30 Jul
Blog

The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Review: A Well-Crafted DLC

The screenshot of the Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff Pack

The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff Pack Review: A smart DLC

"With Nifty Knitting, The Sims 4's expansion package strategy hits a sweet spot."

  • Versatile item list

  • Knitting feels relevant to gameplay

  • Extras like Plopsy are fun

With Nifty Knitting, The Sims 4 delivers what players want by asking players what they want.

The latest stuff pack is a product of people's choice. Electronic Arts opened the latest topic, style, and articles online for voting before the final Nifty Knitting Stuff Pack was released. It clearly paid off.

This DLC fits at its $ 10 price tag, offering new Create-a-Sim and Build items, and a new ability to grow. There is also a new knitting wish for Sims. The Sims 4 are a bit lacking in this area and they don't often pursue hobbies. A claim for Sims newbies is a goal in life. Trying to fulfill a Sim's wish is one way to play. If you succeed, your Sim will get a new trait.

The screenshot of the Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff PackPhoto courtesy of Electronic Arts

My Sim was a teacher during the day and a knitter at night. I focused on achieving my goals instead of climbing the career ladder as quickly as possible. It felt realistic and fun and I found that the game didn't offer many similar options. Comparable hobbies such as woodworking and flower arrangement enable growth and the opportunity to unlock new crafting items that you can sell. However, there is no effort to build on it, so success is not rewarded so richly.

Stuff pack stuff

Like many fans, I often have concerns about how the components (furniture, decorations or architectural details) feel excessively crazy. The Sims 4 love to incorporate colorful items instead of simple basics.

Nifty knitting doesn't go too crazy, however. There are simple desk and seating options with enough color fields to match multiple color schemes. It's easy to compare the Nifty Knitting items with other DLC or basic game options, but they also feel coherent. Objects such as desks and breadboards seem to fit easily in any office or studio. There are some garments that are separate from those unlocked by the knitting skill. These felt useful and realistic.

The screenshot of the Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff PackPhoto courtesy of Electronic Arts

There are also a few short hairstyles. These androgynous looks can complement a number of Sims styles, and I guess one contains gray roots. There's also a 50's-style feathered bob. With the exception of the gray appearance, all can be worn by children. I was wondering why more hairstyles aren't available at every age.

The knitting skill slowly unlocks craft items such as hats, sweaters, socks, hanging planters, decorations, carpets and stools. The decorations and stools give the game a unique flair, and I was happy to be able to make my own carpet or planter instead of buying one in the game. You can also knit baby and toddler rompers, which I found particularly enjoyable as there are very few options for these age groups. Babies have extremely limited clothing options, so I was happy to see the addition here.

Still, my Sim made far more items than I could ever use. I sold the extras on Plopsy, a fictional variant of Etsy. You can put your item up for sale, but there is no guarantee of how much you will get or if they will even get a buyer. The listing costs 10 Simoleons and another 10 if you need to re-list if you don't find a buyer before the listing expires. The game also gives buyers and sellers their own usernames based on Sims lore.

Our opinion

This extension is a good value. The Sims 4 struggled to get the upgrade price right with some previous offerings. However, Nifty Knitting and the former Stuff Pack, Tiny Living, have hit a sweet spot. They offer meaningful additions to the game at an affordable price of $ 10.

Is there a better alternative?

Every DLC package that the Sims bring out in one generation should be unique. However, if you're looking for other options with a similar flair, Laundry Day (another pack developed by fan voting) or Tiny Living are good options. Parenting is probably the most free game pack, especially for those who enjoy family games. Cats and dogs or seasons would be great options for expansion packs with an appropriate style.

How long it will take?

Sims DLC should last as long as the game, that is, as long as you play it. However, some options like Get Famous or Vampires seem to work best for a particular run before the issues become obsolete.

Nifty Knitting can be easily integrated into all games and is therefore much longer lasting.

Should you buy it

Yes. Nifty Knitting is a simple addition to the list of Sims DLC must-haves.

Editor's recommendations




30 Jul
Blog

Paper Mario: The Origami King Review: All Heart

upcoming switch games paper Mario the origami king hero

Paper Mario: The Origami King

"Paper Mario: The Origami King is an enchanting Mario adventure that is characterized by a difficult and lengthy combat system."

  • Heartwarming characters

  • Nice soundtrack

  • Excellent level variety

  • Breathtaking graphics

  • Annoying combat system

  • Platforming may lack precision

About a third of the way through Paper Mario: The Origami King, A bob omb performs a touching act of self-sacrifice.

One of the main characters in the game, Olivia, is unable to act and it is up to Mario and the Bob-Omb to save her. The search for an item followed, and when they returned to Olivia, I realized that Bob-omb knew that he would do this selfless act all the time, even though I didn't. It's a beautiful scene and reminded me why I love video games at all.

Paper Mario: The Origami King shines brightest at these moments. It's a shame that a frustrating combat system is dragging out this otherwise great game.

Paper Mario: Origami King

The paper router

The story of the game is pretty simple. Mario and Luigi are on their way to the Mushroom Kingdom for an origami festival, but when they get there something is going on. Princess Peach is folded and behaves creepy and asks the brothers if they want to join her. If they refuse, they will be thrown into the dungeon of the castle. You'll soon learn that an evil origami king named Ollie has transformed the princess into this lifeless form and a squad of Bowser's enemies into folded soldiers. He wants to do the same with the entire mushroom kingdom.

Mario teams up with Bowser, who is hilariously folded into a square and tries to avoid being detained. He finds Olivia, Ollie's sister, in the dungeon. Olivia does not share her brother's hatred, so they begin a search to save the kingdom and stop Ollie's evil plan.

Ollie takes Peach's castle and takes it to a distant mountain. He covers the kingdom with five colorful ribbons and captures everything. It's up to Mario and Olivia (and a bevy of supporting characters) to untie the tapes, stop Ollie and make the kingdom normal again.

So far, so good, but the narrative gets more confusing from there. Mario and Olivia must defeat four origami elementals (fire, ice, water, earth) so that Olivia can learn their powers and become strong enough to protect high-performance office materials (scissors, staplers, punches, etc.) that guard the guards tapes . Along the way, they also discover Ollie’s origins. It's an attempt to add depth, but the revelations are exactly what you'd expect.

Throughout the trip, Mario and Olivia visit scenic green meadows, expensive desserts, water temples, slippery ice caves, musky dungeons, and volcanoes filled with lava, to name a few. As is often the case with Mario games, the story offers an excuse to serve a variety of levels that keep the game's scenery fresh.

Paper Mario: The Origami King screenshot

There is a lot to do and find in the game. Hundreds of toads are hidden in every corner and endless secrets are scattered all over the place. One of the main mechanics of the game is to fill holes across the country with a bag of confetti, and it's a blast. There are collectibles to find, trophies to earn, and even an in-game museum to show Mario's victories.

Get going

Like other current Paper Mario titles, Origami King is a cross between an RPG and a 3D platformer. This hybrid approach works largely. Mario can move and jump, strike his hammer, and interact with items such as characters and other characters. Moving around the world feels fluid and seamless.

However, it is not perfect. Because the camera is static, it can sometimes be difficult to judge where Mario will land. Especially later in the game, platform sections can be unforgiving due to the amount of health lost during a fall. At least healing items are easy to get and store.

Another game mechanic includes magic panels. Mario uses Olivia's origami powers to turn his arms into long stems that sweep the screen and look for hidden panels to uncover new ways or secrets. These use motion controls that can be difficult. There have been a couple of times I've spent so long trying to find the portion of the screen that I needed to get ahead that I thought the game was buggy. I would recommend turning off motion control for more accuracy.

The game also has a potentially gambling problem. Later in the story, Bowser's son is cut up and has to be rejuvenated in a number of hot springs. The road to last spring involves a number of measures that must be carried out in the correct order. There is a way to run them in the wrong order, stopping all forward progress in the game and forcing the player to either revert to a previous save or restart the game completely.

Fight the battle, win the war

While the platform takes place in the world of The Origami King, fighting puts you in a turn-based combat system. Here the game becomes a slog. When Mario encounters an enemy or a boss, a circular grid is triggered with a time limit. In normal battles, the ring puzzle is manipulated so that enemies are positioned so that they are easiest to attack. If done correctly, Mario will receive an attack bonus. If done wrong, the fight will drag on. And further.

There is no real incentive for battles since Mario does not collect experience points. You only get coins that are easy to get when you explore the world. Mario gets stronger by improving his health when he finds improved hearts around the world and by using stronger weapons.

The game offers many options to simplify battles. Mario can ask Toads to cheer him on by spending coins and they will improve his health and solve the puzzles halfway for him. He can also use coins to buy more time. He can also buy accessories that increase time, health, and strength for his allies during battles. He can even flee, although it works less than 50% of the time.

Mario can avoid some battles. I used the help a lot and avoided battles as often as possible because I didn't like the combat system. The circular grid doesn't feel intuitive, and even with help, fighting feels like a chore.

Boss fights are even more difficult because they involve certain movements that affect the field, like an enemy adding fire in a way that Mario must avoid. Although it is satisfying to stomp a boss to pieces, I have often made a small mistake that made me lose a round and dragged the fight out for a relentless amount of time.

In particular, the last battle involved a puzzle mechanic that only appeared once in the game, along with a very tight time limit. While some would call it invigorating, I found it stressful.

A visual delight

Despite my disputes about the combat system, Paper Mario: The Origami King is a beautiful game full of hearts.

The music is an oasis of sound – a mixture of live instruments, electronic music and airy woodwinds. The graphics are clear and sharp, with water, sky and earth effects that contradict the colorful style of the game. It's a feast for the eyes and I loved getting through the game just to see what Paper Mario had to show me next.

During the game, I visited a full amusement park with a hidden ninja house; I flew up in the air with Bowser's cannon ship. I fought a giant squid on a cruise ship and navigated a ship in a section of sail that resembled The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker, complete with my own nautical chart. You will find Easter eggs everywhere, both acoustically and visually, that will delight even the most laid-back Mario fans.

Just when a section feels monotonous, the game throws something completely different at you. And despite healthy forward dynamics, tracking is encouraged and often rewarded.

Characters in the game

Olivia is the emotional center of the game. She is a small folded yellow figure that Mario can summon to ask for clues. Thank God for that because I got stuck a couple of times and she always told me where to go next.

Mario is a silent protagonist, so Olivia takes care of all the emotional lifting, and the game's authors obviously have not only a deep institutional knowledge of Mario, but also a concern about his story. The writing contains sadness, joy and a lot of humor. During the many clever moments in the game, I often found a smile on my face.

At some point, Olivia learns of another character's sad fate. The game itself slows down and I couldn't go on until Mario cheered her up. I'm not going to spoil how he does it because it's funny, but the scene shows how touching and heartfelt this game can be.

Our opinion

Paper Mario: Origami King is a heartwarming, entertaining addition to the Paper Mario franchise, which is blocked by a lengthy and frustrating puzzle battle system.

Is there a better alternative?

Both Game change and Breath of the wild are classic Nintendo Switch games that do justice to the occasion. Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling and Hollow Knight are also good alternatives, although the latter is much more difficult.

I also really enjoyed the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link & # 39; s Awakening.

How long it will take?

It took me about 35 hours to complete the main story of the game, and I could easily spend another five to ten hours finding everything in the game.

Should you buy it

If you can overcome the battles, it is a great game full of surprises, good writing and fun moments. If you are a Mario fan, this game is definitely worth a visit.

Editor's recommendations




30 Jul
Blog

LG Tone Free HBS-FN6 Review: Self-cleaning Buds Disappoint

LG Tone Free earphones

"The LG Tone Free lags behind the competition in its price range"

  • Comfortable design

  • Neat self-cleaning function

  • Great sound quality

  • Below average battery life

  • Hypersensitive touch controls

There doesn't seem to be a better time to launch a product that kills bacteria as part of its functions than it is now. For this reason, LG should really get recognition for its excellent, if random timing for the release of the Tone Free HBS-FN6.

Of course, it's never a good time to launch a product that can't keep up with the competition in critical areas, and LG also deserves recognition for whether it wants it or not. The $ 150 Tone Free HBS-FN6 can do some things that most other real wireless earbuds don't, but has had no effect on the areas that mattered most.

Before I summarize it, a brief explanation: There are three different clay-free models, the HBS-FN6, the HBS-FN5W and the HBS-FN4, each with incremental differences. I will review the HBS-FN6 and, for the purposes of this story, describe this product as clay-free unless otherwise noted. Okay, let's go ahead.

Out of the box

Everything about the LG Tone Free earbuds is small except for the packaging they arrive in. The buds and their housing are located under the lid of the predominantly white box. Below them is a separate compartment that contains a USB-C charging cable, additional earplugs, and a surprisingly thorough manual. I'm just saying surprise because I've seen a decent number of guides, the details of which have been largely in short. It may be a little old-fashioned, but having something tangible to guide you through the operation of these buds is a welcome inclusion, which is sometimes lost in the mix with competitors.

LG Tone Free earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Tone Free has a Fast Pair feature similar to Google's Pixel Buds 2 or Apple's AirPods, where the earbuds seem to find your phone before they can find it, though it's limited to devices that run Android 5.0 or higher support. If you don't have a device that matches this description, you can go the more traditional way and find the earbuds in your phone's Bluetooth settings to connect.

The Tone Free had Bluetooth 5.0 technology and, like most earphones I've tested with this built-in technology, was easy when it came to solid connections. I was free to move around the house or even in the back yard while my phone remained stationary.

design

As with so many pairs before, the Tone Free was – at least partially – made after the model of the Apple AirPods. After all, Apple has made the concept of wearing golf T-shirts in its ears a hot thing, in which the competitors simply follow the trend. The Tone Free are a bit more bulky (about 5 grams compared to the 4-gram AirPods) and are currently only available in black, but the visual similarities are obvious enough.

LG Tone Free earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

I really like how compact the charging case for the Tone Free is. It's actually a little lighter (39 grams) than the AirPod's 40-gram charging case, and I personally prefer the round design of the Tone Free case. This may be an unpopular opinion, as Apple's lighter Zippo case has been copied by many manufacturers. But I would definitely take LG's circular in a stow-and-go situation about the AirPods, although neither will be a big problem in this regard.

The Tone Free are comfortable and fit snugly in my ears without putting too much pressure on my ear canals.

The Tone Free are comfortable and fit snugly in my ears without putting too much pressure on my ear canals. The only time I physically customized them on morning walks or jogging in the afternoon was to use the auto pause function of the buds when I passed other people. I could have used the earphones 'Ambient Sound mode to remove a bud, but I found that pulling them out was easier than trying to use the earphones' multi-touch controls while moving.

When I speak of these multitouch controls, I will be the first to admit that getting this control style right is not easy. Many buds that use this feature are between too sensitive to touch or not sensitive enough. I think the Tone Free are functional – with multiple print options for answering or ending phone calls, switching through music, or changing the volume – but they're erroneous closer to the "too sensitive" end of the spectrum. They're not as bad as others I've tested in this regard, but there were still a handful of frustrating moments.

properties

When it comes to their functions, the Tone Free are a bit mixed. They have the characteristic self-cleaning function that fascinates these buds on their own. However, if you expand the scope and examine the more standard but more important functions, the intrigue is almost lost.

LG Tone Free earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

First, let's work out the uniqueness of these earphones. The Tone Free are self-cleaning buds, thanks to a UV nano charging housing that, according to LG, kills 99.9% of the bacteria while the housing is connected to a charging cable. The case uses ultraviolet light that is focused on the bud's earbuds, though the process doesn't remove dirt, grime, or ear wax.

On the one hand, this is objectively cool. Especially at a time when most people are still focused on cleanliness, it can only be good to have buds that kill the bacteria themselves. On the other hand, all of this seems completely unnecessary. As I suspect, many of you, I have never been overly concerned with the amount of bacteria in my earbuds. Perhaps LG is indicting and uncovering an issue we didn't previously know was an issue, and maybe future earphones will follow in Tone Free's footsteps. On the other hand, maybe not. It's a feature the effects of which the average person can't feel, and it's the main reason why these buds cost $ 50 more than the clay-free HBS-FN4. That seems like a great deal of work for a largely invisible advantage.

When it comes to their functions, the Tone Free are a bit mixed.

The battery life in Tone Free is up to six hours. The case contains two additional charging cycles for a total of 18. They also have a quick charge function that allows you to play for an hour after five minutes in the case. It would have been solid two years ago. Unfortunately for LG it is mediocre at best. The RHA TrueConnect 2 offers 9.5 hours of playback on a single charge and a total battery life of 44 hours at the same price. Given that the Tone Free has a low battery shortly after the five-hour mark and barely approaches the specified service life of six hours, it's hard to see why you wouldn't choose a much stronger battery in the RHA .

And while the Tone Free offers IPX4 weather resistance – a fairly normal benchmark for earphones that gives them solid protection against sweat and splashes of water from every direction – the TrueConnect 2 has raised the bar by introducing dust protection with an IP55 degree of protection. You probably won't need this protection in your everyday life. But why not choose this route at the same time when it no longer costs you? That is the problem LG is facing. Their functions are fine if you don't place them next to a competitor with the same price. In this scenario, it is difficult to find an area that clearly prefers the tonelessness. Unless you wanted to limit the number of bacteria you expose your ears to.

Audio quality

Just like the latest sound bars, LG is promoting its partnership with Meridian to optimize the sound of their products. Also in line with these sound bars, LG has kept silent about the specifications of the actual drivers in these earphones. After the sound of the company's conversation topics, we shouldn't worry about the details or design of the components that produce the sound we hear. Instead, we should blindly rely on Meridian to take on the audio quality of this product and trust the company's HSP (Headphone Spatial Processing) technology to achieve solid sound.

LG Tone Free earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

What I have to admit, it works very well. Just like the sound bars in which Meridian was involved, the Tone Free offers a pleasant listening experience. According to LG, Meridian's HSP technology is said to "create a realistic soundstage that simulates the experience of hearing real speakers." I wouldn't go anywhere near this, but after looking at a selection like Led Zeppelins & # 39; Ramble On or The Rolling Stones & # 39; After listening to Gimme Shelter, I appreciate the stereo separation and vocal clarity that these earphones could produce.

With the LG Tone Free app, you can choose between three other Meridian presets – Bass Boost, Natural or Treble Boost – or adjust the sound to your taste with an in-app equalizer. Although LG's efforts to make the sound customizable for all kinds of ears are recognized and presets like Bass Boost fill the required low-end for more modern tracks, I preferred the sound of the standard "Immersive" preset.

The Tone Free did a great job of producing a pleasant sound.

However, I will say this: the Tone Free did a good job of producing a pleasant sound, but at the same time they did not produce an incredibly distinctive sound. It's hard for me to decide whether these buds sound better than, for example, the RHAs I heard last week or the Google Pixel Buds 2 that I auditioned a few months ago. The Tone Free cited the ability to kill bacteria as a key feature that just isn't that exciting and really needed their sound to set a tone. They sound very good, just not good enough to cover their other shortcomings.

The call quality of the Tone Free is sufficient thanks to the dual microphone setup that LG has integrated into the Tone Free. LG says it uses technologies known as echo cancellation and noise cancellation to detect unwanted noise and minimize what works pretty well. Just don't expect these features and the minimal passive noise cancellation created by the bud's fit to reflect the kind of experience that real active noise cancellation offers. Try anyway, these ANC replacement products don't affect the real business.

Our opinion

The LG Tone Free doesn't do anything particularly bad, they just don't do most things as well as some of the more notable competitors in their price range. It is a difficult task to reach all the key touch points when things are moving so fast in the real wireless earphone world, but if you can't keep up with the rest of the field at least, you won't be able to do the leaderboard.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Tone Free has a slight sound edge, but it's not enough to overlook everything else that makes the RHA TrueConnect 2 better for exactly the same $ 150. For another $ 50, I've become quite a fan of the $ 200 Sony WF-SP800N, which improves battery life over both the LG and RHA and offers effective active noise cancellation.

Honestly, I would probably use the cheaper $ 99 LG Tone Free HBS-FN4 compared to the FN6, as the main difference is the self-cleaning charging case where we found a limit.

How long will they last?

These buds appear to be of high quality workmanship and moderately good protection against the weather. I do not foresee that they will collapse soon.

Should you buy them

Nah. I liked the design of these earphones and their tasty sound, but there are too many options in this price range with better features to recommend the latest from LG. The Tone Free can eliminate most of the bacteria that get in their way, but they don't have the same effect on the tough competition that surrounds them.

Editor's recommendations




29 Jul
Blog

How To Get Rid Of Crepey Skin

Does your skin feel paper-like rather than plump? As we get older, the skin can become thinner and more fragile, and look crepe-like. If you want to get rid of crepe skin, Eminence Organics is here to help.

What is Crepey Skin?

Crepey skin is characterized by its fragile and thin texture, similar to fine wrinkled paper. While it resembles more common fine lines and wrinkles, this type of skin tends to appear over larger areas and emerge where the skin is most fragile, such as under the eyes and on the upper inner arms.

What causes Crepey Skin?

Aging, sun damage and lack of moisture All contribute to changes in skin texture, including the development of crepe skin. With age, our body produces less collagen and elastin – the proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. Over time, exposure to UV rays helps break down collagen and elastin, making the skin sagging, thinner, and wrinkled. And our skin produces less oil with age, which contributes to drier and paperier skin.

How to get rid of Crepey Skin

According to Healthline: "The earlier you treat crepe skin, the easier it is to make a noticeable change in appearance, texture, thickness and support." Here's how to adjust your Eminence Organics skin care routine to improve the appearance of this skin problem:

1. Exfoliate regularly

Livestrong recommends exfoliating the skin every night with a product that contains AHAs that help dissolve dead skin cells, moisturize the skin, and fade the appearance of fine lines. We recommend the Acin Peeling Peeling by Eminence Organics Firm Skin, which both deeply hydrates and minimizes the visible signs of aging for firm-looking skin.

Product selection

Eminence Organics Firm Haut Acai Peeling

Exfoliation with firm skin

VIEW PRODUCT

2. Hydrate with hyaluronic acid

To improve the appearance of the crepe skin, Heidi A. Waldorf, MDsuggests using products with hyaluronic acid that absorbs and holds moisture to keep the skin hydrated and plump. Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Masque contains a botanical hyaluronic acid from marshmallow plant extract for smooth and plump skin.

3. Use skin care with peptides

With regular use of skin care products with peptide active ingredients, the complexion becomes more elastic and looks supple. Eminence Organics' Marine Flower Peptide Serum contains botanical peptides made from rice protein that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Protect the skin with antioxidants

Antioxidants help Protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals that break down collagen and contribute to the appearance of crepe skin. Foods rich in antioxidants include deeply colored fruits and berries, leafy greens and surprising sources such as coffee and mushrooms.

Blueberries

We recommend Eminence Organics for antioxidants in skin care Firm Skin Collection. The products in this collection are enriched with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as acai berries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries and help the aging skin to look firm, firm and revitalized.

5. Use a moisturizing night cream

Crepe skin is characterized by a parchment-like texture, which is caused by a lack of density and moisture. high in Monoi oil, argan oil and shea butter, Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective night cream for the face and neck softens dry, scruffy skin and makes it look smoother and smoother. Our anti-aging stem cell complex improves the appearance of skin density for a beautifully plump complexion.

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

This entry was originally published in February 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness. If you

29 Jul
Blog

Panasonic RB-M700 Review: Subwoofers For Your Head

Panasonic RB-M700 headphones

Panasonic RB-M700 XBS Deep headphones

"If only the other features of the RB-M700 were as good as their monumental bass."

  • Very convenient

  • Incredibly powerful bass

  • Perfect for films

  • Expensive

  • Mediocre ANC

  • Short battery life

  • Not good for calls

If you're looking for active noise canceling (ANC) wireless headphones, there is certainly no shortage of choices at the moment. Models start well below $ 100 and range up to $ 600 or more. There are dozens and dozens to choose from. However, if you really need wireless ANC headphones that deliver a lot of deep, skull-shaking bass, the Panasonic $ 180 RB-M700, which has a unique "bass reactor" device, deserves your full attention.

Here is our full report.

design

Panasonic RB-M700 headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The RB-M700 (available in satin black or beige) is inspired by one of the best headphones in the world: the Sony WH-1000XM3. The RB-M700 reproduces Sony in a number of ways, from the headband with integrated metal adjustment sliders to the ear cup pins that fit seamlessly into the headband and ear cups for a very smooth look.

Put them side by side and these similarities are even more obvious, except for one thing: The massive, round ear cups and ear cushions from Panasonics.

Their size and shape are the only visual indication that they are not like all other wireless headphones.

I happily carried the RB-M700 for several hours without a hint of discomfort.

A circle of tiny ventilation openings surrounds the diameter of the outer ear cups and makes them look as if they had been lifted out of an old Braun hair dryer.

The comparison is not purely cosmetic. These vents, like the Braun ones, help move the air, which is useful when working with big bass sound.

These large, swollen ear pads look and are comfortable. I have worn the RB-M700 for several hours with no signs of discomfort, although it is 11.2 ounces heavier than many wireless over-the-ear headphones.

There are two minor tradeoffs for all of this comfort. First, they feel a little less secure on your head. The headband provides a decent clamping force, but cannot prevent these huge ear cushions from moving slightly when you move your head quickly.

Personally, it didn't bother me at all, but if you hope to take the RB-M700 and its giant bass to the gym, you'll need to be prepared to readjust them quite often.

Second, they look huge on your head, especially when viewed from the front or back. Sci-fi fans will undoubtedly see the resemblance to Princess Leia's double pastry hairstyle from Episode 4, as well as Doctor Who's Cybermen.

Those with smaller heads will be happy to know that although these cans look big, the minimum headband setting is actually quite small. For a white man 5 feet 8 inches tall, I have a ridiculously small head. Most headphones only fit me at the smallest setting, and yet I had to widen the headband a little so that the ear cups were at the correct height.

Control and ease of use

Panasonic RB-M700 headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

All controls for the RB-M700 are located on the right ear cup. It's a simple and straightforward layout that uses a three-button cluster for all the important functions like power supply, volume, skipping tracks, answering / ending calls and accessing voice assistants.

Unfortunately, the edges of the middle button are not well defined, making it difficult to find them quickly.

ANC is controlled via a two-way on / off switch – there are no setting levels for the level of noise suppression and no transparency mode for the intake of outside noise.

Near the bottom of the right auricle is a two-button rocker control for adjusting the bass reactor function. It offers three levels of bass enhancement as well as an off level. What is strange is that the plus and minus buttons are arranged opposite to the volume buttons, which makes the use not intuitive. Every time I thought I would increase the reactor effect, I reduced it. You get used to it, but it's a strange choice.

The RB-M700 does not have a wear sensor. You must therefore pause your music manually before you can take it off.

Battery and charging

With just 20 hours of operation on a full charge (and assuming the bass reactor function is turned off when the ANC is on), the RB-M700 won't win endurance awards compared to other wireless headphones, but it's still more than enough time for a full day's work plus one Way to work and even a trip to the gym or shop.

The charging specifications of these cans are also somewhat inadequate for wireless headphones. They use USB-C and it takes four hours to fully charge. With a 15-minute quick charge option, you have an hour and a half playtime when you run out.

The much cheaper Taotronics TT-BH060, for example, lasts 30 hours on one charge and a five-minute quick charge gives you two hours of playtime.

Noise cancellation

Panasonic RB-M700 headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The noise reduction on the RB-M700 is mediocre. Constant, booming sounds like fans, which ANC headphones are usually the easiest to deal with, are reduced by about half their normal volume – certainly a welcome improvement. However, Panasonic's ANC circuit introduces a very noticeable noise at the same time.

If you're looking for ANC headphones that give you peace and quiet in noisy environments without playing music, you'll be fed up with the hiss.

Panasonic's ANC circuit introduces a very noticeable noise.

Oddly enough, the RB-M700 with ANC can do much better when playing music.

Enabling ANC even at moderate volume levels appears to change the EQ, making bass and mid frequencies more pronounced while emphasizing the higher frequencies less.

While this doesn't add much to the overall sound quality, it does help offset the ANC noise, which is primarily high frequency sound.

I feel that Panasonic's ANC technology is not so much responsible for the mediocre noise reduction, but rather the design of the RB-M700 earcups.

These circular vents, through which air can enter and exit the pinna, are likely to let in external noise. Since the effectiveness of ANC depends on good sound isolation, there is likely to be a hard limit on how good ANC can ever be on a headphone that allows so much sound.

portability

Panasonic RB-M700 headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Most headphones these days are equipped with some kind of hinge or swivel system that allows them to be folded, folded flat – or both – to make it easier to store while traveling. The RB-M700 is a flat collapsible variant with ear cups that can be rotated 45 degrees inwards.

The flatter profile makes it easier to insert these headphones into an available backpack slot, but still takes up a lot of space.

Panasonic does not offer a hard or soft shell travel bag, so be careful when storing it.

The strange design is that it only works when you are not wearing the RB-M700. In other words, when the ear cups are worn around the neck, they rotate only slightly and cannot lie flat against the collar bones.

Call quality

Calls on the RB-M700 were acceptable, but only in quiet environments. The moment my voice had to compete with other sounds like traffic, wind, or even nearby bird sounds, it became much more difficult for my caller to hear me.

Without a transparency mode, it was more difficult to hear my own voice through the ear cups.

In other words, use these headphones when you need to, but don't expect excellent call quality.

Sound quality

Panasonic RB-M700 headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

As a result, the RB-M700 may not have excellent ANC, battery life, or even portability. But they do one thing really well: they can produce an incredible amount of low-end bass, and thanks to their bass reactor mechanism, this bass can be calibrated from warm to wowza.

Panasonic doesn't go into the technical aspects of the bass reactor (which is also available in the $ 150 step-down) RB-M500 headphones), but as far as I can tell from the company's marketing material, it's a separate component that behaves much like a subwoofer in a home theater.

EDM, rap and hip-hop fans will love the club-level vibrations that go through your head.

Because it is separate from the RB-M700's 40mm drivers, you get a much cleaner low-frequency sound that doesn't affect the overall sound quality at all.

At the lowest gain setting, the bass reactors provide a subtle extra swing that complements most music genres and picks up and amplifies the headphones' already impressive bass response.

Levels two and three are a completely different story. These settings are not for jazz or classical music lovers, but fans of EDM, rap, and hip-hop will love the club-level vibrations that go through your head. Many headphones claim you can "feel" the music, but with the RB-700 it's not just an empty marketing language, it's the real deal.

Perhaps more than any other headphone I've tried, the RB-700 is made for movies. Turn the bass reactors to level three and then start the fight scene between Thanos and The Hulk in the opening sequence of Avengers: Infinity War, and you'll know exactly what I mean.

Every blow, every body slam and every explosion creates a sound that you hear and feel at the same time. The bass reactors move so much air that you can feel them trying to escape the boundaries of the ear cups.

As impressive as this head-up subwoofer effect is, I was just as surprised at how balanced the RB-700 is when you turn off the bass reactors and just use them to enjoy music.

Without a smartphone app, there is no way to change the EQ. However, as long as you enjoy a sound that tends to bass, this is not a problem in my opinion. They do a decent, if not quite outstanding, job by separating the mids from the highs and the sound stage being comfortably wide.

The bass-driven signature keeps everything warm and full, but can also affect the genres somewhat and benefit from precision such as acoustic guitar, folk rock, jazz and classical.

They sound good, but are overpriced at $ 180. It is clear that Panasonic believes the bass reactor function is worth the extra money.

Our opinion

Although ANC and travel suitability may not be their strong suit and battery life is only very long, the very convenient Panasonic RB-700 delivers amazing bass levels that you can feel, making them the ideal companion for movies and music genres that normally require one Club attitude to be fully appreciated.

Is there a better alternative?

If larger-than-life bass is your jam, look no further. We have never seen headphones that affect the low-end format so badly.

Given the drawbacks of the RB-700 in some other areas, you should check out our full list of the best noise canceling headphones for models that offer better ANC, better overall sound quality, and in some cases, better price.

How long will they last?

The RB-700 comes with a one-year warranty from Panasonic. They are well built and made from decent materials. However, the lack of a hard-shell carrying case or a soft travel bag can mean a shorter lifespan if you don't take care not to damage them when you stow them in your bag.

Should you buy them

Only serious bass heads who want to feel every low note (and a few more) should consider the Panasonic RB-700. Your ANC won't inspire you, but the bass will. For everyone else, you will find a better balance of the functions of the competition.

Editor's recommendations




29 Jul
Blog

Lenovo Flex 5G Review: Previewing the Future of Laptops

Lenovo Flex 5g review 5 g lead

"The Lenovo Flex 5G is impacted by limited 5G connectivity and mediocre performance."

  • The best battery life we've ever seen

  • Solid build quality

  • Good keyboard and touchpad

  • Integrated 5G connectivity

  • The performance is mediocre

  • App and driver incompatibilities are a pain

  • 5G is still hard to find

Two massive PC revolutions are waiting for you: 5G connectivity and ARM-based processors. The new Lenovo Flex 5G is a device that should lead us into a future that encompasses both technologies.

The new Snapdragon 8cx chip from Qualcomm is the key. It offers both integrated 5G connectivity and enough power to fight Intel Core processors. This makes the Flex 5G a Windows avant-garde against Apple's own transition to ARM-based Macs.

But don't be too excited. The introduction of 5G was slow, as was the support for ARM processors by Windows. If you throw in a high starting price of $ 1,500, the Lenovo Flex 5G has to fight a tough battle. Is the world ready for Lenovo's vision of the future?

5G connectivity

What's the big deal with 5G? Simply put, it's the next generation of mobile broadband, replacing today's fastest standard, 4G LTE. It promises to provide internet speeds that compete with or even exceed the connections that most people have at home and at work. The nationwide rollout was slow.

You won't find it just outside of the major cities. I had to take a trip to Venice Beach (never a bad thing) to test the connectivity of the Flex 5G as there are only a few areas in Verizon where Verizon has coverage and none near my house in Los Angeles. However, the coverage is ultra wideband, which should theoretically deliver the best possible performance.

I say theoretically because, at least in Venice Beach, I couldn't get connectivity that was close to the two gigabits per second (Gbit / s) that ultra-wideband 5G promised. The best download speed I've seen (via Speedtest.net) was 465 megabits per second (Mbit / s), and the fastest upload speed I've seen was 51 Mbit / s. Verizon's coverage is incomplete: Los Angeles, for example, has very few locations with very limited coverage, and the number of cities covered by Verizon's 5G network is quite small.

I could go 10 feet in one direction or another and fall to an LTE connection. This is not just Verizon's problem. For example, T-Mobile covers more areas with its 5G coverage, but uses a bandwidth below 6 GHz that offers speeds that are more comparable to 4G.

It's a lot faster than 4G LTE, but far from what 5G promises.

To see how this translates to real life, I downloaded a 1.7 GB file from OneDrive and achieved a download speed of 44 megabytes per second (MBps). This is much better than 4G LTE, but again, it is nowhere near what 5G promises.

I have to say that Verizon's 5G is not quite up to date, at least in Venice (and I was looking for better places). Maybe it's faster elsewhere, or maybe the Flex 5G's modem drivers need to be adjusted. In any case, the Flex 5G lets you work quickly wherever 5G connectivity is available, but not nearly as fast as one day.

If it is not obvious, 5G, once it has made its move, will be a critical factor in data processing. If you want a fast internet connection today, measured in gigabits per second and not just in megabits, you have to use Wi-Fi or a wired ethernet connection. This binds you to specific locations and keeps you looking for a secure connection when you're on the go. With a fast 5G connection, however, you will accelerate wherever there is coverage – imagine driving down the street and working with a fast internet connection – which will ultimately be just like 4G LTE today. It will be everywhere, which means that you will finally be freed from the Wi-Fi cable.

performance

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx is the company's latest ARM processor and the first to be explicitly designed for PCs and not based on smartphone designs. Not only does it have to compete with Intel and AMD, the Snapdragon 8cx also faces the challenge of running Windows on ARM.

In the past, it wasn't the most impressive platform when it came to pure speed. This is because most older Windows applications were not built natively to run on ARM, but have to be run in emulation. Performance is therefore the second most important factor behind connectivity to determine if the Flex 5G is a viable platform for mobile workers.

Many applications are not only slow, but do not run at all under Windows under ARM. This includes many of the benchmarking applications that I usually use to test performance. This is a good example of the big problem with app compatibility. It works with Microsoft's Office suite and Windows 10 apps (if you use them). And thanks to drivers that were not written to support the platform, this is a hit or miss with peripheral devices.

For example, our real handbrake test video coding cannot be performed on the Flex 5G. This is a shit because this test gives the best idea of ​​how well a processor works on demanding tasks.

Many applications are not only slow, but do not run at all under Windows under ARM.

I was limited to Geekbench 4 and 5 among our performance benchmarks to get an idea of ​​how much faster the Snapdragon 8cx really is. After these two tests, the new Snapdragon chip is definitely an upgrade from the previous Snapdragon 850. However, this in no way makes it a fast laptop.

In Geekbench 4, the Flex 5G managed 3,322 in the single-core test and 11,348 in the multi-core test. This is a big improvement over the Lenovo Yoga C630 (which uses the Snapdragon 850), which scored 2,292 in the single-core test and 6,710 points in the multi-core test. The Snapdragon 8cx is clearly much faster. In the multi-core test, which scored 4,670 and 8,750 points, it even beat the 10th generation dual-core Intel Core i3-1011U in the Lenovo Yoga C640.

In Geekbench 5, the Flex 5G achieved 700 points in the single-core test and 2,802 points in the multi-core test. That beat the 486 and 2,155 of the Yoga C640 and even competed with the Core i5-1030NG7 of the MacBook Air 2020, which scored 1,140 and 2,770 points.

Does that make the Flex 5G a fast laptop? Of course not. It ran exactly in line with these synthetic benchmark numbers and similar to the comparison laptops. It was fine for productivity tasks, surfing the Internet, watching videos, and other purposes where the processor didn't ask too much. If you use your laptop for this, you are satisfied with the performance. However, if you need it to boot up as needed, you will be disappointed.

Battery life

Longevity should be a strength of the Flex 5G thanks to the efficiency of the ARM processors in general and the Snapdragon 8cx in particular. I was expecting good things and was not disappointed.

In fact, I was blown away. The Flex 5G showed the best battery life we've seen on a laptop – it literally outperformed any other machine we've tested.

I start with the most impressive result, namely the video test, in which a local Full HD Avengers trailer is repeated until the battery is empty. Simply put, the Flex 5G was spectacular and basically took 28 hours to repeat the video (it took three minutes). This is the longest time we've recorded at almost five hours, and surpasses the best Lenovo Yoga C640 to date, which lasted about 23 hours. The Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 is the other notebook that lasted more than 20 hours and almost 22 hours.

This is a laptop that lasts for several days.

The Flex 5G was just as impressive in the web test. It lasted 17.25 hours and was again the best of all the laptops we tested. The only other machine that got any closer was the Microsoft Surface Book 2 after 15.5 hours, and the Surface Book 3 was nowhere near as good.

In our demanding Basemark web benchmark test, the Flex 5G – you guessed it – outperformed all other machines. It took a whopping 10.5 hours, which – you guessed it again – is another record among the laptops we tested. Admittedly, the Flex 5G didn't break any speed records, but as fast as the laptop runs, it runs as long.

Note that these results surpassed the Yoga C630, which took 17 hours to video test and 11 hours to surf the web. Qualcomm's claims to improve the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8cx are valid.

This is clearly a laptop that will last you days with typical productivity tasks, surfing the internet, watching videos and the like. Even if you press the CPU – which of course doesn't say much about overall performance – you get a whole day of work and a few more.

design

The Flex 5G is a match for the Yoga C630, with just a few changes to account for differences in connections. And although this results in a very conservative laptop – in line with Lenovo's recent aesthetics – in its dark gray color, which is darker but not entirely black, it's not a bad thing. Yes, there is no bling and the laptop will not stand out in a crowd, but some people like it. For example, it is nowhere near the HP Specter x360 13, which may be the epitome of a chiseled gem-cut design that cries for attention.

Better still, the Flex 5G is pretty well built. It is an aluminum case that has little flexibility on the keyboard deck, but nowhere else. It feels solid and extends to the 360-degree hinge that holds the laptop in its four modes – clamshell, tent, media, and tablet. It's fairly thin at 0.58 inches and light at 2.97 pounds. Compare that to the Specter x360 at 0.67 inches and 2.88 pounds and the Dell XPS 13 at 0.58 inches and 2.65 pounds. The Flex 5G has made a small leap in size compared to the Yoga C630, but that should be responsible for the increased battery capacity – always a good thing in my book.

Most importantly, the Flex 5G is worth its $ 1,500 investment. This is especially important as you won't get the best configuration at this price. You won't feel like you've spent that much money on a laptop that just isn't built well enough.

Connectivity is relatively limited with just two USB-C 3.2 ports on the left and a 3.5mm audio jack on the right. There is also a nano SIM card slot and a switch to physically turn on airplane mode. For such a futuristic device, we were disappointed to see Wi-Fi 5 and not Wi-Fi 6 for Bluetooth 5.0.

Keyboard and touchpad

The Flex 5G has the same keyboard as pretty much every Yoga and Flex laptop. It has wide key caps with a lot of space and a snappy mechanism with a soft bottom. It may be my imagination, but the version of the Flex 5G seemed a bit flatter than some I've tried, and that's not my favorite quality. I like traveling a bit in my keyboards. Overall, however, I doubt that a lot of people will complain, and I typed very quickly at pretty full speed. Compared to some other great keyboards, the Flex 5G falls behind the excellent examples of the HP Specter x360 13 and Dell XPS 13, not to mention the fantastic Magic keyboard of the latest MacBooks.

The touchpad has average dimensions for this size of a laptop and supports the Precision Touchpad protocol from Microsoft. Multi-touch gestures and general cursor control were excellent, and I had no complaints. The touch display also responded, although I'm sure some people will be very disappointed that there is no active pen support. This is pretty much a given for modern 2-in-1 players and is missing here.

Windows 10 Hello support without a password is provided in two ways. First, there is an infrared camera for facial recognition that works just as well as any other device with similar features. Second, there is a fingerprint reader on the keyboard deck, which was also quick and responsive. It's nice to have the option.

display

My colorimeter does not work with the Flex 5G due to a lack of drivers, so I could not operate the display with the usual test battery. I have trained the display well and can make some subjective observations.

First, the display is bright and is likely to approach Lenovo's 400 nits rating. I wouldn't say it competes with direct sunlight, but it's bright enough to be used in most other ambient lights.

Second, the colors were bright and natural, and the display showed a lot of contrast. Black text on a white background – my bread and butter – appeared, and I never thought the text looked washed out.

Finally, I enjoyed seeing Netflix on the display, and I suspect the gamma is just right. I cannot confirm how accurate the colors are and whether it is a good display for creative people, but the typical productivity worker and home user should find the display a pleasure.

The audio quality was mixed. The volume was low despite the two upward-facing speakers next to the keyboard, but there was no distortion. Not surprisingly, the bass was missing, but mids and highs were right where they should be. Again, it's a good laptop to watch Netflix on, though headphones wouldn't be a terrible idea.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Flex 5G isn't the game changer it wants to be, but it's not entirely to blame. 5G speeds and coverage make it difficult to justify a purchase based on connectivity alone. In the meantime, Windows support for ARM is an ongoing project that Microsoft is still involved in.

These two technologies are likely to play a major role in the future of laptops. The Flex 5G's incredible battery life is proof enough. However, Qualcomm, Microsoft and Verizon each need to build a lot of infrastructure before a laptop like the Lenovo Flex 5G can be truly successful on its own.

Are there alternatives?

There are no other 5G laptops on the market right now, but they are coming. And if they support more than Verizon's relatively limited 5G coverage, they may be better options from that perspective alone. So this is something to watch out for.

If you don't need a 5G, you can consider the HP Specter x360 13 with 4G LTE. You'll spend around $ 150 less and get a much faster laptop, but you won't get anywhere near enjoying the battery life. Think in half here.

How long it will take?

The Lenovo Flex 5G is a well-built laptop that should last for years, but the performance is slow. In the meantime, 5G and Windows with ARM technology could see a much wider adoption in the coming years, and the Flex 5G should last long enough to see the benefits.

The one-year warranty is typical and disappointing.

Should you buy it

No – at least not yet. While battery life is excellent, performance is mediocre and can barely keep up with basic productivity and media usage tasks. This always-connected lifestyle will be practical – but only once does 5G see a more impressive introduction.

Editor's recommendations




28 Jul
Blog

5 Kettlebell Exercises That Don’t Swing

Kettlebells are basically giant metal balls with a handle. They go back to Eastern Europe, the word girya (kettlebell) actually occurs in a Russian dictionary around 1704 (1).

In fact, the popularity of kettlebells in the West is largely attributed to Russian emigrant Valery Fedorenko, a world champion in kettlebell sport (Girevoy Sport), and Pavel Tsatsouline, a former sports training instructor and master of the sport of Soviet specialists, the Hardstyle Russian Kettlebell Certification ( RKC) and now heads StrongFirst.

The extent of kettlebell's popularity is more of a 21st century phenomenon, thanks in part to the popularity of its use in CrossFit and the many cases that it is used by online trainers on social media, but it still remains a niche activity.

This may be due to the technical difficulty of performing kettlebell movements correctly, in particular the mastery of the 6 kettlebell basics: swinging, swinging in, cleaning, getting up Turkish, snapping and pressing.

So let's focus on 5 kettlebell exercises that should be fairly easy to master, can be quite challenging, and are great moves in your exercise toolkit.

In some places, carpets, kettlebells and flat screens are among the great shopping spree of the pandemic. We may continue to see an increase in demand for kettlebell that will survive the pandemic as more and more people choose to exercise alone and at home.

Kettlebell halo

Kettlebell deadlifts

Clean and press the kettlebell

Kettlebell Biceps Triceps Extension

Kettlebell sumo deadlift

References

1. N. J. Meigh, J. W. L. Keogh, B. Schram & W. A. ​​Hing (2019). Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 11 (1), 19.

28 Jul
Blog

Mobvoi TicWatch C2 Plus Review: Powered Up, Ready For 2020

mobvoi ticwatch c2 plus rating wrist front

"A simple but essential performance upgrade makes the TicWatch C2 Plus an affordable, attractive smartwatch."

  • Durable, attractive design

  • Two straps included

  • Swimproof

  • No automatic brightness

  • Outdated processor

Do not worry. They didn't accidentally stumble into a time slot and ended up in 2018. This is really a review of a brand new Mobvoi TicWatch C2 model, although it looks identical to the C2 released more than 18 months ago. It is the TicWatch C2 Plus, and although it looks the same on the outside, there is a significant change inside – a RAM increase to 1 GB.

Is this enough to recommend buying a smartwatch that is otherwise quite old? If we only talk about performance, the answer is a resounding yes. However, we have to go deeper.

design

Place the C2 Plus next to the C2 and they are identical. It has a glass fiber housing and a stainless steel bezel, either made of the onyx shown here, platinum or rose gold.

The onyx and platinum models have a case size of 42.8 mm and a 20 mm bracelet, while the rose gold version comes with a finer, shorter 18 mm bracelet. Otherwise, the dimensions appear to be the same. The 20mm strap is quite short. Adjusted to my 6.5 inch wrist, there were only four holes left on the strap.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What is welcome is a selection of straps in the box. You can use the quick release pins to put on a leather strap for the evening and a silicone strap to exercise. The silicone version was my preference. It is soft, easy to grip and does not get too hot, although the closure is a bit sharp at the edges. The leather version is deep blue, very stiff and, annoyingly, the watch rarely stayed in the top center of my wrist. With the silicone strap, the TicWatch C2 Plus weighs 58 grams.

Pages 10 and 20 have two buttons on the side of the case. At the top is the app menu button, and at the bottom it is configured to access Mobvoi's TicHealth feature. However, it can be changed to another app that may be more relevant to you. Press the buttons and you will immediately notice a lot of play before it clicks into place. If this is the case, the click will be accompanied by a hollow sound. Don't expect it to feel particularly high quality. The feeling of more expensive smartwatches like the Moto 360 surpasses this.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the design. The 1.3-inch screen is just right, the depth of 12 mm is not intrusive, and the simple two-button look works in both casual and sporty situations, especially if you choose the more stealthy Onyx model. The bezel is angled to make wiping comfortable. This is a good thing because neither of the two buttons can be turned to make navigation easier. While it's tempting to complain that Mobvoi isn't updating the design for the new Plus model, it's certainly the best looking watch the company has made. No change was necessary.

Screen and software

The 1.3-inch AMOLED screen on the front of the C2 Plus is larger than many current smartwatches, including the 1.2-inch Moto 360, but corresponds to Fossil's Gen 5 smartwatch. The resolution is 390 x 390 pixels, which corresponds to the Moto 360. If you look closely, there is a slight difference in text sharpness.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Outside, you need to set the brightness correctly, but be careful when doing this. This shortens battery life. There is also no automatic brightness function that allows you to resume control when you go back inside. I'm ready to forgive the mediocre pixel density of the screens, but the lack of auto brightness is a pain.

Google's WearOS is the same as other similar smartwatches. The aging platform is navigated using swipe and tap. Swipe right to see the helpful Google Assistant screen and swipe up to see all of your notifications. Notifications are collected in a long list and the vast majority have interactive elements, e.g. For example, replying to messages or muting calls. WearOS runs smoothly on the C2 Pro and responds quickly enough so that it doesn't become frustrating.

mobvoi ticwatch c2 plus review revolution face "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/ticwatch-c2-plus-revolution-face- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAATicWatch C2 Plus Revolution dial Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch c2 plus review gentleman face "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/ticwatch-c2-plus-gentleman-face- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAATicWatch C2 Plus Gentleman dial Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch c2 plus review classic black face "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/ticwatch-c2-plus-classic-black - face-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAABATicWatch C2 Plus Classic face Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch c2 plus review assistant "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/ticwatch-c2-plus-assistant-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Google Assistant on the TicWatch C2 Plus Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

WearOS is still experiencing some speed issues and setting up takes too long. However, it is reliable in everyday use and can be used on the C2 Plus. I still find notification notifications annoying because the watch keeps delivering them until I clear the list. I've used the watch that is connected to various Android phones, and while WearOS works with iOS, you'll miss out on various features, including full message support.

Fitness tracking

Mobvoi installs some of its own fitness apps – TicHealth, TicExercise and TicPulse – that replicate the features provided by Google Fit. The watch prompts you to use TicHealth, agree to lengthy terms of use, allow location and data access, and install an app on your phone. There, the TicHealth app collects fitness data from your watch and delivers ads for other Mobvoi products.

Google Fit on the TicWatch C2 Plus Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

TicHealth tracks your exercises and includes defined plans for walking, running, training and swimming. Oddly enough, the watch asks if you want to follow the swim, and if you answer yes, it adds a shortcut called Pool Swim to the app menu that leads directly to the TicExercise app. TicPulse corresponds to Google's fit heart rate. It measures your heart rate, stores the data and can be set up so that measured values ​​are automatically recorded during the day. The watch has an IP68 water resistance, so it can be immersed up to 1 meter and more.

I have found no reason to use TicHealth through Google Fit. You don't have to, but to switch, you have to close multiple notifications before the message is received. The heart rate sensor largely agrees with the results of my Apple Watch, although I've found that it can drastically overestimate a start before it calms down a few minutes after a workout.

Overall, the C2 Plus is a good fitness tracking smartwatch due to its silicone wristband, less elegant design and good fitness functions.

Battery and power

Yes, increasing RAM to 1 GB makes a big difference to the performance of the C2 Plus. It handles animated watch faces better and is easier to switch between screens and apps. Google Maps is fast and the watch is generally a more pleasant and user-friendly companion.

Although the C2 Plus has more RAM, the old Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor is still used, and this neglects many of the advantages of the Snapdragon Wear 3100. This includes a longer battery life.

Calls cannot be taken on the C2 Plus and there is no speaker for the Google Assistant. Fortunately, the C2 Plus has NFC and supports Google Pay.

TicWatch C2 Plus with the silicone strap Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The battery has a capacity of 400 mAh and in typical daily use (approx. 8 a.m. to midnight), in which a single workout is recorded, it ends with approx. 30% remaining time. This means that you are unlikely to make it through a full second day even if you turn off the watch overnight. The charging process takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Price and availability

The Mobvoi TicWatch C2 Plus costs $ 210 or £ 190 and can be purchased directly from Mobvoi. It is now available.

Our opinion

The Mobvoi TicWatch C2 Plus shows that the company did most things right with the C2 the first time. Therefore, only a small update was required to make it desirable in 2020. I like the attractive but understated design, the solid fitness tracking references and that doesn't cost a fortune.

Is there a better alternative?

Let's start with the big one. If you have an iPhone, buy an Apple Watch as this is the best smart watch available. The software, build quality, features and performance are far better than any WearOS smartwatch. It costs more than $ 400, but it's worth it, and you are welcome to buy a cheaper Series 4 Apple Watch without feeling like you are losing a lot against the latest Series 5 model.

The price of the TicWatch C2 Plus is very cheap. You'll have to spend $ 299 to get the Moto 360 or Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch, though both have the newer Snapdragon 3100 platform and are technically superior to the C2 Plus. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 for $ 280 as a great alternative to a WearOS smartwatch because the software is better.

How long it will take?

The TicWatch C2 Plus is made of glass fiber and stainless steel, so it should prove to be robust enough for everyday use. It also has IP68 protection and can be used when swimming. The design has already proven to be permanent as Mobvoi has not changed it from the original and it will look fresh for a few more years.

Even with 1 GB of RAM, the presence of the Snapdragon 2100 processor makes the TicWatch C2 Plus "old" in that it has been technically replaced. This can affect the watch's ability to run future versions of WearOS, and it certainly prevents you from getting the latest features from the newer Snapdragon 3100 processor.

It's not the end of the world, especially at this price, but something to keep in mind if your purchase decision doesn't depend on value.

Should you buy it

Yes. Forget that it doesn't contain the latest processor technology. The TicWatch C2 Plus offers everything you could want from a smartwatch at a good price.

Editor's recommendations




27 Jul
Blog

5 Kettlebell Exercises That Don’t Swing

Kettlebells are basically giant metal balls with a handle. They go back to Eastern Europe, the word girya (kettlebell) actually occurs in a Russian disciple around 1704 (1). In fact, the popularity of kettlebells in the West is largely attributed to Russian emigrant Valery Fedorenko, a world champion in kettlebell sport (Girevoy Sport), and Pavel Tsatsouline, a former sports training instructor and master of the sport of Soviet specialists, the Hardstyle Russian Kettlebell Certification ( RKC) and now heads StrongFirst.

The extent of kettlebell's popularity is more of a 21st century phenomenon, thanks in part to the popularity of its use in CrossFit and the many cases that it is used by online trainers on social media, but it still remains a niche activity. This may be due to the technical difficulty of performing kettlebell movements correctly, in particular the mastery of the 6 kettlebell basics: swinging, swinging in, cleaning, getting up Turkish, snapping and pressing.

So let's focus on 5 kettlebell exercises that should be fairly easy to master, can be quite challenging, and are great moves in your exercise toolkit. In some places, carpets, kettlebells and flat screens are among the great shopping spree of the pandemic. We may continue to see an increase in demand for kettlebell that will survive the pandemic as more and more people choose to exercise alone and at home.

Kettlebell halo

Kettlebell deadlifts

Clean and press the kettlebell

Kettlebell Biceps Triceps Extension

Kettlebell sumo deadlift

References

1. Meigh, N.J., Keogh, J.W.L., Schram, B. & Hing, W.A. (2019). Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 11 (1), 19.

27 Jul
Blog

Wyze Cam Outdoor Review: A Security Camera For Your Vacation

Wyze Cam Outdoor featured image

"No other outdoor camera can keep up with the versatility of the Wyze Cam Outdoor."

  • Solid construction

  • Excellent battery life

  • Local memory

  • Affordable price

  • Works offline

  • App has some quirks

  • Inconsistent video quality

  • Weak speaker

Wyze has certainly been busy since the Wyze Cam v2 was released in 2018, redefining the entry-level surveillance camera segment. It was an absolute home run, partly because of its incredibly low cost and rich features. After the company established itself, ambitious plans eventually led to other fertile smart home devices – most recently Wyze Lock and Wyze Scale.

In a further step to diversify the portfolio within the smart home, the Wyze Cam Outdoor wants to achieve the same success outside the home as a surveillance camera for the outside area. In fact, it has many of the same features as previous Wyze cameras, so you can expect tons of features at a low cost. They say that wisdom comes with age. I will find out here if this is the case.

Same identity, but more versatile

What made the original Wyze Cam unforgettable was its cube-shaped design, which the Wyze Cam Outdoor really follows – even though it is bigger and has a lot more power. This is to be expected as it has to withstand the rigors of nature. Put it next to its indoor sibling, and it's obvious that the Wyze Cam Outdoor is stronger.

Wyze Cam outdoor profile viewJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Although it is made entirely of plastic, it is solidly built and robust. Thanks to the plastic base, which is attached to the camera via magnets, there is a little articulation. Fortunately, it's not easy to take apart, and although it sits enthroned along an edge or window, it comes with the necessary mounting screws to attach it to walls or ceilings. Due to its protection class IP65, it can be operated in a temperature range from minus 4 to 120 degrees Celsius – it is also waterproof.

It is solidly built and robust.

Overall, it retains the same design identity that Wyze is known for, and as an outdoor surveillance camera, it's a refreshing shot. Honestly, it's an unusual design among outdoor cameras, but it's worth noting that it's not just an outdoor camera. It is something that you can use in the house or even while traveling and on vacation. This versatility comes in handy when you change your mind about the location of your camera or when your needs change.

App hiccups

For this test, I had to use a beta version of the Wyze app for Android and iOS. This is important to note as I hope that some of the app experience issues will be fixed later with future software updates.

The setup process includes not only the camera, but also the base station, which can only be connected to a router via a wired Ethernet connection. Since my Xfinity router has two additional Ethernet ports, it would be helpful if the Wyze Cam Outdoor could connect directly to my Wi-Fi network. Instead, the base station is needed – mainly to reduce the congestion of my home's WiFi network.

In addition, it is better to manage connectivity if you want to add more cameras later. There is a microSD slot in the base station that enables local storage. This is an incentive that goes beyond the usual cloud storage option.

The app has a simple layout. However, it would often get stuck when connecting to the live stream view. So I just restart the app to fix the problem. As a surveillance camera, this is fairly easy because there is no distinction between what is detected and there are no custom detection zones that can be used to reduce notifications. There are options for creating timelapse clips as well as scheduled recordings.

The more fascinating part of the Wyze Cam Outdoor is the travel mode, with which you can effectively record videos offline. No internet connection is required, but a microSD card inserted in the camera is required to save clips. However, the limitation is that it did not automatically detect motion and did not automatically record clips. So don't expect to drop them anywhere in the forest and pray that Sasquatch will catch them walking by. I can record clips in three ways: manually via the app, schedule a recording, or schedule a time-lapse.

Wyze announces that it can record video when the PIR motion sensor is triggered, but Wyze is still working on this feature and promises that it will be available for the official app version. It is a fascinating function because it opens up a world of possibilities, e.g. For example, to keep an eye on your belongings on vacation, to keep them in your brand new car, to see who is roaming the neighborhood, or even for hunters who want to monitor their traps.

Areas of opportunity

The Wyze Cam Outdoor records videos with a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 20 frames per second, which drops to 10 fps for night videos. This is choppy and the low frame rate is clearly visible when watching clips. Choppy performance isn't the most disruptive part of Wyze Cam Outdoor's performance – it's the consistency of its quality.

With a 1 / 2.7-inch sensor and a lens with a 1: 2.5 aperture, the technical data of the camera are by no means up to date. It is strange that the quality can vary widely. Sometimes it looks sharp, but sometimes artifact elements and pixelation become glaring problems. The corners also tend to show this distinctive fish-eye look, which makes things appear more stretched than what they actually appear. Night vision looks surprisingly good and covers a range of up to 25 feet. In my case, it could see some deer crossing the path of the camera at night.

The other blatant part of the Wyze Cam Outdoor is that it is largely hampered by a narrow 110-degree field of view. This is much narrower than some of its established contemporaries – like the 160-degree field of view with the Arlo Pro 3. For an outdoor camera, I would prefer to have a wider field of view to cover as much space as possible outside. Finally, the internal speaker enables bidirectional communication, but it's too weak, crisp, and difficult to see.

Surprisingly good longevity

When packing two 2,600 mAh batteries, I was impressed with how well it lasts. During the first five days that it was used exclusively as a surveillance camera, the battery dropped to 95%. This is a comforting level considering that it is rated for more than three to six months of normal use, which Wyze classifies as 10 to 20 event videos a day.

Wyze Cam Outdoor in handJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

However, I have found that the battery drains faster in travel mode. It could be because it is sending its own Wi-Fi network for local access, but it just seemed to be using up the battery faster.

Our opinion

Very few outdoor surveillance cameras fly below $ 100. When the Wyze Cam Outdoor reaches $ 50 for the outdoor starter bundle, it's a serious statement to her competitors. Expanding the system is also easy, as additional cameras cost $ 40 each.

It may not be perfect and there are a few bugs that need to be fixed, but its versatility makes it hard to miss – it goes beyond a mere outdoor camera. It is an indoor and outdoor security camera and something to take with you on your trips.

How long it will take?

The all-plastic construction is surprisingly good and robust, so I am confident that it will withstand the outdoors. A one-year limited warranty to cover defects is provided.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. If you look for other cameras, you will find that nobody else can touch the price. In addition, there is rarely an outdoor camera that can work offline independently.

The leading providers continue to include Arlo Pro 3 and Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, both of which offer a wider field of view, exceptional video quality and advanced detection capabilities. On the other hand, they are not cheap!

Should you buy it

Yes. There is room for improvement, but a low price and excellent versatility make the Wyze Cam Outdoor a solid choice.

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