07 Feb
Blog

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum Review: Eyes Wide Shut

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot vacuum angle holder

LG CordZero ThinQ robotic vacuum cleaner

"This ambitious robotic vacuum tries to do more but trips over the basics."

  • Provides 5-stage HEPA filtration

  • Brush works well on carpets

  • Its bulky size

  • Limited coverage with HomeGuard functionality

  • Expensive costs

  • Corners cannot be cleaned effectively

LG is a company that has brand recognition in nearly every imaginable area of ​​consumer technology. From smartphones to televisions, it's a brand that is trustworthy and has been proven to make amazing products. In the vacuum space of the robot, however, this is an entirely different story.

One could imagine a giant company like LG being seen as a leader in this space, especially if its various smart devices are also highly valued, but it has been an uphill battle to get the same notoriety as iRobot, Shark, too to reach. and Ecovacs. The LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum is its newest roving bot, packed with unconventional features and a design that is sure to raise your eyebrows. Does LG finally have a winner?

No shame in its scope

Boy, this is the clunkiest robotic vacuum I've seen and tested so far. I can certainly understand the decision to design a robotic vacuum cleaner that looks like a mini-tank, but it's significantly bulkier than its counterparts. "Unconventional" best describes its design, which looks like it fused the head of a cordless vacuum cleaner with the body of a fat robotic vacuum cleaner. Because of its thickness of 5.6 inches, it has problems getting into tighter spaces – like under furniture. For comparison: the iRobot Roomba i3 + is only 3.63 inches thick.

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot vacuum front brushJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Nevertheless, the design is functional as it has an above-average 0.6 liter trash can. For those with larger spaces, it's helpful because it simply means it can gobble up more dirt before it has to be disposed of. However, the bulky size doesn't help extend battery life. The 100 minute rating is enough to clean my 1,000 square foot apartment, but the Roborock S6 MaxV gets it done compared to around 120 minutes.

Not the hottest in the shed

In addition to the chunky appearance, I immediately notice that the camera sits right on the front of the LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum. The camera offers the bot its security functions, which I will explain in detail later. However, it is used for navigation through the visual SLAM technology (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Essentially, the camera combined with Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) helps in mapping spaces, but in practice it is not as efficient as others. Sensors around the robot help it see edges, objects, and other obstacles, but it is still triggered on wires and clutter.

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot vacuum cleaner brushJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Once you have done a full cleaning, the generated map will be saved in memory. So you might think that it will be faster or more efficient next time. Unfortunately, this was not the case and often took just as long. I even tried the poop test with this bot where I put fake poop on the floor to see what would happen. In almost every case, it slowly approached and made minor changes to the navigation, but then continued to walk over it. Good thing it's wrong because this bot doesn't wipe.

In all fairness, the sticker price of $ 1,200 doesn't help.

Another area that is problematic is when tackling corners. Since there is only one main brush on the bottom, it just needs to approach the corners. This implementation is not good at trapping debris compared to bots that have a sweeping brush on the side to help direct the debris. With the LG hiring, you're hoping the suction is strong enough to get the job done, but not on hardwood floors.

Speaking of vacuuming, I'm excited to announce that the anti-tangle brush does a good job of collecting hair and balling it up. When certain surfaces such as carpets are detected, extra suction is applied to ensure dirt is engulfed for a thorough clean. It is loud in this mode, but it is not distracting under normal cleaning conditions. Overall, it's good for carpets, but I found it struggling with hardwood floors.

One of the few with HEPA filtration

Catching dirt and debris is the basic job of all robotic vacuums, but not all offer the same level of fine particle collection as this one. In fact, it's one of the few on the market that uses a 5-stage HEPA filter system. Of course, I take the word for filtering 99.9% dust, pollen, and flakes of skin, but when I look at the trash can it's almost impossible to tell as it looks very similar to the other bots I've used.

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum CleanerJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

That said, it's nice to know that this filtration method makes it more proactive to capture debris. Even better, the filter is easily accessible and washable, which saves money in the long run as you don't have to take out the extra batter for filters. Finally, I like how the trash can makes it easy to release its contents with the push of a button that opens the lid on the bottom – which minimizes the blowing back of the fine dust particles.

Stick with a security camera

As I mentioned earlier, the LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum has a camera that effectively turns it into a roaming watchdog. After trying it out, your conventional surveillance camera will not be replaced. This is partly due to the terrible user interface. With the LG ThinQ app, set the HomeGuard feature first by navigating the bot to where you want to see it. The problem with this, unfortunately, is that it is limited to no more than 10 feet from the charging station. In my situation this is a problem as I have the base in the bedroom but want the bot to keep an eye on the front door in the living room.

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot vacuum camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Now the camera only takes a few snapshots when it detects movement – and they look kind of grainy. You can also forget to see something in the dark as the camera does not have night vision. Your standard security camera has better detection and image quality than this, but I can see the benefit that you can access the camera on the go (and manually navigate to where you want to see it in your house).

Our opinion

The LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum is no ordinary cleaning robot. It aims to do a lot more, but in this attempt to do more, it is not a competitive proposition to measure up to other respected bots in the market. To be honest, the sticker price of $ 1,200 doesn't help either. You can spend a fraction of that on something that is at least more efficient to clean.

How long it will take?

The LG ThinQ app does a good job of maintaining the robot. Accessing the intelligent diagnostics will check if the filter and sensors need cleaning and will show reminders about maintenance. Following the guidelines will only help enhance its proper function.

LG's robot is solidly built so I'm confident it will last. There's a one-year limited warranty in case something goes wrong. There is also a 10-year guarantee on the Smart converter motor.

Is there a better alternative?

The functionality of the surveillance camera is difficult to find in robotic vacuum cleaners, so it is unique in that sense. When it comes to cleaning, however, there are many models to choose from that can clean more efficiently – such as the iRobot Roomba i3 + and the Roborock S6 MaxV. The latter also has a camera with an A.I. drive to detect and avoid obstacles.

Should you buy it?

No, also because the costs are too high and the functionality of the surveillance camera is not so practical.

Editor's recommendations




06 Feb
Blog

Acer Swift 3X Review: Intel’s Iris Xe Max Takes the Stage

Acer Swift 3x rating Iris xe max 1

"The Acer Swift 3X presents Intel's impressive Iris Xe Max in a top-class package."

  • Great job

  • Excellent battery life

  • Aesthetics are attractive

  • Rounded port selection

  • The display is overwhelming

  • The processing quality does not meet the premium standards

  • Bad gaming performance

Intel released its first discrete GPU in 20 years, the Iris Xe Max. However, that doesn't necessarily mean trying to compete with Nvidia for gaming laptops. It was not specifically designed to speed up games, but rather to work with the CPU and speed up a variety of other tasks. An interesting idea for thin and light laptops, right?

So far, the Iris Xe Max has come in three laptops, and we got one of them – the mid-range Acer Swift 3X – for review.

The Acer Swift 3X is not a cheap laptop in its Iris Xe Max configuration – at least not for a typical Swift laptop. At Amazon, it costs $ 1,240 with a Core i7-1165G7, 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM, 1 TB PCIe Solid State Drive (SSD) storage, and a 14-inch Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080 ) in the aging school 16: 9 aspect ratio. You can spend $ 899 and get a version with only Iris Xe graphics, a Core i5-1135G7, 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD.

Does the Iris Xe Max graphics make this laptop a must-have mid-range laptop?

performance

We start with the performance because in this test the rubber hits the road. Either the Iris Xe Max makes a difference to real-world tasks or it doesn't. This is the make-or-break test for the Acer Swift 3X. Reading the description of Intel's GPU will expose you to a variety of buzzwords and jargon, but we will skip most of them here. If you want to dig into the details of the new GPU, check out our guide to Intel's Discrete GPUs and our insight into the Iris Xe Max.

However, one term to keep in mind is deep link. This is Intel's term for technology that tightly ties the CPU and GPU (both Iris Xe and Iris Xe Max) together to enable some sophisticated functionality. Not all of them are yet activated or supported by today's software. So we focus on just one thing: Deep Link Dynamic Power Share. With this function, the system can "switch off" the GPU and supply the CPU with the entire system performance. With the Swift 3X and its 11th generation Core i7, more than 28 watts of power and heat can be delivered to the CPU if required, which should theoretically accelerate CPU-intensive tasks.

The Acer Swift 3X occasionally even questions the performance of H-series machines.

It works? Yes, it actually does. The Swift 3X was competitive in all of our performance benchmarks and occasionally took the crown for the fastest Tiger Lake laptop we tested. This makes it one of the fastest laptops in the U series and occasionally even challenges machines from the H series.

It can't compete with AMD's Ryzen 4000 (or the upcoming Ryzen 5000 laptops) in all cases, but it does show up a lot stronger than most non-Max laptops. However, is that enough to make Iris Xe Max an exciting development? Perhaps not at this point – the GPU on its own makes the Acer Swift 3X a fast laptop, but not without challengers in AMD and Apple, which are faster and either cheaper, thinner and lighter, or both. We'll have to wait and see what other features Iris Xe Max has to offer before we can speak of an unconditional success.

We start with Cinebench R23, where the Swift 3X scored 5944 points in multi-core mode and 1496 points in single-core mode. I tried the utility to switch from optimized mode to performance mode and I didn't see much of a difference unlike some others (e.g. the HP Command Center utility in the Specter x360 14) that have greater impact. This multi-core score is the fastest we've seen in an Intel U-Series CPU. It beats faster Core i7-1185G7 laptops like the MSI Prestige 14 Evo (5,789) and the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 in its more effective performance mode (4,988).

Note that with a 45-watt Core i7-10750H, the Razer Blade scored 6,166, meaning the Swift 3X was in close proximity to a much faster CPU.

In Geekbench 5, the Swift 3X wasn't quite as strong – probably because Dynamic Power Share has the greatest impact on longer, sustained processes. The Swift 3X scored 1,551 points in the single-core test and 5,847 points in the multi-core test. The Prestige 14 Evo was slightly faster (1,593 and 5,904), as was the Intel Tiger Lake reference laptop, which is based on the same MSI computer (1,563 and 5,995). The Acer Swift 5 with the same CPU as the Swift 3X scored higher in the single-core test with 1,580 and almost as high in the multi-core test with 5,836. Interestingly, the Swift 3X managed to outperform the Lenovo Yoga 9i 15 with a Core i7-10750H (1,285 and 5,551).

In our handbrake test, which encodes a 420MB video as H.265, the Swift 3X finished the process in 2 minutes and 36 seconds, which is again (technically) the fastest among Intel U-series laptops. The Prestige 14 Evo – also with its faster CPU – took four seconds longer, which resulted in a virtual tie. Note that the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 with an AMD Ryzen 4800U processor takes 2.2 minutes to complete. This means that while Iris Xe Max speeds up Tiger Lake's performance, it cannot compete with AMD on some tasks.

Finally, I ran the PCMark 10 Complete benchmark, where the Swift 3X scored 5,117 points. This is the second highest score in our laptop database, only behind the Lenovo Yoga 9i 15. The individual essentials, productivity and creation values ​​of the Swift 3X were not all individually highest, but were in the upper range. To examine the creation portion of the test, which focuses on photo editing, video rendering and playback, and video editing, the Swift 3X had the highest score (5,334) of any U-series laptops we tested – shown once again, Deep Link does its Job.

The closest was the Prestige Evo 14 with 5036 points. This is a good sign of performance in Adobe apps and other creative tools, which will only improve as more Deep Link features are introduced. Simply put, the Swift 3X did very well in this benchmark.

Intel didn't specifically design the Iris Xe Max to speed up modern games.

Intel's Iris Xe Max has a real impact on a laptop's performance even at this early stage. The Swift 3X screams through productivity tasks and is well suited for creative tasks for a U-series CPU. If you're looking for the fastest CPU performance in an Intel-based ultrabook, contrary to your intuition, you should choose a model that includes Intel's discrete GPU.

If you're looking for a gaming laptop, as mentioned in the introduction, Intel didn't specifically design the Iris Xe Max for speeding up modern games. With some titles it works well, with others Intel transfers the order to the Iris Xe, which is also on board. The Iris Xe Max did well in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark with 1,889, which is a few hundred points above the typical Iris Xe GPU.

In Fortnite, however, the Max managed 34 fps (frames per second) with 1080p and high graphics and 22 fps with epic graphics. This is comparable to the Yoga 9i 14, which achieved 40 fps and 27 fps in performance mode, and the MSI Prestige 14 Evo, which achieved 42 fps and 28 fps. Fortnite is clearly a title that the Iris Xe Max doesn't shine on.

design

Acer didn't just copy the design of the non-Max Acer Swift 3 when creating the Swift 3X. There are some similarities, but the Swift 3X looks very different, including a choice between Steam Blue (my review unit) and Safari Gold instead of plain utility silver.

The hinge has also been redesigned and decorated in an “electric blue” that draws attention to the laptop lid. And the back corners have a nice angularity that adds to the aesthetics. However, it is not an attention seeker like the HP Specter x360 14. The bezels disappoint a bit. First, they're not as small as some other modern day laptops, with a screen-to-body ratio of 84% (many exceed 90%), and second, they're made of plastic rather than behind the glass. This gives the laptop a no-nonsense look when viewed from the front.

The Swift 3X isn't quite as slim as some of its 14-inch competitors, either.

The construction doesn't quite match the standard of many other premium laptops. The chassis is made entirely of aluminum, but the lid is quite flexible and the keyboard deck has some flex. However, the underside of the chassis is robust. The hinge is very stiff and requires both hands to open the laptop – in contrast to the Dell XPS 13, which can be easily opened with one hand – but holds the display firmly in place. Overall, I'd say the build quality is more in the mid-range than the premium range, which makes the laptop more attractive than the $ 1,200 on my review unit at a starting price of $ 899. The MSI Prestige 14 Evo, for example, is the same price – without the Iris Xe Max, of course – and feels a lot more solid than the Swift 3X.

The Swift 3X isn't quite as slim as some of its 14-inch competitors, either. It comes in at 0.71 inches thick and weighs 3.02 pounds. This compares to the Prestige 14 Evo at 0.63 inches at 2.85 pounds, the Asus ZenBook 14 UX425 at 0.54 inches and 2.58 pounds, and the Acer Swift 5 at 0.59 inches and 2.31 pounds. It's not that the Swift 3X is a humorous ultrabook – it just doesn't feel as thin and light as some of the other options.

Finally, the Swift 3X offers a solid range of connectivity options. On the left side of the case, you'll find a proprietary power port (which will likely provide enough juice for the Iris Xe Max), a full-size HDMI 2.0 port, a USB-A 3.2 port, and a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 On the right side you will find another USB-A 3.2 port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. What you won't find is an SD card reader. This is a bummer as this machine is at least partially geared towards creative types.

The wireless connection is provided via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

display

The Swift 3X has a 14-inch Full HD 16: 9 IPS display which, according to my colorimeter, is generally a little below average for premium laptops. For example, the color gamut is a bit narrow at 95% of sRGB and 71% of AdobeRGB (premium laptops usually achieve 97% and 75%, respectively). However, the color accuracy is quite good at 1.18, with 1.0 or less being considered excellent.

At the same time, the brightness is 284 nits below our 300 NIT threshold, which ensures that a display with the typical bright office environment lighting is visible. And the worst contrast is at 740: 1, where many premium laptops are at 1000: 1 or more, or at least very close to it. The combination of brightness, low contrast and a narrow color gamut gives the display a subdued appearance.

Overall, the display is certainly good for productivity work and watching Netflix, but it won't blow your mind. Throw in the 16: 9 aspect ratio when many competitors are switching to higher ratios like 16:10 and 3: 2 and the Swift 3X's display isn't exactly impressive.

Audio is closer to par, with two downward-facing speakers that provide enough volume for YouTube videos but not enough for watching a Netflix movie with friends. The mids and highs are fine, but the bass is missing. You want to use headphones or bluetooth speakers for Netflix binging and listening to music.

Keyboard and touchpad

It appears that Acer pulled the keyboard from the previous Acer Swift 3. The Swift 3X has the same appearance, meaning the keycaps are smaller, which in my experience leads to a search for keys. The mechanism is very clicky and requires a bit of pressure to intervene, but offers a solid ground effect. It depends on preference, of course, but I would rate the keyboard as being behind the HP Specter x360 14 and Dell XPS 13 in terms of accuracy and general typing speed.

The touchpad is small but functional. The surface is pleasant to swipe and the keys respond, but are a bit loud. Thanks to the Microsoft Precision touchpad drivers, multi-touch gestures react quickly and precisely. There is no touch display which is a shame for me personally. I miss touch when it's not there, especially for scrolling long web pages and tapping the occasional on-screen button.

Windows 10 Hello login support without a password is provided by a fingerprint reader in the upper right corner of the keyboard deck. It was quick and accurate in my tests.

Battery life

You'd think that 59 watt hours of battery life in a 14-inch laptop and very fast CPU performance could result in poor battery life. You'd be wrong as the Swift 3X is way behind the nine hours of typical Evo spec use.

In our web benchmark, which runs through a number of popular websites before the laptop goes to sleep, the Swift 3X lasted 11.5 hours. The Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 outperformed this by more than an hour and the MSI Prestige 14 Evo by almost four hours. Next, I went through our video test grinding a Full HD Avengers trailer and the Swift 3X lasted about 15.75 hours, a strong score that is still nearly three hours less than the Yoga 9i 14 and 30 minutes less than the MSI Prestige 14 Evo was.

In the battery test for PCMark 10 applications, the Swift 3X lasted 14 hours, second only to the Yoga 9i 14 in our database and almost four hours longer than the Prestige 14 Evo. In the PCMark 10 gaming test, which stresses both the CPU and the GPU, the Swift 3X only lasted 1.5 hours, which was the worst, with the Prestige 14 Evo and Dell XPS 13 finishing second and third. Most other laptops lasted about an hour longer than the Swift 3X in this test.

Overall, the Swift 3X showed solid battery life that lasted a full day with no issues, at least as long as you don't push the CPU and GPU. Again, the Swift 3X exceeds the Intel Evo certification requirements of nine hours of typical use, which not every Evo-certified laptop we tested has achieved.

Our opinion

The Acer Swift 3X on its own is a pretty mundane, high-budget, low-midrange ultrabook without considering the inclusion of the Iris Xe Max. The components are okay for $ 1,200, but the build quality and keyboard aren't snuff-safe.

Take advantage of the great CPU performance of the Iris Xe Max and Deep Link, plus long battery life, and the Swift 3X becomes a more attractive option. It's a good choice for anyone who wants to occasionally encode video but don't want to spend the money on a laptop with a 45 watt CPU and faster discrete GPU.

Are there alternatives?

The MSI Prestige 14 Evo is almost as fast as the Swift 3X without the Iris Xe Max on board and costs the same. It's also thinner, lighter, better built, and better looking. However, the Swift 3X offers better battery life.

If you are looking for the ultimate in CPU performance, then you should take a look at an AMD Ryzen 4000 laptop (soon to be Ryzen 5000). One option today is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 with the Ryzen 7 4800U. It's cheaper than the Swift 3X, but it offers much faster CPU performance and extends battery life.

Finally, the Dell XPS 13 9310 remains a solid competitor, as is the case with every laptop we test in the 13- or 14-inch class. It has a smaller display, but a productivity-friendly aspect ratio of 16:10. The XPS 13 is also significantly better built, also offers a superior display, and can be configured with more RAM and storage.

How long it will take?

The Acer Swift 3X is not the most rugged notebook we've tested, but it should offer years of reliable service. The components are up to date which is a plus, but the 1 year warranty (industry standard) is, as usual, too short.

Should you buy it?

No. Iris Xe Max graphics offer the best CPU performance you can get in an Intel-based ultrabook. However, if CPU performance is most important to you, there are other, better options. And apart from the equipment of the Iris Xe Max, the Swift 3X cannot be particularly highlighted.

Editor's recommendations




06 Feb
Blog

How to Get Abs | Best Tips to Achieve the Abs

Hi guys, surely you are here to know how to get abs!

To you, it might feel like a million dollar question, "How do I get abs?" As everyone says, it's not a kids shop and it could be a challenging task for you too, since you may have tried so hard to get your abs but you still are unable to achieve it.

And that's what brought you here, so don't worry, I'll help you achieve it. However, I need persistence, hard work, patience and discipline on your part. When you're ready, let's start!

Well, that's a very minor problem, and my answer to that is that you already have spectacular, amazing abs. The problem here, however, is the fat overlying your amazing abs. So let's change our problem from "how to get abs" to "how to show abs".

Here we give you various tips on how to get closer to your goal of bringing those spectacular six pack abs to the fore.

Tips for achieving the six pack:

Here we're going to use a two-pronged strategy to get the abs, as you won't get abs just working the crap out of your body or starving yourself.

  • Healthy eating practices:

It is important for a person who wants abs to balance their diet so that the body can boost metabolism, increase fat consumption, and build new and stronger muscles. These three things are important because increasing your metabolism does not mean that new fat can be accumulated, the increased fat consumption consequently decreases the layers of fat that hide your abs, and the growing out of new, stronger muscles is important because abs are made because of that Rectus abdominis muscle that is present in your core. Therefore, it is important to keep the following points in mind when planning your diet:

Fill in the protein: Protein is the main dietary supplement you may need to make your abs because muscles need protein to grow.

Opt out of processed foods: Processed foods or junk foods also increase the number of trans fats in our body as they are harmful to health. Since trans fats are industrially made fats, it does a lot of harm to our bodies and sets our goal of getting abs in the back seat.

Drink enough: Water is one of the best things in the world as it increases your body's metabolism, intoxicates our bodies, and a much less known fact about water is that it also burns off that extra belly fat that you so badly want to remove. Plus, you'll feel like your stomach is full and consequently you don't crave junk food in your kitchen cupboard (a piece of advice: stay away from that junk).

Increase Your Fiber Intake: Just like dumbbells or other exercise machines, fiber works your stomach internally and since exercising your stomach requires energy, it reduces the fat in your body. It also takes a long time for the fibrous foods in our bodies to be properly absorbed and absorbed. Hence, it keeps the stomach full for a long time and helps us not to go to that kitchen cabinet.

Cut out sugar: Sugar is one of the most fatty foods. You might want to cut that extra sugar into your coffee.

Cut Refined Carbohydrates From Your Life: I'm serious when I say that refined carbohydrates are really, really bad for your help and your health in particular, even though they are really good for your fat. Instead, try adding whole grains to your diet.

  • Regular training and training units:

Now that your nutrition plan is ready, we can move on to our second step in building spectacular six pack abs. Exercise is just as important as a healthy diet, because while you eat healthy you may no longer be able to build fat, but it will not remove the accumulated fat from your body. This is where exercises come into play. The following are the points and exercises that you need to consider when creating your exercise overview:

Increase the amount of cardio in your training set: Cardio is basically any exercise that increases your heart rate. It's good for your heart and it's pretty good for burning fat too. Hence, exercises like jumping jacks, butt kicks, running and swimming, etc. can help you burn fat like nothing else.

Exercise every muscle in your body equally: Now you may be wondering why if we want to get abs, we should train all muscles, not just the rectus abdominis muscle and the other muscles in our core. Here's the catch: exercising every single muscle consumes energy. This energy comes from burning fat. Hence, exercising the muscles in your body is directly proportional to the amount of fat you burn. In addition, it will help you strengthen your body equally while getting abs. That's a plus for you right there.

Integrate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your routine: HIIT is a form of exercise that, along with small breaks in between, represents an intense burst of activity so that our body can experience a high heart rate and then a few lower ones. It has been proven that HIITs can burn fat faster than regular exercise. Also, try to do your exercises in circuits, that is, doing exercises that affect different parts of the body, and then repeating them, e.g. For example, start squats, then crunches, then do some shoulder and hand exercises, and then after a two-minute break, repeat them all.

Finally, I want to close the article by saying that not every body is designed to grow out abs. No matter how hard you try to get it, it would be impossible to get it (it has been scientifically proven). . Therefore, be gentle with your body and try to accept it for who it is. Also, always remember that your physical strength and wellbeing are much more important than six pack abs. However, it is always good to try to get the abs show and make an effort to achieve your goal. All the best!

06 Feb
Blog

How to Snack Fat | Breaking Muscle

Is It a Good Time to Start a Keto Diet? Fat Snax can help.

If the spread of Covid-19 has motivated you to take extra care of your health, research the keto diet should be.

We can tell you that the keto diet will help reduce inflammation and induce metabolic correction to help boost your immune system. However, if you want more specific information, please refer to the US National Library of Medicine.

If you're used to snacking all day, sticking to a strict diet isn't easyespecially if you have side effects like the keto flu or are just feeling tired.

Hopefully the information in this article will help you combat fatigue, enjoy delicious snack alternatives, and try this recommendation out.

Craving for Carbohydrates on Keto?

Fat Snax, a keto-friendly snack that I think tastes like Cheezits and Sun Chips.

Personally, I think the Fat Snax almond flour crackers are the bomb!

Fat Snax, a keto-friendly snack that tastes like Cheezits and Sun Chips

Not only were they able to cut the carbohydrate count to 3 grams, but they were also able to reproduce the taste of the snacks that most of us ate as adults.

However, if you are wondering how legit these crackers are, here is a roundup of how great they were when I ate three packs in one sitting.

  • They didn't fall apart and made a mess on my desk. I don't know about you, but I like having a clean desk. I prefer not to bother with stains, especially when it comes to my keyboard and the pages of books I have opened.
  • These crackers have a lot of flavor. I tried all three flavors in one session and none of them are tasteless.
  • I dipped them in sauces and they didn't break. If you enjoy a side of salsa or guacamole with your fries and crackers, this is the place to go. They won't make you wet.

Overall, I would give 8 out of 10 for taste, concept and ease of use. Make sure to seal the bag if you want to save the rest for later.

06 Feb
Blog

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD Review: Cyborg Sport Sedan

2021 acura tlx review front three quarters

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD Review: Reclaiming the Golden Age

"The redesigned 2021 Acura TLX takes on the battle of German luxury brands with style and sportiness."

  • Sharp styling

  • all wheel drive

  • Sporty interior

  • Powerful standard motor

  • Insurmountable infotainment system

  • Not for tall people

Like an aging millennium, Acura aims to recapture the glory days of the nineties. In this golden age, the first generation NSX and Integra Type R emerged – the redefined what performance cars could be and are now collectible. With the possible exception of the current-generation NSX, nothing Acura has done since has generated the same enthusiasm from fans or critics.

The 2021 Acura TLX is the latest attempt at a comeback from the luxury brand Honda. Acura threw it all on the new TLX, including a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and an unorthodox infotainment system, to outperform the competition. This competition includes the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Genesis G70, Infiniti Q50 and Volvo S60, as well as more recent entries like the Cadillac CT4 and the recently updated Lexus IS.

Prices for the 2021 TLX start at $ 38,525 for a base front-wheel drive model and rise to $ 49,325 for the all-wheel-drive Advance package with peak performance. Our test car was an all-wheel drive A-Spec package with sporty styling elements and a base MSRP of $ 47,275.

Design and interior

The 2021 TLX is a revamped model, but it still looks familiar to me. This is because Acura was heavily adopted from the well-received Type-S concept first shown in 2019. For brand continuity, the 2021 model also retains many of the styling features of the previous generation TLX and other newer Acura models, including “Jewel Eye LED headlights and a pentagonal grille. However, designers have prepared a completely different dish than these familiar ingredients.

Comparing the TLX 2021 to the 2020 model is the same as viewing the before and after photos on a Weight Watchers ad. The new model looks much tighter and sportier than the old version and also has better proportions. It has a lower roof and wider stance than the 2020 TLX. So it looks like it's gliding across the road surface instead of protruding over it. Acura also pushed the front wheels further forward and gave the 2021 TLX the classic silhouette to the rear, which always ensures a good design. These LED headlights are also slimmer and have curved elements inspired by the headlights found on the Acura ARX-05 racing car.

Under the skin is a new Acura exclusive platform so the TLX isn't just a crazy Honda Accord. Acura claims a 50% increase in overall torsional stiffness compared to the previous generation TLX, which is important for handling and refinement. Acura also used aluminum for the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and front damper mounts, mainly to improve weight distribution from front to rear rather than to save weight.

The new model looks much tighter and sportier than the old version and also has better proportions.

The interior is more of a sports car than a sedan. The dashboard is low and tilted forward for better visibility. A high center tunnel brings the controls closer to the driver's right hand. Inside, most of the other sports sedans feel like regular cars with some racing jewelry attached. This is a complete (and very functional) rethinking of what a sports sedan interior could be – and you still get the hit parts. The TLX A-Spec models have a flat-bottomed steering wheel, metal shift paddles and bright red leather upholstery.

The 2021 Acura TLX doesn't offer much more interior space than the 2020 model and actually has a little less headroom in the rear. The 2021 TLX also has the lowest rear headroom among its competitors and is also at the bottom of the rankings for front headroom. The Acura has less legroom front and rear than the segment-leading Lexus IS and Audi A4, but none of these sedans are particularly generous in this area.

The TLX offers more shoulder room than its competitors and creates a feeling of spaciousness despite its relatively narrow dimensions. The seats in our test car were quite comfortable despite the thick side cushions. However, we would have preferred more thigh padding for extra support when cornering. The Acura's trunk is larger than average, but is still well below the 17.0 cubic feet of the BMW 3 Series.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard infotainment system includes a 10.2-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and an integrated WiFi hotspot. Advance Package models have a 10.5-inch head-up display.

Acura gave the 2021 TLX its True Touchpad surface, so you get a trackpad instead of a touchscreen. Similar to a laptop, moving your finger over the pad manipulates a cursor on the screen, but the cursor automatically jumps from icon to icon for better control. While it was easy to use, we didn't see the advantage of this user interface over a touchscreen or the rotary control you get with BMW's iDrive system.

Aside from the unorthodox True Touchpad finish, the rest of the infotainment system wasn't that remarkable. Aside from cute animations for the driving modes, the screen's graphics were simple and while competitors like Audi and BMW offer fully digital instrument clusters, each TLX model receives analog displays with a 7.0-inch TFT display in between. We welcomed the fact that Acura included analog controls for key functions – including scroll buttons on the steering wheel – but we would also have liked buttons to answer and end calls.

The 17-speaker audio system offered good sound quality, as one would expect from a high-end system.

Acura offers three audio systems for the 2021 TLX. Base models receive an unbranded 10-speaker system, Technology Package models a 13-speaker ELS Studio system, and A-Spec Package and Advance Package models a 17-speaker 3D ELS Studio system. In our A-Spec package test car, the 17-speaker system offered good sound quality, as one would expect from a high-end audio system.

The standard AcuraWatch driver assistance package for the TLX includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, departure reduction, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. A traffic jam support function enables the adaptive cruise control to continue working in slow stop-and-go traffic.

At higher speeds, the adaptive cruise control impressed with smooth acceleration and braking, although, as is often the case with these systems, the lane centering function caused problems even when cornering gently on motorways. The lane departure warning system was also a bit overly sensitive and flashed its warnings like a particularly nervous driving instructor.

Experience at the wheel

Sportiness is supposed to be one of the TLX's main selling points, and it looks pretty good on paper. The TLX comes standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That's better than the standard drivetrains in most competing sedans, and there's a more powerful Type S version on the way. It will be a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 with an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of the torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is the only transmission available.

The TLX has front-wheel drive as standard, which is usually not the best basis for a sports sedan. However, our test car had the optional super handling all-wheel drive system (SH-AWD). This is one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems on the market that, under certain conditions (the standard split is 30/70 front / rear), can transfer up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels to mimic the feeling of rear-wheel drive. It can also redirect torque between the left and right rear wheels – known as torque vectoring.

SH-AWD offers plenty of grip, so you can open the throttle almost anytime without worrying about losing traction.

Why is it all important? A four-wheel drive preloaded at the rear reduces the workload on the front wheels, which are already steering and doing most of the braking. By sending more power to a rear wheel, torque vectoring also helps in cornering the car by pulling the rear around. This power is effectively used to steer the car from behind. The fourth generation SH-AWD system in the 2021 TLX reinforces this effect a little more than the outgoing version and, according to Acura, can transfer the power 30% faster from the front to the rear axle.

SH-AWD is the TLX's secret weapon. It offers tons of grip and allows you to almost always open the throttle without worrying about losing traction – it's as if the laws of physics no longer apply. Torque vectoring also makes the car feel agile despite lackluster steering. In our hands the bike felt too imprecise in the TLX's "Normal" and "Comfort" riding modes, while the "Sport" mode added so much weight that the bike felt like it was spring loaded.

On winding roads, it seemed like the all-wheel drive system was doing most of the work, magically fixing everything, regardless of what the driver was doing. That was confident, but it didn't inspire drivers of more traditional sports sedans either, and made us wonder if we would have been just as impressed with a front-wheel drive TLX.

The turbocharged engine delivered more than enough thrust, with just a hint of the delay in throttle response normally associated with turbos. The ride quality was tough, but not inadequate for a sporty car like this one (if you want unadulterated luxury, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the Volvo S60 are better choices), and the overarching Advance package includes adaptive dampers. This could have offered a better compromise between ride and handling. In short, the TLX is the real deal when it comes to performance, but it feels different from its competitors.

Fuel economy and safety

Fuel economy figures for the 2021 Acura TLX are 25 mpg (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive (A-Spec models are rated at 30 mpg highway) and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive . That's slightly below most of the competition and is difficult to achieve with spirited driving. According to the car's on-board computer, the average was 21.7 mpg over a mix of city, highway, and backroad driving.

The Acura TLX 2021 received the "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS – the company's highest safety rating. The TLX received the top rating "Good" in all IIHS crash tests and the rating "Superior" for the headlights and front. Crash Prevention Technology – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test assessments are not yet available.

Acura offers a four year base 50,000 mile warranty and a six year 70,000 mile powertrain warranty – pretty common terms for a luxury car.

How DT would configure this car

Our ideal TLX is similar to our test car – an SH-AWD model with the A-Spec package. As mentioned above, SH-AWD is the TLX's standout feature and offers better bad weather capability than the front wheel drive. So, in our opinion, it would be well worth the extra cash (a $ 2,000 option).

The A-Spec package includes styling features that make the TLX stand out, as well as all the major technical features. Gray 19-inch wheels and available red leather upholstery add style. The ELS studio sound system with 17 loudspeakers and mobile phone charging are also included. The A-Spec is also included in the technology package, which includes USB ports on the back seat, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, and front and rear parking sensors.

The expanded Advance package offers features such as wood paneling, heated outboard rear seats, a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, we didn't miss these features during our week with the A-Spec model.

Our opinion

The 2021 TLX is Acura's most powerful effort yet to regain the magic of its early days. It's not perfect – the Genesis G70 offers better driving dynamics, the BMW 3 Series has a better infotainment system, and the Cadillac CT4 and Volvo S60 have more sophisticated driver assistant technology – but the TLX offers a good combination of sporty driving dynamics and high driving dynamics -end Functions. More importantly, it has a unique character.

Many other sedans offer feature laundry lists, a vibrant driving experience, and the allure of a luxury brand. It's not enough to build a car that is fancier than your run-of-the-mill grocer – luxury cars are already filling Whole Foods parking lots across the country. The TLX is successful because it is something different – just like the Acura symbols of the 90s.

Admittedly, that also means that the TLX is not suitable for everyone. Whether it's the car depends on whether you can enjoy the mechanized driving experience and live with the unusual infotainment interface. The other defining features of the TLX – its exterior and interior design – are also subjective. Every car (and every car company) has its quirks, but these Acuras are more visible than most.

Should you get one

Yes. The TLX may be different, but that's a good thing.

Editor's recommendations




06 Feb
Blog

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell Review: Aiming Too Hgh

Netatmo video doorbell mounted on brick

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell

"The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is a great video doorbell with a few small flaws and one big one – the price."

  • Intelligent A.I. Camera detection

  • Clear video day and night

  • Expensive

  • Narrow field of view

  • Blocky design collides with some decor

When asked to review the Netatmo security camera a few months ago, I was impressed with the functionality but not impressed with the design. Fortunately, Netatmo has made some progress in this category with its Smart Video Doorbell. The wired doorbell from Netatmo brings person recognition and the known functions of artificial intelligence (A.I.) to a thankfully smaller form factor.

Netatmo hasn't quite shaken off its blocky roots yet, however, as the design of this doorbell reminds me of something you might see in Minecraft. The doorbell consists of three squares stacked on top of each other. The top square has the camera and Netatmo branding, the middle square has a loudspeaker grille for bidirectional communication, and the bottom square has the button with a bell symbol. Overall, the aesthetic works for me. It looks modern so it looks a little different on a brick home, but you can go upstairs well.

Installation first

The installation is very easy. Netatmo even included a silicone lock that you slide the doorbell wires through for additional sealing. It's a nice touch that I haven't seen before. You can also use a 25 degree offset to see if your house is mine and the door is set back from the brick siding. A carillon module is included in the scope of delivery, which you must also connect to your transformer. So make sure you know where that is. Netatmo also includes an additional backup, which is a first in my career as a doorbell checker. Better to have it and not need it, I suppose.

Netatmo

The video feed is very good. My backyard in Chicago is currently a snowy landscape so I can't comment on the color rendering, but I can tell you the white balance is spot on. A fish-eye effect can be seen at the edges of the field of view with a diagonal of 140 degrees. The infrared image is also quite good at night. There's a lot of camera in this doorbell.

Netatmo has some work to do on its aesthetics, but this is a solid step in the right direction.

The speaker built into the camera is loud and clear. Netatmo doesn't list an official speaker volume specification, but it is certainly clear enough for a conversation to take place. Both the two-way conversation and the video feed are pretty lag-free, so you don't get those awkward pauses where you say something and then wait for the voice to go through.

Return home

The doorbell also works with Apple's HomeKit, although I mainly used the Netatmo Security app for my tests. After my review of the Logitech video doorbell, it was a nice change of pace. Netatmo is still doing smart things with A.I. like focusing and cropping on the motion themes in the thumbnails of saved events. In the first few days, of course, a floodlight in the frame was identified as a person, but that's why detection zones are important.

The software has some special features that are difficult to reconcile with one another. For example, to view the live camera, you need to press a phone icon in the middle of the screen. To terminate the connection, you must also press a hang-up key. While watching the live feed, you can unmute the speaker and microphone on the doorbell to have a conversation with whoever is there. I've got the thinking behind it – you "call" the camera to have a conversation with whoever is at the door.

Screenshot of the Netatmo Security App.

Netatmo doubles the "phone call" metaphor when the doorbell rings. The app not only rings your interior, but also initiates a call between you and the doorbell. Other doorbells, like our recently tested Wyze video doorbell, simply send you a notification and you can choose whether or not to respond. This feature follows the Netatmo video calling metaphor, but just because I can streamline it doesn't mean it's a good idea.

One of the few that support HomeKit

The addition of Apple's HomeKit brings a nice new level of automation that we explored in the Logitech video doorbell. You can use the motion sensor on the doorbell to trigger other actions around the house, although I haven't found one that makes sense yet. The video feed also works more intuitively through HomeKit. You don't have to ring the doorbell to see what's going on outside. With the Netatmo app, Android users can also enjoy the doorbell.

Our opinion

Overall, this is a solid entry into the video doorbell space. Netatmo has some work to do on its aesthetics, but this is a solid step in the right direction. To be honest, the blocky doorbell doesn't suit every type of home. Integration with Apple HomeKit is easy without excluding Android users. The video feed is great and has a slightly narrower field of view than others on the market.

As a stand-alone doorbell, this is exactly the right thing for you. It does everything a video doorbell needs and uses Smart A.I. to find out what's important in a particular clip. I would love to test this out in a non-winter month to see animals running across my deck so I could really say that A.I. Through my steps, however, my review of the Netatmo video camera gave me a good idea of ​​what to expect. When putting your smart home piece together piece by piece, this is a good addition as long as you like the look.

Is there a better alternative?

The Netatmo video doorbell does a lot of things right, but Netatmo is charging nearly $ 300, and there are other options worth considering. From a design perspective, I prefer the rounded look of the Arlo Video doorbell or the Nest Hello. From the point of view of the field of view, 140 degrees is the center of the road. Doorbells like the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro give you full 180-degree top, bottom, left, and right angles. Simply put, for its price point, the Netatmo should be the best of all, and it really isn't.

Will it take?

The Netatmo video doorbell works between -10 and 40 degrees Celsius and is IP44 compliant. Netatmo products are guaranteed for two years. The silicon barrier helps keep water out of the electronics, so I see no reason why this doorbell shouldn't last long.

Should you buy it?

No. At $ 300 there are other options that do a better job. See the Wyze Video Doorbell at 1/10 the price. It is true that Netatmo does not charge a subscription service and that all videos are stored locally on an included SD card. However, at this price point, it's hard to recommend, especially when video doorbell prices are generally falling.

Editor's recommendations




06 Feb
Blog

How to Snack Fat | Breaking Muscle

Is It a Good Time to Start a Keto Diet? Fat Snax can help.

If the spread of Covid-19 has motivated you to take extra care of your health, research the keto diet should be.

We can tell you that the keto diet will help reduce inflammation and induce metabolic correction to help boost your immune system. However, if you want more specific information, please refer to the US National Library of Medicine.

If you're used to snacking all day, sticking to a strict diet isn't easyEspecially if you have side effects like that Keto flu or just being tired.

Hopefully the information in this article will help you combat fatigue, enjoy delicious snack alternatives, and try this recommendation out.

Craving for Carbohydrates on Keto?

Fat Snax, a keto-friendly snack that I think tastes like Cheezits and Sun Chips.

Personally, I think the Fat Snax almond flour crackers are the bomb!

Fat Snax, a keto-friendly snack that tastes like Cheezits and Sun Chips

Not only were they able to cut the carbohydrate count to 3 grams, but they were also able to reproduce the taste of the snacks that most of us ate as adults.

However, if you are wondering how legit these crackers are, here is a roundup of how great they were when I ate three packs in one sitting.

  • They didn't fall apart and made a mess on my desk. I don't know about you, but I like having a clean desk. I prefer not to bother with stains, especially when it comes to my keyboard and the pages of books I have opened.
  • These crackers have a lot of flavor. I tried all three flavors in one session and none of them are tasteless.
  • I dipped them in sauces and they didn't break. If you enjoy a side of salsa or guacamole with your fries and crackers, this is the place to go. They won't make you wet.

Overall, I would give 8 out of 10 for taste, concept and ease of use. Make sure to seal the bag if you want to save the rest for later.

05 Feb
Blog

Apple AirPods Max Review | Funnest Headphones Ever

Apple AirPods max

"The AirPods Max are exquisitely crafted headphones designed for Apple lovers."

  • Best-in-class ANC

  • Amazing transparency mode

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Excellent sound quality

  • First class call quality

  • Charges via the Lightning cable

  • Heavy on the head

I'm a headphone freak and have been for almost two decades. And, without a doubt, at $ 550, the Apple AirPods Max are the most fun headphones I've tested in 10 years – but that doesn't necessarily mean you should buy them.

I've heard a lot about these headphones over the past few weeks and now that I've got hold of a pair, I have to be honest: I disagree with a lot of what I've heard. I want to dig into these headphones not just from the perspective of someone who has tested headphones over the years, but also as a studio musician, fan of high-end sound, and a person who loves making smart purchases with hard-earned money. Let's examine what's good, what's great, and what's not about the AirPods Max, and of course, make some comparisons with the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose ANC 700.

Build quality

The most noticeable design element when looking at the AirPods Pro are the metal ear cups. They sit comfortably in the hand – in fact, every part of these headphones feels good. The fabric material in the headband has a cool suspension, the telescopic part of the headband has a satisfactorily smooth movement, the ear cups are squishy and covered in a lush textile, and even the oversized digital crown and the noise-canceling / transparency mode can be toggled button feel good to turn and push. It's really amazing how comfortable it is to hold them.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

But as satisfactory as they are, they aren't called cell phones – they are called headphones, and they need to feel great on your head. For some users, the AirPods Max may feel perfectly fine. Deep auricles, breathable ear pads and a balanced clamping force help a little. The problem, however, is that there is a lot of weight to compensate for. Too much weight in my opinion. These materials are beautiful. This makes the AirPods Max feel super luxurious, but in practical terms, these headphones may be too heavy for some people. Especially if, like me, you wear headphones for hours.

To be clear, Apple has done an impressive job of reducing the stress on the crown and ears through clever engineering and materialsThis is one reason why headphones like the Sony XM4, Bose ANC700, and even the Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition are made from high-quality plastic and composites instead of metal: because they're good for acoustics and they're lightweight and comfortable.

Connectivity

Riley Young / Digital Trends

As you'd expect, the AirPods Max work best with Apple products. Not only do you instantly connect, but you can switch from one Apple device to another in no time. Another benefit is that you can use an iOS device to turn off ANC in the headphone section of the control panel, and you can actually play with the digital signal processor (DSP) over the accessibility section – which I'll mention again later when we talk about sound quality. Unfortunately, if you're an Android user, you lose all of that. As far as I can tell, there is no turning off the ANC or adjusting the DSP without an Apple device. For connectivity, AirPods Max win for Apple users, while Sony and Bose, which both have apps for both platforms with lots of customization options, win for everyone.

The oversized digital crown is awesome.

Control elements / interface

When it comes to controls, I have to give them to the AirPods Max. The oversized digital crown is awesome. It's easy to find if you're wearing headphones, and the volume knob is oddly enough to turn satisfactorily – you even hear a tiny click when you adjust the volume. The digital crown is also extremely accurate and grainy. I had no problem hitting my volume sweet spot, while with other headphones and volume controls, I'm always a click away from the volume that's too loud or too soft.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

Plus, an almost comically large button just for toggling between ANC and transparency modes is a spring in the cap of the AirPods Max. Again, finding the button while wearing the headphones is no problem, and pressing the buttons with satisfaction is a far better one Experience than holding your hand over the right ear cup of the Sony XM4 or looking for the right button on the Bose ANC 700. I used to think the swipe control thing was cool too, but now I'm kind of over it. The AirPods Max have simple controls for which headphones I want to use. This is the kind of thing Apple is doing right now.

Where is the power switch?

On the subject of battery life, charging times, and the fact that there's no power switch – this may surprise you: I don't have any problems with it. Let me finish

Some think the fact that the AirPods Max doesn't have a power button and can't actually be turned off completely is ridiculous. I do not think so.

The AirPods Max go into a power-saving mode after a short while when you put them down. In fact, I put it on my desk around 8 p.m. and picked them up the next day at 7 a.m. and they had laid off a measly 7%. With five minutes of charging, I can get that blackout and a lot more back, which gives you 1.5 hours of listening time.

When the AirPods Max aren't used for about 72 hours, they go into a kind of ultra-low power mode and use even less power. In practice, with such a slow power failure, it is hard to imagine that a power switch is absolutely necessary. Maybe when you keep it around your neck as a fashion accessory all day long? But even then, it's not like they drain quickly and die of you that day.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

For the claimed 20 hour battery life, I've found this rating to be conservative. With ANC, I've approached 25 uninterrupted hours of play and that's enough to take advantage of a few days before you have to think about recharging. So I'm fine with the battery life, even if the rating is about half that of the Sony XM4 – in real life it's perfectly fine.

I think the valuable thing about this always on standby strategy is that whenever you get a call or a Zoom call, they are ready to go. Just put them on and click to reply. I love that – it's far better than long-pressing a power button and waiting for the headphones to boot while the phone keeps ringing.

What I don't like is the USB-C lightning cable that comes with the headphones. I think it was a mistake to choose a flash when USC-C is a much more sensible choice.

It is not a case

Riley Young / Digital Trends

One area where I agree with other reviewers and commentators is what is called the "case" that comes with the AirPods Max. Since there are many others throwing away this "non-fall" as I call it, I don't feel the need to use more vitriol. It's not a case, it's not a shelter, and if it weren't for the magnets in it which are required to activate the ultra-low-power modeI would say throw it away.

The transparency mode is amazing.

ANC and transparency mode

I want to start with transparency mode because it's amazing – perhaps the most impressive feature of the AirPods Max. It's as close to NOT wearing headphones as I've ever heard it. Everything else pales in comparison.

I'm also looking forward to checking out active noise cancellation on a flight someday, as the AirPods Max, as far as I can tell, may just rule the skies. Since I'm not getting on planes yet, to test the headphones I tried the AirPods Max, Sony XM4, and Bose ANC 700 near some loud fans and an HVAC system. The AirPods Max did very well compared to the best noise-canceling headphones I tested.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

The AirPods Max make it even better every day. They sound like hammering a mechanical keyboard, sipping coffee, and other annoying things. I wore them to a coffee shop and was surprised at how little I heard of the espresso machine and general barista noises. Is it the best noise cancellation on the planet? I can not say it yet. I really have to get on a plane to be sure, but it's damn close. Close enough that I can't call the Sony XM4 the reigning champion anymore, now that there's another big dog on the hill. However, I'll say the AirPods Max won't make anyone crave for more noise cancellation.

Call quality

The AirPods Max are great for making phone calls and taking video conferences – even better than the Bose ANC700, which are great on their own. I found that ambient noise was very well muffled while the clarity of the voice was excellent. The AirPods Max are also very adept at dealing with wind noise.

Sound quality

Before I get into fidelity, I want to mention that I ran some testing with Spatial Audio which, if you're not familiar, is a 3D sound competitor to Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X, and the like. I think it's fun to watch movies, but I'm less enthusiastic about the implementation for music. It's a cool feature, but not a selling point for me.

When it comes to audio fidelity, the AirPods Max sound really good. In particular, I think the midrange has great presence and clarity – something you won't get as much of on the Sony XM4 as the midrange has a bump that tends to clutter the vocal range.

Sony's mid-bass bump is also notable because it gives the XM4 more punch. In direct comparison to the AirPods Max, the Apple cans are less effective. That doesn't mean the AirPods Max lack solid bass. They actually get very deep – deeper than the Sony XM4 or Bose ANC 700 – so everything is sound there. I just noticed that the bass guitar was less prominent on a lot of the tracks I love listening to, and the kick drum had a little less punch than the XM4 and Bose headphones. As mentioned earlier, the more balanced mid-bass enables tThe excellent midrange response from Max.

"I found that Apple Music sounded better than Spotify with the Apple AirPods Max. "

In the high altitude region, cymbals and brass instruments sparkle very well, which I liked very much – sibilance or harshness are irrelevant here. I didn't see a particularly well-executed instrument separation, however, and as far as soundstage and imaging go, I think the AirPods Max are average.

In general, I feel a little closer to the music listening to the Sony XM4 and Bose ANC700, but I feel like hearing more detail with the AirPods Max, which are sure to be the most balanced of the three headphones I compared.

One interesting note: I found that Apple Music sounded better than Spotify with the Apple AirPods Max, and I suspect Apple is using the AAC codec (the only codec supported by the AirPods Max) during the MP3-based deployment from Spotify is more lossy. Another reason to delve into the Apple ecosystem for listening to music.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

I've noticed some have said that the AirPods Max sound better with the ANC off. I didn't think so. Maybe the frequency response is flatter, but I feel like the music is losing part of its life. I've also heard that adjustments to the DSP via the Accessibility menu in iOS could improve the sound, but honestly I like the way they sound instantly with the balanced setting and slight boost setting.

From an audio point of view, I like the AirPods Max very much, and I would like to continue listening to the AirPods Max a little longer, as I suspect that my preference for punch will wane over the weeks and months, but right now I prefer the Sony XM4 -Sound signature. However, this is a deeply personal preference. I can see why someone would prefer the sound of the Max in the long run, and I'll adjust this rating as I change my tune. You sound very good. Good enough to justify the $ 550 price tag.

As for the cool factor, there's no doubt that the AirPods Max have it in their spades, and there's no doubt that they are one of the most fun headphones I've had the chance to test out in many years.

Our opinion

The AirPods Max are near perfect, with top notch noise cancellation, the most remarkable transparency mode I've ever heard, balanced and detailed sound with lots of deep and musical bass, and a very top notch feel. My main complaints are its weight, which I fear won't work for hours of use, and the lack of a proper carrying case.

Is there a better alternative?

For a higher level of convenience, I would recommend considering the Sony WH-1000xm4, which offers competitive sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as superior battery life in a lighter headphone. The Sony also come with a legitimate carrying case and are more portable. Nevertheless, the AirPods Max are wonderful premium headphones with unmatched build quality.

How long will they last?

Given the excellent build quality just mentioned, I can imagine that the AirPods Max will last as long as the battery allows. They come with Apple's standard one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Should you buy it?

If you don't mind a heavier headset with a premium price tag then absolutely yes.

Editor's recommendations




05 Feb
Blog

Building a CrossFit Body | Breaking Muscle

In this episode, I'm accompanied by Mike Tromello from Precision CrossFit. Mike was an accomplished athlete and is now a top coach.

He has coached multiple CrossFit games, athletes, and medalists.

Mike explains the key principles to help you build the physique of an elite CrossFit athlete on the show. He also shows what differentiates his athletes from their competitors.

This episode is a must have if you want to look and perform!

You can also find this podcast on top of all of my other Six Pack of Knowledge podcasts (curated discussions with the world's greatest hypertrophy experts).

Or search for Breaking Muscle's channel and podcasts on the following services: iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, PlayerFM, PodBean.

04 Feb
Blog

Kill sedentarism before it kills you – a guide for people working from home

Sedentary life is a major public health issue. Sitting looks more dangerous than smoking, HIV, and extreme sports like skydiving because it kills more people than any of these threats. Doctors state that people have developed a dangerous habit of killing themselves. The scientific community has called this condition sedentary sickness, implying that people develop health problems as a result of their sedentary life.

The Sedentary Research Network published a paper defining sedentary behavior in 2017, calling it an activity of leaning back, sitting, or lying down in a position that implies a minimum amount of energy. Research shows that a worrying percentage of only 21% of adults meet physical activity guidelines, and only 5% of them are physically active for more than 30 minutes a day.

Most people do not know the risks associated with sitting too long. Even if it sounds dramatic, inactivity can lead to a higher risk of chronic medical problems and even death. The World Health Organization states that sedentarism is the fourth most common risk factor for global mortality, responsible for 12% of high blood pressure and diabetes, 22% of colon cancer, 22% of heart disease and 6% of global deaths.

Why is sedentarism so dangerous to your health?

The research found that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with many health risks. Numerous studies have confirmed that inactive people are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or early death.

Sitting for more than 30 minutes will reduce your metabolism and affect your body's ability to synthesize fat, regulate blood pressure, and control blood sugar levels. Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of early death.

It puts a strain on your sanity

Inactivity has a negative impact on your mental wellbeing. Sedentarianism is a problematic condition as it affects both the mind and body. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you are at higher risk of a mental health problem. One review found a link between inactivity and an increased risk of depression.

How can you fight sedentarism before it affects your health?

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and combat this daunting condition. As you'd expect, the first step is to shake off the laziness. However, since it can be difficult to change your routine at times, here are some recommendations that can help you make the exertions necessary to live a healthy life.
Develop active hobbies
Finding joy in the activities you are doing keeps you active and motivates you to remove sedentarism from your schedule.

Become a runner

You've never considered yourself a runner, but it's never too late to develop a new habit. The thought of running in the park can intimidate you because you have the misunderstanding of running a marathon or keeping up with the other runners. But remember, everyone was once a beginner who walked more than ran. Start by running slowly for 5 or 10 minutes, and day by day you will see your fitness level improve and you will run faster and for longer distances.
There are also different ways to run. You can run outdoors in the local park or on a trail near town. Or you can walk around town, but in that case you will need to create a route to avoid crowded areas. And if you're still not sure about getting outdoors, buy a treadmill and install it in the comfort of your living room. When you buy a treadmill, you can also purchase other fitness equipment to improve your home workout.

Assuming you don't have the money to do this, you can get home equity loans in Canada that are designed for freelancers who need finances to support their work from home. In your case, purchasing fitness equipment is a necessity as it will improve your health and performance.

Plant a garden

When you have a garden, you are busy. If you don't take our word for it, just ask your grandparents how much physical exertion is involved in this type of activity. Gardening is mentally and spiritually stimulating, and if you enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, this may be a pleasant way to keep active. Gardening is a moderate intensity physical activity that if done regularly can improve your health.
Start a garden in your yard when you have space. And if you don't, there are many ways to get your hands dirty. Ask your parents or grandparents if they need help maintaining their patio. You can also volunteer with a local organization to plant new trees in the community garden. Schools and nature centers are always looking for volunteers willing to help them maintain outdoor spaces.

Get up

As a freelancer, your job requires you to stand in front of the laptop for hours and work hard to meet your deadlines. But even if you're practically glued to your computer, remember to get up and take a few steps across the room every 20 minutes. You may need a reminder first. You should therefore set up an alarm on your smartphone. It will help you break away from your project, stand up to stretch your limbs, and help your body stay active.
Getting up doesn't necessarily mean interrupting the workflow. You can check email, check your progress, or check the printed files while you stretch.

Change your workstation

It helps if you also swap out your workstation for one that allows you to turn your desk into a standing one, so you can work standing up when you have back pain. Standing workstations offer a better ergonomic fit as they reduce back pain and improve your posture. Another way to reduce the pressure the chair puts on your back is to use a fitness ball seat as it encourages physical activity and touches your core.

Final thoughts

Progress will make your life easier, but it will also support a sedentary lifestyle as you don't have to work too hard. But it would be helpful if you made a conscious effort to take action against sedentarism as it can be fatal to your health.

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