07 Nov
Blog

Riders Republic Review: True Freedom in an Open World Game

A biker does a trick in Riders Republic.

Reiter Republic

RRP $ 60.00

"Riders Republic is a thoroughly entertaining extreme sports game that avoids the mandatory insignia of most open world games."

advantages

  • Easy to understand gameplay

  • Everything feels rewarding

  • Complicated world design

  • Crazy sporting events

  • Excellent social modes

disadvantage

  • Camera is not ideal

  • Stylistically inconsistent

  • Arrogant microtransactions

Ubisoft's open world games can be a chore. Franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry follow the same structure and throw players on a gigantic map with a seemingly endless number of activities to do. These are massive games full of distractions that you will keep playing even when you are running out of good times. But Riders Republic, the publisher's newest title, wields that power forever; it removes any constraint from one of gaming's weariest ideas.

Riders Republic was developed by the team behind Steep and is an open-world extreme sports game that is structurally not far from Assassin's Creed Valhalla – only with bicycles instead of longships. A big world with a laundry list of symbols to jump back and forth between? That’s what you’ll find here. The main difference, however, is that I actually wanted to complete activities and didn't feel like I had to. Who cares if a game has a million things to do when they're not really fun?

Riders Republic works because it never forgets to be, above all, fun. Regardless of whether players cycle through a ravine in a wingsuit or cycle down a mountain with 31 other players in a giraffe suit, every micro-challenge is a quick and digestible hit for the joy of extreme sports. It's not the deepest experience, but it's one I was happy to immerse myself in for an hour and just as easily could walk again without feeling pressured to move on.

X game

Riders Republic is essentially a much more goofy twist on the Forza Horizon series. Players are thrown onto a giant map made up of California state parks that Frankenstein have pieced together into a natural sports utopia. The only real direction they're given is to compete in various events – there's biking, snowboarding, skiing, jetpacking, and wingsuiting – and earning enough stars to complete the ultimate Red Bull sponsored race. The game doesn't really care what you do once it lets go of you – and that's a relief. I've never felt so free in a genre that is supposedly based on freedom.

There's a simple but effective catch here. Almost everything that players do gives them stars. Finish a race? Get a star even if you are last. Discover a landmark on the map? Take a star. Did you accidentally perform a stunt while exploring? Here is your star. It doesn't matter if you're good at the game or just there to play around; Riders Republic will make you feel like you are making progress no matter what. No activity feels like a waste of time or something that you have no choice but to assert yourself.

A biker does a trick in Riders Republic.

This hook works just as well because the sports gameplay is so easy to learn and play from moment to moment. Cycling or skiing is as easy as accelerating and steering. Certain gear can drift, boost, or pull tricks, but nothing ever feels overly complicated. The effectively simple mechanism directs the focus to the essentials: the thrill of racing through an open world with full freedom. It is so much fun to fly through a canyon with a jetpack and immediately switch to a snowboard and then tumble out of the air to slide down a snow-capped mountain.

The only point where the game gets tricky is with the control options. Players have a few different control schemes, but there are two primary ones. One assigns tricks to the face buttons, while the other (called Trickster) lets players use the right stick instead. The latter feels a lot better and gives players much more precise control when it comes to performing tricks and landing. Unfortunately, this means that camera control is sacrificed, which is not always feasible. Considering the game is getting messy with its massive multiplayer races, sometimes I really had to adjust the angle to see over the herd of drivers in long giraffe costumes that enveloped my field of vision. You will also get more points for tricks if you land them in Trickster mode yourself. It's a shame that the more natural and rewarding control scheme is the less practical.

No matter what sport I play, the controls feel so intuitive that I can navigate the complicated world with ease.

It's a minor complaint by and large. No matter what sport I play, the controls feel so intuitive that I can navigate the complicated world with ease. The landscapes are carefully constructed to turn simple stretches of terrain into bike paths or snow trails that put my skills to the test, even if I'm just driving around freely. You could take all of the actual goals and objectives out of Riders Republic and I still think I'd love to just drive around and soak it all up (there's a zen mode where you can do just that, too).

The social network

There's no shortage of things you can actually do to take advantage of these pleasing mechanics and smart world design. Players compete in various challenges that appear on the map as they advance each "career". Most of the events are about racing, but there is a little extra spice here and there. One of my favorite missions was asking me to ride my bike around a small campsite delivering pizza while my character was complaining in Italian the whole time.

Riders Republic is best when it's silly. While standard races are consistently fun tests of skill, some of the stranger missions add absurd charm to the game. In one race, I snowboard through a blizzard while classical music is playing. In another, I'm in a group of cyclists dressed in T. rex inflatable suits. You never know what a particular challenge will look like until you start the race, and out of curiosity that made me try as many as possible.

Riders looks out over a snowy horizon in Riders Republic.

Playing solo would be entertaining enough on its own, but the game's social integration really makes it special. During the game, the map is constantly populated by other players who go about their business (or at least ghost data from real people). It is impossible to feel alone while driving. Sometimes I would find myself riding a wingsuit down a mountain to a racing marker just to skim a running bike race. It seldom happens that I really feel part of an online world full of people, even when playing a 100 player game like Fortnite.

Playing solo would be entertaining enough on its own, but the game's social integration really makes it special.

This feeling is best illustrated in the game's mass races, which are a standout feature. Players can line up for a 64-player race at various intervals. It is absolute chaos in the best sense of the word. Watching a crowd of bikers clash at the start line is pure slapstick comedy, and it's an exhilarating feeling to be ahead of the pack. They are also usually some of the longer gauntlets in the game and act as a multisport triathlon. Every time one shows up on the map, I stop what I'm doing to participate.

Other online modes are just as creative. There's a brilliant 6v6 trick attack mode that works like a team version of Graffiti by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Considering this is a live service game that will likely be updated over time, I am already excited about the possibilities here. This is what makes Riders Republic particularly fun. This is a solid, insane foundation that feels like it could be twisted in an infinite number of ways. While Ubisoft doesn't, the game includes a creation tool that allows players to create their own custom events. Keep giving me a reason to invite me in, and I'll keep going until my legs (well, thumbs, I think) are sore.

Out of fashion

The most noticeable aspect of the game is its sense of style. While the game's spiritual predecessor, Steep, was a bit more down to earth, Riders Republic is all about pizzazz. The colors are bright, the cosmetics are crazy, and the soundtrack is eclectic. It's an all-round happy atmosphere for players of all ages.

However, all of this is a bit unfocused. As I played through the game, I was never quite sure who the intended audience was. Take the soundtrack, for example. It's not just between genres, but also between eras. In a minute I'll hear a pretty modern sounding pop rock song. In the next minute, Ice-T's 1988 Hit Colors began playing. I later become a parachutist as the ukulele cover of Gangster’s Paradise, followed by The Offspring’s Staring at the Sun. Sometimes the soundtrack tries to be hip and youthful. Sometimes Tony Hawk tries to be a pro skater. At other times, I have no idea who it is addressed to.

A neon wingsuit flies through a canyon in Riders Republic.

This is also present in the dialogues that try to sound young and hip, but end up slipping into terrifying terrain. Jokes keep falling flat when non-gamer characters dive into the MTV humor of the "for Shizzle" era. It all has a "How are you fellow children?" Atmosphere that feels a little strange.

Then there's the game's cosmetics store, which opens the dreaded microtransaction conversation. While some clothing and items can be bought with in-game currency, others can only be bought with real money. However, these higher quality items get mixed up with anything else that feels unnecessarily deceptive. I would often see an item of clothing that I dug up in the store, instinctively click on it, and realize that it took me real money to buy it. Given that this is a full retail game, the microtransaction addiction feels a bit aggressive here – especially since kids are a likely target audience here.

Playing through the game, I'm never quite sure who the intended audience actually is.

I enjoy Riders Republic the most when I just ignore these aspects completely. Due to the free and fluid pace of the game, I can turn the volume down and have music or a podcast play in the background. I don't mean that as a blow to the game; it speaks to how strong the core gameplay is. The fact that I can block out the loudest parts and still feel like I'm getting the full experience is impressive. Riders Republic gives you the freedom to play your way, and that includes the freedom to get rid of things you don't want to do.

Our opinion

Riders Republic makes optimal use of Ubisoft's open world template. It's a thoroughly fun extreme sports game with lots of variety, an abundance of challenges to hunt, and great social hooks. All of its sporting events are easy to learn and play, making it perfect for quick drop-ins. Its sense of style has gotten a little out of hand and it doesn't have the sleekest camera solution, but I'm always excited to heat it up and see how much more it can beat its craziness.

Is there a better alternative?

Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a bit more stylistically focused. If you want something less arcade-like and more technical, the Forza Horizon series offers an identical structure.

How long it will take?

That depends on how much time you want to invest. It feels like there are well over 100 hours of content here for the die-hard who want to play it like a service game. Even if you just hit the correct endgame, you will likely pass the 30 hour mark.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Riders Republic is just fun. Few games this year have given me such simple joys that make me want to keep playing.

Editor's recommendations



07 Nov
Blog

iRobot Roomba j7+ Review: Closer to a Tangle-Free Life

iRobot Roomba j7 + on hardwood floor.

iRobot Roomba j7 +

RRP $ 850.00

“Do more cleaning, worry less. The iRobot Roomba j7 + is more intelligent than your average robot vacuum cleaner. "

advantages

  • Good job avoiding wires

  • Self-draining floor with a low profile

  • Solid all-round cleaning

  • Cleans efficiently in a zigzag pattern

disadvantage

  • The thorough carpet cleaning service is missing

  • A little noisy when vacuuming

Experience goes far. This is especially true in the world of robotic vacuums, where iterative improvements in technology over the years have resulted in smarter, more efficient bots that clean faster. Gone are the days of worrying about robotic vacuums falling down stairs or aimlessly cleaning one spot. Today's robotic vacuums are better than that – but there is still one major thing that will trip them up.

Wires, cables, and other minor clutter around the house can still trip the best robotic vacuums out there. As a pioneer in this area, iRobot aims to address this ubiquitous problem with its Roomba j7 +. When it comes to experience, nobody gets more out of it than iRobot. The Roomba j7 + not only has a self-draining base, but is also equipped with a camera that helps it avoid obstacles better. While there is a lot of talk about how to avoid annoying cables on the floor, seeing is believing. The times of pre-cleaning could be over if it can actually do this without errors!

Put up

Unsurprisingly, setting up the iRobot Roomba j7 + was effortless. Because everything was already assembled in the packaging, so all you had to do was remove the self-draining base, connect the charging cable and dock the robot vacuum. Worth mentioning are subtle additions to the self-draining base, such as the fact that it has a much lower profile than any other self-draining container I've seen. There's even a little nook inside the base to store an extra bag, filter, and side brush. I appreciate that as they are usually kept elsewhere and quickly forgotten.

Top of the iRobot Roomba j7 +.John Velasco / Digital Trends

After everything was unpacked and connected, all I had to do was launch the iRobot app on my phone to guide myself to connect it to my home's Wi-Fi network. Having used the Roomba i3 + before, I thought it at least copied my apartment plan, but it didn't. Instead, the Roomba j7 + used the first run to vacuum and actively map my entire apartment. I had to run it a few more times before it realized there was an accessible route to the bedroom.

software

What I like about the iRobot app is that it's intuitive and simple. Once a map of my apartment has been created, I can go into the app to label the different rooms, add partitions to differentiate one room from another, and set “exclusion” zones to prevent the Roomba j7 + there cleans. The latter ability comes in handy when you have areas that you don't want the bot to disturb, such as B. the position of pet bowls. The ability to customize the map in this way alleviates the annoying instances of a robotic vacuum cleaner simply rolling through an area and everything in its path.

You can also schedule Roomba j7 + to clean automatically. I would still recommend adult supervision because you just never know what can happen – even more so when pets are at home. You don't want to come home to find that your cat's tail is caught in the robot hoover when you haven't been there.

Obstacle detection and avoidance

With the help of its front camera and Genius 3.0 Home Intelligence technology, the Roomba j7 + is better equipped to recognize obstacles and avoid them. I have to admit, it's great for avoiding cluttered charging cables near power outlets and power strips, but it's not infallible. There were mainly two cases in which it did not avoid obstacles: On the one hand, a paper bag lying on the floor, on the other hand, a lined up cat toy. I'll say that when I put a charging cable in its path, it paused for a moment to assess and then walked around it to continue cleaning.

While it's not perfect, it should be noted that the Roomba j7 + is currently trained to detect cords, cords, headphones, and pet droppings. Other clutter like shoes and socks will eventually be added through a software update to improve obstacle avoidance. On top of that, constant training and reviews help the robot make smarter decisions when it comes to cleaning – so I'm confident it will get better over time.

Close up of camera on iRobot Roomba j7 +.John Velasco / Digital Trends

When the cleaning is done, you can return to the cleaning history to evaluate some of the obstacles it encountered. While avoiding everything wasn't perfect, I suspect it will get better over time as checking the obstacles in the app trains his vision better. For now, however, I would rank the Samsung Jet Bot AI + just ahead of the iRobot champion when it comes to detection and avoidance.

Cleaning performance

If there is one thing you can rely on with iRobot, it is that its robotic vacuum cleaners offer above-average cleaning performance. With its side sweeping and underside brushes, it pulls in dirt and debris that is scattered on my wooden floors. Cat litter isn't thrown in all directions as the side sweeping brush rotates at a gentle speed, while the three-stage cleaning system and 10-fold hitch suction technology ensure that all debris is captured.

It does good to avoid messy charging cables near power outlets and power strips.

The Roomba j7 + is also an efficient bot that doesn't waste time devising a game plan for cleaning up rooms. It works efficiently and effectively by navigating in traditional zigzag patterns. Nooks and crannies are handled well too, but I find that when bumping into furniture it can just be a little bit aggressive.

iRobot Roomba j7 + on hardwood floor.John Velasco / Digital Trends

While the Roomba j7 + is a solid cleaner for hard floors, it gets stuck with carpets. Superficial things like pet hair and other crumbs are easily picked up by the multi-surface rubber brush, but I am not convinced of its deep cleaning performance on carpets. It just doesn't achieve the same deep cleaning sensation that my bare feet experience on carpets cleaned with cordless vacuums.

Battery life

Since my apartment is roughly over 1,000 square meters, there has never been a battery on one of the robotic vacuum cleaners I tested. The Roomba j7 + cleaned for over 40 minutes without a battery warning. When the battery ran out, it would automatically return to the base station to recharge.

iRobot Roomba j7 + in charging station.John Velasco / Digital Trends

There the contents of his trash can are also thrown into the self-empty base. Then it roars like a jet plane because it needs the suction force to remove all of its contents. You could say it's deafening so keep that in mind. With the robot hoover itself, it is moderately noisy during cleaning, so if you are concentrating on something you will want to let it run at a different time.

Our opinion

While it's not the revolutionary robotic vacuum I was expecting, the iRobot Roomba j7 + is an iterative model that sits reasonably between the Roomba i3 + and s9 + at $ 850. It's a smart, efficient and feature-rich robot hoover that offers a well-rounded cleaning performance that is enhanced by its smarter avoidance and self-emptying system.

Is there a better alternative?

The Samsung Jet Bot AI + is the only other robotic vacuum cleaner that outperforms the iRobot offering. In addition to superior avoidance detection, it's a notable revolutionary robotic vacuum cleaner as it doubles as a roaming security camera to patrol the house when you are not around.

Alternatively there is the Roborock S7 and its self-draining base. It also delivers solid cleaning, enhanced by the fact that it has a mopping function that really makes hard floors feel squeaky clean.

How long it will take?

The iRobot Roomba j7 + is made of various sturdy plastic materials and still feels like a solid, well-made bot. Of course, it takes some maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape – like removing any tangles around its side sweeping brush and cleaning the sensors. There is a one year limited warranty that covers it against defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes, mostly because it specializes in avoiding the hassle of cables. Even if pre-cleaning before vacuuming isn't entirely eliminated, you don't have to worry about having to take care of it all the time throughout the cleaning routine.

Editor's recommendations



07 Nov
Blog

Hisense U7G 4K HDR TV Review: Confidently Click Buy Now

Hisense U7G television shows a picture of breakfast items.

Hisense U7G 4K HDR TV

RRP $ 900.00

"At under $ 1,000, the Hisense U7G is an unmistakable value."

advantages

  • Impressive brightness

  • Solid black levels

  • Excellent backlight control

  • Great to play with

  • Easy adjustment

disadvantage

  • Bad off-angle performance

  • Potentially dirty screen effect

My pick for the best TV under $ 1,000 for the past few years went to a TCL TV, but this year Hisense is at least a co-owner of that coveted spot with its U7G 4K ULED TV. At well under $ 1,000, this TV exceeds my expectations almost every step of the way – through the lens of a very picky TV enthusiast (me).

For most people, the U7G is absolutely a breeze. Here's why.

Out of the box

Hisense U7G TV remote control in hand.Riley Young / Digital Trends

Over my 29 years in consumer electronics, I have preached that heavy equipment is premium equipment. Of course, that notion has its limits – you don't want 25-pound headphones. But by and large, the best devices in each category have a certain weight, because even in the digital age, quality components tend to weigh more than cheap components.

This would mean that the Hisense U7G would not qualify as a premium television. It's amazingly easy. So much so that I had serious concerns about its overall build quality and its potential to impress me with its performance. But since I was able to move the U7G from place to place very easily in my test lab, I've found this TV to be well built and should stand the test of time.

Close up of The Hisense U7G TV stand.Riley Young / Digital Trends

As a bonus, the U7G is very easy to assemble and mount on the wall. Stand-alone installation requires just a few feet, and for those using a media center or sideboard, the footprint of the U7G is 47.75 "wide by 10.5" deep.

The box with the TV contains the feet, screws for the feet, a Google Voice remote, batteries for the remote, and some paper-printed product literature that you probably don't need.

Details on the U7G series

While we tested the 65-inch model 65U7G, our test also applies to the other screen sizes available in the series.

Screen size Model no RRP
55 inches

55U7G

 $ 700
65 inches 65U7G $ 900
75 in 75U7G $ 1,200

Put up

Hisense U7G TV with a picture of a chocolate ice cream bar on the screen.Riley Young / Digital Trends

One of the things I like the most about Hisense TVs is their ease of setup – especially when it comes to having the right picture mode presets for all of the different inputs and streaming apps on board.

I realize that a lot of people buy a TV, plug it in, turn it on, endure the necessary setup wizard, and then start watching TV right away without ever touching the picture settings. That's a shame. To get the best picture out of any TV – and the Hisense U7G in particular – it pays to take a little time to make at least a few simple adjustments.

By default, the TV is in a standard picture preset that ultimately suits your tastes, but the TV is also in a low-power mode that I strongly recommend users turn off right away. This eco setting limits the peak brightness of the TV and if you don't turn this off you will never know what your TV is really capable of.

Once the TV's eco mode is turned off, I would also suggest turning off motion smoothing. While motion smoothing is helpful for some fast-moving sports content, it makes movies and some TV shows look artificial and introduces the soap opera effect which I think is terrible. However, not everyone agrees with me. So if you like the smooth looking movement feel free to leave it on – just know, I'll never watch TV with you.

Personally, I think the pro move is to select Theater Day as the picture mode. If the color temperature seems a little warm to you or the picture doesn't seem so vivid, this is normal. Give your eyes a chance to get used to it. I think you will find that it looks a lot more authentic. Theater Day also gives you the best brightness output for SDR content without messing around with other settings.

A photo of kiwi fruit on a Hisense U7G television.Riley Young / Digital Trends

As soon as Theater Tag is selected for an HDMI input, it is also selected for the others. And if you select Theater Tag in one streaming app, that is the default for other streaming apps (again, this applies to SDR content). Most TVs don't offer this convenience, which is why I commend Hisense for making TV setup easy.

For HDR content, I recommend choosing HDR Theater and I recommend Dolby Vision Custom for Dolby Vision. Here, too, these picture modes are used across the board as soon as they are selected for an HDMI input or a streaming app.

One final note on setup: Android TV / Hisense's setup wizard will ask you lots of questions about privacy. Take a moment to read this information and choose carefully based on how well you are collecting data about your viewing habits. Also note that you can keep your ad data to yourself, but at the expense of relevant content suggestions.

Dimensions / specifications

Image of berries on a tree shown on the Hisense U7G TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

As is common with TV reviews, I used a Spectracal C6 colorimeter profiled on an X-Rite i1Pro spectrometer along with the Calman Ultimate software to measure the out-of-the-box performance of the U7G before making detailed adjustments. Since few people will pay to have such a TV calibrated, I think these numbers are the most valuable.

I checked the peak luminance performance for SDR on Theater Night (283 nits) and Theater Day (566 nits). Theater Day looks just bright enough to provide a good-looking picture in a room with moderate natural light. This isn't overwhelming brightness, but it is definitely above average for televisions priced below $ 1,000. The backlight setting can be increased to increase the brightness in brighter rooms, but the black levels take a beating and look a bit greyish.

For the HDR theater mode, I got between 930 and 950 nits depending on how long I tested the peak brightness. I think almost 1,000 cd / m² in HDR is a good figure for a television in this price range. That's definitely bright enough to make HDR look like HDR, and that's again above average for a TV in this price range.

Interestingly, I found that the HDR standard mode didn't get any brighter than HDR Theater. This is atypical and another reason for me to recommend the HDR theater setting.

I also checked the U7G's 2 point grayscale performance and found it to be flawless. And I don't mean just for Hisense, I mean the grayscale was on Sony A80J accuracy levels. I expected this would result in excellent color accuracy, but oddly enough it didn't.

Normally, accurate grayscale means that the colors are tracking well, but technically the television has chromatic aberrations that go into the visible spectrum. However, they're not so significant that I think most viewers would notice.

Given that the TV is so cheap, a videophile on a budget might do well to buy the U7G and have the color calibrated by a professional. For the modest total cost of ownership increase, I think returning it to the right person might be worth it. However, most people will be happy with the color if they're not downright impressed.

Backlight and black levels

A photo of kiwi fruit on a Hisense U7G television.Riley Young / Digital Trends

I am very impressed with the backlight performance of the Hisense U7G. I have observed little to no blacks (where dark grays / shadow details are represented as black). There was also surprisingly little blooming and halo around light objects on dark backgrounds, which is impressive considering how bright the TV can get.

I have a new favorite piece of content to check black levels, shadow detail, blooming and halo effects all at once: Night on Earth, which is available on Netflix. I watch the show with the subtitles on and quickly learn everything I need to know about backlight controls and the black level performance of a television.

The great thing about this Netflix nature documentary series is that it is shot almost entirely at night – hence the title. They use special cameras and technology to take night pictures – action in nature that has never been seen before. The show is extremely gloomy on average, except where it isn't, which makes for a hell of a torture test, and I can tell you the U7G passed the test with ease.

Close-up of the edges of the Hisense U7G TV stand.Riley Young / Digital Trends

I've seen almost no noticeable blooming from the edges of the TV or halos around bright objects, the best test of which is the closed captions, which are bright white on an almost pitch black background. It's rare that I don't get distracted by a backlight system while watching dark content, but the U7G just got me to enjoy the content – that's a great endorsement.

HDR highlights were exactly what I expected / wanted for a TV in this price range. I think the U7G is a bit high on the brightness curve in terms of accuracy, but it's fun. The U7G reminds me of some Samsung TVs in this regard, but with better blacks for the price. HDR had pop and I enjoyed it.

Movement and processing

The movement performance was good – overall in the middle range. I saw a bit of stuttering and flickering when panning vertically, but that wasn't a consistent problem. Movement problems didn't occur often enough to upset me, which means most people will be very happy with this TV presentation.

Upscaling and processing were generally just fine. The U7G doesn't clean sound as well as a Sony TV, for example, but neither does most TVs. In particular, I noticed a bit of color streaking on low bit depth content from streaming services. The U7G isn't going to make Bob Ross look like a 4K studio master on PBS, but it's good for the type of content most people will be watching today. For the price, I couldn't ask for anything better. You'd have to pay MUCH more to get better build quality so I'm giving it back to Hisense to strike a good balance.

Games

Car video game played on the Hisense U7G TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

According to the Xbox Series X 4K TV details, the Hisense U7G supports almost every gaming parameter available, including variable refresh rate. I wasn't expecting VRR on this TV, but when I enabled it on the Xbox Series X, I got no argument. What a pleasant surprise! I was only able to verify HDMI VRR and FreeSync support for the U7G – the jury has yet to be on G-Sync for PC gamers.

The U7G will be great for gamers. The input lag is super low (less than 15 milliseconds for 4K and about 7 ms for 1080p and VRR) and the HDR images are fantastic. There is great shadow detail and very little motion blur. All the essentials for a great gaming TV are in place.

Bonus material

The Hisense U7G is an Android TV with Google Assistant support and support for Google smart home devices. It's not as fancy a platform as Google TV, and the U7G has no hope of upgrading to Google TV in the future, but Android TV is a solid platform that will work well for years to come.

Our opinion

The U7G is currently the best TV you can buy for under $ 1,000. This honor was once shared with the TCL R645, however, supply chain issues have raised the price of the TV, leaving the U7G with that title for now. I also have to call the U7G the best TV for enthusiasts who don't have a big budget. This TV proves that you have great picture quality and you can't spend a small fortune.

Is there a better alternative?

At the price, no. The U7G offers unique value in 2021. However, the Hisense U8G only offers slightly higher performance (brightness) for $ 100 to $ 200 more.

How long it will take?

The Hisense U7G is positioned in terms of performance and features to perform well for several years. Hisense provides a one-year parts and labor warranty on its televisions provided they are used in a non-commercial environment.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The U7G is a great television. The low price makes it a headless buy.

Editor's recommendations



06 Nov
Blog

MSI Summit E16 Flip Review: Stepping Up to Compete

MSI Summit E16 Flip sits on a table.

MSI Summit E16 Flip

RRP $ 2,299.00

"The MSI Summit E16 Flip is a decent laptop for content creators, if only it was a little cheaper."

advantages

  • Solid build quality

  • Attractive aesthetics

  • Strong productivity performance

  • Excellent IPS display with 120 Hz refresh rate

  • Very good keyboard

disadvantage

  • Too expensive

  • Battery life is mediocre

  • Small touchpad

I really liked the MSI Summit E13 Flip, especially the modern aesthetics, excellent battery life, and solid performance. It turned out that MSI can make an excellent productivity-oriented 2-in-1 convertible for the popular gaming laptops, even if the price was a bit steep.

MSI has a larger version of the device, the Summit E16 Flip, which not only expands the 16:10 display from 13.4 inches to 16 inches, but also adds a separate GPU via Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3050. It has a similar look and feel, but is more aimed at developers who can take advantage of the extra power of a GPU for applications that can use it, like Adobe's Creative Suite.

I tested the top-end Summit E16 Flip with a Core i7-1195G7 CPU and the RTX 3050, which has a retail price of $ 2,299. The three available models only differ in their RAM and storage, whereby the test device with 32 GB RAM and a 2 TB SSD is the top model. As with the 13-inch model, the Summit E16 Flip is a bit pricey – but I enjoyed the machine enough to justify the investment.

draft

Rear view of the MSI Summit E16 Flip.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Like its smaller brother, the Summit E16 Flip has a slim, completely black case with just a few rose gold accents in an MSI logo on the front and along the beveled edges on the lid and touchpad. The larger model doesn't have the cropped chassis and lid corners of the 13-inch model reminiscent of the HP Specter line, including the Specter x360 15, but the rose gold and black color scheme still hints at HP's machines .

The lines of the 2-in-1 are simpler, with a slightly angled edge along the back of the case and a steeply angled keyboard deck. It's an elegant overall look that is not overrated and is more eye-catching than the HP Envy x360 15, which is also available in black but has a deliberately minimalist design. As with the smaller version, MSI also notes the use of the golden ratio (1.68) when designing the dimensions of the laptop.

The display bezels of the 2-in-1 display aren't tiny at the top and bottom, so the overall dimensions of the Summit E16 Flip are a bit excessive. It's almost as wide as the Specter x360 15, but over an inch deeper thanks to the taller display and larger bezels. However, it's thinner at 0.67 inches and slightly heavier at 4.4 pounds compared to the Specter x360 15 at 0.79 inches and 4.23 pounds. The Summit E16 Flip is also deeper than the Envy x360 15 with its 16: 9 display, while again it's thinner and slightly heavier compared to the Envy’s 0.72 inches and 4.11 pounds.

MSI Summit E16 Flip folded back.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Overall, the Summit E16 Flip is a large convertible 2-in-1, but not unexpected considering it's a large and tall display. You won't want to hold it in your arm to ink, but that's typical of larger 2-in-1 devices.

The Summit E16 Flip is made from CNC machined aluminum, which fits its premium character. Accordingly, the entire chassis is torsion-resistant, without the lid (as shown on the 13-inch model), the keyboard deck or the case's underside sagging. It is slightly on par with the Specter x360 15 and is ahead of the Envy x360 15, which had a bit of keyboard flex.

The Summit E16 Flip is a very well made laptop. The hinge can be easily opened with one hand, which is unusual for convertible 2-in-1s, and holds the display in its four positions – clamshell, tent, media and tablet. It also supports the keyboard deck at an angle for a more comfortable typing experience and improved airflow.

On the left is a full-size HDMI port and two USB-Cs with Thunderbolt 4 (one of which is for charging).

Two USB-A 3.2 ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack and a microSD card reader on the right side of the MSI Summit e16 Flip.

Connectivity is a strength. On the left is a full-size HDMI port and two USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 ports (one of which is used for charging) and two USB-A 3.2 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card reader on the right.

Given the usefulness of this 2-in-1 for creatives, a full-size SD card reader would have been desirable. The latest in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 offer fast wireless capabilities with the right router.

power

MSI Summit E16 Flip folded back in a tent fold.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The Summit E16 Flip uses a 28-watt 4-core / 8-thread Intel Core i7-1195G7, which is a fast chip, but it's still intended for thin and light laptops rather than portable powerhouses. This is in contrast to the 45-watt Core i7-10750H with 6 cores and 12 threads in the HP Specter x360 15 and the 8-core / 16-thread AMD Ryzen 7 5700U in the HP Envy x360 15.

Then there are clamshell laptops like the Dell XPS 15 and MSI Creator Z16 that use the latest 8-core / 16-thread Core i7-11800H CPUs that are significantly faster – though it's not entirely fair, these portable ones Compare workstations with a Convertible 2. in 1. My performance expectations for the Summit E16 Flip have been lowered despite everything.

According to our benchmarks, the Summit E16 Flip's performance was strong for productive work, but mixed for creative endeavors. Note that MSI provides a utility to switch from "balanced" to "powerful" modes and this made a noticeable difference in some of these results, but not enough to warrant analysis. If you need a little more power, you can switch the 2-in-1 to overdrive.

The MSI Summit E16 Flip balances CPU and GPU performance very well.

The Summit E16 Flip performed well in Geekbench 5 and beat the Specter x360 15 in both the single and multi-core tests, but lost in the multi-core test against the blazingly fast AMD Ryzen 7 CPU in the Envy x360 15. In our Handbrake test, which converts a 420MB video to H.265, the MSI couldn't compete with any of our comparison devices except for the LG Gram 16, which uses a slower Core i7, but it wasn't much slower than the Specter x360 15. The same applies to Cinebench R23, another CPU-intensive benchmark. The Summit E16 Flip scores exceptionally well in the PCMark Complete test, and its values ​​for essentials, productivity and content creation are also good for the CPU class.

One surprising result was Pugetbench, which uses Adobe Premiere Pro to handle a number of demanding video editing tasks and can use both the CPU and GPU to speed up performance. Here the Summit E16 Flip achieved an excellent score of 552, which was significantly higher than all the others except for the Dell XPS 15 (which beat it) and the MSI Creator Z16 (which dominated this benchmark). MSI coordinated the CPU and the GPU excellently to achieve a good performance in this practical test.

The Summit E16 Flip is not the fastest notebook in the 15- and 16-inch class, but it is fast enough for a convertible 2-in-1. It's faster overall than the HP Specter x360 15, and while the HP Specter x360 16 was announced with a 35-watt H-series CPU, the details are sparse – it could be another solid competitor, but we won't know until we i have compared it. Either way, the Summit E16 Flip is a 2-in-1 device that can handle your demanding productivity tasks, but not handle demanding creative workflows that are CPU intensive.

Laptop Underdog bench 5 Cinebench R23 Budget bank Handbrake
(Seconds)		 PCMark 10 3DMark time spy Fourteen days
(1080p epic)		 Civilization VI (1080p Ultra)
MSI Summit E16 Flip (Core i7-1195G7) 1607/6096 1589/5344 552 175 5681 4138 52 fps 62 fps
HP Specter x360 15 (Core i7-10750H) 1237/5013 1102/5492 339 160 4676 2325 54 fps 60 fps
HP Envy x360 15 (AMD Ryzen7 5700U) 1198/6790 1258/8131 185 116 5419 902 20 fps N / A
Dell XPS 15 OLED 2021 (Core i7-11800H) 1544/7692 1513/9979 509 101 6024 4540 50 fps 73 fps
MSI Creator Z16 (Core i7-11800H) 1540/7625 1444/9615 738 103 6486 6322 59 fps (1200p) 92 fps
LG gram 16 (Core i7-1165G7) 1573/5454 1394/4137 N / A 213 4827 1390 13 fps n / A

The Summit E16 Flip is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, an entry-level graphics chip. It does well in the 3DMark Time Spy test, not too far behind the RTX 3050 Ti in the Dell XPS 15 and well ahead of the GTX 1650 Ti in the HP Specter x360 15. When testing the performance in some popular games, I found the Summit E16 Flip at 1080p or 1200p and moderate graphics settings a competent performer.

Fortnite reached 52 frames per second (fps) at 1200p and epic settings, behind the Specter x360 15 but ahead of the XPS 15 and competitive with the MSI Creator Z16 (with an RTX 3060). In Civilization VI, the Summit E16 Flip hit 62 fps at 1080p and ultra graphics, slightly ahead of the Specter x360 15 and behind the XPS 15 and Creator Z16, but not by much. MSI's 2-in-1 hit 43 fps at 1200p and high graphics, way behind the XPS 15 and Creator Z16, and it dropped from there as the resolution and graphics settings went up.

In Battlefield V, the Summit E16 Flip finally ran at 49 fps at 1200p and medium graphics, again clearly behind the XPS 15 and the Creator Z16, but still playable. Even at 1600p and ultra graphics, the Summit E16 Flip achieved 30 fps.

As long as you agree to the graphic quality limitation, you can play modern titles at 1080p or 1200p. It's not a gaming laptop, but it's not a bad entry-level device.

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Close up on the MSI Summit E16 flip display.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I criticized the Summit E13 Flip for its poor calibration, with colors and gamma that were far away. I noticed this when I was doing my tests and before I pulled out my colorimeter. With the display of the Summit E16 Flip, which looked very bright, with dynamic and natural colors and deep blacks, there were no such problems. And the large 16-inch display has the productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio with a sufficiently sharp QHD + resolution (2,560 x 1,600). I really enjoyed using the display while doing my tests.

I was not wrong with my impressions. According to my colorimeter, MSI picked an excellent IPS panel for the Summit E16 Flip and calibrated it much better. First, it was very bright at 482 nits, well above our 300 nit threshold. The colors were much wider than the average premium display at 89% of AdobeRGB (most displays are around 72%) and 100% of sRGB (with 95% close to average).

I discovered by accident that the display supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

The colors were also accurate with a Delta E of 1.12 (1.0 or less is considered excellent). The contrast of 1,140: 1 was above our threshold of 1,000: 1. This is much better than the IPS display of the HP Envy x360 15 with 270 nits, 71% Adobe RGB and 95% sRGB with an accuracy of 1.06 (slightly better) and a contrast ratio of 900: 1. Of course, the HP Specter x360 15 with its OLED display had even wider colors at 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB, with an accuracy of 1.21 and an ink-black contrast ratio of 426,180: 1.

In an interesting twist, I discovered quite by accident that the display supports 120 Hz, although this is nowhere mentioned in the literature I received with the test device. I tried running Assassin's Creed Valhalla which wouldn't run properly and in the settings I noticed that the game was set to the non-native 60Hz by default.

Lo and behold, I could switch to 120 Hz if I wanted to. I checked the display settings and there it was, set to 120 Hz by default. I didn't notice anything prior to this discovery, but when I switched back and forth between 60Hz and 120Hz I found that things went a little smoother. So that's another plus point for the display, which MSI should advertise more prominently.

Close-up of the webcam of the MSI Summit E16 Flip.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Overall, the Summit E16 Flip's display is great for productive work, with more than wide and accurate colors and contrasts that make black text stand out on a white background. It's also good enough for developers who might want a slightly larger AdobeRGB color space but could certainly get their job done with this 2-in-1. It's an excellent display that justifies the Summit E16 Flip's higher price tag.

The sound was surprisingly quiet, even at maximum volume. The mids and highs were clear and comfortable, and there was even a hint of bass, but it just wasn't a lot of volume. It's good audio for Netflix and the like, but you should do this in a quiet setting. Headphones are needed when you need to drown out background noise.

Keyboard and touchpad

MSI Summit E16 Flip Keyboard and Pen.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Like the smaller model, the Summit E16 Flip also has an excellent keyboard. It has a lot of space and large keycaps, even if you tuck in the small numeric keypad on the right. The switches offered a lot of spring travel with 1.5 mm, a light touch and a snappy mechanism. My only complaint was that the floor movement was a little softer than I like, but that's nits. I would rate this keyboard at the top of the list with the best, including versions of the HP Specter and Dell XPS lines.

But I have a bone to pick with MSI. There's plenty of room on the palm rest for a huge touchpad – that's one of the advantages of a taller display. And yet a tiny, wide-format touchpad is built in, which leaves almost an inch of free space at the top and bottom.

Dell used this space with the XPS 15 and equipped one of the largest touchpads that you will find on a Windows computer. The E16 flip touchpad is fine for what it is, with a smooth surface, reliable support for Windows multitouch gestures thanks to Microsoft Precision touchpad support and firm but quiet buttons. But it's so tiny.

Tablet mode and stylus on the MSI Summit E16 Flip.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

MSI contains its active pen in the box and can be magnetically attached to the housing or cover of the Summit E16 Flip. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity with tilt and is charged via USB-C. Although the 16-inch 2-in-1 is quite unwieldy in tablet mode when you place it on a surface and use it for drawing or taking notes, the pen works admirably. The touch display also responded.

A fingerprint reader provides Windows Hello support on the palm rest. As with most fingerprint readers today, it was quick and reliable. MSI has also implemented some options to turn off the webcam for privacy reasons. You can either press a key on the keyboard or flip a physical switch to electronically turn off the webcam so that hackers can no longer take advantage of it.

I prefer this to the physical sliders and those other manufacturers use. HP developed the concept with its Specter x360 13 and Specter x360 15, but has since moved to physical covers that are controlled by keyboard keys.

Battery life

MSI Summit E16 Flip sits on a table.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

MSI put 82 watt hours of battery into the case of the Summit E16 Flip, which is close to the 83 watt hours of the HP Specter x360 15 and significantly more than the 51 watt hours of the Envy x360 15. I didn't have spectacular battery life with a large, high-resolution display expected.

What I got was longevity that may or may not last a day's work depending on the workload. In our web browsing test, the Summit E16 Flip lasted eight hours, which is below the 10 hours we'd like to see in this test. While the Specter x360 15 only lasted 6.2 hours with its OLED display, the Envy x360 15 lasted a more impressive 11 hours. That puts the result of the Summit E16 Flip into perspective.

In our video test, which repeats a local Full HD Avengers trailer, the Summit E16 Flip achieved 10.75 hours, an OK result compared to the Specter x360 15 with just 6.5 hours and the Envy x360 15 with 13 , 65 hours.

The battery life of the MSI Summit E16 Flip is only mediocre.

I also ran the Summit E16 Flip through the PCMark 10 Applications battery test where it reached nearly 8.5 hours. Again, that's less than the 10 hours we saw in this benchmark, which best approximates battery life to productivity. The Specter x360 15 was significantly lower with 5.5 hours and the Envy x360 15 was again significantly stronger with 12.5 hours. The Summit E16 Flip lasted 2.25 hours in the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, which is roughly average. This test seems to measure how hard a laptop is working on battery life, rather than reflecting total battery life.

Overall, the battery life of the Summit E16 Flip is only mediocre. As I said earlier, it may or may not get you through a full day of work, and I suspect it won't if your workflow is above average. Take your charger with you when you're on the go.

Our opinion

The MSI Summit E16 Flip is a nice-looking and well-built 2-in-1 convertible with an outstanding 16-inch 16:10 display. It's big and inconvenient like a tablet, but that's to be expected with such a large display. It's an admirable work machine for productivity and can handle entry-level creative tasks too. The keyboard is very good, but the touchpad is way too small given the space available.

MSI made one of the better large format 2-in-1 convertibles you can buy. If you're looking for a flexible machine that can handle serious jobs, the Summit E16 Flip should be on your list.

Are there alternatives?

The Specter x360 15 is a solid alternative, although it is getting on in years. Its 45 watt CPU and separate GPU perform well, and the OLED display is excellent. You will also save some money.

The new Specter x360 16 is likely to be another good alternative, although its 35-watt CPU is unlikely to offer much better performance. But you have an OLED display option and a display that is just as big and expansive. However, we don't know much about the machine, including the price.

Finally, if you don't need a 2-in-1, the Dell XPS 15 is a solid choice. It has an even better build quality, an even better display, and its performance is better for developers. They pay similar prices for the same configurations.

How long it will take?

The Summit E16 Flip is solidly built and should be productive for years. Its components are modern and cutting edge, including the fastest WiFi you can get, and it should keep up with Windows 10 – and Windows 11 – for as long as you need it. The one-year warranty remains disappointing at this price.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. You'll love the looks and performance of the Summit E16 Flip – just be prepared to charge it.

Editor's recommendations



06 Nov
Blog

TCL Roku TV Alto R1 Wireless Soundbar Review: It’s So Easy

TCL Roku TV Alto R1 wireless soundbar

TCL Roku TV Alto R1 Wireless Soundba

RRP $ 179.00

"Roku and TCL are teaming up to make the sound of your Roku TV a simple plug-and-play experience."

advantages

  • Easy setup with just one cable

  • No additional remote controls required

  • Good audio quality

  • The voice enhancement and volume control features are nice

disadvantage

  • No Dolby Atmos

  • Only works with Roku-enabled TVs

  • No audio input connectors

When building a home theater, one of the first things you can do after choosing a TV is adding a sound system. One of the easiest ways to do this is to buy one of the best sound bars out there. Let's face it, the built-in speakers in TVs won't fill the space and will help you immerse yourself in your favorite movies. Roku knows this and is committed to enhancing your audio experience while keeping setup simple. At CES 2021 in January, Roku announced a partnership with TCL to launch a wireless soundbar for Roku-enabled TVs.

The new Alt R1 is the result.

This new soundbar is designed to work seamlessly with Roku TVs and is virtually effortless to set up. Where more home theater sound systems as a bare minimum require connecting a cable to your TV – the only cable needed to set up the Alto R1 is the one that supplies power. Part of the special sauce that makes this minimalist approach possible is Roku's proprietary Wi-Fi audio streaming technology. What sounds good in theory, how does it look in reality? Follow me and I will answer exactly that question.

Can it really be that simple?

The back and connections of a TCL Roku TV Alto R1 Wireless Soundbar.Chris Wedel / Digital Trends

Unpacking the Alto R1 Soundbar only includes the 31.5-inch speaker, wall-mounting hardware, papers, and a power cord. No additional cables are included as none are required as the only connector on the soundbar is for the power cable.

My skepticism grew when I began to think that pairing the soundbar with the TV couldn't be that easy. So I turned on my 65-inch TCL Roku TV and plugged the Alto R1 into the wall socket. To pair the soundbar with the TV, press and hold the Home button on your Roku remote for 5 seconds, select Set Up Devices, then select Wireless Soundbar. After that, the TV and Alto R1 recognized each other and the soundbar processed an over-the-air software update.

Adding the soundbar to my Roku TV couldn't have been easier. There is no need to manage additional cables or remote controls. The TV will automatically know the Alto R1 is paired, and if the volume is adjusted using the Roku remote, the changes will be made through the soundbar rather than the built-in TV speakers. I use a Caavo Control Center to manage my home theater and after making a few adjustments, I controlled the volume for the newly paired soundbar.

Features and sound quality

TCL Roku TV with an Alto R1 wireless soundbar.Chris Wedel / Digital Trends

In use, the Alto R1 is just as straightforward as the setup. It's a two-channel, 120-watt soundbar that is entirely controlled by the Roku remote and your TV. However, that is not a problem. If you just want to enhance the sound of your Roku TV or use it to play music from your phone via bluetooth, this soundbar can do it for you.

While you won't find fancy features like Dolby Atmos and virtual surround sound in options like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), The Alto R1 has a couple of tricks like the ability to bring the dialogue of everything you see more into focus and automatically lower the volume of the commercials. There is also a bass boost feature and volume control options within the sound settings that can be accessed by pressing the star button on the Roku remote.

In addition to the skepticism I had about the simplicity of setting up the Alto R1, there were doubts about the audio quality and how in sync it would be with the content on the screen. Since the soundbar is completely wirelessly connected to my TV, I expected a delay in what I saw on the screen and when I would hear it. To my delight, I didn't notice it in the least.

Roku remote control. Chris Wedel / Digital Trends

Roku uses Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth to handle connectivity, which greatly reduces latency and increases information capacity. I've seen 4K HDR movies, live soccer matches, and regular TV programs, and it all worked wonderfully. Of course, even with bass boost enabled, the Alto R1 won't compete with a dedicated subwoofer setup, but it won't try either.

I have a relatively large rectangular living room, so it's difficult to fill it with balanced audio. The sound setup I usually use is a Vizio soundbar with two wireless satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer – and it works. When I first started using the Alto R1, I lowered my expectations for a full-fledged audio experience. But surprisingly, the wireless soundbar did a good job.

The sound was crisp and the voice enhancement features did a good job. There was no difference between day and night, but there was enough improvement when it was on that I can safely say it was worth it. The soundbar is designed for TVs 43 inches and larger, and I think in most situations the Alto R1 will make most users pretty happy.

Our opinion

TCL Roku TV Alto R1 soundbar under a television on a media stand. Chris Wedel / Digital Trends

I'd love to say that the Alto R1 is a great choice for anyone who just wants better sound for their home theater and doesn't want to mess with a lot of setup – and I almost can. I almost say because it's only true if you have a Roku TV. Now, you don't have to have the absolute best Roku TV, but you do need a TV with a Roku built in. So if you're using one of the many great Roku streaming devices that you plug into your TV, you won't be able to use the Alto R1.

Roku and TCL had a clear focus on what the Alto R1 would be good at – straightforward set-up process and ease of use. For those two points, the two companies did a fantastic job with this product. Moving from out-of-the-box to using the soundboard couldn't be much easier. The Alto R1 does not advertise cutting edge features or even those that are becoming commonplace among other products such as Dolby Atmos and virtual surround sound. By including options like these, the other by-product would be an increase in cost, and at $ 180 it's hard to argue what the Alto R1 brings to the living room.

Is there a better alternative?

There are many soundbars out there that offer a full feature set, but are overpriced. However, if you're willing to pay a little more but don't want too much more, then the Yamaha YAS-209 tops our list of the best sound bars under $ 500 at around $ 350. This soundbar not only offers a wider soundstage with support for DTS Virtual: X, a virtual 3D surround sound profile, but also brings a quiet rumble to your favorite programs thanks to a separate subwoofer. It won't be quite as easy to set up as the Alto R1, and it will cost you a few dollars more, but the Yamaha YAS-209 offers a more immersive home theater audio experience.

How long it will take?

TCL and Roku have both been in the home audio and video scene for a while and bring that experience to the Alto R1 soundbar. Both companies have also done a great job supporting their respective products, and thanks to the Alto R1's Wi-Fi connectivity, the soundbar can receive OTA software updates to ensure it has a long life.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you're someone who wants to be engulfed by what you see from every angle, this is not the soundbar for you. While the Alto R1 does a solid job of producing good audio with virtually zero latency, it's not a surround sound device. This is because it is limited to 2 channels and does not have the ability to replicate 360 ​​degree audio. However, if your goal is to improve the sound well beyond what your TV has built in, aren't spending a lot of money on it, and have a Roku-enabled TV, then the Alto R1 is worth considering.

Editor's recommendations



06 Nov
Blog

Sony Bravia XR Z9J Master Series 8K HDR TV Review

Sony Z9J TV with multicolored, glittering swirls on the screen.

Sony Bravia XR Z9J Master Series 8K HDR TVs

RRP $ 6,500.00

"The Z9J is one of the best televisions of all time."

advantages

  • Incredible brightness

  • Excellent control of the background lighting / black levels

  • Spot-on color

  • Excellent movement

  • good sound

disadvantage

  • It lacks high-end gaming features

  • Very expensive

The Sony Master Series Bravia XR Z9J is one of the most emerging TVs that you can buy today. Sure, LG has its $ 30,000 worth of $ 30,000 8K OLED TV, but among the LED / LCD TVs, the Sony Z9J is the most expensive commercially available TV you can buy. At around $ 6,500 on the street, the 75-inch Sony Z9J makes Samsung's $ 2,600 flagship 75-inch 8K Q900R look like a budget buy in comparison.

Do you need the Z9J? No. Do you want the Z9J? Yes sir. Will you ever own one I doubt it. But here's the thing: none of this really matters.

Allow me to explain.

Pure Sony flex

Streaming options on the Sony Z9J.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The Sony Master Series Z9J is the successor to a line of Z-Series TVs that represent the best that Sony can make. When we talk about "setting the bar" that is the purpose of the Z-Series. If the Z9J could speak on behalf of Sony, I think it would say something like, “Hi. I am the Z9J. I'm the best LED / LCD TV Sony has ever made, and I'm the best LED / LCD TV money can buy. Sony knows TV technology better than any other brand and I am proof of that. "

This Z9J – such a racket. But does it have the means to back up these claims? In most cases, yes.

While the Z9J doesn't quite reach TV nirvana (it seems to have too much self-esteem for an inanimate object), it comes very close to it. I've tested TVs that can get brighter, TVs that can get darker, and TVs with more advanced gaming features, but all in all, the Sony Z9J outperforms them all with the right…. Perhaps more importantly, though, the Z9J is just plain fun to see.

Oh, and the fact that it's an 8K TV? That's just a bonus.

How does Sony do it?

The XR processor is key to the Z9J's outstanding performance.

Details about the Sony Bravia XR Z9J

While we tested the 75-inch model XR75Z9J, our test also applies to the 85-inch model XR85Z9J.

Screen size Model no RRP
75 in

XR75Z9J

 $ 6,499
85 in XR85Z9J $ 8,999

Again with the processor

Image with colorful stripes on the Sony Z9J.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The latest generation of image processing chips from Sony is called the Cognitive Processor XR. For the sake of brevity – and undoubtedly to the chagrin of Sony – I will simply refer to it as the “XR processor” in the following. This processor is key to the Z9J's outstanding performance. In some ways I understand how it works and in others I am completely amazed. Look, I'm not an engineer, I just play one on TV.

What I understand is that the processor is supposed to understand how the human eye / visual system works and then actively maximize the performance of a television by using cognitive intelligence and doing a lot of processes per second. It's not just about how quickly this processor can make decisions, it's also about how meaningful those decisions are. For example, if we see an image of a cheetah on the screen in the grassy plains of Africa, with the cheetah in the foreground and the grasses in the background, the XR processor is likely to put its effort into resolving fine details in the cheetah coat for each Image it appears in instead of trying to add detail to a blurry grass background. That is smart decision making.

Another way to express the importance of this TV's processor: if the Z9J were a car, the XR processor would be its engine. Several other brands build TVs with many of the same parts as in the Sony Z9J, but they don't look like the Z9J because they don't have the Z9J's motor. In other words, you could build the shell of a McLaren 720S to specification, right down to the wheels, tires, mirrors, seats, and steering wheel – and it would look just like a McLaren 720s. But throw a Toyota Camry engine under the hood and that car has no hope of doing anything remotely like a McLaren 720s.

Now that I'm immersed in that auto metaphor, let me go ahead and beat her to death. If I put a McLaren 720s engine in our 720s-looking shell, but gave the car a Chevy Malibu drivetrain and suspension … well, you get it. It still won't work like the McLaren 720s. Likewise, Sony's XR processor needs some other premium mechanics to work its magic. That brings us to the backlight system.

Proven backlighting system

Beautiful starry sky over a bridge on the Sony Z9J TV.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Sony used to call its fancy backlight system "Sony Backlight Master Drive". This is the marketing language for Sony's Secret Sauce lighting system. While LG, Samsung and TCL are promoting mini LED backlight systems, Sony is sticking to a tried and tested system that remains a mystery to anyone who cannot physically disassemble and analyze it – it has simply left out the fancy name. Ask Sony what's going on behind the curtain and it will respond with something like, "We don't say, but it looks great, doesn't it?"

All right, Sony. You won't tell. And you are right. It looks great.

HDR images, both in HDR10 and Dolby Vision, look spectacular.

I don't know how it can be that Sony can use a fraction of full-size LEDs with far fewer dimming zones than the competition and somehow create a TV that looks better than TVs with much more impressive specs on paper, but the company pulls that trick year round for year through. The result is excellent backlighting with minimal blooming and halo effects, excellent black levels, very impressive shadow details and really impressive brightness – all where it matters. HDR images, both in HDR10 and Dolby Vision, look spectacular.

That brings us back to the XR processor. Thanks to the intelligent decision-making of the XR processor, the backlight system does what it does when it has to. At least I think that's what happens. I end up seeing a stunning TV, and with Sony keeping its approach so secret, I can only make one smart guess.

Masterful color

Colorful picture of a major event on the display of the Sony Z9J.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Since it's not enough for me to simply say that the Z9J has impeccable color rendering, I use a Spectracal C6 colorimeter profiled on an X-rite i1 Pro spectrometer and Calman Ultimate software to measure TV performance to eat. In terms of color, the Z9J is an exemplary performer. I've only seen two other TVs with standard color accuracy that can stand up to the Z9J, and these two TVs were also made by Sony (the A90J and the A80J).

Flawless movement

Images of burning firewood on the Sony Z9J TV.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Historically, Sony's strength, cinematic and fluid movement with a minimum of artifacts, is one of the Z9J's more admirable features. There's a fine line between breaking down motion blur and introducing gross motion smoothing that makes an image appear artificial or what I believe to be the dreaded “soap opera” effect, and I've never seen a brand tread that line as neatly as Sony it does. Although to be honest, many of Sony's premium TVs do equally admirably in this category at a much lower price point.

Superior upscaling

With so little 8K content to enjoy (thanks, YouTube, for some amazing 8K footage for 8K TVs, albeit heavily compressed), it's important that every 8K TV is capable of 4K To upscale 1080p and 720p material to 8K resolution without it looking worse than its native resolution. While I feel like most TV manufacturers offer solid upscaling, I'll have to leave it up to Sony as it is cut off from the competition in this area. Pictures just look cleaner on Sony 8K TVs, regardless of the original resolution. But no TV is a miracle worker, and I contend that no 75-inch or taller TV looks good when playing 720p cable or satellite content.

Sound of stars

Close up of the bottom of the Sony Z9J's screen.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

For those of you who regularly read my TV reviews, I'm going to sound like a broken record here. I think a premium TV like the Z9J deserves an equally high quality sound system. Really, a television just doesn't have to sound terrible to be passable in my book. After that, an immersive, immersive audio experience is best delivered from a high quality soundbar (we have more than a few amazing suggestions for the best soundbars you can buy) or even better, a multi-speaker audio system powered by an A / V Device powered is receiver (an admittedly dying type of sound system).

All in all, the Sony Z9J delivers a surprisingly satisfying audio experience with punch, grunt, clarity, and musicality. It's one of the best sounding TVs you can buy. And it should be the price.

Performance metrics

In SDR without adjustments to the user-defined picture mode (automatic local dimming to medium and peak luminance to off). I measured 389 nits of peak brightness from a 10% window. With Auto Local Dimming on low, I measured 431 nits, and with that setting on high, I got 381.

With automatic local dimming to medium and low peak luminance, I achieved 784 nits. With medium peak luminance I reached 1422 nits and with high setting 1902 nits. This is for SDR folks. This is an incredibly bright SDR picture. You shouldn't take this TV outside with you, but you could take this TV outside and still see it in full sun.

With HDR there were variations depending on where the auto local dimming setting was, but the advanced contrast setting had a big impact on the TV's brightness output. At the medium setting, I have a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. Impressive.

I assume that the Z9J is likely to be able to achieve a peak brightness of 4,000 nits with small HDR highlights.

I just went into Vivid mode to grin and it zoomed in to 3,600 nits. Impressive.

Keep the following in mind: Measuring a test pattern with a 10% white window is not a fair measure of real content performance. I assume that the Z9J is likely to be able to achieve a peak brightness of 4,000 nits with small HDR highlights.

Is there something it can't do?

Caleb Denison plays a video game on the Sony Z9J.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Given the mountain of praise I've given the Z9J, one might wonder what its weaknesses might be. It has a couple.

First, the Sony Z9J is not the best choice for gamers who want the latest features supported by next generation game consoles like the Xbox Series X / S or PCs with hot rod graphics cards like the RTX-3000 series. At the time of writing, variable refresh rate (VRR) is not yet supported (at least not in the US) and firmware updates for VRR support in markets outside the US have been less than warmly received. The auto-low-latency mode was only recently (somehow) offered in a firmware update and is supposedly buggy.

While I don't see hardcore gamers opting for the Z9J, with so many other standout gaming TV options available at a fraction of the cost, I think anyone who pays that much for a TV should get everything. All the bells and whistles. The Z9J falls short in this regard.

Car video game on the Sony Z9J.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

In all honesty, I think the Z9J's biggest weakness is that it can't be enjoyed by very many people at home. To say it is prohibitive is a gross understatement. Fortunately, I expect the Sony X95J to match 95% of the Z9J's performance at a much more accessible price point (relatively speaking, of course – it's still pretty expensive). Does the Z9J really have to be that expensive? That's the harsh reality with luxury products, I suppose.

Why i love it

Sony Z9J TV with multicolored, glittering swirls on the screen.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

By the time I saw the Sony Z9J, I would have told you that the TV I was going to buy this year would be either the LG G1 Gallery Series OLED or the Sony A90J OLED – and it would be a tough call between the two. Now that I've seen this TV I'm not sure. No TV stopped me from OLED like the Sony Z9J. I think it's the HDR brightness beat and the way the image seems to jump off the screen into my room in a way I haven't seen from OLED before. Don't get me wrong, OLED is still the king of contrast thanks to its perfect black levels, but the Z9J does so well that I don't have to work too hard to forgive him for suffering a bit in the blacks department. It's just that good.

I spent hours just watching it because it was such an incredible joy to see.

The greatest validation I can give this TV is that I spent hours just watching it because it was such an incredible joy to see. Sure, I probably should have done other work, but I got myself a passport and watched for sheer pleasure knowing it would be a year or so before a TV like the Z9J crossed my test room again.

After all the hours I've spent watching, I want to see it even more. I said that about the few televisions in my life.

Our opinion

Is there a better alternative?

In terms of picture quality, in my opinion only the LG C1 and G1 OLED TVs, the Sony A90 or the Samsung Q900R can hold a candle to the Z9J, and for different reasons. Unfortunately, the blanket answer to this question is yes, as the price of this TV is unjustifiable.

How long it will take?

The Z9J is only held back by the lack of support for some functions related to HDMI 2.1, and these are reserved for advanced gaming problems. In terms of product quality and relevance, the Z9J will still be talked about in five or more years, just like the Z9D is today. Sony offers a one-year parts and labor warranty against defects in televisions used in the home.

Should you buy it?

If you have the resources, beat yourself up. The Z9J is a standout television. Just invite me to a watch party.

Editor's recommendations



06 Nov
Blog

Apple AirPods 3 Review: Better Buds In Every Way

Apple AirPods 3.

Apple AirPods 3

RRP $ 179.00

"A great upgrade for Apple's iconic true wireless earbuds."

advantages

  • Very good sound quality

  • MagSafe wireless charging

  • Spatial head tracking audio

  • IPX4 water resistance

disadvantage

  • Not great in noisy surroundings

Now that Apple has released its third generation, $ 179 AirPods, You are probably wondering, are they any good? If I have first or second generation AirPods, should I upgrade? And is it still worth the extra cash on the $ 249 AirPods Pro? I will save you some time.

The answers are yes, yes, and maybe. Would you like to know more? Here is our full review.

In the Goldilocks zone

AirPods 3, AirPods and AirPods Pro sit in their charging cases.

AirPods 3, AirPods and AirPods Pro side by side.

  • 1.
    Apple AirPods (left), AirPods 3 (center) and AirPods Pro.
  • 2.
    Apple AirPods (left), AirPods 3 (center) and AirPods Pro.

The design of the third generation AirPods – which we now refer to as AirPods 3 – makes them look like the missing link between the original AirPods and the AirPods Pro in every way. That intermediate impression is the story of the AirPods 3 in a nutshell: They take the best parts of each of these other models to strike the perfect middle ground at the same intermediate price. If that was Apple's goal, I think it has succeeded insanely.

Fans of half-open earphones no longer have to accept mediocre sound quality.

The AirPods 3 are stuck in the Goldilocks zone – they improve the second generation AirPods in every way, while paying for the second generation AirPods with wireless charging at a lower price than they used to be and significantly less than the regular price AirPods Pro .

Even their charging case is a situation that sticks out of both worlds, with Qi and MagSafe compatible wireless charging and yet with dimensions almost exactly the same size and shape as the original AirPods case.

Bigger, better sound

Apple AirPods 3 in the charging case. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The original AirPods won many fans for their wireless convenience, simplicity, and easy integration with iPhone. But most would admit they're okay at best in terms of sound quality – hardly an improvement over the performance of the wired EarPods Apple ships with its iPhones. And despite the semi-open design, the AirPods 3, just like the original AirPods, sound a lot better.

Head tracking spatial audio is like sitting in a studio session with your favorite band.

As long as you're in a quiet place, the AirPods 3 sound just as good as the AirPods Pro. There is a lot of clarity from the different frequencies and to my great surprise they have a warm and powerful bass response. You can't compete with closed designs like the Jabra Elite 7 Pro or Sony's WF-1000XM4, but I put them head-to-head with other semi-open buds like the AirPods, Marshall Minor III, Soundpeats Air 3, Urbanista Lisbon and Earin A3 and the AirPods 3 defeated them all. Fans of half-open earphones no longer have to accept mediocre sound quality.

Get spatial

Apple AirPods 3.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Apple has done a lot about spatial audio and Dolby Atmos since adding tracks to Apple Music that use this immersive format. And while pretty much any wired or wireless headphone can enjoy Atmos while listening to select Apple Music songs, the AirPods 3 take it a step further with spatial head-tracking audio.

The function that the new AirPods share with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max takes advantage of the already immersive quality of Dolby Atmos music and adjusts some of the song elements in real time to respond to your head movements. The lead singer (s) are “pinned” in the direction of your head, so if you turn your head one way or the other, that singer's voice will sound like it's still coming from the same forward direction. It's a bit like a studio session with your favorite band.

A more bulbous (but super smooth) shape makes them safer without compromising on comfort.

As with Dolby Atmos music itself, the effect can vary widely from track to track. But when done right, like on Imagine Dragons' new album Mercury – Act 1, it's a wild ride. Older material remixed for spatial audio, like the Rolling Stones classic Tattoo You, doesn't fare as well as newer works (sorry Mick and Keith).

The same head tracking works on movie soundtracks too, and I'd argue that it's an even better use of the technology as it can simulate what it's like to be in a full surround sound theater, just with yours Earbuds.

You can't use spatial head-tracking audio often (and you can turn it off completely if you don't like the sound), but it's a cool feature that helps justify buying the AirPods 3, even if there are so many are great real wireless earbuds out there.

Comfortable curves

Apple AirPods 3.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Another common complaint about the first few AirPods is that while they are very comfortable, they don't feel very safe in your ears. This, along with the lack of official water or sweat protection, has deterred some people from using them for running or other high-impact activities.

The AirPods 3 (mostly) manage to dispel both concerns. With a more bulbous (but super smooth) shape, they have much better contact with the skin of the outer ear and that, along with their shorter stem, makes them safer without sacrificing comfort. If you like the fit of the AirPods 2, you should be pretty happy with the AirPods 3. They're not as safe as the AirPods Pro, which means you may need to adjust them regularly, especially if you're using the force sensor controls a lot – squeezing the stems to activate them can accidentally move the earbuds, especially when To run.

But they have an IPX4 rating for water resistance, so go ahead and sweat as much as you want.

Find a nice, quiet place

While the sound quality of the AirPods 3 is really remarkable given their semi-open design with no silicone earbuds, they can't seal much and a lot of external noise seeps into your ears along with your music. Even in moderately noisy environments, you'll need to turn up the volume to hear your podcasts or phone calls.

This is where the AirPods Pro have a big advantage. Thanks to these silicone earbuds, not only do they offer better passive noise isolation, but they also have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which can attenuate all but the most intrusive outside noise.

On the other hand, with the AirPods 3 letting in so much sound, there's almost no need to remove them to have a conversation, and so the lack of transparency mode isn't a big deal. If you want to be more aware of your surroundings, just pause the music.

Competent calling

Man with Apple AirPods 3.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Call quality on the original AirPods was never perfect, but it was always perfectly adequate. This also applies to the AirPods 3. You shouldn't have any problems being heard, even in moderately noisy environments. Clarity isn't quite as good as the AirPods Pro, but it's good enough for most situations.

A slightly larger battery

We hired Apple to handle the battery life for the AirPods and AirPods Pro because so many other true wireless earbuds offer longer playtime on a single charge, as well as longer overall battery life. So it's nice to see that Apple has managed to get a little more out of the AirPods 3's battery: six hours per charge and 30 hours total time if you include the charging case.

That's still shy of some of the more durable earbuds, but it's still the best we've seen in a range of AirPods. Given that they still support Siri's hands-free calling (one of the biggest battery life benefits), this is a pretty big feat.

The quick charge feature gives you about an hour more listening time when you charge the headphones for five minutes.

Our opinion

With much better sound, a bigger battery, a more secure fit, wireless charging, and spatial head-tracking audio, the AirPods 3 are a huge step up from the second-generation AirPods and an upgrade that all AirPod owners should consider.

Is there a better alternative?

The only half-open earbuds that sound as good as the AirPods 3 are the Oddict branches. However, they lack wireless charging, spatial head-tracking audio, hands-free Siri, and their three-hour battery life is some of the lowest we've seen.

The first generation is a better alternative Apple AirPods Pro, which you can still routinely find on sale for $ 180 to $ 200 (the upgraded version with MagSafe top-up can cost a few dollars more). With ANC and transparency mode, a more secure fit, and better sound, they're the logical next step on the AirPods 3. But a lot of people don't like the feel of silicone earbuds, which brings us back to the AirPod 3.

How long will they last?

With IPX4 water protection and very solid build quality, I am sure that the hardware itself will last for many years. But Apple has had problems in the past with the fact that the batteries in its AirPods lost a lot of capacity in the first two years. I can't say if Apple's new streamlined battery charging feature will significantly reduce this problem. So if you're concerned, it might be worth buying Apple Care to extend your warranty from one year to two years.

Should you buy it?

If you are an Apple device user, definitely. the AirPods 3 are a worthy upgrade of the first AirPods. Android owners won't be able to use features like spatial head tracking audio or hands-free Siri, which makes them less attractive to these people.

Editor's recommendations



05 Nov
Blog

Mario Party Superstars Review: The Do-Over Fans Deserve

The entire cast of characters in Mario Party Superstars stands together.

Mario party superstars

RRP $ 60.00

"Mario Party Superstars is the best game of the series and has a better selection of mini-games and fewer gameplay gimmicks."

advantages

  • Effectively nostalgic

  • Back to the basics of mechanics

  • High quality mini-games

  • Addicting bonus modes

  • Playing online is a plus

disadvantage

  • Still slow

  • Not enough boards

  • No essential unlockable elements

Mario Party Superstars is a much-needed makeover to the multiplayer series. It learns so effectively from the successes and failures of previous Mario Party games that it almost feels like it should be the final entry. We have reached the upper limit of Mario Party.

At its core, it's a nostalgia trip back to basics that revives the spirit of the original Nintendo 64 classics. But beyond that, it saves moments of brilliance hidden in the weakest parts of the series. It treats Nintendo 3DS 'Mario Party: The Top 100 (a game that had old mini-games but jettisoned the actual board game) as a clumsy mulligan and gets its "best of" build idea right. Most importantly, it's a second chance for the series on Nintendo Switch after Super Mario Party's potential has been wasted due to a lack of post-launch support.

Mario Party Superstars is the best Mario Party game ever, even if it is by default. The curated nature means players will get the best – and most – mini-games the series has to offer, although that doesn't apply to board selection. The commitment to play online at launch puts it ahead of Super Mario Party and makes Superstars the best version of what a Mario Party game can be.

If it's not broken

If you haven't played a Mario Party game since the Nintendo 64, you will feel right at home in Superstars. There are no gimmicks or formula shake-ups here. Nintendo has reduced Mario Party to the essentials: it is a board game in which players roll dice, compete against each other in mini-games and try to win the most stars. That creates a more focused and reliable party game that doesn't distract with mechanical gambling. Not an ambitious start, but after 15 years of mixed bags exactly what the series needs.

Curation is the keyword here. Previous Mario Party games invented over 50 brand new mini-games apiece, which could result in lots of duds if the series ran out of all its best ideas. This time around, each mini-game was chosen from previous entries, roughly half of which are from the original Nintendo 64 trilogy. Players get 100 of the best mini-games in the series with far fewer stinkers in the pile.

Mario and friends compete against each other in a mushroom mini-game in Mario Party Superstars.

It's nice to see how classic mini-games have been modernized here. Basically, seeing old favorites is just an effective nostalgia game – I screeched when Pushy Penguins showed up, a Mario Party 5 mini-game I played to death on a GameCube demo disc as a kid. But it also has a functional aspect. A game like Mario Party's Crazy Cutters, in which players trace a shape with a jackhammer, simply controls the Switch's Joy-Cons much better than the Nintendo 64's clunky analog stick (unless you're drifting). If you only kept your N64 warm to play Mario Party with friends, you can safely put it away.

Some games have also been tweaked to be better than their old school counterparts. In Mario Party 2, the goal of Dizzy Dancing was to snap a green note hovering over a spinning turntable while trying to navigate inverted motion controls. This time around, the game became a timed game, with players struggling to snap as many notes as possible (a change that first happened in The Top 100). The original could end in seconds, but this is a more competitive iteration that's just better at ruining friendships.

For those who gave up on Mario Party, this is a reminder that with the right mini-games, the formula can still work.

It's also nice that the package includes some real standouts from later (and weaker) Mario Party entries. As someone who quit after the fifth game, I was shocked at how brilliant some of the newer mini-games are. Mario Party 8’s Paint Misbehavin ’, for example, is an adorable, Splatoon-like turf war in which players try to paint as many Goombas as possible with colored ink. As I went through the stack and "favored" my standout games, I found that most of them were from the late GameCube and Wii era.

Wario and Yoshi compete against Mario and Donkey Kong in the mini-game Handcar Havoc from Mario Party Superstars.

This is the real success of Mario Party Superstars. It's not just aimed at die-hard N64s who want a quick nostalgic hit; It takes one long hard look at the entire franchise and celebrates the moments when it shone. For those who gave up on Mario Party, this is a reminder that with the right mini-games, the formula can still work.

Leaner is better

In terms of the overall package, Nintendo took a less-is-more approach here. Instead of filling the game with tons of semi-realized ideas, it focuses more on the core board game Mario Party. There are no special gimmicks like Super Mario Party's character-specific dice or buddy system. Instead, we get the tightest version of the N64 game with slight but smart tweaks to the general coin and item economy.

Outside of the main multiplayer game, however, there is still quite a bit of work to be done. Mt. Minigames acts as a hub where players can compete against each other in a few additional modes. Some of these are simple, like the free mini-game or a 1v3 challenge mode. Some mini-games even have their own point hunt outside of the main game, which is a fun thing. Mario & # 39; s Puzzle Party, a match-two puzzler from Mario Party 3, has its own three-minute point attack mode that has become a surprising addiction to me.

Mario wins a round of survival mode in Mario Party Superstars.

The most important feature here is the online component. Unlike Super Mario Party, Mario Party Superstars supports full online play at launch (the former didn't get this feature until years after its release). The ability to play Mario Party online with friends is crucial. Nowadays it is just not likely that people would regularly bring four people together in person to play a few rounds. Multiplayer titles are played over Discord and Twitch streams. Choosing to play online is a necessity for the series to stay relevant. It's a relief to see it included, even if it should have been taken for granted.

It's also nice that online gaming goes beyond the simple board game. Superstars offers two online specific modes: Survival and Daily Challenge. The former has the longest-term single-player potential among the extras. Players go online and try to beat as many mini-games in a row as possible. It's a high-stakes endurance test that adds smart high score tracking to a series that previously had no compelling reason to play alone.

Choosing to play online is a necessity for the series to stay relevant.

The most effective thing about the different modes in the game is that they all revolve around the same pool of mini-games. Super Mario Party included Sound Stage, a rhythm game mode that was excellent on paper. Unfortunately, it required mini-games designed specifically for this mode. It just wasn't included in the game enough to make a lasting impression, and it made the overall list of the game's mini-games feel thin. Everything you play in the side mode will ultimately be available in the board game, and vice versa.

The best it can be

When I say this is the best version of Mario Party, I have to acknowledge that the series has a certain cap. No matter how good the mini-games are, the central board game can still be excruciatingly slow. Players can increase text and CPU speeds, or fast-forward some board events, but there's no way to directly skip the slower parts of the game. The pace seems a bit faster than previous entries, but it still feels like I can take a toilet break while Toadette moves a star.

Nintendo's awe of Mario Party's past should end with his mini-games. Other parts of the series need to be modernized if the series is to continue.

The collection is also no longer the Mario Party equivalent to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It only contains five boards, all of which are from the first three games in the series. That's a smaller number than any Nintendo 64 game that had at least six. While the list includes standout cards like Space Land and Peach's Birthday Cake, it also includes something of a dud in Yoshi's Tropical Island – a frustrating beginner's card that leaves a lot to the luck.

The space land map in Mario Party Superstars.

It's strange to see the game show such a great awe for the mini-games in the series but not show the same love for its boards. Those who really want to make this a party staple will end up playing the same cards over and over again. Realistically, Switch owners will likely want Super Mario Party ready to liven up the pool.

Likewise, there are only 10 playable characters here (the list excludes characters like Bowser, who appears as an NPC in certain maps and games). This isn't a big deal breaker, especially since characters don't have specific skills this time around, but it's a shame there aren't any unlockable characters or boards to hunt down. That was a staple of old Nintendo party games that have fallen by the wayside in recent years. Instead, the game includes an easy "level-up" system that unlocks collectibles like music and stickers in a shop. Collecting enough coins to buy everything is an efficient catch for completers, but I wish there was something more substantial that could keep me playing.

The sleek character and board pickings would be fine if I felt like the game was saving some content for post launch support. Unfortunately, Nintendo has lost my trust here. I said the same thing after Super Mario Party, a game that felt like DLC but didn't get one. In fact, one could argue that Superstars should have been just a paid add-on and not a full retail game. Any Nintendo franchise could really benefit Mario Party from adopting a DLC model that will keep new games, characters, and boards going for years to come. Hopefully this will be the case here, but I've been burned before – and you'll only get burned once on the Hot Rope Jump before you're out.

Boos steal stars from multiple players in Mario Party Superstars.

Nintendo's awe of Mario Party's past should end with his mini-games. Other parts of the series need to be modernized if the series is to continue. Otherwise, superstars could be a big goodbye for fans looking to close a nostalgic chapter of their gaming childhood.

Our opinion

Mario Party Superstars is a delightful celebration of the multiplayer juggernaut's colorful past. By curating the best mini-games from the series, Nintendo has created a more consistent multiplayer game with fewer duds. The back-to-basics approach ensures a more focused experience that isn't blocked by gimmicks and experimentation. It's still as slow as ever and the selection of boards is disappointingly sparse, but that's as good as it gets when it comes to Mario Party.

Is there a better alternative?

Super Mario Party isn't such a tight package, but it does have some fun ideas that haven't been carried over here.

How long it will take?

Games can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, so it depends on how often you play. The additional modes extend it. You can also track achievements in the game and buy a shop full of collectibles. I still don't have everything after 20 hours.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Mario Party Superstars is hands down the best Mario Party game even if the package is missing in some areas. It could be the last Mario Party game you ever need to buy.

Editor's recommendations



05 Nov
Blog

Dreame H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum Review: Modern Convenience

Dreame H11 Max vacuum

Dreame H11 Max

RRP $ 500.00

"The Dreame H11 Max vacuum cleaner is powerful, slim and easy to use and is equipped for dealing with hard floors."

advantages

  • Strong suction power

  • Slim, attractive design

  • Adaptive suction

  • Simple interface

disadvantage

  • A bit expensive

  • Does not clean carpets

As someone who hates Swiffers and is way too lazy to mop regularly, I was downright happy to have this Dreame H11 Max wet and dry vacuum cleaner for a twist. This cordless vacuum cleaner impresses with 36 minutes of running time, a self-cleaning roller brush and a slim profile. As the name suggests, it is a 2-in-1 combination vacuum cleaner that can remove both wet and dry dirt. Is it enough to clear my admittedly low bar? Probably! Let's dig in.

Out of the box

The Dreame H11 Max is very easy to assemble. All you really need to do is put the handle on and it clicks into place. It is equipped with buttons for switching on, switching modes and initiating self-cleaning. The orientation of the handle was a bit strange as it loops from the shaft outwards towards the front of the vacuum cleaner, more towards the rear towards the user. The secret of this design decision eludes me to this day.

Dreame H11 Max Vacuum in a corner.Simon Sage / Digital Trends

Otherwise, the H11 Max looks pretty good overall. It has smooth and sharp lines that set it apart from many vacuum cleaners. I could leave this open as opposed to my current vacuum which remains shamefully hidden.

When the charging station is plugged in and you insert the vacuum cleaner for the first five-hour warm-up period, you will be greeted by an acoustic prompt confirming that the charging process has started. The sound can be annoying, but luckily there is a button on the back to completely ban the audio prompts. The stand has space for the supplied spare roll and cleaning brush, but there is no space for the supplied additional filter. Damned.

From here, it's a simple matter of topping up the 0.23 gallon fresh water tank. Once the vacuum is activated, the water runs through the brush, then the filter, before ending up in the 0.13 gallon dirty water tank.

power

What Swiffer pads have in terms of comfort, they lose in terms of cleaning power. Throwing out the mop is a huge effort. After examining my laminate kitchen floor with the Dreame H11 Max, I was pleasantly surprised at how little water it uses compared to conventional mopping and at the same time it picks up a significant amount of dirt. The 200W brushless motor did its job and provided enough traction that I took away a lot of the manual drudgery that comes with wiping. Dreame says it has its proprietary detergent in the box. Even if mine didn't, the H11 Max was still good at cleaning. In the long run, I can't resist the temptation to use another party's more readily available laundry detergent.

Close-up of the vacuum attachment of the Dreame H11 Max Vacuum.Simon Sage / Digital Trends

Some wet vacuums work on carpets, but this one doesn't. My hopes of creating some storage space by breaking free of a much larger vacuum were not only dashed, but completely reversed. I would have to make room for two monstrous devices in my life to maintain all of the floors in my apartment. This is a strike.

With all its power, I didn't find the H11 Max that loud.

At 10.1 pounds, the H11 Max may not have the maneuverability or light weight of a Dyson OmniGlide, but it has good performance and run time. However, my cleaning program is slack to the point of horror, so using the Dreame H11 Max's six 4,000 mAh batteries for 36 minutes is largely wasted. Dreame claims there's enough water to clean 2,152 square feet, but only in my haziest fever dreams will I ever own that much hardwood floor, let alone the change to clean it all at once. A lighter model may actually be better for something you only spill occasionally, rather than cleaning the entire house that some crazy people seem to be doing. With all its power, I didn't find the H11 Max that loud.

LED display of the Dreame H11 Max Vacuum.Simon Sage / Digital Trends

The LED surface keeps users informed about everything. Aside from the power levels, there is very little to consider. You can switch between Auto and Slurpy mode, which soaks up spills. Various error indicators light up when something goes wrong. The outer colored ring serves as a real-time contamination indicator that can help you find particularly problematic areas. This vacuum cleaner adjusts the suction power to remove new debris in a snap, and you can hear it in problem areas to scrub extra hard.

price

The $ 500 H11 Max is in the right range for new wet and dry vacuums, albeit in the slightly higher range. You can certainly find cheaper ones that are closer to the $ 200 mark, but they tend to be wired.

Our opinion

The Dreame H11 Max vacuum cleaner has proven to be powerful, slim and easy to use. A decent water tank and long battery life make it a viable option for larger homes. Unfortunately, without the support of carpet surfaces, the H11 Max is unlikely to be able to tackle every floor in every home. You need to assess whether you would like to have a second vacuum cleaner for carpets in the house.

Is there a better alternative?

Bissell has a number of upright cordless wet and dry vacuums that work on both hard and carpeted floors, and are also a little cheaper. I would consider that Bissell CrossWave before you take the plunge onto the Dreame H11 Max. I still give the H11 Max a notch for a more modern design. For dry soiling, the alternative solution is as cheap as a broom.

How long it will take?

Dreame offers a one year warranty so you are covered for at least that long. Since this vacuum cleaner is designed for larger households, it can be worn out more. However, the lithium-ion batteries are likely to lose primarily mechanical charge. Batteries last between three and five years, depending on usage.

Should you buy it?

Homeowners with a lot of flooring and a desire for cleanliness can use the large battery and the ample water supply of the Dreame H11 Max. It can be overkill for people who like to be content with the occasional broom sweeping to take care of their hard floors.

Editor's recommendations



05 Nov
Blog

DJI Action 2 Review: Reinventing the Action Camera

DJI action 2.

"With its unique modular design and easily replaceable batteries, the Action 2 breaks the mold that has dictated the design of action cameras for decades."

advantages

  • Versatile and unique modular design

  • Remarkably small and light

  • Great picture quality

  • Gimble-like video stabilization

  • Fantastic audio recording function

disadvantage

  • The image quality is not quite as sharp as with GoPro

  • Low light performance isn't that great

When DJI launched the original Osmo Action, it faced stiff competition with the GoPro Hero 8 Black. Surprisingly, DJI did well where so many other companies had tried to break a chunk of the GoPro market, and the Osmo Action had been my action camera of choice for the past two years. It is high time to upgrade, though, and I've been keeping my eye on the DJI Action 2 – DJI has decided to drop the name "Osmo". The new action camera is a total reinvention aimed at creating its own niche rather than going head to head with the impressive GoPro Hero 10 Black that I recently tested.

The question, however, is whether Action 2's innovative modular approach is enough to set it apart from the competition. Are its unique attributes the head start DJI needs to be successful in the action camera arena?

draft

There's really nothing like the DJI Action 2. First of all, it's small – really small: only 1.54 x 0.86 inches and weighs only 56 grams. To get an idea of ​​what this means in the real world, you can slip it in your pocket or even conveniently carry it on the magnetic tag accessory.

DJI Action 2 lens.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

The second point is that this camera is not just a single unit, it is actually modular, with the front selfie screen or battery separate from the camera module. The modules connect via a strong magnetic clamping system that is absolutely rock-solid. This allows the camera module to be completely sealed even without a charging port, giving it a waterproof rating of up to 32 feet. It can go up to 196 feet deep with the help of the optional waterproof case. Keep in mind that the front touchscreen and battery modules are not waterproof, so don't submerge them without first placing them in the waterproof case.

DJI Action 2 waterproof case.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

Another advantage of this system is that there is no longer any need to open cumbersome connections to replace batteries. A new battery module can be snapped open in a few seconds to begin charging the primary battery. It is even possible to swap the batteries while the recording is in progress. In the long run, I see a potential disadvantage to this approach is that the primary battery will degrade over time and cannot be replaced, but this design offers enough advantages that seem like a small compromise.

DJI Action 2 connector plate.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

The magnetic snap system also allows the Action 2 to be quickly moved between different accessories. You can have it on the bluetooth remote one second and effortlessly snap onto a magnetic mount attached to a headband the next. If a metal object is at hand, the Action 2 can simply be glued onto it, potentially allowing it to be mounted in places where a tripod or other mount would not work.

The 1.76-inch touchscreen on both the camera and front screen modules is certainly tiny, but I had no problem using it or filming with it. A single button turns the camera on / off and stops / starts recording; Double tap to switch modes.

DJI Action 2 touch screen.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

Another interesting design decision is the complete lack of connectors on the camera module. The camera module has 32 GB of onboard memory. To expand this memory, both the battery and the front touchscreen module have a microSD card slot. This means that when the camera is separated from these modules, it can only record in the internal memory. On the plus side, however, this means that if you have multiple power or front touchscreen modules, each with an SD card, these modules not only charge the camera, but also provide additional storage space when plugged in.

One of the more fascinating accessories available for the Action 2 is a macro lens. As someone who spends a lot of time in his spare time photographing insects, tree frogs and flowers, this opens up exciting opportunities. It offers decent magnification, albeit with a healthy dose of edge distortion.

With Action 2 over the past few weeks, I've really come to appreciate how much thought and technology has gone into this camera.

power

As clever as the design of the Action 2 is, it has to be able to deliver great video too. Fortunately, it does. The Action 2 has a 12 MP 1 / 1.7-inch CMOS sensor and an aperture of f / 2.8. These aren't particularly impressive specs, but in practice they produce great looking video. The Action 2 can record 4K footage at up to 120 frames per second for high resolution slow motion or 240 frames per second at 1080p for 8x slow motion.

It's a shame that it doesn't manage 240fps at a resolution of 2.7k, but it didn't bother me that much in use. I generally prefer to shoot in 4K, and when I want super slow motion the action being captured generally dwarfs the importance of resolution.

It achieves that "gimbal-like" stability that allows it to take decent shots while walking and holding the camera.

As for image quality, I'm generally happy with the look of the footage from Action 2. It may be a little saturated and high-contrast, but personally I really like it, and more importantly, it did a good job around Process high-contrast scenes such as a twilight forest with a bright sky. Action 2 consistently managed to get shadows in such situations without blowing out the lights too much.

As you'd expect from a small sensor camera, the low light performance is pretty poor – if not the worst I've seen. There is only so much you can do to overcome the physics of collecting light on a small sensor by a small lens.

Perhaps most importantly, DJI has massively updated its Rocksteady image stabilization so that it is just as good, if not a bit better, than what GoPro has achieved with their latest camera technology. It achieves that "gimbal-like" stability that allows it to take decent shots while walking and holding the camera.

There's also a new HorizonSteady feature that maintains a level horizon regardless of the camera orientation. Keep in mind that RockSteady 2.0 only works below 100 fps and HorizonSteady only works at resolutions of 2.7K or less. Despite the resolution limitation, I found HorizonSteady absolutely worth the tradeoff when shooting smooth footage on uneven, uneven terrain.

In addition, the Action 2 has the hyperlapse and timelapse functions that we expect from action cameras. This is very important to me as it is one of my main uses for action cameras. These modes work well, and I love the prospect of traveling with the Action 2 and using its magnets to capture time-lapse videos in unique locations.

I was shocked at how good the sound recorded from Action 2 was. It's very useful for vlogging purposes – or just for video recording in general. It's far better than I'd expect from an action camera, and is a serious upgrade over the previous Osmo Action, which had pretty good shooting capabilities.

It's very useful for vlogging purposes – or just for video recording in general.

The Action 2 is capable of capturing still images, although in my experience this is a rarely used feature of action cameras. The 12-megapixel sensor does a good job of rendering nice pictures, but honestly, I'm more likely to pull out my phone to take a still photo than to put the Action 2 into photo mode. Even so, the functionality is there when you need it. Another feature you might be interested in is the QuickClip mode, which records preset 15-second videos for social media. You can also stream live with the Action 2 at up to 1080p 30fps or use the camera as a webcam.

Battery life

On the one hand, I was only able to record about 12 minutes of 4K video before the Action 2 ran out of juice in the camera module's 580 mAh battery. However, the other two modules are equipped with 1300 mAh batteries, which is sufficient for a day of shooting. They charge from empty to full in about 90 minutes.

Software and connectivity

I have no complaints about the software on the camera itself. It is very responsive and changing settings is quick and easy. The DJI Mimo companion app is also a useful tool as it enables remote control of the Action 2 and an editing workflow for your footage. There is also an AI editor that can automatically edit your videos with music and matching transitions so they can be easily shared right from the app.

The Action 2 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connection to the app and optional accessories such as the Bluetooth remote control. I had no problems with the camera in this regard; It is a well developed and optimized system.

Price and availability

The Action 2 comes in two different bundles: the power combo is $ 399 and includes the main camera, power module, magnetic collar, and magnetic adapter mount, while the dual-screen combo is $ 519 and all contains what is included in the power combo, bar an exchange of the power module for a front touchscreen module and a magnetic ball head adapter holder.

The great thing here is that you get the same camera features whether you go for the budget-friendly power combo or the pony-up for the front touchscreen. I wouldn't say both combinations are a real bargain, but it comes down to what you would expect for a camera with Action 2 capabilities.

The Action 2 will be available for the front touchscreen combo from November 2nd. The power combo and most of the additional accessories should be available sometime in mid-November, with the exception of the DJI MIC – which will be available in December – and the magnetic headband – whose availability has not yet been decided at this point.

DJI Action 2 Unboxing 3.Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

Our opinion

The DJI Action 2 is a really innovative action camera and its novel approach really sets it apart from the competition. It does pretty much anything you'd expect in an action camera, and it does it very well. It's an action camera that, when taken to the bare minimum, is so small and light that you really have no excuse not to take it with you. By doing everything in its power to rethink action cameras from the ground up, DJI has landed a real home run with Action 2.

Is there a better alternative?

GoPro is always the elephant in the room when it comes to action cameras, and the Hero 10 Black was an easy choice for Editors & # 39; Choice when I checked her out last month. They are so close together that if I were forced to determine a winner I would likely declare a draw.

They're roughly in the same price range considering their different pricing models, and both offer great image stabilization. The GoPro can capture 5.3K footage, its 4K footage looks slightly more detailed, and it can capture 240fps slow-motion at 2.7K, while the Action 2 can only achieve that frame rate at 1080p. However, the Action 2 camera module is only about a third the size of the Hero 10 Black and its modular magnet system offers really unique advantages over the GoPro.

I could go back and forth for hours comparing these two cameras, but in the end I came to the conclusion that they are on par.

Its modular magnet system offers really unique advantages over the GoPro

How long it will take?

Unlike GoPro, DJI doesn't follow an annual release schedule for its products, so I can't tell when it will be replaced. Despite its age, my original Osmo Action is still a very capable camera, and I expect Action 2 will remain relevant for much longer. It's pretty sturdy, so it should last a long time – depending on how much punishment it receives, DJI naturally offers a standard limited warranty on its devices.

The only downer is the already mentioned non-replaceable batteries, especially in the camera module. Eventually, the battery life on this module degrades to the point where you need to leave a battery or front touchscreen module connected in order for it to work for a reasonable amount of time. However, this will last for many years and be used frequently, so this shouldn't stop you from buying the camera.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The DJI Action 2 is an extremely compelling action camera, especially if you have a specific use case in mind that would benefit from its small size, light weight, and unique modular design.

Editor's recommendations



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