Summer Health Care, Beauty, Skin and Hair Care Tips

Hello everyone.

Winter is over and now it's time for a terrible summer. In a country like India, the heat dominates 9 out of 12 months and the summer months, i.e. H. May and June are worst. It is certain that your skin, hair and health will be under the worst stress if you do not care properly. This is the time to take special care of our health and follow the various tips on health, beauty, skin and hair care. The sun is relentless at this time of year and various skin and hair problems arise due to the excessive heat. You have to follow the different steps and make a routine to take good care of yourself. We have detailed the various remedies for prickly heat (Skin, hair and health tips) to you….


Summer skin care tips

  1. A broad spectrum SPF is your best friend all day. Don't kick out at all without SPF 40 or higher. This would prevent the skin from being damaged and keep the tan and dark spots away. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before entering the sunlight. Keep applying the sunscreen every 3 hours for better protection as it often melts in the heat.
  2. Drink water and lots of it. Water in the solution for all skin care problems and miraculously improves the texture of your skin. Make sure you drink at least 9-10 liters of water every day.
  3. Stick to CTM for basic skin care. Never hit the bed without properly cleaning and moisturizing it, since in summer the skin sweats and the pores can be clogged with dirt, dust and dirt. They can break out hard if CTM is not followed.
  4. Use a facial spray in your pocket when traveling. The skin is slightly irritated and red in summer and looks dull and greasy. Use a simple rose water mist or other facial mist that suits your skin to soothe the heat.
  5. For simple homemade toner, use ice cubes and rub the skin to tighten the pores and remove redness from the skin.
  6. Summer is a nightmare for oily skin. Use homemade packs like fuller's earth with lemon or rose water to control oil secretion. Do not use the face detergent too often to wash off the oil. You can also use quenching cloth from time to time to check the oiliness.
  7. Always try to use a gel-based cleanser that contains salicylic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acid, and helps reduce dead skin cells that clog pores and cause breakouts.
  8. For the summer tan, apply tomato juice or a mixture of lemon juice and honey every other day. This would reduce the tan and improve the skin.
  9. Try not to experiment with too many new skin care products as summer heat can cause severe reactions.
  10. Try not to bleach your face during the day and step directly into the sun. This also applies to threading the face.

Summer hair care tips

  1. Sweat and dust in summer exacerbate hair problems such as dandruff, split ends, frizziness and increased hair loss. Therefore, you should wash your hair if necessary. However, if you have dry hair, do not wash it more than twice a week.
  2. If you like blow drying, straightening, or curling hair with hot styling tools, try reducing it in the summer. The heat and moisture still dry out the hair and these styling tools do more damage.
  3. Try a sulfate-free shampoo. This is better for hair anyway, since the sulfates tend to dry out the hair.
  4. Don't skip the conditioner at all. Always use a chemical-free hair conditioner and maintain the hair length. This leaves the hair less frizzy and easy to handle.
  5. The summers are hard and merciless on the hair and scalp. It causes sunburn and dryness, so you need to protect your scalp. It also tends to damage the roots of the hair and cause baldness. Try a headscarf, hat, or hat while going out in the sun.
  6. If you have colored hair, long exposure to the sun's rays can damage chemically treated hair and fade your valuable hair color. Therefore, use a scarf or try to cover your head when getting out.
  7. Groom the hair once or twice a month with a mixture of oils such as coconut, olives, almonds, etc. to rejuvenate and revitalize the hair. Massage your scalp with your fingertips to increase blood flow and deeply care for the roots.
  8. If you go swimming, dampen your hair before entering the pool. This way, it absorbs less chlorine.
  9. Summer can cause a fungal infection on the scalp of the hair, causing dandruff or itching. Try tea tree oil or neem oil to treat the scalp fungal infection.
  10. If your hair tends to split ends, try shortening the ends regularly. This keeps the split ends away and regularly uses a moisturizing serum on the tips of the hair to prevent further split ends, which are generally caused by dryness.

Summer health tips

  1. Drink lots and lots of water. This is the key to surviving the summer. If you want our skin to glow, hair healthy and body calm, drink 8-9 liters of water every day. This prevents the body from giving off heat efficiently and keeps the body cool.
  2. The urge to drink caffeinated or carbonated drinks is excessive, but don't choose them. This also applies to alcoholic beverages and sugary beverages. All of these drinks contain higher amounts of preservatives, colors and sugar and are naturally acidic. They cause dehydration and do more harm than good. Try drinking honey, instead of coffee, organic tulsi, or green tea, to fortify yourself.
  3. We tend to drink cold water straight from the fridge, but they don't really help cool you down in the summer. This narrows the blood vessels in the skin and reduces heat loss. This does not help the body. So drink water at normal temperature.
  4. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and even if you are on a diet – never skip breakfast or eat less. You would need the maximum energy in the morning and could get sick if breakfast is consumed properly.
  5. In the summer, try opting for less strenuous activities like hard workouts. Try doing yoga that helps your body and mind at the same time.
  6. Try to eat small meals throughout the day. This helps digestion and doesn't make you feel too full. Also try eating light, nutritious, and fat-free meals. Neither eat nor starve in summer.
  7. Include plenty of healthy vegetables and fruits in your diet. This will help the body cope with the summer heat. Reduce the intake of dried fruit and replace it with fresh fruit. Also drink lots of fresh fruit juice (not the packaged ones) and lemon water.
  8. There are certain drinks that help to replenish the body better and also have a cooling effect on the body. Drinks such as coconut oil, buttermilk, lemon water and Tulsi seeds in the drinks help to replenish the fluids lost in sweat.

Summer beauty tips

  1. Always use a primer before applying makeup. This will control the oil, moisturize the skin, smooth the pores and make you look natural. Primer also helps make-up last longer.
  2. Avoid heavier or full-surface foundations. Instead, opt for BB / CC creams that feel light on the skin and are less likely to melt. It also makes the pores breathable and makes you look fresh. If you overlay too many products, this will not work in the summer and you therefore follow the guidelines – less is more.
  3. Summer is not meant for these dark and vampy lip colors. So try to use subtle and bright colors like coral, pink and orange. This will make you look pretty and lively.
  4. For eye make-up with waterproof kohl and mascara. You don't want to smudge your makeup with dirt, oil and sweat before the end of the day.
  5. If you want your eye shadow to last a long time, use a good foundation or a cream colored eye shadow. This makes the eye make-up water and wrinkle-free all day long.
  6. Use the bronzer sparingly. The skin already looks red and tanned and if you use too much bronzer you will only look artificial.
  7. Apply sunscreen not only to the face, but also to exposed parts of the body such as hands, legs, neck, etc.

While summer is here, we have planned some fun outdoor activities. click here

Like this:

To like Loading…

Google Pixel 4 XL Review: Remarkable Phone. Small Battery.

Pixel 4 xl protrudes behind

Google Pixel 4 XL Black only (unlocked) – 64 GB

"Google's latest pixel has a successful camera again and is fluctuating in battery life again."

  • Outstanding cameras

  • Good performance

  • Bright, sharp and smooth 6.3-inch screen

  • Face unlock is quick

  • Really helpful, intelligent software

  • The battery life is not good

  • Hardly any app supports Face Unlock

  • Only 64 GB of storage space

The Google Pixel 4 XL was released over six months ago – some lives in smartphone years. Since then, the Galaxy S20, the OnePlus 8 Pro, has blinded us and distracted us from conversations about Pixel 4a and 5G phones. Does the Pixel 4 XL still hold? Should you consider yourself a 5G model? Let's find out.

Do you want a smaller phone? Check out our Google Pixel 4 test, which takes a closer look at the 5.7-inch model.

A minimalist and eye-catching design

I've been reviewing Google's Pixel phones since they were launched in 2016. There were two constants: a killer camera and an insufficient battery. This topic continues with the latest version of the company, Google Pixel 4 XL. It's fantastic in almost every department, from an excellent screen to brilliant software, but the battery is still behind the competition. It's not bad enough to stop me from fully using the phone, but power users are careful. This phone will have trouble keeping you going all day. However, there is a lot to enjoy before the last battery percentage disappears. Let’s take a closer look.

I like contrasts, bright colors and minimalist design, which means that the Pixel 4 XL is just right for me. I spoke to the designers about the process of redesigning the phone – this is the first major redesign of the Pixel line – and I'm happy with the changes that have been made.

Pixel 4 xl hero shotJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Gone is the line on the back of the phone that separated two different textures. This also means that there are no longer two textures on the back. Instead, this two-tone design is achieved through the sides of the phone. There is a black band on the edges, which can be used to cover some components such as the USB-C connector, the speaker grille and the SIM slot. The back is also framed to highlight it. I also like the texture of this black band because it feels like you are touching a stable eggshell.

Gorilla Glass 5 is on the back, which is why we ask ourselves: Why aren't more phone manufacturers using Gorilla Glass 6? Is it too expensive to afford? Regardless, it is cleaner than ever, especially since there is no longer a fingerprint sensor, but now a "pixel square", as the designers call the camera module. In contrast to the iPhone 11 Pro, in which the triple camera system clearly stands out, Google has masked the lenses with a black filter, which makes the square module itself bolder and more pronounced. Paired with the black band on the edges, this phone is easy to spot, and the accented color of the power switch adds a bit more visual flair.

I can't stop staring at Pixel 4. It is beautiful and the design makes me show it off.

I've heard that others call the design boring – sometimes ugly. I clearly disagree, but you cannot deny that it is distinctive. I took pictures in a dog park in Manhattan and three people came up to me at different times and asked if I would use a Pixel 4.

If you want to buy one, choose the colors "Clear White" or "Oh So Orange" (the latter is a limited edition), because the colors "Just Black" are simply too simple. Even worse, the black is the only one with a glossy glass structure on the back, while the other two colors opt for a matt glass. The matte texture feels smooth and has the added benefit of hiding stains and fingerprints. The same does not apply to the glossy black option, which is also a dust magnet.

I can't stop staring at Pixel 4. It is beautiful, feels fantastic in the hand and the design makes me show it.

A 90Hz screen

Google has put more emphasis on the appearance of the screen on the Pixel 4 XL than on the Pixel 3 XL last year, which has a terrible notch that looks hideous. This time there is a large bezel at the top and a slimmer one at the bottom, which is not particularly modern, but acceptable. It is easy to forget as soon as you use the phone.

Pixel 4 xl screenJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

The other problem that Google has solved is the brightness of the screen. I'm having trouble reading the Pixel 3 XL's screen in sunny conditions, but that's no longer the case with the Pixel 4 XL. Is it brighter or more bezel-less than the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus? No, but I still had no major problems here.

The resolution of 3,040 × 1,440 is sharp and black is beautifully deep, although the colors are not as saturated as on Samsung phones. The 6.3-inch screen size doesn't feel too big either, although I have big hands.

The large screen is ideal for watching movies and shows, especially thanks to the HDR10 support. Shows like Disenchanted and Peaky Blinders look crisp with vibrant colors that pop, though admittedly ultra-dark scenes aren't as easy to see as on the Galaxy Note 10 or iPhone 11 Pro.

The screen's spotlight feature is the 90 Hz refresh rate we saw on the OnePlus 7T, and it's fantastic. This means that you see 90 frames per second (FPS), which is more than the conventional 60 frames per second on most smartphones. However, the pixel is not always updated at 90 Hz. It is sometimes updated with the typical refresh rate of 60 Hz when the screen brightness is low. This strange fact undermines one of the outstanding features of the phone.

Since the smaller bezel is slimmer than its predecessor, the front-facing speaker has been moved to the bottom edge. It's a shame, but luckily audio still sounds good and can fill a small space without sounding too distorted at high volume. There is no headphone jack. So if you're in the wireless earbud market, you should consider Google's Pixel Buds 2.

Face unlock is great

It took me a day or two to get used to the loss of the fingerprint sensor on the back of the Pixel 4 XL. I used it not only to unlock the phone, but also to swipe to pull down the notification drawer. Although I miss this feature, I also appreciate Google's addition of Face Unlock. This is one of the reasons why the bezel at the top of the screen is so big: there are a variety of sensors, including Google's Soli technology, that the company has been working on for several years.

Unlock Pixel 4 XL Face GirlsJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Soli uses radar to identify 3D objects, and the Pixel 4 detects when your hand is approaching the phone, so the Face Unlock camera can be activated to quickly unlock the phone or the volume of calls and alarms decrease when you have your hand approaching the phone. Practically! You can also use it for gestures to control some functions of the phone. However, we will come back soon.

Face Unlock is snappy and precise, and I think it's great that it goes straight to the home screen instead of swiping up. There are times when I have to tap the screen to make sure the camera is looking for my face. Otherwise, I had no problem accessing the phone.

Android has a new BiometricPrompt API that allows apps to support fingerprint sensors and facial recognition systems for Android 9 and Android 10 devices. It took developers some time to add support. At the start I complained that there are hardly any apps that support this. Nowadays most major apps do this, including banks like Citibank and American Express, Passwork Keeper like LastPass and 1Password, shopping apps like Dashlane and Venmo, and more. If you're curious, Android Central has a fairly extensive list.

Another problem with Face Unlock has been fixed recently: At launch, Face Unlock could be unlocked even when your eyes were closed. This is a security risk as someone can easily take your phone and point it at your face to unlock it even if you close your eyes to stop it. The April 2020 security update provides the option that the eyes must be open. With Face Unlocked, however, there is one peculiarity that still exists: there is no way to add an alternative face or look. You can do this on Apple's iPhone using Face ID. I know a colleague who uses Pixel 4 and it is difficult for her to identify her face after applying makeup.

Helpful gestures

I mentioned soli technology earlier – well, it's a sleeper hit. It's great to turn down the volume when I approach the ringing phone, be it during an alarm or a phone call, but I'm an even bigger fan of Motion Sense. With this new feature, you can move your hand left or right over the phone to turn off an alarm, mute a call, or even switch tracks while listening to music.

Pixel 4 xl sense of movementJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

At launch, Motion Sense was incredibly limited on the Pixel 4XL, although Google looked at other types of gestures it could integrate to add value. When I speak to other reviewers, I feel like a minority, but I find Motion Sense works well for me, and I used it to clear morning alarms by just waving my hand. I also love changing tracks with it while working and listening to music. I can do all of this without lifting the handset, and that's pretty good.

In March, Google added the ability to pause and resume music. What Motion Sense needed – and still urgently needs – at this time is more gestures and actions. Can you use it to scroll photos after you've transferred them to a Chromecast-enabled TV, for example? Nah. There are many potential use cases for this, and I hope that Google will continue to improve functionality instead of simply abandoning it like many of its other projects. There is a game called "Headed South" that supports this feature. It would be cool if it were adopted in other apps when Google opened the API.

A story of two cameras

Google has long believed that only one camera was required to deliver great photos, building on its expertise in computer photography as other manufacturers continue to add multiple cameras for versatility. This is beginning to change as the 12.2-megapixel main lens of the Pixel 4 with an aperture of 1: 1.7 is now paired with a 16-megapixel telephoto lens (1: 2.4), which is a 2x offers optical zoom. Still, Google continues to show us that you don't need 48-megapixel cameras to take stunning photos. This is the goal of most Android manufacturers.

Nevertheless, Google should have followed Apple's path and added a triple camera system here, as I never had the feeling that the zoom functions on pixel phones are missing. Google introduced a feature called Super Res Zoom on the Pixel 3 that uses artificial intelligence to clean up digitally zoomed photos and deliver a quality that is surprisingly comparable to telephoto shots from other phones. It would have been really nice to combine this with an ultra wide angle camera for more varied shots. Ah great. I have to hope that the Pixel 5 comes with this type of setup. Rumor has it that it will.

The image sensor for the main lens is the same as that for last year's pixel, except that the aperture is a little wider, so better photos should be taken in low light and the dynamic range improved. The camera app also feels much faster than ever.

The telephoto lens ensures optimal quality for enlarged pictures, but we have seen telephoto lenses on cell phones for a long time – Google couldn't have at least opted for a 3 × optical zoom lens like the Huawei P30 Pro? As the smartphone market develops, this stands out as a sore point: the Huawei P40 Pro has a 5x optical zoom, which leaves the Pixel 4 XL in the dust. It's a shame.

Regardless, the quality looks good. Unlike some cell phones, Google's excellent night vision mode works with the telephoto lens. So you get good quality photos regardless of the time of day. As you can see below, it towers above the iPhone 11 Pro and the Samsung Note 10 Plus with 5x digital zoom, with slightly stronger details and more depth.

Pixel 4 xl 5x digital zoom "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/pixel-4-xl-5x-digital-zoom -640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAPixel 4 XL. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

iphone 11 pro 5x digital zoom "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone-11-pro-5x-digital-zoom - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAiPhone 11 Pro. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Samsung Note 10 plus 5x digital zoom "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-note-10-plus-5x- digital- zoom-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAGalaxy Note 10 Plus. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

There's a certain type of look that Google's pixel phones capture – a lot of contrast, as well as cooler and darker tones. It's a style I've always enjoyed, but not for everyone. For example, you might prefer the brighter and warmer photos from iPhone 11 Pro. Still, I think the latest iPhone outperforms the Pixel 4 in general in terms of image quality and versatility (which helps extra ultra-wide angle lens), though that's not always the case. There are times when the Pixel 4 takes a much more appealing photo with better details, making it a fairly close competition.

However, there are some improvements that improve the camera experience. The first is Live HDR +, which allows you to see what the photo will look like after processing – before you even tap the shutter button. This is handy because I don't have to wait a few seconds to see the result and can frame the photo if necessary.

The new double exposure mode also offers more creative controls that let you adjust shadows and brightness before taking a photo. There's also a learning-based white balance that tries to identify the scene you're in and uses lifelike colors in all photo modes. However, dark scenes are still best in night vision mode.

Speaking of which, night vision mode has some of the most notable improvements. Night Sight takes multiple pictures at different exposures and stacks them for a more detailed and brighter photo in low light. The colors are still somewhat saturated, but they continue to impress and deliver stunning photos from the darkest scenes. Even crazier, if you have a tripod, point the phone at the sky and night vision mode triggers “astrophotography mode”, which sets an exposure time that can take up to four and a half minutes.

You can take some stunning photos like the following taken by my colleague in Scotland. You can see my attempt in the gallery above that I took in New York City with its heavy light pollution, but it's still an amazing photo considering that the normal camera gives a spotty mess with no details.

Pixel_4_astrophotography_1Simon Hill / Digital Trends

Portrait mode is also a little better now, and although the blur application for a subject has been improved over the performance of Pixel 3, there is still plenty of room to grow. You can notice some sections of hair around my dog ​​and other people can look a little confused in some photos. So you should be aware of the background when taking portraits. The less happens in the background, the better.

These results are still among the best you can get with a smartphone and can compete with those captured on Apple's iPhone and Huawei phones.

Google's Pixel 4 XL has an 8 megapixel front camera with an aperture of 1: 2.0 and takes some excellent selfies, especially in portrait and night vision mode. Unlike the Pixel 3 with two cameras on the front that allow you to switch between a wide-angle lens and a normal lens, the Pixel 4 XL's only lens is a wide-angle lens, so you can still shoot a lot in the scene behind you. or take group selfies without trying to fit everyone.

Pixel 4 XL Night Selfie "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-15-2405863

Pixel 4 XL Portrait Selfie "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-15-2405864

Pixel 4 XL Selfie "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-15-2405865

  • 1.
    Pixel 4 XL night selfie
  • 2nd
    Pixel 4 XL Portrait Selfie
  • 3rd
    Pixel 4 XL selfie

The Pixel 4's camera has improved, perhaps not significantly compared to its predecessor, but in the right areas that make it one of the best camera phones currently available to buy. Note that Google can no longer save Google Photos in full resolution for free and indefinitely. You can still upload your photos in high resolution for free, but not in the original resolution.

The latest software: machine learning FTW

The next best part of owning a Pixel phone is software. Of course, the latest version of Android 10 runs on the phone with current security. This is a huge advantage as Pixel phones are among the first to get updates when developing Android from Google. This means new functions and improved security. Google promises this type of support on the phone for three years, which is more the case than almost all Android phones.

If you're the way beta software installs, one advantage of a Google-made gadget is the ability to install the latest Android developer build – currently it's the first beta of Android 11. No, it's not going to be fun make names like Jellybean or Gingerbread, but it will bring new features. We'll find out more at Google I / O shortly. At the moment the existing operating system is fine.

Android 10 offers great features like a system-wide dark theme, an improved gesture navigation system and more transparency about which apps access your location data and other sensors on the phone. You can check out the best features of Android 10 by looking for more details.

Pixel 4 xl recorder appJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

What makes me come back to pixel phones outside of the camera are some of the helpful features supported by machine learning. Now the playback is still available so that the phone can show you the name of the tracks played in your area (even without an internet connection). Then there is a call screen that checks potential robocalls so you don't have to speak to a telemarketer. The motion sense gestures also fall into this category of helpful functions that have only a minor impact on my daily use of the phone.

A new app called Personal Safety gives you security and allows the phone to alert your preset emergency contacts in an emergency, and the Pixel 4 can even detect car accidents using sensors on the phone. It can then make calls to emergency services and send your location if you are unable to work. Helpful indeed, although I can't test it closely to see how well it all works.

My favorite new addition is the recorder app, which can be used to transcribe interviews in real time. It uses machine learning on the device so no data is sent to Google and you don't need an internet connection for this to work. The transcription is not perfect, but it is pretty good and excellent for people like me who do a lot of interviews and hate the manual transcription process afterwards. This app found its way to the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 2 cell phones in December.

Live Caption is another one of those additions that I never thought would be necessary. Subtitles are automatically generated for each video with audio, and all of this happens on the device. I used it when I was on the subway and didn't want to put on my earphones but wanted to understand what was going on in a video. Live Caption's mostly accurate subtitles saved the day.

In a "Pixel Feature Drop" in December, Google improved some of the Pixel 4 XL's best features, including the call screen with A.I. support, background blur in photos, and duo video calls. It's nice to see these features continue to improve.

Google Assistant continues to hide

Also impressive is the new Google Assistant, which used to be run with algorithms that required more than 100 GB of storage space and have now shrunk to less than 500 MB. That means it's faster, works more often on the device, and some tasks like opening an app or setting a timer don't require an internet connection.

The user interface not only looks much better and takes up less screen space, but the best addition is the continued conversation. This feature is available on Google Nest devices and allows you to continue speaking to the wizard without having to constantly trigger it. After running a query, the bottom of the phone lights up with the colors of the wizard. This indicates that the phone is still listening if you want to ask something else. It's excellent and makes me use the wizard more often, especially with Active Edge, the "press the phone to trigger the wizard" feature, which is still available on Pixel 4.

Next generation Pixel 4 xl assistantJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

The wizard has improved in many other ways. For example, if you're in an app like Google Maps, you can just press the phone and ask the assistant to search for nearby restaurants. The query is carried out automatically via Maps instead of Assistant. Do you see a photo you like? You can ask the assistant to send it to someone in your contacts, and you can even reply to incoming text by triggering the assistant and saying "Reply to John" before dictating your answer.

I'm using Google Assistant a lot more now. I am sure that Google will be happy if more data about me is retrieved. However, there are more robust options that allow you to control how much of your data is stored. But in the end, I use Assistant because it's really helpful, and that's more than I can say about most other language assistants.

Snappy performance

The Pixel 4 XL has 6 GB of RAM and is powered by the same chip in most 2019 Android flagship phones: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. In December, Qualcomm introduced the next generation 865 chip that you can find in the OnePlus 8, the Galaxy S20 series and some Chinese phones from Xiaomi and Oppo. If you're looking for the latest and greatest, this isn't the case right now – but it doesn't matter. The phone had no problems handling the apps I normally use and opened them quickly. Switching between apps and even multitasking is a biting affair.

Here are some benchmark results:

  • AnTuTu 3DBench: 362.158
  • Geekbench 5 CPU: 606 single core; 2,056 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 4,007 (volcano); 4,564 (OpenGL)

For comparison, here are some numbers from the Galaxy S20:

  • Geekbench 5: 905 single core; 2,753 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 5,198 (volcano)

The Pixel 4 XL's results don't differ much from those of other phones that use the same processor as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, and it remains at the top level of the powerful smartphones. However, the more modern chip is significantly faster (and of course much more expensive). Oh, and the iPhone 11 Pro still has a considerable head start.

Games like PUBG: Mobile, Altos Odyssey, Pako: Forever everyone without problems. You have no problems with the performance of this phone.

I am not a fan of the storage capacity that you get for the basic pixel 4 XL: 64 GB. That's far too little for a $ 900 phone, especially if $ 350 phones like the Nokia 7.2 offer the same amount. Google, you need to expand storage options and make 128 GB the default.

A missing battery

All of the amazing features of this phone are overshadowed by the battery that Google packed into the phone. At a time when most Android manufacturers use batteries with more than 4,000 mAh, Google's use of a 3,700 mAh cell is a joke. It can get you through a medium to heavy duty workday, but I often hit 30% around 5:30 p.m., sometimes even less. It's not bad for light to medium users, but not as good for power users.

Pixel 4 xl USB-C portJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

If I wanted to extend my night and go to a restaurant or bar, my phone would die around 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. if I didn't have a portable battery with me. I'm not sure why Google can't determine the battery life of its Pixel phones, as this is a problem for every single Pixel phone I've ever checked. Throw in a bigger battery, Google! Do what Apple did this year and make your phone fatter. It is not difficult. Thanks to the amazing battery life, I reached 20% on the iPhone 11 Pro Max around midnight, and I wish the Google phone could do the same.

Fortunately, using a Qi charger on your desk while at work or a portable battery can fix the problem. However, it's not great that you have to stick to these lengths.

In our standard video playback test, in which we play a 1080p YouTube video with maximum brightness via WiFi, the Pixel 4 XL lasted 9 hours and 31 minutes. This is respectable, but falls behind competitors like the iPhone 11 Pro with 12 hours and 30 minutes and the OnePlus 7T Pro with 12 hours and 19 minutes.

On the iPhone 11 Pro Max, I reached 20% of the battery around midnight. I wish the Google phone could do the same.

It's a shame that Google didn't choose to upgrade its fast-charging technology either. The Power Delivery 2.0 standard continues to be used instead of the newer PD 3.0. You can fully charge the Pixel 4 XL from zero to 100% in about an hour and a half, but you won't get the juice burst when you first connect it to the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, which is helpful in an emergency.

Price, availability and warranty information

The MSRP for the Pixel 4 XL is $ 900, but if you want the smaller Pixel 4, it costs $ 800 less. Both phones have been available from all major U.S. providers and several retailers since October 24, 2019.

However, the phones are currently on sale. The Pixel 4XL costs $ 600 and the Pixel 4 $ 500. This doesn't necessarily make them a better deal than when they were released, as their hardware is a bit dated compared to other phones. Nevertheless, the price cut lowers these phones in the mid-range market.

Google offers a standard limited warranty that protects the phone from manufacturing defects one year from the date of purchase.

Our opinion

Do you want the hottest, the fastest, the newest? There's always something better, and today the Pixel 4 XL isn't one of those things. That said, it could still be the phone for you. Als das Pixel 4 XL herauskam, gab es kein Android-Handy, das ich lieber verwenden würde als das Pixel 4 XL, da es eine hilfreiche, intelligente Software und eine Killer-Kamera bietet. Auch der 90-Hz-Bildschirm hilft. Dies bedeutet jedoch, die ganztägige Akkulaufzeit der Wettbewerber zu opfern – und an einen tragbaren Akku gebunden zu sein.

Das heißt, die schnellsten, neuesten und heißesten sind oft auch die teuersten. Die Galaxy-Linie startet bei 1.000 US-Dollar und steigt beispielsweise von dort aus an. Das Pixel war ursprünglich bei 899 US-Dollar gelistet, aber Google hat den Preis auf 799 US-Dollar gesenkt. Dank einer Vielzahl von Pixel-Smartphone-Angeboten können Sie es heute für rund 500 US-Dollar finden – ein hervorragender Wert für ein immer noch sehr beeindruckendes Gerät.

Gibt es eine bessere Alternative?

Ja. Sie sollten auf jeden Fall das OnePlus 8 in Betracht ziehen, das dem OnePlus 7T in jeder Hinsicht überlegen ist. Es hat einen Rockstar-Akku mit 4.510 mAh, eine Warp-Geschwindigkeit, wird schnell aktualisiert und verfügt über eine anpassbarere Software. Und bei 700 US-Dollar ist es ein echtes Schnäppchen – obwohl es einen kleineren Bildschirm hat.

Darüber hinaus hat das iPhone 11 Pro Max bedeutende Vorteile, wie eine noch bessere Leistung, eine vielseitige Kamera und eine beeindruckende Akkulaufzeit, aber es kostet wesentlich mehr. Wenn Sie sich nicht besonders für die Kamera eines Telefons interessieren, werden die Samsung Galaxy Note 10 und Note 10 Plus in jeder Hinsicht zufriedenstellen und dennoch solide, abwechslungsreiche Aufnahmen liefern – wenn Sie eine zu einem Schnäppchenpreis finden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserem Leitfaden zu den besten Smartphones.

How long it will take?

Der Pixel 4 XL hält zwei bis drei Jahre, wenn nicht sogar ein wenig länger, bevor der Akku abnimmt. Es hat eine IP68-Wasserdichtigkeit, sodass Sie sich keine Gedanken über Einbrüche im Pool machen müssen, aber es ist in Glas eingewickelt, sodass Sie immer noch einen Koffer schnappen möchten.

Should you buy it

Ja. Das Pixel 4 XL ist vielleicht nicht das beste Android-Handy des Jahres 2020, es fühlt sich etwas veraltet an und wird durch seine unterdurchschnittliche Akkulaufzeit behindert. Es ist eine gute Wahl für Android-Fans, die ein großartiges Handy ohne Flaggschiff-Preisschild suchen.

Empfehlungen der Redaktion




Stay Supported And Informed With These Spa Industry Associations

T.The professional spa industry has always been a close community, and we at Eminence Organics are committed to helping you find the support you need at this time and beyond. While every industry is affected by this pandemic in one way or another, the spa industry in particular – known for its human connection and wellbeing of body and mind – has to adapt.

Pandemic or not, there are a plethora of spa industry associations offering support and resources, and an entire network of spa professionals is ready to share their experiences and expertise. Your participation in these associations is growing and promoting the professional spa industry as a whole.

To help you navigate all of the spa industry associations, we've created a guide that will guide you to the support you need.

Spa industry associations for owners / directors

As a spa owner or director, you want to learn from the best in business: people with experience in running successful spas who know the industry inside out. You don't want to reinvent the wheel every time you make a business decision, with so much help available and a multitude of proven ones recommended procedure. Access to these resources starts here:

International Spa Association (ISPA)

The The International Spa Association (ISPA) is recognized worldwide as the professional voice of our industry and represents spas in over 70 countries. ISPA defines a spa as any place “dedicated to general well-being through a variety of professional services that promote the renewal of body, mind and soul”. This broad definition encompasses most spa experiences, from resorts to medicine to individual service providers, including doctors and nutritionists. ISPA membership shows spa visitors that they adhere to the ISPA Code of Conduct, including best practices regarding safety, disinfection, and hiring qualified personnel.

As a member, you get access to training such as the Certified Spa Supervisor Program, a research library, and webinars, courses, and textbooks on topics such as retail management and financial reporting. They also keep you up to date with the latest industry news and provide templates and guidelines for spas that may not have access to marketing or operations teams.

The ISPA network of spa operators, resource partners and providers is a big draw, and members have access to the full membership directory and ISPA job bank. You will also receive special prizes for the annual ISPA Conference & Expo, one of the leading networking events in the industry.

Forest and waterfall

Green spa network (GSN Planet)

Eminence is proud to be a "green" company and Certified B Corporation, which is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Given our many shared values, it's no surprise that the Green Spa Network or GSN Planet is very important to us. GSN Planet is committed to “promoting the critical links between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet” and believes that the spa industry is particularly suited to be a catalyst for positive change.

GSN Planet memberships are tiered and begin with a free membership that includes access to webinars, newsletters and job search features. The higher levels include listings in the GSN Planet Spa Locator, access to the Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Green Toolkit, and industry research.

They also host the annual Green Spa Network Congress and recognize innovation and leadership in sustainability through the GSN Sustainability Awards.

Spa Industry Association (SIA)

In 2017 the Day Spa Association and meInternational Medical Spa Association consolidated their membership under the new one Association of the Spa Industry (SIA). Her mantra is: "Connect the community around the world" with a free membership that gives access to day spas and individual service providers.

SIA supports the professional spa industry by taking part in trade fairs, speaking at events and making industry tools more accessible. They gather resources and relevant information for their members – including spa and wellness research reports, industry news, and state legislative information. They also summarize accredited spa industry certifications, insurance options, and state spa associations.

Leading spas from Canada

The Leading Spas of Canada is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of "future-oriented spa professionals who saw great potential for spas in Canada to compete with the best in the world." Without national regulations, the organization developed standards and practices , a code of ethics, and a third-party quality assurance program to ensure that all members meet or exceed training, service, hygiene, and safety benchmarks.

The Leading Spas of Canada lead and connect the national spa industry, including spas, individual service providers, resource partners and educational institutions. Membership costs vary by category, from discounted student memberships to leading QA spa members (which indicates quality assurance for spa visitors).

Associations of the spa industry for beauticians / bodyworkers

While all of these associations are valuable to beauticians and service providers, many resources are aimed at spa owners and managers. The following organizations are aimed more directly at spa professionals at an individual level, including non-business owners and those in the early stages of their careers. You also focus on Training, certification and further training of beauticians – who we love!

Woman attending webinar on tablet

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)

The Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) pride themselves on being an essential partner “for beauticians at every stage of the journey”. This includes membership options for students, educators, spa professionals, and employers developing their businesses.

ASCP publishes a bi-monthly magazine (ASCP Skin Deep) and continuously updates its news and video libraries to reflect the latest research, laws, events and trends in the industry. They offer on-demand webinars, marketing support, website building tools and the ASCP Career Toolkit, including costing and business resources.

ASCP members also receive discounts on training, beautician training, insurance, equipment and events.

Spa staff

Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

The The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is open to a wider membership, including beauticians, hairdressers, makeup artists, freelancers and manufacturers. Her goal is to promote and expand careers within the broader beauty industry in the United States.

PBA members have access to an insurance market, industry research reports and business blueprints – various guides to compensation, operations, business planning, etc. Their visionary premium memberships include branding for your company, a marketing campaign and an account manager.

Finally, the PBA offers scholarship opportunities and supports a number of charities that benefit the professional beauty community.

While most of these associations have looked at COVID-19 and its impact on our community, it is important to remember that nothing that is proposed will replace your federal, state, or provincial government regulations. Check them frequently as the situation changes quickly. You can start here in the US and here in Canada.

In the meantime, we recommend that you contact your spa industry associations to obtain models for dealing with, adapting, and progressing. The most comprehensive is so far ISPA Spa Reopening Toolkit – a free guide for members and non-members with resources to prepare spas for safe reopening if the government allows it.

These professional associations are just a few of the organizations available in the industry. Which associations do you work with? Let us know in the comments below or share it with use on social media. Stay safe and check our blog as always Spa professional content

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition Review: Defining Cheap Thrills

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition review: Favorable thrill

"With a lightweight, agile chassis, Toyota's small sports car is more fun for your money."

  • Stronger than the competition

  • Nimble handling

  • Comfortable cockpit

  • Decently practical

  • Lack of driver assistant technology

  • Unpleasant exhaust note

The term "sports car" has become synonymous with "expensive". What was once a source of cheap thrills in the 1940s and 1950s is now a status symbol. A Porsche 911 can hit six-digit numbers with options, and a Chevrolet Corvette is considered a bargain at nearly $ 60,000.

It doesn't have to be that way.

Affordable sports cars still exist if you know where to look. On paper, the 2020 Toyota 86 (pronounced "eight-six") offers everything you need for driving pleasure: an agile chassis, an eager engine, an available manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The small Toyota (and its sibling Subaru BRZ) offers the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which has dominated this space for over two decades, the much-needed competition.

Is the 86 as tasty as the ingredients suggest? To find out, we grabbed the leather-covered keychain for a Toyota 86 Hakone Edition 2020. Named after a famous Japanese street, it is characterized by green color, bronze wheels and light brown seats. The Hakone Edition costs $ 30,825, compared to $ 28,015 for the Base 86.

Design and interior

The Toyota 86 is a car with many names. It was developed together with Subaru, which, as already mentioned, sells its own version called BRZ. The Toyota version was launched in the United States for the 2013 model year as the Scion FR-S under the now-defunct youth brand of the Japanese car manufacturer. When Scion was canceled, the FR-S turned 86. However, the car has not changed significantly over the years. The new Hakone Edition for 2020 only receives cosmetic changes.

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone EditionStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The name "86" refers to the 1986 AE86-Toyota Corolla, but the two cars are very different. The AE86 was a tuner-friendly version of the ubiquitous small car from Toyota that later became famous in the manga and anime "Initial D". The 86, however, is a pure sports car. However, the two Toyotas have one thing in common: the rear-wheel drive, which offers superior handling. The 86 also uses a Subaru boxer engine, which lowers the car's center of gravity and further improves cornering ability.

The view to the outside is excellent, so you can easily place the car on the road and don't have to grit your teeth when parking in parallel.

In size and price, the 86 most closely matches the Mazda MX-5 Miata and its sibling, the Fiat 124 Spider. While the Mazda and Fiat are two-seater convertibles, the Toyota is a coupe with a fixed roof and two tiny rear seats. These seats aren't really suitable for people, but they do offer a useful amount of cargo space.

Toyota doesn't leave any trunk space for the 86, but Subaru quotes 6.9 cubic feet for the identical BRZ – more if you fold down the rear seats. That's not a lot, but it's more than in a Miata or 124 Spider. The Mazda and Fiat offer slightly more headroom and a few inches more legroom. However, if you're not as compact as you are, all of these cars fit closely.

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone EditionStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The interior 86 is simple but functional. The seats have thick cushions, but are still comfortable enough for everyday use. The steering wheel has the perfect diameter and thickness, and the upright dashboard makes the cockpit look a little more spacious. The view to the outside is excellent, so you can easily place the car on the road and don't have to grit your teeth when parking in parallel. Materials are nothing special, but you can expect that at this price.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The simplicity of the 86 is reminiscent of classic sports cars, but also the lack of technology. The car comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – but that's about it. The center console offers just enough space for a smartphone. To connect, however, a USB cable must be looped around the shift lever.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

Even the rear view camera prescribed by the federal government has a low-tech version. Images appear on a tiny section of the rearview mirror, not on the main screen or over the entire length of the mirror, as some automakers have done.

With the Subaru BRZ from Toyota you get a little bit more. To justify a slightly higher purchase price, Subaru offers built-in navigation and some other audio options, including Pandora and SiriusXM.

This is a car that you can have fun in without risking jail time.

The 86 also does not receive the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package with driver aids, which is standard on most of the automaker's models. That means buyers miss features like adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is also not available with adaptive cruise control, but autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition are available. The Fiat 124 Spider receives blind spot monitoring and a rear traffic alarm as part of an optional package, but none of the other drivers help their Mazda siblings.

Experience behind the wheel

The 86 was not designed as a technology leader. It's designed to provide the best possible driving experience for the price, and it delivers.

Like a well-made cheeseburger, Toyota (and its partner Subaru) didn't try to make the 86er chic – they focused on making a handful of basic ingredients as good as possible. The 86 is powered by a Subaru 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that uses Toyota's D-4S fuel injection system, which switches between direct injection and port injection to maximize efficiency. The engine features Subaru's signature boxer configuration, which allows it to sit deeper in the chassis. This lowers the overall center of gravity of the vehicle and improves handling.

The Boxer-Four delivers 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque in cars with the six-speed manual and 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet. with the six-speed automatic. That's more than the Mazda MX-5 Miata or Fiat 124 Spider, although the 86 can't keep up with the Fiat's melodious exhaust note. The engine is also well suited for sports cars and has an eager, easy-going character.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The trim proportions of the 86, the relatively low curb weight (Toyota specified a weight of 2,799 pounds for our Hakone Edition test car) and the rear-wheel drive make the most of this engine. Many performance cars try to mask the poundage with an extra dash of power, which means that most of the fun takes place at extra-fast speeds. The agile and communicative chassis of the 86 turns every curve into an event – regardless of speed. This is a car that you can have fun in without risking jail time.

The 86 isn't perfect – it's easy to accidentally shift to fifth gear if you want third, and a Miata is a bit sharper overall – but it's pretty close. You also pay for this epic handling with driving quality that makes commuting on the highway painful. The suspension doesn't help reduce the effects of bumps, and the cabin is noisy. If you want more sophistication, you have to switch to a Toyota Supra.

Fuel consumption and security

Another advantage of a light car with a small engine is the good mileage. The 86 is combined with 24 mpg (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the manual gearbox and 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the automatic. Over a week's drive, we achieved an average value of 24.2 mpg (according to the car's on-board computer) even with a fairly heavy gas pedal.

Real results that match government ratings are always encouraging, but the 86 can't compete with a 29 MPG Miata (26 MPG City, 34 MPG Highway) or a 30 MPG (26 MPG City, 35 MPG Highway) manual 124 Spider keep up). The Mazda has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine like the Toyota, while the Fiat has a smaller 1.4-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharger.

An advantage of a light car with a small engine is good mileage.

The 86 received the top rating of “good” in four out of five crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was rated as “acceptable” in the front test on the driver side with “small overlap”. The Toyota has not received an overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Toyota offers a three-year basic warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles for the powertrain. The automaker has a pretty good reputation for reliability. Subaru engines also have a good reputation, although head seals with high mileage are known to fail. Replacement should be considered later in the life of the car.

How DT would configure this car

Hakone Edition models like our test car have a unique style and are probably a good choice for future collectibles. Our ideal 86er would, however, be a basic model that is equipped with the optional TRD handling package, which is not available in the Hakone Edition.

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, the performance department of the Japanese automaker. If you choose this option, you will have to do without the chic green color of the Hakone Edition and the 17-inch bronze wheels. However, they are equipped with Sachs dampers, Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The package costs $ 2,320. In addition to the base price of $ 28,015, it would still be a little cheaper than a Hakone Edition – but with even better handling.

The 86 also has great support for the aftermarket. If you don't like something about this car, there is likely to be a spare part to change it. We would start with a new exhaust system. The storage system makes a lot of noise, but most of this noise is not good.

Our opinion

Few cars perform their intended function as well as the Toyota 86. A Mazda MX-5 Miata is a bit better to drive, but the average driver won't notice. The 86 makes up for that with a pinch of practicality – and how often will you really take off the top of the Mazda? The Fiat 124 Spider has a nice sound, a retro design and a more comfortable driving experience, but is not as sharp as the Toyota.

However, Toyota paid a price for its unique focus. For similar money, you can buy cars that aren't as pure as the 86, but have a wider range of talents. The Nissan 370Z has a 3.7-liter V6 with 332 hp, while compact sports cars like the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen Golf GTI are suitable for everyday use. A Ford Mustang EcoBoost offers more space, performance and technology, but also feels more like an ordinary car than a real sports car.

Should you get one?

Yes. The 86 defines cheap thrills.

Editor's recommendations




Skin Care During Pregnancy: Suggestions For Expectant Moms

Finding out your skin care routine at any time can be overwhelming, but skin care during pregnancy? This brings with it a whole host of new concerns. During pregnancy, your skin can change in different ways and behave completely differently than when you are not pregnant. Read on for our recommendations and remember to always consult your doctor before using new skin care products or professional treatments during pregnancy.

Skin care solutions for pregnancy Infogrpahic

The first trimester: supple, hydrated skin

With some expectant mothers, your skin bypasses the coveted pregnancy glow and becomes dry and irritated instead. Certified product support officer for cosmeticians and Eminence Organics Alicia Hawthorne Shares: "Hormone changes can cause the face to dry out and lose moisture and oil, which in turn can make the skin feel itchy, red, and irritated." To combat this, Alicia recommends a gentle oil-based cleanse with a product like our Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and a soothing facial oil like our Rosehip Triple C&E Firming Oil. For an easier application that helps to minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL), our Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment contains unique melting balls that release jojoba oil when applied and make the skin soft, smooth and moist.Eminence Organics Rose Hip Triple C + E Firming Oil

The second and third trimesters: body care and aromatherapy

When your bundle of joy begins to show, the skin around the stomach area expands and often causes stretch marks. While not everyone develops these tiger-striped scars, it is American Academy of Dermatology points out: “Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also be at higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks. “In addition to their appearance, this stretching of the skin can feel incredibly itchy, tight, and uncomfortable all round.

Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also be at higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks.

One of the most effective ways to relieve stretch marks is to moisturize your skin. Make sure your skin is in its best shape by drinking plenty of water and using rich and moisturizing products for your abdominal area. A favorite Eminence Organics Our apricot body oil is a product to relieve the feeling on the skin. This award-winning product uses grape seed, jojoba, apricot seed extract and sea buckthorn oil to deeply nourish and moisturize the skin. Mix a few drops of the oil with our Coconut Firming Body Lotion for the ultimate moisturizing treatment. Not only does this minimize the appearance of stretch marks, this soothing combination moisturizes and keeps the skin elastic and soothes dry, itchy skin.Eminence Organics Apricot Body Oil

A persistent feeling of nausea and changes in mood and sleep patterns are just a few things you should "expect while you expect". Essential oils and herbs are a natural solution to address all of these problems and more. According to Fit Pregnancy, "In the second and third trimesters, some essential oils are safe to use because your baby is evolving." These oils include lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang, which can calm the mind, relax the body, and support sleep. As with any of our recommendations, please contact your doctor before trying aromatherapy at home during pregnancy. Since the symptoms and sensitivities of pregnancy vary from person to person, it is important to always play it safe.

In the second and third trimesters, some essential oils can be used safely as your baby is more developed.

The inclusion of these gentle fragrances in skin care is a simple and mild way to incorporate aromatherapy into normal life. Two fantastic options are ours Soothing chamomile Tonique and our lavender correcting night concentrate. A quick splash of the soothing chamomile Tonique will soothe and relieve stress. This product is gentle enough for pregnant and nursing mothers and soothes the senses and cares for the skin with soothing ingredients such as lavender, chamomile and aloe. Our Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate adds a wonderfully light dose of moisture with soothing lavender and shea butter to replenish the skin's appearance. Eminence Organics Soothing Chamomile Tonique

During and after pregnancy: clear, smooth skin

Hormonal acne can be extremely frustrating because it fluctuates during pregnancy, as well as after childbirth and breastfeeding. During pregnancy the "pregnancy hormones" HCG and progesterone increase the number of oil glands on your face. While this leads to this beautiful "pregnancy glow", the excess oil can clog the pores and lead to an increase in hormonal breakouts. In addition, estrogen levels decrease and testosterone levels rise after childbirth, which can also lead to excessive pimples when the body tries to regulate itself.

I recommend treating these hormonal outbreaks with products that can help stabilize the excessive oil production that can occur during pregnancy.

Alicia says, "I recommend treating these hormonal outbreaks with products that can help stabilize the excessive oil production that can occur during pregnancy." With the inclusion of yucca extract that contains phytoestrogens, Alicia recommends ours Eight green collection. Not only are these products beneficial for improving the appearance of hormonal defects, but they also have anti-aging benefits as they help the skin feel firmer. Eminence Organics Eight Green's Youth Serum

A drop or two of ours Eight Greens Youth Serum on the face help absorb excess oil, improve the appearance of hormonal breakouts and make the skin feel young and smooth. Our Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer helps to balance and soothe red, dry skin. Last but not least, our Eight Greens Phyto Masque (not hot) is an amazing weekly treatment for pregnant and lactating mothers. Applying a thin layer of this gel mask to the entire face is a dream for dry, sensitive and problematic skin types. The skin looks light, clear and radiant, without the sharpness of our Eight Greens Phyto Masque (Hot). Eminence Organics Eight Green Phyto Mask

Any additional tips or tricks for skin care during pregnancy? First-hand experience that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below or share it with us on social media.

Stay Supported And Informed With These Spa Industry Associations

T.The professional spa industry has always been a close community, and we at Eminence Organics are committed to helping you find the support you need at this time and beyond. While every industry is affected by this pandemic in one way or another, the spa industry in particular – known for its human connection and wellbeing of body and mind – has to adapt.

Pandemic or not, there are a plethora of spa industry associations offering support and resources, and an entire network of spa professionals is ready to share their experiences and expertise. Your participation in these associations is growing and promoting the professional spa industry as a whole.

To help you navigate all of the spa industry associations, we've created a guide that will guide you to the support you need.

Spa industry associations for owners / directors

As a spa owner or director, you want to learn from the best in business: people with experience in running successful spas who know the industry inside out. You don't want to reinvent the wheel every time you make a business decision, with so much help available and a multitude of proven ones recommended procedure. Access to these resources starts here:

International Spa Association (ISPA)

The The International Spa Association (ISPA) is recognized worldwide as the professional voice of our industry and represents spas in over 70 countries. ISPA defines a spa as any place “dedicated to general well-being through a variety of professional services that promote the renewal of body, mind and soul”. This broad definition encompasses most spa experiences, from resorts to medicine to individual service providers, including doctors and nutritionists. ISPA membership shows spa visitors that they adhere to the ISPA Code of Conduct, including best practices regarding safety, disinfection, and hiring qualified personnel.

As a member, you get access to training such as the Certified Spa Supervisor Program, a research library, and webinars, courses, and textbooks on topics such as retail management and financial reporting. They also keep you up to date with the latest industry news and provide templates and guidelines for spas that may not have access to marketing or operations teams.

The ISPA network of spa operators, resource partners and providers is a big draw, and members have access to the full membership directory and ISPA job bank. You will also receive special prizes for the annual ISPA Conference & Expo, one of the leading networking events in the industry.

Forest and waterfall

Green spa network (GSN Planet)

Eminence is proud to be a "green" company and Certified B Corporation, which is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Given our many shared values, it's no surprise that the Green Spa Network or GSN Planet is very important to us. GSN Planet is committed to “promoting the critical links between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet” and believes that the spa industry is particularly suited to be a catalyst for positive change.

GSN Planet memberships are tiered and begin with a free membership that includes access to webinars, newsletters and job search features. The higher levels include listings in the GSN Planet Spa Locator, access to the Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Green Toolkit, and industry research.

They also host the annual Green Spa Network Congress and recognize innovation and leadership in sustainability through the GSN Sustainability Awards.

Spa Industry Association (SIA)

In 2017 the Day Spa Association and meInternational Medical Spa Association consolidated their membership under the new one Association of the Spa Industry (SIA). Her mantra is: "Connect the community around the world" with a free membership that gives access to day spas and individual service providers.

SIA supports the professional spa industry by taking part in trade fairs, speaking at events and making industry tools more accessible. They gather resources and relevant information for their members – including spa and wellness research reports, industry news, and state legislative information. They also summarize accredited spa industry certifications, insurance options, and state spa associations.

Leading spas from Canada

The Leading Spas of Canada is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of "future-oriented spa professionals who saw great potential for spas in Canada to compete with the best in the world." Without national regulations, the organization developed standards and practices , a code of ethics, and a third-party quality assurance program to ensure that all members meet or exceed training, service, hygiene, and safety benchmarks.

The Leading Spas of Canada lead and connect the national spa industry, including spas, individual service providers, resource partners and educational institutions. Membership costs vary by category, from discounted student memberships to leading QA spa members (which indicates quality assurance for spa visitors).

Associations of the spa industry for beauticians / bodyworkers

While all of these associations are valuable to beauticians and service providers, many resources are aimed at spa owners and managers. The following organizations are aimed more directly at spa professionals at an individual level, including non-business owners and those in the early stages of their careers. You also focus on Training, certification and further training of beauticians – who we love!

Woman attending webinar on tablet

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)

The Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) pride themselves on being an essential partner “for beauticians at every stage of the journey”. This includes membership options for students, educators, spa professionals, and employers developing their businesses.

ASCP publishes a bi-monthly magazine (ASCP Skin Deep) and continuously updates its news and video libraries to reflect the latest research, laws, events and trends in the industry. They offer on-demand webinars, marketing support, website building tools and the ASCP Career Toolkit, including costing and business resources.

ASCP members also receive discounts on training, beautician training, insurance, equipment and events.

Spa staff

Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

The The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is open to a wider membership, including beauticians, hairdressers, makeup artists, freelancers and manufacturers. Her goal is to promote and expand careers within the broader beauty industry in the United States.

PBA members have access to an insurance market, industry research reports and business blueprints – various guides to compensation, operations, business planning, etc. Their visionary premium memberships include branding for your company, a marketing campaign and an account manager.

Finally, the PBA offers scholarship opportunities and supports a number of charities that benefit the professional beauty community.

While most of these associations have looked at COVID-19 and its impact on our community, it is important to remember that nothing that is proposed will replace your federal, state, or provincial government regulations. Check them frequently as the situation changes quickly. You can start here in the US and here in Canada.

In the meantime, we recommend that you contact your spa industry associations to obtain models for dealing with, adapting, and progressing. The most comprehensive is so far ISPA Spa Reopening Toolkit – a free guide for members and non-members with resources to prepare spas for safe reopening if the government allows it.

These professional associations are just a few of the organizations available in the industry. Which associations do you work with? Let us know in the comments below or share it with use on social media. Stay safe and check our blog as always Spa professional content

Samsung Galaxy Book Flex Review: QLED For the Big Win

"The Samsung Galaxy Book Flex offers incredible battery life and a vibrant QLED display."

  • Light, thin design

  • Good performance

  • Excellent battery life

  • The QLED display has great colors

  • Built-in S-pin

  • Cumbersome keyboard placement

  • Huge lower bezel

Samsung operates a tech empire. From phones and televisions to air purifiers and vacuum cleaners, Samsung has expanded everything down to the individual components that drive these products.

However, laptops have always been the only small domain outside their limits. Sure, there have been a lot of Samsung laptops over the years, but none that were really worth putting up Samsung's proud banner.

But 2020 is the year of conquering Samsung's laptops, and the Galaxy Book Flex is its war horse. It starts at $ 1,349, though my more expensive configuration comes with 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and a Core i7 processor. No question, this is the best laptop Samsung has ever made. But is that one you should buy?

QLED display and battery life

The Galaxy Book Flex has some outstanding features that come from other areas of the Samsung empire. The most notable feature is the QLED display. This comes from Samsung's hugely successful TV business. As an alternative to the standard LED, the Galaxy Book Flex is the first laptop to use QLED that uses quantum dots. The results are groundbreaking.

It's bright (428 nits) and has a high contrast (1,080: 1), but QLED really makes a difference in color gamut and accuracy. It hits 92 percent of Adobe RGB, a color space that most laptop screens struggle with. This colorful, accurate screen is important for photographers. Perhaps it is one of the best photo laptops you can get at this price.

There is even an "outdoor mode" that increases the brightness to 600 nits. This can be useful if you work outdoors. This is Samsung that flexes its muscles.

The Galaxy Book Flex offers the best battery life you can get with a laptop.

However, Samsung has two competitors. The 13-inch MacBook Pro still has a brighter, more colorful screen and a higher-resolution display. OLED screens also offer better contrast and better colors, but are rare on 13-inch laptops. There is only one option for the HP Specter x360 13 and only available in 4K. It looks good, but it's expensive. The Specter is a $ 300 display upgrade, while the Galaxy Book Flex QLED is standard.

In addition, 4K OLED screens are expensive in terms of performance. The Galaxy Book Flex's QLED 1080p is far better in terms of battery life. In fact, the Galaxy Book Flex has some of the best battery life you can get in a laptop.

It delivers almost 14 hours of battery with low power consumption and a whopping 17.5 hours when playing local videos (no streaming). Many laptops promise such numbers, but none deliver as much as the Galaxy Book Flex. It overtook the Dell XPS 13 battery life champion by an hour and lasted more than twice as long as the 4K Specter x360.

Sticking to 1080p helps here, but Samsung also jammed a 69.7-watt-hour battery. It's a huge battery for a laptop of this size that pays off.

S pen and keyboard

The S Pen was also borrowed from another Samsung product – in this case the Galaxy Note. Earlier Samsung laptops also used the S Pen, such as the Notebook 9 Pen and the Galaxy Book 2 from 2018. The pen itself has not changed, but is now in a slot above the keyboard. Clicking on the pin in the slot ejects it, making it quick and easy to access (and you won't lose it). This accessibility has always been special about the S Pen: it is part of the device and not an additional peripheral.

The S Pen is suitable for all common pen functions such as notes, sketching and selecting. A button on the S Pen opens a familiar options menu that allows you to dive straight into the drawing on the screen. These simple apps are fairly simple, but provide a good entry point to try the S Pen for the first time.

A larger pen like the Surface Pen or the Apple Pencil fits better in the hand for illustrations and detailed work. The S-pen is just long enough to fit in my hand and doesn't mimic the feel of a real pencil as well. However, that was never the point. As with the Galaxy Note, the greatest strength of the S Pen is its convenience. It's always there and it's easy to take out and start writing.

The Galaxy Book Flex is a 2-in-1 device, meaning you can fold the screen flat with its 360-degree hinge. Unfortunately, the screen is pretty shaky and the hinge is a bit loose, so using it in a position other than completely flat makes it difficult to take notes.

The S Pen's convenient location also has a disadvantage. To make room in the case, Samsung had to impair the typing experience. The keyboard sits closer to you and leaves less space for the palm rests. They are one centimeter narrower than a MacBook Air and about half a centimeter narrower than the Dell XPS 13. The lack of support is just enough to make typing on the Galaxy Book Flex uncomfortable, as the edges of the aluminum case dig into your palms . The keyboard layout also feels tight, although the keycaps are no smaller than most laptops.

To make matters worse, the Galaxy Book Flex uses a keyboard with low travel. It's not as flat as the old MacBook keyboards, but the keystrokes could take a little more depth.

The touchpad is quiet, easy to track and can even be used as a wireless charger. Now there is something I have never seen in a laptop. A Qi-enabled phone or a pair of earphones will charge wirelessly, which is a nice addition. You can't use the laptop often when a phone is in the way, but I could imagine that this is a convenient option in a confined space.

design

In the past, Samsung made some of the lightest laptops. They were also some of the most flimsy. The Galaxy Book Flex manages to balance these two things by providing aluminum for stability and keeping the weight at just 2.5 pounds. It's lighter than the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and the MacBook Air, but built just as well as the Galaxy smartphones with which it shares its brand.

The Galaxy Book Flex is pretty too. The silver-colored, diamond-cut edges subtly reflect the light, and of course the dark blue color is unforgettable. If you want something different, but even bolder, check out the red on the Galaxy Chromebook, the Chrome alternative to Flex.

Both are a little too brave for my preference. The flex resembles the HP Elite Dragonfly in tone, but is even brighter and more pronounced. Compared to the Flex's two main competitors, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and the HP Specter x360, the Galaxy Book Flex is the aesthetic that I least prefer.

It's more than just a color preference. The steady rests are my real touch. The top and bottom edges are narrow, and to make up for this, the Galaxy Book Flex has an unusually large lower chin. It is a real eyesore. When you sit next to the XPS 13, it's strange how high the screen starts. In addition to the MacBook Air, it even looks strange, which I often criticize for its large bezels.

These bezels spoil the otherwise attractive design.

On the silver sides you will find a selection of USB-C ports, but no full-size USB-A. Two Thunderbolt 3 ports flank the right side next to the power switch and S-pin. The headphone jack, the microSD card slot and a USB-C 3.1 port are on the left.

Next to these connections is a pair of speaker grilles. The audio output is branded by AKG and the result is impressive sound quality. The MacBook Air is in another league, but the Galaxy Book Flex has a fuller-bodied audio profile than some of its competitors and even offers a hint of bass in the mix. It blows the XPS 13 2-in-1 out of the water with thin, downward-facing speakers.

performance

The Galaxy Book Flex is powered by a standard mix of high-end components. On the processor side, the latest 10th generation Ice Lake processors from Intel are used, which provide the laptop with four cores, eight threads and a base clock speed of 1.3 GHz. My test device was the Core i7 variant with 16 GB RAM, although the only 13-inch model sold in the USA only has 8 GB RAM. It also comes with 512 GB SSD storage.

I would like to see more configurations in the future, but the one offered is a fairly fast computer. My daily routine consists of dozens of Chrome tabs, Spotify, Slack, Office and some light photo editing. The Galaxy Book Flex never flinched. It'll crank up its fans and seem to get a little warm by chance, but it was never loud or hot enough to distract.

There are faster laptops like the XPS 13 in this class. The Galaxy Book Flex was only 5 percent behind in Geekbench 5, but 24 percent slower in Handbrake video coding. You may not be planning much video encoding with the Galaxy Book Flex, but the ability to create content may be somewhat limited compared to the powerful XPS 13. Still, it's one of the more powerful laptops with these processors.

The Galaxy Book Flex also has Iris Plus graphics. This is the greatly improved integrated graphics from Intel, which promises twice the performance of the old Intel UHD graphics. The Core i7 model has the best of these Iris Plus graphics, which allow for improved content creation and even easy gaming.

It was still struggling with a game like Fortnite, which is unfortunate. You need to reduce the resolution to playable frame rates. But the Galaxy Book Flex can handle lighter games like Rocket League without too much trouble.

Our opinion

The Galaxy Book Flex is everything you could want in a modern laptop. It's slim, portable, and powerful – and outperforms some of the best laptops in key areas like display and battery life. Adding the S-pin to the case is just the icing on the cake.

Some minor user experience issues such as keyboard placement and front panel size prevent them from getting really great, but it is without a doubt the best laptop Samsung has ever made.

Are there alternatives?

There are tons of laptop options out there, but the Flex's closest rivals are the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and the HP Specter x360 13. The Galaxy Book Flex gains battery life and display, even though I match the keyboard and frame size of the other options prefer. The Specter x360 is also a battery life champion and the cheapest of the three. I prefer the design and look of the XPS 13 2-in-1, although the Galaxy Book Flex's colorful QLED screen is ideal for photographers. I wish there was a 4K option as well as a cheaper Core i5 model.

When you're ready to go without the 2-in-1 element, the Dell XPS 13 remains the best laptop you can buy as it can be configured with a touchscreen.

How long it will take?

The Galaxy Book Flex should last for at least four or five years. The components are up to date and the build quality is excellent. Samsung offers a one-year limited warranty at the time of purchase.

Should you buy it

Yes. The first-class battery life and the display make it an outstanding 2-in-1 laptop.

Editor's recommendations




Food Intolerances: Should I Get Tested?

Food has a social component that is essential for every culture and society on our planet. However, food can be both enemies and friends, food intolerance can have a negative impact on our quality of life and can even be fatal in food allergies. When we ask Google, from headache to acne, almost every single disease can be attributed to one food or diet, and usually the cure is also attributed to another food or diet.

The "free of" industry is booming when I first moved to the city I currently live in, if I wanted gluten-free products I should have gone to a pharmacy and with a little luck they would be in the corner and would be together Collect dust These strange herbal candies that your grandmother loved.

Two years later, whole parts of the supermarkets are now devoted to gluten and lactose free products. This is obviously a great thing, especially for people with real diagnosed conditions like celiac disease. Increasing awareness of food-related issues has led many of us to wonder whether headaches / lack of energy / lack of sleep are caused by food intolerance.

There are many people who tell you that the answer is yes and that their advice is usually expensive. This article explains why the IgG antibody food intolerance test is a waste of time and money.

I want to make it very clear that this article is not about whether or not you should test for a suspected food allergy, although I will go into food allergies.

If you suspect that you have a food allergy, contact your doctor. By that I mean a real doctor working in a clinic or hospital, and not a charlatan on the Internet with MD by his name. What I'm going to discuss in this article are the blood tests for food intolerance that are advertised on the internet and in some pharmacies.

What is the test?

The test is fairly simple: you order a test kit online from one of the laboratories that offer the test. As soon as it arrives, take a blood sample and then send it back to the laboratory.

The laboratory tests your blood for IgG antibodies that are specific to a variety of foods, usually in the range of 200 different foods. What I mean by specific is that, for example, if you test your blood against a sample of chicken protein, some of the IgG antibodies bind to that protein, they are "specific" to that protein or food.

Once the laboratory has tested all foods, you will receive a report with the results. Different laboratories may do it differently, but the ones I've seen use a traffic light system.

Red for foods with high levels of IgG binding that should be avoided. Yellow for foods that are "borderline" and should only be eaten in moderation. Finally green for foods that contain little or no IgG, which means you can eat them to your heart's content.

So what's the problem?

It all sounds so easy, take the test and then avoid the red foods. However, there are two rather big problems with this method of food intolerance testing. The first relates to the test procedure and the second to the actual function of the IgG antibody.

Real food intolerances

We'll start with the method and assume that the IgG antibody is involved in food intolerance (which is discussed in the next section).

When I got my allergy certificate at university, we were repeatedly told that the most important part of an allergy diagnosis was the patient's medical history.

Without a detailed medical history, the results of the blood test are not helpful at best. The mere presence of antibodies is not enough to make a diagnosis. There must be a history of symptoms to ensure that you are actually allergic (or intolerant in this case) to a particular food.

Blood test results without a medical history will no longer be helpful. As I said, diagnosis and diagnosis require both symptoms and the presence of antibodies. Only the presence of antibodies (without symptoms) against a certain food protein is called sensitization. 1

When it comes to food allergies, when a person is sensitized to a food but has no allergic symptoms, the last thing they should do is stop eating that particular food.

If they stop eating the food they are sensitized to, it could detract from the immune system's tolerance to allergies, and the next time they come across this food, they may have a reaction. 2

For this reason, it is crucial in immunotherapy that the patient continues to eat the foods that he has been allergic to, even if, as so often, he does not like them.

If you come back to a food intolerance and only get a report on hundreds of foods, some of which you have now been told that you cannot eat, it is likely that you will be on an unnecessarily restrictive diet, leading to an increased risk of nutrient deficiency and worse, less leads to gains in the gym.

The IgG antibody

Before we look at antibodies in detail, I think it is important to clarify what allergy and intolerance are, as these words are often used interchangeably and cause confusion.

Both allergies and intolerances are referred to as hypersensitivity, which means that they are reactions to something that a “normal” person would not respond to. An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction that is triggered by the immune system, while an intolerance does not affect the immune system. 3

A good comparison would be lactose intolerance and a real milk allergy. A person with lactose intolerance produces no or insufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which helps us to digest sugar lactose. So if she consumes milk, she cannot break down lactose, which causes digestive problems. These problems are not caused by the immune system.

However, you can consume lactose-free milk. In the case of a person allergic to milk, their immune system has raised antibodies to milk proteins. When you consume milk, your immune system attacks it and the person has classic allergy symptoms, itchy rash, swelling and difficulty breathing.

A person allergic to milk could not consume lactose-free milk because it still contains milk proteins. However, you could consume a hydrolyzed or amino acid formula with lactose.

These are made by the B cells of our adaptive immune system. Our immune system consists of two parts, the innate and the adaptive. The innate is fairly simple in that it attacks everything that is not "we".

On the positive side, it is very quick to react. The adaptive immune system reacts a little slower, but has a “memory”, so to speak. The next time it encounters something bad, it will usually be treated before we even notice that we are sick.

One of the main weapons in the arsenal of the adaptive immune system is the antibody (or immunoglobulin). The B cells form different types of antibodies, each with a different role in the immune system. The best known antibody is probably IgE. IgE's original role was to treat parasitic infections, but it is more commonly known as the antibody behind allergic reactions. 4

When the B cell produces an antibody, it is “specific” to a particular protein (a food protein in the case of a food allergy). The next time the antibody encounters this protein, they bind to it and control an immune response.

In the case of IgE, they sit on certain immune cells (mast cells), and when they encounter the specific protein or antigen, they bind to them and cause these cells to release histamine. It is this histamine that causes your typical allergic reactions and why people with allergies usually carry antihistamines with them.

With IgG antibodies there are actually four subclasses of IgG antibodies, IgG1, IgG2 etc., each with slightly different functions. All IgG subclasses are very good at enhancing a process called phagocytosis, in which certain cells of the immune system (macrophages) devour and destroy bacteria.

For example, IgG1 is very good in a process known as ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). Here the IgG1 binds to a target cell and immune cells recognize this binding as a signal that this particular cell must be destroyed. 4th

IgG Food Interolence Science

Proponents of the IgG food intolerance test point to the ability of the antibody to activate multiple cells of the immune system as "evidence" that the antibody cannot and does not mediate allergic reactions to food.

However, when we examine the role of IgG4, we see that it is not. In 2012, Norwegian researchers investigated the connection between IgG, IgG4 and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). IBS is a food-borne disorder with many symptoms of food intolerance, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. An attempt was therefore made to link the disease with IgG antibodies. 5

In the Norwegian study, they compared food-specific IgG and IgG4 antibodies from IBS subjects with healthy, symptom-free subjects. Not only did the researchers find that the IBS group's IgG and IgG4 antibodies did not match their trigger foods (foods that they know made their symptoms worse), but there were no differences in IgG either and IgG4 levels between the IBS and control groups.

What the researchers found was that the higher levels of the antibodies matched foods that both groups ate regularly, in the case of the IBS group, their "safe foods" and in the control group, only foods they ate frequently.

The researchers concluded that IgG and IgG4 antibodies are unlikely to play a role in IBS, and that the presence of these antibodies only reflects diet.6

In other words, the more of something you eat, the more IgG is specific to the food you have. In recent years, it has been shown that IgG and especially IgG4 is not only a reflection of a diet, but also a tolerance marker and protects against allergic reactions.

For non-allergic people, we produce IgG4 antibodies (in contrast to IgE) against proteins in order to label them as "safe" and to prevent the possibility of an allergic reaction. This was called the IgG4 / IgE ratio. It has been shown that non-allergic beekeepers have a 1000 times higher IgG4 / IgE ratio than people who are allergic to bee venom. 7

During immunotherapy, allergic people do not gain tolerance by reducing their IgE number, but by increasing their IgG1 and especially IgG4 number. The IgG4 antibodies compete with the IgE antibodies and prevent them from attaching to the mast cells, thus preventing them from causing reactions. 8

Continue with caution

When it comes to food proteins, the IgG antibody, and especially the IgG4 subclass, appears to have anti-inflammatory effects that prevent allergic (and intolerant) reactions in both allergic and non-allergic people.

To paraphrase EAACI (European Academy of Allergy): Testing IgG for food intolerance is "irrelevant" and should not be done. 9

The companies that continue to promote the IgG blood tests either do not fully understand the function of the IgG antibody or sell their product anyway. I really hope it's not the latter.

References

1. Van Ree. R et al. 2014. Allergic sensitization: host immune factors. Clinical and translational allergy. 4:12.

2. James. LK et al. 2011. Long-term tolerance after allergen immunotherapy is associated with selective persistence of blocking antibodies. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 127: 509-; 516.

3. Johansson. SGO et al. 2004. Revised Allergy Nomenclature for Global Use: Report of the World Allergy Organization's Nomenclature Review Committee, October 2003. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 133 (5): 832-8. 836.

4. Owen. J et al. 2013. Kuby Immunology, 7th edition. Macmillan.

5. Philpott. H et al. 2013. Alternative studies on irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of gastroenterology. 28: 73-77.

6. Ligaarden. S et al. 2012. IgG and IgG4 antibodies in patients with IBS: A case-control study in the general population. BMC gastroenterology. 12: 166.

7. Carballido. JM et al. 1993. T cell epitope specificity in human allergic and non-allergic subjects against bee venom phospholipase A2. Journal of Immunology. 150: 3582-; 3591

8. Bischoff SC & Sellge G. 2014. Food allergy: side effects on food and food additives, 5th edition. Chapter 2: The immunological basis of IgE-mediated reactions. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

9th stack. SO et al. 2008. Testing for IgG4 against food is not recommended as a diagnostic tool: EAACI Task Force Report. Allergy. 63: 793-; 796.

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Review: Transform Your Tablet

Apple Magic Keyboard Review iPad Pro

Apple Magic Keyboard (11-inch iPad Pro 2020)

"For many users, the Magic Keyboard turns the iPad Pro into a real laptop alternative."

  • Tactile, precise typing experience

  • Responsive trackpad

  • Perfectly weighted for desk or lap

  • Productivity increases significantly on the iPad Pro

  • An expensive accessory

  • The screen angle setting is limited

These words are written on a magic keyboard that is connected to an iPad Pro. It is the third full product review I wrote using Apple's new keyboard accessories for the iPad Pro (2020). It has comprised at least 7,000 words since it arrived about a week ago. At the moment I am also typing with the iPad Pro and the magic keyboard on my lap and not at my desk.

Does this all mean that the iPad Pro has found the accessories that can really make it a laptop alternative? That may still be a stretch, but it was certainly never closer. I have been living with the iPad Pro with and without Magic Keyboard for a few weeks now and can say with certainty that this keyboard stands out from all previous competitors.

This is what it looks like. If you haven't decided to buy a new iPad Pro yet, check out our iPad Pro (2020) review.

design

You notice the weight of the Magic keyboard for the iPad Pro the second it arrives. Even in the box, it's a tough thing, and once it's unpacked, it's actually heavier than the iPad Pro itself. I used the 11-inch version with the 11-inch iPad Pro and together they weigh 2, 34 pounds, which is just a hair lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Air 2020. Don't buy this combination if you want to save weight in your pocket, as that's not really the case.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

This weight gives you security. It doesn't feel weak in any way, which makes it well suited for the round. There's no annoying flex that slows typing, and the heavily cushioned hinge holds the tablet securely in the position you choose. With the weight comes the air of quality, and while this would not be desirable in the iPad Pro itself, it is in the keyboard. When closed, the package is approximately 19 mm thick, while the 2020 MacBook Air is 21 mm thick.

Due to the current restrictions, I wasn't able to carry the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard around in my pocket, so I can't judge their suitability as a pendulum tool, but I have no reason to doubt a convenient companion. What I know is the material from which the keyboard case is made – a pleasantly tactile plastic with a soft handle – that picks up all the fluff, dust and crumbs on the bottom of your bag. It already takes up enough dirt and fingerprints when sitting at home, and inevitably gets dirty when dragged around.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The Magic keyboard is covered with magnets. A set in the top half holds the iPad Pro in place, and while it doesn't cover the entire back of the tablet, it does so with flaky enthusiasm. There is absolutely no risk of it slipping or falling, even with excessive shaking. Opening the case is easy and the top cover snaps into place quickly. Then set the viewing angle up to 130 degrees.

Once set, it doesn't go anywhere again, but I've found that I wanted it to go a little further back than it can take for a more dramatic viewing angle. There is also no way to use the iPad Pro "alone" with the Magic Keyboard case attached. It cannot be folded to become a 2-in-1 device. If you want to perform tablet tasks, you must first remove them from the case. The Magic Keyboard is designed to bring the iPad Pro as close as possible to a laptop, and it doesn't differ at all.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The floating design of the Magic keyboard looks cool. Everything holds together as if it were a coherent product and not a hybrid of two. The solid body is also perfectly weighted and balanced for use in all seating situations. It is an excellent product, and to consider it a minor accessory is bad service for the work that has done all of this just right.

keyboard

Whether on your lap or on your desk, the Magic Keyboard is a pleasure to type. The keys have a spring travel of 1 mm. If that doesn't mean a lot to you, you just need to know that they feel great. I've managed to miss Apple's yearlong keyboard wilderness, and the Magic Keyboard types are similar to an evolution of the keyboard of my beloved 11-inch MacBook Air from 2014. It didn't take any customization time, I just sat down and typed right away at full speed.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

This is an essential part of the iPad Pro equipped with Magic Keyboard, which fits into your working life. I'm a "heavy guy" and found the keyboard to be quite loud, but not more than my MacBook Air. My wrists rest on the edge of the case, which is shaped so that it doesn't dig in or cause fatigue. The overall size is well judged, the keys are solid and responsive, and everything falls neatly on your fingers.

My entire Galaxy S20 test was written using the Magic keyboard on the iPad Pro. I had a deadline, so it was a risk to lock on a new device. I met the deadline and don't think I would have worked faster on my MacBook Air or desktop computer. I only wanted to switch once, and that was to edit and upload photos just because I was forced to learn a new workflow on the iPad Pro. However, I didn't give in and the iPad Pro worked just fine.

There were only a few minor irritations when typing on the Magic keyboard. The first is the placement of the alternate language button in the lower left corner. I lost the number of times I switched to a Japanese keyboard configuration instead of pressing the Shift key with my little finger. The little finger on my right hand also caused me some problems. Sometimes it extends as I type, and sometimes I accidentally tap the third suggested word in Pages on the screen, especially when it was set at its most extreme angle.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

After all, the arrow keys are quite small and cumbersome to press quickly, and there is no row of function keys. The way we type is often very individual, so the irritations I've had may not affect anyone and are relatively minor. The lack of volume or brightness function keys didn't bother me, as both are accessible via iPadOS or on the tablet body itself, but traditionalists may find this annoying. Eventually I had some keyboard issues that did not work after switching apps and forced myself to close the app to make it work again. This is not always the case and will likely be fixed in a future software update.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The keys on the Magic keyboard are backlit and an ambient light sensor detects when they should be on or off. It is quite sensitive. On a cloudy day, they were lit in my living room when I don't think they're needed. The backlight was deactivated on brighter days to avoid additional stress on the battery. The last keyboard I used with an iPad was the Apple keyboard case for the first-generation iPad Pro, and the Magic keyboard is way ahead in terms of feel, ease of use, precision, convenience, and technology. Most of all, I didn't miss typing on my MacBook Air and didn't feel the need to come back to it.

Trackpad

The Magic Keyboard's trackpad is a headline builder, but has it changed the way you interact with the iPad Pro? No, and that's really intentional. Apple wanted the trackpad to expand the iPad Pro's touch-first operation, and that's exactly what it does. The 100mm x 50mm pad may not sound very large, but is well positioned and has the correct sensitivity for quick use. I haven't used it that often, but when I do, it speeds up my workflow a lot.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Example? I'm having trouble positioning the cursor and selecting text quickly and correctly on iOS, and this issue is repeated on iPadOS. When I write and edit long pieces of text, it can slow me down a lot. The trackpad eliminates the need to touch the screen, and selecting, copying, pasting, and deleting text in Pages takes no longer than on my laptop. The keyboard shortcuts are also available so that my usual laptop workflow is repeated on the Magic keyboard.

It takes one click to position the cursor instead of typing, and the action is consistent across the surface of the pad. The screen cursor is an easy-to-spot blob, and everything that can be interacted with is clearly highlighted. I mostly use pages and the trackpad integrates very well, but some functions are missing in other apps like Google Docs. For example, you can't quickly click, select, and highlight text, just activate the usual iPadOS copy / paste menu. Oddly enough, however, you can do this in the Twitter app. The Magic keyboard is still new, so additional functions may become available in third-party apps over time.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

I never just relied on the trackpad and switched between use and the touchscreen to navigate and perform certain functions, just like a touchscreen laptop. However, because the screen is so close to your hands and the keyboard's space requirement is relatively small, the range is often minimal and therefore feels faster than a large laptop. Although the trackpad initially aroused the greatest interest in the Magic keyboard, it is only a small, albeit an integral part of what makes the product so good overall.

Connectivity

The Magic keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro and does not need to be charged separately. At the end of the main hinge is a single USB Type-C port that serves as a continuity for charging. This leaves the USB Type C of the iPad Pro free so that you can connect a USB hub or an external drive. However, you cannot do this at the connection of the Magic keyboard. Shame.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

I used a USB hub to extract all the photos from an SD memory card for my Samsung Galaxy S20 test and transfer them to the iPad Pro for editing and uploading. I used different apps during the process and it was seamless and fast. I had no problems with the USB Type-C hub at the time, but due to the short cable and the fact that it needed to be connected to the tablet, it wasn't lying flat on the table. I would also worry that it knocks because of the way it protrudes. I would not worry if it could be connected to the keyboard's USB port.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

It would also have been nice if Apple had included an extra long USB charging cable with the Magic Keyboard. Instead, it was decided not to include any cables at all. The tablet that came with the tablet is short and is not suitable for situations where a plug may not be near your work place. Yes, the battery life is long, but not infinite. Given the cost of the keyboard, this is pretty tight even by Apple's standards.

Price and availability

The Magic keyboard costs $ 300 for the 11-inch model and $ 350 for the 12.9-inch version. You can also buy it from the Apple Store and from various retailers. It is compatible with both the current iPad Pro Tablet 2020 and the iPad Pro 2018. If you have an iPad Pro 2018, there is no reason to update your tablet yet. This is great news for those who have just bought the previous model.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

You need an iPad Pro for your Magic keyboard. As a package, you pay at least $ 1,100 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and Magic keyboard and at least $ 1,350 for the 12.9-inch model. For comparison, a new 2020 MacBook Air starts at $ 1,000.

Our opinion

The hardware combination of the iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard makes it an effective laptop alternative, but the software will still be an obstacle for those who have more complex work requirements. It comes closer to real, complete business than ever before. If your work requirements like mine are relatively simple, you don't have to grab your laptop often, if at all.

However, the slight lack of versatility of the keyboard case and the initially high price can make a laptop the most preferred device for you personally. Think carefully about how you use the iPad Pro every day, because at this price, a laptop can better meet your needs for less money.

Is there a better alternative?

The most logical alternative is a new MacBook Air for $ 1,000. A laptop offers everything the iPad Pro / Magic Keyboard can do, and much more. It also avoids some of the versatility problems, as there are often more ports, a longer charging cable and compatibility with almost all file types. Even the price isn't much different, and if you're only able to buy either, the MacBook Air may be the better long-term purchase depending on your work schedules.

Another alternative would be to find a 2018 iPad Pro and buy one for the Magic keyboard. You save a little money and work the same way. Outsider alternatives that may better suit your needs include Microsoft Surface Go for more than $ 400, or Surface Pro 7 for more than $ 750, or even Chromebooks like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook for $ 1,000 2-in-1 design and Google for $ 650 Pixelbook Go.

However, the laptop is the only alternative that meets all the criteria, and the other alternatives often have to make the same or greater compromises than the iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard combination.

How long it will take?

The iPad Pro easily lasts three to five years or even longer, depending on what you use it for. Adding the Magic keyboard only increases the lifespan. However, the keyboard has no water resistance or special durability. You should therefore make sure that nothing is spilled or dropped on it. If you are careless, a big bill may be waiting for you.

Should you buy one?

Yes. With the Magic keyboard, the iPad Pro comes closer than ever to its promise as a laptop alternative.

Editor's recommendations




Xbox One S Review 2020: Affordable 4K Entertainment

best cheap xbox one games 2017 s rating 9

"The Xbox One S is more than a console – it's a great Ultra HD Blu-Ray player."

  • Chic new look

  • Strong input / output selection

  • Ultra HD Blu-ray support

  • Improved compatibility with Windows 10

  • Attractive pricing

  • Not as small as expected

  • Hardware still slower than PlayStation 4

  • Cortana is disappointing

Xbox One S is Microsoft's cheaper update to Xbox One during the cycle. It offers both 4K media support and a better name for Xbox. On the hardware side, the miniaturization is said to overtake the PlayStation 4, which is still smaller and more subtle than the original Xbox One. On the software side, Xbox One S is the standard Microsoft carrier for Windows 10. While older Xbox One consoles can upgrade to the same software, there is still a lot of confusion about how Windows 10 and Xbox work together. The updated console ensures clarity.

There is a heavy load on the shoulders of this console that is too heavy for an incremental upgrade. Sony has not only launched a "slim" PlayStation 4, but also a much improved version of its console, the PlayStation 4 Pro. Microsoft also has its own powerful Xbox One X, which is currently the most powerful console, but Xbox One S is the much cheaper alternative.

Despite its low price, with exciting new features like Game Pass that complement Microsoft's vision for Xbox One, the One S doesn't have the improvements you'd expect from a console upgrade, nor is it the beginning of a new generation .

Smaller, but not that small

We liked the look of the original Xbox One and found it to look better than the PlayStation 4, which never looks right with its awkward angles. In practice, however, the Xbox One had a big problem. It was big – the biggest thing most people put in a home entertainment cabinet next to an A / V receiver.

Microsoft fixed this by reducing the Xbox One S by 40 percent. Sounds great, doesn't it? Nevertheless, the number is deceptive. The box is only a few centimeters narrower and about one centimeter shorter than the original. The power supply is now also internal.

The less-than-expected miniaturization means that the new Xbox is just catching up with the slim PlayStation 4. The Xbox One S is wider and a hair bigger, but not quite as deep.

The new Xbox isn't as small as the numbers suggest, but it is undeniably attractive. It's minimalist, uniform, and simple, with clean, sharp lines. The two-sided design of the original returns here – half of the Xbox One S is flat, while the other half is littered with exhaust ports.

In contrast to the original, the ventilated half uses a pit grille instead of diagonal slats. This is reminiscent of pixels and feels like home on a game console. A large cutout for the fan pointing upwards slightly affects the appearance from above, but is hardly noticeable due to its position in an A / V housing. Most people will only look at the Xbox One S from the front, and from that point of view, it's definitely the best looking console of this generation.

Fun and functional

The original Xbox One can be difficult to use due to its touch-sensitive power button. Other buttons, such as the controller sync button, were physically but unfavorably arranged.

The new Xbox isn't as small as the numbers suggest, but it is undeniably attractive.

Fortunately, the Xbox One S solves these problems. On the front are a physical power switch, a controller sync button and a disc eject button. All are easy to find and use, even in a dark media room. There's also a USB 3.0 port in advance – a little disappointing. However, the PlayStation 4 has two. Finally, the lower right corner hides the IR blaster, which allows you to control other IR devices through your Xbox One S by repeating the IR signal detected by those devices.

On the back of the Xbox One S there are two HDMI ports (one on, one off), two additional USB 3.0 ports (one for Kinect), S / PDIF and Ethernet.

Overall, with a notable exception, the connectivity is almost identical to the original. The Xbox One S deletes the dedicated Kinect port. You will need a USB adapter to connect an earlier Kinect to the new console. Aside from the hassle of having to purchase an adapter (Microsoft distributes it for free, at least if you contact Xbox support), this change means that Kinect users are effectively one less USB than before.

Xbox One S.Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Still, Xbox One offers more connectivity than PlayStation 4. Microsoft has selected Xbox One as a one-stop solution for everything from games to television. While it's questionable whether its mainstream features have prevailed, they remain something that the PlayStation 4 doesn't even try to emulate.

Once again, a console undercuts Blu-ray players

While previous Xbox One consoles were limited to 1080p video output for both games and videos, the Xbox One S offers support for 4K video and a 4K Blu-ray player that is not found in either PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 is professional to find.

Of course, 4K resolution support doesn't affect games. They are rendered with the same frame buffer as before. Unlike the original system, the Xbox One S can do native 4K output for the user interface and media. You can play 4K and HDR Blu-rays on the new UltraHD TV you bought, or you can download Netflix for 4K streaming.

HDR, short for "High Dynamic Range", works against it and improves the picture quality if your TV supports HDR. Still, strangely, HDR mixes with this console's 1080p target, as TVS with HDR usually also offer 4K resolution. In this case, the Xbox One X would make more sense.

Support for 4K remains largely unnoticed after switching on – and that's a good thing. You can set the Xbox One S to 4K and leave it there without having to worry about your source content. 4K movies look as detailed as you'd expect, but games rendered in the resolution they were originally designed for look just as good as on a 1080p display. Even Hyper Light Drifter's pixel art style looked pin sharp.

Xbox One S.Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

Bill Roberson / Digital Trends

This makes the Xbox One incredibly attractive to anyone with a 4K display. There are few standalone Ultra HD Blu-ray players, and the ones available are expensive. Ultra 4K Blu-ray players can be sold for the cheapest models for $ 200 to $ 249. This suddenly makes the Xbox One S, which is regularly available for $ 200, an economical purchase.

Oddly enough, a full-fledged console has managed to undercut dedicated home media players, but that has happened before. Some players may remember that the PlayStation 3, the first console with a Blu-ray player, undercut most dedicated players at the time of its release. The Xbox One S does the same trick and should draw the attention of every home theater enthusiast for this reason alone.

It is still an Xbox One

The Xbox One S is a new design, but not a completely new console. Apart from what is above, everything else remains the same.

That's a problem. The Xbox One sold poorly compared to the PlayStation 4 for a simple reason. Most games are played on both consoles, but Sony's is more powerful and the games look a little better. Sony also has some premium exclusive products that the Xbox will never see.

The Xbox One S does nothing to fix that. It is slightly faster due to higher clock speeds on the GPU and the associated ESRAM. This is enough to get a few extra frames in titles that run at an unlocked frame rate, and it can make up for the tearing in some games, but the difference isn't usually noticeable in gameplay. We only know everything thanks to the Digital Foundry from Eurogamer, one of the few publications that are equipped for frame-by-frame analysis of a console. Microsoft said nothing about improved in-game performance in its official Xbox One S press release.

Xbox One S.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Microsoft has lost this generation of so-called "console wars". The Xbox One S hasn't changed a thing.

Our opinion

Most players are unlikely to find the Xbox One S more attractive than before. It remains less powerful than its Sony rival. Aside from the smaller footprint, which, as mentioned earlier, is less impressive than suggested when it was released, there is nothing on the Xbox One S that could draw an enthusiast's attention.

Although Xbox One S isn't the best game console today, it's a great home theater appliance. The Xbox One S has a 4K-enabled Blu-ray player – a feature not available on the PS4 or PS4 Pro – that alone may be worth the price of admission, provided you have a 4K TV.

Is there a better alternative?

The Xbox One S achieves parity with the standard PlayStation 4 in almost every respect. However, the omnipresence of this console among gamers can cause the PlayStation 4 versions of multiplatform games to get more attention from their developers.

How long it will take?

It depends on how often you want to update your console. The more powerful version of Microsoft's Xbox One, the "Xbox One X", is already available at relatively low prices. And the next generation will appear later this year with the release of the Xbox X series. While most games like Halo Infinite will stay compatible with the Xbox One S for at least a year, time is ticking for this generation.

Should you buy it

No. The Xbox One S is an aging console that doesn't make sense for most players with a new generation along the way.

This article was last updated on April 27, 2020 by Cody Perez, a Digital Trends employee.

Editor's recommendations