Author: Nicholas Webb

JBL knows how to deliver when it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers. The JBL Charge 4 offers only minor updates from its predecessor, but it’s still a great value wireless speaker. But the speaker is mono.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

JBL Charge 4: $229.95 at Amazon.com.au →

The Verdict

At $229.95 and with a waterproof design, this speaker packs a punch for its size and is small enough to throw in your carrying bag. The bass depth is also impressive. This is mainly thanks to its two passive radiators that ensure richness and power. On the contrary, it has no speakerphone nor a 360-degree sound feature, and the speaker is mono (although this size prevents true stereo separation, which is forgivable).

PRO: Performance

• The Charge 4’s biggest improvement over the Charge 3 is sound performance.
  The Charge 3 excelled at boosting bass, but the Charge 4 is far more balanced in its approach.
• The JBL Charge 4 is also seriously loud. For medium-sized rooms, just playing music at half volume is sufficient to fill the room with sound. At maximum volume, the indoor speaker can be quite loud, but the extra volume is appreciated in noisy environments like the beach.

PRO: IP7X and long battery life

• IP7X rated – Speaking of the beach, the speaker is IP7X rated so you can casually submerge it in water or dust (waterproof and dustproof).
• Long-lasting battery – JBL claims the Charge 4 can last 20 hours on a single charge. You would have no trouble achieving that number while playing music at low to medium volumes. However, if you play loud all the time, expect to deviate a few hours from this rating.
• Can charge your phone in no time.

CON: Audio disadvantages

• No 360-degree sound – This might disappoint those looking for 360-degree sound, but the speaker make the music loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it.
• Mono audio output.

CON: Lack of functions

• No speakerphone function.

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The Echo Auto (2nd Gen) is Amazon’s Echo revamped for cars, but it is still a niche product and won’t appeal to anyone with a modern car. The new design, improved mic, and roadside assistance are cool additions, but they might not be convincing enough to those who own the previous version to make them update.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Echo Auto (2nd Gen): $29 at Amazon.com.au →

Introduction header

The all-new Echo Auto just made Alexa for your car better. This compact USB powered device adds Amazon’s Alexa to any vehicle for hands-free calling, messaging, navigation and more.
Echo Auto (2nd Gen) also comes with additional mounting options, a redesigned microphone for better hearing, and a car charger that features fast charge via a USB-C.

Our Echo Auto (2nd Gen) review will help you determine whether adding Alexa to your car is worth it or not. Moreover, if you already own the previous version, it will help you decide if you should consider upgrading.

PRO: Redefined design and more mounting options

• The Echo Auto (2nd gen) is much more compact and sleeker looking than the original, offering users an alternative mounting method. Instead of a horizontal layout, Amazon went with a vertical layout, placing the Alexa enable button at the top and the mute button at the bottom. The light bar above these two buttons is also considerably smaller.
• Unlike the original Echo Auto, this new version comes with an adhesive car mount for greater mounting flexibility. The mic is just over 5 cm long, just under 2.5 cm wide, and 1.2 cm high when laid on its side.

PRO: Improved microphones and roadhouse assistance

• The Echo Auto (2nd Gen) comes with fewer microphones than the previous model (8 vs. 5). Although, they are more effective, especially when there is music, wind, or street noise in the background.
• Along with the new device, Amazon also introduced Amazon Roadside Assistance. The new feature will allow drivers to talk to Alexa about road problems, such as a flat tire or an empty gas tank. It enables you to ask for help and is a pay-as-you-go system which means you only pay for the roadside assistance you need.

CON: Limited compatibility

• Alexa can’t respond to or send from third-party message apps natively.

CON: Non-removable cable

• Amazon’s engineers moved the audio jack and other components into the speaker module along with the USB cable, allowing the microphone, light bar and buttons to fit into a more compact body. Unfortunately, the Echo Auto’s cable is no longer detachable. This means you cannot use short cables. However, both the adhesive mount and the optional vented mount have extra space behind the mic where you can wrap the cable.

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Despite being a minor update to the 6 Series, improvements to the 7th gen bring an already great smartwatch to read and reply to texts, see the time when your wrist is down, track outdoor activities and monitor your sleep. It’s not for everyone.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Apple Watch Series 7: $839 at Amazon.com.au →

A bigger screen makes the best smartwatch even better

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers all the health, safety and lifestyle features of its acclaimed predecessor, but with a larger, easier-to-read display, improved dust and break resistance, and a redesigned charging system which shortens the time it takes to get charged.

PRO: Improvements

• Larger display than previous models – The Series 7 has a slightly larger body than the other models and has very narrow bezels, giving you a lot more screen space.
  At just 1.7mm wide, the bezel is 40% thinner than the previous model, and 60% thinner than the Series 3.
  The 41mm model offers a resolution of 420 x 352 pixels whereas the 45mm model offers a resolution of 484 x 396 pixels respectively. Overall, the Series 7 offers 20% more screen area than the Series 6 and 50% more than the Series 3.
  The always-on OLED Retina display has a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits even when active, making it easy for you to read in both indoors and outdoors scenarios.
• Same Battery Life, But Charges Faster – Apple says the Series 7 lasts 18 hours on a single charge, as do the Series 6, Watch SE, and Series 3.
  Thanks to the new charging architecture, the Series 7 gets its value right away. New USB-C compatibility allows this watch to charge 33% faster than the Series 6. It charges to 80% from dead in just 45 minutes with the fast charging pack.

PRO: Durability and customisation

• Improve durability – The Apple Watch Series 7 is the first Apple Watch to be IP6X certified and completely dustproof.
• New watch colors, faces, and text sizes – Apple Watch Series 7 comes in Blue Aluminium, Green Aluminium, Midnight Aluminium, Red Aluminium, Starlight Aluminium, Gold Stainless Steel, Gold Stainless Steel, Gold Stainless Steel, Graphite Stainless Steel, Graphite Stainless Steel, Silver Stainless Steel, and Silver Stainless Steel.
  Additionally, Series 7 gives you two additional unique watch face options. Both options highlight the benefits of a larger display. Contour and Modular duo.
  Apple added 3 extra text sized for a total of 9 sizes to choose from.
  

CON: Not enough updates and compatibility limitations

• No major feature updates from last generation.
• One-day battery life remains the same.
• Only compatible with iPhone.

CON: No neutral colour options

• No neutral black or silver aluminium colour options.

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The Apple AirTag is a smart device that’s super easy to set up, and its precise search capabilities make it easy to find everything from keys and wallets to backpacks and luggage. Although, a pretty good product, there’s still room for improvement. Especially in the privacy department.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Apple AirTag: $46.95 at Amazon.com.au →

Release Date and Price

The Apple AirTag has been released on April 30th and is available to order.

AirTags are available in packs of 1 for $46.95 or 4 for $152.70. In comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag Plus offers a similar ultra-wideband connection, but costs $67.15 per 1.

PRO: Design and Setup

• About the size of a coat button, the AirTag is tiny at 3.2 cm in diameter and 0.79 cm tall. Weighs just 0.011 kg.
• IP67 rated – This means it can survive up to 30 minutes underwater.
• Easy to setup – After removing the AirTag from the box, pull out the battery tag and hold the device close to your iPhone.

PRO: Performance

• Uses the usual Bluetooth connectivity for proximity finding. But it goes a step further with ultra-wideband.
• AirTag’s Precision Finding feature – iPhone uses UWB to determine the distance and direction to lost items and analyze input from the phone’s camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope. All combined can provide visual, tactile, and auditory cues to guide you to your lost item.
• Long lasting battery – Apple claims its battery can last up to a year.

CON: Privacy Concerns

• Apple has built in many security safeguards with AirTags to protect your privacy and prevent tracking, but there is clearly room for improvement.
  To prevent people from being tracked, your iPhone can notify you if AirTags that aren’t yours are traveling with you. It can then make a sound to locate them and explain how to disable them.
  Additionally, if your AirTag is left indefinitely away from you, it will make a sound when moved to alert its presence.
  Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t specify how long it will take to receive this security warning. You’ll also get a security alert on your way home if an unregistered AirTag is detected.
  Please note that you will only receive notifications if you are running iOS 14 or newer versions.
  If you have an Android phone, it can take about 3 days for the AirTag itself to make a sound.
  In a statement to Gizmodo, Apple said, “We may be able to adjust the logic and timing of these wirelessly adjustable features to further improve deterrence.” (Apple has released an Android app).
• Can’t ping iPhone from AirTag.

CON: No Android Compatibility and Design Scuffs

• Doesn’t work with Android phones.
• Design scuffs easily as it is not very durable.

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The Logitech G Pro Wireless offers flawless wireless performance and best-in-class sensors in a simple, streamlined design. But it’s quiet expensive.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Logitech G Pro: $127.94 at Amazon.com.au →

Lightweight Excellence

Logitech has been making great wireless gaming mice for years, culminating in the near-perfect Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum. The company went all out with his G900, which features an eye-catching design, interchangeable sides, and an abundance of buttons. But let’s assume you’re expecting the exact opposite of a wireless gaming mouse.
Smooth, simple and light. For $127.94, you can invest in the Logitech G Pro Wireless Mouse today.

The G Pro Wireless looks and feels the exact opposite of the G900, but performs just as well. This small, slim mouse offers impeccable wireless performance and best-in-class sensors, but with a simple, minimalist design that doesn’t add a lot of weight. In fact, the mouse is surprisingly light. Although, the same features that make the G Pro Wireless attractive to tournament gamers can make it a difficult sell for those just looking for a solid wireless mouse.

PRO: Design

• Slick design – At 4.92 x 2.50 x 1.57 inches, the G Pro Wireless is relatively small, but big enough to comfortably hold in your palm or fingernail. The mouse is a fully ambidextrous design and comes standard with a left button, a right button, a clickable scroll wheel, and two thumb buttons on each side.
• Lightweight – What sets the G Pro Wireless apart from the competition is its incredibly light weight. 2.82 ounces (80 grams). The difference is noticeable when compared to the 3.77 oz (107 g) G900 or 3.14 oz (89 g) Logitech G603.
• Suitable for lefthanded users – G Pro Wireless can have anywhere from 0 to 4 thumb buttons and changing configurations takes no more than 30 seconds.

PRO: Useful Software, outstanding battery life

• The software works well and you can control and customise quiet a few features of the G Pro Wireless. You can customize DPI levels, key commands, and RGB lighting across the mouse.
• Logitech estimates that the mouse will last 40-50 hours on a single charge, depending on your lighting profile. The included long braided cable allows you to play while charging and wireless reception seems perfect.
• It mouse moves quickly and accurately.

CON: Divisive DPI button placement

• Although, the G Pro Wireless has a DPI button, it is not located where you’d expect it: Instead of placing it above the right button or below the scroll wheel (the two common places for DPI buttons), Logitech has this placed to the bottom of the mouse.

CON: Pricey

• A bit expensive for the everyday user compared to alternatives such as the G603 or G305.

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Wi-Fi 6 can perform faster and better than the Wi-Fi 5 we are used to, especially in congested network environments. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the first media streamer under $100 featuring Wi-Fi 6. (It’s also featured in the more expensive Apple TV 4K.)

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: $49. at Amazon.com.au →

Good upgrades for just $10 more.

The $49 Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the same as the Fire TV Stick 4K, but with a Wi-Fi 6 radio and a slightly faster processor. Just $10 extra seems like a pretty good deal, but 4K video is only marginally improved by bandwidth, and Wi-Fi 5 already surpasses it. Thus, if you don’t have a fast internet connection or optimal WiFi conditions, the standard Fire TV Stick 4K is your best bet.

PRO: New and refined interface

• Every app you need – The recently altered Fire TV interface is cleaner than ever, divided into sections. Firstly, home has recommended apps and content. Secondly, search is where to find, and Live is home to the best alternative cable TV apps like Hulu and YouTube TV. To get the most out of your operating system, check out our setup and mastery guides to learn how to use your Fire Stick.

PRO: Performance

• Fast performance – New quad-core 1.8GHz MT8696 processor and 750MHz GPU (upgraded from Fire TV Stick’s quad-core 1.7GHz processor and 650MHz GPU). Apps load in around 9 seconds from a restart phase. Netflix can load in as fast as 2 seconds.
• Excellent picture and sound – Supports HDR10, HDR10+, rich images with Dolby Vision, immersive sound with Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo, and up to 5.1 over HDMI audio passthrough.
• WiFi 6.

CON: Too pushy

• Interface is stuffed with Amazon and ads.

CON: Limitations

• Voice-search doesn’t always work right
• No Apple AirPlay or Google Cast

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Sony has been one of the biggest names in the television industry for years. Many factors have contributed to this, but the most important is the Sony’s ability to offer its premium line of TVs year after year that feature a superior visual and audio experience. In 2022, the company presents a new TV series with interesting datasheets and large displays. But is the price worth the Sony BRAVIA 50″ X75K 4K Ultra HD HDR LED Smart TV?

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Sony BRAVIA 50″ X75K 4K Ultra HD HDR LED Smart TV: $995 at Amazon.com.au →

Big Display options, but no HDR10+

Sony’s X75K TV Series are available in multiple panel sizes from 43 to 75 inches. We review the 50-inch which features Direct LED panel and is powered by Sony’s flagship 4K X1 processor. However, the panel does not have local dimming, instead the TV provides frame dimming. While this can help improve the visual experience, in many cases, especially dark scenes, the visual experience is a bit degraded with this technology.

Apart from that, Sony also equips the X75K with proprietary technologies such as 4K X-Reality PRO, Live Colour Technology and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer. All these technologies come together to create an immersive visual experience perfect for premium TVs. On the contrary, there’s no support for Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

PRO: Display performance

• Good SDR/ HDR performance – Even thought there’s no HDR10+ support, the X75K gets bright enough in scenes with plenty of light in them.
• Frame dimming – Really good low luminance of 0.2 nits. 
• Impressive core hardware that makes the TV perform as it should, offering a lag-free viewing experience when watching 4K content.

PRO: Good sound performance

• A two-speaker setup in the base, hidden within the body of the unit. This is a 20W (10W+10W) open baffle speaker with good sound.

CON: Panel not competitive enough

• The panel – This premium TV does not handle some colours well. Scenes with sharp colour contrasts show that the TV cannot compete with more advanced OLED panel TVs. Some of which sell in a similar price range.
• Does not handle low light scenes very well.
• Color reproduction – Hard to figure out how to fix some minor colour reproduction inaccuracies.

CON: Price

• Expensive compared to alternative options.

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Bose holds the title “King of ANC”, and they might keep it for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II too. Although, it has top tier ANC and some interesting app utility, it lacks some features and is pricey. Therefore, it is a questionable choice.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: $429 at Amazon.com.au →

Upgraded Stability

The company has had mixed success with its workout-friendly options, but how does their flagship headphone products compare to others on the market?

Available in triple black or soapstone (black or off-white, respectively), the QC Earbuds II stick out of the case in a way that many truly wireless headphones don’t. A silicone stability band (in sizes S, M, L) wraps around the body of each ear tip, forming a kind of ridge that allows the pair to be easily removed from the case. Thus, if you’ve ever struggled to remove your shiny AirPods from their slippery case, you’ve come to the right place.

PRO: A Secure Fit and Decent Battery Life

• Secure fit – The oval silicone ear tips (available in size S, M, L) work with the band to fit securely in your ear and they don’t often require adjustment.
• Playtime – Bose says the QuietComfort Earbuds II will last you about 6 hours on a single charge, and the case has 18 hours of battery life.

PRO: “Aware Mode”, “ActiveSense”, EQ sound, and the companion app

• Aware Mode- Turn on Aware mode if you want to hear your surroundings. This is Bose’s name for what others call “transparent mode”. Therefore, when Aware mode is on, the earbuds pass background noise through the headset to alert you.
• ActiveSense – ActiveSense uses ANC to reduce the volume of some unpredictable sounds as they occur. That way, if you drive past a construction site with Aware Mode enabled, you won’t be dazzled by the sounds of workers’ tools.
• Active EQ with balanced sound. Additionally, their companion app (available for Android and iOS) lets you create and customize profiles regarding ANC features.

CON: Missing Features

• ANC – No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether.
• Wireless charging – Case doesn’t support wireless charging.

CON: Expensive

• Pricey compared to competitors and alternatives.

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The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is not a huge upgrade over the original, but it is a compact, capable smart display with a built-in camera and Alexa.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen): $59 at Amazon.com.au →

Amazon’s smallest smart display gets a minor refresh, plus a Kids Edition

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is nice, compact, and powerful, just like its popular predecessor. However, it has entered a more saturated smart clock market with higher competition.

Currently, Echo Show 5 competes with the Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), its in-brand alternative, and one of the best smart home devices, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock. Although, the new Echo Show 5 is cheaper than Google’s latest smart display. Moreover, unlike the clocked Echo Dot, has a real screen, but it can’t track sleep and doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio output.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is available now in three colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, and Deep Sea Blue.

PRO: Smart Home Features

• If you’re interested in smart home features, the Echo Show 5 is a better choice than the Amazon tablet. You can access the best Alexa skills using either your device’s display or microphone. The former method lets you see the best Alexa-compatible devices in your home in one combined interface.
  For example, you can turn on your Philips Hue lights with just a few taps.
• Amazon Sidewalk – Sidewalk is a Wi-Fi sharing protocol that allows things like Key Finder to connect to the cloud via Amazon devices over low-power, long-distance networks.
• Alexa Guard – Amazon’s Assistant notifies you when the display’s microphone detects a smoke detector or breaking glass. It’s not as comprehensive as the best DIY home security systems, but it’s a more affordable alternative.

PRO: Good audio quality & kids privacy

• Good audio quality for its size – A single 4-watt speaker doesn’t make the Show 5 one of the best Alexa speakers, but it does provide acceptable audio. Much like the Echo Dot sounds, the Show 5 is great for listening to the morning news or playing environmental sounds to help you fall asleep.
• Kids Edition has good privacy and warranty options. If you read our roundup of the best baby monitor, you’ll see why security more important than ever.

CON: No 3.5-mm audio jack

• The 3.5mm audio output previous models had, has been removed.

CON: Limited camera quality & not enough upgrades

• Don’t expect a device as small as the Echo Show 5 to appreciate camera quality and video calling options – It features a 2MP camera in comparison the the previous model which featured a 1MP camera.
• No significant upgrades from previous version – Camera quality for example is only updated by 1 MP from the previous model, while Amazon’s latest model features a 13 MP camera.

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Raycon Fitness Earbuds is comfortable, light and great for exercise. Additionally, they feature EQ presets and a continues playtime of 9 hours. Raycon Fitness Earbuds could be an attractive purchase if only the audio output could keep up.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Earbuds For Runners In Australia 2022 ►

Raycon Fitness Earbuds: $286.87 at Amazon.com.au →

Introduction header

Raycon Fitness Earbuds are the sports and fitness oriented headphones in this manufacturer’s lineup. There are no ear hooks, but they have a secure fit for workouts and are waterproof with an IPX7 certification. Like other Raycon headphones, they have a very intense sound profile, offering a lot of boom and thump, although some users find it very muddy. Although there is no companion app, there are several EQ presets that cycle through the control scheme.

The Raycon Fitness Earbuds come in several color variants: ‘Carbon Black’, ‘Electric Blue’, ‘Flare Red’, ‘Rose Gold’, and ‘Frost White’.

PRO: Performance

• Battery life- 9 hours of continuous playtime.
• EQ presets available – Cycle between various EQ presets through the control scheme.

PRO: Design

• Comfortable and well-built design – Very stable fit, suitable for sports and fitness purposes.
• Waterproof and sweat proof for athletic exercises.

CON: Too much bass and no ANC

• Bad passive soundstage – Because the bass and treble are over-emphasized, users may find sound overly muddy and penetrating.
• No ANC – Unfortunately, they have a hard time suppressing conversations around you, so you may hear your co-workers talking around you for instance.

CON: Lack of Features

• No multi-device pairing, so you can’t connect to multiple devices at once.

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