All posts by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

About Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

President, CEO & Editor of https://gavinsgadgets.com Reviews & News of Technology

1MORE ComfoBuds2 review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews

Welcome to my review of the 1MORE ComfoBuds2 true wireless earphones that retail for around £62.99.

Key Features / Specs

  • Comfortable & Compact Design: Engineered with a semi in-ear design and replaceable soft silicone ear tips, comfortable, secure and less intrusive fit
  • Weight 4.3g each
  • Deep Bass . An ultra-large 13.4mm dynamic driver produces powerful thumping bass, infusing your audio with captivating passion. AAC codec support enables you to enjoy your favourite songs in high quality on both Android and Apple devices.
  • 12 Professional EQ Presets: Tuned by a 4-time Grammy Award-winning sound engineer with Sonarworks (A professional, award-winning audio technology company), these EQs allow you to completely immerse yourself no matter your taste, whether you prefer lyrical music, electronic music or thrilling beats, you’ll find an EQ to make your music shine.
  • Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity: The latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology delivers a seamless and highly stable connection for hours of wireless listening. No Bluetooth disconnection even when in the crowded subways, buses or trains.
  • Superb Call Performance: The ComfoBuds 2 employ 4 ENC microphones with an advanced algorithm to suppress the ambient noise and amplify your voice, providing you a premium calling experience as clear as a face-to-face conversation.

Video Review

Conclusion

A great pair of true wireless earphones from 1MORE especially if you like strong bass with your music. Their lightweight comfy fit is notable too. Recommended 8.7/10.

1MORE have an offer. Up to the 10th November, via Amazon, if you use code COMFOBUDS2 at the checkout, it should hopefully take 15% off the cost.

Useful Links

Edifier TWS330 NB review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews

Welcome to my review of the Edifier TWS330 NB with retail for around £30.

Key Features / Specs

  • Active Noise Cancelling – Built-in dual-MIC provides better noise cancellation which enables up to -38dB. ANC works even no songs are playing
  • IP54 Dust and Water Proof
  • AAC Audio decoding – supported for high-quality audio
  • APP control & Tap control – download Edifier Connect APP and get more control. Customise and adjust tap sensitivity, adjust ambient sound more
  • 20 Hours Total Battery + Fast Charging

Video Review

Conclusion

A superb pair of true wireless earphones and at a budget price. Recommended 8.9/10.

Useful Links

iFi Audio GO Blu vs Shanling UP5 review & comparison

Audio, Reviews, Tech News, ,

Welcome to my review of the iFi Audio GO Blu and Shanling UP5. Both are reviewed and compared with all eleven differences highlighted.

The iFi Audio GO Blue retails for £199 and the Shanling UP5 for £179.

The video review is over 20 minutes long, but don’t worry, there are chapters and an index in the YouTube video description box that enable you to skip back and forth between the different sections. However, I do recommend watching the whole video and there is a ton of detail covered.

Video Review

Conclusion

Both devices have a lot of differences, but for me the winner is the iFi Audio GO Blu. Very highly recommended 9.1/10.

Useful Links

Shanling UP5 – https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroUP5.html

Edifier NeoBuds Pro Hi-Res Wireless TWS earphones review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews,

Welcome to my review of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro that retail for £109. The NeoBuds Pro feature Hi-Res Wireless Audio which is remarkable for TWS earphones.

Key Features

  • Hi-Res Audio with LHDC (Low-latency High-definition Audio Codec)
  • Knowles Balanced Armature driver + dynamic driver + electronic crossover technology for natural and balanced sound
  • Hybrid ANC technology reduces noise by up to 42dB
  • Three-microphone noise cancellation ensures clear phone calls. Low-latency game mode supported
  • 6+18 hours of continuous playback. Both earbuds and charging case support quick charge

Video Review

Conclusion

An exceptional pair of TWS earphones that sound stunning. Highly recommended 9.8/10.

Useful Links

Edifier X3 TWS Wireless Earphones review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews,

Welcome to my review of the Edifier X3 TWS wireless earphones that retail for a budget price of just £29.99.

Key Features

  • Apt-X Codec included
  • Includes Qualcomm Chipset with Bluetooth 5.0 delivering a faster, more stable signal transmission, and lower power consumption for 6 hours playback time and extra 18 hours with charge case.
  • CVC 8.0 noise canceling technology automatically reduces background noise and pick up your voice accurately to ensure high-clarity audio transmission with rich details.
  • One-Step Paring – Picking up 2 earbuds out of charge case, they will automatically pair with each other and connect with the last paired device except the first-time using, also offer easy access to various functions with touch control.
  • Lightweight and compact design. IP55 dust & waterproof technology, ideal for any outdoor activity.

Video Review

Conclusion

The Edifier X3 are a superb budget priced pair of TWS earphones. Recommended 8.3/10

Useful Links

iPhone 13 – Thoughts from a Photographer & YouTuber

Apple, Tech News, ,

So Apple has just launched its new iPhone 13 range, the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.

Below I am sharing my views on these new iPhones with a particular slant towards the photography and videography aspects.

Firstly, I will just mention the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. If you have the 12 or 12 Mini, there is no reason IMO to look at upgrading to these. Yes these have brighter screens, better claimed battery life, better camera hardware including improved processing, ISP, processor and camera features. In fact the main rear wide sensor on these models looks like it was the sensor used on the iPhone 12 Pro Max with its advanced sensor shift stabilisation. With the new A15 processor and smart HDR4, this rear sensor will take excellent photos. The ultra wide camera has also been marginally improved. So what you will have is an easy to use competent camera which will create lovely video or photos for social media. But as I have said, I don’t believe these changes are enough to warrant an upgrade from last year’s versions.

However, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are a different proposition. Firstly, unlike last year, both the Pro and Pro Max have the identical camera modules. All 3 rear cameras are improved even further than the standard iPhone 13 models. The ultra wide now has auto focus enabling macro photography. Astrophotography is now possible too. All 3 rear lenses allow night mode. The zoom lens is now 3 x optical zoom. ProRAW on photos is still present. But coming soon ProRes video will be on board. For videography this is an incredible feat. One thing to bear in mind, the 128gb iPhone 13 Pro won’t allow 4K Pro Res, just 1080p. You can still shoot 4K in the other modes though. Apple is only allowing ProRes at 4K on the 256gb, 512gb and 1TB storage options. In case you think this is Apple forcing you to buy a higher storage version, its not as a 10 min 4K ProRes video will take up approximately 100gb.

The Pro and Pro Max also have an extra “core” in the A15 processor to enable more capabilities and I would imagine during a teardown the RAM is higher than the standard iPhone 13 as well. So whilst you will be able to film such high quality video, what makes it even more incredible, is that you will be able to edit this on the iPhone as well.

I just want to go back to the camera upgrades. Specifically the light gathering improvements. The wide camera can now gather 2.2x more light. The ultra wide 92% more light. With the lidar sensor and all the A15 and ISP improvements the iPhone 13 Pro is looking like a beast for photography and videography.

If you weren’t sold on the iPhone 13 Pro range, then there is the 120hz variable refresh rate screen, better battery life, brighter screens and smaller notch.

I can’t wait to test out the new cameras in real world situations, as well as see how they far with sunrises and sunsets on Dartmoor. See the results on my social media accounts – gavinsgadgets for twitter and instagram.

iFi ZEN Blue V2 review

Audio, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN Blue V2 which retails for £159.

The Key Features

The ZEN Blue V2 features easy Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity using the latest Qualcomm 5100 series Bluetooth. Codecs supported are SBC, AAC, LDAC, HWA, LHDC, apt X and apt X HD. That’s CD quality up to 24bits/192kHz from AAC and apt X HD.

Analogue outputs are either RCA or 4.4mm, digital is either coaxial or optical. Or even SPDIF.

So what’s new with V2. Upgraded jitter clock with over 20db performance, improved aerial with 80% more reach and lots more.

To learn more, watch the video covering all aspects of the ZEN Blue V2.

Video Review

Conclusion

The ZEN Blue V2 is a simple to operate, yet highly effective high quality device. Highly recommended. 9.3/10

Useful Links

iFi ZEN Stream review

Audio, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the iFi ZEN Stream that retails for £399. The ZEN Stream is a network audio transport, focused around maintaining audio quality.

In terms of connections this is done via WiFi or Ethernet. It has quite a number of options which are covered off in my video review.

The Key Features

The ZEN Stream allows you to add network streaming to your existing system. Outputs via USB 3.0 or SPDIF/Optical. Supports up to 384kHz PCM, DSD256 and MQA. Firmware upgradeable keeps it future proof. Likely extra functionality will be added. Supports a ton of services from Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, YouTube Music, AirPlay, DLNA, Roon and many more.

There’s lots to talk about, so watch my video, which covers everything from what’s in the box, closer inspection of all the hardware and functionality, how to setup and ultimately the quality and verdict.

Conclusion

The iFi ZEN Stream is a fantastic product, worthy of its highly recommended award. 9.2/10.

Useful Links

Realme GT review

Android, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Realme GT which retail for around £300.

Key Features / Specifications

  • Snapdragon 888
  • 5G + 5G Dual mode supported
  • 65w SuperDart charge with charger in box – 0 to 100% in 35 mins
  • 4,500mAh battery
  • 6.43inch 120hz super amoled screen
  • 360hz touch sampling rate screen
  • Sony 64mp triple camera – rear – 64mp main, 8mp ultra wide and 2mp macro. 16mp Front camera too.
  • Stainless steel vapour cooling
  • LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1
  • 8gb ram/ 128gb storage. Or 12gb/256gb
  • NFC and Bluetooth 5.2
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • Headset and silicone case included in box
  • Realme UI v2.0 and Android 11

Video Review

Conclusion

The Realme GT is a fantastic phone offering incredible specs versus the pricing. Yet it delivers really well. Highly recommended. 9.1/10.

Useful Links

https://www.realme.com/uk/realme-gt

Bosch FreshUp review

accessories, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Bosch Freshup which retails for £249.99.

It is not very often that a product comes along that simply blows my mind. This is one of them. At first, I was somewhat skeptical that this magic handheld device could do exactly what it said on the tin.

The Key Features

  • Removes unwanted smells
  • Refresh your clothes anytime and anywhere
  • Doesn’t mask the odours
  • Bosch Plasma Technology eliminates odour molecules

To find out more and see a live demo, watch my video below.

Video Review and Live Demo

Conclusion

The Bosch FreshUp is a golden recommendation. A unique product that does exactly what it says on the tin. 9.8/10.

Useful Links

https://www.bosch-home.co.uk/store/plasma-freshup/freshup-refresh-your-clothes-anywhere?