Cambridge Audio out of the UK has a storied past rooted in London’s rock culture, and they’ve managed to not just keep their nostalgic ethos, but they’ve also entered the world of high tech audio…
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After a series of leaks, the Galaxy S21 series finally makes its debut. A teaser from the South Korean electronics company earlier noted that the unveiling would close out CES 2021. Following its regular marketing strategy, there will be three models hitting retailers on January 29. This time we want to highlight the range-topping version which is the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
What’s interesting about this device is that Russian Jeweler Caviar already posted its luxury-grade version of the handset. The gold-clad Galaxy S21 Ultra gave consumers an idea as to what the commercial unit would actually look like. Samsung is making a dramatic shift from the usual camera module which usually sits apart from the frame.
This time, the engineers are turning the section into a signature design element by moving it to the top right corner. Years of glossy finishes were giving users nightmares about smudges and fingerprints on their devices. As such, it is great that the Galaxy S21 Ultra goes for a matte surface on its Gorilla Glass rear cover.
Of course, the stars of the show here are the cameras. The smartphone packs a quad-sensor setup with a 108 MP wide-angle, 12 MP ultra-wide-angle, a 10 MP periscope telephoto, and a 10 MP telephoto. On the opposite side is a 6.8-inch 3200 x 1440-resolution Dynamic AMOLED with a 120 Hz refresh rate and is below a sheet of Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus.
It is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM. Storage options available are 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. Powering the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a massive 5,000 mAh battery. Samsung also confirms that it will support an optional S-Pen just like the Note series.
Images courtesy of Samsung
At its annual Unpacked event, Samsung just announced three new Galaxy S21 smartphones, the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra, all of which have a new design, a new price and support for 5G. Samsung also announced a new pair of wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. We’ve rounded up all the latest announcements, below.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the biggest and best smartphone in Samsung’s Galaxy S21 series. It has a 6.8″ display, which is slightly larger than the Galaxy S21+’s 6.7″ display, and it has a number of key improvements. It’s Samsung’s first smartphone to have a 120Hz refresh rate and a Quad HD+ display. It supports and comes with an S Pen, meaning it works (and probably replaces) taking the place of the Samsung’s Note line. And S21 Ultra comes with the “most advanced chipset in a Galaxy device” to help it charge faster and more efficiently use its battery life.
The biggest upgrade you get with the S21 Ultra is its camera system. It has a quad-rear camera system that includes ultra-wide, wide and two telephoto lenses. There’s also an upgraded 108MP pro sensor that enables the S21 Ultra, too, to capture 12 bit HDR photos with “64 times richer color data and and more than three times wider dynamic range” than the other Galaxy S21 line. The dual telephoto lenses allow the S21 Ultra to have superb zoom ability (up to 100x optical zoom) and incredible low-light photos. Additionally, the S21 Ultra is the first Galaxy smartphone to be able to shoot in 4K at 60fps across all lenses including front and rear four lenses.
Starting at $1,299.99, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is available for preorder now will ship everywhere on January 29. It’s available in two colors, silver or black.
Samsung
The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ are the company’s newest flagship smartphones. They have a 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch display, respectively, and despite the size and battery life, the two smartphones are pretty identical. Both have a edge-to-edge AMOLED display that has a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung claims that the display automatically adjusts the frame rate based on the content. The display also has a new Eye Comfort Shield automatically adjusts its blue light depending on the time of day and content you’re viewing to reduce eye fatigue.
Both smartphones have the same slimmed down rear-camera system that blends right into the metal frame; you’re sill going to get a little bit of a camera bump, but it’s minimal. They have same rear camera systems with telephoto, wide and ultrawide lenses. Samsung decked both smartphones with a bunch of photo-and-video-shooting abilities, but there two new upgrades that really stick out. First, both have an improved “Single Take” feature that allows you to quickly capture pro-style photos and videos with single tap. And two, you can now record videos with the front and rear cameras simultaneously, which is ideal for reaction videos.
The Galaxy S21 is available in four colors in 128GB models (violet, gray, pink and white) and one color in the 256GB model (gray only). The Galaxy S21+ is available in three colors in both 128GB and 256GB models (violet, gray and black).
The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ are available for preorder now and will ship on January 29. The Galaxy S21 starts at $799.99 and the Galaxy S21+ starts at $899.99.
Samsung
The Galaxy Buds Pro is the company’s newest pair of wireless earbuds and they’re upgraded in basically every way over their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds. The new wireless earbuds have active noise-cancellation and ambient sound modes (similar to the bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live) and the two modes work intelligently together; the earbuds are smart enough to automatically adjust noise-canceling and transparency settings depending on the environment you’re in.
Additionally, the Galaxy Buds Pro also have a new microphone array that drastically improve call clarity. They have an IPX7-water resisting rating so they should be save to work out with. They support USB-C and Qi-wireless charging. And they can be pair to multiple Galaxy devices at once.
Samsung’s new wireless earbuds are available for purchase today. They cost $199.99 and come in three colors: black, silver or violet.
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Check out our main show page for all the most important news out of the all-digital CES 2020!
CES is an whirlwind of gadgetry, but it’s also a crucial look at the year ahead for tech. Here are a few of the trends we spotted at this year’s CES that are bound to ripple out through the rest of 2020
OLED displays are well-loved for their best-in-class brightness and contrast, an effect of screen technology that allows every single pixel to be controlled individually. While it’s long been the standard for top notch big screen TVs and phones, OLED screens are filtering down into the last bits of territory they have yet to fully conquer: smaller screens.
This CES, LG announced it will be making its first 42-inch OLED panels, and announced its UltraFine OLED Pro computer monitor, with a 31.5-inch 4K OLED screen. And while OLED-sporting laptops aren’t entirely new, there are now more than ever with new offerings from Asus and Lenovo. This is surely just the beginning.
The foundation for Wi-Fi 6, a newer and speedier standard for all your various devices to send data back and forth, started to be laid last year as devices like the iPhone 12 rolled out with native support for it. The main missing piece, until now, had been the routers. And at CES 2021, they’re here.
Linksys and TP-Link have announced new mesh-network routers that boast support for Wi-Fi 6E, the fastest version of the new standard. And D-Link has a USB adapter that can bring the peppier connection to older laptops and desktops as well.
If the words “gaming laptop” make you think of a big, chunky, jet-black machine emblazoned with streaks of neon, that’s understandable but a little bit outdated. Laptops with the guts to handle serious gaming — namely a discrete graphics card — have been getting slimmer and subtler for years, but 2021 is taking the trend to a new level of maturity.
Alongside the announcement of a new slate of mobile video cards from Nvidia and processors from AMD, CES 2021 is bring the announcement of a whole new generation of I-could-bring-this-to-the-office devices like the aptly named MSI Stealth 15M (sporting Intel’s latest 11th-gen chips) and the two-in-one convertible ASUS ROG Flow X13. Yes “ROG” still stands for “Republic of Gamers” but nobody has to know unless you tell them.
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Apple introduced MagSafe this fall with its four iPhone 12 models and third-party gadget makers have had to play catch up — there are still relatively few third-party MagSafe accessories out there. That said, CES is inching to change that. We’ve rounded up the best new accessories that are compatible with the iPhone 12.
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Belkin announced a more affordable MagSafe charging stand than the one it announced a few months (which Apple currently sells). It’s a 2-in-1 charger that can wireless charge your iPhone, either 12 vertically or horizontally, as well as your AirPods Pro or other Qi-compatible device. There’s no Apple Watch charging puck.
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That’s right. PopSockets are releasing new iPhone 12 holders that are integrated with MagSafe technology. This means that they’ll be able to magnetically clip to the back of any iPhone 12 or its MagSafe case. They’re expected to be available this spring.
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Anker is promising a bunch of new accessories that designed to work with Apple’s iPhone 12 line. One of them is this 3-in-1 charging dock (not its official name). The catch is that the magnetic charger isn’t fully MagSafe-compatible, so you won’t get the super-fast charging speeds. That said, as it true with most Anker accessories, this charging stand is poised to be significantly more affordable that other options.
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Satechi’s new charging stand can wirelessly charge an iPhone and AirPods (with wireless charging case) or AirPods Pro at the same time. The catch is that it doesn’t actually support MagSafe charging, so your iPhone 12 will magnetically stick to the stand but it won’t charge at the high charging speeds (up to 15-watts) that MagSafe delivers. Instead, it’ll charge your iPhone 12 at 7.5 watts, just like any other Qi wireless charger. It’ll cost $60 and is available for pre-order now. (If you pre-order now through February 15 and use a code (MAGNETIC) at checkout, you’ll get a 20-percent-off discount.
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Check out our main show page for all the most important news out of the all-digital CES 2020!
The biggest consumer tech show of the year is a bit different here in 2021, having gone fully digital for obvious reasons. Still, it’s host to a menagerie of new gadgets with releases will be sprinkled out across the rest of the year (if they don’t get pushed back even further). As always, CES is an overwhelming flood of announcements so here are the best things we’ve seen out of the show so far, updates as the show goes on.
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Razer is giving its 15-inch gaming laptop a big upgrade in 2021. More specifically, it’s integrating it with Nvidia RTX 30 graphics and giving it a new 1440-pixel display with an incredibly fast 240Hz refresh rate. This means that what was already one of the best gaming laptops, is going to get a heck of a lot better in 2021. It’s available for preorder right now and starting at $1,699.
TCL Wearable Display
TCL
The TCL Wearable Display might have a boring name (for now at least), but it’s one that speaks to the best part of its design: simplicity. Sure, putting two 1080p mini OLED displays creating an effective 140-inch display in what looks like a pair of sunglasses isn’t literally simple, but the TCL Wearable Display is exactly what it claims to be, a display with no extra VR capabilities or other cruft you don’t need. This is a big TV you can fit in your pocket, that’s it. TCL’s video sunglasses have existed in prototype form for a few years, but will be making it to the public sometime in 2021, though price and availability are still unannounced. The one catch is that these glasses can’t play media themselves, they’ll need to be attached to a device.
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Last year, LG’s CX line was most people’s pick for the best OLED TV you could buy. Well, the C1 is the next-generation of that acclaimed TV. The big update is that LG is now offering a 83″ model — the biggest screen size in the line — and added some new gaming features to optimize the C1 for the next-generation consoles. In addition to the 83″ model, the C1 will also be available in 48″, 55″, 65″ and 77″ sizes. (Note: the C1 does not have LG’s fancy new OLED evo panel, like with the LG G1 OLED TV, which delivers improved brightness and better overall picture quality.)
LG UltraFine OLED Pro
LG
For years, LG’s UltraFine monitor line has been the preferred high-end option to partner with your MacBook — Apple even sells them itself. And now the company has announced its first UltraFine monitor with an OLED display: LG UltraFine OLED Pro. It’s a 31.5-inch 4K monitor that, because of its OLED display, is expected to have significantly better contrast and picture quality than LG’s current UltraFine 4K monitor. It’ll come with a USB-C connection, three USB-A ports, two DisplayPort ports and an HDMI port. Unfortunately, LG has not announced pricing or availability information yet.
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Samsung released the first-generation Galaxy Chromebook last year and it was a big deal because it was really the first premium Chromebook. And yes, it was really expensive (almost $1,000). Well, apparently it didn’t sell that well because Samsung’s new Galaxy Chromebook is a lot less premium. At $549, it’s basically half expensive and Samsung got rid of its fancy 4K OLED display. That said, if you don’t mind the picture downgrade — it’s now a full HD QLED display — the new Galaxy Chromebook just became a lot better value.
It’s been long rumored that LG is working on a rollable smartphone (similar to its rollable OLED TV) and the company teased just that at its CES keynote event. Not much is known about the smartphone — and it’s just a prototype right now — but you can see from the above video that its display “rolls” to extend and nearly double its screen size. Pretty cool.
JBL SA750 Integrated Amplifier
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JBL’s newest integrated amplifier doesn’t look like it’s from 2021, and that’s definitely a huge chunk of its curb appeal. With its big, beautiful silver knobs and teak-wood veneer side-panels that look like they hopped out of a time machine on their way from decades past, the SA750 is screamingly stylish. Inside, though it’s very 2021. Integrated amplifiers, which pair traditional amplifier hardware with modern-day streaming tech, are quickly becoming the cornerstone of the modern hi-fi setup. With a high-resolution DAC, support for AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Roon, plus a 220-watt amplifier, the SA750 should be able to power your hi-fi until it goes out of style and comes back again.
It’ll be available in April 2021 for $3,000.
TCL
TCL’s 6-Series has been one of the best budget 4K TVs available for years, and don’t expect that to be changing in 2021. The new models feature similar Mini LED technology that’s also integrated into higher-end 4K TVs by Samsung and LG. Maybe more significantly, however, is the fact that TCL announced that it will be releasing 8K 6-Series models for the first time — these promise to be some of the most affordable 8K TVs, should you want to make the jump.
Dell Latitude 9420
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Dell’s latest generation of business laptops are, at first glance, capable-if-bog-standard business laptop offerings sporting the latest Intel chip, but their best feature is a subtle little mechanism that would be at home in all sorts of gadgets. The new Latitudes sport Dell’s new SafeShutter webcam which has an integrated, physical shutter that flicks open and closed as you enter or exit relevant applications, giving you absolute peace of mind at a glance. Sure, you can slap a sticker or slice of electric tape on any laptop, but why should you have to?
Samsung Neo QLED TVs
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While OLED TVs are still the king of picture quality (and demand a price to match) Samsung’s made strides to bridge the gap with its new Neo-QLED TVs. Utilizing a matrix of white LED backlights like other LED sets, Samsung’s Neo-QLEDs have backlights that are 40 times smaller than the norm, allowing more precise control of what part of your screen is lit up by how much. The result is less “blooming” and deeper blacks, which bring the picture quality even closer to OLED displays which can control each pixel individually — for a price.
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Check out our main show page for all the most important news out of the all-digital CES 2020!
Given that CES is a digital-only show this year, produced and covered primarily from people behind their own home desks, it feels nicely apropos that plenty of the gadgets coming out are designed for just that purpose. From monitors to wireless keyboards, Wi-Fi upgrades and charging stations, these are the best desktop accessories that were announced at CES 2021 (so far).
Dell
When it comes to awesomely overkill home office equipment, Dell is setting a new standard with its 40-inch wide curved display. Sporting a resolution a 5120 x 2160, 21:9 display, the Ultrawide is the functional equivalent of two 4K monitors side-by-side, but without the seam. All that real-estate will cost you though. The U4021QW will be a pricey $2,100 when it is released on January 28th.
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Belkin is one of the few third-party manufacturers that accessories that get the full benefits of Apple’s MagSafe charging system. The company’s latest gadget, the Boost Charge Pro 2-in-1, is a more affordable and less versatile option than the company’s 3-in-1 charging station that Apple currently sells. The new charging station can wirelessly charge your AirPods Pro and iPhone at the same time. It’ll cost $100 when it’s released in March or April of this year.
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The Alloy Origins 60 is HyperX’s first 60-percent mechanical keyboard. It’s 60-percent the size of the company’s Alloy Origins Core, so it’s the ideal compact solution for traveling gamers. It comes with the same mechanical keys and RGB lighting as its larger brethren, and has the same aluminum frame. It’ll cost $100 when it’s released later next month.
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Satechi’s newest docking station is capable of charging five devices at the same time. it has four different charging ports, two 20-watt USB-C and two 12W USB-A ports, as well as 10-watt wireless charging pad. It’s available now for $60.
LG
The LG UltraFine OLED is the company’s first UltraFine monitor with an OLED display. It’s a 31.5-inch 4K monitor that, thanks to its significantly better contrast and picture quality, is aimed at graphic designers, video editors and photographers. It’ll come with a USB-C connection, three USB-A ports, two DisplayPort ports and an HDMI port. LG has not announced pricing or availability information yet.
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Linksys announced the AXE8400, the company’s first mesh router that supports Wi-Fi 6E. You can think of it as a way more robust version of the already popular mesh routing systems by eero and Nest, as the AXE8400 is a tri-band router designed for home’s who need super-fast speeds across a large number of devices. It’s also fairly expensive, with a one-pack (no extra mesh hubs) starting at $450. It’s expected to be released this summer.
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The D-Link AX1800 is the first Wi-Fi 6 adapter that’s shaped like a USB flash drive. It plugs into your laptop or desktop and provides a stronger Wi-Fi connection (up 1200 Mbps transfer speeds), but you’ll have to be connected to Wi-Fi 6 router to get its full benefits. It’ll be available for purchase later this year.
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Check out our main show page for all the most important news out of the all-digital CES 2020!
The Consumer Electronics Show is always big event for audio products — a lot of new headphones, earbuds, speakers and other hi-fi components are always announced. And this year is no different. We’ve rounded up the best headphones and earbuds that have been released so far, and will continue to add to this list throughout CES 2021, which runs through Thursday.
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The Sennheiser IE 300 are wired in-ear headphones designed for audio enthusiasts. They’re essentially a budget-friendly version of the company’s $1,000 IE 800 S, but with an earhook design that wraps around your ear for a more secure fit. That said, the IE 300 aren’t exactly cheap — they still cost $300. They’re expected to be released in the US later this year.
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V-MODA’s headphones are hugely popular among DJs and music professionals, and now the company has released its first pair of wireless headphones with active noise-cancellation. The M-200 ANC work with a companion app that lets you adjust the EQ as well as toggle between 10 different levels of noise-cancellation. Like the company’s other headphones, the M-200 ANC have interchangeable shields on the outside of each earcup, meaning you can customize the way they look. The M-200 ANC cost $500 and are available now.
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Soundcore just announced a new pair of wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. The Liberty Air 2 Pro cost just $130, which is about half the price of AirPods Pro and many other popular noise-canceling wireless earbuds. They have solid battery life (up to 26 hours), have customizable EQ, and come in four different color options, including black, white, blue and pink.
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If affordable audio is more your thing, that’s where the Sennheiser HD 250BT come in. At just $70, these on-ear wireless headphones are poised to be an exceptional value. They have a great 25-hour battery, are compatible with the company’s Smart Control app (just like most of its high-end wireless headphones) and support high-resolution audio codecs (such as AAC and AptX).
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Last fall, Jabra announced the Elite 85t, its first wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. (The company also announced and released a software update that brought active noise-cancellation to its previous wireless earbuds, the Elite 75t.) But they only were available in one color (titanium). Now the company is releasing those same wireless earbuds but in four new color options: gold/beige, copper/black, black and grey.
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The 1More ComfoBuds are wireless earbuds that cost just $50. Despite the low price, the ComfoBuds come with some nice premium features, such as USB-C charging, support for Bluetooth 5.0 and an IPX5 water-resistance rating. As for the design, well, they look very similar to AirPods Pro. If you’re looking for something a little “nicer,” 1More also announced the ColorBuds and ComfoBuds Pro, the latter of which have active noise-cancellation.
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The Earin A-3 are wireless earbuds that are unique in a couple ways. First, similar to Apple’s original AirPods, they don’t come with kind of silicone eartip. Second, they have an open-design to help you hear ambient noises while you’re listening. And finally, they’re absolutely tiny. According to the company, the A-3 are more than 20-percent smaller than most other wireless earbuds. They’ll cost $199 and will be available within the next few months.
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In the race to provide the biggest car touchscreen on the planet, we introduce you to the King-of-the-Hill. It’s called the MBUX Hyperscreen, and it’s essentially one ginormous touchscreen that replaces the traditional dashboard and…
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There were plenty of things to hate about 2020, but its slate of long-rumored gadget releases is not among them. We got Sonos’s first Dolby Atmos soundbar, Apple over-ear headphones, five new iPhones (including the SE) and some interesting foldable smartphones by Samsung and Motorola — and those are just a few highlights. And, well, it’s got us even more excited for what’s to come in 2021. These are a few of the long-rumored about products that might come sometime after the turn of the year.
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Sony released its next-generation noise-canceling over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4, earlier this year but its still yet to release details about its wireless earbud brethren. It’s expected that the company will release the Sony WF-1000XM4 sometime in 2021 and it’s going to be interesting to see how similar or different they are from the Sony WF-1000XM3 (and the competing AirPods Pro), which are still some of the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds you can buy.
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Apple is expected to release higher-end versions of its Mac line that integrated with the company’s M1 chipset. And it’s exciting because we’ve already seen the huge leaps in power, efficiency and battery life that delivers for its “entry-level” MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and who knows how much better its going to make its higher-end Pros. Probably a lot. It’s also rumored that we could see, for the first time, a 14-inch Pro, that has a beautiful edge-to-edge display. Look for these around March 2021.
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Despite making Wear OS, the operating system for many other Android smartwatches, Google has still yet to release a smartwatch of its own in the last few years. Hopefully we get one that looks beautiful and runs exactly well with its the company’s line of Pixel smartphones. It’s a product that’s both a long time coming, but which has also failed to show up so far, so keep your eyes open but maybe don’t hold your breath.
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Nintendo released a more affordable version of its Switch console in the fall of 2019, and it’s been long rumored that the company would release a next-generation console in the future. We’re hoping for a “Pro” version with more storage, a better display, upgraded guts and, maybe most importantly, built-in Bluetooth so that you can actually listen to your wireless headphones while playing Breath of the Wild. (Yep, we’re still playing it.)
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It’s been long rumored that Sonos, the multi-room speaker giant, was getting ready to release its first pair of over-ear headphones — and 2021 could be the year to do so. Would they be designed to pair with its existing speakers or be something completely separate? Or maybe they’d support Dolby Atmos and be a fun extension of the company’s home theater experience? We’ll have to wait and see.
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AirTags are little Bluetooth-tracking gadgets that are designed to attach to your Apple devices, be it your MacBook Pro or AirPods, and be discoverable in your iPhone’s Find My app. Essentially, its Apple’s take on what Tile has been doing for years. So if you misplace your devices, if you have an attached AirTag, they’ll be even easier to find.
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Rumor has it that Samsung is officially going to end production of its Note line, and given its high price and near-identical similarities to the company’s flagship line of Galaxy S20 smartphones, we can’t say we’re surprised. However, to soften the blow Samsung is expected to announced support for one of the Note’s line’s most defining features, the S Pen, when it announces its line of Galaxy S21 smartphones in 2021.
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Analogue was expected to release the Pocket, a beautiful handheld console that can play old Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advanced games in high definition, last year…but the pandemic hit and production timelines were extended to 2021.
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Welcome to Product Support, a column devoted to helping you get the most out of the gadgets and software you already use.
A new year is a great time to start doing some things you know, deep down, that you should already be doing. Best of luck on attempts to run everyday or do 1,o00 pullups, but if you need a rest there are some very important cyber-resolutions you can — and should — do from the comfort of your couch.
Gear Patrol
Are you backing up your important files. Your entire phone? Your entire computer? You should be. Devices get lost, drives fail. Everything that’s important to you should exist in two different places, minimum. Even the photos and files that feel so safe up in the cloud are in danger of being lost forever if you somehow lose access to your account. Set some time aside this year to take an index of your important files and double or triple them. Here’s where to start
LastPass
You’re going to have to have about 2,239,403,048 passwords and they should all be unique and strong. There’s no two ways about it. That’s where password managers come in, collecting all your passwords into one protected database, automatically filling them in when you’re logging into applications, and helping you make sure each is strong and unique. Make no mistake: getting started with a password manager is a Project that will require a lot of manual labor from you in terms of logging and changing your passwords. But the trouble it will save you down the line is so so so so so worth it.
If you’re spending a lot of time at home, it can prove more challenging than you’d expect to avoid sinking into your phone for hours at a time. The trick is to take some small but concerted measures to make the easy easy slide just a little more difficult. Here’s where you can start.
Gmail
Inbox zero might be an unrealistic goal, but odds are you could be reigning in your inbox a little better than you currently are. A few little tricks like using filter settings and pre-written responses can go a long way to helping you reclaim a little of the time you normally spend in your inbox
Chandler Bondurant
Every laptop eventually gets a little too geriatric to keep up with modern day tasks, but long before that happens it will probably get so packed with cybercruft that you’ll think that day has come years early than it already has. Take some time this year to do a deep clean: defragment the hard drive, remove the apps you’re not using anymore, maybe even reinstall the whole operating system. Yes, it takes a little cyber-elbow grease but there’s no time like the present.
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It’s been an eventful week in tech. Roku acquired Quibi and all its original content; Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, is turning a North Carolina mall into its new headquarters; Discovery’s new streaming service, Discovery+, launched on Roku and Fire TVs; and Elon Musk was crowned as the richest man in the world. All that and that’s not even counting all the new products — there were a lot — that were announced ahead of CES, which kicks off next week.
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The second-generation Galaxy Chromebook is a lot different from its predecessor that Samsung announced last year. In fact, it cuts back on a lot of things. The new Chromebook doesn’t have a 4K display, it’s thicker and heavier, and it’s slower with less storage and less RAM. On the plus side, it’s way cheaper. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 starts at $549 — last year’s Galaxy Chromebook was almost $1,000 — and still comes a 360° hinge, two USB-C ports and support for Wi-Fi 6. It’ll be available in Q1 of this year.
Price: $549+
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We love with new audio products look vintage — and that’s exactly what JBL did with its new JBL SA750 integrated amplifier. It’s inspired by the company’s amplifiers from the ’60s and ’70s, yet packs all the wireless connectivities, such as Bluetooth, Chromecast and AirPLay 2, to make it work in 2021. It’s also capable of powering 120 watts per channel, which should be enough to drive most loudspeakers. The JBL SA750 will be available to purchase this May.
Price: $3,000
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Samsung has announced its 2021 line of QLED 8K and 4K TVs ahead of CES this year, and the big thing is that they now feature “Neo QLED” technology, which is a type of Mini LED technology that promises even better contrast and improved overall picture quality. There will be three 4K TVs and two 8K TVs with Neo QLED technology at launch, and they’ll be available for purchase later this year.
Price: TBD
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You’re going to see a lot more gaming monitors this year that are optimized for pairing with the new generation consoles. And Acer’s latest entry is exactly that. It’s a 28-inch 4K monitor that uses HDMI 2.1 ports — a first for Acer — meaning it supports 4K gaming at 120 fps, which is exactly what the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X demand. The Verge has the full story.
Price: $899
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The Lenovo Yoga 7 AiO is an innovative new external monitor that works in either horizontal and portrait (vertical) modes, and you can flip the display depending on which orientation you want. It’s kind of reminiscent of The Serif TV that Samsung announced last year, and is clearly targeted at millennials (aka people always on their smartphones). The 27-inch 4K monitor will be available in China in February, with no US release date as of yet.
Price: $1,599
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The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam is the company’s newest soundbar and it’s big feature is that it supports Virtual Dolby Atmos. This means it’s supposedly able to deliver an effect that is almost Dolby Atmos while also being really affordable. We’re not exactly sure how exactly this compares to true Dolby Atmos, so we’ll have to wait to find out. The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam will support a number of wireless streaming options, including Bluetooth, Chromecast, Alexa and AirPlay 2. It will be available this Spring.
Price: $400
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Anker announced an alternative to Apple’s MagSafe Charger that Apple sells. It’s significantly cheaper than Apple’s version, which costs $39, but it’s also not a true MagSafe charger, meaning it can’t reach those 15-watt charging speeds for the iPhone 12; instead, it maxes out at 7.5-watts like all other wireless chargers for the iPhone. So if you’re OK with something that looks like Apple’s MagSafe Charger (but doesn’t exactly perform like it), get this.
Price: $22
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The Bose Sport Open Earbuds are unlike the company’s other true wireless earbuds, the Bose Sport Earbuds and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, because they have a completely new design. Like the Powerbeats Pro, the Bose Sport Open Earbuds have an earhook that wraps around your ear. This is ideal for runners and cyclists who might need a more secure fit and also need to better hear their surroundings. They’re available for preorder now with shipping expected to start beginning mid-January.
Price: $200
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Speaker design has remained the same for a long time now. It’s the usual form factor with multiple drivers usually in a horizontal arrangement. The arrival of portable types quickly prompted sound engineers to come up with something different. This is why omnidirectional models are so popular right now. Most companies choose to keep it conventional, while upscale brands are more experimental. This leads us to Sony and its remarkable LSPX-S2, which is unlike anything we have already seen.
Although it follows the cylindrical shape of most Bluetooth speakers in the market, Sony gives it a unique spin. The Japanese consumer electronics brand is renowned for its camera optics and audio products. In fact, we would consider its range-topping offerings as luxury-tier devices already. The LSPX-S2 — or the Glass Sound Speaker as the manufacturer calls it – lives up to its name.
This is not a brand-new release, but the aesthetics it brings to the table is timeless. Originally retailing for about $990, you can grab it now for a much lower price point. Its refined appeal comes from the glass tube that rises out from a metal base. Thanks to its exceptional craftsmanship, the LSPX-S2 would look good wherever it stands.
Meanwhile, you’ll be glad to know that the crystal is only for show as three actuators send vibrations up to produce 360-degree audio coverage. Sony notes that the LSPX-S2 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The highs come from the glass tube, the mids from a 35-mm speaker, while the lows and directed downward. Finally, the built-in LED can even emulate candlelight for those relaxing and romantic moments.
Image courtesy of Sony
When you’re building your first home stereo system, an integrated amplifier is your best friend. By combining a power amplifier with a preamplifier, buying an integrated amp is not only simpler than hunting for separate components, but it also gives you a good mix of performance and features for less money than you’d spend otherwise. Integrated amps come in all shapes and sizes, run the gamut from $500-5,000, and work best with bookshelf loudspeakers.
Integrated amplifiers have made huge strides in performance as manufacturers have gotten better at integrating the various sections; power, source selection, volume control and connectivity, while minimizing the amount of electrical noise that negatively impacts sound quality. The cherry on top? The signal path between the various sections is shorter in an integrated app, which not only improves sound quality but also means you don’t need as many cables for your system.
Wireless active loudspeakers and one-box integrated amplifiers, which include both wired and wireless digital streaming connectivity, have made a system of various expensive boxes mostly obsolete for the average listener. The resurgence of vinyl has forced manufacturers to include a phono pre-amplifier in most integrated amplifiers and the myriad of streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify are supported along with playback platforms such as Roon.
Integrated amplifiers are available with a wide range of features and power ratings. You can easily spend anywhere from $350 to $6,500 and have the nucleus of an excellent sounding system for many years to come. The one thing to remember is that better sound quality and a more extensive features list comes with a much higher price tag. The smarter solution is to find a combination of amplifier and streamer that fits into your budget if you are concerned about price/performance.
Support for wireless streaming has become a standard feature on some integrated amplifiers, including Bluetooth aptX and aptX HD. Both formats are lossy but sound quality has taken a huge jump recently when streaming from your smart device to an integrated amplifier. Many integrated amplifiers now include Optical, USB, and Ethernet connectivity for external streamers or if you use your desktop computer or laptop as your digital source.
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Domestically produced integrated amplifiers that are affordable, built well, modular and overachieving sonic performers are somewhat difficult to find these days. Schiit Audio builds everything in California and has succeeded at keeping their prices affordable by implementing smart industrial design and not over-engineering their products. The Ragnarok 2 is available in two versions: the fully loaded version for $1,799 which includes a MM phono stage, 24-bit/192kHz Multibit DAC, and a very powerful headphone amplifier, and a more basic version of the integrated amplifier without the phono/DAC modules for $1,499.
The Ragnarok 2 is rated at 60Wpc into 8 ohms and 100Wpc into 4 ohms. It is more than capable of driving difficult loads like the Magnepan LRS planar loudspeakers or large full-range bookshelf loudspeakers like the Q Acoustics Concept 300 with very little effort and reproduces music with real presence and a level of resolution that you expect from far more expensive audio components. If you listen to headphones on a regular basis, the Ragnarok 2 delivers more power than you would ever need for even the most demanding planar magnetic headphones like the Meze Audio Empyrean.
Price: $1,799
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Hybrid tube integrated amplifiers like the MA352 are aspirational products designed for demanding high-end loudspeakers that require a bottomless reserve of power, and reference level resolution, detail and low-end control. The hybrid design features a tube preamplifier, and 200Wpc solid-state amplifier that almost doubles its power into more demanding 4-ohm loads. The attention to detail and tank-like build quality are what you should expect for $6,500 and McIntosh gear never fails to deliver or retain its value long-term. While some may bristle at the absence of streaming capabilities or an internal DAC, the reality is that MA352 requires source components of equal quality to really demonstrate what it can do. Paired with a high-end turntable or streamer, the MA352 puts considerable distance between itself and the rest of the competition – the Cambridge Audio Edge A comes remarkably close with its power, transparency, and high-end internal DAC but loses out somewhat with its cooler tonal balance.
Price: $6,500
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Cambridge Audio celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018 with the launch of the award-winning Edge A integrated amplifier. It’s a reference level piece of hi-fi that shines with every loudspeaker you can throw it. At the opposite end of the price spectrum sits the entry-level AXA35 that delivers more than enough power to drive pricier bookshelf loudspeakers in a very satisfying manner. It does not include an internal DAC or streaming capabilities, but serves as a very confident and robust sounding amplifier that works well with the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt DAC and your smartphone or laptop. Build quality is first-rate and we were quite surprised by the quality of the MM phono stage that shines with cartridges from Grado Labs, Ortofon, and Audio-Technica.
Price: $350
It has been almost a year since we first recommended the PowerNode 2i and after a number of firmware updates and the addition of support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), it remains the best component of its kind. It can output more than 60 watts per channel and offers outstanding resolution and low-end control. The tonal balance is on the warm side and its internal 32-bit/384kHz DAC improves the sound of any streaming service that you may use. The PowerNode 2i also offers support for Apple AirPlay2 and is one of the first integrated amplifiers to work with Amazon’s Alexa voice control and Google Assistant. The PowerNode 2i now supports HDMI eARC and ARC connectivity and will stream to wireless headphones.
Price: $899
At last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, Sony, Samsung, and LG were competing in the entertainment segment with huge TVs. We saw models that took up an entire wall, rollable panels, and so much more. As modern cameras support higher quality photography and recording, manufacturers are now eager to deliver high-resolution displays at even bigger sizes. Obviously, these would cost an arm and a leg, which is why you should consider alternatives like the GOOVIS LITE.
It might look like your average VR headset, but the GOOVIS LITE is a dedicated for to emulate a large format display. According to its crowdfunding page, it can reproduce a cinema-grade experience with a screen as big as 600 inches. This means users can watch movies, enjoy immersive 3D effects, and play video games. Now, you have access to a giant screen anytime and anywhere you want.
The headset using two 0.49-inch 1920 x 1080-resolution micro-OLEDs that combine for a total display PPI of about 4,523. Magnifying the output is a 7 aspherical lens system with a 42-degree field of view. Evidently, as indicated by its name – GOOVIS LITE – this is a step down from the Pro version. Nevertheless, it is also much more affordable this time around.
The range-topping model originally costs as high as $890. The GOOVIS LITE, on the other hand, should retail for around $349 only. If you have been using other platforms such as the Oculus and other VR headsets, the stationary image might be jarring at first. However, you’ll get used to it after a while. GOOVIS is shipping these out soon once the crowdfunding campaign ends.
Images courtesy of GOOVIS
There have been surprising reviews regarding Apple’s latest gadgets which came out last year. One deals with the removal of Force Touch from the latest Apple Watch models. Others talk about the company’s decision to no longer ship their products with chargers and earphones in the box. Its most recent product release was the AirPods Max, which continues to receive criticism from users for a lot of reasons. Thankfully, Waterfield has a solution for one of those issues called the Shield Case
In what the majority of tech pundits define as a major step back for innovative technology, the AirPods Max does not have a dedicated power button. Instead, Apple ships their costly over-ear cans with a Smart Case. This automatically triggers what the manufacturer calls “ultralow power mode” the moment you slip the headphones in.
However, the accessory leaves some parts susceptible to damage. Waterfield hopes to address that oversight in a stylish and classy way. The Shield Case can accommodate the AirPods Max with or without the Smart Case. To activate the power-saving feature it uses what they call a Magnetic Leather Butterfly system.
We love how it folds down flat to accommodate the headphones with the first-party Smart Case on. It also doubles as a barrier to prevent the aluminum earcups from scratching one another. Plus, the embedded magnets engage the sleep mode as well.
The exterior of the Shield Case is crafted out of full-grain leather with a zippered front pocket and back mesh pocket. The interior has a plush lining with soft foam inserts to protect your AirPods Max. Waterfield ships this out of San Francisco, California by batches, so grab yours now.
Images courtesy of Waterfield
Active noise-canceling headphones are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason: using special built-in microphones, they can electronically generate opposing sound waves — called antiphases — that cancel out ambient sounds. The result is that you just hear the music, not your apartment’s TV, your colleagues’ lunch conversation or the dull buzz of an airplane.
Noise-canceling headphones do come in earbud design, but over-ear designs do a better job at passively blocking out noise. The combination of great active and passive noise-cancellation, plus the fact that over-ear headphones are able to have bigger and more powerful drivers, make over-ear headphones the best type of active noise-canceling headphones bar none.
And there are a ton to choose from. Bose and Sony have been the industry leaders for numerous years, and each makes a few different models of noise-canceling headphones. Then there’s the fact that seemingly every other audio company — including Apple now — has its own take on the perfect noise-canceling headphones.
Most of the best noise-canceling headphones hover somewhere near the $300 or above; if you don’t want to spend as much you can find older, wired models of the Bose QC25 or Sony 1000XM that are both excellent and significantly more affordable. You can snag an even better deal with manufacturer-refurbished models on eBay, Amazon or the company’s own website; you can get a really good deal and all of those reliable websites have fairly lenient return policies in case the headphones don’t meet your expectations.
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Released in August 2020, the WH-1000XM4 improve on the Sony’s already excellent WH-1000XM3 headphones. They have improved noise-cancellation; specifically, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are just as good at blocking out lower frequencies like from a vehicle (car, train, plane), but significantly better at blocking out the human voice. They have an improved microphone array to better the phone call experience. Maybe most importantly, they allow you to pair to two devices at one so you don’t have to toggle with Bluetooth settings. Sony also tweaked the design (although it is hardly noticeable), by making the ear pads 10-percent bigger and slightly reshaping the headband. In terms of sound quality and active noise-cancellation, these slightly edge out Bose’s Headphones 700.
Price: $348
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Apple’s first pair of over-ear headphones are also very luxurious. Their earcups are made entirely of stainless steel – no plastic — so feel and look very nice, although they are heavier than most other alternatives. The sound quality and noise-canceling ability of the AirPods Max are both excellent, easily making the them some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. The kicker is that because they are baked with Apple’s H1 chip, so they have all the same features as AirPods Pro, such as a transparency mode, support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, and easy iPhone pairing. If you have an iPhone and can stomach the high price tag, you can’t go wrong with the AirPods Max.
Price: $549
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Released in February 2020, the HD 450BT are Sennheiser’s first real pair of budget noise-canceling headphones. They’re exactly half as expensive as the Sennheiser’s flagship Momentum Wireless 3 and deliver many of the same sound qualities and features. There are some definite tradeoffs, most prominently in their feel and build quality. You can buy decent noise-canceling headphones for even cheaper, but none have the sound quality and noise-canceling skills of the Sennheiser HD 450BT.
Price: $200 $146
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Released in June 2019, the Headphones 700 are the company’s latest flagship noise-canceling headphones. They have a number of modern features that the QuietComfort 35 Series II lack, including a new transparency mode, customizable noise canceling, swipe gestures for playback and USB-C charging. Aside from the completely new design, the biggest upgrade is a six-microphone array that enables the Headphones 700 to be, by far and away, the best noise-canceling headphones for making phone or video calls.
Price: $399 $339
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Released in June 2018, the QuietComfort 35 Series II are very similar to the slightly older Bose QC35 headphones. They sound nearly identical. They offer the same, great noise-canceling ability. And, like their predecessor, they’re the lightest and most comfortable noise-canceling headphones you’ll find. The big difference is that the Series II models have a dedicated button so you can access Google Assistant without taking out your phone. Even though they’re a little older, the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II are still our pick for best noise-canceling headphones for travelers, thanks to their foldable and lightweight design.
Price: $269
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Released in July 2018, the Sony WH-1000XM3 have now been antiquated by the company’s new flagship headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4. The two headphones look basically identical, and they share similar sound and noise-canceling abilities (although the new WH-1000XM4 slightly win in both categories). They’re still undoubtedly some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy, but just don’t pay full price — you should be able to find a good pair under $300.
Price: $348
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Released in April 2019, the MW65 marry the M&D’s signature industrial design (anodized aluminum and genuine leather) with active noise-cancellation. They’re beautiful headphones with above average noise-cancellation, and they have a number of modern features: USB-C charging, swipe gestures to control playback and support for a companion app that gives you the ability to adjust EQ settings. At nearly $500, however, the MW65 are considerably more expensive than other flagship noise-canceling headphones. Bottom line: it’s all about whether you like the Master & Dynamic’s signature sound and look; if so, you won’t be disappointed.
Price: $499
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Bowers & Wilkins’s flagship noise-canceling headphones, the PX7, were released in October 2019. They’re an upgraded and redesigned the B&W PX, with a lighter feel thanks to a carbon fiber design. They do deliver some incremental improvements in terms of sound and noise-canceling abilities over the PX, but the advantage of the B&W PX7 headphones remains the same: a neat industrial design and a truly excellent sound.
Price: $399
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Released in fall 2019, these are Sennheiser’s new flagship noise-canceling headphones are the successor to the Momentum Wireless 2. The new “3” headphones have a similar retro-industrial design, but add a bunch of new modern features like USB-C charging, a transparency mode and a neat Tile integration. There’s also support a companion app which allows you to adjust EQ settings as well as the strength of the noise-cancellation. For anybody looking for something that looks and sounds great, and is willing to spend a little extra for style and sound quality, these headphones are great.
Price: $399
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Released in spring 2020, the Sony WH-CH710N are the company’s newest pair of affordable noise-canceling headphones. They don’t really compare the Sony WH-1000XM4 in terms of sound quality or build quality, but the WH-CH710N actually have pretty impressive noise-canceling abilities and they have exceptional battery life. For the price, however, which is sometimes under $100, they’re actually an incredible deal.
Price: $198
Adobe has officially ended support for its Flash Player, the longtime browser plug-in that most of us grew up needing to watch videos on the internet. According to the company’s support page, it “strongly recommends all users immediately uninstall Flash Player to help protect their systems.” That’s right: if you have Flash Player installed on your computer, it’s time to uninstall it.
The announcement hasn’t come as a shock. The company announced back in 2017 that it would be killing off Flash Player by the end of 2020. And while it’s a little later than expected, Adobe says that it will block Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning January 12 — which is next Tuesday.
Thankfully, Adobe has made it pretty easy to uninstall Flash Player by releasing support pages that walk you through the process. It’s quick and painless. See the instructions below.
How to Uninstall Adobe Flash Player
• If you have a Mac, follow these instructions.
• If you have a PC, follow these instructions.
It’s not exactly the end of the world if you don’t uninstall Flash Player, and you’ll still be able to use it after the January 12 deadline. However, since Adobe won’t be providing software updates to Flash Player anymore, it could be a security risk to your computer — which is why Adobe is recommending that you uninstall it. So, you should probably take the two minutes (or less) and just get rid of it.
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What’s old is new again these days. From vintage video games to style from the ’80s, and now film cameras. The new Manual Reusable Camera_001 takes us back to the world of 35mm film cameras…
The post Manual Reusable Camera_001 first appeared on Cool Material.
While 2020 hasn’t been a great year for traveling, there have been plenty of great camera and photography releases that will help you capture the moment when you can get back on the road again. Here are the highlights.
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Moment is probably the best-known gadget manufacturer of smartphone photography accessories, and it just released a MagSafe case for the iPhone 12 along with a host of MagSafe accessories, including tripod, a light, microphone, a car vent and even a wall attachment.
The case starts at $20.
Price: $20+
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The Instax Square SQ1, on the other hand, shoots 2.5-inch square photos that offer way more in terms of lasting appeal as an actual photograph, and an aspect ratio that’s second nature to any Instagrammer. The Square SQ1 (and its film) are a bit more expensive than the Mini, but it’s worth it for pictures that are more “photo” than “gimmick.”
Price: $120
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The Peak Design Travel Tripod can be purchased in two different constructions: carbon fiber or aluminum alloy. The carbon fiber model is lighter and significantly more expensive, but both models weigh less than four pounds but can handle up to 20 pounds of camera. Also, both models will work with both DSLR or mirrorless cameras; a smartphone mount is also included. The Travel Tripod has latches to extend the legs instead of traditional twist locks, which makes it quicker to set up. It has a quick-release button that makes attaching and removing a camera fast and easy. And there are small levers that let you spread the legs wide for low-angle photos.
Price: $350+
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The iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max both have triple rear-camera systems consisting of wide (main), ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. The ultra-wide lens is the exact same on both smartphones, but the Pro Max has superior wide and telephoto cameras. Specifically, the Pro Max’s wide lens has much larger sensor — 47-percent larger, to be exact — which allows it to take better photos in low-light situations. And the Pro Max has a longer telephoto lenses (2.5x vs 2x) with slightly better optical zoom (5x vs 4x range) and digital zoom (up to 12x vs up to 10x).
Price: $1,099+
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the Z5 is primarily notable for two things in combination: sensor size and price. At a list price of $1,399 (body only), the Nikon Z5 is not the cheapest mirrorless full frame camera available. Options like the Canon RP (which you can find for about $899 these days) and various pre-owned or older-model options of various higher-end bodies have it beat. Not to mention you always could get a DSLR. But the Z5’s suite of features and general performance make it an especially enticing gateway drug for potential crop sensor converts. And maybe more crucially, a sign of things to come.
Price: $1,197+
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The E-M1 Mark III, the product of more than a decade of refinement throughout the OM-D lineage, shows just how myopic that pixel-peeping perspective can be. Cribbing a suite of professional-grade features from the bulkier, pricier, awkward-ier E-M1x and squeezing them into the E-M1 line’s tight, tidy body, Olympus has put together a package that carries its 20.4MP sensor (and matching suite of affordable, portable Micro Four Thirds lenses) so much further than any inveterate spec nerd would ever expect them to go. It’s just a shame Olympus went and sold off its camera division.
Price: $1,399+
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The A7C is the smallest and lightest full-frame interchangeable lens cameras that the company has ever created. Combined with its big 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, the Sony A7C looks poised to put some real pressure on the APS-C compact cameras (including Sony’s own A6400). The Sony A7C looks to be a smart repackaging of the A7III. Although you’re most likely going to need a lens like f/2.8 or faster to that full frame advantage. Pair it with a 50mm f/1.4, and it A7C could make an awesome travel camera.
Price: $1,798+
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Canon’s new flagship juggernaut is a best-in-class beast, and earned its spot on Gear Patrol’s GP100 because of it. Its new 45-megapixel full-frame sensor captures stunningly high-quality, high-resolution photos at speeds of up to 20 frames per second, with awesome autofocus and excellent ergonomics. The guinea pig for Canon’s new in-body image stabilization, the R5 can offer up to eight stops of stabilization under optimal circumstances and with compatible lenses.
Price: $3,899+
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In a move reminiscent of the Canon EOS R6, Nikon Z6 or Sony A7s, Leica has announced a lower resolution, lower cost version of the stellar SL2 that manages to incorporate some killer specs. A stabilized 24-megapixel backside illuminated sensor (down from 47 in the SL2) allows excellent low-light performance and 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video capture up to 30fps (soon to be 60 with a coming firmware update). Another small news-bit that comes with the SL2-S’s announcement: the SL series (as well as the bonkers, medium-format S3) are now supported in Capture One – industry standard software for many pros.
Price: $4,895+
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