Exercises For Flabby Arms That Might Prove To Be A Miracle
Saggy Arms Exercises That Could Turn Out To Be Wonders
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Dec
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Dec
【別注/セットアップ対応】Lideal / リデアル PLANET テーパードパンツ | 【別注/セットアップ対応】Lideal / リデアル PLANET テーパードパンツ（スラックス）｜lideal（リデアル）のファッション
商品 情報
【デ ザ イ ン】
別 注 企 画 の CPO と の セ ッ ト ア ッ プ が 叶 う Lideal 代表 モ デ ル “PLANET”。
程 よ い 股 上 と コ ン パ ク ト な 腰 ま わ り 、 ス タ イ ル を 引 き 立 立 た せ る 美 し い テ テ ー パ ー ド ラ イ ン は そ ン ま ま に レ ト ジ ャ ャ レ ト ジ ャ
Lidea ら し い 上品 さ も 感 じ ら れ る 色 目 と 秀逸 な パ タ ン ン ワ ー ク が 光 り ま す。
【素材】
高 品質 な ポ リ エ ス テ ル 100 ％ の ス ト レ ッ チ 素材 で で 、 軽 い 穿 き 心 で す。
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単 品 と し て は も ち ろ ん 、 同 素材 に て ご 用意 し た CPO (00423030001) と の セ ッ ト ア ッ プ ス タ イ ル が お 勧 め で す。
素材 ポ リ エ ス テ ル 100% 特 徴
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関 連 カ テ ゴ リ ー
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06
Dec
Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Review: Style Meets Substance
Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
RRP $ 170.00
"Soundcore's flagship earphones just got better, with ANC and Hi-Res audio."
advantages
-
Excellent sound quality
-
Good noise cancellation
-
Very good transparency
-
Very good call quality
-
Wireless charging
-
LDAC Hi-Res audio
disadvantage
-
A bit bulky
-
Somewhat awkward charging case
Ankers Soundcore audio brand has consistently wowed us with wireless headphones and true wireless earbuds that are impressive value for money. We thought Liberty 2 Pro was an excellent choice last year for $ 150 because it offers great and detailed sound quality. With its newest model, the $ 170 Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro, the brand is taking a giant leap forward with the addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, wear sensors, and high-resolution audio via Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec – all features that the Liberty 2 Pro was missing. That's not bad for the $ 20 price tag. Do these additions make the Liberty 3 Pro a breeze for fans of high quality audio? Let's check them out.
Smaller and slimmer
Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro (left) and Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
As much as we enjoyed the sound of the Liberty 2 Pro, we didn't really love its shape or style. Our reviewer noted that they protruded quite a bit from his head and that “everyone around you is acutely aware of the buds; they are impossible to ignore. ”The Liberty 3 Pro are significantly slimmer. They're still hard to ignore, but this time around, it's in a good way. The highly polished exterior of our Fog Gray tester looks like jewelry rather than a plastic audio accessory.
Soundcore has replaced the tiny, difficult-to-use physical buttons on the Liberty 2 Pro with touch controls that also help keep the earbuds in place. Instead of squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger, you can just type.
The silicone ear wings or wingtips have also been improved. With the Liberty 2 Pro, I found it too soft to really offer additional security. But the 3 Pro's wingtips are sturdier and wedge deeper into the folds of my ears. Soundcore also offers an excellent selection of wingtips and earplugs – each in four sizes.
A case for better ergonomics
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
One of the coolest features of the Liberty 2 Pro – the sliding lid of the wireless charging case – returns to the Liberty 3 Pro and is just as satisfying to use. The mechanism lets you slide the lid open and closed with one hand and I guarantee you will play with it like a fidget toy even when you don't need the earbuds.
What has unfortunately also returned is the awkward orientation of the earbuds inside the case. There's just no way you can pull it out and put it in your ear in one continuous motion – god knows I've tried. It's just as awkward to put back when you're done. Something about the alignment they need to be in when carrying them compared to the way they need to be placed in the bag goes against every instinct in your brain as to how it should work.
But what the case lacks in ergonomics it makes up for in style. Although it's bigger than many charging cases, its perfectly smooth, rounded contours sit comfortably in the hand, and when you slide the lid open, you'll be treated to a light show of the embedded LEDs – the Liberty 3 Pro looks like it's from an imaginary one Science fiction future.
Sublime sound
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
I had the opportunity to try several Soundcore products: The Life Q30 ANC headphones, Liberty 2 Pro, Liberty Air 2 Pro and Life P3. Each one far exceeded my expectations considering the other products that you can buy at similar prices. The Liberty 3 Pro are no exception and deliver beautiful, powerful sound that will suit whatever genre of music you want them to offer. Its dual driver architecture, which combines a dynamic driver for the low frequencies with a balanced armature driver for the mids and highs, works like a charm.
The bass response is excellent. The Liberty 2 Pro also offered powerful bass, but the 3 Pro makes this more controlled. If you listen to The Doors' Dolby Atmos Music version of Riders On The Storm, you can feel the deep roar of the bass line at the start of the track, but at no point does it interfere with the jingling notes of Ray Manzarek's Rhodes piano that seem to fly completely weightless through the air. In the very highest registers there is a slight tendency to hiss, but thanks to the huge number of EQ presets and manual adjustments of the Soundcore app, it is possible to switch this back down if it bothers you.
The HearID feature, which was designed to match the earbuds to your specific hearing profile, actually worked for me – a surprise as I haven't had much luck with digital enhancements like this in the past. Turning it on gave me a much needed boost in certain frequencies and I enjoyed the way it changed the sound. Your mileage may vary.
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Soundcore contains a simulated 3D surround setting in its app. While this improves the feeling of space, it also undermines the sound and cannot compete with a real Dolby Atmos track.
The hardest part of the Liberty 3 Pro to judge is its hi-res wireless audio made possible by the inclusion of Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec. In doing so, Soundcore chose to ditch the Liberty 2 Pro's aptX, but I think it's an acceptable compromise.
If you listen to a very high quality recording in a quiet room, you can notice an extra level of smoothness and depth.
By the way, if you want to use this function, it must first be activated in the Soundcore app, otherwise it will not be recognized by Android devices as LDAC-enabled headphones. It's also worth noting that iPhones don't support LDAC.
My experience with LDAC is that it can bring about improvements in audio quality. But the difference is incredibly subtle, even with very high quality headphones and when streaming 24-bit lossless tracks from a service like Amazon Music. This is the case with the Liberty 3 Pro. In a perfectly quiet room, while listening to a very high quality recording, you can notice an extra level of smoothness and depth – as if someone had carefully trimmed the sharp points, giving you a more natural sounding signature. Or, you may not even notice the difference.
Given that turning on LDAC significantly affects battery life (4.5 hours when turned on versus 8 hours when turned off) and prevents the Liberty 3 Pro from connecting to a second Bluetooth device (more on that later), maybe it's just not worth it to you
Not very calm
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
ANC makes a good addition to any set of true wireless earbuds, but not all ANC systems are created equal. In the case of soundcore, it has yet to master the art of complete silence. I found the same situation with the Liberty 3 Pro as the company's Liberty Air 2 Pro: ANC definitely reduces external noise, but when you're not playing music you will hear a slight hiss. Is it a deal breaker? No, but if you're buying a set of ANC earbuds to silence the world so you can think or sleep, you should probably look into other options like the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, Jabra Elite 7 Pro, or the Technics EAH-AZ60.
Transparency mode, on the other hand, can be very effective, especially if you turn on the Singing Mode option, which is great for hearing voices, including your own.
Thanks to the HearID feature of the Soundcore app, there are some interesting tweaks to both settings, but I didn't find a huge difference.
Good call
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
The Liberty 3 Pro's multiple microphones do a really good job of recording your voice for calls. It's a full, natural, and resonant sound that – under optimal circumstances – is as good or better than what your phone's microphone can do.
That changes a bit when things get loud around you. Interestingly, your callers may never even hear these other sounds because the ambient noise cancellation is great. But since the software is working overtime to mask these noises, it also goes a little overboard and creates a noticeable warble in your voice. This compression can be extreme at times. Still, find a relatively quiet place and you should be able to hear your callers loud and clear without any problems.
Go the distance
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
The battery life of six hours on a single charge (24 hours with charging case) is more than sufficient if you leave ANC switched on. This jumps to 8/32 when switched off. Those are numbers that put the Liberty 3 Pro on par with some of the best ANC earbuds, and give them a healthy edge over the AirPods Pro.
If you run out of juice, a 15-minute quick charge in the case gives you three hours more time, which is great: Most competitors only get an additional hour on a 10-minute charge.
Extras
Soundcore doesn't skimp on bells and whistles. You can customize the touch controls with full freedom to select every function and gesture on both earbuds – even the volume that the Liberty 2 Pro lacked. There's a fit test to help you determine the correct size earbuds, and you can decide whether or not you want the wearing sensors to automatically pause your music when you remove an earbud.
Each earbud can be used independently for both calls and music, and as previously mentioned, you can pair the Liberty 3 Pro with two devices at the same time – a great convenience for people who and don't routinely have to switch between their computer and phone do want to dive into their settings every time.
After all, an IPX4 rating for water resistance means that you should withstand a very sweaty workout or a rainy run without any problems.
Our opinion
While the Liberty 3 Pro are still more powerful than many other true wireless earbuds, they are easy to recommend, with great sound quality, capable ANC, and tons of useful and practical features.
Is there a better alternative?
At $ 170, Soundcore has an interesting niche for that Liberty 3 Pro. If you spend a little more – let's say $ 200 – you can get that Jabra Elite 7 Prowhich, in this reviewer's opinion, are a perfect set of earbuds. They're smaller, more comfortable, and have better ANC performance, but I'm not sure they sound quite as dynamic as the Libertys. And ironically, they currently lack Bluetooth multipoint, a signature Jabra feature, while the Liberty 3 Pro does.
Spend a little less – let's say $ 150 – and you can get it Technology EAH-AZ40, with fantastic sound quality, but very few frills. There's no wireless charging, no ANC, and no advanced bluetooth codecs.
How long will they last?
Hard to say about true wireless earbuds, but the Liberty 3 Pro have a few things that should help with their longevity: A good starting battery life of 8 hours (this tends to decline as the earbuds age), 18 Months warranty and an IPX4 rating for water protection. If you care for them, they should last for many years.
Should you buy it?
Yes sir. They are great value for money in a range of true wireless noise canceling earbuds.
Editor's recommendations
06
Dec
Asus ZenBook 14X OLED Review: A Showstopping Display
Asus ZenBook 14X OLED
RRP $ 1,400.00
"The Asus ZenBook 14X OLED is a fantastic laptop with a spectacular display."
advantages
-
Spectacular OLED display
-
Solid build quality
-
Excellent keyboard
-
ScreenPad 2 adds some features
-
Competent productivity performance
disadvantage
-
Battery life is mediocre
-
A bit expensive
Asus relies on all-in for OLED laptops. The Asus ZenBook 13 OLED, which we named the best laptop under $ 1,000, unveiled the cheapest laptop with an OLED display that you could buy. There are two OLED displays in the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED. And it even introduced the first detachable Windows tablet with an OLED display in the Vivobook 13 Slate OLED.
The company is even including OLED in the name of a laptop, underscoring what it thinks is essential. Such is the case with the ZenBook 14X OLED, a laptop that will launch in early 2022 with – you guessed it – a high-resolution OLED panel.
I tested the high-end version of the ZenBook 14X OLED for $ 1,400 with a Core i7-1165G7, 14-inch 16:10 OLED display, and Nvidia MX450 graphics. It's a superior addition to the ever-growing stall of premium 14-inch laptops, and its OLED display is undoubtedly a nice one. The smaller ZenBook 13 OLED still offers better value, but the higher resolution and improved performance of the 14-inch model make it a standout option beyond the screen too.
draft
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
The ZenBook 14X OLED has aesthetics that aren't as minimalistic as some other laptops I recently reviewed. First there is the usual Asus concentric circular vortex on the lid, which revolves around the silver Asus symbol that is typical of the ZenBook line.
Second, the angles on the ZenBook 14X OLED are more aggressive, especially along the bottom edge of the lid and the side and back edges of the case. Various other edges are chamfered for additional flair. The laptop comes in two colors, Lilac Mist (lavender) and Pine Gray (anthracite), and mine was the latter.
It's a sleek laptop that's more attractive than the Samsung Galaxy Book and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro, for example, which both have the minimalist aesthetic I just mentioned. The ZenBook 14X OLED leans more towards the exotic design of the HP Specter x360 14 than the simpler sophistication of the Dell XPS 13, and it works well.
Asus is known for making solid laptops, and the ZenBook 14X OLED is no different. It is made of machined aluminum and shows no bends or bends in the lid, keyboard deck, or case base. It's built so solidly that the military certification tests Asus conducted seem redundant – the ZenBook 14X OLED is easily as rugged as the best out there, including the XPS 13 and Specter x360 14.
The ZenBook 14X OLED has small bezels around the display to create a portable laptop.
It's far stiffer than the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro, which showed some flexion in the lid and a flexion in the keyboard deck. The hinge of the ZenBook 14X OLED allows the lid to be opened with one hand and still holds the display in place with a tiny shake while working. It also supports the lower chassis at an angle, which allows for more comfortable typing and increased airflow. The ZenBook 14X OLED is a solid laptop that feels good in the hand.
Speaking of which, the ZenBook 14X OLED uses small bezels around its 16:10 14-inch display to create a comfortably sized laptop. It's almost exactly the same width and height as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro and the same thickness of 0.67 inches. The ZenBook is only slightly heavier than the IdeaPad at 3.09 pounds versus 3.04 pounds.
Given the Lenovo's equally small bezels, this seems like about the size you're going to get if you build a laptop with a 16:10 14-inch display. You can get thinner laptops, like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, which is 0.59 inches thick, but the ZenBook 14X OLED is thin and light enough to make it a 14-inch laptop that is easy to carry around leaves.
Connectivity is solid. You get a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port on the left next to a row of air vents and then a full size HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 ports (one of which is for power), one 3.5 mm audio jack and a microSD card reader on the right. It's a good mix of legacy and future-proof connections. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 perform wireless tasks.
power
My test device is equipped with the 11th generation quad-core Intel Core i7-1165G7, a productive workhorse CPU popular with thin and light laptops. There was also 16 GB of RAM, a fast PCIe 1 TB solid-state drive (SSD) and Nvidia's GeForce MX450. As with all such laptops today, the ZenBook 14X OLED was a quick performer while I was testing the laptop and writing that review.
Our benchmark suite confirmed my subjective impressions. The ZenBook 14X OLED was the third fastest in Geekbench 5 with an excellent score for the processor, behind only the slightly faster Core i7-11370H in the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro and the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U in the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in 1. Also In our Handbrake test, which encodes a 420 MB video as H.265, the ZenBook does well, beats the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro and loses the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 against the fast Ryzen CPU.
It's not that you can't edit videos or large pictures on the ZenBook, but you may have to wait for demanding tasks to complete.
Put the ZenBook 14X OLED in its "Performance" mode and you can get a little more speed and finish the test in 156 seconds. The same was true for Cinebench R23, where the ZenBook 14X OLED took second place behind the Dell, while it received a small boost with a score of 6,252 in performance mode. The ZenBook only lost to the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 in PCMark 10 Complete in standard mode, but it was faster in performance mode. However, the values for essentials, productivity and content creation were average.
Overall, the ZenBook 14X OLED is a fast laptop for demanding productivity workflows, but it doesn't quite reach the workstation level of a creator. It's not that you can't edit videos or large pictures on the ZenBook, it's just that you have to wait a while for demanding tasks to be completed. But for everyone else, the ZenBook 14X OLED will be a satisfactory experience.
| Geekbench (single / multiple) | Handbrake (Seconds) |
Cinebench R23 (single / multiple) | PCMark 10 | 3DMark time spy | |
| Asus ZenBook 14X OLED (Core i7-1165G7) | 1536/5780 | 173 | 1479/5717 | 5366 | 1756 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (Core i7-11370H) | 1578/5957 | 202 | 1514/5544 | 5149 | 1888 |
| Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (Ryzen7 5700U) | 1184/6281 | 120 | 1287/8013 | 5411 | 1247 |
| Samsung Galaxy Book (Core i5-1135G7) | 1401/5221 | 180 | 1361/5391 | 4735 | 1584 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 (Core i7-1165G7) | 1327/5201 | N / A | 1469/4945 | 5147 | 1776 |
Although my test device is equipped with the discrete GeForce MX450 GPU, it was no faster than the Intel Iris Xe in our comparison group. His 3DMark Time Spy Score was in the same range and only managed 18 frames per second (fps) in Fortnite at 1200p and epic graphics. That's not far from what faster Iris Xe laptops can achieve.
I was surprised with these results, but ran them several times to make sure there were no glitches that I could identify. I also tried the performance mode and that made no difference in the laptop's graphics performance. The discrete GPU didn't turn this thin and light device into a gaming laptop, so buyers should lower their expectations when they see they have a discrete GPU.
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Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
The ZenBook 14X OLED has a 14-inch OLED display and is available in a number of configurations, all of which are in the productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio. You can choose between a 4K + (3840 x 2400) panel, a WQXGA + (2880 x 1800) touchscreen display and a non-touch WQXGA + screen. My test device featured the latter, and it was spectacular from the moment I turned it on. Blacks were ink colors and colors were dynamic without being oversaturated. While working on the review, I liked the use of the display, especially the sharp black text that jumped off the page.
This display will please everyone from productivity users to creatives to media consumers.
According to my colorimeter, this is an objectively as good a display as it is subjectively. It was bright at 389 nits, above our 300 nit threshold for displays that can handle anything but bright sunlight. It had wide colors at 97% of AdobeRGB and 100% of sRGB, and those colors were accurate with a DeltaE of 1.2 (less than 1.0 is considered excellent). As always, the contrast was unearthly and was 27,010: 1. Compare that to the Dell XPS 13's 4K IPS display, which achieved 420 cd / m², 79% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB with a color accuracy of 1.21 and a contrast of 1,360: 1. Few IPS panels can work as well as the display on the ZenBook 14X OLED, and you won't find one that delivers the same true black tones.
This display will please everyone from productivity users to creatives to media consumers. With DisplayHDR 500 support, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video high dynamic range (HDR) content looked great on the display. OLED displays continue to impress, and while other technologies are catching up, such as the mini-LED displays on Apple's MacBooks, you can't go wrong with your choice of technology.
For those concerned about OLED burn-in, Asus offers a few utilities and technologies to instill confidence. First, it comes with a 7,000 hour warranty at 200 nits, and the display detects aging pixels and improves the current flowing through them for better performance.
Second, two utilities are provided to avoid burn-in. There is a screen saver that can be set to start automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity, and a pixel shift function that shifts a static image just enough on the screen to avoid a constant glow of individual pixels. These can be turned on as well as off, although leaving them on is probably a good idea.
The sound is delivered to the front by two downward-facing speakers on the underside of the case. I found that it delivers clear mids and highs and a surprising amount of bass. The only problem: the speakers are not very loud, even if they are turned up all the way. There's no distortion, which is fine, but you'll need a pair of headphones to really enjoy movies and music.
Keyboard and touchpad
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
Asus has been channeling HP lately when it comes to keyboards, using a layout and keycaps eerily similar to HP's Specter range. The right side of the keyboard has the same key spacing and row of movement keys. That's not bad because the Specter keyboards are excellent. At the same time, the Asus switches have a lot of spring travel and comfortable floor movement, but they are not as snappy and do not feel quite as precise. They're a step behind the best, which include Dell's XPS keyboards, but the ZenBook 14X OLED's keyboard does a very good job nonetheless.
The touchpad is a wide format that does not use the available space on the palm rest. Some laptops, like the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Specter x360 14, make very good use of the extra space offered by today's higher displays, but that's not the case with the ZenBook 14X OLED. It's not a small touchpad, but it could be bigger. Fortunately, it has a comfortable surface that allows for precise swipes, and it's a Microsoft Precision touchpad, so multitouch gestures work well. The buttons are clicky and respond without being loud.
Of course, you can't judge the touchpad by just how easily it allows you to manipulate your cursor. It also includes Asus' ScreenPad 2, which features an LED display embedded in the touchpad that enables a host of additional functions.
ScreenXpert 2 is a multiscreen organizer that manages the interaction between the ScreenPad and the primary and any additional displays. Users can launch applications from the ScreenPad and use the touchpad as a secondary display. You can turn off the ScreenPad at will and the touchpad will function normally. Overall, I found the ScreenPad to be a useful addition, but not one that I couldn't do without.
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
Touch displays are available for the ZenBook 14X OLED, but unfortunately mine wasn't included. I missed it, as always.
Passwordless login under Windows 10 Hello is provided by a fingerprint reader integrated into a power button on the keyboard. It worked well, I was able to turn on and log in quickly and reliably in one fell swoop.
Battery life
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
The ZenBook 14X OLED offers 63 watt-hours of battery life, a reasonable amount for a 14-inch laptop. However, the OLED display is high resolution and power hungry, and the CPU isn't a low-power version, so I expected average battery life at best.
What I got was a little less. In our web browsing test, which ran through a number of popular websites, the ZenBook 14X OLED lasted 7.5 hours, less than average and well below the 10 hours we like to see on thin and light laptops. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro lasted 10 minutes longer with its more powerful CPU and high-resolution display, while the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 was significantly stronger in this test with almost 13 hours.
In our video test replaying a local 1080p movie trailer, the ZenBook 14X OLED achieved 10.75 hours, again less than average and a little less than we'd like to see. The IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro lasted two more hours, while the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 lasted a significantly longer 16 hours.
I ran the PCMark 10 Applications battery test, which is the best indicator of productivity longevity, and the ZenBook 14X OLED got eight hours, which is again a little below average. Many thin and light laptops can last up to 10 hours. The IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro lasted nine hours and the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 wouldn't finish the test. In the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, which shows how hard a laptop works without a plug, the ZenBook 14X OLED only lasted 81 minutes, the lowest rate we've ever seen, but close to the 90 minutes the IdeaPad achieved.
Overall, the ZenBook 14X OLED is unlikely to make it through a full eight-hour work day without a little charge. You should have the 100 watt USB-C charger close at hand.
Our opinion
Reduced to the essentials, the ZenBook 14X OLED is a well-built 14-inch laptop with robust performance and a spectacular OLED display. It's easy to recommend on that alone, but it has some nice touches like the ScreenPad 2 touchpad that comes in handy when you want to take some time learning its various uses.
It's not perfect. The battery life is mediocre, may not exceed our all-day threshold, and is a bit expensive. But overall, it's a solid addition to the growing herd of 14-inch laptops, and well worth a place on your list.
Are there alternatives?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is probably the best 14-inch clamshell alternative simply because it's also very well built, performs well, and has better battery life. You don't get an OLED display, but that's not so common with 14-inch devices and you spend a little more money depending on the configuration.
If a convertible 2-in-1 is of interest, consider the HP Specter x360 14. It also has an excellent OLED display, a great and well-made case and of course the flexibility of a 360-degree convertible. It's roughly the same price, but you don't get built-in graphics.
Finally, you can always consider the Dell XPS 13 if you're ready to go for a slightly smaller OLED display. The XPS 13 is more expensive, but it's worth it as it's the best laptop you can buy.
How long it will take?
The ZenBook 14X OLED is solid as a rock and feels like it has lasted for eons. The components are up-to-date and should run Windows 11 with no problem should you decide to upgrade (and you probably will, sooner or later). As always, the industry standard one-year warranty is disappointing, but Asus does offer one-year accident protection.
Should you buy it?
Yes sir. The ZenBook 14X OLED is a great 14-inch laptop that can hold its own against its competition.
Editor's recommendations
06
Dec
Halo Infinite Review: A Great Shooter, Still in Progress
Halo infinite
RRP $ 60.00
"Halo Infinite isn't going to reinvent the shooter genre, but it's a fun solo and multiplayer experience that can only get better over time."
advantages
-
Classic multiplayer action
-
Creative weapons
-
Varied battles in single player
-
Grappleshot is awesome
disadvantage
-
Sometimes disappointingly safe
-
Campaign is lacking in ideas
-
Unfinished at startup
"Why do you keep doing this?"
"That is everything I know."
This little exchange between an Echo 216 pilot and the Master Chief in Halo Infinite's campaign is a thesis moment for the game itself. Xbox has stood for Halo for 20 years. The shooter series defined Microsoft's entire foray into gaming, with Master Chief achieving icon status. Even after the series took a downturn when 343 Industries first took the helm of Bungie, Microsoft and Xbox fans alike remained committed to the future of the franchise. It's all they knew
Halo Infinite is careful not to disappoint – perhaps too cautiously. Gone are the days when 343 experimented with groundbreaking tweaks that would polarize longtime Spartans. Instead, Infinite plays it safe in multiplayer mode, while all experiments are limited to the single-player, lower-stakes campaign.
The end result is a reliable return to form, evoking the glory days of Halo 3. A lack of signature ideas means the first person shooter genre is unlikely to advance like its best contributions, but it doesn't have to. Halo is Halo, and the formula still works.
Safe multiplayer mode
Halo Infinite's multiplayer has been in beta for a month now, which gives me the rare opportunity to criticize a live service game after actually seeing what it will look like from week to week. After spending dozens of hours partying with friends, I came to a simple conclusion: Halo Infinite is a great multiplayer game, just not a central one.
The nuclear weapon game is second to none. Rather than continuing the unpopular experiments of Halo 4 and 5, 343 Industries stuck to the basics. Infinite feels like it's been pulled out of a box labeled "Halo" – and I don't mean that. The formula works as well as it ever has here, and there's little reason to tinker with it. The games are fast but not too fast, and players are rewarded for using every tool they can. It's less about landing headshots with precision than about using everything you can to melt an opponent's shield.
The best innovation here is the game's arsenal of weapons. Classic halo weapons, like the assault rifle and pistol, have been fine-tuned here to make them feel better than ever. But some of the newer weapons stand out in particular. The Cindershot is a powerful grenade launcher with a lot of power, while the Spit is essentially a harpoon that can blow a vehicle to pieces. They're not all winners (guns like the Ravager feel useless), but players have more options than ever, and that can radically change the feel of the game.
The main problem with multiplayer is a lack of personality. While 343's decision to play it safe is understandable, I can't help but feel like Infinite has no defining properties – and the potential is there.
Players can pick up multipurpose gadgets like shield walls that add an extra layer to battles. The standout tool is the grappleshot, a grappling hook that is an absolute blast when firing. With Grappleshot, vehicle-free players can race across Big Team maps, counter an incoming warthog by clinging to the driver, or pounce on enemies for a close-range kill. It's so comfortable that I immediately felt depressed that I didn't always have it fitted. I keep it so seldom that I practically never get to use it.
Infinite feels like it was plucked from a box labeled "Halo" and I don't mean that.
I understand why 343 didn't build the gameplay around the grappleshot. Long-time fans have complained about the tool and accused the studio of ruining Halo again. But I wish 343 had more faith in his gameplay ideas here. Instead of including their own innovation in the formula, the developers just flirt with new ideas. This makes Halo Infinite feel like a fun shooter, but not one that will change the genre as significantly as its predecessors.
Spider chief
The game's single player campaign takes some bolder moves. A complete reinvention of the Halo formula, it deals in linear missions for open world fluidity. This structure goes surprisingly well with Halo. One of my favorite moments was when I abducted a banshee from the sky, flew it across the map to an outpost, rained fire on a couple of unsuspecting grunts, and then got into a dogfight with another banshee. These little moments between the missions naturally combine the Infinite campaign with the multiplayer Big Team Battle mode.
It's the simple joys that make current single player gameplay work. As in multiplayer, there is a lot of heavy lifting involved in shooting. Even in the weakest moments of the campaign, it's always fun to make waves of opponents forget with a click of the mouse. The wealth of weapons is particularly noticeable here. Every time my clip went off, I knew I could always pull a random weapon from a corpse that would completely change the pace of a fight. I barely touched weapons like the Scattershot Heatwave in multiplayer until I was able to experiment with them in single player.
Movement is the main hook that brings us back to my beloved grappleshot. Unlike multiplayer, Master Chief has always equipped everything here, and that's the best. Traversing the map is an act of joy as Chief can drive up cliffs like Spider-Man. It also adds adorable new tricks to the fight. I always enjoy snatching a distant plasma coil into my hands and throwing it at a pack of enemies. Small details like these enrich an already entertaining shooting system and make every encounter appear different.
It's the simple joys that make current single player gameplay work.
These joys mask many of the campaign's flaws – and there are many. There isn't much variety in open world design. Non-story card activities (like evacuating bases or … evacuating smaller bases) are repetitive. The actual missions usually take place in chrome corridors, which cannot be distinguished from one another. Missions overwhelm the trope of “find a battery to power a door”. Recycled assets and ideas complete the campaign and make it appear much bigger than it actually is.
My biggest annoyance is the tone of the campaign. Characters are constantly joking like Marvel heroes, which can be a scratchy thing. Even the jokes are recycled. On two separate occasions, Chiefs A.I. Companion says a line that ends with a "Wait, don't reply to" punchline. Grunts that were once delightful moments of comic relief now crack one-liners constantly during combat. It's all exhausting and robs every personality from Halo's great science fiction saga.
Despite these issues, the campaign is compact enough not to pull it down completely. While this is an open world game, it is not a maximalist one. Players can play through the story in around 10 hours, even with additional exploration. You can spend a lot more time ticking off card symbols, but the lean approach works here. Longer and the seams of the game would become clearer.
At least it's Halo
Halo Infinite is a strange game to review because it starts in an incomplete state. By introducing a live service model, 343 Industries has a lot of flexibility here. It is able to hold functions until a later date or fail now and fix it later. I described it as a great game surrounded by bad decisions. Some of the choices in the game are so startlingly strange that it feels like they have to change at some point. Some do.
Take the game's Battle Pass, for example. At launch, players were slow to gain experience points by completing daily and weekly challenges. Leveling up on the Battle Pass can take hours, which sucks the feeling of progression from the games. It didn't help that the actual Battle Pass cosmetics are generally lame too (rewards are a single shoulder pad or visor color). The progression system got so much play before it was released that 343 made several changes to fix it. It feels better now, although more tweaks are likely to be imminent.
Halo Infinite is a strange game to review because it starts in an incomplete state.
There are other quality of life issues that have not yet been addressed that are just as confusing. One of them is the fact that playlists are currently limited. Output 343 says it should be dealt with shortly after launch. Players can either jump into Quick Play, Leaderboards, or Big Team Battle, which contain a couple of modes. Currently, you can't just jump into a Team Slayer playlist if that's the only mode you like. You have to battle through objective modes like Oddball for a chance to play the mode you want.
This is especially noticeable in Big Team Battle, which features the game's absolute worst mode, Stockpile. The large-scale twist on Capture the Flag has players slowly walking energy cells to their base over and over again, placing the emphasis on the combat and mobility of the game. I hate it so much that I've largely decided against playing Big Team Battle. It's just not worth it.
It doesn't help that Halo Infinite starts with no full functionality. There's no co-op play until at least May, and the custom blacksmithing mode is even farther away. The lack of co-op at launch is especially disappointing as the campaign feels well suited for this. I want to believe this isn't a big deal. The core multiplayer is good enough that I'll be kept busy by then, but I'm also a little skeptical of the proposed schedules. Will Forge actually make it this year? Will collaboration be delayed if 343 is forced to make more fundamental changes in the quality of life? Playlist issues and weapon balance feel more urgent right now, and I wouldn't be surprised if they priority.
I can only criticize Halo Infinite with promises at this point. It's not the game it will be in five years. The question is, do I feel that it is in a good position to realize its potential? Historically, 343 is a responsive developer and I'm sure he will quickly address the more basic fan complaints based on his reaction to the Battle Pass. There's just no telling how quickly it can do that, especially given the game's already slow development cycle.
However, it is a strong foundation and one that is specially designed to deal with disasters. No matter what, Halo Infinite's problems are not fundamental. The safe approach to multiplayer means that any problem can be dismissed with an "Uh, at least Halo" answer.
Halo Infinite is a fitting name. When done right, core shooting really feels infinitely playable. The title isn't so much a great statement of the quality of the game; It's just comfort that 343 didn't rock the boat this time.
Our opinion
Halo Infinite is a worthy Halo game, pure and simple. Multiplayer doesn't do much to evolve the series or shooter genre, but the formula still works and there are some new twists here to make it feel fresh enough. The compact open-world campaign is a bit lacking in ideas, but the moment-to-moment gameplay is fun enough to make up for uninspired design. It's a shame it starts in an unfinished state and lacks key features like campaign co-op, but there's a lot to get players to log in for now.
Is there a better alternative?
Splitgate is a more creative shooter that builds on the Halo formula instead of repeating it. For a longer, more complex open-world FPS, try Far Cry 6.
How long it will take?
The campaign will likely last 15 hours for most players if they do a healthy amount of open world activity. Multiplayer will likely be supported for a good portion, if not all, of the life of the Xbox Series X.
Should you buy it?
Yes sir. Or more precisely, if you have the Xbox Game Pass, you should download the free multiplayer and try the campaign. Both aspects are very entertaining, even if they don't do much to advance the series.
Halo Infinite was verified using an early verification code from Microsoft.
Editor's recommendations
04
Dec
HP Chromebook x360 14c Review: Premium Chromebook For Cheap
HP Chromebook x360 14c
RRP $ 690.00
"The HP Chromebook x360 14c has errors, but is supported by its low price."
advantages
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Robust build quality
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Conservative good looks
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Good display
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Excellent touchpad
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Solid productivity performance
disadvantage
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Disappointing battery life
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Keyboard is a little too light
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Pen is not included
Chromebooks have essentially caught up with Windows laptops in terms of form factors, and the Convertible 2-in-1 is well represented among Chrome OS devices. As an example, HP has its Chromebook x360 14c, which it has updated with an 11th generation Intel Core CPU for 2021.
It's still held back by a 16: 9 display as the rest of the world moves towards larger 16:10 or 3: 2 panels, but otherwise it's a representative example. There's nothing that really stands out other than, as we'll see in a moment, the price.
My test configuration of the HP Chromebook x360 14c with a Core i3-1125G4 and a 14-inch 16: 9 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display costs $ 690, but it's on offer since I've been rating this for a long time Time to write tastier $ 510. At this price point, the HP Chromebook x360 14c is an attractive 2-in-1 convertible for anyone looking for a Chrome OS laptop with some flexibility.
draft
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
The HP Chromebook x360 14c isn't cheap enough that you would accept poor build quality, especially for a Chrome OS computer. So it's good that the laptop is made of aluminum and cannot bend in the lid or bend in the keyboard deck and in the lower chassis. HP has made a solid machine that is almost as tough as laptops that cost twice or more than the Dell XPS 13, which sets the standard for premium laptops.
Some only give in when the lid is pressed down, which puts the HP Chromebook x360 14c in a different class. It's significantly stiffer than the Asus Chromebook Flip C536, another 14-inch Chrome OS convertible 2-in-1 that costs about the same and is probably HP's most relevant competitor.
If you want a laptop that stands out, the HP Chromebook x360 14c isn't for you.
The hinge is a bit tight and requires two hands to open the lid, but it holds the display firmly in place in any of the four modes – clamshell, tent, media or tablet. Strong magnets hold the lid tightly to the lower chassis, so you'll need to pry it open first.
Aesthetically, the HP Chromebook x360 14c is a very conservatively designed device in dark silver, with just a chrome-plated HP logo on the lid to break things up. The lines and angles are simple, with rounded corners and edges that make the laptop minimalistic but comfortable to hold.
The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 is a much more eye-catching laptop with its white outer case and black keyboard deck, as well as its more aggressive angles. Both are attractive laptops, but if you want one that stands out, the HP Chromebook x360 14c isn't for you.
The Chromebook x360 14c's display bezels are thin on the sides and reasonably large on the top, and the bottom chin is smaller than some other budget 2-in-1 convertibles. That makes the laptop just a little wider and deeper than average, while being 0.71 inches thin and weighing 3.35 pounds, also above average for the modern 14-inch class.
That said, the HP is smaller than the Asus Chromebook Flip C536, which is 0.73 inches thick and weighs 4.3 pounds. In addition, the Asus is more than an inch wider and deeper, which makes the Chromebook x360 14c appear tiny in comparison. You won't hate carrying around the Chromebook x360 14c, but it's not the smallest 14-inch laptop you can buy.
Connectivity is decent, with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port for a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card reader. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 offer wireless connectivity.
power
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
HP has equipped the Chromebook x360 14c with a dual-core Core i3-1125G4 CPU of the 11th generation, which should be sufficiently fast for Chrome OS. Add in 8 GB of RAM and a fast PCIe 256 GB solid state drive (SSD) and there is reason to be optimistic.
We can only run limited benchmarks in Chrome OS, so most of my performance metrics are subjective. I ran the Android Geekbench 5 benchmark and the Chromebook x360 14c overwhelmed with just 898 in the single-core test and 2,866 in the multi-core test. That is behind the Asus Chromebooks Spin C536 with the slower Core i3-1115G4 in the single-core test and equivalent in the multi-core test at 1209 and 2849 respectively. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 with its quad-core Core i5-1135G7 achieved 1,237 in the single-core test and 5,114 in the multi-core test. It's a lot faster.
The HP Chromebook x360 14c is fast and efficient no matter how many Chrome tabs I open.
I also ran the Speedometer 2.0 web benchmark and the Chromebook x360 14c did well here, scoring 141. The Chromebook Flip C536 was slightly faster at 158. Most laptops, Chrome OS or Windows, score below 100 on this test, so these are good results.
Subjectively, I found the HP Chromebook x360 14c to be fast and efficient, no matter how many Chrome tabs I had open or Android apps were running in the background. These may not be the fastest benchmark results on our database, but the 2-in-1 kept up with everything I've given it, including running an Android game like Asphalt 9.
That's a pretty demanding title as far as Chrome OS games go, and the Chromebook x360 14c ran it without any stuttering or chopping. This is a 2-in-1 device that is fast enough for demanding productivity workflows, at least as far as Chrome OS is concerned.
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Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
The Chromebook x360 14c has a 14-inch Full HD IPS display that is touch and pen capable. I couldn't test the display with my colorimeter, but I would rate it as a good panel. It's bright enough for my usual work environment, but at a nominal output of 250 cd / m² it won't overcome very bright ambient lighting – in fact, you don't want to use it outside with sunlight.
The colors were pleasant and not oversaturated, so I suspect they are pretty accurate. Watching Netflix and viewing photos was fine. The contrast was acceptable, black text sticking out on a white background without looking grayish. My biggest complaint was that the display was the old school 16: 9 aspect ratio and its Full HD resolution was just bordering on sharpness.
Overall, this is a comfortable display for productivity and media frenzy. Creative guys who crave dynamic colors and deep contrasts won't like it, but that goes for most Chromebook displays.
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
Two upward-facing speakers on each side of the keyboard produce the sound, and they provide crisp highs and mids with a hint of bass. That's the good part.
The volume was not so great, as it was low even when the volume was turned up all the way. That is unfortunate.
There was no distortion, however, meaning that if you're playing Netflix by yourself you are covered, but music will benefit from headphones, and a Bluetooth speaker is handy for entertaining groups.
Keyboard and touchpad
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
HP makes great keyboards, as evidenced by the version in its Specter range. Unfortunately, this keyboard didn't make it onto the Chromebook x360 14c. While the keyboard has plenty of room and large keycaps, the switches are too light. There's a lot of travel and snappy ground motion, but too little pressure is required to register a button press.
I like lighter keyboards, and so this one was just over the top. If you like a light touch on your keyboards, you'll be fine with this one, but too little pressure can be as tiresome during long tips sessions (like writing this review) as too much.
My test device came with a pen for testing, but this is an additional purchase.
The touchpad, on the other hand, is excellent. It's bigger than usual and has a soft tactile feel that is great for precise wiping. The buttons have a nice, quiet click that sounds good without waking your partner up when you use the laptop in bed at night. This is one of the better touchpads I've used on a Chromebook.
My test device came with a pen for testing, but this is an additional purchase. It worked well with Chrome OS's built-in pen tools so I can take notes and highlight with precision. The pen is magnetically attached to the case so it's easy to take with you, although the magnets aren't that strong, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
A switch on the left side that turns the webcam on and off provides additional security. There's also a fingerprint reader that allows you to log in without a password, which is convenient and unusual for devices in this price range.
Battery life
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
HP has packed a battery with 58 watt hours in the Chromebook x360 14c, which should be enough for a Chrome OS laptop with a 14-inch full HD display and an energy-saving CPU. In terms of battery life, I expected great things.
I don't have that. Surprisingly, the Chromebook x360 14c only lasted 7.75 hours in our web browser test, which is where Chrome OS computers typically get the best results. On the other hand, I shouldn't have been surprised, because the Asus Chromebook Flip C536 with the slower Core i3 and 57 Wh battery only lasted 6.75 hours. The Asus Chromebook Flip C436, the predecessor of the C536, had a 10th generation i3 and only 42 watt hours of battery and lasted 10.5 hours – a much better result.
Even the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 with its 1st Gen Full Power Core i5 CPU managed it to last 8.5 hours. In our video test, which repeats a local 1080p movie trailer, the Chromebook x360 14c only got eight hours, compared to the Chromebook Flip C536 with 10 hours and the C436 with 13 hours. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 lasted 10 hours. Here, too, the HP lagged behind.
I was disappointed with these results. The Chromebook x360 14c probably won't even last a full work day even running the lightweight Chrome OS, which is usually the norm for the platform.
Our opinion
The HP Chromebook x360 14c is an attractive, well-built Chrome OS Convertible 2-in-1 that is great value for money at $ 510. At $ 690, it's a little less attractive.
It's fast enough for the demanding productivity user, but its battery life will let you down. The keyboard is a bit loose, but the touchpad is a winner and the pen support is a plus. If you can find it on sale then definitely add it to your list.
Are there alternatives?
The most natural competitor, the Asus Chromebook Flip C536 offers similar performance and slightly better battery life for the same price. It has a more distinctive look, so it's better for someone looking for a laptop that will stand out.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is another competitor, similarly expensive but much faster and with better battery life. It also offers a sharper, more productivity-friendly 3: 2 display, which is a plus for getting the job done.
Finally, if it's not sold with a 2-in-1, Google's Pixelbook Go should be considered. It has better battery life, a better display, and superior audio quality, all in a smaller package. You'll spend more, but it's worth it.
How long it will take?
The Chromebook x360 14c is a relatively rugged 2-in-1 that feels like it will last for years. And its components should keep Chrome OS running for quite some time. The typical one-year guarantee is more palatable at such prices.
Should you buy it?
Yes sir. If you can get it on sale, it's value for money and a solid Chrome OS 2-in-1.
Editor's recommendations
03
Dec
Chorus Review: Making Space Inaccessible For Everyone
"Chorus' great space combat is marred by a myriad of design decisions, ranging from frustrating to downright annoying."
advantages
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Intense space combat
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Excellent sound design
disadvantage
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Terrible user interface
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Irredeemable main character
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Incomprehensible dialogue
When I previewed Chorus, I praised the game for its high-intensity space dogfights. Air combat is fun enough, but when you move it into space and add super powers to a player's ship, combat is taken to a whole new level. You can teleport behind your enemies and shoot them down or actually drift in space. Let me repeat the last part; You can drift in space like you were in a Fast and Furious movie.
But space combat and the magical killer powers your ship has are the beginning and the end of Chorus' strengths. The game (one that has clearly been invested a lot of time and money due to its graphics and wonderful sound design) is an ordeal to trudge through if you are not shooting at something. Even then, there are plenty of reasons to be upset about it.
Chorus brings great space battles to the table, but that's not what defines it. Instead, it's the game's myriad problems, all of which were more present on my screen than enemy ships ever were. Terrible user interface, bloated design, an uninteresting story, and a completely irredeemable main character make Chorus drain the fuel from the tank.
Space war criminal simulator
Chorus puts players in the role of Nara who, when you actually control her, is a pirate hunter for a group called Envoy. She is incredibly talented, popular, and leads the group as she fends off a fascist space cult called The Circle, which is slowly spreading across the star system.
However, when she is first introduced, Nara is not with the envoy: she is a warrior for The Circle. Not only is she a warrior, she is also one of their best warriors, someone whom the leaders of the group trust so much that she is tasked with destroying an entire planet that refuses to join the sect. It does so and, by its own estimate, is killing billions. After committing intergalactic genocide, Nara said, "Are we the bad guys?" Moment and get out of the circle, giving up her identity and joining the enclave where she is not known to try to get on with her life.
Microsoft
Most of Chorus consists of players fighting the cult as Nara, slowly pushing it back as it destroys its outposts and ships, while helping the resistance movement that has developed against it. It's her way of atonement, and the game often prompts players to sympathize with Nara, showing her in vulnerable moments when she is faced with her own memories. That's a question I just couldn't respect. That Nara, who only realized that the cult to which she belonged (which subjugates groups of people with psychic totems), was bad after blowing up a planet is irretrievable.
It's entirely possible that I'm just too tough, too jaded, or too indifferent, but I couldn't find a single way that Nara could atone for her actions outside of the Circle. Indeed, it was a hesitant decision to actively participate in the resistance. She didn't want to go back to the fighting and violence she knew. If it was up to Nara, she would never have had to face her past, never have to make amends for what she did. She is a selfish, immature character, one who was written into one of the most demanding villain-to-hero stories I've ever seen.
She is a selfish, immature character, one who was written into one of the most demanding villain-to-hero stories I've ever seen.
But in the context of the entire story of Chorus, Nara is only part of the subject (albeit a very big one). The game often introduces new characters and keeps a small number that reappear to move the plot forward. But it's almost impossible to actually connect with these minor characters. In Chorus, the characters rarely get out of their ships, so all of the NPCs you encounter are really just voices in ships, indicated by a small image on the right side of the screen.
Without seeing their faces in motion, these characters are little more than disembodied voices. When one of them died in battle, it just didn't hit me. It was just another ship that exploded. It doesn't help that none of the other characters in the game are very convincing either – the way they're presented has completely alienated them from me.
To be fair, that goes with chorus. As I moved through the game's story, I didn't feel connected to her. There were no instances where I rushed to my next story mission in the game's open world because of a sense of urgency. Everything happens slowly and very rarely do the stakes feel as high as they are depicted.
Exciting dogfights
My time, spent tormenting my way through the cutscenes and dialogues of Chorus, has paid off every time I've had the chance to shoot some other ships. The game's take on space combat is superb and I felt like an unstoppable force in every fight. While players encounter battles involving smaller ships the most, the game is only really picking up speed.
These battles are as cinematic as they are thrilling, and put every weapon at their disposal to the test.
During these battles, which I compare to the rebels who fly over the Death Star in Star Wars, players weave their way through laser beams and systematically destroy towers and engines. These battles culminate in battles in a ship, in which players eventually blast its core to pieces and escape before the entire ship explodes. These battles are as cinematic as they are thrilling, and put every weapon at their disposal to the test.
Combat in Chorus is a high-stakes rock-paper-scissors game, except that they are exchanged for chain guns, lasers, and missiles. Each one properly damages a certain type of defense, with guns easily ripping through a ship's hull, lasers quickly destroying shields, and missiles being able to blast away armor from spaceships. Switch between the three. as well as rites, magical abilities that allow Nara to teleport behind enemies or to scan the area, made me type different inputs on my controller every second.
Abandoned accessibility
But the combat and gameplay of Chorus in general are hurt by some questionable choices that not only make the game annoying but also ruin its accessibility. Most obviously, the game's HUD and UI, both apparently made with ants in mind. Enemies in dogfights are represented by small circles that appear on the screen peripherals when they are not in front of the players. Any other objects or targets that you ping with a scan appear the same way, but as triangles.
As a result, chorus can sometimes be completely incomprehensible. Some of the game's missions challenge players to find objects in large 3D rooms, which requires using the ship's ping. But it doesn't differentiate between objects that are part of a mission and other objects in space. They're all labeled with the same little icon, which led to so much confusion for me that I thought the game just didn't come out of what I was looking for. My eyesight is 20/20 so I cannot imagine the experience that someone with a visual impairment might have with chorus.
Chorus can be completely incomprehensible at times.
Similarly, whether you're wearing headphones or not, chorus makes subtitling a necessity rather than an option. While flying through space – which for some reason is almost always a music-free experience – Nara sometimes talks to herself. But whenever she has an inner monologue, she screams, whispers and turns almost every word into an incomprehensible hiss. Fortunately, Chorus can resize its subtitles in its sparse accessibility menu, but the rest of the game text cannot be resized from its hard-to-read size.
Our opinion
Chorus is a frustrating game, not because it's janky or bug-obsessed, but because it could be so much better. A litany of really bizarre design decisions, like an eye-straining user interface and incomprehensible dialogues, ruined the experience for me. If this game was designed with accessibility in mind, it wouldn't feel so annoying. I could stop by Nara, who is without a doubt one of the worst main characters I've seen in a game in a long time. I could praise his fight, which feels absolutely fantastic. But nothing in Chorus outshines its flaws, which work their way into every redeemable moment of the game.
Is there a better alternative?
If you're looking for something that scratches the same ship-based combat itch, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a fantastic way to jump in the pilot's seat.
How long does it take?
It takes around 10 to 12 hours to hit the chorus, although playing through all of the game's sub-content could easily take an additional five hours.
Should you buy it?
No. Chorus is a prime example of how great gameplay can be ruined with disgusting design choices.
Editor's recommendations
03
Dec
Solar Ash Review: Keeping the Momentum Up Amid Apocalypse
"Graceful movements and breathtaking battles against colossal monsters make Solar Ash a worthy successor to Hyper Light Drifter."
advantages
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Pleasant movement
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Awesome boss fights
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Inventive world design
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Fantastic score
disadvantage
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Some poor story beats
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Camera can cut the swing in half
Solar Ash is a perfect example of what makes video games such a unique artistic medium: it takes inspiration and design elements from several high-profile classics, but blends them into something that is different from everyone else – or any game I've ever played have.
Developed by Heart Machine, the studio behind the indie hit Hyper Light Drifter, some elements of Solar Ash will look familiar at first glance. His gigantic boss fights are reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, while the reality-distorting space exploration is reminiscent of Super Mario Galaxy. Sometimes the fun of creating video games comes from the digital alchemy that arises when developers start mixing cups. In this regard, Solar Ash is a successful experiment that comes to life with bright colors and unmatched style.
Filled with memorable sequences, Solar Ash is a focused successor to Hyper Light Drifter that repeatedly awakens moments of awe. The fluid cloud skating movement is just plain enjoyable, while towering bosses deliver memorable set pieces that put speed and reaction time to the test. It's an indie game with full swing that is always on the move, even if it misses a few subtleties.
I'm a void baby
Solar Ash's world may look colorful, but its story is darkly apocalyptic. A massive black hole appears near a planet and gradually begins to tear it apart. While world government proves useless in stopping it, a group of people called the Voidrunners are deployed to activate the starseed, a device that can stop a black hole. The game follows a runner named Rei who travels around the decaying planet and kills huge monsters, allowing her to use the starseed.
It's a surprisingly rich science fiction story, full of history and world education. It is most effective when it offers commentary on real-world problems, such as the inability of our own politicians to come together and resolve life-threatening crises in a timely manner. Audio logs describe a well-known dystopia where the appearance of the black hole somehow turned into a divisive political problem that stalemated the government's response. Its story is a little less effective when it turns into a comparatively vague meditation on individuals picking up the pieces, but it's a good use of science fiction as a real-world allegory.
As the name suggests, Voidrunners can run – or more precisely "skate". The game is all about exploring the world at a fast pace using some fluid mobility tools. If you hold down the left trigger, Rei can whiz across any surface like a skater or drag on anything rail-like, from plant roots to disassembled subway rails floating in mid-air. Movement is easy to understand, but immediately satisfying. Exploration is a fast-paced ballet that rarely requires players to stop moving. Stringing jumps and grinds together to solve platform puzzles feels like performing a graceful dance routine.
Most of the puzzles in the game are timed micro-gloves that require Rei to quickly slit open a few stakes and stick her sword into a huge eye before it is evaporated from the black goo around her. These use the movement mechanics to a large extent and present the players with small challenges in each level, which put their control and speed to the test. There are also some collectibles – including alternate suits and insightful audio logs – scattered around the world that add some optional platform challenges to the mix for players who want some rewards for exploring.
Stringing jumps and grinds together to solve platform puzzles feels like performing a graceful dance routine.
There aren't many additional tools out there, but that's because the game doesn't need them. A time slowing maneuver makes Rei charge targets from a great distance, and there's a boost to drive around faster. Nothing is arbitrary; everything aids the movement and helps smooth it out even further. Just as Shadow of the Colossus is known to have reduced everything that does not serve its core gameplay, Heart Machine takes care not to over-complicate what already feels good.
Climb a colossus
There's battle in Solar Ash, but it's secretly another mobility tool. Rei can perform one simple blow that can take out slimy black enemies crawling around the world. Attack is more about maintaining momentum than slowing it down to clear out waves of bad guys. This is especially evident when using Reis' Time Slow Down ability, which allows her to encounter an enemy from a distance. The slash has a surprisingly long range, allowing Rei to jump into an enemy and slash them in mid-air without stopping to fight.
The best combination of combat and movement comes from the game's boss fights. In each level, Rei faces a huge black monster covered with plates of bone called Remnants. They're some of the greatest video game bosses I've ever seen, and even tower above some of the greatest beasts on Shadow of the Colossus. A snake-like whale, for example, hovers in the air and circles dilapidated apartment buildings. It's a fascinating sight, and one that only gets more impressive when you realize you are about to skate the entire length of its bony back.
It's a spectacle that never gets thin and only gets more fascinating as the monsters get bigger.
In boss fights, Rei must find a way to face a beast and then complete a version of the game's time trials that are spread over his body. In a fight, I draw towards a huge flying creature. I pull up my wings and slit stakes before reaching the top. It turns around and sends me down its bottom in a perceptually distorting moment. It's a spectacle that never gets thin and only gets more fascinating as the monsters get bigger.
Sometimes the game just can't keep up with its ambitions. The camera can get a little unwieldy as the beasts squirm and reset Reis' position. There were a couple of fights that I had to repeat simply because I got lost in a nauseating camera transition. Repeating fights can also be a chore, as Rei has to go back to a monster, hold it again, and repeat the exact same fight sequence until she makes it. I've also had a few instances where I got stuck in the area and forced myself to reset.
The small technical defects do not detract from the spectacle. The Solar Ash bosses gave me the same “wow” moments that I got when I first played Shadow of the Colossus. It feels impossible to go seamlessly from skating through a swamp to sliding a 300-foot-tall giant bone sword on its way to the soft spot on top of your head. It's still a mind-boggling magic trick, even 16 years after a PS2 game first did it.
Neon dystopia
The colorful art direction makes Solar Ash stand out immediately in an indie game series. While the graphics are simple, even with limited textures and detail, bright colors add a true sense of afterlife to the science fiction world. The planet is bathed in bright pink as Rei dances across seas of pale blue clouds. It's a surrealistic mood piece – a strange world wrapped in a neon sign.
While its influences are clear, it doesn't look or sound like the games it is related to.
However, it's less the vivid graphics and more the actual world design that make Solar Ash pop. It takes hints from Super Mario Galaxy to create seemingly impossible leeway for gamers. In a later biome, I drove up and around a winding pillar of cloud and got myself into an area hundreds of miles above what I believed to be the ground. Elsewhere, deconstructed railroad tracks obscure the city's sky, allowing me to skillfully climb to the top of skyscrapers. The game makes the most of its black hole premise by using the science fiction threat to literally tear apart the environment and reassemble it into platform paradise.
The sound is just as impressive. Solar Ash features fantastic music from Disasterpeace that adds to the creepy sci-fi atmosphere. It's a disturbing collection of music that highlights the heavenly catastrophe that is tearing the world apart. A strong voice output gives life to the inhabitants of the world and increases the apocalyptic stakes even further. Rei is especially strong as her collected demeanor begins to tear apart as panic sets in over her worldly reality.
It is these aesthetic accents that give Solar Ash its own identity. While its influences are clear, it doesn't look or sound like the games it is related to. Heart Machine's signature style is completely intact here, even after abandoning the 2D pixel art that Hyper Light Drifter fans are used to. The studio has created a complicated alien world that is so bright and welcoming that I can't help but be angry at the forces of this universe for failing to protect it.
Our opinion
Solar Ash is a stylish sci-fi platformer who skillfully interweaves influences to create something fresh. The emphasis on fast, fluid movements makes exploring a dance-like pleasure. The boss fights, inspired by Shadow of the Colossus, also take advantage of this mechanic and create exciting action set pieces on a mind-boggling scale. Technical problems can hold back the momentum, but it's never enough to completely distract you from an inviting sci-fi playground waiting to be saved.
Is there a better alternative?
If you're looking for other motion-based indie games, Celeste and Ori and the Will of the Wisps are both great options. If all you want is the giant bosses, the PS4 remake of Shadow of the Colossus is a must see.
How long it will take?
It's just under five to six hours in total, with a few collectibles on the way for extra playtime.
Should you buy it?
Yes sir. Solar Ash is a fast paced and fun platform game with a meaty science fiction story and a handful of unforgettable boss fights.
03
Dec
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain Review
Big Brain Academy: brain versus brain
RRP $ 30.00
"Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a shockingly addicting collection of brain teasers, but a lightweight package makes it hard to sell."
advantages
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Addicting gameplay
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Clever brain teasers
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Intuitive touch controls
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Good use of ghost data
disadvantage
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Savings package
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Limited multiplayer mode
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Online game missing
If Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain had started on smartphones, it would have immediately become my favorite among Nintendo mobile apps. The combination of quick challenges and intuitive touchscreen controls makes the platform a breeze. I could imagine breaking it out every time I found myself in a long line for shopping, filling a few minutes of boredom with some airy brain teasers.
However, it is not available on my iPhone as it is exclusive to Nintendo Switch. That puts the $ 30 release in an awkward position. While the Switch is portable, it's not as easily accessible as a phone that is always in my pocket. The game makes good use of the Switch in two-player battles, but Nintendo missed an apparently obvious opportunity here. It's like putting a circle in a square hole; technically it fits, but it is not the right solution.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a shockingly addicting collection of brain teasers that is perfect for players of all ages. As fun as it is, it's hard to shake the feeling that it is on the wrong platform and too expensive for such a sparse package.
Love your brain
If you don't remember the Big Brain Academy series, you are probably not alone. The puzzle game debuted on Nintendo DS in 2005 as a spin-off of the more popular Brain Age series. It was a nifty educational tool where players increased their “brain mass” by completing a series of mini-games based on various cognitive skills. A 2007 Wii sequel attempted to expand it into a party game, but that was the end of the line for the franchise.
It's finally making a return on Nintendo Switch, but not too much has changed. It's still a sleek package built around some focused hooks. The game's test mode is outstanding, in which players tackle five random, one-minute micro-games, the results of which determine their “Big Brain Brawn” score. It's shocking how many miles you can get out of this easy mode. The brief nature of the tests made me say "just one more" over and over while trying to beat my best lap.
This also works thanks to the mini-games themselves, which are easy to understand and fun. In a game, I immediately have to memorize a sequence of digits and enter it into a calculator. In another, I need to pop numbered balloons in the correct order, from lowest to highest. A personal favorite shows me a figure and asks me to deduce what it would look like from a different angle. They are easy enough for a child, but the intensity increases with quick, correct answers. I itched to master each and every one of the game's two high score hunting practice modes.
The brief nature of the tests made me say "just one more" over and over while trying to beat my best lap.
While the game can be played with buttons, it's best enjoyed using the Switch's touchscreen. Each mini-game has intuitive inputs, such as turning a clockwise to set the correct time or swiping to get numbers from a column. It's an extra kick of interactivity that makes every game an excellent experience.
The real disappointment here is that the game doesn't really take advantage of the Switch beyond that. There are no mini-games built around motion controls or the Joy-cons's IR sensors. Most of the 20 mini-games are from the previous Big Brain games, so this feels more like a quick compilation as opposed to a new game developed with the Switch in mind.
Battle of the brains
As the subtitle Brain vs. Brain suggests, the game has a competitive aspect. What is strange, however, is that the multiplayer options are flat compared to the Wii rate. While this game had four different modes, the Switch version basically has one. Up to four players compete against each other to see who can complete a mini-game the fastest. The first to reach 100 points wins. Players can either choose the mini-game category or spin a random wheel, but that's the range of options too.
There's also no traditional online multiplayer, which is an odd omission.
The best use of multiplayer results from two players competing against each other on a switch with touch controls. Lay it flat and the screen will split in two so players can sit across from each other and tap their side of the screen to play. It's a cute little trick that makes good use of the device itself.
There's also no traditional online multiplayer, which is an odd omission. Instead, the online game takes place in the form of a single player mode "Ghost Clash". Every time a player completes a mini-game, their ghost data is recorded. Ghost Clash allows players to compete against the ghosts of their friends and families for an asynchronous competition. It's not exactly a substitute for real online gaming, but it is at least a clever way to keep track of friends.
The best implementation of the system is the World Ghosts option, where players can compete against random ghosts from around the world. Defeating a ghost grants trophies that increase a player's Big Brain World Ranking (a kind of monthly leaderboard). Since these are fights against real players, they are pleasantly tense as they require quick thinking and even faster reaction times.
Could be an app
There isn't much more to say. What I've described is the range of game features: testing, practicing, World Ghosts, and the flat multiplayer mode. The only other extra is that the game includes 300 unlockable items, such as hats and accessories for a player's avatar. Unlocking each one would take a while, although doing so would require playing the same 20 mini-games over and over.
At $ 30, this is a budget Switch game, but that price still feels too high. Big Brain Academy worked on the Nintendo DS because touchscreen controls were a novel concept at the time (the first iPhone didn't hit the market until two years after it was released). But there is no shortage of touchable brain teasers in 2021 that can be played for free on any phone. Brain vs. Brain is fun, but it doesn't make an argument for someone buying it instead of downloading the Lumosity app for $ 0.
If Nintendo hadn't been so stuck in its console habits, I think it would have been successful as a mobile app. All of the touch controls would be perfectly rendered on a phone screen, and even tabletop multiplayer could be replicated on an iPad. Locking it on Switch just feels like an unnecessary restriction in this day and age, especially as Nintendo is still struggling to realize its mobile gaming ambitions.
At $ 30, this is a budget Switch game, but that price still feels too high.
I probably ask more of the Big Brain Academy than anyone in history (but what do you want from an S-grade brain like mine?). It's a video game franchise with as low stakes as you can get. Parents looking for an educational yet fun game to play with their kids will eat this up. It's just a reminder that a Nintendo console isn't and doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all platform for every type of game.
Our opinion
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain would have had more ideas in the "vs." Department, but the core brain test is deceptively addicting. Intuitive mini-games and satisfying touch controls make for a fun, if sparse, collection of family-friendly brain teasers. It's just hard to recommend when mobile apps are currently doing what they do for free.
Is there a better alternative?
WarioWare: Get It Together! is a more robust (but still leaner) package if your looking for Switch microgames, while the free Lumosity mobile app can get your brain training needs covered.
How long it will take?
Realistically, most people will likely spend a handful of hours doing this unless they intend to log in every day to keep up to date. Monthly challenges and unlockable items provide an incentive for those who want to stick with it.
Should you buy it?
No. I really enjoy it, but it's just hard to sell considering how little is in here – though it's a great choice for families looking for a fun educational tool.
Editor's recommendations
03
Dec
3 Things You Didn’t Know About Monoi
Tahitian for "scented oil", Monoi – pronounced "mah-noy" – is a fragrant elixir made from coconut oil and tiare flowers (also known as Tahitian gardenias). Although this hot ingredient has only recently caused a stir in beauty circles, it has been a staple of the beauty of the South Pacific for centuries. Eminence Organics recognized the nourishing benefits of Monoi and formulated part of their Age Corrective Collection with this unique oil. Read on to discover the three health and beauty benefits of monoi, the history of the Tahitian monoi, as well as our skin care tips to add this unique ingredient to your skin care routine.
What is monoi | Monoi's story | Benefits of Monoi for Health and Beauty | How to add monoi to your skin care routine
What is monoi
Monoi oil is an ancient preparation made by soaking tiare flower buds or petals in coconut oil. This fragrant oil has its roots in islands across the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The Institut du Monoi describes the manufacturing process as follows: “Coconuts of the Cocos nucifera variety must be grown on coral soil and harvested when they are ripe. Tiare flowers (Gardenia taitensis) handpicked as buds must be used within 24 hours of harvest. According to local tradition, maceration must last at least 10 days and requires at least ten tiare flowers per liter of refined oil. ”The process of making monoi oil has been passed down from generations of healers in the South Pacific. This oil is subject to strict production standards to protect the cultural heritage of the Monoi flowers.
The tiare plant thrives in a warm, tropical climate with partial to full sun and frequent watering. The beautiful buds bloom from March to November and are usually harvested around dusk. In French Polynesia alone, 110 million tiare flowers are harvested each year. Similarly, coconut palms thrive in warm climates with lots of sunlight and rain. These hardy plants also thrive on the sandy soils along the coastline, meaning the islands of the South Pacific are ideal for their growth.
Monoi's story
Although its origins are not entirely clear, Monoi has been used by residents of the Pacific Islands for over 2000 years, giving it significant cultural significance across the region. Traditionally, this light, amber-colored oil liquid is used in religious ceremonies to cleanse sacred objects, as a medicinal remedy to relieve general ailments, and as a versatile beauty ingredient to soften skin and hair.
The main ingredients in Monoi play an important role in various Polynesian cultures. For example, the tiare flower has been used in Polynesian herbalism for thousands of years. Tiare flowers can also be seen in the mythology of the area. Legend has it that the tiare flower was created by Atea, the ocean god of creation, and Tane, the god of beauty. In addition, these beautiful flowers are a symbol of the people and cultures of the region.
Like the monoi flower, the coconut also plays an important role in the cultures of the South Pacific. Various groups have relied on coconut as a source of food, oil, wood, and fiber. The coconut is also part of the lore of the region, particularly in the legend of Sina and the eel, which explains the origin of the first coconut palm. Versions of this legend are told by Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and by the Māori of New Zealand.
Benefits of Monoi Oil for Health and Beauty
What makes this ingredient so unique? Here are the top three health and beauty benefits of monoi oil for your skin, hair, and health:
1. Provides skin and hair with intensive moisture
Monoi is a soothing and protective oil that deeply hydrates the skin without depriving it of its natural oils. The people of the South Pacific have long used monoi oil as a full-body moisturizer to protect their skin from harsh environmental factors such as the intense tropical sun and the drying salt water of their surroundings.
In recent years, the moisturizing and protective properties of monoi have been a sought-after asset in the beauty and skin care industries. Dr. Whitney Bowe Says Huffington Post Style, “Monoi oil contains coconut oil, which has been shown to have tremendous moisturizing benefits for the skin and hair. The essential fatty acids in coconut oil, such as lauric acid, can repair hair damage and increase shine. "
2. Delays signs of aging
There's a reason the South Pacific cultures have passed their Monoi beauty secrets down from generation to generation. Taking care of your skin with the potent elixir can minimize the visible signs of aging. Since monoi is based on coconut oil, this incredible superfood is full of antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid that have powerful antiaging properties. In fact, vitamin E and ferulic acid help neutralize the effects of free radical damage. Many environmental stressors, such as UV rays, heat, and sunlight, expose the skin to free radicals that cause fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Soothes and repairs dry skin
One of the main benefits of monoi oil is its calming effect on reactive and chronically dry skin. This multi-purpose Tahitian oil is traditionally used in Polynesian medicine to soothe dry, flaky skin associated with sensitivity and specific conditions. According to Healthline.com, "Monoi oil may also act as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce the symptoms of common skin conditions, including eczema and contact dermatitis." The tiaré flowers used in Monoi contain high levels of methyl salicylate and lauric acid, ingredients known for their calming and tonic properties.
Here's how to incorporate monoi into your skin care routine
At Eminence Organics, we use Monoi to deeply hydrate the skin, improve the appearance of firmness and delay the visible signs of aging. Here are a few skin care products that contain this luxurious ingredient:
Have you tried skin care products with monoi? If not, experience these extremely moisturizing monoi-infused products and various treatments at an Eminence Organics Spa partner near you. We are happy to hear from them! Ask us your questions about monoi in the comments below and join the discussion on social media.
This article was originally written June 2015.