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Microsoft’s Surface Line Is Still Blazing Its Own Trail

Today at a virtual event, Microsoft announced the latest products in its Surface line ahead of the upcoming release of Windows 11 this fall. Present were whole host of flagship products from the Surface Pro 8, the latest in Microsoft’s flagship convertible line, to the Surface Duo 2, the software giant’s second swing at a folding phone with a hinge. But the biggest announcement, and the one that best sums up Microsoft’s broader strategic mission, is the new Surface Laptop Studio.

The latest addition to Microsoft’s Surface Laptop line, the Studio marks an evolutionary divergence from its forbears. The previous king of Microsoft’s laptop lineup, the Surface Book, had a completely detachable screen, complete with a hefty keyboard attachment that packed extra guts to increase performance power when the two were Voltroned together. The rest of Microsoft’s “Surface Laptop” line, meanwhile, has a traditional, non-transforming form factor.

Surface Laptop Studio

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$1,599.99

With the Surface Laptop Studio, Microsoft is taking inspiration from its enormous monitor-sized all-in-one Surface Studio to inform the future of its line of top-tier laptop-like devices. Instead of detaching (or just folding down) the Surface Laptop Studio’s screen pivots forward in front of the keyboard and can even lie flat. But its screen is just 14.4 inches instead of 28.

Sporting a quad-core 11th Gen Intel H35 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and an option for discrete graphics in the form of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX3050 Ti , the Surface Laptop Studio is angled towards the high performance crowd and, notably, not really trying to be especially thin. Its significant terrace of cooling vents is clearly visible at a glance. Its overall thickness of just under 19mm (just shy of .75-inches) is by no means dictionary-grade girth, but it is a bit chunkier than the 2020 M1 MacBook Pro 13’s just over 15mm (just over .6-inch) thickness — which is all but destined to decrease, maybe significantly, when new MacBook bodies designed from the ground up for the M1 chip drop later this year.

And that’s because the Surface Laptop Studio is a different kind of device, attempting to succeed on different terms. Where Apple has taken a turn towards mobile with its in-house M1 chips build on ARM’s tablet-first architecture, Microsoft is taking the opportunity to lean the other way and cast its lot with Intel and make a device that’s (slightly) more at home on kitchen tables than in messenger bags. Granted, this particular transforming trick dates back to the early days of the first convertible Windows 8 laptops, but it’s still a comparatively novel approach to building a great laptop versus “let’s make it as thin as humanly possible.”

The Surface Laptop Studio is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2 which it can store and charge, if you buy it separately.

Microsoft

It’s a reflection of Microsoft’s broader strategy to build Surface products that play to its strengths and offer a little variety instead of attempting to beat competitors on the terms they’ve set. The Surface Laptop Studio is no MacBook. Likewise, the Surface Duo, with its folding form factor but two separate screens, is no Samsung Galaxy Fold. And, if anything, it’s the iPad Pro that’s inching towards an attempt to beat the Surface Pro on Microsoft’s terms.

Microsoft’s approaches aren’t always an instant success. The first Surface Pro in 2013 was a chunky bugger with an awkwardly small screen, and the first Surface Duo, despite its promise, reviewed as something of a buggy mess. But historically they’ve been refreshing, unique and often, ultimately, successful. It appears Microsoft is more than happy with how that approach has played out so far.

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September 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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Forget the Apple Glass, Xiaomi Confirms Development Of Its Smart Glasses Concept

In 2011, Google billed augmented reality as the next big thing in technology. Many others soon followed suit and launched similar platforms aimed at tech-savvy consumers. Except for Microsoft’s HoloLens, everything else ended up largely forgotten. Xiaomi believes the market is now ready for a new pair of Smart Glasses, minus the limitations of its predecessors.

The HoloLens and its subsequent version may be the best you can get at the moment, but it’s hardly portable. You need to hook it up to a PC and it is quite expensive for casual use. Rumor has it Apple is working on AR glasses as well. However, Xiaomi’s announcement comes as a big surprise and could potentially hit retailers ahead of the competition.

From a design aspect, the Smart Glasses look like an average pair of eyewear. Instead of a projector and prism combo, Xiaomi proposes the use of another type of imaging technology. To shave off unnecessary bulk and weight from the frame microLEDs become the key components here.

This allows the integrated display unit to remain legible even under direct sunlight. The Smart Glasses ditches colors for a monochrome setup to improve the peak brightness. Meanwhile, the panel is equipped with an optical waveguide system from images the human eye can see.

According to Xiaomi, the device “functions as a new smart terminal with independent operating capability.” Therefore, this implies that even without a smartphone, the wearable is capable of versatile functionalities.

There’s a 5-megapixel forward-facing camera that can take photos, videos, and translate text in real-time. The Smart Glasses boasts Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, touch controls, a quad-core ARM chipset, and batteries in a 51g package. Moreover, Xiaomi says it will run on Android, but likely with some customizations.

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Images courtesy of Xiaomi

September 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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Top 10 Xbox Game Pass Games to Play in 2021

With the launch of the new Xbox series X|S and PS5, things have gotten a lot spicier in terms of game developers trying to take full advantage of the new technology and making games as badass as they possibly can. And while the list for the new console games goes on and on. I have gathered up the top 10 Xbox Game Pass games that you should definitely play in 2021.

Sunset Overdrive

Sunset Overdrive is the first game on my list, and it’s a pleasure to play. Now this game has beyond all degrees of lunacy, and it appears that the makers only had ONE GOAL in mind: to make the game as enjoyable as possible, with no regard for logic!

The game has a plethora of powerful and deadly weapons, as well as a fun and unusual physics system, some interesting characters, and a gorgeously designed setting. Inside the game, there’s a lot going on, from player ziplining to blowing each other up with rockets! So, if you’re searching for a good time and you have the Game Pass, this one is a no-brainer!

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves started out as kind of a failure for many but the game has changed a lot since then and the developers have been adding new and fun features to the game to keep the players interested. Now that the game is available on Game Pass, you can get started with a Sea of Thieves account and battle it out with your friend online.

I enjoy the game’s unique gameplay and fighting system, in which, unlike other typical multiplayer shooters, you must work together to discover places using your compass, use the same weaponry as any other player in the game, and sail your own ship while battling other players!

Knockout City

When it comes to wild games, Knockout City is the most exhilarating adrenaline-fueled multiplayer game that brings back memories of your childhood sport “dodgeball” in the most surprisingly enjoyable way! Knockout City, unlike any other dodgeball game, blends the old beat’em up with a current touch of Battle Royale games, resulting in a game that gets you all psyched up!

In the blink of an eye, everything may spiral out of control. There’s so much going on in the game, and while learning how to use the controls is simple, mastering it is as challenging as it gets! There are a variety of game types to choose from, including team deathmatch, that will make you feel perfectly at home!

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order

This Star Wars-inspired game from Respawn offers everything you could want: a wonderful plot, extremely gorgeous visuals, fast-paced action-packed gameplay, and some fantastic voice acting that adds to the sense of immersion that this game is attempting to create.

Despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of Star Wars games, this one, in particular, is a combination of everything that is wonderful about a lot of them. It doesn’t get any better than this if you enjoy single-player story games.

Outriders

When it was revealed that Outriders will be available on the Xbox Game Pass, it practically took the gaming industry by storm. Outriders is one of the greatest looter/shooter games published this year, and how could it not be when it comes from the venerable Square Enix?

As you battle your way through a swarm of opponents, you’ll feel a continual surge of adrenaline as you use not just your weapons, but also some cool-looking abilities to shred your foes apart! This AAA blockbuster is unquestionably one of the greatest games on Xbox Game Pass, and it will keep you glued to your screen for hours! I hope you do have a game pass to grab the Outriders account to experience how great it can be.

Hades

Roguelike games are one of the oldest gaming genres, and they remain popular to this day. In addition, if you enjoy roguelike games, Hades is a must-play. This game has some of the most unusual but appealing graphics, as well as an equally thrilling action-packed gameplay and level generating system that will put your gaming abilities to the test!

This hack and slash roguelike from Supergiant Games is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and now that you have a game pass, you’ll be able to discover just how intricate this Greek mythology-based game is! If this were a ranking of the best roguelike games, this game would be at the top of the list without a doubt.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is likely the only 2D platformer on this list, and for good reason: when it comes to stunning visuals, captivating sound effects, a compelling story, fluid gameplay, and pretty much everything else that makes a game a true masterpiece, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has it all!

This all-in-one bundle has some of the most addicting gameplay you’ve ever seen in ANY game! The game takes you on a wild adventure through some wonderfully created regions populated by massive creatures. The EXTREMELY fluid battle animations are one of my favourite aspects of this game. It basically makes everything better by a factor of a hundred!

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza has been out and around for years now but many of us haven’t actually played any of the games in the series and that is why it feels too late to start now. But fortunately, Like a Dragon allows you to dive into this carefully constructed game, which transports you to the realm of crime lords and requires you to do a variety of tasks in order to proceed through this winding tale.

Like a Dragon is an amazing thriller for anybody looking for action-packed battle scenes, a compelling plot, and memorable characters; this game checks all the boxes!

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard about this game before, but if you weren’t convinced to play it before, if you have a game pass, you should certainly check it out now. Hellblade depicts the narrative of a young Viking warrior who travels to Helheim, a genuine hellhole, in order to rest her lover’s soul!

With the way the storey evolves and how Senua’s journey links the players to the heroine and the way her choices and suffering touch you, the game genuinely pushes the envelope. Hellblade also features some of the greatest graphics and environment settings of any game, completely immersing you in a manner that no other game can.

Plague’s Tale

A Tale of the Plague For a variety of reasons, Innocence is one of my favourite games on this list. This triple-A movie-like game, set in an alternate past, tells the storey of two young aristocratic siblings caught up in politics and religion while seeking to discover a cure for the Bubonic plague.

This story-driven game puts you in the shoes of two disadvantaged siblings who must rely on their wits and stealth to remain alive. Plague’s Tale is a fantastic game that takes you on a trip full of secrets, riddles, and emotions!

September 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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5 of the Best New Gadgets This Week — That Aren’t the iPhone 13

Apple’s iPhone 13 event on Tuesday made a lot of headlines as it always does, including here on Gear Patrol. If you somehow haven’t heard about it, you can catch up on all the important bits about the iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, and new iPads here.

But! Apple products weren’t the only things to come out this week! Here are five noteworthy announcements and releases that snuck under the radar, and which you’ll want on yours.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

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On Tuesday, Sonos announced the second generation of its Sonos Beam soundbar, notable for being a Dolby Atmos capable soundbar that comes in under the $500 mark at just $449. At half the price of the flagship Sonos Arc (which is now $900 after a price hike that affected a number of Sonos speakers), the Beam makes for a relatively affordable entry into Dolby Atmos for the relatively budget conscious, or those with small rooms to fill. Without the upward-firing drivers of the Arc, it won’t have quite the same quality (or quantity) of sound, but it’s definitely a worthwhile addition to many a Sonos system for its size and price.

Price: $449

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LG’s 325-inch DVLED TV

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If you’re looking for a home theater without restraint, look no further than LG’s latest behemoth display that really puts the “theater” in home theater. Less a series of discrete products and more of an option to order custom displays, LG’s Direct View LED Extreme Home Cinema Displays range in resolution from 2K to 8K and size from 108 inches to 325 inches — that is to say, 9 feet to just over 27. How much does it cost? Well, if you have to ask…. (A little over a mil and a half.)

Price: Honestly, too much.

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Xiaomi 11T Pro

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You won’t have an easy time putting your hands on Xiaomi’s latest flagship if you live here in the States, but it’s worth highlighting if for no other reason than to talk about the way it charges. The 11T Pro comes with a 120W charger that Xiaomi says can charge the phone’s 5,000 mAh battery from 0-100 in about 17 minutes. For reference, Apple’s MagSafe chargers pump power at a rate less than a tenth of that: 15W, at the high end.

Now, do you need your battery to go from 0-100 in 17 minutes? Probably not. Is it good for the battery? Also probably no. Is it impressive as hell? Well duh.

Price: $768+

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Canon EOS R3

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No, it’s not for normies, but Canon’s new sports-focused not-quite-flagship EOS R3 is one impressive bit of specialist photography kit. The high-end full-frame mirrorless EOS R3 sports a 24MP CMOS sensor, but its main attraction is probably Canon’s Dual Pixel AF system with automatic tracking for humans, animals and more paired with the ability to shoot up to 30 frames per second (RAW!) with the electronic shutter.

Price: $5,999

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GoPro Hero 10 Black

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GoPro’s latest action cam packs a new, homegrown GP2 processor which is the follow up to the GP1 chip the company rolled out in 2017. GoPro credits that upgrade for the Hero 10 Black’s ability to shoot 5.3K at 60 frames per second, 4K at 120 frames per second and 2.7K at 240 frames per second. Another key part of the release is the Hero 10 Black’s cloud capabilities: when connected to power, the GoPro can automatically upload your footage to a cloud account — if you’re paying $5 per month or $50 a year for a subscription. If you buy it from GoPro, you can get it for $400 with an included one-year subscription to get you hooked. Or you can go without a sub and get it for…$100 more. Yeah, it’s weird.

Price: $400 with subscription, $500 without

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September 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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BLUETTI AC300 Power Station and B300 Battery Module Now Available

Now you can fully harness the power of the sun with the BLUETTI AC300 Power Station. A first in the industry, this modular generator lets you pack up and power up whenever and wherever. Pair it with the brand’s new B300 battery module and you have yourself a generous power supply to run your most-used home and kitchen appliances and more. This is a reliable indoor and outdoor machine that you want to have on hand, especially with the coming winter months when outages are unpredictable.

All-around powerful smoke-free generator

It’s time to ditch the noisy and archaic diesel, propane, or other fuel-powered generators and get yourself the BLUETTI AC300 Power Station. This is a more sustainable and safer approach to backup energy, as it works with durable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery cells that are supported by a cutting-edge battery management system. This way, it preserves the life of your machine for the next generations to come.

This is for heavy-duty use as it offers 3000Wh of pure sine wave inverter power, which is expandable to a whopping 12, 288Wh when hooked to four B300 battery modules. It can go high up as 24, 576Wh when paired with eight battery packs via Split Phase Bonding and using a Fusion Box Pro. Good luck running out of power with this much supply. It even offers a seamless UPS connection for uninterrupted power. You can continue doing Netflix and chill, cook, run your game console, sleep in comfort, or catch up on work at the garage like there is no outage at all.

Dubbed as the “Dominator,” the BLUETTI AC300 Power Station fully supports solar energy up to 2,400W using a built-in MPPT controller. This makes it the ultimate off-grid backup energy since you don’t have to rely on your home’s electrical current. But it recharges great through other means too such as a wall socket, 12V car charger, a 12V/24V lead-acid battery, or another generator. As this is a modular station, it does not come with a built-in or stored battery pack. Instead, it relies on the B300 battery modules for power.

Get the AC300 with one B300 battery module at $2899 (original price is $3699).

Not Your Ordinary Battery Pack

Speaking of battery, the AC300 is only compatible with the B300 Battery Modules. As mentioned above, it can support up to eight units if you want to go big. This battery runs on 3,072Wh of LiFePO4 battery with a max individual input power of 700W when simultaneously recharged with an AC socket and solar power (solar input is at 200W and AC at 500W).

As with the AC300 Power Station, this battery also comes with three outlets: 100W USB-C PD3.0, 12V car charger, and 18W USB-A port. What makes it a great alternative than its counterpart the B230 is it supports solar charging although it may be on the hefty side at 34kg. It is also bigger than at 20.5” L x 12.6” W x 10.4” D. (Read our review on the B230 Battery Module HERE).

Get the AC300 paired with two B300 battery modules at $3648 (original price is $4498).

Equipped With Modern Upgrades

The BLUETTI AC300 Power Station literally got your back. It powers your entire house and supports your outdoor adventures. It comes with modern features compatible with today’s tech. Then it has six AC outlets, two 5V USB-A ports, a couple of 18W USB-A, and two 12V/10A DC ports. Likewise, it has a 100W USB-C PD3.0, one 12V cigarette lighter, and one 12V/30 DC output. Best of all are the two 15W wireless charging pads and the app control features, which lets you monitor the status of your generator through an accompanying smartphone app.

Fun Under the Sun

The AC300 Power Station and the B300 Battery Module give meaning to the saying “fun under the sun.” Both support solar charging so you can get out of sticky situations both indoors and outdoors. It literally keeps you calm and have fun amid an outage or while out on adventures.

Get the BLUETTI AC300 Power Station and B300 Battery Module HERE

September 15, 2021 / Comments Off

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What Apple Didn’t Announce at Its iPhone 13 Event

Apple held its big September event today and announced what everyone expected: The iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7. It also dropped a new iPad and redesigned iPad mini, which rumors originally tipped to show up later this fall.

And while the iPhone 13 event is over, it’s very likely this isn’t the end of Apple’s hardware drop this fall: too much is waiting in the wings. It may not all come this year, but chances are good that Apple will soon announce a second hardware event in October, and here’s some of what didn’t show up to day, and may show up then instead.

14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros

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The biggest omission from Apple’s iPhone 13 event was anything—and I mean anything—Mac. Rumors have been swirling about the next generation of MacBooks for almost a year now, since Apple announced the M1-powered MacBook Air in November 2020. New, fully-redesigned MacBooks (MacBook Pros in particular), completely re-engineered to make the most of Apple’s new chips are all but certain to drop before the year is out.

The next-generation MacBook Pros are expected to have a new-and-improved version of the M1 chipset, which is reportedly being called M1X. Apple is also rumored to be working on an M2 chipset, which will have further performance and efficiency enhancements over the M1X chipset, but we’ll likely have to wait until Spring 2022 to see it integrated into any computers.

Rumors suggest that shrinking bezels will see the new MacBooks sport larger 14- and 16-inch displays, despite remaining the same general size as they were before.

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A high-end Mac mini

Apple

At last year’s event, Apple announced an updated Mac mini that looked exactly the same as the previous Mac mini, but it now had M1 processor (just like the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air) so it was way more powerful and efficient. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up to announce a higher-end Mac mini with a second-generation “M1X” processor. This new Mac mini is rumored to have a new look —with a plexiglass top and magnetic charging connector (just like the new M1 iMac) — and more ports. It’s unlikely that Apple will announce this new Mac mini in September, however, but instead announce it alongside the higher-end MacBook Pros in October or November.

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AirPods (3rd-Generation)

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Heavily rumored to break cover at the iPhone 13 event (which they did not), Apple is gearing up to announce the next generation of AirPods (not AirPods Pro). It’s been over two years since Apple gave us its second-generation AirPods (back in March 2019) and we’re due for an update.

The third-generation models are expected to adopt the design of the AirPods Pro — meaning shorter stems or swappable silicone ear tips — but won’t likely have all the same premium features, like noise-cancellation and transparency modes. They could have the built-in sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) to enable spatial audio, however, which would be a big upgrade for people watching videos or movies on their iPhone.

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September 14, 2021 / Comments Off

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Nocs Design NS1100 AIR

The audio wizards at Nocs Design have once again whipped up an impressive piece of tech in the Nocs NS1100 AIR. This sleek, discreet pair of earbuds delivers next-level sound quality for a stunning listening…

The post Nocs Design NS1100 AIR first appeared on Cool Material.

Stop Using Your Laptop Or Desktop’s Webcam And Upgrade To 4K With The Opal C1

As much as we want things to go back to normal as soon as possible, the pandemic rages on. Although some restrictions have been lifted, our daily commute still exposes us to possible transmissions. Therefore, working from home is not going away anytime soon. To help you get a leg up during video conferences, here’s Opal’s C1.

Let’s face it, laptops and desktop computers still lag behind smartphones or tablets when it comes to camera resolution. This is probably why most people prefer to use these instead of their workstations at home. With the C1, Opal levels the playing field with 4K-resolution support.

This feature is rarely found even on high-end notebooks, let alone leading computer peripheral brands. Except for the iPad Pro and latest iPhones, Apple only equips its MacBooks with 720p front-facing cameras. Why settle for mediocre when you can enjoy top-notch image quality with a sleek and compact webcam?

The C1 measures 1.97” x 3.07” x 1.81” (H x W x D) with the mount and 1.49” x 3.07” x 0.94” without it. It packs a ƒ1.8, six-element, glass-lens which outperforms other webcams when it comes to low-light visibility. Opal equips it with a 7.8-mm 4K Sony sensor to blow the competition out of the water.

Not only does it deliver crisp and vibrant images, but the MicMesh technology also captures great audio too. Opal uses an array of beamforming microphones and intelligent noise cancelation for crystal clear communication. The C1 also boasts premium craftsmanship with aerospace-grade aluminum in a classy matte finish.

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Images courtesy of Opal

September 14, 2021 / Comments Off

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OnePlus Ups Its True Wireless Earbuds Game With The Sleek Buds Pro

After being hailed as the best bang for your buck manufacturer for its “flagship killer” smartphones since it debuted in 2014, OnePlus seems to have lost its identity over the years. These days, Xiaomi sub-brands Redmi and Poco appear to have taken the lead. Not about to throw in the towel, the company releases the Buds Pro.

With most modern handsets shipping without the 3.5 mm headphone port, Bluetooth is becoming the technology of choice. Apple’s push for wireless audio seems to have taken hold. This is evident as its rivals scramble to market their own true-wireless earbuds. The Buds Pro is OnePlus’ range-topping answer to the AirPods Pro.

The Cupertino-based tech group’s influence is clear as the Buds Pro sports stems. Some of us are not big fans of this design since it looks like regular earphones with the wires cut off. Nonetheless, these are considerably shorter than others out there.

Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology makes your tunes even more immersive. It actively blocks out unwanted sound up to 40 dB, Furthermore, it automatically adjusts according to the ambient audio around you. Calls remain crystal clear thanks to the microphones calibrated to filter out wind and more.

The OnePlus Buds Pro features 11-mm dynamic drivers for outstanding acoustics. IP55 ingress protection, make it suitable for indoor and outdoor workouts. Warp Charge technology and wireless charging give you versatility and 38 hours of battery life with the charging case.

Tech industry pundits agree that OnePlus’ popularity has waned over the years. Moreover, the introduction of its Nord catalog confused a lot of longtime users. Anyway, even though Oppo now controls most of its operations, the badge might stick around for a while. The Buds Pro tells us it’s not over yet.

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Images courtesy of OnePlus

September 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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Get The Most Of Your Leisure Time With The Help Of Segway’s Navimow Robot Lawnmower

Picture this. It’s the weekend and you wake up with plans to just spend the day relaxing. You have movies in mind, online games to play with friends, or maybe fire up the grill for some barbecue. Unfortunately, you suddenly remember that lawn needs to be mowed. Bummer, right? Not if you have the Navimow from Segway.

Unless, you’ve been living under a rock, the brand is no longer just dealing with two-wheel mobility solutions. Instead, we have been seeing cool creations such as go-karts, cloud-controlled kick scooters, roller skates, and side-by-sides, to name a few. Thus, the Navimow is another welcome surprise.

Robot lawnmowers are not exactly new, but most of the ones available right now have bothersome limitations. Owners normally need to dig and set up a perimeter, so the machine does not go astray. Next thing you know, it could already be on a neighbor’s lawn or on the street.

Segway, on the other hand, equips the automated tool with multiple sensors. With the Navimow app, users can outline a virtual boundary. It uses Extra Fusion Locating System to tackle sophisticated terrain layouts. Moreover, the system automatically alerts you along with its location to prevent theft.

Using advanced algorithms with the help of its cutting-edge positioning system, it determines the most efficient mowing pattern. This means the Navimow never passes the same area twice. At only 54 dBA, you can even take a nap outside while it works away. Finally, the IPX6 construction makes it easy to clean and withstand sudden showers.

Order it here

Images courtesy of Segway

September 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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Sonos Prices Are About to Go Up — But They Haven’t Yet

Sonos is gearing up to increase to price of many of its newest speakers, soundbars and audio components. As first reported by The Verge‘s Chris Welch, Sonos is set to raise the price of the Roam, One, One SL, Arc, Five, Sub and the Amp — all by 10 percent. Sonos confirmed to Gear Patrol that these price hikes will go into effect this Sunday (September 12).

So if you were thinking about buying one, you might want to act fast to save a few bucks.

Arc

Now: $799
9/12: $899 (+$100)

The Arc is Sonos’s flagship soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos. It is getting the biggest price increase of any Sonos speaker.

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Five

Now: $499
9/12: $549 (+$50)

The Five is the biggest and best-sounding standalone speaker that Sonos makes. It also has a line-in connection so you can hook up directly to a turntable. It’s getting a $50 price increase.

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One SL

Now: $179
9/12: $199 (+$20)

The One SL is Sonos’s entry-level wireless speaker that can’t be integrated a smart voice assistant. It’s getting a $20 price increase.

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One

Now: $199
9/12: $219 (+$20)

The One is Sonos’s entry-level smart speaker that can be integrated with your choice of voice assistant, either Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s getting a $20 price increase.

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Roam

Now: $169
9/12: $179 (+$10)

The Roam is a small portable Bluetooth speaker that can also be connected to Wi-Fi and integrated into a larger Sonos multi-room setup. It’s getting a $10 price increase.

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Sub

Now: $699
9/12: $749 (+$50)

The Sub is Sonos’s third-generation wireless subwoofer. It’s getting a $50 price increase.

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Amp

Now: $649
9/12: $699 (+$50)

The Amp is a wireless amplifier that’s capable of driving larger passive speakers, distributing 125 watts per channel. It’s getting a $50 price bump.

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The biggest price increase is set to affect the Arc, the company’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar, which is set to jump up $100 — the biggest price hike of any Sonos product. The Arc has been selling for $799 since its release in spring 2020, but that’s set to rise to $899.

Both the Amp and the Sub are getting $50 price increases. The wireless amplifier is going from $649 to $699, while the wireless subwoofer is going from $699 to $749.

The One SL and One, the company’s newest entry-level wireless speakers, are both set to get $20 price increases. Previously $179. the One SL is going to cost $199. And the One going to cost $219 (previously $199).

The Roam, Sonos’s small portable speaker that was announced this past Spring, is getting a $10 price bump, going from $169 to $179.

The Move, Port and Boost are not getting price increases. There’s no mention of the Beam, the company’s entry-level soundbar, getting a price bump either.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

September 10, 2021 / Comments Off on Sonos Prices Are About to Go Up — But They Haven’t Yet
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Doosan Infracore Envisions A Fully Automated Future For Construction With Its Concept-X Proposal

At one point in our lives, we guys develop this obsession with heavy machinery. There’s just something so cool about seeing these behemoths going around and tackling challenging tasks. Given the sizes of these things, workers should always be careful around them. Therefore, Doosan Infracore proposes a cutting-edge solution they call the CONCEPT-X.

The South Korean company’s futuristic project is the recipient of the 2021 iF World Design Gold award. This recognition means that the equipment manufacturer is one to something remarkable here. What its proposal hopes to do to minimize the likelihood of workplace injuries.

This is where CONCEPT-X steps in to automate everything. Statistics show that even with safety measures in place and even in proper gear, injuries can still happen. As such, Doosan Infracore proposes an ambitious system that employs drones that fly over construction sites.

These then create 3D maps of the area and relay the data to the control center aptly dubbed the X-CENTER. The CONCEPT-X fleet features an excavator, ADT (adjective dump truck), and awheel loader. All of these are remotely monitored in real-time by drones and controlled by a proprietary program.

According to the Doosan Infracore, since there are no human operators, the machines can work continuously. This allows construction projects to be finished earlier than conventional methods. Also, a failure prediction algorithm should reduce maintenance costs.

From a design perspective, renders of the heavy equipment show sleek aesthetics. The CONCEPT-X fleet looks like something the guys over at Tesla might cook up. Perhaps this is what the construction industry envisions. A future wherein artificial intelligence and robotics are handling high-risk operations with minimal human intervention.

Discover more

Images courtesy of Doosan Infracore

September 10, 2021 / Comments Off on Doosan Infracore Envisions A Fully Automated Future For Construction With Its Concept-X Proposal
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7 Great App Ideas that Haven’t Been Made and Yet in Demand

Many entrepreneurs and creators have come up with an idea – should I create an app for my smartphone? Today, when there are so many means and opportunities for this, this idea does not come as a surprise.

According to forecasts by the website Statista, in 2022, consumers in the Americas will spend more than $ 34 billion on mobile apps via app stores.

This article will describe seven ideas for applications that have not yet been implemented but are still relevant!

How does it all start?

To create a mobile app for your business or start a career in mobile app development, you need to have the appropriate knowledge or hire a custom software development team. Then it is worth choosing the leading development platform. These can be Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, and Blackberry RIM. But keep in mind that Android and iOS dominate the mobile industry.

7 Hot-in-Demand App ideas

1. Battery life distribution

Situations wherein you need your smartphone for work but the battery is almost empty happens quite often. It would be great if there was an application that can use the capabilities of another phone to do this task.

2. Deleting a phone number

What if you have the right and ability to remove your phone number from contacts on another phone? It would be really useful and a popular tool in the mobile application market.

3. Progress recorder

People love apps that collect statistics and performance for the day/month/year. To grow and succeed, we need to analyze ourselves well and engage in introspection. What if there was an application that records the details of what we have learned and achieved daily. This application can be beneficial to ambitious professionals who want to take control of their daily activities.

4. Book Reviews and Recommendations

Such an application would be invaluable for those who like to read books. Let’s say you take a snapshot of a book in a store, and the app instantly provides feedback about it or recommendations for similar books. Data can be obtained from Goodreads, Amazon, and other similar platforms. Forbes writes that the creators of the Bookclubz app wanted to connect thousands of book clubs around the world and create their app.

5. Movie reviews

Another application idea that could save you the pain and frustration of going to cinemas. With one touch in this application, people who are already in the cinema can indicate if there are no seats at a particular time, tickets are sold out, or long queues. The same app should be able to report projection issues, sticky floors, or incredible air conditioning.

6. Accounting for food calories and ingredients

These days, people want to know everything about the food they are eating. It’s good if there is an application that counts calories and considers allergens and the composition of the product you’re about to consume.

7. Time Cost

The well-known truth about time is that it equals money. You can turn this concept into an application that allows users to manage time and set working hours for a fixed income. The idea is a time management calculator that will help a generation schedule work and earn the necessary money to set future goals.

What should you choose?

In the world of a vast number of possibilities and ideas, you are limited only by your imagination and resources. Choose the concept that is closest to you and hire a reliable development team. For example, those in https://mlsdev.com/services/mobile-app-development and get your unique and in-demand app in no time.

Author’s bio: Anastasiia Lastovetska is a technology writer at MLSDev, a software development company that builds web & mobile app solutions from scratch. She researches the area of technology to create great content about app development, UX/UI design, tech & business consulting.

September 8, 2021 / Comments Off on 7 Great App Ideas that Haven’t Been Made and Yet in Demand
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Outages Become an Afterthought With The SuperBase Pro Power Station

Power out? Not a problem when you have a backup generator to keep you company. We’re talking about the SuperBase Pro Power Station, which can run most household appliances and more. It is even portable so you can take it out on your next outdoor adventure and make use of its solar compatible features.

This backup energy works both indoors and outdoors and even off-grid. It boasts 2,000W of AC output and 4,000W surge capability. It can run your microwave, coffee maker, washing machine, TV, and more. Its massive power can charge DSLRs, gaming consoles, laptops, and more at the same time. You can even use it on heavy-duty machines or power tools that need up to 3,000W using its AmpUp feature.

Best of all is its UPS system, which lets you connect the SuperBase Pro Power Station to your home’s outlet. This automatically turns on the machine during an outage for an uninterrupted power supply. This generator even recharges fast: it gets to 80 percent in an hour via solar or AC plug. For a faster recharge, you can use both to get you to 2,400W of charging power.

Given its solar power compatibility, this means you can take this machine with you on the move. It is great camping gear and even comes with a retractable telescopic handle and wheels for easy carry. It’s even built for the outdoors with its rugged, shock-resistant outer shell and reinforced interior.

The SuperBase Pro Power Station packs an amazing six AC outputs, four USB-C ports, one car output, and three DC ports. It even comes with a built-in LED display and offers wireless operation using a compatible mobile app.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Zendure

September 8, 2021 / Comments Off on Outages Become an Afterthought With The SuperBase Pro Power Station
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The Foldable Phone Is Finally in Reach

The flip phone is the nostalgic. There’s no getting around it. I remember getting my first one in high-school — it was an LG U8110 — losing it while running away from a broken-up house party, and then begging my parents to get me a new one shortly there afterwards. Thankfully they acquiesced after a few weeks. Those are the memories people don’t forget.

Of course, most of us haven’t had a flip phone for over a decade. And those old flip phones were simple. You could call, text, play snake and that’s about it. Today’s foldable smartphones are quite a bit different. Most are big screens that fold into even bigger screens. Samsung’s newest Galaxy Z Fold3 is a prime example of this. You can use it as smartphone, then a tablet, then a smartphone again. And at $1,800, it costs twice as much as most flagship smartphones.

Samsung’s “Flip” line is entirely different. It’s not trying to be a tablet, ever. It’s a smartphone that feels on par with Samsung’s other flagship Galaxy smartphones, but it folds into a compact shape so that it can fit into your pocket (or purse). And you don’t have to worry about scratching its screen.

The Galaxy Z Flip3 can stand up on its own when folded, and there are a few apps, such as the YouTube and the Camera, that take special advantage of this dual screen mode.
Tucker Bowe

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip3 is an iteration of the previous Galaxy Z Flip 5G, with improvements in a few key ways. It has squared off edges, an improved hinge mechanism and a display with a 120Hz refresh rate (so it flies when scrolling through Twitter feeds). It has a camera system that’s almost flagship quality. It has a bigger and way more useful cover screen. But most significantly, Samsung dropped the price by $500 — you pick up the new Galaxy Z Flip3 for just shy of $1,000.

After using the Galaxy Z Flip3 for the last two weeks, the best thing I can say about it is that feels like flagship Samsung smartphone. It’s beautifully designed; has a bright and huge OLED display (albeit one that has a noticeable crease where the fold is); and takes pretty darn good photos. The difference is it can also fold in half.

It’s a neat trick that makes the smartphone feel nostalgic, but doesn’t really compromise anything. The Galaxy Z Flip3 doesn’t feel cheap. It doesn’t creek or making any weird noises when you open or close it. And the clamp is almost too strong — opening the clamshell is almost always a two-hand endeavor.

The biggest difference for me is the “cover screen” — the little screen on the outside of Galaxy Z Flip3 when closed — as it’s much bigger and actually usable. The cover screen of the first Galaxy Flip was more of a scrolling ticker (the thing that shows sports scores on the bottom of you TV) that told you time and showed things like calls and push notifications, but you had to open up the smartphone to do anything meaningful.

A quick double-top of the power button turns the cover screen into a self viewfinder on the Galaxy Z Flip3. You can think swipe between a wide and ultra-wide lens.
Tucker Bowe

That’s completely changed with the Galaxy Z Flip3. Its cover screen is way bigger and you can actually do things with it. You can see what song is playing (like from Spotify) and quickly change it. You can double tap the power button and turn it into a viewfinder for your selfie photos and videos. And you can check out the weather or start a timer. All without opening up your smartphone. Don’t get me wrong, you can’t do a ton of things, but it makes the Galaxy Z Flip3 way more convenient.

At the end of my two weeks with the Galaxy Z Flip3, I can say that it truly feels like a Samsung flagship smartphone. It doesn’t have a triple camera system. Nor does it work with a stylus. But it can fold in half, which is novel and nostalgic in a wonderful way, and it’s not egregiously expensive.

That said, it’s still a Samsung smartphone, so don’t expect your iPhone friends to welcome your green bubbles with open arms. But if you have an Android and you’re in the market for a foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip3 feels like the perfect match for most people.

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3

samsung.com

$999.00

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September 7, 2021 / Comments Off on The Foldable Phone Is Finally in Reach
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Celebrate 20 Years Of ‘Halo’ With The Xbox Series X Halo Infinite Limited Edition Bundle

When rumors of Microsoft’s next-generation push began circulating, gamers were curious to learn about its launch titles. Originally slated to come out for the Xbox One, industry insiders hinted that Halo Infinite would release alongside the Xbox Series X instead. Here we are close to a year since the console came out and a limited-edition model is about to drop.

Whenever select AAA titles are announced, the manufacturer might back it up with a marketing gimmick. If you held off from a launch day purchase, the Xbox Series X Halo Infinite limited edition bundle seems like the best time to jump right in.

There’s no better way to celebrate 20 awesome years of blasting aliens as Master Chief. The long-running franchise has its ups and downs, but the latest installment is sure to blow you away. The Xbox Series X Halo Infinite limited edition packs more than just visual elements.

Nevertheless, you can’t deny that the theme they went with looks stunning. The outer shell of the console boasts bespoke graphics of stars as seen from the surface of Zeta Halo. Then there’s the custom paneling and a blue vent up top which draws inspiration from Cortana.

Meanwhile, the Xbox wireless controller that ships with the Xbox Series X Halo Infinite limited edition boasts a similar theme minus the stars. An optional Series 2 Xbox Elite wireless controller will be available for purchase as well and showcases a badass design based on Master Chief.

Microsoft already announced that the multiplayer aspect of the upcoming shooter will be free-to-play. Those who purchase the Xbox Series X Halo Infinite limited edition also get a copy of the game. We can’t wait to see what Sony comes up with for their first limited edition PS5.

Reserve yours now

Images courtesy of Microsoft

September 6, 2021 / Comments Off on Celebrate 20 Years Of ‘Halo’ With The Xbox Series X Halo Infinite Limited Edition Bundle
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The LAMBOGO Is A Rugged All-In-One High Speed Wireless SSD Storage

Electronics and moisture do not mix, that is why manufacturers strive to endow their products with reliable ingress protection. Luckily, over the years we have seen improvements in waterproofing and impact protection technology. Aside from our smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, the latest portable storage platforms are more durable the ever. If you need one, the LAMBOGO seems promising.

The LAMBOGO may not be the first one of the gates, but it packs more features than others we’ve talked about before. Digital nomads will love what this product promises to bring to the table. The manufacturer is offering multiple capacities: 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, and 8 TB as the highest.

Read/write speeds are crucial when dealing with large file sizes. The LAMBOGO uses an NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe 4 SSD with up to 2400 MB/s wired and 900 MB/s wireless. You read that right, it supports wireless connectivity which is handy for folks on the go.

Plug in an SD card or a USB flash drive and access your files over the air. Prolonged usage can lead to heat build. As such, it touts an internal cooling fan to keep the temperature in check. The 5,000 mAh battery is enough for 8 hours and can even charge your other devices.

The 4.57” x 2.76” x 1.06” rugged housing is available in black, orange, and blue. It can withstand shock, sand, dust, and moisture. As of this writing, its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign is just 12 days away from ending. So far, 154 backers have pledged close to $67,000 to put the LAMBOGO 647% over its goal.

Become a backer: here

Images courtesy of LAMBOTECH

September 5, 2021 / Comments Off on The LAMBOGO Is A Rugged All-In-One High Speed Wireless SSD Storage
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How to Set Up a Turntable System, 3 Ways

Vinyl is booming. After being nearly extinct in the early 2000s, its popularly has skyrocketed over the last 10-odd ears (at the same time as music streaming, oddly). People are captivated by its slow analog experience — placing the record, dropping the stylus — and hearing its warm nostalgic sound.

The good news is that because vinyl has made such a defiant comeback, it’s spurred a resurgence of the other necessary components to play vinyl. Audio companies are making new turntables, phono preamps, amplifiers and speakers — all of a range of price points — so it’s pretty easy to build a basic turntable system. You don’t need to refurbish some vintage gear (although you still can if you want to).

The Four Components of a Basic Turntable System

A turntable system is comprised of four primary components: the turntable, the phono preamp, the amplifier and the speakers. It can get a little complicated nowadays because a lot of these components are combined together, such as a turntable with a built-in phono preamp or a speaker with a built-in amplifier (which is any powered or active speaker), but it the bottom line is that you need these four components to work.

• Turntable: The turntable and the speakers are the two most important components. The turntable — specifically its stylus — is the thing that makes contact with the record and picks up the signal. It then produces a phono output signal.

• Phono Preamp: The phono preamp takes the phono output signal and converts it into a “line level” or an “AUX” signal. It also equalizes the signal — staying true to the RIAA playback equalization curve — so that it sounds as true to the original recording as possible.

• Amplifier: The amplifier takes the weak signal from the phono preamp and amplifies and readies it for the speakers. Without the amplifier you wouldn’t be able to play (or, more accurately, hear) music. Today, the standalone amplifier (aka a power amplifier) is nearly an extinct component because powered speakers (combines amp and speaker), receivers (amp with a radio) and integrated amplifiers (combines amp and phono preamp) have all become so popular.

• Speakers: The speakers the amplified signal and split it up (using its crossover circuitry). The high-end frequencies get sent to the tweeter, and the low-end frequencies get sent to the mid-range and bass driver. If the speaker has an extra, dedicated driver from midrange, that’s where those frequencies get sent. The speakers are probably the most important component because they’re what you actually hear.

The Three Turntable Systems

There are a multitude of ways to build out your turntable system. It’s no secret that the more separate components your turntable system has, the better it’s likely to sound; it prevents them interfering with each other components’ jobs. However, having more components comes with its share of problems. Each individual component needs its own space. It adds more complexity because there are more moving parts. And the total cost is typically higher because you’re paying for more individual components.

That said, you can build a starter turntable system any way you want and still keep the price relatively down. We’ve assembled three turntable systems in three different ways, and they all cost around the same price —all are under $1,000.

#1: Turnable (w/ preamp) and Powered Speakers

If you have Sonos speakers in your house and you want to add a turntable to the mix, your best option is to get a Five. It’s has a line-in connection so you can connect it directly your turntable (so long as it has a built-in preamp). You can then group it with your other Sonos speakers and play vinyl throughout your home. In this current setup, we have a powered speaker (so speaker and amp) and a great entry-level turntable with an integrated preamp (so turnable and preamp). The Roam is just an option bonus.

Fluance RT81

amazon.com

$249.99

The RT81 is a great entry-level turntable. It has a built-in preamp so you can connect directly to the Sonos Five (with a RCA to 3.5 mm cable).

Fluance

Sonos Five

$499

The Five is the biggest and best-sounding standalone speaker that Sonos makes. It also be connected directly to a turntable via its line-in port.

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Sonos Roam (Optional)

$169

The Roam is a portable speaker with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can group with the Five and then listen to your vinyl throughout your house.

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#2: Turnable (w/o preamp), Preamp and Powered Speakers

The advantage of having a turntable without built-in phono preamp is that it gives you more options to customize your sound. Most built-in preamps aren’t that great and, because they’re close to the turntable’s other components. they’re more susceptible to vibrations and distortions. And an external preamp can make your system sound better for not that much — you can get a great external phono preamp for between $60 and $200. Add that to a powered speaker system that delivers true stereo sound … and you’re cooking.

Pro-Ject T1

Pro-Ject amazon.com

$549.00

The T1 Phono is one of Pro-Ject’s newer mid-range turntables. It has a striking design, thanks to its tempered glass platter, and can be bought with (shown) or without a preamp.

Pro-Ject

Schiit Audio Mani

amazon.com

$129.00

The Mani is a simple-yet-versatile phono preamp that’s compatible with turntables that have MM and MC cartridges. It’s designed and built in California.

Schiit Audio

Audioengine A5+

bhphotovideo.com

$399.00

The Audioengine A5+ is a set of powered bookshelf speakers that deliver superb stereo sound. You can buy either in black, white or bamboo.

Audioengine

#3: Turnable (w/o preamp), Amp and Passive Speakers

This system combines an excellent mid-level turntable, one of the best budget integrated amps (so amp and phono preamp) and a great pair of passive bookshelf speakers. It’s a relatively affordable system, but it also leaves a lot of room for future upgrades. If you want to a nicer turntable or bigger and better bookshelf speakers in a few years time, this setup gives you that flexibility.

U-Turn Orbit Plus

$309

The Orbit Plus is U-Turn’s excellent mid-range turntable with a modern design (transparent platter and exposed belt drive). It’s available in five different colors.

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Cambridge Audio AXA35

Cambridge Audio bhphotovideo.com

$349.99

The AXA35 is a two-channel integrated amplifier (with a phono preamp) that’s able to power 35-watts per channel, which is plenty enough for the Q Acoustics 3020i.

Cambridge Audio

Q Acoustics 3020i

amazon.com

$349.00

The Q Acoustics 3020i are great “bang for your buck” bookshelf speakers that create an impressive soundstage and bass despite their size.

Q Acoustics

September 2, 2021 / Comments Off on How to Set Up a Turntable System, 3 Ways
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Fitbit Adds Even More Upgrades To The Charge 5 To Encouarge Overall Wellness

With Apple still leading the pack and Samsung revisiting Google’s Wear OS, the smartwatch market shaking up this 2021. Meanwhile, Fitbit trudges along and remains the go-to option for those who lead an active lifestyle. If you’re eager to check out why, the Charge 5 seems like a good start.

If it’s a full-size wearable they’re talking about, the brand is also catering to this category. As for the Charge 5, it’s part of Fitbit’s lineup of fitness trackers. Most devices that are sold as such, normally pack basic functionalities that tell users their step count, heart rate, sleep quality, and more.

The Charge 5 may look like an entry-level offering, but its spec sheet says otherwise. These days, amid the ongoing COViD-19 pandemic, blood oxygen is crucial. Moreover, the manufacture is going even further by enabling ECG functionality. This gives wearers a readout of their heart health.

Receive alerts when your heart rate falls below or goes beyond thresholds. Users can check the data Alongside other metrics to get an overview of their overall wellness. Fitbit throws in a 6-month Premium membership for the most comprehensive fitness experience.

For people who prefer outdoor workouts, the built-in GPS on the Charge 5 provides real-time pace and distance. No need to rely on your smartphone for location tracking on your runs, hikes, or rides. Furthermore, never miss your notifications such as emails, text, calendar, calls, and more.

The always-on AMOLED display remains legible even under bright sunlight. The body is crafted out of stainless steel for durability and comes with interchangeable straps. A full charge should last up to seven days. Finally, the Fitbit Charge 5 is available in three colors: Lunar White/Gold, Steel Blue/Platinum, and Black/Graphite.

Purchase now

Images courtesy of Fitbit

August 30, 2021 / Comments Off on Fitbit Adds Even More Upgrades To The Charge 5 To Encouarge Overall Wellness
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The Next Generation of Wireless Earbuds Is Here

In the fall of 2016, Apple released its original AirPods. And while they weren’t the first, they were a breakout hit. Since then, the true wireless earbud market has turned into a feeding frenzy. And now, there’s a new class of competitors.

Five years on, Apple is still the apex predator with a leading share of the market, but that hasn’t deterred competitors from churning out new wireless earbuds. And for good reason: The number of true wireless earbuds sold is expected to more than triple from 2019 to 2022.

While Apple is reportedly on the cusp of third-generation AirPods, pretty much every major player (including Sony, Bose, Jabra, Beats, Google and Amazon) has also released second-, third- and even fourth-generation versions of their own wireless earbuds. And they’ve gotten very good.

Now, this past month, the latest generation of heavy-hitters has landed in the form of Sony’s WF-1000XM4, successor to the buds that tackled noise-canceling before Apple got around to it, and the new Jaybird Vista 2, the best headphones for running, full stop.

Apple isn’t the only company that has fine-tuned wireless earbuds. These days, both high-end audio companies (like Bowers & Wilkins, Master & Dynamic and Klipsch) and non-traditional audio companies (like Amazon, Google and Anker) are on their second-or-third-generation wireless earbuds. And they are good.
Tucker Bowe

There are more types of wireless earbuds than ever

There’s more variety than ever before. You can buy wireless earbuds for less than $30, like the JLab Go Air, or for as much as $400, like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7. If you need rugged wireless earbuds for working out, buy a pair with a high IP rating like the Jaybird Vista 2 or Jabra Elite Active 75t. Or if you want the noise-cancellation, get the Sony WF-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort Buds. Or if can’t find wireless earbuds that fit your ears, get the UE Fits which literally custom-mold to give you that perfect fit.

Most of the newest wireless earbuds are also decked out with modern features like wireless charging and the ability to pair to multiple devices at once. Even active noise-cancellation has become a pretty common feature in true wireless earbuds — and you don’t have to spend over the odds to get it. You can buy wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation for less than $100, like the Wyze Buds Pro or the Nothing Ear (1), which would have been unheard of just a few years ago.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series

$99

The Pixel Buds A-Series look, fit, feel and sound like Google’s $179 Pixel Buds. The reason the they’re almost half as expensive is that Google cut out some of their more premium features.

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Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+

$99

Cambridge Audio’s 2021-released Melomania 1+ lack premium features (like ANC), but they are the best sounding wireless earbuds you can buy for under $100.

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Nothing Ear (1)

$99

The Nothing Ear (1) combine a translucent design with premium features like active noise-cancellation and wireless charging. All for less than $100.

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The next big step for wireless earbuds? Audio quality.

Up to this point wireless earbuds have been hamstrung by the fact that they require a Bluetooth connection to work, which unfortunately can’t play lossless-quality audio — you need to stream over Wi-Fi or have a wired connection to be able to stream the large amount of data high-quality audio requires. But manufacturers of wireless earbuds are finding ways around this little hurdle.

The latest Sony wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, are one such example. They are one of the first wireless earbuds to be able to stream LDAC audio files, which is Sony’s proprietary audio codec (available on most Android smartphones, but not on iPhones unfortunately). This enables them to stream higher-quality audio (with bitrates of between 600 kbps and 900 kbps, rather than the 256 kbps of MP3 and AAC audio files) than most other wireless earbuds. It’s still nowhere near true lossless or CD-quality audio, which has bit rate of 1,411 kbps, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Bowers and Wilkins is doing something novel, too. Its newest wireless earbuds, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, support Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive audio technology, an audio codec that lets you stream high bitrate and low latency audio files over Bluetooth (with bitrates up to 420 kbps). But again, you’re out of luck if you’re an iPhone user because no iPhone supports aptX Adaptive. In fact, most popular Android smartphones don’t support it either.

Sony WF-1000XM4

$278

The Sony WF-1000XM4 have been redesigned them so they sound more vibrant and have better noise-cancellation than the WH-1000XM3.

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Bowers & Wilkins PI7

$399

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have active noise-cancellation and support for wireless charging. They also are capable of playing high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/48 kHz.

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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

$279

The QuietComfort Earbuds are the best wireless earbuds that Bose makes and deliver superb sound and active noise-cancellation.

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Apple is blazing its own path, as ever.

Other wireless earbud manufacturers are leaning into audio quality in a different way — Apple being the biggest example. Instead of trying to stream higher bitrate streams over Bluetooth, Apple is leveraging immersive sound technologies, like Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. It figures that many people are using their wireless earbuds and smartphones to stream movies and shows, and this these immersive technologies improve the audio quality of AirPods and AirPods Pro for that specific experience.

Of course, improved audio quality still feels like a luxury in wireless earbuds. The vast majority of people can’t really hear the difference between a low-bitrate and higher-bitrate stream; for example, if you change the audio quality of your default tracks on Spotify from 160 kbps (Normal) to 320 kbps (High) in settings, you’re probably not going to be able to tell the difference if you’re listening on AirPods.

For most people. the fact that they can buy a pair of wireless earbuds from a reputable manufacturer — not a knockoff pair of AirPods from Amazon) — and know it will work and sound pretty great, that’s a testament to how far wireless earbuds have come.

Apple AirPods (2nd-Gen)

~~$159~~ $119

Apple’s AirPods have its new H1 processing chip, so they a longer battery life and better mics than the first-gen AirPods. They also support “Hey Siri” voice commands.

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Beats Studio Buds

$150

The Studio Buds are the Beats’s first noise-canceling wireless earbuds. They lack Apple’s special H1 chip, but can still fast pair to iPhones and Android smartphones.

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Apple AirPods Pro

~~$249~~ $189

The AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium pair of wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. They also support immersive sound technologies, like spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.

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But for quality, wired is still king.

It’s a little ironic that Apple has finally introduced lossless audio tracks to Apple Music, but very few of its audio products can actually play it. AirPods, AirPods Pro and all of Beats wireless earbuds can’t play them. Neither can AirPods Max, even when using its wired connection. The HomePod and the HomePod mini the only exceptions.

So for as far as wireless buds have come, the old school approach still reigns supreme. If you wan’t to play lossless tracks at 16-bit/44.1 kHz or more, a solid pair of wired cans, and even an external DAC/amp are still essential equipment. Will it always be this way? Maybe not. But even as the definition of hi-fi evolves, some things stay the same.

August 30, 2021 / Comments Off on The Next Generation of Wireless Earbuds Is Here
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