But wait a minute – don’t you already have a smart translator with you wherever you travel in the form of your smartphone? That’s a great question, and my goal with this review is to answer it as comprehensively as possible to help you decide if the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 is a good investment for you.

Winning First Impressions

Unboxing the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 sets a premium tone right from the start. Inside the clean, minimalist packaging, you’ll find a USB-C charging cable, a SIM tray removal tool, comprehensive user documentation in multiple languages, and, of course, the translator itself.

At just 130 grams and measuring 140.6 x 56.5 x 10.4mm, the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 sports a sleek, pocket-friendly design. It’s slightly lighter and smaller than the average smartphone (the iPhone 16, for example, weighs 170 grams and measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm), so it nicely disappears in just about any pocket. The build quality feels solid and premium, with a comfortable matte finish that resists fingerprints.

The 5.05-inch display dominates the front of the device. The screen is bright enough to be clearly visible outdoors, and the viewing angles are also good, which is an important feature when you’re showing translations to someone standing next to or across from you.

The edges of the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 house a thoughtfully laid out array of controls and slots: a power button and volume rocker on one side, a SIM card slot on the other, and a USB-C charging port at the bottom. The top edge houses the device’s secret weapon — a U-shaped quad-microphone array that enables accurate translation even in noisy environments. On the back, there’s a modest 5 MP camera with autofocus for photo translation.

Under the hood, the device is powered by a 2000 mAh battery that delivers impressive endurance of up to 6 hours of continuous translation use or 10 days in standby mode when not connected to the internet. There’s also an octa-core processor from Mediatek, which certainly isn’t the latest or greatest, especially compared to the latest flagship smartphone chips, but I find it to be well-matched to the device’s needs, as evidenced by the device’s real-time translation performance.

Key Technical Specifications

A User Interface That Makes Sense

If you’ve ever used your smartphone as a translator, you might have concluded that the user experience leaves a lot to be desired. I personally experienced this when I traveled to Serbia this summer. My bus home was about to leave in 10 minutes, but I couldn’t find the bus station. What’s worse, it was very early in the morning, and there were only a few people in sight. Starting to panic, I ran to the nearest person and took out my phone to open Google Translate so I could ask them for help.

First, I had issues unlocking my phone. Then I couldn’t find the Google Translate app. By then, the person was visibly annoyed, probably thinking that I was just wasting their time. Once I finally found the Google Translate app and said the sentence I wanted to translate, it took forever because the internet connection was spotty, and I hadn’t downloaded the language beforehand.

If I had the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0, the experience would have been much more pleasant for both me and the person I was asking for help because it’s designed specifically for these real-world scenarios.

Thanks to the stripped-down, task-optimized version of Android that powers the translator, there’s no fumbling through apps or dealing with phone unlocking — just press the power button, and you’re ready to translate. Alternatively, you can activate one of its three main modes through simple swipes: voice translation (default screen), camera translation (swipe left), and face-to-face translation (swipe right).

Even the familiar Android settings menu has been simplified to its bare essentials. Gone are the overwhelming lists of options you’ll find on your smartphone – instead, you get just four straightforward categories: Network and Connection (for managing Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth), Display (brightness and screen settings, such as font size), Sound and Vibration (volume controls and haptic feedback), and Systems and Updates (software updates and privacy settings).

Real-World Translation Performance

iFLYTEK isn’t just another company jumping on the AI bandwagon. They are widely recognized for their continued innovation in AI, including speech recognition and natural language processing.

iFLYTEK’s flagship large language model, Spark (launched in May 2023) has evolved into a sophisticated system that handles everything from business translations to scientific research thanks to its enhanced understanding of complex concepts and specialized knowledge, which enables highly accurate and rapid translations across various domains.

The iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 essentially puts all of this experience and expertise in your pocket. It supports an impressive 60 languages for voice translation, covering more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. What’s particularly noteworthy is that 18 of these languages work completely offline, including major ones like English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French, German, and Spanish.

Best of all, the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 comes with a two-year global data package that provides free connectivity in 148 countries worldwide. This means no hunting for local SIM cards or relying on spotty Wi-Fi connections in foreign countries. You can simply turn on the device and start translating.

Voice Translation

The voice translation mode serves as the default screen, and for a good reason — it’s likely to be your most-used feature. You can use this mode in several ways: press and hold to speak, use the physical volume buttons (color-coded for each language), or activate gesture controls where you simply pick up the device to speak and put it down to translate.

The U-shaped quad-microphone array I mentioned earlier in this review really shows its value by picking up speech clearly, even in a challenging environment like a noisy restaurant.

The microphone array is assisted by a noise-canceling algorithm that does an impressive job of isolating voices from background noise, something that traditional smartphone microphones often struggle with.

Face-To-Face Translation

The face-to-face translation mode is where the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 truly shines, and it’s clear that iFLYTEK has put a lot of thought into making this feature as natural as possible.

The screen splits into two sections, with each person’s language displayed on their respective side, and you can flip the screen orientation so the person you’re talking to can read their side comfortably.

The octa-core MTK 6762 processor really proves that it’s still very capable here, delivering translations in less than half a second, so you don’t have to worry about conversations flowing naturally, whether you’re haggling at a market or having an in-depth business discussion.

Camera Translation

While the 5-megapixel camera might seem underwhelming by today’s smartphone standards (the iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 48 MP main sensor, and the affordable Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro has a 200 MP camera), it’s actually perfectly suited for its intended purpose because it’s responsive and capable of delivering great low-light performance.

The real star of the show is the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology baked into the camera app. It confidently handles everything from restaurant menus to street signs, and even handwritten notes (though, as with all OCR systems, your mileage may vary with particularly messy handwriting).

The translation appears overlaid on the original text in real-time to maintain the original formatting and layout. This really helps when translating more complex documents or menus as you can easily understand the context and relationship between different sections.

Should You Buy The iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0?

At the beginning of this review, I presented a simple question: in an age where everyone has a capable translator in their pocket in the form of a smartphone, is there still a place for a dedicated translation device? After testing the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0, I can confidently answer this question — but the answer depends entirely on who you are and how you travel.

If you’re someone who goes on vacation once or twice a year, the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0’s AED 1,799 / $429.99 price tag (at the time of writing this review) is difficult to justify. Yes, it would make your travel experience smoother and more comfortable than relying on your smartphone, but for occasional use, you can probably manage with Google Translate or similar apps even if it means dealing with occasional frustrations.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler — whether for business, extended leisure trips, or digital nomading — the iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 becomes one of the best investments you can make. The included two years of unlimited global data coverage alone could save you hundreds of dollars in international roaming fees or local SIM card purchases across 148 countries. When you factor in the convenience of having a dedicated device that’s always ready to translate, the value proposition becomes clear.

Final Verdict

The iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 is a purpose-built device that excels at its single task: breaking down language barriers. While its AED 1,799 / $429.99 price tag might seem steep at first, the combination of dedicated hardware, streamlined software, and two years of global connectivity makes it a compelling investment for frequent travelers. The device is available for purchase through iFLYTEK’s official website or at Sharaf DG.

Pros:

• Fast and accurate translations
• 18 languages available offline
• Excellent usability with dedicated hardware buttons
• Two years of free global data coverage in 148 countries
• Real-time OCR translation with layout preservation
• Responsive performance with minimal lag

Cons:

• Expensive for occasional travelers
• 5 MP camera seems dated (though adequate for OCR)

The post iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 Review: A Traveler’s Companion appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Fortunately, there are companies like UGREEN and its Nexode Pro line of chargers, whose efficient use of the GaN II charging technology demonstrates that in the world of charging, much like in many areas of life, it’s not the size that counts, but how you use it.

Who Is UGREEN?

Established in 2012, UGREEN specializes in providing distinguished accessories and digital solutions for global consumers. UGREEN has steadily grown into a trustworthy brand with over 40 million users worldwide, providing products ranging from charging devices, phone, and computer accessories to home and automobile accessories.

A Charger For Every Occasion

The UGREEN Nexode Pro line of chargers consists of four compact yet powerful models.

Whether you’re prioritizing mobility, handling heavier laptops, or managing a whole arsenal of devices, there’s a Nexode Pro to fit seamlessly into your life.

Let’s explore the individual options:

Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port GaN Mini Fast Charger

This charger has become my go-to option for fast-charging smartphones, tablets, and even smaller laptops. It packs incredible power density with its two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port to manage all your mobile essentials. When using a single port, you get the full 65W output, and the max single-port output remains pretty good (45W) even in multi-port scenarios.

Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Slim GaN Mini Fast Charger

If you seek extreme portability, look no further. The flat profile of this Nexode Pro slips into any bag’s side pocket or laptop sleeve effortlessly. Just like the regular Nexode Pro 65W, it features three ports: two USB-C and one USB-A, providing the flexibility to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Another benefit of the slim design of this charger is that it prevents that annoying “droop” you get from some heavy chargers in loose outlets. The Slim model is expected to be available by mid-May.

Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Wall Fast Charger

The Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is an all-rounder that doesn’t fail to impress with its balance of power and portability. Thanks to its 100W output, you can fast-charge a MacBook plus up to two mobile devices at the same time from its two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. The intelligent power distribution guarantees that all devices get the right amount of power at the right time.

Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Wall Fast Charger

Finally, the Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger is the powerhouse of the bunch. With a peak output of 160W and four ports, you can juice up two laptops alongside two more gadgets without breaking a sweat. The maximum single-port output of this charger is 140W, so the charger is a great choice for professionals, gamers, and tech enthusiasts who need to keep multiple high-power devices charged and ready at a moment’s notice.

Features And Performance

At the heart of every Nexode Pro charger is GaN II technology. To keep it simple, Gallium nitride (GaN) is a next-generation semiconductor material rapidly replacing the traditional silicon found in older chargers.

It revolutionizes charger design for a few reasons. First, GaN allows chargers to shrink without sacrificing power output. Second, it’s far more efficient at transferring energy, so less is wasted as heat. It’s the reason I can comfortably toss a high-output Nexode Pro model in my bag without ever worrying about things getting toasty.

Another hallmark of the Nexode Pro series is the comprehensive protection against over-voltage, over-temperature, and short circuits built into every charger. It’s a relief knowing that these devices are working intelligently to safeguard my valuable electronics from common dangers that can lead to terribly costly charging accidents.

As far as the performance of the Nexode Pro line of chargers goes, each of the four charges shines in its own way. The two 65W models in the Nexode Pro line might not sound overly impressive, they still pack a good punch. If I plug a single device into the right port, the charger dishes out the full 65W. That translated to bringing my almost drained MacBook Air 13″ M2 to a comfortable 51% battery in roughly 30 minutes.

The 100W option steps up the game considerably. I’ve found it’s the perfect balance when needing to keep a laptop powered while charging other devices. It effortlessly brought my MacBook Pro 14″ to 50% charge within 27 minutes. You really appreciate those watts when a demanding workload is draining your laptop faster than a budget charger can keep up, or when you find out that your battery is nearly empty right before an important presentation.

Charging a MacBook Air from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes is great, doing the same with MacBook Pro is impressive, and being able to bring a 16-inch MacBook Pro to half charge in the same timeframe is absolutely phenomenal. That’s exactly what the 160W model is capable of if you take full advantage of its 140W PD 3.1 fast charging capability. What’s more, the charger is able to output up to 100W from its USB-C port even in all two-port and some three-port charging scenarios.

Pricing

Let’s address the elephant in the room: The UGREEN Nexode Pro lineup leans towards the premium side of the charger market. The priciest of the bunch, the slim 65W charger, demands a particularly hard look as the power output limitations don’t fully justify the cost in my opinion.

Here’s the breakdown of the regular MSRP (non-discounted) prices:

• Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port GaN Mini Fast Charger: $55.99
• Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port Slim GaN Mini Fast Charger: $119.99
• Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger: $74.99
• Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger: $119.99

It’s worth noting that discounts are regularly available on UGREEN’s website and through other retailers, potentially softening the blow to your wallet.

This ultimately raises the question of value. While there’s no denying the performance and quality of the Nexode Pro chargers, you need to decide if the extra cost aligns with your priorities and budget. If keeping your devices protected and maximizing charging efficiency are major factors, the quality might well justify the expense.

Verdict

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the UGREEN Nexode Pro chargers during my testing period. They provide the flexibility and raw power required by today’s tech-heavy lifestyles. However, premium features come at a premium price. While more affordable GaN charging alternatives exist, they might lack the same polish and robust protection suites built into the Nexode Pro line.

Pros:

• Compact form factor (even the most powerful 160W model)
• Blazing-fast charging speeds and smart charge distribution
• Built-in safeguards protect your valuable devices
• Flexible charging options for various device setups

Cons:

• Pricier than some similarly-specced competitors

Ultimately, if you value reliable performance, advanced protection, and the freedom to charge numerous devices with ease, the UGREEN Nexode Pro chargers might be well worth the investment. If budget is a greater concern, there are solid but less advanced alternatives to consider.

The post UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers appeared first on Tech Magazine.

So what sets them apart from the rest? Is it their remarkable audio quality, powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3040 Bluetooth audio chipset? Or perhaps their insane battery life that promises to keep your tunes playing longer than any other earbuds in its class? Read our full review to find out.

Price And Availability

When Tribit unleashed the FlyBuds C1 onto the market in January 2021, they were priced at $69.99. At that price point, the earbuds were already receiving praise for offering a lot of value without burning a hole in your pocket. Fast-forward to today, and you can get a pair for ‎$39.99 on Amazon. At that price, it’s almost a steal, considering what these earbuds bring to the table.

Now, if you’re the type who enjoys personalization in your tech gadgets, there’s something you should know: the FlyBuds C1 only come in one color scheme. But it’s a good one: a sleek mix of matte black, glossy gunmetal, and a dash of red trim to add some zing. It’s a color palette that’s universally appealing and goes well with most other colors.

Design And Build

Upon first glance, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 might remind you of the iconic Apple AirPods. But unlike many AirPod-inspired earbuds on the market, the FlyBuds C1 carry enough unique design elements to stand apart, including their already-mentioned black & red color scheme.

One area where these earbuds these earbuds do echo their Apple counterparts is comfort. The FlyBuds C1 manage to emulate that same snug, yet unobtrusive fit that has made the AirPods a household name. Whether you’re hustling through a busy commute or settling in for a long-haul flight, these buds sit comfortably in your ears without causing fatigue — you just need to use the pair of ear tips, which is easy since there are six pairs in the box.

Each bud houses two microphones and a tactile control button (more about how the button works later in this review). When you’re done listening to music or wrapping up that last conference call of the day, the FlyBuds C1 slide effortlessly into their designated charging case.

The case features a four-LED battery level indicator, so you’re never guessing how much juice is left. Additionally, it has a USB-C port for charging, plus a reset button that lets you perform a quick reboot in case you experience any pairing or power issues.

Sound Quality

If there’s one thing that the Tribit FlyBuds C1 absolutely nails, it’s the sound quality. At the heart of these earbuds lies Qualcomm’s QCC3040 Bluetooth audio chipset, which supports Bluetooth 5.2 technology and Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3).

These technologies ensure that even if you’re streaming audio that doesn’t boast the highest bitrate, you still get a sound quality that punches above its weight. But if your audio source does have a high bitrate, then the 6 mm dynamic drivers can truly shine.

The FlyBuds C1 certainly prioritize lows above other frequencies (a common theme among consumer-grade earbuds and headphones), but they do so without turning it into a one-man show.

Mid-range frequencies are slightly dialed back, but by no means lacking. Vocals come through with natural warmth and a lively presence — though they’re not as meticulously detailed as what you’d get from pricier competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4.

The highs are well-behaved, offering sparkle without shrillness, although they might get a tad lost when the mix gets too busy. Equalization can help remedy this, but keep in mind that the earbuds don’t come with a dedicated app for in-depth sound customization, so you’re on your own here.

Noise Cancellation

If you can’t imagine listening to music without active noise cancellation (ANC) protecting your listening experience from outside interference, then the Tribit FlyBuds C1 might not be the best choice for you because they rely entirely on passive noise isolation.

Sure, they manage to hush a good chunk of ambient noise — thanks, by the way, to their comfy silicone tips — but let’s be real, they can’t touch the level of noise attenuation you’d get from pricier competitors like the aforementioned Sony WF-1000XM4 or Apple’s AirPods Pro.

That said, life isn’t all bad without ANC. Crank up your favorite playlist and you’ll find the FlyBuds C1 effective enough to make passing cars and chatty neighbors feel like they’re whispering. Just don’t expect complete silence in a noisy coffee shop.

That said, it’s not a total loss on the noise-cancellation front. For calls, the FlyBuds C1 come equipped with Qualcomm’s cVc 8.0 noise cancellation tech. One mic’s job is to reduce background noise, while the other microphone amplifies your voice. The end result is usually excellent, but it has its “are you kidding me?” moments, particularly when dealing with sudden gusts of wind.

User Experience

In terms of day-to-day usage, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 leave very little to be desired. Their IPX5 rating means that they can withstand sweat and light rain, making them an excellent companion for your morning jogs or even an impromptu dance in the rain. Of course, they won’t survive a plunge in the pool.

The pairing process is almost always hassle-free, with the earbuds automatically connecting to your phone as soon as you take them out of their case. Unfortunately, you can only pair them to one gadget at a time. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re juggling multiple devices.

The biggest enhancer of the overall user experience is the physical button located on each earbud. A single press on either bud will play or pause your music, while a double-click on the right or left will skip to the next or previous track, respectively. You can manage volume levels by simply pressing and holding the button on the respective sides. No need to reach for your phone. These earbuds also allow you to answer or reject calls and even activate your voice assistant.

However, the FlyBuds C1 miss out on one feature that could have made them nearly perfect: proximity sensors for auto play/pause. Many budget wireless earbuds available today offer this feature, and it’s hard to go back to anything less once you’ve had a taste of earbuds that automatically pause your music when you take them out and resume when you put them back in.

Battery Life

Let’s get to one of the most talked-about aspects of any wireless earbuds — the battery life. The company touts an impressive 50 hours of total playtime with the charging case, with each earbud being able to run up to 12 hours on a charge and the case providing four extra full recharges.

Now, how do these claims hold up in real-world usage? Pretty well, actually. In our tests, the earbuds managed close to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, falling just a tad short of the official 12-hour claim but still putting many rivals to shame. That’s enough power to keep your playlist going for almost an entire workweek.

Once you finally run out of battery, you can expect to wait about 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge of the earbuds and about 3 to 4 hours for the case itself.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the earbuds and charging case only support USB-C charging — there is no wireless charging option available. So, if you’re someone who’s moved entirely to a wireless charging ecosystem, you may find this to be a slight inconvenience.

What’s In The Box

Inside the Tribit FlyBuds C1 box, you’ll find the earbuds in their charging case, five extra ear tip pairs, a USB-C cable, and a user manual — everything you need for a comfortable, easy-to-set-up listening experience.

Verdict: Excellent Value For Money

In the overcrowded world of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 manage to stand out by offering impressive sound quality, snug fit, and long-lasting battery life, and more while being more affordable than most competitors. While they lack some advanced features like active noise cancellation and proximity sensors, the FlyBuds C1 are a solid choice for those seeking high performance without the high price tag.

The post Tribit FlyBuds C1 Earbuds Review: The Ultimate Bang For Your Buck appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Today, we’re exploring the specs, performance, and value of two of the company’s best-selling products: the SoundMAGIC P23BT, extremely affordable on-ear headphones and the SoundMAGIC P60BT, over-the-ear headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC) that cost significantly less than anything comparable on the market.

About SoundMAGIC

SoundMAGIC was founded in 2005 by acoustic design engineer Tony Xu. Since then the company has become a major force in the budget audio landscape, establishing itself as a go-to brand for quality audio without the premium price tag.

A standout testament to the value of SoundMAGIC products are the E10/E10C in-ear headphones, which have won the What Hi-Fi award for six consecutive years. Their success was followed up by the E11C in-ear headphones, which not only lived up to the high standards set by its predecessors but also managed to win the same prestigious award.

Unlike many other headphone manufacturers that rely on aggressive marketing and splashy ad campaigns, SoundMAGIC adopts a more restrained approach. Their philosophy is simple: make great products and let them speak for themselves.

The company is highly receptive to customer feedback and uses it to refine and improve its extensive product line, which includes the aforementioned E Series earphones, as well as the two members of the P Series of on-ear and over-the-ear wireless headphones we’re taking a closer look at today.

SoundMAGIC P23BT: Big Sound In A Small Package

When SoundMAGIC unveiled the P23BT in 2021, they had a clear target audience in mind: people who crave the all-encompassing sound that large over-the-ear headphones offer but also want the freedom to move around. The product they delivered is a pair of on-ear headphones that offer much more value on all fronts than their small stature and small price tag ($59) suggest.

Build & Specifications

Crafted predominantly out of plastic, the P23BT headphones are designed with user comfort in mind. They boast ultra-soft protein leather earcups filled with memory foam padding, ensuring a snug fit over the ears for extended use. The stainless steel headband, wrapped in skin-friendly, sweat-proof food-grade silicone, adds to the headphones’ durability and makes them easy to clean.

The P23BT are powered by the Qualcomm QCC3034 chip and utilize its capabilities to the full extent, which means support for Bluetooth 5.0, APTX HD, APTX, SBC, and AAC. Together, these technologies ensure a stable connection and excellent sound quality even when the bitrate of your music is less than ideal.

Inside the two round ear cups are 40 mm dynamic drivers that are large enough to deliver thumping bass without sounding muddy. The ear cushions are made from ultra-soft protein leather, so you can expect great comfort and minimal sound leakage (great when listening to music during your morning commute).

Of course, wireless headphones need a battery to work, and the P23BT surprise with a battery that’s unusually large for their size. Thanks to its 400 mAh capacity, they can deliver up to 60 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Once you run out of juice, you can either continue listening in wired mode or charge them via a USB Type-C port to full capacity in just 1 hour.

In terms of controls, the P23BT offer an intuitive touch control system that makes it possible to effortlessly play or pause music, skip tracks forward or backward, adjust the volume, and even answer calls. As a result, there’s no need to ever take your smartphone out of your pocket.

Sound Quality

The P23BT on-ear headphones are characterized by their V-shaped sound signature. This essentially means that both the bass and treble frequencies get a little boost, resulting in a listening experience that exchanges some accuracy and clarity for fun and raw energy.

Whenever bass frequencies are summoned, the P23BT doesn’t hesitate to deliver. This is particularly apparent with bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop, which can really make you feel the beat pulse through your head. Yes, this can be somewhat overwhelming for those who don’t consider themselves to be bassheads, but it’s an easy fix with some equalization.

Mid-range frequencies, housing most of the vocals and instruments, sound slightly lean since they occupy the least pronounced part of the V-shaped sound signature. The treble, on the other hand, offers a refreshing clarity without harshness or sibilance.

Sadly, there’s no active noise cancellation to protect you from outside noise when listening to music. Noise cancellation is available only during phone calls in the form of cVc noise cancellation technology, whose purpose is to suppress background sounds and make your voice crystal clear.

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC P23BT on-ear headphones offer an impressive audio experience, especially for bass enthusiasts, in a compact and comfortable design. While the lack of active noise cancellation during music playback might be a downside for some users, it’s a downside that’s very easy to live with given the headphones’ attractive price point.

 Pros:

• Long-term listening comfort
• Fun sound signature
• Exceptional battery life of up to 60 hours
• Intuitive touch control system
• Supports Bluetooth 5.0, APTX HD, APTX, SBC, and AAC

 Cons:

• Geared toward bassheads
• Lack of active noise cancellation during music playback

SoundMAGIC P60BT: Goodbye Distractions

The P60BT are SoundMAGIC’s first over-ear wireless headphones. With the integration of active noise cancellation, they promise an immersive listening experience, free from the intrusions of the external world. These features, together with an impressively affordable price of just $189.96, positions the P60BT as an attractive alternative to renowned headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Build & Specifications

Sporting a sleek matte black finish, the P60BT’s design exudes an understated elegance. Constructed with a blend of plastic and metal, they strike a fine balance between durability and weight.

The earcups swivel and fold, making these headphones suitable even for travelers or those who are always on the go. Like their counterpart, the P23BT, these headphones also benefit from ultra-soft protein leather earcups, but with a deeper memory foam padding that encapsulates your ears. This not only provides superior comfort but also aids in passive noise isolation.

The P60BT harnesses the power of the Qualcomm QCC5124 chip, providing seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC, and APTX Adaptive. Surprisingly, they rely on the same 40 mm drivers as the P23BT, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—just something that surprised us given how larger they are.

What’s also surprising is that the P60BT can play for “only” up to 50 hours on a charge without active noise cancelling enabled and 45 hours with ANC activated (the P23BT manage 10 extra hours). We first thought that the sophisticated noise-cancelling technology demanded more internal space, leaving less room for a larger battery, but that’s actually not the case because the spec sheet mentions a 800 mAh battery. So the Qualcomm QCC5124 chip is probably to blame as it likely consumes more power.

Continuing the trend of consistency between models, the P60BT employs the same user-friendly touch control system as the more affordable model, the P23BT. That means you can pause, resume, and skip with simple taps and gestures.

Sound Quality

The P60BT are fairly balanced and well-behaved wireless headphones, but bass and especially sub-bass frequencies are more pronounced than the rest of the frequency spectrum. This is in line with the preferences of most casual listeners because it results in a richer and more immersive feel.

However, there’s a minor hiccup to be aware of: these headphones tend to play their tracks a tad quieter than their on-ear counterpart, the P23BT, even when cranked up to full volume. This may be a bit of a downer for those who like their music loud.

The good news is that the P60BT compensates for its softer audio output with an active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which employs both internal and external microphones to combat outside noise by generating sound waves that are phase-opposite to the intrusive noises.

Instead of being able to only turn ANC on and off, you can also switch to Ambient mode in order to let in surrounding noises, ensuring you remain aware of your environment while still enjoying your audio. This is particularly useful for situations where you need to be cognizant of what’s happening around you, like when walking on a busy street or waiting for an announcement at a train station.

Overall, the sound quality of the P60BT doesn’t reach the heights of premium headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5, but when considering their price point, the P60BT offer exceptional value, making them an excellent deal for budget-conscious audiophiles.

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC P60BT emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range wireless headphone market. Its active noise-cancellation, build quality, and sound profile make it hard to ignore, especially for those on a budget. While it may not match up to the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of pure audio quality, its affordable price tag means you’re getting significant bang for your buck.

 Pros:

• Great active noise cancellation at an affordable price
• Ultra-soft protein leather earcups with deep memory foam padding
• Support for Bluetooth 5.2
• User-friendly touch control system
• Ambient mode for situational awareness

 Cons:

• Slightly quieter audio output
• Lesser battery life compared to the P23BT

Conclusion

SoundMAGIC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences without the hefty price tags commonly associated with premium brands. The SoundMAGIC P23BT and P60BT wireless headphones are prime examples of this ethos, embodying what SoundMAGIC is all about: a splendid listening experience that doesn’t break the bank.

The post SoundMAGIC Wireless Headphones: High-Quality Audio For Budget-Minded Listeners appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Imagine eliminating the need for frequent cartridge replacements and enjoying substantially lower cost per page without sacrificing either print quality or speed. That’s precisely what HP Smart Tank printers offer, and their winning formula boils down to replacing traditional ink cartridges with a high-capacity, refillable ink tank system.

Smart Tank Technology Vs. Ink Cartridges

The basic mechanism of printing technology involves deploying ink onto the paper in a controlled and precise manner. While this may sound simple, the way this is achieved can be the difference between costly vs. inexpensive, slow vs. fast, or wasteful vs. eco-friendly printing.

Traditional ink cartridge printers have been a staple in many homes and offices for years. They utilize small containers or cartridges filled with dye-based ink. Each cartridge is equipped with a nozzle mechanism to disperse the ink onto the paper and houses a microchip that communicates with the printer’s processor. This communication system controls how the ink is released and how much ink is left in the cartridge.

While these printers are versatile and can print high-quality images on various mediums, they have their drawbacks. Typically, an ink cartridge can print around 300 to 400 pages before it needs to be replaced. This requirement for frequent replacements can lead to higher costs per page, workflow interruptions, and increased environmental impact due to discarded cartridges.

Enter HP’s revolutionary Smart Tank technology. Unlike regular cartridge printers, HP Smart Tank printers are refilled by pouring ink from bottles directly into tanks housed within the printer. This means you’re not buying replaceable, pre-filled ink cartridges. Instead, you’re filling up your tanks as needed.

With this one but key difference comes a multitude of advantages:

• Lower Costs Over Time: Despite the initial investment being higher for Smart Tank printers, the overall cost of ownership becomes significantly lower due to the large volume of ink each refillable tank holds. In contrast to an ink cartridge’s capacity of around 300 to 400 pages, a full set of ink bottles for a Smart Tank printer can provide up to 8,000 pages for color and 6,000 pages for black, drastically reducing the cost per page.
• Increased Productivity: The high-capacity ink tanks of Smart Tank printers significantly reduce the need for frequent ink replacements, allowing you to focus on your work without interruptions. This high-volume printing capability is especially beneficial in office environments and for those who have heavy printing needs.
• Eco-Friendly Printing: Traditional ink cartridges can contribute to environmental waste once they’re discarded. In contrast, Smart Tank printers utilize refillable ink tanks, reducing plastic waste and contributing to a more sustainable printing solution. Additionally, HP Smart Tank printers are built with up to 25% recycled plastics, furthering their environmental credentials.
• Higher-Quality Prints: Despite the cost-saving measures, there’s no compromise on print quality with Smart Tank printers. HP Original Ink produces bold colors, sharp images, and impressive contrast in a variety of applications. The thermal inkjet technology used ensures high-resolution prints, making Smart Tank printers suitable for both document and photo printing.
• Ease Of Use: When it comes to refilling, Smart Tank printers take simplicity to the next level. When the printer indicates low ink, all you need to do is open the cap of the corresponding ink bottle and insert it top-down into the ink tank. There’s no need to squeeze or shake the bottle, and the ink flows naturally into the tank.

Simply put, HP’s Smart Tank technology is a game-changer in the printing landscape. By combining high-volume printing, lower costs, eco-friendliness, and high-quality prints, Smart Tank printers offer a compelling alternative to traditional cartridge printers.

Recommended Printer: HP Smart Tank 580 Wireless All-In-One

Among the latest offerings in the Smart Tank series is the HP Smart Tank 580 Wireless All-in-One: an excellent choice for both home and small office use.

This versatile printer comes with up to 3 years of Original HP ink included in the box, and it makes it very easy to put the ink to good use thanks to its extensive connectivity, which includes options such as Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, and Wi-Fi Direct. With this array of options, you can print from almost any device and enjoy a great deal of convenience and flexibility.

One of the standout connectivity features of the HP Smart Tank 580 is its self-healing Wi-Fi. We’ve all experienced the frustration of losing a Wi-Fi connection in the middle of an important task. With self-healing Wi-Fi, the printer automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted printing experience.

With a duty cycle of up to 3,000 pages per month and print speed of up to 12 or 5 pages per minute for black and color respectively, the HP Smart Tank 580 is more than capable of satisfying the needs of even the busiest home offices or small businesses. Moreover, this printer isn’t just for printing; it also features scanning and copying functionalities, serving as an all-in-one solution for your document-related tasks.

The HP Smart Tank 580 also excels in its commitment to sustainability. It’s constructed with 45% post-consumer recycled content and has both EPEAT Silver and Energy Star certifications. The printer’s auto on/off feature further contributes to energy savings, making it a sound choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Setting the printer up is a straightforward process thanks to the HP Smart mobile app, which you can install on any Android or iOS device to enjoy a guided configuration experience. Through the app, you can conveniently order supplies, get support, and manage your HP account. For families, the HP Smart app comes with an added bonus: access to hundreds of printable crafts, cards, and learning activities for free with Printables.

Adding to its ease of use, the HP Smart Tank 580 features a 1.2-inch LCD display and buttons that illuminate to guide you through the printing process. The printer also addresses the common concern of running out of ink at inopportune times with its low-on-ink sensors. These integrated ink sensors help you easily monitor and maintain ink levels, taking the guesswork out of knowing when it’s time to order a refill and guaranteeing your printer is always ready to meet your printing needs.

To learn more about the HP Smart Tank 580 and other models in the Smart Tank series, head to HP’s official website. Your search for a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly printer may just end there.

Conclusion

HP’s Smart Tank technology brings a multitude of advantages over traditional ink cartridge systems. By offering high-capacity, refillable ink tanks, printers like the recently released HP Smart Tank 580 significantly lower printing costs, enhance productivity, and promote environmentally friendly practices. With these advantages, they present an equally excellent choice for home users printing family photos, students printing research papers, or small businesses printing documents.

The post HP Smart Tank Printers: Save Money With Refillable Ink Tank Printing appeared first on Tech Magazine.

One company that’s been trying hard to establish itself as a dominant force in this market is Tribit. You’d be forgiven if the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell — Tribit isn’t exactly a household name like Bose or JBL.

But that could change soon because the Tribit StormBox Pro portable speaker offers a combination of impressive sound quality and enviable battery life in a package that’s as robust as it is portable.

Design & Build Quality

The Tribit StormBox Pro is about the size of a large Nalgene water bottle, making it quite compact yet substantial. Available only in a sleek black color, the speaker is wrapped in a fabric layer all around. Even though the color choice might be limited, the versatility of black never goes out of style and seamlessly integrates with any decor.

At the top of the speaker is a nifty silicon handle that adds significant convenience, making moving the almost 1 kg heavy device around a breeze. You can even use the handle to hang the speaker on a hook if you’re looking to save space or position it in a particular area.

The top part of the Tribit StormBox Pro is home to three large buttons — volume up, volume down, and a multi-function button sandwiched between them. Below them are three additional buttons: a Bluetooth pairing button, the power button, and the XBass button. This last one, the XBass button, gives you the option to crank up the bass and really feel your music if you’re in the mood. Finally, a row of five small LED indicator lights keeps you informed about the battery power left.

Sporting an IP67 rating, this speaker can handle being submerged in water up to a meter for about 30 minutes. But even if it does take an unintended dive into your pool, you don’t need to mount a rescue mission. It floats! The StormBox Pro won’t be taking a trip to the bottom of any water body any time soon.

Sound Quality

Equipped with two 1.6-inch tweeters and a down-firing 3.1-inch speaker, this petite powerhouse delivers a maximum output of 40 watts — plenty to fill even a larger room with music. Do you want even more power? Then you can connect two Tribit StormBox Pro portable speakers together to form a pair.

But what about the actual sound? After all, that’s what matters the most. Well, the StormBox Pro delivers in spades here — not in small part thanks to its use of Bluetooth 5.0 and support for SBC and AptX Bluetooth codecs, which ensure ultra-low latency while minimizing compression-related distortion.

The 360-degree sound coming from the StormBox Pro is well-balanced, but it’s not perfect. You might encounter some distortion at top volumes, and you might also find its bass response to be somewhat tame. Fortunately, there’s the XBass button we’ve already mentioned, and it can deliver a punchier listening experience with a single press. The lack of user-adjustable EQ settings might be a letdown for some, but you can always adjust the volume of different frequency bands on your phone.

The StormBox Pro also has the ability to pair with up to eight devices simultaneously. And here’s the real kicker — it can stay connected to two devices at the same time! Though you can only play music from one of these devices at any given moment, this multi-point Bluetooth pairing allows you to effortlessly switch between your chosen devices.

The speaker also includes a built-in microphone, opening up the option to use it as a speakerphone. Don’t expect the microphone to be outstanding, but it’s more than capable of handling your average calls, which is a decent add-on feature considering this is primarily an audio playback device.

Battery Life

In a world where our gadgets are our lifelines, we’ve all felt the anxiety of a dying battery. That’s why it’s refreshing to come across a device that takes battery life seriously. Indeed, the Tribit StormBox Pro is just such a device. It houses a monster 10,000 mAh battery (technically two 5,000 mAh batteries), guaranteeing you up to 20 hours of rocking out to your favorite tunes.

This is no small feat for a portable speaker. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a backyard barbecue, or an all-night gaming session, the StormBox Pro won’t call it quits before you do. Just don’t forget to charge the device the night before because it takes up to 7 hours to refill the juice via a USB Type-C charging port.

There’s also a full-sized USB connector that enables the speaker to double up as a powerbank. What that means is that you can use the Tribit StormBox Pro to give your other devices a quick power boost. This feature is especially handy during long outdoor trips or power outages when access to an electrical outlet is limited.

Specifications

Verdict

The Tribit StormBox Pro emerges as a compelling entry in the crowded portable Bluetooth speaker market. Its robust sound quality, exceptional battery life, and versatile feature set make it a standout competitor. Although its absence of EQ settings and prolonged charging time might turn off some potential users, these drawbacks are more than compensated by its strengths.

If you’re looking for a dependable Bluetooth speaker that combines impressive audio performance with practical features, the Tribit StormBox Pro deserves a spot on your shortlist.

The post Tribit StormBox Pro Portable Speaker Review appeared first on Tech Magazine.

If you haven’t tried one of these apps for yourself yet, the premise is pretty simple. The user types a descriptive sentence into the AI generator, and the algorithm tries its best to generate an image that best fits the description.

So how are the results? Generally, they’re pretty amazing! Typing “squirrel soldier wearing battle armor” will yield some pretty artistic (and humorous) results. Once you’ve exhausted the weird and wonderful, these generators can produce some genuinely decent artwork.

One of the latest offerings in the world of text-to-art AI apps is PicSo, whose developers named “after Picasso to convey the idea that everyone can be a great artist”. Let’s take a look at the app to see if those claims stack up.

PicSo AI Art Generator

PicSo uses machine learning to search for themes based on the words you’ve entered and skillfully blends them into unique images. The concept might not be new, but the software does offer plenty of unique styles for your masterpieces, including settings for Van Gogh, Epic, Sketch, Octane Render, Cyberpunk, CG Render, Anime, Traditional Art, Digital, Ghibli, and many more.

How Easy Is PicSo To Use?

PicSo’s AI text-to-image converter is straightforward to use. Here are the basic steps involved:

Step 1: Click The Create Button

To start creating amazing artwork, click on the create button.

Step 2: Type In A Phrase

Enter a phrase to generate an image based on your input, select an art style and then click the create button.

Step 3: Press Save Or Publish

Once your art is generated, you can either save a copy or publish it online.

PicSo Pricing

PicSo is a free-to-use app, but there are some caveats. You can generate 3 free images per day on the app and 3 more on the website. You can unlock 2 further freebies by watching ads.

If you want to create more artwork than that, you’ll need to purchase a Pro subscription, which unlocks 100 credits per month, Pro styles, and multitasking. In addition, you’ll enjoy priority rendering for your images and the watermark will be removed.

Pro subscriptions cost $9.99 per month or $39.99 if you sign up for a whole year.

Summing Up

Overall, we really enjoyed using PicSo. The app is versatile, user-friendly, and constantly gets decent results. The artwork produced by PicSo is of excellent quality, and the site offers alternative formats for output and upscaling too. If we had to think of a downside, it would be that the free version is a little restrictive — however, the subscription pricing is very competitive if you purchase a whole year at once.

If you want to take PicSo for a test drive, head over to the official website.

The post PicSo Review: A Popular AI-Based Text-To-Image App appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Despite the tremendous importance of immediately and accurately responding to customer service questions, many businesses have not taken any steps to improve the quality of their customer service.

Why not? Often it’s because they’re not aware of the existence of powerful yet easy-to-implement help desk software solutions like Help Scout.

If you’re among them — or if you want to compare Help Scout with other similar help desk software solutions, such as Zendesk or Freshdesk — then this in-depth review is just what you need to make an informed decision.

What Is Help Scout?

Help Scout is a help desk software solution designed to manage all your customer conversations in one powerful platform that feels just like your inbox.

It launched in April of 2011, and it has since been used by over 12,000 customer-facing teams in more than 140 countries, including everyone from small businesses to high-growth startups and non-profits.

As a company, Help Scout embraces a remote-first company culture to hire the best talent the world has to offer. Its employees are based in 80+ different cities worldwide, and they enjoy flexibility and work-life harmony.

The diverse nature of the Help Scout team has allowed the company to build a help desk software solution capable of meeting the needs of businesses from around the world, giving them a better way to talk with their own customers.

Help Scout Platform Overview

Most businesses with an online presence that have yet to implement a dedicated help desk software solution provide customer service primarily via email.

Typically, they set up a dedicated customer support email address and give all customer support employees access to the associated inbox so they can respond to questions directly from their email client of choice.

The email-based approach to customer service works reasonably well when the number of questions sent by customers is very small, but it can quickly turn into a disorganized nightmare. When that happens, customer service satisfaction metrics take a nosedive, and some customers may decide to leave for competitors.

Help Scout provides an elegant solution in the form of its email-based customer service platform. As a user, you can configure all support messages to be automatically forwarded to the Help Scout platform, which provides a single point of communication with a wealth of customer service features that no regular email client offers.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these features to illustrate how Help Scout can elevate your customer service to the next level.

Shared Inbox

At the heart of Help Scout is its shared inbox, whose main purpose is to make it possible for multiple customer service employees to collaborate with ease.

Received messages can be assigned to individual team members based on their experience and areas of expertise, and they can be sorted by priority to ensure that the most urgent messages are dealt with first.

Private Notes

The users of the Help Scout platform can communicate internally directly within the platform itself using private notes. Such notes are not visible to customers, but they are displayed right next to messages in a convenient chronological view.

Individual notes can be assigned to specific team members, and you can even change their status to separate relevant notes from those that can be safely ignored.

Tagging

Just like most modern email clients, Help Scout has a flexible internal tagging system that can be used to organize customer support tickets by separating them into different categories, such as pre-sales, bugs, and returns.

All tickets that have been assigned a certain tag can be filtered out using the powerful search feature, which can also filter tickets based on their status, type, subject, time of creation, and more.

Saved Replies

Anyone who has extensive experience with customer support knows that some questions are asked over and over again. Instead of always writing a reply to each such question from scratch, Help Scout lets you use smart templates to reply with a few clicks.

What’s great about saved replies in Help Scout is that they can include variables, such as the recipient’s name, that are automatically filled in with the relevant information when used.

Automatic Workflows

Helps Scout has powerful workflow automation capabilities that can be used to automate all sorts of repetitive tasks, from internal tracking and organization to sending automatic replies or notifications.

Automatic workflows in Help Scout can have AND and OR conditions, and it’s possible to combine them together. When you create a workflow, you can retroactively apply it to existing tickets to keep your entire inbox equally well organized.

Knowledge Base

One way to greatly reduce the number of customer support messages you have to deal with is to create a knowledge base, and Help Scout makes this easy.

It takes just a few simple steps to create an elegant knowledge base that works on any device and has an auto-generated sitemap and configurable SEO options to please search engines like Google and Bing.

Multiple knowledge base templates are available, and each of them is fully customizable using CSS. Help Scout knowledge bases can also be used for internal purposes, as private knowledge repositories accessible only to select users.

Reporting

Thanks to Help Scout’s extensive reporting, you can evaluate how many tickets you get by channel, busiest hours, and trending topics. You can also see which knowledge base content gets the most views or who on your team is talking with customers the most.

All gathered data can be exported to CSV/XLS or extracted directly using the provided API endpoints for additional analysis using third-party software tools.

Customer Management

Customers love it when they feel a personal touch when receiving customer support, and the customer management module of the Help Scout platform has you covered in this regard.

With its help, you can see customer data, previous conversations, and app activity right next to every support request. Empowered with a wealth of useful information about each customer, you can send better replies in less time.

Beacons

Beacons in Help Scout are small pop-up windows that put help content front and center to keep your customers on track. A Beacon can provide an easy way to send an email message or start a live chat, but it can also display help content in a self-service fashion.

Besides providing help when it’s needed the most, Beacons can be used to promote newly launched products, special discounts, or seasonal sales, among other things.

Help Scout Integrations

A help desk solution like Help Scout isn’t the only software businesses need to thrive in the increasingly competitive and sophisticated world of business.

Fortunately, Help Scout supports many third-party integrations, making it easy to integrate it into your existing workflow. Here are some popular tools Help Scout easily integrates with:

• Slack: A team communication and collaboration app.
• Freshbooks: Accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Mailchimp: A marketing automation platform and email marketing service.
• Shopify: An e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems.
• CircleLoop: A cloud-based business phone system.
• Olark: Live chat software for sales and customer support.
• Capsule: A customer relationship management SaaS web application and mobile app.
• Pipedrive: A sales customer relationship management tool.
• WooCommerce: An open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress.

For example, you can configure Help Scout to automatically send a notification to your Slack channel when a new customer support message arrives, or you can pull customer information from WooCommerce (check out this interesting WooCommerce product video) and use it to write more informed responses.

But what if there’s no official third-party integration for a tool you strongly depend on? In that case, you can take advantage of Help Scout’s API and build anything you want.

Help Scout Pricing

Despite being so powerful, Help Scout is reasonably priced, and you can choose from three different pricing plans depending on your needs and size:

The Standard plan includes 2 mailboxes, 1 Docs site, up to 25 users, live chat, in-app messaging, the Beacon help widget, custom reports, automated workflows, customer properties, and third-party integrations.

The Plus plan includes everything the Standard plan does plus 3 additional mailboxes, 1 extra Docs site, no maximum user limit, 25 light users, custom fields, teams, advanced permissions, unlimited reporting history, advanced API access, Salesforce, Jira, HubSpot apps, HIPAA compliance, and enterprise security.

Finally, the Pro plan includes everything the Plus plan does plus tiered discounts, API rate limit increase, concierge onboarding service, and a dedicated account manager. Those who go with the Pro plan can create up to 25 mailboxes, 10 Docs sites, and 50 light users.

Non-profits and startups can apply for special discounted plans to save money. For example, non-profits that advocate for human rights, environmental sustainability, and underrepresentation in tech can get a discount of up to 100 percent.

Conclusion

With its emphasis on usability and a rich collection of powerful features, Help Scout gives businesses of all sizes everything they need to provide their customers with the customer service experience they demand and deserve.

Yes, there are even more advanced alternatives available, such as Zendesk, but the extra capabilities they offer, including Service Level Agreement (SLA) management, are not something many businesses are willing to spend a lot of extra money on.

If Help Scout seems like the right solution for you, then you should try the free version to see how it works in practice. You can also request Help Scout to give you a live 1:1 demo and answer any questions you might have about the help desktop software platform.

The post Help Scout Review: The Only Help Desk Software You’ll Ever Need appeared first on Tech Magazine.

A tool like this has the potential to help small streamers go viral with minimum effort required, but the results have to be convincing, and the tool itself has to be enjoyable to use.

Main Features

SwapStream recognizes that streaming happens on many different platforms these days, so you can expect it to work with YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and just about everywhere else, and you can even stream on multiple platforms at the same time.

Because SwapStream is a web-based app, you can use it regardless of if your computer runs Windows, Mac, Linux, or ChromeOS. It also means that you don’t have to download anything to your computer or install software updates from time to time.

When it comes to usability, SwapStream has a simple but functional user interface that takes very little time getting used to. It also helps that not that many options are available in the current version of the tool, so you definitely won’t feel overwhelmed when you use it for the first time.

Getting Started

To get started using SwapStream, you first need to sign up or log in with your Facebook account or Google email address. Once you’re in, you have two options to choose from: Start with Webcam and Set up for encoder. Use the first option if you want to swap webcam footage directly, and use the second option to connect SwapStream with streaming software like OBS (Open Broadcast Software).

I went with the first option, and SwapStream instantly detected my FaceTime HD camera and Bluetooth headphones, so all I had to do was click Enter to proceed.

The face swapping process itself is very simple, and it boils down to just three steps:

1. First, you need to upload a picture of your face to give SwapStream source material to analyze.
2. Next, you need to provide a picture of the face you want to transform your own face into.
3. Finally, you click Start Faceswap and wait a short while for SwapStream to work its magic.

You can then see the result in real-time. To share it with the whole world, simply click the Go Live button and connect the tool if the platform of your choice.

Convincing Results

So, how does the footage produced by SwapStream look like? Surprisingly convicting but the quality of the results greatly depends on the quality of the provided sample pictures, as well as the quality of the source webcam footage.

When I swapped my face for the face of Tom Cruise, I could instantly recognize the famous actor, and that says a lot because I look absolutely nothing like Tom Cruise.

Unfortunately, the footage produced by SwapStream seemed to lag a second behind the source footage, which resulted in strange audio synchronization issues that would immediately annoy real viewers and potentially make them close the stream.

Is It Worth The Price?

SwapStream uses a credit-based payment system. It costs 1 credit a minute to stream on 1 or 2 channels, and the number of credits required increases the more channels you stream on simultaneously.

All premium subscribers get 100 credits per month, and the premium subscription plan costs $19 a month or $179 a year, which means that a minute of streaming costs from $0.15, and that’s quite a lot of money when you think about it.

Of course, most streamers probably wouldn’t want to use SwapStream for the entire duration of their stream. For the occasional gag, SwapStream may really be worth the price — it all depends on how it’s used. The results it delivers can certainly look great, so the inherent wow factor of deepfake technology is there.

The post SwapStream Review: Real-Time Face Swap For Streamers appeared first on Tech Magazine.

What was once a private conversation is now on full public display for other potential customers as well as leaders of companies, and that’s a good thing.

Live Commenting Is Good For Business

Live commenting is a real-time, interactive way for customers and followers to engage with a company or product. Customers can give their opinions, offer suggestions, and even ask questions.

This live interaction builds trust and rapport between the customer and the company. It also humanizes the company, making it seem more approachable and responsive.

All of this leads to increased customer loyalty and advocacy, which is the best kind of word of mouth marketing there is.

It’s Also Great For Customers

Live commenting offers customers a way to have their voices heard. It gives them a platform to share their positive experiences and, just as importantly, to give constructive criticism.

Live commenting also allows customers to connect with each other. Customers can ask each other questions, offer advice, and build relationships. This sense of community is one of the main reasons live commenting platforms like FastComments are becoming so sought after.

FastComments Makes The Process Fast & Easy

FastComments is a platform that easily lets you add live comments to any website, blog, or app in seconds.

Imagine the impact you can create when your community is interacting over shared experiences with your product in real-time on your website or application. Don’t worry, with FastComments you won’t face any problems with spam as all comments are vetted by a classifier that is continuously trained, meaning unverified comments are automatically removed.

If you’re looking for an innovative way to keep your members engaged, look no further than FastComments. With their live commenting feature, members can post comments in real-time – perfect for lively discussion and debate. What’s more, live commenting also works with private member-only communities. So, if you’re looking for a way to add an extra element of interaction to your community, FastComments is the perfect solution.

Once you try their free demo you will ask yourself how you ever lived without live comments!

The post Live Commenting Helps Build Customer Loyalty & Brand Affinity appeared first on Tech Magazine.