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Nextbase, producer of the largest Dash Cam brand in the world and holding over 80%, by volume share, of the UK market, has added to its product range line up with the release of its 622GW model.  This new offering comes with a range of features that the company feel will enhance the critical evidence gathering that can occur thus allowing the driver to concentrate on the main aspects of the driving experience.

Decked out in a combination of metallic grey and black, this Nextbase Dash Cam is similar in size to the previous models that I have checked out in the series.  In the case of the 622GW, its dimensions are 85 x 50 x 48 mm (W x H x D) with two thirds of the unit's depth being due to the protruding lens.  While on the subject of the lens, I should point out that this is a 6 layer F1.3 unit and it can capture 4K HD images with its 140 degree viewing angle while providing resolutions of 4K @ 30fps, 1400 @ 60fps, 1080p @120fps with super slow motion.  This content can be viewed on the Dash Cam's rear mounted screen or transferred to other viewing options.

Arranged around the Dash Cam are connection options for USB (charging), HD output (you will need to supply the HDMI lead for this purpose) and a memory card slot.  To gain the full benefit of this latter feature you need to be using a Ultra High Speed card such as U3.  There is also a concealed connection point on the front of the Dash Cam for linking the unit to a supplied suction mount element.

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Setting up the 622GW is best carried, as with other Dash Cams I have looked at, in the comfort of the living room where, no doubt, you will have easy access to the necessary tools.  After giving the Dash Cam a two-hour power boost and inserting an appropriate microSD card into its slot, a side-mounted power can be depressed and this will turn on the device and you can use the 3-inch LED HD IPS Touch screen located on the rear of the Dash Cam.  You can enter your geographical location and select your choice of MPH or KPH units. 

As usual with modern device, a downloadable app is available and the 622GW is no exception.  Downloading and installing the MyNextbase Connect™ app, available from the App or Play Store, should cause no problems.  However I did encounter one when I attempted to pair the Dash Cam with a smartphone when using the app.  It was a bit like banging your head against a brick wall when I attempted this task with a Huawei Mate 9 device.  No matter how long I left the connection process running, the Dash Cam and smartphone failed to develop a relationship. 

Fortunately a second smartphone, Swift 2 Plus model, was available and in a more friendly mode, was able to pair with the Dash Cam.  It then move on to adding Alexa functionality to the Dash Cam.  With this facility installed you can ask Alexa to carry out certain tasks such as "play my driving playlist", "resume my audio book" or "take a photo".

It was noticeable that the pairing connection between the Dash Cam and smartphone was not quite as secure as I would have expected.  The signal was occasionally lost but reconnection was generally quick as was the setting up of a WiFi link between the smartphone and Dash Cam.  With this connection established, you can open a live view and check the video from the Dash Cam on the smartphone.

The Nextbase Connect app provides Home, Library, Dash Cam and S.O.S. tabs for views  of the available captured content.  Overall the app's performance was similar to the initial set-up.  It did tend to be rather hit & miss in the results you received.  I do feel that this aspect of the product needs further testing and it would benefit from a make-over.

When mounting the Nextbase Dash Cam in your vehicle, you can take advantage of the company's Click & Go PRO™ technology.  This provides the linkage between the elements of windscreen, camera and power supply using the cigarette lighter socket.  You can adjust the camera angle to get the appropriate capture content using technology such as Digital Image Stabilisation, Enhanced Night Vision and Extreme Weather Mode.  When accidents or incidents occur, the 622GW Dash Cam supports what3words, for indicating locations and a one-year subscription to Emergency SOS alert feature.  As yet I have not had the need to road test either of these features.

I was impressed with the performance and facilities offered by the hardware element of this product.  Apart from the lack of a HDMI lead, you are supplied with the required leads and in-car tools for other purposes.  You get a Click & Go PRO GPS Mount, Suction Mount with spare adhesive pad, USB cable, 12-24V power cable and fitting tool.

https://www.nextbase.com/en-gb/