27 Aug
Blog

BeatsX Review: Expensive, But Maybe Still Worth It

Beats BeatsX wireless earbuds

Beatsx wireless headphones

"Though expensive for what you get, they're stylish, comfortable, and a joy to use."

  • Very convenient

  • Decent sound quality

  • Excellent call quality

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • A bit expensive for what you get

  • The battery life is no longer competitive

  • Not good for Android users

Apple's own Beats range of wireless headphones are perhaps best known for their large and bold studio over-ear model and its smaller sibling, the Solo Pro, but Beats offers more than big doses.

Take the $ 100 BeatsX, for example. Since their introduction in 2017, they have been the cheapest, arguably the most wearable beats you can buy.

But can the small and simple BeatsX hold its own in a world now dominated by true wireless earbuds (including Beats' own Powerbeats Pro)?

Time to find out.

What's in the box?

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The BeatsX comes in a simple box and sleeve. The only reference to plastic is the small black retail hanger loop and packaging that contains the optional three sizes of silicone earbuds. The rest is easily recyclable.

You will receive paper documentation such as the quick setup guide and a Beats sticker. A short USB to lightning charging cable is the only other accessory.

Apple does not include a travel bag or bag for the BeatsX. You must therefore find a safe way to store them when not in use.

design

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BeatsX WirtsX earphones "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-beatsx-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https : //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

BeatsX WirtsX earphones "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-beatsx-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https : //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats products are usually flashy things with bold colors, shiny plastics, and wide headbands that are instantly recognizable from a distance.

But unless you go for the bright red and black color scheme, the BeatsX are subtle compared to their cousins. In the other two colors – silver and black – the only shiny surfaces are on the earbuds themselves, which are essentially hidden when worn.

The BeatsX use a hybrid cable design that combines a flat, tangle-free wire and a thicker, rubberized section around the neck that springs back into its U-shape no matter how hard you twist and turn it.

At both ends of the U there are elongated plastic housings that house the battery, electronics (including the W1 Bluetooth chip developed by Apple), as well as the charging port and power / pairing button.

Thanks to the combination of the rubberized coating and the dimensionally stable properties of the U-profile, the BeatsX stays in position – especially when it comes into contact with bare skin.

With just eight hours of battery life, the BeatsX are slowly showing their age.

The earbuds are closed together with magnets, which makes storage a little easier. However, I found it more useful when I took out the earbuds and used the magnets to prevent the buds from jumping around independently.

Despite the huge popularity of true wireless earbuds (not least thanks to Apple's other line of personal audio products, AirPods), the BeatsX are a reminder that there is still a reason to buy wired wireless earbuds.

There's no need to lug around a charging case, worry about where to put the earbuds when they're not in your ears, and the built-in control buttons on the right cord are easier to use than even the best touch controls.

Battery life

Beats BeatsX wireless earbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Another benefit of the BeatsX design should be battery life. With a lot more room in these plastic cases for a large battery than real wireless earbuds, the standard for this type of design is now anywhere from 15 hours (Beats Powerbeats 4) to 20 hours (1More Dual Driver ANC Pro). But after just eight hours, the BeatsX show their age.

But it's also the case that Apple's true wireless earbuds, the AirPods and AirPods Pro, only need about five hours before they need more juice. So when it comes to the length of a single session, the BeatsX are still an improvement.

With the BeatsX, you don't get a charging case to extend the battery life, but it only takes five minutes to charge to use another two hours.

I would like the BeatsX to give audible feedback about the battery status when it is switched on. Instead, you get two types of visual ads. The on / off switch on the neckband glows white if you have up to eight hours left (but this can mean anywhere from 1.5 to a full eight hours) and red if you have an hour or less left.

The more informative display is on an iOS device, where you can view the remaining power as a percentage right in the control center. The same information is available to Android users, but only when you open the free Beats app for Android.

Convenience, control and connections

Beats BeatsX wireless earbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Wired bluetooth earbuds are often more comfortable than their true wireless counterparts because the earbuds are basically just the drivers that produce the sound. So they are much smaller and lighter. For me, this was certainly the case for the BeatsX, which did an admirable job of sitting comfortably and securely in my ears.

The neck portion of the BeatsX is so light it's easy to forget you're wearing a wired set of buds in the first place. Except for the actual wires, of course.

These tangle-free flat wires are a treat, but you need to be careful not to twist them. By default, they stay away from your face, but if you grab an earbud that happened to be twisted the wrong way, the opposite happens and the wires are suddenly very shabby with your cheeks.

The inline controls are instantly familiar to you if you've ever used Apple's wired EarPods. The three-button module (which also contains the microphone) gives you access to all the most frequently used functions: play / pause, volume up / down, answer / end call, skip track forwards / backwards and voice assistant.

It's a really clever design too, as any button can be pressed with a press of your thumb and forefinger, regardless of which direction the buttons are facing.

Apple fans will love how Bluetooth works on the BeatsX. To pair them, simply turn them on a few inches from an unlocked iOS device with iOS 10 or later and you'll be instantly notified that your BeatsX are just a tap away from setup.

And while they don't have a true Bluetooth multipoint (which allows you to connect them to two devices at the same time), Apple's multipoint version is almost as good, so you can switch between Macs, iPhones, and iPads with just one click.

They deliver a lot of punch through the low and high frequencies, the kind of EQ that compliments rap and hip hop.

Finally, the BeatsX are also compatible with Apple's audio sharing feature, which allows two headphones or earphones equipped with W1 or H1 to listen to content from an iOS device at the same time.

Unfortunately, these three Bluetooth functions are not available for Android. Class 1 Bluetooth performance is available to all BeatsX buyers, giving them tremendous range compared to most non-Apple wireless headphones. Class 1 devices can operate up to 328 feet under perfect conditions – almost ten times further than class 2 devices.

The only thing really missing is a wear sensor so your music can automatically pause when you pull out an earbud. However, this is a rarity outside of the real world of wireless earbuds.

Sound quality

Beats BeatsX wireless earbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The BeatsX may not look like other Beats products, but you can be rest assured that you're still getting the full bass-forward sound signature that has become the brand's sound card.

They deliver plenty of punch through the low and high frequencies, just the kind of EQ that compliments rap, hip hop, and a variety of club and EDM subgenres.

They also get impressively loud when this is your cup of tea (try not to overeat, your ears will thank you later).

But the BeatsX, as the price suggests, won't be everything for everyone, at least from a sound quality standpoint. Your midrange range suffers from a lack of separation and definition, one of the clearest signs that these are not high-end earphones. There is also a flatness and narrowness in the soundstage – a sense that all of the individual elements are huddled together instead of taking up a larger virtual "space" in your head.

For $ 100, this isn't a deal breaker, and I don't think most BeatsX buyers will be put off by it. Still, these are not the wireless earbuds for you, if you want to sit back and relax in your own place and immerse yourself in all the details of your favorite songs.

These are great wireless earbuds that you can use to answer calls in all kinds of environments.

For that pursuit, you need to look up the food chain in the $ 150-250 range.

Call quality

Beats BeatsX wireless earbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you are unsure whether or not the BeatsX is for you, this may help: The BeatsX offer great call quality. Maybe I've just gotten used to the somewhat overwhelming call performance of most true wireless earbuds, but I can't get over how good these earbuds sound.

I suspect it has everything to do with the microphone placement. The BeatsX position their microphone much closer to the source of your voice (i.e. your mouth) than real radio buds can hope for, and this pays off in two ways.

First, your voice is just clearer. There is no distortion, no wobbly effects that I associate with these devices. Second, because your voice is closer, the headphones' background noise suppression circuitry doesn't have to work as hard to amplify it while everything else is reduced.

These are great wireless earbuds that you can use to answer calls in all kinds of environments.

Our opinion

For $ 100, you can get a pretty decent set of real wireless earbuds these days. Still, because of their convenience, good battery life, and great Bluetooth connectivity and call quality, the BeatsX are worth considering, especially if you've already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Is there a better alternative?

If you like the BeatsX design around your neck, there are two great alternatives. The cheaper JLab Epic ANC for $ 79 are comfortable and have incredible battery life, but they won't impress you with their noise cancellation or sound quality, while the more expensive 1More Dual Driver ANC Pro for $ 150 are a big step up, though You want a significant improvement in sound quality and ANC.

How long will they last?

The BeastX are very well built, with durable materials and connections. They come with an Apple one-year warranty that can be extended with an optional AppleCare purchase. I think they will last for many years with normal use, although you can expect the battery capacity to decrease over time.

Should you buy it?

If you're an Apple customer, yes. While the BeatsX is a little expensive for what you get, it still offers a number of good features and sound quality. Android users should probably look for alternatives.

Editor's recommendations




27 Aug
Blog

Wasteland 3 Review: A strong entry in the storied franchise

Wasteland 3 Key Art Scorpitron

"Wasteland 3 is a rewarding game with unprecedented variety and a great jump in points for new players."

  • Deep gameplay systems

  • Nice graphics

  • A robust open world

  • Sometimes youthful writing

Wasteland, the franchise that helped shape the role-playing game genre, proves once again why it's still one of the reigning champions of tactical video games. With a robust history, deeply explorable world, and unprecedented choice, Wasteland 3 offers a great introduction to new players, both to Wasteland and tactical role-playing games in general, as well as a rewarding experience for long-time fans.

Explore the wasteland

Wasteland 3 continues the story of the Desert Rangers, who traveled from the arid landscapes of Arizona to the bitter cold of Colorado. They seek the help of the patriarch, the ruler of the former state. He asked the Rangers to fight his rebellious children. In return, he will provide them with weapons, vehicles, personnel and operational bases.

The Patriarch in the Wasteland 3Provided by Deep Silver

The story starts out simple enough, but quickly rotates in a thousand different directions, offering the player numerous avenues to either help or possibly betray the patriarch. Every place you visit is filled with unique characters whose stories make up the narrative tapestry of the game version of Colorado. The quests they offer can range from single tasks to multi-level experiences that either minimally or heavily affect the end goal of assisting the Patriarch. They help create a natural feel narrative that doesn't telegraph where its turns will take you.

The game provides a great starting point for new players, but also a rewarding experience for long-time fans.

The nice thing about Wasteland 3 is how it hides its mechanics. While playing, it is not obvious whether or not the decision you are about to make will have a massive impact on future endeavors. Unlike some games, which have significant narrative variations, the structure of Wasteland 3 is incredibly subtle. It forces the player to make decisions based on their moral compass rather than predicting how something will affect the game. There were a few times during my playthrough where I tried to manipulate the situation into a more favorable outcome. Often times, due to the consequences of previous decisions I had made, the results were something I could never have predicted.

Unfortunately, the complicated narrative contains less than outstanding writing. While Wasteland 3 is set in a somber, post-apocalyptic world, it has a rather light and humorous tone, similar to the Fallout franchise, which was heavily influenced by the first Wasteland game. Wasteland 3 triggers as many giggles as moans. For example, if you visit a brothel in search of a traitorous character, the option to pay for sex is by saying to the owner, "Let's talk about a sexy time," which is perhaps the least sexy thing anyone can do can say.

I often wish the dialogue was a little more refined and not read as youthfully, with characters written more appropriately for 2020. With developers more committed than ever to the way they construct their characters and stories, there are moments in Wasteland 3 that read as if they were written in 1988 when the first Wasteland episode was released. I just wish the game had applied the nuance it uses with its structure to writing more consistently.

Build your crew

Adaptation in the wasteland 3Provided by Deep Silver

Participation in the story is not a single protagonist, but a crew of them. From the jump, the player has the option of choosing from several pairs of characters or creating their own pair. Every character has skills, perks, and attributes that determine who they are. Maybe they are great for a sniper rifle, or better for weapons that are up close. The level of customization is incredibly deep and means that the player is constantly being asked to adapt their characters to the situation or think outside the box when they may not have the right employee for the job.

Unlike some games, which have significant narrative variations, the structure of Wasteland 3 is incredibly subtle.

At the start of the game, players will then choose two more rangers from a given list as well as additional characters they find on their travels and maybe even an animal companion. The number of people you can have in your party at the same time is six, and you can change your crew at any time. The additional characters on your team depend on the types of side missions available to you while playing. Choose wisely as some characters have much better story missions than others. I felt attached to certain companions and had to weigh my affection for them against the potential for new narrative paths and rewards that I might lose.

To go to war

Your crew will tour the wasteland doing tasks for people to improve the rangers' situation. Many quests result in fights, and for the first time in the series, your team and the opposing team take turns together, rather than each character having their own initiative. It's by far the fastest game in the series and a welcome addition as it's also the largest and longest entry in the franchise.

Battle in the Wasteland 3Provided by Deep Silver

As you get close to enemies, you will see areas of vision around them. So if you fall on them, your battle advantage increases significantly. There was one particular mission where I got off the wrong foot and was very quickly decimated by the enemy. On my next try, I put my characters in better positions, and it was my enemies who went into rapid decline.

With many encounters, keep your fingers crossed that your latest tactical decision will bring you a well-deserved victory. The conclusion of a successful confrontation often brought with it a deep and satisfying sigh of relief.

If your Rangers or Companions are killed in combat, they are not permanently dead. Once the combat encounter is over, you can use certain items to bring them back or speak to the doctor at headquarters. This is great for newer players, although it's a shame that there isn't a permadeath option for those who wish.

In between quests, you can bring your crew back to the aforementioned headquarters, a gift from the Patriarch to aid you in your endeavors. Your base can be upgraded over time with improved facilities and new staff. It's a place where you can regroup and equip your gear before venturing into the frozen abyss. It serves as an evolving physical representation of your choices as you travel. This will help you better understand the consequences of your actions in the wasteland and visualize the sense of progress that can be lost simply moving from settlement to settlement.

The reworked fight is by far the fastest game in the series.

Travel between locations in the wasteland is done via a large tank called Kodiak, which is just as customizable as the members of your group. The overworld map is littered with hidden locations and sometimes you run into multiple timed events and have to choose between quests knowing that you are losing other activities. I often get lost in the wilderness, exploring every corner of the map I could before heading to my originally planned destination.

The game offers a tremendous amount of sights and activities. Since certain areas and stories are blocked depending on the selection, a repetition is almost guaranteed to be very different. While this value is great, I imagine only a few are actually interested in starting another experience that will last several tens of hours because the core progression system remains largely the same.

Travel in the wasteland 3Provided by Deep Silver

An audiovisual leap

The original Wasteland was released in 1988 and its sequel was released with the help of Kickstarter in 2014. Wasteland 3 is just as big an advance in presentation as Wasteland 2 is for Wasteland. The graphical fidelity is amazing, with crisp textures and beautiful lighting. On several occasions, my actions during combat were driven almost entirely by my curiosity about what would visually happen, like using a Molotov grenade to detonate a nitrogen tank.

The music combines the visual quality with an incredible soundtrack. The score combines a number of different genres into a unique sound compared to audio queues typical of post-apocalyptic dishes in games and movies. There were moments when I would step away from the keyboard and mouse just to listen for fear that a conversation with an NPC or a quest would swap the current title I was hearing.

Battle in the Wasteland 3Provided by Deep Silver

Our opinion

Despite my concerns about some of the game's articles, there's no denying that the creators of the tactical RPG genre are still some of the best in the business. A near-unprecedented level of storytelling and choice, combined with a revamped combat system and a massive audiovisual upgrade, makes Wasteland 3 one of the best tactical games ever made.

Is there a better alternative?

Gears Tactics is another excellent tactical RPG that was also released on PC in 2020, although it offers a lot fewer choices and has a more linear story.

How long it will take?

A single playthrough can take up to 80 to 100 hours if the player explores it to the full. However, if some narrative choices preclude others, a second and third playthrough of the game can add up to another very different 80-100 hours if the player so chooses.

Should you buy it?

For those looking for their next RPG or tactical fix, as well as for gamers who want to dip their toes into these genres, Wasteland 3 is absolutely worth buying. Those looking for a quick experience, especially during a holiday season full of games, may want to wait until there are fewer new titles to play.

Editor's recommendations




26 Aug
Blog

Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 Review: An Astonishing Value

Anker Soundcore SpiritX2 headphones

Anker Soundcore Spirit X2

"The Spirit X2 delivers on the promise of solid battery life, excellent weather resistance and booming bass."

  • Solid battery life

  • Excellent weather protection

  • Big bass

  • Great value for money

  • Unattractive aesthetics

  • Awkwardly positioned controls

On paper, the Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 sounds too good to be true. They are offered as headphones with flawless functions at a remarkably low price. In most similar cases, there is usually a serious unmentioned disadvantage somewhere on the line.

There are a few quirks with the $ 80 Spirit X2 headphones, but they're far from serious. Apart from these small flaws, the Spirit X2 lives up to the hype.

Out of the box

The packaging of the Spirit X2 opens in a binder style and shows headphones that are housed in a transparent plastic case next to the charging case. (I don't know if this was intentional or not, but after removing the headphones and case from the plastic shell, the remaining cutouts for the product are a dead alarm clock for the face of an angry clown.)

Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Beneath the annoying clown compartment is a USB-C charging cable, a wholesome amount of extra earplugs and ear fins, and something that can only be characterized as an excessive amount of documentation. I'm everything for a company that makes sure I have everything I need to operate a device, but even by those standards, it seems like too much.

All you need is the quick start guide to get started and you can effectively set the rest of the documents aside. Step 6 in the booklet instructs you to put the headphones in the charging case and then open the case without removing the phones. They'll be put into pairing mode so you can find them in your mobile device's bluetooth settings and connect. This connection is supported by Bluetooth 5 technology by the way, which works exactly as I expected, with seamless connectivity and an exceptional range.

design

The most polarizing part of the Spirit X2 design will no doubt be the large ear hooks that swing upward and rock the back of your ears. In a world where true pint-sized wireless earbuds have taken the market by storm, the bulkier footprint these headphones take is likely to give them the nickname of the group's ugly duckling.

Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

And I have to agree with that feeling: somehow it's you. From a purely aesthetic point of view, I found these headphones unattractive, at least when compared to a smaller pair of sporty earphones like the Urbanista Athens. Other than looks, I found the Spirit X2 very comfortable to wear, which is arguably more important. The hooks were tight around my ears but not restrictive. The ear fins and ear plugs fit snugly into the ear, but do not exert unnecessary pressure. The Spirit X2 has threaded the needle between comfort and function well, enabling a range of intense workouts and cardio sessions without having to adjust them.

The Spirit X2 has threaded the needle well between comfort and function.

The buttons on the headphones were functional, but ultimately not fun. You can change tracks, increase or decrease the volume, answer and reject calls and activate your preferred voice assistant by pressing one of the two buttons on either headset. As long as you wish, he will do what you ask him to do right. However, it takes a lot of getting used to and it doesn't help that the controls are clumsily attached to the top of the earhooks. I used to reach for my phone to control the headphones. This is usually not what you want to do during a gym workout or for the long term.

properties

If I am being completely honest after this section of the review you can easily stop reading and you will have all you need to know about the purchase of these headphones. Because if you can get on board with the earhook design, the Spirit X2's features are a worthwhile buy for just $ 80.

Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The battery life, which according to Anker is nine hours per charge and a total of 36 hours with the supplied case, makes the Spirit X2 a bargain. While these statistics may not be entirely accurate – I came in about 8.5 hours on my first few charges, even though I was listening at a higher volume most of the time – they're still better than many, far more expensive earbuds. The Apple AirPods and Google Pixel Buds 2 are nowhere near those numbers, and the Jabra Elite Active 75t comes in 7.5 hours on a single charge and just 28 hours of total battery. Thanks to the quick charge function, with which you can play for 10 minutes for two hours, the Spirit X2 are an absolute budget battery champion.

The weather resistance IP68 protects the Spirit X2 from rain and complete immersion in up to two meters of water for a maximum of 30 minutes. Although Soundcore says these headphones are not suitable for swimming, showering, or exposure to pool or ocean water, this is still a solid rating for such an affordable product. The Urbanista Athens have IP67 protection, but are $ 50 more expensive.

At less than $ 100, I don't know if real wireless sports headphones with better features exist.

Soundcore also advertises its "SweatGuard technology", a "submarine structure and hydrophobic nano-coating" that helps ward off perspiration. I think it would take a longer period of testing to really assess how well the Spirit X2 compares to the effects of sweat compared to a traditional true wireless competitor, but having extra sweat protection is certainly not a bad thing, especially for this price.

Audio quality

Anker went to great lengths to market the low-end features of the Spirit X2. The company has integrated a technology called “BassTurbo”, which is inspired by the technology of high-end loudspeakers. Essentially, the technician positions "an acoustic chamber behind the (12mm) driver" to add low-end resonance. Put simply, it seems like a lot for $ 80 headphones, so of course I went straight to bass heavy tracks when I started listening to the Spirit X2.

Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Holy cow.

I have regrets for doubting the Spirit X2's marketing team, even though my reservations about the frequency with which features are overrated held valid. It's refreshing to find cases where it doesn't and the Spirit X2 delivers.

From the throbbing bass in tracks like Childish Gambino's 3005 to the low notes in Lil Nas X's Panini, the Spirit X2 delivered far better results than I'd previously thought for under $ 100 earphones. By using the dual EQ on the Spirit X2 and activating the “BassUp” mode, these headphones really rocked when listening to bass-heavy music. I no longer lift the weight I used to be (thanks to pandemic) but if I were at a gym again I would want that kind of low end in my ears when pumping up for a bench press.

These headphones really rocked when listening to bass heavy music.

The Spirit X2 doesn't handle the rest of the frequency range nearly as well, but I'd say it's definitely passable for most people shopping in this price range. The Jabra Elite Active 75t or the Sony WF-SP800N certainly sound better overall, but at a much higher cost. If you also take into account the Spirit X2's aptX support and a dual microphone approach that ensures adequate call quality, these headphones are really a bargain.

Our opinion

The Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 doesn't have the tastiest design or the simplest controls. But they did promise exceptional battery life, full water resistance, and big bass in a $ 80 package – and, amazingly, they delivered.

Are there any better alternatives?

At less than $ 100, I don't know if real wireless sports headphones with better features exist. For $ 130, the Urbanista Athens comes very close in the equipment department, offers solid sound and a more pleasant design than real funk buds. If the price doesn't scare you, the Sony WF-SP800N has better battery life and active noise cancellation for $ 200.

How long will they last?

The Spirit X2 is backed by an 18 month warranty and more waterproof protection than most people know what to do. If you don't deep-sea diving with them, they should endure well into the future.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Don't let the earhooks and oddly placed controls put you off: The Spirit X2 is currently one of the best ratings for true wireless hearing and should be at the top of the list for anyone who can leave a few quirks behind.

Editor's recommendations




26 Aug
Blog

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Review: Stabilized and Affordable

olympus om d e m10 mark iv rating hkg 3259

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review: like a point-and-shoot

"The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a rare budget camera with stabilization that the more expensive models from Olympus borrow."

  • Stabilization in the body

  • Compact vintage design

  • Good picture quality

  • Affordable

  • Slower performance

  • More noise than APS-C cameras

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an entry-level camera that carries the hand-me-downs of its bigger siblings. The $ 800 camera and lens kit – $ 700 for the body only – borrows the E-M1 Mark III's eye-detection algorithms and a clipped five-axis image stabilization system, all of which are paired with a sensor that is just 0.1 megapixels behind Cameras cost more than twice as much.

The E-M10 Mark IV launches when its parents consider a split. With Olympus talks to sell its imaging division to Japan Industrial Partners, the future of the camera line – as well as lenses and accessories – is uncertain. The company expects to reach an agreement in late September, but until then, the state of Olympus cameras will be rife with rumors and questions.

As with any hand-me-down, the features of the E-M10 Mark IV are a bit rough around the edges. Are the cost savings for the cheaper OM-D camera worthwhile despite some shortcomings? I spent two weeks with the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV to see where the camera impresses and where it falls short.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Film-inspired compact design

The E-M10 Mark IV embodies what the mirrorless camera was originally announced for: compact size. Less than 2 inches deep (and less than 3 inches with the kit lens retracted), the mirrorless camera is the ideal size between a point-and-shoot camera and most interchangeable lens cameras. Weighing around 20 ounces with the kit lens, it's light enough to hang around your neck and almost forget it's there. Even so, the body has enough space to offer a good selection of physical controls and a much greater grip than a slim compact camera. Perhaps in part because the last mirrorless camera I took pictures with was the DSLR-sized Canon EOS R6, the E-M10 Mark IV felt more like a point-and-shoot than we got from a modern one expect mirrorless camera.

Despite the lower price, the E-M10 Mark IV is a beautiful camera. The silver body with a textured black casing, the silver dials and the on / off switch make it look like a classic film winder. The body doesn't feel as sturdy as a magnesium alloy, but it doesn't feel chintzy either. Unfortunately, the high-end OM-D cameras lack the excellent weather seal. While I prefer slightly larger handles, the shape is so light that the index fingers can wrap around the front, with a nice thumb rest at the back.

The body still leaves plenty of room for a 2.36 million point viewfinder and 3 inch 1.04 million point LCD screen that is tilted 180 degrees (Note: if you're using a tripod , the full oscillation of this tilt is possibly blocked.) Similar to other newer Olympus cameras, both the viewfinder and LCD screen do not always show exactly what the camera is recording. The white balance in the viewfinder was quite different several times from the actual photo. The exposure didn't always match either, and areas in the shadows are usually muted and difficult to see in the viewfinder. Since the M-10 IV is an inexpensive camera, the viewfinder, despite its flaws, lived up to expectations when compared to cameras with similar prices.

The control scheme of the E-M10 IV makes it easy to customize most of the settings that are frequently accessed. Two control wheels adjust the shutter speed and aperture, while key combinations on the back open options for setting ISO, flash and series exposures. Settings such as autofocus modes and white balance are in a quick menu. I miss the joystick on high-end cameras that allows you to adjust the focus in one step – on the E-M10 IV, tap the shortcut and then move the cursor. But again, the joystick is a function that is generally reserved for more expensive cameras. So we can't be too tough if it's not there on the E-M10 IV.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

On the side of the camera is a USB port for charging and an HDMI port, while both the battery and the single SD card slot share a door below. The battery compartment is barely blocked by a standard sized tripod plate, which can be a bit annoying. While the battery is rated for 350 shots, I took about 650 shots before it wore out. It lacks the connections of a more advanced camera, such as a camera. E.g. a microphone port for video, but the pop-up flash that high-end cameras often leave out.

The small size, the classic look and the control scheme make the E-M10 Mark IV a real eye-catcher. I do miss the weather seal, handle, and joystick of the more expensive siblings like the E-M1 Mark III, but because of the small size, I never had to think about lugging the camera around with me all day.

Sluggish performance, excellent stabilization

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Olympus touts the budget E-M10 IV using some of the same autofocus algorithms as more expensive models, including the E-M1X's continuous detection of autofocus subjects and the same eye AF as the E-M1 Mark III. While the algorithms are in place, the E-M10 has an entirely different autofocus system that makes the experience cheaper. The E-M10 IV uses a contrast detection system, while the high-end OM-Ds use a hybrid phase detection and contrast detection system.

The E-M10 IV also uses the TruePic VIII processor, which is a generation behind the E-M1 Mark III. To put that into perspective, the E-M1X has two processors. Both the more limited autofocus system and the slower processor combined with high-end algorithms mean the M10 Mark IV is more accurate than its predecessor, the E-M10 Mark III, but does not have the speed or reliability of the E-M1 Mark III or the E-M1X.

However, the 121-point contrast-detection autofocus system is a bit better than I expected from a $ 800 camera. It's accurate and easy to use, but it lacks a bit of speed. I've had very few shots that didn't hit focus, and a lot of them were because I shot a little early. The autofocus slows down slightly in poor lighting conditions, but seemed to turn on accurately without too much delay.

Continuous autofocus was fine for a budget camera because it took more sharp shots than it didn't, but still took a handful of soft-focus shots on the fastest action. Unsurprisingly, the tracking autofocus doesn't work as well, but I haven't found a camera with tracking good enough to be fully relied on even on more expensive models.

Eye AF is great for portraits and snapshots of people because it easily captures eyes and faces. However, it isn't fast enough to be used for actions. My favorite part of the Eye AF is that you don't have to be in autofocus focus mode for it to work. A property that some other brands annoyingly reserve this feature for. Olympus lets you toggle the feature on and off so that you can use it in advanced focus modes rather than just the mode where you want the subject to be automatically selected for you.

Image captured with Eye AF Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The E-M10 IV can shoot at up to 8.7 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical shutter, but needs the slower speed of 5 fps to use continuous autofocus (or advanced ISO settings). At the fastest speed (RAW + JPEG), the camera can take 18 pictures before the fill buffer slows down the speed. If you slow the speed down to 5 fps, the camera can turn on autofocus (which, to be honest, you want to be active) and take 21 shots in a row before slowing down. It took about 15 seconds for both bursts to be fully written to a Class 10 SD card before you could review the images during playback. However, you could record slower or adjust the settings while writing to the card.

Handheld image captured Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

One of the best features the E-M10 inherits from more advanced models – albeit not quite as well – is 5-axis image stabilization with sensor shift. With a speed of 4.5 stops, the system was good enough to shoot at a tenth of a second with a 14mm handheld and still get some (but not all) shots in focus. I even took a hand-held picture of the moon. The optical image stabilization system in the body may have lagged behind the 7.5 f-stops of the E-M1 Mark III, but it is difficult to find with an inexpensive camera.

Excellent picture quality

With almost the same number of pixels as in more expensive models, Olympus did not save on the sensor in the E-M10. The 20.3 megapixel micro four thirds sensor captures sharp images with good color. While the images in the viewfinder may not look as good and the camera may be a bit slower, image quality is a feature that didn't fall short in reaching the budget price.

The pictures of the E-M10 IV and the kit lens were very detailed. They were the sharpest at f / 5 but still acceptable with the kit lens wide open. Combined with the ability to capture 0.23x magnification with the kit lens, the camera can capture many details. However, the compact kit lens tends to flicker.

ISO 3200 Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor suffers more from noise than an APS-C or full frame camera, but is quite well controlled for this category. At ISO 800 there is a slight noise in the shadows. I would go up to ISO 3200 before worrying about a significant loss of detail and sharpness.

Colors coming straight from the camera are good. The E-M10 IV also adds a new instant filter to the color profiles in the camera. It's one of my favorites for the punchy contrast and purple and red undertones. RAW files restore a considerable amount of detail from the shadows, with a slight recovery from the highlights.

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Video is available at 4Kp30 and has the same spot colors and details as the images. Image stabilization also helps improve video quality. However, the camera is difficult to recommend for vlogging or serious video work as it lacks a microphone port.

The E-M10 IV's sensor, while not as good as a larger sensor, competes with the more advanced models from Olympus and offers great quality for the camera's small size and low price.

Our opinion

As a budget model, the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV captures excellent images with some sacrifices in terms of performance, processing quality, and control. For the price, the E-M10 has a lot going for it, including great pictures, 4K video, a compact body, and image stabilization. Taking photos with the E-M10 feels like a point-and-shoot camera thanks to its small size and light weight. While using a mirrorless camera without multiple lenses hurts the camera's capabilities, with the tiny 3-ounce kit lens, the E-M10 IV feels like a decent alternative to expensive point-and-shoots like the Sony RX100 series .

Of course, in order to bring that price down, Olympus made some sacrifices. The speed is a little poor, it won't handle a rainstorm, and even in the budget category there are competing cameras with larger sensors.

Is there a better option?

The E-M10 Mark IV is a good budget camera, but it's not enough to make it the best budget mirrorless camera. The Sony a6100, which costs $ 750 with a kit lens, has a larger sensor, faster 11 fps, and a hybrid autofocus system for phase detection and contrast detection. However, it lacks image stabilization, which makes the E-M10 IV an advantage for photographers who often work in poor lighting conditions. Our current favorite mirrorless budget, the Fujifilm X-T30, has better autofocus than the E-M10 Mark IV, a larger sensor, and advanced video, but again, it's not stabilized and costs about $ 200 more.

How long it will take?

Olympus is currently negotiating a sale of its imaging division and the sale makes the future of Olympus lenses and accessories unclear. There is a possibility of buying the E-M10 Mark IV and losing support later, in addition to the limited availability of lenses. The build quality is good for a budget camera, but don't expect the longevity of its weatherproof siblings.

Should you buy it?

Not if photography is a serious hobby, but for casual shooters, it's an easy sale. The smaller sensor, slower speed, and questions about the company's future make it difficult to recommend this camera for more demanding shutter bugs. However, its small size, low price, good image quality, and built-in image stabilization – a feature that is difficult to find in an entry-level camera – are great for the casual photographer.

Editor's recommendations




25 Aug
Blog

Hisense H9G Quantum 4K HDR TV Review | Blisteringly Bright

hisense h9g quantum tv review 4k hdr ott 00 02 33 01 still008

"The image quality of the H9G Quantum can compete with televisions that cost twice as much."

  • Incredibly bright

  • Very good black levels

  • Surprisingly good HDR image

  • Easy to use

  • Responsive Android TV OS

  • Color is a little off

  • Movement jerks sometimes

Hisense is on a tear.

After several years of chasing the same brand awareness enjoyed by competing manufacturers like LG, Samsung and Sony, Hisense sales have soared. And if its H9G Quantum TV is any indication, the company could be in a dominant position.

The H9G Quantum is the first time I can remember a television that's so heavily under-promised and handed down. It's not perfect, but it's going to be one of the best TV options for the vast majority of people this year.

Out of the box

Although I recently reviewed the Hisense H8G, I was pleasantly surprised at how elegant the H9G looked after setting it up. I have to say I was initially surprised by the TV's feet – they look like giant bottle openers when not attached to the TV – but once they were installed they started to grow on me.

When those huge feet are in place, they don't look so clumsy and big anymore. Half of them are not visible and the other half seem to make the TV look nice. Not that the H9G needs a lot of disguise. It has almost no existing bezels on the top and sides, which are slightly recessed behind the glass panel of the TV, which makes for a very modern and minimalist look. The brushed metal trim at the bottom seems out of place in comparison, but luckily it doesn't attract too much attention.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Inside the box with the TV was the aforementioned feet, four screws, a power cord, remote control, batteries, and a jumble of paper product literature.

As for the remote control, it's pretty simple, but it has a couple of keyboard shortcuts for popular streaming services and a button to bring up voice control, which the Google Assistant supports.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

properties

Connectivity is all the rage these days, and this is where the H9G quantum falls a little short. While competing TV manufacturers are promoting various game-friendly features such as automatic low latency mode (automatic game mode), variable refresh rate (VRR), 4K image performance of 120 Hz, and eARC, none of the H9G's four HDMI ports support any of the following these functions.

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For gamers, there is little input delay and HDR image quality, and those who connect soundbars will need to use standard ARC as Dolby Atmos passthrough is not supported.

These shortcomings can be easy to miss if you have no plans to play with your TV and just want a great picture. The H9G offers a local dimming LED backlight system with 132 zones in the 55-inch ($ 700) model and 180 zones in the 65-inch ($ 950) model.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Hisense also claims that a peak brightness of 1000 nits is not only bright enough to convince HDR images, but should also be enough to make the black levels look nice and dark when controlled over so many dimming zones.

I'll be referring to this TV as the H9G Quantum long enough to mention that the quantum in the name means quantum dots in the TV itself and that this should allow not only a very large color gamut, but also a higher color volume with more degrees of intensity for those colors.

All of this to say, if you are looking for image quality at a great price, then be sure to read on.

User experience

Before I get into image quality, I want to talk about what it's like to use the H9G. On the whole, it's a pleasant experience, but I've encountered a few quirks that could bother those looking to tweak their picture settings for the best possible performance.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

The Hisense H9G runs on the Android TV platform and does this adequately – the experience is fast enough, with some lag in clicking through apps, and apps themselves load pretty quickly. Chromecast is built right in, so you can find your favorite videos, photos or music on your phone and watch them on your TV using a mobile device or computer.

When it comes to image settings, there is some very good news and some a little confusing. The good news is that when you select a picture mode for SDR (standard dynamic range – like cable / satellite TV, DVDs, most games), the system will automatically select the picture mode that makes the most sense for HDR.

Sit, click, watch and know you're getting the best image performance.

For example, if I selected Theater Day mode for the standard display, the TV would automatically switch to HDR Bright or Dolby Vision Bright when I watched HDR content on Netflix or Amazon. When I chose Theater Night, the TV would automatically go to HDR Dark or Dolby Vision Dark mode.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

I've never seen this type of automation and is extremely helpful for the average user who isn't interested in manual adjustments. Sit, click, watch and know you're getting the best image performance.

Hisense has also built in some automatic picture and sound adjustment functions with A.I.support that try to optimize the TV's picture and sound based on environmental factors. I didn't find them particularly useful, however. In general, I prefer to be in control.

And it's the control freak in me who got confused as to why I couldn't have independent white balance settings for SDR and HDR. I admit that this is an issue that most users don't. If you are amazed by what I am talking about, you know that this problem does not affect you. But for those who choose to have their TVs professionally tuned, it has been known that the H9G was unable to make white balance corrections (an adjustment that helps adjust color) for SDR and HDR independently. Ultimately, I went back to the factory setting for this setting.

Image performance

I already hinted at this, but now I want to be very clear: the Hisense H9G offers excellent image quality for the price. In fact, I suspect this might be the right TV choice for a very wide audience.

Hisense claims that this TV can achieve 1,000 nits of brightness right on the box. That seems like an odd thing as the vast majority of the people who would see this TV in its box while shopping are likely not that keen on what a sucker is, let alone how many of them your TV is supposed to produce. But I suppose it's a large number and people might assume it's good.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

That's a pretty good number. I think you need at least 750 nits of peak brightness for HDR images to look good. When the television delivers perfect black levels, like the Sony A8H OLED or the LG CX OLED. For a TV with LED backlighting like the H9G, 1,000 nits provide impressive contrast in my opinion. What I found exciting was that the H9G I received was able to achieve much higher brightness. My sample averaged 1,300 nits and peaked at 1,400 in some scenarios, which is better than advertised. When does this ever happen?

However, all of that brightness doesn't mean much if the TV can't effectively display even dark blacks. To my amazement, the H9G offers some of the most impressive black levels I've ever seen on an LED TV, let alone one that costs under $ 1,000.

The result of the impressive brightness and deep black levels of the H9G leads to a really exciting contrast. You don't have to be a TV aficionado to appreciate it – the H9G just dazzles.

Since I approach every TV with the same level of accuracy, I tested the H9G's color accuracy. It wasn't poor, but not as good as I'd hoped it would be. To make matters worse, I found it difficult to adjust due to a color matching issue mentioned above.

When using the Calman software together with a SpectraCal C6 colorimeter, I found that the white measurement contained far too much blue. Whenever one color is out of balance in white, all other colors are removed. This manifested itself in a magenta hue to white and cream colors, and I felt that shades of red were also significantly affected.

But I'm a TV nerd and I do this every day. I don't think most people will have an issue with the H9G's color accuracy.

Dan Baker / Digital Trends

However, I think some people might have a problem handling the H9G. When I test a TV, I turn off the motion smoothing functions because I don't care about the soap opera effect they cause and I have to level the playing field for all of the TVs I have tested.

With motion smoothing turned off, I saw a lot of stuttered movements, and not just in fast-paced sports. Even faces on the screen seem to blink when they move slightly. The problem was more obvious in some scenes than others, but when I saw it I couldn't see it anymore, which I found a little frustrating.

With smooth movement, there was some stuttering to be seen. Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Other users have reported similar issues to me while others still stated that they did not experience the problem. This is likely because some people are simply more sensitive to small anomalies than others.

Overall, however, the H9G is a satisfactory TV, and I think most people will absolutely love it. Both SDR and HDR content appear vibrant and rich, and in some cases seem to disappear from the screen. This is top-notch picture quality that I expect from televisions that cost almost twice as much. The image of the H9G compares well with the Samsung Q80T for $ 1700 and the Sony X950H for $ 1700.

Our opinion

The Hisense H9G Quantum is one of the best values ​​on TV that we'll see in 2020 and well into 2021. Its picture quality will amaze most viewers, while its ease of use makes it a pleasure to experience every time you turn it on.

Is there a better alternative?

Possibly. The TCL R635 looks very promising, as does the Vizio P-series Quantum. At $ 900, the TCL R635 is a slightly better alternative in some ways and costs less. I'm also confident that Vizio's $ 1,000 P-Series Quantum will be very competitive in the brightness department for those who may need an even brighter TV, although that's hard to imagine after looking at the H9G. I will update this section as soon as these televisions have been thoroughly evaluated.

How long it will take?

The Hisense H9G is not well suited to taking advantage of the advanced gaming features offered with next generation gaming consoles. For television, however, it would be many more years.

warranty

Hisense warrants 1 year parts and labor.

You should buy it

Yes. If you don't need advanced gaming features but want a very bright TV with impressive black levels and overall great picture quality without breaking the bank, the Hisense H9G Quantum is an excellent choice.

Editor's recommendations




25 Aug
Blog

Fall Guys Review: A Battle Royale For A New Age

Fall Guys Key Art

Fall Guys Review: A Battle Royale For A New Age

"Fall Guys is a family-friendly battle royale and a contender for Game of the Year."

  • Addicting gameplay

  • Familyfriendly

  • Good balance between luck and skill

  • Well structured microtransactions

It's hard to imagine that someone wouldn't fall in love with Fall Guys, a new battle royale that overcomes its shortcomings by offering a unique experience in the genre. The colorful world, charming character designs and rich cosmetics will bring much-needed joy to every gamer.

Unfortunately, the game has some growing issues too, as its immense popularity collided with the fact that its developer, Mediatonic, only has 13 employees. The team has worked tirelessly to iron out bugs, some of which have made certain game types unplayable for a select few players. That said, some of the minor quirks add to the game's charm, and by that I mean, I keep coming back even if I don't think I have a chance to win.

The first family-friendly battle royale

Fall guys seesawProvided by Devolver Digital

Fall Guys takes inspiration from a variety of sources, but its biggest influences are Wipeout-style TV game shows. Each game or “show” to which the game relates consists of several rounds. Each round is designed to shrink the group of 60 players until there is only one left. While many Battle Royale confrontations can last up to half an hour, depending on the skill of a player, a show in Fall Guys only lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, resulting in an addicting “just one” experience.

I keep coming back even when I don't think I have a chance to win.

The titular Fall guys are the anthropomorphic brightly colored beans that are at the heart of the game. Players can unlock cosmetics through an experienced “Battle Pass” as well as kudos, a game currency that can also be bought with real money and used to purchase additional patterns, colors and costumes for your fall man. There are tons of customization options to choose from so that every character in the game is unique and distinguishable.

Some cosmetics require a premium currency called crowns, although you can't buy it with real money. Crowns are either made available through a select few levels on the Season's Battle Pass, or they are awarded for every show you win. In almost every other battle royale, winning just gets you boastful rights and a points boost. There's more incentive here to win at Fall Guys, making every win even sweeter and every loss more bitter. Overall, Fall Guys has one of the best monetization schemes I've seen in a game so far, and it doesn't feel like Mediatonic and publisher Devolver Digital are keeping you on your toes for better cosmetics.

All of these elements make for the first family-friendly battle royale. To the best of my knowledge, it's the first game in the genre where players don't have to shoot each other to win. Many titles are aimed at an older audience, like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Call of Duty: Warzone, and some are aimed at younger players like Fortnite, but none offer the all-age experience that Fall Guys offers.

Far more hits than failures

Fall Boys Hit ParadeProvided by Devolver Digital

Making the game even more accessible to a wider player base is the simplicity of its controls. Aside from moving your character, all you have to worry about is jumping, diving, and grasping. There's no burden to manage or meta-gameplay like building in Fortnite or buying gear in Warzone to deal with. Most cards require all three skills to be used. On the surface, this seems to result in very flat gameplay. The more you play, the more you will find certain strategies and ways to use certain moves that may not have been apparent at first glance.

Fall Guys has one of the best monetization schemes I've seen in a game so far.

For example, in Fall Ball, one of my personal favorites, two teams compete in a Rocket League-style game that tries to hit footballs into the opposing team's goal. At first glance, the only strategy seems to be to jump and dive to hit the ball. However, players began to develop defensive maneuvers by reaching out to opponents to prevent them from reaching the ball at crucial moments. Moves like these show that there is a learning curve in mastering the mechanics of Fall Guys and that there is plenty of room for your skills to grow.

Most of the games are a ton of fun, and personally there are only one or two that I moan about when they show up on the rotation. There are individual and team rounds, each with different goals. Some games will ask you to run to the finish while avoiding obstacles or trying not to be eliminated. Others will ask you to meet certain criteria before a timer expires. There's a lot of variety, which means that each show takes a completely different course.

The team has promised additional levels and cosmetics with each season and has added a new round since the start. However, it would be nice if the games that are out there could be easily customized to create a unique experience. The See Saw level, in which tumble boys race across huge platforms on which the players have to balance, could have a rotation of the placements for the platforms. Instead, it's the same layout for the level at every store. Adjustments like this can make 25 cards feel like hundreds.

Regardless, the game types are fun and haven't exhausted their reception except for Perfect Match. It shows players in a 4 × 4 grid and shows sporadic images of fruit on a handful of the tiles before revealing which fruit players players must stand on before the remaining tiles disappear after a handful of seconds. The game completely ruins the momentum of the show and is easy to go through as you can usually just follow the herd up to the correct tiles. I've been in Perfect Match games where no participants were eliminated. It is hands down the worst type of game.

Fall guys raceProvided by Devolver Digital

Backend problems

The real problems with Fall Guys, however, lie in the backend. For the first week, the game was littered with server issues due to its popularity. This meant that many players were unable to connect and the servers for the game were routinely shut down for maintenance. Even if you got into a game, sometimes the rounds would not be playable.

The game Tip Toe, which asks you to use a large grid of tiles to get to the finish line – some for sure, others collapse if you step on it – had a groundbreaking bug for me in the first two weeks of its release. If I moved too fast, I would slide as if the tiles were covered in oil and would constantly fall off the board. Despite my best efforts, I never won a single game of Tip Toe before resolving the issue.

Many of these issues have been fixed and the servers are far more stable than when they were started. However, they are not 100% present, which means that occasionally you may not be able to connect. Last night the connectivity was so bad it was almost like we were playing again on start day. In addition, some massive bugs were not eliminated. In the PC version, players found a way to change the game through their Steam name. Players can see the names of the participants at any time and certain monikers that contain certain words are displayed in giant letters, obscuring the game. So when you play on the PC your name is Fall Guy and it follows four random numbers.

This is especially frustrating if you're playing at a party that up to four players can jump from on a show. When a player is eliminated, he is showing them gameplay of a random Fall Guy, not necessarily one in your party. When everyone is just "Fall Guy ____" it is awkward to switch the camera to the desired person's point of view. Hopefully both this issue and the automatic switch to a party member's perspective will be fixed in the next update, although with such a small team at MediaTonic it is understandable that these issues have not yet been resolved.

However, it is evidence of the game that despite these blatant issues, it is still an experience I have no hesitation in recommending. It has become one of my favorite games of the year.

The zeitgeist around the game adds to the fun

Fall Guys See SawProvided by Devolver Digital

One element outside of the game itself that improves it is its popularity. The game was released in a similar way to Rocket League in that it is free for PlayStation Plus subscribers for a while. There is evidence that more than 10 million people play the game on PlayStation 4. In addition, both the regular and the collector's edition of the PC version have been at the top of the Steam sales charts since launch. It is one of the most, if not often, most watched games on Twitch right now, with hundreds of thousands of viewers.

It is proof of the game that despite glaring issues, it is still an experience I have no hesitation in recommending.

Everyone on my social media is talking about the game and sharing clips of incredible wins or devastating losses. The Fall Guys Twitter account killed him with his posts and is currently auctioning in-game cosmetics to the highest bidder for charity.

The zeitgeist surrounding the game is abundant and it is a joy to be a part of what cannot normally be said about most games. It means you shouldn't wait to play, although the game seems to have many legs for the months and years to come.

Our opinion

Fall Guys is the game of the moment and one of the best titles to be released in 2020.

Is there a better alternative?

There are certainly plenty of other battle royale games out there, none of which are as accessible to such a large number of players as Fall Guys. Super Mario Party is another fun mini-game collection that has the advantage of being on the Switch but is a lackluster experience compared to almost any other type.

How long it will take?

The nice thing about Fall Guys is: how long should it take? I sat down for a game or two or played several hours at a time. The game is still just as much fun, if not more, than my first few rounds. Given the new cosmetics and levels, as well as the growing community surrounding the game, I can confidently say that Fall Guys will stay here.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The nice thing is that if you have PS Plus that you need to play on PS4 anyway, the game will be free until the end of August. The $ 40 price tag on Steam will bring you hours of fun, and the DLC packs that are optional come with some great cosmetics. Do not miss this game.

Editor's recommendations




23 Aug
Blog

JBL/UA Sport Wireless Train Review: Well-aged Sound

JBL Wireless Sport Train headphones

JBL / Under Armor Sport radio train

"The audio quality of the Sport Wireless Train has withstood the test of time."

  • Simple controls

  • IPX4 weatherproof

  • Exceptional sound quality

  • Tight fit

  • Mediocre battery life

Tech versus time is a war that goes on forever, though one on the other side is almost inevitably unharmed. It takes a special product to keep the clock from going out, and in the fast-paced world of portable audio, these products are increasingly difficult to come by.

Take the JBL / Under Armor Sports Train wireless headphones, which retailed for $ 200 when it was released in 2018 and have since dropped to $ 130. Sure, they seemed solid at the time, but how do they hold up against the unforgiving power of 2020? Let's find out.

Out of the box

The packaging of the Wireless Train is dark black and matches the headphones. After removing the first cover, you will see a rectangular tote bag with the famous Under Armor logo on the front. Inside, the headphones as well as a charging cable, an additional audio cable and a quick guide are waiting.

JBL Wireless Sport Train headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Starting the Wireless Train for the first time is a bit weird, at least if you're like me and adamantly refuse to read the fine print before trying out your new headphones. The power switch is a toggle switch that must be held down for two seconds before turning on. From there, however, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode, so you can follow the standard procedure to pair your mobile device through the Bluetooth settings.

I'm not thrilled with the Wireless Train, which only supports Bluetooth 4.1 technology, as connectivity and range are not comparable to devices that support the newer, better Bluetooth 5 standard. This raises an important caveat about the wireless train: at the time of this review, they are already two years old. In technical time, that's about a century. After reviewing the Adidas RPT-01, I looked for the best comparison I could find. The wireless train was the straight answer given its price and design. Unfortunately, these headphones are being rated for modern standards instead of their heyday in 2018.

That's not to say the wireless train can't yet be capable headphones – they can. However, it will be an uphill battle for these JBL cans against a comparatively brand new product.

design

For a slightly older product, the Wireless Train offers a more modern design for on-ear headphones with a sports focus. In fact, there aren't many differences between these headphones and the newer Adidas, other than aesthetic choices like the shape of the ear cups and the logos that appear on each pair of headphones.

JBL Wireless Sport Train headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

A key difference here is weight. The Adidas came onto the market with 209 grams, the Wireless Train with 240 grams. It is not noticeable that every headphone distributes the weight well. However, if you are trying to keep your headphones as light as possible, this is one thing to keep in mind.

One unfortunate resemblance between these headphones: the inescapable tightness that comes with on-ear headphones designed to stay in place during intense workouts. If I were to wear them for a quick trip to the gym, I could probably handle the pressure on my skull with no problem. But when I wear them for long periods of time like I did for testing, the wireless train almost causes a headache when it gets stuck on your head. I experienced the same feeling with Adidas – it's a generally uncomfortable feeling.

The ear pads of the Wireless Train are made of "UA breathing material", as JBL calls it, and are washable. This is the key to headphones that you will inevitably sweat anywhere. The button controls on the ear cups next to these pillows are easy to use, so you can control the volume and switch songs between repeats. I train at home these days for obvious reasons, but I have had no problem using these buttons to execute commands on the go.

The button controls on the ear cups next to these pillows are easy to use, so you can control the volume and switch songs between repeats.

properties

The wireless train really shows its age in this category. They have the same IPX4 weather resistance as the Adidas, which frankly is the minimum level of protection these headphones should come with. Even so, it's a fair rating for the exercise rats of the world as it protects against sweat and splashes.

JBL Sport Wireless Train headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

However, the wireless train has a maximum of 16 hours of playback per charge. The Adidas allows you to get up to 40 hours of battery life before needing to be recharged. Maybe 16 hours of battery for headphones was a solid two years ago. From a 2020 perspective, however, this is far from acceptable when comparable models offer more than twice the battery life.

Despite the battery-related deficiencies, I really appreciated the multifunctional TalkThru button integrated in the Wireless Train. When you press the Under Armor logo on the right ear cup, the music volume is lowered and the surrounding sounds are played. This allows you to have a quick conversation without having to remove the headphones when necessary.

To be clear, these headphones are not active noise-canceling headphones and have decent passive noise isolation at best. Even then, it has proven valuable to me. If you have not already found yourself in this situation, you may not understand how nice it is not to put headphones on your head after talking to a passerby for several seconds on a walk. It's a near impossible maneuver when you're holding the reins of a small pack of dogs, and luckily I didn't have to get by on the wireless train.

Pressing the Under Armor logo on the right auricle lowers the music volume and plays the ambient noise.

Audio quality

Let's throw away the mostly outdated features of the Wireless Train for a second and consider what is still one of the most important aspects of headphones, or at least what should be – how do they actually sound?

JBL Wireless Sport Train headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Because of my intensive listening to both headphones, I have the feeling that the Wireless Train has a clear sound advantage over the Adidas. The RPT-01 featured bass-heavy tracks, but otherwise sounded average when it came to more balanced genres. The included app and equalizer helped solve the problem to some extent, but it was difficult to work around anyway.

The wireless train might not have gotten as deep into the low end as the Adidas could, but they still had solid, refined bass. More importantly, they just filled in the rest of the frequency spectrum better. The wireless train has 40mm drivers with a frequency range of 16-20,000 Hz and is just as powerful as these specifications suggest.

Songs like Dierks Bentley's Burning Man or Red Hot Chili Peppers' By The Way suggested that the Wireless Train could avoid getting muddy or tight. There are better sounding headphones – many of them even – but they were more than adequate for exercise doses.

I caught my breath long enough between workouts to make a few calls on the wireless train. While they weren't exactly meant to throw that part of the experience out of the park, they were fine in terms of maintaining an acceptable level of clarity on both ends of the calls. It could have been better, but as I recently discovered when testing other doses, it could have been far worse.

Our opinion

The UA Sport Wireless Train is far outdated in terms of equipment. That said, the audio quality of these cans has stood the test of time, and that could earn them the occasional spot on the lineup as battle-hardened veterans.

Are there any better alternatives?

I preferred the sound of the Wireless Train, but there is no question that the Adidas RPT-01 has great features, with the battery life being a highlight. For high-quality headphones outside of the sports category, the $ 200 Razer Opus are a personal favorite because of their mix of price, features, and sound quality.

How long will they last?

With a one-year warranty and a seemingly protective carrying case, you don't have to worry about knocking these headphones off after just a few workouts. Keep them charged and they should be everyday fitness equipment.

Should you buy it?

Not at their $ 200 retail price. The Adidas RPT-01 is $ 30 less and is a more valuable purchase for the money. At its current $ 130 discount, I would consider the UA Sport Wireless Train for its exceptional sound quality – if you can live with features that are decidedly out of date.

Editor's recommendations




22 Aug
Blog

Acer Aspire 5 (2020) Review: An Old-School Budget Laptop

acer aspire 5 2020 review 03

"The Acer Aspire 5 is an ultra-cheap laptop and it feels like one."

  • Comfortable keyboard and touchpad

  • Thin and light

  • Good choice of ports

  • The battery life is poor

  • Feels cheap and pliable

Windows laptops under $ 500 are usually sad, low-performing devices. But the Acer Aspire 5 has always been an exception.

Last year's model, which was just $ 400, combined impressive performance, battery life, and build quality to make it the best budget laptop you could buy.

Acer has a new model this year, but this time I'm testing a more expensive $ 550 version. The configuration includes a Core i5-1035G1 instead of a Core i3, 8 GB of RAM versus 4 GB, and a 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD) instead of just 128 GB. The same $ 400 configuration is still available, as is an option for AMD's Ryzen 4000 CPUs.

Time did not stand still. I've been reviewing some excellent budget laptops lately and the pressure on the Aspire 5 has increased. Does the new model keep its high status or has it fallen behind?

design

As before, the Acer Aspire 5 is mainly made of plastic. The aluminum lid supposedly adds stiffness, but there's still a lot of room for improvement. The lid is still very flexible and can easily be bent in the middle with light pressure. The keyboard deck has some yields that aren't that outrageous, and the bottom of the case also yields to light pressure. It's not uncommon to see laptops at this price point, like the all-plastic Dell Inspiron 14 5000 I recently reviewed for $ 650.

However, other devices like the Lenovo Yoga C640, Lenovo Flex 5 14, and Acer Swift 3 all cost the same price as the Aspire 5 I'm reviewing – although they are 13- and 14-inch laptops, and we don't have them seen a superior 15-inch budget laptop – but they offer much better build quality. With the Aspire 5 starting price at $ 400, that's not that big of a deal, but with only about $ 50 separating the models, the difference in build quality becomes a bigger issue.

(

There's no bling to speak of, which is good on a plastic laptop.

The aesthetics of the Acer Aspire 5 are okay for the price, at least in the silver color I tested. There's no bling to speak of, though that's not a bad thing on a plastic laptop. Too much counterfeit chrome can make a laptop look cheap if there are no authentic materials to secure it. The Aspire 5 is also available in red and black, which are more visually appealing and offer a little more interest.

One advantage of the Asprie 5, however, is its size. It's not thick for a budget 15-inch 0.71-inch laptop. At 3.97 pounds, it's not overly heavy either. That's in his favor. The display bezels may be narrow on the sides, but the top bezel is quite large by modern standards and the chin is just big, period. That gives the laptop more width and depth than more premium laptops – no surprise, but it has to be said.

Connectivity is a strength. You get a USB-C Gen 1 port (not Thunderbolt 3, which is unsurprising at this price point), two USB-A 3.1 ports, a USB-A 2.0 port, an HDMI 2.0 port with HDCP support, and an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. With the Aspire 5, you don't need many dongles.

The wireless connectivity is up to date with Wi-Fi 6 on board and Bluetooth 5.0.

performance

The Core i5-1035G1 in my review unit is a mediocre performer and is best for basic productivity, web browsing, multimedia consumption, and the like. They are the latest quad-core processors from Intel and are standard on portable laptops like this one. However, as I ran the Aspire 5 through our benchmark suite, it became clear that Acer's implementation is a bit slower than average here.

In Geekbench 5, for example, the Aspire 5 achieved 1.1129 points in the single-core test and 2.899 points in the multi-core test. This is a step behind the 1,169 and 3,197 points found on the Dell Inspiron 14 5000, and even further behind the 1,215 and 3,615 points managed by the Intel-based Acer Swift 3. Note that the Lenovo Flex 5 14 for $ 600 with an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U CPU scored 1,096 and 4,543 points, demonstrating AMD's new dominance in this price range. That's what you get with two additional cores and four threads.

It's not a speed demon, but the Aspire 5 is fast enough for its intended purpose.

The same was true for our more realistic test, which used Handbrake to encode a 420MB video as H.265. The Aspire 5 took a little more than five minutes to complete the test, while the Inspiron 14 finished almost 30 seconds earlier and the Spin 3 was almost a minute faster. The AMD-powered Flex 5 14 finished in less than three minutes and blew the rest of the field.

The Aspire 5 is fast enough for its intended purpose and certainly faster than the previous year's model with a dual-core Core i3. It's not a speed demon, however, and that's why you'll want to keep your expectations in check.

It also uses Intel's lowest UHD graphics so all but the lightest games are out of the question. Other laptops with 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processors have faster Iris Plus graphics, but Acer went for the cheaper option. If you want a faster (and more expensive) laptop but otherwise like the Aspire 5, consider the AMD Ryzen 4000 versions – you get much better performance.

display

I called last year's Aspire 5 display "better than budget". Nowadays that description feels less appropriate.

The 2020 Aspire 5 has a very similar touchless display to the last one. The brightness was 243 nits versus 238 nits, and the color gamut was equally narrow at 64% sRGB (versus 62%) and 47% AdobeRGB (versus 46%). Color accuracy was also close to 2.49 versus 2.42, and gamma was almost equally dark at 2.6 versus 2.7 (2.2 is perfect). The only significant difference was in contrast where the 2020 Aspire 5 only managed 720: 1 while the earlier model got a much better 890: 1.

This is still a fairly common finding for budget laptops, especially in terms of color gamut. However, we see that some budget devices do much better. For example, the Lenovo Yoga C640 achieved 96% sRGB and 73% AdobeRGB with a color accuracy of 1.07 (1.0 and less are considered excellent). This is the field of premium laptops, and while there are still few such devices around at this price point, there is a real possibility that the displays will gradually improve.

I can't fault this ad too much though. The panels offered by the Lenovo Flex 5 or the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 are just as inconspicuous. And in everyday use, it's good enough for productivity work and internet surfing – although the gamma is too dark for pleasant Netflix bingeing.

The audio remained a strength, with plenty of volume that wouldn't distort when turned up loud, and a bit of bass to match solid mids and highs. You can watch your Netflix binge and YouTube videos without headphones or bluetooth speakers, although the latter has been recommended as usual if you want to listen to your music.

Keyboard and touchpad

The Aspire 5's typical backlit keyboard offers a lot of clearance, although the keycaps are a bit small. The mechanism is on the crunch side, however, which is a plus. Button presses are registered without too much pressure, and there is a comfortable floor movement that helps with precision. I had no problem typing at full speed.

Like many inexpensive 15-inch laptops, the Aspire 5 also has a number pad on the right. This is useful for some, but the touchpad moves uncomfortably to the left.

The touchpad uses Microsoft Precision drivers and has a smooth surface with just enough grip to make swiping and scrolling comfortable. Multi-touch gestures are triggered exactly as they should. This doesn't always apply to the touchpads on budget laptops. I'll count this in favor of the Aspire 5. You don't get the glass touchpad of a premium laptop, but for the price, the Aspire 5 does the cut.

The fingerprint scanner in the upper right corner of the touchpad didn't impress me. It worked well enough for Windows 10 login without a password, but the location is distracting.

Battery life

Thanks to its energy-saving Core i3 CPU, the Aspire 5 received great praise last year for its long battery life. This year's Core i5 model has the same battery capacity of 48 watt hours and is nowhere near the performance of the previous version.

In our demanding Basemark web benchmark test, the 2020 Aspire 5 lasted just under three hours, compared to the previous year's model, which lasted four hours. The Lenovo Flex 5 with its Ryzen CPU also lasted almost an hour longer.

The 2020 Aspire 5 managed a little over four hours when switching to web surfing, a very disappointing score that is less than half of the 2019 model's nine hours. The Flex 5 outperformed again at eight hours, and the Acer Swift 3 with the same CPU lasted seven hours.

The battery life went from a strength to a weakness.

The 2020 Aspire 5 performed slightly better in the video loop test, which runs through a Full HD Avengers trailer, until the battery is empty. Here it took about 9.5 hours compared to the Aspire 5 2019 after 13 hours and the Flex 5 after 11 hours.

The bottom line is that battery life has gone from a strength to a weakness and it's not much better than the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 which had an even worse battery life. The Aspire 5 might get you through much of a day of typical productivity tasks, but you'll want to take your charger with you just in case. While I haven't tested it myself, the Core i3 model could get closer to last year's results.

Our opinion

The Acer Aspire 5 is much more attractive at $ 400 for a Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. This pricing is still tough to compete with. At $ 550, however, we expect more. Better build quality, better performance, better battery life, and better displays are becoming the norm even at low prices.

Is there a better alternative?

I haven't tested a better 15-inch Windows laptop than the Aspire 5, but there are plenty of powerful Chromebook options out there.

On the Windows side, the Lenovo Flex 5 14 with its AMD Ryzen CPU is a good choice. It has a slightly smaller display but is much faster, has better battery life, and more robust build quality. It's a 2-in-1 game too, which makes it a more flexible option for just $ 50 more.

Acer & # 39; s Swift 3 Ryzen is another great option if you have $ 100 more to spend. It's also faster, looks better, has better battery life, and improved build quality.

Finally, if size isn't important at all, you can resort to a 13-inch model and get the Lenovo Yoga C640. The all-metal construction is superior and the battery life is much better. Performance will lag a bit thanks to the Core i3 CPU, but again, it's a very functional 2-in-1 for just $ 50 more.

How long it will take?

Despite the cheap chassis, the Acer Aspire 5 is built well enough to last a few years, there's no doubt about that. Apart from the fact that it lacks Thunderbolt 3, it has the latest components, including Wi-Fi 6. We always want more than the one-year warranty, however.

Should you buy it?

No. The cheaper configuration offers more attractive value, but there are cheaper laptops available.

Editor's recommendations




21 Aug
Blog

HP Envy 15 (2020) Review: Insanely Fast, Incredible Price

HP Neid 15 2020 review 04

"The HP Envy 15 delivers great performance at a great price."

  • Incredibly strong performance

  • Beautiful and color-accurate AMOLED display

  • Solid build quality

  • Excellent keyboard and touchpad

  • The display supports touch and pen

  • A little stronger than rivals

  • No full size SD card slot

Dell has had great success with its XPS 15 – a sleek, professional laptop with surprisingly high performance. HP has never had its own MacBook Pro 16-inch competitor – at least not in terms of performance.

The HP Envy 15 fills this gap and offers a discount compared to Dell and Apple. My test device is priced at HP.com for $ 1,600, as configured, with a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H CPU, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of solid state drive (SSD) storage, 4K AMOLED display, and RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU. A similarly configured XPS 15 will cost you well over $ 2,000 in comparison, and you'll have to upgrade to the even more expensive XPS 17 if you want to customize the graphics.

There has to be a catch, right? After all, it takes more than just performance per dollar to compete against its high-end competitors. I've searched hard for compromises, and while the Envy 15 isn't perfect, HP hasn't cut corners with the Envy 15.

design

Compared to the gemstone-cut HP Specter x360 15 with a tiny bezel, the Envy 15 is a pretty conservatively designed laptop. On its own, the Envy 15 is a pretty attractive 15-inch laptop. Its silver color scheme adorns an aluminum housing that is very robust – cannot bend or bend anywhere. The Envy 15 has just enough chiseled parts to make it unique – like the small indentation between the keyboard deck and the palm rest. It adds some pizzazz, but not so much that it outperforms the Specter for its looks alone. Let's not forget that the Envy 15 is technically a "midrange" laptop, which makes the build quality and size even more impressive.

The Envy isn't a petite laptop. It's a bit big and heavy as you'd expect on a 15-inch all-metal machine, 0.73 "thick (actually not bad for a 15-inch laptop, actually) and 4.75 pounds. The Dell XPS 15 is 0.71 inches thick and 4.5 pounds by comparison.

The Dell XPS 15 also has a slimmer profile, largely thanks to the smaller bezels. The Envy 15's screen-to-body ratio of 82% is a bit lower, partly due to a fairly large chin. Since the XPS 15 uses a display with an aspect ratio of 16:10, the two laptops are similar in size. It's just that the XPS 15 intelligently fills the space with a display instead of a bezel.

While the Envy 15 has some of its own design tricks up its sleeve, the focus is more on performance. It includes hidden rear vents that effectively move air without affecting the look of the back of the laptop. The Envy 15 also has a large pair of feet on the floor that set it off the table more than the competition for extra airflow.

Connectivity is a strength of the Envy 15. You get two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, plus a full-size HDMI 2.0 port (updated from HDMI 1.4 on the previous model) so you can connect three displays to the device without a dock . You also get two USB-A 3.1 ports and a microSD card reader. However, HP made a mistake by not including a full-size reader. The target group for the Envy 15 are those who want to quickly transport data directly from their cameras.

Wireless connectivity is up to date thanks to an Intel Wi-Fi 6 chipset and Bluetooth 5.0.

HP also added a nice bonus in the form of a second SSD slot that allows either a RAID configuration or additional storage. When you add a few two terabytes (2 TB) of SSDs, you suddenly have an unusually large amount of storage space, which is especially useful for the creative types.

display

The Envy 15's 4K AMOLED 16: 9 display is spectacular, according to my colorimeter – although you can save some money by resorting to a Full HD option. The AMOLED panel is bright at 404 nits (and the anti-glare function makes it appear even brighter), has an incredible contrast at 404,410: 1 (the best IPS displays come in at around 1500: 1) and its gamma is just right at 2.2. That makes it a dream machine for productivity and multimedia watchers. Turn on HDR and you've got one of the best Netflix experiences out there with black text on a white background. As a writer, I just love this role. These results are on par with the best you can find, including the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pro 16-inch. Their IPS displays are similarly bright, but cannot come close in terms of contrast.

The Envy 15's display is also great for developers who HP is targeting with all this performance. The color gamut is very large with 100% of sRGB and 97% of AdobeRGB. The XPS 15 does a little better with exactly 100% of both color spaces in the color gamut. The Envy 15 also has an excellent color accuracy of 0.73 (the human eye can't see anything below 1.0), again just slightly behind the 0.37 of the XPS 17 and 0.65 of the XPS 15.

Most importantly, for the first time ever, HP has a machine that has both the power and the display to compete with the world's best creative laptops. There's no such thing as an HP Specter laptop with 45-watt CPUs, powerful GPUs, and color-calibrated displays. The Envy 15 is the first consumer laptop from HP that puts it all together into a truly competitive package.

The display is also touch and pen enabled, which is an added bonus. Writing on a clamshell laptop display isn't easy, but the feature is there when you need it.

I'll note here that the Envy 15's HDR support is also better than the 2019 Specter x360 15 with AMOLED (I didn't get a chance to test the 2020 version). For the best HDR performance in Netflix, turn on HDR in display settings. Unlike the Specter, this doesn't completely change the overall quality of the display. There's a small drop in color saturation, but it's not dramatic, and Netflix HDR looks great with "true" HDR enabled. This is a benefit of HP's current AMOLED – it supports VESA DisplayHDR and Windows 10 seems to handle it better than before. It's still not as good as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme's Dolby Vision HDR, which in my experience is the best HDR you'll find on a laptop.

Audio is provided by two upward-facing speakers on either side of the keyboard. The volume wasn't impressively loud, but very clear and without distortion. There was more bass than you would expect and the mids and highs were pleasant. You could watch Netflix on the Envy 15 and not crave headphones as long as you just listen. It still may not match what Apple achieved with its MacBooks, but the Envy 15's speakers aren't bad.

performance

The Envy 15 is HP's shot over laptops like the XPS 15 and 17 that is also aimed at creative people. Therefore the laptop has to be fast.

The problem is that the Envy 15 uses a slower processor than the XPS 15 and XPS 17 – at least based on the units we tested. The Core i7-10750H has two fewer cores and four fewer threads than the Core i7-10875H in the Dells, which puts the Envy 15 at a disadvantage in many content creation applications.

This disadvantage is most evident in Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R20, where the multi-core performance was only tested 27% behind the XPS 15. The XPS 17 is of course even faster. The Envy 15 naturally handles the processor it has chosen quite well, just like other Core i7-10750H laptops we tested.

However, it comes down to performance in practice. That's why I switched to the Handbrake video coding application. Limited to the CPU only, I converted a 420MB video to H.265 and the Envy 15 was ready in a little under two and a half minutes. This is comparable to the XPS 15 in just over two minutes and the XPS 17 in just under two minutes. The ROG Strix G15 with the i7-10750H lasted three seconds longer than the Envy 15.

Finally, I ran our Premiere Pro video rendering test which exported a two minute 4K project to ProRes 422. During this process, both the CPU and the GPU can be used together, allowing a graphics card like the RTX 2060 Max-Q to be bent. It took the Envy 15 just five minutes and a second to complete the test in standard mode. Compare that to the XPS 17, which lasted three minutes and 38 seconds – that's a faster score than recorded in our XPS 17 test because that test used the latest and much faster version of Premiere Pro. Given the price difference and the fact that the XPS 17 uses a faster processor, this is an impressive feat for the Envy 15.

I also tested the HP Command Center software, which has different performance modes. By default, the company sets the Envy 15 to be relatively quiet and run relatively cool. This is how I did all of the above tests. When you really need to get the best possible performance out of the system, performance mode makes a big difference. Other laptops have similar utilities, but I've found HPs to be particularly aggressive. The setting didn't affect performance on synthetic benchmarks, but it did increase Handbrake and Premiere performance on the XPS 17. Given the price difference, this is an impressive result.

Play

HP doesn't advertise the Envy 15 as a gaming laptop, but if you have an RTX 2060 Max-Q inside, there's no reason not to use it. And in our series of gaming reviews, it quickly became clear that the Envy 15 is a good mid-range slot machine.

I ran our tests at 1080p and 4K as 1440p wasn't an option in this driver set. And that's probably fine since 1080p is probably where you want to play your games.

Starting with the synthetic 3DMark benchmark, the Envy 15 achieved 5,123 points in the most demanding Time Spy test, which is slightly behind the 5,801 of the XPS 17 with its RTX 2060. As we'll see, these two machines are pretty evenly matched in terms of performance to run today's modern titles, with the XPS 17 having a slight edge.

In Civilization VI, the Envy 15 achieved 121 frames per second (fps) at 1080p and medium graphics, compared to the XPS 17 at 143 fps and the XPS 15 with its GTX 1650 Ti at 114 fps. Interestingly, the Envy 15 managed 100 fps in ultra graphics compared to the XPS 17 with 90 fps and the XPS 15 with 64 fps. The Envy 15 also beat the XPS 17 and 15 when gaming in 4K resolution.

In Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the Envy 15 hit the sweet spot at 60 fps at 1080p and high graphics, compared to the XPS 17 at 61 fps and the XPS 15 at 47 fps. Finally, the Envy 15 was able to play Fortnite at 1080p and Epic at 84 fps, while the XPS 17 hit 82 fps. This allows both laptops to maintain a solid 60 fps in Fortnite unless you jump up to 4KB with both dropping to around 30 fps.

Of course, none of these frame rates above 60 fps are of any use to you, as the Envy 15's screen is locked with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It also doesn't include anti-screen-tearing technology like G-Sync or FreeSync. As with many of these productivity-oriented computers, casual gaming is fine, but a suitable gaming laptop with a higher refresh rate provides a far smoother gaming experience.

Keyboard and touchpad

Apple's Magic Keyboard on the latest MacBooks is the best laptop keyboard out there. Still, the HP keyboard, which has moved from the Specter to the Envy range, is my second favorite. There's a lot of traveling and just the right balance between a light touch and a snappy feeling with a confident ground movement. The mechanism is perfect for me so that I can instantly update myself and type for hours without getting tired.

I like the keyboard on the XPS 15 and some other laptops (I'm thinking of the Lenovo ThinkPad range), but I prefer the HP version over any other Windows 10 laptop. I'm delighted to see that HP isn't reserving the keyboard for the Specter range, and I'll find that you can get the same for the HP Envy x360 13, which is well under $ 1,000.

Interestingly, the Envy 15's touchpad is better than that of the Specter x360 15. It's not the same widescreen version, which means it's bigger and takes up a lot more palm-rest space. It's glass-covered and very convenient to scroll and swipe. It also supports Microsoft's Precision touchpad drivers and all Windows 10 multi-touch gestures. It's as good as a touchpad on a Windows 10 laptop.

As mentioned earlier, the display is touch sensitive and as precise as ever. If you want to use HP's active pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, you have this option too. The passwordless login for Windows 10 Hello takes place via a fingerprint scanner, which is located in the keyboard next to the arrow keys – and works quickly and without errors.

Battery life

Pack that much power into a laptop and equip it with a low-power AMOLED display (which can be aided by using a dark color scheme since AMOLED uses the least power when the screen is high in black), and you won't going to expect a lot of longevity. This also applies to a battery capacity of 83 watt hours.

According to our standard benchmark tests, that's exactly what we saw. In our most demanding Basemark web benchmark test, the Envy 15 lasted almost exactly three hours. That's not terrible for such a powerful laptop, but it does mean that if you're really putting a strain on the CPU and GPU, you'll likely run out of battery life well before lunch. Interestingly, the XPS 15 with 86 watt hours of battery and the XPS 17 with 97 watt hours did not do better. The XPS 17 lasted six minutes less and the XPS 15 16 minutes longer.

The 4K screen means you need to have the charger close at hand.

In our web browser test, which is the best indicator of productivity, the Envy 15 lasted around 6.75 hours, which is not particularly long. Once again, the XPS 15 and 17 were close together, with the XPS 17 running 19 minutes less and the XPS 15 happening 19 minutes longer. Finally, I looped the laptop through our Full HD Avengers test trailer and it took about eight hours. And you guessed it – the XPS 15 was close again with 30 minutes less. The XPS 17 did it more than an hour longer.

The bottom line is that these powerful, creative laptops with low-power displays probably won't keep you actually working for an entire day. You want to carry your charger around with you. This is quite a task as they are pretty large power bricks. But that's the price you pay for fast laptops with beautiful displays.

Our opinion

The HP Envy 15 is the company's fastest consumer laptop and the one that best meets the needs of creative professionals with high work demands. Really, it's not even close – if you want similar or greater performance, you'll have to switch to HP's commercial line, especially the workstations. And the Envy 15 does its job well – it's fast, it can be configured with even faster components if you are looking to spend more, and it offers the type of display that fits all creative needs.

The Specter line is great for productivity users and those who value good looks and a smaller case. But it's the Envy 15 that makes power users happy – for hundreds of dollars less than they spend on competitive laptops.

Are there alternatives?

The Dell XPS 15 and Dell XPS 17 both offer the same or better performance with great displays and are equally good for creative workflows. But you'll be spending a lot more money, getting a little more class, and a more useful 16:10 display, but not much more.

If you're not a creative professional and want a 15-inch laptop with more flexibility and panache, the HP Specter x360 15 is a good alternative. You'll spend similar money and have an option for an equally great AMOLED display, but you won't get anywhere near the performance.

Don't forget the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme and the MacBook Pro 16-inch. These, too, can be configured with the same powerful components, and both provide superior displays. However, as with the XPS options, be prepared to spend a lot more money.

How long it will take?

The Envy 15 is well built and should last for years. However, we would like the guarantee to be longer than a year.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. If you're looking for a laptop that can handle demanding creative tasks at a cheaper price, the Envy 15 is the one for you.

Editor's recommendations




20 Aug
Blog

Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT-R Headphones Review: Solid Sound

Pioneer dj hdj cue1bt r headphones review 1

Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT-R Headphones Review: Solid Sound, Customizable Style

"With a comfortable fit and multiple color options to make a style statement, Pioneer gets this right most of the time for $ 100."

  • Good audio reproduction

  • Multiple color options and adjustments

  • Cable and Bluetooth operation

  • Comfortable, comfortable fit

  • Feel cheap to build

  • Adjustments are expensive

It's hard to say what to expect from a $ 100 bluetooth on-ear headphone. Top tier features or even Active Noise Canceling (ANC) aren't options for cost reasons, but price should mean better build quality and strong audio performance go without saying. If these are my parameters, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT-R headphones – let's just call them CUE1 for simplicity – seem to be just the thing for you.

The CUE1 is designed for Pioneer DJs who are “beginner DJs and music enthusiasts alike”. He tries to balance style and performance for a very affordable price. Let's talk about whether they are successful or not.

What's in the box?

The CUE1 are simply packaged with the headphones and include an optional 3.5mm coiled cord that plugs into an extruded plastic tub insert. There is a plastic bag behind the tub with the relevant documents and instructions.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

There is a lot of plastic in this packaging. Aside from the tub, which should be recyclable in most places, there is a lot of soft plastics on and around the headphones. If you have the option to recycle soft plastics through your local grocery store, that's great! However, this is not the norm in most places, so much of this packaging will end up in a landfill. We don't like to see that.

We'll get into the build quality of the CUE1 headphones shortly, but as a spoiler, I think they need a carry case, and unfortunately, Pioneer doesn't come with one.

Design and build quality

I really like the color options for the CUE1. For this review I chose red because it's my favorite color, but they are also available in black or white. I was pretty torn when it came to choosing the color because another selling point of the CUE1 is that Pioneer DJ has a range of bespoke ear cups and a coiled cord that come in five additional colors – orange, yellow, Green, blue or purple – and none of them go particularly well with red.

I'm not particularly impressed with the materials.

The customization kits with the product name HC-CP08 cost an additional $ 30, which feels a bit high. The cups cannot be attached in a special way, but rely on the tension of the material to hold them to the plastic cans. For example, if the cups were magnetic or had a bayonet lock, maybe I could see the value. Unfortunately, this type of mug is cumbersome to put on or take off and feels like something I would pass on as a buyer. I wish Pioneer had thought a little more about this feature that I usually like.

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Pioneer dj hdj cue1bt r headphones rating 7 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/pioneer-dj-hdj-cue1bt-r - headphones-review-7-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAJaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The CUE1 looks pretty good when worn. They have a matte color that goes with pretty much anything, and the red will be especially eye-catching.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I mentioned earlier that build quality really dictates the use of a case, and that's because I'm not particularly impressed with the materials. This actually reflects our opinion on the high-end Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 headphones. So it's not particularly surprising to see her here. Although there is metal in the adjustment strap that is held together by screws, the rest of the product is made from a tough plastic that feels like it would tear easily if dropped or made rough contact with my backpack.

I know Pioneer needed to cut costs somewhere, and that clearly came into play with the materials used here. That's why I'm going to loosen them up a bit, since the drivers in the cups are exactly what you find in the aforementioned Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 headphones. More on what these are bringing to the table soon.

Control, convenience and connections

All controls, connections and a single microphone are located in the left auricle. There are a number of buttons for volume control and below that a single button that handles power, pause / play / skip, answer and end calls, and bluetooth connectivity. It seems to put a lot in a button, but it works well enough. The connection for the supplied spiral cable is located under this button. Below is the microphone.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I'll say the included 3.5mm jack cable gets everything right. Not only does it stick to the headset via a rotatable bayonet lock, but the other side of the cable also has an L-shape that keeps the profile slim against a computer or mixer and reduces the chance of knocking cables out or damaging them. The cable is of high quality and the design is just right for the intended use.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

The ear cups both rotate to the side independently for use with one ear, real DJ style. However, they do not rotate so that they can rest comfortably on your collarbones when not in use. The cups only spin away from you and not towards you for some reason, which is disappointing. As a result, they are not particularly comfortable when you are not wearing them.

The CUE1 should stay firmly attached to you even during exercise if this is your traffic jam.

However, when you wear them they are comfortable enough. On-ear headphones tend to put a lot of pressure on my ears to cling to my head and this is no exception. While this pressure creates some wear and tear fatigue over time, it also ensures that they don't fall off during activities and that they have pretty good noise isolation as well. This is in contrast to the Jabra Elite 45H, which sounds great but struggles to stay on the listener's head during activities. The CUE1 are definitely better at it and should stay firmly connected to you during training if that's your traffic jam.

The bluetooth connection on these is solid and allows me to travel far away from my yard while leaving my phone on my kitchen counter.

The CUE1 offers a battery life of 30 hours, which is a matter of course for headphones without ANC. You can't touch the 50-hour runtime of the Jabra Elite 45H, but nobody can.

Sound quality

I mentioned earlier that the Pioneer DJ CUE1 uses the same drivers as the company's HDJ-X5 headphones that we praised for their quality, and I'm happy to say that the CUE1 does indeed sound great.

The highs, mids and lows are all well represented and balanced.

The highs, mids and lows are all well represented and balanced. For headphones that don't have app support to set the EQ, it's important that they sound fantastic straight away, especially for those bass-heavy beats that DJs want to hear clearly. The bass isn't overwhelming, but you definitely won't miss it in pop and EDM songs.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I'll say that while the sound of the CUE1 is warm and approachable, it isn't particularly clear, especially in the higher registers. They do a great job of not confusing any of the tones with each other, which makes them very good for monitoring music like a DJ would, but on top of the ambiguity they certainly push the warmth beyond what I think it is would qualify real studio monitors. We had similar references to the HDJ-X5 in our review, and so I think Pioneer did a good job migrating those drivers to these headphones at a $ 50 discount.

How do they compare to another $ 100 set? It's near. The Jabra 45H can actually have a little more punch behind its bass output if you adjust its EQ in the app. Overall, the audio display is very tight between the two, but I'll nod the Jabra 45H for a little better clarity.

Call quality

While the Pioneer DJ CUE1 is sufficient for phone calls, they don't do a great job with them. My voice sounded to me like I was in a closed pantry and wasn't very clear. In the end, the voice quality was great, and while I wasn't as clear as my listener wanted, we had an uninterrupted 20 minute conversation while I watered my garden.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Our opinion

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT-R are good $ 100 headphones that offer a stylistic angle that few other headphones offer, especially at this price point. The finish of the interchangeable color options could have been better, but we still love to see it. They sound as good as their more expensive brother, the HDJ-X5, but they also have the same problems with durability and the lack of a carrying case. But for $ 100 they do enough right.

Is there a better alternative?

The Jabra Elite 45H headphones offer very similar audio quality as well as significantly better battery life and Bluetooth multi-point capability. The thing is, you get these features at the expense of the Pioneer DJ CUE1's better noise isolation, secure fit, and attachable cord. You should also consider the Audio BT-1 status or, thanks to the stronger bass, the Sony WH-XB700.

How long will they last?

Pioneer DJ offers a one-year warranty and we expect these to last longer with longer treatment. The thing is, you should buy a bag when you pick up these headphones to make sure they don't have excessive wear and tear while traveling.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The option to mix personalized colors into your headphones and get solid sound performance for $ 100 is a combination of options that leaves the Pioneer DJ CUE1 all but alone. They are definitely worth a visit.

Editor's recommendations




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