Technology
What is a smart speaker & best budget smart speaker 2023
What is Smart Speaker
A smart speaker is not only a device for listening to music in good quality. The latest gadget can do much more. The artificial intelligence built into the speaker makes it a universal assistant. The device, by voice command, will select and turn on music according to your mood, report the latest news, weather forecast and information about traffic jams, set an alarm, call a taxi, tell the child a fairy tale.
And this is not a complete list of the possibilities of smart speakers. Manufacturers are trying to anticipate and realize the maximum expectations of consumers from a smart device, but the results are somewhat different. Each model has its own set of features and “chips” that distinguish it from competitors. Prices for smart speakers are also different, and they depend not only on the capabilities of the device. However, first things first.
Features of Smart Speakers
Smart speakers appeared about five years ago and immediately won the sympathy of consumers. In general terms, the device is a speaker with a voice assistant, a “conversation” with which is possible thanks to the built-in digital microphones. It is through the voice assistant that the device, in addition to its main “musical” functions, acquires many additional features. Manufacturers, through marketing research, find out which of them consumers would like to see in the product. Based on these expectations, new device models are created.
what can a smart speaker do?
Its main functionality includes:
Music selection. Some smart speakers can not only play specific tracks, but also select music by genre, mood (calm, energetic, etc.), for a specific situation (for example, for sports, cleaning, sleeping).
Voice control. The speaker does not need to be turned on, off and configured manually – the voice assistant will do everything for you. He can, on command, find the right music, movie, book, adjust the volume level, start the timer, alarm clock, stopwatch, make calls, control household appliances.
Speech recognition. Speakers from different manufacturers, or rather, the voice assistants built into them, differ in their ability to “understand” user commands, respond and respond to requests.
A wide range of additional features. In addition to music, the smart speaker will select for you any other entertainment and educational content on the Web (movies, audio books, games for children), help you play sports, solve a variety of everyday tasks (call a taxi, order food at home, buy movie tickets, set up a schedule , turning on reminders, etc.) will give you help information.
Communication with other devices. A smart speaker can be connected to a laptop or smartphone to listen to downloaded tracks, watch movies, read e-books.
Tight integration with the mobile application. For many users, it is important to be able to control the speaker from the phone, make calls from it, use the applications installed on the smartphone using voice. Among other things, a smart speaker can find a smartphone lost in the apartment.
Smart home control. Different models of speakers support a different number of partners, differ in terms of ease of connection and use of the system.
Feedback from the manufacturer. Constant improvement of technical characteristics and design, expansion of functionality, readiness to interact with the consumer and eliminate defects are all important criteria for choosing a brand.
Smart Speaker Review
The functionality of the device largely depends on the ability of the voice assistant to understand the user’s speech.
Apple homepod
Smart column Apple Homepod looks like it should be a product from Apple: its design, with apparent simplicity – a cylinder, executed in laconic white or black – is distinguished by sophistication and nobility. The height of the case is 17 cm, the diameter is 14 cm. In the upper part there is a touch control panel with an LED circle that glows in different colors, indicating the activity of the voice assistant. Included is a power cable; battery is not provided.
Apple Homepod is only compatible with Apple devices and is set up from an iPhone or iPad. To search and play music, the native Apple Music service is used. It requires a subscription. Other streaming services are not supported, which, however, is not considered by users as a critical drawback – Apple Music contains a very impressive collection of tracks.
Where Apple’s smart speaker really shines is in sound reproduction. The device is equipped with seven tweeters, which provide a uniform sound quality comparable to Hi-Fi acoustics. No matter where you are in the room, the music will be heard equally clearly and loudly. Thanks to the built-in subwoofer, low frequencies are clear and deep. Siri can hear the user even from another room when the music is turned on at full volume – this is achieved through six microphones.
You can control the speaker – switch tracks, adjust the volume, activate Siri – in several ways: using the touch panel, through the mobile application and, of course, by voice commands.
The Apple Homepod is designed as part of the Homekit ecosystem for smart home control.
User feedback on the column, as you might expect, is contradictory. Apple fans appreciated the merits of their favorite brand – design, ease of setup and control, sound quality. Those who are not so committed to the famous company point out the disadvantages of the device: the limited functionality of the voice assistant at a clearly overpriced price.
Capsule™
The stylish design of the device immediately attracts attention: the streamlined body in the form of a capsule looks elegant and futuristic. Color version – black or white. The height of the column is 22 cm, the width is 15 cm, the thickness is 11 cm. On the front surface there is an LED indicator ring. This column is also stationary, powered by the network.
Three speakers with a total power of 30 watts are responsible for the quality of the transmission of high, medium and low frequencies. They provide clear surround sound without distortion and wheezing, evenly distributed in space. You can use your voice to turn on any of the 10 volume levels or activate the night mode to fall asleep to your favorite songs. Six built-in microphones allow the voice assistant to hear the user well: “Marusya” can respond to commands, even if they are pronounced with the music turned on or against the background of noise.
Smart speaker Capsule ™ with a voice assistant “Marusya” is configured through a mobile application. The device can be controlled from a smartphone and vice versa. This feature is useful, for example, if you need to find a phone lost in an apartment. You can also turn on the desired track using the application, which is convenient if the speaker is far enough away.
Marusya in Capsule™ can do a lot more: set an alarm, reminders, timer, report news, weather forecast, count travel time, make shopping lists, translate words, answer questions, manage a smart home system (list of partner manufacturers of devices constantly expanding).
LG XBOOM Al ThinQ
The smart speaker from LG has a universal design: a cylindrical body with a height of 21 cm and a diameter of 13.5 cm with a mesh sound-permeable metal coating is made in black, which will fit into almost any interior. Five buttons on the panel are responsible for control.
The column is equipped with two speakers – mid-range and high-frequency, their total power is 30 watts. They do not distribute the sound, but direct it in one direction, which can be considered a disadvantage. But the sound quality is excellent – crisp and clear. The built-in equalizer allows you to emphasize the vocal part and enhance the bass.
There are only two microphones in the column, so the voice assistant does not differ in sensitivity. He hears commands well at an average playback level, but does not perceive them at high volume and with extraneous noise.
JBL Link Music
The stationary smart speaker from the well-known brand of portable acoustics JBL is presented in a miniature (only 13 × 11 cm) cylindrical case in dark gray. There are four dot LED indicators on the front surface. In the upper part there is a mechanical panel with three buttons for controlling and calling the voice assistant.
Only one 20W speaker is responsible for sound transmission. However, the JBL brand without further ado claims quality, and it really is on top. The sound of this speaker is voluminous, strong and clear. But the sensitivity of the voice assistant leaves much to be desired: the device has only two microphones.
Reviews about this model are mixed. On the one hand, almost all buyers are satisfied with the sound quality, on the other hand, there are many complaints about voice control. It is often noticed that “Alice” in this column does not respond to commands the first time.
The niche of smart speakers is developing very quickly. Manufacturers closely monitor the wishes of consumers and respond promptly to requests – they eliminate the noticed shortcomings, improve technical characteristics, and improve the capabilities of voice assistants.
Best budget smart speaker 2023
Reviews
The Best Buy Apple Airpods 2023
Best Buy Apple Airpods 2023 : Apple AirPods have been the main competitor to other brands in the wireless headphone market for several years, but the high price can be an obstacle in acquiring them. Today, together with an expert, we will consider the best analogues of AirPods
AirPods are devices made by other manufacturers that offer wireless headphones with similar features and capabilities, but at a more affordable price. For those who are not yet familiar with this product, AirPods are Apple’s wireless earbuds that provide convenience and high quality sound in a compact form factor. The main advantages of Apple devices are the presence of a transparency mode (setting external sounds), noise reduction, high voice quality during a conversation, and smart features (for example, Siri voice assistant).
However, despite the popularity of AirPods, analogues are appearing on the market that can provide even better sound quality and more features than the original product. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best AirPods alternatives that offer better value for money sound quality, as well as additional features such as noise cancellation, gesture control, and longer battery life.
Best Buy Apple Airpods
Apple AirPods Pro Review
The Apple AirPods Pro are fancy wireless earbuds that have lots of cool features for great sound and easy use. Here’s a quick review of what’s good about them:
Positive Aspects:
Noise Cancellation: These earbuds can make things around you quiet, which is awesome when you’re listening to music in noisy places.
Hear Around You: You can also let in sounds from outside, so you know what’s happening around you without taking the earbuds out.
Comfy Fit: They have different ear tips to make sure they fit comfortably in your ears, and they block out extra noise.
Nice Sound: The sound is good, with strong bass and clear sounds. They’re not perfect for super music fans, but they sound pretty good.
Sweat and Water Resistant: You can use them when you’re sweating or if there’s a bit of water around without breaking them.
Smart Chip: They work really well with iPhones and iPads, and you can even talk to Siri hands-free.
Easy to Connect: You can easily connect them to your Apple devices without much trouble.
Negative Aspects:
Battery Life: They don’t play music for a super long time before needing a charge. You get around 4.5 to 5 hours with noise cancellation or the hearing-around-you mode on.
Expensive: They cost more than other wireless earbuds, which might not be great if you’re trying to save money.
Not Super Tough: Some people say they might not last a long time and could break, especially the case or the earbuds.
Final Thoughts:
The AirPods Pro are a good choice if you love Apple stuff and want earbuds that work really well with your devices. They’re especially good if you want to block out noise. But they’re a bit pricey, so if you don’t need the noise stuff, you might want to look at other options. The sound is nice, they’re easy to use, but remember they might not be super tough.
Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation)
The 1st Generation of Apple AirPods Pro, wireless earbuds, comes with a range of features designed for better sound and convenience. Here’s a concise review covering their main aspects:
Advantages:
Active Noise Cancellation: The AirPods Pro (1st Gen) feature active noise cancellation, reducing background noise for a focused listening experience, particularly useful in noisy environments.
Transparency Mode: This mode allows external sounds to come through, balancing music and environmental awareness, beneficial when you need to stay alert to your surroundings.
Comfortable Fit: With different ear tip sizes, these AirPods offer a comfortable fit tailored to your ears, enhancing comfort and noise isolation for improved sound quality.
Audio Quality: The earbuds deliver well-balanced audio, including strong bass and clear high notes. While not audiophile-level, they provide enjoyable sound.
Water and Sweat Resistance: These AirPods are designed to withstand light water exposure and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
H1 Chip Integration: The built-in H1 chip optimizes compatibility with Apple devices, ensuring seamless pairing, lower latency, and hands-free Siri activation.
Easy Pairing: Connecting the AirPods to your Apple devices is straightforward, especially if you’re logged in with your iCloud account.
Drawbacks:
Battery Life: The earbuds offer a decent but not exceptionally long battery life. You can expect around 4.5 to 5 hours of playback with noise cancellation or transparency mode engaged.
Price: The AirPods Pro (1st Gen) are relatively more expensive compared to alternative wireless earbuds, potentially discouraging budget-conscious consumers.
Durability: Some users have reported concerns about long-term durability, including issues with the earbuds’ charging case and their overall resilience.
Final Thoughts:
The first-generation AirPods Pro are a solid choice, especially if you’re a dedicated Apple user seeking compatibility and an immersive audio experience. However, their higher cost and potential durability issues might lead you to explore other options, especially if noise cancellation isn’t a top priority. For those valuing sound quality and user-friendliness, the AirPods Pro are worth considering, while taking into account possible durability challenges.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are wireless earbuds with several features to enhance your listening experience and convenience. Here’s a quick review highlighting their main features:
Advantages:
Wireless Convenience: These AirPods are cord-free and connect to your devices through Bluetooth, allowing you to move freely without tangled wires.
Easy Pairing: Setting up these AirPods is a breeze. They quickly connect to your Apple device when you open the charging case nearby.
Good Sound Quality: The audio quality is decent, with clear vocals and satisfactory bass. While not designed for audiophiles, they provide a pleasant listening experience.
Long Battery Life: You get about 5 hours of continuous listening time, and the charging case extends this to over 24 hours before needing a recharge.
Voice Control: You can use voice commands like “Hey Siri” to manage your music, calls, and more, all without touching your device.
Comfortable and Light: These AirPods are lightweight and fit comfortably in most ears, making them suitable for extended wear.
Device Compatibility: They work well with various Apple devices, and switching between devices signed in with the same iCloud account is effortless.
Disadvantages:
No Noise Cancellation: Unlike the AirPods Pro, these earbuds don’t have active noise cancellation, so they might not block out background noise as effectively.
Limited Water Resistance: The AirPods (2nd Gen) aren’t fully waterproof, so you should be careful when using them in wet or sweaty conditions.
Similar Design: They closely resemble the first-generation AirPods, which could disappoint those expecting a more noticeable design update.
Final Thoughts:
For Apple fans who want easy-to-use wireless earbuds, the AirPods (2nd Gen) are a reliable choice. They offer good sound quality, long battery life, and straightforward setup. While they lack some advanced features of the AirPods Pro, their affordability and dependable performance make them a practical option for everyday use. If you’re seeking straightforward wireless earbuds with an Apple touch, give the AirPods (2nd Gen) a look.
Reviews
How to Choose an Iron / Best Iron to Buy 2023
Today we will discuss the most important aspects for How to choose an iron, let’s take a look
Hold in your hands
An iron is a household appliance that you have to keep in your hand all the time it is working. Therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable, easy and pleasant to “communicate” with him. Even if you choose it on the Internet, do not be lazy, go to a hardware store, hold it and see how comfortable you are.
Weigh
Some housewives like it when the iron is heavy enough. Apparently, this has gone back to the time when the large weight of the device helped to smooth fabrics faster and better. Now weight is not an important characteristic, and many manufacturers do not even indicate it in the main technical data. But still, look at the weight, because the iron is always in your hands, if it is very hard or unusually light, then ironing will be uncomfortable.
Irons with ceramic or aluminum soles weigh a little, some even less than one kilogram. High-quality irons with stainless steel soles weigh about one and a half kilograms, less often about two. Keep in mind that when you fill the tank with water, the iron will become slightly heavier.
Check out the power of steam
Steam is as important a part of ironing as a hot sole. Therefore, the more steam the iron produces, the easier and faster men’s shirts, voluminous duvet covers, and light dresses with flounces will be ironed.
We look at the power of steam supply. The higher it is, the better!
Steam output or continuous steam output is how much steam per minute comes out of the holes on the soleplate of the iron. In this case, you do not need to additionally press any buttons. Just move the iron over the fabric, and the steam comes out and smoothes out the wrinkles.
This indicator affects the cost: the more steam, the more expensive the iron. On the most equipped models, continuous steam output can reach 75 g/min. Average indicators – 35-50 g / min. But even at 40 g/min, you will have to press the steam boost button frequently to iron the fabric faster.
Check the steam boost
Every steam iron has a steam boost function. Press the button, and steam falls on the fold of the fabric in a powerful cloud, and the hot sole smoothes it out effortlessly.
The stronger the steam boost, the easier it is to remove creases.
Average indicators: 160g–200g. If the value is below 150g, then it can hardly be called a steam boost, just increased steam supply. It, of course, will help to smooth the fabric, but the strongest creases will have to be ironed several times.
Estimate the frequency of use of vertical steam
This function allows you to iron clothes hanging on hangers. But in fact, only expensive irons with a steam boost of about 200 g / min can cope with this task. If this type of ironing is important to you, then it is better to buy a vertical steamer.
Check the volume of the water tank
If the iron has a large steam supply and a small water tank, then ironing will turn into a torment, because you have to add water every ten minutes. Manufacturers also understand this, so they increase the volume of the tank as much as they can. Largest tank: 350-400 ml.
Average volume: 250–300 ml.
You can take a model with a smaller tank volume if it has a small supply of steam or you prefer to iron without it at all.
Find out if there is descaling
If you want your iron to last longer, choose a model with a descaling function. Such a system is found in most devices. The main thing is to use it. Many simply forget to pull out and rinse the container or a special rod in which limescale accumulates.
If there is no such function, then only distilled water can be used.
In addition, it is necessary to carry out self-cleaning of the iron so that when ironing, pieces of scale do not get on expensive clothes. Expensive models have a separate button for this. You need to heat the iron with a full tank of water, place it over the sink and press the clean button. Water with scale pieces will pour out of the holes.
If there is no button and self-cleaning function, then you need to set the maximum heating and turn on the steam boost several times over the sink so that all scale particles come out with water and steam.
Only some of the most expensive models have an indication of the need to clean, with most irons you need to follow this yourself.
See if there is an anti-drop function and how it works
The anti-drip function allows you to iron at low temperatures, at which water does not turn into steam, without the appearance of water droplets on clothes. Drops can stain silk and leave marks, which is why it is so important that the iron does not “cry”.
The main problem is that the “anti-drop” is declared for almost all models, and only works for some. And it’s almost impossible to check this before buying, you can get truthful information only by studying the feedback from the owners or looking at independent tests. Therefore, after buying, check on a simple cloth how the iron behaves when ironing at low temperatures, and if it “drops tears”, then do not be lazy and drain all the water from the tank before ironing delicate fabrics.
You can, of course, try to return the iron to the store if 14 days have not passed since the purchase, referring to Article 18 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”. After all, the buyer has the right to return the goods if he has a defect that the seller did not warn about. But it will be difficult to prove that a couple of drops spilled during ironing are sufficient grounds for the return of equipment. If you had such an experience, tell us in the comments, it’s interesting.
Check if there is an auto-off
If you suffer from forgetfulness or increased anxiety, then pay attention to devices with an auto-off function. They usually turn off on their own if they lie still for more than 30 seconds or stand still for more than 8 minutes. This feature is available for both expensive and cheap models.
There is one more opportunity to control the operation of the device: some models can be controlled from a smartphone through the application. So the problem with the iron not turned off remains in the past.
Look at the cord
Two points need to be checked: the length of the cord and the method of fastening.
The maximum length of power cords for irons is 3 meters.
Often there are models with cords 2.5 m long. An iron with a shorter cord is worth buying only if your ironing board is equipped with a power connection.
The way the cord is attached to the case is very important. The cord must rotate freely 360 °, only in this case it will not fray during operation.
Check out the warranty period
Many models have a 2-year warranty. Some have one. Agree, two is more than one. Therefore, choose equipment with a longer warranty period. But keep in mind that some breakdowns, such as those associated with the fact that you did not perform descaling, may not be covered under warranty.
Best Iron to Buy
Reviews
Best headset for working from home with microphone / remote work
Best headset for working from home with microphone : Now, more than ever, remote work and distance learning have become relevant. But in order to stream, meetings, webinars, conferences, play games, chat online with friends, you need a high-quality headset.
The best headphones with a microphone for work in 2023 – we tell you what they should be
Before choosing headphones with a microphone for your phone or computer, you need to find out what they are.
How to Choose Headphones for Remote Working:
Wired . These headphones are more reliable than wireless headphones and are lighter in weight. They are connected to the sound source using a wire that is inserted into the appropriate connector.
Wireless . Buying wireless headphones with a microphone is beneficial if you want to feel the freedom of movement and at the same time are ready to constantly charge them, change batteries, etc. The base station of these headphones is connected to the gadget connector. Thanks to the built-in transmitter, the headphones and the station exchange signals.
According to the type of headset design are:
Folding . These headphones fold with a special mechanism and take up less space. They are convenient to take with you.
Clumsy . More bulky, they are better to choose if you are going to use them at home and do not plan to carry them with you all the time.
The differences lie in the type of attachment of the headphones themselves:
Headband . Between the cups passes the bow, which is located in the vertical direction. Due to this, the weight of the headphones is evenly distributed over the head.
Occipital arch . The bow connects two ear pads, but unlike the first option, it runs in the occipital area.
The microphone can be:
On the wire . The microphone is located on the wire, next to the volume control button.
On a fixed mount . The microphone is mounted on a plastic holder and is not very noticeable.
On a movable mount . It can be adjusted, zoomed in and out of the face.
Built-in . The microphone is not visible at all, but this is its only advantage. Using the built-in option, in addition to your voice, all extraneous sounds will also be heard.
With noise cancellation . These microphones are the best and most practical. If the headset has such a function as noise reduction, then all sounds except your voice will be suppressed to the maximum.
Also, the headphones differ in connectors:
Mini jack 3.5 mm . Represented by a small plug that can be inserted into a computer, TV, tablet, phone or home theater. Provided they have a sound module.
USB . Headphones with a microphone with a USB input have a built-in sound module. Therefore, they can be connected to devices that do not have their own audio output.
Best Headset for working from home with microphone
Best Headphones for Remote Work
Best Wired Headset for working from home
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for office environment under 100
We have shared all the best headsets available in the market. If you want to read in depth how to choose a headset & which qualities it should have before buying. Read our article & share your thoughts in our comments.
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