29 Sep
Blog

Apple Watch SE Review: The Best Apple Watch for Most People

Apple watch se review case

"The Apple Watch SE foregoes some of the more noticeable features of the Series 6, but retains almost all important functions with the same design at a lower price."

  • Stylistic look

  • Very customizable

  • Comprehensive health surveillance

  • Responsive, fluid performance

  • Reliable, user-friendly software

How exactly do you make the Apple Watch better? It's already a feature-rich, well-made, easy-to-use wearable to buy as a smartwatch if you have an iPhone. The answer is, they're making it cheaper, and that's exactly what Apple did with the Apple Watch SE. A price cut comes with a reduction in functionality, of course, but how much does this affect the SE and should it put you off?

The answer is no, it definitely shouldn't put you off. In fact, it will be the Apple Watch model that is slated to be purchased this year.

design

The Apple Watch SE looks exactly like the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6. It has a 1.78-inch retina screen under Ion-X reinforced glass with a density of 326 pixels per inch. The digital crown is on the side with a single button underneath. The aluminum housing is available in sizes 44 mm (shown in our photos) or 40 mm and can be made in silver, space gray or gold. If you like the look of the Series 5 or 6, you will like the SE.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I picked a gold version that is paired with the Charcoal Sport Loop band and as you'd expect everything is beautifully done and presented, right down to the packaging that it arrives in. The SE is only available in aluminum with the posher. more expensive and slightly more durable surfaces made of titanium and stainless steel, which are reserved for the 6 series. The gold is less on your face than the renders on Apple's website suggest, and it's a more brassy tone than I expected. It works very well with the blue and gray accents of the carbon ribbon. Since the screen is usually black, the overall picture is more noble than the silver model and more interesting than the room gray version.

The screen is often black because the SE doesn't have the always-on screen feature of the Series 5 and 6 and only shows the time you raise your wrist or tap the screen. If the last Apple Watch you used was Series 3 or 4, this is nothing new. After using the Series 5 last year, I miss it on the SE, but the wake up gesture is so accurate and immediate that figuring out what time it is is never difficult.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 44 mm Apple Watch SE is light at 36 grams and the Sport Loop bracelet adds practically nothing to it, so it is comfortable to wear not only during the day but also at night. The SE supports WatchOS 7's sleep tracking feature, so if you want to wear it while you sleep, this is a good combination. Replacing the belts only takes a few moments. So if you need a metal band during the day and want to keep the sports loop or other band for the night, you can do it without a fuss.

Learn about the square shape of the Apple Watch. When you put on the Apple Watch SE or an Apple Watch, you will immediately notice how little it affects clothing and movement. The digital crown is never in your wrist, and the tabs on the strap have only a slight overhang so they don't get caught on the sleeve of your shirt. The lack of sharp or sharp edges combined with the smooth ceramic and sapphire caseback means you will never feel it on your wrist regardless of your movement. Round smartwatches that mimic traditional watch designs are rarely as convenient.

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The shape of the Apple Watch may be controversial to some, but it makes a great smartwatch that can be worn all the time. It's by far the least intrusive watch-like wearable out there, and that wearing and forgetting is essential if you want to get the most of it. You will often forget that you are wearing the Apple Watch until a haptic tip reminds you.

Wash your damn hands

While it's technically a WatchOS 7 feature, the automatic hand wash timer is one of the many health and fitness monitoring features on the Apple Watch SE and excellent. The Apple Watch SE is a product of its time. She listens to the tone and waits for the movement in which you wash your hands. She then starts a 20-second timer to make sure you are doing the recommended exertion. It's shockingly effective.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The timer credits you with the time already spent washing and shows a soap countdown before a haptic tip lets you know you're done. It never failed to tell when I was washing. In contrast to the manual hand wash timer from Wear OS, which you have to start yourself, this function is completely input-free. The Apple Health app even has a dedicated section for hand washing data. It's a dream feature for 2020 clean freaks.

Sleep and fitness tracking

Sleep Tracking is another new feature of WatchOS 7. With the right band, Apple Watch SE is comfortable enough to wear while you sleep and automatically detects when you go to sleep. You can also set up a sleep schedule with Wind Down, which will prepare the phone for the night. It will still add helpful shortcuts to the lock screen, such as: B. access to the timer, the alarm or the music. This will reduce the distraction while the watch only shows the time and your alarm until it gets dark while you sleep.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The sleep data shown is not very comprehensive. It lists your bedtime and calculates averages, but does not provide detailed sleep phase metrics. Sleep Tracking is a nice addition to Apple Health and helps to create an overall picture of your lifestyle. However, it does not provide a thorough analysis of sleep patterns. It's intended for occasional use only, and while the impact on the battery is relatively minor, the time between charges increases, which can prove to be more useful.

Workout tracking is excellent. The workout can be started on the watch and there are a variety of specific activities to choose from. Data is collected in the Apple Health app and displayed along with daily activity data. Apple Health doesn't go into the details and instead simplifies goals using the activity ring system. The idea is to close every ring – goals based on exercise (represented as burning calories), exercise, and standing – each day, which is easy to understand and motivating.

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Apple Watch Se Review Activity Rings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/apple-watch-se-activity-rings-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Check Apple Watch Se activity data "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/apple-watch-se-activity-data-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Apple Watch Se Review weekly summary "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/apple-watch-se-weekly-summary-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Apple Watch SE is not for marathon runners, hardcore cyclists or anyone else fixated on their VO2 Max. It provides a comprehensive view of daily activities and overall health without getting too nerdy. It shows you if you are burning fewer calories than usual, if you are exercising more than the week before, and how far you need to go to reach a daily goal.

You won't get electrocardiogram (EKG) or blood oxygen (SpO2) monitors on Apple Watch SE, but there is a heart rate sensor on the back that detects irregular rhythms, as well as fall detection and noise monitoring. Apple's mindfulness feature, Breathe, is there, and the watch can be set up to remind you to take a few moments each day to relax. It also reminds you to get up once an hour if you've been sitting for too long. It all adds up to a comprehensive, coherent and complementary package of functions that keep you up to date and motivate you.

All health monitoring functions on the Apple Watch SE work outside of the initial setup with very little input from you, while the data in the app is displayed attractively and clearly. Serious sports enthusiasts may not find the data in sufficient detail and may also benefit from the Series 6 SpO2 monitoring, but for everyone else, the Apple Watch SE is the wearable health monitor they need. Apple's new Fitness + program, which works in conjunction with your Apple Watch SE, will be rolled out later this year and has the potential to make it an even more rounded package.

Use the Apple Watch SE

The health and fitness features make up a large part of the watch's appeal, but what about everything else? Everything you do on the Apple Watch SE is incredibly polished, straightforward, and quick. It has the same dual-core processor as the Series 5, not the updated S6 Series 6 processor, but I didn't even wish the SE had any more power as the response is almost instantaneous, even when running data-intensive applications how to use cards or access to e-mail. The Digital Crown is a joy to use as the feel of it matches the rotation required to move it through the operating system. The button below activates the dock, which can be filled with current apps or a selection of favorites for quick access.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Notifications are handled professionally. Let's use a Twitter notification as an example. If there is an image in it, the watch will display it without waiting for it to appear. You get an extremely tactile haptic alert, you raise your wrist and the message is displayed almost instantly, where it can be viewed, liked and retweeted in its entirety from your wrist. It is great.

Now, take advantage of this experience with Apple's messaging, email, and many other apps, including Microsoft Teams. Usually you can do with most – such as B. Reply, mark, like or delete – interact quickly and easily without reaching for your phone. Then extend that speed and functionality to the vast majority of other installed or third-party apps that you might install yourself. If you choose the cellular model (for $ 50 more upfront plus monthly service charges), you can make and receive calls regardless of your phone. Even if you don't, you can still use the Apple's phone functionality to watch with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The voices are loud and clear and useful when your hands are full.

The watch supports Apple Pay, shows music controls when music is playing on my phone, there are plenty of fun and useful watch faces to choose from, and there is Siri too. You can even create Memoji on the Apple Watch. This process is incredibly quick and smooth given the multitude of choices and animations. This is a very good example of the great fluidity and performance of the Apple Watch SE no matter what you do.

battery

The Apple Watch SE can be used for two days before charging. This will vary based on your use, but for me from 9 a.m., usually with an hour of tracking exercise, then overnight to track sleep, and by day two it was up to 18% less than 6 p.m.

Monitoring your sleep overnight has used up between 15 and 25% of the battery. This variant makes the second full day a hit-or-miss. If you don't bother with sleep tracking and instead charge or turn off the watch overnight, two days of use is no problem at all. Even with an hour of fitness tracking, the SE will last from early morning until after midnight with about 60% of the battery left.

Not that it matters. In order for a smartwatch with Google's Wear operating system to last two days, it takes special modes, a clever second screen, or very careful use. In other words, you can't really rely on it. The Apple Watch SE doesn't require any special attention, and that makes life a lot easier.

Price and availability

The 44mm Apple Watch SE is $ 309 while the 40mm model is $ 279, assuming you choose a Sport Loop, Solo Loop, or Sport Band strap (including the Nike models ). If you want the braided solo loop, pay $ 329 or $ 359 – or buy it later for $ 99. Add cellular connectivity to both models for $ 50 plus a monthly carrier fee.

In the UK, the 44mm Apple Watch SE is £ 299 or £ 349 with cellular connectivity and the 40mm model is £ 269 or £ 319 with cellular connectivity. Adding the solo braided loop increases the cost to £ 349 for the 44mm model and £ 319 for the 40mm model.

Apple Watch SE is available immediately through the online and retail stores of Apple, Amazon, and many other retailers.

Our opinion

The Apple Watch SE is almost flawless and Apple is once again showing everyone else how smartwatches are made. But what about the missing features – are they preventing it from being a must have? Keeping the display on all the time is the most unfortunate omission that can affect everyday use. Knowing that these are series 5 and 6, they are just a little more enticing. The EKG and SpO2 features are more specialized, and those who feel like they're using them regularly enough can justify the extra $ 120 to buy a Series 6. Anyone else won't miss it.

Spending more on a stainless steel, ceramic, or Hermés Apple Watch gives you only boastful rights as they are all technically identical and the SE's performance is excellent on last year's processor. I have no hesitation in recommending the lower-cost, almost fully featured aluminum Apple Watch SE, but will have to wait until I've worn the Series 6 for a while to be sure if the SE is the Apple Watch bought this year shall be . However, at this point in time, it looks like it could be very good.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really. If you own an iPhone and are thinking about buying a smartwatch, then you should get the Apple Watch. However, what about the $ 399 / $ 429 Apple Watch Series 6? Several features are added – including the ECG, SpO2, and the always-on screen – but they look the same. The jump in price is significant if you're not expecting to use the advanced health features. You can also find a Series 5, which may be available at a slightly cheaper price than the Series 6, and enjoy the always-on screen and an EKG.

Smartwatches that use Google WearOS, Samsung Tizen, and Huawei Health can connect to iPhone, but they don't offer the same level of integration with iOS, and you'll miss out on some features, including messaging support. Many cost about the same price as the Apple Watch SE, but the performance and features aren't that good.

The only other alternative you should seriously consider for your iPhone is the $ 299 Withings ScanWatch. It has all the health tracking features from the Series 6 including an EKG and SpO2 measurement, better sleep tracking and a very attractive design. There is less emphasis on the related elements like notifications, but they are there and work well enough.

How long it will take?

Smartwatches don't follow the same upgrade cycle as a smartphone, and the Apple Watch should easily last three or more years if handled well. For example, the aluminum body can be damaged if you are careless. However, the Apple Watch SE is waterproof up to 50 meters. The abundance of replacement belts also helps to extend the service life.

Your own needs will determine whether the additional health-related features of the Series 6 will become more useful in the near future. If you think it might, the increased spending on the Series 6 may prevent you from feeling like you need to update the SE early on. Software support should last at least three years. For example, WatchOS 7, the latest version, is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 2017.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the Apple Watch SE has almost everything you would expect from a smartwatch.

Editor's recommendations




29 Sep
Blog

How Does Resistance Training Rank in Terms of Safety?

One misconception is that strength training and weight lifting (yes, these are two separate sessions, more on that later) are dangerous activities and are responsible for multiple injuries that occur in the gym.

From a young age, parents often choose safer activities for their children to participate in over-resistance training for fear of traumatic injury. Worse still, individual coaches and athletes who are already in their professional and college careers forego weight training for fear of weight training, which makes them too slow or bulky.

Unfortunately, not doing strength training ends up doing the body more harm than good and is not the culprit. There is no question that poor exercise technique can lead to injury. however, The likelihood of this occurring is unlikely, especially with proper instruction.

Don't miss out on the exceptional performance benefits that lifting offers due to the fear of rare injury. Every day you drive your car you run the risk of being in an accident, but that doesn't stop you from driving. This also applies to strength training and weight lifting.

Taking the right steps to learn sound techniques will improve athletic performance with little risk.

Security ranking

To be clear, strength training is any strength training that is done with machines, equipment, or weights, while weightlifting is the Olympic sport that explicitly involves snapping and cleaning and jerking.

Both modalities include a wide range of exercises, but together they include strength training.

In terms of safety, these two activities are among the safest sports to participate in. Weightlifting, as mentioned, is a sport in itself, but strength training includes powerlifting, bodybuilding, or any other type of exercise to improve physical fitness.

A 1994 research study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research1 examined the relative safety of strength training and weightlifting compared to many physical activities, including:

  • rugby
  • Soccer
  • tennis
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • volleyball

The results showed that for every 100 hours of training, strength training had the second lowest injury rate and weight lifting had the lowest, an amazingly low rate of 0.0035 and 0.0017, respectively.1

The safer option mentioned above that most parents choose to get their kids into soccer topped the list with 6.2 injuries per 100 hours of training.

Unfortunately, out of unjustified fear, individuals write off any type of weight training so quickly.

While I still believe that children should participate in a wide variety of sports, this evidence shows that children and adults should by no means forego resistance training on this matter unless clearly indicated by their doctor.

Do you have any self-imposed restrictions?

One of the most important problems I face when training a new athlete or client is the limitations they put before our first meeting.

  • You may have heard that squatting is bad for your knees.
  • They refuse to lift something heavy because they believe it will hurt them, even though the data suggests otherwise.

My all-time favorite quote on this point is from Brett Contreras, who once said:

“If you think lifting weights is dangerous, try to be weak. It is dangerous to be weak. “-Board Contreras

As I digress, he makes a fantastic point. Past injuries, health issues, and paranoia are not an excuse to avoid weight training altogether.

Now, I need to anticipate that your doctors and health care providers always know the best path more than someone like me so please listen to them first.

The point I'm making is that if you have a fused spine and they tell you to never crouch again, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't crouch in any way. (Unless specifically directed by your doctor. Listen to them too, not me). It just means doing it in a smarter way.

Huge news flashIf at any point in your life you have to walk up and down from a chair or toilet, you can also learn how to do it correctly. The assumption that herniated discs and ligament ruptures are imminent when lifting modalities are performed is narrow-minded.

Everyone should be able to do this::

You should be able to perform any of these functions at any age with any type of resistance, especially if high athletic performance is the goal.

Barbell squats

Take the dumbbell squat as our example; It is undoubtedly the king of all exercises, but it is not always suitable for everyone. It is important to remember that we are loading this movement pattern to allow an athlete to make a specific adjustment in preparation for their sport.

If a variant does not match what it is physically capable of, find another path.

Here are three main variations.

1. The cup squat

Cup squat: As soon as an athlete can demonstrate the sound technique in the squat pattern with his body weight, he can quickly switch to the kettlebell or dumbbell cup squat.

Those who are reluctant to take axial loading due to a previous injury or are relatively inexperienced can benefit greatly from this movement, as the front loading forces one to maintain an upright posture.

2. The front squat

Front squat: If an athlete is demonstrating sound technique in the front squat and requires a greater load than the cup squat, another great variation of the squat is the front dumbbell squat. Similar to the cup squat, it forces an athlete to use proper core stability to make sure they are maintaining their posture.

3. The Zercher Squat

Zercher Squat: This squat variant is clearly underused. It serves as a great replacement or workaround for the front / rear squat variations when there is a wrist injury or the like.

Athletes who cannot physically grasp a bar often fall behind while exercising because they cannot perform any of the three big conventional movements:

  1. The back squat
  2. The deadlift
  3. The bench press

Adding the Zercher Squat to this problem can make a world of difference.

Age and Security

I've worked with clients well into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s who can lift more weight than they were when they were younger because of their striving to improve.

Athletes who come to me as freshmen in high school and can't squat properly with more than their body weight often end their senior year squatting twice as much.

With proper programming and a little discipline, significant profits can be made.

The earlier you incorporate training into your life, the better off they will be, especially if they are young and can learn skills quickly.

Most people wish they would have learned a foreign language as a child if it had become second nature quickly, but unfortunately it gets more difficult every year.

The same goes for exercise and training; When you learn to raise young and often incorporate healthy habits into your life that go well beyond athletic accomplishments.

When an athlete hears that they can take a pill that is guaranteed to improve their athletic performance while reducing the relative risk of injury, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't take that pill.

When it comes to weight training, they get this, but some still refuse to get involved.

I believe this is due to a serious lack of misinformation and guidance.

If you are a coach reading this you are helping your athletes understand the tremendous benefits of a good exercise program, and if you are an athlete reading this make sure you exercise. You will thank your coaches later.

References

1. Hamill, B. P., "Relative Safety in Weightlifting and Resistance Training." J Strength Cond Res, 1994, 8 (1), 53-57.

29 Sep
Blog

How Does Resistance Training Rank in Terms of Safety?

One misconception is that strength training and weight lifting (yes, these are two separate sessions, more on that later) are dangerous activities and are responsible for multiple injuries that occur in the gym.

From a young age, parents often choose safer activities for their children to participate in in over-resistance training for fear of a traumatic injury. Worse still, individual coaches and athletes who are already in their professional and college careers forego weight training for fear of weight training, which makes them too slow or bulky.

Unfortunately, not doing strength training ends up doing the body more harm than good and is not the culprit. There is no question that poor exercise technique can lead to injury. however, The likelihood of this occurring is unlikely, especially with proper instruction.

Don't miss out on the exceptional performance benefits that lifting offers due to the fear of rare injury. Every day you drive your car you run the risk of being in an accident, but that doesn't stop you from driving. This also applies to Weight training and weight lifting.

Taking the right steps to learn sound techniques will improve athletic performance with little risk.

Security ranking

To be clear, strength training is any strength training that is done with machines, equipment, or weights, while weightlifting is the Olympic sport that explicitly involves snapping and cleaning and jerking.

Both modalities include a wide range of exercises, but together they include strength training.

In terms of safety, these two activities are among the safest sports to participate in. Weightlifting, as mentioned, is a sport in itself, but strength training includes powerlifting, bodybuilding, or any other type of exercise to improve physical fitness.

A 1994 research study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research1 examined the relative safety of strength training and weightlifting compared to many physical activities, including:

  • rugby
  • Soccer
  • tennis
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • volleyball

The results showed that for every 100 hours of training, strength training had the second lowest injury rate and weight lifting had the lowest, an amazingly low rate of 0.0035 and 0.0017, respectively.1

The safer option mentioned above that most parents choose to get their kids into soccer topped the list with 6.2 injuries per 100 hours of training.

Unfortunately, out of unjustified fear, individuals write off any type of weight training so quickly.

While I still believe that children should participate in a wide variety of sports, this evidence shows that children and adults should by no means forego resistance training on this matter unless clearly indicated by their doctor.

Do you have any self-imposed restrictions?

One of the most important problems I face when training a new athlete or client is the limitations they put before our first meeting.

  • You may have heard that squatting is bad for your knees.
  • They refuse to lift something heavy because they believe it will hurt them, even though the data suggests otherwise.

My all-time favorite quote on this point is from Brett Contreras, who once said:

“If you think lifting weights is dangerous, try to be weak. It is dangerous to be weak. “-Board Contreras

As I digress, he makes a fantastic point. Past injuries, health issues, and paranoia are not an excuse to avoid weight training altogether.

Now, I need to anticipate that your doctors and health care providers always know the best path more than someone like me so please listen to them first.

The point I'm making is that if you have a fused spine and they tell you to never crouch again, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't crouch in any way. (Unless specifically directed by your doctor. Listen to them too, not me). It just means doing it in a smarter way.

Huge news flashIf at any point in your life you have to walk up and down from a chair or toilet, you can also learn how to do it correctly. The assumption that herniated discs and ligament ruptures are imminent when lifting modalities are performed is narrow-minded.

Everyone should be able to do this::

You should be able to perform any of these functions at any age with any type of resistance, especially if high athletic performance is the goal.

Barbell squats

Take the dumbbell squat as our example; It is undoubtedly the king of all exercises, but it is not always suitable for everyone. It is important to remember that we are loading this movement pattern to allow an athlete to make a specific adjustment in preparation for their sport.

If a variant does not match what it is physically capable of, find another path.

Here are three main variations.

1. The cup squat

Cup squat: As soon as an athlete can demonstrate the sound technique in the squat pattern with his body weight, he can quickly switch to the kettlebell or dumbbell cup squat.

Those who are reluctant to take axial loading due to a previous injury or are relatively inexperienced can benefit greatly from this movement, as the front loading forces one to maintain an upright posture.

2. The front squat

Front squat: If an athlete is demonstrating sound technique in the front squat and requires a greater load than the cup squat, another great variation of the squat is the front dumbbell squat. Similar to the cup squat, it forces an athlete to use proper core stability to make sure they are maintaining their posture.

3. The Zercher Squat

Zercher Squat: This squat variant is clearly underused. It serves as a great replacement or workaround for the front / rear squat variations when there is a wrist injury or the like.

Athletes who cannot physically grasp a bar often fall behind while exercising because they cannot perform any of the three big conventional movements:

  1. The back squat
  2. The deadlift
  3. The bench press

Adding the Zercher Squat to this problem can make a world of difference.

Age and Security

I've worked with clients well into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s who can lift more weight than they were when they were younger because of their striving to improve.

Athletes who come to me as freshmen in high school and can't squat properly with more than their body weight often end their senior year squatting twice as much.

With proper programming and a little discipline, significant profits can be made.

The earlier you incorporate training into your life, the better off they will be, especially if they are young and can learn skills quickly.

Most people wish they would have learned a foreign language as a child if it had become second nature quickly, but unfortunately it gets more difficult every year.

The same goes for exercise and training; When you learn to raise young and often incorporate healthy habits into your life that go well beyond athletic accomplishments.

When an athlete hears that they can take a pill that is guaranteed to improve their athletic performance while reducing the relative risk of injury, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't take that pill.

When it comes to weight training, they get this, but some still refuse to get involved.

I believe this is due to a serious lack of misinformation and guidance.

If you are a coach reading this you are helping your athletes understand the tremendous benefits of a good exercise program, and if you are an athlete reading this make sure you exercise. You will thank your coaches later.

References

1. Hamill, B. P., "Relative Safety in Weightlifting and Resistance Training." J Strength Cond Res, 1994, 8 (1), 53-57.

28 Sep
Blog

A Weighted Vest for Beginners

A weighted vest for beginners - assessments, strength and conditioning, VO2 max, endurance, plyometry, sprint training, explosive strength, weight vest, post menopause

Franco Columbu, who was Arnold Schwarzenegger's best friend, a stand-alone bodybuilder champion, and a competitor in strongman and powerlifting events, had his own views on adding weight to bodyweight exercises and famously said, "Never add weights to your move – UPS. "

The thought was this: if you can do multiple sets of 8 to 12 repetitions of a chin-up with different grips and perfect form, then you had to do this, and adding weight was a distraction from the end goal and not necessarily helpful.

However, there is research into the use of weighted vests (WV) in training, and the recommendations indicate that some thought is required to include WVs in training protocols, but in some cases they produce results.

Regarding the effects of sprinting with and without a weight vest on speed and repetitive sprinting ability in male soccer players, the researchers found no conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of WV training, but recommended it be considered as an additional addition to normal training due to improvements the ability to sprint repeatedly.

However, in The Effect of Extra-Load Conditioning on Muscle Performance in Athletes, the researchers found that the WV experimental group improved their jump heights on squat jumps with and without additional loads. their jumping heights in drop jumps and their mechanical performance in 15 second jumps.

On the other hand, researchers at Weighted Vest Exercise Improces Indices of Fall Risk in older women found that postmenopausal women benefited from lower body resistance exercises that increased resistance through the use of a WV.

So I'm not going to advocate or deny the value of a weight vest. When it comes to athletic or athletic achievement, there are so many reasons to shy away from making any definitive statements because the fitness percent is not like the rest of us. So there is no point in comparing yourself.

And based on research on older populations, WV training is certainly useful, so there is likely a middle ground usage criterion that can be applied to most trainees.

The weighted Zelus beginner vest

A weighted vest for beginners - assessments, strength and conditioning, VO2 max, endurance, plyometry, sprint training, explosive strength, weight vest, post menopause

That brings me well to the Zelus WV I got to review for Breaking Muscle. The product used here is the 12 pound version that we called the beginner. However, because the vest is available in lighter weight configurations, this may not be the case for you.

Judging from the research, you could be post menopause, starting at 4 pounds and that could be hard enough to start you off. 12 lb might not sound like a lot, but you can feel the weight no matter how fit or strong you are.

The picture at the top of the article shows how this vest compares to a heavy vest weighing 80 lb WV. There is a world of difference and not just weight. Zelus & # 39; WV is comfortable and suitable for quick movements. It wraps around your back and shoulder, fits well and stays tight. It is definitely a great choice if you plan to use it for a long period of time.

I would prefer to carry a set of dumbbells if I want to do a loaded carry over a long hike or use a heavier vest that is much heavier, but if it was a sprint or a jog, Zelus & # 39; WV a no brain. Again, it depends on whether you believe a weight vest will help or hinder sprinting.

It is marketed as a CrossFit friendly product. There are certainly plenty of people out there who enjoy adding WVs to traditional WODs like Murph. You may also want to wear a weight vest to do your shopping and if you do it will be a great solution for you and is likely to go unnoticed just as a fashion statement.

What I am really saying is that this is a pretty nice addition to the WV company owner. It's a good design. It fits well. I haven't had a chance to use it in over a year so I can't tell you how reliable it will be, but I can't see anything to suggest it isn't well done.

I didn't really care about the detachable zippered pocket that you can use to store your phone, keys and other things. But to be honest, it's irrelevant to the product. When I want to take my wallet and $ 700 cell phone to the gym or on a sweaty run, no one has invented a bag that hits the mark, at least not in my experience.

On the positive side, I have the vest near my desk and can do a few push-ups with the computer on every time I get off the computer. I'm home right now, but I could keep one in my desk drawer at work which is kind of cool.

Zelus weight vest
characteristics Comfortable material, two storage pockets, adjustable straps, reflective strips, mesh pocket on the back, detachable zip pockets on the front for personal items and a phone
Weight

20 lbs / 16 lbs / 12 lbs / 8 lbs / 6 lbs / 4 lbs
price $ 36.99 (Amazon)
27 Sep
Blog

Blink Indoor Review: Can’t Handle the Great Indoors

Flashing indoor on the table

"Despite its name, the Blink Indoor just doesn't cut it to handle the interior of the home."

  • Battery life of up to two years

  • Live playback limited to 30 seconds

  • A wired power source is optional

  • Very simple motion detection trigger

At the beginning of this year, the surveillance camera manufacturer Blink released the Blink Mini to expand its portfolio. This is certainly a step in a new direction as it was the company's first indoor camera following the success of its Blink XT outdoor cameras.

Now we're getting another indoor camera with the aptly named Blink Indoor, which looks very similar to its sibling – the Blink Outdoor. Compared to the Mini, the Blink Indoor is priced higher at $ 80 and is billed as a wireless solution. When the Blink Mini sells for $ 35, are you ready to pay the premium?

Lots of similarities

Place the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras side by side and it will be difficult to tell them apart. From their square plastic design to being powered by two AA lithium batteries, they have a lot in common. The only difference, however, is that the back cover on the Blink Indoor does not have the same weatherproof cover. And, oh yes, the indoor is available in white while the outdoor is available in black. You can also use the Blink outdoor camera indoors if you want. However, you cannot use the indoor camera outdoors as it is not weatherproof.

Flashing indoor on the counterJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

On the technical side, it's exactly like the Blink Outdoor, which in itself is similar to the previous Blink XT2 camera. It offers 1080p video recording, up to 30 frames per second, infrared night vision, and the same 110 degree field of view. The narrow field of view is still limited compared to the 140 degree range of the Ring Indoor Cam. However, if you want to monitor the entrances in the house, it is enough if you collect important information.

Since the Blink Outdoor has the same specs, its performance is no different. The 1080p video it produces is passable and clear enough to see scenes, but fine details are difficult to see. It suffers from its dynamic range and often blows out the highlights. Night vision holds up with its range of around 25 feet, but it's rather soft.

Limitations with live view

Due to its battery life, the Blink Indoor has a relatively brief live view when accessing the camera directly through the app – and that's a problem. If you access the live view, you will receive a smidgen over 30 seconds before the disconnection. I thought there was an option to customize, but there isn't. Once that 30 second mark is reached, a button will appear on the screen asking if you want to continue. Of course, you can press it after every 30 second mark, but that's a pain.

Interestingly, you can actually firmly connect the Blink Indoor to a power source because there is an exposed micro-USB port on the back. However, even with constant power supply, the live view is still limited to around 30 seconds. There are also controls for the sensitivity of the motion detection as well as the ability to set up motion zones to reduce false alarms. Speaking of which, it lacks advanced peer detection like person or pet detection, which will help reduce false positives.

Less of an indoor camera

As mentioned earlier, the Blink Mini was released as the company's first indoor camera solution earlier this year. However, the Blink Indoor Camera behaves more like an outdoor camera than an indoor camera, especially when it includes the same wall bracket as the Blink Outdoor. Because of this, when you put it on a table or countertop, you cannot articulate it for different angles.

Flash inside the cameraJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Let's talk about the battery life. It's neat that the battery can last up to two years, but the app does a terrible job of showing you the remaining battery life. Instead of a percentage or a bar, the app only shows a vague "OK" after almost a week. Of course, battery life mainly depends on how often it is triggered. There is the option of plugging it into a power source, but making it more difficult that no cable is offered in the box.

Our opinion

There is only a $ 20 difference between Blink Outdoor and Indoor, with the main difference being the weatherproof construction of the former. At $ 80, the Blink Indoor is a tough sell as it has limited real-time streaming of video and lacks the advanced features of its contemporaries.

How long it will take?

The all-plastic construction makes it light, but still feels solid to withstand small drops. If it is defective, it is backed by a 1 year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

While video quality is no different, given its $ 35 cost, the cheaper Blink Mini is a better buy. You're sure to save money and don't have to worry about live streaming restrictions.

Alternatively, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt is an excellent offer. With tons of features, including 360-degree coverage. The Ring Indoor Cam is also a good choice at $ 60. It offers person recognition to reduce false alarms and integration into the ring ecosystem.

Should you buy it?

No. It lacks the need to turn it into a functional indoor camera and it is more expensive than much more powerful counterparts.

Editor's recommendations




27 Sep
Blog

A Weighted Vest for Beginners

A weighted vest for beginners - assessments, strength and conditioning, VO2 max, endurance, plyometry, sprint training, explosive strength, weight vest, post menopause

Franco Columbu, who was Arnold Schwarzenegger's best friend, a stand-alone bodybuilder champion, and a competitor in strongman and powerlifting events, had his own views on adding weight to bodyweight exercises and famously said, "Never add weights to your move – UPS. "

The thought was this: if you can do multiple sets of 8 to 12 repetitions of a chin-up with different grips and perfect form, then you had to do this, and adding weight was a distraction from the end goal and not necessarily helpful.

However, there is research into the use of weighted vests (WV) in training, and the recommendations indicate that some thought is required to include WVs in training protocols, but in some cases they produce results.

Regarding the effects of sprinting with and without a weight vest on speed and repetitive sprinting ability in male soccer players, the researchers found no conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of WV training, but recommended it be considered as an additional addition to normal training due to improvements the ability to sprint repeatedly.

However, in The Effect of Extra-Load Conditioning on Muscle Performance in Athletes, the researchers found that the WV experimental group improved their jump heights on squat jumps with and without additional loads. their jumping heights in drop jumps and their mechanical performance in 15 second jumps.

On the other hand, researchers at Weighted Vest Exercise Improces Indices of Fall Risk in older women found that postmenopausal women benefited from lower body resistance exercises that increased resistance through the use of a WV.

So I'm not going to advocate or deny the value of a weight vest. When it comes to athletic or athletic achievement, there are so many reasons to shy away from making any definitive statements because the fitness percent is not like the rest of us. So there is no point in comparing yourself.

And based on research on older populations, WV training is certainly useful, so there is likely a middle ground usage criterion that can be applied to most trainees.

The weighted Zelus beginner vest

A weighted vest for beginners - assessments, strength and conditioning, VO2 max, endurance, plyometry, sprint training, explosive strength, weight vest, post menopause

That brings me well to the Zelus WV I got to review for Breaking Muscle. The product used here is the 12 pound version that we called the beginner. However, because the vest is available in lighter weight configurations, this may not be the case for you.

Judging from the research, you could be post menopause, starting at 4 pounds and that could be hard enough to start you off. 12 lb might not sound like a lot, but you can feel the weight no matter how fit or strong you are.

The picture at the top of the article shows how this vest compares to a heavy vest weighing 80 lb WV. There is a world of difference and not just weight. Zelus & # 39; WV is comfortable and suitable for quick movements. It wraps around your back and shoulder, fits well and stays tight. It is definitely a great choice if you plan to use it for a long period of time.

I would prefer to carry a set of dumbbells if I want to do a loaded carry over a long hike or use a heavier vest that is much heavier, but if it was a sprint or a jog, Zelus & # 39; WV a no brain. Again, it depends on whether you believe a weight vest will help or hinder sprinting.

It is marketed as a CrossFit friendly product. There are certainly plenty of people out there who enjoy adding WVs to traditional WODs like Murph. You may also want to wear a weight vest to do your shopping and if you do it will be a great solution for you and is likely to go unnoticed just as a fashion statement.

What I am really saying is that this is a pretty nice addition to the WV company owner. It's a good design. It fits well. I haven't had a chance to use it in over a year so I can't tell you how reliable it will be, but I can't see anything to suggest it isn't well done.

I didn't really care about the detachable zippered pocket that you can use to store your phone, keys and other things. But to be honest, it's irrelevant to the product. When I want to take my wallet and $ 700 cell phone to the gym or on a sweaty run, no one has invented a bag that hits the mark, at least not in my experience.

On the positive side, I have the vest near my desk and can do a few push-ups with the computer on every time I get off the computer. I'm home right now, but I could keep one in my desk drawer at work which is kind of cool.

Zelus weight vest
characteristics Comfortable material, two storage pockets, adjustable straps, reflective strips, mesh pocket on the back, detachable zip pockets on the front for personal items and a phone
Weight

20 lbs / 16 lbs / 12 lbs / 8 lbs / 6 lbs / 4 lbs
price $ 36.99 (Amazon)
26 Sep
Blog

Yamaha SR-C20A Review: Clear Sound In a Compact Package

Yamaha C20A soundbar

"The SR-C20A is the bar that Yamaha wanted, but it lacks the low-end sound."

  • Compact, stylish design

  • Easy adjustment

  • Exceptionally clear sound

This year we've seen a lot of sound bars that made it big. The LG SN11RG was a cinema giant, and the Samsung HW-Q800T was a big, powerful device in itself. However, some selected bars went in the opposite direction, such as the Panasonic SoundSlayer and the Zvox AV157. These little bars still charge full size pricing, with both retailing for $ 300.

Yamaha is breaking that mold with its $ 180 SR-C20A. The C20A is wider than the competing soundbars, but not much taller and significantly cheaper. The compact bar is designed to produce a big sound in the smallest of spaces, which has led Yamaha to promote it as a soundbar that extends beyond the living room.

design

The Yamaha experts told me that while they were working on their latest line of soundbars, they obtained information from current Yamaha soundbar owners. According to Yamaha, they found that many owners of these bars were not using them as part of a traditional living room theater setup. Instead, Yamaha bars were found all over the home, from the bedroom to the office, and often placed in narrow spaces that were sometimes unsuitable for larger bars.

Yamaha C20A soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

With that information, Yamaha made the C20A, which is a little over 23 inches wide by approximately 2.5 inches and weighs only 3.9 pounds. In comparison, the company's SR-B20A is 35 inches long and 7.1 pounds, with the older YAS-109 having similar dimensions. However, this isn't the smallest bar out there. Both the Panasonic SoundSlayer and the Zvox AV157 are only 17 inches wide, with the latter weighing just 2.8 pounds.

While the C20A looks petite and undersized with a 65-inch television – or perhaps a 100-inch projection screen – its remarkably compact footprint offers the bar a great deal of versatility in terms of uses. Since the bar is getting the same sleek redesign as the larger B20A, I have to say I'm a fan of the way it's built.

Since the bar is getting the same sleek redesign as the larger B20A, I have to say I'm a fan of the way it's built.

Under the hood of the C20A are two drivers for the front left and right channels, a built-in subwoofer driver, and two passive coolers. The goal here, Yamaha told me, was to put the greatest possible sound in the smallest possible bar. I'll break it down completely later, but if you think there is no way there is no way to build such a small soundbar without making audio concessions, you wouldn't be wrong.

configuration

WLAN cannot be configured with the C20A and a wireless subwoofer cannot be supplied. The device is very simple. It contains a remote control supplied as well as an optical cable to connect the bar to your display. Because of this simplicity, there are no hidden complications or problems with setting up. Most all-in-one bars offer this simplicity, so this is nothing new. However, instantly improving your TV's sound in less than five minutes is always a nice benefit.

Yamaha C20A soundbar with remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

As a not entirely critical but very helpful additional step in the setup process, I would recommend downloading the Yamaha Soundbar Remote App. The physical remote works just fine and the remote app generally has no other functionality. However, there is a volume control that will tell you exactly how loud your bar is. It's also easier to tell when to use the soundbar's ClearVoice and bass enhancement features.

links

The C20A has an interesting number of connections. It only has one HDMI-ARC port, and I have conflicting thoughts about it. Since this bar was built to be compatible with several different setups, I can understand why it doesn't have the extra ports that could be beneficial for a theater soundbar.

If part of the utility of this bar includes integration with a gaming station, as Yamaha suggests, an additional HDMI port would be just as necessary, if not more, than if the C20A was primarily intended for a living room. The Panasonic SoundSlayer, which unlike the Yamaha, outwardly calls itself a gaming soundbar, has a corresponding HDMI input and output to better support combat stations, although it is priced at $ 300.

Yamaha C20A soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

In addition to the HDMI connection, there are two digital optical inputs, an analog audio connection and a USB input, which are only intended for firmware updates. In particular, the C20A lacks the subwoofer output found in the larger Yamaha B20A. This means that you don't have the option of adding a separate powered sub and that the output of the beam itself gets stuck.

The B20A has a bluetooth multipoint that allows you to connect to two different devices at the same time.

The B20A has bluetooth multipoint so you can connect to two devices at the same time. For example, this could mean two different phones that multiple members of the same household can use to play their own music. Or it could be your phone and an Amazon Alexa device, giving your Dot, Flex, or other Echo device the ability to broadcast through the C20A's far more powerful drivers. I've reported that I'd prefer the Yamaha YAS-109's built-in Alexa compatibility, but I don't think Alexa over Bluetooth is a bad way to go.

Sound quality

In order to properly characterize the sound of the C20A, I think it is important to consider the environment for which it was designed. In contrast to the DTS Virtual: X-capable B20A, it was not specially developed as a home theater solution. There's no rule that says you can't incorporate the C20A into your living room, and I imagine some people will just do it because of its minimalist aesthetic. In all of the press materials provided by the company, however, Yamaha is not afraid to emphasize that the C20A is a bar that can go beyond normal living space.

Yamaha C20A soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

I actually agree with the marketing and outside of the living room I think the audio profile of the C20A makes the most sense. It produces a very clear sound and is ideal for acoustically oriented music. Basically, I really enjoyed hearing the C20A when a song didn't need a substantial bass backbone to sound like it should.

I think it works in a smaller space like a bedroom too, where Yamaha's ClearVoice technology can help you hear every clever line from New Girl, even at a lower volume. The company also markets the C20A as small enough to slide under a monitor, enhancing gaming audio. The gaming preset of the C20A provided a more intense sound experience during the game.

When a song didn't need a solid bass backbone to sound like it should, I really enjoyed hearing the C20A.

In these applications – in a bedroom, as part of a gaming setup, or in a smaller room where you want to hear more detailed music – I think the C20A is excellent.

However, if you expect the C20A to effectively fill a living room, the limitations of this bar show up.

The sound is still clear, to be fair, and it gets loud for the package it comes in. But as much as Yamaha has tried to pack bass in the tightest of spaces with passive radiators, the C20A just can't fill the low end of the frequency range enough to provide a great movie viewing experience. As a Marvel nut, I tried the original Avengers (2012) with the C20A. The most challenging scenes, from Bruce Banner slamming his fists against a table to intimidate Natasha Romanoff (and the audience), to the epic Iron Man versus Thor clash in the woods, lacked the power that normally drives them.

While the remote's bass expansion button makes a difference, the C20A is too low on bass to correct things completely. That doesn't mean that I think less about this bar. It effectively serves its mission of being smaller, and it sounds great in small spaces. But I can't help but believe it's in some strange soundbar limbo. For a small soundbar, it is significantly cheaper than the US $ 300 Panasonic SoundSlayer or the US $ 300 Zvox AV157. However, each of these soundbars has been designed to achieve specific goals. The SoundSlayer has positioned itself as a game-specific solution, and Zvox has mainly designed its bar to make dialog easier to hear.

The C20A didn't choose a lane of its own to stay on and instead does several things well instead of doing one thing great. While that's not necessarily a bad way to go, the main thing that sets this soundbar apart from the better-sounding B20A is its size. Unless you really need something that small and are paying an extra $ 20 for enhanced bass, DTS Virtual: X and a subwoofer out seems like a natural way to go.

Our opinion

The SR-C20A is the soundbar Yamaha designed it for – a compact bar that fits into tons of nooks and crannies of a modern home – and it deserves praise for it. At the same time, it comes at the expense of the low-end range needed as a compelling solution for movies, while the costs and features too closely mimic their more powerful cousins.

Are there any better alternatives?

For $ 200, the Yamaha SR-B20A is a better option for larger spaces, but it doesn't offer the luxury of compact versatility that the C20A prides itself on. Off-brand, Vizio's V-Series 2.1 bar costs the identical $ 180 and comes with a wireless subwoofer that will almost certainly solve any problems you've had with the C20A. With a compact size and clear audio. along with a better balance for music. What matters to you, you must be willing to spend $ 300 on the Zvox AV157 which is a significant price increase.

How long it will take?

The SR-C20A is light enough to throw around, but I wouldn't recommend doing so. It feels like a sturdy product though, with connections that aren't exactly state of the art, but don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Should you buy it?

That is a difficult question. If you need clear sound and strong vocals in a smaller space in your house, the C20A is a solid, somewhat expensive option. However, if you're hoping to find an all-in-one bar for movies and TV in your cavernous living room, I'd spend the extra buck on the B20A.

Editor's recommendations




26 Sep
Blog

TV Reviews | Digital Trends

Looking for your next TV? We'll cover you. Below are all of our latest reviews with top recommendations based on hands-on experience and in-depth reviews. If you're not ready to buy, start your research with a collection of insightful and helpful buying tips with factual explanations of the latest TV technology terms and what they mean to you. Once your new TV has landed in your home, you will find helpful installation guides to get the most out of your new TV.

26 Sep
Blog

Zvox Accuvoice AV157 Review: TV Dialog Loud And Clear

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakers

Zvox Accuvoice AV157 review

"It's not pretty, but the AV157 shows all of the dialogue you have been missing."

  • Small footprint

  • Easy connections and setup

  • Super clear and adjustable dialogue

  • Expensive for a small speaker

  • No wireless connections for music

We have been adding speakers to our home televisions for years. First two speakers for stereo sound, then four, then five and so on. Some of us have full 7.2.4 systems with Dolby Atmos that imitate the cinema experience at home. With the number of soundbars growing, our options for bigger, better sound are more numerous than ever. But when we wrap ourselves up more, do we actually hear what's important? When actors, news anchors, or respondents speak, do we hear what they are saying?

Judging by the huge surge in the use of closed captioning for everything from Netflix to YouTube to Facebook videos, the answer is no – and it's not because we're going numb.

It turns out that more speakers do not lead to a more understandable dialogue. In fact, it seems to be harder to hear, especially if the producers of the movie or show didn't pay close attention to the quality of their audio mix, or if there is a lot of bass.

Therefore, it makes sense that Zvox, a company that has focused heavily on improving the clarity of TV sound, has carved out a niche for itself in making soundbar-like speakers with the goal of listening to speech too facilitate.

The latest product is the $ 300 Zvox Accuvoice AV157 TV speaker, which includes 12 levels of Zvox speech enhancement technology.

Is it the TV dialogue enhancer you've been waiting for? Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The AV157 is delivered in an easily recyclable box. Depending on the recycling facilities you live in, some poly bags with cords and a polythene sleeve for the speaker may need to be thrown in the trash. Otherwise the packaging is quite environmentally friendly.

The packaging contains the loudspeaker, a remote control, batteries, three types of audio cables (optical, 3.5 mm analog and cinch up to 3.5 mm), a power supply unit and a very clear quick start guide.

design

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakers "class =" m-Karussell - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zvox-accuvoice-av157-tv-speaker-5- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakers "class =" m-Karussell - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zvox-accuvoice-av157-tv-speaker-1- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakers "class =" m-Karussell - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zvox-accuvoice-av157-tv-speaker-3- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The AV157 is available in three colors: black, a gray-pewter color called titanium, and "Espresso" which, as the name suggests, is medium brown. Whichever you choose, the color only affects the appearance of the speaker cabinet – the front metal grille is always black.

The housing surface is made of shiny, structured plastic. While perfectly solid and well built, the overall appearance doesn't convey much in terms of high-end quality. It doesn't look like you're expecting a $ 300 speaker – in fact, it couldn't look more general.

The advantage of the sleek Jane facade is that the AV157 is easy to ignore, whether you place it on a surface in front of your TV or mount it on the wall (two threaded holes on the back allow this) very much that additional speakers should be heard and not seen.

It's about the size and shape of a large center-channel speaker (for those familiar with 5.1 setups), which means it's tiny compared to even the smallest soundbars.

At 17 inches wide and just under three inches tall, it's much narrower than the $ 400 Sonos Beam, which is already pretty small at just 27 inches. It is just as wide as the Panasonic Soundlayer and only one centimeter larger.

There are no physical buttons on the speaker and apart from a small Zvox logo, nothing disturbs the design of just one speaker.

Even the large, easy-to-read digital display showing volume, input and sound mode is hidden behind the grille and only activates for a few seconds, so you can see the results of your remote control commands before you switch off again.

On the back you will find the few connection options: an optical connection, a 3.5 mm analog input and a headphone and / or subwoofer output. For some reason, the Zvox product page for the AV157 shows the 3.5mm analog input as compatible with an optical miniplug cable, but I can tell you for sure that this is not correct.

Connecting the AV157 to your TV couldn't be easier.

With these inputs, in combination with the cables provided, you can connect the AV157 to practically any source, as long as that source is not only intended for HDMI. While this is rare, there are some TVs that are gradually phasing out support for analog and optical outputs in favor of HDMI ARC and eARC. So it is best to check the outputs on your TV.

The supplied infrared remote control is just as inconspicuous in design: Just a small, robust, rubberized plate with large, easy-to-read labels and easy-to-press buttons. Thanks to the rubber membrane that covers the buttons, the remote control should be able to withstand encounters with the occasional spilled drink far better than regular remote controls.

It would be nice if the remote control buttons were backlit, but the high contrast of the bright white labels against the black of the membrane is still legible in all rooms except the darkest.

Setup and connections

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Connecting the AV157 to your TV couldn't be easier. Simply select the appropriate cable (I recommend the optical cable for best results), plug the ends of the cable into the appropriate ports on your TV and speaker, plug in the power adapter, and you're done.

You should never have to guess what volume level you are at, and the large, bright display means you will never be in doubt.

There's no bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, and no apps. This can limit the functionality of the AV157, but there is something to be said for technology that works the moment you plug it in.

That's not to say you can't play music through the AV157 – you can. However, you will have to plug your music source into one of the available inputs, which might be fine in the iPod era, but it's a bit boring these days.

A clever solution is to connect the AV157 to an Amazon Echo device using the 3.5 mm jack as an external speaker. As long as your favorite streaming music service is supported by Alexa, you're good to go – no remote control required. In addition, many of the popular music streaming apps are supported by the many smart TV operating systems. Navigating through music on your TV might sound strange, but it works.

user friendliness

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The included remote control is a breeze. Key presses generate immediate reactions.

I'm a big fan of the four digit alphanumeric display. You should never have to guess what volume level you are at or, with the AV157, what speech enhancement mode and level you are at. The large, bright display means you will never be in doubt. Adjusting the brightness of the display would be a nice perk, especially if you're using the AV157 in very bright or dark rooms, but it's never left on long enough for it to matter.

For example, you can use the AV157 with your existing remote control to increase / decrease the volume and mute it, but not all functions are available. For this reason, you should keep the factory remote control close at hand.

As good as the remote control is for basic functions, the deeper settings of the speaker could be easier to use.

Although the labels are easy to read and the buttons easy to press, some of the features (like switching between Accuvoice and Supervoice modes) require a long press of a button instead of each mode having its own discrete button.

This is especially true of the mysterious Other Settings button, which gives you access to three different settings: bass, treble, and output levels. However, you need to go through each setting and increase / decrease the settings with the volume.

With complex devices like A / V receivers, I get that – there are hundreds of settings and you can only have that many buttons. But the AV157 doesn't do that much and there seems to be plenty of room on the remote for a few more buttons.

Even so, for most people, these settings will be of the "set and forget" sort. While I'd prefer easier access to them, it's by no means a deal breaker.

Sound quality

Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The main job of the Accuvoice AV157 may be clearer dialogue, but it's a surprisingly good all-round speaker for all types of TV audio with a bigger, bolder sound than its tiny frame suggests.

Zvox's promise of “room-filling 3D sound” may be a little optimistic – especially when comparing the AV157 to what an inexpensive soundbar with a wireless subwoofer can offer – but there's no doubt that you'll get the Pump up bass levels and use the third stage There's more than enough power and range in surround sound mode to enjoy Hollywood blockbusters like the Marvel & # 39; s Avengers movies.

It is enough to just use the six standard levels of Accuvoice enhancement to make speech easier to hear.

It can also get remarkably loud if you so choose. Near the top of the volume range, the bass begins to decrease, causing a slight knock inside the case. However, this is to be expected with a speaker of this size.

More importantly, however, you have tremendous control over the ability to hear dialogue.

It is enough to just use the six standard levels of Accuvoice enhancement to make speech easier to hear. The moment you activate AC 1 – the first stage – the music, sound effects and virtually all other non-speech audio will drop noticeably as the dialogue jumps forward.

The result is so strong and creates a huge increase in volume. You can even reach for the remote control to decrease the volume after entering Accuvoice mode.

connected: How Zvox's Accuvoice technology makes it easier to hear voices

Each successive level increases this effect further until the voices have reached an almost painfully bright clarity. Put the AV157 in Supervoice mode and the effect is even more noticeable. As someone who fortunately doesn't have significant hearing loss, I can't testify how well these modes work for someone who has hearing problems, but it's hard to imagine how voices could get clearer. By the time you reach Supervoice Level 6, the dialogue is so sharp and bright that you can barely focus on anything else.

Incredibly, this happens with little distortion – and only with the highest boost values.

It takes getting used to, and it's worth noting that there's no free lunch here: to make the dialogue clearer, the AV157 highlights all of the other parts of the soundtrack.

As an experiment, I ran the AV157 through the optical port on my TV and my 5.1.2 home theater system through the HDMI ARC output at the same time to see if I could eat my cake. It kind of worked, but I couldn't keep it up due to a small but noticeable delay between the two sets of speakers.

The music on the AV157 is surprisingly good. I tested it with Tidal on an Apple TV 4K fed into my TV via HDMI. What really amazed me is that the room-filling 3D sound that Zvox promises is much clearer with music than with film or TV soundtracks.

As you can imagine with a speech enhancement speaker, the vocals are extremely clear even in the surround sound entry-level mode. The AV157 can't quite compete with the Sonos Beam for music – it lacks the beam's warmth and resonant bass – but most genres sound very good.

You just have to be careful with some bass heavy tracks. Post Malone and Swae Lee's Sunflower is a good example of a song that, even at moderate volume, outperforms the AV157's ability to reproduce bass, with more of the aforementioned knocking effect.

Our opinion

The Zvox Accuvoice AV157 is a great way to get much better sound from your TV through a very small speaker. But where it really stands out is the voice enhancement – something you just can't get out of a regular soundbar at any cost.

Is there a better alternative?

If speech enhancement is not critical, there are plenty of great sound bars out there that can be used to enhance your TV sound. And if a small speaker is important to you, $ 400 Sonos Beam is a great place to start.

However, if you want better dialogue, the only real competition to the AV157 is one of the other Zvox TV speakers, like the one $ 250 AV155 or the tiny $ 170 AV100 Mini. Each improves speech intelligibility, but only the AV157 has all twelve levels of the combined Accuvoice and Supervoice modes.

How long it will take?

The Zvox warranty is only one year, but I suspect that if something goes wrong with the AV157, something will happen very quickly. Otherwise, this speaker should give you many years of use. No battery needs to be replaced. If the power adapter ever fails, it's an affordable accessory. Even if the remote stops working, Zvox only charges $ 15 for a replacement.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For those who find it increasingly difficult to understand what is being said on TV shows and movies, the AV157 is the best way to improve intelligibility without resorting to subtitles.

Editor's recommendations




25 Sep
Blog

Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 Review: 1440p Gaming Done Right

Lenovo Legion y27q 20 review y20q 10

"The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 offers fluid, ultra-fast gaming in an elegant design."

  • Simple, lightweight design

  • 165Hz refresh rate

  • Excellent ergonomics

  • Decent value for 1440p

  • 1 ms response time

  • No speakers

  • Bad contrast

  • Frustrating controls

It's an ideal time to upgrade to higher resolution games, but you will likely need a new game monitor. That doubles when you've updated your PC's graphics card, whether it's a lower-priced RTX 20 series or one of the new 30 series cards.

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 offers a resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 165 Hz and is in every way an upgrade of your old 1080p monitor. It is quickly becoming a crowded space, however, and $ 430 isn't the cheapest price out there. Does the Legion Y27q-20 have the picture quality and gaming performance to secure it?

design

While nothing special, the Legion Y27q-20 is not devoid of embellishments, including Lenovo's signature circular cheese grater design on the back of the case. Oddly enough, it's not dissimilar to Apple's Mac Pro or Pro Display XDR. For a gaming peripheral, it's rather sleek and not as bulky as some Acer Predator or Asus ROG monitors.

But don't get too excited. Like most gaming monitors, the Legion Y27q is mostly made of plastic and has a large lower bezel. The HP Omen 27 gaming monitor has more class in my book, but the Legion undercuts the price of this monitor considerably. Fortunately, the stand is made of metal, which offers a lot of stability.

The Legion Y27q's screen, base, and stand are individually wrapped, but I got them assembled in seconds thanks to the monitor's simple VESA mount. The entire package weighs just 14.7 pounds, which makes it even easier to set up. The Acer Nitro XZ272U is lighter at just 11 pounds, but the Y27q isn't far away.

After setting it up, I was delighted to discover how adjustable the Legion Y27q is. With tilt, turn, height and swivel adjustment, you are sure to find something that meets your needs. Switching from landscape to portrait is a notable addition that gaming monitors like the Predator XB273U and Dell S-Series monitors lack.

Ports

The connections are on the back and face down. You won't find any surprises here – just a DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4. These are older port standards, but for a 1440p gaming monitor, they're all you need.

The Legion Y27q-20 even has additional USB connectivity to sweeten business. On the back, you'll find a USB-B 3.1 upstream port and a USB-A port, while two USB-A ports flank the side. You will also find a headphone / microphone jack here. These are nice additions to an otherwise fairly simple gaming monitor that turns into a USB hub.

The monitor is supplied with power via the rectangular “Trim Yellow” power connector from Lenovo next to a relatively small external power supply module.

Unfortunately, Lenovo didn't think the Legion Y27q-20 needed speakers. Lenovo sells a separate model with a cone-shaped speaker in the base, but it's missing here. That's a shame. I still think most monitors should include speakers, even if they're not the largest in the world. Yes, most people use headphones or external speakers, but for the rare occasional time you want them, they're missing.

Buttons and Menus

The on-screen menu is accessed using the six buttons just below the control panel. There are no fancy joysticks or buttons behind the screen.

Once you are in the menu, you can adjust settings like brightness and contrast as well as switch between different game settings and color profiles. Lenovo offers genre-specific profiles for first-person shooters, strategy games, and more. You can also switch to "Extreme" mode, which takes you from three milliseconds to one.

Navigating the menu with the buttons is a frustrating experience.

The problem? Navigating the menu with the buttons is a frustrating experience.

For starters, the button furthest to the right is the power button, but it feels identical to the other buttons. Accidentally turning off your monitor during a game is no fun. This can happen if you reach for brightness controls while gaming in a darker environment, especially because the monitor lacks adaptive brightness.

The symbiology used on the buttons and in the menu is also confusing. What looks like a back button is actually a select button that is disoriented while navigating the menu. It would have been a good idea to do some additional user testing on these.

Game performance

The Legion Y27q-20 uses a 27-inch panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. Playing games at 1440p is great. It's not quite 4K, but it's also not nearly as demanding when you have more of a mid-range system. The RTX 2070 Super I tested it with push games like Battlefield V and Fortnite well over 100 frames per second, even at maximum settings.

Thanks to the refresh rate of 165 Hz, the gameplay feels incredibly smooth. Sure, there are 240Hz, 300Hz, or even 360Hz monitors out there – but unless you want to be a professional gamer (and maybe even then) 165Hz should work fine. This is especially true if you are playing in 1440p.

This is not true G-Sync.

Nvidia G-Sync stickers are placed all over the Legion Y27q-20, but it's not a real implementation. Instead of a physical G-Sync module, it is certified by a solution that Nvidia calls "G-Sync Compatible". Essentially, this means it's a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) monitor that Nvidia checked for flickering, ghosting, and tearing. This is not true G-Sync.

And yet the gaming experience on the Legion Y27q-20 is super fluid. As soon as you jump into the Nvidia control panel and change the refresh rate to 165 Hz, you'll immediately notice the smooth animations, even of your cursor, as you move it across the screen. Next, you want to enable the Extreme setting to achieve the specified response time of one millisecond.

Response time is about how quickly the pixels on your monitor can change color. There is no agreed measure of response time, so the difference between 1 ms and 3 ms can be inconsistent depending on the monitor. However, with the Legion Y27q-20, you can tell the subtle difference in responsiveness when you switch between the two settings.

picture quality

Thanks to the IPS display (In-Plane Switching), the Legion Y27q-20 can also be used for activities outside of the game. It's pretty bright with a maximum of 415 nits, and the color saturation isn't bad either. With 99% of sRGB and 77% of AdobeRGB, the Legion Y27q is as colorful as you can expect from a gaming monitor.

Many inexpensive or medium-sized gaming monitors opt for VA panels (vertical orientation) or TN panels (twisted nematic). These screens tend to have worse viewing angles, so I am pleased that Lenovo has chosen IPS.

However, it wasn't perfect. The contrast was low at only 650: 1, which was affected by the flat black values. The images look a bit washed out next to other displays. For comparison: the Acer Nitro XZ27 has a size of 1,060: 1, which leads to much richer images and colors.

The Legion Y27q is a hit or miss in terms of image quality.

The second problem was color accuracy. With an average Delta-E of 3.07, the color accuracy is surprisingly poor for 202o. The Nitro XZ272U, for example, has an average of 1.23. Again, this isn't the biggest issue for gamers, but there's no reason a $ 430 monitor should be so poorly calibrated.

I tried calibrating the screen myself to see if I could improve some of these numbers with my Spyder5Elite. The gamma has been corrected from 2.1 to 2.2 and the color accuracy has been reduced to 1.85. Both are positive improvements in image quality, which shows that this panel could have used an additional factory calibration. However, contrast and black levels were not helped.

The Legion Y27q is a hit or miss in terms of image quality. It's not a screen that you want to perform precise color grading or watch movies all the time.

Our opinion

With RTX 30 series graphics just around the corner, gaming monitors like the Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 will soon become important. There are some cheaper options that result in higher resolutions and refresh rates, but the Legion Y27q-20's looks and responsiveness make it a solid option for a monitor upgrade.

Are there alternatives?

The Acer Nitro XZ272U is only $ 330, though it's also a 27-inch 165Hz gaming monitor. It uses a VA panel and has a response time of 4 ms instead of 1 ms. It even has a curved screen.

Another option is the Asus TUF VG27 gaming monitor, which is available for $ 479. Finally, the $ 400 Dell S2719DGF is another great option. It has a 1ms response time and 155Hz refresh rate, but uses a cheaper TP panel.

How long it will take?

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 should last around five years. The standard warranty is three years, but with the refresh rate of 165 Hz and the resolution of 1440p you are equipped for PC games longer.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Legion Y27q-20 combines features, design and performance in one affordable package.

Editor's recommendations




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