Organizer
Gadget news
70mai Omni Dash Cam review: a smart, rotating 360-degree dash cam
1:00 pm | December 4, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

The 70mai is an excellent dash cam at a great price point – its 360-degree coverage and AI-powered features are real highlights, and you'll be hard-pushed to find anything better at this price.

The 360-degree coverage is by far its biggest selling point. You can get better video resolution, such as 4K, on other dash cams, but there aren't many on the market that enable a full rotation for filming any angle of the car. This feature will be particularly appealing for vloggers who want car surveillance while also being able to capture vlogs while driving. It also has the added benefit of being able to capture security threats that are to the side of or behind the windscreen.

The dash cam also benefits from a number of AI-powered features, such as motion detection. The Omni will automatically rotate to track any potential threats, including someone trying to break into the car through one of the doors. The AI hardware is great at assessing incidents, and deciding whether they pose a threat to the safety of your vehicle. 

The design has a lot to commend it too. It's well engineered, and designed to have a human-feel. The human-like display graphics means it's a bit like having a Tamagotchi sitting in front of you while you're driving – it smiles and waves, which I personally thought was a nice touch.  

There are, however, other dash cams that can record better video, at a higher resolution, and contain some better features – check out our best dash cams guide if you're looking for other options.

70mai Omni Dash Cam with rotating camera

(Image credit: Future)
70mai Omni Dash Cam Price and Availability

The 70mai Omni dash cam costs $199 / £158/ AU$399 for the 128GB, $184.99 / £147 / AU$349 for the 64GB model, and $169.99 / £135 for 32GB of storage. 

If you want to take advantage of the parking surveillance mode then you'll need the additional UP03 Hardwire Kit which will set you back $19.99 / £16 / AU$49.95.

For those who are concerned about longevity, 70mai sell a pair of replacement stickers, adhesives and mounts in an accessory pack. This cost $5.99 / £4.77 / AU$6.16.

70mai are currently only shipping this dash cam to the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

So, what do you actually get alongside the Omni? As you'd expect, it ships with everything you need to mount it to your windscreen, which is done using an electrostatic sticker, of which there are two in the box. There's also a spare adhesive sticker, and if you manage to damage these you can buy replacement ones through the 70mai website. 

To help keep you powered on the go you get a USB-C power cord and a car charger adapter. It's also possible to purchase a separate UP03 Hardwire Kit that lets you connect the device directly into the car battery. This is required to enable the camera to work even when you're not in the car, which is essential for making use of the parking surveillance feature. 

The user manual is written in clear English, making it easy to follow the setup process and troubleshooting tips.

70mai Omni Dash Cam with buttons to one side

(Image credit: Future)

The device itself is really nice to look at and touch. It's well engineered, with a sturdy hinge that lets you mount the unit at any angle you want. The hinge feels slightly stiff, but this has the added benefit of ensuring that it stays at exactly the angle you set it at.

The camera head is distinguished from the main body by the use of two different materials. The shiny black top houses the camera, which protrudes only ever so slightly from its housing. This top 'head' rotates really nicely around 360 degrees with no sense of sharp or jerky movements. It is possible to rotate this part when the device is powered off, though, which could result in you accidentally damaging the gimbal.

The main body is also plastic, but has a slightly softer touch to it. This houses the power cable port and the set of buttons. The buttons are red, which makes them stand out and ensures you'll never miss them. There's an on/off button, which also acts as a 'select' button when navigating the menus, while the up and down button lets you move through the menus. When the camera is mounted, these buttons are on the left-hand side of the unit which is great if your car is left-hand drive, but not ideal if it's right-hand drive.

The compact design means that if you choose to tuck it behind the rear view mirror  it'll largely be out of sight while offering good visibility.

70mai Omni Dash Cam secures to the windscreen with an electrostatic sticker

(Image credit: Future)

One of the most important elements of a dash cam is the video quality. If you're going to the expense of buying one of these cameras and installing it in your car, then you want to make sure it's going to give you the visual information you need. These cameras are primarily used for surveillance, which means a certain resolution and definition is required. 

There's only one video resolution, which is Full HD 1920 x 1080px, with the option to capture footage at either 30fps or 60fps; if high resolution is important to you then you may want to pick up a 4K dash cam like the Nextbase 622GW. The resolution can only be adjusted through the app, which somewhat hampers its usability.

The lens is f/1.8 which allows plenty of light to hit the sensor and enables excellent low-light performance. Don't expect incredible detail in the shadows, though, as you would need a much better sensor to achieve this.

That said, the camera has a HDR feature which, when enabled, helps to reduce noise and detail loss in the highlights and shadows.

The lens has a field of view of 140 degrees, and can rotate through 360 degrees, which allows for a significant amount of the road in front of the vehicle to be captured.

The biggest selling point of this dash cam is its 360-degree functionality, although this isn't a true 360-degree camera; as mentioned it has a field of view of 140 degrees, and the 360-degree coverage is made possible by the rotation capabilities of the camera head. The ability to film out of the front windscreen as well as back towards yourself driving is a great feature. There are a range of benefits to this, including being able to film someone trying to break into your car when you're not present, while content creators will appreciate the ability to record vlog-style videos inside the car.

The night vision mode ensures that the 1080p footage is captured no matter what time of day it is; this works surprisingly well, and is aided by the HDR feature.

As well as video capture, the Omni contains a number of other features that help take car video surveillance to a whole new level.

First up is the 24-hour parking surveillance. This is only possible with the additional hardware cable, but once installed will ensure that any potential threat to your car when you're not present is captured.

AI motion detection further helps to ensure that the camera picks up any threat, no matter where it is around the car's exterior. If you walk near the car or are acting suspiciously then the AI hardware will determine how suspicious the movement is and if deemed a threat will begin recording.

You can connect the dash cam to the 70mai app for a greater level of control, including more settings. It's through the app that video clips and photos are viewable. I was a little disappointed to find that there isn't an SD or microSD card slot, which would mean you wouldn't have to rely on the app to view footage. 

You aren't reliant upon the device, or even the app, to control this dash cam. Through a number of voice commands the user can record video or rotate the camera head, enabling you to safely operate the camera when driving. 

Image 1 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)

The Omni dash cam is remarkably easy to set up. The whole process of setting up the camera, connecting it to the app and then installing the device in my car took no more than 10 minutes, and the electrostatic sticker was strong enough to hold the unit firmly in place.

App connectivity was reliable, and connected seamlessly every single time. The app doesn't have the best reviews on the Apple App store, but I had very few problems with it. My only issue with the app was that it did seem to disconnect from the device far too quickly after ceasing recording. The connection process is quick and easy, so it wasn't necessarily a big problem, but it did become a bit of an annoyance. 

The 70mai app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Should you buy the 70mai Omni?

70mai Omni Dash Cam for 360 degree viewing

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai Omni

  • I used it regularly across a number of journeys
  • I used it during the daytime and at night
  • I recorded video for extended periods

The 70mai Omni was a pleasure to test, providing a satisfying overall experience. After installing the device and setting up the app I proceeded to use the dash cam like any other security-conscious driver would.

I wasn't able to test the parking surveillance feature as I didn't hardwire the device into the battery, but I did record footage during multiple journeys, in different lighting conditions and with a range of potential security issues.

  • First reviewed November 2023
Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam review: the best add-on car security solution yet
5:00 pm | November 3, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

If you’re a fan of being constantly connected, the arrival of the long-awaited Nextbase iQ Dash Cam is going to be of interest. British-based Nextbase is one of the leading lights in this field, and regularly features in our best dash cams guide, and for good reason too. Now though, with the iQ, it's released its first smart connected dash cam model, which aims to tackle security and safety like nothing before.

Nextbase claims that it's offering a trio of world-first features with the iQ Dash Cam, including Smart Sense Parking, which is designed to assist you with parking maneuvers. There's a voice-activated Witness Mode that captures recorded evidence in the event of an incident and saves it to the cloud, all while notifying an emergency contact. Plus, there’s Live View, which allows connected checks of your car and its surroundings via the Nextbase iQ app.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg on the features front though. The Nextbase iQ, on paper at least, appears to cover all bases when it comes to monitoring your car, the road ahead, and your own driving habits to boot, in 1K, 2K or 4K video quality depending on the model. In fact, anyone harboring any type of phobia about surveillance might find the Nextbase iQ almost a little too efficient due to its cabin-facing secondary lens.

This dash cam works best if you sign up for a subscription-based plan, which can be paid monthly or annually. There’s also a basic free edition, which still works in tandem with the iQ app. However, to get the best from this model you really need one of the paid-for packages, which offer a more extensive range of features.

Image 1 of 6

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 6

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 6

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 6

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 6

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 6 of 6

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Nextbase iQ Dash Cam Price and Availability

There are three model variants of the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam available now from the likes of Amazon. The 1K resolution model costs $499.99 / £349, the 2K resolution model is priced at $599.99 / £399 and the 4K resolution model costs $699.99 / £449. You can also buy direct from Nextbase.co.uk. Currently there's no iQ availability in Australia.

Nextbase also sells a supplementary rear camera for $199.99 / £149. In order to get the best from the Nextbase iQ app you’ll also want to consider their 4G connected subscription packages, with the Protect package costing $9.99 / £6.99 monthly and the Protect Plus package costing $19.99 / £9.99 per month. The entry-level Solo edition is free of subscription costs.

Here’s a breakdown of what you get with each version of the three: Solo – the non-paid for edition comes with the Nextbase iQ app, voice control and real-time text notifications. The Protect version features the Nextbase iQ app, voice control, real-time image notifications, Live View (up to 60 minutes), Smart Sense Parking, Witness mode, RoadWatch AI, Guardian Mode, Remote Alarm, and Cloud Storage for 30 days.

The top-of-the-pile Protect Plus subscription comes with the Nextbase iQ app, Voice Control, real-time image notifications, Live View (up to 120 minutes), Live View Look Back, Smart Sense Parking, Witness mode, RoadWatch AI, Guardian Mode, Remote Alarm, and Cloud Storage for 180 days.

You also get the benefit of Multiple User Accounts, Emergency SOS and Automated incident back-up. It’s worth noting, however, that Nextbase advises that the RoadWatch AI and Guardian Mode features are coming soon, as is a Push to Talk option and those Multiple User Accounts. Nextbase also says these features will be made available irrespective of the purchase date of your product, which is reassuring if you’re keen to buy a dash cam sooner rather than later.

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)

So far, then, the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam sounds impressive. It’s also a good-looking piece of kit that isn’t too bulky and feels well made in the hand, and, as with all Nextbase products, the emphasis is on usability; it's easy to setup and configure, and inside the box there’s everything you need to begin monitoring your car and where it goes. 

Full marks go to Nextbase for keeping up the continuity on the quality front then. It does look the part too, with a screen mount and the main camera unit housed underneath in a kind of ‘stretched oval’ design that’s slender enough not to be obtrusive.

Image 1 of 5

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)

What about the all-important camera itself though? The 1K version records at 1080 x 1920p, or Full HD, while the mid-range iQ is called the 2K, and records at 2560 x 1440p. If you want the best video quality then the flagship 4K version of the iQ shoots at a resolution of 3840 x 2160p. 

All three feature the same 140-degree field of view and have the same interior-facing camera. It records the interior of your vehicle at Full HD through a neat 180-degree lens, which features infrared night vision. Nextbase also offers a rear-facing camera which attaches to the main unit via a cable and records at 2K resolution through a 140-degree lens, priced at $199.99 / £149.

As outlined above, the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam isn’t just any old gadget for capturing video from your car. In fact, it’s more akin to a smart device fitted in your home, like the Google Nest Cam for example. It's not just a camera; it’s got the added benefit of AI-powered features that take surveillance to the next level.

There’s more; alongside GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the Nextbase iQ also boasts its own 4G connection through Vodafone in the UK and Europe and T-Mobile in the US. This connects the dashcam to its app, as well as the Nextbase cloud storage service to provide a live stream from the dash cam to your smartphone no matter where you happen to be located. This connection also allows footage to be automatically uploaded to the cloud if a collision is detected.

On a practical note, these features also work when the car is switched off, because the Nextbase iQ is powered by your vehicle’s OBD II socket. This is slightly different to running the dash cam from your 12-volt lighter socket, as it delivers power directly from your car’s battery. The upside is that the system remains active at all times; the downside for anyone nervous about the condition of their battery is the fear that it might sap power. To counter this, Nextbase has enabled the iQ to monitor battery health and shuts itself down if power runs low.

Getting set up is a thankfully simple process and, once you’ve installed the Nextbase iQ app, it pretty much guides you through process step by step. All you need to do is unbox the product, plug the cable in to the ODB port, and follow the setup steps in the app. If you’ve got an existing Nextbase account you can log in during the process, and if not you can create an account.

One of the steps involves using your smartphone to scan a QR code that appears on the back screen of the dash cam. Once you've done this your phone is effectively paired and synced with the camera. Inside the app is where the real good stuff is located, with a raft of features and functions that allow you to get the best from the Nextbase iQ, although as mentioned you'll need a subscription to access the full suite of features.

Getting up and running took me about 10 minutes in total, and that included downloading a firmware update after plugging in and powering up. Our review unit was the 4K model, which as you'd expect provides excellent footage, while the audio is good quality too.

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)

With an increasing number of cars from the likes of Tesla and BMW having their own in-car camera solutions, Nextbase is being prudent in producing a product that offers the same security and monitoring features customers are increasingly looking for. Rather like with satellite navigation products though, you have to wonder how much mileage is left for third-party products like this.

Then again, think how many cars out there still don’t have all the modern kit fitted and the question answers itself. There are plenty of potential customers for the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam and, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, one-stop solution, this, for now at least, is the one to buy.

Should you buy the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam?

Nextbase iQ

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam

  • I used it frequently over the course of one week
  • I used it on a variety of journeys
  • I recorded video for extended periods

It's early days for the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam, but based on the short time it's been on sale this model looks like it lives up to the hype. It's easy to install, although you should bear in mind this unit needs to be plugged into an OBD port in your car, or be hardwired in; the former is simple, if you know where the port is, while the latter is best done by a professional.

I captured video footage on a variety of journeys, mainly shorter commutes and shopping runs. I used the camera on different road surfaces and in different conditions to compare footage for things like clarity, resolution and overall quality. Testing in autumn months in the UK also meant I was able to evaluate how the Nextbase iQ Dash Cam handled the more challenging conditions of darker early mornings and inclement weather.

I've yet to evaluate its performance over longer periods of recording time to check for overheating or other issues.

  • First reviewed October 2023
Nextbase 222 review: perfect dash cam for drivers on a budget
10:50 am | October 20, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to buying one of the best dash cams on the market, and you can get one to suit any budget. However, it’s always worth spending a little bit more to get a dash cam with a beefy set of features and functions as standard. The Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is the latest in a long line of products from this leading dash cam innovator, and it’s definitely not light on highlights, which is even more impressive given this model comes with a budget price tag.

There’s 1080p Full HD video at 30fps, a high-definition 6.4cm/2.5-inch screen with 732 x 240 pixels resolution, and Nextbase’s natty Click&Go Pro magnetic mount. It’s easy to use and delivers top results. Overall, then, the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam looks like a good bet, though, one potential downside is the lack of GPS, so you don’t get a location stamp should an incident occur. Nextbase already scores highly with the TechRadar dash cam team – its Nextbase 622GW is still one of the best dash cam models you can buy. So how does the budget-friendly 222 model fare?

As it turns out, this forward-facing model is ideally suited to anyone who wants a quick dash cam solution and doesn’t want to spend any amount of time setting it up. Out of the box, the design is reasonably conventional with a compact body (8.18 x 4,6 x 4.6cm) finished in black plastic, a screen at the back, some function buttons on either side, and ports for the power cable and a microSD card – ours came with a 32GB Nextbase one in the box. The screen doesn’t have touch functionality, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem as you configure it for first-time use.

Image 1 of 4

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 4

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 4

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Nextbase 222 Dash Cam Price and Availability

The Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is a relatively recent addition to the Nextbase product portfolio but it sits in the line-up very snugly. It’s available now from Amazon and currently costs $89 / £62. As always, it’s worth keeping an eye out for dash cam deals or voucher offers, where you might find the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam discounted a little.

There’s also a Nextbase 222X Front and Rear wireless cam model too, if you need all bases covered. While this model works perfectly fine plugged into a 12V socket, you might also want to get a hardwire kit, which can be purchased separately from Amazon.

One of the other notable features of the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is its lens, which protrudes from the front of the unit, providing a 140-degree field of view. Admittedly, there’s a sensor that captures 1920 x 1080, but, like most middle-of-the-road models, this is more than enough to meet most everyday needs from a dash cam.

Another bonus with this model is its Click&Go Pro mount. You still need to stick the mount to the windscreen using the ubiquitous 3M self-adhesive pad, but the magnetic Click&Go mount, which is surprisingly powerful, then lets you unclip the camera if you want to remove it. Removing the camera makes it easier to get the card in and out if you wish to review footage on a separate device or laptop. Plugging the power cable in before docking it also makes sense.

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

A still from the footage created by the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam (Image credit: Future)

There are some notable compromises from this entry-level dash cam, though. No GPS functionality means there’s no great detail on recorded videos, which can sometimes be crucial if you’re unlucky enough to be involved in an incident. There's no rear-facing option for this setup and no port on this unit to add one from the Nextbase range, so if you don't want to do without you'll need to spend a little more to get a model with both forward and rear-facing functionality. 

Image 1 of 5

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Aside from that, though, the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is perfectly serviceable. Setting it up is very quick – all you really need to do is check that the date and time details are correct. You can edit settings using the buttons around the screen edge, and the quick start guide settings are handy for getting the gist of things.

The red button at the base of the screen is a one-touch option should you want to quickly preserve something on video as a standalone clip. There’s even a parking mode that can capture any unwanted bumps in a car park, thanks to an integrated g-sensor.

With the camera plugged in and powered up, embarking on our first journey revealed that the Nextbase 222 is a fuss-free unit that requires little in the way of assistance – it just gets on with the job. A pulsing red light on the screen shows the camera is recording, and the footage displayed in the screen window looks fine and dandy. There are time and date details shown in yellow at the foot of the view and while these aren’t the smoothest graphics you’ll ever see they do the job.

Of course, the main thing with any dash cam is the quality of the results should you need them following an incident. We tried the Nextbase 222 over a period of time where the great British weather supplied a cocktail of conditions. That made it perfect for testing and, overall, this dash cam performs as well as you’d expect from a trusted brand like Nextbase.

The lens and sensor combination is very capable and fares well in a variety of scenarios – dawn and dusk footage looks well-rounded even when the light is reasonably poor. After dark results are pleasing too. Even in harsh sunlight with cloudless skies, the Nextbase 222 dash cam is more than acceptable. For the money, it is hard to fault on the performance front.

Should you buy the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam?

Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam

  • One-week of daily use
  • A variety of journeys
  • Extended recording

The great thing about the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is that it can be used by anyone, with no installation skills. I chose to plug it into the 12V socket in my car using the supplied cable while evaluating the on-screen controls and app options.

Video footage was recorded on a variety of journeys, from short commutes to longer trips. Road conditions and surfaces were also used to compare footage for things like clarity, resolution, and overall quality. Testing in the latter half of the year means the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam could be evaluated for the way it handled different light conditions, including dark early mornings and inclement weather.

Performance was also evaluated over long periods of recording time, to ensure the Nextbase 222 Dash Cam was happy with being on for protracted periods without overheating or malfunctioning.

  • First reviewed October 2023