04 Nov
Blog

Asus ROG Swift 360Hz Review: Only Skill Will Hold You Back

asus rog 360hz pg259qnr review dsc02115

Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QNR

"The Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QNR is a great, competitive gaming monitor."

  • Unmatched clarity of movement

  • Very low entry delay

  • Buttery, fluid gameplay

  • Excellent stable stand

  • Including desk clamp

  • 1080p only

  • Limited mainstream appeal

When buying a new gaming monitor, you need to find the perfect balance between price, picture quality, gaming performance, and features. Finding the best monitor for all of your needs can be difficult. But what if all you care about is absolute gaming performance and nothing else?

Asus' new ROG Swift PG259QNR may fit your bill just right. Be warned, however, that thanks to its ultra-fast 360Hz 1080p display, this monitor is a one-trick pony intended only for the most competitive gamers.

design

As a monitor designed for competitive gameplay, two things stand out. First and foremost, it is not very large at just 24.5 inches diagonally. More importantly, the stand is set up like a tank.

You might not think it matters, and while I'd normally agree with you, competitive gameplay is quite a physical activity. From quick mouse movements to quick slamming of the keyboard, your movements can jolt your desk, and the vast majority of monitors jiggle like fresh jelly.

But not the PG259QNR. The stand Asus built for this display absolutely plants it on your desk and won't let it move no matter how aggressive you get with your gameplay.

For those who don't like a large stand, the display also comes with a desk clamp that replaces the funky stand, as most monitor arms again allow too much wobble. So we can't help it that VESA mounts are not supported.

Regardless of your choice, the stand offers a range of settings including height, tilt, rotate to portrait, and swivel. This is impressive when you consider the stability of the monitor. Rotating it to portrait is of course not required, but it helps if you connect the cables after you have run them through the stand.

The ROG Swift 360Hz isn't afraid to take a stand.

This display has no curve, and its 24.5-inch size may seem small to some gamers. For competitive people, however, this means that they can see the entire game without moving their heads. If you've ever wondered why 24-inch monitors are popular in tournaments, now you know.

All in all, this is one of the most aggressive displays I've seen, with tons of accents and a huge RGB LIT Asus ROG logo on the back that engulfs a quarter of the property.

Connections and controls

There isn't much connectivity to be found on the PG259QNR, but it doesn't have to be. You want to use the DisplayPort 1.4a interface to get the most out of this monitor, as the HDMI 2.0 connection limits the maximum refresh rate to "only" 240 Hz instead of the full 360 Hz. DisplayPort also enables G-Sync at 1 Hz to 360 Hz. This is the largest range I've seen on a monitor.

Next to these two inputs there is a power connection socket that is fed by a small external 90 watt power module. There is also a headphone jack and a two-port USB hub with an upstream connection to your PC.

Asus' on-screen display (OSD) is not particularly attractive, but it is functional and extremely easy to navigate. The monitor has a main direction switch that will bring up the main menu when it is interacted with in any way. This menu contains segments for activating Nvidia Reflex Analyzer, a game menu with game-related settings like FPS counter, fraudulent crosshair, dark gain, overdrive settings and more.

Of course, there are also settings to adjust brightness, contrast and color, as well as options for shortcuts, lighting effects and general monitor settings.

picture quality

When it comes to image quality, you may be wondering why the display doesn't come as a QHD monitor. After all, 1080p isn't very sharp, and today's GPUs should be powerful enough to run popular esports titles at high frame rates at QHD.

There's a simple reason: bandwidth. DisplayPort 1.4a offers just enough bandwidth to transmit 1080p at 360 Hz to the monitor. Until we get a new interface or a manufacturer implements DSC (Display Stream Compression), 1080p is the upper limit if you want a 360 Hz monitor. Since the panel is not very large, the picture still looks quite sharp.

Asus has equipped the PG259QNR with an IPS panel, which means that the viewing angles are excellent. Slight bleeding and IPS glow are minimal on our sample and much better than curved ultrawide monitors. The PG259QNR produces a very consistent, even and clean image.

But where IPS normally produces star colors, it seems that some sacrifice had to be made with this panel. It's by no means terrible, but with coverage of 98% of the sRGB space and 73% of the AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 space as tested on our Spyder X Elite, you won't be blown away with vibrancy. saturated colors.

We also tested the color accuracy, which resulted in a Delta-E (Difference from Real) of 2.12 in the standard “Racing” mode, with the sRGB profile achieving a better result of 1.68. Note that sRGB mode disables brightness control and instead uses the built-in light sensor to determine the brightness.

Oddly enough, both values ​​are worse than the calibration report provided by Asus, which stated a Delta-E of 0.53. However, this may be due to different devices and test conditions. Either way, the PG259QNR produces accurate colors so you can use it for non-professional color grading if necessary.

The Asus PG259QNR delivers too much in terms of brightness and contrast performance.

The display is characterized by brightness and contrast. Asus claims a brightness of 400 cd / m2, but our sample exceeded 415 cd / m2. The panel also exceeded the stated contrast ratio with a contrast of 1200: 1, which is an impressive performance for an IPS panel. The white point was exactly at 6500K, which is great.

We calibrated the monitor to see if we could improve its performance but made few gains. Only the color accuracy has been improved to 1.35 so calibrating the PG259QNR can produce some gains.

But let's face it, you're not buying this monitor anyway because it can reproduce colors, and its color rendering is more than enough for competitive gameplay. Given this monitor's focus on the raw refresh rate, Asus could have cut the color accuracy and contrast – but thankfully, it didn't.

Gaming performance

It's time to get down to the brass nails and talk about what really matters – gaming performance. In that regard, the PG259QNR is at home with a mind-boggling 360Hz refresh rate. You are probably wondering why you need 360 Hz and if you can tell the difference.

At 360 Hz it's not about fluidity and smoothness. It's about reducing latency

If you are not a competitive gamer this monitor is not for you. The jump from 144 Hz to 360 Hz takes a trained eye to see, but at 360 Hz it's not really about increasing fluidity and smoothness. Rather, the point of this insanely high refresh rate is to reduce latency so you can see the enemy before they can see you. The difference is only milliseconds (we're talking less than 10 milliseconds compared to a 144Hz display) but that's a lot in the competitive world.

Now, I'm not a competitive gamer (I just don't have the time or the skills) but I asked a veteran friend to try this monitor out in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and you should have seen the grin on his face. He landed shot after shot, shot after shot, and definitely felt like a better player compared to his 144Hz panel. The PG259QNR is for when you want to know that the only thing holding you back is your skills.

This monitor is so fast that all you can do is hold back your skills.

There is one thing to keep in mind when viewing this ad. We tested it on a PC with an AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and an Nvidia RTX 2080 Super graphics card. When we launched Destiny 2, the highest frame rate this system managed was around 170 FPS with the graphics at the lowest settings. Even in CS: GO, we only occasionally jumped over 300 FPS.

If you are going to buy this display, make sure your system has a processor with a very powerful single core performance.

So I checked out the Task Manager to see what happened and this confirmed my suspicions. The CPU had a bottleneck in the system, as only a few cores worked almost 100% and the graphics card was used to around 70 or 80 percent, often even less. I picked the 3900X for its multi-core performance, but it's not as powerful as Intel's alternatives on single-core, and games rely on that to get really high frame rates at low resolutions like these.

When buying this display make sure you have a processor like Intel Core i9-9900K, Core i9-10900K, or wait for AMD's Ryzen 5000 CPUs as these are expected to deliver amazing single-core performance.

Of course, even if you don't, you will still benefit from this advertisement. You don't have to hit 360 FPS to take advantage of it as you will benefit from reduced latency and become a more competitive gamer even at lower frame rates.

Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer

As I said, the PG259QNR is all about latency, which is why Nvidia's Reflex Analyzer technology is packaged in. This is essentially an extension of the G-Sync module that allows you to measure the time from click to display. When combined with the right hardware, you can numerically display the benefits of faster viewing. We tested the function with Destiny 2 and the ROG Chakram Core mouse from Asus. (You should note that not many games are currently supported.)

You use it by connecting the monitor with DisplayPort and the USB hub to your PC, and then connecting the compatible mouse to the red USB port on the monitor. This allows the monitor to recognize when you click. Then activate the Reflex Analyzer via the OSD of the monitor, which displays a detection rectangle that you place over the trigger, the nozzle or the part of your weapon that reacts first so that the monitor can recognize when your click is visible on the screen Changes.

With the Nvidia Reflex Analyzer, you can be sure that you will see your actions as soon as possible.

With this option in Destiny 2 with the minimum settings, we achieved a response time of approx. 14 milliseconds. Increasing the settings to the highest value increased this number to about 21 ms. This isn't a huge difference, but it can be the difference between landing a shot or landing a shot. We couldn't run these tests in CS: GO because the game is incompatible.

However, if you are not using an RTX 2080 Super but a GTX 16 series card, the latency will be longer. The same goes for other factors like graphics settings or background tasks that can decrease your frame rate. Ultimately, it's just a tool that lets you see the real latency benefits of upgrading your system or changing game settings, rather than estimating latency based on your frame rate.

Our opinion

Asus' ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QNR is an extremely fast gaming monitor that shows the entire view in a relatively small area so you can see everything at once. With a response time of 360 Hz and 1 ms it ensures that you see the enemy and shoot them before they see you. This can help you get a head start on competitive online games.

However, at $ 699, the PG259QNR isn't affordable. So you have to wonder if you need a monitor as fast as this or if you prefer something more immersive like an ultrawide display.

Are there alternatives?

Yes. MSI is expected to launch its Oculux NXG253R monitor with similar specs for $ 799 in November. Acer built the Predator X25, which also has a 360 Hz panel. If you don't mind dropping to 240 Hz to save real cash, Dell's Alienware 25 is a great half-price option.

How long it will take?

The Asus PG259QNR should last as long as any monitor – at least five years. However, if you're using it for competitive gameplay, don't be surprised if something even faster pops up in esports.

Should I buy it?

Yes. It's not for everyone, but the Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QNR absolutely raises the bar for competitive gaming monitors while avoiding any major issues that could affect the fun.

Editor's recommendations




04 Nov
Blog

Achieve your dream body with preacher curl exercises every day

The best biceps is the way to get your dream body, isn't it? But tell me something, do you think the exercises you are doing are enough for your biceps? Of course not. Your strong biceps will require a lot of workouts and not just any workout, but an efficient one. That's why so many fitness freaks experiment with new biceps exercises every day. But do not worry. You do not have to do this.

Today we're introducing you to the ace of all the bicep exercises that can change the game for you forever. Let's learn how to do that Lure preachers like a pro!

The ace of all biceps exercises

The preacher curl is a bicep exercise that promises to effectively work the muscles in your body. The preacher curl workout is aimed at isolating your biceps. It also helps in applying sufficient force to an external object. Such a thing allows your biceps to gain strength quickly and unhindered. The preacher curl exercise is named as it is performed on a preacher curl machine. When you incorporate this exercise into your fitness routine, you increase the chances of gaining your dream body faster. The best part is that you can improve the possibilities of the workout by adding a Fusion to it. The dumbbell preacher curls is one such fusion exercise that you can practice daily for the best results.

Advantages that will turn the tables for you

There's a reason so many people choose preacher curl every day. Here's why!

  • Activates the biceps head and overloads the entire shortened end range of motion.
  • Isolates the biceps by preventing them from swinging.
  • Pressing against the cushion creates space for an increase in mechanical and muscular tension.
  • More effective than dumbbell or barbell curls.
  • It also leaves no room for cheating that will help improve the body instantly.

How do I do the preacher curl exercise?

The preacher curl exercise is not an uphill battle. If you follow the steps correctly, you won't be far from your goal. Always remember to follow the instructions so that no stone is left unscathed. Even so, you will undoubtedly gain your dream body in no time.

  • Sit on the preacher's bench and adjust the height. Your armpits should be touching the top of your sloped section.
  • Hold the weight with an underhand grip. Your arms must be stretched out.
  • Pause for a second on top of the curl. Gradually decrease the weight until your arms are extended again.
  • Count three seconds as you lower.
  • Your feet must be on the ground. Your upper body and shoulders must be straight.
  • Repeat the preacher curl exercise a few times to get the desired effect.

How Do I Perform the Curbell Preacher Curl Exercise?

What if you fuse the preacher curl with another possible exercise? It gets even better!

The Barbell preacher curl Exercise is no ordinary workout. It is the door to get your dream body quickly. If a lot of people have asked you not to practice because it's not a cake, don't worry. That's just an assumption. In reality, the exercise is incredibly easy to perform if you follow the directions line by line.

  • First, adjust the seat on the preacher's bench so that your upper arms rest comfortably on the upholstery when you sit down.
  • Load the desired weight on the barbell.
  • Sit on the preacher's bench and hold the barbell shoulder width apart. Use your underhand to do it.
  • Keep your back straight and your eyes should rest forward. Take the weight off the frame and pull it towards you.
  • You need to lift the barbell until your forearms are at a right angle to the floor.
  • Squeeze your biceps and gradually lower the barbell back to the starting position.
  • Repeat that Barbell preacher curl Exercise a few times to get the desired effect.

How Do I Perform the Dumbbell Preacher Curl Exercise?

The Lure dumbbell preachers Exercise is a groundbreaking workout because of its various benefits. All you have to do is incorporate this exercise into your daily fitness routine and see the difference for yourself. We promise; The wait will be worth it. So, if you are looking for your dream body right now, this is all you will ever need.

  • Sit on the preacher's bench with a dumbbell in hand.
  • Rotate your palm forward and bend your elbow. So the dumbbell should point towards the shoulder. Also, lay your forearm flat on the bench.
  • As you lower the barbell, inhale.
  • As you roll the dumbbell to the starting position, exhale.
  • Repeat that Lure dumbbell preachers Exercise a few times to get the results you want. Don't forget to try your opposite arm as well.

What are the best preacher curl alternatives?

Most people do not have a preacher curling machine at home. Sometimes even the gym doesn't have it. What does someone do at such a point? Don't worry about that Preacher Curl Alternatives will come to your rescue!

Cable overhead handle

This exercise is difficult because it requires a thorough understanding of how to do it correctly. People tend to take a lot of time understanding how to build muscle tension and train the muscles better. But if you get it right, there is nothing like it.

Cable crucifix curl

Another great alternative to the preacher curl is the cable crucifix curl exercise. You can do this workout on a cable machine, which will help align the biceps head properly. Don't miss this if you are looking to gain potential biceps in no time. These were some of the best preacher curl alternatives for you.

The bottom line

These were some of the best Lure preachers Exercises to try out. Don't miss it!

FAQ

1. Can you say another name? Preacher Curl Alternative to me?

Concentration ripple.

2. Is Barbell preacher curl Exercise Good Enough For Adults?

Yes. Follow the instructions. You will see the results soon.

03 Nov
Blog

Apple Watch Series 5 Review: Very Close to Perfection

"The Apple Watch Series 5 is near perfect and the best smartwatch you can wear right now."

  • Stylistic look

  • Comprehensive fitness functions

  • Really helpful health traits

  • Useful always-on display

  • The cellular model can replace your phone for a short time

  • No significant changes compared to Series 4

  • No native sleep tracking

The only product I gave a perfect rating for is the Apple Watch. The Series 4 Apple Watch for 2018, to be precise, as not only was it Apple's best product of the year, but it was also the best smartwatch you could buy. Apple has updated the watch to that Series 5and brings a handful of new features while maintaining the same design.

Does that mean it is no longer excellent? Do not be absurd. It is still miles ahead of the competition.

Same iconic design

The Apple Watch Series 5 is visually unchanged from the Series 4. It is available in either a 44mm case or a slightly smaller 40mm size for those with slimmer wrists. The case is still a slim 10.7mm and the 44mm model I'm wearing in the pictures weighs only 36 grams. It is hardly noticeable on the wrist, never gets stuck under a shirt cuff and the curvy cover is wonderfully ergonomic.

Sounds like it was designed by someone who knows watches right? Yes it was and it really shows. The days of being upset about the Apple Watch not being round are long gone. It has become an iconic watch design, and Apple's improvements to the Series 4, which increased the viewable area of ​​the screen without enlarging the body, made it really attractive. I'm not saying I don't want to see a circular Apple Watch (I'd love to see the company approach one), but I definitely don't think we need one. This design has become a classic.

Then there is the build quality and the presentation. It comes in an elongated box that can be opened. The watch case is wrapped in a tiny, soft protective bag. The strap is separate and if you get the Sport Band version it even has medium and long options in the box. The watch case is delicate but durable, and even the cheapest aluminum model feels exceptionally high quality. The matt, room-gray housing, which was combined with the white sports band above, is simple, stylish and wonderfully finished. It is as high quality as mobile products.

The design of the Apple Watch Series 5 hasn't changed because it's simply not required.

Would you like to opt for the Apple Watch made of stainless steel, titanium or ceramic? Sure, go for it, but there's no noticeable difference in texture or build. Yes, they are more durable and you get extra "Boasters" points, but that's about it. Nobody will know if you don't tell them. So stick with aluminum (it's 100% recycled, so it's better for the environment anyway) and spend the money saved building a collection of alternative tapes instead.

The design of the Apple Watch Series 5 hasn't changed because it's simply not required. The only place you can go from here, if technology allows, is to make the case even slimmer and the bezels smaller. Until then, it's fabulous.

A display that is always available

Here is the big change for the Series 5 compared to the Series 4: It has a display that is always on, meaning it always shows the time. It sounds a bit silly, but this has never been an option on the Apple Watch before. It wasn't a huge issue as the Apple Watch was quick to react when you raised your wrist, but it cures the pain of not being able to glimpse the time. A not-so-subtle increase in the wrist to see the time wasn't always appropriate, after all.

This also applies to fitness tracking: if you want to do push-ups and look at the watch to see your data without stopping, it was previously impossible. Workouts are now shown on the always-on display so you can easily check your progress.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

The Series 5's always-on display is more than just a skeleton-style environmental mode. Pick the right watch face and it's an almost identical copy of the usual version. Apple had to overcome battery life considerations to make it work.

Speaking of watch faces, there's a selection of new ones out there. While almost all of them are customizable, there are several standout winners. The Californian dial is attractive, but the Numerals Duo’s bold simplicity is my favorite. It's easy to match the color of the numbers with your watch's strap for a really put together look.

WatchOS 6, which is installed on the Series 5 and is also available for previous generations, has some fun novelties to offer. I like the little tap on your wrist to mark the hour. It's a wonderful recall to the hourly "beep beep" sound of a digital clock from my childhood, without the hassle that such a function would cause today.

I've set up every Apple Watch since Series 0 and it worked the first time every time.

The Noise app is an interesting continuation of Apple's commitment to health. It warns you when you are in a noisy environment and how continued exposure to the sound can damage your hearing. The app measures around 74 decibels in a busy pub and issues a warning when the sound level reaches 100 dB. This is one of those features that isn't immediately helpful, but it does add extra awareness of your surroundings.

The Apple Watch and WatchOS 6 work so well together that they put all other portable platforms to shame with great performance and a simple, quick-to-learn user experience. It's fun to use too. I like the haptic feedback that is impressively tactile against your wrist or finger, and using the digital crown to zoom in and out on the app screen still looks great after all this time. It's all so cohesive and smart.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

It's not without its problems, however. When the watch face sleeps over a displayed notification or app like the new compass, the background will blur and the time will appear in the top right corner. It's not attractive. Waking up the clock and performing your first task takes a little patience as you have to pause for a second before interacting with the screen after tapping the display. This is the only time the software is slow.

These are just small handles, not real problems. Even the setup process is flawless. After scanning the first screen of the watch with your iPhone's camera, the process takes about 10 minutes. It is so easy. There is no messing around during pairing and no graphics are rotated while waiting for updates. I've set up every Apple Watch since Series 0 and it worked the first time every time.

Fitness and health tracking

The Apple Watch is the only fitness and health tracker you'll ever need to wear unless you're focused on a specific sport like marathons or some other form of high-intensity workout that requires specific metrics. It takes care of steps, calories, hourly exercise, relaxation, VO2 max data, hours of standing, and exercise tracking for everything including swimming and cycling, as well as other activities like yoga and elliptical training.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

All of this is available elsewhere, but where Apple stands out is the comprehensive picture it creates of your health over time and the extra tracking that actually saved lives. All of this is one big reason to keep wearing the Apple Watch, and you can't say that about any other smartwatch. The longer you wear it, the more information will be gathered and the more trends will become apparent so that you can change your lifestyle for the better.

There is a new Trends tab in the Activity app on your iPhone (180 days of activity data is required to view these trends) that provides extensive data on your level of activity over time.

The Series 5 Apple Watch didn't add sleep tracking, a long-rumored new feature. Whether this is seen as a disadvantage depends on the importance you put on it. There are apps that monitor sleep using the Apple Watch. However, this and all future official Apple features require you to wear the watch to bed. This means making alternative plans so as not to charge the watch overnight. Is it a major oversight? In my opinion no, but it would be welcome in the future.

The Series 5 Apple Watch didn't add sleep tracking, a long-rumored new feature.

Data is stored and collected in the activity app on your iPhone. When you find that you have slacked off, it will suggest ways you can improve. There are also many daily motivational tools where "closing the rings" (an indication of achieving your activity goals) is addicting and lacking a goal one day is frustrating. It works because it is simple, but the simplicity doesn't mean you will lose interest or miss out on valuable data.

Introduced in WatchOS 5 and the Apple Watch Series 4, Electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring is available to most owners around the world after an early launch only in the US. It's easy to use, but only meant to be used when you feel an irregularity in your heart rate. It doesn't resemble the heart rate monitor, which is useful for both fitness tracking and medical purposes, and instead falls into the same category as the watch's fall detection mode: you may not know you need it until you do. With it there, you can have peace of mind if you have an irregular heartbeat concern as a notification will be sent when one is detected.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

The data from the Apple Watch makes the activity and health app on your iPhone easier to use. The information displayed is easy to understand, there is a wealth of statistical and information about your daily activity. Even after just a few days of wearing the watch, you will find out where improvements can be made.

Everything is easy to use, the menus are large and clear, and the apps on the iPhone are both informative and attractive. There is no other fitness tracking system that is so well presented, instantly accessible, properly motivating, and durable.

Battery and performance

Has the screen always on ruined battery life? No. It is possible to get a full day (around 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and then half of the following day out of a single load. It takes about an hour to charge and a midday charge would easily take the remainder of the second day of use.

Your own usage will vary, and it is expected that battery life will decrease if you use the calling features of an Apple Watch or if you do extended periods of fitness tracking with GPS and heart rate monitoring. Even then, a day should still be possible. This also applies to the smaller 40 mm Apple Watch, which we also tested.

It goes without saying that you have to charge a smartwatch every day, and there are new features that put additional strain on the battery in the Series 5. However, it is disappointing that the new model failed to extend the battery to two days with regular use. Such an extension of the useful life would also make the addition of sleep monitoring more likely.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Early examples of the Apple Watch did not have the required level of performance. That has changed, and the only time the Series 5 suffers badly is when it is subjected to significant stress while using apps that require data. It's smooth, fast, and never frustrating, but the S5 chip inside doesn't offer any performance gains and instead focuses on efficiency.

The nice thing is that you can use apps on the watch if you want. When you set it up, iPhone automatically adds the Watch version of the apps already installed on your phone. You don't need to install the iOS version of an app on your iPhone if you don't want to as the App Store is now available on the watch itself thanks to WatchOS 6.

What else can the Apple Watch do? It works with Apple Pay, you can store music on it locally (or use Spotify / Apple Music), pair bluetooth headphones with it, make calls and leave your cellular phone at home, chat with Siri after long press digital Crown, reply to messages and emails, check the weather, use it as a remote shutter release for the camera, and even practice mindfulness with the Breathe feature. It is no exaggeration to call the Apple Watch the most complete, feature-rich, everyday smartwatch you can wear.

Price and availability

The Apple Watch Series 5 is available now in the Apple Online Store, in retail stores and at partner locations. The aluminum body costs $ 400 for the 42mm and $ 430 for the 44mm. Pricing is $ 500 for the GPS + Cellular 42mm model and $ 530 for the 44mm version. The stainless steel Apple Watch starts at $ 700, the titanium model starts at $ 800, the ceramic starts at $ 1,300, and the Hermés version starts at $ 1,250.

Apple offers a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. AppleCare + also offers a more comprehensive coverage plan, but it'll cost you $ 50 for two years.

Our opinion

The Apple Watch Series 5 is superb. No other smartwatch offers nearly the same level of fitness tracking, comfort, performance, or portability.

Apple Watch Series 4 owners don't really need to upgrade, but those who didn't buy the last Apple Watch should go for this.

Is there a better alternative?

No. You would only consider another smartwatch if you have an Android phone and want a WearOS device for better integration. There is a problem with that, however. WearOS is light years behind WatchOS.

In 2020, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE. The Series 6 should be viewed as the model that needs to be purchased now. However, if you have a Series 5, there isn't a compelling feature update to make an upgrade necessary.

How long it will take?

Three years, if not more. The Apple Watch Series 4 is a year old and strong. If you have an Apple Watch Series 2, it gets the latest software. So there's no reason why the Series 5 shouldn't be happy with your wrist for long.

Should you buy one?

Yes. Absolutely, completely, 100% yes.

Editor's recommendations




03 Nov
Blog

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts For Everyone On Your list

Bring joy into this Christmas season with products that are perfect for all of your loved ones. When you give the gift of skin care, you are encouraging friends and family to take time to care for themselves. Whether it's a brief moment or a lengthy ritual, it reminds you to relax every day. No matter who is on your list, read on for how to treat all of the special people in your life. If you make a list and double-check it, these are the tidbits you want to tick off.

Christmas gifts for the women in your life

The Cleanse And Glow gift set

Give glowing skin with the Cleanse And Glow gift set with two favorites from Eminence Organics. If the women in your life want to rejuvenate their skin, this gift set is designed to gently exfoliate and cleanse with lactic acid so that the complexion feels soft and radiant. For an instant peeling boost, combine the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant and the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser or use them separately.

The gem collection

If your family and friends are interested in the power of gemstones, they will love the gemstone collection. These three products take advantage of powerful botanical properties and combine them with the uplifting energy of gemstones like citrine and pink tourmaline. The collection offers the luxurious Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil, Charcoal Peeling Gel Cleanser and Turmeric Energizing Treatment.

Facial Recovery Oil

There is always one person who "has it all" and is impossible for them to buy. Here is our award-winning one Facial Recovery Oil comes into play. This luxurious face oil is a celebrity favorite and gives stars like Liv Tyler and Eva Longoria radiant complexion. It's also perfect for the traveler who can't avoid flying this holiday season – jet setters Victoria Beckham has a bottle ready to keep it hydrated after starting.
This formula consists of bio and Biodynamic® ingredients that are enriched with valuable herbs and oils to soothe even the driest winter skin.

Learn more about Facial Recovery Oil (as well as our other beautiful face oils) in this video:

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE3kaJcUDDY (/ embed)

best gifts for men

The Charcoal Peeling Gel Cleanser

Are you looking for more inspiration for giving? For those with normal to oily skin this is the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is loaded with charcoal, malachite gemstones, and blue matcha. Rich in antioxidants, this gel clogs pores and deeply cleanses them. It's the cave-friendly solution to help your man's complexion and skin care needs.

Hydrating mist of stone culture

For the man in your life who could benefit from skin care hydration is the one Stone Crop Hydrating Mist revitalizes and heals dry skin. Formulated with stone harvest, aloe and bearberry, please friends and family with this versatile toner, which refreshes the skin especially in dry winter weather.

Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant ™

The Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant ™ uses microgreens, stone crop and rice flour to remove clogged pores and protect against the aging effects of environmental stressors.

Product selection

Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant

Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant ™

VIEW PRODUCT

Ideas for hosiery

We've also put together the ultimate guide to organic skin care gift items – choices that will astound anyone who finds them in their stocking.

Citrus Lip Balm

Watch out for mistletoe! The Citrus Lip Balm is a vitamin-rich and petroleum-free lip balm. It provides the lips with maximum moisture for an irresistible wrinkle. Pamper your friends and family with this little surprise in their stockings and you will be the hero of the Christmas season.

Cinnamon kiss lips plumper

For him or her, you can't go wrong with this deliciously tasting lip filler with a touch of cinnamon, clove, and pomegranate oil. The Cinnamon Kiss Lip Plumper leaves your lips plump, healthy and ready for the Christmas party.

Mangosteen refill hand cream

If you have friends or relatives who suffer from dry skin, the antioxidant-rich Mangosteen Regenerating Hand Cream from Eminence Organics will help. This luscious cream keeps your hands supple and moisturizes with its gentle and continuous surface renewal. Plus, experience great innovations in the Mini-Me size, which is perfect for gift items.

Product selection

Mangosteen refill hand cream

Mangosteen refill hand cream

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With this compilation of skin care gifts, we're confident that you can find something for everyone. Did anything make the top of your wish list? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on social media. Another luxurious gift idea is too Book a visit to your nearest Eminence Organics Spa partner with our Spa Locator. Enjoy!

03 Nov
Blog

Best Exercise Bike for home use: Complete Buying Guide

The best exercise bikes help you stay fit. For example, suppose your local gym is now likely closed due to the coronavirus epidemic. But it won't stop you if you have an exercise bike. It can be a ticket to an indoor exercise to help maintain your fitness level. You should be more concerned about availability, cost effectiveness, and a few other important parameters in order to buy this best exercise bike for weight loss. These exercise bikes provide a way to cycle when you can't stay outside because of bad weather because you don't have to go out to use them.

With the best exercise bikes, you can do heartbreaking cardio workouts that will burn off your extra calories. You can use it when you are working from home, watching TV, playing video games, reading or at a Zoom meeting and even while eating juice. You can find the best exercise bike for you by citing your specific needs. For example, if you have knee or back problems, you can buy a flexible bike. Other bikes have poseable handles to tune your arm.

They made some small exercise bikes that fold up and fit in any small space. It is ideal for those who have less space at home. There are exercise bikes with different budgets, so you can take any machine with you at any cost. If you're moving expensive machinery or looking for good quality equipment, you need to do a little more research. We'll save you valuable time to make a wise decision depending on the buying guide below.

A complete guide to buying an exercise bike

Choosing the right stationery exercise bike requires some serious consideration. There are many options to choose from from many parameters. First, you need to have an idea of ​​a few key parameters in order to make the perfect decision.

The things that you choose carefully

Before you buy, you need to realize the right machine for you. That varies in size and shape. So if you've bought one, get this machine for your in-store length. Confirm that you have comfortable seats and pedals that fit your feet. These machines vary in size and shape. So when you buy one, choose that machine for your size in the store. Confirm that you have comfortable seats and pedals that fit your feet.

1. Features

Decide the best other options are critical to you before purchasing the machine. These are returning to the market with additional interactivities such as bottle holders or book trays or video games. You need to be more discriminatory with the help you provide to alternative people.

2.Heart rate monitor

This is an added benefit of using it as a heart rate monitor. It also records and displays the heart rate while a lashed chest has happened with your movement. It offers a live rate while you are using it. Otherwise it will cause you inconvenience. Heart rate monitors alone cost about twenty-eight to one hundred dollars.

3. Display

Find a transparent show with easy-to-use controls. It increases the sweetness of your bike. Do an honest exam of your heart rate, speed, calorie burn, revolutions per minute (RPM), and some combinations of resistance levels. It will be in the middle of a healthy display of your time and distance details.

4. Programming

Consider machines with programs for you to better regulate routines that will help your fitness at the next level. And become heart rate controlled workouts that take your age, weight, and gender into account.

5. Security

Exercise bikes have several moving parts. These can be dangerous for you. Therefore, follow the rules so that there are no problems. Make sure your follow bike is locked and out of the reach of children and not in their hand without a tiny child safety lock.

6. Resistance

Find a machine that is easy for you to regulate and that includes some type of exercise. Most of the bikes used have electronic resistance controls. You will use all the power of the tested bike to adjust it electronically.

If you live in a family with young teenagers, your focus should be on how the activity bike is made. Findings show that every year many children are injured from the use of fitness equipment. It would be helpful if you could part all the more with the help you have given others.

With this exercise bike, you can enjoy all of these advantages without leaving your home, when you are not on the open road or when you do not have to enter a studio. This is an important consideration when setting up the right station bike. With the increasing interest in online shopping, you may have to struggle for a while to get these products. We did this to keep you informed through extensive research, reviews of online reviews, and expert recommendations. Hop on, take a look, and enjoy yourself! And you will benefit from it.

03 Nov
Blog

Jabra Elite 85t Review: The Best AirPods Pro Alternative

Jabra Elite 85t

"Small but powerful, the Elite 85t offers impressive performance across the board."

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Customizable controls

  • Excellent call quality

  • Wireless charging

  • Average battery life

  • No aptX or LDAC

Jabra's $ 180 Elite 75t and $ 200 Elite Active 75t are two of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy. They're comfortable, they sound great, they have decent battery life, and they can withstand a lot of water and dust. Active noise cancellation (ANC) will also be available from October.

Who could ask for more?

Yet more is precisely the goal of the new $ 230 Jabra Elite 85twhich, thanks to a new hybrid ANC system, promise better sound and improved noise suppression. They also aim to end occlusion – the feeling some people get when wearing in-ear earphones, that their ears are filled with cotton.

High goals indeed. Has Jabra succeeded? Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

First, praise for Jabra: The Elite 85t ship in a very small and fully recyclable box. A few tiny plastic labels are left over, but for the most part, it's an exceptionally eco-friendly package.

This box contains the Elite 85t, which is already contained in the charging case, a USB-C charging cable, two sets of silicone earplugs and a small brochure with a security and guarantee print.

design

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra knows that if something isn't broken, you won't fix it. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the hugely successful design of the Elite 75t has been adopted and simply enlarged to accommodate some of the new technology and features.

The charging case is more portable than ever, but now weighs a little more. That's likely because Jabra had to find room not only for the larger 85t earbuds, but also for the wireless charging capability. It's a handy feature that is showing up on more and more real wireless earbuds at varying prices from $ 50 to $ 350. So it's good to see that Jabra hasn't ignored them.

Little known fact: You can actually buy these Elite 75t or Elite Active 75t with a wireless charging case, but only from Jabra.com.

The USB-C port for wired charging is located under the hinge on the back of the case. However, Jabra made a careful decision to move the case's LED display to the front to make it easier to see.

Despite the extra bulk, the earbuds are still amazingly compact. The same single physical button – which I think is the best control system you can find – also returns. Unfortunately, due to its semi-open design, Jabra has not been able to maintain the amazing IP55 and IP57 ratings of the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t, respectively. The 85t are still IPX4, however, which is good enough for all but the wettest situations and is identical to the AirPods Pro.

Convenience, control and connections

Jabra Elite 85t "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/jabra-elite-85t-00003-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Jabra Elite 85t (left) and Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra Elite 85t "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/jabra-elite-85t-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Jabra Elite 85t (right) and Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra Elite 85t "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/jabra-elite-85t-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Jabra Elite 85t (right) and Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 75t sets a new standard for comfort and fit for true wireless earbuds. The 85t are just as comfortable, but their slightly larger shape means they don't fit quite as securely. I've always been very happy with how deep I can put the 75t in my ear canals thanks to its small body and tall tower, but the 85t sits a hair flatter.

The oval-shaped earbuds feel great, but their asymmetrical shape prevents you from twisting the earbuds in your search for the best fit. Oval earplugs can be hit or missed. They're fantastic on the AirPods Pro, but I found them challenging on the 1More Air ANC.

The choice of tip size is therefore even more important, and Jabra only offers three sizes in total. Media usually suits me best, but I've jumped on the big ones to get a better seal.

Switching back and forth between ANC and the HearThrough environment modes can be done instantly.

A good seal is crucial for both sound quality and noise cancellation. It is therefore a bit surprising that Jabra did not offer a test for fitting the earplugs in the Sound + app. These tests that Apple and Amazon use on their earbuds provide an extra level of reassurance that you have the right earbuds for your ears.

The 85t use a semi-open design that allows a small amount of air between your inner ear and the outside world. According to Jabra, this improves comfort by eliminating the pressure build-up that can occur with fully enclosed structures like the Elite 75t. This is also why the 85t is larger than the 75t – semi-open designs require a little more internal volume.

Since air travel is a bit hard to come by at the moment, I couldn't put this special claim to the test. What I can confirm, however, is that the 85t feels a lot more airy than the 75t, and they definitely reduce the feeling of having something in your ear.

As I said above, the controls are amazing. There's a click combo for every function imaginable, including volume and voice assistant access. Switching back and forth between ANC and HearThrough environmental mode can be done instantly with a single click. It's a faster transition than any other ANC earbud I've tried.

Not a fan of how Jabra mapped the controls? Simply jump into the Sound + app and rearrange it as you wish.

My only small point of criticism: With the Elite 75t, pressing buttons is practically powerless and happens regardless of where you place your finger. In contrast, the 85t uses an offset switch. You have to press the part of the button that is closest to the small triangular microphone slot for it to click as effortlessly as the 75t.

Like the Elite 75t before them, the Elite 85t has wear sensors and can automatically pause and resume music if you remove or paste it. It's accurate and incredibly fast.

Pairing the Elite 85t is a breeze. However, if you're an iPhone user, do yourself a favor: don't try to pair them through the Jabra Sound + app as stated in the box. I've never found this technique to work. Instead, just pair them normally in the Bluetooth section of the iOS Settings app and then open the Sound + app.

After pairing, I was surprised to have some really terrible connectivity issues. The left earbud sounded like it had an electrical short circuit, and the right bud wasn't much better. DT Senior Editor Caleb Denison experienced the same thing with his review unit. Oddly, however, it seems very specific in terms of location.

It only happened in my office, where I am surrounded by wireless devices and metal cabinets, and even then only sporadically. I'm pretty sure this won't be a problem for most people, and I expect Jabra will be releasing a firmware fix for it soon.

As with the Elite 75t and most other Jabra wireless headphones, you can pair the 85t with two devices at the same time. It's a great convenience for those of us who hop back and forth between computers and phones, but very few companies offer it (it's called Bluetooth Multipoint). The next thing you'll find is Apple's auto-toggle feature on the AirPods. However, it only works when transferring between two different Apple devices.

Sound quality

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the Elite 75t models you have the choice between different sound signatures. The normal 75t are huge on bass, while the Active model offers a much more neutral EQ. Both sound really good, but their soundstage is pretty tight and creates a sound that is more “in your head” than outside.

The Elite 85t are simply some of the best sounding true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

The Elite 85t are much more expansive and also have more details. They offer greater accuracy across the entire EQ spectrum, which allows instruments to be separated from one another. A good example of this is Thomas Newman's Dead Already from the American Beauty Soundtrack. With the Elite 75t, the multiple percussion layers are clear and full, but it's only when you use the Elite 85t that you will notice how tightly the 75t packs these layers. In contrast, the 85t open them directly, letting them take up a much larger space. With that extra space, you can really appreciate Newman's selection in the studio and the textures that selection created.

By default, the 85t have a relatively neutral EQ. You can pump up the bass in the Sound + app for a thunderous low end or increase the highs for more vocal clarity, but I didn't find a need for that either.

Our benchmark for actual wireless performance is the Sony WF-1000XM3. I spent a lot of time hopping back and forth between these earbuds, the AirPods Pro and the 85t. The Elite 85t are incredibly close to the Sony XM3 from an acoustic standpoint, and I think they beat the AirPods Pro in terms of warmth and resonance. In other words, the Elite 85t are simply some of the best sounding true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

The only thing that could have improved the sound of the 85t would be adding higher quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX, aptX HD or LDAC.

Noise cancellation

ANC on the Elite 85t is excellent.

Since both the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t have ANC thanks to a recent firmware update, you may be wondering if the 85t is worth spending the extra cash on. In a word: yes.

ANC on the Elite 85t is excellent. It uses a hybrid system of feedforward and feedback microphones (as opposed to the 75t models which only have feedforward microphones). You can use the Sound + app to select exactly the noise cancellation you want. When this setting is set to the maximum, it's just as effective as the AirPods Pro and better than the WF-1000XM3.

But what sets the Elite 85t apart is the complete absence of any floor noise. If you listen carefully when no music is playing, you can usually hear a faint hiss when using ANC. It's noticeable on the WF-1000XM3 and even the AirPods Pro, but the 85t are completely silent.

It also needs to be repeated how quick and easy it is to switch between ANC and HearThrough modes – it's almost instantaneous. The AirPods Pro must be held down to toggle while the XM3 forces you to toggle between ANC on, ANC off, and ambient mode.

Battery life

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only area that hasn't improved much on the Elite 85t is battery life. It's essentially unchanged from the Elite 75t: you get about seven hours of operation with the ANC off and 5.5 hours with the ANC on. In fact, if you want to be picky, this is 30 minutes less run time than the 75t with ANC off.

Fast charging also remains unchanged. A 15-minute charge adds just one hour to playtime.

By today's standards, these statistics are not much to write home about. However, when you factor in the capacity of the charging case, you can still get a full day out of these buds (19.5 hours with the ANC on, 24 hours with the ANC off). And, to be fair, you have to spend a lot more money to get a lot longer battery life with a set of true wireless earbuds with ANC and great sound.

Call quality

Jabra has always had a reputation for making Bluetooth headsets with great call quality, and the Elite 85t maintains that credibility. The calls were crystal clear and only the loudest traffic or construction noises could keep up with my voice.

HearThrough mode (known as sidetone for phone calls) made my voice sound completely natural at the end of the conversation, which is very important for longer calls as it reduces fatigue.

Our opinion

With the Elite 85t, Jabra has taken its proven wireless earbud formula and made some big improvements. The result is a premium set of noise canceling earphones with premium sound quality and features that make them ideal companions for work, leisure, or travel.

Is there a better alternative?

At that price I don't think so. Sony WF-1000XM3 offer slightly better battery life, but are much larger and bulkier and cannot be charged wirelessly.

While iPhone users may prefer that AirPods Pro I think the Elite 85t sounds better and costs less because of its tight integration with the Apple ecosystem and hands-free Siri access.

How long will they last?

Jabra's products are very well made and the Elite 85t seems no exception. With only IPX4 protection, they won't withstand as much water or dust as the 75t series, but Jabra still gives them a two-year warranty in case something happens. I suspect the 85t will last for many years if used carefully.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Elite 85t will satisfy your need for comfort, tranquility and sound quality for less money than its closest competitors.

Editor's recommendations




02 Nov
Blog

Face pull exercise that will improve your fitness levels daily

If you work out at the gym all day it won't make a difference in your body until you do workouts that can change the game. Facial feature Exercise is one of them.

Also known as rear delt pull and cable pull, this exercise aims to work the upper back, core muscles, and rhomboids. Rare deltoids are the primary muscles in the body that are trained by this exercise. There are many benefits that can be achieved by committing yourself to performing this exercise on a daily basis. Shoulder injuries, poor posture, and muscle imbalances are some of the problems you can combat.

If you want to incorporate this exercise into your daily fitness routine, here's how!

An exercise that will change the game for you

There's a reason numerous people these days rely on face pull exercises to get their muscles right. The enormous range of muscles that are trained during this exercise is a major reason for this. Benefits like better performance, muscle activation, and better chest work are the cherry on top. Stability and flexibility are some of the key benefits that are high on the list.

For so many reasons, it is almost daunting to avoid this potential exercise. The best part is that facial feature training also offers different variations. Pull dumbbell face is one of the best variations on this exercise that is sure to give you instant results.

How to do that Facial exercise?

As a workout for advanced users, the Facial exercise is an absolute highlight. You don't have to worry about buying a cable machine for this as you can do this exercise without it too. A resistance band is all you need to find out. Make sure your resistance band is well secured before you start exercising. This helps to avoid serious injuries.

1. Hang or anchor the tape to a fixed attachment point.

2. Grasp the ends of the ribbon with each hand. Your palms must be facing inwards.

3. Now squeeze your shoulder blades together. Gradually pull the band towards your shoulders.

4. Let it rest for a few seconds and return to the starting position. The focus is on the shape and compression of the shoulder blades.

5. Repeat the process Facial exercise for the best benefits.

How to perform Pull cable surface?

When you pull your face on a cable machine it is known as a Pull cable surface. Using a rope for this exercise is the ultimate way to properly train your body. Something like this also enables perfect freedom of movement. The steps in this exercise are convenient for users to complete. If you are a fitness freak who loves to exercise, this exercise will be great fun for you.

1. Attach a rope attachment with two handles to a rotating high pulley. It should be roughly at head level or gradually above it.

2. Choose the correct resistance in the weight stack. Go as easy as you can. Focus on form and function.

3. Stand by the pulley with your feet hip-width apart.

4. Lift and hold the handles with both hands. Stand in a neutral position. Your palms should be facing inward.

5. Take a few steps back and make sure your arms are outstretched. The knees must be slightly bent. At this point, lift your chest, roll your shoulders back, and contract your core muscles.

6. Pull the handles back towards your forehead. Your hands must now be in front of your shoulders. When you are done, rest in this position for a few seconds.

7. Now gradually straighten your arms and return to the first position. Don't let the weight rest on the stack until you have finished a set.

8. Repeat the process Pull cable surface Exercise for the best benefits.

How to do that Pull dumbbell face Exercise?

The Pull dumbbell face is a strength exercise that aims to work the abs and traps. All you have to do is follow the directions to do the exercise correctly. Are you ready for training?

1. Take a pair of dumbbells with an overhand grip and lie with your shoulders on the padding in a sloping seat. Extend your arms out in front of you so the dumbbells are hanging straight down.

2. Close your shoulder blades and row the weights. Your elbow point should now be at right angles to your hands. Your ankles should be facing the floor.

3. Bend at your elbows and bring your forearms parallel to your shoulders. Hold for a count, then reverse the motions. Return to the first position.

4. Repeat the process Pull dumbbell face Practice for the effects you want.

The bottom line

These were some of the best Pull face Exercises to try at home. Don't forget to tell us how you like it!

FAQ

1. Can you give me something? Facial exercise Trying alternatives at home?

Dumbbell rows, lat pulldowns, and pull-ups are some of the best alternatives for this.

2. What are the primary muscles that are trained in the? Dumbbell face pull?

Abs and traps are the main muscles.

Related articles

Say YES to your healthy body with daily dumbbell exercise
01 Nov
Blog

Blue by ADT Video Doorbell Review: Not Done Cooking Yet

Photo of the doorbell on the wall.

Blue from ADT doorbell camera

"The boring hardware and an app that urgently needs redesigning make this experience uncomfortable."

  • Clear video, even at night

  • face recognition

  • View all of the video feeds on the main screen of the app

  • Boring hardware

  • Sluggish app

  • Buried camera controls

  • Late notifications

What do you do when you're an old security company constantly challenged by newbies to the DIY space? Smart Home Tech makes the installation of security systems from complex to rudimentary accessible to the everyday user. ADT recognized this and passed a "If you can't beat them, join them" policy. So Blue was born from ADT.

One of the main focuses of the Blue by ADT security system is that Blue doorbell camera. This is a doorbell camera with a 180 degree field of view and facial recognition that can see who is at your door. Your front door is the center of coming and going around your home. Therefore, camera cover is critical to any security system.

It's a gray box

The hardware for the doorbell isn't particularly exciting. I checked out the Pearl Gray version which has a modern, if a bit boring, look. Basically, it is a rounded rectangle. At the top is a large black camera lens that is set to 130 degrees by default. However, you can expand it to 180 degrees if you don't mind a little fisheye effect. Every Blue by ADT device has a diagonal slash on the bottom that glows blue when the device is in operation. This is a nice accent. The ring light around the doorbell is a nice addition to the aesthetic that shows people exactly where the button is so they don't smudge the camera lens thinking it is a button.

This isn't the bulky doorbell I've checked, but it sure is a chunky boy. You want to make sure that the look of the doorbell matches your current front door decor. We tested the Pearl Gray version. There is also a darker graphite option.

The doorbell is mounted in an unusual way. It comes with a power plate that you connect the wiring to. Then mount this power plate on your wall. The doorbell itself has a tiny on / off switch that you have to set to "on" before you click the doorbell onto the power plate. The doorbell also includes a small battery backup for times when you lose power. However, our tests have shown that this is measured in hours rather than days.

The video from the Blue Doorbell camera is crystal clear

After connecting the doorbell to the app, all the usual video doorbell tasks will be performed. You will receive motion notifications and when the bell rings. You can also purchase an additional carillon extender for around $ 50. This is a large gray box that you plug into an electrical outlet. The extender doubles as a doorbell, a Wi-Fi extender, or both. I loved having the extender plugged into a back room so I knew if someone was coming to the door and I couldn't hear our mechanical doorbell.

The doorbell also has facial recognition, which didn't seem to work very well for me. I only tested the doorbell for a few weeks, at a time when not too many people came to visit. It is possible that face recognition might show up on my face over time, but I give it the benefit of the doubt that I just haven't tested it long enough.

Crunchy video quality

The picture quality is quite good. The video is sharp with good detail, although there is a very noticeable fish-eye effect when the lens is set to 180 degrees. Even at night the video is crisp and clear. You can set the video quality between 720p and 1080p. Clips are recorded whenever an event occurs. However, these events are limited to movement and people. It would be great to see Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) step in here to interrupt the movements. I also want the doorbell to tell me if there is an animal or a package on my doorstep. You can get this from the Nest Hello doorbell. The app also lets you manually adjust the camera's brightness and contrast, which is lovely, but that leads to my biggest problem with the system.

Then everything falls apart because of the app

The app isn't that great. It certainly has some high points, but the overall experience is very slow. It takes 7-10 seconds for the doorbells to ring. Motion notifications can take minutes. So if someone takes Santa Claus off your front door, you will be too late to stop them. Videos take between 10 and 30 seconds to load. This is a very long time to stare at your phone and wait for it to take action. Switching between menu options started slowly, but that actually cleared up towards the end of our review period.

The first time you log into the app, each camera you set up will take a snapshot to refresh the main screen. Refreshing this snapshot can take up to 10 seconds, which makes it feel less like a guard guarding the base and more like a rent-a-cop trying to turn off the TV when the boss walks in. As I mentioned earlier, you can adjust the brightness and contrast, which is lovely, but the part of the app where you do the adjustments is four levels deep in a menu. Then you need to go back to the main screen and wait for another snapshot to be taken to see how your customizations have evolved.

Blue is constantly expanding the capabilities of this device so you should see upgrades in the future too.

The app isn't all bad. The first time you enter the app it will show all of the cameras you have set up and you can live stream them all at once which is lovely. The home page also has an up-to-date history of all recorded events, as well as a crime monitoring section similar to the Ring & # 39; s Neighbors app. You can also partition off parts of your porch that you don't want to detect movement from. When you use the talk feature to speak through the doorbell, your voice will be loud and clear.

However, when you factor in the app's sluggishness as well as some rare connectivity issues, it's not a good experience overall. I worked pretty hard with a product manager at Blue by ADT to resolve some of the connectivity issues and I think we resolved most of them. But in the days since that conversation, I still noticed the doorbell was occasionally disconnected from the WiFi. No other doorbell I have tested has such failures. ADT's Blue said there were more server-side changes released this week. Hence, it is possible that this will help clear up some issues.

Our opinion

There are some great ideas here. Not only is the hardware pretty uninspired, but it also checks a few boxes, including battery backup, easy installation, and crisp video quality. But the app, which is vital to the overall experience, is really making things sour. It needs to be revised. There are also some connectivity issues. It is very likely that updates to the app will fix most of the problems. However, for now, this is a doorbell that is difficult to recommend.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The blue doorbell camera doesn't do anything other doorbells don't. The 180 degree field of view is adjusted by the Vivint Doorbell Pro. The talk function is taken over by practically every other doorbell camera on the market. The doorbell doesn't record 24/7 footage so you no longer have to scrub through a timeline – like you would with a Nest Hello. Other than that, the motion detection is very accurate, so you basically get clips of everything that goes on outside your door. Unfortunately, the app and uninspired design hold that back.

How long it will take?

The Blue by ADT video doorbell is solidly built, so I can imagine it will last for several years. It's water resistant and can withstand temperatures of -40 ° to 104 ° F, or as we like to call it "September" in Chicago. In addition, the Blue by ADT video doorbell works with Google Assistant, IFTTT and Alexa and the offer is solid. Blue is constantly expanding the capabilities of this device so you should see upgrades in the future too. A one-year guarantee is given on Blue by ADT cameras.

Should you buy it?

No. In the video doorbell space, there are too many alternatives that work better than this one. The product costs $ 199, and while the video quality and expandable chimes are good, the app makes the entire experience untenable. There are just too many alternatives out there that do a better job.

Editor's recommendations




31 Oct
Blog

Wyze Cam V3 Review: A Benchmark for Inexpensive Cameras

Wyze Cam v3 on table side profile

Wyze Cam v3 review: A new benchmark for inexpensive cameras

"It's almost unbelievable that Wyze has packed so much into something so cheap."

  • It costs $ 20

  • Works both indoors and outdoors

  • More details with colored night vision

  • Tons of security checks

The attack continues! Wyze has been on the move in the last few months, announcing a number of new smart home devices that seem to have diversified its portfolio overnight. However, the latest announcement is a continuation of one of the most popular devices. Going back to its roots, the Wyze Cam v3 aims to seduce consumers not only because it works both indoors and outdoors, but also because it is feature rich and costs less than $ 20.

Iconic design for outdoors

The iconic design of the original remains a staple with the Wyze Cam v3 as well. The cube-shaped design is made entirely of plastic. For a surveillance camera, it is undoubtedly compact enough to be discreet wherever it is placed. The camera itself can be rotated around its base and tilted to almost any angle for the best viewing angle. In contrast to its predecessors, it is now equipped with an IP65 construction to cope with nature – and therefore more versatile than before.

Wyze Cam v3 power cordJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

However, if there's one aspect of the design that I'm not keen on, it has to be the dangling power cord. There is a short 8-inch cable that ends with a micro-USB socket which then plugs into a standard micro-USB cable. Since this short 8-inch cable is permanently attached to the camera and the camera is accidentally damaged or damaged on its own, the entire device requires maintenance instead of just replacing a micro-USB cable like other cameras.

There is definitely cause for concern, but I also understand that it is likely a necessary change to make it weather resistant. Even so, the design is an upgrade as it can be used either indoors or outdoors for more versatility than before.

Ambient lighting helps with colored night vision

Security cameras provide a lot of information with their recordings. The Wyze Cam v3 has an improved camera with a wider 130-degree field view, 20 FPS recording, a Starlight CMOS sensor and an aperture of 1: 1.6. While like the v2 it still has 1080p resolution, every other aspect of the camera is vastly improved.

For starters, the wider field of view captures more of the scene, which is useful if you place it in a corner for the greatest possible coverage. The Starlight CMOS sensor is probably the figurehead here, as it enables the v3 to see much better in the dark and to draw details – and at the same time provide the conversation with colored night vision.

The 1080p video it produces is adequate in detail and quality, although its dynamic range can be challenging in contrasting lighting conditions, generally overexposing the highlights. Still, I can see other small details from the footage and it proves its worth when the sun goes down with its colored night vision.

Colored night vision without question coughs up details that you cannot find.

While standard night vision in black and white makes it easier to see in almost pitch black conditions, the additional advantage of color vision offers more details – for example the ability to distinguish the color of a person's shirt. This is invaluable information in emergency situations. So it's fantastic that night vision colors are offered. If you compare the footage side by side, colored night vision undoubtedly highlights details that you cannot find with standard night vision. However, there still needs to be some level of ambient lighting in the scene for it to work effectively. If there aren't, colors are hard to tell.

Two-way conversation is also enjoyable: it produces clear voices through the app and a decent volume through the speaker.

Broader security features

As a rule, cheap cameras are rather elementary. With the Wyze Cam v3, this is far from the truth. This proves to me that my home is safe when I'm not around. First of all, Wyze has the controls necessary to address my needs. From being able to record based on motion or sound detection, setting detection zones to minimize false positives, to adding custom schedules and automated operations, there are a number of options to choose from. There's even a chance to detect smoke and carbon monoxide sirens which will then send a notification.

Wyze Cam v3 on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

All of this shows that the brand has a better understanding of users' security and privacy needs. Although there is 14 days of cloud storage that saves 12 second clips, I appreciate that there is the option for local storage via the microSD card slot. I would recommend using the microSD card as, just like the Wyze Outdoor Cam, it can record time-lapse recordings of almost any length.

It's there to protect my home when I'm not around.

The offer is rounded off by two-factor authentication, an integrated siren that can be activated via the app (rather weak), and an option to switch off the camera electronically via the Wyze app.

Our opinion

The Wyze Cam v3, at a ridiculously low cost of $ 20, sets the standard for what it means to be an entry-level surveillance camera these days. You will not find anything nearby that offers the same safety features, versatility indoors and outdoors, and colored night vision that offers more detail than normal night vision.

How long it will take?

Aside from the concern I mentioned about the proprietary dangling cable, it's solidly constructed. Since it is made of a sturdy plastic housing, its light weight helps prevent damage from falls. A 1 year limited warranty applies in the event something goes wrong internally due to a defect.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're ready to get a little more out of it, cameras like the Ring Indoor Cam and Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan And Tilt are top contenders as they aren't overly expensive. The former benefits from leveraging Ring's diverse ecosystem, while the latter has useful 360-degree pan and tilt functionality. There is even the Wyze Cam Outdoor to consider, as it is very similar, but has an internal battery with which it can be operated offline without being connected to a power source.

Should you buy it?

You shouldn't just buy it, you should probably buy a few and build a decent security camera system in your home for a fraction of the price you would pay for other complete systems.

Editor's recommendations




31 Oct
Blog

Apple iPhone 12 Review: The Best iPhone for Most People

Apple iPhone 12 review blue back angle 2

"The iPhone 12 is insane value for $ 799 and questions how many people need to buy a 12 Pro."

  • Excellent camera performance

  • Fast and consistent software

  • Nice and colorful hardware

  • Good battery life

  • 5G connectivity

  • Lightbody feels a little cheap

  • MagSafe currently offers little

The iPhone 12 Pro is the focus of press and technology enthusiasts. It's the full-featured, high-end model and the price is damn, we all want one. What it overlooks, however, is that most people have more reasonable expectations and budgets and are immediately interested in the standard iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12 is the phone people use to get in the door (or on the website) and have the option to change their choices to a Mini, Pro, or Pro Max. And that puts a heavy load on the iPhone 12: it has to be really good because most people choose it by default. Here's how well it meets expectations. And why it is, indeed, the best iPhone 12 model for most people.

Hardware, design and display

The iPhone 12 is exactly the same size as the 12 Pro – Apple's own cases are interchangeable. And with a case on the phone, all you can tell is that it's not a pro, but the missing third camera lens – although you still get that large case with a square camera that reminds you of the space that more sensors take up if you had done this you would have spent more money.

iPhone 12

However, if you're brave enough to use your phone without a case, or at least convinced you would wear it naked, there are plenty of other differentiators in the hardware. The first is the colors, which you've no doubt seen in a row that look like a bowl of cone. The colors of the iPhone 12 are fun, playful, and bright – even that blue, which is one of the relatively muted options alongside black.

The iPhone 12 is characterized by a fresh appearance and a familiar high quality of execution.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro

The frame of the iPhone 12 is made of aluminum, not stainless steel like the 12 Pro, and the metal is kept in a matte texture that matches the hyper-gloss of the 12 Pro. Instead, the gloss is transferred to the rear glass. This is a boon to the handle, but an absolute fingerprint stain magnet – it will never be clean once you take it out of the box.

Aside from stains, which are just a reality of modern glass-backed phones, the iPhone 12 stands out. It's a really nice design and I'm so glad we're returning to those angular lines from the metal pillow shapes of the past few years. There's only more for your fingers and eyes to discover, and it's actually easy to hold. This is even more true of the 12, which is about 15% lighter than the 12 Pro, though that lightness helps make it feel a little cheap or weak. If you had never had the 11 Pro or 12 Pro in your hand, you wouldn't think about it – this is just a lightweight and easy to manage phone.

The brightness is impressive if you remember that the screen is larger than before (now 6.1 inches) thanks to a new OLED display with smaller bezels on all sides. And when you add the sharp transition from screen glass to metal sides, it feels even more compact. The Face ID notch is still visually annoying, but the Face ID itself is well worth the compromise.

iPhone 12

The display is excellent especially for this price point. It's clear, bright, and colorful with good viewing angles and minimal color shift. And since it is a laminated OLED, the visibility outdoors is of course also good.

The only difference, at least on paper, is that the iPhone 12 has a maximum brightness of 625 nits versus the 800 nits of the 12 Pro. The distinction is strange, as teardowns show that the displays are interchangeable, and Apple's own documentation shows that both can achieve the same 1200 nits when viewing HDR content. I can hardly say that the display on the 12 Pro is brighter, but I also don't know if that's just a mental trick. It certainly doesn't look like it's 28% brighter as Apple's numbers claim.

The new Ceramic Shield glass promises a 4-fold improved drop performance, which we all appreciate, but I'll make it clear: There is no claim that it is better against scratches. My test device had already noticed some normal scratches with normal use over the course of a week. So don't expect this display to be indestructible. I managed to clumsily drop the phone from waist height onto the sidewalk, luckily with a silicone case, and there were no ill effects.

Features, software and performance

For many people, the best thing about the iPhone 12 is that it offers the exact same iOS 14 software experience as the current phone. While this may seem boring to Android users, who supposedly have the opportunity to try a new twist on Android every time they upgrade their phone, this consistency is a big reason why so many people stick with iPhones.

iPhone 12 Pro blue

Depending on how old your current iPhone is, the only difference from the 12 is that everything just runs faster – and it will be fast for years to come too. The A14 Bionic chip is faster than anything you're currently using and is clearly designed for future iOS features.

The only differences in daily use between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro can be noticed when you really press the phones. The iPhone 12 has 4GB of RAM (storage) for the 6GB of the 12 Pro. So if you multitask a lot or play an intense game while streaming media in the background, you may notice a small difference in performance. And we know the smaller storage capacity is why some of the most advanced camera processing features are limited to the 12 Pro.

With all my regular use, which is not that difficult, I did not notice any difference in the opening times of the app, the graphics or the like. Ultimately, the A14 Bionic is still running the show, and that is what matters. Nobody can blame the iPhone 12 for being slow.

Even with less memory than the 12 Pro, the iPhone 12 flies with everyday tasks.

There is no reason for me to repeat myself talking about 5G and MagSafe, the two big features of the iPhone 12 generation, after writing hundreds of words on both in my iPhone 12 Pro review. Hope you will read the details there as they are fully applicable to a discussion of the iPhone 12 as well. However, a brief summary is in order.

The gist of the 5G discussion is this: Right now you are mostly using Sub-6 5G which behaves like charged 4G. It's a little faster and smoother without using more power than you are used to – that's great, but not groundbreaking. The so-called mmWave 5G, which is mostly used by Verizon but is growing with T-Mobile and AT&T, is the dramatically faster but incredibly sparse network that is still years away from its ubiquity. There is no reason to buy the iPhone 12 to the 5G but it sure will be nice to have for years to come.

iPhone 12 MagSafe accessories

MagSafe is exciting, especially knowing that Apple has a good track record of getting these kind of ecosystems right (mostly) and will get the critical mass of supported phones and accessories soon enough. But at the moment there isn't much to say. Apple makes a charger that, while nice, isn't that much different from the way you use most wireless chargers. The enclosures, two of which are available, are just passages for other MagSafe accessories. We need to see a robust market for third-party MagSafe accessories before we can judge the success of this system – this may take a while.

Battery life

After spending a week on the iPhone 12 Pro checking out all the new features and running numerous 5G speed tests, I was able to settle into the iPhone 12 right away and use it even more normally, as I would later in the life after Review rush is over. This gives my rating of the 12 battery a better analysis of the "real use".

And if you stop testing the iPhone 12 and just start using it, the battery life is really good! Yes, the capacity is the same as the 12 Pro, which is actually lower than the iPhone 11 Pro, but Apple knows what it's doing here with a much more efficient chipset that the phone runs on.

You will easily get through a full day on a full battery.

With my normal usage, which includes much of my time on Wi-Fi and primarily keeping up with lots of email, messages, social media apps, utilities, and lots of podcasts over Bluetooth, 30% can get through a day without any problems remaining. That means I have a lot of overhead for those heavier days, with lots of photos and videos, streaming from YouTube or new podcast episodes, hotspotting over 5G, or taking video calls. Despite all of this, I usually only turn on the energy-saving mode (20%) for dinner – and make it to bed without charging.

If you chose the iPhone 12 rather than the 12 Pro, your expected usage is likely a little lower at first. And it doesn't matter: using the 12 and 12 Pro the same, battery life wasn't an issue on either phone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is obviously going to be the true battery champion for people who have to push the limits of their phone every day.

Cameras

The main attraction for buying the 12 Pro compared to the 12 is the improvement in the camera. It's important to note, however, that the 12 provides most of the 12 Pro's camera experience. The 12 Pro offers a "telephoto" camera, lidar sensor, Dolby Vision HDR video at 60 fps (out of 30), and the promise to support Apple ProRAW files in the future.

The camera is identical to the 12 Pro where it counts: the main camera and the image processing.

This telephoto camera is just a 2x zoom behind the main camera, which is not strictly necessary. Lidar brings portrait mode to night mode, which is cool but not necessary. Remember that the normal night mode is otherwise the same on both phones. And if you want to shoot HDR at 60 fps, you've probably just bought an iPhone 12 Pro.

The main, ultra-wide, and selfie cameras are all identical hardware supported by the same camera processing, including Smart HDR 3, Deep Fusion, and every other Apple buzzword. That said, most people wouldn't notice any difference in camera features between the 12 and the 12 Pro – that is large for iPhone 12 buyers.

As I've mentioned many times, check out my iPhone 12 Pro review for more camera thoughts (and lots of sample photos).

Camera performance is fantastic with an iPhone 12 Pro for $ 999, which means it's particularly good here for $ 200 less. The main camera consistently produces bright, crisp, and colorful photos with a warm and punchy profile that is appealing but not overdone. HDR effects don't go crazy and usually do well at reducing highlights and enhancing lowlights. Portrait mode is still great for real chest portraits, but is better for full body shots or inanimate objects.

At night you will immediately see the advantages of the larger aperture and the improved processing in night mode. Photos go head-to-toe with the Pixel 5's night vision device, but the iPhone 12 has the advantage of not having to switch to a separate mode for these photos – the camera decides when to do so. And even though I didn't have lidar, I didn't have any problems with autofocus in the dark.

In most scenarios, it's easy to get great photos. And yes, Dolby Vision is cool too.

As I discussed in my iPhone 12 Pro review, the Dolby Vision HDR draw is interesting but not currently practical. DV HDR can only be viewed on modern iPhones, Macs, and Apple TVs connected to compatible TVs. Anywhere you view or share it, e.g. B. on social media platforms, the default dynamic range is displayed. You save large files: A one-minute 4K 30 HDR clip has a size of approx. 250 MB. Fortunately, Apple's typical 4K 60 fps video looks great in SDR too, with good stabilization for handheld recording.

Our opinion

Those who already have an iPhone and are looking to upgrade to the latest phones should start with the iPhone 12 as the default choice. It's a great phone that has all of Apple's usual strengths: great hardware, a beautiful display, consistent performance, and now an especially great camera. It also has good battery life, 5G connectivity for the future, and fascinating additions like MagSafe. Overall, it's a fantastic phone at a reasonable price.

Only consider upgrading to the iPhone 12 Pro if you can knows that you need what it offers. I recommend paying an additional $ 50 for 128GB of storage on the iPhone 12 The 12 Pro costs $ 150 more. For that money, you get a heavier stainless steel case in new colors, an additional camera with some additional camera features, and more memory for possible future performance improvements. Most people just don't care enough to make the money worth it, and better spend that $ 150 on a couple of suitcases and MagSafe accessories.

Are there any better alternatives?

This price range is competitive. For those willing to move beyond the Apple world, there are several Android competitors available. The Google Pixel 5 offers a similarly simple approach as the iPhone with comparable camera and slick software for $ 100 less. The OnePlus 8T is the same price, with better hardware, but weaker cameras. And the Galaxy S20 FE offers an Apple antidote with a bigger screen, more cameras, more flash, and more features.

Obviously, most of the people will stay in the iPhone ecosystem, so there really is only one other option: spend $ 200 more on it an iPhone 12 Pro. If you're pragmatic and buy a 128GB storage model, that's only a $ 150 upgrade. For this money you get a heavier stainless steel frame, an additional telephoto camera, a lidar sensor for extended camera functions and a subtle memory expansion. It won't blow most people who are likely satisfied with an iPhone 12, but it's a good choice when money isn't a big deal.

How long it will take?

With Apple's excellent track record of updating iPhones with new software for several years after it was released, and a powerful A14 Bionic processor, the iPhone 12 will no doubt stay safe for three years without a second thought. The aluminum frame isn't technically as strong as the 12 Pro's steel, but most other phones are also made of aluminum.

There are also some concerns that the Ceramic Shield glass, despite being severely cracked, could be very sensitive to scratches – but we cannot see the long term viability of Ceramic Shield until it has been in the wild for years.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. If you are in the iPhone ecosystem, the iPhone 12 is an excellent all-round phone with an excellent price-performance ratio.

Editor's recommendations




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