Last year, AMD released the Ryzen 3000 series desktop processors in one of the most monumental hardware launches of the modern era. This final step completed the Red brand’s ascent back into the forefront of the desktop processor market that began with the launch of the first generation of Ryzen CPUs.
With the Ryzen 3000 launch came the AMD X570 chipset. Featuring PCIe 4.0 support, X570 was an impressive leap from generations past. It was also hot, with motherboards often including chipset cooling fans, and, more significantly, expensive. The high cost of the chipset increased the average cost of X570 motherboards considerably over previous generations.
While AMD has done a great job of maintaining motherboard compatibility with new generation processors, none of the previous-generation AM4 motherboards featured official PCIe 4.0 support, not even from the storage and PCIe controlled by PCIe 4.0 compatible CPUs. Enter B550, the more value-oriented little brother of X570. While the B550 chipset is PCIe 3.0 only, B550 motherboards support PCIe 4.0 from the CPU to the primary PCIe slot as well as the primary M.2 slot (dependent on a PCIe 4.0 ready CPU).
The Gigabyte B550M AORUS Pro features a 10+3 VRM design, Q-Flash Plus, and a formidable VRM thermal solution. With a surprisingly fleshed-out feature set and an attractively low price, the Gigabyte B550M AORUS Pro has a lot going for it, so let’s dive in and see if the performance lives up to the potential!
1x Q-Flash Plus button 1x HDMI port 1x DisplayPort 1.4 1x Optical SPDIF Out port 1x LAN (RJ45) port 1x USB 3.2 (Gen2) Type-C port 4x USB 3.2 (Gen1) ports 1x USB 3.2 (Gen2) Type-A ports 4x USB 2.0 ports 5x 3.5 mm audio jacks
A new low-end device from Nokia, arriving in January also on the Italian market. Here is all the useful information about Nokia 5.4
by Nino Grasso published 11 December 2020 , at 19: 21 in the Telephony channel Nokia
HMD Global announced Nokia 5.4 , the latest addition to the 5 series smartphones. The new device has been designed to meet the different needs of today’s users, starting from the photographic ones and arriving at small productivity.
We thus have, at a budget price, a sensor from 48 MP at the rear with zero shutter delay, and the ability to record video even at 60 fps. All combined with a long-lasting 4 battery. 00 0mAh , the three-year upgrade warranty and a durable polycarbonate shell,
Nokia 5.4 in pills, as told by HMD Global:
Battery from 4000 mAh ?? enough to keep you company over the course of 42 commuting from home to work (average duration of 67 minutes per trip)
3 years of security updates ? ? a three-year period of moments with loved ones, to be able to live in peace
Durable polycarbonate body ?? solid enough to withstand the weight of a child of 10 years
Camera from 48 MP ?? 160 times the detail offered by the first Nokia phone with a camera ( Nokia 7650)
Zero shutter delay ?? the security of always capturing every movement
60 FPS ?? almost 3 smoother than film cameras
Nokia 5.4 adopts a quad camera at the rear, with main module from 48 MP and a front from 16 MP . On the back, in addition to the main module, there is also an ultra wide-angle with a wide field of view, accompanied by depth and macro modules. Video side we have the possibility to record in 21: 9 a 24 fps , to get a cinematic effect, but you can also record at 60 fps . We then have electronic image stabilization, OSO spatial audio and wind noise cancellation.
Under the body we find the mobile platform Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 , with support for local AI processing, while the display is a HD + 6, 39 “ with hole for the front camera. According to the company the polycarbonate frame is designed to withstand the weight of a child of 10
The 4 battery. 00 0mAh guaranteed and two days of autonomy, thanks also to the Adaptive Battery technology assisted by Artificial Intelligence, which guarantees greater efficiency by giving priority only to the apps that really matter. Nokia 5.4 is also ready for Android 11 and will get three years of monthly security patches and two years of software updates.
The smartphone is sold with Family Link, a service that helps eliminate any worries about the use of the device by family members, especially children, with rules of base on the devices and the possibility to monitor their use. The smartphone also supports the “Hey Google” command to call the virtual assistant.
Nokia 5.4, price and availability
Nokia 5.4 will be available from the end of January in the Polar Night version with configuration 4 / 128 GB at the price of 229 ?? .
La Mela has updated its phones with ProRAW support (on newer Pro models only) and other new features. The new Apple Fitness + app is also coming. Here are all the news
of Nino Grasso published 15 December 2020 , at 16: 41 in the Apple channel Apple iOS iPhone
More than one month after the release of iOS 14. 2 Apple released iOS 14. 3, which introduces ProRAW support on the native Camera app , changes to the TV app, the Health app, and more. Along with the iPhone software, Apple has also released iPadOS 10. 3 for proprietary tablets. The new version comes shortly after the release of the RC version of the operating system.
iOS 14. 3 is available on all compatible iPhones via an update via OTA which can be processed from the Device Settings, and includes support for the new photo format ProRAW for users iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Photographic side we also have further news, such as the possibility of record at 25 fps and mirroring of photos taken with the front camera on iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X The update also brings several changes to the Apple TV app, such as a new tab to search for content on Apple TV +, an advanced search that allows you to browse by category or get suggestions as you type.
iOS 14. 3 also makes it easier to set custom icons for the Home apps, since you can perform shortcuts from the Home screen without starting the dedicated app. The update introduces the ability to set Ecosia as the default search engine and support for installing software updates for third-party HomeKit accessories directly into the Home app. Finally, iOS 10. 3 introduces support for Apple Fitness +, released simultaneously with the new OS.
All the iOS news 14. 3 in the official changelog
iOS 14 .3 includes support for Apple Fitness + and AirPods Max headphones. Additionally this version adds the ability to take photos in Apple ProRAW format on iPhone 12 Pro, introduces privacy information on the App Store and includes other features and troubleshooting for iPhone.
Apple Fitness +
A new way to train using Apple Watch, with professional workouts available on iPad, iPhone and Apple TV (Apple Watch Series 3 and later).
New Fitness app on iPad, iPhone and Apple TV to discover Fitness + workouts, trainers and personalized advice.
Video workouts added every week in 10 popular types: HIIT cardio workout, indoor bike, yoga, core training, strengthening muscle, dance, rowing machine, treadmill walking, treadmill running and conscious cool down.
Playlists curated by Fitness + trainers to accompany your workout.
Fitness + subscriptions available in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand , UK and US.
AirPods Max
Support for the new AirPods Max hip headphones.
High fidelity audio for richer sound.
The adaptive equalizer adjusts the sound in real time based on how the pavilions fit in the ears.
Active Noise Cancellation to block out sounds environmental. Transparency mode to listen to the environment around you.
Audio space with dynamic tracking of head position to listen as if you were in the cinema.
Photo
Ability to take photos in Apple ProRAW format on iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Apple ProRAW format photos can be edited in the Photos app.
Option to record video at 25 fps.
Possibility of mirroring the front camera for still photos on iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
Privacy
The new section dedicated to privacy information in the App Store pages includes a summary made by the developers on the privacy protection procedures of the apps.
TV App
With the new Apple TV + panel, discovering and watching Apple Original shows and movies is easier that never.
Thanks to the improved search, you can browse by categories, such as by genre, and view recent searches and suggestions as you type.
Top Search Results Show Movies, TV Shows, Members of the cast, the most relevant channels and sports content.
App clip
Support for launching clip apps by scanning Apple-designed codes via Camera or Control Center.
Health
Possibility to indicate pregnancy, lactation or use of contraceptives in ?? Cycle monitoring ?? in the Health app to improve the management of menstruation and fertile period forecasts.
Weather
Air quality data is now available in Weather, Maps and Siri for mainland China locations.
Air quality health advice provided by Weather and Siri for US, UK, Germany, India and Mexico for some levels of air quality.
Safari
Possibility to choose the Ecosia search engine in Safari.
This version also fixes the following issues:
Some MMS messages may not be received.
Some message notifications may not be received.
Contact groups did not show members when composing a message.
Some videos were not showing correctly when shared from the Photos app.
app folders might not open.
Spotlight search results and opening apps from Spotlight may not work properly.
Bluetooth functionality may be unavailable in Settings.
The wireless charging of devices could not boot properly.
The MagSafe duo power adapter could charge iPhone wirelessly at less than maximum power.
The completion of The configuration of accessories and peripherals that use the WAC protocol could fail correctly.
The keyboard closed when adding a list in Reminders using VoiceOver.
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple’s software updates, go to the website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222.
E-book readers are not only a perfect way to read books digitally on vacation, but also for the holiday season and in lockdown. A which e-reader is on the right one?
They are light, compact, offer a long battery life and space for more books than you can carry: These points apply to almost all current e-book readers. But there are also features that make some e-book reader models better suited than others for use on vacation and during lockdown. This purchase advice shows what these are and what you should generally pay attention to when using an e-reader. We also recommend our comparison test e-reader: Tolino vs Paperwhite vs Pocketbook.
We have already tested the following e-readers individually:
Amazon Kindle 2019 (test report) Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (test report) Amazon Kindle Oasis 2019 (test report) Tolino Shine 3 (test report) Pocketbook Touch HD 3 (test report) Pocketbook Color (test report) Display The e-ink display is the great strength of the e-book reader. Because, on the one hand, it can be read very well even in direct sunlight. On the other hand, it only requires energy when changing the display, which leads to a very long battery life.
When choosing the device with mostly 6 inches (approx. 15 cm) large screen, we recommend a resolution of at least 1448 × 1072 pixels as offered by most mid-range e-readers. When it is good in itself and with 70 Euro also very cheap Amazon Kindle 2019 (test report) the font is frayed due to the low resolution of 800 × 600 pixels. We find that annoying. However, there are users who see it differently.
With the Pocketbook Color (test report ) there is an e-reader with a color display. Its screen consists of a classic e-ink carta layer with a display depth of 16 Grayscale and a resolution of 300 ppi. Above that lies the semi-transparent CFA (Color Filter Array) layer, which 4096 colors, but only a resolution of 100 ppi offers. E-Ink calls the combination of the two layers Kaleido.
The interplay of high-resolution grayscale display and low-resolution color display achieves results that are sharper in practice act as it is the 100 ppi of the color layer suggest. Especially with pure black text on a light background, there is hardly any difference in sharpness compared to models with the tried and tested e-ink carta display. The sharpness is comparable to the premium model Kindle Oasis 2019 (test report) and much better than the Kindle 2019.
In comics, the Colors are best, as they often come across as rather oversaturated. The E-Ink-Kaleido depicts graphics well, even if colored edges often look frayed. The quality of photos drops. They are often restless with unclean color gradients. Nevertheless, the color representation on an e-book reader is a blessing.
The colors appear strongest in direct sunlight. We rate backlighting as very important. It makes reading on the balcony much more comfortable in the evening than when a light has to be switched on. The partner who may already be sleeping next to one in bed will appreciate the fact that no additional light has to be switched on. Meanwhile, some e-book readers offer different color temperatures for the lighting – cool blue light should help you concentrate, warm white light should relax.
The Amazon Kindle 2019 (test report) for 70 Euro is the cheapest e-reader with backlight. The Tolino Shine 2 HD and the Pocketbook Basic Lux 2 are each with about 85 Euro not much more expensive.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite vs Tolino Shine 3 vs Pocketbook Touch HD 3 (7 images) Audiobooks More and more e-book readers also support audio books. It should be noted here that on the one hand audio books need a lot of memory, on the other hand the e-readers usually do not have their own loudspeaker and control headphones via Bluetooth. We recommend our test winners: These headphones are the best in their class and The best Bluetooth speakers up to 100 Euro.
Again is the Amazon Kindle 2019 (test report) for 70 Euro the cheapest e-book reader with this feature. Even the second cheapest e-reader with Bluetooth comes with the Kindle Paperwhite from Amazon and costs at least 120 Euro. The Pocketbook Touch HD 3 (test report) costs just under 123 Euro.
Ecosystem Anyone who has a Kindle Buying an e-reader, opts for Amazon and against DRM-protected books from other booksellers at the same time. Amazon offers a well-functioning ecosystem with a very large selection of books. Especially in the area of indie books, the diversity is unparalleled. In terms of price, it makes no difference anyway, since e-books are also subject to fixed book prices and cost the same at all retailers.
However, taking the purchased e-books to an alternative e-reader is included Effort involved. The files must be downloaded from the Kindle library and converted into a free format using the free program Caliber, for example, before they can be read by other e-readers. Attention: This is only legal for copy protection-free e-books.
Kindle Paperwhite 1448: The complete facility in pictures (25 Pictures) The Tolino and Pocketbook e-book readers usually have shops pre-installed, but these can be changed without much effort. All three of them have synchronized smartphone and tablet apps.
Amazon offers a flat rate – Offers that can be worthwhile for frequent readers. For scarce 10 Euro per month there is a monthly audio book of your choice and countless podcasts. Also 10 Amazon wants Euro per month for Kindle Unlimited. There are over 1.5 million books available here, most of which are indie books. There are only a few novels from large publishers.
On the other hand, the e-readers from Pocketbook and Tolino support the online loan offer of the German libraries. Many well-known works are represented here. However, if you want to borrow them, you often have to expect waiting times.
Load e-books If you use the e-book at home in the WLAN, you have no problems downloading e-books. When on vacation you have to log into public WLANs or WLANs in hotels or restaurants. In addition to capacity and range problems with hotel WLANs, the network technology usually differs greatly from private WLANs; The login does not always work. In an emergency, the smartphone’s WiFi hotspot can help. This can lead to additional fees abroad, depending on the roaming tariff, even if e-books are usually small files.
Alternatively, the Amazon Kindle devices offer a cellular option with which e-books can find their way to the reader regardless of location. Apart from a one-time surcharge when purchasing, there are no additional costs for the buyer. Prerequisite: There is a stable cellular connection at the place of use. There are currently two models with an integrated cellular module. The A mazon Kindle Oasis costs with 25 GByte memory regular 260 Euro, for an extra charge of 60 There are euros 3G in addition. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (test report) costs with 23 GByte and without advertising 150 Euro, for also 60 Euro more, Amazon integrates a 4G module.
Kindle Paperwhite 2018 (17 Pictures) Waterproof igkeit Not only for use on the beach should the E-book readers must be protected against the ingress of water. At home, too, it makes sense to take the e-reader with you into the bathtub. In the meantime, IP-certified dust and water resistance is already around the 100 euros to be found. The currently cheapest waterproof e-book reader is the Tolino Vision 2 for 85 Euro, directly followed by the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (test report) for 110 Euro and the Tolino Vision 3 HD for 123 Euro. The cheapest e-reader with water protection outside of Amazon and Tolino is the Pocketbook Touch HD 3 (test report) for 145 Euro.
Despite IP certification you shouldn’t take these devices into the water. Because the water resistance was tested under laboratory conditions with distilled water. They are just as unsafe against salty sea water as they are against chlorinated pool water or soapy bathtub water. A short immersion should not be a problem after cleaning with clean water.
Pocketbook Touch HD 3 pictures (11 Pictures) Protective cover An e-book reader has to endure a lot. It is squeezed into a suitcase, flies around in a backpack or, in extreme cases, has to endure the forces between the chair and the bottom in the back pocket of the jeans. But even at home it should survive falls on the parquet.
So that the sensitive display not scratched or broken, it should be protected. In most cases, a flip cover helps that enclose the screen, the back and the frame when closed. There are cases for almost all digital reading devices from around 10 Euro.
Security If you don’t want children to play around with your own e-book, for example, you should use one Protect password or numeric code. It works just as easily as with a smartphone. This works in slight variations for all readers with the latest firmware from the three big brands Kindle, Tolino and Pocketbook.
Tolino Shine 3 pictures (7 pictures) Price Conclusion All those who like to read and are not emotionally attached to paper and printer’s ink are warmly recommended to use an e-book reader. Countless books fit on the digital reading devices and at the same time also fit in the smallest drawer.
We recommend using a mid-range model. It shouldn’t be too expensive so it doesn’t hurt a lot in the event of damage. At the same time, depending on the type of use, it should support some important functions: If you use it in the bathtub, you need water resistance. If you want to read in the twilight, you need backlighting. If you don’t want to be tied to Amazon, you should avoid Kindles.
In the Amazon ecosystem we recommend the Kindle Paperwhite (test report) for 110 Euro. The Amazon Kindle 2019 (test report) is with 069 Euro significantly cheaper and offers a lot, but has a low-resolution display and is not waterproof. The Kindle Oasis 2018 (review) is a fantastic e-reader. With 230 to 320 Euro but clearly too expensive.
There are also good e-readers outside of Amazon. But here you usually have to add a few euros. The Pocketbook Touch HD 3 (test report) offers just under 150 Euro a good overall package. Comparable in price and also good: the Tolino Vision 5. If you like to read comics, you should take a closer look at the Pocketbook Color (test report). In addition to its color display, it offers many premium features and costs with 170 Euro too not much more than comparable e-readers with monochrome displays.
João Silva 26 mins ago Featured Tech News, Motherboard
Biostar has announced a new mATX motherboard as part of its B550 lineup. The B550M-Silver is a motherboard aimed at gamers and casual users, offering a neat package of features while also featuring a stylish design worth of showing off.
The Biostar B550M-Silver comes in a black and silver theme, following the design of its predecessors, and LED Rock Zone RGB lighting technology, allowing users to customise the RGB lighting to their liking and synchronise it with other devices. This motherboard features 4 DIMMs, allowing it to handle up to 128GB of RAM clocked at 4933+ MHz. Besides the wide memory compatibility, this board also supports PCIe 4.0 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, while also being compliant with the WiFi 6 standard.
Featuring Biostar Digital PWM technology, Dr. MOS, and 2.5Guard, the B550M-Silver offer stable, reliable, and efficient operation in “any use case”. For those interested in overclocking, Biostar has implemented A.I. TP Control technology, providing a “user-friendly BIOS environment”. Additionally, if a problem occurs during boot after overclocking, the built-in Debug LED system can help users to identify the problem by turning on the corresponding LED light.
The rear I/O panel features multiple connectivity options including 2x WiFi Antenna ports made to support WiFi 6, a GbE LAN port powered by Realtek RTL8125B chipset, and a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port for legacy devices. The rear I/O panel also features 8x USB ports, with one being a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, another being USB-A 3.2 Gen 2. You also get four USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports and two USB-A 2.0 ports.
Other outputs in the rear I/O panel include a DVI-D port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and 3x audio outputs powered by Realtek ALC1150.
Biostar hasn’t shared the pricing and availability of the B550M-Silver mATX motherboard, yet. You can learn more about it HERE.
KitGuru says: Are you in the process of changing your CPU and motherboard? Will you be considering the Biostar B550M-Silver?
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(Pocket-lint) – There may not be as much choice as smartphones when it comes to tablets, but there are still a number of decisions to be made. If you are reading this, it’s likely you have already decided on iOS, and you are now trying to figure out what size iPad is the right one for you and which one fits into how much you want to spend.
Apple offers a number of iPad options ranging from 7.9-inch displays to 12.9-inches in size. There are also some older models, which although discontinued by Apple, are still available elsewhere, usually at good prices.
We’ve therefore included a couple of them in this round-up so you can see the differences between all models available, old and new, to find the most suitable iPad for you.
Quick summary
iPad (8th generation) offers much the same design as its predecessor. It has support for Apple Pencil, Apple’s Smart Keyboard and it is significantly cheaper than the iPad Pro models, as well as cheaper than the iPad Air.
iPad Air (2020) opts for Touch ID over Face ID like the iPad 8th generation but it moves the fingerprint sensor to the top, reducing the bezels and offering a design more in line with the more expensive Pro models. It is compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil, like the iPad (8th gen).
iPad mini 5 has the same design as the iPad mini 4 but it offers a number of upgrades when it comes to hardware, including processor and front camera.
iPad Pro 11 (2020) is one of the most powerful iPads available. It comes with a new design offering super-slim bezels, Face ID and excellent specs. It offers support for the second-gen Apple Pencil and it offers all the latest features in a more compact format than the 12.9 model.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) is the most expensive iPad available, as well as the most powerful alongside the 11-inch model. Launched in March 2020, these are for those that want to treat their tablet more like a computer. It offers the same hardware as the 11-inch model but in a larger size and with a higher price tag.
iPad Pro 11 (2018) and iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) are the older versions of the iPad Pro. While they’ve both been replaced, they’re still available, and are cheaper than the latest models.
Apple
Apple iPad (8th generation)
squirrel_widget_2670483
Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm, 490g
Display: 10.2 inches, 2160 x 1620 (264ppi)
Storage: 32GB, 128GB (Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi & Cellular)
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Colours: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
The 2020 iPad sticks to much the same design as its predecessor with a larger display 10.2-inch display compared to the iPad 9.7. Touch ID is on board, as it was on the 2019 model, and there is no fully laminated display or anti-reflective coating as there is on the iPad Air – further down this list.
The processor sees a bump to the A12 Bionic chip compared to the A10 in the 2019 model, and there is support for Apple’s Smart Keyboard, like the iPad Air. It is compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil too, as the older model was.
There is an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2-megapixel front snapper on this iPad, and it comes in silver, gold, and space grey colour options. A few features from the iPad Pro models are lacking, such as ProMotion and True Tone display technologies, as well as the speed increase you’ll get from the Pro models and the iPad Air, but the iPad 2020 is a lot cheaper than the Pro models and the Air.
Apple iPad (8th generation) review
Apple
Apple iPad Air
squirrel_widget_2670462
Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm, 458g
Display: 10.9-inches, 2360 x 1640 (264ppi), True Tone
Storage: 64GB, 256GB (Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi & Cellular)
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Colours: Silver, Space Grey, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue
The Apple iPad Air sits in between the iPad Pro 11 and the cheaper iPad (8th generation). The design is more in line with the iPad Pro range than its predecessor however, with Touch ID moving to the top, allowing for slimmer bezels around the display.
There’s an A14 Bionic chip under the hood, which is a power boost over the iPad (8th generation) and the iPad Air comes with both Apple Pencil (second gen) and Apple Smart Keyboard support too. The iPad Air’s display also sees improvements over the iPad (8th generation), with an anti-reflective coating, True Tone technology and a wider colour gamut, as well as a larger display in a slimmer and lighter build, though it misses out on the ProMotion technology found in the Pro models.
There is a 12-megapixel rear camera like the iPad Pro, which is a bump up from the iPad (8th gen), though it doesn’t have the secondary Ultra-Wide lens that the Pro has. There is a 7-megapixel front camera too though – the same as the Pro.
There are two speakers like the iPad (8th gen) rather than four like the iPad Pro models, but the iPad Air (2020) has USB Type-C for charging, rather than Lightning like the iPad Pro 11.
Apple iPad Air (2020) review
Apple
Apple iPad mini 5
squirrel_widget_148287
Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1mm, 300g
Display: 7.9-inches, 2048 x 1536 (326ppi), True Tone
Storage: 64GB, 256GB (Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi & Cellular)
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Colours: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
The Apple iPad mini 5 features the same design as the older iPad mini 4 opting for Touch ID like the iPad Air, rather than Face ID like the newer iPad Pro models.
There are numerous hardware upgrades over the iPad mini 4 though, with the iPad mini 5 said to be three times faster than its predecessor thanks to the A12 Bionic chip. This is the same processor as the larger iPad (8th gen), but a step down from the iPad Air and iPad Pro 11.
Like the iPad Air, the iPad mini 5 brings a range of display improvements, including the addition of True Tone technology and it also adds Apple Pencil compatibility – though first gen and not second gen like the Air. It also has the sharpest display of all the iPads available with a 326ppi pixel density.
Compared to the older iPad mini 4, the iPad mini 5 has an upgraded front camera, moving from 1.2-megapixels to 7-megapixels and offering up to 1080p video compared to 720p. It has up to 256GB of storage and like the iPad 8th gen, it is charged via Lightning.
Apple iPad mini 5 review
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2018) and (2020)
squirrel_widget_193457
Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm, 468g
Display: 11-inches, 2388 x 1668 (264ppi), True Tone
The iPad Pro 11 succeeded the iPad Pro 10.5 with a completely new design in 2018 and was refreshed in 2020 – the older model is still available though. It ditches Touch ID for Face ID and squares off the aluminium edges for a more refined design.
Apple has included the A12X Bionic processor in the iPad Pro 11, now upgraded to the A12Z, and it also comes in a 1TB storage option while the basic model’s storage was also upgraded from 64 to 128GB. There’s also a beefed-up camera.
This tablet is also compatible with the second-generation of the Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly. The Lightning connector has been replaced with USB Type-C too for the new iPad Pro, allowing for charging and out, like the latest iPad Air.
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2018) review
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) and (2020)
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Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9mm, 631g
Display: 12.9-inches, 2732 x 2048 (264ppi), True Tone
Two years ago, the iPad Pro 12.9 delivered a complete design overhaul with slimmer bezels, no Touch ID home button and flatter edges. This new design allows the 12.9 model to reduce in size compared to the old 12.9 model, despite offering the same size display.
It’s now been updated with the A12Z processor and beefy rear cameras. There’s also up to 1TB of storage and USB Type-C over Lightning for charging in and out, as well as the same camera capabilities with Face ID.
The iPad Pro 12.9 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil which attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro 12.9 and charges wirelessly when attached. Like the Magic Keyboard, it’s still sold separately though, making this one pricey tablet.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) review
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 10.5
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Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1mm, 469g
Display: 10.5-inches, 2224 x 1668 (264ppi), True Tone
Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB (Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi & Cellular)
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Colours: Silver, Space Grey, Gold, Rose Gold
The iPad Pro 10.5 features a 40 per cent reduction in bezels and a 20 per cent increase in display size over the older iPad Pro 9.7, but it has an older design compared to the newer iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9. This older design does mean Touch ID though so if you want a physical fingerprint sensor, this is the iPad Pro for you.
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro comes with True Tone technology, a display that offers 600nits of brightness and a technology called ProMotion that allows it to support 120Hz refresh rates is also on board. Under its hood, it has the A10X Fusion processor with embedded M10 motion coprocessor is coupled with a 10 hour battery life, as well as the Smart Connector and four-speaker audio setup.
It also offers a 12-megapixel rear snapper and a 7-megapixel front camera. Apple Pencil compatibility is on board, but for the first generation not the second like the iPad Air, and it also offers compatibility with the Smart Keyboard, while storage options range from 64GB to 512GB.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the Redmi K40, but we now get a set of live shots allegedly showing the phone in a design concealing case. The source says it’s the vanilla K40 but the design will probably be shared among the lineup anyway.
The case gives us a peak at the front panel and the camera bits, strategically hiding the finish of the rear and the frame.
We can see the K40 will adopt a centered punch-hole for the selfie camera on the front, while the camera module has been totally re-worked. It’s now placed in the upper-left corner housing four sensors.
Alleged Redmi K40 images
Going around the side we spot the SIM card tray on the left with the USB-C port, loudspeaker grille and 3.5mm audio jack all the bottom.
HMD Global has just announced the debut of a new budgetary, whose price in terms of our currency is only 300 PLN You have to bear in mind that this is the starting amount and due to the fact that the Nokia C1 Plus model belongs to the lowest price range, we can expect quick reductions. While the technical specification regarding performance is not particularly attractive here, the device has several solutions that may appeal to potential customers. However, the main strength of the smartphone will not be hardware, but software. Here we find a slimmed-down version of the Green Robot, which allows you to work with the cheapest components such as 1 GB of RAM.
HMD Global introduces another budget smartphone that works based on the Android Go. We check what the user has to offer at an attractively priced Finnish brand handset.
TOP 10 Small Smartphones: Models available in 2020 of the year
At the beginning, a few words about the visual and functional qualities of the model. Well, the Nokia C1 Plus has been equipped with a modest, because only 5, 45 – an inch LCD screen with HD + resolution with proportions 18: 9. Construction with dimensions 149. 1 × 71 .2 × 8. 75 mm and weight 146 g allows you to call the smartphone handy or, if you prefer – compact. Of course, the top and bottom bezels that surround the display are quite thick, which can be irritating to many people. Remember, however, that we are talking about one of the cheapest budget planners. The backs, on the other hand, look ascetic, though elegant. We find only a 5 MP main camera with a light emitting diode.
Test of realme 7 5G and realme 7i smartphones – A successful compromise
Interestingly, the front camera for selfie photos also received a matrix with a resolution of 5 MP. A quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz is responsible for the performance of the smartphone, supported by only 1 GB of DDR3 RAM. The data space is 16 GB, but we can expand it with another 128 GB when using a microSD card slot. There is an FM radio and a 3.5 mm jack audio headphone jack. The battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh can be charged using a 5V / 1A charger. As you can guess, we will not find a USB-C port here, but an old microUSB.
João Silva 26 mins ago Featured Tech News, Monitors
Samsung is adding a new gaming monitor to its Odyssey series. Offering a high refresh rate and low response times, the F27G33TFWU is a value-oriented flat gaming display that brings premium features to the entry-level price point.
The Samsung Odyssey G3 F27G33TFWU is a 27-inch monitor featuring an “almost frameless design” and a VA panel with 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT, and Full HD resolution. Additionally, this VA panel has an 8-bit colour depth (16.7M colours) capable of 250nits of typical brightness and featuring a contrast ratio of 4000:1.
To offer a stutter-free experience, the G3 F27G33TFWU monitor features AMD FreeSync Premium with LFC (low framerate compensation). Other features included in this display are Games mode, flicker-free technology, and an Eye Saver mode (reduces blue-light).
Regarding the display’s connectivity, the Odyssey G3 F27G33TFWU has a D-Sub port, a DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The included stand allows you to freely adjust the monitor thanks to its tilt (-5º to 20º), swivel (±30º), height adjustment (up to 130mm), and pivot capabilities (±90º). If you still want to further enhance its ergonomics, the monitor has support for VESA 100x100mm, allowing you to mount the monitor to an arm bracket.
The Samsung Odyssey G3 F27G33TFWU is already listed at a French retailer for €216.75. In the UK, the price should be around the £200 mark.
KitGuru says: Are you looking for a new gaming monitor for your setup? Will you be considering the Samsung Odyssey G3 F27G33TFWU?
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You probably already know this, but Sennheiser is a brand with a lot of prestige. Founded in 1945, it began as a manufacturer of microphones before soon expanding into other areas of audio. It claims to be the first company to have made an open-backed pair of headphones.
Today, it makes (a lot of) headphones to suit all styles and budgets – and (a lot of) very good-sounding ones at that. So good, in fact, that many pairs feature in our very best headphones for all budgets list. We’ve lost count of how many What Hi-Fi? Awards the brand has acquired over the years.
Whether you’re after sporty earbuds for running and the gym, a premium pair for travelling, or a high-end pair of headphones for home listening, you’ll find something here to satisfy you.
So, without further ado…
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
1. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
A fine addition to the world of true wireless headphones.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2s bring a raft of improvements compared to their predecessors and one of the most refined sounds we’ve heard from a pair of wireless headphones.
The design looks much the same as the original, but there has been a slight aesthetic tweak. The earpieces are slightly slimmer, so they protrude less from your ears, and, more importantly, they’re more comfortable to have in place for long listening sessions. One of the major changes is the introduction of noise-cancelling, which works extremely well and is pretty much on par with the Sony WF-1000XM3. They’re nice to use too, with touch-sensitive pads on each earpiece which can be customised to control music playback and features.
Battery life is competitive, with a single charge giving seven hours of playback and the charging case providing an additional three charges, bringing the total battery life at your disposal to 28 hours.
It’s all positive and we haven’t even touched on the sound quality, which is extremely refined and sophisticated for the money. Highs and lows are composed and controlled but dynamics aren’t sacrificed. The Sennheisers present a detailed soundstage with impressive scale and authority. They’re a little pricier than other wireless in-ear headphones, but if your budget can stretch, your ears will be rewarded.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
2. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Superb noise-cancellers that enhance Sennheiser’s reputation
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 17hr | Charging: USB-C | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Reasons to Buy
Energetic, rhythmic presentation
Convenient usability features
Effective noise cancellation
Reasons to Avoid
Uncompetitive battery life
Sure, the 17-hour battery life can be bettered, but with these Sennheisers Momentum 3 Wireless, that’s where the gripes end. Their thick leather earpads make these headphones incredibly comfortable and even provide a good dose of noise isolation – handy if you don’t have enough juice left to power the noise-cancelling feature. The on-cup controls and their collapsible design also make them easy to use and very convenient to take with you, too. And then there’s the sound.
They’re rich and gloriously full-bodied but still maintain clarity, particularly in the midrange. It gives them a superb tonal balance alongside their depth of bass, which will reward listeners of all stripes.
Admittedly you can get some great competitors for a fair bit less. But rhythmically speaking, these Sennheisers are cohesive and consistently dynamic too, making them quite the class leaders. Proof that you get what you pay for.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
There are actually two variants of the Momentum in-ears: the M2 IEis have the relevant in-line mic and controls for Apple phones, while the IEGs work with Android handsets. But they both share the same excellent sound quality – it’s smooth and balanced, with plenty of drive and a good sense of musicality. A fine option and among the best wireless earbuds costing less than a ton.
They may not be the newest earbuds around (they won our Product of the Year award way back in 2017), but they still remain up there in the competition – especially now they can be picked up for a lot less.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi
4. Sennheiser CX 5.00i
A brilliant in-ear upgrade for those on a tight budget.
If you’re looking for another cheap and cheerful headphone upgrade, these could be for you. They cost only the price of a drinks round, look pretty stylish, and sound superb for the money. They have a rich, luxurious tone that makes music seem full but never clogged up. Bass is satisfying too.
If you want a real sound upgrade but don’t have a huge budget, the Sennheiser CX 5.00is are now among the best budget wired in-ears that sporty types can buy. They look smarter than their price would suggest, too.
Read the full review: Sennheiser CX 5.00i
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
5. Sennheiser HD 450BT
Smooth, durable performers with typical Sennheiser appeal.
While they may lack the outright transparency and simplicity of the very best noise-cancelling pairs out there, there really is plenty to like in the HD 450BTs – not least in the way of top-notch features, such as excellent, 30-hour battery life and aptX Low Latency support, which are far from given in headphones of this price.
If battery and bass are up there on your list of priorities, you won’t regret making these Sennheisers yours.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 450BT review
6. Sennheiser HD 820
Serious closed-back headphones for serious home hi-fi systems.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Over-ear | Wireless: No | In-line mic/remote: No | 3.5mm connector: No | Weight: 360g
Reasons to Buy
Robust, full-bodied, detailed sound
Powerful, agile base
Cleverly engineered
Reasons to Avoid
Pricey
Design limits performance
These are very much high-end headphones for proper home hi-fi systems. They’re closed-backed, and use Corning Gorilla Glass which is usually found in high-end smartphones.
The tonal balance is smooth and full-bodied, while they’re sure-footed rhythmically. If your system demands premium headphones and you can stretch to the HD 820s you won’t be disappointed. They’re comfortable and engineered to last.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 820
7. Sennheiser HD 201
These budget over-ears are surprisingly good value for money.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Over-ear | Wireless: No | In-line mic/remote: No | 3.5mm connector: Yes | Weight: 163g
If you thought over-ear headphones had to cost the earth, check out the HD 201s. They’re a cheap, no-frills pair, about as basic as they come but surprisingly good given the price. You have to make do without any bells and whistles like noise cancelling or an in-line remote, but sound quality is decent, with highlights being insight and balance.
They paint a clear sonic picture, while the top end is never harsh. If you’re after headphones that don’t cost the earth and make you drum along on your desk, these will do nicely.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 201
11. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless
A very talented pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones.
If you fly a lot and want a pair of wireless noise-cancellers, these should be on your shortlist alongside those made by Sony and Bose. They’re discreet enough for the discerning business traveller (who they’re aimed at), and comfortable enough for all but the longest of long-haul flights.
Two levels of noise-cancellation keeps you isolated and they fold down to fit in a carry case. Sound is clear, they’re rhythmically sure-footed and they stay just the right side of overstated. A must for the business traveller.
Sporty types, these are for you, as indicated by that splash of neon. But there’s much more to these than just an eye-catching colour scheme: they’re wireless, so you won’t get tangled while working out, and they’re splash- and sweat-resistant, so should last a while. The sound is clear, with expressive mids and bass powerful enough to get you pounding the treadmill. A solid and appealing pair of sports headphones.
Read the full review: Sennheiser CX Sport
13. Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
No wires, but excellent sound quality.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: In-ear | Wireless: Yes | In-line mic/remote: No | 3.5mm connector: No | Weight: 313g
The neckband design won’t be for everyone, but if you can get on with it there’s a lot to like about these headphones. Wireless connectivity, for starters. And less chance of losing an earbud. There’s a decent sense of space and openness, and sound is packed with detail. They’re dynamically strong too, with the Sennheisers scaling highs and lows with ease. You’re treated to an inviting presentation, with the expressive mids a particular highlight.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Wireless
14. Sennheiser HD 2.30
No funky stand-out looks here, just a solid Sennheiser sound.
These aren’t the most stylish on-ears around, but then at this price they’re not trying to be. They do have appeal in the sound department, however – it’s a chunky, relatively smooth sound that works well across a wide range of genres and recordings. An attractive price is the icing on the cake.
Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 2.30
Best headphones 2020
Best wireless earbuds: Budget and premium
Best over-ear headphones: Wired, Bluetooth, noise-cancelling
Apple has released iOS 14.3 that enables the ProRAW feature on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. What that does is give you all the standard RAW data with the photos, while also retaining the information generated by the phone’s processing algorithms.
Additionally, iOS 14.3 brings Apple Fitness+ and AirPods Max support, while introducing privacy information on the App Store and squashing a few bugs.
You can check out the complete changelog of iOS 14.3 below for all the details:
Apple Fitness+
A new fitness experience powered by Apple Watch with studio-style workouts available on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV (Apple Watch Series 3 and later)
New Fitness app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV to browse Fitness+ workouts, trainers, and personalized recommendations
Video workouts added each week in ten popular workout types: High Intensity Interval Training, Indoor Cycling, Yoga, Core, Strength, Dance, Rowing, Treadmill Walking, Treadmill Running, and Mindful Cooldown
Playlists curated by Fitness+ trainers to complement your workout
Fitness+ subscription available in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States
AirPods Max
Support for AirPods Max, new over-ear headphones
High fidelity audio for rich sound
Adaptive EQ adapts sound in real time to the personal fit of ear cushions
Active Noise Cancellation to block out environmental noise
Transparency mode to hear the environment around you
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like listening experience
Photos
Apple ProRAW photos can be captured on iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple ProRAW photos can be edited in the Photos app
Option to record video at 25 fps
Mirror the front facing camera for still photos on iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X
Privacy
New privacy information section on App Store pages that includes a developer-reported summary of the app’s privacy practices
TV app
An all-new Apple TV+ tab makes it easy to discover and watch Apple Original shows and movies
Enhanced search so you can browse by category such as genre, and see recent searches and suggestions as you type
Top search results shown with the most relevant matches across movies, TV shows, cast, channels, and sports
App Clips
Support for launching App Clips by scanning Apple-designed App Clip Codes via Camera or from Control Center
Health
Ability to indicate pregnancy, lactation, or contraceptive use in Cycle Tracking in the Health app in order to better manage period and fertile window predictions
Weather
Air quality data is now available in Weather, Maps, and Siri for locations in China mainland
Air quality health recommendations are provided in Weather and Siri for the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Mexico at certain air quality levels
Air quality data in Weather, Maps, and Siri reflects updated national scales for Germany and Mexico
Safari
Ecosia search engine option in Safari
Bugs Fixes
Some MMS messages may not be received
Contact groups failed to display members when composing a message
Some videos would not appear correctly when shared from the Photos app
App folders may fail to open
Spotlight search results, and opening apps from Spotlight may not work
Bluetooth could be unavailable in Settings
MagSafe Duo Charger could wirelessly charge your iPhone at less than the maximum power
Wireless accessories and peripherals using the WAC protocol could fail to complete setup
The keyboard would dismiss when adding a list in Reminders while using VoiceOver
iOS 14.3 is rolling out over the air and should reach iPhone 6s and newer models soon. But if you don’t want to wait, you can check for the update manually by heading to the Settings > General > Software Update menu on your device.
The Surface range of devices do not limited to tablets and notebooks but includes Surface Hub 2S, an interactive whiteboard with multi-touch screen 50 “which shares the same features as the Surface range and is designed to improve collaboration between teams, even remotely. It integrates with the ecosystem of Microsoft applications, to starting from Teams
by Alberto Falchi published on 15 December 2020 in the Device channel Microsoft Teams
Microsoft’s range of Surface devices includes not only notebooks and tablets, but also a tool designed for ease teamwork and collaboration, both in presence and remotely: Microsoft Surface Hub 2S . We could define this device as an interactive whiteboard based on a generous multi-touch screen from 50 “, but the definition is narrow: Surface Hub 2S is equipped with a video camera and not only serves to show notes to participants, but is designed to integrate with the software of the company Redmond, starting with Teams, the most used collaboration tool in the business environment.
Surface Hub 2S is not just a simple touch screen and includes a calculation unit that allows you to run major business applications, such as Skype for Business, Teams, Microsoft 365 and basically any application available for Windows 10. Its fields of use are business collaboration and the world of education. Surface Hub 2S is designed to make business meetings more effective, both those that take place in person, in the meeting room, and those that include participants connected remotely with a normal computer, but also to facilitate distance learning.
Usage scenarios: team collaboration at the highest levels, even remotely
The data on the world of work tell us that the 80% of working time is invested in collaboration , which in this period takes place mainly remotely due to the pandemic. After the emergency, it is very likely that companies will continue to adopt some form of smart working, seeking a balance between working in person and remotely: more than one study has shown that productivity in this period has increased, and there are advantages for both workers and companies to find the right mix between the two modes.
One of the most used applications for collaboration is Microsoft Teams, which has the advantage of being integrated with other Microsoft software. Inevitably, Surface Hub 2S revolves around Teams and its functions and for this reason it can be a valid tool to improve productivity. When having a meeting, having a whiteboard can make a difference: beyond the presentation of the slides, with the application Microsoft Whiteboard you can take notes, underline information, quickly draw diagrams, all in a natural way, using the integrated stylus and share the work with both those present, who will view it on the screen at 50 ”of the blackboard, both with those who are connected remotely. The documents on the participants’ computers can then be easily shared with all the participants.
The 4K camera wide angle ensures high quality images, while the microphone array can pick up the audio of everyone in the meeting room, even if they are far from the Surface Hub 2S. The same attention was paid to the loudspeakers, thus ensuring intelligible communications. In case it is necessary to move the whiteboard from one room to another, it will not even be necessary to turn off and restart the system, if you rely on the APC battery made by Schneider Electric which is integrated into the Steelcase Roam transportable stand and is able to guarantee a ‘autonomy greater than 100 minutes.
But in which scenarios can Surface Hub 2S come in handy? What changes compared to a computer connected to the typical large screen (or projectors) that we now find in many meeting rooms? Well, first of all, as we said, it is a whiteboard: the touch screen allows not only to show presentations, but also to interact, to elaborate schemes, to take notes, in short, all those typical actions that take place during a meeting, usually with the help of a classic magnetic board and relative markers. With the difference that here the data can be shared on the screens of those who are not physically in the same room. and, above all, saved. It will no longer be necessary to take photos with your mobile to write down what is written before it is deleted. The fact that it is possible to buy a stand with wheels to move it from one room to another is a plus , since it will not be necessary to purchase one for each meeting room in the company.
The fact that the interface and tools are the same that people are used to using on a daily basis computer only simplifies its use: there will be no need to learn how to use a new tool. The support for Teams, then, makes remote presentations particularly effective, especially when the speaker has to interact with the board itself, for example by writing formulas or drawing diagrams to better express some concepts: doing it on a computer, even if equipped with a touch monitor screen, it is not the same as doing it on a screen with a diagonal of 50 “. If this can improve group work, let’s think about how much this tool could improve the training sessions or distance learning , an activity where the blackboard is often an indispensable tool, the center of the lesson itself.
Microsoft Surface Hub 2S: the technical specifications
Surface Hub 2S is basically a big monitor from 15 “with aspect ratio 3: 2 to place of the classics 16: 9: the resolution, consequently, is 3840 x 2560 (higher than 4K, therefore), instead of 3840 x 2160 typical of TVs and PC screens. The display is PixelSense type, based on IPS technology and supports a color depth of 10 bit. It integrates stereo speakers and an array of microphones capable of recording the speech of the participants wherever they are inside the room where the whiteboard is installed.
Under the profile of the unit calculation, Surface Hub 2S integrates an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, equipped with 8 GB of RAM and a SSD GB. There are 3 USB 3.0 ports, an ethernet connector, (but there is also Wi-Fi) as well as an HDMI 2.0 input and a video output in Mini DisplayPort 1.2 format, to connect the whiteboard to a projector.
The package includes a stylus and the Surface Hub 2 Camera, capable of capturing wide-range 4K images, so as to frame all participants in the meeting. The basic equipment is completed by a series of optional accessories, to be purchased separately: brackets for wall mounting, the Steelcase Roam, a kind of tripod equipped with wheels that allows you to move Surface Hub 2S from one room to another without effort, and an APC battery, which allows you to use it even disconnected from the power. The calculation unit can also be removed and replaced with a more powerful model in a very simple way: it is extracted like a cartridge and the new module is inserted. At the moment, however, the calculation modules have not yet been announced.
Coming soon Surface Hub 2S 85 “
If the screen from 50 “was not enough, shortly (from January 2021) it will be possible to purchase a new model with display from 85 “. The screen is still a multi-touch IPS with Microsoft PixelSens technology (introduced with Surface tablets), but the aspect ratio changes.
Instead of the 3: 2 aspect ratio, Surface Hub 2S 85 “will boast a more classic 12: 9, with resolution of 3840 x 2160 points. The integrated calculation module, on the other hand, is identical to that of the model currently on the market and, like this one, can be replaced with a more powerful one, if necessary.
The proposals of Maverick AV Solutions
L The sole distributor for Italy of Microsoft Surface Hub 2S is Maverick AV Solutions , audio video division of Tech Data specialized in smart meeting and smart signage solutions. The company has created a series of offers, some of which are designed for resellers and distributors, which will become partners of Maverick AV Solutions to resell the solution by integrating it with value-added services.
The Google Home Max is no longer in production. Google confirmed this to several US media. The smart loudspeaker is now sold out in both colors in both the US and Germany stores, but some retailers still have stocks on sale.
Google 2017 launched the Google Home Max in the USA. It should establish itself as a high-quality alternative to the company’s smaller, smart speakers. The price was self-confident: Google asked 100 euros for the speaker, which made it even more expensive than the Apple HomePod.
Successor to Nest Audio The 5 kilogram loudspeaker was often used in practice for under 300 euros and was thus an interesting compromise device between the weak sound of smaller smart speakers and significantly more expensive hi-fi speakers. The Home Max can be used both standing (mono) and lying down (stereo). Thanks to room recognition, it should also adapt its audio properties to the environment. The audio playback of the Google Home Max is a bit bass-heavy overall.
According to Google, owners of a Google Home Max don’t have to adjust to changes: The smart speaker should continue to like work as usual. Software and security updates are also planned for the Home Max.
The unofficial successor to the Google Home Max is the Nest Audio, which Google presented in September. It costs 100 euros and can be operated with a second device in stereo mode. The loudspeaker can also handle multi-room playback. If you want to have good sound with assistant support, you can also use devices from other manufacturers. For example, several Sonos speakers support the Google Assistant.
tips + tricks on the subject:
Google Home vs. Alexa – which speaker is smarter? “OK Google” commands for Google Assistant and Google Home (dahe)
(Pocket-lint) – Launched in 2016, Sky Q, a subscription-based TV and entertainment service, has evolved dramatically since by constantly adding new features to try and make the viewing experience as seamless and easy-to-use as possible.
Sky Q is the company’s flagship offering, allowing you to not only access terrestrial TV stations, but a bevy of dedicated channels from Sky and others, including BT Sport. There’s also built-in access to Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, Fiit and YouTube (separate subs required where needed), plus you can rent and purchase the latest movies and TV shows as they announced.
So, should you opt for the all-singing, all-dancing Sky Q system, or does it cost too much to warrant its cover price?
How Much does Sky Q cost?
Sky Q is now available from Sky’s online store. Prices vary drastically depending on what channels you take, whether you bundle in broadband (recommended as it’s unlimited for Sky Q customers) and whether you bolt on extras like the additional Sky Q Mini boxes.
Prices start from £22 for the basic setup and can soon escalate to around £100 a month if you opt for all the packages and options.
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Sky Q boxes
4K (UHD) capable
2TB and 1TB storage options
Record 6 channels, while watching 7th
There are two main options when it comes to getting Sky Q in your home. Sky offers a 2TB or 1TB UHD Sky Q box with either the ability to add additional boxes in other rooms of your house (and app support with Sky Go Extra), or go for a single-room experience.
The box hardware and design is the same regardless of which hard drive size you choose. Unlike the original Sky Plus experience you can record up to six shows at once, while watching a seventh channel live. The 1TB storage space gives you 150 hours of HD recordings, which soon gets eaten up, especially if the kids series link their favourite TV show. The 2TB box delivers around 300 hours of HD recordings.
The boxes are both 4K ready and although you can’t currently watch 4K movies or TV shows on live channels, there is a wealth of 4K content, including TV shows, films, and sport available to download. Some sport – including all F1, Premier League matches, some cricket and rugby – is available in 4K via a dedicated tuner, but encounters a short delay of about 30-seconds as a result (if you hear people cheering down the street when someone scores, that’ll probably be why).
Pocket-lint
The chances of you wanting to watch seven things that all happen to be on at the same time are fairly slim, but that array of tuners is designed to let you watch content on the additional Sky Q Mini boxes in other rooms or preview channels while you’re watching another.
Yep, those tuners also allow you to carry on watching television on the main screen while getting a preview of another channel in the pop-up electronic programme guide (EPG) at the same time, which is really handy if you’re one of those channel hopping types.
There’s support for up to four Sky Q Mini boxes, which connect to each other via Wi-Fi and then act as Wi-Fi extenders to beam your Wi-Fi signal around the house. It’s not as good as Mesh networks from the likes of Google or Linksys and we’ve found you will have to have the boxes fairly near to each other – those in big houses will need to account for this – but it does let you not have to bother with cables all through your home.
If all that sounds complicated, it shouldn’t. Sky engineers install the system in your home, make sure the Mini boxes can talk to the main Sky Q box, and it starts working straight away.
Sky Q Touch Remote and other controllers
Two remote control styles
Bluetooth, so don’t have to point at box
Voice control functionality
The Sky Q system comes with two remote controls: a fancy one for the main Sky Q box; and a more traditional one for the Sky Q Mini boxes. Both are well designed and feature all the buttons you need.
The fancier one connects to the Sky box via Bluetooth so you no longer have to even point it in the right direction. It can be used to control your home cinema speakers, such as the Sonos Playbar, and originally came with a touch-sensitive pad for speedy navigation and a voice control button on the side.
The traditional remote generally used for the Sky Q Mini boxes loses the touch-sensitive controls, the voice command button, and the Bluetooth functionality.
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Following an update, however, the fancier remote has been redesigned. It instead features the same spongy buttons as the Sky Q Mini remote, and moves the voice command button to the front rather than it being on the side.
Voice command works much like a walkie talkie. The mic is in the remote, so you don’t have to shout, and the system quickly works out what you are asking for and displays the results your TV set. This makes a real difference, being especially handy if you’re switching channels or searching for something specific.
And before you ask, no you can’t use older Sky remotes with Sky Q.
Sky Q Mini & Sky Go app: How to watch TV in other rooms
Sky Q Mini: 1080p (Full HD) maximum, not 4K (UHD)
Lets you carry on watching in another room
Access recordings from main box
Doubles as Wi-Fi hotspot
Even though the Sky Q Mini is essentially a media streamer, it cleverly acts almost exactly like the main Sky Q box that feeds it. You will barely know the difference, with little to no lag in video streaming between them.
Unlike the previous Sky Plus multi-room service, all recordings are recorded to the main hub, which means all the recordings are available at any point. That’s a huge benefit over the original system, which saw you relegated to the bedroom, because that’s where you recorded it. Such is the benefit of the network between these boxes.
However, the Sky Q Mini boxes only offer 1080p (Full HD) resolution rather than 4K (UHD). They’re considerably smaller too, although not as small as a Roku streaming box or Apple TV for example.
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That goes for the Sky Go Extra app (previously called the Sky Q app). Available on four of your chosen devices (smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) you can watch at the same time or even enjoy later without any internet connection. Yes, that opens up watching Sky while you’re in the bath.
The Sky Go Extra app apes the Sky Q main interface and is easy to use. It also allows you to access all the Sky content (aside from the BBC) outside of your home, allowing you to take your entertainment with you.
It’s worth noting that you’ll only be able to access your Sky Q box recordings when on the same Wi-Fi network, but you will be able to download shows directly to the app to watch later without a connection.
That’s brilliant if you want to catch-up on your favourite shows and movies on the go, and especially handy if you’ve escaped for the weekend but still want to watch something specific on Sky – even if where you’re staying doesn’t have the service installed.
Sky Q: A new user experience
New interface with high-level of personalisation
Lots of features added monthly like spilt screen for sports
Online apps like YouTube and Vevo
The hardware aside, the user experience is by far the most important part of the Sky Q setup and offering. It starts with the homepage. Rather than a top bar of tabs on the conventional Sky boxes, navigation in Sky Q is through horizontal planes, which run from left to right. On the left, there’s a picture-in-picture view of the current channel. On the right you always see the relevant information of content for a specific section.
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You flick through menus in a similar way to media apps such as Plex, by selecting subject headings in simple-to-access lists. They are all meticulously thought out, so the content you most want to get to quickly is available through as few swipes on the touchpad as possible.
The other thing you immediately notice about the Sky Q user interface is it’s very picture based. All movies and shows are represented by cover art, whether they are your own recordings, streamed/downloaded shows, or content available on the internet, such as YouTube or Vevo videos.
That’s key to Sky’s philosophy behind the new system: it needn’t ever matter to the end user where the content is coming from, it’s about presenting the shows you want to watch when you want to watch them, regardless of the source.
The My Q section of the homepage gives you curated content suggestions and the option to carry on with recordings you’ve been watching without having to scroll through other areas. The TV Guide is easy to get to, which makes up for the lack of a dedicated remote button. And sections for Sports, Kids and Music make it easy to get to relevant programming.
Beyond Sky’s traditional content there’s an Apps section where you’ll find access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, YouTube and other services. Separate subscriptions are required where necessary, though Sky does do a bundle that includes Netflix.
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In terms of parental settings there’s lots of control too, giving you peace of mind if you’ve got kids. We love the ability to make sure the young’uns aren’t watching movies or TV over certain classification ratings, and the ability to lock them into the Kids area so they can only watch suitable content if you’re elsewhere is fantastic. It would be nice to be able to lock the whole experience down altogether to stop them sneaking off to watch the TV, but you can’t have everything.
Sky Q in 4K
Movies, TV shows, and sports
Downloads and live broadcasts
Need the 2TB box and 4K TV
If you own a 4K TV, Sky Q’s 4K (UHD) offering is one of the best ways to find content that makes use of it. Its 4K movies section is well populated and is updated regularly, while Sky also offers a number of its own TV shows in Ultra HD too. Shows like Chernobyl are simply stunning through the Sky Q system.
Sadly, Sky Q doesn’t support HDR (high dynamic range). It says it’s coming, but it’s been saying that since 2018 so don’t hold your breath just yet.
Unlike services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, the Sky Q system is designed around downloading content rather than just purely streaming it. If you’ve got a fast internet connection this isn’t a problem and you can start watching a show fairly soon after you request it. If you’ve got slow internet you might have to wait a while, especially with 4K movies, and it’s also worth remembering to delete them from the box afterwards to save storage space.
Pocket-lint
Once you’ve consumed all you can through the available downloads, you can also rent or buy 4K content through the Sky Store. New content is added weekly, but again, not all shows or movies are available in 4K.
When it’s not movies and TV shows, it’s about sports with Sky broadcasting football, F1, cricket, and other sports regularly in 4K. The action is incredibly crisp.
Ultimately, if you enjoy movies and sports, Sky’s Ultra HD service is a must if you’ve got a 4K TV. It’s noticeably better than the HD version of the same experience, although quality does vary depending on the source: some movies look spectacular, others just great. You also have to ensure you have a Sky Cinema and/or Sky Sports subscription to access 4K movies and/or sports respectively.
For TV box set fans, while there are shows to enjoy, there are still a lot of gaps in the offering, and many of the blockbuster HBO hits (available on Sky through Sky Atlantic) aren’t available in 4K. That’s right, no 4K Game of Thrones for you.
Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos
Sky Q comes with Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos support. It’s not used on much content as yet, mainly live 4K football matches or the odd theatre production on Sky Arts, but does makes a difference if you have a Dolby Atmos AV receiver, system or soundbar. As you would expect, it adds extra depth to the audio mix and is especially great with crowd effects. The Sky Q menu interface isn’t very good at labelling Dolby Atmos content either, probably because there isn’t much.
Verdict
Sky has created a system to suit all tastes and needs, with a strong multi-room focus and a modern outlook on household entertainment desires. The user interface is vast and has the power to change how you watch television, encouraging you to watch more content when, where and how you want.
The addition of 4K content makes this a flagship entertainment offering that covers all the bases, especially when it comes to movies and sport, but it’s disappointing that there is still no HDR support, Dolby Atmos is lacking on most movies, and the Sky Q Mini boxes at Full HD maximum.
Still, we’ve seen plenty of updates to the service since its launch in 2016, including the addition of Netflix, as one example, with much more to come, showing that Sky is committed to improving the experience.
In addition to exclusives, there’s a huge amount of extra content on offer, including from services beyond Sky’s own offering. It’s all this that makes the system hard to beat. So if you like watching TV, it has to be Sky Q.
Breaking down the best 4K gaming monitors we’ve tested. (Image credit: Shutterstock / Krivosheev Vitaly)
With great pixels comes great image quality. So it’s not surprising when PC gamers drool over monitors with 4K resolution. A panel packing 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160) makes your favorite games look incredibly sharp and realistic. In addition to being the highest resolution you can get in a good gaming monitor these days, going 4K also offers the ability to expand past 20-inch screens. With that loaded pixel army, you can stretch your screen size well past 30 inches without having pixels so big that you can see them. And the new graphics cards from Nvidia’s RTX 30-series and AMD’s Radeon RX 6000-series make the move to 4K even more tempting.
But that image quality comes at a steep price. Anyone who’s shopped for a 4K monitor before knows they’re not cheap. Yes, 4K is about high-res gaming, but you’re still going to want solid gaming specs, like a 60Hz-plus refresh rate, low response time and your choice of Adaptive-Sync (Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, depending on your system’s graphics card). And you can’t forget the cost of the decently beefy graphics card you’ll require to game properly in 4K.
If you’re not 4K-ready yet, check out lower-resolution recommendations on our Best Gaming Monitors page.
If you’re ready to dive into high-res gaming (lucky you), below are the best 4K gaming monitors of 2020, based on our own testing.
Best 4K gaming monitors at a glance:
1. LG 27GN950-B
2. Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ
3. Acer Predator XB273K
4. Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q
5. Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
6. Acer Predator X27
7. Acer Predator CG437K
8. Acer ConceptD CP7271K
9. Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ
10. Alienware AW5520QF
11. HP Omen X 65 Emperium
When seeking the best 4K gaming monitor for you, consider the following:
4K gaming requires a high-end graphics card. If you’re not using an Nvidia SLI or AMD Crossfire multi-graphics card setup, you’ll want at least a GTX 1070 Ti or RX Vega 64 for games at medium settings or an RTX-series card or Radeon VII for high or greater settings. Visit our Graphics Card Buying Guide for help.
G-Sync or FreeSync? A monitor’s G-Sync feature will only work with PCs using an Nvidia graphics card. FreeSync will only run with PCs carrying an AMD card. Only FreeSync monitors work over HDMI (for more, see our DisplayPort vs. HDMI analysis), but we’ve seen negligible differences in mainstream gaming capabilities for fighting screen tearing between the two. Our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync article offers an in-depth performance comparison.
4K and HDR go hand-in-hand. 4K displays often support HDR content for extra bright and colorful images. But for Adaptive-Sync optimized for HDR media, you’ll want a G-Sync Ultimate or FreeSync Premium Pro (formerly FreeSync 2 HDR) display. For a noticeable upgrade from an SDR monitor, opt for at least 600 nits brightness. You can learn more in our article on HDR’s meaning and our buying guiding for picking the best HDR monitor.
For more guidance picking a monitor of any resolution–gaming or otherwise–check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide.
The Best 4K Gaming Monitors You Can Buy Today
Best 4K Gaming Monitor: LG 27GN950-B (Image credit: LG)
With speed, accurate color and high contrast, the LG 27GN950-B is the best 4K gaming monitor and our top recommendation. There’s tough competition on this page, but the 27GN950-B stands out with some of the best input lag scores we’ve seen of a 144Hz monitor (tying with the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ below) while also keeping up with its rivals in our response time testing.
Image quality is also a sight to hold. With an edge array backlight with a local dimming feature, the 27GN950-B doesn’t quite hit FALD-level HDR but still brought stellar performance with 8,475.3:1 contrast ratio. LG also implemented its Nano IPS panel, the answer to Samsung’s Quantum Dot tech, to achieve massive color coverage (94.5% of DCI-P3 and 133.9% of sRGB after our recommended calibration) that really made games pop.
The Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ is the best 144Hz 4K gaming monitor and may be cheaper than you expect. Even though it competes specs and performance-wise with the Acer Predator X27 and Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ, the ultimate in 4K gaming, the ROG Strix XG27UQ should be much more affordable. We’ve seen it listed for $800, but, sadly, as of writing we’re only seeing it in stock at $1,099. It doesn’t have the premium FALD backlight that results in beautiful HDR; however, HDR performance was still impressive, with thanks due to an effective edge-array backlight and Dynamic Dimming feature.
The ROG Strix XG27UQ stacked up well in our testing when it came to both response time and input lag. In the input lag test, it outperformed other 144Hz monitors, including the aforementioned X27 and PG27UQ. And while it’s listed as a FreeSync monitor, we were able to run G-Sync on it successfully.
Read: Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ review
The Acer Predator XB273K is the best 4K gaming monitor with an IPS panel. (Image credit: Acer)
If you prefer the viewing angles and color of IPS monitors, the Acer Predator XB273K is the best 4K gaming monitor for you. It’s a tough competitor with a 144 Hz refresh rate. During fast-paced games with settings maxed, there was no blur. G-Sync worked successfully–with both standard and HDR content– to fight screen tearing when paired with an Nvidia graphics card. The monitor kept up well with other 144Hz displays during our testing and even beat the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27 when it came to input lag.
Of course, Image quality is also important. The Predator delivers with pro-level color accuracy and contrast that reached over 4,000:1 during our testing and over 2,000:1 after our calibration. Again, HDR doesn’t look as good as it does on the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ or Acer Predator X27 because those two display pack FALD backlights. But we consider the Predator XB273K the next best thing.
Read: Acer Predator XB273K review
A good 4K gaming doesn’t have to cost a fortune. (Image credit: Asus)
You don’t often see the word budget associated with a 4K monitor, but the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q isn’t just affordable, it’s a great gaming monitor too. Despite being available for $330 – $350 as of writing, the display offers a great amount of performance, making it a fantastic value for gamers looking to get to 4K without breaking the bank. We’ve even seen 4K monitors at the $400 mark offer lesser gaming performance.
There was no ghosting when we gamed on the VG289Q, and overdrive successfully helped eliminate motion blur. SDR titles looked extra colorful, but there was hardly any improvement when moving over to HDR games.
With the VG289Q priced so low, it’s not surprising that its refresh rate is limited to just 60 Hz (FreeSync works down to 48 Hz). Hardcore gamers will want more Hz, but casual players can make due with fast-paced scenes showing sufficient detail and great pixel density.
Read:Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review
The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ is our favorite HDR 4K gaming monitor. (Image credit: Asus)
The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ is the best 4K gaming monitor for enjoying HDR. When it comes to mouthwatering HDR delivery, nothing can beat a full-array WLED backlight with zone dimming. We were able to tell the difference in HDR games, like Call of Duty: WWII, through detailed shadows, brilliant highlights and realistic-looking textures.
Of course, this is also a great monitor for competitive gaming, thanks to its high 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution that can climb to 144Hz with overclock. The PG27UQ’s closest rival is the Acer Predator X27, which has that same type of backlight that makes HDR look its best. But the PG27UQ has a small leg up on the X27 with a 1ms faster response time.
For more on picking an HDR monitor and additional recommendations, see our How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor buying guide.
Read: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ review
With a FALD backlight, the Acer Predator X27 makes HDR content stand out. (Image credit: Acer)
The Acer Predator X27 offers near-identical performance to the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ above. The Asus edges the Acer out spec-wise with a 1ms shorter response time, but in our testing we found the monitors comparable in both gaming capabilities and SDR and HDR quality. On the other hand, the Predator X27 showed a slight edge over the PG27UQ in out-of-box color accuracy and comes with a light-blocking hood. If you’re stuck between the two, your best bet is likely to opt for the one currently selling at the lower price.
Like the PG27UQ, the Predator X27 has a FALD backlight with zone dimming that produces mouth-watering HDR. Its insane gaming specs ensured tear-free gaming at high frame rate during our testing. If you’ve got the graphics horsepower to make the most of it, this monitor sits atop the 4K gaming displays list.
Read:Acer Predator X27 review
The Acer Predator CG437K’s 43-inch size is perfect for 4K. (Image credit: Acer)
144Hz requires two DisplayPort cables and sacrificing G-Sync Compatibility and HDR support
If you’re looking for a 4K gaming monitor that’s big but still able to fit on your desk, the Acer Predator CG437K is a great fit (pun intended). In our time with the monitor, we found it big enough to fill our peripheral vision from 3-4 feet away. Plus, you get a remote in the box. Ultimately, the Predator CG437K like having an ultra-wide without the curve but with the extra height you crave.
Its gaming credentials are out of this world too. The Predator CG437K comes with G-Sync Compatibility from 48-120 Hz. The monitor can also hit 144 Hz with overclock –but only if you have two DisplayPort cables and don’t need G-Sync or HDR. With a big-screen VA panel boasting 4,000:1 contrast, games looked lifelike and proved a different experience than when using other premium displays, including the 4K Acer Predator X27 and 3440 x 1440 Acer Predator X35.
Read: Acer Predator CG437K review
The Acer ConceptD CP7271K is the best 4K monitor for professionals who also want to game. (Image credit: Acer)
HDR with FALD backlight at 1,000 nits brightness and G-Sync Ultimate
No portrait mode
No selectable color gamuts
The lines separating the monitor needs of gamers and professionals keeps blurring. Besides that, there’s nothing wrong with a photo editor wanting to game during their free time, right? The Acer ConceptD CP271K is the best 4K gaming monitor for professionals because it boasts impressive gaming specs coupled with accurate color space coverage.
Creative professionals can get work done with the monitor’s 110% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, although the very meticulous will find that to be slightly too colorful. You can, however, reduce color with a software look-up table. You also get great HDR output with a FALD backlight that reaches 1,000 nits.
At the same time, the ConceptD CP271K offers gamers accurate sRGB coverage (96.3%), as well as powerful performance that kept up with 144 Hz gaming monitors in our response time and input lag benchmarking.
Read: Acer ConceptD CP7271K review
The Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ hits 144Hz at 4K. (Image credit: Asus)
We loved the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ when we first saw it in June, but it’s been hard to find online ever since. We reviewed it at $1,500 but have seen it sell for more. If you can find this massive screen at the right price, you won’t be disappointed.
At 43 inches, the ROG Swift PG43UQ is juggernaut that makes for a great TV replacement — it even has a remote. From a 4-foot distance, it lends to a highly immersive experience that rivals a curved ultra-wide. And with DisplayHDR 1000 certification, HDR movies pack a punch. Games looked incredibly realistic and warm in HDR and also natural and vibrant in SDR.
Most importantly, the PG43UQ is specced for high-performance gaming. Response time competed well against other 144 Hz screens in our benchmarks, and input lag was better than the Acer Predator CG437K, Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27 above.
Read: Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ review
Alienware’s AW5520QF OLED display is the best 4K gaming monitor for those with cash to spare. (Image credit: Dell)
If you have a lot of room in your budget and are seeking the best-looking 4K experience, it doesn’t get better than the Alienware AW5520QF, the first real OLED gaming monitor. With its unprecedented technology, it delivered the best image quality we’ve ever seen, boasting immeasurable blacks and, therefore, theoretically unlimited contrast.
But the Alienware OLED still isn’t perfect. Max brightness with regular SDR content is just 130 nits, while HDR only bumps it up to 400 nits. That means its potential is best realized in a darker room. But keep in mind that with its large size, 150 nits with SDR would’ve been acceptable, so the Alienware is just a little off. Of course, as our resident splurge, the AW5520QF’s also expensive–even by OLED TV standards. And for better audio, consider the HP Omen X 65 Emperium, which features a built-in soundbar.
Read: Alienware AW5520QF review
You can replace your living room TV with the HP Omen X 65 Emperium. (Image credit: Amazon)
If you’re a couch gamer, you need a monitor that’s fit for replacing your TV. With a 64.5-inch display, the HP Omen X 65 Emerpium is amply equipped to do just that. This juggernaut of a gaming monitor offers larger-than-life gaming. In testing, performance matched its high price tag with zero gaming hiccups and high frame rates at high settings.
HP also included some unique bonuses that make this monitor even more fitting for the living room. An included soundbar featuring four 4-inch woofers, two 1-inch tweeters and two passive radiators add to the feeling of immersion. The monitor also comes with Nvidia Shield Android-based streaming interface, which means gaming, TV and movie-streaming options are built right into your gaming display. A remote completes the living room package.
And if you’re into HDR, the Omen X 65 Emperium would make a great HDR display with high contrast, according to our tests, and certification to play HDR at a minimum brightness of 1,000 nits.
More: HP Omen X 65 Emperium review
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors
MORE: How We Test Monitors
MORE: All Monitor Content
MORE: HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which Is Better For Gaming?
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