AirPods 2: Better tech, but still going to wreck your hearing…

Better Siri support! Better audio quality! An optional wireless charging case for $40!

But, I’m sad to see the same “open ear” design, which does nothing to block or reduce surrounding noise.

As rates of hearing loss continue to rise in all age demographics (but fastest in kids in young adults), it’s always worth pushing back against a fashion trend, and sharing good data with people you care about.

Even though they look ridiculous, and will make you go deaf sooner, it’s pretty likely that the AirPods2 will be one of the most popular wireless headphone solutions of the year. If that’s the case, we can at least share tips and tricks on how to use these earbuds (and Apple’s wired EarPods, and Google’s lame PixelBuds) as safely as possible. I made a video on setting volume limits in iOS, to show where those volume and normalizing settings live on your iPhone.

And for more information on hearing loss, please check out my interview with Dr. Alison Grimes, head of Audiology at UCLA.

Remember, once you damage your ears, they never really fully heal or recover. Even if your hearing is already damaged, it can always get worse. And, while BT headsets are relatively cheap and convenient, hearing aids often cost around $5000 a pair, and usually aren’t covered by insurance.

Listen healthier. Listen happier.

1MORE Bluetooth Headphone Showdown: Triple Driver + LDAC vs Dual Driver + ANC!

FIGHT! I haven’t done a proper showdown in a while, and 1MORE is the most requested headphone brand I see in my comments to review. They sell two different Bluetooth headsets for $149.99, so which one should get YOUR money? Triple Driver + LDAC or Dual

Continue reading “1MORE Bluetooth Headphone Showdown: Triple Driver + LDAC vs Dual Driver + ANC!”

Audeze Mobius Wireless Gaming Headphones – The Evolution of Audio

Working with Newegg to shoot something a little different.

I spent some time breaking in the Audeze Mobius Wireless Gaming Headset, and we decided on a more casual conversation, instead of a punchy review. I like companies that show a grown up philosophy on accessories and peripherals. It’s all too easy to crank out disposable junk, and slap a “GAMERZ” label on the box. Audeze approached this market with a little nuance, so our video needed a little nuance. Enjoy!

LG Tone Platinum SE Review: Wrecking Pixel Buds and AirPods (HBS-1120)

LG Tone Platinum SE Review! LG is refreshing their Platinum line, adding some cool tech tricks like Google Assistant and Google Translate support. When compared against Pixel Buds and AirPods, we’ve got a solid daily driver audio competitor.

However, things get a bit sticky when we examine the relationship between hardware and software. When balanced against a premium price tag, do the Tone Platinum SE have the goods to part you from your cash? Let’s take a listen! Continue reading “LG Tone Platinum SE Review: Wrecking Pixel Buds and AirPods (HBS-1120)”

LG Tone Studio Speakers and Tone Free Earbuds: Listening to some truly wireless audio! CES 2017

LG unveiled a pair of audio solutions at CES. The Tone Studio and Tone Free are fresh takes on LG’s “neck band” approach to Bluetooth audio. Tone Free deliver a truly wireless (and cable-less) pair of earbuds, while Tone Studio aims to create an audio cloud which surrounds your head. Let’s take a listen!

Outdoor Tech Rhinos: Rugged Headphones at CES 2017

Good audio isn’t just for indoor conditions. Outdoor Tech is a California based company making rugged lifestyle gear. We got to take a look at the Rhino Headphones, durable water resistant cans designed for an active lifestyle.

New Year, New You Contest: Fitness Accessories Giveaway! FitBit Charge and LG Tone Active Headphones!

Let’s work together to make our New Year’s resolutions happen! I’m giving away a FitBit Charge, an LG Tone Active BT Headset, and a CoolGear beverage infuser courtesy of my pals at AT&T! Check out the contest widget below for more details on how you can win some cool gear to get your 2016 started off right!

somegadgetguy new year new you contest 2016 fitbit charge lg tone active bt headphones att

New Year, New You Contest: Fitness Accessories Giveaway! FitBit Charge and LG Tone Active Headphones!

SomeGadgetGuy’s Favorite Finds from CES 2015

CES this year saw a tremendous number of “evolution” announcements. There weren’t any mind-blowing reveals, but we saw an entire industry looking to iterate and improve on products far faster than previous entries into new territory. Where wearable tech and home automation were buzzwords last year, we saw real practical application this year.

Every show, my goal is to find something I think is cool. It might not be the most practical, or revolutionary, but I want to see a company try something different, something novel. Here are a few of my favorite finds from this year’s show floor!

Click on ANY of the pics below to watch our video coverage from the show floor!

Continue reading “SomeGadgetGuy’s Favorite Finds from CES 2015”