13 Nov
Blog

Technics EAH-AZ60 Review: Shockingly Good Sound And Silence

Technology EAH-AZ60.

Technics EAH-AZ60 in the test: Terrifyingly good sound and silence

RRP $ 230.00

"With fantastic sound and noise canceling, the AZ60 are among the best headphones you can buy."

advantages

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Hi-Res audio support

  • Hands-free Alexa

  • Bluetooth multipoint

disadvantage

  • No wireless charging

  • No in-ear sensors

We were pretty impressed with the Technics EAH-AZ70 noise canceling True Wireless earbuds. They sounded great and had great noise cancellation. But at $ 250 they were expensive. And a bit bulky. So if Technics could address this problem and maybe even add some extra functionality, that would make the AZ70 even more attractive. Apparently, Technics said "challenge accepted" because its latest project, the $ 230 EAH-AZ60, does just that. How much better are the new earbuds? Let's check them out.

Still challenging, but now slimmer

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The first thing that strikes you about the AZ60 is how much smaller it is than the AZ70. I'm not sure how this is possible as they still weigh the same (7 grams per earbud) but have better battery life and one more microphone per earbud (eight total). Definitely well done Technics. They no longer stick out of your ears, and when you sit them side by side with other earbuds in the $ 200-300 range like Sony's WF-1000XM4 or Jabra's Elite 85t, the AZ60s are actually a bit smaller.

The charging case is also much smaller. No AirPods Pro small, but very slim and very practical. What hasn't changed is the styling. Whether you get the black or silver version, the AZ60 has a sleek design with polished and brushed accents that look very high quality – the perfect antidote to Apple's ubiquitous white plastic buds. With IPX4 protection, they even turn your daily training into an upscale event.

Smaller buds = comfortable fit

Man wears Technics EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It might seem obvious, but smaller earbuds generally offer a more comfortable fit. But not always. Sometimes a strange shape can cause pressure, and sometimes the box doesn't contain enough eartip sizes for your particular ear shape. Fortunately, the AZ60 doesn't suffer from either of these problems.

Their rounded contours completely fill the conchas of my ears, but do so without any discomfort. And with seven sizes of silicone earbuds to choose from, most people should be able to find something that works for them. After several hours of use, my ears definitely needed a break, but I was never bothered by these buds.

It can be that quiet

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

We found that the AZ70 has excellent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and the AZ60 is just as impressive. The current gold standard is the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, but the AZ60 are so good that I can hardly tell the difference between the two products. This applies to both consistent, booming noises like the bathroom fan standing two and a half meters from my desk at home, as well as inconsistent noises like traffic or conversations. They say silence is golden. Well, if silence is what you're looking for, the AZ60s are gold and more.

These earbuds also have a transparency mode and you can easily switch between it and ANC with a long press on the right earbud. It's not quite as magically clear as the AirPods Pro, but it lets in a lot of sound – more than enough for heightened situational awareness. There's also a setting in the Technics Audio Connect app that can set the transparency mode to only enhance voices to make it easier to chat with others.

Sweet sound

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The AZ60 retains Technics' energetic sound signature with incredible clarity in the mids and highs. It's the kind of precision with which you can hear details in your favorite tracks that smaller earbuds or headphones usually obscure. In the opening bars of Sia's Saved My Life, which include notes played on a piano, you can actually hear the sound of the damper pads rising and falling on the piano strings. If you hear Sweet Jane the Cowboy Junkies from their Trinity Session album, you can hear the faint echo of the drums from the recording room. This precision creates excellent stereo imaging and a soundstage that invites you to reach out and touch the instruments.

The bass response is tightly controlled – always there when you need it, but never overwhelming. It's a bit too controlled for my taste, but purists looking for a balanced or neutral sound would likely disagree. The Audio Connect app gives you several options for changing the EQ with four presets and one that you can adjust via a five-band slider. For me, the unadulterated factory tuning was the most satisfying. The Dynamic preset adds a generous amount of emphasis to the entire spectrum, but it boils over the high frequencies, making cymbals and other sibilants too sharp.

It's also worth noting that the AZ60 is one of the few wireless earbuds you can buy that support Sony's LDAC bluetooth codec, which in theory should enable Hi-Res wireless audio if you can with an LDAC enabled Pair your phone (currently Android models only). as Apple does not support LDAC). As a test, I swapped back and forth between an iPhone 11 (AAC codec) and a Pixel 5 (LDAC) with various lossless audio tracks from Tidal HiFi. There is indeed a difference, but it is incredibly subtle. LDAC creates a smoother sound signature that attenuates some of the higher frequencies. There's a little more detail too, but you have to be very careful to hear it.

But whether you use LDAC or not, the AZ60 delivers incredible sound quality. In head-to-head comparisons with Sony's $ 280 WF-1000XM4, Master & Dynamic's $ 299 MW08, KEF's $ 230 Mu3, and Grado's $ 259 GT220 – all top notch audio performers – the AZ60 can hold its own, which makes it an exceptional value considering its price and other features.

Double dip devices

The AZ60 lacks Google Fast Pair or Apple's one-tap pairing, but that's no big deal. The first time you pull the buds out of their case, they'll go into pairing mode and from there you just select them from your device's bluetooth menu. Once paired, the connection is reliably strong and consistent. I found myself up to 15 meters from my phone outdoors, but sometimes only 6 meters when walking between floors.

But what I really like about the AZ60 is its ability to make multi-point Bluetooth connections – a rarity among true wireless earbuds. In this way you can connect the headphones to your phone and, for example, your PC at the same time. You can stream music from your computer and when your phone rings just stop the music and take the call – the AZ60 switch seamlessly, with just a split second in the audio. If you're multitasking between devices (and who doesn't these days?) This is a super handy feature.

Delete calls

Speaking of taking calls, the AZ60 is very suitable for making calls. However, note the settings in the Audio Connect app. It offers an option to increase background noise reduction, and I have found that doing so can significantly reduce the clarity of your voice under certain circumstances – which is the opposite of the intended effect. Using the regular settings is probably all you need.

The earbuds are equipped with what Technics calls "JustMyVoice" – a fourth microphone used to detect speech – which the company claims can isolate and amplify words and minimize ambient noise. It seems to work, but I'd argue that Jabra's Elite 7 Pro is still better for calling in noisy environments.

A little help, Alexa?

Screenshot of the Technics Audio Connect app.The AZ60 lets you activate your phone's built-in voice assistant, but if you're an Amazon Alexa fan, you can use Amazon's AI. instead of this. The advantage of this is hands-free access to the wake-up word – just say "Alexa, …" followed by any of the usual commands you might need, including phone functions like volume ("Alexa, volume, 50%") or playback (" Alexa, (Play / Pause) "). While this is slowly becoming a more common feature, we've only seen it on a handful of earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4, JBL Tour Pro +, and of course Amazon's Echo Buds.

Total control

While I'm not a huge fan of touch controls, Technics did a really good job with the AZ60's touch sensors. They are responsive, easy to type precisely, and offer a small tone for every successful tap. The Audio Connect app allows you to tweak any gesture to perform any of the available activities (play / pause, skip tracks, volume up / down, ANC / transparency, voice assistant, answer / end call and microphone mute). I've only seen this level of customization on the Jabra Elite series and it's a fantastic integration from Technics. Technics also offers a Find My Earbuds option that tracks the last known whereabouts of your buds and lets you turn on a chime so you can find them.

The only thing missing are in-ear sensors that automatically pause / resume music playback when you remove or reinsert the earbuds.

Sufficient power

Technics EAH-AZ60 charging case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only thing that is average about the AZ60 is the battery life. You get roughly seven hours per charge (give or take 30 minutes if you use ANC or not) and the charging case can extend that to 24-25 hours of total playtime. This is neither extraordinary nor unacceptable – most people will find it perfectly adequate for a full day.

There's a quick charge option, but it's not particularly noteworthy: 15 minutes will give you 70 or 80 minutes of extra usage.

As with any earbuds or headphones that enable the LDAC codec, using this feature will drain the battery much faster, so a single charge of the earbuds will reduce the life of the earbuds to 4.5 hours of use if you also turn on ANC.

This brings us to the only other feature that Technics has omitted: wireless charging for the case.

Our opinion

Great sound, impressive ANC, comfortable and secure fit, high-resolution LDAC support and tons of features – all at a price that beats most of the competition. Yes, we are big fans of the Technology EAH-AZ60 and we think you will be too.

Is there a better alternative?

There are only two other products to consider before purchasing the Technics EAH-AZ60:

$ 280 Sony WF-1000XM4: This is the upgrade selection. It has everything the AZ60 can do, plus wireless charging, Alexa or Google Assistant of your choice, and in-ear sensors that automatically pause music when you speak or when you remove an earbud. But the earbuds are bigger and less comfortable, especially for people with smaller ears.

$ 200 Jabra Elite 7 Pro: These earbuds don't have the exceptional sound quality of the AZ60 (although, in fairness, they still sound really good) or the Alexa speakerphone, but they cost less, are smaller, and more convenient, plus they're completely waterproof, and have on-ear sensors and wireless charging.

How long will they last?

This question is always difficult to answer, but with an IPX4 rating and what appears to be a very good build quality, they should last for many years. Panasonic backs Technics' true wireless earbuds with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. They're one of the best sets of true wireless earbuds we've ever tested.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: Everyday EV

Front view of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Hyundai Kona Electric

RRP $ 43,685.00

"With a range of 258 miles and a lot of technology, the Kona Electric is a great entry point for electric vehicles."

advantages

  • Impressive range

  • Functional interior

  • Intuitive infotainment system

  • Available digital key

disadvantage

  • Charging with low power consumption

  • Poor driving experience

Electric cars based on existing gasoline models can feel half-baked, but the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022 appears to be the exception to that rule. The gasoline Kona was already a good subcompact crossover SUV, and the Kona Electric adds an impressive range of 258 miles. To find out if this electric vehicle was as good in real life as it seems on paper, we spent a week driving one.

The Kona Electric was launched as the 2019 model and is receiving some notable updates for the 2022 model year. Highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Digital Key functionality, and the same new touchscreens found in other Hyundai models be used. Hyundai also made some changes to the exterior but made no changes to the powertrain so the range stays the same.

Hyundai offers the Kona Electric in the base SEL and our test model Limited, which start at $ 35,185 and $ 43,685, respectively (all prices include a mandatory target fee of $ 1,185). The Kona Electric is also eligible for the full federal tax credit of $ 7,500 and may receive state and local incentives based on where you live.

Close-up view of the headlights and charging port on the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Design and interior

Hyundai has promised a line of electric cars based on a dedicated platform, but right now the Kona Electric shares its basics with gasoline models. That means it has largely the same exterior design as gasoline Kona models, with stacked headlights and daytime running lights, a plastic trim, and a shape that's somewhere between an SUV and a traditional hatchback. Whether gasoline or electric, the Kona looks like nothing else on the road.

Electric models are characterized by a dimmed grille (which also houses the charging port) and model-specific wheels that, according to Hyundai, optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The styling optimizations for the 2022 model year include functional ventilation openings on the front bumper, revised lighting and a new rear bumper. The changes are pretty subtle, however.

The interior is practically identical to that of the gasoline Kona. The main difference is a series of buttons that replace the shift lever on the gasoline model. The interior design is clean and functional, with a convenient storage compartment under the center console. The only drawback was the quality of the material. Almost everything was plain black plastic, and while that would be fine for the price of a simple gasoline Kona, it didn't seem appropriate given our test car's MSRP of roughly $ 43,000.

Whether gasoline or electric, the Kona looks like nothing else on the road.

The Kona Electric has a little less head and legroom in the rear than the already cramped gasoline Kona. The small size and relatively low seating position of this vehicle doesn't feel particularly SUV-like, but the passenger compartment is similar to that of competing electric vehicles. The Kia Niro EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV / EUV offer similar headroom, although the Chevys offer more legroom in both rows. The Volkswagen ID.4 offers more headroom in the front and rear, as well as more legroom in the rear seats, but long-legged drivers won't notice much of a difference.

At 19.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, the cargo space is identical to the gasoline Kona models. With the rear seats folded up, the Hyundai offers more cargo space than the Kia Niro EV and Chevy Bolt EV / EUV, but loses that advantage when you fold the rear seats. Conversely, the Nissan Leaf has more cargo space when the rear seats are folded up, but less when the rear seats are folded down. Only the VW ID.4 offers more cargo space in both cases.

The interior of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher equipment variants receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen with coupling of several devices, but only wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our test car had the larger touchscreen that was carried over from other Hyundai models. This is not a problem as we have had positive experiences with the same device in the past. The reasonable layout of the screen, well-designed graphics (including old-fashioned vacuum tubes for the radio menu), and responsiveness have made it one of the best from a mainstream automaker. That's still the case here.

The Kona Electric does an exceptionally good job of displaying charging information. A tab on the right side of the screen shows the battery level, an estimated range, and locations of nearby charging stations. You can also set up the charging station search by station type and even by large networks such as ChargePoint or Electrify America. It's an intuitive setup that should put first-time EV drivers at ease, while also offering the functionality that more experienced drivers are likely to appreciate.

The reasonable layout of the screen, well-designed graphics, and responsiveness make it one of the best from a mainstream automaker.

All Kona Electric models also get a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument with EV-specific gauges for things like state of charge and regenerative braking. Everything was easy to read and the information was well organized, but we found the default white on black to be a little too bright (there is a night mode too).

The Kona Electric can also be equipped with Hyundai's Digital Key function, which allows the driver to use a smartphone instead of a traditional key fob. Drivers can lock or unlock the doors, start the car and drive with just a connected phone. However, this feature only works with Android phones.

The standard driver assistance technology includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane following assistant, safe exit assistant and a driver attention monitor. The Kona Electric Limited adds adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam. That's a pretty good range of features, but the Kona Electric doesn't have the clever camera-based blind spot monitoring system available in other Hyundai models that shows a camera view in the instrument cluster when a turn signal is activated.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited.

Experience at the wheel

The Kona Electric's single engine produces 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. That's roughly the same horsepower you get in a base VW ID.4 or Chevy Bolt EV, but the Hyundai has a lot more torque.

While the gasoline versions of the Kona are available with all-wheel drive, the Kona Electric is only front-wheel drive. That's not ideal for a vehicle billed as an SUV, but most of the Kona Electric's competitors don't offer all-wheel drive either. You can buy a four-wheel drive VW ID.4 or spend more money on a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, or Volvo XC40 Recharge.

The lush torque provides more kick off the line than the Kona's petrol sibling.

That luscious torque gives you more kick off the line than the Kona's gasoline siblings, or leads to pointless wheelspin if you're not careful. Robust acceleration, however, is a feature of every electric car as electric motors provide instant torque delivery. The driver can choose between different levels of regenerative braking using paddle shifters. The lowest setting allows the car to roll at highway speeds. The highest setting provides a significant delay in lifting the accelerator, but falls a little short of the single-pedal driving that most EVs aim for.

The Kona Electric couldn't differ from other EVs in handling, as it lacked the solidity of the VW ID.4 and the maneuverability of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV. The sloppy handling of the electric model also felt like a devaluation compared to the last gasoline Kona we tested. The cab at least kept road noise out (all Kona models get more sound-deadening acoustic glass for 2022) and the ride was pretty comfortable most of the time. However, the suspension couldn't absorb even small bumps and transmit a harsh jolt into the cabin every time.

The instrument cluster of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

Range, charging and security

At 258 miles, the Kona Electric offers significantly more range than most other equally priced electric vehicles, beating the Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Nissan Leaf. The Chevy Bolt EV offers 259 miles of range, but that drops to 247 miles for its Bolt EUV sibling. The Volkswagen ID.4 is rated with a range of 260 miles in the basic configuration with rear-wheel drive Pro and achieves this with more SUV-like amounts of passenger and cargo space.

However, when it's time to recharge, you may have to wait a long time. According to Hyundai, it takes the 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger nine hours to fully charge the 64.0-kilowatt-hour battery from a level 2 240-volt AC power source. The Kona Electric is also equipped for DC fast charging with 70 kW, with which, according to Hyundai, a charge of 10 to 80% can be achieved in 47 minutes. However, it took us a little over an hour to go from a 25% charge to 80% charge, and we only got a peak charge of 39 kW. While a single charging session does not allow for a scientific conclusion, that is not encouraging.

Full crash test ratings for the Kona Electric are not available. The gasoline Kona performed well on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, but these results may not apply directly to the electric version. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't released any crash test ratings for the Kona Electric either, but again, the gasoline Kona did well in the federal agency's tests.

The Kona Electric comes with the same 5-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty as gasoline Hyundai models, which are some of the best warranty terms in the business. The electric model also comes with a 10-year battery guarantee for 100,000 miles, which is competitive with other guarantees for EV batteries.

Rear three quarter view of the Hyundai Kona Electric 2022.

How DT would configure this car

As mentioned above, when it comes to tech, you have to make a choice with Hyundai's infotainment systems. The basic Kona Electric SEL gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Kona Electric Limited gets a bigger touchscreen with better graphics. We'd go for the Limited model with a larger screen, which we think will be more appreciated in everyday use. The Limited also adds other technical features.

This high-end Kona Electric has standard wireless device charging, Hyundai's digital key, and battery heating system. These three features are available as part of a paid convenience package for the Kona Electric SEL, but that adds $ 3,500, bridging the gap on the base price of the Limited. The limited trim also gets adaptive cruise control. There is no such thing with the SEL at any price.

Our opinion

The Kona Electric is bucking the trend of mediocre electric vehicles based on gasoline cars. It offers impressive range for the price while maintaining the well-designed interior and funky styling of the gasoline Kona. However, it is let down by low power charging and a lackluster driving experience.

The Hyundai's cramped interior and cargo area would be a drag compared to traditional crossover SUVs, but it's a similar story with the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt EV / EUV (which are currently undergoing a major recall). Only the recently launched Volkswagen ID.4 offers a true SUV-like experience with more cargo space and an all-wheel drive version on the way.

Marketing categories aside, the Kona Electric stands out as a budget electric vehicle. It offers a lot of tech for the price and sufficient range not to interfere with most drivers, although uneven charging infrastructure deployment might still be inconvenient for some people. The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be the automaker's true future tech statement, but anyone ready to venture into EV now won't be disappointed with the Kona Electric.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The Kona Electric doesn't feel like the car of the future, but it's an excellent electric vehicle for today.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

Best Black Friday Roomba Deals 2021: What to Buy Today

Digital Trends can earn a commission when you shop through links on our website.

We look forward to epic Black Friday Roomba deals this year. Based on the best Black Friday Roomba deals out there already, we anticipate iRobot will move massive stocks of the most popular Roomba robotic vacuums through major retailers. Roomba vacs are a huge draw, bringing shoppers to retailer sites where they can also hope to find more of this year's best Black Friday deals.

We've scoured the internet and rounded up some of the best Black Friday Roomba deals currently available. Stock is likely to run out of stock quickly, so go quick if the product you have your eye on is listed below.

Black Friday Roomba dealers

  • Amazon Black Friday Deals: Amazon always has the largest selection of iRobot Roomba robotic vacuums, so you can count on the online mega-retailer to have tons of Black Friday Roomba deals. We focused on seven specific Roomba models to review and compare prices, but you can find good deals on other Roomba models like the self-draining Roomba i7 + for $ 535 or the Roomba E5 for $ 210 with one Find a discount of $ 350. Shopping now.
  • Best Buy Black Friday Deals: Best Buy's Black Friday Roomba deals aren't as extensive as they are on Amazon, but prices are within $ 1 on the most popular models like Roomba 694 and Roomba s9 +. Shopping now.
  • Walmart Black Friday Deals: Walmart typically sticks to the best-selling small appliance models and that goes for the Roomba too. Walmart's Black Friday Roomba deals for the Roomba i3, Roomba j7 + and Roomba s9 robotic vacuums are identical to or very close to Amazon and Best Buy prices. At Walmart, there are sometimes a little more price advantages for selected models. Shopping now.

Today's Best Black Friday Roomba Deals

  • Roomba 694 – $ 180, was $ 274
  • Roomba i3 – $ 349, was $ 399
  • Roomba i3 + – $ 549, was $ 600
  • Roomba j7 – $ 499, was $ 650
  • Roomba j7 + – $ 699, was $ 1,000
  • Roomba s9 – $ 899, was $ 1,000
  • Roomba s9 + – $ 949, was $ 1,300

Great deals on Black Friday Roomba – Roomba 694

  • Roomba 694 – $ 180, was $ 275

Among the many Black Friday Roomba deals is the Roomba 694. Our initial coverage of the robotic vacuum cleaner was positive as our expert wrote, "The new iRobot Roomba is the robotic vacuum you want." This cheapest Roomba model benefits from many functions of the higher priced iRobot models. The Roomba 694 automatically detects floor coverings and particularly dirty or dirty areas and adjusts the cleaning power accordingly. You can also control the Roomba 694 with Alexa or Google Assistant. If you want a Roomba but don't want to spend a bundle, the Roomba 694 is an excellent choice.

The best Black Friday Roomba deals – Roomba i3 & i3 +

iRobot Roomba i3 Plus on the floorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

  • Roomba i3 – $ 349, was $ 400
  • Roomba i3 + – $ 549, was $ 600

If you're looking for more than the basics in Black Friday Roomba deals, consider the Roomba i3 or i3 +. The difference between the two models is the i3 + 's self-draining feature, as mentioned in the Roomba i3 Plus review, which adds about $ 200 to the price. However, you can pick up this powerful mid-range model for around $ 350. You can't set virtual limits, but you get efficient and effective cleaning with more power and longer battery life than entry-level models.

The best Black Friday Roomba deals – Roomba j7 & j7 +

A Roomba vacuum cleaner in a living room station.

If you've owned a robot hoover before, you know that wires and cables on the floor are probably the toughest obstacle you can get past. Sliding extension cords under or behind furniture will likely spend time saving your stuck robotic vacuum cleaner. We're excited to see the Roomba j7 and j7 + among Roomba's early Black Friday deals because the j7's specialty is wire and cable detection. As our expert mentioned in the iRobot Roomba i7 + review, this model is smarter than average robotic vacuum cleaners. There's a lot more to the j7, but cable avoidance is high on the list.

  • Roomba j7 – $ 499, was $ 650
  • Roomba j7 + – $ 699, was $ 1,000

The best Black Friday Roomba deals – Roomba s9 & s9 +

i robot

If you're planning on chasing Black Friday Roomba deals to save on the top of the line, talk about the Roomba s9 and the self-draining s9 + variant. Our expert made his opinion very clear in the iRobot Roomba s9 + review when he called it "the best robot vacuum cleaner money can buy".

  • Roomba s9 – $ 899, was $ 1,150
  • Roomba s9 + – $ 949, was $ 1,400

Should You Buy Black Friday Roomba Deals Now?

Obviously you want the best Roomba Black Friday deals, but waiting to see prices drop any further this year isn't a wise strategy. In fact, it usually doesn't work after it goes on sale in years when inventory levels are not in question. However, this year many retailers are likely to head into Black Friday with lower than normal inventory levels due to the ongoing supply chain disruptions and shipping issues. Black Friday Roomba deals also started earlier than ever this year as Amazon ditched the challenge with early Black Friday deals in the first week of October. When you see a great deal on a product that you know you want to buy, don't hesitate.

We found that, as nice as some of the Roomba Black Friday deals are, some are just $ 50 off list prices. That doesn't mean they aren't good deals in the market today. Rather, the relatively small discounts likely reflect the low inventory levels. So if you see an attractive Black Friday Roomba deal now, we encourage you to grab it. If you buy from Amazon and the price drops within 30 days, you can return your original purchase for your money back, as long as it is in like new condition with its original packaging.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we carefully and independently choose what we cover. The prices, details and availability of the products and offers in this post are subject to change at any time. Make sure they are still valid before buying.

Digital Trends can earn commissions on products bought through our links, which supports our work for our readers.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

Dell XPS 13 Black Friday Deal 2021: Cheapest Price Today

Digital Trends can earn a commission when you shop through links on our website.

There have been tons of amazing discounts and promotions for weeks as retailers got going earlier than ever this year. These include some of the best Black Friday deals we've seen in a long time. Of course, if you're looking for something specific, like Black Friday laptop deals, it makes sense to check out not just the big retailers, but some of the more popular tech stores as well. Take Dell Black Friday deals for example. There are tons of great deals out there in their store, even Dell XPS Black Friday deals on their latest XPS 13 laptops.

Dell XPS 13 Black Friday Deal 2021: Lowest Price Today

Person sits and holds Dell XPS 13 laptop on lap.

However, there are also stand-alone offers that are in the spotlight for some time. Right now, you can get the latest model of the Dell XPS 13 laptop for $ 650 with free shipping – that's $ 300 off the normal price! That's a great deal for a 13.3-inch Windows 11 laptop with an 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. You can check out this fantastic offer below or read on for more information on the XPS 13 laptop!

There's a reason the Dell XPS 13 9305 (2021) deserves a spot on our list of the best Dell laptops for 2021. It's powerful, offers great battery life, and is a "stylish trendsetter" that looks absolutely stunning. But much more is under the hood and offers a user-friendly and pleasant experience.

The full specs include an 11th generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with clock speeds of up to 4.2 GHz. It also has 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM at 4267 MHz, a 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The 13.3-inch FHD display runs at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 and has ultra-thin InfinityEdge bezels. You also get the Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 × 2), Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity, and the CNC machined aluminum case, and all of this feels great thanks to its lightweight design.

You normally pay $ 950 for the latest Dell XPS 13 laptop, but they dropped the price by $ 300 thanks to a crazy Black Friday deal. That means you can grab it now for $ 650 with free shipping and have it delivered to your door within the next few days. If you're interested, act soon – we're already seeing some wait on the Dell website and it looks like this deal is in high demand!

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we carefully and independently choose what we cover. The prices, details and availability of the products and offers in this post are subject to change at any time. Make sure they are still valid before buying.

Digital Trends can earn commissions on products bought through our links, which supports our work for our readers.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

FightCamp Review: Boxing Combos to Knock Out Your Workouts

Women's boxing with FightCamp.

"When you need the realism of hitting a bag of boxing gloves, FightCamp replicates it at home."

advantages

  • Robust, professional equipment

  • Lots of boxing classes to choose from

  • Precise punch tracker

disadvantage

  • Not chasing for proper form

The home fitness experience is more diverse than ever. While workouts like high-intensity exercise and cycling have been popularized by the pelotons and mirrors of the world, there are others that are little to no exposure. Boxing is one of them.

If you are tired of these other exercises, FightCamp may have something that piques your interest with its boxing and kickboxing workouts. Of course, you can expect some level of tracking and guidance to get you into boxing shape, but can it really replace that personal coaching experience? Well, at least you run into a real punching bag.

Setup and installation

FightCamp is made up of three different packages that you can customize to suit your preferences: Connect ($ 439), Personal ($ 1,219), and Tribe ($ 1,349). I tested the staff, which includes punch trackers, quick wraps, a freestanding bag, exercise mat, and quality boxing gloves. Shipping is free for all packages.

Man boxing with FightCamp.

It has everything you need for boxing workouts at home, but if you don't need the bag and just want to track your punches, stick with the Connect package to save a considerable amount. The tribe package has everything in the staff, but comes with additional boxing gloves.

Well, the hardest part of setting up FightCamp is finding a place for it – just because once it's set up you really can't move it. That's because the bottom is filled with either water or sand, so the freestanding bag can stay in place while hitting.

Punching a punching bag with FightCamp.John Velasco / Digital Trends

It ended up tipping the scales over 300 pounds, which later made it nearly impossible to move unless the sand was emptied. I ended up putting it all up in my makeshift gym in my garage, but I can see how this can be a problem around the house if you want to keep it somewhere when it's not in use.

The final step in the setup process was to pair the punch trackers with my iPhone SE via Bluetooth. After that was done I was ready to use FightCamp.

Boxing equipment

Although immobile, the freestanding bag looks and feels like something you would actually use in a boxing gym. Since the sand inside the base prevents it from moving, I can kick and hit it with full force. It feels well made and gives me confidence that it will last over the long term. I hit and kicked with a lot of force, so I'm glad it can take everything I give him.

The boxing gloves supplied also seem to be professionals. They will help protect your ankles, especially if they start feeling too sore from hitting the sack. The punch trackers are placed in a pocket on the quick wraps that you place on your hands so that FightCamp can monitor how many punches are made during each workout.

Close up of punch trackers with FigthCamp.John Velasco / Digital Trends

And finally, there's the heavy exercise mat, which again looks like something you might find in a gym. It's big enough to put the punching bag and me on it, but the dirt builds up pretty quickly. There have been workouts where I sat on the mat or my palms touched it, so you should clean them up frequently to prevent footprints from forming and being difficult to clean.

Overall, I am impressed with the equipment here as it is not toned down compared to what you would find in a traditional gym.

Trainings

If you've never boxed before, you'll appreciate how FightCamp's courses box you in with the basics. The instructors are informative and offer instructions on the different strokes, with the lessons also including some high intensity interval workouts where I did burpees (my poor knees). Unsurprisingly, by the end of the training session, I was sweating, which is always expected when you try something new.

If you've never tried boxing or kickboxing, cardio workout can definitely give you a try.

FightCamp is currently compatible with iOS devices, so you'll need an iPhone or iPad to attend classes. There's an Android app on the way, but there's no timeframe for when it's going to be released. While the lessons can be filtered between boxing, kickboxing and core via the app, the only distraction I had with FightCamp was trying to look at my iPhone during the exercises. I just wish there was a spot on the bag to snuggle up my iPhone to follow the directions just because it's hard to look at my phone in a nearby spot while focusing on where I should hit the bag.

The FightCamp app runs on iOS.

During the workout, the punch trackers closely monitored how often I threw punches. Goals are set at the start of each class, but what is missing here is the ability to monitor proper form as you hit the bag. Yes, there is a difference between throwing a hook, jab, or uppercut, but I'd love to see FightCamp tell me if I'm hitting the right areas of the punching bag. It doesn't and can't distinguish the force behind my punches.

However, if you've never tried boxing or kickboxing, cardio workout can definitely give you a try. I would just love to see iterative improvements that could keep track of proper form and ability to determine the force behind my strokes.

Subscription service

FightCamp's subscription service is $ 39 per month, which is in line with other related fitness services like Peloton, Mirror, and Temp, to name a few. This subscription service gives users access to over 200 workouts, but because it focuses on boxing, you won't find the same diverse and robust courses found on Mirror or Tempo.

FightCamp's courses cover the entire spectrum, from beginners to advanced.

At the same time, FightCamp's courses cover the entire spectrum, from beginner to advanced, so you get more informative instructions on boxing than on the other platforms where you just have shadow boxing.

Our opinion

Cycling and high-intensity interval training (HITT) exercises have become the predominant home fitness experiences, which is what makes FightCamp so appealing. It's certainly different and focuses solely on boxing, but I really love the hardware. I just wish it were smarter, especially given the cost of the gym quality punching bag and gloves. On the other hand, FightCamp's realism and ability to automatically track punches is still better than just shadowing someone you see on video.

Is there a better alternative?

Liteboxer is the only other similar check out alternative. It costs more at $ 1,695, but it gamifies the experience in ways that make it engaging.

There are other fitness services that offer boxing classes like Apple Fitness +, but while the subscription cost is extremely cheap compared to FightCamp, it doesn't match FightCamp's tracking or advanced classes.

How long it will take?

I've mentioned several times that FightCamp gear looks and feels like gear you find in boxing gyms. So far, there doesn't seem to have been any build quality issues in the two months I've been using it, but it's hard to say how long it will last in the long run. At least there is a one-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if you've had enough of all of those bike and HITT training services and equipment. Boxing isn't for everyone, but there's no harm in learning a few moves and combinations.

Editor's recommendations



11 Nov
Blog

Apple MacBook Pro (2021) In-Depth Review: Perfect Pro Laptop

The 2021 MacBook Pro with the lid open on a white table.

MacBook Pro (2021)

RRP $ 2,499.00

"It's the best MacBook Pro since 2015. And yes, it has a notch."

advantages

  • Incredible XDR display

  • Fantastic creative achievement

  • Extensive port selection

  • The keyboard and trackpad are perfect

  • Excellent speakers and webcam

  • Endless battery life

"We were wrong."

It's not a phrase you'll ever hear from a company like Apple. Nor will it crawl or ask for forgiveness.

Instead, Apple corrects its mistakes by releasing a product like the 2021 MacBook Pro. Whether it's the thickness of the case, the touch bar, or the ports, the MacBook Pro represents an inversion of almost every major design decision made in the previous generation.

And yet the 2021 MacBook Pro manages to be more than just a referendum on the 2016 MacBook Pro. It's brave in a way that makes it exciting, but familiar in a way that makes it comfortable. You could even call it the best of both worlds – that's exactly what you want from a “Pro” laptop.

One thing is certain: you don't have to apologize for it.

draft

The back of the MacBook Pro with the lid open.

If you take a step back, the 2021 MacBook Pro still looks a lot like a MacBook. It's still made from a unibody aluminum chassis, it's still available in silver or space gray, and there's still an Apple logo on the lid.

But the changes in this generation are not subtle enough to be overlooked. Black has become the dominant accent color and adorns both the Apple logo and the keyboard background. The black keyboard in particular looks like a statement piece when so many laptops have copied the MacBook look. Silver laptops with black keycaps have become ubiquitous in the laptop world, and the change to the MacBook Pro is refreshing.

It also instantly sets these MacBook Pros apart from the otherwise similar-looking MacBook Air (and 13-inch MacBook Pro). Like the Space Gray iMac Pro and its accessories, Apple uses the slightest change in color scheme to create a premium, exclusive feel. For this reason, the box is sure to come with a black Apple sticker. This is an expensive product and Apple would like to welcome you to the cool club. It's not dissimilar to the strategy used in the fashion and design industries.

The other small changes to the design include the removal of the "MacBook Pro" logo from the bottom bezel, new rubber feet on the bottom, and ultra-thin bezels on top. There is a tradeoff to this bezel, of course – although Apple won't hope you see it.

The notch

The notch of the MacBook Pro in which the camera module is located.

I've been wondering the idea of ​​a notch in a laptop since it debuted on the iPhone X in 2017. When companies like Dell pushed forward with wafer-thin bezels in the XPS laptops, Apple stayed on course with thick bezels in the years since then. In the early years of thin-bezel XPS laptops, a notch was even considered, but it never came into play.

And yet, to the surprise of almost everyone, the MacBook Pro 2021 has a large notch that hangs down from above and houses the camera module and a host of other sensors. It's a bigger and more intrusive notch than the iPhone, and it goes for a more boxy shape. And yes, Apple houses a number of important components in the notch that would have been very difficult to assemble without enlarging the frame or reducing the quality of the webcam.

I see the notch as a compromise, not a design flourish.

For the first time in a long time on a MacBook Pro, the notch ensures a frame of the same size in all directions around the screen and even enables Apple to introduce rounded corners. In that sense, it bears a lot of resemblance to the Surface Laptop Studio's screen.

However, the notch is also about branding. It does the same thing for the MacBook Pro as it always did for the iPhone, and creates a trademark. Like it or not, it's Apple's way of standing out in a sea of ​​identical plates and shells.

The MacBook Pro with the default wallpaper that hides the notch.

Do i love the look No i can't say I see it as a compromise, not a design flourish. However, given the options of a chunky top bezel (older MacBooks) or an inferior webcam (Dell XPS 15), this isn't a bad compromise. The notch looks more intrusive in the 14-inch model, which offers less space in the menu bar to accommodate the protrusion.

But in my time with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, it never got in the way. And thanks to the dark mode, default backgrounds, and translucency built into macOS, the notch wasn't as noticeable as I thought it would be. I don't like that your cursor completely disappears behind the notch.

Full screen mode was the only exception. I often use Split View when working and automatically move the top panel over the notch.

For the most part, Apple is finding sensible ways to get around the notch.

Size and dimensions

A side profile of the 2021 MacBook Pro.

Unlike the previous generation, the primary design tenet of the MacBook Pro 2021 wasn't ultra-thin. This is a departure from typical Apple products, but also offers creative professionals exactly what they wanted. Most would happily trade half an inch thick for extra power.

That's exactly what the 2021 MacBook Pro does. The side profile is thicker and rounder. And as some keen Apple historians have noted, it pays homage to an Apple laptop from 20 years ago, the Titanium PowerBook G4.

There are a number of reasons for the thicker chassis, including space for additional ports and better thermals. I have the 16 inch model, and it's now 0.66 inches thick and weighs 4.7 pounds. In both respects, that's significantly larger than the previous generation's 16-inch MacBook Pro. The 14-inch is just 0.05 inches thinner, but significantly lighter at just 3.5 pounds. Importantly, the 16-inch MacBook Pro I tested was larger than the previous generation Intel-powered, which was 0.02 inches thinner but almost half a pound lighter.

It's not often that Apple products grow in size, but then again, Apple's approach here is unorthodox. Many of the biggest features of the MacBook Pro 2021 simply destroy what the previous iteration insisted on. The Touch Bar is the most egregious example, and it's dead and gone on both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

Ports

It's no secret that the MacBook Pro is doing the opposite with its ports. While it took way too long to get here, Apple made what I think was the best possible port selection possible. You still get three Thunderbolt 4 ports for all of that powerful docking you might need. However, they are no longer your only options.

Initially, charging is mainly done using the MagSafe 3 power adapter on the left. What a wonderful return! Before the 2016 MacBook Pro, the intuitive MagSafe adapter has always been one of the distinctive technologies behind the MacBook Pro. And now it's back.

A side profile view of the MacBook Pro's port selection.

It's also better than ever. It is more powerful and can deliver up to 140 watts of power. That's more than you can charge through Thunderbolt 4. It also feels like it has a stronger magnetic grip and it's naturally thinner. It even has a chic braided cord, which is beautiful. The MagSafe 3 adapter is included, so you probably won't be charging via USB-C too often (unless you're like me and have USB-C chargers plugged into almost every wall outlet in the house). .

In addition to charging, the MacBook Pro has an HDMI port and a full-size SD card slot. Technically, you don't need either. But as a convenience, it's something that the target audience of this laptop will really appreciate. I wish Apple had done us a favor and made this an HDMI 2.1 port for the highest possible bandwidth. On the other hand, that's a lot more useful on a gaming laptop right now than anywhere else.

The SD card slot in particular is a must. So many MacBook Pro buyers will be transferring files from a camera to a laptop. This was something that Dell brought to the XPS 15 and XPS 17 a few years ago, and it's great to see Apple follow suit.

Finally, the MacBook Pro includes the latest connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

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The MacBook Pro 2021 marks the most significant evolution in the line's display technology since 2012. That shows how far Apple was ahead of the game at the time, but the competition has clearly caught up. It's not uncommon to see Windows laptops with great color accuracy and saturation, high resolutions, and even the use of OLED screens. The MacBook Pro was still among the best, but laptops like the 4K OLED Dell XPS 15 started to score higher in our tests.

The MacBook Pro takes the crown back, but not in a way that you might expect. Let's get down to the basic details first. It's a 16.2-inch screen with a rather strange resolution: 3456 x 2234. That means an increase in pixel density from 220 pixels per inch (ppi) to 250 ppi. That also means that at 15.4:10, it's slightly higher than the 16:10 aspect ratio. This also applies to the 14-inch model, only with a lower resolution of 3024 x 1964, which corresponds to a slightly higher 254 ppi.

The display of the 2021 MacBook Pro 16 inch.

Whichever one you choose, this will be the first Mac to receive the Liquid Retina XDR treatment, which also showed up in the iPad Pro in early 2021. These screens are operated with mini LEDs and not with standard LEDs. Mini-LED does not use individually illuminated pixels like OLED; Instead, they use thousands of local dimming zones that allow for deeper blacks and better contrast than LEDs.

This is exactly what I saw when I tested the screen with my colorimeter. In terms of black levels, the difference to OLED can hardly be distinguished. Both blow conventional LEDs out of the water and offer a much greater depth of quality.

To be clear, this MacBook Pro isn't brighter or more colorful than the previous model. It still achieves 100% sRGB and 90% AdobeRGB and a brightness of 475 nits. That's a lot bright, but you might be scratching your head over the 1,000 nits of sustained brightness Apple claimed in its announcement?

Well, that's for HDR content. And when it comes to supported content, it looks amazing. I went to YouTube first and found some HDR certified videos. If you already know about HDR on TVs, this is no surprise, but the visual difference is breathtaking. Switching back and forth between Apple's XDR preset and the default preset can be done right in the display settings, so the difference is easy to see. Highlights are brighter, the entire video is noticeably brighter, and in terms of fidelity, Apple's XDR implementation really brings the colors to life.

This is the best laptop I've seen for viewing and creating HDR content.

But let's be honest. Very few people buy a laptop to watch HDR movies. Finding HDR content on the web is still pretty annoying, and making sure you see it in HDR is even more frustrating.

Because of me. But the panel itself is commendable, especially since it now includes a 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate. This allows the screen to automatically adjust the refresh rate between 20 Hz and 120 Hz depending on what is happening on the screen.

If you still think that high refresh rates are only noticeable or beneficial to gaming laptops, just try turning off ProMotion and locking the screen at 60Hz. Once you've seen it it's hard to miss. Animations and scrolling feel a lot smoother. Heck, even the reduced ghosting of the cursor improves the overall look of the system.

While 120Hz is the same refresh rate as some other high-end laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio and the MSI Creator Z16, laptops like the Dell XPS 15 and HP Specter x360 16 still lack it.No other OLEDs exist yet – or mini-LED panel that supports 120 Hz, which makes the MacBook Pro's screen a unique proposition right now.

Webcam

Apple updated both the webcam and speakers this time. First off, it's the first MacBook Pro to feature a 1080p FaceTime webcam for a breath of fresh air. There was no way Apple could have got away with releasing another MacBook Pro with a 720p camera. This upgrade is significant and results in a much sharper, smoother feed for your laptop controlled video calls.

Of course, Apple isn't the only one making laptops with 1080p webcams. The Surface Laptop Studio has one, and the 5-megapixel cameras on the HP Elite Dragonfly laptops are impressive too. Webcams have never been more important and laptop manufacturers are finally starting to find out.

As expected, Apple's image processing is top notch. It really puts the 2021 MacBook Pro in a league of its own. Now there were times when I felt that the smoothing effects were a little too strong or the color balance was a little too warm. For example, compared to the 2019 iMac I have at home, it's a brighter and better processed image. It's not a perfect webcam, but it's the best you can find on a laptop – aside from none.

speaker

A top-down view of the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Pro 2021 maintains its reputation for delivering the best audio experience on any laptop. Apple increased the stakes this time with an improved six-speaker sound system. You still get two tweeters and four woofers, but they've each been upgraded for a more robust and bassier mix. The tweeters are both bigger, and Apple says the woofers now go half an octave lower.

This is quite a difficult thing to test myself out, but I can assure you that the 2021 MacBook Pros are a refined version of the previous generation. The bass booms harder and the stereo separation feels wider than ever. Of course, Apple was so ahead of the game that these little tweaks won't move the needle for anyone.

The spacing between the speakers on the 16-inch MacBook Pro and any laptop cannot be emphasized enough. Laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio and the Dell XPS 17 sound decent on their own, but are pale in comparison. The MacBook Pro actually offers a nice set of speakers for listening to music. You're still the only laptop I can say that about with confidence.

But more than that, chances are these will sound better than your average bluetooth speaker or computer speaker. I'm all for technology that makes another type of technology superfluous.

Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad, like the webcam and speakers, are without a doubt the best you can find on a laptop. No doubt on my mind

The keyboard has nice, springy keys with a comfortable 1.1 mm travel. This is the same Magic Keyboard as it was on the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro. Needless to say, yes, this is the replacement for the infamous butterfly mechanical keyboards of yore. I've loved this keyboard since it first emerged, and it's still one of the most comfortable and accurate laptop keyboards you can type on.

Apple MacBook Pro Review 2021 14

Apple MacBook Pro Review 2021 13

The Touch Bar is of course the big change from the keyboard in the 2021 model. It's gone. Broken. And for my part, I couldn't be happier. I'll admit that I loved the idea when it was announced, but after using it for many years I think it was a flawed premise from the start. The Touch Bar never kept its promise or received the support it needed to become something more useful.

So it's gone. And it has been replaced with something less ambitious but far more functional. The function line is back, but somehow improved. Well, Apple did it by increasing the size. They're now full-size keys, rather than the squat keys you'll find on almost every laptop, including older MacBook Pros. The Escape key is even wider and is flanked on the right by Touch ID. I love these changes.

I've always hated the miniature function keys on laptop keyboards – but I never knew I wanted them until I started using them. I've found that I don't type these keys incorrectly or reach for them as often. However, when making these keys bigger, Apple removed a few key function keys, namely the backlight brightness and the Launchpad buttons. There may be a keyboard shortcut that I am not aware of, but for now you can change the brightness of the backlight in the new Control Panel.

On the MacBook Pro, the keyboard brightness can now be found in the control panel.

I would have liked a slightly smaller escape key to make room for the brightness controls for the keyboard backlight, but everyone will have their own opinion on this.

The reason for this, of course, is that the larger the keyboard, the shorter the trackpad. This is certainly not a problem with the 16-inch MacBook Pro. It remains large and extensive and offers plenty of space for long swipes and multi-finger gestures. The Force Touch trackpad continues to stand out, simulating the feeling of a click with just a small motorized haptic feedback engine. We've seen this type of touchpad show up in other laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio, but the extra size of Apple's touchpad still makes it my favorite.

Price and configurations

Despite all the quality of life updates for the MacBook Pro, it really isn't intended for everyone. That's more true than ever for this latest generation of MacBook Pros, especially with the 14-inch model starting at $ 1,999. That price makes the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1) look downright quaint for $ 1,399.

The MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro make the 13-inch MacBook Pro obsolete, especially as it retains the Touch Bar and lackluster port selection. The MacBook Air remains the best choice for college students and anyone else who does not spend most of their time on a heavy-duty application.

The screen of the MacBook Pro 2021.

When you come across the 16-inch model I tested, you'll pay at least $ 2,499. My device came with the M1 Pro, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage for a total of $ 3,899.

That sounds like a lot, but the 16-inch MacBook Pro has always been expensive. The starting price hasn't changed, and you can still set it at over $ 6,000 for a device with 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. The sweet spot for you depends on what exactly your needs are. Very, very few people are going to need 64GB of RAM, and the $ 2,200 Apple is asking for 8TB of storage is outrageous. Somewhere in between is probably where you want to be, regardless of whether you end up going for the M1 Max or M1 Pro.

It's important to note that there are two versions of the M1 Max, one with a 24-core GPU and one with a 32-core GPU. Essentially, Apple is charging $ 200 for 8 more cores of GPU power. It should also be noted that only an 8-core processor is used in the starting configuration of the 14-inch M1 Pro. This is the same as the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, although the 14-core GPU should offer a significant improvement in graphics.

The lines get blurry on this lower-priced MacBook Pro, which is sure to be the most popular, but keep in mind that this is primarily a laptop for professional creatives. And for those who actually need a professional laptop, you've just found your ultimate tool.

Thanks to the vastly improved performance of the M1 Pro and M1 Max, these MacBook Pros can actually be used as professional content creators' machines. That means photo editors, color graders, website designers, programmers, video editors, 3D modelers, game designers, music producers, and more. If you're looking to try more than just these creative areas, it will pay off to put the money on one of these new MacBook Pros.

power

As I get my hands on more configurations of these new MacBook Pros, I intend to make more detailed comparisons between the different models, especially between the M1 Pro and the M1 Max. For now, however, my test unit was the 16-inch model with the M1 Pro. That means the 10-core CPU is paired with the 16-core GPU, all of which share 32GB of unified memory.

Both chips have two additional CPU cores (10 total) over the standard M1 (which is included in the 13-inch MacBook Pro and Air), and that helps with multi-core processing. If you look at how it fares in synthetic benchmarks, you can clearly see that a higher core count flexes its muscles.

Its multi-core score in Cinebench R23 was one of the highest laptop scores in our database and was only surpassed by the all-AMD Asus ROG Strix G15, a thick gaming laptop. The 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro also achieved 39% better results than the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro in this benchmark. The 14-inch model will likely end up a bit softer, but that's still more of an increase in CPU performance than I assumed with just two additional cores.

The real benefit is for applications that can take advantage of these enhanced graphics.

Handbrake is another CPU-bound application that I tested the machine on, and it had a similar increase in performance over the M1. The 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro encodes 4K video in H.265 38% faster than the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro. It's certainly a fast laptop, though it's beaten by laptops like the Asus Vivobook Pro 16X. Laptops like the Acer Swift X, Dell XPS 15, and Razer Blade 14 were only five or six seconds slower.

But the real improvement here is in the graphics. The M1 Max, in particular, offers GPU performance that is designed to rival discrete graphics cards found in competing gaming laptops and creative laptops. My device came with the M1 Pro with 16 GPU cores, which doubles the eight found in the M1.

The graphics on the 14-inch model are particularly noteworthy. While I haven't tested this particular model myself, the fact that both sizes use the same graphics configuration is a big deal. After all, the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro already had an 8-core CPU and a discrete GPU. Despite some thermal concerns, it was already a pretty powerful creative laptop. That was never the case with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 14-inch model fills that void, offering a really powerful option in a smaller size (and lower price than the 16-inch model).

The MacBook Pro with an Adobe Premiere Pro benchmark.

The real benefit here is in applications that can use these graphics. An obvious example is video editing in an application like Adobe Premiere Pro, which now runs natively on Apple Silicon. PugetBench for Premiere Pro tests everything from timeline playback to exporting to applying GPU effects. Here the M1 Pro also impresses in operation in the emulation. The export score wasn't very impressive, but it was still 29% faster than the M1. An 8-core Intel or AMD processor in combination with a discrete Nvidia graphics ensures a faster export time.

But when it comes to video playback, the MacBook Pro absolutely flies. It easily scores the highest score we've ever got in this test, and even outperforms gaming desktops and workstations. The MacBook Pro was designed for such tasks, and it is certainly one of the best video editing laptops you can buy. If you choose the M1 Max model, you will likely get a higher export score as well.

The MacBook Pro is not alone in this endeavor, however. There is no doubt that 2021 was a year of high-performance 14-inch laptops, be it the Razer Blade 14, Surface Laptop Studio, or Acer Swift X. However, unlike all of these laptops, the implementation of the MacBook Pro is the cleanest . The notebook's surface stays pleasantly cool at all times, and there is practically no fan noise. It's hard to compare this to a laptop like the Razer Blade 14, which is constantly buzzing and making your palms sweat.

Gaming performance

Apple didn't put the graphics at the center of the MacBook Pro for the purpose of gaming. And as Apple's graphics power increases, this point becomes clearer and clearer.

Finding heavy games that can pose a real challenge to the MacBook Pro is a challenge in itself – there just aren't a lot of modern AAA games on the platform. But there are a few, and I've tested Fortnite, Civilization VI, and Rise of the Tomb Raider.

Rise of the Tomb Raider on the 2021 MacBook Pro.

In Fortnite, when comparing the M1 Pro to the M1, you can play at high settings at almost 60 frames per second (fps) instead of being degraded to medium. That's closer to an RTX 3050 or 3050 Ti, which isn't too surprising. This level of graphics can be found in laptops of very similar size, such as the Surface Laptop Studio or the Asus Vivobook Pro 16X. Again, the main difference the MacBook Pro brings is the lack of fan noise. The fans on the MacBook Pro are practically inaudible in almost all situations, even while gaming.

The comparison wasn't so cheap in Civilization VI. The M1 Pro MacBook Pro averaged 64 fps in medium settings and only 49 fps in Ultra. Being 35% slower than the Surface Laptop Studio shows the importance of optimization. Civilization VI has always performed poorly on the Mac platform, and it's no different here.

Gaming is still no reason to buy a Mac, even on the powerful M1 Max MacBook Pro.

Often referred to as one of the few AAA titles designed for Macs, Rise of the Tomb Raider also struggled to hit 60 fps on the MacBook Pro. At the highest settings in 1920 x 1200, an average of only 40 fps was achieved and at medium settings 47 fps. In comparison, the Surface Laptop Studio averages 70 fps at medium settings, which is 33% faster.

Overall, the graphics performance of the M1 Pro is incredible. Aside from the M1 Max, they would be the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one system-on-a-chip package. However, they are not remarkable in terms of performance alone, especially not with the 16-inch model. We've seen 16-inch MacBook Pros with discrete graphics, and the 16 GPU cores here don't necessarily blow an equivalent discrete mid-range card out of the water.

Things may look different with the M1 Max, especially the 32-core GPU option. I'll know as soon as I've tested it myself, but with double the GPU cores like the M1 Pro, I expect it will actually improve gaming performance quite a bit.

But that doesn't make it a proper gaming laptop yet. But the games are simply missing. Unless Apple Arcade really takes off, gaming will never be a reason to buy a Mac, even on the powerful M1 Max MacBook Pro.

Battery life

Efficiency has always been the greatest strength of Apple's M-Series chips. Because of this, the M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air were miles ahead of the competition in terms of battery life.

Somehow, the 2021 MacBook Pros go even further. The 16-inch model I tested achieved a new record in our database for battery life when surfing the Internet. Our custom script goes through a number of popular websites until the battery runs out and the 16-inch MacBook Pro lasts for over 18.5 hours. When I say the MacBook Pro is a multi-day laptop, I mean it. Several full working days went by for me without having to recharge it.

The 2021 MacBook Pro, half open.

The only laptops that even come close to this battery life are some of the current AMD Ryzen systems. The Asus Vivobook Pro 16X OLED lasted 16 hours and 15 minutes, while the AMD-powered Surface Laptop 4 lasted 13.5 hours. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the champion far and wide. It shows how much efficiency Apple can save by not having to build a hot separate GPU into its laptop.

Besonders beeindruckend ist auch die Standby-Zeit. Wenn Sie es eines Tages halb aufgeladen gelassen haben, ist es ein paar Tage später nicht tot. Das verlängert die Lebensdauer des MacBook Pro erheblich. Ich habe nur nicht annähernd so viel nach meinem Ladegerät gegriffen.

Laut Apples Schätzungen wird das 14-Zoll-MacBook Pro drei Stunden weniger Akkulaufzeit haben als das 16-Zoll-Modell, was hauptsächlich auf die unterschiedliche Akkugröße zurückzuführen ist. Der 16-Zöller hat einen 99,6-Wattstunden-Akku, während der 14-Zöller nur einen 70-Wattstunden-Akku hat.

Our opinion

Das MacBook Pro 2021 ist der Pro-Laptop, auf den Mac-Fans fünf Jahre gewartet haben. Es ist eine Rückkehr zum Ruhm für ein Produkt, das sich lange Zeit veraltet und untermotorisiert anfühlte. Es hat die besten Lautsprecher, Webcam, Tastatur, Trackpad, Display, Akkulaufzeit und Portauswahl aller Laptops, die ich je getestet habe. Das ist viel, um in einem Laptop richtig zu stehen. Unterdessen wird die Leistung diejenigen zufriedenstellen, die eine Maschine suchen, die mit ihren Arbeitsabläufen mithalten kann, insbesondere diejenigen, die in anspruchsvollen, kreativen Bereichen arbeiten.

Gibt es Alternativen?

Auf der Windows-Seite gibt es eine Reihe leistungsstarker, aber kompakter Laptops, wie das Dell XPS 15 und XPS 17, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, MSI Creator Z16, Surface Laptop Studio und viele mehr. Diese Laptops enthalten alle separate Nvidia-Grafiken und die meisten enthalten auch bis zu 8-Kern-CPUs.

Es gibt eine Vielzahl von Gründen, sich für einen dieser Laptops gegenüber dem MacBook Pro zu entscheiden. Einige sind leistungsfähiger, einige haben interessantere Designs und viele sind billiger. Aber keines bietet das Gesamtpaket, das das MacBook Pro bietet.

Wie lange wird es dauern?

Die Hoffnung bei einem so teuren Laptop besteht darin, dass er mindestens über fünf Jahre hält. Das MacBook Pro soll deutlich einfacher zu reparieren sein als in früheren Generationen. Während Arbeitsspeicher und Massenspeicher noch angelötet sind, scheinen Komponenten wie der Akku oder die Anschlüsse austauschbar zu sein, was die Lebensdauer des MacBook Pro um Jahre verlängern könnte.

Wie immer bietet Apple auch mit AppleCare+ erstklassigen Kundensupport. Es ist teuer, aber es verlängert die Standardgarantie von einem Jahr erheblich.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Es ist das beste MacBook Pro seit über einem halben Jahrzehnt und der beste Laptop für Entwickler, den Sie kaufen können.

Editor's recommendations



11 Nov
Blog

Battlefield 2042 Review: Battlefield Reaches A New Peak

A helicopter attacks players in Battlefield 2042.

Battlefield 2042

RRP $ 59.99

"Battlefield 2042 is packed with valuable multiplayer content and takes the long-running shooter franchise to new heights."

advantages

  • Captivating scale and spectacle

  • Develops and improves classic modes

  • Impressive variety of content

  • Specialists reinvent every battle

  • Portal has potential

disadvantage

  • Danger zone feels unbalanced

  • Stability problems

The easiest way to think of Battlefield 2042 is that it's Battlefield 3 or 4, but bigger. The game features massive 128-player matches on equally huge maps and offers players a choice of weapons and vehicles. The only place where 2042 loses some weight is in the single player mode that players can usually expect with Battlefield games.

Battlefield 2042 is a pure multiplayer game, and as such, its developers have gone out of their way to create a varied experience. In addition to playing some classic Battlefield modes that have been grouped under the cover of the All-Out Warfare game mode, Battlefield 2042 offers players two more options: Hazard Zone and Battlefield Portal. While additional modes always felt like dead weight in previous Battlefield games, the two new additions to 2042 shine in their own ways, making this year's entry a first-person shooter not to be missed.

Battlefield's next step

Battlefield 2042 is a multiplayer first person shooter that specializes in goal-based matches. The main Battlefield experience consists of the game's classic modes, including Conquest, Breakthrough, and Rush. Despite not being able to play Rush, I got into a few rounds of Conquest and Breakthrough and can attest that the heart and soul of Battlefield 2042 is not only present, it is being strengthened.

As I fought on the great, giant maps of Battlefield 2042, I felt like I was in the prime of Battlefield 3 or 4. With a wide variety of weapons and vehicles at my disposal, I could attack my enemies and their targets in any way I wanted. Specialists and the game's new open approach to loadouts have only doubled the degree of freedom of the game.

Soldiers jump off a building in Battlefield 2042.

Specialists are one of the most controversial new features of 2042, but one that I really enjoy. The special characters have their own passive and active abilities, from hacking vehicles to keep them from firing, to putting down watchtowers. They are another way for players to turn any card to their advantage or turn an encounter in their favor. And although not every specialist is made the same, they all have their moments to shine.

In keeping with the theme of giving players options, the Battlefield 2042 scale does just that. Regardless of what map I was playing on, I had a multitude of options for what I wanted to do at that moment. I could drive a tank to a target, pick up a helicopter, stand back and shoot, or delve into the details of one of the dozen of fights that are taking place at any moment. With 64 players competing against each other on each team, there is always a new conflict to plunge into. If a fight isn't going well, there is no need to adjust your class to suit the situation. Just go and fight somewhere else.

In each of those moments, I howled, had fun, and experienced something that can only be gotten in a Battlefield game.

The openness of All-Out Warfare, of course, leads to some of those practically protected Battlefield moments. In just two hours of play, I did things that I couldn't do in any other game. I shot down a helicopter with the main cannon of a tank, wrecked a car full of players with a repair tool, and forced another player to jump out of their tank by ramming them so hard with mine that they topple over. In each of those moments, I howled, had fun, and experienced something that can only be gotten in a Battlefield game.

Battlefield 2042's emulation of the heyday of Battlefield 3 and 4 even comes without the shortcomings of those games. During my stint at 2042, I didn't throw any vehicles or weapons off balance. Tanks are strong but can easily be taken out by other tanks or players. Attack helicopters, which were nearly indestructible in Battlefield 4, are slow and vulnerable. Fights, no matter how they are fought, are almost always balanced.

The multitude of options also applies to weapons. The arsenal of Battlefield 2042 is broad, varied and can be changed in the blink of an eye. While players cannot simply switch to a different loadout, the game's "plus menu" system is a game-changing addition that allows players to swap out their weapon attachments on the fly. As a DMR user, I was able to quickly equip my weapon for hand-to-hand combat after fighting from a distance.

Fight in a tank in Battlefield 2042.

Without a doubt, Battlefield 2042 should be played through conquest and breakthrough. Both modes make perfect use of the enormous size of the game. Battles rage across huge maps, vehicles transport players from destination to destination, and there are always new ways to approach a situation. Bottlenecks are no longer so pronounced thanks to larger maps, so that the action never stops. From start to finish, I was busy playing one of these modes.

Hazard allowance

The same cannot exactly be said of any of the new Battlefield 2042 modes, Hazard Zone. Instead of having two teams of 64 players compete against each other, eight squads of four players (on PC and next-gen consoles) are flown onto a map and have to fight against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure data drives. With the drives in hand, players then have to get out of the map in a helicopter. The idea, however, is that only one squad can escape safely.

Hazard Zone is related to Escape From Tarkov for lack of a better comparison. By killing enemies or capturing drives, players make money that can be used to purchase new weapons, gear, and other gear. This new equipment can then be taken into the next Hazard Zone game, giving the winners an edge over the competition.

This leads to a potentially diabolical cycle in the later life of Battlefield 2042. The early adopters (and winners) of the game mode will always have a head start on other players thanks to a large war chest that provides them with good weapons and other equipment. The winners will continue to win while everyone else loses due to a serious imbalance in funds.

The Danger Zone setup screen in Battlefield 2042.

But this problem is far away, and I didn't have to deal with it during my review. In my experience, Hazard Zone is a fantastic addition to the Battlefield repertoire, albeit with a few flaws. After being thrown into a huge map and being asked to kill enemies and collect drives, players need to communicate. Hazard Zone is by far the most communication-dependent game mode in Battlefield 2042, and at launch the game will not have in-game voice chat. That means players have to join a roster with three other friends if they want a solid chance to win a match in Hazard Zone, a luxury not everyone has.

But if you have a squad and can communicate, Hazard Zone is a brilliant game mode that puts aside the destruction and scale of Battlefield as a franchise in favor of tactics. During my time with the game mode, my teammates and I figured out where to go before moving to make sure no one is ever left alone to be picked up. In combat, we worked together, marking targets that our rocket-wielding teammate could take out.

Hazard Zone is a successful experiment that needs few tweaks to shine as bright as All-Out Warfare.

This collaboration was supported by the specialists of 2042, which really made the game mode shine. The right specialist can turn the tide of a fight or end one before it even begins. I've spent most of my time playing as an Irishman who can break down little barriers wherever he wants. That meant that no matter where my team fought, we always had cover. Other specialists like Falck, Boris and Paik have been incredibly strong in the danger zone thanks to the support they provide to your squad.

A soldier stands next to a downed satellite in the danger zone of Battlefield 2042.

I admit that I had danger zone concerns when I first heard about it. I tried Battlefield's previous foray into the battle royale genre and I honestly hated it. But Hazard Zone is a successful experiment that only requires a few tweaks to shine as bright as All-Out Warfare. With no adequate way for teammates to communicate without being friends, and a gameplay loop that constantly favors winners, I just hope the developers can hone what should become an integral part of the Battlefield franchise.

A blast in the past

While All-Out Warfare is a refined version of the Battlefield experience and Hazard Zone is a successful experiment, Battlefield Portal presented itself as the weird during my time with the game. Portal is essentially the 2042 creation suite that allows players to create their own game modes with tons of options. There is even a rudimentary coding system in place.

In my limited experience with 2042, these options have been used to create simple game modes including a quick free-for-all mode and another where each player can fire a single missile and get another by just jumping five times. They weren't particularly fun to play but served as a successful proof of concept. Players who choose to spend enough time learning about the Battlefield Portal systems can create some fantastic game modes that can potentially rival those of the game's in-house developers. While I haven't seen anything like this during my time with the game, I'm more than excited to see what comes after it launches.

The highlight of the Battlefield Portal for me was when it was used to emulate old experiences rather than generate new ones. Game mode gives players access to a select amount of content from Battlefield 1942, Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 3, as well as everything from 2042. As such, I was able to play Rush on Bad Company 2's Arica Harbor. With a few tweaked settings, I couldn't punish while sprinting, aim a shotgun at the visor, or lie down, just like in this cult classic from the Battlefield franchise. Simply put, it was magical.

The same goes for Battlefield Portal's version of Battlefield 3's Caspian Border, which, like any other non-2042 map, has been redesigned in game mode with improved graphics. The map and its massive, collapsible tower now look even better for returning players and is a treat for newbies. Playing a game of Conquest on the map just struck me with another dose of nostalgia that leaves me hoping that other maps from previous Battlefield titles will get the same treatment.

The mode offers a wealth of tools and options for creators that are now only needed by creators.

I don't really feel like I saw the Battlefield Portal climax during my time with it. I had to play some half-baked custom game modes, but the star was a trip back in time with replicas of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3. It doesn't seem like it. The Battlefield Portal is more geared towards player-created content than reliving old entries in the Battlefield franchise. If I really wanted to, I could only play Battlefield 3 at a time. But I'm optimistic that people will take advantage of the tools offered on the Battlefield Portal and create some stunning modes for others to use. The mode offers a wealth of tools and options for creators that are now only needed by creators.

Buyers beware

The Battlefield 2042 review process has generated some red flags that are worth knowing. EA only distributed PC codes for the game. Critics had to meet a minimum specification requirement to review. While this is a cross-platform game (with both current and last generation consoles), any Battlefield 2042 review you read will likely be from someone who played the game on a capable PC. We don't know how the game runs on consoles, including the PS4 and Xbox One.

Without the ability to play Battlefield 2042 on consoles, how well does the game run on platforms other than PC? Simply put, we don't know. The game runs reasonably well on PC, but I ran into problems. While reviewing the game, my PC crashed once and increased the system memory usage from 50% to a maximum of 98% several times. The PC used to test Battlefield 2042 has a total of 16GB of DDR4 3200 MHz RAM, the amount the game lists as recommended in the datasheet.

Our opinion

Since Battlefield 2042 is only online, it had to make up for its lack of any single player content with a variety of great online content. The game's developers have not only achieved success in this regard, but have gone beyond. All-Out Warfare is a fantastic evolution of the classic Battlefield experience and modernizes the franchise with more scope, spectacle and play options than ever before. The Battlefield Portal and Hazard Zone also shine in their own way, with the former proving that it can serve as a base for players to create their own unique experiences within 2042. If a future Battlefield title skips these two modes, I might think they are incomplete.

Still, Battlefield 2042 isn't perfect. The version of the game that I played, and which players will also have access to when it launches in Early Access on November 12th, has performance issues. 2042 is also in-game without voice chat, a feature that will be added after the game's official release on November 19th. With these issues aside, Battlefield 2042 is still one of the best first-person shooters I've played all year and it's becoming a highly visited part of my PC's library.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for a different kind of shooter experience, Call of Duty: Vanguard is out now. However, nothing corresponds to the scale and quality of 2042.

How long does it take?

Since this is a pure multiplayer game, there is no "completion" of Battlefield 2042 in the traditional sense. That being said, it should be easy for gamers to get hours of entertainment out of the various modes.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Battlefield 2042 is the new highlight of the franchise and one that no Battlefield fan should miss.

Editor's recommendations



10 Nov
Blog

Urbanista Los Angeles Review: Free Power On Sunny Days

Man wears Urbanista Los Angeles.

Urbanista Los Angeles

RRP $ 199.00

"As long as you spend a lot of time in the sun, the solar-powered headphones from Urbanista Los Angeles will free you from charging."

advantages

  • Solar charging really works

  • Secure fit

  • Real-time power meter in the app

  • Huge 80 hour battery

disadvantage

  • Only works under optimal conditions

  • No EQ settings

Urbanistas $ 199 Los Angeles – the very first set of solar powered wireless headphones – are here. And yes, they actually charge up when exposed to natural and electric light. But what is it like to use them and how much light do they need? We tried them to see them.

Power meter

Urbanista makes several models of wireless headphones and true wireless earbuds, but the company never felt the need to develop a companion app for iOS or Android. Due to its ease of use, no app was required. But if you decide to sell the world's first solar powered headphones, you really need a way to show people how this whole solar thing works. So Urbanista made their first mobile app, and it's, ahem, brilliant.

Once you've connected the Los Angeles to your phone via bluetooth, the app allows you to switch to a screen that has a huge power meter on it. On the left side of the display, the amount of energy that the headphones sip from the ambient light is shown in yellow. On the right, the amount of electricity that the cans consume is shown in red.

In an ideal world there would be a constant balance between yellow (your profit) and red (your consumption), so if you started your day on a full battery, you'd end the day just like that. In theory, you could then repeat this balancing act every day and never have to plug the Los Angeles into a charger.

Mad Dogs and English

Urbanista Los Angeles.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Oh, and as you may have guessed, this is easier said than done. Noel Coward famously wrote that only crazy dogs and English people go out in the midday sun, and if you follow that behavior too, you will not only keep the battery from draining, but you will end up harvesting more energy than you use. But unless this describes a typical day for you, the more likely you will break even or end up in a performance deficit. That's because the Los Angeles solar panel – completely hidden in a perfectly normal-looking headband – needs a lot of direct light.

As I type this in my home office, I am sitting about three feet directly under a light fixture powered by a single 100 watt equivalent LED lamp. And while the frosted glass of the lampshade scatters the light laterally, the underside of the shade is actually a clear lens that tends to concentrate the amount of light that is aimed directly at my head. Nevertheless, the Urbanista app shows that the Los Angeles can hardly draw 0.1 mA of current, while the power consumption of the headphones is 2.3 mA. In other words, I use 23 times more energy than I absorb.

Urbanista Los Angeles is held under a light.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It could be worse. Right now I'm not using Los Angeles Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Ambient Sound Modes and I'm not listening to any music. If I were to activate these functions, the current would jump up to 7.5 mA or up to 10 mA depending on the selected volume etc. At this speed, the headphones' impressive 80-hour battery capacity would last for exactly 80 hours and no more.

To significantly increase the power drawn, I had to hold the headphones directly under the light and even then the power meter indicated I was barely running on a break-even basis.

None of this is a criticism of Los Angeles' solar technology or their Powerfoyle solar technology – I don't know of any solar module that could deliver significantly more power with the same area. But it is a reminder that Urbanista's promise of “virtually infinite game time” should be seen as worthwhile rather than fully achievable. It's worth noting, however, that on a bright October day in Toronto I got a 45 minute walk with ANC and tunes at 50% volume, and when I returned (after trying a little bit to stay on the sunny side of the street) I still had as much battery life as when I left.

Sunny sounds

Urbanista Los Angeles seen alongside Urbanista Miami.Urbanista Los Angeles (left) and Urbanista Miami. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista based the Los Angeles on its Miami wireless headphones, and the two models share more than looks. Her sound signature is very close, with very good clarity about the frequencies and with a slightly forward approach that works well on beat-heavy tracks.

I think it's very good that Urbanista has found a way to keep this balance across the entire volume range. There is no distortion as you approach the top of the dial. As long as you are in a quiet place, even the lower volumes will provide good overall sound quality.

Of course, if you don't like the Los Angeles vote, there's not much you can do. Although Urbanista created the app for these cans, it didn't add any EQ adjustments.

But one big change from Miami to Los Angeles is Urbanista's decision to remove the 3.5mm analog input jack from the right ear cup. Perhaps more room was needed for the Los Angeles' larger battery, or perhaps it was a cost-saving measure. Regardless of the reason, it's an odd choice for a socket set that is meant to free you from worrying about a power outage. Should the 80-hour battery ever run out, the lack of an analog input means no more melodies until you find some sun or a socket.

Stands still

Man wears Urbanista Los Angeles.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of my favorite aspects of Los Angeles is how safe they stay in place. I have a pretty small head and I find that some headphones just don't clamp tight enough to keep them from slipping. But the Los Angeles are impressively stable and haven't moved the entire time I've been wearing them. I don't recommend exercising with full-size headphones, but if that's your thing, the Los Angeles will be happy to keep you company.

The only thing missing in the comfort department is more space for the ears. The ear cushions are deceiving: They enclose a large part of the ear cups and make them look plush and deep. But they're really incredibly flat, with only a few millimeters for your ears. Over time, I found that this created bruises.

The controls are easily accessible, with buttons on the side of each earcup so your thumbs can quickly find them. However, the play / pause, volume up / down, and skip track controls on the right earcup are very small, very close together, and quite difficult to distinguish. I have no idea how you would use them with gloves on.

Ordinary ANC

Urbanista Los Angeles.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The best noise-canceling headphones can pretty much eliminate external noise, but don't expect this level of performance from the Los Angeles. Instead, think of it as noise reduction. When activated, ANC takes away the annoying background noise such as traffic or the constant roar of a fan or aircraft engine. But it's just a respite from the very lowest frequencies – the higher pitches will still come through.

Transparency mode (or ambient noise, as Urbanista calls it) is similarly effective – it definitely brings in the outside world, but it doesn't quite destroy the feeling that you're still wearing headphones.

My biggest criticism here is that the Urbanista app lets you decide whether you want to use the ANC button to turn ANC on and off, turn ambient noise on and off, or let ANC on> environment on> cycle off. But you can't set it to just jump back and forth between ANC on and Ambient on, which are arguably the two most important settings.

Good for calls

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As with most full-size headphones, the call quality is pretty good. It's not great, but it is perfectly adequate for speaking, even in moderately noisy environments. Sometimes the ambient noise cancellation circuitry can lower the volume of your voice when it tries to silence the other noises, but this will only be an issue if you insist on answering calls at busy intersections.

Who are they for?

The Los Angeles are essentially a good set of wireless headphones that happen to have a solar panel built into the headband. If you spend most of your listening time outdoors, in sunny or even partly cloudy conditions, you will enjoy the promised benefits of unlimited performance. But for most of us, this benefit is fleeting at best: we might not have to plug in the headphones that often (especially given the impressive 80-hour battery), but we still have to plug them in. Is this? Worth the $ 50 premium Urbanista charges over the similar $ 149 in Miami? Sun seekers would probably say yes.

Editor's recommendations



10 Nov
Blog

How To Start An Organic Vegan Skin Care Routine

Ready to start a vegan skincare routine but not sure where to start? As more people adopt a plant-based lifestyle, vegan beauty products are on the rise. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of vegan skin care products that are natural, organic, and 100% cruelty free. Here is our guide to incorporating vegan skin care into your everyday life.

What Makes a Skin Care Product Vegan?

Our senior skin care trainer, Natalie Pergar, explains that vegan skin means that there are no animal by-products in the products. Customizing your skin care routine to suit your lifestyle doesn't have to be a difficult change. And whether or not you are vegan is only one factor in your interest in vegan skin care products. For example, you might want to reduce your consumption of animal products. Anyone can use vegan skin care products, so at Eminence Organics we have a vegan option for every step of your skin care routine.

As well as making vegan products, Eminence Organics is committed to remaining a 100% cruelty-free brand. For over 10 years we have been recognized by the Leaping Bunny Program, a globally recognized standard for cruelty-free products. With a rigorous standard for Leaping Bunny Program approved companies, we are committed to maintaining this certification.

With the following vegan skin care routine, you can be sure that each of these products is cruelty free and formulated without parabens, animal by-products, synthetic colors, or petrochemicals.

1. Cleaner

Start with a clean slate. Wash your face mornings and evenings with a vegan cleanser, even if you're not wearing makeup. A thorough cleansing not only removes pore-clogging oil and impurities, but also prepares your skin to better absorb the benefits of the following skin care products. Use lukewarm water gently; vigorous rubbing may cause irritation.

Our recommendations:

2. Toner

Follow up with a vegan-friendly toner. Toners round off the cleansing process by removing stubborn impurities and providing the skin with the moisture it needs. Natalie calls it the "conditioner" for your cleansing. Using the right toner in your day and night care will balance your complexion and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine.

Our recommendations:

3. Mask (optional)

If you like, you can apply a vegan face mask once or twice a week. Face masks contain high amounts of concentrated vitamins and nutrient-rich ingredients that make the skin appear healthy, youthful and resistant to environmental pollutants. In addition to moisturizing and moisturizing the skin, masks can be used to combat skin problems like acne and the visible signs of aging.

Our recommendations:

4. Serum, concentrate or face oil

Your daily routine should also be one Serum, concentrate or face oil. These moisturizing products contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients that are tailored to your specific skin problems and conditions. They also help neutralize the visible effects of dehydration or environmental stressors. You can use one at a time, or you can layer multiple oils and serums in the order of the consistency of the product texture, from the lightest to the richest.

Our recommendations:

5. Moisturizer

Keep your skin soft, supple and protected with an organic vegan moisturizer. This care step not only smooths rough and dry skin, but also supports the skin's natural lipid barrier. A healthy moisture barrier is essential for all skin types so that your skin retains moisture and repels harmful and drying irritants. You can choose to apply your daily moisturizer morning and evening, or opt for a richer night cream in the evening for overnight treatment.

Our recommendations:

To learn more from Natalie about how to start your vegan skincare routine, watch the video below:

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GrZFoeOg3k (/ embed)

When you're ready, your Skincare Routine, discover our range of vegan skincare products by contacting an Eminence Organics Spa partner near you.

This article was originally written by Alisha Whitley in 2018.

10 Nov
Blog

Logitech Pop Keys Review: A Typewriter for the Modern Age

Logitech Pop Keys in Daydream color scheme.

Logitech Pop Keys put to the test: a modern mechanical keyboard with retro charm

RRP $ 99.00

"The Pop Keys mechanical keyboard from Logitech is a stylish and modern interpretation of the venerable typewriter of yore."

advantages

  • A modernized version of the keys on a typewriter

  • Satisfactory mechanical buttons

  • Easy pairing with up to three devices

  • Logi Bolt support

  • Emoji key

disadvantage

  • No backlight

  • No replacement keycap options at this time

The humble keyboard doesn't often conjure up images of a beautiful work of art. It is often perceived as a more useful device.

Yet the simple keyboard exerts so much creative power – some of the greatest writers of our time, from Mark Twain to Ernest Hemingway and Maya Angelou, wrote their best works on a keyboard (more precisely a typewriter in most cases). . With its latest Pop Keys keyboard, Logitech aims to inspire by combining the retro charm of typewriters with some of the best technology today.

The Logitech Pop Keys is a mechanical keyboard that is highlighted by bright colors, support for modern connectivity, and even emoji keys for modern communication. While not the first keyboard to mimic the old-world charm of typewriters, Logitech's $ 99 Pop Keys is perhaps the most accessible and affordable modern mechanical take on what has become a relic, especially when compared to the QwerkyWriter S for $ 299, the Azio MK retro keyboard for $ 220, or the Rymek Knewkey for $ 164.

draft

Logitech Pop Keys color palette.

The first thing you'll notice about Logitech's Pop Keys is that they come with a "pop" of color. The keyboards are available in bright colors, including Daydream, which combines mint, yellow and lavender keys, a pink heartbreaker, or the classic Blast, which is available in black and yellow. The designers at Logitech claim that the keyboard was developed for Generation Z users who want more individuality and personality in their workspace.

Although I was initially wary of the stark contrast of the blast unit for review – I'm more used to a floating sea of ​​beige or black keys that are more common on corporate desks – the bumblebee-colored keyboard was playful but not garish like some Gaming keyboards. I found the color fun and the accented keys brightened my desk in unexpected ways. Unfortunately, more professional key colors are not available and I would still like the option for subtle, adult colors for everyday use.

Logitech Pop Keys versus Logitech MX Keys Mini.

My Blast keyboard comes with a yellow keyboard deck that is accented by a sea of ​​circular floating black keys with yellow glyphs. Like the MX Keys Mini, the keyboard is designed to work with both Mac and PC. Some of the modifiers and special keys on the keyboard – Control, Function, Shift, Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, Enter, and more – are gray with yellow glyphs.

While the Qwerkywriter and KnewKey attempt to be a more authentic reproduction of the tools that preceded them, the Pop Key takes a more minimalist, modernized, and deconstructed design into its aesthetic. It comes with more modern buttons – the dictation and microphone mute buttons are one of my favorites along with the new emoji support – and the design is a playful interpretation of the typewriter buttons and not a faithful reproduction of the chrome-framed buttons found on the KnewKey and Qwerkywriter.

Logitech's latest Pop Keys keyboard has dedicated emoji keys.

At 321.2 x 138.47 x 35.4 mm, the Pop Keys keyboard is slightly wider than the MX Keys Mini – you get a similar keyboard layout, but the former comes with an additional column of emoji shortcuts next to the full-size arrow keys compared to the latter's more compressed inverted T layout. The mechanical key switches also make the Pop Keys thicker overall.

Emoji shortcut is the second biggest feature of the Pop Keys that sets this humble keyboard apart from the competition. In addition to standard writing, Logitech is banking on emoji as the future of communication, and the pop buttons come with four pre-installed emoji buttons and four additional buttons in the box that can be swapped out. A fifth emoji button brings up the full emoji menu so you can choose any emoji or character you want.

While the purpose of these new buttons is to help users communicate with emojis, which Logitech claims is the fastest growing language in the world, the buttons can be customized to launch certain emoji characters (even if these characters are not defined by the supplied keycaps). via the downloadable Pop keyboard customization software.

As with the MX Keys Mini, you won't find an extended keyboard layout with a dedicated number pad in the Pop Keys. The more compact size, Logitech claims, makes this keyboard more ergonomic if you don't use spreadsheets or numbers a lot.

The golden escape button.

Our Blast keyboard comes with a metallic, lacquered, copper-colored escape key that enhances the typewriter aesthetic of the keyboard. Purists may complain that the escape key is the lone key in a different color, but the brass-like finish gives it a vintage vibe.

There are function keys in the top row next to the Escape key. These buttons can also be used to switch between device inputs – the Pop buttons can be paired with up to three devices, like Logitech's Premium MX series for work. You'll also find keyboard shortcuts for controlling media playback, a voice dictation button, a screenshot button, and a microphone mute. That final key was a godsend during the pandemic as Zoom calling has become the new normal.

There's a sleek back bar protruding from the back of the keyboard in a design that mimics Logitech's MX Keys and MX Keys Mini. This bar houses the battery compartment; two AAA batteries are required. The company claims that fresh batteries last around three years after typing. A power switch on the right edge of the keyboard helps to conserve the battery when not in use. Personally, I would have loved if the Pop Keys came with internal batteries that could be charged via a USB-C cable, but company executives claimed that Logitech appealed to a different, less tech-savvy audience than those who did use the MX series.

Typing experience

A splash of color with the Logitech Pop Keys

Unlike traditional desktop productivity keyboards, the Pop Keys use mechanical key switches – a design more commonly found on gaming keyboards – for a more responsive and satisfying typing experience. Logitech didn't name the type of switch used on the Pop buttons, but the design and typing feel similar to Cherry MX switches.

This means the keyboard was relatively quiet, especially since it's a mechanical keyboard, and it didn't require as much force as other premium gaming keyboards. And thanks to the concave, circular design of the keycaps, the keys wrap well around the fingertips and are stable, even if you press the keys from the edge of the keycaps rather than from the center.

When we asked about the key travel and actuation force, the company's executives were similarly reluctant and did not provide any information about the pop keys. We found Key Travel to be generous. And the moderate actuation force means you don't have to use too much finger force to move the keys, but simply touching the key while typing doesn't register accidental key presses.

It took me a solid hour to actually type and adjust to the pop keys, and I have found that even if you are experienced with typing or using a mechanical keyboard, some adjustments are required. The main reasons are that the round keys, while eye-pleasing and pleasing to the eye, and the key spacing mean that those typing with more vulnerable wrists and fingers may find fingernails catching the key when the keys are pushed up directly above it or your fingertips can brush adjacent buttons. This problem becomes very evident in those who come from flatter keys on notebook keyboards

Raised keys on the Logitech Pop Keys

While you initially get used to Logitech's button design, this may slow down your typing speed and accuracy, but things will normalize in about an hour.

Compared to the click-clack typing sound of the original Qwerkywriter (not the newest Qwerkywriter S), the Pop Keys make a deeper and more satisfying “thunk” sound when the keys are pressed. I prefer the low tone that the Pop Keys make as I found that less distracting, especially if you are sharing the office space. The auditory comparison is similar to comparing the butterfly key switches on a MacBook Pro from 2016 with the MX Keys from Logitech. Apple's standard laptop keyboard – which has since been upgraded to scissor switches on newer models – had louder, hollow sounds compared to the low-frequency response of the MX Keys and MX Keys Mini.

Looking at the key switches on my HP Omen Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, the Pop Keys definitely feel stiffer and require more actuation force, but it's more satisfying when you're typing a long document or looking to become the next Hemingway. While the keys of the Omen sound hollow and rattle a little when typing quickly, the keys of the pop keys seem more stable.

The only thing missing from the Pop Keys that would have made them even more perfect would be the backlight. Logitech wouldn't have to offer the crazy RGB lighting that's standard on many gaming keyboards, but even a subtle white glow – or lighting that is color-coordinated with the Blast's key colors – would have been nice for night-time typists. The inclusion of backlit keys makes the RK Royal Kludge – a keyboard with similar round, typewriter-inspired keys – an attractive alternative to the Pop Keys.

Although the Pop Keys are not lacking in full backlighting, there are a total of five LED lights on the keyboard. There are three white LEDs, one on each of the pairing buttons to identify which device you have paired with the keyboard, an LED indicator on the caps lock key, and a green LED on the right keyboard deck to indicate that the pop keys are activated are switched on.

Emoji

Logitech Pop Keys comes with special emoji buttons.

In addition to being the fastest growing language, a useful perk of emoji is that the characters also impart more empathy and help you connect with your audience. This is especially important during the global pandemic, where most of our communication is digital and a significant part of our interaction is virtual.

According to a study by Logitech, over 88% of users are likely to feel empathy for someone who uses emojis in their communication, and given the prevalence of emojis in casual and some professional communication, like Slack and Microsoft Teams messages, they are quick to hit Access to these special characters is particularly useful.

Heartbreaker colored Logitech Pop Keys.

To use the emoji buttons, you'll need to download software from Logitech, which is available for Windows and macOS. The keyboard also works with Chrome OS, Android, iPadOS, and iOS devices, but you can't map or use the emoji buttons.

With the software downloaded and installed, Logitech gives you many customization options with the emoji. You can map the emoji to match what is displayed on the button – for example, the smiling face with the heart-eye button shows the same emoji on your screen when pressed – or you can map the button to a different emoji than on the indicated key caps. In the latter case, if you often use the celebration emoji or the fireworks emoji, you can either assign the keycap that shows the smiling face with heart eyes.

The software allows you to universally map the emoji for all apps, or you can use different emoji for different apps. For example, if you use a specific emoji when communicating via WeChat or iMessage, you can assign it to one of the keys when you are in that app, but you can assign the key to another emoji when you are in another app.

Interchangeable emoji buttons and switches on the Logitech Pop Keys.

In addition to emoji, you can map any of the five emoji buttons along with the top row of function keys to perform various tasks. If you're not using an emoji, you can, for example, map one of the emoji buttons to show Mission Control or open Launch Pad on your Mac. A second emoji button can be used for copy and paste, access to the lookup menu, or other functions.

This software defined key mapping really makes the Pop Keys even more customizable and personal, whether you're a Gen Z, typist using emoji, or more of a traditional keyboard user who just wants more keyboard shortcuts.

And since the keyboard comes with a total of eight emoji keycaps – four on the keyboard and four in the box – switching between keycaps is very easy. All you have to do is grab the keycap with your finger and pull up to remove the cap, then push the keycap down on the “+” shaped switch to replace it .

Software to customize the function of the emoji buttons on the Logitech Pop Keys keyboard.

This process can be applied to any key on the keyboard, and Logitech says that in theory you can replace any key on the Pop-Keys because it uses an unnamed, standard switch mechanism. I hadn't tried the mix-and-match philosophy here with the alphanumeric keys, but you can in theory replace the keys here with square keys instead of round keys, although that's the purpose of buying a retro-inspired tool like the Pop Keys. However, company officials warned that this could affect key spacing, key travel, and the fit of each keycap.

And as with the MX Keys series, there are toggle switches for switching between three coupled devices with the function keys F1, F2 and F3. For example, you can easily switch between a MacBook Pro, Windows PC, and iPad Pro if you switch between them frequently for your workflow. The Pop Keys connect to your preferred computing device via Bluetooth, and a Logi Bolt connection dongle is also included if you need a more secure, reliable connection between the keyboard and your PC. To make it easier to carry the dongle, the Pop Keys have a dedicated slot in which the Logi Bolt connection is located when you are not using it.

Logitech Pop Keys in Daydream color scheme.

Logitech also has an accompanying pop mouse that is color-coordinated with the same color options from Blast, Daydream, and Heartbreaker. The Pop Mouse is part of Logitech's Studio series and is similar in design to the company's existing Pebble mouse. It comes with a scroll wheel and a dedicated button that can be customized, like the emoji keyboard keys on the pop keys. With the mouse, you can use a different emoji key, or assign that key to perform another task through Logitech software.

Our opinion

Logitech Pop Keys and Pop Mouse are part of the Logitech Studio Series.

The Pop Keys from Logitech bring a lot of playful mood to stoic desks with their splash of color. While the Pop Keys may have their stylish inspiration from typing tools of yesteryear, the Pop Keys isn't your grandfather's typewriter – this keyboard artfully blends its old world charm with modern technology like strong connectivity options, long battery life, and support for emoji to inspire the next generation of creatives.

are there alternatives

At $ 99 for the Pop Keys and $ 39 for the Pop Mouse, there are plenty of alternatives to these Studio-series peripherals. Some of the most notable competitors for the Pop Keys include other retro-inspired keyboards like the Qwerkywriter S, Rymek KnewKey, and the Azio MK Keyboard. All of these keyboards have similar mechanical switch mechanisms and circular keys that remind them of typewriters, but none offer the same modern day versatility of the pop keys, including dedicated emoji keys, media and function keys that can be customized, and support for Logi Bolt. Another attractive feature of the Pop Keys is that they are between $ 100 and $ 200 less than some of their closest competitors.

How long it will take

Logitech's Pop Keys, like previous typewriters, will last you a very long time. The batteries last for three years, and when you replace them with fresh batteries, they will last much longer. While replaceable batteries aren't as good for the environment as rechargeable internal batteries, you don't have to worry about the batteries holding a charge as the Pop Keys ages. This means that you don't have to throw away an otherwise perfectly usable keyboard after years because the internal battery has exceeded its lifespan, you can simply swap in new batteries and continue with this keyboard. Logitech offers a one-year limited hardware warranty for the Pop Keys in the United States and most parts of Asia, although you get a two-year warranty if you buy the keyboard in Japan and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Should I buy it

Yes, if you rely on or use emojis, the Pop Keys are an invaluable tool for your home or home office. Although designed with teenagers and tweens in mind, the Pop Keys is a fun keyboard that will brighten up any room. Logitech has modernized the typewriter for the modern age.

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