1000XM3 review was my most enjoyable. They enhanced my daily commute by removing the chit chatter while delivering very high-quality sound quality.

I can easily recommend the Sony WF-1000XM3 to anyone except fitness fanatics. The lack of water and sweat resistant is a bit of a letdown but they excel in every other area!

Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds

See at Amazon

Thank you for taking the time to read this Sony WF-1000XM3 review. I hope that it helped inform your purchasing decision and gave you the insights you need. If you have any questions relating to this review, please let me know in the comments below!

The post Sony WF-1000XM3 Review – The Best ANC Wireless Earbuds appeared first on Mr Gadget.

These guys tick most of the boxes that somebody would want, but not as many as some of the slightly more premium sporty wireless earbuds like the Powerbeats Pros. Despite not offering all of the trimmings, the Jaybird Vistas are well worth your consideration, so let’s take a look!

If you want to skip ahead to a specific section of our Jaybird Vista review, then use the links below:

Overview

The Jaybird Vistaare most similar to the Powerbeats Pro with regards to what job they attempt to do. These guys are slightly cheaper than the Beats, but not by a whole lot (around $50 cheaper at the time writing on Amazon) – so keep that in mind. We found the Powerbeats Pro to be very good overall all the so Vistas have a lot to live up to. Being only slightly cheaper, these will be held to similarly high standards.

Sound Performance

Although these are aimed towards people looking to use these while working out, that doesn’t mean audio quality shouldn’t incredibly important. After all, if you’re feeling the music you put the extra work in! Let’s take a look at the sound profile and listening experience in detail.

Bass

The bass on these guys is fantastic! It has a real thump that almost forces you to bump your head. At no point did it become distorted, even when listening to bass-heavy genres like dubstep or drum and bass. This is something that is important to me as I usually listen to bass-heavy music while working out.

Mid

Overall the mids are very good. The vocals did seem very slightly overshadowed by the bass but not by much. This is honestly barely noticeable and for the average listener, they would likely never even notice. I’m only mentioning this since this is a review but don’t put too much stock into it, the mids are very good.

Treble

The Vistas were doing so well up until this point. Disappointedly, the treble really lets the Jaybird’s down. Cymbals and lead instruments just disappear to the back of the mix and result in a rather obvious unbalanced track. The usual bright spots from liquid drum and bass playlist just sounded dull and lifeless. Very disappointing.

Noise cancellation

Something else which I find important with this type of wireless earbud is the ability to block out the world and stay in the zone. Unfortunately, the Jaybird Vista do not have active noise cancellation and instead rely on passive noise cancellation.

The passive noise cancellation is poor. Deep sounds got through without much dulling but, to their credit, the voices of people talking were muffled quite a bit. People talking closely will get through without much of a hitch but if they’re a few meters away they are dramatically quieter. They do a good enough job, but I would much prefer ANC.

What Are They Like To Use?

It’s well and good talking about the Jaybird Vistas, but what are they actually like to use? Let’s cover the most common ways we interact with our earbuds.

The Set-up

This is super simple as you would expect. Just like almost every pair of wireless earbuds all you have to do is flip open the charging case and the LED should flick on and off to indicate pairing. Then simply switch to your music playback device and go the Bluetooth settings and hit pair! If for some reason the light isn’t flashing, then press the internal button which will manually start the pairing process. This paring is remembered by the Vistas and will automatically connect from now on.

You can’t really ask for a simpler pairing process and from my time using these I never had a single issue paring these to any device. This is likely due to the inclusion of Jaybirds JBS1 chipset. This chipset allegedly greatly improves the connection time and strength, and from my experience does an excellent job!

Controls

Controls are a big part of the user experience and Vista scores well. There is the option to customise what each input does through the Jaybird app, which is always welcomed. These guys use physical buttons rather than relying on touch inputs, which is my preference since I like the tactility of actually pressing something. Overall, the controls enhance the user experience.

Comfort

Comfort is arguably the most important aspect. There’s nothing worse than going for a run and then having to pop out your earbuds due to discomfort. These guys are pretty bulky and as result will start to become uncomfortable after an hour or, especially so for those of you with smaller ears. It’s worth mentioning that this a rather subjective thing so it’s always worth you’re time testing these out in person if possible.

What Are They Like For Workouts?

Short answer, good…for an hour. The Jaybirds do a stellar job of staying firmly in your ears without moving around. I’ve run in them and cycled in them and at no point did they feel they would come loose. They have an IPX7 rating which means they can survive in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. So, running in the rain won’t be an issue or a bit of sweat but a swim will likely result in a trip to the shops. So far, so good. But then after around an hour of use, they just become an uncomfortable distraction…for me at least.

So, these are great and if you’re more a HIIT person, you might be fine, but if you like lengthy cycles or runs, then you might get frustrated by the discomfort.

What Are They Like For Office Work?

One of the reasons people like to listen use their earbuds in the office is to maintain focus and remove potential distractions, which is tough without ANC. The passive noise cancellation does ok but doesn’t block enough of the world out for my liking. However, if you work in an office where you need to be able to hear whats going on around you, then these are well suited. They put out enough of the noise but if somebody needs you, you’ll hear them.

The microphone quality is poor, but that’s par for the course on these devices. Your voice will sound muffled and distant but still clear enough to hold a conversation (Despite the infrequent and short cut-outs). Just don’t take calls in noisy (or windy) environments.

How About A Listening Session?

As discussed before, the audio performance on these is pretty good, but the treble is disappointing. If you want to sit down and embrace the latest album you’ve been eagerly looking forward to, then I would personally suggest a pair of wireless earbuds more suited to the task. The best I have tested is the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2’s.

Battery Life

The buds themselves hold a relatively standard 6 hours, which leaves a bit to be desired. The case, however, holds just 10 hours, which leaves LOT to be desired. That’s absolutely awful and is inexcusable really. Yes, these are targetted towards workouts and not travelling, but 10 hours is just embarrassing.

A saving grace is the quick charge time, with 5 minutes of charge delivering 1 hour of juice. It takes around 2 hours to charge the case back up to 100%

Overall, disappointing.

Charging Case

The charging case is nothing special or innovative, but it does its job well (except for storing battery). It very easily fits into a pocket comfortably thanks to its super compact and lightweight form factor. The is a really small portable case, and this comes at the cost of a small battery. So depending on what value more you may or may not love this. It uses a simple hinge mechanism to flip over, with a small lip on the front side to help open it.

Aesthetics

Jaybird opted for a subtle, yet high-precision aesthetic for the Vistas. The all-black colour scheme, with the grey logo, complement each other well. They have the profile of a sporty earbud which is partially due to the colour selection but also to the black ear stabiliser fin.

Because these are quite small buds, they don’t look silly sticking out of your ears like some other buds and are quite minimal overall. The black is certainly to my liking but they do come in two other colours, Mineral Blue and Nimbus Gray.

Specs (Courtesy of Jaybird)

Jaybird Vista Review Summary

The Jaybird Vista is an excellent pair of very portable true wireless earbuds that do an excellent job in most areas but let themselves down in key areas. The audio performance leaves something to be desired with poor treble, the charging case battery storage is disappointingly small and they do become a bit uncomfortable after an hour. However, if you want a pair of earbuds to use for your shorter runs that you won’t have to worry about in the rain, these could be for you!

FAQs

The post Jaybird Vista Review – Are They Overhyped? appeared first on Mr Gadget.

Sennheiser has been at the forefront of high-quality audio devices for many years now and that fact they’ve managed to continue this trend in the form of wireless earbuds is no surprise. But not only do these buds sound fantastic they have a lot of positives in other areas. Let’s take a look!

If you’re short on time, click through to the different sections of this Momentum True Wireless 2 review:

Sound Quality

Just like their excellent Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds use the same high-quality 7mm drivers. However, there is an improvement in sound quality which is due to better sound processing software and chipsets. A more obvious improvement is the inclusion of ANC (active noise cancellation), which doesn’t directly contribute to the audio quality but does improve the listening experience in certain situations. More on that later

The Momentum True Wireless 2 has a superbly balanced sound profile that compliments almost all genres of music excellently. Sennheisser is at the top of their game here and you can really notice the difference between these and the originals. The soundstage feels vast and as a result, the music you’re listening to feels spacial rather than just in your head. It’s really a novel feeling.

Bass

Ther bass on these guys is great. It’s not as high up in the mix as some other wireless earbuds but the bass certainly adds a lot of depth and fullness to the music. Unlike the Powerbeats Pros, the bass on these is less punchy and has more thickness to it. So, if you’re really into bumpin your hop hop out to the max, you might want to look at another pair. Saying that, in our opinion, the bass on these is actually the best balanced of any pair.

Mids

Hands down the best mids accurate of nay in-ear wireless earbuds. The mids are just so well presented in the mix it almost sounds like you’re listening to live music. Vocals heavy tracks are incredibly clear and well suited to these Sennhesiers. Lead instruments are also wonderfully represented in this sound profile

Treble

These guys get a lot of flack for have poor treble balance and they kind of do and they kind of don’t. Yes, objectively, according to testing the treble is recessed, but according to my ears, they are not! Just something I thought was worth mentioning.

All in all, Sennheiser have done a fantastic job with the sound quality. The mix is great and there’s no denying just how good these sound when you’re actually using them. Everything is just so crisp and high fidelity. It’s fair to say that these are probably less suited to really bass-heavy music or people who prefer bass turned way up but for everyone else, these are top of the pile.

Active Noise Cancellation

The addition of active noise cancellation is the most obvious improvement over the first iteration and for me moves these wireless earbuds into the top tier. As someone who (used to) commute and travel a fair bit, I would feel lost without ANC. Now, expectations should only be so high when discussing ANC on earbuds, simply because they are earbuds, not headphones.

With that being said, these guys do a very good job at blocking out most unwanted noises. They do much better at blocking out the conversations around you than they do at blocking out deeper droning sounds. I could still hear the construction drilling albeit at a much-reduced level.

The ANC is a welcome addition but an expected one also. These are not cheap and should be full of useful features to help justify the price. Yes, the audio quality is top-notch but earbuds in this price range should serve more functions than just music playback.

Comfort

Despite being smaller than the originals these are still a little on the larger side. As a result, they were actually a little bit uncomfortable after a lengthy listening session. Admittedly, my ears are quite small, so it may only be a problem for my small-eared brethren but it is certainly something worth noting.

However, these guys are super lightweight and are packaged with four different sized sets of ear tips so it seems the discomfort is purely a result of small ears and larger buds.

As with any premium purchases, it’s well worth trying these out in-person (if possible) to see if they are a good fit for you!

Controls

The controls on these are OK at best. Yes, they allow you to do all of the usual things you would expect it’s just that there a bit unintuitive. The main reason for this is the default volume control, which relies on using both earbuds – tapping the left bud for lower, and the right bud for higher. This is just awkward and means you either have to use both arms or wave your hand back and forth to get the right volume level. Strange choice. There are no actual buttons or rockers and instead, Sennhesier opted purely for touch controls.

However, Sennheiser has allowed uses to customise the controls to their preferences. This is all done through the Sennheiser SmartControl companion app. Playing around in here for just a short time will grant you a much better experience with the controls.

The Momentum True Wireless earbuds do have auto pause and autoplay as standard. The in-0easr sensors will detect when a bud is removed and then automatically pause the playback and restart it again when it’s back in the ear. This is very useful for podcast listeners who don’t want to skip back and forth to find where they were at.

Overall, with a bit of tinkering, the controls on these are pretty good. Nothing outstanding but aside from the default controls, nothing to really complain about. These would be worked down quite severely if it wasn’t for the custom control option.

Connectivity & Codecs

As you would expect from a pair of premium wireless earbuds, the Sennheiser’s use the latest Bluetooth standards and codecs to communicate with your devices.

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.1 and support for the aptX codec you can be confident that your high bitrate music will not be lost to lowgrade connectivity and codecs. Both Android and iOS support the aptX codec so your device won’t affect music playback quality. There is also support for SBC and AAC.

Battery Life

For the cost, battery life is a bit disappointing. Sure they’re better than some other wireless earbuds but with 7 hours max (ANC off) they’re no match for the Powerbeat’s 9 hours. With active noise cancellation turned on, you’ll be lucky to get 4 hours of playback. Again this isn’t awful, it’s just a bit underwhelming considering the cost (and size) of these.

The case holds 21 hours of charge, bringing the total to 28 hours of portable battery juice. To be fair, this is a lot of time and it will be rare that you would ever need this much time without having time to recharge. It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to charge these from 0% to 100%. This is about average. The problem is, when the price is so high, you are held to high standards.

Another lacking feature is no wireless charging. Again, this isn’t the norm for wireless earbuds but it’s something that is becoming more frequent and in my opinion something that all premium buds should have as standard.

Charging Case

It has to be said – this case looks incredible and is probably the best-looking charge case of any wireless earbuds. The grey fabric finish is premium in its look but also in its material choice. Sennheiser has done a fantastic job here.

The case is charged using a USB C cable (Woohoo!) that is included with your purchase. However, it is just 20cm in length, so keep that in mind. There is a battery indicator on the outside that uses a traffic light system to indicate the charge level.  It would have been nice to get something a bit more detailed like actual. percentages or more colours, but, this seems to be a trend.

The buds fit into their slots magnetically to prevent them falling out and to keep. them from rattling around. This also adds a nice user experience with a satisfying clink when they are inserted.

All in all the charging case is great. It holds a good amount of battery, is USB C, has a great design and is durable. However, the lack of wireless charging is a bit of a miss.

Aesthetics

Aesthetically, these guys look fresh, modern and premium. It is nice dealing and everything fits together neatly. They are. almost identical to the first iteration, so if. you liked them,  you’ll like these. They don’t have a stem and are almost perfectly circular in their profile. The black and silver accent really compliment one another and adds to the premium style.

However, they are a bit on the bulky side and as a result, do protrude from ears more than we would like.

Momentum True Wireless 2 Review Summary

As good as these sound, and boy do they sound good, they miss the mark in a few too many areas. This is especially true when you consider the hefty price tag. If you’re a pure audiophile who wants a. pair of wireless earbuds just for listening then these are for you. But if you want a pair of more well-rounded bud then you’ll need to look elsewhere. A good place to start would be our list of best wireless earbuds.

I hope. that you found this Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review helpful. If you have any comments or feedback please do leave them in the comments section below!

The post Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Review – Sound Heaven? appeared first on Mr Gadget.

But why is testing using an ir tester so important? Is it just performed as a quality control measure or to check whether your electrical insulation has started to deteriorate with age or due to an external factor?

Let us take a look at a few reasons why insulation resistance is important for your electrical systems.

It is a quality control measure

When installing new electrical machinery or equipment at your workplace, how do you check whether there is a missing wire or the equipment is defective?  How do you ensure that all your electrical installations and equipment comply with insulation resistance specifications so that they can operate safely?

Testing insulation resistance is important to detect malfunctioning equipment. Testing insulation with an ir tester makes sure that there is adequate insulation to commence operation and also tests your system for errors. 

To provide a baseline data which can be used as a reference for future testing 

Another reason why ir testing is important is that it is the best way to get baseline data against which you can compare your future readings. Insulation resistance test measurements may vary from cable to cable and equipment to equipment. External factors like heat, cold, moisture, vibration, dirt, oil, and corrosive vapours can lead to loss of insulation and leakage. Under such conditions, ir testing is mostly based on relative measurements and is compared against a previous set of measurements.

Predictive maintenance test

Insulation resistance testing is one of the best valuable predictive maintenance tests available. Electrical insulation can deteriorate with age or due to external factors like temperature, moisture and harsh environmental conditions. An ir test can be used to check the integrity of your insulation. Test readings measured during routine maintenance tests can give valuable information about the quality of insulation.

Troubleshooting tool

Once you start maintaining a record of your readings, you get a better idea of what values to expect from an ir tester. On the basis of the data received, you can understand the condition of the insulation. Any difference in the readings means that there is an issue with the insulation.

Ir testers offer reliable results and are easy to use, making them the ideal diagnostic tools for your troubleshooting, predictive and preventative maintenance applications.

Periodic use of an ir tester will help you keep your electrical system run smoothly and ensure personnel safety as well. 

The post The importance of Insulation Resistance appeared first on Mr Gadget.