04 Nov
Blog

Obsbot Tiny Review: Bringing A.I. Smarts to the Webcam

Obsbot Tiny with LED lighting switched on

"The Obsbot Tiny is a unique webcam that could have benefited from a larger sensor."

advantages

  • Subject tracking works fine

  • AI-controlled panning, tilting and zooming

  • Noise-canceling microphones

  • Innovative gimbal design

disadvantage

  • Image quality suffers in low light

  • Maximum resolution of 1080p

Webcams have become an integral part of our lives – especially in the past year and a half – and allow us to collaborate and communicate remotely. While most webcams try to differentiate themselves in terms of video and microphone quality, Obsbot takes a radically different approach.

Based on the proven 1080p video standard, the $ 199 Obsbot Tiny is a personal home webcam that blends artificial intelligence, a two-axis gimbal, and subject tracking capabilities into a truly powerful solution that is normally found in larger and often more expensive devices too is to find conference room products.

It promises to be a smart tool for YouTubers, with more natural pan, tilt, and zoom functions that will make your videos appear dynamic.

draft

Obsbot Tiny with LED lighting switched on

In a room where most webcams haven't changed much over the years, Obsbot's setting is a surprising breath of fresh air. Instead of relying on a humble one-piece case to house the image sensor and microphones and a stand that attaches to most monitors, Obsbot instead gives the traditional design an extreme makeover. With the Obsbot Tiny you get a mix of a traditional webcam and a gimbal, like the Osmo series from DJI.

At first glance, the design of the Obsbot may seem refreshing, but a bit over the top. After all, monitors don't need the stabilization mechanism of a gimbal as they are meant to be a stationary piece of technology and most people don't have important video calls from a noisy train or a turbulent airplane. However, in this case the gimbal is not designed for stabilized video feeds, but for controlling the cam.

The Tiny uses artificial intelligence to drive the motor in the two-axis gimbal so that the camera can pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ). This makes them one of the most compact PTZ desktop webcams on the market today, if not the most compact.

In fact, this design is similar to the Obsbot Tiny DJI's Pocket 4K with a choppy handle. The Tiny comes with a magnetic base that allows it to be attached to most metal surfaces and a magnetic mounting clip so it can be easily attached to laptops and monitors. Creatives looking to use this on a tripod can also rely on the threads on the bottom of the Tiny.

Obsbot Tiny on the MacBook Pro

Like many modern webcams, the Obsbot can record video at FHD 1080p resolution, but the downside is that you're limited to 30 frames per second – other fps formats aren't supported. Digital zoom is supported, and the maximum zoom is 2x, which gives you some flexibility in panning and zooming for closer shots if you're willing to sacrifice some image quality in the process.

The camera has omnidirectional microphones with noise canceling technology, which worked surprisingly well when testing the device at home and in a quieter coffee shop in the afternoon.

Magnetic holder for Obsbot Tiny.

The gimbal allows the camera to pan up to 150 degrees and tilt up or down up to 45 degrees, adding the flexibility to get the perfect shot if you're a video artist looking to stream.

A single USB cable is all you need to connect your desktop or laptop. Obsbot also included a DC connector in case your device isn't supplying enough power to the Tiny. In our tests, we didn't have to use DC power on a variety of Apple, HP, and Lenovo laptops.

Performance and image quality

Obsbot Tiny looks like a webcam attached to a choppy gimbal.

It's easy to get excited about the advanced features of the Obsbot Tiny in an area that has only seen iterative improvements, but you really need to evaluate how you're doing your video calling or streaming sessions before investing in the Tiny. For example, most people sit relatively stationary at their desks during video calls, so the PTZ functions do not work at all.

If you want to turn your living room into a shark tank-like stage with easels, a whiteboard, and posters, then the Tiny makes sense. With that in mind, the Tiny makes your home presentation look more like an Apple product announcement keynote and tracks you and your movements on your “home stage” to deliver a more dynamic video.

For its tiny size, the Obsbot Tiny works really well – the performance of the omnidirectional noise-canceling microphone was solid. The group I videoconference with found that despite the background noise in a coffee shop, my voice was clean and clear and distractions were minimized.

The video quality was competent for the most part. At 1080p FHD, it was definitely sharper and less grainy than the 720p HD camera on my 2016 MacBook Pro. In general, I found the image quality to be roughly on par with Windows laptops with a 1080p webcam. That's not a huge compliment, given that laptop webcams are notorious for their poor quality.

Compared to a 4K webcam, like the UltraSharp webcam from Dell or the highly rated Brio from Logitech, the video quality of the Obsbot Tiny is definitely not that sharp. If you are using the camera for video recording – rather than streaming or video conferencing – this shouldn't be a huge problem, as most call services limit the upload resolution to 1080p or less.

Obsbot Tiny with magnetic holder for monitors and laptops.

The biggest disadvantage of a webcam as advanced as the Obsbot Tiny is that the image sensor is small. This means that the camera won't capture as much light as a larger camera, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. In this case, it means that the picture quality quickly drops in low light and you will notice more graininess in your videos when you make video calls in darker rooms. In brightly lit environments with adequate ambient lighting, this isn't a problem, so office calls are fine, but gamers and streamers who play in darker rooms may want to look elsewhere for a streaming solution.

Due to the lack of HDR video support, if you sit in front of a bright window, you will notice some blown out lights and darker areas in the picture will lose some detail differ little when the camera is pointed at your face.

AI smart

Obsbot Tiny with USB-C and DC connection for power supply.

Many of the camera's controls and settings can be set manually using software that can be installed on your PC. However, if you don't want to operate the camera yourself, you can rely on artificial intelligence to get the job done.

Like more advanced webcams, the Tiny can automatically track and frame your subject by panning and tilting the camera to create a smooth video feed with no choppy transitions. The feature works really well, although it may take a few seconds for the Obsbot Tiny to capture and locate the subject. If you're not jogging from one end of the room to the other – think of a small, steady pace on stage – then the camera can easily follow. The camera had a bit of a problem with faster moving subjects, like a baby running around the room.

Another AI-controlled element is gesture control. Instead of navigating the software or fiddling with the hardware, you can simply put your hand with your fingers outward next to your face and the camera will capture the target. The LED light strip on the base of the Obsbot Tiny will flash, indicating that it has clicked into place on you.

Once the camera has identified who to track, it uses AI. to pan and pan the camera with the motors in the gimbal anywhere in the room. The engine is not loud at all during operation, which was a nice feature that minimized annoying background noise.

If you need to zoom in, you can put your hand next to your face and use your index finger and thumb to form an “L”. This will cause the camera to zoom in 2 times for a tighter area around your face.

If you're recording a sales pitch or presentation yourself, you can create a more compelling video with a camera that can automatically pan, tilt, and zoom. The best part is you don't even have to have a cameraman to get the job done.

And while this camera doesn't have its own privacy lock, you can put the camera to sleep when you're done. In this mode, the Obsbot Tiny will point the lens down, giving you the peace of mind that it is not shooting when it shouldn't be. The LED indicator strip also shows whether the camera is in recording mode.

Our opinion

The Obsbot Tiny offers many advanced AI-powered features in one compelling hardware package. Obsbot's Tiny Webcam brings premium PTZ capabilities more commonly found in video solutions for larger conference rooms in an affordable package for home use. However, it really is only a good option for someone who needs this functionality as the image quality is not the best.

Are there alternatives?

There are plenty of capable 1080p and 4K webcams out there. Inexpensive webcams start at well under $ 100, but generally, you get what you pay for. At $ 199, the Obsbot Tiny competes with premium webcams like Logitech's Brio.

The Brio costs the same as the Tiny but sacrifices the Obsbot's more advanced AI. Features in favor of more advanced picture quality. That means you get better 4K resolution – compared to 1080p – and HDR support on the Brio.

How long it will take?

The Obsbot Tiny has a standard one-year limited warranty, but webcams are built to last for many years. Unlike smartphones, a webcam is not a peripheral designed for annual or biennial upgrades, and the Obsbot can potentially last for five years or even more. Unless the hardware breaks – due to the gimbal mechanism, the Obsbot Tiny may be more vulnerable than other competing webcams due to the number of moving parts – the device should last for many years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, although it really depends on the features you need from a webcam. If you're only using the Tiny for general video chatting, its advanced features may be over the top and you will be better off getting something with better picture quality. However, if you're recording a sales pitch or presentation, an AI-powered cameraman is a unique tool.

Editor's recommendations



03 Nov
Blog

Apple Watch Series 7 Review: The Only Smartwatch to Buy

Apple Watch Series 7 in your pocket.

Apple Watch Series 7

RRP $ 399.00

"Stylish, customizable, powerful, reliable and with a larger field of view, smaller bezels and faster charging than before, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the best smartwatch you can buy."

advantages

  • Big screen, small bezels

  • Simply personalized

  • Choice of models and sizes

  • Comprehensive health tracking

  • Reliable software and notifications

  • Fast charging

  • Stronger and harder than before

disadvantage

  • Only works with the iPhone

The Apple Watch Series 7 could be the perfect smartwatch. I'm sorry to give away the game so early, but there are no secrets or surprises here – and that's a good thing. A smartwatch should be an extension of your smartphone, but it must also function reliably and sensibly on its own. It should provide comprehensive, motivational and informative health and activity tracking without alienating those who are not athletes. It should look good and easily adapt to your mood, style, and surroundings. It shouldn't require constant supervision or have complex or tricky features that overshadow basic day-to-day utility. New models also need to be improved from the previous version, so anyone can consider upgrading if they want.

The Apple Watch Series 7 has all of this and more. Let us talk about it.

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It's almost impossible to tell the difference between Series 7 and Series 6 just by looking at them. The 1mm increase in case size – 45mm and 41mm for the 7 Series versus 44mm and 40mm for the 6 Series – is only noticeable when you remove a tape measure, and the slightly larger curvature at each edge is only visible when you put the two of them look side by side and look very carefully. The speaker on the left side of the case is a single slot rather than the Series 6 double slot, but that's about as noticeable as the visual changes.

Apple Watch Series 7 on the wrist.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What you notice are the much smaller 1.7mm bezels (down from 3mm on the 6 Series) and the increased field of view. Apple says that compared to the Series 6 and the Watch SE, 20% more screen area is visible and 50% more than the Apple Watch Series 3. The Ion-X glass above the screen has a contoured edge so that the screen follows The case seems to bulge at the top, just like a curved screen on a smartphone.

The version in our photos is an aluminum model in midnight that is black in color with a hint of blue and I chose it because, unlike the blue or green versions, it is easier to combine with more bracelet options. If you have a bracelet collection from an existing Apple Watch, they all go perfectly with the Series 7, just in case you worry that the 1mm increase will make them look weird.

Apple Watch Series 7 from the side.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It would be easy to blame Apple for not changing the design much, but it hasn't because it isn't necessary. The Series 7 looks amazing and the Apple Watch has become a style icon in my opinion. The soft curvature of the case makes it very comfortable to wear, no matter which bracelet you choose, and it is really light at 38.8 grams without a bracelet, so you can wear it day and night.

While this is true of some fitness bands as well, the difference is that the Apple Watch looks great and it's incredibly easy to change the entire look of it when you get bored. Apple's watch faces have come a long way, especially in WatchOS 7 and WatchOS 8, becoming classier and more visually exciting instead of just adding complications. Put together a small collection of bracelets and bracelets, and Apple Watch is ready for whatever you wear, any time of the day.

Apple Watch Series 7 on the wrist from behind.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's this versatility that makes owning the Apple Watch so convenient. It turns it from a piece of technology into something that is truly yours. No other smartwatch offers such easy customization. You can even just choose the Wear-and-Forget-Sport Loop Harness, which is some of the best basic harnesses you can get and is adjusted for the duration of your possession.

The Apple Watch Series 7 wears no differently than the Series 5 or Series 6 Watch, and that's fine. It's still the most comfortable, personal, and easiest-to-live smartwatch you can buy.

screen

If the slimmer bezel didn't change the design significantly, did it change the screen? Yes it did, but don't expect the Series 6 to make you feel like a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The increase is much more subtle, but Apple emphasized the difference through WatchOS 8 by using new watch faces like Contour, adding larger fonts, and making better use of the extra space.

App menu on Apple Watch Series 7.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Buttons are bigger and easier to find, wider notification cards contain just a little more information, more text fits on the screen at one time, and you can see more at the same time. Swipe up to see quick settings, and turning on a focus mode requires a less precise action and is faster than before. But perhaps the best indication of how much screen the Series 7 has gained is the three additional font sizes available when compared to older models.

Apple says the screen is brighter indoors, but I didn't notice any difference. However, this may be because I never have any problems reading whether I am in the sunlight or in the dark, or whether it shows the main screen or the excellent always-on dials. It's sharp and colorful and doesn't reflect absurdly either. The Ion-X glass over the top is also tougher and more resistant to cracking than before, but to get the supposedly more durable sapphire crystal displays you'll need to buy the stainless steel or titanium models.

Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 6 from above. "Aria -habenby =" gallery-9-2823138

Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 6 from the side. "Aria -habenby =" gallery-9-2823139

  • 1.
    Apple Watch Series 7 (left) and Series 6 (right)
  • 2.
    Contoured screen of the Apple Watch Series 7 (red, top) versus the Series 6

The smaller bezels also make the Series 7 look more modern, even when placed next to the Series 6, a smartwatch that can hardly be called old. If you're from a Series 3 watch, the smaller bezels and larger viewing area of ​​the Series 7 will transform the experience for you. In this case, the Series 7 is a huge upgrade. I used a Series 6 last year and the extra screen real estate was evident when I used the Series 7.

Health and activity tracking

The Apple Watch Series 7 measures your heart rate and your electrocardiogram (EKG), measures the oxygen level in the blood, warns of heart rate irregularities, sends an emergency alarm when you fall, reminds you to start exercising if they don't notice you are moving or cycling, records your swimming activity and automatically starts a timer when you wash your hands. I'm just scratching the surface here as I haven't mentioned sleep tracking, dozens of exercise plans, Apple's Fitness + service, sound alerts, and the mindfulness app.

Heart rate on Apple Watch Series 7.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The health and fitness tracking is comprehensive, detailed, accurate and, in my case, completely exaggerated for my needs – and that's a good thing. That means, should I decide to do more, the watch will be ready without upgrading. The Series 7 records my walks, my sleep and my training at home without any problems and can be started so quickly and easily that sometimes I don't even have to go to the training app because the watch detects my activity more than usual and suggests a tracking mode. Or I use the app selection mode by pressing the bottom button on the watch to jump straight into the workout app. It takes seconds what I want as an occasional trainer.

I also appreciate the "silent" features. Heart rate, blood oxygen and even noise are monitored in the background, so if anything changes it will let me know. I don't have to do anything with setup either, since most of these functions are active by default. Apple's Activity Rings give me a clear indicator of my daily activities and are appropriately motivating, with reminders to move me and animated screens when I reach a goal.

Daily activity in the Apple Health app.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Overview of Apple Health.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Apple Health breath data.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

All health data in the Apple Health app.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The data is presented in the Apple Health app. It shows helpful trends that let you know if you're doing more or less than usual, summaries of your recent workouts (including GPS maps), and offers the ability to dig deeper. I love the All Health Data list view, which shows you the most current information instantly and also combines it with historical data. Tap each section to see a more detailed breakdown of the data. It's well laid out, very informative, and extremely easy to digest.

Although everything is presented very nicely with bright colors and neat graphics, the app can feel dense and complicated. But it does show how much capability the watch has and how it can benefit those who are much more focused on fitness than I am. I would really like to see the health and fitness apps combined in one, as I often forget the fitness app, which has more information about daily activities.

EKG on Apple Watch Series 7.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Blood oxygen measurement on Apple Watch Series 7.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Apple Watch Series 7 case back.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Apple Watch Series 7 is any fitness partner you want, and it works just as well no matter the amount of effort you put into the workout. It has all of the skills, dates, and motivations you want – or as little as you want – all without irritating messages about pushing your limits either on the clock or in marketing. This also goes well with the design and customization, because all of this looks as sporty or not as sporty as you want it to be. It's excellent.

Software and performance

Apple's WatchOS 8 software, released in September, will be installed and will be compatible with all Apple Watch models since Series 3. It works the same way as it does the Series 6, and I'll summarize my experience with the software in a previous article.

It's fast, responsive, and full of features. I easily get notifications from my iPhone 13 Pro and can reply to most of them right from the watch. Most messages can be replied to using the keyboard, which has a new QuickType swipe function. It's surprisingly accurate and makes it much faster to type on the watch's small screen. I also like how the iPhone comes up with a popup that allows you to enter text on the phone rather than the watch without finding the message to match. Not all messages have this deep interaction. For example, tweets can only be liked or retweeted and Outlook e-mails cannot be answered on the wrist, but only marked or marked as read.

It's still the most comfortable, personal, and easiest-to-live smartwatch you can buy.

The Watch Series 7 processor may be called S7, but it's just a name change, and it has the same performance as the S6 in the Series 6. That means it is 20% more powerful than the S5 chip in the Apple Watch SE , which Apple is still selling along with the new Series 7. You can purchase the Series 7 with a cellular connection and, provided you pay at your monthly cellular plan, the watch can make and receive calls and receive messages even when you are not connected to your phone.

Twitter notification on Apple Watch Series 7.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

With WatchOS 8 on the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7, I had no issues with responsiveness or apps. While setting up the Series 7, I had issues with the Set up as new watch option, but it turned on without any issues when I chose the Restore from a backup option. This is the first time I've come across it and I suspect it has to do with the Series 7 setup on launch day and the server delays that came with it.

battery

I've worn the Apple Watch Series 7 24 hours a day for the past week, and when I wake up in the morning after tracking my sleep, the watch still has between 20% and 30% energy left, depending on whether I have during the day previously recorded a workout. This means that a single use over a whole day is not a problem. At 30% remaining, it continued through the end of a work day if I did not record any workout. Alternatively, if you don't enable sleep tracking and disable it overnight, two days or even more are achievable.

Apple Watch Series 7 for a fee.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Watch Series 7 has a new charger with quick charge function and can be easily recognized by the silver housing compared to the older versions. According to Apple, it offers an 80 percent charge in 45 minutes, but when plugged into the Apple Fast Charger, it exceeds that and hits around 88% in that time. It reaches 100% in an hour. There's also a handy feature where an eight-minute charge gives back eight hours of sleep tracking.

Using an old charger with the Series 7 will charge it at its normal rate, which is understandable but unfortunate to anyone who has sat on a stand like the Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, as you have the benefit not received from the speed increase of the new charger.

Price and availability

the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $ 399 for the 41mm model and $ 429 for the 45mm model. Add $ 100 for the GPS + Cellular version and even more depending on which bracelet you choose. For example, if you'd like the RED Braided Solo Loop Belt product in our photos, prices start at $ 449.

In the UK, the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 in aluminum starts at 369 pounds and the 45mm model starts at 399 pounds. Prices increase depending on the bracelet you choose, and you have to add £ 100 to the price if you want the GPS + Cellular model.

The Series 7 looks amazing and the Apple Watch has become a style icon in my opinion.

Outside of the standard Apple Watch models, you can buy special Nike versions that are the same price but come with Nike straps and exclusive watch faces. You can also pay more for the Apple Watch Series 7 for a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal above the screen. Prices start at $ 699 or £ 649. The titanium Apple Watch Edition starts at $ 799, or £ 699, and the Apple Watch Hermés starts at $ 1,229, or £ 1,179. Functionality and specification are identical in the entire range, so all of these only offer material and strap differences.

Our opinion

Smaller bezels and a 1mm difference in case size have had a big impact on the Apple Watch Series 7, increasing its appeal and overall visual appeal. Faster charges and that helpful 8-minute zap for overnight use mean the relatively short battery life is much less of a concern and you can use and enjoy the watch 24 hours a day. WatchOS 8 is reliable and easy to use, health tracking remains unmatched even without hardware changes, and massive customization is fun.

It's everything you'd expect from a smartwatch as it integrates perfectly with the iPhone but still has enough power to be used on its own at will and never feels redundant due to lack of features or poor app support. The Apple Watch Series 7 has improved over the Series 6, and even feels like a worthwhile upgrade to last year's model for those who don't mind spending the money. It's also worth noting that Apple hasn't changed the price either, and has kept it the same in recent generations despite hardware and software improvements.

The Apple Watch Series 7 does anything I want, and I am very aware that it can do a lot more, making it feel like a safe purchase even for those who are just starting out with a smartwatch. The uncomplicated handling also makes it great for newcomers and thanks to the two sizes and different designs, there is something suitable for you. It's really great, and I'm struggling to find a reason not to wholeheartedly recommend it.

Is there a better alternative?

It doesn't happen often that I say this, but if you own an iPhone and want a smartwatch, there is no better alternative to the Apple Watch. There is usually an alternative, but in this case, buying an Apple Watch Series 7 is the best option available. This year, the Apple Watch SE is doing less well than it was in 2020 due to the lack of an always-on screen, a larger bezel, standard charging speed, and less powerful health monitoring.

If you have an Android phone, there is no point in making good use of the Apple Watch, so check out our recommendations for Android smartwatches.

How long it will take?

The Apple Watch Series 7 is dustproof according to IP6X, water-resistant to 50 meters, is float-proof and has a stronger, more break-proof glass above the screen. Belts can be exchanged easily and inexpensively if they should be broken or dirty. Apple should support the watch with new software updates for up to five years. Keeping the Apple Watch Series 7 for five years can be a challenge if you want to keep up with technology trends, but for everyone else, it's perfectly doable, given the Series 7's capabilities, performance, and ruggedness.

Should you buy one?

Yes sir. Not only is it the best smartwatch for your iPhone, it's also the best smartwatch available today.

Editor's recommendations



03 Nov
Blog

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Atmos Adds to the Immersion

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 close-up.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

RRP $ 899.00

"The Smart Soundbar 900 adds Dolby Atmos for just $ 100, making it a great choice for a single speaker home theater sound system."

advantages

  • Elegant design

  • Good Dolby Atmos effects

  • Excellent music quality

  • Practical TV voice control

  • Synchronization of private headphones

disadvantage

  • Only one HDMI port

  • Simple remote control without backlight

  • Limited support for Android

When Bose launched its $ 799 Smart Soundbar 700 in the last half of 2018, it probably should have included Dolby Atmos, the highly immersive surround sound format used for both movies and music. That wasn't the case, and that gave longtime competitor Sonos the chance to jump in with its very own Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Sonos Arc, which debuted in 2020 at the same price as the non-Atmos Smart Soundbar 700.

But Bose has finally jumped on the Atmos bandwagon with its $ 899 Smart Soundbar 900. Is it worth the extra $ 100? Let's find out.

Holes in the glass

Bose smart soundbar 900.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you think the Smart Soundbar 900 sounds familiar, don't dream. It's a dead ringtone for the Smart Soundbar 700, right down to the classy (but slightly smudged) glass plate. The biggest difference is the matching set of racetrack-like oval holes on either end of the glass. These openings are for the additional upward-facing drivers that help the soundbar deliver the height effects that have become synonymous with Dolby Atmos.

The drivers are angled upwards so they can bounce certain sounds off your ceiling and back to your listening position. While the 900 is impressively short (2.29 inches tall) and could easily fit under most large screen TVs, don't put it there. It has to be open to get the most out of these aspiring riders.

In its black guise, the 900 pretty much disappears into the background, but if you want your soundbar to make both a visual and an audible statement, it is also available in white.

One port too little

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 ports on the back.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

You can connect the Smart Soundbar 900 to your TV with an HDMI cable or an optical cable, and Bose includes both. If you use the optical cable, you will not be able to send a Dolby Atmos signal to the soundbar even if your TV supports it. Atmos is simply too bandwidth-hungry for an optical connection – it requires the thicker HDMI cable. That's not to say that the 900 doesn't produce very visually immersive sound when used – it'll still sound great thanks to the company's TrueSpace technology – you just can't get the full Atmos experience without HDMI.

The Smart Soundbar 900 delivers beautifully clear, room-filling sound.

Speaking of HDMI: The 900 only has one HDMI port, through which it receives audio from your television and sends control instructions back to the television. For most people, this will be a bit of a nuisance as it will force you to give up one of your TV's HDMI ports and not provide you with a replacement. Depending on the number of HDMI devices you have and the number of inputs on your TV, it may even be necessary to purchase an HDMI switch.

But for the audio purists out there with older TVs, this poses another challenge. If your TV doesn't support HDMI eARC (most TVs over two years old), there is simply no way to get the highest quality audio signal that the 900 can handle, namely lossless 24-bit Dolby Atmos in Dolby TrueHD.

With other Dolby Atmos soundbars, such as the Sony HT-A7000, you can connect a Blu-ray player or streaming media device to one of the HDMI inputs on the soundbar, bypassing your TV's HDMI ARC restrictions by adding You send the sound directly to the soundbar while the video is relayed to your TV.

The Smart Soundbar 900 isn't the only Atmos soundbar with this limitation. The Sonos Arc also only has a single HDMI port.

Don't lose the remote control

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 remote control.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

While it is true that you can control all functions of the Smart Soundbar 900 via the Bose Music app (more on this in a moment), the supplied remote control should be close at hand if there are no controls integrated into the soundbar itself. The only controls that Bose installs on this smooth glass surface are for intelligent loudspeaker functions (microphone mute, action button). You need the remote control or the app for volume, mute, play / pause and other functions.

Oddly enough, Bose decided to equip the Soundbar 900 with one of its simple, non-backlit infrared remote controls, while the Soundbar 700 comes with a much fancier, backlit Bluetooth universal remote. When I asked Bose why this was the case, I was told that the Voice4Video feature (which I'll discuss below) is viewed as a replacement for most of the functions on the universal remote.

You need an app for that

In theory, you can only operate the Smart Soundbar 900 with the included remote control, but you're missing out on a lot. The Bose Music app (for iOS and Android) guides you through the setup process, including connecting the soundbar to your home's WiFi, calibrating the sound with the included AdaptIQ microphone, and setting up the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa if you want to activate the intelligent loudspeaker functions of the 900. The connection of the soundbar to Wi-Fi is a prerequisite if you want to use one of the natively supported music streaming services, Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay 2.

In the app you will also find all the deeper settings such as adjustments for bass, treble and treble channels as well as the dialogue improvement mode. None of this can be controlled with the remote control. The app is also the only way to confirm that the soundbar is receiving and playing Dolby Atmos.

Brilliant sound

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 close-up.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Whether you're playing 5.1, Dolby Atmos or a standard 2-channel stereo mix, the Smart Soundbar 900 delivers wonderfully clear, room-filling sound. In typical Bose fashion, the sound signature tends to accentuate the mids and high frequencies out of the box. For music, there is a crisp, energetic sound to vocals, but it is also ideal for TV dialogues.

Bass is also abundant. But as mentioned above, to maximize the speaker's low-end capabilities, you'll need to dive into the Bose Music app as it's pretty tame the first time you set it up. I also recommend increasing the elevation channel settings. Even with my basement's relatively low ceiling height of 7.5 feet, I found that I needed the extra punch to get the most out of these upward-shooting height drivers.

It's not difficult to convince yourself that there are additional surround speakers in the room.

It does take some tweaking, but once you're done with the settings, the Smart Soundbar 900 creates a compelling Dolby Atmos sound dome. All of my Atmos test films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Ford V. Ferrari and Avengers: Infinity War sounded exciting. You can definitely hear the added dimension of the height channels, but like the non-Atmos Smart Soundbar 700, what catches you most is the incredible breadth of the 900's soundstage. Sit in the middle and it's not difficult to convince yourself that there are additional surround speakers in the room.

This is where the comparison of the 900 with the Sonos Arc becomes interesting. From a purely Dolby Atmos perspective, the Arc does a better job with height effects, and its significantly larger housing produces deeper, more resonant bass. But the Smart Soundbar 900 is better at creating a full surround sound experience, and it also offers better clarity, especially with dialogue.

Musically, both soundbars are convincing, but here, too, each has its strengths. The Arc produces a warmer bass response, but cannot quite keep up with the clarity of the Soundbar 900 in the upper ranges. Given the 900's wider soundstage, I think Bose has the edge, but that will likely depend on personal preference.

Streaming sounds

It's worth noting that Android users have less high-quality music streaming options since the soundbar 900 supports AirPlay 2 but not Chromecast. All streaming services natively supported in the Bose Music app (Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, iHeart Radio and SiriusXM) are streamed via Wi-Fi. If these services support high-resolution or lossless audio (and you have access to that level of content), you should be getting the best possible audio quality. However, if you're using Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, or one of the many services not included in the Bose Music app, you're limited to Bluetooth and using either the SBC or AAC codec.

Apple device owners have more freedom of choice. With AirPlay 2, practically any music app can stream via Wi-Fi in lossless quality of up to 16-bit / 48kHz from an iPhone to the Soundbar 900, and all grouped speakers can play along from there.

This pales in comparison to the huge range of services that Sonos supports. The Bose Music app also doesn't offer the ability to browse all of your services from a single interface or create an unlimited number of favorite playlists and stations – you're limited to just six.

"Alexa, channel 33"

Bose smart soundbar 900.Your TV or streaming device may have built-in Chromecast, but the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you choose Amazon Alexa as your voice assistant, Bose offers a clever way to control your TV and cable set-top box with voice commands. It's called Voice4Video and it's configured in the Bose Music app. Once the soundbar has correctly identified your TV, cable box and local cable provider, you can turn your TV on and off and use your voice to jump to specific channels.

It's hardly anything you need, but if you want it you'll be happy to know that it works really well. I have seen only a few occasions where I had to repeat a TV-based voice command.

Multiroom audio

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 seen with Sonos Arc.Bose Smart Soundbar 900 (left) and Sonos Arc. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the advantages of having a speaker connected to Wi-Fi is the ability to broadcast multi-room audio. Here you can play a different music source on each speaker, have all your speakers play the same music in perfect sync, or split your home into speaker groups, each doing their own thing.

The Smart Soundbar 900 lets you team up with other Bose wireless speakers, bluetooth speakers, and headphones to create a whole house audio solution – a very versatile range of options. These grouped speakers can play any source that the primary speaker can access, be it Bluetooth, Bose Music's built-in streaming services, AirPlay 2, or your TV's sound. However, the management of these speaker groups is not quite as flexible.

If your group only contains Bose Wi-Fi speakers, such as the Bose Home Speaker 500 or Bose Smart Soundbar 300, you can edit the group and easily add and remove speakers as you wish. However, groups containing SimpleSync Bluetooth products like the QuietComfort 45 cannot be edited – you have to end them and create a new group with the devices you want.

Bose may not offer the same level of music controls as Sonos, but the multiroom controls are excellent.

Pssst … the children are sleeping

Bose Music app.

Bose Music app.

If you have Bose Bluetooth headphones, such as the newly released QuietComfort 45 or the Noise Canceling Headphones 700, you can pair them with the Soundbar 900 using Bose's SimpleSync technology. Most soundbars offer Bluetooth to stream music from your phone to the speaker, but very few let you do it the other way around – from the soundbar to a headphone – and it's a handy feature.

Our opinion

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 was already a great speaker for movies and music. The only thing missing was Dolby Atmos. Now that the Smart Soundbar 900 is here, adding that missing component for just $ 100 more, it's an excellent choice for a single speaker home theater sound system.

Is there a better alternative?

For this price there is really only one alternative to the Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Sonos Arch. They are the same price and go head to head on many functions. Both give you a choice of Google or Amazon voice assistants, both connect to music streaming services, both can be used as part of a whole house wireless audio setup, and both use just a single HDMI eARC port for the TV connectivity.

With great software from Sonos, the Arc is a better choice for all-home audio and control of your music. It also creates deeper bass and slightly more noticeable Dolby Atmos height effects. But you can't plug in headphones for private listening, the high-frequency clarity isn't as good as with the Bose, it doesn't come with its own remote control, and you can't control your TV with Alexa. It is also significantly larger and bulkier than the Soundbar 900.

One more consideration: Bose gives you cheaper options for adding a subwoofer and wireless surround speakers. You can add these to the Soundbar 900 for just $ 798. It takes at least $ 1,147 to do the same with the Sonos Arc – although you can get a much higher quality speaker set from Sonos.

How long it will take?

Bose may not offer software updates for the Smart Soundbar 900 forever, but I see no reason why it shouldn't give you great performance as long as you choose to own it. Bose products come with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes, unless you already own other Sonos products. In this case the Arc is the more logical choice.

Editor's recommendations



03 Nov
Blog

Hisense U9DG Dual-cell 4K HDR TV Review

Tree image on the Hisense U9DG TV.

Hisense U9DG dual Dell 4K HDR TVs

RRP $ 3,500.00

advantages

  • Excellent backlight control

  • Brighter than OLED

  • Easy adjustment

disadvantage

  • Not as black as OLED

  • Not as bright as other LED / LCD TVs

  • Expensive

I have been looking forward to Hisense introducing its dual cell TV technology to the US market for more than three years. Now that the time has finally come, I find myself more thoughtful than exuberant.

To be clear, the Hisense U9DG is a very impressive television. I just think that this particular TV – and the technology behind it in particular – is likely to have a pretty small audience.

Is it the Right TV for You? Let's find out.

Out of the box

The Hisense U9DG TV remote control.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

Close-up on the display of the Hisense U9DG.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

HDMI ports on Hisense U9DG TV.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

Hisense does product packaging better than most TV brands. When you order your TV online and have it shipped to you, you know that Hisense TVs are well packaged for the trip and will likely arrive in good condition no matter how many hits the box seems to have on the way.

The U9DG dual-cell television (for strangers, I'll explain the dual-cell technology in a moment) looks similar to other Hisense televisions in that it has decorative bezels on the top and sides, with a shiny chrome strip along the bottom. The U9DG differs slightly in that its silver stripe is much thicker than the U8G or U7G TV, for example, as it houses a front-facing speaker system. It's a look that you will either love or hate. But in the end, the person who needs or wants this TV will likely be willing to put up with the aesthetics anyway.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

The U9DG comes with what I refer to as "Dumbo-Ear" stand mount feet. They are large, so they add up to a large footprint and can only be mounted in one place under the TV. So those who will mount a stand will need to have 56 inches wide and 16.75 inches deep on a media stand.

In all fairness, wall mounting this TV seems like the best way to go.

What is dual cell?

Pineapple image on the Hisense U9DG TV screen.Riley Young / Digital Trends

Every time I sit down to explain another TV display technology I take a deep breath, roll my eyes, and then quickly remember that I'm lucky to have this job and just have to go to work. So here's a quick refresher on two popular TV display technologies and how Dual-Cell tries to bridge the gap in a very unconventional and interesting way that is mostly only of interest to geeks like me.

LED / LCD

In one corner we have the LED / LCD television, a technology that has been iterating for more than 16 years. Today, this type of display includes a series of LEDs that act as a backlight. The light from these LEDs shines through a number of different layers before emerging from the LCD layer as a colorful image that you see on your television.

To prevent dark areas of the screen from looking blurry or milky while other areas of the screen are bright, it is necessary to dim “zones” of the light array in some areas while keeping other areas bright. This is where the term “local dimming zones” comes from.

The more zones the better, because the display has more control over the light and dark areas. And if you can make the LEDs really tiny in those zones, that's even better – hence the advent of mini LED backlight technology.

OLED

In the other corner we have OLED TVs. OLED is a type of display that does not rely on LED backlighting. Organic light-emitting diode pixels – the same as many modern telephones – are "self-emitting," which means that when they are turned on, they generate their own light. Conversely, if you take that current away, they'll go dark – no juice, no light, perfect black levels.

To say that LED / LCD TVs chase OLED TVs in terms of picture quality would be an understatement. OLED's perfect blacks make for amazing contrast that is easily perceived by the human eye, and perfect blacks are hard to achieve for LED / LCD TVs, try local dimming zones, mini-LEDs, and the like.

However, OLED is not perfect. OLED TVs can't get as bright as LED-backlit LCD TVs, and OLED TVs have very little risk of burn-in – but most of the time, they just don't get that bright.

How about some new TV technology that fills the gap and lives somewhere in the middle? That is dual cell.

Dual cell and how it works

To be clear, dual cell televisions are LED backlit. The difference is that a dual cell TV adds a black and white LCD layer to the mix rather than dimming and brightening the zones of LEDs and making those LEDs smaller. This black and white layer (technically grayscale) is used to control the background lighting by only allowing light to pass where it is wanted, down to a pixel-by-pixel level.

Confused? I understand. I hope this cool GIF we made could help.

Now that you have an idea of ​​how it works (there really isn't any point in investigating this TV unless you do) I can tell you that the goal of Dual Cell is to have a TV with you to produce really good black levels like OLED and really great brightness like LED / LCD, bridging the gap between the two. Perhaps you can now understand why I was excited about this new technology.

So, does it work?

Yes, Dual Cell works, just not as well as I would like. Besides, I'm not fair.

Double cell: A tough sell … for now

Autumn forest image on the Hisense U9DG TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

Yes, Dual Cell works, just not as well as I would like. Besides, I'm not fair.

If dual cell display technology works as well as I wanted it to, it would be the perfect balance between OLED and LED / LCD TV picture quality and I could go home, my hands on this whole TV review Dust off, point to dual-cell televisions and just say, "buy this".

Fortunately for me, the Hisense U9DG isn't that perfect, so my job is safe … for now.

Unfortunately for Hisense, this means that the reviews of the U9DG are likely to be an awkward mix of qualifying statements and botched details that could get over the head of many people. With that in mind, I'll break down the U9DG as simply as possible.

The U9DG is a high performance television that offers better black levels and shadow detail than most LED / LCD televisions, while also offering slightly more brightness than most OLED televisions. Unfortunately, it doesn't get as bright as on similarly priced LED / LCD TVs, and it doesn't provide perfect black as on similarly priced OLED TVs.

From a performance point of view, the U9DG offers a very specific compromise in image quality that cannot be matched by any other television currently available on the market. This limits the U9DG's appeal to a relatively small audience, which is fine, but then we have to inexorably hit the U9DG's price point – $ 3,500 MSRP for a 75-inch TV – which makes it difficult to put on one to sell already small audiences.

Bright red raspberries on the Hisense U9DG TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

To put things in perspective, you can get a 77-inch LG C1 OLED for roughly the same price as the 75-inch UN9DG. And considering that the U9DG is aimed at the type of enthusiast who are already considering the LG C1 OLED as an option, I see more people are choosing the LG OLED. Those concerned about burn-in might be attracted to the U9DG, but again I see this as a relatively small subset of people.

Another topic that dampens my excitement for the Hisense U9DG is, believe it or not, another Hisense TV. I'm so impressed with the image quality of the Hisense U7G and the value it represents that my point of view is a bit skewed. It's hard to say goodbye to enthusiastically referring people to the U7G as one of the best TVs you can get under $ 1,000 (if not the best) to explain the U9DG and its appeal, albeit at a much higher price.

Hisense U9DG Performance: Numbers and More

Crystal horse on the screen of the Hisense U9DG TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

As always, I tested the Hisense U9DG with a Spectracal C6 meter profiled on an xRite i1 Pro meter, along with the Calman Ultimate software to provide some objective numbers to offset my subjective observations.

What I found out was that my perception that the U9DG wasn't a particularly bright TV was correct.

In the image preset "Theater Day" I measured about 550 nits peak in the standard dynamic range (10% window) with a background lighting setting of 80 and 680 nits with maximum background lighting at 100. This is brighter than SDR needs to be for most people and works well in a room with a lot of ambient light.

For High Dynamic Range, the highest number I saw was around 1,000 nits. Again, these are test samples, not real content, but I don't feel like this TV beats way over 1,000 nits for HDR highlights.

This TV really relies on its black levels to sell it.

In perspective, the Hisense U7G measured roughly the same, and the Hisense U8G measured nearly 2,000 nits (almost double) in HDR – though, to be fair, I got much higher brightness values ​​than other reviewers, and those specs exceeded Hisense's promises.

Anyway, even if you don't know your nits from your nuts – personally, I love the Oregon hazelnut – we can find that the U9DG measures roughly the same brightness in terms of brightness as the U7G which is only half as much costs the 75 inch size. So this TV is really relying on its black levels to sell it.

Play on the Hisense U9DG TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

And since we're talking about black levels now, I have to mention the LG C1 OLED and its perfect black levels. It's a TV that sells for roughly the same amount of money as the U9DG, but it lags behind the U9DG's peak brightness for HDR by about 250 nits.

The color accuracy was pretty good, but not great. Motion resolution was pretty good, but not great. The image processing is decent, but definitely not great. And what about gaming? Well, the U9DG would make a great gaming TV, but so would many other TVs for a fraction of the price.

All that other stuff

Speakers and stands on the Hisense U9DG TV.Riley Young / Digital Trends

I didn't spend a lot of time talking about the U9DG's sound quality, voice search capabilities, Android TV platform, or any other consideration as they are very similar in many ways to other Hisense TVs on the market. The sound system is more advanced but not spectacularly impressive so I would suggest a soundbar for audio quality that can withstand the excellent picture quality of the TV.

A television ahead of its time

I think the U9DG falls into a category of television that is simply ahead of its time. It's hard to be a pioneer, and I think Hisense sees it with the bold introduction of a dual-cell TV in the US market. I think Hisense will keep improving its dual-cell technology, and I can see other brands picking up on dual-cell and offering a little competition. Perhaps dual cell will be the next big thing in TV technology. Or maybe its application will remain a bit too niche to reach critical mass and assert itself.

Still, I applaud Hisense for taking the risk. I'm excited to see what the brand can do with dual-cell technology, and I'm excited to see whether it will make Hisense a trendsetter in the US TV market.

Our opinion

The Hisense U9DG Dual Cell TV is a marvel of engineering with better black levels than almost any other LED / LCD TV on the market and better brightness than almost any OLED TV on the market. – I would rate the image quality as very good. However, the black levels of the U9DG are not as good as with comparable OLED televisions and its brightness is also not as strong as with comparable LED / LCD televisions, which makes the Hisense attractive for a very small audience.

Should you buy it?

For most people, the answer is no. The U9DG serves a very specific audience with very specific wishes. Most people will either want a brighter TV or a TV with absolutely perfect black levels.

Is there a better alternative?

For better black levels and advanced gaming features, a 77-inch LG C1 TV is a better alternative for a similar price. For a much brighter TV with solid black levels, the Samsung QN90A is a better choice at a slightly lower price.

How long it will take?

It's hard to predict how long the U9DG will hold up in terms of relevance, as I'll assume Hisense will either improve the technology or abandon it altogether – at least in the US market. In terms of their long-term reliability, I believe Hisense TVs have a solid track record of around 3 years and time will tell if that number gets any higher.

guarantee

Hisense offers a one-year limited parts and labor warranty. I think this is more important than usual as dual cell technology is largely unproven in the US market.

Editor's recommendations



03 Nov
Blog

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: A Great Second Impression

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has a unique design with two screens.

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

RRP $ 1,499.00

“The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 resolves almost every concern we had with the original. It's a quirky phone that is fun. "

advantages

  • Marked camera upgrade compared to its predecessor

  • Large aspect ratio for reading and multitasking

  • Software is largely repaired

  • Top tier flagship specs

  • Superior multitasking skills

disadvantage

  • Poor lowlight camera performance

  • Awkward to hold for camera use

  • There are still a few software bugs that need to be fixed

You only have one chance to make a first impression. But if your second impression is good enough, you can undo a lot of damage. A year ago. Microsoft has tried to create a new class of mobile devices with the Surface Duo that lives somewhere between the phone and tablet. It is designed for multitasking professionals who need to prepare a presentation before a meeting or put the finishing touches to a contract before it is sent to the lawyers. To fit into that category, Microsoft created the Surface Duo – and it failed quite spectacularly.

This year, Microsoft released the Microsoft Surface Duo 2, which is a pretty big correction in course while still trying to fill the same niche. The Microsoft Duo 2 is still a device for power users and multitaskers who want to get things done. It's a flagship for those who have a hell of a lot of on-demand disposable income. I am a writer and blogger. I am not the target audience for this phone. But that doesn't make it any less fun to use.

I've been using the Surface Duo for three days since it was released, which isn't enough time for a full review, but it's enough time to get a pretty good idea of ​​what Microsoft is trying to do. This is just a hands-on review that will remain something of a living document as I really put this phone through its paces over the coming days and weeks.

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is intended for business people who do business tasks.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

Design and display

As with the first generation Microsoft Duo, the workmanship on this phone is exquisite. You have two 1892 x 1344, 90 Hz screens with up to 800 nits of brightness. They are connected by a thin hinge and there is a bit of curved glass on the hinge side. (We'll talk about the meaning in a moment). The polycarbonate ring that runs around the outside of the screens and the camera bump are the only knock we have on the design. It looks good but feels downright cheap. Occasional hairs can get caught in the seam between glass and plastic, which does not look nice.

When you use this phone people will notice and ask you about it. Be prepared.

On the hinge-free side there is a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor and volume rocker. There is a single USB-C port on the bottom. The hinge itself is a 360 degree hinge that allows you to put the phone in many different positions, such as: B. in tent mode, tablet mode, laptop mode and more. On the back there are three camera sensors in a camera mound large enough to be shown on some topographic maps. It's not subtle.

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is the thinnest 5G phone in the world.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

The two screens are curved on the hinge side, which gives you what Microsoft calls a viewing bar. The two curves form a notification window that can show you which notifications you are waiting for, your battery level and the time. I found this to be of limited use in my short time with the device. Personally, I prefer to put the phone open on the table so I can see everything.

The big screen is both a blessing and a curse. The 4: 3 aspect ratio gives you plenty of screen space when reading or scrolling. It's pretty refreshing to read in bed or scroll through the latest Twitter crisis. But the size of the screens serves as a disadvantage when doing something with one hand or taking a photo. Remember that to take a photo you need to have the phone open, but not open so that the second screen is blocking the camera module. I found it most convenient to take photos by opening the screen 90 degrees and resting the lower half on the palm of my hand while leveling the camera. It's not particularly convenient, but honestly, when you have a phone like this one, you have to compromise.

Overall, however, I am more satisfied with the design than I expected. This is a beautiful phone and Microsoft knows it. When you use this phone people will notice and ask you about it. Be prepared.

software

Last year, Microsoft really dropped the ball in the software department. It had an extra year to weed out bugs and peccadillos and it's safe to say it's showing, but there is still work to be done here. When using this phone, it is important that you are as conscious as possible when using gestures. Also, note that Microsoft has changed some of the gestures to suit what it wants to do.

Usually when you're using an app in landscape mode on an Android phone, the gesture still shows up from the bottom. That is not the case here. Microsoft had to change that in order for the dual screens to work. Every time you use an app with the phone in landscape mode, the swipe gesture to multitask and return to the home screen is instead swiped in from the right side. It's a strange, if necessary, change, and hard to get used to.

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has a number of apps optimized for this, including Amazon Kindle.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

As for bugs, despite the fact that I've only been using this phone for three days, I've already seen a few oddities that made me shake my head, including a case where I got stuck on a blank home screen and had to boot Restart the phone to get everything back to normal. One constant irritation is the software keyboard's insistence on covering the text field I type in in chat apps like Teams or Slack. This wouldn't be overly irritating, except that I found this behavior most often in Teams, Microsoft's own software, and suggests poor optimization or just a simple oversight.

Fortunately for the keyboard, it's not bad. Microsoft uses its own Swiftkey keyboard that is pretty accurate when it comes to typing and autocorrection. I also installed Gboard to play around with. Gboard works fine, and in fact, I enjoy typing with Gboard in 4: 3 aspect ratio, but when you open an app across multiple windows, Gboard won't be shared while Swiftkey does it automatically. Both keyboards work pretty well in laptop mode, with the keyboard taking up the bottom of the screen while your text field taking up the top half. I was pleasantly surprised that Gboard worked as well as it did in this pose.

The Microsoft Surface Duo is a great device for multitasking.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

Microsoft has also designed its apps to work well when they span both screens. Outlook opens your message list on the left, while your messages are displayed on the right. Microsoft has also partnered with a few third-party apps like Asphalt 9, Kindle, and TikTok, so they all use both screens – with varying degrees of success.

Microsoft has also partnered with a few third-party apps like Asphalt 9, Kindle, and TikTok, so they all use both screens – with varying degrees of success.

Microsoft has come a long way when it comes to software, but there is still work to be done. I shouldn't have to restart a phone due to an error in the first 48 hours. Needless to say, this part of the phone requires a ton of more testing before I'm happy with the overall performance.

Performance and battery

Speaking of performance, it should come as no surprise that this phone works quite well. The Snapdragon 888 and 8 GB of RAM ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. There weren't any stutters or lags that I noticed even while playing Call of Duty Mobile. I haven't had a chance to put heavy loads on the phone, such as running benchmarks, but I haven't had any complaints about performance so far.

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is almost too big for a car holder. Almost.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

The battery life isn't bad. My standard battery test includes GPS for 30 minutes at 75% brightness, streaming Netflix over WiFi at the same brightness for 30 minutes, and playing Call of Duty Mobile for 30 minutes at maximum brightness. After all that, the phone came in at 76% which is the lowest of the phones I've tested using this method so far including the iPhone 13 Pro which got 81%. I spent the rest of the day off charging and ended up at 20% before bed. All in all, that's not a bad thing. I've used both screens quite a lot during the day and was surprised it lasted that long.

camera

The camera sensors are a 12-megapixel wide-angle sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel dual telesensor and an ultra-wide 16-megapixel sensor with a 110-degree field of view. They're an improvement over the original Surface Duo cameras, but that was a very low bar. Unfortunately, the camera hump prevents the Surface Duo 2 from lying flat when you fold one screen behind the other, but like most other flaws in smartphones, you get used to it.

The cameras are definitely an improvement; But let's face it, a potato would be an improvement over the first generation sensor. This camera module was built in-house by Microsoft. There are three cameras on the back and one on the front. The cameras are pretty average on most points, with a few surprises. The term I would use is "social media good," which means that the photos you get here are usually good enough for social media, but probably not much more.

The Microsoft Surface Duo uses both screens in the camera app.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

There are a few issues here in terms of software and performance. The camera is often quite slow to take photos. Missing moments to capture, I ended up with a dog's back rather than its head. That was too bad. I also often had to rotate photos that I had taken because the camera was in the wrong orientation. That quickly became annoying.

As for the camera itself, it worked admirably during the day. The color rendering between the three sensors is very close, and you won't notice a significant change in color. Portrait mode in particular seems to be quite good. It's one of the best I've seen, even when stacked against the iPhone 13 Pro. The camera is able to blur the background without capturing anything in the foreground other than a few strands of hair. That was a pleasant surprise when it came to the camera.

Most cameras these days can work very well if the light is good. If the light isn't good, a camera can glow or, in the case of the Surface Duo, fall behind. The nightly photo samples I took were all pretty bad except photos from the main camera sensor. Again, this is usually the case when it comes to a typical phone camera set. The selfie camera is very poor, with focus problems and excessive pixelation in the dark behind the subject. Avoid selfies at night.

On the video side, none of the cameras can record stable videos despite optical image stabilization, which makes any kind of movement almost nauseating. Recording a video while walking is erratic and jarring regardless of the resolution or the software Microsoft is using under the hood. All cameras are pretty bad at night. This is common, unfortunately even the best cameras struggle mightily when recording video at night.

Price and availability

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is available from $ 1,499.99 on Microsoft.com and in retail stores such as: Best buy. It is available in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan. The phone starts shipping today.

Our opinion

It's a cliché to say this about second generation hardware, but this is how the first generation duo should have been. But the reason it's a cliché is that it's true so often. I posted my wish list for improvements from the Surface Duo to the Surface Duo 2 and Microsoft ticked all the boxes. The phone is more powerful and comes with a much improved camera set.

Then we come to the price. Microsoft is charging $ 1,500 for this phone, which is quite a lot, especially after the ball was dropped with the first generation. But since Microsoft fixed most of the bugs in the previous generation, it's not difficult to justify this price. This is a pretty good phone in a mostly new form factor. It's a pioneer in the Wild West, breaking new ground for mobile devices. That deserves a lot of recognition.

At the same time, this phone doesn't offer the perfection that the price tag demands. The hardware is awesome. The software is very good. The camera is no match for a modern flagship, but that's probably fine for the customers Microsoft is targeting. All of the above statements come with the caveat that I will need even more testing time with the phone before I can make my final judgment.

Is there a better alternative?

Secure. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is only $ 300 (around 20%) more than this phone and has better software and a better set of cameras. One could argue that the Surface Duo 2 is better than the Fold 3 in terms of hardware, but that's more subjective. The Fold 3 is aimed at a different audience than the Duo 2. Microsoft wants this to be your productivity powerhouse, while the Fold 3 is meant to be a multimedia tablet that fits in your pocket (and admittedly has a lot of productivity potential). . But who these companies imagine as users of their devices are two different things. Microsoft wants the business power user. Samsung wants everyone.

How long it will take?

Despite the standard one-year warranty, a smartphone is a piece of hard hardware that needs to be protected. Most smartphones are glass sandwiches, but the duo is a glass sandwich on a glass sandwich. Plus, it's hard to find a good case for it. That's enough to make anyone nervous. On the plus side, when a screen breaks it doesn't fold, so it's probably not that expensive to replace. But it's fair to say that there are some question marks here that I can only answer after a long time with the device.

Should I buy it?

It's just beginning of my review, but I'll say yes – if you fit into Microsoft's audience. These are business people who want to get things done on the go and who are also heavily invested in Microsoft services. You can buy this phone even if you have a lot of disposable income lying around. While it's expensive, the tech, beauty, and productivity here make this a good buy … if you can afford it.

Editor's recommendations



02 Nov
Blog

Nokia G50 Review: Buy For The Battery and Software, Not 5G

The Nokia G50 in blue.

“The 5G connection of the Nokia G50 is not a reason to buy, just a decent advantage for the future. Instead, the battery life and the software make it worthwhile to search. "

advantages

  • Long battery life

  • Strong build quality

  • Straightforward, reliable software

  • Guaranteed software updates

  • 5G for the future

disadvantage

  • Screen with 60 Hz refresh rate

  • Low resolution screen

  • Big and heavy

The $ 300 Nokia G50 might hit the headlines because it includes 5G priced at $ 300, but no matter what the wireless industry wants you to be, there is no real reason to get this phone or any other phone right now to buy. Instead, you should still look at all of the common suspects – software, battery, screen, and camera – before making a decision.

With the G50 in my daily use for over a week, I've found it wins in two of these four categories, which means 5G is enough to make it a buy recommendation. But you still need to be aware of its one major disadvantage.

draft

The Nokia G50 is a very large cell phone. The 6.82-inch screen is massive, the case is almost 9 mm thick and 174 mm high (the Galaxy S21 Ultra is 10 mm shorter by comparison), and it weighs 220 grams. Small pockets will bother you, but never one Bag get lost. There is absolutely nothing subtle about it and it is completely unsuitable for one-handed use.

Nokia G50 seen from behind.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The back is made of plastic and has a moderate grip. On the right side there is a fingerprint sensor in the power key, on the left side there is a Google Assistant button. It's in just the right place to hit all the time and is a hateful addition as it can't be switched to something more people might find helpful. You can turn it off completely, but that way it feels like a wasted opportunity.

On the back, the design is as usual for Nokia with a round camera module, simple branding and an ocean blue color, another in a range of Nokia colors inspired by the Nordic environment. It catches the light in an attractive way and is not covered with fingerprints. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the phone, and charging on the opposite end is through a USB Type-C port.

Nokia G50 fingerprint sensor.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

For the past week the G50 has been in and out of pockets and bags, roughly tossed in my car's door pocket and generally not handled with kid gloves. There is something about the sizeable frame and gigantic size that encourages this type of treatment, and the good thing is that the G50 looks exactly the same as it did when it was unboxed. It's not a rugged phone, but there is a distinct sturdiness here, and while the design makes it difficult to distinguish from many other newer Nokia phones, it is still attractive in a simple way.

screen

Oh dear, the screen is where the G50 really loses points. It's 6.82 inches, which is gigantic, but the 1560-by-720-pixel resolution definitely isn't. It's an IPS LCD panel so there is no always-on display available, there are some serious bezels, the 450 nits maximum brightness is only acceptable but the worst part is that it is a 60Hz refresh rate -Panel acts.

Nokia G50 screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Be it the low resolution that matches its large size, or that my eyes are very used to a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate screen, scrolling on the G50 is often an uncomfortable, fuzzy mess. The G50 could be used to sell phones with higher refresh rate screens because the difference between them is so great that even the most ardent “I don't get the excitement” denier will quickly be convinced that 90Hz or higher is the only way are.

Almost as bad is the weak automatic brightness, which is far too slow to react in sunny outdoor conditions, and it is often faster to actually adjust the brightness manually. It has to be at maximum brightness to be seen anyway. Does that mean it's a video disaster? No, it's not that bad. The viewing angles are good, but you quickly lose some of the color, which is vivid and beautiful when viewed directly. It's all a lot better than you'd expect. I can even live with the clear and loud single speaker on the bottom of the phone.

However, the fuzzy blur of the 60Hz refresh rate is tough on your eyes, makes everything from Twitter to Google Discover uncomfortable to use, and is by far the worst part of the Nokia G50's screen. Too bad, otherwise it's fine for a cell phone at this price point.

power

Nokia is pushing the G50 as an affordable 5G phone, and in fact, I got a 5G signal delivered here by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor and modem. You get Sub6 5G but not mmWave. 5G is nice to have, but not essential for everyday use, and I would rather have a screen with a higher refresh rate, for example.

Games on Nokia G50.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Snapdragon 480 is a decent performer, but it's never what you'd call really fast. Apps open and screens switch at a calm, but never frustrating, pace. You can play Asphalt 9: Legends, but it never feels pale, fast, just acceptable. The G50 has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and the good news is that there is a microSD card slot to add up to 512GB to that total. The call quality is really good and I haven't had any problems with network, WiFi or Bluetooth connections.

camera

It's standard in the round module on the back of the G50, with a 48-megapixel main camera, a 5-MP wide-angle camera, and a 2-MP depth camera. The results are consistent with similar camera setups on other phones as well, with the main camera producing pretty, colorful, and divisible (with some editing) images. I like this.

Nokia G50 camera module.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The wide angle is less successful. It takes photos that are too dark and details are lost in the shade, especially on cloudy days. I wouldn't use it in situations where the results are important to me. The depth camera helps with portraits that have acceptable edge detection, but also suffer from problems in low light. There are several portrait selfie modes that will add an unusual background to your shots, but because of their incredibly artificial appearance, they are not very successful.

If the 48MP / 5MP / 2MP camera combination hasn't already given it away, the Nokia G50's camera doesn't stand out from the competition, but it does its job, provided you don't expect too much outside of the main camera.

Software and battery

The Nokia G50 has Android 11 installed with no special user interface, which means it is similar to the software experience of a Google Pixel, and all the better. The Snapdragon 480 chip is brave enough that the software never feels clumsy, it runs all of the apps I installed, received notifications with no issues, and was a trusted partner during my time on the phone.

Charging the Nokia G50.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Friendly software like the one installed on the G50 makes a world of difference to ownership. The phone may not have flagship hardware, but the software is better than some other phones that have more enviable specs. It's logical and easy to use right from the start, and a highlight of the G50.

It is similar with the battery. The 5,000 mAh cell in the G50 certainly adds to the size and weight of the phone, but since the phone can last two to three days without a charge, it probably won't matter to everyone. If you want a long battery life, the G50 is worth it. It also consumes electricity in standby mode. When the phone wasn't used a lot outside of messages and a few photos, it barely used 20% of its power, despite switching between 4G and 5G connections all day.

If you want a long battery life, the G50 is worth it

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a very fast charge – just 18W fast charge and no wireless charging – and it takes at least an hour and 45 minutes to charge.

Price and availability

The Nokia G50 can be purchased via Nokia's own online shop in the US for $ 300 or in the UK for £ 200.

Our opinion

The wireless industry wants you to think 5G is a reason to buy a smartphone, but it isn't. At least it isn't yet. Better to think of it as a feature that can help you hold the phone longer, and instead look at features that are now improving ownership every day, such as: For example, the screen and camera when you decide to buy a new phone. The G50 is not outstanding in either area, but offers reasonable performance for the price and convinces with its great software and long battery life.

Is there a better alternative?

In the US, check out the Moto G Stylus (2021) or Moto G Power (2021), which costs between $ 250 and $ 300, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G with a 90Hz screen, or the US $ 280 Dollar Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. But if you spend 400 US dollars, you can get the Google Pixel 5a with its excellent camera and even better software or the currently reduced OnePlus 8 with Snapdragon 865 chip and 90 Hz screen.

Don't confuse the G50 with the recently announced Nokia G300, which will be released over the Tracfone and Straight Talk networks. It only costs $ 200 but has a smaller screen and lower spec camera.

In the UK, the Realme 8 5G has a 90 Hz screen, a large battery, and a good camera for the same price as the Nokia G50, as does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. If you can expand your budget to £ 300 the OnePlus Nord 2 CE 5G is great value, or for £ 400 you can get the OnePlus Nord 2 5G or the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.

How long it will take?

There is good news for the software as it will receive major version updates for two years and security updates for three years. While 5G isn't a reason to buy the G50 on its own, its presence can make a difference as you own it as the network becomes more accessible and useful. The G50 doesn't cost a lot of money, but it can realistically be used for three years.

It doesn't have a water resistance rating and it's not a rugged phone by design. A case would be a good idea, although the phone feels like it needs to be handled a little harsh on its own.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the software, battery life, and build quality, plus a decent but simple camera are the reasons to buy. The 5G will only help you last longer.

Editor's recommendations



02 Nov
Blog

HP Chromebook x2 11 Review: A Chrome-Based iPad Competitor?

HP Chromebook x2 11 sitting on the tabletop (front view).

HP Chromebook x2 11

RRP $ 599.00

"The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a well-built detachable tablet with an excellent display and sufficient productivity performance and battery life."

advantages

  • Decent productivity performance

  • Solid build quality

  • Excellent advertisement

  • Battery life for good productivity

  • Payable

disadvantage

  • Limited to WiFi 5

  • Stand add-on is kludgy

  • Keyboard action is below average

The iPad has dominated the tablet world for years, with few valid competitors from other platforms. Microsoft has the Surface devices, but Chrome OS didn't have such a strong competitor. Most of its detachable tablet and 2-in-1 offerings are budget-conscious affairs.

The HP Chromebook x2 11 changes that, offering a premium option for the iPad or even the iPad Pro. It's the first detachable Chrome OS with an 11-inch 2K 3: 2 display, the first with a Qualcomm 7C chipset, and the first with optional 4G LTE forever connected internet. There's finally a Chromebook that can rival Apple's best.

I tested the mid-range HP Chromebook x2 11 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage, which is $ 599. That's a solid configuration for Chrome OS, at least in terms of RAM and storage, and at an affordable price. You can spend $ 30 less on 4 GB of RAM and $ 80 more for 128 GB storage. The HP Chromebook x2 11 has a few new features, but does it all come together in one great package? That's what I thought to myself, even given the performance difference compared to the latest Intel-based Chromebooks, as well as a disappointing keyboard and stand.

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HP Chromebook x2 11 while sitting on a table.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The HP Chromebook x2 11 is made from a single block of CNC machined aluminum, so it was as solid as any other tablet I've ever handled. It corresponds to the very well built Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Apple iPad Pro without bending, bending or twisting. The display is made of scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 4. You will feel safe in the construction of the HP Chromebook x2 11 when you carry it and hold it in your hand.

In terms of its aesthetics, the HP Chromebook x2 11 is a silver plate with subtle accents that is simple but attractive.

Given its larger 11-inch display compared to the 10.5-inch panel of the Surface Go 3, the HP Chromebook x2 11 is slightly larger at 9.94 inches wide and 6.96 inches high – the Surface Go 3 is 9, 65 inches by 6.9 inches tall. The HP Chromebook x2 11 is thinner at 0.3 "versus 0.33" and essentially the same weight at 1.23 pounds versus 1.2 pounds.

The two tablets are roughly the same thickness and weight when you add in their detachable keyboards and, in the case of the HP Chromebook x2 11, the kickstand add-on that magnetically attaches to the back of the tablet. Overall, the HP Chromebook x2 11 is small and light enough to be wonderfully comfortable in tablet mode, while equally usable on your lap with the keyboard and stand attached – that is, it's an OK experience, but not a great experience by comparison to clamshell laptops.

HP Chromebook x2 11 sitting on the tabletop (rear view).Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Speaking of stands, I found the design a bit clunky. The Surface Go 3 has a built-in kickstand that's so much more convenient than fiddling with the HP Chromebook x2 11's add-on. Once attached, the stand was just as functional, holding the tablet firmly in place and opening at a wide angle.

The problem is that it's another piece that needs to be carried around and connected which I found a little annoying. I think I would get used to it over time, but it's just not that elegant a solution.

In terms of its aesthetics, the HP Chromebook x2 11 is a silver plate with subtle accents that is simple but attractive. It has rounded edges like many tablets today and will generally go unnoticed. The display bezels are smaller than those of the Surface Go 3, so a more modern design, similar to the iPad Pro.

There is little else to say about the appearance of the HP Chromebook x2 11. It's a simple silver tray that blends into its background. Note that you can add a pop of color by choosing between night teal (my review unit) and shaded keyboards and stands.

HP Chromebook x2 11 with two micro USB ports.

HP Chromebook x2 11 rear camera. "Aria -describedby =" gallery-3-2817660

  • 1.
    Two USB-C ports, microSD card reader and the optional SIM slot.
  • 2.
    8MP outward-facing camera.

Connectivity is limited to two USB-C ports, one of which is used to power the tablet, a microSD card reader and an optional SIM slot for 4G LTE. One weakness is that the Qualcomm chipset only offers Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, which is a disappointment given the proliferation of Wi-Fi 6 on other devices.

The HP Chromebook x2 11 has two webcams, one at 5 MP for the user and one at 8 MP for the world. Both offer great resolution for Chrome OS applications and make the tablet a great video conferencing tool.

power

The HP Chromebook x2 11 sits on the tabletop.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c, which drives the HP Chromebook x2 11, is an 8-core ARM CPU with up to 2.4 GHz. It is said to offer good productivity performance with long battery life and always connected internet. Coincidentally, I recently got some Chromebooks with Intel 11th Core CPUs. Chrome OS runs on much faster hardware. I could certainly tell the difference between these devices and the HP Chromebook x2 11.

It's not that the HP tablet was slow. It wasn't as long as the number of open Chrome tabs didn't get too high or I didn't have too many Android apps running in the background. With a decent workflow, things were snappy enough that I didn't notice the HP Chromebook x2 11 was struggling to keep up. In Geekbench 5, it didn't do well with just 590 in the single-core test and 1,689 in the multi-core test, compared to the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5, which scored 1,190 and 4,151, and the Chromebook C536 with 1,209 and 2,849.

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 with its MediaTek MT8183 was slower with 299 and 1,407 respectively. Interestingly, the HP Chromebook x2 11 performs similarly to the 920 and 1,704 of the Microsoft Surface Go 3. This tablet runs the full Windows 11 – I would rate the subjective performance of the HP Chromebook x2 11 as slightly better than that of the Surface Go 3.

The HP Chromebook x2 11 only achieved 45 points in the Speedometer 2.0 web benchmark. That's on the lower end of the scale, beating the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet (another smaller detachable Chromebook tablet) at 27 and the Chromebook Flip CM3, which only hits 24 but is way behind the rest of the field. For example, the Chromebook Flip CX5 achieved the highest score in our database with 163.

Still, I found the HP Chromebook x2 11 to be a competent performer. I wrote this review using the tablet as I usually do, and I found WordPress to be just as responsive as it is on other Chromebooks I've used. The 8GB of RAM helps keep multitasking up to date, and as long as I haven't opened too many tabs or too many apps running in the background, the HP Chromebook x2 11 has easily kept pace with my workflow. It would be a great tablet for college students or a secondary device for productivity users looking for something light and portable to complement a more powerful laptop.

I've tried Asphalt 9, the Android game I use to test Chromebook game performance, and it got a little choppy at times. You should limit yourself to casual gaming unless you're okay with the occasional stutter.

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Close-up of the HP Chromebook x2 11 display.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The HP Chromebook x2 11 has an 11-inch display in the productivity-friendly 3: 2 aspect ratio, which also comes into its own in portrait mode. It's closer to the dimensions of a real sheet of paper than old school 16: 9 displays and even the slightly larger 16:10 panels. It corresponds to Microsoft's Surface line in this regard and allows for great ink input with an active pen. HP calls the display “2K” based on a resolution of 2,160 x 1,440. Call it what you will, but at 236 pixels per inch (PPI), the 11-inch display is incredibly sharp.

It's also a very colorful display that is bright and has a lot of contrast. I wish I could use my colorimeter to test the display – it doesn't work with Chrome OS unfortunately – because I think this display would do well. If I hold the HP Chromebook x2 11 next to the Surface Go 3, which has an objectively and subjectively excellent display, I find the display from HP just as pleasant as that from Microsoft.

Black text is sharp and pops on a white background, which is especially important to me as an author, and colors are dynamic without looking unnatural. Photos look great and streaming videos is a treat. The display also seemed brighter than other Chromebooks I've used lately, and held up well in even the brightest environments I've worked in – though it couldn't compete with the southern California sunshine but few laptops can do this.

HP Chromebook x2 11 display in tablet mode.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

You want a good display on a tablet given the media consumption you typically use it for, and the HP Chromebook x2 11 delivers that score. It's one of the best Chromebook displays I've used, and it's a real strength.

Two front-facing speakers provide the sound, and they produce usable sound. The volume was loud enough to share a YouTube video, with just a tiny bit of distortion and crisp mids and highs. Unsurprisingly, bass wasn't there, which makes this a sound system that is best complemented by a good pair of headphones for music and Netflix binge.

Keyboard and touchpad

HP Chromebook x2 11 case.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I've already talked about how I don't like the kickstand add-on, so I won't go into this point any further. However, the detachable keyboard is a more traditional design. It magnetically snaps into place on the bottom of the tablet and has pogo pins to make the required connection. Like most detachable keyboards today, it can lie flat or prop up at an angle. In the latter mode, it's at a comfortable angle, although it jumps a bit when you type. In this respect, it is similar to the Surface Go 3, while the keyboard of the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable is significantly stiffer.

I found the keyboard itself a bit small, another feature shared with the Surface Go 3. The keycaps are tiny and there isn't much clearance. The switches are also very loose, there is no biting mechanism and they suffer from a loud, rattling passage.

I wasn't a fan of this keyboard and much preferred the faster, more precise Surface Go 3 version. Like I said, I wrote this review with the HP Chromebook x2 11 and the keyboard was the only thing holding me back.

Close-up of the HP Chromebook x2 11 keyboard.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The touchpad is better, with a smooth surface and a nice size. It has solid support for the entire suite of Chrome OS multitouch gestures. The display is of course touchable and supports a USI certified active pen, which was included in my test configuration but is otherwise optional. The pen worked just as well as any other I've used, with low latency and smooth action.

The fingerprint reader built into the power button was an additional feature that I particularly appreciated and that you won't find on many Chromebooks. Chrome OS requires you to sign in with your password or PIN after restarting, but waking up from hibernation and signing in was a simple matter of pressing the power button. It was quick and reliable, and made getting back to work faster and more convenient than many other Chromebooks.

Battery life

HP Chromebook x2 11 stand seen from the side.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The HP Chromebook x2 11 is equipped with a 32-watt-hour battery that powers the energy-efficient Snapdragon 7c and Chrome OS. This combination should offer at least a full day of battery life, and that's what I was hoping for in our battery tests.

As it turned out, the HP Chromebook x2 11 did well, but not spectacularly. The HP Chromebook x2 11 lasted for 12.75 hours in our web browsing test. That's a strong score on its own and when compared to Intel laptops, but it isn't that impressive when compared to other ARM-based machines. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet, for example, lasted an hour longer with its Mediatek Helio P60T ARM CPU, a 27 watt hour battery and a 10.1 inch display. The Lenovo Flex 5G with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx lasted 17.25 hours in this test.

You can hardly complain about the HP Chromebook x2 11 here – after all, this value shows much better than the all-day battery life, our basic standard – but I would still have liked the tablet to last a few hours longer.

Battery life is good when it comes to productivity, but it lacks it for media consumption.

In our video test, which repeats a local 1080p movie trailer, the HP Chromebook x2 11 made it to 11 hours. It's not uncommon for Chrome OS machines to last longer than the video tests while browsing the internet, which is unlike Windows and Mac OS laptops. The HP Chromebook x2 11's score was about 1.5 hours below that of the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet and a full 17 hours below that of the Lenovo Flex 5G. In fact, it's not a good score for the components, period.

Overall, the battery life is good in terms of productivity, but it is lacking in media consumption. It's not that 11 hours of video playback is awful, it's just not where I expected the HP Chromebook x2 11 to fall. Again, we're talking about all-day battery life, but not necessarily what an ARM CPU should offer.

Our opinion

The HP Chromebook x2 11 embodies the qualities that make a good Chromebook: Ease of use, efficiency and sufficient performance on low-end hardware. Its display is also excellent and a pure pleasure to use, which is welcome at a price point of $ 599.

As an iPad or Surface competitor, the HP Chromebook x2 11 is a major achievement in the world of Chromebooks. It's not perfect, as the clumsy kickstand and awkward keyboard prove, but if you're looking for a very portable Chrome OS device that can take a long time to charge, then HP's tablet should be on your short list.

Are there alternatives?

The most compelling alternative is the Microsoft Surface Go 3. Yes, it runs Windows 11 and not Chrome OS, but in terms of size, build quality, display, and performance, it's a close competitor to the HP Chromebook x2 11. It's more expensive, when it's configured for good performance and because Type Cover and Surface Pen are optional add-ons. However, if you're looking for a tablet rather than an operating system, the Surface Go 3 is a great option.

Next up is the Apple iPad – most likely the entry-level model for $ 329. It offers faster performance due to its fast ARM CPU and highly optimized operating system, and it has a great display too. It's also thin, light, and well built. Again, however, this isn't a Chrome OS device if that's what you're looking for.

The thing is, I don't know of any other Chrome OS detachable tablet that I would put against the HP Chromebook x2 11. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is an option, but it's significantly cheaper and feels that way in its build quality. But if you're looking to save some money and have a similarly portable device then it's an alternative.

How long it will take?

The HP Chromebook x2 11 is very well made and conveys confidence in years of productive use. Chrome OS doesn't slow down over time, so components should keep up well. You have to be content with the industry standard one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a great little tablet that is suitable for college students or as a secondary device for more demanding productivity users. And it's an affordable alternative to the iPad Pro.

Editor's recommendations



02 Nov
Blog

Asus ROG Gladius III Review: Hot, Underappreciated Gem

Asus ROG Gladius III with chili peppers

Asus ROG Gladius III Wireless

RRP $ 119.00

"The Gladius III from Asus is a breathtaking, underrated mouse that is particularly suitable for casual games thanks to its comfortable, tactile design."

advantages

  • Great ergonomics for a gaming mouse

  • Hot-swappable switches

  • Satisfactory Omron optical switches included

  • Excellent connectivity options

disadvantage

  • Not quite as good for competitive gaming

Even the best gaming mice aren't usually known for their comfort. That's a shame because not all of us play Twitchy shooter games all of the time.

Today we're taking a look at the Asus Gladius III wireless mouse, which promises both great performance and a more ergonomic design.

While it's not the highest quality option in the line – that's the ROG Chakram – the Gladius III isn't cheap. It costs $ 119 for the wireless version. Fortunately, the Gladius III justifies its price with user-replaceable switches, a great sensor, and a comfortable grip.

Design & comfort

Top view of the Asus ROG Gladius III.

The design of the Gladius III is clearly optimized for comfort, with a large, bulbous body that presses nicely into the palm of your hand. That larger size, coupled with the right-handed design, makes it one of the more comfortable mice I've tested. It's not meant to be clawed or fingertip gripped as much, but this could be a healthier option than something like Razer's Orochi V2 and Logitech's G Pro X Superlight.

In terms of convenience, the Razer Pro Click is the best match I've had with Asus' Pointer, and while this isn't a pure gaming mouse – as evident from the lack of RGB – it's kind of a wolf in sheep's clothing. as it contains solid switches and a great sensor.

However, the Razer mouse has a better overall shape. The pear shape with the larger underside of the gladius requires you to fully grip the mouse; If you grab it a little deeper, it will point slightly to the left on a fingertip.

Angled view of the Asus ROG Gladius III.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

Apart from the comfort, the Gladius III does not present itself with many high-quality materials. The plastic is soft and the embossed artwork on the left and right serves as a handle enough to pick up the mouse.

At only 89 grams, it's also light. That's not super easy terrain, but – at less than 100 grams for a large, comfort-oriented pointer like this one – it's respectable.

The RGB lighting is also present in three zones: the main logo, the scroll wheel and the artwork of the thumb rest. A supplied 2.4 GHz dongle, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure connectivity.

Under the hood

Bottom of the Asus ROG Gladius III.

Under the hood of the mouse – this time not metaphorically – we find a handful of interesting functions. For starters, the mouse's main sensor is one that tracks at up to 19,000 DPI, even though it has a tune on 26,000 – designed for accurate tracking up to 400 inches per second with a maximum acceleration of up to 50g. I don't have the test equipment to verify these numbers, but I can confirm an accurate follow-up in more intense gaming sessions.

There is a more compelling reason to buy the Gladius III, however: you can literally remove the top shell – the hood – and replace bits internally.

The Asus ROG Gladius III was opened to provide hot-swappable switches.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

To remove the top, simply remove two rubber seals from the bottom, loosen two screws and pull off the hood. From here, the inside of the mouse is completely exposed, although the only thing you are supposed to do here is replace the primary switches.

The Gladius III comes with Asus' own ROG 3-pin microswitches pre-installed from the factory, but it also comes with a set of 5-pin Omron D2FP-FN switches. The former are mechanical, the latter optical – hence the additional pins – eliminating the need to consider debouncing and theoretically leading to faster performance.

The switches contained in the Asus ROG Gladius III.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

In practice, I find that the difference is mainly due to the click action. The standard ROG switches aren't bad, but the Omron optical switches feel and sound absolutely better. The click is a bit easier, certainly clearer, and sounds less muffled.

The catch is that they are finicky about their sound, which can get annoying.

When I returned to the ROG switches I found that they felt a bit soft and mushy, so I leave the Omrons on to enjoy their spiciness. The scroll wheel is also pleasantly choppy, so they go well together.

What is significant, however, is the fact that the mouse supports hot-swappable switches in the first place. For the most part, Asus is the only company that does this. Most mice won't open at first, and when you do, the switches must be desoldered to replace them.

Asus also includes a set of four replacement mouse pads that will extend the life of the mouse. So easy to open, I can also imagine that the battery can also be exchanged, provided that a compatible replacement can be found if necessary.

Gaming performance

Jump into a game and the Gladius III shines immediately. I've played a fair amount of Insurgency Sandstorm on this mouse, as well as a couple of hours of Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and the Gladius III Wireless has been a comfy companion all along.

Hover over the view of the Asus ROG Gladius III.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

That being said, there's a reason most gaming mice aren't built for comfort: competitive gaming performance. While I was still good at Insurgency Sandstorm with the Gladius III, I wasn't as good as my previous all-time favorite, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight, and I think that's because of the shape and weight. The Logitech has a shape that requires a more aggressive grip and is much lighter at 63 grams instead of 89 grams.

It's not a big change, but in competitive games it makes a noticeable difference: I didn't feel quite so in control.

However, when I switched to the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, that difference in performance between the two mice immediately disappeared. In this story-oriented game, I preferred the Asus mouse by far – my sensitive hands thanked me for taking a break from the G Pro X. I didn't feel hindered by the mouse, like in a competitive game.

Our opinion

The Asus ROG Gladius III Wireless is an excellent gaming mouse that is clearly designed for use with more casual games and for gamers who spend long hours in virtual worlds with a mouse that doesn't punish them for it. In fact, I'll go as far as to say that it's 80% as comfortable as a truly ergonomic mouse like the MX Master 3, while it's 90% as effective in-game as the G Pro X Superlight. If you play mostly single player titles, the Gladius III is certainly a mouse in question.

Hang that on the fact that it's a serviceable and adjustable mouse with user-replaceable switches and I'm wondering "why isn't this clicker more popular?" The Gladius III is an underrated gem in my book.

Are there alternatives?

If you're looking for a mouse with a neat and bulbous ergonomic shape, the only real alternative that comes to mind is the Razer Pro Click. It's $ 20 cheaper but doesn't have RGB or hot-swappable switches and is only available in white. Other ergonomic mice like the G502 Lightspeed from Logitech or the Basilisk from Razer are too narrow and aggressively shaped to match the comfort of the Asus.

How long it will take?

Normally I wouldn't say a mouse would last three to five years, but with interchangeable parts, I could imagine the Gladius III would last well into a decade. Whether you still use it is another question.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. If your main focus is on story-based gaming and you spend hours on your PC, your right hand will thank you for using one of the most comfortable palm-grip gaming mice available.

Editor's recommendations



02 Nov
Blog

New World Review: A Gorgeous Mountain With Nothing on Top

Two players fight in the New World.

"New World brings a lot of excellent MMO twists to the table, but it's tarnished with bugs, stale quests, and a lack of endgame content."

advantages

  • Engaged fight

  • Great customization

  • Useful faction system

  • Exciting player-controlled content

disadvantage

  • Boring narrative

  • Dull dungeons

  • No endgame

  • May be blocking your computer

The best way to describe the New World is to call it … a new world. It brings so many interesting and fresh ideas that are pretty simple – and sometimes obvious – to the MMO genre. Veterans and casual gamers alike will have a completely new experience with this game. However, as is often the case with exploring unfamiliar areas, some people get confused by many aspects of the game and may feel hollow when they reach the top of the mountain.

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games used to be the titans of gaming. In the olden days, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and even Everquest were those giant bars around which players would gather to experience these virtual worlds together. But that was then and now the gaming landscape is completely different. Releasing an MMO – also a completely new IP – in the year 2021 of the Gregorian calendar is a certain risk. Amazon Games accepted this as a challenge and created a truly unique experience with New World.

But what will that experience be like for the players? Let's use this mountain metaphor as the basis for this review and ask us three simple questions. What is it like to start the ascension? How's the trip to the top? What do we do when we reach the top? You can of course use these questions for virtually any medium. However, using it as a metaphor for an MMO feels particularly fitting, as the genre is known for being a long time-consuming player. Is it even worth climbing? That depends on what you expect from the trip.

The foot of the mountain

Entering the world of Aeternum, the landmass where New World takes place, can be as easy as creating a character and jumping in, or it can be as difficult to find a server that isn't full, isn't crashing, and loads all the right assets and textures.

When I got through the opening films, I found myself in a situation that I knew as an MMO player. I saw my character in an unfamiliar place, covered in rags and with a weapon little more effective than a branch. The game became something new as I finished the combat tutorial – I soon discovered that this was an action RPG. There are no automatic attacks that plague MMOs like World of Warcraft. Every attack must be deliberate, as must every block, evade, and spell. This isn't new to MMOs, but action-style combat with modern sensibilities will freshen up your gameplay minute by minute. Grinding feels less of a chore as players eagerly jump into a group of enemies to work on damage combinations.

Player hunting a bear.

Built-in classes are not included in this game – instead, the play style and weapon choice determine the “class”. This allows for a great sense of freedom as players can mix and match weapons to find a play style that suits their needs. Enemies in this game also have a variety of resistances that make some weapons less or more effective. This means that on certain quests and expeditions, players should bring a variety of weapons with them in order to prepare for anything that comes in their way.

Grinding feels less of a chore as players eagerly jump into a group of enemies to work on damage combinations.

When you're not pouncing on enemies, you'll find yourself in the vast world filled with various resources to collect: trees, rocks, bushes, berries, and much more. These are vital to the game's crafting system. Outside of quest rewards and expeditions, all equipment must be crafted. This adds an extra layer of freedom and customization as players are free to wear whatever they want.

The combination of action packed combat and resource gathering makes the beginning of the game really addicting. The exciting fight got me trying new weapons and attack combinations, while the gathering provided a nice cooldown that allowed me to explore the strange land. It is the right pace for our hike further up the mountain.

New world, old look

If you look at New World on a graphical level, that's a mixed bag. Aeternum is really beautiful and looks incredibly alive compared to the empty and boring regions in World of Warcraft. Forests are filled with trees and other dense flora, while plains feel open and majestic. Spending time in the world is really a treat and made me excited to see what I could find even if it was just a nice little pond for fishing.

However, that magic fades once you enter a settlement and interact with NPCs and other players. The human models in New World just don't look very good. They are not scary horrors who disguise themselves in humanoid sacks of meat; they are just uninspired. Even the character creation options aren't that extensive, and I couldn't find a combination that I was particularly excited about.

The equipment doesn't make it much better either. Often times, the armor or clothing looks messy and thrown together, which makes even the more extravagant options feel messy. I really can't believe I'm going to say this, but New World made me appreciate World of Warcraft's choice of styles. While much of the shoulder armor in World of Warcraft is unsightly, it at least creates a stark and interesting silhouette.

Worn mountain trails

After coming down from the high at the beginning of the game, New World levels off and levels off in its basic loop. RPG fans will know this song well: go to a town, get quests, complete quests, get rewards, and then travel to the next town. Unfortunately, that song came out over 15 years ago when World of Warcraft did the same. The quests are structured like memorizing X, collecting Y, and going to Z. They do this mindlessly because the narrative surrounding them is not particularly interesting.

The main story isn't really compelling, and honestly I spammed my way through the dialogues very early on – something I rarely do. I try my best to buy into the narrative of every game I play, but there's really nothing here to hold onto. A newly discovered landmass is filled with a strange magic that corrupts everything it interacts with. There are no noticeable twists and turns in these tired tropics, and the game doesn't have anything particularly profound to say about it.

Two players are grouped together.

Expeditions, the dungeons of the New World, also fall into this pit. Dungeons are intended for a group of players, usually three to five, who band together and fulfill certain roles to complete certain challenges, which is usually just a tough boss in the end. They can be good for breaking up normal quests when you're battling something a little more challenging and promising better loot. However, there is little that expeditions do to distinguish themselves from normal quests. All enemies in expeditions are easy to find throughout Aeternum and they fight exactly the same. There's nothing dynamic to change them – they're just mobs to burn down. Bosses are a bit tougher and have some specific mechanics but nothing really remarkable to make them memorable.

There aren't any notable twists and turns in these tired tropics, and the game doesn't have anything particularly profound to say about it.

Fortunately for New World, it is saved by the dynamic aspects of how players can change the world. Settlements or cities are not just a collection of buildings and quest givers. They are controlled by the game's faction mechanics. The Mauraders, Syndicate, and Alliance all vie for control of Aeternum and player loyalty. Each territory is controlled by one of these factions, and players can take advantage of being part of the faction that is in control. Fast travel may be cheaper in your controlled area, or taxes at the trading post may be less costly. There are indeed powerful benefits to your game when you are in an area that your faction controls.

New World goes one step further by allowing corporations or guilds to take control of the territory. The management company can set the tax rate of the settlements in the area and fill their pockets with these assets. This gives players an incentive to interact with their factions and companies, and also encourages them to go to war with the other two factions.

New world players in war mode.

Territorial control is not set in stone; Players from other factions can disrupt the influence of the controlling faction until the country is prepared for war. Waging war allows two companies to challenge each other in a 50v50 PvP mode for control of a territory where the attackers must besiege a fortress while the defenders must protect it for a period of time. These battles determine which faction will control the area and which company will rule it.

Beware of the mistakes

It would be negligent not to mention the plethora of engineering challenges that seem to haunt the New World. I have not experienced any game or computer breaks during my playthrough, but a "Buyer Caution" warning is required here. There are a lot of people who encounter a lot of technical issues in the game. These range from game crashes and unloaded textures to apocalyptic damage to your computer's power source. The infamous bricking seems to have been less common since the beta, but that's still something to keep in mind while playing this game.

Even the beautiful landscapes can be destroyed by poor frame rates, which can vary depending on your location. Aside from an occasional frame hiccup, I personally haven't seen any mistakes that ruined my playing time. I'm not alone in this, and we may be the majority, but I understand the risk that your computer may not be up to the task of playing this game. These issues can of course be resolved with some patches, but after the Cyberpunk 2077 fiasco where there are still unfixed bugs, you should be aware of the game that you are buying now rather than the game that it will eventually be .

Finally at the summit

Currently, the New World level cap is 60, and by that time you've seen everything the game has to offer. And I mean that literally, because there really is no endgame to speak of. There are no raids or special content that opens up for maxed players. You are at the top of the mountain and the only thing you can see is what is below you.

New world players in battle.

So what do you do when you get to the top? You can complete quests in areas you have not yet traveled, upgrade various weapons, or craft the equipment you have been putting off. These don't feel like endgame activities – and technically they aren't. Much like the theme that keeps popping up in New World, the endgame is the freedom to do what you want.

In other MMOs like World of Warcraft, the endgame is just a huge list of things to do. Players must have a proper equipment rating, there are raids to perform, your professions can be exhausted. New World doesn't have this to-do list. Instead, players can just do what they want. Granted, a lot of these things won't feel satisfying compared to shooting down Ragnaros in the Molten Core.

The real gem in this clam is the conflict between the factions and the interactions you have with other players.

My solution to this problem is to focus on player controlled content. The player-controlled content is the real backbone of New World and can really keep players engrossed. There is also no way to avoid this content as there are no NPC shops in this game. The entire marketplace is completely player-controlled, similar to the auction house in World of Warcraft. Investing in political group politics and creating a community within your company is what New World wants you to do.

It is risky to rely so much on players to create their own conflicts or, more realistically, their own content. However, there is enough here in New World to really invest in something worthwhile and fun with the right mindset.

Our opinion

The fighting and crafting system of New World breathes new life into the MMO genre and makes playing the first few hours incredibly pleasant. However, with dry narration and boring content, it can feel boring the longer you play. The real gem in this clam is the conflict between the factions and the interactions you have with other players. This game is not for everyone, not even many veteran MMOs. If you are interested in the idea of ​​player-run settlements and massive PvP battles that decide the fate of the territories, then this is the game for you.

Is there a better alternative?

Every MMO offers something unique and, in the case of New World, something very special. Final Fantasy XIV has a stronger narrative while World of Warcraft is full of things to do. However, if you're interested in large-scale PvP battles and player politics, then this might be the MMO for you.

How long it will take?

It will likely take around 40 hours to complete the main quest line and a little more to maximize your character level. After that, it's up to you how long you want to play it. MMOs tend to have longer playing time than you expect.

Should I buy it?

Yes sir. If the factions, the war and the player-driven economy interest you, then you will love what happens here. If that sounds daunting to you and you want an MMO with more curated content, I'd suggest something else.

Editor's recommendations



01 Nov
Blog

Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review: The Roku Stick To Get

Roku streaming stick 4K

Roku streaming stick 4K

RRP $ 50.00

"All the specs you want in a streaming stick, at the right price."

advantages

  • Payable

  • Easy to use

  • All the functions you want

disadvantage

  • Roku's advertising scheme means tracking

There's a reason Roku is the largest streaming platform in the United States. Okay, there are a couple of reasons. That it's cheap is one thing. The most expensive traditional streaming product (excluding the newfangled speakers) costs around $ 100 – and that before you factor in retail prices.

In reality, however, the $ 50 mark is more of the sweet spot. And there we are with the new one Roku streaming stick 4K, and his close cousin, who Roku streaming stick 4K +. Both are part of the Fall 2021 update, and both will play important roles in Roku's future roster – though they're not really the most important thing for Roku in terms of the company's overall business strategy. Yes, we will get into these weeds below.

But what you really need to know is this: for most people, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Streaming Stick 4K + will be the Roku sticks you should buy. Here's why.

Streaming Stick 4K and the secret of Roku's success

If you've never tried Roku, here's the short, short version: It's a company that has a range of devices – "streaming sticks," if you will, although the hardware is definitely more – that are inexpensive and simple so you can watch almost any streaming service you want to watch. Roku also puts a lot of emphasis on The Roku Channel, the ad-based channel that features dozens of series, shows, and movies. A disadvantage that spans the entire Roku ecosystem can be found here. Advertising means tracking. And tracking means that with Roku you are trading information about you and what you see. In return, you get shows and affordable products. That's the deal.

The hardware comes at a variety of prices, neither of which breaks the bank. The cheapest option is the Roku Expresswhich is now the only one that doesn't support 4K resolution. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is at the top of the inexpensive part of the range and has been given a bit of a freshen up for 2021.

The internals have been updated, but otherwise the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers the same Roku experience – only better.

What we usually call "speeds and feeds" is new. That's technically speaking for important, but not exciting, improvements to the internal components. According to Roku, the new quad-core processor is up to 30% faster. These are just numbers on paper, of course. And if you don't let things go side by side, you will be forgiven if you say, "I can't say anything."

But when you combine it with some of the software improvements that it has helped streaming services over the past few years – and the new Roku OS 10.5 operating system – it makes a noticeable difference. Incremental, yes. But that's a good thing again.

Wi-Fi has also been upgraded a little with the new hardware. Technically, it runs on Wi-Fi 5, also known as 802.11ac. This is the previous generation Wi-Fi standard, but also a lot fast enough in terms of speed and probably fine for most people who have no idea (or want to know) how their home network actually works. It also uses MIMO dual band if you take care of that. If you're not worried, that's fine. You still want it. Roku also says the radios and antennas have been redesigned on the hardware side and you'll see a better choice of access points in the latest operating system. So there is.

A nice touch here – and I like that compared to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, for example – is how the power cord is where the wireless antennas are plugged in, which is important to note. It lacks an HDMI extender in the box, however, and that could be an issue with some TVs.

Elsewhere on the spec front, you have Dolby Vision and HDR10 for high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos for audio. Of course, you need a TV and sound system that meets these standards, but that's a lot of licensed firepower in a $ 50 device.

Otherwise, it's pretty much the same Roku experience you've probably enjoyed for years. It still works great. Just a little better. And it's still the only platform that gives you access to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant in addition to Roku's own assistant. Plus, you can still use Apple's HomeKit or AirPlay 2.

Roku streaming stick 4K.Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

The plus in Roku Streaming Stick 4K +

There is one difference between Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K + and only one difference. And that is the supplied remote control.

Roku led the in spring 2021 Roku Voice Remote Pro. It still looks and feels like the premium Roku remote, with the headphone jack for private listening and customizable buttons for voice commands in addition to the new hands-free mode. But this one dispenses with the replaceable batteries for a rechargeable setup. Better for the environment, bad if you hate the occasional recharge of your remote control.

It's deceptively light, which is probably only the case if you're used to the voice remote control with removable batteries. But it's also not insignificant to lose about 30% of the weight of the older remote with a headphone jack to cut things down to 2.8 ounces. That doesn't make up for the fact that it uses micro-USB to charge, which is almost unforgivable in 2021. It is long time to tear this association off.

The Voice Remote Pro also has a feature to help you find the remote control if you lose it. Which is nice.

It was a little strange to see a screen on the first boot asking me to put the batteries in the remote before pairing them. That's a very minor nitpick in Roku's otherwise excellent onboarding process. But it's a stupid one that Roku should have caught before sending the Streaming Stick 4K + to reviewers. That said, it is entirely possible that it will be fixed for retail setups. But don't be surprised if you see this confusing screen. The 4K + does not need to install batteries.

  • 1.
    The Roku voice remote control Pro.
  • 2.
    The on / off switch for the always listening microphone of the Roku Voice Remote Pro.
  • 3.
    Roku requires you to actively confirm that the remote is listening.

Roku gets it right with the idea of ​​an always listening remote control.

However, Roku makes up for this misstep by handling the hands-free mode. If you don't want a remote to always listen for your command, you can press the slider to turn it off. And Roku explicitly spells this out on one of the early onboarding screens – and asks you to confirm it works before proceeding with the setup. The on-off slider is color-coded, and removing it will sound an audible alarm if you turn the microphone on or off in addition to an on-screen notification. Very nice.

Speaking of hands-free voice control, it works flawlessly. Say "Hey, Roku," then say an order and it'll be quick. In other words, it works, and it works fine.

Is that worth the $ 20 premium over the Streaming Stick 4K? It is your call. Note, however, that the Roku Voice Remote Pro costs $ 30 if you buy them individually.

Roku streaming stick 4K.Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Our opinion

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K won't change the way you use Roku if you're a current Roku user. It won't change the way you stream videos if you consider switching. What you are getting here is an iterative update for a product that has been undergoing iterative updates for years.

That is actually a good thing. It shows that what Roku is doing is working. It works for Roku as a company – it offers inexpensive hardware that still makes money – and it works for you as a customer, giving you an easy way to see the things you want to see.

Just know that a large part of the future Roku strategy will be based on advertising, both in traditional home screen display ads and in ads sold on the Roku channel. In fact, Roku made about $ 532 million in the platform category – basically everything but hardware – and $ 113 million in the gamer category in the second quarter of 2021.

Going forward, it's really more about what Roku can offer you – be it on The Roku Channel or any other streaming service that Roku is taking a cut from – and less about what you watch. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a mass product. It's what I would buy if I wanted to spend less than $ 100, but it's also not something I would think about too long, and it shouldn't be.

Roku Express Roku Express 4K + Roku streaming stick 4K Roku streaming stick 4K +
Publishing year 2019 2021 2021 2021
Retail price $ 25 $ 40 $ 50 $ 70
resolution 1080p 4K 4K 4K
Dolby Vision no no Yes sir Yes sir
Dolby Atmos no no Yes sir Yes sir
WiFi version WiFi 4 WiFi 5 WiFi 5 WiFi 5
storage 256 MB 4GB 8GB 4GB
Storage 512 MB 1G 1.5 GB 2GB

Are there alternatives?

Secure. Roku has a variety of devices that all work the same but bring different specs and functions to the game. For example, if you just need to be connected to ethernet or have expandable storage, check out the latest Roku Ultra. If Roku just isn't your thing or you don't like the idea of ​​what is now an advertising company in charge of your viewing habits, then maybe the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is for you.

Or if you want more power and a simpler experience – something that will last far more years than you might expect – then check out the latest Apple TV 4K. Or if Apple just isn't your thing, then Nvidia shield and Android TV can be the way to go.

Basically it is an alternative when it is connected to a television. Choice of dealer.

How long it will take?

Can't tell you It's a piece of plastic, not a plant.

But at $ 50 retail, you're going to get more than what you are looking for if you've been using the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for a few years. And if you get the Streaming Stick 4K + with the better remote, it's an even better deal as this remote can be used with any other Roku device you buy in the future.

Should you buy it?

Secure. If you love Roku and don't want to jump on the better Roku hardware I would get this.

Editor's recommendations



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