Blog – Page 149 – Appliances catalogue

05 May

Mobvoi TicWatch GTH Review: Not a Watch You’ll Want to Wear

May 5, 2021
Posted by Samson

mobvoi ticwatch gth review

“The derived design and poorly executed software of the Mobvoi TicWatch GTH make it impossible to recommend, even though it's cheap. It's hard to believe that it comes from the same company as the excellent TicWatch Pro 3. "

Comprehensive sensor array

Derivative design
Questionable tracking accuracy
Uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time
Outdated software

Have you been looking for a cheaper, slower, less accurate, and less attractive Apple Watch tee? Good news, because Mobvoi's TicWatch GTH is a perfect match for you. It costs only $ 80 and looks pretty similar to Apple's smartwatch, but that's where the similarities end. If for some reason you're not just buying one of the many very good fitness bands for less or one of the far better smartwatches for a bit more, let's talk about where the TicWatch GTH gets it all wrong in more detail.

design

What is there to say The TicWatch GTH outrageously copies the familiar shape of the Apple Watch. It is slightly smaller overall, has a 10 mm thick case and is only available in matt black. The crown is in the same location as the digital crown on the Apple Watch, which even Oppo avoided on the Apple Watch-like Oppo Watch, but here it's a simple button. The 20 mm wristband is made of TPU and is attached with quick release pins. The case is apparently made of metal, but feels great like plastic.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's not very comfortable to wear. I noticed that the plastic wrap will soon get hot and itchy even if I don't do any exercise. The strap slips around my wrist unless it's pulled tight enough that I cut off circulation and the holder refuses to stay in place, meaning the end of the strap folds around underneath your cuff. It couldn't be better if the 1.55-inch screen lights up with 360 x 320 pixels, as this exposes the massive bezel around it.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Positive? The glass above the screen has a pleasing 2.5D curve that makes it easy to wipe, and the case is swim-proof with a water resistance of 5 ATM. It really is. What bothers me most about the TicWatch GTH isn't that it's a cheap imitation of the Apple Watch or that it's not very nice to wear. It's a more expensive version of the humble Willful smart watch I recently tried. It costs $ 36 on Amazon, but it's no better in terms of design and convenience. In some ways, it's even worse.

Health surveillance

The TicWatch GTH is filled with sensors – its only real redemption function – at least when taken at face value. They monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels and, unusually, skin temperature. The skin temperature monitor is definitely something we don't see often in wearables. It is either activated in the TicHealth suite of apps on the watch or can be automatically monitored along with heart rate and blood oxygen throughout the day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The question is, why should you need to know your skin temperature? The temperature of the body's largest organ is different from your internal temperature, which tells you about a fever when measured with a thermometer. Although skin temperature can indicate changes in temperature, it may be due to environmental and nutritional reasons. It combines SpO2 blood oxygen values and respiratory rates as health data that was provided on the TicWatch GTH but was not adequately explained by Mobvoi.

If you want to fill the watch with sensors and rate it crucially for each Mobvoi, please try to explain why we need to know all of this. A map displayed on the watch gathers all the sensor data ready to inform or worry you depending on how you view that type of information, and a vaguely descriptive phrase about the function itself doesn't count. I couldn't test the accuracy of the skin temperature monitor, but it never alerted me that I was either too hot or too cold. So I'm assuming that I'm fine and that it is functioning normally. The heart rate monitor and the blood oxygen sensor gave almost identical results as the Apple Watch Series 6.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The workout is recorded on the watch and there are a variety of options including running, swimming, yoga, and mountaineering. When compared with the Apple Watch during a 30-minute workout, the TicWatch GTH recorded a slightly lower heart rate throughout and in the final report, significantly fewer calories – around half – were burned. A software update may improve accuracy in the future, but right now the training data may not reflect how hard you are actually working. Since there is no GPS on board, this is not a tracker for serious athletes or athletes.

Another important note. Mobvoi has taken a step back from linking GTH sensors to COVID-19 detection, which was hinted at in the early press materials. On the product side, however, the company says it is working with Carnegie Mellon University on a system that will use the GTH's sensors to detect the disease at an early stage. Due to the accuracy of the training tracking and the lack of an explanation of how the sensors work now, I will not trust the GTH with my ongoing health in the near future.

software

You use the Mobvoi app to connect the watch to your phone. It also collects all of your exercise data and displays a dashboard with data taken from the watch's sensors. The watch uses Mobvoi's own software, which is reminiscent of the system of some early Amazfit wearables, as the menu is a vertically scrolling list and “maps” with information such as weather and training details are displayed to the left and right of the main screen.

mobvoi ticwatch gth review notifications Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch gth review training Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch gth review activity Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

While the speed is reasonable, the software looks and feels outdated. A good example is changing the watch face, an action performed in the app because it takes an excruciating 2 minutes and 2 seconds to transfer and apply a new watch face to the watch. I know because I timed it. The first Amazfit smartwatches I used took a similarly long wait, but that has changed since then. Mobvoi is obviously happy to be completely behind the times.

Carrying and using the TicWatch GTH is often frustrating and not very rewarding

Notifications are accompanied by a weak vibrating alert and not all apps are supported. Outlook and Teams are missing from the list even though they are installed on my phone, for example. The information displayed varies from displaying most of the text to nothing outside of waiting for a message. You cannot interact with any notifications.

The watch does not have an ambient time display and you have to press the button to wake up the screen as there is no option to tap the screen. The raise-to-wake function works, but is very slow to respond. Although the screen has a decent pixel density, the quality of the text and images varies. Notifications look a lot more pixelated than other menus, so the operating system isn't done yet, for example.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Bluetooth range is also quite short and the watch is often disconnected from my phone. The connection won't always reconnect without me going into the app and forcing it to do so. Carrying and using the TicWatch GTH is often frustrating and not very rewarding. This situation is not supported by software that feels out of date compared to the competition.

battery

The TicWatch GTH has a 260 mAh battery which, according to Mobvoi, lasts 10 days before it needs to be charged. This seems accurate, but one irritating flaw makes it difficult to judge battery life. The battery indicator on the watch constantly shows a full charge, while in the app it remains about three quarters full. Not helpful and doesn't include a percentage counter either. Hence, it is impossible to judge when to think about recharging until the battery is almost empty.

Price and availability

You can buy the TicWatch GTH now for $ 80 or $ 70. It is available directly from Mobvoi's own website or from Amazon.

Our opinion

The TicWatch GTH makes me angry. I like the addition of the temperature sensor above the heart rate and blood oxygen monitor. It may help us better assess our overall health, and it's great to see it in an affordable wearable. Except that its inclusion here is done so badly that the value has been lost.

Mobvoi does not adequately explain why we should use or trust these sensors or how best to interpret the results. After comparing the GTH to another smartwatch, there are concerns about accuracy in some areas. It doesn't instill much confidence or encourage me to wear the watch all the time. Not that I want to wear it all the time. The derivative design turns off instantly, the bezels on the screen make it look even cheaper than it actually is, and the strap is uncomfortable so I don't want to wear it overnight to keep track of sleep.

Almost no matter how much you're looking to spend, dozens of wearables are vying for your attention, and almost all of them are better buys than the TicWatch GTH. That it comes from the same company behind the TicWatch Pro 3 smartwatch, one of our top picks, is as confusing as it is frustrating.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes very much. If you're looking for a simple, reliable fitness tracker, the Honor Band 6 and Xiaomi Mi Band 6 cost less and offer better performance. The $ 60 Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 may be a bit old, but it's more comfortable and looks better. Happy to spend more? Make your choice from our list of the best fitness trackers.

If you want a smartwatch, we recommend spending a little more and getting the $ 130 Amazfit GTS 2e, which has a far more attractive design and better software. That's when you want to spend the minimum. If you own an iPhone, buy an Apple Watch – the Apple Watch SE is fine – and if you have an Android phone, Samsung's wearables are very good too. Samsung itself is currently only charging $ 180 for the Galaxy Watch Active 2, so there are deals available.

While the TicWatch GTH is cheap, the savings you get from purchasing it don't translate into a satisfying home ownership experience.

How long it will take?

Because of its water resistance and durable metal case, the TicWatch GTH should withstand harsh treatment, and the strap can be easily replaced if it breaks. The software needs to be fine-tuned now, but no updates have come in during my time with the watch. If you can decide to buy and live with the fact that the software may stay the same, it should remain technically relevant for a few years given the extensive array of sensors.

Should you buy one?

No. The design of the derivatives, concerns about accuracy, and frustrating software have put it way behind the competition regardless of cost.

Editor's recommendations

05 May

Blog

How to strengthen your legs to make them sturdy

May 5, 2021
Posted by Samson

You need to follow an exercise program regularly, or you are a beginner or you don't exercise at all. In all cases, a primary consideration should be a strong and better foundation. Muscular legs form a strong foundation for your exercise program or daily activities.

Muscle legs are considered to be the basis of training that improve athletic performance and keep the body fit. They improve the balance and strength of the bones for regular everyday activities. A good reason for leg muscle training is that it works almost the whole body.

Here's an excellent guide to muscular legs, and hey! It is not that hard. All you need is a start. Follow the guide for safer muscle leg exercises.

WALKING LUNGES

Services: It works the front muscles of the leg. It helps to achieve balance and stability.

How do you do lunges?

Stand upright, casually.
Take a long step forward while simultaneously bending the knee of another leg so that it almost touches the floor.
With the pressure on the front leg, both legs come forward together.

Now follow the same thing with another leg.

Repetitions: 12-15

Sentences: 2

SQUATS

Services: It focuses on calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It also helps in strengthening the core and glutes.

How do squats?

Stand up straight with your legs shoulder width apart and your feet forward.
Bend your knees and slowly drop into a chair in a sitting position so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows lightly touch down to your knees.
Stay there and hold for 3-4 seconds.
Stand up while focusing and contracting your calves.

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 3

Jumping squares

Services: It strengthens your calves, quads, and hamstrings. It strengthens both the core and the glutes.

How do you do jumping squats?

Stand up straight with your legs shoulder-width apart.
Take a long step forward while simultaneously bending the knee of another leg so that it almost touches the floor.
Hold for a few seconds.
Jump in the air and raise your arms
Crouch down again. This is a repetition

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 3

SPLIT SQUATS

Pros: It focuses on the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It also helps in strengthening the core and glutes. It improves the balance of the body.

How do I do split squats?

Stand with your back on a piece of a raised platform.
Place your foot on the platform with the back of your shoes facing up.
Bend your knee and go down until the other knee hits the floor.
Hold there for a few seconds and come back.

Repetitions: 12 per side

Sentences: 2

PULSE SQUATS

Services: It focuses on full legs. It strengthens the core.

How do you make legumes?

Stand up straight with your legs shoulder width apart and your feet forward.
Bend your knees and slowly lower yourself in a chair sitting position so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows are lightly touching to your knees.
Move your hips up and down a little for 10 seconds.
Stand up while focusing and contracting your calves.

This is a repetition

Repetitions: 6-8

Sentences: 2

WEIGHTED SPLIT SQUATS

Pros: Pros: It focuses on the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It also helps in strengthening the core and glutes. It improves the balance of the body.

How to do weighted split squats?

Hold the dumbbells with both hands. Stand with your back to one piece of the raised platform.
Place your foot on the platform with the back of your shoes facing up.
Bend your knee and go down until the other knee hits the floor.
Hold there for a few seconds and come back.

Repetitions: 12 per side

Sentences: 2

INCREASED CALF HEIGHTS

Services: It defines the calves and improves ankle strength.

How To Do Elevated Calf Raises?

Come to the first step on the stairs.
Just put your toes on the platform and lift your heels up.
Lower as much as you can until you feel the stretch. Hello! Be careful not to stretch much more than you can take.

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 2

Jumping lungs

Services: It works the whole leg. It helps to achieve balance and stability.

How do you do jumping lunges?

Stand upright, casually.
Take a long step forward while bending the knee of another leg so that it almost touches the floor and your arms are crossed on your chest.
Jump to switch legs

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 2

STEP UPS

Services: It works all the muscles in the leg and buttocks. It helps to achieve balance and stability.

How do I do step-ups?

Take a platform. Climb with one leg up and the other nearby, but not on the platform.
Stop there and balance.
Switch legs after feeling the burn

Repetitions: 12 on each side

Sentences: 2

RUNNING OR CYCLING

Choose one of these to increase the efficiency of the other exercises. It strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness. Your benefits are endless.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Combine exercises that you want to include in your fitness program and off you go! All you need is the consistency to get muscular legs that you would be jealous of when others have.

05 May

Blog

Apple AirTag Review: Tracker Leverages Billions of Devices

May 5, 2021
Posted by Samson

Apple Airtag rating 1

"AirTags are a great way to keep track of your belongings as they take advantage of the vast ecosystem of Find My products developed by Apple."

Very easy to use
Uses a huge ecosystem
Replaceable battery
Precision tracking works great

Accessories are expensive
Some privacy concerns

Apple's Find My app has long been a great way to keep tabs on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. But what about your non-smart items? After years of rumors and leaks, AirTags are finally here to help you keep track of everything else you want to attach them to and bring everyday non-smart items to the connected world.

AirTags use some fancy technology to beat the competition in ways that only Apple can match. That said, Apple's Find My network is now available on every iPhone. This means that you can be informed of the location of your items in near real time, provided they are in a relatively well-populated area.

AirTags have a lot to offer. At first glance, they aren't overly expensive and are great to incorporate into Apple's walled garden. They're not perfect, but if you're a hardcore Apple user they get pretty close.

Design and furnishings

AirTags are small and portable, making them very easy to keep on a keychain or in a purse or wallet. In terms of base size, AirTags are 1.25 inches wide and 0.31 inches thick.

Of course, most of the time this won't be your actual size. This is because AirTags do not have a hole for a key fob. So if you want to keep an AirTag on your keys (or anything other than a sealed pouch), you'll need to purchase an accessory to hold the AirTag. Yes, accessories for your accessories.

It's a little frustrating that the key fob hole is missing. Sliding an AirTag onto a set of keys is perhaps the most obvious use for them, and while Apple wants to push AirTag accessories, it seems like a pretty basic feature that needs to be ignored.

AirTags look pretty good. They have white plastic on top and a silver back with the Apple logo. This back is perhaps surprisingly removable. Underneath is a button cell battery that you can replace yourself. It's a bit of an un-Apple step, but a very welcome one, though you don't have to remove the back more than once a year or so. And it's better than many other similar trackers that don't have a removable battery.

Apple's own AirTag holders are very nice, of course – although they are a bit pricey. I've used the AirTag leather keyring most of the time, the simplest offering that is $ 35. That's right, it's more than the $ 29 AirTag itself. Most people will go the more rational route – I found a pack of four similar holders on Amazon for $ 25. While I can't speak to the quality of these, let's face it, they're probably fine. Apple's accessories are of course very high quality – you just have to pay a lot for them.

As you'd expect from an Apple product, setting up an AirTag is easy. In this case, of course, you will need an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or higher. Simply unpack the device, pull out the plastic battery label, and place the device next to your iPhone. It should appear like a new pair of AirPods. Then you can connect it to your Apple ID, name it and give it a small symbol. Once you've set it up, you'll be able to see it along with everything else in the new Items tab of the My Search app.

Features and performance

As mentioned earlier, AirTags work on the Apple Find My network. This means that they can communicate with other Apple devices, even those that do not belong to you, to let you know where they are. When an iPhone is within Bluetooth range of your AirTag, its location is updated and you can see exactly where it is – without the owner of that accidentally passing iPhone ever knowing. This is an incredible way to take advantage of the number of iPhones in the world and an example of why AirTags work so well.

Competitors like Tile offer similar features – but will never be as effective. Tile trackers can communicate with any phone that has the Tile app installed. That's a far fewer number of people than those who have iPhones simply activated with Bluetooth.

If an iPhone is within Bluetooth range of your AirTag, its location will be updated and you can see exactly where it is.

If you lose an item with an AirTag, the Find My app has a number of features that you can use to quickly retrieve it. For starters, you can see the last known location of an item on a map. If you are in a populated area it is likely that the location will be nearly accurate. Once you're approximately 30 feet from the subject, you're within Bluetooth range – and that's where precise tracking comes in. Precision tracking uses the U1 chip in your iPhone and AirTag to get an accurate location. I have found that it is accurate to within a few centimeters. If you use this feature, you will see instructions on your iPhone for where your item should be.

If you still can't find it, or if you know you're around, you can set off a tone from your AirTag to help you find it. The alarm will be relatively loud, especially given the size of the device. All of the tools work relatively well together, making it easy for you to find your lost item.

AirTags also have a special "lost mode". If you lose an AirTag, you can turn on lost mode in the Find My app. You will then receive a notification if it is found by another device on the Find My network. There is an NFC chip in AirTags. If an AirTag is in Lost Mode, another iPhone user can tap an AirTag to find your contact information when you enable this feature.

Privacy concerns

Of course, there are some privacy concerns about AirTags – as with anything designed to be "tracked". However, Apple added some features to prevent problems from occurring. The first privacy concern is that someone could slip an AirTag into someone else's purse or pocket without them knowing where it is. If your iPhone detects that there is an AirTag with you on the way and the owner is not there, you will receive a notification on your phone. If after a while you still can't find the AirTag, it will start chirping, which is also useful for users with an Android device.

Unfortunately, these features may not work as quickly as they should. The notification will take a few hours to appear and the sound may not turn on for three days. In other words, someone could still use an AirTag to track someone else's location without them knowing if they are an iPhone user for at least a few hours or a few days if they don't have an iPhone.

Fortunately, your own location is no problem for AirTags. AirTags do not store location information locally – instead, this information is stored encrypted in the cloud. AirTags should be near the bottom of the list of anyone concerned about tracking, as the phone you carry with you everywhere is far better suited for this.

Our opinion

Apple AirTags are a great way to keep track of your belongings. They use the huge ecosystem of Find My products developed by Apple and can be seamlessly integrated into your iPhone.

At $ 29, the actual AirTag is also relatively cheap. However, if you want to use it for your keys or attach it to something else instead of tucking it in a secure pouch, you need to consider the cost of accessories. That can really add up when you buy multiple AirTags.

Are there any better alternatives?

If you are an iPhone user, there are no better alternatives. Apple has enabled third-party support for the Find My network, so better alternatives may eventually be released. However, Apple users who are prone to losing their keys or other items should stick to AirTags for the time being.

Of course, if you're not too keen on staying in the Apple ecosystem, there are other options. The most important of these is Tile's wide range of products, which include credit card size trackers, trackers with a hole in your keychain, and so on. Unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, Tile's trackers can't network half of US smartphone users like AirTags, but they're a great option for basic tracking.

AirTags and Tile-Tracker are similar in price. You can get a pack of four AirTags for $ 100. That's the same price as a 4-pack of Tile Pro trackers. While Tile Pro trackers offer a keychain hole, they don't have the same integration as the devices Apple designed themselves.

How long it will take?

AirTags should last for years. They have a replaceable battery that can be charged for a year and they are IP67 waterproof so they should withstand things like rain, the weird drop in the sink, etc. Don't get them wet on purpose, but if they get wet they should survive.

That doesn't mean AirTags won't get scratched. If you leave them on your keys over time, they will definitely get some scratches – but should still work just fine.

Should you buy it?

Yes. AirTags are the best trackers for iPhone users right now.

Editor's recommendations

04 May

Blog

Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2: A Small Business Laptop

May 4, 2021
Posted by Samson

lenovo thinkbook 13s gen 2 review gen2 1

Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2

"The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 offers solid performance at a solid price."

Fast productivity performance
Good battery life
Solid build quality
A few welcome security extras
Attractive aesthetics

Flat keyboard
The touchpad could be bigger
Bad graphics performance

Lenovo's first attempt at building a laptop specifically for small businesses – the ThinkBook 13s – stalled a bit. It was a serviceable 13-inch machine, but it didn't have many tangible benefits for the target market. Now it's the second round that the company is releasing the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2, which aims to bring the laptop up to date.

I have a mid-range configuration of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 priced at $ 819 with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), and a 13.3-inch model tested 16:10 IPS display with WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600).

Lenovo managed to iron out some of the obvious shortcomings of the original, making the ThinkBook 13s a solid option for buyers buying a laptop under $ 1,000.

design

The original ThinkBook 13s was a very conservatively designed laptop that lacked outstanding aesthetic features – and it looks more like Lenovo's consumer line than the business-minded ThinkPads. The Gen 2 model looks similar, but Lenovo has made some important changes. First, the bezels are much thinner and look more modern when the lid is open. Second, the lid now has an anodized aluminum area that creates a slight two-tone effect on top. It looks great and spices up what is otherwise an ordinary looking silver laptop. It's not as sharp as non-business laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Specter x360 14, but it has its own laid-back charm.

These thinner bezels make for a laptop that, despite its larger display that tends to make a laptop deeper, is smaller in all dimensions than its predecessor. It's not as small as the XPS 13, which has even smaller bezels, but it's a good size for a 13-inch laptop. This time it's also thinner at 0.59 inches compared to 0.63 inches and lighter at 2.78 pounds compared to 2.9 pounds. That's almost identical to the 0.58-inch, 2.8-pound XPS 13. While the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 feels bigger than the XPS 13, it's still a fairly small and lightweight laptop for the class.

Another improvement over the previous model is the longevity feel of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2. Both passed the Mil-spec 810G test, but the newer model has fewer bends in the lid and bends in the keyboard deck. This time everything is aluminum, too, while the original uses aluminum in the lid and an aluminum-magnesium alloy in the bottom. I find the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 to feel just as sturdy as the XPS 13, which is kudos as the latter is a standard for well-built laptops.

Lenovo Thinkbook 13s Gen 2 Review Gen2 3

Lenovo Thinkbook 13s Gen 2 Review Gen2

After all, connectivity is a strength with a caveat. There is only one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support. While this is a good thing, it is also used to power the laptop and therefore cannot be used to connect a peripheral without a dock. You can, however, connect an external display thanks to the full-size HDMI 2.0b port, also on the left. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack next to it. On the right side there is a Kensington lock port and two USB-A 3.2 ports.

Overall, this is an improvement over the two USB-C ports on the XPS 13 that support Thunderbolt 4. It is noticeable that there is no SD card reader, which is a surprise in view of such an excess of connectivity. Wireless connectivity is cutting edge with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

performance

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 equips an Intel Core i5-1135G7 quad-core CPU of the 11th generation with eight threads. It was a solid performer when we tested it a few times, and the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 continues that tradition.

As of GeekBench 5, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is exactly where you'd expect it to be, slightly below the laptops with the faster Core i7-1165G7 and significantly below the Ryzen 7 5800U and the Apple M1. Note that all of the results here are obtained with performance optimization utilities set to "normal" mode. None of the laptops in the comparison group benefited much from their "performance modes" in which such a utility was available (with the exception of the XPS 13 in a test). This is a common feature that in many cases makes me wonder why such utilities all exist.

In our handbrake test, which encodes a 420 MB video in H.265, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 performed very well for a Core i5 and beat the Dell XPS 13 equipped with a Core i7 (the ThinkBook result in performance mode corresponded). The Asus ZenBook 13 UM325UA took the lead in this test thanks to its Ryzen 7 5800U, which is incredibly fast in multi-core processes. In Cinebench R23, a test that drives the CPU for a longer distance, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 again outperformed its class, outperforming the XPS 13 and the Porsche Design Acer Base RS, which was another fast Core i5 machine.

Next, I ran the PCMark 10 Complete benchmark, where the ThinkPad 13s Gen got a good overall score. The XPS 13 wouldn't complete this test, and the ThinkBook fell behind the Acer Swift 3X with its Core i7-1156G7. However, the Acer Swift 3X also came with Intel's Iris Xe Max graphics, which it could improve on on machines with the standard Intel Iris Xe graphics (including the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2). As with many Tiger Lake laptops, the ThinkBook did much better in the essentials and productivity areas of the PCMark 10 suite than in the content creation area. The ZenBook 13 UM325UA with its Ryzen chip was the champion here.

	Geekbench (single / multiple)	Handbrake (Seconds)	Cinebench R23 (single / multiple)	PCMark 10	3DMark Time Spy
Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 (Core i5-1135G7)	1406/5379	178	1357/5502	4668	1511
Dell XPS 13 (Core i7-1165G7)	1540/5432	201	1449/4267	N / A	1589
Lenovo Yoga 7i (Core i5-1135G7)	1357/4246	207	N / A	4565	913
Asus ZenBook 13 UM325UA (Ryzen 7 5800U)	1423/6758	124	1171/7824	6034	1342
Porsche Design Acer Base RS (Core i5-1135G7)	1415/5364	181	1380/4973	4682	1504
Acer Swift 3X (Core i7-1165G7)	1551/5847	158	1485/5944	5117	1889
Apple MacBook Air M1 (Apple M1)	1727/7585	N / A	1479/6880	N / A	N / A

Overall, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is a quick productivity workhorse that should keep up with all but demanding creative workflows. Lenovo meets the performance needs of small business owners and a few others.

In terms of games, the ThinkBook did well in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. However, this didn't result in my real test with Fortnite. The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 ran at 1920 x 1200 (I couldn't get 1920 x 1080 as an option) and only managed 18 frames per second (fps) in high graphics and 14 fps in epic graphics. Most Tiger Lake laptops achieve at least 30 fps or 23 fps. I ran the test a few times to confirm my results and I have no idea why the ThinkBook does so badly in this game.

display

The original ThinkPad 13s used a 13.3-inch 16: 9 Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080) that was below average in brightness, colors and contrast. For the second generation, Lenovo improved its game with a larger 13.3-inch 16:10 IPS display with a WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolution that is more productive for productivity and significantly sharper than the original in a few others improves main areas.

The brightness was not particularly high at 274 nits. We prefer 300 nits or more for good indoor visibility. For example, the Dell XPS 13 4K display has 420 nits. The ThinkPad 13s Gen 2 had wider colors than the original at 77% AdobeRGB (about five percentage points above average) and 100% sRGB. The original was 70% of AdobeRGB and 93% of sRGB, while the XPS 13 4K was slightly better with 79% of AdobeRGB and 100% of sRGB. The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2's color accuracy was good with a DeltaE of 1.65 (less than 1.0 is excellent) compared to the original at 1.4 and the XPS 13 4K at 1.21.

The new model also had a higher contrast ratio of 920: 1, close to our preferred 1000: 1. That beats the 710: 1 of the original, which was disappointing and well below average, but the Gen 2 models still couldn't match the 1360: 1 of the XPS 13 4K. Gamma came into play at 2.1, just a bit brighter than the perfect 2.2.

All in all, this was a pleasant representation. It's bigger and better for long web pages and Word documents, and its colors were pleasant without being oversaturated. The contrast was high enough that black text appeared on a white background, and with excellent support for Dolby Vision HDR, Netflix's high dynamic range (HDR) content was vastly improved. This isn't a display for creative professionals who need wide and accurate colors, but it's great for everyone else.

The sound was surprisingly loud, and the two down-facing speakers pumped out a serious volume. Unfortunately, at 100% there was some bias that detracted from the experience. If you turn the settings down a bit, you'll still get enough volume to watch Netflix without distortion, and you'll enjoy solid mids and highs, but no bass. A pair of headphones or bluetooth speakers is recommended.

Keyboard and touchpad

Another area where the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 cannot be confused with a ThinkPad is the keyboard. You can find a version here that is much closer to Lenovo's consumer-grade machines like the Yoga line, as it offers a lot less travel and a fairly jarring basic action. The key switches are very light. So if you don't want to use as much pressure to press a key you will like it, but it's almost too easy for me. I didn't find it nearly as precise as the much better keyboards found on the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Specter 2-in-1 series. The keyboard has a few special keys, including keys to start and stop video calls and a special key to access support options. You can also press a button to turn off the microphone, a plus for privacy.

Despite the larger display and relatively small bezels, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 doesn't have as much keyboard deck space as the XPS 13. This is because Lenovo needs more space above the keyboard for the hinge and power button. That said, the touchpad is a decent size, roughly the same as the XPS 13, and it's a Microsoft Precision touchpad that has reliable and precise support for Windows 10 multi-touch gestures. It's a good touchpad that matches the best you'll find in premium laptops – a plus as the ThinkPad 13s Gen 2 is significantly cheaper. In addition, my test device had an attractive touch display, which was welcome.

Windows 10 Hello support is provided by a fingerprint reader built into the power button and worked well. This is a much better solution than a standalone fingerprint reader. With the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2, you can simply press the power button to wake the device and log in. For extra privacy, you can also find Lenovo's ThinkShutter privacy panel for the webcam.

Battery life

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 has a 56-watt-hour battery, which is significantly larger than the 45-watt-hour battery of the previous model, which only has an average battery life. Our benchmarks have changed since we checked the original, but we can make some comparisons.

First, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 lasted just over nine hours compared to the original's eight hours in our web benchmark, which runs through a number of popular websites. The newer model's score is above average, beating the 6.3 hours on the Dell XPS 13 4K. The Asus ZenBook 13 with the Ryzen 7 5800U lasted almost 16 hours with an OLED display. In our video test of repeating a Full HD Avengers trailer until the battery runs out, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 achieved almost 13.5 hours, which is slightly above average and 2.5 hours longer than the original. The XPS 13 4K lasted 10.5 hours, while the Asus ZenBook 13 lasted 15.5 hours.

I would rate the battery life of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 as very good.

I also tested using the PCMark 10 battery test which puts a strain on the CPU and GPU (we didn't use PCMark 10 with the original model). The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 barely got it over two hours, which is below several other Tiger Lake laptops, including the XPS 13 4K, which got it almost three hours. We did not test the Asus ZenBook 13 in this test. Finally, I ran the PCMark 10 application test, which is the best indicator of productivity longevity, and the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 held up for 11.5 hours, the fourth highest score we've ever seen. The XPS 13 4K lasted around 8.5 hours, and we again didn't test the Asus ZenBook 13.

I would rate the battery life of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 as very good. It takes a full day of productivity work when you are not using the CPU and GPU, and you may still have some time to do some evening work. This is a significant improvement over the original ThinkBook 13s, and makes the newer model much better suited for small business owners who may need to work remotely.

Our opinion

The ThinkBook 13s offers largely the same security and support as the original model, which is a definite plus for the target small business market. On top of that, however, it's also faster, has better battery life, and feels better built, which makes it a more compelling business option.

It's not thin or light enough to beat rivals like the Dell XPS 13, but it's also significantly cheaper – another boon for small business owners with cash shortages. In fact, at this price point, it's a compelling option for any laptop buyer, including consumers, who could benefit from a machine that is made to last, be fast, and have a long life.

Are there alternatives?

The Dell XPS 13 is the obvious alternative, offering the same 16:10 display in a smaller package. Performance is similar for both, and the ThinkBook offers better battery life thanks to the lower resolution display. However, Dell does offer a Full HD option which is more competitive here. The XPS 13 is hundreds of dollars more expensive, too.

If you're looking to consider a 2-in-1, the HP Specter x360 14 is a great choice. It's faster, looks better, is just as well built, and features a spectacular OLED display with incredibly deep blacks, high contrast, and wide and precise colors. It's also significantly more expensive than the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2.

How long it will take?

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is tough enough to provide years of productive service. It helps that the components are all up to date. You immediately receive a 1 year guarantee. However, Lenovo offers enhanced services for small business owners who need longer coverage and more durability.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The ThinBook 13s Gen 2 doesn't necessarily have more business-centric features than the original model, but it does offer improvements in key areas that small business owners will appreciate.

Editor's recommendations

04 May

Blog

Home Workout : No Equipment Exercises

May 4, 2021
Posted by Samson

Exercising at home has many benefits and is no less effective than exercising in the gym. All you need is a combination of effective exercises. With this in mind, we've created a series of exercises that can be used to train the entire body without equipment.

Here are ten home training exercises that will burn every muscle in your body and keep your body in shape without going to the gym or lifting the heavy weights that lead to injury.

Follow the regimen with an interval of 30 seconds between each set.

JUMPING JACKS

Main part engaged: legs

Position: Stand with your legs together. Put your hands on the side of your thighs.

The movement:

1. Bend your knees slightly.

2. Jump with it and pull the legs out at the sides. Pull your hands up like airplane wings to shoulder height.

3. Jump back to close the legs and hands that are resting on the sides.

Representative: 15-20

Sets: 2

BURPEES

Main part engaged: Full body

Position: Stand with your legs open to shoulder width.

The movement:

Bend your knees to the level of a squat and place your hands on the floor with your elbows between your knees. We better call it a frog pose.

2. Push your legs back with your feet parallel to your ankles and take a plank position with your ankles straight.

Tip: Squeeze the core and contract the glutes, which remains the most important point in getting the burpee right.

Attention: Avoid arching your back while doing planks to avoid lower back injuries.

3. Bring your legs forward by jumping and swinging your feet until your knees are back between your elbows and you are back in the frog position.

4. Now swing your whole body in the air by stretching your hands straight up.

Tip: Jump with full body intervention to make each burpee you do much more effective.

With this we complete a burpee.

Repetitions: Continue for 1 minute

Sets: 2

SQUATS

Main part engaged: Lower body and core

Attitude:

1. Stand shoulder width apart with your feet pointing outward about 15 degrees.

2. Look straight and bend your knees. Hold on to the core.

The movement: Slowly bend your knees and drop into a chair. Hold for a few seconds. And come back to the posture.

Representative: 12-15

Sets: 2

High jumps

Main part engaged: Full body

Position 1. Stand shoulder width apart.

2. Lock your palms in front of your chest and bend your knees slightly.

The movement: Jump in the air with extra pressure. Go as high as you can.

Repetitions: 12-15

Sentences: 2

PRESS KNEES

Main part engaged: Arms and shoulders

Position: Assume the push-up position with palms slightly wider than shoulder width. Put your knees on the floor

The movement: 1. Bend your elbows and let your torso fall down without bending any joint on your torso until your chest touches the floor. Hold on to the core.

2. Press up to straight elbows.

Repetitions: 8-9

Sentences: 2

LATERAL LYING HIP ABDUCTION

Main part engaged: Glutes

Position: 1. Lie on the left side of your body.

2. Stretch your legs over each other. Rest your head on your left hand or on a pillow.

The movement: Raise your right leg up to 45 degrees in the air and bring it down. This is a repetition.

Representative: 15-15 on both sides

Sets: 2

PLANK

Main part engaged: Core and arms

Position: 1. Lie on your chest.

2. Place your upper body on forearms and palms that are touching the floor.

3. Lift your whole body and place your torso on your toes. Keep the whole body straight and the core engaged.

The movement: Hold the stance with the core locked and core locked in place.

Representative: 30 seconds to 1 minute

Sentences: 2

PLANK UP-DOWN

Main part engaged: Shoulders and core

Position: Get into the plank position on your elbows.

The movement:

1. Place the palm of one hand on the floor and use the other arm to push it up until you are in a push-up position.

2. Now lay one elbow at a time on the floor until you have reached the plank position. This completes one repetition.

Tip: Don't bend your spine during the entire exercise. Keep the core busy increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the exercise.

Representative: 8-10

Sets: 2

PRONE T.

Main part engaged: Shoulders

Position: Lie completely on the floor with chest to toe touching the floor. Keep your arms outstretched at your sides and do a "T" with your body and arms as a whole.

The movement: Accompanied by your chest and head, raise your arms in the air and hold them for a few seconds until you feel the burning sensation in your shoulders.

Tip: take a break when you feel the strain on your neck.

Representative: 15-20

Sets: 2

CRUNCHES

Main part engaged: Vein

Position:

1. Lie completely on the floor.

2. Bend your knees and place your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Cross your hands on your chest.

The movement:

1. Contract your abs, inhale, and lift your torso up to 45 degrees towards your knees.

2. Come down into the pose

Tip: Relax your neck

Representative: 20-22

Sets: 2

04 May

Blog

No Legs, No Worries- Keep Your Upper Body Strong and Quick

May 4, 2021
Posted by Samson

Clean and press the seated dumbbell for stability, strength and a strong back.

Becoming a college strength and conditioning coach isn't easy, but it was the young man Jesse's dream. There was no time to sit and enjoy my epic triumph as I had dreamed of. I was thrown in the middle of it.

On the first day, I was the head strength and conditioning trainer for three teams.

04 May

Blog

No Legs, No Worries- Keep Your Upper Body Strong and Quick

May 4, 2021
Posted by Samson

Clean and press the seated dumbbell for stability, strength and a strong back.

On the first day, I was the head strength and conditioning trainer for three teams.

03 May

Blog

Exercises With Directions & Benefits

May 3, 2021
Posted by Samson

A dumbbell chest workout consists of a number of variations that mainly focus on working your chest, building its muscles, and making it more defined. When you work your chest with dumbbells, you have a firmer and more substantial range of motion, which leads to more muscle growth. These exercises will also help you maintain proper balance and promote your body's development.

They help build your upper body strength and stabilize your shoulders. They primarily target your deltoids, pecs, triceps, and other chest muscles.

Below is a list of Dumbbell chest workout This works like magic and will help you get a fitter and more muscular body in no time!

Variations of the dumbbell chest training:

1. Bench press with dumbbells

Directions

1. Y must lie down on a bench. Hold the dumbbells over your shoulders in each hand. Your palms should be facing towards your feet.

2. Then lift the weights above your chest and continue to straighten your elbows until both arms are erect or straight.

3. Now slowly bring the dumbbells back to their starting position.

To repeat.

Services

Dumbbell bench press is really beneficial for increasing your athletic performance and your ability to do daily activities quickly. They are also responsible for promoting a better range of motion in your body and increasing your upper body strength.

You should do several repetitions- 10 repetitions.

2. Dumbbell chest flies

Directions

1. First you need to lie down on a flat bench with your head and back firmly pressed against the bench. This should be kept in mind throughout the exercise. Take a dumbbell in each hand. This is the starting position.

2. Then lift your weights above your chest and straighten your elbows until they are slightly bent. Your palms and dumbbells should face each other.

3. Take a deep breath, then slowly lower the weights in an arched position until both arms are in line with your chest.

4. Now exhale and lift the weights again after the same arching motion.

To repeat.

Services

This exercise is of great use when you want to reduce tension in your body muscles, increase your body's range of motion, improve your posture, and reduce upper back pain.

You should do several repetitions- 10 repetitions.

3. One arm offset dumbbell bench press

Directions

1. First of all, you need to lie with your left shoulder blade and buttock on the bench and your right shoulder blade and right buttock off the surface on a flat bench. Be in a position with only your upper back on the bench.

2. Take a dumbbell with your right hand and hold the bench with your left hand, which should be above your head.

3. Now lower the barbell until your elbow is aligned with your shoulder.

4. Return to the starting position.

To repeat.

Services

This exercise will help increase your physical strength and stabilize your shoulders. It's also useful for increasing muscle activation and improving your body's movement.

Number of repetitions you should be doing 10 repetitions per side

frequently asked Questions

1. Are dumbbells better for my chest?

Of course, dumbbells are great for your chest as they honestly guarantee a defined and well-built body with greater muscle activation and more upper body strength.

Therefore, add dumbbell chest workouts to your daily exercise regimen without worrying!

2. How can I build my chest with dumbbells at home?

It's pretty easy. Suppose you want to have a more prominent and clear chest while exercising at home. In this case, the exercises listed above are the perfect option for you as they are fairly simple, not hectic and do not require any special equipment other than free weights and a flat bench.

3. Is the bench press effective?

Yes, the bench press is considered very effective as it helps you maintain a very great and muscular body, as well as many other functions.

03 May

Blog

Vitamin C: What Does It Do For Your Skin?

May 3, 2021
Posted by Samson

It's no secret that vitamin C is a skin care superstar. This powerful ingredient is known for its ability to lighten the complexion, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Here is everything you need to know about vitamin C and how to add it to your skin care routine.

What is Vitamin C

First things first: what exactly is vitamin C? Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is required for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues, including the skin. How Eminence Organics Senior skin care trainer Natalie Pergar tells us, “Vitamin C is an incredibly powerful nutrient for your body and an all-round skin care saver. It's been found to help prevent UV damage, reduce pigmentation, reduce inflammation, and increase collagen production in the skin. "We can't make vitamin C and our bodies don't store it. So we can only get its benefits by ingesting it (think chewable vitamins and freshly squeezed orange juice) or by applying it topically (keyword vitamin C in your favorite skin care serums and moisturizers)." Popular sources of vitamin C are:

Citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and grapefruit
Leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, and spinach
tomatoes
Strawberries
Wild rose oil
Sea buckthorn oil

Vitamin C benefits for the skin

The benefits of vitamin C for skin seem endless. One of its most important features is that it can alleviate skin problems before (and even after) they appear. According to Natalie, "One of the great things about vitamin C is that it helps prevent and repair damage caused by our environment." During the day, vitamin C can provide additional protection against the effects of aging Environmental stressors such as pollution, blue light, and ultraviolet rays; At night, its rejuvenating properties can minimize the occurrence of damage caused by exposure to free radicals. Here you can see the many benefits of vitamin C for skin care.

Fights free radicals

Heidi Waldorf, MD describes free radicals as "anti-oxygen bombs that cause inflammation and cascade damage". These highly unstable molecules are missing an electron and are stealing electrons from otherwise healthy cells in an attempt to stabilize. This type of attack changes the cell composition and triggers oxidative damage, which manifests itself in dryness, irritation and premature aging.

How can free radicals be stopped? Neutralize the "bomb", so to speak. Antioxidants donate an electron to free radicals before they can cause undue damage to the skin. Vitamin C is one such antioxidant that it can Neutralize and remove free radicals, minimizing the visible effects of exposure to pollution, particulates and other types of environmental stress.

Supports the skin's barrier function

Among other things, vitamin C has a positive effect on the general health of the skin by supporting the skin's barrier function. The lipid barrier is an integral part of the outer layer of your skin and is often compared to mortar that holds the stones together that are your skin cells. When healthy, it acts like protecting your skin: it keeps up good by helping the skin to retain moisture, and keeps the bad at bay by denying potential irritants (like nuisance free radicals). Studies show that vitamin C increases the production of barrier lipids and thus the skin's ability to protect itself from transepidermal water loss and keep it healthy, happy, and hydrated.

Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles

Collagen and elastin are common victims of free radical damage. These structural proteins are responsible for the density and crack associated with a youthful complexion. When weakened, they cannot provide much-needed structural support, and as a result, the visible signs of aging (including sagging skin and fine lines and wrinkles) begin to develop.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight off the visible signs of aging from free radical damage. In fact, a 2007 study by the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women ages 40 to 74 who consumed a lot of vitamin C appeared to have fewer fine lines and wrinkles and less overall dryness in their skin.

Benefits of Vitamin C Infographic

Brightens the skin

The antioxidant quality of vitamin C also helps minimize the occurrence of hyperpigmentation. The skin defends itself in times of stress Triggering cells called melanocytes to produce the pigment melanin. Vitamin C inhibits the function of tyrosinase, the enzyme that activates the skin's melanocytes, preventing melanin production and minimizing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This contributes to a brighter and more even complexion.

Increases the regeneration of skin cells

Skin cell turnover is the process by which dead cells are removed from the top layer of skin and new, fresh cells come to the surface. One characteristic of healthy skin is its ability to turn over efficiently – a process that slows down as we age. Due to its acidic nature, vitamin C is helpful in removing dead and damaged skin cells and thus accelerating the skin's natural turnover process. This not only smooths out Skin texture, but also reduces dullness and minimizes the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Increases collagen production

In addition to extrinsic factors (such as environmental stress), intrinsic or biological aging contributes to the decline in collagen. As you age, your skin's collagen stores break down and break down naturally, resulting in visible signs of aging. Not only vitamin C Activates the skin's fibroblasts to produce new collagen. It also stabilizes the collagen that is already there and helps the skin look firm, plump and youthful for longer.

Check out In The Mix, where Natalie describes how vitamin C can reverse the visible signs of aging:

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0xuBjmfuw8 (/ embed)

How to use a vitamin C serum

Natalie tells us, "Vitamin C is essential to everyone's routine. Your body doesn't make this vitamin. The only way to get its benefits is to apply it topically." One of the best means of transporting vitamin C to the skin is a serum. Here's how to use a vitamin C serum in your skin care routine.

Perform a patch test

If you have For sensitive skin, we recommend doing a patch test before adding a new ingredient to your skin care regimen. Follow these steps with a licensed esthetician at your preferred Eminence Organics Spa partner:

Pick a small area of skin that can be easily covered (like your forearm or behind your ear).
Apply a small amount of product and wait 24 hours.
If there are no side effects, apply them to your face. Discontinue use if you experience symptoms such as rash, redness, or hives.

Add a vitamin C serum to your skin regimen

Adding a vitamin C serum to your skin care routine is easy. Vitamin C is usually formulated in a fast-absorbing formula suitable for all skin types that can be used both morning and evening. Skin care experts recommend applying 1-2 drops of serum to clean, firm skin. Use your fingers to spread a thin layer of serum over your face and neck and wait for it to be completely absorbed before applying your favorite facial oil and / or moisturizer.

In this video, Natalie teaches you how to add vitamin C to your skincare routine:

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns2vGlR83co (/ embed)

What to look for in a vitamin C serum

There are a few things to consider when choosing a vitamin C serum. Choose a serum with:

L-ascorbic acid (the most potent and effective type of vitamin C in skin care).
A concentration of 10-20%. Below 10% may not be strong enough and above 20% can be too strong for most skin types.
Supplementary ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid improve the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and keep the formula stable.

Potent C + E serum for citrus fruits and kale

Eminence Organics Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum is a lightweight formula that can be easily added to any skin care routine. This serum is formulated with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid which, as mentioned, improve its antioxidant properties and help it maintain its effectiveness. This formula also contains three types of vitamin C. First, there is L-ascorbic acid, a powerful form of the antioxidant. Second, you can find vitamin C from natural sources – citrus fruits like lemon and orange, and leafy greens like kale and broccoli. And third, the serum contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate (also known as vitamin C salt), which is shown below.

Pro tip: Improve your routine with the Rosehip Triple C + E Firming Oil and the Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Masque. The moisturizing properties of these complementary products add essential moisture and stimulate the skin to absorb more vitamin C over time, improving the effectiveness of the serum.

Why vitamin C + E together?

There's a reason we combine vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Says Natalie, "Together, these ingredients provide additional free radical protection to further reduce the occurrence of damage, so the skin stays healthy, smooth, and glowing." Mindbodygreen, a study found that these two ingredients increased the effectiveness of vitamin C by eight times! The addition of vitamin E and ferulic acid not only increases the effectiveness, but also stabilizes vitamin C, a notoriously sensitive ingredient.

How to Store Vitamin C and Keep It Stable

Vitamin C is a susceptible ingredient that degrades when routinely exposed to air and light. If not protected, it degrades and oxidizes quickly, losing its antioxidant properties. In addition to storing your vitamin C serum for a serum packaged in an opaque, air-restricted bottle, store it in a cool, dark place to protect it. You can even keep it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh longer.

Are you ready to add a vitamin C serum to your skin care regimen? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Affiliate to learn more about how this classic ingredient can benefit your skin.

This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

03 May

Blog

New Pokémon Snap Review: As Wholesome As Can Be

May 3, 2021
Posted by Samson

New Pokemon Snap

"New Pokemon Snap is a worthy sequel to a beloved classic that's full of charm and a surprising amount of content."

Intuitive photo mechanic
The gameplay rewards curiosity
Lots of content
Fun photo editing

Grindy gameplay loop
Uncooked social traits

How on earth did it take so long for New Pokémon Snap to exist? The original Pokémon Snap has held a special place in fans' hearts for over 20 years, and they're practically begging for more. Given that there are as many Pokémon spin-offs as there are creatures themselves, the decision to wait that long is mind-boggling.

As a series (god it feels good to finally call it a series), Pokémon Snap is almost the ideal implementation of the franchise. Instead of fighting monsters, players can simply immerse themselves in their habitats and observe every precious behavior. While it is a tragedy that Pokémon are not real, the photo simulator is a suitable vacation in their world.

New Pokémon Snap is a wonderful sequel that fits the social media era perfectly. With tons of courses to explore and interactions to discover, it's a laid-back amusement park ride that's a worthy evolution of the original.

Take a picture, it will take longer

For those who have never grown up with a game old enough to drink, New Pokémon Snap is a first-person shooter – but not what you think. It's a photo simulator where players leisurely drive through the new lental region, taking pictures of creatures as they pass. It's like touring a series of healthy nature reserves.

Pokémon has always been a franchise with two distinct strengths. For RPG Diehards, it's a strategic game that can be highly competitive and complex. For those who think Pikachu is just damn cute, it's just a good excuse to collect some creatures. New Pokémon Snap is a game designed specifically for the latter that gives "I have to catch them all" a new meaning.

The central photo mechanic works so well because it's easy to understand, but offers plenty of nuances for dedicated players to work with. The challenge is to create perfect compositions, not to run the basics. Almost anyone can pick it up and immediately understand how to play. It is particularly suitable for our modern times, when children use cameras from a young age thanks to smartphones. Photography is incorporated into our basic lives more than ever, and New Pokémon Snap is putting those skills to the test.

It's an ingenious twist on the franchise that turns something we do every day into the most intuitive gameplay hook in the world.

To help players get their perfect shots, the game features little tools that create different interactions. Throw a fluffruit at a Pokémon and they will happily chew it and give players a new pose to capture. Play a little music box and a chandalure might spin in response. Each tool brings a level of experimentation into the game that constantly rewards curiosity with consistently pleasing results.

The slow, relaxed pace won't work for everyone. Like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it's a leisurely game that works best when you sit back on the couch in handheld mode on a lazy weekend day. But as for Pokémon games that try to appeal to casual fans, it's an ingenious twist in the franchise that makes something we do every day the most intuitive gameplay hook in the world.

More to discover

While the original game was a brief curiosity that could be 100% completed in six hours, New Pokémon Snap is finding several ways to improve game time. The biggest difference is that the sequel features a narrative about a mysteriously glowing Pokémon phenomenon that brings more specific goals and progress to the game. There are even "boss fights" where players have to test their reaction time to snap rare photos of giants like Milotic. It's a simple solution that adds structure to those who are put off by the free form of its predecessor.

New Pokemon Snap

There are many more ways to photograph this time. The original game only had 62 Pokémon, while this one has over 200. In addition, each monster has four different poses that can be caught. It takes over 800 unique shots to get one shot of everything, which is way above the Nintendo 64 version.

The same applies to courses. There are 11 main locations, but each has a variant that increases the number of unique levels to 24. It doesn't even take into account the alternative routes hidden at each level or the research level system, adding four minor differences to each level. Throw in over 140 photo requests and a slew of unlockable objects and players with a lot more to do this time around.

While targeting casual gamers, it's a deceptively deep package that a dedicated fan can spend a lot of time mastering.

Granted, it can be a bit of a chore. To get everything, players have to repeat the courses over and over again. Even with the variations, it can be a bit difficult to play the same stage a dozen times to get the maximum level of research. The NEO-ONE vehicle slowly rolls along the game's tracks. A turbo tool while playing helps speed things up. However, if someone wants to catch a Pokémon that doesn't appear until the end of a stage, they'll have to wait for the car to stomp to the end for the chance.

Despite the repetition, it's a little surprising to compare the original and the sequel in terms of content. The story alone lasts around 12 hours, and adding online leaderboards gives the game a huge lifespan for those who have that high score itch. While targeting casual gamers, it's a deceptively deep package that a dedicated fan can spend a lot of time mastering.

The social network

The best thing about a sequel to Pokémon Snap that launches in 2021 is that it can reach its full social potential. Something like that. New Pokémon Snap has an online element for players to share their best shots. For longtime fans, a dream comes true, although without some restrictions it wouldn't be a Nintendo internet experience.

Players can only upload six photos at a time, which is disappointingly limited. On the Online tab, players can only browse a very small selection of trending photos. This includes photos of friends that appear under a vague "Featured" tab that only shows the most recent snapshots. There is no way to search for a friend and simply check their profile. Instead, players will need to find a photo of them when it appears in Recommended and click on their page from there. It is an unnecessarily sparse but complicated implementation of a basic idea.

For longtime fans, a dream comes true, although without some restrictions it wouldn't be a Nintendo internet experience.

It's hard not to think about what could have been here. Imagine an in-game social media app where players can scroll through their friends' photos, add tags to their shots, or filter by a Pokémon's name to find the best creature shots in the world. It is particularly surprising that the game lacks integration with Nintendo's mobile app. It feels like a missed opportunity that could reach its full social potential.

Fortunately, the game has an ace up its sleeve: its photo editing tools. Players can customize shots in a mini version of Instagram that includes filters, frames, and stickers. Images can even be "re-captured", giving players the option to re-frame a shot, change the exposure, or play with focus. It's a small but powerful touch that breaks the game wide open. It no longer feels as if there were a set number of “good” shots during the journeys on the rails. There are tons of ways to create a masterpiece. Even a bad snapshot can subsequently become a work of art.

New Pokemon Snap

The photo editor gives the game its true social power. I've spent the past few days sending photos to friends or sharing them on Discord servers. The satisfaction of having a mate compliment on my carefully crafted shot is far more satisfying than the thousands of strangers who like it online. It might be just a side-effect of the lack of online functionality, but New Pokémon Snap is a more personal social experience that's best enjoyed when players have someone to trade discoveries with.

Our opinion

New Pokémon Snap is a wonderful sequel to a beloved classic, which is no easy task. It avoids being a simple act of nostalgia by giving players tons of photo ops to track and more control over their final shots. There's more room for growth, be it through DLC or a sequel, but it's a healthy photo game for fans looking to immerse themselves in the colorful glow of the Pokémon universe.

Is there a better alternative?

There are many great niche photography games like Umurangi Generation, but New Pokémon Snap is unmatched in its depth of content.

How long it will take?

The main story lasts 12 hours, but if you take all of the 800+ shots, the watch will have plenty of time. Unlockables, side requests, and post-game leaderboards make this pack a surprisingly robust package compared to the original.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's a chill experience that goes perfectly with the Nintendo Switch. It's the kind of game that you can break out when you have a few free minutes and give your day a little boost of joy.

Editor's recommendations

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