25 Aug
Blog

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Review: The Best Foldable There Is

Open the Galaxy Z Fold 3 as seen from the front.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

RRP $ 1,799.00

"After three generations of improvements, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers better durability, software support and productivity features."

advantages

  • Improved screen durability and IPX8 water resistance

  • Powerful hardware and features

  • Solid rear view cameras

  • Ideal for multitasking and productivity

disadvantage

  • Still expensive

  • Poor battery life

Foldable phones are no longer an expensive toy for first-time users, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is here to prove it. Let me make it clear that the Fold 3 is still expensive at $ 1,800, but in its third generation of steady improvements, it's finally a functional device that the average consumer can use and enjoy.

Aside from the welcome improvements in durability, the Fold 3 just generally feels more polished. The hinge is less bulky, the screen creases are less obvious, and the Under Display Camera (UDC) is easier to ignore than a punch. There used to be a pretty significant tradeoff in durability and performance in flip phones when compared to mainstream flagships. That is no longer true. After using the Fold 3 as my daily driver for almost two weeks, I don't feel like I'm missing anything important compared to the Galaxy S21, although it still doesn't match the S21 Ultra.

Design and durability

The Fold 3 does not deviate radically from the design language of the Fold 2. Instead, it focuses on refinements to make it a more polished experience both visually and in the hand. In terms of footprint, the size is not drastically different. When opened, the phone measures 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 millimeters, with a 7.6-inch main screen – slightly larger than the Kindle Paperwhite in terms of usable screen area. It weighs in at 271 grams, so it's a fair bit heavier than most phones on the market, including the hefty S21 Ultra (227 grams), but certainly a lot lighter than a tablet.

When folded, it becomes a tall and narrow “chocolate bar” phone measuring 158.2 x 78.1 x 14.4-16 millimeters. The thickness is roughly the same as two phones stacked on top of each other, which may seem bulky, but I found it relatively easy to use one-handed as the 6.2-inch cover display is so narrow. Compared to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, reaching across the entire screen with your thumb wasn't a problem – no one-handed mode required.

Z fold 3 with screen folds.Ajay Kumar / Digital Trends

When opened, the Fold 3 is a very two-handed device. I keep coming back to the e-reader comparison because that's how you have to hold it – either with both hands or with your pinky finger holding up the lower bezel. All buttons, including the power button / fingerprint sensor and volume rocker, are on the right. This worked fine for unlocking with my thumb as I'm right handed, but I can see left handed people having issues when they can't use the sensor with their middle or index finger.

There are some durability improvements. The biggest one is the IPX8 water resistance. The Fold 3 can now withstand complete immersion in water, and in fact my test device survived a thorough rinse in the sink. This is one of the bigger premium failures that have existed with foldable products, so it's nice to see that they have been addressed. Dust can still be an issue due to the nature of the hinge, so I don't recommend taking the Fold 3 with you for a day at the beach, but Samsung has incorporated "Sweeper" bristles into the hinge so the dust can be forced out when it comes in. There's Gorilla Glass Victus on the deck screen too, and the main screen has screen protector pre-installed, which Samsung says is 80% stronger than before.

This is all welcome news. For those who have followed foldable models for a while, you'll remember that the previous models had problems with dust penetration and screen protector peeling off, causing scratches and other more serious damage to the screen.

When you first set it up, it gives you a pretty extensive list of ways to care for your phone. This includes not pressing down too hard, using only the S Pen Fold or S Pen Pro (with retractable tips), keeping keys and coins in the same pocket with the phone, and not removing the protective film. Fortunately, despite the somewhat ominous list of warnings, I never felt like I had to make it too small.

Adding a sleeve to the Fold 3 also gives it that extra bit of much-needed support and protection. After using the first-party leather case Samsung shipped with the device, I found it a lot easier to hold for gaming, browsing, and general everyday use. Other case options also have an S Pen slot, but it wasn't included.

Displays and multimedia

None of the panels on the Fold 3 is too short. When folded, the 6.2-inch cover display has a resolution of 2268 x 832. It supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz like the main screen that was not on the Fold 2. I've mainly used the cover screen to take photos with the rear camera, navigate Google Maps, take calls, and get quick notifications on the go.

The increased refresh rates make using the deck screen smoother and more responsive, even though you're mostly using the main screen for multimedia. The only thing the deck screen doesn't support is the S Pen, which makes sense since the deck screen is narrow and quite a bit smaller than the main screen. Whenever you try to type on it or tweet on it, the keyboard is cramped and most of the time I left the main screen open to do something intense.

The main screen is where all of the action takes place. When the phone is unfolded, you get a large and bright 7.6-inch screen with a resolution of 2208 x 1768, which equates to a crisp 374 pixels per inch. It's AMOLED and supports HDR10 + so the colors are saturated and saturated, with the dense, inky black the panel is known for. The phone reaches a peak brightness of 1200 nits so I could use it in the park on a bright summer day without any problems. Both the deck screen and the main screen provide excellent visibility in direct sunlight.

Watching videos, playing games, and surfing the web are all a treat on the main screen. Games like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9 looked incredible on the sleek and vibrant 120Hz display. They also filled the screen perfectly on startup, no adjustment required. The larger screen real estate was especially handy with Genshin Impact as it was much easier to use the various controls without blocking any part of the screen with my fingers.

Fold 3 Genshin Impact screenshot.

Fold 3 Genshin Impact 2.

The crease is there and visible, but it can easily be ignored when there is content on the screen. The only time I really noticed it was when the screen was off and the light was reflecting off the blank screen. The same applies to the Under Display Camera (UDC). While there is a noticeable pixelated grid, especially on a white background, it's easy to forget and a lot less annoying than a pinhole camera when it comes to drawing attention to it.

Under display camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 3Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Playing on this phone is an absolute pleasure that is enhanced by its sound. I rarely have strong feelings about phone speakers as they tend to be hit or miss, so I was blown away by the robust sound of the Fold 3's stereo speakers. They are located at the top and bottom of the control panel that contains the phone cover screen. So when you turn the phone over for games and videos in landscape mode, you can hold it so your hands aren't covering the speakers.

The result is a rich sound that is well balanced across lows, mids and highs. It's a lot noisy without being tinny and I never felt the need to reach for my headphones, which is more than can be said of most phone speakers. It won't compete with quad speakers on Samsung's own tablets like the S7 and S7 +, but it can still hold its own.

Not everything was perfect out of the box. I couldn't avoid letterboxing YouTube videos, and while it is possible to adjust the screen to force it to fill in, it does cut off content on the sides so this isn't a real solution. Despite these issues, I was still pleasantly surprised that most of the apps I used were either optimized for the Fold 3 by default or could be forced to fill the screen by enabling them in Labs (Netflix and Instagram were the main culprits).

A productive powerhouse

Much of the Fold 3's value comes from its extra screen space and the customized Android 11 software that supports it. You can have multiple apps open, run them side by side in split view, or run up to three in resizable windows. Fair warning: many of these features are considered experimental and you will need to dive into labs to enable them. So don't be surprised if it doesn't work right away.

As soon as you have put it into operation, the possible uses are many. In my case, it was possible to watch a video or livestream while taking notes or using Google Maps to navigate and still be able to text a friend when I arrived. It's even possible to pull up a keyboard on one half of the screen and type things in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, almost like an old-school slider.

By adding the taskbar and edge panel, you get something that is close to a desktop experience and gives you access to frequently used apps at all times. You can also pin them together with App Pair so that they both start together in split-screen view, drag and drop content, and move and resize windows as you wish. It comes as close to a laptop as you will get it with a phone, and since it supports Samsung DeX, you can get a true desktop experience by connecting wired or wirelessly to monitors, TVs, and laptops.

You can also choose the app behavior for the title screen and decide which apps can still be displayed when the main screen is closed. I turned it on for most apps, although it was most important for Google Maps as I could still get directions after closing the main screen. There's also Flex mode, which allows apps to adjust themselves when you bend the screen. A good example is YouTube, where bending the screen at an angle to keep it upright places your video at the top and the comments area at the bottom. All of this helped make the Fold 3 feel like a seamless device, with software designed and optimized for it.

The productivity potential is increased by using the S Pen Fold Edition or the S Pen Pro. It is important that you only use one of these options as they will have a retractable tip if you press too hard – other S Pen models will damage the screen. Although neither is included, I received an S Pen Fold with my test device and was able to use it for recording and sketching. I'm not a great artist, but being able to pull out the S Pen and seamlessly jot down a quick note, reminder, or shopping list was incredibly convenient. However, that brings me to the one disadvantage. While having a bigger screen to use the S Pen is fantastic, there is no space to plug it in after you use it. So you'll either need to put it in your pocket or buy a case that has a slot that can accommodate it.

The productivity potential is increased by using the S Pen Fold Edition or the S Pen Pro.

Or you can do what I did and take the Fold 3 to a press event to take notes but forget the S Pen at home. It's been happening more often than I'd like to admit, which is the main reason the Fold 3 doesn't offer the same experience as the Note, in my opinion, even if it's much better in terms of screen real estate. Maybe as soon as I get my hands on a Fold 3 S pen sleeve, I'll feel different.

Performance and hardware

Under the hood, the Fold 3 has hardware that matches the best flagship phones on the market. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and has 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB / 512 GB of storage. There is no microSD card slot, which is a shame. So if you're a big power user like me, you'll want the bigger memory configuration.

I ran it through several benchmark tests that you can see below and it performed brilliantly. Multitasking is fluid and responsive, there were no slowdowns or app crashes and, as mentioned, it also mastered demanding games like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9: Legends without any problems. In terms of graphics performance, it was an average of 87% better than other devices on the market.

Benchmarks:

  • PCMark performance: 14,460
  • PCMark battery life: 9 hours, 20 minutes
  • Geekbench (single / multi-core): 1,113 / 3,431
  • GFXBench Aztec: 19fps
  • 3DMark: 5,647

All of this is great, but you will notice one spec that isn't that hot, which is the 4,400 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the Fold 2. The PCMark battery test took 9 hours, 20 minutes to drain 20%, which corresponds to a little more than an average working day term. I usually had to fill up in the evening to keep going. A one hour session of Genshin Impact and some surfing could easily eliminate 20% of the charge.

On the flip side, the phone supports 25 watts of fast wired charging and 11 watts of fast wireless charging, so it was easy to quickly charge using one of the many Samsung Fast Wireless charging stands and adapters I scattered around my home. These aren't included though, so you'll need to buy your own if you want to take full advantage of the speed.

Connectivity is as good as you'd expect. The Fold 3 supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, NFC and has Bluetooth 5.2. I had no problem taking and making calls, surfing the city on 5G, and connecting to accessories like the Galaxy Watch 4 and bluetooth headphones.

A camera on each side

The camera functions are not changed compared to the Fold 2. On the back, the phone has three 12-megapixel (MP) cameras: a primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a telesensor for 2x optical zoom and OIS and an ultra-wide angle for 123-degree recordings. All three cameras take great photos. The images are sharp, have a lot of detail and minimal noise. As is typical of Samsung cameras, colors tend to be jazzed up a bit in terms of saturation, but I like this look.

The rear sensors have more challenges in low light, cloudy, and nighttime settings, but still do quite well. There is some noise with close-ups and the occasional blurring, but for the most part, things come across clearly. However, the ultrawide sensor loses some sharpness and clarity, especially in low light, and is more prone to softness and noise, likely due to the lack of OIS. This also applies to the S21 Ultra, so I won't judge the Fold 3 too harshly for that.

In comparison shots with the iPhone 12 Pro Max and even the older Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, the Fold 3 is displaced. The iPhone 12 Pro Max takes more reliable, razor-sharp and color-accurate recordings, while the S20 Ultra and its successor, the S21 Ultra, are unbeatable in terms of pure image quality, especially for telephoto and ultra-wide-angle recordings. While I would have liked a camera system comparable to the S21 Ultra or Note 20 Ultra, it's still a very good set of sensors that most people will be happy with.

The 10 MP selfie camera on the cover is also suitable for quick selfies and copes reasonably well with proper lighting. The 4MP UDC camera on the main screen, on the other hand, doesn't get as hot. Most of the pictures I took with it were muddy, pixelated, or washed out, although Samsung tried to clean up the image with post-processing.

  • 1.
    Selfie with UDC camera.
  • 2.
    10 MP selfie with cover screen camera on Fold 3.
  • 3.
    Selfie with 12MP primary sensor.

In the comparison shots above, you can see the difference between the 4MP sensor, the 10MP sensor and the 12MP rear camera for selfies. The latter is the best option if you are looking for pure quality. The 4MP UDC camera is only suitable for video chatting or when you only need it in an emergency.

Price and availability

The Fold 3 will cost you $ 1,800, which is $ 200 less than the Fold 2 originally. It's still an expensive phone, make no mistake, but the drop in price makes it easier to digest. The phone will be available on all major US carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon with a variety of installment plans and offers. There are also some nice trade-in options if you have older equipment left over.

Our opinion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the best foldable one on the market and a significant improvement over the Fold 2 in terms of durability. After three years of refinement and advancement, I am much less reluctant to recommend the phone to the average user. It offers one of the best gaming experiences I've had on a phone and offers great value for multitasking and productivity.

It offers one of the best gaming experiences I've got on a phone.

That said, it's not perfect yet, with room for improvement in battery life and camera performance. It's also still expensive at $ 1,800, though the price becomes more palatable when you consider the Fold 3 as a possible replacement for your phone, tablet, and e-reader. With that in mind, I think the Fold 3 is worth buying if you are willing to spend the money and you know you will find some value out of the screen real estate.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really. Samsung dominates the foldable market with no other competitors in sight, especially not in the US. The Fold 3's biggest competitor is Samsung's own Galaxy Z Flip 3, but there are some big differences between the two foldable devices.

For starters, the Flip 3 is smaller in both dimensions and screen size, and has a 6.7-inch screen that folds in half. The purpose of the Flip 3 is to use its compact clamshell design to reduce the phone's footprint in your pocket, rather than improve multitasking and productivity. It serves this purpose well, but isn't a real competitor to the Fold 3.

Samsung Galaxy Flip Phones.

There are rumors of a Pixel Fold in the future, and there are also the Mi Mix Fold and the Huawei Mate X2, but neither is likely to hit markets outside of China. Neither the Moto Razr nor the Surface Duo received many awards, and we had significant concerns in our testing.

Outside of the world of foldable devices, when your primary desire is a big screen and flagship specs, both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra have powerful hardware and S Pen support.

How long it will take?

Samsung has taken care to improve the durability of the Fold 3 by adding IPX8 water resistance, a more durable hinge with sweeping bristles, an improved screen protector for the main screen, retractable tips on the S Pen Fold and Pro, and Gorilla Glass Victus for. added the deck screen. Throw on a case and you won't need much to babysit the phone. If you're particularly concerned, you can invest in Samsung Care + for an extended warranty over the one-year limited warranty and accidental damage protection. The crease can get worse over time, but I would expect the phone to last at least two years, if not longer.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The improvements to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 are big enough that I can recommend them to average consumers who aren't early adopters. There are still a few compromises made when it comes to battery and camera performance. So if you value those two things the most, you might be better off with the S21 Ultra. However, for gaming, multimedia, multitasking, and productivity, you won't do any better than the Fold 3.

Editor's recommendations



25 Aug
Blog

Google Nest Cam (Battery) Review: The Anywhere Home Camera

Google Nest Cam (battery) on the table.

Google Nest Cam (battery) test: The camera for anywhere in the house

RRP $ 180.00

“The Google Nest Cam (battery) is one of the most versatile cameras out of the box. You even get a free video history. "

advantages

  • Works both indoors and outdoors

  • Stores three hours of video history for free

  • Great contrast with HDR video

  • Magnetic plate has a strong connection

disadvantage

  • Bulky design

  • Details are a little soft

It may be surprising to learn that Google has been in the home security business for quite some time. In fact, the original Nest Cam was first released in 2014, long before any of us could have guessed that the Google Assistant would become the brains behind running the smart home. That's quite a long time if you think about it, and the company has released many more cameras – some of which have been well received by users and critics.

However, the latest intelligent surveillance camera is said to be the most ambitious offering to date. The Google Nest Cam (battery) may be the security camera to beat, not just because it works indoors and outdoors, but because it has enough intelligence and power to be the only camera you can count on, when You work you need it. And, oh yes, you don't have to sign up for a subscription service to get access to the best features.

That's not the rule, but I like where it goes.

Setup and installation

Designed to handle both outdoor and indoor situations, I have to admit, I love that you can choose where to place the Google Nest Cam (battery). Thanks to its IP54 protection rating, it can withstand the weather if it is placed outdoors. I chose to keep it as an indoor camera for this review, but it's worth noting that it comes with a wall plate, screws, and anchors if you set it up outdoors. Because it's battery operated, there's no need to run annoying cables around the house – unless it needs to be charged.

Google Nest Cam (battery) with internal stand on table.John Velasco / Digital Trends

While you can buy the optional $ 30 indoor stand that allows the Nest Cam (battery) to stand upright and move around like other indoor cameras, I just put it on the side of a door frame because its magnetic platter is impressively strong. It takes a lot of force to remove until you need two hands to remove it from surfaces.

Another interesting change is that the camera is no longer tied to the Nest app. Instead, everything is set up and managed by the Google Home app. After following the instructions in the app, your Nest Cam (battery) was up and running in less than five minutes.

draft

The new model bears no resemblance to the original Nest Cam from 2014. It actually follows Google's previous line of home surveillance cameras, the Nest Cam IQ series, which has a similarly rounded design with a short connector between the base and the camera body. The Nest Cam (battery) is only available in the snow color, so it would be nice to get at least a few more options. Am i in love with the design? Not really, especially when it's bulkier than other indoor cameras, but I can still appreciate its modern design.

Google Nest Cam (battery) attached to the fridge with a magnetic plate.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Interestingly, I found that if the camera is separated from the magnet base, it will become inoperable. It's a bit strange that its functionality is tied to the connection to the magnetic disk, but Google says it's a privacy protection feature when you're using it outdoors – so it turns off while it's charging indoors . However, you can turn this off by going to the device information settings in the Google Home app. In this way, it works regardless of whether it is connected to the magnetic disk or not.

I'm also not thrilled that it uses a proprietary power connector. I understand the pin connections help keep it weatherproof outdoors, but the proprietary connection means I just can't use any other charging cable I might have lying around. Instead, I would have to go straight to Google.

camera

In terms of specs, the Google Nest Cam (battery) is a small step down from the previous Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor. It has a 2-megapixel 1 / 2.8-inch sensor with a 130-degree field of view that can record video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). In comparison, the Nest Cam IQ Indoor has a decent zoom function that preserves details thanks to its 8 megapixel 4K sensor. With an outdoor camera, the Nest Cam's (battery) field of view is narrower than other all-outdoor cameras, so you'll want to strategically place it in one place to maximize coverage.

Screenshot of the live view of the Google Nest Cam (battery).

Fortunately, the Nest Cam (battery) still offers HDR video, which balances high-contrast scenes well, so the lights and shadows are tinted appropriately to give the entire scene a more neutral contrast. Even so, it doesn't capture nearly the same level of detail and clarity as the Nest Cam IQ Indoor with 4K sensors. Details are a little softer on the Nest Cam (battery). However, its night vision performance is still impressive.

software

As already mentioned, the Google Nest Cam (battery) only works with the Google Home app – unlike previous Nest Cams that could still work with the Nest app. I welcome this change as all of my smart home devices are under one roof. There is an events page through the app that lists all of the event triggers, complete with animated preview clips and detection type.

At first I found the app's navigation a bit confusing as I had to go through other menus to find filter options. Another strange oversight that I noticed while using the app is the ability to quickly take a snapshot or video clip while viewing the video stream live. There are no options for this, which I find quite strange as it is a standard feature on many cameras. I really hope Google will update the camera to enable this basic feature as it comes in handy.

privacy

If Google does one thing perfectly with the Nest Cam (battery), it has to be that they take your privacy seriously. As much as I would have liked to see a kind of privacy shutter over the camera lens itself, the camera can be completely switched off via the Google Home app. You'll find other standard privacy features like motion zones that let you choose which areas the camera should keep an eye on, as well as a green LED on the camera itself to indicate that someone is accessing the live feed.

It's one of the most feature-rich cameras I've come across right out of the box.

Just like the other Nest Cams, I love that you can set up a geofence to turn the Nest Cam (battery) on or off. Using my smartphone's GPS, the Nest Cam (battery) turns off when I enter my apartment – and turns on again when I leave the geofence and leave.

battery

The Nest Cam (battery) has a rechargeable 3.65 V lithium-ion battery with 6 Ah, which cannot be removed and therefore has to be charged at some point using the charging cable supplied. If you're using it as an indoor camera, just keep in mind that the charging cable is about a meter or so – so there is little wiggle room in how far it can be from a power source. Instead, consider picking up the indoor stand as it has a longer wire.

Bottom of the Google Nest Cam (battery) with proprietary connector.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Due to the battery power, the camera can of course be used anywhere. In the short time I've tested, it's still over 85% charged after almost a week of use, which makes me optimistic that it will last over a month on a full charge. This of course depends on how active it is.

characteristics

Many of the features of the previous Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor are locked behind a subscription service. The key feature of the Google Nest Cam (battery) is that it gives you up to three hours of event video out-of-the-box – with no subscription required. This is wonderful news because it captures and stores video of events over the past three hours. If you need more coverage, you'll need to subscribe to Nest Aware for up to 10 days of continuous video recording.

I'm also excited to announce that even in the event of a network failure, the Google Nest Cam (battery) can continue to function normally as it continues to detect events and save clips. I tested this by unplugging my router. This is especially useful as it will not become inoperable if there is a power failure or the Wi-Fi network is interrupted.

Close-up of the Google Nest Cam (battery) camera.John Velasco / Digital Trends

The Nest Cam (battery) will continue to provide intelligent alerts based on what it sees. So far, when it comes to discerning people and pets, it's pretty much right – and alerting me with a notification on my phone. When used outdoors, it also has the ability to detect vehicles. I like that I can customize the notifications through the app, which helps avoid false positives.

And finally, it includes two-way audio for interacting with people. The internal speaker sounds loud and clear enough when used indoors, but I suspect that ambient noise outside could potentially affect its performance.

Our opinion

While there are some minor inconveniences that could easily be resolved with a software update, the $ 180 Google Nest Cam (battery) is a well-rounded security camera that can be effective anywhere. It's a very versatile camera that doesn't hide any advanced features behind a paywall, and one of the most feature-rich cameras I've come across right out of the box.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to clarity and detail, the Arlo Pro 4 is hard to beat with its sharp graphics, color night vision, and removable battery. You pay a little more for it, but the extra features and powerful performance back it up.

At the other end of the spectrum is the $ 130 Eufy SoloCam E40. It shares many of the same functions, such as: B. local storage, which eliminates the need to sign up for a subscription service.

How long it will take?

The Google Nest Cam (battery) has a robust construction with a matte outer casing. It is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 F. In the event of a malfunction due to a defect. Google offers a one-year limited warranty that covers this.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. It's rare that you find a security with so much flexibility and smarts out-of-the-box.

Editor's recommendations



24 Aug
Blog

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Review: First-rate Smartwatch

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic on the wrist.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic in the test: A first-class smartwatch

RRP $ 349.99

"The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a really powerful smartwatch with comprehensive health monitoring functions, elegant One Watch UI software and a sophisticated, elegant design that feels good on the wrist."

advantages

  • Closed, mature design

  • The rotating bezel is intuitive

  • The One Watch user interface is clear and logical

  • Comprehensive health tracking

  • Choice of style and size

disadvantage

  • The battery doesn't last two full days

  • Wear OS 3 software lacks gloss

  • Too big at night

Has the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Do you have what it takes to top our list of the best Android smartwatches? After all, its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 3, has done so since its release, and we have high expectations. The already tough job of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is made even harder by the fact that it has to introduce us to a new operating system and inspire us with its hardware at the same time.

A look at the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic shows that Samsung did its job with the design, but what about the new Wear OS 3 software? There's a lot to do here, but don't worry, this is a feature-rich smartwatch that deserves both your attention and your money.

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At first glance, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic doesn't look that different from the Galaxy Watch 3, but upon closer inspection, there are subtle refinements that give the new model a more cohesive, sophisticated, and watch-like style. The stainless steel case itself comes in either 42mm or 46mm sizes, and I wear the 46mm model on my 6.5-inch wrist. Without the strap, it weighs 52 grams.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 classic.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The ribs on the bezel are smaller and denser than on the Galaxy Watch 3, the chronograph markings are more subtle, and the tabs flow more directly out of the case itself. This, along with the strap and buttons, is the biggest design change. The buttons are elongated, flush with the case and therefore less noticeable, but still separated by a button protector for a clean look.

The bracelet changes the watch the most, as the ends match the curve of the case and the flowing lines match the lugs. It works really well, making the bracelet appear like an integral part of the watch case, and the shape prevents it from bending too far in either direction, which makes it sit better on the wrist. Technically, it's a small design change, but an inspired one that really adds to the comfort and looks of the watch. However, if you swap the bracelet for a non-Samsung version, you lose that advantage.

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic on the wrist shows the buttons.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

At 52 grams, the Watch 4 Classic is quite heavy and you can almost always feel it on your wrist. This prevented me from wearing it overnight for sleep tracking – it was just too noticeable and I found it distracting as I fell asleep. The 42-mm version is not much lighter at 47 grams and both are significantly heavier than the 37-gram aluminum case 44 mm Apple Watch Series 6.

Nevertheless, I don't find the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic tiring during the day and I love the balanced, elegant and unmistakable design.

software

The hardware is great, but the big change in the Watch 4 is the software. Gone is Samsung's Tizen from the Galaxy Watch 3, and the joint Google and Samsung platform called Wear OS 3, or simply Wear, is coming. Tizen has always been the better software compared to the old Wear OS and made the Galaxy Watch 3 our top recommendation for Android smartwatches due to its ease of use, design and reliability. With the new software, the concern for me was how much of Tizen is left or has Wear completely overhauled it?

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic app page.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The good news is that Tizen's superior design and ease of use are preserved through Samsung's One Watch user interface. Wear OS 3 allows businesses to use a custom user interface, which avoids all new watches from looking basically the same. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a rotating bezel that is very helpful when navigating. You rotate it left to show notifications and right to show tiles. Swipe up on the touchscreen to find the app menu and down for quick settings. Then use the bezel to scroll left and right through all of the options that appear. It's fluid, natural, quick, and surprisingly enjoyable. The rotating bezel has a very precise action with nice damping and a decent "notching" feel when rotating.

You should spend a moment digging through the settings to personalize how your watch works, as lift to wake up isn't turned on by default, which means you'll have to tap the screen or rotate the bezel to adjust the display to activate. This is annoying when an app is running and the screen is timing out. An always-on screen can be turned on so that the clock always shows the time. There are many watch faces to choose from, from very simple to very cute, and all of them have custom environment modes.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic shows off a cute watch face.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It all feels very similar to Tizen on the Galaxy Watch 3 at first, but Wear uses clearer fonts that combine with the razor-sharp screen – a 1.4-inch 450 x 450-pixel Super AMOLED on the 46 -mm- or a 1.2-inch 396 x 396 pixel Super AMOLED on the 42 mm – makes everything easy to read. I never have to blink at the screen and the font choices are more sophisticated than Tizen's. The most obvious change happens when you swipe up on the screen and find a list of apps that includes the Google Play Store.

Android apps for Wear OS work on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic as opposed to the Tizen-based Galaxy Watch 3, and that includes Google apps that are missing on old Samsung watches like Google Maps, Google Fit, and Google Pay. Google Pay works normally and you can choose either it or Samsung Pay as the default contactless payment system in the NFC setting. Google Fit works with Samsung Health, but it's not immediately apparent how or if it can be set as the default.

There are times when Wear OS 3 shows it's still in the works, but during my review came a small software update that also showed that Google and Samsung are working on fixing any issues. At first, Google Maps loaded as usual, but whether you could scroll through the map on the screen was unsuccessful, and routes were only displayed in text form. Both issues were fixed after the update. However, some apps are still shaky, with Spotify often timing out, leaving me staring at a rotating progress bar.

Many apps are available through Google Play, including common examples like Spotify and Outlook, but not YouTube Music or Uber. It doesn't seem like the Google Assistant is available either as an app to install or as an onboard alternative to Bixby. Notifications are nice and interactive when they show up, but there is no guarantee of arrival, a problem with the old Wear operating system that has unfortunately carried over to the new Wear. However, notifications are grouped in tiles, properly formatted, easy to read, and when you close one on the watch, it disappears from your phone.

In everyday life, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic with Wear OS 3 has so far been excellent, although it is an unusual mix of Wear OS and Tizen. You get the good looks and reasonable navigation of the One Watch UI and rotating bezel, plus the frustration of unreliable notifications and apps that don't always work properly from Wear OS, along with lots of duplicate services. Since Wear looks different (when they arrive) on other smartwatches that run the software, much of what works well here may be due to Samsung's One Watch user interface, but we won't know for sure until a challenger arrives in the future.

Health tracking

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic's health and fitness tracking is comprehensive, detailed, easy to use, and packed with features. The Samsung BioActive sensor is the outstanding new hardware addition to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The 3-in-1 sensor contains a bioelectrical impedance sensor (BIA), an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a PPG heart rate sensor, all of which are powered by new software algorithms.

Daily activity screen on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The BIA provides a body composition measurement that shows weight, muscle, fat mass, body fat, body mass index (BMI), body water and basal metabolic rate (BMR). Data like this has only been found on a few smart scales so far and is helpful in better understanding weight loss and the effects of continued exercise on your body. It takes 15 seconds and all it takes is your weight and height, but it is not suitable for people with pacemakers as it uses a small electrical current to take a measurement.

It's typical of many of the high tech health features of a wearable in that it provides a lot of statistics but no real information about what they mean and what you can do to change them. The dates themselves are very variable and the results will depend on the time of day, the last meal, and much more. It is difficult to determine accuracy this way. It's probably only helpful if you can compare the results to another device with a body composition measurement, and even then you'll have to do your own research to know what to do with the data.

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic's body composition mode.Measurement of body composition on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In order to use the EKG, a separate app must be installed on your phone, which lasts 30 seconds and only reports in the event of atrial fibrillation. The app shows an option to measure blood pressure, but this feature is not active on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic in the UK. The watch also gives you a stress measurement, an SpO2 blood oxygen monitor, a heart rate and a health tracker for women, plus tiles for manual entry of daily water and food intake.

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a very strong fitness companion, with all the sensors you need.

Workouts start quickly with a tile with Samsung Health, and you can add Google Fit tiles to the watch, along with a convenient overview of your main stats. I've followed various workouts, including those with GPS. The measurements were the same as those I got from an Apple Watch Series 6 connected to an iPhone 12 Pro. The training mode's auto-pause feature stands out for its eagerness and always paused even when I just stopped taking a photo and then resumed when I restarted.

Samsung Health screen and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Training mode in Samsung Health with the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Detailed exercise statistics in Samsung Health with the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Heart rate mode on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Samsung Health app presents its data neatly, and there's enough information for the casual fitness fan, including all of the data gathered from the body composition tests plus heart rate, stress, sleep tracking, step count, and historical workouts -Tracking data. I didn't feel the need to switch from Samsung Health to Google Fit, which suggests it offers a similar level of information and usefulness. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a very powerful fitness companion, with all the sensors you need (and some you probably don't need often), accurate data logging, and a well-presented app.

Performance, battery life and charging

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic uses the new dual-core processor Samsung Exynos W920 with 1.18 GHz and 1.5 GB RAM. It didn't disappoint, with more than enough power to quickly propel the operating system forward. The WiFi range is quite short, however, and the watch doesn't always keep the connection connected or doesn't activate it automatically, for example when opening Google Play. I had to manually connect to Wi-Fi to start some apps, but this may change with another software update. Bluetooth headphones are easy to use and, provided they are already paired with your phone, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic does not require a second pairing.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic's heart rate sensor.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 46mm Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a 361 mAh battery inside and lasts two working days with a single recorded workout and active always-on screen after a week of using the watch, assuming you turn it off overnight the end. It doesn't dare to last two full days with the always-on time showing, and certainly not if you're also using sleep tracking and tracking a workout.

There is a power saving mode that is activated when the watch reaches about 10% of the remaining battery capacity. It extends the usage time by a few hours by disabling non-essential features like the always-on screen. Charging is done with an included magnetic charging disc, and it takes about 80 minutes to reach 10% full capacity. The display usefully shows an estimate of how long a full charge will take.

Price and availability

the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic starts at $ 349 in black or silver and will be released on August 27th. The 42mm model is the cheapest, while the 46mm model costs $ 379. Add 4G LTE and the price goes up to $ 399 for the 42mm or $ 429 for the 46mm version. Buy from Samsung's online store and you can customize the watch with different straps.

Our opinion

The Galaxy Watch 3 is hard to follow, and any new operating system will always be difficult to implement perfectly the first time around, but Samsung successfully got around all of the issues and delivered an excellent sequel to the best smartwatch for Android phones from last year. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic skillfully mixes a smart design with comprehensive health monitoring and offers it not only in two different styles, but also in different sizes. It is absolutely worth your money.

Samsung's use of the One Watch UI is key to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic's ease of use as the UI is smooth, logical, and fast. The rotating bezel makes the smartwatch fun to use, and the convenience and robustness of the smartwatch make it easy to wear all day. I found it too big to wear overnight and want the battery to be used for two full days, but these are not issues unique to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Wear OS 3 looks promising, but it's disappointing to still see the old problems of not getting all notifications and not all apps available or always working properly on the watch. It's better than before thanks to the One Watch UI, but still not as reliable or as app-packed as Apple's WatchOS. However, given its novelty, it should not be judged too harshly just yet. Where's the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic? Samsung has definitely made a great successor to the Watch 3.

Is there a better alternative?

If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE are still the smartwatches you should buy. They can be perfectly integrated into your phone while others miss out on certain functions, and WatchOS is built up quickly and logically. Apple Health is great and the battery lasts a few days.

If you have an Android phone, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are the only two with the latest Wear OS 3 software, and this can be crucial for quick updates over the next year. Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 3 and TicWatch E3 are slated to get Wear OS 3 around this time next year, and while both are still good choices today, Samsung's watches are a better choice as you get the new software without the long wait.

It is Samsung that has the Watch 4 Classic's biggest challenger. The Galaxy Watch 4 has the same features and performance as the Watch 4 Classic, with a different design and a touch-sensitive bezel. It's cheaper too, and your preference will likely depend on which design you like better.

How long it will take?

The case of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is waterproof to 5ATM and has an IP68 rating and meets the hardness standards MIL-STD-810G. The bracelet of my test model is made of thick rubber and feels very hard-wearing. Wear OS 3 software is now up to date and will likely be ahead of the competition for some time as there are no other smartwatches available with the software yet. There's a 4G LTE option for anyone looking to add cellular connectivity with an eSIM. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic lasts for at least two years.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The design and comfort of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are top notch, there are tons of health monitoring features, and the performance is excellent. It's a great smartwatch to buy.

Editor's recommendations



24 Aug
Blog

LG A1 OLED TV Review (OLED55A1PUA, OLED65A1PUA, OLED77A1PUA)

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV screen with images of a colorful desert.

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV

RRP $ 1,800.00

"The LG A1 is not a game changer, but still an OLED television."

advantages

  • Perfect black levels

  • Great color

  • Low input lag

disadvantage

  • Lower brightness

  • Sluggish interface

Unseen, we presented the LG A1 OLED with our Top Tech of CES 2021 Award in January. At the time we wrote, "LG promises that the A-Series will be much more affordable for a wider audience, and while LG has not yet released any figures, we are confident that we will reach the prices that the average family can afford."

Perhaps our trust was out of place.

It turns out that – at the time I write this seven months later – the LG A1 OLED is only two or three hundred dollars less than the LG C1 OLED I raved about earlier this year, assuming you look at it 55- or 65-inch models. That's not the kind of breakthrough pricing I was hoping for when I introduced the A1 OLED to my coworkers via a Zoom call towards the end of the world's biggest virtual tech show. Sure, $ 300 isn't to be sneezed at, but it's not a huge premium to ask if you're already looking to spend close to $ 1,800 on a 65-inch television.

TV prices usually drop towards the end of the calendar year and may drop further when next year's models hit this spring, but for now the prospect of an OLED TV below $ 1,000 remains elusive.

For this review, I think it's important to know what you get and what you don't get with LG's A1 OLED and, perhaps most importantly, whether the small saving comes with some sacrifice in design and performance.

draft

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV screen with pictures of ice breaking.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Despite a few flaws, the A1 OLED is still an OLED TV, and I was quickly reminded of this when I unboxed the TV. It has the same amazingly thin profile that you'll find on the C1 OLED, with a screen thinner than any other smartphone on the market. Sure, there is a bulge in the lower third of the TV that houses all of the electronics, but even when mounted on the wall, you still get the “wow” factor from the incredibly thin screen – even if it doesn't curl up.

The screen isn't the only part that resembles the LG C1 OLED. The entire chassis appears to be identical to the LG C1, with one exception: the A1 OLED only has three HDMI ports, while the C1 has four.

The similarities end with the included stand. The LG A1 comes with two feet that must be screwed into the bottom of the TV, while the LG C1 comes with a heavy, central stand. However, since the LG A1 shares the same chassis with the C1, anyone who wanted to use the central stand of the C1, CX or even C9 OLED TV could if they wanted – the mounting holes are there. A quick visit to eBay will produce results on LG C-Series stands for sale. Just be prepared to pay for it as the shipping is so steep due to the heavy weight of the stand.

Close-up of the stand of the LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Close-up of the stand of the LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV 2 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV connections and plugins.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Once set up on a stand or mounted on the wall, the television looks very elegant with its extremely thin profile, frameless design and a strong anti-glare coating to reduce the "mirror effect" of the screen.

The A1 OLED comes with LG's newly designed “Magic Motion” remote control, which is equipped with buttons and also enables motion control of the TV in the Nintendo Wii style.

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR details

Screen size Model no RRP
48 inches

OLED48A1PUA

 $ 1,200
55 inches OLED55A1PUA $ 1,300
65 inches OLED65A1PUA $ 1,800
77 in OLED77A1PUA $ 3,000

Features and Specifications

General 4K TV details about the LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The LG A1 OLED uses a 60 Hz panel in contrast to the 120 Hz panel of the slightly more expensive C1 model. In general, screens with higher refresh rates offer smoother and more natural motion, especially in fast-moving sports and movie scenes.

The A1 is powered by LG's A7 Gen4 processor, not the newest, fanciest A9 Gen4 processor found in all of LG's other OLED TV series. We'll go into more detail about what that means in the Performance section.

As already mentioned, the A1 has three HDMI inputs instead of four, none of which are HDMI 2.1 compatible. The TV supports eARC for uncompressed audio passthrough to other devices, but it doesn't support other popular features associated with HDMI 2.1 such as: However, the A1 offers LG's Game Optimizer setting, so it can't do without game-friendly features. We'll get more into gaming performance in the next section.

The television offers HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision HDR support, so it is an HDR television, but as test measurements with a SpectraCal VideoForge Pro and a C6 measuring device with CalMAN software showed, the LG A1 OLED is not as bright as the LG C1 OLED or, as it turns out, the Vizio OLED TV.

power

user interface

The LG A1 runs LG's WebOS Smart TV system, which recently received a facelift and is a little more eye-friendly and easier to navigate than it was a year ago. However, I've found that WebOS felt more cluttered as it was used, and its implementation in the A1 OLED proved annoyingly sluggish. I was often frustrated with the delay between my key presses and the corresponding action on the screen. The system can be used to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other apps, but I would highly recommend adding a Chromecast with Google TV, which offers a huge improvement in experience and responsiveness, although it only requires one of three HDMIs Inputs.

Audio

The LG A1 sounds surprisingly good in view of its slim design and reduced price. I think most users will find the built-in sound system perfect for everyday television thanks to its solid dialog clarity and decent bass production, although I would always recommend a selection from our list of the best sound bars for a more cinematic experience while watching movies and games.

image

Since it is impossible for me to review the LG A1 without comparing it to LG's slightly more expensive C1 OLED TV series, I will present most of my observations on image quality in this context. Before I start though, I want to make a few things clear.

As already mentioned, the LG A1 is an OLED television and as such offers a few advantages. Aside from its stunning looks, the A1 is blessed to produce perfect black levels. Since the A1 OLED has no backlighting (every pixel lights up by itself), there are no annoying backlighting anomalies to be endured. There is no blooming or halo around bright objects on a black background, no dirty screen effect (spots on an LCD screen), and no backlight fluctuations (slow brightening and dimming). Therefore, the A1 OLED has a remarkably clean appearance with deep, rich colors and an incredibly satisfactory image quality.

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV screen with pictures of someone playing the saxophone.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The response time of the A1 OLED is also practically instantaneous, so that no image blurring is caused by the screen. Instead, the blurring you see on the A1 is actually caused by the fact that your eyes can't keep up with the speed at which the image is changing – even on a 60Hz screen like that of the A1 OLED.

However, the A1 OLED's 60Hz screen robs the TV of the smoother movement you see on the C1 OLED. Plus, the A1 OLED's A7 Gen4 processor isn't as sophisticated as the updated A9 Gen4 image processor from the C1 OLED series and above. It would require placing the TVs next to each other to notice this, but the A1 doesn't do quite as good a job of upscaling low quality content (low resolution or low bitrate streaming video or cable / satellite content) as the C1 does does.

LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV screen with images of a colorful sunset landscape.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The real drawback of the A1, however, is its brightness. The A1 OLED may not be a weak TV, but it doesn't have the brightness potential needed to really bounce HDR images off the screen. The peak brightness of the A1 OLED is around 500 nits, while the LG C1 and Vizio OLED are closer to 750 nits. That's enough of a difference for most people to notice whether the TVs are next to each other or not. The A1 just looks less brilliant.

The lack of brightness extends beyond bright highlights into color and overall look. The colors of the A1 lack a certain crackle compared to the C1 and the overall picture level is a bit darker. It's perfectly fine (sometimes even dazzling) in a very dark or very dark room, but even turning on the room lights steals a lot of the A1 OLED's zeal, making it a less realistic TV option for many.

Games

Fortnite video game played on LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Game Optimizer settings on the LG A1 OLED 4K HDR TV.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

As already mentioned, the LG A1 OLED does not offer a variable refresh rate. And while an Xbox Series X or S will tell you that the TV has 1080p resolution at 120 frames per second (fps), that's not the truth. The A1 simply skips every other frame of a 120 fps signal.

However, the A1 is capable of 4K HDR at 60 Hz and has a remarkably low input lag of around 10 milliseconds in game mode. The A1 also comes with an LG gaming dashboard that allows for game genre detection and optimization, along with black and brightness controls that can make it a little easier to spot enemies in dark shadows in challenging first person shooter games.

The bottom line is that the A1 OLED is an excellent TV for most gamers, but those looking to get the most out of their next-gen Xbox Series X or S will want to upgrade to the C1 OLED for the best experience.

Our opinion

The LG A1 OLED has all the image quality advantages inherent in an OLED display and looks very nice in a dark room. None of its drawbacks alone is a deal breaker, but when you add up the individual shortcomings of the A1 OLED and put them in the context of the very small price difference between it and the step-up C1 OLED, it's hard to imagine why anyone would save you money not for the better TV and leave the A1 OLED completely over.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes sir. The LG C1 OLED is a superior TV, if only a little more expensive. The upgrades are worth the additional cost, however; You get what you pay for in this case. The Vizio OLED is also a brighter TV available for the same price, but I don't care about its SmartCast smart TV interface or some of its flaws. However, the Vizio OLED is a better gaming TV overall.

How long it will take?

Since the A1 OLED doesn't have the latest processor or HDMI connectivity, I think it will feel its age a little earlier than most TVs. However, from a general longevity standpoint, I would expect it to last for many years. I wouldn't recommend an OLED TV to anyone who watches the same news, weather, or sports channel for hours, every day, for months, because burn-in is a small risk on any OLED TV.

Should you buy it?

If the price of a 55-inch model falls below $ 1,000, then yes. Otherwise I would forego the A1 OLED and buy the LG C1 OLED TV instead.

Editor's recommendations



23 Aug
Blog

Govee RGB Strip Lights Review: Great Features, Low Price

Govee Strip Lights in a home

Govee RGB Strip Light Test: Great features without the high cost

RRP $ 39.99

"Equipping your home with intelligent light strips does not cost a fortune with Govee's offer."

advantages

  • Affordable price point

  • Lots of functions

  • Impressive music effects

  • Bright and vivid lights

disadvantage

  • Bad setup experience

  • Disorganized app

Strip lights add an element to the decor that normal lights simply cannot compete with. Think how many home theater setups you've seen with ambient lighting on the back of the TV or a string of lights under a chair. Not many. The problem is that the best light strips like the Philips Hue Lightstrip or the LIFX Z LED are sometimes prohibitively expensive, reaching prices of up to $ 70 or more.

Govee's RGBIC Strip Lights offer largely the same functionality as higher-priced models, but at a fraction of the cost. A 16.4-foot section starts at $ 23 while a 32.8-foot section starts at $ 49.

Installation and setup

Installing the Govee light strips is a simple task. All you have to do is plug the power adapter into the wall and hook up the lights to it yourself. A physical controller allows you to cycle through various color options and turn the device on and off, while 3M tape on the back of the strip makes it easy to mount on the underside of a counter, along the wall, or any other location around the lights place.

Setting up the strip light, on the other hand, is a bit strange. The Govee app isn't the best-designed application I've ever used, and when it came time to connect the lights to the Wi-Fi, it didn't auto-detect the Wi-Fi network and neither did I. not be able to choose from one of the available connections. I had to manually enter the network's SSID and password. Govee also has many different light strips to choose from, so you'll need to know the model number of your lights to find them in the app. The organization of the app leaves a lot to be desired.

Govee strip lights in a loft

However, after I completed this section of the setup process, everything else went smoothly. Note that unlike some RGB strips, the lights cannot be cut. RGBIC lights are controlled by a single IC chip, so cutting the strip on either side of the cut can cause malfunction, especially if you don't cut it in the right place. Also, the cut section cannot be reconnected to another power supply.

Another thing to be aware of is the heat generated by these LEDs. Most LED strips hardly get warm, but the Govee strips can get uncomfortably warm when rolled up. Make sure to unroll the strip before using it, even if you don't need the full length. Leaving it rolled will make the lights dangerously hot.

Features and performance

In the list of functions, the Govee RGBIC Strip Lights stand out. The lights are able to display up to 16 million different colors with their bright 5050 LEDs. The luminosity of these LEDs is impressive – they are significantly brighter than other LEDs in the same price range.

The lights can be controlled by a physical controller that provides access to a wide range of spot colors as well as multiple color changing effects. However, the best features are in the app. It gives users access to all of the top options for using the Govee strip light, including the timer function and the ability to manipulate the brightness or switch between the four different modes.

The luminosity of these LEDs is impressive.

the Music mode causes the lights to flash and change to the beat of the music. It will listen to music through the phone's microphone, but you can adjust the sensitivity if it picks up too much background noise. You can choose between the options Party, Dynamic and Quiet, as well as whether the music mode changes color automatically or you can select it manually. Party mode is the most hectic option and is the fastest to change the color option, while sleep mode offers the slowest transition. You can also choose from a number of other options, some of which don't make much sense because of their names: Shiny, Sprouting, Day and Night, etc.

Color mode is self explanatory and lets you change the colors of the light. However, there is more to it than just basic colors. You can set different segments of the strip to different colors, adjust the brightness, and much more. You can also save custom colors. With the “Recommended Color Schemes” function, you can choose between different styles, scenes and color adjustment methods to customize the appearance of your light strip. Some quick math shows that there are millions of different color combinations and setups just for spot colors, let alone the flashing light options.

the Scene mode offers more than 64 preset scenes for almost every occasion. The scenes are divided into Life, Emotion, Festival and Natural. I recommend either the Lightning or Deep Sea scene – both make impressive use of the lights and do a great job of imitating their namesakes.

The last mode available in the app is Home improvement. This mode allows you to create your own streak of light effects with a variety of adjustments. However, there are little to no instructions on how this mode works, so you can learn through a lot of experimentation and trial and error. I still haven't fully understood how it works, but the ability to create my own scenes and flickers was really impressive.

The Effects Lab is another feature worth trying out. It's divided into a color gallery, an effects lab, a gaming lab, and the Harmony lab. The last one – the Harmony Lab – really stands out. Each of the selections plays sound through your phone and has a matching scene. Some of these effects, like Rain Drops or Stream, create almost meditative experiences. The effects are calming and well beyond what I would expect from a series of light strips. You can turn off the sound at any time and also keep the flicker effect.

At full brightness, the lights are almost too bright to be viewed directly and they work best as ambient lighting. However, you can adjust the brightness between 1 and 100, with the lower section providing more than enough light without dazzling you.

According to the specification, this light bar only works with Bluetooth. However, I found that even with the bluetooth turned off, I could only control it via Wi-Fi.

Integration of intelligent assistants

The Govee Strip Lights work with both Alexa and the Google Assistant. Alexa can easily create routines, change the color of the lights or even activate certain scenes if you know their names. However, the wizard cannot set the lights to one of the effects from the Effects Lab.

Within the Alexa app you can change the color, set up scenes and create certain routines. You can also turn the lights on and off at specific times. I placed the lights in my loft as part of a playroom setup and they go perfectly with the rest of the decor in the room. Unfortunately, they cannot function as ambient lighting. I haven't found a way to connect them to the scene on a TV to match the ambient color on the screen.

Govee Strip Light Controller at night

Our opinion

My first impression of the Govee RGBIC Strip Lights wasn't that great. The setup process left me frustrated and confused with the lack of features that apparently should be included by default, but after that I learned to enjoy those lights. The wide range of features and color options is really impressive, and I really appreciate the physical controller. Some lamps I've worked with in the past, like the LIFX Z LED, don't include physical controls. Sure, it takes up more space on the cord, but when the phone is out of range or the lights aren't connected to a smart assistant, having a real button to press is useful. All in all, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, especially at this price point.

Is there a better alternative?

There are alternatives, but few better options at this price point. Philips Hue and LIFX both have light strips that are packed with features and tremendous construction quality, but both are also way outside the price range of Govee RGBIC lights.

The Twinkly Line has a lot of features and presets, but costs $ 67. You can also use ultra-budget on lights with no smart features, but which are only $ 8 for a 16.4-foot strip. If you want lots of smart features and smart wizard integration, the Govee RGBIC Strip Light is your best bet at this price point.

How long it will take?

The plastic on the controller isn't of the highest quality, but it doesn't feel overly fragile either. With proper care, these lamps should last for many years. Note, however, that the glue is intended for single use only. After you've placed the lights and peeled them off, they'll need help staying attached elsewhere. Even if you accidentally place it incorrectly and pull the lights off to put them back on, you will find that the section sags and comes off.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. At this price you will hardly find a lamp that comes close to this quality.

Editor's recommendations



23 Aug
Blog

Psychonauts 2 Review: Empathy and Creativity Go Hand in Hand

Raz runs on a colorful stage in Psychonauts 2.

Psychonauts 2 Review: Empathy and Creativity Go Hand in Hand

RRP $ 60.00

"Sensitive storytelling and stunning level design make Psychonauts 2 a worthy successor to one of the great cult classics in the gaming industry."

advantages

  • Excellent level design

  • Creative graphics

  • Narrative motivated platforming

  • Having fun optimizing skills

disadvantage

  • Bloated story

  • Complicated skill juggling

Playing Psychonauts 2 feels like rediscovering a long-lost memory. For those who grew up in the era of mascot-controlled 3D platformer, it's a familiar return to a time when gaming was about collecting hundreds of items and Nickelodeon was king. It's a little emotional time travel for those who want to reconnect with their childhood.

There's a good reason why it feels so nostalgic: Psychonauts 2 has been in the works for a long time. The Double Fine team began developing ideas for sequels during the development of the first Psychonauts game, which was released back in 2005. Several publishers reportedly turned down the idea over the years, which eventually led Double Fine to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2015 to bring it to life. While games have evolved quite a bit since the PlayStation 2 era, fans just weren't ready to let go of the past. This can be unhealthy behavior in some contexts, but it is positive here.

Psychonauts 2 cleverly comments on mental health issues through an inventive platformer who is always sincere and empathetic. It can feel bloated from 16 years of creative brainstorming, but it's hard not to be charmed by a game that acts as a cheerleader for players of all ages.

History session

Like its predecessor, Psychonauts 2 stars Raz, a 10-year-old circus performer who has become a clairvoyant and can jump into any mind. The sequel picks up right where Psychonauts (and VR spin-off Rhombus of Ruin) left off, starting with a thorough “before” segment that runs through every plot beat that you might have forgotten since 2005 Has.

It's a helpful way to start the adventure because there's a lot to consider in Psychonauts 2. Raz is now an intern with a respected group of clairvoyants – the Psychonauts – and must help track down a mole in the organization that aims to revive the murderous clairvoyant Maligula. This spy movie setup fits the series perfectly, guiding players through mind-boggling levels where unreliable narrators twist the truth. It's a kid-friendly inception.

It's a bit weird that we get such a comprehensive story here because Psychonauts 2 really excels at telling smaller, more intimate stories.

A lot more happens, including a deep dive into the political inner workings of Grulovia, a fictional country in the game. In an interlude that slows the momentum of the main story for a few hours, we learn a lot about Raz & # 39; Family. There's also a whole cast of young interns who just disappear for most of the game and re-integrate into the narrative like they'd been there all along.

Raz & # 39; Family looks solemn in Psychonauts 2.

When you consider how long Double Fine has been buzzing around with ideas for the game, it feels like maybe too many went into the final project. It feels like three games full of history are crammed into one because who knows how long it will be until the third part?

It's a bit weird that we get such a comprehensive story here because Psychonauts 2 really excels at telling smaller, more intimate stories. Every time Raz comes to someone's mind, we get a little self-contained arc that carries emotional depth. One level contains a moving love story in which Raz has to help a character overcome the mental blocks holding him back in their relationship (all visualized by Raz finding seeds to help a farmer regrow a withered garden). These are the stories that ultimately help the game accomplish its true mission: to help us better understand each other's struggles and encourage each other to grow, no matter how hopeless we feel.

In the head

These little stories come to life thanks to imaginative level design that visualizes abstract concepts in a creative way. In an early sequence, Raz tries to convince his teacher Hollis to let him go on more dangerous missions by rewiring her brain. The level starts in a hospital and represents both Hollis & # 39; Past as a doctor as well as her fear of endangering her students. As Raz rewrites her thoughts, the level turns into a casino as Hollis is suddenly ready to take high risks. An area of ​​the platform that was previously centered around X-rays suddenly changes when Raz hops onto playing cards instead.

Nothing in Psychonauts 2 feels like busy work or content for content's sake; everything is narrative motivated.

Each level is loaded with these kinds of ideas that narrative justify any new platform mechanic. One section sends Raz into the head of a germaphobe who runs a bowling alley. As a result, players will have to ride around on giant bowling balls, glide over piles of green slime, and use ball polishers to activate new paths (or lanes, so to speak). Another section turns the fear of gigs into a cooking game show in which Raz has to chop up sentient foods and place them on a platter for loud-mouthed judges. Even if a level doesn't quite match what it does, it's always surprising and fun to see how each spirit palace is set up.

Platforming is standard for the genre, which makes creative visual design even more important. Raz can drag rails, hop on ropes, swing from branch to branch and so on. Various PSI powers add some extra mechanics to the mix that make Raz freeze time or burn wooden objects, but the experience is largely unchanged from 2005. Instead, Double Fine is doubling the construction of more elaborate playgrounds for Raz. It's a series of therapeutic amusement park rides (literally, in one case).

Raz runs through a colorful mental palace in Psychonauts 2.

Nothing in Psychonauts 2 feels like busy work or content for content's sake; everything is narrative motivated. Even collectibles serve a larger purpose. As in the first game, inventions instead of target markers indicate where to go next. Safes can be cracked to get a little slideshow of a character's backstory. And of course the players can track down emotional baggage again, which is still the best sight gag of the series.

The game doesn't reinvent the genre because it doesn't have to. It recognizes that even if the gathering-a-thon platformer is currently out of style, these ideas can help tell a meaningful story. Just as Psychonauts 2 tells players that anyone can grow, it believes that video games can always reach new heights without giving up their story.

Brain fight

The fighting side of Psychonauts 2 has its own clever twists and turns. Every enemy is a manifestation of psychological suffering. Panic attacks, for example, appear as unpredictable monsters that need to be slowed down to better deal with them. It's always fun to see a new state emerge and how it has been translated into a physical creature.

Raz can do basic punches and dodge throws, both of which feel a little too ineffective, but PSI powers make battles more interesting. The game gives the players different powers that have a function both in and outside of combat. Through mental connections, players can reach small nodes of thought, but they can also attach themselves to an enemy and drag them into it. In many battles, I have made full use of my toolkit instead of sticking to a basic attack loop.

Psychonauts 2 might not be perfect, but it's always on the lookout for its players. Empathy isn't just a narrative topic; it is at the heart of game design.

The skills develop over the course of the game, which gives each individual new usefulness. Every time Raz ranks up by collecting various items, he'll earn a skill point that can unlock a handful of upgrades for each power. Players can also purchase and equip Pins that will further improve their skills. Each tool has surprisingly great potential, giving players a good reason to engage with the “Earn and Rank” loop.

Raz hits an opponent with a huge hand in Psychonauts 2.

Switching between powers, however, can be painful. Skills are assigned to the triggers and bumpers of a controller so that four can be active at the same time. They can be swapped and reassigned on the fly using a skill wheel, but it can be difficult to navigate in the middle of a battle. I often found that a swap didn't work, which forced me to go back to the menu to try again. Skill juggling can be a little confusing overall, and I wish a few powers, like a floating ball that is essential for navigation, stayed permanently assigned to a button.

Those who find these battles frustrating can activate "narrative battles" and reduce the enemy's health. This kind of considerate design shows up in the very first moments of the game, when a splash screen with links to helpful resources encourages players who might be struggling with the game's mental health issues to take a break. Psychonauts 2 might not be perfect, but it's always on the lookout for its players. Empathy isn't just a narrative topic; It's at the heart of game design.

Our opinion

Psychonauts 2 is a cute platform game that wants only the best for its characters and players alike. By visualizing mental health issues through creative level design, Double Fine is able to tell a range of clever stories where gameplay and narration go hand in hand. It has a few personal weaknesses in its fiddly fight and over-zeal story, but if Psychonauts 2 teaches us anything, it is that we are not defined by our problems.

Is there a better alternative?

It Takes Two takes a similar approach to merging narrative and gameplay, with a more streamlined gameplay. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offers a better fight that can be combined with its platform spectacle.

How long it will take?

It will take around 10 to 15 hours, depending on how much you collect. A lot of time can be spent grabbing each collectible and reaching the maximum rank after the credit roll.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Psychonauts 2 is a friendly platformer for gamers of all ages and those familiar with the series. It's also available in Xbox Game Pass, which is a big plus.

Psychonauts 2 was verified using an Xbox Series X code provided by Microsoft.

Editor's recommendations



22 Aug
Blog

Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Review: Spot-on Subject Tracking

eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Test Lifestyle

Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro in the test: precise subject tracking

RRP $ 299.00

"From the sharp graphics to the rich app, there's a lot to love about Eufy's Floodlight Cam 2 Pro."

advantages

  • Excellent video quality

  • Great motion tracking

  • A powerful companion app

  • No subscription required

disadvantage

  • Hardwired only

  • Only 8 GB of internal storage (no cloud option)

Over the years, the world of intelligent security has taken on an entirely new form. While we used to rely on the big names in home surveillance to install their hardware and provide remote surveillance services, the performance of the security system has gradually become more and more DIY – and that's how we like it. Nothing beats grabbing your phone, opening an app, and viewing an instant live feed from a specific camera.

For outdoor DIY gadgets, the installation itself may take a little longer, but the instant reassurance remains the same. And what's not to love about a powerful floodlight camera with a control app?

When you buy a floodlight system you come across hundreds of brands that claim to be the best, but one name that still blows us away is Eufy, the smart home division of parent company Anker Innovations. Amid the release of a brand new line of outdoor cameras, we were able to find the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro, the company's current flagship.

Does the Floodlight Cam 2 live up to its "premium" bill? Yes indeed. Read on to find out more.

Out of the box

The Floodlight Cam 2 has the look and feel of a camera built for performance. Do you know when something just feels cheap? That thought never crossed my mind with the Cam 2, especially when I was holding it in my hands. About the weight of a brick, the Floodlight has an IP65 rated outer shell that feels sturdy and ready for the elements.

The Cam 2 comes with everything you need to get started. The scope of delivery includes the camera itself, assembly and wiring material, a USB power connection for the initial setup (you need a power module in standby mode) and the operating instructions.The scope of delivery of the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro.

Before installing the Cam 2 outdoors, you must first connect the device to your WLAN and the Eufy app (for iOS and Android platforms). After you've added the app to your mobile device, open it and tap Add Device. Select the Floodlight Cam 2 Pro from the list of available hardware. You will then be asked to scan the QR code on the camera body. The QR label is neatly hidden in the Floodlight's lower flap compartment, accessible by holding the release tab (watch out for your fingers) and pulling down on the white part of the camera body.

By tapping into the live feed, the daylight view presented a clear and colorful image with balanced contrast and little (if any) visual artifacts.

Next, connect your Floodlight using the included USB temporary power cable so you can go through the rest of the app setup. After you have connected the camera to your WLAN and run through the firmware update, you can start with the installation.

Eufy Security app setup screens.

Wired installation only

Similar to many other outdoor camera products (especially those with powerful lighting), the Floodlight Cam 2 requires a hard-wired power connection (110 to 240 volts). While certain homes may have pre-existing cables under house and garage awnings that you can use, you may need to add professional grade wiring and a compatible junction box to your to-do list if your home is not floodlit.

The wired connections of the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro.

Yes, I was moaning to myself wishing the Cam 2 could run on batteries (I'm not a fan of wiring work) but there is no way I will lose the overall grade because of that. With its abundance of rich features, plus internal storage and powerful lighting (more on these two assets below), a hardwired connection is absolutely necessary. Without one, we'd recharge the batteries every two weeks.

If a wall or ceiling junction box is installed (either the setup is Floodlight approved) the rest of the installation is just a matter of screwing in the Cam 2's rectangular mounting plate, connecting the wiring, and attaching the camera. Conveniently, the camera comes with a sturdy strap that you can hang from the junction box while the cables are being connected.

Top notch video quality and motion tracking

the Floodlight camera 2 has a 2K sensor for live feeds and video recordings. That is twice the number of pixels compared to its predecessor, the Eufy Floodlight Camera. While the previous iteration only offered a fixed view, the Cam 2 has an adjustable 360-degree lens housing, a 130-degree vertical axis, and full pan and tilt controls. While a lack of 4K support can leave some users disappointed, based on the video quality I learned about during my testing period, I assume that most property owners will be more than satisfied.

Daily footage from the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro.

The Cam 2 delivers extraordinary videos, day and night. By tapping into the live feed, the daylight view presented a clear and colorful image with balanced contrast and little (if any) visual artifacts. Night views use the three adjustable 3,000 lumen floodlights that illuminate the area in and around the camera well. Better still, the Cam 2's automatic night mode (you can toggle it on and off in the app) brings another level of nighttime detail.

Night shots from the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro.

One of my favorite out-of-the-box features of Cam 2 that is only surpassed by its optics is the camera's subject tracking. A very responsive AI. Module is built for human recognition. Whenever a passer-by crossed the Cam 2's 270 degree motion threshold, my Cam 2 would fly into action, catching the person and tracking them with ease. In addition to a motion notification on your phone, the Cam 2 also records a video clip in the Eufy app and logs it when a person is detected.

Yes, not having to use your credit card for an annual cloud service membership is a huge benefit, but those looking for expanded storage may be a little disappointed.

Best of all, you can create two custom activity zones in the Eufy app (more on app coverage below) to avoid unnecessary motion alerts that are outside your property line.

A feature-rich companion app

The Cam 2 basics are all pretty stellar, but what about the mobile app? Rest assured, you are in good hands. Eufy Security is your one-stop portal for all Anker security products, from indoor and outdoor cameras to motion sensors. All of your Eufy hardware that is currently online is listed on the Devices tab on the home page, along with a thumbnail of the last picture you took.

When a motion clip is recorded, it is saved in the Events tab. Here you can sort all of your recordings, with filters for people, pets, and more. You can also watch clips again and delete clips you no longer need. With 8GB of internal storage that's estimated to last up to 30 days (based on average motion detection settings), no subscription is required to store videos. Yes, not having to use your credit card for an annual cloud service membership is a huge benefit, but those looking for expanded storage may be a little disappointed.

The different screens of the Eufy Security App.

On the "Security" tab, you can set your Cam 2 to "Home" and "Away" mode, each with their own settings and adjustments. You will also find geofencing and schedule selections to program your camera based on your zip code, sunrise / sunset, time of day, and more.

Tapping the Floodlight Cam 2's play button on the device screen will take you to a live feed from the camera with capture options, screenshots, two-way communication and tracking / calibration functions. Tapping the settings icon in the top right corner will take you to various customizations for the Cam 2 itself, including motion detection / monitoring, lighting, recording and video quality. You can also arm / disarm the Cam 2, turn the automatic night vision on and off, and much more.

For smart home lovers, the Cam 2 offers support for Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can receive and view motion events and live feeds from your Cam 2 via a compatible smart display.

Price and guarantee

The Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro is currently $ 299 and comes with a one-year, no-hassle warranty.

Our opinion

Outside of a slightly longer installation window than most smart security devices, the Floodlight Cam 2 Pro is top of the line. With outstanding video quality, intelligent subject tracking, numerous customization options, a solid mobile app and a fair price, the Cam 2 is a premium outdoor light that we warmly recommend for any residential or commercial property.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to wired floodlight cameras, the Floodlight Cam 2 is a perfect match with other top Floodlight options from Ring, Arlo, and other major security brands. If you're a quality connoisseur and insist on 4K, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera gives you UHD viewing, the option of wireless installation, and a lower price. However, you'll need to opt for an Arlo subscription if you want some type of video storage, which makes the Floodlight Cam 2's internal storage even more convenient.

How long it will take?

A rugged design and hard-wired electrical connection to your home's power supply should keep the Floodlight Cam 2 running for some time. If you run into trouble, Eufy's one-year warranty covers you.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. The Floodlight Cam 2 Pro offers exceptional setup-to-assembly performance and a companion app with an incredible number of customization options.

Editor's recommendations



21 Aug
Blog

Logitech G915 TKL Review: The Gaming Magic Keyboard

logitech g915 lightspeed tkl review presented

Logitech G915 Lightspeed TKL long-term test: The Magic Keyboard for gaming

RRP $ 230.00

"The Logitech G915 TKL is an expensive gaming keyboard that easily deserves its price."

advantages

  • Excellent typing experience

  • Bright RGB lighting

  • Fast wireless technology

  • Long battery life

  • Error-free, useful software

disadvantage

  • Expensive

  • Incompatible with most mechanical keyboard accessories

Logitech's G915 is for gamers who want the aesthetics of Apple's Magic Keyboard with the feel of a mechanical switch (plus a good dose of RGB). I've searched far and wide for a keyboard that gets the look and feel to the point, and after browsing dozens of low-profile options, I turned to Logitech's latest G915 TKL.

It's not as sturdy as a full-size board and, like many Logitech peripherals, the price is too high. However, the combination of Lightspeed wireless technology, rather unique low-profile switches, and rock-solid build quality makes the G915 feel like it deserves its award.

It's a keyboard that manages games and typing well, and it's a show stopper in the visual department. Although it took me a while to get used to Logitech's flat keycaps and switches, I loved the balance the G915 offers – and after months of non-stop use, I never return to a full keyboard at any point Size back soon.

draft

Logitech G915 TKL on an orange background. Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Logitech G915 is available in two versions: Either full-size or a Tenkeyless (TKL) design. I got my hands on the TKL version that omits the number pad that normally occupies the right side of the board. TKL boards have become increasingly popular in recent years – take the Corsair K70 RGB TKL for example – and that's a trend I can follow.

A little extra space on your desk goes a long way towards gaming, and the overall slim design of the G915 TKL makes it appear a lot smaller than it actually is. Logitech sells a version with a number pad, but if you don't need one for hotkeys in programs like Adobe Premiere or Pro Tools, stick with the TKL model.

The design of the G915 TKL is simple but beautiful. It's a brushed aluminum plate that some buttons stick to, but it still looks better than boards like the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini.

There are mutliple reasons for this. First the RGB lighting. Even at full brightness, the lighting barely shines out of the sides of the keys, with most of the light being directed towards the top of the keycap. Second is the limited number of extra buttons that help keep it functional without leaving the deep end.

The design of the G915 TKL is simple but beautiful.

Outside the buttons, you have access to four media buttons, four function buttons and a volume wheel. The four function keys do different things. There's a brightness button that lets you toggle through five levels of brightness (including Off), as well as a game mode switch that turns off the Windows key. You can use the supplied G-Hub software to deactivate all the buttons you want in game mode.

The other two buttons are for inputs, either Logitech's own Lightspeed wireless technology or Bluetooth. You can switch seamlessly between Lightspeed and Bluetooth at the touch of a button, which is a big win for the G915. It's small enough to use on the couch with something like the Nvidia Shield, and I appreciated being able to jump back and forth without reconnecting dongles or messing around with pairing.

Function keys on the Logitech G915 TKL.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Logitech sells a wired version of the G915 (called the G815), but it's only slightly cheaper than the wireless version. Wireless peripherals have gotten a lot better over the past few years, and Lightspeed is an example of that. It's impossible to tell the difference between wired and wireless, even in troubled shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

The volume wheel feels great. It's made of metal and offers a smooth adjustment over the edge of the board, making quick volume changes a breeze. I just wish that the quality is transferred to the media and function keys. They are made of a soft rubber material and feel squishy. I didn't miss any input while using them, but they still don't feel good.

In addition to the keyboard, the scope of delivery also includes a Logitech micro-USB cable, the Lightspeed USB receiver and a USB range extender. Crucially, the G915 TKL lacks a palm rest, which is hard to swallow for $ 230. However, when using the G915, I didn't miss a palm rest.

I use a desk pad for my keyboard and mouse. Given the G915's slim shape – it's only 0.9 inches tall – my wrists rest comfortably on my desk pad without having to bend up. This is great in my situation, but not ideal if you don't have a desk pad. Slim palm rests only cost about $ 15, so it would have been nice to see one in the box.

Switch and power

Turns on the Logitech G915 TKL keyboard.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

I prefer a traditional brown switch for typing because it offers the tactile feedback of a blue switch without the annoying click. The G915 TKL does not use a mechanical Cherry MX switch or one of its derivatives, but one of Logitech's GL switches, which approximates the feel of a full-size Cherry switch.

There are three options available: Clicky, Tactile or Linear, which correspond to a Cherry MX Blue, Brown or Red switch. I chose the Tactile Switch to find a balance between my daily typing and gaming. Cherry makes some low-profile switches, but not a Brown variant, which makes the Tactile switch perfect for my purposes.

I've always struggled between writing and playing, and the tactile switch compromises that I can live with. It's not as pleasant to tap as a full-sized brown switch, and the gaming experience doesn't come close to a red switch. But the balance between the two is excellent. Gaming feels better thanks to the shorter travel distance and writing still feels tactile.

The thinner profile, however, took some getting used to. The G915 itself is angled, but the keys live on a flat plane. That increases the chance of accidentally sliding up or down in a row while typing or gaming, which I did a lot when I first picked up the G915 TKL. Fortunately, after a few weeks with the keyboard, I got used to the slightly different typing experience.

Profile of the Logitech G915 TKL keyboard.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Although the Tactile Switch comes close to a Cherry MX Brown, it is not an exact copy. Logitech's switch is 1.5mm actuation distance, while a full size switch is 2mm apart. When you poke the key, the Logitech switch can travel up to 2.7mm while a full size switch can travel 4mm.

The greater difference takes effect. The Logitech Tactile Switch requires 60 grams of force to reach the tactile point, while a Cherry MX Brown is slightly lighter at 55 grams. It's a small change, but the added pressure makes all the difference in a low-profile design. The added power makes the tactile switch feel closer to a full size switch despite having a much smaller stroke.

The switches from Logitech hold up well against the Cherry competition.

Although the switch bears Logitech's GL branding, it actually comes from Kailh's Choc range. There are few keyboards that come with these switches and no options that I could find from big brands. However, there are more boutique boards like the Morgrie RKB 68 that they use, and this board is cheaper than the G915 TKL.

Nevertheless, the switches in the G915 have a compromise. They're not perfect for gaming or perfect for typing, but both are good enough to make a living. As long as you're ready to adjust to a slightly different typing experience, Logitech's switches hold up well against the Cherry competition.

Unfortunately, these are still Logitech switches and, like previous designs, are not compatible with other keycaps. There aren't many low profile keycaps out there right now, but it would have been nice to see additional universal support as more sets inevitably pop up.

That makes mechanical keyboards like the Roccat Vulcan TKL and Cooler Master SK630 a little more attractive – especially compared to the G915. Both keyboards use the standard cross for Cherry switches, which makes replacing the keycaps a breeze.

G-Hub software

I don't mess around with bundled keyboard software much. In most cases, I set the lighting I want and let the software quietly eat up system resources in the background. Logitech's G-Hub is different. It's functional, easy to use, and – critically – free of errors. How to make peripheral software.

Animation window in Logitech G-Hub.

The lighting is divided into three categories: presets, freestyle and animations. Presets give you access to standard RGB effects like breathing and a color wave, Freestyle lets you paint colors on any key you want, and animations allow you to create a chain of unique color changes.

Although there are other software out there with more options – Corsair iCUE in particular – G-Hub still offers a good level of customization. It's easy to use for someone who wants to set and forget about RGB while still offering various effects and animations. You can even set the lighting to match what is displayed on your screen or how an audio visualizer works.

You can also automatically synchronize the G915 with other Lightsync products from Logitech, as well as use special lighting effects in supported games. For example, you can see your ammo bar in Borderlands 3, as well as instantly see your critical keys in Final Fantasy XIV. Only a small number of games are supported, but ramping up a supported title was a nice treat.

The lights will take you to G-Hub, but that won't keep you there. You can reassign each key, set up macros and assign system functions such as copy and paste. This isn't unusual for a gaming keyboard, but G-Hub makes mapping macros feel effortless. You can quickly drag functions such as Alt + Tab from a pool onto a function key and switch between commands and macros with an optional G-Shift key.

Macro panel in the Logitech G-Hub.

When you've set everything up to your liking, you can save three macro and two lighting profiles on board and cycle through them with a key of your choice (the first four function keys by default).

Finally, you can view your battery level in G-Hub as well as your remaining battery life. Logitech rates the G915 TKL for 40 hours of use at 100% brightness (30 hours for the full version), but you get a lot more than that. The keyboard automatically goes into sleep mode after a while to save battery life when not on Your desk.

I've used the G915 TKL at 50% brightness for months, and with semi-continuous use of 10 to 12 hours a day, I usually have to charge the battery every couple of weeks. This time is significantly reduced at full brightness, but the buttons emit a lot of light even at lower brightness levels and save you a lot of battery life.

The G915 uses a micro USB cable for charging and you can continue to use the keyboard while it is charging. Although Logitech includes a micro-USB cable in the box, I would have preferred USB-C for charging. At least in my case, USB-C has become the standard on all of my devices, so I can quickly swap out a new cable if I inevitably lose the one that came with the package. With the G915 TKL, I have to dig through a stack of three-foot micro-USB cables to find one that actually extends to the connector.

However, that's proof of the G915 – I charge it so infrequently that I don't have a dedicated cable on my desk. Still, USB-C isn't all that much of a demand for a $ 230 keyboard, especially one that's still fairly new.

Our opinion

The Logitech G915 TKL is overpriced when compared to other keyboards that offer the same or a similar low-profile experience. The combination of wireless connectivity, useful media and function keys, a robust construction and error-free software makes the G915 TKL deserve its price.

It creates a balance between typing and gaming that I enjoy, and it looks amazing when it's on my desk. It takes some time to adapt to the low profile switches, but in my many months of using the G915 TKL, I've never felt the need to go back to a full-size switch.

The downside is, like other Logitech peripherals, you don't have options for third-party accessories. As someone who likes to swap out keycaps and experiment with different switches, I know that the G915 TKL will lie dormant in my keyboard graveyard at some point. It hasn't got there yet, however, and that's a good sign.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, but not much. The Roccat Vulcan TKL and Cooler Master Cooler Master SK630 are both cheaper low-profile alternatives, although they don't have WiFi and use different switches. The G915 is quite unique in its combination of switches and wireless technology, but there are boutique options that use the same switches with a cord.

How long it will take?

Logitech's GL switches are designed for 50 million actuations. The number of keystrokes depends, of course, on how often you use your keyboard. With general use, the G915 will last for several decades and even then it could still have a little life.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but look for it on offer. The G915 has some obvious flaws and is incompatible with most mechanical keyboard accessories. It's a fantastic low-profile option, but Logitech can charge a steep price considering how few real competitors there are in this category.

Editor's recommendations



19 Aug
Blog

Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Review: All a Gaming Headset Needs

Corsair HS80 cover

Corsair HS80 gaming headset

RRP $ 149.00

"The Corsair HS80 hits the nail on the head with less is more approach and offers great comfort, great sound and effortless control."

advantages

  • Intuitive controls

  • Great sound quality

  • Oh so comfortable

  • Wireless connection with PC and Playstation

  • RGB

With so much choice on the market, buying a new gaming headset isn't easy. If you suffer from decision-making paralysis, it's easy to go for something top-notch, like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, that is not only good-looking but also packed with features. The problem? It comes at a high price and it's still not perfect. This is where something like Corsair's new HS80 RGB Wireless comes into play.

At first I wasn't very enthusiastic about the HS80. It's not top notch, it's just mid-range, so it isn't full of features and doesn't offer the most luxurious of materials. But in some ways that's its best quality, which may make it one of my new favorite gaming headsets.

Design and functions

Corsair HS80 headbandNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

With the HS80, Corsair didn't focus on making the most beautiful headset. Rather, the focus here is on comfort. It uses a headband-like fit on the top that molds perfectly to your skull, making it one of the more comfortable headsets I've tested. The ear cups have fabric on top of the foam, which in turn is not the most luxurious of materials.

But it offers plenty of depth for wider ears, and the headset has an asymmetrical design to accommodate your earlobe. As a result, the HS80 doesn't feel like an expensive headset, but it is sleek and smooth in fit. This is a headset that you could wear for hours and this headband makes it more comfortable than a classic design headset like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro.

Then there are the controls of the HS80, or rather the lack of them. On the left ear cup, you'll find a power button and volume control, and that's it. The right earpiece is completely free of controls. What is clearly missing is a microphone mute button, but it's fine: just flip the microphone up to mute it and down to unmute it. It also has a bell that lets you know what it's doing, and the light on the end turns red in the up position, although that doesn't help that much with a microphone like this as it's out of sight. This means fewer buttons than most headsets, and simply flipping the microphone up is much more intuitive than fumbling for the mute button like you do with the SteelSeries Arctis 7 or Logitech G Pro X wireless headsets.

The simplicity of the controls on the HS80 makes it one of the most intuitive gaming headsets out there.

It charges through a standard USB-C port with up to 20 hours of battery life, which is roughly industry standard – expect to charge the HS80 once or twice a week. Connectivity is via a USB dongle, which is connected to PCs and laptops together with PlayStation 4 and PS5 units.

Corsair HS80 sideNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

But this simplicity is what makes the HS80 so great – many multi-function headsets have too many controls, and fiddling around to find the right ones can be a hassle. This is one that you just turn on, change the volume, and flip the microphone up and down to mute it – it's that simple.

Sound quality and games

Typically, wireless gaming headsets don't have the best sound quality due to limitations in the wireless protocol – the dongle prioritized the audio stream based on latency rather than quality, causing some compression loss along the way. The HS80 is no exception, but all in all, its sound profile is actually very pleasing.

Corsair HS80 auricleNiels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

Let me explain: if you listen to quiet music, you won't notice anything wrong. In fact, you'll enjoy the sound of the HS80 thanks to its superb 50mm drivers. But when the music is busy you will hear some compression loss. But it's a headset to play with, and in-game you're generally too busy to pay attention to those losses – and if not – it's likely a relaxed scene playing quieter sounds that don't suffer from those losses anyway.

Pleather ear cups may look better, but the HS80's foam ear cups improve its sound profile.

The HS80 comes with the same 50mm drivers as the much more expensive Virtuoso XT Wireless RGB, so they sound just as good in terms of frequency response and sound signature. In fact, they sound better – I prefer the sound of the HS80 over the more expensive headset.

I suspect this has something to do with the foam pads instead of synthetic leather and the shape of the ear cups – the softer materials lead to a warmer and fuller sound without sacrificing details at the top.

The HS80 also comes with Dolby Atmos support, which you can activate through Corsair's iCue software. While it paints a slightly better 3D picture of the sound around you, I'm generally not a huge fan of these sound-modifying algorithms – yes, they expand the soundstage and make sounds look like they're further away with more "position". “But the reduction in intimacy leaves a flatter sound that is subjectively less detailed. I just leave it out – sound engines in games today are pretty good anyway, especially a game like Insurgency Sandstorm.

Our opinion

After a solid week with the Corsair HS80, I can confidently say that it is one of the best gaming headsets available today. It might not be the fanciest, but it's super comfortable, has a great sound, and is intuitive to use – isn't that all you expect from a headset? There is no reason to pay more for features that interfere with the primary purpose of hearing.

Are there alternatives?

At $ 149, there's quite a bit of competition for the HS80. The main competitors are the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis 7, both of which are available at the same, if not slightly higher, prices.

But they don't offer more features, making the HS80 a compelling mid-tier option.

How long it will take?

It is reasonable to expect the HS80 to last about three years under most circumstances, or slightly longer with mild use.

Should I buy it?

Yes, the Corsair HS80 is a brilliant gaming headset that meets all the right criteria and not much more. The HS80 offers a simple, straightforward, effective and comfortable design and is an easy recommendation.

Editor's recommendations



19 Aug
Blog

12 Minutes Review: Watching the Same Show Over And Over

12 minute gameplay review

12 Minute Review: Watching the same show over and over again

RRP $ 24.99

"Experimental and unique, 12 Minutes does away with some classic gaming standards in favor of a stylized, cinematic approach."

advantages

  • Excellent speech output

  • Exciting, mysterious story

  • Sufficiently difficult puzzles

disadvantage

  • Just get stuck

  • Top-down perspective is a pain

12 minutes are a rarity in gaming. It's not like a lot of other things out there, with its unique take on the now ever popular time warp cliché and an all-star cast of voice actors. While there isn't a single cutscene, 12 Minutes is actually one of the most cinematic games I've played in a while. It's overly stylized and practically written like a movie. Luis Antonio, the creator of 12 Minutes, shapes the game like a director does his debut film.

While 12 Minutes looks like a movie, it's not – and it's its characteristics as a game that let it down in the end. That's not to say it's a bad experience. It's experimental and quickly draws you into its mystery. I was over the moon to hear the performances of James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley and Willem Dafoe (especially Willem Dafoe) but because of the 12 Minutes core loop mechanics they stopped being a source of immersion and became an irritation. To be clear, 12 minutes doesn't perfectly do everything a video game should have. However, it is a departure from the norm, and while it fails in some cases, it excels in others.

A night in the cinema

12 minutes is not difficult at first. You are a man, a nameless fool who seems to lead an enchanted life. You have a woman who loves you and she surprises you with the news that she is pregnant. However, an officer shows up, puts both of you handcuffs and kills you. Then you'll be back in your apartment minutes before the cop shows up. The object of the game, apparently, is to escape this loop.

But the 12 Minutes style is not like most games. It's a point-and-click game with an almost exclusively top-down camera angle. It is the first instance in which the style of the game collides with its function. The top-down perspective is harrowing and makes the feeling of being trapped in a time warp even more limiting. Your apartment is not that big, but if you look at it from an eagle's eye you will see how small it is, which creates a feeling of claustrophobia.

The husband will be kneeling on the floor in 12 minutes.

And while this is an impressive use of a top-down perspective, it makes the game a little more difficult in practice. There are times when you are looking for something without knowing that it is hidden under another object or that you need to look at another object to see something else. This is the case with one of the key items in 12 Minutes, a central piece of jewelry that can change the course of the game. I found it out of luck, but anyone else can look for it much longer.

Since the game will repeat itself if you miss your window or take wrong action, you will have to restart.

That doesn't sound bad, but keep in mind that for the whole 12 minutes it took me about five and a half hours to hit. That counts the few times I got stuck looking for the next clue in the puzzle. The downside is that if you get stuck, you don't have to search in just one area. It is a point in time that you must reach. Since the game will repeat itself if you miss a window or take the wrong action, it's time to restart. Fortunately, getting back to the beginning of the loop is as easy as leaving the apartment.

Again from above

The hard part comes after when you have to listen to the same voices over and over to get to the right moment on the loop. The first time I was impressed by the way McAvoy and Ridley played against each other as a married couple – half of whom were in a seemingly impossible situation. Dafoe is the star here, however, showing off the wide range he's developed in films over his decades. His gruff, angry character becomes vulnerable and then paternal with ease, showing off one of the best voice overs I've heard in games.

Dafoe is the star here, however, showing off the wide range he's developed in films over his decades.

But at some point I stopped caring about those carefully written, exquisitely played lines. When I got stuck, all I could think of was getting where I needed to be to solve the puzzle. Fortunately, you can skip the dialogue at 12 minutes, but even getting to where I needed to be just took too long. It went so far that I looked at my phone while clicking the mouse and waited for everyone to finish.

Two people are talking in bed in 12 minutes.

That doesn't even affect the repetitive actions players sometimes have to go through. If you get stuck or if you are trying to find out if you have missed something, you will have to perform the same actions over and over again. Pick up the same items, combine them again and place them in the right places. After doing it for the third time, it becomes clear why someone can easily lose their marbles in a time warp. You keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting something different. I think a certain antagonist once had a word about doing just that.

Role credits

By the time I finished at 12 minutes, I felt bittersweet. The story of the game was not wrapped in a bow; it made me wonder more. I didn't know if my choice eliminated the main conflict of the story, a twist that really left me gasping for breath. The story of 12 Minutes, neatly presented, is a gripping work. But with the whole game, with all of its contradicting parts, I felt like I'd rather read 12 minutes than play it through again.

Three people in the room. Woman dead on the floor in 12 minutes.

12 Minutes is definitely an extremely cinematic title. It's inherently slow, and that will eventually wear down players. There were nights when I had to turn the game off because I faced another run through the loop after not finding anything. However, the first time you walk through some of the game's unique permutations, you will be mesmerized. Its story is compelling and makes you question everything, but it takes a pain to move it forward.

The story of 12 Minutes, neatly presented, is a gripping work.

Our opinion

12 minutes is something unique and experimental, and as with any experiment, there will be some hiccups. As it turned out, the main flaw of this game was that it naturally drains its players of time. But between those moments it tells a brilliant story where you can return to each chapter and choose to rewrite it. 12 minutes is certainly not for everyone, but if you are looking for a change the game is highly recommended.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for some point-and-click and cinema, The Walking Dead by Telltale is unparalleled.

How long it will take?

My run through 12 minutes took me about five and a half hours, but it could easily take more than seven if you're trying to get every success in the game.

Should you buy it?

Yes. 12 Minutes is a game unlike many others out there, and while it may not always respect your time, you'll at least be kept entertained by excellence from recognizable actors.

A clock is ticking in 12 minutes.

Editor's recommendations



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