15 Aug
Blog

Better Should Health with 3 Mobility Routines for Impingement Problems

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body, so it's not surprising that it is also one of the most commonly jacked up joints. Almost everyone I've worked with has mixed up their shoulders at some point (including me). It's easy to do once you know how luckily it is also relatively easy to fix.

To know exactly what to do, we need to understand how the shoulder works. The humeral bone (upper arm) is the ball of the ball and socket joint and is located in the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade, which, as you guessed, is the socket – a shallow socket.

Happy shoulders

So this is a happy shoulder joint down below.

Better health should be with 3 mobility routines for impingement issues - fitness, fitness, bench press, mobility, tendons, rotator cuff, shoulder mobility, muscle imbalances, joint health, shoulder blade

Better health should be with 3 mobility routines for impingement issues - fitness, fitness, bench press, mobility, tendons, rotator cuff, shoulder mobility, muscle imbalances, joint health, shoulder blade

Now you may not mind if you pull your rounded shoulders forward, but I'll tell you what you're going to mind. The boo-boo you get when you try to do something different. I'm trying to say that muscle weakness or tension affects the way your shoulder works.

Yadda, Yadda, Yadda.

See where i'm going To fix all of your shoulder problems, you need to treat your shoulder joint like a joint. That's it.

That means training it under control in all directions and ranges of motion.

I know it's easy to say, but it doesn't have to be that difficult either.

If I had to pick three things to add to your workout to give you happy, healthy shoulders that can do anything you want, it would be these::

1. Shoulder-controlled joint rotations (CARS)

No, not brum, brum cars. CARS is a fancy name, but easy to do and a basic concept. It means simply moving the shoulder through the range of motion with control and intent.

Try this below and it should highlight any range restrictions you might have. This is the shoulder CAR from the Mobility Reset program.

2. Cuban rotations

These are just great. Cuban rotations strengthen all four rotator cuffs, and rOtator cuffs are a major cause of shoulder injuries. There is not enough time for all of the good things I have to say about this exercise.

3. Work on your extension

Most people have terrible shoulder extensions. The shoulder extension is a heavily under-trained area that your shoulder should be.

This short video shows you how to build strength in this long-forgotten area.

Look, everyone wants to do the funny stuff. I get it. But you need to watch out for the pitfalls in ignoring how you want your body to move because of it will bite your ass and you won't do funny things when injured. Keep an eye on your body because if you spend a little time making everything go well, you will have more time to do what you love.

If you want to move around painlessly, check out my reset series. It is an easy to follow course and especially one that is given at home and that will help you move better and more pain-free.

15 Aug
Blog

Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog Cordless Vacuum Review

Miele Triflex HX1 vacuum cleaner for cats and dogs upright

Miele Triflex HX1 cordless vacuum cleaner for cats and dogs

"The Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog is versatile, powerful and a great cordless option."

  • Lots of tools and configurations

  • Bin empties no dust cloud when emptying

  • Extremely strong

  • Compact

  • Expensive

  • Short battery life

Bagless vacuum cleaners are notorious for blowing dust back into the air when emptying. In 2016, Miele promised its bagless vacuums would not do this. Four years later I finally got one to test out, the Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog.

This cordless vacuum cleaner is modular and can be assembled in several ways, including a handheld device. Miele said it was made for pets so I put it on my scratching post.

Attach

For my current vacuum, I have a reusable shopping bag with accessories. Miele offers a wall bracket for the HX1 that can also accommodate several attachments. I suspect there is just no neat way to store the bulky hand brush attachment so it has to lie on the floor next to the vacuum.

In addition to the hand brush and the standard vacuum head, the Miele comes with a splitting tool, upholstery accessories and a dust brush. The hand brush, the upholstery accessories and the dust brush were needed to clean my scratching post. This is not the fault of the vacuum. My scratching post is a mix of carpet platforms, squishy pillows and a Papasan chair shell to relax in. Great for cats, terrible for cleaning.

Miele Triflex HX1 vacuum brush head for cats and dogsJenny McGrath / Digital Trends

The reason the vacuum is called the Triflex is because it can be configured to be strictly hand-held (to quote the Beastie Boys) or to work in two different floor styles with the container closer to the floor or in near the handle. Replacing the various nozzles and brush heads is mostly easy, but removing the rod that extends the vacuum handle can sometimes require a tug of war.

With the dust bin, motor, and battery, the vacuum weighs about three pounds, with no accessories that don't add too much weight. It's definitely handy, but it can get tiring for people who are used to using only one hose with an attachment. There is no getting around having to hold all of the vacuum when using it like a dustbuster.

maximum power

With the handle of the HX1 you can choose between three power settings. Let's face it, the only time you're probably not using maximum power is on delicate carpets. The maximum setting lives up to its name and has soaked everything up in sight. The hand brush worked great on the scratching post platforms which are usually a little tricky to clean. The dust brush and upholstery tool were better on the softer surfaces, like the pillows, which had plenty of cat fur. It still took time and patience to go over the furrier areas several times, but the tree was far less furry after vacuuming.

In addition to the scratching post, I also tested the Miele on carpeted and hardwood floors with a variety of substances, including rice and cereal. With some vacuum cleaners, I've found that vacuuming small pieces of debris can get over wooden floors. Not so with the HX1. It held everything in, even if it struggled with – admittedly bulky – completely intact gold graham squares. However, it picked up almost everything else and did an impressively thorough job.

The maximum attitude lives up to its name and has absorbed everything on site.

The vacuum cleaner's standard brush head has a low profile that fits very nicely under my bookshelves and console table, which are sometimes too low for larger vacuum heads. It also comes with a spotlight if you slide it into those dark corners.

Jenny McGrath / Digital Trends

It took about 12 minutes to completely clean the scratching post. The HX1's battery lasted at max. This is a little short compared to some of the competition and there is no backup battery for larger jobs. The battery lasts about an hour in energy-saving mode. The lifespan is a little shorter than that of another direct competitor, the Dyson V11 Outsize, which extends to a slightly longer 120 minutes in eco mode. It takes four hours to charge the battery, which is standard on cordless vacuum cleaners.

Undustables

With my own bagless vacuum cleaner, I usually take it outside before emptying it in the trash. It gives off a cloud of dust that redistributes exactly the kitten scales that I wanted to banish first. The HX1 certainly had large particles in the bin by the time I finished vacuuming, but when I opened it to empty it, that pile of dust was missing. The filters that you clean by removing them every month and banging them against the walls of your trash can really seem to hold it all in.

Miele Triflex HX1 vacuum power switch close-up of the cat & dogJenny McGrath / Digital Trends

Everything about the HX1 is pretty small, including the dust bin. It holds about half a liter of dirt and other trash. The capacity is good enough for apartments or studios, but requires frequent emptying for larger houses. The Dyson V11 Outsize, for example, has a much larger 1.8 liter garbage can. The container is opened with a twist of the container at the top, a little different from most other vacuum cleaners. You probably have to read the manual for the first time to find out, but it's pretty easy after that.

Our opinion

At $ 699, the Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog vacuum cleaner is comparable to some high quality Dyson vacuum cleaners. The battery life is short and it can be very difficult in handheld mode. However, it is a very powerful, user-friendly vacuum. And the lack of a cloud of dust? * Chef kiss. *

Is there a better alternative?

As great as the HX1 is, Miele's price tag is just too high for many people. There are certainly cheaper vacuums like the Dyson V7 ($ 288) or the Tineco Pure One S12 ($ 530).

How long it will take?

Consumer Reports found that cordless vacuums had questionable reliability due to their reduced battery life. The HX1 is otherwise well constructed and comes with a one year warranty.

Should you buy it?

If you have a relatively small house that you can vacuum in about 15 minutes and want to spend hundreds of dollars on a cordless device, the HX1 is a great choice. It's powerful, versatile, and doesn't take up too much space.

Editor's recommendations




15 Aug
Blog

QuietOn Sleep Review: ANC Earbuds That Promise Silent Sleep

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds

QuietOn Noise Canceling Earbuds

"When comfort and fit aren't in the way, these ANC earbuds are absolutely quiet."

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Very good noise isolation

  • Smallest ANC Earbuds You Can Buy

  • 20 hours of battery life

  • Expensive

  • A battery is missing in the charging case

  • May not be comfortable enough to sleep in

The secret to a good night's sleep, depending on who you ask, is your diet, exercise, state of mind, your bedroom temperature, your bedroom's feng shui, or dozens of other factors. But most people agree that what you need most of all is a quiet place to sleep. Otherwise none of these other things matter.

But silence, like sleep itself, can be elusive, which is why QuietOn created the QuietOn Sleep earbuds for $ 200. They use ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology, which QuietOn says can block out more noise than foam earplugs alone.

Do they work and are they worth the price? Let's find out.

What's in the box?

QuietOn Sleep EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The QuietOn Sleep earbuds come in a tiny black cardboard case. When you pull the main box out of the case, you'll find the earbuds in the charging case, two alternative sizes of foam earbuds, and a micro-USB charging cable.

Aside from a few printed instructions in different languages, that's all. You should be able to recycle all of the material if you don't want to save it.

design

The QuietOn Sleep looks like very small real wireless earphones. This similarity is reinforced by the use of a flip-top charging and storage case, which is heavily reminiscent of Theose for products like Apple's AirPods Pro and Jabra's Elite Active 75t.

However, this similarity can lead to problematic expectations. In contrast to real wireless earphones, which are charged with the built-in battery of the case, the QuietOn case does not have its own battery. It's practically just a protective charger. In order to actually charge the earphones, the case must be connected to the charging cable.

The case itself, like the QuietOn buds, is tiny and easily fits anywhere you want to keep it, whether it's a pocket or a wallet. The lid has a strong magnet that keeps it tightly closed. The hinge has no resistance at all and lets the lid open quickly, but doesn't do much to prevent it from flapping around.

How well can the QuietOn Sleep suppress noises? In a word: fantastic.

If you're used to true wireless earbuds, you know the importance of having them sit evenly in their charging cradles. If they're crooked, they're likely not charging properly.

So the first time you put the QuietOn back in their suitcase, you may get frustrated that they seem to wobble and never actually lock into place, even though there are internal magnets that try to help. You need to look beyond that – unlike real wireless earbuds, the QuietOn's charging contacts connect to the lid of the case, not the base. As long as each earbud is more or less seated in its respective slots, closing the lid will force everything to be properly aligned.

The earbuds themselves are remarkably small and their glossy black housings practically disappear into the concha of the ear. You have to look very carefully to notice the single button for the physical mode switch on each earbud that sits between the charging contacts.

Comfort, fit and control

QuietOn Sleep EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The bottom line with any object in your ear canal is that "comfort" is a relative idea. I've tried many foam earbuds over the years and I'm not sure if I would call them comfortable, but I'm sure you can get used to them.

I found it more difficult to get used to the feeling of the QuietOn Sleep.

I'm a side sleeper and just couldn't ignore the pressure QuietOn put in my ear.

Choosing the right size of earbuds (I ended up using the smallest size) is key, not only for comfort, but also for passive sound isolation that provides a good fit. The earbuds are made from high quality memory foam and are for sure the most comfortable earbud tips I've ever tried.

But it's the main part of the QuietOn that is a must-have in terms of convenience.

It has an acoustic guitar-like shape with one rounded section larger than the other. QuietOn recommends rotating the earbuds until the larger part is facing back. They know they're sitting correctly when the little "L" or "R" on the surface is level – not upside down or at an angle. Despite these instructions, I found it a little more convenient to flip the larger section.

As small as the body is, it's made of hard plastic and the rounded edges can't completely offset the straight sides and 90-degree corners. For me this meant that I was always aware that something was stuck in my ear.

According to QuietOn, the design is so ergonomic that even people who sleep on their sides will find the earbuds comfortable enough to use overnight. Granted, I'm a focus group of one, but I'm a side sleeper and I just couldn't ignore the pressure QuietOn put in my ear as I rested my head on the pillow. Your mileage, as they say, can vary, and I suspect that those who sleep on their backs will not be affected at all.

When I haven't slept, I've used the QuietOn as an alternative to my ANC headphones to block out the household noises that have become the background noise of my workdays since the pandemic began. They're comfortable enough that I could hold them in place for about three hours each, but my ears needed a break after that.

There is no power switch for the QuietOn. When you take them out of the storage case, they turn on, while replacing them turns them off.

They can reduce sound much better than normal earplugs.

When on, these tiny mode toggle buttons allow you to switch from full active noise cancellation to walk-through (which lets in external noise so you can chat with someone without removing the buds). Pushing is a little tricky and requires reasonable pressure to get to the click. I ended up using the edge of my fingernail to squeeze it as the fingertips turned out to be too soft (apparently, spending nine hours a day on a keyboard isn't enough to build up the right calluses).

Noise cancellation

QuietOn Sleep EarbudsJabra Elite Active 75t (left) and QuietOn Sleep Earbuds Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Aside from comfort issues, how well can the QuietOn Sleep suppress noise? In a word: fantastic.

When it comes to low- to medium-frequency noise, like the roar of a fan in a bedroom at night or the kind of knocks and bumps received from a neighboring resident who thinks moving furniture at 3 a.m. is good is fun, the QuietOn act like a cone of silence and reduce these unwanted vibrations to a whisper.

They're more effective than Sony's ANC used for the excellent WH-1000XM4 headphones and WF-1000XM3 earbuds, and they even outperform Apple's AirPods Pro which have the best ANC of any earbud we've tried. I assume that they can handle aircraft noises properly.

Much more important, however, is that the QuietOn are not necessarily meant to compete with audio earbuds, as they are far better at reducing sound than regular earbuds.

I put them head to head (ear to ear?) With a set of free hotel-issued earplugs, a set I bought at my local pharmacy, and even a pair from Home Depot designed to block out harmful noises in the workplace. The QuietOn Sleep beat them all.

They are so good at creating silence that they actually introduced a new problem: my tinnitus, which I can usually completely ignore, was the only thing I could hear – a high pitched ringing thanks to the QuietOn & # 39; s Ceiling was immediately brought to the fore by everything else.

Battery life

According to QuietOn, the earbuds will work in ANC mode for 20 hours when fully charged, and it only takes an hour to charge from an empty state.

As far as I can tell, these numbers are correct. However, it is not possible to know how much charge is left in the earbuds. Unlike audio earbuds, there is no voice prompt to show the battery status, nor is there a visual indicator.

Your best strategy is to put the earbuds back in your pocket in the morning and plug the bag in to start charging. While charging, a blue LED indicator will appear on the case for each earbud.

Our opinion

If unwanted noise is preventing you from sleeping and you find the QuietOn Sleep comfortable enough to wear all night, $ 200 is a small price to pay for your ultimate silence.

Is there a better alternative?

QuietOn claims its earbuds are the smallest ANC devices on the market. And since Bose has decided to ditch its sleepbuds due to battery issues, there are no more set of fully wireless in-ear ANC earbuds to sleep in. However, there are several competing products that use different techniques, such as the AmazFit Zenbuds sound masking, but we didn't get a chance to test these out.

How long will they last?

Tiny, solidly built, and with just a single physical button, the QuietOn should be used for years. The foam earbuds need to be replaced occasionally – possibly every few months if used at night – but this is normal for earbuds.

QuietOn claims the batteries “will take thousands of charge cycles. With normal use, this would mean several decades. “They come with a one year guarantee.

Should you buy it?

Yes. With a 14-day return policy, you should have enough time to check whether the QuietOn are comfortable enough to sleep on. If so, you will love her.

Editor's recommendations




15 Aug
Blog

Apple iMac 5K 27-inch (2020) Review: A Dying Breed Lives On

Apple Imac 5k 27 inch review 2020 06

"The 27-inch 5K iMac may not have Apple Silicon, but it is still the best all-in-one you can buy."

  • Better memory and RAM options

  • Improved graphics

  • Significantly improved performance

  • Nano textured glass is revolutionary

  • Speakers and webcam are top notch

  • Outdated design

  • No Apple Silicon

Apple Silicon Macs are coming. They'll be here before the end of the year, just in time for you to regret buying an Intel Mac.

Why would Apple do this to us? Why release an Intel-based Mac while trying to improve support for the upcoming processor transition? Your guess is as good as any other. In a strange year of product delays, we now have an updated 27-inch 5K iMac that isn't part of Apple's grand vision that was unveiled at WWDC. It will be remembered as the swamp – the last of the old guard.

As a potential iMac buyer, you are in a difficult position. Why spend thousands of dollars on a system that is on the verge of extinction? Shouldn't you just wait for the next generation iMac?

Possibly. However, based on my time with and testing Apple's latest 27-inch iMac, this old dog managed to learn some new tricks.

design

The iMac has evolved internally, but stagnated on the outside. It's still a beautiful piece of hardware – just not one that looks like it was designed in 2020. It has absolutely massive bezels, a stand that cannot adjust its height, and a fairly thick case. Put a 2020 iMac next to a 2015 iMac and you won't be able to tell the difference between the two.

All-in-one devices like the Dell Inspiron 27 7790, the HP Envy 32 All-in-One, and the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 ensure that the current iMac feels a bit clunky. None of these Windows PCs are as sophisticated and low-key as the iMac, but a redesign is long overdue. Even the rounded shape of the corners and the back looks a bit out of date for Apple's current design language. As with Apple Silicon, you'll have to wait until at least 2021 to get a fresher look. That's a bitter pill to swallow when you're spending more than $ 3,000 on a computer.

The ports are still in the far right corner, making them difficult to get to, especially if you're standing against a wall. The choice of ports includes an Ethernet jack, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-A ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a full-size SD card slot. Here you can connect an external monitor and at the same time supply power to accessories or external drives.

Do I wish Apple had added two more Thunderbolt 3 ports for the Mac mini and MacBook Pro? Naturally. All-in-one devices like the HP Envy 32 even have an HDMI input if you want to connect a Nintendo Switch, for example. Still, it's a nice selection of ports old and new, and far less controversial than what Apple offers for other products.

For an additional $ 100, Apple is also offering a 10 Gb Ethernet connection. This is faster internet than most people know what to do with it – but faster connections are never a bad thing.

display

Most of the improvements to the 2020 iMac are under the hood. The screen is the only exception. The 5K panel itself hasn't changed, but Apple now offers an option for "nano-texture" glass, a feature first introduced as a $ 1,000 upgrade to the Pro Display XDR. Even as a $ 500 upgrade to the iMac, you might be wondering how on earth could that cost be worth it.

Here's what it does: you get the same brilliant brightness and contrast from a glossy screen with no reflections. The upgrade reduces glare almost completely, even when the brightness is lowered. The combination of 497-nit brightness and nano-textured glass makes for an insanely bright, clear screen. Even next to a bright window, you will find it difficult to find a single reflection or glare.

I want nano-textured glass on every other device I use. It's so cool

You have to see for yourself, but there really is nothing like it. An anti-reflective coating or layer is often used on matte displays, which can reduce the visible contrast on the screen. This is not a good thing when you are doing precise color editing or even trying to enjoy the full color range of a video.

It's hard to tell if it's worth $ 500 or not, but after using it I've wanted it on every other device I use.

The panel itself has not changed from the previous models, regardless of whether you opt for the nano-textured glass or not. It is a 16: 9 "5K" screen with a total resolution of 5,120 x 2,880. Even though it's a couple of years old, it's still a clear screen. However, it is no longer the champion of pixel density. The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 has a larger and more pixel-rich screen, as does the 6K Pro Display XDR. There are even 27-inch external monitors available these days that match the resolution of the iMac.

The iMac display still scores across the board. The color gamut is fantastic at 93% Adobe RGB, the colors are very accurate, and the contrast is decent too. It's neck to neck with the Surface Studio 2, the only other all-in-one that can compete on this level.

Am I eagerly awaiting a redesign that will reduce the size of the front panel, increase the resolution and maybe even switch to mini-LED technology? Absolutely. However, the iMac's display is still one of its highlights for now.

The same cannot be said of the sad 1080p 21.5-inch model that Apple unfortunately still sells.

performance

The original iMac started with a focus on balance and beauty, not performance. It was the computer you put at the front desk desk, not in the back of the office where the developers, artists, and engineers sit.

When the use of the Intel Core i9 processors began in 2018, that changed. iMacs have evolved into powerful desktops with surprising performance.

The latest iMac continues that trend. My test device came with a 10th generation Intel Core i9-10910 processor that contains 10 cores and 20 threads. We are grateful to Intel for these two additional cores this year that offer a significant improvement in photo editing, video rendering, and most other forms of content creation. Outside of the iMac Pro, there isn't another all-in-one PC that even tries to use a chip this powerful. Up to 128 GB of RAM and 8 TB of storage space are permitted. That makes the 5K iMac a completely unique computer in terms of form factor and performance.

Very hot chips are of course useless if the system cannot cool them properly. I ran Cinebench R20 and Geekbench to see how the processor performance compares to other computers I tested. This new iMac was again 20% faster than the previous year's model in the Geekbench 4 multi-core test thanks to the additional cores and threads. It destroys a Core i7 All-in-One like the HP Envy 32 and circles around the slow Surface Studio 2.

To further test the processor, I turned to video encoding in Handbrake, a processor-limited application. The iMac was extremely fast, completing H.265 encoding 20% ​​faster than the HP Envy 32, 28% faster than the Dell XPS 17 (with the 8-core Core i7-10875H), and 19% faster than that iMac from last year. A beefy gaming desktop or workstation PC with the same chip is likely to outperform it, but the iMac's unique form factor completely puts it in its own category.

The iMac outperformed last year's video video export by a whopping 48%.

However, I knew that a real performance test had to include the GPU upgraded to AMD's latest Radeon Pro 5000-series graphics. My device came with the fastest card in the AMD arsenal, the RX 5700XT. Adobe Premiere Pro can use a powerful graphics card to speed up project export. I've seen this on laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Microsoft Surface Book 3. This new iMac outperformed last year's model in the same video export by a whopping 48%. That's a fantastic improvement on last year.

However, other solutions are also improving quickly. I was surprised to see that the XPS 17 was barely faster when exporting the same 4K project to ProRes 422. The XPS 17 was equipped with an Intel processor with eight cores and the powerful Nvidia RTX 2060.

Still, the 27-inch iMac is a very capable workhorse for content creation and would likely be even faster when running Apple's own proprietary applications like Final Cut Pro. Meanwhile, the system stays calm and cool and its fans only hum a little under the heaviest loads.

Gaming performance

The iMac is not a gaming PC, especially not for fast-paced shooters or 3D action games. The Radeon Pro RX 5700XT is a fantastic GPU for gaming, but the screen isn't designed for high frame rates. Take a game like Fortnite, for example. It plays flawlessly and can record an average of 60 fps (frames per second) at Epic settings, even at a resolution of 1440p. However, because the screen is locked at 60Hz and doesn't have adaptive sync technology, I've constantly struggled with the screen tearing and stuttering. Even with Vsync, the gaming experience wasn't as smooth as you'd expect from the graphics card.

However, a game like Civilization VI was a better experience. It plays at 1440p with settings at Ultra without skipping a beat and hovering just below 60 fps. The same goes for most of the lighter games you can find in the Mac App Store or with Apple Arcade.

The game library at your disposal is far sadder than the iMac's gaming performance. That's not a bug with this particular iMac – it's in no way, shape, or form a priority for Apple. The light at the end of the tunnel for Mac games comes in the form of Apple Silicon, which could open many new ways for developers to bring their games to the Mac. Now, of course, that won't help you, and it will never help this Intel-based iMac.

What about Apple Silicon?

As one of the last Macs to not run on Apple's own silicon, the durability of this new iMac is likely to be an issue. For most people considering a new iMac, this is a shadow over the potential excitement of buying a new iMac. However, if you fall into the target market of this powerful iMac, it might not be as important as you might fear. Apple is determined to make the transition to the ARM system architecture as smooth as possible from both an app and a performance perspective. That means replicating the Intel experience comes first for Apple, and not trying to change anything dramatically.

Additionally, Apple has promised to support Intel systems for many years – likely longer than you would want to keep using this iMac. So what are some of the goodies you might miss out on staying at Intel? Well, you can't run iPhone apps on your iMac, that's for sure. And if Apple's transition goes particularly well, you might be missing out on some of the apps that support this architecture with exclusive features. However, the apps you know and use every day today are going nowhere, and iMac's performance won't be impacted anytime soon.

Webcams, speakers and microphones

Outside of performance, Apple also made some welcome changes to the quality of life on the new iMac.

I appreciated the upgrade to the FaceTime webcam the most. Going from 720p to 1080p, it's now the best built-in webcam you'll find on a Mac. It also outperforms any laptop webcam you can buy – though that doesn't say much.

Not only does Apple have razor-sharp image quality (thanks to the higher resolution), it also has a few other tricks to improve the image. First, Apple has a new sensor that uses the backlight, resulting in improved low-light performance during late-evening zoom meetings. To sweeten the business, Apple even introduced face recognition for automatic exposure adjustments and tone mapping.

I happily joined my morning zoom scramble and enjoyed having the sharpest video feed for the call. The sensor doesn't overexpose the image like many internal webcams, which means your face may not be as bright as it used to be. You still have to be careful about how bright your background is, but overall, this is a big step up from last year's model.

These speakers surpass the volume and audio quality of many cheap bluetooth speakers.

This greatly improved webcam is of course not just a new camera module. With the T2 co-processor included in the MacBooks (and pro-level Mac desktops), Apple can directly control the camera to make these tweaks and improvements in image quality. It's technically the same camera you'll find in the iMac Pro. So let's hope it will be available for MacBooks at some point.

It is similar with the speakers. The speakers themselves haven't changed, but the T2 allowed Apple to tweak some additional settings. The result is a richer, fuller sound. These speakers surpass the volume and audio quality of many cheap bluetooth speakers.

The microphones also benefit from the T2, although Apple actually introduced new hardware this time around. I was skeptical of the studio-quality three-mic array, especially for anything but the occasional Zoom call. While the system blocks out background noise quite a bit, it's still better to use AirPods or a headset to get the clearest voice quality.

Peripherals

Apple has ignored many aspects of the iMac over the years, but the peripherals are the most frustrating. The Magic keyboard is great, but it lacks many of the features found in MacBook keyabords, such as: B. the touch bar – or even the Touch ID. Unlike every other Apple product you can buy in 2020, you have to rely on an old-fashioned password to sign in with the iMac.

The Magic Mouse 2 is the real kicker. This is a mouse that should have been replaced years ago. It's uncomfortable, only supports a few gestures, and cannot be used while charging. Thanks to the downright hilarious placement of the Lightning connector, it's often referred to as one of the worst-designed products Apple has ever made.

Fortunately, Apple is offering the excellent Magic Trackpad 2 as a $ 50 upgrade that is well worth the money.

Our opinion

The lack of Apple Silicon will no doubt sway a large chunk of opinion about the new iMac – for better or for worse. Sitting on your hands by 2021 to get a redesigned iMac isn't a bad idea, but not everyone can afford to wait. The two additional processor cores and the significantly improved graphics are a tempting upgrade and offer a significant increase in performance compared to the previous year's model.

Plus, some quality of life changes, from the 1080p webcam to the nano-textured glass, are breathing life back into the iMac.

Are there alternatives?

There are a number of solid Windows all-in-ones out there like the HP Envy 32. It's much cheaper, but can't keep up in terms of performance.

The Surface Studio 2 is a beautiful all-in-one with a sophisticated floating hinge. However, it is a severely under-utilized computer based on a laptop processor and outdated graphics.

After all, the iMac and iMac Pro are now closer in comparison than ever before. The iMac's 10-core processor is cheaper than the 1o-core iMac Pro and uses more recent Radeon graphics. Of course, the 18-core iMac Pro is hard to beat if you don't want to question the ultimate in performance and price.

How long it will take?

The 27-inch 5K iMac should last at least five years. It's incredibly well built, and Apple is committed to supporting Intel-based Macs with updates, so don't worry.

Apple of course offers the best warranty and customer support of any computer hardware manufacturer through AppleCare, which covers hardware repair and includes 90 days of free technical support. However, the initial limited warranty is only one year.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you can wait until next year for a redesigned iMac, you'll have more power. In the meantime, the 27-inch 5K iMac remains the best all-in-one computer you can buy.

Editor's recommendations




14 Aug
Blog

2020 Subaru Legacy Limited XT Review: AWD, Turbo, And Tech

2020 Subaru Legacy

2020 Subaru Legacy Limited XT Review: Not Just Another Sedan

"The 2020 Subaru Legacy combines electronic brains with mechanical power."

  • Powerful engine

  • Well integrated touch screen

  • Technology that combats distraction

  • Comfortable ride

  • Badly tuned transmission

The Subaru Legacy has always behaved differently than other midsize sedans, offering all-wheel drive and unorthodox boxer engines to stand out from the competition in cookie cutters. While the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry have dominated the market for decades, the Legacy has built a small but loyal following, mostly in the Subaru strongholds of the northeast and northwest.

With the revised Legacy 2020, however, Subaru wants to break out of its niche and directly challenge other midsize sedans.

As with its Outback sibling, the standout new features of the 2020 Subaru Legacy are an available 11.6-inch touchscreen and turbocharged four-cylinder engine, reminiscent of sporty turbo legacy models of the 2000s and 2010s. Our Legacy Limited XT test car had both items plus a sticker price of $ 35,095, compared to $ 23,645 for a base Legacy.

2020 Subaru Legacy

Design and interior

The style is subjective, but if you look at the exterior of the 2020 Legacy, it's clear that Subaru had different priorities. Nothing about the design is different or groundbreaking, and while it is a new generation of Legacy, the 2020 model is similar to its predecessor. The 2020 Legacy is slightly longer, taller and wider than the 2019 model, but has an identical wheelbase.

Under the skin, the Legacy rides on the same Subaru Global Platform as the automaker's other current models such as the Crosstrek and Ascent. Subaru claims that the 2020 Legacy has 70% stiffer torsional stiffness than its predecessor, which helps improve driveability and gives the car a more solid feel. Subaru also claims that the 2020 Legacy can absorb more than 40% more energy in front and side impacts.

Lots of screens seem like a waste of space, but Subaru got it right.

Typically Subaru, the interior is simple but well laid out. Our Limited test car (a step down from Touring's top trim level) had leather seats that were reasonably comfortable but could have used firmer cushioning. Subaru also threw in lots of shiny black plastic and fake chrome trim that caused significant glare in direct sunlight and looked like it was easily scratched.

The Legacy has an Environmental Protection Agency-rated passenger volume as top competitors like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. However, the headroom and legroom in both rows are only average. At 15.1 cubic feet, the trunk is a little below average.

2020 Subaru Legacy

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The 2020 Legacy gets the same 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen as the Outback. The screen is standard on all Legacy trim levels except for the base model (which has a 7.0-inch touchscreen), while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. For the first time, the Legacy will also have an integrated WiFi hotspot.

Big screens are all the rage these days, but most automakers seem to prioritize form over function. While a lot of these screens seem like a waste of space, Subaru got things right. As in the outback, the symbols are large and easier to read while driving. Climate control icons are also at the bottom of the screen – where analog controls and buttons are usually located – and Subaru included an important volume control. At some point, however, the audio system stopped working, a problem we didn't have with an Outback with the same head unit. It was fixed by restarting the car.

The 2020 Legacy also receives Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance suite, which uses front-facing cameras near the rearview mirror instead of the radars used by most other automakers. The adaptive cruise control with lane centering is standard, while the blind spot monitoring, the lane change assistant and the rear cross traffic alarm are optional extras. This is similar to the standard driver aid package for the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry.

EyeSight has one advantage over competing systems: technology that ensures it is not used irresponsibly.

As with the Outback, EyeSight's adaptive cruise control easily maintained a steady pace, but was slow to respond when cars pulled in abruptly. However, the lane-centering function performance was poorer and showed a tendency to pull aside as if the car needed a wheel alignment. It also made the car drift out of its lane a couple of times. An outback test car didn't have these problems on the same track. Given the similarity between the two models (the Outback is essentially a legacy station wagon), the lack of consistency was worrying.

Even so, EyeSight still has one advantage over competing systems: technology that ensures it is not used irresponsibly. Subaru is one of the few automakers (along with BMW and Cadillac) to use a camera facing the driver to monitor the distraction. The DriverFocus system, which was introduced in the Forester, sends audible and visual warnings when the driver takes their eyes off the road. As in other Subarus, DriverFocus did its work in the Legacy unobtrusively and without false positives.

2020 Subaru Legacy

Experience at the wheel

The 2020 Legacy continues Subaru's use of its trademark boxer engines, which sit deeper in the chassis than other engine configurations, helping to lower the car's center of gravity. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was carried over from the 2019 model year, but it now produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, up from 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet previously. All Legacy models have standard all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

XT models get a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger. Together with the Outback and Ascent, it makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. That's more than the 3.6-liter boxer-six this engine replaces, as well as the optional turbo engines on the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. The Toyota Camry's 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 has more power (301 hp) but less torque (267 lb-ft).

The Legacy also beats the Hyundai Sonata in performance, though Hyundai is preparing a sporty N-Line model with a 2.5-liter turbo four that makes 290 hp and 310 lb-ft. This engine is already available in the 2021 Kia K5 GT.

The turbo engine offers a lot of power for an ordinary family sedan.

Regardless of the competition, the turbo engine offers a lot of power for an ordinary family sedan. Hence, the Legacy XT can easily be thought of as a bigger sibling of the Subaru WRX. However, this is not the case. That Legacy is decently quick (zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to Subaru), but nothing else is sporty. The chassis is designed for comfort and not for handling. This is a sensible decision as most mid-size sedans will actually be used. The Honda Accord and Mazda 6 remain the better choices for driving enthusiasts.

The CVT also sabotages the engine with uneven power output. As in the outback, the engine and transmission don't seem to be on the same side. The jerky acceleration feels like riding with a beginner learning to ride a stick. This car requires a different transmission or at least a readjustment of the CVT. That would turn a good car into a great one.

Fuel economy and safety

Turbocharged 2020 legacy models like our test car have a combined output of 27 mpg (24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway), compared to 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) for the old six-cylinder model. According to the car's on-board computer, we got an average of 24 mpg over a week. With the less powerful base engine, the Legacy is paired with 30 mpg (27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway).

The Legacy offers slightly better combined fuel economy in the city than a 2.0-liter turbo Honda Accord, but the Honda gets the same 32 MPG highway. The Nissan Altima is rated at 29 mpg (25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) when combined with its optional turbo engine that uses variable compression to force out extra mpg. The Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry are also available with hybrid drives, but the Legacy is not.

The 2020 Legacy received the highest Top Safety Pick + rating from the Road Safety Insurance Institute as well as an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – the highest safety rating from the federal agency.

Subaru offers a three year base 36,000 mile warranty and a five year 60,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. That's about the average for a mainstream brand, though Hyundai and Kia offer longer warranty periods. Subaru also has an excellent reputation for reliability.

2020 Subaru Legacy

How DT would configure this car

The Limited XT trim level tested here seems to be the sweet spot of the 2020 Legacy range. It gets the turbo engine, which is worth the extra money over a base engine that hasn't impressed in other newer Subaru vehicles. The Limited is also the lowest equipment option for the DriverFocus camera system, but only as part of an option package that also includes navigation, an electric sunroof and a heated steering wheel.

At the same time, it doesn't seem to make sense to upgrade to the highest touring trim level. The only features that are added are a front camera and nappa leather seats. The Limited is already equipped with leather seats, but allegedly made of inferior material.

It's unclear how much aftermarket support the 2020 Legacy will get, but this seems like a car with potential. Subaru is unlikely to offer a new version of the old Legacy 2.5GT Spec.B performance model, but it would be great to see one of these cars with stickier tires, bigger brakes, and improved suspension to match its turbo-charged performance.

Our opinion

The 2020 Subaru Legacy continues to stand out from the crowd. The optional turbo engine gives this new model the much needed momentum, and the all-wheel drive traction remains beneficial even in snowy climates. In addition, there is the EyeSight and DriverFocus technology as well as one of the best integrated touchscreens in the industry. The Legacy was meant to appeal to more than just traditional Subaru fans.

The legacy is not perfect. The Honda Accord and Mazda 6 are better driver cars, and the Hyundai Sonata has its own clever technology in the form of Smart Parking Assist self-parking. The Nissan Altima is better able to balance turbocharged performance with good mileage bring, and the Accord, Sonata and Toyota Camry are all available with hybrid drives for even better MPG.

Nevertheless, the Legacy covers all bases and, with its standard all-wheel drive, offers additional insurance for bad weather.

Should you get one

Yes. With all-wheel drive and lots of tech, the Legacy is a great alternative to the mainstays of the midsize sedan.

Editor's recommendations




14 Aug
Blog

Get Lean, Get Strong, Get Results

Mario Tomic has successfully brought his natural curiosity and discipline into a successful career as a coach for entrepreneurs and all people in order to get fit and master their development. In today's episode, we discuss the key habits he has developed to help him transition smoothly through his career.

Some of the most important tips we cover are:

  • Protect your time. Mario refers to the complexity tax and how he manages to remove everything unnecessary that stands in the way of the reconciliation of life, work and education, while optimizing the results in each area
  • As a former programmer and gamer, Mario is well prepared to talk about how to take a data-driven approach to decision-making
  • If you want to get the most out of your workouts and be successful, you need to learn how to improve your pain tolerance
  • The benefit of doing things that are hard, like saying no to things that can prevail
  • And the most important productivity hack of all, except knowing that there are no short cuts to success

You can find this too, and all are other Six Pack of Knowledge podcasts (curated discussions with the world's greatest hypertrophy experts).

Find all of our podcasts on the following services: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM, PodBean

14 Aug
Blog

Avantree Aria Pro Review: Functional, Affordable Headphones

Avantree Aria Pro headphones

"The Aria Pro has hit a sweet spot in terms of features and price, and is doing well as work-oriented headphones."

  • Flexible design

  • Decent active noise cancellation

  • Good codec support

  • Average battery life

  • Niche best use case

Avantree sails in uncharted waters with its Aria Pro wireless headphones. There just aren't a lot of headphone manufacturers willing to hover between budget models from brands like JLab Audio and more highly regarded cans from Sony and others.

By that definition, the $ 100 Aria Pro could be considered an ambitious headphone, with active noise cancellation and great codec support, aimed at stealing fans of products above and below them. Of course, it's how well Avantree's new cans – which the company doesn't specifically say are office lifestyle-focused but certainly based on the features they offer – live up to that definition that determines how they do cut off . I am here to find out.

Out of the box

The Aria Pro are delivered in simple packaging: a white box with headphones in the carrying case. The headphones and case come with a couple of accessories, including a detachable boom microphone, 3.5mm audio cable, micro-USB charging cable, and the usual documentation. The most notable part here is the boom microphone which gives these headphones an immediate advantage in workplace situations. I'll get back to that in a moment.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Turning on the headphones is as easy as flipping the power switch on the bottom of the right ear cup, which will automatically put the Aria Pro into Bluetooth pairing mode. The rest of the connection process is standard and after testing these headphones, the Aria Pro reconnected seamlessly every time it was turned on.

With modern headphones and earbuds, I expect to be able to move around my house or backyard for some quick chores while also having a strong connection to my phone which is on the charger. The Aria Pro and its Bluetooth 5 technology passed this test with flying colors, as do most newer hearing aids.

design

Especially for $ 100 headphones, I found the Aria Pro to be reliably built cans. They lack the elegance of more expensive models like the Razer Opus, but they are comfortable, flexible headphones. Even after considering a few nuances, if you can get these two design feats at this price, it's a win in my book.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Aria Pro are equipped with what Avantree calls “protein leather” ear pads, and I admittedly had cups with a better feel over my ears. However, these offer good wearing comfort for longer periods of time. They swivel 90 degrees so the headphones lie flat on your collarbone and have a reasonable range of motion for tilting back and forth. The headband is a little sharper than you might want in some areas, but they feel durable to the touch, despite being fully adjustable. That's all to say that these headphones should fit most people and be reasonably comfortable using them.

These headphones should work well and feel reasonably comfortable for most people.

At the bottom of each Aria Pro mug is a small army of buttons, inputs, and switches. You have your power switch, volume control and track control, plus the USB port on the right cup and your ANC switch, call control, microphone control and the auxiliary port on the left. There are quite a few buttons available to you, but after a day or two I got used to the Aria Pro's complex control panel. I had some problems with phone calls that first day because I hadn't read the part of the setup guide on how to unmute the boom microphone when plugged in. Take this as a warning as it is a little embarrassing to leave your local dog daycare hanging out because they can't hear you frantically fiddling with your headphones trying to get your audio to work on the other end.

properties

The Aria Pro seems to land in an odd middle ground when it comes to features. On the one hand, they have some features that are more advanced than more expensive alternatives. On the other hand, cheaper headphones outperform them in a few other categories. In the end, of course, it comes down to what's most important to you, but it's worth figuring out where these cans position themselves in the competition.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

According to Avantree, the Aria Pro can play for up to 15 hours with active noise cancellation and up to 24 hours without activation. That's a good range until you find that the JLab Audio Studio ANC offers 28 hours of playback with ANC and 34 hours without. The JLab was $ 40 less than the Aria Pro, so its battery life is comparatively well below its value.

The Aria Pro has an impressive list of supported audio codecs for its price range, including aptX, aptX HD and SBC. That probably gives them a head start over products like the Sony WH-CH710N, which support SBC and AAC codecs, but have no aptX functions. Once again, it depends on your specific situation and which codecs are a better fit for you, but having that $ 100 support is without a doubt a solid selling point for the Aria Pro.

The Aria Pro has an impressive list of supported audio codecs for its price range, including aptX, aptX HD and SBC.

Finally, the Aria Pro supports Bluetooth with multipoint connectivity, so you can pair your headphones with your phone and a work laptop at the same time. It might not sound like the most groundbreaking feature, but the ability to place a call and then seamlessly go back to the content you've been watching on your laptop is a helpful feature that you should have in two office-oriented doses. In comparison, it took Sony until the newly released WH-1000XM4 to add this feature to its flagship headphones. You can get the same in the Aria Pro for $ 250 less. They just miss everything else that makes the XM4 amazing.

Audio quality

Once again, the Aria Pro lands between competitions. Before I wrap it up, here's a quick summary: The Aria Pro sounds better than budget cans like the JLab Audio Studio ANC, but it doesn't offer options like the Razer Opus and Sony WH-CH710N.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

That's not necessarily a bad thing for the Aria Pro, as they are half the price of Sony and Opus. It's forgivable that they lack the clarity of these high-end headphones, and it's understandable that they don't perform quite as well at either end of the frequency range. It's not a disappointment that you don't get remarkable fidelity for $ 100, but these headphones sound good, and they should sound just as good given their focus.

Call quality is now a somewhat capricious sub-category. With the boom microphone attached, the conversation was clear on both ends. When I took off the boom mic and leaned on the smaller mic on the headset itself and then went for a walk, conversations with the same people were easily infiltrated by my surroundings. They could still hear me, but they could also hear everything else, including the steps I was taking. I understand these headphones were more geared towards an office or professional setting, and I think they will serve that purpose well with the boom mic attached, but be careful as you step into the busy sounds of the world, submit your calls to the exact same sounds.

Active noise cancellation

I've described the JLab Audio Studio ANC's active noise cancellation as a "no-frills feature" and would probably use a similar description for the Aria Pro – with one caveat. Just like with these JLab headphones, the ANC in the Aria Pro is an on or off option without the ability to adjust the noise cancellation. The Aria Pro, however, do a significantly better job.

Avantree Aria Pro headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

I wouldn't call this a surprise, as more expensive headphones should traditionally be able to better implement a feature like ANC. The Aria Pro has a much more pronounced effect on attenuating ambient noise and removing the harsher outside noise that would otherwise enter a quiet work area. They have a slight white noise effect and neither do they when bumped into noisy situations like walking on a busy street. But for use in an office, in my opinion, these headphones are excellent, especially at their low price.

For better ANC capabilities, you'll have to expect something more essential like the Razer Opus or the top of the line Sony WH-1000XM4. The Aria Pro is pale in comparison to any of them. But as you can imagine, you will be paying a lot more to achieve this level of quality.

Our opinion

Avantree made a pair of work-conscious headphones in the Aria Pro that have the features needed to succeed in that role and just enough features to make them a suitable set of commuter cans – whenever the commuting back to an actual one Becomes part of society. However, their functions are best used in a work environment that puts them in that niche position. You can venture outside of this space, but your results may vary.

Are there any better alternatives?

Save money with the JLab Studio ANC for $ 60. It offers better battery life, but poorer audio quality and active noise cancellation. Or you can double up and get something like the $ 199 Razer Opus, which for $ 100 upgrades the Aria Pro in most regions – you'll only spend twice as much on the privilege.

How long will they last?

The Aria Pro is backed by a one year warranty with the option to use an additional 12 months when you register your headphones. In addition to the durable build quality, this should give you the confidence to wear these every day without fear of them stalling.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Avantree Aria Pro are only average in some areas. But when you look at the bigger picture, they pretty much offer a lot for a pretty affordable price. If I had to spend $ 100 on headphones both to increase productivity and enjoy a podcast after work, this would be my shortlist.

Editor's recommendations




13 Aug
Blog

Samsung TU8000 Crystal UHD TV Review: Good Design, Good Enough Performance

Samsung Tu8000 Crystal Led UHD TV Rating 1

"The Samsung TU8000 is roughly on par, which is great for a budget-friendly set."

  • Attractive, slim bezel design

  • Excellent 1080p upscaling

  • Good color rendering

  • HDMI eARC support

  • Aggressive vignette

  • The contrast is clouded in complex scenes

  • Not particularly bright

It might not be QLED, but the Samsung TU8000 Crystal UHD HDR TV promises amazing colors, high contrast ratios, and great HDR playback for just $ 55 for a 55-inch device. That is promising for not a lot of money, especially since the design of this TV features a very attractive thin bezel.

Samsung promises a top-notch 4K upscaling system thanks to its 4K processing and an auto-game mode that is claimed to optimize the screen and minimize input lag. For a clearly budget-friendly television, Samsung met the TU8000 with many expectations. But does it deliver?

Out of the box

I always appreciate a TV that comes with minimal setup, and the TU8000 delivers on that. With just the remote control, batteries, two feet, two cable management locks and a power cable, this Samsung was thankfully easy to take out of the box and assemble. No screwdriver required, the feet simply slide into position and hold in place. These feet are plastic and don't feel particularly great, but from a distance they look nice and definitely get the job done. Once you are on your media stand, the TV feels safe and stable.

Samsung Tu8000 crystal led UHD TV rating 8 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-tu8000-crystal-uhd-tv -review-8-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAAThe feet are simple but effective. Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Samsung Tu8000 crystal led uhd TV rating 5 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-tu8000-crystal-uhd-tv -review-5-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAAThis removable plastic fastener isn't particularly attractive. Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Samsung Tu8000 crystal led UHD TV rating 4 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-tu8000-crystal-uhd-tv -review-4-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAAYou can stick the cable in these grooves too, but they don't stay particularly well. Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

However, I'm less enthusiastic about the cable management claps mentioned above. They're lightweight plastic clips that sit on the back of the TV's feet and aren't particularly sturdy to the touch. Plus, they're pretty unattractive. This is a bummer considering how good the rest of this TV looks from the front. You can hide the cable and fasteners pretty well, but it's certainly not perfect and I wanted a better solution here. There are also some grooves on the back of the TV for the cable to plug into, but it doesn't stay very well and the power cord is also quite short, which further limits your options here.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The voice remote control supplied with the TU8000, like other modern Samsung remote controls, has a slim and curved profile that only houses the buttons that are absolutely necessary. I appreciate how small it is, yet still give me everything I need to enjoy content. It's a voice remote that works with apps like YouTube when you're in a search bar. It also acts as a smart assistant with Google Assistant, Bixby or Amazon Alexa (depending on what you choose during setup).

Features and design

It's not a top-of-the-range Samsung and definitely a plastic model, but the TU8000 manages to improve the looks of a Samsung for the most part. The back of the TV isn't particularly impressive, with a fully rounded plastic back that doesn't scream "high end," but luckily, you'll rarely look there. From the front, the sleek design of the TV on the left, right, and top is crisp and attractive. The base is a bit thicker, but lined with a silver plastic that blends in well and looks expensive, at least from a distance.

From the front, the sleek design of the TV on the left, right, and top is crisp and attractive.

Like other Samsung televisions, the TU8000 is powered by the Tizen smart TV system. Setup was easy and enjoyable and, thanks to the connection with the Samsung SmartThings app, extremely fast. Although you don't need the app, setup times are significantly reduced as you have access to a full keyboard (instead of having to type in your email address and WiFi password letter by letter with the remote control).

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The TU8000 has three integrated HDMI inputs, only one of which has an eARC connection. Samsung has not taken into account the beautiful workmanship of its high-end models like the Q90T, so unfortunately you won't see any reduced artifacts or banding with content with a low bit rate. More on this and further information on image quality in a moment.

The largest bezel is on the bottom of the TV and is still relatively narrow, with a subtle logo placement. Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

user friendliness

The Tizen Smart TV experience is … okay. As we've said before, it's a perfect example of "good enough," though it doesn't always do its best on that particular TV. Oddly enough, navigating to different apps or content in the Tizen UI shows some lag and is therefore slow and fast, but the performance of the apps themselves is snappy and pleasant. While I didn't like turning on the TV and choosing the app I want to use, I liked the user interface when I got to know Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube. The other downside to Tizen is that it isn't as robust as other streaming platforms like Roku or Android TV. For example, there is no Crunchyroll app. This probably won't bother the majority of people as it has a full breakdown of the most popular apps.

While Tizen does the job, it's generally also overflowing with lots of unnecessary and irrelevant suggestions to look at. You can largely avoid this, but due to the input delay in Tizen navigation, I sometimes accidentally hit "down" too many times and was inundated with a full screen of poorly suggested content. Part of what makes Tizen so beautiful is that it generally only takes up a quarter of your screen when switching between apps, changing your source, or adjusting your picture. If Tizen breaks off from it, it shows its mistakes.

And as we have already mentioned with other Samsung Smart TVs and as I mentioned above, while it supports intelligent assistants that are (thankfully) not only Bixby, the voice integration is not as good as, for example, with an Android TV. It's a bit clunky and disjointed here, but it works.

picture quality

It should come as no surprise that if we found screen uniformity issues on a high-end Samsung TV this year, they would also appear in the lower TU8000 range. There is some particularly aggressive vignetting on this TV that is very inconsistent around every corner. For example, the top left corner on my test unit showed some of the worst vignetting, with the bottom left being a little less aggressive. Nevertheless, all four corners clearly have problems here. The vignette was also clearly visible in the mailbox contents.

This television does not use local dimming zones, but is edge-lit. This is an older, cheaper technology that offers less control over brightness and black levels. As a result, there is considerable bloom, predominantly from the lower part of the television, when there is a light subject on a dark background. With particularly high-contrast images, the scenes can be washed out by this flower.

The halo effect also occurs on bright objects, but it's not as bad as I expected. With small sources like subtitles, you can see about half an inch of halo around the letters, while with larger sources it can grow to about an inch and a half. It's not particularly noticeable in most cases, but it's there.

Edge-lighting induced bloom can really wash out what the panel is trying to do and makes for a generally muddy view.

The contrast of the TU8000 is only okay overall. I think the panel is capable of good black levels, but in too many scenes the edge-lit blooming mentioned above really washes out what the panel is trying to do and makes for a generally muddy view. The Mandalorian, with whom I also tested strips with a low bit rate content thanks to the many wide shots in a clear sky, seemed less powerful than I'm used to, since black and white somehow merge into a medium gray. However, it by no means makes the content uncontrollable.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

In less challenging scenes where the area between highlights and shadows is more compact, the TU8000 performs much better. There's a 12K aerial video of a night flight over New York that we like to use as a base, and the slow panning of Times Square looked very good on this TV. Darks were well represented, and when the bright lights came in from the top of the screen, the TU8000 did a pretty good job of keeping the image where it should be.

In other challenging scenes, the TU8000 was able to smooth out shadows and bring out details pretty well. It may border washed-out borders again, but the detail has not been lost; At least the TU8000 doesn't crush black people. The quality is not what we expect from top-notch TVs, but for the price I was happy.

Samsung rightly touted 1080p upscaling: it's fantastic.

Out-of-the-box color accuracy is pretty good even in Standard (but stay away from Dynamic). The film mode reduces Samsung's sharpness to zero, which is very easy to see, and the contrast is better in this mode than in standard. In both Standard and Movie, skin tones could use some work as many of the nuances seem lost, but green and blue are pretty nice.

The TU8000 tends to be more yellow and more blue in film mode, while it is sharpened far too much in standard mode. In both cases the balance is thrown off a bit, but is bearable. This can likely be fixed with a special calibration, but since this TV is aimed at the more general consumer and not a pixel peeper, I say, I don't mind. Most will be perfectly happy with this TV in standard (the horror!) Or movie mode, and that's honestly a relief to report. This TV has to look great right away as the average customer doesn't touch a single setting, and I have to say that it works fine in that regard (although you really need to turn motion smoothing off).

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The brightness is sufficient, but some of the particularly gritty content like Netflix 'Dark is a challenge during the day. Certainly doable, but I had to squint. However, shows like The Mentalist (via Amazon Prime Video) look fantastic no matter when I've watched them. Speaking of the mentalist: The TU8000 has wonderfully demonstrated its outstanding capabilities there, as this 1080p stream looks fantastic on the 55-inch set. Samsung rightly touted 1080p upscaling: it's fantastic.

Gaming performance

This is a good TV to play with, at least for now. According to Samsung, the TU8000 has gamer functions that reduce latency. However, this TV does not have a variable refresh rate, so it cannot remove the jerking. In addition, the display of content is limited to 60 Hz.

I can confirm that while the input delay is less than most TVs in game mode, it is not as fast as a gamer would want to see in a competition where you need split second response times. It's certainly good enough for the occasional single player game, but still a little slow for more intense, action-oriented online games like Apex Legends, top-tier Fortnite games, or Call of Duty.

The performance here is likely good enough for most current generation console games, but it won't be able to play at maximum specs with the next generation due fall 2020.

Sound quality

We don't usually talk too much about the sound quality of modern flat screen TVs, and I didn't want to consider that at all when I submitted this TV for review. However, I was very impressed with the TU8000. Not only can it get damn loud, but the sound quality is shockingly balanced. I strongly recommend buying a soundbar or sound system for any TV (my personal favorite is The Fives by Klipsch), but honestly, if you forego it, you honestly might not feel bad about this choice.

The sound works best in a smaller room. So if you plan to pick one up for a guest room or bedroom, you will be happy with the audio.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Our opinion

I used the TU8000 for about a week and became more interested in it than I thought. The thin bezel, mixed with great upscaling and surprisingly good sound quality, made for a really pleasant viewing experience. Sure, it has its downsides and the vignetting can be distracting at times, but overall, it does a very satisfactory job with its laundry list of promises. Samsung really had its job cut out for itself when it set such standards with its marketing, but the company is doing well enough in all of these categories for the most part. It isn't and shouldn't be an industry leader. For a fairly budget-friendly TV, many people will be perfectly happy with the Samsung TU8000, especially if you can find it on sale.

Is there a better alternative?

We're still waiting to test out the 2020 TCL 5 Series which seems to be a real head-turner, but despite being a year old, the 2019 5 Series is still a pretty comparable choice to the TU8000. You may also want to consider the new Vizio M or V series, as both sets offer a price close to or lower than the TU8000 for the same size or larger. We'll update this post when we've had the opportunity to rate the entire competition and provide clearer guidance.

How long it will take?

With three HDMI ports and one of them eARC, I'm confident this TV can get you a lot of work done. It's technologically built to last well into the future, and the quality feels solid.

warranty

Samsung offers a one-year parts and labor warranty for home use and a 90-day parts and labor warranty for commercial use.

Should you buy it?

I will reserve a judgment here. I think this is a good TV that is pretty good value at $ 500 for a 55-inch unit. If I didn't know that Vizio has two potential competitors soon, and if TCL doesn't look really promising with its 2020 5 Series, this could be an easy call. There is a lot of competition for the Samsung TU8000 this fall, however. So if you can wait a little to make your decision, this is probably your best bet right now. We will update this recommendation as soon as we have a chance to fully evaluate the field.

Editor's recommendations




13 Aug
Blog

10 Tips For Healthy Skin

When it comes to health, mental and physical wellbeing are paramount. They exercise, eat clean, and keep stress at bay. But what are you doing for your skin? We asked our experts for advice. Read on for her top tips to keep your skin strong and healthy.

Woman drinking water

1. Drink water

Drinking water may not directly affect the moisture levels of your skin, but it does indirectly benefit your largest organ. Your body needs adequate hydration to perform key functions that support healthy skin. When hydrated, it can move along beneficial fluids more effectively and flush out unwanted toxins. This will help minimize inflammation and help support your skin's moisture barrier. Water is also important for the production of structural proteins like collagen and elastin, which keep your skin strong, plump, and elastic. While eight glasses of water a day may not be the magic bullet you are looking for, it will help you maintain a healthy, youthful looking complexion.

There are several ways to make sure your body is getting the moisture it needs. In addition to drinking water, you can include foods rich in water in your daily diet. Foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, and strawberries are more than 90% water, so they are excellent sources of moisture. Another great choice: celery. Wellness expert Genieve Burley tells us: “Celery contains great nutrients! … Juicing celery removes the fibrous stem and concentrates all of the potent vitamins and minerals contained in celery. It's also an alkalizing, anti-inflammatory, and all-round wonder plant. "

Salad with berries

2. Load up antioxidants

It's no secret that antioxidants are skin care superstars. But what are they really doing? In short: antioxidants neutralize and protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules that come from a variety of sources, including air pollutants, chemicals, UV rays, and cigarette smoke. These atoms are missing an electron and they are looking for other molecules to attach to in order to stabilize. If this continues to happen, it triggers oxidative stress, which plays a role in premature aging.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that fight free radicals by donating an electron, reducing their reactivity and protecting the skin from damage. Your body naturally produces antioxidants, but you can also find them in everyday foods like berries and leafy greens, as well as surprising sources like coffee and popcorn. Here are some common antioxidants that are beneficial for your skin and the foods in which they are found:

  • Vitamin C: Most fruits and vegetables, especially berries, oranges, and peppers
  • Vitamin A: milk, butter and eggs
  • Vitamin E: nuts, seeds and leafy vegetables
  • Beta Carotene: Colorful fruits and vegetables like carrots, mangoes and spinach
  • Lycopene: Red and pink fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and tomatoes
  • Lutein: leafy vegetables, corn, papaya and oranges
  • Anthocyanins: Purple-colored foods like blueberries, pomegranates, and beets
  • Catechins: green tea, dark chocolate, berries

nuts

3. Include healthy fats

Other key components of healthy skin are essential fatty acids (EFAs) like omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid). These healthy fats act as building blocks for healthy cell membranes and are an essential part of the skin's moisture barrier. A healthy lipid barrier not only helps the skin retain moisture and absorb useful vitamins and minerals, but it also keeps irritants away that can lead to dryness and inflammation.

Unlike antioxidants, EFAs cannot be synthesized by the body and must come from your diet or topical skin care routine. Here are some sources of these beneficial fats:

  • Omega-3: salmon, mackerel, sardines, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, eggs
  • Omega-6: soybean oil, walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashew nuts

A non-essential fatty acid ("not essential" as your body can produce it on its own) is omega-9 (oleic acid). These highly occlusive oils are particularly beneficial for dry skin because they can lock in moisture and soften the skin. Omega-9 sources include extra virgin olive oil, rose hip oil, avocados, nuts, and sesame oil.

Woman in sun hat

4. Limit sun exposure

Sun exposure is one of the greatest threats to healthy skin. UV rays are the main cause of melanoma, identified by the Skin Cancer Foundation as the most common and dangerous form of skin cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts 96,480 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed in the US in 2019 alone. The approach to minimizing the risk of melanoma is to protect yourself from UV rays: look for shade, apply sun protection factor and wear protective clothing.

Sun exposure also contributes to premature aging. Boldijarre Koronczay, Eminence Organics President, says, "UVA rays destroy collagen, contribute to a lack of elasticity and tone, and cause thicker skin." Sun damage can cause skin to take on a leathery appearance, broken by the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. Over time, age and liver spots also appear from sun damage that has accumulated over many years of exposure. In addition to incorporating your SPF skin into your routine, include high quality aftercare products to improve your chances of harm reduction.

donuts

5. Limit your sugar intake

Sugar is one of the worst culprits for skin aging. Do you remember free radicals? In a process called glycation, sugar binds to proteins to produce the same unstable molecules. Not only do free radicals destroy collagen and elastin (structural proteins that keep your skin strong and supple), they also prevent your body from producing more. Without these essential building blocks, your skin will lose its firmness and elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles will set in.

If you don't understand how to eliminate sweets from your diet, swap naughty for natural ones. Nike trainer Betina Gozo suggests, "If you're a gummy devil like me, swap that craving for berries similar in size and sweetness to curb your cravings." If you're someone who loves chocolate, make a smoothie with cocoa or – my personal favorite – make "ice cream" with a frozen banana and add some dark chocolate chips! "

Woman meditates

6. Limit stress

From accelerating the aging process to increasing sensitivity to flare-ups, stress can unfortunately happen exactly where you don't want it: on your skin. One way stress affects your skin is by triggering the release of cortisol (aptly referred to as the "stress hormone"). High levels of cortisol accelerate the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin. They also signal your skin to produce more oil, which contributes to the development of acne. During times of stress, your body also releases inflammatory chemicals such as interleukins as part of its fight or flight response. While inflammation is necessary to protect your health, it can make uncomfortable skin conditions worse.

Breathe deeper. Take the time to notice your breath. When the breath is shallow, it indicates that the body is contracting and tense.

A great way to limit stress is to take a break. Genieve suggests starting the day with grounding exercises like deep breathing and meditation: “Breathe deeper. Take the time to notice your breath. When the breath is shallow, it indicates that the body is contracting and tense. Take the time to notice your breath, lengthen the inhale and exhale, and watch your body relax. "Betina also promotes the benefits of meditative practice:" One of the newer things I picked up two years ago was meditation – it changed me so much. It helped me stay more grounded, less reactive, and overall more present and happy! "

Woman tying running shoe

7. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can work wonders to maintain and improve the health of your skin. Sweaty exercise increases your heart rate and increases the blood flow necessary to supply oxygen and essential vitamins and nutrients to your cells. Exercising regularly can also counteract the aging process by lowering cortisol levels and activating the release of healing endorphins. Genieve says, “Moving your body is medicine. It enables detoxification by flushing all organs, increases breathing, lubricates joints and strengthens muscles. Breathing and moving can help balance hormones and move waste stagnant in the intestines. All of this leads to healthier and happier skin. "

One thing to keep in mind: Always clean your skin after exercising. Sweating is the natural way of detoxifying your skin. However, without a proper wash, any toxins released can return to your pores. Give yourself extra time after your workout to wash away sweat and dirt from your skin so you can get the most out of your workout.

Woman looking at phone in bed

8. Try a digital detox

One of the recent top spa and wellness trends is disconnecting your devices – especially before bed. Why? MindBodyGreen explains: "Turning off electronics and lights can help your body do what it needs to do in the evening: produce melatonin and relax to go to sleep." REM sleep is the optimal time for repair and regeneration Your skin: Melatonin counteracts environmental damage, human growth hormone accelerates cell regeneration and your body's stem cells multiply faster.

Betina advises, “Stop scrolling your phone or sit on your computer at least 1 hour before bed. In fact, if you can, try to avoid all the screens once the sun goes down! Ok let's be real, this is almost impossible so I suggest wearing blue light blockers. Not only will this help you damage your eyes from the light from the screens, but once the sun goes down your body will want to make melatonin, but not when exposed to that blue light! Get the most out of your sleep by blocking out the lights or staying away from these screens. "

Woman wakes up and stretches

9. Get 8 hours of sleep

Getting enough sleep is just as important as separating before bed. In fact, studies show that lack of sleep contributes to finer lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and less elasticity. Genieve emphasizes: “Sleep more! So having less than 8 hours of sleep is last year … The more sleep you get, the healthier you are. All repair processes take place when your body is in deep sleep. During this time, hormones and neurotransmitters are produced that create optimal health, ward off disease, and work on epidermal tissues, muscles, and joints. "When you've got enough hours of sleep, you're giving your body enough time to perform the functions that keep your skin healthy.

The more sleep you get, the healthier you are.

Experts also emphasize the importance of sleep quality. Michael Breus, Ph.D. A board certified sleep specialist suggests following a consistent sleep-wake schedule to improve the quality of your sleep. He tells MindBodyGreen, “Every morning when you wake up at the same time, you get sunlight through your eyes, which helps you reset your daily rhythm. This reset affects every organ system and every disease state. It also tells your brain when to fall asleep and when to wake up. This can make your sleep cycle more efficient and increase deep sleep. "

Woman looking in the mirror

10. Use natural skin care products

One of the best things you can do for your skin is incorporating natural ingredients and products into your skin care regimen. Choosing a natural skin care product will ensure that you are not exposing your skin to harsh chemicals that can disrupt the moisture barrier and cause irritation and dryness. Additionally, natural, organic, and Biodynamic® ingredients contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant-rich ingredients that will improve the health of your skin over time. It has been found that biodynamic plants alone contain up to 13% more potassium, 20% more sodium, 34% more iron and 47% more vitamin C than conventionally grown ingredients.

At Eminence Organics, we care about the health of your skin. Our natural skin care products contain fresh fruit pulp, plants and exotic spices that come from organic and Biodynamic® farms around the world. Choosing organic ingredients ensures that our products are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients and do not contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. Are you looking for more tips for healthy skin? Check out the In The Mix video below, where Natalie shares product suggestions for healthy, perfect skin.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQTgnJM0lZQ (/ embed)

How do you keep your skin healthy? Let us know your comments below and join the conversation on social media.

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

13 Aug
Blog

Get Lean, Get Strong, Get Results

Mario Tomic has successfully brought his natural curiosity and discipline into a successful career as a coach for entrepreneurs and all people in order to get fit and master their development. In today's episode, we discuss the key habits he has developed to help him transition smoothly through his career.

Some of the most important tips we cover are:

  • Protect your time. Mario refers to the complexity tax and how he manages to remove everything unnecessary that stands in the way of the reconciliation of life, work and education, while optimizing the results in each area
  • As a former programmer and gamer, Mario is well prepared to talk about how to take a data-driven approach to decision-making
  • If you want to get the most out of your workouts and be successful, you need to learn how to improve your pain tolerance
  • The benefit of doing things that are hard, like saying no to things that can prevail
  • And the most important productivity hack of all, except knowing that there are no short cuts to success

You can find this too, and all are other Six Pack of Knowledge podcasts (curated discussions with the world's greatest hypertrophy experts).

Find all of our podcasts on the following services: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM, PodBean

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