26 Aug
Blog

Google Nest Doorbell Review: When Beauty Meets Intelligence

Google Nest Doorbell (battery) on the outside of the door.

Google Nest doorbell (battery)

RRP $ 180.00

"The Google Nest Doorbell (battery) is intelligent and elegantly designed and offers the complete package."

advantages

  • Beautiful minimalist design

  • Smart alerts

  • Doesn't require a subscription to video history

  • Useful quick answers

disadvantage

  • Fine video details are on the soft side

  • Inconsistent capture rates

It's been a long time since I last checked a video doorbell – six years to be precise. Since that 2015 review of the Ring Video Doorbell, we've seen countless video doorbells spanning the full spectrum with premium features like radar technology and intelligent detection. While I've never seen Nest Hello, it's one of the most popular video doorbells around – and gives Ring competition in the field.

Three years after its publication, we finally have a real successor with the Google Nest Doorbell, which is mainly characterized by the fact that it is battery-operated – in contrast to its predecessor. There's a lot more to like about this one, but with Google in charge this time around it will be interesting to see how its experience differs from its predecessor and if it improves on the competition.

Setup and installation

It's obvious that simplicity is at the heart of the Google Nest Doorbell. While you have the option of wiring it to your existing doorbell port, which takes a few steps and may require a professional if you're unsure of how to do it yourself, setting it up as a wireless, battery-powered doorbell is a breeze. All you have to do is screw the mounting plate to a surface, then slide the doorbell into position – it's that simple.

Google Nest Doorbell (battery) components located on the floor.John Velasco / Digital Trends

I attached the mounting plate to a wooden panel on the outside of my front door, which is a bit easier than installing it on a brick surface, for example. If you are concerned about it being stolen, know that it will take quite a bit of force to get it out of position. I tried to pull it out with my own hands and it didn't move. To remove it when it needs to be charged, you will need to use the unlocking tool that came with it. The only problem here is that I can absolutely imagine losing the release tool, so you should keep it in a safe place.

Note that you won't be using the original Nest app to complete setup. Instead, everything is done through the Google Home app. After scanning a QR code and going through a few menus, the Google Nest Doorbell was up and running in less than 10 minutes.

draft

If you liked the original Nest Hello design, you'll be amazed what Google did with the new design. The Nest Doorbell is made from 46% recycled plastic and has a minimalist design that looks absolutely beautiful. Don't be fooled by the plastic, because the matte surface ensures that it stays clean and smudge-proof.

Bottom view of the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) on the outside of the door.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Best of all, it doesn't have the purposeful design of other doorbells. The Nest Doorbell is simply one of Google's best designs of all time – and that says a lot!

camera

Google has proven that specifications shouldn't have that much weight in the overall system. For example, just look at the Pixel 4a and 5a, two smartphones that do a lot but don't have big specs. Yes, there's no denying that the Nest Doorbell's specs don't come close to the original Nest Hello, but it doesn't have to be because it's smarter.

The Nest Doorbell is one of Google's best designs of all time.

Let's get the specs out of the way. There is a 1.3 megapixel – inch sensor with a diagonal field of view of 145 degrees that records video with a resolution of 960 x 1280 pixels. It's an odd aspect ratio for sure, but the Nest Doorbell's camera can see the floor below it about a few feet away. This is important because it can recognize when parcels are being dropped off right on the doorstep.

In terms of performance, the Nest Doorbell delivers decent-looking clips that use HDR video to compensate for the exposure of the scene. Highlights are dimmed while shadows are increased to bring out details that would otherwise be lost. There are some artifact elements that showed up the first time you accessed a livestream, but they quickly disappeared after 10 seconds.

Fine details are on the softer side, but I can still see most of the things in the landscape. Oddly enough, the recording rate varies widely from a choppy 9.11 frames per second (fps) all the way up to 31.77 fps. In one case it recorded at 9 fps when it was sunny and clear outside – so who knows why this is happening. Fortunately, night vision is sharp and clear.

characteristics

Doorbells have two main purposes: to keep an eye on who / what is on the doorstep and to keep an eye on what is happening. In my experience so far, the Nest Doorbell excels in both. It was almost perfect at recognizing people, packages and movement and sending notifications on my smartphone. Small details like the LED ring around the doorbell, which lights up when someone approaches, shows how intelligently they perceive their surroundings.

If you're a die-hard Google Assistant user, you'll love how much they're involved with the Google ecosystem. For example, when someone rings the doorbell, not only do I get a notification on my phone, but I also see a live stream on my Google Nest Hub Max smart display showing me who is there.

There are also the Quick Responses to choose from, which come in handy when I'm in a meeting or otherwise busy and can't open the door. While there are only three to choose from at the moment, I appreciate the usefulness of this feature. And when you end up answering a ringtone, the internal microphone ensures that voices can be heard, while the internal speaker emits enough volume and clarity for people to hear my voice.

Google Nest Doorbell (battery) on the outside of the door.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Another major selling point about the Nest Doorbell is that it comes with three hours of free event video. This is noteworthy because normally you would have to subscribe to a service to receive any type of video storage – so there is great immediate value to this offering. Subscribing to Nest Aware extends your video history to 30 days and offers additional security features such as access to emergency services.

battery

Initially, I had the Google Nest Doorbell set to detect any movement, which can obviously drain the battery faster. However, I disabled it and just set it to monitor people and packages. After almost a week of use, the battery life remains constant at 70%. If you're doing the math, it has to be recharged sometime long before the month is up. Changing the detection settings will hopefully produce better results in the coming weeks.

Our opinion

With a sticker price of $ 180, the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) competes in a crowded room. No, it's not the most feature-rich or spec-rich video doorbell, but it works just fine as a smart doorbell. Google designed a beautiful doorbell with the intelligence to keep me updated on what's happening at the front door.

Is there a better alternative?

Alexa users will want to look elsewhere as the Google Nest Doorbell is only compatible with the Google Assistant ecosystem. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) is an excellent solution for Alexa users and undercuts the Nest Doorbell in the price department.

For those looking for a more advanced video doorbell, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with radar technology with 3D motion detection technology can show you where someone is on your property.

How long it will take?

The Google Nest Doorbell (battery) has a sturdy construction that feels like it can withstand the elements. Its IP54 rating ensures it can withstand extreme temperatures from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 F. There's a one-year limited warranty that's included to cover any defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. It combines beauty and practicality in one package, giving you the peace of mind that it will work whether you are there or not.

Editor's recommendations



07 Aug
Blog

Level Lock Review: A Continuation of Smart Meeting Beauty

Level Lock (2021) inside the key housing on the door.

Level Lock Review: A sequel to Smart meets stylish

RRP $ 249.00

“Your neighbors won't know. The Level Lock looks something like a standard lock. "

advantages

  • Gorgeous aesthetics

  • easy installation

  • Cheaper in levels lineup

disadvantage

  • Geofencing settings cannot be adjusted

I just don't like Level's smart locks, I absolutely love them. Why do you ask this? Well, that's mainly because they don't follow the traditional smart-lock design, which tends to have huge cases over the latch and an obvious keyboard on the outside. Quite simply, the intelligent locks from Level look like conventional locks. It would be difficult for you to even tell the difference.

The Level Lock is the company's latest offering that follows the same principles as its siblings. Some people might be confused by the differences within the current offerings, but the Level Lock is in the middle of the lineup at $ 249 – complimenting the hotel key-like Level Lock Touch Edition for $ 329 and the original Level Bolt for the Price of $ 199. Of course, having tested the previous locks, I have high expectations for the latest level lock.

installation

After installing two previous level smartlocks this was a breeze and it took me no more than seven minutes to install. The Level Lock consists of three main components: striking plate, motor and lock cylinder housing. It's a pretty straightforward process, and for the average person, it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to install from start to finish.

Box with contents of Level Lock (2021).

Unlike Level Bolt's original smart lock, which essentially turned your existing lock into a smart one, the Level Lock is an all-in-one complete solution that replaces your existing bolt. This means that you will need to carry a new set of physical keys with you, unlike the one you have been using before. This is basically the biggest differentiator between the two smart locks. Conversely, the Level Lock Touch Edition is similar to the Level Lock, but adds NFC-based key cards as an alternative form of unlocking.

design

As always, Level does a wonderful job with their designs and this latest one doesn't change the recipe. Level claims it's the smallest Smart Lock ever, but honestly, it's not that different from the Touch Edition.

From the outside, I still love that it looks like a normal lock that you can find on every door. It doesn't attract the same amount of attention as other smart locks with fancy fingerprint sensors or bulky outdoor keyboards, which is a way to deter potential hackers.

Level Lock (2021) in locked position.

There really isn't anyone out there designing smart locks that keep the look and decor of your existing lock. Hence, it is difficult to find fault with a design that is elegant, beautiful and contemporary. Level offers it in four versions: satin nickel, satin chrome, polished brass and matt black, to match any decor.

software

To complete the setup, you need to connect the Level Lock to your home's Wi-Fi network using the Level app, which is available for iOS and Android. I know the app quite well as I've been using the Level Lock Touch Edition for 8 months.

I still love the fact that it looks like a regular lock that you can find on every door.

Much like the design of the lock, the app itself follows the same simple and straightforward approach. From the app's main screen, I can unlock the lock, set up passes to grant temporary access, and change some of its settings – e.g. do it myself.

perfomance

Functionally, the Level Lock works exactly like the other Smart Locks in Levels lineup. While you can access the lock using the mobile apps, I really appreciate that the Level Lock still has an automatic unlock feature when I get near the door with my phone in my pocket. It's able to do this because it sets up a geofence around my location. When exiting, you can choose how long the self-locking will take after opening.

The only persistent problem that I hope will eventually be resolved is the example of having to re-enter my apartment because I forgot something while walking out the door. Since I've set the Level Lock to automatically lock after a minute, it knows I haven't left the geofenced area – so the lock doesn't unlock automatically when I approach the door. I just wish there was a way to customize this, but it isn't there yet.

Side profile view with Level Lock (2021).

Otherwise, the Level Lock offers all the comfort you could want from a Smart Lock. It comes in handy when I come back from a store with both hands carrying groceries or packages so I don't have to hunt for keys. It just starts to unlock automatically when I'm about 10 feet away. The best part is that the mechanism is smooth and fluid – so the bolt is locked correctly every time.

Battery life

Just like Level's other Smart Locks, the Level Lock is powered by a single CR2 battery that is included. Unfortunately, the app doesn't give you a percentage, so it's impossible to measure its performance at this point. Instead, the app only indicates that it is in a "healthy" status.

CR2 battery installation for Level Lock (2021).

On its landing page, Level claims that the battery life is more than a year, but I'm a little skeptical as the Level Lock Touch edition had to be replaced after 9 months. Even so, I still think it's commendable to achieve more than six months.

Our opinion

If you want to use the fancy touch unlock features of the Level Lock Touch Edition, then the new Level Lock will meet all your needs. It's still one of the best-designed smart locks out there, accompanied by all of the smarts you'd expect from a modern smart lock – like automatic unlocking, voice control (works great with HomeKit), and temporary guest badges.

Considering this is $ 80 less than the touch-enabled version, this level lock will save you money while still delivering great features with a modern design that few can match.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, it's still expensive, which is why affordable smart locks like the Wyze Lock are great alternatives. You pay less for similar features, but the design follows traditional smart locks.

At the other end of the spectrum, some people will appreciate the more-is-better approach. Smart locks like the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, Lockly Duo and Kwikset Halo Touch all have fingerprint sensors as another way to unlock them. These fingerprint sensor locks come in handy when you forget to bring your smartphone.

How long it will take?

The Level Lock feels well constructed and consists mainly of metal components. Level states that it uses a patent-pending, six-stage stainless steel gearbox to withstand almost all conditions. There is a two-year limited warranty in case of failure, which is generous as most others offer a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

You bet! Level has three options to choose from, but for those looking for a brand new lock to swap out everything they have now, the Level Lock is an excellent choice that doesn't have the clunky looks or controls that I get with Standard -Smart see locks. It eliminates the extra baggage by cutting off the fat.

Editor's recommendations



04 Aug
Blog

5 Travel Beauty Tips For Your Next Flight

Now that we are just about to get back on planes, you may be preparing for some much-needed vacation travel. Get ready to run the gauntlet of airport crowds, long lines, and overcrowded planes. Since you're likely flying to your destination during a busy time of year, we have five air travel hacks to make the trip a little more comfortable for you and your skin. Ignore the snoring roommates and crying babies and focus on our best Eminence Organics Travel Beauty Hacks to Keep Your Complexion Fresh and Hydrated.

Beauty tip 1: prep your skin before the flight

The air on a flight is less humid than most environments we are used to, which makes the skin on the face and body feel very dry. Preparing the skin before long-haul flights can help keep your skin from becoming extremely dry. Before getting in, pamper your skin with the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque, followed by an application of our Facial Recovery Oil. The strawberry and rhubarb mask contains hyaluronic acid, which is deeply hydrated and gives the skin a plump appearance. It also includes BioComplex, a booster of antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid, designed to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Our Facial Recovery Oil is made with biodynamic® ingredients from Demeter International certified biodynamic® farms. A happy customer, daisyHe raves about this oil and says: “If I were an oil, I would be this! Talk about an oil that can do it all! This is a staple in my skin care routine and I couldn't live without it. It moisturizes my skin a lot, keeps my blackheads away and I love the anti aging properties too! It's a must-have! "

Beauty tip 2: pack multitasking skin care

It's worth noting that current carry-on baggage restrictions limit your beauty products to travel-size containers that weigh 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. When luggage space is limited, one of the best options for in-flight skincare is a multi-product travel kit like our Must Have Minis. Our Must Have Minis Starter Set is a complete skincare routine of our best-selling products and contains travel-sized versions of Eminence Organics favorites such as Stone Crop Gel Wash and Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant in a convenient travel pouch.

Do you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the go? Choose the travel-friendly Age Corrective Starter Set, a nourishing formulation made from bamboo, monoi, coconut and neroli. Swiss Green Apples and a Natural Retinol Alternative improves the visible signs of aging such as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This skin care set contains five products in miniature sizes suitable for air travel: the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser (1oz / 30 ml tube), Bamboo Age Corrective Masque (0.5 oz / 15 ml can), Bamboo Firming Fluid (0.33 oz.) / 10 ml Pump), Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer (0.5 oz / 15 ml tube) and the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum (0.27 oz / 8 ml Pump). No need to look for a larger travel case to house your new skincare staples: they come in their own beautifully designed cloth cosmetic bag.

Beauty tip 3: relax with a facial mask

Your skin doesn't have to feel dirty on a long flight if you can take the Stone Crop Gel Wash with you in your hand luggage. However, you will need to transfer this to a smaller vial in your travel skin care kit. Or, skip the hassle of washing dishes on a tight plane and opt for a simple splash of the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist.

Dryness isn't the only danger to your skin during flight – the cold temperatures and recycled air can also lead to dull skin. To avoid getting off with a dull complexion, the Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel offers a gentle exfoliation that helps keep the skin looking firmer, even in the middle of the flight.

Beauty Tip 4: Refresh and hydrate your skin during the flight

Not only do you want to keep your face clean and clear, but you also want to provide enough moisture to counteract the dry cabin air. For normal to dry skin types, we are happy to mask with our Linden Calendula Treatment on board. Extracts from fresh linden and marigold plants nourish the skin deeply and herbal oils restore its youthful and elastic appearance. After putting it on, you can remove the treatment with a damp washcloth or simply leave it on for additional moisture! You can also mix the Linden Calendula Treatment with a drop of the Rosehip Triple C + E Firming Oil for a rich and deeply moisturizing blend. For normal to oily skin, we recommend our Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment for air travel. This light gel cream protects against drying out environmental stressors and also prevents water loss in the aircraft cabin environment. Both masks can also be worn on long-haul flights. Your skin will feel deeply hydrated despite the dry conditions of the average Airbus.

If you scrub off your mask in flight, apply moisturizers to your face, neck, and hands afterwards. The Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck moisturizes and softens the appearance of your skin on the neck and face thanks to the ingredients of argan oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter and jojoba oil. Protect your hands from dryness with the Mangosteen Replenishing Hand Cream for luxurious happiness!

What about cracked lips? The Lip Balm Rose Hip & Lemongrass SPF 15 protects the lips from dryness and cracking and offers SPF protection. If you have a window seat, strengthen your face with a sunscreen like Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 for blue light and SPF protection.

Beauty tip 5: skin care after the flight

After the flight, Eminence Organics Product Support Team Lead Alicia Hawthorne suggests using a spicy treatment that invigorates the skin: "The lower air pressure and higher altitude can make the skin look dull, so it would be a good choice!"

The Turmeric Energizing Treatment or the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot brings a rosy blush to the skin, while the Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque relieves swelling around the sensitive eye area after the flight.

Are you planning a long-haul flight for the holidays? Purchase Eminence Organics travel essentials from your nearest Eminence Organics Authorized Spa Partner. Let us know where you'd like to go on vacation in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally written November 2017.

28 Apr
Blog

Get Your Best Beauty Sleep With These Night Creams

Wondering how to get your best skin overnight? The term "beauty sleep" is true. When your head hits the pillow and you slip into a deep sleep, your skin goes into overdrive, repairing itself and repairing the daily damage caused by environmental stressors. Sleep is the best time to fight free radicals and troublesome skin conditions – without lifting a finger. Here's how you can maximize your beauty sleep with night creams from Eminence Organic Skin Care.

What happens to your skin when you sleep?

Did you know that sleep gives the body time to repair damage accumulated during the day from stressors as it does some vital maintenance? Yes, skin repair is another reason to get eight hours of beauty sleep every night.

1. Your skin goes into repair mode

What Really Happens When You Sleep Soundly? Your skin gets to work, repairs and regenerates. Melatonin kicks in and helps counter the negative effects of sun damage from UV rays and pores clogged with pollution. Human growth hormone peaks and accelerates your skin's ability to repair and regenerate. And your body's stem cells multiply and enable higher cell turnover as aging skin cells are replaced with new ones. While this work occurs at all stages of your sleep cycle, most of the skin repair and regeneration occurs during REM sleep. Hence, getting the right amount of eyes closed is important to keep your skin in its best shape.

2. Skin care products become more effective

At night, your body temperature rises and your skin becomes more permeable, making it easier for it to soak up the active ingredients in the night creams that are part of your skin care routine. Since your body no longer has to focus on fighting the harmful environmental stressors it is exposed to during the day, it can focus its attention on the task of repairing itself. StyleCraze says, "Any product you use at night is far more effective at moisturizing the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening your skin tone."

3. Your skin loses moisture overnight

If ingredients that are good for you can get into your epidermis, essential moisture can also escape. The measurement of this water loss (known as transepidermal water loss or TWL) is greatest during sleep and often leaves dry, dehydrated skin in the morning. Because your skin loses more water when you sleep, it's important to keep your skin's moisture barrier intact with a deeply moisturizing, replenishing night cream.

Product selection

Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment

VIEW PRODUCT

Light skin overnight correction cream

VIEW PRODUCT

How to improve your beauty sleep with Eminence Organics

Now that you know the importance of closing an eye, it's time to learn how to achieve youthful looking skin (using Eminence Organics overnight treatments).

1. Fight the effects of pollution overnight

The best time to tackle the aging effects of environmental stressors like harmful UV rays and pollution is when your skin is in repair mode. When you sleep, your metabolism drops and your body doesn't produce as many free radicals as it does when you are awake, so your skin can focus on rest.

Improve the hard work your skin does with the Eminence Organic Lotus Overnight Detoxifying Treatment. This lightweight treatment contains moisturizing lotus, strong microgreens, and moisturizing jojoba oil balls to melt down. In combination, these ingredients seal in moisture, prevent transepidermal water loss and protect your skin from drying out from environmental stressors overnight.

Lotus specifically refines the appearance of pores and provides antioxidants that improve the visible signs of aging. This unique ingredient makes the skin look stronger and more elastic. The Lotus Overnight Detoxifying Treatment is formulated with Detoxifying microgreens complex, another great combination for your skin, consisting of broccoli, radishes, clover sprouts and Detoxophan made from Swiss cress sprouts. This blend contains Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K to help combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, jojoba oil balls add extra moisture to your skin and help lock in moisture by creating a protective barrier against external elements.

To use the Lotus Overnight Detoxifying Treatment, use your fingertips to apply a thin layer of the treatment to cleansed skin over the entire face and neck area. You can leave this on to go to sleep. Apply a thicker layer for extra hydration.

2. Aim for dark spots on your face while you sleep

Overnight is also the best time to target certain skin conditions. Whether you're struggling with fine lines and wrinkles, or those pesky dark spots on your complexion, you can get faster results with targeted nightly treatments.

Our Bright Skin Overnight Correcting Cream works overtime to remove the appearance of dark spots while you sleep. This ultra-rich night cream from our award-winning VitaSkin ™ Bright Skin collection is our most powerful skin-lightening botanical blend to date. With main ingredients such as Punarnava root, Swiss alpine plant extracts and Natural hydroquinone alternative Made from African potatoes and the tare tree, Bright Skin Overnight Correcting Cream visibly – and naturally – reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Which Eminence Organics products are part of your beauty sleep skin care regimen? Let us know in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

This post was originally published in June 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

24 Mar
Blog

A new way to get instant beauty tips with Instantgo

We had the opportunity to play with a new little app that we really like. With Instantgo, beauty addicts like you can connect with their favorite beauty professionals. In fact, Instantgo allows you to get a direct and personal response, as well as personal advice, from the blogger or influencer you love to see every day. It's easy to use as you can decide whether to call your favorite via SMS, phone call, or even video Makeup artist and get an answer immediately. We often need help choosing the best combination of colors or the style that is appropriate for a particular occasion.

In a digital world, having instant answers to our most pressing questions is great. Think of the time just before you go out when nothing looks right and preparing becomes a real nightmare! Whether you're going on a first date or just an important meeting and have no idea what to wear. You urgently need some quick fashion or personal advice and maybe someone can give you that extra help.

The digitization of beauty is an important step forward as over three thousand new makeup videos are published daily on YouTube alone. Unfortunately, most of the time, these videos are general and not really aimed at you. We all have our own specific questions and needs. The real solution is to have someone who understands our specific situation: it is a real plus to be able to interact with someone on a video call, for example, and feel like you are personally being pampered with someone you care about. You can just feel the difference and this is a revolution for us and the way we look! Most of the time the cream, lotion, blush, lipstick suits us and has the same result on all of them, but there are also times when it just isn't what you expected. There is now another way to discuss your favorite products and get better results.

It's also nice that Instantgo works in both directions. As much as you can contact Beauty experts Also, for your personal needs, share everything you know about fashion and more so that people can contact you. It's an easy way to share your knowledge and time, and get rewarded for it.

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03 Mar
Blog

KEF Mu3 True Wireless Earbuds Review: Beauty And The Beat

KEF Mu3 True Wireless Earbuds

"Despite the mediocre ANC, their slim design and great sound make for an appealing package."

  • Beautiful design

  • Comfortable fit

  • Fantastic sound

  • Very good battery life

  • IPX5 water resistance

  • No app for EQ or control tweaks

  • No wireless charging

  • Mediocre ANC and transparency

  • Mediocre call quality

KEF is one of the best-known names in hi-fi, thanks to speakers who have impressed reviewers and enthusiasts for years. The company's LS50 wireless bookshelf speakers are a great example of what happens when you combine classic acoustic expertise with cutting edge technology. I was excited to receive the company's first true wireless earbuds, the $ 230 KEF Mu3. Given the stiff competition from Sony, Bose, Jabra, Sennheiser and Grado, has KEF brought enough of its world-class audio technology to the Mu3? Let's take a look …

What's in the box?

KEF Mu3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

In KEF's all-cardboard and easily recyclable box, you'll find the Mu3 in the charging case, a USB-C charging cable, three additional sizes of silicone earbuds (plus the standard media installed on the earbuds), and quick start documentation.

design

KEF Mu3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Let's get one thing straight right away: The KEF Mu3 are stunningly beautiful. Both the earphones and the charging case look like sculptures made of highly polished aluminum. They are smooth and shiny. If you leave the charging case in a prominent place like a coffee table, desk, or kitchen counter, people are guaranteed to find themselves unable to resist picking it up just to feel it.

For those who like to get lost in the details of their favorite songs, the Mu3s are more than happy to do so.

The attention to detail continues right through to the hinge mechanism. Most charging cases have weak lids that could break if you aren't careful. If their magnets don't keep them in the closed position, they flutter about worryingly. The lid of the Mu3 feels luxurious by comparison, with a hinge that reminds me of a laptop screen – it stays in any position from open to fully closed. With its aluminum look, it's basically the MacBook Air for charging cases.

Unfortunately, the case is also a bit bulky, so despite its sensual curves, it's not very insertable. But that's fine – KEF seems to have used a hard transparent outer layer on the plastic, and I think it will withstand scratches caused by other objects.

These earbuds also have very acceptable IPX5 water resistance that should protect them from anything other than actual submersion in water.

Comfort and control

KEF Mu3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The KEF Mu3 comes with four sizes of soft silicone ear tips, which should mean most people can get a good seal. And here is some valuable advice on the matter: If you feel the need to plug the earbud deep into your ears (which is possible due to its small size), you are probably using the wrong size earbuds.

They did not move at all and felt very comfortable even after several hours of continuous use.

Pushing them in too deep not only becomes uncomfortable, but also degrades the sound quality and the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. I discovered that the hard way. I also found that with the largest earbud I could insert the Mu3 carefully and they didn't move at all and were very comfortable even after several hours of continuous use.

KEF used physical buttons on the Mu3, and that's definitely a good thing. Touch controls can be tricky at best, and I prefer real buttons when they are available.

These buttons are easy to press, but strangely enough, the right button had a more pronounced click response than the left.

With a combination of single, double and long press you can control everything except to jump back a track. However, there is no way to customize these gestures through a smartphone app as KEF didn't create one for the Mu3.

There are also no wear sensors. So if you pull out an earbud, your tunes won't automatically pause.

Sound quality

KEF Mu3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The KEF Mu3 are wonderful to hear. Their bright and clean highs, precise mid-tones, and expertly executed bass create surprises with every new track you start. There's no trace of mud that often obstructs smaller earbuds. Applying instrumental jazz standards like Dave Brubeck's Summertime or Duke Ellington's St. Louis Blues, you can appreciate the sheer musicality of KEF's mood, not to mention the soundstage, which is so tightly controlled it feels like the distance between instruments up to being able to measure the inches.

For those who like to get lost in the details of their favorite songs, the Mu3s are more than happy to do so.

When I played it for the first time, I was disappointed with the bass and feared that KEF had become too conservative with the low end in an effort to achieve this so-called “neutral” or balanced EQ. It turned out that I just wedged the earbuds too far in my ears.

When I found out my mistake, I found that not only is there a lot of bass on tap, but that the Mu3s can also use that bass selectively and only hit you with deep resonance when needed.

The transparency mode (ambient sound mode) doesn't let in as much noise as I want.

I think the Mu3 are near perfect in terms of EQ, but since listening experiences are the subjective things they are, you should know that the lack of an app means there is no way to rebalance the sound signature, if it doesn't suit your needs.

Noise cancellation and transparency

KEF Mu3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a standard feature of true high-end wireless earbuds, but there is still a huge difference in how each model performs. The Mu3 noticeably reduces the low frequency noise when the ANC is activated. However, it's a far cry from the silence offered by the Apple AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort Ear Buds, and Nuheara IQbuds2 Max.

Similarly, the transparency mode (ambient sound mode) doesn't let in as much sound as I would like. It certainly makes conversations easier and gives you greater situational awareness, but it's not the magical "hey, it's like I'm not wearing earbuds" that these other models convey.

Without an app there is no way to dial in one of the two functions and not to change the ANC trigger action. A single press of the left earbud controls noise cancellation, but forces you to toggle between three modes (ANC, Off, and Transparency) instead of being able to toggle between ANC and Transparency, which are actually the two most commonly used modes.

Battery life

KEF Mu3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

KEF really surprised me here. Most true wireless earbuds – even the very expensive ones – typically have a battery life of five to seven hours on a single charge. But the Mu3 delivers nine hours – and that with the ANC switched on. This is by no means the longest time, but it doesn't have to be. After another 15 hours in the charging case, you have a whole day before you have to connect the USB-C charging cable.

Better still, they also have a five minute quick charge system that gives you an extra hour of playtime. My only real disappointment is the lack of wireless charging. When KEF first announced the Mu3, wireless charging was one of the features listed so it may be available again in a future version.

Call quality

I've found a strong correlation between an earbud's ANC / transparency performance and its call quality, and the Mu3s are no exception. You do a little effort not to lose your voice in front of competing background noise, and the sound that is recorded has a scratchy, thin quality to it.

They're probably much better indoors, but outdoors, where a lot of calls seem to be making through earbuds, the Mu3 should be used sparingly.

Our opinion

Although they lack some of the features we would expect from true wireless earbuds at this price point, the KEF Mu3s are beautifully finished, sound amazing, and have a generous battery life.

Is there a better alternative?

As good as the Mu3 is, you will find more features with comparable sound quality and prices in these competitors:

The $ 230 Sony WF-1000XM3 App-supported EQ, adjustable ANC and transparency, longer battery life, better call quality, support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and customizable controls

The $ 230 Jabra Elite 85t App-assisted EQ, wireless charging, adjustable ANC and transparency, customizable controls, a feature to find my earbuds, and better call quality, but they don't sound quite as crystal clear as the Mu3.

The $ 230 Grado GT220 sound very similar to the Mu3 and charge wirelessly, but they don't have ANC or transparency mode and are considerably bulkier.

How long will they last?

The KEF Mu3 appears to be very well built with high quality materials. KEF gives them a two-year guarantee, which is better than many of its competitors. When you add their IPX5 rating, I think they will last for many years if properly cared for.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Mu3 ignores a lot of the bells and whistles and instead focuses on a beautiful design, a comfortable fit, great sound, and great battery life. As long as you agree to this compromise, they will provide a great listening experience.

Editor's recommendations




27 Nov
Blog

Pure Aloe Vera Gel for the best benefits to enhance your beauty

Aloe Vera is known for its many benefits. For those looking to enhance their natural beauty, there is no better solution. No matter how many store-bought items you use each day, none of them will ever be effective enough against this product. Yeah, that's so useful.

Pure aloe vera gel As a savior, you can beautify your skin, hair and other parts of the body in no time. If you want to learn how to achieve this, here is a quick read.

The magic of pure aloe vera gel for the face

The magic of the aloe vera gel has been known to man since the development of time. Our grandmothers and great-grandparents loved using this product to enhance their natural beauty and improve hair growth. One of the most striking features of this product is that you get flawless skin.

Acne problems, scars and other dark spots can also be removed in no time with this product. Dry skin, sunburn, dark circles and even signs of aging can be drastically reduced by using this gel. So, pure aloe vera gel for the face is the holy grail for flawless skin.

The magic of pure aloe vera gel for hair

Hair loss is currently a common problem for all of us. Scalp dryness, dandruff and other hair problems are also part of our daily lives. If you're someone who has tried countless products to combat this problem, you know how ineffective everything is. None of this seems to work well on our hair. However, there is one product that can help you fix your problem once and for all.

Pure aloe vera gel for the hair is one of the most helpful ways to combat hair loss problems as well as dryness and other hair problems. In addition, problems like dandruff can be removed from the list in no time. All you need to know is the right way to apply the gel to your hair. You will be done.

The right way to use the best pure aloe vera gel

Buying aloe vera gel-based products from a local store is not the solution to your problems. Oh, and if you're wondering if buying an aloe vera plant for a home can do the job for you, you're wrong. To extract the Benefits of the best pure aloe vera gel, you have to do it right. Make sure the amount of gel you use on your face, when and how you do it, is also part of getting it right. So here it is!

1. Between store-bought aloe vera gel and the best pure aloe vera gel We naturally recommend the latter from the plant. Since the store-bought aloe vera gel contains some preservatives and additives, this is not an ideal fit. That is why pure aloe vera gel is best for you.

2. Try growing your aloe vera gel at home. Since the gel comes from the inside of the plant leaf, you need to cut the leaves with a clean knife and carefully extract the gel. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. You can use it whenever you want. We recommend using it in small proportions first. Something like this is supposed to help you test if there are any allergic reactions to it.

3. Apply the gel to your face and leave it on for a maximum of five to ten minutes. Applying longer can clog your pores, which is not a good sign. This will help you spot signs of the best pure aloe vera gel instantly on your face.

4. It is also a request, please do not try to take aloe vera gel as it is not suitable for consumption.

Buy three store-bought aloe vera gels

In case you can't buy a system for the best pure aloe vera gel, These store-bought gels could be useful. While store-bought aloe vera gels aren't the best, these three gels are the healthiest options to choose from so you can enjoy flawless skin like no other.

1. Mama-Earth Aloe Vera Gel

Mama-earth is one of the most organic hair and beauty brands to buy. Your aloe vera gel is 100% organic, pure and natural for you. The moisturizing formula in yours pure aloe vera gel for the face is the best for you to use it daily without a second thought. It also comes at an affordable price for minimal obstacles. You can also apply this gel to your hair if needed.

2. Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel

Many people who have used Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel before have given it some fabulous reviews. People say that applying this gel brought some incredible results right away. So if you want to buy this one and affordable pure aloe vera gel for the faceyou can do it with no problem.

3. WOW skin science 99% pure aloe vera gel

If you are looking for another alternative for your aloe vera gel, WOW Skin Science Aloe Vera Gel is the best choice for you. Something like that comes with its moisturizing properties that will help rejuvenate your skin like never before. It's also useful for your hair and scalp so you can't miss this one.

frequently asked Questions

1 are the best pure aloe vera gels useful for treating acne?

Yes, they are useful for this purpose.

2. What are the benefits of Wow Skin Science Aloe Vera Gel?

The Health Benefits of Wow Skin Science best pure aloe vera gel is as follows:

hair conditioner

natural peeling

Sunburn smoother

healthy moisturizer

rough skin smoother

and anti-aging protection.

3. Can you name another brand of aloe vera gel?

Plum green tea renewed the clarity of the night gel.

The final result

The Pure aloe vera gel Details that we shared with you today are sure to bring you numerous benefits. Apply them according to the instructions and see for yourself the difference.

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08 Oct
Blog

A History Of Turmeric Skin Care: The Ancient Beauty Ingredient Still Used Today

Turmeric – just a culinary spice or something more? Not only is this bright yellow spice the ingredient that hangs in your spice cabinet, it also has a great reputation in skin care.

Chances are you've noticed that your news feed has turmeric skin care recommendations in the form of a turmeric face mask treatment or a turmeric milk milk latte recipe. So why the fascination? If you just envisioned reaching for this spice for your culinary antics, think again. From fighting inflammation to lightening dark eye eye circles, you might be surprised at the benefits this ingredient can bring to your skin.

Indian woman holding turmeric spice

Brief Facts About Turmeric: The Benefits of Using Turmeric for Skin

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

Curcumin significantly lowers the levels of inflammation markers in the body.

2. Helps in the treatment of acne

Anti-inflammatory properties can soothe inflamed skin and are known to reduce scars.

3. Supports skin health

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent outbreaks or reduce existing ones.

4. Brightens under the eyes

Turmeric's properties help lighten dark under-eye circles to bring out your natural glow.

5. Signs of Aging

This golden root reduces the appearance of wrinkles, keeps the skin supple and improves the skin's elasticity.

The history of turmeric skin care

Long before it was added to our slats, turmeric was used in both Chinese and Chinese Ayurvedic medicine (used to treat inflammatory diseases) and known for its use in cooking and beauty rituals around the world. Coming from the ginger family, this spice was used daily in India for at least 6000 years as a cooking spice, perfume, textile dye, for medicine and yes for beauty! Around 800 BC The turmeric trade had spread throughout Asia, including China, and the African continent. In the 18th century, turmeric spread to Jamaica and other tropical locations.

This versatile spice has been incorporated into all aspects of life, from cooking to ceremonies. IIn India, turmeric was used as a coloring and a culinary ingredient in India, not only in curries but also in lentil and meat dishes, chutneys, relishes and soups.

It's also an ingredient in many vegetable dishes like gobi sabji or steamed cauliflower, and meat dishes like turmeric chicken and rice. It can also be mixed with scrambled eggs. The yellow spice is also used in some varieties of Garam Masala, a blend of spices that is almost as ubiquitous as curry in Indian cuisine.

Spices such as turmeric developed religious significance in India and were burned as incense in ceremonies believed to send prayers and purify the air. And to this day, Indian brides and grooms are ritually covered with a turmeric paste to glow before the ceremony. In some parts of Asia, people adorn themselves with a turmeric rhizome root as an amulet to ward off negative energy.

Arab traders first introduced this exotic spice to Europe in the 13th century. Marco Polo, The trade along the Great Silk Road was so impressed with turmeric that he wrote it down in his writings, mistook it famously as a vegetable, and compared its bright color to saffron. As a result of this incident, the spice is now referred to as "Indian saffron" even though turmeric is actually a root.

This well-traveled historical spice has clearly been used for all sorts of purposes. What many don't know, however, is that it derives most of its healing powers from the concentration of curcumin, a super powerful antioxidant.

The Benefits of Turmeric Skin Care: Is Curcumin the Cure?

Turmeric skin care, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-everything properties, is the way to go if you want to glow from head to toe. It's all thanks to the connection Curcumin, a type of polyphenol (a powerful antioxidant that contains so many skin-improving properties).

"Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial – these properties help tighten pores and improve skin tone and pH balance," says Dr. Taz Bhatia MD, Integrative Health Expert and Founder and Medical Director, CenterspringMD. "In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was also mixed with yogurt to reduce acne."

The skin benefits of turmeric are many. This spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that can improve scars and dark spots left by acne, reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. Curcumin deserves credit, a polyphenol found in turmeric that has been shown to affect inflammatory conditions such as: Arthritis.

For the skin, curcumin inhibits a protein and enzyme that are needed for the formation of melanin, a skin pigment, and this process helps prevent age spots. As a natural antioxidant with antibacterial properties, it can reduce UV damage and neutralize free radical damage that can lead to premature aging. It also helps stimulate new cell growth youthful looking skin. And if you're dealing with dark circles under the eyes, when applied to the skin, turmeric visibly brightens the under-eyes and reduces puffiness.

Product selection

Turmeric energizing treatment

VIEW PRODUCT

You might be thinking that turmeric seems like a magical ingredient! We certainly believe that. When the look of your skin needs a transformation, our turmeric face mask energy treatment will help. Made with turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite, this treatment will exfoliate and revitalize your skin, creating a silky, glowing complexion.

So how exactly should you use Turmeric skin care?

How to use our turmeric energy treatment

Are you ready to invigorate your complexion? All you have to do is put a small ball of powder (about 1 teaspoon) in the outer cap. Gradually stir in a few drops of water until the texture looks like mousse. The recommended ratio is 4 parts powder to 3 parts water. Then apply a thin layer over the entire face, extending to the neck and cleavage.

You can let it dry for 10-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and massage in gently to exfoliate. Don't be alarmed – a hot tingling sensation can last a few minutes and is expected with this product. Dilute with more water for milder stimulation.

Eminence Organic Turmeric Energizing Treatment

What Are the Benefits of Turmeric Energy Treatment?

This charged powder-to-mousse formula acts as an exfoliator, warming powder, and mask that instantly awakens skin and removes impurities. During the treatment, kaolin clay cleanses, while turmeric brightens the appearance of the skin. Not to mention – it smells divine.

Connect with your Eminence Organics Spa partner for a virtual or personal consultation so you can learn more about the benefits of turmeric and our citrine gemstone turmeric energy treatment.

Use turmeric in your cooking, skin care, or even one Turmeric golden milk recipe? Let us know in the comments below or connect with us on social media.

08 Oct
Blog

Bang And Olufsen Beosound Stage Review: Beauty And The Bass

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

"If Dolby Atmos had it better, this beautiful soundbar would be worth the price."

  • Beautiful design

  • Deliciously deep and resonant bass

  • Tons of EQ customization options

  • Airplay 2, Bluetooth and Chromecast

  • Simple and flexible wall mounting

  • Expensive

  • Inconspicuous Dolby Atmos

  • Only one HDMI input

  • B&O app needs improvement

There is now an incredible range of excellent sound bars for those who want the ultimate in simplicity in home theater sound.

With prices starting at $ 150, anyone can get much better TV sound for a relatively small investment.

But what if your tastes are more exotic? What if you not only want your soundbar to sound great, but also want to make a visual statement? That's why Bang and Olufsen (B&O), the legendary Danish audio brand, developed the Beosound Stage, a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar that starts at $ 1,750 and quickly goes to $ 2,600 if you choose one of the optional wood surfaces can increase.

B&O has never been the brand you buy for sound alone. However, we all agree that a soundbar that costs this much money sounds better and looks amazing. Succeeds?

What's in the box?

The Beosound Stage comes with a power cord, a six-foot HDMI cable, and a remarkably small plastic bag with wall-mounting hardware and a wall-mounting template. The box itself is easy to recycle, but the extensive foam padding inside could prove challenging to dispose of without throwing it into a landfill.

design

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

B&O's design signatures are all over the Beosound stage. This is evidence of how distinctive these signatures are, given that B&O did not design the exterior of the speaker at all. This contract went to a third party – Norm Architects – who was inspired by the vintage B&O Beogram 4000 turntable.

The Beosound Stage is breathtaking to look at, with perfectly rounded corners and seamlessly integrated controls.

Especially when the soundbar is clad in the optional smoked oak and gray wood ($ 2,600) materials, the similarity is evident.

But even in the cheaper cloakroom made of natural aluminum and black (a relative term for B&O products) of our test device, the Beosound Stage is breathtaking to look at, with perfectly rounded corners and seamlessly integrated controls.

Your other options are Bronze Tone / Warm Taupe or a limited edition Anthracite, both of which are available for $ 2,025.

In my opinion, soundbars should hide from view or at least be inconspicuous when possible. However, B&O takes the opposite approach by making the Beosound Stage an object that requires attention.

To a certain extent, this makes sense. Whether you use it to play audio or not, it will be part of the decor of your room. So why not make it a topic of conversation? On the other hand, I found that when watching TV, even in a darkened room, the wide band of brushed aluminum was an unwanted reflected light source that I had to carefully ignore.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Granted, I used the Beosound Stage in tabletop mode. When you attach it to the wall, that aluminum rim shrinks to a barely visible, gossamer line around the otherwise perfectly black fabric that hides the drivers underneath.

When you sit on a level surface, the Beosound Stage stands a hair over three inches tall. This is shorter than the Sonos Arc and should keep the stage from interfering with even the lowest television image. At 43 inches wide, it's narrower than many top-tier soundbars, but it's also much deeper for hair over 6.5 inches. So you need to make sure you have space in front of your TV.

For wall mounting, lift the soundbar to a vertical position and rotate it 180 degrees counterclockwise. This places the controls on the top edge and maintains the angle of the tweeters almost perfectly. This position has two disadvantages: it hides the two small LED indicator lights, and it takes up extra space: it's just over 6.5 inches tall.

The engineers who designed the lower abdomen of the Beosound Stage must be given props. It has three identical square panels with rubberized surfaces. When seated on a table they act as feet, but when mounted on the wall they act as simple keyhole mounting slots.

Unlike some soundbars that require expensive, optional wall mounts, you only need two small plastic collars to attach the stage to a wall.

Another clever detail: All cable connections can exit from the underside of the soundbar in almost any direction, so that you can route the cables through your wall or through a pipe.

Setup and connections

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/bang-and-olufsen-beosound-stage-00014- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Physically, the Beosound Stage is a study in elegant simplicity. The setup process is much less straightforward.

Once the soundbar is connected to the power supply and (optionally) to your TV via HDMI ARC (or eARC), the set-up process is controlled by the B&O app on a phone or tablet (both iOS and Android versions are available ). Unfortunately, the B&O app cannot complete the process on its own. During the setup you will be directed to the Google Home app.

If you've used the Google Home app before, there's no need to sign in to Google and configure your home. However, if you've never used Google Home before, we recommend installing it first before attempting to set up Beosound on stage.

Bang & Olufsen appNot a Google fan? You have to get over it. There is no way to skip the Google Home step and use the soundbar without it.

Finally, return to the B&O app to complete the process. The whole thing only takes about 10 minutes, but it's awkward and not what I would expect from a B&O brand.

It's not entirely B&O's fault. With Google now making the Google Home move a requirement for any audio product supposed to include Chromecast functionality, B&O's hands have been tied. Other soundbar companies like Bose and Sonos that offer Apple's AirPlay 2 technology have so far refused to add Chromecast to their products. When the cost of doing this makes it more cumbersome to set up, it's easy to see why it isn't.

The Beosound Stage is supplied without a remote control. However, you can buy a B&O remote control if you want to use one. Instead, as with the Sonos Arc, you adjust the settings of the soundbar via the B&O app on a phone or tablet. When streaming music, the volume is controlled via the app. When you're listening to your TV, use your existing TV remote to control volume through HDMI CEC.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only problem with this arrangement is that you have to connect the stage to your TV using HDMI ARC (or eARC). If your TV only has an optical output, you will need to purchase an optical to HDMI adapter (B&O does not sell it). You cannot control the volume with your TV remote control, you will only be limited to 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

There are also two ethernet ports. Typically, when this is shown on a device (such as a Sonos port), one port acts as an Ethernet input while the other allows you to share the network connection with another device.

On the Beosound stage, the second port is actually used to communicate with a 2019 or newer LG OLED TV, for control of both the TV and soundbar via the intricately designed (and affordable) Beoremote One for $ 375 to enable.

Even though the stage does not have an optical input, it is puzzling that it has an analog 3.5 mm stereo jack. These days I'm not exactly sure what you would use it for, but it's there when you need it.

B&O sees the Beosound Stage as a completely independent sound system. There is no way to add additional components.

The stage only offers you a single HDMI input, which we assume is intended to compensate for the one input on your TV that the soundbar needs. This input lets you pass signals up to 4K @ 60Hz in full Dolby Vision HDR, but it's still only one port. I would have loved if B&O included a few more, but in fairness the rear connector panel is as tight as it is.

A much more worrying omission is the inability to add additional speakers to the capabilities of the Beosound Stage. Most of the sound bars we tested either come with their own wireless subwoofers and satellite surround speakers, or can be added later if you wish.

This is not the case with the stage. B&O sees it as a self-contained sound system and there is no way to add additional components for an even more immersive experience.

We'll discuss in a moment whether or not this is an issue for overall sound quality.

In addition to the cable connections, the Beosound Stage offers you all three major wireless audio standards. Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are available.

During my testing, I ran into a strange bug where the stage refused to give me TV audio after I turned on my TV. It only happened twice and both times I was able to solve it by unplugging and plugging the power cord. B&O took the speaker back and tried to duplicate the problem, but it didn't recur.

App, streaming and controls

The B&O app works well, but it also feels like work in progress at times. There are four tabs: Home, Multiroom, Music and Radio.

Here you can control all the Beosound Stage settings from EQ to speaker alignment. Multiroom allows you to group multiple B&O speakers together. However, since I only had one speaker, I was unable to test this feature.

The Music tab allows you to choose music from the sources that B&O was able to incorporate. However, the list is limited: tracks on your phone, tracks on your home network if you have a DLNA server or Deezer. Spotify is also listed, but this is just a shortcut to the Spotify app.

A search tool will appear but will only work with Deezer, not your personal music sources.

Thanks to the Beosound Stage's 4-inch woofers, you'll get plenty of thundering bass – no sub needed.

The Radio tab is where you can find streaming terrestrial stations from TuneIn.

In all fairness, compared to the power and control of a system like Sonos, the B&O app isn't a way to find and hear music. You're far better off choosing your favorite music app and then streaming it to the Beosound Stage using AirPlay 2, Bluetooth or Chromecast.

Sound quality

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Beosound Stage doesn't disappoint in terms of sound quality. Whether you're listening to the soundtrack of a Marvel action movie or streaming your favorite music, you'll get a silky smooth performance that allows you to easily capture and reproduce the entire frequency range.

Soundbars generally have problems with deep, low-end bass, which is why so many of them come with a wireless subwoofer. Thanks to the Beosound Stage's four independently operated 4-inch woofers, which have been grouped together in pairs, you get plenty of thunderous bass – no sub needed.

The speaker's remaining seven drivers and amplifiers (four mid-range speakers and three tweeters) do the rest with excellent separation and definition. When you start some Norah Jones tracks, you can hear her voice float effortlessly over the instruments without missing a single piano note or a resonance note from a bass.

The app's equalizer and listening modes give you tremendous control over the sound. Not only can you set bass and treble independently, but you can also choose between four preset modes such as TV (which improves dialogue), Movie (I bet you can guess this one), Music and Night Listening, which reduces large jumps in volume.

Bang & Olufsen appMy favorite area, however, is B&O's mood-based EQ surface, which allows you to move a selection dial between four quadrants: bright, energetic, relaxed and warm. Well worth spending some time here to see if you can find a mix that you like.

But there is one area where the Beosound Stage falls short: Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Surround Sound.

Make no mistake, the Stage is a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar and can play that sound back through Dolby's 24-bit TrueHD lossless format when connected to a Blu-ray player.

However, it is not a discrete 5.1.2 channel soundbar. There are no soaring height duct drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling for a dramatic over-your-head effect, and no dedicated surround drivers.

As a three-channel loudspeaker, it relies entirely on virtualization for both Atmos and 5.1 surround sound. Virtualization means that B&O used some very sophisticated psychoacoustic techniques to get your brain to believe that there are extra speakers in your room.

Unfortunately, this doesn't quite work.

If you think of your TV screen as a source of sound, the Beosound Stage convincingly expands that screen into a much larger rectangle, making it look like there are speakers in the top and bottom corners of your room (and also in the middle). But this sound doesn't really extend very far and is barely recognizable for me in the height or surround position.

This isn't the soundbar for those looking to replace a 5.1 surround sound or Dolby Atmos home theater setup.

Here we come to the problem with B&O's decision not to make the Beosound Stage expandable. Typically, when you want to improve the level of immersion in a soundbar, add additional speakers. LG, Samsung, Bose, and Sonos offer this as an option. But the Beosound Stage is a determined soloist – you either appreciate what this speaker has to offer or you choose something else.

What should we do with this situation? Let's put it this way: As a room-filling music speaker, the Beosound Stage is a real joy to hear. And if you want to give your movie and TV soundtracks an exciting boost without cluttering your room with subwoofers and surrounds, this is an unqualified success.

However, this isn't the soundbar for those looking to replace a full 5.1 surround sound or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos home theater setup. If this is your goal, you can save some money and get a much more haunted sound elsewhere.

Our opinion

The beautiful but very expensive B&O Beosound Stage is a fabulous one-speaker solution for room-filling music or TV audio. But it's not enough to add the immersive properties of Dolby Atmos.

Is there a better alternative?

Since the Beosound Stage doesn't actually deliver Dolby Atmos, you can get the excellent $ 800 Bose Soundbar 700 for less than half the price. I think it looks great and has the advantage of being expandable via wireless subwoofers and surround modules, and it would still cost less than the mid-priced Beosound Stage.

If Atmos is a must, you can't go wrong with the Sonos Arc. It's the same price as the Bose Soundbar 700 and can also be easily expanded with optional wireless speakers.

Both the Bose and Sonos soundbars offer you the choice between voice assistants: Alexa or Google Assistant, which the Beosound Stage lacks.

How long it will take?

Beautifully finished and solidly built, I expect the Beosound Stage to last for years, if not decades. It is backed by a 36 month warranty from B&O, which is one of the longest warranties in the industry.

Should you buy it?

If you care equally about how your audio and video equipment looks and how it sounds – and your pockets are deep enough to support that approach – then definitely buy the B&O Beosound Stage. As long as you are aware of its limitations, you will be very happy with it. Everyone else should consider the many other great (and less expensive) options.

Editor's recommendations




07 May
Blog

A new way to get instant beauty tips with Instantgo

We had the opportunity to play with a new little app that we really like. With Instantgo, beauty addicts like you can get in touch with their favorite beauty experts. In fact, with Instantgo, you can get a direct and personal response and advice from the blogger or influencer you love to see every day. It is easy to use because you can decide whether you want to call your favorite via SMS, call or even video Makeup artist and get an answer right away. We often need help choosing the best color combination or style for a particular occasion.

In a digital world, it's great to get instant answers to our most pressing questions. Think about the time just before going out when nothing looks right and preparing becomes a real nightmare! Whether you are on a first date or just going to an important meeting and have no idea what to wear. You urgently need quick fashion or personal advice and maybe someone can give you this extra help.

The digitization of beauty is an important step forward, as over three thousand new make-up videos are published every day on YouTube alone. Unfortunately, these videos are mostly general and not really aimed at you. We all have our own specific questions and needs. The real solution is to have someone who understands our specific situation: it is a real plus, for example, to interact with someone on a video call and feel like you are being spoiled personally with someone you care about. You can just feel the difference and this is a revolution for us and our looks! Most of the time, the cream, lotion, blush, lipstick suits us and has the same result for everyone, but there are also times when it just isn't what you expected. There is now another way to discuss your favorite products and get better results.

It's also nice that Instantgo works in both directions. As much as you can contact Beauty experts For your personal needs, you can also share everything you know about fashion and more so people can contact you. It's an easy way to share your knowledge and time and get rewarded for it.

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