JBL Speakers are best known for their quality sound, compact design, and durability.

The audio-hardware manufacturer is a subsidiary of Harman and has a promising future in the smart speaker market currently dominated by Amazon and Google.

The company offers different speakers for different setups, and it can be confusing to know how to connect them correctly to your devices.

So if you’re asking yourself, “can I connect my JBL speaker to my computer?” Yes, you can – you’ll just have to figure out which connection is best for your needs.

This post will help you with step-by-step instructions on how to pair JBL speakers with computers and laptops.

Connection method 1: (AUX cable)

Except for a few of the latest models, all JBL speakers offer two connectivity options: Bluetooth and AUX.

The latter is the simplest way to pair JBL speakers to your computer or laptop.

How to connect a JBL speaker to PC without Bluetooth

All you need is a 3.5mm male-to-male AUX cable and these step-by-step instructions:

• If your JBL speaker is powered off, you’ll have to turn on the speaker by pressing the power button. You can verify it by checking the visibility of the blue light on the ‘Power button.‘
• Next, lift the slot cover on the back of your JBL speaker to reveal the AUX input, where you can plug in the 3.5mm audio cable or connect a micro-USB cable.

• Insert one end of the AUX cable into the 3.5mm audio jack on your JBL speaker.
• After that, you have to insert the other end of the 3.5mm cable into the audio output port of your computer or laptop.

You might have to change the output device on your computer or laptop to play audio through your JBL speaker.

If you are using Windows 10

Find the ‘Volume‘ icon at the bottom right of your screen and click on it.

Next, click the ‘Upward’ Arrow next to your default output. Then, a panel will appear with all the available audio outputs.

Lastly, find and set your JBL speaker as your preferred audio output. 

If you are using macOS, then follow the below steps:

• Click the Apple Menu, which you can find in the upper-left corner of the screen.
• From the Apple Menu, click on System Preferences.

• Now, within the System Preferences, go to the Sound Preferences.

• Find the Output Button at the top of the Sound preferences window. Click this button.

• In Output settings, you’ll see a list of connected and recognized audio devices. Select the device you wish to set (in our case, JBL speaker) by clicking its entry in the list.

Connectivity method 2: (Bluetooth)

The following list of JBL speakers doesn’t have an AUX input, so the only way to connect them is via Bluetooth.

• JBL Flip 5
• JBL Charge 5
• JBL Pulse 4
• JBL Go 3
• JBL link 20
• JBL link 300
• JBL link 500

To start, ‘Turn On’ your JBL speaker, and press the Bluetooth button until you hear a sound.

Also, an LED light will continuously blink, indicating that your JBL Bluetooth speaker is in ‘Discovery mode.’

On Windows 10

• Go to the bottom-left corner of your screen and click the Start button. Alternatively, you can search ‘Bluetooth and other devices in the search box.
• Now, click the Settings icon in the Start Menu, and a ‘Windows Setting‘ Screen will appear.

• Click on ‘Devices’ and navigate to the ‘Bluetooth and other devices’ screen.
• Enable Bluetooth by toggling on the switch if it’s not already.

• Now, click ‘Add Bluetooth or Other Device‘ at the top of the screen. The Add a Device Screen will pop up instantly.

• From here, you will have to select ‘Bluetooth’ in the Add a Device screen. After a few seconds a list of ‘Discoverable Devices‘ will appear on the screen.

• From the list of available Bluetooth Devices, select your JBL speaker. The Bluetooth light will stop blinking on your JBL speaker, which indicates that your Bluetooth speaker is now paired with your PC or laptop.

On macOS

• Click the Apple icon on the upper-left corner of the screen to open the Apple Menu.
• Select the System Preferences within the Apple Menu, and select the Bluetooth icon.

• Within the Bluetooth window, you can see the list of Bluetooth-available devices. if you don’t see anything that means you have to turn on Bluetooth first.
• Click on the Connect Button next to your JBL speaker from the list.

• There you go; your JBL Bluetooth speaker is now paired to macOS.

What if my computer or laptop doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth?

If your computer or laptop doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you’ll have to purchase a Bluetooth adapter to plug into the computer’s USB port.

Once you have the adapter, simply turn on the Bluetooth feature on your computer or laptop and put your JBL speakers into pairing mode.

Then, on your computer or laptop, select the JBL speakers from the list of available Bluetooth devices and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.

Connecting a JBL speaker to a PC: Quick and easy

In conclusion, this article shows you how to connect your JBL speakers to PC and laptops through the AUX port or Bluetooth.

We have also given detailed instructions for Windows 10 and macOS users.

Overall, the process for connecting JBL speakers to a computer or laptop is relatively simple.

So whatever your chosen device, follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy great-quality audio in no time.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• JBL speaker won’t connect? JBL speaker keeps disconnecting? Here’s how to fix that
• How do I reset my JBL speaker?
• How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?
• Can you pair JBL speakers together?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops? appeared first on KnowTechie.

One of the most frustrating things can be trying to get your JBL speaker to connect properly.

It can be frustrating to go through the steps to connect your speaker only to find that it won’t connect or that the connection is unstable.

This can be especially frustrating if you’re trying to listen to music or watch a movie, and the audio keeps cutting out.

It seems like it should be a straightforward process – turn on the speaker, wait for your Bluetooth device to make the connection, and start listening.

But we often find ourselves struggling with a stubbornly uncooperative JBL speaker.

Your JBL Bluetooth speaker won’t connect due to several possible reasons.

For example, a weak or unstable Bluetooth signal, interference from other electronic devices, or problems with the speaker itself.

For example, things like low battery, outdated firmware, or multiple devices connected simultaneously.

Thankfully, there’s no need to panic. There are steps you can take to try and troubleshoot the problem and get your speaker working properly.

This post provides some tips on things you can do to prevent your JBL speaker from disconnecting. And if your JBL won’t connect, we have some workarounds.

You’re not alone if you’re having trouble getting your JBL speaker to connect or stay connected.

Many users have reported the very same issues, but the good news is that there are several potential solutions that you can try.

These include restarting your speaker and device, ensuring that your speaker is within range of your device, and having the latest firmware installed on both your speaker and your device.

If none of these solutions work, you may contact JBL customer support.

In the meantime, keep trying and don’t give up – with a little patience and persistence, you should be able to get your JBL speaker working properly in no time.

Hopefully, one of these tips will help get your JBL speaker connected and keep it connected.

If your JBL speaker still won’t connect, your last resort is contacting JBL customer support. But we’re confident you won’t have to go down this route.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?
• How do I reset my JBL speaker?
• Here’s how to connect JBL speakers together
• This Amazon sale knocks off 40% on a ton of JBL headphones

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post JBL speaker won’t connect? JBL speaker keeps disconnecting? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Like most Apple users, you probably regularly use your iPhone to listen to music.

But what if you could take that listening experience to a new level by connecting your iPhone to a high-quality JBL speaker?

Not only would the sound be louder and more immersive, but it would also be richer and more nuanced.

Siri integration is another plus feature, but it is only available for the latest JBL speakers in Xtreme, Pulse, Charge, and Flip lineup.

You can ask Siri to play your favorite song, turn up the volume, or skip to the next track.

Now that you know the benefits of connecting your iPhone to a JBL speaker, let’s get down to the basics of how to do it.

Both JBL and Apple hate 3.5mm aux outputs. The lightning port transmits power and audio from iPhone 7 to the latest iPhone 14.

Likewise, most JBL speakers have Bluetooth as the only option for connectivity.

The company has an app (JBL Portable) for both IOS and Android devices that covers all its speakers except for some low-end sonic boxes in JBL Go and Clip Series.

Though useful for firmware updates and setting up different modes in a multi-speaker setup, the app isn’t necessary to pair JBL speakers with iPhones and, in general, any other device.

Here, we’ll show you how to pair the JBL Flip 4 with the iPhone 14.

As Bluetooth is involved here, the steps remain the same, whether it’s for an old JBL Clip 2 or the latest Boombox 2.

You can connect your iPhone to the JBL speaker with a 3.5mm audio cable if you want a wired connection.

Just plug one end of the cable into the iPhone’s headphone jack adapter and the other end into the JBL speaker aux input.

FAQs

If none of these steps aren’t helping you pair your JBL speaker to your iPhone, there may be a problem. Here are some troubleshooting questions in the FAQ section below.

If you recently connected your speaker to a device, it will automatically connect to that device when you turn it on. A stable blue light is an indicator of this.

You will have to unpair your JBL speaker first or override the previous pairing by pressing the Bluetooth button for almost 3-5 seconds.

The speaker will now enter pairing mode, and you can easily connect it to the iPhone.

READ MORE: JBL speaker won’t connect? Here’s how to fix that

If those steps don’t work, it may be because your JBL speaker is out of range or has a low battery. And if this isn’t the case, the only option you have left is to reset the speaker to its factory settings.

Yes, your JBL Bluetooth speaker is compatible with the iPhone. Apart from playing music, you can make calls and summon Siri with most JBL speakers.

You will start by connecting the primary JBL speaker with the iPhone.

Next, you will have to press the connect button on both the primary and secondary JBL speakers together. You can build a chain of almost 100 speakers this way. 

READ MORE: How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops?

Connecting JBL speakers to iPhone is pretty straightforward

JBL speakers are one of the best third-party accessories to pair up with your iPhone. These speakers are Bluetooth-enabled and have Siri capabilities to boot.

This post provides an easy step-by-step guide on connecting your JBL speakers to your iPhone. Regardless of which model you choose, the steps remain the same.

If everything doesn’t go according to plan the first time around, revisit our troubleshooting steps in the FAQ section above.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect JBL speakers together?
• Is Apple working on a $200 iPhone?
• Everything new in iOS 15.4
• iPhone 14: News, rumors, leaks, pricing, and release date

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone? appeared first on KnowTechie.

JBL has been around for decades, but most know the company for its durable, premium portable speakers.

Whether you want to annoy everyone at the beach with your questionable music taste or turn your phone into a full-fledged sound system, JBL offers something for everyone.

What a lot of people don’t know is that JBL Bluetooth speakers connect easily to each other.

The feature dubbed ‘Connect’ rolled out with the Pulse 2, Clip 2, and Flip 3, allowing users to link multiple JBL speakers together. The maximum limit was set to two devices at a time.

Short on time? Skip ahead using the jump links below.

Naturally, the company saw potential in its lineup of portable speakers.

So, it released the next generation of speakers with the ‘Connect+’ (JBL Connect Plus) communication protocol that extended the limit to 100 speakers.

So whether you’re looking to pair one or 100 JBL speakers, this post will offer step-by-step instructions on connecting your speakers together, regardless of the connection method.

If you need more, further down, you’ll find a FAQs section that better explains the connectivity process and its limitations. Let’s get to it.

You can download the smartphone app (‘JBL Portable’ (Android, iOS), formerly named ‘JBL Connect’) to visualize the pairing process.

In the app, you can switch between ‘Party’ and ‘Stereo’ modes once multiple speakers are connected. 

JBL speakers can connect with each other as long as they follow the same protocol. 

READ MORE: How do I reset my JBL speaker?

For example, Pulse 3 and Charge 4 can connect together, whereas Pulse 2 and Flip 4 can’t connect because they follow different communication protocols.

Keep in mind that JBL’s communication protocols are not backward compatible. Also, older models can’t upgrade to ‘Connect+’  or ‘Party Boost’ except for the JBL Charge 3.

The limit varies from model to model and depends mainly on the communication protocol. 

READ MORE: JBL speaker won’t connect? Here’s how to fix that

As mentioned earlier, the connection limit is two for models that support the ‘connect’ protocol. Whereas those with the latest protocols can connect to 100 speakers simultaneously.

JBL’s smartphone app allows you to set two or multiple connected JBL speakers to either ‘Stereo‘ or ‘Party‘ Mode.

READ MORE: How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?

However, only identical JBL speakers can give you Stereo sound. Any other configuration will result in a dual-mono sound.

No, the old JBL speakers with Connect+ technology cannot upgrade to ‘PartyBoost.’

With only one exception of the JBL Charge 3, the company has strictly isolated its communication protocols. 

So if your JBL speaker has hit its upgrade ceiling, all you can do is shell out some extra bucks for the latest device.

You can delink one or multiple JBL speakers from the rest in a multi-pairing scenario without any inconvenience.

You can either press the power button to turn it off or the connect button to unpair it.

However, before disconnecting, make sure you’re not disconnecting the primary speaker (the one connected to the audio source).

While ‘Connect+’ significantly improved over the original ‘Connect,’ PartyBoost has nothing to offer more than the connectivity range.

READ MORE: How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops?

The latest Speakers with PartyBoost have a wireless range of 60+ feet compared to 30+ in those with Connect+.

Pairing multiple JBL speakers together isn’t so hard

Pairing two or multiple JBL speakers is a breeze, but make sure that all of them have the same communication protocol. 

You can connect up to 100 portable JBL speakers with JBL’s latest connection types (Connect+ or PartyBoost), whereas the old ones (‘Connect’) can be linked to only one extra speaker. 

Hopefully, this post will make the pairing process easy for you. 

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Wired headphones are “in” again: 5 of the best ones
• Harman’s new headphones will set you back a whopping $999
• How to setup a Blue Yeti microphone
• Audeze’s new $4,500 headphones are perfect for people with too much money

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect JBL speakers together appeared first on KnowTechie.

That’s great if you have a favored set of cans or want a wired connection to your super-portable console, but what about the rest of us?

The mobile industry is moving away from the headphone jack, so you will likely have a favored set of earbuds or headphones.

So, can you use those with your Nintendo Switch, or do you have to carry two sets of headphones at all times?

Can the Nintendo Switch use Bluetooth headphones?

Short answer: Yes.

Thanks to a September 2021 update, Nintendo added Bluetooth audio support, allowing players to use Bluetooth headphones with the Switch.

But it comes with some caveats. For example, there’s no microphone support, and you can only pair two wireless controllers if Bluetooth audio is enabled.

Another option is the $69.99 Genki adapter kit.

Genki’s Bluetooth kit comes with a USB-C adapter that plugs straight into your Nintendo Switch, adding Bluetooth 5.0 audio support with aptX Low Latency, multi-pairing audio, and passthrough charging.

READ MORE: Which Switch games are 4 player?

The kit also has a tiny boom mic for voice chat, a metal stand for your console that raises it high enough to use the adapter, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter to use the Genki with, well, anything with USB audio support.

But again, this is just another option. Now that the Nintendo Switch supports Bluetooth audio, you won’t need an adapter unless you want to use a microphone.

Do you use Bluetooth headphones with your Switch console? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How much storage is on the Nintendo Switch?
• The Best Nintendo Switch cases money can buy right now, according to Amazon shoppers
• Is the Nintendo Switch waterproof?
• Will the Switch be on sale on Black Friday?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Can the Nintendo Switch connect to Bluetooth headphones? appeared first on KnowTechie.

First, the LE in LE Audio stands for “Low Energy.” It’s also important to note that Bluetooth LE Audio is not just one thing. Bluetooth LE Audio is a collection of features to improve wireless audio devices.

The biggest feature is probably the new LC3 codec, a more efficient way to transfer audio data. Don’t take our word for it, though, have a listen for yourself.

Bluetooth LE Audio provides higher quality at the same bitrate or slightly better quality at half the bitrate. That’s awesome and will make the listening experience even better while being more efficient.

What else does Bluetooth LE Audio add?

With Bluetooth LE Audio, users will also get better battery efficiency. That’s both on the transmitting device and wireless headphone, speaker, or earbud end.

With most Bluetooth audio devices being small, this is a way to get longer battery life without figuring out better batteries.

Something called Auracast is also coming. This lets you broadcast audio to multiple Bluetooth devices, so you and your friends could watch a movie on your smartphone, for example.

You could pick your Bluetooth source, just like a Wi-Fi network. That’s a neat trick and something we’ve long wanted.

This could also be a boon to hearing aid wearers, as LE Audio adds support for hearing aids and implants. Expect most new phones and TVs to feature this directly out of the box sooner rather than later.

What does LE audio mean for headphones and earbuds?

True wireless earbuds will also get better support. Bluetooth LE Audio lets both buds connect to the source, so you don’t have any connectivity issues between the two buds.

Many early TWS buds had issues because of this, as they had to retransmit the signal to the other side.

The future of Bluetooth looks good, with both LE Audio and Qualcomm aptX Lossless on the way. Will we need new devices to take advantage of the new features? Could firmware updates bring Bluetooth LE Audio, or do we need new, more capable chips?

We’ll likely hear more about these questions in the coming months, as Android 13 supports Bluetooth LE Audio and is scheduled to release this fall.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: The TronSmart Element T6 Plus Bluetooth speaker
• Are the new Pixel Buds Pro worth buying? Here’s what reviews say
• Marshall is releasing some tiny Bluetooth speakers
• Muzen Audio’s retro-inspired speakers guarantee to impress

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post What is Bluetooth LE audio and what does it mean for you? appeared first on KnowTechie.

You’ve never tried headphones like these. As the kids say, the Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones hit different. These are not earbuds. This is a wearable stereo.

In some instances, that might be just marketing speak.

Here is an accurate descriptor of how these headphones deliver music to your head.

Unlike other open earbuds (earbuds that don’t actually go in your ear), Oladance Wearable Stereo earbuds sound like they are in your ear. It’s weird.

I had the chance to test these open-ear earbuds for the past few weeks, and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed.

However, they might not the best option for everyone. Are they worth buying? Let’s jump right to it.

Stereo on your head

Wearing the Oladance headphones is like wearing classic over-the-ear headphones without sweat.

You can barely feel these sitting on your ears. There is a bit of disconnection as the sound comes mere millimeters away from your ears.

READ MORE: Review: Haylou PurFree Bone Conduction headphones

This makes it feel like you are in a room with an excellent surround sound system.

You can hear the outside world since there is air between the speakers and your ear holes, but that makes these things perfect for activities where I can’t use earbuds, like cycling.

Or, from the perspective of a 13-year-old, it is perfect for them to hear me asking them to do chores and not ignore me because they have earbuds in their ears.

Since these sit on the ear instead of deep in them, they would be better compared to external speakers.

The bass is there; the mids are there; the highs are there — they are just a few millimeters away.

The bass isn’t as thumping as it would be in the ear, but it’s super clean. Highs are distant enough to be distortion-free and crisp.

Middle ranges are delivered with excellent clarity. Overall, the stereo sound is there without the physical compression of earbuds.

The depth of sound is different here; it’s difficult to explain. Imagine sitting in a clean room with perfect acoustics closing your eyes, and your ears are numb.

You can’t feel if there is anything in your ear. Then the music starts. It’s all around you and in you, but you can’t feel it. It’s kind of like that.

This feels like truer surround sound than any in-ear earbud might claim.

The music is all around you, and the outside world is there too. You just have to focus to let it in, as you can easily trick your brain into only focusing on the music.

Pioneering technology

Oladance claims it first proposed the concept of OWS (open wearable stereo).

I can’t confirm this, but the copy on its website would likely have had to pass legal muster, so we’ll accept it as gospel.

OWS changes how we consume music through our head holes. Instead of jamming things in our ears, we get an open music experience.

The chip technology and algorithms improvement has enabled Oladance to create multiple sound points and dynamic monitoring. This is calculated to form synthetic sounds.

Along the way, it adjusts the phase relationship between synthetic sound sources to do a bunch of other technical stuff.

There is some very smart-sounding copy here. The point here is that Oladance combines design with functionality and sound.

Sound frequencies that the human ear can’t discern are moved to frequency bands that it can. This helps with poor sound quality in open earphones.

It also prolongs hearing health by not jamming all frequencies simultaneously at varying levels.

Oladance, as focused as it is on sound quality, dreams of a world in which technology is a force for positive good.

Sustainable, health-focused technology exists in some kind of utopia, likely devoid of us terrible humans.

360° Cinematic sound

Listening to cinematic music (such as anything by Electric Light Orchestra) sounded amazing these things.

Probably the best-sounding skull-oriented delivery system for digital versions of classic rock I’ve ever used.

Roger Waters was in my head and all around me simultaneously. I could still hear the idiot dogs barking at nothing walking by outside, without the barks busting the sound.

It was just some distant awareness sneaking through the space between my antitragus and the headphones.

From the intricate artistry of Ólafur Arnalds to the spacious tones of Eli & Fur playing live from the mountains in Italy, the Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones delivered a fresh musical experience.

I’m used to listening to music with earbuds, not walking or cycling anywhere with a full stereo on my head.

You’d think the ability to hear still the outside world would be a bother, but you only notice it if you want to.

With 16 hours of battery life and utilizing the latest Bluetooth protocols, there was no place for distortion.

Fidelity was clear, and though they don’t touch your ears, the music comes through without popping or breaking.

It’s all ear gravy

You will be hard-pressed to find a better-sounding open-ear headphone out there.

Between its 16 hours of battery life, waterproof construction, and Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, the Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones are an experience.

This is a revolutionary way to deliver music to your head without losing touch with the world around you.

You can jam some earbuds in your ears, but you’ll feel those more than the music. Here, you feel the music and forget you are wearing things on your ears.

Other open earbuds are on the market, but they all seem to lack attention to the craft. For instance, the Sony Linkbuds are big goofy things. The Cleer Audio ARC headphones sit high on your ear.

Avantree’s TW116 Open Ear headphones come close, offering similar specs. The construction of these appears not as solid, however. Same for these from Conduction Labs.

The Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones retail for $179 and are available in four colors. They can be found on the company’s website or Amazon.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 portable AC unit
• Review: The Proxy by Puffco – an innovative modular vaporizer
• Review: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini mechanical keyboard
• Review: Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE keyboard

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: Oladance Wearable Stereo open earbuds appeared first on KnowTechie.

This giveaway has a total value of $329.85. Yup, that’s right, you can win any of these one-of-a-kind earbuds and Bluetooth speakers just by simply throwing your name in a hat. Seriously, it’s that easy.

But first, who’s GravaStar?

The company was founded in 2018 by legendary designer Yong. The team at GravaStar is composed of talented engineers, designers, crafters, and gamers, all aligned in their vision to create the next frontier of sound.

SEE MORE: Giveaway: Enter to win a Muse S brain-sensing meditation headband

GravaStar doesn’t just make audio devices; they are creating audio engineering art. The sci-fi, mecha-inspired designs make GravaStar’s products playable collectibles and functional speakers.

The care and attention the team put into the small design details of each model is a symbol of the team’s passion. As a result, their products are collectible display pieces as well as powerful, functional audio devices.

So, what’s up for grabs in this giveaway? KnowTechie and GravaStar are giving away not one, not two, but three prizes. Yes, that’s right there. Here are the prizes:

Sirius Pro + TWS

The Gravastar Sirius Pro Wireless Earbuds feature Knowles Balanced Armatures and 7.2mm dynamic drivers to ensure that you hear everything in your favorite music.

The earbuds come with TWS, in-ear detection, a zinc alloy charging case, ENC, 65ms latency, RGB lighting, different sound modes, and IPX5. Additional key features include:

• The charging case features 6 RGB lights, allowing you to customize the look
• The Sirius Pro features Knowles Balanced Armatures
• You can even use the charging case as a bottle opener

Venus – Shadow Black

Don’t let the small size fool you – the GravaStar Venus Speaker has a powerful sound, excellent bass quality, and RGB Lighting, perfect for your gaming or desk setup.

The built-in 1.75-in 10W full-range speaker does an impressive job of giving you raw power when it comes to playback quality.

READ MORE: Review: GravaStar Venus – a small Bluetooth speaker with big sound

Venus speaker takes a lot of inspiration from Cyberpunk culture, featuring a groovy RGB lighting setup for the whole futuristic experience. Additional key features include:

• Built-in 1.75” 10W speaker offering impressive sound and raw power when it comes to playback quality
• High quality – the speaker is built from a zinc alloy sphere, allowing the sound waves to resonate all around the listener. The futuristic design is not only made to look good, but it is also incredibly durable – the zine alloy shell helps keep the speaker safe from most knocks and bumps.
• Six dynamic RGB lights with different modes to suit any mood.
• The Venus boasts up to 10 hours of playback time from the 1500 mAh battery.
• The Venus’ compact size makes it an ideal travel companion and is compatible with a carabiner for outdoor listening experiences.

Sirius + TWS

The Gravastar Sirius Wireless Earbuds feature 7.2mm dynamic drivers to ensure that you enjoy your favorite music and podcast.

The earbuds come with TWS, in-ear detection, a zinc alloy charging case, ENC, 65ms latency, RGB lighting, different sound modes, and IPX5. Additional features include:

• Environmental noise cancellation allows for crisp and quality calls.
• Gaming mode offers 5.1 virtual surround sound.
• The earbuds have rechargeable batteries which can last up to 16 hours – 4 hours of continuous playtime in the buds and three extra charges in the case.
• The IPX5 waterproof rating means the Sirius earbuds are built to resist sweat and water, perfect for workouts and outdoor activities.
• The Sirius earbuds feature smart tap controls, which make switching between calls and music incredibly simple.

How to enter

It’s simple. To win, enter your details into the Gleam widget below. You can also gain extra entries by doing the other things on the list, like sharing this giveaway with your friends, signing up for our newsletter, and following or liking us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Remember that you’ll have to enter through the widget below for your entry to count. Again, The giveaway entry form will show all the ways to enter in the widget below. Try this direct link to the contest if it isn’t loading.

The giveaway will run from April 13 to May 4. Three winners will be selected and announced on May 4. Entries are limited to readers based in the U.S.

Winners will be chosen at random for prizes, including the Sirius Wireless Earbuds, GravaStar Venus Speaker, and the Sirius Pro Wireless Earbuds. This giveaway has a total value of $329.85. Good luck!

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Giveaway: Win one of these cool audio products from GravaStar appeared first on KnowTechie.

Resetting a Vizio Sound bar will restore it back to its original factory settings. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes to do. You won’t need any special tool or technical know-how.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset a Vizio soundbar. These troubleshooting tips should work for most Vizio models. And if not, you might have to consult the instructional manual or connect with their support team.

Alright, let’s get started.

How to Soft Reset a Vizio Sound bar?

To perform a soft reset on your Vizio soundbar, simply follow these steps:

1. Power Off the device and unplug the power cord.
   
2. Press the ‘Power Button’ for 30 seconds.
   
3. Plug the power cord back into the soundbar.
   
4. Test out the soundbar to see if the reset was successful.

READ MORE: How to connect a soundbar to Vizio TV

Power cycling a Vizio soundbar is a basic troubleshooting step that can solve a number of problems. If you’re still having issues after resetting the soundbar, then you may need to perform a hard reset.

How to Hard Reset a Vizio Sound bar? (Without Remote)

A hard reset is a bit more involved, but it’s still a pretty simple process.

READ MORE: Vizio sound bar HDMI ARC not working? Here’s how to fix it

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Reset Vizio Sound bar Remote?

If your Vizio Soundbar Remote isn’t working, try removing the batteries and pressing all buttons twice on the remote. If this doesn’t work, try different batteries.

Why and When should You reset the Vizio sound bar?

There are a few reasons why you might want to reset your Vizio soundbar.

• If your soundbar is stuck in the demo mode, the only option you have is to reset the device.
• Sometimes the bar refuses to connect to Bluetooth devices or the sound is choppy, in which case rebooting might help.
• If there is no audio from the soundbar and you have already tried turning up the Volume on your source and on Soundbar, you must have to restart the device.

READ MORE: Vizio Sound Bar turning on or off by itself? Here’s how to fix that

• A buzzing or humming soundbar should be immediately removed from the power source. You should try power recycling the bar before you set it to factory defaults.
• If the soundbar is flashing white light, it means that there is some malfunction that can be only resolved by rebooting it.

Conclusion

Resetting a Vizio sound bar can help solve a number of common issues. It’s a quick and easy process that only takes a few minutes to complete.

READ MORE: Vizio sound bar won’t turn on? Here’s how to fix it

Our guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to do it. However, you should try this as your last resort when all other troubleshooting methods have failed.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops?
• JBL speaker won’t connect? JBL speaker keeps disconnecting? Here’s how to fix that
• How do I reset my JBL speaker?
• How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to reset a Vizio sound bar? appeared first on KnowTechie.

In this post, we will show you how to reset the JBL speaker in a few simple steps.

Reset JBL Speaker:

The reset process varies for different JBL speakers. The good news, we’ll list six other reset methods that cover all the speakers by the company. Before applying any of these methods, make sure that your JBL speaker is powered on.

Method 1:

Press and hold the Volume up (+) and Play Button at the same time. You can reset the following JBL speakers with this method. 

• Charge 3/Charge 5
• Flip 3/Flip 4/Flip 5/ Flip 6
• Pulse 2/Pulse 3/Pulse 4
• Xtreme 1/Xtreme 2/Xtreme 3
• Clip 4
• JBL Boombox 1/JBL Boombox 2

Method 2:

Press and hold the Volume up (+) and Bluetooth button simultaneously for a few seconds. Here’s how you can reset the following JBL speakers with this method. 

• JBL Charge 4
• JBL Clip 3
• JBL Go/ Go+/ Go 2/ Go 3

Method 3:

Press the mute/mic button for 20-30 seconds. You can reset the following JBL speakers with this method. 

• JBL Link 10/Link 20
• JBL Link Music
• JBL Link 300
• JBL Link 500

Method 4:

Press and hold the power button for 30 sec. You can reset the following JBL speakers with this method. 

• JBL Flip 1

Method 5:

Press and hold the Volume (+) and Call Button together. You can reset the following JBL speakers with this method. 

• Flip 2
• Charge 2
• Clip 2

Method 6:

Press and hold the volume down (-) and the Power buttons simultaneously. You can reset the following JBL speakers with this method. 

• Charge 1

As you apply one of the above methods, the speaker would turn off, and you will have to press the power button to bring it back to life.

READ MORE: JBL speaker won’t connect? Here’s how to fix that

You can tell if the reset process was successful when the power button starts blinking blue light right after you turn your speaker on. If you missed it on the first try, repeat the same steps one more time.

Wrapping up

The reset process varies depending on the model of the JBL speaker you own, but in general, it’s a pretty simple procedure.

If you are experiencing connectivity issues with your JBL speaker, resetting the speaker may be your best bet for a fix, but you should try this as a last resort. And if resetting doesn’t fix the issue, contact JBL customer support for assistance.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?
• How to connect JBL speakers together?
• This Amazon sale knocks off 40% on a ton of JBL headphones
• These JBL Tune 125TWS headphones typically sell for $100 – get them now for just $50

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may earn a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How do I reset my JBL speaker? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Some background first. Fisher-Price made a special, Bluetooth-equipped version of the iconic Chatter phone for its 60th birthday. It connects to your iPhone or Android device and lets you make and receive phone calls. 

When Fisher-Price announced it, the phone sold out instantly. At the time of writing this, it’s still unavailable at Best Buy. But fearing privacy concerns, security researchers at Pen Test Partners outlined issues with the little phone.

TechCrunch was able to get their hands on one and, after some internal testing, it turned out that the tip was right. As a result, TechCrunch confirmed the phone could be used as a spying device by remotely tapping into Chatter’s audio.

So how is this possible? It all boils down to the phone not having a secure pairing process, meaning any unauthorized phones in Bluetooth range can connect to it.

Well aware

The issue isn’t so much the lack of a PIN to connect, it’s that the device is always discoverable. It’s supposed to only be with a button press for a short time. Firmware hiccup I bet.

Dammit. Now I’m gonna spend the holidays dumping firmware from my chatter phone

— Render Man (@ihackedwhat) December 23, 2021

Mattel, the company that makes the Chatter phone, told TechCrunch the phone “will time out if no connection is made or once the pairing occurs — it is only discoverable within a narrow window of time and requires physical access to the device.” TechCrunch quickly debunked this in their testing. 

In another test, they left the receiver off the hook and called the phone connected to the Chatter phone, and boom, the phone answered the call, “immediately activating the handset’s microphone and allowing us to hear ambient background audio,” TechCrunch writes. Yikes. 

READ MORE: Some nutbag rigged a Fisher-Price baby controller to play Elden Ring

Ken Munro, the founder of the cybersecurity company Pen Test Partners, notified TechCrunch of this security flaw and offered this kicker of a quote: “It doesn’t need kids to interact with it in order for it to become an audio bug. Just leaving the handset off is enough,” said Munro.

When pressed for comment, a Mattel spokesperson said the company is “committed to security and we will be investigating these claims.”

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best desk toys to stave off your existential dread
• Can you tell if there is spyware on your iPhone? Apple will now let you know
• Amazon’s new robot is basically a spy that doesn’t even work very well
• Update your iPhone and iPad immediately – there’s a new security fix for spyware

The post This adorable little Fisher-Price phone could be used as a spying device appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Nintendo Switch OLED version features a larger, 7″ screen optimized for 720p gaming. It also comes with an improved dock, featuring an ethernet connection for the first time in the console’s history.

The OLED version of the console also includes a few other upgraded features, like improved audio and a better kickstand so you can play sit your screen down when you’re gaming on the go. But what about more quality of life improvements, like access to Bluetooth audio?

Does the OLED version of the Nintendo Switch come with Bluetooth support?

Short answer: Yes

Just about a month ahead of the release of the new OLED Switch, Nintendo released a firmware update that unlocked Bluetooth capabilities for the Nintendo Switch. Fortunately, that update also applies to the new OLED version of the console, so you can hook up some headphones and won’t have to worry about wires.

However, there are a few stipulations when using Nintendo’s new Bluetooth feature. The biggest limitation is that you won’t be able to hook up any Bluetooth microphone to the console, but you will also be limited to two controllers if you are hooked up to a pair of Bluetooth headphones.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Does the Nintendo Switch have an ethernet port?
• Don’t peel off the protective cover on your OLED Switch’s glass screen
• Can the Nintendo Switch play games from Nintendo’s other consoles?
• Can the Nintendo Switch Lite connect to your TV?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Does the Nintendo Switch OLED have Bluetooth? appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Nintendo Switch is the ultimate portable console. And I can’t think of much worse than a portable console that has to be tethered by wires if you want to use a pair of headphones.

Fortunately, those days are behind us, and the console now supports Bluetooth connections for audio devices. Unfortunately, there’s still no microphone support, but we’ll take what we can get at this point.

Here’s how to hook up your Switch to Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth capability is a huge win for the Nintendo Switch. Now, you can take your console anywhere and have complete freedom over your audio device. Here’s how you set it up:

Once you’ve done that, your Bluetooth headphones will be connected, and you’ll be ready for complete freedom while gaming.

However, keep in mind that some users have been running into an issue with the new feature that causes the console to fail to connect to a Bluetooth device and run sluggishly.

There is a fix of sorts for now that requires you to shut down your console completely, but hopefully, Nintendo will address this issue soon and fix it completely.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Nintendo’s new Bluetooth update for the Switch is causing some problems – here’s how to fix it
• Nintendo sends your Switch eShop data to Google Analytics – here’s how to stop that
• Nintendo has finally lowered the price of the original Switch in Europe
• Game Boy games may be coming to a Nintendo Switch near you

The post How to pair Bluetooth headphones to your Nintendo Switch appeared first on KnowTechie.

Bluetooth has been around for a while now, but we mostly think of the technology as something we use with a mobile device. Wireless earbuds connect to our phones using the technology, but that’s not the only device they connect to.

Nowadays, most computers are equipped with Bluetooth. That means that any pair of wireless headphones or other Bluetooth devices will be able to connect to most of today’s PCs. But you’ll have to pair the devices first.

How to pair Bluetooth devices with your PC

To connect a device to your PC, you first need to make sure the PC is equipped with the technology. Most newer computers are, but there’s a chance yours may not be. To check if your PC has Bluetooth, simply open the notifications center in the bottom right of your screen, and you should see an option to toggle it on or off.

If that option isn’t there, then your PC doesn’t have the technology as-is. However, you can get a dongle from Amazon for about $15 that you plug in via USB to equip your PC with that sweet BlueTooth. Once you’ve gotten squared away and Bluetooth is turned on, follow these simple steps to connect your devices:

And there you go. Once you’ve done this, your device will be paired with your PC. And, you should only have to do this once for each device. The next time you turn that device on while your PC’s Bluetooth is active, it should automatically connect.

If it doesn’t, you’ll just need to repeat the steps above and you’ll be good to go!

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to stop Spotify from tracking your listening habits
• The best Bluetooth controllers to check out in 2021
• If you love these Windows 10 features, you should hold off on upgrading to Windows 11
• Microsoft moved the Start button in Windows 11 – Here’s how to move it back

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a PC appeared first on KnowTechie.

I’ve been mulling the idea of buying a pair of AirPods Pro for about the past month or so. I still have the original AirPods that were launched back in 2016 and figured I was due for an upgrade. But man, $250 is a whole lot of money to spend on earbuds I’ll either lose or break. I know I’m not the only one in this boat. Thankfully, there are other options out there. 

Now, there are a ton of AirPods Pro alternatives out there. Seriously, it’s overwhelming, but there are some serious diamonds in the rough. And let me tell you, I found one for a fraction of the price.

Meet EarFun’s Air Pro wireless earbuds. They basically offer almost everything the AirPods Pro has in its arsenal (alright, not everything, but it’s pretty close), and the best part is that they’re only $80. Let’s see what these puppies have to offer. 

Let’s get some of the specs out of the way. The earbuds feature a hybrid active noise-cancellation system that the company claims can eliminate 38db of ambient noise. And under the hood are dual 10mm low-distortion composite dynamic drivers. 

As for its design, they look like any other pair of earbuds. There’s nothing super innovative here. They’re lightweight, but without feeling cheap. You can put them in your pocket and completely forget they’re there, so that’s always a plus. 

Pairing the earbuds is a breeze too. Simply open the charging case, and the earbuds will automatically power on and enter pairing mode. From there, head on over to your Bluetooth settings, pair the earbuds to your device, and you’re good to go. All in all, it took me less than 10 seconds to get up and running. 

When it comes to sound, these earbuds perform insanely well. If you’re a fan of bass, well, you get a lot of that with these. The highs could be a little better, but overall, these headphones offer some killer sound, especially for the price. Truthfully, I was a little blown away at how good they sound, which says a lot. 

ANC works really great on these earbuds from EarFun. Every morning or so, one of my cats has a daily ritual where it comes into my office while I’m working and insists on meowing for 10 mins straight. Now, when wearing the Air Pro’s with the volume down to the bare minimum, I literally can’t hear the cat. She dislikes that. So yea, it’s safe to say that ANC on these earbuds is pretty killer. 

One thing that also surprised me is how comfortable these earbuds are to wear. I had to switch to the smaller ear tips because the medium size had trouble staying snug in my ears, but I virtually had no issues after switching them out. I think the fact they’re so lightweight has a lot to do with this. 

On top of great sound and ease of use, the earbuds are packed with a suite of other helpful features like intuitive tap controls that let you skip tracks, answer calls, turning off noise-cancellation, and switching to ambient mode.

The earbuds from EarFun are also iPX5 water-resistant, offer USB-C quick charge, in-ear infrared detection tech, and more. In addition, the battery life on these earbuds is quite impressive. The company promises up to nine hours of battery life. They work with both Siri and Google Assistant. 

All in all, EarFun’s Air Pro earbuds are a solid value. I mean, at just $80, there’s really not much to complain about. These are an incredible pair of earbuds for the price. You get amazing sound, superb active noise-cancellation, excellent battery life, and a whole lot more. Other than a few hiccups with Bluetooth connectivity occasionally, I would absolutely recommend these to anyone looking for a reliable pair of noise-canceling earbuds. 

If you’re willing to give them a try, EarFun is extending KnowTechie readers an exclusive 10% discount; just use code EFAIRPRO1 at checkout to see the discount. At the time of writing this, there’s an additional 10% clip-on coupon you can take advantage of, bringing the price down to just $64, which is an absolute steal for these puppies. 

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: HyperX QuadCast S – a solid mid-level mic with plenty of RGB goodness
• Review: Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip – absolute game-changer
• Review: Zhiyun Smooth-XS is a tiny gimbal that’s set to impress
• Review: Andaseat Throne –  the most comfortable gaming chair, period.

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more. A sample unit was provided for the purpose of this review.

The post Review: EarFun Air Pro ANC wireless earbuds – surprisingly great earbuds for just $80 appeared first on KnowTechie.

It’s designed to be used at scale, covering great swathes of neighborhoods into one ultra-connected network. Amazon products such as the Echo, smart floodlights, and other IoT devices will all turn into network bridges, handling data and updates from a central hub, enabling the system to be built out in record time. I mean, how many people in your apartment building do you think owns an Echo device? We’ve got three in our one-bedroom apartment, and that’s without counting the number of third party IoT devices that Amazon could conceivably get on board.

One of the early adopters is Bluetooth tracker maker, Tile, with what seems like a perfect pairing. Amazon provides the tracking network, Tile provides the things to be tracked. Everyone’s happy, right? The only problem with Tile currently is that pesky Bluetooth max range. What if there were enough devices within Bluetooth range, that could all pass the location of your forlorn keychain back to your smartphone before you even leave the area? Nifty.

Amazon also says that Ring cameras, outdoor lights, and motion sensors could also be networked together. Wait, those Ring cameras that keep getting coverage about security holes? That Bluetooth, that has a major security issue currently that won’t be mitigated until all devices are using Bluetooth 5.2 or newer? Umm, I’m suddenly rethinking Amazon Sidewalk and the ease of finding my keychain once I drop it.

What do you think? How would you feel about a network being built out by Amazon in your neighborhood? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Amazon plans to hire 100,000 distribution workers in Canada and the US
• Amazon jacked up the prices of toilet paper and more during COVID-19 panic
• Jeff Bezos becomes the first human “worth” more than $200 billion 
• Facebook really, really wants people to use its new Voter Information Center

The post Amazon wants to turn your neighborhood into a surveillance state appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Special Interest Group (SIG) is an organization that deals with wireless standards. Their contribution is considered essential in the development of contract-tracing apps and their expansion in Bluetooth-enabled wearables. They are actively searching for ways to expand the use of contract-tracing apps and include wearables in the same manner as smartphones.

This is super-important for certain groups of people, mainly children, and elder people. Due to a variety of reasons, they can’t, or don’t, use smartphones. At the same time, many of them use other smart devices such as wearables like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and Bluetooth wristbands.

By including these demographics, the contact tracing network can cast a much wider net and be more effective. According to Ken Kolderup, the VP of marketing in SIG, there is no reason why most wearables with Bluetooth on the market shouldn’t be part of a contact tracing network. Furthermore, he added that much of it depends on the manufacturers.

The good news is that more than 130 companies have joined the SIG group and joined forces to implement this system while making sure that user privacy is protected in full.

What do you think? How do you feel about contact tracers in your tech products through Bluetooth and other methods? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Facebook will now give you more info about the COVID-19 articles you share
• Bill Gates speaks out and calls bull on COVID-19 conspiracies
• A new report suggests that almost half of the tweets regarding the coronavirus are probably from bots
• Google Maps will now offer COVID-19-related alerts for travelers

The post Upcoming Bluetooth update turns wearable devices into COVID-19 trackers appeared first on KnowTechie.

When I was originally pitched Senstroke, I was pretty stoked to try it out. For those who don’t know me outside of KnowTechie, I’m a drummer with over 20+ years of experience. When I’m not playing on a real acoustic kit, I can usually be found in the garage playing my electronic drumset. It’s a whole lot quieter than the real thing and it allows me to practice at all hours of the night.

And that’s the same promise Senstroke brings to the table. It allows anyone to practice drums anywhere, anytime. With the use of Bluetooth technology, Senstroke sensors are attached to your drumsticks and feet. Any time the sensor senses vibration or impact, a sound is triggered.

On paper this all makes sense, but the application is a whole different story. But we’ll get to that in a minute. First, let’s talk about the setup process.

Setup

I have plenty of experience with electronic drums and fine-tuning things to get them to sound like I want. So I figured Senstoke’s setup would be a breeze. And for the most part, it was, but there were times I found myself getting frustrated to the point that I just wanted to give up on the whole process and jump on some real drums.

Regardless of how much experience you have drums with or not, setting everything up from hardware to the app is probably going to take you some time. It did for me, at least.

Mounting the sensors to the sticks is pretty much self-explanatory, as well as the foot sensors. The app essentially walks you through this part. And thankfully, pairing all the sensors with the app is quite effortless. Just tap the button on the sensor and the app instantly recognizes them. From here, you can assign what each sensor does. It could be a right-hand stick, left-hand stick, bass drum pedal, or a high-hat pedal. That’s the easy part.

The part I had some trouble with was when it came to calibrating the actual sensors.

Calibration involves two steps. The first one is laying the sensor directly on a flat surface. That’s the easy one. The last and final calibration process is the one that had me confused. After countless tries, I never got it. I had to visit the Senstroke’s website and watch a video in their help section to figure it out. I imagine most people won’t make the effort to look that up. Thankfully, none of these calibration steps are required, but it’s most certainly suggested.

It’s safe to say, for a guy who runs a tech blog and reviews countless gadgets, I had some difficulty setting this all up. It actually took me some time to get it all ironed out. So my one suggestion here is to fully use the company’s website for any troubleshooting or setup questions. It will save you a lot of time.

Performance

So, how does it actually perform? Personally, it’s not for me. Latency is a huge issue when it comes to Senstroke’s performance. For those of you that don’t know, latency, in this case, is the time delay between the moment a drum pad is hit and when a sound is produced by the system. Typically, latency is measured in milliseconds. I can’t give you an exact number when it comes to Senstroke’s latency, but the number is high. There’s a considerable delay.

Now, what I didn’t know before trying and setting this all up is that the company suggests using connected headphones or a physically connected speaker to your smartphone or tablet. For the first couple of tries, I was using my AirPods so the latency was really really high. The sensors themselves are connected via Bluetooth and when you double that up with headphones, it causes increased latency.

When I plugged headphones into my phone, the latency was cut down significantly, but it was painfully obvious that it was still present. I even tried to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor, but that just caused more problems. Personally, for me, I knew I had enough and there was nothing to keep me going forward with it.

See, being a drummer, timing is everything. I couldn’t even keep a simple beat going with Senstroke. It was so frustrating. And after watching some demo videos of the device, I found that every video I watched, none of the drummers could keep a beat to time either. The only way someone could prove me wrong is if they could use this device and play to a metronome at the same time. I couldn’t do it. The latency was too painful.

Would I recommend it?

Probably not. Senstoke can be a lot of fun, sure, but it’s not for a musician who’s trying to craft their drumming skills. This is great for people who just want to make noise or great for a kid who’s just getting into music. For a seasoned drummer, your best bet is getting some basic practice pads or a dedicated electronic drumset. They’ll do you better. Heck, even something simple as a pair of sticks would probably be better.

For the beginners out there, these might be worth it, but eventually, you’ll want to graduate to something better like a real drumset. Remember, timing is everything, and when your strokes are delayed by latency, you’re not learning anything but bad habits, and when you’re learning to play drums – bad habits are a killer. You want to learn the right way and I’m afraid you won’t get that experience with Senstroke.

Senstroke’s 4-pack of sensors plus a pair of drumsticks retails on the company’s website for $260, while it’s Amazon page has it available for $250 without the drumsticks.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Dser RoboGeek 21T robot vacuum – spending the apocalypse with a clean floor
• Review: Wyze Lock – an affordable smart lock with minimal features
• Review: Crave PowerPack 2 – this portable battery charger is an absolute unit
• Review: Novostella smart LED bulbs – an illuminating review

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more. A sample unit was provided to KnowTechie for the purpose of this review.

The post Review: Senstroke – play drums on any surface, anywhere, anytime appeared first on KnowTechie.

However, the best gaming speaker can be difficult to find because of the number of available products online. Somehow, the task will become easier once you start browsing the gaming speakers listed below.

So, feast your eyes on the best and coolest gaming speakers of 2020!

TaoTronics Gaming Speaker

Image: KnowTechie

The TaoTronics Gaming Speaker can be a minimalist’s prized item. Lightweight and compact, the TaoTronics speaker is designed for small spaces without sacrificing audio quality. You don’t even have to worry about cables and tricky setups.

Equipped with finely tuned 7W drivers, you can expect for a real immersive audio experience that rivals very few brands. Environments will come to life, virtual gunfire will keep you to your toes, and the death rattle of your enemies will get more satisfying. There are even other fancy features like a built-in timer for recording play sessions and wired headphone compatibility. 

TaoTronics 7W Gaming Speaker is also Bluetooth 5.0-ready. If you don’t like Bluetooth, you can still rely on the speaker’s wired connection system. Perhaps the only barrier of this speaker is its steep $50 price. Simply consider it as your gaming investment so that you won’t have doubts or regrets!

AmazonBasics USB Powered Multimedia Speakers

Image: KnowTechie

Are you looking for a high-quality gaming speaker that won’t break the bank? In that case, you should consider the popular AmazonBasics USB-powered Multimedia Speaker. It’s powerful, lightweight, affordable, and built for long-term usage.

With high-performance 5V computer speakers, AmazonBasics can step up your PC’s gaming audio caliber. It’s even calibrated to prevent unstable bass audio – a common pitfall among cheap speakers from online and physical stores. The AmazonBasics has a plug-and-play system so you can use it right away without downloading or integrating anything. Each speaker of the AmazonBasics unit (max of 2) has 1.2 watts of power. The maximum frequency reached by this speaker unit is 20 KHz. 

When it comes to style, AmazonBasics is ‘weirdly basic.’ The silvery sheen is acceptable and each speaker is shaped like an overturned trash bin. Still, if you’re not too concerned with style, the AmazonBasics Dynamic Speaker is probably the speaker that you’d ever need!

Razer Leviathan

Image: KnowTechie

It’s no surprise that any product under the Razer name can hold out on its own. The Razer Leviathan, for example, has been pretty popular among gaming speaker aficionados and hardcore gamers. 

What’s not to love with Razer Leviathan? It’s powered by Dolby Digital technology, guaranteeing explosive sounds and immersive audio. The unit’s dedicated subwoofer can even amplify audio by as much as 200%. Technology-wise, Razer Leviathan is a beautiful beast. It has NFC function for dynamically fast device pairing and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. Leviathan’s frequency range is 180 Hz to 20 KHz.

The Razer Leviathan is designed for pro gamers and audio engineers. So you shouldn’t be surprised with its ‘above $150’ price mark. It even looks classier than most speakers, perhaps reflecting its tag price.

Razer Nommo Chroma

Image: Amazon

Another item from the Razer product line is the Nommo Chroma gaming speaker. Designed for maximum audio experience, the Nommo Chroma is more than what it looks like.

Due to its special woven glass fiber exterior, the Nommo Chroma speaker is capable of delivering tighter sound with impressive audio details. Its rear-facing bass ports eliminate unstable sounds, further improving the experience. This is excellent for continuous gaming sessions. Plus, the included bass knob will allow you to control the audio output effectively. 

The Razer Nommo Chroma is a must-have for casual or professional gamers alike. You just need to place the L/R speakers in a stable position since they have narrow stands. 

Redragon GS500 Stentor PC Speaker

Image: KnowTechie

As one of the coolest gaming speakers in the market today, the Redragon GS500 continues to satisfy many gamers far and wide. With just one look, you’d be convinced by the GS500’s sleek style and remarkable performance.

The Redragon GS500 is more than just style. It has a 2.0 Stereo Core system with advanced sound drive unit. Simply turn up the volume and you will unlock a great audio experience unlike other. With a plug-and-play system, you can start a music party synchronized across all possible devices. The red backlight will also work perfectly to heighten everyone’s mood. 

At around the $30 mark, you won’t have a difficult time acquiring the Redragon GS500. It’s even capable of outperforming speakers within the $50 mark!

GOgroove Desktop Speakers

Image: KnowTechie

A weak computer audio can ruin your gaming experience significantly. It’s like completing a lengthy main quest only to receive a mediocre reward. The GOgroove Desktop Speaker can end such frustration by offering powerful audio capability and a stylish appeal to boot.

The GOgroove looks similar to common illuminated speakers in stores. The similarities end there because GOgroove is capable of delivering clear audio with excellent bass output. If your computer is already great at audio, GOgroove can improve that. Plus, the speaker is compact and lightweight so you can put it at small spaces. The blue LED light is a real killer at night – perfect for those late gaming sessions.

GOgroove also comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. It has a maximum frequency response rate of 20 KHz.

Cyber Acoustics 2.0 Desktop Speaker

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The Cyber Acoustics 2.0 is an innovative Bluetooth desktop speaker that prioritizes convenience and long-term reliability. It’s an affordable desktop speaker with numerous color options and lighting modes.

While its function is similar to dozens of other options out there, the Cyber Acoustics 2.0 maintains its strength through an ingenious curve design. With this design, you will experience clear and crisp audio during your gaming sessions. Cyber Acoustics speaker is also user-friendly – you don’t need advanced technical know-how to operate it. Another interesting feature of Cyber Acoustics speaker is the dynamic lighting system. You can turn the lights on and off anytime you want. 

Creative Pebble Plus 2.1

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It has been proven many times that gadgets with cute names can deliver awesome power. The Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 is direct proof. It’s a unique-looking speaker with numerous features that can take your gaming or listening experience to a better level.

Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 has a powerful, standalone down-firing subwoofer for boosting audio performance. Whether you’re playing a game, watching a movie, or listening to your favorite tunes, this speaker unit won’t disappoint you. The drivers are also slightly elevated, creating a small soundstage for improved immersion. If you want to push the experience further, you can activate the speaker’s ‘high gain mode.’ This mode raises the speaker’s power output for a remarkable bass performance. Indubitably, your room will rock.

Convenience is another strong suit of Creative Pebble Plus. It’s USB-powered so you don’t have to worry about intertwined cables. Still, a cable is included if you prefer using it.

Osunlin Surround Sound Computer Speaker

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Another affordable yet invaluable option on this list is the Osunlin Surround Sound Computer Speaker. It’s a soundbar so you can put it in small spaces without any hassle.

The Osunlin Sound Bar is USB-powered so there’s no need for batteries. One advantage of being USB-powered is the fact that you can bring it anywhere. If you’re a digital nomad, for example, the Osunlin speaker should be included in your to-go bag. It’s compatible with laptops, desktop PCs, tablets, smartphones, projectors, MP4s, and even TVs. When it comes to audio quality, Osunlin leads the charge through its surround sound function and 5W speakers.

And last but not the least, Osunlin’s multi-colored LED lights are great for evening gaming sessions!

KEiiD Bluetooth PC Speaker

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All the great gaming speaker functions in the world will crumble without an element of durability. This is the real strength of the popular KEiiD Bluetooth Speaker, and perhaps even more.

The KEiiD Bluetooth Speaker is best for your home or office. Its upscale appearance is pleasing to the eyes, and the aluminum housing offers maximum integrity protection. In terms of audio delivery, the KEiiD speaker doesn’t fall short. It offers dynamic audio with three input modes – Bluetooth, PC, and AUX. You can switch input modes anytime you’d like. The speaker also has two passive radiators that can improve audio performance further. KEiiD’s EQ options allow you to set the sound ambiance to Music, Movie, or Game. Feel free to tweak these options according to your desired activity.

KEiiD’s versatility, durability, and audio performance reflect its price. Well, it’s even better to purchase one pricey speaker that will last for a long time compared to five units that will break apart over the years.

Final Reminders

The gaming speakers presented in this article cover a wide range of features and functions. Don’t feel rushed while sorting through all these features – unless you really need to buy one fast. Weigh all the possible pros and cons so that you can make the right choice. And lastly, don’t be afraid to try a unique gaming speaker!

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best pro Fortnite headsets
• 12 of the best wireless headphones money can buy right now
• Here are 10 of the best customizable controllers for your gaming needs
• The best iPhone XS cases of 2020

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

The post The best gaming speakers for 2020 appeared first on KnowTechie.

While using the touch screen is efficient, sometimes playing with a physical controller just works so much better. But, good news everyone. Thanks to iOS 13, folks can now use their PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller to play Mario Kart Tour, Minecraft, or Call of Duty: Mobile.

Want to connect your DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV? Read on.

Something to keep in mind when before you start: some controllers may not work. This is especially important when it comes to Xbox controllers, as there have been reports that the controller model 1708 has issues with connecting to the iPhone. To find out if you have a compatible controller, you can look at its model number. If you flip the controller over and take out the batteries, you can find the serial number on the sticker in the battery holster.

Another thing to keep in mind, and it’s a little more obvious, is to keep the controller charged since the iPhone can’t charge the DualShock or Xbox controller.

DualShock 4

1. Find the Settings app and tap on it
2. Once there, find the Bluetooth setting and turn it on
3. Now, take the PS4 controller and hold the Share button on the upper left-hand corner and the PS button in the lower center – this will start the pairing process
4. On the iPhone, the text “DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller” will appear underneath the Other Devices menu – tap on that to pair the two devices
   

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5. If the controller successfully pairs with the iPhone, the light on the DualShock 4 will glow pink
   

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6. Start racing some friends in Mario Kart Tour

Xbox One controller

1. Find the Settings app and tap on it
2. Turn on the Bluetooth settings on the iPhone
3. Now, take the Xbox controller and turn it on
4. Once its on, press and hold the Connect button on the front of the controller
5. As the pairing process starts, “Xbox Wireless Controller” will start to appear underneath Other Devices – tap on that to connect the two
   

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6. If paired successfully, the light next to the Connect button will stop blinking on your controller

You may notice that certain buttons on the DualShock and Xbox controllers may not respond. But that is normal, since most games may not have software that is supported by the more specific features on each controller. These will include things like the Share button on the DualShock.

When you successfully connect your DualShock or Xbox controller, chances are you probably won’t want to use the touch screen to play again. There’s just something satisfying about using a real controller.

What do you think? Plan on trying out your favorite controller for iPhone gaming? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription
• Here’s how to register for Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming service beta
• Can the Sony PlayStation 4 play PlayStation 3 games?
• Can you speed up an Xbox One’s loading time with a new hard drive?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

The post How to connect PS4 or Xbox controllers to the iPhone appeared first on KnowTechie.