Phiaton Bolt BT 700 wireless Bluetooth earbuds review

REVIEW – So here we go again. One of the most exciting testing series for me has been the earbud challenge and that battlefield where I enlist all earbuds to try out for the top spot. It is the battle to see which pair can be the best of the best for me and my personal taste. While individually subjective, it continues to be a great way to compare the various brands and what they offer. Now the Phiaton Bolt BT 700 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds have entered the competition. Let’s see how they perform.

What is it?

The Phiaton Bolt BT 700 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are like most earbuds that handle audio listening as well as phone call functions. These earbuds feature Balanced Armature Drivers and a charging case that includes a built-in speaker.

What’s in the box



1 x Pair of Phiaton Earbuds
1 x Charging Case
1 x Micro USB Cable
4 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x Instruction Manual
1 x Warranty Leaflet

Design and features

The Phiaton earbuds are not tiny but not large either. They come in a charging case that is approximately 3 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 1 1/.2″. The left side of the case is longer than the right because there is a  speaker that is housed in the left side.

On the right side, there is a Bluetooth button, 4 blue led lights for charging status and remaining charge, and the micro USB charging port.



On the other side of the charging case, there is a built-in speaker.

Performance

Specifications:
Communication Network: Bluetooth 5.0
Driver unit: Balanced Armature
Impedance: 40 Ohm
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Driver Unit Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz
Max. Input Power: 40 mW
Operating Range: Within 10 m / 33 ft.
Call Time: 5 hrs Max.
Music Play Time: 5 hrs Max.
Standby Time: 94 hrs Max.
Full Charge Time: 2 hrs (2.5 hrs including Charging Speaker Case)
Fast Charging: Support 10 min. Charging= 1 hr Playing
Audio Codec: SBC, AAC
Operating Frequency: 2.4 GHz(2.402 GHz – 2.480 GHz)
Earbud Weight: 6.5 g
Charging Speaker Case: Input Power: DC 5 V / over 1 A
Battery: Lithium Ion, DC 3.7 / 750 mAh
Full Charging Time including Earphones: 2.5 Hrs
Number of charges with the case: 3 times (4 X 5 Hrs + 20 hrs with fully charged earbuds)
Speaker Output: 3W Max.
Music Play Time via earbuds & Speaker: 8 Hrs Max.
Standby Time: 220 Hrs Max
IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant

In terms of music, these earbuds fit comfortably in my ears, and they function quite well. They have a nice volume range that works for me for all of my favorite genres, with a maximum volume that does not overwhelm and will not cause any damage to my hearing. The lows, mids, and highs are good and without distortion, but if you want to experience the lows in their full capability, it is very important to use the correct size and properly fitting ear tips.

For phone calls, these earbuds work ok even for someone like me that has had issues with all of the earbuds that I have tested except for one set. These are decently clear for both parties as long as I raise the volume of my voice just a bit for the other party to hear me clearly.


The earbuds automatically pair with the Bluetooth connection when removed from the charging case, and the connection is consistently solid and did not once disconnect involuntarily. These earbuds like most others have voice commands that confirm the connectivity. You should keep in mind that because there is a speaker built into the case and because it also operates via Bluetooth, the earbuds do not automatically disconnect when returned to their respective place in the charging case. A standard function of earbuds is to disconnect when placed in the case and the charging contacts are engaged. With these earbuds, I can place them in the case, close the case and they will not disconnect until you press the Bluetooth button on the side of the case to disconnect them, or you disconnect via your phone settings. Otherwise, and as I experienced, when you receive a phone call, you are unable to hear the other party on the line until you realize that the earbuds you put away a while ago are still connected.



In terms of the built-in speaker, it sounds surprisingly pleasant albeit closer to a full range sound as opposed to the earbud sound that provides the easily recognizable separation of lows, mids, and highs.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The sound
  • The comfortable fit

What can be improved

  • The ability to disconnect the Bluetooth connection when the earbuds are placed in the case without having to press the case button to power off/disconnect.
  • The manual is in such fine print that it is almost impossible to read

Final thoughts

The Phiaton earbuds do a great job with sound for all of the genres I tested including, jazz, R&B, Easy Listening, Reggae, Gospel. etc. They are well built and quite comfortable. They stay securely in my ears irrespective of any vigorous head movements, The only issue that bothers me is that they do not disconnect the Bluetooth connection when placed into the charging case. I quite understand the intended logic behind this design, but I would prefer them to automatically disconnect and I would re-engage them should I want to use the speaker that is built into the case. Since this is a challenge for the best of the best for me (my taste), this feature takes them out of the race for first place. It this issue does not bother you,  these would be a great buy and they still get two thumbs up!!

Price: $139
Where to buy: Currently available on Kickstarter with shipping in December.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Phiaton.

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Phiaton Bolt BT 700 wireless Bluetooth earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2018 at 9:43 am.

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Add light and some outer space to your room with this light fixture

NEWS – This semi-flush mount light fixture is perfect for the ceiling of any aficionado of astronomy or sci-fi.  The ceiling canopy of the ELK Astronaut light fixture is black with star and planet designs.  The light fixture itself has three bulbs: one 60W standard bulb behind the glass bottom of the “space ship” to provide downlighting, and two candelabra bulbs for the engine flames.

The two astronauts out for a little space walk are purely decorative.  The ship has a satin nickel finish.  It measures 16″ wide and hangs 10″ from the ceiling.  The ELK Astronaut light fixture is $190.00 at Amazon.

 

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Add light and some outer space to your room with this light fixture originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2018 at 8:34 am.

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Become Gandalf or Morgan from The Walking Dead with the PocketStaff

NEWS – This collapsible pocket staff/cane looks a whole cooler than it really is, but for less than $25 bucks (a whole lot less depending on where you buy one), this “magic” item might earn you some extra geek points. What is it? It’s a thin metal telescoping tube that extends into a 43-inch long staff and then shrinks back down into a fist-sized form factor that makes it perfect for close up magic tricks.

Made of thin stainless steel, the PocketStaff pops out with the press of a button. Just be careful where you’re pointing it and then also be careful when you collapse it back down because the comments on Amazon mention that the edges are really sharp.

Is the PocketStaff an effective weapon against zombies or hoards of orcs? Doubtful. If you check out the video below, you can see that it looks pretty flimsy. But it’s that pop out effect that you’re looking for right?

You can find the PocketStaff at outdoorlancastor.com for $24.95 and on Amazon for about $11. And just remember that it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.

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Become Gandalf or Morgan from The Walking Dead with the PocketStaff originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 24, 2018 at 12:19 pm.

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Koogeek Smart Massager review

REVIEW – Sore muscles are not fun but how do you fix them? Most of the time I just wait it out until the pain goes away, but that can take a day or two. Another solution could be an electronic massager like the Koogeek massager. They sent me a sample of this highly portable device. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The Koogeek massager is a small pocket-sized EMS electronic muscle massager device that can be controlled via your phone or other iOS/Android device.

What’s in the box?

Koogeek massager
micro USB charging cable
2 gel pads
Instructions

Design and features

There isn’t a lot to say about this device other than it looks like two flattened eggs tethered together by a flat cable.

Each oval pad has a metal snap on the back for the gel patches and one of the pads has a micro USB connector to charge the internal batteries.

Included with the Koogeek EMS massager are two gel patches. These patches are super sticky so you have to be mindful where you lay them down if you don’t remember to put the layer of clear plastic back over them.

Before you can start using the massager, you’ll need to charge the batteries which is done by plugging it into a micro USB adapter. When you do that, an LED around the cable will glow red while charging and will turn off once charging is completed.

According to the instructions, the next step has you install the Koogeek health app which is used for a variety of their health products and even includes a step counter feature. But to use this app, you’ll have to create an account. If you’re like me, you’re thoroughly tired of creating an account for a new gadget. Why do you even need to have an account for an electronic muscle stimulator? Yes, I created one anyway, but not without some grumbling and even after I created it and tried to pair the massager with my phone (Pixel 2 XL), it never connected.

Luckily, you don’t even need to use the app to use this device. All you need to do is turn it on by holding the + button for about 3 seconds on one of the egg-shaped pads. Then you can stick the pads with the gel patches attached on your body in the area that needs the massage and you will feel the electrical pulses which change rhythm during the session. You can also press the + or – buttons on the pad to change the intensity level which goes from 1-10.

I didn’t think a massager this tiny would really do much, but I was surprised when I put one pad on my bicep and the other one on the opposite side of my arm and with each pulse, my arm would twitch and I could feel a very obvious electrical zap which may or may not feel good to you. According to the instructions, the working voltage is 30-60V. Some people might think this type of device feels too intense and even slightly painful at times. I think it just takes a little while to get used to it.

I was also surprised by the battery life on this small device. The battery will last up to 300 minutes of use with up to 23 minutes per session at which point it automatically turns off.

What I like

  • Small
  • Long battery life
  • Surprisingly powerful

What needs to be improved

  • Only comes with 2 gel patches so you have to buy more after they wear out
  • Couldn’t pair with my phone to use the app

Final thoughts

Other than the problem that I had with the Koogeek app, this portable EMS device worked great. I was really surprised. That said, I don’t know how well devices like these help with muscle pain. For me, the sensation of the electrical stimulation feels uncomfortable. But others might like it. If you’ve used larger EMS devices and wished you had an ultraportable EMS device, I think the Koogeek is probably as small as they come.

Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Koogeek.

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Koogeek Smart Massager review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 24, 2018 at 11:19 am.

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The GrabTab adds grip to your phone without adding bulk

NEWS – The GrabTab from Speck works with any phone to improve your grip, but it doesn’t add bulk that makes it difficult to store your phone in a pocket or bag.  GrabTab is about the size of a credit card and, at 3mm, is about as thick as three credit cards.  It adheres to the back of the phone or phone case.  Because it’s so thin, GrabTab doesn’t interfere with wireless charging, unlike many other grip-assist accessories.

When you want to use it, the center strip slides up and locks into place to form a loop for your finger to slide through.

The loop can also be used as a stand for the phone.

GrabTab works with any phone.  It comes in a variety of colors or patterns.  The GrabTab is available for $9.95 at Speck.

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The GrabTab adds grip to your phone without adding bulk originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 24, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Posted by / October 24, 2018 / Tagged with / Posted in News