Accessories

JBL makes ’70s nostalgia hit hard with their new Authentics speakers

Plus a turntable that will def’ly turn tables with its modern feats

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Photos and Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

From VHS Instagram effects, film-like camera filters, and even wireless speakers that resemble a turntable, retro stuff from the ’70s ’til ’90s are the “in” and “it” thing this 2023 — and it’s very apparent in Gen Z’s social media feed, interests, and even inspo in terms of #OOTDs, visuals, strings, and beats!

The Authentic Classics

Honestly, I’ve been dreaming of owning a speaker that has that ol’ classic retro-spired design while combining today’s modern features in terms of functionality and connectivity.

Well, JBL has finally answered my long time wish with not one, not two, but three classic-looking speakers in this lineup.

JBL Authentics 500

These speakers are the Authentics 200, 300, and 500. As obvious as it sounds, the Authentics 200 is the base model while the Authentics 500 is the best in class with pumped-up audio features. The Authentics 300 is then again, the one with features in-between.

JBL Authentics 200 and 300

JBL has tried to relive the past by resurrecting their L100 Classic Speaker from the 1970s and incorporating its classic design to its new line of smart wireless speakers.

All of these models have modern-day speaker features such as Bluetooth 5.3 or Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with dual 2.4GHz + 5GHz support plus streaming support via Spotify, Apple AirPlay, and even Chromecast. If you’re too lazy to find a song you’d play, don’t worry as Google Assistant and Alexa both save the day.

But if you’re that “traditional” type of listener who prefers controlling stuff manually like the ol’ classic times, a set of knobs and intuitive controls are found at the top of every speaker. That’s within the perimeter of the leather-like enclosure to make the feel as classic as possible.

To make the experience even more classic, these speakers feature a standout Quadrex Grille design which is also made from 100% recycled fabric.

For that added sustainability, most parts are made from 85% recycled plastics and 50% aluminum.

Same styles, different vibes

What makes the Authentics 500 stand out from its smaller siblings other than its size is the fact that it’s the only one to bring an integrated 6.5-inch subwoofer at its bottom part. Together with JBL’s patented SlipStream technology, it’s able to reduce wind distortion and noise with a breeze. It’s also the only speaker in the line to support Dolby Atmos Music.

And if it’s still not evident in the image above showcasing all the speaker parts and components, idk how I’ll entice you that it’s one of the most well thought-out speakers in overall design, sound quality, and functionality.

Meanwhile, the Authentics 300 has a pair of 1-inch tweeters, 5.25-inch woofer, and a 6.5-inch passive radiator. It’s also the only speaker in the line that has a built-in battery that lasts up to 8 hours and can be charged via USB-C. There’s even a convenient metal handle so you can bring it in any part of your home — or maybe in a friend’s house (or Lover?).

Lastly, the Authentics 200 offers enough JBL audio quality in such a compact smart home speaker setup thanks to its dual 25mm tweeters, 5-inch woofer, and 6-inch passive radiator.

Authentic sound experience

JBL has also let us hear and witness how great-sounding these speakers were through the experience booth. They all filled large rooms with a sound quality you wouldn’t expect from speakers of these sizes.

It’s hard to make you all believe just through words but in all honesty, the overall clarity and sound quality is greater than good with the right amount of balance in each of the speakers’ bass, mids, and treble. Whether you’re an audiophile or casual listener, you wouldn’t feel disappointed with how JBL packed a lot of their great audio tech and features.

If JBL’s self-tuning capabilities aren’t your cup ot tea, the JBL One app has got you covered where you can manually configure equalizers, audio features, and many more.

While each Authentics speaker cater to various audio preferences and needs of different types of listeners, I can guarantee that all of them offer great overall sound. JBL has fine-tuned their products for every user to experience and enjoy fully.

Turntable in the Modern Times

JBL Philippines/Harman APAC have acknowledged that there’s a continuous demand for these types of turntables despite the dominance of modern-day audio products. Thus, the JBL Spinner BT was born.

From Taylor Swift to K-Pop acts such as BLACKPINK, SNSD’s Taeyeon, and BTS, vinyls are still being produced both as a marketing advantage for the artist’s overall sales as well as an added perk to any merchandise-collector type of fan.

But having a turntable with a twist of modern-day audio features is a killer product itself. The ability to stream songs via Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD encoding plus having the additional voice assistance of both the Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa make audio playing as seamless as possible while still keeping that classic retro turntable look and vinyl player functionality as well.

High-quality (HQ) components are considered in this modern yet classic-looking turntable.

There’s the HQ aluminum tonearm to ensure excellent tracking of the record groove without actually making it wear and tear over time. An HQ moving magnetic cartridge also comes pre-installed as well and the hardshell is removable so the cartridge can be replaced without frills when needed.

An aluminum platter is also present and is driven by a belt drive and motor with an optical sensor beneath. This ensures that there’s a precise playback whether you’re playing a full album, EP, or single. A wooden plinth is also considered over plastic for better sound quality and sustainability as well.

The JBL Spinner BT modern turntable is being offered in either Black/Orange or Black/Gold colorways.

Classics Reimagined

JBL Philippines’ ‘Classics Reimagined’ launch event was held at Cove Manila in Okada.

Classics indeed! It looked like we went back in time with all the ’70s-inspired retro outfits, elements, and sets of entertainment around.

And with all these in mind, they’ve announced their latest audio product line that also relive the classics.

Product reveal went through several dance numbers that also showcase each notable music genre that’s now prevalent in 2023’s local music scene such as OPM, hip-hop, and even K-Pop.

From an individual’s curiosity on why bring back the classics to the modern era, Grace Koh, Harman APAC’s Vice President and General Manager confidently answered that Gen Zs are the next big thing when it comes to these products.

While all of these classic-looking products bring back a great amount of nostalgia towards millennials, keeping the younger Gen Zs intact along with their current obsession to everything retro definitely proves that reimagining and reliving the classics is one way forward towards achieving the success of JBL in such a vast market of audio and tech.

To make both the local music and Gen Zs dominance even more present, the night was highlighted by a live band performance courtesy of Lola Amour — one of the hottest and freshest local music acts in the country right now. Together with JBL’s refined sound system, we were able to hear enjoy their Raining in Manila, Pwede Ba?, and Fallen setlist crisp and clear.

ICYMI: they also performed during Power Mac Center’s iPhone 15 midnight launch a week before this happened 🤩

Pricing and Availability

Local pricing for all of these devices weren’t revealed both in the event and even when the press materials were distributed to us. But after some digging, I was able to find out that they’re already being sold at Abenson along with these price tags:

Authentics Speakers

Spinner Turntable

The Authentics speakers line are up for pre-orders online. Meanwhile, the Spinner BT turntables are currently sold out as of this writing.

Accessories

DJI Osmo Mobile 8P: From a videographer’s perspective

Better tracking, fewer buttons

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DJI’s smartphone gimbals have always chased one goal: delivering cinema-smooth footage without forcing you to carry a heavy rig.

The Osmo Mobile 8P (OM 8P) makes its priorities clear right out of the box. This is not a simple refresh. DJI rebuilt how you control the gimbal, and that decision shapes the entire shooting experience.

Freedom behind the lens

The biggest change is the FrameTap remote, and it’s the kind of upgrade that fixes a problem you didn’t realize was slowing you down until it’s gone.

On the standard OM 8, adjusting your framing meant reaching for your phone every time, which broke the flow of shooting and pulled you out of the moment.

FrameTap puts that control back in your hand. You can reframe shots and manage the gimbal without touching your phone at all, and for anyone shooting solo, that alone changes how usable the whole setup feels. Tracking has taken a real step forward too.

ActiveTrack 8.0, paired with Module 2, held onto its subject even after they stepped out of frame for a moment, then picked them back up without much fuss.

It also lets you sit off-center in the shot instead of forcing you into the middle every time, which gives you more room to compose something that doesn’t look like every other gimbal video.

None of that would matter much if the gimbal itself wasn’t solid, and it still is. The OM 8P holds onto the same foldable design, magnetic phone clamp, and built-in tripod that made the OM 8 easy to live with.

And it remains one of the better compact options for stabilization, tracking, and portability in one package.

The tripod legs are a touch wider this time, and that extra width does make a noticeable difference on uneven ground.

The trade-offs in touch

The trade-off for all that new remote functionality is a control scheme that takes more getting used to. More of the gimbal’s functions now live on the FrameTap touchscreen, the joystick is smaller, and switching between shooting modes takes a few extra taps compared to the OM 8. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a learning curve you’ll need to budget time for.

DJI also removed the zoom and focus wheel, so if you leaned on that dial for quick adjustments, you’ll feel its absence here. Module 2 no longer lets you plug a DJI wireless mic in directly either.

You’ll need to connect it to your phone instead, which adds a step to a setup that used to be simpler. Phone compatibility is still a limiting factor as well. DJI lists support for phones up to around 300g and 11mm thick, so bigger phones or ones in chunky cases may not clamp in properly.

Finding your ideal workflow

The OM 8P makes the most sense for solo creators who want dependable tracking and the freedom of remote framing without stepping up to a dedicated camera like the DJI Osmo Pocket.

If you’re already shooting on a phone with a solid camera, this fills the gap nicely. It’s a tougher sell if you prefer physical buttons over touchscreen menus, or if your phone runs on the larger and heavier side, since fitting it onto the clamp might be a problem before you even get to shooting.

Price, availability

DJI is offering the OM 8P in three combos, so how much you pay depends on how much of the ecosystem you actually need.

  • Standard Combo (PhP 7,499): the gimbal itself, with 8th-gen stabilization and the detachable FrameTap remote included.
  • Advanced Tracking Combo (PhP 9,199): adds the Multifunctional Module 2 for the improved subject tracking we tested.
  • Creator Combo (PhP 11,099): the full kit, built for creators who want everything DJI bundles in from the start.

Is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P asks you to relearn a few habits in exchange for a gimbal that finally lets go of your phone. If hands-free framing and steadier tracking matter more to you than a dedicated zoom dial, this is worth the adjustment.

If you’d rather keep things exactly as they were on the OM 8, that learning curve might be the deciding factor.

Swipe right if you shoot alone often and have been waiting for a gimbal remote that actually works. The FrameTap remote alone justifies the upgrade if reaching for your phone mid-shot has been slowing you down.

Consider this if reliable tracking matters to you, especially if you’ve had a subject wander out of frame and stay lost on older gimbals.

And of course, get this if you already own a capable phone under the weight and thickness limits, and you’d rather invest in a smartphone rig than jump to a dedicated camera like the Osmo Pocket.

Swipe left if you lean on physical dials for zoom and focus, and moving those functions to a touchscreen sounds like a downgrade rather than an upgrade.

This is not for you if you use a DJI wireless mic and want it plugged directly into the module without routing through your phone first. Or, your phone runs heavier or bulkier than DJI’s limits allow, since no amount of enthusiasm fixes a clamp that won’t close.

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Sony WH-1000XM6 gets a new Olive Gray colorway option

The new color launches today.

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Last year, the Sony WH-1000XM6 quickly became our favorite pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The audio quality pairs remarkably well with its ANC capabilities. Now, a year into the accessory’s life cycle, new colors are still coming out. Today, the acclaimed WH-1000XM6 is getting an Olive Gray variant.

A few months ago, Sony expanded the WH-1000XM6’s colorway options with a Sandstone version, launching alongside the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION. At the time, the new color added a splash of life to an already blossoming lineup.

Now, much like the rest of the lineup, the new Olive Gray version is a subdued mashup between olive green and gray. Though it stands out on its own, the color is still cool enough to mix well with the contours of the user’s head.

Other than that, the new version is still identical to the inner workings of the original device. The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, providing 12 microphones for effective noise cancellation. In terms of audio quality, the headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC support.

Also, the accessory sits comfortable on the head with a high rigidity carbon fiber composite material dome, cushioned well with synthetic leather.

As always, the Olive Gray version, launching today, will sell for US$ 459.99.

In Singapore, the Sony WH-1000XM6 in Olive Gray is available starting today through Sony Stores, the Sony Store Online, and authorized dealers for S$649, matching the pricing of the existing color options.

SEE ALSO: Sony WH-1000XM6: Master of sound quality and noise cancellation

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OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

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OBSBOT Meet Flip
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Video Call

Other camera features include:

  • 4K video recording / 30fps
  • 1080p recording / up to 60fps
  • HDR support for challenging lighting
  • Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
  • 4x digital zoom
  • f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Video Call

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Conference Meeting

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

  • Directional Mode / solo calls
  • Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
  • Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
  • Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

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