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Bose Headphones 700 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: Which Is the Noise-Canceling King?

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are finally out in the world and they’re fantastic. They sound better and have slightly better noise-canceling abilities than the Sony WH-1000XM3, as well asnew features, like optical earcup sensors and the ability to be paired to two devices at once. But how do they stack up against the Bose Headphones 700?

The short answer is that the Sony WH-1000XM4 for the past few weeks, are our new pick for best noise-canceling headphones of 2020.

Here’s how the difference breaks down:

Sony wins sound quality.

Sound quality is always going to be a bit subjective, but to our hears the Sony WH-1000XM4 just edge out the Bose Headphones 700. While the Headphones 700 are definitely more dynamic than Bose’s past headphones (which were often criticized for sounding flat), the Sony WH-1000XM4 sound bigger, more vibrant and have a little more punch. The Bose Headphones 700 were pretty on par with Sony’s previous noise-canceling headphones, but Sony gave the WH-1000XM4 a new processor and a new Bluetooth chipset that, together, automatically adjust the noise-canceling settings so that the music sounds best.

There are two other factors that help the Sony WH-1000XM4 edge out the Bose Headphones 700 in the sound category. First, the WH-1000XM4 support Sony’s own codec, LDAC, which allows them to play higher-quality audio so long as the source also supports it. (There are a number of smartphones that support LDAC, but the iPhone notably does not.) And secondly, both headphones work with a companion app that allows you to adjust the EQ of the music, but the Bose’s app is less helpful, only allowing you to flip between two default options, while the Sony Headphones Connect provides a number of sliders for you to adjust the bass, midrange and treble.

Sony

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony amazon.com

$348.00

Bose wins design and comfort.

Sony made a few small design tweaks with the WH-1000XM4, like 10-percent bigger earpads that can relieve more pressure and more comfortable to wear. Sony also slightly reshaped the headband, slimmed down the head cushion and made its flagship cans a little lighter. Even with all that, the WH-1000XM4 look and feel pretty identical to the WH-1000XM3.

That’s basically the exact opposite of the Headphones 700. Bose completely redesigned them so that they don’t look anything its other headphones. They have new earcups that fit entirely over your ears, and a new headband with an innovative sliding method to adjust. And even though the two headphones are basically same weight, the Headphones 700 feel a little a lighter and would be our pick for longer listening sessions.The two-year-old Bose QuietComfort 35 II are still our pick for lightest and most comfortable noise-canceling headphones, but the Headphones 700 still have the WH-1000XM4 on the ropes in this respect.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose bose.com

$379.95

Noise-cancellation powers, Sony just edges it out.

Bose and Sony are the two industry leaders in active noise-canceling technology and have been for some time. And both of their flagship noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose Headphones 700, are the two best options on the market for blocking out noise. The user experience is a little different, however.

The Headphones 700 allow you to adjust between 11 different noise-canceling settings that range from a full-blast noise-canceling mode (maximum) to a transparency mode (minimum). There’s a dedicated button on the headphones that lets you quickly toggle between three of these modes — which are 10, 5 and 1 by default, but you can customize them within the Bose Music app.

Sony did things a little bit differently with the WH-1000XM4. It integrated its headphones with a new processor and Bluetooth chipset, so the they have a new feature called adaptive sound control. This is turned on by default and it allows the WH-1000XM4 to automatically decide what the noise-cancellation levels should be. If you’re in a loud room, for instance, the headphones will turn the noise-canceling settings to full blast, and it’ll do the opposite when you’re in a quiet setting. It just takes the guesswork out toggling between settings, which is nice, and works execellently in our experience. You can turn adaptive sound control off and toggle the noise-canceling settings within Sony’s Headphones Connect app, if you happen to disagree.

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September 3, 2020 / Comments Off

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Your iPhone Can Warn You If You’ve Been Exposed to COVID-19

The latest iOS update, iOS 13.7, just rolled out and the big new iPhone feature is a COVID-19 tracking system. It utilizes the contact tracing technology that Apple and Google have been working on for the last several months. If turned on, it lets you know if they’ve been in contact with or in close proximity with somebody has tested positive with COVID-19. And there’s no need to download a separate app.

Once your iPhone is updated with the new software, the Exposure Notification Express system will be turned off by default. To receive these push notifications, you’ll have to turn them on. To do this, you’ll want to make sure your iPhone is updated with iOS 13.7, and then you’ll need to go into Settings, scroll down and find the label that says “Exposure Notifications.” Then select “Turn On Exposure Notifications.”

Naturally, if turned on, this new feature will require your iPhone to collect more information about you and your surrounding area, which could leave you with questions related to privacy. However, Apple says that it’s “not collecting or sharing exposure notification data with anyone.” And if you Exposure Notifications turned on, information related to your exposures can only be shared with your permission.

Learn More: Here

September 2, 2020 / Comments Off

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Bose’s New Soundbar Has the Sonos Beam in Its Sights

Bose just announced a new entry-level smart soundbar that’s designed to be a direct rival to the Sonos Beam. It’s called the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 and it costs $400, which is the same price as the Beam. It can work as a smart speaker with your choice of Alexa and Google Assistant, just like the Beam. It also supports AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, just like the Beam. And it’s easy to connect to your TV, via either an ARC HDMI or optical connection, just like the Beam.

The main difference between the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 and the Sonos Beam is that they both work best in their own ecosystems. The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is compatible with Bose’s other surround sound speakers and bass modules, while the Beam is obviously able to work with Sonos’s other speakers. But the bottom line is that both are upgradable in case you want to integrate into a larger home theater system down the road.

If you’re looking for a larger smart soundbar to fill larger rooms, Bose already offers the 500 series and 700 series of soundbars, which are essentially bigger, better and more expensive versions of the Bose Smart Soundbar 300.

The new Bose Soundbar 300 is available for pre-order right now, with it expected to start shipping on September 15.

Preorder Now: $399

September 2, 2020 / Comments Off

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How to Setup an Ergonomic Workspace, According to the Pros

Welcome to Guide to Life, a series of tips, tricks and insights designed to help you get the most from your gear.

Your workspace might feel comfortable in the moment, but haphazard ergonomics can take a toll on your body if you aren’t careful. Make an audit of your workspace and make sure it is up to snuff before aches and pains make you wish you’d done it earlier.

Proper ergonomics and immediate comfort aren’t the same thing, so it’s a good idea to defer to specialists. Experts from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine recently published the results of a survey in the journal Ergonomics in Design, and it stands as excellent professional-grade advice you can apply right now for benefits that pay off in the weeks to come.

Make sure your screen is at the right height.

A leading cause of pain from makeshift workstations stem from an improperly oriented screen. The study found that many laptop users’ screens are too low, causing neck strain from looking down for hours on end. Those with external displays often had them too high, causing a different but similar problem.

The answer? The top of your main screen should be at eye level, to ensure that maximum screen real-estate is viewable from a neutral, forward head position. Any additional screens should be off to one side, but viewable straight on. While it’s easy to accomplish with an external display, it can be a little tougher with a laptop. But a stack of books can help raise it up to an appropriate level with ease, though it may leave you with some trouble typing, which brings us to step two.

Forget your laptop keyboard and upgrade with some peripherals.

Laptops are great for portability, but their ergonomics are inherently subpar. Their keyboards and touch pads are cramped and virtually unusable if you’ve hefted your screen up to an appropriate height. That’s where external peripherals come in. The study results showed that over half of participants were stuck with their laptop input devices, where external options could improve workstation ergonomics significantly.

Not only are external devices better for ergonomics; they’re also just great for making your workstation more fun to use. Grab an external keyboard–but consider going mechanical. Bluetooth mice are great, but might I suggest a trackball for the pinnacle of comfort you’ll never come back from? A big external monitor will pay dividends not just in neck comfort, but in screen real-estate. And a USB dock or hub makes it easy to attach and detach all this gear in one go.

Use the whole chair.

Being on the edge of your seat is fine if you’re watching a blockbuster, but it’s bad news for your body if you’re doing it all work day long. The study found that the majority of workers were failing to get were failing to get the maximum support from their chair, either being too far forward to benefit from lumbar support, experiencing arm strain by not using armrests or having them improperly adjusted. Simple measures like scooting closer to your work surface, or adjusting armrest height can go a long way to improving comfort.

Get up and move around.

Whatever your workstation looks like and no matter how ergonomically well-considered it is, a crucial measure everyone can take is to get up and move around. Studies show that you should be changing position at least once ever 30 minutes, whether you’re simply standing up for a bit, taking a walk around the block, or moving between a sitting and standing desk if you are fortunate enough to have both at your disposal.

2021 Lexus LC Convertible

Lexus

The first-ever 2021 Lexus LC convertible is the pinnacle of luxury and performance. As you press the accelerator, the notes from its thunderous V8 engine fill the cabin — even with the top down — while wind is engineered away. But while every surface you touch is wrapped in luxury, performance is undeniably at its core, with real-time suspension damping, a strengthened chassis and overall lighter weight — it truly is without compromise.

Learn More: Here

September 2, 2020 / Comments Off

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Here’s An Easy Way to Tidy Up Your Desktop for Screen Sharing

If you’ve ever had to give a presentation on a video call, you know there’s more stress than just making sure your talk goes over well. Sharing your screen can often mean sharing everything on it, whether it’s relevant or not. But if you’re on macOS, CleanSpark can help.

Many video chat services like Google Meet and Zoom well let you limit your sharing to certain browser tabs or applications (respectively), but if you have to have to share your full screen or just otherwise want insurance you aren’t accidentally oversharing, CleanSpark will cover you. When activated, it can hide your desktop icons, disable notifications and hide your currently active apps at the operating system level, so no chat app can even see them to share.

You can try CleanSpark for free, but the full version is an affordable $5, well worth the expense to prevent your coworkers from seeing more than you’d like them to. If you’re on Windows 10, fear not, the fix to hide your desktop is even easier and cheaper: just right click the desktop, select View, and uncheck Show Desktop Icons.

Learn More: Here

August 31, 2020 / Comments Off

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Ditch Your Tangled Mess of Chargers and Upgrade to Volta’s Universal One

How many times have you fumbled through a mess of cords looking for the right charger? Perhaps you identify more with the plug it in, only to trip over the cord and shatter your precious tech type? Or maybe you’re just plain frustrated with the glacial pace at which that cheap-o cord you bought at a gas station charges your phone. Volta set out to solve each of these problems in one sleek charging system with its Spark. It works by utilizing a series of small magnetic adapters that you can plug into each of your devices and leave there. Then, you can use Volta’s Spark cable with all of your devices. If you trip, the magnets will detach, but it still offers a powerful PD connection that will charge each of your devices at full speed. Plus, it’s ten times stronger than any other cable on the market, resists fraying and tangling and even supports data transfer. If that isn’t enough to convince you, how does a lifetime warranty sound?

Learn More: Here

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August 31, 2020 / Comments Off on Ditch Your Tangled Mess of Chargers and Upgrade to Volta’s Universal One
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Portable 4K visuals and Hi-Fi audio make the Lumonitor a versatile touchscreen display

It was not long ago when 4K-resolution displays first broke into the market. Since then, the technology has become mainstream wherein almost every other consumer electronics group has one. However, when it comes to more portable platforms, the demand seems to be growing. While most compact options are limited to full HD resolutions, Lumonitor steps up the plate to give us the resolution and versatility we need.

We all know that as the resolution goes up the power requirements follows as well. Therefore, the majority of portable monitors require external power and are often bulkier if there’s a built-in battery involved. The Lumonitor, on the other hand, offers an adaptable alternative with some extras that position it above the rest.

Moreover, we love the fact that features a touchscreen with stylus support. This makes it a great companion for gamers, content creators, app developers, digital designers, and even regular folk who just want that extra display for entertainment and occasional work. So if we’ve successfully hyped you up, get ready because we’re going into detail as to what makes the Lumonitor perhaps the most exciting crowdfunding project we’ve seen in a while.

Factors to consider before buying a portable monitor

Before anyone even thinks about getting one, it’s essential that to know what a portable display can offer. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the Lumonitor is on another scale compared to most of the models you can purchase from retailers. So, let’s discuss a few of the common reasons as to why consumers would buy it.

Weight – First of all, if you’re going to be lugging around an extra piece of equipment weight matters a lot. Understand that this will be inside your luggage or backpack while you’re on the go. So, the lighter it is, the better. Those who plan to use it outdoors for whatever reason should consider this carefully. After all, nobody wants to be carrying something heavy for hours at a time.

Size – Much like weight, this specification is another crucial detail that should never be overlooked. If you’re trying to manage what items can fit inside your container, the portable monitor’s dimensions provide a good idea of the volume it can use up. Most agree that a good display size would be around 13 to 16 inches. Furthermore, the stand should be removable or can fold down to accommodate other gadgets if needed.

Battery/Power Options – Unless you’re using it within reach of a power outlet, a good portable monitor should have multiple sources of power. Models with built-in/removable batteries are great and it’s even better if the display can be used with power banks.

Connectivity/Ports – Depending on the devices you will be hooking up to your display, a good number and variety of ports can be handy. HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, and a 3.5 mm audio jack among others should cover most modern requirements.

What inspired the creation of Lumonitor?

According to its Kickstarter page, the creators wanted to develop a product that meets the needs of a modern user. Given that portability and wireless connectivity are premium features people want on of their devices, Lumonitor gladly delivers.

“We found ourselves feeling pretty tied down despite living in a ‘wireless’ world, and we knew there had a be a better way,” stated the team. “So, we gathered a team of engineers and started work on a device that could incorporate all of our gadgets into one go-anywhere, do-anything workstation. After over 2 years of design and dozens of prototypes, Lumonitor was born.”

The Lumonitor Experience

It’s all about the visuals – The Lumonitor, as the product description notes, is a portable monitor. Nevertheless, it stands out thanks to the ultra-HD or 4K-resolution. This is still a rare feature to find on a display of its kind. The 15.6-inch IPS panel uses LED backlighting to produce vivid colors.

Touch support – Not only are you getting a high-resolution and dynamic screen, but the inclusion of touch controls should make content creators happy. With the help of its proprietary PinPoint touch accuracy technology, editing photos, videos, and digital artistry are enhanced. Latency is a big problem, but its less-than-10-millisecond response time should put others to shame.

Great audio – Normally, when developing a portable monitor, companies focus the bulk of their resources on the performance and quality of the screen. Often, this leaves audio clarity as an afterthought, which can be disappointing for the user, but not the Lumonitor.

Meanwhile, it ensures a balanced experience as it generates impressive acoustic clarity. Editing videos, playing games, and composing music become even more immersive. There’s the high-fidelity output from its built-in stereo speakers. Likewise, plug in your headphones/earphones for a more personal listening session.

One versatile package – Lumonitor is not joking around and lives up to its definition as a portable monitor. The frame measures 360 mm wide, 220 mm high, and only 6 mm thick. Additionally, at just 1.3 lbs, it fits the very definition of portability.

Compatibility-wise, its collection of ports and plug-and-play support lets users connect their favorite devices. Packing two 4,000 mAh batteries for a total of 8,000 mAh, it’s enough to four hours without an external power source. Equally interesting is its ability to function as a power bank to charge your smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets.

Final Thoughts

We are seriously impressed with what all the bells and whistles that the Lumonitor will ship with. Our team loves the flexible nature of the device which not a lot of manufacturers can achieve. This will surely boost the productivity of professionals and allow gamers to enjoy the full extent of their console’s graphical/sound capabilities.

Ultimately, the 10-point capacitive touch just shows that the company knows exactly how to create a portable 4K monitor that will be difficult to rival. The Lumonitor is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter and has already surpassed its goal beyond expectations. This speaks volumes of what it intends to bring to the table.

Back this project now: here

If you would like your product reviewed and featured on Men’s Gear as well as its vast social media channels, e-mail Joe@mensgear.net

August 30, 2020 / Comments Off on Portable 4K visuals and Hi-Fi audio make the Lumonitor a versatile touchscreen display
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The Best Cable Management Accessories to Declutter Your Home Office

If you’re working from home, your desk is likely getting a bit crowded. our laptop, monitor, wireless keyboard and wireless mouse all take up space, plus any of the other stuff you actually need to do your job. There’s a good chance you have a lot of cords running all over your desk, as well. To combat this and keep your desk (and yourself) better organized, get one of these cable management accessories. They’re cheap, effective and will help you be more productive. Trust us.

1 Blue Key World Cable Clips

Blue Key World

$6.97

For wires like charging cables, which you need ready access to, these cable clips are a great option.

2 Simple Cord Cable Management Ties

SimpleCord amazon.com

$9.95

For bundles of cables out of sight, nothing beats a velcro tie.

3 Idealstanley Cable Clip Holder

Idealstanley amazon.com

$11.75

Multi cable holders are great for wrangling multiple charging cables.

4 Zip Tie Adhesive-Backed Mounts

Nova Supply amazon.com

$19.99

$12.43 (38% off)

These adhesive mounts are a must for running wires along the edge or back of a desk.

5 YAMAZAKI Desk Cord Organizer

YAMAZAKI home amazon.com

$14.98

This cable puck can be used in a variety of different ways, giving you a lot of versatility for your buck.

6 Joto Cable Management Sleeve

JOTO amazon.com

$16.99

A cable sleeve is perfect for turning 12 cables into one big one.

7 Cable Management Box by Baskiss

Baskiss amazon.com

$21.99

A cable box is a great place to hide your mess, whether it lives on your desk or under it.

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August 30, 2020 / Comments Off on The Best Cable Management Accessories to Declutter Your Home Office
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The iPad Air 4 Could Have a Radical Redesign

After discontinuing the iPad Air line completely in 2017, Apple revived it with the new iPad Air about a year-and a half ago, in early 2019. The new model had a bunch of additional features, like a Retina and True Tone display, a A12 Bionic processor (also found in 2018’s iPhone XS), a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and stylus support for the Apple Pencil. Now it’s late 2020 and fresh rumors are circulating that Apple is set to announce a new iPad Air this fall — dubbed the iPad Air 4 — and it could be a game changer.

If the rumors are true, the iPad Air 4 could have a big hardware redesign. The leaker DuanRui recently posted photos on Twitter that showed the iPad Air 4 with a near all-screen with very minimal bezels. More importantly, the new model would not have a dedicated Home button with Touch ID, but instead the Touch ID integrated into the power button at the top of the iPad. (Also, don’t have expect the new iPad Air to have Face ID.) You can see the leaked photos below.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

The other potential big upgrade is USB-C charging. The leaked photos of the iPad Air 4 suggested that it would have a USB-C charging port instead of a Lightning port. It is hard to imagine, however, given Apple’s track record, that it’d add such a key upgrade to its mid-tier line of tablets. But if Apple chooses to give the iPad Air a USB-C port, enabling it charge faster and transfer data quicker — we’re here for it.

If Apple is to announce a new iPad Air, another tech leaker, Jon Prosser, suggested it would happen the week of September 7, alongside the next generation Apple Watch.

We’ll have to wait and see to find out for sure.

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August 28, 2020 / Comments Off on The iPad Air 4 Could Have a Radical Redesign
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Incase Is Turning One Man’s Trash Into Another Man’s Tech Accessories

The catch-22 of buying anything these days is that even the most environmentally conscious brands still require resources and energy to create products, and therefore generate waste. You can’t (or shouldn’t) buy a plastic water bottle without feeling at least a little bit guilty when the time comes to toss it. You can feel good about the new collaboration between Incase and BIONIC®, the raw materials company addressing ocean plastic pollution in marine and coastal environments. The collection features a backpack, an accessory organizer and compact sleeve, all of which are made from plastic waste recovered from our oceans. Plus right now, GP readers can score 20 percent off with code GP20.

Learn More: Here

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August 28, 2020 / Comments Off on Incase Is Turning One Man’s Trash Into Another Man’s Tech Accessories
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The Argument Against a Wireless Hi-Fi System

There are a number of paths you can take when building a home hi-fi system. You can build a true analog system with signals that travel exclusively by wire, just like the good old days. Or you can work in some wireless components for a more versatile system. Connect a turntable (so long as it has a build-in preamp, like Pro-Ject’s Essential III Phon) to a Play:5 speaker or Sonos Port wireless amp and you can listen to records across the house without 3,000 miles of wire. But is there a negative effect of digitizing an analog signal?

You might think that wireless technology has gotten so good that there wouldn’t be a drop off in audio quality. After all, most high-quality speakers and components support high-resolution streaming. And more and more streaming services, such as Tidal and Amazon Music HD, are able to stream lossless (or CD-quality) audio. But that’s not exactly the case.

“In general, whenever employing a wireless technology, the audio signal is subject to some compromise in quality,” said Stephen Mejias, the director of communications at AudioQuest. “To some audio purists, the idea of digitizing an analog signal would be almost sinful. Not only are you inherently distorting the signal, but you’re also tarnishing the sacred vinyl ritual.”

Mike Moffat, the cofounder of Schiit Audio, a Californian hi-fi manufacturer known for making some of the best affordable DACs and amps, agrees: “There would be a drop-off if you digitize the analog signal by pairing a turntable with a wireless speaker system.”

Of course you may rightly prioritize the convenience — and pure fun — of having a turntable paired with a powered wireless speaker, like a Play:5. If you’re concerned about a drop-off in audio quality, the best thing to do is to ask a professional: how will this turntable work with these wireless speakers?

“The ideal scenario here is that the signal from the turntable gets amplified perfectly, so that what you hear is an exact copy of what came out of the turntable — just louder,” explained Greg McAllister, the Sound Experience Manager at Sonos. “In reality, achieving that is very difficult, but systems try to get as close to that ideal as possible.” The truth is that, however, both analog and digital systems can both introduce unwanted distortion, but an analog system is actually a little more difficult to control, according to McAllister, because it presents more opportunity for these errors to be introduced.

Sonos

“In Sonos’ case, we make sure that our speaker’s amps and drivers are matched, the analog to digital conversions are very accurate and that the whole experience is seamless,” said McAllister. For example, Sonos sells — or used to sell — a bundle with its Play:5 and the Pro-Ject Essential III Phono turntable. “It’s not to say you couldn’t get a great listening experience by going all analog, but there is a bigger chance that something could go wrong and affect the signal.”

A true analog system is going to be larger, meaning more components, and it’s also going to be more expensive — but it can probably achieve a better overall sound. On the flip side, however, there’s more that could potentially go wrong, say if you have the wrong pairing of phono preamp, amplifier and loudspeakers.

The other option that is exists between these two extremes is to just pair a modern turntable that has built-in phono preamp with a set of wired powered speakers (such as Audioengine A5+ ($399) or the KEF LSX ($1,259). “In [that] scenario,” explained Mejias, “the listener gets the convenience that comes with a streamlined system — simply use an RCA cable to connect turntable to speakers—while avoiding the loss that comes with wireless compression.”

Ultimately, it comes down to what sacrifices you are willing to make –or will even notice — perfect sound quality, or convenience.

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August 28, 2020 / Comments Off on The Argument Against a Wireless Hi-Fi System
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Amazon’s “Halo” Subscription Fitness Tracker Wants a Freaky Amount of Your Data

Amazon just announced a new fitness tracker with some unique features and a unique business model. For a monthly subscription, the Amazon Halo app (with the help of the accompanying Halo Band) promises to track your body fat percentage and judge your emotional state based on your tone — if you send Amazon some selfies in your underwear and let it listen to your conversations.

Amazon Halo is as much service as it is gadget, with the Halo app as the hub for its main features which range from fairly standard activity and sleep tracking to the more advanced but invasive body fat percentage tracking and tone analysis. For body fat analysis, the app requires that you upload photos of yourself wearing “tight, minimal clothing (think a sports bra and bike shorts for women; boxers or briefs for men)”.

Amazon

If you opt into tone analysis, the Halo Band will automatically use its microphones to record snippets of your voice throughout the day, using machine learning to “analyze the positivity and energy of your voice—positivity is measured by how happy or sad you sound, and energy is how excited or tired you sound.”

Amazon claims these features are designed with privacy in mind, with body scan images deleted after processing and voice analysis performed on device. But after dozens of high-profile tech data breaches across a number of top tier companies, you’d be right to be skeptical. Not to mention that mere metadata can reveal more than you might think.

But on top of privacy concerns, machine learning algorithms, employed in both features, are known for reproducing biases which is especially concerning in two areas already fraught with sexist double standards. It’s a sticky situation Amazon is hopefully cognizant of after its snafu with an internal AI-based hiring tool that saw fit to discriminate against women.

Amazon Halo is launching in early-access form today, with a special price of $65 ($99 without the promotion) for the first six months, and a recurring fee of $4 afterwards.

Amazon

Amazon Halo

amazon.com

$64.99

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August 27, 2020 / Comments Off on Amazon’s “Halo” Subscription Fitness Tracker Wants a Freaky Amount of Your Data
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skyBOX Backs up Your Memories on the Go

Making sure your files from your phone, camera and laptop are backed up and easily accessible when you’re on the go is easier said than done. But it doesn’t have to be with skyBOX. Unlike…

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August 27, 2020 / Comments Off on skyBOX Backs up Your Memories on the Go
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Audible’s New Subscription Service Is a Pretty Sweet Deal

Audible is launching a new subscription plan called Audible Plus, which costs $8 a month and gets subscribers access to the exclusive podcasts and audio services that were previously only be available to higher-paying subscribers of its Gold and Premium plans.

These include an upcoming NBA podcast on Michael Jordan’s legacy with the Chicago Bulls and its lasting impact, along with various audio narratives with celebrities like Michael Cain and Josh Gad.

The all-you-can-stream plan contrasts with Audible’s new “Audible Premium Plus” plan, which takes the place of its former Gold and Premium plans. This $15/month subscription functions using Audible’s credit system, which gives subscribers monthly credits which can be used towards the purchase of audiobooks which have a price in credits in addition to a price in dollars. Most audiobooks cost one credit, but some can cost more. If you don’t have credits, an audiobook on Audible usually costs about $15.

It’s a slightly unintuitive system, predating and unlike most contemporary streaming services. And that’s what makes the new Audible Plus compelling for its owner, Amazon, and potential listeners alike: it’s a cheaper way in that’s simpler to understand.

There is a free trial of Audible Premium Plus that you can sign up for right now. It’s a 30-free trial that gets you one credit (two if you’re a Prime member as well) and access to ad-free listening of its full catalog of podcasts, audiobooks and other content.

New subscribers will be able to sign up to Audible Plus on August 27.

Learn More: Here

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August 26, 2020 / Comments Off on Audible’s New Subscription Service Is a Pretty Sweet Deal
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The King of Smartphone Photography Gadgets Gets Even Better

DJI just announced a new foldable smartphone gimbal, the OM 4, which improves on its predecessor, the previous been best smartphone gimbal you could buy: the Osmo Mobile 3. More specifically, the OM 4 has three big improvements over the Osmo Mobile 3 — all of which make it even easier for smartphone photographers and videographers to take better, more stabilized videos. Here’s what you need to know:

First, DJI’s OM 4 (the new branding for its Osmo Mobile line) has an all-new magnetic mounting system with a magnetic phone clamp and magnetic ringer holder — sort of like a Pop Socket — so you can better grip your smartphone when not using the gimbal. This makes it really easy for you attach and detach your smartphone from the gimbal. No need to clamp down and perfectly balance your smartphone in the gimbal like you had to with the Osmo Mobile 3.

The OM 4 also gains the ActiveTrack 3.0 feature that’s been utilized by many of DJI’s latest drones, allowing to lock onto a person or pet and keep them continuously in frame. There’s a new CloneMe Pano mode that will help you shoot panorama photos. The OM 4 supports hand gesture controls, so you can put the gimbal down (via its tripod base) and get in front of the camera instead. And there’s even some dynamic video modes that allow you to easily capture some cinematic-esque shots.

Finally, the OM 4 has an upgraded and stronger motor that allows it to support heavier smartphones. Presumably this means that it should have no problem supporting larger smartphones like the Samsung’s Galaxy Note Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 2. According to DJI, the OM 4 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Osmo Mobile 3, too.

Aside from that, DJI’s newest smartphone gimbal has a lot in common with last year’s model. It charges via USB-C and has the same impressive 15-hour battery life. It utilizes the same companion app. And it looks and feels virtually identical (aside from the magnetic mounting system). There is a price difference, however. The OM 4 costs $149, which is $30 more expensive than the Osmo Mobile 3 at launch.

The DJI OM 4 is available to order today.

Buy Now: $149 (DJI) Buy Now: $149 (Moment)

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August 26, 2020 / Comments Off on The King of Smartphone Photography Gadgets Gets Even Better
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Fitbit’s New Smartwatch Goes Toe-to-Toe With the Apple Watch For Way Less

Fitbit just announced its new line of wearables, and the Sense ($329), its brand-new flagship smartwatch, is the pick of the litter. It’s designed to go toe-to-toe with the Apple Watch and Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch 3, for a lower price.

The Sense is a brand-new smartwatch in name, but it’s really taking the place of the Fitbit Ionic in the company’s smartwatch lineup. It also looks very similar to the Versa 3, opting for its curved edges and compact design instead the Ionic’s larger, squared-off display. Both have a beautiful OLED display, a built-in GPS, a dedicated heart rate sensor and a 6-day battery life. The big reason to get the Sense, however, is if you want to take advantage of its impressive health features.

The Sense has three brand-new sensors, an ECG, an EDA and a skin temperature sensor. The ECG (or electrocardiogram) is something it shares with both the latest Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, and which allows it to scan your heart rate and potentially give you an early detection of atrial fibrillation. However, the Sense’s ECG is still pending FDA approval.

The EDA (or electrodermal activity) is another new sensor and it’s exciting because it makes the Sense unique from the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. The EDA sensor can detect small electrical changes on your skin, which can indicate your body’s response to stress. If the smartwatch detects a high level of stress, it will let you know and give you tips to reduce it. Whether that actually matches up with what you experience as stress is an open question.

And finally, there’s the new skin temperature sensor, which can track your skin temperature throughout the day and night, and then help you better gauge your overall health and wellbeing. For example, it could help give you early indications that you’re coming down with a fever or other illness.

The advanced health features are the thing that really separates Fitbit’s Sense from the also new Versa 3 ($229), which runs $100 less. Of course, Apple is gearing up to launch the Series 6 next month, which is expected to cost $400 and come with a dedicated sensor for blood oxygen monitoring that will likely be more appealing for endurance athletes. It’s going to be interesting to see if the Sense’s cheaper price will be able to persuade iPhone owners to switch over.

You can preorder the Sense and Versa 3 smartwatches on Fitbit’s website right now, with them expected to ship by late September.

Learn More: Here (Sense)

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August 25, 2020 / Comments Off on Fitbit’s New Smartwatch Goes Toe-to-Toe With the Apple Watch For Way Less
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Finally, a Home Security Camera That Easily Mounts inside a Window

In theory, home security systems should make us feel safer — in practice, however, they are anything but discreet, can be difficult to install and can be subject to weather and battery failure. The result is often a poorly positioned indoor security camera looking out through a window — which can lead to annoying reflections caused by interior lights. Fortunately, you can still get reliable home security footage without turning your house into a surveillance bunker — no holes required. Panasonic’s HomeHawk WINDOW is a super wide-angle home monitoring camera that mounts discreetly to the inside of any window. The camera features built-in person detection, 24/7 full HD recording with color night-vision and Alexa compatibility right out of the box — and with no monthly fees or contracts, it’s one of the most convenient and low-commitment options out there.

Learn More: Here

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August 25, 2020 / Comments Off on Finally, a Home Security Camera That Easily Mounts inside a Window
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What’s the Difference Between a $20 and $300 USB Hub?

So you bought a new laptop like MacBook Pro or a Dell XPS 13, but it only has USB-C ports, meaning you can’t connect a lot of the accessories you’re used to, like a wired mouse, your smartphone (to charge), a micro SD card (from your camera, or a portable hard drive. This is a problem, especially in this work from home environment where we need our laptops to function more like a desktop.

The solution is pretty obvious: get an accessory that can turn one of your laptop’s USB-C ports into many. However, when shopping for one of these laptop accessories, you’ll notice that they vary price — like a lot.

For instance, the HooToo USB-C hub costs around $20, while the Belkin’s docking station, the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, costs $300. Both connect to your laptop via a single USB-C connection and do essentially the same thing — turning one port into many — but they are priced very differently. So, what exactly is the difference?

USB C Hub

HooToo amazon.com

$21.99

Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock Pro

belkin belkin.com

$299.99

Beefier hubs require their own power source.

While both of these devices turn one port into more-than-one port, there are major differences between them. A USB-C hub like the HooToo is simply an accessory that plugs into your laptop and expands its number of ports. A docking station, like the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, does this and then some. To do the “then some,” a docking station like the Thunderbolt 3 needs to be connected to a separate power source other than your laptop (i.e. the wall) to work, and therefore isn’t really designed to be moved.

The docking station’s extra power can be used to do a few things. It can charge peripheral devices, like your smartphone, while also keeping your laptop at 100 percent. It can also be used to transfer data super quickly; for example, a docking station will allow you to be able upload photos and videos to your laptop significantly faster if you were just using a USB-C hub. And it can be used to ultra high-definition monitors.

Belkin Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock Pro
Belkin

You’re paying for the extra connections (and then some).

You can still find USB-C hubs with numerous connections for surprisingly cheap; the HooToo USB-C hub costs just over $20, for example, and adds three USB-A ports, one HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a USB-C port that supports pass-through power with Power Delivery (PD).

However, most docking stations put those specs to shame. The Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro has almost twice as many connections, including five USB-A and three USB-C ports. Its added DisplayPort and Ethernet ports allow it to function more as a workstation, too, enabling it to hard-wire into a network connect to an external monitor. It’s a much beefier solution for a full suite of gear.

Expensive hubs can handle more and handle it much faster.

It’s not just that expensive docking stations and USB hubs are going to have more connections, but they’re most likely going to be better, too. The most advanced USB-C docking stations have newer ports with technologies, like Thunderbolt 3, that support faster charging and faster data transfer. The more expensive the laptop accessory, the more likely it is to support a high-resolution monitor, too.

The Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro can actually support two 4K displays (up to 60Hz), so you can create a larger, more advanced workstation. The more affordable HooToo USB-C hub does allow you to connect your laptop to one monitor via its HDMI port, however, although it’s not as good (4K up to 30Hz or 1080p up to 60Hz). And the more expensive options are going to be able to charge your devices (and transfer data, in the case of the docking station) faster.

Both have their purposes, depending on the extent of your needs. Just make sure you’re grabbing the right one.

USB C Hub

HooToo amazon.com

$21.99

Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock Pro

belkin belkin.com

$299.99

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August 24, 2020 / Comments Off on What’s the Difference Between a $20 and $300 USB Hub?
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The iPhone 12: When It’s Coming and What You Should Know

In the past few months, Apple has released a new affordable iPhone SE and new MacBook Pros with great keyboards, and at WWDC it gave us a glimpse of the overwhelming amount of new features coming to the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. But with that, our attention now turns to the fall and the announcement of Apple’s next-generation flagship smartphone, the iPhone 12. Here’s what we know (and think we know) about the next iPhone so far.

Yes, it’ll be called the iPhone 12.

We already know that Samsung skipped nine generations of smartphones when it jumped from the Galaxy S11 to the Galaxy S20 in one year. It’s a clear play to sound better than all other new smartphones, but it’s unclear if Apple will attempt to shake up its naming scheme too. There’s little in the way of specific rumors on this topic, but given that Apple already took the plunge on numbers above ten with the iPhone 11, we’re guessing an iPhone 12 is likely.

There will be four different iPhones.

Following last year’s approach, we’d expect that the next batch of iPhone’s would be called the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, but there’s strong speculation that Apple is going to announce four new iPhones, not three. According to the rumors, the spread would include a 5.4-inch iPhone (smaller than the 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro) and a 6.7-inch iPhone (larger than the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max), along with two 6.1-inch iPhones (the same size as the vanilla iPhone 11). To further these rumors, a hidden code in the latest iOS 14 beta update hints at a 5.4-inch iPhone.

There will be two Pro and two affordable iPhones.

Of the four iPhone 12s, rumors indicate two will be premium Pro models and two be more affordable. Given that that iPhone 11 is the most popular and the cheapest new iPhone of the current generation, it makes sense for Apple to try to give its more price-sensitive and numerous customers more options. The theory goes that the large 6.7-inch iPhone and one of the 6.1-inch iPhones will be Pros, with better OLED displays and better camera systems. Meanwhile, the other 6.1-inch iPhone and the 5.4-inch iPhone will be the more baseline models with two-camera systems and LCD displays.

Apple is bringing back the squared edges.

It’s a little bit of a long shot, but there could be a big design change to all iPhone 12 models. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Apple might bring back the metal frame that was on the iPhone 4. This metal chassis would square off the edges of each new iPhone, like the iPhone 4, and make them a little easier to hold. As of April 2020, the Twitter account @EverythingApplePro appears to have uncovered a leaked CAD file of what is potentially the iPhone 12 with a squared chassis, adding full to this rumor:

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We’re getting a new camera.

With all the different iPhone 12 models expected to be announced, it’s difficult to say exactly how all of their camera systems will be different. For the flagship models, however, it’s been reported by Fast Company that they’ll have a 3D depth camera in their rear-camera systems for the first time. Apple has had depth a camera in its iPhone’s front-camera systems for a few years, enabling them to unlock via Face ID and to turn your face into an Animoji. In the rear camera system, a new depth camera is expected to add a few photo and video features/effects, such as better bokeh and focus, but you’ll see the majority of the benefits while using augmented reality apps. Apple is continuing to build out its catalog of AR apps (It’s been three years since Apple rolled out ARKit to developers.)

PetaPixel also recently reported that the two iPhone 12 Pro models will have an upgraded 64-megapixel sensor, which is a huge leap for Apple considering it’d mark the first time in years that Apple had gone away from the 12-megapixel sensor. Of course, a bigger sensor doesn’t always translate to better photos (at least when it applies to a smartphone), but it’s pretty exciting to think about an iPhone with a larger sensor.

Apple could kill the notch

Early indications are that the next-gen iPhones are expected to have a smaller TrueDepth camera system in the front. This will enable the notch to shrink down even further into the bezel. Whether the notch is just smaller or gone completely, that obviously remains to be seen.

5G seems inevitable.

2020 is primed to be a big year for the rollout of 5G but will the new iPhones support it? The answer is yes, or at least probably. The brand-new iPhone SE doesn’t support 5G, but that’s probably due to the fact that it’s in the body of an iPhone from 2017; plus, Apple likely wanted to keep its price down. Analysts suggest that it will. Not to mention that Samsung’s flagships do, and Apple certainly wouldn’t want to fall behind. That said, recent reports suggest that the coronavirus crisis could delay Apple’s 5G iPhone plans.

We’re getting more powerful chargers.

This year marked the first time that Apple shipped different iPhones with different wattage chargers; the iPhone 11 Pro shipped with 18-watt chargers with power delivery, with the iPhone 11 shipped with standard 5-watt chargers. With the expected four different iPhone 12 models, it seems that Apple will likely continue this trend, with the two Pro models getting the more powerful chargers straight out of the box. A well-known Twitter leaker of Apple news, an account named Mr White, recently posted that these new iPhones are coming with an even more powerful 20-watt charger. We’re guessing that these will just be for the iPhone 12 Pro models.

Also, braided Lightning charging cables.

It looks like there’s a chance that, with the new iPhones, Apple could include a more durable Lighting charging cable in the box.A number of leaks point to a new Lighting charging cable with a braided construction, as opposed to the standard design that you likely know tends to disintegrate and fray after a while.

The release date will probably be pushed back.

If recent reports are true, Apple is expected to delay the release of all its new iPhones by at least a month due to the coronavirus pandemic. The company is still expected to hold its keynote event and announce all its new smartphones at the start of September, but they’ll likely start shipping sometime in mid-to-late October. These delays aren’t a huge surprise given that most of Apple’s iPhone manufacturing facilities are in Asia, an area hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

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August 23, 2020 / Comments Off on The iPhone 12: When It’s Coming and What You Should Know
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Save Over $200 on the Most Beautiful Wireless Earbuds

Right now, you can get an awesome deal on some of the prettiest wireless earbuds. Master & Dynamic is selling its MW07, the company’s first true wireless earphones, for $89 – that’s over $200 off their MSRP and going price on Amazon.

The MW07 are made of really premium materials: stainless steel and acetate. Master & Dynamic is sold out a few of the different colored acetates the headphones come in, but most are still available.

Buy Now: ~~$300~~ $89

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August 21, 2020 / Comments Off on Save Over $200 on the Most Beautiful Wireless Earbuds
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