30 Mar
Blog

Dell XPS 8940 SE Desktop Review: The Do-It-All Home PC

dell xps 8940 se desktop review 2

"Dell's midrange GPU still delivers over 80% of the performance of the flagship GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, saving customers a ton of money."

  • Chic aesthetics

  • Good balance between performance and price

  • 4K games in a compact design

  • Easy way to get an RTX 3070 despite a GPU shortage

  • No Ryzen configurations

  • Limited expandability

If you need a work-from-home desktop, you've probably considered the Dell XPS desktop at some point. It's neither for hardcore gamers nor as boring as a normal office tower. Don't forget, however, that this is XPS, a premium brand that is highly regarded in the laptop space. So the question is whether the XPS desktop strikes the same balance between excellent design and impressive performance.

To find out, I looked at the latest iteration, the XPS 8940 SE desktop, which is the white version of the standard black model. Prices start at $ 649, but my updated configuration rose to $ 2,136 because of the Intel Core i7-10700K, Nvidia RTX 3070, and 32GB of RAM.

Aside from problems with GPU supply, Dell offers numerous upgrade options to get a system that does as much as you need it to be. This makes the XPS Desktop a versatile champion for homes, dorms, and even games and moderated creative endeavors when it has top notch chores. the-line specifications.

design

The XPS 8940 is available either in a subtle night sky black or in the chic mineral white color of our Special Edition configuration. It's a new look for the line and definitely an improvement overall. It's a simplified and modernized design as long as you know what you're getting into. Compared to the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop from Dell, the XPS foregoes the pronounced curves and strong contours of its premium sibling in favor of a traditional and decidedly box-shaped design.

Although the sharp lines and angular design of the XPS desktop create boring images of a corporate desktop, it looks less conservative than it appears in the mineral white color. The top half of the front is surrounded by a slightly curved, smooth plastic plate that houses the optional optical drive – a rarity even for desktops these days – as well as a power switch and vertically oriented ports, one of which is a USB-C port for a little future security.

Immediately below the curved plate is a flat and slightly recessed perforated grill in the lower half of the front panel of the XPS Desktop. This lower panel adds not only a bit of texture to an otherwise muted design, but also a bit of visual interest. The special edition white shade enhances the overall aesthetics of the desktop. The perforated plate can resemble a car panel and give the desktop a modern and contemporary look in a minimalist structure. However, you can also feel equally comfortable in a summer house, as the lattice can also be seen as a modern reinterpretation of sugar cane or rattan furniture in this setting. I wish the plastic plate on the front was a bit higher quality as it feels hollow and light to the touch.

The sides of the XPS Desktop consist of color-coordinated metal plates, which are connected at the top with an off-center seam. The left cover can be easily removed with a couple of thumbscrews on the back, making upgrades and repairs relatively easy. The solid metal sides – instead of a clear tempered glass side window – help ensure that the XPS Desktop's design is conservative enough to be used in a more professional office setting, as there is no attention-grabbing RGB lighting coming from inside the tower.

And without the distraction of clear panels, Dell was able to focus its engineering efforts on function rather than form. Cable management is still tidy despite the lack of a window design, but the layout of the interior is rather sparse without many details or RGB lighting. The nice thing about it is that Dell did an excellent job with cooling and airflow. While the XPS isn't as whisper-quiet as a fanless laptop – like Apple's MacBook Air – the fan noise is very quiet and not distracting. The Dell desktop has a single fan in the case and two fans to cool the GPU. The CPU, meanwhile, uses a twin-tower style air cooler. It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it does the job.

Ports and Connectivity

I really appreciated that the ports are split between the front and back, which is both easy to access and easy to manage cables.

On the front, you'll find a full-size memory card reader, headset jack, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, including three Type-A ports and a single Type-C port. It's nice that Dell has a Type-C port on the front that can be used to quickly connect or charge modern smartphones. The optical drive can also write to Blu-ray discs.

On the back you will find four more USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, all of type A, as well as two additional USB 2.0 ports. There is a Gigabit Ethernet socket as well as sockets for headphones, microphone and audio output.

The motherboard has its own HDMI and DisplayPort. However, since the desktop comes with its own GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, you should use either the line HDMI or three DisplayPort video outputs to connect an external display.

Expandability

Dell's use of proprietary components can make this rig less attractive to enthusiasts. The tower's compact size of 19 liters also means that Dell used a dedicated motherboard, so upgrades (aside from RAM and storage) could become more difficult as the system ages.

However, if you're a data hunter, the good news is there are two empty 2.5-inch drive bays to add more storage space. Installing more space should be fairly easy, even for a novice PC.

Dell Special Edition XPS Desktop RTXChuong Nguyen / Digital Trends

Despite its small size, Dell was able to put a full-length GPU under pressure in our test unit. The graphics card occupies both the PCIe x16 slot and the expansion slot for graphics cards with double width. However, upgrading to an RTX 3070 can be pointless. The desktop can also accommodate additional PCIe x1 and PCIe x4 cards.

There are some limitations with this desktop. The first is that while the 500 watt power supply is sufficient for this class of graphics, upgrading the power supply for more powerful graphics is a challenge. Do-it-yourselfers are limited by the space available for the power supply at the bottom of the case. The bigger problem, however, is using a proprietary Dell 6-pin connector to power the motherboard. This means that if you want more powerful graphics, you'll have to resort to an external power supply and plug cables into the inside of the case as a clumsy workaround.

The cables inside are neatly arranged – wires generally snake across the top, down the front, and flow down to where the power supply is located. Cables are bundled with a few zip ties, but you won't find the sleek cable management systems found in premium boutique buildings. It's not a complete mess which is good.

performance

Our Special Edition XPS Desktop, priced at $ 2,136 configured, came with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10700K processor, though Dell didn't overclock the CPU straight away, paired it with a mid-range Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU and 32 GB memory. Given that the XPS lineup is rounded off with an RTX 3070, customers looking for something higher – like an RTX 3080 or RTX 3090 – will have to switch to the higher end Alienware Aurora Desktop in the Dell lineup.

Although Dell recently introduced a minor performance update to its XPS desktop by offering 11th Gen Intel Core configurations, AMD gamers will have to look elsewhere as well. In particular, Dell doesn't include builds with Ryzen processors, although some limited configurations come with Radeon graphics. Wish there were more different builds, but the performance I got with the 10th Gen K-Series processor on our Special Edition test unit is more than for most gaming, creativity, and productivity tasks suitable, and even gamers will be satisfied with the agility of this desktop with a few upgrades.

The XPS scored a little more than 7,300 points in our PCMark 10 test, which is what you can expect from the Intel Core i7-10700K. The performance of the XPS desktop is expected to be lower than that of a system with a Core i9-10900K configuration, but better than a rig equipped with AMD's Ryzen 9 3950X, such as the Ryien-powered Aurora R10 AMD Edition from Alienware.

The Core i7 is more than capable of handling most of the tasks I asked it to do, and Dell's K-series variant offers strong performance at a cheaper price. Similar to PCMark 10, the Core i7-10700K achieved a single-core score of 1,355 points and a multi-core score of 9,034 points. These values ​​mean that the i7 lags behind the Core i9-10900K and i9-10900KF processors, but only to a negligible extent.

In the synthetic Geekbench 5 benchmark, the XPS desktop score shows that the 10th generation Intel processor can maintain its multi-core performance compared to the new M1 processor from Apple on the Mac mini desktop. The single-core value of the Mac Mini of 1,707 points is above the XPS desktop, but the Apple desktop was almost 1,700 points behind Dell's offer in the multi-core test.

The XPS Desktop achieved competitive single and multi-core results in the Cinebench R23 test compared to other Intel processors, scoring 1,311 and 13,586 points, respectively. As with the Geekbench 5 scores, this means that the M1-powered Mac Mini performed better on the single-core Cinebench R23 score, but Intel is maintaining its multi-core performance for now with a margin of 42% over that M1 processor.

For everyday tasks, the system can handle multiple browsers with multiple tabs open, Microsoft Office applications, and creative software such as Adobe Creative Suite without noticeable delays or delays. Some more demanding games started a little faster on the better Core i9 processors. However, this is only noticeable if you can compare both systems side by side.

The XPS Desktop comes with two drives. This strategy allows Dell to provide the largest amount of storage at a lower cost and free up space for additional drives. Inside, in addition to a 3.5-inch 2TB hard drive, is a primary 512GB NVMe solid-state drive that plugs into the only M.2 slot on the motherboard. With the solid-state drive, the speeds were very fast. You want to keep your apps and games that you need most on the 512GB drive and reserve the more spacious 2TB for less frequently used digital files.

The performance of the Core i7-10700K in our Blender test shows that it lags behind the more powerful Intel Core i9-10900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and Ryzen 9 5900X CPUs in the BMW benchmark. In fact, the rendering performance of the Core i7-10700K is similar to that of the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X and Ryzen 7 3800XT.

In the classroom benchmark, the performance of the Core i7-10700K is very similar to that of the Core i9-9900K, although the rendering time was a bit longer than the AMD Ryzen 7 2800 X and XT series. Upgrading to a 10th generation Intel Core i9 would help reduce rendering time even further.

Graphics performance

Despite a build that only comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, the XPS desktop isn't a problem. The RTX 3070 can handle most of the 4K games you throw at it. Most players will choose this card well as it can handle modern titles with ease. Dell equipped our test device with a 500 watt power supply that is powerful enough for this GPU configuration. Hobbyists who want to upgrade to more powerful graphics, however, are limited by the power of the power supply.

In our 3D Mark benchmark, the Fire Strike score of the XPS Desktop of 61,213 points and the Time Spy score of 12,489 points are ahead of the previous generation RTX 2080 and within striking distance of the premium GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. This is in view of the The middle position of the RTX 3070 in Nvidia's RTX 3000 series is quite an achievement. For comparison: The RTX 2080 scored just over 11,500 points in the Time Spy test, while the RTX 2080 Ti scored in the mid-13,000s.

The RTX 3070's performance in creative tasks is similar to its graphics performance. In our PugetBench Premiere Pro benchmark, the XPS Desktop value of 689 is again behind the performance of the RTX 2080 Ti and ahead of the RTX 2080. Compared to the almost 800 mark of the 3070, the performance is around 85% more expensive siblings. This card should be able to easily complete photo and video editing tasks for most home users.

This card should be able to handle photo and video editing tasks with ease.

Given the lower price in the Nvidia product range compared to the premium RTX 3080, it's hard to complain about Dell's decision to buy the RTX 3070, as this card can still achieve frame rates of more than 100 frames per second (fps) 4K. The RTX 3070's strong performance is reason enough for avid gamers to upgrade to the latest GeForce generation if they come from an older GPU.

In fast-paced games such as Epics Fortnite, the RTX 3070 ran at 120 fps in ultra game settings, although a reduction to high game settings increases the frame rate to a whopping 187 fps, which is a jump of 55%. In 4K, the frame rate drops to just 63 fps in Ultra and 110 fps in High settings.

This compares to the RTX 3080's 78 fps performance in Ultra at 4K and the RTX 2080 Ti's performance of around 55 fps. Here, the RTX 3070's performance is roughly 81% of the RTX 3080's, and this year's midrange card outperformed the previous generation's 2080 Ti by 8 fps.

In more graphics-intensive titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the RTX 3070 had a little more problems due to the limited hardware capabilities of the GPU and the fact that this card only contains 8GB of GDDR6 RAM compared to 10GB of GDDR6X memory on the flagship RTX 3080. This one Game was played at 74 fps in 1440p and only 48 fps in 4K with the RTX 3070, with the quality of the game set to Ultra. On a system with RTX 3080, the game never dropped below 60 fps in the Ultra settings at 4K. Players who play titles with more sophisticated graphics rendering should keep the resolution of 2K 1440p or UWQHD.

The RTX 3070 manages to handle Battlefield V, a demanding title, relatively easily and to achieve over 80 fps in Ultra settings at 4K. The performance jumps to 140 fps when you zoom out to a resolution of 1440p. With Battlefield V, Nvidia's latest midrange range outperforms the flagship of the previous generation, as the RTX 2080 Ti was only able to express 76 fps in 4K, while this year's RTX 3080 ran at 97 fps.

In Civilization VI in the Ultra settings, the game clocked consistently more than 100 fps in 4K. If you're a gamer who plays less demanding titles, even the graphics capabilities of the RTX 3070 may be over the top.

Our opinion

The Dell XPS 8940 Desktop offers a good balance of performance, performance and price in a stylish and compact tower. In a sea of ​​boring, office-oriented PC towers, the XPS has just enough design finesse to make it stand out. It's an excellent work PC and, with the right configuration, a powerful slot machine. If you want a desktop that you don't have much to do with, the XPS 8940 is the best option you can buy.

Are there alternatives?

While the XPS Desktop isn't billed as a gaming rig, it's versatile enough to compete with other creative workstations as well as gaming-forward PCs. Competitors include the powerful Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i, which, like the Dell, is available for an affordable $ 499. Unlike the XPS, however, the IdeaCentre isn't as good for gaming as it doesn't offer an option for a discrete GPU. As a result, the Lenovo desktop is better suited for office work, web browsing, and light gaming. Creatives in need of more graphics power should probably turn to the company's Legion desktop line of products.

The HP Omen 25L is another big competitor to the XPS desktop. The Omen 25L offers a more compact footprint than the larger Omen 30L, a gaming-forward window design, RGB backlighting, and more configuration options. The smaller omen only comes with an RTX 2000 GPU. So if you need more modern 3000 series graphics, you'll need to upgrade to the Omen 30L. At $ 1,999, the similarly configured HP system with a slightly better Core i9 processor in a larger size is slightly cheaper than our test device.

How long it will take?

Given the power and performance of the XPS desktop, this rig will provide years of work productivity and gaming fun. The ability to update key components such as the motherboard and GPU is more limited due to Dell's use of proprietary components. So be sure to select the build you want at the time of purchase. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) applies to the ability to upgrade this system.

Dell offers a standard one-year warranty with its Premium Support and Premium Support Plus packages with the option to upgrade to packages with longer coverage, add accidental damage, and perform at-home repairs. Extended coverage starts at $ 179 for two years of service, although a four-year plan with accidental damage coverage and automated virus removal costs $ 679.

While premium coverage may seem like a decadent addition to a desktop that's less prone to damage than a laptop, those working from home amid the global health pandemic may want to turn to Dell's technicians for some IT support.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's not for the die-hard PC enthusiast, but it's a fantastic desktop tower for the average buyer.

Editor's recommendations




30 Mar
Blog

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Chances are, most of us ignore a bald man passing by. But imagine you see a bald woman nearby. Will you still be able to look away If not, this is exactly what makes a woman more uncomfortable about hair loss. And with just one FDA-cleared treatment, the situation continues to worsen.

However, because hair transplants are a potential solution to baldness, many of you may resort to surgery. If you are on a tight budget and ready to have a transplant, you should check out Hair Transplant Methods and Costs in Turkey as the cost of providing quality services is relatively low.

Even so, today we are going to educate you about some of the possible reasons for hair loss.

The 6 most common causes of hair loss in women

1. Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, a medical name for hair loss in men or women, is the most common factor leading to hair loss in both sexes. Usually it is caused by the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which shrinks the hair follicles and consequently damages the hair.

However, because DHT is made from testosterone (a male hormone), men have higher levels of it and are therefore more affected by the condition. In addition, disruption of androgen levels in women can also trigger pattern baldness. A common symptom of the condition is hair thinning from the top and sides, unlike men who can experience complete baldness.

2. Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss, which originates from the top of the scalp, generally occurs when the body is subjected to extreme shock or trauma. Because events such as pregnancy, childbirth, and contraceptive use put a strain on the body, women are more likely to be exposed to telogen discharge.

There may be excessive hair loss than normal during the condition. However, this type of hair loss is temporary and you can counter the symptoms by considering the following remedies:

  • Follow a nutrient-rich diet plan
  • Avoid frequent hair styling
  • Buy an OTC product that contains minoxidil
  • Coping with stress

3. Traction alopecia

Have you ever heard that wrapping your hair in high ponytails triggers hair loss? Well, you should have listened to the advice as the research suggests it. Traction alopecia, first noted in the 1900s, can be the cause of your hair loss if you twist it tightly or use hair extensions and rollers frequently.

Not only can these tall buns cause hair loss, but scalp redness and pain, itching, flaking, and blisters are other symptoms that can contribute to hair follicle damage. However, as they say, prevention is better than cure. Avoiding hairstyles or using processing chemicals may therefore be the right decision to make before it's too late.

4th Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata affects around 6.8 million Americans. During this condition, hair loss in small patches can occur. However, it can turn into an extreme state called as Alopecia totalis which leads to complete baldness or Alopecia universalis Cause hair loss all over the body.

Alopecia areata occurs when your immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign invaders and attacks them. This in turn shrinks the follicles, which then fail to produce healthy hair.

Would you like to learn more about this form of hair loss? We have collected the following for you:

  • Your body can develop this condition within a few days
  • Genetics or stress can help trigger alopecia areata
  • In general, hair loss can be covered by newly grown hair
  • There is no approved treatment for it

5. Hormonal imbalance

While menopause can cause mood swings, insomnia, or hot flashes, there may be another challenge at this stage. Since menopause creates a hormonal imbalance in the woman's body, the disorder indirectly leads to hair loss. Estrogen and progesterone are the key hormones responsible for healthy hair growth. A drop in their level slows hair growth, which leads to hair loss.

Another aftereffect of this imbalance is the increased production of androgen. A hormone that is responsible for damaging the hair follicles on the scalp and increasing hair growth on the face. While the state is intimidating, it won't last forever and you can counter this by reducing stress, exercising and consuming a balanced diet.

Take that away

If you intend to suffer from any of the above conditions, seeing a doctor should be your top priority. Because containing the cause at an early stage can save you from extreme hair loss.

30 Mar
Blog

Does Fish Oil Supplementation Impact Recovery?

The fish oil supplement has drawn a lot of attention due to its health benefits. In particular, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has shown beneficial effects on blood pressure, triglycerides, and heart rate

In addition, they have been shown to improve arterial dilation, have anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory properties. All of this has been shown to have a protective effect against the development of cardiovascular disease

However, less is known about the role of fish oil supplement in recovery from strength training.

A 2020 paper2 by VanDusseldorp et al. studied the effects of fish oil supplementation on various markers of recovery after a strenuous bout of eccentric exercise. 2

A 2020 paper3 by Heileson et al. found that the minimum effective dose for the fish oil supplement to elicit a positive recovery response was 2 g supplemented for at least four weeks.3 However, research has been contradicting what the appropriate dosage should be.

Therefore, in the aforementioned article by VanDusseldorp and colleagues, the dosage between the groups was set at 2g, 4g and 6g and the effects of a seven-week protocol of supplementing fish oil were examined. This paper looked at a well-controlled study: 2

"Use of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind experiment; Participants were randomly selected to consume 2- (2G), 4- (4G), or 6- (6G) g / day either FO or placebo (PL) supplement for ~ 7.5 weeks (8 participants per group (4 men and 4 women per group); a 6-week enema in the supplementation period, a week of familiarization tests at the beginning of the week and experimental tests at the end of the week, and three days of recovery tests). Muscle soreness, venous blood (to assess creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and muscle function indices were measured before eccentric training and immediately after 1, 2, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours (H) after Training. Participants continued to add until they reached the 72-hour time point. "2

  1. Participants completed eccentric squats on a Smith machine at a pace of 4-0-1 for ten sets of eight repetitions each with 70% of their 1RM and three minutes of rest between sets.
  2. In addition, participants had to complete five sets of twenty split jump squats with body weight.
  3. The primary metrics used to assess muscle damage and recovery were blood biomarkers, perceived pain, vertical jump, agility test, 40 yard sprint, and maximum voluntary isometric contraction.

The researchers observed that 6 grams of fish oil supplement had a beneficial effect on perceived muscle soreness.

The participants reported lower pain values ​​at all measurement times. The 6 g group also decreased the recovery time from vertical jump performance. In some cases, this also resulted in better blood counts when monitoring indirect markers of muscle damage compared to the other controls.

What does that mean in practice? Although the researchers found a beneficial effect on recovery from consuming 6 g / day of fish oil, the magnitude of the effect was still relatively small. Therefore, a cost-benefit analysis should be the basis for deciding whether to use this strategy.

I don't usually recommend many supplements to individuals.

However, from a health perspective, I generally find fish oil supplementation beneficial. If you choose to take it for this reason, you may also notice some minor benefits of improved recovery.

If you want a comprehensive analysis of primary recovery strategies and how to use them effectively for better results, I finally covered them on Kabuki Strength.4

References

1. "Effects of B Vitamins and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study." BMJ. 2010; 341: c6273. Accessed March 17, 2021.

2. Trisha A. VanDusseldorp, Kurt A. Escobar, Kelly E. Johnson, Matthew T. Stratton, Terence Moriarty, Chad M. Kerksick, Gerald T. Mangine, Alyssa J. Holmes, Matthew Lee, Marvin R. Endito and Christine M. Mermier, "Influence of Different Dosages of Fish Oil on Recovery and Pain After Eccentric Exercise." Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine, NIH. Published online July 27, 2020. Accessed March 16, 2021.

3. Heileson JL, Funderburk LK. "The Effect of Fish Oil Supplement on Promotion and Maintenance of Lean Body Mass, Strength, and Recovery from Physiological Stress in Young, Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review." Nutr Rev. 2020, December 1; 78 (12): 1001-1014.

4. Daniel Debrocke, "Optimize Your Recovery For Maximum Strength." Online Kabuki Strength, accessed March 16, 2021.

30 Mar
Blog

Effective Fitness Requires an Intuitive Mindset

The key to effective fitness and training is knowing yourself. The power of introspection enables you to develop a deep understanding of everything that you will learn on your journey.

Danny Kavadlo is an authority on calisthenics and fitness with his brother Al Kavadlo.

As he puts it, “It's important to understand that even with a final program, you should always be ready to improvise. Nobody you've ever met can make an accurate program. There will always be a need for intuition in training. "

In other words, it's up to you to figure out what works.

The enthusiast and the occasional trainer

The world of fitness is an automatic filtering machine that separates enthusiasts from casual trainers. This separation does not mean discrimination, but it is just the way it is.

The enthusiast and the casual trainer don't think the same thing, they don't live the same thing, and most importantly, they don't have the same beliefs.

Here's an example: An occasional trainer will always look for motivation around them, but in the case of Al and Danny:

They say, "F ** K motivation. Everyone can train if they are motivated! It works when you are NOT motivated, which leads to success. It's the same professionally. "

The rules of the game are pretty simple; You have to show up and invest your time. Another level of discipline and strength that perfectionists seek is called true strength. Danny and Al describe true strength beyond the physical.

This statement is not intended to discredit those people whose goal it is to look good or to do what is necessary to be healthy.

However, by 2021, the true meaning of the words strength and health has evolved into a crude and philosophical form.

If reading this still doesn't inspire you, this is where you should go. Danny describes physical strength as follows: “For me, true physical strength is the ability to move freely in this world. It is both pound for pound strength and absolute strength. A combination of strength, balance and mobility. "

While many of us may not include balance or mobility in our training, those aspects are certainly part of the equation when it comes to long-term fitness.

Challenge your strength

For us, strength building isn't just about lifting heavy weights, running ultra marathons, or scoring the most points. It's about self development and the desire to move beyond your limits to see how far you can go.

It's about accepting the challenge ahead and taking it in as a lesson. Hence, no program can change your life. You have to adapt it to your own needs and situations.

Regular exercise or training is essential. It regulates your blood circulation, eliminates toxins in your body, and helps you clear your mind. However, if you are willing to go deeper and immerse yourself in the mindset, you will learn so much more about yourself and develop more than just physical strength.

According to Danny, "I would also include spiritual strength, emotional well-being, compassion and a willingness to help others, and be physically adamant."

Unfortunately, the future of the fitness industry may be uncertain right now. Many people view it as a luxury when it should actually be an essential business.

Danny Kavadlo says, “While I am saddened by the devastation in the industry, I am more saddened by the general health devastation these mandates bring: children out of school, depression, domestic violence, suicide, alcoholism and substance abuse. People need to exercise now more than ever and, ironically, it is advised against in the name of health. "

If you're reading this, I hope your next steps are to sign up for the gym, spend an extra hour each day researching your health, or get creative with your regular programs to test yourself . You may not need a gym to do this.

Al Kavadlo adds: “We do not discourage it! In fact, Danny and I talked about the virtues for years without going to the gym! Anyone who thinks they can't work out without a gym is crazy! You don't need a lot or nothing to get in shape! "

Danny and Al Kavadlo's book, Get Strong, focuses on explosive calisthenics. It's an amazing guide that will help you develop strength, agility, and combat-ready reflexes using only your body weight.

If you are already fairly fit and have no problems with pull-ups, Danny suggests, "At least ten rigorous pull-ups before you start building, but each case is different."

Training my body to build muscle has completely changed my perception of body mechanics and the exercise regime. It's been enjoyable and I hope you get the same value or even more than what I won.

First of all, remember to breathe.

Al says, "It is recommended that you exhale when doing the negative phase of an exercise and inhale."

Breathing exercises not only help you activate your core, but also help you recover.

29 Mar
Blog

6 Ways We’re An Eco-Friendly Business 

At the Eminence Organic Skin CareWe firmly believe that every day is Earth Day. As we celebrate the greenest month of the year, we're also celebrating 17 million trees planted so far as part of our Forests For The Future initiative. Not only do we plant a tree for every product sold, but we also honor our commitment to finding environmentally friendly solutions in all areas of our business. From our green offices in Vancouver, Canada to our sustainable farming practices in Hungary, environmental awareness is at the heart of everything we do.

If you've ever wondered how our company stays environmentally conscious and uses environmentally friendly practices, here is an overview of what we do to make Earth Day every day.

Eminence Organics' eco-friendly initiatives

1. We plant a tree for every product sold!

Eminence Organics, in partnership with Trees for the futureFor every retail skin care product sold, plant a tree so we can support communities in developing countries. The Forests For The Future initiative helps farmers build productive and sustainable crops and farms. This helps local communities grow their own food and build sustainable incomes for their families. Our program has resulted in tree planting in more than 22 countries around the world and in supporting countless communities and families.

Amazingly, a single tree can produce around 260 pounds of oxygen per year. Trees help lower air temperatures to combat climate change and stabilize the soil by preventing erosion from their roots. They also contribute to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and increasing water penetration.

2. The Green Spa program

Our Green Spa program rewards companies who actively support the green movement and inspires others to do more in their spas and salons. Spa companies must meet 60% of our environmental requirements to be recognized as an Eminence Organics Green Spa. Some of the requirements include choosing reusable or biodegradable options whenever possible, using power strips in treatment rooms and office areas, and turning them off when equipment is not in use. Spas must also set up an in-spa recycling awareness program and use natural, non-toxic, biodegradable detergents instead of chemical-based products.

To learn more about what we ask of our Green Spas, see our Green Spa Requirements. You can also find a certified Eminence Green Spa near you by using our Spa Locator and filtering only our Green Spas.

3. Proud to be a Certified B Corporation®

As the first Canadian professional skin care company to be certified as a B Corporation®, we have met the highest standards for overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Certified B companies are companies that work towards corporate responsibility that balances profit and purpose. This certification measures the overall social and environmental performance of a company using the B-Impact Assessment, which assesses how a company's business activities and business model affect its employees, society, the environment and customers.

4. Environmentally friendly packaging: retail packaging

Our retail packaging is printed with vegetable inks and made from recyclable materials, while the majority of our marketing materials are made from FSC certified materials. FSC identifies products that are made from 100% virgin material from FSC-certified forests. These labels reassure you that the product you have purchased comes from responsible sources and has been checked to ensure that it meets the strict environmental and social standards of FSC.

5. Green Company, green building

As a growing company, we recently set up a larger central office to improve our award-winning service to our spa partners. When we expanded our eco-friendly office, we never lost sight of our commitment to being an eco-friendly company. Instead of building a new building, we expanded the existing building next door, thereby reducing our carbon footprint. Looking at our current office, the room uses natural light with large windows and multiple skylights for more energy efficiency. Our floors are covered with carpet tiles made from 60% recycled materials and our office walls are redecorated with non-toxic paint using low-VOC chemicals. We use energy efficient appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves and eight LED TVs. Other solutions include LED lamps that run on environmentally friendly timers and motion sensors, as well as sortable waste disposal, including a section for compostable materials.

6. Sustainable shipping materials and sugar-leaf paper

When it comes to our shipping materials and even the paper we use in our office, we turn to natural plant sources first. When shipping our products, we use a combination of biodegradable popcorn and unbleached kraft paper. Our packaging popcorn is made from biodegradable potato or corn starch, which dissolves in water as a non-toxic and harmless waste. In the office we use sheets of paper in the printers. These edible leaves are made from 100% natural sugarcane fiber residues that help preserve forests and reduce greenhouse gases.

As a company, we take daily inspiration from the creative ways others are proactive in making our planet a happier, healthier place. We are also very proud that our business partners, loyal spa partners and Eminence Organics fans are doing their part in the green movement.

How do you keep our planet green, healthy and happy? Let us know in the comments below.

29 Mar
Blog

Effective Fitness Requires an Intuitive Mindset

The key to effective fitness and training is knowing yourself. The power of introspection enables you to develop a deep understanding of everything that you will learn on your journey.

Danny Kavadlo is an authority on calisthenics and fitness with his brother Al Kavadlo.

As he puts it, “It's important to understand that even with a final program, you should always be ready to improvise. Nobody you've ever met can make an accurate program. There will always be a need for intuition in training. "

In other words, it's up to you to figure out what works.

The enthusiast and the occasional trainer

The world of fitness is an automatic filtering machine that separates enthusiasts from casual trainers. This separation does not mean discrimination, but it is just the way it is.

The enthusiast and the casual trainer don't think the same thing, they don't live the same thing, and most importantly, they don't have the same beliefs.

Here's an example: An occasional trainer will always look for motivation around them, but in the case of Al and Danny:

They say, "F ** K motivation. Everyone can train if they are motivated! It works when you are NOT motivated, which leads to success. It's the same professionally. "

The rules of the game are pretty simple; You have to show up and invest your time. Another level of discipline and strength that perfectionists seek is called true strength. Danny and Al describe true strength beyond the physical.

This statement is not intended to discredit those people whose goal it is to look good or to do what is necessary to be healthy.

However, by 2021, the true meaning of the words strength and health has evolved into a crude and philosophical form.

If reading this still doesn't inspire you, this is where you should go. Danny describes physical strength as follows: “For me, true physical strength is the ability to move freely in this world. It is both pound for pound strength and absolute strength. A combination of strength, balance and mobility. "

While many of us may not include balance or mobility in our training, those aspects are certainly part of the equation when it comes to long-term fitness.

Challenge your strength

For us, strength building isn't just about lifting heavy weights, running ultra marathons, or scoring the most points. It's about self development and the desire to move beyond your limits to see how far you can go.

It's about accepting the challenge ahead and taking it in as a lesson. Hence, no program can change your life. You have to adapt it to your own needs and situations.

Regular exercise or training is essential. It regulates your blood circulation, eliminates toxins in your body, and helps you clear your mind. However, if you are willing to go deeper and immerse yourself in the mindset, you will learn so much more about yourself and develop more than just physical strength.

According to Danny, "I would also include spiritual strength, emotional well-being, compassion and a willingness to help others, and be physically adamant."

Unfortunately, the future of the fitness industry may be uncertain right now. Many people view it as a luxury when it should actually be an essential business.

Danny Kavadlo says, “While I am saddened by the devastation in the industry, I am more saddened by the general health devastation these mandates bring: children out of school, depression, domestic violence, suicide, alcoholism and substance abuse. People need to exercise now more than ever and, ironically, it is advised against in the name of health. "

If you're reading this, I hope your next steps are to sign up for the gym, spend an extra hour each day researching your health, or get creative with your regular programs to test yourself . You may not need a gym to do this.

Al Kavadlo adds: “We do not discourage it! In fact, Danny and I talked about the virtues for years without going to the gym! Anyone who thinks they can't work out without a gym is crazy! You don't need a lot or nothing to get in shape! "

Danny and Al Kavadlo's book, Get Strong, focuses on explosive calisthenics. It's an amazing guide that will help you develop strength, agility, and combat-ready reflexes using only your body weight.

If you are already fairly fit and have no problems with pull-ups, Danny suggests, "At least ten rigorous pull-ups before you start building, but each case is different."

Training my body to build muscle has completely changed my perception of body mechanics and the exercise regime. It's been enjoyable and I hope you get the same value or even more than what I won.

First of all, remember to breathe.

Al says, "It is recommended that you exhale when doing the negative phase of an exercise and inhale."

Breathing exercises not only help you activate your core, but also help you recover.

29 Mar
Blog

How Effective Is Weight Loss Surgery

In the advanced world of technology, there are so many surgical options for weight loss. It seems very difficult, but the advanced technology has made it a lot easier. Weight loss surgery is based on various surgeries that can help you lose weight by making changes in your digestive system.

By following some effective weight loss strategies, you can downsize your stomach and eat and drink as much as you can eat and drink with your one-time meal. This way you will become healthier. Before going to any weight loss surgery or exercise, consider using the weight loss calculator to estimate how many calories you need to burn to lose weight each day.

Effectiveness of bariatric surgery:

After weight loss surgery, a patient will lose actual weight and this will depend on several factors such as:

  • Age of the patient
  • Weight before surgery
  • General health
  • Special surgical procedure
  • Physical activity
  • Commitment to the nutritional guidelines.

Controlling Obesity-Related Health Conditions:

Weight loss surgery is very effective and it also helps improve and control obese health conditions such as blood pressure, back pain, diabetes, and depression. Some specific health conditions can be corrected with surgery. For example: Type 2 diabetes is a common health problem. While it shows less weight loss, it has an excellent display of your diabetic condition. However, you can reduce the calories by exercising regularly. Register the Weight Loss Goal Calculator to understand how many calories you should burn to achieve your desired weight loss goal.

Medical Problems That Weight Loss Surgery Can Get Rid Of:

Bariatric surgery can greatly help you eliminate many of the medical problems that come with obesity.

Blood flow:

About 70 to 80 percent of people have the problem of high blood pressure and use various drugs to control the problem. They usually stop taking all medications within six months and are able to maintain normal blood pressure. You can also solve this problem by exercising regularly, but excessive exercise can also be dangerous for you. So, try a weight loss calculator to find the required number of calories to burn each day.

Heart disease:

The ratio of heart disease is increasing day by day, and there are many reasons for this. Studies of serious health problems like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes suggest that these problems pose a risk. A recent study shows that the risk of death in diabetics has been greatly reduced. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help you reduce your risk of heart disease. You can create a balanced diet by knowing how many calories a person needs in a day to stay healthy and fit. For convenience, you can use the Weight Loss Calorie Calculator to estimate the ideal number of calories that will help you meet your health goals.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have discussed the details about the effectiveness of weight loss surgery. There are several types of surgeries that can help you reduce the risk of serious health diseases. Instead of surgery, physical activity can greatly help you overcome these health problems. With the help of the weight loss calculator, you can calculate the number of calories to burn yourself depending on the physical activity.

29 Mar
Blog

Balan Wonderworld Review: What a Blunder-Full World

Balan Wonderworld

"Balan Wonderworld is a mixture of half-hearted platform ideas that waste a lot of charm."

  • Sluggish movement

  • Generic levels

  • Half-baked costume gimmick

  • Limited experiments

If Balan Wonderworld doesn't get big studios to get early access, nothing will.

When Square Enix ran a demo for its colorful puzzle platformer before launch, the response was not good. Players criticized everything from the game's unwieldy camera to the painfully slow animations. Weeks prior to its release, Square Enix announced they would be working on a patch for the first day to take into account feedback, but admitted that the ship could not be fully flipped in time.

That caveat should create some immediate expectations for fans who hoped the game would mark a triumphant return to form for former Sonic team boss Yuji Naka. There will almost certainly be some long-term crafting here to get the game into shape. Think of this as an accidental beta.

Chances are, Balan Wonderworld will gain cult status thanks to its charming aesthetic and throwback platform. But for those who don't have a lot of Dreamcast nostalgia, it's a frustrating jumble of half-hearted ideas that plays like a crude prototype for a game that's still years away.

Failed basic exam

Balan Wonderworld should feel instantly familiar to anyone who grew up in the heyday of 3D platformer. The players explore themed worlds, jump over obstacles and collect shiny gemstones that are spread over different levels. Its simplicity may be the selling point for those hoping for a nostalgic trip, but the game stumbles upon the basics.

The movement is sluggish, as if the game's protagonist is having trouble sprinting through the mud. The character's standard jump is so short that even the smallest of gaps can turn out to be a risk. The limited number of mini-games are just plain boring and repeat ad nauseam. Most of all, the camera is an indomitable animal that gets confused the moment it hits a wall.

Even the narrative framework is confusing. The child's protagonist works with the title Balan, a maestro in a top hat, to solve the problems of strangers in a bizarre world. Each level represents a character's specific struggle, like a fiery cave that reveals a firefighter's deepest fears. What's weird is that the real story behind each world isn't revealed until after its two acts are complete and just before an uninspired three-hit boss fight that feels completely independent.

Its simplicity may be the selling point for those hoping for a nostalgic trip, but the game stumbles upon the basics.

Nothing really goes together. The levels contain intentional visual motifs, but only a few levels make meaningful use of their settings or story. Most are just filled with interchangeable platform challenges that lack any real personality. Any time the game introduces a promising mechanic, like a train ride section of a carnival level, it quickly drops the idea.

It all feels like a whiteboard doodle that has been processed into a rough proof of concept.

Wardrobe malfunction

The defining mechanics of the game is the costume system, but this is exactly what causes the already fragile seams to burst. During the adventure, players can collect over 80 different outfits. Each acts as a power-up that offers a different perk, like the ability to climb spider webs or approach large gemstones. The idea is that each can be used to solve various platform puzzles and encourage experimentation.

It's a riff on Super Mario Odyssey that goes horribly wrong.

I haven't talked about the controls of the game yet as there aren't many to talk about. Each face button or trigger acts as a unique action button for the equipped costume. There is no line, no attack and, above all, no special jump button. For example, if you're wearing a painter's costume, the push of a button will shoot a blob of paint forward. That's it. That's all you can do until you switch costumes.

The system could have worked, but it's implemented in a way that feels almost thoughtless.

The idea is to think carefully about what skills you might need in order to solve a puzzle. However, this leads to unforeseen complications. In one case, I went out to grab some gems that were scattered across a laser grid. As I tried to leave the area, I found that I had taken a tiny step down a 6-inch wall. None of my outfitted costumes had a jump action, which meant I was just stuck there. The only way to progress was to get deliberate laser hits, destroy my three outfits, and get myself back to the standard no-costume state where you can jump.

This happened all the time in my playthrough. I would move through a level, lose a costume that could jump, and find that I am now stranded. Likewise, there are times when advancement means equipping a certain skill. If you reach an area and aren't wearing the right outfit, you'll have to go back until you find it.

Balan Wonderworld

The game tries to solve this with a locker room accessible by standing on a checkpoint long enough (this is never explained and is currently not triggered consistently), but players must have a costume to get it out of storage pull. Most of the time I had to leave a level completely, go back to a world that had the costume I needed, and drag it all the way back to do a simple, obvious task.

To make matters worse, it is fun to play with few skills. They mostly grant basic actions that need to be used in certain situations. There are no real experiments. If there is spinning equipment, the equipment costume must be equipped. Some outfits are also functionally identical, so players will have different animations that perform the same action, e.g. B. hover over gaps. Others are just useless, like an outfit that players can run faster in … but it is activated randomly. Admittedly, a funny troll.

The system could have worked, but it's implemented in a way that feels almost thoughtless. The levels are based on the assumption that players will always have the right tools for the job. Whenever they don't, they will face a level design shrug.

Roll out on charm

The only thing that Balan Wonderworld successfully brings to the table is charm. It offers an unabashedly happy style of art and a beautiful soundtrack, even if its compositions suffer from being dubbed. While the story cinematics are misplaced, they love microfilms about empathy and kindness.

Balan Wonderworld

There is also a cute, if completely underdeveloped, reef in Sonic Adventure 2's Chao Garden. The players take care of an island full of colorful little bird rabbits that feed on the gems collected in the levels. It's disappointingly flat and offers little interaction, but at least it matches the good vibes the game tries to deliver, even if it's not fun.

"It's not fun" is kind of a running theme here. Balan Wonderworld could work as an adorable cartoon, but it falls flat as an interactive adventure.

It works? No. Does it at least think outside the box? Certainly.

What is really fascinating is that it rarely happens that a large studio release fails this way. Publishers like Square Enix don't have to gamble big these days when they have so many reliable franchises and established gaming trends. Balan Wonderworld is a real risk, refreshing at a time when AAA games can feel completely predictable.

That could make it a cult perk for players looking for something a little different. It has the same energy as forgotten platformer like Billy Hatcher and the giant egg. It works? No. Does it at least think outside the box? Certainly. With a dedicated following behind it, Square Enix may have exactly the feedback loop it needs for a sequel to work. Drop the next installment early and let fans spot the issues before it's too late.

Our opinion

It's tempting to write off Balan Wonderworld's mistakes as part of its fallback character, but that wouldn't be entirely true. Beloved 3D platformer like Sonic Adventure may be a bit of fun, but it's still fun to play. Balan Wonderworld stumbles upon the basics with sluggish movements, overly simplistic controls, and a semi-sculpted costume gimmick that creates frustrating roadblocks at every turn. It's charming enough that the "they're not doing it like they used to" crowd may gather behind it, but those who want a nostalgic hit are better off chasing a Dreamcast and sticking to the real classics .

Is there a better alternative?

Super Mario Odyssey has the same central idea but executed with more thought and better movement techniques.

How long it will take?

The main quest lasts around 10 hours, but there are additional levels and lots of collectibles to be hunted down after the credits.

Should I buy it?

No. Impossible to recommend this at a full $ 60 price. Wait for the price to drop if you're morbidly curious.

Editor's recommendations




28 Mar
Blog

Muscle Strength Exercises | Body Transformation

Muscle strength exercises are undoubtedly a way to increase your overall strength in the body. It helps your muscles develop strength by doing intense workouts. Bodyweight exercises, squats, and running are some of the best activities that fall under this category.

If you are someone who loves workouts like this why are you waiting? Let us support you immediately with muscle-strengthening exercises!

What are muscle strength exercises?

The best muscle strength exercises allow your muscles to gain strength through various strength training sessions. While many people think it's the same as muscle endurance, there is a massive difference. In contrast to muscle endurance, where you have to do the same workout for a long time, you have to lift heavier weights in strength training.

It helps build a strong body by increasing the strength in the muscles. Muscle strength training also helps with stability, balance and flexibility for the best experience.

The best muscle strength exercises for you

Modified push-up

  • Lift your feet off the floor.
  • Make sure the neck, head, and spine are neutral as you bring your body lower toward the floor.
  • Now gradually return to the starting position.

Jumping Jacks

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your arms should be close to your body.
  • Jump back and stretch your feet out as far as possible.
  • Now also try raising your arms above your head to clap your hands together.
  • Jump back to the starting position.
  • Do2 to 3 sets with 15 to 30 jumps.

Squats

  • Stand with your feet wider than the hip distance.
  • Gradually bend your knees to crouch.
  • Stop in position before returning to the starting position.
  • Do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Stomach cramps

  • Lie on your back with your fingers crossed.
  • Now bend your knees and bring your feet in contact with your lower back.
  • Take a short break before returning to the starting position.
  • Do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Forward lunges

  • Take a large step forward with one leg while standing straight. Bend your knees to a 90 degree angle.
  • Lower the other leg too until it touches the floor.
  • Go back to the starting position.
  • Switch your legs with each repetition.

plank

  • Get into a push-up position and lie face down on the floor.
  • Put your weight on your forearms and toes. Make sure you keep your body off the ground.
  • At this point, your body should be in a straight line.
  • Hold this position for a few seconds.
  • Do 2 to 3 sets, resting for every minute in between.
frequently asked Questions

1. Are these exercises safe to perform?

Yes. All activities are to be carried out safely. If you follow the directions correctly, you can complete the exercise with minimal effort.

2. Do I need a professional trainer?

No. You don't need a professional trainer as these are workouts for beginners. You are also risk free. However, if you want to ensure the safety and convenience of these workouts, a professional trainer is not a bad idea.

3. Is swimming part of muscle strength training?

Yes. Swimming is an essential part of muscle strength training. You can also incorporate it into your fitness routine.

4. How do I do bicep curls?

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your knees should also be slightly bent.
  • Put your arms next to your body with your palms facing up.
  • Pull your elbows toward your body as you increase the weight.
  • Now take a few seconds and lower your hand to the starting position.
  • Repeat the workout in 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.
The final result

Muscle strength training is an unquestionable way to strengthen your muscles, gain strength for the body and reactivate your muscles. If you do these exercises on a daily basis, a lot can change over time. So make sure you incorporate them into your daily fitness routine for the best workout experience ever. We promise; you will not be disappointed.

27 Mar
Blog

Master & Dynamic MW08 Review: Revel In The Sublime Sound

Master & Dynamic MW08

Master & Dynamic MW08 Review: Indulge in the sublime sound

"The wonderful sound quality makes the MW08 an excellent choice for audiophiles."

  • Beautiful design and materials

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Really long battery life

  • Effective transparency mode

  • Good call quality

  • Simple and intuitive controls

  • Expensive

  • Limited customization

  • No wireless charging

  • No EQ adjustments

  • Poor ANC performance

Master & Dynamic (M&D) may not have the brand awareness of Sony, Apple, Bose, or Sennheiser, but the New York City-based boutique audio company has made some really standout headphones and earphones. The latest of these is the $ 299 MW08, the successor to the excellent MW07 Plus, which is now set to drop to $ 249 in price. With new materials, better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and improved battery life, here's what you can expect from the MW08.

What's in the box?

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

First of all, I would like to take a moment to praise the MW08's box itself. It is a master class how to create an elegant package for a high-end product from 100% easily recyclable materials. It even has a book hinge design that stays closed without the use of embedded magnets. This is how all the electronics should be shipped.

The extremely sustainable box contains the earphones, your charging case, a cord denim carrying case, four sizes of silicone rubber earplugs (in addition to the pre-installed set) as well as a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a USB -C to USB-A adapter (thanks M&D!) And some quick guides in paper form.

design

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Master & Dynamic attaches great importance to the appearance of its products. The MW07 Plus was available in a wide range of 10 colors and styles (28 if you include M & D's partnerships with brands like Nike and Leica), most of which had a unique pattern and gave them a handmade feel. The MW08 continues this tradition, but places greater emphasis on simplicity: It is available in four single-color combinations of earphones and charging case: black ceramic / matt black stainless steel, white ceramic / stainless steel, brown ceramic / stainless steel and blue ceramic / graphite gray stainless steel.

Attention to detail is everywhere.

The black ceramic earbuds we tested have a subtle M&D logo and a high-gloss finish that exudes sophistication (despite being a giant fingerprint magnet). If you look closely, you will see a small black aluminum tape encircling the ceramic surface, which serves as both an antenna and a frame that holds everything together. This design approach was made famous by the iPhone 4.

While not as light as some other models, the earbuds are very compact and even smaller than any other high-end earbud, with the possible exception of Apple's AirPods Pro. The MW08 retains the same tiny physical control buttons as the MW07 Plus, making it look like a touch-based set of earbuds, but with the precision of real buttons.

The matt black stainless steel charging case is heavy and sturdy and has a hinged lid that can be opened and closed with the authority of a luxury car door. When you put the earbuds back in your pocket, you'll feel like you're putting them in a protective vault, not just a carrying case. Now, if I were to pick the best looking charging case, it would be a dead heat between the MW08 and the Zippo-inspired design of the Klipsch T5 II.

Attention to detail is pervasive, from the smooth movement of the hinge, to the way the earbuds are angled slightly towards you – so you can pull them out with ease – to the fact that the only thing that breaks the steel surface is three indicator LEDs are. You won't find any text or even a logo on the outside.

Wireless charging would have been a nice touch, but to my knowledge, steel and wireless charging are not happy companions, and M&D would have had to create a plastic charging window to achieve this.

It was easy to get a comfortable and secure seat.

The earbuds are rated IPX5 – more than enough for handling sweat and rain – while the case is rated IPX4, which we've only seen on a handful of other products like the Marshall Mode II.

Convenience, control and connections

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Thanks to the ergonomic shape of the MW08 and the generous number of silicone earbud sizes in the box, it was easy to get a comfortable and secure fit. M&D dumped the rubber wing tips of the MW07 Plus, which meant a compromise.

The MW08 are more comfortable for longer periods of time, but they don't lock in with the same level of security. As long as you're not trying to break sprint records, they should stay fine.

While you can definitely use them while running, I don't recommend it. Despite their small size, the earbuds are surprisingly heavy at 0.31 ounces each. For comparison, the AirPods Pro and Jabra Elite Active 75t are both 0.19 ounces.

Most of this mass is on the outer part of the earbud (that beautiful ceramic and aluminum) where it is least supported. As your feet pound on the sidewalk, that weight can be felt with every step, which I found tiring after a while, although they were still very comfortable overall.

The MW08's tiny control buttons are at the top of each earbud – a single button on the right and a double rocker button on the left. They work effortlessly, with very little travel and a pleasantly precise click when you press them.

They require you to put your thumb on the bottom edge for leverage, and I found that sometimes while jogging this can interfere with the position of the earbud in my ear. The bigger concern (at least for those who live in wintry conditions for half a year), however, is that the buttons can be difficult to operate with gloves on – a surprise given M & D's NYC headquarters.

Still, you get everything you need: volume, play / pause, answer / end, track forward / backward skip, access to voice assistant and ANC / transparency mode.

"Audiophile Quality" is being overused, but if there has ever been a line of true wireless earbuds worthy of the term, it is the MW08.

There's no way to change these (even though M&D created their very first smartphone app for these buds), but they're so intuitive that I wouldn't change them even if I had the option.

You can use each earbud independently if you want, but only the correct earbud can be used for calls.

Each earbud has a wear sensor that allows it to pause and play automatically when you remove or reinsert it. The response time is a bit slow: it can take up to three seconds for the sensors to register a change and then stop / start the music. You can deactivate this function in the M&D Connect app.

Sound quality

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

M & D charges a premium price for the MW08. If the company's choice for exotic materials and workmanship doesn't justify the $ 299 it cost, the sound quality should make you a believer.

Just like the MW07 Plus, the MW08 is a treat for your ears. The term "audiophile quality" is becoming increasingly popular, but if there has ever been a line of true wireless earbuds that deserve it, it is the MW08.

Take one of your favorite songs – you know, one of those songs that will never get old no matter how many times you listen to it – and the MW08 will breathe new life into it. Details hidden at the very end of a note, possibly the slightest click of a piano key or the vibration of a string while plucking or selecting, all become audible and put a smile on your face.

M&D doesn't offer EQ tweaks in the app, but if a sound signature is that good, who cares? The output of the MW08 is a clever balancing act, bright and precise through the upper mids and highs and warm and resonant in the mids and lows. The bass? Oh, there is plenty of it, but you will not hear it until asked, and then it cannot be ignored. The sound stage has an open and airy quality and is somehow intimate.

I owe the ventilated design of the MW08 to this achievement. Letting a small amount of air move between the outside world and your inner ear has a positive effect on openness – not to mention comfort, as it partially eases the sucking sensation of some earbuds – but it can also cause unwanted noise.

This is where the MW08's noise cancellation comes into play. Without them, you'd have to seek a quiet, controlled environment. But turn it on and almost any room can be your concert hall.

At the forefront of the true wireless market, it can be very difficult to pinpoint the best sound among giants like the Sony WF-1000XM3, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, the KEF Mu3, the Grado GT220, and the Bose QuietComfort earbuds. But I would argue that the MW08 can easily hold its own against these other models, and in my opinion they are the current market leader.

Noise cancellation and transparency

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Based on what I just said above, you probably expect me to give M&D praise to the ANC of the MW08, but it's not that straightforward.

There are two settings of ANC – "max ANC" and "all day ANC" – the latter being designed for less intrusive environments.

When it comes to creating a calm floor for indoor music enjoyment, max ANC is really good. But as a focus tool, it can't compete with the AirPods Pro or the Bose QuietComfort when you want to escape roaring noises like the fans, machinery, or engines of an airplane (not that this has been much demanded lately) earbuds. It also struggles to suppress the daily commuting noises like traffic.

There are also two modes of transparency (or ambient mode, as M&D calls it): language and awareness. Think of these as zoom modes – voice enhances nearby sounds like conversations, while the mind tries to bring in sounds from further away. Both work very well, depending on what you need right now.

The MW08's fast charging capabilities are downright insane.

The biggest downside to both ANC and Transparency modes is that you have to press and hold the corresponding left earbud rocker button to activate it, rather than being able to instantly switch from one to the other. The Jabra Elite 85t can do this and is ideal for quick calls. The other thing I could do without is the sultry female voice announcing these mode changes every time. It gets old very quickly.

Battery life

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The MW07 Plus was already an outstanding performer in terms of battery life with 10 hours per charge and three additional full charges for a total of 40 hours. M&D claims the MW08 has even more juice: 12 hours per charge and an additional 30 hours in the case for a total of 42 hours of playtime.

Unfortunately I was unable to verify this. In my tests, the M&D Connect app showed 22% remaining battery life after eight hours of continuous playback. If this is accurate, it means the total playing time is closer to 10.4 hours, not 12.

When I reached out to M&D staff with these results, they were surprised and offered to review them at the end. I will update this review with their answer as soon as they have had a chance to run their own tests.

What I can confirm is the MW08's fast charge capabilities which are downright insane. If you put the earbuds back in the case for just 15 minutes, they will be charged to 50%. This is class leading in every way.

Call quality

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Calling the MW08 is very good. I found that the microphones did a great job of making my voice sound natural, without the compression that can plague other earbuds. In quiet places, it almost sounded like I was speaking directly into my phone's microphone. This is the holy grail for earphone call quality.

They also did a good job of blocking out background noise like traffic as I walked through some busy intersections. Some particularly loud noises still managed to drown out my voice, but that's not surprising – only the Bose QuietComfort earbuds turned out to be far better for calls.

Our opinion

The MW08 is beautifully crafted, offers great sound quality and battery life, and is an excellent choice for those who want to get the most out of their music. Just keep your noise cancellation expectations in check and you won't be disappointed.

Is there a better alternative?

I don't think you'll find a lineup of true wireless earbuds that look better, sound better, or last longer than the MW08, but that doesn't mean there aren't any worthy alternatives, especially if you're looking to save some cash.

The $ 230 KEF Mu3 have very comparable sound quality and I would argue that they are very attractive in their own unique way. But their ANC is mediocre, they have a larger and less pocketable charging case, and their call quality wasn't very impressive.

Sennheiser's $ 300 Momentum True Wireless 2 They also have great sound and very effective ANC, but are larger and bulkier and only get around six hours per charge.

If noise cancellation is a top consideration, the $ 280 Bose QuietComfort earbuds are amazing with sound quality that will not disappoint. However, they are significantly larger and less comfortable than the MW08 and have the shortest overall battery life of any of the alternatives.

How long will they last?

Master & Dynamic grants a two-year guarantee on all headphones. With IPX5 water resistance and great materials and build quality, I expect the MW08 to last for many years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. They have the best sound quality of any earbud we have tested. Reason enough to consider them for your next set of headphones.

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