Fbhtechinfo

Category: Audio

Find breaking Audio news, including analysis, features, reviews, interviews, and opinions on Audio’s home cinema systems, media streamers, games consoles, speakers, headphones, and more

  • Comparison: Which smart speaker is better – Alexa or Google Home?

    Comparison: Which smart speaker is better – Alexa or Google Home?

    Which is superior, Alexa or Google Home? When a consumer decides to purchase a smart speaker, he faces this problem. Both are vital competitors in the expanding voice assistant business, providing a new way to connect with technology through instructions.

    [ads1]

    Amazon is the owner of Alexa. In 2014, the first version of this program was released. It is mainly embedded into Amazon’s devices, such as the Echo and Fire TV. Its name was chosen because it contained the letter X, a consonant with a distinct sound that is easily identifiable.

    This would make things considerably easier for the speech recognition system, reducing false positives and improving the likelihood of listening being triggered when it’s needed. Unlike other similar solutions, such as Siri, Amazon has chosen to open up its technology to other firms, allowing Alexa to be connected to a wide range of third-party speakers, screens, clocks, and other devices.

    The Google Home platform, on the other hand, is a Google Assistant-powered home automation system. We don’t think it’s important to tell you who owns the service in this circumstance. Yes, Google’s voice recognition engine has been under development since 2016. (two years after Amazon launched Alexa). Since then, we’ve witnessed how the business has significantly increased the assistant’s capability. It’s also been included in various devices, including Android phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and Wear OS watches. Third-party speakers may also be infected with this spyware.

    In short, Alexa and Google Home (together with Google Assistant) are both excellent choices. But which is the superior option? When is it more practical to use one platform than another? The parts that follow focus on the features of both assistants, with an emphasis on Amazon and Google’s speakers. We will try to assist you in selecting the best alternative in each circumstance in this manner. Let’s get this party started!

    Alexa-enabled Amazon Echo devices

    Before we get into the differences between the two platforms, let’s look at Amazon’s Alexa-enabled products.

    With an official price of $64, the EchoDot is one of Amazon’s cheapest speakers, including Alexa. Anthracite, greyish blue, and white are the three colors available. The materials used are environmentally friendly, with 50% of the plastics coming from recycled sources. The speaker’s opening cloth is made entirely of recyclable materials. It is not only the cheapest but also the tiniest option. It has a front-facing speaker with a diameter of 41mm. A variant with a built-in digital clock has been available from the third iteration, making it perfect for use as a bedside clock. External speakers can be connected through a 3.5mm jack.

    Echo

    Amazon’s main speaker is known as Echo. It has an official price of $99. However, you may buy it on sale relatively quickly. The available hues are the same as the ones we’ve seen on the Echo Dot. Overall, we’re talking about a speaker with larger dimensions, in this case, allowing it to use a 76mm woofer and two 20mm tweeters. It has an output for connecting external speakers, just like the rest of the line. It also has Zigbee wireless technology for controlling intelligent gadgets. A plus that contributes to the reduction of Wi-Fi network saturation.

    Echo show

    When we talk about the Echo Show, we’re talking about many intelligent displays. They are available in various sizes, ranging from 5 to 15.6 inches. They’re all devices with numerous microphones and speakers, similar to the Amazon speakers. However, its operating system allows you to show features such as notes, images, weather forecasts, and much more on the screen. They can also watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Atresplayer content. They also include the Silk Browser for web browsing and a front-facing camera for video conversations. It’s one of the most comprehensive Echo variations available.

    EchoFlex

    If we’ve talked about smart speakers and screens with Alexa up to this point, we’re ready to move on to one of the most complex concepts. We’re talking about the Echo Flex. It has a modest 15mm speaker primarily utilized for Alexa interaction. It also has microphones, allowing it to interpret any command precisely. Add a 3.5mm jack for usage with additional speakers, of course. What is your goal? This Echo was created to bring Alexa to every room of the house without breaking the bank. Its stated price is $30, but it’s simple to buy it for less than $20. Because of the jack output and Alexa, it’s also a great way to add intelligence to a music system.

    EchoStudio

    Amazon created the Echo Studio for people who want the most incredible acoustics without sacrificing the full capability of a voice assistant. The support for Dolby Atmos, the 51 mm tweeter, the three 25 mm midrange speakers, and the 133 mm woofer stand out among its features. Naturally, its high fidelity sound drives up the price to $200, making it one of the most costly Echos. It supports Zigbee for better control of light bulbs and plugs.

    Echo Auto

    This roundup comes to a close with one of Amazon’s most unique devices. The Echo Auto is explicitly developed for use in automobiles. It’s connected to the car’s audio system, and its eight microphones let you use Alexa instructions. It has a retail price of $60.

    Google Nest devices

    Indeed, Amazon’s wide range of Echo devices has piqued your interest. If you prefer Google gadgets, such as the Google Nest (previously known as Google Home), you will quickly find that your options are limited. What does Mountain View have to offer us? Let’s see what happens.

    Google Nest Mini (formally Google Home Mini)

    The Nest Mini is the tiniest smart speaker available on Google’s marketplace. It comes in two colors, chalk and charcoal, and has a diameter of less than 100 mm. Its transducer is 40 mm in diameter and has three long-range microphones to ensure that speech orders are captured. The official cost is $30.

    Google Nest Audio

    Nest Audio refers to the intelligent device variation with the most pleasing sound in Google’s lineup. In this case, we’re looking at a narrow speaker with a 175mm height that comes in the same colors as its smaller sibling, namely chalk and charcoal. Two speakers, one for bass frequencies of 75 mm and one for treble frequencies of 19 mm, provide the musical attributes. Although the number of microphones is the same as before, the pricing is different. This Nest Audio is available for $100.

    [ads2]

    Google NestHub

    Google’s Nest Hub competes with Amazon’s Echo Shows. Because this is a device with only one variant, the lack of variety is apparent. It has a 7-inch diagonal screen and an outdoor temperature sensor available in two colors. Chalk and charcoal finishes, you guessed it. Concerning Nest speakers, the features have been increased. The panel displays information relevant to the user and the current playback. The cost is $100.

    Alexa vs. Google Home: What’s the Difference?

    Aside from looking through both businesses’ catalogs, the best method to see the differences between Alexa and Google Home is to make a table of their features.

     

    Alexa Google Home & Nest
    High fidelity audio Yes, using Echo Studio Do not
    Screen Options The Echo Shows, to be precise. Panels ranging in size from 5 to 15.6 inches Yes, the Nest Hub
    Compatibility Apps for Android, iOS, and Windows 11 Apps for iOS, Android. It has integration with Chrome OS.
    Video calls Yes Yes
    Privacy options Yes. Electronic microphone closing system and mechanical slider to cover the cameras. Yes, mechanical slider to close microphones and cameras.
    Integration with other devices Alexa is available on smartwatches, phones, tablets, FireTV, and Windows PCs. The Google Assistant is built into Android, available on iOS phones and Android TV, speakers, and watches.
    Supported Services Audio: Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Audible, TuneIn

    Video: Prime Video, Netflix, Atresplayer, and web browser.

    		 Audio: YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.

    Video : YouTube, Chromecast
    Price From $30 From $40

    Which is better?

    It’s possible that after you’ve gone over everything, you already have a better notion of which gadgets are most suited to your requirements. But which is the most effective? We’ll look at several aspects that you should be aware of to make the best decision possible.

    Features

    Alexa is the best pick if you’re seeking a versatile voice assistant. Why? While Google Home is compatible with various services, Amazon lets third-party developers create talents or abilities for your assistant. It still enables you to manage your intelligent gadgets, turn on and off the TV, and control your PC remotely in this way. The possibilities with Alexa are nearly endless, whereas the alternatives with Google Assistant are limited.

    Compatibility

    Both Google Home and Alexa are compatible with the two most popular mobile operating systems, iOS and Android. This enables them to satisfy the needs of the majority of consumers, who will be able to manage their speakers and displays with their phones relatively easily. When we talk about domestic products, we see something similar. This binomial of assistance is visible in this industry, and most light bulbs, plugs, and other accessories are compatible with both platforms.

    Available devices

    Amazon’s selection of Echo speakers and displays is vast, especially compared to Google’s offerings. Without question, Amazon covers the market better by providing products for a wide range of people.

    Third-party solutions

    When we talk about third-party items, we’re talking about Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled speakers, displays, and other devices. The Amazon assistant is much more open in this regard, and it can be found in a wide range of gadgets, including the Netgear Orbi Voice, which we previously mentioned. In any event, Alexa and Google Assistant may be found on watches, televisions, and smartphones.

    Market share

    According to some sources we already told you in our guide to tricks for Alexa: it was estimated in 2019 that the Amazon assistant had a share of 65%. This means that the number of compatible services, devices, platforms, and products is greater with Alexa than with Google Assistant.

    Capacity for Home Control

    With both wizards, controlling your home shouldn’t be too difficult. Most smart devices are cross-platform interoperable and integrate effortlessly with routines and voice commands. We believe they are in a technical tie in this situation.

    Ecosystem

    Amazon and Google strive to develop robust ecosystems from their intelligent devices feed. With Alexa, you can control your photos, your music on Amazon Music, and your books on Audible. On the other hand, Nest devices integrate with services such as YouTube Music, Google Photos, or Keep. The correct choice, in this case, will depend, to a large extent, on the digital services that you use in your day today.

    Price

    Finally, we get to the heart of the matter: the price. The Echo Flex, the cheapest gadget featuring Alexa, costs $30, but the Nest Mini costs $30. The extreme discounts applied by the two companies, with minimum prices of $15 and $30 respectively, must be added to these prices. In this instance, our advice is to visit their official stores regularly to check for the best price.

  • Best Tech Gadgets to buy for Christmas holiday

    Best Tech Gadgets to buy for Christmas holiday

    We always have someone to offer as a gift at these family reunions where there is a lot to celebrate. Some whim or detail, something you wouldn’t buy but would like to have, something to replace something that is already old or that new game that you adore, is always favorably appreciated. Fbhtechinfo will assist you in selecting the gift you cannot decide between, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.

    We at Fbhtechinfo enjoy technology and consider ourselves experts; as a result, we will select the most popular technological things so that you can assist us in our decision. We’ll also figure out which ones are the most unique and innovative, so you can look nice while also staying current. After all, why not? If you enjoy what you see, you can give yourself some of it; write on our forum and tell us about your experience when you get it.

    Audio and video

    What were the periods when your TV was the best, but now that it’s been 5 or 6 years, the Smart TV features are failing? The video in the app is on-demand and does not update or run slowly. An Amazon Fire TV Stick can help with this. You can choose various models and prices, ranging from the most basic to the most powerful with Wi-Fi 6. The standard version in the middle is perfect for 1080p screens because it lets you manage the TV with the same remote.

    You may also provide wireless headphones as a gift, so they don’t bother you when putting the series on maximum volume. You can get them in two variants, and if your TV is old, you can use headphones with a receiver to connect to the TV’s audio output, such as these Sony headphones for a great price.

    If the TV is new and has a Bluetooth connection, on the other hand, you can go for something smaller and more modern. For series marathons, the LG FN6 Tones offer UVNano disinfection technology and a battery life of up to 6 hours. We can get Gaming headphones at a reasonable price. The Logitech G332 has been reduced to 32 dollars, is compatible with both PCs and consoles, and has excellent reviews. The HyperX Cloud Flight is an outstanding value for money option if you want something wireless.

     

    Video Games and Consoles

    You may find it strange that you don’t already own one, but you may get a Nintendo Switch for your kid, grandson, or nephew. It’s a versatile console with a wide range of games, many of which are inexpensive. The most recent model with an OLED screen is available for $396 but acts quickly. This Christmas, it will be in high demand. You can take the Nintendo Switch Lite if you use it in portable mode, albeit it is tough to find.

    You could also acquire a PS5 or an Xbox, but both are now unavailable. If you already know what a rat boy is, you can get him the latest Fifa 22 for PS4 or Xbox One and a Nintendo Switch edition.

    However, if you want to play with your family, Nintendo has released Mario Party Superstar, allowing you to play online with other users who have the same game. It’s a board game in which you compete in various mini-games.

    PC & Laptop Components

    You can give away a desktop or laptop PC component. Games and programs, as well as operating systems, are using more storage space at the moment. As a result, they require a short distance. You might select an excellent M.2 NVMe SSD drive for your desktop or laptop PC. You can get this Kingston 1TB for a reasonable price, and it supports NVMe 1.3 and PCI Express 3.0. You can get a speedier drive like this Western Digital SN850 if you’re going to use it to extend the storage of a PS5 or a newer PC or laptop.

    Even if you install a new graphic, increasing the power supply power is still recommended, and this set is a great present. Use our power supply calculator and the components to get the recommended watts. Seasonic sources are one of the greatest brands, and you can get them in a variety of powers and with various forms of 80 PLUS certification.

    [ads1]

    We have a review of one of the most influential models from Be Quiet power supply. You’ll love disassembling and reassembling your PC with a power supply, and you’ll be able to clean it up in the process.

    Peripherals and Accessories

    You might be seeking a fantastic gaming monitor, and with this Samsung Odyssey G9, you can provide joy to anybody you present it to. You may also go for something smaller and less expensive, and VS Gamers has a wide selection of Ozone monitors at a great price with free shipping.

    Who wouldn’t want to swap out their mouse? No, if you just got it, but if it has already served its purpose, you can choose a new one to give away or keep. The Logitech G502, which is always stylish, is a solid option with a low price. You can also go for a wireless device like the Razer Basilisk V3, which has the highest Fbhtechinfo mouse score.

    It also doesn’t hurt to have a suitable keyboard. Corsair offers excellent mechanical keyboards with genuine Cherry switches, but they come at a premium. The Corsair K95 is the complete series featuring Cherry MX Speed mechanical switches. Alternatively, you can go for something more affordable and comprehensive, such as this Corsair package, which includes a keyboard, mouse, headphones with microphone, and a mouse pad, all for $101.

    Mobile phones

    A new phone, of course, is a great present. You can choose from a wide range of pricing for this present. There are phones for all budgets, and we discuss size and price. The POCO X3 Pro, the best-selling phone on Black Friday, is a low-cost phone with great features. It costs 293 dollars in its variant with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

    The OnePlus Nord 2 is also more expensive than this POCO but has superior functionality. It has a MediaTek 1200 processor, triple back camera, 65 W Warp load and 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage.

    The Realme GT has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, a 120 Hz AMOLED screen, a 65 W load, and a triple back camera. Amazon has a version with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage for $542.

    [ads2]

    You may even go all out by purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung’s folding screen phone that takes up very little room. For slightly over 1,231 dollars, you can buy it with a 25 W Wireless charger.

    Gifts for less than 33 dollars

    If you need to offer a gift, we have easy, quick ideas that everyone enjoys at a low cost. This Logitech M185 wireless mouse is always a handy addition for less than 11 dollars; you can connect it to a laptop, television, or TV box, and it takes up very little space. This Darth Maul Funko POP doll is available for less than $15 with free shipping if you adore Star Wars.

    [ads3]

    The Logitech K400 + Wireless Touchpad Keyboard Set costs $28, and it’s perfect for connecting to a Raspberry Pi or a television.

    We spent relatively little of the 33 dollars on a pair of Corsair iCUE SP140 RGB PRO fans, but you will be able to add a beautiful touch of color to your PC. It’s sometimes preferable to play PC games with a Gamepad. The Krom Khensu Gamepad is a wireless gamepad that costs $24.

    [ads4]

    A Gift for all budgets

    Indeed, some of the presents we’ve suggested are appropriate for your budget and the recipient’s preferences. Aside from this, a slew of additional gifts can be helpful, whether it’s a lower price or a thoughtful present.

  • LG previews its new sound bars for CES 2022

    LG previews its new sound bars for CES 2022

    Advancing its plans for the technology fair LG has announced that it will present a new line of audio products, focused on its soundbars, with various models that will offer extraordinary performance, unique and elegant designs, and new and exciting sound experiences that guarantee absolute sound to enjoy movies, music or video games at home.

    Headed by the LG S95QR premium soundbar, with 810W power and 9.1.5 channel surround sound, this bar is considered a high-end solution to create a superior immersive experience.

    Featuring five upstream sound channels (three on the soundbar and two on the rear speakers), including the world’s first upstream center speaker, they can enhance the sound clarity and broaden the soundstage to create absolute realism.

    This is ideal for moviegoers looking to perfect their home theater experience. And it is that the company ensures that the upstream channels provide more realistic and enveloping sounds thanks to the central upward speaker, which allows a more precise transmission of dialogue.

    Although in its announcement, LG presents this model as an option for gamers due to its variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM) functions that can adjust its output and ensure that it is synchronized with the consoles. Of games and PC.

    The LG S95QR soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and the DTS: X codec. The wireless rear speakers it comes with also have six channels instead of four like previous models, with four front/side drivers and two power drivers. In addition, with IMAX Enhanced technology, users can enjoy impressive three-dimensional sound with compatible content.

    But not only that, and this soundbar has LG’s AI Room Calibration technology, which allows automatic sound adjustment through artificial intelligence to analyze the space in which it is located, and automatically adapt the sound. Optimal audio output.

    So, for the moment, we have no choice but to wait for the celebration of CES 2022 to learn more about this and the rest of the soundbars that LG plans to present, as well as perhaps new details about their price and date of availability.

  • Klip Xtreme Enkore Speaker Review

    Klip Xtreme Enkore Speaker Review

    On this occasion, we bring you the Klip Xtreme Enkore (KWS-611) speaker, a powerful portable audio device with a built-in microphone and can be used as a desktop handsfree. It also has state-of-the-art technology such as an integrated NFC connectivity system, high-fidelity audio enhancer, next-generation Bluetooth technology, and in short, one of the best designs currently available on the market.

    Characteristics:

    • Maximum output (RMS): 10 watts (5 watts per channel)
    • Voltage input: 5V 500mAh
    • Speaker: φ40mm
    • Frequency: 100Hz-20kHz
    • Impedance: 4Ω
    • Sensitivity: 80dB
    • Signal / Noise Radio: ≥90dB
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 (A2DP) and NFC
    • Wireless range: <10m
    • Battery type: Lithium 1500mAh,
    • Battery life: 6 hours (+ – high frequency of use)
    • Dimensions: 7.8x 3.3 × 2.5in
    • Weight: 485 grams
    • Warranty: One year

    The Klip Xtreme KWS-611 speaker comes in a rather curious packaging, white and green, which allows you to see the device from both sides, but at the same time protects it from bumps and scratches thanks to a highly durable transparent plastic cover.

    The speaker comes with its user manual, warranty, and USB / Charging connector cable. It does not have a direct power charging connector (plug).

    The speaker has a compact design with a smooth, black, reinforced ABS plastic surface. Its left side has the USB input, the charging light indicator, and the power button. We can keep pressing to select the connectivity with a device manually or use its NFC connectivity (automatic) supporting our mobile device briefly over the speaker.

    On the right side, we see the volume and play control that, like the panel on the right side, is also covered with resistant rubber that protects the keys against knocks.

    The base has one of the best designs for this type of speaker. Practical and straightforward at the same time. Not only does it keep the device firmly rooted to any surface, but it also prevents sound from reverberating against the supporting surface, as with other similar speakers.

    Testing the device, we could see that the maximum range is approximately 10 meters. Beyond 11 meters, the transfer quality is reduced, and connectivity may even be lost. It’s a desktop speaker.

    The NFC connectivity operates correctly and supports all types of devices on the 4th / 5th generation (or higher), including such dynamic connection options.

    Its best functionality is handsfree, nothing better than answering a call from our cell phone and being able to hear our interlocutor while we continue our work. Of course, it does not include a Bluetooth microphone (that is sold separately).

    Its performance is quite good. Crisp and clean sounds, bass, and treble without distortion (at total volume capacity). It has a high transmission fidelity.

    Conclusion:

    Undoubtedly a device that has an intelligent, innovative, and comfortable design. The Klip Extreme brand has yet to make a big splash in the local market, but it’s worth it. Not only for its design but for the quality of the device, which also has an approximate cost of $12, a fairly reasonable price for a quality product.

    Perhaps its best feature is handsfree. It is very comfortable to put on the desk, in front of the keyboard, for example, and use it to amplify calls from the mobile.

  • 5 Best capture cards for game recording in 2022

    5 Best capture cards for game recording in 2022

    It’s challenging to record a video game without additional hardware because the recording procedure puts a lot of strain on the processor or VGA card.

    The capture card is a streamer’s closest buddy, ensuring that the live broadcast goes off without a hitch. You’ll need a recording card if you wish to record decent-quality footage from a console or utilize a mirrorless camera instead of a webcam. In our upcoming piece, we’ll assist you in choosing the best one based on our recommended models.

    [ads1]

    Elgato Game Capture HD60S

    The Elgato Game Capture HD60 S is a beautiful place to start if you’re new to streaming. It comes with software that makes it simple to get started recording. The disadvantage is that your editing program is just helpful for cutting. And, maybe most importantly, it can record retroactively, even if you touch the record button afterward.

    Avermedia Live Gamer Duo

    Because the Avermedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus card can transmit a 4K signal while recording, you can play in 4K. However, because the output is only in Full HD, you should only use it if you are OK with the quality of the recording. External storage, USB 3.0, and Mac compatibility are all advantages. It can save the hard drive from the large size of the tapes by recording to a microSD card.

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+

    The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S + card is for you if you don’t want to compromise! It can record 4K frames per second at 60 frames per second, and the HEVC encoding keeps the CPU from becoming too hot. Because the card determines the resolution, bit rate, and file format for you, it’s straightforward to set up. It can record to an SD card, just like the Avermedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus.

    Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro

    The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro internal recording card is ideal if you don’t want to spend much money. According to Elgato, it contains an H.264 encoder, which allows you to produce massive amounts of 1080p / 60fps content in outstanding quality.

    Razer Ripsaw HD

    The Razer Ripsaw HD provides the best picture quality solution for its price. Not only is this recorder external, but it supports audio mixing through the microphone and headphone jacks that can be connected to it. The downside is that you don’t have your software, but this problem can be easily fixed with OBS’s free programs.

    [ads2]

    Now we’ve’ lined up the best recording cards for you. If you want to record not only pictures but also sound in good quality, you will also need a great microphone!