Mobile

A Lifesaver for Forgetful Folks: My Apple AirTag Review

2024-02-27

As an avid tech enthusiast and someone who occassionally misplaces their belongings, I was eager to try out the Apple AirTag upon its release. Marketed as a solution to the perennial problem of lost keys, wallets, and other essentials, the AirTag promised seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and precise location tracking. After using it extensively for the past few weeks, I’m ready to share my thoughts on this nifty little device.

Design and Build Quality:

The AirTag boasts a sleek and minimalist design typical of Apple’s products. It’s small, lightweight, and unobtrusive, making it easy to attach to keys, bags, or other items without adding much bulk. The glossy white finish gives it a premium feel, and the stainless steel backplate adds a touch of elegance.

One notable aspect of the design is the absence of any physical buttons or ports. Which is just fine since there is really no use for them! Instead, the AirTag relies on a built-in speaker for sound output and a replaceable CR2032 battery for power. The instructions from Apple on how to replace the battery are very easy to follow and should make it a breeze.

Setup and Integration:

Setting up the AirTag is a breeze, thanks to Apple’s seamless integration with iOS devices. Simply bring the AirTag close to your iPhone, and it will automatically detect and prompt you to set it up. The setup process involves naming the AirTag and assigning it to a specific item, making it easy to identify in the Find My app.

Once set up, the AirTag is immediately accessible from the Find My app, where you can see its current location on a map, play a sound to help locate it, or put it in Lost Mode to track its whereabouts over time. The integration with the Find My network also allows other Apple devices to anonymously help locate your lost AirTag, further enhancing its tracking capabilities.

Precision and Accuracy:

One of the standout features of the AirTag is its impressive precision and accuracy in locating lost items. Using a combination of Bluetooth, ultra-wideband technology, and the Find My network, the AirTag can pinpoint the exact location of your belongings with remarkable accuracy.

During my testing, I was consistently impressed by how quickly and accurately the AirTag was able to locate my misplaced items. Whether it was my keys buried under a pile of laundry or my backpack hidden behind the couch, the AirTag never failed to lead me right to them.

Pros:

Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem: The AirTag works flawlessly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, providing a seamless tracking experience across all your devices.
Precise location tracking: Thanks to advanced technology like ultra-wideband and the Find My network, the AirTag offers unparalleled precision and accuracy in locating lost items. This feature, available on iPhone 11 and later models, uses Ultra Wideband technology to lead you directly to your AirTag with visual, audible, and haptic cues. It worked flawlessly for my misplaced keys, guiding me straight to the couch cushions where they’d been hiding. However, it’s worth noting that Precision Finding only works with specific iPhone models.
Sleek and minimalist design: With its small size, lightweight build, and elegant design, the AirTag blends seamlessly with your belongings without adding unnecessary bulk.

Cons:

Limited compatibility: The AirTag is designed primarily for Apple users, which means Android users are somewhat left out of the equation. While AirTags can be detected by Android devices, they lack the robust functionality available on iPhones. Android users can only see a generic message stating an AirTag is nearby, without the ability to pinpoint its location or contact the owner. This could be a significant drawback for households with mixed device ecosystems.
Privacy concerns: Some users may have reservations about the privacy implications of a device that can track their location and movements. Although Apple has implemented several privacy features, including anonymous tracking and end-to-end encryption, concerns about potential misuse or hacking remain.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the Apple AirTag lives up to its promise of providing a convenient and effective solution for tracking lost items. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, precise location tracking, and sleek design make it a compelling choice for Apple users looking to keep tabs on their belongings. However, its limited compatibility with Android devices and privacy concerns may give some users pause. Ultimately, whether the AirTag is worth it depends on your specific needs and priorities. For me, the peace of mind knowing that I can easily find my misplaced items outweighs any potential drawbacks.

Important Note: Apple AirTags are also available at a significant discount (approximately 25% off at time of press) if bought in a 4 pack. There is also an ever-growing ecosphere of available accessories to make your AirTags fit into your world… or sense of fashion.

Anker SoundCore Playtime: Powerhouse for Tunes? Real-Life Review

2024-02-13

Anker SoundCore Bluetooth speaker in red showing relative size and portability qtooth review

Music is my lifeblood. Whether I’m scaling mountains, chilling at the beach, or unwinding at home, a good soundtrack elevates the experience. Enter the Anker SoundCore Playtime (A3102), a portable Bluetooth speaker that promised big sound in a small package. Intrigued, I snagged one and put it through its paces for the past few months. Here’s my honest, no-frills review, adventurer to adventurer.

Anker SoundCore Bluetooth speaker in red at beach party qtooth-review

Specs at a Glance:

Size: 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches (light and compact!)
Weight: 12.64 ounces (easy to toss in your bag)
Power Output: 6 watts (surprisingly loud for its size)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (smooth and stable connection)
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours (marathon music sessions, anyone?)
Water Resistance: IPX5 (withstands splashes and rain)
Built-in Microphone: Yes (for hands-free calls)

anker soundcore bluetooth speaker front panel view qtooth review

anker soundcore bluetooth speaker side panel connectors view qtooth review

3 Epic Pros:

Sound Beyond Size: Let me start by saying I was blown away by the sound quality. This little speaker packs a punch, delivering rich, clear audio with surprisingly deep bass. Anker’s BassUp technology really shines, especially for genres like hip-hop and electronic. Even at max volume, there’s minimal distortion, making it perfect for outdoor adventures where you want your music to be heard.
Battery Life Champion: Gone are the days of scrambling for chargers mid-adventure. The Anker SoundCore Playtime lives up to its name, easily lasting a full day (and sometimes more) on a single charge. I’ve used it for long hikes, beach days, and even poolside parties without ever worrying about it dying on me. Plus, the handy battery level indicator lets you know exactly how much juice you have left.
Tough as Nails: This speaker is built to endure. The IPX5 water resistance means it can handle splashes, rain, and even accidental dunks (though I wouldn’t recommend submerging it!). The rugged exterior feels solid and can withstand the occasional bump or drop. I’ve tossed it in my backpack, clipped it to my bike, and it’s never let me down.

3 Not-So-Epic Cons:

Limited Genre Appeal: While the bass is impressive, it can overpower some genres like classical or acoustic. If you’re a purist seeking perfectly balanced sound, this might not be your ideal speaker.
Call Quality Could Be Better: The built-in microphone is decent for hands-free calls, but the speaker’s size limits its call quality. In noisy environments, the other person might have difficulty hearing you clearly.
No Fancy Features: If you’re looking for a speaker with bells and whistles like an equalizer or app control, the SoundCore Playtime keeps it simple. It’s strictly focused on delivering quality sound and long battery life, which might not appeal to everyone.

anker soundcore bluetooth speaker in the great outdoors camping qtooth-review

The Verdict:

The Anker SoundCore Playtime (A3102) isn’t perfect, but for its price and portability, it’s a fantastic choice for outdoor adventurers and music lovers on the go. The powerful sound, marathon battery life, and rugged design make it a reliable companion for any journey. If you prioritize clear audio, long playtime, and durability over fancy features and nuanced sound profiles, this little speaker might just be your new adventure buddy.

If you have the budget and want twice the power and a bit getter bass, you may want to check out the Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

anker soundcore bluetooth speaker in blue qtooth review

Bonus Tip: Pair two SoundCore Playtime speakers for stereo sound that will truly rock your next outdoor party!

New Bee Bluetooth V5.0 Wireless Headset: A Buzzworthy Choice?

2024-01-11

The New Bee Bluetooth Earpiece V5.0 promises convenient, hands-free communication on the go. But before you dive into this buzzing bargain, let’s take a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your ears (and lifestyle).

Pros:

Crystal Clear Calls: The New bee boasts CVC 8.0 noise cancellation technology, aiming to filter out background chatter and deliver crisp, clear calls even in noisy environments. This can be a game-changer for busy professionals or anyone who frequently finds themselves taking calls on the move.

Comfort and Convenience: Designed with a snug, lightweight fit, the New bee earpiece promises long-lasting comfort without weighing you down. Its multi-function button allows you to control calls, music playback, and even activate voice assistants with ease, keeping your hands free and your focus on the task at hand.

Budget-Friendly Buzz: Compared to other Bluetooth earpieces on the market, the New bee V5.0 carries a surprisingly affordable price tag. It also comes in three different colors. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who prioritize functionality over high-end features.

Cons:

Battery Life Blues: While the New bee boasts up to 6 hours of talk time on a single charge, some user reviews report shorter battery life, especially when using features like noise cancellation. This could be a deal-breaker for those who rely heavily on their earpiece throughout the day.

Sound Quality Sting: While the New bee performs adequately for calls, some users have noted a lack of clarity and depth in music playback. The bass might be underwhelming for audiophiles, and overall sound quality may not be on par with more expensive options.

Connection Concerns: Occasional connectivity issues have been reported by some users, with the earpiece dropping calls or experiencing audio lag. This can be frustrating, especially during important conversations or while enjoying music on the go.

The Verdict: A Hive of Potential, with Some Buzzkillers

The New Bee Bluetooth Earpiece V5.0 offers undeniable value for its price. Its comfortable design, clear call quality, and convenient controls make it a compelling option for those seeking a basic, hands-free communication solution. However, potential drawbacks like shorter battery life, underwhelming sound quality, and occasional connectivity issues should be considered before taking the plunge.

Ultimately, the New Bee might be the perfect fit for budget-conscious users who prioritize call clarity and convenience over audiophile-grade sound and rock-solid connectivity. But for those seeking a more premium experience, it’s worth exploring other options that might better suit their needs and budget.

Bonus Tip: Before making your decision, consider checking our other headset reviews and comparisons with similar earpieces in your price range. This can help you gain a wider perspective and identify the option that best aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.

Remember, the perfect earpiece buzzes differently for everyone. So, listen carefully to your needs and choose the one that resonates with you!

Why the Enduring Popularity of the LG Tone+ HBS-700 & HBS-730 Bluetooth Headsets? In Review

2023-05-24

It’s amazing when a manufacturer can create a tech product that actually has a substantial shelf-life. Case in point? The LG Tone+ series. The HBS-700 came out in early 2011 and has been going strong ever since. This in spite of the introduction of an “improved” HBS-730 version in early 2013. Now both headsets seem to sell equally well. QTOOTH is going to re-visit this popular series of Bluetooth headsets and take a look at what makes them such a success. Perhaps other manufacturers and designers can learn from what LG has done.

There are a few common issues that come with wearing any Bluetooth wireless headset:

The electronics put weight on the sensitive inner folds of the ear
The ear buds block normal hearing of the environment even when not in use
Due to their typically small size devices are often easy to lose

How did the LG Tone+ series attempt to cure these?

lg-tone+-plus-woman-wearing-around-neck-qtooth

The main thing that set the LG Tone+ HBS-700 apart when it was first introduced was the use of a collar, or necklace, mount for the ear buds. This immediately took the weight of all of the electronics off of the sensitive parts of the ear. The control interface and the electronics are all built-in to the collar itself. Connected by wires, the only part of the device that is inserted into the ear are the small, lightweight ear buds. By placing magnetized holders at each end of the collar mount, LG provided a convenient place to store the ear buds. This simultaneously cured the issues of blocked hearing when not in use and the tendency to lose them. Because the ear buds are stored only inches away from the ear, users always know where they are and can be confident that they can quickly take the ear buds in and out of their ears quickly as needed during use.

It is their unique solution to these three issues is probably what set them apart the most from the competition. There are so many built-in limitations to Bluetooth audio that the variances between models and manufacturers have thus far proven to be very small at best.

lg-tone+-tone-plus-white-bluetooth-stereo-headset-control-button-diagram-qtooth

Here are a few of the other features that have made them great. In our experience, both of the LG Tone+ HBS-700 and the LG Tone+ HBS-730 perform well and reasonably close to their stated technical specs. Great battery life at 10 hours of use and 15 days of standby time. The batteries also re-charge very quickly, sometimes within 90 minutes. The controls are located within easy reach on the collar, even if tucked inside of a shirt or sweatshirt. Because the collar can jump around on the neck a bit, this is our preferred method of wearing them, especially if moving around at work or while working out.

lg-tone+-tone-plus-bluetooth-stereo-headset-balck-main-qtooth

The main complaint we have about both headsets has to do with the quality of the microphones when making a phone call. Although they claim to be using noise-cancelling circuitry and digital noise reduction, in our experience they do not seem to be very effective in noisy environments. Background noise is an issue and we found ourselves raising our voices in order to be understood by our callers. We must stress that this is only an occasional issue and that due to the nature of this design we didn’t really expect the Tone+ to perform at the same level as a dedicated, on-the-ear headset with a microphone boom.

lg-tone+-tone-plus-bluetooth-stereo-headset-balck-top-qtooth

So what’s the real difference between the LG Tone+ HBS-700 and the LG Tone+ HBS-730? The original 700 seems to have a slightly better range and battery life. These two attributes may have gotten sacrificed just a little bit when they added the Apt-X circuitry to the 730. However the Apt-X circuitry did slightly improved the audio experience of the 730 and gave the bass frequencies a little more “oomph”.

So, which is the one for you? If you’re using it primarily for talking on the phone, dictation, or listening to podcasts, choose the LG Tone+ HBS-700. If you are going to be spending more time listening to music, movies or gaming, then the HBS-730 would be a better choice.

Note: And yes, LG did make an even better version called the HBS-800 that had slight improvements in the electronics and subtle cosmetic change. Although it’s a good headset, most people seem to agree with us that they are not worth the nearly 2-3 times amount of money that the other two models can typically be found.

LG Unveils New Watch Urbane Smartwatch with LTE

2015-10-15

LG recently unveiled the first Android Wear smartwatch that doesn’t require a phone to connect to the Internet.

The second generation of LG’s Watch Urbane now comes packing 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to leave the house without their phone.

This kind of autonomy is lacking in competing smartwatches from Motorola and Apple, which don’t include cellular connectivity. Samsung’s new Gear S2 runs on Tizen and does have a model with 3G connectivity.

LG says the new Watch Urbane will be available first in the United States and Korea, followed by markets in Europe, CIS, Asia and the Middle East. Details including price and date of availability will be announced locally at a later date.

In a press release, the company says that “cellular enabled features will vary” across Android and iOS.

At a press event, LG also unveiled a new flagship smartphone, the V10, which comes packing a 5.7-inch screen, and a secondary 2.1-inch inset display at the top of the phone for displaying notifications and other information.

The V10 also features a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, 5-megapixel front-facing camera, 3000 mAh batter, 4GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 808 processor.

Check out the videos below for a look at both of LG’s new devices:

https://youtu.be/FdRymDRtPJA

https://youtu.be/ELD_6aeHGKQ

Plantronics Expands Line with Voyager Edge UC

2015-02-11

Some Background

Plantronics recently introduced four new UC (unified communications) audio devices designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and noise management technology to help people effectively communicate and collaborate, regardless of workplace or location. Of course the one QTOOTH is most interested in is the wireless Bluetooth headset Voyager Edge UC. The other three offerings are the [easyazon_link asin=”B00SLP52YK” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”uneomediacom-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”] Blackwire 725-M[/easyazon_link], the company’s first UC stereo headset with Active Noise Canceling (ANC) for those people who want to stay focused in noisy office environments; the [easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”Plantronics Calisto 610″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”uneomediacom-20″]Calisto 610[/easyazon_link], a portable speakerphone for instant anywhere conferencing, and the [easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”Plantronics Clarity 340″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”uneomediacom-20″]Clarity 340[/easyazon_link], designed for those who face vision, hearing, or dexterity challenges. Now, workers in the office and on the road have tools they can use to control outside noise that allow them to hear as well as be heard clearly.

“There’s been increasing emphasis on the importance of a reliable, high-quality, seamless user experience when communicating and collaborating today, and rightly so,” said Rich Costello, senior research analyst, unified communications, IDC. “The new Plantronics offerings not only address these important requirements, but also the surrounding noise factor on both sides of the call.”

“Everywhere is the new workplace. We know office noise is increasingly becoming a concern due to more open working environments that promote collaboration, but workplace noise isn’t just a problem for those in the office,” said Bill Loewenthal, vice president, enterprise product solutions, Plantronics. “You can’t always control your environment and you certainly can’t control your caller’s environment, so we help ensure workers have solutions they need to block out the noise, allowing them to have a high-quality communication experience wherever their workplace is.”

The shift to Smarter Working-style environments, though undoubtedly beneficial, creates new noise challenges for individuals and their colleagues which can often undermine productivity gains. The following are Plantronics’ new solutions that address the inherent ambient noise challenges and potential audio quality concerns associated with today’s Smarter Working scenarios and environments:

Voyager Edge UC

New wearing style for mobile UC users who need to be heard and want to use their Bluetooth® enabled communications devices (laptop, smartphone or tablet) together. The solution includes a small Bluetooth USB dongle that provides seamless wideband audio to your laptop. The latest addition to the Voyager line features a slim, sophisticated design that fits quickly and comfortably in your ear and comes with its own portable charging case. It boasts signature Plantronics audio technology that eliminates disruptive background noise and includes intuitive, responsive features that keep you moving by automatically answering calls as you place it on your ear.

Connectivity

The point of UC, or Unified Communication, is that one device can seamlessly work among several different communication sources, automatically switching from one to the next. This comes in handy especially in work situations, where you might be taking calls on your cell phone, your office phone system, and your computer using platforms like Skype or Microsoft Lync. In fact, there are actually two models available: the Voyager Edge UC and the Voyager Edge UC-M. If you haven’t guessed already, the “M” in the second model means it is compatible with Microsoft’s “soft phone”, over-the-pc, communication platforms. It’s a real treat to be listening to music one moment, taking a call on your phone, going back to your music, then joining an online conference call… all without having to reconfigure your system or re-pairing Bluetooth to the next device. Plantronics definitely has this experience down with the Voyager Edge UC.

Smart Sensor Technology

The Voyager Edge has built in Smart Sensor technology that senses when you have put the headset on and will automatically answer calls from either computer or mobile calls. When the headset is not worn, it automatically routes incoming mobile calls to your phone. Then, if you simply put the headset back on, your calls are automatically transferred back to the headset. If you want, any time you are wearing the headset and are on a mobile or computer call, your softphone service will automatically update your availability status.

One great feature of the Smart Sensors that we really appreciate is the call button is automatically locked when the headset is not worn. This eliminates any classic accidental “pocket dialing” that may occur, and certainly has for us, with other headsets.

We also really like the fact that our media pauses playback as soon as we take a call. It doesn’t work with all media players, but it certainly does with iTunes and other major media playback programs on the market. Pretty cool, though, to jump right back into the music, podcast, or ebook that we were listening to before we were so rudely interrupted… by work, no less!

Charging Case

Throwing in a charging case is something that Plantronics has been doing for a while with all of their premium headsets. It’s a great idea and we wish more companies did it. Most headsets of this quality are in very similar price ranges. The amazing thing is that Plantronics is doing this without charging you any more than their closest rivals do. The benefit? The headset typically has a talk time of 6 hours on its own. But if you store it in the case, which is more like a quick-deploy holster than a case, it is easy to get 16 hours of talk time before needing to plug in the headset or the case. There is also a cool little storage space for the USB dongle (more about the dongle in a moment). A thoughtful detail is the addition of a on-demand visual battery status indicator for both the headset and the case. Since between the two of them there is quite abit of charge time it’s easy to forget that they do indeed need to be recharged. The display is helpful in anticipating when to recharge before it’s too late.

Audio Quality

The audio quality in our tests has been great. They rate the background noise cancellation to work in environments of up to 80 decibels. We’ve found that to be easily true, at least from the receiving caller’s end. Even when it was too loud, easily above 80 decibels, for us to hear our caller, they said that they still had good results in understanding us. Be advised, although listening to music on the Voyager Edge UC is better than acceptable, that is not the ultimate use target of this device. Everything about it is designed to provide the best speech quality available. It does just that quite well.

Bluetooth USB Mini-Adapter

Plantronics has started to call this a “mini-adapter” versus a dongle. We’re cool with that. Most people who are super-techy may not be familiar with what a dongle is anyway! Either way, this adapter provides a better connection to your computer and helps allow for the seamless transition between one device to the next. It’s small enough to keep plugged into your computer’s USB port all the time, but it also has a cool compartment to itself in the charging case (as mentioned above).

Music/Multimedia

The Voyager Edge has built in A2DP, which let’s you listen to streaming media from all of your Bluetooth devices, including songs, video, turn-by-turn navigation and more.

Voice Commands/Alert

As all wearable tech and the Internet of Things (IoT) is moving in the direction of more voice control than ever anyway, it is good to see more commands being integrated into these devices to control their own behavior and functionality. This includes using your voice to answer incoming calls, check battery level/talk time, redial, put the headset in pairing mode, and more. There are also very handy voice alerts that tell you important things, like an incoming caller’s name (mobile only), remaining talk time, connection status, battery level, maximum, minimum, and mute levels, and more.

Battery Life

As we mentioned above, the Voyager Edge UC battery allows for up to 6 hours of continuous talk time with an additional 10 hours of non-continuous when paired stored in the case between calls. The headset by itself also has an impressive 7 days of standby time.

Comfort/Design

The Voyager Edge UC is quite comfortable, especially considering its size. The Voyager does not have the smallest of form factors when it comes to its physical presence. Luckily, it comes in at a mere 9 grams. That’s very competitive to other headsets out there that are also of the “on ear” design. by on ear, we mean that it mounts by wedging itself between the folds of cartilage on either side of the ear passage.

There are pluses and minuses, of course, to its overall shape and design. The headset has a longer and larger mic boom than many “on-ear” mounted headsets, but overall it feels quite balanced and allows for faster mounting and removal of the headset, which can easily be done one-handed. Part of the reason why the audio quality is better on this design with a longer mic boom arm is because the microphone is that much closer to the mouth of the user. However, because the longer mic arm moves some of the weight further away from the ear mount, it acts as a bit of a lever and may add a bit more fatigue to the soft parts of the ear that bear the weight. Once again, this is a slight issue at most and probably only relevant for those who wear the headset for extended periods of time.

he Voyager Edge UC is also protected against moisture damage by its P2i technology. P2i is a nano-coating applied during manufacturing and results in invisible liquid repellent properties and is intended to make the headset more reliable.

Colors?!

Now here’s something we don’t usually see out of Plantronics. Most of their devices,as Henry Ford once famously said, come in “any color you want… as long as that color is black”. Plantronics actually offers the Voyager Edge UC in three colors: black, gray and white:

Conclusion

There is a lot to love about the Plantronics Voyager Edge UC. To find out more about the vast ecosystem of support and apps that can leverage all that this headset can offer you might want to check out the comprehensive article we did on the Voyager Legend UC. Otherwise, this is a great choice for anybody who is on the move and needs a no-fuss headset to get it done.

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