01 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 Review: Simple and Honest

Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 review wrist bike

"The $ 60 Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is great value for money and just the right complexity to keep the casual fitness fan engaged and carried."

  • Comfortable and easy

  • Easy to use

  • Comprehensive list of activities to be followed

  • Good notification support

  • Battery life claims are exaggerated

  • Strap closure is annoying

  • Some tracking inaccuracies

Not everyone cares about high-end activity tracking features on many smartwatches or expensive fitness bands. Some really don't worry about blood oxygen levels, EKG measurements, or even built-in GPS. If you want easy daily activity tracking, you want a simple wearable device for everyday use Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 come inside.

This $ 60 fitness tracker covers all the basics and offers 15 days of battery life. This puts it firmly in the wear and tear and forgetting category. I've been wearing it for over a week now and almost forgot it on my wrist which is good. That's the way it is.

design

The simplicity of the Galaxy Fit 2 starts with its design, but it has both good and bad surprises in store. The first surprise is how bright the 1.1-inch AMOLED color screen is. I could easily leave it on the middle tier without sacrificing daylight viewing, which means it has less of an impact on battery life. The use of a color screen makes the Galaxy Fit 2 far more attractive and interesting than the boring monochrome LCDs of simple Fitbits.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Pick the red ribbon like my test device and it makes a seriously athletic statement. While the strap is comfortable once on, the clasp is very annoying. Samsung made the whole thing more complicated than it needs to be, and it's quite difficult to find and repeat exactly the right fit. I often wear the band loosely when the accuracy of the heart rate monitor isn't that important, and then tighten it when I'm tracking, and the Fit 2's strap made this normally simple procedure quite annoying. Otherwise, it's safe and won't get sweaty.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It is controlled via the touchscreen and a touch-sensitive button below. It's pretty easy to miss the button at first as the thin outline that gives you a clue of where to press disappears in many lighting conditions. The operating system reacts and is logically created. You navigate through the options by swiping and tapping. I didn't have any problems with that.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The design, screen attractiveness, and software make the Galaxy Fit easy to live with when you've stopped swearing by the stupid band.

Activity tracking

The Galaxy Fit continues the simple theme and has a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. However, it is not possible to measure blood oxygen, take an EKG, connect to GPS, or even add altitude data using an altimeter. The altimeter is the only sensor that is really overlooked as the EKG and blood oxygen readings are highly specialized. If you need GPS for accurate run tracking, there are numerous alternatives available.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Instead, the Galaxy Fit 2 monitors your workout, tracks steps, and monitors your sleep when you wear it overnight. A small selection of workouts to be tracked is preinstalled in the customization. However, more can be added if the basic options are not enough. For example, I had to add yoga and stationary cycling. The Galaxy Fit 2 can be worn in the pool to track swimming, counting strokes and measuring distance. It also gives back SWOLF swimming efficiency data after you're done.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Swipe left on the screen to view your steps, heart rate, distance, and sleep data. There are reminders to get up and move around and a reminder to wash your hands too. However, this isn't automatic like the Apple Watch feature, it just suggests that you should wash your hands after a set interval. The Fit 2 also monitors stress levels, but says the feature is for wellness rather than medical use, and I found that this puts me at the higher end of the scale far more often than other wearables I've used recently, including the Honor Watch ES and the Oppo Watch.

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Both Samsung Galaxy Wear and the Samsung Health app are required to sync the Galaxy Fit 2 with your phone and are compatible with both Android and iOS. I used them on a Samsung Galaxy Fold. While health is informative – it provides current and historical data, and you can add more metrics like food intake and data from other health devices – it is not very attractive or always logical to navigate.

It's nowhere near as pretty or intuitive as Google Fit, for example, and it's also not as feature-rich. It is a bit unusual that it is not possible to get an instant heart rate reading quickly, even though the last reading taken remains on some watch faces. There are a variety of training plans available, meaning the Galaxy Fit 2 will cover almost any activity of your choice.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In terms of accuracy, I compared the Fit 2 to the Apple Watch Series 6 over a few days and found that the heart rate monitor was in line with the Apple Watch's results, but the calories burned and step count were usually below the Apple Watch's estimate, possibly biased overall results. Most wearables I've compared to the Apple Watch in the past come up with very similar numbers overall, suggesting that the Fit 2's software may need refinement.

Battery life

Samsung makes some big claims about the Galaxy Fit 2's battery life, but there are several caveats hidden in the fine print. What you need to know is to forget about reaching 21 days, and not counting on 15 days, if you want to use most of the band's features.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Sleep tracking is one of the areas you may need to do without in order to maximize battery life, and it's well worth doing. At 21 grams, the tape is certainly light enough not to be bothersome, and when it works, sleep tracking will show different stages of your sleep and duration, and ultimately assign a sleep efficiency score. However, sleep tracking is inconsistent and has repeatedly completely missed my deep sleep phases, rendering all data collected worthless.

Notifications also drain your battery more, but this time it's worth the tradeoff. Despite the small screen size, truncated emails are legible, and WhatsApp messages and Twitter replies even offer quick reply options. How many apps send notifications to the band can be managed in the Galaxy Wear app so you can adjust the number of interruptions. I found the notifications useful, but could be frustrated at times by the slowness of the band to respond when I raised my arm to see them.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung says that in order to achieve a battery life of almost 21 days, you have to do without sleep tracking, a heart rate sensor and automatic workout tracking. It is said to expect around 15 days with average usage. I've used the heart rate monitor, activity reminders, followed regular exercise sessions, and also did some sleep sessions, and it was difficult to get any closer to that number. It loses about 10% of its battery every day without tracking any activities other than sleep.

Price and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 costs $ 60 or £ 40 in the UK available now from Amazon and via Samsung's own online shop.

Our opinion

The Galaxy Fit 2 doesn't pretend to be the ideal partner for your marathon endeavors, or it will be there to provide focused data as you battle for Olympic glory. Instead, it covers what most casual trainers want from swimming to biking and horse riding to sailing, being honest about their skills, and having the right complexity to keep you honest in your fitness endeavors.

That general nature and affordability, however, don't forgive the inconsistencies in sleep and exercise tracking, and the very long battery life is only possible if you choose not to use many of the band's features. Other than that, the Galaxy Fit 2 is easy to use and its drawbacks haven't stopped me from wanting to wear it, and that's essential for a fitness band.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, the fitness band market is huge, so there are plenty of great alternatives. While I think the Galaxy Fit 2 is one of the better models, it has stiff competition. If a Fitbit is more appealing because of the recognizable brand name and established platform, the Inspire 2 is the closest model to the Galaxy Fit 2, but it costs $ 100. Plus, Fitbit has a monthly subscription fee to unlock some of its more advanced features. If you want a Fitbit with GPS, we recommend the Fitbit Charge 4.

If you live outside of the US or like to import, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is great value at around £ 40, as is the Honor Band 5, which is available for even less money. If you don't need specialized fitness tracking features like GPS and you're not a dedicated athlete, then why spend more than necessary on a simple fitness band?

If you don't mind spending more and want something that looks less like a regular fitness band, there are some smartwatch-like alternatives out there too. The Amazfit GTR 2 is priced at $ 179, looks good, and has plenty of fitness tracking features, while the Honor Watch ES costs 89 pounds sterling or around $ 120 and strikes the middle ground between smartwatch and fitness band.

How long it will take?

Fitness bands last longer than your smartphone or smartwatch, as we do not have such high demands on the software or hardware. The strong strap of the Galaxy Fit 2 can be replaced if it breaks. Everything is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming or showering.

Apart from any discontinuation of support for Galaxy Fit 2 in the Galaxy Wear or Samsung Health app, this will take well over three years. There is one other thing to think about and that is your continued use. The Galaxy Fit 2 isn't really for the hardcore fitness enthusiast. So expect an upgrade if your own fitness goals and tracking need to change.

Should you buy it?

Yes, provided you just want to cover the basics of activity tracking, it is an easy to use, simple, and attractive fitness band.

Editor's recommendations




01 Jan
Blog

A Skin Care Routine For Oily Skin

Don't you just want your complexion to look glowing and not greasy? It's not all bad because we need oil to keep our skin soft and to maintain the barrier that holds moisture in. But excess oil leaves many of us struggling with breakouts, an overly shiny face, and the stress of our makeup slipping off in hours. The good news: it is possible to get oily skin under control. If you are wondering about the best skin care products for you, we have an oily skin care routine Eminence Organic Skin Care Product recommendations. But first, let's find out if you have oily skin and if you identify with these symptoms.

5 oily skin symptoms you may notice

Check out the following symptoms to determine if you have oily skin:

1. The skin feels oily

Does your skin feel oily? Do you need to use blotting paper or a tissue to remove excess oil? If so, you most likely have oily skin. This type of skin is due to the sebum glands under your pores that produce natural oils called sebum. Sebum keeps your skin healthy and protected, but when your skin feels oily, the sebum glands work overtime producing excess oil.

2. A shiny looking appearance

You know you have oily skin when your complexion is always shiny, even shortly after you've washed your face. If your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) looks mostly shiny, this is another sign of oily skin.

3. You have large pores

Did you large, obvious pores around your nose? Are your pores clogged very often? These are additional signs of an oily skin type.

4. Your skin absorbs makeup quickly

Make-up may look cake-like or unmixed on dry skin types, but make-up works differently on oily skin types and is absorbed into the surface of the skin. Cosmetics can not only disappear into the skin, the makeup also slips off during the day. You may be powdering excessively to include everything.

5. Acne breakouts and blackheads

Because oily skin enlargements have enlarged pores that easily clog, oily skin types often suffer from blackheads and breakouts.

How to get rid of oily skin

As Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dermatological and Cosmetic Surgeon explains, when you have oily skin, your skin produces more oil, which leads to side effects like acne breakouts and an even glow on your face. Here are some simple ways to keep oily skin under control.

"To combat oily skin, many people make the mistake of overcleaning, which doesn't necessarily stop oil production, but can dry out the skin," he says Dr. Khorasani. It seems logical that washing your face would help remove excess oil. However, avoid overcleaning so that you don't remove the skin's natural barrier.

The cleaner you choose is crucial. For oily skin types, choose cleansers that come in gel or lotion formulations, advises Dr. Khorasani. You can choose a detergent with a BHA like that Salicylic acid, which helps dissolve excess oil.

Choosing moisturizers can be a challenge for oily skin, but light or "matte" moisturizers can be a solution. Oil-absorbent sheets are also handy throughout the day, advises Dr. Khorasani.

A routine for caring for oily skin

One of the best ways to combat oily skin is through yours Skin care routine. Here are the steps and best skin care products we recommend to keep your oily skin looking fresh and dull.

1. Double cleaning

A skin care myth that we need to destroy: Oil cleansers make the skin more oily. In fact, they can improve the appearance of oily skin by absorbing excess sebum from its surface. Heidi Waldorf, MD tells Cosmopolitan: “It may not sound like intuitive, but oil cleansers are designed for oily skin types. The oil in the facial cleanser attracts the sebum to your skin so you can both rinse off without peeling your face off. “One of the best ways to give a deep – but gentle – cleanse to oily skin is to add a double cleanse to your skin regimen. First, remove excess oil and makeup with Stone Crop Cleansing Oil or Wildflower Cleansing Balm, then cleanse it on a deeper scale with your favorite Eminence Organics cleanser. For oily skin, use a face wash designed for problematic skin – like Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser – to mattify the appearance of the skin.

2. peeling (gentle)

Exfoliating is one of the most important steps for oily skin – but don't go overboard. A gentle exfoliation will help remove deposits on the surface of the skin as well as clog and minimize pores. For a gentle but effective peeling Eminence Organics Product Support Representative and Licensed Esthetician Josie Barton recommends almond and mineral treatment. The finely chopped almonds in this treatment gently exfoliate, while ground ivy tones and tightens the skin for a porous-looking complexion.

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Almond and mineral treatment

Almond Mineral Treatment

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Stone fruit cleaning oil

Stone fruit cleaning oil

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3. Use a clay or charcoal based face mask

Beauty editors everywhere swear by clay and charcoal-based face masks to combat oily skin. We recommend masking with the Charcoal T-Zone Purifier Side of our Balancing Masque Duo. This deeply cleansing face mask is made with kaolin clay and charcoal to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria caused by excess oil. A botanical ingredient extracted from Buchu leaves reduces the oil and minimizes pores for a smooth, matte look.

4. Moisturize (yes, really)

Adding moisture to already smooth skin may not be intuitive, but it is an important step in caring for oily skin. In fact, a lack of moisture can cause the skin to produce even more sebum to help maintain moisture. Stanley Kovak, MD tells EVEN: “Believe it or not, a moisturizer adds moisture to the skin and minimizes the skin's perception that it is too dry. Adding moisture to the skin actually helps in reducing the oiliness as it slows down the production of sebum. "

We recommend moisturizing oily skin with a light moisturizer, which has a dual action to minimize pores and control the oil. Some of our moisturizers for oily skin:

5. Use a toner

Do you still feel oily? Keep the skin matte all day Frosting red currant mist. This refreshing mist is infused with natural astringents, red currants, and elderflower to narrow the pores Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex this hydrates and protects the skin from abuse by the element.

Retail customers Shannon Their 5-star rating on our website says, “I love this toner! A spritz fights off any shine I might have and makes my moisturizer last twice as long. I use it in conjunction with the Red Currant Protective Moisturizer and that really improves the game. My skin has never looked better! My skin is calm, soft, dull, firm and protected … "

For more information on dealing with oily skin, see the In the mix video below where Eminence Organics is running the Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar shares their top rules.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03LQTHjaexg (/ embed)

Do you have problems with this skin type? We'd love to hear your tips and tricks on how to stop oily skin. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

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Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer

Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer

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Frosting red currant mist

Frosting red currant mist

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01 Jan
Blog

Mapping Out Muscle Gain | Breaking Muscle

In this episode, I'll explain exactly how I think you should exercise to build as much muscle as possible. I'll explain what anabolic resistance is and why it means you need to change your exercise strategy in order to keep growing.

I identify the three key phases of training, P.B.S. in a nutshell::

  1. primer
  2. building
  3. solidification

And I'll tell you exactly how to structure and sequence each phase to maximize your results.

This sequence is exactly the framework I used myself and with my clients to get into photo shoot form.

I start the P.B.S. Framework as a 21-week online coaching program in January 2021. The program is called T21.

If you are interested in joining the T21 coaching program and working with me, read on.

When you listen to the end of the episode, you will also get an exciting announcement about how to get access to a special discount if you work with me to improve your training programs in the T21 coaching program using the P.B.S. Frame.

Discount code: BMDISCOUNT

DM me: @tommaccormick on Instagram

Email me: tom@tommaccormick.com

To get access to the T21 discount. The doors are closing for the first T21 recording on January 1st, 2021 so don't miss it!

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.

01 Jan
Blog

Is Squat everyday a healthy approach to fitness? Let us find out

Many people who indulge in squats tend to think that if they are practiced regularly, they are not a healthy approach to fitness. To be honest, it's half a truth. Lowering it deep can really work out your bum and help it get in shape. Working with heavy weights can have serious side effects. In this case, you need to be careful when crouching in every move you make.

While there is no exaggeration in a squat exercise, you need to be careful how you perform it. Then you will start to watch the difference in your butt. If you are interested to know more about it squat every dayBrowse this article with us to find out more.

Should you squat every day?

Let's start with the most common question people ask: you should squat every day? In all honesty, it doesn't matter how much you crouch. Yes, you can do it any day if you want. What you need to be aware of is how to do the exercise regularly.

Squatting down with no weight is sure to give you useful results. However, once you incorporate heavy weight training into your daily squat, the game changes. Then you can believe that this squat exercise is going to do more harm than good to your body. If you're wondering why that is, let me give you the picture. Of course, squatting heavy weights subject you to severe bodily harm, which can range you from exercising to straightening in bed. So if you're still wondering you should squat every day, then reread this paragraph from above.

How can you incorporate squats into your everyday life?

The everyday squat routine is a useful way to benefit from your squat exercise. Once you get used to this program, you will see the results soon. The focus should be on the numbers, the weight, and the steps you take. Once you've done that, you're good to go.

1. The first thing to start with is getting 50% of your weight. Try to analyze which weight is best for you to keep balance. For most people, 405 pounds for 8-10 repetitions will work properly.

2. Now select two body weights to achieve this weight. At 225 you can choose from 135 pounds and 185 pounds. For 135 pounds, you can choose 95 pounds and 115 pounds. For £ 315 it would be £ 135 and £ 225.

3. Now this will be the case for six different sentences.

4. You will do a total of six sets. For example:

  • Set 1: 135 x 8
  • Set 2 135 x 8
  • Set 3: 185 x 5
  • Set 4: 185 x 5
  • Set 5: 225 x 3
  • Set 6: 225 x 3

Your training should look like this:

Day 1: legs

Everyday squat routine

  • Straight Leg Deadlift – 4 sets of 6 to 12 repetitions pyramidal up in weight and down in reps
  • Leg Curls – 4 sets of 8-15 repetitions that are pyramidal in weight and pyramids in reps per set
  • Standing Calf Raises – 4 sets of 6-12 reps, pyramidal up in weight and down in reps

Day 2: chest

Everyday squat routine

  • Barbell Bench Press – 4 sets of 6 to 12 repetitions pyramidal up in weight and down in reps
  • Machine Chest Press – 4 sets of 8-15 reps, moving up and down in your set
  • Dumbbell Fly – 4 sets of 8-15 repetitions moving up and down in your weight

Day 3: weapons

Everyday squat routine

  • Triceps Down – 4 sets of 8-15 reps, pyramidal up in weight and down in reps
  • Skull Crusher – 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps, pyramidal up in weight and down in reps
  • Barbell Curl – 4 sets of 6-12 reps that rise in weight and pyramids in a pyramid shape in reps per set
  • Cable Rope Curl – 4 sets of 8-15 repetitions moving up and down in your weight

Day 4: Deadlift

Everyday squat routine

  • Deadlifts – 8 sets of 3-12 reps that pyramidal increasing in weight and pyramidal in reps per set
  • Seated Calf Raises – 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps, pyramidal up in weight and down in reps

Day 5: shoulders

Everyday squat routine

  • Standing Barbell Shoulder Press – 4 sets of 6-12 reps pyramids in weight and pyramids in reps per set
  • Side raises – 4 sets of 8-15 reps moving up and down in your set
  • Scarecrow – 4 sets of 12-15 repetitions moving up and down in your weight

Day 6: Back

Everyday squat routine

  • Lat Pulldowns – 4 sets of 6-12 repetitions moving up and down in your weight
  • Rows of Dumbbells with One Arm – 4 sets of 8-15 reps, pyramidal in weight up and down in reps
  • T-Bar or Barbell Rows – 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps that pyramid up in weight and down in reps

Day 7: Off

Day 8: repeat

Are the Squat everyday results useful?

If you follow the steps correctly, there is no doubt that they will work for you. Not only do they increase your strength, but they also affect your bum and legs. You will notice a change in the mobility of your ankles and hips. Strengthening the core is also a primary one Squats everyday result.

FAQ

1. Does squat improve posture every day?

Yes, it improves posture.

2. Are one-legged squats helpful?

Yes, single leg squats work well for many people.

3. Can I get slim legs by squatting?

Yes you can.

Related articles

Now, learn how to do a sumo squat and meet your fitness goals

Front squats: not just a weightlifting exercise

01 Jan
Blog

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) Review: Alexa All the Time

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)

"The Amazon Echo Frames are a great start to let Alexa take you anywhere."

  • Contemporary design is attractive

  • Open-ear audio technology

  • Ideal for calls

  • Long battery life

  • Cheap construction

  • A bit expensive

Let's be honest: Alexa is everywhere. There's no denying that Amazon's virtual assistant has pervaded every facet of the tech field. You can find Alexa in shower heads, electrical outlets, and even in a twerking teddy bear. For the most part, the company has looked at more practical applications in the wearables space.

The Amazon Echo Frames, first announced in 2020, were some new wearables that were introduced to give people access to Alexa at all times. While it has remained nothing more than a "Day One Edition" since its announcement and limited release, a cautious successor was announced only last month. Now we have the Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Generation), which offer improvements like better audio and longer battery life – while trying to be discreet with their design. The question that still remains is whether or not it is a practical device.

Contemporary look, sloppy construction

I don't wear glasses so using the Echo Frames takes a little getting used to. What ensures is that, from the front, the frames look very much like ordinary glasses – you wouldn't even realize they are smart glasses the first time you look at them. In fact, the design tucks all of the technical hardware into the frame – if you look at it from the front. That all changes the moment you look at it from the sides.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

The all-plastic frame is thickest there. It can certainly be a bit of a distraction, but overall, the contemporary look of the design makes it an eyepiece that won't attract too much attention. The goggles use materials like TR90 (thermoplastic material), carbon fiber, and titanium in their construction, which makes them lightweight, but the whole package feels sloppy. Amazon did a commendable job designing it, but everything about the construction screams weakly!

You wouldn't even realize it was a pair of smart glasses when you first looked at it.

The lenses that came with my device are made of polycarbonate, a material commonly used in glasses. In my experience with polycarbonate lenses in sunglasses, they are more prone to scratches and less resilient than glass. It is probably why it is recommended to use the microfiber cloth and hard case whenever possible. Before receiving the echo frames, I thought it would be possible to replace the lenses with ones that filter blue light. This is not currently the case, however, but you can swap them out for prescription lenses.

Alexa all the time

The centerpiece is Alexa – the virtual assistant lives in the Amazon Echo Frames at all times, as long as you have a Bluetooth connection to your mobile device. This is necessary because there is no WiFi. I connected it to my iPhone XS and didn't have any issues.

Initiating Alexa is just like any other Alexa device you may already own. All you have to do is say “Alexa”. In all fairness, the experience is no different from accessing them through a smartphone, smart speaker, or any of the other Alexa devices on the market. I appreciate the convenience of being able to control my smart lights at home and receiving notifications from my ring indoor camera when it detects movement.

I was particularly intrigued by the built-in speakers on the Echo Frames. This second generation version improves open-ear audio technology, according to Amazon. The volume is enough to hear music, podcasts, or e-books, but I can tell you others can hear them too. And that's one point I notice about the Echo Frames. Sure, I had no problem making calls and listening to songs while washing dishes, all hands-free, but part of me would prefer to keep these experiences private.

If you're like me and have a ton of apps on your smartphone that bombard you with notifications all the time, you're going to like the VIP filter. You can use the Alexa mobile app to prioritize which messages and app notifications you want to hear. It's useful for the Echo Frames to beep for each notification, followed by Alexa's announcement. However, the choice is yours to hear more of this notification by swiping the capacitive touch-sensitive area that's built into the right part of the frame.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only thing missing now is the option of choosing Samuel L. Jackon as voice assistant. It's not an option at the moment, but I hope that will change soon.

Surprising all-day battery

One of the problems I have with almost every device is that they just can't hold their charge long enough to last a day. Fortunately, this is not a problem with the Amazon Echo Frames, as they can easily run in a single day with lots of gasoline in the tank. In my experience, after a day of use that started on a full charge, there was 30% capacity left. Given that it replaced a pair of headphones and gave Alexa commands all day, it's impressive how long it took. Amazon's claim to 14 hours of juice for media playback at 80% volume is impressive, and my real-world experience has been a satisfactory confirmation.

It's impressive that it took so long.

The frames come with a proprietary charging cable with pin connectors that are magnetically connected to the connector on the Echo Frames. If you use this implementation, the Echo Frames will be IPX4 waterproof. So you can withstand light splashes if you get caught in the rain but don't want to plunge into the pool.

would like more

In the short time I've been using the Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation), I've realized how useful it can be to have a voice assistant available at all times. But I long for much more. Is this different from an Alexa smart speaker when you are at home, or maybe your smartphone? Not really.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

There is also a part of me who is wondering how this could be an even more attractive solution. Take open audio technology, for example. It's great that I can hear notifications and music while wearing the Echo Frames, but I would appreciate something with more privacy – maybe in the sense of using bone conduction technology so that the audio is isolated for my own hearing.

Our opinion

The $ 250 price tag seems like an expensive investment, but you need to keep in mind that they're attached glasses that offer better hands-free calling and eliminate the need to carry or use multiple devices. Think about it for a moment – it combines the functions of a smart speaker, virtual assistant and wireless headphones in one. This kind of convergence is difficult to achieve.

How long it will take?

I'm being honest and I'm saying that you want to be extra careful as the design doesn't give me confidence that the frames would withstand an accident or fall. However, Amazon offers a 2-year personal accident insurance plan for $ 40. Defects are covered with the standard 1-year guarantee.

Is there a better alternative?

At the moment no. There are few smart glasses on the market, most of which position themselves more as augmented reality glasses than anything else. Plus, they're generally much more expensive.

Should you buy it?

Yes, especially if you're the type who craves constant interaction with Alexa.

Editor's recommendations




01 Jan
Blog

Ultimate Guide For Oily Skin: Everything You Need To Know

Oily skin can be a struggle. There is no greater (beauty) disappointment than starting the day with a fresh complexion that turns into the oil spill area at noon. Fortunately, there are some skin care tips and tricks out there to help keep your oily skin under control and keep your complexion fresh all day. Here is our comprehensive guide to caring for an oily complexion, including a curated skin care regimen for oily skin.

The causes of oily skin

From climate to genetics, there are a multitude of factors to blame when wondering why you have oily skin.

Oily skin is hereditary

Oily skin is linked to a hereditary tendency to overproduce the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the skin to produce excess sebum. We need sebum – the oily, waxy substance that lubricates the skin – to keep our moisture barrier intact, but overproduction can become problematic. Causes excess oil Pores enlarge (as they stretch to take in the amount of oil produced), and when trapped, oil can bond with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin's surface, causing breakouts.

The climate

Another common trigger is the hot summer months, and heat and humidity can increase oil production. You may be overcorrecting and trying to stamp out oily skin by cleaning it four times a day or exfoliating too often. However, these methods remove your skin's natural oils and compromise its barrier function.

Hormonal fluctuations: excessive sebum production

You don't imagine it – even after puberty, hormones can damage your skin. During pregnancy, menopause, or during our periods, hormonal fluctuations can lead to excessive fat and breakouts. According to Foreo.com: “Androgens are the main hormones responsible for oil production. Sometimes they can fluctuate and stimulate an increase in sebum production. This often happens during puberty, just before menstruation, during pregnancy, and during menopause. "

Hard skin care products

Sometimes, oily skin can be triggered by using the wrong skin care products. When choosing products for oily skin, Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dermatological and Cosmetic Surgeon suggests that you look for those that come in gel or lotion formulations. “Choosing moisturizers can be a challenge even for oily skin,” explains Dr. Khorasani. “Choosing light or matte moisturizers can be a solution. Oil-absorbing sheets are also handy throughout the day. "

Woman putting on skin care moisturizer

Oily Skin Benefits That May Surprise You

While oily skin may seem difficult to care for at first, you might be surprised to find that oily skin has its benefits.

More resistance to the appearance of wrinkles

Oily skin types suffer less thanks to the antioxidants produced by over-enthusiastic sebum glands Wrinkles and fine lines compared to dry skin types. You won't avoid avoiding wrinkles, but your lines and wrinkles may not appear as early as other skin types – talk about happiness.

A stronger skin defense system

With oily skin, you produce more sebum, part of our skin's defense system against threats like infection or the environment. Sebum is made up of vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts as a defense mechanism for the skin's surface.

Makeup sits well on oily skin

When it comes to makeup, applying it to dry skin can be flaky and temperamental. However, makeup on oily skin is much more comfortable. While you may have to use a lot of setting spray to keep your makeup from slipping off, it's easier to reapply a layer on oily skin than to struggle with blotchy makeup on dry skin (though that depends on who you ask!) .

oily skin

Skin type test: how to tell if you have oily skin

There are some freebies that you have oily skin. It often exhibits the following characteristics:

  • Shiny looking
  • Feels greasy
  • Orange peel-like texture with visible, enlarged pores
  • The skin is prone to breakouts
  • Makeup feels like it's slipping off once it's applied

Still not sure if you have an oily complexion? Try this 3-step test to determine your skin type:

1. Clean and maintain

Wash your face with your favorite Apply Eminence Organics Cleaner and no additional products for at least an hour.

2nd blot

Take a clean piece of handkerchief and gently blot your T-zone to check for any oil residue.

3. Examine your skin

If your skin feels comfortable (not tight) but there is residue on the fabric, your skin is likely oily.

How to treat oily skin

Oily skin can be genetic, but oil production can also be affected by hormones, stress, the environment, and seasonal changes. Here are some tips to keep oily skin at bay.

1. Skip hard, drying skin components

Many of the products that claim to repair oily skin can make it even worse. Most contain harsh ingredients that break the skin's moisture barrier. While this makes your skin feel less oily, it often releases even more oil to even out a dehydrated complexion.

When choosing a detergent Real Simple recommends following this rule of thumb: “You should avoid detergents that contain harsh surfactants that remove too much oil from the skin and leave it dry enough to feel tight – and possibly only squeak when you put your finger over it pull. Some common surfactants are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). “Instead, choose natural and organic products that are formulated without harmful additives that draw the moisture out of your skin.

2. Adjust your diet

Avoid alcohol and spicy foods that will raise your heat index. These widen blood vessels and make you sweat, which adds sweat to your already smooth complexion. Instead, store Foods like carrots, grapefruit, and kale, which are high in vitamin A and slow down oil production. And don't be afraid of fatty foods. In fact, foods like salmon, tuna, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, which are high in omega-3 fats, regulate the hormone that controls oil production and keeps the skin balanced.

3. Keep your skin care routine cool

Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay recommends keeping masks and moisturizers in the refrigerator to keep your complexion cool and oil-free. He says, "When you apply products straight from the refrigerator, your skin temperature will stay lower, which will reduce excess oil production."

4. Embrace the minimalism

If you have oily skin, it may be time to rethink your makeup routine. Primers and liquid primers often contain silicones that clog and enlarge pores and make problems with oily skin worse. We recommend replacing your silicone primer with a natural alternative.

Do you have problems with oily skin? Check out this step-by-step skin care regimen that's designed for your skin type. We'd love to hear your tips and tricks to stay in control. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

This post was originally published in June 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

15 Dec
Blog

Are You the One Sabotaging Your Gains?

A common misconception about strength training is that every set must be brought down to failure for a positive adjustment.

When it comes to hypertrophy and endurance training with high repetitions, the body will eventually stop working due to your intolerance to enduring the high accumulation of hydrogen or the accumulation of lactic acid.

This is a natural process as the body protects itself from excessive muscle damage.

When it comes to low-rep, maximum-strength (1-3 reps) work, the body stops working because the muscle fibers cannot be recruited enough to do the work.

In certain situations it is beneficial to wear sets of exercises until the repetition fails, e.g. B. Tests with a maximum of 1 repetition or short microcycles aimed at increasing maximum strength.

In most cases, however, training to the point of failure is both unnecessary and detrimental to performance.2

Rarely, if ever, do I see my athletes or clients fail training a heavy compound joint movement.

Should you train to failure?

Unfortunately, in the last few decades the idea has emerged that training to failure is necessary to improve performance.

Proponents of this style often quote that there is a need to push customization and push the boundaries in order to pay homage to the old no-pain-no-gain adage.

This couldn't be further from the truth, and the most effective methods are often less complicated than one might think.

The problem with training to the point of absolute failure at maximum strength is that it leads to neuronal fatigue and disturbances in resting hormone levels

I see most of the 1 rep max tests from beginners, advanced, and even some advanced athletes. Her performance is far from anything I think is technical.

The range of motion is often shortened dramatically, and they often look more like an attempt at survival than an elevator.

Athletes who push their way to failure session after session prepare for the inability to properly recover and repeat high performances over the next few days.

In a phase in which one is striving for strength, they become tired and weaker if they consistently urge to fail on a weekly basis. Additionally, it can lead to injury and withdrawal from weight training.

The label that heavy lifting makes them stiff, tired, and injured when in reality they never followed a properly structured plan.

When looking for hypertrophy or muscle endurance, achieving absolute failure is less detrimental from an injury-related, hormonal, and neuromuscular point of view. however, it is still unnecessary.

This can lead to overuse, excessive muscle damage, and similar peripheral problems.

Train smarter

If you resist the urge to bury yourself and keep pushing for the last rep, you will find the results more pleasant.

  • The most effective training method is to incorporate the idea of ​​RIR, Reps In Reserve.
  • This means that with a percentage of 1 repetition or less, you are working 85%. In theory, you should do four repetitions, with a fifth attempt failing.
  • Instead of doing four reps at 85% of your max 1 rep, the idea should be aimed at two or three technically flawless reps.
  • This is a continuum that can be implemented with just about any rep range.

In 2011, the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science for Sport and Exercise presented a study3 in which two subjects squats with ~ 80% of their max. 1 repetition showed.

  • Subject 1 stopped squatting when his movement speed decreased by 20% (which left more RIR) and Subject 2 stopped squatting when his movement speed decreased by 40% (which left less RIR)
  • These two subjects followed the program for several weeks and the results were amazing.3 Although Subject 2 was doing more overall work and nearing failure; He recorded significantly less strength gain than Subject 1, who left each set before failure

This means that strength training should always be done with technical knowledge and that in most cases it is unnecessary or even detrimental to push for failure.

Obviously, certain situations are different for beginners than for experienced trainees. However, the general takeaway is the same.

How to structure the training:

Once you can accept that getting too heavy too often is a recipe for disaster, you will likely wonder what to do instead.

Exercising with extremely light weights and low intensities is certainly not the answer either, as you will not progress and eventually regress.

Training hard while training smart is what I preach to my athletes and clients.

Following a disciplined schedule with perfect technical execution and a heavy focus on recovery leads to the best results.

Exercise programs

One of my favorite layout training methods is a method developed by Dr. Mike Stone from East Tennessee State University.

To check his volume and intensity with his programs, he implements a system for loading recipes on a very light, light, moderately light, moderate, moderately heavy, heavy, and very heavy basis.

These terms are certainly not arbitrary and instead correlate directly to a range of load percentages as follows::

Load recipe Load percentage
Very easy 65-70% 1 rpm
light 70-75% 1RM
Moderately easy 75-80% 1 rpm
Moderate 80-85% 1Rm
Moderately difficult 85-90% 1RM
Heavy 90-95% 1RM
Very difficult 95-100% 1RM

Dr. Stone then uses these numbers to design his program weekly, with each day marked accordingly to match the total intensity for each lift on that day.

Click on the table below::

Are you sabotaging your winnings? - fitness, max. 1 rep, maximum muscle strength, rest and recovery, endurance training, injuries, hypertrophy, absolute strength, range of motion, periodization, incline press, training programs, micro-cycle, repetitions in reserve

As you can see in this picture, each week is shown right under each exercise, along with the number of sets and repetitions that correspond to it.

  • For exampleIf you take the incline bench press, you can see that for the first week, three sets of ten reps are prescribed for a moderately light weight.
  • In this case, the person would perform the lift with a load equal to 75-80% of their maximum 10 repetitions and rest for two minutes between sets.

This method corresponds to the RIR paradigm discussed earlier and allows the individual to work within a 5% range for that particular exercise that day depending on how they feel.

In addition, the intensity increases steadily over the course of three weeks, peaking at moderately high intensity and discharging in the fourth week at low intensity.

This is just one way to organize your workout, but it is certainly a basic pattern for programming using a periodization strategy.

Remember to train intelligently and understand that sometimes the adage that less is more can still be true.

Training shouldn't break you; It is a tool to increase your efficiency.

There's a time and place to empty the tank and see your final total strengths. however, Nobody ever wins a strength training championship.

They let everything out on the pitch or field.

Think about what your current training is like and how you can implement a better strategy. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you are possibly too tough and falling victim to pain and winning a trap.

Train hard but train smart.

References

1. Ahtiainen, J. P. & Häkkinen, K., "Strength athletes are able to produce greater muscle activation and neuronal fatigue during high-intensity resistance exercise than non-athletes." The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2009, 23 (4), 1129-1134.

2. Martorelli, S., Cadore, EL, Izquierdo, M., Celes, R., Martorelli, A., Cleto, V., Alvarenga, J. & Bottaro, M., "Resistance training with no additional repetitions to failure Provide strength and muscle hypertrophy gains in young women. "European Journal of Translational Myology, 2017. 27 (2).

3. Sanchez-Medina, L. & González-Badillo, J. J., “Loss of speed as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue during strength training”. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2011. 43 (9), 1725-1734.

14 Dec
Blog

Are You the One Sabotaging Your Gains?

A common misconception about strength training is that every set must be brought down to failure for a positive adjustment.

When it comes to hypertrophy and endurance training with high repetitions, the body will eventually stop working due to your intolerance to enduring the high accumulation of hydrogen or the accumulation of lactic acid.

This is a natural process as the body protects itself from excessive muscle damage.

When it comes to low-rep, maximum-strength (1-3 reps) work, the body stops working because the muscle fibers cannot be recruited enough to do the work.

In certain situations it is beneficial to wear sets of exercises until the repetition fails, e.g. B. Tests with a maximum of 1 repetition or short microcycles aimed at increasing maximum strength.

In most cases, however, training to the point of failure is both unnecessary and detrimental to performance.2

Rarely, if ever, do I see my athletes or clients fail training a heavy compound joint movement.

Should you train to failure?

Unfortunately, in the last few decades the idea has emerged that training to failure is necessary to improve performance.

Proponents of this style often quote that there is a need to push customization and push the boundaries in order to pay homage to the old no-pain-no-gain adage.

This couldn't be further from the truth, and the most effective methods are often less complicated than one might think.

The problem with training to the point of absolute failure at maximum strength is that it leads to neuronal fatigue and disturbances in resting hormone levels

I see most of the 1 rep max tests from beginners, advanced, and even some advanced athletes. Her performance is far from anything I think is technical.

The range of motion is often shortened dramatically, and they often look more like an attempt at survival than an elevator.

Athletes who push their way to failure session after session prepare for the inability to properly recover and repeat high performances over the next few days.

In a phase in which one is striving for strength, they become tired and weaker if they consistently urge to fail on a weekly basis. Additionally, it can lead to injury and withdrawal from weight training.

The label that heavy lifting makes them stiff, tired, and injured when in reality they never followed a properly structured plan.

When looking for hypertrophy or muscle endurance, achieving absolute failure is less detrimental from an injury-related, hormonal, and neuromuscular point of view. however, it is still unnecessary.

This can lead to overuse, excessive muscle damage, and similar peripheral problems.

Train smarter

If you resist the urge to bury yourself and keep pushing for the last rep, you will find the results more pleasant.

  • The most effective training method is to incorporate the idea of ​​RIR, Reps In Reserve.
  • This means that with a percentage of 1 repetition or less, you are working 85%. In theory, you should do four repetitions, with a fifth attempt failing.
  • Instead of doing four reps at 85% of your max 1 rep, the idea should be aimed at two or three technically flawless reps.
  • This is a continuum that can be implemented with just about any rep range.

In 2011, the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science for Sport and Exercise presented a study3 in which two subjects squats with ~ 80% of their max. 1 repetition showed.

  • Subject 1 stopped squatting when his movement speed decreased by 20% (which left more RIR) and Subject 2 stopped squatting when his movement speed decreased by 40% (which left less RIR)
  • These two subjects followed the program for several weeks and the results were amazing.3 Although Subject 2 was doing more overall work and nearing failure; He recorded significantly less strength gain than Subject 1, who left each set before failure

This means that strength training should always be done with technical knowledge and that in most cases it is unnecessary or even detrimental to push for failure.

Obviously, certain situations are different for beginners than for experienced trainees. However, the general takeaway is the same.

How to structure the training:

Once you can accept that getting too heavy too often is a recipe for disaster, you will likely wonder what to do instead.

Exercising with extremely light weights and low intensities is certainly not the answer either, as you will not progress and eventually regress.

Training hard while training smart is what I preach to my athletes and clients.

Following a disciplined schedule with perfect technical execution and a heavy focus on recovery leads to the best results.

Exercise programs

One of my favorite layout training methods is a method developed by Dr. Mike Stone from East Tennessee State University.

To check his volume and intensity with his programs, he implements a system for loading recipes on a very light, light, moderately light, moderate, moderately heavy, heavy, and very heavy basis.

These terms are certainly not arbitrary and instead correlate directly to a range of load percentages as follows::

Very easy 65-70% 1 rpm
light 70-75% 1RM
Moderately easy 75-80% 1 rpm
Moderate 80-85% 1Rm
Moderately difficult 85-90% 1RM
Heavy 90-95% 1RM
Very difficult 95-100% 1RM

Dr. Stone then uses these numbers to design his program weekly, with each day marked accordingly to match the total intensity for each lift on that day.

Click on the table below::

Are you sabotaging your winnings? - fitness, max. 1 rep, maximum muscle strength, rest and recovery, endurance training, injuries, hypertrophy, absolute strength, range of motion, periodization, incline press, training programs, micro-cycle, repetitions in reserve

As you can see in this picture, each week is shown right under each exercise, along with the number of sets and repetitions that correspond to it.

  • For exampleIf you take the incline bench press, you can see that for the first week, three sets of ten reps are prescribed for a moderately light weight.
  • In this case, the person would perform the lift with a load equal to 75-80% of their maximum 10 repetitions and rest for two minutes between sets.

This method corresponds to the RIR paradigm discussed earlier and allows the individual to work within a 5% range for that particular exercise that day depending on how they feel.

In addition, the intensity increases steadily over the course of three weeks, peaking at moderately high intensity and discharging in the fourth week at low intensity.

This is just one way to organize your workout, but it is certainly a basic pattern for programming using a periodization strategy.

Remember to train intelligently and understand that sometimes the adage that less is more can still be true.

Training shouldn't break you; It is a tool to increase your efficiency.

There's a time and place to empty the tank and see your final total strengths. however, Nobody ever wins a strength training championship.

They let everything out on the pitch or field.

Think about what your current training is like and how you can implement a better strategy. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you are possibly too tough and falling victim to pain and winning a trap.

Train hard but train smart.

References

1. Ahtiainen, J. P. & Häkkinen, K., "Strength athletes are able to produce greater muscle activation and neuronal fatigue during high-intensity resistance exercise than non-athletes." The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2009, 23 (4), 1129-1134.

2. Martorelli, S., Cadore, EL, Izquierdo, M., Celes, R., Martorelli, A., Cleto, V., Alvarenga, J. & Bottaro, M., "Resistance training with no additional repetitions to failure Provide strength and muscle hypertrophy gains in young women. "European Journal of Translational Myology, 2017. 27 (2).

3. Sanchez-Medina, L. & González-Badillo, J. J., “Loss of speed as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue during strength training”. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2011. 43 (9), 1725-1734.

13 Dec
Blog

Eero 6 Router Review: Smart Home Management Made Easy

Eero 6 Wi-Fi Mesh Router

Eero 6 Wi-Fi 6 System (3 Pack)

"When a growing smart home needs to be covered, the Eero 6 is a cost-effective solution."

  • Affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system

  • Intuitive device management via app

  • Solid speeds from the router

  • Few ethernet ports on the router

Routers are likely a priority for many people. It's one of those underrated devices in the home that only works in the background, and the only time it ever comes to mind is when things aren't working properly.

A growing smart home presents some challenges as more and more devices require connectivity. This is why you should look into a router that can manage them all. With Wi-Fi 6, an integrated mesh network and a system that can be controlled with Alexa from Amazon, the Eero 6 is undoubtedly an attractive option for the average consumer.

Cover for the whole house

Growing your smart home includes not just the devices, but adequate coverage to ensure they stay connected and are not compromised in any way. The Eero 6 is a dual band Wi-Fi 6 mesh network that allows you to provision extender nodes to cover large rooms. For smaller spaces like my apartment, which is a smidge over 1,000 square feet, the Eero 6 is a bit over the top – but others will appreciate its 5,000 square foot range for larger homes and rooms.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

In my setup, the system packs a router and two extender nodes. I use it as a secondary, complementary network that contains my Internet of Things (IoT devices). My main network serves as the primary network for surfing the Internet with my smartphones and computers. Similar to other mesh routers I've checked out, the Eero router is connected to my modem gateway via one of its two gigabit ports. If you urgently need to make other connections, there isn't much left. I know how quickly things can get out of hand when you introduce smart home devices that require their own hubs or bridges. So it would have been nice to have more ports.

This is exactly what the growing smart home needs.

The extender nodes only act as Wi-Fi hubs to extend the range of the network to every corner of your home. Depending on the signal strength, I like that the Eero 6 automatically selects which node / router the devices are connected to. For example, the two smart displays in my bedroom connect to the extender node, which is in the same room – unlike the main router in the living room. In contrast to the router, the node extenders do not have any Ethernet ports for expansion. Not too surprising, but I still wish they had one or two.

Convenient smart home management

Today's routers are more consumer-friendly than ever, and the Eero 6 is no exception. Setting up is a breeze and all it takes is plugging the router into my gateway and downloading the Eero app. From there, you can attach it to your Amazon account to access voice control with Alexa.

The app does a good job of figuring out which devices are connected to the Eero 6. Since the naming conventions for some devices can be unclear, I would recommend going back to the app as soon as possible to change them. My smart home consists of more than 50 connected devices. So it helps that I oversee their activities, especially if you notice that a gadget appears to be sending larger amounts of data. It's a red flag that will help users better understand how their devices are behaving.

When it comes to the smart home, disabling access to a specific device is made easier with the help of Alexa. Once you've enabled the Eero Alexa skill, you can instruct the voice assistant to stop WiFi for a specific device or the entire network.

It's worth noting that the Eero 6 has an integrated ZigBee smart home hub, similar to the current Amazon Echo (4th generation). This makes it a breeze to connect ZigBee-enabled accessories and devices through the Alexa app without the need to use other third-party apps. That way, you don't have to manage another app or service. So, if you're already deep in the Amazon ecosystem, the Eero 6's ability to control ZigBee devices comes in handy.

Speed, speed, speed

The Comcast Xfinity router I've been using for a while now offers average download and upload speeds of 250Mbps and 40Mbps, respectively. Interestingly, switching to the Eero 6 has boosted performance to around 350 Mbit / s and 41 Mbit / s. The faster download speed is only achieved through the main Eero 6 router.

Eero 6 Wi-Fi Mesh RouterJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

However, when connected to one of the extender nodes, the performance will drop to about the same as my Xfinity router. For most smart home devices, this shouldn't be a problem, unless it's a security camera that uploads footage to the cloud for you to access. The latency response via the extender nodes is roughly the same as that of the main Eero router. This is therefore useful for real-time video conversations that you may have on a smart display, security camera, or other device.

Our opinion

You can't go wrong with the Eero 6 – this is exactly what the growing smart home needs to keep expanding. It has it all: a built-in ZigBee hub, expansion with extenders, device management, Alexa control, and an affordable price of $ 279 for a 3-pack system. For comparison, a similar Google Nest Wi-Fi kit costs $ 349. However, what Google has to offer is the additional utility of its Node Extenders that use Google Assistant for voice control so that they can effectively act as smart speakers.

How long it will take?

The minimalist all-plastic construction of the Eero 6 feels decent. However, since they are unlikely to ever move once they are set up, there is little risk of damage to them. In the event something goes wrong on its own, there's a 1 year limited warranty to cover it.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. The Google Nest Wi-Fi costs more, but the added convenience of the Google Assistant built into its extender nodes makes it a useful utility for the smart home.

Should you buy it?

This is a good option if you are looking for a mesh network system that does not require an expensive investment.

Editor's recommendations




13 Dec
Blog

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 Review: The iPhone of Laptops

Apple MacBook Pro 13 m1 review 06

"With the M1 chip, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is the most exciting Mac in years."

  • M1 is incredibly fast

  • Nice display, as always

  • Fantastic battery life

  • The speakers sound brilliant

  • Top notch keyboard and trackpad

  • Only two Thunderbolt ports

  • Touch Bar is still frustrating

Only Apple would dare to sell a laptop based entirely on its processor in 2020. The main audience is not exactly chip heads, who make purchasing decisions based on core count and power per watt.

And yet Apple has managed to spread a lot of hype around its new M1 chip and the familiar old Macs that run on it.

The design of the new MacBook Pro 13-inch itself has not changed at all with the M1 version. It's identical to the Intel-based model that came out earlier this year. But the M1 processor promises something that a new paint job could never do. It's ready to transform the 13-inch MacBook Pro from another laptop into something new. Something clearly Apple. And yes, finally something better.

performance

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is one of the first of a new generation of Macs that includes the new MacBook Air and the new Mac mini. They all run on the same M1 chip, although performance is different between the three systems. The performance of the professional should be somewhere between air and mini. At least that's the idea.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro was already the most powerful laptop of its size. The adapted 25-watt Intel chip that Apple uses already contains more juice than the typical 13-inch laptop. You can still buy this Intel model, but it starts at $ 1,799. Don't bother about it. It has two additional Thunderbolt ports, but Apple's own 8-core 5-nm ARM processor blows Intel out of the water in every way.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is still very fast. The results published in benchmarks made me do a double take, regardless of whether it is Geekbench 5 or Cinebench R23. In terms of single-core performance, it is on par with the fastest Intel and AMD chips such as the Core i7-1165G7 in the Dell XPS 13. When it comes to multi-core performance, the M1 is awesome. With eight cores, it clearly outperforms the quad-core laptops against which it has a price. The only laptops with faster multi-core results in Geekbench 5 are large 45-watt laptops like the Dell XPS 17 or the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel.

This also led to similar results in Cinebench R23. Single-core scores top the list, and multi-core scores are way ahead of the competition. But remember: the MacBook Air has the same M1 chip. Although there is no fan in a slightly thinner case, it is only 11% behind the MacBook Pro in this benchmark. There's only a $ 300 price difference between the Air and the Pro, but the difference in performance is smaller than it used to be.

Of course, these benchmarks have already been optimized for the M1. This does not apply to the vast majority of the apps available. However, this doesn't mean you won't necessarily notice the ones that aren't optimized, especially if your basic workflow consists of basic internet surfing and word processing.

The MacBook Pro isn't technically fanless, but I haven't heard the fans spin yet.

However, you will notice how this laptop is cooled. You'll notice it when you start a Zoom call and don't have to shout over the fan noise. Or maybe if you've hooked up a couple of 4K monitors and are multitasking without it getting warm at all. In contrast to the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro is technically not fanless – it has a fan that can rotate if necessary. But I've never heard it spin. Not even. This is a far cry from the MacBooks of the past.

Good luck running a game like Fortnite on an Intel MacBook. Not only does it run poorly because of the lame built-in graphics, it turns your MacBook into a portable space heater. Your palms are sweaty, the keyboard feels hot, and the fans spin like they're trying to prevent a meltdown.

With the MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, the experience couldn't be more different. First of all, it easily reaches 60 frames per second (fps) at medium settings. More importantly, it does this without any slight heating. Even $ 2,000 worth of gaming laptops can't do that.

Of course, there are restrictions when playing. While these are built-in graphics, they are a huge leap ahead of what AMD or Intel can offer. Like the iPad or iPhone, the M1's built-in graphics ultimately turn the 13-inch MacBook Pro into a decent gaming machine.

Take all of this with a grain of salt. The performance you can expect from the M1 MacBook Pro depends a lot on the applications you need. So let's turn to the big elephant in the room: app compatibility.

App support

As mentioned earlier, the M1 chip marks a dramatic departure from Intel and traditional x86 systems. Such a drastic turnaround makes app compatibility a major hurdle. Apple has not shy away from making great demands on its solutions, but you are right to be skeptical. Look no further than Microsoft's app disaster with the original Surface Pro X for an example of how badly this type of transition can be handled.

The short answer is, almost any app or software you might need will run on M1 Macs. That doesn't mean it's going to go super fast, of course, but it's a promise you can make to the bank. So far, development support has not been in the charts.

It's no surprise that the MacBook Pro is insanely fast with Apple's own apps natively compiled for this new architecture. If you're running Safari, GarageBand, or even Final Cut Pro, you'll find that the MacBook Pro offers professional-quality performance. Would you like to produce music or edit videos on the side? No problem. The 13-inch MacBook Pro offers you protection, especially if you stick to Apple software. From what we've seen, even the MacBook Air can handle these workflows with no problem.

However, if you are a creative professional or hobbyist, you probably already have the applications you choose to work with – and they may not all come from Apple. Since the M1 is an ARM-based processor, it cannot run software written for x86. These are most of the applications you can download from the Internet. There are a handful of key developers who have already optimized their apps for the M1. Microsoft, for example, has already introduced its office suite. The same goes for Google Chrome. For many people, this covers the majority of their daily use.

There are some holes, however. Adobe's Creative Suite is the main example. Native versions of Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Lightroom won't be available until 2021. They're coming, but for now the M1 needs an emulated version to run. But do not worry. Apple managed to make these apps work a lot better than you might think. Apple's solution is an app translation process called Rosetta 2 – and it's mind blowing how well it works.

Developers quickly update the software to be compatible with the M1.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro can export a video project to Premiere just as quickly as the average 13-inch x86-based laptop, including the Intel version of the MacBook Pro. That said, you can safely switch to the M1 MacBook Pro without worrying about performance in non-native apps.

Of course there will always be exceptions. For example, I tried downloading the Epic Games Launcher. It's extremely sluggish. Once you load a game, it's great – but the launcher and storefront itself are left behind. Legacy software tied to specific accessories or hardware might have similar problems.

It was also terribly slow coding video in Handbrake. It took five minutes and 28 seconds to complete a 4K video encoding for H.265. That is, until Handbrake released a new version (1.4) that was optimized for the M1. Now? This coding time is only two minutes and 38 seconds. That's 15% faster than the 10th generation Intel Core i5 MacBook Pro (13-inch) when performing the same coding task. It shows how quickly developers update software to ensure compliance.

Battery life

Of course, the advantages of the M1 processor go far beyond pure performance. The laptop starts up in a flash when you open the lid – and even connects quickly to external displays. The biggest quality of life improvement you will experience with it is battery life. The 13-inch MacBook Pro has never been a champion in battery life. It barely squeaked enough to be considered appropriate. But not with the M1.

This 13-inch MacBook Pro has the best battery life I've ever tested on a laptop, despite only having a 58-watt battery. The 13-inch MacBook Pro lasted well over 16 hours on a single charge when surfing the Internet lightly. That's a lot of screen-on time. It outperforms many of the best Windows laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Specter x360. On a lighter load like a local video loop, the MacBook Pro can last for more than 21 hours. Angry.

Nearly doubling battery life without changing battery size is a tremendous achievement.

The best part? Just because you see the low battery notification doesn't mean you are doomed. The 13-inch MacBook Pro can last for about an hour, especially if you turn the brightness down a bit.

ARM designed processors are known for their extreme efficiency. So I wasn't too surprised that the MacBook Pro excels in this area. Still, it's a tremendous feat to nearly double the battery life of previous models without changing the size of the battery.

design

A laptop is of course much more than just a processor. The display, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, port selection, portability, and battery life are all equally important. Not much has changed in that regard, but this is where the MacBook Pro still excels. Mainly.

The chassis is 0.61 inches thick and weighs exactly three pounds. When this design was first used in 2016, it broke new ground. Nowadays it is taken for granted. You can find thinner, lighter, and equally robust laptops like the Dell XPS 13, HP Specter x360, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and Microsoft Surface Laptop 3.

Still, it's a very mature laptop with no hint of flex or bend – and that includes the lid.

There is room for improvement, however. All I want is a MacBook Pro with some modern looking bezels. Laptop designers have made great strides in this department, but Apple seemed content with leaving things as they are. To make matters worse, the 720p webcam in that fat bezel isn't terribly good anyway.

I expect all of that to change in 2021 with the introduction of a 14-inch MacBook Pro to replace this one. If you buy a MacBook Pro today, it won't help you much.

This particular MacBook Pro only has two USB-C / Thunderbolt ports, both on the left. These handle DisplayPort, charging and data transfers at up to 40 Gbit / s. Personally, for reasons of convenience, I prefer a charging port on both sides of the laptop, for example on the Dell XPS 13.

The four Thunderbolt ports of the Intel version of the MacBook Pro are really the only advantage over the M1 version.

Display and speaker

There was never much room for complaint on the MacBook Pro screen. The 2,560 x 1,600 "Retina" display is sharp, bright and color-accurate. With the plethora of 4K screens available in laptops, the MacBook Pro is a few pixels short in comparison. Not that you would notice, of course. Just don't be surprised if Apple goes to great lengths to surpass 5K in pixel count over the next year. It can even use mini LED technology!

One caveat: I couldn't get our colorimeter software to work. It's a good example of niche software that just refused to run on the M1. However, I have confirmed with Apple that this is an identical panel to the previous model, with a maximum brightness of 485 nits, a contrast of 1470: 1 and 91% AdobeRGB color space.

With the M1 chip, Apple can do the audio processing itself.

The 16:10 aspect ratio has been used by Apple for many years, but is now finally being adopted by companies like Dell and HP. Apple has been right all along.

Speakers are another area where Apple has always been ahead. No competitors even come close. Apple has taken this new model further and made some improvements to the speaker tuning. With the M1 chip, Apple can do the audio processing itself and thus tinker with the stereo spreading and the equalizer. This was previously done with the T2 chip, but tighter controls mean more options to adjust.

The result is fantastic audio quality, especially when listening to music. Unlike most laptops, it is actually a joy to listen to. The speakers get loud without crackling or distorting, and there's even a ton of bass. It's a wonder considering how small these speakers are, but Apple's added tech takes them to the next level.

Keyboard and touchpad

I'm not going to spend too much time complimenting Apple on their keyboard repair. Gone are the days of unreliable and inconvenient butterfly keyboards. Apple's Magic Keyboard, which uses a more conventional scissor switch, was introduced in the 13-inch MacBook Pro earlier this year. It's still here and it's still awesome.

The same applies to the trackpad, which is particularly large and responsive. Force Touch technology means there is no physical mechanism under the glass – just a highly sensitive series of motors that simulate the sensation of movement.

In the meantime, I will continue to lament the missed opportunity the Touch Bar offers. I almost never use it. And when I do this e.g. B. to adjust the volume or the screen brightness, this is annoying. I just hope Apple now has improved tools for better implementation in the future, but at the moment it doesn't matter much.

Our opinion

The $ 1,299 MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 is a fresh start for the Mac. The physical design will eventually catch up, but right now we have the start of a season for the Mac where it will be difficult to compete with.

Are there alternatives?

The closest competitor is the Dell XPS 13. I prefer the slim design of the Dell laptop as well as the option for a 4K model. However, the MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 is now a more powerful laptop and outperforms battery life.

If you don't need the added power of the Pro, then the MacBook Air should be considered. It uses a slightly underperforming version of the M1, but it only starts at $ 999 (or $ 899 with student discounts).

How long it will take?

The MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 is based on Apple's new system architecture and is a safe purchase. It will be supported for many years. That being said, a major redesign of the MacBook Pro is slated to hit the market in 2021, though it may be a while before we hear more.

All Apple MacBooks come with a standard one-year warranty. Of course, you can get Apple's great AppleCare + service for up to three years, although it comes at an additional cost.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. More than any other MacBook Pro in the past few years, Apple has finally created one that has an undeniable advantage over its competitors.

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