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Apple iPad 2018 Review: New Features and Sleeker Design

Apple iPad 2018 Review: New Features and Sleeker Design
8.7tech score

The Apple iPad has come a long way since its first release in 2010. There are new features each year and sleeker designs. Try and remember when Apple released a bad iPad, because I can’t. Last year in 2017 Apple had given us the iPad Pro and shocked people with its capabilities and features, which only raises expectations for even Apple’s standard iPad 2018. At first glance the 2018 Apple iPad review and the iPad Pro don’t look very different from each other until you take a closer observation.

2018 Apple iPad vs iPad Pro

Apple iPad vs iPad Pro

  • Screen Size/Resolution: The iPad Pro has a bigger screen at 10.5 in. compared to the 9.7 in. the new Apple iPad has. The new iPad also has a larger bezel around the screen that appears to make it look like it’s a little dated and not as sleek as the Pro. The design might just be its only major negative when in comparison. Don’t be discouraged by it though, because the iPad has beautiful picture with 2048×1536 resolution. However, the Pro has little better resolution at 2224×1668.
  • Apple Pencil: A big feature that was introduced on the iPad Pro was the Apple Pencil. Its an incredibly useful tool, especially with more apps, including; Pages, Numbers, and Keynote now supporting the digital accessory. Now Apple’s standard iPad has the capability of the Apple Pencil at a much more affordable price of $329, instead of the $649 iPad Pro. Though there is a slight lag in some of the features when using the Apple Pencil on the new iPad, where it looks like your line is slighting dragging behind your Pencil mark. If that bothers you way too much, then I’m sure you’re more then welcome to spend the extra $300 or more to get your fine point with no lag.
  • iPad with Apple Pencil

  • Battery Life: Everyone always wonders how long the battery life to such technology is. The new Apple iPad in this review matches the Pro at 10 hours of battery life. So you can use it when traveling long distances and not worry about your battery flat lining.
  • Storage: The price of $329 for the Apple iPad comes with 32GB of storage, or if you are a person who needs more space you can spend $100 more for the iPad with 128GB. In comparison, the Pro’s lowest price is $649 and comes with 64GB of storage.
  • Keyboard Support: The Pro also is popular for its Bluetooth and smart connector for keyboard support. No, I’m sorry to tell you that the more cost efficient iPad does not have the smart connector, but is Bluetooth only. The Bluetooth keyboard doesn’t allow you to directly attach a keyboard like the smart connector allows you to do and does experience a little difficulty for tech savvy people. Some have said they can’t tab between apps using cmd-tab, which generally works better on a smaller screen like the 2018 Apple iPad, than trying to use split-screen.
  • 2018 Apple iPad Features

  • Portability: Some people’s goal is to have an ultra-portable device that can take notes and serve as an on-the-go laptop. There is no question if you had the choice between the two devices that you would take the 2018 Apple iPad over the Pro. It’s a lot smaller than the Pro, and in terms of size it gives you a cleaner delineation between your notebook and your tablet. Don’t make the mistake though and not bring a notebook for something to always rely on, I still say that nothing beats good old pen and paper.

Processor and Augmented Reality

The 2018 iPad may not support Apple’s Smart Keyboard, which remains exclusive for Pro models, but it does have an upgraded processor. Apple has upgraded their iPad’s processor with its A10 Fusion Model, which includes an M10 embedded motion coprocessor. This gives the iPad the power to do things like augmented reality, a feature broadly supported with the new device. Actually, Apple has included its Augmented Reality development kit or ARKit, with the version of iOS 11.3 that is installed on the new Apple iPad when its delivered.

The upgraded processor is not as fast as the Pro’s A10X processor. For example the 2018 iPad processor memory is 2GB, compared to 4GB with the Pro’s A10X. Which is basically saying when multi-tasking you may notice a slightly slower operation, but unless you are a hardcore fan of the iPad Pro only, then you will never notice it.

Apple iPad 2018 Review: New Features and Sleeker Design

2018 Apple iPad Review: The Final Verdict

Apple’s 2018 iPad review is fast and powerful, a definite upgrade for anyone with an aging tablet. It’s packed full of features and the fact that you can use the Apple Pencil is a huge bonus, not only for the cheap price of the device as a whole, but a great tool especially with more apps now supporting this digital stylus. Yes, there are a few missing features such as the Smart Connector, which means you can’t use Apple’s Smart Keyboard case, but for $329/$429 it is too much of a bargain! This tablet is impossible not to recommend to others although it may not be as good as the iPad Pro. It is nearly the same device for an unbelievable value that doesn’t break the bank.

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Reviews

Google Wi-Fi Review – The Answer to Router Problems?

Google Wi-Fi Review – The Answer to Router Problems?
7.8tech score

Routers and range extenders may have become a thing of the past. New devices, such as Euro and the Netgear Orbi have brought consumers tri-band or Wi-Fi mesh systems, and Google has followed that trend with its Google Wi-Fi. It only makes sense for Google as it would compliment and improve their ever expanding smart-home collection. Google seems to have found the answer to creating the best mesh system yet, and right now, our Google Wi-Fi review is way ahead of competitors.

Design

  • Minimalist puck shape with white LED band
  • 1, 2 or 3 unit packs available
  • 3 unit set covers up to 4500 square feet
  • Simple set up

Google Wi-Fi can be purchased with one, two, or three units powered via USB-C, and each is a small, puck-like cylinder. It is designed very simply with a white LED band in the center. If you buy the set of three, it covers up to 4,500 square feet. One unit functions as the “router” of the system, while the others give off wired internet with Ethernet ports along with wireless internet. But all three are capable of the same functionality, so it doesn’t matter which
one is designated as the “router”.

To use it, all you need is the free app (available for iOS and Android). All you have to do is plug your “router” unit into your existing router via the Ethernet port, and use the app to scan the QR code on the Wi-Fi points connected to that unit. It gives you the name of your network and allows you to set a password. Then, just pair the other Wi-Fi points and label them in the app – in mere seconds, the “router” will recognize these Wi-Fi points and they will begin broadcasting.

App Features

  • Keep track of network and devices connected
  • Internet speed test
  • Wi-Fi test
  • Prioritize bandwidth
  • Pause internet to certain devices

With Google Wi-Fi you will not have as much access as other devices, such as the Netgear Orbi. For example, you can’t control band switching as Google just handles it in the background for you. However, the app does allow you to keep track of all three units on your network along with all devices connected to it. There is an internet speed test included that allows you to carry out a mesh test to measure the health of the units’ connections, and a Wi-Fi test that measures connection strength from within the network. And, although you can’t control band switching, there is a feature that allows you to prioritize bandwidth to one device for a time and pause internet access to specific devices. Of course, the app also gives you control of your smart home devices, which makes it very easy – everything you need is in one place, on one app.

Google Wi-Fi Hardware

Hardware

  • 802.11g/n/ac and AC1200 2×2 per unit
  • Supports MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TPM
  • No integrated modem

Each unit of our Google Wi-Fi review supports 802.11g/n/ac and up to AC1200 2×2, which is less than what is standard on routers. However, this doesn’t really matter unless you need a very high wireless speed – AC1200 can still support wireless speeds above 500 megabits, which is way more than most Internet connections. Support for MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TPM is also included in each unit along with two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Google Wi-Fi connects to your existing modem instead of replacing it, because it does not have an integrated modem. This connection uses up one of the Ethernet ports on the “router” unit, which again shouldn’t be a problem for most users as there are still free ports on the other units.

Performance

  • Focuses on coverage over speed
  • “Network assist” and “Gearing algorithm” used to find and switch devices to best signal

Google Wi-Fi seems to have everything you need, but how well does it work? As a mesh router system, it focuses more on coverage than having the fastest signal from a single location. Google uses “Network Assist”, which automatically finds and continuously monitors the best channel for your network, along with a “Gearing algorithm”, which automatically switches your connected devices to the strongest signal as you move around. This is where placement of the units comes in, and the app will also assist you in finding good placement. This is much better than traditional routers, because you will no longer have to manually change your Wi-Fi connection as you move around or have a weak signal at one area in your house.

Google Wi-Fi Design

Performance tests have come back very positive for Google Wi-Fi. It is not the fastest router, but gets some of the best coverage you can find, and is undeniably fast enough for most users. When tested against an AC1900 router (D-Link), the D-Link had a lot of trouble when moving to a different room if there was something in the way, such as a thick wall. In the other hand, Google Wi-Fi had no trouble just switching to the nearest unit and keeping even coverage. One problem to note is that it was sometimes slow to switch the device’s connection to the right point, but this is a minor issue and can be improved.

Pricing and Availability

For a minimalist mesh router, Google Wi-Fi is the best you can get right now. However, larger mesh routers (such as Netgear Orbi) are faster and better when it comes to performance, but are also much more expensive. If you are looking for something affordable and also very capable, look no farther than Google Wi-Fi – it will get the job done with no problem. A single unit costs $129 and the three units cost $289, which is far less than the Euro pack (also minimalist), and Netgear Orbi. It will provide full house Wi-Fi coverage at a speed good enough for most users.

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Reviews

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Review: Features and Specifications

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Review: Features and Specifications
7tech score

Dell has taken laptops to the next level with the much anticipated Dell XPS 15 2-in-1. Instead of a traditional notebook, this is a convertible, meaning that it has a touch screen which can be used alone or with the keyboard like a traditional laptop. Convertibles are extremely practical for anyone who is constantly on the go, as they are versatile and portable.

But in many of the current designs, customers must forgo better performance and screen size. However, with the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 in this review, Dell hopes to change that and make this laptop have the best of both worlds.

Design

  • 0.66 inches thick
  • 4 pounds
  • 15.6 inch InfinityEdge touch display
  • “Chin Cam”
  • USB Type-C ports

The XPS 15 2-in-1 looks much like the XPS 15 from last year with the carbon fiber interior and the silver aluminum outer shell, but many upgrades have been made. At just 0.66 inches thick and 4 pounds, it is the thinnest 15 inch 2-in-1 yet and boasts a 15.6 inch InfinityEdge touch display with bezels that can barely even be noticed. One issue with these thin bezels is that it causes the webcam to be in the “Chin Cam” position that other recent laptops have had problems with.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Design

As far as ports go, there are two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the left side – one for charging – and a microSD card slot. On the right side, you will find a headphone jack, a Noble lock slot, and two USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort.

Keyboard – The Maglev

  • 0.6mm key travel
  • Magnets and metal plate used to create resistance
  • Mixed reviews

The keyboard of the XPS 15 2-in-1 review is something Dell changed drastically. It has a key travel of only 0.6 mm, which is very short. However, Dell has taken into consideration that this would cause consumers discomfort from typing against a flat surface, so they devised a magnetic system to add feedback and help with tactile feel. For this reason, the keyboard was given the name “Maglev”, which is short for magnetic levitation – magnets and a metal plate are used to create resistance.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Maglev Keyboard

So far, there have been mixed reviews on this keyboard. Laptop Mag has praised it saying, “…it really works. If you’re going to make a low-travel keyboard, this is how to do it” as it was found to be comfortable. On the other hand, Digital Trends found the keyboard uncomfortable as they, “…found [their] fingers getting tired quicker on marathon typing sessions”. It seems Dell is looking towards the future with this new technology – it is something that will be fine tuned with time to cut down on the bulkiness of laptops. As of now, there doesn’t seem to be an immediate advantage, but consumers will have to decide whether or not they find it comfortable enough to use on a daily basis.

Display

  • 4K or 1080p display options
  • 387 nits
  • Lacking in color accuracy

As mentioned, the XPS 15 2-in-1 has a 15.6 inch 4K display, which is one of the highlights. The color and the pictures are extremely sharp – the details people are able to see in 4K and 1080p videos are reported to be incredible. At 387 nits, its brightness is well above average, but not quite as high as some competitors.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Display

The panel is also impressive when it comes to color gamut, but lacks a little bit in color accuracy with an average color error of 2.73, which is not horrible, but not something a professional photographer would want. Another downside of the amazing display is that choosing the 4K over the 1080p will cost you an extra $400, which may not be worth it to some people – 1080p panels have already proven to be very good.

Performance

  • Above average scores for premium-laptop
  • Fastest HandBrake video editing for any nongaming laptop
  • Advanced thermal system is loud

The XPS 15 2-in-1 is equipped with the 8th-gen Core i7-8705G CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCle NVMe SSD. It is very good with multitasking – you can have numerous tabs open with videos playing in 1080p and still have no problem at all. On the Geekbench 4 overall performance test, it scored 15,040, well above the premium-laptop average of 9,820 and just behind Apple’s MacBook Pro. This means it is just as good as other computers at basic tasks, such as copying files.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Performance

However, the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 has the fastest HandBrake video editing test result for any nongaming laptop. It was able to transcode a 4K video to 1080p in only 14 minutes and 10 seconds while keeping the system cool. The thermal system is another thing Dell focused on to aid the higher processing, and while it is very advanced, it is unfortunately loud, and you are most likely going to hear the fans at some point.

Gaming

  • Kraby Lake G processor
  • ADM’s Radeon RX Vega graphics

As the first laptop to use a Kraby Lake G processor, an 8th Gen Core Intel CPU with AMD’s Radeon RX Vega M graphics, so far things are looking very good. It is more capable in esports-ready games, but holds its own with graphic-intensive games as well. As long as you stay away from 4K, tests have found that you can easily get around 40 fps or more on most games at 1440p or 1080p.

It is easy to call this a gaming capable computer. So if you are looking for gaming value, the 1080p model is the correct choice as the graphics component is the same, no matter what. Another thing to consider is how much RAM you get, because you are stuck with whatever you choose.

Battery Life

  • Low battery life
  • 4K version only lasts half the time of other laptops

The weakest aspect of the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 has been found to be its battery life. No tests have been done on the 1080p model, but for the 4K model, it lasts about five and a half hours in a video loop test, which is almost half of the average right now. This is no surprise for a 15 inch, 4K screen, but Dell will have to improve this. It is something many consumers will definitely consider when purchasing a laptop that is meant to be portable.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 Review: Features and Specifications

Pricing and Availability

If you are looking for a lightweight, portable, gaming-capable laptop, this is one of the best and definitely something to consider. Although the keyboard and battery life aren’t the best, the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 easily makes up for that in display and performance. For the 4K model with an Intel Core i7-8705G CPU, Radeon graphics, 16GH of RAM, and a 1TB PCle NVMe SSD you will pay $2,549 ($2,199 with a 256GB SSD). For the 1080p model, you will pay $1,499 for an Intel Core i5-8305G processor with Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD.

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Reviews

Fitbit Versa Review: A Budget-Friendly Smartwatch

Fitbit Versa Review: A Budget-Friendly Smartwatch
7.8tech score

Fitbit was one of the first companies to come out with fitness trackers, and they’ve been improving and adding to their collection ever since. Although Apple was the first to come out with a smart watch, it didn’t take long for Fitbit to come out with some competition. Fitbit Ionic was the first smart watch launched, and also the more expensive.

Now, the company’s new smart watch fitness tracker, the Fitbit Versa, is on shelves and it is a more affordable option than both the Ionic and the Apple watch. As always, the question is whether or not paying less will still get you the quality you want, so this Fitbit Versa review will cover the qualities and capabilities of this smart watch fitness tracker.

A More Compact Design

  • 34mm diagonal x 24.075mm high x 24.075mm wide screen size
  • Larger bezels than Apple Watch
  • 3 standard colors, many straps to choose from

The Fitbit Versa comes after the Ionic, which was criticized for being too bulky (especially for women’s wrists), so the Versa is much smaller. Its screen size is 34mm diagonal, 24.075mm high, and 24.075mm wide, making it even smaller than the Apple Watch (38mm). Although it is more compact than the Apple Watch, it looks extremely similar. The only difference besides size is that the Versa has larger bezels, so its display doesn’t reach edge to edge. However, this doesn’t downgrade the display as it is still large enough to comfortably watch Fitbit Coach screen videos.

Fitbit Versa Smartwatch

When it comes to color, the Versa comes in three standard models with a watch case made from anodized aluminum and silicon straps. These colors include a Rose Gold watch case with a Peach silicon band, a Silver Pebble watch case with a Grey silicon band, and a Black watch case with a Black silicon band. The silicon bands are stain proof and waterproof, and therefore are best for more intense workouts. But there are also options for a more casual setting.

Fitbit offers woven Special Edition bands that come in Lavender and Charcoal, and a metal strap. However, if you want a Special Edition band, you will have to buy the Special Edition Fitbit Versa (which operates exactly the same) since the band is not sold separately.

Display

  • Color touchscreen with 300 x 300 pixel resolution
  • Can reach 1,000 nits
  • Water resistant up to 50 meters

As mentioned above, the color touchscreen display is large enough for comfortable video viewing. It has a resolution of 300 x 300 pixels and can reach 1,000 nits, allowing you to be able to see the screen even in bright sunlight. With the Versa, Fitbit has chosen to include more historical data on the screen than in past products like the Ionic. And, if you are a swimmer, it is water resistant up to 50 meters, which works well for basic swimming tracking such as counting laps. This also means you don’t have to worry about taking it off before stepping into the shower.

Functions – What Can the Fitbit Versa Do for You

  • No built-in GPS
  • Measures steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes, sleep and activities
  • PurePulse heart rate monitor
  • SpO2 sensor
  • Runs Fitbits third party apps
  • QuickReply
  • Fitbit Pay

Fitbit Versa Functions

Not much has changed function-wise from the Ionic to the Versa. The only difference is that the Fitbit Versa doesn’t have a built-in GPS, but it can connect to your smartphone’s GPS. So, if you want to run and track your run via GPS without carrying your phone, the Fitbit Versa is not for you, but other than that, this doesn’t matter. The Fitbit Versa measures your steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes, sleep, and activity tracking. You will receive reminders to move a minimum of 250 steps at least once an hour during the day.

The Versa also includes Fitbit’s PurePulse heart rate monitor. This feature can help you be more efficient when exercising and sleeping, all while keeping an eye on your heart’s health. On top of this, it has an SpO2 sensor which tracks the amount of oxygen in the blood, so that blood oxygenation levels can be monitored during activity.

However, the Fitbit Versa is not just a fitness tracker, it is also a smartwatch and therefore includes other features. It can run over Fitbit’s third party apps using the phone app, including over 500 apps and clock faces to choose from. The Fitbit Versa comes with the Weather and Strava exercise, and Music apps built in. The Music app allows you to load music onto the tracker using the Fitbit Connect desktop app, and it is compatible with iTunes and other digital music players. Some other popular apps are Philips Hue, allowing you to control the smart lights from your home, other apps allowing you to control smart home devices, Flashlight, World Clock, and Calculator.

All incoming text messages, emails and phone calls can be sent to the Fitbit Versa and you will be notified. The big difference between the Versa and other trackers, including the Ionic, is that you can respond on the watch via QuickReplies. This feature allows you to send a pre-written response. You can customize up to five of these responses – each 60 characters or less – in the Fitbit app. This will only be available to Android users at first, but Fitbit is working towards adding it to iOS and Windows as well. Another exciting edition is that you can use the Fitbit app to add your credit or debit card to the Versa and then use Fitbit Pay to complete purchases using the watch.

Performance

  • Fitbit Coach
  • Activity modes
  • SmartTrack feature

The Versa includes Fitbit Coach (just like the Ionic) which is a collection of built in workouts. When you purchase the Fitbit Versa, it comes with 10-minute abs, 7-minute workout, and a 20-minute Treasure Chest, which is a variety of exercises. If you want more, you can sign up and get two free programs, or pay for a subscription to have access to all of the workouts ($39.95 per year).

Fitbit Versa

However, if you want to do your own workout, the Fitbit Versa can track that as well. Activity modes that can be turned on include; Run, Bike, Swim, Treadmill, Weights, Interval Timer, and Workout. If you don’t turn one of these modes on, Fitbit’s SmartTrack feature can automatically recognize, record your workouts and give you feedback. It uses a 3-axis accelerometer to detect the intensity and pattern of your movements, so that it can then decide which activity you are doing. These activities are Walking, Running, Aerobic Workouts, Elliptical, Outdoor Biking, Sports, and Swimming. The connected GPS of the Versa works just like all other Fitbit trackers – the Ionic is the only one with a built-in GPS – and functions perfectly with a smartphone.

Health Tracking

  • In depth sleep tracking
  • Guided Breathing
  • Female Health Tracking

The Versa comes with many features that make it easy to keep track of your health just by having it on your wrist. It features in-depth sleep tracking that shows you which sleep stages you go through each night and compares your sleep to the average of others your age and gender. When you become stressed throughout the day and your heart rate increases, Fitbit Versa gives you breathing exercises with the personalized Guided Breathing feature.

Since Fitbit made this smartwatch with women in mind, Female Health Tracking has been added. This allows women to log details of their menstrual cycle to allow for monitoring changes and prediction data. This will give women insight on how their menstrual cycle affects their overall health. This is also useful when it comes to fertility planning.

Fitbit Versa Review: A Budget-Friendly Smartwatch

Final Verdict

This Fitbit Versa review is great if you’re looking for a smaller, lighter smart watch and fitness tracker with all the capabilities you need. The only weakness the Versa has when going up against the Ionic is that it has only a 4 day battery life, while the Ionic lasts 5 days. When it comes to the Apple Watch, it depends on if you are looking for something that can completely replace your phone like Apple Watch can. While the Fitbit Versa can do a lot, it still falls short of the Apple Watch, but it is also a lot less expensive. You can purchase it for $199 ($299 for the Special Edition), if you want something to help make your life a little bit easier.

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Reviews

PlayStation VR Review: Great Virtual-Reality Experience on a Budget

PlayStation VR Review: Great Virtual-Reality Experience on a Budget
10tech score

The PlayStation VR gives you a brilliant virtual-reality experience on a budget. The recent price drop of the PSVR, almost 25 percent of its original cost, is a solid reason to get involved in virtual-reality. If you aren’t someone that likes to just sit on a couch for two to twelve hours with just a remote, and would prefer to have a more active, immersive experience, then this PlayStation VR review is the one for you.

The Best of Three Options

There are three VR headsets currently available to consumers, but truthfully the PSVR is the one you are most likely to want to buy. This is a rare case of a product living up to the hype, even though it does not have a huge library of games you can use it with. Last year’s release of Resident Evil 7 was already a down right spine chilling game, but as soon as you play it with the PSVR it truly brings the game straight to your own living room and scarier then ever. Don’t forget though, in order to enjoy this exciting and awe-inspiring gaming revolution you will also need the DualShock 4 controller, a PlayStation camera, and a PS4.

PlayStation VR Pros and Cons

Like I had said before, there are three VR headsets that are in this battle for virtual-reality. There is the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and the PSVR. The PlayStation VR is much cheaper by far and doesn’t have any hidden price tags after buying it. There are no update requirements that need to be installed or a computer that needs graphic capability to be able to function with virtual-reality. The PS VR is a well rounded smooth virtual-reality experience and works with all PS4 consoles. But even though its 120Hz refresh rate gives you smooth visuals as you look around in the game, the resolution is just a bit disappointing.

PlayStation VR

If you were to go buy a PlayStation VR today and you went to try and use it, you may be wondering why it wont work. The PlayStation Camera is not included in the box and so isn’t the DualShock 4 controllers. Well, if you already own a PS4 then I am almost certain you have the controller ready to use. But in the case of getting a PlayStation Camera if your console didn’t already come with it, then you do have to buy it separately.

Now you might be saying, “I thought you said no hidden costs?” The reason why this isn’t a hidden cost is that several retailers are selling it as part of a PSVR bundle pack, since it is required to use the headset, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble tracking one down. Don’t make the mistake and buy the bundle pack thinking you need the upgraded second-generation version of the PS Camera if you already have the original, because that will work just fine.

PS Virtual-Reality Bundle

If you have the three requirements already at hand, then you are ready to go. There is no PC involved, no hassle of having to upgrade any of your rig’s components, and you don’t need to have a significant amount of space cleared in your living room to use the PSVR. Sony does recommend you sit about five feet away from the PlayStation Camera, but since this experience is primarily a seated experience at least you wont need to move the furniture around every time you want to play.

PlayStation Move Controllers

These motion-control wands were originally released for the PS3 after the huge success of the Wii, but they didn’t receive much love as they had barely any games that actually support them. It is definitely worth noting that the PSVR supports Sony’s Move controllers as well. If you have a few wands laying there, collecting dust on the back of your shelf or old cupboard, now would be the perfect time to bring them out, as several PSVR games are using them to great effect.

No do not worry, they are not essential controllers, but if you would like to have the very best VR experience possible, then I recommend you track some down. Most games that do support them, for instance, use them to act as a pair of disembodied hands. They allow you to interact with your environment far more naturally than you would with just a DualShock 4 controller.

Setting It Up

Much like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the PSVR headset is also tethered. In terms, there is a long cable that trails from the back of the headset to the main control box and in turn plugs into the back of the PS4 console. Since this is mostly a sitting down experience, you will unlikely get your legs tangled up in them. Be aware though, that if you do have this set up in your living room (which is usually your busiest room in your home) with kids or pets coming in and out, it could cause problems with your VR experience.

PlayStation VR Review: Great Virtual-Reality Experience on a Budget

There are two cables that trail from the back of the headset: one of which is the HDMI cable and one proprietary connection that can either plug into the bundled extension lead, or straight into the main control box. After simply connecting your somewhat annoying wires into your console, there is finally the PlayStation Camera. All you need to do is plug it into the PS4’s rear aux port and place it in front of where you would like to sit. Now this is vital, for this is the device that is responsible for tracking your head movements via the blue lights on the front of the headset. All in all, it is truly a painless set up compared to the HTC Vive, you will be up and running in less then 15 minutes.

PlayStation VR Overall Review

I would give the PSVR a five out five-star rating. It is an amazing virtual-reality experience. The PSVR to me has the best gaming VR experience. Although some may feel differently, I believe the PlayStation VR is the best-value virtual reality headset, especially with its price drop. This is a must have for the price, couldn’t be more satisfied.

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Reviews

Google Home and Google Home Mini Review: Smart Speaker Comparison

Google Home and Google Home Mini Review: Smart Speaker Comparison
8tech score

Google’s Home and Home Mini smart speakers were released in the United States in November 4, 2016, in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2017, and it was just released in India – almost a year after it was released in the US and UK. So, what do consumers think of the Google’s smart speaker? This Google Home vs Google Home Mini comparison review will give a comprehensive overview of the speakers – what people liked, what they didn’t like, and what may be coming soon with new versions of Google Home.

Design

  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Customizable base with 6 color choices
  • Design is also functional

Google made their Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers to look good in your home – it is almost reminiscent of an air freshener. They are cylindrical in shape, come with a grey fabric base and rubber bottom. However, this grey base can be swapped out for different colors. Right now, Google offers six colors, which are mango, marine, violet, carbon(black), copper, and snow(white). The first three are fabric like the grey and the last three are metal bases. When compared to Amazon’s Echo, the Google Home is much more attractive and blends in better with your home.

Google Home Design

The design of the Google Home in this review is not all just for aesthetics though – it does carry some function. The top is a touch activated panel which allows you to control the volume, pause/play music, or activate Google Assistant. Google Assistant will also activate if you simply say, “OK Google” or “Hey Google”, and once activated you will know by 4 multicolored lights moving around. Users have found Google Home’s touch screen to be less precise than that of the Echo, but one welcomed addition was the button for muting the speaker, so that you can know for sure it is not listening anymore.

Listening Performance

  • Must pronounce perfectly, or command will fail
  • Precision of words used in commands really matters
  • Access to lots of information
  • Voice authentication for security

When it comes to listening, Google has some work to do on their Home and Home Mini gadgets. Consumers have found that it does an ok job picking up your voice most of the time, but it does not work all the time. Google Home relies on two built-in microphones at the top of its chassis for listening, while the Echo has five. It could be this lack of microphones holding the Google Home back, or it could just be Google’s software, but hopefully it will be updated to fix this problem. However, when it does work, it has a lot of capabilities, such as greeting you, telling you the weather, or giving you news information all with a simple, “Hey Google, good morning”. And, as for security of your information, certain requests require voice authentication.

Google Home Smart Speaker

Audio Performance

  • Huge music library
  • Good output for size
  • Trouble recognizing artist or song names sometimes

When you uncap the base of the Google Home review, you see a speaker and two passive radiators. This smart speaker, along with a few more speaker inside its chassis, allows it to put out good volume and sound quality when playing music. Using Google Home as a speaker may be secondary to Google Assistant and its AI, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in that area. It is great because it works as a WiFi speaker and it can access almost any streaming service from Google Play Music to Pandora. This means that if you can think of a song, it’s almost guaranteed that Google Home or Google Home Mini can find it and play it for you. When compared to other devices, the Google Home blows them out of the water when it comes to song library. However, because it is not as strong in the listening department, Google Home has trouble recognizing band names that sound similar.

Google Cast and Chromecast

  • Lacks contextual awareness – a lot of repeating
  • Ability to choose the speaker/device you want your audio or video played on

Google Cast and Chromecast is one thing Google definitely got right when it comes to Google Home. People were disappointed with the fact that Amazon’s smart speaker, the Dot, can be plugged into an audio setup, but the user cannot choose which speaker is used for output using voice commands. Google fixes this problem with Chromecast – if you set up a Chromecast with an easy to pronounce name, you can tell Google Home to play to whatever speaker you want. The one problem with this, is again, the listening capabilities of Google Home. When using the command, your pronunciation must be perfect, or it will not be recognized and the command will fail.

Google Home Mini Review

Controlling Your Smart Home with Google

  • Large and growing range of devices able to talk to
  • Good functionality

Aside from Chromecast, the Google Home and the Google Home Mini have the ability to talk to many other devices gearing towards the movement to become the center of your home. Some examples are Nest thermostats, Philips Hue lightbulbs and Samsung’s SmartThings platform, but more are being added. If you have a lot of smart home devices connected, Google Home will make a good addition for controlling them all with your voice from one platform. Functionality of conversation between Google Home and these products has been found to work very well when tested, with the only drawback being that you have to sign in multiple times.

Software Integration

  • Can’t integrate with Google services

Google has the hardware integration with other products down, but it is lacking when it comes to software integration. You would think Google Home would be able to control Google’s own services, but it cannot integrate with many of them, such as Gmail, Calendar, and Docs. The potential here is huge – imagine if you could create new events in your Calendar, or take some notes in Docs just by telling Google Home to do so. If Google can put some time into developing software integration, this Google Home review can be taken to a whole new level.

Google Home and Google Home Mini Review: Smart Speaker Comparison

Pricing and Availability

This is Google’s first attempt at a smart speaker, and it is not bad at all. Yes, there are some things to be improved, but that will come with time. When compared with the first launch of the Echo, Google Home and Google Home Mini are already better. If you are looking to purchase Google Home, you have the standard option for $129, the mini for $49, or the audio-enhanced Google Home Max for $399. There is no doubt that improvements will be made in the near future – Google Home can only get better from here.

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Reviews

Huawei P20 Pro Review: A Smartphone with Triple Camera

Huawei P20 Pro Review: A Smartphone with Triple Camera
8tech score

The Huawei P20 Pro was just released last month, and people have been anxious to review the phone and find out how it will compare to the major companies like Apple and Samsung. Huawei’s purpose in releasing the phone was to make a statement to the world. They are hoping to get their product noticed in countries besides China, while competing with Apple and Samsung. One of the most anticipated features of the phone was the triple camera on the back. Did it live up to the hype?

Design and Hardware

  • Gradient and reflective color
  • 7.8mm thick
  • Notch
  • No headphone jack

The design of the P20 Pro is something people seem to either love or hate. It is definitely a flashy phone, and it stands out for many reasons. It consists of two big plates of rounded off Gorilla Glass along with metal finishing on the sides. The metal finishing is aluminum polished to look like steel.

Huawei P20 Pro

The major turn off for some people is the color. The most common colors are black and blue, but there is also a gradient color consisting of a purple color turning to a turquoise color at the bottom – not something you normally see with smartphones. No matter which color though, the finish is extremely reflective, and therefore prone to smudges and fingerprints.

If you like a slim and light phone, the Huawei P20 Pro is a good fit. At 7.8mm thick, it is smaller than the Galaxy S9. However, the screen looks smaller because unlike the Galaxy, it doesn’t curve around the sides. Only the glass does. The notch at the top of the P20 Pro review, the first Huawei phone to have it, is also a point of debate when it comes to design. Some like it and some don’t, but it is smaller than the notch on the iPhone X, and one cool feature Huawei added to supplement the notch is the ability to black out that area so the notch can’t be seen, but notifications can still appear there.

Huawei P20 Pro Hardware

Like the iPhone, Huawei has followed the trend of leaving out a headphone jack, which is something a lot of consumers do not like. Although the Huawei P20 Pro phone comes with an adapter, and wireless headphones can obviously be used, this ends up being more of a burden than anything. Just ask iPhone users.

Screen

  • 6.1 inch AMOLED display
  • 1080 x 2244 resolution
  • Customizable color profile
  • 408ppi pixel density

As mentioned earlier, one downfall of the P20 Pro’s screen is the fact that it doesn’t wrap around, and therefore looks smaller. As far as the numbers go, the screen doesn’t quite stack up to Samsung or Apple, which is what we have seen from Huawei in the past, and what is expected. The display is a 6.1 inch AMOLED with a 1080 x 2244 resolution. The display quality of the Huawei P20 Pro review is great with the colors coming out true and vibrant.

Huawei P20 Pro Screen

You can also customize your color profile – standard or vivid – and the color temperature can be adjusted to your preference. Pixel density of the Huawei P20 Pro comes out at 408ppi, which is nowhere near the Galaxy S9’s 529ppi, but this won’t matter much as the only time the difference would be noticed would be with the use of a VR headset.

Security

  • Fingerprint scanner
  • Face unlock using high resolution feed

When it comes to security, Huawei P20 Pro has the option of a fingerprint scanner below the display, or face unlock. The fingerprint scanner works very well, and very quickly, taking you to the home screen in the blink of an eye. The face unlock feature is also extremely fast, and it doesn’t work in the same way Apple’s does.

Huawei P20 Pro Review: A Smartphone with Triple Camera

Instead of using IR techniques, Huawei’s P20 Pro reads the high resolution feed from the front camera to recognize your face. Nothing needs to be pressed to begin scanning your face; the P20 Pro phone is able to sense when it is taken out of a pocket or picked up, and it immediately begins scanning your face. When tested, it worked every time even in low light. One concern, however, is that this feature was built for speed rather than security, but so far no problems have occurred.

Camera

  • 3 cameras
  • Excellent low light performance
  • Excellent dynamic range

The three cameras on the back of the Huawei P20 Pro review have drawn the most attention to the phone and is the most anticipated feature. There is a 40MP main camera, a 20MP black and white camera, and a 3x zoom 8MP camera.

Huawei P20 Pro Cameras

Critics have raved about the low light performance of the phone. Standard night shooting has been said to match the best of them, but what gives the P20 Pro an advantage is the dedicated night mode for low light shots. The dynamic range of this feature is said to be much better than any other phone, and cannot be matched by competitors at the moment. If you are looking for a smartphone for photography, the Huawei P20 Pro is definitely the phone for you.

Software

  • Intelligent processing
  • Kirin 970 CPU
  • 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage

The software of the P20 Pro doesn’t have very powerful processing, but it does use intelligent processing for it’s low light shooting. Huawei calls it “Artificial Intelligence Stabilization”, and it is used throughout the camera. The phone recognizes scenes, and adjusts the camera and photo settings accordingly. For example, if you are taking a photo of food or nature, that will be recognized, and the phone bumps up color saturation. If you don’t like this feature, it can be turned off as well. AI is also used in the camera’s zoom – at 5x zoom, text is recognized and automatically sharpened.

Huawei P20 Pro Software

As mentioned, processing power is not a strong point for this P20 Pro phone. The Kirin 970 CPU is used, which gives it 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Therefore, the Huawei P20 Pro is not as quick as Apple or Samsung phones.

Battery Life

  • 2 days of battery life
  • 4000Ah cell
  • No wireless charging

One way that Huawei makes up for this lack of processing power, though, is through battery life; which has really impressed people so far. The Huawei P20 Pro was said to have two days of battery life, and according to consumers, it delivers on that promise.

Huawei P20 Pro Battery Life

The battery of this Huawei P20 Pro review consists of a 4000Ah cell that is much larger that Apple, or Samsung. And although it has such a large battery, it hides it extremely well, as the phone remains sleek and light. It also charges fast, but for those who want wireless charging, the P20 Pro won’t be an option.

Huawei P20 Pro Pricing and Availability

The P20 Pro is not a cheap phone, but it is less expensive than the Samsung S9 or the iPhone X. It costs about $1,110 without the SIM, and is currently only on sale in Asia and the UK. If you are looking for a more affordable option for a smartphone that is still very capable, especially when it comes to photography and battery life, this P20 Pro review may be the one for you.

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Reviews

ASUS ZenBook 3 Review: Specifications and Characteristics

ASUS ZenBook 3 Review: Specifications and Characteristics
8tech score

The Asus ZenBook 3 in this review is far from being an affordable ultrabook. This gadget is for buyers interested in a laptop with an eye-catching design and a considerable amount of processing power stacked under the hood.

But besides its good looks and a promising spec sheet, is the ASUS ZenBook 3 ultrabook actually worth the money? Let’s find out together, by reviewing every feature of it!

ASUS ZenBook 3 Design

The folks over at Asus saw the potential of the ultrabook niche, and over the years, they started developing the Zenbook line-up: light and slim laptops, with a premium design, able to attract even the most demanding customers.

After opening the box, you will – obviously – be thrilled by the look of the ASUS ZenBook 3. First things first, you should know that it’s one of the most compact laptops money can buy right now. Secondly, the materials used for building it are impressive. You will notice the premium feeling being present from the first touch.

The metallic case has various finishes – make sure you check the dark blue, it’s gorgeous – and a few golden touches on the sides. Surprisingly, this laptop doesn’t attract as many fingerprints as expected, but you can’t get rid of them easily either.

We were surprised how easy the lid opens, and even though the hinge doesn’t allow a 180 opening, it’s still ok for daily use. As a side note, ASUS claims that it’s the most compact notebook hinge, measuring just 3mm.

In terms of design, the Asus ZenBook 3 is definitely one of the best looking laptops from the Taiwanese company.

Asus ZenBook 3

ASUS ZenBook 3 Display

Measuring 12.5” with a full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (a superior resolution is also available), the display is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 4 and has a pretty serious amount of glare. However, you won’t even notice such details, since the ridiculously thin bezels will be the first thing you’ll observe after opening the lid.

Basically, the Asus ZenBook 3 looks like it has the body of an 11.6” laptop, but the display is bigger than it should. You get the idea, right?

Even though the ASUS ZenBook 3 doesn’t have a touchscreen, you won’t even notice the lack of this feature. The colors are bright and vivid, which combined with the FHD resolution, make this ultrabook the perfect travel companion. You get to enjoy some of your favorite movies in a great looking display screen.

Speaking of enjoying movies, the ZenBook 3 is loaded with six Harman Kardon speakers and..man, it sounds good! The sound is clear, strong, and with enough bass. There’s also a 3.5mm jack by the way, so you can use it with a pair of regular headphones.

Hardware

Ok, let’s get to one of the most interesting features. The ASUS ZenBook 3 review is powered by an Intel Core i7-7500U Kaby Lake chip, clocked at 2.7GHz. Using Turbo Boost you can take it even to 3.5GHz. The graphics card is represented by an onboard Intel HD 620 unit, alongside 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid-state drive.

Along with the 14nm-built Kaby Lake chip you get superior clock speeds, increase Turbo frequencies, native USB Type-C support, and significant graphics improvements. Yes, the ASUS ZenBook 3 is able to handle 3D and 4K content with ease.

Since we’re talking about a compact laptop with a big amount of processing power, it’s obvious that ASUS had to do something with the heat. And they did!

The ZenBook 3 laptop comes with a cooling system featuring slim heat pipes, while the air is evacuated through the grills hidden in the hinge. It’s true, it tends to get hot pretty fast, especially if you keep a lot of things open, but the cooling system does its job efficiently. The only minus is the fact that you’ll hear when the laptop starts overheating.

Overall, the Asus ZenBook 3 in this review is strong enough to use it for basic photo and video editing, browsing, watch 4K content and even some gaming. Sure, it wasn’t designed for extreme gaming, but some less-demanding titles can be easily played. After all, we’re talking about a very compact device!

ASUS ZenBook 3 Review: Specifications and Characteristics

Connectivity

Apparently, ASUS adopted the infamous Apple strategy for a minimalistic design. Not that we don’t like this, but minimalism in laptops means fewer ports. The ASUS ZenBook 3 laptop comes with a single USB Type-C port. But you’ll get a special adapter in the package, which offers support for USB, HDMI, and an extra USB Type-C port.

As for the wireless part, it has Wi-Fi and dual bands, alongside Bluetooth 4.0. Enough for most users, we’d say.

Battery

You wouldn’t expect much from such a tiny laptop, in terms of autonomy. But hey, surprises are everywhere!

Depending on your usage, you can get some pretty impressive numbers. The laptop has three different modes: High Performance, Balanced, or Battery Saver. If you opt for the first and maximum screen brightness, you’ll get around 5-6 hours of use. On the other side, if you reduce the brightness to 50% and opt for Battery Saver, you can easily get over 7 hours. And this is not bad at all, ASUS!

ASUS ZenBook 3 Review Wrap-up

Our ASUS ZenBook 3 review is a niche ultrabook. It’s a gadget designed to attract buyers through its design and compact size. A laptop you should buy if you want to impress a bit, and this is exactly what the manufacturer wants.

It’s obviously one of the most compact models (at the moment of this review) with a nice design, built with high-end materials. The power it packs is more than enough, thanks to the Core i7 chip. The Harman Kardon audio system is also a very big plus. ASUS should definitely not feel ashamed of the autonomy either.

ASUS ZenBook 3 Review

On the other side, we just can’t get over the lack of ports and the fact that it can get a bit noisy when the cooling system starts working.

Yes, we’d buy an ASUS ZenBook 3, but not as our my main laptop. What about you? Do you think it’s worth the money?

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