Ever since Sony wowed the market with their WF-1000XM3 in 2019, the battle in True Wireless System (TWS) has turned the focus on Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and this is not just happening between the audio product giants but upcoming brands like Sudio is also joining in the fight. Ever since Sudio introduced their first TWS – Sudio Nivå in 2018, Sudio has been constantly improving their range of TWS. In the beginning of 2020, Sudio launches water-resistance Sudio Fem that comes with IP rating of IPX5. Months later, Sudio debuts their first TWS that comes with ANC features – Sudio ETT.

How does the ANC fare?

Unlike Sudio Fem, Sudio is bringing back the physical multi-purposes button. To turn it on. It is a simple long press on the button for 2 seconds and that will follow by a voice notification that ANC is turned on. (ANC is not turned on by default)

Obviously, I could sense that the surrounding noise drops dramatically once the ANC is activated. However, I also noticed several other changes in sound. First, I sense that the music volume increases significantly once the ANC is activated. I am not sure that is the culprit of making the surrounding sound “disappear”, but I think this is worth noting especially for those who are mindful on the music volume of their headset. A little tip: Lower the volume slightly before turning on the ANC.

Second, I notice the sound stage changes as well once the ANC is turned on. Beside being louder, the vocal appears to be brighter and overall experience is rather pleasant especially watching concert video over YouTube. Maybe it is purposely engineered for that purpose – you don’t want to be disturbed by your family TV when you are immersing yourself in Black Pink’s concert on your iPad.

Sound performance – ANC On Vs Off?

The Sony WF-1000XM3 is the game changer when comes to ANC and I have absolutely no doubt about it but I don’t really like the sound that it delivered when its ANC is on; maybe I am biased (Everyone who read my blog knows that I am not a fan of ANC). I feel that music lacks “life” when its ANC is turned on. I prefer the ANC to be turned off when I am listening to YouTube concert. (Don’t get me wrong! I love my WF-1000XM3. I am merely comparing its sound stage with ANC and without ANC)

Ironically, the Sudio ETT is entirely opposite. It sounds so much better when its ANC is turned on. A good balance of bass and treble and more importantly, the voice performance is richer. Listening to concert with this is extremely pleasant.   

Other Perks?

Sudio ETT is also water resistance with IP rating of IPX5 just like the Sudio Fem. Essentially, you could clean them with some water after your run.

The Sudio ETT can be charged wirelessly, a common feature that you could only find in some premium ranges of TWS. (For your info, the Sony WF-1000XM3 is not equipped with that function). If you have wireless charger at home (I mean who don’t own one these days), you could have one USD cable less in your power socket.

Verdicts

When comes to ANC, the Sudio ETT is not the ‘A’ student in the class. However, the performance is remarkable given the fact that this is Sudio’s first attempt to include ANC in their range of TWS. Afterall, it works and that is what matter for typical consumers. Anyway, we won’t turn on the ANC when walking on the busy street for obvious reasons. Furthermore, we are all staying at home these days. (how noisy can our home be?)

Retailing at SGD 239, you get a water-resistance TWS that comes with premium wireless charging and ANC feature. I think the price is reasonable but TND is bringing a special offer for the readers (there is always a perk for TND readers).  If you are using TND promocode “theneodimensionEtt”, you get a further 15% discount off.

The perk does not end there. From now till end of July, you can get a new Sudio tote bag for free with every purchase from sudio.com.

We have heard enough bad news about Covid-19. In Singapore, people are encouraged to stay at home during this circuit breaker. If there is one good thing in this pandemic, we are still free to go out for run. A good set of earpieces is a perfect companion especially we are running alone. If you have been following my blog closely, we have reviewed several headsets that are designed for fitness fanatics. The latest one is Soul ST-XS².

This time, we are reviewing another TWS from Soul – Soul Emotion². The cheaper Emotion² is different from the Soul ST-XS² in several ways. In terms of appearance, the Emotion² is smaller and sleeker. Apart from that, the Emotion² does not come with ear wings.

Unlike the Soul ST-XS² that comes with 4 colours, the Soul Emotion² comes only with 3 colours (pink, white & black). Soul Electronics sends me a white Emotion² for review. Although the Emotion² is a smaller device than the ST-XS², the Led indicator light on the Emotion² is larger and more visible than the one on the ST-XS².

The Emotion² is also splash-proof with a rating of IPX4. In another words, you could clean the Emotion² with little water (just make sure you don’t put it under the running tap).

The Emotion² is incredibly light. Weighed at approx.5g, it is amazingly comfortable to wear for long hours. However, this advantage may have some side effects to those with big earhole. I brought this out for a run and find that I must frequently make adjustment to make sure the Emotion² is at the place that it should. Although I have switched to its biggest earplugs, it just does not work for people like me who have big earhole.

Audio Quality

The Emotion² delivers crystal clear sound with a balanced sharpness. Bass is warm and it mixes well with the treble. While I am immersing myself to a passionate vocal performance on YouTube, the Emotion² produces a well-balanced sound with “visible” enough High, Mid and Low tones.

Conference call with this is acceptable as I can clearly hear what the counterparty is saying but it does not work as well for the other party. Apparently, the performance of mic is a little lacking. I need to speak louder to get my voice across.

Although physical design blocks off some surrounding noise, it is still quite disturbing when you are trying to focus on your online seminars. In this case, a good noise cancelling TWS could help to block off noises from the Kids TV programme while you are working. Unfortunately, this feature is not included.

A Good Buy?

This is a good product for loner like me who spent lots of hours online watching movies and concerts alone. Music is an experienced goods that touches people emotionally. As long the TWS could deliver what it is supposed to deliver, it is a good product. That is why I find the name of this product speaks for itself.  

Of course, it is also extremely comfortable to wear (just don’t bring it out for run. It is not designed to anyway).

It is cheap and I do not mean it in a negative way. Their official store at Lazada is selling at SGD54.90! That is crazy! Granted. There are flaws like no active noise cancelling but why does that matter? Who else is watching “Baby-Shark” when I am all by myself at home watching Black Pink’s music video? I am a cheapo if you want to say so.

Recommendation: “Buy” (if you are an introvert like me)

Sudio, as a brand in the true wireless earphones (TWS) segment, is not well known for making audio product that is tough enough for sports but my water test (though it is unintentional) on Sudio Nivå, their first TWS, has totally changed my perception about this brand despite it comes without IP rating. (If you want to read my review on Sudio Nivå, you can read it up here)

Although it took them almost 2 years to get IP rating for their products, it is better late than never. Their latest TWS – Sudio Fem is now IPX5 water resistance which essentially means that it can survive in a wet weather condition.

Comfort

I am not sure this works for others. The Sudio Fem is bigger than their previous Tolv and Nivå and I find the fit is just nice for my ears. Well, this varies across different people. However, the ear tip of Fem is slightly longer than the Sudio Tolv’s which allows the earbud to go further into the ear. That blocks off some of the surrounding noise.

Even though Sudio Fem does not come with noise cancelling feature, the overall listening experience is not completely disrupted by the surrounding sound. Ok I am not a huge fan of noise cancelling, so I might be bias to a certain extent. Anyway, I will disable any form of noise cancelling feature while I am doing my outdoor runs for safety reasons.

Just like other TWS, the Sudio Fem has packed 5 ear tip sizes.

Sound Quality

The bass is quite impressive given the small size of the product. If you are always on a “Beast Mode” while listening to your Spotify, Sudio Fem is one of the products that can deliver the best listening experience.

Vocal performance is decent. It has the necessary clarity. However, the sound stage is slightly different from the Sudio Tolv. The Tolv has a more natural vocal performance while watching a live concert on YouTube. That adds “life” in the concert music experience. Although the Fem can deliver clarity, I feel I don’t enjoy as much as the Tolv when comes to live concert music.

Other enhancement

Beside IP certification, the Sudio Fem has also equipped with Google Assistance and Siri. This voice assistance will be extremely useful to access your smartphone when you are busy with your outdoor activities.

On top of that, Sudio is offering 18 months international warranty for purchase of Sudio Fem.

Verdicts

Given its sound stage and IPX5 rating, the Sudio Fem is a perfect companion for runners. Personally, I think that it is reasonable for Sudio to price the Fem at SGD 219.

But… (as you might have expected) If you are getting this with my promocode: theneodimensionFem, you can get a 15% discount on your purchase. On top of that you get a free special edition CNY gift packaging and a crossbody pouch if you made a purchase before 14^th Feb.

Since Valentine’s Day is coming, you can buy any 2 Sudio earphones and get a further 10%. That’s 25% discount (15% from code plus the additional 10%)!   

We all know that there is no one product that caters for all. By and large, it pays to get good quality product but Sudio has proven that good quality product may not come at a sky-high price.  

2019 is a big year for true wireless earpiece. Headphone giant Sennheiser released their very first true wireless under their Momentum series – Momentum True Wireless which was a surprise to the market observer and smashed the market taboo that “tiny earpiece can’t deliver good sound”. Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless said it all. Tech journalists from around the world has been writing positive reviews of this product in the first quarter of the year. The “momentum” did not stop. Sony responded with their WF-1000MX3 that wowed the market with its noise cancelling capabilities. Both products have been selling like hot cakes despite a high price attached to them (Momentum True Wireless – RRP SGD469, Sony WF-1000MX3 – RPP SGD 349)

Undeniably, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless and Sony WF-1000MX3 are the winners but they are obscenely expensive. I can’t help but ask myself,” Aren’t there unorthodox products in the market that could deliver same or similar quality but at a lower price point?” I decided to try Creative Outlier Gold.

What’s in Creative Outlier Gold that caught my attention?

Last year, Creative (stock quote: C76:SGX)  shocked the world with their Super X-Fi, personalized 3D immersive sound technology which they termed as “holy grail” of headphone processing. Instead of restricting this technology to headphones, they are bringing this into their true wireless, the Outlier Gold.

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After a busy month, I finally have the time to sit down and try the new #CreativeOutlierGold. For those who are in-the-know, @creativelabs has made a bang in the audio industry with the launch of Super X-fi in recent years and this is their first true wireless earphones that is powered by #superxfi. Can the smaller bluetooth device deliver the same immersive sound experience as headphone? I will be sharing my thoughts in my blog soon. Stay tuned! #instaphones #instaaudio #instatech #instalifestyle #audiophile #techsg #Singapore #sgx #singaporestockexchange #singapore #stock

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Sep 1, 2019 at 7:55am PDT

For those who have followed my posts, you should know that I have good impression of the Super X-Fi technology. (If you haven’t, you may wish to check out the post https://theneodimension.com/creative-achieves-next-breakthrough-super-x-fi-investing-usd-100m-20-years-rd/) It will be interesting to see how this set of technology performs in the smaller Outlier Gold. Furthermore, this technology is (currently) proprietary to Creative which means you can’t get it in other devices.  

How Creative Outlier Gold fare against other Super X-fi headphones?

Super X-Fi requires both algorithm and their processing chip. In other words, to get the full potential of Super X-Fi, both software and hardware side of things are built within the audio device and that’s the main shortfall of Creative Outlier against other Super X-Fi headphones. Given its physical constraint, Super X-Fi in Outlier Gold is purely software-driven.

To enjoy Super X-Fi, you need a Super X-Fi app (which you need to download for setting up purposes) to play music file that is stored locally in my phone. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enjoy Super X-Fi if you are playing music from Spotify or other streaming apps.    

How’s the sound performance?

Unable to enjoy full potential of Super X-Fi on Creative Outlier Gold is kind of a turn-off, the performance via the app is quite impressive. I am convinced that small device like Creative Outlier could deliver reasonable 3D holistic sound stage; for a lack of better description, I would like to quote from my good friend, Chester Tan (@musicdairy) who happened to own Creative Outlier Gold. He said, “ (music) sounds more comfortable and roomy”.  With technology advancement, I am not surprised that true wireless could deliver multi-directional sound performance (drivers) as headphones could in the future.  

Without Super X-Fi, sound from YouTube or Spotify lacks depth. Instead, you are getting a clearer and sharper tone. Bass is reasonably strong and punchy which I believe it is most people’s likings. Personally, I prefer hi-tempo dance music especially when I am out for run. Hence, I prefer the bass to be stronger.

In general, it is a good device to listen to any genre of music.

If I am buying this, what am I getting?

Sound performance is subjective and what I like may not be of your likings. But, we could look at the technical aspect which it is very comparable across all models. First, battery life of Creative Outlier Gold is 14hrs (without the case) which is kind of unspoken standard in the market. It is not exceptional impressive but at the very least, it is almost as good as some of the mid and top-end models that are offering in the market.

Like other true wireless, Creative Outlier Gold comes with a battery-cum-storage case that gives a total playtime up to approx. 39hrs.

It has a water resistance rating of IPX5. Yes, It is sport-friendly. After your run with Outlier Gold, you could wipe your dirty sweat away with a wet tissue and the water won’t cause any damage to your earpiece. A point to note here – Sony WF-1000MX3 has no IP rating. From this aspect, the cheaper Outlier Gold beats Sony WF-1000MX3.

The Creative Outlier Gold is also packed with Bluetooth 5.0 and Qualcomm aptX. If you are using compatible smartphones, lower latency will help in keeping fast connection between the earpiece and phone. To put it simply, you could listen to hi-res audio without any loss connection via Creative Outlier Gold.  

Price

Creative is not a premium brand. As such, I believe most consumers won’t be paying a premium for a Creative brand product. (Sad for Singapore brand…) Anyway, the Creative Outlier Gold is priced at SGD 139 which is very wallet-friendly for those who are looking for a true wireless.    

Verdict

Truth to be told, this product is not the prettiest true wireless I have seen. In terms of sound qualities, the Creative Outlier Gold has certainly exceeded my expectation at that kind of price. The Creative Outlier Gold is also water resistance and packed with premier features that you could only find in more expensive hi-end true wireless models. At the low-to-mid price category, I would say the Creative Outlier Gold offers the best-in-class values to the customers. If you are not that brand conscious, this is one product that you should consider.

Last year, I reviewed the Sudio Nivå and I am rather impressed by its quality sound packed into a compact size. If you have read my review, you would have known about my water test on the Nivå. Despite it is not certified water-resistance, it survives the water test. Sudio is a young player in the audio lifestyle business but they have been catching up fast. The Nivå is impressive if you compare it with other incumbent brands at similar price range. 

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@sudio sent me their latest product last month – their new wireless earbud, #SudioTolv. I have been testing the product for a couple of weeks and I think this time, they have approached the market in a different way. You guys should be expecting my review real soon. Visit https://theneodimension.com for my thoughts on this product. For those who are searching for the 15% discount on Sudio Tolv, you can use my #promocode “neodimensiontolv” #sudio #sweden #singaporeuncle #singapore #lifestyle #instagadget #instalifestyle #travel #travelcompanion #instaleisure #technology #audiophile

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on May 18, 2019 at 7:23am PDT

This year, I am exceptionally looking forward to their new product. The new Sudio Tolv promises to have longer battery life and better sound quality than Sudio Nivå. Let’s see whether it can deliver what it promised.

Battery Life

Tolv’s battery size is bigger than Niva. In fact, it is twice as much as its predecessor. The official number given by Sudio – the Tolv earbud has a battery life of 7 hours whereas the Nivå has only 3.5 hours.

Unlike the Nivå, the Tolv is armed with Bluetooth 5.0. With Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the battery life of Tolv may even last longer when paired with smartphone which similarly equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

Like the Nivå, the Tolv comes with portable charging-cum-storage case. This will give 4 extra charges to the Tolv. In another words, you could get extra 28 hours of battery life on the go. Nivå’s case, on the other hand, has a battery capacity of approx. 14hours which is half of what Tolv is providing. 

We have been using the device in a normal circumstance like listening to Spotify while on the train to work and back home. A fully charged Tolv has proven to last almost five days.       

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Right is my Sudio Nivå, left is the latest product from @sudio – Sudio Tolv For those who are searching for the 15% discount on Sudio Tolv, you can use my #promocode “neodimensiontolv” #sudio #sweden #singaporeuncle #singapore #lifestyle #instagadget #instalifestyle #travel #travelcompanion #instaleisure #technology #audiophile #SudioTolv #sudionivå

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on May 18, 2019 at 7:27am PDT

Sound quality  

This is the most difficult part of the entire review. When comes to sound quality, we kind of have equal liking on both Nivå and Tolv. However, each has its own style. Nivå has a very balanced bass-and-treble and that makes it a very good travel companion to listen to a very wide genre of music. This time, Sudio has included graphene driver on their new Tolv which audio quality is perceived to be better. Is it true that it sounds better? Personally, I think it depends on the music you are listening.

It is a different kind of experience. we tested the same music on both Tolv and Nivå. Tolv can bring up the clarity of string instrument. When listened to vocal, especially at high note, the contrast is more evident. Vocal is more “airy” and that adds more “life” to the music. We are not implying that the Tolv can’t deliver clear sound quality; just that the soundstage is different for the Tolv and Nivå. Upon further testing on more concert videos on YouTube, we tend to prefer the Tolv to Nivå.  

Verdict

Clearly, the Tolv is a good attempt by Sudio. We love the soundstage and at that price point of SGD 189, it could be an attractive headphone-alternative for audiophiles who might be looking for something small and yet, it still delivers. I am surprised given its small size (unlike headphones, wireless earbud has limited number of drivers), the product is impressive in trying to create that kind of live concert experience.

I am looking forward to the future development of Sudio’s new range of headphones.

Should you buy?

In general, the Tolv is very small and compact. More importantly, the battery life is impressive; you will never run-up of juice while listening to your Spotify.

If you are addicted to instrumental and vocal music, this product could be of your likings. At that price of SGD 189, you are getting a wireless earbud that is lighter and more comfortable to wear than the pricier headphones.

There is a summer promotion from now till 31 July 2019. Sudio will be giving free Sudio tote bag with every earphone/headphone purchased at Sudio’s website.

Furthermore, we are bringing in more discount to the readers. Apply my TND promocode “neodimensiontolv” on Sudio’s Singapore online store, you will get 15% discount. On top of that, you get free shipping and one-year warranty from Sudio. 

HMD Global today announced Nokia 8, the first smartphone to feature ZEISS Optics and Nokia OZO Audio. Powered by the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 835 Mobile Platform, Nokia 8 doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering 11 hours of 4K video playback on a single charge

 

Always Pure Android

Nokia smartphones always offer a pure Android experience, with no unnecessary apps slowing down the performance of your device. And with Nokia 8, pure Android combined with our innovative engineering processes unleashes the full potential of the SnapdragonTM 835 Mobile Platform.

 

Vivid #Bothie images and videos captured by ZEISS optics

The first smartphone from HMD Global to feature ZEISS optics, Nokia 8 can simultaneously harness its front and rear-facing cameras to seamlessly capture vivid, memorable content using its Dual-Sight feature.

 

360° spatial surround sound with OZO Audio

Featuring OZO Audio, Nokia 8 combines three microphones with exclusive Nokia acoustic algorithms to capture audio with immersive 360° spatial surround sound. Share your 4K videos with OZO Audio anywhere – binaural codecs enable high fidelity playback even on devices without OZO Audio.

Nokia 8 will be available in four colours: Polished Blue, Polished Copper, Tempered Blue and Steel and will be available at a global average retail price of €599

 

Technical specifications for Nokia 8^[1]

• Networks:
  • GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 o WCDMA: 1, 2, 5, 8  o TDS-CDMA: 34, 39
  • LTE:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41
• Network speed: LTE Cat. 9, 3CA, 450Mbps DL/50Mbps UL
• Available in single SIM and dual SIM variants
• OS: Android Nougat 7.1.1
• Chipset: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 835 Mobile Platform o MSM8998 (4* 2.45GHz Qualcomm® Kryo™ + 4* 1.8GHz Kryo)
• RAM: 4GB LPPDDR4X in the following colours: polished blue, polished copper, steel, tempered blue
• Storage: 64GBⁱⁱ internal memory with external MicroSD card slot (support up to 256 GB)
• Form factor: Splashproof IP54 touch monoblock with capacitive system keys
• Display: 5.3” IPS LCD QHD 2560 x 1440, 700nts screen brightness, Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5, 2.5D Glass
• Camera with ZEISS optics:
  • Primary camera: 13MP (Colour + OIS) + 13MP (Mono), 1.12um, f/2.0, 76.9˚, PDAF, IR range finder, dual tone flash
  • Front facing camera: 13MP PDAF, 1.12um, f/2.0, 78.4˚, display flash
• Connectivity & Sensors: Type C, USB3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps), 3.5mm headphone jack, Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, E-compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint Sensor, Hall sensor, Barometer, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (MIMO), BT 5.0, GPS/AGPS+GLONASS+BDS, NFC, ANT+
• Battery: Integrated 3090 mAh batteryⁱⁱⁱ with Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 3.0 (18W, 5V/2.5A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
• Audio: MP3,M4A, AAC,OGG,WAV,AMR,AWB(AMR-WB),FLAC,MIDI(MID,MIDI,XMF, MXMF,IMY,RTTTL,RTX,OTA)
• Video: MP4, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, MKV, WEBM
• Dimensions: 151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm (camera bump 0.4mm)
• Weight: 160g

[1] All specifications, features and other product information provided are subject to change without notice.  ⁱⁱ Pre-installed system software and apps use a significant part of memory space. ⁱⁱⁱ Battery has limited recharge cycles and battery capacity reduces over time. Eventually the battery may need to be replaced.

Sudio has released their latest product – Sudio Regent Wireless Headphones. We managed to get hold of a unit for review. Instead of writing about how we feel about the product, we’ve decided to do something different this time and get a female blogger  (poisonvine.com) to share with us her experience after using this product.

 

Q1. Have you heard of Sudio? What’s your first impression when you first got hold of the Sudio Regent?

I first got to know about Sudio until they launched the Sudio Vasa Blå. It left a very strong impression on me because the earphones looked stunning!

Sudio Regent exemplifies the Sudio’s design philosophy – minimalist, elegant and timeless. It’s definitely a beautiful headphone that you would want to show off to your friends.

We ask Poisonvine.com 4 questions on how she feels about the #sudioregent wireless headphones. To read her response, check out bit.do/sudioregentreview

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Mar 6, 2017 at 9:16am PST

Q2. Which genre do you usually listen to? And does the sound profile meet your expectations?  

I listen to a rather wide variety of genres so it’s a bit difficult to say. For instrumentals, I prefer artists like Kenny G, Keiko Matsui, Kaori Kobayashi and Jessy J. For vocals, I like Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Il Divo, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton.

Anyway, I find that the Sudio Regent generally performs well for instrumentals, there is good clarity and balance. Unfortunately, the bass is a little weaker than I would like. For vocals, I find that the sound quality tends to be a bit airy.

#sudioregent #wirelesss #headphones

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Mar 6, 2017 at 9:13am PST

Q3. What’s the best (or worst) experience you had while using this product?

I like that the Sudio Regent offers both Bluetooth and wired option, which makes it very versatile and is ideal for travelling. The headphone is light and foldable, making it very portable. In addition, you can change the caps on the headphone and match the headphones to your OOTD.

The headphones sits on the ear and is generally quite comfortable. However, after prolonged usage, the headphone will start to feel a bit too tight for my head (maybe because I have a big head?) But for commuting I would not expect to wear this continuously for over an hour so it’s not a big issue.

 

Q4. Considering all factors: Design, features, sound quality and price, how do you rate the product?

I would give it a 6.5/10. It is definitely worthy of a consideration if you are in the market for portable headphones.

Availability

The Sudio Regent is available in two colors, black and white and retails for S$229.

If you are in Singapore, you will get a 20% off that price because of tax rebates. After the 20%, it becomes S$183.20.

Using my promo code “neodimension” at their site, it will give you an additional 15% discount. So in total, you pay just S$155.72 for the Sudio Regent.

 

On top of that, you will receive a free express shipping and a phone case.

 

Who is poisonvine.com?

Typical working class Singaporean who is a caffeine addict and an aspiring home barista. Like most Singaporeans, she loves food and travel. She believes that Google will eventually rule the world (“hail Google!”) and is waiting for the day when language is no longer a barrier because Google translate attained perfection. Also a die-hard Blackberry fan.

Axis Communications (Axis, stock quote: STO:AXIS ), a Swedish maker of network cameras, aims to redefine local brick-and-mortar store operations and customer engagement, with the launch of its video network solution today. The new solution offers HD TV image quality, intelligent video functions and analytic capabilities. These will support retailers in their efforts to remain productive, reduce manpower reliance, gain consumer insights, and ultimately, win back customers from e-commerce players.

“The consumer shift from brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce have undeniably impacted traditional retailers. However, we believe that brick-and-mortar shops still have a competitive edge over e-tailers, and that is the human aspect of a shopping experience,” said Mr Magnus Zederfeldt, Director, South Asia Pacific, Axis Communications. “Customers want authentic experiences today, and it is thus imperative for traditional retailers to leverage emerging technologies to enhance this. If implemented effectively, brick-and-mortar stores can flourish.”

Key highlights of Axis’ network video solution

Axis’ network video solution is capable of helping retailers in two key aspects:

 

1.    Enhanced security

• Axis network video solution provides high resolution store-wide image coverage that enables retailers to follow any suspicious behaviour inside and outside store, even after operating hours.
• The new solution is able to distribute HD TV video over any kind of IP network or the internet, assisting investigators with crime and positive identification.

 

2.    Enhanced customer experience

• When placed strategically, the network cameras can assist retailers in recording, measuring and better understanding consumer activity and buying behaviour.
• Retailers will be able to identify the popular areas in-store and optimise the store and display layouts accordingly.

 

Axis’ had previously launch its retail solution in the region, and some of its key customers  include Hang Ten in Taiwan, and Volkswagen in China. Customers have feedback that the solution has not only helped to effectively reduce its operational costs, but also raised in-store surveillance and employee productivity.

 

“Competition against huge e-commerce players, such as Alibaba and Amazon, are heating up. As such, Singapore retailers must focus on delivering greater value to consumers through the implementation of digital initiatives in stores. This will enable local store owners to stand against e-tailers, and bring about enhanced experience for consumers,” said Mr Zederfeldt.

 

 

The New Enhancement (called “PartyUp”) in the app allows users to connect to more than 50 Ultimate Ears (UE) speakers almost instantaneously. The new enhancement works well with the recenly announced UE Boom 2  as well as older generation of wireless speakers namely UE Boom (1st Gen) and UE MEGABOOM.

When asked about the rationale of the features, Charlotte Johs, General Manager of UE, explains,”Music connects people in extraordinary ways”. She further elaborates,””Now, friends come together, they can easily connect their speakers without worrying about limitations. Whether you are  your crews are on a rooftop without a power outlet, or 50 of your closest pals are floating down a river without a dry spot in sight, PartyUp lets the party grow within seconds.”

PartyUp is now available through iOS and Android app stores.

 

 

Jabra announces the arrival of its first true wireless sports earbuds, which is now available at S$368 from selected stores in Singapore (full list of retailers below). The Elite Sport, the first in line of the premium Elite franchise, will feature two completely independent wireless earbuds, packed full of audio innovations and fitness features designed with the active user in mind.

True Wireless for Complete Freedom

The Jabra Elite Sport delivers a cord-free audio experience, with outstanding stereo sound for calls and music, as well as full sports functionality. With three ear gels, three sizes of ear foams and three wingtips, users are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best fit for their ears. Active users no longer have to worry about an earbud slipping out at the wrong time during an intensive workout session.

 

Superior Audio Quality With Noise Cancellation

Featuring two microphones in each ear bud, the ear buds are designed to pick up your voice through the first microphone, while the other aims to pick up external noises. The Jabra Elite Sport can switch between the earbuds receiving the least noise, as well as remove the background noise by differentiating the separate feeds it receives on each ear bud, leaving only the crystal-clear clarity of your voice in any environment.

 

Medical grade credentials

Pioneers in sound from sports earbuds to hearing aids, Jabra (as part of the GN Group) has used its unique understanding of high-quality sound in the development of Jabra Elite Sport. Created in collaboration with engineers from ReSound, a specialist in medical grade sound solutions and a world leader in Smart Hearing Aids, Jabra Elite Sport draws on more than 145 years of experience in hearing innovation and fit.

 

Hear Your Surroundings While Running
When activated, the Elite Sport’s HearThrough technology allows the in-ear speakers to recreate ambient sounds, ensuring that runners are aware of their surroundings including unexpected incoming traffic and other dangers, while plugged in.

 

Both Mono and Stereo

The Elite Sport comes with two individual earbuds, offering users the option to use a singular earbud for mono playback and calls through its primary (right) earbud which communicates directly to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The secondary (left) earbud, which connects to the primary earbud via near field magnetic induction, automatically reconnects when both earbuds are placed within 25cm, allowing for a seamless transition between conversation and stereo music.

 

The Perfect Fitness Gadget

 

The Jabra Elite Sport features a heart-rate sensor in its right ear bud that ensures an above 90% accuracy reading. Through its integrated app, users can gauge their fitness level via the VO2 Max measurement, as well as improve their run timings through the race-time predictor, and plan their workouts for maximum effectiveness with the recovery advisor. The updates are delivered in real-time via the intelligent in-ear coaching, ensuring an uninterrupted workout. The Jabra Sport Life app also captures and tracks your fitness development over time, providing a range of information to help you improve your fitness level in the future, including distance covered, pace, route, calories burnt and training effect.

 

The Elite Sport is sweat proof and comes with an IP67 waterproof rating. The earbuds have been tested to work for at least 30 minutes whilst submerged in up to one metre of water, making it the perfect fitness earbud under any weather and training conditions.

 

3+6 hours of Battery Life

 

With a talk and music battery life of three hours per charge, the Jabra Elite Sport is among the longest lasting true-wireless earbuds in the market today. The earbuds also come with an on-the-go charging case, which provides an additional two full charges, or six extra hours, of juice.

 

 

Works on both iOS and Android

The Elite Sport’s call and music functions supports all major smartphone operating systems with Bluetooth, while its performance tracking and fitness apps are available on both Android and iOS devices.

 

Three Year Warranty

As a training partner, Jabra Elite Sport has the added assurance of a three-year extended warranty in Singapore, the longest of any true wireless headsets.

Features and specifications:

• Superior sound with up to three hours of music and calls (plus up to six hours additional charge from the portable charging case
• Flexible wearing options with single or stereo earbud use
• Advanced heart rate analysis with automatic fitness level testing of VO2 Max, recovery advisor and race predictor
• In-ear audio coaching with real-time feedback
• Integrated Training Management with Jabra Sport Life app
• Three-year warranty against sweat and waterproof to IP67 rating
• Secure fit – perform at your best with incredibly light, ultra-secure earbuds
• Supports all major smartphone operating systems, including Android & iOS
• Integrated Jabra Sport Life app and support for all leading third-party fitness apps

Pricing and availability

 The Jabra Elite Sport (S$368) is now available at selected outlets from the following retailers and selected Jabra resellers:

1. Challenger
2. Harvey Norman
3. Best Denki
4. Nubox
5. Stereo
6. Connect IT
7. Lazada (Online – Preorder only)