06 Feb
Blog

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD Review: Cyborg Sport Sedan

2021 acura tlx review front three quarters

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD Review: Reclaiming the Golden Age

"The redesigned 2021 Acura TLX takes on the battle of German luxury brands with style and sportiness."

  • Sharp styling

  • all wheel drive

  • Sporty interior

  • Powerful standard motor

  • Insurmountable infotainment system

  • Not for tall people

Like an aging millennium, Acura aims to recapture the glory days of the nineties. In this golden age, the first generation NSX and Integra Type R emerged – the redefined what performance cars could be and are now collectible. With the possible exception of the current-generation NSX, nothing Acura has done since has generated the same enthusiasm from fans or critics.

The 2021 Acura TLX is the latest attempt at a comeback from the luxury brand Honda. Acura threw it all on the new TLX, including a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and an unorthodox infotainment system, to outperform the competition. This competition includes the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Genesis G70, Infiniti Q50 and Volvo S60, as well as more recent entries like the Cadillac CT4 and the recently updated Lexus IS.

Prices for the 2021 TLX start at $ 38,525 for a base front-wheel drive model and rise to $ 49,325 for the all-wheel-drive Advance package with peak performance. Our test car was an all-wheel drive A-Spec package with sporty styling elements and a base MSRP of $ 47,275.

Design and interior

The 2021 TLX is a revamped model, but it still looks familiar to me. This is because Acura was heavily adopted from the well-received Type-S concept first shown in 2019. For brand continuity, the 2021 model also retains many of the styling features of the previous generation TLX and other newer Acura models, including “Jewel Eye LED headlights and a pentagonal grille. However, designers have prepared a completely different dish than these familiar ingredients.

Comparing the TLX 2021 to the 2020 model is the same as viewing the before and after photos on a Weight Watchers ad. The new model looks much tighter and sportier than the old version and also has better proportions. It has a lower roof and wider stance than the 2020 TLX. So it looks like it's gliding across the road surface instead of protruding over it. Acura also pushed the front wheels further forward and gave the 2021 TLX the classic silhouette to the rear, which always ensures a good design. These LED headlights are also slimmer and have curved elements inspired by the headlights found on the Acura ARX-05 racing car.

Under the skin is a new Acura exclusive platform so the TLX isn't just a crazy Honda Accord. Acura claims a 50% increase in overall torsional stiffness compared to the previous generation TLX, which is important for handling and refinement. Acura also used aluminum for the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and front damper mounts, mainly to improve weight distribution from front to rear rather than to save weight.

The new model looks much tighter and sportier than the old version and also has better proportions.

The interior is more of a sports car than a sedan. The dashboard is low and tilted forward for better visibility. A high center tunnel brings the controls closer to the driver's right hand. Inside, most of the other sports sedans feel like regular cars with some racing jewelry attached. This is a complete (and very functional) rethinking of what a sports sedan interior could be – and you still get the hit parts. The TLX A-Spec models have a flat-bottomed steering wheel, metal shift paddles and bright red leather upholstery.

The 2021 Acura TLX doesn't offer much more interior space than the 2020 model and actually has a little less headroom in the rear. The 2021 TLX also has the lowest rear headroom among its competitors and is also at the bottom of the rankings for front headroom. The Acura has less legroom front and rear than the segment-leading Lexus IS and Audi A4, but none of these sedans are particularly generous in this area.

The TLX offers more shoulder room than its competitors and creates a feeling of spaciousness despite its relatively narrow dimensions. The seats in our test car were quite comfortable despite the thick side cushions. However, we would have preferred more thigh padding for extra support when cornering. The Acura's trunk is larger than average, but is still well below the 17.0 cubic feet of the BMW 3 Series.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard infotainment system includes a 10.2-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and an integrated WiFi hotspot. Advance Package models have a 10.5-inch head-up display.

Acura gave the 2021 TLX its True Touchpad surface, so you get a trackpad instead of a touchscreen. Similar to a laptop, moving your finger over the pad manipulates a cursor on the screen, but the cursor automatically jumps from icon to icon for better control. While it was easy to use, we didn't see the advantage of this user interface over a touchscreen or the rotary control you get with BMW's iDrive system.

Aside from the unorthodox True Touchpad finish, the rest of the infotainment system wasn't that remarkable. Aside from cute animations for the driving modes, the screen's graphics were simple and while competitors like Audi and BMW offer fully digital instrument clusters, each TLX model receives analog displays with a 7.0-inch TFT display in between. We welcomed the fact that Acura included analog controls for key functions – including scroll buttons on the steering wheel – but we would also have liked buttons to answer and end calls.

The 17-speaker audio system offered good sound quality, as one would expect from a high-end system.

Acura offers three audio systems for the 2021 TLX. Base models receive an unbranded 10-speaker system, Technology Package models a 13-speaker ELS Studio system, and A-Spec Package and Advance Package models a 17-speaker 3D ELS Studio system. In our A-Spec package test car, the 17-speaker system offered good sound quality, as one would expect from a high-end audio system.

The standard AcuraWatch driver assistance package for the TLX includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, departure reduction, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. A traffic jam support function enables the adaptive cruise control to continue working in slow stop-and-go traffic.

At higher speeds, the adaptive cruise control impressed with smooth acceleration and braking, although, as is often the case with these systems, the lane centering function caused problems even when cornering gently on motorways. The lane departure warning system was also a bit overly sensitive and flashed its warnings like a particularly nervous driving instructor.

Experience at the wheel

Sportiness is supposed to be one of the TLX's main selling points, and it looks pretty good on paper. The TLX comes standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That's better than the standard drivetrains in most competing sedans, and there's a more powerful Type S version on the way. It will be a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 with an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of the torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is the only transmission available.

The TLX has front-wheel drive as standard, which is usually not the best basis for a sports sedan. However, our test car had the optional super handling all-wheel drive system (SH-AWD). This is one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems on the market that, under certain conditions (the standard split is 30/70 front / rear), can transfer up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels to mimic the feeling of rear-wheel drive. It can also redirect torque between the left and right rear wheels – known as torque vectoring.

SH-AWD offers plenty of grip, so you can open the throttle almost anytime without worrying about losing traction.

Why is it all important? A four-wheel drive preloaded at the rear reduces the workload on the front wheels, which are already steering and doing most of the braking. By sending more power to a rear wheel, torque vectoring also helps in cornering the car by pulling the rear around. This power is effectively used to steer the car from behind. The fourth generation SH-AWD system in the 2021 TLX reinforces this effect a little more than the outgoing version and, according to Acura, can transfer the power 30% faster from the front to the rear axle.

SH-AWD is the TLX's secret weapon. It offers tons of grip and allows you to almost always open the throttle without worrying about losing traction – it's as if the laws of physics no longer apply. Torque vectoring also makes the car feel agile despite lackluster steering. In our hands the bike felt too imprecise in the TLX's "Normal" and "Comfort" riding modes, while the "Sport" mode added so much weight that the bike felt like it was spring loaded.

On winding roads, it seemed like the all-wheel drive system was doing most of the work, magically fixing everything, regardless of what the driver was doing. That was confident, but it didn't inspire drivers of more traditional sports sedans either, and made us wonder if we would have been just as impressed with a front-wheel drive TLX.

The turbocharged engine delivered more than enough thrust, with just a hint of the delay in throttle response normally associated with turbos. The ride quality was tough, but not inadequate for a sporty car like this one (if you want unadulterated luxury, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the Volvo S60 are better choices), and the overarching Advance package includes adaptive dampers. This could have offered a better compromise between ride and handling. In short, the TLX is the real deal when it comes to performance, but it feels different from its competitors.

Fuel economy and safety

Fuel economy figures for the 2021 Acura TLX are 25 mpg (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive (A-Spec models are rated at 30 mpg highway) and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive . That's slightly below most of the competition and is difficult to achieve with spirited driving. According to the car's on-board computer, the average was 21.7 mpg over a mix of city, highway, and backroad driving.

The Acura TLX 2021 received the "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS – the company's highest safety rating. The TLX received the top rating "Good" in all IIHS crash tests and the rating "Superior" for the headlights and front. Crash Prevention Technology – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test assessments are not yet available.

Acura offers a four year base 50,000 mile warranty and a six year 70,000 mile powertrain warranty – pretty common terms for a luxury car.

How DT would configure this car

Our ideal TLX is similar to our test car – an SH-AWD model with the A-Spec package. As mentioned above, SH-AWD is the TLX's standout feature and offers better bad weather capability than the front wheel drive. So, in our opinion, it would be well worth the extra cash (a $ 2,000 option).

The A-Spec package includes styling features that make the TLX stand out, as well as all the major technical features. Gray 19-inch wheels and available red leather upholstery add style. The ELS studio sound system with 17 loudspeakers and mobile phone charging are also included. The A-Spec is also included in the technology package, which includes USB ports on the back seat, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, and front and rear parking sensors.

The expanded Advance package offers features such as wood paneling, heated outboard rear seats, a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, we didn't miss these features during our week with the A-Spec model.

Our opinion

The 2021 TLX is Acura's most powerful effort yet to regain the magic of its early days. It's not perfect – the Genesis G70 offers better driving dynamics, the BMW 3 Series has a better infotainment system, and the Cadillac CT4 and Volvo S60 have more sophisticated driver assistant technology – but the TLX offers a good combination of sporty driving dynamics and high driving dynamics -end Functions. More importantly, it has a unique character.

Many other sedans offer feature laundry lists, a vibrant driving experience, and the allure of a luxury brand. It's not enough to build a car that is fancier than your run-of-the-mill grocer – luxury cars are already filling Whole Foods parking lots across the country. The TLX is successful because it is something different – just like the Acura symbols of the 90s.

Admittedly, that also means that the TLX is not suitable for everyone. Whether it's the car depends on whether you can enjoy the mechanized driving experience and live with the unusual infotainment interface. The other defining features of the TLX – its exterior and interior design – are also subjective. Every car (and every car company) has its quirks, but these Acuras are more visible than most.

Should you get one

Yes. The TLX may be different, but that's a good thing.

Editor's recommendations




06 Feb
Blog

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell Review: Aiming Too Hgh

Netatmo video doorbell mounted on brick

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell

"The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is a great video doorbell with a few small flaws and one big one – the price."

  • Intelligent A.I. Camera detection

  • Clear video day and night

  • Expensive

  • Narrow field of view

  • Blocky design collides with some decor

When asked to review the Netatmo security camera a few months ago, I was impressed with the functionality but not impressed with the design. Fortunately, Netatmo has made some progress in this category with its Smart Video Doorbell. The wired doorbell from Netatmo brings person recognition and the known functions of artificial intelligence (A.I.) to a thankfully smaller form factor.

Netatmo hasn't quite shaken off its blocky roots yet, however, as the design of this doorbell reminds me of something you might see in Minecraft. The doorbell consists of three squares stacked on top of each other. The top square has the camera and Netatmo branding, the middle square has a loudspeaker grille for bidirectional communication, and the bottom square has the button with a bell symbol. Overall, the aesthetic works for me. It looks modern so it looks a little different on a brick home, but you can go upstairs well.

Installation first

The installation is very easy. Netatmo even included a silicone lock that you slide the doorbell wires through for additional sealing. It's a nice touch that I haven't seen before. You can also use a 25 degree offset to see if your house is mine and the door is set back from the brick siding. A carillon module is included in the scope of delivery, which you must also connect to your transformer. So make sure you know where that is. Netatmo also includes an additional backup, which is a first in my career as a doorbell checker. Better to have it and not need it, I suppose.

Netatmo

The video feed is very good. My backyard in Chicago is currently a snowy landscape so I can't comment on the color rendering, but I can tell you the white balance is spot on. A fish-eye effect can be seen at the edges of the field of view with a diagonal of 140 degrees. The infrared image is also quite good at night. There's a lot of camera in this doorbell.

Netatmo has some work to do on its aesthetics, but this is a solid step in the right direction.

The speaker built into the camera is loud and clear. Netatmo doesn't list an official speaker volume specification, but it is certainly clear enough for a conversation to take place. Both the two-way conversation and the video feed are pretty lag-free, so you don't get those awkward pauses where you say something and then wait for the voice to go through.

Return home

The doorbell also works with Apple's HomeKit, although I mainly used the Netatmo Security app for my tests. After my review of the Logitech video doorbell, it was a nice change of pace. Netatmo is still doing smart things with A.I. like focusing and cropping on the motion themes in the thumbnails of saved events. In the first few days, of course, a floodlight in the frame was identified as a person, but that's why detection zones are important.

The software has some special features that are difficult to reconcile with one another. For example, to view the live camera, you need to press a phone icon in the middle of the screen. To terminate the connection, you must also press a hang-up key. While watching the live feed, you can unmute the speaker and microphone on the doorbell to have a conversation with whoever is there. I've got the thinking behind it – you "call" the camera to have a conversation with whoever is at the door.

Screenshot of the Netatmo Security App.

Netatmo doubles the "phone call" metaphor when the doorbell rings. The app not only rings your interior, but also initiates a call between you and the doorbell. Other doorbells, like our recently tested Wyze video doorbell, simply send you a notification and you can choose whether or not to respond. This feature follows the Netatmo video calling metaphor, but just because I can streamline it doesn't mean it's a good idea.

One of the few that support HomeKit

The addition of Apple's HomeKit brings a nice new level of automation that we explored in the Logitech video doorbell. You can use the motion sensor on the doorbell to trigger other actions around the house, although I haven't found one that makes sense yet. The video feed also works more intuitively through HomeKit. You don't have to ring the doorbell to see what's going on outside. With the Netatmo app, Android users can also enjoy the doorbell.

Our opinion

Overall, this is a solid entry into the video doorbell space. Netatmo has some work to do on its aesthetics, but this is a solid step in the right direction. To be honest, the blocky doorbell doesn't suit every type of home. Integration with Apple HomeKit is easy without excluding Android users. The video feed is great and has a slightly narrower field of view than others on the market.

As a stand-alone doorbell, this is exactly the right thing for you. It does everything a video doorbell needs and uses Smart A.I. to find out what's important in a particular clip. I would love to test this out in a non-winter month to see animals running across my deck so I could really say that A.I. Through my steps, however, my review of the Netatmo video camera gave me a good idea of ​​what to expect. When putting your smart home piece together piece by piece, this is a good addition as long as you like the look.

Is there a better alternative?

The Netatmo video doorbell does a lot of things right, but Netatmo is charging nearly $ 300, and there are other options worth considering. From a design perspective, I prefer the rounded look of the Arlo Video doorbell or the Nest Hello. From the point of view of the field of view, 140 degrees is the center of the road. Doorbells like the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro give you full 180-degree top, bottom, left, and right angles. Simply put, for its price point, the Netatmo should be the best of all, and it really isn't.

Will it take?

The Netatmo video doorbell works between -10 and 40 degrees Celsius and is IP44 compliant. Netatmo products are guaranteed for two years. The silicon barrier helps keep water out of the electronics, so I see no reason why this doorbell shouldn't last long.

Should you buy it?

No. At $ 300 there are other options that do a better job. See the Wyze Video Doorbell at 1/10 the price. It is true that Netatmo does not charge a subscription service and that all videos are stored locally on an included SD card. However, at this price point, it's hard to recommend, especially when video doorbell prices are generally falling.

Editor's recommendations




06 Feb
Blog

How to Snack Fat | Breaking Muscle

Is It a Good Time to Start a Keto Diet? Fat Snax can help.

If the spread of Covid-19 has motivated you to take extra care of your health, research the keto diet should be.

We can tell you that the keto diet will help reduce inflammation and induce metabolic correction to help boost your immune system. However, if you want more specific information, please refer to the US National Library of Medicine.

If you're used to snacking all day, sticking to a strict diet isn't easyEspecially if you have side effects like that Keto flu or just being tired.

Hopefully the information in this article will help you combat fatigue, enjoy delicious snack alternatives, and try this recommendation out.

Craving for Carbohydrates on Keto?

Fat Snax, a keto-friendly snack that I think tastes like Cheezits and Sun Chips.

Personally, I think the Fat Snax almond flour crackers are the bomb!

Fat Snax, a keto-friendly snack that tastes like Cheezits and Sun Chips

Not only were they able to cut the carbohydrate count to 3 grams, but they were also able to reproduce the taste of the snacks that most of us ate as adults.

However, if you are wondering how legit these crackers are, here is a roundup of how great they were when I ate three packs in one sitting.

  • They didn't fall apart and made a mess on my desk. I don't know about you, but I like having a clean desk. I prefer not to bother with stains, especially when it comes to my keyboard and the pages of books I have opened.
  • These crackers have a lot of flavor. I tried all three flavors in one session and none of them are tasteless.
  • I dipped them in sauces and they didn't break. If you enjoy a side of salsa or guacamole with your fries and crackers, this is the place to go. They won't make you wet.

Overall, I would give 8 out of 10 for taste, concept and ease of use. Make sure to seal the bag if you want to save the rest for later.

05 Feb
Blog

Apple AirPods Max Review | Funnest Headphones Ever

Apple AirPods max

"The AirPods Max are exquisitely crafted headphones designed for Apple lovers."

  • Best-in-class ANC

  • Amazing transparency mode

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Excellent sound quality

  • First class call quality

  • Charges via the Lightning cable

  • Heavy on the head

I'm a headphone freak and have been for almost two decades. And, without a doubt, at $ 550, the Apple AirPods Max are the most fun headphones I've tested in 10 years – but that doesn't necessarily mean you should buy them.

I've heard a lot about these headphones over the past few weeks and now that I've got hold of a pair, I have to be honest: I disagree with a lot of what I've heard. I want to dig into these headphones not just from the perspective of someone who has tested headphones over the years, but also as a studio musician, fan of high-end sound, and a person who loves making smart purchases with hard-earned money. Let's examine what's good, what's great, and what's not about the AirPods Max, and of course, make some comparisons with the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose ANC 700.

Build quality

The most noticeable design element when looking at the AirPods Pro are the metal ear cups. They sit comfortably in the hand – in fact, every part of these headphones feels good. The fabric material in the headband has a cool suspension, the telescopic part of the headband has a satisfactorily smooth movement, the ear cups are squishy and covered in a lush textile, and even the oversized digital crown and the noise-canceling / transparency mode can be toggled button feel good to turn and push. It's really amazing how comfortable it is to hold them.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

But as satisfactory as they are, they aren't called cell phones – they are called headphones, and they need to feel great on your head. For some users, the AirPods Max may feel perfectly fine. Deep auricles, breathable ear pads and a balanced clamping force help a little. The problem, however, is that there is a lot of weight to compensate for. Too much weight in my opinion. These materials are beautiful. This makes the AirPods Max feel super luxurious, but in practical terms, these headphones may be too heavy for some people. Especially if, like me, you wear headphones for hours.

To be clear, Apple has done an impressive job of reducing the stress on the crown and ears through clever engineering and materialsThis is one reason why headphones like the Sony XM4, Bose ANC700, and even the Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition are made from high-quality plastic and composites instead of metal: because they're good for acoustics and they're lightweight and comfortable.

Connectivity

Riley Young / Digital Trends

As you'd expect, the AirPods Max work best with Apple products. Not only do you instantly connect, but you can switch from one Apple device to another in no time. Another benefit is that you can use an iOS device to turn off ANC in the headphone section of the control panel, and you can actually play with the digital signal processor (DSP) over the accessibility section – which I'll mention again later when we talk about sound quality. Unfortunately, if you're an Android user, you lose all of that. As far as I can tell, there is no turning off the ANC or adjusting the DSP without an Apple device. For connectivity, AirPods Max win for Apple users, while Sony and Bose, which both have apps for both platforms with lots of customization options, win for everyone.

The oversized digital crown is awesome.

Control elements / interface

When it comes to controls, I have to give them to the AirPods Max. The oversized digital crown is awesome. It's easy to find if you're wearing headphones, and the volume knob is oddly enough to turn satisfactorily – you even hear a tiny click when you adjust the volume. The digital crown is also extremely accurate and grainy. I had no problem hitting my volume sweet spot, while with other headphones and volume controls, I'm always a click away from the volume that's too loud or too soft.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

Plus, an almost comically large button just for toggling between ANC and transparency modes is a spring in the cap of the AirPods Max. Again, finding the button while wearing the headphones is no problem, and pressing the buttons with satisfaction is a far better one Experience than holding your hand over the right ear cup of the Sony XM4 or looking for the right button on the Bose ANC 700. I used to think the swipe control thing was cool too, but now I'm kind of over it. The AirPods Max have simple controls for which headphones I want to use. This is the kind of thing Apple is doing right now.

Where is the power switch?

On the subject of battery life, charging times, and the fact that there's no power switch – this may surprise you: I don't have any problems with it. Let me finish

Some think the fact that the AirPods Max doesn't have a power button and can't actually be turned off completely is ridiculous. I do not think so.

The AirPods Max go into a power-saving mode after a short while when you put them down. In fact, I put it on my desk around 8 p.m. and picked them up the next day at 7 a.m. and they had laid off a measly 7%. With five minutes of charging, I can get that blackout and a lot more back, which gives you 1.5 hours of listening time.

When the AirPods Max aren't used for about 72 hours, they go into a kind of ultra-low power mode and use even less power. In practice, with such a slow power failure, it is hard to imagine that a power switch is absolutely necessary. Maybe when you keep it around your neck as a fashion accessory all day long? But even then, it's not like they drain quickly and die of you that day.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

For the claimed 20 hour battery life, I've found this rating to be conservative. With ANC, I've approached 25 uninterrupted hours of play and that's enough to take advantage of a few days before you have to think about recharging. So I'm fine with the battery life, even if the rating is about half that of the Sony XM4 – in real life it's perfectly fine.

I think the valuable thing about this always on standby strategy is that whenever you get a call or a Zoom call, they are ready to go. Just put them on and click to reply. I love that – it's far better than long-pressing a power button and waiting for the headphones to boot while the phone keeps ringing.

What I don't like is the USB-C lightning cable that comes with the headphones. I think it was a mistake to choose a flash when USC-C is a much more sensible choice.

It is not a case

Riley Young / Digital Trends

One area where I agree with other reviewers and commentators is what is called the "case" that comes with the AirPods Max. Since there are many others throwing away this "non-fall" as I call it, I don't feel the need to use more vitriol. It's not a case, it's not a shelter, and if it weren't for the magnets in it which are required to activate the ultra-low-power modeI would say throw it away.

The transparency mode is amazing.

ANC and transparency mode

I want to start with transparency mode because it's amazing – perhaps the most impressive feature of the AirPods Max. It's as close to NOT wearing headphones as I've ever heard it. Everything else pales in comparison.

I'm also looking forward to checking out active noise cancellation on a flight someday, as the AirPods Max, as far as I can tell, may just rule the skies. Since I'm not getting on planes yet, to test the headphones I tried the AirPods Max, Sony XM4, and Bose ANC 700 near some loud fans and an HVAC system. The AirPods Max did very well compared to the best noise-canceling headphones I tested.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

The AirPods Max make it even better every day. They sound like hammering a mechanical keyboard, sipping coffee, and other annoying things. I wore them to a coffee shop and was surprised at how little I heard of the espresso machine and general barista noises. Is it the best noise cancellation on the planet? I can not say it yet. I really have to get on a plane to be sure, but it's damn close. Close enough that I can't call the Sony XM4 the reigning champion anymore, now that there's another big dog on the hill. However, I'll say the AirPods Max won't make anyone crave for more noise cancellation.

Call quality

The AirPods Max are great for making phone calls and taking video conferences – even better than the Bose ANC700, which are great on their own. I found that ambient noise was very well muffled while the clarity of the voice was excellent. The AirPods Max are also very adept at dealing with wind noise.

Sound quality

Before I get into fidelity, I want to mention that I ran some testing with Spatial Audio which, if you're not familiar, is a 3D sound competitor to Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X, and the like. I think it's fun to watch movies, but I'm less enthusiastic about the implementation for music. It's a cool feature, but not a selling point for me.

When it comes to audio fidelity, the AirPods Max sound really good. In particular, I think the midrange has great presence and clarity – something you won't get as much of on the Sony XM4 as the midrange has a bump that tends to clutter the vocal range.

Sony's mid-bass bump is also notable because it gives the XM4 more punch. In direct comparison to the AirPods Max, the Apple cans are less effective. That doesn't mean the AirPods Max lack solid bass. They actually get very deep – deeper than the Sony XM4 or Bose ANC 700 – so everything is sound there. I just noticed that the bass guitar was less prominent on a lot of the tracks I love listening to, and the kick drum had a little less punch than the XM4 and Bose headphones. As mentioned earlier, the more balanced mid-bass enables tThe excellent midrange response from Max.

"I found that Apple Music sounded better than Spotify with the Apple AirPods Max. "

In the high altitude region, cymbals and brass instruments sparkle very well, which I liked very much – sibilance or harshness are irrelevant here. I didn't see a particularly well-executed instrument separation, however, and as far as soundstage and imaging go, I think the AirPods Max are average.

In general, I feel a little closer to the music listening to the Sony XM4 and Bose ANC700, but I feel like hearing more detail with the AirPods Max, which are sure to be the most balanced of the three headphones I compared.

One interesting note: I found that Apple Music sounded better than Spotify with the Apple AirPods Max, and I suspect Apple is using the AAC codec (the only codec supported by the AirPods Max) during the MP3-based deployment from Spotify is more lossy. Another reason to delve into the Apple ecosystem for listening to music.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

I've noticed some have said that the AirPods Max sound better with the ANC off. I didn't think so. Maybe the frequency response is flatter, but I feel like the music is losing part of its life. I've also heard that adjustments to the DSP via the Accessibility menu in iOS could improve the sound, but honestly I like the way they sound instantly with the balanced setting and slight boost setting.

From an audio point of view, I like the AirPods Max very much, and I would like to continue listening to the AirPods Max a little longer, as I suspect that my preference for punch will wane over the weeks and months, but right now I prefer the Sony XM4 -Sound signature. However, this is a deeply personal preference. I can see why someone would prefer the sound of the Max in the long run, and I'll adjust this rating as I change my tune. You sound very good. Good enough to justify the $ 550 price tag.

As for the cool factor, there's no doubt that the AirPods Max have it in their spades, and there's no doubt that they are one of the most fun headphones I've had the chance to test out in many years.

Our opinion

The AirPods Max are near perfect, with top notch noise cancellation, the most remarkable transparency mode I've ever heard, balanced and detailed sound with lots of deep and musical bass, and a very top notch feel. My main complaints are its weight, which I fear won't work for hours of use, and the lack of a proper carrying case.

Is there a better alternative?

For a higher level of convenience, I would recommend considering the Sony WH-1000xm4, which offers competitive sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as superior battery life in a lighter headphone. The Sony also come with a legitimate carrying case and are more portable. Nevertheless, the AirPods Max are wonderful premium headphones with unmatched build quality.

How long will they last?

Given the excellent build quality just mentioned, I can imagine that the AirPods Max will last as long as the battery allows. They come with Apple's standard one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Should you buy it?

If you don't mind a heavier headset with a premium price tag then absolutely yes.

Editor's recommendations




05 Feb
Blog

Building a CrossFit Body | Breaking Muscle

In this episode, I'm accompanied by Mike Tromello from Precision CrossFit. Mike was an accomplished athlete and is now a top coach.

He has coached multiple CrossFit games, athletes, and medalists.

Mike explains the key principles to help you build the physique of an elite CrossFit athlete on the show. He also shows what differentiates his athletes from their competitors.

This episode is a must have if you want to look and perform!

You can also find this podcast on top of all of my other Six Pack of Knowledge podcasts (curated discussions with the world's greatest hypertrophy experts).

Or search for Breaking Muscle's channel and podcasts on the following services: iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM, PodBean.

04 Feb
Blog

Kill sedentarism before it kills you – a guide for people working from home

Sedentary life is a major public health issue. Sitting looks more dangerous than smoking, HIV, and extreme sports like skydiving because it kills more people than any of these threats. Doctors state that people have developed a dangerous habit of killing themselves. The scientific community has called this condition sedentary sickness, implying that people develop health problems as a result of their sedentary life.

The Sedentary Research Network published a paper defining sedentary behavior in 2017, calling it an activity of leaning back, sitting, or lying down in a position that implies a minimum amount of energy. Research shows that a worrying percentage of only 21% of adults meet physical activity guidelines, and only 5% of them are physically active for more than 30 minutes a day.

Most people do not know the risks associated with sitting too long. Even if it sounds dramatic, inactivity can lead to a higher risk of chronic medical problems and even death. The World Health Organization states that sedentarism is the fourth most common risk factor for global mortality, responsible for 12% of high blood pressure and diabetes, 22% of colon cancer, 22% of heart disease and 6% of global deaths.

Why is sedentarism so dangerous to your health?

The research found that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with many health risks. Numerous studies have confirmed that inactive people are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or early death.

Sitting for more than 30 minutes will reduce your metabolism and affect your body's ability to synthesize fat, regulate blood pressure, and control blood sugar levels. Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of early death.

It puts a strain on your sanity

Inactivity has a negative impact on your mental wellbeing. Sedentarianism is a problematic condition as it affects both the mind and body. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you are at higher risk of a mental health problem. One review found a link between inactivity and an increased risk of depression.

How can you fight sedentarism before it affects your health?

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and combat this daunting condition. As you'd expect, the first step is to shake off the laziness. However, since it can be difficult to change your routine at times, here are some recommendations that can help you make the exertions necessary to live a healthy life.
Develop active hobbies
Finding joy in the activities you are doing keeps you active and motivates you to remove sedentarism from your schedule.

Become a runner

You've never considered yourself a runner, but it's never too late to develop a new habit. The thought of running in the park can intimidate you because you have the misunderstanding of running a marathon or keeping up with the other runners. But remember, everyone was once a beginner who walked more than ran. Start by running slowly for 5 or 10 minutes, and day by day you will see your fitness level improve and you will run faster and for longer distances.
There are also different ways to run. You can run outdoors in the local park or on a trail near town. Or you can walk around town, but in that case you will need to create a route to avoid crowded areas. And if you're still not sure about getting outdoors, buy a treadmill and install it in the comfort of your living room. When you buy a treadmill, you can also purchase other fitness equipment to improve your home workout.

Assuming you don't have the money to do this, you can get home equity loans in Canada that are designed for freelancers who need finances to support their work from home. In your case, purchasing fitness equipment is a necessity as it will improve your health and performance.

Plant a garden

When you have a garden, you are busy. If you don't take our word for it, just ask your grandparents how much physical exertion is involved in this type of activity. Gardening is mentally and spiritually stimulating, and if you enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, this may be a pleasant way to keep active. Gardening is a moderate intensity physical activity that if done regularly can improve your health.
Start a garden in your yard when you have space. And if you don't, there are many ways to get your hands dirty. Ask your parents or grandparents if they need help maintaining their patio. You can also volunteer with a local organization to plant new trees in the community garden. Schools and nature centers are always looking for volunteers willing to help them maintain outdoor spaces.

Get up

As a freelancer, your job requires you to stand in front of the laptop for hours and work hard to meet your deadlines. But even if you're practically glued to your computer, remember to get up and take a few steps across the room every 20 minutes. You may need a reminder first. You should therefore set up an alarm on your smartphone. It will help you break away from your project, stand up to stretch your limbs, and help your body stay active.
Getting up doesn't necessarily mean interrupting the workflow. You can check email, check your progress, or check the printed files while you stretch.

Change your workstation

It helps if you also swap out your workstation for one that allows you to turn your desk into a standing one, so you can work standing up when you have back pain. Standing workstations offer a better ergonomic fit as they reduce back pain and improve your posture. Another way to reduce the pressure the chair puts on your back is to use a fitness ball seat as it encourages physical activity and touches your core.

Final thoughts

Progress will make your life easier, but it will also support a sedentary lifestyle as you don't have to work too hard. But it would be helpful if you made a conscious effort to take action against sedentarism as it can be fatal to your health.

04 Feb
Blog

Building a CrossFit Body | Breaking Muscle

In this episode, I'm accompanied by Mike Tromello from Precision CrossFit. Mike was an accomplished athlete and is now a top coach.

He has coached multiple CrossFit games, athletes, and medalists.

Mike explains the key principles to help you build the physique of an elite CrossFit athlete on the show. He also shows what differentiates his athletes from their competitors.

This episode is a must have if you want to look and perform!

You can also find this podcast on top of all of my other Six Pack of Knowledge podcasts (curated discussions with the world's greatest hypertrophy experts).

Or search for Breaking Muscle's channel and podcasts on the following services: iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM, PodBean.

04 Feb
Blog

5 Things to Consider When Buying Golf Equipment

Are You In The New Golf Equipment Market In 2021? Maybe you want to start from scratch and buy everything, or you may want to upgrade the equipment you already have. The thing about shopping for golf equipment is that it can feel a bit overwhelming thanks to the multitude of options. Instead of feeling stressed or frustrated by the experience, we have five simple tips to consider when buying golf equipment. Think of it as a handy buying guide.

Make a list and stick with it

Instead of buying every accessory imaginable, it's important to follow the browsing and buying process with a clear goal. This can be achieved by making a list of everything you will need and then sticking to that list. Once you find the items you need, you can move on to the golf equipment that you would like to have. These are items that are not strictly needed, but that you will still be happy to use.

Are you ready to upgrade your current equipment?

It's also a good time to ask yourself if you're ready to upgrade your current devices. Rather than simply replacing items with items of similar quality, it might be worth buying something that is of better quality that could help you improve your game. Nowhere is this more evident than at your clubs. A starter set of golf clubs is completely different from that for experienced golfers.

Go inside and get fit

This particular tip goes hand in hand with upgrading your gear. If you want to invest in higher quality items, you want to make sure they are right for you. This means going to the store and getting fit. Making sure you are using the right clubs for you will actually improve your swing and game.

Don't let the latest trends surprise you

There will always be trends in the latest golf equipment and accessories, and these trends can be very tempting to try out. The thing about trends, however, is that they don't always last. Something that's trending right now may be replaced with something newer and better a few months later or in the next year. So be careful when jumping on the train and make sure it makes sense for your game.

Did you know that golf ball is important?

One device that golfers don't always think about is the balls they buy, but there is a science behind choosing the best ball for you. Once you are used to choosing the golf ball based on your budget, it is time to see how it fits your skill level. There's a reason these premium golf balls cost as much as them.

When you invest in quality balls, you can expect them to cover longer distances, have better spin, and even feel softer on the actual greens. All of these can result in a better game overall – it just depends on how far out of budget ball range you are. Even a medium distance ball offers a performance difference.

Become a smart and informed buyer

Anytime you want to buy golf equipment, you need to do your research, make sure you don't get caught up in the latest trends, and then stick with the things that are really important to your game. Of course, every time a device can improve your game it is worth investigating.

04 Feb
Blog

A Crispy Seaweed Treat for Vegan Athletes

If you're vegan or just looking for healthy, nutritious snacks, you should try gimMe Organic's Premium Roasted Seaweed. The first thing I noticed was the variety of flavors. The seaweed snacks with sesame and olive oil flavor are mild, But the wasabi kelp will give you a good kick and cleanse your sinuses.

That's after you've completed a 0.35-ounce pack all by yourself. But it's not just the slight saltiness or sharpness that makes the experience. It's texture too.

The nutritional benefits of seaweed

Let's talk about this superfood called seaweed – more specifically, seaweed from gimMe:

  • Organic certified
  • Certified gluten-free
  • Not genetically modified
  • Contains omega 3
  • Iodine source

This delicious snack goes well with keto, paleo, low-carb, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.

In addition, seaweed contains small amounts of vitamins A, C, E and K as well as folic acid, zinc, sodium, calcium and magnesium.

Seaweed is also an excellent source of fiber, which is beneficial for intestinal health and gut bacteria, which play a tremendous role in your health. The fiber in kelp can also slow down gastric emptying. This helps you feel full longer and can delay hunger pangs, which lead to anti-obesity effects.

Last but not least, seaweed can help lower blood cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

Melt seaweed in your mouth

You will experience different types of textures depending on the type of seaweed you buy.

In the 0.34-ounce and 0.16-ounce packs (I call them snack packs), the seaweed feels like it is melting in your mouth. It's thin, salty, and crispy.

With the larger leaves, the seaweed is less crispy and more like a thin piece of paper. The upside, however, is that you can get creative with it. I made sushi hand rolls with quinoa, avocado, and mushrooms. This time the seaweed was less crispy. So don't expect a clean slice unless you wrap it with sushi rice.

packaging

A crispy seaweed treat for vegan athletes - reviews, nutrition, athletes, vegans, gluten-free, vegetarian, superfoods, omega-3 fatty acids, organic foods, non-GMO, nutritional labels, paleo diets, ketogenic diet, seaweed

To get the most bang for your buck, watch out for the description label and description on Amazon. There are three different types of packages:

  1. A six-pack of 4.5 g each
  2. A single pack of 10 g (0.34 oz) each
  3. A large pack of 0.92 oz (26 g) leaves

The downside to the whole experience, however, is the packaging. I mean, there's nothing too serious about it unless you're an environmentally conscious millennial who religiously abstains from plastic – gimMe uses some of it in its packaging process.

Overall, I think this seaweed snack tastes delicious and is a nutritious snack.

04 Feb
Blog

JBL Reflect Mini NC Review: Workout Earbuds With Big Bass

JBL Reflect Mini NC

"With a throbbing bass and a huge list of functions, the JBL Reflect Mini NC chooses every workout."

  • Big, powerful bass

  • Excellent call quality

  • Either Alexa or Google Assistant

  • Good noise cancellation

  • Cumbersome adjustment of the controls

  • No wireless charging

JBL sells a wide variety of true wireless earbuds aimed at fitness enthusiasts. Between the company's own JBL branded products and its partnerships with Under Armor and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, you can choose from eight different models, priced between $ 100 and $ 200. Announced at CES 2021, the latest in the range are the $ 150 Reflect Mini NC, JBL's first Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) training buds.

With an impressive list of features, excellent water resistance, and a surprisingly affordable price point, one wonders: what's the catch? Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

JBL Reflect Mini NCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Reflect Mini NC, like most JBL headphones, comes in a box that is beautifully designed but a nightmare to recycle, with lots of plastic, foam, and magnets embedded. Inside you will find the earphones, their charging case, a USB-C charging cable, a total of three sizes of silicone earplugs and wing tips, as well as paper documentation with a quick guide.

design

JBL Reflect Mini NCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Most of the other loading cases feel weak in comparison.

The Reflect Mini NC and its compact charging case are available in black, white, green or blue and radiate robustness. Despite its low weight, the charging case is very solid thanks to a robust plastic shell and an impressively robust hinge. The lid is easy to open and stays in the open position until you close it, which comes with a very satisfactory magnetic clasp. Most of the other loading cases, even JBL's own Reflect Flow, feel weak in comparison. A built-in lanyard loop is handy for taking the headphones with you when you don't have a pocket, or attaching them to a gym bag or backpack.

I'm also a bit obsessed with the charge indicator on the front of the case. In most cases there will be a small LED dot or a series of dots if you're lucky. With the Reflect Mini NC, however, you get a large, fat LED bar that shows the charging status of each earbud and the case itself. The only thing missing here is wireless charging.

The earphones are also solidly built and, as the name suggests, slightly smaller than the Reflect Flows – albeit not by much. As an advantage for night runners and hikers, reflective paint was applied to the JBL logos on the contact surfaces.

No workout buds would be complete without some sort of water resistance, and the Reflect Mini NC doesn't disappoint with an IPX7 rating, which means they're effectively waterproof. They won't work if you go swimming with them, but they won't be damaged either.

Convenience, control and connections

JBL Reflect Mini NCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

True workout wireless earbuds often use an ear hook design to ensure a secure fit. The Powerbeats Pro are the flagship for this function. But if you can achieve the same level of security without the earhook, that's a plus in my opinion, and the Reflect Mini NC definitely delivers. The tradeoff – if you consider it a compromise – is that these earbuds really make your ears feel full.

You have no concerns about an accidentally detached bud.

The silicone earbuds and wing tips are denser than the ones JBL uses for the Reflect Flow, presumably to improve stability, but that means they're not quite as comfortable. You have no concerns about an accidentally detached bud, but you'll never forget you're wearing it either. As a result, they are likely not the best choice for long periods of wear in an office or on an airplane.

The touch controls respond quickly as long as you touch the surface of the logo and not just the edges. Each earbud is factory-equipped with preset functions. With the left bud you can switch between the ANC modes or activate the talk-thru mode (more on this later). The right earbud controls play / pause and skip forward / backward. Both earbuds can access your phone's built-in assistant and both can be used to answer / end calls and mute / unmute the microphones. So far, so good. There is no volume control by default, but that's not uncommon – many true wireless earbuds lack this feature.

The problem occurs when you use the free JBL headphones app to customize the controls. Instead of letting you choose which features go with which gestures, you have to choose from the presets. For example, the left earbud can control noise cancellation or playback functions, but not a mix of these functions. If volume control is important to you, you can set either earbud to control it. But then you just have to choose another function to control with the other earbud. What will it be? And if you don't like the gesture assigned to a particular function (e.g. a single tap to toggle ANC mode), you can't change it.

You can configure the Reflect Mini NC to access the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa instead of your phone's built-in assistant. However, if you use this very cool feature it will take a whole earbud. This leaves you with Alexa and volume (for example). Or Alexa and ANC. You get the picture. I asked JBL why the controls seem to be set up like a bunch of channels on cable TV, but I have never received a satisfactory answer.

Like more and more earbuds these days, the Reflect Mini NC has an auto play / pause function that pauses your music when you remove an earbud. It reacts very quickly and can be deactivated in the app if desired.

You can use the earbuds individually (both can answer / end calls) and their wireless range is excellent. Pairing is very quick and easy for both iPhone and Android phones.

There's a bass-forward sound signature that you can feel all over your body.

In the JBL app, you can choose from three different Smart Audio modes that supposedly change the parameters of the wireless connection: Normal for the most stable connection, audio for the best sound quality, and video for the lowest latency (also great for gaming). I didn't notice much of a difference between these modes, but I love that they are included if you need them.

JBL also includes a Find My Earbuds feature that makes each earbud emit a high-pitched beep. It's loud enough that you will hear it even if a bud gets wedged between sofa cushions.

Sound quality

JBL Reflect Mini NCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

When it comes to a set of workout earphones, the big, powerful bass is arguably one of the most important elements. After all, it's the beat that keeps most of us going, whether we're serious about taking a walk or trying to hit a new personal best at the gym. Thanks in part to its super-tight seal, the Reflect Mini NC fulfills this requirement with a bass-forward sound signature that you can feel through your whole body.

Turn up Post Malone's wow. or Ariana Grande's 7 rings and wait for those extremely deep basses to hit – it's powerful stuff. That same low-end rumble is perfect for action films too.

You can customize the EQ to your heart's content in the JBL app, with a few presets, but also your own collection of custom settings. These are well worth exploring – you can drastically change the signature of the Reflect Mini NC.

They aren't the most nuanced earbuds I've ever heard. The mids can be a bit overwhelmed by the heavy lows and highs, and their soundstage isn't as wide or open as on models like this Jabra Elite Active 75t. As a training companion, however, they couldn't be more precise in terms of sound.

Noise cancellation and transparency

JBL Reflect Mini NCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

After a lukewarm experience with JBL's ANC technology on the Club One wireless headphones, I was also prepared for an overwhelming performance from the Reflect Mini NC. Surprisingly, the opposite was true. Once again, their tight ear canal seal is key: these earbuds do such a good job of passive noise isolation that the ANC circuit doesn't have much to put out, and they do a very effective job.

It's so good, in fact, that even without music, family members could sneak up on me completely undetected while I had the earphones with me.

You can select the specific frequencies you want to cancel using a slider in the JBL app. It's not quite as convenient as the Sony, Jabra, or Soundcore presets, but it's very handy nonetheless. Customize ANC performance for your specific environment.

The Reflect Mini NC have excellent call quality.

Transparency mode is good too, but it has two minor drawbacks: unlike ANC, you can't adjust how much sound transparency mode is allowed, and there's no way to toggle between ANC and transparency mode without an ANC off Mode to cycle through. Two more adjustments that JBL should add.

Talk-thru mode, a handy way to temporarily turn on transparency while lowering the volume of your music, works very well too.

Battery life

JBL claims six hours of use between charges for the Reflect Mini NC when the ANC is on and seven hours when it is off. It's similar to the Jabra Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t, but not quite as impressive as the Powerbeats Pro's nine hours. The charging case contains two full charges that take an additional 12 or 14 hours. As far as I can tell, these numbers are pretty accurate.

A 10-minute quick charge gives you an extra hour of playback time, although that's on the low end for true wireless earbuds.

Call quality

JBL managed to surprise me once again – the Reflect Mini NC have excellent call quality. To put it in perspective, if you are using them outside or around traffic, you just can't tell I wasn't inside. There was an occasional jiggle when noise cancellation tackled car and wind noise, but overall these earbuds are impressively clear.

During a call you can still switch the ANC to ambient mode, which is perfect for hearing your own voice without the attenuation effects of the earbuds.

Our opinion

The JBL Reflect Mini NC with massive basses are also inexpensive and feature-rich, which makes them an ideal set of training companions. If JBL could fix the cumbersome and restrictive control schemes, they would be nearly perfect.

Is there a better alternative?

I think JBL found the sweet spot for workout earbuds with the price, sound, and features of the Reflect Mini NC, but here are three alternatives worth considering:

Sony's $ 200 WF-SP800N is one of our most popular workout earbuds. It offers better sound quality and a better ANC, as well as an enormous battery life of nine hours.

The $ 200 Jabra Elite Active 75t offers better sound quality (though not as much bass) and controls, plus longer battery life, while providing great water and dust resistance. I think they're more comfortable too, but without ear hooks or wing tips, they're not as safe.

The $ 150 JLab Epic Air Sport is one of our favorite Powerbeats Pro competitors. They don't have an ANC and their ear hook design makes them less versatile, but they have great sound and tremendous battery life.

How long will they last?

With a one-year guarantee from JBL, the Reflect Mini NC are very robustly built and I expect a long service life. The silicone earbuds and wing tips will likely need to be replaced after a year of continuous use, but this is normal for these parts.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. As long as you're okay with a very custom-fit in-ear design and you don't mind spending some time figuring out which controls to use, this is it JBL Reflect Mini NC are great workout earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




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