Microsoft now has the Windows – 10 – Insider Preview Build 21286 released. Among other things, the taskbar has been revised here. With the update, the current weather data can now be called up in addition to the latest news. It is also possible to further personalize the feed. But Microsoft has also worked hard to adjust the storage space settings. With the new preview build, storage pools and storage spaces can be created. According to the US company, however, initially only a subset of insiders in the Dev Channel will receive the said function. This is to help identify possible problems with the feature more quickly. If the feature does not work as expected, this could affect the stability as well as the performance.
With DiskUsage, the company presents a new command line tool. With this program, files and folders can be identified in the future that occupy large amounts of memory on the hard drive. With the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) it is now possible to execute specific Linux commands when starting WSL. The /etc/wsl.conf file must be adapted accordingly for this.
In addition, the automatic setting of the time zone in Windows has been improved. In the future, users will receive a corresponding message when the time zone has been changed.
Fixed errors:
We fixed an issue causing some Insiders to see a popup that says “Your PC ran into a problem and will automatically restart” after logging in to Windows with either an Azure Active Directory or Active Directory account on Build 21277.
We fixed an issue where no drives appeared under Settings> System> Storage> Manage Disks and Volumes.
We fixed an issue resulting in some printers getting stuck on connecting when added from Settings.
We fixed an issue that could result in sometimes unexpectedly being signed out of apps and websites after rebooting your PC.
We fixed an issue where the Windows Security icon would sometimes be unexpectedly large in the context menu when shift-right- clicking taskbar icons.
We fixed an issue that could result in MediaTranscoder hanging when transcoding certain files.
We fixed an issue where audio playing from UWP apps wasn’t ducking after pressing the microphone icon to start Cortana listening.
We fixed an issue that could result in VPN entries in the network flyout getting stuck at Action Needed until you pressed Cancel and Connect again.
We fixed an issue impacting touch targeting when resizing windows using touch.
We’ve made some fixes to our emoji keyword search results based on feedback, including adding a new keyword so that typing “lgbtq” will now return the rainbow flag emoji. Please continue sharing feedback with us in the Feedback Hub under Input and Language> Emoji Panel.
We fixed an issue that could result in the Read Aloud options in Magnifier being unexpectedly greyed out.
We fixed an issue where the “Help make Narrator better” toggle in Narrator Settings was disabled for Insiders.
We fixed an issue so that Narrator will now read Excel cell contents when verbosity is set to 2.
We fixed an issue where Narrator might not announce whether a combo box was in expanded or collapsed state.
We fixed an issue impacting Narrator’s ability to read the names of certain hyperlinks on websites in Microsoft Edge.
We fixed an issue impacting Narrator’s ability to read code windows in Visual Studio.
We fixed an issue for high contrast users that could result in Settings crashing when going to Ease of Access.
Known issues:
We’re working on a fix for an issue Insiders have reported where certain games like State of Decay 2, or Assassin’s Creed, may hang or crash when launching.
We’re investigating an issue where Call of Duty: Modern Warfare a nd Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War may not launch starting with this build. If you play these games, you may wish to pause updates until the issue is resolved.
You may experience some rendering / graphic issues after resizing certain app windows. If you minimize all your app windows and open them again it should resolve the issue (Press the Windows key plus D twice).
We’re investigating an issue where some 32 – bit systems may lose network connection after taking this build. If you are running a 32 – bit version of Windows, you may wish to pause updates until the issue is resolved.
When Xbox Game Bar is launched from Start or via the Windows key + G when using a text editor, the computer may appear unresponsive. If you encounter this, dismiss the Xbox Game Bar with WIN + G and end the GameBar.exe process from Task Manager.
Miracast users may experience very low frame rates in this build.
We’re investigating reports that started with Build 21277 that explorer.exe / the Windows shell would hang and or crash.
We’re looking into reports of the update process hanging for extended periods of time when attempting to install a new build.
Aero Shake is disabled in this build. To enable it, you will need to go here in Registry Editor and create a new DWORD entry named DisallowShaking with a value of 0: HKCU Software Microsoft Windows CurrentVersion Explorer Advanced
Live previews for pinned sites aren’t enabled for all Insiders yet, so you may see a gray window when hovering over the thumbnail in the taskbar. We’re continuing to work on polishing this experience.
We’re working on enabling the new taskbar experience for existing pinned sites. In the meantime, you can unpin the site from the taskbar, remove it from the edge: // apps page, and then re-pin the site.
Sometimes the news and interests flyout may show as offline even when the user is online.
Users cannot navigate into the news and interests flyout using keyboard.
In some scenarios, the news and interests flyout may appear empty with no content.
Sometimes the news and interests flyout cannot be dismissed with touch and pen.
News and interests uses more taskbar space on the left than expected.
MSI is expanding its range of PC cases. The MPG-SEKIRA – 100 – Case series should exude a certain luxury and convince as a chic E-ATX case.
The series starts with two models: The MPG SEKIRA 100 R shows a two-part front. The upper part is made of aluminum, the lower part of tinted glass. Behind it sit three 120 – mm fan with A-RGB lighting. The transition between aluminum and glass is also illuminated. Another 120 – mm -A RGB fan sits on the back wall. The lighting can be controlled simply by pressing a button. Visually the MPG SEKIRA reminds you 100 R to MSI’s top model MPG Sekira 500 X.
The MPG SEKIRA 34 P, on the other hand, is much more discreet with a continuous aluminum front and without A-RGB lighting. Also with this model there are four 120 – mm fan pre-assembled – but those without LEDs.
The 215 x 475 x 420 mm (W x H x D) large housing weighs around 8 kg. Inside there is a maximum of space for an E-ATX system with up to 17 cm high processor cooler and up to 34 cm long graphics card. Two combined 2.5 / 3.5-inch drive spaces and two pure 2.5-inch drive spaces are available for drives.
The tool-free mounted glass side panel is secured by the removable housing cover and an additional lock. In the lid there can be two 120 – or 140 – mm fan can be retrofitted. If water cooling is used, a 280 -mm radiator, under the lid a 240 -mm radiator and on the back wall a 34 mm radiator can be installed. Three dust filters on the front, cover and under the power supply are designed to protect the interior from dust. The I / O panel in the lid has two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and audio jacks for a headset.
At the prices of the MPG SEKIRA 100 – MSI has not yet given any information. Also in the price comparison are MPG SEKIRA 100 R and MPG SEKIRA 34 P not yet listed.
Update 06. 02. 2021: We are currently testing a MPG Sekira 100 R. In the unpacked & touched video, we are already introducing the A-RGB housing. The detailed test will follow in the next few days.
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With the Fara H1 M, SilverStone is expanding its Fara case series. The new model is a mini-tower that can hold a maximum of Micro-ATX mainboards. A mesh front gives hope for good cooling performance.
Only recently we were able to test a midi tower from the Fara series with the Fara B1 Pro. With its four A-RGB fans, this model is a real eye-catcher, but the cooling performance suffers a little from the transparent plastic front. With the smaller Fara H1 M, SilverStone is now taking a different approach. The mini-tower is equipped with a single 120 – mm fan at the rear, but has a mesh front. A considerable airflow should be possible, especially in combination with additional front fans. Two 120 – or 140 – mm front fans and two 120 – mm lid fan. Alternatively, SilverStone provides a 240 – mm front radiator and a 120 – mm rear wall radiator.
With dimensions of 210 x 392 x the Micro-ATX case mm (W x H x D) a volume of 30, 13 liters. The weight of the steel case is given as 4, 24 kg. The I / O panel in the lid shows a somewhat outdated configuration with two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port as well as two 3.5 mm jack sockets for audio. A two-part interior is visible through the slightly tinted hard glass side panel. In the mainboard chamber there is space for a Micro-ATX mainboard with up to 16 cm high CPU cooler and up to 32 cm long graphics card (without front fan). In the bottom chamber there is an up to 25 cm long power supply unit or a combination of one up to 16 cm long power supply and a drive cage space. This cage can hold two 3.5-inch drives. The drive space on the cage can alternatively be used for a 2.5 inch drive. Two pure 2.5-inch drive slots are available on the mainboard tray.
SilverStone has not yet given any information about the price. The Fara H1 M has not yet been listed in the price comparison either. But you can certainly expect a relatively low price.
Gigabyte adds a new case to its catalog and does so in grand style by proposing a very large full-tower with an angular design to recall the shapes of the falcon logo of the company’s gaming division: let’s talk about the Aorus C 700 Glass
by Carlo Pisani published on 07 January 2021 , at 08: 21 in the Systems channel Gigabyte
Gigabyte adds a new case to its catalog and does it in grand style by proposing a full-tower very cap edent and angular design to recall the shapes of the falcon logo of the company’s gaming division: we are talking about the Aorus C 700 Glass .
Dimensions equal to 671 x 301 mm, with a ‘height of 714 mm, and a total weight of just over 19 kg , able to accommodate cards mothers up to format E-ATX, heatsinks for CPU with maximum height of 198 mm, long graphics cards up 490 mm , which can be installed both horizontally and vertically, and power supplies from 160 mm.
Click to enlarge
So much space inside that can also accommodate a maximum of 10 2.5 “SSD , four of which can also be 3.5 “, and complex cooling systems with 3x configurations 21 or 3x 120 for the top and front panels and 1x 140 or 2x 20 on the back, space also designed for accommodate a radiator up 420 mm at the top, one from 360 mm in the front and a maximum radiator of 140 mm in the rear one; pre-installed five PWM fans of 120 mm.
Click to enlarge
Regarding the external part of the Aorus C 700 Glass we find side walls in translucent black tempered glass on both sides following the oblique trend of the top and front panel set with various RGB light zones that can be configured via software RGB FUSION 2.0.
Click to enlarge
Included one ARGB and PWM controller equipped with three 3-pin 5V ARGB connectors and five with PWM nectors to manage lighting and fans from the controls present in the rich I / O panel in which there are also four USB3.0 ports , a USB 3.1 Gen2 type C port from 20 GB / s, single HDMI port, audio connectors and system buttons
For the moment Gigabyte has not provided information about availability and price for this Aorus C case 700 Glass; for more images and information about it, please visit the page dedicated to this case.
Silverstone adds to its large catalog of midtowers the FARA H1 M model, which integrates a mesh front panel as a distinction in order to improve air flow.
The new mid-tower Silverstone FARA H1 M has dimensions of 210 x 392 x 366 mm and reaches a weight of 4. 24 kg. So far it is quite similar (but smaller) to models like the FARA B1 or the FARA V1M PRO, two models launched in the past 2020. This new box comes with a different front than both, since it integrates a mesh that favors the passage of air towards the interior. In addition, comes standard with 1 single fan of 12 cm rear, without lights.
It is possible, however, installed up to two front fans of 14 cm and two higher ones of 12 cm. Inside the Silverstone FARA H1 M you can also place two more of 12 cm.
The Silverstone FARA H1 M mid-tower offers a mesh front to promote air flow
The maximum height for heatsinks is 16 cm. while for graphics we have a space of 32 cm without a front fan installed. We can have a double radiator on the front panel .
For storage we have two 3.5 “bays (one of them compatible with 2.5”) and others two 2.5 “. As connections there are USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 and audio jacks. At the moment we do not know the price of the Silverstone FARA H1 M , but it shouldn’t be high looking at the specs it offers.
End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!
Pablo López
With 15 years I started overclocking my PC to get every extra FPS that I could in games and scratch a few milliseconds in SuperPi, while I was constantly posting about hardware on the Geeknetic com forum or user and reader. They were probably so fed up with continually reading me on the forum that I became part of the writing team, where I continue to report on the latest in technology. Astrophysics and PC games are the hobbies that, after hardware, cover most of my free time.
João Silva 35 mins ago Featured Tech News, Monitors
ViewSonic is getting ready to launch a new QHD high refresh-rate IPS panel aimed at gamers. Following the success of the VX2758-2KP-MHD, the manufacturer has announced the VX2705-2KP-MHD.
With a 27-inch SuperClear IPS panel with a 2560x1440p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time (MPRT), the ViewSonic VX2705-2KP-MHD aims to provide users with a “stunning viewing experience”. The contrast ratio of 1000:1 and the 350nits of typical brightness allows this 10-bit (8-bit + FRC) panel to cover up to 96% of the DCI-P3 wide colour gamut, 93% of the NTSC spectrum, and 131% of the sRGB colour gamut.
This monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium to reduce tearing and stuttering when using an AMD graphics card, and comes with multiple view modes to choose from, depending on the content the monitor is displaying or the game the user is playing. Additionally, it features Flicker-Free technology and a Blue Light Filter to reduce the user’s eye fatigue and strain when using it for long periods of time and ECO-Mode to reduce brightness and power consumption to an optimal setting.
The ViewSonic VX2705-2KP-MHD comes with a couple of 2W built-in speakers, an audio-out 3.5mm jack, 2x HDMI 2.0 ports, and a DisplayPort. The included stand only allows the user to tilt the display, but there’s support for VESA 100×100 mounts if there’s the need to increase its ergonomics.
ViewSonic hasn’t shared the pricing and availability of the VX2705-2KP-MHD yet. You can learn more about this monitor HERE.
KitGuru says: Are you looking for a new monitor for your setup? Do the VX2705-2KP-MHD specifications meet your requirements?
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João Silva 2 days ago Featured Tech News, Monitors
MSI will announce various products during CES 2021, but there are a couple of monitors that shine through the rest – the Oculux NGR253R and the MPG Artymis 343CQR. Aimed at gamers, both MSI monitors offer high refresh-rates, low response times, and Adaptive Sync.
Featuring a 24.5-inch Rapid IPS panel with a FullHD resolution, 360Hz refresh rate, and 1ms G2G response times, the MSI Oculux NXG253R offer wide viewing angles and vivid colours while also providing users with unparalleled performance, all in a single display.
The Oculux NGR253R is a G-Sync compatible monitor, offering tear and lag-free gaming sessions, and comes with a built-in Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer so that users can test how fast their monitors are by measuring the time it takes for the display to update after a button click. Additionally, the monitor comes with 2x HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, an audio-out jack, and multiple USB ports for your devices.
The MSI MPG Artymis 343CQR features a 34-inch display with a 1000R curvature, UWQHD resolution (3440x1440p), 1ms response times, and a 165Hz refresh rate. The 1000R curvature creates an immersive visual experience and perfectly fits into the user’s field of view, reducing the strain even when looking at the edges of the display.
Some features of the MPG Artymis 343CQR include Adaptive Brightness 2.0, NightVision AI, Smart RGB, and AI Crosshair for a better gaming experience. Adaptive Brightness 2.0 automatically adjusts the brightness based on the ambient light in the room, while Night Vision also adjusts the brightness automatically but with the objective of brightening up darker scenes.
MSI’s presentation at CES 2021 is scheduled for January 13th, at 19:00PM GMT.
KitGuru says: Out of these two MSI monitors, would you choose the high refresh-rate Oculux NXG253R or the curved and ultrawide MPG Artymis 343CQR?
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With the Sport Open Earbuds, Bose has introduced new earphones for athletes. The earphones should leave the ear canal free and allow the wearer to continue to perceive ambient noise. The earphones are held in place by large brackets.
In contrast to comparable products, Bose does not use bone conduction, but a technology called “Open Audio” . Bose already used this technology in its Frames headphone sunglasses. The headphones built into it direct the sound precisely into the wearer’s ears so that outside people cannot overhear. Calls are made via integrated microphones.
No charging case Like normal earphones, the Sport Open Earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.1 the playback device. The battery life indicates Bose with 8 hours. An accompanying carrying case comes without an integrated battery, so it cannot charge the earphones. Instead, buyers have to plug the open earbuds into the supplied charging station.
So far, the Bose Sport Open Earbuds have only been offered in the USA, where they 200 cost US dollars. It is unclear whether they will come to Germany.
To also people with restricted To provide eyesight access, Google’s Recaptcha offers an audio version of the anti-robot test. You have to recognize and enter a text with background noise. This is at least as difficult for untrained ears as the search images.
But Google’s own speech recognition manages this very reliably. Nikolai Tschacher fed the MP3 audio file to the Speech-to-Text API and achieved recognition rates of well over 90 percent . The video demonstrates the completely automated process.
(Pocket-lint) – With huge numbers of us now working from home and spending more time in the house, there’s never been a time when you need to call colleagues or friends.
Secret WhatsApp tips and tricks you might not know about
There are a few stand-out examples that offer instant messaging and video chat as well as numerous other features. Every app is available across multiple platforms, with the exception of Apple’s FaceTime that is restricted to Apple devices.
Our guide to the best video calling apps
Facebook/TechCrunch
Messenger
Best for Facebook devotees
Facebook recently worked to streamline Messenger, which has been separate from the main Facebook app for several years now. Messenger is used by many individuals and businesses for communication and you can even use it without a Facebook account.
You can video or voice chat with an individual or a group very easily. Need to know how to use it for video calling? Check out: How to video call on Facebook Messenger
Messenger also has recently announced Messenger Rooms, a way to join group video calls with up to 50 people – yes, it’s like Zoom or Skype.
Facebook’s Messenger Rooms: The Zoom-like video calling feature explained
WhatsApp
WhatsApp
Best for small group calls – up to eight people
Facebook-owned WhatsApp may be second to Messenger in North America, but globally it is massive. As of early 2020 the app said it has over two billion users worldwide which is quite an incredible reach for an app that started as a paid-for premium offering.
WhatsApp’s strength is that it is easy to make new chats and search for messages in the past. You can also see when messages are received and read and it’s just great with pictures.
It can be used for video and voice calls. You can start a call with one individual and then add other participants easily. The limit on group video calls is now eight.
How to make WhatsApp group voice and video calls
Apple
FaceTime
Best for Apple-to-Apple calls
We don’t know how many users FaceTime video has, but it’s massive between Apple users and you can easily flip back and forth between video and voice.
Of course, being Apple-only is a disadvantage not shared by any of the other apps here but it is available across both iOS and macOS.
As well as individual calls, you can now easily make a Group FaceTime call – if everyone you’re talking to is on an Apple device, it’s mega easy to sort out.
How to make a Group FaceTime video call
Zoom
Zoom
Best for large group/workplace video conferencing (and for the tiled view)
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service you can use to virtually meet with others – either by video or audio-only or both, all while conducting live chats – and it lets you record those sessions to view later.
A Zoom Meeting is a video conferencing meeting that’s hosted using Zoom while a Zoom Room is physical hardware that companies can install in meeting rooms.
What is Zoom and how does it work? Plus tips and tricks
One of the best features is the tiled view, so you can have everybody on screen at the same time – even if you have tens of participants.
If you want to know if you’re in good company when using Zoom, you are: over half of Fortune 500 companies reportedly used Zoom in 2019.
Zoom meeting passwords explained: Why are they now on by default?
WhatsApp
Google Meet
Best for G Suite (Google apps) users
While Google Duo (below) is more of a one-to-one solution, Google Meet is Google’s option for video calling and sits alongside Google Chat. It does have a separate app, but most people who use it are customers of Google’s G Suite, which is basically Gmail, Calendar and Docs but for business.
You can start meetings from Gmail or Google Calendar and you can video chat with individuals, conference or just text chat.
As of 4 May 2020, Google made Google Meet free to anyone with a Google account – this will last until the end of September 2020 at present.
What is Google Meet Chat, how do they work, and when can you use them?
Skype
Skype
Best for cross-device calling across PCs, Macs and mobile devices
Microsoft-owned Skype remains one of the most ubiquitous ways to make a video call and as such it’s a good option just because so many people have it. As well as PC and Mac, it’s also available for iOS and Android of course.
And you can even now access it via a web browser and also set up instant meetings with people who don’t have an account using Skype Meet Now. The group calling feature is also really powerful.
As in Zoom, you can also change your Skype background.
It also integrates nicely with Office 365 and if you use this for work you’ll be familiar with Skype for Business.
How to use Skype: A beginner’s guide for complete Skype novices
Pocket-lint
Slack
Best for perpetual office chat and one-to-one calling
Slack is a little different to the competition as it’s more of an open platform. It works as a central place for communication that pulls in third-party apps to make it work.
It’s meant for team communication – we use it here at Pocket-lint – and is a great way to share files (it also integrates with Google Drive or Dropbox). The free version enables you to make calls but only one-to-one; you need a paid subscription to call a group (and it’s expensive). It’s also been redesigned recently to make it easier to use.
Another great feature of Slack is its ability to search entire conversations for certain words so finding what’s been talked about is easy. The app is iOS and Android friendly and autocompletes friends’ names making tagging them simple.
What is Slack and how does it work? Plus plenty of Slack tips and tricks
Google/Pocket-lint
Google Duo
A WhatsApp alternative for easy calling between devices
Relatively recently brought out by Google, Duo is free to use, enables one-to-one video and voice calls and it works across both iOS and Android devices – unlike Apple’s FaceTime. It’s primarily an app for consumers rather than business – Google Hangouts is Google’s work calling solution.
It relies on your number, lets you reach people in your phone’s contacts list, offers end-to-end encryption, and has nifty features like Knock Knock, which allows you see live video of your caller before you answer.
What is Google Duo? What you need to know about Google’s video and voice call app
Pocket-lint
Viber
The best Skype alternative
Viber is a comprehensive alternative to Skype. It was primarily a service for calling directly between devices, but it now also has WhatsApp style chat and can be used to share files.
One of the great things about Viber is how widely available it is across platforms including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Windows 8, Mac and more. That means video calling across devices or chatting using IM with emoticons should be seamless and simple. Plus it’s all free.
Pocket-lint
WeChat
Another great Skype alternative
WeChat is being hailed as the one-stop-shop alternative to most communication apps. It’s like combining text, Skype, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram into one app.
WeChat enables you to share photos and videos directly with other users or they can be posted to their profile, like the Facebook wall. Another feature, called Shake, allows users to find others nearby to chat locally.
WeChat also allows voice chat, group chat, video chat and emoticon sharing. And it’s all free to download.
What is two-factor authentication and why should you use it? Plus how to enable for Apple, Google and more
This is looking like a big year for Samsung TVs. Having somewhat trodden water in 2020, the company appears to be striding forward in 2021, with highlights that include consumer MicroLED models, ‘Neo QLEDs’ with astonishingly small Mini LEDs, and a new version of the One Connect box that can be attached to the TV’s pedestal stand.
Samsung has so far delivered the information on its 2021 TVs in the form of hours of video presentations, rather than a complete and concise list of models and the features of each. That means there are still gaps in what we currently know but, by piecing together the various snippets of information, we think we’ve got a fairly good handle on what’s coming from Samsung TVs in the next few months.
Samsung announces 2021 ‘Neo QLED’ TVs with Mini LED backlight tech
Certainly, the new technologies and features have been fairly well outlined, and you’ll find info on those if you scroll down just a smidge. Below that, we’ve attempted to divine the model lineup. There’s a lot of info there, but there’s more that needs adding and clarifying, which we will do over time as Samsung releases the details.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick overview of 2021 model designations: 2021 appears to be year ‘A’ for Samsung, whereas 2020 was year ‘T’ (as in ‘Q70T’) and 2019 was ‘R’ (as in Q70R). You can therefore expect QLED model numbers to end in an ‘A’ (Q70A, for example), and LCD models to have one before their series designation (e.g. ‘AU8000’).
Finally, you’ll also see an ‘N’ in some QLED model numbers – ‘QN85A’, for example. We believe this denotes the Neo QLED (i.e. Mini LED) models from those that utilise standard LED backlights.
Samsung MicroLED TV
(Image credit: Samsung)
While Samsung has been talking about MicroLED for quite some time now, 2021 will finally see the launch of consumer models.
For the unfamiliar, MicroLED is a next-gen TV technology that essentially takes the best qualities of OLED and removes more or less all of its shortcomings. Like OLED, each pixel is self-emissive, so one can be completely black while those next to it can be bright white or a vibrant colour, creating incredible contrast.
MicroLEDs can actually go much brighter than OLEDs, though, theoretically resulting in even more spectacular contrast. Samsung is quoting a peak brightness rating of 2000 nits in regard to this new MicroLED TV, which makes it around twice as bright as even the best OLEDs. What’s more, unlike OLED TVs, which use organic materials (‘OLED’ stands for ‘Organic Light Emitting Diode’), MicroLEDs are inorganic, so don’t degrade and can’t suffer from image retention or burn-in.
The new consumer MicroLED TV, for which we don’t yet have an official model number, measures an absolutely huge 110 inches on the diagonal and comes pre-assembled as a complete flatscreen TV; unlike the commercial MicroLEDs, which come as smaller modules that can be assembled in various configurations.
Interestingly, given its huge size and next-gen credentials, this new consumer MicroLED TV boasts ‘only’ a 4K resolution. That’s because the size of the individual MicroLEDs (each of which represents a single pixel, remember) means there are physical limitations to pixel density (how many pixels can be crammed into each inch of screen). In other words, MicroLEDs will have to get even smaller before MicroLED TVs become available at smaller sizes with higher resolutions.
Of course, what you really want to know is how much Samsung’s new consumer MicroLED costs. Unfortunately, there’s no official word on that yet (we have asked), but Business Korea claims that it’s expected to be priced over 100-million won, which translates to roughly £70,000 ($90,000, AU$125,000).
Neo QLEDs with Mini LED backlighting
(Image credit: Samsung)
While MicroLED remains the preserve of the super-rich for now, Samsung is bringing Mini LED tech to its premium QLEDs, which it refers to as ‘Neo QLEDs’.
Samsung explains that the majority of a typical LED’s size is made up of its protective packaging and light-guiding lens, both of which it’s done away with for its so-called ‘New LEDs’. Not only that, it’s also miniaturised the LEDs themselves, to quite astonishing effect.
As part of a video presentation, Samsung demonstrated to us the degree of difference by putting a petri dish containing 100 traditional backlight LEDs next to another containing its New LEDs. The traditional LEDs are big and clear, filling their dish, while the New LEDs genuinely look like nothing more than sparkly grains of sand. Samsung says the New LEDs are a fortieth the size of traditional LEDs, but even that doesn’t convey how incredibly tiny they appear.
Instead of a lens, Samsung’s New LED backlights use a new ‘micro layer’ that guides the light through the quantum dots (which provide the set’s colours). The result is apparently no light leakage or blooming, and because the New LEDs are so much smaller, significantly more of them can be packed in – one slide we saw referred to “ten-times greater density”. Given that Samsung’s top 2020 model, the Q950TS, is said to have around 500 dimming zones (Samsung doesn’t publish specific numbers), we’re potentially talking about around 5000 zones for these Neo QLEDs.
Of course, Samsung isn’t the first TV brand to utilise Mini LEDs, but the company claims that its are the smallest and most precise out there – mind you, that was before LG announced its own Mini LED TVs.
New Quantum Processor
Of no surprise at all is that Samsung is introducing a new processor for its 2021 TVs. This new quantum processor brings with it, among other things, more precise dimming and a local power distribution feature that sends power to the brightest areas of the picture and away from the darker parts. It also works in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the TV’s frame to adjust brightness and contrast in response to ambient lighting conditions.
In Samsung’s 2021 8K TVs (we’re not yet sure if this also applies to the 4K models), the quantum processor also utilises something that Samsung calls ‘Multi-Intelligence Deep Learning’ to improve upscaling. The company explains that in 2020 its deep learning produced a single neural network, but in 2021 the system can produce up to 16 neural networks that enhance resolution and overall video quality. Essentially, it seems that each of the neural networks specialises in a different area of picture quality, then a Neural Analyser selects the most appropriate for the specific content being played.
Extension of Object-Tracking Sound (OTS)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung introduced Object-Tracking Sound with last year’s QLEDs, but this year it’s being expanded, both in terms of the models it covers and the number of speakers involved.
There are now four versions of OTS, with the new OTS Lite at the bottom and OTS Pro at the top. Each version differs in terms of the number of speakers involved.
OTS Lite consists of two physical speakers at the bottom and two ‘virtual speakers’ that provide height. It’s available on the most premium LCD models. The standard version of OTS adds physical speakers to the top of the set, OTS+ adds side-firing speakers, and OTS Pro adds extra tweeters, taking the complete speaker array up to a total of 6.2.2 channels.
Every version of OTS is designed to fill a room as much as possible and provide three-dimensional tracking of effects, very much along the lines of virtualised Dolby Atmos. Some models (we’re not yet sure which) also feature something called ‘SpaceFit’, which appears to be an enhanced version of the company’s existing Adaptive Sound tech that adapts audio performance to the TV’s surroundings.
All models also appear to feature Active Voice Amplifier, which is designed to actively detect external noise and boost the volume of the voice track so that dialogue is more audible, and Q Symphony, which allows the TV’s speakers to work in conjunction with a connected Samsung soundbar – and there’ll be a whole new range of those in 2021, too.
Design and One Connect
This image shows the new One Connect attached to the rear of the pedestal stand (Image credit: Samsung)
Like many of us humans, Samsung’s TVs appear to be on a slimness drive in 2021. The top 8K models were already just 15mm thick, so it’s little surprise that they’re not getting any slimmer, but all of the 4K models mentioned have a thickness of 2.5cm. That represents a 1cm reduction in thickness for the top QN90A (compared with the Q90T), and a slimming-down of over 3cm for lower models such as the Q70A and Q60A QLEDs and the AU9000 LCD.
If your pockets are deep enough for the flagship QN900A 8K model, you’ll also get Samsung’s Infinity Screen, which is an essentially bezel-less, edge-to-edge display, as seen with 2020’s Q950TS.
We were worried about the future of Samsung’s One Connect system, which sees all connections (and even power) routed through an external processing box that can be placed out of sight, but Samsung is in fact launching a new version of One Connect for 2021. The big news is that the new One Connect box is significantly smaller and slimmer than the one it replaces, to the extent that it can be attached to the rear of the stand if required.
Those who are wall-mounting (or who simply want to move cable-clutter as far away from the display as possible) can still place the new unit on a separate shelf or in a cupboard, and its new shape and size should make it far easier to find a home for.
The 2021 One Connect will be available on the QN95A 4K set and, we believe, all 8K models.
Gaming features
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung’s long been at the forefront of gaming TV tech, and that looks set to continue in 2021. 4K@120Hz is supported on all models from the Q70A and up, VRR support includes Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM and HGiG are both supported, and input lag is said to be down to just 9.8ms.
Interestingly, Samsung is also promising support for 4K@120Hz on its AU8000 and AU9000 LCD models, even though they feature 60Hz panels. The company’s calling this technology ‘Motion Xcelerator Turbo’, but it’s not yet clear how it works beyond Samsung saying that it allows the models to refresh twice as fast. These models are getting AMD FreeSync certification, though – that’s apparently a first for a 60Hz TV.
What also isn’t clear is how many Ultra High Speed HDMI (aka HDMI 2.1) sockets the 2021 models have. Samsung’s 2020 sets had just one, whereas LG’s OLEDs boast four. It only currently makes a difference for 4K@120Hz signals but we’d like to see Samsung close the gap here so that those lucky enough to have both the PS5 and Xbox Series X (and/or a high-end gaming PC) can take full advantage.
On top of all of that, Samsung is introducing something it’s calling ‘Super Ultrawide Gameview’, which allows you to force the TV into ultra-wide aspect ratios, essentially simulating the experience of using an ultra-wide gaming monitor. This obviously involves big black bars filling in the screen’s unused display area, so we’re not sure how appealing it will really be, but time will tell.
Smart features
(Image credit: Samsung)
The Tizen smart platform itself seems to have changed very little, but that’s no bad thing – it was already the best in the business in terms of its app offering and usability.
That said, Samsung has seen its way to offer some pandemic-friendly features such as Google Duo for video calls and a Smart Trainer app, which appears to be an extension of the existing Samsung Health platform. Taking full advantage of either involves buying an optional video camera, which can track you around the room in the vein of Facebook Portal.
Samsung is also extending its Multi-View feature, which allows you to display multiple sources at once in a split-screen format. It’s going to be available on all models from AU9000 upwards, with 4K models supporting two windows and 8K models support four.
Best smart TVs
Samsung 2021 TV range breakdown
So that’s the overview of the technology behind Samsung’s 2021 TV range, but what about specific models? The company hasn’t supplied a full breakdown, but we’ve listed every model specifically mentioned in the video briefings we’ve had and attempted to establish which features each one gets.
On top of that, the Czech Samsung website briefly leaked a number of product details (thanks, FlatpanelsHD).
In short, while there are still some gaps in what we know, and some details should be taken with a pinch of salt at this stage, we’ve got a good idea of the range breakdown. You’ll find all the information we have below, and we’ll update this section with more details (including pricing and availability) as they become available.
Samsung QN900A 8K Neo QLED TV
Samsung’s very top QLED model for 2021 (at least as far as we know) is the QN900A (though according to leaks, it could yet be the QNA900). This is, of course, an 8K model, and it features the new LED backlight.
Design-wise, it boasts the edge-to-edge Infinity Screen and a super-low profile 4mm pedestal stand, to which the new One Connect box can be attached. It’s just 15mm thick, and the three-degree lean of the outgoing Q950TS has gone – this model stands straight up.
Samsung QN900A specs:
Display type: Neo QLED
Resolution: 8K
Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
One Connect: Yes
Sound: OTS Pro
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: Yes
Anti-Reflective Panel: Yes
Samsung QN800A 8K Neo QLED TV
This step-down 8K model, the QN800A (or perhaps QNA800), appears to be the same as the QN900A above but without the Infinity Screen and with a sonic downgrade from OTS Pro to OTS+. It’s still just 15mm thick.
Display type: Neo QLED
Resolution: 8K
Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
One Connect: Yes
Sound: OTS+
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: Yes
Anti-Reflective Panel: Yes
Samsung QN700A 8K Neo QLED TV
The QN700A (or QNA700) appears to be Samsung’s entry-level 8K model for 2021. We don’t know much about this one, but it seems it might be missing the Ultra Viewing Angle tech of the models above and isn’t as slim.
Display type: Neo QLED
Resolution: 8K
Sizes: TBC
One Connect: Yes
Sound: TBC
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: TBC
Anti-Reflective Panel: Yes
Samsung QN95A 4K Neo QLED TV
Samsung’s top 4K model wasn’t included in any of the video briefings but was mentioned in correspondence with Samsung when discussing One Connect. It’s also included in the Czech Samsung leak, where the model number appears as QNA95. While we can’t say for sure, our assumption is that this will be identical to the QN90A below, but with the addition of One Connect.
One interesting point to note is that the Czech Samsung leak suggests both this and the QN90A will be available in a 50-inch size. No previous version of the Q90/Q95 has been available below 55 inches. Perhaps this is an effort by Samsung to offer a rival to the new 48-inch OLEDs.
The replacement for the Q90T, the QN90A (or QNA90) boasts Samsung’s new mini LED-based backlight, a depth measurement of just 25mm (that makes it 10mm thinner than its predecessor), and a 4mm thick metal pedestal stand with integrated cable management. We believe it will be identical to the QN95A, only without the One Connect box.
The step-down 4K model, the QN85A (or QNA85) for 2021 does without the Ultra Viewing Angle tech of the models above, but it does retain the Anti-Reflective Panel. It’s also just 25mm thick and has a stand with a 4mm bottom plate, although here it connects to the main chassis via a stalk or neck.
If previous models are anything to go by, the QN85A will probably have fewer dimming zones and lower peak brightness than the QN90A, but Samsung is yet to confirm this.
This Q80A model has only been mentioned in passing (and was included in the Czech Samsung leak, as QA80) so we don’t know a huge amount about it, but what you will notice is that it doesn’t have an ‘N’ in its model number. This is because it’s likely not a ‘Neo’ model – i.e. it will use the same type of LEDs in its backlight as last year’s models, rather than the new Mini LEDs.
The Q70A (or QA70) appears towards the bottom of Samsung’s 2021 QLED range, but it still boasts a 25mm-thick design and native support for 4K@120Hz. Samsung’s video presentation included images of it and the Q60A mounted on a variety of different stands, including a central pedestal/neck, a plate with two legs, and feet that can be placed at different widths and even raised to accommodate a soundbar, but it’s not clear which stand comes in the box with which model.
Display type: QLED
Resolution: 4K
Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
One Connect: No
Sound: TBC
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung Q60A 4K QLED TV
Samsung’s entry-level QLED model, the Q60A or QA60, will, according to the Czech leak, be available in more sizes than any other, and is the only one that comes in a 43-inch version. We don’t know a huge amount else about it, other than it’s also just 25mm thick and that it lacks native 4K@120Hz support (although it may still support such signals using the company’s new Motion Xcelerator Turbo tech).
4K@120Hz: No (Motion Xcelerator Turbo support TBC)
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung AU9000 4K LCD TV
Samsung’s top LCD model, the AU9000 (or perhaps UA9000) obviously lacks the quantum dots of its QLED siblings, but it seems to be pretty well-specced otherwise.
For starters, it boasts what Samsung is calling an ‘AirSlim’ design, which results in a depth measurement if just 25mm. The company’s achieved this by developing a new backlight structure with almost no gap between the LEDs and LCDs, and by utilising physically smaller video and power components.
As mentioned above, the new Motion Xcelerator Turbo tech adds support for 4K@120Hz despite the set’s native refresh rate being 60Hz. It also gets OTS Lite, which apparently adds two virtual speakers that add height to the sound produced by the two physical speakers along the bottom.
4K@120Hz: Native 60Hz with Motion Xcelerator Turbo support
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung AU8000 4K LCD TV
It’s not at all clear at this stage how the AU8000 (or UA8000) differs from the AU9000 above. We know that it features the same AirSlim design, and it appears to feature Motion Xcelerator Turbo and OTS Lite. It may come down to the processor, number of dimming zones or even just the finish. We’ll update when we get more information from Samsung.
Display type: LCD
Resolution: 4K
Sizes: TBC
One Connect: No
Sound: OTS Lite
4K@120Hz: Native 60Hz with Motion Xcelerator Turbo support
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung AU7000 4K LCD TV
This model number appeared fleetingly in one of Samsung’s video presentations, but we know nothing about it other than it exists (and could yet be the UA7000!). Again, we’ll update when we have more.
Bose is kicking off 2021 by launching something rather unusual. The new Bose Sport Open Earbuds, which have been anticipated since they were spotted in a FCC filing in December, are truly wireless buds that don’t go in your ears or even cover them – but instead gently grip the ear’s outer ridge to lock in place. There are no ear tips, “virtually no skin contact”, and no vibrations that you’d get from an outer-ear model using bone conduction technology.
As anyone who’s familiar with the fit and purpose of bone conduction headphones might have guessed, the Sport Open Earbuds have been designed to entertain while also keeping the wearer aware of their surroundings.
“Runners and cyclists have been asking us for headphones that let them stay focused on their performance without wires, neckbands, or having to pop out a bud to hear traffic, a training partner, nature, or anything else they don’t want to miss,” said Mehul Trivedi, category director of Bose wearable audio.
(Image credit: Bose)
To facilitate this best-of-both-worlds’ approach, the earbuds (which weigh only 14g each) feature a contoured earhook attached to an entirely new kind of enclosure that sits above the ear canal. Each enclosure uses a tiny dipole transducer placed for “loud-and-clear” audio that stays at the ear, and there’s a microphone system built in that works to not only isolate your voice by reducing interfering wind and noise, but also isolate their voice from being heard by others near you.
In fact, while ‘open’ headphones are inherently associated with sound leakage, Bose says that even at high volumes only you will hear your music and conversations – not passers by.
Bose has patented this ‘Bose OpenAudio’ technology, so we imagine it’ll appear in future earbuds too.
(Image credit: Bose)
As more conventional earbuds specs go, the Bose Sport Open Earbuds use the latest Bluetooth 5.1 protocol, provide eight hours of battery life from a single charge, and are IPX4-rated (i.e resistant to water splashes from any direction). On-bud control is via a button on each bud – the one on the left lets the user launch their phone’s voice assistant, while the one on the right is for power, play/pause, song skips and call functionality.
As it is with the company’s more typical Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Bose Sport Earbuds, the Bose Music app for iOS and Android is a gateway to other features, too.
Available in Triple Black only and supplied with a protective carrying case and charging base, they can be pre-ordered in the US now for $199.95, with shipping beginning mid-January. UK and Europe availability is yet to be confirmed.
MORE:
Best sports headphones 2020: keep active with these earbuds
It has been known for some time that the days of Adobe’s Flash are numbered. After various browsers had deactivated the player by default in the past, Adobe is now officially discontinuing support. The company also advises all users to uninstall the program. Microsoft even provides its users with a corresponding tool for deinstallation under Windows 10 Available. When the update KB 4577586 is installed, the player is automatically uninstalled and a new installation is blocked.
The first version of Flash was released in 1997 and enjoyed great success in the years that followed Popularity. Various intros, videos or other animated graphics were found on a large number of websites. However, Flash Player kept making headlines with its numerous security gaps.
Due to its large user base, Flash aroused the interest of cyber criminals who specifically exploit vulnerabilities to infect computers with malware or viruses. Adobe also failed to provide updates in a timely manner in order to close said security holes.
This had the consequence that even the Stiftung Warentest last year advised to uninstall the Flash Player from your own system and not to use it in the future. Voices from the browser providers were already loud in advance, demanding that the player be completely stopped.
Google also punished website operators in its search ad who relied on the technology. This should also ensure that the HTML5 web standard is used instead of the Flash Player. With the introduction of the mentioned standard, it is possible to use specific elements for the integration of audio and video files. The simple integration of SVG and MathML into the HTML source text is also possible with HTML5, among other things.
CES 2021 will be the first all-digital affair in the exhibition’s history, but it will still be packed full of cutting-edge tech. Like this LG gaming TV that can bend at the touch of a button.
Called the LG Bendable CSO (Cinematic Sound OLED) display, it can switch from a flat screen to curved at your command. That means you can watch videos on the flat screen, then bend it to make gaming more immersive.
As its name suggests, it also has some pretty serious audio chops. The entire 48in OLED panel functions as a speaker thanks to the 0.6mm-thick film exciter beneath. Because this negates the need for separate speakers, this means the screen can be thinner than otherwise. Plus, with the audio coming directly from the screen itself, films and games should be more immersive.
The set boasts 4K resolution and supports variable refresh rates from 40 to 120Hz. It’s just a concept for now, so there’s no word on price or release date. Expect to see plenty more crazy concept TVs once CES 2021 fully opens its doors a week today.
MORE:
Check out the best TVs money can buy
Here’s what we saw last year: CES 2020: all the highlights from LG, Samsung, Sony and more
And what to expect this year: 16 hi-fi and home cinema products we want to see in 2021
Best wireless speakers Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best wireless speakers you can buy in 2021.
The category of wireless speakers evolves and multiplies at a rate similar to new titles on Netflix. When it comes to driver-housing sonic boxes (cylinders, oblongs, spheres, wedges, jewels and teardrops) if you just want something for blasting out tunes in the kitchen, there are now some splendid options out there for little money. If you’re after something with a bit more versatility and have a slightly more malleable budget, however, you can get a whole host of features plus better sound and multi-room capabilities for marginally (or substantially) more outlay.
Increasingly, wireless speakers also boast smart skills if you want them, with voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant baked in for good measure. That means they’ll be at your beck and call when it comes to shopping, weather forecasts or taking charge of smart home appliances like your lights and thermostat.
Whatever your needs, we have a great recommendation for you. And with several What Hi-Fi? Award winners in this list, it’s an excellent opportunity to check for bargains. Want to read more about your favourite in this list? There’s a full What Hi-Fi? review attached to each product.
Want a smaller, cheaper wireless speaker you can sling in a bag and take to the park? Check out our best Bluetooth speakers recommendations.
(Image credit: Naim)
1. Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation
Just a few tweaks make for a superb second version
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 21 x 22 x 21 | Power: : 300W | Features: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Roon Ready, Hi-res up to 24-bit/384kHz, remote control | Connections: 3.5mm aux, USB, optical S/PDIF, Ethernet
Reasons to Buy
Open, detailed and expressive
Loads of streaming options
Multi-room ready
At What Hi-Fi?, we know full well the value of revisions. Yet still, it was quite the surprise when first we heard about one made by Naim, with its second generation of the Mu-so Qb wireless speaker. The previous iteration was great, earning five stars when it was first reviewed. This version, however, is is truly phenomenal.
You can now choose between an Olive, Terracotta or Peacock grille alongside the standard black, but the best tweaks Naim has made go far deeper. Remove whatever colour grille you’ve gone for and you’ll be rewarded with upgraded and optimised midrange and bass drive units, all powered by a total of 300W of amplification.
Belying its box-like dimensions with a punchy bass alongside sparkling and rich tones across frequencies, the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation scooped up our most recent 2020 What Hi-Fi? Award for the best home wireless speaker over £500 ($500) – for the second year running.
Read the full review: Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation
(Image credit: Linn)
2. Linn Series 3
The best-sounding wireless speaker we’ve heard
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm):25 x 29.6 x 20.6 | Power: : 2x100W | Features: Wireless integrated Linn DSM player, Exakt digital crossover | Connections: Ethernet, USB, HDMI ARC
Reasons to Buy
Wonderfully articulate
Luxury design
HDMI ARC for TV connection
Reasons to Avoid
No analogue inputs
No Tidal Masters support
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Series 3 is the most expensive wireless speaker we have tested. It’s over three times the price of the B&W Formation Wedge (listed below) and its looks are just as divisive. Can such an outlay be justified? Well, yes. And Linn’s proprietary Exakt technology helps. Linn Exakt aims to reduce phase errors by intentionally delaying higher frequencies so they arrive at your ear at the same time as lower frequencies. It also keeps the music signal’s data in the digital domain for as long as possible to avoid any degradation caused by signal processing.
We’ve heard Exakt do its thing in many a Linn product before, and here again it contributes to an absorbing performance. What’s immediately striking is the stunning midrange clarity. The Series 3 is a sharp performer, and we don’t just mean tonally.
The Linn’s low-end agility ensures the accompanying bassline bobs along with bounce and interest. Where there’s quality there’s quantity, too. Whatever we throw at it, the Series 3 appears at ease – partly down to its balance and clarity but also the seamless integration of its drivers. Its insight sets it apart from its more affordable competitors, too.
Read the full review: Linn Series 3
(Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins)
3. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge
This wireless speaker beats the competition by some distance
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm):25.4 x 28 x 26 | Power: : 4x40W + 80W | Features: proprietary mesh-system wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth v4.1 aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay2, Roon ready | Connections: Ethernet, USB
Reasons to Buy
Detailed, balanced sound
Multi-room integration
Quality build
Yes, it’s pretty expensive for a one-box proposition, but the B&W Formation Wedge offers the kind of detailed, balanced, cohesive sound that cannot be ignored – making it a class-leader in its category. Offering 24-bit/96 kHz hi-res audio playback and B&W’s proprietary mesh system for a basically-imperceptible microsecond between speakers when used with other Formation products (like the Formation Duo, below) the Wedge leaves the competition for dust.
Its looks can be divisive and you’ll need to consider investing in a Roon subscription to get it at its glorious best, but even if you forgo Roon entirely, it’s an excellent standalone performer.
Read the full review: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge
(Image credit: JBL)
4. JBL Link Portable
For a great, affordable, durable home smart speaker, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a product that can match JBL’s Link Portable
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 17 x 8.8 x 8.8 | Power: 20W | Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, Google Assistant built-in, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, music over wi-fi | Connections: 3.5 mm stereo
Reasons to Buy
Expansive sound
Packed with features
Premium design
Reasons to Avoid
No JBL Connect support
Fussy over placement
The JBL Link Portable’s neat connectivity features bring a plethora of streaming options to the table – features rarely seen at this end of the market, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast and hi-res support. You also get hands-free voice assistance, a charger cradle and wireless streaming via wi-fi or Bluetooth.
The Link Portable looks and feels like a premium product. For a speaker of this size, it has oodles of detail and an expansive mix with everything present, including bass. While there’s no PartyBoost or Connect+ support for daisy-chaining other JBL speakers, the Link Portable makes JBL a serious contender in the category of affordable wireless speakers.
Read the full review: JBL Link Portable.
(Image credit: Apple)
5. Apple HomePod Mini
For a great, affordable, durable home smart speaker, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a product that can match JBL’s Link Portable
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 8.4 x 9.8 x 9.8 | Power: 20W | Features: Bluetooth 5.0, Siri, Apple Music, AirPlay 2, music over wi-fi | Connections: None
Reasons to Buy
Sophisticated, engaging sound
Substantial smart skills
Impressive music discovery
Reasons to Avoid
Limited third-party service support
Lacks a full control app
The HomePod Mini really is bijou. At just 8.4cm tall and 9.8cm wide, it’s quite a bit smaller than the similarly spherical new Amazon Echo. In fact, it’s even dwarfed by the new Echo Dot. Get its swirling orb of coloured light up and running (when Siri is listening or processing) though, and you realise you’ve got a classy performer on your hands.
It goes loud, too. From the moment we start playing music, it’s clear that the HomePod Mini comfortably outperforms its size and price, quite frankly embarrassing its direct competition with the sophistication and maturity of its sound.
Siri is your voice assistant, and after a short period of learning it’ll respond to the phrase “Hey Siri, play something I’ll like” not by streaming your most played track of the last few weeks, but by playing something that you may have never listened to before but is a good fit for what you often do listen to. It’s a really powerful way to discover new music, and Alexa is nowhere near as good at it.
Read the full review: Apple HomePod Mini
(Image credit: Dynaudio)
6. Dynaudio Music 5
A superb sonic performance from a distinctive speaker
The Dynaudio Music 5 is the second-largest one-box speaker in the company’s inaugural, four-strong Music series. Love or loathe the way it looks, (think huge, Indiana Jones-style ruby or the objects in the abstract chamber in Pixar’s Inside Out) we can’t help but be won over by how the Dynaudio Music 5 sounds.
The Dynaudio Music 5 is a powerful proposition, but one that still displays the sonic nous to keeps things refined. While the Award-winning Naim (above) just edges it for both subtlety and a slightly livelier sound, there isn’t much in it – and the Dynaudio Music 5 boasts superiority in other ways. In a larger room, it boasts better weight, scale and authority. It also offers something smooth, detail-rich, refined and resoundingly listenable – a sonic performance that will suit many tastes.
Depending on your room size and requirements, the Dynaudio Music 5 brings a meatier – and more easily adaptable – performance to the table.
Read the full review: Dynaudio Music 5
7. Audio Pro Addon C10
Another class-leader from a company on a roll
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 | Power: 2x5W + 15W Digital class D | Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth V4.0, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay | Connections: 3.5 mm stereo
Reasons to Buy
Rich, powerful performance
Expert sense of timing
Multi-room functionality
Audio Pro currently makes some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market and the Addon C10 is another impressive Award-winning model. Connectivity is among the most thorough you can expect at the money, with wi-fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay, plus aux and RCA inputs. It has all the major music streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz. The Addon C10 sounds big and bold, but is equally able to capture the subtler, more nuanced tracks as it is firing out big bassy numbers. Every inch a 2020 What Hi-Fi? Award winner, a title it also stormed away with in 2019.
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 39.5 x 19.7 x 30.5 | Power: 2x 125W per unit | Features: Bluetooth aptX HD, wi-fi, multi-room, Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay 2 | Connections: USB, Ethernet
Reasons to Buy
Excellent multi-room features
Snappy timing
Tight, authoritative bass
Transparent performance
They’re not cheap and the aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone, but if you want a wireless pair of standmounts that nothing comes close to right now in terms of sound, you’ve just found them. The Duos are deadly precise speakers with excellent clarity and a performance that makes you want to dig out tune after tune just to hear what they can do.
The multi-room feature set, while not perfect (we’d prefer a single app to handle every function), is more than made up for by the superb audio performance.
Read the full review: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo
9. Naim Mu-so 2
A super-sounding and feature-packed premium wireless speaker.
The Naim Mu-so-2’s extensive feature set includes all manner of wireless streaming technologies such as AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. Tidal and Spotify are also supported, as is high-res audio to the tune of 24-bit/88kHz. It’s not just about streaming, though, with a HDMI ARC input allowing you to hook up a TV and boost its sound at the same time.
The Naim looks like a premium wireless speaker and it sounds like one too, with a rich, confident sound, packed full of detail and delivered with immense rhythmic drive. Bass is plentiful and of a high quality.
If your budget allows, you’ll be suitably impressed.
Read the full review: Naim Mu-so 2
10. Sonos One
Sonos sound quality meets Alexa voice control smarts
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 16.1 x 12 x 12 | Power: 2x Digital class D | Features: wi-fi, Alexa voice assistant, AirPlay 2, multi-room, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Deezer, Tidal | Connections: Ethernet
Reasons to Buy
Stylish and unobtrusive
Solid, sophisticated sound
Alexa well integrated
The second-generation Sonos One is really a Sonos Play:1 in new clothing, but that’s no bad thing. It now boasts Amazon’s Alexa smart assistant for voice controls, and it’s all the better for it. In fact, with its room-filling sound, it stands apart from the glut of smart speakers that are smart first and speakers second. Throw in Apple’s AirPlay 2 tech and the fact that the One fits seamlessly into a multi-room set-up, and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
Read the full review: Sonos One
(Image credit: KEF)
11. KEF LSX
This system might be small, but it has a big sound and lots of features…
SPECIFICATIONS
Hi-res support: 24-bit/192kHz | Streaming services: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal | Bluetooth: 4.2 with aptX | Inputs: Optical, 3.5mm, ethernet | Finishes: 5 | Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 18cm (each) | Weight: 3.5kg (each)
Reasons to Buy
Brilliant insight
Lots of connections
Colourful
This is actually an all-in-one system, comprising a network streamer, Bluetooth receiver and amplifier, all built into a pair of stereo speakers. The speakers talk to each other wirelessly, so there’s no need for a joining ethernet cable, and they come in a range of bright but stylish colours. But you will need to plug them into the mains.
You have plenty of choices when it comes to sources: streaming comes either over DLNA or from Tidal (both from within the KEF Stream app), while Spotify Connect, Roon compatibility and Apple AirPlay 2 are also part of the package. And the sound? As beautifully expressive, tonally even and rhythmically astute as you would expect given their lineage.
Read the full review: KEFLSX
(Image credit: Sonos)
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 16.1 x 12 x 12 | Power: 2x Digital class D | Features: wi-fi, AirPlay 2, multi-room, stereo pairs with Sonos One, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal | Connections: Ethernet
Reasons to Buy
Works in stereo with Sonos One
Open, clean sound
Solid and agile bass
A Sonos One without voice control is still a great wireless speaker, whether stereo paired, added to a home theatre set-up or used solo. For the uninitiated, this is a product that looks identical to Sonos’ latest five-star smart speaker, the Sonos One (above), but without the smart aspects – ie. those little microphone dots around the top and the built-in voice assistant.
How is it better than its older brother, the wireless-but-not-voice-activated Sonos Play:1? You’ve guessed it: you can now pair a One and One SL in stereo, a set-up that looks and sounds good for the money. For those who either already own a Sonos One or want to buy into Sonos but don’t care about speaking to their speakers, this should be on your radar.
Read the full review: Sonos One SL
13. Audio Pro Addon C3
A talented multi-room speaker with excellent sound quality
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 | Power: 2x5W + 15W Digital class D | Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth V4.0, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay | Connections: Ethernet, 3.5 mm stereo
Reasons to Buy
Impressive timing
Solid build
Tight, textured bass
This is basically the wi-fi-enabled, multi-room version of Audio Pro’s Addon T3. It has the same minimalist looks that the Scandinavian company is known for, complete with textured surfaces and embossed leather carry handle, but the wireless tech adds a whole new dimension to your listening. It’s just a shame that controlling it using the smartphone app isn’t a bit better thought through. Still, this is a belter of a speaker, make no mistake, and a fine addition to any home set-up. A What Hi-Fi? 2019 Awards winner.
Read the full review: Audio Pro Addon C3
14. Apple HomePod
Apple’s smart speaker sounds better than most
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 17.2 x 14.2 x 14.2 | Features: wi-fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth V5.0 multi-room, Siri voice assistant, Apple Music
Reasons to Buy
Compact, solid, stylish
Great positional set-up
Weighty, authoritative sound
Reasons to Avoid
Relies heavily on voice control
Muddled mid-range
Too Apple-centric
Apple may have taken its time launching its own entrant into the crowded smart speaker market, but boy was it worth it. Rivals might tout their smart credentials first, with the speaker part a bit of an afterthought, but not the HomePod: it delivers a weighty, authoritative sound worthy of a bona fide speaker maker. That it has wireless skills and the Siri voice assistant onboard are the icing on the audio cake. Downsides? You’ll have to buy into the Apple ecosystem to get the full benefit, and in typical “brave” Apple fashion, it relies heavily on voice commands. But for dedicated Apple users, this smart speaker should be top of the shopping list.
Read the full review: Apple HomePod
15. Audio Pro Addon T3
Another compelling wireless speaker from Audio Pro
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 | Power: 2x 5W + 15W Digital class D | Features: Bluetooth V4.0 | Connections: 3.5mm stereo, USB
Reasons to Buy
Good balance
Expressive and dynamic
Faultless build
This is one of the less portable speakers in this list, but it can still be carted around thanks to the carry handle. It’s robust rather than heavy, and boasts a battery life of up to 30 hours at half volume or 12 at full blast. The bass, made feasible by that larger chassis, doesn’t ruin the balance, instead it does just what it should, offering extra stability. And that is where the upgrade on something such as the Roll 2 is justified – the noticeable leap in audio quality will have you enjoying music much more readily than on a smaller speaker.
Read the full review: Audio Pro Addon T3
16. Audio Pro A10
It’s a new design for Audio Pro, but the same winning performance
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 19.3 x 14 x 14 | Power: 52W Digital class D | Features: Bluetooth V4.0, multi-room, wi-fi, Spotify, AirPlay 2 | Connections: 3.5mm stereo
Reasons to Buy
Wide dispersion of sound
Excellent timing and dynamics
Versatile positioning
Audio Pro has switched up the design for the A10, stepping away from the more industrial-looking Addon range. But you’ll be pleased to hear it has the same winning sound quality – it’s versatile, dynamic and has an impeccable sense of timing.
The cylindrical design disperses sound throughout the room, too. It might not be quite up there with the very best Audio Pro has produced, but the A10 is still a viable option, especially considering its nominal price.
Read the full review: Audio Pro A10
(Image credit: Ruark)
17. Ruark MR1 Mk2
A very appealing set of desktop speakers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Hi-res support: 24-bit/192kHz | Streaming services: N/A | Bluetooth: 4.2 with aptX | Inputs: Digital optical TOSLINK, line-in | Finishes: 2 | Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 13cm (each) | Weight: 1.7kg (each)
Reasons to Buy
Musical sound
Compact design
Lean skillset
With their retro wood-and-grey styling, these speakers will look at home on almost any surface, be it an office desk or a kitchen work surface. But they’re not just lookers – for our money they’re the desktop speakers that come closest to sounding like a proper hi-fi set-up.
The soundstage is gloriously spacious, giving each instrument enough room to breathe, and the sound is bathed in rich detail and fluid dynamics. Their timing is also a highlight. Put them in any room, and they’ll immediately add character along with some brilliant sonics.
Read the full review: Ruark MR1Mk2
18. Audio Pro Drumfire
Audio Pro’s flagship multi-room speaker is an absolute delight
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 15.5 x 36.5 x 19 | Power: 300W Digital class D | Features: Bluetooth V4.0, multi-room, wi-fi, Spotify, AirPlay 2 | Connections: 3.5mm stereo
Reasons to Buy
Nice and loud
Good impression of space
Great build quality
Although we’re prepared to give it some good-natured ribbing for an aesthetic that abandons the dashing handsomeness of other Audio Pro speakers, the Drumfire is put together very well. The big bottom portion of the Drumfire houses a 20cm subwoofer powered by a 200W Class D amplifier to pump bass into the room. And you can hear it.
If you want a seriously powerful, seriously impressive sound – look no further. You get plenty of volume and weight but don’t be thinking this speaker can’t also do subtle; it’s a highly-accomplished wireless speaker, whatever you throw at it. Add in multi-room connectivity and the option to extend the Audio Pro family and you have an enticing, excellent high-end speaker.
The LS50 Wireless speakers aren’t completely wireless – both master and slave speaker need to be plugged into the mains, and there’s a cable connecting them. But still, it’s a lot neater than a full hi-fi set-up with lots of separate boxes.
And the sound is very impressive indeed – there’s a ton of detail to get your teeth into, and it’s all delivered in an organised and stable manner. It’s a refined listen, too, able to handle dynamic shifts without breaking a sweat, with a soundstage that opens up like a vista in front of you. A brilliant buy.
Read the full review: KEFLS50 Wireless
(Image credit: Dynaudio)
20. Dynaudio XEO 10
They’re certainly pricey, but they’re versatile and sound fantastic.
SPECIFICATIONS
Hi-res support: 24-bit/96kHz | Streaming services: N/A | Bluetooth: 4.0 with aptX | Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm, optical digital | Finishes: 2 | Dimensions: 26 x 17 x 15cm (each) | Weight: 4kg (each)
Reasons to Buy
Detailed, agile sonics
Spacious soundstage
Plenty of features
Reasons to Avoid
Don’t feel premium
Bluetooth issues
Pricey
With Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headphone jack, compatibility with TVs, and an optical input that supports 24-bit/96kHZ files, you’re not short of choice when it comes to sources you can add. You’re also spoiled when it comes to placement – the Xeo 10s have a switch that optimises their performance depending on where you put them, be it close to a wall, in a corner or out in open space.
For speakers so small, they have an impressively panoramic soundstage, and they stay sounding clean even at high volumes. The low-end also packs plenty of weight, while the timing remains spot-on whatever you throw at them. Compact, versatile, great sounding… these speakers have it all.
DSP and analogue combine to great effect in these wireless wonders, and there are some nice design flourishes to show off (such as the ability to change volume by running your finger along the front edge of the top panel). To get the most from them, you’ll need Dali’s Sound Hub, which is basically a wireless preamp that adds Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer music streaming, plus Bluetooth.
It won’t leave you disappointed – the sound is dripping with drive and energy, while the bass has plenty of precision, agility and texture. The imaging is also handled with aplomb, making for an expansive soundstage. Worth every penny.
Read the full review: Dali Callisto 6 C
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