20 Oct
Blog

Beats Flex Review: Bigger Bass, Bigger Battery, Tiny Price

Beats Flex

Beats Flex Review: More Bass, More Battery, Half the Price

"12 hours of battery life, great sound, and a mind-boggling price make it hard to beat."

  • Good price

  • Cozy

  • Very good sound quality

  • Very good call quality

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • Fast charging is slower than BeatsX

  • Using controls can be a little tricky

  • The USB-C charging cable does not fit normal USB ports

  • No official IPX rating

Previously, the cheapest BeatsX headphones for $ 100 were the BeatsX for $ 100. With their balanced sound, easy pairing with iPhones, and great call quality, they were a great choice for Beats fans who wanted something smaller and cheaper than the brand's classic foldable wireless headphones.

But the BeatsX was released in 2017 and the wireless headphone market has changed a ton since then. True wireless earbuds have become very affordable, and the connectivity issues that once plagued these devices have largely been eliminated. As a result, the BeatsX looked unnecessarily expensive due to its bulkier design behind the neck.

Answer from Apple: The $ 50 Beats Flex. They have all the features like the BeatsX that the Flex replaces, but at a dramatically lower price point that keeps them going when people are thinking of a new set of earbuds.

Did Apple have to cut too many corners to bring the Beats Flex to their remarkably low price, or are these the beats to beat?

Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The BeatsX was already one of the most responsible headphones I've come across, and the Flex goes even further. The plain black cardboard box isn't much bigger than a deck of cards, there is practically no plastic inside or outside, and everything is easy to recycle. This is how all of our technology should arrive.

Inside the box you'll find the Beats Flex, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, three sizes of silicone earbuds (in addition to the factory-installed ones) and some paper documentation, including the de rigueur Beats sticker.

design

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00006-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00008-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Beats Flex is available in four colors: Beats Black, Flame Blue, Smoke Gray and Yuzu Yellow.

They use the same hybrid cable design as the BeatsX, which combines a flat, tangle-free wire and a thicker, rubberized neck section that springs back into its U-shape no matter how hard you twist and turn it. The flex is a bit thinner, but just as robust.

You never have to worry about losing an earbud. There's no such thing as a bulky charging case to stash in your pocket or purse.

At both ends of the U there are elongated plastic housings that house the battery, electronics (including the W1 Bluetooth chip developed by Apple) as well as the USB-C charging port and power / pairing button. Apple has concentrated most of its redesign (cost reduction?) Efforts in these plastic cases. Instead of placing the microphone and controls in an inline pod on the cable of the left earbud, they are now in the left housing.

The earbuds themselves are the same size as the BeatsX, although Apple claims there is a new proprietary layer driver inside.

They can really take a full day before needing to be plugged in.

It may seem a bit strange that the Beats brand is still making behind-the-neck wireless headphones while a new set of true wireless earbuds hit the shelves every day, but there is still a market for this style. You never have to worry about losing an earbud, there is no bulky charging case to tuck in your pocket or purse. When you want to have a conversation, just pull the buds out of your ears and let them dangle. For people who routinely have to switch back and forth between listening to music and listening to the world around them, it's a much more convenient design.

Battery life

With just eight hours of battery life, the BeatsX has been ruined not only by other wired wireless earbuds but also by some of the new true wireless earbuds. For example, JLab's Epic Air ANC can live for eight hours with the ANC on and 12 hours with the ANC off. And that's before you consider the extra juice in their charging case.

The Beats Flex may not have a charging case, but with 12 hours of continuous use, they can really last a full day before needing to be plugged in.

The strange thing about the Flex is that overall battery life is better than its predecessor, but fast charging is worse. You now need 10 minutes to get a 1.5 hour boost, while the BeatsX can give you two hours of extension after a five minute charge.

Maybe this is somehow related to the switch from the Apple Lightning connector on the BeatsX to the USB-C connector on the Flex.

Switching to USB-C makes a lot of sense when chasing the Android community like Apple seems to be doing with the Flex, but choosing how to do it is confusing.

The included USB-C to USB-C charging cable is an immediate problem for anyone who doesn't own another USB-C device. There's just no way to plug the cable into anything other than a USB-C charging port, and Apple didn't include a USB-C charger in the box. If you have a current MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, this is not a problem. Both computers have connectors that can be used for this purpose. However, if you're still rocking an older computer, or literally an iPhone, there's a good chance you can't top up (or buy) the Flex without an Amazon order Apple's USB-C charger for $ 20).

Convenience, control and connections

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The sound of an earphone depends a lot on how it seals against your ear canal. With four sizes of silicone tips to choose from, most people should be able to get a secure and comfortable fit with the Beats Flex. The standard set of tips is the medium size, and these turned out to be very convenient for me.

The behind-the-neck design is also very comfortable. You barely notice its presence and the rubberized texture prevents it from sliding around while you move.

As long as you properly grip the earbuds, their flat cables will stay away from your face. Twist them and the opposite will happen.

The placement of the controls in the plastic housing (compared to the inline controls on the BeatsX) makes it a bit more difficult to use. The volume rocker is easy to operate with precisely defined clicks. The multi-function button used to control play / pause, skip forward / backward, answer / end of calls and access Siri (or Google Assistant) has only a small travel and practically no click.

This can make it difficult to know if you pressed it exactly. Since it's attached to the inside of the case, you have to squeeze it with your index finger – unless you're reaching across your neck with your right hand – something that was harder for me to do accurately than my thumb. You will get used to this arrangement quickly enough and you never risk accidentally pulling out the left earbud when using them.

Beats Flex Audio SharingAs with all Apple wireless headphones that use the company's W1 or H1 wireless chips, pairing the Flex with an iOS device is a breeze. Just turn them on and wait for your iPhone to show you the one-tap pairing animation. If you own more than one Apple device, switching the Flex from one to the other is also a breeze.

It's almost as seamless on Android devices, too, as long as you download the free Beats app first.

The Flex doesn't have a wear sensor that allows you to automatically pause your music when you pull out an earbud. However, it has the next best thing: a sensor that pauses and plays when the earbuds magnetically snap in and out. It doesn't help if you just remove a single bud, but it's more convenient than stopping manually.

The Beats Flex are also compatible with Apple's audio sharing function, which allows two headphones or earphones equipped with W1 or H1 to listen to content from an iOS device at the same time.

It turned out to be a great way to compare the sound quality of Beats Flex and BeatsX (more on that in a minute).

The BeatsX missed out on being a Class 1 Bluetooth device, but the Flex has this feature too, which means a much greater wireless range – up to 300 feet.

Sound quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Given that the Beats Flex costs half the price of the BeatsX, I was prepared for a drop in sound quality, but that's not the case: they sound great.

For the price, these things rock.

Not only are they very closely comparable to the BeatsX, with an even stronger bass-forward sound signature, but also very close to the AirPods Pro, which is five times more expensive.

They don't quite match the AirPods Pro in terms of the width and depth of their soundstage – the flex keeps things a little closer to your head – but for the price, too, these things rock. To get a really noticeable improvement in audio quality, you need to spend between $ 200 and $ 300.

I still wish Apple offered at least some basic EQ adjustments for bass and treble. The flex is so tuned that the vocals are not quite as pronounced as I would like them to be. I think some small EQ tweaks could fix this, but that's just not an option.

Some people may prefer the way the flex has been tuned thanks to an even more pronounced lower register than the BeatsX, which is particularly good for rap, hip-hop, and a variety of club and EDM sub-genres.

Call quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the things I loved about BeatsX was the call quality. Crystal clear and ideal for separating voices from background noise. You were the next best thing to actually holding your phone to your face.

The secret was where the microphone was placed. Positioned on the left earbud wire, it was ideal for voice recording. The Beats Flex are almost as good, but the position of the microphone on the flex neckband results in a slightly poorer quality.

Your voice is still very clear under most circumstances, but background noise is not filtered as well. They don't drown you out like real wireless earbuds do, but they're more noticeable than the BeatsX.

The only thing that would make calling on the Flex better (other than moving the microphone) is a listen-through mode so you can better hear your own voice.

Our opinion

If you prefer the back of the headphone design, the Beats Flex has everything you could want, at an amazing price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you need a longer battery life, Sony makes several models with a battery life of 15 to 20 hours, such as: B. the bulkier model C400 and the WI-C310.

However, if you are an iPhone user, the Flex is still a better choice because of its great integration with the Apple ecosystem.

How long will they last?

The Beats Flex are well built with durable materials and connections. They come with an Apple one-year warranty that can be extended with an optional AppleCare purchase.

And although I don't have an IP rating for dust or water protection, a source at Beats tells me that the Flex are actually quite capable of handling a sweaty workout. The USB-C charging port is waterproof and the controls are all sealed against moisture.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. For the price, the Beats Flex are a killer value that Apple owners in particular should definitely consider when looking for a great alternative to buying a set of true wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




19 Oct
Blog

5 Ways to Workout With Your Partner

Numbers are strong. Never is this truer than when it comes to committing to exercise.

This is why people hire personal trainers or sign up for a boot camp with a friend: Accountability. And which more comfortable responsible partner is your intimate partner? If you live with the person, even better.

What if we have different fitness levels? How does this work?

Rest assured, it can still work even if one person is much fitter, stronger, or faster than the other.

Here are 5 ways to train with your partner, even if you choose to.

1. Choose your own adventure burpees

Burpee intervals, where you each work for a specific amount of time, usually work well for people moving at different speeds, as you both end up doing a fair amount of work for your level, as opposed to one person who has worked with whooping cough is another person's butt.

Try this::

  1. One person works for 30 seconds and does as many burpees as possible while the other person is resting. Then reverse roles.
  2. Repeat for 8 to 10 rounds every time. Can you hold the same number of burpees in your last interval as in your first?

Make sure that your chest is touching the floor at the bottom of the burpe and that you fully extend your hips and end up jumping with your hands over you.

2. High Five Partner Planks

You've likely done a plank and maybe a pat on the back, where you raise one arm and your hand touch the opposite shoulder as you stabilize yourself through the core and keep your hips from shifting.

This is the same concept, just instead of tapping on the shoulder, raise your hand and raise your partner's hand.

Perform::

  1. Stand facing each other and take the plank position.
  2. At the same time, raise your right hands and gently raise five. Then left. Back and forth.
  3. Focus on ensuring that your hips do not shift and that your glutes and abs are as tight as possible for the duration of this exercise.

After you've completed selecting your own adventure burpees, finish with 3 rounds of 20 high five partner boards with a one minute break between sets.

3. From War

One two three four – I'm declaring a war.

On a day when you are feeling competitive, your best efforts should be to assert yourself against each other. Who can hold a hollow handle longer?

Make sure your shoulder blades are off the floor, your lower back is taped to the floor, your hands are straight above your head, and your heels are four to six inches off the floor.

Hollow rock

Then finish with 100 hollow stones as a team. Split them up as needed and complete 100 together.

4. Interval isometric fun

Similar to burpee training, you should weigh the movements of::

Wall hold

  1. Hold the wall for 30 seconds
  2. 30 seconds dead bug hold

Dead Bug Hold

Or better yet, make it a dead bully where your partner pushes your arms and legs around a little to force you to resist their thrusts and tone your core with everything you have. This is also a great core activation exercise.

5th race 10 to 1

I really like 10-1 workouts because every lap gets easier. You can do this with all types of movements, but basically choose two movements and do 10 reps each, then 9 reps each, then 8, 7, 6 to 1.

If you are at a similar fitness level, pick one movement at a time that you are good at and then race against each other. Or if one person is a lot fit, have them do 10-1 while the other does 9-1, much like a handicap in golf.

Try squats and sit-ups or burpees and lunges or push-ups and hollow stones. The sky is the limit.

Why?

Because as the saying goes: "If you train together, you stay together."

19 Oct
Blog

A complete guide on hanging leg raises to start right away

Are you looking for an exercise to train your abs? If you said yes hanging leg lifts are the perfect fit for you. This is an isolation exercise that will help strengthen muscles and build well-trained abs. For anyone who wants to acquire their dream body, this exercise is all they need.

If you've never performed before hanging leg lifts Before you learn about it or know nothing about it, here is a complete guide. Today let's find out all about this exercise and its benefits!

The drooping leg brings advantages to be remembered

Everyone has abs, but they need to be cut out into their bodies. If you're someone who loves abs, hanging leg raises can turn out to be the trailblazer for you. This exercise is great not only for building strong abs, but also for strengthening the core of your body. As a result, it largely contributes to the hip flexors and external bevels. Under these hanging leg increases the benefitsThe fact that it involves different muscle groups in different tasks is another standout point. In summary, it can be said that the training identifies the right places in the body and works them out in need.

How do I do hanging leg raises?

If you want to purchase hanging leg increases the benefits You need to train daily immediately. All you have to do is follow the directions and go with the flow. We promise; it will work like magic for you!

1. Stand in the frame. Let your arms rest on the chair.

2. Make sure the position your arm is sitting in is firm. Identify this by finding out if you can comfortably lift your body weight off the floor.

3. Inhale as you contract your abs to prepare for the leg raise.

4. Bend your knees and lift them up. Your quads must be parallel to the ground.

5. As you lower your legs, exhale. Return to the starting position.

6. Repeat this exercise in 8 to 10 increments to reduce quality.

How do I perform hanging leg raises with twists?

If you're looking for a more advanced way to work out your abs, this exercise is the headache. The hanging leg rises with a twist is helpful not only for building strong abs in the body, but also for the oblique muscles. This is why more people are switching to this potential workout than the normal hanging leg lift. With simple tips and tricks, the exercise helps build unprecedented strength in the body. This isolation exercise is simple and easy to perform for everyone.

1. Hang freely on a chin-up bar by holding it with both hands. Your hands must be shoulder width apart and your legs straight. As soon as your body is straight. Your knees should be together. Then you can start this exercise.

2. First bend your hips and knees. Then try to pull your legs up. Lift your knees to the right and go past 90 degrees at your hips. Squeeze your obliques and abs at the top of the movement.

3. Gradually bring your hips down and return to the starting position. Repeat the movement on your left side. 4. Perform the hanging leg rises with a twist a few times to get the results you want.

How to do weighted hanging leg raises?

The weighted hanging leg raises are useful for targeting the front abs and making them stronger. It's also incredible for lower abs and frontal obliques. Don't worry, this exercise is comparatively easy to perform. If you stay consistent and practice this on a daily basis, you can be getting flat rate benefits in no time. Follow the directions and keep gaining your dream body.

1. Place an ankle weight on both ankles and press a dumbbell on your feet. Hold a chin-up bar with an overhand grip. This is your starting position.

2. Now breathe out gradually. Bend your knees and bring your legs towards your stomach. Hold to contract.

3. Now return to the starting position while inhaling.

4. Repeat the process lift weighted hanging legs for immediate benefits.

The drooping leg offers alternatives for you

While performing the hanging leg hang is not at all daunting, some issues can arise. If you don't want to practice the exercise, don't worry. We have something in store for you to help you reap the benefits without practicing the exercise. Let's look at a few hanging leg increases alternatives to you.

1. V-Sit

If you want to activate the rectus abdominis and iliopsoas, V-sit is perfect for you. First, lie on your back with your arms outstretched. Your legs should be one of them. Crunch your hips by lifting your legs straight up. Raise your upper body and arms at the same time. At this point, do not round your back or lower your knees as this could result in injury. Try to touch your toes with your hands. Return to the starting position, press your back to the floor and repeat the exercise.

2. Lying hips rise

If you want to build hanging leg lift absthis alternative can help a lot. Press your hands on the floor and bring your hips and legs in control. Remember not to swing them as you could injure yourself. Once you've done that, lay your head on the top. Hold the handles on top of the bench and press your back into the padding. Squeeze your legs together as you lift them up. Lower your body in control and repeat the exercise.

Take that away

These were some of the most important details hanging leg lifts you had to know that. We hope this article helps you get your dream body and strong abs soon!

FAQ

1 are hanging leg lift abs helpful?

Yes. The hanging leg lift abs are strong.

2. Is this exercise useful?

Yes. If you follow the directions carefully, this exercise can produce numerous far-reaching results.

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best Leg training To get desirable legs
16 Oct
Blog

How to do the incline dumbbell press to ace your fitness game

The Press the dumbbell is a useful exercise best for those looking to target the chest, shoulder, and triceps. As a free weight exercise, this workout works like a dream and ensures the body is comfortably exercised. If you want to train your body and get the muscles you have always wanted, this exercise is exactly what you need. Let's find out how one Press the dumbbell just like that!

Increase the benefits of the dumbbell press

The Advantages of the inclined dumbbell press massively rich. This exercise is helpful for not just one, but several reasons. For starters, it works the upper part of the chest called the pectoralis major collarbone head. When this area of ​​the body exercises, it will help function faster and strengthen the chest area. Similarly, it's also useful for your front head and shoulders, which become more flexible over time.

And so it happened that the Advantages of the inclined dumbbell press are durable and effective. The best way to get these benefits is to follow the instructions we offer. Once you do that, you will be only an inch away from gaining your dream body.

How do you do a dumbbell press at home?

You don't need a lot of equipment to do this exercise. If you want to do one Inclined dumbbell press at homeAll you need is an incline bench. Make sure the incline bench is at a suitable angle so that you can comfortably exercise your body. If it is not comfortable, adjust the seat accordingly. The set should be inclined between 30 and 45 degrees.

How do I perform an incline press at home?

The incline bench press is one of the best exercises for the upper body. Perform a Inclined dumbbell press at home is an easy exercise provided you follow the directions well. Here's how to properly practice this exercise!

1. Sit on the bench and lean back. Grasp the dumbbell with both hands and make sure it is against your shoulders. The elbows are bent and angled under the ribs. Relax your neck against the bench press. Keep your feet flat on the floor.

2. Tighten your core and press both dumbbells straight across your chest. At this point, remember to exhale. Keep your wrist straight. At the beginning of the movement, the dumbbells must touch. Your arms should be perpendicular to the floor.

3. Reverse the movement and gradually lower the dumbbells back to the top of your chest. At this point, remember to exhale. Once you start bringing the dumbbells down, your elbows should drop down at a 45 degree angle. This should be done on your upper body. Make sure your elbows are always pointing to the floor.

4. At least 8 to 12 repetitions are sufficient for this exercise. Practice this exercise regularly for the best benefits. We promise; You will not be disappointed!

How do you make an incline press without a bench?

If you don't have the bench press at home and are wondering if you need to give up on this exercise, don't worry. We have something for you that you cannot compromise with here. Let us teach you how to make one Inclined dumbbell press without bench.

1. Before performing this exercise, perform an aerobic exercise warm-up for approximately five to ten minutes. This is essential to activate and train your muscles effectively.

2. Lie on your upper back on the ball. Your torso should be at a 45 degree angle. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.

3. Grasp a dumbbell with both hands. Make sure your palms are facing away from your body. This is the starting position for you.

4. Exhale as you push the bar straight up. Make sure to press the dumbbell against the ceiling until it is above your upper chest. Do not lock your elbows at this point.

5. Inhale as you lower the weights in a controlled manner to the starting position.

6. At least 12 to 15 repetitions of this exercise will help you get the most benefit.

The final result

The Press the dumbbell is a useful exercise for several reasons. If you want to get the maximum benefit from it, remember to follow the instructions as they are.

FAQ

1. What's the best? Inclined dumbbell press angle?

An angle of 30 to 45 degrees is ideal Inclined dumbbell press angle to you.

2. Are the Advantages of the inclined dumbbell press helpful?

Yes. The Advantages of the inclined dumbbell press are helpful in many ways. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid problems.

3. What if I injure myself while exercising?

In this case, please contact a doctor immediately to avoid complications.

15 Oct
Blog

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential Review: Tech meets nostalgia

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential Rating 2 out of 9

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential

"The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential will wake you up, but it's a snoozer that knows what else is out there."

  • Compact design

  • Shows the time clearly

  • Affordable price

  • USB port for charging devices

  • No way to set an alarm through the Google Home app

  • A firm tip is required to snooze

  • Not good for music playback

More than any other company besides Google itself, Lenovo has designed Smart Assistant devices with the Google Assistant. From smart displays to hybrid tablets, Lenovo has one of the more robust portfolios. While this isn't the first time the company has delved into the world of alarm clocks, the latest addition is the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, giving consumers even more choices about what to impress these prime properties about their beds. The sticker price of $ 50 seems like a home run, but it needs to stand out from others to make a better buy than the competition.

Bring back alarm clock

Today's smart home devices can be overwhelming at times, especially as Google's smart home ecosystem continues to evolve. What is evident here is Lenovo's intention to simplify the design of its smart alarm clock. Unlike its earlier efforts, this one doesn't have a touchscreen, but rather the LED design of traditional alarm clocks. With that in mind, the Smart Clock Essential has a bit of nostalgia.

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential takes up roughly the same space as the Google Nest Mini and is a suitable addition to any bedside table. Thanks to the large LEDs on the front, I can quickly see the time – and without straining my eyes if I suddenly wake up in the middle of the night. It's also great that the temperature and weather conditions are shown through icons. Around the top lip of the device are physical controls for volume and pause / play, as well as a button for manually setting alarms. If you're like me and have a charger nearby for your smartphone, you'll appreciate the fact that there is a full-size USB stick just for that purpose.

One could argue that its design is nothing more than a shrunken version of its sibling, the Smart Alarm Clock, but the Essential's use of LEDs instead of a touchscreen display makes it less distracting. It's simple, looks clean, and saves space.

All Google Assistant smarts

Interaction with Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is done through voice actions and commands through the Google Assistant. In this regard, it works like any other smart speaker or display. Compared to the Google Nest Mini, the Essential is definitely a better option when you consider the visual element it provides for showing the time, day of the week, temperature, and weather conditions. It's just more convenient than asking the Google Assistant for all of these details, for example.

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a suitable addition to any bedside table.

There are two ways to set an alarm: you can tell the Google Assistant to set an alarm, or you can set an alarm manually in Essential. At a time when voice actions are faster, this method may seem archaic, but those who grew up with a real alarm clock will appreciate that bit of nostalgia. On a more modern note, I find it convenient that I can just respond with "stop" to turn off the alarm when it goes off.

But what if you need a little extra time to wake up? Then you can just say, "Hey Google, sleep for six minutes." You can also turn off an alarm by pressing any of the physical buttons other than the alarm button. You can also tap the top of the Essential to turn it off.

I really would have liked more controls in the Google Home app, such as the ability to set alarms. On the one hand, I understand that voice commands have become the preferred method for setting alarms, but it wouldn't hurt to give users the option to set one through the Google Home app.

Some minor quirks

Don't expect the sound quality to blow your mind, which is to be expected given the size. It is what you hear about the Google Nest Mini. For responses from the Google Assistant, the 3-watt speaker is enough to recognize it, but it lacks the robust tones and punch of other audio-centric smart speakers – like Google Nest Audio or Google Home.

I found some minor quirks with the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential that hopefully will be fixed with future software updates. For some reason, it can't compete with other Google Assistant speakers or displays in the same room. Whenever I ask him to turn the night light on or off, my Google Nest Hub responds with an error. However, if I mute the Nest Hub and say the command again, it works like a charm. Also, the snooze function doesn't work when I tap the top of the device.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a tough call. It's a touch of nostalgia, but it doesn't bring anything new to the (night) table.

How long it will take?

Since it will remain stationary, it is unlikely to break. It's sturdy and well built so I'm confident it will withstand a fall. There is a 1 year limited warranty that covers defects.

Is there a better alternative?

There are some products in Lenovo's own portfolio that are better alternatives. The logical suggestion is the $ 80 Lenovo Smart Alarm Clock, which has a touchscreen display that offers some “light” smart display features, such as: E.g. access to smart home controls (e.g. turning on lights) and live feeds from surveillance cameras. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 offers the best solution as it is a full featured smart display with a camera that costs $ 100.

Should you buy it?

Yes, mainly for cost reasons, when you don't need the added functionality of the other alternatives above.

Editor's recommendations




15 Oct
Blog

An ultimate guide on cable crossover for the best-ever workout

The Cable transition is an efficient exercise to train the pectoralis major. This is a potential build-up exercise that will help shape your upper body well. Since this is an isolation exercise, it is easy for everyone to do.

There are many people who have never practiced Cable transition In front. You also don't know of any helpful variations for this exercise. If you are one of them, here is everything you need to know about this incredible exercise today!

The holy grail of all upper body exercises

Whether you are a beginner or a novice, cable crossing is a potential exercise for you anyway. This isolation exercise is performed on a cable machine and is very helpful. A lot of people assume that one is difficult to work on Cable crossing machine. However, if you follow the steps correctly, you are only an inch away from doing well.

Here's how to do the low cable crossover

1. Attach two individual handles to two low pulleys.

2. Grasp both handles and stand in the center of the machine.

3. Put one foot forward and bend your knees slightly.

4. Now lift both cables with outstretched arms to the center line of the body. At the same time, contract your chest. Once you are in this position of the exercise, exhale.

5. Gradually lower your arms back to the starting position and inhale. 6. Repeat the lowCable transition a couple of times for the best benefits.

How do I do a reverse cable crossing?

The Reverse Cable Crossover is another isolation exercise that you can do for maximum benefit. This prevents poor posture, prevents the risk of injury and also promotes strong shoulders. You can practice this exercise to work your shoulder muscles, back deltoids, and upper back. All you have to do is follow the instructions carefully and exercise accordingly. Once you do this for a couple of days the results will be apparent. How To Do It – Stand in front of a cable machine. Hold each grip with opposite hands and keep hands crossed. The right cord with your left hand and the left cord with your right hand. Keep your arms straight in front of you at shoulder level. Put one leg behind the other for stability. Hold the core tight and your back straight. Using your back delts, pull your arms to the side and back as far as possible. Your arms should be in line with your back. Take a short break, then return to the starting position. Do that Reverse Cable Crossover Exercise a few times for desired effects.

Best Cable Crossover Alternative to Try Now

While performing the cable crossing exercise isn't a big deal these days, it can be a little tricky for people to understand the workout. This is why a lot of people look at the gym Cable crossing alternatives to overcome the anger. That way, they don't have to worry about performing the exercise, but still get the benefits. Yes, there are some incredible alternatives to try in case workout isn't what you're looking for. Here is a list of exercise alternatives that you should try right away!

Tend the dumbbell fly

If you want to focus on your upper pecs, this exercise is all you need. Lie on the incline bench with the dumbbells in your hands and prop yourself up on your knees. Position your body in neutral alignment with your chest. Extend your arms to the side. Slightly bend your elbows and raise your arms. Your hands must be directly above your chest. Put your arms back down and repeat the exercise. That’s fine Cable crossing alternative for a reason.

Flat bench dumbbell fly

When you have a flat bench and a pair of dumbbells, this exercise is all you need. Take a pair of dumbbells and lie down on a flat bench. Make sure it bears the weight on your knees. Start with the dumbbells in your hands, arms extended across your chest. Bend your elbows slightly, bring your arms slowly, and your elbows are at a level with your back. Once this is done, bring your arms back to the starting position. So, you can do this exercise without a Cable crossing machine.

Conclusion

The Cable transition is one possible exercise that you can try right away for a well-trained body. Don't miss the training mentioned above.

FAQ

1. Is it a risk to do the exercise? a cable crossing machine?

No. If you follow the directions, it won't be daunting to complete the exercise a cable crossing machine.

2. Can you say anything else? Cable crossing alternatives to attempt?

Resistance and arches, guillotine press, and dumbbell sweaters are some of the best alternatives for this exercise.

3. I'm a beginner in the gym. Can I do the cable crossing exercise? Yes. The cable crossing exercise is perfect for all beginners.

15 Oct
Blog

The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise Review

Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise Review p1012395

Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise

"The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise is for businesses who need precise, careful management of their laptops and are willing to pay for them."

  • Robust design

  • Excellent performance from Chrome OS

  • Good keyboard and touchpad

  • Superior 4K display

  • Extremely expensive

  • Many functions are only of interest to large companies

  • 4K shortens the battery life

The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise is not your typical Chromebook. For my test device, it costs $ 1,900. It contains an Intel Core i5-10310U processor, 16 GB of RAM, a 256 GB PCIe solid-state drive and a 14-inch 4K display (3840 x 2160).

This is a hugely expensive Chromebook, and I have to wonder what justifies the high price. The answer? With this laptop, Dell is targeting large businesses that need to manage their laptops – including their Chromebooks – with a level of control that the average consumer would never even consider.

Is the Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise offering right value for its enterprise customers?

design

Dell advertises the longevity of the Latitude 7410 Chromebook. It touts a wide variety of military certifications as one of its selling points. The laptop mostly lives up to its bill. The lid is robust, without bending, the underside of the aluminum housing withstands pressure and there is only the slightest keyboard flex.

My test device with a 4K display and additional battery (more on that later) was 0.66 inches thick and, at 0.67 inches, a bit thinner than the Acer Chromebook 13 (another powerful Chromebook). The Dell weighs 3.36 pounds for the aluminum version, which is a bit much for a 14-inch laptop, but then the Acer Chromebook 13 is almost exactly 3.5 pounds. You have to look at something like the 13.3-inch (0.5-inch and 2.3-pound) Google Pixelbook Go if you want a thin, light Chromebook.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

It's a nondescript laptop with a dark silver or gray case – and a complete lack of gloss. The display bezels are not huge on the sides, but rather bulky at the top and bottom. It won't attract any attention in a boardroom or coffee shop.

The connectivity of a Chromebook is strong. On the left, you'll find two USB-C ports that support power and display, plus a full-size HDMI port and microSD card reader. On the right side you will find two USB-A 3.2 ports, a Kensington lock slot and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 provide wireless connectivity as well as an optional Intel XMM 7360 Global LTE advance chip (which was not included in my test device). You won't find many Chromebooks with this level of connectivity. This is a check box for Dell.

performance

My test device was equipped with the Intel Core i5-10310U Comet Lake CPU with quad-core of the 10th generation, a very fast processor for Chrome OS. The only common benchmark we can run from our suite (due to operating system compatibility issues) is Geekbench 5. There, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook scored 1,025 in the single-core test and 2,712 points in the multi-core test with the Android app . We recently tested the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 for $ 410 with a Core i3-10110U that scored 975 and 1,659, respectively. So the Core i5 definitely speeds things up.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In practice, there was little I could do to slow down the Latitude 7410 Chromebook. With 16GB of RAM and a fast PCIe SSD for the overkill processor, I could easily open as many tabs as I wanted. The same was true for opening a handful of Android apps in the background. If you need a Chromebook that won't slow you down, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook will do the job.

I've played a few games like Asphalt 9, and the Chromebook has kept up with those too. There's no touch screen, so a lot of games aren't much fun. But for those who can get by with keyboard controls, you'll enjoy the experience.

display

Perhaps the most consumer-friendly feature of the Latitude 7410 Chromebook is the optional 4K IPS display, which Dell says will be the first with blue light protection to ship on a Chromebook. The display makes everything razor-sharp, aided by how easy Chrome OS makes it to scale the display to the apparent resolution you want. They can create screen elements just the right size for you while still maintaining incredible clarity which I really like.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I couldn't put the display to my colorimeter – again, since our usual testing software doesn't run on ChromeOS – but my eyes told me it was bright, with natural colors and lots of contrast. It was a pleasure to work on and the videos and pictures looked great.

The 4K display is also equipped with a large 68 watt hour battery (versus 52 watt hour) to take into account the additional power consumption. However, it is also possible to configure the Full HD model with this larger battery. I would withhold this display from any Chromebook out there, including the excellent displays on the Acer Chromebook 13 and the Google Pixelbook Go.

The audio was average, with enough volume to watch YouTube for itself and, if necessary, surprise Netflix. The mids and highs weren't the clearest I've ever heard and there wasn't any bass, but the sound system is good enough for typical use. Include headphones or external speakers if you want to enjoy your music or really immerse yourself in an action movie.

Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard of the Latitude 7410 Chromebook is the typical island style with a lot of travel and a relatively stiff key feel. There is a very pronounced ground action that will let you know that you pressed a button. If you don't prefer a lighter touch, this keyboard will suit you.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I found the keycaps a little small and the gap felt tight. I like the HP Specter line of keyboards better, and of course the new Magic keyboard on the MacBook is the best there is. However, most touch typists can run at full speed with the Latitude 7401 Chromebooks. The keyboard has the usual five levels of brightness from Chrome OS, which is always a nice bonus.

The touchpad is average in size, but it's covered with plastic, not glass. Still, it's convenient to swipe and use multitouch gestures with Chrome OS. I didn't have any problems with it during my tests. The display is non-contact so you only have to use the touchpad to stay in control.

Battery life

My Latitude 7410 Chromebook tester contains 68 watt hours of battery. That should be enough for a Chromebook, but think of the power-hungry 4K display.

In our demanding Basemark web benchmark test, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook lasted about 3.75 hours, which is an average score given the respectable Intel processor in this laptop. The Acer Chromebook 13, for example, lasted about 20 minutes less.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Our web browsing test, which scrolls through a series of busy web pages and best reflects typical productivity, lasted nearly nine hours on the Latitude 7410 Chromebook. Compared to Chromebooks with low-power CPUs and Full HD displays, this would be a poor score, but reasonable for a computer with a fast processor and a 4K screen. The Acer Chromebook 13 uses a QHD + (2256 x 1504) 3: 2 display and it took about 10 minutes less.

In our video rundown test, which ran through a Full HD Avengers trailer, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook got a little off the rails. It only lasted a little under five and a half hours, which isn't particularly impressive even with the 4K screen. The Acer Chromebook 13 lasted almost four hours longer.

When Dell says that the Latitude 7410 Chromebook is the 10th generation's longest-lasting Chromebook, then of course it's not about my test configuration. If you want to guarantee all day battery life, you should opt for the Full HD display but keep the larger optional battery.

Corporate functions

The Latitude 7410 Chromebook justifies its high price point with features that are aimed directly at large companies that need to fully manage their laptops.

The first of these features is Chrome Enterprise, a confusingly named reference to a Chrome OS version that adds a variety of business-oriented controls and plug-ins that improve security and remote administration. These include a managed Google Play Store that allows companies to specify which apps are installed, manage the Chrome browser and installed extensions, Microsoft Active Directory integration, single sign-on and much more. There is also around the clock business support that goes beyond what the typical consumer will experience.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

There is an annual fee of $ 50 for these features, which is not included in the price of the laptop. Every company that chooses the Latitude 7410 Chromebook needs to factor that cost into their equations.

Another feature that is unusual for a Chromebook and offers added value is the optional LTE card already mentioned, which enables an always connected Internet. This was not included in our verification unit so you pay even more for the privilege.

Finally, the laptop has a sliding privacy screen that covers the webcam for added security. This is usually not the case in Chromebooks, although I imagine it won't be long before it becomes a standard feature in the Windows 10 world.

Of course, none of these features (except perhaps the privacy lock) are of interest to consumers. In this review, I asked myself if a very expensive Chromebook has its place, and it does – in large companies.

Our opinion

You really need the business features of the Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise to justify the purchase price. It's a well-built, if somewhat bland-looking Chromebook with more than enough performance to meet the needs of Chrome OS. It offers things like a privacy lock and optional LTE that make it a more private and easy-to-use laptop. An additional $ 50 per year must be considered to unlock Chrome Enterprise features. However, if you are in your budget for $ 1,900, you shouldn't have a problem getting approval for the extra charge.

However, this is nothing close to a consumer Chromebook. If you are not a corporate employee making a calculated investment decision, you should steer clearly.

Are there alternatives?

If you want a fast Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 13 is a great choice, though it still uses 8th generation CPUs. It's also less than half the price and doesn't include any corporate features. Hence, it is more of a consumer option.

The Google Pixelbook Go is another great Chromebook option that is far cheaper but is also just for consumer use. Corporate buyers will want to look elsewhere.

If you need an enterprise laptop, then you can consider the HP Pro c645 Chromebook Enterprise. It's not out yet, but it looks like it will bring businesses the same Chrome Enterprise benefits and a similarly robust design. If you can't wait, the Acer Chromebook Enterprise Flip 13 offers the same business management in a 2-in-1 format for $ 1,300, though you'll get stuck with an 8th Gen Core i7 CPU. The 2,256 x 1,504 3: 2 display would be a nice feature, however.

How long it will take?

The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook will keep Chrome OS running for years and is durable enough. A three-year on-site / in-home warranty is included in the Chromebook price, which goes far beyond the previous one-year mail-in warranty.

Should you buy it?

If you are a consumer, no. The price is insane and you can get a Chromebook that just as quickly has the features you need for a fraction of the price. If you're a large company that needs a rugged laptop with great connectivity and Chrome Enterprise on board, this might fit into your budget.

Editor's recommendations




15 Oct
Blog

OnePlus 8T Review: One of the Best Phones You Shouldn’t Buy

oneplus 8t review back

“The OnePlus 8T is a great smartphone – great software, fast, and a decent camera. With the exception of $ 749, the competition is too tough to recommend. "

  • Super fast loading

  • One day after 15 minutes of charging

  • Clean, fast and up-to-date software

  • Attractive photos from the camera

  • No wireless charging

  • No IP water resistance

The inconspicuous OnePlus 8 has been replaced by the OnePlus 8T. Wait, you don't remember OnePlus 8? This is not surprising as the phone was a safe and sensible choice that had absolutely no standout features and made it completely memorable. The OnePlus 8T will make you forget about it too, but this time you will forget about charging as the great new feature removes the worry of having a fully charged phone every morning.

Do you think that's the whole story? This is not the case as the smartphone world surrounding the OnePlus 8 has changed a lot since April, making the life of the 8T considerably more difficult than ever.

design

The OnePlus 8T is all about change. Instead of the unusual central camera module on the back of the OnePlus 8, this time it's an offset module that makes the phone look more like the Galaxy S20. I really like the look of the OnePlus 8T and am impressed with the total lack of fingerprints on the body, which makes it look clean and new.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Like the OnePlus 8, the 8T also has a flat screen on the front with a slight curvature at the edges. The aluminum housing is very well designed and has a pronounced curvature that leads from the flat screen into the cool, matt Gorilla Glass rear. This cleanly prevents the phone from getting tired for long periods of time, as does the relatively low weight of 188 grams and the 8.4 mm thick case. It doesn't dig into the palm of your hand or have any sharp edges.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OnePlus doesn't make too much effort with the design of the 8T. It's clean and simple, sophisticated and attractive. While I appreciate visually unusual designs like the Oppo Reno4 Pro and Vivo X50 Pro, they are a little too eager. The cool, unpretentious look of the OnePlus 8T will appeal to more people and stay fresh longer. The phone is available in two colors: the Lunar Silver shown here and a pretty Aquamarine Green.

Screen and audio

On the OnePlus 8T, you get a 6.55-inch fluid AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 20: 9. It's hard to want anything else. Watch videos at 60 frames per second on YouTube and it's gorgeous, so smooth and easy on your eyes and with some stunning colors. The psychedelic colors in Iz * One & # 39; s Beware music video are hyper-realistic, and on the other hand, blacks, grays, and midtones look great too, as shown in the Audi RS7 video from Woyshnis Media.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two stereo speakers with one big volume but not a lot of bass or finesse. It's better to keep the volume at a reasonable level to avoid too much harshness. Listen to WJSN Chocome's bouncing, high-pitched hmph! and it sounds much better at half volume than at three quarters of the volume. The phone also supports Dolby Atmos.

Oddly enough, even though the screen apparently has a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits, I never felt the phone's screen was that bright. It's not dark at this level, but it was rare for the auto brightness to be less than about 80% and during the day I still had the max to watch videos.

battery

The OnePlus 8T introduces Warp Charge 65T, a proprietary super-fast charging technology that means you no longer have to worry about charging your phone overnight. How? If you charge the battery to around 60% in just 15 minutes. OnePlus says this is enough juice for everyday use, right? Yes, although it depends on your definition of the time of day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

First, the fast charge time is accurate. It only took 15 minutes for the battery on my OnePlus 8T to go from 3% to 60%. This means that if you frequently forget to charge your phone, or if you prefer to minimize the remaining time connecting and charging the phone, you can easily integrate the OnePlus 8T into your lifestyle. It takes about 40 minutes to fully charge the battery from an empty state.

While charging is quick, it is also quick to discharge. With a 60% charge, it ran from noon to 11:30 p.m. This was done with about 20 minutes of video, 15 minutes of Asphalt 9 Legends, about 45 minutes of WhatsApp video call, and then general usage. If you classify the power of a day as around 12 hours, you should get this from the OnePlus 8T, provided you handle it carefully. Energy-intensive tasks consume a lot of energy, video and games. An hour of video generally reduces battery life by 12% to 15%, which quickly affects the life of the phone if you start the day on just 60%.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Warp Charge 65T uses a special charging block and a USB Type-C cable to charge the dual-cell battery with 4,500 mAh in the phone. So you need to have it on hand. Cleverly, it charges each of the cells with 30 W, which minimizes wear and tear and keeps the heat at a reasonable level. The OnePlus 8T only gets a little warm during fast charging. The phone does not support wireless charging.

OnePlus' fast charging technology isn't the first of its kind. We've seen it on several Oppo phones and even on the budget Realme 7 Pro, but the OnePlus 8T is the first widely available phone in the US to have this kind of fast charging technology . That makes it special, and absolutely no one said that about the OnePlus 8.

camera

At first glance, the OnePlus 8T's camera is rather mundane. A well-known 48-megapixel IMX586 camera tops the list, followed by a 16-megapixel ultrawide and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It's the fourth lens that's different enough to make me sit up and take notice – it's a special monochrome lens that can be used on its own.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The OnePlus 8T's standalone monochrome camera is mainly used to enhance color photos and also takes true black and white photos without filters to achieve the desired effect. This was something I loved about Huawei's cameras until it was removed, which pissed me off enough to write an obituary on it. Unfortunately, it's not a replacement for Huawei's monochrome camera mode as it is only 2 MP, but I like the atmospheric shots it takes.

Otherwise, the OnePlus 8T continues the improvements we saw with the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro cameras. The main and wide angle cameras take pretty, colorful, and bright photos with good dynamic range, both outside and inside. The variety of cameras makes it versatile and I had fun taking photos especially since I was confident the results would look good.

There's no optical zoom option, although the app has a 2x mode. However, the results are noisy and show no details on closer inspection. Nightscape mode now works in videos as well and continues to be a subtle but effective night mode. It integrates with a video bokeh mode to blur the background when recording videos. This is not so good and doesn't fool anyone into thinking it's a real bokeh effect. The portrait effect in still images from the selfie camera and the rear camera is much better.

Software and more

The OnePlus 8T uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and has 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM. This is the same as the OnePlus 8. It also has 5G connectivity. However, since 5G is not available in my region, this feature could not be tested. Calls made with the OnePlus 8T sound clear, and the speaker works well for hands-free calls too.

OnePlus is one of the first manufacturers to bring out a smartphone with software based on Android 11. There are some great features too. Pressing the power button activates a shortcut screen of controls for your smart home. There's also Google Pay and a screenshot button, as well as Google's new screen recorder feature. OnePlus has improved its dark mode and developed OxygenOS 11 for one-handed use.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This creates more space at the top of the screen and options that move further down the screen so they're easier to find. The most obvious thing to do is to browse the top level of the Settings menu and OnePlus' own weather app. But it's not everywhere, including the OnePlus file manager app, some of the deeper settings screens, or all of the basic Android apps like the Apps Drawer.

OnePlus 8T's Insight is always displayed. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OxygenOS is finally seeing the introduction of an always-on screen. It seems strange that one of the best manufacturer versions of Android didn't have this simple feature, but here we are and, amazingly, it's not quite finished yet. The function that will do it differently, called canvas, will still be included in a software update. This will put an outline of your wallpaper on the lock screen for a comfortably seamless look when you lock and unlock it. You will also see a Snapchat Bitmoji that will always appear on the screen. The update will be available in November.

It is currently very similar to most of the other screens. It displays the time, battery percentage, and notification icons. Besides digital wellbeing, there is another option called Insight that can help you determine how many times you've unlocked the phone and how long you've spent on it. It's an option that is confusingly hidden under the clock style rather than the environment display setting, and it's also confusing to look at. That being said, I'm really excited to see an option in OxygenOS that always appears.

I played Asphalt 9 Legends and Hill Climb Racer with no problems. There's an improved game mode that's visually less intrusive (it pops in from a top corner of the screen and takes up almost no space), with a handy split-screen option for quickly replying to messages. Using the OnePlus 8T with OxygenOS on a daily basis has been glitch free, with bulletproof reliability and a decent speed change. It is also worth pointing out the pleasant haptic feedback.

Price and availability

The OnePlus 8T will be available from October 23rd. Pre-orders will start on October 14th in OnePlus' own online shop. Amazon will also sell the OnePlus 8T from October 23rd. The phone is priced at $ 749 for the 12GB / 256GB model, and the 8GB / 128GB model doesn't appear to be on sale in the US. For reference, the 12GB / 256GB OnePlus 8 model costs $ 800.

In the UK, the Lunar Silver OnePlus 8T will be the 8GB / 128GB phone and will cost £ 549. The 12GB / 256GB model will be available in Aquamarine Green for £ 649.

If you are looking for a OnePlus 8T Pro then don't. The OnePlus 8 Pro remains the company's best smartphone for now, and the OnePlus 8T will only replace the OnePlus 8 released in April.

Our opinion

The super-fast loading of Warp Charge 65T gives the OnePlus 8T the standout feature that the OnePlus 8 lacked, making it a better buying decision than its predecessor. In the time since this phone was sold, however, the mid-range smartphone market has shifted significantly. At $ 749, the OnePlus 8T is too expensive, and now it's a lot harder to justify paying the higher price for a top processor when cheaper phones with a high-mid processor are just as suitable for everyday use.

Is there a better alternative?

If you live in the US, yes. The smartphone world has changed significantly since April, when the OnePlus 8 was not unchallenged, but at the top of the pile. Now we have the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Google Pixel 5, both of which are $ 50 cheaper than the OnePlus 8T and arguably more compelling purchases.

There are also a few outliers to consider, including the LG Velvet, Motorola Edge, and Nokia 8.3. All of them are good smartphones that may not charge very quickly but still have other enticing features that range from design to stunning screens. If you're looking to save some cash, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is $ 499 and comes with great software and software. We also expect a good camera.

Then we come to OnePlus. In the UK, the OnePlus Nord is cheaper and really just as good, and the more expensive OnePlus 8 Pro has additional desirable features – water resistance and wireless charging – that make it a better deal in the long run. However, at £ 549, the OnePlus 8T 8GB / 128GB is cheaper than the 12GB / 256GB version and a worthy alternative to the phones mentioned above. It doesn't look like the cheaper phone will be sold in the US, which is unfortunate.

How long it will take?

The OnePlus 8T does not have an IP rating for water resistance, but should be splash-proof for use in the rain. It's not a sturdy phone as it is made of glass, but you get a transparent silicone case in the box. The latest version of Android is now installed, and OnePlus will be delivering critical updates over the next two years and security updates over the next three years. This, along with some care, should mean that the phone will keep you happy for two years.

Should you buy one?

No, not because it's a bad phone – it's not, it's very good. However, you can pay less for equally powerful smartphones from other well-known manufacturers.

Editor's recommendations




14 Oct
Blog

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review: Fun For Some Ages

Mario Kart Live Home Circuit Review

Mario Kart Live: home track

"A full grid of annoyances is forcing Home Circuit from a sweet drift to a disappointing spin."

  • The kart is well done

  • It's a pleasure to set up (the first time)

  • The effects are visually fun

  • No shortage of content

  • AR tracking is mediocre

  • Limited course options

  • The gameplay lacks depth

The place for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is wonderful. Perhaps the most popular racing franchise in the entire gaming space, Mario Kart brings it to your living room with a real, physical kart that can move under tables and around chairs. This kart has a camera that provides an AR racing experience through a wireless connection to your Nintendo Switch. Suddenly every room in your house is a race track.

Unfortunately, Home Circuit doesn't work as well as the promotional videos suggest, but it does provide a fun and engaging experience at times that is content for even the die-hard fans of the show. However, like many Nintendo peripherals, it will likely start collecting dust in memory soon after a handful of playthroughs.

Home Circuit is great for a while

Opening the Home Circuit Box was pure, nostalgic joy. The toy kart impressed me with its workmanship and compactness. It's a toy, yes, but one that justifies its $ 100 price tag, especially when you start driving with it.

Mario Kart toy car

After you've downloaded the software from the eShop and used an on-screen QR code to pair the kart with your Switch, you're good to go. Driving feels incredibly responsive and the tight turns required to navigate small distances are surprisingly possible even at higher speeds.

The game finally offers a use for leftover Labo cardboard as you have to set up four colored gates around your room to form control points on a track. According to Nintendo, the track size can extend to 15 by 15 feet. After trying to push the size and design to the limit for the week I had the game, I can confirm that you don't want to build any bigger circuits than that. They may look impressive, but they definitely affect the gameplay.

Once the gates have been placed, you can design the track between them as you wish and use the kart to lay out the layout. I have a pretty narrow but long apartment, so I split myself into two rooms and let the kart go under the couch and table for many stretches. The kart ran fine when you drove from the hardwood floor to the carpet under my table, although you need to make sure there are no creases or wrinkles on a similar surface. My carpet became an unintended obstruction if it was curled up too tightly.

Depending on the size of your room, you may need to adjust some directions and spacing of the gates, although you should be able to create a trail even in a very small space. Jumping and piloting the toy kart in the first few races was like any other modern Mario Kart game. Using items and using items against you is snappy and gratifying.

The longer you play, the worse it gets

It is undoubtedly awesome to have a miniature Mario flying around your house, but you may not notice it because your attention needs to be on the game. The spectators can watch the kart at work. I'm sure families will happily get together to see the kart (at least once or twice). However, I quickly discovered that the kart was becoming invisible to the player.

Elemental Effects and Gate Modifiers add enhancements to the gameplay that attempt to reproduce the thrill of other Mario Kart titles, but the races are short and the consequences are not varied. Mario could be frozen by blocks of ice, stuck in puddles of lava, or snapped up by a piranha plant, but in all cases the result is the same: the kart stops. I kept stalling, and it didn't matter how it actually happened.

There are more sophisticated effects such as: B. blowing around in a sandstorm or pulling in different directions through a chain chomp. However, since there is no penalty for leaving the track limits, they don't really hinder your progress. I've learned to ignore them.

It's good that the game doesn't penalize the racer for cornering or leaving the track limits, as the augmented reality circuit keeps shifting and adjusting while driving. The course you set up at the start of the race looks different than the one you take. The game's AR tracking isn't terrible, but it could certainly be better, and it's weird to see the tracks shift slightly as you play.

I drove the kart into bigger rooms, hoping that more light for the camera and more space for the vehicle would alleviate my problems, but it didn't help much. Neither my friend's spacious roof nor a colleague's large performance room provided the experience I was looking for. The races still ended too quickly even on the biggest tracks. The only benefit of shorter runs is that you are never too far ahead of the pack to take it easy, so the races will stay tense until the end.

I wondered if I could use some pieces of cardboard to ramps up to my coffee table and create circuits with height differences, but I ran into two problems. The first was that when changing elevation, AR tracking didn't work well because it could only be played on a flat plane, so the track shifted even more than usual during the game. Also, the kart itself doesn't have the power to do anything other than a very slight incline. I tried gradually building ramps to counter this issue but this quickly became a requirement.

Despite all of its problems, I still played a lot with the kart and hit the entire course of the cups at speeds of 50 and 100 cc. I am now making my way through 150cc, although sometimes depending on the course this can be too fast to navigate my space.

Our opinion

There's a solid Mario Kart game at its core here, and I hope the environment and gate effects for the correct ninth episode carry over to the main series, as I think these additions could add something to the franchise.

Even so, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit has too many small annoyances that can only be mitigated by a perfectly sized, perfectly lit room – like in Nintendo's promotional materials. This may still be a hit with kids, or anyone less interested in Home Circuit as a game than a toy, but anyone hoping for depth or repeating the game will be disappointed.

Is there a better alternative?

For those who don't have space and don't have a strong craving for the novelty of the toy kart, it's best to stick with Mario Kart 8: Deluxe until the next installment.

How long it will take?

Once you've run through the Grand Prix a few times, there's little incentive to keep playing.

Should you buy it?

If you have kids and a switch this will be a hit with them on this vacation. If you're hoping for a real AR game that will keep you entertained for hours, you've got your wallet in your pocket.

Editor's recommendations




14 Oct
Blog

Maximize Muscularity and Strength; Minimize Risk of Injury

Jordan Shallow is a chiropractor, strength and conditioning trainer, powerlifter and educator. He is the co-founder of Pre-Script, which is based on the three pillars of mobility, stability and strength.

In this episode:

  • Jordan identifies the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving performance, gaining strength, gaining muscle mass, managing injury risk and developing more resilient athletes
  • He explains how developing a foundation for skills and stability can enable an increase in strength

This is an interview that I've wanted to do for a few months and I'm excited to finally get it done. When you listen to Jordan it becomes clear what your limiting factor is when it comes to getting results. It shows why you get these excruciating injuries or why you keep hitting plateaus in the gym.

I am willing to bet that you will learn that you have had a blind spot when it comes to your programming. What's crazier is that the blind spot has been hiding in sight the entire time.

If you enjoyed this podcast and cared about it, rate and rate it so we can get the word out and motivate and inspire others to take their performance to the next level.

You can find more podcasts like this on the Breaking Muscle Six Pack of Knowledge page. Here you can find all podcasts for most of the available streaming services including iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM and PodBean.

I am the host, Tom MacCormick, and I am a personal trainer and online coach whose goal is to be the curator of the greatest hypertrophy experts in the world. If you're interested in working with me or learning more about me, follow him on Instagram @tommaccormick.

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