DemerBox, the manufacturer behind the “ultimate outdoor Bluetooth speaker”, is back with a new rough and tumble unit. Indeed, the new DB2 is everything that made its predecessor so powerful and unique, but with more where it counts.
The DemerBox DB2 is a dual speaker system with a built-in storage space that protects your items, keeping them dry during your outdoor travels. With more than 40 hours of playback per charge, the unit is 100% waterproof and designed to handle extreme weather conditions.
Building on the first generation speaker, the DB2 houses a “refreshed microprocessor” battery level indicator, meaning it more accurately presents the remaining playback time. Moreover, it also has an upgraded audio system with a richer soundstage with more crisp highs and better mid-range.
Other features that make the speaker worth a look, or listen, are 100 foot Bluetooth connectivity range, an internal USB charger, and a port plug to make the unit fully waterproof. Oh, and everything is packed inside of a crush-proof Pelican case that’s as durable as it gets.
Bluetooth multi-connectivity lets users string up to six speakers together, which opens things up to an incredibly robust outdoor sound system. It wouldn’t be cheap by any means — the DB2 costs $350 — but it would make for a really interesting experience.
You can find the DemerBox DB2 at the official website where you can purchase it in no less than four colors. Choose from Roseau Blue, Haast Orange, Barrow Black, and Pesaro Green.
T-Mobile on Tuesday confirmed it will soon offer the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. The flagship phone with support for next-gen, ultra-fast data speeds arrives on June 28.
As the start, T-Mobile plans to sell the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G in select markets. These parts of Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York.
For what it’s worth, although these cities offer the 5G coverage, it’s very limited. Check T-Mobile’s website for a map and expected coverage.
It may surprise you to see just how little the pockets are for T-Mobile 5G; however, they could be applauded for the transparency. None of the other wireless providers have been as forthcoming with their network footprint.
This particular version of the Galaxy S10 only utilizes the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum so it’s “extremely” limited. With that said, where 5G isn’t available, it defaults back to the 4G LTE speeds.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G will be available for well-qualified customers at $31.25/month ($549.99 down) for 24 months on T-Mobile’s no-interest equipment installment plan (EIP). The full retail price of the handset is $1299.99
T-Mobile does not charge extra for access to 5G speeds.
Big things, small packages, and all that jazz. The WONDERBOOM 2 is the latest portable speaker from Ultimate Ears (UE) and finds itself as a punched-up successor to an already great device.
Launched in June 2019, the unit retails for about $100 and comes in a variety of color options. Our team was sent a Crushed Ice version of the WONDERBOOM 2; it’s more or less a concrete gray with orange accents.
Having had the privilege of testing other speakers in the UE line, we pretty much knew what to expect. In other words, we anticipated a solid build with quality materials, with a sound that surprises. That’s exactly what we got here as the WONDERBOOM 2 nestles itself nicely into the brand’s portfolio.
Design
Shaped as if someone squished a soda can down, the stubby speaker feels both light and sturdy. It’s small enough to palm and built to withstand the occasional drop. Moreover, it’s also IP67 rated for protection against dust and water. It even floats.
There’s a flexible fabric and rubber loop on the backside at the top which can be used for hanging the speaker. It’s not quite big enough to throw over a shower head but it might dangle from the faucet.
The front side of the speaker has the familiar plus (+) and minus (-) symbols for volume control which also look great to accent the design. Up top is where you locate the buttons for power, pairing, and playback. Around back, at the bottom, is a microUSB port which is protected by secure rubber door.
On the very bottom of the WONDERBOOM 2 is a button for “Outdoor Boost” mode which promises “louder, crisper audio” that adjusts the equalizer for outdoor environments.
Sound
One of the main features in the speaker is its 360-degree sound, something we’ve seen in other brands. Here, though, it’s not just a gimmick that really works best when facing a particular direction. We found the speaker puts out an excellent, full sound from any angle.
At low levels and high the sound stage is balanced with a tendency to focus on the mid range. Bass is tight and controlled but not super strong; it’s definitely not overpowering. Bass heads are advised to look elsewhere.
We’ve tested a few different genres of music, including indie, alternative, singer-songwriter, and electronic. All performed admirably indoors and we never had to maximize the volume. Filling an office or bedroom is no problem for the WONDERBOOM 2.
Going outside we were able to push the volume levels higher and saw that things stayed pretty even across the board.
Enabling the outdoor mode really opens things up nicely. Sound is more detailed and generally more robust. Toggling it on and off is noticeable and makes a bit of a difference.
It’s not just a volume boost or heavier bass. In fact, it’s the opposite. The sound is a bit more harsh and pushes out more in trebles and highs. Interestingly enough, we didn’t enjoy outdoor mode when used indoors.
Another feature that enhances the experience is the ability to pair two speakers together for true stereo. We didn’t have a secondary speaker, but we’ve gathered from other review that it works very well. We’ve done this in other UE speakers and can speak to that being an easy process and a quality one.
Performance
With up to 13 hours of battery life on a full charge, this is some 30% higher than its predecessors. This varies based on volume level and whether you use the outdoor setting. To that end, we easily topped ten hours per full charge in our testing. We depleted the battery twice to make sure.
As much as it pains us, we did drop the speaker a time or two to test its ruggedness. We also threw it into some water a couple of times. The WONDERBOOM 2 handled these situations easily. We imagine there would be nothing in our daily usage, hiking, poolside or otherwise, that would mess with the speaker.
Conclusion
We would have enjoyed USB C for charging if only because most accessories are going that way. It also makes one more cable to pack if you’re planning to take your speaker with you on a vacation.
Another feature we’re starting to see in speakers is adding in Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This would have been a bonus, but not necessarily something that necessary. These are designed as the go-anywhere experience and not one that stays put in a particular room. Were this bigger or made to stay on a desk we would expect it.
The WONDERBOOM 2 is easy to set up and use, has excellent battery life, and features some cool enhancements. As a portable unit with everyday usage in mind, we appreciate the build quality, materials, and resistance to water and dust.
Although UE lists the speaker for around $130 you can find it for about $100 at Best Buy or Amazon. We think this is a great price and it’s definitely worthy of the upgrade. Find it Crushed Ice Grey, Deep Space Black, Bermuda Blue, and Radical Red.
There’s no time like the present to tackle a new hobby or head off on a new career path. It’s important to do something you enjoy, and for some people, this means creating and tinkering, or coding.
Wouldn’t you like to be one of those nerds who changes things for the good? Maybe a new way to communicate with others, or perhaps get things done? We’ve got an incredible collection of training designed to help you become proficient in a variety of languages.
Called the Complete Learn to Code Master Class Bonus Bundle, it’s over 640 sets of lessons spanning 11 different courses. It’s everything you need to get started and on your way to a new passion.
Topics range from basic all the way up to advanced, with everything in between. Look for a lifetime of help on Python, Ruby, Perl, Git, PHP, Java, and so much more. You’ll learn how to program and write for Google Go, C++, and pick up an education in building websites, too.
Not only can you learn at your own pace, but you can also learn wherever you want. Indeed, classes are available in web streaming and mobile streaming. Start your new side hustle in the break room!
Courses
The Complete Google Go Programming Course For Beginners
JavaScript Essentials: Get Started with Web Coding
From 0 to 1: Learn Python Programming – Easy as Pie
C++ for Beginners
Java Programming for Beginners
PHP & MySQL for Beginners
C# 7 & .NET Core 2.0 Recipes
Introduction to Rust Programming
Git Complete: The Definitive, Step-By-Step Guide
Perl Programming for Beginners
Become a Web Developer: Learn the Basics of Ruby
If you’ve already got some experience with these subjects, this is a great resource to have on hand for reference. It’s yours for as long as you live; a lifetime license is just $25 right now, a savings of 97 percent.
In addition to the savings above, when you buy through AndroidGuys Deals, for every $25 spent, you get $1 credit added to your account. What’s more, should you refer the deal via social media or an email that results in a purchase, you’ll earn $10 credit in your account.
If this is your first time buying, then you are also eligible for a further 10% discount when you subscribe for email updates.
How about a freebie?
Not looking to spend any money today? That’s alright, we understand. Why not visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and take something anyhow? Go ahead, grab two!
Wireless charging is one of those things that we often take for granted. Can we live without it? Definitely. We’ve done it for nearly our entire lives. It’s not necessary by any means; we hardly think about it on a day-to-day basis. But, once you have the luxury of trying it, you tend to look for it in other devices.
Given that so many of today’s phones and devices offer wireless charging as an option, it stands to reason that you’ll encounter it soon — if you hadn’t already. Up for review today is the (T528-S) Choetech Fast Wireless Charger.
About
Priced at just $14.99 through Amazon, it’s among the less expensive wireless chargers you might find on the market. Don’t let that fool you, though, this is a solid unit that’s backed by a 30-day return policy and a 18-month warranty. Moreover, you also get lifetime technical support — should that ever present itself.
Most wireless chargers offer the same-old-same-old: a platter to put your phone on when it’s time to go to bed. It’s hard to iterate on that or make it sexy, and as we often find, it matters little once you go to bed.
With that in mind, the Choetech Fast Wireless Charger does offer up to 10W fast charging for devices like the Samsung Galaxy S9 or other newer phones. It actually has support for three charging speeds/modes: 5W, 7.5W, and 10W.
You’ll want that especially if you use the charger during the day or in an office setting. Over the span of eight hours of sleep you don’t notice how quick (or slow) things can be but you will over a coffee or lunch break.
Design and Impressions
The first thing you’ll note when opening this one up is that it doesn’t have an AC adapter. What to do? Use the one that came with your phone, of course. Or, look through your other ones lying around. Find one that’s rated for Quick Charge 2.0 or newer and you’ll be just fine.
The cable has a microUSB port and is about as long as your current charging cable. Plug it in on both ends and you’re ready to go.
The platter itself has a panda bear’s face printed on it with five non-slip sticky spots. These bite your phone nicely and ensure it isn’t accidentally pushed off or slid into a weird angle. As for the overall footprint, this one takes up about as much space as a coaster you’d place a drink on.
We like the soft green LED light which turns off after a fully charged phone; however, it will stay on for iPhones. You’ll know right away that your phone’s in place and taking a charge, especially in lower lighting conditions.
The Choetech Fast Wireless Charger also offers protection against over-charging as well as temperature circuit protection. In other words, this ensures you’re not hitting your phone with too much juice and that it doesn’t make the charger too hot as a result. Moreover, it helps keep your energy in line and won’t run up your bill.
Conclusion
With so many devices designed with Qi wireless charging support it makes sense to purchase one of these types of chargers. And, because budget is always a factor, you won’t want to waste money on something that doesn’t get used too often. Or, worse, when you need to buy multiple units.
The Choetech is a no-frills unit that’s not sexy or stylish, but it gets the job done. And, it’s totally affordable at around $15. For this price it becomes practical to have a few of these placed around the home and office. They don’t stand out or take up a lot of space. You’ll be able to charge up in different rooms in no time at all and you’ll appreciate having fewer cables to fool with.
AT&T Prepaid and Cricket Wireless recently started offering a new Nokia phone as part of their device portfolios. Indeed, the Nokia 3.1 A and Nokia 3.1 C are essentially the same phone, just sold at different outlets.
Powered by Android 9 Pie, the phone features a 5.45-inch (18:9) display and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Internally, the Nokia 3.1A/C have a 2.0GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage.
Other specifications include USB C, a 2990mAh battery, front-facing 5-megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, and FM radio. A microSD expansion card slot allows for up to 128GB external media.
The beauty of the internet is you almost have virtual access to any information you want at the tips of your fingers. The days of education being offered solely at physical locations are far behind us
Machine Learning is the science of getting computers to act without being given specific programming commands; it’s used to harvest info and determine output. You’ll find machine learning in places like search engines, online ad spaces, and spam filters.
For only $35 $25, you can teach yourself all about Machine Learning and Data Science. Typically valued at around $1,600, you can save 97 percent on the kit.
Complete Data Science Training with Python for Data Analysis
Complete Time Series Data Analysis Bootcamp In R
Practical Neural Networks & Deep Learning In R
Clustering & Classification with R
Clustering & Classification with Machine Learning In Python
Where to Buy
Are you ready to step your game up and learn something new? Head to the AndroidGuys Deals Store and purchase the 8-piece bundle for only $25. Buy today and own it for life!
Save even more!
In addition to the savings above, when you buy through AndroidGuys Deals, for every $25 spent, you get $1 credit added to your account. What’s more, should you refer the deal via social media or an email that results in a purchase, you’ll earn $10 credit in your account.
If this is your first time buying, then you are also eligible for a further 10% discount when you subscribe for email updates.
How about a freebie?
Not looking to spend any money today? That’s alright, we understand. Why not visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and take something anyhow? Go ahead, grab two!
EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be viewed as an editorial endorsement.
If you own a smartphone, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve signed an agreement with one of the major carrier brands. While these companies have earned solid reputations for their reliable service and pervasive network, they are also notorious for the old “nickel and dime” approach that siphons money from you, sometimes even your consent.
Try as you might, these big players often find a way to tie you up with a long-term commitment. Maybe it’s a two-year contract, maybe it’s an equipment installation payment that spans 18-24 months. This stinks if you’re not happy with the service, right?
If you are looking to break free from greedy carriers or try something new, look no further than Tello. It offers a low-cost customizable cell phone plan with superb service and none of those exorbitant fees.
Tello is, for all practical purposes a mobile virtual network operator (MNVO), which means it piggybacks on a major provider for coverage. But, even at that, it does not operate the same manner a tier-one carrier does.
Unlike most carrier brands, Tello gives users complete control of their cell phone plan. Subscribers are given the freedom to customize a plan that aligns with usage habits, letting them decide on the number of minutes and amount of data need on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, you can sign up for as low as $5 per month.
There are a number of ready-made plans that do a great job of meeting the demands of most users. These particular ones cost as low as $10 per month and include unlimited text and calling.
$10/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 1GB of high-speed data
$14/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 2GB of high-speed data
$19/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 4GB of high-speed data
$39/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 12GB of high-speed data
In the event you need to upgrade or downgrade your plan, you can do so without paying any additional fees. Any balance you have left from your previous plan rolls over for the next 30 days.
Tello is also tethering-friendly, meaning you can distribute data across your slew of devices or share it with friends and family at no additional cost. This is perfect for those who might have children that use Wi-Fi connections and want to provide a little flexibility in the real world.
Of course, the coverage Tello provides is also top-notch, relying on the nationwide Sprint network, with fast data speeds, high-quality calls, and coast-to-coast coverage.
With plans starting at $5, you won’t find a deal better than Tello. Make the switch today.
Editor Note: Some of the links within this post may include an affiliate code and AndroidGuys may receive a small percentage of revenue from clicks and/or purchases.
As phones get bigger and bigger, more people are opting against carrying a secondary device with a large screen. Tablets, in theory, are fantastic because they offer more screen real estate and that helps a ton if you’re looking to get some work done, but don’t want to be tied down to a desk.
We recently took a look at the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) and really enjoyed what was possible with the device. Everything from video editing to watching media was enhanced, but there’s still a problem with the iPad; it’s just a tablet. To truly unlock the productivity we want, we hooked up with LG and in partnership with them, we’re taking a look at the LG Gram 14-inch 2-in-1. It’s a Windows-based laptop that has completely rendered my iPad and Android tablets useless.
Let’s start off with the basics. Here are the key specs of the LG Gram 14:
Operating System: Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i7-8565U
Base clock: 1.80GHz
Max frequency: 4.60GHz
4 cores/8 threads
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM: 16 GB (8 GB x 2)
Storage: 512 GB M.2 2280 SSD (476 GB available)
Display: 14-inch IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080 touch-enabled
Ports: 1x power, 1x headphone jack, 1x full HDMI, 2x USB A, 1 x USB C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x microSD
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi A/C (2×2), USB C with RJ45 gender (10/100Mbit)
Battery: 72Wh, 7.7V Rated up to 21 hrs
Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.3 x 0.7
Weight: 2.53 lbs
Materials: Magnesium alloy
So, there’s a lot to unpack there, but we’ll start by talking about the exterior of the Gram first. The magnesium alloy makes the devices incredibly light. To get a 14-inch device this light would normally require some sacrifices, but using this alloy allows LG to keep the laptop a high level of build quality without adding any additional weight.
And it makes a difference. I carry the Gram in my Waterfield messenger bag, but I have a bad shoulder from years of abuse during hockey games as a kid. I have pretty consistent pain and I can tell when even the amount of additional weight is present. The LG Gram allows me to have an incredibly powerful device while not carrying around a bulky brick and I appreciate that.
The weight and small dimensions also play into how I use the device on a day-to-day basis. My day job is at a TV station and I am often running around the newsroom trying to get stories together and creating documentation for use at a later time.
Since the Gram is so light, I pick it up and go without a second thought. I move from desk to desk, newsroom to control room, and inside the building to live shots while carrying this around in my hand. I don’t need to store it or make special consideration for it since it weighs about the same as a tablet.
As a smartphone enthusiast, I am fully on board with the shrinking of bezels. My current OnePlus 7 Pro is one of the first “full screen” devices out there and I love it. LG has done something similar here with the LG Gram and brought down the bezels around the screen to an absolute minimum. Yes, the bezels are still there but they are small and house important things like a webcam up top.
After using several devices with a camera below the display, this is a very welcome change from me and everyone that doesn’t have to stare up my nose during conference calls. This truly is a 14-inch laptop inside of a 13-inch laptop’s body.
Going back to that screen, it’s brilliant. The colors look absolutely fantastic on the IPS LCD display and the 1080p resolution is just right. While some creatives may want a 4K display, I don’t think the trade-off in battery life on an ultra-thin laptop like this is worth it. Creatives will love the 300 nits of max brightness and 96% sRBG coverage as well as the touch screen. All of this is covered by Gorilla Glass 5 which will keep your screen protected from scratches and breaks.
In the box, you get a Wacom pen that has 4096 points of pressure and two buttons for forward and backward functionality. I have loved using the pen because it makes taking notes or signing a contract incredibly easy.
Since Windows 10 is here instead of Android or iOS, there’s almost a limitless number of apps you can download from across the internet to take advantage of the pen. This is especially handy for artists who want a powerful graphics creation tool without using extra hardware.
I do wish the pen could somehow attach to the laptop and I don’t love that it takes AAAA batteries, but otherwise, this is a win.
Battery life is another area where the Gram is a class leader. While there’s an advertised “up to” 21 hours of battery life, I’m not getting that much in daily use. I’m getting only 15-16 hours, which is still mind-blowing. Seriously, a laptop this small and light getting that much battery life is crazy. I haven’t used a laptop as my main device for many, many years so I’m still stuck in the days of considering three hours of battery life great.
This is incredible.
It matches or beats devices like the Apple iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and other thin and lightweight laptops. I work all day and then come home and write at night and I still have enough juice to get through most of the next day.
Unfortunately one of my pain points is the charging situation. While most of the industry is moving toward USB C, there’s a proprietary charging port here. It’s kind of a pain to carry the charger with me but luckily I usually don’t have to do that often because of the excellent battery life.
What really saves it for me, is that the USB C port can accept power and charge the laptop. It complains every time I plug in a USB C cable because it’s slower than the charger in the box, but it does the job. I love having one cable to charge everything and I hope that LG replaces the charging port in a future revision.
One of the most important factors when considering picking up a laptop instead of a tablet is the keyboard. LG put a killer keyboard in the Gram and I’ve really enjoyed writing this article on it.
While there’s the smallest bit of flex, that’s to be expected and it doesn’t impact the experience. The keys provide great travel and the layout is pretty comfortable. We get a full set of arrow keys without sacrificing a full sized shift key, a rarity in compact laptops like this.
The delete key sits in the top right corner right next to the power button. Normally this would be cause for concern but the power button is concave and requires more pressure to press than a normal key. It also houses a quick and accurate fingerprint scanner that has been a joy to use.
Overall, I’d say the typing experience has been great and the only thing I’d change are the combo function/quick action keys. You have to hold down function to use the quick action keys and to me, that’s backward. I want to turn my volume up and down and change the backlit key brightness far more often than I want to hit a function key.
We’re getting to the end of our review here, but I wanted to be sure to point out that this is one of the first laptops that I really feel the company has considered every aspect of the experience. There are some small issues like the charging port, some screen flex, and the function keys that I wish were different, but overall this is an excellent package.
The display doesn’t get a ton of love in reviews, but I think it’s perfect for working professionals. It’s slightly wider than you’d normally see in a laptop which makes using side-by-side windows or multiple apps a breeze. It’s the little things like this that LG absolutely nailed.
The LG Gram 14-inch 2-in-1 isn’t cheap. It comes in about $1500, but when considering you’re getting a full Windows experience and the ability to use it as a tablet along with an included Wacom pen as well, I think it becomes a lot better of a deal.
More than once I’ve flipped the screen around and used it as a tablet to display PowerPoint projects or videos that I’m working on. Due to the incredibly powerful processor and a healthy heaping of RAM, the screen flip is instant and tablet mode is immediately accessible.
The only issues I’ve had is from Windows not recognizing I’m now in tablet mode and keeping the keyboard active. This normally only takes place for a few seconds but it can be frustrating.
After using the Gram for a month, I can easily say it’s a better option than any Android tablet on the market and the Apple iPad Pro. All in, you’re looking at $1500 for the Gram, but the hardware is better than you’ll find anywhere else.
To turn the iPad Pro into a true competitor, you’ll need to spend well over $1700 for a 512 GB iPad Pro, Apple Smart Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and more. And you’re still lacking in RAM and locked into a closed ecosystem without a true file browser in that scenario. Don’t even get me started on the sad state of Android tablets.
If you want to find out more about the LG Gram, you can head over to LG’s website where they have even more information for you to check out. This review was produced in association with LG but all of the opinions expressed in it are mine and are as unbiased as you can get.
Do you have any more questions about the Gram? Ask us down in the comments or on Twitter.
We love the idea of true wireless earbuds. Having absolutely no wires and such a compact headphone is invaluably convenient. If only the functionality was also as noteworthy.
Building earbuds that have everything packed into their tiny earpiece spaces have their engineering challenges, and it shows in even top-end offerings, in the form of short battery life and unreliable wireless connection.
Originally published June 5, 2018
Optoma wasn’t exempt from these troubles with its first crack at it. We liked several things about last year’s BE Free8, such as its notable aptX-capable sound quality, but couldn’t look past some of its questionable functionality (primarily, too many Bluetooth signal hiccups). Well, the company has had time to work on it, arriving in the form of the more affordable BE Free5. Is this a memorable case of more for less? Let’s find out.
Design
Despite closely following in the Be Free8‘s footsteps, the Free5 is a different animal from a design perspective – some for the better but not all. For instance, it’s more blocky in shape than the streamlined, tapered Free8 earpieces. This also means a bit more girth in depth (but in turn, thinner width).
So they stick out a little more on the ear than the contoured Free8 earpieces, but it ends up being of little consequence. Optoma was carefully to make sure they’re still ergonomic and don’t fall out of the ears (more on usability later).
The primary smooth chassis feels similar as before – sturdy but pretty standard hard plastic. A big design difference is that Optoma cut back on the glossy plastic cap. This is a move we prefer, as that plastic on the Free8 felt cheap. But that’s not all.
The scored texture is also gone in favor of a striped pattern underneath the transparent cover. It’s a grainy and silvery finish that shimmers at the right angle of light. We think it’s a lot classier than before and serves as a unique touch.
This design cue is also cohesive with the finish of the carrying/charging case, which has undergone the most drastic change – and we’re really glad about it.
The Free8’s case was completely made of the cheap-feeling and smudgy glossy plastic. Not only is it now matte, but Optoma sand-blasted it entirely, resulting in a grainy (almost sandstone-like), shimmery, and premium-feeling texture. It’s fabulous, and it feels sturdy too. We only wish the slimmer teardrop form of the Free8’s case was maintained, but it’s not a big deal.
Case differences between older Free8 and newer Free5 earbuds.
A benefit of modified design is that the earpieces are easier to remove from the case. The slippery caps of the Free8 made this frequent operation a minor annoyance. Additionally, Optoma listened to the gripes about the flimsy insertion of the earpieces. They now magnetically latch onto their corresponding silos.
Turn the case around and you’ll see how to charge it. We always cry a little bit when we continue to see a microUSB port instead of the current USB-C, but it’s acceptable in lower-costing devices, which the Free5 is.
Function
Optoma decently packages the BE Free5. Namely, we appreciate the use of SpinFit ear tips, which are highly-regarded for their fit (their stems flex to suit different ear canal shapes).
All of the contents in the Free5 box.
Still, we always like to see the option of foam tips. Silicone tips don’t isolate sound nearly as well. Something additional that we didn’t see with the Free8 are different sizes of ear fins. These hug the ear for an extra secure fit.
Speaking of the fit, it was a bit of a mixed bag for us. For some reason, the SpinFit tips that Optoma opts for are shallower than those packaged with the Free8. This makes getting an appropriate ear canal seal trickier than it should be. We managed an acceptable seal with the larger tips, but it’s borderline (i.e. the seal breaks with mouth movements).
Fortunately, the earpieces are shaped well to stay in place, so the seal shouldn’t rock with head movement or exercise. We were able to confidently work out without the ear fins with no worry about the earpieces falling out. However, we noticed that these bulkier earpieces aren’t as comfortable as the Free8, especially during longer listening sessions.
Each earpiece has its own status LED and single-button control
The Free5 continues Optoma’s single-button playback control method. But instead of a tiny button atop the earpieces, now the entire cap depresses for the function(s). We welcome this change (mostly).
The buttons are definitely easier and more natural to press. But the area is so large that you’ll press it frequently by accident. This is especially when you don the earpieces. You have to get a habit of only grabbing the sides when you’re seating them, or you’ll be pressing the buttons like crazy.
Optoma’s instructions for all the button functions.
We’re not a fan of the complicated system of controls. With only one button, you have to learn what different kinds of presses do. What’s more, the left and right buttons can have different functions. For instance, double-clicking the left button skips the track but double-clicking the right toggles the phone’s virtual assistant.
What’s additionally not intuitive is the LED indicators. There’s one on each earpiece, and two on the case. They flash between white and orange, and all have a different indication.
On the earpieces, what you essentially need to know is that they’re solid orange when charging and alternate white/orange when in pairing mode.
Although the two case LEDs look the same, they indicate different things. The left one lets the user know if the battery level of the charging case is below 25% (will flash orange when you open the case, or flash white if above 25%). The right LED just show the charging status (orange if currently charging and white if fully charged).
How the Free5’s LEDs work.
None of these things are complicated, but you do have to do some learning before you know what the heck is going on.
A big contention with Optoma’s first crack at a true wireless earbud was the finicky Bluetooth signal. We noted plentiful drops in our review of the Free8, making us hopeful that it would be addressed in this follow-up model.
While the Free5 is not completely free of hiccups, we’re happy to report that the connection is drastically more stable. Even with phone in pocket or walking a few feet from it, the playback is largely uninterrupted.
As for technical specs, we have pretty common features. On a charge, the earpieces can last up to four hours, which is average for this kind of wireless earbud. The case has enough capacity to charge them four times over (so 16 hours total with a full case). And Optoma didn’t forget about designing the Free5 with IPX5-rated water resistance.
Audio
One of the BE Free5’s biggest compromises is the lack of aptX support for higher fidelity streaming.
One of the Free8’s standout features was the inclusive of aptX support in its chipset. This wireless audio codec can be found in many Qualcomm-powered smartphones these days, allowing for a higher bandwidth channel (up to 352 kbps).
Alas, aptX was forgone in the Free5; but Optoma doesn’t leave us hanging. It does support the AAC codec, which is still better than standard bit-rates. Also, the Free5’s driver diaphragm is said to be made from a new graphene material that’s lighter in weight and responds more quickly (retrieving clearer details) than the typical diaphragm.
But more importantly, how does it sound? Pretty darn good for the most part. One of the first things that caught us was the clean sound. The noise floor is surprisingly silent (most earbuds of this type have some level of audible hiss). This makes it easier to pick up the details, which the Free5 has ample of despite the lack of aptX.
The mid-range is more forward than you’ll typically hear, so elements like vocals and guitars really shine. The bass can sometimes be subtle and sometimes show a great deal of body (particularly when there’s a strong mid-bass presence in the track). We appreciate how controlled it is. It’s never boomy or overbearing.
That said, the separation between upper bass and lower mid-range isn’t the cleanest. But we should expect a little muddle in a $99 true wireless earbud. It’s perfectly acceptable in this case.
The treble is decently conveyed. It’s not the most detailed (especially with a clear roll-off of the upper frequencies that you’ll miss out on) but is clean and has a nice presence. You shouldn’t expect much of a soundstage/spacious quality from the Free5. Its airy characteristic does help the sound not be so 2D, but you just won’t get a fuller, encompassing reproduction like that in higher-end earphones.
Final Thoughts
The BE Free5 isn’t a perfect true wireless earbud (then again, none of today’s are). However, we have to keep reminding ourselves that this is just a $79 offering. It’s not just that but the Free5 make a couple worthy improvements from the more expensive Free8, such as its more premium charging case and remedied Bluetooth signal stability.
All the negatives we’ve noted aren’t in deal-breaker territory and can be easily justified by the lower price. We look forward to seeing how Optoma pushes the “value” envelope next.
