09 Oct
Blog

Apple Pencil 2 Review: Everyone’s New iPad Sidekick

Apple pencil no longer for graphic designers 2

Apple Pencil (second generation)

“Like a good wine, the apple stick got better with age. An improved design goes perfectly with iPadOS 14 improvements. "

  • Classy, ​​comfortable design

  • Magnetic loading is cool

  • Works great with iPadOS 14

  • Useful for more than art

  • Expensive

  • Not compatible with basic iPad

The Apple Pencil has been a go-to for digital artists and graphic designers for years. The second generation of the Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models. However, the model you have determines which Apple Pencil model you can use.

Given the plethora of new features made available to the Apple Pencil in iPadOS 14, we felt it was time to revisit the Apple Pencil, especially given the fact that these new features mean anyone can use the device.

Now that features like Scribble are available, should you buy the second generation Apple Pencil for your iPad Pro or the new iPad Air? We put it to the test to find out.

A natural design

The first generation Apple Pencil featured a completely round design, and while some may appreciate the look, I find that the new Apple Pencil 2 looks and feels a little more natural with its flat edge. Something about letting my index finger rest on that flat edge gives it a better grip.

Of course, the reason Apple added the flat edge has less to do with gripping the pen and more to do with charging. Gone are the incredibly unintuitive and cumbersome charging technology with which the pen is connected to the Lightning connector on your iPad. With the second generation Apple Pencil, simply place the device on the magnetic charger at the top of your iPad and it will be charged. This is also a good place to keep when you are not using it. However, if you don't stick it out of the Lightning connector when you're not using the original pen, then you're going to be crazy.

The second generation pencil is slightly thicker than your average pen or pencil, but not excessive and not enough to keep it uncomfortable. It's also pretty light without feeling cheap or thin.

The magnets in pencil and iPad keep it in place nicely most of the time. During a weekend trip where my iPad Pro and Pencil were put in and out of my backpack several times, it only came out when I didn't even want it. It stayed firmly in place the rest of the time – and it's generally a good place to keep your pencil on the go.

The only downside to the new Apple Pencil is that it only works with a few select iPad models. It works with all iPad Pro models from 2018 and with the 2020 iPad Air (4th generation). The hope is that the Apple Pencil will be universal again as soon as Apple gives the rest of its iPad line the latest flat, modern design with the base iPad and iPad Mini.

Tools for everyone

Design is an important aspect of the Apple Pencil, but perhaps one of the best things about it is that, like fine wine, it gets better with age. This has proven itself with iPadOS 14, which saw Apple introduce a variety of features that frankly make the pencil a tool for everyone – not just graphic designers.

We're focusing a little more on hardware than software in this review, so we won't go into depth about these new features. The standout feature here, however, is Scribble, which allows users to write and automatically convert it to text using Apple's fancy word-recognition technology. This works across the operating system – anywhere you can type, you can now write.

This means you can use the device to jot down while still getting searchable text afterwards. This recognition text can come into play without actually having to use Scribble. For example, you can select the writing, copy and paste, and even paste it as direct text. If you enter a URL, address, phone number, or email address, iPadOS can use that data to make calls, navigate you to an address, and so on. It's convenient.

All Apple Pencil models have the same 9 ms latency, which has more to do with iPadOS than the Pencil itself. Combined with the 120 Hz refresh rate on the iPad Pro display, you get an incredibly smooth, natural experience.

Of course, there are still features that are hardware-based and not software-based. The most obvious of these is the ability to double-tap to switch tools or turn off the device. This is a handy shortcut. You can customize the function depending on the app used. Most apps, however, switch to the eraser tool by default. It will definitely be useful for graphic designers and artists – though perhaps less so for everyone else without adjustments.

Our opinion

The Apple Pencil isn't a perfect tool, but it's getting closer. It's a little expensive, but given the new features in iPadOS 14, it has features that pretty much anyone can use.

But it's still a luxury item for those who aren't graphic designers or artists. That said, you probably don't need an Apple Pencil to take notes. You can just type your notes with a keyboard if you have one, or use the old-fashioned pen and paper. That said, even if it's a toy to some, it's a really pretty toy, and if you have the money to spend on the pencil, you probably won't regret it.

Is there a better alternative?

No. Other companies offer their own pen, e.g. B. Samsung with its S-pen. However, this only applies to Samsung devices. The second generation Apple Pencil is second to none.

How long it will take?

As long as you take care of it, the Apple Pencil should last at least a few years. It's hard to know if Apple will ever release a third generation pencil, but as long as the company updates iPadOS with new pencil features, it should become more and more useful over time.

Should you buy one?

Yes. You may need one if you're a graphic designer or an artist, but even if you're not the Apple Pencil 2, it has a number of features that you can find useful.

Editor's recommendations




09 Oct
Blog

LG Wing Review: This Novelty Can’t Quite Get Off the Ground

LG Wing Review Open Screen Hand

“You won't find another smartphone that looks like the LG Wing, and it's a real eye-catcher. However, the swivel screen struggles to find a way to be useful. "

  • Well crafted hardware

  • Satisfactory screen rotation

  • The gimbal camera mode works fine

  • Too little use for the swivel screen

  • Screen with a refresh rate of 60 Hz

If the LG Velvet LG was reasonable, then the LG Wing LG is pretty, pretty insane. The insane swivel screen hardware is fundamentally different from any other phone you can buy, and while it might be considered a quirky alternative to a folding smartphone, it really isn't.

I'm actually not exactly sure what the LG Wing is. While the hardware is fun, the software can't keep up with the innovative design. This means that I have found very few reasons to rotate the screen and that is a real shame. Let's go into more detail.

design

The LG Wing has two screens, with the large 6.8-inch P-OLED main screen swiveling to a 180-degree landscape orientation to reveal a smaller 3.9-inch secondary screen underneath. The phone will assume a T shape at this point. The result is a phone that you can naturally hold with one hand while watching videos in landscape mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

First, the phone is made superbly. Forget the wing feels fragile – it doesn't. Also, don't worry about the rotated screen breaking with regular use as it has been tested to 200,000 revolutions. The action is delightful, with expertly weighted damping to slow the rotation of the screen. And the hinge is set in the perfect point to take over when you move it with your thumb.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The LG Wing is not a concept phone. The hardware feels absolutely final and durable. It corresponds to the toughness standard MIL-STD-810G and is splash-proof according to IP54 (not to be confused with the usual high-end IP68). The shape and comfort in the hand when folding the phone are reminiscent of the LG Velvet. This is a seriously heavy phone at 260 grams – the Velvet weighs only 180 grams – and at 10.9mm, it's thick too. The result is a phone that pulls your pants down.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the color Illusion Sky. The blue shimmers in the light and then turns into purple, silver, green and pink at different angles. When the screen is rotated, there are some ergonomic problems, mainly with the volume and power buttons. These are too close to the rotated screen and are very difficult to press in this orientation. The fingerprint sensor on the display is also difficult to reach. This isn't very helpful when the phone goes to sleep or a video is playing at a deafening volume. The main screen also takes its smooth, curved edges with it when flipped, so you can grab the far less convenient sharp edges of the lower screen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Yes, the phone is to be kept in T mode of course, but every time I did it I wondered if it was really any different from holding any other phone in landscape mode. Well done and really out of the ordinary, the LG Wing is a flashy phone that will make people double take a picture, but you may not be using the flip screen too much.

Using the LG Wing

I love LG's ideas. Ever since we let the crazier designers back into the lab after a period of boredom, we've got the sleek new Velvet, several dual-screen phones, and now a swivel phone. It is wonderful. As cool as the design is, it's all free if the software doesn't keep up or app developers aren't on board. As with LG's dual-screen cases, the current status of the Wing's app support doesn't convince me to use the swivel screen more often.

LG wing opening "width =" 640 "height =" 480

For a new type of phone to be successful, it has to fit into our lives. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 does this very well – with the vast majority of apps working instantly on the big screen, there was no real adjustment phase. All of the Samsung folding phones make me want to open and close the phone, and as much as I want to pan the LG Wing's screen, it often doesn't make much sense to do so.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Why? An example is when you come across an embedded video on Twitter. With the phone closed. It will play as usual and when you pan the screen. It switches to landscape mode, but the Twitter app doesn't automatically appear on the bottom screen so you can keep browsing. When you open the Twitter app on the small screen, the video will be pulled from the panned screen and played there instead.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The menu on the panned screen shows YouTube as an option. However, when you open it, it shows YouTube in landscape orientation. This is a terrible mobile experience. It would have been better to toggle this to the lower portrait screen. So when you have selected a video, it will play on the panned screen. It does this using the Naver Whale browser pre-installed on the phone when accessing the mobile site.

I like it when you play a video, controls appear on the bottom screen, and how the Gallery app shows your selected photo on the rotated screen. Playing Asphalt 9 Legends shows that it was customized for the wing. A map of the trail is displayed on the lower screen. While the Naver Whale browser improves the browsing experience on both screens, you will have to be prepared to use it instead of the usual browser of your choice.

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If you're using the Wing with a properly customized app or feature, you can see what the LG Wing could look like with wider app support. Otherwise, it is often a little confusing and not very user-friendly. friendly. The result of all of this is that I just kept using the phone closed as it was often impossible to figure out what could happen if I turned the screen. Unfortunately, this tends to miss the mark.

camera

The main camera on the back has 64 megapixels and optical image stabilization, a second camera has 13 MP and records at wide angle, and a third camera also has 64 MP, but only records when the screen is panned and is mainly intended for video. This third camera is rotated to match the orientation of the panned screen for landscape photography. Very smart. This is where LG's clever digital gimbal system is activated, which stabilizes your recordings and enables a variety of movements without causing camera shake or blurring.

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This feature is probably the most successful on the LG Wing, but ease of use probably doesn't depend on the rotation of the screen. The stabilization – which is completely digital and not using hardware like a real gimbal or the Vivo X50 Pro – is very effective and keeps the image stable while walking or running, as well as tracking moving objects. However, the benefits are only seen in certain situations.

Controlling the camera in gimbal mode is easy with a precise and responsive virtual joystick and other controls on the lower screen. The LG Wing's T mode also helps you hold the phone more naturally when shooting, and gives you more control over position, just like a real gimbal – but there's no reason why the technology isn't on a regular phone too can be used.

Taking still images with the standard camera shows some great HDR effects and lots of pop, but the wide-angle camera tends to look washed out and drab. A digital 2x zoom is highlighted in the camera app and the photos taken have a reasonable level of detail, although it is not an optical zoom.

The camera also has various gimmicks. For example, you can record videos simultaneously with the rear and selfie cameras, record audio for ASMR videos, and choose from various bokeh effects in portrait mode. Video editing tools are displayed on the second screen in T mode. Oddly, however, there are no tools at all for editing still images. The Gallery app will open either Google Photos or Snapseed if it's installed.

Performance, screen and battery

The LG Wing has a Snapdragon 765G 5G processor and 8 GB of RAM as well as Android 10 with LG's own customizations of the user interface. It's quick and reliable. While technically not a flagship, you probably won't notice much of a difference between this one and a Snapdragon if you normally use your phone for typical apps and communication rather than constantly playing high-end games on your 865.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Here are some benchmark results:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 2992 (volcano)

Geekbench 5: 1888 multi core / 602 single core

This corresponds to the OnePlus Nord and is a moderate improvement over the results of the Velvet and Motorola Edge, but not as high as the OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8 Pro equipped with Snapdragon 865. I didn't notice any drastic performance issues, although the animations and switching between screens when opening and closing the screen tend to stutter and introduce a little lag.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's a shame the Wing's screen, like the Velvet, doesn't have a high refresh rate and stays at 60Hz rather than a clearer, more eye-friendly 90Hz or higher. However, in the positive column, the 4,000 mAh battery lasts a full day and is typically around 30% including a few hours of video calls. Without this it would easily take two days. It supports both Quick Charge 4.0 and wireless charging.

Price and availability

All details on the availability of the LG Wing will be confirmed after release. We do know, however, that Verizon will be selling the phone for $ 999 and that pre-orders are already live and will be released on October 15th.

Our opinion

The smartphone world would be less interesting if it weren't for the LG Wing, but this unusual take on the multiscreen phone trend doesn't impress like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 or the Motorola Razr, as the software struggles to ensure everyday use is innovative Hardware. It's technically very impressive, but when you use it like any other bar-shaped smartphone, it's hard to justify spending $ 1,000 on it.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The high price of the LG Wing hurts it, especially since there are many excellent mid-range phones with the Snapdragon 765G processor this year, including the new Google Pixel 5 for $ 699, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE for $ 699, the OnePlus Nord and the Nokia 8.3 5G. If you're looking to spend $ 1,000 on a phone, the OnePlus 8 Pro is far higher spec for the money, and the upcoming list of iPhone 12 models is always available if you want something completely different.

If you want something different, the Asus Zenfone 7 Pro's rotating camera probably offers more versatility and everyday functionality than the LG Wing's swivel screen, and offers higher spec at a lower price.

How long it will take?

The LG Wing is surprisingly tough on paper for such a complex piece of hardware. The MIL-STD-810G standard does not make it insensitive to damage, but it definitely contributes to safety and has a splash-proof coating for protection class IP54. There's even a custom case in the box.

LG's software updates aren't as fast as we'd like them to be, and the Wing launches with Android 10 on board. Since no Android 11 update has been announced for the Velvet yet, the Wing will probably wait until the beginning of 2021 see the new software. The phone has 5G on board which adds to its longevity, although it's not a big selling point today.

There's no reason the LG Wing won't keep you on a two-year funding plan. With luck, LG will make the swiveling screen and associated apps more useful during this time.

Should you buy one?

No. I like the hardware finish, but if I only use the phone when it is closed it is not worth paying extra for the swivel screen.

Editor's recommendations




09 Oct
Blog

Lenovo G27c-10 Review: 165 Hz curved gaming monitor For $200

lenovo g27c 10 review dsc01909

"The Lenovo G27c-10 is a great entry-level option to get into the fluidity of high FPS games."

  • Affordable

  • 165 Hz: Smooth playing

  • Remarkably accurate colors

  • Immersive size and curve

  • Bare minimal I / O

  • Low-maximum brightness

  • Limited color gamut

  • No DisplayPort cable included

If you are buying a fast gaming monitor on a budget, there is a good chance that you will or will come across the Lenovo G27c-10 in your efforts. It is a 27-inch full HD gaming monitor with a VA panel and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. This is a promising start to a great gaming experience.

The display's biggest selling point, of course, is its price, which comes in at $ 219 MSRP but often drops below $ 200, which is absolutely outstanding value for a 165Hz monitor.

How does it work in practice? Can the panel keep up with the refresh rate of 165 Hz? Is the picture quality good? And will it end up on our list of the best monitors? Let's find out.

design

When you unpack the G27c-10, you will find that it is an extremely simple monitor. The stand plugs into the bottom with a hand-turned screw and the monitor simply falls onto it. The locking mechanism takes care of the rest. The stand comes with height and tilt adjustments – and that's it – but you probably didn't intend to use this in portrait orientation. A cutout to pass cables through would have been nice, but no big deal.

Then there is the curve. Lenovo doesn't provide a curve radius, but we estimate it's in the range of around 1500R. It's certainly not as aggressive as the 1000R curve on Samsung's G7 monitors, nor as subtle as LG's curved displays either. Overall, it offers a good balance for its panel size and should please most gamers. The bezels are slim, which is very much appreciated at this price point, although we would have preferred not to see the pointer and performance graphics for the on-screen display (OSD) on the lower bezel as it adds no value and is a nuisance otherwise causes a clean design.

Other than that, the G27c-10's design doesn't offer much to comment on – it's about as clean as possible.

Connections and controls

Like the general design of the monitor, Lenovo didn't go to great lengths to give you extensive connectivity. The G27c-10 has an HDMI port and a DisplayPort port (which you need to use if you want G-Sync on an Nvidia GPU) and an audio-out jack in case you decide to run your headphones over your monitor.

The G27c-10's OSD is simple but has everything you need for a budget gaming monitor. Operation is via a direction switch at the lower right end of the monitor and is divided into four main sections: image settings, color settings, inputs and system settings. Inside you will find basic color controls, color temperature adjustments, brightness and contrast, FreeSync on / off, overdrive settings, game mode and a dark gain setting to brighten dark areas and gain a competitive edge in gaming.

picture quality

For the G27c-10, Lenovo opted for a VA panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is not particularly high for a 27-inch panel. This means that you will not get a sharp picture that is good for photo editing, although it will be enough for everyday use. Also in the game you are more interested in the high refresh rate of 165 Hz (keep in mind that most "normal" monitors are updated at 60 Hz), and the lower resolution means your GPU can pump out more frames and actually produce more frames using that high one Refresh rate.

We released our Spyder X Elite colorimeter on the G27c-10 and it was reported that the panel covered 96 percent of the sRGB space and 75 percent of the AdobeRGB. This isn't impressive and certainly won't please the photo editors, but it is enough. If you're buying a $ 200 gaming monitor, you probably won't mind that this isn't a wide range. If you're looking for a large color space, then you should check out something like the Acer ConceptD CM2.

The G27c-10 is remarkably color accurate with a Delta E of just 1.32.

However, when we tested the panel for color accuracy, the G27c-10 achieved a surprising Delta E (difference to the real) of 1.32. Any Delta E below 2 is considered good enough for image editing programs. Although the G27c-10 does not cover a large color space, the colors displayed look accurate.

The G27c-10 doesn't offer retinal-scorching brightness, which can be a problem depending on usage. We recorded a maximum of 328 nits, which is below the 350 nits stated by Lenovo, and subjectively the display wasn't very bright. For a good experience, make sure you're in a relatively dark room with maximum brightness play. For example, we don't want to use this monitor directly across from a window.

VA panels are known for their impressive ability to darken dark colors and create ink blacks rather than the dark gray that IPS panels create. Unfortunately, the G27C-10's best contrast ratio was 2350: 1, which is below the expected 3000: 1 value. Even so, most VA panels don't even come close to the 3000: 1 specification. In that regard, 2350: 1 is a reasonable achievement and for the most part leads you towards black and white. It's also better than you'd expect from a TN or IPS panel, especially at this price point.

The calibration of the G27c-10 had little to offer – it is as good as ex-factory.

We calibrated the display with the Spyder X Elite, but only lost more contrast, failed to achieve any color gamut and actually deteriorated the color accuracy. So it's safe to say that calibrating the G27c-10 is challenging. However, the out-of-the-box color accuracy is solid so this is less of a concern.

Gaming performance

As you'd expect from a 165Hz monitor, games look silky smooth when you have a GPU powerful enough to handle high frame rates. You want to dive into Windows settings and configure the panel to run at 165 Hz (Windows is 60 Hz by default on new monitors). Once you've done this and checked in the monitor's OSD and Nvidia's GeForce Control Panel (or AMD's Radeon Control Center) that G-Sync or FreeSync are running properly, your games will run smoothly with no stuttering or tearing . Note that to use G-Sync on an Nvidia card you need a DisplayPort cable, which is not included in the scope of delivery.

Since this is a VA panel, it can easily lag when bright objects move across a dark screen (like a mouse on a black background image). However, for the price of the display, the blurring is quite acceptable. If you want close to zero VA pollution levels on a gaming monitor, you'll have to increase your budget significantly for something like Samsung's 27-inch G7, but that monitor costs a whopping $ 650, which is just not worth it at that most buyers.

It's also worth noting that the display doesn't support HDR, which together with the relatively low brightness and limited color space means it won't blow you away with its image quality.

Once you stop pecking, the G27c-10 provides an extremely enjoyable gaming experience

Once you stop looking over the little flaws, the Lenovo G27c-10 is a good monitor. The curve is great for immersion and at 27 inches, it's the right size for most desks.

A great GPU to pair with this monitor would be Nvidia's GTX 1650 Super or AMD's RX 5500XT, which while not flagships, will get most of the games on this monitor into high frame rate areas without breaking the bank. You don't need the latest Nvidia RTX 3000 series card for this monitor unless you want to play a game like Metro Exodus with maximum ray tracing capabilities.

Our opinion

The Lenovo G27c-10 is by no means a perfect monitor, but it only costs $ 220. Prices often drop below the $ 200 mark, which is an incredible price for a 165Hz curved gaming display. It's not small either, measuring 27 inches diagonally, and it will work wonders for entry-level, high-FPS (frames per second) gaming setups.

The shortcomings are limited I / O connections, a modest color gamut, a little VA smear on the move, and a less sharp picture. However, these issues are easily excused by the monitor's very affordable price.

Are there alternatives?

Absolutely, but you will have to spend a little more to get them. Gigabyte's G27FC has similar specs but costs $ 50 more. Same goes for the MSI Optix MAG271VCR, which costs $ 260 but gives you a wider gamut of color and some luxury RGB items. The Lenovo is priced very competitively with other budget gaming monitors.

How long it will take?

Lenovo's G27c-10 should last as long as any monitor today: At least 5 years. Lenovo offers a one year warranty. However, aside from its fast refresh rate, it doesn't impress with its technology. So don't be surprised if you're looking for an upgrade about three years later.

Should I buy it?

Yes. If you're just looking for a fast gaming monitor on a budget with no needs other than gaming, the G27c-10 won't disappoint.

Editor's recommendations




08 Oct
Blog

Apple Watch Series 6 Review: The Best Feature-Rich Watch

Apple Watch Series 6 review case

"The Apple Watch Series 6 is the most complete smartwatch package you can buy. If you want to get the most out of all of Apple's wearable offerings, this is it."

  • Comprehensive health and activity tracking

  • Reliable software

  • Always on the screen ensures visual appeal

  • New colors in blue, red and gold look great

  • The Apple S2 chip is a powerhouse

  • ECG and SpO2 measurements can only be used to a limited extent in practice

In my opening paragraphs on the Apple Watch SE review, I asked how Apple could improve on the already excellent Apple Watch formula and the answer was to cut the price where the Apple Watch SE is successful. Now the question is, where is the Apple Watch Series 6 for more than $ 389? How does it get you into buying the SE or upgrading from a previous generation model?

Interestingly, it does this in a typically watch-like fashion while making sure that the nerd among us also gets new technology.

design

Apple hasn't changed the look of the Apple Watch Series 6 from the Series 5, but it did what many watchmakers do when they come across a popular design: they change the colors and introduce a special edition. You can buy the aluminum Apple Watch Series 6 with a blue case, a new gold case, or a special (PRODUCT) RED finish that compliments the existing silver and room gray models. Along with the new case, there are two new strap designs, the Solo Loop and the Braided Solo Loop, as well as new colors for many of the existing straps. (The straps are of course backwards compatible with earlier models.)

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You can see the blue version in our photos and it is very pretty. It's dark blue, so it contrasts well with other colors. It's not as flashy as the happy (PRODUCT) RED version. Combine it with the right bracelet and you have a modern, sporty watch that is more interesting to look at than the space gray or silver versions. It's the 44mm version on my wrist, and a 40mm version is also available for smaller wrists. The size and weight are virtually the same as the Series 5, except for a tiny, imperceptible reduction in depth.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I choose the Sport Loop in Deep Navy (because it contains a reference to the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Special Edition), which is made of a soft nylon fabric and secured with a Velcro system and is immensely comfortable. The gently curved ceramic and sapphire caseback adds to this comfort, and the smoothed screen and sides ensure that it slips happily under your sleeves. I've been wearing the Apple Watch SE and now the Series 6 for two weeks and never once felt the need to take it off because it is hot, scratchy, sweaty or generally annoying.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The cheapest Series 6 is made from 100% recycled aluminum. However, you can spend more to purchase a stainless steel model or a titanium “watch edition”. So should you These materials are more durable to some extent, but both are heavier than the aluminum model, and few will tell the difference between the three materials if not informed. Much of the usefulness of the Apple Watch Series 6 is that it can be worn all day. As you add weight it may be less likely to do so. So think twice if you want to spend more.

Always in the display

The screen introduced in the Series 5 is the feature most are using to consider the reason to spend more and get the Apple Watch Series 6 instead of the Apple Watch SE. Instead of the screen going dark as you fall asleep after not having used it for a minute or two, the watch face subtly changes design and dims so that the time remains visible. Aside from enhanced utility, the Apple Watch makes your wrist look more interesting.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the way the watch faces change. It's not a sudden change, but a slow animated change between the main dial and its surrounding alternative. On some faces, like the new GMT face, the change is almost imperceptible, while on others like the new artist face, the change is significant as the color is completely derived from the screen. The Series 6 screen is sharp and detailed, and also brighter than the Series 5 screen, and I never had to change the brightness to see it outside.

Apple Watch Series 6 rating California face "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/apple-watch-series-6-california- face -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAApple Watch California face Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

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The permanently visible screen is really all about the graphics, because as life with the SE has shown, the gesture to wake up the Apple Watch is so immediate and reliable that the time is always there when you need it. Keeping something on screen all the time changes the way the Apple Watch looks on your wrist from soulless technology to something with life and movement. Apple's diverse collection of watch faces is also highly customizable, adding another element of personalization beyond the bracelet and case color choices.

The always-on screen is one reason to buy the Apple Watch Series 6 through the Apple Watch SE. However, it is fashion, not utility.

SpO2 monitoring

"Blood oxygen app measurements are not intended for medical use." Not my words, but the words from Apple that were taken from the explanation page for using the Apple Watch Series 6's blood oxygen measurement (SpO2) tool.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Medically, pulse oximetry checks that there is enough oxygen in the blood and is important for people who have had a heart attack, lung disease, asthma, or other breathing problems. Because of this, SpO2 helps identify serious complications from COVID-19. However, when using a medical pulse oximeter in place of a consumer product like the Apple Watch. In this article on the benefits of owning such a device at home, Dr. Denyse Lutchmansingh of Yale School of Medicine: "Unless a patient has real lung disease, there is no need to monitor pulse oximetry."

What good is it if it's not intended for medical use? Based on the fact that outside of a medical setting, some data are better than no data, blood oxygen levels can initially help identify sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnea, generate recommendations for post-exercise recovery time, or assess altitude acclimatization in hikers or hikers .

Reading on Apple Watch Series 6 takes 15 seconds and requires nothing more than tapping the Start button in the associated app. It can also be set up to take regular measurements and notify you when a drastic change is detected. Seen in this way, the SpO2 measurement of the Apple Watch is another tool in its already well-equipped medical bag.

If you remember, it makes sense to think of SpO2 monitoring as a silent feature, rather than a feature that you use every day or record the readings regularly. Along with other health characteristics, it gradually creates a picture of your general condition, monitors trends, and can quickly let you know if things change dramatically.

Take an EKG

You can take an electrocardiogram (ECG) with the Apple Watch Series 6, just as you can with the Series 4 and Series 5. This feature is primarily used to provide data to your doctor and does not detect a heart attack, blood clot, stroke, or other heart-related disease . Not my words, but Apple's words on their support page for the EKG feature. Do you see a pattern here?

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, the EKG is more useful than measuring blood oxygen. It's approved for use in the US and the UK (apparently only for people over the age of 22), and Apple states that it will provide readings similar to the EKG machines your doctor prescribes. So, if you've been diagnosed with problems that may affect your heart, Apple Watch can help. Again, it can be helpful as an early warning system when used with other Apple Watch integrity functions. However, reports can be found questioning the validity of warnings emanating from the watch.

It takes 30 seconds to perform the ECG. You need to sit and rest in a certain way and touch the digital crown throughout the exposure. The results are displayed immediately and can be saved for further examination by your doctor. It worked consistently for me, just like the blood oxygen measurements, and the app is both clear and attractively animated.

The EKG is another nice to have feature that can be of real use in extreme medical emergencies. For most people, and for most of the time, you won't realize it's there. Neither it nor the SpO2 readings are reasons to buy the Apple Watch Series 6, but knowing they are there is somewhat comforting.

Fitness and health monitoring

In my Apple Watch SE test, I went into more detail about the Apple Watch's training plans, the hand washing function, and sleep tracking. Since all of this applies to the Apple Watch Series 6, take a moment to read the sections on these aspects in this review as my experience here was identical.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Apple Watch is a great tracker for everyday activities. The activity ring system is clear and motivating for people who want to increase their daily activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The data provided in the Apple Health app is clear and simple. It is not for the serious athlete concerned with running cadence, interval training, or high-precision remote-rate heart rate monitoring.

This approach is reflected in the sleep tracking feature introduced in watchOS 7. The data that is made available all night after wearing the Apple Watch is actually only permanent and does not contain any information on sleep phases, interruptions or quality. It's just another piece of the health puzzle that Apple Health uses to keep you in the loop instead of bombarding you with detailed data.

Battery and performance

Keeping the screen on all the time does affect battery life, but it might not be as severe as you fear. The Series 6 can be used for a day and a half on a single charge. This includes all health monitoring functions, e.g. B. active SpO2 monitoring and overnight sleep monitoring. It lasts until the afternoon of the second day. At this point, it is recommended to switch to power saving mode to last several hours, but with limited functionality.

Adding an hour of fitness tracking (without GPS) drains the battery about 10% more, which seems to cut average usage time by about an hour. If you use GPS – the Apple Watch Series 6 has its own GPS so you can use it without your phone – it is likely to have a significant impact on battery life. Turn off the clock overnight and two full working days are possible.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Charging the Apple Watch when you want to track sleep becomes an issue. It takes about 80 minutes to fully charge from zero. This is a sizable chunk of the time to determine if you're not putting it on the charger overnight. Incidentally, the Apple Watch does not come with a charging stone, just the USB cable with a magnetic charging base.

The Apple Watch Series 6 features Apple's new S6 processor and promises a performance improvement over the Series 5 and Apple Watch SE, which use the older S5 processor. The speed of the Series 6 is obvious. Navigating watchOS 7 seems to be 1.5x because everything is so snappy. It's the little things that get you noticed. It's faster to tell when you're washing your hands than the SE, which usually has the timer on the screen between 10-15 seconds after your 20-second wash, but the Series 6 is 10 seconds and less The watch face gives you instant access to your data without any lag in the lightning-fast animations.

These aspects really only show up in comparison, but those who upgrade from a much older Apple Watch will really notice. If you get to the Series 6 from Series 4 or even earlier, you'll think Apple has strapped a big turbo to the side of the processor that feels so fast.

Life with the Apple Watch Series 6

Daily life with the Apple Watch Series 6 is not that different from life with the Series 5, except for the slight increase in speed that you will notice at first. It's practically the same as living with the Apple Watch SE except for the always-on screen. The Series 6 offers the same helpful functions as Apple Pay support, comprehensive music control, the walkie-talkie function, reminders to get up every hour, the relaxation exercise to breathe, Apple Maps and Siri.

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Apple Watch Series 6 rating Instagram notification "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/apple-watch-series-6-instagram- notification -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAApple Watch Instagram notification Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You can buy a Series 6 with cellular connectivity if you want to use data services without having to carry your phone around. However, this will cost you extra each month. Without this feature, Apple Watch will continue to process calls as long as it's connected to your phone, and the speaker will be surprisingly loud too. However, callers don't always hear you well when you're outside. The notifications it receives are clear and concise, and almost all of them can be interacted with in some way.

Since wearing and using the Series 6 every day is so similar to the Apple Watch SE, check out my review of this watch I wore before the Series 6 for more information on how it looks for general use.

Price and availability

The aluminum Apple Watch Series 6 with a sports loop, solo loop, or sports band costs $ 399 for the 40mm model or $ 429 for the 44mm model. When you add cellular connectivity, it costs $ 499 and $ 529, respectively. If you want the solo braided loop strap, you need to add $ 50 to these two prices. Stainless steel Series 6 models start at $ 699, titanium models start at $ 849, and Hermés models start at $ 1,249.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In the UK, a 40mm aluminum series is £ 6,379 or £ 479 with cellular connectivity while the 44mm model is £ 409 without or £ 479 with cellular. Stainless steel models start at 649 pounds, titanium models from 799 pounds, and the Hermés models from 1,199 pounds.

All are available through Apple's own online shop. Most of the models can be purchased through Amazon and other retailers, while wireless carriers also offer the cellular models.

Our opinion

The Series 6 is Apple's most complete smartwatch to date. While there are some features that you probably won't be using that often, this is the ultimate smartwatch package for your wrist. What if you own an Apple Watch Series 5? There's no really compelling reason to upgrade unless you absolutely have to have the blue, red, or new gold case. It's probably better to see what Series 7 brings next year.

If you've only ever used a Wear OS smartwatch, especially one connected to an iPhone, the Apple Watch will surprise you with its performance, reliability, and capability. If you've never used a smartwatch connected to an iPhone and are tempted, the Apple Watch is the only way to go.

Is there a better alternative?

No. Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch you can buy. However, ask yourself beforehand if you will ever need EKG or SpO2 readings and if the always-on screen is essential. If the answer to any of these questions is no, take a look at the Apple Watch SE as it is also great and will save you some money.

The only realistic competitor if you don't have an iPhone and don't plan on buying one is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, which outperforms smartwatches with Google's Wear OS software with its better usability and nifty control system. Samsung also offers two sizes, and the Galaxy Watch 3 has both an EKG and SpO2 meter.

How long it will take?

At least three years. The old Apple Watch Series 3 got the latest watchOS 7 software to give you an idea of ​​how long the Series 6 will be supported, for example. The Series 6 is the better buy over the SE when it comes to longevity as it already has all of the top features. The aluminum case isn't particularly sturdy, but if handled well it won't be easily damaged, while the Apple Watch Series 6 is water-resistant to 50 meters and also swim-proof.

Should you buy one?

Yes, it's the best, most feature-packed Apple Watch out there this year and the best smartwatch you can buy if you own an iPhone.

Editor's recommendations




08 Oct
Blog

LG CX OLED Review | Clearly The Best

LG CX OLED TV review (2020): Clearly the best

"If you have the means, buy this television."

  • Excellent picture quality

  • Solid HDR performance

  • Attractive design

  • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs

  • Next generation gaming compatible

  • Limited burn-in potential

LG's 2019 C9 OLED TV was an incredibly compelling TV. It still is. During this test, it was hard to imagine that I could say more about its successor, the CX. Should I just copy and paste the C9 test here and call him for a day? Of course not. Not only would that be lazy, there are a few differences worth talking about. Plus, the dwindling supplies of the vaunted C9 will run out every day.

I didn't want this review to become a debate about whether or not you should consider buying a C9 OLED versus a CX. But this very discussion continues online in YouTube comment sections and various TV forums, so I'll get into that now. If you can find a C9, that's fine. It needs a firmware update to fix some issues with advanced games, but it has a set of 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports and is a bit cheaper. Ultimately, those TVs will be gone, and the CX is a more advanced TV in some ways anyway.

I think the biggest question is whether the CX OLED is the best 2020 TV you can buy. Let's see if we can answer that.

LG CX OLED TV details

While we tested the 65-inch model OLED65CX, our test also applies to the 48-inch, 55-inch, and 77-inch models.

Screen size Model no RRP
48 inches 48CXPUB $ 1500
55 inches 55CXPUA $ 1647
77 inches 77CXPUA $ 3697

Out of the box

The LG CX OLED TV looks just like the C9, which means it's amazingly thin and sleek.

The CX's brushed metal stand flips off the bottom of the TV to provide a stable base for the stand to place while at the same time acting as an audio amplifier, directing sound from the CX's downward-facing speakers to the listener.

The stand is extremely heavy and a bit of a chore to install, as I bring out in this unboxing and setup video, but it's totally solid, highly functional, and good looking too, so I'll give LG a pass on what was a relatively minor setup -Frustration.

LG CX OLED TVsDan Baker / Digital Trends

LG CX OLED TVsDan Baker / Digital Trends

lg cx oled 4k hdr tv review oled3Dan Baker / Digital Trends

LG CX OLED TVsDan Baker / Digital Trends

The package with the two-piece metal stand and the associated screws contains several package inserts from the product literature, a plastic cover for cable management and a composite video / audio breakout cable for connecting the Nintendo Wii, which you have taken from storage in the age of COVID have a pair of batteries and an LG Magic Motion remote control. Let's talk about this remote control.

I loved the Magic Motion remote control. I used to enjoy playing Nintendo Wii too, but as some relationships get older, the passion fades and I'm now ready for LG to come up with a more modern remote control. I used to find it fun and helpful to use Wii-style hand gestures, especially when entering numerous usernames and passwords on streaming apps. Now I just find the cursor constantly appearing annoying. But maybe I'm just a salty television critic.

Now a quick word about setup.

Picture settings

The good news is that the LG CX OLED has a lot of great picture setting presets. The bad news is that you have a lot of work to do to get the best setting for each HDMI input and streaming apps.

The process begins with the initial setup of the TV. LG's WebOS will guide you through a setup wizard. During this process I would suggest enabling the image and sound options related to A.I. to refuse. You can always play around with it later after you get some good basic setup.

Of the many presets for picture adjustment, I prefer ISF Expert Bright Room. If you're buying the CX OLED for a dedicated home theater area that's constantly dark, consider the ISF Expert Dark Room option, but be sure to switch between the two options to see which one you prefer.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

It will take some time to apply this image setting everywhere it is needed. I suggest playing a YouTube video without HDR so that ISF Bright Room will be applied to SDR content played by apps. Then start an HDR video in YouTube to select the desired HDR mode. HDR Cinema is the best choice for the most accurate picture quality.

The next step is to load a Dolby Vision title and follow the instructions above.

It's worth checking that Trumotion is either disabled or set to user preference with both sliders reduced to zero. This will help avoid the soap opera effect.

At this point, all HDMI inputs must receive the same treatment. Start with SDR content (cable, DVD, standard Blu-ray disc, or home screen on a game console) and select the picture mode you choose. Do the same with HDR and Dolby Vision content, if applicable. This process must be repeated for each HDMI input used.

Under the hood

What makes LG OLEDs look different from the competition (all of which use LG's OLED panels) is their build quality. In this case, LG is up to their Alpha 9 Gen 3 processor and that processor is very, very good. Sony is LG's only real rival right now when it comes to workmanship. Vizio is now offering an OLED in the US and has promised first-class workmanship – we'll see how that turns out soon.

This television has been optimized for games.

The most notable (and controversial among enthusiasts) LG CX OLED feature is the integration of four HDMI 2.1 ports. LG's OLEDs had these connectors in last year's TVs too, but these allowed for 48Gbps of bandwidth, while the new CX beats 40Gbps.

Is this limited bandwidth a big deal? Not for the vast majority of users. However, some hardcore PC gamers may occasionally find it limiting when trying to get the most out of their new Nvidia RTX 30XX Ampere game cards.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

That brings me to my next point: This TV was optimized for games in a partnership between LG and Nvidia. I remember meeting representatives from Nvidia when I flew to LA last year to check out LG's 8K OLED. At the time, my reaction to news of the partnership was lukewarm. But today, with the launch of Nvidia's revolutionary new graphics cards and the imminent launch of the next-generation Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 game consoles, I think that partnership and the resulting evolution of the TV into a competitive game display was a breeze from Genius.

But does it work?

Play

The start of the RTX-30xx Ampere graphics card from Nvidia was anything but smooth. The tickets were sold out in record time. Those who received them (including test outlets like Digital Trends) have been excited to see how they work with LG's HDMI 2.1 enabled TVs. This experience was not without problems either.

Users reported that images go black when trying to get the graphics cards to 4K at 120 Hz with features enabled like HDR or 4: 4: 4 chroma. They also had a flicker when the signal dropped to low frame rates. Indeed, this appeared to be an issue LG had to deal with as it was quickly announced that a firmware update would be on the way to fix the problem. It's not clear how much Nvidia is involved other than to say that the two outfits have been in constant communication for the past year or so up to this point.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Regardless of this, the firmware update is now available and we were able to implement it and test the CX-OLED with the existing corrections.

In short, the gaming experience is wonderful. 4K 120Hz in HDR at full RGB color was buttery smooth … that is, if the RTX-3080 could meet the demands of the game. All of the problems we encountered were right on our gaming PC.

Another good news is that the CX did a great job upscaling 1080p and 1440p content up to 4K in real-time gameplay. This means that those with fewer Hot Rod PCs can lower the resolution, keep the frame rate high, and still have a great experience.

Aside from the fact that there was no screen crack or image stuttering, the HDR renders of the games we played (mostly Forza Horizon 4 and Assasin's Creed Odyssey) looked excellent, with intensely sparkling highlights and vivid colors.

My only complaint is that some extremely dark scenes made it difficult to see in the shadows. This won't be a huge problem for most gamers, but competitive gamers can find darker games problematic as it can be difficult to see your enemy lurking in the shadows.

I have to thank LG for ensuring that their firmware fix was implemented quickly and that the CX OLED series offers good gaming performance overall. I am very impressed.

picture quality

LG's OLEDs still offer the best picture quality you can buy. Sony's A8H offers stiff competition, and I expect Vizio's OLED will get LG a run for its money as well, but at the end of the day the difference between these TVs will be small and only visible if several Televisions are displayed side by side page.

That said, you could never walk into a room, look at the LG CX OLED, leave the room, come back five minutes later, look at the Sony or Vizio OLED and expect a notable difference.

The Sony A8H tends to be more conservative when it comes to reproducing bright HDR highlights. So if you look at a sky full of clouds, the Sony OLED will see more detail in the clouds, while the LG CX OLED will have more punchy bright highlights.

You may also see more shadow detail with the Sony A8H OLED than with the LG, but only marginally. There is still a bit of black crushing with the LG CX OLED, which, as mentioned, could affect a small group of gamers who rely heavily on shadow detail in certain games.

In terms of color, again, LG's CX OLED is among the best available in terms of saturation and accuracy. Almost not worth it to have this TV calibrated by a professional because the out-of-box experience in cinema mode is so superb.

Me, every time I look at LG OLED TVs, "Damn it, that looks good."

The LG also handles it very well when moving. I prefer a bit of blurring to a touch of soap opera, so I'll leave out all of the movement-handling settings. Sensitive viewers, however, can set the blur setting to about two and get a smoother time-lapse motion without significant motion artifacts.

With an image bright enough to handle all but the brightest room conditions, superb black levels, superb colors, great movement, and sparkling HDR highlights, the LG CX OLED has it all.

Me, every time I see LG's OLED TV, "Damn it, that looks good."

Our opinion

The LG CX OLED is the whole package. Not only does it offer great picture quality in an attractive package, but it also offers a fantastic gaming experience and more HDMI 2.1 connections than any other competitor on the market. It's a very future-oriented TV with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync for gaming and support for any HDR format you want.

I'd love to see LG's WebOS smart TV platform get a makeover and the TV could sound a little better, but these are minor issues compared to the CX's otherwise impressive stature in the competitive TV landscape.

Is there a better alternative?

No. Among the OLED televisions, the LG CX is currently my first choice. The A8H from Sony offers a somewhat more refined, cinematic image, but it can only be easily recognized in a visual head-to-head comparison. Also, as I said, the strength of the CX is to be admired. The Vizio OLED hasn't made it to my test bench yet and could offer stiff competition, but I doubt it can knock LG off the field this year.

If you need a scorching bright TV, I recommend the Hisense H9G, the Quantum X of the P-series from Vizio and the Samsung Q90T as alternatives.

How long it will take?

The CX-OLED should last longer than you need. With HDMI 2.1 on board, it should continue to process demanding game parameters and offer a first-class picture quality experience for almost every source of content.

warranty

LG provides a one-year limited parts and labor warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer. This guarantee does not apply to image storage, also known as burn-in.

Should you buy it?

Yes. When you have the resources, buy this television. The only exception would be for people who watch the same channel all day every day or for people who play certain games for hours and hours every day for months. These conditions can lead to burn-in. An OLED television is not suitable for those with such viewing and gaming practices.

Editor's recommendations




08 Oct
Blog

Google Nest Audio Review: Big Muscles, Strong Results

google nest audio review 9 of 13

“Music has never sounded so good in something so charming. Plus, it doesn't cost a fortune! "

  • Excellent audio performance

  • Charming design for any decor

  • Adapts the audio quality to each room

  • Attractive $ 100 cost

  • Dense weight

  • Too complacent when adding functionality

It has been almost four years since Google Home launched. During that time, we've seen how smart speakers have fueled the growth of smart homes. Google's own portfolio grew tremendously as both large and small speakers were added. Additionally, we've seen a handful of other useful smart home devices made by the company.

The introduction of Google Nest Audio, which many consider to be the spiritual successor to Google Home, comes at an interesting time. While smart speaker sales continue to beat expectations, last year the Google Nest Mini wasn't the great upgrade we were hoping for – and Google Nest Audio will get the same test.

Those who took the plunge early and invested in Google Home got a new way of interacting with the smart home. The question now is whether the Nest Audio has enough extras to convince people to upgrade.

Deceptively tight

The first thing I noticed when I took the Google Nest Audio out of the box was its weight. I was surprised at how tight it is to tip the scales at a whopping 2.65 pounds. In contrast, the Google Home feels super light at 1.05 lbs.

However, there is a reason it is so hard. From the outside you can only see the fabric that covers the entire loudspeaker. It looks more neutral, especially when paired with its tic-tac shape. However, underneath the outside of the Google Nest Audio is a metal case made of aluminum and magnesium – which explains why it feels so tight for its size. With such a heavy weight, I am a little worried about what would happen if it fell.

Google's approach to a sustainable future is fully brought to bear again with Nest Audio (always a good thing) as the case is made from 70% recycled plastic. With its clean facade, I wonder how well the exterior holds up when placed in a more active location – for example on the kitchen countertop, where it is exposed to potential spills, splashes, and other hazards that can pollute it.

The LEDs are embedded in the mesh on the front and come to life whenever you start the Google Assistant or adjust its audio. Unfortunately, the Nest Mini lacks the ultrasonic sensors that detect when your hand approaches the speaker and the LEDs light up automatically. Adjusting the speaker volume is easy – just tap the appropriate touch-sensitive areas. The top left corner decreases the volume, the top right increases it and the middle area acts as a pause / play function. On the back you will find a mute switch to turn off the microphone and a proprietary power connector.

The natural look of the design goes well with almost any decor

The Google design of the Nest Audio is best described as the Google Home Max with its vertical, upright design. The natural look of the design goes well with almost any decor.

More muscles for music

The internal components make this speaker a superior speaker for music. According to Google, the Nest Audio with a 19mm tweeter and 75mm midrange is 76% louder and has a 50% increase in bass over Google Home. And you know what? The audio performance supports this claim.

Don't get me wrong, Google Home sounded awesome, but I've found bass performance crackling at higher volumes many times. There is none of that at all with Nest Audio, which produces ample bass without distortion. Google specifically tunes Nest Audio to have a more neutral tone, resulting in a sound that balances out the lows, mids, and highs. While this will calm some audiophiles, others may prefer a more bassier tone – which is why I appreciate bass and treble controls in the Google Home app.

Similar to the Google Home Max as well as the HomePod from Apple and the Echo Studio from Amazon, the Nest Audio takes advantage of some new features that allow it to adapt its audio quality to any room. With Media EQ, Nest Audio can adjust to whatever content you're listening to (music, podcast, or Google Assistant), while Ambient IQ can adjust the volume when sources of noise such as a hair dryer come near, for example. The volume will automatically increase as you get closer to Nest Audio – and then decrease as you move further away.

Ultimately, the Nest Audio is an excellent choice for any audiophile. Its room-filling sound creates a balance between clarity and bass that can be enhanced by either pairing it with another Nest Audio for stereo output or adding it to a speaker group. In the current lineup, it sits between the Nest Mini and the Home Max, making it an ideal choice for anyone who loves music but doesn't want to pay the higher price of the Home Max.

Too complacent

So far, I can't say enough positive things about Google Nest Audio. However, I do believe that with smart speakers we reach a point of complacency and Nest Audio is a great example of that. Every iterative smart speaker we've seen, whether from Amazon or Google, is usually better equipped for audio – and that's what we expect from every subsequent gadget.

If we look at the core features, they are no different from Google Home. They adorn us with the intelligence of the Google Assistant, give us the ability to control the smart home hands-free, and help drown out background noise with their extraordinary audio performances. This is where it all stops, which is why I think the Nest Audio is too complacent.

There is no denying that it is capable of many things. From making calls to ordering your favorite pizza, the Nest Audio has an extensive list of features. It's no different from previous Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers, however. I would have liked to have seen it more!

I find the Nest Audio too complacent.

Maybe be able to group several of them together for true surround sound to watch movies at home? Or integrate the capabilities of the new Chromecast so Nest Audio can connect to a TV and enable the Android TV experience. This is a fundamental problem that smart speakers will continue to face unless they branch out and become more multifunctional.

Our opinion

It's hard not to like Google Nest Audio. At an ideal price point of $ 100, it offers considerable audio breakdown over the Nest Mini of $ 50, and can even compete with the Google Home Max at $ 300. It's perfect for audiophiles who crave great sounding audio.

How long it will take?

Since it is meant to be stationary, the chances that there will be problems should be slim. However, the dense weight can cause damage if dropped. If you are concerned about defects, there is a 1 year limited parts and labor warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

The $ 100 cost of the Nest Audio makes it far more appealing than the $ 300 Google Home Max, for example. Therefore, it's difficult to recommend another Google Assistant-powered smart speaker for music. It's also a better buy than the Google Nest Mini. However, if you already have Google Home, the upgrade might be more difficult as the only real difference is in audio performance.

Not a fan of the Google Assistant? Then the recently announced Amazon Echo (4th generation) is the logical choice if you prefer Alexa instead.

Should you buy it?

You bet. Google's investment in a more comprehensive speaker makes it a solid $ 100 purchase price.

Editor's recommendations




08 Oct
Blog

Bang And Olufsen Beosound Stage Review: Beauty And The Bass

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

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

  • Beautiful design

  • Deliciously deep and resonant bass

  • Tons of EQ customization options

  • Airplay 2, Bluetooth and Chromecast

  • Simple and flexible wall mounting

  • Expensive

  • Inconspicuous Dolby Atmos

  • Only one HDMI input

  • B&O app needs improvement

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

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

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

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

What's in the box?

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

design

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

Setup and connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

App, streaming and controls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sound quality

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unfortunately, this doesn't quite work.

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

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

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

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

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

Our opinion

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

Is there a better alternative?

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

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

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

How long it will take?

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

Should you buy it?

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

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

2020 Land Rover Defender 110 First Drive Review

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

2020 Land Rover Defender 110 first drive review: off-wheel chops meet modern technology

"The Land Rover Defender 2020 combines old-school ruggedness with modern sophistication."

  • Impressive off-road capability

  • Drives like a car, not an SUV

  • Well designed interior

  • Useful technology

  • Vague steering

  • Picky touchscreen

The modern Land Rover is defined by SUVs that combine luxury with off-road capability. Vehicles that, despite their ability to clog mud, are typically compared to those from Mercedes-Benz. That was not always so.

When Land Rover first came out in 1948, simple, sturdy vehicles were being made that were aimed more at farmers, explorers, and soldiers than the wealthy suburbanites. These early Land Rovers were Britain's answer to Jeep, not Mercedes. As Land Rover moved further into luxury, the Defender became the final reminder of the brand's origins. Until it went out of production in 2016, that is (sales in the US stopped in 1997).

Fans loved the original Defender because it existed in a leap in time and kept old-school simplicity as cars got more complicated. That makes the mission of the revised Land Rover Defender 2021 even more difficult: The SUV has to stay true to its roots and at the same time rely on technology to appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Today's Defender tries to divide the difference between its predecessor and other Land Rover models, as well as the competitors they target. Starting at $ 49,900, the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 is more expensive and luxurious than a Jeep Wrangler, but cheaper and simpler than a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Is that actually a good off-roader? Let's get on our way and find out.

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

Design and interior

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is what the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Trek films are taken from the 1960s Star Trek television show: A remix of memorable elements from the original aimed at a mainstream audience.

The latest Defender retains the boxy proportions of the original, but with subtle changes to improve aerodynamics. The sides of the body are tapered inward and the corners of the body are rounded so the defender can cut through the air with less effort. In times of stricter global emissions standards, off-road symbols must also meet the efficiency targets.

Under the skin, the new Defender swaps the body construction of the old model for a modern unibody to achieve better street manners. As before, the Defender is available in four-door 110 and (for model year 2021) two-door 90 configurations, but the numbers don't mean much. On the old Defender they were the length of the wheelbase, but today's Defender 90 has a wheelbase of 101.9 inches while the 110 has a wheelbase of 119 inches.

The latest Defender retains the boxy proportions of the original, but with subtle changes to improve aerodynamics.

Like the exterior, the interior aims to balance the sturdiness of the original defender with modern considerations. It's worse than other Land Rover models, but designers didn't want luxury here. Rather than covering things up with additional trim pieces, the structure of the doors and dashboard is exposed for a no-nonsense look. Rubberized floors and cushions made from Decitex fibers and recycled polyester are a sensible choice for a vehicle that is designed for off-road use (more traditional leather cushions are available in the Defender X trim level).

The four-door Defender 110 is longer and taller than a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and a Mercedes-Benz G550 and also wider than the Jeep. That doesn't mean the passenger compartment is much larger, but the Defender has more seating options. The standard configuration consists of two rows and five seats, but a three-row version with seven seats is also available. Land Rover also offers a front center jump seat on two-row models that can seat six people in an emergency. The Defender 110 also has more cargo space than the Wrangler Unlimited (Mercedes does not publish cargo capacity figures for the G-Class).

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard infotainment setup includes a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility. A digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster is available in all equipment variants except for the basic model. In the first and second row there are two USB ports and two 12-volt sockets as well as a wireless charging pad in advance. In models equipped in this way, the third row has a single USB port and a 12-volt socket.

The infotainment system is Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro setup with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and the Blackberry QNX operating system. This allows for quicker responses, according to Land Rover, even shortly after the car started, and that appeared to be the case. The menu setup was also easy to learn, as it took just a few taps of your finger to perform most of the basic functions. However, the screen had to be bumped firmly before it could react.

Like other Land Rover models, the Defender also features the automaker's Terrain Response 2 system, with driving modes for different surfaces such as snow, mud or rocks, as well as an automatic setting that makes adjustments on the fly. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to have a calf sensing feature that changes the vehicle's parameters for water supply (the maximum fording depth is 35.4 inches, in case you're wondering) the water depth on the central screen and even appear pulling the brakes to clean them up once you're out of the wet stuff.

The screen had to be bumped hard before it could react.

The Defender also has a number of cameras that can be used to detect obstacles in the terrain. You can train cameras on the front tires to check the distance around rocks or use ClearSight Ground View to “see” through the hood and get a glimpse of what is ahead. The Defender also gets a video rearview mirror. Other car manufacturers already offer this function, which shows the advance of a rear-mounted camera in the mirror. However, it is very useful here, as the Defender's spare wheel would otherwise block the view to the rear.

All Terrain Progress Control acts as an off-road cruise control at low speed and takes over braking and acceleration while the drive is steering. On the Land Rover Experience Off-Road course in Manchester, Vermont, the Defender was able to drive up a steep hill. Like many other off-roaders, the Defender is given hill descent control that automatically maintains a set speed while driving downhill.

When driving on the road, the standard functions of the driver assistant include monitoring of the blind spot, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The adaptive cruise control is standard with HSE and higher equipment variants or as part of an optional driver assistance package. Land Rover and other luxury brands are still reluctant to make adaptive cruise control the standard, though it does on cheaper vehicles from mainstream brands.

2020 Land Rover Defender ClearSight bottom view

Experience at the wheel

Land Rover offers two powertrain options in the Defender. The base P300 option is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 models receive a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with a turbocharger and an electric charger. Land Rover calls the P400 a "mild hybrid" because it has a small battery that is charged by regenerative braking. Electricity powers engine accessories and provides a small boost in performance, but the Defender doesn't run entirely on electricity. The total system output of the P400 is 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The P300 and P400 have more power than the turbo four and V6 engines available in the Jeep Wrangler, and the P400 also offers more torque than the Jeep V6. However, Jeep is also offering a diesel engine with 442 lb-ft of torque, and a plug-in hybrid is on the way. The more expensive Mercedes-Benz G550 has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft. Even so, the Defender's 8,201 pound maximum towing power surpasses the more torque-bearing diesel Jeeps and Mercedes, not to mention most midsize pickups.

Both drives use an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard. This is an all-terrain system with a two-speed transfer case and center and rear locking differentials that ensure maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

What really sets the new Defender apart from its predecessor – and the competition – is its road behavior.

The Defender lived up to its reputation and proved to be completely drama-free as it drove off-road through the Vermont forests, negotiating steep hills, rocks, mud, and dirt without breaking a sweat. Just as current supercars use electronics to make it easy to drive at high speeds regardless of skill level, modern Land Rovers are making the terrain accessible to beginners. All you have to do is stay away from trees and let the defender's driver aids do their thing.

However, off-road ability was a prerequisite. What really sets the new Defender apart from its predecessor – and the competition – is its road behavior. With its comfortable ride (thanks to adaptive air suspension) and precise handling, the Defender felt more like a normal car than a muddy SUV.

The P400 powertrain delivered more than enough power to drive on the freeway, and the vehicle itself felt rock hard at higher speeds – which isn't always the case with large, box-shaped SUVs. The interior is also quite quiet and the driving position is much more comfortable than the cramped, upright posture that the old Defender forced on its drivers. The only flaw was a somewhat vague steering.

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

Fuel economy and safety

Defender 110 P400 models like our test car are rated at 19 mpg (17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway) while P300 models are rated at 18 mpg (17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway). The P400's mild hybrid system means buyers willing to pay the extra cash will get more power and lower fuel consumption, but the numbers are still not great. Land Rover offers plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Since Jeep is preparing a Wrangler plug-in hybrid, this seems like a good idea for the Defender as well.

Safety assessments from the Road Safety Institute (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are not yet available. This is often the case with new models like the Defender.

Land Rover's four year 50,000 mile warranty is comparable to other luxury brands. The Defender's novelty makes it difficult to predict future reliability, but Land Rover doesn't have a good reputation in this area.

How DT would configure this car

We'd start with a five-seat model in the mid-SE trim level that includes the streaming video rearview mirror and other convenience features, but with the more durable interior of the base instead of the leather of the higher trim levels. The SE is also available with the P400 powertrain, a box that we would check out.

To that base, we'd add Adaptive Cruise Control ($ 1,200) and the Towing Package ($ 3,050), which includes All-Terrain Progress Control and Terrain Response 2 all-terrain vehicle aids. We'd also add the Explorer Pack, which includes a roof rack and lockable outer case for extra storage space, as well as a snorkel to make it easier for the engine to breathe while calling for water or dusty conditions.

These options bring the total price to $ 71,900. While it's a big step up from the Defender's base price of $ 49,900, it builds a well-equipped vehicle with lots of tech and few frills.

Our opinion

The original Land Rover Defender helped define the modern SUV, but the brand and its customers have gone further. Land Rover is a luxury brand today, and SUV buyers are used to a higher level of sophistication and technology than the old-school Defender. The new Defender is more than just a redesign. It combines decades of technological progress in one fell swoop.

The 2020 Defender is the automotive equivalent of a Patagonia jacket. It is an expensive premium item, but offers a higher level of quality for this price. The Defender is far from Spartan, but it doesn't delve into the decadence that makes most other luxury brand SUVs suitable for shopping mall parking lots as off-road routes.

That makes the Defender a unique offer. It's a bit more upscale than a Jeep Wrangler (or the upcoming Ford Bronco), but not a full-fledged luxury vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Defender can keep up with these vehicles off-road, but with street manners that make the journey to the starting point more comfortable.

The defender has a little too little character. It lacks the Wrangler's convertible roof and detachable doors, as well as the G-Class's V8 boasting, and the design is a little less pronounced than these SUVs. What it lacks in Flash, the Defender makes up for in competence.

Should you get one

Yes. The Defender has the off-road capability you want and the everyday functionality you need.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

DJI OM 4 Review: A Simple Yet Cinematic Gimbal

dji om 4 review 2167

"The DJI OM 4 is beginner-friendly, but includes some advanced camera movements."

  • Easy to use

  • Fast magnetic attachment

  • Pre-programmed movements in stories

  • Good stabilization

  • Advanced app tools

  • Some modes are hidden

  • Follow mode does not use the full pan range

Gimbals mix stabilization with cinematic camera movement, but the combination often creates a system geared toward experienced users. However, this is not the case with the DJI OM 4. With the three-axis gimbal, which requires little balancing, even inexperienced users can work – literally or figuratively – in just a few short tutorial videos.

The DJI OM 4 was developed by a company known for its drones. In story mode, the OM 4 even adds cinematic camera movements with just a few taps of the finger, while modes such as dynamic zoom imitate advanced dolly zoom techniques. Gesture control with tracking even opens the gimbal for vloggers.

The DJI OM 4 offers the ideal mix of beginner-friendly features and advanced movie effects – but it's not quite perfect. As a photographer – not a videographer – I took out DJI's latest gimbal to see how re-friendly it is.

Technical data and features

The DJI OM 4 is a three-axis motorized smartphone gimbal that includes some improvements over the previous version, including a more powerful motor. It's compatible with any phone less than 3.3 inches wide and 10.23 ounces with an app for iOS and Android. (I tested the OM 4 with an iPhone 11 Pro).

The gimbal offers a good range of motion between approximately 333 degrees and 343 degrees on each of the three axes. The gimbal stops panning once it reaches the front of the gimbal handle, and it has a tilt range from the sky to the ground.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The gimbal not only stabilizes videos, but also offers various modes to support creative recordings. Tracking mode follows a person or animal and can be activated when gesture control is activated by raising your hand with the palm of your hand towards the camera. Sport mode is designed to use the gimbal while it is active.

One of my favorite aspects of the gimbal is the different modes that make it easy to add professional looking camera movement. In Inception mode, the camera is rotated with the joystick instead of panning or tilting. Dynamic zoom or dolly zoom enlarges or reduces the subject, but keeps it in the same position and changes the background instead. Hyperlapses and time-lapse are included, as are panoramas, including the option to clone yourself into a photo.

design

The DJI OM 4 uses two different mounting options – a thin metal plate that stays permanently attached to the device, or a detachable smartphone clamp. According to DJI, the plate is faster and does not need to be rebalanced, but should not be used for a fall. I used the clamp option.

The spring-loaded clamp was impressively able to grip and balance my iPhone 11 Pro with its case. However, the clamp needs to be perfectly aligned to keep the horizon straight. I had to regularly nudge one side of the clamp to keep the phone perfectly balanced. The app also provides an option to rebalance the gimbal for phones that are tilted to one side despite being correctly oriented, and will likely be required to use accessories such as auxiliary lenses.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Once the clamp or plate is in place, mounting the smartphone on the gimbal is as easy as aligning the two points on each magnet. I occasionally had to adjust the position of the clamp once it was installed to achieve perfect balance.

The handle offers an ergonomic design, with which almost every control is easily accessible. On the front there is the joystick for redirecting the gimbal, a record button and a mode button that switch between video and still images as well as from vertical to horizontal. Near the tip of the thumb, there is a zoom switch on the side of the handle. I could barely reach this knob without adjusting my whole hand, and users with small hands may not quite like this button position.

On the back is the trigger to lock the gimbal in one direction. Two taps on the shutter button re-center the gimbal, while three taps on the front facing camera toggle in the DJI app.

Once captured, the upper arm of the gimbal folds down on itself, shortening the overall height of the gimbal. At roughly 6.5 inches tall, the only bag it fits will fit oversized coat packages or cargo pants, but only add about 14 ounces to a bag. The gimbal also comes with an optional folding tripod base on which the gimbal can be used on a tabletop.

The DJI app: a cameraman in your hands

The controls of the gimbal were still transferred to the native camera app of the iPhone. However, the best features of the gimbal are contained in the DJI Mimo app. From in-app tutorials to automating camera tricks, the app is impressively well built and easy to use. Initial setup of the app was easy and didn't have the headache that some Bluetooth devices cause when they first connect.

For the most part, the app helps beginners get started quickly. Mimo starts with a built-in tutorial that walked me through the various controls and shortcuts. Then, if I inevitably forgot exactly where those controls were, I could turn to the tutorial section for a quick refresher.

However, the main part of the app is the camera mode. Many of the options and controls feel like using the basic camera app on my iPhone, including a mode slider under the record button and the same tap to focus and slide to adjust the exposure.

Story mode was my favorite part of the entire app – and I very rarely share social media stories. The feature uses the gimbal to create various motion effects that I wouldn't otherwise capture, and then merges it all into an edited, easily shareable clip of music. It's both a great way to create highlight clips for easy sharing and put together professional-looking video effects without knowing how to record or edit them.

With the story shortcut in camera mode, you can record and edit a video at the same time. In this mode, the app and gimbal work together to automatically create short, edited videos with motion effects based on the template you selected. For example, the gimbal can create a 360-degree video glitch, add tilt effects, or create motion blur between cuts with rapid gimbal movement.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The app counts down to the start of the recording and then automatically moves the gimbal to achieve the effect. The process is repeated for each clip in the template. Some templates use camera tricks, while others just add music, text, and filters. The custom template option allows you to adjust the camera movement (unfortunately not factors like the length of the clip). Stories can be saved as drafts so that you can record the clips at different times of the day.

By accessing the stories from the home page, instead of using camera mode, pre-recorded videos are edited with templates that include clip transitions, music, filters and text. Although the camera effects are not added for you, this is the mode you want to use if you are taking a one-time shot because the shooting mode will count down and stop after a few seconds based on the number of template you select.

My only complaint about the app is that I wish Stories could do even more, including longer videos and custom clip lengths. When using Stories in Selfie mode, some movements are also reversed in ways that don't always make sense, e.g. For example, if you tilt the camera down instead of up when using the front camera.

user friendliness

As a photographer, rather than a videographer, I can count the number of gimbals I've tried on one hand. However, the OM 4 was easy to jump in and use right away. At the same time, thanks to the integrated tutorials and the various modes of the app, the OM 4 offers more advanced camera tricks that almost anyone can use to take photos.

I was ready to use the basic controls after just a few minutes of playing. The gimbal stabilization is excellent – I've used the OM 4 inline skating and even jogging backwards with excellent results.

The OM 4's ability to follow a subject in front of the camera is good, if not perfect. If a single topic remains in front of the gimbal, e.g. B. for vlogging or creating tutorial videos, the performance of the gimbal is excellent. However, the gimbal has problems following people who move to the side of the gimbal long before the swing limit is reached. When tracking people, the gimbal sometimes switched another person and followed her.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

That's not to say that a little practice and time with the gimbal won't be beneficial. The gimbal has several shortcuts to the same button and I had to take pictures with it a few times to remember them all. One click of the mode button changes the mode from photo to video, two clicks from vertical to horizontal and three switches to standby mode.

With a few tutorials, I was up and shooting with a little practice. However, access to the advanced modes required a lot of patience because they are not organized in a single location. Many of the advanced recording modes are in camera mode in the mode dial at the bottom of the screen. For example, to activate Inception mode and rotate the camera, you need to go to Settings and change the Follow mode.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Others aren't even a labeled button or even part of the original in-app tutorials. When you switch to underride mode for low-angle shots, the gimbal turns upside down. The low-settlement mode, which was called up by holding the trigger and tilting the gimbal forward, didn't work for me. I couldn't adjust the angle of the smartphone to accommodate anything other than the ground.

The OM 4 was also not very tripod-friendly for third parties. While I had no issues with the included tripod, I encountered some challenges when using a full-height tripod. In story mode, some of the automated movements jolted the camera, a strange bug that didn't repeat itself when used on the included tripod. Tightening the tripod screw helped but didn't fix the problem. The patterned ribs on the underside of the gimbal also tore off the handle on the mounting plate of my tripod.

Our opinion

The DJI OM 4 is not just a smartphone gimbal – it is a tool that will add cinematic movement even for beginners. The well-designed app, simple mounting system, variety of shooting modes, and portable design make the gimbal simple and modern at the same time, a combination that is nearly impossible.

Although the DJI OM is 4 eons before the gimbals the company created a few years ago, it's not perfect. The modes could be more organized and some of the more advanced features require some digging. I couldn't get the low-angle shooting modes to work well, the follow mode didn't use the full pan range, and the OM 4 didn't play well with a third-party tripod.

Is there a better alternative?

Smartphone gimbals are becoming more common – and there is a bit of competition. However, none seems to be as beginner-friendly as the balanced design and intuitive app of the OM 4. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a bit cheaper, but has advanced controls. Advanced users will like the focus dial, as well as the other physical and app-based controls, but beginners can be more intimidated by the extras.

How long it will take?

The DJI OM 4 has already asked us to download a firmware update, a good sign that the OM 4 will continue to experience new improvements via software. Aside from major glitches, the OM 4 should last a few years thanks to these updates, a solid design, and a mounting system compatible with a wide variety of smartphones.

Should you buy it?

If you've never tried a gimbal but want to eliminate the shaking of your videos and add cinematic camera movements in a few simple steps, buy the DJI OM 4. The OM 4 is incredibly beginner-friendly and unbalanced. In-app tutorials and automated camera movements with stories.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Review: Always Hungry Vacuum Stick

LG CordZero A9 compressor holds it in hand

LG CordZero A9 compressor

"With a big appetite and a bunch of tools, the LG CordZero A9 compressor is ready to be cleaned."

  • Versatile set of attachments

  • Free-standing charging station

  • Dust container can be compressed

  • Two batteries included

  • Larger pieces of dirt can cause problems

  • The LG ThinQ integration is a little useless

Cordless vacuums seem to be all the rage in household cleaning these days. They bridge the gap between portable handhelds (think dustbusters) and traditional poles by offering the best of both worlds. While Dyson clearly stands out from the crowd with its legendary suction power and meticulous engineering, several other companies have tried to capitalize on this trend.

LG is no stranger to small appliances and it's clearly a focus for the company. The CordZero A9 compressor seems like an ambitious proposition because of its versatility, but it must first and foremost prove that it can clean. Not only clean well, but also very good.

Versatile cleaning options

The LG CordZero A9 compressor does not immediately deviate too far from the well-known designs that we have seen on other cordless vacuum cleaners. What sets it apart are the various accessories, the charging station and the batteries that come with the package. This model covers all bases as carpet, hardwood and furniture cleaner.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The accessories consist of the following: a universal nozzle, a punching nozzle, a splitting tool and the combination tool. Using the universal nozzle felt uncomfortable at first, until I realized that you could extend the length to make it more comfortable to use when vacuuming carpets. I also like how effective the power punch nozzle is at pulling smaller pieces of dirt off furniture, but it's almost useless for hair-strewn scratching posts because it has problems sucking up larger bunches of fur. This is due to the close spacing of the hard plastic brush in the nozzle.

A base from which to rule them all

Unlike other cordless vacuum cleaners, it has a free-standing charging station for added convenience when storing and charging the accessories. Most other battery sticks come with a base that you need to attach to a wall or something else. However, this is a separate unit. I think it's great that I don't have to attach it to the wall. LG certainly spent time designing the charging station, given all the little details that go with it. For example, there are clamps that make it easier to manage the charging cable so it doesn't get messy.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Not only does it charge the vacuum while it's plugged in, but there is another compartment to charge the spare battery. Dyson's V11 torque is designed for a running time of 60 minutes. This corresponds to the running time of a single battery for the LG CordZero A9 compressor. If I have two batteries, I can suck much longer. There's nothing worse than an empty vacuum while you're in the middle of your cleaning routine.

Good extraction, large dust container

What I like about the universal nozzle is that I rarely see hair growth. It is also intended to fight hardwoods and carpets. Picking up larger pieces of dirt or debris such as cereal can be problematic because the opening is not that wide. Instead, I am forced to raise the vacuum a little so that it absorbs them. For other smaller and finer bits of dirt, it's a champ – they often vacuum them up on the first pass while a second does the job.

The washable components and filters of the CordZero A9 compressor show that LG designed this model with minimal maintenance in mind. The five-stage HEPA filter system is said to filter 99.99% of dust and dirt. And yes, it has built-in Wi-Fi with LG ThinQ integration that not only tracks the cleaning process but can also run diagnostics to reveal potential issues. While it's a nice touch, if you keep track of how long I've spent cleaning the modes, the overall experience doesn't make sense.

LG Cordzero A9 Compressor Rating 1 out of 9

LG Cordzero A9 Compressor Rating 2 out of 9

As the name suggests, the LG CordZero A9 compressor can squeeze its trash can with the lever on the device. This corresponds to a maximum capacity of 33.8 ounces versus the 25.6 ounce capacity of the comparable Dyson V11 Torque Drive. It's useful in the sense that I don't empty it as often as other vacuums, but it doesn't have the best emptying mechanism. There is a lever on the bottom that opens the lid to dispose of the contents. However, I find that my hand often gets dusty because it is right next to the lever when it is opened.

Our opinion

It's an admirable accomplishment from LG as the CordZero A9 compressor is quite a punch down at $ 600. It stands out in every category for being an outstanding cordless vacuum cleaner in the high-end sector.

How long it will take?

Despite the mostly plastic construction, this vacuum rod has a considerable processing quality. As mentioned earlier, many of the components, including the filter, can be washed. It comes with a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty. However, the intelligent inverter motor has a 10 year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive can clean better and has more suction, but you pay an additional $ 100 for it. There is also its sibling, the V11 Outsize, which offers a larger dust bin and replaceable batteries.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the LG CordZero A9 compressor moves right between performance and features to make it a well-rounded option.

Editor's recommendations




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