Old is gold – Qualcomm and TSMC figured out how to squeeze a bit extra performance out of the 7 nm node and created the Snapdragon 865++. Or as the company prefers to call it, the Snapdragon 870 (SM8250-AC).
Its CPU reaches the highest clock speed in the mobile world – the prime core now runs at 3.2 GHz, up from 3.1 GHz on the 865+ and 2.94 GHz on the vanilla 865. Those two were surpassed by the Kirin 9000 and its 3.13 GHz prime core, but now Qualcomm has reclaimed the clock speed crown.
The Snapdragon 870 still uses Kryo 585 cores, which are based on ARM’s Cortex-A77 with some in-house tweaks. The Snapdragon 888 CPU is based on the newer Cortex-X1 and A78 instead, so while it runs at lower frequencies (2.84 GHz for the X1), there’s more to the performance story. We’ll have to wait for the first benchmarks to see how all these chips compare, though.
The Adreno 650 GPU makes a comeback, but it’s not clear if it received a clock boost of its own and, if not, whether it’s running at the 865 frequency (587 MHz) or 865+ (670 MHz). The Hexagon 698 and the Tensor Accelerator deliver the same 15 TOPS as the two 865 chips so that definitely did not get a boost.
The display driver can run 1440p class panels at up to 144Hz (or 4K at 60 Hz) and supports HDR10+ (Rec. 2020 color gamut). The Spectra 480 ISP is unchanged as well, with support for sensors up to 200 MP, 8K video capture at 30 fps (and 4K at 120 fps), high dynamic range videos using the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision standards.
Similarly, the FastConnect 6800 system appears to be the same. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (up to 1.77 Gbps) and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Voice and Adaptive. Note that the 865+ used the slightly upgraded FastConnect 69000, which offered Wi-Fi 6E.
There’s no onboard 5G modem, instead the chipset will be paired with an external Snapdragon X55 with sub-6 and mmWave support (up to 7.5 Gbps downlink speeds).
The Snapdragon 870 will be used in phones by Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi and iQOO. Motorola says it will launch its phone “soon”, but there are no exact dates for any of the upcoming devices. The companies did give a few hints what kind of phones they are working on, though.
All of them will highlight 5G, of course, but Xiaomi specifically mentioned cameras, while iQOO is making a gaming phone.
The routers that adhere to the WiFi standard 6E can also take advantage of the 6 GHz band, as well as the 5 and 2.4 GHz ones. This allows you to have up to 7 extra channels from 160 MHz and greatly expanded device functions.
by Rosario Grasso published 11 January 2021 , at 12: 11 in the Peripherals channel ASUS ROG
Asus announced ROG Rapture GT-AX 11000 , a router based on the recent standard Wi- Fi 6E (802. 11 ax) . Wi-Fi 6E technology, which ensures full support for all existing wireless devices, takes full advantage of the radio spectrum in the frequency of 6 GHz , ensuring a large increase in bandwidth and adding up to seven frequency bands from 160 MHz to the two already made available by Wi-Fi 6.
Among the other advantages of the Wi-Fi 6E standard is the fact that the 6 GHz band operates without the Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) function , so that devices can connect instantly without running into the delays imposed by DFS. In the standard 5 GHz frequency in Wi-Fi 6, the channels at 160 MHz must necessarily operate using DFS, which can slow down the process of connecting or reconnecting to the wireless network.
Among the features of the new high-end router from Asus we find a combined Wi-Fi speed up to 11 Gbps and 2 Gbps WAN and WAN aggregation / 2.5 Gbps LAN for 4K / 8K broadband streaming in densely populated networks. Regarding the Wi-Fi bandwidth, the router provides 1148 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, 4804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 4804 Mbps on the 6 GHz band. GT-AXE 11000 also has the WAN aggregation function to reach Internet connection speed up to 2 Gbps .
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX 11000 is also equipped with a quad-core CPU a 64 bit from 1.8 GHz assisted by 1 GB of RAM to allow parallel processing when handling data generated by multiple high performance devices. To reduce power loss and maximize coverage, Asus ROG engineers have minimized the distance between the motherboard connectors and the antennas. The new antenna design optimizes the signal strength that spreads in every direction and each of the eight antennas is well isolated from the neighboring ones, with particular attention to the four antennas dedicated to the 6 GHz frequency.
We also find advanced software features which include Triple-Level Game Acceleration, VPN Fusion, ASUS AiMesh and ASUS AiProtection Pro for network control while gaming. The new Asus ROG router includes a dedicated Gaming Port that gives a high priority to any device wired to it connected, ensuring that data transferred over this connection always takes precedence – this lowers ping values and reduces game latency.
Game Boost is an adaptive QoS that allows players to prioritize packets in transit that relate to games within the network. GT-AX 11000 also includes a free trial of 90 days of Outfox to ensure a faster and more stable connection to the game server. GT-AX 11000 also supports ASUS AiMesh, which allows gamers to create their own mesh Wi-Fi system inside the house so you can connect with other AiMesh compatible routers, all with seamless roaming, synchronized functions and centralized control.
GT-AX 11000 finally includes the free AiProtection Pro service for life, a solution for networking protected by layers professional security backed by Trend Micro and that protects all devices on the network. Periodic automatic updates are made available on a regular basis to ensure that the network is always up to date.
benefits of Wi-Fi 6
The combination of technologies OFDMA and MU-MIMO of Wi-Fi 6 improves network efficiency and capacity up to four times compared to WiFi 5 (802. 11 ac), plus higher efficiency in multi-device environments. Wi-Fi 6 also has the function called “Target Wait Time “ with program the data transmissions in order to allow particular types of devices, such as IoT sensors, to remain in standby for longer periods and, consequently, reduce the energy consumption of the device itself, with the result of obtaining a significantly improved battery life.
More details on the new Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX 11000 can be found on the official Asus website.
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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE 11000 – technical specifications
Below are the complete specifications of the new Asus RO router G:
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX 11000
Antennas
8 external antennas
Frequency of operation
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz
Wi-Fi Data Rate
802. 11 ax (2.4 GHz): f up to 1148 Mbps 802. 11 ax (5 GHz): up to 4804 Mbps 802. 11 ax (6 GHz): up to 4804 Mbps
Supported standards
IEEE 802. 11 a, IEEE 802. 11 b, IEEE 802. 11 g , IEEE 802. 11 n, IEEE 802. 11 ac, IEEE 802. 11 ax, IPv4, IPv6
Memory
256 MB NAND Flash 1 GB DDR3
I / O ports
1 x RJ 45 00 / 100 / 1000 Mbps for WAN 4 x RJ 45 10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps for LAN 1 x 2.5G WAN / LAN 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
Buttons
Power on / off, Reset, WPS, WIFI on / off & LED
DC power adapter
AC Input: 100 V ~ 240 V (50 ~ 60 Hz) DC Output : 19 V / 3. 42TO
The new video streaming system of Apple has arrived all over the world for a few months and after having had the opportunity to subscribe for free for a whole year and then for a further 3 months, the Cupertino company decides to extend the period until July 2021. Here’s how to get it.
by Bruno Mucciarelli published 19 January 2021 , at 10: 21 in the Apple channel Apple
After a long wait last November 1st 2019 Apple has released its first video streaming platform. Apple TV + offers on par with Netflix TV series and streaming movies directly on a platform designed and created by the Cupertino giant. He made his debut during the March presentation 2019 and we have seen in recent months that the platform has only made original productions ready to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The cost of the subscription has a price of 4, 99 euro per month , but those who bought an iPhone, an iPad, an iPod Touch or an Apple TV box could even afford to have a year of Apple TV + completely free . A year that then became more than a year since until a few days ago the company had decided to extend it until the end of February 2021 and now the news on new free period for another 6 months.
Apple TV +: How does it work?
In this case to be able to have another 6 months of Apple TV + free until in July 2021, no procedure is needed as Apple will update the subscription of users who already have it for free in a completely automatic way, without having to do anything manually. In this case, Apple TV + was given as a free subscription to those who had purchased a new Apple device among those supported by the list for the 2019. Once the promotion was activated, they could see all the TV series proposed by the Cupertino company for an entire year.
The deadline was therefore set for the month of February 2021 but clearly the pandemic of recent months has blocked any type of newly produced TV series and this clearly limited the proposal to users on the platform of new content. For this reason, Apple has rightly decided to postpone the paid renewal for another 6 months for users who have been lucky enough to subscribe for free in 2019. So everyone who has had it so far will continue to see the content on Apple TV + until July 2021 completely free.
Apple TV + : which devices are supported
Apple TV + can be viewed in different ways and especially from different devices. Clearly the simplest and most immediate is clearly the Apple TV app that can be found on all Apple devices from the iPhone to the iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, third generation Apple TV, iPod touch and Mac (on mobile devices iOS operating system is required 12 .3 or later, tvOS is required on Apple TV 01. 3 or later, macOS Catalina is required on Mac).
Not only because Apple TV + can be also seen on the TV and in this case, however, it is only possible if the television clearly supports the new update released by the manufacturers of smart TV in collaboration with Apple. Here is the list of all supported TVs:
Samsung QLED 8K Q 900 R and Serif TV (2019)
Samsung QLED 4K Q 90 R, Q 80 R , Q 70 R, Q7DR, Q 60 R and Q6DR (2019)
Samsung Frame TV LSO3R / LSORN (2018 is 2019)
Samsung 4K UHD TV RU 8000, RU 800 D, RU 740 D, RU 7300, RU 730 D, RU 7100 and RU 710 D (2019)
Samsung 4K UHD TV NU 8500, NU 7200, NU 740 D, NU 7300, NU 7200, NU 7100, NU 710 D, NU 6950, NU 6900, NU 6900 B , NU 6080 and NU 6070 (2018)
Samsung Smart Full HDTV N 5300 (2018)
LG OLED (2019)
LG NanoCell SM9X series (2019)
LG NanoCell SM series 85 and later (2019)
LG NanoCell SM series 83 and earlier (2019) Arriving
LG UHD series UM7X (2019)
LG UHD UM6X series (2019) Arriving
VIZIO P ‑ Series Quantum X (2019) Arriving
VIZIO P ‑ Series Quantum (2019 is 2018) Arriving
VIZIO P ‑ Series (2018, 2017 is 2016) Arriving
VIZIO M ‑ Series Quantum ( 2019) Arriving
VIZIO M‑ Series (2018, 2017 is 2016) Arriving
VIZIO E ‑ Series (UHD models 2018, 2017 is 2016) Arriving
VICE V ‑ Series (2019) Arriving
VIZIO D ‑ Series (2018) Arriving
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2018)
Amazon Fire TV Stick ?? Gen 2 (2016)
Amazon Fire TV Stick ?? Basic Edition (2017)
Roku 4K TV A 000 X Coming Soon
Roku TV 7000 X, C 000 X, 8000 X
Roku Smart Soundbar 9101 X
Hon. ?? ?? Roku Smart Soundbar 9100 X
Roku Express 3900 X, 3930 X
Roku Express + 3910 X, 3931 X
Roku HD 3932 X
Roku Streaming Stick 3800 X
Roku Streaming Stick + 3810 X, 3811 X
Roku Premiere 3920 X, 4620 X
Roku Premiere + 3921 X, 4630 X
Roku Ultra 4640 X 4660 X, 4661 X, 4670 X
Roku Ultra LT 4662 X
Roku 2 4210 X, 4205 X
Roku 3 4200 X, 4230 X
Alternatively you can view the contents of Apple TV + via a browser by connecting to the website Apple TV . The browsers compatible with the service are Safari, Chrome and Firefox.
The latest update to ubiquitous open-source media player VLC is here, and it comes with native support for Apple silicon Mac computers — the new versions of the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, and the Mac mini with Apple’s own M1 processor. VLC 3.0.12 also includes some visual tweaks to bring it further in line with Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
Mac apps don’t strictly require native updates to work with the M1 processor, since Apple silicon Macs include Rosetta 2, a translation layer that lets software compiled for x86 processors run surprisingly well on the newer Arm-based hardware. But for an app like VLC, which many users rely on for playback of hefty 4K or 8K video files, the improvements to performance and efficiency could be notable.
As noted by 9to5Mac, the new VLC isn’t a universal binary, which is to say that the Arm-optimized code isn’t yet included by default. The regular VLC app has to be updated to 3.0.12, then again to 3.0.12.1 on an Apple silicon Mac in order to get the optimized version.
Version 3.0.12 also has some minor features and tweaks for VLC on other platforms, including better Blu-ray tracks support and fixing some crashes when using Direct3D 11 on Windows.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering what is G-Sync. In short, Nvidia G-Sync is a type of display technology used in certain PC monitors, laptops and TVs to fight screen tearing, stuttering and juddering, especially during fast-paced games or video. G-Sync only works when the display is connected to a system using a compatible Nvidia graphics card (including third-party branded ones). So if you don’t yet have a compatible card, be sure to check out our graphics card buying guide, as well as our in-depth comparison of the features of AMD and Nvidia GPUs. And if you’re after a portable G-Sync experience, check out our Gaming Laptop Buying Guide.
Nvidia introduced G-Sync in 2013, and its biggest rival is AMD FreeSync. But the answer to “what is G-Sync is getting increasingly complex. There are now three tiers of G-Sync: G-Sync, G-Sync Ultimate and G-Sync Compatible.
What is G-Sync? We’re here to help. (Image credit: Nvidia)
Screen tearing is an unwelcome effect on the image (see photo above). It’s the result of the game’s framerate (the rate at which image frames display) not matching the monitor’s refresh rate (the frequency at which a display’s image redraws). G-Sync displays have a variable refresh rate (also known as VRR or a dynamic refresh rate) and can sync its minimum and maximum refresh rates with the framerate of the system’s Nvidia graphics card. That refresh rate range can go as high as the monitor’s maximum refresh rate. This way, you see images right when they’re rendered, while also fighting input lag or delays between when you move your mouse (for recommendations, see our Best Gaming Mouse article) and when the cursor actually moves.
Check out Nvidia’s video below for an idea of what G-Sync looks like:
G-Sync vs. FreeSync
FreeSyncis AMD’s answer to G-Sync, and both use VESA’s Adaptive-Sync protocol. Just like you need an Nvidia graphics card to use G-Sync, you need an AMD graphics card to use FreeSync.
There are some key differences. One of the standouts is that FreeSync work over HDMI and DisplayPort, (which also works over USB Type-C), but G-Sync only works with DisplayPort, unless you’re using a G-Sync Compatible TV (more on that below). However, Nvidia has said that it’s working on changing this. For more on the two ports and which is best for gaming, see our DisplayPort vs. HDMI analysis.
In terms of performance, our testing has shown minute differences between the two. For an in-depth look at the variances in performance, check out our G-Sync vs. FreeSync article and see the results.
While both G-Sync and FreeSync are based on Adaptive-Sync, G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate also require usage of a proprietary Nvidia chip. Monitor vendors are required to buy this in place of the scaler they’d typically buy if they want their display certified for G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate. FreeSync, on the other hand, is an open standard, and FreeSync monitors are generally cheaper than G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate ones. However, G-Sync Compatible monitors don’t require this chip and many FreeSync monitors are also G-Sync Compatible.
G-Sync vs. G-Sync Ultimate vs. G-Sync Compatible
G-Sync hardware module (Image credit: Nvidia)
G-Sync comes in three different flavors. G-Sync is the standard, G-Sync Ultimate targets those with HDR content and G-Sync Compatible is the lowest-priced form, since it doesn’t require display makers to incorporate/buy Nvidia’s hardware. Many G-Sync Compatible displays are also FreeSync-certified.
G-Sync
G-Sync Ultimate
G-Sync Compatible
Validated for artifact-free performance
Validated for artifact-free performance
Validated for artifact-free performance
Certified with over 300 tests
Certified with over 300 tests
Certified for 1,000 nits brightness with HDR
Here you can find a list of every G-Sync, G-Sync Ultimate and G-Sync Compatible monitor.
G-Sync Ultimate
A monitor’s G-Sync also works with HDR content, but things will look better if that monitor has G-Sync Ultimate, formerly called G-Sync HDR (for HDR recommendations, check out our article on how to pick the best HDR monitor).
Unlike regular G-Sync, Nvidia certifies G-Sync Ultimate displays for ultra-low latency, multi-zone backlights, DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, 1,000 nits max brightness with HDR video or games and to run at its highest refresh rate at its max resolution — all thanks to “advanced” Nvidia G-Sync processors. Keep in mind these displays are typically BFGD (big format gaming displays) and, therefore, on the pricier end.
What You Need Run G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate
To use a G-Sync monitor with a desktop PC, you need:
Windows 10, 8 or 7.1
An GTX 650 Ti Boost graphics card or higher (for help picking a GPU, see our graphics card buying guide)
DisplayPort 1.2 directly from the graphics card
Driver R340.52 or higher
To use a G-Sync monitor with a laptop, you need:
Windows 10, 8.1 or 7
A GTX 980M, 970M, 965M or higher graphics card
DisplayPort 1.2 directly from the graphics card
Driver R340.52 or higher
To use a G-Sync Ultimate monitor with a desktop PC, you need:
WIndows 10
GTX 1050 or higher graphics card
DisplayPort 1.4 directly from the graphics card
Driver R396 GA2 or higher
To use a G-Sync Ultimate monitor with a laptop, you need:
Windows 10
GTX 1050 or higher graphics card
DisplayPort 1.4 directly from the graphics card
Driver R396 GA2 or higher
G-Sync Compatible
In 2019, Nvidia started testing and approving specific displays, including ones with other types of Adaptive-Sync technology, like FreeSync, to run G-Sync. These monitors are called G-Sync Compatible. Confirmed by our own testing, G-Sync Compatible displays can successfully run G-Sync with the proper driver and a few caveats even though they don’t have the same chips as a G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate display.
Some things Nvidia confirms you can’t do with G-Sync Compatible displays compared to regular G-Sync displays are ultra low motion blur, overclocking and variable overdrive.
You can find the full list of G-Sync Compatible monitors at the bottom of Nvidia’s webpage.
We’ve also found that numerous FreeSync monitors can run G-Sync Compatibility even though they’re not certified to do so. To learn how to run G-Sync Compatibility, see our step-by-step instructions for how to run G-Sync on a FreeSync monitor, which includes details on the small number of limitations you’ll face. And for what Nvidia and monitor makers think about running G-Sync on non-certified monitors, check out article Should You Care if Your Monitor Is Certified G-Sync Compatible?
G-Sync Compatible TVs
Some LG TVs have Nvidia’s G-Sync Compatible certification. (Image credit: LG)
As of 2021, there are numerous LG-branded G-Sync Compatible OLED TVs. They work via connection over HDMI to a desktop or laptop with an Nvidia RTX or GTX 16-series graphics card. You also need to follow the instruction for downloading the proper firmware. Nvidia said it’s working on getting more TVs that work with G-Sync Compatibility over HDMI in the future.
Here’s every G-Sync Compatible TV announced as of this writing:
LG 2021 B1 4K series (55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG 2021 C1 4K series (48, 55, 65, 77 or 83-inch)
LG 2021 G1 4K Series (55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG 2021 Z1 8K Series (77 or 88-inch)
LG 2020 BX (55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG 2020 CX (487, 55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG GX (55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG 2020 ZX (77 or 88-inch)
LG 2019 B9 (55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG 2019 C9 (55, 65 or 77-inch)
LG 2019 E9 (55 or 65-inch)
LG 2019 Z9 (88-inch)
This article is part of the Tom’s Hardware Glossary.
(Pocket-lint) – Samsung’s new normal is the Galaxy S21. This phone sits in the most affordable position, more compact, but offering all the power of its larger siblings, the Galaxy S21+ and the S21 Ultra.
We’ve spent some time with the new device to bring our early first impressions. As Shirley Bassey said, it’s a little bit of history repeating.
Design
151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm, 172g
Plastic back
IP68 waterproofing
In previous generations, the regular Galaxy S has set the tone for the family, offering a smaller version of the phones in the plus position. That was the case all the way back to the Galaxy S8, the 2017 phone where Samsung moved curved display edges into the mainstream. Prior to that, the Samsung Galaxy S7 occupied the entry-level slot with a flat display, while the S7 Edge sat in a more premium position. What’s perhaps most remarkable about the Samsung Galaxy S21, is that return to a flat display after all these years.
Pocket-lint
It was something that the Galaxy S20 FE did towards the end of 2020 and at the time it felt like Samsung exploring a new direction for its phones; now in 2021 the flat display and the plastic back are in, drawing a more distinct line between the S21 Ultra at the top of the table and the S21 at the foot.
But this isn’t just a story about Samsung stripping away premium features. Indeed, some will see that having a flat display is inherently more usable, just as some will see that opting for a plastic back means you’re less likely to smash it on day one.
What’s important about the plastic back is that it doesn’t look or feel cheap. Thanks to the way the camera has been integrated on the S21, with that housing flush against the widened frame of the phone in that corner, there’s a sense of purpose and style to this phone that you don’t get elsewhere.
Pocket-lint
Let’s face it: as good as the Galaxy S20 FE is, it could be any phone from any number of manufacturers – but the Samsung Galaxy S21 looks unique. There’s nothing else like it on the market, and whether you love it or loathe it, the exuberant camera design is part of the brand identity. It’s very Samsung.
We didn’t think we’d like the Phantom Violet colour, but there’s something about it. There’s a quality in being unique that we admire, the contrasting colours giving this model an edge over the Phantom Grey (likely to be the top seller) which hides the camera a little more.
Of course, Samsung holds onto the IP68 waterproofing, because this is still a premium handset and the size makes it easy to handle and easy to slip into your pocket.
Display
6.2in, 2400 x 1080 pixels, 424ppi
Adaptive refresh rate 48-120Hz
HDR10+ support
We’ve spoken a little about the display design above, so we’re not going to repeat that here – and most right onto the next decision that might prove controversial. Samsung has cut the Galaxy S21 back to full HD. That means you have a 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution, 424ppi, whereas in previous years, Samsung has offered Quad HD+ displays.
Pocket-lint
The reality is that Samsung has always run Full HD+ as the default resolution and many people were happy to accept that, never venturing into the higher resolution that was offered. On a phone with a 6.2-inch display it’s not a huge issue, because you’re talking about really fine detail, but it’s true – in terms of resolution, the S21 isn’t as adept as the generations of phone that came before it. It also, comparatively, now slips in below the iPhone 12 in terms of pixel density.
But the big boost that you get is adaptive refresh rate, with the Galaxy S21 able to shift to refresh rates between 48 and 120Hz to suit the content you’re viewing. That will mean for a static page it will be a low refresh and for a fast moving page, it will increase. There will be less blur on scrolling and better visual performance on games.
Among these changes, Samsung has kept the vibrant and punch display that it’s known for. First impressions of this compact flagship are great, we’re sure that the display will please many.
Hardware and specs
Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, 5G
8GB RAM; 128GB/256GB storage options
4000mAh battery
As with previous versions of Samsung Galaxy S phones, you’ll either find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 powering your phone. While that will likely still divide the critics, the structure of these two platforms is now a lot closer than it has been in previous years, which bodes well for Samsung.
Pocket-lint
We’ve not spent enough time with the Galaxy S21 to fully evaluate its performance, but first impressions are of a slick and powerful handset. There are fewer options this time around, with 8GB RAM and either 128 or 256GB storage, but the big change here is the removal of the microSD card slot.
That, for many, will be the biggest downside to Samsung’s repositioning of the Galaxy S. For many years, Samsung has been the brand where you could buy lower storage and boost that with the cheap memory card. However, with data costing less and streaming so prolific, it does beg the question of whether people really need to carry so much local content on their devices these days.
Pocket-lint
There’s a 4000mAh battery in the Galaxy S21 and we suspect this will probably last rather well, but we’ve not had the chance to full test its performance. There’s no charger in the box this time around, so you’ll have to use one you’ve already got, or buy Samsung’s 25W charger as an accessory.
Wireless charging is supported, as well as reverse wireless charging.
Cameras
Triple camera system
Main camera: 12-megapixel, 1.8µm pixel size, f/1.8 aperture, OIS
As was the case with the Galaxy S20, the S21 has three cameras on the back taking a different approach to the Ultra. We’ve not had the chance to fully assess their performance, but we’ll walk you through the details.
The approach is completely different to the Ultra, opting for a 12-megapixel main camera with large pixel – 1.8µm. It’s a restrained approach and the same taken by the iPhone and Google Pixel, aiming to give better results because it doesn’t have to use pixel binning from smaller pixels which is what happens in high resolution sensors.
Pocket-lint
That leaves the main, ultra-wide and front cameras very much as they were before on the S20 and we found they worked pretty well. They sit with a 64-megapixel telephoto camera, aiming to give you the 30x digital zoom.
Well, that’s not entirely true, because Samsung is giving you access to the 64-megapixel sensor to shoot at full resolution if you want to. That means it will take 64-megapixel photos like a main camera, rather than using it as zoom.
The Galaxy S21 supports a full range of new shooting features, as well as enhanced video capture with 4K 60fps offered on all the lenses, while 8K 24fps is offered from the back cameras, again coming from that 64-megapixel sensor.
As we said, we’ve not had the chance to full assess the performance of the camera, but we’ll bring you the results as soon as we can.
First Impressions
You might be tempted to dismiss the Samsung Galaxy S21 out of hand – plastic back, no microSD, that flat display – but you’d be wrong to do so. The Galaxy S21 is a premium phone, with some unique design features that stands it apart from many rivals in this space.
There are important things that still stand out about this phone: there’s plenty of power, the display is still great and the camera is loaded with potential. Even better, it’s a little cheaper than the Galaxy S20 was at launch.
We’ll bring you our full verdict on the Samsung Galaxy S21 in the near future.
Neo Qled TVs Samsung has New generation of QLED TVs have been unveiled, using miniled technology. The Neo qled lineup consists of two top 8k models: the QN 900 A with very thin bezels, and the QN 800 A. Then there are another three 4k series with the new technology: the QN 95 A, QN 90 A and QN 85A. No suggested retail prices have been announced.
These units use quantum mini LEDs, which 40 times smaller than a regular LED. By placing more LEDs together it should be possible to control them accurately, which should increase the contrast and blooming do decrease. In addition, this should further help to make dark areas even darker, and light areas brighter. However, Samsung does not state how many LEDs and dimming zones there will be in such a device.
The Samsung V200 from the year 2000 was the company’s first phone with a camera – more than that, it was one of the first ever phones with a camera. It has been working on improving mobile photography since then and for the last 11 years it has been the premium Galaxy S series leading charge.
Samsung felt nostalgic after the launch of the Galaxy S21, so it posted an abridged history of the Galaxy S cameras from the very first one to today.
The original Samsung Galaxy S had a 5MP camera and 720p video recording. And it offered a Panorama mode so you can capture wide-angle shots. This was years before dual cameras would become commonplace, so an “ultrawide lens” wasn’t a thing yet.
While it had autofocus, that original camera lacked an LED flash. An oversight corrected in with the Galaxy S II, which also increased the main camera resolution to 8MP (front camera too, from 0.3MP to 2MP).
The Galaxy S III made it easier to take a great photo. Not quite as effective as the modern Single Take, but the Best Photo mode snapped eight photos in quick succession and suggested the best one. Zero Shutter Lag mode and burst photography (20 shots in 3.3 seconds) were also great additions to the S-series photo toolkit.
The Galaxy S4 brought Dual Shot, a picture-in-picture effect that combined the output of the front and rear cameras. Samsung experimented with new features like Sound & Shot (record ambient sound to go with the photo) and Drama Shot, which took the heavy lifting out of Photoshopping some fun effects. It also upgraded the main camera to 13MP, up from the 8MP of the previous two models.
Samsung’s own ISOCELL sensors made their debut with the Galaxy S5, which was equipped with a 16MP sensor. The ISOCELL technology reduced pixel cross-talk, improving low-light performance. The newly-introduced Rich Tone HDR improved handling in brightly lit scenes.
A great camera is worth nothing if you miss the moment. To solve that problem the Galaxy S6 introduced Quick Launch – double tapping the Home key could launch the camera and snap a photo in just 0.7 seconds. Tracking autofocus followed moving objects, so all you had to do was press the shutter key.
Focus was further enhanced on the Galaxy S7 with Dual Pixel AF, a featured borrowed from DSLRs. The S7 edge got a DxOMark score of 88, making it the top mobile camera in the rankings.
By this point it was clear that upgrades to the sensor hardware alone aren’t enough to compete with dedicated cameras at night. The Galaxy S8 adopted image fusion – it took three photos in quick succession and merged them into one higher quality photo. The camera interface was reworked to allow one-handed operation.
The Galaxy S9 improvements also focused on low-light shooting. The lens had a dual aperture, allowing the phone to select between f/2.4 for sharp daytime photos and f/1.5 for nighttime (this allowed 28% more light to reach the sensor). The video camera gained the ability to shoot 960 frames per second slow-motion videos and Samsung had a bit of fun with AR Emojis.
The S9+ added a second camera (2x telephoto), then the Galaxy S10 made it three with the inclusion of an ultrawide camera. Not only did this reduce the need for a panorama mode, it also enabled the Super Steady video recording mode. The S10 also added support for HDR10+, building on the work of previous models.
The Galaxy S20 generation would return its focus on zooming and introduced 100x Space Zoom with the new Ultra model. This generation was the first to capture 8K videos and it improved Super Steady with AI-based motion analysis.
This brings us to the Galaxy S21 generation, which will be in stores next week. This year’s Ultra model is Samsung’s first phone with two telephoto modules. Directors View gives you a live feed from three cameras simultaneously and (of course), there are several picture-in-picture modes at your fingertips.
Every single camera on all three S21 models is capable of recording 4K video at 60 fps. Dual Pixel AF is used on the S21/S21+ main camera as well as on S21 Ultra’s ultra wide and two tele cameras. The Ultra is better at shooting at night too, thanks to the latest 108 MP ISOCELL sensor with improved 9-in-1 pixel binning. Yet more AI was added to enhance the image quality.
That’s 11 years of innovation and development condensed into a few paragraphs. Looking at the present, we will be testing the cameras of the S21 series (and everything else too), so stay tuned for that.
Microsoft is updating the upload limit files on your Microsoft services 365, including OneDrive. A novelty planned not only for business users, but for everyone
by Nino Grasso published 16 January 2021 , at 14: 31 in the web channel Microsoft Microsoft 365 OneDrive
Microsoft is increasing the file size limit on OneDrive , passing from the previous ones 100 GB to 250 GB . To announce it is the same company through a post on the official blog. The novelty is due to the changing needs of the market, with smart working and remote teaching lessons that require more advanced tools for sharing.
By increasing the size limit of individual files, users can share files of different types without incurring issues, such as 4K or 8K video, three-dimensional models, CAD files, or large scientific datasets with colleagues or clients. The company commented:
“We are pleased to announce that we are making it easier than ever to store, sync and share large files on Microsoft 365. Our latest improvement will help increase the file upload limit on Microsoft services 365 from 100 GB to 250 GB, so the same will also apply to SharePoint, Teams and OneDrive. Now you will be able to easily share large files as a template 3D of a new building, a commercial customer shoot in 8K video, a large dataset for a vaccine trial or research projects or large video for educational projects. “
Microsoft explained that the change is not limited to business and school users only: anyone you use OneDrive can now upload files from up to 250 GB with no restrictions whatsoever . The company claims it has managed to increase the upload limit by breaking each file into smaller chunks , and each piece is encrypted with a unique key. In addition, the synchronization of large files has been optimized with the help of differential synchronization, which only loads the changes made to each archived file and not the entire file every time changes are made by the user.
Support for files from 250 GB will be distributed on the first accounts by the end of January and Microsoft expects general availability of the new limit by the end of this quarter.
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During this year’s CES, there were announcements of the first gaming monitors (including ASUS, Acer and LG) that will be equipped with HDMI 2.1 connectors. The HDMI 2.1 specification enables image transmission in 4K resolution with a maximum 120 FPS or 8K while maintaining the refresh rate at the level of 60 Hz. In 2019, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) also announced the official specification of the DisplayPort 2.0 connector with the highest bandwidth, reaching 80 Gbps. For comparison, HDMI 2.1 offers a maximum of 48 Gbps. According to the original assumptions, the first monitors supporting the DisplayPort 2.0 standard were to debut last year. We already know that this will not happen, and we will have to wait for the first devices with DP 2.0 until the second half 2021 of the year.
The first monitors with a DisplayPort 2.0 connector should be introduced in the second half 2021. The main reason for the delay is the pandemic, although at present this is not a major problem anyway. There is no graphics card with DP 2.0.
In the case of the DisplayPort 2.0 standard, we can count on support for 4K resolution with a maximum refresh rate 240 Hz, 5K (5120 x 2880) with 180 Hz, 8K at 85 Hz or even 16 K (15360 x 8460) while keeping 60 Hz. Such impressive values mean that in the coming years, exceptionally extensive monitors will be offered, combining high resolution and refresh rate. The current generation of graphics cards will certainly not cope with such advanced settings, but the next generation of graphics cards (NVIDIA Lovelace, AMD RDNA 3) will certainly perform much better in higher resolutions.
Initially, the first displays with DisplayPort 2.0 were supposed to appear last year, but eventually we will have to wait at least until autumn 2021 year. The main reason was the pandemic that thwarted manufacturers’ plans to implement DisplayPort 2.0. It is enough to see how big delays in store premieres have monitors with HDMI 2.1 connector, which has been available for a long time in TV sets, and the standard itself was announced in 2017 of the year.
While the setup made for a rough start, and the extra cost for security is annoying, these nuisances are largely forgotten with the granular control of prioritization for network traffic that can truly optimize gaming in a congested network environment.
For
DumaOS 3.0
Network congestion control
Supports Wi-Fi 6
Integration with the smartphone app
Against
Single USB port
Only four 10/100/1000 wired ports
Security requires additional subscription
High price
Setup drudgery
Netgear offers a full variety of networking gear, including its Nighthawk Pro Gaming line of routers and accessories. At the top of this product stack is the XR1000, which boasts the latest version of the company’s DumaOS which is 3.0. We go hands-on to see if the cost of $349 is justified for this piece of premium networking hardware, or if most gamers should look for something more affordable.
Design
The XR1000 is designed to sit horizontally on a shelf or table, with four positionable, external antennas and no internal antennas. It strikes a good balance of showing its gaming intentions with its tasteful red accents while avoiding the over-the-top gaming look with flashing RGB lights that can turn off some adult gamers (or adult gamers will just turn off). There are some white LED indicator lights roughly arranged in a “V” on the top of the device.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Netgear)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Netgear)
The router’s dimensions are 11.61 x 7.87 x 2.51 inches (295 x 200 x 64 mm) with a weight of 1.32 lb (600 g).
Specifications
Processor
1.5GHz Triple-Core processor
Memory
256MB flash and 512MB RAM
Ports
Five (5) 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports – 1 WAN & 4 LAN
Encryption
802.11i, 128-bit AES encryption with PSK
Wi-Fi Technology
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Dual Band WiFi (AX5400)
Beamforming: Explicit Beamforming for 2.4 & 5GHz bands
1024-QAM—25% data efficiency and faster speeds than a 256-QAM router
Dimensions
11.61 x 7.87 x 2.51 in (295 x 200 x 64 mm)
Weight
814.5 g
Price
$349.00
At the heart of the XR1000 is a 1.5 GHz triple-core processor, with 512 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash storage. These specs are certainly solid, but hardly class-leading among high-end gaming routers. The rear of this router houses the essential connections, which include a single USB port, a WAN port with four LAN ports that are all Gigabit Ethernet. However, there are no 2.5 Gig LAN ports, which would be a nice bit of future-proofing given the price. There is also a physical, on/off toggle switch, and a recessed reset button.
The wireless for the XR1000 gets designated as Wi-Fi 6, with 5.4 Gbps throughput. This corresponds to dual-band Wi-Fi, with 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 600 Mbps, and 5 GHz speeds that max out at 4.8 Gbps. There is also Beamforming available on both bands to optimize reception to the client.
Setup
Getting the XR1000 up and running is a bit of a stumbling block. It starts with downloading the Netgear Nighthawk app for your smartphone, then following the prompts to connect the router for initial setup. It requires the creation of a Netgear account with security credentials, which is done through the phone and takes additional time. Furthermore, during setup we somehow got locked out of the account and had to go through the drudgery of the lost password sequence to get back into setup.
(Image credit: Netgear)
Once back into the account, the setup proceeded more smoothly. We appreciate that the setup included a step that upgraded the firmware to the latest, an important step to avoid security vulnerabilities and get the latest bug fixes. The XR1000 also does a bandwidth test, which provides the actual throughput, and then subsequently gets used for divvying up the bandwidth.
Features
(Image credit: Netgear)
The XR1000 has as one of its highlights, the DumaOS, which is now at version 3.0. You may recall that this is the nifty OS that debuted in the NetDuma R1 from the UK that made claims that it could “dominate lag,” however the original hardware seriously held it back. Now, Netgear has taken this software and put it into updated hardware for the best of both worlds.
From a gaming perspective, there are two levels of control when it comes to the DumaOS and the important QoS that can prioritize gaming traffic. The first is what the DumaOS dubs as ‘Congestion Control’ which can be set to Always, Never, and Auto-Enable. This lets the router analyze data packets so that the time-sensitive ones, namely gaming and streaming content, can be prioritized over other content for a better experience.
There is another level of control, called ‘Bandwidth Allocation’ that allows types of traffic, with categories including Gaming, File sharing, VoIP, Web, among others, to be designated a specific amount of bandwidth. This allows specific granular control to ensure that each activity can get the minimal bandwidth it needs, and is controlled separately on both the upload and the download side of the equation.
Security
(Image credit: Netgear)
The security for the XR1000 is provided by Netgear Armor. Annoyingly, it cannot be activated from the router’s web-based interface, but rather needs to be turned on from the Nighthawk app. To add insult to injury, it’s only a free one-month trial. The subscription includes Bitdefender Security, which may not be the best value as Bitdefender offers a free tier with its Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. There is also a promise of 35% off the Netgear Armor security package, but annoyingly the $69.99 price is not indicated until you get to the webpage to pay.
(Image credit: Netgear)
Much of the security goes through the Netgear Armor app. It provides a report that includes a security score, an assessment for vulnerabilities, and a running tab of the threats blocked. From the app, a firmware upgrade can also be triggered.
Performance
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
On the bandwidth testing with NetPerf, the XR1000 put up some solid scores, with 2.4 GHz throughput at 214.6 Mbps on the near test (8 feet), although it drops off to 158.4 Mbps on the far test (30 feet). The 5 GHz speeds remained more consistent as the distance increased, from 845.3 Mbps when near, with minimal penalty at the further distance, at 812.5 Mbps.
Testing Configuration
QoS
FRAPS avg
max
8k dropped frames
Pingplotter spikes (>100 ms)
Latency (ms)
Ethernet
no
110.6
142
n/a
0
183
Ethernet + 10 8k videos
no
57.3
95
25.30%
14
188
Ethernet + 10 8k videos
Gaming priority 50%
112.1
136
18.10%
3
183
5 GHz
no
115.2
137
n/a
0
64
5 GHz + 10 8k videos
no
95.5
135
59.60%
0
185
5 GHz + 10 8k videos
Gaming priority 50%
115.1
147
37.70%
0
186
2.4 GHz + 10 8k videos
Gaming priority 50%
60
112
29.50%
20
179
On our network congestion testing, the XR1000 was able to show the value of the DumaOS 3.0. When wired to an Ethernet port for a baseline, our game of Overwatch posted a healthy 110.6 FPS with no PingPlotter spikes (>100 milliseconds) seen during gameplay. We then congested our Internet connection (Optimum cable connection, DOCSIS 3.0, 300 Mbps down, 35 Mbps up), with a total of ten streaming 8K videos on YouTube. Not surprisingly, the FPS on Overwatch dropped considerably to 57.3, along with 14 PingPlotter spikes, and the video dropped 25.3% of the frames. We then applied the Congestion Control on auto-play, and allocated 50% of the bandwidth on both upload and download to Gaming traffic. With the same ten videos playing, the Overwatch FPS was restored fully to 112.1, with the 8K video dropped frame rate lowered modestly to 18.1%.
A similar, albeit less-dramatic effect was demonstrated with the application of QoS on the 5 GHz wireless gaming as well.
Bottom Line
The NetGear XR1000 is an intriguing entry into the higher-end gaming router market. Misses range from the buggy setup that requires a smartphone app, the extra cost for router-based security, and the less-than-stellar hardware specs. However, the pros do include the powerful DumaOS 3.0 that allows for fine-tuning of the network to prioritize traffic, as well as Wi-Fi 6 with Beamforming. While this XR1000 may not be for everyone, gamers that want a true gaming router with granular controls rather than colorful lights should put this on their shortlist of products for consideration.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G introduces the newest 108MP sensor from the company. ISOCELL HM3 features several enhancements over the HM1 (which was used in the S20 Ultra and Note20 Ultra). This includes improved HDR, low light and autofocus performance.
Smart ISO Pro is an HDR technology that captures one high ISO and one low ISO shot simultaneously. As both are captured at the same time, this avoids the ghosting of moving objects that is a problem for sequential HDR.
Then the two shots are combined into a single 12-bit image. That’s 12-bits per channel, meaning the RAW image contains 64 times more color information than a 10-bit image.
The 1/1.33” sensor lays out its pixels in a 12,000 x 9,000 grid. However, the Nonapixel Bayer pattern allows for 9-to-1 pixel binning, so the effective pixel size becomes 2.4 µm and the resolution 12 MP.
The HM3 also features a Low Noise mode, which improves light sensitivity by up to 50%. Alternatively, in good lighting conditions an enhanced remosaic algorithm can output full resolution 108 MP images.
Super PD Plus adds micro-lenses to the Phase Detection elements used by the sensor for autofocus. The lenses improve the measurement accuracy of those elements by 50%, which allows the sensor to accurately track moving objects even in the dark.
For video, the ISOCELL HM3 can capture 8K footage at 30 fps, 4K at 120 fps and 1080p at 240 fps. Note that the S21 Ultra is limited to 24 fps at 8K resolution. On the plus side, you can use an S Pen when editing videos for more precise manipulations of the timeline with frame-level accuracy.
DisplayPort 2.0 monitors should have debuted by the end 2020, but the problems created by the pandemic have slowed development by at least a year. Meanwhile, the manufacturers are focusing on HDMI 2.1.
by Manolo De Agostini published 15 January 2021 , at 12: 41 in the Peripherals channel
Although almost two years have passed since the publication of the specifications DisplayPort 2.0 , some monitors with this interface have not yet appeared on the market. The Video Electronics Standards Association ( VESA ) confirmed to The Verge that indeed there is a delay on the times , with a shift compared to initial forecasts. The reason? The pandemic .
“Monitors with DisplayPort support 2.0 are currently in development, but none have yet been brought to market “, explained a spokesperson for VESA, announcing that we will have to wait at least the second half of the year . In the 2020 the COVID pandemic – 19 blocked the Plugtest events , occasions in which engineers and manufacturers test new solutions and solve interoperability problems.
“In 2020 VESA did not hold any PlugTest and this slowed the implementation of DisplayPort 2.0, “the spokesperson added. “VESA is now planning the next PlugTest for this spring in Taiwan, so we expect to resume the process ” .
The 2.0 specification is a big improvement for DisplayPort over version 1.4 we see on today’s monitors. With a peak transfer rate of almost 80 Gbps , a leap nearly three times over the 1.4 specification, a DisplayPort 2.0 port will support 8K displays also with refresh rate of 60 Hz, color sampling 4 : 4: 4 and 30 bits for pixel (bpp) without any compression.
The new standard will also be able to manage panels 16 K with an update frequency of 60 Hz, also in this case with 4: 4: 4 color sampling and 30 bpp, however implementing Display Stream Compression (DSC) to ensure a continuous stream of images without interruptions or artifacts. DP 2.0 will also be able to manage displays 10 K a 60 Uncompressed Hz at 24 bpp and other resolutions. Here are some examples of possible configurations using the DP 2.0 bandwidth:
A display of 16 K (15360 x 8460) a 60 Hz and 30 bpp 4: 4: 4 HDR (with DSC)
A display from 10 K (10240 x 4320) a 60 Hz and 24 bpp 4: 4: 4 (without compression)
Two 8K displays (7680 x 4320) @ 120 Hz and 40 bpp 4: 4: 4 HDR (with DSC)
Two 4K displays (3840 x 2160) @ 144 Hz and 24 bpp 4: 4: 4 (Uncompressed)
Three displays 10 K (10240 x 4320) @ 60 Hz and 30 bpp 4: 4: 4 HDR (with DSC)
Three 4K displays (3840 x 2160) @ 90 Hz and 24 bpp 4: 4: 4 HDR (Uncompressed)
DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) 2.0 ports will all these features to the USB4 Type C connectors. In the meantime, monitors with HDMI 2.1 ports are arriving on the market: the specification is supported by the latest GPUs from AMD and Nvidia (unlike DP 2.0) and allows you to create products of absolute importance , such as 4K monitors at 144 Hz, but potentially 8K solutions as well a 40 Hz that can be managed with a single cable.
(Pocket-lint) – The annual CES consumer electronics trade show traditionally plays host to the latest TV tech that’ll hit stores in the following 12 months. And, while CES 2021 was digital-only due to the ongoing pandemic, it has still seen some excellent announcements in the category.
TVs from Samsung, Sony, LG, TCL and Panasonic have been unveiled, so here are our favourites to look out for in the year ahead.
Samsung
Samsung Q900A Neo QLED TV
Samsung’s top-of-the-range QLED TV for 2021 is this 8K beauty with a Mini LED backlight. That means it offers deep, involving black levels thanks to many tiny LEDs grouped in thousands of zones being able to be switched on or off.
The design is described as “Infinity One”, which presents a super slim bezek. And Neo Quantum processing ensures that all content is upscaled to 8K no matter the source.
Samsung embraces Mini LED for 2021 8K and 4K Neo QLED TV range
LG
LG G1 OLED TV
As ever, LG debuted a range of new OLED TVs during this year’s CES, with the G1 being the flagship. It is super slim, just like previous models in its “Gallery” range, but can now come with a dedicated stand as an optional extra.
It also has the new webOS 6.0 smart system and the latest Alpha 9 processor. All of LG’s OLEDs in 2021 will also have access to Google’s Stadia cloud gaming service without the need for a separate device, save for a game controller.
LG announces new, more efficient G1 OLED TV series, updates to C1 series
Panasonic
Panasonic JZ2000 OLED TV
Panssonic unveiled just one TV during CES 2021, but what a TV it is. The JZ2000 comes with a reference standard OLED display and HDR 10+ Adapative, enabling on-the-fly adjustments depending on the ambient light in your room.
Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker Mode are included, as with last year’s equivalant, while Dolby Atmos support comes from side and up-firing speakers built into the TV itself.
Panasonic JZ2000 OLED TV is company’s 2021 flagship and spec’ed for next-gen gaming
Sony
Sony Bravia XR Master Series A90J
Sony has an 8K Master Series TV this year, but it is this 4K alternative that catches our eye the most. Not only does it have superb picture performance, thanks to the Cognitive Processor XR tech, it comes with Sony’s new Bravia Core streaming service.
This is a new, high quality service that presents movies in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray quality and is completely exclusive to Sony Bravia TVs.
Sony’s latest Bravia XR TVs are designed to more closely replicate what you see and hear
TCL
TCL 6-series 8K Roku TV
TCL was the first major manufacturer to adopt Mini LED for its TVs, with ranges available in 2020. Now it continues to develop the tech and has even adopted it for an 8K model for 2021.
There is even Roku built-in, making the new 6-series one of the most rounded you’ll be likely to find.
TCL’s 2021 TV lineup includes 8K sets with ‘OD Zero’ mini LED tech
Samsung
Samsung 110-inch MicroLED TV
Samsung announced its new MicroLED TV prior to CES, but it was still a major part of its presentation. MicroLED is comparable with OLED for picture quality, but as each pixel is a miniature LED, it is capable of much higher brightness.
The new 110-inch model is the first that can be installed by the customer rather than a professional – the only caveat is price. While we do not yet have confirmation, there is a rumour that the technology is still phenomenally expensive, with estimations claiming it costs more than $1,000 per inch. The 110-inch TV display will therefore cost between $110,000 and $150,000. Crikey.
Samsung’s new 110-inch MicroLED TV will be available early 2021
(Pocket-lint) – CES takes place every January – typically in Las Vegas – and while it’s back for 2021, it’s all-digital instead. So while we’ve not been rushing around any real show floors this year, there’s been a lot of virtual running around instead.
It’s been a bumper year for laptops at CES 2021, too, with a heap of updated machines, new processors, and a big focus on gaming. Here’s the very best laptops revealed so far to give you the big picture.
Microsoft
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus
In an unexpected move at the start of CES 2021, Microsoft added a new Surface device – but it’s not a wholly new device, rather the Surface Pro 7 Plus (or 7+) is a modified Surface Pro.
Really the Pro 7+ is aimed at education and business rather than consumers. That’s why there’s a larger battery and removable SSD, along with upgraded 11th generation Intel Core processor options.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 Plus has longer battery life and a removable SSD
Pocket-lint
Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
Here’s one that’s a little different: a gaming laptop that’s, well, ‘hidden’ inside a more casual laptop shell.
Gaming laptops are big business – but not just for hardcore gamers, per se – which is why this Predator model has come to be.
It’s all all-new idea for Acer’s gaming line-up for a number of reasons, one of which being that it’s the first Predator laptop to feature a smaller 14-inch screen.
Acer Predator Triton 300 SE review: The everyday gamers’ laptop
Razer
Razer Blade 15 (2021)
Lots of more traditional gaming laptops appeared at CES 2021 (there’s yet more below), but Razer pulled out the big guns by showing off its new Blade 15 with screen refresh rates up to 360Hz. Wowzers.
The design is second to none, too, with the same precision-crafted, CNC milled, durable finished design you’d expect from Razer.
How about that for a flash of design and speed? Looks like a real treat.
Razer reveals Blade 15 and 17 laptops with 360Hz screens and next gen Nvidia RTX GPUs
MSI
The GE76 is available in 15- and 17-inch forms, offering a super-fast 300Hz refresh rate screen – only the Razer lade 15 (featured above) can best that.
In addition to the standard GE76 Raider – which features an RGB light bar at the front – there’s also a special edition version, called Dragon Edition (pictured), which has an etched in dragon emblem. How about that for standing out?
Under the hood the GE76 features up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, along with Intel Core i9 CPU, delivering a super-powered combination.
MSI GE76 Raider packs in 300Hz screen, Intel Core i9 and Nvidia RTX 3080 superpowers
Gigabyte
Gigabyte Aero 17G / HDR
Gigabyte updated its Aorus and Aero lines, featuring the latest Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics and up to Intel Core i9 processors – putting it up there against the likes of MSI (featured above).
Top of the stack is the Gigabyte Aero 17G – priced from $2,499 – featuring a 17.3-inch screen with up to a super-fast 300Hz refresh rate. Or you can pick a 4K OLED panel with high dynamic range instead.
That’s some serious gaming clout with respect to visuals right there.
Gigabyte’s Aero and Aorus laptops come with RTX 3080 and OLEDs
Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 2 i
Now for something out-and-out different: a dual-screen laptop. But the ThinkBook Plus, here in its second-generation form – which Lenovo calls “Gen 2 i” for some reason – features an E Ink display on the exterior, while an LCD screen lives within (in more standard laptop design fare).
This second-gen device’s key shift over the original product is that the E Ink display now covers 68 per cent of the exterior, increasing it by over 48 per cent compared to the original.
So why dual screen? Just as we said of the original: “E Ink is a low refresh-rate monochrome display technology, just like you have in an Amazon Kindle. It’s designed to be super low-energy in use, to negate battery drain, without the backlight causing eye stress. For reading, therefore, it’s a very comfortable experience”.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 2 i brings expanded E Ink second-screen display
Pocket-lint
Acer Chromebook Spin 514
In a first for Acer’s Chromebook line-up the 2021 Chromebook Spin 514 sports an AMD Ryzen processor and graphics. It’s part of the increasing shift away from Intel chipsets.
Key to the design is a hinge that means this Chromebook can be used as a laptop, pressed flat as a tablet, or spun around for ‘stand’ and ‘tent’ positions at any angle you please.
The years have shown Acer progress its product line, too, with this 2021 model sporting far smaller screen bezels to the edges of its 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display.
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2021, AMD) review: Versatility is its charm
Lenovo
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i OLED
The 2021 version of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro now offers an OLED display as part of its spec – promising richer blacks and more saturated colours than its LCD counterpart.
That screen is a 14-inch panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the resolution can be specified up to 2.8K (that’s 2880 by 1800 pixels) across its 16:10 aspect ratio – which is wider and taller for more visible real-estate.
The screen is the one core difference in an otherwise similar feature set to the Slim 7i Pro’s LCD counterpart – both models including up to 11th Gen Intel Core processors with optional Nvidia GeForce MX450 discrete graphics.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro adds OLED display to tempting specification
Lenovo
Lenovo IdeaPad 5G
The IdeaPad 5G is Lenovo’s third take on the connected ultra-fast laptop. The IdeaPad’s aim is to being in a new phase of affordability, the 14-inch model – which isn’t available in North America – starting at €799.00 in Europe.
Take that in context: the Yoga 5G launched with a staggering £3K price tag on contract in the UK – at a time of life when hardly anyone is out and about on the move.
The IdeaPad 5G follows a similar structure to earlier Yoga 5G: it’s built upon Qualcomm’s 8CX hardware, which means 5G connectivity, no fans needed for cooling (so it’s silent), and absurdly good battery life is a given.
But that hardware also means full-fat Windows apps aren’t necessarily supported.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5G is a connected ultra-portable with Qualcomm processor
HP
HP Elite Folio
The most noteworthy of HP’s new releases at this CES, the Elite Folio, is centred around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 platform with a fanless design and 5G connectivity.
That brings with it similar advances and drawbacks to the Lenovo IdeaPad 5G (featured above), i.e. great battery life but not full compatibility with the full suite of Windows apps – but if you want 5G and longevity for an on-the-go office-like laptop then it’s likely to be a cracker.
HP’s slew of new laptops is headed by the Elite Folio with 24 hour battery life
Writing by Mike Lowe.
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