Geekazine

About Geekazine

Technology Product reviews, interviews, industry news

Publisher

Jeffrey Powers

Category

music · news · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Feb 2024

Latest episode

26 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

166 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Sept 2026

   Babel Audio Review: Is It a Legit Way to Make Money?

   Make a Logo on Fiverr (https://www.linkbux.com/track/ba776NzrfWaEj_btmNtHbrcJS4KsHsJGQ7pv86eAKy_aL_bwKEzG7oGX2lqgsQu3B_aOBBM_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.fiverr.com%2Fvisit%2F%3Fbta%3D16992%26brand%3Dfiverrcpa%26landingPage%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.fiverr.com%252Flogo-maker) Making money online is nothing new, but AI (https://geekazine.com/tag/ai/) has created a different kind of work-from-home opportunity: helping companies train the systems themselves. Companies like Babel Audio offer projects built around video, audio and transcription that can let participants get paid from AI without having to become programmers or machine-learning engineers. I’ve been using Babel Audio myself, primarily for video-based projects, and the experience has been legitimate enough that I’ve received actual payments from the platform. That doesn’t mean it’s effortless money, though, because the amount you earn can depend heavily on project availability, how quickly you move from one task to another and whether your recording setup meets the client’s requirements. See what Babel Audio offers for jobs: https://geni.us/getbabelaudio (https://geni.us/getbabelaudio) (affiliate link) How Babel Audio Works and How You Get Paid Getting Started With Babel.audio Compared with some other AI job platforms I’ve tried, Babel had a relatively simple qualification process when I joined. Instead of going through a long series of forms and tests, I completed a basic evaluation, showed that I could meet the requirements and then gained access to available projects. “The cool thing about Babbel is there’s not all those forms that you have to fill out. You basically do a little test and then they approve you from that test.” – Jeffrey Powers (https://geekazine.com/about/jeffrey-powers/) The exact onboarding process can always change, but my experience was much more direct than some other AI task services. Once approved, you can see the available work, choose a project and start preparing for the assignment. Video, Audio and Transcription Projects Babel Audio works across video, audio and transcription, although most of my experience has been on the video side because I’m already comfortable working in front of a camera. Depending on the project, you may read a script, take part in a one-on-one conversation, role-play a support scenario or respond naturally to a set of prompts. Some sessions are short and tightly structured, while others allow more natural back-and-forth conversation. After the recording ends, you usually answer a few quick questions about how the session went, return to the queue and wait for the next assignment. What $50 Per Recorded Hour Really Means One of the projects I worked on paid around $50 per recorded hour, but that’s not the same thing as earning $50 for every real-world hour you’re logged in. Waiting for a partner, choosing a topic, reviewing the instructions and getting ready for the recording may not be included in that paid time. Based on my own experience, a more realistic effective rate can land around $20 to $25 per hour when calls are moving steadily. If you’re waiting several minutes between recordings or spending a lot of time preparing each session, that effective hourly rate can drop fairly quickly. The Requirements That Can Make or Break the Job You Need a Controlled Recording Environment The biggest challenge with Babel.audio is that your recording environment needs to be far more controlled than many people expect from a normal work from home job. Background noise from computer fans, dogs, children, traffic or people in another room can become a problem, and even a passing siren or fire truck may affect a video session. Lighting also has to remain consistent, which makes natural window light less useful than it might seem. If a cloud suddenly changes the brightness in the room, that shift can be enough to create issues, so controlled artificial lighting and a stable camera position are usually safer. Glasses, Framing and Quality Grading One of the more difficult requirements I encountered was a no-glasses rule on some video projects because the system needed a clear view of the participant’s eyes. That can become a serious problem for anyone who depends on prescription glasses, especially when some assignments also require you to read scripts or instructions during the recording. Your work can also be graded based on things such as sound, lighting, framing and other project-specific requirements. If problems keep showing up, your daily video allowance may be reduced, and if the limit reaches zero on a particular project, you can be removed from that project entirely. But You Don’t Need a Hollywood Studio Professional gear can help, but it can also work against you if the camera is creating a cinematic look that the project doesn’t want. Features such as strong background blur or bokeh may need to be disabled because the goal is usually a neutral, consistent image that clearly shows your head and shoulders. I use a Shure MV7 microphone, but a good USB microphone can work just fine, and something like a Logitech Brio can be enough for video. The more important factors are clean audio, steady framing, consistent lighting and a room quiet enough that outside noise doesn’t interfere with the recording. Is Babel Audio a Legit Way to Make Money? Payments and Project Availability In my experience, Babel Audio has paid me for the work I’ve completed, and payments have generally been straightforward. I typically receive a notification around Tuesday, then the money arrives through the selected payment method such as direct deposit or PayPal, although one payment did take nearly a week to arrive. The bigger uncertainty is not whether I was paid, but whether the same amount of work will always be available. Projects can end, daily limits can change and one week may offer several options while another may be much slower, so I would not treat Babel income as guaranteed in the same way as a traditional salary. Can Babel Pay the Rent? On one project, I had the option to complete as many as 60 videos in a day, which could turn into a 13- or 14-hour workday if I tried to max it out. When I ran the numbers, doing that level of work consistently for about a week could potentially cover my rent and bills, but that’s based on having enough assignments available and being willing to put in very long days. For me, the more realistic approach is to use Babel audio as flexible income that can supplement other work. A few hours in the morning or during open parts of the day can generate extra money without forcing me to depend on the platform for every dollar I need. Who Babel Audio Makes the Most Sense For Babel Audio makes the most sense for someone who wants an additional AI job they can do from home, is comfortable with video, audio or transcription, and has a quiet enough environment to meet the technical requirements. It also helps if you’re patient with repetitive assignments and understand that client rules can change from one project to another. Based on my own experience, Babelis a legitimate way to get paid from AI, but I wouldn’t call it easy money or guaranteed full-time employment. If you already have a decent camera, microphone, controlled lighting and a quiet room, it can be a useful side-income option — just go into it understanding that the advertised recorded-hour rate and your actual hourly earnings may not be the same thing. See what Babel.audio offers at https://geni.us/getbabelaudio (https://geni.us/getbabelaudio) (https://amzn.to/4dxCHH2) Check out the Geekazine Merch, including "I AM AI " T-Shirt.  (https://amzn.to/4hhMAvX) Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to Geekazine: RSS Feed (https://www.geekazine.com/feed/podcast) - YouTube (https://j.mp/Youtubegeek) Twitter (https://twitter.com/geekazine) - Facebook (https://Facebook.com/geekazine) Support Monthly as a Patreon! (https://patreon.com/geekazine) with a free month! Tip Me via Paypal.me (https://paypal.me/jeffpowers) Send a Tip via Venmo (https://www.venmo.com/geekazine/) RSS Bandwidth by Cachefly (https://www.cachefly.com/geekazine) Get a 14 Day Trial Reviews: Geekazine gets products in to review. Opinions are of Geekazine.com. Sponsored content will be labeled as such. Read all policies on the Geekazine review page (https://www.geekazine.com/review). Reviews: Geekazine is also an affiliate of Amazon.com - Check out my Amazon Page (https://amazon.com/shop/geekazine) Last Updated on September 26, 2026 11:13 am by Jeffrey Powers (http://www.geekazine.com) The post Babel Audio Review: Is It a Legit Way to Make Money? (https://geekazine.com/ai/babel-audio-review-is-it-a-legit-way-to-make-money/) appeared first on Geekazine (https://geekazine.com).

2. 

   16 Sept 2026

   OBSBOT Talent 2 Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Live Studio?

   Make a Logo on Fiverr (https://www.linkbux.com/track/ba776NzrfWaEj_btmNtHbrcJS4KsHsJGQ7pv86eAKy_aL_bwKEzG7oGX2lqgsQu3B_aOBBM_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.fiverr.com%2Fvisit%2F%3Fbta%3D16992%26brand%3Dfiverrcpa%26landingPage%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.fiverr.com%252Flogo-maker) The OBSBOT (https://geekazine.com/tag/obsbot/) Talent 2 is the kind of production box that makes you question how much gear you really need for a live show. It combines a video switcher, recorder, streaming encoder, monitor and remote production system inside one portable unit. Add four HDMI inputs, network video support and four-channel ISO recording, and it starts looking like a serious alternative to an ATEM-based mobile setup. That flexibility comes with a $2,099 price tag, and there are a few physical design choices to consider. After unboxing and connecting csources, here is where the Talent 2 stands out. A Portable Studio With Room to Grow (https://geekazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/talent2.webp) The Talent 2 is built around a 7-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a 1,920-by-1,080 resolution, 800-nit brightness, 10-bit color, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and an anti-fingerprint coating. The display is bright and sharp indoors. OBSBOT also includes a sun shield for outdoor work, where even an 800-nit display can struggle in direct light. Its included stand holds the unit without blocking the connections and offers mounting points for accessories such as a microphone or light. A removable screen cover adds protection when the Talent 2 is packed for travel. This is a system designed to come out of a case, connect to cameras and start producing a show without requiring a separate monitor or computer. Four HDMI Inputs and Plenty of Network Sources Four HDMI inputs sit across the top of the unit. The Talent 2 also supports USB cameras and network sources including full-bandwidth NDI, NDI HX2, NDI HX3, SRT, RTSP and RTMP. IP sources can reach up to 4K at 60 frames per second, giving a producer several ways to bring in cameras, computers, phones and remote guests. In testing, I connected four HDMI devices, an OBSBOT Meet Flip over USB and multiple NDI sources, including an iPhone and an overhead camera. The Talent 2 handled individual feeds as well as layered layouts. I could resize sources, change their order and build a three-camera composition over a game feed directly on the touchscreen. The device can take 15-16 inputs comfortably, but it’s best to keep it around 7-8. Switch, Stream and Record From One Box The touchscreen interface provides quick access to inputs, scenes, graphics, audio and streaming controls. You can add lower thirds, titles, animated text, clocks, photos and prerecorded video. There are also tools for drawing on the program output, creating scene playlists, controlling PTZ cameras, adding timers and scoreboards, freezing a scene or fading to black. Four-Channel ISO Recording One of the Talent 2’s most important features is four-channel ISO recording. Instead of saving only the final switched program, it can record four isolated HDMI feeds for editing later. It supports MP4 and MOV recording with H.264 or H.265 encoding at up to 4K60. There is 128GB of internal storage, plus a microSD card slot and support for external USB storage. That combination makes the unit useful for live productions that also need editable camera originals. I had not yet completed a full ISO stress test at the time of this first hands-on review, so long-duration recording performance is one area I will continue to evaluate. Streaming to Four Destinations The Talent 2 can stream to as many as four destinations simultaneously, with native options for YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Restream. It also supports RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, HLS and NDI HX3 output. Streaming resolutions range from 360p through 4K60, with a maximum published bitrate of 120Mbps, although the practical limit will depend on the available internet connection. Shows can run in standard 16:9 or vertical 9:16 orientation. That makes the Talent 2 useful for traditional livestreams as well as mobile-first productions. Two HDMI 2.0 outputs can deliver video at up to 4K60, while USB-C provides UVC and UAC output to a computer. The Ethernet port supports 2.5Gbps networking. Remote Production Is a Major Strength You do not have to operate the Talent 2 from its touchscreen. A browser-based interface works from a computer, tablet or phone on the same network. From there, I could switch sources, manage encoders, configure destinations, upload media and transfer recordings to a desktop for immediate post-production. The system also supports user profiles with limited controls. In a sports production, for example, one operator could manage audio from a tablet while another switches the show. The Talent 2 can create its own hotspot, which helps when a dedicated local control network is needed. Audio and Automatic Switching Two 3.5mm audio inputs can accept microphone or line-level sources, and a headphone output provides monitoring. Each source can be routed to the monitor and program mix, kept active across scene changes or turned off. The Video Follows Audio feature can automatically switch to the source associated with the person speaking, which could simplify panel discussions and interview shows. Designed for Work Away From the Studio Two battery bays on the rear support hot swapping, allowing one battery to be changed while the other keeps the Talent 2 running. Cellular support is built in through a SIM slot and external 5G antennas. Separate antenna connections cover Wi-Fi, and the package includes international power adapters and a locking USB-C cable. Multiple quarter-inch mounting points make it possible to place the unit on a tripod, arm or customized rig. For events, conferences, sports and mobile interviews, those mounting and power options are just as important as the switching features. The Biggest Problem: HDMI Port Spacing (https://geekazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cables-scaled.webp) The four HDMI inputs are packed tightly together. With thicker cable ends—especially optical HDMI cables—it can be difficult or impossible to use every port without the connectors pressing against one another. I had to rearrange cables and find a thinner option to populate all four inputs. That pressure is not something I want on HDMI ports during a live production. Owners planning to use all four inputs should test their cable ends before an event and consider slim HDMI cables or compact adapters. A little more space between the ports would have made this much easier. I also saw a small amount of latency when comparing an NDI feed with a direct HDMI path. That is not unexpected when mixing network and wired video, and firmware updates may continue to improve performance, but timing is worth checking before combining source types in a production. Is the OBSBOT Talent 2 Worth $2,099? The Talent 2 is expensive compared with a basic hardware switcher (ATEM ISO around $600, ATEM Mini Extreme is $2,000), but the comparison changes once you add a monitor, streaming encoder, network video support, storage and remote control. OBSBOT has placed all of those tools in one battery-powered unit that can handle a surprisingly complex show. For a creator who only needs two HDMI cameras, the smaller and less expensive options will make more sense. For event producers, mobile studios and livestream teams that need four HDMI inputs, 4K streaming, isolated recordings and remote operation, the Talent 2 offers a compelling all-in-one workflow. The OBSBOT Talent 2 comes close to being the ultimate portable live studio because it removes so many separate boxes from the production chain. Its AMOLED display, flexible source support, four-channel ISO recording, remote interface and hot-swappable power give it serious potential as an ATEM replacement. It is not flawless. The cramped HDMI ports are a real frustration, the price puts it firmly in professional territory and some features deserve longer testing under live-show conditions. Still, few portable systems put this much switching, recording and streaming power into one package. OBSBOT provided the Talent 2 for this review but did not sponsor the video. The company had an opportunity to view the video before publication. All opinions are Geekazine.com. A 30-Day video will be produced next month. See it for yourself at https://geni.us/obsbottalent2 (https://geni.us/obsbottalent2) (https://amzn.to/4dxCHH2) Check out the Geekazine Merch, including "I AM AI " T-Shirt.  (https://amzn.to/4dxCHH2) Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to Geekazine: RSS Feed (https://www.geekazine.com/feed/podcast) - YouTube (https://j.mp/Youtubegeek) Twitter (https://twitter.com/geekazine) - Facebook (https://Facebook.com/geekazine) Tip Me via Paypal.me (https://paypal.me/jeffpowers) Send a Tip via Venmo (https://www.venmo.com/geekazine/) RSS Bandwidth by Cachefly (https://www.cachefly.com/geekazine) Get a 14 Day Trial Be a Patreon: Part of the Sconnie Geek Nation (https://patreon.com/geekazine)! Reviews: Geekazine gets products in to review. Opinions are of Geekazine.com. Sponsored content will be labeled as such. Read all policies on the Geekazine review page (https://www.geekazine.com/review). Reviews: Geekazine is also an affiliate of Amazon Last Updated on September 16, 2026 4:28 pm by Jeffrey Powers (http://www.geekazine.com) The post OBSBOT Talent 2 Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Live Studio? (https://geekazine.com/cool/review/obsbot-talent-2-review-the-ultimate-all-in-one-live-studio/) appeared first on Geekazine (https://geekazine.com).

3. 

   28 Jul 2026

   FitcamX Dash Cam: Factory Look, Professional Results

   Make a Logo on Fiverr (https://www.linkbux.com/track/ba776NzrfWaEj_btmNtHbrcJS4KsHsJGQ7pv86eAKy_aL_bwKEzG7oGX2lqgsQu3B_aOBBM_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.fiverr.com%2Fvisit%2F%3Fbta%3D16992%26brand%3Dfiverrcpa%26landingPage%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.fiverr.com%252Flogo-maker) A dash cam can be useful after a collision, but many models look like an afterthought once they are stuck to the windshield and surrounded by visible cables. FitcamX takes a cleaner approach with vehicle-specific camera systems designed to blend into the area around the rearview mirror. The FitcamX dash cam tested here combines front and rear recording, collision detection, parking monitoring and app access in a system that looks more like factory equipment than a typical add-on camera. Installation requires some work, and the exact parts vary by vehicle, but the finished result is discreet and capable. FitcamX supplied the product and sponsored the accompanying video. All opinions are those of Geekazine. A Dash Cam Designed Around Your Vehicle FitcamX offers configurations for many vehicle makes and models. On supported vehicles, the camera can replace or integrate with the factory housing around the rearview mirror, giving it a cleaner appearance than a universal dash cam mounted in the middle of the windshield. The version tested was an aftermarket configuration installed in an older Chevrolet Trailblazer. It uses a compact housing that mounts close to the windshield rather than a larger vehicle-specific shroud. Buyers should check FitcamX compatibility carefully because the camera housing, power cable and installation method can differ from one vehicle to another. Keeping the camera close to the glass is important. A tight fit helps reduce reflections and light leaking into the lens from inside the vehicle. The front lens can be tilted up or down after installation, while the rear camera also needs to be adjusted after it is attached to the back window. 4K Front Recording and Optional Rear Coverage FitcamX configurations can record the front view at up to 4K resolution, or 2160p at approximately 30 frames per second. Rear-camera resolution depends on the package, with 1440p and 1080p options available. The camera uses an f/1.6 aperture, a 160-degree viewing angle and wide dynamic range to improve visibility in changing light. A 64GB microSD card was included with the review unit, and the system supports cards up to 256GB. Loop recording automatically overwrites older files when the card fills, allowing the dash cam to continue recording without requiring regular manual cleanup. The front and rear cameras create separate video files. That means footage from the same drive must be matched by time when both angles are needed. It adds an extra step, but it also keeps each recording easy to view or export on its own. Collision Detection and Parking Monitoring A built-in G-sensor gives the FitcamX smart dash cam its collision detection capability. The system can react to an impact and preserve footage, including while the vehicle is parked when constant power is available. The camera normally operates from the vehicle’s 12-volt system and can switch to a lower-power 5-volt mode after the vehicle is turned off. That helps reduce battery drain while keeping parking protection available. Any always-on accessory can still affect an aging battery, so drivers who leave a vehicle unused for long periods should monitor battery condition or disconnect the camera. Collision sensitivity is adjustable. A high setting may cause more frequent activations and use more battery, while the low setting used during testing did not create problems. The best setting will depend on where the vehicle is parked and how often normal movement or vibration triggers the sensor. Installation Requires Planning The package includes trim tools and the cabling needed to route power and connect the rear camera. Hiding the cables requires carefully working them behind the vehicle’s interior trim from the front camera to the power source and rear window. Power can be connected through a compatible fuse-box hardwire kit or an optional OBD adapter, depending on the vehicle and FitcamX package. A fuse-box installation requires identifying constant and switched power sources. Drivers who are not comfortable working with automotive electrical connections should have the system installed professionally. The OBD connection used during testing made the installation easier to manage and provided a convenient way to unplug the camera before an extended trip. Availability and price of the OBD adapter vary by vehicle, and it may need to be purchased separately. The optional rear camera mounts inside the vehicle and is not weatherproof. Hatchback owners may need several attempts to position it correctly because the viewing angle changes when the hatch is opened. Cleaning the glass thoroughly before applying the adhesive is also essential; the review unit’s rear camera came loose when it was attached over a small amount of residue. Wi-Fi App Access Has One Annoying Limitation Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi lets iOS and Android devices connect directly to the FitcamX. The app provides a live view for aiming the lenses, changing settings and transferring recordings without removing the microSD card. The biggest inconvenience appeared when using wireless Apple CarPlay. The phone tried to switch between the vehicle’s CarPlay connection and the dash cam’s Wi-Fi network, making it harder to stay connected to the camera. A dedicated CarPlay integration would make viewing and transferring footage much easier. Large video files can also take time to download through the phone. Removing the microSD card and copying footage directly to a computer is faster, although accessing the card requires sliding the camera from its mount. Neither method is difficult, but both add friction when footage needs to be retrieved quickly. Clear Video During Day and Night Driving After several weeks of use, the FitcamX delivered clear front and rear footage during daytime, dusk and nighttime driving. The front camera captured a useful view of the road without becoming a visual distraction inside the cabin. The rear camera also recorded the road effectively, although reflections and rear-window heater lines were visible in the test vehicle. Those issues depend heavily on the glass, mounting position and vehicle design rather than the recording system alone. The camera continued recording briefly after the vehicle was parked, and the low-profile installation remained secure during normal driving. Once adjusted correctly, the system required little attention and automatically handled daily recording. The Bottom Line The FitcamX dash cam stands out because it can look like part of the vehicle instead of another gadget attached to the windshield. Its combination of high-resolution front recording, optional rear coverage, collision detection and parking monitoring covers the features most drivers expect from a modern smart dash cam. Installation is more involved than plugging a camera into a power outlet, and the phone connection can clash with wireless CarPlay. Video transfers are also faster when the microSD card is moved to a computer. Those drawbacks are balanced by reliable recording, clean integration and flexible power options. Pricing starts around $169 and varies by vehicle, camera package and power adapter. For drivers who want a professional-looking dash cam without a screen or dangling wires dominating the windshield, FitcamX is a strong option. Check it out at https://geni.us/fitcamx (https://geni.us/fitcamx) (https://amzn.to/4dxCHH2) Check out the Geekazine Merch, including "I AM AI " T-Shirt.  (https://amzn.to/4dxCHH2) Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to Geekazine: RSS Feed (https://www.geekazine.com/feed/podcast) - YouTube (https://j.mp/Youtubegeek) Twitter (https://twitter.com/geekazine) - Facebook (https://Facebook.com/geekazine) Tip Me via Paypal.me (https://paypal.me/jeffpowers) Send a Tip via Venmo (https://www.venmo.com/geekazine/) RSS Bandwidth by Cachefly (https://www.cachefly.com/geekazine) Get a 14 Day Trial Be a Patreon: Part of the Sconnie Geek Nation (https://patreon.com/geekazine)! Reviews: Geekazine gets products in to review. Opinions are of Geekazine.com. Sponsored content will be labeled as such. Read all policies on the Geekazine review page (https://www.geekazine.com/review). Reviews: Geekazine is also an affiliate of Amazon Last Updated on September 15, 2026 4:29 pm by Jeffrey Powers (http://www.geekazine.com) The post FitcamX Dash Cam: Factory Look, Professional Results (https://geekazine.com/cool/review/fitcamx-dash-cam-factory-look-professional-results/) appeared first on Geekazine (https://geekazine.com).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

10,629,631

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 84 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

100

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

77

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