We’re pretty gadget happy people in this household and often get very excited when it comes to new releases and updates – although I can’t quite swallow the price of a new iPhone yet so that is going to have to sit on the shelf for a while.

When it comes to finally choosing a gadget, we always take into consideration whether it’ll make anything easier or more convenient for us, whether it’s fun and easy to use, and whether it’s worth the money!

Roxi

For the past few weeks we’ve been testing out the new Roxi by Electric Jukebox – a music entertainment system where you can listen to, play with, and sing along to music from a several million song catalogue from around the world, this also includes radio stations, as well as playlists based on genre or mood!

Features

Main Device or “Hub”.
Remote / Microphone.
1-Year Premium Music Pass (assigned to your box) – this enables you to have ad-free listening.

Also comes with;  HDMI cable, Power Adapter.

• Listen to music from a choice of millions of songs.
• Play Games such as ‘Name That Tune’.
• Enjoy Karaoke-Style sing along with ‘Sing With the Stars’.
• Relax or create background music with the ‘Sound Machine’ – an area to listen to Zen sounds.

Set up

When the Roxi arrived I was impressed with the slick packaging. There wasn’t any wasted packaging surrounding the item and the quality of the packaging meant that my item wouldn’t have been damaged in transit. Once out the box, the product didn’t feel cheap and the controller felt solid.

Set up is super easy, just plug in your Roxi, connect it to your television and wifi and you’re set up. It’s that easy – taking us around 3 minutes. I did find the power cable to be a little short – but thankfully ours is near a socket so we found a way around it by just moving a few cables around. But for those with limited room or with sockets away from their television, I would imagine this would be a problem.

You’re given a year’s premium pass as part of the package; which enables you to have ad-free viewing. This pass is already registered to the box so you don’t even have to enter any fiddly codes. Within minutes we were searching for music and creating a playlist.

user friendly?

Using the remote is just like using a Nintendo Wii – just point and select ‘Ok’ on the remote once you’ve found what you want. You also have the option to search using voice command. We initially had an issue with our remote not recognising our voice but their customer services replaced it immediately. Once the replacement arrived a few days later we were able to search using our voice and sing along to songs (sorry neighbours!).

One of the key features I noticed about the Roxi was that whilst you can create playlists, you can also create settings to avoid explicit content – this is via the ‘Family Protect’ option. This means you can still enjoy your favourite artist during the day but without the fear of an f-bomb appearing in front of the children.

We selected P!nk for the evening and was given the option to play certain albums or single songs, we were also given options to listen to songs that were titled ‘Pink’. Within our selection,  we could then favourite or add them to a playlist. We found we could also browse the device whilst the songs continued to play.

navigation and usage.

Our Roxi is primarily used to listen to music, however we did enjoy playing a few games. I enjoyed playing ‘Name That Tune’ although due to the vast number of tracks available I often got stuck with a few stinkers that I didn’t know. Perhaps this is something I can tweak in the settings, or simply get better at!

I don’t do karaoke, so this was Sharon’s zone. For Sharon, once the remote was replaced, she found that the device was really clear in recognising when you were singing, and you were able to hear your own voice on the television against the artist that was singing (not a fake tribute – the actual artist). Sharon also found that the device picked your voice up clearly regardless of how close you were to the remote. The remote also didn’t seem to have any issues picking up the more difficult sounding artists or obscure albums.

Verdict…

The design and the layout of the Roxi is faultless. It’s clear and bright, and I welcome the simplicity. You’re not bombarded with icons and menu options that go deeper than Aladdin’s cave. You’re given a handful of options at the start that are to the point – that’s it. There’s no repetition and it’s very difficult to get lost. I also like the idea of having music and endless karaoke at your finger tips.

The only issue I have with a Roxi is the cost. One of these will set you back £199 at the moment. Is it worth it? I don’t think it is, especially as it is limited to that one device as opposed to being able to connect your phone.

Sure, you have access to millions of songs and you’re invited to have a lot of fun with your own karaoke in your lounge – and we did have fun – but on top of the initial lay out you also have to pay a subscription fee once your first year is over if you want ad-free listening. At the moment, this is £52! I would probably like something else with this cost like the option to take my music or gaming on the move, or even have the option to watch music videos.

Although this device is brilliant for parties – seeing as you’ll never run out of music and the device doesn’t risk your guests messing up your phone whilst they search on Spotify, for example – I don’t think I could justify the cost. It definitely beats having to change CD’s and if you were to purchase the year’s subscription it works out as £1 a week which is cheaper than Spotify or Apple Music. It’s also ok if you don’t decide to pay the subscription fee – the device is fully functional, but who wants ads?

If you’re thinking of getting one I would definitely have a think about how much you would actually use it. If you don’t have any other subscription service then this is cheaper than well known ones as you do have a HUGE catalogue of well-known music to choose from. Likewise, if you’re a party household or enjoy auditioning for x-factor then this is the device for you. But for one off parties or if you don’t think you’ll use the device regularly I don’t think you get value for the hefty price tag.

Fancy Winning your own roxi?

The folks over at Electric Jukebox are offering ONE lucky winner the chance to win a Roxi worth £199! To enter, just follow the link:

Win a Roxi Music & Entertainment System worth £199!

Terms & Conditions

Open to UK residents only.

One (1) winner will win one (1) ‘Roxi’ by Electric Jukebox worth £199.

The prize will be sent via ‘Electric Jukebox’ and not via LesBeMums.

No cash alternative. Prize is non-transferrable.

Closing date: Midnight (00:00) on 10/12/17. Winner chosen between 10/12/17 and 11/12/17. Winner will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner has one month from the closing date to claim their prize, after which point a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is run by Lesbemums on behalf of ‘Electric Jukebox’. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email!

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook.

We were given a Roxi music system in exchange for an honest review, however all thoughts and opinions are our own.