08 Aug
Blog

Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro: Purging Pesky Porch Pirates

Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro installed.

Vivint doorbell camera Pro

"The Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro's mission is to proactively protect your packages with A.I."

  • Extremely wide field of view

  • Intelligent integration into the Vivint system

  • Slim, durable construction

  • SmartSentry mode protects your packages

  • Professional installation ensures impeccable performance

  • Must be bought with Vivint system, not alone

  • The depth of field of night vision is shallow

  • Limited A.I.

Parcel theft has become a phenomenon in recent years. Vivint set out to curb this behavior with a new SmartSentry deterrent mode that actively protects your packages from thieves. This new deterrent mode has been incorporated into the new Video Doorbell Camera Pro, which is built into the rest of the Vivint package. I've put the doorbell through its paces for the last month and I've learned that.

The Vivint doorbell camera Pro immediately offers the same restrictions as the rest of the Vivint device family. You need a Vivint security system installed in your home in order to use the doorbell. If you're just looking for a video doorbell, this is where you can stop reading. However, if you are interested in the Vivint system, read on because the doorbell does some great things.

Low profile

The Doorbell Camera Pro Hardware is slim compared to most other doorbell cameras. It still looks a lot like a video doorbell, but some options like Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus are clunky. The Vivint doorbell is much slimmer, which homeowners should appreciate. The black face of the doorbell starts with subtle branding on top, with the camera lens directly below and the doorbell button below. A ring light surrounds the doorbell button. The rest of the case is white.

The Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro has many functions in common with other doorbell cameras. It comes with a 65dB speaker and microphone for bidirectional communication. Visitors reported that the speaker was clear and easy to hear. The microphone is very sensitive and visitors can also be heard clearly. The camera records and transmits videos at 1080p. You can also unlock doors directly from the camera interface, which is convenient.

No escape from this camera

This doorbell has two hero functions, the first of which is a 180 degree field of view from left to right and top to bottom. This is similar to the Arlo Video doorbell. The advantage is obvious – even a package on your doormat is visible. The large field of view also allows you to see your entire porch. That’s really impressive in practice. My front door is set into the brick so I can't take full advantage of the left-to-right view, but the 180-degree top and bottom are certainly beneficial.

The Vivint Smart Doorbell Pro is expensive at $ 250. As mentioned, the doorbell is installed professionally, which sometimes costs $ 99. But the $ 99 is the cost of installing everything in your home, not just the doorbell. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the installation cost. For my part, my installers were quick, competent and very professional. Overall, they also saved me a lot of the hassle of installing it myself. Speaking of which, my plumbers offered to run the doorbell up to the brick paneling of my house so I could take advantage of the 180 degree field of view, but I declined. I've never been a fan of this look.

The video quality of the 180 degree camera is sufficient for this purpose. The quality is to be expected from a midrange phone, for example. That's fine for identifying visitors, bad for club selfies. The center of the frame is pretty clear with a fisheye effect when you come out to the edges of the frame. The clarity is sharp about 10 feet away and then drops off quickly. My mailbox 45 feet away is a pixelated work of art.

Proactive protection

When deterrent mode is activated and a person is detected, the ring light will glow red.

The other hero feature is similar to the one I tested with the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro and is the SmartSentry deterrent mode which is powered by Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Vivint really wanted to focus on package delivery and looting porches, so the doorbell has a guard mode. When the camera detects that a package is being delivered, you will be notified on your phone. From there, you can activate deterrent mode. When someone else approaches your porch, they will play the deterrent tone. I prefer the whistle followed by "camera shot" but there are other tones to choose from.

In my tests, this feature worked very well. Whenever deterrent mode was on and a person approached, there was no doubt that they were being recorded. Vivint's chief technical officer JT Hwang said that many people use deterrent mode at night, not just to protect packaging, but just to keep people away from their homes. It's not very neighborly, but I'm not going to judge it. As long as Vivint A.I. I would like to see an extra step by adding face recognition. That way the doorbell won't yell at me when I get my own package.

The ring light around the doorbell meant notification, not lighting. When the deterrent is played, the ring will glow red. If someone approaches the door while SmartSentry is off, the ring light will turn white. It's handy at night for visitors to see the button.

Limited recognition

The Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro has the same disadvantage as the Outdoor Camera Pro. The doorbell only recognizes parcels and people. It doesn't detect any other movement or sound like the Nest Hello Video doorbell and I miss that. If there is an animal living under my porch or a loud crack occurs somewhere in the neighborhood, I'd love to hear about it. Vivint says it's A.I. Efforts to protect packets, but other events may occur in the future. At least Vivint is clear about his priorities.

Another limitation of the camera that the Outdoor Camera Pro mirrors is the reliance on the Smart Drive to record a 24/7 feed. Without the smart drive, the doorbell will record events when a person or package is detected and you will get a live view of the camera, but the footage will not be cleaned. If you want to record around the clock, plan on spending the extra cash on the smart drive.

Limited range but in line with mission

I noticed that the range of night vision is particularly limited compared to a Nest Hello video doorbell. Below I have placed a screenshot of each doorbell side by side at night. In both shots you can clearly see the Santa Claus statue standing on the edge of my porch (yes, even in August). When shooting the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro, the image quickly falls off directly behind the veranda. With the Nest Hello doorbell, the rest of the front yard is free – or at least if I cleaned the camera lens and that was a lesson, kids. Remember to clean your doorbell camera's lens from time to time.

Screenshot of Nest Hallo "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-6-2534726

Screenshot of the Vivint app "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-6-2534727

When I spoke to Vivint's CTO about this, he explained that the strength of the infrared light is a compromise due to power and heat issues. The infrared light from Vivint's Outdoor Pro cameras is stronger because they draw their own energy. If you are limited to doorbell current and trying to capture such a wide field of view, you will hit a wall. I get that, and the camera area covers my entire porch, which is in line with Vivint's mission – your porch and your packages. To be fair, that's covered.

Finally, just like the rest of the Vivint system, compatibility with certain smart displays would be good. When someone rings the doorbell, the video will appear on the Vivint security panel. That's nice, but when I'm in the kitchen I already have a Lenovo Smart Display. Vivint is looking into the integration of smart displays, but it's not there yet, which is disappointing.

Our opinion

Snapshot from the Vivint doorbell camera Pro

This is a doorbell camera with a specific mission that is refreshing in its own way. Nowadays, smart tech seems to want to be everything for everyone. This doorbell is designed to protect your packages. This is arguably the best reason for a video doorbell. Also, unlike many other A.I. Proactively protect packages. A video doorbell can help you catch thieves, but SmartSentry will stop them before you lose your belongings. I wouldn't be surprised if more doorbell cameras took on a similar role in the years to come.

Is there a better alternative?

There is a wide variety of doorbell cameras available in the market. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), Nest Hello and others have the "See who's at your door" theme covered. But none of them proactively protect what's on your doorstep. This also begs the question of whether there is a better alternative that integrates with Vivint. Since this doorbell is part of that system, the answer to this question is a simple no.

Will it take?

Yes. The Vivint doorbell Pro is made of solid polycarbonate and seems to be very durable. The operating range is between minus 20 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees. The warranty applies to all Vivint devices for the duration of a customer's customer service contract. All required service visits are free for the first 120 days after installation. Service visits cost $ 49 after 120 days. After the 120-day period has expired, follow-up service visits within 30 days of a $ 49 service visit are free for the same reason.

Should you buy it

Like everything in the Vivint ecosystem, the answer is yes, provided you purchase Vivint security for the entire home. Not only does the doorbell integrate with the rest of the Vivint system that you are already buying, but the price is also competitive. While this doorbell was offered as a standalone option, I think it's worth buying. The large field of view and proactive SmartSentry mode are worth a few extra dollars. That's a lot of great things in one package. Even given the tradeoffs, this is a good buy in itself regardless of the Vivint system.

Editor's recommendations




08 Aug
Blog

2021 Polestar 2 ElectricVehicle First Drive Review

2021 Polestar 2

2021 Polestar 2 first ride review: More than a Swedish Tesla

"Polestars first electric car feels like the tenth."

  • Well designed interior

  • Android operating system

  • Well-coordinated brakes

  • Good balance between driving behavior and handling

  • A car that can replace an SUV

  • Second place area

  • Lifeless steering

When you want to bring a new type of car to market, it helps to bring a new brand to market with it. At least that's what Volvo thinks.

The Swedish automaker is betting on electric cars and hybrids, but doesn't think its own brand name would convey that change. So in 2015 Volvo recycled the name of a tuning company to create Polestar as a showcase for green technology. The brand was introduced with the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid coupe, following the Polestar 2 electric car. As a high-end electric vehicle (EV), the Polestar 2 appears to be a Tesla Model 3 rival, but Polestar claims it does is not the case.

"We don't want to chase Tesla," said Polestar USA. CEO Gregor Hembrough said Digital Trends. "We are building an electric vehicle that is an alternative on the market."

Polestar can struggle to convince customers. In size and purpose, the Polestar 2 is very similar to the Model 3. Polestar will initially only sell its car in a fully loaded four-wheel drive launch edition with a twin engine and a base price of 61,200 USD – about 5,000 USD more than the top model 3 Performance. However, unlike new Tesla purchases, Polestar vehicles will continue to receive the full $ 7,500 EV tax credit (as well as some state and local incentives). According to Polestar, cheaper variants are also on the way.

2021 Polestar 2

Design and interior

The Polestar 2 inherits design features from the parent Volvo and runs on the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform used by the Volvo XC40. The exterior is a copy of the 2016 Volvo Concept 40.2 concept car. This means that the Polestar 2 looks like a sedan, but has a tailgate instead of a trunk. It also has an SUV-like ride height, though it doesn't feel like that on the inside.

Behind the wheel, the Polestar 2 feels more like a car than an SUV, largely due to the way Polestar designed its battery. While many electric cars have a long, flat battery under the floor, Polestar chose to stack the individual modules, placing some under the floor, others under the back seat, and even more modules along the centerline of the car. As a result, the Polestar 2 has a lower floor than the Model 3, so you feel more like sitting in the car than on it. The car also has a distinctive center tunnel that divides the cabin, much like the transmission tunnels in gasoline cars.

Like Tesla, Polestar went for a minimalist interior design, but with some more traditional elements. Instead of just throwing a touchscreen in the center of the dash and labeling it a tag, Polestar kept the instrument cluster and gear stick, making the interior more conventional.

The Polestar 2 comes standard with a vegan interior, including carpets made from recycled plastic, recycled wood paneling, and upholstery made from a fabric called WeaveTex. Nappa leather trim is optional, but the vegan version has been well executed and fits better with this electric car's sustainability mission. It's just a shame Polestar threw cheap looking black glossy plastic on surfaces that are likely to get touched frequently – resulting in stains and scratches.

Like Tesla, Polestar went for a minimalist interior design, but with some more traditional elements.

The Polestar 2 is roughly 5 inches wider and 2 inches taller than a Model 3, but the Tesla is 3.5 inches longer. The Model 3 also has a longer wheelbase than the Polestar 2, which translates into more legroom. However, the Polestar's higher roof creates more headroom and its hatchback configuration gives it an advantage in cargo space. With the rear seats, the Polestar 2 has a manufacturer-estimated cargo space of 15.5 cubic feet compared to 15.0 cubic feet for the Model 3. With the rear seats folded, the Polestar 2 can hold 38.7 cubic feet of material.

2021 Polestar 2

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The Polestar 2 is the first production car to receive the Android Automotive OS from Google, with which Google apps are integrated into the infotainment system. Instead of general voice control and navigation, you get the Google Assistant and Google Maps. The infotainment system can also be synchronized with your personal Google account for additional adjustment.

The Polestar 2 is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well as a basic Bluetooth connection. Non-Android users can still get the same functionality as with projection apps on other infotainment systems, including the ability to make calls and send text messages. However, Polestar only expects connectivity for select Apple apps, and CarPlay is not available at launch. Polestar plans to add it via a wireless update in 2021.

If your personal preferences are centered around Android, this is a great setup. The graphics displayed on the 11.1 ”central touchscreen and 12.3” digital instrument cluster were especially excellent for maps. The touch screen was also very responsive. However, if Google Apps isn't your favorite, this system has fewer advantages.

If your personal preferences are centered around Android, this is a great setup.

Polestar Parents Volvo is synonymous with safety, so it is not surprising that the Polestar 2 receives a lot of driver aids. Standard functions include blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking and Volvo's Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with limited steering inputs for lane centering. Polestar said its version of Pilot Assist will use cloud connectivity to detect road obstacles in real time and can be improved with wireless updates. However, Pilot Assist cannot perform automated lane changes like the Tesla Autopilot.

The Polestar 2 also receives a digital key that drivers can use to unlock and drive the car with smartphones and give other users access. Tesla is the only other automaker to date to offer this functionality to an electric car, although Hyundai and Lincoln have similar features for gasoline vehicles. The digital key is not available at startup. It will be added later via a wireless update.

2021 Polestar 2

Experience at the wheel

At the start, the Polestar 2 will be sold exclusively with a twin-engine all-wheel drive. The combined output of the two engines is 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, which takes the car from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, according to Polestar. That's the same as a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, but according to Tesla, the Model 3 Performance can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

Our test car also had the optional Performance Pack, which includes 20-inch forged alloy wheels, Brembo brakes (with brake calipers specially designed for Polestar to reduce drag) and adjustable Öhlins dampers. These improvements made a huge difference on the road and were the perfect complement to the punchy acceleration of the electric powertrain.

The adjustable dampers kept the driver's spine intact as they traversed broken New York sidewalks.

Even with a fairly fixed setting (one of 22 settings that must be changed manually), the adjustable dampers kept the driver's spine intact as they traversed broken New York sidewalks. Once clear of city traffic, they gave the Polestar 2 a tight, confidence-building feel when cornering. Regenerative braking allows you to ride with one pedal in the most aggressive setting, but the left pedal still responds in a predictably linear manner in case you need it. The weak point was the steering, which didn't feel as selected as the other components. The Polestar 2 may be a very nimble car, but it's impossible to tell by the vague response of the wheel.

The US spec Polestar 2 can also tow up to 2,000 pounds. That's less than the Polestar previously listed on the European market at £ 3,300, but still better than the Model 3. The Tesla has no official towing capacity in the US, although it can tow up to £ 2,000 in Europe.

2021 Polestar 2

Range, charging and security

The Polestar 2 gets a 78 kilowatt hour battery, but only 75 kWh can be used. Official range figures are not yet available, but Polestar expects to exceed 200 miles based on tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a third-party test commissioned by Polestar, the car achieved a range of 205 miles on a closed circuit in hot weather. This means the EPA-rated range will likely be higher, but likely not enough to hit the 322-mile maximum of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.

Charging takes 11 hours on an 11-kilowatt charging station for the house wall box or, if you're really desperate, 22 hours on a normal 120-volt household socket. DC fast charging with up to 150 kilowatts can deliver an 80% charge in 40 minutes.

Safety ratings from the Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are not yet available, but Polestar expects its first EV to perform well in crash tests. The car has special crash structures that protect the battery in crash mode and should take into account the lack of a motor in the occupant crash protection.

Polestar offers a four year warranty of 50,000 miles for vehicles and an eight year warranty of 100,000 miles for batteries. Tesla offers the same vehicle warranty and battery warranty for lower versions of the Model 3. The long range and performance models of the Model 3 have an eight-year warranty of 120,000 miles on batteries.

How DT would configure this car

Configuring a Polestar 2 is easy as the only options are the Performance Pack ($ 5,000), nappa leather pads ($ 4,000), 20-inch wheels ($ 1,200), and custom paintwork ($ 1,200). The Performance Pack's Brembo brakes and Öhlins dampers are worth the extra money, but the leather upholstery seems unnecessary. The standard interior is pretty nice and gives the car even more green credibility.

2021 Polestar 2

Our opinion

On closer inspection, the Polestar 2 really isn't like the Tesla Model 3. It can't compete with the Tesla in range or performance, and despite its reputation as a safety innovation, the Polestar parent Volvo still has no answer to the Tesla autopilot. The technical data doesn't tell the full story, however.

The Model 3 urges buyers to throw away everything they know about driving. It's a futuristic car that you can never forget that fact. Rather than anticipating the driver's needs, the Model 3 expects the driver to follow suit. The Polestar 2 does things differently.

Polestars first electric car feels like the tenth. From the interior to the chassis tuning, every detail feels well thought out and is based on the experience of an established automaker rather than a newbie. Market demand for something new may have led to the creation of Polestar, but it's the Volvo experience that makes this car so good.

The Polestar 2 takes all that is good about electric cars and presents it in a familiar package. It's an approach that could likely win many converts when electric cars go from curiosity to commodity. It's a shame Polestar doesn't plan on tracking Tesla's sales volume, at least not immediately. Currently, the brand is aiming for an annual number of tens of thousands instead of the hundreds of thousands of cars that Tesla currently builds annually, US CEO Gregor Hembrough told Digital Trends.

Should you get one

Yes. Between the Polestar 1 and the Polestar 2, the new Volvo brand got off to a good start.

Editor's recommendations




08 Aug
Blog

Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool Review: Convergence at Its Finest

Dyson Pure Humidify Cool hero shot

Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool Review: Convergence at its best

“You could buy a fan, an air purifier, and a humidifier separately. But why do that when that does it all? "

  • Multifunctional

  • Actively monitors air quality

  • Easy to fill water tank

  • Remote access

Dyson is known for pushing the limits with its devices. And if the viral seeds of a global pandemic were smeared on your phone or lurked in the air you breathe, people care more than anyone about cleanliness and air quality. While Dyson is no stranger to fans, humidifiers and air purifiers, the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool is the first to combine all three devices in one device. It's an ambitious endeavor that promises to keep the air in your home clean and comfortable. But is it worth the $ 800 price tag?

A strong design

Dyson has a meticulous eye for design and this product is no exception. The combination of the functions of a fan, air purifier, and humidifier is daunting on paper. No wonder the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool has an intimidating stature. Its sheer weight makes Dyson's earlier fan and humidifier combo aging AM10 humidifierlook picturesque in comparison. It also has the weight to fit its bulk, which can complicate things if you intend to lug it around the house.

Dyson Pure Humidify Cool tip angle

Despite the chunkier appearance, the design is everything you'd expect from Dyson, with the familiar bladeless design, perforated grilles, and subtle displays. It's thoughtful too. For example, I am pleased that it is easier and more convenient to add water to the container: just press a button to pull out the water container, then remove the lid. Adding water to the chunky Dyson AM10 resulted in frequent water pollution.

Focus on cleanliness and health

Outwardly, it is almost impossible to implement all the complex processes in the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool. First, Dyson's Ultraviolet Cleanse technology eliminates 99.9% of the bacteria in the water in the reservoir. In addition, the sucked in air undergoes a filtration process consisting of HEPA and activated carbon filters to capture 99.97% of the particles with a size of only 0.3 micrometers. For allergy sufferers, it is effective in filtering pollen and odors.

Dyson Pure Humidify Cool Filter

Once the air is filtered and the water bathed under UV light, cool and moist air is forced out by the blade-less fan. Unlike its other fans, which rotate around their base, the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool swings air by rotating the vents in the bladeless fan – so the whole thing remains stationary. In my opinion, it's a better design as a rotating base is more prone to damage if it falls over.

The fog and breeze certainly help cool rooms down, but it can be a bit noisy when working above an airflow speed of five. Nevertheless, it cools rooms down quickly – and at the same time cleanses the air. How do you know it actually works? Just take a look at the app.

Sensors that deliver informed data

You can feel a breeze and moisture, but Dyson wants you to know that the air purifier is doing its job too. This is where the air quality sensors come into play. They affect indoor air quality by monitoring particulates, VOC (volatile organic compounds), nitrogen dioxide, temperature and humidity every 15 minutes.

The Dyson Link app, which is available for Android and iOS, displays all of the information collected by the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool and gives you specific information on indoor air quality. And you know what? It's pretty much spot on, especially since VOC levels increase after you've cooked large meals. Let the air purifier run and quickly clean the air back to normal levels.

Wi-Fi connectivity means that not only can you view the above measurement data via the app, but you can also control the device remotely. If you prefer voice commands, it's compatible with Alexa and Siri. If you don't like either, use the included tiny remote control, which can be conveniently placed over the device for quick access. A small LCD display at the base of the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool shows, in addition to other measured values, the air quality in real time.

Our opinion

At $ 800, the Pure Humidify + Cool is expensive, even by Dyson's notoriously expensive standards. However, it replaces three different devices and frankly has no rivals. Even most special air purifiers do not monitor the air quality, let alone report it via a nifty app and respond to Alexa commands.

It replaces three different devices and frankly has no rivals.

How long it will take?

Proper maintenance and cleaning are required to get the most of it, but it is solidly built. In addition, Dyson offers a two-year warranty that covers parts and labor against defects.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really, especially when it comes to multifunctional devices that have built-in sensors for indoor air quality. You may also find better dedicated products in Dyson's own portfolio. However, when you add up the cost of each individual thing, you will appreciate the value Pure Humidify + Cool offers. For example, the AirThings Wave Mini is an indoor air quality sensor for $ 80. When you add the cost of an air purifier, fan, and humidifier, you approach the cost of the Dyson with more clutter and less functionality.

Should you buy it

Yes. Undoubtedly there is nothing out there that matches its scope. You will breathe easier at home too!

Editor's recommendations




07 Aug
Blog

Polk Audio Signa S3 Review: Quality Bar, Steep Competition

Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbar

"Polk's high-quality Signa S3 soundbar is a lot right, but it lacks key features for the price."

  • Smooth design

  • High quality stereo sound

  • Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Limited low end

  • Missing surround sound

The soundbar marketplace is deceptive. It doesn't matter how good your features are or how great your sound is. If there's something better for the same price, you'll be the odd bar.

That's the tough lesson Polk Audio's new $ 250 Signa S3 sound bar system is learning. It's a solid option on its own as it's a Wi-Fi enabled soundbar with effective two-channel sound, but Polk just forgot about the budget monster waiting in the opposite corner of the ring. If you don't know who we are talking about, you are close to it.

design

At various times in the past, both myself and my staff at Digital Trends have praised the soundbars that can be heard but not seen. That said, the bars that feature a design that doesn't protrude and blend in so well with the room that you won't know it's there if it's not emitting sound to you – the Bose Soundbar 700 is here one good example of success.

Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Soundbars from Vizio, LG, Samsung and the like have done this to one degree or another in the past. And I'd argue that the Polk Signa S3 probably fits that category too, and I like the aesthetics of this particular soundbar more than, say, the Vizio counterpart. One notable point is that the color and shape of this bar appear less harsh in comparison. The Vizio V-series is a black, brick-shaped bar with a slightly less black grille. The polk looks softer and tastier with a lighter, grayer grille that plays off the otherwise black bar well. This color is paired with a more rounded shape without all of the sharp edges, which I liked too.

The Signa S3 is a little over two inches tall and around 35 inches wide, which fits closely with competitors like the Vizio V series. There are two pairs of tweeters and mid-range speakers in the 2.1 channel strip. For comparison purposes, the Vizio has a dedicated driver for the center channel of its 5.1 configuration. One driver doesn't seem like much of a difference, but as we'll see in a moment, that particular driver is a crucial one.

The wireless subwoofer for the Signa S3 is front-ported and follows the footprint of soundbar woofers such as the LG SN7Y. They're so similar in size, in fact, that it took my significant other a week to release the submarine in the corner of the room. It was different from the week before. That gave me my first concerns, as the subwoofer for the SN7Y did not impress me with its performance. More on that in a moment.

The remote control for the Signa S3 feels a bit cheap, but is conveniently located on the smaller side and is easy to hold. The Signa S3 supports Polk's AnyRemote technology, which means it should automatically respond to IR signals from most TVs it is connected to. According to Polk's website, the Signa S3 works seamlessly with Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Sony TV remote controls for volume control, as well as most CEC-enabled TVs.

configuration

The Signa S3 has a book report size quick start guide that includes it. I strongly recommend that you do your homework. Take it from someone who has been too persistent to read manuals for years: if you put pride aside and let the included documentation guide you through setting up the soundbar, things just get infinitely easier.

Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

It starts like any typical soundbar: plug your soundbar into your TV, plug both the bar and subwoofer into power, plug the included AAA battery into your remote, and turn everything on. The subwoofer should automatically connect to the bar and the entire system should be ready for playback in a matter of moments.

Unlike some competitive bars where the input that the soundbar is plugged into is literally written for you, the Signa S3 tells you this via a horizontal row of LED lights.

It all went smoothly for me, but the next few steps gave me a break. Unlike some competitive bars where the input that the soundbar is plugged into is literally written for you – the LG SN7Y mentioned above comes to mind – the Signa S3 tells you this via a horizontal row of LED lights. Some make sense (a single blue light indicates the bar is in bluetooth mode), but beyond that it gets confusing. Fortunately, it is broken down for you in the quick start guide and acts as a translator for the foreign language of lights the S3 is talking to you.

The guide also directs you to the Google Home app, which you can use to connect the Signa S3 to Wi-Fi. This is a very simple process. It's a smooth transition from the tutorial to the Home app as the app walks you step-by-step through adding your network and tweaking your bar. I didn't have the resources to try at the time, but I'm confident that a far less tech-savvy person can get this system fully up and running in 15 minutes. In my opinion, that's the hallmark of a good, easy-to-use soundbar.

links

Even by soundbar standards, the Signa S3 keeps things limited when it comes to connections. There is a single HDMI ARC port, a digital optical port, and an AUX input. For context, the Vizio V-Series adds a 3.5mm stereo audio input as well as a USB port to the mix. I recorded before saying that most soundbars need additional connections, and I stand by that. But that's a soundbar on a budget of $ 250, after all. More HDMI ports would have been great, but at the price, it's not a deal-breaker.

Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

This is where the Signa S3 gets a great value at least in terms of connections in my opinion. Unlike much more expensive bars like the LG SN7Y and Sony HT-G700, this Polk Bar has built-in Wi-Fi. This is huge for my money as it opens up a world of possibilities. For this reason, Google Chromecast is built into the bar, with options for streaming Google Play Music, Spotify, and many other services right into the bar. Plus, you can control your music with a device equipped with the Google Assistant, and group your soundbar with other Chromecast-enabled speakers to create whole-house sound. In addition, your soundbar may receive automatic software updates to keep the product better over time.

This Polk Bar has built-in WiFi. This is huge for my money as it opens up a world of possibilities.

The Signa S3 also has a Bluetooth connection. But with the option to stream Wi-Fi and enjoy sound with no dropouts or disconnections, I don't know why you would ever choose the former over the latter. By equipping their bar with Wi-Fi, Polk has not only done what all soundbars – including the competing Vizio V series – should do, but also what we believe there should be no excuse not to do so in 2020 .

Sound quality

This is the make-or-break category for the Signa S3. For some, the stereo sound produced is comfortable enough and well worth the price of admission. But for others hoping for an even more immersive experience with their soundbar, they will likely want to look elsewhere.

Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The thing is, this is really not a controversial – or even controversial – statement. Finally, the Signa S3 is a 2.1-channel soundbar. It will work better with audio that is meant to be heard in stereo (i.e. music) and worse with content that benefits from a surround sound setup (most TV shows and movies). Polk gets a little sneaky when he says it supports the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound format, which it technically does. It simply cannot be reproduced as it is again only a two-channel bar. Not all support is the same here, so the language is irritatingly misleading.

For the music, I found this bar to be excellent. Polk is a company that has made a name for itself in the audio space, unlike the bigger brands like Vizio, Samsung and LG. The company has made music-friendly speakers in the past so it came as no surprise to me that the bar can wonderfully clearly reproduce tracks like Mumford & Sons' Lover of the Light. As for the bass, the S3's compact woofer has handled short, punchy deep tones effectively. However, when the sub was asked to go deeper, or when the bass was increased using the beam's remote control, it succumbed to the limitations of its size and unfortunately sounded like it was stretching for a frequency it just couldn't quite reach . If you're not asking too much, you'll be happy with this subwoofer – you just have to know what it can and can't do.

If you try to squeeze five (or more) channels into two the result just won't turn out what it's supposed to.

I want to be as clear as possible with this soundbar when it comes to watching movies or TV shows: objectively speaking, this is an instant and significant improvement over standard TV speakers and brings you the way this content is meant to be heard , far closer. The clarity I mentioned when discussing music is still there, and the sub adds a modest rumble to your listening experience.

But for the third time, and probably not the last, it's a numbers game. If you try to squeeze five (or more) channels into two the result just won't turn out what it's supposed to. In that regard, I'll be taking advantage of the Vizio V-series 5.1 setup or the impact Dolby Atmos had on the LG SN7Y's 3.1.2 configuration, albeit at a significantly higher price. Maybe I'm just too used to having noises above or behind me, but my selection of tests (Mad Max: Fury Road, John Wick, A Quiet Place) just weren't the same audio glasses I was supposed to be getting be on the Signa S3.

The Signa S3 has three sound modes that you can use to customize your audio: The Movie mode "improves audio playback in TVs and movies," Polk said. Night mode attenuates bass and dynamic sounds to keep the neighbors at bay. and music mode is good for music. These all work in that they are the best preset for any situation, but don't expect them to be breakthrough modes that will change the way you play audio dramatically. The same goes for Polk's speech adaptation feature, which allows you to switch between three different levels of speech enhancement. It's helpful, but not as helpful as having a dedicated center channel.

Our opinion

The Polk Signa S3 is a 2.1 channel soundbar that does exactly what it was designed to do. That said, the bar picks up the provided audio and creates a fun listening experience that is exponentially better than anything standard TV speakers could produce. The problem is that its value is being damaged by competitors bringing more to the table without much of a drag on cost. A year ago, having surround sound at that price might not have been that important. But the bar (no pun intended) has been raised and it overshadows an otherwise good system.

Is there a better alternative?

The $ 250 Vizio V series gives you a 5.1 experience for the same price, which makes it a better option for a movie night, though I would still prefer the Signa S3's sound for stereo music. The $ 350 Yamaha YAS-209 is a more advanced alternative to the Polk. Amazon Alexa is integrated into the bar and compatible with DTS: Virtual X. However, like the Signa S3, it does not have true surround sound.

How long it will take?

Polk has a two year warranty on this pole which is also a well made product. With the bonus of software updates, this bar should be able to be a fixture under your television.

Should you buy it

I think it depends on your use case. The Polk Audio Signa S3 has a lot going for it, including built-in WiFi and exceptional stereo sound. If your plan is to not only use a soundbar for movies but also get a healthy dose of music on the go, I would have no hesitation in suggesting the Signa S3. But I think most people value surround sound over streaming music, which makes the Vizio V series a better option for the average consumer. In other words, Vizio, the king of values, wins through a difficult decision.

Editor's recommendations




07 Aug
Blog

Probiotic Skin Care: What Is It And Should You Be Using It?

When it comes to health and wellbeing, probiotics pop up in all sorts of unexpected places. Perhaps the most unexpected? As a skin care substance. While we know probiotics are beneficial for gut health, is it true that they are beneficial for skin health? How do probiotics even help your skin? Read on to find out everything you need to know about probiotic skin care and why you need it in your routine.

What are probiotics?

In short, probiotics are "good bacteria" that are critical to balancing out the "bad bacteria" in the body. How given by WebMD: "Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system." Probiotics are considered beneficial because they can help repopulate good bacteria that can be lost due to diet, medication, or certain health conditions, leading to more bad bacteria than good bacteria.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for you, especially your digestive system.

Common sources of probiotics are fermented foods, with yogurt being one of the most famous, but also sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, and even cucumber! When we talk about the benefits of probiotics, we usually refer to the gut flora, which is made up of hundreds of microorganisms to ensure that your metabolic activities stay healthy and effective. However, probiotics can also be used to cure skin conditions.Examples of probiotic foods like yogurt, cucumber, and kombucha

Can Probiotics Help Your Skin?

While dietary probiotics have been Scientific studies show that probiotics can also be beneficial for the skin. Not only can a healthy gut improve inflammatory skin conditions, but topical probiotics can also help balance the bacteria associated with conditions like acne and eczema. Acne has shown itself to be one of the most promising conditions to treat with topical probiotics as bacterial imbalances and inflammation contribute to certain types of acne. Applying probiotics to areas affected by these conditions can help relieve relapses, normalize and reset the skin's natural bacteria and moisture balance.

How should I use probiotics on my skin?

While, as always, there are plenty of DIY probiotic face mask recipes out there, we do It is not recommended to make your own kitchen preparations. This is because applying products to your skin that are intended for food consumption often varies greatly in their content of beneficial ingredients. For example, many probiotic foods contain ingredients like lemon and vinegar. While acids are in principle skin-friendly, these types of acids in food can irritate the skin and cause extreme sensitivity to light and even severe burns. Especially if you are dealing with a skin condition like acne or eczema where the skin is already feeling rough and sore, please avoid homemade solutions and instead look for professional probiotic skin care products that meet industry-wide safety requirements.

Probiotic skin care products are most effective when they can be massaged into or left on the skin. This allows the probiotics to positively influence the moisture barrier and balance the skin. Depending on your skin type and concerns, you may not need probiotics for every step of your skin care routine and you may prefer to include them in just a few areas. For example, if you have dry skin and are dealing with eczema or a strange blemish, using a probiotic face mask once a week is an excellent option. If you're an oily skin type looking to treat more common blemishes, including probiotics with your daily cleansing and moisturizing, as well as a weekly face mask, is an excellent way to help your skin balance out the bad bacteria that may contribute to breakouts .

The advice of a beautician

We asked for further recommendations Eminence Organics Senior skin care trainer Natalie Pergar to share her thoughts on probiotic skin care for an updated In The Mix video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21vT82KEJ1o [/ embed]

Natalie makes some amazing home care recommendations for using probiotic skin care. Some of our favorite takeaway dishes:

  • Probiotics come from nature and help balance good and bad bacteria in the body.
  • Probiotics can come from a supplement or fermented foods, but they are also found in skin care products.
  • In skin care, this good and bad bacterial balance affects the skin's moisture barrier.
  • Since 60% of our skin is made up of water, we want to make sure that our skin stays healthy with balanced hydration.
  • All skin types and skin conditions can use the probiotic products Eminence Organics Clear Skin.
  • The Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is ideal for combining with oily skin types with a gentle foam effect that offers a super clean, pore-tightening effect.
  • The Clear Skin Probiotic Masque works wonderfully directly on the skin for people with a combination of oily skin types and is fantastic when mixed with a little water or our Stone Crop Masque for people with normal to dry skin types.
  • The Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer can be used over a serum for people with a combination of oily skin types and as a serum – under your moisturizer – for people with normal to dry skin types. Eminence Organics Probiotic Moisturizer for Clear Skin

With Natalie's amazing tips and explanation, we hope you feel safe trying out probiotic skin care products. Are you already using Eminence Organics Clear Skin probiotic products? Do you swear to include probiotics in your diet? We'd love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts on probiotics in the comments or join the conversation on social media.

07 Aug
Blog

Build A Strong Back Without a Gym

My first introduction to strength training was in my sophomore year. Every day after my last class, I made my way to the gym and got ready to let off steam. Going to the gym was part of my daily routine – a routine I still follow provided there is less bicep curls.

Now things are different and most, if not all, gyms are closed for the time being. So what are you doing? The possibilities are endless thanks to social media for #athomeworkouts by talented trainers.

Here are some of my favorites:

You don't need fancy setup or equipment to build incredible strength. Since you may not have access to a chin-up bar or free weights, I wanted to share some of my favorite body weight exercises for developing a strong rear chain.

Rocking cues

  • Initiate the movement through the shoulder blades.

  • Keep your arms locked and push through your arms the entire time.

  • Put something soft under your knees to help with discomfort.

Increased rocking cues

  • Raise your knees.

  • Initiate the movement through the shoulder blades.

  • Keep your arms locked and push them through.

  • Move with control all the time.

Baby crawl cues

  • Move with contralateral motion. (The right arm moves with the left leg.)

  • Look straight ahead and keep your back long.

  • Initiate movement through the shoulder blades

Leopard crawl cues

  • Raise your knees

  • Move with contralateral motion. (The right arm moves with the left leg.)

  • Look straight ahead and avoid rounding your lower back.

  • Initiate movement through the shoulder blades

Hollow crawl cues

  • Push yourself off the floor and tuck your tailbone in while focusing on squeezing your shoulders.

  • Move with contralateral motion (the right arm moves with the left leg).

  • Initiate movement through the shoulder blades

  • For added challenge, try balancing with two limbs off the floor

Forearm planks notices

  • Place your forearms on the floor with your shoulders stacked above your elbows.

  • Activate your glutes by squeezing your legs together.

  • Push away from the floor as you pull your shoulder blades into your back pocket.

Keywords

  • Put a pusher or towel under your feet.

  • Place your forearms on the floor with your shoulders stacked above your elbows.

  • Activate your glutes by squeezing your legs together.

  • Push away from the floor as you pull your shoulder blades into your back pocket.

Notes on windshield wipers

  • Keep your shoulder blades in contact with the ground at all times.

  • Squeeze your ankles and knees together throughout your range of motion.

  • As your lower body moves to the right, fold your right palm up. Repeat the process to the left.

Tabletop rock cues

  • Slide through your arms and lift your chest.

  • Drive your hips towards the ceiling.

  • Push through your arms to shift your weight forward.

  • Pull your shoulder blades down to return to your starting position.

3-point bridge information

  • Slide through your arms and lift your chest.

  • Drive your hips towards the ceiling.

  • Bend one arm and glue it to your ribs.

  • Shift your weight back over the support arm.

  • When you feel stable, you can stretch your curved arm over your head.

Bridge pushup cues

  • Keep your feet hip-width apart.

  • As you slide onto the bridge, focus on relaxing the glutes and activating the quadriceps.

  • Slide through your arms and raise your chest.

  • As you push through the quadriceps, you are shifting your weight back into your arms.

Sets and repetitions

You can customize any of these exercises to suit your training needs. I'm a big fan of following timed sets rather than aiming for a specific number of reps. Timed work allows me to focus on the quality of every move while keeping every session short and sweet.

Sample session

Preparation: 5 minutes

Exercise: 5 minutes

Leopard crawl

  • Practice moving with control and take as many breaks as necessary during the 5 minutes.
  • Focus on the quality of the movement over the quantity.

to press: 30 seconds per exercise with a 30 second break after the exercise

goal:: 5 rounds

Think: How did your session go? Were there any moves that challenged you? What is a positive aspect of your training session today?

Try one of these movements on your next workout and reap the benefits of a strong back.

06 Aug
Blog

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: The Best Headphones Get Even Better

“Same price, even better functions. With the WH-1000XM4 from Sony it looks perfect. "

  • Very convenient

  • Outstanding sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Very good call quality

  • Very good battery life

  • Bluetooth pairing of multiple devices

  • Handy, customizable functions

When Sony launched its latest flagship wireless noise canceling headphones in 2018, which got the uncomfortable name WH-1000XM3 in true Sony fashion, they were at the top of our list of the best headphones. One of our reviewers even called it his gadget of the decade.

If you are curious as to why, I recommend that you read our in-depth review before reading this review as I will be referring to it a lot.

Convenience, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life … the $ 350 XM3 simply destroyed the competition. Almost two years later, we have yet to find another wireless headphone that we prefer overall.

But resting on your laurels is a recipe for disaster, especially in the ultra-competitive personal audio space. That's why Sony is back with the successor to the XM3, the WH-1000XM4 for $ 350 (you guessed it).

How can you improve near perfection without increasing the price? Let's go into that.

What's in the box?

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Your first clue that Sony has decided not to gamble big with its time-tested formula comes when you open the box. Inside you will find exactly the same hard-shell carrying bag as the WH-1000XM3 – right down to the elastic mesh pocket on the back and the copper-colored zipper.

Open the case and the topic continues. The XM4 are arranged in exactly the same semi-folded layout and are accompanied by the same three accessories: a very short USB-C charging cable, an analog cable for headphone connections and an airplane travel adapter.

I wish the USB-C cable was longer, but that's exactly what Amazon is for.

design

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00001-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

Sony WH-1000XM4 "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-wh-1000xm4-00002-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Riley Young / Digital Trends

If you were a fan of the XM3's understated yet sleek design, you'll be glad to know that the WH-1000XM4 are so similar that it's impossible to tell them apart at a glance.

The XM4 offers the same level of comfort and stability as the XM3 while putting a little less pressure on your head.

Not that Sony hasn't made a few changes here and there, but they're all small improvements. After all "if it is not broken …"

These improvements aim to further improve the comfort of an already exceptionally comfortable shape. The bow of the headband has been further refined and the top pillow is a little thinner. And although it's not recognizable without a ruler and magnifying glass, Sony claims that the ear pads now have a 10% larger contact area with the sides of your head.

The proof is in the carry. The XM4 offers the same level of comfort and stability as the XM3 while putting a little less pressure on your head. They're just more convenient.

They feel lighter somehow, although I know there is no way I can feel that the XM4 weighs a tiny gram less than the XM3.

There are also tiny cosmetic changes.

The finish Sony has chosen for the XM4 is a bit more matte and borders on rubber. The result is a reduction in gloss, so fingerprints are slightly more visible on the black version. This is less of a concern with the Tan model.

The NFC logo on the left ear cup is now embossed instead of printed, and the model number on the headband caps is more reserved.

Battery life

The XM4's battery life and charging remain unchanged – a surprise given the huge performance improvements Sony has made with its true wireless WF-SP800N over a similar period of time.

You get 30 hours of life with noise canceling enabled and 38 hours with the device off, which is still very good for wireless headphones – significantly better than the XM4's main competitor, the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, which only die 20 hours after that.

Ten minutes of plug time gives you an additional five hours.

What remains is the inability to use the XM4's powered features like ANC or wireless audio while charging – although the analog cable will also work for unpowered audio.

Smarter controls

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Music and calls are controlled on the WH-1000XM4 using the touch-sensitive pad on the right ear cup with a series of swiping and finger tips – just like the XM3. But now the headphones are smarter. Instead of removing them from your head or pausing the music and switching to ambient mode to have a conversation, you can just start speaking.

The biggest improvement that Sony has added for everyday comfort is a wear sensor.

Sony calls it Speak-to-Chat, and the XM4's built-in sensors automatically detect that you're trying to speak to someone and respond by simultaneously inserting sound and pausing your media.

You can double tap the right ear cup to resume playback immediately, or you can just wait. 30 seconds after the headphones determine that you are done with the Yakken, the tunes will crank again.

It's extremely effective, and I've found that if Sensitivity was turned on, even Sneezing would trigger the feature. Fortunately, the headphone app offers a variety of customizations, including a high / low sensitivity switch and a focus-to-speech mode, designed to allow only nearby voices to be admitted without background noise in the Surrounding area.

But perhaps the biggest improvement Sony has added for everyday comfort is a wear sensor located in the left ear cup. Now when you remove the XM4 from your head, your tunes can automatically pause. This has become a standard feature on high-end wireless headphones and true wireless earbuds, and it's nice to see Sony hasn't ignored it.

I noticed some cases where my music started all by itself while the headphones were wrapped around my neck, but for the most part, the function works well and responds very quickly when you put the XM4 on or off.

Bluetooth multipoint

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

When we tested the WH-1000XM3, the only real criticism we could make of these headphones was the lack of Bluetooth multipoint pairing. In other words, you can only pair them with one device at a time.

For those of us who live their lives on a variety of machines, the XM4 is worth the upgrade just because of the Bluetooth multipoint.

The XM4 resolves this criticism and you can now set it up so that it can be paired with your phone and laptop at the same time or your phone and a Bluetooth device such as a television.

You activate the function via the Sony Headphones app (deactivated by default).

Once you've paired the XM4 with a range of Bluetooth sources, simply pause the sound on one device and then start playing on the other device. In my tests between an iPhone 11 and an iMac, the transition was almost instantaneous. If I heard the Mac when a call came in on the iPhone, I could answer the call and then return to the Mac without ever touching the phone or desktop.

Even better, the headphones app remembers all previously paired devices, so you can quickly swap the two devices you want to use at the same time through a single interface.

For those of us who live our lives on a wide variety of machines, with this feature the XM4 is well worth the upgrade.

Sound quality

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Given the good sound quality of the WH-1000XM3, it is unlikely to be realistic to expect a significant increase in audio quality from the XM4, which does not mean that Sony will stop in this department.

The XM4 features the latest and greatest in Sony's digital music upscaling technology, DSEE Extreme. The goal of DSEE technology is to partially compensate for the loss of quality that occurs when music is heavily compressed using lossy codecs like MP3 or AAC.

Being able to extract musicality from the low end of a song is, in my opinion, the XM4's greatest strength.

Sony claims that DSEE Extreme – which uses artificial intelligence on board – is trained to analyze music in real time through a partnership with the company's SonyMusic department. In practice it is said to be better to restore certain frequencies like the tsss-tsss-tsss of high-hat cymbals than its predecessor. You can tell with scientific instruments, but to my ears it made no significant difference.

But in the end it doesn't matter. The XM4 has such a good balance between the various frequencies – accompanied by a wonderfully wide and well-defined soundstage – that it is excellent to have a rich and satisfying listening experience no matter which genre you choose.

The XM4 continues the XM3's tradition of presenting bass as more than just a low-end boom. On tracks like Hans Zimmer Time, which use complex low-frequency instruments, the XM4 creates a deep floor that spans the boundary between hearing and feeling. But it can also cover this floor with many layers of recognizable bass notes that provide both warmth and precision.

Mids and highs aren't any less fun, but the ability to bring musicality out of the low end of a song is the XM4's greatest strength in my opinion.

There is one limitation to the sound quality of the XM4, but it mainly affects Android users: Sony has stopped supporting the aptX and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs that were included in the XM3 and now only supports SBC, AAC and the own Sony LDAC.

Is it important? I do not believe that. As of Android 8.0 Oreo, LDAC is a codec that phone manufacturers are free to incorporate, and the vast majority have chosen to do so. LDAC is also one of only two Bluetooth codecs that have been certified as Hi-Res compatible – even aptX HD cannot make this claim.

I'm sorry to support aptX, but it's definitely not a deal breaker.

Noise cancellation

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

The best ANC (Active Noise Canceling) technology from Sony can be seen again in the WH-1000XM4. This time around, the company claims to have improved both the software algorithms and hardware to achieve even better performance than the XM3.

Some low-frequency noise, such as an aircraft engine drone, fan, and some traffic noise, can be almost completely canceled out by ANC, while medium- to high-frequency noise, such as human conversation, is reduced. According to Sony, the XM4 does a better job with this latter group of sounds. In theory, you should be less aware of your surroundings when you are sitting in your local cafe or in a busy office.

I didn't know of any significant difference in my time with the XM4, but our pandemic-based lifestyle didn't offer many options for busy environments. DT Senior Editor Caleb Denison tried it too and saw only minor improvements. If you're wondering if they're better than Bose's superb Noise Canceling Headphones 700, it's really too close to call.

Another small improvement: you can now enable Sony's personalized ANC calibration on the headphones themselves by long-pressing the Custom button instead of relying on the headphones app.

Call quality

Sony WH-1000XM4Riley Young / Digital Trends

Overall call quality is another strength for Sony products, and the WH-1000XM4 is no exception. The calls were consistently very good under different conditions, even when I passed an extremely loud construction site.

I was apparently more aware of the noise than my caller, which seems to prove that Sony's claim that the XM4's improved call quality due to improved noise reduction is more than just marketing.

Our opinion

For the same price as its previous flagship, Sony has made small but very useful improvements to the WH-1000XM4 that are enough to crown it as the new king of personal audio.

Is there a better alternative?

No That is what happens when you are the best. However, if you're looking to save some cash, you can bet that the older WH-1000XM3 will have some special offers until Sony cleans up the remaining inventory. If you are content to do without a wear sensor and Bluetooth multipoint and can get the XM3 for $ 50 to $ 100 below the regular price, I think you should do so.

How long will they last?

The WH-1000XM4 comes with a one-year warranty from Sony. The build quality is excellent, and Sony headphones have a reputation for reliability. Battery life will decrease over time, but you can expect to use it for many years before it becomes a serious problem. You can assume that the ear pads will need to be replaced occasionally throughout the life of the headphones. These can easily be bought online.

Should you buy them

Absolutely. While not exactly affordable, the WH-1000XM4 is at the top of the wireless headphone market and worth every penny.

Editor's recommendations




06 Aug
Blog

A Biomechanical Comparison of Kettlebell Snatch Styles

What lessons can we learn from world champions in a biomechanical comparison of different kettlebell snatch styles?

This article takes a close look at the difference between kettlebell snatch styles. No, I'm not going to compare hardstyle to kettlebell sport, but instead I'll take a look at some of the different styles of kettlebell sport.

Kettlebell sports

Kettlebell sport includes a variety of styles, although some are similar to hardstyle. I was lucky enough to test a number of elite kettlebell lifters.

Nevertheless, I chose these two because I think they are exemplary of what GS World Champion Arseny Zhernakov calls classic and modern style. These athletes are not kidding; Both took more than 200 snapshots with a 32 kg kettlebell in 10 minutes!

Below you will find some images of the trajectory of the kettlebell from the front view of these two athletes. You can see that Athlete A's path has a larger side-to-side movement.

In contrast, Athlete D appears to minimize side-to-side movement (just move between your legs directly over your shoulder). This contrast embodies the differences between these two styles. In my opinion, the classic was an adaptation of the barbell snatch technique (mainly moving through the sagittal plane).

Over time, people started using the kettlebells to increase mobility and allow greater lateral movement.

In summary, classic and modern snatch styles have a clear difference in their trajectory. The following illustration shows the path of athletes A and D. If you want more information about the trajectory of the kettlebell snatch, you can read my article: "Snatch trajectory of elite girevoy athletes (kettlebell) and their effects on the Strength and fitness training. "1

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

Classic versus modern KB snatches

The classic style of the kettlebell cunt is the approximation of the two to a barbell cunt, in which both legs drive and brake the kettlebell together.

In contrast, the modern style has a somewhat asynchronous movement pattern in which the strength increases on one leg and decreases on the other. This movement is caused by the displacement of the body to balance the kettlebell.

As such, the trajectory of the kettlebells begins to move sideways.

The following table shows the individual phases of the snatch and some of the differences:

PHASE

CLASSIC STYLE

MODERN STYLE

Fixation

Fall

Backswing

  • During the back swing phase, the force from the ipsilateral side slows down quickly and the weight is shifted to that side

End of the backswing

Accelerating train

(Second move)

Manual introduction (Catch)

Fixation

and kettlebell

In the graphic below you can see how the strength of each leg changes during the repetition (the higher the line, the higher the strength).

The stick figures above the trail of the ground reaction force begin in fixation on the left side. This phase is followed by the drop phase, in which you can see the differences within the styles. The line in the middle breaks up the down and up phase.

GRF Snatch

The upper figure is Lifter A in the classic style and the lower figure is Lifter B in the modern style. In the examples I did not give any numbers because these athletes have different body shapes and strength levels.

If you are interested in an in-depth reading of the power associated with kettlebell snatch, read my article "External Kinetics of Kettlebell Snatch in Amateur Lifters". 2nd

Below are graphics of my own classic and modern snapshots. I did this on the same day. I'm fine doing 200 reps with a 32 kg snatch. However, I can do a 10 minute set with it.

Again, we have to recognize the ground reaction force as a unique signature and can almost see it.

My classic kettlebell cunt::

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

My modern kettlebell snatch::

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

The following graphic shows a comparison of the strength of the left and right leg side by side, a line for each style. Interestingly, the floor reaction force is very similar for each style when I combine the force from each leg.

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

It is difficult to make general style recommendations (from force measurement data). However, it is individual and you need to use the safest technology that can optimize your performance.

It is important to remember to switch with one handEndurance of grip strength is typically the limiting factor in the performance of kettlebell sports.

The trajectory is different

The big insight from this is that there is a difference in the development of modern and classic kettlebell sports styles. This difference can affect the ground reaction force and weight shift.

The modern style accelerates the kettlebell with one leg (possibly to rest the other leg up to the hand switch), while the classic uses both legs to accelerate the kettlebell (possibly half as much with each leg).

Both modern and classic kettlebell sports styles have their merits, and you can achieve excellent performance with both.

References::

  1. Ross, James A., Cameron J. Wilson, Justin WL Keogh, Kuok Wai Ho and Christian Lorenzen. "Grab the trajectory of elite-level Girevoy (kettlebell) athletes and their impact on strength and conditioning training." International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 10, No. 2-3 (2015): 439- 452.

  2. Ross, James A., Justin WL Keogh, Cameron J. Wilson and Christian Lorenzen. "External Kinetics of Kettlebell Kidnapping in Amateur Lifters." PeerJ 5 (2017): e3111.

05 Aug
Blog

A Biomechanical Comparison of Kettlebell Snatch Styles

What lessons can we learn from world champions in a biomechanical comparison of different kettlebell snatch styles?

This article takes a close look at the difference between kettlebell snatch styles. No, I'm not going to compare hardstyle to kettlebell sport, but instead I'll take a look at some of the different styles of kettlebell sport.

Kettlebell sports

Kettlebell sport includes a variety of styles, although some are similar to hardstyle. I was lucky enough to test a number of elite kettlebell lifters.

Nevertheless, I chose these two because I think they are exemplary of what GS World Champion Arseny Zhernakov calls classic and modern style. These athletes are not kidding; Both took more than 200 snapshots with a 32 kg kettlebell in 10 minutes!

Below you will find some images of the trajectory of the kettlebell from the front view of these two athletes. You can see that Athlete A's path has a larger side-to-side movement.

In contrast, Athlete D appears to minimize side-to-side movement (just move between your legs directly over your shoulder). This contrast embodies the differences between these two styles. In my opinion, the classic was an adaptation of the barbell snatch technique (mainly moving through the sagittal plane).

Over time, people started using the kettlebells to increase mobility and allow greater lateral movement.

In summary, classic and modern snatch styles have a clear difference in their trajectory. The following illustration shows the path of athletes A and D. If you want more information about the trajectory of the kettlebell snatch, you can read my article: "Snatch trajectory of elite girevoy athletes (kettlebell) and their effects on the Strength and fitness training. "1

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

Classic versus modern KB snatches

The classic style of the kettlebell cunt is the approximation of the two to a barbell cunt, in which both legs drive and brake the kettlebell together.

In contrast, the modern style has a somewhat asynchronous movement pattern in which the strength increases on one leg and decreases on the other. This movement is caused by the displacement of the body to balance the kettlebell.

As such, the trajectory of the kettlebells begins to move sideways.

The following table shows the individual phases of the snatch and some of the differences:

PHASE

CLASSIC STYLE

MODERN STYLE

Fixation

Fall

Backswing

  • During the back swing phase, the force from the ipsilateral side slows down quickly and the weight is shifted to that side

End of the backswing

Accelerating train

(Second move)

Manual introduction (Catch)

Fixation

and kettlebell

In the graphic below you can see how the strength of each leg changes during the repetition (the higher the line, the higher the strength).

The stick figures above the trail of the ground reaction force begin in fixation on the left side. This phase is followed by the drop phase, in which you can see the differences within the styles. The line in the middle breaks up the down and up phase.

GRF Snatch

The upper figure is Lifter A in the classic style and the lower figure is Lifter B in the modern style. In the examples I did not give any numbers because these athletes have different body shapes and strength levels.

If you are interested in an in-depth reading of the power associated with kettlebell snatch, read my article "External Kinetics of Kettlebell Snatch in Amateur Lifters". 2nd

Below are graphics of my own classic and modern snapshots. I did this on the same day. I'm fine doing 200 reps with a 32 kg snatch. However, I can do a 10 minute set with it.

Again, we have to recognize the ground reaction force as a unique signature and can almost see it.

My classic kettlebell cunt::

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

My modern kettlebell snatch::

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

The following graphic shows a comparison of the strength of the left and right leg side by side, a line for each style. Interestingly, the floor reaction force is very similar for each style when I combine the force from each leg.

A biomechanical comparison of the kettlebell snatch styles - fitness, fitness, strength and condition, ground reaction power, mobility, kettlebell snatch, kettlebell clean, girevoy sport, hardstyle, kettle bell training, KB swing, barbell cycling, sagittal level

It is difficult to make general style recommendations (from force measurement data). However, it is individual and you need to use the safest technology that can optimize your performance.

It is important to remember to switch with one handEndurance of grip strength is typically the limiting factor in the performance of kettlebell sports.

The trajectory is different

The big insight from this is that there is a difference in the development of modern and classic kettlebell sports styles. This difference can affect the ground reaction force and weight shift.

The modern style accelerates the kettlebell with one leg (possibly to rest the other leg up to the hand switch), while the classic uses both legs to accelerate the kettlebell (possibly half as much with each leg).

Both modern and classic kettlebell sports styles have their merits, and you can achieve excellent performance with both.

References::

  1. Ross, James A., Cameron J. Wilson, Justin WL Keogh, Kuok Wai Ho and Christian Lorenzen. "Grab the trajectory of elite-level Girevoy (kettlebell) athletes and their impact on strength and conditioning training." International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 10, No. 2-3 (2015): 439- 452.

  2. Ross, James A., Justin WL Keogh, Cameron J. Wilson and Christian Lorenzen. "External Kinetics of Kettlebell Kidnapping in Amateur Lifters." PeerJ 5 (2017): e3111.

05 Aug
Blog

Samsung Galaxy A71 5G Review: Premium Midrange At A Price

Samsung Galaxy A71 5g review 1

"Despite the growing value of cheaper devices, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G is a solid mid-range phone."

  • Modern design

  • Good value for the price

  • Nice display

  • Long-lasting battery life

  • Camera is just fine

  • No wireless charging

Cheap phones have a moment right now. While there were always good options in the under $ 400 range, 2020 seems to be the year of the cheap phone, thanks in part to the ultra-powerful iPhone SE and the new Google Pixel 4a. But older cellphone series like the Samsung Galaxy A series have been around for years and they have a huge fan base. Thanks to Samsung’s strong brand and carrier relationships, the A-series, which includes the new $ 600 Galaxy A71 5G, is one of the best-selling phone lines ever.

My test device is the 5G model from the US carrier, which offers 5G support and a Qualcomm processor (not to be confused with the various international models).

As the most expensive A-series device, the Galaxy A71 5G faces more intense competition – which means that it has to offer some serious advantages in order to be worth buying. Does it really compete? I tested the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G to find out.

design

The Galaxy A-series usually has a solid design, and although the build quality is sometimes not quite at the level of more expensive phones, the look is still there. That remains true here. The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G offers a beautiful and large edge-to-edge display with a hole cut out for the front-facing camera and a rectangular camera projection on the back, which is reminiscent of the Galaxy S20.

The bezels around the display are razor-thin and the phone therefore looks very modern. The lower bezel is slightly larger than the others, but barely noticeable and makes no real difference in everyday use. Interestingly, the hole cutout at the top of the display is smaller than that of the Galaxy A51, although it appears to offer the same camera hardware.

Thanks to the plastic back, the phones feel very light.

On the edges of the phone you will find a USB-C connection, a volume rocker and a power switch. And there is a headphone jack, which is a nice touch these days.

The phone is also comfortable to hold and is very light. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that the back of the phone is made of plastic instead of glass, but it still feels pretty high quality and doesn't seem to scratch or ring easily.

A modern design is one thing that sets some midrange phones apart from the competition. For example, the iPhone SE has a greater focus on performance than design, although it still looks good. Then there is the Pixel 4a, which also offers an edge-to-edge design, but only costs $ 350.

display

At 6.7 inches, the display of the Galaxy A71 5G is slightly larger than that of the Galaxy A51 with 6.5 inches. Here, however, the differences end – you still get the same AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080p and a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. The display actually looks great, and although a higher resolution would have been nice, a flagship-level display would hardly be expected. This is particularly true given the fact that it is still an AMOLED panel that provides deep black levels and vivid colors. It can also get light enough to be used outdoors even in direct sunlight. In a few years, we should expect 1440p resolutions for midrange phones, but right now this is a great display for a phone in this price range.

A higher refresh rate may have been estimated, but is not expected in this price range. With a higher refresh rate, the software feels smoother and the animations are more natural. Samsung's high-end phones, such as the Galaxy S20, offer refresh rates of up to 120 Hz. We hope that these higher rates will also apply to mid-range phones in the next few years.

There is a fingerprint sensor under the display, which apparently works quite well. It worked much faster and more accurately than the Galaxy A51's fingerprint sensor. It has occasionally failed, but no more than other fingerprint sensors I use.

performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy A71 5G offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 processor, 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The result is a fast phone that's reactive and fast enough for most multitasking and even most mobile games. This is in direct contrast to the Galaxy A51 which, due to its Exynos 9611 processor, generally seemed to freeze and stutter under more than easy use.

Of course, it's not necessarily the best performing phone in its price range, especially in a flagship iPhone SE world. The iPhone SE offers the A13 Bionic chip from Apple – the same processor as the iPhone 11 Pro. The best comparison in the Android world would be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, which can only be found on flagship phones like the Galaxy S20.

The Galaxy A71 5G will outperform the vast majority of the competition. The phone will outperform the Snapdragon 730-equipped Pixel 4a, but in everyday use, the Pixel 4a may feel a bit smoother and more responsive due to its stripped down software. We have to wait until we get our hands on a Pixel 4a.

The Galaxy A71 5G also performs well in mobile gaming. The phone seemed to be able to handle games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9 with ease, and while it didn't load as quickly as flagship phones, the actual gaming felt smooth and smooth.

The solid performance is also reflected in benchmarks. Here are the benchmark results we got on the phone.

  • AnTuTu: 324,648
  • GeekBench 5: 617 single-core, 1,916 multi-core

These results are excellent for a phone in this price range. It doesn't really come close to the iPhone SE, which reaches over 480,000 on AnTuTu, but with the Snapdragon 765, it should surpass almost anything else that is cheaper. If you can add an additional $ 50 to $ 100 to your budget, you can of course purchase the OnePlus 8, which offers a flagship Snapdragon 865 and even better performance than the Galaxy A71.

This device also offers 5G support, making it one of the cheapest phones. It supports both mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G, so you should be able to achieve ultra-fast speeds wherever your network operator offers them. This won't be one of the cheapest 5G phones for long – manufacturers are likely to add more and more 5G modems to their phones this year. The Google Pixel 4a 5G is due to appear sometime in the fall and will only cost $ 500.

If you want 5G on a budget now, this may be the way to go – but wait a few months and you'll likely have a lot more options.

software

The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G comes with Samsung's One UI operating system. Samsung's software skin has evolved significantly over the years, improving usability and removing bloatware. Still, Samsung could be even better at generally offering less third-party software. The T-Mobile variant Galaxy A71 5G contains a number of T-Mobile apps, an extensive selection of Microsoft apps that you may not want or need, Spotify, McAfee and much more. Some of these apps can be removed, others stay with you.

A user interface generally looks and feels relatively different from standard Android, thanks to its larger square apps, more colorful user interface, and wide range of customizations. You can choose between the classic three-button navigation system or the new Android gesture controls from Google. A user interface also has some unique features like the built-in screen recorder, integration with Windows computers when you want to set them up, and more.

Customization is another strength of Samsung software. A user interface offers a variety of customization options, and many people love the ability to tweak pretty much anything related to the home screen, theme, etc. However, others simply feel overwhelmed by all options and are better served by OnePlus & # 39; OxygenOS, the standard Android offered on a pixel phone or even Apple's iOS.

As is so often the case with Samsung phones, the Galaxy A71 5G is unlikely to receive super-fast updates. We expect the phone to receive important updates for at least a year. Hopefully it will make it on Android 11, but Samsung hasn't confirmed anything and you shouldn't buy the phone as you hope it gets a lot of updates. If you want to stay up to date with Android, buy a pixel.

Camera quality

The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G offers a quad lens camera with a 64 megapixel main sensor, a 12 megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 5 megapixel macro sensor and a 5 megapixel depth sensor. It's a solid selection of cameras, and although I personally would have preferred a telephoto lens to a macro lens, the Galaxy A71 5G can generally deliver great photos.

Of course, the photo quality depends on the situation, and a phone is not necessarily as consistent as more expensive devices. When the lighting is good, the photos are colorful and bright, with adequate dynamic range and solid details. In low-light conditions, the photos are relatively noisy and have no details, which is usually the case with medium-range phones. There's a built-in night mode that removes the noise, but photos are still not on the same level as devices like the iPhone 11 Pro and Google Pixel 4 XL.

The elephant in the room here is the new Google Pixel 4a. There are few early reviews of the Pixel 4a, but most suggest that the device offers a camera that matches the standard Pixel 4. This is a flagship camera in a $ 350 phone. Don't expect this on the Galaxy A71 5G, though the phone comes a lot closer to a flagship in price.

The macro lens is more or less useless for the phone because it has a fixed focal length and is therefore extremely difficult to focus on a subject. Even if you get a good focus, there aren't many details and the colors are a bit subdued.

Despite the problems, you will find that photos are more than passable in most situations.

Battery life

The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G easily lasted a whole day under relatively heavy use, and we don't expect anyone to have any real issues with the battery life itself. The battery of the Galaxy A71 5G has a capacity of 4,500 mAh, and at the end of a long working day, I still had 30% to 40% left.

If you run out of juice at some point, you can charge the device relatively quickly. The phone supports 25-watt quick charge, which means the device gets 50% of its battery back in just 30 minutes. It’s pretty impressive.

The only feature that's really lacking is wireless charging, although it's not necessarily unacceptable that a phone in this price range doesn't have this feature. We hope that wireless charging will become cheaper phones over the next few years.

Price and availability

The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G is located between real mid-range phones and flagships and costs $ 650. Depending on your wireless service provider, you can get it at a cheaper price. For example, T-Mobile is offering the phone for $ 600. It's actually not a bad price considering what you get – but there is definitely some competition in the price range. The device is available from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and directly from the Samsung website.

Our opinion

With solid performance, modern design, and 5G support, the Samsung Galaxy A71 is a great phone for the price. The fact that it offers 5G support is probably not a reason to buy the phone alone, but it's an added bonus. However, the proliferation of new budget phones at the flagship level dampens the excitement about their value.

Are there alternatives?

If you can spend an additional $ 50 to $ 100, you get the OnePlus 8, which offers better performance and a more modern design.

If you're ready to make the switch, the iPhone SE will perform better than any other Android device and will only cost $ 400.

Then there is the Pixel 4a, which is unlikely to perform as well as the Galaxy A71 5G, but offers a much better camera, modern design, and more – all for $ 300 less than this phone.

How long should it take?

The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G does not have an IP protection class. You should therefore keep it away from the pool or bathroom if possible. The phone should last a good two years before it needs to be replaced. The plastic back breaks much less often than a glass shelf.

The Galaxy A71 5G offers a limited one-year warranty, but only covers manufacturing defects.

Should you buy it

Yes, but only if you want a solid Samsung phone for $ 650 or less. Otherwise, consider spending more on the OnePlus 8, or save almost half of that money, and purchase the Pixel 4a.

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