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Nextbase outlines pricing and availability of Nextbase iQ

Scott Webster
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Nextbase on Wednesday announced the starting-at pricing and on-sale timing for its Nextbase iQ, the “world’s first truly smart and fully connected dash cam”. 

The forthcoming Nextbase iQ will be powered exclusively by T-Mobile for North America, utilizing IoT connectivity with real-time video and notifications. Moreover, it will allow for over-the-air updates that can include additional features, enhancing the capabilities of the device. 

By combining up to three cameras (up to 4K resolution), vehicle owners can benefit from remote driver safety and vehicle security capabilities.

Features of the Nextbase iQ include live video and audio access and push notifications, SOS Mode (automatically alerting 911), and Witness Mode (voice-activated hands-free recording).

The Nextbase iQ will be available in Spring 2023 with pricing starting under $500; dedicated Nextbase service subscriptions are expected to be priced at under $10 per month.

Nextbase iQ features will include:

  • 4K, tri-cam infrared video system offers both the highest quality Dash Cam recording quality and dedicated vehicle security recording, to help ensure both the driver and vehicle are protected at all times, capturing the finest detail when it matters most.
  • Smart Sense Parking powered by Nextbase proximity-sensing Spatial Awareness Technology, anticipates and records exactly what happens leading up to and during a parking incident or break in, and notifies the vehicle owner anywhere in the world to view the recording and take action.
  • Witness Mode offers voice-activated hands-free recording, cloud upload, and live stream sharing to an emergency contact, to provide safe and secure video evidence for when drivers feel most vulnerable.
  • Guardian Mode allows the setting of triggers to alert the device owner to certain conditions when the vehicle is not in their possession, such as when being valet parked, left at the workshop for service, or loaned to another driver such as a child or colleague. Upon trigger, Nextbase iQ saves the video of what happened and makes it available for remote viewing.
  • Emergency SOS (ESOS) automatically dispatches Emergency Services, supplying location and other critical details following a serious incident.
  • Live view access anytime, anywhere gives users the opportunity to connect and view their vehicle in real time.
  • AI Powered Vehicle Aware provides classification and monitoring of other vehicles’ speeds and distances to add crucial data points following an incident.
  • Tracking with a built-in ultra-accurate GPS location beacon and synchronized video.
  • DriverAware (DMS) features smart driver monitoring system to combat distracted and/or drowsy driving.*
  • VehicleAware (ADAS), an advanced driver assistance system, monitors the road and cars in front, warning drivers of vehicle and pedestrian danger.*

Samsung rings in new year with price-friendly Galaxy A14

Scott Webster
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Samsung rings in new year with price-friendly Galaxy A14

Samsung has started off the new year with the debut of the a budget-minded handset for consumers in the form of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. The phone, which features a 6.6-inch display, also comes with four years of security upgrades, something we don’t typically see in handsets at this price.

Speaking of which, the Galaxy A14 runs just $200 — $50 cheaper than its predecessor — but comes with fairly respectable amount of hardware. A MediaTek 700 processor powers things with 4GB RAM in a supporting role. Internal storage is pegged at 64GB with a microSD expansion card slot allowing for more room.

The 6.6-inch screen is a touch bigger than before and now offers 1080p resolution with 90Hz refresh rate. Other notable specifications include a 50-megapixel main camera with low-resolution macro and depth sensors, a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G ships with Android 13, the latest available, and will receive two OS version upgrades in addition to the aforementioned four years of security patches.

As far as availability goes, we expect the Galaxy A14 to be offered widely; AT&T is one of the first carriers to announce support for the entry-level device, tapping it with a January 13 release.

Acer CES announcements include Chromebox, Add-in-One, and more

Scott Webster
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It’s CES week and that means there are going to be tons of cool and interesting announcements around tech, gadgets, and other fun stuff. And while almost all of it is fascinating to us here at AndroidGuys, not all of it is completely relevant to our scope of coverage.

Take, for instance, Acer. Although it has a whole slew of new things for CES 2023, only a handful of them are tied to the things we cover. But those things are pretty damn intriguing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some products we’ll be most interested in over the coming weeks.

Acer Add-In-One 24

A casual glance might suggest this is unit to be a monitor, but there’s quite a bit going on under the hood. Indeed, the 23.8″ FHD docking monitor is designed to help clean up your workspace and allow for flexibility and power of a more traditional computer setup.

The main draw here is the modular design which opens the door to expandability and upgrades, and makes it easier to repair as well. The power will come from either a Chromebox CXI5 or an enterprise version of the Chromebox.

The FullHD 16:9 display can be had with an optional touchscreen and features input and output options that you typically find in a desktop PC.

In addition to the built-in 5MP web camera, the Add-In-One has a pair of 4w speakers paired with AI noise reduction for video calls. As more people work from home and potentially have background distractions, or work in busier office environments, the Acer solution should eliminate some of those audible nuisances.

The screen is adjustable and can tilt from a range of -5 degrees to 25 degrees so finding a good viewing angle should be no problem. The bottom of the Add-In-One houses a pair of USB-A ports and an audio jack; keyboards, mice, and speakers will be easy to plug in since they’re front-facing.

The Acer add-in-One 24 is expected to launch later this quarter with a retail price of about $610.

Acer Chromebox CXI5

Acer’s newest Chromebox has a bit of an industrial design but it’s built with the Add-In-One 24 in mind. That is to say it can work well on its own, but when paired with the new screen, it gets even better.

Acer will offer a number of versions of the Chromebox, starting with an entry-level model with an Intel Celeron 7305 processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. On the higher end, the new Chromebox can pack an Intel Core i7 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The Chromebox CXI5 is built with four USB-A 3.2 ports, two USB-C (USB4), a pair of HDMI ports and an ethernet port. In true multifunction and productivity form, the USB-C port can be used with the HDMI ports to power three separate monitors at once.

The new Chromebox from Acer will be offered with or without a Chrome Enterprise license. The Acer Chromebox CXI5 will be availablein early 2023 with a starting price of $290.

Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker

The newest addition to Acer’s smart speaker portfolio, the Halo Swing Smart Speaker pairs crystal clear sound with interactive LED displays in a device that’s built to go anywhere. It features DTS Sound, meaning enhanced audio and bass projection and the speaker features a reactive RGB-lit base that seems to dance to music.

The base light also changes colors when interacting with the built-in Google Assistant; it can also transform into a light source to illuminate areas with warm light. Think bedtime stories or evenings in a tent.

The Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker is IPX5-rated against water and comes with a stylish leather handle. Other features include an LED dot display panel for checking customizable updates (mail, calendars, reminders, messages, etc.) Bluetooth 5.2 wireless streaming and aux-in port.

Learn more about the Chromebox CXI5 and the Add-In-One here, the Halo Swing here, and all of Acer’s announcements here.

Motorola announces Moto Buds 600 ANC with Snapdragon Sound and 26-hour battery life

Jason England
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Motorola announces Moto Buds 600 ANC with Snapdragon Sound and 26-hour battery life

Motorola, more commonly known for its lineup of affordable Android smartphones, brought a new pair of true wireless earbuds to CES 2023 this year. The Moto Buds 600 ANC, as they are known, were unveiled today with some notable features.

For starters, the Moto Buds 600 ANC are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound, said to bridge the gap between wireless and wired connections. Snapdragon Sound combines the very best of Qualcomm’s connectivity and mobile audio technologies, providing high-resolution music, crystal-clear voice calls, and lag-free gaming—all with superior connectivity and extended battery life.

How exactly does Snapdragon Sound accomplish this? Firstly, it utilizes the super wideband 32kHz spectrum instead of the standard Bluetooth wireless connection along with Qualcomm’s aptX Voice to deliver clearer calls with richer voice quality. And thanks to Qualcomm’s cVc Echo Cancelling and Noise Suppression (ECNS) with twin ENC microphones blocking out background noise, your voice should have more clarity while on calls.

Snapdragon Sound also supports 24-bit 96kHz high-resolution streaming over Bluetooth using Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive sound technology for high-quality sound and lag-free gaming audio.

On top of all of Qualcomm’s audio innovations, the Moto Buds 600 ANC also include noise cancelling technology, as the name would suggest. Using a 6-mic based ANC system, the Moto Buds 600 ANC are capable of reducing noise up to 35dB.

Now that we’ve covered most of the audio technologies used in the Moto Buds 600 ANC, it’s time to talk about battery life. The Moto Buds 600 ANC are rated for up to 6 hours of consecutive playtime with another 20 hours provided by the wireless charging case.

While enjoying your tunes, you’ll be able to control playback using touch controls as well as use Google Assistant hands-free. Fast pair also makes pairing the Moto Buds 600 ANC a cinch, and they support multipoint technology allowing you to connect to two Bluetooth sources at once.

You’ll even be able to use the buds individually in mono mode for making calls and ensuring you can hear your surroundings while working. Finally, the Moto Buds 600 ANC have IPX5 water resistance making them perfect for repelling sweat during workouts.

Currently, the Moto Buds 600 ANC are only available as part of the exclusive Motorola Edge 30 Fusion phone Viva Magenta Bundle. However, beginning mid-February 2023, it will be possible to purchase the Moto Buds 600 ANC separately for $150. Keep an eye on the Motorola Sound website for more details about availability.

The female focused Evie smart ring is set to launch in 2023 with FDA clearance and no subscriptions required

Jason England
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The female focused Evie smart ring is set to launch in 2023 with FDA clearance and no subscriptions required

Over the years, the wearables market has been dominated by smartwatches, and more than that, it has been smartwatches primarily targeting men. The company Movano Health is looking to change that by launching a smart ring focused on women and their health needs.

The Evie smart ring, a name derived from evolution and evidence, has been designed and tuned specifically for women. It provides all of the typical metrics that you’d expect from a wearable, such as steps, activity minutes, calories burned, sleep stages and duration, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, SpO2, respiration rate, and skin temperature variability.

Furthermore, Evie will measure metrics specific to women, including period, ovulation, and menstruation tracking. It will even allow you to record your moods to help give the most complete picture and help you manage your health.

Movano Health is also seeking FDA clearance for heart rate, blood oxygen, and respiration rate. That would make the Evie smart ring the first consumer wearable to also be considered a medical device, capable of providing valuable data for health care professionals. It could also allow for the Evie to alert you to when you may be getting sick, giving you the opportunity to stay home instead of spreading diseases like the seasonal flu or Covid.

Evie will make all of these metrics available to the end user via the app, providing you with a way to view all of these stats, as well as offering actionable insights from the data that has been collected. Movano Health states that it will also be upfront about what metrics are being shared and that no third-party will ever have access to your data without your consent. It is also building the backend system to comply with HIPAA standards similar to other medical devices on the market.

The Evie ring itself will be made of polished aluminum and be available in three different finishes, including silver, gold, and rose gold. Movano Health plans to launch the Evie in the US beginning in 2023 for $300 with absolutely no subscriptions required. Unlike many other wearables these days, Movano Health doesn’t appear to lock any data behind a paywall or push any subscription fees on you for access to additional features.

The Evie smart ring will come in sizes ranging from 5-11 to accommodate women’s hands and has been tested with all skin tones. While it is possible for any gender to wear the Evie smart ring, it was designed specifically with women’s health in mind.

GE Profile Smart Mixer launches exclusively at Crate and Barrel with a hefty price

Jason England
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GE Profile Smart Mixer launches exclusively at Crate and Barrel with a hefty price

The stand mixer is a staple for any baking enthusiast or wannabe baker out there. However, there are several challenges when it comes to baking. Many of these begin with the mixing process, such as overmixing, undermixing, and precise measurements.

The GE Profile Smart Mixer looks to address these pain points and turn even the most inexperienced of home chefs into a baker. It all starts with the Auto Sense technology built into the GE Profile Smart Mixer, which is able to monitor for changes in texture or viscosity in real-time through motor torque feedback. This ensures that you’ll never over-mix or under-mix again, as the GE Profile Smart Mixer will automatically shut down once the proper consistency is reached.

Another way the GE Profile Smart Mixer looks to simplify baking is with the included smart scale. No more breaking out an additional gadget when you can measure everything in the mixing bowl itself. Granted, that seems a little confusing to me, because since everything ends up in the mixing bowl anyways, how are you to measure your ingredients out separately?

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If you’ve tried your hand at baking previously, then you know it’s a messy business. Flour, eggs, sugar, and more can end up all over the counter and yourself. You’re also oftentimes working on a batch in the mixer with another going in the oven. How can the GE Profile Smart Mixer help with this you may ask? With the addition of voice controls. Now, you’ll have total control over your mixer even when your hands are deep into kneading some dough or you’re in and out of the oven.

Finally, what would a smart device be without an app, and you guessed it, the GE Profile Smart Mixer integrates with the SmartHQ app with over a dozen guided recipes offering detailed instructions to walk users through the entire process. GE also plans to update the app with new recipes in the future and over-the-air updates to the mixer.

Beyond smart features, the GE Profile Smart Mixer also boasts that it is the first smart mixer in the US to use an advanced digital brushless DC motor system. This advanced motor ensures that the GE Profile Smart Mixer will run at lower temperatures while still having the power to work through “tough batches and stiff doughs without overheating or stalling.”

The GE Profile Smart Mixer comes in black, silver, or white, and is currently available exclusively from Crate and Barrel for $1000 with free shipping.

Haylou Solar Plus RT3 review

Patrick Baker
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Haylou Solar Plus RT3 review

I got my first watch in the third grade, and it was super cool. It not only told time digitally, but also – and this was the cool part – had a digital timer. I strutted around the grade school hallways completely unaware that my new watch would be all but archaic in a mere ten years. 

Modern smartwatches have evolved to include countless apps and features. With their Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch, Haylou packs as many of these features as possible into one modern-looking, affordable smartwatch. After spending a couple weeks with this smartwatch around my wrist, I came away with several key takeaways.

Design

The physical design of the Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch is very elegant. The circular, touch-screen face of the watch coupled with the black rubber watch band is appealingly minimalistic.

The digital face of the smartwatch in customizable, with dozens of downloadable watch face designs available for free in the Haylou app. The app layout on the smartwatch is very reminiscent of the layout on an Apple Watch but is effective. 

Learning to navigate to different apps on the Haylou smartwatch was intuitive. The animations when navigating between apps was a little clunky but did not affect performance.

I primarily used the touch screen to navigate on the watch. The two buttons on the side of the watch can take the user anywhere on the watch they need to go, but I found using the watch in this way to be inefficient.

While the digital design of the Solar Plus RT3 was slightly lacking, the physical design was exactly what I was hoping for.  Overall, I was satisfied with the design of this smartwatch.

Features

The number of apps and features on the Haylou Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch is too many to go over each one in detail, so I will talk about the ones that I used the most often.

First is the heartrate monitor. A heartrate sensor is standard on most modern smartwatches, and the Solar Plus RT3 is no exception. I found the sensor to be accurate and reliable.

I think it is important to note that this is one of the only features on the smartwatch that is constantly running. I like this because looking at my heartrate over time is something that I find useful. Most other applications (stress, body oxygen) need to be opened and left to run before seeing a result.

The feature on this watch that I was the most impressed by is the phone. The Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch allows the user to pick up and take calls entirely through the watch itself. This feature is only available when the user’s phone is within Bluetooth range. This is something that I do not expect every smartwatch to have and put to great use.

The only difficulty I had with this feature is that if the user gets a call on the smartwatch, but wants to answer it on the phone, they have to answer the call on the phone and then manually switch the call from Bluetooth to the phone.

The workout app is very extensive. Every imaginable sport or workout seems to be included in the list of recordable workout options. Swimming is the only option I could think of that is not available, which makes sense as the watch is not waterproof. My only complaint when using the workout app was when I was on the treadmill.

Recording an activity for indoor running gives the user a result for time, distance, and pace. Unfortunately, after when I got done with my workout, these three things did not align.

The amount of time at the recorded pace was computed to way longer than the recorded mileage. Upon realizing this, I stopped using the watch for indoor runs, and relied on the mileage shown on the treadmill.  

Overall, the apps featured on the smartwatch met my expectations for a budget smartwatch. Some features underperformed, and others were slightly better. 

Battery Life

The battery life was my biggest concern with this smartwatch. When setting up the smartwatch with the Haylou app, there are distinct instructions on how to change the settings on the user’s phone to maximize the battery life of the smartwatch.

I made sure to follow these steps to try to attain the seven-day battery life claim on the box. The first day, the watch died before I went to bed. I gave it a full charge overnight and tried again the next day. The second day, the watch was at 55% by noon, but then lasted until the next morning. I made sure to adjust the settings on the watch to the minimum screen blackout time and turning off the lift to wake up feature. Then the battery on the watch lasted two days before dying. 

From my first time using the watch, I have managed to lengthen the battery life to two or three days. But this is a far cry from the seven-day battery life I was expecting, especially running on minimum features. If the battery lasted a few more days with regular use, I would be much more satisfied.

Overall

The Haylou Solar Plus RT3 smartwatch looks very nice on any user’s wrist. In this regard it is comparable to any top-of-the-line smartwatch. The number of features on the smartwatch are numerous, but their functionality varies.

If there were more standout features such as the hands-free calling, I would be much more impressed. Unfortunately, the battery life, for me, was slightly lackluster.

Charging the battery every other night makes it very difficult to put the sleep tracking feature to good use. Improvements on a few of these features could make this smartwatch quite the force to be reckoned with, but for now I would label it as a competitive budget smartwatch.

Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller review

Jason England
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Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller review

While I’m a huge fan of Android controllers that use the same layout as the Nintendo Switch, such as the Atom from Turtle Beach, there are times that’s not always best. For example, if you want to charge your phone while playing or if you play games on your Android-powered TV or tablet.

That’s when something like the Recon Cloud Controller from Turtle Beach comes in handy. Thankfully, the company was kind enough to send one out to us for review.

Design

If you’ve used an Xbox controller, then the Recon Cloud Controller will be very familiar. It shares much of the same layout, with the analog sticks, buttons, and triggers all in the same positions. What makes the Recon Cloud Controller stand out is all of the extra buttons, functions, and stylish design.

For starters, there are buttons to choose which mode you will connect in—Bluetooth or wired—and if you choose wired, then Turtle Beach includes a generous 10-foot-long cable for use with an Xbox or Windows PC. However, the quick action buttons located on the underside of the Recon Cloud are the ones you’ll be most excited about.

These two buttons are programmable using the mode and select buttons located at the top and can greatly improve efficiency while playing games. Furthermore, holding in the quick action button on the right will reduce the sensitivity of the right analog stick enacting the “Pro-Aim” mode. I found this invaluable while lining up shots.

There are also buttons to manage audio settings when using the Recon Cloud in wired mode with headphones connected via the 3.5mm audio jack. This will give you the ability to adjust the chat or mic volume, change the EQ, and more.

Finally, the Recon Cloud comes with a phone mount which also doubles as a stand when it’s not attached to the controller.

User experience

I’m not a fan of mounting my phone to the top of a controller while gaming. It always feels unbalanced and awkward to me, which is why I generally gravitate toward controllers that mount the phone in the middle. Although, I have to admit that it’s still entirely feasible to use the phone mount on the Recon Cloud Controller.

I spent the past few weeks playing games with the Recon Cloud Controller for hours on end utilizing the included mount and found it worked perfectly. I was especially impressed that I could attach a large 6.8-inch phone without removing the case, and the textured grips on the controller made it comfortable to hold.

What surprised me most wasn’t the mount though, it was the customizable quick-action buttons and pro-aim features. After programming the quick-action buttons, I found it almost impossible to game without them. By using the two customizable buttons, it required me to take my thumb off the right analog stick less often. Additionally, the Pro-Aim feature also came in handy as I began to rely on it to line up my shots more accurately. With both of these features combined, gaming just feels easier and more natural. I wish all controllers included options like this.

Furthermore, Turtle Beach also has an Android app that can be used to calibrate and test out the analog sticks and triggers. This helps ensure that the controller is functioning properly and will stay accurate, something all gamers can appreciate.

While the Recon Cloud Controller includes a host of audio features from Turtle Beach, I wasn’t able to test them out, as they only work with an Xbox or Windows PC over a wired connection. My PC is a little out of date for gaming, and I don’t own an Xbox. That also means I wasn’t able to experience the vibration either, but rest assured, these features are all present and only add value to this versatile controller.

Turtle Beach rates the Recon Cloud Controller battery life at 30 hours. I’ve put in a number of long gaming sessions using my phone and Android TV over the past few weeks, and the Recon Cloud has certainly lived up to its battery claims. I’ve rarely had to recharge the Recon Cloud Controller, and it usually lasts me through the week with a single charge.

Final thoughts

The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller is jam-packed with buttons and features. It would be the perfect gaming companion if you have a phone, tablet, or phone running Android 8.0 or above. Plus, it’ll even work with Xbox and Windows PCs.

Additionally, the extra features such as the quick action buttons, audio settings, and Pro-Aim will help give you an edge while gaming. I’ve honestly had a tough time switching back over to controllers that lack these features after getting used to them.

The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller comes in Black and Blue Magma. The MSRP price is $100 but it can currently be picked up from Amazon or Turtle Beach’s website for $70 making it a steal of a deal.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Turtle Beach

Tech innovations in software testing & test automation you need to know about

AndroidGuys
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Tech innovations in software testing & test automation you need to know about

Software testing and test automation have become integral parts of the software development process. As technology advances, so too have the software testing and test automation tools available to businesses. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five of the most exciting tech innovations in software testing and test automation that you need to know about. These innovations are sure to make your software testing process faster, more efficient, and more reliable. Get ready to learn about the latest and greatest advancements in software testing and test automation.

AI for Test Case Generation

AI testing tools are an exciting development in the field of software testing and test automation. By leveraging the power of machine learning, these tools allow testers to easily build robust end-to-end test cases, reducing manual effort and increasing test coverage.

Virtual Reality for User Experience Testing

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly accessible and widely adopted, opening up new possibilities for software testing. For user experience testing, VR provides a powerful tool for simulating real-world usage scenarios in order to identify and address usability issues.

Using VR, developers can create virtual environments that closely match those experienced by users. This allows them to better evaluate the user experience from the user’s perspective. VR also helps with validating visual design elements such as layouts, fonts, and colours to ensure an optimal experience for users.

Blockchain for Security Testing

The software testing industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations changing the way that software is tested. One of the most promising new technologies to come out of this evolution is blockchain, which can provide a much more secure and reliable environment for security testing. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that allows multiple parties to securely record and store data in a secure, decentralized network. It offers unparalleled security by using cryptographic keys, which are designed to make it extremely difficult to tamper with data without being detected. Additionally, because blockchain is distributed across many different computers, it’s much more difficult for a single user to gain access to all the data stored on the network. In terms of security testing, blockchain can be used to create a trustless environment where testers can verify the authenticity of their test results without relying on any third party.

The Internet of Things for Performance Testing

Performance testing with IoT offers the potential for end-to-end, distributed testing across multiple physical devices in real-world conditions. This allows testers to evaluate how an application behaves when exposed to different usage scenarios and under different stress levels. By using actual devices in these tests, testers can gain more accurate results than with emulated environments.

Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics

Machine learning (ML) technologies have opened up a range of possibilities for leveraging predictive analytics in software testing. ML-powered predictive analytics allow developers to set criteria and parameters that identify signs of application failure before it occurs. This type of pre-testing can be used to determine the robustness of an application and ensure it is fit for purpose. By understanding how an application behaves under different conditions, developers can tailor their tests to focus on areas that require more attention or may be prone to failure.

Photo by Zan on Unsplash

Tronsmart Bang SE review

Andrew Allen
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Tronsmart Bang SE review

Tronsmart is at it yet again, expanding the Bang portable speaker lineup. We’ve recently taken an extended look at the Bang Mini and now the company has given us the opportunity to try out the smallest Bang SE speaker.

Design

It’s easy to recognize the similarities between the Bang SE and the rest of the family. It shares the same industrial design language with the size being the main difference. Another addition to the smaller footprint is two hook anchors on each side of the handle for the included carrying strap.

To the top, you have the same layout we’ve seen on all the Bang speakers. You have the familiar power, SoundPulse, volume up and down, play/pause, speaker stereo sync, and LED controls. All these buttons are encased in a firm, soft-touch covering that gives it a premium feel that’s easy to navigate.

Behind the large, front-facing Tronsmart logo live the party powering the Bang SE. Under the canvas, weave are two full-range drivers capable of full stereo sound. Around each side are two subwoofers to add to the sound with lower bass audio.

The rugged outer casing and IPX6 water resistance should have the Bang SE ready for almost any environment. I’d have zero issues having this at home, out by the pool, or even camping. Add the optional should strap, and you literally can take this almost anywhere.

Sound

I’ve been really surprised by the sound of the Tronsmart Bang SE. It’s on the same level, if not better than its most recent sibling Bang Mini. I know that doesn’t make much sense but to my ears, the balance of the stereo sound is slightly better on the SE.

The mix of highs and mids is fantastic for a speaker this size and never seems like it’s flexing too hard even at high volumes. The bass is punchy as well without overpowering the rest of the audio.

My one complaint would be the Tronsmart app doesn’t support this model yet. Having more granular controls to your taste is a nice touch that the largest Bang supports and I wish both the Mini and SE had this as well.

Charging and Expansion

The Tronsmart Bang SE has a good selection of ports on the back of the speaker. Behind the waterproof flap, you’ll find USB-A, USB-C charging, a 3.5mm auxiliary port, and a microSD slot. This gives the Bang SE a solid array of options for charging external devices as well as charging via the USB ports and expansion to other media inputs with the headphone jack and SD card.

Tronsmart rates the battery life at 24 hours with the volume set at around 50%. I’d estimate this to be fairly accurate. I was able to have this play in the background near these audio levels for around three full workdays at my home office.

Conclusion

Tronsmart might have the best Bang for the buck in the Bang SE. This smaller variant still packs great sound, above-average battery life, and a sturdy travel footprint. The Bang SE might be the best option in the lineup for most users.

Full retail for the Bang SE will be $70 and I think that’s more than reasonable for the features here. Need a little more incentive? How about for the global launch the Bang SE is just $55. That’s hard to beat at the link below.

Purchase the Tronsmart Bang SE speaker

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