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- Review count70
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- First reviewAugust 21, 2015
- Last reviewNovember 30, 2023
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- Average rating4.4
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- First answerMarch 22, 2017
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The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera (wired) sees what others can’t by letting you see more of what’s really happening at your door, day or night. Get real-time notifications for people and packages whether you’re home or away, and get the full picture with our industry-leading field of view. Automatically track, pan, and zoom-in on important activity at your front door in full 1080p HD quality with built-in radar and Smart Focus. That’s something to get excited about.
Posted by: tgharrell
The Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell is a standout device that has delivered on both functionality and aesthetics, and I'm happy to add another Ecobee device to the house. Its attractive, in style and avoids feeling flimsy or cheap. The installation process was very straightforward, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish. As expected with having installed other Ecobee products, the app effectively guided me through each step and made the setup process incredibly intuitive and easy to follow.
One of the exceptional features of this doorbell, and probably most important, is its image quality. The camera captures crisp and clear photos, and every detail is visible, both day and night. Video looks great as well. If you have an Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, you can pull up a live view of the doorbell, but I personally find it easier to pull it up from my phone. I also feel the need to mention that the timing of image capture is spot-on, capturing images precisely when needed when someone approaches the door.
I did encounter some issues when it came to accurately detecting packages even with the setting available and on, which, unfortunately, never seemed to work as intended. I don't like that this feature is behind a paywall, either. I'm happy to see features such as activity zone setup, detection range which wasn't a feature on my last doorbell, and smart focus. It's nice to have activity zone set up to not go off every time a car drives down the street.
Despite the package detection hiccup, the Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell has simply been an overall joy to have. It adds a layer of security and convenience that my family likes having. The ability to monitor the doorstep remotely and respond if away has been invaluable. While there's a little room for improvement in the package detection feature, the device's overall performance and reliability should absolutely make it a worthwhile addition to any home security setup, especially to any existing Ecobee ecosystem.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience a world of unparalleled sound precision. The INZONE Buds are meticulously crafted for gamers, with superior sound clarity and long battery life that keeps you playing for hours. Transform every gaming session into an elevated, immersive experience.
Customer Rating
4
A Sound Sensation with a Couple of Drawbacks
on October 26, 2023
Posted by: tgharrell
Sony has promised promised with the INZONE Buds great sound quality, the best battery life for earbuds, and a focus on comfortability. After spending some quality time with these them, here's my take on their performance:
These earbuds deliver an exceptional audio experience and have some impressive clarity. Even with small 8.4 mm drivers, the bass is well defined, the midrange is smooth, and the highs are crisp. While listening to music that utilizes all frequencies and games that provide a surround sound experience, the INZONE Buds make every sound stand out.
The included instruction manual offered little support into the control of the earbuds, so I had to turn to the INZONE Hub app. It's a superb feature, offering an array of customization options and features. It allows users adjust the EQ settings, configure touch controls (thankfully because I did not prefer the default settings), and personalize spacial sound. I couldn't seem to get the earbuds to take on the EQ settings, but this wasn't a problem as the flat sound still comes out great. The one negative here is that you can only access this app on a PC or laptop—there is no app available on mobile devices as of the writing of this review, and this baffles me.
One noteworthy inclusion with the earbuds is the USB-C dongle. This thoughtful addition significantly extends the earbuds' compatibility with a broad range of devices. There is one problem which isn't the dongle's fault, but the earbuds' themselves: when it comes to wireless functionality, they only support Bluetooth LE Audio. You're only going to get LE Audio from certain newer Android phones. Keep this in mind if you're searching for a wireless solution.
Sony's claims of impressive battery life of 12 hours (24 hours when using the charging case) are enticing. However, in real-world use, the earbuds fall slightly short of these expectations. While you can still expect several hours of playback, it's crucial to note that the advertised numbers don't hold up under constant audio or when listening at high volumes. I was measuring about 8-10 hours without the charging case, which is very impressive. I also wanted to mention that their quick charge feature gets you up to an hour of use on a five-minute charge.
Sony has prioritized comfort with the INZONE Buds, and this is certainly true. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ears, even during prolonged use. With the right earbud tips attached, the earbuds are extremely comfortable and hardly noticeable. During a three-hour listening session, I never encountered an earache.
One of the few drawbacks of the INZONE Buds is their limited effectiveness in background noise suppression, which is my largest issue. Despite their AI DNN noise reduction features, they struggle to drown out a lot of ambient noise. During voice chat, the mic can still pick up noise, even the reverberation from speaking in a room of almost any size, lowering my voice quality.
While the INZONE Buds themselves shine in terms of design and build quality, the same cannot be said for the charging case. It's a minor letdown in an otherwise premium package. The case feels a bit plasticky and less durable compared to the earbuds themselves. While it adequately protects and charges the earbuds, it lacks the same high-quality feel that you'd expect from a premium audio accessory. It's functional, but it could certainly benefit from a more refined, premium finish to match the earbuds' overall quality.
The Sony INZONE Buds offer a great experience with their crisp and clear sound, complemented by the app which I recommend using. They are super comfortable and allow for extended wear. While the battery life may not match the advertised numbers, and the noise suppression is not as effective as some other devices in the same class, these earbuds are a strong choice for anyone looking for a customized listening experience. Despite some minor drawbacks, these earbuds are a compelling option for those who value audio quality and versatility in their daily listening routine.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Annihilate your competition with this ASUS ROG gaming desktop. The Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM deliver rapid performance during fast-paced action, while the 1TB SSD provide plenty of storage for large files and downloads. This Bluetooth-enabled ASUS ROG gaming computer features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card for tear-free rendering of 4K games.
Posted by: tgharrell
The ASUS ROG STRIX G16CH stands as a formidable mid-tower desktop PC, equipped with the powerful combination of the i7-13700KF CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. Upon putting it to the test, I found its performance to be smooth at 1440p resolution, maintaining a frame rate of 80+ even when utilizing ultra settings in several modern titles. As expected, this rig performs even better on older or less demanding games, where it can achieve much higher frame rates.
With two fans on top of the case, one at the rear, and one at the bottom, along with ventilation at the front and back, the case has great air flow and helps it stay cool and quiet during long gaming sessions, with the low whisper blending into the background noise of real life. As I wear a headset most of the time, I don't notice much sound coming from it anyway. The sturdy and well-designed case does more than just accommodate the hardware; it provides aesthetics with its transparent side panel, offering a great view of the internal components, some of which have RGB lighting. The starry night Aura Sync effect that lights up the interior and flashes in the front is my personal favorite.
The two additional RAM slots can be utilized to expand beyond the basic 16GB (8x2 setup) DDR4 memory, or all four if going above and beyond. You'll want it if you're looking to handle more demanding tasks like photo- or video editing, or streaming. There is an additional SSD slot for when the included 1TB just isn't good enough, which will happen quickly if not immediately these days. There is plenty of room if you want to upgrade from RTX 30 series to 40 series.
Keep in mind that this isn't a high-end PC—far from it. However, considering the OEM build, it manages to deliver great performance and eye candy without the need to heavily consider high-end components to get what you want or need. You are absolutely going to get great performance from most games on high or ultra settings without any noticeable hiccups, and this will definitely last you some years before becoming something obsolete. But for those intent on achieving 4K resolution and exceptionally high frames on resource-heavy games, it might be worth considering alternative options.
Overall, the ASUS ROG STRIX G16CH is a solid PC that delivers exceptional gaming performance. The build quality achieves both form and function standards, with aesthetic appeal and good air flow, making it a reliable gaming rig.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ROCCAT’s Syn Max Air is for PC gamers who want it all wireless freedom, ultimate comfort, and incredible performance, in a brilliant RGB-infused package. The Syn Max Air features a rapid charge docking station, while Stellar Wireless technology optimizes signal strength and battery life, and Bluetooth lets gamers connect with other devices. Designed using a lightweight aluminum structure, the Syn Max Air is optimized for long gaming sessions. ProSpecs glasses-friendly cushions with cooling gel-infused memory foam provide all-day comfort. Go beyond traditional surround sound and push the boundaries of audio performance with immersive 3D audio driven by large and powerful 50mm Nanoclear speakers
Posted by: tgharrell
Right out of the box I could tell that the Roccat Syn Max Air was a quality product compared to previous Roccat products. This one was packaged so nicely that I could tell they cared about this product and its presentation and packaging. The headset was cushioned very nicely in foam rather than shrunk plastic.
Taking it out of the box, it looks very neat. It presents itself a lot like the Roccat Syn Pro Air with some small differences. Namely, the ear cups are leather-based, and they feel much better than the athletic material from the previous headset—very comfortable and cushiony. My ears tend to get hot, but the layer of cooling gel in the ear cups helps prevent this, and I've noticed this. The cups do slowly droop from gravity if for some reason you don't always put the headset back on the dock, but it isn't as bad as the previous iteration.
One of my favorite features is the dock. Not only does it have RGB and holds the headset well, but it's a rapid charger. It also acts as a transmitter. It's doing all this at the same time, requiring only one USB port. In my experience, USB ports are not to be taken for granted, so making good use of a single USB port is fantastic.
The sound quality is about what you'd expect from a Roccat headset. The Swarm software allows you to make some adjustments, but I haven't really noticed any difference in changing these settings. Maybe it's just me. The battery can last up to 16 hours, but realistically this may be closer to 8-10 hours. This is still pretty good.
I'm super pleased with the Syn Max Air, and it's a testament to Roccat's mission to provide state-of-the-art quality products. If you enjoy Roccat products or are looking for a sleek-looking headset, do not pass up the Syn Max Air.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Linksys Atlas 6 with Intelligent Mesh delivers the true power of Wi-Fi 6. From next-level gaming to streaming your favorite content, get the faster connection, wider coverage, for more devices for everyone on your network at an affordable price.
Customer Rating
4
Solid Mesh Router That Suits Any Home or Office
on September 21, 2022
Posted by: tgharrell
The Linksys Atlas 6 AX3000 is an upgrade from my last dual-band mesh wi-fi system, but I can't say it's a major upgrade.
The mesh router touts range, and I expected more range compared to my previous Linksys mesh router, but I don't really find myself getting that. It claims up to 4,000 square feet of coverage, which may be technically true, but not all of that coverage is a good connection. I often struggle to get a connection in my farthest room which is less than 500 square feet from the closest node. Walls are going to cause some issues, surely, but there is only one wall in the way and it's made of drywall. Sometimes even the TV which is less than five feet away from a node shows the faintest connection. Perhaps there is interference of some kind but nothing I can seem to find.
I do like are that the Atlas 6 AX3000 is super easy to set up. You don't need to know much about networking to get this thing going. I also like that the node hopping works much better than my previous system. Before, my devices always wanted to link to the farthest node, and I would have to reset the mesh wi-fi system in order to fix it. I no longer see that issue with the this system. They also blend very well into my home of modern rustic display.
It's entirely possible that I have some kind of interference somewhere. I still see myself benefitting greatly from this system than before, and I'm very happy with it. I only wish I could gain some consistency in having a good connection for my whole home. I might need another node!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The all new Owlet Cam 2 lets you feel like you’re there, from anywhere. Check on Baby with HD video & night vision streamed right to your phone. Enjoy peace of mind with AES 128-bit encryption, making the Owlet Cam 2 more secure than analog monitors. Get a full view of Baby with a wide-angle view & 4x zoom. Gain additional visibility around why Baby is upset: the Owlet Cam 2 features video clips when sound, motion, or crying notifications are detected in Baby's room. These video clips allow you to watch Baby’s cues that would have previously gone unnoticed from the next room. Learn subtle cues that Baby shows before they start to cry, so you know exactly why they’re crying, and how you can best soothe them. Manually log your baby’s sleep events in the Owlet Dream App and know exactly when Baby is ready for their next sleep with our new Predictive Sleep Technology. Pair Cam 2 with the Owlet Dream Sock for automated sleep tracking! Use two-way talk to stay connected to Baby and soothe them from anywhere. Listen to audio from your baby's room in the background while using your phone to scroll, shop, or text. Live room temperature and humidity readings help you keep Baby comfortable as the seasons change.
Customer Rating
3
Good Monitor That Lacks Some Necessary Features
on August 25, 2022
Posted by: tgharrell
We like the Owlet Cam 2, but it could do with a couple of features.
The box comes neatly packaged and has all you need to mount the monitor to the wall, save for some tools to do it. The box included a lot of cable guards, too, but we didn't use these. The magnetic base is powerful, holding the monitor good and snug. The monitor has a bit of trouble positioning itself with the resistance caused by the cable.
The video quality comes out great as long as it has a good connection. Even night vision looks clear. We enjoy the wide angle lens compared to the standard lens that we are used to. One thing I like about the app is that you can set the noise to come through while it's in the background, leaving you to lock your phone or use other apps while it acts like a monitor. It took us a while to learn of this feature but it's very useful through the night. The app will alert you to noise or cries that it picks up, but it doesn't make much sense to use this type of notification if you set your app to play sound in the background because these noises can sometimes be a false alarm.
Neither the box nor any instructions informs you to download a certain app. I downloaded the Owlet Nest app which has instructions for adding the Owlet Cam 2, but it never wanted to connect. It took well over an hour for me to learn that this wasn't going to work, and so I reached out to tech support. I learned through them very quickly that only the Owlet Dream app works. After downloading this, we had no issues. This was a bit of an oversight on their end. Why there are no instructions to download a specific app, and why the wrong app gives you the ability to set up the Cam 2, I have no idea.
Please be advised that the Cam 2 does not work with a 5GHz network! It must be 2.4 GHz, so if you don't have this, you'll need to set up a dual-band network that way in order to use the monitor. This is part of the reason why my setup took forever; I wasn't sure if I was having issues due to the type of network I had, so it took me some digging into all of my network settings to ensure that this was not the issue.
We like the Owlet Cam 2, but the instructions left us very frustrated with what should have been a quick and easy setup. We're also very wary of the fact that you cannot physically turn off the monitor or otherwise blind or mute it without unplugging it. It would have been nice for there to at least be a button or switch on the camera itself in order to do this. This is a huge missing feature in my opinion. This isue along with some other issues I've stated in my review have caused me to rate it a little lower than it could have been.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The ROCCAT Kone XP 3D Lighting Gaming Mouse utilizes the refined ergonomics of the iconic Kone shape. The translucent shell sets the stage for the Kone XP’s 22 LEDs and 8 light guides, creating an unprecedented and immersive lighting experience. The Kone XP boasts 15 buttons, and thanks to ROCCAT’s Easy-Shift[+] duplicator technology there are 29 possible button functions. Ideal for gamers who demand deep customization. The Krystal 4D Wheel not only adds to the number of inputs, but also enhances the experience, beautifully diffusing the RGB lighting..
Posted by: tgharrell
This mouse has everything I've wanted in one. I'm by no means ultra pro, so I don't need a complexity of buttons, but I require some versatility depending on the game or application. This mouse attains that, and it does it in beautiful fashion.
I don't prefer heavy mice (precision), but I don't like using light mice (speed). This is closer to the heavier side, but not exactly in the heavyweight class, so it's able to achieve the precision and speed I need in some of the games I play.
I enjoy syncing the RGB of Roccat products together with AIMO, so this one is no exception. The light guides inside the shell are no less than stunning, especially when light is flowing through them. It's definitely some of the coolest RGB effects I've seen. This is of course mostly a gimmick, but it personally adds to the aesthetics of my setup. Roccat has always gotten that part right.
The ergonomic shape of the Kone XP is awesome compared to some of the other mice I've had the opportunity to experience. It glides wonderfully, and the buttons feel perfect. The mouse wheel feels great, too. The macro buttons are all easily accessible. I like a wired mouse simply for its practicality, and the PhantomFlex cable, which I've always liked, really does give it free movement.
Unfortunately Roccat hasn't pushed out enough updates for its Neon software, and so at the time of this review, you'll have no choice but to use Swarm if you want to get the most out of the Kone XP. Despite this, I don't let the lack of updates for Neon ding the quality of the mouse!
I totally see myself using this mouse for a very long time. I can't imagine anything replacing it anytime soon. It'll be interesting to see if Roccat can top this one!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Optimized with technology that simplifies your life, Inspiron 2-in-1 laptops offer a range of easy-to-use features all packaged in a minimalist and modern design. See your beautiful world whenever you want with the new Inspiron 16 2-in-1. It features an FHD+ display and 16:10 aspect ratio packed into a slim 2-in-1 design. Your world is closer with powerful 12th Generation Intel Core Evo platform processors. It also has a 360 degree hinge that allows you to work in 4 different modes - laptop, tablet, tent and stand. And if that’s not all, your Inspiron features environmentally-conscious designs that complement not just your style but also your values.
Posted by: tgharrell
The Dell Inspiron 16 7620 is a little on the heavier side, but this is to be expected for a laptop of this kind. It's very shiny and bright, and stands out among other devices.
The keys feel odd, almost like they have a thin layer of dust. Even after a good amount of use, they feel this way. The touchpad is nice and large, and works really well. This is definitely one of my favorite features of this laptop.
This laptop is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, which I think is fantastic. This is a huge plus for a laptop for charging and data transfer. Way to stay up to date. The quad speakers aren’t really a necessity for what I consider a productivity laptop, though the MaxxAudio Pro’s camera tracking feature is kind of neat. Still, I don’t expect I’d use the laptop speakers that much to get any use out of this. The fingerprint reader is very neat and provides quick and easy access.
The touch display is a ratio of 16:10, and with this being a 2-in-1 (and it’s Dell, whose been pushing WUXGA on laptop displays), the choice only makes sense. It’s not far from the usual 16:9 that I’ve become accustomed to either. I would've liked to see a 120 Hz refresh rate instead of 60 Hz. And 4GB of VRAM is sufficient.
The interior specs are average: 8GB RAM is good, an Intel i5 CPU is okay, and 512GB SSD is good. They get the job done for a lot of different types of applications including photo-editing software. I can't comment on video-editing software as I haven't been able to test that. This could run some simpler games that don't require heavy CPU resources.
As a productivity laptop, this performs rather well. It's fast, that's for sure.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Premium Smart Programmable Touch-Screen Thermostat with Siri, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant is brilliant at savings and comfort, allowing you to optimize your energy use through superior intelligence and technology. Included SmartSensor eliminates hot and cold spots and adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most. A built-in air quality monitor, smoke alarm detection, and geofencing technology to understand occupancy are just a few of the features that make saving energy just the beginning. Works with Siri*, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTT.
Posted by: tgharrell
We’ve had other Ecobee devices in the home but no Ecobee thermostat, including a camera and sensors. Now that I have one, the ensemble of Ecobee devices feels complete, and the Smart Thermostat Premium was the best option.
The thermostat looks so clean, the shape is sleek, and it fits in well with the rest of the house. The screen is big and responsive, and the resolution is pleasing, too.
Installing was a worry, as I am not a technician of any kind. Fortunately, this was really easy to do, and the Ecobee app provided perfect instructions. The kit includes small sticker labels for all the wires you might have for the thermostat, but my wiring seemed the simplest, so I didn’t need them. Just make sure you have the power shut off to these wires!
After install and setup, I got into the full features of the thermostat. Unlike our previous thermostat, this one works with remote sensors. We have Ecobee SmartSensors set up in both our room and the baby’s room upstairs to ensure that they are cooled to the temperature we set since they’re prone to the rising heat. It’ll also automatically pause any heating or cooling if we open a window where we have one of our sensors set up (this feature requires a subscription to Ecobee Smart Security).
Being able to monitor the air for VOCs and CO2 is a plus. It’s supposed to give you tips when the levels of these pollutants are high, but the only tip I’ve ever seen or can imagine doing is opening windows. It can also detect smoke which can come in handy if we are away from home, as it will alert us if it detects it (this feature requires a subscription to Ecobee Smart Security).
I benefit from a few eco+ features including the system knowing when no one is home and using your away comfort setting, and by it learning from our home and away schedule and making suggestions on how I can be more energy efficient. I have yet to receive any suggestions though. I also benefit from its humidity adjustments which we’ve noticed—this is something our previous thermostat did not do.
This thermostat feels like a huge upgrade from my previous smart thermostat, and the previous one was only a year old. It has proven to be very effective at maintaining a high level of energy efficiency, and it's got features that are a huge benefit to comfortability and safety, which are two things at the top of our priority list when it comes to our family. We are extremely happy with it and glad to have it working as a part of our smart home.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Design meets function with the BESPOKE Cube Air Purification System by Samsung. This visually appealing, virtually silent Air Purification System traps large dust particles, helps remove unpleasant odors, and captures ultrafine dust, providing clean air for your home.
Posted by: tgharrell
Unpacking the Samsung BESPOKE Cube Air Purifier was easy enough, and that was some minor assembly involving the filters and power brick. In total, it took about 5-10 minutes to get it operating.
My first thought was that the off/on chimes make this seem like some household device from the 90s. I don't know how else to describe it, but it's easy to get over.
Initially I wasn’t certain that the air purifier’s air sensor was accurate, but using my thermostat’s air quality detector and running the air purifier, I found that it is in fact accurate—as the purifier ran, the pollutant levels reported by my thermostat decreased. According to both the air purifier and my thermostat, I now have very clean air! The purifier’s small screen informs you of the current air quality, and the manual explains all this, but I have yet to get a grasp on it other than high numbers are bad, blue or green is good quality, and yellow or red is bad quality.
If the room has good air circulation, is relatively small (400 square feet or less), or both, this air purifier works a lot faster. I’ll often turn on a ceiling fan to speed up the purifying process. It does well to clear out the smell of food after it’s cooked, even bacon. I tried the room where we have our cat litter box, however, and it doesn’t seem to do so well to remove the smell that lingers in there, even when I have it on high circulation.
I found myself mostly using the smart preset, as it runs the purifier at the proper speed according to the quality of the air. It’s interesting to watch it run at a high speed (you can hear how hard it’s working) and slow down as it actively purifies the air. I do like to use the high preset when cooking. I don't really use the pet, wind-free, or sleep settings.
I’m not sure why the package included so many pet filters—one seems fine to me, and I run it almost constantly with a dog that loves to shed along with two cats. It also looks like it could be reused a few times.
I get that this thing requires a lot of parts to do a lot of work, but still—it’s rather large. I haven't yet figured out the best place to put it where it doesn't stand out so much. I like its shape and design, but I simply don't know where it can go that it feels out of the way. And it would be nice if it had some handles or carrying shape for easier mobility around the house.
It’s nice to know that my family and I are breathing better-quality air thanks to this air purifier, and despite its size, it can run quiet yet effective enough that I don’t even notice it’s there most of the time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Hear every footstep, click and breath with this Razer Kraken digital gaming headset. The powerful 50mm drivers have neodymium magnets so that they produce exceptional sound directly to your ear, and the included microphone picks up speech clearly. This Razer Kraken digital gaming headset connects to a USB port for easy setup.
Its works for ps4?
Yes--the requirements in the booklet list PC, Mac, and PlayStation 4.
7 years, 1 month ago
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