13 Nov
Blog

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Review: Amazing Camera, Massive Size

iPhone 12 Pro max

"This is the iPhone with amazing battery life and an exceptional camera experience, but it comes at a price that is too big for most people to manage."

  • Big and beautiful display

  • Excellent hardware quality

  • First class camera experience

  • Long battery life

  • Unbelievably big

  • Very difficult

It was frustrating for them in a way iPhone 12 Pro max a month later than the iPhone 12 Pro because we couldn't immediately compare them side by side. However, working in these conditions bought me a lot of time with the iPhone 12 Pro. Now that I finally have a 12 Pro Max in hand, I can take advantage of this considerable experience with the platform.

This way I can evaluate the three big aspects (emphasis on big ones) that make the iPhone 12 Pro Max stand out: the size of the phone, the subsequently larger battery and the improved camera system.

The basics: hardware, specifications and software

The "Max" iPhones have a short history but have gained an extremely enthusiastic following. Some people realized the value of a giant iPhone and never looked back. For these people, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is wonderful – it's another giant iPhone that was introduced into the modern era of Apple hardware design and features.

iPhone 12 Pro maxAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

If you like the design of the new iPhones, like me, you'll love that you simply get more of them in the 12 Pro Max. The proportions of everything at this size are a bit strange when you really look at it, but I'm not looking – this phone is beautiful. The stainless steel frame and matte glass back feel amazing and look like a super expensive phone.

If you like the look of the new iPhones, you'll love that you can easily get more of them with the 12 Pro Max.

The whole matter is taken to a new level in this gold color that I have referred to as the "Kardashian Special". The hyper-shiny golden pages are just … a lot. They are so reflective that you regularly see strong reflections of light on tables and walls around you which is just amazing. Thank God. The back made of matt glass has a subtle mother-of-pearl color and dampens the overall effect. But I really enjoyed the phone in its absurdly expensive but excellent form Apple leather case. However, those golden shimmering sides still protrude a little bit from the edge of the case!

Everywhere else, you get the same specs and features as the Standard 12 Pro, without a single drawback. The same A14 Bionic processor, 6GB (supposedly) of RAM, 128/256/512GB storage options, 5G connectivity, Ceramic Shield glass, speakers, and a lot more on the list. Face recognition continues to be great (despite our current situation with wearing masks), as is the tactile feel of the buttons, mute, and haptic feedback – these are the little things Apple is so good at. This is just an enlarged iPhone 12 Pro – and that's a good thing most of the time.

If you haven't read all about the iPhone 12 Pro, I highly recommend that you read my full review of the 12 Pro first and find out the details about the 12 Pro Max here.

A really big phone

The iPhone 12 Pro Max's main selling point is the same as ever: you get a huge display. It's now up to 6.7 inches tall, and the effect of this year's smaller frames is enhanced by their size in proportion to the screen area. The OLED panel is absolutely great – incredibly bright, clear and colorful. It is perfectly visible in any lighting, including outdoors, even if the brightness is not increased when viewing HDR content.

iPhone 12 Pro maxAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

I can't find a bug … other than not having a 90Hz (or higher) refresh rate like the Android competition. Even so, Apple does things with software that makes 60Hz still look good. These are all the same assessments I had of the iPhone 12 Pro's display mind you, but once again I appreciate it in this larger size.

It's not the largest phone display, but it's close.

Of course, it's not the largest phone display, but it's close. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is larger and combines its display with even smaller bezels, but is also a bit larger. Really, you wouldn't notice a usable difference between this 6.7-inch screen and any other large Android device. It is important that you have significantly more additional screen with the 12 Pro Max than with most cell phones in the lower 6-inch range.

Size comparison: iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 12 Pro max

However, since the "normal" iPhones have gotten bigger and now have up to 6.1-inch displays, they don't feel as tight, making the iPhone 12 Pro Max feel less necessary. And iOS 14 looks and works exactly the same on this 6.7-inch display as it does on the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini.

iPhone 12 modelsAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

You can't multitask any other than any other iPhone, and viewing picture-in-picture video isn't much more useful either. Although you can now place widgets on the home screen, you don't have any extra space to place them. They still have the same grid size of 4 × 6. Apps can mostly only be adapted to the screen instead of keeping the elements the same size and displaying more content. For example, in Gmail, another email appears in the inbox. On Twitter, you might see an extra half of a tweet.

You can use the "zoom" feature to zoom in on anything on the screen, but you can't go the other way and zoom out, which is what a lot of people want. You can reduce the text size, which I did (by one notch) and that will at least help you get a little better use of the screen.

iPhone 12 modelsAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

This bigger screen is still appreciated when watching videos, playing games, taking and editing photos and videos, browsing non-mobile websites, and typing with two hands. The media experience is only enhanced by this bigger screen, and some people really spend hours a day watching videos on their phones – the 12 Pro Max is a great experience there. There are also people who don't have great vision and appreciate a phone that just makes everything huge.

It seems like a missed opportunity not to give the Max a little more functionality in the software to take advantage of that screen size, especially now that we've been dealing with these Max phones for a few generations, and with developments in the same area on iPadOS .

The media and gaming experience is improved by the larger screen, otherwise nothing changes.

This is especially true because that bigger screen comes at a cost: a bigger phone overall. The 12 Pro Max is about 9% larger, 9% wider and 20% heavier than the 12 Pro. These are serious leaps, especially in terms of weight – at 228 grams, it is one of the heaviest smartphones currently available. This stainless steel frame adds up.

iPhone 12 Pro maxAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

It's big enough to be awkward in a pocket, especially for weighing down gym shorts and stuffing jeans pockets. And it certainly doesn't fit in most women's pockets – it takes up space in a pocket instead. It hardly fits in my running beltand just without a case. Since it's so hard, I prefer to leave it at home for long runs.

The phone is extremely massive and difficult to use. Only you know if it is worth looking into.

It's downright awkward to do anything other than scroll through feeds or hold the phone to read with one hand. Even with my big hands, reaching across the screen or sliding my finger over the picture is a hassle. Fortunately, you can use the “reachability” gesture (swipe down in the lower center of the screen) to get to the “top” edge of the screen without fumbling with the phone. Most tasks are considerably easier with a second hand, some tasks require it. If you come to terms with this fact and stop even trying to use it with one hand, the overall experience improves.

Battery life

With the first Max iPhone, it seemed like most people bought it just for the battery life. A larger phone offers more space for the battery. If everything else stays the same, this should translate into significantly longer battery life. As usual, Apple does not offer battery capacities or realistic battery benchmarks for its phones. That's why I'm here.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a battery champion thanks to a very simple equation: It has a 30% larger (supposedly 3687 mAh) battery than the 12 Pro. If you need a phone that will work all day every day, regardless of battery saving, then this is it. On my usual day with messaging, listening to podcasts via Bluetooth, countless emails and using social media apps, mainly via WiFi, I ended the day after more than three hours of on with 40% battery.

The 12 Pro Max is a battery champion – you don't have to think about it.

The closest thing to low power mode, which triggers at 20%, was a day of three hours of hotspotting on my laptop, including streaming the Apple “One More Thing” event. Even so, I had a little over 20% when I went to bed. I've experienced solid battery life on the smaller 12 Pro, but found that it can get a little tricky if you squeeze it hard. This is just not the case with the 12 Pro Max – it will never lead to battery fear.

iPhone 12 Pro Max with MagSafe chargerAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

We got used to the fast charging times offered by the iPhone's small battery, but that's not the case with the 12 Pro Max. If you ever run out of battery or miss a night charge, you need to consider how long it will take to charge.

You can go from dead to 50% in just over 30 minutes, which is good enough, but it takes over an hour to get to 95%. And that's if you buy a 20W charger (remember, there isn't one in the box). There are many good options from companies like anchor and Aukeyand it's basically a requirement for the 12 Pro Max. Charging with less is a real pain. The MagSafe charger is approximately 30% slower than a 20W wired charger. Plugging in an older plug under 10W will take several hours to complete – and worse with a generic wireless charger.

Cameras

Apple bifurcated the Pro line with an all-new main camera sensor on the Pro Max, and that's a big change. The 12-megapixel sensor is 47% larger, which means every pixel is dramatically larger for the same resolution. Larger pixels let in more light, which is always good – light is the currency you use to buy sharp photos. The sensor itself is also physically stabilized, much like the way dedicated cameras provide stabilization that is different from the OIS on most other phones (including the 12 Pro) that have the lens stabilized.

The advantages are immediately apparent when taking photos in poor lighting conditions. With larger pixels, the camera doesn't have to rely on long night mode exposures as often, which means you'll have less softness and blurring from handshakes or moving objects in your scene. This means that photos of people and pets are more likely to be crisp, even in difficult lighting conditions. But that's more of a side effect: the real impact is that every single photo you take with low or mixed flash is brighter, sharper, and more colorful.

Lowlight shots have great detail, texture, and sharpness, and for the most part, do without a fake, over-edited look. In some cases where night mode is used for a 3 to 4 second exposure, the contrast and saturation are a little over the top, to the point where it actually looks better to revert to a 1 second exposure. Other times, I just turn off night mode for a natural shot and the sensor easily pulls in enough light to keep things from getting loud or grainy. I think Apple could actually tweak more to really take advantage of the big sensor and rely even less on the night mode.

As the lighting improves, the 12 Pro Max's camera benefit diminishes. Most of the footage is indistinguishable from what you get with the 12 Pro's camera. But that's not a bad thing. The 12 Pro takes great photos. In the edge cases where you have shadows or mixed lighting, you will notice that the large sensor is working again – not to brighten these areas, but to get them right and without noise.

You'll see the big sensor in play again with close-ups of macros and portraits. Because the sensor is so large and has a f / 1.6 lens, you can get incredible natural bokeh (background blur) if you know your way around your goal of focusing. If you are strategically focused on a good focus, background defocusing is great. The effect is so far that I really didn't bother with portrait mode, which still has quirks and problems far too often. Natural bokeh is always better than fake, and this camera does it incredibly well.

The ultrawide camera is identical to the other iPhone 12 models – really good for ultrawide conditions and ideal for confusing the perspective of your recordings. The telephoto camera has a 25% longer focal length than the 12 Pro, but I still wouldn't call it "telephoto" with only 2.5x zoom over the main lens. Even so, any improvement is good, as the whole point of a telephoto camera is to get the specific look of a narrower field of view. It gives you that change of perspective and you can use it to get great zoom shots.

The Dolby Vision HDR video, which Apple is making a big deal of this year, remains unchanged on the 12 Pro Max as well. Recording with a larger viewfinder could be a bonus to your budding film career, but HDR video really shouldn't be a determining factor in your buying decision – and of course, it's available on all iPhone 12 models. Yes even the $ 699 mini.

The selfie camera is the same too; If you have good lighting, it will take great shots but will stall in darker scenes and rely heavily on the on-screen flash. The selfie camera's night mode is a hit-or-miss mode considering that you really can't get over how small a sensor and lens you're working with – and it's harder to keep your hand steady hold when arm is extended.

Our opinion

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is characterized by three things: its enormous size, its long battery life and its more powerful camera. If you buy it, it should be because of the first feature, not the latter two. I really believe that only those who want A big phone with a big screen and extra space to work and play should buy one. Anyone who buys the iPhone 12 Pro Max because they expect longer battery life and camera improvements even though it is bigger than they can be will be disappointed.

Yes, the battery life is exceptional, especially better than the iPhone 12 Pro. And the camera is more powerful at night, even by the high standards that Apple set with the iPhone 12. However, the phone is just too big for most people to comfortably use in one hand, and it's big enough to prevent your person from walking. This is not a situation to put yourself in if you don't immediately see a benefit in the size of the screen. No battery or camera improvement is worth constantly being upset that your phone is too big.

If the big phone is your thing, the starting price of $ 1,099 is reasonable. You pay just $ 100 more than the iPhone 12 Pro and get a lot more phone.

Are there any better alternatives?

There are few phones in this size class to compete with each other. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the obvious choice, with a huge display and great features that can go head to toe with the 12 Pro Max. It also has a built-in pen which is a real differentiator. However, most people don't regularly switch between iPhones and Androids, so it may not be an option.

The other obvious choice is to step up a notch to the iPhone 12 Pro. It is a “normal” size phone that is easy to use with one hand and never feels like an administrative burden, but has all of the core features of the 12 Pro Max. It's really a question of whether you can handle the weaker battery life (which is still fine by average phone standards) and a smaller display and come to terms with not having the best camera Apple makes. The size is a personal preference, but we're talking about minor improvements on the front of the camera. The 12 Pro's main camera is great too.

How long it will take?

Apple has had an excellent track record of supporting and updating its phones for several years. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the hardware to run the next four (or more) versions of iOS without errors. The hardware with a stainless steel frame and IP68 water resistance should also hold up.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you have two qualifications. The first is that you want or can manage such a big phone. Second, you expect to push the limits of the camera system. If you're not here for both things, you're better off with that one Base iPhone 12 Pro.

Editor's recommendations




13 Nov
Blog

Vitamin D Deficiency in Athletes

Vitamin D is often referred to as the sun vitamin because the main source of the vitamin comes from exposure to the sun. However, many people are vitamin D deficient.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone that plays a vital role in bone health, muscle function, adaptive immunity, and many human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and musculoskeletal health

Vitamin D deficiency

Indeed, vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem.

Globally, around 1 billion people are vitamin D deficient, while over 77% of the total population is insufficient.1 What does it mean if you are an athlete who exercises indoors, exercises indoors year-round and rarely outdoors during that time is the day going?

What if you also live in the northern hemisphere? You are probably not getting enough vitamin D. Inadequate sun exposure can dramatically increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. It can lead to a wide variety of negative health effects and affect athletic performance.

Research has shown that vitamin D significantly affects muscle weakness, pain, balance, and fractures in the aging population.1

Vitamin D plays a key role in: 1

A vitamin D deficiency occurs when the blood level drops to less than 20 ng / ml (<nmol / l), while a vitamin D deficiency in athletes occurs when the blood level falls between 20 and 32 ng / ml (50-80 nmol / l) / l) is defined..

Research has shown that 40-50 ng / ml (100-125 nmol / l) seems ideal for optimizing athletic performance.1

Who is at high risk?

People at high risk of vitamin D deficiency: 1.5

  • Decreased food intake: certain malabsorption syndromes such as celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, gastric bypass, inflammatory bowel disease
  • Decreased exposure to sunlight. About 50% to 90% of vitamin D is absorbed through the skin. 20 minutes of sunshine a day, with 40% of the skin exposed, is required to prevent deficiency.
  • Aging Adults: The ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases by up to 75% with age.
  • Overweight and obese people: Those who carry excess body fat can increase their risk by up to 55% because vitamin D is trapped in adipose tissue and not available in the bloodstream.

See the previous blog about factors that affect vitamin D levels.

Athletes who practice indoor sports

Athletes who participate in indoor sports are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Hockey players spend much of their time training, conditioning, and competing indoors. This makes it difficult to get vitamin D from sun exposure. To add to the statistics, another study found that 88% of the population were receiving less than the optimal amount of vitamin D.3

Several studies link vitamin D status to bone health and general bone injury prevention in the sports population.

Research and Vitamin D Deficiency

Studies have shown that inadequate vitamin D levels are linked to a higher risk of stress fractures in young men and women published in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. 4

In a study published in the journal, Nutrients rated the vitamin D status of college basketball players during the season. Players were given either a high dose, a low dose, or no vitamin D at the start of the study, depending on their circulatory 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, to determine the optimal status of vitamin D3 supplementation.

The results showed that 13 of the 20 participants did not have enough vitamin D at the start of the study. Another finding was that of the examined athletes and The darker skin pigmentation increased the risk of vitamin D insufficiency at the start of the study.

The researchers found that most athletes who were inadequate with vitamin D benefited from supplementation of 10,000 IU to improve their status

Another study concluded that black professional footballers have higher levels of vitamin D deficiency than white ones

The study also suggests that vitamin D-deficient professional soccer players may also be at higher risk of fractures

Increasing performance is the desire of every athlete as it can lead to an increase in performance on the field. Your muscle tissue has several important receptor sites for vitamin D and supports the generation of electricity.1

A study of soccer players found that an increase in baseline vitamin D status over an 8 week period resulted in increased vertical jumps and sprint times of 10 meters.9

Of course, we need more research in this area to identify the relationship between vitamin D levels and performance.

Nonetheless, the current literature is promising and that at least baseline vitamin D values ​​should be desirable.

Sources of Vitamin D.

The best sources of vitamin D are egg yolks, mushrooms, fortified milk, yogurt, cheese, salmon, and mackerel.8th

Vitamin D rich food sources:

  • 6 ounces. fortified yogurt = 80 IU
  • 3 oz. Salmon = 794 IU
  • 1 cup fortified cereal = 40 IU
  • 1 cup of fortified milk = 120 IU
  • 1 egg yolk = 41 IU
  • 1 cup of fortified orange juice = 137 IU

Practical applications

Athletes who exercise indoors, consume little vitamin D-rich sources, and live> 35 degrees north or south can benefit from a vitamin supplement of 1,500 to 2,000 IU per day to keep vitamin D concentrations in a sufficient range.

Athletes who have had a history of stress fractures, common illnesses, pain or weakness, or signs of overtraining should be assessed for vitamin D status.

Vitamin D is best absorbed with a high-fat meal.

It is important to see a doctor to further determine vitamin D levels and to meet with a registered dietitian to further discuss nutritional intervention.

References

1. Ogan, D. & Pritchett, K. "Vitamin D and the Athlete: Risks, Recommendations, and Benefits." Nutrients, 5 (6), 1856-1868. 2013.

2. Umar, M., Sastry, K.S. & Chouchane, A.I., "Role of Vitamin D Beyond Skeletal Function: An Review of Molecular and Clinical Studies." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018, 19 (6), 1618.

3. Bendik, I., Friedel, A., Roos, F. F., Weber, P. and Eggersdorfer, M. "Vitamin D: A Critical and Essential Micronutrient for Human Health." Frontiers in Physiology, 5, 248, 2014.

4. Elsevier Health Sciences. (2015, December 14th). "Low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of stress fractures in active individuals: Experts recommend active individuals who participate in higher-impact activities may maintain higher levels of vitamin D." ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 19, 2020.

5. Sizar O., Khare S., Goyal A. et al. "Deficiency of Vitamin D." (Updated July 21, 2020). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.

6. Sekel, N. M .; Gallo, S .; Fields, J .; Jagim, A. R .; Wagner, T .; Jones, M.T. "The Effects of Cholecalciferol Supplementation on Vitamin D Status in a Diverse Population of College Basketball Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study." Nutrients, 2020, 12, 370.

7. National Health Institutes – Food Supplements Office – "Vitamin D – Information Sheet for Health Professionals". (Accessed October 19, 2020).

8. Maroon JC, Mathyssek CM, Bost JW, Amos A., Winkelman R., Yates AP, Duca MA, Norwig JA. "Vitamin D Profile in National Football League Players." Am J Sports Med. 2015, May; 43 (5): 1241-5. Epub 2015, February 3rd. PMID: 25649084.

9. Close, GL, Russell, J., Cobley, JN, Owens, DJ, Wilson, G., Gregson, W., Fraser, WD & Morton, JP, "Assessment of Vitamin D Concentration in Non-Supplemented Professional Athletes and Healthy Adults during the winter months in the UK: effects on skeletal muscle function. "Journal of Sports Sciences, 31 (4), 344–353. 2013.

13 Nov
Blog

Learn how to perform a Sumo squat and ace your fitness goals now

No matter how helpful your exercise routine is, you always seem to miss out on the complicated exercises. Is not it? While the lats, triceps, chest and abs provide all the fun of the fair, we almost forget about the glutes and inner thighs. But not anymore. The Sumo squat is the perfect way to train both your glutes and inner thighs for the best workout experience ever. Incorporate this exercise into your fitness routine and watch you get to the top.

Sumo squat form that makes all the difference

One possible exercise that will help you complete your daily fitness routine is a must. With such a workout, you are sure to improve your fitness game and give your health a quick boost. The Sumo squat form is one such method to gain fitness instantly. If you continue to follow the workout in a timely manner, there is no way you can get started. If you are concerned about the level of difficulty during this exercise, don't panic. Since the workout is easy for everyone to do, you are unlikely to encounter any obstacles.

How To Do It – Stand with your feet wide apart. At this point, your toes should be pointing at a 45-degree angle. Now crouch down. Bend at the hips, knees and sit back. Keep your chest up and your knees out. Make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor. Now return to the starting position. Try not to get your feet off the floor. Practice that Sumo squat form a couple of times for the best results.

Variations that make you want more

While sumo squat is a breeze to add to your fitness routine, sometimes it doesn't work as well as you'd like. This is the case when sumo squat variations are used. With a little weight, it can change the game for you. So let us guide you through these incredible variations that require all of your attention right away.

1. Dumbbell Sumo Squat

Strengthening your legs and glutes requires intense training. To do this, you may need more than just empty exercises. Dumbbell Sumo Squat helps add that extra weight your daily workout might be looking for. This beginner workout is all you need to get on track with your healthy life. All you need is a dumbbell for this workout. The free weight exercise is best for those waiting to improve the quads, glutes, and hamstrings.

How it goes- Hold a dumbbell in one hand. Make sure your back is straight at this point. Try to keep your legs wider than shoulder width apart. The weight should be between your legs. Now try to bend at your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Do the descent for 4 seconds, then hold the position for three seconds. Return to the starting position within one second so that each repetition lasts about seven seconds. Repeat that Dumbbell Sumo Squat for the best experience.

2. Kettlebell Sumo Squat

Glutes, hamstrings, and quads are some of the muscles this exercise targets. The Kettlebell Sumo Squat is the perfect way to get your fitness goals going forever. All you have to do is follow the instructions carefully for the best experience. This also helps you avoid trouble.

How To Do It – For starters, you need to place your feet beyond the width of your hips. At this point, your toes should be pointing outward. Now try to hold a single kettlebell in front of your hips with both hands. Your palms should be facing your body. Begin the squat by squeezing your hips. Then try to bend your knees and hips. Now return to the starting position. At this point, your back should be straight. Repeat that Kettlebell Sumo Squat to avoid complications.

Conclusion

The sumo squat is a powerful workout that you can easily try out every day. This is the best way to improve your fitness routine and make your dreams come true.

FAQ

1. How does it work? Kettlebell Sumo Squat Help?

The Kettlebell Sumo Squat is best for muscle strength and compound movement. It also helps in speeding up the body's performance.

2. Is This the Best Way to Improve Your Fitness Routine?

Yeah don't worry

3. Are there any other types of sumo squat you should try?

Yes. If you don't find that Kettlebell Sumo Squat helpful, then sumo jump squat and weighted sumo squats are perfect.

13 Nov
Blog

Discover Supplements That Benefit Your Specific Needs With Supplement Advisor

Discover supplements that meet your specific needs with Supplement Advisor

The supplement industry sometimes seems like the wild wild west where you feel like there are more questions than answers:

Should i take fish oil? Isn't it good for reducing inflammation and heart health? What is better? Pill form or liquid?

Or:

I recently started the ketogenic diet. Is it true that I should take multivitamins and a folic acid supplement because I can no longer get folic acid from grains?

Or:

I am a menstruating woman who does not eat red meat. Should I be taking an iron supplement? And doesn't vitamin B12 also play a role in the health of red blood cells and help fight off anemia? Should I take that too? Do I also need a B12 supplement?

Take the Supplement Advisor's free assessment test.

Supplement Advisor is a web-based company that empowers health conscious people to improve their cognitive functions as well as their emotional and physical potential through simple and personalized supplement guides developed by their advanced AI that will ultimately help you get through the wild Navigate west of the supplement industry easily and quickly.

One way to do this is through their assessment tool, which allows you to either do a full assessment or select a specific area to see if you could benefit from a supplement. The areas include:

  • memory
  • motivation
  • focus
  • Mood
  • energy
  • Learn
  • Sleep.

How it works:

Let's say you're curious to see if you could benefit from taking a magnesium supplement to help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent you from having an energy accident in the middle of the day. And if so, which products are best for you?

Giving these answers is exactly what the Supplement Advisor tool was designed for.

All you do is select energy, hit submit, and answer a few questions such as:

  • Do you feel tired all day?
  • Do you need an extra boost to get the most miles out of your day?
  • Does Caffeine Make You Nervous or Restless?

After answering the questions, the AI ​​engine, which gets smarter as more people do the assessment and the database grows, analyzes your answers quickly and offers various recommendations as to which products are best for your specific needs.

Sleep

With fifty to seventy million people in the United States suffering from some type of sleep disorder – from insomnia to insomnia to sleep apnea – one of the most common reasons for taking a supplement is sleep.

In addition to the natural products, nine million Americans take prescription drugs to help them sleep. However, prescription drugs can have some side effects, including gastrointestinal problems, persistent daytime sleepiness, daytime memory disorders, and cognitive performance problems or various allergic reactions.

A better option for many is a melatonin supplement.

Why is it better?

Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally. It is responsible for regulating your body's internal clock by reacting to light and dark.

When it gets dark, melatonin builds up in your body, letting you know it's bedtime by attaching itself to receptors in the brain that help you relax and feel tired. On the other hand, during the day your body makes dopamine, which signals you to release less melatonin, which helps you stay awake.

If you select Hibernate in the Supplement Advisor assessment tool, you will again be taken through a series of questions including:

  • Does Stress Cause Easy Drowsiness?
  • Does it take you a long time to fall asleep?
  • How difficult is it for you to achieve a sufficiently restful sleep routine?
  • Are you having trouble falling into a deep sleep?
  • Do you have a restless sleep?
  • Dreaming lucidly in the REM phase has been shown to be helpful in reducing stress and dealing with trauma. Would you be interested in lucid dreaming more often?

From there you will be given a list of options for various products that can help your particular sleep problem or lack.

Try it

As a writer, my focus has to be on one point to spend long days staring at a computer. I tend to be very focused and motivated in the mornings, but after 2pm I fade away. before I've finished all of my chores for the day.

I decided to try the tool to see if there was anything I could do to improve my focus.

The tool asked me:

  • Do you have attention disorders when your brain is stressed and overworked?
  • How easy is it to focus on a task or stimulus while ignoring the distraction?
  • Can you keep your attention on one task for a long time?
  • Can you do more than one task at a time?
  • Can you move attention from one task to another without losing focus?
  • Do you feel able to concentrate hard enough to set goals and monitor your progress?

I answered no to the first question as I usually get stressed and overworked and start a fire under my bum. I also find it easy to ignore distractions, and I can concentrate on one task for a long time, so I answered no to the second and third questions as well. The last question was also a no.

I have trouble focusing on more than one task at a time and definitely shifting attention from one task to another without losing focus. So I answered yes to the fourth and fifth questions.

What the tool recommended as a top product: A probiotic fermented vitamin B complex for energy, brain and mood support (various other options for the vitamin B complex were also recommended).

(Strangely, my naturopath also recommended taking a B vitamin supplement. I call that a win.)

I decided to go a step further and also selected the motivation rating because sometimes I don't lose focus so much, but rather lose motivation in the last hours of my work day. I was then asked:

  • Would you like to crawl in bed all day and watch Netflix?
  • Is your sleep and diet regular and adequate?
  • Are you a stressful person? If so, does it affect your decisions?
  • Is your blood sugar high?

Supplement Advisor Recommendation: Mane Brain is a brain that will help you feel energized, alert, focused, and less forgetful.

Now make the assessment.

13 Nov
Blog

Nokia 8 V 5G UW Review: Phone Is Just Too Expensive

Nokia 8 V UW

"The Nokia 8 V UW is a solid proposition but is beaten by tough competition for the same price or less."

  • Great camera

  • Long lasting battery

  • Solid display

  • Retired Software

  • Too expensive

  • No water resistance

  • 60Hz display

Right now, 5G is all the rage. With networks claiming "nationwide" coverage and phone companies putting "5G" in the name of every new phone, it makes sense that you think this is a big deal. One day it will be, but for now, you face a decision: should you get a 5G compatible phone now, although it won't be really revolutionary for you, or should you wait until 5G really matters?

Nokia thinks you should do the former. The company recently unveiled the Nokia 8.3 5G, its first 5G-enabled version. With the new Nokia 8 V 5G UW, this device goes one step further. (Yes, it's a mouthful.)

The new device is the first carrier-focused phone from HMD Global, whose name "Ver" stands for Verizon. The rest of the name is pretty standard – aside from the fact that the UW stands for "Ultra-Broadband". Right, this phone supports Verizon's 5G mmWave network.

Other than that, however, the phone is no different from the original Nokia 8.3. It even costs the same at $ 699. Here are my thoughts after a few days on the phone. Note: As the phone is so similar to the standard Nokia 8.3, we are not doing a full review. You can read our full review of the Nokia 8.3 here.

The good

The Nokia 8.3 V 5G UW is a relatively large phone with a 6.81-inch display and 1080p resolution. It's not the highest resolution, but it supports HDR always on, gets nice and bright, and is definitely sharp enough for most uses.

There are relatively thin bezels all around the display, although the chin at the bottom is quite large for a 2020 device.

The rest of the design is modern but doesn't stand out as much aside from the big old round camera on the back. There's a fingerprint reader to the side, which is fast and responsive, and there's a headphone jack at the bottom that's easy to see. There is a hole punch cutout in the top left of the display.

Nokia 8v 5g uw rating 7

nokia 8 v 5g uw review 1

The phone comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, plus 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It's powerful enough for most tasks, and while it's not quite as nimble as an 8-series processor, the vast majority of users won't notice a difference.

The power is supplied by a 4,500 mAh battery, with which you can easily work for a whole day. Many people can work for two days. The phone comes with Android 10 and gets Android 11. Unfortunately, updates beyond Android 11 are not displayed, which is a major disadvantage compared to the competition.

The overall software experience is pretty low-key, but the Verizon-ness undo this a bit. Immediately after setting up your phone, there will be four Verizon apps on the home screen that you need to deal with. You cannot delete them either. So the most you can do is do it in your app drawer.

The camera is a four lens camera and is great. There are four sensors on the back, including a 64-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The photos are vivid and bright, with lots of detail most of the time, especially in low light. I would have loved to see a telephoto lens instead of a macro sensor, and the macro sensor isn't great, but those are really the only complaints that need to be made about the camera.

The bad

I've really only focused on the good things about this phone so far, but there are some bad things too – and those bad things essentially mean that you should avoid the phone entirely.

Let's talk about 5G very quickly. There are two types to watch out for: Sub-6, which can travel long distances but doesn't necessarily get that fast, and mmWave, which is very fast but can't travel distances or penetrate obstacles. This phone supports both, especially on Verizon. But you really shouldn't care – Verizon's mmWave is pretty much irrelevant right now, and while you can get widespread Sub-6 connectivity, it's not that fast yet and won't change much in how you use a phone. In my area, Verizon's Sub-6 5G is available and relatively fast, but not much faster than a good LTE connection.

Then there's the price – and it's the real killer. At $ 700, the phone is a little tough to sell. Sure, there are good things and the camera is great, but you could buy a Google Pixel 4a 5G instead, which is significantly $ 200 less than this device and has better software support, a camera that is at least as good as no better , the same processor and more. MmWave isn't supported, but that shouldn't matter – and if you're really into mmWave, you can get the Verizon variant of the Pixel 4a 5G, which is $ 600. That's still $ 100 less than the Nokia 8 V UW.

Our opinion

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW is by no means a bad phone. It's relatively powerful, with a nice big screen, great camera, and pared-back software experience. But the price is just not right. Nokia and Verizon are charging a premium for 5G, and it's not worth it to venture into just yet.

The only way this phone makes sense is when (or more likely when) Verizon decides to give it a huge discount as part of the latest vacation or add-a-line promotion. It wouldn't be surprising if the Nokia 8 V UW was available for around $ 450 in a few months if added to a financing plan, and at that point it's dramatically more enticing.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If you're looking to save some cash, you'll get a better experience with the Google Pixel 4a 5G, which costs $ 200 less for the unlocked model or $ 100 less for the Verizon mmWave model. However, buy the unlocked model – you won't have to worry about mmWave for a few more years and it will still work flawlessly with Verizon.

If you don't mind spending $ 700 and are simply looking for the best phone you can get, then go for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, which has a better processor, great camera, and price. Or you can get the new iPhone 12 Mini, which is more powerful than any Android phone currently on the market and comes in a nice pocket size.

How long it will take?

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW should be updated for two years, so only one major software update is guaranteed. It's also not waterproof, so do your best to keep it out of water.

Should you buy one?

No, you should look into that Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 4a 5G, or iPhone 12 Mini instead.

Editor's recommendations




12 Nov
Blog

Ultimate Guide For Dry Skin: Causes, Treatment and Skin Care Routine

Does your skin feel rough and flaky all year round? Everyone's skin suffers from dryness on occasion, but a more persistent struggle can be a symptom of your skin type. Read on to learn more about dry skin and find our recommendations for reducing and relieving dryness.

What causes skin dryness?

Like all skin types, dry skin is genetic. It is characterized by an insufficient supply of sebum (which lubricates the skin) and lipids (which keep the skin's moisture barrier intact). Without these essential materials, the skin loses its ability to produce and store sufficient moisture. On the surface, this deficiency shows up as dry, flaky skin and a dull complexion.

The skin also becomes thinner and drier with age. Over time, the skin's hyaluronic acid stores decrease due to the body's natural aging processes. This naturally occurring substance, which attracts and retains moisture, is critical to keeping the skin soft and supple.

As the hyaluronic acid wears off, the skin loses its ability to hold onto hydration and becomes drier and more brittle.

Dry skin is often confused with dehydration, but they really are very different. While dehydration is preventable and easy to treat, dry skin is a skin type that requires ongoing maintenance to be cared for. You can get stuck with dry skin, but the right skin care routine can make a world of difference.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PXuf91B6mA (/ embed)

Dry skin: signs and symptoms

A dry skin type has the following signs and symptoms:

  • Tightness, especially after cleaning
  • If youRough texture
  • A dull, lackluster look
  • Hardly visible pores
  • Flaking, flaking, or peeling
  • Fine lines, especially around the eyes and lips
  • If youA tendency to redness and itchiness

dry cross-section of skin

How to treat dry skin

Dry skin can be made worse by external factors such as hormones, environmental stress, and seasonal changes. Here are some simple ways to keep dry skin soft and plump.

1. Moisten

Moisturizers are a breeze for caring for dry skin. Oil-based ointments, creams, and lotions that are high in essential fatty acids (EFAs) make up for the lack of oil and lipids in dry skin. They lubricate the skin's surface and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. They help replenish and lock in the much-needed moisture.

Pro tip: Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in extra moisture.

2. Monitor your water temperature

Extreme temperatures can worsen an already dry complexion by stripping the skin of essential oils. Joshua Draftsman, M.D.tells EVEN: "The water in your shower should be the temperature you would imagine for a heated pool – about 84 degrees Fahrenheit." If hot showers are non-negotiable, limit them to no more than ten minutes to protect dry skin.

The water in your shower should be the temperature you would imagine for a heated pool – about 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Use gentle ingredients

Like extreme temperatures, harsh cosmetic ingredients can compromise the skin's moisture barrier, causing dryness and irritation. To protect your skin, avoid products that contain chemical ingredients such as parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol, or sodium lauryl sulfate.

4. Protect your skin in winter

Dry winter air also contributes to the dryness of the skin. In the winter months there is less moisture in the air, which means that the moisture in your skin evaporates faster. To compensate, Harvard Health recommends using a humidifier and setting it to around 60%. This is enough to replenish the lost moisture in the top layer of skin.

5. Adjust your diet

You can improve your skin's ability to retain moisture by adding healthy fats to your diet. Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils support skin health by fighting inflammation and strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. Some of the foods to add to your shopping list include salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.

How to treat dry skin infographic

Dry skin care routine

One of the best ways to combat dry skin is to tailor your skin care regimen to include moisture-rich products that will replenish and repair. We recommend the following routine to heal and soothe dry skin.

1. Cleaning

First, remove any contamination with a gentle oil-based cleaner. Eminence Organics Product Support Representative Alicia Hawthorne recommends Wildflower Cleansing Balm. Formulated with poppy seed oil and elderflower, this transforming yellow balm replenishes lost moisture and soothes redness caused by dryness.

2. Peeling (weekly)

Alicia recommends a weekly scrub to "watch out for dandruff!" A gentle scrub like Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is the best choice for a dry complexion. Containing lactic acid, rice and chickpea flour, this physical and chemical scrub removes dead skin cells and smoothes out rough, dry skin.

3rd tone

Think of toner as a "conditioner" for your detergent. A product like ours Stone Crop Hydrating Mist contains nourishing ingredients like Stone Crop, Lavender and Jasmine to restore moisture and soothe dry skin.

4. Treat

When it comes to Alicia chooses an oil, concentrate, or serum for dry skin and recommends reaching for a product that is high in both fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Her suggestion is Facial Recovery Oil, which contains soothing and nourishing oils that heal dry skin.

5. Moisturize

Choose an oil-rich cream that will replenish moisture and repair your skin's lipid barrier. Our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer contains deeply moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter. Shea butter in particular is an excellent emollient for the skin; It is rich in triglycerides and fatty acids that help restore and retain moisture.

Are you ready to update your dry skin routine? Find these products and more at one Eminence Organics Partner Spa near you.

12 Nov
Blog

Discover Supplements That Benefit Your Specific Needs With Supplement Advisor

Discover supplements that meet your specific needs with Supplement Advisor

The supplement industry sometimes seems like the wild wild west where you feel like there are more questions than answers:

Should i take fish oil? Isn't it good for reducing inflammation and heart health? What is better? Pill form or liquid?

Or:

I recently started the ketogenic diet. Is it true that I should take multivitamins and a folic acid supplement because I can no longer get folic acid from grains?

Or:

I am a menstruating woman who does not eat red meat. Should I be taking an iron supplement? And doesn't vitamin B12 also play a role in the health of red blood cells and help fight off anemia? Should I take that too? Do I also need a B12 supplement?

Take the Supplement Advisor's free assessment test.

Supplement Advisor is a web-based company that empowers health conscious people to improve their cognitive functions as well as their emotional and physical potential through simple and personalized supplement guides developed by their advanced AI that will ultimately help you get through the wild Navigate west of the supplement industry easily and quickly.

One way to do this is through their assessment tool, which allows you to either do a full assessment or select a specific area to see if you could benefit from a supplement. The areas include:

  • memory
  • motivation
  • focus
  • Mood
  • energy
  • Learn
  • Sleep.

How it works:

Let's say you're curious to see if you could benefit from taking a magnesium supplement to help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent you from having an energy accident in the middle of the day. And if so, which products are best for you?

Giving these answers is exactly what the Supplement Advisor tool was designed for.

All you do is select energy, hit submit, and answer a few questions such as:

  • Do you feel tired all day?
  • Do you need an extra boost to get the most miles out of your day?
  • Does Caffeine Make You Nervous or Restless?

After answering the questions, the AI ​​engine, which gets smarter as more people do the assessment and the database grows, analyzes your answers quickly and offers various recommendations as to which products are best for your specific needs.

Sleep

With fifty to seventy million people in the United States suffering from some type of sleep disorder – from insomnia to insomnia to sleep apnea – one of the most common reasons for taking a supplement is sleep.

In addition to the natural products, nine million Americans take prescription drugs to help them sleep. However, prescription drugs can have some side effects, including gastrointestinal problems, persistent daytime sleepiness, daytime memory disorders, and cognitive performance problems or various allergic reactions.

A better option for many is a melatonin supplement.

Why is it better?

Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally. It is responsible for regulating your body's internal clock by reacting to light and dark.

When it gets dark, melatonin builds up in your body, letting you know it's bedtime by attaching itself to receptors in the brain that help you relax and feel tired. On the other hand, during the day your body makes dopamine, which signals you to release less melatonin, which helps you stay awake.

If you select Hibernate in the Supplement Advisor assessment tool, you will again be taken through a series of questions including:

  • Does Stress Cause Easy Drowsiness?
  • Does it take you a long time to fall asleep?
  • How difficult is it for you to achieve a sufficiently restful sleep routine?
  • Are you having trouble falling into a deep sleep?
  • Do you have a restless sleep?
  • Dreaming lucidly in the REM phase has been shown to be helpful in reducing stress and dealing with trauma. Would you be interested in lucid dreaming more often?

From there you will be given a list of options for various products that can help your particular sleep problem or lack.

Try it

As a writer, my focus has to be on one point to spend long days staring at a computer. I tend to be very focused and motivated in the mornings, but after 2pm I fade away. before I've finished all of my chores for the day.

I decided to try the tool to see if there was anything I could do to improve my focus.

The tool asked me:

  • Do you have attention disorders when your brain is stressed and overworked?
  • How easy is it to focus on a task or stimulus while ignoring the distraction?
  • Can you keep your attention on one task for a long time?
  • Can you do more than one task at a time?
  • Can you move attention from one task to another without losing focus?
  • Do you feel able to concentrate hard enough to set goals and monitor your progress?

I answered no to the first question as I usually get stressed and overworked and start a fire under my bum. I also find it easy to ignore distractions, and I can concentrate on one task for a long time, so I answered no to the second and third questions as well. The last question was also a no.

I have trouble focusing on more than one task at a time and definitely shifting attention from one task to another without losing focus. So I answered yes to the fourth and fifth questions.

What the tool recommended as a top product: A probiotic fermented vitamin B complex for energy, brain and mood support (various other options for the vitamin B complex were also recommended).

(Strangely, my naturopath also recommended taking a B vitamin supplement. I call that a win.)

I decided to go a step further and also selected the motivation rating because sometimes I don't lose focus so much, but rather lose motivation in the last hours of my work day. I was then asked:

  • Would you like to crawl in bed all day and watch Netflix?
  • Is your sleep and diet regular and adequate?
  • Are you a stressful person? If so, does it affect your decisions?
  • Is your blood sugar high?

Supplement Advisor Recommendation: Mane Brain is a brain that will help you feel energized, alert, focused, and less forgetful.

Now make the assessment.

12 Nov
Blog

Unleash the golden benefits of Yoga for runners right away

Many people live in a dilemma about yoga and running. You spend a fortune believing that the two cannot be brought together for benefit. Ironically, it's quite the opposite. Yoga is a breeze when it comes to improving your running performance. This not only has a positive effect on your mind integration, but also on the balance of your overall strength.

If you can't wait to find out more, why wait? Let's discover some mind-boggling facts about how Yoga for runners is a brilliant idea!

A breeze for runners and athletes

Exercise promotes health. Such a statement is only made by people who are at some point exposed to serious health risks. For runners, this point comes almost every month. Running is an intense sport that requires your front muscles to work hard. Therefore, anterior pain is a common problem for all runners. Surprisingly, no matter what remedies you try, it is all for free until you turn to yoga.

Yoga has proven to be groundbreaking for several runners in this day and age. Fortunately, many of my close friends are on the list. With a little stretching, posing, and flexible yoga, you can get rid of this problem once and for all. So, the best yoga for runners can have a massive impact on your daily mileage. So why not

Seven Best Yoga For Runners To Talk To

Injuries and body pain can be terrible. If you want to get away from that best yoga for runners is what you need to look for now. Check out the best yoga poses for this purpose that will make you want more!

1. Plank posture

We all know plank exercises are a great source of strength building. When you incorporate this into your daily yoga routine, you can see the benefits right away. So, with a snap of your finger, you can get strong postural support. How To Do It – All you have to do is place your elbows on the mat with your fingers crossed. As you stretch your legs behind you and tuck your toes in, inhale. Now push your hips up and straighten them without dropping your lower back. When you want to return to the floor, exhale. Rest on your stomach for a few seconds. Then repeat this best yoga for runners.

2. Squat pose

Yes, many people have no idea that squat is yoga. Fortunately, a squat can add a lot of fun to your daily yoga routine if done correctly. Since it is incredible for improving hamstrings, glutes and buttocks, it can be your ultimate savior as one of the best yoga for runners. How to do it – First, place your feet a little wider than hip-width apart. Your toes should point this out a little. As you start to raise your arms, inhale. Exhale as you need to shift your weight back and down as if you were sitting in a chair. Your knees should be directly above your toes. When you want to get up, take a breath. Do this so that you can stand up and repeat the exercise.

3. The twisted dragon pose

If you are looking for Yoga for the runner's kneethe twisted dragon can do a lot for you. This yoga pose is perfect for you in case you can rotate your back foot. Because it helps loosen hip flexors and also open up the chest, it's a potential exercise for all runners. How To Do It – Keep your right foot in front. Try doing a low lunge with your back foot, positioning your left hand to the left of the mat with your fingertips. Lean back with your left hand extended. Now inhale as you bring your right arm up. Now hold your left foot with your other hand and open your chest. Pull your foot in front of your body to allow the quad stretch to improve. Remain in this position for a few seconds. Gradually exhale and repeat this exercise.

4. Half butterfly pose

Many people assume this pose is difficult, but not. If you follow the instructions correctly, you can follow them right away. So without further ado, let's learn how to do it. How To Do It – Bring one to the left and pull the other towards your body. Notice the bent leg at the hip. Little by little, fold your extended leg and let your head hang down. At this point, the neck and upper back need to relax. When you feel the tension, keep your head upright. Hold this position for about three to four minutes. It's best to repeat this Yin yoga for runnerss.

5. Supine Spinal Twist Pose

Another incredible one Yin yoga for runners is the spine, which you cannot overcome immediately. All you have to do is follow the steps correctly and you will be able to get its benefits right away. How To Do It – Extend both legs and lie on your back. Pull one knee into your chest. Gradually drop that leg over your body to the opposite side. Extend your arm in the other direction. Make sure your shoulder stays on the floor. Hold this position for a few minutes and repeat the exercise.

6. Mountain pose

Mountain posture is often on the list for people who want improved posture and performance. This exercise, also known as Tadasana, is brilliant Yoga for the runner's knee. So why not do it? How To Do It – Start with your feet hip-width apart. Bring your shoulders up so the shoulder blade is against your back. Float your head up and back slightly to rest on your spine. When you stand and breathe correctly, your torso should be straight and firm. Exhale and let your body lie on the floor. Repeat the process.

7. Waterfall pose

If you want to stretch your hamstrings and improve your physical performance, the Waterfall Pose can help you a lot. It also helps prevent swelling on your legs, which you can walk without any problems. In fact, it's one of the best Yoga for the runner's knee. How To Do It – Lie on your side with one hip and try to be in close contact with a wall. Swing your legs up to rest against the wall and let your arms stretch out in front of you. When you are relaxed, try staying here for about seven minutes and then repeat the exercise.

Take that away

These were some of the best Yoga for runners that you can try freely at home. The best part is that you can try them out whenever you want and get the benefits right away. So why wait

FAQ

1. Are that Yoga for the runner's knee advantageous?

Yes, but you can try them out and see for yourself. We promise; These exercises work like magic.

2. Can you name more? Yin yoga for runners?

Half-saddle and dragon are the other Yin yoga for runners that you can try at home.

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12 Nov
Blog

Amazon Fire TV Stick/Lite Review: Best Budget Streamers

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020)

"Tiny, cheap, powerful: these sticks set new standards for budget streaming devices."

  • Affordable

  • Voice-based remote control

  • HDR and Dolby Atmos

  • Can be placed behind the TV

  • Quirky interface

  • Dolby Atmos support for apps inconsistent

For some people, nothing less than the best is enough. In the world of streaming devices, this means that an Apple TV 4K, a Roku Ultraor a Nvidia Shield TV. These set-top boxes cost between $ 100 and $ 200 and are equipped with the latest technology to help you get the most out of your 4K HDR television and home theater sound system.

But what if you're just looking for an affordable way to add streaming capabilities to your older TV, or what if you want a device for a second TV in your home?

Does this drive to save some money mean foregoing all of the cool features of the more expensive devices?

In the past, the answer was yes, but Amazon's $ 40 Fire TV Stick and $ 30 Fire TV Stick Lite redefined what we can expect from a budget streamer. Do they deliver the goods or should you look to more expensive equipment?

Here is our full report.

What's in the box?

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020)Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Your first reminder that the Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite are budget devices is the plain orange box they come in. It's thin and little more than a cover to protect the components inside. As such, it is one of the most sustainable packages in the streaming world – easily recyclable and with just a few small plastic sheets to dispose of.

The stick design makes a lot of sense. It's tiny, portable, and completely disappears behind your TV.

Inside you will find everything you need: the stick, a remote control, two AAA batteries (fortunately not shrunk), a MicroUSB cable for the power supply, a USB power supply unit and an HDMI extender dongle for televisions with cramped spaces HDMI connections.

design

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020)Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The stick design makes a lot of sense. It's tiny, portable, and completely disappears behind your TV.

For a completely wireless installation, you can try plugging the MicroUSB power cord into an available USB port on your TV. However, since Amazon includes a power adapter, I recommend using it. This way, you are guaranteed to get the best performance and faster start-up as it gets consistent performance.

Both the Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite come with Bluetooth remote controls. In this way, you can not only communicate with the sticks without line of sight, but also have advanced functions such as voice access to Alexa.

The remotes look similar, but there are a few differences. The Fire TV Stick comes with a standard voice remote that includes a power button to control the stick, as well as the TV and all other HDMI-connected devices, as well as volume buttons.

The Stick Lite remote control lacks these two functions, but it has a dedicated guide button. Pressing it will bring up the live TV guide – but only if you subscribe to a live TV streaming service like Sling TV or YouTube TV. Otherwise, it just takes you to the live screen, which you may or may not find particularly useful.

To install

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020)Amazon Fire TV Stick Remote Control (above) and Fire TV Stick Lite Remote Control Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Setting up both sticks is very easy. Once you plug it in and plug it into your TV, the on-screen instructions guide you through pairing the remote, accessing your WiFi, and signing in to your Amazon account.

Yes, an Amazon account is required to use a Fire TV device. So, if you don't already have an account, you might want to set up an account on another device, such as a laptop, before beginning the setup process.

You can choose from a few recommended apps to install – these vary by region – but don't worry if your favorite apps aren't among them. These are simply the apps Amazon is promoting, not the full list of apps available. After the setup is complete, you can install additional apps.

The Fire TV Stick has one extra step that the Lite doesn't: it walks you through a quick process of identifying your TV and / or soundbar or A / V receiver so that the power buttons and the Volume buttons are working properly.

There is one aspect of setting up these devices that could be improved a lot. Now whenever you download and launch apps like Netflix that require you to sign in, you'll need to use the on-screen keyboard to browse and search your credentials. It's a tedious process that Apple and Roku have made a little more bearable thanks to the ability to use your smartphone as a text entry tool. Although Amazon has the Alexa app – the de facto way to interact with a Fire TV device from a phone – there is no way to use it for text entry.

interface

Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020)Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Amazon's Fire TV interface, which is the same for all Fire TV devices, has a heavy focus on curating content for you to watch.

That curation feels more like a persistent advertisement for Amazon's Prime Video content, however. It's also very repetitive. The same movies, shows and functions are shown over and over again in each of the main categories: Home, Your Videos, Live, Movies, TV Shows and Apps.

In theory, the UI is supposed to show results from a variety of services, but I've only seen a bunch of Netflix suggestions and none from Disney +, despite being signed into both apps.

Unfortunately, the workarounds for this presentation are not very satisfactory. A search function is available, but difficult to reach and global: a search for "Formula 1" returns results from all available content sources as well as from apps. There's no way to filter these results, and you can't access a tab-specific search for movies or TV shows.

There are some major streaming services that cannot be added to the Fire TV.

If you want to jump straight into one of your installed apps, the Apps tab isn't intuitively the way to go. Instead, it requires a long press of the Home button, which reveals the four main shortcuts: Apps, Sleep, Mirroring, and Settings. Selecting apps will take you to the full list of installed apps.

Speaking of apps, there are some key streaming services that can't be added to the Fire TV – HBO Max and Peacock are the biggest omissions. There's a workaround: Virtually any Android TV app can be loaded onto these devices, but it's a multi-step process that is probably best left to those with real tech skills.

A highlight, especially for cable cutters, is the Live tab. If you subscribe to YouTube TV, Sling TV, Philo, or Hulu + Live TV, you can use the Live tab to get content recommendations from these services and see the available channels on the guide screen.

performance

The Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite are identical from a hardware point of view. So you should rightly expect a similar, if not identical, level of performance, but I haven't found it to be.

The normal Fire TV Stick is significantly faster. Not so much in terms of response time – each model responded very quickly to keystrokes – but how quickly each new screen is filled with content.

For example, if you switch from the home screen to the live screen and then back again, the Fire TV Stick quickly populates the new page with thumbnails. The Stick Lite is slower and often takes twice as long to complete the same task.

It's not a deal-breaker – we're only talking about a few seconds here or there – but if you're impatient, the regular Fire TV Stick is probably a better choice.

The only notable lag time was when I started a new stream. However, this has occurred with almost every streaming device I have used. This is mostly related to the streaming service and / or your internet connection, not the hardware.

The conversation with Alexa was quick on both sticks, and reaction times were usually one to two seconds.

Both come with 8 GB of onboard storage, which should be enough for a serious collection of installed apps. There is a catch, however: you only get access to just over 5GB of that storage.

My 20 apps installed have used half that amount, which suggests that as a power user, you may have some tough decisions to make.

Audio and video quality

The audio quality is very good on both devices that support the two main streaming audio formats: Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus. Dolby Atmos fans should be careful: Despite the fact that both Fire TV Sticks support Dolby Atmos over passthrough over HDMI, streaming app support for Atmos has been a hit and miss. It worked on both devices when Atmos titles were streamed on Amazon Prime Video (as expected), but Netflix only delivered Atmos to the Fire TV Stick and Disney + didn't deliver Atmos to both devices.

Possibly this problem is specific to my particular setup. I reached out to both Disney + and Amazon about this issue, but neither company was able to reproduce it.

Offering HDR without the higher price tag of a 4K device is a game changer.

For most people, the big advantage of these affordable streamers is that they can stream in HDR. In general, only streamers that support 4K resolution will offer HDR – this applies to both Apple TV and Roku devices.

As great as 4K is, HDR makes a much bigger difference in terms of perceived image quality because of its improved brightness, color, and contrast. Also, why would you want to stream 4K video with more bandwidth (potentially reaching your data cap faster) to take advantage of HDR?

The Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite are now the first streamers to bring you HDR without asking the higher price (and bandwidth) of a 4K device, and it's a game changer.

Granted, HDR10, HDR10 +, and HLG (the three HDR flavors these devices support) aren't quite as spectacular as Dolby Vision, but it's still a huge step up from what you'd get from devices in this price range a year ago could.

I tried HDR footage from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney + and it all looked great. David Attenborough's Netflix film A Life On Our Planet is rich in color and detail.

If you're a fan of Plex and want to use these sticks to stream HDR content from your Plex media server, keep in mind that Plex will transcode that resolution to 1080p to stay in sync with it when your HDR footage is in 4K is the video capabilities of the Fire TV Stick. However, if you do this it will remove the HDR metadata, leaving you with just the old SDR.

Casting and screen mirroring

Casting (using your smartphone, tablet, or PC to send streaming content to a streaming device) and screen mirroring (the ability to see everything on your smartphone's screen in real time on a TV) are handled by both the Fire TV Stick and the Fire TV Stick supports Stick Lite with restrictions.

The casting on the sticks is determined app by app. For example, Netflix allows you to broadcast to the Fire TV Stick but not the Fire TV Stick Lite. YouTube supports casting on both devices, but you need to install the YouTube app first. Disney + does not support broadcasting to any device other than Nvidia Shield TV or Shield TV Pro (2019).

Given that the sticks contain native apps for virtually all popular streaming services, this shouldn't be a deal breaker. However, if casting is really important to you, make sure your favorite service supports it on the Fire TV Stick / Lite.

Screen mirroring mode is available on both sticks, but only works with Android smartphones and tablets.

Finally, iPhone users who want to take advantage of this feature will need an AirPlay 2 compatible device such as select 4K Roku players, Apple TV, or several smart TV models from LG, Samsung and Sony.

Our opinion

Though the user interface is heavily geared towards Amazon's Prime Video service, the Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite are the only devices to offer voice-based remote control and 1080p / HDR support for just $ 30. If your budget is tight but you want great picture quality from your streaming video services, these Fire TV sticks are hard to beat.

Is there a better alternative?

No at these prices. The $ 30 Roku Express has a better interface and user experience, and supports more streaming services. However, it cannot perform HDR functions, has no voice-based remote control and cannot be tucked behind your TV.

To get significantly more than what the Fire TV Stick Lite does for $ 30, you'll need to spend $ 50 on a Roku Streaming Stick +, Google Chromecast with Google TV, or Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K.

How long will they last?

Amazon has updated its Fire TV devices very well over the years, and I don't expect this to change. That should keep these two Fire TV Sticks going for many years to come.

Should you buy it?

Yes. As long as you don't mind Amazon's tendency to use the Fire TV surface as a billboard for their own content and its (currently) lack of support for HBO Max and Peacock, these Amazon streaming devices will set a new benchmark for functionality in a sub – $ 50 device.

Editor's recommendations




12 Nov
Blog

Natra Intense Hydrating Gel Gloves Review

My experience:

I suffer from extremely dry skin on my hands, winter makes things worse. That's why I was so excited when I received this product. In all honesty, I've never been so excited to write about a product in 2020. When NatraCure gloves arrived, I asked my mom to test it and she loved it so much that I had to ask her to return them to me for review.

When I tested these gloves, I immediately fell in love. NatraCure Moisturizing Gloves moisturize and soften the underlying tissue to promote healing. This one-size-fits-most-glove design is suitable for both women and men. I got relief from dry, cracked skin on my hands and fingers that I had complained about for so long. You can use these gloves with your favorite lotion, hand cream, or skin moisturizer. Especially in winter, they keep your hands warm at night and at the same time provide the moisture your skin needs. I recommend using it after scrubbing for extra softness. These gloves are odorless and latex-free, which makes them ideal for sensitive skin.

The medicinal mineral oil ensures a deep supply of moisture to dry hands and cuticles. I like to wear them when I want to relax or watch Netflix at night. The gel lining feels so smooth and cool, but when warmed to the temperature of your hands it steadily releases essential oils that soak your skin with nourishing, therapeutic moisture. For me, this is a must have in your winter skin care routine.

It's like bringing spa into your home, just play your favorite song, light your favorite candle, put on those gloves and you are instantly in relaxed mode. NatraCure Intense Hydrating Gel Gloves soothe and soften not only dry, rough hands, but also the cuticles. When the inner gel liner comes in contact with your skin, it warms to body temperature and releases seven soothing essential oils as well as shea butter. For me, every time I say this, experience calls out to me luxury. The moisturizing effects of jojoba oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil taken together are incredible.

I just put them on and sleep, in the morning my hands are so softer and smoother. I will definitely order more :]

characteristics

Cosmetic ingredients embedded in the garment.

Moisturizes the skin and makes it feel softer and more comfortable.

Can be worn day and night

Softens hard, dry, rough hands, fingers and cuticles. Use after washing your hands.

Locks in moisture with non-breathable gel lining that puts your hands in nourishing goodness.

For small to medium-sized female and male hands. Should be snug for better skin contact.

HOW TO USE: Wear at least 2-3 times a week. Use daily for better results. Lavender scent.

Main Ingredients: Olive oil, avocado oil, aloe vera.

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