27 Mar
Blog

Master & Dynamic MW08 Review: Revel In The Sublime Sound

Master & Dynamic MW08

Master & Dynamic MW08 Review: Indulge in the sublime sound

"The wonderful sound quality makes the MW08 an excellent choice for audiophiles."

  • Beautiful design and materials

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Really long battery life

  • Effective transparency mode

  • Good call quality

  • Simple and intuitive controls

  • Expensive

  • Limited customization

  • No wireless charging

  • No EQ adjustments

  • Poor ANC performance

Master & Dynamic (M&D) may not have the brand awareness of Sony, Apple, Bose, or Sennheiser, but the New York City-based boutique audio company has made some really standout headphones and earphones. The latest of these is the $ 299 MW08, the successor to the excellent MW07 Plus, which is now set to drop to $ 249 in price. With new materials, better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and improved battery life, here's what you can expect from the MW08.

What's in the box?

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

First of all, I would like to take a moment to praise the MW08's box itself. It is a master class how to create an elegant package for a high-end product from 100% easily recyclable materials. It even has a book hinge design that stays closed without the use of embedded magnets. This is how all the electronics should be shipped.

The extremely sustainable box contains the earphones, your charging case, a cord denim carrying case, four sizes of silicone rubber earplugs (in addition to the pre-installed set) as well as a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a USB -C to USB-A adapter (thanks M&D!) And some quick guides in paper form.

design

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Master & Dynamic attaches great importance to the appearance of its products. The MW07 Plus was available in a wide range of 10 colors and styles (28 if you include M & D's partnerships with brands like Nike and Leica), most of which had a unique pattern and gave them a handmade feel. The MW08 continues this tradition, but places greater emphasis on simplicity: It is available in four single-color combinations of earphones and charging case: black ceramic / matt black stainless steel, white ceramic / stainless steel, brown ceramic / stainless steel and blue ceramic / graphite gray stainless steel.

Attention to detail is everywhere.

The black ceramic earbuds we tested have a subtle M&D logo and a high-gloss finish that exudes sophistication (despite being a giant fingerprint magnet). If you look closely, you will see a small black aluminum tape encircling the ceramic surface, which serves as both an antenna and a frame that holds everything together. This design approach was made famous by the iPhone 4.

While not as light as some other models, the earbuds are very compact and even smaller than any other high-end earbud, with the possible exception of Apple's AirPods Pro. The MW08 retains the same tiny physical control buttons as the MW07 Plus, making it look like a touch-based set of earbuds, but with the precision of real buttons.

The matt black stainless steel charging case is heavy and sturdy and has a hinged lid that can be opened and closed with the authority of a luxury car door. When you put the earbuds back in your pocket, you'll feel like you're putting them in a protective vault, not just a carrying case. Now, if I were to pick the best looking charging case, it would be a dead heat between the MW08 and the Zippo-inspired design of the Klipsch T5 II.

Attention to detail is pervasive, from the smooth movement of the hinge, to the way the earbuds are angled slightly towards you – so you can pull them out with ease – to the fact that the only thing that breaks the steel surface is three indicator LEDs are. You won't find any text or even a logo on the outside.

Wireless charging would have been a nice touch, but to my knowledge, steel and wireless charging are not happy companions, and M&D would have had to create a plastic charging window to achieve this.

It was easy to get a comfortable and secure seat.

The earbuds are rated IPX5 – more than enough for handling sweat and rain – while the case is rated IPX4, which we've only seen on a handful of other products like the Marshall Mode II.

Convenience, control and connections

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Thanks to the ergonomic shape of the MW08 and the generous number of silicone earbud sizes in the box, it was easy to get a comfortable and secure fit. M&D dumped the rubber wing tips of the MW07 Plus, which meant a compromise.

The MW08 are more comfortable for longer periods of time, but they don't lock in with the same level of security. As long as you're not trying to break sprint records, they should stay fine.

While you can definitely use them while running, I don't recommend it. Despite their small size, the earbuds are surprisingly heavy at 0.31 ounces each. For comparison, the AirPods Pro and Jabra Elite Active 75t are both 0.19 ounces.

Most of this mass is on the outer part of the earbud (that beautiful ceramic and aluminum) where it is least supported. As your feet pound on the sidewalk, that weight can be felt with every step, which I found tiring after a while, although they were still very comfortable overall.

The MW08's tiny control buttons are at the top of each earbud – a single button on the right and a double rocker button on the left. They work effortlessly, with very little travel and a pleasantly precise click when you press them.

They require you to put your thumb on the bottom edge for leverage, and I found that sometimes while jogging this can interfere with the position of the earbud in my ear. The bigger concern (at least for those who live in wintry conditions for half a year), however, is that the buttons can be difficult to operate with gloves on – a surprise given M & D's NYC headquarters.

Still, you get everything you need: volume, play / pause, answer / end, track forward / backward skip, access to voice assistant and ANC / transparency mode.

"Audiophile Quality" is being overused, but if there has ever been a line of true wireless earbuds worthy of the term, it is the MW08.

There's no way to change these (even though M&D created their very first smartphone app for these buds), but they're so intuitive that I wouldn't change them even if I had the option.

You can use each earbud independently if you want, but only the correct earbud can be used for calls.

Each earbud has a wear sensor that allows it to pause and play automatically when you remove or reinsert it. The response time is a bit slow: it can take up to three seconds for the sensors to register a change and then stop / start the music. You can deactivate this function in the M&D Connect app.

Sound quality

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

M & D charges a premium price for the MW08. If the company's choice for exotic materials and workmanship doesn't justify the $ 299 it cost, the sound quality should make you a believer.

Just like the MW07 Plus, the MW08 is a treat for your ears. The term "audiophile quality" is becoming increasingly popular, but if there has ever been a line of true wireless earbuds that deserve it, it is the MW08.

Take one of your favorite songs – you know, one of those songs that will never get old no matter how many times you listen to it – and the MW08 will breathe new life into it. Details hidden at the very end of a note, possibly the slightest click of a piano key or the vibration of a string while plucking or selecting, all become audible and put a smile on your face.

M&D doesn't offer EQ tweaks in the app, but if a sound signature is that good, who cares? The output of the MW08 is a clever balancing act, bright and precise through the upper mids and highs and warm and resonant in the mids and lows. The bass? Oh, there is plenty of it, but you will not hear it until asked, and then it cannot be ignored. The sound stage has an open and airy quality and is somehow intimate.

I owe the ventilated design of the MW08 to this achievement. Letting a small amount of air move between the outside world and your inner ear has a positive effect on openness – not to mention comfort, as it partially eases the sucking sensation of some earbuds – but it can also cause unwanted noise.

This is where the MW08's noise cancellation comes into play. Without them, you'd have to seek a quiet, controlled environment. But turn it on and almost any room can be your concert hall.

At the forefront of the true wireless market, it can be very difficult to pinpoint the best sound among giants like the Sony WF-1000XM3, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, the KEF Mu3, the Grado GT220, and the Bose QuietComfort earbuds. But I would argue that the MW08 can easily hold its own against these other models, and in my opinion they are the current market leader.

Noise cancellation and transparency

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Master & Dynamic MW08 "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/master-and-dynamic-mw08-00009-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

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Based on what I just said above, you probably expect me to give M&D praise to the ANC of the MW08, but it's not that straightforward.

There are two settings of ANC – "max ANC" and "all day ANC" – the latter being designed for less intrusive environments.

When it comes to creating a calm floor for indoor music enjoyment, max ANC is really good. But as a focus tool, it can't compete with the AirPods Pro or the Bose QuietComfort when you want to escape roaring noises like the fans, machinery, or engines of an airplane (not that this has been much demanded lately) earbuds. It also struggles to suppress the daily commuting noises like traffic.

There are also two modes of transparency (or ambient mode, as M&D calls it): language and awareness. Think of these as zoom modes – voice enhances nearby sounds like conversations, while the mind tries to bring in sounds from further away. Both work very well, depending on what you need right now.

The MW08's fast charging capabilities are downright insane.

The biggest downside to both ANC and Transparency modes is that you have to press and hold the corresponding left earbud rocker button to activate it, rather than being able to instantly switch from one to the other. The Jabra Elite 85t can do this and is ideal for quick calls. The other thing I could do without is the sultry female voice announcing these mode changes every time. It gets old very quickly.

Battery life

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The MW07 Plus was already an outstanding performer in terms of battery life with 10 hours per charge and three additional full charges for a total of 40 hours. M&D claims the MW08 has even more juice: 12 hours per charge and an additional 30 hours in the case for a total of 42 hours of playtime.

Unfortunately I was unable to verify this. In my tests, the M&D Connect app showed 22% remaining battery life after eight hours of continuous playback. If this is accurate, it means the total playing time is closer to 10.4 hours, not 12.

When I reached out to M&D staff with these results, they were surprised and offered to review them at the end. I will update this review with their answer as soon as they have had a chance to run their own tests.

What I can confirm is the MW08's fast charge capabilities which are downright insane. If you put the earbuds back in the case for just 15 minutes, they will be charged to 50%. This is class leading in every way.

Call quality

Master & Dynamic MW08Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Calling the MW08 is very good. I found that the microphones did a great job of making my voice sound natural, without the compression that can plague other earbuds. In quiet places, it almost sounded like I was speaking directly into my phone's microphone. This is the holy grail for earphone call quality.

They also did a good job of blocking out background noise like traffic as I walked through some busy intersections. Some particularly loud noises still managed to drown out my voice, but that's not surprising – only the Bose QuietComfort earbuds turned out to be far better for calls.

Our opinion

The MW08 is beautifully crafted, offers great sound quality and battery life, and is an excellent choice for those who want to get the most out of their music. Just keep your noise cancellation expectations in check and you won't be disappointed.

Is there a better alternative?

I don't think you'll find a lineup of true wireless earbuds that look better, sound better, or last longer than the MW08, but that doesn't mean there aren't any worthy alternatives, especially if you're looking to save some cash.

The $ 230 KEF Mu3 have very comparable sound quality and I would argue that they are very attractive in their own unique way. But their ANC is mediocre, they have a larger and less pocketable charging case, and their call quality wasn't very impressive.

Sennheiser's $ 300 Momentum True Wireless 2 They also have great sound and very effective ANC, but are larger and bulkier and only get around six hours per charge.

If noise cancellation is a top consideration, the $ 280 Bose QuietComfort earbuds are amazing with sound quality that will not disappoint. However, they are significantly larger and less comfortable than the MW08 and have the shortest overall battery life of any of the alternatives.

How long will they last?

Master & Dynamic grants a two-year guarantee on all headphones. With IPX5 water resistance and great materials and build quality, I expect the MW08 to last for many years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. They have the best sound quality of any earbud we have tested. Reason enough to consider them for your next set of headphones.

Editor's recommendations




27 Mar
Blog

NatraCure Intense Hydrating Gel Gloves Review

My experience:

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

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

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

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

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

characteristics

Cosmetic ingredients embedded in the garment.

Moisturizes the skin, making it softer and more comfortable.

Can be worn day and night

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

Binds moisture with a non-breathable gel lining that makes your hands feel good.

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

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

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

27 Mar
Blog

Insta360 Go 2 Review: Going to Places Other Cameras Can’t Go

insta360 go 2 rating out of 6

"You will be inspired to capture some interesting perspectives that are unlocked thanks to their size."

  • Ultra compact size

  • Versatile accessories

  • Smooth stabilization

  • Durable construction

  • Frequent app crashes

  • The quality decreases in poor lighting conditions

There are many reasons people choose action cameras over traditional mirrorless cameras and smartphones, but perhaps the most important one is the unique perspective they can offer. This is just one aspect that appeals to me about the Insta360 Go 2, which basically follows the same approach as other action cameras. However, due to its small size, it offers additional usefulness for capturing clips that are difficult to achieve with other cameras – and at the same time as discreetly as possible.

Open up new perspectives

Let me just say the obvious here: the Insta360 Go 2 can be used in almost any location, including those that you would find impossible. Without question, this is what makes this action camera a far more effective tool for getting unique perspectives. Compared to most action cameras like the DJI Osmo Action I used, the camera module for the Insta360 Go 2 is about a quarter the size. This allows the Go 2 to capture content in narrower places. It's also generous for the company to include useful accessories with your purchase, including a magnetic charm, swivel stand, and simple clip.

It's just as light as a single AA battery.

They all have their intended purpose. For example, the simple clip can be attached to the edge of a cap to include a first person view (FPV). I love that the clip can also be turned down to capture a bit of my face in the composition. This can be useful for unzipping videos or showing something I'm holding in my hand. Also noteworthy is the charging case, which not only charges the camera, but also serves as a remote control, mini tripod stand and fastening strap. Needless to say, there is a level of utility here that is difficult to achieve for current competing cameras.

The camera itself is tiny and weighs less than an ounce. So it's just as light as a single AA battery you might have lying around. Due to its ultra-compact size, it is more discreet when carried with the magnetic charm. However, there is no way to prevent the LED light on the camera from blinking while recording. Hopefully this will change with a future firmware update.

Shoot now, worry later

It's really hard to fall in love with a camera when you can't preview what the camera is capturing. Well, unless you connect it to your smartphone using the Insta360 app. Plus, you're basically shooting blind in hopes that you get the right frame. To start recording video, all you have to do is press the physical button just below the camera lens or double press for a photo. Fortunately, you can change these features through the app.

There are a few minor nuances that annoy me, but a quick software update can fix them. For example, a 24 frames per second (fps) recording is only available natively if you are recording in HDR. In Standard and Pro mode you only have the choice between 30 fps or 50 fps. Personally, I would like a native 24 fps recording as well as a faster 60 fps mode just because I have the ability to slow down 60 fps clips in the post. There is also a special slow-motion mode that records in 1080p at 120 fps. The aspect ratios 3: 2 and 4: 3 are missing on the still image capture side, which are more ideal than the available 16: 9 option.

The quality of the camera is predictably best when the lighting conditions are ideal. On sunny days you will get sharp clips with a resolution of 1440p. When you record in Pro mode, you get a raw 2880 x 2880 clip at 30 fps. The magic of the software reduces it to 1440p, which is more than usable due to the stabilization of the footage. In poor lighting conditions, however, the quality is significantly reduced and the noise is more noticeable in the shade. You'll only want to use it when the lighting conditions are good.

What impresses me most about the shoot now is that the Insta360 Go 2 does a pretty good job of maintaining a lock on the horizon. This ensures that no matter how you hold it, the camera stays level as the app does all of the work for you automatically. Add in stabilization, especially FlowState stabilization when you're recording in Pro Video mode, and the shake you get in the raw footage will be magically stabilized.

App crashes galore

As mentioned earlier, the size of the Insta360 Go 2 allows it to capture unique angles. However, because of the run-and-gun style of shooting, I'm less inclined to ever use my smartphone to properly frame a shot. It's just a pain because it takes extra time and the app crashes frequently.

I have had multiple crashes while connecting to the camera or previewing a clip that has just been recorded since using the camera. At some point it got really bad when it just kept going, and so I had to reinstall the app – which brings me to the value of a dedicated display. My DJI Osmo Action not only has a rear display to properly frame a scene, but also a front-facing display that allows me to see myself if I intend to be in the frame.

Of course, I'd really like to see a direct wired connection option to take some of my frustrations away. A direct connection to a smartphone can be established via the USB-C port on the charging case, for example – similar to how this is achieved with a simple adapter on the DJI Pocket 2. Additionally, this current implementation's direct Wi-Fi connection is more frustrating than anything else.

Our opinion

The Insta360 Go 2 is a fun, discreet camera that can add an entirely different visual style to your existing repertoire. I like the first person view it can get and how it can be pushed into tight spaces that traditional cameras can't access. This wouldn't replace my existing action cameras or smartphones when it comes to that run-and-gun style, but it definitely complements it.

The $ 300 cost of the Insta360 Go 2 can be a point of contention for some people, largely because it's the same cost as other flagship action cameras in space, like the GoPro Hero 8. The Insta360 is on offer might not win specs on paper, but when you factor in the accessories, their small size, and incredible stabilization, it's a worthy addition to your shooting repertoire.

How long it will take?

I get nervous about losing the camera because it's so small, but the Insta360 Go 2 feels solid – including the charging case. Due to the internal memory of 32 GB, you will have to perform file management every now and then, while the battery life is 35 minutes. The charging case actively charges it when attached, which extends the total recording time to 150 minutes.

So far, the Insta360 Go 2 has withstood drops from around four feet – in addition to being submerged underwater (it's IPX8 waterproof). If that's not enough, there's a one-year limited warranty that's included with your purchase.

Is there a better alternative?

In the world of action cameras, you get superior image and video quality with the GoPro Hero 9 and DJI Osmo Action, both of which have front-facing displays in addition to the traditional rear displays.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It differs from other action cameras thanks to its accessories and its ultra-compact size. So it's worth buying it for the unique shots you can get with it.

Editor's recommendations




27 Mar
Blog

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream Review

Hello to new age skin care, while online brands and beauty gurus are constantly endorsing creams that alter your skin, finding a cream that will suit your face has become the toughest task. With over 9000 reviews on the Sephora website, Drunk Elephant Protini wins the Most Rated Moisturizer Award for Sephora App. Is this product worth your money?

Let's find out …

I'm usually not a fan of heavy moisturizers as most of them are oily and not suitable for acne prone skin types like mine. Last year I got sick of aggressive exfoliation in hopes of getting my natural glow back and the result was overly dry skin. At that moment, I decided to change my skin care routine and get myself products that would help balance my skin and make it look healthy again.

The first thing that impressed me was the packaging that helps control the portion and it's also very hygienic to apply with such a wise applicator.

Here's the deal with this polypeptide moisturizer: it's a moisturizer where the star is the peptide complex that helps the skin's natural self-renewal process. The formula contains pygmy water lily stem cell extract, which acts as an excellent source of antioxidants. The formula also contains soybean folic acid ferment extract, which helps in maintaining youthful, elastic skin. You should use this along with your other skin care products morning and night.

Let's talk about peptide

When it comes to improving the outer skin, the only solution is to get peptides from skin care products. However, it is important to consider the formulation of the product: the stability of its ingredients and its ability to penetrate the skin barrier. Finding the right type of product can go a long way as well. For example, if you choose products that do not wash off your skin easily, such as: B. a moisturizer.

The polypeptide moisturizer for drunk elephant protini is one of the first choices when it comes to a product containing polypeptide. In my experience, the skin feels hydrated all day long. What sets it apart from other moisturizers is its brand new protein technology that helps make the skin stronger.

More good news:

When I use this product regularly, I also notice that my acne spots and pores are less pronounced and the dryness in my skin is gone. Basically, this stuff helps with all of my complexion problems.

This week I spoke to the mirror in my bathroom. “Sephora reviewers are right !!! “I mean, there are so many things in life to get excited about, but finding a skin moisturizer that finally delivers is definitely the top three.

Questions and answers :

Q. Does it improve the texture of the skin?
Personally, I noticed that it smoothed my skin texture.

Question: How well is this absorbed into the skin?
It feels heavy when you apply it to your skin, but it eventually absorbs.

Q. Does it feel greasy?
No

Q. Will it cause irritation?
Every skin is different, but I never felt irritated after using it.

Question: Does this even out the skin tone?
In any case, I noticed more evenness in my skin tone.

My skin

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26 Mar
Blog

Vivo X60 Pro Plus Hands-on Review: Feature-packed

vivo x60 pro plus rating hand back

Practical review of the Vivo X60 Pro Plus: multi-function camera phone

Vivo isn't a well-known smartphone brand outside of China, but it's starting to make itself felt with some impressive new releases and crucial software advances culminating in the new X60 series. It's the first Vivo phone to be launched with Zeiss, the optics company that worked with the company on the camera, and it also has a unique gimbal stabilization system.

You may not know Vivo that well, but the X60 series is a big deal not only because of Zeiss' commitment, but also because it's part of the brand's big push in the UK and Europe. I've looked at the top device in the family, the X60 Pro Plus, and it's an extremely desirable smartphone.

At this point I have used the phone enough for thorough hands-on use, but I have yet to fully evaluate its day-to-day functionality. I will be updating this review in the next few weeks but have rated it 7 out of 10 for the time being, although this will likely be revised once the review is complete.

design

The Vivo X60 Pro Plus has a 6.56-inch AMOLED screen on the front and is slightly more compact than the OnePlus 9 Pro and Oppo Find X3 Pro. Why do I mention these devices specifically? Vivo is part of the BBK Electronics empire, just like Oppo and OnePlus, and each represents any company's current top phone. However, they all compete against the same opponents, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra as well as the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It is reminiscent of the Oppo Find X2 Pro with a vegan leather back panel in the muted blue color Emperor Blue and an extensive camera module. The thickness of 9.1 mm is offset by a light weight of 191 grams, and overall the Vivo X60 Pro Plus is a very comfortable phone to hold. It's not quite as wide as the Samsung Galaxy S21 +, but it feels more manageable thanks to the curved screen. It's very similar in size to the Galaxy S20 +.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Fortunately, the vegan leather differs from the endless glass back panels, but the appearance and texture are a bit too shiny and a bit too "wrong" for my taste. It feels grippy and warm. I like the textured on / off switch but have no idea why Vivo decided to write “Professional Photography” on the top of the phone. Aside from discounting the look of things when I see something like this, I automatically think the opposite and that the phone's camera is far from professional.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Vivo hasn't changed the design of the X50 Pro much, other than adding the vegan leather, and while the phone is clearly well made, the look isn't advanced enough and feels compared to the Galaxy S21 +, OnePlus 9 Pro, and Find X3 Per.

screen

Although the X60 Pro Plus is the top phone in Vivo's new lineup, the 6.56-inch AMOLED screen has FHD + resolution and not QHD + resolution. In contrast to the Find X3 Pro and the OnePlus 9 Pro, the X60 Pro Plus has a central selfie camera with a hole punch, but the built-in fingerprint sensor is again at the bottom of the control panel. It's quick and accurate, but can be difficult to locate in this position.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you put it next to the OnePlus 9 Pro, you'll notice the reduced resolution. Carfection's test of the BMW M4 9 Pro is obviously sharper and also has better color and contrast. The tone of the Galaxy S21 +, matching its resolution and refresh rate of 120 Hz, is extremely similar, but the wonderful contrast and colors of the Samsung phone shine through.

Given the X60 Pro Plus’s position at the top of the X60 lineup, a QHD + resolution would have fit in nicely with the rest of the high spec. The performance is still good, but the competition has better screens.

camera

This is where Vivo spent the money. The camera of the X60 Pro Plus has more functions than can be tested in less than a week, especially with current local movement restrictions. The main camera is a 50 megapixel Samsung ISOCELL GN1 with optical image stabilization, which Vivo also used on the X50 Pro. There is also a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with a second-generation gimbal stabilization system, which has some improvements over the X50 Pro version. A 32-megapixel portrait camera and an 8-megapixel periscope zoom camera with 5x optical zoom complete the array.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Zeiss helped develop the imaging system, which Vivo said optimizes the camera, optimizes the images for sharpness and clarity, supplied the Zeiss T * coating for the lenses to reduce reflections and added the Biotar portrait bokeh style options available. The lens treatment shows that Zeiss 'commitment goes one step further than OnePlus' partnership with Hasselblad. However, Zeiss has years of experience with smartphones and has worked with other brands in the past, notably Nokia.

Gimbal stabilization is a unique feature and works with both ultrawide still images and video where it is also complemented by a 5-axis video stabilization system for greater overall stability. This is very effective, especially when tracking people or objects with 5x zoom, although it doesn't make much of a difference when recording general video compared to a phone with adequate optical image stabilization.

It's just one of the many features of the X60 Pro Plus, including 5x optical and 60x digital zoom, night modes for the standard, ultra-wide camera and video modes, HDR video recording, various portrait modes, and a video mode for the Capturing sporty moments, a pro mode, an astrophotography mode and much more. But what about the photos it takes? The colors are strong, there is a reasonable degree of saturation and an overall warm tone. It's pretty consistent for the main and ultrawide cameras, and the 5x optical zoom is great.

There's a lot to test here, but in my short time with the X60 Pro Plus, the camera takes very attractive and, above all, extremely shareable photos.

Software, battery and performance

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage space makes the X60 Pro Plus a powerful smartphone. There is an unusual feature called "Extended Memory" where the system takes up to 3GB of space and uses it as memory when needed, resulting in faster app opening and multitasking.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Android 11 installs with Vivo's Funtouch 11.1 user interface, which is far less stylized than you might fear, but still annoyingly intrusive. After setting it up, I agreed to various multi-page privacy notices when I open apps, try to use the search, or accidentally activate a feature because the phone has trouble recognizing the edge of the screen. No other phone forces me to do so much. Vivo pre-installs many apps, including Snapchat, Flipkart, Amazon and its own app store. There are also several apps that duplicate Google functionality and irritating "Hot Apps" folders that try to get games to be installed.

vivo x60 pro plus verification settingsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

vivo x60 pro plus evaluation quick accessAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

vivo x60 pro plus test appsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

vivo x60 pro plus rating side handAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

A 4,200 mAh battery provides power to the phone and is charged with Vivo’s 55 W fast-charging FlashCharge system. The performance, software, and battery assessment will take time and will be part of the full review update that will be available shortly.

The Vivo X60 and X60 Pro

The Vivo X60 Pro Plus is one of three phones in the X60 series. The X60 has a 6.56-inch AMOLED screen with a less pronounced curve, but still a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It is a Snapdragon 870 processor with 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and a 4,300 mAh Battery pack. It has a 48-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.

The X60 Pro also has a Snapdragon 870 processor, albeit only with 12GB of RAM and the same screen size and resolution, but now with the same curve as the Pro Plus model. It has a 48-megapixel main camera, this time with the gimbal stabilization system, as well as the same 13-megapixel cameras as the X60.

Price and availability

The Vivo X60 series is sold in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Austria, as well as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. However, not all regions receive all phones or at the same time. For example, the X60 Pro Plus will arrive first in India, and the X60 Pro will be sold in Europe. Vivo has not yet confirmed the final release date.

Prices are also unknown, but based on prices in China, the X60 Pro converts to around $ 690 or £ 500 and the X60 Pro Plus converts to around $ 920 or £ 670. If Vivo can hit those prices, the battle will be led straight to Xiaomi and the Mi 11, which also undercuts the price of the Samsung Galaxy S21 + and iPhone 12.

At this point in time, the Vivo X60 Pro Plus offers everything that I am used to from a Vivo telephone – a camera with an insane number of functions and irritating software. The hardware itself is well made, but the design is smartphone-circa-2020 and does nothing. It would normally be easier to forgive some of these issues if the price was $ 900 or less, but competition this year has made it a lot harder for Vivo, especially getting away with a less than ideal software experience. I will continue to use the Vivo X60 Pro Plus and will do a full review shortly.

Editor's recommendations




26 Mar
Blog

Clean & Clear Lemon Gel Facial Cleanser with Vitamin C Review

Price $ 5.99

My experience

Lemon is one of the most important ingredients for making detergents in the olden days. It looks like Clean and Clear took the same age-old concept and brought back the goodness of lemon in their latest face wash.

This new face wash with lemon extract and vitamin C is why I wanted to try it. When someone like me, who has spent my entire childhood admiring my grandmother's lovely DIY facial cleansers with lemon, sees a product that has lemon as the main ingredient that you know the purchase is an emotional one.

I've been using it for over a week now and I can tell you that this lemon gel wash really cuts through the oil and leaves your skin clean and soft to the touch. Also, removing oil and makeup made my skin look refreshed and clean (I always use a makeup removal wipe to remove makeup first). It didn't dry out my skin like some oil removing facial cleansers. I can still see some of my little angry spots around my jaw even after using this for two weeks, but I don't expect this face wash to do anything for my acne. I'm very glad Clean & Clear didn't advertise it as an acne face wash. I mostly use this face wash in the morning and at night with my Clarins face wash. Still not sure if there is such a thing as a perfect face wash. Cleaners and moisturizers should be purchased based on skin texture, location, lifestyle, and weather.

This face wash has a nice lemon scent and won't make you smell like lemons, I assure you

Who will like it?

  1. Beauties of oily skin
  2. Those who are looking for an affordable face wash.

Who can avoid that?

  1. Those who don't like products with parabens.
  2. Those with very dry skin
  3. Those who think this is an acne clearing face wash.

Final verdict:

The scent is nice. The foam is gentle. After cleansing, my skin doesn't stay dry and I think it will be a nice summer skincare product!

BnB rating: 4/5

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26 Mar
Blog

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K HDR OLED TV Review

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K HDR OLED

"The A90J offers the best picture and sound quality in a television today."

  • Brightest OLED TV

  • Exceptional HDR performance

  • Perfect black levels

  • Breathtaking detail

Since CES 2021, rumors have spread about the Sony A90J OLED TV. The promise of a strong increase in brightness and a bold new image processor made TV freaks like me drool. The $ 4,000 Question? Is the hype surrounding this television – for which I am partly responsible – true? We'll find out in a moment.

In this review, I'm going to discuss what makes the A90J OLED TV so high quality, how bright it really gets, and why you might or might not want all that brightness on tap, analyze the picture quality and go into it, and there's a little bit of gaming features to determine too on how great this TV really is, and whether it's worth saving a few cents – or really Benjamin's – so you can buy it.

Spoiler alert: this TV is superb.

Jump to: Out of the box | User experience | Sound quality | About this brightness | Picture settings / picture quality | Play | My attitude

Out of the box

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

As soon as you crack the box, it becomes immediately clear that the A90J is a premium luxury product – you can tell by that $ 4,000 price tag too. The good news is that the A90J looks and feels absolutely like an ultra-premium TV. From the frameless edges to the ultra-slim shape to the brushed metal remote control that came with it, you'll feel like you got what you paid for with this TV. I didn't experience any disappointments with unboxing.

One of the things I like the most about the design of this TV is the convertible stand. You have three options for leg placement. For one, the TV can sit a few inches above your media stand, leaving just the right amount of space for a soundbar, which hides any unruly cables left over due to a disappointing cable management system. The second option is to flip the feet so that the TV is flush with your media housing and doesn't leave a noticeable gap – the same ultra-smooth look as last year's Z8H 8K OLED TV. The third option places the legs in the center of the TV, allowing for much tighter space for smaller media stands.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-9 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-7 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-6 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-15 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

For wall mounting, expect a very clean look with just a slight dent from the wall. Even with that bump, the TV's incredibly thin OLED panel continues to attract oohs and aahs.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K HDR OLED TV details

While we tested the 65-inch model XR65A90J, our test also applies to the 55-inch model.

Screen size Model number RRP
55 inches XR55A90J $ 3,000
65 inches XR65A90J $ 4,000

User experience

Setting up the A90J is a breeze, especially if you have a Google Account and the Google Home app – all thanks to the recently released Google TV platform, first seen in the new Chromecast with Google TV.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

I enjoyed Google TV when it came out, but I've grown since the new Chromecast became my favorite streaming device in my bedroom. The implementation as a smart TV platform in Sony televisions solidified my fandom. Not only did the A90J more or less do its initial setup itself, but since I previously entered usernames and passwords for the streaming apps I previously used through Google TV, there was no need to go through that tedious process again – Google TV remembered most of them and immediately signed me up by clicking "Yes". I know this is probably more of a pain point for a reviewer like me, but I still love it.

The bottom line is that the television is a pleasure to use.

Aside from being easy to set up, Google TV does a better and better job of mixing content that I watch regularly with relevant suggested content that somehow doesn't feel like an ad. With Google TV, you can easily pick up where you left off on a movie or show. This is a very familiar and accessible interface in general, even if you've never used it before. And of course, Chromecast is built in along with all of The Google Assistant's power for search, TV control, and general information.

The bottom line is that the television is a pleasure to use. Even the Settings menu has explanations of what each button and slider do when you adjust it.

Sound quality

Sound quality isn't something I normally think about in these reviews, but, sweet grace, this TV sounds amazing.

If you didn't already know, Sony places transducers on the back of the OLED panel that turn the screen into a speaker. That way, the sound comes straight from the screen itself, and this system does an incredible job of localizing sound to the screen source. For example, if someone is speaking on the right side of the screen, you will hear them speak from where their face appears – as if the actor's voice is actually coming out of the screen's mouth.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

The bass response of the A90J has been improved since Sony first used this type of audio solution and implemented an additional bass driver and maze of bass ports on the back of the TV. I love to hear TV sound that big. No, it's not the same as a dedicated sub, but you'll be amazed at how deep and loud the A90J can sound when called.

I can't think of any other TV that sounds this good.

Also, Sony used some acoustic tricks to vertically improve the sound field. So it seems that the sound is coming from outside the confines of the TV. Additionally, virtual surround effects, which I normally don't like, sound very convincing from the A90J. I can't think of any other TV that honestly sounds this good.

However, if you prefer a more sophisticated multispeaker surround system, you can use the TV as the center speaker. Many people – other reviewers, apparently – believe that the two speaker ports on the back of the TV are for powering a center channel speaker. It is not – these ports are actually inputs. The television is designed to receive a signal from an A / V receiver, downconvert the signal to speaker level, and then amplify it through its own speakers, effectively replacing a center channel speaker. And it works fantastically well.

About this brightness

I'm about to dig into picture quality, but first I want to talk about two of the reasons this TV is supposed to be such a big deal this year. One is brightness potential – possibly the brightest OLED TV ever made. The other is the processing that we always talk about with Sony TVs because the processing makes a huge difference in picture quality and that Sony’s has been the best in the past.

In terms of processing, Sony has moved from Extreme to Ultimate and has now taken a new direction. Sony calls this year's novelty the Cognitive Processor XR. The name is a bit mouthful, but what it means is that Sony – according to its own description – designed the image processor to work in a similar way to how our brains think and how we perceive things.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-14 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-4 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-1 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

According to Sony, the processor is so advanced that it can pick up every element of image quality and the cross-reference at the same time, just like our brains. The result should be an extremely realistic picture. For example, one of its advantages is that the XR processor can detect that it needs to improve details in an animal's fur, but not necessarily the details of the blurry meadows and trees in the background. I know this sounds like a lot, and I'm sure there is more than a tablespoon of marketing out there, but Sony has lived up to its claims for superior workmanship in the past and I can tell you now that it actually delivers the new XR processor.

As for the A90J's newly discovered brightness boost, you may have heard that LG also has a new OLED TV that can get brighter than ever, and you may think Sony is getting the OLED panels from LG Display that they are possibly playing the same game to become the reigning king of brightness. BUT they are not.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony's approach differs in that while it uses a similar new OLED panel from LG Display – which I haven't yet confirmed – it has also developed a new heat sink technology that allows the panel to be harder and run a little longer without the Damaging pixels or prematurely wearing them out. It was rumored that the TV can reach 1300 nits in Vivid mode – that's almost twice as bright as previous Sony OLEDs. I'll talk about whether this brightness is realistic or even desirable in a moment, but first let me talk about the picture settings and some measurements I took when I rated the TV.

Picture settings / picture quality

If you want the brightest picture on the A90J while maintaining some level of accuracy (adhering to Hollywood picture standards), avoid Standard or Vivid Picture modes. The TV's custom mode is used for playback. Once Custom is selected, you'll want to turn off the ambient light sensor. This setting is conveniently listed next to the brightness settings. Please note that switching off the sensor deactivates other functions with which the brightness curve can be adjusted depending on the room lighting, e.g. B. Dolby Vision IQ. Also under the brightness setting, I recommend setting the peak brightness to high. This will brighten the image in both SDR and HDR modes.

With these settings I have a peak value of 370 nits in the SDR. I measured the standard 150 nits with the low peak brightness setting. The color accuracy in this mode, after reducing the amount of blue that blends into white, was insanely spot on. Only the most extreme red crossed the threshold for noticeable inaccuracies, and even then only barely. I am seriously impressed.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

No further adjustments to the image settings were required for HDR. I checked the peak brightness and it stayed constant at around 760 nits (closer to 800 nits when the light meter accuracy is adjusted) which is very good for a custom mode or a cinema mode like this one.

The color was very accurate when the peak brightness was not set to high. Slight inaccuracies crept in when the peak brightness was increased, which is to be expected. But again hardly noticeable. We keep the television at the highest level and it comes closer than almost anything I've seen before. Save a reference monitor like Sony's own BVM X300, a ridiculously expensive true RGB OLED mastering monitor that Hollywood uses when mastering movies.

When I went into Vivid mode, I didn't have to make any adjustments to get 1,250 nits (closer to 1,300 to compensate for the inaccuracy of the light meter), although that number fell to around 950 once the A90J's automatic brightness limiter was activated. This is a good thing to do to prevent these pixels from overheating unnecessarily.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

So there you have it: confirmation that this TV can indeed get extraordinarily bright when you ask it, no doubt about it. And a clear indication that Sony is taking a different approach than LG.

But how can this strong brightness be transferred to real television? Do you need that much brightness on an OLED TV? I say yes, but with some caveats.

Everything I've ever loved about OLED TV picture quality is elevated.

I would never watch TV in Vivid mode. It looks tough and artificial. If you've had to go to Vivid during a big sports party and watch daylight shining straight into the TV, then this kind of brightness comes in handy. For normal playback, the user-defined mode or the cinema mode with activated peak brightness is more than just pleasant, it is dazzling. This extra brightness, used in the right places and in the right way, enhances the overall image, but has a particularly positive effect on HDR highlights.

The A90J is everything I have ever loved about OLED TV picture quality. The accuracy, level of detail and richness of this TV are intense. I absolutely love it. While I can freely admit that I've been a Sony fan for a while, this TV is objectively good. Best picture quality I've ever seen. That's it. I know there will be a lot of great TVs out there, but this TV is the benchmark now and will be hard to beat.

Play

Now let's talk about gaming. This TV has two HDMI 2.1 ports with the ability to support 4K 120 Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and many other desirable features. Unfortunately, one of those ports is the TV's eARC port. So if you want to connect more than one HDMI 2.1 device – such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 – you'll have to give up the eARC capability. It is not possible to connect both consoles directly to the TV and connect a cable to a soundbar or receiver.

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TV games "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry -17 -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED TV games "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry -16 -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-8 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAARiley Young / Digital Trends

Sony Bravia XR A90J 4K OLED television "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/sony-a90j-review-ry-10 - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAA

However, if you're running the consoles through an HDMI 2.1 friendly A / V receiver that passes 4K 120Hz signals, this might be fine. All I know is that a lot of the receivers available this year are struggling a little with this.

Otherwise, as far as I've been able to determine, almost everything seems to work fine at startup except VRR – that's another story. It may be a while before we see a firmware update from Sony that enables VRR on 2021 and selects 2020 TVs.

That being said, the A90J's picture quality goes for gaming – they look incredible. This TV isn't as game-oriented as the LG G1, but that's a discussion for a Versus article coming out soon. Watch this room.

My attitude

To be honest, the A90J is a work of art and a feat of engineering. I absolutely love it. The challenge is the price, but luckily, prices go down over time. Price aside, the A90J is one of the best TVs you can buy in 2021 and maybe beyond.

Is there a better alternative?

In terms of picture and sound quality, no. However, the LG G1 OLED evo comes very close and has the advantage of advanced gaming features and a much cheaper price at launch.

How long it will take?

The Sony A90J is a remarkably advanced, well-built television. It should take a long time to come.

warranty

Sony provides a one-year parts and labor warranty on its televisions when purchased from an authorized dealer. Please refer to the Sony Manual and Warranty page for more information.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It may be expensive, but the A90J has the best picture and sound quality you can get in a TV today.

Editor's recommendations




26 Mar
Blog

3 Reasons You Should Add Cycling to Your Fitness Routine

Nobody loves cardio. This is the most tedious part of a fitness routine, and many people skip it altogether. This is because, for the most part, our imagination of cardio spends 30 minutes on a treadmill staring at a wall. An alternative way to incorporate cardio into your fitness routine would be on a bike. Bicycles are useful in many ways and have the advantage of being great calorie burners. However, they have a ton of other fitness benefits that you should know about.

Here are some reasons everyone should add cycling to their fitness routine. We'll also give you some tips on how to do this safely and efficiently.

It's a great form of transportation

The biggest benefit of cycling for fitness is that it gives you the opportunity to do so while getting things done at the same time. You don't have to worry about two hours of cardio a week if you use it to go to work or run errands every morning. You will also find that from time to time you may want to take pleasure drives. That way, you can either burn calories more easily or maintain a healthy weight.

It is fun

Cycling is also a fun way to burn calories. Some people really do it and decide to go on long trips. It's difficult to be an avid cyclist and not be in shape. When it becomes your passion, you no longer have to worry about gaining weight or losing weight.

Cycling is also a great way to get the whole family involved. If you want your kids to get active, get them a bike early on. It becomes part of their lives and you don't have to ask them for some fresh air. This is a great habit that is instilled in a child that they may maintain for the rest of their life.

It's great for recovery

Many people have felt that rest means that there is absolutely nothing you should do during your days off. But that's not correct. Being lethargic means there is less blood circulation and fewer nutrients getting to the areas where it is needed.

Instead, you need to do an active restore. This is the case when you work the areas that need recovery with moderate to light intensity. One study found that people who practiced active rest recovered much faster, and there are few exercises better than cycling for active rest.

The nice thing about cycling is that you can ride at your own pace. If you've worked on your legs the day before, you can take a light drive on a sunny afternoon to get the blood pumping. This will reduce the pain and allow you to work on those areas faster, which will also result in faster gains.

Here's how to add cycling to your routine

There are two ways you can do this. One way is to use your bike as a first or secondary mode of transport and the other is to use it as a fitness machine.

In addition, if you use the bike as a means of transport, we recommend that you obtain a transit pass. So you can either take your bike with you or park it near a subway station. This way you get maximum mobility. Another benefit of this is that you always have a way to return home if you go too far and suddenly feel like you can't walk anymore.

If you are using the bike specifically for fitness purposes, there are also many ways you can achieve this. You can exercise endurance or use the bike for high-intensity interval training. This is when you do short sprints followed by a cool down period. This can be a great way to burn energy both before and after your sessions. This is because this form of exercise has been shown to boost metabolism and calorie consumption after the session is over.

Using HIIT with a bike, especially on the open road, is dangerous. Because of this, you need to learn how to avoid a bicycle accident. If you want to know how to avoid a bike accident and some other safety tips, we recommend you visit Velosurance. They have a great article that explains what are the most common causes of accidents and how to avoid them. They provide tips on how to avoid getting a door, for example, which is one of the most common yet overlooked types of bicycle accidents.

As you can see, there are tons of reasons why adding cycling to your routine is a great idea. Make sure you think about it and try to make it a part of your everyday life.

26 Mar
Blog

New Year, New You: 6 Tips to Better Skin in 2019 with Non-Toxic Products

As soon as 2018 started, it seems to have come to an end …

And with the end of one year comes the beginning of another. No better time to start over and make changes in your life!

For most people (actually 80%!) The decisions made in the new year fail in the second week of February.

Regardless of your resolutions for the coming year, we have one that you can easily stick to …

How about starting the new year with a new, non-toxic you?

One of the easiest changes you can make in the coming weeks that will benefit not only your skin but also your general health is what to keep in your skincare arsenal.

In this article, we will share 6 simple switches to help you achieve the skin of your dreams in 2019.

Getting clean with mud: Osmia Black Clay Facial Soap

Don't worry, we don't mean you should run outside and literally grab a handful of mud! This black clay face soap contains black Australian clay and Dead Sea mud to even out and tone the skin, making it cleaner than ever. Trust us

When you cleanse your skin with a cleanser that goes deeper than your old one, you can expect clearer, happier skin in 2019!

Finally, try a vitamin C serum: 100% pure vitamin C serum

If you haven't tried a vitamin C serum, make 2019 your year for it!

Nothing brightens skin like it does, but the benefits of vitamin C don't stop there. This beauty vitamin helps reduce inflammation (bye problem skin!) And increase collagen production for firmer, plumper and more youthful skin.

Go deeper with the scrub: Eminence Yam and Pumpkin Peel

Afraid to try microdermabrasion or chemical peel?

We don't blame you, but why not go deep home with a scrub formulated with all natural enzymes from creamy yam and pumpkin?

This lightening scrub helps fade hyperpigmentation, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leave skin glowing and glowing. It's also a great natural way to treat blackheads.

Treat your skin once a week: May Lindstrom be the problem solver

If you haven't shown your skin the love it deserved in 2018, apply it in 2019 by treating it with a weekly face mask like this antioxidant-rich beauty that addresses all of your skincare problems!

Add a toner to your routine: Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Toning Mist

Toners don't get enough credit, but if you really want to take your current skin regimen to the next level, we recommend adding one to your routine!

This beautiful rose toner offers tremendous punch in terms of hydration and is so much more than just a beautiful shade of pink! (although we love the color of this one!)

Try a multi-purpose product: Ursa Major 4-in-One Face Tonic

Skeptical? Do not be so!

As long as you buy the right products like this great toner from Ursa Major, you can't go wrong! This cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates all in one!

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26 Mar
Blog

It Takes Two Review: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

It takes two

"It Takes Two is a charming co-op adventure that combines the best ideas from Nintendo and Pixar."

  • Charming story

  • Tight platform

  • Varied level design

  • Thoughtful collaboration

  • Joyful interactivity

While video games can span a wide range of genres, there is one limit that remains largely unknown: the romantic comedy. Co-op platformer It Takes Two shows how much we missed thanks to the game industry's fear of cooties.

The adventure published by EA is the latest project from multiplayer studio Hazelight and director Josef Fares, the eclectic director of A Way Out. It Takes Two is a blatant rom-com about the restorative power of communication and teamwork instead of spreading grim science fiction or high fantasy. Imagine a 12 hour couples therapy session over Astro's playroom.

It Takes Two is a love work that has the heart of a Pixar movie and the soul of a Nintendo platformer. Even the most die-hard gamers could fall in love with the most inventive co-op game since Portal 2.

Marriage history

It doesn't take two starts with a traditional meeting. Instead, it starts with a married couple about to divorce. Cody and May are a contentious couple who decide to end it. When they deliver the news to their daughter, she does what any confused child in the situation would do: with the help of a magical book, their parents are accidentally trapped in the body of two tiny dolls.

What follows is a vibrant adventure in which the ex-lovebirds must solve their problems that have physically manifested themselves in platform challenges. The game takes full advantage of its magical, realistic premise to playfully transform local quarrels into clever video game tropes. The broken vacuum that Cody was too lazy to fix? It's become a Bowser-sized boss. The annoying wasp's nest in the backyard? The little couple have no choice but to go to war against them with a mini third person shooter.

The most straightforward comparison of the game isn't another platformer, it's Pixar's Inside Out. Both offer the same kind of illustrative storytelling, using cartoony set pieces to emphasize real experiences. Like a great Pixar movie, It Takes Two features memorable characters, moving emotional beats, and the occasional comedic wink that parents pray their kids didn't get it.

The game takes full advantage of its magical, realistic premise to playfully transform local quarrels into clever video game tropes.

The story can sometimes be narrative scattered. At every level there are lots of quick gameplay ideas that don't always sync up with a relationship parallel. Storylines seem to come out of the left field to justify moving the game to a snowy level or some elaborate musical set piece. Fortunately, every new mechanic is so enjoyable that it hardly matters how effective the game is as a therapy session.

Collaboration!

Despite the cinematic comparisons, the game works just as well as it does due to its interactivity. Lots of love stories tell audiences how important teamwork is, but It Takes Two brings physicality to these hours of life. The game can only be played with another human partner, so an actual unit is required to complete it. The players learn to communicate alongside May and Cody and to build their trust in each other.

It takes two

It's a high profile idea that comes with finesse. As a platformer, running and jumping feels as good as a Mario game. The puzzles are rarely challenging, but the solutions are ingenious enough to inspire satisfying Eureka moments. The levels themselves offer a constant flurry of fun ideas that never exceed their reception. Once players get bored with a traditional platform puzzle, it switches to a mini dungeon crawler that is completely different and just as fun.

Most impressive is how much thought has gone into making a co-op game that actually takes care of both players. May and Cody get completely different tools to play with in each level. In the opening chapter, Cody is given a set of nails that can be shot into wooden walls, while May is given a hammer head with which she can swing on these nails. The mechanics and uses of each item are completely different, giving each player their own unique experience. There's never a point where it feels like Player 1 got the "cool" item and their partner is a buddy.

Most impressive is how much thought has gone into making a co-op game that actually takes care of both players.

This is something that a lot of co-op games really struggle with. Nintendo neglects player two by making them either a mechanical clone of the protagonist or a helper with limited functionality. It Takes Two is entirely designed for both sides of the split screen, always making sure that you take turns who gets their big hero moment.

That's another thing that gets the game right when it comes to relationships. Both Cody and May are equally important to dynamics. Players have to work together to bring the characters together, but they are never left standing around while their partner is having all the fun. Give and take is never a person's expense.

"No shiny shit"

Before the game was released, EA did a Q&A with director Josef Fares. He had a choice phrase that he repeated several times when asked about his approach to game design: "No shiny shit."

The tariffs went on one of his signatures against the concept of "replayability" and emphasized that "It Takes Two" did not contain any hollow collectibles. Instead, his goal was to create an interactive world that was fun to explore without the haphazard hooks.

Feels like Fares just having fun making every little interaction.

This philosophy is reflected in the nine different levels of the game. When players are high up in a tree, they can stop to throw a stray paper airplane. There is no real incentive to do this. It's just for the love of the game. This is a breath of fresh air in the era of the open world card game where players are given a repetitive checklist of tasks to complete.

It takes two

The next thing that needs to make the game "collectibles" are mini-games that are spread over each level. These are simple competitive challenges like tug of war or snail racing that give players an easy break from the story. While they're not complex side quests, they provide a great excuse to break the pace and let partners blow off any potential frustration that has built up between tricky co-op mistakes.

Feels like Fares just having fun making every little interaction. The director is especially in love with his own games and that attitude is contagious. While his earlier work can feel a little too serious, It Takes Two is a broader representation of both his colorful personality and the immense skill at Hazelight. He jokes (probably) that he will give $ 1,000 to anyone who doesn't love the game. As much as I love the money, I certainly won't ask him to pay. He wins this bet.

Our opinion

It takes two is Hazelight and Josef Fares' most complete vision of co-op gaming to date. It uses clever interactivity to highlight the importance of good communication in video games and relationships alike. With Nintendo quality level design and an enchanting storyline that motivates the platform action, it's the rare multiplayer game that builds friendships rather than ending them.

Is there a better alternative?

No. It Takes Two is by far the best co-op game of its breed since Portal 2.

How long it will take?

The adventure lasts a surprisingly long 10-12 hours. May and Cody get completely different skills in each level, which makes playing them through the second time feel very tempting.

Should I buy it?

Yes. It's a joyful time from start to finish, and it comes with a Friend Pass that one of your friends will use to get a copy of the game. It's a two-on-one deal that ensures you have someone to play with.

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