10 Oct
Blog

Marsback Zephyr Pro Review: A Mouse So Cool It Has a Fan

The front profile of the Marsback Zephyr Pro with green RGB.

Marsback Zephyr Pro

RRP $ 59.00

"The Marsback Zephyr Pro's built-in fan makes it a unique option for players with sweaty hands."

advantages

  • Cooling fan helps

  • Unique design

  • Foamed in RGB

  • Including excellent sensor

  • Great cable quality

disadvantage

  • Not wireless

  • Fan audible in quiet surroundings

  • Ergonomically left missing

There are dozen of great gaming mice out there. but many of them look and function similarly.

That is hardly the case for Marsbacks Zephyr Pro. This is a mouse with a mesh case and a fan inside to keep your palm cool – and if that's not a feature that makes it stand out, I don't know what is.

The fan is the Zephyr Pro's calling card, but it also offers a lightweight wired design with impressive gaming performance.

Design and specifications

The Marsback Zephyr Pro is next to its packaging.

Starting with the basics, the Zephyr Pro takes a simple wired mouse approach with a false ambidextrous design and large primary and navigation buttons only on the left. The case is made of plastic and I would say it's a medium-sized gaming mouse.

Thanks to the open mesh exterior, it also weighs only 69 grams, without taking into account the very light cable.

Basically, the mouse is based on the Pixart 3389 sensor, which offers up to 16,000 DPI tracking that is accurate up to 400 inches per second (IPS), which is impressive – the 3389 is one of the best sensors out there, and it is not found in many mice. This isn't the most energy efficient sensor, but it doesn't have to be because it's a wired mouse.

The sensor of the Marsback Zephyr Pro.Niels Broekhuijsen, Digital Trends

Back to the cable for a moment. I have to step in and say it is a very impressive cable indeed. Wireless mice are all the rage these days, but with a cord that is so pliable yet thick, with a soft braid that isn't ugly, it's hard to get upset about not cutting the cord.

After all, the cable is something to grapple with if you want a fan in your mouse – this type of power draw isn't just portable on battery power.

Fan and cooling

The fan of the Marsback Zephyr Pro, which is visible through the case.Niels Broekhuijsen, Digital Trends

Just under the palm of your hand you can see the fan, believe it or not, it has built-in RGB lighting. Unfortunately, in this case, I'm not someone who sweats a lot in general, which makes testing this feature difficult.

So I set out to do what any sane hardware reviewer does: put yourself in an awkward position for your reading pleasure. My office / playroom is quite small – about 2.70 x 2.70 meters – and on a warm autumn day I closed the door, closed the vents, set a second PC to run heat generating programs, and started Insurgency Sandstorm on my main unit with it it and I can get to work.

My palms felt cold, like the mouse had built in very light air conditioning.

After a few moments it got warm. My cat had long since left my lap, begging to leave the room, and I felt uncomfortable. But without the luxury of walking and with a lot of water in my system, the sweating started.

Lo and behold, my palm was the most comfortable part of me. It felt cold – like the mouse had very light air conditioning built in, but it just seemed that way because it was the only part of my body that got airflow.

Of course, most people don't have to go this far to test this feature. If it has helped me in these conditions then it is certain that if you are someone who tends to sweat, it will help you under much normal circumstances. There's a reason companies like Cooler Master make the MM711.

The front profile of the Marsback Zephyr Pro with green RGB.Niels Broekhuijsen, Digital Trends

I switched to my all-time favorite mouse, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight, and the sweating got a lot more uncomfortable. To chuckle, I also grabbed the MX Master 3, an office mouse with a very comfortable, but sweat-resistant finish, and the results were, as expected, sweaty.

The fan can be heard, but only if you hold your breath and try to hear it.

But is the Zephyr Pro quiet? After all, we build our PCs as quietly as possible, so it wouldn't help if our mouse hums. In this regard, I can report that the Zephyr Pro is sufficiently quiet. Put it next to a water-cooled PC that is idle in a quiet room at night and you will hear it. Quite well, actually.

But under most normal daytime circumstances, ambient noise will easily drown it out. Plus, you'll likely be wearing a headset anyway. During the day you have to hold the mouse to your ear to hear the fan humming.

Gaming performance

The side profile of the Marsback Zephyr Pro with RGB.Niels Broekhuijsen, Digital Trends

In order to test the actual gaming performance of the mouse, I decided against doing this in the now hot and sweaty room. After I'd cooled everything down by opening a window, it was time for a few more rounds of Insurgency Sandstorm. Playing as a realistic shooter and on a team with me against the maximum number of bots is a great test – and the Zephyr Pro did a good job. It responded quickly and accurately to my inputs and, thanks to the Pixart 3389 sensor, could easily keep up with my fast movements. I play with a relatively low DPI of only 650, so yes, this mouse can track very well at high speeds – at least in this subjective test.

The only catch with my all-time favorite, the G Pro X Superlight, was that it wasn't wireless and the cable dragged a bit – but in fairness that's easy to fix with a cable bungee and time to get used to it Pointer. Otherwise, this mouse weighs and performs roughly the same while having a fan and RGB and costing a lot less.

Our opinion

the Marsback Zephyr Pro approaches the mouse with holes a little differently by including a palm cooling fan and lathering the case in RGB. If your hands are sweaty during intense gaming sessions and trypophobia doesn't bother you, the Zephyr Pro is certainly a mouse to consider for your setup. It doesn't have the most ergonomic shape, but as long as you don't play for hours it should offer great thermal comfort.

Are there alternatives?

As for mice with built-in fans, there aren't many. However, there are many alternatives with “holey” designs, including the Glorious Model O, Cooler Master MM711, and the SteelSeries Aerox 3.

How long it will take?

With good care, the Marsback Zephyr Pro should last about years, depending largely on the number of tantrums you experience it. The fan can also wear out if used frequently, and cleaning the inside will be a challenge.

Should I buy it?

Yes, but only if you are prone to sweaty palms that lose your grip on the mouse. Otherwise there are better alternatives. But at the current price of $ 59, it's hard to go wrong with this mouse, even if you just leave the fan off most of the time.

Editor's recommendations



09 Oct
Blog

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera Review

The Simplisafe outdoor camera mounted on the outside.

SimpliSafe wireless outdoor camera

RRP $ 170.00

"The SimpliSafe outdoor surveillance camera is a long-awaited, but slightly flawed addition to the product range."

advantages

  • Great video quality

  • Impressive display in night mode

  • Responsive motion detection with activity zone adjustments

  • Support from Alexa and Google Assistant

disadvantage

  • Unreliable live view and buggy app

  • No standalone options (starter kit required)

  • Expensive if all you want is a camera

Smart outdoor security requires multiple levels of ingenuity and protection, as Mother Nature, UV rays, and other suburban and urban variables are forces that indoor technology just doesn't (for the most part) have to deal with. Fortunately, many smart brands are beyond that and offer bespoke home security products in the form of cameras, floodlights and video doorbells for your garden, patio or outdoor area.

SimpliSafe, a leader in the smart security market, has long offered a variety of home security technologies that encompass almost every element of a comprehensive surveillance system, from cameras and smoke detectors to temperature and glass break sensors. One area in which the company lagged (a little) behind the competition was in outdoor products – but no more.

The new SimpliSafe wireless surveillance camera for outdoors is the company's first dedicated outdoor offering, a relatively small camera that we were happy to test.

Unpack and set up

If you're looking for an outdoor camera that you can buy cheaply, pair it with your WiFi, download an app and get started right away, the SimpliSafe way may not be for you. To use the SimpliSafe wireless outdoor camera, you need to buy one of the SimpliSafe starter kits. Know that even the simplest starter kit (with the add-on for the outdoor camera) costs around $ 250. Compared to competing outdoor cameras like the Nest Cam ($ 180) and the Ring Spotlight Camera ($ 199), if SimpliSafe is the brand of your choice, you'll invest a little more from the start.

The Simplisafe outdoor camera mounted on the outside.

For my setup, I decided on the bare essentials – a base station, a keyboard and the wireless outdoor camera. Activating my system and getting it online was quick and painless. All you really have to do is download the SimpliSafe app and follow the on-screen instructions to configure a system for the first time.

Once your base station is live, adding the outdoor camera is easy too. Just tap the hamburger drop-down menu in the top left corner of the home screen, select Set up your camera, and follow the on-screen instructions. A wise word is that you should allow a reasonable amount of time to actually charge the battery of your outdoor camera (SimpliSafe recommends five hours for a full juice charge).

draft

From an aesthetic point of view, I love the look and feel of the outdoor camera. If you keep it simple, you can tell that it is a sturdy piece of hardware. The outdoor camera is an IP 65 certified device that withstands heavy rain, snow and wind and offers comprehensive protection against dirt, debris and insects. You don't have to worry about the temperature either, as the outdoor camera can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius and temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 140 degree lens offers an impressive view.

Visually, the cream-colored housing and black lens housing blend in pretty well with most outdoor decorations. During the installation and assembly of my grandmother's Blink outdoor camera, sayings filled up as I kept trying to snap the camera housing into the bracket lock. So you can imagine how much I loved SimpliSafe's super simple magnetized mount. Just two screws in the vinyl siding and you can put the camera on.

Quality and performance

The wireless outdoor camera handles up to full 1080p recordings and live views, with options to scale down to 720p or 480p (both of which put less strain on your internet connection). Real-time recordings and event clips look great. The images I experienced were bright and clear, with super-accurate colors and contrasts – I suspect that's because of the camera's built-in HDR support.

The Simplisafe Outdoor Cam live view (during the day).

The 140-degree lens also offers an impressive view. From the porch of my apartment on the second floor, the camera captured a near-perfect wide-angle view of the entire parking lot and the building across the street – with little to no pixelation. When a person came into view, the camera followed their every move with minimal delay.

While the camera lens lacks an optical zoom, you get an 8x digital push-in to snap into place distant people or objects. To use this function, all you have to do is start the live view of the camera, tap and drag on the image with two fingers. The results are useful, but not surprising. Similar to the zoomed-in quality you can get from a simple point-and-shoot camera, pixelation and distortion appear pretty quickly, but key shapes and colors remain intact.

The Simplisafe Outdoor Cam with activated digital zoom.Full 8x digital zoom with the outside camera.

Such a feature may not help authorities too far in figuring out what a distant culprit looks like, but it is still useful for identifying the make and model of a car parked across the street, for example.

One of my favorite functions of the outdoor camera is the ability to choose between two different night vision experiences. Standard is the default setting (better battery life) and displays images up to 9 m away in black and white. Then there's Spotlight (harder on the battery), a mode that balances the camera's built-in spotlight and HDR to display a colored night view up to 10 feet away.

simplisafe wireless outdoor camera assessment spotlight view 1

simplisafe wireless outdoor camera rating night vision standard 1

Battery life

As mentioned earlier, allow around five hours to fully charge the outdoor camera battery for the first time. Depending on which settings you have on your Outdoor camera, SimpliSafe promises between three and six months of battery life before a charge is required.

software

The SimpliSafe app (for iOS and Android devices) is a feature-rich controller for your entire SimpliSafe suite and a great (but not perfect) way to access, control, and customize your outdoor camera. We've already covered the finer details of the app, so for this review we'll just focus on what it brings to the camera experience.

When you start the app, a static image from each of your SimpliSafe camera feeds will be displayed on the home screen. Tapping the Watch Live icon will take you to a real-time view of what your camera is seeing. In live mode, you can pull out to digitally zoom, start two-way audio chat, and record video clips. Once you are done recording, you can save the clip to your phone or share it with others via SMS or certain social media platforms. There's also a button to jump to the timeline that takes you to the log of the app's motion-triggered event clips.

Various app settings for the Simplisafe outdoor camera.

The motion event log can also be accessed from the home screen (just tap the timeline in the bottom right). Each recording has its own drop-down box that tells you when the event was recorded and how long it lasted, along with the option to play the video. If you have started recordings yourself via the “Watch Live” screen, these will also be logged here (referred to as “User Recordings”).

Tapping the gear icon in the top right corner of the home screen will take you to the camera settings. Here you can, for example, change the name of your camera, adjust the image quality, choose between night vision modes, switch microphone, audio and sirens on and off and much more.

Another field that has some customization options is motion detection. Tapping this option takes you to a separate motion detection menu where you can set the motion sensitivity and choose whether you want the camera to detect people only or all movement (a handy setting for busy housing developments like my own). Then there's my favorite add-on – a gridded Activity Zone adjuster that lets you choose which areas the camera shouldn't pay attention to.

power

One big and annoying problem I had with the app was getting one of the most basic commands to work at all – starting live view. After I tapped Watch Live, my SimpliSafe app often started buffering like it did on dial-up days. After about 30 seconds (or more) this would result in a “camera disconnected” message. I would then have to try restarting the live view or restarting the app from scratch. On average, I had to try to launch live view at least three times before it actually worked.

To troubleshoot, I even unplugged the base station and moved it to several new points in my living room, which didn't help.

Pricing and Subscriptions

Whether you want to experience the full range of SimpliSafe surveillance functions or just want your camera (s) to be able to record videos, a SimpliSafe subscription is required. There are two memberships to choose from, without a contract and can be canceled at any time for both levels.

Camera Recordings Only – Unlimited HD recordings and real-time recordings for up to five SimpliSafe cameras for 33 cents / day (about $ 10 / month).

The basic price for a Simplisafe system with an outdoor camera.

The second stage, the interactive professional surveillance around the clock, includes police, fire brigade and ambulance around the clock, integrated cellular data support, water and temperature monitoring as well as unlimited recordings and real-time recordings for up to 10 Simplisafe cameras. It costs 83 cents / day (about $ 25 / month).

Our opinion

If you're looking for a standalone outdoor camera that you can clamp on a bracket, couple to your network and access via a mobile app, the SimpliSafe wireless outdoor camera does most of these things well – except that it's system inclusive.

If you already own a SimpliSafe system and want an outdoor add-on or are building a new intelligent security suite, the wireless outdoor camera is one component that you will likely want to add. Yes, there can be problems every now and then, and some of the touted features (like 8x digital zoom) aren't as good as you'd think, but it's a solid outdoor proposition in terms of overall quality and performance.

How long it will take?

Due to the weather resistance and temperature protection, we doubt that you will experience much of element-controlled hardware errors with the SimpliSafe wireless outdoor camera. For errors that creep in, the company offers a three-year warranty on all of its devices.

Is there a better alternative?

In terms of image quality and reliability, the Arlo Pro 4 is one of our current outdoor camera favorites, offering a 160-degree lens, lots of customization options, and advanced surveillance plans. For a budget-friendly stand-alone option, there is also the Wyze Cam Outdoor – with an IP-65 bite-sized housing with Alexa and Google Assistant support and a practical time-lapse function.

Should you buy it?

If you are a SimpliSafe fan, then yes. The wireless SimpliSafe outdoor camera is a good addition to a complete SimpliSafe system and offers a few eyes (and ears) for the world outside your walls and windows.

Editor's recommendations



09 Oct
Blog

Vivo X70 Pro+ Review: Lives Up to The Spec Sheet’s Promise

The Vivo X70 Pro + is taken out of the pocket.

Vivo X70 Pro + Review: Keeps Promise, But Just Try To Find It

RRP $ 1,060.00

“The impressive Vivo X70 Pro + delivers what its monster data sheet promises with a unique gimbal video camera and a beautiful screen. It's a shame you can't find it in your local store. "

advantages

  • Nice 120Hz AMOLED screen

  • Impressive gimbal stabilization for videos

  • Versatile camera zoom functions

  • Fastest processor available

disadvantage

  • Big and heavy

  • Software has yet to be polished

  • You have to work to find one

If you're a spec lover and happiest when you compare your smartphone to your friends', this is the Vivo X70 Pro + will be a phone that you will absolutely love. From monster camera specs to notable brand partnerships and even bespoke chips, the X70 Pro + seems to define what most consider a flagship smartphone.

However, it is not a good idea to buy a phone based on what it says on the spec sheet. Does everything Vivo advertise on the X70 Pro + actually make it a good smartphone?

draft

The back of the X70 Pro + is made of glass with, according to Vivo, a fluorite treatment. This means that it doesn't feel like glass at all, but takes on a nice matte finish with a pleasant, subtle texture that increases its grip. It doesn't get covered in fingerprints or smudges, but my phone has collected a few scratch marks after just a week of use, suggesting that it may not wear out very well over time.

The Vivo X70 Pro +.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This is a huge phone in your hand. With a thickness of just under 9 mm and 213 grams, it is not for everyone who wants to use their mobile phone with one hand very often or who wants to slip it into their pocket without being noticed. The tapered sides aren't too sharp so holding it for long periods isn't tiring, but you will notice the weight. In terms of size and proportions, it is right at the top with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The rear camera module is a large rectangle, just without the design flair of the S21 Ultra's similarly huge module, and it sits next to a reflective section that I assume will help the rear camera take selfies. It's more funhouse mirror than anything else, however, and Vivo has pounded its branding right in the middle for maximum distraction. Don't expect to use it for anything other than the basic intake composition.

The Vivo X70 Pro + held in the hand.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's not a conventionally pretty phone – there are too many rectangles on the back for that – but the matte glass surface gives it a stealthy style, and everything feels incredibly valuable and well made. It's a shame there is no other color than black, and the overall size and weight can put some people off.

screen

Let's do the numbers first. The AMOLED screen is 6.78 inches tall with a maximum resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels and a switchable refresh rate of either 60 Hz or 120 Hz. This gives it a pixel density of 517 ppi, plus a peak brightness of 1500 nits and HDR10 + support and is able to display a billion colors.

The screen of the Vivo X70 Pro +.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You'll have to manually enable the full resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, but once you do that and set the brightness to maximum, the X70 Pro + 's screen is stunning. The menus just slide by as you scroll through them and the video looks amazing. The yellow of the Porsche 718 Cayman in this Carfection video at 2160p simply pops off the screen, paired with deep blacks and wonderful details.

The same qualities are shown in the bright, colorful music video for Jo Yuris Glassy, ​​which also brings out the excellent stereo speakers of the X70 Pro +. There is tons of volume and it has a nice tone and balance. The bass isn't strong, but that's to be expected given the size of the speakers.

Video playback on the Vivo X70 Pro +.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I had no problem viewing in sunlight due to the high brightness, but the curved sides caused a few problems when wiping. Swiping words that start with the letter P requires precise finger placement as it is too easy to turn on the back gesture or select the letter O instead. This type of inaccuracy isn't unique to the X70 Pro +, but it's more noticeable here than other curved screens, suggesting the software needs tweaking. I certainly won't let that bother me when the rest of the screen and audio on the X70 Pro + is so wonderful.

camera

Ready spec fans? The main camera of the X70 Pro + has 50 megapixels, optical image stabilization (OIS) and an aperture of f / 1.6 and is supported by a 48 MP ultrawide camera with gimbal-controlled OIS, a 12 MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and a 5x optical 8 MP zoom complements the periscope camera. The latter two also have OIS. The cameras are covered with glass and partner Zeiss provided a special coating to minimize lens flair and create more natural colors. It's all controlled by Vivo's own V1 imaging chip, which is separate from Qualcomm's main processor.

Taking photos with the Vivo X70 Pro +.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

That is the hardware that is covered, but there are also more software modes than you will realistically ever need. There are four bokeh modes developed by Zeiss, the night mode, a pro mode, A.I. Scene optimization, an automatic macro mode, a color optimization setting developed by Zeiss, a super moon mode, 8K video recording, an eerie horizontal stabilization setting, filters, a comprehensive editing suite and much more.

The unusual gimbal really works and cannot be compared to any other smartphone

All of this makes the X70 Pro + lots of creative fun, but many of the features are relatively niche. Few people have an 8K TV to enjoy, for example, 8K videos recorded on the phone, but not everything falls into this category. The unusual gimbal really works and cannot be compared to any other smartphone. It stabilizes the video to the point where you wonder if it is actually playing. The only downside might be that you're limited to 1080p, but it doesn't matter if the results are this impressive.

Take a look at the Vivo X70 Pro Plus camera gimbal when it is used for video 🎥

It's pretty amazing stuff!

Complete my review this week. # vivoX70Series # vivoX70Pro # vivoX70proplus pic.twitter.com/QL1J85bsLh

– Andy Boxall (@AndyBoxall) October 7, 2021

Taking pictures with the X70 Pro + shows that it is extremely capable. The two optical zoom cameras give it incredible versatility, the massive main sensor – a Samsung ISOCELL GN1 – adds lots of natural bokeh, and the HDR is very effective. Negative? Because of the large sensor, it is not a fan of focusing on nearby objects when macro mode is not active, and in some situations it oversaturates the color levels. It's also a little inconsistent, and will generally benefit from Vivo tweaking the software further, since photos aren't always very natural or representative of what you see on screen or in real life.

Vivo did a big deal with Zeiss' bokeh modes, so how are they? You are dramatic. There are four in total, each of which gives a different look to the background blur based on Zeiss camera lenses. Brighter and noticeably more blurred (in a positive sense) than standard portrait shots, the photos still suffer from edge detection problems, which are often more noticeable in the artificially improved images from Zeiss. But if you play around long enough, you can take some very nice selfies using the mirrored area on the back of the phone.

The X70 Pro + 's camera is impressive. It keeps the promise that the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra couldn't quite deliver on, and the sheer range of features and modes makes it a strong alternative to the excellent Galaxy S21 Ultra, although the final images still need some tweaking before the results are correct can use the S21-Ultra.

Software and performance

Android 11 is installed with FunTouchOS 12 from Vivo. It's similar to Oppos ColorOS in that it looks very different on a Pixel phone than Android, with more customized icons and menus and lots of apps preinstalled. and his own way of doing things. It's been reliable, it's fast, and once you've spent time getting the look and style right, it's pretty too.

The game is played on the Vivo X70 Pro +.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It still has its frustrations, however. The always-on screen is a good example. You turn it on, but by default the always-on display is only shown for a short time before it fades out. In order for it to actually stay as you asked, you need to delve further into the settings. Even then, you find that not all display options show notifications. It's inevitably a battery-saving thing, but it's very annoying. It's something that you can find everywhere, e.g. B. the screen resolution, which is set to a lower number of pixels by default.

All of my usual apps are installed for some reason with the exception of the Amazon Shopping app, and notifications can be interacted with on the lock screen, but I've found Google Discover crashing and sometimes throwing me back to the home screen. FunTouchOS 12 adds attractive and very useful widgets. I especially like the weather widget with its scrollable daily forecast and the Apple Music widget. First released on the X70 range, I felt more at home with FunTouchOS 12 than any version before it, which is great news.

It seems like I haven't mentioned some numbers in a while, so let's change that. Inside there is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ processor with a 5G modem and either 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB or 512 GB of storage space. There's Bluetooth 5.2 with AptX Adaptive for audio and NFC for Google Pay. The fingerprint sensor under the screen is very fast, but is usually beaten by the even faster face unlock system.

Given the processor inside, it's no surprise that the X70 Pro Plus doesn't have any performance issues. I've played Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9: Legends and it both shrugged, even with the settings all enabled in the phone's game mode.

battery

I used the X70 Pro + for a week with the default settings, which means a resolution of 2400 x 1080 and the refresh rate that changes automatically. It lasted two full days on a single charge without any problems. Enable full resolution and increase the refresh rate to 120Hz, then add an hour of games and other general uses and the battery was around 20% by the end of the day.

The bottom of the Vivo X70 Pro +.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The top of the Vivo X70 Pro +.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera module of the Vivo X70 Pro +.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Charging takes place via a wired 55 watt charger, which is included, as well as wireless charging with up to 50 W. In 20 minutes, the 4,500 mAh battery was charged by about 60% and in about 50 minutes it reached a capacity of 100%.

Price and availability

Don't look for the Vivo X70 Pro + in any US store as it will likely never get an official release. However, you can import one. It will be available in China, India, Taiwan, and several other regions beginning October 12, before arriving later in the Middle East and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. We hope that there will also be an introduction in Europe and the UK.

Calculate about $ 1,060 for the 12GB / 256GB version. If you are planning to import it is advisable to ensure that the phone is the “global” version as the Chinese version runs the OriginOS software available only for China and not FunTouchOS.

Our opinion

The Vivo X70 Pro + is the best Vivo phone I've used so far. It's well made and durable, and it has a beautiful screen, feature-rich camera, performance, and for the first time ever software that I can live with on a daily basis without being annoyed or frustrated. It's not perfect, but FunTouchOS 12 can now hold its own alongside Oppos ColorOS and Realme’s RealmeOS.

The gimbal camera remains unique and the stabilization works very well which gives the phone a real edge. The other features sometimes border on the gimmicky, but the two optical zoom levels don't, which makes the X70 Pro Plus's camera very versatile and fun, while its overall ability to really keep up with the pace is a few software updates away from the best camera phones out there.

Is it more than a mega data sheet? Yes, the specs make for a great phone and camera experience, but there is still room for improvement in the photos and software. At this point, I'd normally be ready to recommend the phone, but I can't do this as the X70 Pro + hasn't gotten a wider version yet, so you really need to work on getting one in the US It's a shame there it has the potential to be a game changer for Vivo in regions where the brand is not well known.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes sir. The Vivo X70 Pro + is an immensely capable smartphone, but it's hard to come by in the US or UK, so we recommend the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Apple iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max instead, assuming you want a big screen and a great one Camera. Both deliver this and have a lot of power and ability.

How long it will take?

Made of metal and glass, the Vivo X70 Pro + is quite heavy, so we recommend putting it in a case for protection, and a surprisingly beautiful one comes with it. The phone also has an IP68 water resistance rating, so it can last up to 30 minutes underwater to a depth of about 1.5 meters.

Vivo’s software update policy applies to the X70 Pro + for three years, including major system releases and security patches. The spec of the phone is high and the Snapdragon 888+ processor is the fastest available right now. It lasts three years with no problems.

Should you buy it?

No. It's good, but if you live in the US, the Vivo X70 Pro + is a hassle to import, so your best bet is to buy a flagship phone that is available locally. However, the phone is very impressive and it is certainly the best Vivo phone I've used. So if you are happy to import or buy one where you live you won't be disappointed.

Editor's recommendations



09 Oct
Blog

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Review: There’s Potential Here

Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks compete in the Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

RRP $ 50.00

"The Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a must for hardcore fans, but it doesn't care about casual audiences."

advantages

  • Strong combat mechanics

  • Tons of player freedom

  • Great online

  • Good music and pictures

disadvantage

  • Contentless

  • Very competitive

  • Unpolished in many areas

  • No speech output

With the announcement of the new Super Smash Bros.-inspired platform fighter Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl There was endless discussion about the game becoming a "smash killer". While it doesn't quite live up to these high expectations, it definitely offers a strong competitive experience and a deep mechanical system that gives hardcore gamers a warm welcome. But in my time with the game, I've found that maybe that's all there is to be done All-star brawl.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a new crossover fighting game from Ludosity, the team behind the critically acclaimed platform fighter Slap City. The game plays some of Nickelodeon's most iconic and obscure characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants and Reptar, who are thrown into an arena to face off against each other in Smash Bros. style.

While his main claim to fame is to be "Smash but with Nicktoons" while playing NAS, I immediately saw that the game has its own unique identity. The graphics are lively and cartoon-like, the gameplay is free flowing with a high skill limit, and the characters are mostly great fun. However, NASB has some rough spots that kept reminding me that this is a budget title – and one that may have put too many of its eggs in one basket.

Surprisingly complex gameplay

A key element of the fighting game experience is seeing and learning to perform those cool moves, and learning to do cool gameplay moves NASB delivers there. While playing I realized that I kept saying “Wow, can I do that ?!”. Moments while you explore some of the best mechanics Ludosity has implemented into the game.

Similar to the Smash Bros. series, NASB is about going onto a battlefield with one or more opponents and trying to increase their damage percentage to knock them off the stage in a huge explosion. The difference lies in the tools players will need to achieve this goal.

Leonardo fights Sandy Cheeks in jellyfish fields.

Allow me to get technical for a moment to show how deceptive a fighter this game is. In combat there is a standard thrust, air and ground tilt / light attacks, air and ground shattering / heavy attacks, air and ground specials, light and heavy dash attacks that can dissolve into other attacks, and ground and air attacks. The unique inclusion of the heavy air strikes, separate breakable dash attacks, and air grabs adds a great layer to the offense and defense NASB you can't see that in Smash.

The Combat really shines which makes this a particularly fun fighting game.

NASB also gives players access to an anime hunter-like air dash that can be used to zoom through the air or break out of a low jump to the wavedash (seriously, that's shockingly complex). This has to be my favorite feature in the game as it gives players freedom of movement when it comes to spacing, combos, mix-ups, defense and more.

Danny Phantom, Helga von Hey Arnold and Ren and Stimpy fight in a ghost portal.

I got lost in a sea of ​​ideas about what to do in my playing time. The game offers players so many great tools that offer different ways to play that you end up with a title with an endless pool of learning for players to express themselves.

NASB, however, has its rough spots with a few technical oversights here and there, including infinite combos and unbalanced moves like Catdog's overwhelming aerial up-smash, affectionately known as the "updog" by the community. Still it is Combat really shines which makes this a particularly fun fighting game. And the amazing rollback netcode usually allows ethernet wired players to play as well as possible using these mechanisms, even though they are far apart.

The game is very naked

While I was in for days about the combat system Nickelodeon All-Star Braw The same cannot be said of the rest of the game – probably because the fight is really everything. If you're looking for a one-to-one Smash Bros. experience look elsewhere because this isn't it.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Online Modes.

NASB has four modes. The first is Combat, a standard offline versus mode in which up to four players can compete in stock, time, or sports games (the latter involves throwing a ball into the opponent's goal). There is also standard training, arcade and online with quick play, competitive play and online lobbies. Other than that, there is nothing else to do in the game.

Ironically, for a cartoon-based game for children, there just isn't a lot for this audience.

Yes, the main draw of a fighting game should be fighting, but other modes that casual gamers can take their time in have been an integral part of the genre since the Dreamcast era. NASB seems to have forgotten that. There is no survival mode, no unlockable elements, no mini-games or the like.

Ironically, for a cartoon-based game for children, there isn't much for this audience, let alone casual gamers who want to play as their childhood favorites. While there's a lot to chew on for the competition side, the masses are left with tatters, and that just feels misguided for a game like this. I'm not sure if it was budgeting or bad decisions, but I think this game really takes more meat on the bones to stand the test of time with anyone other than the hardcore lot.

A masterpiece that needs to be polished

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl constantly lets you know that this is not a big budget production. One of the big problems a lot of people have with the game is the lack of voice acting. It's hard to accept that a game with cartoon characters from our childhood doesn't include their iconic voices.

Spongebob, Korra, Invader Zim and April O & # 39; Neil fight on the Flying Dutchman ship.

There are also a few combat mechanics that could use more fine-tuning: Impeachable knockdowns turn into infinite combos, some characters have hard times snapping onto the ledges safely, and certain characters like Patrick just feel unfinished.

Ludosity clearly plans to support the game once it launches, which will enable it to grow.

Fortunately during The Hungrybox Juice Box tournament, one of the developers has stated several times that these mechanical problems will be fixed. In an interview with Game Informer, Ludosity's CEO Joel Nyström said voice actors are something that could be added across the board along with other planned updates for the game. Ludosity clearly plans to support the game once it launches, which will enable it to grow.

Our opinion

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is an incredibly fun time to get over there for its competitive potential. However, your mileage may vary depending on whether you are a casual or a hardcore gamer. The game will be updated in the future so more features can be added, but only over time. Until then, it lacks some key features that hold it back as a casual single-player experience.

How long it will take?

It depends who you are. If you are a competitive gamer you will find yourself losing track of time when it comes to NASB. If you're only there for the party game or the single player experience, you might want to wait for a price drop.

Is there an alternative?

If you haven't already, there's always Smash Bros. Ultimate and their huge roster of fighters, even though their online experience is miles inferior to NASB's. If you want a super competitive time with as high a skill cap and fun movement options as NASB, you can play Smash Bros. Melee, which now has online features comparable to NASB thanks to a new rollback client via Slippi are.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but it really depends on what you are looking for. It's not a perfect casual experience, but if you're a hardcore fight fan looking to work up a sweat online, it's a must. Beware of buying on the Nintendo Switch, however, as it is the only version without a rollback netcode, which makes the online experience significantly inferior to the other hardware options.

Editor's recommendations



08 Oct
Blog

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review: The New Standard

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick Max

RRP $ 55.00

"Of course it's an iterative update, but one that makes the Fire TV Stick 4K Max the one you can get."

advantages

  • Better processor and WiFi

  • Including the new remote control

  • Still extremely cheap

disadvantage

  • Based on an outdated version of Android

The most important feature of a streaming stick is probably not listed on the side of the box. It's not how much RAM it has. It's not the size of the on-board storage. It's not if it's 4K (OK, it's about more than a little), and it's not the Wi-Fi speed or the processor. And it's not all apps that it has access to.

The main feature of the new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the price. This is what really determines where it not only fits into the Amazon Fire TV range of devices, but also its place in the overall system against its closest competitor, Roku, which has its own line of relatively inexpensive streaming sticks. Sure, the specifications determine the price. But tell us how much you want to spend and we'll tell you which streaming device is best.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K MaxPhil Nickinson / Digital Trends

And the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, while it's an iterative update (there's certainly nothing wrong with that) and though it has quite a bit to say (which we take a little problem with), is definitely the Fire TV Stick to buy.

Here's why.

The Fire TV Stick Max is mostly a Fire TV Stick 4K, only better. It's more max.

What's new in Fire TV Stick 4K Max

It's not just that Fire TV stick. It's not that Fire TV Stick 4K. This is Max who we can only assume is one step above plus but still below extremes. It's a silly suffix appended to a product that is itself mostly an iteration of an iteration. This is how these streaming sticks work. They have certain features at certain prices so you are guaranteed to make money no matter what. More on this below.

Amazon's own comparison chart does it pretty well. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max has a few more points than the Fire TV Stick 4K, which is three years old at this point. And they are not unimportant boxes.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the first in the Amazon range with Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. That means it uses the latest wireless standards if you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, or be ready when you do. You shouldn't necessarily expect warp-speed WiFi, but you have more than enough bandwidth to get the job done. Wirelessly connected to one Eero Pro 6 (conveniently another Amazon-owned product), I moved up from 250Mbps downstream, with ping times between 20ms and 25ms. In comparison, the previous generation Fire TV Stick 4K reached around 200 Mbps downstream over Wi-Fi 5, with similar pings.

For those of you who say, "Just take the ethernet adapter!" – let me hang you there. You will almost certainly want to just go ahead and use WiFi with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max Amazon's own Ethernet adapterwhich is not included in the scope of delivery anyway. This adapter – which provides both power and the wired network connection – is a 10/100 device, which means that it will hit the top on a 100Mbps connection anyway. And in my case, that means I've got about half the speed I've seen with Wi-Fi, not to mention nowhere near using my real gigabit fiber connection.

In other words, stick with the Wi-Fi 6 built into the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It's a lot good.

Elsewhere, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max ships with the latest Alexa voice remote control, which came out in April 2021 and has been slightly redesigned with a few extra buttons and functions.

The Max also has a bit more RAM, which is important since it's an Android-based device and Android still needs all of the RAM it can get. Not that 2 gigabytes is a lot, and it's only half a gig more than the Fire TV Stick 4K. But we take what we can get. And the processor has also been updated to a quad-core Mediatek MT8696 with 1.8 GHz. If that's important to you, good for you. If you think you can notice this about the older Fire TV Stick 4K, chances are you're lying, an engineer, or running the two devices side by side. The point is, these are important and obvious updates, but certainly nothing that will change the way you watch TV on Amazon Fire TV.

In other words, it looks and acts much like the Fire TV Sticks of yore. Just a little better. If you're like us and dumb enough to have more than one Fire TV Stick lying around, it's easy to forget which one is which. I flipped back and forth between the 2018 Fire TV Stick 4K and the new Max and immediately had no idea what was plugged in without actively checking. In fact, near twins, the two are personally stuffed, with the only visible difference adding the nickname "Fire TV" to the case. The older stick only has the Amazon smile. There's really no difference on the screen.

And it now supports picture-in-picture if you need to.

Amazon Fire TV stick 4K max.The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2021 looks exactly like the Fire TV Stick 4K 2018 – apart from the logo. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

What else is in the Fire TV Stick 4K Max

If you currently own an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you know what to expect. You have no doubt used the new Fire TV OS user interface that was introduced in early 2021. That it is still based on Android 9 rather than something newer (Android 12 is just about to be released) is a point of contention for some, and at least a small cause for concern. But given that we're talking about Amazon here, rather than a no-name importer who just puts Android on some hardware and does it for a day, we're a little less concerned. That said, Amazon has to get into double digits sooner rather than later, and it's only a matter of time before our patience really wears off.

The other basic specs remain the same as the older Fire TV Stick 4K. It still supports 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, HDR10 + and HLG for high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos for audio. Of course, your TV and sound system must also support all of these if you want to use them.

If you want to use Alexa with your Fire TV Stick 4K Max, do so using the Alexa remote. This is unchanged because there is no microphone in the stick itself.

There's nothing new on the app side either. Amazon's Fire TV OS still has access to all of the things it had access to, like Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV +, to name just three.

Amazon Fire TV stick 4K max.Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Buy it to future proof it, not because it's exponentially "better".

Our opinion

If you're looking for a new Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is for you. Period.

I would even recommend it to the Fire TV Cube for several reasons. First, it's about half the price, which in itself should be a no-brainer. If all you need to do is have Alexa hands-free (like not having to hit the voice button on the remote first), you can get yourself a Max and a new Echo Dot and still have plenty of cash to buy your lunch. The second is that the Fire TV Cube was updated a few years ago, which means older internals. That's not a big deal with devices like this, but it can play a role over time. Newer is almost always better.

Are there alternatives?

Secure. Anything that connects to a television and displays video is an alternative. And the Fire TV Stick 4K Max's biggest competitors are the other Amazon Fire TV Sticks.

Fire TV stick
Lite		 Fire TV
floor		 Fire TV stick
4K		 Fire TV stick
4K Max
Publishing year 2020 2020 2018 2021
Retail price $ 30 $ 40 $ 40 $ 55
resolution 1080p 1080p 4K 4K
Dolby Vision no no Yes sir Yes sir
Dolby Atmos no Yes sir Yes sir Yes sir
WiFi version WiFi 5 WiFi 5 WiFi 5 WLAN 6
storage 8GB 8GB 8GB 8GB
Storage 1 GB 1G 1.5 GB 2GB

Where the Fire TV Stick 4K Max fits into the larger scheme of inexpensive streaming sticks – that is, around $ 50 – really just depends on the ecosystem. Would you like Fire TV? Or do you want Roku? Or what about Chromecast with Google TV? Everyone has their merits and falls into the same price range. In general, I'd argue that Fire TV OS is the more mature and sophisticated operating system, while Roku is simple and easier to navigate. Both of them are littered with ads and other ways to spend money, and both are also heavily driving their own ad-based video-on-demand services. Amazon has IMDB TV and Roku has The Roku Channel. Choose your poison. Chromecast With Google TV is a beast of its own. If you are familiar with Android, this is where I would look.

The bigger question I have is what happens to the rest of the Fire TV Stick storage space. Amazon has told us that it has no intention of stopping selling the old Fire TV Stick 4K, which at the time of release is $ 15 cheaper than the 4K Max when it's not on sale – and you no doubt will find for less money rather than later. I'd say it's worth an extra $ 15 for future proofing Wi-Fi 6 and the newer remote that sells for $ 30 alone. Add the upgraded processor and memory and it just makes sense. You get a bigger bang for your buck. And presumably Amazon will either phase out the older Fire TV Stick 4K or maybe even rearrange the entire line. It still has the Fire TV Stick for the same $ 40 price as the older Fire TV Stick 4K, which doesn't really make sense as it hits 1080p resolution. Then there's the $ 30 Fire TV Stick Lite. That's not a huge spread, so don't be surprised if Amazon consolidates things at some point.

How long it will take?

We have no idea. It's a little piece of plastic and metal. But in general, Fire TV Sticks lasted much longer than necessary. Not that we're fans of setting money on fire, but these things are cheap. They have no moving parts, they probably don't get moved too often, and are pretty much commonplace items right now. They are impulse purchases. In the rare event that one of you fails – and you don't hear about it very often – the chances are that you could simply buy a new one without thinking too much. For everything else, there's everyone's favorite post on Troubleshooting Fire TV Stick issues.

Should you buy it?

Have you read the 1,700 words above? Yes sir. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the one we would get.

Editor's recommendations



07 Oct
Blog

Wyze Light Strip Pro Review: Bang-for-the-Buck Light Shows

Wyze Light Strip Pro in pink.

Wyze light bar Pro

RRP $ 32.00

advantages

  • Cheap price

  • No bridge required; connects to WiFi

  • Can be cut to any length

disadvantage

  • Color saturation could be better

If there is one thing I love about smart lighting spaces, it has to be that they are more affordable than ever. There has been a sudden shift with many more players offering ultra-affordable smart lights that cover the full range. One of them is Wyze, who released its Wyze Bulb Color earlier this year, which I have called the most worthy cheap smart light bulb.

Well, the company hasn't missed a beat with the upcoming release of two new lighting offerings – the Wyze Light Strip and Light Strip Pro. Affordable pricing is the focus here again, starting at $ 27 and $ 32 respectively, but with so much competition in the room, they really need something special to stand out at this point. I will mainly focus on the Wyze Light Strip Pro for this test, as it can deliver up to 16 colors per strip – while the standard Wyze Light Strip can only produce one color at a time.

Installation and setup

Setting up the Wyze LED light strips was pretty straightforward, especially when the underside of the strips is covered with a tacky adhesive that makes it easy to attach to surfaces. In the end, I sketched my headboard and parts of my bed frame. Both the Wyze Light Strip and Light Strip Pro come in 16.4- and 32.8-foot options, but the Wyze Light Strip Pro is epoxy-coated – while the standard Wyze Light Strip is not and is not exposed. While I don't plan on using them outdoors, the Wyze Light Strip Pro seems to hold up better in the long run.

Exposed LED on the Wyze Light Strip Pro.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Depending on the project, you can adjust the length of the Wyze Light Strip Pro to any length you want for that custom fit. There are marks on the strip where to cut to make it easier to trim, but I've never been a fan of cutting strips of light. Before removing the cover for the adhesive, you should check beforehand that the entire strip is maximized.

Wyze Light Strip Pro in blue.John Velasco / Digital Trends

For harder surfaces where the adhesive on the underside is not enough to hold the weight of the entire strip, such as However, I would have liked screws for additional hold. That's because, in my experience, the glue on these clips tends to wear off. After all, it connects directly to Wi-Fi so I'm glad there aren't any additional bridges to connect with this setup.

Software and control

To interact with the LED light strips, you need to access the Wyze app – available for Android and iOS. It's largely divided into three main sections: design, scenes, and music. When designing, colors can be manually selected from the color wheel, scenes are preset color options, and music provides decent lighting effects that are controlled by music.

Speaking of lighting effects: A microphone is built into the controller on the light bar, which forms the bridge between the power supply unit and the actual light bars. To get the right response in music mode, I set the controller sensitivity to high – so that the effect matches the music properly. Setting it low doesn't do much good.

In addition to remote access to the intelligent LED light strips via the app, they support Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. I sometimes find it easier to just speak the command on my smart speaker or display.

power

Between the two, the Wyze Light Strip Pro offers more lighting effects, as it can display up to 16 colors at the same time. If you really want to spice up the decor in your home, go for the Pro for its advanced effects. You get some really nice color combinations painting rooms in rainbow colors, but I crave lights that are a little more saturated in tone. The saturation is decent but doesn't produce the same deep reds and blues that I get from other LED light strips.

I long for lights that are a little more saturated in tone.

Even so, the Wyze Light Strip Pro's brightness output isn't overly shoddy. It's powerful enough to be used for reading when the strip is exposed, as opposed to a discreet installation as an accent light. Even if the light strip with music mode shines in an explosion of colors, I wish that these special light effects could be switched on at any time – without having to play music. Honestly, a preset for these effects would be ideal, but it annoys me why it isn't offered because it's an easy addition.

Multi-color effect with Wyze Light Strip Pro.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Plus, it has the basic features I expect from smart lights – like the option to set sleep routines, timers, and scenes. It goes one step further with the vacation mode, which automatically turns the lights on and off, and Sun Match, which mimics natural sunlight all day long.

Our opinion

Wyze takes everything it's known for in space and delivers a decent set of smart LED light strips that aren't too expensive. Between the two models, I'd recommend the Wyze Light Strip Pro for the simple fact that it offers more color effects. Whichever you choose, they are both affordable for all budgets and a reasonable length for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

One of the most interactive smart LED light strips I've used, the Twinkly Line offers users custom lighting effects and superior color saturation. However, you pay almost double the cost with a shorter length to play around with.

For a simple smart LED light bar, Govees options are easier on the wallet – often in the $ 20 range for 16.4 feet in length.

How long it will take?

Between the two, the epoxy coating over the Wyze Light Strip Pro gives me confidence that it will withstand wear and tear better, as dirt and debris wouldn't interfere with the components. In any case, there is a 1-year guarantee for both LED light strips, which covers defects.

Should you buy it?

You bet. Wyze's intelligent LED light strips may not only excel in one area, but they are inexpensive and offer enough standard features to accentuate any room in the house.

Editor's recommendations



07 Oct
Blog

Far Cry 6 Review: Less Predictable, More Political

A car and a large building in Far Cry 6.

Far Cry 6 Review: Less Predictable and More Political

RRP $ 60.00

"Far Cry 6 could be the most interesting and complex game that Ubisoft has developed recently."

advantages

  • Great mission design and mechanics

  • Remarkable attitude

  • Less formulaic than previous Ubisoft games

  • Strong sociopolitical issues

This review was originally published on Digital Trends Español by Raúl Estrada and translated into English.

There is a moment in the first few hours of Far Cry 6 that sets the tone of the game in terms of narrative and playability: a mission to destroy a tobacco plantation. In general, the task is simple: set the growing areas on fire and destroy tanks with chemicals while facing waves of enemies that steadily arrive until the destruction gauge fills up.

This mission design is a classic in Ubisoft games. The striking detail in Far Cry 6, however, is that while the plantation burns, a Caribbean and Spanish version of the song Bella Ciao is played in the background. This changes the rhythm and even adds more instruments as the chaos unleashes. Without music, the mission would be like any other. With the melody, it becomes a great moment in the game's campaign.

Far Cry 6 is no stranger to the Ubisoft formula that is featured in all of its open world games. But it hides the formula in the best possible way so the game doesn't feel like an endless to-do list. The mix between mechanics and mission design is more organic and that has a lot to do with the setting. Yara Island accommodates urban environments, rural areas, mountains and archipelagos. Overall, it's more varied than the flat, uniform map of previous Far Cry games.

Improve the familiar

Ubisoft has a signature with its open world games and Far Cry 6 is no exception. The map is divided into zones, each of which is controlled by a subordinate of the main villain. The goal is to take control of these areas by completing missions to defeat the boss of this zone and thus end the siege around the main villain.

A character shoots a Gatling gun in Far Cry 6.

What changes in Far Cry 6 compared to the previous titles in the saga is not the design as such, but the perception of what is being done. In this case, the point is to start a Yaran Revolution, and for that you have to recruit allies who have tried to move things on their own or who are disaffected and no longer interested in recapturing the country. A good protagonist of open world games, Dani Rojas spends hours helping other people until he convinces them to join the cause.

The interesting thing now is that the concept common in many Ubisoft games of clearing bases or conquering towers in order to unlock activities has almost completely disappeared. That doesn't mean you don't have to do it at certain times, but it's not the tone of the game. The “opening” of the map is done by simply scrolling through it and so new sights appear as well as enemy settlements, which you can pass in peace without having to eliminate them all.

A character reloads a large weapon in Far Cry 6.

Far Cry 6's campaign is at a good pace, alternating shallow missions with more explosive and spectacular moments. By nature, some of these tasks force you to face the enemy face to face, but the rest of the time you can opt for stealth as the mechanics are well implemented to accommodate different play styles. This includes many weapons and forms of customization that come in handy for the trickier moments.

Far Cry 6's campaign is at a good pace, alternating shallow missions with more explosive and spectacular moments.

On the other hand, there are also urban environments, a novelty for the saga. Far Cry 6 has multi-level cities and it is common to park between buildings and buildings. To make this easier, Ubisoft has added some new elements and mechanics that generally work very well and allow you to move around on roofs and platforms in a very similar style to Dying Light. The urban environments add a new dimension and refresh the more classic Far Cry playability.

In terms of mission design and mechanics, this title is the sum of Ubisoft's years of experience with open world games. The design is not revolutionary or radically changed, but much better camouflaged than before. This makes Far Cry 6 a game with a less predictable and rigid feel where the hours fly by.

Welcome to Yara (Cuba)

Far Cry 6 is set in Yara, a fictional country made up of several islands in the middle of the Caribbean. This nation is ruled by a President / Dictator named Anton Castillo (Giancarlo Esposito) who was elected by a questionable referendum and has been in power for several decades.

Yara is a world power in medicine and tries to develop a cure for cancer from his tobacco plants. The price for these advances, however, was an impoverished population that, according to Castillo's classification, was divided between the false and true Yarans. Fake Yaranos are considered outcasts and are forced to work as slaves on Viviro plantations, the result of modified tobacco plantations.

Anton Castillo's goal is to restore Yara to its former glory, while the nation has to deal with the blockade of the international community and, in particular, of a superpower like the United States, as best it can.

A banner for Anton Castillo in Far Cry 6.

Ubisoft has insisted that its games are not political (a point its narrative director later pushed back). In Far Cry 6, however, it acknowledges that these types of stories cannot be isolated from political discussion, even less if this title is not at all subtle with its staging. Yara is a fictional version of Cuba in which there are too many elements that relate to the history of this Caribbean island, such as decades of revolutions or cities that seem stuck in time due to the blockades.

Still, there are elements of Far Cry 6's narrative that are more complex. By and large, Yara is Cuba, but if you zoom in on more specific situations, sociopolitical elements emerge that are problematic not only in dictatorships but worldwide. For example, military control in cities with curfews, extreme nationalism or discrimination against minorities; Topics that become visible in the game and that don't just remain in stilted references.

In that sense, Far Cry 6 is more honest than Far Cry 5 as it says what it has to say in a less subtle way. In the previous title, the hints about what was happening in the rural and Protestant US remained exactly that. Far Cry 6, on the other hand, is not the most explicit game of all, but it has no problem with pointing out the consequences of fascism and nationalism.

Far Cry 6's setting is generally authentic, although there are some details that Spanish speakers will notice. Most obvious are the names of some places. Even the Spanish, which can be seen all over the island, seems to have been first written in English and then translated almost literally into Spanish.

Far Cry 6 is more honest than Far Cry 5 in that it says what it has to say in a less subtle way.

Something similar happens with the original voice actors who mix English with a Latin accent with Spanish words that are not pronounced in their native language, which is immediately noticeable. So one wonders how a company like Ubisoft, with all the resources available to create games that involve thousands of people, misses out on details like these.

Dani looks at a street sign in Far Cry 6.

It's not that all of Yara's Spanish is imperfect, but it is common to find meaningless phrases in street signs or place names that seem like a literal translation from English. In the long run this becomes a small and curious problem that does not tarnish the atmosphere, although the use of language is the least authentic of the environments created for the game.

Even so, the Spanish voice synchronization is generally good and is perhaps the best way to play Far Cry 6, which is complemented very well by a top notch soundtrack that makes the experience interesting and immersive from an audiovisual point of view.

A breakthrough in every way

Perhaps time changes the perspective on such a product, but it's not risky to say that Far Cry 6 is one of the best and most interesting in the series. It is important to emphasize that the game is not reinventing a formula. The advantage, however, is to make the entire adventure organic and get items like statistics, activity lists or experience levels out of the way. These elements are present, but second and only appear at certain moments, for example when Anton Castillo's regime realizes that the revolution is approaching and sends more soldiers onto the streets (and increases the difficulty of each zone).

A car and a large building in Far Cry 6.

The cast of the entire adventure deserves special mention. The villain is actually the one who gets all the attention – Giancarlo Esposito's face is perfectly captured – but the rest of the characters are more diverse than stereotypical. The script is simple and by no means far-fetched. It manages to keep the interest rate factor going until the end, mostly because it makes us want to know what the dictator's real intentions are.

Far Cry 6 is an outstanding game because it has a great design of mechanics and missions, its setting is authentic even with localization errors and the game does not drag on or repeat itself; On the contrary, just walking around the island and exploring the public and hidden routes is a satisfying activity.

In addition, this title presents more complex topics in the right way. Sometimes it's daring, sometimes it's shy. But the messages are there and not being hidden, which is a breakthrough in an industry that tends to be too conservative with global products like this one.

Editor's recommendations



06 Oct
Blog

Metroid Dread Review: The Queen is Back, All Hail the Queen

Samus slips off an EMMI in Metroid Dread.

Metroid horror

RRP $ 60.00

"Metroid Dread sharpens everything that makes Metroid pleasant and at the same time realizes its horror ambitions."

advantages

  • Really creepy

  • Fine-tuned fight

  • Tough but fair bosses

  • Worthwhile exploration

  • Detailed environments

disadvantage

  • Slow start

  • Some repetitive bosses

Dread has always been a driving force in the Metroid franchise. It's what you feel in Metroid 2: Return of Samus as you leave planet SR388 in eerie silence as the last baby of a species you just lovingly wiped out follows after. It's a feeling that hangs in the air during Metroid Fusion as Samus helplessly hides from a parasitic, dead-eyed doppelganger who chases them. Metroid Dread, the first original 2D Metroid game in 19 years, doubles that kind of sci-fi fear to create a true Nintendo horror game.

The basics of the series are still completely in place. It is an adventure game in which Samus explores a mysterious planet sector by sector, constantly gets power-ups and searches every corner for secrets. But the backdrop is more annoying this time. Four games full of reckless missions return to haunt Samus in a more story-driven game where history actually matters.

Metroid Dread reclaims the throne of Metroidvania with one of Nintendo's most difficult, immersive, and stylish games in ages. New movement and combat techniques freshen up a classic formula, but history is its real secret weapon. This is a compelling science fiction thriller that exudes nervous energy and has a firm focus on the best qualities of the series.

The hunter becomes the hunted

The Samus story picks up where Metroid Fusion left off 19 years ago. After wiping out the brain sucking Metroid species and the X parasites, she is called to more dirty work that the Galactic Federation is too scared to do. It turned out that an X parasite had been sighted on the planet ZDR, so the Federation sent seven robots known as E.M.M.I. to extract it. The only problem? You went offline. In a horror film, this is the moment when you beg the hero not to enter the obviously haunted house. But a gig is a gig for an independent contractor.

Of course it goes south when Samus arrives at ZDR, and that's where the horror premise begins to take hold. In a surprising twist, the renegade E.M.M.I. serve as the game's main antagonist for much of the game while trying to hunt down Samus. It's a somewhat mixed hit that makes the game's two-hour opening feel a little slow at times. The eagerness to explain too much leads to a failed introduction to robots as Samus dodges you with ease, finds a powerful single-use alpha cannon, and blows the robot to pieces in a minute. That takes a bite out of the fear factor right away. Imagine Jaws opening up with someone killing Jaws and then everyone freaked out when a second shark showed up.

Samus shrouds himself up to avoid an EMMI in Metroid Dread.

Fortunately, Dread is recovering from that early misstep. E.M.M.I. Encounters become much more tense the more advanced the robots get. Soon they can squeeze through narrow passages or run much faster and it becomes more and more difficult to avoid them. They're a cross between the alien Xenomorphs and the robotics of Boston Dynamics – and as unsettling as either.

When Samus finally gets the alpha cannon, it's still not safe. She must be an E.M.M.I. Armor by carefully blowing it up with a heated beam before charging a shot that can kill with one hit. This leads to incredibly nerve-wracking sequences in which the players assert themselves and act as E.M.M.I. have to keep shooting. is getting closer. If a robot grabs Samus, she's dead unless she can hit a fraction of a second, so the tension is high (even if the consequences for death are minor inconvenience).

Metroid Dread gets into a gnarled body horror and sometimes gets full of David Cronenberg.

While the E.M.M.I. In fact, if they are the focus of the game's marketing material, they are not the most effective use of fear. Metroid Dread gets into a gnarled body horror and sometimes gets full of David Cronenberg. A boss shoots slimy stones out of gaping holes in his stomach. One setting shows a writhing monster being stabbed and pushed by machine arms. Moments like this reinforce throughout the experience as the story takes some harrowing twists and turns.

Samus is fighting a huge boss in Metroid Dread.

What makes the use of horror most effective in the game is the fact that it is rooted in history. Most Nintendo games have a tendency to perform a soft reset before a mascot's next adventure. That is not the case here. There are real ramifications for Samus’s actions in games like Metroid Fusion. She reaps what she sows here, which really makes Metroid Dread feel like a nightmarish climax in the Metroid saga.

Super Smash sister

The scary story is a major draw here, but it doesn't get in the way of what Metroid does best. Combat and exploration are as expertly blended as ever, thanks to developer Mercury Steam. During E3, longtime series producer and director Yoshio Sakamoto noted that the decision to revive the series was made after seeing how well the developer handled its Metroid 2 remake on Nintendo 3DS. That was the right decision; Mercury Steam gets Metroid.

Combat has been particularly improved here, thanks to a whole host of new and returning mechanics. Free aiming returns from Metroid: Samus Returns, allowing Samus to stop and aim in all directions. That brings a level of precision into both the battles and exploration, and lets Mercury Steam design puzzles and battles that aren't as rigid.

Samus shoots enemies in Metroid Dread.

The melee counter is also back and this time more finely tuned. Samus can parry enemies at the right moment, resulting in a satisfying blow. The melee this time is not limited to counterattacks. Players can hit it anytime to repel an enemy, giving them more space to fight and deepening standard cannon combat.

Mobility and combat go hand in hand here, as many techniques serve a dual purpose. As well as being a great way to hit an enemy, engaging in ongoing melee combat is an effective way to hop across platforms. Samus can slide here so she can zoom through tight spaces, but it's more exciting as a combat option. Typically, when an enemy is low to the ground you need to stop and shoot them before moving forward. Instead, Samus can whiz under it and shoot at it while it is sliding.

This time around it's a much more active experience that makes me feel like I am in control of the Super Smash Bros. version of Samus, acrobatics and everything.

The improved fights are especially noticeable in boss fights, which are some of the toughest I've played in a Nintendo game in a while. Major battles require mastering the entire set of movements from Samus. In an early fight, she must slide under a monster's legs to dodge an attack, carefully aim its flapping tail, and counter it at the right second to initiate a thrilling cinematic sequence in which players still get the action by firing control of missiles. Some bosses chewed me up and spat me out in seconds, forcing me to spend a dozen tries slowly learning their patterns and figuring out how my arsenal might counter each move. A few sub-bosses get recycled one too many times, but each milestone encounter feels completely different from the others.

Samus melee attacks an enemy in Metroid Dread.

The battles of Metroid Dread feel classic and modern in the same breath. I'm taken back to the original Metroid where I would have to pump dozens of missiles into Kraid to win. But this time around it's a much more active experience that makes me feel like I am in control of the Super Smash Bros. version of Samus, acrobatics and everything.

Explore ZDR

Exploration is at the core of Metroid's DNA, and that's preserved here, too, though it takes a bit of time to get started. The first few hours of railroad gamblers with more roadblocks than usual to move the story forward. It's a slow burn, but luckily the game opens up in a big way after some key tools are made available to players in quick succession.

As soon as I got off the beaten path, I was reminded why Metroid is especially good. Many of its secrets legitimately feel secret, hide behind tricky puzzles, or are completely out of sight. As I began my usual late-night collection hunt, I realized that my card had unusual loopholes. In fact, I started chasing around only to find a hidden entrance on a wall I'd passed that led me to a whole series of hidden puzzle rooms.

Samus shoots an enemy in Metroid Dread.

Metroid Dread offers players a few tools to make the process easier, such as: There are still elements that I can't quite reach because I don't have to crack their code yet.

It takes full advantage of some of its strengths to create a game that feels like the most complete vision of a Metroid game to date.

It helps that the game really invites players to explore and immerse themselves in its atmosphere. Planet ZDR features visually stunning biomes, from lush alien landscapes to hauntingly sterile E.M.M.I. Zones. Instead of feeling like a vague collection of corridors, each room actually feels like a living space. Lots of attention has gone into creating detailed backdrops in each room, to the point where I can't help but pause and watch. In one room I caught some kind of camouflaged enemy in the distance who was racing through the water and signaling an impending battle. In another, I observe a giant plant seemingly devouring a creature. The latter cannot even be guessed at; it is only there to give character to the biome.

Most Metroidvania games tend to choose sides when it comes to combat and exploration. Axiom Verge 2 offers ingenious traversal tools that surpass Metroid's, but its combat system feels comparatively flat. Metroid Dread makes no such compromises. It doubles everything the series is known for. More importantly, it takes full advantage of some of its strengths to create a game that feels like the most complete vision of a Metroid game to date. Let's just hope that the next adventure doesn't take another 19 years.

Our opinion

Metroid Dread is exactly the boost of energy the Metroid series needs. What's 19 years old feels new again thanks to sharp gameplay additions that enhance both battles and exploration. Most notably, it stands out for its atmosphere and storytelling, creating an alien-esque science fiction horror story that takes the space opera of the franchise to eerie new heights. The Queen is back to remind us who placed the Metroid in Metroidvania.

Is there a better alternative?

Indies like Axiom Verge and Hollow Knight are vastly cheaper options, but Metroid Dread is the best title on this scale alongside Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

How long it will take?

In eight and a half hours, I got 67% completion. A 100% play through takes between 10 and 15 hours and is therefore comparable in length to Metroid: Samus Returns.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Metroid Dread is an exceptional entry on the series that is harder (and a lot more creepy) than your average Nintendo game.

Editor's recommendations



06 Oct
Blog

Nintendo Switch OLED Review: An Upgrade’s an Upgrade

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe runs on a Nintendo Switch OLED.

Nintendo Switch OLED

RRP $ 350.00

"The Nintendo Switch OLED may not be what gamers have dreamed of, but it is undeniably a technological advance for the Switch."

advantages

  • Improved screen

  • Improved onboard audio

  • Much better stand

  • Cleaner dock design

disadvantage

  • No upgrades for the TV

  • Memory is still small

Much of the discussion about the Nintendo Switch OLED model has centered on what it isn't as opposed to what it is. From the first announcement, fans were noisily disappointed with the lack of three main features of the upgrade: 4K graphics when docked, an improvement in resolution in handheld mode, and a battery boost. That left many to write off the system entirely as a minor midlife switch upgrade rather than the version they envisioned.

So let's talk about what the Switch OLED actually is: It's clearly a better version of the Nintendo Switch. It has a bigger, brighter screen that makes the old Switch look washed out. That alone would be enough to make this a notable improvement, and it's not the only novelty here. The question is whether or not the difference is enough, considering the Switch is a four-year-old console that has lagged behind technological advances in gaming for nearly half a decade. The answer is probably no, but it hardly matters if Nintendo plays by its own rules.

The Nintendo Switch OLED optimizes an already great console with a better screen, cleaner audio, and a stand that dwarfs the old Switch. For those who prefer to play their games in handheld or tabletop mode, it's an upgrade worthwhile as your Switch ages. However, those who play docked stay in the dust, making it a somewhat enigmatic addition to the Switch family.

See the light

The only major difference you need to know about here is the console's eponymous OLED screen. Given how unimaginative the name of the system is, you have to assume that Nintendo is pinning a lot of its hopes on this aspect. There is a good reason for this, however: the new OLED panel is undoubtedly better than the Switch's outdated LED panel.

For starters, it's bigger. While the normal switch has a 6.2-inch screen surrounded by a thick black bezel, the OLED extends to seven inches to make better use of the switch's space. There's a noticeable difference, especially since video games tend to use the smallest amount of text when it comes to the user interface.

A Nintendo Switch OLED and a 2019 Switch model side by side.

More importantly, everything is brighter on the OLED panel. You can see this clearly by simply launching the home menu on an old and a new console. The original Switch almost looks like it has a white haze over it and the colors are dulled a little. On the other hand, everything is crisp on the OLED screen; it doesn't feel like anything is lost in the digital translation. When testing the Metroid Dread on it, I switched back and forth between my TV and the OLED in handheld mode. I quickly found that the picture on the OLED was just looking clearer than it was on my aging TV. Because of this, I decided to play the entire game portable.

The new OLED panel is undoubtedly better than the Switch's outdated LED panel.

For disappointed fans, a better screen was only half what they'd hoped for. The console does not offer any resolution increase in handheld mode, which means that like its predecessor, it is limited to 720p. A lack of 1080p sounds like a big deal on paper, but ultimately doesn't make that much of a difference on a seven-inch screen. Instead, OLED gives Nintendo's gaming a boost where it really matters. A game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, for example, shines on the console with its colors that appear in all their shining splendor.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe runs on a Nintendo Switch OLED.

I'm a Switch gamer who plays in handheld mode almost exclusively, even when I'm at home. From that perspective, the new screen is a remarkable improvement for me. I wouldn't have rushed to buy it based on the datasheet, but now that I'm using it I can't imagine going back to my old model.

Undeniable upgrade

The other upgrades to the OLED are more subtle in comparison, though they justify the $ 50 price tag. For one, the system has a completely redesigned stand that makes the flimsy plastic of the old switch look like a gruesome joke. The entire rear lower half of the console can be folded out and remains in place at every angle. It goes so far back that the console can lie almost flat with a slight incline. The Switch feels a lot more stable in tabletop mode, which makes the dream of playing on the plane feel a lot more realistic. It no longer feels like the switch is falling over in a strong gust of wind.

The stand of the Nintendo Switch OLED compared to the 2019 Switch model.

Audio also gets a boost here, which is a small but nice touch. When playing in handheld mode, the onboard speakers just sound a bit louder and crisper overall. Similar to the way the new display removes the washed-out haze of the switch, this also applies here to a more subtle degree. The audio upgrade doesn't make a difference if you're playing with headphones on the go, but it's nice for a lazy couch player like me.

The other changes here are less important, though it's hard to complain a lot. The internal memory of the switch has been doubled from 32 GB to 64 GB. That number is still pretty skimpy considering the upcoming Steam Deck has 512GB of storage if you go for the top of the line. Switch games are smaller than PC games, and you can still save space by physically buying Nintendo's game, but those who make a living from downloads will still need a microSD card anyway.

The other upgrades to the OLED are more subtle in comparison, though they justify the $ 50 price tag.

The aesthetic component is also a nice plus, but hardly a reason for an upgrade. The white Joy-Cons look particularly clean when they are attached to the screen so that it looks less like a toy. The white dock looks similarly good and goes particularly well with a PlayStation 5 in your entertainment center. The interior of the dock just looks cleaner, too, with a sleek black interior that doesn't feel quite as scratched as the regular dock. I wouldn't advise anyone buying a console for the colors (nothing different with the Joy-Cons so don't expect a drift fix here), but it's a good bonus if you get one.

A Nintendo Switch OLED model in its dock next to a regular Switch dock.

“Bonus” is the key word here, so to speak. Aside from the screen and stand, the OLED's new features are nice but negligible add-ons. The only other major boost here is the battery, though it depends on which Switch you already own. For those who bought a base Switch in 2017 and didn't upgrade to the new SKU in 2019, the OLED features its larger battery size. It wasn't worth spending $ 300 on an otherwise identical product back then, but it's more enticing now in the context of an actually polished system.

Neglect from television gamers

The most puzzling thing about the Switch OLED is that it doesn't really bring any real improvements to docked gaming. While handheld and tabletop modes get a nice boost here, they run exactly the same on your TV. Given that Nintendo previously released the handheld-focused Switch Lite, you'd think its next system would tackle the other side of the hybrid console's player base. Amazingly, that's not the case here.

What we are left with is a console upgrade that is a straightforward recommendation for some gamers but completely irrelevant to others.

There's only one real difference when it comes to TV gaming: the redesigned dock has a LAN port to support wired online gaming. Theoretically, this should make online experiences more stable, which the Nintendo Switch urgently needs. Of course, it's not that simple. Online multiplayer is a two-way (or four-way or 100-way) street. When I'm wired, I know I won't have Wi-Fi problems, but that doesn't mean my opponents won't have problems. Most of my testing with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate went smoothly, but every now and then I would jump into a four-player game and experience stutters or delays. A wired internet connection only really works if everyone has access to it, which requires gamers to extensively upgrade their docks. In more practical terms, the wired connection will be a niche advantage for competitive gamers.

The Nintendo Switch OLED Dock.

What we are left with is a console upgrade that is a straightforward recommendation for some gamers but completely irrelevant to others. Buying a console for the first time? The OLED is a breeze. Are you a handheld gamer looking to step up a notch? It's a good excuse to upgrade when you have the cash to spare. But for those who only play on TV, there's practically no reason to buy one – especially since the dock will be available separately through the Nintendo website.

With Nintendo denying reports that a 4K model is in the works, it's impossible to know if we'll ever get a real Switch Pro. For now, this could be the last upgrade we'll get in the life of the Switch. It's certainly not the change we were hoping for, but I'd be lying if I said the new display isn't impressive. This is the model that Nintendo should have brought out when it launched.

Our opinion

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is an improvement on an already good console, period. No, it can't do 4K and it doesn't feel like a midlife change to PS4 Pro size, but an upgrade is an upgrade. The new OLED panel is a huge improvement that makes the Switch's old screen look washed out in comparison. A new stand and better onboard audio both justify the additional $ 50, though the other enhancements are somewhat redundant. It may not be the upgrade the system needs after four years in the market, but it is the definitive model to buy if you don't already own a Switch.

Is there a better alternative?

It's certainly better than a regular switch if you're handheld gaming. If you want more power, the Steam Deck is just around the corner (if you can get one).

How long it will take?

The redesigned dock reduces the chance of hair scratches on the screen. Is your Switch still working four years later? Then expect it to chug on in a similar fashion.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. If you don't already have a Switch, there's no reason not to start here. It's also a worthwhile upgrade for those who play in handheld mode, though TV gamers won't get much benefit from it.

Editor's recommendations



06 Oct
Blog

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: More (And Less) Of A Good Thing

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 45

RRP $ 329.00

"The most popular headphones from Bose have a larger battery, but leave out some functions."

advantages

  • Super comfortable

  • Very good noise cancellation

  • Very good sound quality

  • Can be connected to multiple devices

disadvantage

  • No wear detection

  • No EQ settings

When Bose launched its $ 379 Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (NC 700), many wondered if the company had abandoned its time-honored QuietComfort 35 II (QC 35 II) design, which was by the time the NC 700 was released Flagship cans with active noise cancellation.

It turned out those fears were unfounded when Bose unveiled its $ 329 QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) earlier this year. But the QC 45 isn't your typical upgrade. Bose definitely made improvements, but also removed some features.

Has Bose removed too much? Let's check them out.

What's in the box?

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise canceling headphones with case and accessories.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose continues to do a good job with the packaging – the QC 45 box will be very easy to recycle on site thanks to its sleek but sleek cardboard box. The only exception are the foam inserts, with which the headphones cannot be moved during transport. Inside you will find the QC 45, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable, and a zippered carrying case. Once again, Bose has chosen not to include its $ 9 airplane adapter, an odd choice given the loyalty of the QuietComfort line among air travelers.

draft

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the QC 45, Bose focused on evolution, not revolution. Because if you want something completely different, that's what the NC 700 is for. Aside from a few minor changes, the QC 45 is indistinguishable from the QC 35 II – you get the same fold-flat hinges and lightweight but sturdy construction – even the physical controls are identical, including the slide switch for power / bluetooth and playback Controls on the right earcup and the action button on the left.

The biggest change concerns the materials. Gone are the suede-like Alcantara material from the inside of the headband, instead the same synthetic leather has been used that Bose uses for its ear pads. The synthetic leather probably wears better than the Alcantara, but it also slides a little more on the head. This is an important consideration if you typically carry full size cans in the gym.

The ear cushions take the perfectly comfortable middle ground between firm and soft.

The ear pads have also been redesigned. They're just as comfortable, but Bose has swapped out the wrinkled pillows on the QC 35 II for a silky-soft set that is more like the pillows on the NC 700. While this has the effect of making the QC 45 look more like the competition from Sony and JBL, I applaud the move as I've never been a fan of the wrinkled look.

Bose has also gone for a slightly more conservative finish on the plastic, which is now almost matte, as it has lost some of the satin sheen of the older model. Even the logos of the ear cups have been highlighted more discreetly, with a discreet silver finish replacing the raised metallic lettering.

For some people, simply switching from MicroUSB to USB-C charging (which Bose should have used on the QC 35 II) is enough to consider the QC 45.

Comfort, controls and connections

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The QuietComfort line of headphones has always been one of the most comfortable over-ears you can buy, and the QC 45 continues that tradition. The ear cushions take that perfectly comfortable midway between firm and soft, while the size and shape of the ear cups make these cans the few that don't put any pressure on my ears. They're comfortable even with glasses on.

The headband exerts just enough clamping force to hold everything where it is needed. It also prevents the tape from creating a pressure point on your head. Oddly enough, the QC 45 is actually a bit heavier than the QC 35 II – 8.5 ounces versus 8.3 ounces – but you would never know. I still think the NC 700s are more comfortable overall (although they're a hair heavier at 8.9 ounces), but the difference is marginal.

I still can't understand why Bose designs its cans to sit flat against your collarbones with the ear pads facing up rather than down (like Sony does) which is much more convenient.

Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors.

There's not much to say about the controls – they are exactly what you need, and they work really well. The three buttons on the right earcup let you control calls, playback, volume and skip tracks, while the action button on the left lets you toggle between Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and transparency mode.

But there are two big differences between the QC 45 and the QC 35 II: First, the action button is no longer configurable to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. In fact, Bose has completely abandoned these two voice AIs, leaving you with everything built into your phone. If you want the extra power from Amazon or Google, you have to go for the NC 700.

And there are no longer multiple ANC levels. You only get the two modes – ANC and Transparency (more on that later).

I'm torn at the slider power button. On the one hand, you never switch it on accidentally, which is easily possible with the NC 700. On the other hand, you always run the risk of using a mechanical slide switch for a function that is as strained as electricity when it wears out, which probably explains why there are several guides on the internet that show you how to fix a broken power switch Replace QC 35.

The sound is really pleasant and suits all genres except the most bass-heavy genres.

The only thing missing is wear detection – the headphones' ability to tell when they're on your head. The Tour One from JBL has this function, as does the WH-1000XM4 from Sony. Even some very affordable noise-canceling models like that Wyze headphones got it. But Bose hasn't yet given its buyers the option to automatically pause music when they take off their headphones.

Connecting the QC 45 is a breeze, whether in Android or iOS, and it's even easier to use the Bluetooth multipoint capability to connect a second device such as a computer at the same time. Just slide the power button a little further and wait for the message that you are ready to pair with a second device. Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors. Do you have a Bose soundbar or wireless speaker? The QC 45's SimpleSync feature allows you to easily connect them to these other devices.

All current Bose headphone products, such as the NC 700, QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose Sport Earbuds and the new QC 45 use the Bose Music App instead of the Bose Connect App. The Music app gives you the same ability to update firmware, adjust settings, and view important information like remaining battery life, but it's not as full. You will no longer be able to access Bose's Music Share feature, which allows two compatible Bose headsets to share a single stream of audio from a phone, and there will be no “Find My Product” option. These features may not matter to you, but it's still strange that they go away.

Sound quality

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

After spending time with many Bose products – speakers, soundbars, headphones, and earbuds – I believe there is a “Bose sound”. At its core, it's a nice balance of frequencies – not quite the "flat" or neutral sound that some audiophiles crave, but close. The bass is never missing in the formula, but neither does it trample its way through the songs like an elephant in combat boots. And at the top end there is that extra boost of energy, a brightness that fluctuates on the verge of sharpness but never makes you flinch. In short, the Bose sound is really enjoyable and suits all genres except the most bass heavy. And the QC 45 embodies the Bose sound.

This is great news if you like the sound of it, but if you don't, the company doesn't understand you very much. There's no way to customize the QC 45's EQ in the Bose Music Companion app, which you can do with the NC 700 and the company's wireless speakers.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose fans already know how good the company's noise-canceling technology is. This is why so many of them bought previous QuietComfort models. The QC 45 does not set a new standard for ANC, but improves your usability, which is arguably more important. You still get the same pleasant silence as the cans filter out unwanted noise, but now you can toggle between full ANC and full transparency (called by Bose Aware mode) almost instantly using the action button on the left earcup.

Neither ANC nor transparency are quite as good as what you get with the Bose NC 700, and the QC 45 lacks the clever bells and whistles of Sony's WH-1000XM4 like speech recognition (which can automatically activate transparency mode when you start talking) . but that doesn't stop them from being a great range of noise-canceling cans.

Call quality

Compared to the QC35 II, the QC 45 should enable superior voice calls thanks to the integrated fourth microphone. That may be true, but they're still not as good as the NC 700 for phone calls.

External noise is effectively canceled, but the algorithm Bose uses to do this can sometimes interfere with your voice, especially when that external noise becomes particularly loud. When it's quieter, your callers will hear you with perfect clarity. However, whether in quiet or noisy environments, the QC 45 will make it sound like you're two or three feet from the microphone, which is unusual. This doesn't affect clarity, but it does tend to take away the low frequencies from your voice that add warmth and resonance.

If calls are a big factor, choose the NC 700 or JBL Tour One instead, which offer the best call quality of any full-size headphone I've tested.

Battery life

Bose headphones have never broken records in battery life, but the QC 45 outperforms both the QC 35 II and the newer NC 700 with 24 hours of continuous use (versus 20 hours). A very good quick charge will give you three hours more if you charge the headphones for 15 minutes.

The remaining battery life is announced when you turn it on, which is especially important if you are about to make a long Zoom call and are unsure whether the battery will last. You can also keep an eye on the battery using the Bose Music app.

Our opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 uses a proven formula and makes some much-needed improvements like longer battery life, USB-C charging, and easier / faster control of ANC modes, but some people might be missing the features that Bose left out.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're not stressed about having a MicroUSB charging cable on hand and want to be able to access the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa through your headphones, you can save a few bucks and still get a great set of ANC headphones with the $ 299 QuietComfort 35 II.

If call quality is high on your list, then you should check out the very good ones JBL Tour One. They're not quite as convenient as the QC 45 and don't work as well with ANC, but they do offer hands-free access to voice assistants. They also have better battery life.

If you can afford it Bose noise canceling headphones 700 have many of the same features that the QC 45 left out, such as voice assistants, variable ANC, EQ controls, and great call quality.

How long will they last?

Bose products are very well built and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. These cans should be used for many years, and even if the ear pads are worn out, you can easily purchase a replacement set. Since they lack any official water resistance rating, avoid getting them wet. Bose backs its powered products like the QC 45 with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The QC 45s are a worthy, albeit small, upgrade to the legendary QuietComfort headphones from Bose, which make them even better travel and music companions.

Editor's recommendations



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