24 Jun
Blog

Lockly Vision Review: The Swiss Army Knife of Smart Locks

"The Lockly Vision combines a lot of innovative functions in one intelligent lock."

  • Fingerprint sensor

  • Voice commands

  • Digital and real key options

  • Extra secure keyboard

  • Good battery life

  • Difficult to install

  • No night vision

  • Grainy Camera Footage

The Lockly vision currently offers more features than any other Smart Lock on the market. At $ 400, it's a little bit more than we are used to from an intelligent lock, but it offers so many great features that it can be worth it if you want quality and versatility. Here is everything I learned trying out this lock at home.

Lock options galore

Many smart locks have only a few functions for locking and unlocking. The Lockly Vision has six. Regardless of your smart lock style, you've covered this lock. You can lock or unlock it using the app, a PIN number on the keyboard, a key, your fingerprint, voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant, or digital keys that you can share with others through the app.

The problem with other locks that have a keyboard is that your fingers will eventually stain the numbers you use for your PIN, making it a little bit easier for a thief to find out your code. I think it's pretty awesome that the vision mixes the numbers on the keyboard so that the numbers are in a different area each time you tap the pad. No other lock on the market does this. There are also three numbers per key. Even if someone looks over your shoulder while entering your PIN, they cannot find out. As a precaution, the lock switches to safe mode after three successive failed attempts and the camera records videos of whoever is standing at the door. The correct code must be entered twice, or a fingerprint must be used to exit Safe Mode.

Lockly Vision fingerprint sensorLockly

Another outstanding feature is the fingerprint sensor. This sensor can perform a 3D scan and store up to 99 different fingerprints. The 3D design prevents potential crooks from holding an image of your fingerprint for the scan. The sensor can actually tell the difference between a finger and an image. I loved that it quickly scanned and unlocked the door with just one touch.

The digital keys can be adjusted so that they only work for a certain time. Even better, these keys work when the lock is not connected to the internet. This is very useful if your home's internet service is faulty. Of course, if you don't trust digital keys, you can always use real ones. The keyhole has a small cover when not in use, which gives the whole device an elegant look.

Doorbell camera comfort

Unlike most other intelligent locks, the Vision has an integrated doorbell camera that offers another level of security. You can go to the app, tap the camera and see who is at your door. While viewing the livestream, you can start a video recording, call for help, or operate the lock. You can also hear the person at your door and speak to them using the two-way audio function. I found the sound loud and clear.

For $ 400 I expected more from the camera. The pictures, both in HD mode and normal mode, weren't fantastic when compared to a special video doorbell like the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, but they were still decent. The footage was a bit pixelated. However, there wasn't much curvature or "fisheye" distortion around the edges of the picture, so that was nice.

Lockly Vision doorbell camera on app

Another problem I had with the camera is that there is no night vision. Basically you have to leave the light on your veranda switched on, otherwise it cannot “see” anyone or anything in front of your door. When the light on the porch was on, the black and white material was grainy, but I could still see what I was seeing. This is not uncommon for smart lock / doorbell camera combinations. Another combo lock, the Gate All-In-One, has no night vision, for example. However, like the Arlo video doorbell, a stand-alone doorbell camera of the top class usually has night vision.

The field of vision is also limited. While you can see the faces of the visitors, you cannot see if there is a package on your porch. In contrast to many doorbell cameras, it also does not have recognition functions that can draw your attention to a person, an animal or a package on your veranda. In addition, you cannot adjust the area where the camera records.

Long installation

The only thing that really annoyed me about the vision was the installation. I have to admit, I had to grit my teeth and just swear a little in the end.

There are 52 steps before you can get this lock working.

Most Smart Locks have the installation guide in the app, but not this. You need to download the separate BILT app and then search for the vision lock to get the installation instructions. The quick start guide that came with the lock provides basic instructions, but they're not particularly good.

Lockly Vision installation partsAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

There are also 52 steps before you can get this lock working. If you don't have much patience (like me), the installation of this lock will frustrate you. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish for a level-headed person or a little longer if you are an impatient person like me.

Why are there so many steps to installing the vision? In addition to the actual lock, the Vision also requires a door sensor attached to the door frame and a connected Vision Connect hub. You need the hub for the camera and voice command functions to work. I would mention that the time it takes to install the lock here is just as long / long as installing a separate door lock and a video doorbell.

Battery life

My biggest problem with smart locks is when the batteries are empty. Who really wants to maintain their door lock frequently? I was happy to learn that the vision can last up to 1 year with a set of fresh AA batteries. I really hoped there would be a rechargeable battery, but smart locks don't usually have this option, so I can't be too upset. After about a week of using the lock, the battery level is still 100% according to the app. This is comforting to know, as video streaming usually discharges the battery, but we're still excited to see how it works after a month.

Our opinion

The Lockly vision seems to have it all. It offers countless automation options, a camera, two-way audio, a keyboard, a key option and even a fingerprint sensor. While most of the features were fantastic, I was a little disappointed with the camera. It was just not very clear and the lack of night vision worried me. Overall, however, I think that anyone who buys the vision will be very happy with it. It's an innovative Smart Lock in almost every way, and even if the camera isn't the best, it's still a nice addition to a fantastic Smart Lock.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to Smart Lock functions, no. On the other hand, great doorbell cameras like the Ring Video Doorbell 2 or the Arlo Video Doorbell in combination with a cheaper Smart Lock like August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or the Nest X Yale Lock can be a good option if you are concerned about that Camera.

Will it take?

The Lockly Vision is very robust and works at temperatures from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. So it seems that it lasts a very long time. There is also a limited 5-year warranty on mechanics and finish, and a 2-year warranty on electronics.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you can afford the price, this is a fantastic smart lock if you can live with mediocre camera quality.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jun
Blog

LG Velvet Review: As Svelte and Slinky as the Name Suggests

lg velvet review back

LG Velvet Review: LG's flagship is finally competitive again

"LG throws away its old designs and comes back with the smartest phone it has ever made."

  • Great design

  • Nice screen

  • Waterproof and durable

  • Decent battery life

  • Camera needs to be improved

  • No screen refresh rate of 90 Hz / 120 Hz

Someone woke up at LG, looked at the smartphone edition in recent years and said, "No, that's all wrong. Let's start again."

The result is the LG Velvet, the most interesting smartphone in LG's ages. Gone is the confusing ThinQ branding. The legacy of the G-and-the-V series was included in the history books. After all, LG designers didn't just look at the last phone they wrote and thought, "Whatever. We'll just do it again."

Instead, the Velvet has a fascinating new design that fits its new, catchy name. But even if you remember the name, do you want to buy one?

design

Compared to newer LG phones, the LG Velvet is wonderfully thin. But how does it stack up next to other cellphones that vie for your attention? It is still asserting itself. It's elegant, light, stylish, colorful and full of interesting flourishes that make it unique.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Hyperbole? No. The LG Velvet is 7.9 mm thick, but due to LG's curved “3D Arc Design” concept, it feels even slimmer than the one in your hand. The edges taper strongly and the overall shape of the body is reminiscent of OnePlus 8 Pro. It weighs only 180 grams. In those days when phones regularly tip over 200 and even 220 grams on the scales, the Velvet is positively feathery.

My test model came in Aurora Green, which looks great. It reminds me of Bentley's green green and when you put it in the sun it shimmers and glows. There are several other equally pretty colors, including Illusion Sunset, which looks a little like Samsung's Aura Glow.

Yes, we've been seeing great colors on phones for a few years now, but not on an LG phone. Welcome to 2020, LG. It's nice to have you.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera array is also special. The two lower lenses and the flash are arranged in a raindrop formation that gets smaller as the lenses decrease. The main lens is a bit proud, but not very proud. It would have been nice if it was also flush, but it is not unattractive. I particularly like that the inner lens frame is the same green color as the body.

LG has attached the volume buttons and the special Google Assistant button on the side of the case opposite the power switch. For right-handed people, it's ergonomically not the best. The Google Assistant button is snug against the body of the phone and I never accidentally pressed it. I never pressed it deliberately and wondered why it was there.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The disadvantage of the velvet is its sharp edges. Sharp-edged phones all have the same problem. They are not comfortable to hold. The velvet is no exception. It's not pleasant to hold on to. Apart from that, the design of the phone is a win. It is light, stylish and modern.

Screen and audio

The LG Velvet is large and slim due to its P-OLED screen with an aspect ratio of 20.5: 9, which measures 6.8 inches and has a resolution of 2,460 x 1,080 pixels. This brings it close to the 21: 9 aspect ratio that Motorola has adopted for the Edge Plus. Despite the curved edges, the screen doesn't cascade over the sides, and there's a substantial bezel over, under, and under both sides of the phone.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although LG does not mention this in the press materials, the Velvet supports HDR10 and likes to play HDR content from YouTube. I like the central tear section of the selfie camera. Since we see more oversized, pill-shaped double selfie cameras on high-end phones, this is a neat and unobtrusive alternative.

The sound comes from stereo speakers that sound great. My favorite video test channel is Carfection, and the review of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye shows the best of the LG Velvet. The rugged sound of the Hellcat Redeye's V8 and the wild whine of the compressor are as important as the colorful graphics, all shot in the blazing sunshine. The velvet treats both sides well and offers a visual and acoustic pleasure.

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom, but unfortunately the excellent Quad DAC that can be seen on many older LG phones is not yet included. It's such a shame that the Velvet just sounds normal without it with wired headphones. However, if you connect headphones to Bluetooth, you will get AptX HD, provided they support the codec with a higher resolution.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Disadvantage? The screen does not have a high refresh rate, which prevents many potential buyers from doing so. A variety of alternatives, from the OnePlus 8 to the Samsung Galaxy S20, offer a high refresh rate as a standard function or as an optional mode.

The LG Velvet's display is not the brightest, and I found that the brightness in the sunlight or when watching videos during the day must be maximum. I also found that the palm rejection was a little hypersensitive when I grabbed the slightly curved edges of the phone. Nevertheless, the screen of the LG Velvet is solid overall and is supported by strong audio.

camera

The camera lenses on the back of the LG Velvet are arranged in an attractive raindrop formation. You will find a 48 megapixel 1: 1.8 sensor, an 8 megapixel 1: 2.2 sensor and a 5 megapixel 1: 2.4 depth sensor.

On paper, this is not great, not when some mid-range phones cost less than LG Velvet and offer more. The Edge Plus from Motorola, for example, increases the main sensor to 108 MP and is not alone. Other options, such as Samsung and Huawei flagships, double the zoom.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Does real performance overcome these perceived specification constraints? Not really, no.

The LG Velvet's camera is anything but bad, but inconsistent, and that can be frustrating. The wide angle takes very sharp photos with a strong HDR effect with a bright blue sky, intensified green and strong red tones. However, use the main lens, and the camera will forget about all of this and take photos that are a bit washed out. Sometimes shots are sharpened so much that they look beyond the world.

Bokeh portrait mode has poor edge detection, zoom mode (which isn't supported by a telephoto lens) is only twice (and the results aren't particularly good), and the app is frustrated when trying to between Wide angle standard switch and 2x modes.

I also lost the number of times Google Assistant was activated instead of quickly opening the camera using the lock screen swipe shortcut.

A positive note is that many photos are very detailed. If you agree with the HDR look, some of the wide-angle shots can be shared instantly.

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LG could fix or at least fix the inconsistencies with software updates. However, as tested here, it needs to be improved to highlight. Flagship phones usually have good cameras, and the best ones are truly exceptional. LG's Velvet cannot delete this bar.

Performance and software

The LG Velvet has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with 5G connectivity and, depending on the model available, either 6 GB or 8 GB RAM. My review phone has 6 GB of RAM. Here are some benchmark results:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 2,708 (volcano)

Geekbench 5: 1856 multi core / 580 single core

The Motorola Edge is a strong competitor to the LG Velvet, and its results are essentially the same. I didn't notice any significant differences in overall everyday performance or gameplay either. Asphalt 9 Legends is great with the standard graphics settings and 1945 was played smoothly. Casual games fit the Snapdragon 756G, but cannot be compared to mobile phones with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 like the OnePlus 8, which is a very strong alternative to the LG Velvet.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Like the Motorola Edge, the LG Velvet is fast enough for everyday use. It doesn't get hot, it plays casual games easily and does everything I wanted without fuss. Hardcore cellphone players will want the flagship chip, but if you watch videos, use social networking apps, make calls, and take photos, for example, you'll be happy with the Velvet's performance. Call quality is also good, but since my region doesn't have 5G connectivity, I couldn't test this feature.

The LG Velvet has Android 10 with the Android security patch from June 1, 2020 as well as LG's own user interface. It's closer to Samsung's OneUI than Android on a Google Pixel, but neat, colorful, and uniform in design. An app tray and a conventionally designed notification shadow complement a great gesture control system that is quick and fluid. However, I find some of the app animations slow, e.g. For example, opening a folder and then opening an app. It takes a beat longer than it should and is particularly noticeable on a non-LG phone.

Battery and security

A 4,300 mAh battery keeps the screen on the Velvet illuminated, with 25 W wired charging and wireless charging to fill it up. A fingerprint sensor is set very low on the screen. Just like the LG G8X ThinQ, face unlock is not available. I would like to have it there, but the fingerprint sensor is obviously safer and thankfully quick and reliable.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Locking restrictions mean that most of my phone is connected to Wi-Fi. The average daily usage is two or three hours. Video calls, voice calls, apps and the camera are at the top of my usage list.

The battery has a good lifespan, but not as good as other phones under the same conditions. When I went to bed it was up to 10% on my most used days, which makes me suspect that it doesn't take more than a day when there is no Wi-Fi connection.

Dual screen case

LG offered its own version of dual-screen cell phones with a case of the LG G8X ThinQ. Instead of going all-in on a folding screen, LG uses a second screen attached to a case. It's a heavier, less elegant solution than the Samsung Galaxy Fold, but it's cheaper and (probably) more durable in the long run.

This time, the dual-screen case is sold separately and not bundled together like the LG G8X ThinQ. It adds a second 6.8-inch P-OLED screen to the Velvet that wraps everything in a protective white or black plastic wrap with a small 2.1-inch screen on the front so you can still check the time and view notifications.

I didn't mind covering up the LG G8X ThinQ in the case, as it's not particularly pretty, but the Velvet is different.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I didn't want to put it in a pocket and didn't like the mass it added to the slim velvet. It adds 129 grams to the 180 gram LG Velvet, a significant increase, and increases the overall depth from 7.9 mm to 14.4 mm without the dual screen case. It does not have its own battery and is powered by the phone. To charge the velvet with the attached case, you need to use a small magnetic adapter, which can definitely be lost.

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So is it a miss?

In fact, there is a lot to like with the dual screen if you can overcome the extra size. From opening a separate browser window to using the case's 360-degree hinge to create a stand for watching videos to using the main screen as a control for selected games, this can be helpful. The user interface is also solid and its use is logical and straightforward.

LG told me that they expect people to turn the case on and off instead of leaving it on all the time. Although the screen folds around the back of the phone so it won't interfere, I preferred to remove the case for general use. On the other hand, I rarely found a compelling reason to put it back on.

Price and availability

The LG Velvet costs EUR 650 in Europe, which corresponds to a price of around USD 735. LG has not announced the official price in the United States and has left pricing to local airlines in the past. The launch date in the U.S. is also unknown at the time of writing, but the phone is now available in South Korea and parts of Europe. So expect more news soon.

Our opinion

For LG, the LG Velvet is a significant advance in phone design. The screen is as beautiful as most other phones, but it's a shame that the camera hasn't made any similar progress. I love the slim body, the performance is more than enough for most people and the battery life is decent.

However, I need a camera that takes great photos all the time, and the Velvet doesn't quite deliver. This is the phone's biggest weakness and will take the Velvet out of the competition for frequent smartphone photographers.

Is there a better alternative?

On the basis of the euro price as a basis for comparison, the LG Velvet can face the OnePlus 8 (699 euros) and the Motorola Edge (599 euros). Expect these phones to compete with LG Velvet when it launches in the U.S. and UK.

The OnePlus 8 is the better buy because of the faster processor, better camera, higher screen refresh rate and great software. However, the LG Velvet is lighter and more attractive, which makes it stand out. The OnePlus 8 and the LG Velvet both defeat the Motorola Edge, which also has a mediocre camera and struggles with some software quirks.

How long it will take?

The LG Velvet may be slim and slim, but it's also robust. The body has an IP68 waterproof rating and meets the MIL-STD 810G toughness test, making it durable. The 5G connection makes the Velvet a good buy for the future, too, because even if you don't have a 5G signal near you now, it may come later, and the phone gives you the chance to try it out without trying a new one buy phone.

Android 10 is now installed and updates the software. The company has been slow to upgrade older phones to Android 10, which means that an update to Android 11 may not be done very quickly later this year.

Should you buy it

Yes. The LG Velvet is an attractive, lightweight phone that performs well across the board, although it doesn't have a single outstanding function.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jun
Blog

Pokemon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor DLC Review

Pokémon Sword and Shield The Isle of Armor DLC

Pokémon Sword and Shields DLC review "The Isle of Armor": summer vacation

"The Isle of Armor is improving Pokémon Sword and Shield's open-world experiments with a slight expansion."

  • Improved wild area

  • Thoughtful exploration game

  • Reward side quests

  • Many new Pokémon

  • Battle lights

  • Missing long-term value

Pokémon Sword and Shield's DLC "The Isle of Armor" is as bold as it is inevitable for the franchise. The series has always flirted with the idea that Pokémon is a long-tailed official game, but has taken small steps to the altar.

That's because Game Freaks' approach to its main RPGs has always had a strange tension. Players are asked to tie lifelong ties with their monsters, but they can just as easily be thrown to the side of the road when next year's sequel or remake comes. Isle of Armor is the first time the developer has asked players to continue their journey instead of leading them on a new adventure.

While the expansion lacks the depth needed to make Pokémon Sword and Shield an enticing experience, Isle of Armor is a pleasant little coda that enhances some of the best ideas in the base game.

Pokemon Isle of Armor

Wild Area take two

The extension is on a brand new island east of Sword and Shields Galar with a British flavor. The eponymous Isle of Armor has a completely different feeling and swaps in industrial cities for sunny beaches that are more like the Alola region of sun and moon.

The compact locale is a successful second draft of the Wild Area, the extensive base game field populated with Pokémon. While the Wild Area often felt separate from the rest of the game, the new island is a more natural implementation of the idea. Lush marshes weave seamlessly into remote caves and shady forests. Moving from place to place feels fluid, as if the island were a coherent ecosystem.

It's not just the interconnected design of the island that makes it work better. The history of the expansion is based on the new location. Isle of Armor sends players to a dojo and asks them to complete a series of exams. Each mission is less about fighting than exploring every corner of the island. An early quest lets players run through marshland to hunt three fast slowpokes (an adorable oxymoron). It is a cute micromission that offers a good narrative reason to look at the landscape.

The best example of this design comes from a subquest asking players to find 150 Alolan Diglets. The creatures are scattered across every sector of the island and players receive Alolan Pokémon in return for their location. To find them all, players have to search every corner of the new location. It is a simple activity that rewards those who learn the world internally and externally.

Moving from place to place feels fluid, as if the island were a coherent ecosystem.

The compromise to exploration-oriented gameplay is that the DLC is very easy in battle. Throughout the campaign there are only a handful of short battles that may not be necessary. I arrived on the island with a Pokémon team that was pushing level 70. The enemies scale a bit to the level of the players so that someone starting sword and shield can drop by, but most of the time I was 10 levels above my opponents. I've survived almost every battle with nothing but a pelipper.

There's no challenge for fans who continued to play Pokémon Sword and Shield after the end credits, but Isle of Armor isn't about increasing the difficulty. It is a sightseeing tour for players of all skill levels.

Pokemon Blastoise

Known faces

It's hard to revisit Sword and Shield without thinking about the Dexit controversy that didn't affect the game's record sales. For some Diehards, Game Freak's decision to reduce the number of Pokémon in the game was a nail in the coffin of the series. Others loved the move, which made filling out Galars Pokédex an achievable goal.

The expansion pays off for Sword and Shield's originally slimmed-down squad.

It seemed pretty obvious that despite contradicting statements from Game Freak, the games would add more creatures over time. Isle of Armor puts over 100 Pokémon into the game, including many favorites from the original 151.

The well-timed addition is very effective on some levels. For fans who have been conditioned to catch them all, there is a new Pokédex that they can fill. The competition scene is also reissued, and Pokémon from the past of the games enter the online arena. In the meantime, those who were sad that their favorites didn't make the original cut had reason to celebrate.

With the addition of some new Gigantamax shapes and raids, the expansion of Sword and Shield's originally slimmed down list is paying off. When the Crown Tundra DLC adds another batch in November, the final version of the game should feel closer to what the naysayers wanted from day one.

What now?

After exploring the island for a few hours and slowly reviewing the story's tasks, I came across a Wailord-sized roadblock. To push the campaign forward, I had to develop Kubfu, the expansion's newest Pokémon. To do that, I would have to do a five-fight fight with my little gray mate.

The catch? An NPC told me that Kubfu should be around level 70 to prepare for the fight. He joined my group at level 10.

Despite the hundreds of creatures to collect and the vast areas to explore, Pokémon's endgame is still incredibly limited.

I had enough Exp. Candy to catapult him to this request, but I wanted to see what it was like to train him naturally. In less than an hour, something became crystal clear: there is not much to do after defeating Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Despite the hundreds of creatures to collect and the vast areas to explore, Pokémon's endgame is still incredibly limited. If I wanted to train the old-fashioned way, I had the opportunity to lead the championship for the 100th time or to fight wild Pokémon. In the end, I chose the candy method.

Isle of Armor brings some new features, but it doesn't add much value to the base game in the long run. The closest comes the new restricted sparring mode, a challenging variant of the Battle Tower. When the story was done, I was back exactly where I was when I beat the game last year: a PC full of Pokémon and nothing to do with it.

Perhaps Game Freak's concerns about modernizing the franchise's business model were justified all along. Maybe Pokémon games should be finally conquered. Maybe the fun is starting over. Isle of Armor isn't a strong argument for changing how long players stay in a Pokémon game, but it's a sunny break as they wait for their next trip to begin.

Our opinion

The Isle of Armor is an easy summer vacation for old and new players. The focus on exploration successfully builds on the experiments of the base game in open world design. The DLC misses the opportunity to turn Pokémon Sword and Shield into a long-term experience, but does offer players a good reason to log in to their friends.

Is there a better alternative?

Unless a new main role-playing game is surprisingly released this year, Isle of Armor is the only thing that will satisfy the craving for Pokémon until the DLC in November.

How long it will take?

It took about five hours to finish the campaign, find two thirds of the Alolan Diglett, and thoroughly explore each sector of the island.

Should you buy it

Yes, if you just want more Pokémon sword and shield. It's not a breakthrough package, but it's a fun excuse to see some old favorite monsters.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jun
Blog

Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro Review: 5G For Just $500

xiaomi poco f2 pro rating jacket

Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro Test: 5G for only $ 500

"The Poco F2 Pro offers a lot of performance and 5G support at an affordable price, but the camera can't keep up with the best."

  • Competitive price of $ 500

  • Top processor and 5G

  • OLED screen looks great

  • Long battery life

  • Entertaining macro camera mode

  • Import in the USA only

  • Camera disappointed

  • No water resistance

The Poco F2 Pro with a Snapdragon 865 processor, 5 G, 8 GB RAM and a 64 megapixel camera module with three lenses is very tempting.

But wait, haven't you heard of Poco? I can't blame you. The company, which is part of the Xiaomi empire, made headlines in August 2018 for the first time with the Pocophone F1, a competent smartphone with excellent technical data and a low price.

Poco has released several devices since then, but none has nearly matched the appeal of the original – until now. The F2 Pro seems to have everything we liked about the Pocophone F1. But can it still not only compete with other flagship hardware, but also with the new inexpensive, desirable smartphones?

design

The Poco F2 Pro is similar in size to the OnePlus 8 Pro and has the same aluminum and Gorilla Glass 5 construction, but with a slightly smaller 6.67-inch AMOLED screen on the front. A motorized selfie camera keeps the viewing area free of interruptions. However, this setting means a high total weight of 219 grams. There is also no IP protection class for water or dust resistance.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This problem has affected the OnePlus 7T and the similarities don't end there. Like the OnePlus phone, the reversing camera is located in a circular module with four sensors, while the flash unit is located outside. I like the etched ring that runs around the camera module and strikes through the flash. It gives a certain character to the back of the phone, as does the curved X-like pattern on the surface of the module.

The rear glass has a matt surface. It can be seen here in the usual Cyber ​​Gray color, but striking purple and blue models are also available. Though not overly reflective, it still attracts a lot of fingerprints, and I'm disappointed to see that it has already scratched an inch long. This is a surprise as it has spent most of the time at home due to restricted restrictions, not in bags or pockets. However, Poco contains a transparent silicone sleeve in the packaging.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

On the side there is an on / off switch and a volume rocker that are easy to find and press. However, the on / off switch can use a different texture to match its bright red color. There is a built-in fingerprint sensor with an excellent placement because my thumb is connected to it almost every time without having to search for it or stretch it. It is reliable and gives a pleasant vibration when activated, but it is not particularly fast. The motorized camera works for the face release, but only after the screen has been wiped up by the lock. So it is not faster than the fingerprint sensor.

I don't think the Poco F2 Pro is stunning, but the circular camera module makes it stand out from many other phones available today, and that's a good thing. At 8.9 mm it is bulky, which, together with the relatively high weight, means that it never feels slim, but is comfortable to hold. Enthusiastic smartphone fans will see that the Poco F2 Pro looks identical inside and out to the less common Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro.

camera

Let's look at the technical data before we go any further. The main camera has 64 megapixels with an aperture of 1: 1.9, while the wide angle has 13 megapixels and an aperture of 1: 2.4. There is a 5 megapixel macro camera and a 2 megapixel depth camera. The motorized selfie camera has 20 megapixels and an aperture of 1: 2.2.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Photo quality is reasonable, but not as good as it should be for these specifications. Photos cannot have dynamic range, and the camera does not enjoy challenging lighting situations, indicating that the exposure levels are off. The results are variable and this inconsistency is frustrating. For every recording I liked, there were two that had to be edited before they could be released.

I like the macro function. Often these modes are hit or miss with inferior focus and quality, but the Poco F2 Pro focuses well with limited prompts, and the 5-megapixel sensor means the results are high enough to be shared. Portrait mode provides good edge detection, but is affected by the main camera's different exposure and dynamic range problems. I really like the selfie camera because portrait mode effectively blurs the background.

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The price of the Poco F2 Pro reflects the attention paid to camera tuning. It's decent, but can't keep up with OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8 Pro.

screen

You'll see a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED screen with an aspect ratio of 20: 9 and a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, as well as support for HDR10 Plus. It contradicts a significant trend in the industry by not having a significant curve on the sides. The Poco F2 Pro has a flat screen with only a slight curvature of the glass on the sides, which does not affect the display or the displayed image.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

By default, the screen has a cool palette, but is filled with details. A good example of this is the BMW M3 CSL video on the always beautifully recorded YouTube channel from Carfection. The silver-gray metallic color of the car takes on a strong, highly metallic hue compared to the less harsh silver that appears on the screen of the iPhone 11 Pro. The deep sun in this special video is autumnal on the iPhone and brighter but less atmospheric on the Poco F2 Pro.

If you look at the display settings, you can set the color palette to warm or cold and even adjust the gamut yourself. I was completely satisfied with the default setting despite the overall coolness.

None of this is a criticism, and I like the Poco F2 Pro's screen, which looks much better than you'd expect for a $ 500 smartphone. However, the audio is a little disappointing. The sound comes almost exclusively from a single speaker on the bottom of the phone, with only a small fill coming from the speaker above the screen.

The Poco F2 Pro has a 3.5mm headphone jack and the sound quality is very good.

software

The software is Android 10 with MIUI 11 at the top of my Poco F2 Pro. After recently reviewing the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro and finding some software problems, I approached the F2 Pro with some concern, but in true MIUI form, it's a lot better here than the Mi 10 Pro. Why MIUI's performance differs from phone to phone remains a mystery, even if it is technically quite similar.

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Yes, the software experience on the Poco F2 Pro is solid. It is reliable and stable, and notifications are always delivered and even appear on the surrounding screen when the phone is locked. It may sound silly to highlight them as positive, but anything can happen with MIUI. The Poco F2 Pro didn't frustrate me.

MIUI's aesthetics are appealing, with a simple layout and design that differs from the look of Android on Google Pixel, but not annoying. The notification shadow, gesture control, app drawer, and settings screen are very similar to those used elsewhere in the best versions of Android. The overall speed is good too.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it is not perfect. Edge detection is poor, even though the screen does not have a strong curve. Palm rejection is the main problem, and simply holding the phone down sometimes prevents the keyboard from recognizing input. I don't like the many additional apps and features that MIUI adds, like the security center, the additional browser, and the system cleaner. In addition, eBay, WPS Office and LinkedIn apps do not have to be preinstalled.

Power and battery

The Poco F2 Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor with 6 GB or 8 GB RAM, depending on the model purchased. My test model had 6 GB of RAM. I played Asphalt 9 Legends without any problems and enjoyed the shooter 1945, which highlighted the pleasant haptic feedback of the F2 Pro. Here are the benchmark results:

Geekbench 5: 3325 Multi Core / 910 Single Core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 6,618 (volcano)

The results are almost identical to those of the OnePlus 8, which has the same processor and improves on the Samsung Galaxy S20 with Exynos technology. Given the price difference between these three phones, the Poco F2 Pro makes sense if you want a casual phone instead of photography.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 4,700 mAh battery has serious legs and is even more a friend of the player. Although my phone was largely connected to Wi-Fi, it still had to deal with social media, apps, video calls, photos, videos, and some games. Nevertheless, most days end with more than 50% remaining time.

A 30 W quick charger is included. After 20 minutes, the phone rose from 3% to 41% and fully charged in almost an hour and 10 minutes. That is an excellent charging performance.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Poco F2 Pro is available in two different versions, a 6 GB / 128 GB model and an 8 GB / 256 GB configuration. The 6 GB / 128 GB Poco F2 Pro can be bought in the U.S. through an importer like Gearbest, where it costs $ 499. In the UK, the higher specification phone is officially available through Xiaomi's online store for £ 549 or about $ 689.

The guarantee depends on where you buy the phone. Some importers provide a guarantee. Therefore, check this before buying. In the UK, Xiaomi grants a two-year warranty on its devices, which covers the Poco F2 Pro and protects against manufacturing defects.

Our opinion

Outside of the very reasonable price, there is a lot to do for the Poco F2 Pro. The long battery life, fast charging, attractive screen and strong overall performance make it an enticing offer. However, the camera is inconsistent and the software needs to be improved in some areas.

Is there a better alternative?

The Poco F2 Pro's close rivals include the UK's $ 700/600 OnePlus 8 and $ 700/549 Motorola Edge. If you haven't opted for Android, consider Apple iPhone 11 for $ 700. The OnePlus 8 is hard to ignore as it has a similarly excellent screen and fast processor, combined with a better camera and better software.

We also recommend taking a look at two of the cheapest and most powerful smartphones currently available – the Apple iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 3a. Both cost $ 399 and are very powerful. The Pixel 3a camera is truly outstanding, and the overall performance and design of the iPhone SE make it a winner. The Poco F2 Pro offers an excellent price-performance ratio, but is not as sophisticated as one of these recommended smartphones.

It is important to note that the Poco F2 Pro is identical to the Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro, which is not widely used outside of China and, unlike the F2 Pro, may not have the same access to Google Play if you use it for international use acquire.

How long it will take?

The Poco F2 Pro is not waterproof and has no durable body. The scope of delivery includes a case that I can recommend if you want to avoid the scratches that my test device has already picked up. Xiaomi updates MIUI regularly, and MIUI 12 is expected to be available sometime in the future, but it will take longer for Android version updates to become available.

Due to the excellent technical data, the Poco F2 Pro should remain fast and powerful for several years, and it also has 5G. While 5G isn't widely used at the moment, it will be in the future, and the Poco F2 Pro is a great way to get next-generation connectivity now.

Should you buy it

No, you should buy the OnePlus 8 instead if you're looking for a powerful, affordable smartphone that's easy to buy. This is mainly due to the software experience that is great with the OnePlus and the camera setup. Apart from that, the Poco F2 is a very good value if you are looking for something else due to its long battery life, strong processor and attractive screen.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jun
Blog

JLab Epic Sport2 Review: Wired For Workouts

JLab Epic Sport2 earphones

"The Epic Sport2 is another pair of weatherproof, durable fitness buds from JLab."

  • Several customization options

  • IP66 weatherproof

  • 20 hours of playback

From an outside perspective, JLab appears to be taking advantage of the qualities of its popular Epic Air Sport wireless earbuds, attaching them to a set with a wire on the two buds, and lowering the price by $ 100.

While not quite cut and dried – JLab's new $ 49 Epic Sport2 has some significant differences besides a cable and a drop in price – it feels like it has the same sound quality as the real wireless earbuds looking for these but want a cheaper price and no matter a cable, these headphones are made for you. These fourth generation buds are still primarily intended for workouts like their predecessors, and although they may not be the same real wireless spectacle as the Epic Air Sport, the Epic Sport2 are damn good for fitness.

Out of the box

The packaging of the Epic Sport2 is simple, but usual for JLab conditions: a sky-blue box with a small selection of goodies. There are the buds themselves, which sit in plastic form, as well as a practical, foldable quick start guide and a small carrying case, in which a charging cable, additional earplugs and "Cush fins" (these are the foam pads of the buds against which they are attached) are attached to yours Ear, for those who are not familiar with JLab's jargon).

JLab Epic Sport2 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The power switch of the inline remote control brings the Epic Sport2 to life and has a voice prompt that greets you with a "Hello". The buds go into pairing mode after pressing the power button for eight seconds. You can then access your mobile device's Bluetooth settings to end the connection. This process is not as easy as buds, which automatically switch to pairing mode the first time they are unpacked. However, the setup is simple.

design

I am the first to say that I was not immediately satisfied with the fit and comfort of the Epic Sport2. That's why the company naturally has as many additional sets of earplugs and cush fins as it does.

JLab Epic Sport2 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

JLab contains four sets of standard gel earplugs that I usually like. However, the set of three-flange foam earplugs proved to be the most comfortable for me and in this case best suited my ear canals. I had to swap the cush fins for another of the three sets and finally found something with a little more padding to press against my ears.

This solved my comfort problem. The badly fitting buds were immediately comfortable to wear on long runs and very safe. All credit to JLab: you may recognize more than others that ears are not one size and offer you a wide range of the right tools to find out what works best for you.

The black earbuds (the only color JLab offers with these buds) are not tiny themselves, but they are not too big either. I think they find a decent balance. The ear hooks to which they are attached are flexible, if slightly thin, and merge into a thin wire that runs from one ear to the next. At 14.8 grams, these buds are lighter overall than the Epic Air Sport, which weighs 10 grams per bud. During a week of runs and workouts, I can probably count the number of times I had to readjust these buds.

The lightweight and comfortable fit combines a range of earbuds that are excellent in design for the intended purpose: training.

The carrying case for the Epic Sport2 resembles a stripped-down sunglasses holder with the JLab logo on the cover. I wouldn't say that the case is pocket sized, unfortunately – it's too big for this nickname. That means the case balances its mass with additional certainty. I can safely say that it is sturdy enough to fit in your backpack or training bag without fear of damaging the earbuds.

properties

Overall, it was the characteristics of the JLab Epic Air Sport that made them our favorite earphones for training. It's no surprise that JLab has retained many of these features with the Epic Sport2.

JLab Epic Sport2 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Epic Air Sport had a weather protection class of IP66, which protected them from strong water jets and made them completely dustproof. The Epic Sport2 receives the same treatment and again offers these buds better protection than the Powerbeats Pro (IP56) and the Jabra Elite Active 75t (IP57).

The Epic Air Sport had a playback time of 10 hours on a single charge, with an outrageous additional charge of 60 hours available in its case. The Epic Sport2 is not quite as generous in terms of battery life, but it does offer 20 hours of playback – eight hours better than the previous Epic Sport – and a quick charge feature that lets you plug in 1.5 hours of playback in just 10 minutes. That's probably a lot of battery for most fitness-minded people, and frankly I'm still working on using them to discharge the battery from these buds after a little over a week.

Both the real wireless and wireless versions feature Bluetooth 5 technology with an estimated range of over 30 feet. With the Epic Sport2, I would say the range was accurate because I was able to move the buds between my front and back yards without failure, while my phone stayed in place on my porch. The buds only support the AAC and SBC audio codecs, and I would have liked aptX to be included in the mix. However, this isn't a deal breaker for earphones under $ 100.

The inline remote control offers the ability to control the volume, pause / play, change tracks and call your preferred voice assistant. It's not as easy a process as the better touchpads on the market, but it still works for most requirements.

Audio quality

Let's just admit it: we're all podcast listeners during training these days, right? There's nothing better than hearing Marc Maron's pontificate about life during the WTF podcast as he crosses a six-mile run.

JLab Epic Sport2 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

You don't need great sound quality for Maron, though it does offer some tremendous transition guitar riffs. But at some point, podcasts lose their shine for a moment and you find yourself going to your go-to playlist. JLab knew that at some point you would come to the musical side of things and prepared accordingly.

The same dynamic 8mm neodymium magnet drivers power both the real wireless Epic Air Sport and these Epic Sport2 buds. Both have a three-mode EQ that offers Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost modes.

In this sense, our original thoughts on the audio quality of the Epic Air Sport apply a year later with the Epic Sport2. The different EQ modes help the buds work well for different genres, with the signature mode being the best mode to produce the most sound. We said the Powerbeats Pro had more fidelity than the Epic Air Sport back then, and this comparison applies here too. A more comparable option for the Epic Sport2 may be the 1More Dual Driver ANC, a pair of earphones that are also wired together. They're not training-ready earbuds, but they do offer superior sound quality for around $ 100 more than what the Epic Sport 2 offers in retail.

There is a fairly problematic area of ​​the sound quality of the Epic Sport2: calls. The JLab website says the Epic Sport2 has built-in microphones for phone calls – and I believe them – but based on my experience, I just don't think they are very good. Especially when I was traveling, the primary environment for which these buds were intended, both ends of my calls encountered a certain scratchiness, as if the buds themselves were trying to clear their throats. I don't know if you will make many calls during an intense workout. Maybe this is not a big problem. Still, it's a subject worth mentioning.

Our opinion

The JLab Epic Sport2 are almost the likeness of their true wireless cousins, the Epic Air Sport, with solid features and sound quality in a design that is explicitly geared towards athletes, and they even saved a few dollars. The only advantages are that you need to be fine with a wire that occasionally tickles your neck, and know that at best, you expect sub-average call quality.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Epic Air Sport was originally retailed for $ 149 and offers a more convenient, real wireless design, albeit at a higher cost. If you like the connected style of the Epic Sport2 but don't need a workout-centered pair of buds, the ANC Dual Driver Dual Driver sounds great for $ 150 and offers active noise cancellation.

How long will they last?

JLab offers a two-year warranty and airtight weather resistance. I don't think these buds will soon stall.

Should you buy them

Yes. Call quality is a hit with the Epic Sport2, and real wireless has far exceeded the popularity of the connected look, but you can't deny the features and design of these sweet-sounding buds. In short, they're as good for workouts as the Epic Air Sport at a fraction of the price.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jun
Blog

How To Apply Eye Cream: Are You Doing It Wrong?

Crow's feet, under-eye bags, dark circles … the eye area can be a collection of your worst skin care nightmares. Since this area is sensitive and particularly prone to skin problems, it is important to apply the eye cream correctly. Are you afraid that you are doing it wrong? Here is the Eminence Organics Instructions for the correct use of the eye cream and why you need it at all:

What to do before you apply

It sounds simple, but one of the first things you should do is prepare the area before using it. Wipe off all traces of makeup with Eminence Organics Herbal Eye Makeup Remover or an oil-based cleanser like Stone Crop Cleansing Oil. If you wear eyelash extensions, we recommend our herbal eye makeup remover to remove all signs of makeup without damaging your fragile extensions. After cleaning, you can also use Eminence Organics Naseberry Eye Exfoliant. This award-winning product gently exfoliates with fruit enzymes and improves and firms the texture of your skin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36ReO5LyEHo [/ embed]

How to apply eye cream – regularly

The best way to learn how to properly apply eye cream is through the video above as a Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar demonstrates her technique:

  1. Pump or dispense a pea-sized amount of eye cream

  2. Tap under the eye area with your ring finger. Since it is the weakest finger, the ring finger exerts the slightest pressure on this sensitive skin. According to Curlsa gentle application for eye cream is essential.

  3. If the eyes are particularly dry, dab the cream over the forehead bones. This additional application should provide additional moisture that your skin may need.

  4. Use at night and / or during the day if necessary.Eminence Organics Hibiscus Ultra Lift eye cream

How to apply eye cream – rollerball

Natalie also shows in the video above with Eminence Organics how to use a rollerball-style eye cream Hibiscus Ultra Lift eye cream. Here is the Eminence Organics technique for a rollerball eye cream:

  1. Pump a pea-sized amount of eye cream.

  2. Swipe under the eye twice in a circular motion.

  3. Then massage in a circular motion around the eye, including the forehead bone.

  4. Use day and / or night if necessary.

Together with hibiscus and ice wine ingredients, the stainless steel rollerball from Eminence Organics The Hibiscus Ultra Lift eye cream has a cooling effect and helps to decapitate the eye quickly. Do you want to improve this soothing rollerball? Just leave it in the fridge to give your application extra cooling.

Do I really need eye cream?

You may be wondering why you need a special eye cream and whether an extra dose of a regular moisturizer could do the same job. The reason why you need eye cream is because of that fragile skin around your eye has a completely different structure than the skin elsewhere on your face. According to WebMDEye creams have been developed for this sensitive skin and are thicker to provide additional protection. They also contain more active ingredients that target the specific problems that the eye area is prone to. If you want to relieve swelling, fight crow's feet or fight these fine lines, creams that have been specially developed for the eye area should be an essential part of your skin care routine. Learn more about eye care and discover our selection at your nearest authorized Eminence Organics partner spa.

Which Eminence Organics eye cream is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or tell us on social media.

22 Jun
Blog

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Review: Dual-Screen Gaming

Asus Rog Zephyrus Duo 15 Rating 05

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 review: dual-screen gaming in your lap

"The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo Pro 15 offers PC games with two screens like no other laptop."

  • Good performance

  • Intuitive secondary screen

  • Beautiful 4K screen

  • Relatively thin and light

  • Insanely expensive

  • Bad battery life

You have never seen a gaming laptop like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15.

Of course there are other dual screen laptops like the HP Omen X 2S or the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo. The Zephyrus Duo 15 surpasses them all with its flip-up secondary screen, which is integrated directly into the housing.

The starting price of $ 3,700 will put off anyone who is not committed to the idea of ​​having a built-in second screen on their gaming laptop. But for those who are ready to do the dive, the ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 may be the most interesting gaming laptop ever made.

ScreenPad Plus

The secondary screen of this laptop, which Asus calls the ScreenPad Plus, is located under the primary screen and is automatically flipped up when the lid is opened. The frame of the screen looks a bit thin, but I was impressed with how stiff it was. Behind it is a back plate made of magnesium alloy for support. Everything is built into a hinge that enables seamless and stable opening.

The idea of ​​a tiltable secondary screen seems exaggerated – and maybe also. However, the inclination of the ScreenPad Plus has one purpose. The secondary screens of other laptops are all flat on the keyboard deck, which is not a good viewing angle. This is particularly noticeable when you have lights over you.

The Zephyrus Duo 15 solves the problem by supporting the screen in a more natural viewing angle. No more bending or angling. The angle that Asus has reached is not perfect, but far better on a flat surface. However, this angle cannot be adjusted, which is a shame.

While playing, you can easily slide a guide down or create an order, reducing the need to remove the Alt Tab key from a game.

This increased usability may sound easy, but it has inspired me to want to use the second screen more and more. Asus offers a number of proprietary applications and functions for the ScreenPad Plus. There is a handwriting app, a calculator and of course the Armory Crate settings app. Armory Crate is useful for monitoring your system, changing performance modes, and changing lighting settings.

However, the most useful feature of the ScreenPad Plus is a second screen. If you are working from home and do not have access to an external monitor, the ScreenPad Plus ingeniously replaces this. It is great to shutdown Spotify or YouTube while using the primary screen to write or edit photos. While playing, you can easily slide down a guide or build order, reducing the need to remove the Alt Tab key from a game.

Windows 10 already has excellent snap-in functions and lights up on the ScreenPad Plus. With a 20 cm diagonal, the ScreenPad Plus feels big enough to do these types of tasks with ease. The touchscreen function helps and only requires a short swipe to where your hands rest on the keyboard. The possibilities feel endless.

This does not mean that the ScreenPad Plus is a perfect implementation. It's still a little strange to see your cursor shrink down, and there's a slight shade of green on the second screen. I also wish that the distance between the screens was slightly smaller to create a more uniform field of view.

From a software perspective, there are still a few missed options. Windows is simply not well set up to support a second touchscreen. When you play a game, touching the ScreenPad Plus freezes your controls or pauses the game. This is a limitation of Windows, but it stands in the way of the full potential of this design.

performance

The angle of the ScreenPad Plus has a second advantage. According to Asus, there is also a performance gain. Other Zephyrus laptops have a ventilation opening that rises from below and supports the laptop at an angle. The angle of the ScreenPad Plus offers the same advantages for cooling. The fans are located under the gap in the screen and promote airflow and thermal throughout the system, while the bottom of the laptop stays flat.

This is important because some very hot components need to stay cool. The Zephyrus Duo 15 is available in two configurations – and both are extremely high quality. The model I checked is the 4K configuration that was created for content creation. The other is a game-oriented device with a 1080p 300Hz screen. Both cost $ 3,700 and only offer premium specs. You get an Intel Core i9-10980HK processor, an Nvidia RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, 32 GB RAM and 2 TB solid-state storage.

The processor gives you 8 cores and 16 threads to work with, resulting in powerful processor performance. This is also from the latest 10th generation Intel product line, which contains slightly faster boost clock speeds than the previous generation. The Zephyrus Duo 15 impresses in Cinebench R20 and Geekbench 5 with record values ​​for a laptop. The Asus ZenBook Duo Pro was another powerful Core i9 laptop with a second screen last year. The Zephyrus Duo 15 outperforms it in both single-core and multi-core performance. It also gains single-core performance against the Zephyrus G14, an AMD Ryzen 4000 laptop with the same number of cores and threads.

It has a trusted screen where professional color corrections and edits can be done.

I encoded a 4K handbrake video clip in H.265 to test the processor. It wasn't as consistent as I hoped. The first runs were incredibly fast and only lasted one minute and 38 seconds. From there, the runs slowed down 33% and stayed there for the next few tries. That's a solid speed for this processor, although some less expensive laptops like the Dell G5 SE can keep up.

However, the Zephyrus Duo 15 has a powerful CPU and GPU. To see how the system balances a heavy workload, I rendered a two-minute 4K clip in Premiere in ProRes 422. I was particularly interested in these results because Nvidia Dynamic Boost, a new function supported by the Zephyrus Duo 15, is managed by a unique thermal system. The power supply can be shared between the GPU and the CPU. In other words, if an application or game can use more of the GPU, it can run over 100 watts.

The Zephyrus Duo 15 completed the task in 7 minutes and 44 seconds. This is slightly faster than the Dell G5 SE and offers a big head start on the 9th generation Razer Blade that I tested in 2019. However, there are no other Core i9 options like the Dell XPS 15 or the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo. The ZenBook Pro Duo’s thicker casing seems to do more for its video rendering capabilities than Nvidia's Dynamic Boost for the Zephyrus Duo, which is disappointing.

Since my computer was the model for creating 4K content, these tests are critical. The 4K screen is beautiful in itself – a color-calibrated panel with precise colors, 96% AdobeRGB and a contrast ratio of 1,040: 1. The maximum brightness is 381 nits, although the matte surface of the display reduces reflections to a minimum. All of this ensures a trustworthy screen on which professional color corrections and edits can be performed.

Gaming performance

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 offers fantastic gaming performance. If smooth frame rates are your top priority, the 1080p 300Hz model is clearly the model you want. Thanks to the Nvidia RTX 2080 Super Max-Q and G-Sync panel, even the 4K option I tested is a functional gaming laptop.

Because the 4K panel is locked at a refresh rate of 60 Hz, much of the 1080p is wasted, so 4K resolution is a solid option in some games. Civilization VI is a good example. The Zephyrus Duo 15 averaged 70 FPS (frames per second) at 4K with settings at Ultra. The same was true for Battlefield V, where it achieved an average of 56 FPS for Medium in 4K. Sure, the over 90 FPS at 1080p are better, but if you're not connected to an external gaming monitor, those extra 40 FPS won't help.

G-Sync was a big help with gaming and made up for the lower refresh rate of the 4K display.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey was the exception. The Zephyrus Duo 15 mastered this difficult game with 1080p Ultra High with an average of 59 FPS quite well. At 4K, however, it was choppy.

Other gaming laptops that use the RTX 2080 Super Max-Q are slightly faster than the Acer Predator Triton 500. While the Zephyrus Duo 15 isn't the fastest gaming notebook I've tested, I was happy with how It balances warmth, size and performance.

G-Sync has been a great help throughout to compensate for the display's lower refresh rate. Remember that G-Sync is not enabled on the laptop by default. You need to go into the armory and restart the system to turn it on.

design

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is a large laptop. Although Asus only had a 15-inch screen, it took up a lot of space to push in the ScreenPad Plus without crushing the keyboard. The result is a massive bottom bezel under the primary screen. It is absolutely huge and supports the screen higher than a normal 15-inch laptop.

Elsewhere, the Zephyrus Duo 15 does its best to stay in shape. It's only 0.78 inches thick and weighs only 5.3 pounds. The whole system uses a magnesium alloy to keep things light. Asus is right that the use of aluminum would have resulted in a heavy laptop, although the magnesium alloy leaves the slightest bend in the lid.

This is not the right laptop to take to a coffee shop.

This is not my favorite keyboard in the world. Because of this second screen, the keyboard and touchpad are pressed to the bottom of the keyboard deck. This is not the first time Asus has tried this design. Even the Zephyrus S used this design. There are disadvantages, such as the lack of wrist-rest. This makes using the Zephyrus Duo 15 on your lap pretty uncomfortable. On a flat surface, it can even be exhausting and requires a lot of additional space on a table. This isn't the right laptop to take to a coffee shop, but few gaming laptops fit that bill. However, Asus has a palm rest in the box, which is a nice addition.

The key drop feels a bit flat at 1.4 mm, although this is comparable to laptops like the Dell XPS 15 or the Razer Blade. The fast typing takes getting used to when I come from the Dell XPS 15, although I typed quickly after a few hours. The keyboard is equipped with RGB lighting per key, which can be fully adjusted in the settings of the armory.

The Zephyrus Duo 15 uses the same key layout as other Asus gaming laptops like the Zephyrus S. There are some special features, e.g. B. the print screen key between the Alt and Ctrl keys. The function bar (and above the touchpad) gives you quick access to helpful shortcuts such as deactivating the ScreenPad Plus or switching it off completely.

The thin touchpad is to the right of the keyboard, which will always be an afterthought in these designs. The tracking feels responsive, although the size isn't ideal, especially if you're left-handed.

Asus still does not have a built-in webcam for its gaming laptops. This makes the Zephyrus Duo 15 unsuitable for the home life that many of us are currently living. That's a shame for a laptop that can act as both a work machine and a gaming laptop. The laptop also lacks Windows Hello login support, either in the form of a fingerprint reader or an IR camera. Other high-end gaming laptops like the Razer Blade have taken this up in recent years.

The port selection is fantastic and offers a solid mix of gaming must-haves and future security. On the sides of the case there are two USB-A ports, a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port, a headphone jack, a microphone input and your barrel-shaped power plug. Thanks to the Thunderbolt 3 connector, you don't have to constantly lug around the power adapter to keep the laptop charged during occasional use. For full performance, you should of course use the cylinder plug.

On the back, Asus adds HDMI 2.0, an Ethernet socket and an additional USB-A port. The location of these rear ports is convenient and ensures a cleaner desk configuration when fully docked.

Battery life

The battery life of the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is not a highlight. I assumed that this was based on the 4K screen alone. Throw in a second screen and a powerful GPU – and you can't expect much.

The Zephyrus Duo 15 is a G-Sync laptop that blocks GPU usage on the Nvidia card and usually results in terrible battery life. Asus offers the option to switch to Nvidia Optimus mode, which allows the system to automatically switch between graphics. That didn't seem to help – at least not enough.

Without the secondary screen on, the laptop only lasted about two hours. With the screen on, this was reduced to just one hour. Yikes. According to Asus, there were some issues with turning on the Nvidia GPU when it wasn't. During local video playback or surfing in Google Chrome, the system occasionally taxed the graphics card.

That would explain the bad battery life, but it's not a good excuse. Regardless of whether Dynamic Boost or Optimus is the culprit, I expected at least a few more hours from the Zephyrus Duo 15. Despite a large 90 watt hour battery, you should leave this battery connected most of the time.

Our opinion

The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is based on a great idea. I like it when experimental designs like this leave the prototyping stage. The second screen is great, but the Zephyrus Duo 15 is more than just a one-trick pony – it offers both the performance and usability of its second screen. However, $ 3,700 is a high price. That's $ 400 more than a comparable Razer Blade, which was already one of the most expensive gaming laptops you could buy.

This is not the final form of Asus' vision for second-screen computing, but it is the best there has been.

Are there alternatives?

If you are only interested in the second screen, Asus offers the ZenBook Duo. It's not a gaming laptop, but it does offer a similar second screen – except without the raised angle.

Apart from that, no other laptop can reproduce the functions of the Zephyrus Duo 15 on the second screen. There are many gaming laptops that offer excellent performance at a much cheaper price.

How long it will take?

The Zephyrus Duo 15 is robust and well built. The gap under the ScreenPad Plus is worrying. It is not difficult to imagine that things get stuck inside, whether they are small objects or just dust.

Should you buy it

Yes. Not everyone is willing to pay the bill for a second screen bonus, but it's undoubtedly one of the most interesting gaming laptops ever made.

Editor's recommendations




21 Jun
Blog

High-Frequency Fat Loss – What I Learned in Lockdown

When I came to terms with the reality of lockdown, I had to develop strategies that would help my customers continue to achieve their goals. I decided to use the time at home to lose some body fat.

Of course, sensible eating habits were essential, but since my usual physical activity was drastically reduced (this happens when you swap on the gym floor 8 hours a day to sit in front of your laptop), I had to be intelligent about my workout. One of the most important tools I've used for this is high frequency weighted cardio.

To be able to take a high-frequency approach with any training method, you need to be able to recover quickly. When it comes to high-frequency training, high muscle damage and days of pain are the number one enemy of the state!

There is an often neglected training method that causes almost no muscle damage, but provides a strong training stimulus. And that's the way I lean down during the lockdown. Here's how I developed my blocking plan.

Concentric training

There are two main phases of muscle contraction during strength training:

  1. Concentric muscle training
  2. Eccentric muscle training

The concentric phase is when a muscle shortens under tension. You can think of this as the lifting phase. The eccentric is when the muscle lengthens under tension. This is the lowering phase.

Most of the muscle damage occurs in the eccentric phase. By eliminating the eccentric phases, you can reduce the stress, muscle damage, and breakdown that occur with traditional training.

I would not recommend excluding all eccentric workouts from your program indefinitely as the eccentric part of the lift offers many benefits and is a key element of the size and strength puzzle. However, tactically removing the eccentric phase from certain elements of your training can have significant benefits.

Concentric training creates the potential for:

  1. Higher training frequency
  2. More volume

These are both very useful when it comes to fat loss. Even better, a 2017 study (Stock et al., 2017) showed that only concentric strength training (with minimal muscle damage) causes hypertrophy in just 3 to 4 weeks. Concentric training can help you slim down and gain (or at least maintain) muscle mass.

Studies show that only concentric training creates much higher metabolic requirements than eccentric training (Kraemer et al., 2001). Concentric training leads to significantly higher VO2 and lactic acid levels. These increased metabolic costs mean more calories burned.

Improved recovery through concentric training only

Concentric training is very popular in rehabilitation programs for injuries. In the early stages of rehab, many therapists use high-frequency concentric training as the first step in strengthening muscles.

Improved recovery from injuries is an advantage of concentric training. Improved recovery between sessions is also a big plus of concentric work.

Stimulating blood flow to the working muscles improves recovery time from one heavy session to the next. For this reason, only concentric training is a great addition to your regular workout.

Bonus training without overtraining

Concentric training means that you can do “extra” or “bonus” training with a much lower risk of overtraining. Concentric work allows you to get a training stimulus without the mechanical or neurological fatigue caused by regular exercise. As a result, you can do more training with minimal risk that it will interfere with your usual lifting sessions.

The more you can exercise without exceeding your recovery capacity, the better your results. The fact that concentric training gives you the opportunity to increase your workload without exceeding your recovery capacity is a huge bonus when it comes to winning the fight against body fat!

Lifts, concentric lifts and conditioning

Westside Barbell has made concentric sled training popular for conditioning work. Pushing and pulling a sled is an incredibly effective workout for burning fat. I have used it in the programs of countless customers with great impact. This is one of the best ways to maximize fat loss while minimizing muscle loss.

In contrast to conventional cardio, sledge work requires a relatively high resistance. This resistance signals the body to hold the muscles. So you don't lose the trouble of looking like a marathon runner when working with weighted energy systems.

Concentric training at home

Unfortunately, I don't have a sled or I don't have enough outdoor space to use one. Living in central London means that space is scarce. What I have are 6 stairs in my block of flats and I use them to get the same benefits of sledding.

Here's how:

  • I load my backpack with books and dumbbells
  • I go up the six stairs
  • I climb into the elevator and return to the ground floor
  • I repeat for 5-10 sentences

Going up is primarily a concentric activity. By loading my backpack with textbooks and dumbbells, I can add 50 pounds of external load. Climbing stairs is like a hundred weighted steps.

I climb into the elevator to go back down because I'm lazy. Obviously I'm joking, there is actually a method for my insanity / laziness. Going down with 50 pounds of extra weight requires a lot of eccentric work and a lot of muscle damage.

Walking up and down stairs would mean I was sore and it would take longer to recover. As a result, I would not be able to do this on a daily basis. Since I want to use this method as my daily cardio, taking the elevator down is the wise choice.

So if you have a backpack, something heavy and a staircase, you can isolate yourself.

Now it looks like a sense of normalcy is returning, although I think some people still choose to exercise at home until they feel comfortable when they go to a gym. Connect to mine on my Tom MacCormick Instagram account and send me a message if you need help.

20 Jun
Blog

Garmin Vector 3: Spinning Your Head and Feet with Data

Garmin vector 3 test pedals 8

"The Vector 3 pedals offer drivers an amazing amount of accurate information in a clear and user-friendly package."

  • Simply switch between bicycles

  • Bicycle dynamics

  • Slim and light

  • Exactly

  • Permanent

  • Batteries are not rechargeable

  • Garmin computer needed to maintain bike dynamics

Why would anyone want to spend a lot of money on smart bike pedals? It should be easy to tell whether you are pedaling harder or softer because you are the one kicking, right?

After 200 miles on Garmin's Vector 3 pedals, I can say they can do so much more than tell you if you smash the pedals. From tracking my average performance and left / right balance during long journeys, to easing the pace, to finding that I am pushing the outside of my right pedal (which justifies adjusting the studs). I've learned more about how to pedal with the Vector 3 pedals in my last five rides than in the previous 20 without them.

Unzip, install and set up

The components of the Garmin Vector 3 are immediately ready for use. Two pedals, two Look Keo studs, some washers, replacement seals and manuals. Gone are the ridiculous pods of the previous Vector 2 pedals. The Vector 3 pedals only require a 15 mm pedal wrench. The installation is then completed.

Connecting the devices you may be using with the pedals is not that easy. Through some trial and error, I found the best way to sort this process by:

  1. Start the firmware update via the Garmin Connect app on your iOS or Android.
  2. Adjust the crank length to match the cranks of your bike.
  3. After updating the firmware, turn off Bluetooth on your phone.
  4. Connect your pedals to your bike computer using the ANT + connection. If you use the Bluetooth connection, you will not get all the information about the bike dynamics.

It was a bit of a headache to connect everything while the Bluetooth on my phone was still active because the pedals wanted to stay connected to this Bluetooth signal instead of switching to ANT +. One of the pedals could not be connected properly and the calibration was never completed. After I found out and forced my computer to connect via ANT +, it went smoothly.

Once you're done, there's a simple calibration process where all you have to do is loosen the clip and the pedals do the rest. You should calibrate every few trips, especially after the first trip, to make sure everything is read correctly.

design

The Vector 3 pedals have been completely redesigned from the previous model and are clean, elegant and are among the lightest options available. Weight Weenies should be happy, because the Vector 3 pedals have a total of 316 grams. In comparison, my Shimano Ultegra pedals weigh 260 grams. This additional weight comes from the force measurement technology, which is neatly stowed in the pedal spindle.

The battery compartment for the Vector 3 pedals is also located in the spindle. The Vector 3 is a design option that can be a problem for some. He uses four LR44 batteries (two for each pedal). If almost every other Garmin product I've used in recent years uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Vector 3 pedals won't work. I'm not sure why Garmin chose this route, but the advantage is that the battery life is up to 120 hours and that's a lot of bike rides. The downside is that you may not find the LR44 you need when you are dead while traveling or at a vaguely distant location.

Garmin stuck to the Look Keo studs of the previous Vector 2 pedals. These fit on all normal road bike shoes with 3-hole fastening. However, be aware that SPD / mountain bike shoes do not work.

Bicycle dynamics

As soon as I started pedaling, the amount of incoming data was breathtaking. In first place was the power displayed in watts, of which Garmin claims an accuracy of +/- 1%. For the uninitiated, watts are essentially the measured force your legs can put on the pedals.

Why is that important? Unlike training at your heart rate or average speed, watts are not affected by external factors. With Watt, you always get consistent feedback no matter how sluggish or strong you feel right now. This makes it the most accurate measure of your fitness on the bike. Knowing how many watts you average over a workout is a great help to speed up longer trips or to understand how much power you can deliver in a sprint.

Seeing how much electricity you generate is just the tip of the iceberg. If you show exactly how to generate electricity, the Vector 3 pedals light up. In addition to the more standard left and right cadence and cadence that most other double-sided power meters capture, the Vector 3 pedals compile additional metrics to the so-called bike dynamics.

Bicycle dynamics include:

  • PCO (Platform Center Offset), which shows where you put more pressure on the pedal during the entire pedal stroke.
  • Sitting / standing position to show how much time you spend inside or outside the saddle.
  • Power phase to tell you at what degrees you are producing power throughout the pedal stroke and where your peak power is in that phase.

These metrics are sure to be weeds for data nerds, but PCO can help you dial your lug position. Your sitting and standing time can help you compare yourself to previous efforts to determine where you were more effective, while the performance phase can help you determine whether or not you are getting the most out of each pedal stroke. In addition, all of these statistics can be broken down into averages at any point in your journey, e.g. B. for inclines or sprints to get more information.

Hidden statistics

After my first ride, I realized that the standard setting for the torque effectiveness and pedal smoothness functions was deactivated. Oddly enough, there's no way to turn it on unless you have a Garmin Edge-compatible computer like the Edge 520 plus. This means that if you're rocking a Wahoo Element like I did on my first ride, you can only activate it if you can borrow a friend's Garmin to activate it.

This is a ridiculous problem, and in practice, I found that torque effectiveness and smoothness were measures that I could hardly understand, let alone make useful changes. I guess if you are not a top athlete you will not miss her.

If you don't have a Garmin Edge device, you'll miss the previously mentioned features of Cycling Dynamics. However, there is some hope in this regard as Garmin has released its Cycling Dynamics protocols for third-party devices. At the time of this writing, only Trainer Road and Favero Electronics have adopted it. This is a strange problem that vaguely points to the somewhat turbulent release of the Vector 3 pedals.

The data you get with a Wahoo computer isn't quite as extensive as with a Garmin, but there is still a lot to do.The data collected on a Garmin Edge computer spans the entire suite of Cycling Dynamics.

Rough start fixed

When the Vector 3 pedals first hit the market, it was firmware and product support issues that gave the Vector 3 a bad first impression. Then users had problems with intermittent blackouts due to faulty battery doors.

Fortunately, some important firmware updates have been made, including a Bluetooth smart feature that lets you use the Vector 3 pedals for Zwift. You fixed the battery door issue and shipped new doors to previous Vector 3 owners.

While the release of the Vector 3 pedals may have been a bit rocky, my experience was smooth. After my initial setup, the daily use of the Vector 3 pedals proved to be easy and reliable. After 200 miles and counting, I had no force or pedal reading interruptions.

Warranty information

The Garmin Vector 3 pedals come with a two-year warranty.

Our opinion

The Vector 3 pedals offer drivers an amazing amount of accurate information in a clear and user-friendly package. The initial problems with the Vector 3 pedals have been resolved, and with the discounts currently available, they are among the most affordable double-sided power meters on the market.

Is there a better alternative?

The main competitor is the Assioma Duo Favero. They weigh a little less for the couple at around 300 grams, are cheaper at $ 644, have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with a battery life of 50 hours, and have Garmins Cycling Dynamics built in, so you get all the information. The main difference is in the design, as the Favero houses all of its technology in a pod mounted on the spindle for a much more voluminous overall look. The PowerTap P2 pedals are even more bulky – they look ridiculous.

Another promising option is an emerging company called iQ. They promise most of the same functionality at a fraction of the price, but are still extremely new to the market.

While the Vector 3 pedals struggled, the amount of support and investment that comes with a Garmin product is difficult to favor. While the other companies may shake the electricity meter industry, there is confidence in buying from a name like Garmin that should not be overlooked.

How long it will take?

A big advantage of the Garmin is its repairability. The Assiomas inject resin into their meter housing to make it water and shock resistant. That is, if something goes wrong, you have to replace the entire device. With the Vector 3 everything is stowed in the spindle, which makes it much easier to repair and replace defective parts. This is an important reason why reconditioned Garmin units are available so quickly. In addition to the physical design, Garmin's software engineering and subsequent firmware updates are reliably among the best in the industry.

Should you buy it

If I had done this check at launch when the Vector 3 pedals were only available for the MSRP of $ 1,000, I would have hesitated. Now that you can find sales of new units for $ 750 and can be refurbished for $ 650, the Vector 3 pedals are a breeze.

Editor's recommendations




20 Jun
Blog

High-Frequency Fat Loss – What I Learned in Lockdown

When I came to terms with the reality of lockdown, I had to develop strategies that would help my customers continue to achieve their goals. I decided to use the time at home to lose some body fat.

Of course, sensible eating habits were essential, but since my usual physical activity was drastically reduced (this happens when you swap on the gym floor 8 hours a day to sit in front of your laptop), I had to be intelligent about my workout. One of the most important tools I've used for this is high frequency weighted cardio.

To be able to take a high-frequency approach with any training method, you need to be able to recover quickly. When it comes to high-frequency training, high muscle damage and days of pain are the number one enemy of the state!

There is an often neglected training method that causes almost no muscle damage, but provides a strong training stimulus. And that's the way I lean down during the lockdown. Here's how I developed my blocking plan.

Concentric training

There are two main phases of muscle contraction during strength training:

  1. Concentric muscle training
  2. Eccentric muscle training

The concentric phase is when a muscle shortens under tension. You can think of this as the lifting phase. The eccentric is when the muscle lengthens under tension. This is the lowering phase.

Most of the muscle damage occurs in the eccentric phase. By eliminating the eccentric phases, you can reduce the stress, muscle damage, and breakdown that occur with traditional training.

I would not recommend excluding all eccentric workouts from your program indefinitely as the eccentric part of the lift offers many benefits and is a key element of the size and strength puzzle. However, tactically removing the eccentric phase from certain elements of your training can have significant benefits.

Concentric training creates the potential for:

  1. Higher training frequency
  2. More volume

These are both very useful when it comes to fat loss. Even better, a 2017 study (Stock et al., 2017) showed that only concentric strength training (with minimal muscle damage) causes hypertrophy in just 3 to 4 weeks. Concentric training can help you slim down and gain (or at least maintain) muscle mass.

Studies show that only concentric training creates much higher metabolic requirements than eccentric training (Kraemer et al., 2001). Concentric training leads to significantly higher VO2 and lactic acid levels. These increased metabolic costs mean more calories burned.

Improved recovery through concentric training only

Concentric training is very popular in rehabilitation programs for injuries. In the early stages of rehab, many therapists use high-frequency concentric training as the first step in strengthening muscles.

Improved recovery from injuries is an advantage of concentric training. Improved recovery between sessions is also a big plus of concentric work.

Stimulating blood flow to the working muscles improves recovery time from one heavy session to the next. For this reason, only concentric training is a great addition to your regular workout.

Bonus training without overtraining

Concentric training means that you can do “extra” or “bonus” training with a much lower risk of overtraining. Concentric work allows you to get a training stimulus without the mechanical or neurological fatigue caused by regular exercise. As a result, you can do more training with minimal risk that it will interfere with your usual lifting sessions.

The more you can exercise without exceeding your recovery capacity, the better your results. The fact that concentric training gives you the opportunity to increase your workload without exceeding your recovery capacity is a huge bonus when it comes to winning the fight against body fat!

Lifts, concentric lifts and conditioning

Westside Barbell has made concentric sled training popular for conditioning work. Pushing and pulling a sled is an incredibly effective workout for burning fat. I have used it in the programs of countless customers with great impact. This is one of the best ways to maximize fat loss while minimizing muscle loss.

In contrast to conventional cardio, sledge work requires a relatively high resistance. This resistance signals the body to hold the muscles. So you don't lose the trouble of looking like a marathon runner when working with weighted energy systems.

Concentric training at home

Unfortunately, I don't have a sled or I don't have enough outdoor space to use one. Living in central London means that space is scarce. What I have are 6 stairs in my block of flats and I use them to get the same benefits of sledding.

Here's how:

  • I load my backpack with books and dumbbells
  • I go up the six stairs
  • I climb into the elevator and return to the ground floor
  • I repeat for 5-10 sentences

Going up is primarily a concentric activity. By loading my backpack with textbooks and dumbbells, I can add 50 pounds of external load. Climbing stairs is like a hundred weighted steps.

I climb into the elevator to go back down because I'm lazy. Obviously I'm joking, there is actually a method for my insanity / laziness. Going down with 50 pounds of extra weight requires a lot of eccentric work and a lot of muscle damage.

Walking up and down stairs would mean I was sore and it would take longer to recover. As a result, I would not be able to do this on a daily basis. Since I want to use this method as my daily cardio, taking the elevator down is the wise choice.

So if you have a backpack, something heavy and a staircase, you can isolate yourself.

Now it looks like a sense of normalcy is returning, although I think some people still choose to exercise at home until they feel comfortable when they go to a gym. Connect to mine on my Tom MacCormick Instagram account and send me a message if you need help.

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