12 Nov
Blog

FightCamp Review: Boxing Combos to Knock Out Your Workouts

Women's boxing with FightCamp.

"When you need the realism of hitting a bag of boxing gloves, FightCamp replicates it at home."

advantages

  • Robust, professional equipment

  • Lots of boxing classes to choose from

  • Precise punch tracker

disadvantage

  • Not chasing for proper form

The home fitness experience is more diverse than ever. While workouts like high-intensity exercise and cycling have been popularized by the pelotons and mirrors of the world, there are others that are little to no exposure. Boxing is one of them.

If you are tired of these other exercises, FightCamp may have something that piques your interest with its boxing and kickboxing workouts. Of course, you can expect some level of tracking and guidance to get you into boxing shape, but can it really replace that personal coaching experience? Well, at least you run into a real punching bag.

Setup and installation

FightCamp is made up of three different packages that you can customize to suit your preferences: Connect ($ 439), Personal ($ 1,219), and Tribe ($ 1,349). I tested the staff, which includes punch trackers, quick wraps, a freestanding bag, exercise mat, and quality boxing gloves. Shipping is free for all packages.

Man boxing with FightCamp.

It has everything you need for boxing workouts at home, but if you don't need the bag and just want to track your punches, stick with the Connect package to save a considerable amount. The tribe package has everything in the staff, but comes with additional boxing gloves.

Well, the hardest part of setting up FightCamp is finding a place for it – just because once it's set up you really can't move it. That's because the bottom is filled with either water or sand, so the freestanding bag can stay in place while hitting.

Punching a punching bag with FightCamp.John Velasco / Digital Trends

It ended up tipping the scales over 300 pounds, which later made it nearly impossible to move unless the sand was emptied. I ended up putting it all up in my makeshift gym in my garage, but I can see how this can be a problem around the house if you want to keep it somewhere when it's not in use.

The final step in the setup process was to pair the punch trackers with my iPhone SE via Bluetooth. After that was done I was ready to use FightCamp.

Boxing equipment

Although immobile, the freestanding bag looks and feels like something you would actually use in a boxing gym. Since the sand inside the base prevents it from moving, I can kick and hit it with full force. It feels well made and gives me confidence that it will last over the long term. I hit and kicked with a lot of force, so I'm glad it can take everything I give him.

The boxing gloves supplied also seem to be professionals. They will help protect your ankles, especially if they start feeling too sore from hitting the sack. The punch trackers are placed in a pocket on the quick wraps that you place on your hands so that FightCamp can monitor how many punches are made during each workout.

Close up of punch trackers with FigthCamp.John Velasco / Digital Trends

And finally, there's the heavy exercise mat, which again looks like something you might find in a gym. It's big enough to put the punching bag and me on it, but the dirt builds up pretty quickly. There have been workouts where I sat on the mat or my palms touched it, so you should clean them up frequently to prevent footprints from forming and being difficult to clean.

Overall, I am impressed with the equipment here as it is not toned down compared to what you would find in a traditional gym.

Trainings

If you've never boxed before, you'll appreciate how FightCamp's courses box you in with the basics. The instructors are informative and offer instructions on the different strokes, with the lessons also including some high intensity interval workouts where I did burpees (my poor knees). Unsurprisingly, by the end of the training session, I was sweating, which is always expected when you try something new.

If you've never tried boxing or kickboxing, cardio workout can definitely give you a try.

FightCamp is currently compatible with iOS devices, so you'll need an iPhone or iPad to attend classes. There's an Android app on the way, but there's no timeframe for when it's going to be released. While the lessons can be filtered between boxing, kickboxing and core via the app, the only distraction I had with FightCamp was trying to look at my iPhone during the exercises. I just wish there was a spot on the bag to snuggle up my iPhone to follow the directions just because it's hard to look at my phone in a nearby spot while focusing on where I should hit the bag.

The FightCamp app runs on iOS.

During the workout, the punch trackers closely monitored how often I threw punches. Goals are set at the start of each class, but what is missing here is the ability to monitor proper form as you hit the bag. Yes, there is a difference between throwing a hook, jab, or uppercut, but I'd love to see FightCamp tell me if I'm hitting the right areas of the punching bag. It doesn't and can't distinguish the force behind my punches.

However, if you've never tried boxing or kickboxing, cardio workout can definitely give you a try. I would just love to see iterative improvements that could keep track of proper form and ability to determine the force behind my strokes.

Subscription service

FightCamp's subscription service is $ 39 per month, which is in line with other related fitness services like Peloton, Mirror, and Temp, to name a few. This subscription service gives users access to over 200 workouts, but because it focuses on boxing, you won't find the same diverse and robust courses found on Mirror or Tempo.

FightCamp's courses cover the entire spectrum, from beginners to advanced.

At the same time, FightCamp's courses cover the entire spectrum, from beginner to advanced, so you get more informative instructions on boxing than on the other platforms where you just have shadow boxing.

Our opinion

Cycling and high-intensity interval training (HITT) exercises have become the predominant home fitness experiences, which is what makes FightCamp so appealing. It's certainly different and focuses solely on boxing, but I really love the hardware. I just wish it were smarter, especially given the cost of the gym quality punching bag and gloves. On the other hand, FightCamp's realism and ability to automatically track punches is still better than just shadowing someone you see on video.

Is there a better alternative?

Liteboxer is the only other similar check out alternative. It costs more at $ 1,695, but it gamifies the experience in ways that make it engaging.

There are other fitness services that offer boxing classes like Apple Fitness +, but while the subscription cost is extremely cheap compared to FightCamp, it doesn't match FightCamp's tracking or advanced classes.

How long it will take?

I've mentioned several times that FightCamp gear looks and feels like gear you find in boxing gyms. So far, there doesn't seem to have been any build quality issues in the two months I've been using it, but it's hard to say how long it will last in the long run. At least there is a one-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if you've had enough of all of those bike and HITT training services and equipment. Boxing isn't for everyone, but there's no harm in learning a few moves and combinations.

Editor's recommendations



11 Nov
Blog

Apple MacBook Pro (2021) In-Depth Review: Perfect Pro Laptop

The 2021 MacBook Pro with the lid open on a white table.

MacBook Pro (2021)

RRP $ 2,499.00

"It's the best MacBook Pro since 2015. And yes, it has a notch."

advantages

  • Incredible XDR display

  • Fantastic creative achievement

  • Extensive port selection

  • The keyboard and trackpad are perfect

  • Excellent speakers and webcam

  • Endless battery life

"We were wrong."

It's not a phrase you'll ever hear from a company like Apple. Nor will it crawl or ask for forgiveness.

Instead, Apple corrects its mistakes by releasing a product like the 2021 MacBook Pro. Whether it's the thickness of the case, the touch bar, or the ports, the MacBook Pro represents an inversion of almost every major design decision made in the previous generation.

And yet the 2021 MacBook Pro manages to be more than just a referendum on the 2016 MacBook Pro. It's brave in a way that makes it exciting, but familiar in a way that makes it comfortable. You could even call it the best of both worlds – that's exactly what you want from a “Pro” laptop.

One thing is certain: you don't have to apologize for it.

draft

The back of the MacBook Pro with the lid open.

If you take a step back, the 2021 MacBook Pro still looks a lot like a MacBook. It's still made from a unibody aluminum chassis, it's still available in silver or space gray, and there's still an Apple logo on the lid.

But the changes in this generation are not subtle enough to be overlooked. Black has become the dominant accent color and adorns both the Apple logo and the keyboard background. The black keyboard in particular looks like a statement piece when so many laptops have copied the MacBook look. Silver laptops with black keycaps have become ubiquitous in the laptop world, and the change to the MacBook Pro is refreshing.

It also instantly sets these MacBook Pros apart from the otherwise similar-looking MacBook Air (and 13-inch MacBook Pro). Like the Space Gray iMac Pro and its accessories, Apple uses the slightest change in color scheme to create a premium, exclusive feel. For this reason, the box is sure to come with a black Apple sticker. This is an expensive product and Apple would like to welcome you to the cool club. It's not dissimilar to the strategy used in the fashion and design industries.

The other small changes to the design include the removal of the "MacBook Pro" logo from the bottom bezel, new rubber feet on the bottom, and ultra-thin bezels on top. There is a tradeoff to this bezel, of course – although Apple won't hope you see it.

The notch

The notch of the MacBook Pro in which the camera module is located.

I've been wondering the idea of ​​a notch in a laptop since it debuted on the iPhone X in 2017. When companies like Dell pushed forward with wafer-thin bezels in the XPS laptops, Apple stayed on course with thick bezels in the years since then. In the early years of thin-bezel XPS laptops, a notch was even considered, but it never came into play.

And yet, to the surprise of almost everyone, the MacBook Pro 2021 has a large notch that hangs down from above and houses the camera module and a host of other sensors. It's a bigger and more intrusive notch than the iPhone, and it goes for a more boxy shape. And yes, Apple houses a number of important components in the notch that would have been very difficult to assemble without enlarging the frame or reducing the quality of the webcam.

I see the notch as a compromise, not a design flourish.

For the first time in a long time on a MacBook Pro, the notch ensures a frame of the same size in all directions around the screen and even enables Apple to introduce rounded corners. In that sense, it bears a lot of resemblance to the Surface Laptop Studio's screen.

However, the notch is also about branding. It does the same thing for the MacBook Pro as it always did for the iPhone, and creates a trademark. Like it or not, it's Apple's way of standing out in a sea of ​​identical plates and shells.

The MacBook Pro with the default wallpaper that hides the notch.

Do i love the look No i can't say I see it as a compromise, not a design flourish. However, given the options of a chunky top bezel (older MacBooks) or an inferior webcam (Dell XPS 15), this isn't a bad compromise. The notch looks more intrusive in the 14-inch model, which offers less space in the menu bar to accommodate the protrusion.

But in my time with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, it never got in the way. And thanks to the dark mode, default backgrounds, and translucency built into macOS, the notch wasn't as noticeable as I thought it would be. I don't like that your cursor completely disappears behind the notch.

Full screen mode was the only exception. I often use Split View when working and automatically move the top panel over the notch.

For the most part, Apple is finding sensible ways to get around the notch.

Size and dimensions

A side profile of the 2021 MacBook Pro.

Unlike the previous generation, the primary design tenet of the MacBook Pro 2021 wasn't ultra-thin. This is a departure from typical Apple products, but also offers creative professionals exactly what they wanted. Most would happily trade half an inch thick for extra power.

That's exactly what the 2021 MacBook Pro does. The side profile is thicker and rounder. And as some keen Apple historians have noted, it pays homage to an Apple laptop from 20 years ago, the Titanium PowerBook G4.

There are a number of reasons for the thicker chassis, including space for additional ports and better thermals. I have the 16 inch model, and it's now 0.66 inches thick and weighs 4.7 pounds. In both respects, that's significantly larger than the previous generation's 16-inch MacBook Pro. The 14-inch is just 0.05 inches thinner, but significantly lighter at just 3.5 pounds. Importantly, the 16-inch MacBook Pro I tested was larger than the previous generation Intel-powered, which was 0.02 inches thinner but almost half a pound lighter.

It's not often that Apple products grow in size, but then again, Apple's approach here is unorthodox. Many of the biggest features of the MacBook Pro 2021 simply destroy what the previous iteration insisted on. The Touch Bar is the most egregious example, and it's dead and gone on both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

Ports

It's no secret that the MacBook Pro is doing the opposite with its ports. While it took way too long to get here, Apple made what I think was the best possible port selection possible. You still get three Thunderbolt 4 ports for all of that powerful docking you might need. However, they are no longer your only options.

Initially, charging is mainly done using the MagSafe 3 power adapter on the left. What a wonderful return! Before the 2016 MacBook Pro, the intuitive MagSafe adapter has always been one of the distinctive technologies behind the MacBook Pro. And now it's back.

A side profile view of the MacBook Pro's port selection.

It's also better than ever. It is more powerful and can deliver up to 140 watts of power. That's more than you can charge through Thunderbolt 4. It also feels like it has a stronger magnetic grip and it's naturally thinner. It even has a chic braided cord, which is beautiful. The MagSafe 3 adapter is included, so you probably won't be charging via USB-C too often (unless you're like me and have USB-C chargers plugged into almost every wall outlet in the house). .

In addition to charging, the MacBook Pro has an HDMI port and a full-size SD card slot. Technically, you don't need either. But as a convenience, it's something that the target audience of this laptop will really appreciate. I wish Apple had done us a favor and made this an HDMI 2.1 port for the highest possible bandwidth. On the other hand, that's a lot more useful on a gaming laptop right now than anywhere else.

The SD card slot in particular is a must. So many MacBook Pro buyers will be transferring files from a camera to a laptop. This was something that Dell brought to the XPS 15 and XPS 17 a few years ago, and it's great to see Apple follow suit.

Finally, the MacBook Pro includes the latest connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

advertisement

The MacBook Pro 2021 marks the most significant evolution in the line's display technology since 2012. That shows how far Apple was ahead of the game at the time, but the competition has clearly caught up. It's not uncommon to see Windows laptops with great color accuracy and saturation, high resolutions, and even the use of OLED screens. The MacBook Pro was still among the best, but laptops like the 4K OLED Dell XPS 15 started to score higher in our tests.

The MacBook Pro takes the crown back, but not in a way that you might expect. Let's get down to the basic details first. It's a 16.2-inch screen with a rather strange resolution: 3456 x 2234. That means an increase in pixel density from 220 pixels per inch (ppi) to 250 ppi. That also means that at 15.4:10, it's slightly higher than the 16:10 aspect ratio. This also applies to the 14-inch model, only with a lower resolution of 3024 x 1964, which corresponds to a slightly higher 254 ppi.

The display of the 2021 MacBook Pro 16 inch.

Whichever one you choose, this will be the first Mac to receive the Liquid Retina XDR treatment, which also showed up in the iPad Pro in early 2021. These screens are operated with mini LEDs and not with standard LEDs. Mini-LED does not use individually illuminated pixels like OLED; Instead, they use thousands of local dimming zones that allow for deeper blacks and better contrast than LEDs.

This is exactly what I saw when I tested the screen with my colorimeter. In terms of black levels, the difference to OLED can hardly be distinguished. Both blow conventional LEDs out of the water and offer a much greater depth of quality.

To be clear, this MacBook Pro isn't brighter or more colorful than the previous model. It still achieves 100% sRGB and 90% AdobeRGB and a brightness of 475 nits. That's a lot bright, but you might be scratching your head over the 1,000 nits of sustained brightness Apple claimed in its announcement?

Well, that's for HDR content. And when it comes to supported content, it looks amazing. I went to YouTube first and found some HDR certified videos. If you already know about HDR on TVs, this is no surprise, but the visual difference is breathtaking. Switching back and forth between Apple's XDR preset and the default preset can be done right in the display settings, so the difference is easy to see. Highlights are brighter, the entire video is noticeably brighter, and in terms of fidelity, Apple's XDR implementation really brings the colors to life.

This is the best laptop I've seen for viewing and creating HDR content.

But let's be honest. Very few people buy a laptop to watch HDR movies. Finding HDR content on the web is still pretty annoying, and making sure you see it in HDR is even more frustrating.

Because of me. But the panel itself is commendable, especially since it now includes a 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate. This allows the screen to automatically adjust the refresh rate between 20 Hz and 120 Hz depending on what is happening on the screen.

If you still think that high refresh rates are only noticeable or beneficial to gaming laptops, just try turning off ProMotion and locking the screen at 60Hz. Once you've seen it it's hard to miss. Animations and scrolling feel a lot smoother. Heck, even the reduced ghosting of the cursor improves the overall look of the system.

While 120Hz is the same refresh rate as some other high-end laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio and the MSI Creator Z16, laptops like the Dell XPS 15 and HP Specter x360 16 still lack it.No other OLEDs exist yet – or mini-LED panel that supports 120 Hz, which makes the MacBook Pro's screen a unique proposition right now.

Webcam

Apple updated both the webcam and speakers this time. First off, it's the first MacBook Pro to feature a 1080p FaceTime webcam for a breath of fresh air. There was no way Apple could have got away with releasing another MacBook Pro with a 720p camera. This upgrade is significant and results in a much sharper, smoother feed for your laptop controlled video calls.

Of course, Apple isn't the only one making laptops with 1080p webcams. The Surface Laptop Studio has one, and the 5-megapixel cameras on the HP Elite Dragonfly laptops are impressive too. Webcams have never been more important and laptop manufacturers are finally starting to find out.

As expected, Apple's image processing is top notch. It really puts the 2021 MacBook Pro in a league of its own. Now there were times when I felt that the smoothing effects were a little too strong or the color balance was a little too warm. For example, compared to the 2019 iMac I have at home, it's a brighter and better processed image. It's not a perfect webcam, but it's the best you can find on a laptop – aside from none.

speaker

A top-down view of the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Pro 2021 maintains its reputation for delivering the best audio experience on any laptop. Apple increased the stakes this time with an improved six-speaker sound system. You still get two tweeters and four woofers, but they've each been upgraded for a more robust and bassier mix. The tweeters are both bigger, and Apple says the woofers now go half an octave lower.

This is quite a difficult thing to test myself out, but I can assure you that the 2021 MacBook Pros are a refined version of the previous generation. The bass booms harder and the stereo separation feels wider than ever. Of course, Apple was so ahead of the game that these little tweaks won't move the needle for anyone.

The spacing between the speakers on the 16-inch MacBook Pro and any laptop cannot be emphasized enough. Laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio and the Dell XPS 17 sound decent on their own, but are pale in comparison. The MacBook Pro actually offers a nice set of speakers for listening to music. You're still the only laptop I can say that about with confidence.

But more than that, chances are these will sound better than your average bluetooth speaker or computer speaker. I'm all for technology that makes another type of technology superfluous.

Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad, like the webcam and speakers, are without a doubt the best you can find on a laptop. No doubt on my mind

The keyboard has nice, springy keys with a comfortable 1.1 mm travel. This is the same Magic Keyboard as it was on the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro. Needless to say, yes, this is the replacement for the infamous butterfly mechanical keyboards of yore. I've loved this keyboard since it first emerged, and it's still one of the most comfortable and accurate laptop keyboards you can type on.

Apple MacBook Pro Review 2021 14

Apple MacBook Pro Review 2021 13

The Touch Bar is of course the big change from the keyboard in the 2021 model. It's gone. Broken. And for my part, I couldn't be happier. I'll admit that I loved the idea when it was announced, but after using it for many years I think it was a flawed premise from the start. The Touch Bar never kept its promise or received the support it needed to become something more useful.

So it's gone. And it has been replaced with something less ambitious but far more functional. The function line is back, but somehow improved. Well, Apple did it by increasing the size. They're now full-size keys, rather than the squat keys you'll find on almost every laptop, including older MacBook Pros. The Escape key is even wider and is flanked on the right by Touch ID. I love these changes.

I've always hated the miniature function keys on laptop keyboards – but I never knew I wanted them until I started using them. I've found that I don't type these keys incorrectly or reach for them as often. However, when making these keys bigger, Apple removed a few key function keys, namely the backlight brightness and the Launchpad buttons. There may be a keyboard shortcut that I am not aware of, but for now you can change the brightness of the backlight in the new Control Panel.

On the MacBook Pro, the keyboard brightness can now be found in the control panel.

I would have liked a slightly smaller escape key to make room for the brightness controls for the keyboard backlight, but everyone will have their own opinion on this.

The reason for this, of course, is that the larger the keyboard, the shorter the trackpad. This is certainly not a problem with the 16-inch MacBook Pro. It remains large and extensive and offers plenty of space for long swipes and multi-finger gestures. The Force Touch trackpad continues to stand out, simulating the feeling of a click with just a small motorized haptic feedback engine. We've seen this type of touchpad show up in other laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio, but the extra size of Apple's touchpad still makes it my favorite.

Price and configurations

Despite all the quality of life updates for the MacBook Pro, it really isn't intended for everyone. That's more true than ever for this latest generation of MacBook Pros, especially with the 14-inch model starting at $ 1,999. That price makes the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1) look downright quaint for $ 1,399.

The MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro make the 13-inch MacBook Pro obsolete, especially as it retains the Touch Bar and lackluster port selection. The MacBook Air remains the best choice for college students and anyone else who does not spend most of their time on a heavy-duty application.

The screen of the MacBook Pro 2021.

When you come across the 16-inch model I tested, you'll pay at least $ 2,499. My device came with the M1 Pro, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage for a total of $ 3,899.

That sounds like a lot, but the 16-inch MacBook Pro has always been expensive. The starting price hasn't changed, and you can still set it at over $ 6,000 for a device with 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. The sweet spot for you depends on what exactly your needs are. Very, very few people are going to need 64GB of RAM, and the $ 2,200 Apple is asking for 8TB of storage is outrageous. Somewhere in between is probably where you want to be, regardless of whether you end up going for the M1 Max or M1 Pro.

It's important to note that there are two versions of the M1 Max, one with a 24-core GPU and one with a 32-core GPU. Essentially, Apple is charging $ 200 for 8 more cores of GPU power. It should also be noted that only an 8-core processor is used in the starting configuration of the 14-inch M1 Pro. This is the same as the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, although the 14-core GPU should offer a significant improvement in graphics.

The lines get blurry on this lower-priced MacBook Pro, which is sure to be the most popular, but keep in mind that this is primarily a laptop for professional creatives. And for those who actually need a professional laptop, you've just found your ultimate tool.

Thanks to the vastly improved performance of the M1 Pro and M1 Max, these MacBook Pros can actually be used as professional content creators' machines. That means photo editors, color graders, website designers, programmers, video editors, 3D modelers, game designers, music producers, and more. If you're looking to try more than just these creative areas, it will pay off to put the money on one of these new MacBook Pros.

power

As I get my hands on more configurations of these new MacBook Pros, I intend to make more detailed comparisons between the different models, especially between the M1 Pro and the M1 Max. For now, however, my test unit was the 16-inch model with the M1 Pro. That means the 10-core CPU is paired with the 16-core GPU, all of which share 32GB of unified memory.

Both chips have two additional CPU cores (10 total) over the standard M1 (which is included in the 13-inch MacBook Pro and Air), and that helps with multi-core processing. If you look at how it fares in synthetic benchmarks, you can clearly see that a higher core count flexes its muscles.

Its multi-core score in Cinebench R23 was one of the highest laptop scores in our database and was only surpassed by the all-AMD Asus ROG Strix G15, a thick gaming laptop. The 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro also achieved 39% better results than the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro in this benchmark. The 14-inch model will likely end up a bit softer, but that's still more of an increase in CPU performance than I assumed with just two additional cores.

The real benefit is for applications that can take advantage of these enhanced graphics.

Handbrake is another CPU-bound application that I tested the machine on, and it had a similar increase in performance over the M1. The 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro encodes 4K video in H.265 38% faster than the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro. It's certainly a fast laptop, though it's beaten by laptops like the Asus Vivobook Pro 16X. Laptops like the Acer Swift X, Dell XPS 15, and Razer Blade 14 were only five or six seconds slower.

But the real improvement here is in the graphics. The M1 Max, in particular, offers GPU performance that is designed to rival discrete graphics cards found in competing gaming laptops and creative laptops. My device came with the M1 Pro with 16 GPU cores, which doubles the eight found in the M1.

The graphics on the 14-inch model are particularly noteworthy. While I haven't tested this particular model myself, the fact that both sizes use the same graphics configuration is a big deal. After all, the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro already had an 8-core CPU and a discrete GPU. Despite some thermal concerns, it was already a pretty powerful creative laptop. That was never the case with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 14-inch model fills that void, offering a really powerful option in a smaller size (and lower price than the 16-inch model).

The MacBook Pro with an Adobe Premiere Pro benchmark.

The real benefit here is in applications that can use these graphics. An obvious example is video editing in an application like Adobe Premiere Pro, which now runs natively on Apple Silicon. PugetBench for Premiere Pro tests everything from timeline playback to exporting to applying GPU effects. Here the M1 Pro also impresses in operation in the emulation. The export score wasn't very impressive, but it was still 29% faster than the M1. An 8-core Intel or AMD processor in combination with a discrete Nvidia graphics ensures a faster export time.

But when it comes to video playback, the MacBook Pro absolutely flies. It easily scores the highest score we've ever got in this test, and even outperforms gaming desktops and workstations. The MacBook Pro was designed for such tasks, and it is certainly one of the best video editing laptops you can buy. If you choose the M1 Max model, you will likely get a higher export score as well.

The MacBook Pro is not alone in this endeavor, however. There is no doubt that 2021 was a year of high-performance 14-inch laptops, be it the Razer Blade 14, Surface Laptop Studio, or Acer Swift X. However, unlike all of these laptops, the implementation of the MacBook Pro is the cleanest . The notebook's surface stays pleasantly cool at all times, and there is practically no fan noise. It's hard to compare this to a laptop like the Razer Blade 14, which is constantly buzzing and making your palms sweat.

Gaming performance

Apple didn't put the graphics at the center of the MacBook Pro for the purpose of gaming. And as Apple's graphics power increases, this point becomes clearer and clearer.

Finding heavy games that can pose a real challenge to the MacBook Pro is a challenge in itself – there just aren't a lot of modern AAA games on the platform. But there are a few, and I've tested Fortnite, Civilization VI, and Rise of the Tomb Raider.

Rise of the Tomb Raider on the 2021 MacBook Pro.

In Fortnite, when comparing the M1 Pro to the M1, you can play at high settings at almost 60 frames per second (fps) instead of being degraded to medium. That's closer to an RTX 3050 or 3050 Ti, which isn't too surprising. This level of graphics can be found in laptops of very similar size, such as the Surface Laptop Studio or the Asus Vivobook Pro 16X. Again, the main difference the MacBook Pro brings is the lack of fan noise. The fans on the MacBook Pro are practically inaudible in almost all situations, even while gaming.

The comparison wasn't so cheap in Civilization VI. The M1 Pro MacBook Pro averaged 64 fps in medium settings and only 49 fps in Ultra. Being 35% slower than the Surface Laptop Studio shows the importance of optimization. Civilization VI has always performed poorly on the Mac platform, and it's no different here.

Gaming is still no reason to buy a Mac, even on the powerful M1 Max MacBook Pro.

Often referred to as one of the few AAA titles designed for Macs, Rise of the Tomb Raider also struggled to hit 60 fps on the MacBook Pro. At the highest settings in 1920 x 1200, an average of only 40 fps was achieved and at medium settings 47 fps. In comparison, the Surface Laptop Studio averages 70 fps at medium settings, which is 33% faster.

Overall, the graphics performance of the M1 Pro is incredible. Aside from the M1 Max, they would be the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one system-on-a-chip package. However, they are not remarkable in terms of performance alone, especially not with the 16-inch model. We've seen 16-inch MacBook Pros with discrete graphics, and the 16 GPU cores here don't necessarily blow an equivalent discrete mid-range card out of the water.

Things may look different with the M1 Max, especially the 32-core GPU option. I'll know as soon as I've tested it myself, but with double the GPU cores like the M1 Pro, I expect it will actually improve gaming performance quite a bit.

But that doesn't make it a proper gaming laptop yet. But the games are simply missing. Unless Apple Arcade really takes off, gaming will never be a reason to buy a Mac, even on the powerful M1 Max MacBook Pro.

Battery life

Efficiency has always been the greatest strength of Apple's M-Series chips. Because of this, the M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air were miles ahead of the competition in terms of battery life.

Somehow, the 2021 MacBook Pros go even further. The 16-inch model I tested achieved a new record in our database for battery life when surfing the Internet. Our custom script goes through a number of popular websites until the battery runs out and the 16-inch MacBook Pro lasts for over 18.5 hours. When I say the MacBook Pro is a multi-day laptop, I mean it. Several full working days went by for me without having to recharge it.

The 2021 MacBook Pro, half open.

The only laptops that even come close to this battery life are some of the current AMD Ryzen systems. The Asus Vivobook Pro 16X OLED lasted 16 hours and 15 minutes, while the AMD-powered Surface Laptop 4 lasted 13.5 hours. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the champion far and wide. It shows how much efficiency Apple can save by not having to build a hot separate GPU into its laptop.

Besonders beeindruckend ist auch die Standby-Zeit. Wenn Sie es eines Tages halb aufgeladen gelassen haben, ist es ein paar Tage später nicht tot. Das verlängert die Lebensdauer des MacBook Pro erheblich. Ich habe nur nicht annähernd so viel nach meinem Ladegerät gegriffen.

Laut Apples Schätzungen wird das 14-Zoll-MacBook Pro drei Stunden weniger Akkulaufzeit haben als das 16-Zoll-Modell, was hauptsächlich auf die unterschiedliche Akkugröße zurückzuführen ist. Der 16-Zöller hat einen 99,6-Wattstunden-Akku, während der 14-Zöller nur einen 70-Wattstunden-Akku hat.

Our opinion

Das MacBook Pro 2021 ist der Pro-Laptop, auf den Mac-Fans fünf Jahre gewartet haben. Es ist eine Rückkehr zum Ruhm für ein Produkt, das sich lange Zeit veraltet und untermotorisiert anfühlte. Es hat die besten Lautsprecher, Webcam, Tastatur, Trackpad, Display, Akkulaufzeit und Portauswahl aller Laptops, die ich je getestet habe. Das ist viel, um in einem Laptop richtig zu stehen. Unterdessen wird die Leistung diejenigen zufriedenstellen, die eine Maschine suchen, die mit ihren Arbeitsabläufen mithalten kann, insbesondere diejenigen, die in anspruchsvollen, kreativen Bereichen arbeiten.

Gibt es Alternativen?

Auf der Windows-Seite gibt es eine Reihe leistungsstarker, aber kompakter Laptops, wie das Dell XPS 15 und XPS 17, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, MSI Creator Z16, Surface Laptop Studio und viele mehr. Diese Laptops enthalten alle separate Nvidia-Grafiken und die meisten enthalten auch bis zu 8-Kern-CPUs.

Es gibt eine Vielzahl von Gründen, sich für einen dieser Laptops gegenüber dem MacBook Pro zu entscheiden. Einige sind leistungsfähiger, einige haben interessantere Designs und viele sind billiger. Aber keines bietet das Gesamtpaket, das das MacBook Pro bietet.

Wie lange wird es dauern?

Die Hoffnung bei einem so teuren Laptop besteht darin, dass er mindestens über fünf Jahre hält. Das MacBook Pro soll deutlich einfacher zu reparieren sein als in früheren Generationen. Während Arbeitsspeicher und Massenspeicher noch angelötet sind, scheinen Komponenten wie der Akku oder die Anschlüsse austauschbar zu sein, was die Lebensdauer des MacBook Pro um Jahre verlängern könnte.

Wie immer bietet Apple auch mit AppleCare+ erstklassigen Kundensupport. Es ist teuer, aber es verlängert die Standardgarantie von einem Jahr erheblich.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Es ist das beste MacBook Pro seit über einem halben Jahrzehnt und der beste Laptop für Entwickler, den Sie kaufen können.

Editor's recommendations



11 Nov
Blog

Battlefield 2042 Review: Battlefield Reaches A New Peak

A helicopter attacks players in Battlefield 2042.

Battlefield 2042

RRP $ 59.99

"Battlefield 2042 is packed with valuable multiplayer content and takes the long-running shooter franchise to new heights."

advantages

  • Captivating scale and spectacle

  • Develops and improves classic modes

  • Impressive variety of content

  • Specialists reinvent every battle

  • Portal has potential

disadvantage

  • Danger zone feels unbalanced

  • Stability problems

The easiest way to think of Battlefield 2042 is that it's Battlefield 3 or 4, but bigger. The game features massive 128-player matches on equally huge maps and offers players a choice of weapons and vehicles. The only place where 2042 loses some weight is in the single player mode that players can usually expect with Battlefield games.

Battlefield 2042 is a pure multiplayer game, and as such, its developers have gone out of their way to create a varied experience. In addition to playing some classic Battlefield modes that have been grouped under the cover of the All-Out Warfare game mode, Battlefield 2042 offers players two more options: Hazard Zone and Battlefield Portal. While additional modes always felt like dead weight in previous Battlefield games, the two new additions to 2042 shine in their own ways, making this year's entry a first-person shooter not to be missed.

Battlefield's next step

Battlefield 2042 is a multiplayer first person shooter that specializes in goal-based matches. The main Battlefield experience consists of the game's classic modes, including Conquest, Breakthrough, and Rush. Despite not being able to play Rush, I got into a few rounds of Conquest and Breakthrough and can attest that the heart and soul of Battlefield 2042 is not only present, it is being strengthened.

As I fought on the great, giant maps of Battlefield 2042, I felt like I was in the prime of Battlefield 3 or 4. With a wide variety of weapons and vehicles at my disposal, I could attack my enemies and their targets in any way I wanted. Specialists and the game's new open approach to loadouts have only doubled the degree of freedom of the game.

Soldiers jump off a building in Battlefield 2042.

Specialists are one of the most controversial new features of 2042, but one that I really enjoy. The special characters have their own passive and active abilities, from hacking vehicles to keep them from firing, to putting down watchtowers. They are another way for players to turn any card to their advantage or turn an encounter in their favor. And although not every specialist is made the same, they all have their moments to shine.

In keeping with the theme of giving players options, the Battlefield 2042 scale does just that. Regardless of what map I was playing on, I had a multitude of options for what I wanted to do at that moment. I could drive a tank to a target, pick up a helicopter, stand back and shoot, or delve into the details of one of the dozen of fights that are taking place at any moment. With 64 players competing against each other on each team, there is always a new conflict to plunge into. If a fight isn't going well, there is no need to adjust your class to suit the situation. Just go and fight somewhere else.

In each of those moments, I howled, had fun, and experienced something that can only be gotten in a Battlefield game.

The openness of All-Out Warfare, of course, leads to some of those practically protected Battlefield moments. In just two hours of play, I did things that I couldn't do in any other game. I shot down a helicopter with the main cannon of a tank, wrecked a car full of players with a repair tool, and forced another player to jump out of their tank by ramming them so hard with mine that they topple over. In each of those moments, I howled, had fun, and experienced something that can only be gotten in a Battlefield game.

Battlefield 2042's emulation of the heyday of Battlefield 3 and 4 even comes without the shortcomings of those games. During my stint at 2042, I didn't throw any vehicles or weapons off balance. Tanks are strong but can easily be taken out by other tanks or players. Attack helicopters, which were nearly indestructible in Battlefield 4, are slow and vulnerable. Fights, no matter how they are fought, are almost always balanced.

The multitude of options also applies to weapons. The arsenal of Battlefield 2042 is broad, varied and can be changed in the blink of an eye. While players cannot simply switch to a different loadout, the game's "plus menu" system is a game-changing addition that allows players to swap out their weapon attachments on the fly. As a DMR user, I was able to quickly equip my weapon for hand-to-hand combat after fighting from a distance.

Fight in a tank in Battlefield 2042.

Without a doubt, Battlefield 2042 should be played through conquest and breakthrough. Both modes make perfect use of the enormous size of the game. Battles rage across huge maps, vehicles transport players from destination to destination, and there are always new ways to approach a situation. Bottlenecks are no longer so pronounced thanks to larger maps, so that the action never stops. From start to finish, I was busy playing one of these modes.

Hazard allowance

The same cannot exactly be said of any of the new Battlefield 2042 modes, Hazard Zone. Instead of having two teams of 64 players compete against each other, eight squads of four players (on PC and next-gen consoles) are flown onto a map and have to fight against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure data drives. With the drives in hand, players then have to get out of the map in a helicopter. The idea, however, is that only one squad can escape safely.

Hazard Zone is related to Escape From Tarkov for lack of a better comparison. By killing enemies or capturing drives, players make money that can be used to purchase new weapons, gear, and other gear. This new equipment can then be taken into the next Hazard Zone game, giving the winners an edge over the competition.

This leads to a potentially diabolical cycle in the later life of Battlefield 2042. The early adopters (and winners) of the game mode will always have a head start on other players thanks to a large war chest that provides them with good weapons and other equipment. The winners will continue to win while everyone else loses due to a serious imbalance in funds.

The Danger Zone setup screen in Battlefield 2042.

But this problem is far away, and I didn't have to deal with it during my review. In my experience, Hazard Zone is a fantastic addition to the Battlefield repertoire, albeit with a few flaws. After being thrown into a huge map and being asked to kill enemies and collect drives, players need to communicate. Hazard Zone is by far the most communication-dependent game mode in Battlefield 2042, and at launch the game will not have in-game voice chat. That means players have to join a roster with three other friends if they want a solid chance to win a match in Hazard Zone, a luxury not everyone has.

But if you have a squad and can communicate, Hazard Zone is a brilliant game mode that puts aside the destruction and scale of Battlefield as a franchise in favor of tactics. During my time with the game mode, my teammates and I figured out where to go before moving to make sure no one is ever left alone to be picked up. In combat, we worked together, marking targets that our rocket-wielding teammate could take out.

Hazard Zone is a successful experiment that needs few tweaks to shine as bright as All-Out Warfare.

This collaboration was supported by the specialists of 2042, which really made the game mode shine. The right specialist can turn the tide of a fight or end one before it even begins. I've spent most of my time playing as an Irishman who can break down little barriers wherever he wants. That meant that no matter where my team fought, we always had cover. Other specialists like Falck, Boris and Paik have been incredibly strong in the danger zone thanks to the support they provide to your squad.

A soldier stands next to a downed satellite in the danger zone of Battlefield 2042.

I admit that I had danger zone concerns when I first heard about it. I tried Battlefield's previous foray into the battle royale genre and I honestly hated it. But Hazard Zone is a successful experiment that only requires a few tweaks to shine as bright as All-Out Warfare. With no adequate way for teammates to communicate without being friends, and a gameplay loop that constantly favors winners, I just hope the developers can hone what should become an integral part of the Battlefield franchise.

A blast in the past

While All-Out Warfare is a refined version of the Battlefield experience and Hazard Zone is a successful experiment, Battlefield Portal presented itself as the weird during my time with the game. Portal is essentially the 2042 creation suite that allows players to create their own game modes with tons of options. There is even a rudimentary coding system in place.

In my limited experience with 2042, these options have been used to create simple game modes including a quick free-for-all mode and another where each player can fire a single missile and get another by just jumping five times. They weren't particularly fun to play but served as a successful proof of concept. Players who choose to spend enough time learning about the Battlefield Portal systems can create some fantastic game modes that can potentially rival those of the game's in-house developers. While I haven't seen anything like this during my time with the game, I'm more than excited to see what comes after it launches.

The highlight of the Battlefield Portal for me was when it was used to emulate old experiences rather than generate new ones. Game mode gives players access to a select amount of content from Battlefield 1942, Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 3, as well as everything from 2042. As such, I was able to play Rush on Bad Company 2's Arica Harbor. With a few tweaked settings, I couldn't punish while sprinting, aim a shotgun at the visor, or lie down, just like in this cult classic from the Battlefield franchise. Simply put, it was magical.

The same goes for Battlefield Portal's version of Battlefield 3's Caspian Border, which, like any other non-2042 map, has been redesigned in game mode with improved graphics. The map and its massive, collapsible tower now look even better for returning players and is a treat for newbies. Playing a game of Conquest on the map just struck me with another dose of nostalgia that leaves me hoping that other maps from previous Battlefield titles will get the same treatment.

The mode offers a wealth of tools and options for creators that are now only needed by creators.

I don't really feel like I saw the Battlefield Portal climax during my time with it. I had to play some half-baked custom game modes, but the star was a trip back in time with replicas of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3. It doesn't seem like it. The Battlefield Portal is more geared towards player-created content than reliving old entries in the Battlefield franchise. If I really wanted to, I could only play Battlefield 3 at a time. But I'm optimistic that people will take advantage of the tools offered on the Battlefield Portal and create some stunning modes for others to use. The mode offers a wealth of tools and options for creators that are now only needed by creators.

Buyers beware

The Battlefield 2042 review process has generated some red flags that are worth knowing. EA only distributed PC codes for the game. Critics had to meet a minimum specification requirement to review. While this is a cross-platform game (with both current and last generation consoles), any Battlefield 2042 review you read will likely be from someone who played the game on a capable PC. We don't know how the game runs on consoles, including the PS4 and Xbox One.

Without the ability to play Battlefield 2042 on consoles, how well does the game run on platforms other than PC? Simply put, we don't know. The game runs reasonably well on PC, but I ran into problems. While reviewing the game, my PC crashed once and increased the system memory usage from 50% to a maximum of 98% several times. The PC used to test Battlefield 2042 has a total of 16GB of DDR4 3200 MHz RAM, the amount the game lists as recommended in the datasheet.

Our opinion

Since Battlefield 2042 is only online, it had to make up for its lack of any single player content with a variety of great online content. The game's developers have not only achieved success in this regard, but have gone beyond. All-Out Warfare is a fantastic evolution of the classic Battlefield experience and modernizes the franchise with more scope, spectacle and play options than ever before. The Battlefield Portal and Hazard Zone also shine in their own way, with the former proving that it can serve as a base for players to create their own unique experiences within 2042. If a future Battlefield title skips these two modes, I might think they are incomplete.

Still, Battlefield 2042 isn't perfect. The version of the game that I played, and which players will also have access to when it launches in Early Access on November 12th, has performance issues. 2042 is also in-game without voice chat, a feature that will be added after the game's official release on November 19th. With these issues aside, Battlefield 2042 is still one of the best first-person shooters I've played all year and it's becoming a highly visited part of my PC's library.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for a different kind of shooter experience, Call of Duty: Vanguard is out now. However, nothing corresponds to the scale and quality of 2042.

How long does it take?

Since this is a pure multiplayer game, there is no "completion" of Battlefield 2042 in the traditional sense. That being said, it should be easy for gamers to get hours of entertainment out of the various modes.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Battlefield 2042 is the new highlight of the franchise and one that no Battlefield fan should miss.

Editor's recommendations



10 Nov
Blog

Urbanista Los Angeles Review: Free Power On Sunny Days

Man wears Urbanista Los Angeles.

Urbanista Los Angeles

RRP $ 199.00

"As long as you spend a lot of time in the sun, the solar-powered headphones from Urbanista Los Angeles will free you from charging."

advantages

  • Solar charging really works

  • Secure fit

  • Real-time power meter in the app

  • Huge 80 hour battery

disadvantage

  • Only works under optimal conditions

  • No EQ settings

Urbanistas $ 199 Los Angeles – the very first set of solar powered wireless headphones – are here. And yes, they actually charge up when exposed to natural and electric light. But what is it like to use them and how much light do they need? We tried them to see them.

Power meter

Urbanista makes several models of wireless headphones and true wireless earbuds, but the company never felt the need to develop a companion app for iOS or Android. Due to its ease of use, no app was required. But if you decide to sell the world's first solar powered headphones, you really need a way to show people how this whole solar thing works. So Urbanista made their first mobile app, and it's, ahem, brilliant.

Once you've connected the Los Angeles to your phone via bluetooth, the app allows you to switch to a screen that has a huge power meter on it. On the left side of the display, the amount of energy that the headphones sip from the ambient light is shown in yellow. On the right, the amount of electricity that the cans consume is shown in red.

In an ideal world there would be a constant balance between yellow (your profit) and red (your consumption), so if you started your day on a full battery, you'd end the day just like that. In theory, you could then repeat this balancing act every day and never have to plug the Los Angeles into a charger.

Mad Dogs and English

Urbanista Los Angeles.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Oh, and as you may have guessed, this is easier said than done. Noel Coward famously wrote that only crazy dogs and English people go out in the midday sun, and if you follow that behavior too, you will not only keep the battery from draining, but you will end up harvesting more energy than you use. But unless this describes a typical day for you, the more likely you will break even or end up in a performance deficit. That's because the Los Angeles solar panel – completely hidden in a perfectly normal-looking headband – needs a lot of direct light.

As I type this in my home office, I am sitting about three feet directly under a light fixture powered by a single 100 watt equivalent LED lamp. And while the frosted glass of the lampshade scatters the light laterally, the underside of the shade is actually a clear lens that tends to concentrate the amount of light that is aimed directly at my head. Nevertheless, the Urbanista app shows that the Los Angeles can hardly draw 0.1 mA of current, while the power consumption of the headphones is 2.3 mA. In other words, I use 23 times more energy than I absorb.

Urbanista Los Angeles is held under a light.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It could be worse. Right now I'm not using Los Angeles Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Ambient Sound Modes and I'm not listening to any music. If I were to activate these functions, the current would jump up to 7.5 mA or up to 10 mA depending on the selected volume etc. At this speed, the headphones' impressive 80-hour battery capacity would last for exactly 80 hours and no more.

To significantly increase the power drawn, I had to hold the headphones directly under the light and even then the power meter indicated I was barely running on a break-even basis.

None of this is a criticism of Los Angeles' solar technology or their Powerfoyle solar technology – I don't know of any solar module that could deliver significantly more power with the same area. But it is a reminder that Urbanista's promise of “virtually infinite game time” should be seen as worthwhile rather than fully achievable. It's worth noting, however, that on a bright October day in Toronto I got a 45 minute walk with ANC and tunes at 50% volume, and when I returned (after trying a little bit to stay on the sunny side of the street) I still had as much battery life as when I left.

Sunny sounds

Urbanista Los Angeles seen alongside Urbanista Miami.Urbanista Los Angeles (left) and Urbanista Miami. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista based the Los Angeles on its Miami wireless headphones, and the two models share more than looks. Her sound signature is very close, with very good clarity about the frequencies and with a slightly forward approach that works well on beat-heavy tracks.

I think it's very good that Urbanista has found a way to keep this balance across the entire volume range. There is no distortion as you approach the top of the dial. As long as you are in a quiet place, even the lower volumes will provide good overall sound quality.

Of course, if you don't like the Los Angeles vote, there's not much you can do. Although Urbanista created the app for these cans, it didn't add any EQ adjustments.

But one big change from Miami to Los Angeles is Urbanista's decision to remove the 3.5mm analog input jack from the right ear cup. Perhaps more room was needed for the Los Angeles' larger battery, or perhaps it was a cost-saving measure. Regardless of the reason, it's an odd choice for a socket set that is meant to free you from worrying about a power outage. Should the 80-hour battery ever run out, the lack of an analog input means no more melodies until you find some sun or a socket.

Stands still

Man wears Urbanista Los Angeles.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of my favorite aspects of Los Angeles is how safe they stay in place. I have a pretty small head and I find that some headphones just don't clamp tight enough to keep them from slipping. But the Los Angeles are impressively stable and haven't moved the entire time I've been wearing them. I don't recommend exercising with full-size headphones, but if that's your thing, the Los Angeles will be happy to keep you company.

The only thing missing in the comfort department is more space for the ears. The ear cushions are deceiving: They enclose a large part of the ear cups and make them look plush and deep. But they're really incredibly flat, with only a few millimeters for your ears. Over time, I found that this created bruises.

The controls are easily accessible, with buttons on the side of each earcup so your thumbs can quickly find them. However, the play / pause, volume up / down, and skip track controls on the right earcup are very small, very close together, and quite difficult to distinguish. I have no idea how you would use them with gloves on.

Ordinary ANC

Urbanista Los Angeles.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The best noise-canceling headphones can pretty much eliminate external noise, but don't expect this level of performance from the Los Angeles. Instead, think of it as noise reduction. When activated, ANC takes away the annoying background noise such as traffic or the constant roar of a fan or aircraft engine. But it's just a respite from the very lowest frequencies – the higher pitches will still come through.

Transparency mode (or ambient noise, as Urbanista calls it) is similarly effective – it definitely brings in the outside world, but it doesn't quite destroy the feeling that you're still wearing headphones.

My biggest criticism here is that the Urbanista app lets you decide whether you want to use the ANC button to turn ANC on and off, turn ambient noise on and off, or let ANC on> environment on> cycle off. But you can't set it to just jump back and forth between ANC on and Ambient on, which are arguably the two most important settings.

Good for calls

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Urbanista Los Angeles.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As with most full-size headphones, the call quality is pretty good. It's not great, but it is perfectly adequate for speaking, even in moderately noisy environments. Sometimes the ambient noise cancellation circuitry can lower the volume of your voice when it tries to silence the other noises, but this will only be an issue if you insist on answering calls at busy intersections.

Who are they for?

The Los Angeles are essentially a good set of wireless headphones that happen to have a solar panel built into the headband. If you spend most of your listening time outdoors, in sunny or even partly cloudy conditions, you will enjoy the promised benefits of unlimited performance. But for most of us, this benefit is fleeting at best: we might not have to plug in the headphones that often (especially given the impressive 80-hour battery), but we still have to plug them in. Is this? Worth the $ 50 premium Urbanista charges over the similar $ 149 in Miami? Sun seekers would probably say yes.

Editor's recommendations



10 Nov
Blog

Logitech Pop Keys Review: A Typewriter for the Modern Age

Logitech Pop Keys in Daydream color scheme.

Logitech Pop Keys put to the test: a modern mechanical keyboard with retro charm

RRP $ 99.00

"The Pop Keys mechanical keyboard from Logitech is a stylish and modern interpretation of the venerable typewriter of yore."

advantages

  • A modernized version of the keys on a typewriter

  • Satisfactory mechanical buttons

  • Easy pairing with up to three devices

  • Logi Bolt support

  • Emoji key

disadvantage

  • No backlight

  • No replacement keycap options at this time

The humble keyboard doesn't often conjure up images of a beautiful work of art. It is often perceived as a more useful device.

Yet the simple keyboard exerts so much creative power – some of the greatest writers of our time, from Mark Twain to Ernest Hemingway and Maya Angelou, wrote their best works on a keyboard (more precisely a typewriter in most cases). . With its latest Pop Keys keyboard, Logitech aims to inspire by combining the retro charm of typewriters with some of the best technology today.

The Logitech Pop Keys is a mechanical keyboard that is highlighted by bright colors, support for modern connectivity, and even emoji keys for modern communication. While not the first keyboard to mimic the old-world charm of typewriters, Logitech's $ 99 Pop Keys is perhaps the most accessible and affordable modern mechanical take on what has become a relic, especially when compared to the QwerkyWriter S for $ 299, the Azio MK retro keyboard for $ 220, or the Rymek Knewkey for $ 164.

draft

Logitech Pop Keys color palette.

The first thing you'll notice about Logitech's Pop Keys is that they come with a "pop" of color. The keyboards are available in bright colors, including Daydream, which combines mint, yellow and lavender keys, a pink heartbreaker, or the classic Blast, which is available in black and yellow. The designers at Logitech claim that the keyboard was developed for Generation Z users who want more individuality and personality in their workspace.

Although I was initially wary of the stark contrast of the blast unit for review – I'm more used to a floating sea of ​​beige or black keys that are more common on corporate desks – the bumblebee-colored keyboard was playful but not garish like some Gaming keyboards. I found the color fun and the accented keys brightened my desk in unexpected ways. Unfortunately, more professional key colors are not available and I would still like the option for subtle, adult colors for everyday use.

Logitech Pop Keys versus Logitech MX Keys Mini.

My Blast keyboard comes with a yellow keyboard deck that is accented by a sea of ​​circular floating black keys with yellow glyphs. Like the MX Keys Mini, the keyboard is designed to work with both Mac and PC. Some of the modifiers and special keys on the keyboard – Control, Function, Shift, Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, Enter, and more – are gray with yellow glyphs.

While the Qwerkywriter and KnewKey attempt to be a more authentic reproduction of the tools that preceded them, the Pop Key takes a more minimalist, modernized, and deconstructed design into its aesthetic. It comes with more modern buttons – the dictation and microphone mute buttons are one of my favorites along with the new emoji support – and the design is a playful interpretation of the typewriter buttons and not a faithful reproduction of the chrome-framed buttons found on the KnewKey and Qwerkywriter.

Logitech's latest Pop Keys keyboard has dedicated emoji keys.

At 321.2 x 138.47 x 35.4 mm, the Pop Keys keyboard is slightly wider than the MX Keys Mini – you get a similar keyboard layout, but the former comes with an additional column of emoji shortcuts next to the full-size arrow keys compared to the latter's more compressed inverted T layout. The mechanical key switches also make the Pop Keys thicker overall.

Emoji shortcut is the second biggest feature of the Pop Keys that sets this humble keyboard apart from the competition. In addition to standard writing, Logitech is banking on emoji as the future of communication, and the pop buttons come with four pre-installed emoji buttons and four additional buttons in the box that can be swapped out. A fifth emoji button brings up the full emoji menu so you can choose any emoji or character you want.

While the purpose of these new buttons is to help users communicate with emojis, which Logitech claims is the fastest growing language in the world, the buttons can be customized to launch certain emoji characters (even if these characters are not defined by the supplied keycaps). via the downloadable Pop keyboard customization software.

As with the MX Keys Mini, you won't find an extended keyboard layout with a dedicated number pad in the Pop Keys. The more compact size, Logitech claims, makes this keyboard more ergonomic if you don't use spreadsheets or numbers a lot.

The golden escape button.

Our Blast keyboard comes with a metallic, lacquered, copper-colored escape key that enhances the typewriter aesthetic of the keyboard. Purists may complain that the escape key is the lone key in a different color, but the brass-like finish gives it a vintage vibe.

There are function keys in the top row next to the Escape key. These buttons can also be used to switch between device inputs – the Pop buttons can be paired with up to three devices, like Logitech's Premium MX series for work. You'll also find keyboard shortcuts for controlling media playback, a voice dictation button, a screenshot button, and a microphone mute. That final key was a godsend during the pandemic as Zoom calling has become the new normal.

There's a sleek back bar protruding from the back of the keyboard in a design that mimics Logitech's MX Keys and MX Keys Mini. This bar houses the battery compartment; two AAA batteries are required. The company claims that fresh batteries last around three years after typing. A power switch on the right edge of the keyboard helps to conserve the battery when not in use. Personally, I would have loved if the Pop Keys came with internal batteries that could be charged via a USB-C cable, but company executives claimed that Logitech appealed to a different, less tech-savvy audience than those who did use the MX series.

Typing experience

A splash of color with the Logitech Pop Keys

Unlike traditional desktop productivity keyboards, the Pop Keys use mechanical key switches – a design more commonly found on gaming keyboards – for a more responsive and satisfying typing experience. Logitech didn't name the type of switch used on the Pop buttons, but the design and typing feel similar to Cherry MX switches.

This means the keyboard was relatively quiet, especially since it's a mechanical keyboard, and it didn't require as much force as other premium gaming keyboards. And thanks to the concave, circular design of the keycaps, the keys wrap well around the fingertips and are stable, even if you press the keys from the edge of the keycaps rather than from the center.

When we asked about the key travel and actuation force, the company's executives were similarly reluctant and did not provide any information about the pop keys. We found Key Travel to be generous. And the moderate actuation force means you don't have to use too much finger force to move the keys, but simply touching the key while typing doesn't register accidental key presses.

It took me a solid hour to actually type and adjust to the pop keys, and I have found that even if you are experienced with typing or using a mechanical keyboard, some adjustments are required. The main reasons are that the round keys, while eye-pleasing and pleasing to the eye, and the key spacing mean that those typing with more vulnerable wrists and fingers may find fingernails catching the key when the keys are pushed up directly above it or your fingertips can brush adjacent buttons. This problem becomes very evident in those who come from flatter keys on notebook keyboards

Raised keys on the Logitech Pop Keys

While you initially get used to Logitech's button design, this may slow down your typing speed and accuracy, but things will normalize in about an hour.

Compared to the click-clack typing sound of the original Qwerkywriter (not the newest Qwerkywriter S), the Pop Keys make a deeper and more satisfying “thunk” sound when the keys are pressed. I prefer the low tone that the Pop Keys make as I found that less distracting, especially if you are sharing the office space. The auditory comparison is similar to comparing the butterfly key switches on a MacBook Pro from 2016 with the MX Keys from Logitech. Apple's standard laptop keyboard – which has since been upgraded to scissor switches on newer models – had louder, hollow sounds compared to the low-frequency response of the MX Keys and MX Keys Mini.

Looking at the key switches on my HP Omen Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, the Pop Keys definitely feel stiffer and require more actuation force, but it's more satisfying when you're typing a long document or looking to become the next Hemingway. While the keys of the Omen sound hollow and rattle a little when typing quickly, the keys of the pop keys seem more stable.

The only thing missing from the Pop Keys that would have made them even more perfect would be the backlight. Logitech wouldn't have to offer the crazy RGB lighting that's standard on many gaming keyboards, but even a subtle white glow – or lighting that is color-coordinated with the Blast's key colors – would have been nice for night-time typists. The inclusion of backlit keys makes the RK Royal Kludge – a keyboard with similar round, typewriter-inspired keys – an attractive alternative to the Pop Keys.

Although the Pop Keys are not lacking in full backlighting, there are a total of five LED lights on the keyboard. There are three white LEDs, one on each of the pairing buttons to identify which device you have paired with the keyboard, an LED indicator on the caps lock key, and a green LED on the right keyboard deck to indicate that the pop keys are activated are switched on.

Emoji

Logitech Pop Keys comes with special emoji buttons.

In addition to being the fastest growing language, a useful perk of emoji is that the characters also impart more empathy and help you connect with your audience. This is especially important during the global pandemic, where most of our communication is digital and a significant part of our interaction is virtual.

According to a study by Logitech, over 88% of users are likely to feel empathy for someone who uses emojis in their communication, and given the prevalence of emojis in casual and some professional communication, like Slack and Microsoft Teams messages, they are quick to hit Access to these special characters is particularly useful.

Heartbreaker colored Logitech Pop Keys.

To use the emoji buttons, you'll need to download software from Logitech, which is available for Windows and macOS. The keyboard also works with Chrome OS, Android, iPadOS, and iOS devices, but you can't map or use the emoji buttons.

With the software downloaded and installed, Logitech gives you many customization options with the emoji. You can map the emoji to match what is displayed on the button – for example, the smiling face with the heart-eye button shows the same emoji on your screen when pressed – or you can map the button to a different emoji than on the indicated key caps. In the latter case, if you often use the celebration emoji or the fireworks emoji, you can either assign the keycap that shows the smiling face with heart eyes.

The software allows you to universally map the emoji for all apps, or you can use different emoji for different apps. For example, if you use a specific emoji when communicating via WeChat or iMessage, you can assign it to one of the keys when you are in that app, but you can assign the key to another emoji when you are in another app.

Interchangeable emoji buttons and switches on the Logitech Pop Keys.

In addition to emoji, you can map any of the five emoji buttons along with the top row of function keys to perform various tasks. If you're not using an emoji, you can, for example, map one of the emoji buttons to show Mission Control or open Launch Pad on your Mac. A second emoji button can be used for copy and paste, access to the lookup menu, or other functions.

This software defined key mapping really makes the Pop Keys even more customizable and personal, whether you're a Gen Z, typist using emoji, or more of a traditional keyboard user who just wants more keyboard shortcuts.

And since the keyboard comes with a total of eight emoji keycaps – four on the keyboard and four in the box – switching between keycaps is very easy. All you have to do is grab the keycap with your finger and pull up to remove the cap, then push the keycap down on the “+” shaped switch to replace it .

Software to customize the function of the emoji buttons on the Logitech Pop Keys keyboard.

This process can be applied to any key on the keyboard, and Logitech says that in theory you can replace any key on the Pop-Keys because it uses an unnamed, standard switch mechanism. I hadn't tried the mix-and-match philosophy here with the alphanumeric keys, but you can in theory replace the keys here with square keys instead of round keys, although that's the purpose of buying a retro-inspired tool like the Pop Keys. However, company officials warned that this could affect key spacing, key travel, and the fit of each keycap.

And as with the MX Keys series, there are toggle switches for switching between three coupled devices with the function keys F1, F2 and F3. For example, you can easily switch between a MacBook Pro, Windows PC, and iPad Pro if you switch between them frequently for your workflow. The Pop Keys connect to your preferred computing device via Bluetooth, and a Logi Bolt connection dongle is also included if you need a more secure, reliable connection between the keyboard and your PC. To make it easier to carry the dongle, the Pop Keys have a dedicated slot in which the Logi Bolt connection is located when you are not using it.

Logitech Pop Keys in Daydream color scheme.

Logitech also has an accompanying pop mouse that is color-coordinated with the same color options from Blast, Daydream, and Heartbreaker. The Pop Mouse is part of Logitech's Studio series and is similar in design to the company's existing Pebble mouse. It comes with a scroll wheel and a dedicated button that can be customized, like the emoji keyboard keys on the pop keys. With the mouse, you can use a different emoji key, or assign that key to perform another task through Logitech software.

Our opinion

Logitech Pop Keys and Pop Mouse are part of the Logitech Studio Series.

The Pop Keys from Logitech bring a lot of playful mood to stoic desks with their splash of color. While the Pop Keys may have their stylish inspiration from typing tools of yesteryear, the Pop Keys isn't your grandfather's typewriter – this keyboard artfully blends its old world charm with modern technology like strong connectivity options, long battery life, and support for emoji to inspire the next generation of creatives.

are there alternatives

At $ 99 for the Pop Keys and $ 39 for the Pop Mouse, there are plenty of alternatives to these Studio-series peripherals. Some of the most notable competitors for the Pop Keys include other retro-inspired keyboards like the Qwerkywriter S, Rymek KnewKey, and the Azio MK Keyboard. All of these keyboards have similar mechanical switch mechanisms and circular keys that remind them of typewriters, but none offer the same modern day versatility of the pop keys, including dedicated emoji keys, media and function keys that can be customized, and support for Logi Bolt. Another attractive feature of the Pop Keys is that they are between $ 100 and $ 200 less than some of their closest competitors.

How long it will take

Logitech's Pop Keys, like previous typewriters, will last you a very long time. The batteries last for three years, and when you replace them with fresh batteries, they will last much longer. While replaceable batteries aren't as good for the environment as rechargeable internal batteries, you don't have to worry about the batteries holding a charge as the Pop Keys ages. This means that you don't have to throw away an otherwise perfectly usable keyboard after years because the internal battery has exceeded its lifespan, you can simply swap in new batteries and continue with this keyboard. Logitech offers a one-year limited hardware warranty for the Pop Keys in the United States and most parts of Asia, although you get a two-year warranty if you buy the keyboard in Japan and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Should I buy it

Yes, if you rely on or use emojis, the Pop Keys are an invaluable tool for your home or home office. Although designed with teenagers and tweens in mind, the Pop Keys is a fun keyboard that will brighten up any room. Logitech has modernized the typewriter for the modern age.

Editor's recommendations



09 Nov
Blog

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Review: 7 Seats and Great MPG

Front driver's side from an angle of the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid in a meadow.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

RRP $ 33,590.00

"It's not even a close comparison – the Sorento Hybrid is one of the best mid-size SUVs."

advantages

  • Tons of technology

  • Noble design

  • Compact car MPG

  • Spacious first and second row

  • Doesn't feel slow

disadvantage

  • Tight third row

  • Model 2022 has more functions

The three-row mid-size SUV segment is one that automakers are slow to electrify. It makes sense – these hulking SUVs tend to have boxy designs that aren't efficient at first. Finding a way to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing all that space is a huge challenge – so there may be few options to choose from.

With the brand new 2021 Sorento Hybrid, Kia found a way to make this work. The Sorento name has been around since 2002, but this is the first time you'll find hybrid drive in an SUV. This powertrain not only gives the Sorento its own place in the Kia range, but also in the overall segment. If you are looking for a midsize hybrid SUV, go straight to a Kia dealer to test the Sorento Hybrid before anything else.

Entry-level S starts at $ 34,760, including the target fee of $ 1,170. The EX-Trim we tested starts at $ 37,760. Our tester was painted in Runaway Red Paint, which costs $ 445, which brings our tester's price to $ 38,205.

Design and interior

The last Sorento had an old-fashioned design – not exactly hideous, but awkward from some angles. In that regard, the new Sorento Hybrid is a massive improvement. It doesn't have the same street presence as the larger Telluride, but it still has its own kind of American boast. Not many midsize SUVs and even fewer hybrids look cool, but that's exactly what the Sorento Hybrid does.

Front end close-up of the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid in a meadow. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Kia's Tigernose grille gives the Sorento Hybrid a familiar look compared to the automaker's other SUVs, such as the Niro, Seltos and Telluride. Compared to the regular Sorento, the Sorento Hybrid doesn't look drastically different. From our point of view that is a good thing. The only noticeable difference between the two is the glossier trim on the hybrid.

Not many midsize SUVs and even fewer hybrids look cool, but that's exactly what the Sorento Hybrid does.

The interior design of the Sorento Hybrid is just as beautiful as its exterior with a stylish look that feels just as classy as the exterior. The center console rests in the middle of the vertically aligned air vents and the toggle switches for the HVAC temperature control and seat heating make the cabin look like the cockpit of an airplane – this is also fully functional. The biggest downside is the selector-operated gear shifter, which seems like a good thing on paper but not in the real world.

One of the main advantages of the Sorento Hybrid over other hybrids is that it can accommodate up to seven people. Only a few midsize SUVs can claim the combination of hybrid drive and seating for the whole family. Thanks to clever packaging, the Sorento Hybrid offers just as much cargo space as the Sorento. Unfortunately, it's not as spacious as its competitors. Behind the third row there is 12.6 cubic meters of cargo space. Folding down the rear seats gives 45 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Sorento Hybrid can hold a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet of cargo.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The main disadvantage of the Sorento Hybrid is its infotainment system. Kia doesn't fit the Sorento Hybrid with the same available 10.25-inch touchscreen of the regular model. Instead, you get a standard 8-inch device for the full range of products. It's not a bad touchscreen, but the extra space that is available in a regular Sorento leads to envy. It's like looking at your neighbor's garden and then realizing that yours doesn't quite fit. For patient people, Kia made things the same for 2022.

It's not the fanciest list of features, but there's something reassuring about a car with easy-to-use technology.

Close-up of the infotainment system in the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid showing fuel consumption. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The size of the touchscreen might not impress, but its features will. The EX equipment we tested came with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster, eight USB ports, a wireless charging pad and six audio speakers. It's not the most famous list of features, but there is quite a bit to be said about a car that doesn't choke on technology.

The touchscreen's graphics aren't as sharp or as colorful as those of the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, but they're still really good. It's also nice to be able to use logically placed buttons and knobs. Someone could get into this car and become familiar with it within 10 minutes – this is not the case with many new vehicles.

Kia equips the Sorento Hybrid with its Drive Wise suite of advanced safety functions. The suite includes collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian recognition, rear cross traffic warning, exit warning and rear parking sensors. The EX equipment adds adaptive cruise control, cyclist detection, intersection assistant and front parking sensors.

Experience at the wheel

The Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine paired with an electric motor and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined power is 227 horsepower, while a traditional six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting. It's a departure from the norm as most other hybrids use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). If there's a downside to the Sorento Hybrid's powertrain, front-wheel drive is the only configuration available.

Compared to the competitors from Ford and Toyota, the Sorento Hybrid no longer has any power. The Ford Explorer Hybrid has a 3.3 liter V6 engine and an electric motor for a combined 318 hp. Toyota's Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that produce 243 hp. Against that crowd, the Sorento Hybrid sounds like it could use a little more punch, but the SUV feels very powerful. There's a bit of a lag off the line, but it's still peppy, just about a second away from the regular Sorento's regular 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine in a sprint to 60 mph. Overtaking on the autobahn, which is usually a test of patience with a hybrid, is uneventful.

The six-speed automatic transmission is gentler than options with a CVT like the Highlander, but it's not exactly trouble-free. During our week with the SUV, we noticed that it jerked a few times when switching between reverse gear and drive. Downshifts can be slow if you're trying to speed them up using the paddles on the steering wheel, but that's to be expected on a powertrain where fuel economy is paramount.

Of the few hybrid mid-range SUVs on the market, the Sorento Hybrid is the most efficient of the bunch.

Side profile of the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid from the passenger side in a meadow. Joel Patel / Digital Trends

While Kia's driving modes usually result in a noticeable change, the Sorento Hybrid's Comfort, Smart, and Sport modes don't make radical changes to the SUV's performance. So it makes a lot of sense to keep it in eco mode most of the time. Additionally, Kia's Eco mode doesn't suppress the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal, so it feels more like a normal driving mode. The eco mode also matches the compliant driving behavior and easy steering of the Sorento Hybrid for a relaxed driving experience.

Gas mileage and safety

Of the few three-row midsize SUVs on the market with hybrid drive, the Sorento Hybrid is the most efficient of the bunch. The hybrid is rated to get up to 37 mpg combined (39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway). The best the Toyota Highlander Hybrid can get is 36 mpg combined, while the Ford Explorer Hybrid has a paltry 28 mpg combined rating. The Sorento Hybrid is so efficient that it is almost on par with smaller hybrids like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue, which have 38 mpg combined ratings.

Engine compartment of the Kia Sorento Hybrid 2021.Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet subjected the Sorento Hybrid 2021 to crash tests. However, the regular Sorento received the “Top Safety Pick” rating after receiving a “Good” rating in all six crash tests – a “Superior” rating for its front crash prevention technology and headlights, which ranged from “Bad” to “Good” " are sufficient. In testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Sorento Hybrid received an overall safety rating of four stars in 2021.

Kia supports the Sorento Hybrid with a 5-year basic warranty of 60,000 miles and a 10-year warranty for the powertrain of 100,000 miles. The warranty exceeds that offered by Toyota and Ford, which includes a three-year base warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year powertrain warranty of 60,000 miles.

How DT would configure this car

Skip the $ 3,000 EX trim that doesn't justify the price. The standard Sorento Hybrid has an extensive list of safety functions, a two-zone automatic climate control, six audio speakers, wireless smartphone compatibility, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen, making it well-equipped for most drivers.

Our opinion

Best-in-class fuel economy is just one characteristic that makes the Sorento Hybrid such an impressive vehicle. It also comes with nifty tech features, a relatively spacious cargo area, a peppy drivetrain, and a long warranty. The breathtaking design of the Sorento Hybrid cannot be overlooked either. It's not even a close comparison – the Sorento Hybrid is one of the best mid-size SUVs on offer.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available with a larger 12.3 inch touchscreen, although its graphics and menu layout look dated, it can hit up to 36 mpg combined, it has up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space, it has 243 horsepower, and it can pull up to 3,500 pounds. The Highlander Hybrid isn't as stylish as the Sorento Hybrid, but it is available with all-wheel drive.

If you're looking for fuel economy, the Ford Explorer Hybrid probably won't fit the bill. It's rated at up to 28 mpg combined, which is way below the Sorento Hybrid's number. On the other hand, its powertrain delivers up to 318 hp, well above the Sorento Hybrid. The Explorer Hybrid can also pull the most cargo with a valuation of up to 5,000 pounds. When it comes to cargo space, the Explorer Hybrid has the most space with up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Ford offers the Explorer Hybrid with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Should you get one?

Yes sir. The 2022 model adds more technology and all-wheel drive available, but the 2021 model is still worth buying.

Editor's recommendations



09 Nov
Blog

Sony HT-A5000 Review: A Dolby Atmos Soundbar For Hi-Res Fans

Sony HT-A5000.

Sony HT-A5000 in the test: The Dolby Atmos soundbar for hi-res audio fans

RRP $ 1,000.00

"The Sony HT-A5000 rocks with every sound format and every connection option we could wish for."

advantages

  • 8K capable HDMI input

  • Excellent film and music sound

  • Easy on-screen setup

  • Tons of connectivity options

  • High definition, Sony 360RA and DTS: X

disadvantage

  • No EQ settings

  • Some attitudes are buried

  • Bad integration of music services

At the high end of the soundbar market, you can find great Dolby Atmos compatible models like the Sonos Arc for $ 899, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for $ 899, and LG's SP9YA for $ 1,000. And now you can add Sony's $ 1,000 HT-A5000 to that list. Wondering how it compares to the rest of the world – and to Sony's flagship HT-A7000 for $ 1,300? Let's check it out.

Big and easy

Sony HT-A5000.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

In terms of design, the HT-A5000 (which we will simply call the A5000) is not very visible. The HT-A7000 lacks the glass cover and the cloth-wrapped speaker grilles, instead they have been replaced by a simple, textured black plastic housing and gray speaker grilles made of metal. It won't win beauty pageants, but that's a good thing. Personally, I think soundbars shouldn't draw attention to themselves visually as it could detract from their main purpose – to enhance the sound of your TV that your eyes should be focused on.

However, the size is more important. At 47.75 inches wide by 2.75 inches high, the A5000 should have no problem finding a home in front of everyone but the smallest TV. Sony even claims that their Bravia TVs can accommodate the A5000 between their movable legs, but I don't recommend that – any soundbar with speakers facing up should be placed as close to the front as possible to give those drivers every opportunity to hear the sound align with your ceiling, unimpeded.

The HDMI input can process 8K, Dolby Vision and 4K at 120 Hz, making it as future-proof as possible.

Sony also has everything you could need right in the box: soundbar, wall mounting hardware, HDMI and optical cables, a remote control and an analog patch cable to connect a compatible Bravia TV. Yes – if you are the lucky owner of one of Sony's 2020 or 2021 Bravia TVs, you can use this cable to hijack the TV's built-in speakers and let them enhance the soundbar's center channel audio. Unfortunately, I haven't tested this feature without one of these TVs.

HDMI in, HDMI out and 8K

Sony HT-A5000 input ports.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Some soundbar companies (ahem, Sonos, Bose) believe that a single HDMI ARC / eARC port should be enough for everyone. I disagree – and luckily neither does Sony. The A5000 has both a dedicated HDMI input and an HDMI ARC / eARC input / output. Better still, the HDMI input can pass 8K, Dolby Vision and 4K signals to your TV at 120 Hz, making it as future-proof as possible. There's also an optical port if your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC, but the A5000 drops the A7000's analog input.

When it comes to the ability to wirelessly connect to a speaker, the A5000 has it all.

Why is an HDMI input important? Aside from replacing the HDMI input on your TV that you had to sacrifice to connect the soundbar, with older TVs we can connect Blu-ray players or streaming media devices directly to the soundbar. This bypasses the inherent sound quality limitations of HDMI ARC connections that are imposed by televisions that do not have HDMI eARC. There is a lot to unpack. Instead of filling the space in this review with the full explanation, please read our guides on HDMI ARC / eARC and Dolby Atmos. If you care about the best possible audio quality, you'll thank me.

These ports are packed very tightly into a small recess on the back of the A5000, making them difficult to use, but as long as you don't have to access them often, you shouldn't be too hurt by it.

Setup on the screen

Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos Soundbar system message on the screen.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Speaking of HDMI, the A5000 repeats one of my favorite functions of the HT-A7000 – the setup process and on-screen menus. Using a smartphone app to set up a speaker isn't difficult, but being able to use your TV's screen while sitting back on your sofa with the remote in hand is much better.

From the initial connection, to adding the A5000 to your Wi-Fi network, to quick automatic room calibration, Sony makes it easy and – dare I say it – fun. And you can always press the home button on the remote and navigate the soundbar's on-screen menus, which is much more convenient than reading on the small scrolling digital display behind the speaker grille or pulling out your phone.

Connections galore

Sony HT-A5000 screen display.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

I have to give it to Sony. When it comes to the ability to wirelessly connect to a speaker, the A5000 has it all. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast – choose your favorite. The Bluetooth connection, which is hardly a minor matter with many soundbars, is also convincing with the support of the Sony LDAC codec, so that you can stream in the highest quality from an Android mobile phone. You can also use LDAC for a high quality wireless connection to a compatible Bravia TV if you want to be completely wireless.

Thanks to the exceptional support for high quality wireless streaming, music generally sounds great.

These options mean that regardless of which phone you have or which music streaming service you subscribe to, you can get the most out of the A5000's features. And given the growing support for lossless, high-resolution audio from Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and others, these benefits are no longer theoretical marginal cases.

Sony cleverly offers you the option of switching the Bluetooth function from receiving to sending (again with LDAC support) so that you can use any set of wireless headphones or earphones for private listening.

Great for music, even better for movies

Sony HT-A5000.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

OK, to the point: how does that thing sound? Damn good. If you stick to the basic mode of the A5000 (with the Sound Field function switched off), you will get perfectly clear and balanced stereo sound. It's great for sitcoms, news shows, and comedy specials – basically anytime you want to focus on dialogue. In this mode, the bass remains mellow even with the subwoofer set to the maximum and offers just enough bass to give the voices more depth and some weight to the background soundtrack.

It's also the preferred mode for listening to two-channel stereo music, especially if you're a purist looking to keep additional digital processing to a minimum. And thanks to the soundbar's exceptional support for high quality wireless streaming, music generally sounds great.

The only downside is there's not much you can do if you don't like the way Sony tuned the A5000. I have sued Sony for missing EQ adjustments on their expensive A7000 and will do it again for the A5000. It's an odd choice for a company that offers extensive EQ options for their wireless headphones and earbuds.

Dolby Atmos movies have all been rendered with this key ingredient – sounds that seem to be coming from everywhere.

If you have a Tidal HiFi or Amazon Music subscription, you owe it to yourself to try tracks mastered using the Sony 360 Reality Audio (360RA) format that the A5000 supports. Simply put, 360RA tries to mimic the sound of a live performance indoors by using surround sound technology to give the music an open, airy feel. As with Dolby Atmos Music, some tracks benefit more from this than others. Pink Floyd's Learning To Fly, for example, felt like it was made for 360RA, while John Mayer's I Guess I Just Feel Like seemed to lose something in the move.

But even if songs don't necessarily benefit from 360RA, sometimes the format itself is preferable when you want an ambient sound – for example, when entertaining a group of guests. I find it easier to have a conversation when the music is not directed at you, as is the case with traditional stereo. Currently, the 360RA only works over a WiFi Chromecast connection from a phone or tablet, so you cannot control it through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

The only downside to the A5000's musical capabilities is the lack of integration of music services into the Sony Music Center app. The app lists many of the most popular services (Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, etc.) but tapping on it will only redirect you to the service's app on your phone (assuming you have it installed). Unlike Sonos, there is no way to access Search, manage favorites or playlists, or other music service features. However, you can use the app to control multiroom audio if you have other compatible Sony speakers.

Sony HT-A5000.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

You're not buying a $ 1,000 Dolby Atmos soundbar for stereo audio. You want to be blown away by fully immersive 3D soundtracks that convey power, excitement and emotion and for that you need to enable Sound Field mode. This instantly changes the soundstage from a fairly narrow and forward-facing affair to one that spreads out across the room.

The A5000's built-in subwoofer is surprisingly powerful. For smaller spaces, that's probably all you need.

The Sound Field mode is not a 3D variant, but three – Sony's own Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby's virtualized speaker mode and DTS Virtual: X – and each has its own sound signature. Sony's version pulls back at low frequencies to create a high, wide, and deep presentation that emphasizes clarity. Dolby, on the other hand, pushes the built-in subwoofer to its limits for a thundering sound, but can introduce undesirable distortion and often cloud the mids and high frequencies. DTS Virtual: X is somewhere in between, but not Goldilocks way. It's more of a compromise.

Since each of these 3D flavors sounds so different, they can all be great choices depending on what you're playing. I found the Sony version to be ideal for native Dolby Atmos movies and music. Avengers: Infinity War, Mad Max: Fury Road and Ford v. Ferrari have all been rendered with this important Dolby Atmos ingredient – sounds that seem to come from everywhere and move in sync with the action on the screen. Wondering if you need one of Sony's wireless subwoofers? You would definitely get better low frequency effects, but the A5000's built-in subwoofer is surprisingly powerful. For smaller spaces, that's probably all you need.

I plugged a Shield TV into the HDMI input and enjoyed Dolby Atmos songs from Tidal like Save Your Tears from The Weeknd and Riders On The Storm from The Doors. Dolby Atmos Music can feel lackluster at times, especially if you're using headphones, but the A5000 lets you enjoy the emerging format to its fullest.

Sony HT-A5000 built-in display.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

But here's a tip: as with most Dolby Atmos sound bars, if you feel like something is missing – like you're not listening to an immersive mix – dive into the advanced audio settings and turn up the levels for the treble and treble Surround channels. Sony's calibration software tends to take a conservative approach that doesn't always produce the best results.

Definitely worth trying out Dolby and DTS Virtual: X's virtualized speaker mode for all content, whether it's Atmos or not, but switching between these 3D versions isn't much fun. There is no way to do this in the Sony Music Center app, including by pressing a preset button on the remote control.

Instead, you need to pause your movie or music, press the home button on the remote, then navigate to Setup> Advanced Settings> Audio Settings> Sound Field Settings from the on-screen menu. You can then choose a different 3D variant and return to your content.

This may not be too bad if it is just a question of finding the one you like the most, but since there is no way to tweak the EQ, switching between them is your only option if you want the performance of either dislike them.

Beyond the bar

Sony HT-A5000 remote control.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As with most mid- to high-end soundbars, you can expand the sound capabilities of the A5000 by adding two Sony wireless subwoofers of your choice (SA-SW5 or SA-SW3) and a number of wireless surround satellites (SA-RS3S). This does not improve the performance of the altitude channel of the system, but it can make a huge difference to the overall level of immersion. If you have the room in your home and on your budget, I highly recommend these additions.

Our opinion

The Sony HT-A5000 offers a premium price, but offers both music and movie lovers a first-class sound experience.

Is there a better alternative?

At this price point, the HT-A5000 has several direct competitors, and all of them are excellent in their own way. The choice among them really depends on the features that are important to you. Here's what you should know:

  • If you are an audiophile, LG SP9YA is a strong competitor because, like the A5000, it supports Hi-Res audio over Wi-Fi and USB. It also comes with its own wireless subwoofer, which makes it satisfactory for movies right out of the box. It doesn't support Bluetooth LDAC or Sony 360RA, however, and its hard-wired power cord could be a nuisance for some installations.
  • If you want easy, powerful control over your music sources and multiroom audio, and want some smart home perks, drag the Sonos Arc or the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. Both don't have HDMI inputs, which limits their flexibility, but that's only a problem if you have an older TV. Both can serve as smart speakers with your choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • If you're looking for a real replacement for a home theater system for movies and TV shows but multiroom audio isn't that important, this is it Vizio Elevate comes with a wireless subwoofer and surround satellite speakers that usually cost extra.
  • Would you like even better sound, but don't want to clutter your room with more speakers? For $ 300 more that Sony HT-A7000 is a larger, more powerful speaker (with two HDMI inputs plus one analog input) that is well worth the extra investment.

How long it will take?

Sony products are very well made and the HT-A5000 is no exception. If you are considering 8K compatibility, it could be 10 years or more before you even have to think about upgrading. And even then, it will be a choice, not a condition.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. the Sony HT-A5000 will be a huge movie and music upgrade for any TV room in the house.

Editor's recommendations



09 Nov
Blog

Govee Neon Rope Light Review: Colorful Spaghetti Noodles

Govee neon fairy lights

Govee neon fairy lights

RRP $ 66.00

“Half the fun of setting up this light was testing all kinds of patterns. The possible forms are limitless. "

advantages

  • Bright, flexible light

  • Simple intelligent control via Alexa and Google Assistant

  • Strong glue and easy assembly

  • Thousands of different color configurations

disadvantage

  • The installation process might take some work

  • Not long enough to spell longer words

  • No possibility to extend the length

Govee has exploded into the smart lighting scene in recent months with a range of relatively inexpensive lamps and light strips, but their newest product stands out in several big ways. The rope looks like pre-cooked spaghetti noodles if these noodles had a light-diffusing cover over LED lights. The strip itself is divided into two sections: the lower half that hides all of the wiring and does not light up, and the upper section that houses the LEDs.

The Govee Neon Rope Lights are very similar to the Philips Hue Ambient Light Strip, but they are significantly cheaper at $ 66 compared to $ 180. They're also more flexible, allowing you to write messages on the wall or create a variety of different patterns to suit your personality. Best of all, these lights work without any external accessories and work over both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Thanks to the variety of colors, scenes and functions, the Neon Rope Lights are a great way to add a little light art to your home.

Assembly and installation

At first glance, I expected the installation process to be a lot more tedious than it was. The mounting hardware includes metal brackets that slide over the back of the lights and snap into a groove along the lower half of the rope. Holes are drilled through the bottom of each bracket that allow it to be screwed into the wall (and the drywall screws are included if you choose to go that way) luckily, each bracket comes with 3M glue on the back too . All I had to do was peel and glue to attach the lights to the wall.

Close up of the glue on Govee Neon Rope Light.

The brackets served as a guide for creating a shape. When I'm not writing, I have a small, gaming-focused podcast, so I positioned the strip so that it is in the camera's field of view when recording. I tried spelling out DDG for the show's initials, but trying to make legible text with the lights brought me back to my italic courses in elementary school. It didn't go well. Someone with more artistic talent might be able to form words, but I found it easier to just make a swirl pattern on the wall that resembles the Dreamcast logo. That said, half the fun of setting up this light was testing all of the potential patterns. The possible shapes are limitless.

Half the fun of setting up this light was testing all possible patterns.

The box also includes a set of alcohol swabs to wipe the surface before using the glue. The assembly process was easy; The only real downside was sliding the strip into the mounts. It fits tight and often I had to slide the bracket open anywhere and then pull the strip through until it reached the point where I needed it. Since the adhesive is a one-time use, the screws make it possible to reuse the fastening material and readjust it if necessary, albeit with a little extra effort.

Mounting bracket on the Govee Neon Rope Light.

The only headache came with adding the strip of light to the Govee app. The app does not automatically recognize new devices. Instead, you'll have to scroll through a list of products until you find the product you want to add. Govee goes out of their way with naming conventions, so your best bet is to look in your box and look for the model number. It's a minor inconvenience, but it seems out of place when it comes to modern smart home devices.

App and functions

If you've used a Govee light before, you already know the options available. The Neon Rope Light has the same functions as other Govee light bands and the same color options.

The Neon Rope Light offers more than 16 million colors and 15 different light segments to choose from. Each segment can be controlled individually, from color to relative brightness. You can also choose whether the segments should be well defined or should blend in between each other on a gradient. With this level of customization, you can create a nearly endless number of scenes that adapt to the mood of your room.

The Govee app contains 64 dynamic scenes to choose from. These are broken down into categories, including Natural, Festival, Life, and Emotion. Personally, I found the fall scene under the Of course category to be one of the best options. Even if you have other govee lights, these are the same categories and scenes available for them.

The Govee Neon Rope Light gives your wall a touch of style.

If you have multiple Govee lights in a room, you can use the app to select the Smarts tab and group multiple lights together. In one of these groups, you can set up specific schedules and "plans" that allow you to choose which devices to turn on, what color that particular device is, and much more. Unfortunately, while the Smarts tab gives access to a few pre-made scenes, it does not provide access to all of them. However, it suggests plans and even allows Govee's AI. Suggest color samples. You can even upload a picture and it will try to match the general color of the room to that photo.

Govee Neon Rope Light on the floor showing design.

In addition to these features, you can sync the lights with music. There are four different modes to choose from, but I found the sudden flicker more distracting than anything else.

Intelligent control

The Govee Neon Rope Light works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Alexa automatically recognized the light and added it to the network. With the Google Assistant, I had to link my Govee account to my Google account. After that, it was so easy to pick each light and choose the room to add it to. From the wizards I can set up schedules, timers, and more. I can also ask Alexa or Google Assistant to change the colors, modes, and more. Alexa even offers access to all of Govee's built-in scenes from the Alexa app, but the Google Assistant does not.

Our opinion

Govee has made many trails in the smart lighting space, with everything from indoor strips to smart lights and more. The company even has other lesser-known smart devices to choose from. The Govee Neon Rope Light will add a touch of style to your wall in the form of a word or a pattern.

While it doesn't add much in terms of colors or features, its flexibility and potential uses are considerable. The marketing material makes it seem like the strip is much longer than it is, but a kit is only 3 feet long – and there doesn't seem to be any way to add any extra length to the strip.

Is there a better alternative?

The Philips Hue Ambient Light Strip is a similar product, but its higher cost and the need for a hub make it less attractive. You could also consider the Twinkly Flex for just $ 100. It serves a similar purpose, can be arranged in writing, and has a number of different color options to choose from. On the budget front, however, it's tough to beat the $ 65 Govee Neon Rope Light.

How long it will take?

Govee's products aren't thin, but neither do they feel like the most durable items on the market. I was worried that if I put the brackets in place, I would scratch the lights. There is no guarantee, but Govee promises to replace defective devices. These lights probably don't move a lot so they should last quite a while provided you take care of them.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Govee is a high quality budget brand. Although there are a few hiccups here and there, the lights work well and are easy to integrate with smart assistants. It won't revolutionize your smart home, but the Neon Rope Light is a great addition to add a bit of style to any room.

Editor's recommendations



09 Nov
Blog

Google Pixel 6 Pro Review: A Fantastic New Era Begins

Google Pixel 6 Pro from behind.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

RRP $ 899.00

"The Pixel 6 Pro has the best camera on a smartphone today, a vibrant screen, the latest and greatest-looking version of Android installed, and enough power and long-term support to keep you going for years."

advantages

  • Incredible camera

  • Fun camera features and editing tools

  • Vivid, colorful screen

  • Android 12

  • Long software support

disadvantage

  • Unreliable fingerprint sensor in the display

  • Cellular connection fluctuates in some situations

  • 120 Hz screen may shake

the Pixel 6 Pro is leading Google's Pixel smartphone lineup in an exciting and much-needed new direction. In the third generation, Pixels had become a boring mid-range smartphone for geeks and photographers. The Pixel 6 Pro, on the other hand, is a flagship with an eye-catching design and new technology inside. Plus, it has a fantastic camera, the latest software, and a price that won't hit your bank account too hard.

Does this make the Pixel 6 Pro a phone for everyone that can really compete with the best from Apple and Samsung? Yes, but not entirely either.

draft

What a fantastic looking smartphone the Pixel 6 Pro is, with its fashionable color scheme, high quality materials and feel, and unique style that makes it impossible to confuse with anything else. After a stream of boring, purely functional mobile devices, Google gave the Pixel 6 Pro a design that matches its clean and beautiful software. It's up there with the best looking phones released this year.

Google Pixel 6 Pro from behind.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

All done? Nothing but praise? Well no The Pixel 6 Pro is massive and almost identical to the other monster phone of 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. At 8.9mm thick, it's not slim either, and its 210g weight means you'll always have it in your pocket. It is far from suitable for one-handed operation. The metal and shiny glass don't offer much grip either. So if you don't hold onto it there is a risk of a major, expensive accident.

Even if you do not hold the phone in your hand, it does not eliminate the risk of disaster as the phone has a tendency to slide around on many surfaces due to its slippery nature. A bag is recommended to keep it safe, and I also made sure that it is shielded on surfaces as the large camera module on the back can act as an anchor. The single, raised module strip extends over the entire back and, in the Sorta Sunny version, is framed with black glass and provided with gold decorative stripes in the adjacent pictures. This edge is slightly raised and can prevent the glass and lens from being scratched.

Side view of the Google Pixel 6 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

That the Pixel 6 Pro is big and slippery isn't unique, but it's a shame the non-Pro Pixel 6 isn't much smaller or less likely to break for freedom since it's made from the same materials. Unfortunately, the similarity in size means that no Pixel 6 phone is ideal for someone who wants a small Google phone. In the past few weeks with the Pixel 6 Pro, I've finally adjusted to the size and weight of the phone, along with the quirk that the power button is too high on the case. If you're coming from a smaller phone, be prepared for the fact that for the first few days the phone won't feel as natural as you might hope it will.

screen

On the Pixel 6 Pro, you'll see a beautiful 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with an aspect ratio of 19.5: 9, resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, and refresh rate of 120 Hz, covered with curved Gorilla Glass Victus . This is where it differs from the Pixel 6, which has a smaller, flat screen with a lower resolution and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The curve is subtle and doesn't bend much of the screen over the sides of the phone and is mostly taken up by noticeable bezels.

Google Pixel 6 Pro wallpaper.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's incredibly bright with excellent viewing angles, and you can watch videos with the phone flat on the table without losing quality or color. The viewing experience comes extremely close to that of the iPhone 13 Pro, with only a slight decrease in contrast in a direct comparison. Watching the Carfection video on the Ferrari 250 SWB reveals sublime colors and razor sharpness. The Pixel 6 Pro is a powerhouse for video playback.

The stereo speakers are intelligently placed, with the speaker at the bottom of the phone being accompanied by the main speaker at the top of the screen. Although the sound is pushed forward, it still has a wide sound stage. It's loud but the bass is missing, although the immersion from the clever placement of the speakers still makes the Pixel 6 Pro sound great in almost all situations.

The Pixel 6 Pro is a powerhouse for video playback.

All good so far but there are two serious screen issues that really frustrated me. The first is the in-display fingerprint sensor, which is junk. The problem is that it's slow and unreliable. I've re-registered my pressure several times and it doesn't change the situation. I've unlocked the Pixel 6 Pro with my PIN code more than any other phone, and there's no face unlock to bypass the pesky fingerprint sensor. I got around it a bit with Android's Smart Lock feature, which keeps the phone unlocked when it's in my pocket or when I'm at home. However, it's not particularly reliable either.

One-handed mode on the Google Pixel 6 Pro.One-handed mode Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Second, there's the 120Hz refresh rate. It's switchable between 60Hz and 120Hz instead of being dynamic like the Galaxy S21 Ultra's screen, and while much of the software is very fluid, there are apps that just aren't . Twitter is a great example as scrolling through my feed is like wading through mud compared to the iPhone 13 Pro. I'm pretty sure this is a screen refresh issue because when I manually force a 60Hz rate it scrolls freely, albeit with more blur. High refresh rate screens reduce eye strain and make website viewing and content scrolling more comfortable. At the moment, this is not always the case with the Pixel 6 Pro.

Both issues are at odds with the Pixel 6 Pro's polished exterior design, and not what you'd expect from a new high-end flagship from a company the size of Google. The refresh rate inconsistency could be fixed with a software update, and the fingerprint sensor unreliability could be improved in the same way. For now, however, both are pretty significant drawbacks that set the Pixel 6 Pro apart from its more expensive competitors.

camera

You get a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. The Pixel 6 Pro also uses Laser Detect autofocus, optical image stabilization on the main and telecamera, and records up to 4K videos at 60 frames per second (fps). There's also an 11-megapixel selfie camera in a hole-punch cutout at the top center of the screen.

Google Pixel 6 Pro camera module.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I've already compared the Pixel 6 Pro's camera directly to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Apple iPhone 13 Pro, and it beat those two established camera superstars. Everything you've heard about the Pixel 6 Pro's camera is true – it really is that good. Stills are full of life, colors and details. I haven't yet found a real situation where a photo is being taken that I need to edit a lot, if at all, before considering sharing, and the range of cameras offers versatility for me to have fun and get creative with .

It's the simplicity with which you can snap stunning photos that makes it so exciting. No matter whether night or day – whether the subject is moving or resting or near or far – the 6 Pro does everything for you. You just press a button and get a brilliant picture.

  • 2.
    Wide angle
  • 3.
    Portrait mode
  • 4th
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 5.
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 7th
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 8th.
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 10.
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 11.
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 12th
    4x optical zoom
  • 13th
    20x digital zoom
  • 16.
    Pixel 6 Pro
  • 17th
    Pixel 6 Pro

There are several exclusive pixel camera modes to try out. Action Pan lets you take photos with a blurry background motion effect, which is great for action shots of cars and other fast-moving things. You just take a photo as usual and Google's software will add the speed effect. Long exposure mode does the same thing and you don't have to track the subject, but I haven't found that many situations where it works compared to Action Pan mode.

Everything you've heard about the Pixel 6 Pro's camera is true – it really is that good.

Found in Google Photos, Magic Eraser is only available on the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, and it works by digitally removing unwanted things from your photo. It's effective and easy to use, and with a few swipes, random people and objects will disappear from the background of your photos. It even works with old photos and photos that weren't taken with the Pixel 6 Pro. It's part of Google Photo's extensive photo editing suite that goes way beyond optimizing HDR or Saturation. You can even change the look of the sky in your photo with the touch of a button.

Anything that isn't great? The large sensor makes close-ups difficult, and there is no macro mode to make up for this. I've also seen some weird distortion from the main camera where objects appear to be a different shape than they actually are. Aside from that, you get fun photo and video modes, transformative editing tools, and a camera that will capture amazing photos regardless of your skills and the environment. The Pixel 6 Pro's camera is currently the best you can get on a smartphone.

Software and performance

The Pixel 6 Pro uses Google's new custom tensor processor, paired here with 12GB of RAM. There is a choice of 128 GB or 256 GB of storage space. I used the phone normally, spent time playing Asphalt 9: Legends, and took nearly 500 photos over a couple of weeks. Through all of that, the phone was a top performer. I didn't notice any difference with the Tensor-powered Pixel 6 Pro versus a phone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor when it comes to general everyday life.

Playing on the Google Pixel 6 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Google used the Pixel 6 phones to launch Android 12. The biggest difference that you will notice with any other Android phone is the material you design. It makes Android cleaner than ever and a little more customizable too, as the accent colors can be set anywhere to match your wallpaper. There are some fairly new widgets of varying uses, with the YouTube Music widget being the most helpful to me and the new clock widgets being the most appealing.

The shortcut keys on the notification shade are bigger, easier to press and have new functions. I can't say they made a significant difference in my daily use, but they are definitely pretty to look at. I like the "bounce" built into vertically scrolling pages in the OS, but the one-handed mode isn't very good as you can't scroll through the OS and instead use a single app. It's not very helpful with a phone this big. I also like the Google Assistant's voice typing mode, which works fully in Messages and WhatsApp, so you can type and send messages hands-free. It's accurate and fast – I use it most days.

Live subtitle mode on the Google Pixel 6 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The tensor chip is supposed to improve the translation of other languages ​​on the device and is definitely faster than previous versions that I used on older Pixel phones. Live Caption adds text captions to videos in a few other languages ​​including Japanese. While watching one of AKB48's recent YouTube videos, Yuki Kashiwagi, the translation was good enough to understand what was going on, but it takes a while to get started. It will still make mistakes, especially if the conversation is lively, and will completely misunderstand what is being said, but overall it works well and is fast enough to keep up.

Although I've read some comments online about Android 12 having a lot of bugs, nothing was noticed during my time with the phone, at least not in terms of general usage. It is running all of the apps I have installed and has not crashed or done anything that irritates my daily chores. However, I've noticed that the assistant doesn't always give instructions to Google Home and sometimes it responds to the same commands. For example, Assistant stopped playing a YouTube video when I asked Home to stop playing a radio station.

I find Android 12 comfortable and quick to use, but there is a small learning curve. Google doesn't keep popping up cool features after reading the intro guide. The helpful pixel introductory cards that pop up the first time you set up your phone and lead you to notable new features will eventually wear off and you'll have to reach into the settings menu to activate them. It's a shame because you can be missing out if you don't take the time to really learn how to get the most out of Android 12.

Battery and connectivity

Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery that charges to 50% in 30 minutes with a USB PD 3.0 charger and Qi wireless charging, Google says the Pixel 6 Pro will last around 24 hours before it does needs to be charged. After testing, I expect the Pixel 6 Pro to last at least as long as promised, and I was pretty impressed with the battery life given the size and specs of the screen and the 120Hz always-on refresh rate.

Charging port on the Google Pixel 6 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

For example, on a single day with three hours of GPS use, a hundred photos, apps open, social networks, and a few other simple tasks, the battery still had around 30% left late in the evening. With light to moderate daily use, it was rare for the battery to drop below 50% by midnight. However, it took the phone about two days and two charges to adjust to my usage before the battery started working much harder. After this adjustment phase was over, the battery life improved significantly.

Side view of the Google Pixel 6 Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This is a 5G smartphone that connects to either sub-6 or mmWave networks depending on the version purchased. I am testing the phone in the UK on the 4G and sub 6-5G EE network. I have found that connectivity can be flaky and on several occasions a data connection has not been maintained despite showing a 4G or 5G connection. I've noticed that this is especially the case after driving a car, which may indicate that it is struggling to switch between cell towers and possibly 3G, 4G, and 5G as well. It isn't all the time and can only happen in areas with poor coverage, but there is something to be aware of.

After this adjustment phase was over, the battery life improved significantly.

Otherwise, the call quality is very good, with clear voices and a loud speaker (although finding the sweetspot on the ear is a bit awkward). I also had no issues connecting bluetooth earbuds or streaming YouTube to my TV.

Price and availability

the Pixel 6 Pro starts at $ 899 and is available now through Google's own online store and various networks. In the UK, the Pixel 6 Pro starts at £ 849. However, be prepared to wait if you order one now as demand is high and supply is low.

Our opinion

The only thing stopping the Google Pixel 6 Pro from being a must-have is the in-display fingerprint sensor. It's the only technical feature that lets the whole thing down, and since Face Unlock can't be used instead, getting into the phone takes longer than any other top smartphone currently available. It's a real shame because once inside it's a great experience.

Android 12 looks great, the screen is colorful and vibrant, and the camera is the best I've used on any phone in a while. That you have to resort to hacky workarounds to unlock your phone and gain access to these wonderful things borders on cruelty. Aside from the exaggeration, I was hoping that after the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 Ultra debacle, we had exceeded the level that makes security on smartphones annoying, but unfortunately not. Fortunately, the camera makes up for it. The last camera that I liked as much as the Pixel 6 Pro was on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and I think the photos on the 6 Pro are better than those of the S21 Ultra in many ways.

The many advantages of the Pixel 6 Pro mean I've learned to live with the inadequacy of the fingerprint sensor and other relatively minor annoyances, and the price is extremely competitive. even. If I were told it was $ 1,000, I wouldn't think of questioning its worth. It hits 8/10 here, and that will climb to 9/10 if the screen issues are fixed and connectivity improved in an update, but that number may not really reflect how good the rest of the Pixel 6 Pro is, which is why it is is associated with an Editor's Choice Award.

The Pixel 6 Pro is hands down the best Google phone in the past few years, and it's so powerful and well supported that it will last for years.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want the best camera phone available, our tests show that the Pixel 6 Pro is the right phone right now, although the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro are still superb and have some unique features that set them apart from others . These two devices are the main competitors of the Pixel 6 Pro, and we appreciate the feature set and beautiful screen of the S21 Ultra, as well as the performance, capability, and excellent software of the iPhone 13 Pro. You won't go wrong with any of these three phones.

How long it will take?

The Pixel 6 Pro's screen is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus, the back is covered with Gorilla Glass 6, and the phone is IP68 water and dust resistant so it can withstand harsh treatment. However, due to the slippery case, I still recommend putting it in a suitcase.

Google promises major Android software updates for the Pixel 6 Pro by October 2024 and security updates by October 2026. This is one of the longest update schedules on any Android phone, and even surpasses Samsung's generous four years of security updates on its latest Galaxy Cell phones. The Google Pixel 6 Pro will easily last three years before you have to consider upgrading, but for many it could easily take five years.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The fingerprint sensor will annoy you, but the camera and performance are so good, and the price is so cheap, that you will overlook it.

Editor's recommendations



08 Nov
Blog

Shin Megami Tensei 5 Review: Harder and Better Than Ever

smt 5 demons

Shin Megami Tensei 5

RRP $ 60.00

"Shin Megami Tensei 5 is another jewel for the Nintendo Switch that every JRPG fan should definitely check out."

advantages

  • Strong story

  • Tons of party customization

  • Immersive world

  • Fun exploring

  • Great look

disadvantage

  • A small barrier to entry

  • Strong difficulty peaks that may put some players off

Shin Megami Tensei fans get an early Christmas present. Finally, a new part of the legendary Japanese RPG series has been released that offers everything fans could want and more.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 is the latest entry in Atlus' JRPG series, which has also been spun off into the Immense Popular persona Games. Like other Megami Tensei games, SMT 5 focuses less on friendship and period relationships and more on gathering a personal army of demons to fight gods and demons. It's about surviving a holy war while making decisions that will determine the fate of the world.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 takes that premise to the next level, offering a stronger story than ever, better gameplay, improved customization, key nuances, and more. As soon as I was transported to the underworld, a sandy wasteland, I knew that in this game I would keep saying, "OK, this is sick". And it did.

History of Megami Tensei

While Megami Tensei titles always contain strong stories, Shin Megami Tensei 5 focuses more on his narrative than ever before. In fact, thanks to the extra care taken, this is one of the most entertaining stories in the history of the series.

The story begins as usual for the SMT series. There is a nameless hero who leads an ordinary life. Before you know it, he will be blasted unsuspectingly into a mirror world full of demons and ruins of places he once knew. How did that happen? That question – and more – will be answered as players solve the puzzle. The hero's body-splitting buddy, Proto-Fiend – who is a mystery itself – indicates that this is the future of Tokyo after a holy war between the angelic army of heaven and the demonic forces of hell. After merging with this fiend in a new human-demon form called Nahobino, the goal is to bring order to an ongoing battle as he travels between the worlds before and after the Wasteland.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 angels holding up a person.

As the story progresses, players will encounter many more characters and make face-to-face various decisions that will determine which ending they will get. The most important decisions come from a classic series feature called Reasons, which is about characters who stand for different attitudes. Things like law, neutrality, chaos, justice, and more take the form of different characters. In moments similar to Persona's social link scenes, players enter into deep conversations with characters. Answers to their questions and actions ultimately determine the character and fate of his world. The story is based on the angelic and self-righteous forces of Heaven and the chaotic forces of Hell "just trying to get through or rule," and those high stakes make the decisions all the more powerful this time around.

This is what SMT has always been about – morals and the beliefs of humankind compared to those of higher beings – and the new systems add power and immersion to the mix. Questions such as whether one man should be able to take another's life and whether one should atone for his sins despite the circumstances come to the fore. It's up to the player and their own beliefs to say yes or no and shape reality. It's a beautiful concept that really serves as a commentary on human beliefs and speaks to the idea of ​​"moral choice" better than any other game out there. In fact, the future of the world itself becomes an overlaying mystery depending on the choices made by the player, and that adds even more allure to the base narrative.

The central mystery kept me posted all along. There are certain moments when it shines, but they'll land the harder the less you know when you walk in. Just know that the lessons from the history of Atlus' SMT and persona stories come into their own here.

More freedom than ever

Speaking of lessons learned, the actual gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei 5 really feels like an evolution for Atlus. The classic turn-based combat system returns here, complete with the SMT-typical "one more" mechanics. This means that you can hit an enemy with their weakness to earn an extra round in battle. Be careful though: an opponent can do the same to you directly, adding an extra layer of strategy and difficulty to the battles as you play. Most of the time, I've been editing my character and tweaking my demon team around these mechanics to get the best possible combat results. Think of it like a demonic version of Pokémon, but avoid the thought of looking for the cutest team because they won't fly here.

While the battles are fun, I enjoy the most SMT 5 comes by immersing myself in the world of shadows and customizing my team. I spent hours working my team of monsters, finding synergies between demons, fusing demons into the form most suitable for my crew, and looking for the best Nahobino build possible.

Yes, Demon Fusion is back and better than ever, with Atlus offering the option to choose which moves players want to perform for a Demon Fusion. This makes it a lot easier to build a dream demon. And thanks to the new essence fusion mechanic, players can take this customization even further.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 Nahbino protagonist holds miracle water.

Essence Fusion allows players to attribute the essences of demons they have collected to other demons or even to the Nahobino himself. This means that players can get not only skills from different demons, but also affinities. I have a Pyro Jack, for example, but I'm not a fan of his innate fire abilities. So I prefer a Flaemis instead. Players don't even have to choose from skills; they can also change their Nahobino and Demon weaknesses, resistances and strengths. I have switched my Nahobino from being a buff and debuff machine to being a healer to a red mage all-rounder many times. With all the hours I've put into the game, I'm sure five of them came from messing around with team compositions.

I was absolutely blown away with what this game enables on top of the already great party customization that is always there in SMT.

The freedom of the game extends to exploration as well. Just adding a jump button to the series really opens the door to some fun lite platform segments similar to those in Kingdom hearts. Thanks to the immersive environment and the many hidden set pieces to explore, this is Atlus' best setting yet when it comes to traversing. Players can also use save points to quickly travel from place to place, making it even easier to get around.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 protagonist in conversation with King Frost.

There are even side missions where players can make powerful decisions. You have accepted a mission from Lilith but want to give it away to join an angel? Do it. Do you want to keep the loot of a quest to yourself and defeat the person you took it from? Feel free.

Another challenge accepted

If you are in Shin Megami Tensei 5 pray that the lightness of Persona hasn't rubbed off on the original demon negotiation series, fear not. Or maybe be scared because SMT 5 is a real challenge, as the series has always been.

If you're really looking for a reason to get super strategic in battles, SMT 5 is the game that tests you in the way Fire Emblem desires in Hardcore mode.

On more than one occasion I went into battle, got hit once and just let the enemy roll over my team when I said, "Yeah, I'm not ready to take down this guy." Trust me, if you are new to SMT this game will train you to save before literally any major battle or side mission, even on normal difficulty.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 protagonist Nahbino carries out an attack.

This can be a blessing or a curse depending on the type of player you are. If you're really looking for a reason to get super strategic in battles, SMT 5 is the game that tests you in the way Fire Emblem desires in Hardcore mode. However, if you've come out of the Persona series and are hoping for a similar experience, you might be rubbing in the wrong direction. I think this game could really have benefited from the Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster's suspend feature, but at least it allows you to instantly teleport to any save point to save your game at any time.

To make matters worse for some is the return of the demon negotiation mechanics, which can be difficult to master at first. To recruit new party members, you need to address them in a conversation. Sometimes you can get on your good side with simple words, and sometimes you have to pay the toll in items, health, money, and other means. Often times, you just get unlucky and let them run away or even try to kill you.

Fortunately, like that SMT 3: Nocturne HD Remaster, Atlus added an opportunity difficulty this time around, although I've heard that Casual Mode even has its challenging moments from time to time.

Our opinion

Shin Megami Tensei 5 showed me that Atlus has not lost its shine and probably not for a long time. It kept everything the series is known for intact while more was added and I wanted more. Not only is it a treat for anyone interested in a good JRPG story, but also for those looking for a real challenge and want to train their strategy muscles. This challenge can be an obstacle for newbies. However, it is a barrier that I highly recommend to overcome for a truly enjoyable experience.

How long it will take?

It took me about 70 hours to finish the game. However, I did follow many side quests, spent a lot of time customizing my group, and died many times. So depending on how you approach this monster, your time may vary.

Is there an alternative?

This year was brimming with great JRPGs. I recommend Tales of Arise, Scarlet Nexus, and there's the coming one too Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shiny Pearl. But Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a unique experience not to be missed.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. It's also a must-have Switch title that every RPG fanatic needs in their collection.

Editor's recommendations



«‹678910›»