Pick up an activity card at the redemption booth when you arrive. Collect stamps from any three zones and you’ll unlock an exclusive JBL gift bundle – including JBL merchandise worth up to S$288 and a 20% off voucher for the JBL Online Store.

Five Zones, One Atrium

The pop-up is divided into five themed zones, each tied to a different lifestyle and a different set of JBL products:

Zone 1 – Beats Unleashed features the new JBL BandBox Solo & Trio, AI-powered amplifiers built for musicians. You can switch between solo practice mode and group jamming – a neat setup for anyone curious about what these look and sound like in a live environment.

Gift with Purchase: Receive a limited edition JBL Music Stand for every JBL Bandbox Solo or Trio purchase. Limited availability daily, while stock lasts.

Zone 2 – Sound Is Survival puts you in a first-person shooter with JBL’s Quantum 250, 650, and 950 gaming headsets. Gameplay is projected live so spectators can follow the action, and one JBL Quantum 650 (worth S$299) is given away per day to the top scorer.

Gift with Purchase: A S$30 Steam gift card with any purchase of the JBL Quantum 650 or 950 headset. Limited availability daily, while stock lasts. 

Zone 3 – Hustle Loud transforms Sinpopo Café into a co-working space where you can test the just-launched JBL Live 680NC and 780NC headphones in actual work-like conditions. It’s the Singapore debut of the new Live Series – so this is your first chance to hear them in person.

Gift with Purchase: A Sinpopo Cake Set (worth S$12) with every purchase of a JBL Live headphone. Limited availability daily, while stock lasts. 

Zone 4 – Adventure Unmuted is an outdoor camping-themed setup where you can get hands-on with the PartyBox lineup and portable speakers like the Flip 7, Charge 6, and BoomBox 4. There’s also a short quiz to help you figure out which speaker suits your lifestyle.

Gift with Purchase: Get a limited-edition speaker strap and customise it at the D.I.Y Echo Charms Bar with any purchase of the JBL Grip, JBL Flip 7 or JBL Charge 6 portable speakers. Limited availability daily, while stock lasts.

Zone 5 – Style Amplified is about the open-ear lineup – the Sense Lite, Sense Pro, and Soundgear Clips. It doubles as a styling bar with a colour analysis activity, matching earwear to outfits. A fun angle for anyone who cares as much about how something looks as how it sounds.

Gift with Purchase: Redeem a limited-edition clip-on charm accessory with every JBL Soundgear Clips purchase at the D.I.Y Echo Charms Bar. Or, grab a TEC Roti pouch, a JBL collab piece with local lifestyle brand The Everyday Club, with the purchase of the JBL Sense Pro, JBL Sense Lite or JBL Endurance Zone. Limited availability daily, while stock lasts.

DIY Charms Bar & Live Music on the Weekend

There’s also a D.I.Y Echo Charms Bar where buyers of the JBL Grip, Flip 7, or Charge 6 can personalise a limited-edition speaker strap with charms. JBL Soundgear Clips buyers get a clip-on charm accessory too.

On 18 and 19 April (Saturday and Sunday), local indie musicians will perform 30-minute live sets at the pop-up. No ticketing required — just show up.

Where and When

‘JBL: Live Your Sound’ Pop-Up is held at Funan, Level 1 Atrium

• 15 – 19 April 2026
• Free admission

Gifts-with-purchase apply to purchases made at Funan retailers (Best Denki, Courts, Challenger, Gain City, T K Foto) or the JBL Online Store during the same period.

Unboxing

In the box, you’ll find the following:

• Yari Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
• StrikeSpeed Pro 8000Hz Polling Rate Charging Dock
• USB-C Data Cable
• 1 Set Grip Tape
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Tech specs

Build quality and weight

Fantech Yari Pro comes in two colours (black and white), and the design is clean and understated. I like the red accents that peek through the scroll wheel and logo. The charging dock glows with a full RGB strip along the base. There’s a small LED indicator between the scroll wheel and the main buttons for battery/DPI status. It’s a clean look that won’t feel out of place on a desk setup for specifically designed for gaming, so it can also double as a work mice.

At 58 grams, it sits comfortably in the lightweight category. The shell feels solid as I encountered almost no flexing, creaking, or rattling when handling it. The surface has a decent coating that holds up just ok when your hands are slightly sweaty. Fantech also includes grip tape in the box, which is a nice touch and gives you an extra layer of grip security if you need it. The weight balance is also well done, nicely distributed in the middle.

Main buttons and scroll wheel

The main buttons uses Huano Transparent Green Shell White Dot switches, which are rated for 100 million clicks. They’re quite clicky and tactile, and feel a little heavier than the Aria II mouse that I’m currently using. Having said that they are still goof to spam in fast-paced games. The scroll wheel has a red-accented ribbed rubber texture that gives good grip and defined scroll notches. The two side buttons sit at a comfortable height and have a generous size, making them easy to reach with a thumb roll without having to shift your grip mid-game.

8KHz Ultrapolling Dock

Being the ‘Pro’ version, the Fantech Yari Pro comes with the StrikeSpeed Pro 8KHz wireless dongle that also charges the mice. Yari Pro is rated at up to 75 hours of playtime on a single charge. That’s among the best figures in Fantech’s current lineup though I’m think these numbers aren’t when using it at 8K polling.

It’s a pretty neat implementation: since the dock is both the charging station and the wireless receiver, you don’t have to worry about losing a USB dongle. Having the charging dock nearby makes charging very convenient as I simply set the mouse down on it when I’m done gaming. The pins latch on pretty well when trying to dock the mouse too. The magnets on the dock is super strong so you can remove the mouse with one hand, but this also means you have to make a conscious thought to align the mouse with charging pins when charging.

Shape and fit

Fantech Yari Pro is an ergonomic right-handed mouse. The overall size of the mice is slightly larger than what I’m used to for my 18 cm sized hand, where I usually deploy a relaxed claw grip felt. The shape has a prominent hump due to the ergonomic shape as it slopes quite steeply towards the rear. The left side of the mice also offers a sculpted thumb groove for your thumb to rest against.

I feel this mice might be more suited towards palm grip users or claw grip users who want a little more support. If you tried the Logitech G Pro Superlight 2 DEX mouse before, then you’ll find that the shape of the Fantech Yari Pro is very similar. In fact, I think the Yari Pro is modelled after the Superlight 2 DEX to provide an affordable option for those who like this shape.

The PTFE skates provide smooth, consistent glide across the cloth mouse pads which I usually use. Nothing exotic, but they do the job well and lean in more of the control category. Some might find the skates a tad thin, especially if you tend to press down hard on your mouse pad. If you want smooth skates for speed, you would likely need to get aftermarket skates.

Performance

Fantech Yari Pro is built around the PixArt PAW3950 Strike sensor, which Fantech markets as their top-tier sensor choice for this mouse. DPI adjusts up to 42,000, with five default steps of 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 3200. In practice, the sensor tracks precisely and consistently. I didn’t encounter any jitter, drift, or spin-out during testing in FPS titles like Valorant.

As aforementioned, the 8K polling rate is delivered via the RGB wireless dongle. That said, like with other Fantech mice I’ve tested at 8K, the real-world feel between 2K and 8K is subtle for most players. I’d run it at 2K or 4K as a good middle ground between responsiveness and battery life.

As for software, Fantech has finally ditched their “one-app-for-one-mice” approach and went ahead to develop a web-based software. Simply type “qmk.top” in your Chrome browser, and the website should ask for permission to connect to the Yari Pro. The web app does look a little unpolished here and there, but the UI is simple and clean enough. In the web-app, you can customise buttons, DPI or macros, report rate, and more. I’m not sure if this will be single software that works across all Fantech mice, and only time will tell but I’m glad this is something that has been developed.

Conclusion

If you already like the shape of the Logitech Superlight 2 DEX, then Fantech Yari Pro could potentially an affordable option to consider. My experience has generally been positive and the PAW3950 Strike sensor, 8K wireless polling, 75-hour battery, and RGB charging dock in one package makes it a strong proposition.

Sonos Play

Price: S$549 | Available at: TCAcoustic.asia, Sonos Flagship Store @ Wheelock Place, Lazada, Shopee, and authorised retailers

The Sonos Play is a hybrid – it works as a home speaker on Wi-Fi and doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker when you head out. It has a 24-hour battery, IP67 water resistance, and comes with a wireless charging base so it stays docked at home when you’re not on the move. There’s also a built-in power bank to top up your phone on the go, plus a removable fabric loop for easy carrying.

One genuinely useful new trick: you can group up to four Sonos Play or Move 2 speakers over Bluetooth when you’re away from home. Just connect to your phone via Bluetooth, hold the Play/Pause button on the other speakers, and they sync up – no Wi-Fi needed. Automatic Trueplay tuning adjusts the sound based on where you are, indoors or out. Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and voice control are all supported. The battery is also user-replaceable, which is a nice sustainability move.

Sonos Era 100 SL

Price: S$349 | Available at: TCAcoustic.asia, Sonos Flagship Store @ Wheelock Place, Lazada, Shopee, and authorised retailers

The Era 100 SL is essentially the Era 100 minus the microphones, making it Sonos’ most affordable non-portable speaker. It still has the same two angled tweeters and single mid-woofer setup for stereo-like sound, plus Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and a USB-C port for line-in audio (adapter sold separately). No voice assistant means it’s a good pick for anyone who doesn’t want a mic sitting in their living room. It can also function as rear surround speakers in a Sonos home theatre setup.

Where to Buy

Both speakers are available for pre-order now at TCAcoustic.asia, the Sonos Flagship Store @ Wheelock Place, and Sonos stores on Lazada and Shopee, as well as authorised retailers. General availability starts 7 April 2026. If you want to hear them in person before then, head to the Sonos pop-up at Wheelock Place (until 22 March) or catch them at IT Show 2026 at Suntec (12–15 March).

Build quality and battery life

Right out of the box the TOZO Open EarRing has a pretty decent construction. Each earpiece weighs just over 5 grams and uses a two-part design: a rounded inner section that houses the 12mm dynamic driver, and an outer module that contains the battery and electronics. These are connected via a flexible loop that allows the EarRing to wrap securely around different ear shapes without requiring any piercing or in-ear insertion.

Materials are largely polycarbonate, but they feel sturdy when handling them. The flexibility of the connecting loop allows for repeated bending and adjustment without feeling fragile, and once clipped on, the EarRing maintains its shape well. The charging case is compact and solid, with a built-in LED display that shows remaining battery levels which is a nice touch at this price point. Charging is handled via USB-C.

Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours at moderate volume, which is pretty competitive for the category.

Fit and comfort

Comfort and fit is where the TOZO Open EarRing truly stands out. Because the earbuds do not enter the ear canal at all, there is none of the pressure, fatigue, or “plugged ear” sensation commonly associated with in-ear earbuds. They are really lightweight in your ears as well.

The flexible loop allows the EarRing to accommodate both small and large ears. There is some tension to the loop so once you dial in the fit, it really kind of just stays there. During my testing, the fit remained stable even with head movement, and they managed to stay quite steady even when taking them out for my runs. TOZO could in future versions, line the inner part of the earbuds will rubber or silicon so that it can stay more secure during workouts.

Sound quality

The sound quality of the TOZO Open EarRing is pretty decent for a pair of open-ear earbuds. It’s not the best I’ve heard but is good enough for the average user. The 12mm dynamic driver sits close to the ear canal and is angled in a way that directs sound more effectively into my ears. Volume output as a result is also stronger than average for open-ear earbuds, making them usable even in moderately noisy environments.

The overall tuning leans balanced with a slight brightness. Bass is present but understandably lacks the sub-bass depth of traditional earbuds. The midrange is clear enough, allowing vocals and instruments to come through cleanly without sounding too thin. I did find more complex musical can impact clarity and separation. Treble is airy, giving an open presentation, the high-hats aren’t too well defined. Overall, the TOZO Open EarRing still has above average sound as doesn’t sound thin like some other open-earbuds. Of course, manage your expectation accordingly if you have not used a pair of open-ear earbuds before.

App Support

TOZO offers a companion app for both iOS and Android, adding useful customization to the Open EarRing. Within the app, users can choose from a variety of EQ presets or create and save custom EQ profiles to better suit personal preferences.

The app experience is largely straightforward and also offers touch control customisation. There is even a setting to do some sort of water drainage which could be handy after every workout done with the Open EarRing.

Conclusion

The TOZO Open EarRing is a product that prioritises comfort and awareness that still offers decent sound quality to the extent as other open designs do. At ~S$63, it is a good entry price for one to test out the ear-ring concept of earbuds and explore the usability and comfort that comes with it.

Build quality and features

The Soundpeats C30 features a familiar stem-style design. The earbuds are rated IP54 for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for workouts and daily commuting. I have the black colour variant, and I quite like the combination of the grey and gloss-black combination. They are made from plastic and feel pretty nice in hand. Build quality also feels sturdy enough for regular use and consistent with expectations at this price point.

The charging case has an oval shape and has a unique faux-leather textured plastic finish, which does a good job of hiding fingerprints and minor scratches. Visually, it looks quite refined for a budget product. Charging is handled via USB-C, with no wireless charging support, which is expected at this level.

Overall, the Soundpeats C30 has a simple yet practical design style that prioritises practicality over flair. It’s not flashy, but it feels purpose-built for everyday use.

Controls and App

Touch controls are located on the outer surface of each stem and respond reliably. Playback, volume, and track navigation are all supported, and one of the highlights here is how flexible the controls are. Through the Soundpeats app, you can fully customise gestures, assigning different actions to single, double, triple taps, or long presses.

Feature-wise, it is quite comprehensive for a budget pair of earbuds. You can switch ANC modes, toggle multipoint connectivity, enable low-latency game mode or movie mode, run fit tests, customise EQ settings, update firmware, and even drain water from the earbuds if needed.

There’s also an Adaptive EQ feature that creates a personalised sound profile based on a hearing test. While results vary, it’s a nice option to have, especially if you don’t want to manually tweak EQ settings. Or you could simple choose from one of the many presets.

Fit and comfort

The Soundpeats C30 offers a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to its lightweight design and slim silicone ear tips. Once you’ve found the right tip size, the earbuds sit snugly in the ears and remain stable during walking or daily commuting.

The stem length is moderate and doesn’t feel intrusive, and the rounded shape of the earpiece allows for extended listening without pressure buildup. Comfort remains consistent even during longer sessions, making the Soundpeats C30 suitable for workdays, travel, or casual exercise.

Sound quality

The Soundpeats C30 has a distinctly warm and slightly dark sound signature. The low end is prominent, with boosted lower mids and mid-bass that give music a full, weighty presentation. Bass notes hit with enough impact to feel satisfying, while sub-bass extension is controlled rather than overwhelming. Midrange performance leans warm, with guitars and pianos sitting slightly recessed. Vocals though sounding full, don’t always sit front and centre. Treble is restrained, focusing mainly on vocal clarity rather than sparkle, which offers less excitement but keeps the overall presentation fatigue-free.

Despite the subdued top end, the sound doesn’t feel too dull. There’s a decent amount of separation at moderate volumes. That said, the soundstage can occasionally feel enclosed. I found that with ANC turned on, the sound is tad darker with less punchiness. It’s not that obvious unless you really cycle through both modes. But given most people will likely listen with ANC turned on, it is worth mentioning.

ANC & Transparency performance

Active noise cancellation on the Soundpeats C30 is solid for its price. With Adaptive ANC enabled, constant low-frequency sounds like air conditioning, engine hum, and electronic noise are reduced effectively, making a noticeable difference during commutes or indoor use. Traffic noise reduction is decent rather than class-leading. Lower-frequency sounds are handled well, while higher-pitched noises such as car horns or clattering cutlery still come through to some extent. There are ANC modes such as Indoor and Outdoor, but I found the Adaptive mode delivers the best balance and is the most reliable option.

Transparency mode is actually offers solid performance for its price. Use it to allow surrounding sounds like traffic to come through when needed. And it is actually quite natural sounding so you don’t get those overly processed inputs where certain are overly-emphasised.

Battery life

Battery performance is a strong point for the Soundpeats C30. With ANC enabled, the earbuds deliver around 7.5 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to about 10 hours with ANC turned off. And with the charging case, the total listening time extends to 52 hours which would comfortably last you a full work week. Fast charging is supported, with a quick 10-minute top-up providing roughly 3 hours of playback.

Pairing, connectivity, and latency

The Soundpeats C30 uses Bluetooth 6.0 and connectivity has been very stable during my time of testing. Multipoint pairing is supported, allowing you to stay connected to two devices simultaneously, though enabling certain features like LDAC disables multipoint and low-latency modes. Video playback is well-synchronised on my iPhone 16 Pro when testing it on the YouTube app. Game Mode reduces latency further, making it suitable for casual gaming.

Conclusion

The Soundpeats C30 delivers a well-rounded experience that focuses on comfort, battery life, and practical ANC performance. Its warm, smooth sound tuning won’t appeal to those chasing sparkle and punchy treble, but it works well for long listening sessions and everyday use. If you’re looking for a simple set of earbuds that offers ANC and has solid battery life, Soundpeats C30 is a good shout.

Build quality and design

The TOZO PA2 features a compact, pill-shaped design that’s noticeably smaller and lighter than the PA1. Its body is wrapped in a textured mesh fabric that improves grip and helps prevent it from slipping off smooth surfaces, while the rubberised ends provide a degree of shock absorption when placing it down or carrying it around.

All the controls: power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, play/pause, and EQ are integrated cleanly into the rubber housing and are easy to locate by feel. The buttons are responsive without being overly stiff, making them practical to use outdoors. A detachable strap is included in the box and is genuinely useful for hanging the speaker on a bag or carrying it around by hand.

The PA2 carries an IPX8 water-resistance rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in water, making it a solid option for poolside use or outdoor trips where weather can be unpredictable. Overall build quality feels reassuring for a speaker at this price, with no obvious weak points in daily handling.

Battery life and connectivity

TOZO rates the PA2’s battery for up to 25 hours of playback at 50% volume, which is achievable under moderate listening conditions. I’ve used it for about a week daily and found that I only needed to charge this at the end of the week. It also has an auto power off feature to save battery when idle.

Charging is handled via USB-C and takes around two to three hours from empty. The speaker can also be used while charging, which adds to its practicality. There is no 3.5mm input, so Bluetooth is the only playback option. Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable connection, and pairing is quick and painless. Once connected, the PA2 reliably reconnects to the last paired device and maintains a solid signal within typical indoor and outdoor ranges.

Sound quality

For its size, the TOZO PA2 delivers impressively loud output from its 16W (2 × 8W) speaker setup. It has no trouble filling small rooms or outdoor spaces, but like many compact speakers, it sounds best when kept below maximum volume.

At moderate levels, the sound is clear and well-balanced. Bass presence is respectable for a speaker of this size, offering enough weight for casual music listening without overwhelming the mids. Vocals and instruments come through cleanly, making the PA2 suitable for podcasts and vocal-heavy tracks as well.

At higher volumes, the sound remains mostly composed, though clarity and bass control are best maintained below roughly 70% volume. This is also where the speaker feels most natural and less strained. The ability to tweak the sound using EQ settings helps fine-tune the balance depending on the genre or listening environment.

App and other features

The TOZO companion app adds useful functionality without feeling bloated. Its main purpose is sound tuning, allowing you to select from preset EQ modes or create your own custom profile. Battery level information is also visible within the app, which is helpful during longer listening sessions.

Stereo pairing is supported, allowing two PA2 speakers to be linked for true left-right separation, though this only works with another PA2. The built-in microphone enables hands-free calling, and call quality is acceptable for casual use.

Conclusion

At ~S$63, the TOZO PA2 represents strong value for a compact Bluetooth speaker. It’s portable, water-resistant, loud for its size, and offers sound customisation through its app. Compared within TOZO’s own lineup, the PA2 trades some power against the PA1 for a smaller, more portable form factor and improved water resistance. If portability and ease of use matter more than outright volume, the PA2 is the more practical option. Overall, the TOZO PA2 is a well-rounded budget speaker that performs best when expectations are set realistically. It’s not aimed at audiophiles, but for everyday listening, travel, and outdoor use, it delivers a balanced and dependable experience at its price point.

Build quality and battery life

The GROOVE OWS FT21 features an open wearable design with over-the-ear hooks that keep the earbuds securely in place. The earbuds are decently lightweight, and the case that holds the earbuds are incredibly unique as there is no cover to keep them enclosed. Instead, they are held on strongly by the magnets which does the job well. Eye-catching for sure, but not sure if will give that much protection for the earbuds especially you tend to just chuck your earbuds in a bag.

Finecoustic claims the Finecoustic GROOVE OWS FT21 are sweat and splash resistance, but there aren’t any official IP rating for it. Got caught in some light rain while using them and so far they are still working fine. Controls are touch-based, located on the outer surface of each earbud. Personally, I’m not a fan of touch controls as accidental inputs like pausing music or skipping tracks are hard to avoid. Physical buttons would have been a more reliable choice especially if fitness was part of the product’s intended use case.

Battery life stands at around 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total listening time to roughly 45 hours. It charges via USB-C.

Fit and comfort

In terms of fit, Finecoustic GROOVE OWS FT21 feels secure and really does stay in-place due to the firm shape of the ear hooks. That said, the fit is not particularly flexible or malleable. The ear hooks don’t offer much adjustability, so while they fit my ears well enough, they may not be as versatile across different ear shapes and sizes.

Comfort is generally good due to the lightweight construction, but the lack of adjustability means the earbuds rely heavily on whether their default shape suits your ears. If it does, they’re comfortable for long sessions. If not, there’s limited room to fine-tune the fit. For me, it works well.

Sound quality

I would say sound quality isn’t GROOVE OWS FT21 strongest suit. As with most open-ear designs, bass performance is lacking due to the lack of a seal. While the earbuds offer decent clarity at higher volumes, the overall presentation sounds thin and somewhat distant. There’s a noticeable lack of bass weight and depth, which makes music feel less engaging, especially during high-energy workouts.

Midrange performance is acceptable for podcasts and casual listening, but music lacks body and fullness. The sound doesn’t feel particularly immersive, and compared to some competing open-ear models, it comes across as less refined. These earbuds prioritise awareness and comfort over audio performance, and it shows.

Conclusion

The Finecoustic GROOVE OWS FT21 is a straightforward open-ear option built with workouts in mind. It is a decent first foray into the open-earbuds space with a secure fit and good battery life. If situational awareness and stability matter more to you than audio depth or punch, the GROOVE OWS FT21 can get the job done.

Build quality

The XTAR L8 is made primarily of plastic, but it feels solid and well assembled. The vertical charging design allows the batteries to be hidden beneath a magnetic lid, giving the charger a clean and minimal appearance that fits well on a desk or shelf.

The magnetic lid aligns easily and stays firmly in place, while still being easy to remove when accessing the batteries. Overall, the build quality is good, and the design clearly prioritises neatness and everyday usability over a purely utilitarian look.

Features & Usage

Most battery chargers place batteries horizontally and are often limited to four slots. The XTAR L8 takes a different approach by charging batteries in a vertical orientation and offering eight charging slots in a single case. By default, it supports AA rechargeable batteries, including both 1.5V lithium-ion and 1.2V Ni-MH types. AAA batteries are also supported using the four included adapters, allowing you to mix AA and AAA batteries during the same charging session.

Each of the eight slots has its own LED status indicators on the lid, showing the charging progress of individual batteries. This makes it easy to monitor charging at a glance without removing the lid. The XTAR L8 is powered via USB-C, which adds to its convenience, as it can be powered by a wall charger, computer, or power bank. This makes it suitable not only for desktop use but also for travel.

As with other XTAR chargers, the L8 includes intelligent charging features such as multi-stage charging and protection against overheating. There is no display or detailed charging data, but the charger is clearly designed to be simple and reliable rather than feature-heavy.

XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

The XTAR L8 was tested with XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 rechargeable Li-ion battery. At first glance, the XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 looks like a normal AA battery, but the positive terminal has a small LED indicator that lights up when tapped. It’s a simple idea, but also one that immediately makes sense. Instead of guessing whether a battery is half-full or nearly dead, a quick tap gives a visual indication of the remaining charge. In practice, this feels far more useful than I initially expected.

With a rated capacity of 2500mAh, these batteries are clearly aimed at medium- to high-drain devices, and they have been in my Aqara smart door lock so far no issues. XTAR rates the 1.5V AA 3960 for over 1,500 charge cycles, which, if even close to accurate, makes these batteries a long-term investment.

Charging speed is another area where XTAR 1.5V AA 3960 stands out. A full recharge takes around 2.5 hours, which is noticeably quicker than many traditional rechargeables. While I did not need to charge it yet, this makes it easier to top up batteries between uses rather than planning charging cycles far in advance. Especially for my use case of smart door lock, the faster charging reduces friction and makes rechargeables more practical overall.

Conclusion

Overall, the XTAR L8 is a practical and thoughtfully designed charging solution. The combination of charging and storage works extremely well, and its clean design means it doesn’t need to be hidden away in a drawer when not in use. The only limitation is that it can only charge up to eight batteries at a time, which may not be enough for users with heavy battery usage. That said, at around US$30, the XTAR L8 offers good value for money for anyone looking for a tidy, easy-to-use AA and AAA battery charger that looks good on a desk.

Unboxing

Here’s what you’ll find in the box:

• TOZO OpenReal headphones
• Charging cable
• User manual

Tech specs

Build quality and features

The whole of TOZO OpenReal headphones is covered in a soft silicon material in a matte black colour. Only the area where the speakers drivers are located are made from plastic. The design is very simple as well, with just the TOZO logo located at the speaker area.

The overall headphone has a dense feel which translate well to its build quality. I couldn’t really find any info on the water resistance rating, but seeing after seeing advertised images of it being soaked in water, I’m assuming it can handle water and sweat well. I’ve worn the TOZO OpenReal for a few running sessions and they are still working fine so far.

Controls

TOZO OpenReal uses a combination of touch and button controls. The touch controls are located on the right side headphones. It is easy to reach (if I have my thumb to find the end), reactive to touch, and not accidentally triggered when adjusting fit. The button controls are located further back (when wearing it), and they are okay to use. There are slight nubs on the button to give you an indication of its existence,

The combination of controls grant you the ability handle media controls (such as volume, and track skipping). You can find a summary of the button controls in the image below:

Like on the TOZO Golden X1, the TOZO OpenReal also has support from the TOZO app, but the customisations are limited to the EQ settings. There are many stock presets available to choose from, or you can always create your own. The EQ presets does create a noticeable change in sound signature compared to the stock.

Fit and comfort

The fit of the TOZO OpenReal is very similar to most bone conduction headphones out there. The fit relies heavily on the curves along the speaker drivers to hook on to your ear. I got a good fit with the TOZO OpenReal even with spectacles on. Comfort is pretty good as well as the 30 grams weight of the TOZO OpenReal doesn’t create much pressure on my ears. I like using the TOZO OpenReal for runs as it doesn’t have the thumping sound that you get when listening to music with earbuds.

Having said that, I can definitely feel that there is something being hooked on my ears, just that it isn’t uncomfortable. One thing to note is that the neckband just hangs freely and there is no way to adjust it. As such, I cannot recommend using this if the back of your head is going to be resting against something (eg. gym bench), as it will cause the headphones to dislodge from its fit. I used the TOZO OpenReal for casual runs and the fit remained intact and secure without any hint of moving out of position.

Sound quality

Looking at how the TOZO OpenReal is an open-ear type of headphone, I had expectations that the sound was likely going to be on the thinner side without much bass impact. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the over sound signature is actually rather balanced, without any frequency feeling noticeably lacking.

Bass is clear and present, with a good amount of punch and depth to it to give the song warmth and liveliness. Having said that, don’t expect too much sub-bass rumble. Midrange is natural sounding with any body to it to not sound thin. Vocals and instruments manages to stay fairly forward in the mix despite the speakers drivers not directly pushed into my ear canal. Treble is slightly veiled but remains clear and fun to listen to.

It’s actually quite impressive that the TOZO OpenReal is able to produce a sound signature that does fall prey to usual open-ear limitations of airy thin sound. The overall sound is quite immersive and full.

Microphone quality

Microphone on the TOZO OpenReal is surprisingly good. Voice production is clear, a tad distant, but retains a good amount of natural warmth to it. In noisy conditions, TOZO OpenReal is able to remove a large chunk of the noise whilst keeping my voice forward and clear.

Battery life

TOZO OpenReal is rated to last up to 14 hours of play time on a single charge, which was rather sufficient for my use case – about 20 to 25 running sessions. The only drawback of the TOZO OpenReal is the use of its proprietary charging port via magnets, due to its need to keep it as water resistant as possible.

If you need to juice up the TOZO OpenReal quickly, you’d be glad to know that there is fast charging available. And charging it for an hour will bring it back fully to 100%. The TOZO app will give you an accurate percentage of the remaining battery life.

Pairing, connectivity, and latency

TOZO OpenReal is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and pairs to my iPhone very quickly as one unit. During my time of testing, I did not encounter any connection issues or dropouts. There was also no audio-video lag experienced as well when watching YouTube on my iPhone 11. There isn’t multi-point pairing, but I’d say is ok for this price point.

Conclusion

If you’re not a fan of how bone conduction headphones sound, the TOZO OpenReal is a rather compelling option as it offers an open-fit earbuds type of sound in a fit that works best for sporting usage. The TOZO OpenReal is solid option when it comes to active use cases of running or cycling and don’t want to sacrifice audio quality.

Speakers

The Sonos Era 100, Sonos Roam 2, Marshall Acton III, and Marshall Emberton III are some of the best sellers, and new colors are also available as well.

Sonos Era 100: S$314 ($55 off)

Compact, stylish, and surprisingly powerful, the Sonos Era 100 makes a fantastic home speaker gift for just about anyone. It offers rich stereo sound, deep bass for its size, and support for WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2. It can even be paired for stereo or added into a larger Sonos setup. It’s the perfect “first Sonos speaker” or a great addition to an existing home setup.

Great for: new homeowners, apartment dwellers, home-office setups, or anyone who wants easy, reliable room-filling sound.

Sonos Roam 2: S$269 ($60 savings)

The Sonos Roam 2 is the ultimate “take-anywhere” smart speaker, and its new colors (Sunset, Olive, and Wave) make it a stylish gift option this season. Lightweight, waterproof, and built for portability, it works seamlessly whether you’re at home on WiFi or on the go via Bluetooth. It delivers convenience and quality in a compact package.

Great for: hikers, beach-goers, frequent travellers, students, or anyone who wants a small speaker that does everything.

Marshall Acton III: S$439 ($60 savings)

A stylish home speaker with that iconic Marshall look. The Acton III delivers warm, room-filling sound despite its relatively compact size, making it a versatile pick for bedrooms, living rooms, or workspaces. A new refreshed Burgundy finish adds a festive, premium touch ideal for the holidays. It doubles as a speaker and a décor piece.

Great for: design lovers, home entertainers, new homeowners, or anyone who loves a blend of style and sound.

Marshall Emberton III: S$259 ($40 off)

Small but mighty, the Marshall Emberton III is one of the nicest looking portable Bluetooth speakers around. It delivers punchy, full sound in every direction and boasts more than 30 hours of battery life. Plus, it’s rugged, waterproof, dustproof, and built to survive outdoor adventures. Slip it into a backpack, bring it to a picnic, or use it for holiday gatherings.

Great for: travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, campers, beach lovers, or anyone who wants music with them everywhere.

Headphones & Earbuds

The Sonos Ace and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are the top picks for headphones, while the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 now come in a new color.

Sonos Ace: S$499 ($130 off)

If you’re shopping for someone who wants a truly elevated listening experience, the Sonos Ace is an amazing pick. These are Sonos’ first-ever over-ear headphones, and they deliver impressive sound quality with detailed highs, rich mids, and controlled bass. The noise cancellation is strong, comfort is excellent, and battery life hits around 30 hours. They even support spatial audio and seamless device switching which makes it ideal for movie nights, music sessions, and long flights.

Great for: frequent travellers, commuters, movie lovers, or anyone upgrading to premium wireless headphones.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: S$919 ($80 off)

If you’re looking for a true luxury gift, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is hard to beat. These flagship headphones combine exquisite craftsmanship with beautifully refined sound. Expect a wide soundstage, detailed clarity, tight bass, and excellent noise cancellation. They’re the kind of headphones that look stunning while delivering solid audio experience.

Great for: audiophiles, business travellers, creative professionals, or anyone who appreciates top-tier audio gear.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: S$599 ($100 savings)

For someone who prefers earbuds over big headphones but still wants premium sound, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is a standout option. These true wireless earbuds offer excellent audio detail, strong noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Now available in a sleek Dark Burgundy finish that feels extra gift-worthy.

Great for: commuters, jet setters, gym users, or anyone who wants high-end sound in a compact form.