06 Aug
Blog

TCL NXTWear G Review: An Almost Unwearable Wearable Display

Wearing the TCL NXTWear G.

TCL NXTWear G.

RRP $ 715.00

"I was excited to try the TCL NXTWear G portable display, but unfortunately the concept and technology are good, but the workmanship and portability are not."

advantages

  • Colorful screens show a lot of details

  • Easy connection and no setup

  • No battery to charge

disadvantage

  • Uncomfortable fit

  • No focus adjustment

  • Small icons that are used throughout the user interface

  • "Rounding" of the field of vision

When I first heard about the TCL NXTWear G portable display, I was very excited to try it out. Putting on high-tech glasses and then just using my phone and a pair of bluetooth headphones for a cinematic experience on the big screen really fit in with my recent endeavors to block out the sounds of the world.

My anticipation was short-lived when I tried them on, however, as I didn't expect the NXTWear G to attack my face. I found things I liked, but unfortunately this portable display is otherwise the definition of a first generation product.

design

The TCL NXTWear G is shaped like bulky sunglasses, but with oversized temples and two screens where you would normally look through the lenses. A thick rubber-sheathed cable is attached to one of the arms and extends to a length of 1.2 meters. The front is covered with reflective black plastic that extends along the arms. A speaker hole on each arm emerges near the ears.

TCL NXTWear G seen from the front.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

When they're not on your face, the NXTWear G's look pretty good, in a space age geeky way, but if you don't have a small face they aren't very well proportioned when you put them on. In contrast to real glasses, they are not worn directly on the eyes, which contributes to the unusual appearance. Obviously, they're not meant to be worn casually, but you should expect to get some strange sidelong glances at Starbucks or on a plane.

Wearing the TCL NXTWear G.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

The positioning of the NXTWear G on your face means you can see underneath, so you can control what is on the screen with your phone or avoid tripping over the cat if you stand up and move around while wearing it. Like a lot of wearable tech that goes on your face, the TCLWear G will never make you look cool. But that's not really the point here. They are designed to have a personal cinema screen right in front of your eyes, but that means wearing them for more than 10 minutes and that's where the pain begins.

wear glasses

I admit I was really looking forward to using the NXTWear G. I love the idea of ​​shutting the world off with a great screen right in front of my eyes and a good pair of headphones. Unfortunately, it seems to have been designed by people who have never worn glasses, or possibly anything on their face at all, and instead took inspiration for the design from an insidious torture device. It's okay TCL I'll tell you everything you want to know, just don't make me wear the NXTWear G for too long.

Remove the TCL NXTWear G.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

There are two main issues that make the NXTWear G so uncomfortable. The first is the grip of the arms. When they are open they are very inflexible, so they are really tight, and the tips dig into the place behind my ears so far that I could "feel" them for a while after taking off the glasses. Once wedged on my face, the NXTWear G will no doubt not fall off without someone tearing it off, but that security makes carrying an acid test even for the length of a music video on YouTube. Being compelled to wear them to watch a 120 minute movie sounds like a punishment you would threaten a particularly naughty child.

The second problem, and worse than the vice-like grip around my head, is how they sit on my nose. The scope of delivery includes three surprisingly stiff nose pads, each of which is apparently designed to pinch the bridge of the nose with increasing uncomfortable pressure and never give way. They also have the unpleasant side effect that you can feel every single one of the NXTWear 100 grams pressing directly on your conk. Limited breathing capacity and the increasing feeling of being in a headlock do not ensure a pleasant viewing experience.

TCL NXTWear G nose pads.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Close-up of TCL NXTWear G lens.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

TCL NXTWear G seen from above when closed.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Perhaps it is the shape of my head and nose that is the problem, as other NXTWear covers have not always emphasized comfort overly negatively. Obviously, faces are not a uniform size, so to me it is like sticking my head in a vise, while to others it provides pillow-like comfort. The glasses may "give way" at some point, but after about 10 days of being used for this check-up, they have not stretched meaningfully. For me, the NXTWear G portable display is too inconvenient to use for any meaningful time.

Look at the screen

Very few design concessions appear to have been made to ensure the NXTWear G fits comfortably on as many different faces as possible. The nasal pads are locked in place with no back or forth motion to ease the fit, and this lack of adjustment makes it impossible to position the display in exactly the right place to see all of the images. Again, my head may be terribly deformed and no one else will have a problem, but I just couldn't get it in the right place to actually see the entire display.

With the smallest nose pad attached – the least uncomfortable for me – and the glasses in the center of my nose to maximize breathability, all four corners of the screen are obscured by a strange rounding of the viewing area. It's distracting and annoying, especially when using the PC-like desktop view as it hides the tiny icons in those corners from view. But Andy, do you say why not just adjust your glasses to see more? Sure, but the problem is when you move the glasses up to the tip of your nose the top of the display disappears, while squeezing the glasses against your face obscures the bottom of the screen.

Switch to the other nose pads and there is no improvement at all, it just upsets the problem based on the size and shape of your face and adds even more discomfort. The angled glass also plays a role in positioning as it will reflect your clothing in bright rooms when the lack of adaptability becomes even more of a problem. You can eat with the NXTWear G, but drinking is pretty messy as the glasses stick out quite a bit from your face. A regular glass will simply bump against them, forcing you to look up to try to get the fluid down your throat, but that mostly results in you spilling it in front. They are not comfortable.

The most likely approximation of the feel of the NXTWear G on your face is to imagine those massive, front-heavy, tangled metal devices that the optician uses to assess which lens combination you need during an eye exam, but with the screwed-on nose piece deliberately tightened. That's it, but marketed for pleasure.

Correction glass attachment attached to the TCL NXTWear G.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

That brings me to a different kind of limitation. If you don't have 20/20 eyesight, the NXTWear G is not for you. It's practically impossible to wear glasses underneath, unlike some VR headsets like PlayStation VR, and there's no focus adjustment like the Samsung Gear VR, so there is a high chance you won't see the screen at all. TCL's solution is to provide a lens attachment for your prescription glasses that attaches magnetically to the inside of the frame.

But fitting your own lenses will undoubtedly cost a lot more money and, depending on the strength of your eyesight, can also be impossible. I would also be careful if the attachment causes even more reflections, as it sits perpendicularly in front of your eyes, unlike the 45 degree angle of the glasses. I found some old glasses that squeezed under the NXTWear G to improve image quality, etc.

watching a video

Let's say it's my head shape that's the problem here and not the NXTWear G. What is it like when you wear it? I endured the discomfort and blinked like a champion to find out. I used them with the TCL 20 Pro 5G phone first. To put the glasses into operation, all you have to do is plug them into the USB Type-C port. There is no need to charge a battery or bluetooth pairing, so it's very easy.

Active screens in the TCL NXTWear G.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

You'll be presented with a desktop-style menu that sometimes reminds me of ChromeOS, but there's also the option to mirror your phone's display. While mirroring works very well – it's quick and very responsive – I don't really know why you should do it for general tasks like checking email or reading Twitter since your phone is still with the screen Have to keep active in front of you to control everything. You're just looking straight ahead and not a bit down.

What the NXTWear G's OLED screens are for is watching video. The image has an aspect ratio of 16: 9, a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and an equivalent size of 140 inches. In desktop mode, apps open and work just like they do on your phone, and I had no reliability issues. However, this means that there are a lot of very tiny buttons to deal with, such as: Even though the connected phone's screen turns into a touchpad, it's still a hassle to move the little cursor and tap those tiny buttons. The phone's trackpad doesn't turn into a keyboard either when you're looking for something, so you have to slowly type out each letter with the cursor on the glasses virtual keyboard.

Start by watching videos and those without a lot of fast movement are fine as the OLED screens show a lot of colors and detail but introduce a more action packed video and things are not always that good. Fast-paced action scenes in movies can be quite blurry, and there will be a stutter that will spoil your enjoyment. Watch the same video on your phone screen and none of it is obvious. It is better to watch video at 60 frames per second at 2160p, but this is not always possible.

Trackpad screen for the TCL NXTWear G on the TCL 20 Pro 5G phone.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Then why do you even want to wear the glasses? The answer is definitely increased immersion in the video. It's a very cinematic experience and you are quickly drawn into what you see, much more than on your phone screen. The "size" of the screen before your eyes is impressive, and when you wear bluetooth headphones – in-ears work best because of the size of your arms – the world around you melts. There are also speakers in the temples of the glasses, which are sufficient for spoken word but have no bass.

Provided you can comfortably wear them, the NXTWear G has tremendous useful potential as a secondary display primarily used for watching videos provided by your phone, but the user interface, lens design, and display area definitely need improvement.

compatibility

The TCL 20 Pro 5G is designed to work well with the NXTWear G, but what about other phones? Connect to a Samsung S21 + or any other S21 phone and Samsung DeX will automatically activate, show the desktop view and turn the phone's screen into a touchpad. By default, however, the phone's speakers were used, not the NXTWear G's built-in audio.

The TCL NXTWear G with its travel case.Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Connect to the OnePlus 9 Pro and the display mirrors the phone's screen. Watching videos this way will make the screen size smaller unless you zoom in to fill the screen, which will result in some of the content being lost. The Google Pixel 4a didn't recognize the NXTWear G as a display and didn't work at all. You can't connect to an iPhone because the glasses require a USB Type-C port, but the NXTWear G will work with an iPad Pro, but like the OnePlus 9 Pro, the viewable screen when watching videos is slightly smaller than that of the using the TCL 20 Pro smartphone.

I used them with a Huawei MateBook X Windows 10 laptop and they immediately mirrored the screen, even though all of the text, buttons and icons are very small. The laptop's screen also stays on by default, so you'll have to browse the settings to try to switch it to the NXTWear G only for personal viewing. TCL lists a wide range of phones and laptops that are said to work with the glasses, with many new and old models, from the LG G5 to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Be aware that the glasses use up your phone's battery and use a lot.

Price and availability

Availability is limited at the moment. The NXTWear G will be available in South Korea and Australia from July, with Europe to follow shortly thereafter. A release in the US is also planned, but a timeframe has not yet been given. In Europe, the price has been set at 599 euros, or around $ 715, and in some regions the portable display is sold as a bundle with a video service subscription.

Our opinion

I love the concept of the NXTWear G, but the finish is poor. If it had been comfortable to wear, this would be a very different review as the actual screen and its performance are fine. However, I cannot imagine wearing them for long as they become uncomfortable so quickly. In addition, if I wear glasses, I would have to pay for a set of glasses, which are probably expensive and risk disappointment.

The awkward, inaccurate positioning of the glasses on your face results in parts of the screen being obscured, and the lack of overall adjustment means that they never feel like one size fits all. Device compatibility is decent, but the experience will be different depending on the models I've tried.

It is a first generation product and I have no doubt if TCL continues with the line of products it will get better with each revision. Hope it holds up, which is really promising here, but all future versions urgently need to be designed to fit more face types and offer a significantly higher level of comfort. The TCL NXTWear G is a wearable tech product that I wanted to use, but while the tech part succeeds here, the wearable part really isn't.

Is there a better alternative?

The best alternative is not to wear them at all. Most mid- to high-end smartphones today have great screens and are often big enough to watch a movie on the go. If you really want a screen in front of your face, the TCL NXTWear G stands alone, only virtual reality headsets offer some kind of competition. This can change over time as NXTWear G is a whole new type of product.

How long it will take?

The NXTWear G is well made, very robust and keeps the valuable lenses and screens well protected in the headset itself. The chances of scratching or breaking the glass are small if you treat it well, and the arms will also feel very strong. Even the cord is twice as thick as you'd expect and should withstand some tough treatment. There is no software on board that needs to be updated, nor is a battery that degrades over time, so it should last for several years.

Should you buy it?

No, it will be a gamble whether you find them comfortable or not, and whether you can even see the entire screen while you dress them. It's best to wait for TCL to release the next version to try out this interesting new type of device.

Editor's recommendations



05 Aug
Blog

Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 Review: Slow But Really Cheap

Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 sits on the tabletop.

Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 Review: The Ultimate Chromebook for Students?

RRP $ 330.00

"The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 is not the fastest Chromebook in the world, but the price is unbeatable."

advantages

  • Inexpensive

  • Solid build quality for the price

  • Surprisingly nice display

  • Very good battery life

  • Excellent touchpad and active pen

disadvantage

  • Performance is below average

  • Keyboard is tight

  • Touch display is fussy

Sometimes a product comes along that is defined by a certain characteristic. That's the price for the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 Convertible 2-in-1. The starting price of $ 330 will be extremely attractive to those looking for cheap access to the Internet. Budget laptops have their place, especially for students.

I tested the $ 330 Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 configuration with a MediaTek MT8183 CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of eMMC storage, and a 12-inch IPS (1366×912) 3: 2 display . There are certainly some tradeoffs to achieve this rock bottom price. But most of the time, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 makes the right compromises for a cheap student laptop.

design

Angled view of the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 on the tabletop.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 is a mixture of a silver lid made of an aluminum alloy and a matching plastic housing. It uses the same electroplating as the more expensive Asus Chromebook Flip C536, which creates a ceramic-like texture on the lid. There's also the same in-mold roller process used on the C536 that gives the Chromebook Flip CM3's all-black keyboard deck a velvety feel that makes the palm rests surprisingly comfortable. This kind of technology is not expected in such an inexpensive laptop, and it gives it an attractive, if simple aesthetic that looks like it should cost quite a bit more.

The quality of workmanship is just as impressive: the lid only bends slightly under pressure, and the keyboard bends a little under strong pressure. Here, too, the Chromebook Flip CM3 surpasses its weight class and offers a surprisingly robust workmanship. It might not be built quite as well as the Chromebook Flip C536 (which itself was a step behind the Asus standard) or the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, but both of these laptops cost around $ 600. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is another 2-in-1 that is roughly the same price as the Chromebook Flip CM3 and is made entirely of plastic but still feels solid.

This is a small laptop, although not as small as it could be. It's built around a 12-inch 3: 2 display, which should result in a tiny chassis, but the bezels are large and add to the width and depth. Even so, it's smaller than 13-inch laptops and is 0.64 inches thick and 2.51 pounds. Overall, it feels like a thin and light laptop that is easy to take with you.

Connectivity is limited to a single USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, both of which are a generation behind.

Left side view of the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3. Features: micro USB port, micro SD slot, USB port and headphone jack.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

perfomance

Do you remember when I asked what corners were cut? Well, the simplest answer here is: performance. The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 uses a MediaTek MT8183 ARM CPU with 2 GHz. Although this processor has been optimized for Chrome OS, there is only one way to characterize it. It's slow.

Look at the 2-in-1's Geekbench 5 scores, a low of 299 in single-core mode and 1,407 in multi-core mode. The closest comparison I could find in our database is the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 with a Core i3-1011U CPU that scored 938 and 1,653 points. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, on which the Core i3-1011U also runs, scored 975 and 1,649 points, respectively. It's clear that the MediaTek processor makes multi-threaded apps run better than single-threaded apps.

I would stick with simpler, less graphics-intensive games on the Chromebook Flip CM3.

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 also scores very poorly in the Speedometer 2.0 web browser test and only achieves 24.4. That's at the bottom of our database and less than half what you can expect from other Chromebooks. Of course, most of these cost hundreds of dollars more than the Chromebook Flip CM3. It is noteworthy that the Chromebook Flip C536 scored 158 points in this test with a Core i3-1115G4.

Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 folded back, sitting on the tabletop.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In real use, I found the machine not as slow as these benchmarks suggest. It got choppy when I opened too many browser tabs and some Android apps were running in the background, but with a more reasonable workload, the Chromebook Flip CM3 was perfectly usable. Given the price, it's a decent second machine that is easy to move around, and for users who just need to browse the web and check email, the performance is acceptable.

However, the game did not go well. I tried Asphalt 9, my favorite Chromebook testing game, and it wasn't fun. I would stick with simpler, less graphics-intensive games on the Chromebook Flip CM3.

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Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 sits on the tabletop.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 has a 12-inch IPS display with a productivity-friendly 3: 2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1366 x 912. The larger aspect ratio is another surprise with such a cheap laptop – it's a real boon for you anyone who appreciates more vertical space and less scrolling. The resolution is lower at 1366 x 912, but still sharp given the small screen size.

I liked this display at least as much as the more expensive Asus Chromebook Flip C536 and Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The difference is barely noticeable to the naked eye, but a 13.3-inch 1080p screen technically comes in at 165 pixels per inch compared to the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3's 137 ppi.

I cannot test Chromebooks with my colorimeter and can therefore only give my subjective opinion. And in my opinion, this is – surprisingly again – a vivid display for such an inexpensive device. It's not particularly bright, but it was able to overcome all of the indoor ambient lighting that I threw on it. I couldn't use it outside in direct sunlight, but that's not uncommon. The colors were pleasant and seemed accurate when I used the Chromebook Flip CM3 side by side with other more expensive laptops. Photos and videos looked great without being too light or too dark. The contrast wasn't as high as I'd like it to be, but black text on a white background wasn't grayish like it is on many budget laptops.

I liked this display at least as much as that of the more expensive Asus Chromebook Flip C536 and Acer Chromebook Spin 713. It doesn't rank at the top like the premium display of the Google Pixelbook Go. But even here you pay twice as much money to get this higher quality. Asus has excellently equipped the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 with a display that will delight all but the most discerning creative professionals – who won't buy this laptop anyway.

Keyboard and touchpad

The pen sits on the keyboard of the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3.

The small chassis has an unfortunate byproduct and that is a very cramped keyboard. The keycaps are tiny and there isn't much space between them. If you have larger hands, you will likely have trouble typing on this keyboard. The switching mechanism offers a lot of spring travel, but is a bit boring without the click that contributes to precise typing. The floor movement is a bit abrupt, and I would definitely rate this keyboard as one of the less comfortable ones I've used. As already mentioned, the palm rest is amazingly comfortable thanks to the special coating, but the keyboard does not drag. Note that the keyboard is not backlit, which is disappointing.

The touchpad is better as it's bigger than expected thanks to the extra palm rest offered by the taller display. It's fluid and responsive, provides precise cursor control, and supports all of the usual Chrome OS multitouch gestures.

As usual with 2-in-1s, the screen is touch-enabled, and I found it finicky. Sometimes I had to tap two or three times to respond, especially when trying to activate smaller on-screen buttons. It's not outrageous, but it has detracted from the touch panel's usefulness. The Chromebook Flip CM3 supports an optional active pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity that was included with my test device. I found it to be as good as any other Chromebook pen I've used and it supports the suite of Chrome OS pen tools with great precision.

Battery life

Close up of one of the hinges on the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3.

The MediaTek processor, while slow, is also efficient. The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 has a 32-watt-hour battery, which is not particularly large, even considering the low-resolution 12-inch display.

Even so, the 2-in-1 lasted almost 12.5 hours in our web browser test, which is a strong score. The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 only managed 6.75 hours in this test, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 8.45 hours. I went back a couple of years and couldn't find a Chromebook that would last longer.

In our video test, which ran through a local Full HD movie trailer, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 lasted just over 12 hours. It's not uncommon for Chrome OS computers, unlike Windows 10 laptops, to last longer in the web browser test than they did in the video test. Here, too, the Chromebook Flip CM3 outlasted the comparison laptops by a few hours.

Overall, the Chromebook Flip CM3 offers impressive battery life for such a small device. If you use it as the primary system you get a full day of work from it, and if it's a secondary laptop you get days of use.

Our opinion

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 is an affordable Chrome OS 2-in-1 that exceeds expectations based on its low price. It's slower than I'd like, but it has great battery life and a solid, comfortable chassis. The keyboard could be bigger and the touchscreen a little more responsive, but the touchpad and active pen are excellent.

I wouldn't recommend buying the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 as your primary work device unless your requirements are minimal. But as a second laptop to take with you and for surfing the web and checking emails, or as an entry-level laptop for students, it's a great option.

Are there alternatives?

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is another Chrome OS 2-in-1 with a similar price and performance. The build quality is a bit better, but the battery life can't keep up.

You can jump up a bit in price and consider the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, which costs around $ 600 but is much faster and has a sharper 3: 2 display.

Finally, as we usually recommend, Google's Pixelbook Go should be on your list if you don't need the flexibility of a 2-in-1. It's more expensive, but it also has a long battery life and a stunning display that can't be beat.

How long it will take?

The Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 feels solid enough to withstand years of typical use. The biggest question is how Chrome OS is performing – if at some point it needs more CPU power, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 can't keep up. The one-year warranty is fine for this price.

Should you buy it?

Yes. As a second laptop, the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 is a great bargain that is worth the small investment.

Editor's recommendations



05 Aug
Blog

Oura Ring Review: You Won’t Want to Take it Off

The Oura ring on a finger, seen from behind.

Oura Ring Review: Smart Jewelry That You Won't Want To Take Off Again

RRP $ 399.00

"The Oura ring is a stylish piece of jewelry for tracking sleep and basic daily activities made from high quality materials that is easy to wear and charge."

advantages

  • Light and comfortable to wear

  • Detailed, informative sleep tracking

  • Long battery life by simply charging

  • Stylish, with a choice of finishes

  • Well designed app

disadvantage

  • Limited activity tracking

  • Expensive compared to other fitness wearables

I've never got on so well with rings. In the end, I always took them off and stowed them away safely, either because they got annoying or it was just a matter of time before I took them off and forgot where I put them. When asked if I would like to review the Oura ring, the same concerns crossed my mind, but this chic piece of jewelry was too tempting to stop by.

It's a fascinating piece of wearable technology. Small and relatively inconspicuous, it doesn't take up valuable wrist space that I could fill with the watch of my choice. In terms of functionality, however, it's pretty light and also more expensive than many far more feature-rich smartwatches and fitness bands. After trying the Oura ring, did it stay on my finger?

design

The Oura ring has been in my possession for a month and I still wear it every day. For a jewelry-based piece of wearable technology that I never really got started with, this comes as a surprise, and proof that the Oura ring is a lot "stickier" than I expected. However, the decision to buy an Oura ring is a little more complicated than just buying a smartwatch because it is not a universal product.

The Oura ring from the side on a finger.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Knowing your ring size will help you in the beginning, but Oura will send you a set of pacifier rings in different sizes to try on before you buy. I found two sizes that fit and the recommendation is to buy the largest that will fit. I did that and the end product is never too tight, even with hot hands, doesn't really sweat and actually fits on my index finger and thumb when I feel like a change.

I opted for the Heritage Oura ring with a flat top in a stealth finish versus the balance version, which instead tapers to a point. It's made of titanium with a PVD coating and is very light at around 5 grams, and the matte color here isn't as noticeable as the silver or gold alternatives. The choice of design and workmanship makes the Oura ring unisex, which is very welcome. Its lightness would make it disappear on your finger if it weren't for the 2.55 mm thickness of the tape itself. I wear it on my middle finger and can feel it on both sides of my fingers. It's not uncomfortable, but you always know it's there.

The Oura ring.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This makes it noticeable along with the ring's width of 7.9mm. Whichever design or finish you choose, the Oura ring is easy to spot and will likely dominate all of the other more delicate rings on your fingers. I've worn it day and night for the past month. That is, when I'm working, washing dishes, gardening, and most other chores. He doesn't care about water, the finish is scratch-free and ugly streaks are quickly wiped away. I also had no issues with it on my skin, aided by Oura with a non-allergenic, non-metallic liner on the inside of the ring.

Obviously I haven't lost it yet, but sometimes I forget to put it back on, which results in me looking for it when I realize it's not on my finger. I would love to see some sort of "Find my Oura Ring" feature, but I understand that this is difficult to implement due to the lack of sound or vibration on the ring itself.

The Oura ring on a finger, seen from above.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

How has the Oura developed overall as a mostly non-ring bearer? It wasn't a problem. It's much less annoying than a watch overnight, and if it's a little uncomfortable with hot hands, it only needs to be removed for a few seconds to make my finger feel better. The downsides come with size as it bumps into things, you can feel it when you grab something, and I found it best to take it off to wash the car in case it was at risk of scratching the body.

That being said, the Oura ring has become a part of my hand and I doubt I'll take it off even after I finish my review. Am I satisfied with my choice of finish? Yes, but now that I'm used to wearing it, I almost wish I had chosen the glossy black version for a bit more visual appeal. When buying the Oura ring, do not proceed like buying a tech device, but rather as a piece of jewelry, is my advice.

Sensors and app

The Oura Ring is primarily a sleep tracker that only provides basic insights into your daily activities. If you want to keep an overview of your health and all of your workouts in detail, then you should also use a smartwatch or a fitness band. I wore it paired with an iPhone 12 Pro and the app is pulling data from Apple Health (or Google Fit with an Android phone). This means that if your training is tracked with an Apple Watch, this data will be taken into account.

The sensors of the Oura ring.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Wear it all day and the ring will record steps, calories, and activity time. It also helps the sensors monitor your baselines. It understands movement and in the app you can add a tag to any workout it shows during the day, it also records steps and displays them in the app. I've found that it tends to overestimate the step count when compared to a smartwatch. It doesn't offer real-time heart rate monitoring, the ability to track a workout, or blood oxygen measurement, and it doesn't offer features like contactless payment.

You don't have to do anything at night, just go to sleep as usual. It uses a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to read your heart rate and breathing, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor to read your body temperature, and an accelerometer to monitor movement. All the data is collected and compiled in Oura's app, and since the ring is not displayed, you will need to open it to see your stats.

The sensors of the Oura ring.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Sleep is broken down into efficiency, rest, sleep stages, latency, and timing. It reports the length of your sleep, your heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) and creates ongoing detailed trends based on all of these. Each section is given a rating and it's clear when something is wrong with the graph lines changing from blue to orange. Tap on any of these sections to learn more about what they mean.

Tracking and accuracy

You will receive a sleep and readiness score every day after the app has rated your activity and sleep. The readiness score shows how “ready” you are for the day, while the sleep score shows how restful and restful your night was. The main screen of the app is focused on these stats and you can easily ignore the rest of the stats and just look at these two and get a good idea of ​​your overall health every day.

I found the data from the Oura ring and its trends to be very interesting, and there is a decent amount of advice available, although it is mostly based on readiness rather than correcting sleep problems. For example, I like when I suggest that I take a break from too much activity when I've been busy and haven't had enough sleep. It seems obvious, but the reassurance is nice. But you are more on your own when you sleep, simply because correcting sleep problems is not easy.

What about the accuracy? I also use a Withings Sleep Analyzer under the mattress and the two always track my heart rate and record my deep sleep, but the Oura ring keeps saying I'm not getting enough REM sleep, while the Withings usually shows that i get twice the amount of REM sleep than the oura ring. The advice the Oura ring gives on this is too general to be helpful, especially since I am already doing what it suggests, but this applies to most sleep trackers.

I find the dates of the Oura ring and its trends very interesting

I like the way the Oura always understands when I wake up early in the morning and don't get up straight away, which the Withings are still recording when I sleep. This makes the overall statistics more accurate. However, the Oura ring sometimes thinks I wake up at night when I definitely don't. Finally, I cherish the memories of relaxing a few hours before bed, something based on your personal timing trends. It sounds like a mixed bag here, but it isn't. The data is presented in an appealing and logical way, the trending reporting is comprehensive, the connection and synchronization were absolutely solid, and the help it offers is largely informative and helpful.

Battery and charging

You place the Oura ring on its own little charging pedestal, which is designed so that the sensors snap it into place and make sure it doesn't slip and charge.

The Oura ring on its charging station.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The battery is good for a week before it is close to zero, but the recommendation is to keep the battery between about 40% and 80% charged. I've found that putting the ring on the charger every other day or so while showering and getting ready in the morning works really well. This will charge it without interrupting its use.

Price and availability

You can buy the Oura ring from Oura's own online shop. The Stealth Heritage model shown here is $ 399, as is the gold version, but the black or silver models are $ 299. The Balance model is available in black or silver for $ 299. The ring size set can be ordered for free, and we recommend that you do so.

Our opinion

As a technical masterpiece, the Oura ring is extremely impressive. It wasn't long ago that such a small, perfectly shaped portable device with a battery that lasts a week would have been impossible, let alone so reliably and polished to produce. It's not entirely inconspicuous on my finger, but it's not far away and the cool design makes me happy to wear it all the time. The Oura ring is a success as wearable technical jewelry.

I found the deep sleep and simple activity tracking data interesting, informative, and a good insight into my habits. The slight lack of actionable advice is forgivable, and it's still much more than basic fitness bands offer. Either my Withings Sleep Analyzer or the Oura Ring are wrong about my REM sleep, which isn't really a black mark on the Oura and instead makes me question the reliability of the data from sleep trackers in general.

The Oura ring is a success as wearable technical jewelry

Perhaps the biggest hurdle for me to wholeheartedly recommend the Oura ring is that it is expensive for a really companion device. For a complete picture of your health and true fitness tracking, you must also wear a smartwatch or fitness band. When Huawei's excellent TruSleep system is available on the feature-rich Honor Band 6, which costs around $ 50, the $ 399 Oura ring suddenly looks like a hard sale.

But that's the wrong way to think about the Oura ring. It's a high-tech gem with the benefit of sleep and movement tracking, and not a top fitness tracker that happens to look like a ring. The technology it offers is excellent and the app is very well designed so you will never feel like it is missing, but you need to be aware of its limitations.

Interesting to me is that before wearing the Oura ring I probably wouldn't have bothered about it that much, but after a month I got used to seeing and feeling it, appreciate the insights it gives and have become pretty much attached to it. I plan to keep wearing it, and like all the best wearables – high tech or otherwise – it's a decision based on both how it looks and feels and what it actually does.

Is there a better alternative?

Smart jewelry is still a small niche, and there are very few real alternatives to the Oura ring that are widely available. The smart jewelry from Bellabeat, such as the Bellabeat Leaf, can be worn as a bracelet, necklace or on clothing and is significantly cheaper. However, the design is not unisex. Otherwise, most smart rings focus on contactless payment and not much else.

If you want more fitness and activity tracking capabilities, the better alternative is a smartwatch or fitness band. Almost all of them offer greater functionality and include sleep tracking, and if your budget is $ 400, the choices are huge. We recommend the Apple Watch Series 6 for iPhone owners and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 for Android smartphone owners or the Fitbit Charge 4 or Honor Band 6 if you are only interested in a fitness band.

How long it will take?

If you don't lose it, the Oura ring should last for years. The decisive factor will be the battery, which is obviously very small and, if it wears out, quickly only offers a short service life. However, this is unlikely to happen for a few years and Oura offers a two year warranty on its rings.

Should you buy one?

Yes. If you remember that it is a fancy piece of jewelry rather than a full fitness tracker, then not only will you enjoy wearing it, but you will also benefit from its sleep-related insights.

Editor's recommendations



03 Aug
Blog

Asus Chromebook Flip C536 Review: Flawed But Inexpensive

Two Asus Chromebook Flip C536 sit on a desk and show different folding options.

Asus Chromebook Flip C536 in the test: flawed, but the price wins

RRP $ 580.00

"The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 strikes a solid balance between premium design and affordability."

advantages

  • Attractive price

  • Nice aesthetics

  • Excellent keyboard and touchpad

  • Pen support

  • Solid productivity performance

disadvantage

  • Build quality is a little below average

  • Bad battery life

  • Housing is bigger than it should be

The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 was one of the best Chromebooks you could buy. It was stylish, high quality, and extremely powerful – especially for a Chromebook.

Now the Chromebook Flip C536 has superseded that machine, and there have been some significant changes.

I have an entry-level Chromebook Flip C536 configuration with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 128GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), and a 14-inch Full HD IPS -Display (1920 x 1080) tested aspect ratio 16: 9. It's available for a more attractive price of $ 580, which makes it a bargain given the components.

design

Person using a pen on the Asus Chromebook Flip C536.Asus

The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 is a handsome white laptop with a black interior, a contrast that makes for a bold look that you normally don't get at this price point. The laptop's lines are simple and streamlined and have very typical angles, but the color scheme makes all the difference and there's just enough chrome to add accents without being intrusive.

Asus has provided the device with a series of special coatings that use a galvanic coating process on the lid and base, which creates a ceramic-like look and feel, and an in-roller process for the keyboard deck, which creates a wonderfully soft and warm surface for yours Palms. In this regard, it is similar to the Dell XPS 13, which uses a carbon fiber material to achieve the same effect. The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 isn't the most flashy laptop, but you will feel like you are carrying around a much more expensive product.

The build quality is not quite as top notch, which is not typical for Asus. The company typically makes solid laptops as boulders and subjects them all to military standards, which are tested for ruggedness, but the Chromebook Flip C536 falls a little short. The main problem lies in the lid, which bends too much and distorts the display. There is a little bit of keyboard flex and the bottom chassis only gives way a little.

Overall, it's not bad for the price, but the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a Chromebook in the same price range that is more solid. The previous model of the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 was also more robust (and a bit more expensive), which makes this version a little step backwards. I'd like to point out that the Chromebook Flip C436's hinge allowed the lid to be opened with one hand, while the Chromebook Flip C536 version is much stiffer and requires two hands. However, it moves smoothly through clamshell, tent, media, and tablet modes and has the Asus ErgoLift feature that supports the back for a better typing angle and improved airflow.

The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 has thin bezels on the sides, but the top bezel is thicker and the lower chin is huge. That makes for a case that's not as small as many other 14-inch laptops, including the Chromebook Flip C436, which is quite a bit smaller. When I first took the Chromebook Flip C536 out of the box, I thought it was a 15-inch device. It's 0.72 inches thick and weighs 4.17 pounds compared to the C436, which is 0.54 inches thick and weighs 2.42 pounds.

Close-up of the HDMI and USB ports on the Asus Chromebook Flip C536.

Close-up of the headphone jack and USB and micro-USB ports on the Asus Chromebook Flip C536.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is even smaller with its 13.5-inch 3: 2 display. Among other things, the C536 is heavier than the C436 because it is made of an aluminum alloy compared to the lighter magnesium alloy of the previous model. It also has a 57 watt hour battery versus the 42 watt hour battery on the older model. In all fairness, it's a bit of a surprise that the Chromebook Flip C536 has gained so much weight and girth from one generation to the next.

Asus built solid connectivity into the Chromebook Flip C536. There is a USB-C 3.2 port, a USB-A 3.2 port and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left and another USB-C and USB-A port on the right for a micro -SD card reader. This is an improvement over the previous model. Wireless connectivity is Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

perfomance

Two Asus Chromebook Flip C536 on a desk with video games.Asus

My test device was equipped with a Core i3-1115G4 (a Core i5-1135G7 is available), which should offer plenty of performance for Chrome OS. We can't run all of the benchmarks on Chromebooks, but the Chromebook Spin C536 only managed 1,209 single-core and 2,849 multi-core in the Android Geekbench 5 app. That's not particularly strong even for Chromebooks, which usually don't do well here. However, it is quite a bit faster than the Asus Chromebook Flip 436 with its Core i3-10110U, which scored a meager 938 and 1,653 points, respectively.

Even with this mediocre Geekbench 5 score, I found the Chromebook Flip C536 very quickly. I've been running a variety of Android apps and opening numerous Chrome tabs and never noticed any slowdown. The 8GB of RAM likely helped keep things going, and the PCIe SSD likely helped too. You can configure the Chromebook Flip C536 with up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, but our test configuration will likely be enough for most Chrome OS users.

Playing on the laptop was fine. The Core i3-1115G4 is limited to Intel UHD graphics and not to the newer Intel Iris Xe, but still plays Android games like Asphalt 9 without stuttering or frame loss. It's a great laptop for tablet mode, the most convenient way to play Android games, but it performed well.

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4 variations / ways to use the Asus Chromebook Flip C536.Asus

The Chromebook Flip C536 uses a 14-inch Full HD IPS display in the increasingly old-fashioned 16: 9 aspect ratio. Asus doesn't provide any information about the display, and I can't use my colorimeter with Chrome OS laptops. That limits the objective data that I can provide.

Subjectively, however, I found the display bright enough for typical indoor lighting conditions. The contrast seemed good but not great, with a touch of gray that kept black text from really showing up on a white background. The colors were bright and natural, and showed photos and videos with obvious accuracy when I compared them side by side with other laptops. Compared to some other Chromebooks, I would rate the Chromebook Flip C536 as good, but not great, with the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 and Google Pixelbook Go offering more vibrant and enjoyable displays.

Even so, I enjoyed using the Asus display during my test. It won't please creatives who crave wide and accurate colors, but for productivity, web browsing, and Netflix with the display rotated in media mode, it's a display that beats its price.

The sound wasn't quite as good. The volume was sufficient for system sounds and watching YouTube videos that clearly show the mids and highs. Bass was missing as usual and there was some distortion at maximum volume. You should pull out a pair of headphones to listen to music and catch Netflix.

Keyboard and touchpad

Asus Chromebook Flip C536 backlit keyboard.Asus

One of the things that companies sometimes skimp on when making a cheap laptop is the keyboard. I've seen some great budget machines torpedoed by a bad one, and suffice it to say, Asus avoided this trap here. The Chromebook Flip C536's keyboard has a good clearance, comfortable keycaps, and a crisp mechanism that offers plenty of wiggle room and a clicking floor movement.

I found the keyboard to be precise, comfortable, and quiet during my tests, and there is even a tiny number pad if you are entering a lot of data. You can find the usual wide range of Chrome OS keyboard backlights that are effective and consistent. I liked this keyboard better than any I've used on a Chromebook lately, including the Chromebook Flip C436 and Chromebook Spin 713, and just like most Windows 10 laptops.

The touchpad has a wide format, which is a shame because Asus could have accommodated a larger, square touchpad given the available palm rests. It's a decent size, but it could have been bigger. Fortunately, it makes up for it with responsiveness and perfect control over the entire suite of Chrome OS multitouch gestures. The display is touchable, of course there is an optional active pen that you can purchase for coloring. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and is designed to provide a great handwriting and drawing experience on the display.

Asus has in no way designed to allow you to log in without a password, which is not to be expected at this price point. A fingerprint reader would have been nice though.

Battery life

Music video is played on the close-up image of the headphone jack and the USB and micro-USB ports of the Asus Chromebook Flip C536.Asus

The Chromebook Flip C536 has a larger battery than its predecessor, 57 watt hours versus 42 watt hours, as described above. That should have led to a significant increase in battery life.

Unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way. Again, we're limited in the tests we can run based on Chrome OS, but we have two tests we can run. The first is our web browser test, which goes through a number of popular websites. The Chromebook Flip C536 only managed 6.75 hours, well below the 10.5 hours the C436 achieved. The Chromebook Spin 713 lasted for 11 hours. In our video test, which ran through a local Full HD Avengers trailer, the Chromebook Flip C536 achieved a few minutes under 10 hours, compared with the C436 with almost 13 hours and the Chromebook Spin 713 with almost exactly 10 hours.

These are disappointing results and I ran each test twice to make sure I wasn't missing a thing. Most Chromebooks will get you through a full day of work thanks to the lightweight Chrome OS, and given the Chromebook Flip C536's Full HD display, that's at least what I expected, if not more. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to make it through an 8-hour day without turning on at some point.

Our opinion

The Asus Chromebook Flip C536 is a nice looking Chromebook that offers good performance and great input options. It lags a bit behind typical Asus build quality, but it's by no means a fragile machine. However, the battery life is a real buzzkill that sets this laptop back a lot.

Compared to its predecessor, the Chromebook Flip C536 is larger (with the same display) and cheaper. It would be hard to recommend for the same price, but it's a few hundred dollars cheaper. That is liberating and makes the Chromebook Flip C536 much more attractive.

Are there alternatives?

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a tough competitor that is roughly the same price but has a faster CPU and a sharper, more productive 13.5-inch 3: 2 display. It's also a bit smaller, which makes it more functional in tablet mode.

As far as it can still be purchased, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is itself a competitor of the successor. It's better built, has better battery life, and is a lot smaller. It is proof that new does not always mean better.

Finally, if you don't need a 2-in-1, keep Google's Pixelbook Go on your list. The battery life is better, the audio quality is superior, and it comes in a smaller package. It's a little more expensive, but not by much, and the vastly superior display will blow your mind.

How long it will take?

The Chromebook Flip C536 isn't fragile, but it's not as sturdy as some of its competitors – including most other Asus machines. It will hold you, but you will feel like you should be more careful with it. The typical one-year warranty is there, but acceptable at the price.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Chromebook Flip C536 has its weaknesses, but the price tag makes it an attractive option nonetheless.

Editor's recommendations



03 Aug
Blog

BodyGuardz 360 Review: Useful Utility for On-The-Go Security

BodyGuardz 360 camera in a hotel

BodyGuardz 360 Test: Useful Utility for Keeping Safe on the Go

RRP $ 199.00

“Not all surveillance cameras can go anywhere. The Bodyguardz 360 is one of the few that can do that. "

advantages

  • Portability on the go

  • Practical built-in night light

  • Saves videos to USB for offline use

  • Battery lasts five days on a single charge

disadvantage

  • The set up process was less than intuitive

  • The best features are locked behind a subscription plan

The BodyGuardz 360 camera is more like a thermos or portable bluetooth speaker than a security camera. This similarity becomes even more apparent when you first see how to store the cable and charging brick. Although it has a rather unconventional look to it, the BodyGuardz 360 offers storage straight to USB, offline functionality, and a 360-degree field of view, and beats its weight class at just $ 200.

Setup and Operation: Some annoying issues

The set up process had me ready to pull my hair out. What should have been a simple process turned into 10 minutes of troubleshooting. You will be prompted to first download the BodyGuardz app on your phone before pressing the camera's physical power button three times to put it in "scan mode". At this point, hold a QR code from the app in front of the camera. It's hard to tell exactly when the camera is watching; Although the on-screen instructions say there will be a beep, I didn't hear a sound until the camera saw the QR code.

After that, the setup went smoothly. I was able to install the camera and place it wherever I wanted with no further difficulty. The camera works fine when it's running, but most of the time when I minimize the app and try to open it again, I have to force the application before the camera comes back on. It has happened several times since I first set up the camera. It's a little nuisance that adds up when it happens almost every time.

You can control the camera from the app. It's not what I would call intuitive; You must tap and hold the phone screen before the controls appear. It feels like the app is more geared towards looking minimalist than simple controls. There's no reason the camera controls couldn't be placed under the rest of the buttons.

The BodyGuardz 360 offers limited intelligent control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but only for switching the night light on and off. There is no way to control the panning of the camera with an intelligent assistant, which limits the real benefits of the integration.

Subscription plan

There are three different levels of the BodyGuardz Smart Life plan.

Free: You get zero days of video history and can save footage locally. You'll have access to features like two-way talk, the 90dB emergency siren, and push notifications, but won't get smart detection alerts, desktop streaming, activity zones, or the ability to review and share videos.

Deluxe: The Deluxe plan is $ 4 per month per camera and includes seven days of video history. Motion capture is recorded as a video clip and you get access to smart detection alerts, desktop streaming, custom activity zones, and the ability to share and save videos.

bonus: The Premium plan is $ 10 per month for three cameras. It includes 30 days of video history and all the features of the Deluxe plan with the added benefit of an extended product warranty.

Unfortunately, you need the subscription to take advantage of many of the more powerful features. It's affordable at just $ 4 a month – but it would be a nice addition if it came standard with activity zones and smart detection alerts.

Image Quality: Clear video anytime of the day

The BodyGuardz 360 camera doesn't stream 4K content, but its 1080p resolution is good enough for all home (or on-the-go) use. The image quality is good enough to see most of the details. The camera can be swiveled around its entire base to give you a 360 degree field of view. You always have your home in view, from almost every corner. The 360 ​​also has an automatic night vision function. When the sun goes down, the view changes to black and white without losing image quality.

Color accuracy is another area where the camera is not exactly perfect. My walls are off-white, but the camera has always tinted them a faint shade of blue. In one picture, a black shirt hanging from the back of a chair looked purple. It could be something as simple as calibrating color temperature with the software, but the inaccuracies won't help either. You won't want to use the BodyGuardz 360 to admire a Jackson Pollock, but it's enough to keep an eye on activity in and around your home.

BodyGuardz 360 night light

It's worth noting that the camera includes a night light. It's not always active and you have to activate it manually – but it works well for placing in the middle of a dark room. To his credit, the night light doesn't seem to interfere with night vision much.

Features: A focus on privacy and alerts

If you want to customize your notifications, you can monitor for both sound and motion. The noise detection picks up all noises above 90 dB. The motion detection is self-explanatory, but can be broken down even further – just not in the free tariff.

When you subscribe to BodyGuardz's Smart Life subscription, you can choose to monitor all types of movement or just people. You can also set up activity zones to avoid false positives.

One of the great things about the BodyGuardz 360 camera is its attention to privacy. You can easily turn the camera on and off in the app. You can do the same with his microphone. If at any point you feel like the camera has captured something that it doesn't need, you can delete your video history.

If that's not enough, the camera even has a physical privacy screen that you can slide in front of the lens. It serves two purposes: On the one hand, to protect the lens when transporting the camera. Second, it blocks the video completely so you don't have to worry about it when you don't want to watch it.

Performance: portability for security on the go

The BodyGuardz 360 camera is a fully portable security camera. You can't live stream if you're not on WiFi, but you can plug a USB stick into the side of the camera and all activity around it will be recorded automatically. You can access these clips by connecting the USB drive to a laptop.

BodyGuardz 360 cable storage.

This makes the camera especially useful if you spend a lot of time in hotels. The battery lasts up to five days on a single charge, depending on the activity around it and how long it is used. Of course, activating the night light shortens the battery life. It should be noted that the camera also fits well in a standard-size cup holder in the car.

You can also connect the camera through its brick for unlimited use. The most surprising part of this camera, however, is the way the cable is stored. It's wrapped around the inside of the camera. The bottom slips like the bottom of a thermos and then you pull the cable out of its compartment. The stone is kept at the very bottom of the camera and pops out when the cable is free. It's a brilliant way to keep the cable out of the way, especially when using the camera while traveling.

Our opinion

The BodyGuardz 360 is a good – but not yet a great – surveillance camera. It packs a host of powerful features for a relatively low price, and its 360-degree view means you don't have to invest in multiple cameras for one room. The numerous small annoyances when setting up and operating the camera as well as the opaque nature of the actual panning could be resolved by software patches. It has a lot of potential, but it's not quite there yet.

Is there a better alternative?

There aren't many portable security cameras out there. The BodyGuardz 360 definitely hits a certain niche, but it has competition in the larger area of ​​home surveillance cameras. The Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera costs $ 200 and offers high resolution and a respectable 160-degree field of view.

At the budget end of the scale, the Wyze Cam Outdoor is another versatile camera like the BodyGuardz 360, which offers 14 days of free cloud storage and 1080p resolution for just $ 60 – while also offering a convenient offline mode to continue recording videos when there is no Wi-Fi connectivity around.

How long it will take?

The BodyGuardz 360 is made of plastic. It's not the most durable camera in the world, but it's got enough weight and weight to feel sturdy. With proper care, it should last at least five years, if not longer, with regular use. In the event of problems, BodyGuardz grants a one-year guarantee from the date of purchase.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Despite its shortcomings, the BodyGuardz 360 is a powerful surveillance camera with many functions that are seldom found in other products. The ability to take it with you to watch your hotel room or Airbnb is impressive, and the relatively low price and huge field of view make it a firm competitor.

Editor's recommendations



30 Jul
Blog

Govee Aura Smart Table Lamp Review: Animations That Dazzle

The Govee lamp has RGB lights to light up the night.

Govee Aura Smart Table Lamp Review: Animated light show on your desk

RRP $ 60.00

"The Govee Aura table lamp is a smart lamp that uses RGB colors to illuminate its 360-degree surface."

advantages

  • Nice RGB lights

  • Well organized app

  • Lots of presets for different colors and palettes

  • Manual control on the device

disadvantage

  • Cheap plastic construction

  • App restrictions

Smart lighting is one of the easiest smart home technologies that you can incorporate into your home. It's simple, rarely requires anything special, and gives your home a flair that no other smart home category can. Sure, you can get your oven to talk to your phone, and that's a nice trick for showing off at parties. But lighting has a certain subtle charm that cannot be quantified.

So far, most of the smart home lighting I have in my home has come from Philips, and my attempts to expand outside the Philips area have been disastrous. So I was skeptical when Govee offered me the opportunity to try out his table lamp. My skepticism came from two sources. First of all, they're a lighting company that isn't Philips, and besides, I don't use table lamps very much in my house. My house has pretty much all of the lighting fixtures in the ceiling. Still, I wanted to try. So let's dive in.

Design: inconspicuous hardware

Right out of the box, the Govee Aura Smart Table Lamp is a pretty cheap plastic lamp with five buttons on top and branding that is hard to miss on the front underside of the lamp. There is a small brick on the power cord that spoils the overall look of the lamp. It's a tiny brick – so small that it actually feels a bit unnecessary, so overall this wasn't a promising start.

The Govee Aura lamp has RGB lights to brighten up the night.Govee

The lamp is a cylinder that is about 8 inches tall and about 10 inches tall. When lit, only about half an inch at the bottom and a quarter of an inch at the top serve as a kind of aperture. The lamp is bright and can reach 350 lumens and has a temperature range of 2200 – 6500K. Inside is also what Govee calls RGBICWW lighting, which is a fancy way of saying animated, multi-colored lights. One of the nice things about the hardware is that the shell is translucent enough to convey colors clearly, but doesn't reveal the mechanisms inside that would dispel the illusion.

Personally, I prefer buttons on the top just because touch-sensitive panels tend to be either too sensitive or not sensitive enough. A common thread running through most smart lighting lamps is that they typically come in a variety of form factors. It is difficult to say whether this is “better or worse” than the smart table lamp “Tree of Light” from CET; It all depends on your personal preference for your facility.

Software: animations galore

The Govee Aura Smart Table Lamp is mainly controlled via the Govee app which allows you to use different effects and lighting patterns. You can move the lights to music or just show a specific pattern. You can even set up a custom pattern based on your color tastes. Govee also has a couple of dozen animated patterns that swirl the colors inside the lamp, some of which create a pretty cool effect while others move at a slightly jerky pace, giving the illusion of fish swimming in a tank quickly scattered.

Nevertheless, I particularly liked the animations in the lamp. You can choose one of several animations and watch a sunrise, drag clouds in the sky, or see the above fish swimming in a bowl. There were many choices and I found them very enjoyable. Govee got really creative here, which is great because when it comes to things like that, I'm one of the least creative people I know.

Whether for your living room or the children's room, the app offers a design that you will like.

Govee's software even lets you configure custom color swatches and help you by suggesting national flags, stars, seasons, and even the colors of the earth or any of the other planets in the solar system. Govee has put a lot of thought into this software, but in some places it just falls short. For example, yes, Govee suggests the colors of the earth, but you can only pick one at a time. I would like to cycle through all the colors of Mars; that would look really cool.

Additionally, the Govee lamp can be connected to Alexa or Google Assistant, although this is the least useful part of the lamp in my opinion. In all honesty, the Google Assistant rarely understood that I was talking about the lamp, even though I tried different name formats. I've tried "Govee Lamp", "Aura Lamp", "The Desk Lamp", and a few others that I can't print because this is a family friendly site. Needless to say, this part was a little frustrating. I can't tell if the problem was with the Google Assistant or Govee's software. I would often say “turn on the Govee lamp” and watch the Google Assistant transcribe “turn on the Gobi lamp”. Whatever the case, there is work to be done here.

Performance: Strong colors that attract attention

Govee wants you to enjoy your RGB lamp in a variety of ways. You can customize it yourself or let the Govee software team do things for you. You can set the lamp on a timer and let it wake you up. When you don't feel like whipping out your phone and opening the app, you can tap the buttons at the top to turn the lamp on or off, adjust the brightness, and even switch to music mode. In short, I wasn't a fan of table lamps before. Now I'm looking for places in my house where I could put another one.

The Govee Aura lamp can light up in many different configurations.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

With its dazzling effect, the Govee Aura Smart Table Lamp can potentially be the center of attention anywhere. At the same time, its vivid colors and animations create an atmosphere that other static lights lack.

Our opinion

This is not a perfect product. The build quality is questionable and probably wouldn't survive a fall from the table to a wooden floor. The lump on the power cord is repulsive. The branding that is in the front and center of the lamp is honestly cheesy. But overall, I like what Govee is doing here, and that's mostly because of the software. Yes, there are a few shortcomings as well, but I imagine these are pretty easy to fix.

Is there a better alternative?

We've got a roundup of the best smart lights you can buy today. there is no lack of them. The next would probably be that Aukey Touch RGB lampwhich looks very similar to this lamp but has a touch sensitive base as opposed to buttons on the top.

The Philips Hue Iris costs a lot more, but it is a different type of table lamp that naturally fits in well with the Philips Hue ecosystem. Additionally, you can direct the light onto walls or wall art for some neat accent lighting.

How long it will take?

The build quality of this lamp is not the best. It's pretty much top-down plastic that has some shock-resistant properties to be sure. Even so, I would be nervous if I put this too close to the edge of a table, especially over a hardwood or tile floor. The lamp has a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, which is nice, but there's no telling how long this would last.

Should you buy it?

Yes. This is a beautiful product that can be great fun. Whether for your living room or the children's room, the app offers a design that you will like. In fact, there are likely several designs out there that you will like. At $ 55 (as of this writing), this isn't the cheapest smart table lamp out there, but the app development really shows off at Govee. It also turns out that smart table lamps are fun! Who knew I really love this lamp and will definitely start with Govee when shopping for smart lighting in the future.

Editor's recommendations



30 Jul
Blog

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 Review: Dual Screens, If You Need It

Illustration of the ZenBook Pro Duo with a second display.

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED review: Two screens when you need them

RRP $ 3,000.00

"The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED is a fantastic laptop for the creative when you can use its second screen."

advantages

  • Useful dual screen design

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Nice OLED displays

  • Strong performance in creative apps

  • Keyboard action is comfortable

  • Active pen is precise and responsive

disadvantage

  • Clumsy keyboard and touchpad

  • Battery life is awful

  • Expensive

Asus doesn't do without dual screens. The company has some laptops with second screens embedded in the touchpad, but last year it released the more extravagant ZenBook Pro Duo UX581, which positioned a second large display under the primary panel. For such a futuristic idea, the laptop was remarkably well made.

But Asus hasn't rested on its laurels and recently launched the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 and made several significant changes to this experimental design.

I have a well-stocked configuration of the ZenBook Pro Duo with an Intel Core i9-10980HK CPU of the 10 x 2160) OLED panel and a second OLED screen at 3840 x 1100.

However, this is an expensive $ 3,000 machine. Is the dual display functionality enough to compete with the best laptops for video and photo editing?

design

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo sits on the table.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Close the lid of the ZenBook Pro Duo and it looks like a chunky 15-inch laptop with a light industrial design in a Celestial Blue color scheme and the usual Asus concentric swirl on the lid. The edges are angled for aesthetic and functional reasons, especially the rear edge that houses the new ErgoLift AAS (Active Aerodynamic System) hinge that supports the lower chassis for better airflow and more comfortable typing upwards.

It bears a vague resemblance to gaming laptops due to the aggressive ventilation on each side, but overall the design is more function than form. A look at the ZenBook Pro Duo gives a clear impression that it is a working device. Compare that to the Dell XPS 15, which is far slimmer and adds a touch of elegance, making it a more attractive laptop. Another laptop with a different design, which also presents a pure work aesthetic, is the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel with its foldable display design – not surprising that this device is also aimed at creative people.

There is nothing slim and light in the ZenBook Pro Duo.

Open the lid of the ZenBook Pro Duo and the second display rises at an angle – the previous version remained flat and less comfortable to use. Since both displays are OLED, there are tons of bright colors and deep blacks to stare at, and at least it looks cool. This angle is not only helpful for use in the east; it also provides additional airflow over the lower chassis for theoretically improved thermal performance.

The main display hinge is pretty tight and it takes some pressure to lift the second display. Despite the heavy weight of the underside, you need two hands to open the laptop, but everything feels sturdy and gives you the certainty that after a lot of opening and closing you won't have any problems with the second display in the long run.

Asus constructed the ZenBook Pro Duo from a mix of aluminum and magnesium-aluminum alloys, so the feeling of durability is carried over to the rest of the laptop. I would rate it with the best laptops for its rigidity without bending, bending, or twisting on the machine. It corresponds to the Dell XPS and Latitude and Lenovo ThinkPad lines, which are some of the toughest laptops built today. This quality is a common characteristic of Asus laptops – we rarely come across one that is not rock solid.

While the ZenBook Pro Duo isn't thin and light, it's not as big as you'd expect given the second screen. It's 0.83 inches thick and weighs 5.16 pounds, compared to the XPS 15 at 0.71 inches and 4.5 pounds. The ZenBook's bezels are larger at the top and bottom, making the case larger overall – not to mention the impact of the second display, but it's by no means a huge laptop. The Acer Concept D 7 Ezel is thicker and heavier at 1.13 inches at its thickest point and 5.6 pounds, and this device feels bigger than the ZenBook Pro Duo.

Right side view of the closed Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 with connectors.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The ZenBook Pro Duo comes with a palm rest extension that slides up on the bottom of the case. That makes up for the fact that there is no palm rest built into the device and typing without the extension is uncomfortable (more on the keyboard later). Adding the extension pushes the laptop back onto your desk, which means it takes up quite a bit of space when fully configured. The extension has a pass-through for the LED on the bottom that shows the battery status, which is a nice touch.

There is no doubt, however, that you will be reconfiguring your desk to make everything fit, and the expansion is another thing to take with you if you want the convenience of using the ZenBook Pro Duo on the go. I would have recommended adding a magnetic link to keep the extension in place; As it is, it slides around while you work and that can be distracting.

Finally, Asus also offers an ErgoLift stand that further supports the back of the ZenBook Duo Pro. You can achieve a 12 degree angle by using the stand that attaches to the bottom of the chassis so you can always have it with you. I found it a bit clunky to use, but then I didn't attach the stand to the test device.

Certainly, it offers a more comfortable angle for both viewing the second screen and typing, with your palms resting more naturally on the desktop in the latter case. In theory, you could also use the palm rest extension, but it doesn't fit properly with the stand attached, and so it seems like one thing or the other. It's also another complication in setting up the laptop as you move from place to place.

ZenBook Pro Duo ErgoLift Stand.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Connectivity is decent for a laptop as thick as the ZenBook Pro Duo. On the left is a proprietary connector for the 240 watt power adapter, a full-size HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right side there are two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support and one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port. It is noticeable that there is no SD card slot, which would have made sense for the ZenBook Pro Duo in the creative market. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 offer wireless connectivity.

perfomance

My test device was 10th with an Intel Core i9-10980HK eight-core / 16-thread CPU. Asus paid a lot of attention to thermal performance, with lots of airflow, as mentioned above, two 97-blade fans and a whopping six heat pipes, including one for the power supply module. There's also a G-sensor that detects when the display is closed at an angle of less than 80 degrees. At this point the power will be reduced to limit consumption and extend battery life.

Illustration of the ZenBook Pro Duo with a second display.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Asus offers a performance optimization utility that switches between standard and performance modes. I found the utility inconsistent – it raised the Cinebench R23 multi-core score to 9968, making it one of the fastest laptops we tested, but it didn't affect our Handbrake test of a 420MB video in H. converted .265.

It also raised Geekbench 5's multi-core score to 7542, placing it higher in our peer group. In our gaming benchmarks, the utility either had a minimal positive impact or reduced performance; I will discuss this below. The utility had no influence on the PCMark 10 score, which was particularly strong in the area of ​​content creation and is one of the fastest devices.

Overall, the ZenBook Pro Duo was a fast laptop, but maybe not quite as fast as you'd expect given the Core i9 CPU. I can imagine that despite all the efforts Asus put into heat treatment, the CPU still struggled to maintain full speed. The fans would certainly spin up, especially in performance mode, and a lot of heat was blown out of the side ventilation slots. In general, it can do CPU-intensive tasks and has managed to keep up with or outperform the latest Ryzen 7 CPUs – something we haven't seen on a lot of Intel-based laptops.

Given the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, the ZenBook Pro Duo does well with apps that can use the GPU. It scored 647 in the PugetBench Adobe Premiere Pro benchmark, which is the fastest score we've seen on a laptop. The closest thing is the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro gaming laptop with a Ryzen 7 5800H and an RTX 3070 that managed 622. Anyone using Adobe's suite will be delighted with the performance of the ZenBook Pro.

Geekbench (single / multiple) Handbrake (seconds) Cinbench R23 (single / multiple) PCMark 10
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (Core i9-10980HK) 1266/6918 106 1236/8326 5769
Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
(10875H)		 1301/7949 114 N / A N / A
HP Envy x360 15
(Ryzen7 5700U)		 1198/6790 116 1258/8131 5419
Asus ZenBook 13 OLED
(Ryzen 7 5800U		 1423/6758 124 1171/7824 6034
Dell XPS 15 (Core i7-10875H) 1314/7549 122 N / A N / A
HP Envy 15 (Core i7-10750H) 1274/5542 139 N / A N / A
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) 1707/7337 N / A 1487/7547 N / A

Gaming was a mixed bag, perhaps due to the Nvidia Studio drivers installed on the ZenBook Pro Duo. These are designed to ensure consistent and reliable performance in creative apps rather than hardcore gaming, which appears to have impacted gaming performance. Either that or the GPU had thermal issues at times, as I suspect that happened to the CPU.

Additionally, as I mentioned above, the Asus Performance Utility only increased frame rates by a few or decreased performance. Civilization VI, for example, saw significant frame rate drops in performance mode. 3DMark scores rose, with the ZenBook Pro Duo hitting 8,763 in Time Spy and 17864 in Fire Strike in performance mode, but that increase didn't result in gaming.

The ZenBook Duo Pro did well in Fortnite on Epic graphics at 1080p, Civilization VI on Ultra graphics, and Assassin's Creed Vahalla on Ultra High graphics, but fell behind in Battlefield V on Ultra. The performance decreased disproportionately at 4K, whereby the ZenBook Pro Duo lagged far behind the crowd at this resolution. I haven't been able to test at 1440p, but it's possible you can run games there if you dive into Nvidia settings and enable that resolution.

The bottom line is that while the ZenBook Pro Duo doesn't always live up to its components as a gaming laptop, it is still quite usable for modern 1080p and maybe 1440p titles. You may get better performance if you remove the Studio drivers and install the regular Nvidia drivers, but then you lose the benefit of better creative application performance and reliability. This is likely not something that the laptop target market will go for.

Laptop 3DMark time spy 3DMark fire strike Assassin's Creed Valhalla (1080p Ultra High) Battlefield V (1080p Ultra) Fortnite (1080p Epic) Civilization VI (1080p Ultra)
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (RTX 3070) 7998 16932 74 fps 78 fps 102 fps 111 fps
Razer Blade 14 (RTX 3070) 8605 19673 60 fps 96 fps 96 fps 84 fps
Asus ROG Strix G15 (Radeon RX 6800M) 10504 26800 77 fps 109 fps 108 fps 91 fps
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (RTX 3070) 9175 21033 61 fps 73 fps 101 fps 101 fps
MSI GS66 Stealth (RTX 3080) 9097 19175 70 fps 97 fps 140 fps 140 fps

Primary display

Close-up of the image of the ZenBook Pro Duo display.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The primary display of the ZenBook Pro Duo is a 4K OLED panel with DisplayHDR 500 support that looks just brilliant. OLED excels in that it usually highlights colors without becoming oversaturated and creates blacks that look incredibly deep, and the panel Asus selected for the ZenBook Pro Duo does both.

My colorimeter agreed with my subjective impression. First, the display was quite bright at 369 cd / m², well above our 300 nit threshold. That's less than the OLED display on the HP Specter x360 15, which registered 426 nits, and the Dell XPS 14 4K IPS display, which reached 442 nits, but is still bright enough for most indoor environments. The contrast was typical for OLED displays at 368,610: 1, compared to the Specter x360 15 OLED at 426,180: 1 and the XPS 15 4K at 1480: 1 (good for an IPS display).

The colors were wide at 100% of sRGB and 99% of AdobeRGB, with the Specter x360 15 OLED hitting 100% and 98%, respectively, and the XPS 15 4K hitting 100% of both color gamuts. Accuracy was good with a DeltaE of 1.25 (less than 1.0 is considered excellent) and was close to the 1.21 of the Specter x360 15 OLED, but not as good as the spectacular 0.65 of the XPS 15 4K.

Simply put, the display on the ZenBook Pro Duo was a joy to use. Black text appeared on a white background, the colors were vibrant and beautiful, and Netflix was a dream thanks to the 4K resolution and HDR support. This is a display that everyone will love including the creative professionals who demand wide and accurate colors.

The sound is driven by two downward-facing speakers, which ensure a clear sound and hardly sufficient volume. I want things to get a little louder, but it's good enough for the occasional YouTube video. The mids and highs are fine, but there is no bass. You will need a pair of headphones for Netflix bingeing and music sessions.

Secondary display

Second display of the ZenBook Pro Duo, ScreenPad +.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The second display of the ZenBook Pro Duo, called ScreenPad +, is also OLED and runs at 3840 x 1100. Like the primary display, it is bright and colorful with deep black tones. I couldn't position my colorimeter properly to get a formal reading of its quality, but it seems to be on par with its bigger brother. Speaking of size, the second display is big enough to be useful, though the extreme widescreen format means any maximized apps can look a little funky on it.

This laptop is designed with the creative in mind, and it is these users who will get the most out of the second display.

Asus has packed a lot of functionality into the second display, all of which are accessible via a ScreenXpert Control Center menu that can be pinned or left floating on the left, right, or bottom of the display. The menu provides access to Brightness, an App Navigator utility that makes it easy to move windows from one screen to another, a button to lock or unlock the keyboard, a button to view the ScreenPad + desktop, a button to open the MyAsus App, a button to open the Launcher app that provides access to ScreenPad + apps and setup.

Useful ScreenPad + apps include a Quick Key utility that provides quick access to features like copy and paste, a handwriting app that converts ink to text, a virtual numeric keypad, a Spotify control center, and a Corel Multicam utility. There are also buttons to open an AppDeals app and the MyASUS app, and a button to open the Asus Control Panel app (see below).

There are several ways to use the ScreenPad +. You can turn it into a massive touchpad, which is less useful than it seems as it is positioned above the keyboard and therefore not very comfortable to use. It can host app windows, so it can act as a typical external display. Asus has developed a new Control Panel app that supports Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, and has several commonly used functions for each app.

The app is fully customizable and is designed to optimize the use of the supported applications. One final way to use the secondary display is to move control windows out of the way in apps like Premiere and Photoshop to make more room to view and edit a video or photo. Note that the Control Panel app can start automatically and take away this functionality.

Close-up of the second display of the ZenBook Pro Duo, ScreenPad +.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Overall, I found the ScreenPad + to be a useful addition, but mainly for certain users who can use the app-specific functions. That's fine, because this laptop was designed for creative people, and it is these users who will get the most out of the second display. Personally, I probably wouldn't use it for much more than dragging down windows that don't clutter my main display or that I want to see separately, like the Netflix app or a YouTube window. That might make the ScreenPad + a niche component, but a useful one nonetheless.

Touchpad and keyboard

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 keyboard with stylus on top.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Close-up of the vertical touchpad on the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Close-up of the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 keyboard.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

On its own, the ZenBook Pro Duo’s 3-tier, backlit keyboard is a good one. It has a lot of travel and comfortable key spacing, and the switches provide precise action with a nice click. My only complaint is that the ground movement is a little abrupt and therefore has a harrowing effect that can be tiring during long tip sessions. I would rate it a step or two behind the great keyboards of the HP Specter x360 15 and Dell XPS 15. The biggest problem with the keyboard is that there is no palm rest.

When using the laptop alone, your wrists rest on the desktop and your fingers are at an awkward typing angle. As mentioned earlier, Asus offers a palm rest extension that solves this problem, but the ZenBook Pro Duo extends further back on a desktop and it's another piece to take with you. Also, as mentioned above, you can attach the ErgoLift stand and that helps too, but again, it's another piece to play around with.

The touchpad, on the other hand, is just terrible. I hate being this negative, but it's tiny, vertically oriented (which is weird to use), and placed to the right of the keyboard where it's annoying. It includes Asus' virtual LED numeric keypad which is great for those who would use something like this, but that doesn't make up for its size and placement. It's a Microsoft Precision touchpad, so it works well enough. It's just terribly uncomfortable.

Both displays are of course touch-enabled and support the supplied Asus active pen, which can be magnetically attached to the lid. The pen works well and ensures fluid and precise coloring and control on both displays.

Close-up of the webcam of the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Finally, the passwordless login of Windows 10 Hello is supported by an infrared camera and facial recognition. It's quick and accurate, and I had no problems signing in. The webcam is a disappointing 720p as some vendors start configuring 1080p webcams in response to the pandemic-inspired surge in video conferencing.

Battery life

Asus has increased the battery of the ZenBook Pro Duo compared to the previous generation by 29.5% to a capacity of up to 92 Wh. That's a lot of battery, but that's a lot of machine, so I didn't have extremely high expectations.

I was on the right track. The ZenBook Pro Duo doesn't do well in any of our battery benchmarks. In our web browser test, for example, it didn't quite make four hours, a meager score that even gaming laptops tend to outperform. The previous version lasted about 5.5 hours, but that was with the second screen turned off. I ran my tests with the second screen on, assuming that most users would want this feature in battery life as much as when plugged in. According to Asus, the second screen should reduce battery life by about 1.5 hours, which I've seen and which suggests that the updated version doesn't show better longevity, at least in this test, despite the larger battery.

In short, the ZenBook Pro Duo has terrible battery life.

Note that the Dell XPS 15 4K ran for seven hours and the HP Specter x360 15 ran a little over six hours. I realize I've picked a few comparison devices that aren't much better than the ZenBook Pro Duo. The latest laptops last around 10 hours in this test, but of course most of them don't have OLED displays and such powerful components.

In our video looping test, which repeats a Full HD Avengers trailer, the ZenBook Pro Duo reached six hours, compared to the XPS 15 with 20 minutes more and the Specter x360 15 with 6.5 hours. Again, other modern machines last much longer, usually over 13 hours or so. I also ran the PCMark 10 gaming test, where the Asus lasted less than two hours; This isn't all that bad, and the test itself is likely more of a measure of how aggressively a laptop is running on battery life than how long its battery lasts.

In the PCMark 10 application test, which is the best indicator of battery life, the ZenBook Pro Duo achieved 5.5 hours, which is about half of what most other laptops can do. We didn't test the XPS 15 with these benchmarks either, but the Specter x360 15 lasted three minutes less in the gaming test and two minutes less in the applications test.

In short, the ZenBook Pro Duo has terrible battery life. Of course, this is not unexpected in the design of the machine. This means that if you are on the road for a full day at work, you have to carry the powerful 240-watt power brick with you. Add that to the palm rest extension and ErgoLift stand, and your backpack will feel pretty full.

Our opinion

The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 (www!) Is a great laptop for anyone who really benefits from adding a second display to the device, not to mention a powerful CPU and GPU that can handle demanding tasks. This includes creatives who use their laptops with apps like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, which makes sense because that's exactly what Asus is aiming for. In this regard, the company has succeeded in producing a laptop that meets special requirements.

For most other users, however, the ZenBook Pro Duo is too heavy, too complicated and suffers from a short battery life. It's also expensive at $ 3,000 when you can get equally powerful and much more portable laptops for the same or less money.

Are there alternatives?

The Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is another differently designed laptop tailored for creative types. It's also very fast, very heavy, and has a very short battery life. It's even more expensive, too, but if you're a creator and need its flexibility, the Acer is a great alternative.

The Dell XPS 15 is a cheaper device for developers because it's fast (though not as fast as the ZenBook Pro Duo), has its own great display, and is far more portable. If you don't need the second display, it's a viable option.

Otherwise, the ZenBook Pro Duo is in a class of its own. You won't find any other device with the same type of second screen, and if that matters to you, the Asus is your only option.

How long it will take?

The ZenBook Pro Duo is extremely well built and feels tough enough to withstand years of use. Its components also keep up, so that your investment pays for itself. You will be disappointed with the one year warranty, which is industry standard but not long enough for such an expensive product.

Should you buy it?

Yes. When you need a second display, the ZenBook Pro Duo isn't just your only choice. It's a great choice, period. If you don't, your $ 3,000 will likely be better spent elsewhere.

Editor's recommendations



30 Jul
Blog

Nothing Ear 1 Review: Everything You Want for Just $99

Nothing Ear 1 earphones with ladybird climbing on top for size comparison.

Nothing Ear 1 Review: Everything You Can Want For Just $ 99

RRP $ 99.00

"Fresh and unmistakably styled, the enviable specification list of the Nothing Ear 1 True Wireless Earbuds with ANC and wireless charging is backed by great convenience, good performance, and a great price of $ 99."

advantages

  • Distinctive design

  • Active noise cancellation

  • Wireless charging

  • Very light and convenient

  • Very competitive price

disadvantage

  • No support for virtual assistants

  • Bright sound can lack presence

The Nothing Ear 1 are an exciting product, but also a lot more than just a new pair of true wireless earbuds. Nothing is OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei's new business, but it's not specifically an audio company. It is a technology company that we can expect to see a wide variety of products in the future, spanning a multitude of different genres. What the Ear 1 represents in this context is the ethos of Nothing, showing its approach to design, quality and possibly price. The Ear 1 is Genesis for Nothing and undoubtedly gives us a glimpse of its direction for the future.

In that sense, there is a tremendous amount of weight on the shoulders of Little Ear 1. They are arguably also one of the most hyped products of this year, Pei's sizeable fan base is all waiting for them, and the success of OnePlus has led to the rest of the Tech community is watching Ear 1 with great interest. The expectations are huge.

With all this, is the Ear 1 nothing or everything?

design

When Nothing posted pictures of the Concept 1, it was clear (sorry) that transparency would likely be included in their first product, and in fact, it's an integral part of the design and identity of the Ear 1. The outer case and molded inner part are made of clear plastic while the components and battery are hidden in a white, irregularly shaped section. The square case mixes curves and slashes, round recesses and rectangular metal shapes to great effect. It's interesting and different, but still pocket-sized and conveniently sized.

Close-up of the magnets of the Nothing Ear 1 in the stem.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The earbuds have a transparent stem, and nothing has worked hard to make sure everything looks pretty on the display. Internal components are rarely attractive or aesthetically positioned, but the microphones, magnets, and other parts in the Ear 1's stem are neat and symmetrical. It looks brilliant. The housing is made of white plastic and there is a choice of three different sized silicone earplugs – small, medium and large – included in the scope of delivery.

Nobody will confuse the Ear 1 with any other earbud. While they have a short-stemmed design like the Apple AirPods Pro, they're not an exact replica, and the case is definitely one of a kind. There are wonderful little touches too, from the use of a single red dot to identify the right earbud, the uniform pixel-art style font used on the case and "buds", and the ease with which you can find the Taking out "buds" can do the trick itself. Little things that make a big difference in use and ownership.

Close-up of the Nothing Ear 1 case and earbuds.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, I haven't had the Ear 1 long enough to determine its shelf life. True wireless earbud cases can get rough handling and can soon pick up scratches and scuffs. The transparent finish looks a lot worse if it suffers the same fate. So far, however, it is intact. Other than that, I really can't fault the design and presentation of the Ear 1. They are modern, fresh, distinctive and accordingly different from everyone else.

Convenience, control and connection

A lot of work has gone into the shape and materials of the Ear 1, but has just as much attention been paid to the feeling in your ear? I have been using in-ear and over-ear headphones very regularly for months, trying several different models and giving up on those that hurt my ears. The Nothing Ear 1 is by far one of the most comfortable in-ear headphones I've ever worn.

Nothing ear 1 is displayed in one ear.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

At 4.7 grams, they are very light, have a very small overhang outside the ear and the slightly oval silicone earplugs fit perfectly into my ear. I didn't have to switch from the middle tips included in the box and I rarely had to put the Ear 1s back in my ear, even when cleaning the house or washing the car, when my head is constantly moving and often at an unusual angle. If anything, the Ear 1s were easily forgotten. Even after three hours, my ears did not hurt. I'd equate convenience with the Apple AirPods Pro, but I'd say they might be a little more secure.

I mainly used the Nothing Ear 1 in conjunction with an iPhone 12 Pro with a pre-release version of the app. They use Bluetooth 5.2, and I regularly switched between the iPhone and an iPad Pro (2020) that had the app installed not without problems. A Fast Pairing feature will be available on Android phones where opening the case and pressing the Pair button will connect it to a phone without any further action, but this was not available in my app.

Nothing Ear 1 app shows the main screen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Nothing Ear 1 app with ANC controls.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Gesture control settings for the Nothing Ear 1 app.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The range is very good and I was able to move from one end of my humble apartment to the other, about 10 meters without line of sight, without losing contact. Control is only by touch and actions can be configured in the app. By default, a double tap plays and pauses, a triple tap advances to the next track, a long press cycles through the active noise cancellation (ANC) modes, and a swipe up and down changes the volume.

The entire stem is touch sensitive and since it's quite small the accuracy is vastly improved since you're not looking for the right spot. Plus, each earbud has the same controls, so you don't have to learn a lot. I found the touch control system intuitive and decisive, precise and precise. I didn't feel frustrated or feel the need to just pick up my phone and use it instead. A short beep plays to distinguish between the ANC modes, but I would prefer it actually been indicated which mode is active.

The Nothing Ear 1 has integrated easily, comfortably and very quickly into my everyday life

The Ear 1 comes with AAC and SBC codec compatibility, but there is no AptX, AptX Adaptive or AptX HD, no W1 chip for automatically activating Apple's Spatial Music feature. The Ear 1 does not connect to a virtual assistant. So if you want to talk to Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa, you need to use your phone. It's an unusual omission, and while it's a feature I rarely use personally, there will be others who will miss it. Apart from that, for general hearing, I have found that the Nothing Ear 1 has integrated easily, comfortably and very quickly into my everyday life.

Sound quality

The sound of the Ear 1 was tuned by Teenage Engineering, a company with decades of experience in audio hardware. In the app, you can switch between the standard balanced mode and one that emphasizes bass or treble. Balanced is by far the best option with its wonderfully flat EQ. For my personal musical preferences, the flat EQ usually works very well.

A Nothing Ear 1 earphone seen from the side.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Its success is evident in AKB48's Sustainable, where the strong bass line and orchestral section can easily drown out the cute vocals when listening through headphones with a custom bass forward EQ. The mostly flat EQ of the Ear 1 keeps the vocals cleanly centered and the bass under control. The downside comes when listening to classical music. For example, Holst's Mars, The Planets' Bringer of War, lacked the all-important presence that gives it so much power.

The Ear 1 delivers a bright tone with a tight soundstage, and with complex songs there is some heaviness at the top end. This is noticeable in Curtis Mayfield's Fall Behind and in Iz * one's Mise-en-Scéne, where the highs overwhelm the mids to crescendo at the end of each track. The bass isn't quite as rounded as the AirPods Pro, and they don't have the same powerful punch or warmth as the Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch. They definitely don't lack bass, but it's not a strength either. Unfortunately, the added Bass EQ mode sounds a bit artificial, so if you want more it may not be happy.

The Nothing Ear 1 held between two fingers.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

For call quality, I used it as a replacement for my usual Samsung Galaxy Buds Live in Teams and WhatsApp video calls. The general opinion was that the sound was good and at least comparable to my usual choice and not too different from the microphone performance on the phone, in this case a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

I find the Ear 1's lack of presence more of a problem than the brightness, but it's not overly noticeable in all listening situations. The flat, natural EQ makes much of the music I hear sound the way I see it, and I would much rather have a brighter sound than one with overwhelming bass. Despite these points, I never felt like I wanted to switch to a different set of headphones to get the sound I wanted that should tell you all about the sound of the Ear 1.

Noise cancellation and transparency

You can choose between a light and a maximum setting for noise reduction, and there is also a transparency mode. I left it either at maximum or with transparency and found little use for the light mode. I either wanted to hear something or I didn't. On the street, the insulation is very effective, matching my AirPods Pro, but with a slightly less "airy" feel. You are certainly included in the Ear 1's ANC.

The Nothing Ear 1 is placed in one ear.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The transparency mode is better than others that I've used in some situations, with a less artificial feel, minimal hiss, and no discomfort. Sometimes the transparency modes get messed up by moving air or when I move my head, but that didn't happen as often with the Ear 1 at all.

Battery life

Nothing says the Ear 1 will last four hours with the case on for a total of 24 hours with the ANC turned on. Without the ANC, expect 5.7 hours per charge and a total of 34 hours with the case. The usage time cannot keep up with the Sony WF-1000XM4, but it is largely similar to the Apple AirPods Pro. Charging is done with either a USB Type-C or a wireless Qi charger. Put the earbuds in the case for 10 minutes and you will get 50 minutes of ANC playback. Charge the case for 10 minutes and there is enough power inside to provide six hours of ANC listening.

Charging port on the Nothing Ear 1 case.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In my experience so far, the Ear 1 lasted around four and a half hours with a mix of ANC and without and on two different phones, an iPad and my Mac Mini. I'm using the Ear 1 before it is released so the firmware may be updated in the near future which could further improve battery life. It's close to what Nothing claims, however, and a strong performance given the size and weight of the earbuds.

Price and availability

The Nothing Ear 1 will be released on August 17th and will be sold through Nothing's own online store and retail stores such as Selfridges in the UK. They cost $ 99 or £ 99.

Our opinion

I've been trying to find serious problems with the Nothing Ear 1 earbuds that I really have. I listened to them for hours, tested the ANC as best I could without getting on a plane, and doused the specs. I looked at the low price and then the product and tried to see where corners were cut off to reach it. I admit I'm at a loss. How are they $ 99 and so good?

I like the carefully balanced sound, the noise cancellation is effective without being uncomfortable, the design is very cool, and they are certainly one of the lightest and most comfortable earbuds I've ever put in my ears. I would have liked more codec support, especially AptX HD or AptX Adaptive, and the bright sound may not be to everyone's taste. It also lacks support for virtual assistants, so you don't have to verbally answer calls or check the weather. But when they have all of the above plus wireless charging and decent $ 100 battery life, they're little compromises I'm willing to make.

For a first product, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones are excellent. It's the business card most companies dream of, and I can't wait to see what Nothing brings out next.

Is there a better alternative?

For $ 100 with ANC and wireless charging? Finding a competitor for twice the price is a challenge. It's pretty puzzling how Nothing added that amount of functionality and sound quality for the price. For example, Cambridge Audio's Melomania Touch is $ 130 and doesn't have ANC or wireless charging, but I think the sound is noticeably more rounded and with a lot more presence. The $ 100 Google Pixel Buds A lack some bass, and they don't have an ANC either.

Where does that leave you? Our top pick for true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, is $ 280 and Apple's AirPods Pro is $ 250. Both have ANC and wireless charging and great sound. This is a serious price increase compared to the Nothing Ear 1. Perhaps the best alternative to the Nothing Ear 1 is the Sony WF-1000XM3, which is still a current model despite its technical replacement by the WF-1000XM4 with its excellent ANC and excellent performance Audio performance. You can find them for around $ 200 if you shop around.

How long will they last?

The Nothing Ear 1 has a splash protection class IPX4, so it should be suitable for use in the rain. Firmware updates are provided with the app, but there is no need to use the earbuds, so your earbuds will work even if they suddenly stop updating after years. Nothing grants a two-year guarantee on the Ear 1. The only question mark is the durability of the transparent surface of the case, otherwise the Nothing Ear 1 should last several years before battery life concerns could prompt you to upgrade.

Should you buy it?

Yes, you are unlikely to find a better pair of expertly designed, high-function, true wireless earbuds at this price point.

Editor's recommendations



29 Jul
Blog

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub P3222QE Review: 4K Docking Perfection

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor sits on desk next to plant and light.

Dell P3222QE 4K Hub Monitor

RRP $ 899.00

"The Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor is an ideal addition to a home office setup."

advantages

  • Excellent connectivity options

  • Great IPS image quality

  • Robust, modern construction

  • Large 4K panel

  • Super guarantee

disadvantage

  • Expensive

  • Not a wide color space

Choosing the best monitor for yourself is not easy, especially if you are looking for a display that can be connected to your notebook with a single USB-C cable and will handle all of the connectivity. Fortunately, Dell has a new 32-inch 4K offering called the Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor, codenamed P3222QE.

The two main highlights of this display are its large 4K IPS panel along with USB-C hub functions, which means that it can charge your laptop, display and audio data to the monitor as well as USB and Ethernet signals via a single cable can send. But this feature set doesn't come cheap: the P3222QE is priced at $ 899. Still, it has the potential to be a great home office centerpiece for those who just want to switch between laptop and desktop modes.

design

Back view of the Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

When you unpack the display, you are immediately greeted with the sturdy stand and the solid workmanship of the display. You won't find a fancy metal construction here, but the plastic housing of the P3222QE is of high quality with a slim design and without ugly gaps in the panels. The P3222QE has a clean, professional appearance and fits well in most homes and offices, with its great visual feature being its large size.

The stand has a noticeable weight and has all the essential functions that we expect from Dell stands: height adjustment, tilting, swiveling and rotating into portrait format – this is essential for productivity monitors for an ergonomic, healthy posture.

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub monitor brightness settings stand close-up.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The stand also has a cable hole through the middle for neat cable management, although I would have preferred to see this cutout a little higher. At halfway up positions, many of the cables are still visible – but this is not a problem at lower positions.

Ports & controls

View of the connectors and ports on the Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor.

View of the connectors and ports on the Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor.

As mentioned earlier, connectivity is the P3222QE's strong point with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C inputs. The hub has four USB 3.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet, although a headphone jack appears to be missing.

Two of the USB ports are located next to the display inputs for connecting other fixed devices such as mice, webcams and keyboards, while two more USB ports are located on the underside of the display in a practical place for connecting USB sticks or short-term connected devices of this type.

Two USB ports within easy reach make the P3222QE a practical desktop companion.

Some other USB-C monitors with abundant connectivity occasionally have a DisplayPort out, as is the case with the P2720DC. The P3222QE, on the other hand, doesn't have this feature, so you're limited to a single monitor if you only want to use a single cable. But there is a good reason for this: the Type-C connection does not have the necessary bandwidth for multiple 4K displays. So it's hardly a point of criticism.

The P3222QE can charge the connected USB-C device with up to 65 W power, which is sufficient for the vast majority of productivity-oriented notebooks. However, more powerful mobile workstations or gaming laptops may require more power. So please check your laptop's power requirements before purchasing this monitor.

The P3222QE's OSD (on-screen display) is simple but has most of the essential features needed for this type of monitor. There are two controls on the back of the monitor: a power switch and a small joystick to control the OSD.

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub monitor brightness settings power button.

Close up of the brightness settings on the Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub monitor.

The OSD itself is sharp and easy to navigate, although the text is quite small and is placed way down in the lower right corner of the display. Since it's a fairly large display, navigating the OSD is a bit un-ergonomic as you have to bend down to read. But it's just the OSD, and it's not that you're going to be spending much time there anyway.

All the important controls are there, including brightness and contrast settings, various preset color modes and a handful of device settings. For inputs, there is even the option to rename the inputs, which is nice if you want to name the USB-C port in "laptop", DisplayPort in desktop and HDMI in console, for example.

picture quality

With a large, 31.5-inch IPS panel with a 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160, the P3222QE offers a pleasantly sharp image with great color performance. The panel is able to display 1.07 billion colors, with an evaluated color space covering 99% of the sRGB space. As such, this is not a monitor with a wide color gamut and is not supplied with a factory calibration. So we'll see how it does in our tests right now. Dell also promises a static contrast ratio of 1000: 1, which is expected from an IPS panel, and the typical brightness is stated at 350 nits.

One of Dell's strengths in its monitors are the coatings – where they were quite aggressive a decade ago, Dell has honed their coating process to create a very smooth anti-glare coating that is still very effective at reducing glare. The P3222QE also has this soft coating, which makes its image easy on the eyes even at higher brightness levels.

So without further ado, let's toss our Datacolor Spyder X Elite at the P3222QE and see how it performs.

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor sits on desk next to plant and light.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

All in all, the P3222QE actually delivers a good performance. Its color space is limited to 99% of the sRGB space, which fans of wide-gamut panels will miss, but its color space is easy on the eyes and a very good sRGB panel in terms of quality. Gamma performance is perfect at 2.2 with a deviation of just 0.01, and color accuracy is tested with a Delta-E (difference from reality) of 1.67. This is good enough for photo editing work, which the P3222QE is great for with its large size and high resolution.

Meanwhile, the brightness performance of 350 cd / m² is just right, with the static contrast ratio measured with a peak value of 1100: 1 and exceeding the promised specification. Only the white point was a bit off target at 6900K, which creates a slightly colder image than desired.

After using the Spyder X Elite to calibrate the display and reevaluate its performance, we found we squeezed out 1% more sRGB coverage and improved color accuracy to an impressive Delta-E of just 1.01 . The white point has also been refined so that the overall performance of the P3222QE can be improved even further with a simple calibration. But the picture is more than good enough for most use cases. So if you're not doing professional editing, we'd just leave it as it is.

Our opinion

The P3222QE is an excellent 4K monitor that is particularly suitable for use with notebooks thanks to its integrated hub functions. With up to 65 watts of power output via its USB-C port, four USB 3.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet, the P3222QC has all the connectivity required to set up a (home) office workstation that is connected to the Laptop docks.

And that's not to ignore the picture of the P3222QE: with a large 32-inch 4K panel, you get a lot of sharpness on a large panel, at a DPI that is just comfortable enough for most people to not allow UX scaling to need what offers you a lot of monitor real estate to work. Color performance is also excellent as long as you work in the sRGB color space. For most people, this is not a problem and might even be preferable for eye protection, although professional editors may opt for a high color gamut display if their job calls for it.

All in all, the P3222QE is an excellent large monitor for use with modern laptops that offers an unmatched level of practicality and excellent processing and image quality. The only real catch is the $ 899 price tag, though that's not entirely fancy considering the panel size and quality combined with Dell's connectivity options and excellent warranty program.

Are there alternatives?

If a 4K panel is too big for you and you prefer smaller displays, the Dell P2720DC might be more for you.

Otherwise alternatives are the LG Ergo 32UN880 with similar specifications, or the LG 32UP550 at half the price if you're willing to sacrifice the quality of the IPS panel for a cheaper VA unit.

How long it will take?

Dell covers the P3222QE with a 3-year upfront exchange service guarantee, which means you have a new one delivered to your office or home before you pick the old one up – and in my experience they get you there really quickly, too. This is ideal when you can't be without a monitor for long.

Outside of the warranty period, the P3222QE should also last at least five years, if not longer. LED lighting is not prone to failure and there are no other complexities that could affect its potential lifespan.

Should I buy it?

Yes, if you're looking for a large 4K monitor for your laptop that offers the convenience of a single cable connection, the Dell P3222QE is for you. It's a bit pricey at $ 899, but you get a lot of quality and gear for the money so the price is justified.

Editor's recommendations



29 Jul
Blog

TCL 8K 6-Series (R648) HDR TV Review | It’s Not About 8K

Island / beach images on the screen of the TCL 6 series model R648.

TCL 8K 6 series (R648) TV test: Far more than 8K

RRP $ 3,000.00

"An absolutely stunning television for the price."

advantages

  • Excellent picture quality

  • Surprisingly good sound

  • Improved Roku TV remote control

  • Easy adjustment

  • Excellent for playing

disadvantage

  • Bad off-axis performance

Given the popularity of TCL's 6-series 4K TVs in recent years, it might be easy to dismiss the company's move of adding an 8K model as a trending wallet. Fortunately, that's not the case at all. The new 8K version of the 6 series from TCL (series model R648) offers significant upgrades in the right places compared to the 4K-based R635 version, which I rated quite positively.

That the R648 is the cheapest 2021 8K TV you can buy is just the icing on the cake. Read on to learn why this is one of the best TVs to buy this year, 8K or no 8K.

Video review

Out of the box

Beautiful sky and landscape on the TCL 6-Series model R648 Roku TV.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The TCL 8K 6 series TV has a lot more than just an 8K resolution screen, and that was obvious at first glance on the packaging. A colorful graphic shows the TV with a central, brushed metal stand as opposed to the independent stands that we installed on the other sides of previous TCL TV models. This is great news for anyone interested in a big TV screen but short of media stand space.

The 75-inch model 75R648 that I received for review was very well packaged. Unpacking the TV was a bit more complicated than I'm used to, but the likelihood that the TV will be damaged in transit is extremely low.

In the box with the television I found the aforementioned TV stand, screws to attach the stand to the television, some product literature, two AAA batteries for the remote control and a completely redesigned Roku TV remote control.

Plastic cooking grids line the bottom of the TV.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Consider the R648's audio system properly updated.

When I removed a protective plastic bag from the TV, I noticed another major design upgrade: the presence of a subwoofer driver on the back of the TV. The subwoofer is glossy, black, exposed (not covered by a plastic grille) and has a flat surface rather than a traditional conical shape.

When I saw the subwoofer above, I couldn't help but look over the plastic grids that lined the bottom of the TV while installing the stand (which took four screws, a screwdriver, and about 30 seconds of my time). To my surprise, TCL equipped the R648 with independent tweeters that mate with two oval, downward-facing mid-range speakers.

Completely redesigned Roku remote control for the TCL 6-Series model R648 Roku TV.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Seeing an independent subwoofer on a television is rare enough, but one with stereo tweeters and mid-range speakers is virtually unknown. Consider the R648's audio system properly updated.

With the TV in place and plugged in, I clicked the power button on the remote and settled for a 20 minute setup routine.

TCL 8K 6 series (R648) TV details

While we tested the 75-inch model 75R648, our test also applies to the 65-inch model.

Screen size Model no RRP
65 inches 65R648 $ 2,200
75 in 75R648 $ 3,000

To install

I've complained extensively in previous TCL TV reviews that getting the TVs Roku TV operating system up and running was slow motion and that optimizing and applying the TV's picture settings to apps and all HDMI inputs was both a significant hassle and a hassle as well does not match Roku's historically user-friendly approach. To my delight, my complaints have been heard and the R648 now supports a remarkably quick Roku TV setup process along with one of the most intuitive picture adjustment applications I've seen in over 10 years of reviewing TVs.

Once the 75R648 was powered on and connected to the internet, it began running its own Roku TV software update. This only took a few minutes. From there, I was asked to enter the email address associated with my Roku account and received an activation link. After clicking the link, the TV asked if I would like to install a couple of apps (some of which are already part of my Roku profile) which felt a bit like a sponsored advertisement but was quickly over. Then when it came time for the TV to download apps or update pre-installed apps, I expected to go out and have lunch. Fortunately, this process only took a few minutes.

Roku home screen on the Roku TCL 6 series television, model R648.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

However, what I really enjoyed was how quickly I was able to apply my preferred image settings to multiple HDR formats and multiple inputs. After selecting the movie picture mode for its more accurate color temperature and lack of motion smoothing settings, I found that I could change the backlight intensity from normal to bright or brighter depending on how much ambient light was entering the room or how bright the overall picture looked target.

This is a good start, but I expected to repeat this process again for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and then again for Dolby Vision; and not just for every single app I wanted to use, but for every single HDMI input I wanted to use. As you can imagine, this is a lot of work.

But the R648 series figured out what I was up to and had already selected the appropriate HDR and Dolby Vision mode based on my preference for movie preset in SDR for the Netflix app. It also made similar settings for YouTube and all the other apps I like to use. It was similar with the HDMI inputs, where the settings for all inputs were globalized by default, but I could adjust them if I wanted. This is how it should be done folks.

In any case, it should be noted that as complicated as TV setup can be for those of us who love to peak and tweak our picture settings, the R648 made the process a breeze.

Specifications and dimensions

I knew immediately that this TV was something special. I check enough TVs that I can just spot before I start breaking out the target wheel or making calibration adjustments. The HDR images just popped off the screen, the colors were well saturated, bright lights popped up at me, and perhaps most importantly, the black levels and shadow detail looked really good.

Space images on the screen of the TCL 6 series model R648.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Confusingly, however, if you look at the data sheet for the TCL R648, the TV looks very similar to the 4K R635 TV, but with an upgrade to 8K resolution. The processor looks the same, the mini LED backlight looks the same, the Roku OS looks the same. However, when I started measuring the TV's performance, it immediately became clear that the R648 runs with significantly more horsepower than its 4K cousin.

Using a C6 colorimeter profiled on an xRite I1Pro and Calman software, I measured the maximum brightness output of the R648 in film image mode with the backlight setting to normal, bright and brighter. Here is what i got.

In normal, I measured 256 nits in SDR and 910 nits in HDR. This is great for a dark or dark room. In Bright mode I have 346 cd / m² in SDR and 1,226 cd / m² in HDR. In Brighter, the TV hit 460 nits for SDR and 1,563 nits for HDR which, believe me, was more than enough in my test room with quite a bit of sunlight. These are very respectable numbers across the board, and they indicate that the TV is versatile enough to cover a wide variety of room environments.

For those interested in the number of backlight zones, the R648 offers 240 zones on the 75-inch model and 160 zones on the 65-inch model.

picture quality

Mountain landscape images on the screen of the TCL 6 series model R648.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

It's clear that although TCL uses the same backlight hardware, the R648 has been tuned for higher performance. The peak brightness measurements I took are significantly better than the ones I measured with the R635. However, the improvements are not limited to higher brightness.

I've observed that the R648 handles dark areas of the screen much better than the R635 and offers deeper blacks, even around light objects on a dark background – a difficult trick to pull off with higher brightness values ​​across the board.

The higher contrast performance of this combination extended to color performance as well, delivering better saturated colors at higher brightness levels than I saw with the 4K R635. However, other performance metrics remained more or less the same. The motion resolution was solid without motion smoothing, with little jerking or jerking at 30 frames per second and 60 fps content and no noticeable jerking at 24 fps film content. The handling of low bit depth content, such as YouTube videos, was handled like the R635, which means that it smooths out gradients pretty well, albeit not as smoothly as Sony TVs, for example.

Upscaling also seemed to be handled with the same skill, although upscaling 720p and 1080p content to 8K is significantly more difficult than upscaling to 4K. Overall, I'd say the R648 does a good job with 8K upscaling, delivering as sharp an image as can be expected with minimal artifacts. Even so, no TV is a miracle worker, and most cable / satellite content that comes in 720p saw higher definition content from streaming apps like Disney +, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO max significantly.

I really enjoyed watching this TV every second that I sat in front of it.

The upscaling of high quality 4K content was very good with no noticeable artifacts. Familiar scenes from 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs looked expertly rendered on the 8K screen. Even when I was only 2 meters from the 75-inch R648, I couldn't see any individual pixels. This made for a very immersive experience.

The Achilles heel of the R648 is its off-axis performance. Typically, TVs with a VA LCD panel have difficulty maintaining contrast and color saturation when moving sideways or significantly above / below the TV. While the R648's vertical axis performance is okay, the horizontal axis performance is limited to a very narrow window and off-axis performance is at the limit to be deplorable. If you have a large viewing area and people sit away from the TV a lot, they won't get the same great picture quality sitting right in front of the screen.

Aside from the strict performance analysis, I can say the following about the TCL R648: I really enjoyed watching this TV every second that I sat in front of it. As a huge fan of OLED televisions and their perfect black levels and the complete absence of backlight anomalies, I was amazed at how well the R648 could captivate me without triggering my inflated sense of backlighting and milky black levels. Is the R648 a replacement for OLED in a controlled lighting environment? No, not in terms of contrast and color. But in a brighter room, it performs significantly better than most OLEDs on the market, except maybe the Sony A90J or LG G1 OLED TVs.

Sound quality

Subwoofer on the back of the TCL 6 series.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The R648 has a beefy sound system that only adds value to the television. The included subwoofer offers solid bass and a room-filling presence that few modern televisions have. Dialogue intelligibility is excellent, while stereo effects are present, if not entirely convincing. My only complaint is that the tweeters seem a bit pumped up, which adds a certain harshness to the highs that I could do without. Admittedly, this harshness was more noticeable when listening to music than when watching TV programs or films.

Games

Car video game played on a TCL 6 series television.Dan Baker / Digital Trends

If it wasn't clear yet that the R648 offers much more than just an 8K screen, I would like to add a little tidbit on top: The R648 offers two HDMI 2.1 ports and as a bonus they are independent of the TV's eARC port.

Using an Xbox Series X dashboard, I was able to confirm that the R648 can deliver 4K120 / Hz and 8K / 60Hz games with variable refresh rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and HDR at the same time. As with most TVs, 4K / 20Hz gaming is not available in Dolby Vision.

Combine those aspects of picture performance with the respectably low input lag and picture enhancements of the THX game mode and you have one of the best gaming TVs you can buy. Keeping the eARC port free to serve those who have a sophisticated home theater system without restricting any of those HDMI 2.1 ports is an absolute bonus. Only LG can claim to have more gaming-friendly TVs, as it offers four HDMI 2.1 ports in selected models.

Our opinion

The TCL R648 is a standout television and deserves flagship status in TCL's range of products. Its high brightness, solid black level, very good color performance ex works, smooth movements and excellent gaming characteristics make it one of the best televisions you can buy this year. The 8K resolution? That's a bonus. Like most TV manufacturers, TCL reserves its best TV performance for its 8K TV lineup, eliminating the question of whether 8K really matters.

Is there a better alternative?

Not at that price. Samsung's 8K Neo QLED TVs and LG's 8K QNED TVs may offer similar performance in some aspects, but at a significantly higher price. Since the R648 is well above its price, it makes the most sense for anyone who may or may not want to buy a high-end TV with 8K resolution.

How long it will take?

With its two HDMI 2.1 ports, mini-LED backlighting, quantum dot color, and broad support for various HDR formats, the R648 should continue to exist in the future. Future upgrades will likely be incremental. In terms of reliability, TCL's mainstay in TV is growing as TVs from previous years continue to work well.

guarantee

TCL offers a one-year parts and labor warranty on the R648. You can navigate to TCL's registration and warranty information here.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The TCL R648 offers tremendous value for money with excellent performance coupled with a competitive price. While the 8K resolution isn't really what sets this TV apart, it does offer a certain element of future-proofing. You pay a premium for this television but get every penny of performance back.

Editor's recommendations



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