29 Sep
Blog

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania Won’t Make You Go Ape

GonGon rolls over a stage full of bananas.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania

RRP $ 40.00

"Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is a welcome but imprecise remake that lacks detail."

advantages

  • High resolution graphics

  • Lots of customization options

  • New modes and ways to play

  • Classic soundtrack available as DLC

disadvantage

  • Stages without details

  • Shaky controls

  • Unforgettable story and soundtrack

  • Some weak party games

While 20 years have passed since the original Super Monkey Ball was released, the game remains true to its arcade roots. That coin-op influence is still felt in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, the franchise's newest installment.

Banana Mania is an "extended" HD remake for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X / S. It brings together all of the courses from the first three games in the series: Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, the last of which was just a compilation of the first two games, effectively making Banana Mania a compilation of a compilation. The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku, a Sega-affiliated development team with strong ties to Amusement Visions (the developer of the original game) and published by Sega.

I went to Banana Mania and I was expecting the best. Super Monkey Ball was a staple of my childhood: spending long hours huddled around the TV with my younger sister, handing the controller back and forth as we tried to torment our way through the expert level. We yelled at each other as we blew our monkeys up in Monkey Race and pushed each other off the stage in Monkey Fight. We both played the original game so many times that at this point it was mostly muscle memory. In stark contrast, I mostly played Banana Mania alone, curled up on my sofa, trying to figure out each phase for myself.

While the game is undeniably Monkey Ball, it felt like Monkey Ball through a filter: warped and just different enough to get me off my game. It's more of a chore than a fun flashback.

The main attraction

Banana Mania draws its narrative and many of its stages from the Super Monkey Ball Deluxe story mode. The friendly monkeys AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon and Baby just want to enjoy some bananas, but the nefarious Dr. Bad-Boon steals them all and sends the monkeys on a journey through the world of the game to get their yellow fruits back. The story plays a much smaller role than in Deluxe; There is no dialogue and very little actual story content. It's more of a disgustingly cute loose thread that connects the game's themed worlds. After seeing the first short cutscenes, I wanted to skip them and just get on with the stages. Narrative is not really a strong (or necessary) part of Monkey Ball. The complete courses of Monkey Balls 1 and 2 are also considered part of the main game and are referred to as "Challenges".

AiAi tries to avoid a rotten banana in Dark Banana Mode.

The gameplay retains the arcade-like, point-oriented feel of the original titles while doing a few tweaks to ensure Banana Mania doesn't look like it was ripped out of an arcade cabinet. I no longer had to worry about using up my entire life or losing my points after falling off a stage too many times, which made things easier. The stages range from frustratingly satisfying to simply frustrating: nothing compares to that Dark Souls-like feeling when you finally make it through a difficult period, but most of the time you just want to spam the new helper mode or use points to skip stages. The game aims to remove many of the frustrations that come with getting stuck at a certain stage, but make no mistake, Banana Mania is just as tough as the other games in the series.

It doesn't feel improved, just different.

Even so, the harshness often feels unfair. Much of Deluxe's ​​time-based level design won't hold up in 2021, and the new levels are tricky rather than challenging. The controls feel both too stiff and too sensitive, and fighting the camera was often more difficult than actually completing a level. The challenge courses of Monkey Balls 1 and 2 feel mostly the same, but the physics and movement potential are just so different that my GameCube muscle memory has failed. It doesn't feel improved, just different.

Side shows

The game includes a variety of "party games" from the history of the series. These mini-games range from the more traditional ones like Monkey Bowling and Monkey Soccer to the more unusual ones like Monkey Dogfight and Monkey Boat. The quality of the games also ranges from pretty good to terrible. Monkey billiards is a lot of fun and the A.I. is strong enough to keep you going. It also includes a new user interface that will help you aim your shot better than ever. Monkey Baseball, a simplified form of baseball very similar to the Toy Field mode in Super Mario Baseball, is also fun once you master the stiff controls.

The game includes a variety of "party games" from the history of the series. The quality of these mini-games ranges from pretty good to terrible.

On the other hand, Monkey Boat is terrible. Despite HD and 4K upscaling, the water textures retain the transparency of the GameCube era and the courses are boring in both graphics and gameplay. Monkey Target takes away all of the fun of the original by skewing the controls to the point where it is almost impossible to land on the targets, which above all makes it a frustrating exercise. Most of the other games are just … fine. Many of them now contain archaic, meter-based mechanics for determining strength that feel antiquated in the era of motion control.

Sonic stands triumphantly next to some rings in the Storm world.

When you are tired of the main story and party games, you can spend a little time decorating your monkey and trying out new modes. The game features a large number of playable characters from Sega history, including Sonic and Tails, Kazyma Kiryu from Yakuza, and Beat from Jet Set Radio. There are a variety of costumes and ball styles that can be purchased with points earned through the main game and party games. The shop also sells unique stages that come with different modes that do everything from reversing the starting point and destination area of ​​the stages to converting the normally scoring bananas into items to avoid.

Banana Mania is pretty generous with its points: I was able to buy pretty much anything I wanted in the store simply by playing a couple of the main story worlds and each of the party games once. The costumes are cute and I like to customize my monkey.

The devil is in the details

In many places the game has made a conscious decision to optimize or adapt details from the original Monkey Ballgames, especially when it comes to the sound. While some of the sound effects are nostalgic, others have been removed altogether – why doesn't there make a sound when your monkey's ball is moving extremely fast? The speaker's voice is also a bit annoying, but it has never been Monkey Ball's forte. (Why is "foul" pronounced like "foal" in Monkey Baseball ?!) One thing that was the show's strong point was totally botched here: the music. Banana Mania's soundtrack is absolutely memorable and pales in comparison to the funky grooves of the original Super Monkey Ball. Do yourself a favor and get the Original Soundtrack DLC for $ 5.

One thing that was the show's strong point was totally botched here: the music.

You'd think that in an HD remake it would make sense to upgrade the original game's environments to at least the standard of today's Switch games, but the environments look the same as in the original game, only sharper. In many cases this means that part of my screen has been taken up by a huge HD area of ​​relative nothing. I would have loved to see more details, or at least some upgrades, to the 20 year old Super Monkey Ball worlds of Monkey Mall and Desert, but they look essentially the same, and that's not a great thing.

Baby is floating through a plane.

Our opinion

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania should include everything fans love about the series: skill-based difficulty, great music, fun mini-games, and excellent replayability with a good group of friends by your side. Unfortunately, this collection feels like a hasty remake that throws the precise controls and stellar music of the original tracks overboard. The charm and fun gameplay of the original games are still there, but this remake doesn't feel like a huge improvement over the classics.

How long it will take?

Super Monkey Ball games are infinitely repeatable and Banana Mania is no exception. The game features online leaderboards and time leaderboards, which means that players who really want to get the best of times will have plenty to do. Those who are less competitive are better off sticking to local multiplayer of party games.

Is there an alternative?

If you're looking for newer levels, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz is available for Nintendo Switch. If you want to experience the original stages in all their arcade glory, check your local retro game store for a copy of Super Monkey Ball or Super Monkey Ball 2.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. If you're new to the series and want to try it out (or don't own a GameCube or Wii), Banana Mania is worth a try, if only to experience the original stages and music. But if you've never been curious, this imperfect remake of the series isn't going to sell you.

Editor's recommendations



28 Sep
Blog

Logitech MX Keys Mini Review: Like the Original, But Smaller

Logitech MX Keys Mini looks great in graphite.

Logitech MX Keys Mini reviewed: Honey, I made the keyboard smaller

RRP $ 99.00

"The Logitech MX Keys Mini offers the same great typing experience in a smaller, more ergonomic experience."

advantages

  • Comfortable typing experience

  • Compact and lightweight for on the go

  • Ergonomic

  • Advanced features

  • Sustainable design and packaging

disadvantage

  • Expensive

  • Cannot be used as a wired keyboard

How do you improve a near-perfect keyboard? It's a good problem for Logitech with its MX Keys peripheral, which quickly became a fan-favorite keyboard at retailers like Amazon.

Logitech's solution was to bring a more compact version of its critically acclaimed keyboard in the form of the MX Keys Mini and MX Keys Mini for Mac. Both the standard and compact keyboards have similar layouts, with the one made for the Mac edition containing Apple-specific keys such as the option and command keys. Versions with international keyboard layouts will also be available.

It's not for the serious mechanical keyboard enthusiast, but most others will find a lot in what Logitech did with the MX Keys Mini.

draft

Logitech MX Keys Mini offers a more compact design.

Smaller doesn't mean tight. Like the regular MX Keys, the MX Keys Mini has full-size keys for easy typing. To shrink the dimensions of the keyboard – the standard version measures 131.63 x 430.2 x 20.5 mm – Logitech removed essentially everything to the right of the Enter key and repositioned the arrow keys in an inverted T layout. This reduces the width of the MX Keys Mini by 134.21 mm to 295.99 mm.

This is equivalent to a size reduction of just over five and a half inches – or 30%. The compact dimensions make the MX Mini more portable, making it easier to slip into a smaller bag when you need a better keyboard for remote typing. The real benefit, however, is that a narrower keyboard makes typing more ergonomic.

Logitech MX Keys versus new MX Keys Mini.

The new size reduces the weight of the keyboard from 810 grams to 506 grams. Much of the weight is due to the solid construction of the keyboard, which has a full metal shell on the top that surrounds the keys in an island style. There's a thin plastic strip that extends from the top of the keyboard, and this area houses the sensors, battery, and circuitry. The other dimensions have also changed slightly, but are largely similar to the original model.

Like the original, the mini edition has individual keys with a circular indentation on the keycap, a design feature that helps with typing. The chiclet key layout looks a lot more modern than the 1990s-style keycaps on mechanical keyboards, and looks like you could have taken them straight off a laptop. The company claims that the dimple on each key adjusts to your fingertips as you type, and automatic backlighting is available for night work too.

The MX Keys Mini is available in three colors – rose, graphite, and light gray – and features white LED-backlit keys. A built-in battery provides up to 10 days of use on a single charge with the backlight on, or up to five months of no-light use, claims Logitech, and it can be charged using the included USB-C cable. The keyboard version that we received for testing is made of graphite and comes with slightly darker gray keycaps and white lettering.

Our model isn't made for Mac, but it also comes with dual keys that support Mac and Windows – for example, the Apple Option key can be used to activate the Start menu on Windows, while the Command key can also serve as the Alt key on the Microsoft operating system. If you're a Mac user looking to take over the MX Keys Mini, the major downside is that you won't find a Touch ID fingerprint scanner on this third party keyboard.

As part of the company's commitment to sustainability, the MX Keys Mini is made with up to 30% recycled plastic, however the amount of recycled plastic in the lighter shades will be far less than the darker graphite color variant. That's because, according to the company, it's way too difficult to extract and recycle plastics from existing keyboards – which are often made from darker materials – and convert them to lighter colors like those found on the pink and light gray keyboard .

Typing and functions

Logitech MX Keys Mini side profile.

Many of the key functions of the larger MX Keys are carried over to the MX Keys Mini, including the ability to pair and use the keyboard with up to three different Bluetooth devices. The keyboard has alternate keys in the row of functions for switching between devices. Logitech claims the keyboard will work on a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS.

The company will also release a special Enterprise version that uses a more secure and proprietary Logi Bolt connection. This B2B model requires a special USB-A dongle, while the consumer model that you can find in many retail stores works with Bluetooth.

1.8 mm travel is sufficient for long sessions with comfortable typing.

Logitech didn't provide any key travel and pitch specifications for the MX Keys Mini, but they feel no different than the full-size original, advertised as 1.8mm of key travel. This makes the key travel comparable to what you'd find on some larger professional laptops and gaming laptops. Many smaller laptops in the 13-inch range have keys with 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm of travel, while some larger 15-inch notebooks have keyboards with 1.5 to 1.8 mm of travel. In any case, 1.8 mm of travel is sufficient for long sessions with comfortable typing.

For comparison, Apple's newest Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Pro has a 1mm shorter key travel that uses a new scissor switch implementation, while the company's older butterfly keys on some older Intel-model laptops only provided 0.7mm of key travel.

The MX Keys Mini feels like it was made for those who love laptop keyboards but prefer to work at their desks. While my MacBook Pro keyboard feels different when typing – Apple's keys are less stiff and louder – the similarly sized Logitech offers the same ergonomic experience. When I paired the Logitech MX Keys Mini with my Apple Mac Mini on my desk, it really felt like I was working on a mobile workstation.

Logitech MX Keys Mini can be connected to up to three devices.

If you are used to working on a laptop without a built-in numeric keypad, a similar arrangement in an external keyboard makes it easier to customize and helps with ergonomics if you have the right desk setup. An external monitor would be ideal, but even if you choose not to connect a second monitor, putting your laptop on a stand helps as you won't stretch your neck to look at your laptop's screen.

And when you add the right external keyboard to the setup, you get an even more comfortable PC environment with a larger key travel. Moving the keyboard closer to your body can also reduce arm fatigue.

Logitech MX Keys Mini comes with a dedicated emoji key.

And to accommodate more modern communication modes, the MX Keys are also equipped with some special keys that make it easier to get your message across. There's an emoji button that brings up an emoji picker so you can choose the best emoticon to use, for example, to express yourself in an email, and a new dictation button helps you control your operating system's voice-to-text engine to type with your voice.

power

If you consistently work on two or three different devices as part of your workflow, the MX Keys Mini is for you. Pairing multiple devices allows you to connect up to three devices without the need for a KVM switch and also saves desk space as you don't need a separate keyboard for your desktop and a second tablet, like an iPad Pro or SurfacePro 8.

Like its bigger brother, the MX Keys Mini offers a very comfortable typing experience with its full-size keys. Compared to the butterfly key switches on my aging MacBook Pro 13 inch, the keys of the MX Keys Mini are deeper, stiffer (since they require more actuation force) and a little quieter. A quieter keyboard could be useful if you share a small apartment with someone else and prefer to work at night.

The backlight turns on automatically when your hands approach the keyboard.

LED-backlit keys on a wireless keyboard aren't a new technology, but Logitech has made some smart upgrades to make this popular staple even better. Like the backlit keyboard on many modern laptops, the backlight can be adjusted manually – there are six levels of brightness, and you can also turn it off – or automatically based on the ambient light in the room.

Thanks to magnetic sensors, the backlight can also turn on automatically when your hands approach the keyboard. This feature may sound trivial, but it is extremely useful. On other keyboard models, the backlight turns off after a period of inactivity to save battery life. To turn the backlight back on, you need to tap any key on the keyboard randomly to wake it up.

If you press a non-character key, such as the Shift key or the Ctrl key, everything is fine. However, if you tap any of the character keys like a letter, you are accidentally adding gibberish to your open document and will have to delete any additions you made. Distorting the MX Keys Mini's magnetic field to wake up a backlight is an ingenious solution to a problem many didn't even know they had until they started using the Logitech keyboard.

Logitech MX Keys Mini supports Windows and Macs.

Since the keyboard has full-size keys, it didn't take me any time to get used to the keyboard and was able to type accurately and quickly right out of the box. My typing speed and accuracy on this model rivaled that of keyboards on Apple, Lenovos, and HP laptops, and I had no problems with typing accuracy. The deeper key travel feels more similar on Windows laptops than it does on Mac laptops.

As someone who mainly works on a laptop, the biggest criticism of the MX Keys Mini is that the keys feel a little too stiff. While key travel is generous, the Logitech keyboard's keys require greater actuation force before they move. The greater force required to operate it could result in increased finger fatigue, at least until you get used to the keyboard. It took me about a day to acclimate and once I did it, the MX Keys Mini delivered one of the better typing experiences with responsive switches outside of a mechanical keyboard.

Logitech did not provide precise actuation force measurements for the Mini, but in general the typing experience is very similar to that of the larger MX Keys. If you are experienced with the MX Keys you will feel right at home here. Compared to Apple's external Magic Keyboard that comes with the iMac, the MX Keys feel a little quieter when typing and require a little more force to operate.

Mac users who choose this keyboard will have to forego Touch ID support, a feature supported by some of Apple's newer external keyboards. However, this is not limited to Logitech as no third-party Mac keyboards currently support fingerprint recognition on Mac. Since most Windows systems rely on face scanning with Windows Hello, this may be less of a concern for PC owners.

Logitech MX Keys Mini charges via USB-C.

The MX Keys Mini comes with a single USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and can be connected to your PC or Mac via Bluetooth. The Mac edition comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable instead. tThe keyboard's USB-C port is used for charging only and you cannot connect it to your PC to use it as a wired keyboard. You can still charge the battery while using it via Bluetooth.

While I didn't experience any lag or latency from the wireless connection, if you're concerned about Bluetooth security or around, you can also opt for the MX Keys Mini for Business model, which works with Logitech's proprietary Bolt standard Make input delays. Logi Bolt, as it's called, also works with Bluetooth if you don't take the adapter with you when you travel.

In my weeklong review of the MX Keys Mini – this test was done entirely with the MX Keys Mini connected to a MacBook Pro via Bluetooth – I was unable to discharge the battery. During the day the backlight was generally turned off to save power and at night I let the keyboard automatically adjust the backlight to the available ambient lighting.

Despite the added convenience of a narrow keyboard, the MX Keys Mini is not designed for ergonomics.

Compared to a wider, full-size keyboard with a number pad, the MX Keys Mini's narrower keyboard makes working on long documents more convenient, although it may not be the ideal solution for a finance or accounting job. If you work with a lot of numbers or live in Excel spreadsheets, you're better off using a keyboard with a dedicated number pad like the full-size MX keys.

The Logitech team informed me that the narrower dimension was designed for ergonomics. It's supposed to reduce muscle fatigue by reducing your arms spread as widely and resulting in a more natural posture at the desk. But despite the added convenience of a slim keyboard, this keyboard is not designed for the same ergonomics as the split-design keyboard.

Another advanced software-based feature of the MX Keys and MX Keys Mini is called Flow. For Flow you need an MX series mouse, such as the MX Master 3 or MX Master Anywhere. Once these devices are paired on multiple computers, you can essentially copy and paste text, files, and documents between Mac and Windows devices. This helps simplify your workflow so that you don't have to rely on USB drives or cloud storage to access a document that is on another paired device. In practice, it works really well, adding to the support for pairing multiple devices.

Our opinion

Logitech doesn't shy away from experimenting with a proven formula to improve its existing products. By removing its popular MX keys while keeping the keys at full size, the company has made arguably the best keyboards on the market even better by making it more portable and focusing on ergonomics.

are there alternatives

At $ 99, the Logitech MX Keys Mini will cost the same as the full version when shipped next month. So you're making a compromise between ergonomics and a dedicated number pad for entering data in spreadsheets. There are plenty of other wireless and wired keyboards competing in the same place as the Logitech MX Keys series, but keep in mind that you'll be sacrificing some of the more advanced features – deep key travel, flow, and sophisticated backlighting – if you choose for cheaper models.

Some brand competitors include Apple's Magic Keyboard, which sells for the same price, or the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, which adds a $ 50 premium. There's also Microsoft's Premium Designer Compact Keyboard, which costs $ 50 less than what Logitech has to offer.

How long it will take?

The MX Keys Mini is covered by Logitech's one-year limited hardware warranty, while the MX Keys Mini for Business with Logi Bolt support has an additional year of support.

A premium keyboard like the MX Keys Mini should last for many years. Unlike a laptop, there aren't many innovations in the keyboard area that will warrant an upgrade to a newer model anytime soon, so this device should last as long as the rechargeable battery can be charged.

Should I buy it?

Although expensive as a Bluetooth accessory, the MX Keys Mini is a solid investment that will help you stay productive and keep your body happy thanks to its thoughtful ergonomic design. It offers the great typing experience that the original MX Keys offered in a more compact package.

Editor's recommendations



27 Sep
Blog

Hot Wheels Unleashed Review: Banking Hard On Nostalgia

Hot Wheels Unleashed Review Unveiled

Hot Wheels Unleashed Review: Going Hard on Nostalgia

RRP $ 49.99

"Hot Wheels Unleashed starts very fast, but ends up as a flat kart racer."

advantages

  • Breathtaking look

  • Great track design

  • Innovative track builder

disadvantage

  • Simple racing mechanics

  • Loot boxes to unlock new cars

  • Pointless game modes

  • No change in gameplay

The kart racing genre is packed with standout titles, each with their own twists and turns. Mario Kart is the undeniable king, but tons of other franchises – Sonic and Crash Bandicoot, to name a few – have their own somewhat unique karting games. Hot Wheels Unleashed then rushes into the fray of this competition and screams, “Look how realistic our cars are!” Before promptly being blown away like a piece of paper on a racetrack.

That's because Hot Wheels Unleashed, a fun kart racer, quickly shows its flatness when you start playing. Behind its extremely impressive graphics, Hot Wheels Unleashed is about as naked as it gets, offering an extremely simplified kart racing experience that had so much potential to be more and a bevy of ultimately boring content.

A brilliant start

The experience starts strong and goes from zero to sixty. When you start it for the first time, Hot Wheels Unleashed gives you three “blind boxes”, a tastelessly named loot box. Players are instantly given three cars to use in races, and the first glance at their stunningly rendered plastic and aluminum is all it takes to get someone hooked.

A Hot Wheels racetrack in Hot Wheels Unleashed.

Before it's fun or inventive, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a nice game to check out. Everything from the cars themselves to the tracks players drive is breathtakingly detailed. You can even look under the cars and find Mattel's name (copyrighted of course) and “Made In Malaysia” on the plastic. The game's vinyl tracks look spectacular and the sunlight that shines from them and the cars is eye catching. These are, of course, the visuals you would expect on a PS5 or PC. If you're playing the game on a last-generation console, the visual shock and awe may not be as expressive.

Regardless, I got sucked into the vibe of Hot Wheels Unleashed for the first two hours that I played it. The game is just fun to watch, and its racing mechanics are equally impressive, although that feeling quickly fades.

Racing in Hot Wheels Unleashed is awfully easy. There are no power ups on tracks, with the only quirk of the game being how it handles boosting. By drifting or simply driving along, your car builds up thrust, which you can then use to detach yourself from a car driver or to catch up with the leader.

However, not all boosts are created equal. Cars in Hot Wheels Unleashed are extremely varied, each with their own stats for speed, acceleration, braking, handling, and of course, boost. Some cars have individual boost charges while others have a counter that can be spent at any time. Of course, this system means you will be directed to every car that has impressive statistics. You can also upgrade any car with gears, either of the game's two currencies, but upgrading a vehicle from an ordinary tier to a legendary one is incredibly expensive.

Before it's fun or inventive, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a nice game to check out.

That being said, there is an unspoken genius in the track design of Hot Wheels Unleashed. Some races are wonderfully unique and open, with one thing left on my mind that forced me to run a 180 degree corkscrew to land my car after driving on an inverted maglev. Another section from another race made me pull off the track for a single turn, instructing me on where to go from a handful of traffic cones. Except you can drive outside of those cones in-game, so I'd pull a tight drift and completely bypass the usual corner in favor of my much faster shortcut.

In Hot Wheels Unleashed, a car with hot wheels jumps on a track.

So it's a shame that Hot Wheels Unleashed never makes full use of any of these concepts. If you try to skip a distance with a certain imagination, you will be sent back to the last checkpoint. Gravity and tricks almost never come into play, save for a few standout tracks. With more frequent use, these ideas could have made Hot Wheels Unleashed stand out from the rest. However, instead of accepting this weirdness, the game tries to be a no-nonsense racer and eventually becomes total boredom.

Slowly to the goal

The more I played Hot Wheels Unleashed, the more problems I saw with the game. Aside from the clear tendency to push players to specific cars instead of what they wanted, the game's main single player mode was quickly getting old. The mode called Hot Wheels City Rumble lets players go from race to race, which normally wouldn't get tiring in a game like Mario Kart.

Hot Wheels Unleashed's races, however, have little that defines them. Yes, the tracks are quite varied, only a handful have been repeated during my playing time, but at some point the races start to mix into a big jumble of vinyl and neon. Thankfully, there's a pretty good reason to stick with these races. If you win a race, players will be rewarded with gears, cosmetics, and coins that can be used to buy more blind boxes.

The Hot Dogs car from Hot Wheels UnleashedDriving a hot dog car is one of the best new additions to Hot Wheels Unleashed

However, these cosmetics are not for your cars; They are for one of the most redundant pieces of content in the game. Every player has a basement that can be adjusted to their hearts' content, and it's pretty much a man's cave for a Hot Wheels-obsessed millionaire. Players can customize this area to their liking with unlocked sofas, chairs, computers, walls, floors, and more. The attraction, I think, is that you can then race around in this area. However, it's hard to see the trophies in boxes or paintings hanging on the wall when your camera is two inches off the floor.

However, instead of accepting this weirdness, the game tries to be a no-nonsense racer and eventually becomes total boredom.

The only innovative feature of Hot Wheels Unleashed is the track construction. Right from the start, players can take full advantage of every single unique route in the game. It allows players to take advantage of the ideas that were given up by the game's developers, which I can only hope will happen in the end.

Our opinion

Aside from its stunning looks, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a toothless kart racer who relies too heavily on the nostalgic glasses and the Hot Wheels brand to wear instead of the solid ideas that are barely implemented in the end. What players get with Hot Wheels Unleashed is the same experience I had with many of my Hot Wheels as a kid; I was entertained for a couple of hours, then I got bored and threw it in a box.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy the game. Those few hours have been full of spectacle because it's just impossible not to get caught up in the sights and sounds of the game. At some point, however, it takes more than driving a hot dog car over a vinyl strip to interest me.

Is there a better alternative?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the king of kart racers and will likely remain so until Nintendo decides to make another Mario Kart title.

How long it will take?

Defeating Hot Wheels Unleashed's City Rumble mode will likely take 15-20 hours. Trying to collect every car in the game could bring that to over 30, by my estimate.

Should you buy it?

No. Hot Wheels Unleashed is all glitter with no substance and becomes dull too quickly to justify its price.

Editor's recommendations



26 Sep
Blog

Corsair M65 RGB Ultra Wireless Review: An Icon Goes Wireless

A side view of the Corsair M65 wireless mouse.

Corsair M65 RGB Ultra Wireless in the test: An FPS symbol becomes wireless

RRP $ 130.00

"The Corsair M65 RGB Ultra is the latest gaming technology in an iconic design."

advantages

  • Blunt, comfortable design

  • Optical mouse switches

  • Tilt gestures

  • 26K DPI sensor

disadvantage

  • Expensive compared to the wired version

  • Much heavier than other high-end mice

Corsair's M65 is an FPS (first person shooter) icon in the world of gaming mice. After seven years and several iterations, Corsair has shown that the M65 design is going nowhere. However, the M65 RGB Ultra Wireless is something new. It's the first time the design is wireless, and at a price that the range has never seen before.

While the M65 was never a budget option, the first wireless variant pushes the price down to almost double the wired version and eventually pushes the mouse over the $ 100 mark.

Still, the M65's comfortable design and tunable weight system make it a great choice for the serious FPS player.

draft

M65 Ultra Wireless on pink background.

Corsair has made a few versions of the M65 since its introduction in 2014. And the design has mostly stayed the same. It's a large, stocky mouse with a pronounced bump on its back that's perfect for palm and claw gripping. I use the palm grip and the M65 Ultra Wireless gives me just enough to hold on to.

Like previous versions, this one is equipped with an aluminum frame that gives the mouse a feeling of weight. In contrast to the previous Elite version, the M65 Ultra Wireless has a surface structured on both sides, similar to Corsair's Dark Pro RGB. I love the addition as it just adds a touch of grip to an otherwise matte design.

Even if 18 grams doesn't sound like a lot, it makes a big difference.

Just like its wired counterpart, the M65 Ultra Wireless comes with six removable weights. They are divided into three sections so you can choose to have internal weight, external weight, both, or neither. In addition to shifting weight from 110 grams to 128 grams, the weights are also distributed to adjust the center of gravity.

Even if 18 grams doesn't sound like a lot, it makes a big difference. The M65 Ultra Wireless is a heavy mouse to begin with, especially with all of the weights. There's a lot of scope for customization here, as long as you like a heavy mouse (something like the Razer Orochi V2 is better if you have a lighter variant).

Corsair M65 Ultra Wireless Weights.

The weight of the M65 Ultra Wireless also makes it feel like a unit. If you've used any of the last few iterations of the M65 you already know what I'm talking about. This is a beefy mouse that can withstand the pressure, unlike many ultra-light esport mice that feel like they'll fly away if you don't hold them tight enough.

Still, it's important to realize that weight isn't for everyone. Although the M65 has an adjustable weight, it's still heavy, just like the Logitech G502 Hero with its detachable weights. The M65 Ultra Wireless is also 13 grams heavier than the wired M65 Elite (although it's five grams lighter than the M65 Pro).

Sensor and buttons

The M65 Ultra Wireless comes with eight programmable buttons, which for me is perfect. It's a few more buttons than the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless, but still fewer than an MMO giant like the Logitech G600. In addition to left and right click, you have access to the forward and backward thumb buttons, up and down DPI adjustment, and the thumb sniper button, iconic for the M65 range.

Corsair M65 Ultra Wireless Sniper Button.

For left and right click, Corsair uses Omron's optical switches, as opposed to the mechanical switches you'll find on most mice (including the M65 Pro and M65 Elite). There are many details as to why optical switches are better than mechanical, but it comes down to the delay. Basically, a mechanical switch has a small “debounce delay” between being pressed and reaching its reset point.

Optical switches do not have this problem. They use light instead of a physical switch, which avoids debounce delays. All in all, the delay is so small that most people will never notice it. However, optical switches are technically faster. So if you need a health checkup who actually killed you from someone in Valorant, the M65 Ultra Wireless has one.

It's the feel of the optical switch that got me hung up. There are few mice with optical switches – namely the SteelSeries Prime and the Razer Basilisk V3 – so I'd recommend trying one of these in the store before picking up the M65 Ultra Wireless. It's not a bad feeling, but optical switches don't provide the same click as a mechanical switch – it's almost like there's a damper.

In addition to a switch upgrade, the M65 Ultra Wireless comes with a sensor upgrade. It features the 26K DPI Marksman sensor, just like the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless. That's even above the 25.6K DPI sensor on the Logitech G Pro X. As with the optical switches, a higher DPI sensor is technically more accurate, even if it's not relevant to most people.

Corsair M65 Ultra wireless sensor.

The query rate of 2,000 Hz is relevant. The change from 1,000 Hz – typical for wireless gaming mice – to 2,000 Hz reduces the response time to 0.5 ms. From the buttons to the sensor to the polling rate, the M65 Ultra Wireless is designed to give you even the smallest edge.

Connectivity and battery life

Like the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless, the M65 Ultra Wireless also features Bluetooth and Corsair's wireless slipstream technology. You can switch between them at the bottom of the mouse, which I did a lot when switching to a home theater setup with the M65 and my Logitech G915 TKL.

The M65 Ultra Wireless is exactly what I'm looking for in a wireless gaming mouse.

Without lighting, Corsair claims up to 120 hours of battery life when using Bluetooth (90 hours when using Slipstream). After 15 minutes, however, the mouse automatically sleeps, so you can use the M65 for weeks without charging. Compared to my Razer Viper Ultimate, I haven't felt the loading error nearly as often. And when I did, the USB-C port for charging meant I was rarely without a replacement cable.

The M65 Ultra Wireless is exactly what I'm looking for in a wireless gaming mouse. The quick switching between 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth makes the mouse versatile for different setups and the battery lasts long enough to never feel like a problem. USB-C is a big win too, unlike mice like the Razer Viper Ultimate, which stuck with a micro-USB port.

software

Corsair's iCue software is one reason to choose the M65 Ultra Wireless. As with Logitech's G Hub and Razer's Chroma, iCue lets you customize RGB lighting and change key assignments, including assigning absurd macro functions to each of the keys. Once you have everything set up, you can save your DPI, lighting and macro profile on the mouse for use without iCue.

Corsair's iCue is an integral part of the M65 Ultra Wireless.

There's not much in terms of lighting as the M65 Ultra Wireless has a single zone for the logo on the back. However, iCue gives you access to custom lighting effects like rain or a temperature sensor. I have a penchant for static lighting in my rig, which iCue divides into a separate, simplified section.

The most fascinating part of iCue with the M65 Ultra Wireless is the gyroscope. The six-axis gyroscope enables the configuration of the lift detection, but also opens up the possibility of gestures. The M65 Ultra Wireless includes forward, backward, left and right tilt gestures that you can assign to any key or macro like a normal key.

Gestures in the Corsair iCue software.

And to my surprise, it works. I can't imagine ever using the tilt feature – immediately after setting it up, I accidentally frenzied the mouse after turning it upside down – but it works. There are also some uses for it such as For example, using Alt + Tab to scroll through windows or assign a key like PrintScreen that you might otherwise have to look for.

Corsair's iCue is an integral part of the M65 Ultra Wireless. It goes well beyond buttons and lighting, and gives you access to unique features like gestures and important settings, such as: B. when the mouse goes to sleep.

Our opinion

The Corsair M65 Ultra Wireless targets two other mice directly – the Logitech G Pro and the Razer Viper Ultimate. The Viper Ultimate is about $ 20 more expensive, while the M65 and G Pro are both $ 130. In terms of performance, there isn't much of a difference between these three mice, so it comes down to features and preferences.

The Corsair mouse has a number of advantages in this regard. The optical switches are faster, it contains a massive battery and comes with USB-C for charging. I also love the design and feel of the M65, though a lot of it depends on your hand size and the way you hold your mouse.

I would have liked a slightly cheaper price – around $ 110 like the Saber Pro Wireless – but the M65 still feels a step ahead of the competition.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, several. For high-end wireless FPS mice, the Razer Viper Ultimate, Logitech G Pro X Superlight, and Corsair Saber Pro Wireless are all options.

You can save a lot with a wire too. Corsair's wired M65 is $ 60 cheaper, and there are options like the SteelSeries Rival 3 for around $ 30.

How long it will take?

Omron optical switches do not have the same 50 million click lifespan as mechanical switches. Most optical switches, however, last longer than mechanical ones. The M65 Ultra Wireless should last 15 years or more, long gone when you're likely to want to switch to something new.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The M65 Ultra Wireless is an excellent wireless gaming mouse. It has the same premium features as similar mice like the Razer Viper Ultimate and the Logitech G Pro X Superlight. However, you can save a lot with inexpensive wireless options like the Logitech G305 or the wired version.

Editor's recommendations



26 Sep
Blog

Why do Some Patients Fail to Lose Weight After Surgery

Whenever you do surgery, there is always a slim chance that it will not produce the results you want. The same is true if you have bariatric surgery from a. have it carried out Long Island Weight Loss Surgery Clinic. While renowned bariatric clinics like LI bariatric surgery Make sure you are performing your procedure correctly. The success of the surgery also depends on how well you follow your surgeon's instructions. Because there are different types of bariatric procedures, the results may vary. However, there are times when you may not lose weight or lose very little weight. Even if your initial weight loss after surgery is rapid, it may slow down or you may stop losing weight over time. If you've had weight loss surgery and are wondering why you might not be losing weight, we encourage you to read on.

Why Your Long Island Weight Loss Surgery Might Not be Getting the Result You Want?

A Weight loss surgery Clinic in long Island can perform the same procedure for different patients, but each patient can be different. Fortunately, if you are not losing weight at a reasonable rate, your surgeon and nutritionist can help you get your weight loss back on track. However, it is still important to know the reasons why you are not getting the results you want. So without further ado, here are some reasons your weight loss can stall:

Inability to follow post-operative guidelines: Weight loss surgery alone may not produce the desired results unless the patient follows all post-bariatric surgery guidelines. Of course, if you don't follow these directions, your procedure will become less effective. In some cases, patients may not be able to lose weight at all because they ignore these practices. You will be placed on a liquid diet for some time, and your transition from liquid to solid foods will be gradual, which will take a lot of time and effort. However, if you start eating prohibited foods too early or if you fail to adhere to dietary guidelines, you run the risk of not being able to lose weight. You need to do exercises to maintain a healthy metabolism and failure to be active every day for the required length of time can eventually lead to inappropriate weight loss.

Diabetes can prevent weight loss after bariatric surgery:

Bariatric Surgery was seen as a way to control diabetes; However, some patients may need to take insulin and other medications to control their blood sugar even after the procedure. These diabetes treatments can also increase the production of fat and cholesterol in your body and prevent you from losing weight. So if you are undergoing treatment for diabetes and are having weight loss surgery, you should consult your surgeon and doctor to develop realistic expectations about your postoperative weight loss.

Bariatric surgery malfunction: One of the most common reasons you may not lose weight after your surgery is that your weight loss procedure has developed some complications. Whether your stomach has not been reduced in size enough to prevent overeating or the gastric banding that surrounds your stomach has eroded over time, any malfunction can lead to undesirable results. Fortunately, it is possible to avoid these malfunctions, especially if you have had gastric band surgery, as the band can be readjusted to achieve the desired weight loss results. However, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery may not resolve a problem.

The best way to avoid complications and get the maximum benefit from your weight loss is to find a reputable surgeon for your weight loss surgery. So if you are looking for Weight loss surgery near me, Make sure you choose one with a good reputation.

25 Sep
Blog

Lenovo Smart Clock 2 Review: Your Smart Bedside Companion

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 is a great upgrade.

Lenovo Smart Clock 2 in the test: Your smart companion at the bed

RRP $ 70.00

"The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 is a great advancement of the Smart Clock product line that offers a lot of functionality and added value."

advantages

  • Full color LCD screen

  • Smart design

  • Base plate with USB-A and Qi charging function

  • MagSafe Compatible

  • Great value

disadvantage

  • No video streaming

  • Tricky touchscreen

  • Limited configuration via app

Lenovo produced the first Google Assistant smart display in 2018 and has been in this category ever since. While Google traditionally focused on the kitchen with its smart screens, Lenovo turned to the bedroom, first with the Smart Clock, then the Smart Clock Essential, and now that Smart watch 2.

It's true that Google’s newest Nest Hub (2 on your bedside table without the creepy "Sleep Watching" sign. Who's the king of the bedroom?

Simple, intelligent design

Lenovo hasn't evolved much of its design through the various iterations of its smart clocks. It still uses the same woven fabric cover on the outside, with an LCD screen on the front. This is a 4 inch LCD that is a bit small but is more than enough for a watch face. There are a variety of watch faces to choose from, including your Google Photos if you want. The touchscreen is a bit fussy and sometimes cannot register touches or perform the swiping movements that the operating system depends on.

For the same money, you could buy an alarm clock, a Nest Mini 2, and a Qi charging plate, and you still wouldn't get all of the features that the Smart Clock 2 brings to your bedside table.

The latest addition to this generation of Smart Clock is on the bottom. Together with the Smart Clock you receive a base plate with USB-A connection for charging another device and a MagSafe-compatible Qi charging plate for wireless charging of your smartphone. The charging plate charges with 5 watts, 7.5 W or 10 W and contains a magnetic circuit that you can touch on your MagSafe-compatible phones. MagSafe is a nice addition as it reduces the risk of accidentally taking your phone off the charger while you sleep.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 can charge your smartphone wirelessly.

Speaking of knocking things off the plate, the clock is intelligently designed so that the power cord plugs into the clock itself and copper contacts on the underside connect and power the plate. This way the clock works without a base depending on how much space your bedside table has. Speaking of magnets, the clock also attaches to the base with magnets, which makes it pretty secure.

In addition, there are volume buttons on top of the clock and in between there is a touch sensitive area that you can use to stop or snooze your alarm clock depending on the configuration. Of course, you can also tell Google to take a nap or just stop your alarm clock. A mute switch on the back deactivates the microphone for the Google Assistant.

As for the sound quality, it's pretty good. A pair of 3W speakers will power the alarm clock and the music you play with it. There is very little bass at the lower end, but the rest of the sound range is adequately represented. It's roughly what you get from a Nest Mini 2.

Swipe and gestures

While you use the Google Home app to configure WiFi, its location in your home, and various video and audio services, most of the device setup is done on the device. Android Things powers the watch and is full of gestures and taps to configure everything you need. Most commands can be performed using “Hey Google” commands, such as: B. Setting alarms, adjusting the volume and switching on the night light.

Other options come from swiping from the bottom of the UI, while others come from swiping down from the top. The frustrating part is that these gestures aren't particularly intuitive, and most people don't use Android Things enough for these gestures to become second nature.

While I would never advocate a separate app for just one watch, I would like to see more features built into the Google Home app.

Your watch face also has a kind of ticker that you can swipe through to play music, view your reminders and calendar entries, set an alarm, and much more. Once you get used to it, it works pretty well, but the majority of my interactions with the watch came from the Google Assistant, which is both good and bad. On the one hand, it's great to go to bed and tell Google to set an alarm. On the other hand, it can get frustrating when you ask for an alarm clock at 7:15 am and it replies, "7:50 am, you got it!"

This is nothing new to the Google Assistant, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. Most of the time it works with no issues, but when there is one, it's annoying. I would also like to have more control over the watch, which is available through an app. While touching is a great way to manipulate settings, reaching over and touching the watch isn't a great experience. While I would never advocate a separate app for just one watch, I would like to see more features built into the Google Home app. It would be nice if you could set an alarm or adjust the dial there, for example.

No Netflix allowed

Finally, I have to admit that I was torn by this detail whether it is positive or negative, but this watch has a full color screen that cannot play video. What about it? You can stream audio to the watch, which is nice, but since there is a full color LCD screen, why can't I throw a movie to sleep? Perhaps this is just too little of a potential use for the watch, but it appears to be an oversight.

On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't want Lenovo to allow me to watch a movie on a 4-inch screen. I understand, and maybe Lenovo will save me from myself by lack of compatibility. I can't disagree with the point. But I think overall I'd rather have a choice.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 has a full color screen.

This is a nice update to the Lenovo Smart Clock line of devices. The pallet accessories in particular are our favorite. The Google Assistant is a great way to wake up and start routines. I would like a bigger screen, video capabilities, and a more intuitive user interface, but those omissions don't detract from the overall experience much.

You get loads of utility and functionality for $ 70. Not only is this a good product, but it is also a good value.

Is there a better alternative?

There isn't much competition in this area yet, but the next competitor actively battling for a spot on your bedside table is the Nest Hub (2nd generation). This device costs a little more, but adds portable sleep tracking to the package, which is sure to be compelling. It also offers video streaming capabilities and a bigger screen. If you want these additions, the Nest Hub (2nd Generation) is probably better off. However, if you don't mind not playing videos, or you want a smaller screen or a qi charging plate, this is a great pickup.

If you're completely completely unaware of the Google ecosystem, or are more connected to Amazon's, the Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 10 are both great choices. It all depends on your preferences.

How long it will take?

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 is well made and solid with a fabric cover. I don't expect any problems with this device in the long run. It has a one-year limited warranty available on Lenovo's support website.

Should I buy it?

Yes, this is a great pickup for the price. In fact, there is no clear winner between the Nest Hub (2nd generation) and this one. If you want a little more, you pay a little more. For the same money, you could buy an alarm clock, Nest Mini 2, and Qi charging plate and you still wouldn't find all of this device's features on your bedside table.

Editor's recommendations



25 Sep
Blog

6 Life-Changing Tips to Improve Your Gut Health

A poor lifestyle can seriously affect your digestive system. Heartburn, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea are important indicators of poor intestinal health. Healthy eating habits are something that everyone must follow in order to lead a healthy life.

You can achieve a healthy digestive system with some lifestyle changes and bowel support supplements. These supplements are widely available on the internet and you can find one from a reliable source. You can get it from Eternum laboratories to ensure the best quality. To help you further, here are six life-changing tips for improving your gut health.

  1. Break your bad habits

Habits are formed over the years. So it will take longer to get rid of. Harmful habits like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and binge eating are the main reasons for poor bowel health. Smoking is the main culprit for the exacerbation of acid reflux. It has also been linked to stomach ulcers, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal cancer. Researchers have found that people who smoke are at a higher risk of developing these symptoms.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases acid production in the stomach and causes acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. Too much alcohol can lead to serious stomach problems such as leaky gut, bowel inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

  1. Understand and appreciate your body

Being aware of yourself and understanding your body helps to know its needs and understand its signals. When you eat, it takes your body at least 20 minutes to know that you are full and should stop eating. Failure to heed such signs can lead to various health problems.

If you eat mindfully and carefully chew each bite, you can fully enjoy your meal. It also helps fight binge eating that lead to obesity. It's important to understand the signals your body is sending you for better stomach health.

  1. Add nutritional supplements to improve gut health

Zinc, glutamine, and probiotics are known to improve gut health. These and similar nutrients such as Hericium Erinaceus are available in natural sources. Unfortunately, these natural sources can be difficult to access. In such cases, it is best to use the supplements that contain these nutrients in the best proportions. You can get it from Eternum Labs for authenticity and best quality.

  1. Perform physical activities

Exercise is strongly linked to better stomach health. Just walking after a meal helps food move through the digestive system. Exercises like jogging and cycling are also known to greatly improve intestinal transit. It means that it makes your intestines more efficient at digesting food.

Physical activity also helps improve the healthy microbes. These microbes are responsible for improving the structural, metabolic and protective functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Regular exercise is known to reverse the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle on your bowels. You can easily prevent some of the major bowel problems like constipation and indigestion with regular exercise.

  1. Drink plenty of water

Less water intake is one of the main reasons for constipation. Dehydration also leads to indigestion and poor bowel health. If you drink more water, you can easily avoid these problems. Experts recommend drinking three to four liters of water a day to keep the intestines healthy and avoid the health problems caused by dehydration.

  1. Eat foods rich in fiber

Fiber is known to be beneficial for digestion and gut health. Soluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and absorbs water. It gets everything moving in your digestive tract and acts as a cleanser for better intestinal health. Including more high fiber foods like oats, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains in your diet can improve your stomach health slightly.

A clean and healthy colon is like a well-oiled engine that will keep your body in top shape for years. Hence, it is always good to watch your diet and your health.

25 Sep
Blog

1More ColorBuds 2 Review: Upping The Ante With ANC

1 More ColorBuds 2 real wireless earbuds.

1More ColorBuds 2 Review: Up The Upside Down With ANC

RRP $ 80.00

"A great set of buds is now even better with ANC and at a lower price."

advantages

  • Very convenient

  • Great sound with SoundID personalization

  • Good call quality

  • Good ANC

  • Wireless charging

disadvantage

  • Limited control

  • No EQ settings

  • Mediocre transparency mode

1More wired and wireless earbuds usually offer great sound at low prices. For a while, it was one of the few brands that did this reliably and offered an excellent alternative to Apple's iconic but expensive true wireless earbuds. But now there are tons of cheap, high quality options from companies like Wyze, JLab, Soundcore, EarFun, and Skullcandy. Even Jabra is now making a bunch of buds for well under $ 100, which means 1More needs to find new ways to stand out from the crowd.

The new ColorBuds 2 are an attempt to do that, with an attractive price point ($ 80) and several in-demand features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, and personalized sound profiles. Do these new buds go far enough? Let's check them out.

What's in the box?

1Additional scope of delivery of the ColorBuds 2 True Wireless Earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It was good to see that 1More has gotten better with its packaging lately. While there are no magnetic closures on the box and no foam inside, there is still some plastic to deal with. Inside you will find the earbuds, their charging case, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable and silicone earbuds in four sizes (the medium-sized ones are pre-installed).

draft

1 More ColorBuds 2 real wireless earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It's pretty hard to tell the difference between the ColorBuds 2 and the original ColorBuds. It's nice to see that 1More kept the same size and shape for the earbuds and charging case – we really appreciated the originals, so why fix what isn't broken?

The rounded contours and egg-shaped case feel smooth, and our black review unit has a nice satin finish that sets it apart from a sea of ​​glossy white and matte black products. The buds are easy to pull out of the case, and the magnets are just strong enough to lock them back in securely and hold them in place.

The touch controls can be fussy, but the ColorBuds 2 are responsive.

In keeping with the theme of consistency, the ColorBuds 2 adhere to the IPX5 water resistance of the original, which should offer sufficient protection against sweat or occasional splashing water. In fact, the biggest change cannot be seen at all: the egg-shaped charging case now supports Qi wireless charging.

Comfort, controls and connections

1 More ColorBuds 2 real wireless earphones in close-up.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The rounded shape of the ColorBuds 2 is not just for the look. In addition, it is very comfortable to wear. Unlike stem-based headphones or earplugs with large main bodies (ahem, Sony WF-1000XM4), nothing prevents the ColorBuds from sliding as far into your ear as you need to, balancing a good seal with avoiding it finding unwanted pressure.

The touch controls can be fussy, but the ColorBuds 2 are responsive. The large surface area helps ensure contact, but the shape of the case also makes it easy to grip the earbuds without accidentally triggering these controls.

I'm no longer a skeptic – SoundID works on the ColorBuds 2.

Unfortunately, 1More is a bit stingy when it comes to control gestures. You get a double tap and a triple tap on each earbud as well as a long squeeze gesture. That sounds enough until you get into the 1More Music app and find that you have some tough decisions to make. The long press is not customizable – it always controls switching between ANC and transparency mode – and the other two gestures cannot be set for each earbud. You have to choose from control groups: play / pause, skip tracks, volume and voice control. Select any two. I don't see why 1More ruined the single tap idea, but I've seen this on other true wireless earbuds. As strange as it is, it's not a problem unique to the ColorBuds.

1More music app.

1More music app.

On the flip side, you get in-ear detection with customizable auto-pause – when you pull out an earbud you can choose to pause and resume the music when you put the earbud back in, just pause, or do nothing at all.

Pairing the headphones is easy on both Android and iOS. Just open the bluetooth control panel, then open the charging case and select the ColorBuds when they appear in the list of available devices. Once paired, it's a reliable connection that also extends a good distance – I was able to place 9m between them and my Pixel 5 even with two walls in the way. This is significantly better than our experience with the original ColorBuds, but maybe that's because of an upgrade from Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.2.

Sound quality

1More music app.

1More music app.

Out of the box, the ColorBuds 2 have a pleasant, balanced sound signature with a lot of deep bass, clear mids and high frequencies. You also have the option of improving the acoustics by setting up a SoundID profile.

SoundID, developed by Sonarworks, combines the specific acoustic properties of a set of earphones like the ColorBuds with your personal hearing. It does this by walking you through a short series of A / B comparisons, indicating your preference for one of two different sounds (or none if you can't tell the difference). Once the test is complete, SoundID will use your settings to adjust the ColorBuds' EQ.

I've tried the SoundID system on other products like the Beats Solo 3 and wasn't very impressed with the results, but that was an app-based version of SoundID that delivered customized sound to otherwise normal headphones. For the ColorBuds 2, 1More put the SoundID tweaks into the earbuds themselves, and I think it makes a huge difference.

Enabling ANC can make all the difference in whether or not you are listening to your podcasts with ease.

For me, turning on SoundID not only improved the overall sound quality, it also expanded the soundstage and created better stereo imaging. I'm not quite at the point where I think all headphones and earphones should have SoundID, but I'm no longer a skeptic – it works with the ColorBuds 2.

Unfortunately, 1More has effectively outsourced EQ control to SoundID. If you don't like the factory sound signature, all you can do is set up SoundID and hope you prefer the results – there is no other way to adjust the EQ manually or through presets.

It's also worth noting that the ColorBuds 2 support both aptX and aptX Adaptive, two of Qualcomm's Bluetooth codecs that can deliver higher quality audio than SBC or AAC. The catch is, your phone has to support them. Unfortunately, iPhones don't support Qualcomm codecs, and support for aptX Adaptive is still limited to a handful of Android models.

Noise cancellation and transparency

1 More ColorBuds 2 real wireless earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Considering their price of under $ 100, the ColorBuds 2 have very good noise cancellation. It's not the kind of cone-shaped noise you get from something like the AirPods Pro or the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, but it's just as good and maybe even slightly better than other earbuds in the same price range as the Soundcore Life P3 and the Earfun Air Pro.

Noises like the roar of a loud fan aren't eliminated, but are greatly reduced, and in a noisy environment like a gym with ambient music and the noises of treadmills, turning on ANC can make all the difference in whether or not you're listening to your podcasts with ease.

The transparency mode, on the other hand, is weak. Compared to ANC mode, you will definitely hear more of your surroundings, but your voice will still be quite muffled.

Switching between the two modes is easy – a long press on one of the earbuds is enough.

Battery life

The battery life of the ColorBuds 2 is six hours for the earphones when the ANC is switched on and a total of 18 hours when you include the charging case. This goes up to eight and 24 hours if you stay in transparency mode (which counts as "ANC off"). When listening at 50% volume, these numbers are spot on.

It's not the kind of massive endurance we've seen in some earbuds (with up to 15 hours on a charge), but it will still get you through a full day of listening, which is really all most people need . If you run out of juice, a quick charge option gives you two additional hours of running time with just 15 minutes in the charging case.

Call quality

Man wearing 1More ColorBuds 2 true wireless earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Telephoning with the ColorBuds 2 is generally good. In quiet places, your voice comes through very clearly and with almost no compression. If it gets a little louder, that may change as the earbuds try to cancel out certain noises, which can cause wobbling and distortion. Unless you're trying to hold a business meeting next to an active construction site, you should be getting perfectly acceptable calls.

Our opinion

With a compact and comfortable design, good sound quality and ANC that greatly reduces unwanted noise, this is it 1More ColorBuds 2 are very good value considering the price is under $ 100.

Is there a better alternative?

You'll have to spend a lot more to get a set of earbuds that beats the ColorBuds 2, but there are still some great alternatives for the same price:

  • Soundcore Life P3, $ 80: Longer battery life, adjustable EQ, more control options, but no in-ear detection.
  • Earfun Air Pro, $ 80: longer battery life, better sound quality out of the box, better transparency mode, but no controls or EQ adjustment, and no wireless charging.

How long will they last?

With an IPX5 rating, they shouldn't have a problem with moisture and rain, and the ColorBuds 2 appear to be well built using high quality materials. I suspect they will last as long or longer than other earbuds at this price point. The company supports its products with a one-year guarantee.

Should you buy it?

Yes, especially if you are looking for a very comfortable set of earbuds that sound great and offer decent noise cancellation.

Editor's recommendations



25 Sep
Blog

Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 Premium HR Review: Infinite Power

Sequent SuperCharger watch on your wrist with your hand in your pocket.

Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 Premium HR Test: Infinite performance, limited technology

RRP $ 482.00

"The Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 Premium HR Smartwatch never needs to be charged, but its intelligent functions do not make this desirable advantage optimal."

advantages

  • Innovative kinetic energy system

  • Doesn't need to be charged

  • Sapphire crystal

  • Great build quality and materials

disadvantage

  • Basic fitness tracking

  • Unreliable fitness data collection

  • Uncomfortable Eco Tide harness

The hybrid smartwatch is the alternative to a touchscreen smartwatch preferred by those who are unwilling to forego the traditional, analog watch look, but still want a certain level of connected capability. the Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 Premium HR takes this concept one step further as not only does it not look like a smartwatch, but it also uses a power system that shares more with an automatic watch than it does with an Apple Watch.

That means you never have to charge this smartwatch as it is powered by the movement of your body. It's very tempting, but what about the smart bit? It's just as important on a hybrid as it is on a full smartwatch, and if anything, it's much more difficult to implement well since the watch usually doesn't have a screen. The Sequent Supercharger 2.1 has the power, but also the intelligence?

draft

I wear the Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 Premium HR, the company's top model. It's made of 316L stainless steel with an aluminum ring around the 42mm case and sapphire crystal over the dial. It weighs around 77 grams with the bracelet and is a remarkable 14 mm thick. This version has a blue dial, but you can also get versions with a white or black dial. Flip the watch over and it has an open caseback showing the self-loading mechanism and its rotor, which I will come back to later, and in the middle is the heart rate sensor. The crown is quite large, has a rubber cover over the sides and the Sequent logo on the end.

Sequential SuperCharger clock.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Sequent attaches great importance to the fact that the watch is designed in Switzerland – the quality mark for traditional watches – but does not say that it is made in Switzerland, an important award. Nevertheless, it looks and feels very well made. The dial is pretty simple, with the brand name and markings, and the polished baton markers just mark the hour. The stick hands have unfilled middle parts, while the hand has a red arrowhead for the complication. It's all rather minimalistic and reminds me of countless watches from MVMT, Daniel Wellington and other fashion brands.

It definitely doesn't look like a normal smartwatch. First of all, there is no screen, and one complication doesn't immediately reveal its high-tech references. It is a multipurpose display that shows step count, power reserve and heart rate. However, you have to look carefully because the numbers are very small. There's also a similarly tiny LED indicator below the 12 o'clock marker that only works when the watch is syncing with your phone or when it is taking an action.

Sequential SuperCharger watch crown.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The watch looks and feels nice, and I like the open caseback with the rotor, which is not as beautiful as a mechanical movement but has a certain technical charm. I don't like the crown because it's too big, and the useless rubber part on the edge doesn't contribute to that either, as you don't have to turn the crown at all, which makes additional hold unnecessary. It's a thick watch too, and the tabs attached to the lower part of the case only emphasize the height.

I can live with the height of the SuperCharger 2.1 and the design is simple but pleasing, but the Eco Tide band is bad. It's made from plastic waste from the ocean, which is excellent, but it's incredibly unforgiving on your wrist. I've been wearing it for several weeks and I think it hasn't gone soft at all – it's just as uncomfortable now as it was the first day. Even an imprecise double-pin attachment doesn't help, so that the watch either interrupts the circulation or falls over the side of your wrist. It attaches with quick release pins and at 22mm it's not difficult to swap out for a different bracelet, but this should be based on a personal style preference, not because the one that comes with it is inconvenient.

Sequent SuperCharger watch on the wrist.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 is a very modern looking watch that will definitely appeal to those who are drawn to the minimalist watches that are frequently advertised on Instagram and by YouTube influencers. Just don't order it with the Eco Tide tape.

power

Before we talk about the smart features, let's talk about the way the Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 is powered as it is far more technically impressive than anything else. Automatic timepieces convert kinetic energy from the movement of your body into power for the clockwork. The SuperCharger does the same thing, but instead of gears and springs, it uses a tungsten rotor to power a micro-generator.

Sequent SuperCharger watch case back.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's a neat, high-tech, sustainable, and very practical approach to running a piece of wearable technology. Sequent says the SuperCharger has "infinite" power reserve, and I've worn it for several weeks with a few days off, and the available power hasn't fallen below 95% according to the app. When you are not wearing it, the watch will go to sleep to save energy. With regular use, I doubt the SuperCharger 2.1 will ever lose power.

If you are not going to wear the watch for a long time and the battery is completely empty, a charging pad is included so that you can get it going again. Unfortunately, this requires the inclusion of charging points on the case of the watch, which are on the left and ruin the otherwise clean lines.

What is unusual is that you can “feel” the rotor inside the SuperCharger while it is turning. It's not distracting or making an audible noise unless you put it to your ear, but it's not something you find in an automatic mechanical watch. I liked the feeling very much, as it made the SuperCharger feel like a living being, but I've gradually got used to it and rarely feel it anymore.

The Sequent SuperCharger is really a smartwatch that you don't need to charge, and that will be a significant benefit for anyone who is put off by smartwatches in general due to the need for daily charging.

Intelligent functions

The lack of a charge is the Sequent SuperCharger's first step in becoming a successful smartwatch, but the smart functionality has to be just as compelling. This is not a competitor to the Apple Watch and makes no secret of the fact, but unfortunately it is also not a competitor to any other hybrid watch as the technology feels years out of date.

Sequent SuperCharger watch app that shows the number of steps.

Daily step count Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Sequent SuperCharger Watch app with training data.

Training data Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Sequent SuperCharger Watch app with settings.

Settings page Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It has basic fitness tracking and doesn't provide notifications or have a haptic engine. That's not a bad thing in and of itself, but the operation of the watch and its app feels old and clunky compared to the competition. Don't expect anything like individual training plans, information like cadence or an in-depth analysis of the data collected.

To start a workout, the crown must be pressed for two seconds until the LED flashes blue, the hands rotate and the LED glows purple. To end the session, press the crown three times. It's a bit more complex than it needs to be, but what's worse is that it doesn't seem very accurate. Despite completing the steps, the SuperCharger was unable to record several training sessions, and since the promised display in the app does not work – it is supposed to show a point in training mode in the Sequent app when it is active – it is very difficult to say Whether your entries were successful.

The heart rate recording is also random, with some sessions showing heart rate data and others not, and so is the GPS. It doesn't have a built-in GPS, so it relies on your phone's GPS. Even when the app was open on my phone, it couldn't get location data while taking a walk. When a workout was recorded, the app showed distance, calories burned, time, pace and steps. There's a sleep mode in the app, but it's listed as "Beta" and I find the strap way too uncomfortable to wear overnight anyway.

From the point of view of fitness tracking, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 offers significantly more options for $ 50.

The complication on the watch face shows the step count during the day and heart rate data during a workout. It seems to coincide with my Apple Watch Series 6 for the most part, but it's pretty hard to tell because of the tiny numbers and even more tiny intermediate marks. When asked about my heart rate, for example, I can only really say “between 110 and 120 beats per minute”.

This uncertainty is exacerbated by the fact that the sensor does not measure your heart rate continuously. You can set it up for daily use in the app to read every five minutes, 30 minutes, or two hours, and it only seems to update every few minutes as you exercise. The app is not linked to Apple Health, Google Fit, Strava or any other fitness platform. From a fitness tracking perspective, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 for $ 50 offers far more options than the Sequent SuperCharger for $ 482.

A fitness tracking system that is tedious to activate, has limited functionality, provides questionable accuracy, and does not offer the ability to share the collected data outside of the standard app is not very inspiring. It will absolutely not satisfy someone serious about fitness, and its cumbersome controls will prove annoying to someone who only uses it casually.

Price and availability

the Sequent SuperCharger 2.1 Premium HR as seen here costs $ 482. Alternatively, you can buy the watch without a heart rate monitor for $ 428, or an aluminum version instead of stainless steel without a heart rate monitor for $ 374. It is available from Sequent's own online shop.

Our opinion

The Sequent SuperCharger is ideal as a showcase for the kinetic energy system. The tech is really interesting and worked well during my time with the watch. Not having to charge a smartwatch is highly desirable, liberating, and by far the Sequent watch's greatest draw. Unfortunately, the far less successful smart features don't give me any reason to put on the clock. While it's okay not to show notifications, fitness tracking can't keep up with current smartwatches and fitness bands, isn't very intuitive, and isn't detailed enough for anyone serious about exercising.

It has the right references for a good watch – a modern Swiss design, sapphire crystal and a stainless steel case – plus that eternal energy, but without convincing intelligent functionality, the innovative way in which it is powered is wasted. For almost $ 500, a world of excellent and highly desirable watches opens up – smart and different – and the Sequent watch struggles to keep up.

I saw the original version of the SuperCharger 2018 at the Baselworld Watch Show and then tried the SuperCharger 2.0 for a short time in 2019. Now in 2021, even though the time has passed and the watch is getting a heart rate monitor, the SuperCharger 2.1 sadly feels like it's still stuck in 2019, and that's not good enough when the rest of the hybrid market is heading up and moved up.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes sir. If you specifically want a hybrid smartwatch, we recommend checking out Casio's G-Shock range. For example, the solar-powered G-Shock GBD-200 includes fitness tracking and notifications, while the GBD-H1000 adds GPS and a heart rate sensor. The Withings ScanWatch is even more health-oriented, has a minimalist design and is made of high-quality materials. The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR has an e-ink screen to minimize power consumption, a heart rate monitor and other intelligent functions. All of them cost less than the Sequent SuperCharger.

If you really want more smart features, a full touchscreen smartwatch is the only way to go. We recommend the Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE for iPhone owners or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for Android phone owners.

How long it will take?

The stainless steel case and the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal ensure that the SuperCharger retains its appearance even with rough handling, it is also waterproof up to 50 meters and is covered by a generous 5-year guarantee. The app is available for iOS and Android. Provided the app is kept up to date, the Sequent SuperCharger should last for many years, helped by the lack of a battery that needs to be continuously charged every day.

Should you buy it?

No. Although the kinetic energy system is innovative, fitness tracking is too simple to be of any use and the high price tag is very difficult to justify.

Editor's recommendations



24 Sep
Blog

5 Possibly Effective Leg Press Foot Placement

There are many variations of the leg press. These can be done with different leg press foot positions. This technique can target different muscle groups.

Mainly the muscles used in the leg press are: Quadriceps, Buttocks, hamstrings, Calves

The following 5 potentially effective foot positions for the leg press

  1. Normal posture
  2. Broad stance
  3. Close posture
  4. High feet platform
  5. Low feet platform

If you know each foot position well, you can target the right muscle and get results faster.

In this article we will describe each placement in detail. Read on to find out which foot position you want.

#1. Normal posture

With this type of foot placement, feet should be placed in the center of the platform and feet should be shoulder width apart.

This will target your quads, glutes, and hamstrings, but there is some focus on glutes and hamstrings. This posture avoids isolating muscle groups from others.

This type of foot placement is suitable for most strength athletes. If you are a beginner we recommend this pose.

Points to remember

  • Put your feet in the center of the platform. Spread them shoulder width apart.
  • In this position, let your toes point out a little.
  • Press deeply and allow complete freedom of movement.
  • Make sure your feet are flat on the platform.

# 2. Broad stance

With this type of foot placement, feet should be placed in the center of the platform and feet should be wider than shoulder width.

This will target your quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Although the leg press is already touching your glutes, this pose will put even more strain on them.

Points to remember

  • Position your feet in the center of the platform
  • Position your feet so that it is 1.5 times your shoulder distance or your feet are almost starting to come off the platform.
  • Point your toes outward at about 45 degrees.
  • Make sure to dip your knees outward as you do the leg press.

# 3. Close posture

With this type of foot placement, the feet should be placed in the center of the platform and the distance between the feet should be narrower than shoulder width.

This will target your quads. This posture restricts freedom of movement, but at the same time enables heavy weights to be lifted.

Points to remember

  • Position your feet in the center of the platform
  • Put your feet hip-width apart.
  • The toes should point outward at a 45-degree angle.
  • Press deeply and allow complete freedom of movement.
  • Make sure your feet are flat on the platform
  • Try going down until your thighs are making light contact with your stomach on each repetition

# 4. Platform for high feet

With this type of foot placement, the feet should be placed high on the platform so that the toes are at the top of the platform. The distance between your feet should be shoulder width.

This will target your glutes and hamstrings. Although the leg press is already hitting your quads, this pose will recruit them significantly more. Through this foot position, the rear chain is emphasized.

Points to remember

  • Put your feet up on the platform with your toes almost on the edge of the platform.
  • Put your feet shoulder width apart
  • Point your toes outward approximately 45 degrees.
  • Press deeply and allow complete freedom of movement.
  • Make sure your feet are flat on the platform
  • Be sure to use your lower back
  • Be careful not to let your lower back fall off the backrest. In this case, reduce the range of motion.

# 5. Low feet platform

With this type of foot placement, the feet should be placed deepest on the platform so that the heels are on the lower edge of the platform. The distance between your feet should be shoulder width.

This pose primarily targets your quads and calves, with an additional focus on your quads. In such a posterior placement chain, the chain is neglected.

Points to remember

  • Make sure your heels are on the lower edge of the platform.
  • Put your feet shoulder width apart
  • Point your toes outward approximately 45 degrees.
  • Press deeply and allow complete freedom of movement.
  • Make sure your feet are flat on the platform.
  • If you can't go all the way down without your heels coming up, reduce your range of motion slightly or put on squat shoes
«‹2425262728›»