The NZXT Kraken AiO coolers from the X and Z series are convincing models based on the current Asetek generation. This was also shown by our test of the Kraken Z 63. However, there are certain gaps in the portfolio – and NZXT now wants to close them with four new models.
So far there have been four models: Kraken X 63 and Kraken X 73 with 280 – and 360 – mm radiator and illuminated pump cover as well as Kraken Z 63 and Z 73 with the same radiator formats, but with a customizable display on the pump cover. What was missing in particular were models with a smaller radiator and models with illuminated fans. And it is precisely these gaps that the four new models are now filling.
The Z series is represented by the Kraken Z 53 with 240 – mm radiator rounded towards the bottom. It also allows users to install a Kraken Z-AiO cooling system, who previously had to do without it for reasons of space. With this 240 – mm model, the 2, 36 – inch Display on the pump cover is not missing. With this 24 – bit-LCD you can display system data, even selected pictures or animated GIFs. The setup is done using NZXT’s CAM software. The basis for this AiO cooling is again an Asetek pump of the 7th generation, which can be operated very quietly.
Asetek is tackling the topic of LED fans with three Kraken X-3 RGB models. The unlit fans of the previous Kraken X-3 models give way to NZXT AER RGB 2 fans. The pump cover continues to be staged with an RGB infinity mirror. The Kraken X 53 RGB brings the 240 – mm radiator into the X- Series. Kraken X 63 RGB and X 73 RGB come along 280 – or 360 – mm radiator. Asetek’s 7th generation pump is also used in these models. All Kraken X-3 and Z-3 models are compatible with current sockets such as AMD AM4 and Intel LGA 1200. In both series, the pump cover can be rotated for optimal alignment: in the Kraken X-3 series in 30 ° steps and for the Kraken-Z series in 90 ° -steps.
The sale of the new Kraken models is supposed to start immediately. For the Kraken X 53 RGB (240 mm) 159, 99 Euro, for the Kraken X 63 RGB (280 mm) 179, 99 Euro and for the Kraken X 73 RGB (360 mm) 219, 99 euros. The Kraken Z 53 with 240 – mm radiator and display should 229, 99 Euro.
Nokia’s first 5G smartphone intends combine the capabilities of the Snapdragon 765 G 5G with Android One and a “Nordic” design
by Nino Grasso published 23 November 2020 , at 12: 21 in the Telephony channel Nokia
HMD Global announced the arrival in Italy of Nokia 8.3 5G , the company’s first 5G smartphone. Price: 599 ?? in the Italian market . A curiosity: it is the smartphone “chosen” by the new agent in the next James Bond film “No Time to Die”. Nokia 8.3 5G is characterized by the rear photographic module with four cameras with ZEISS optics and by the presence of a 5G modem capable of connecting to the latest generation networks in standalone mode.
Nokia 8.3 5G, specifications
The new device from HMD Global implements the capture and editing functionality ZEISS Cinema in conjunction with OZO audio recording. The new feature allows you to “make every video epic”, as Nokia describes it, for example by adding anamorphic trails to the shooting, choosing the film format 21: 9, or using special color filters for registration. The smartphone also supports HDR video recording and a recording mode called “Action Cam” with OZO audio a 360 °. The four cameras can shoot in wide-angle mode and ultra wide angle with field of view of 120 ° with the respective modules 64 MP and 12 MP, while we also have a Macro and a depth module .
The integrated SoC is instead one Snapdragon 765 G 5G with Snapdragon X system 52 5G Modem-RF for connectivity to new generation networks, while as regards the display we have a large edge-to-edge 6 LCD, 81 inches with hole for the front camera from 24 MP. The device also integrates Qualcomm’s fifth generation AI Engine to improve the user experience in general and the rendering of multimedia content. As for the autonomy we have a battery of 4. 500 mAh with charging speed from 18 W with the adapter.
Following its Finnish roots, Nokia 8.3 5G is made with a Nordic style design, starting with the color available at launch: Polar Night. The back cover is made specifically with a metallization technology with a characteristic light refraction pattern that allows the colors to mingle to evoke the Northern Lights. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power key, so it is lateral.
Software side we have Android 00 in version Android One (therefore no customizations) with the promise to receive two years of operating system updates and three years of monthly security updates.
Nokia 8.3 5G, price and availability
Nokia 8.3 5G is available from today in Italy at the price of 599 ?? in the 6GB version / 64 GB and 649 ?? in the 8GB / 128 GB.
This 4K video recorder app gives your Android or iOS phone a plethora of advanced features that will enable you to shoot and edit your videos like a real pro. Price: ~$15
Apple
Google
iBower omnidirectional lavalier microphone
This is a great microphone for any YouTube video — or other video — you might want to do. It offers impressive quality, even when used with lower-end free audio apps. Price: ~$26
Amazon
Adorama
Aputure MC RGBWW LED light
If you’re photographing indoors — and many of us are, these days — you need good lighting. The Aputure MC RGBWW LED light fits in the palm of your hand but gives you the steady, balancing lighting that you need. Price: ~$90
Amazon
B&H
Surface Headphones 2
Except for a new matte black color option and buttons that are (thankfully) now more raised and easier to find with your thumb, these look identical to the noise-canceling originals. But they last longer and are priced far more sensibly. Price: ~$250
Amazon
Best Buy
Microsoft
Apple Mac Pro
This is very much the product that professional Mac users have been asking Apple to make for years: a modular, high-performance Mac tower. This new Mac Pro has far more raw capability, far more cooling ability, and far more room to grow than the old Pro. A gift for a real creator. Price: ~$5,999
Amazon
Apple
B&H
GoPro Hero 9
The GoPro is one of the most well-known cameras around, and for good reason. And this year, GoPro has created by far its most powerful action camera to date: bigger battery, bigger body, bigger video and photo resolutions. And a reusable case with no plastic packaging. Price: ~$399
Amazon
Best Buy
B&H
BlueAVS Audio Video Capture Card, HDMI to USB
All this device does is convert HDMI to USB, which is conceptually simple but technically more complex. However, the brand name models have become difficult to find, which is where this weird little knockoff model comes in. It’s inexpensive and it works. What more do you need? Price: ~$20
Amazon
Moment fanny sling
With a built-in lens cloth, dedicated phone pocket, and adjustable size, this sling is everything the photographer in your life is looking for in a small bag. From a Sony A7C to a 35mm camera, this sling fits everything and more. Price: ~$60
Moment
Blue Snowball USB microphone
The Snowball is one of Blue’s most popular microphones for a reason. The mic is small and compact, offers an upgrade over most headsets, and is a huge upgrade over your laptop’s built-in mic. If you want your voice to be nice and clear over conference calls or while gaming, this is a great option. Price: ~$50
Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart
Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan
When editing photos, every other app takes a backseat to Photoshop. You could be doing a hopeful photographer a real favor by giving them a one-year subscription to Photoshop and Lightroom. Price: ~$120
Best Buy
DJI OM 4 smartphone stabilizer
No matter how much stabilization is built into a smartphone, when you’re in the middle of an exciting shoot, the only way to keep that video from bouncing is to use a real gimbel stabilizer with two-axis stabilization. This is a great gift for your favorite vlogger. Price: ~$149
Amazon
Best Buy
B&H
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (third-gen) USB audio interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is affordable and durable, with a metal casing. This USB interface offers two microphone inputs as well as outputs for monitors; you can plug any analog mic into it. Price: ~$160
Amazon
Walmart
Target
Moment iPhone photography starter set
Your iPhone may have a great lens, but the one from Moment is better. This starter kit comes with a a mounting case and your choice of lens, including a tele 58mm lens, a wide 18mm lens, and an anamorphic lens, among others. Price: ~$180
Moment
Electro-Voice RE20 mic
The RE20 is a dynamic microphone that pretty much carried over from radio to podcasting, and is especially recommended for voice recording. The RE20 is a little older and a little less expensive than the RE27, but both are great podcasting tools. Price: ~$399
Amazon
Walmart
B&H
Pro Display XDR monitor
The Pro Display XDR is a 32-inch 6K LCD that can hit 1,600 nits of peak brightness, with 1,000 nits of sustained brightness from a full-array local dimming backlight composed of 576 special blue LEDs. In other words, if you’re a pro creator and can afford it, you’ll want it. Price: ~$4,949
Amazon
Apple
B&H
Jarvis Bamboo standing desk
If you’re in need of a good standing desk, the Jarvis Bamboo is a fantastic choice. The ability to switch between sitting and standing means you can mix up your working posture. We recommend springing for the programmable height module that can automatically raise and lower your desk to your preferred height. Price: ~$634
Amazon
ONEGenug headset stand
A headset stand is great if you work from home and need something to put your headset on, especially when you consider that a pair of headphones can get scratched over time from laying on a table. A little cubby below the arch lets you store the cable (if the headset is wired) or something else, like a phone. Price: ~$28
Amazon
Nikon Z 6II
One of Nikon’s latest full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 6II packs a punch with speedy image processing and impressive autofocus. It’s powered by a second EXPEED 6 processor, allowing users to increase their continuous shooting. To keep up with creators, the Z 6II supports two card slots, storing even more photos and videos. With a firmware update, the camera will even support 4k video at 60 fps in the near future. Price:$1,999
In the annals of video games, there are an uncountable number of products — canceled games, scrapped hardware — that feel as though they’re lost to time. But most of the time they’re only forgotten, not lost. And that’s where the Video Game History Foundation steps in. As the name suggests, the foundation is an organization that preserves the history of video games, piece by piece. Today they’ve outdone themselves: the foundation’s head digital conservationist Rich Whitehouse has written a long blog post about how he managed to resurrect a canceled game — Nuclear Rush — that was planned for the Sega Genesis VR helmet. What’s more: Whitehouse actually managed to emulate the Sega VR headset hardware so it runs on current-gen VR headsets.
The Sega VR helmet, as it appeared in the August / September 1993 edition of Sega Visions magazine. Image: The Video Game History Foundation
The Sega VR headset, which never made it beyond a prototype, was a marvel of early ’90s engineering. “Equipped with a high-frequency inertial measurement unit and two LCD screens, the Sega VR headset shares a lot of fundamental design with today’s VR headsets,” Whitehouse writes. “That design was nothing short of revolutionary when Sega officially unveiled the unit to journalists and retailers in 1993, promising to break new ground on the frontier of virtual reality. They miraculously hit their $200 target thanks to technology licensed from a start-up company called Ono-Sendai, whose patented tracking solution could be manufactured for just $1.”
Whitehouse’s journey to revive both the game and (a software implementation of) the headset began with another preservationist colleague, Dylan Mansfield of Gaming Alexandria, who had gotten in touch with Kenneth Hurley, a co-founder of a game company which had been developing a game for Sega VR. That game was Nuclear Rush. (Its conceit: the year is 2032, electricity is in demand, but fossil fuels are exhausted. You’re a pilot and your mission is to acquire radioactive fuel. Very cyberpunk.)
Hurley dug up a 26-year-old CD-ROM that miraculously had both the complete source code for Nuclear Rush but also tools for some other Genesis games he’d worked on. And that’s where Whitehouse’s journey started.
The Sega VR effort is another outgrowth of the foundation’s Source Project, which began with diving deep into the guts of the legendary LucasArts game The Secret of Monkey Island. Whitehouse’s contribution adds to that larger work: he goes into pretty deep technical challenges he faced while getting the game and the headset code to work together, and, satisfyingly, details the solutions he came up with. By the end of the piece, you’ll know how the software was originally put together and conceived by Sega itself. But the best part is you can actually download a ROM of Nuclear Rush and the software Whitehouse wrote to allow the game to play on modern VR hardware — which show the game as it might have looked had it ever been released commercially with Sega VR.
Watching Whitehouse play the rebuilt game is like watching someone take a different route through history. And indeed, the journey is less about what actually happened than what might have been.
If you want to buy a new television set, you will find a lot of offers. The large selection makes it cheaper, but not necessarily easier. You should therefore determine some basic decision-making criteria: What size and what equipment is the minimum, what is the price limit.
The question of resolution currently does not arise: Everything above 32 inch diagonal (80 centimeters) should be 4K resolution with 3840 × 2160 Have pixels. Even more pixels like those on 8K displays are currently of little use – the content is missing. You shouldn’t rely on the supposed future security: If you buy an 8K TV today, you will probably not be equipped for the next few years. Too much has changed for the video formats and interfaces.
Some people may not be looking for a television at all, but actually just a large display: A “stupid” TV, i.e. a smart TV without smart functions, can be accessed with a streaming client Getting ready for Netflix & Co. Such televisions do exist, but you will hardly find them on the store shelves of Saturn, Expert & Co. Instead, there are smart TVs that have built-in apps for streaming in addition to tuners.
Large displays without smart functions and without TV tuners are usually significantly more expensive than their smart colleagues. The reason: They are designed for 24 / 7 operation . There are a few “stupid” TVs with tuners but no internet connection. However, these have disadvantages compared to smart TVs: They typically lack special processors for image processing, such as moving image compensation, effective noise filters or sophisticated image presets. Smart TVs generally have much more to offer here.
Instead of using the built-in streaming apps, you can upgrade the TV display with a streaming client like Google’s Chromecast.
Help with buying a TV: What you really need and what you can do without The appropriate display technology When searching for TV, you will find yourself using various technologies faced: LCD, QLED, LED, OLED or also micro-LED. The first three are televisions with liquid crystal screens, micro-LED also means LCD TV or describes a completely new display variant, OLED TVs use an organic display.
You don’t want to anymore as 364 Euro, the question arises whether LCD or OLED is currently hardly – OLED- TVs are generally more expensive. LCD TVs are recommended for very bright rooms because, thanks to their higher maximum luminance, they can also present images with sufficient contrast. Attention: With the cheapest liquid crystal screens the manufacturers save on the backlight, this does not apply to such devices.
OLED TVs are in principle very high-contrast because their pixels simply remain off at the points where the picture content is black. Color perception also benefits from the rich black. However, the maximum brightness of OLED TVs is lower and the black level increases due to reflections on the screen in a bright environment. Therefore, the display on the OLED TV fades in the light-flooded living room. OLED displays offer the greatest viewing angles, i.e. images with high contrast and color, even if you look at them from the side.
With displays with micro-LED technology, you have to differentiate between conventional LCDs, in the back many small diodes illuminate the LC layer, and displays in which the LEDs themselves serve as pixels. The latter are still a long way off. On the other hand, you can already buy LCD TVs with a direct LED backlight and local dimming (FALD): If the TV has a large number of LED zones, this ensures impressive contrasts, which is particularly beneficial for HDR content. The black level of the LCD pixels is not better as a result and the FALD backlight does not help against the viewing angle dependency of many LCD TVs either.
In the thermal image it becomes clear which television is a direct LED backlight uses (left) and who uses LED strips of the Edge LED (right).
High-contrast display Modern televisions can almost always reproduce high-contrast HDR content. However, the result depends heavily on the device and the TVs support different HDR formats depending on the manufacturer and model: HDR 10 and HLG dominate almost everyone, at HDR 10 + and Dolby Vision, however, are divided. With HDR 10 + and Dolby Vision, the video data are displayed dynamically adapted to the respective image content: Samsung relies on HDR 10 +, Sony and LG on Dolby Vision, manufacturers such as Panasonic and Philips bypass possible conflicts and simply support both.
If no HDR formats are played back, for example when watching TV, most TVs can still display them in HDR – prepare accordingly. The result is often brightly colored, overexposed images.
c’t 25 / 2020 In c’t 25 / 2020 the editors provide selection aids for TV purchases and a test of smart TVs. Lots of handouts and a test of current e-mail clients should help you to stay ahead of the daily flood of e-mails. The c’t editors have discovered a data leak at the navigation specialist TomTom and they are analyzing the surveillance pieces from Office 364. There are also many other tests and not to forget a whole bag full of nerdy gift tips for the upcoming Christmas party. c’t 25 / 2020 is now available in the Heise shop and at the well-stocked magazine kiosk.
Home/Component/Cooling/NZXT expands AIO liquid cooler line with Kraken X-3 and Z-3 series
Matthew Wilson 13 hours ago Cooling, Featured Tech News
Today, NZXT is revamping its all-in-one liquid cooler line-up with the introduction of the Kraken X-3 series and the Kraken Z-3 series. Both promise an easier installation process, upgraded components and RGB lighting.
Starting with the Kraken Z-3 series, a new Z53 240mm AIO option has been added, providing a new entry point compared to the previous 280mm and 360mm models. On the CPU block, there is an LCD screen that provides “unlimited visual customisation”, while under the hood, there is a 7th generation Asetek pump.
On the other end we have the new Kraken X-3 RGB series, including the X53 240mm AIO, the X63 280mm AIO and the X73 360mm AIO. These coolers promise vivid RGB lighting supplied by the Aer RGB fans, as well as quiet operation thanks to the fan’s winglet tips and fluid dynamic bearings.
The tubing sleeves are reinforced with nylon mesh to provide durability and protection. The X-3 series also includes an improved 7th generation Asetek pump for improved thermals while running at just 800 RPM.
These coolers are all available starting today, with pricing starting at $159.99 for the Kraken X53 RGB. The Kraken X63 RGB comes in at $179.99 and the Kraken X73 RGB will cost $219.99. Finally, the 240mm Kraken Z53 will ship for $229.99.
KitGuru Says: Are many of you planning a new PC build? Are you thinking of picking up an NZXT Kraken AIO to cool your new CPU?
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(Pocket-lint) – Dash cams are a great upgrade to your car setup. They add peace of mind while you’re on the road, with an extra pair of (digital) eyes working as a witness should you ever be in an accident.
They’re also useful for other things. Some car insurance companies offer discounts on your premium if you have a dash cam installed for example. Alternatively, they can be used to report motoring offences or simply prevent others from making malicious false claims against you.
If you’re after a dash cam, then you’ve probably noticed there are quite a number to choose from. At a glance, it’s hard to know which is the right one for you. To cut down on the fuss, we’ve been testing out a number of different dash cams to bring you the low-down on the best cameras to buy for your car.
The best dash cam system
1/9Pocket-lint
Viofo A129 Pro Duo
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Dual-Channel 4K front and 1080P rear dash cam (both 30FPS)
G-Sensor and motion detection, advanced parking mode
On the face of it, the Viofo A129 Pro Duo is easily one of the best dash cam systems money can buy. It might not be as user-friendly or as affordable as other dash cams on this list, but it is one of the most feature-packed cameras available.
As you might have gathered from the name, the Viofo A129 Pro Duo is a package that includes two cameras. One for the front and a second for the rear. The front-facing camera is capable of capturing video in 4K (3840 x 2160P 30FPS) while the rear records HD footage (1920 x 1080P 30FPS). You can, of course, choose to tweak settings on the camera and within the app. This includes various recording modes, timelapse and parking mode too.
Setup includes incredibly convenient gear and accessories with everything that you could need. This includes a MicroSD convertor to read files from the camera on your PC, a car charger adapter with two ports (so you can still charge your phone), multiple cable tidying hooks and even extra sticky labels to keep the cameras in place. There’s even a tool to tease out the inner trim of your vehicle and run the cable behind it to keep things neat.
The Viofo A129 Pro Duo has an accompanying app that allows you to both live-stream footage from the camera and download it directly to your phone rather than having to transfer it to your PC first.
There’s an easy access button to secure footage on this camera should you witness or be involved in an accident. It also has a “G-sensor” technology to detect crashes, collisions or near misses. Those recordings are “locked” so they can’t get deleted as generally the recordings are done on a rolling basis, so when the card gets full it gets overwritten.
The result is a low maintenance, feature-rich dash cam that’s capable of not only capturing great footage, but also can save your bacon if you happen to get rear-ended. If you’re looking for a dual-camera setup, look no further.
Most user-friendly dash cam
1/6Pocket-lint
Nextbase 622GW dash cam
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3-inch HD IPS Touch screen
Video capture at 4k 30FPS, 1440p 60 FPS or 1080p 120 FPS
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to manage, with a simple interface and very little fuss then we’d suggest the Nextbase 622GW is the answer to your quest.
This camera has a number of fantastic features to it that include a large 3-inch touchscreen display, the ability to capture up to 4K footage at 30 FPS and a simple mounting design.
This dash cam boasts a quick release catch which means you can easily take it out of the car when not in use if you’re worried about theft. There’s also a suction cup mount as an alternative installation option. Like the other cameras on this list, this dash cam has a trim tool for easy installation too.
This dash cam has a rolling video capture capability and a large button to protect important footage from being overwritten. A quick tap on the touch screen also snaps a still photo should the need arise. You can then use this touchscreen to scroll through and replay captured footage without moving it to another device.
The Nextbase 622GW is an updated version of the company’s very best dash cam with numerous superb features including smooth image stabilisation, enhanced night vision, super slow mode, extreme weather capture and what3words capabilities. That last feature can be used to help emergency services find your exact location with ease if you’re in an accident.
It’s also worth noting that Nextbase also has a system to help you easily submit footage to local police forces with ease, which is pretty neat.
The Nextbase 622GW is a superb dash cam, that’s convenient, easy to use and packed full of great features for a very reasonable price.
Most affordable dash cam
1/9Pocket-lint
Nextbase 222 dash cam
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2.5-inch LED screen
140-degree viewing angle
6 layer f1.6 lens
Video capture at 1080p with 30 FPS or 720p with 60 FPS
Intelligent parking mode
Click and go mounting system
If you’re shopping on a budget, but still want something reliable and able to capture useful footage, then look no further than the Nextbase 222. This camera is essentially the cheaper, less feature-packed brother of the 522GW. It might not have the touchscreen, the Amazon Alexa compatibility or the ability to capture 1440p footage, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.
The Nextbase 222 is an easy to use dash cam that’s easy to install, convenient to use and is capable of capturing up to 1080p footage as well.
Alongside the standard road-facing footage capture, this camera also has an Intelligent Parking Mode. This can be used to keep an eye on your car when you’re not in it. Park in a car park and nip off to the shops and the camera will automatically switch into this mode – only recording if it senses a bump or shunt. Meaning if someone reverses into your car while you’re away and makes off without leaving a note you’ll have footage to prove it.
This system is available on other dash cams too, but having the feature on such an affordable camera is certainly a bonus. Other highlights include a simple mounting system that makes it easy to take the camera down and into the house with you if you want to keep it safe or check the recorded footage.
All told, the 222 is a fantastic camera for the money and does not disappoint.
Speed camera warning system and speed limit alerts
Various smart alerts including fatigue warning, headlight reminder, lane departure warning
If you demand more from your dash cam and want something that does more than just capture footage then how about one that also spots speed cameras and helps ensure your safety on the road?
The Mio MiVue 798 seemingly has it all. It sports Sony’s premium STARVIS CMOS sensor, along with a 150-degree wide-angle lens that’s capable of capturing up to 2.5K footage at 25 FPS.
It also boasts several intelligent features that include smart alerts for fatigue warnings, headlight reminders, lane departure warnings and more. One of these alerts is a “safety camera warning” system that will let you know when you’re approaching a speed camera and highlight your current speed so you don’t get an any unnecessary/accidental tickets.
The others are intended to help reduce the chances of you getting into an accident by drifting into other lanes or overdoing it.
The Mio MiVue 798 has a G sensor for recording “events” like high speed driving, aggressive braking, crashes and more. The footage it captures is fantastic too. All told, this is a fantastic camera for the money and a great choice if you happen to have a heavy right foot.
The best dash cam for Uber drivers and lift sharers
1/5Pocket-lint
ZENFOX T3-3CH TRIPLE CHANNEL DASH CAM
Zenfox T3-3CH triple channel dash cam
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Front QHD 1440P, Interior FHD 1080P and Rear FHD 1080P
The Zenfox T3-3CH is an excellent option for those who not only need eyes on the road but an inside view of the vehicle too.
Whether for safety sake or for peace of mind, taxi drivers or Uber drivers or those involved in lift sharing will appreciate this triple camera setup. Not only does this camera record both a front and back view, but also a nice wide angle view of the inside of the vehicle too.
The main camera can capture 1440p footage while the inside and rear capture at 1080p. Sony STARVIS sensors and Wide Dynamic Range tech and IR LEDs mean you get a great view from every camera whatever the conditions.
This one is easy to adjust too, with cameras that can be moved to the perfect position with ease. All this from a single power source as well. Fantastic.
As you’d expect, the Zenfox T3-3CH has a built-in G-sensor supporting variable sensitivity, so it’ll automatically capture and save footage in the event of an accident. You can also protect important clips with a click of a button too. Other highlights include built-in GPS accurately records the driving route, location, speed and time too, but for us, it’s the usability of this triple camera setup that makes it appealing.
Writing by Adrian Willings. Editing by Max Freeman-Mills.
Hopeful enthusiasts waited years for virtual reality (VR) to become accessible enough for the home. And with many of us suddenly stuck at home more, the idea of ‘leaving’ and entering a world of VR has become much more appealing.
But it’s not just boredom that’s made VR more enticing; it’s the tech too. Many things had to come together before at-home VR was plausible. Vendors needed to improve head-mounted displays (HMDs) so that VR gaming didn’t lead to nausea. We also needed headsets that were somewhat affordable. Of course, games and apps that make the next-gen tech worthwhile, like Half-Life: Alyx, are crucial. Today, it’s fair to say that VR gaming has all but arrived. We’re here to help you find the best VR headset for you so you can enjoy incredible, immersive games and experiences right at home.
VR has grown so much that there are various ways you to get into VR gaming. There are HMDs that connect to gaming desktops / gaming laptops, smartphones, as well as the PlayStation VR (PSVR), which connects to a gaming console. There are even standalone headsets, or HMDs that don’t need to connect to anything at all. Just strap it on, and you’re in VR. Plus, with distance learning growing, adding VR into the mix can help keep lessons immersive and engaging (Microsoft Flight Simulator counts, right?).
Below are the best VR headsets for PC and gaming that are actually worth escaping reality to enjoy. And if the VR headset you’re after doesn’t include a great set of headphones, be sure to check out our Best Gaming Headsets page so that sound quality and isolation isn’t the weakest link in your VR immersion.
When looking for the best VR headset for gaming, consider the following:
PC-connected VR has the best experience but requires an expensive system. The best VR gaming comes from headsets that you tether to a PC. But a VR-ready gaming PC starts at around $900 for a laptop, or a couple hundred less if you build your own PC. For more wallet-friendly VR, consider standalone HMDs that don’t connect to any system or alternatives that connect to your smartphone.
Is your PC / smartphone powerful enough for VR? Before buying a VR headset that relies on a PC or smartphone connection, you should ensure your device meets the headset’s minimum requirements. Steam has a free test for checking if your PC can handle VR, and we also test this in our gaming laptop reviews. If your PC or smartphone doesn’t meet the headset’s requirements, you might want to increase your budget or buy a standalone HMD instead.
When it comes to specs, bigger is better. In general, the greater the headset’s refresh rate, field of view (FOV), total resolution and pixel density (measured in pixels per inch or PPI), the smoother and sharper games will look.
Make sure your home has enough square footage. Depending on the headset, you may need a notable amount of physical space to properly game. For example, the Oculus Rift S recommends a 3 x 3-foot space minimum, and the PSVR recommends a 10 x 10-foot area.
Mind your glasses. You can usually wear glasses in VR, but some HMDs make this more comfortable than others. Check the headset’s IPD (interpupillary distance, the distance between the pupils in millimeters), which may be adjustable. Better yet, opt for an headset with a glasses spacer, like the Oculus Go or Rift S.
More options are coming. The HP Reverb G2 and XRSpace Mova are coming out this year. At CES 2020 in January, we saw upcoming HMDs hardcore enthusiasts may want to consider. The $450 Pimax Artisan is finally available, and we’re waiting on more news on the enterprise-focused, but incredibly interesting, Pico VR Glasses. And if you’re eagerly anticipating the PlayStation 5, note that the PSVR will work on the console, as Road to VR reported.
Best VR Headsets You Can Buy Today
The Oculus Quest 2 is the best VR headset for most gamers today. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Officially available for purchase today at $399, the Oculus Quest 2 is the best VR headset for most, offering a great upgrade over the original Oculus Quest. Qualcomm’s modern Snapdragon XR2 (Snapdragon 865) SoC proved to be a powerful chip bringing a fantastic VR experience even without any tethering to a powerful PC or even a smartphone. If you want, however, you can buy an Oculus Link cable for a PC connection
Oculus bumped the Quest 2’s resolution up to 1832 x 1920 per eye compared to the Quest’s 1440 x 1600 per eye. There’s also a unified panel here instead of one for each eye, as well as the ability to hit up to a 90 Hz refresh rate once the apps arrive.
But while the HMD is an upgrade over the last generation, the new Touch controllers accompanying the Quest 2 are not. Due to their bulky shape, these Touch controllers are hard to grip and lack balance. Additionally, the Quest 2 is sporting a brand new color, but unfortunately that white gets dirty easily.
Oculus is so sold on standalone VR that it’s discontinuing the Rift lineup of PC-only HMDs, including the Oculus RIft S. So if you want to get into VR, the Quest 2 is the easiest and best way to do it — and at a good price too.
Read:Oculus Quest 2 review
The best VR headset for PC gaming is the Valve Index. (Image credit: Valve)
2. Valve Index
Best VR Headset for PC
Connectivity: PC | Display: 2x LCD, canted | Per-eye Resolution: 1440×1600 | PPI: ? | Refresh Rate: 80, 90, 120 or 144 Hz (experimental) | FOV: Up to 130 degrees | Weight: 1.78 pounds (807.4g)
RGB subpixel array eliminates screen-door effect
Wider FOV than comparable headsets
Excellent audio quality
Very heavy
Less comfortable than the HTC Vive Pro
Cushions are glued on
If you’re looking for the best possible VR experience at home, you should get a HMD that tethers to a PC. Today, the best VR headset for PC is the Valve Index. It comes from Valve, the company behind Steam and the Lighthouse tracking system used by the HTC Vive Pro and HTC Vive. The Index also uses Lighthouse base stations (including those Vive owners would already have), but is a step up for consumers from the Vive Pro.
The Index experience is quite customizable with canted lenses that allow for FOV adjustments of up to 10 degrees. There’s also mechanical IPD control. But the Index is less comfortable than the Vive Pro due to a less balanced distribution of its slightly heavier weight (1.8 pounds versus 1.7 pounds) and a bulky data cable.
Gaming on the Index offers your choice of refresh rate, allowing for up to 144 Hz as an experimental feature. This means you can pick your refresh rate based on your system’s capabilities, but you’ll need a pretty powerful graphics card to surpass 90 Hz. The most exciting part of the kit is the long-anticipated Index controllers, which secure to your hand with various adjustments and allow open-hand movements for in-game actions like picking something up. Additionally, the Index controllers have capacitive touch sensors for finger movements and pressure sensors that can tell a game how firm or light your grip is.
Read:Valve Index review
The Oculus Go is the best VR headset for entry-level VR.
While this is still a great headset, Oculus recently announced that it’s discontinuing the Oculus Go. Since the Go won’t be getting any new features or apps after December 4, it’s remaining life is limited. However, Oculus will keep providing this budget-friendly headset with security updates until 2022. If you’re looking to futureproof, the Oculus Quest listed above is your next best option for more affordable VR. Sadly, any Oculus headset will require a Facebook login soon.
A quick, easy and affordable way to get into VR, the Oculus Go is the best VR headset for maintaining your budget. Like the Oculus Quest, the Go doesn’t need to connect to a PC or smartphone to work. Bonus: it’s great for glasses-wearers too.
On the other hand, the Go is the only headset here that has only 3-degrees of freedom (3-DoF) instead of 6-DoF. That means you’re not meant to walk around with it. In other words, don’t expect the same quality or level of immersion as you’d get from a PC-connected headset, like the Go’s more capable sibling the Rift S.
Read: Oculus Go review
Best Windows Mixed Reality Headset: HP Reverb G2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The HP Reverb G2 is the best Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headset for most; however, it struggles to compete with the other headsets on this page.
HP’s Reverb G2 does boast some nice improvements over the original HP Reverb, such as the move to antimicrobial materials and a boost in audio quality, thanks to HP using the same speakers found in the Valve Index. However, Windows MR tracking is still lacking. HP upgraded the HMD with two more cameras, but it still can’t match the tracking on other PC-connected HMDs, such as the Oculus Rift S. During testing, the headset would lose sight of our controllers if they were close to our chest or moving rapidly.
The plus side is that the Reverb G2 has fantastic image quality with very high per-eye resolution that makes things from games to text easy to enjoy. If image quality is top of mind, the Reverb G2 tops the list.But for gaming and other apps where the ability to track controllers is imperative, you’ll want to look at other headsets on this list.
The Oculus Quest 2 has excellent performance, striking visuals and is lighter than the old version. It has its shortcomings, such as uncomfortable controllers, but the HMD’s a worthy replacement for the original Quest and as Facebook’s sole VR headset.
For
Amazing resolution
Lightweight, compact and portable
Much more powerful than original Quest
Great price
Against
White picks up dirt and grime
Poor controller ergonomics
No Oculus Link cable in the box
IPD adjustment could be more precise
Oculus Quest 2 Tested: Specifications and Features
Editor’s Note: This review was originally published on September 16, 2020 and has been updated with new information.
Facebook is making a bold move with the Quest 2 VR headset announced today. Surprised by the original Oculus Quest’s success, which we considered the best VR headset for most enthusiasts, Facebook is doubling down with Quest 2.
Starting at $299, this VR headset is the key to Facebook’s vision of the future. Come 2021, Oculus will abandon headsets that require a PC connection, phasing out the Oculus Rift S and making the Quest 2 Facebook’s only VR headset. The Quest 2 ends the era of Rift, but is it worthy?
WIth its standalone form factor, it doesn’t require a PC or smartphone connection, making it easier for newcomers to adopt. It’s a more accessible and more powerful VR device that Facebook sees as the catalyst for mass adoption of VR. After playing with it for a couple of weeks, we tend to agree. It’s not perfect, but it’s really good!
Oculus Quest 2 Specs
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (Snapdragon 865)
Display
Fast-switch LCD: 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye, 72 Hz or 90 Hz refresh rate
IPD Setting
3 mechanical pre-sets (58mm, 633mm, 68mm)
Storage
64GB or 256GB of internal flash storage
Audio
Integrated speakers and microphone, single 3.5 mm audio jack, third-party accessories available
RAM
6GB
Battery
Built-in Lithium Ion battery (mAh undisclosed); 2-3 hours estimated runtime, 2.5 hour charge time
Facial Interface and Strap Material
Knit Mesh foam cushion, flexible fabric head strap
Tracking Technology
Oculus Insight inside-out camera-based 6-DoF tracking with motion controllers
Input
3rd-generation Oculus Touch controllers
Play Space Requirements
Stationary or room-scale; Room-scale requires a minimum of 6.5 x 6.5 feet (2m x 2m) of obstruction-free floor space
Dimensions
7.5 x 4 x 5.6 inches (191.5 x 102 x 142.5mm)
Weight
1.1 pounds (503g)
Price
64GB: $299; 256GB: $399
The original Quest headset included a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC that was a few generations old at the time. The Quest 2 is equipped with the latest XR chipset, the Snapdragon XR2. The new headset also includes 50% more RAM than the first Quest, giving developers a full 6GB to exploit. In the short term, the extra memory likely won’t have much benefit, but developers may take advantage of the extra RAM to add features to upcoming titles.
Resolution and Framerate Bumps
Oculus Quest vs Oculus Quest 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The Quest 2 runs at a significantly higher resolution than the previous generation. The original Quest’s panels offer a very respectable 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye. That’s higher than the Oculus Rift and on par with the HTC Vive Pro and Valve Index — all of which require a PC connection. The Quest 2 kicks things up a notch or two with a per-eye resolution of 1832 x 1920. That’s a 50% increase in pixels over the first Quest. The difference is subtle, but the crisper image is a welcome treat, especially if you’re concerned about the screen door effect.
Facebook’s new VR headset can also run at up to a 90 Hz refresh rate; whereas, the original Quest is locked in at 72 Hz. So, you’re getting a framerate increase, along with the resolution bump. But keep in mind that it’s up to developers to allow 90 Hz within their games. As of now, it’s not something you can choose to run outside of the Oculus Move fitness tracker that Oculus announced on November 13.
Industrial Design Changes
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The Quest 2 is much more performant than the previous model, but that’s just scratching the surface of the changes introduced on this new headset. Facebook learned a lot from the first Quest and Oculus Go budget standalone headset about what works for standalone VR and what doesn’t. The Quest 2 is the culmination of Facebook’s best insights into making a great VR headset—for consumers and Facebook.
Facebook’s Quest 2 is 10% lighter than the last one, partly due to its size decrease. Quest 2 is slightly narrower and shorter than the Quest, and the visor isn’t as deep either. Facebook even installed smaller tracking cameras on the front of the headset to help reduce the device’s size and weight.
Quest 2’s material construction also helps reduce weight. Gone is the fancy fabric exterior in favor of a simple plastic housing, which weighs less and, more importantly, is easier to clean. Facebook recommends using non-abrasive anti-bacterial wipes to keep the exterior sanitized.
Keeping the HMD clean is important for the usual obvious reasons, but also because the Quest is white, not black like other Oculus headsets. White makes it look nice at first, but any dirt or stain will show up immediately, so you will need to clean it regularly. Depending on how you look at it, that could be a good or a bad thing.
Redesigned Head Strap
(Image credit: Oculus)
The original Quest featured a semi-rigid rubber strap that didn’t conform well to your head and was easily the biggest con of the Quest’s design. The Quest 2 has a fabric strap, like the one found on the Oculus Go headset, which we find much more comfortable than the older model’s firm strap. The fabric here is made of an elastic that holds the tension on your head. The head strap has a simple adjustment in the back that doesn’t require any Velcro. There is an overhead strap that does have a Velcro adjustment.
The Quest 2’s head strap isn’t permanently affixed. Facebook created a custom snap-fit system that allows you to remove the strap for easy cleaning. You can hand wash the strap with mild detergent and hang it up to air dry. Again, a removable, washable strap is a welcome addition to the design not just because of the current global situation, but also because the strap is an off-white color that is sure to get dirty over time.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Additionally, the head strap is removable because you can buy upgrades for it. More on that later.
Simplified IPD Adjustment
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Interpupillary distance adjustment (IPD) is somewhat of a hot-button topic in the VR headset market. Oculus was crucified by its fan base when it launched the Rift S without a mechanicalIPD adjustment that allows wearers to change the distance between the two lenses to align with the distance between their pupils. The original Quest adopted the original Rift CV1’s fabric-covered lens calibration system, which is absent from the Quest 2’s plastic shell. Images of the new Quest leaked in July, which made it seem like the lenses may be affixed in place. We’re happy to say that’s not the case, but IPD adjustment still isn’t what you may be accustomed to.
Facebook saved money on the Quest 2’s IPD solution by reducing it from a linear adjustment to three pre-established placements. The Quest 2 supports 58mm, 63mm and 68mm placements, conveniently labelled 1, 2 and 3 on the headset. To adjust the lens placement, you grab hold of the lens housing and slide it to the desired location. There are no switches or buttons to press.
Quest 2 doesn’t have a software calibration to fine-tune the IPD adjustment further, so you may have trouble finding the perfect alignment, but the offered range should suffice for most people. We prefer a more precise adjustment solution, but that would probably increase the overall price and weight of the Quest 2, so it’s, perhaps, a worthy concession.
Among other slight changes, the Quest 2 dropped one of the two headphone jacks found on the Quest, and features a relocated power button. Facebook also relocated and reoriented the charge port to a position that would work great with a 90-degree USB-C cable. Ironically, the original Quest included a 90-degree cable, but the Quest 2 package contains a standard straight-ended USB-C cable. Worse yet, it’s only 3-feet long;whereas, the original Quest had a 10-foot long charge cable, so you didn’t need to put it on the floor when you plug it in.
Oculus Quest 2 Touch Controllers: A Step Backward
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Oculus controllers have evolved over the years. When the Rift first launched, the input device of choice was an Xbox One controller. Soon after, Oculus released the highly praised, first-generation Touch controllers. Those controllers offered capacitive touch sensors, two face buttons, a menu button, a thumbstick and a thumb rest, plus a trigger and grip buttons.
The second-generation Touch controllers were a small iterative change from the original controllers, which were altered mostly for compatibility with the Quest and Rift S’ inside-out tracking system. The new controllers were slightly smaller than the first-gen Touch controllers, but Facebook did away with the thumb rest, which, according to the vendor, was a sore spot for many fans.
As such, the Quest 2 includes newly redesigned controllers that bring the thumb rest back. The Quest 2’s Touch controllers look like a cross between the first two generations.
Unfortunately, the new controllers are a step in the wrong direction. Their bulky shape does not lend well to a comfortable experience. The controllers’ top is quite bulbous, which makes it difficult to get a good grip on the controller. My index finger must be extended quite far to reach the trigger with the tip of my finger. That forces my hand to sit in a more open position than it does with the previous versions of Touch.
The result is a much less balanced controller. Despite balance being one of the main points that Palmer Luckey highlighted when he first revealed Touch to the world, it feels like the designers of these next-gen Touch controllers put no consideration into balance at all.
To make matters worse, because of the extended index position, my thumb rides up pretty far on the controller’s face. The placement of the A, B, Y and X buttons and the thumbsticks works fine, but I struggle to find the menu button when I want to, and my thumb doesn’t rest naturally on the thumb rest.
Facebook said it designed the new Touch controllers in response to customer feedback complaining about the lack of thumb rest. However, the added thumb rests make the controllers’ shape too bulky, which negatively affected my ability to hold the controller securely.
While playing Pistol Whip, I frequently thought I was going to drop the controller. The problem wasn’t as prominent in Beat Saber because the triggers aren’t needed. The combination of swinging the controllers and needing the trigger button makes for a cumbersome controller experience. After playing for about an hour while compensating for the controller’s inferior balance, my hand cramped up.
Unfortunately, there’s no going back. The new headset is not backwards compatible with the Quest and Rift S’ Touch controllers. That is incredibly disappointing for all the third-party companies that make accessories for Quest and those who already bought accessories but want the Quest 2. Not carrying over support for the old controllers is a massive oversight and missed opportunity for more choice for the customer.
The new Touch controllers still employ disposable batteries stashed inside the handle. The original Touch controllers had a novel magnetic battery cover, which carried over to the second-generation model. For the third iteration of Touch controllers, Facebook discarded the neodymium in favor of a plastic,pressure-fit mechanism. The move likely saved a few grams of weight and a few dollars in manufacturing cost, but it’s a slick feature that I’ll miss.
The design of the new Touch controllers isn’t all bad. Facebook managed to improve efficiency so the controller lasts four times as long on a set of batteries compared to last gen. The construction of the controllers also feels more robust than the previous iteration.
Facebook also said it upgraded the haptics system, but we didn’t notice much of a difference.
Oculus Quest 2 Accessories
One of the most exciting features of the Quest 2 is its support for accessories to customize the headset to your tastes. Facebook is offering both first-party accessories and has partnered with third-parties to develop additional Quest 2 specific upgrades.
For starters, Facebook developed two optional rigid head straps that look a lot like the PSVR’s mechanical strap. The Elite Hard Strap ($49) provides a dial to adjust the size and tension of the fitment. Facebook also offers a deluxe option called the Elite Hard Strap With Battery ($129) that doubles the Quest 2’s battery life. The battery fits in the rear of the strap to help balance the weight distribution. We have not yet tested the upgraded strap options, so comfort levels are unknown.
Facebook is also offering a facial interface pack, which includes one wider and one narrower face cushion and a light-block accessory that covers the nose opening to reduce light-bleed.
As for third-party accessories, Facebook partnered with VRCover to develop a PU leather cushion replacement, which should be available in time for the Quest 2’s launch. Logitech is also working with Facebook to provide headphone and earbud options, including the $50 G333 in-ear headphones, with short cables suitable for Quest 2.
So, What About Content?
The Oculus Quest is a lot like a game console for VR, so you may be wondering about the content available for Quest 2. Often when a new console comes out, old games aren’t playable on it. Fortunately, that is not the case with the Quest 2. The headset is compatible with the entire back catalogue of Quest content.
Facebook wants to grow its user base as much as possible, and the quickest way to sabotage that to split the content library into segments for each headset. Everything you can play on Quest, including the library of ported Go software, will work on Quest 2. We may even see some older titles get an update to support the 90 Hz display mode in the future.
Quest 2 is also compatible with the entire Rift software library, thanks to Facebook’s USB tethering solution called Oculus Link.
Oculus Link
One of the most impressive features about the first-generation Quest was its ability to double as a standalone headset and a PC-VR headset via a separate Oculus Link cable, killing two birds with one stone.
Quest 2 also supports Oculus Link, but it’s sold separately for $79. That’s the future of Facebook’s VR offerings. With the launch of Quest 2, Facebook is making the full transition to standalone VR. The company will phase out the Rift S in the spring of 2021, after which the Quest 2 will become Facebook’s sole VR headset option. From that point on, every Oculus VR device will give you the options of taking it on the go or plugging it into a gaming PC.
That is perhaps the biggest reason that we’re disappointed with the bundled charge cable. Oculus wants you to spend extra money for the privilege of using the Quest 2 on your PC. And while that’s not explicitly unfair, it leaves a bit of a sour taste in one’s mouth. A better solution would have been a longer bundled cable, with an upgrade option for the better quality optical Oculus Link cable.
Oculus Link on Quest 2 works the same way as it does on Quest. Just plug your Quest 2 into a gaming computer with the Oculus software installed and enable the Oculus Link option in the setting menu on the headset. It should ask you to confirm that you want to enable Oculus Link, at which case you’ll see the Rift home screen and content library. SteamVR is also supported, but you’ll need to launch games from the desktop.
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Best LG TVs Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best LG TVs you can buy in 2020.
When it comes to buying a new TV, it obviously pays to do your research and shop around. But if you’ve previously owned an LG TV and want to stick with the same look and feel, or you’ve done your research and established that one of the company’s OLEDs is just what you’re looking for, it’s time to narrow your search down to a specific model.
It almost goes without saying now, but LG makes some of the best 4K OLED TVs around. Not only that, it also sells OLED panels to rival manufacturers such as Panasonic, Philips and Sony, who then use them in their own TVs. In short, there’s no greater authority in OLED tech than LG.
All of the TVs recommended here are LG’s own. All are 4K OLEDs that support HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG (but not HDR10+), and all have HDMI 2.1 sockets that support next-gen features such as eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).
All of the sets in our list use LG’s own colourful webOS operating system. On the surface it looks good and is pretty simple to get to grips with, but if you’ve been reared on Android TV or Samsung’s Tizen system, some menus take a bit of getting used to. It’s also worth mentioning that LG’s 2020 sets are currently lacking the UK’s core catch-up apps, including BBC iPlayer. If you buy one of the 2019 models that’s still available, you will get those apps, although you’ll also get a slightly less accomplished picture performance.
Got all of that? Then here are the best LG TVs you can currently buy.
MORE:
Best 4K TVs
(Image credit: LG / The Boys, Amazon Prime)
1. LG OLED48CX
LG has produced the first sub-50in OLED of the 4K era – and it’s just as brilliant as we’d hoped
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 48in (also available in 55in, 65in, 77in) | Type: OLED | Backlight: not applicable | Resolution: 4K | HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Operating system: webOS | HDMI inputs: 4 | ARC/eARC: eARC | Optical output: Yes | Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 62 x 107 x 4.7cm
Reasons to Buy
Flagship-level OLED performance
Dramatic but natural picture
Forward-looking feature set
Reasons to Avoid
Missing UK catch-up apps
Pricey for its size
We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Finally, you can buy a 4K OLED TV that’s smaller than 55in. In fact, it’s quite a lot smaller: the OLED48CX is, you guessed it, a 48in TV, and therefore brings flagship OLED performance to under 50in for the first time.
And it really is a fabulous performance. This isn’t a downgraded flagship TV – it’s a downsized flagship TV. It offers the same performance and features as its bigger brothers in the CX range (which, let’s remember, also match the more expensive GX, RX and WX in terms of picture quality and processing), but in a smaller, more lounge-friendly package.
The performance is superb. The perfect blacks and near-perfect viewing angles we’re used to from OLED, combined with bright, punchy whites and vibrant but natural colours. LG’s motion processing in 2020 is the best it’s ever been, too, and its OLEDs continue to impress in terms of upscaling 1080p and standard-def content.
On top of all that you get certified HDMI 2.1 sockets that support next-gen features such as eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), HFR (High Frame Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and all current formats of VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Those last two features will be of particular appeal to those gamers looking to upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X this Christmas.
One fairly big downside for UK buyers is that all of the UK’s catch-up apps, including BBC iPlayer, are currently missing from LG’s 2020 smart platform. You can obviously add these fairly easily and inexpensively by adding a streamer such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, but you really shouldn’t have to.
Read the full LG OLED48CX review
(Image credit: LG / Paatal Lok, Amazon Prime)
2. LG OLED55CX
The core model in LG’s 2020 OLED TV range is an astonishingly capable all-round performer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55in (also available in 48in, 65in and 77in) | Type: OLED | Backlight: not applicable | Resolution: 4K | HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Operating system: webOS | HDMI inputs: 4 | ARC/eARC: eARC | Optical output: Yes | Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 4.7cm
Reasons to Buy
Picture is exciting but natural
Improved motion and dark detail
More future-proofed than most
We’ve already covered the new 48-inch version of the CX above, but it’s worth remembering that the 55-inch model is still available and arguably offers better value for money.
For not a huge amount more, you get seven extra inches of OLED panel real estate and all of the excellent picture qualities and advanced features of its smaller sibling. It sounds a bit better, too, thanks to the bigger chassis, although the CX isn’t the best-sounding TV in its class.
Of course, the 55in CX also shares its little brother’s lack of UK catch-up apps, and that will put some people off right away, but if you can forgo the likes of BBC iPlayer (or don’t mind adding them via an external source), this is an extremely compelling all-rounder.
Read the full LG OLED55CX review
(Image credit: LG / Bosch, Amazon Prime)
3. LG OLED65GX
LG’s 2020 OLED TV range gets off to a superb start with this beautifully designed ‘Gallery’ model
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 65in (also available in 55in, 77in) | Type: OLED | Backlight: Not applicable | Resolution: 4K | Operating system: webOS | HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDMI inputs: 4 | USBs: 3 | Optical output: Yes | Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 2cm
Reasons to Buy
Consistent, natural performance
Improved motion and dark detail
Lovely design
Reasons to Avoid
Currently lacks UK catch-up apps
No feet or pedestal in the box
While most people will be more than satisfied with one of LG’s C-class models, which are the most affordable sets with all of the company’s best picture processing, this GX takes that same picture and adds more powerful sound and a beautiful design.
This is LG’s ‘Gallery’ model, and as such is entirely intended for wall-mounting. You don’t even get a stand in the box (although feet can be bought separately), with a low-profile mount provided instead. The set is a uniform 2cm deep, which is exceptionally slim. The CX, by comparison, is 4.7cm deep at its thickest point.
Picture-wise, LG has taken the exemplary performance of its 2019 OLEDs and improved it in a few key areas, with dark detail, colour richness and motion handling all getting a worthwhile boost. The set sounds decent, too, particularly for one with essentially invisible speakers.
The only issue for UK buyers is the current lack of catch-up apps such as BBC iPlayer, but LG assures us it’s working on this. Either way, this is a stunning TV.
Read the full LG OLED65GX review
(Image credit: Future / Jack Ryan, Amazon Prime)
4. LG OLED65B9PLA
LG’s B9 OLED features combines a 2018 processor with a 2019 panel for extra affordability.
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 65in (also available in 55in) | Type: OLED | Backlight: not applicable | Resolution: 4K | HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Operating system: Tizen | HDMI inputs: 4 | ARC/eARC: eARC | Optical output: Yes | Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 4.7cm
Reasons to Buy
Brilliant colour
Good detail
Great price
Reasons to Avoid
Average dark/light production
Audio a touch muffled
The LG B9 is a mixture of the old and the not so old – it combines the company’s 2018 TV processor with its 2019 OLED panel. This makes it the most affordable model in LG’s 2019 OLED range and an even more tempting proposition than before thanks to recent discounts.
The picture is natural, colourful and well-measured for contrast whether you’re watching in 4K or upscaling from HD, and whatever processor power is missing certainly won’t ruin your TV experience.
Looks-wise, this LG is typically neat. From the front, it’s virtually all screen with a miniscule frame and a small, central, black plastic plinth taking the weight of the set. Just four screws anchor the panel to the stand but it feels sturdy enough.
Fully-certified HDMI 2.1 sockets bring with them a degree of future-proofing and there are more than enough sockets to accommodate any device you might care to attach. UK buyers also get access to the catch-up apps that LG’s 2020 OLEDs are currently missing.
Catch-up apps aside, the new 2020 models are undeniably better and it’s worth paying the extra for one of those if you can. As far as this price proposition goes, though, the LG OLED65B9PLA gets our full vote of confidence.
Read the full LG OLED65B9PLA review
Best Sony TVs 2020: LCD, OLED, HD, 4K HDR
Best TVs 2020: Budget to premium 4K Ultra HD TVs
Best OLED TVs 2020: The best budget and premium OLED TVs
(Pocket-lint) – Alongside numberous other games and products, such as Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Mario Kart Live Home Circuit, Nintendo has reintroduced a classic handheld device as part of Mario’s 35th anniversary celebrations. It has brought back Game & Watch, but with a few key differences to make it an essential purchase for retro games fans and collectors alike.
Modelled on the original single-screen handhelds (albeit with 1981’s gold casing, rather than 1980’s silver), the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. edition is as small and light as we remember and wonderfully 80s in style.
It has more buttons than the original Game & Watch devices, as you get more than the one LCD game to play, plus a D-pad that is brand new, but it still retains the look and feel of Nintendo’s classic portables.
Pocket-lint
Other things to have been enhanced for this modern edition include the display, which is now full colour and backlit. The brightness can be adjusted along with the volume through a tiny mono speaker on the side. There is also a rechargable battery – which is charged through USB-C.
An on/off button can be found on the side, while the “Watch” in the title is still served through a timepiece mode – albeit one with Mario jumping and doing Mario-style things in the background.
In terms of games, you get a Mario version of the first ever Game & Watch game Ball. His head has replaced the round noggin of the stick guy but the game’s concept is identical.
Pocket-lint
You must juggle two or three balls (depending on the mode) but simply moving Mario’s hands left or right in time with the balls. It’s basic and that’s the point – the original game was limited to set LCD positions so therefore only allowed up to three hand placements on either side. However, as the balls fly through the air more quickly, ensuring to get to each ball as they arrive at hand height gets trickier.
On top of that, you also get the NES classics Super Mario Bros. plus Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (otherwise known as Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan).
Pocket-lint
We have to admit, we actually own copies of the same platformers on a number of systems now, not least the NES Mini and the Nintendo Switch (through Switch Online). Still, it’s great to have them on a portably you can literally fit into a pocket to take on your travels.
The emulation seems spot on (it’s more than likely the same as the aforementioned versions) and the games can be paused through the dedicated button or simply by switching off the handheld – it’s intuitive, simple stuff.
Brace yourselves, Call of Duty gamers – the excuses are coming! (promo)
First Impressions
We loved the era of gaming that Nintendo’s Game & Watch is most remembered for. And, although we never owned Ball, we did spend hours on end on a Fire machine we got as a present (you had to catch people from a burning building). This brings back many happy memories therefore.
Our only main concern is that it’s perhaps a bit pricey for nostalgic reasons along, as it sports a couple of games we already have access to multiple times. But then it is a collectable too, with a reproduction version of the original Ball box as part of the packaging.
Pocket-lint
If you don’t mind the cover price, you do need to be quick with ordering one as it will only be available until 31 March 2021 or when retailers’ stock runs out, whichever is soonest.
Many still remember earlier days with bulky tube devices. The LCD technology for monitors has just 24 Years under their belt and also quite hesitantly prevailed. Today, a high-resolution flat screen is so much part of normal office equipment that you would rather notice its lack. Time to take a look at the development of less than three decades.
In spring 1994 reported c’t from a 10, 4-inch color monitor with VGA resolution (640 × 480 pixels), which is for proud 10. D-Mark was offered. The exorbitant prices in spite of the miserable resolution and enormous dependence on viewing angles were due to the immature LCD production – at the time there were rumors of reject rates 70 Percent.
In the following two years the first LCD monitors came with 15 inches diagonal to the market, the resolution increased to 1024 × 768 pixels (XGA). At over 4800 D-Mark, the devices were still extremely expensive. In the 1990 in the years, voluminous tube monitors (CRT, Cathode Ray Tube) dominated the desks: good devices with 20 Inch diagonal set 1280 × 1024 Image points (SXGA) on a visible image area with 18 inch diagonal – part of the picture surface disappeared behind the tube surround.
LCD monitors initially only analog LC displays were able to do theirs The advantage over CRTs – a flicker-free, crisp display – does not initially play out because they are operated in analogue mode just like CRTs. The monitor manufacturers had to re-digitize and synchronize the analog video signals from the graphics card. Several LCD monitors flickered because of this.
At CeBIT 1998 were finally presented the first graphics cards that had digital signal outputs in addition to analogue outputs. In the same year, c’t tested LCD monitors on a large scale for the first time – twenty devices with diagonals between 13 , 8 and 15 inch for 2700 to 4800 D-Mark. Their viewing angles were extremely narrow – when viewed from the side, the image was milky, viewed from below it was often inverted. The flat displays were celebrated anyway.
The first purely digital LCD also took part in the said comparative test: Siemens-Nixdorf supplied it with one matching graphics card, it showed 1024 × 768 pixels to just 35 Centimeter (13, 8 inches) in the diagonal and cost a proud 3700 D-Mark.
The first purely digital Monitor from Siemens-Nixdorf, the MCF 3501 T, was delivered with a graphics card.
The first 18 – Zöller came in the middle 1998 to the c’t laboratory. They came from NEC and Eizo and cost 6000 D-Mark four to six times as much as one Comparably large tube monitor. Your screen size was rated as great, the image quality was only medium. In the following years, prices fell rapidly, which the supermarket chains also took care of – monitor offers provoked queues in front of Aldi, Plus & Co. at the time. A 15 – Zöller cost middle 2001 only 700 D-Mark. However, most of the devices used TN panels that were dependent on the viewing angle and only had an analog signal input. Only from about 2003 monitors with VA and IPS technology with stable viewing angles became affordable.
Digital connections are changing the time: P&D, DFP, DVI, HDMI, DP, USB-C (from left)
Growing diagonals and above all higher resolutions finally forced the switch to digital input. As is usual with many fundamental changes, this switch resulted in a jumble of digital connection options, including P&D, DFP and DVI. For Apple’s own DVI variant ADC, you even needed your own, very bulky power supply. In the entertainment electronics segment, the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ultimately prevailed, while the DisplayPort asserted itself in the PC sector. Many PC monitors also offer HDMI, some even VGA.
Some LCD manufacturers from the very beginning are still represented on the market today, such as BenQ, Philips and Samsung. But do you still know Belinea, Natcomp or Highscreen?
LEDs instead of cold cathodes A milestone was the change of the backlight: Instead of cold cathode lamps (CCFL, Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp), 2006 small Light emitting diodes (LEDs) illuminate the LCD background. First, the manufacturers used colorful RGB LEDs in the backlight, which made the monitors extremely colorful, but also extremely expensive.
The first inexpensive blue LEDs, whose light was converted into “white” light via yellow diode caps was found from about 2008 in monitors. While the LED backlight has long been common in notebooks, the complete switch to the more energy-efficient LED technology in PC monitors only took place after 2010 . With the mercury-containing CCFL tubes, the shimmering in the screen background also disappeared, the monitor housings became lighter and the displays even thinner.
3D -Displays and wide formats From 2009 there was a 3D intermezzo : Monitors whose stereo images could be viewed by users with red-green glasses, bulky shutter glasses or lighter polarized filter glasses – and cumbersome driver settings. In the same year the format of the flat screens changed from 4: 3 or 5: 4 to wide formats like 15: 9 , 16: 9 or 16: 10. This was not due to the changed viewing habits of the users, but simply to new panel factories: In order to utilize the fabs for wide-format flat screen televisions, monitor panels were also produced there.
3D monitors found End of 2000 years also with c’t great approval.
More pixels The full HD resolution already common in TV with 1920 × 1080 Pixels then also caught on in monitors. From about 2010 were 27- and 30 – Inch screens are offered with even more pixels, namely with 2560 × 1440 (15: 9) or 2560 × 1600 Pixels (16: 10).
2012 The first high-end devices with ultra-high resolution (UHD, 4K) such as Eizos FDH 360 For 25. 000 Euro in trade up, down 2013 the 4K resolution for monitors became more affordable. The initial connection problems soon subsided and the prices also fell quickly: Two years later, 4K monitors with TN panels cost just 500 Euro.
With the resolution, the screen diagonals increased – 32 – Zöller with 80 centimeters Diagonals suddenly became conceivable for the desk. c’t therefore checked in in the spring 2015 whether the cheaper 4K TVs can also be converted into large monitors.
Approximately from 2013 came oversized monitors with 2560 × 1080 or even finer 3440 × 1440 Pixels in fashion. Many of the screens were slightly curved in order to keep the distance between the screen surface and the viewer’s eye constant. The wide displays were initially smiled at – today they are indispensable.
2015 Apple, Dell and HP presented the first 5K displays with just under 15 Millions of pixels, two years later Dell triumphed again with the first 8K monitor doubled 32 millions of pixels. Such giants are still reserved for a few, very expensive devices.
Displays for gamers Likewise 2015 Gaming fans were delighted with the first monitors, whose image output synchronized with that of the graphics card delivered frames ran. For Nvidia’s G-Sync, the monitors required a fan-cooled module that ensured synchronization. For AMD’s FreeSync, a variant of the vo In the Adaptive Sync specified by VESA, there was no need for an expensive module – there were initially no displays for both technologies. This camp formation only ended 2019 , when Nvidia had an appreciation and presented so-called G-Sync compatible devices.
2017 the USB-C port found its way into the monitors as a video input. Since it also transmitted USB data and power in addition to DisplayPort video signals, the monitors could be used as docking stations for notebooks.
High contrast for videos The high contrast display was initially reserved for TV displays until they 2017 also appeared in PC monitors. However, the first tests of HDR monitors were sobering – differences between the display with and without HDR could not be recognized. The VESA specified the high-contrast reproduction on PC monitors only end 2017 in the DisplayHDR standard.
Enable the next step to increase the contrast Mini-LEDs, which were now evenly distributed on the display’s back instead of on the edge of the display and could be individually controlled Asus made the first device with countless tiny LEDs for full array local dimming (FALD) with his 32 – inch ProArt monitor with mini LEDs in front, beginning 2020 Apple followed suit in this country with the Pro Display XDR. The prices for these high-end monitors – they cost between 3000 and 6000 Euro – same as those in the middle of the 1990 years for the first LCD -Monitors had to put on the table.
Outlook: LEDs or OLEDs? Mini-LED backlights will eventually become mainstream in monitors. The alternative to this would be organic displays, but there will probably not be OLEDs in monitors for the foreseeable future – scaling to smaller diagonals works only very hesitantly, even in the TV sector.
Real LED displays, at where each pixel is realized with three light-emitting diodes, on the other hand, could first find its way into small, very special and therefore very expensive monitors. Until then, however, LCD technology will dominate the world of monitors for a long time.
It’s been a busy week for video game hardware. This week saw the debut of two next-generation platforms, with the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S devices. Each platform is built around new advances like ray-tracing and quick-loading SSDs. Meanwhile, today, Nintendo is releasing… a clock that plays Super Mario Bros. It might seem like strange timing, but it’s also perfectly in keeping with Nintendo’s history: this is a company that almost always goes its own way.
The new Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. is an exceptionally cute piece of hardware. It’s modeled after the classic Game & Watch handheld — the precursor to the Game Boy — with a color scheme inspired by the original Japanese Famicom console. In terms of functionality, the device is incredibly straightforward. It has three built-in games, most notably the first SMB game. There’s also Super Mario Bros. 2, better known in the West as The Lost Levels, a truly evil sequel that remixes the first game with devious features like killer mushrooms. Rounding out the lineup is Ball, a simple-yet-surprisingly-fun version of the 1980 LCD juggling game, this time starring Mario.
The games are all solid ports, and the screen is nice and bright while the handheld has a great D-pad. I’ve found myself picking up the Game & Watch regularly to sneak in a level or two whenever I have a few spare minutes. The lack of frills is almost nice: I can really focus on just playing the game. It even has save states, so you can pause the game and return back to the same spot whenever you want. Outside of the games, the Game & Watch’s main function is, well, as a watch. One of the face buttons reads simply “time,” and pushing it will bring back a Super Mario-themed clock with the plumber running and jumping across classic Mushroom Kingdom locales. The in-game time of day even changes along with the real world.
Photo: Nintendo
If I’m being honest, the device is purely a novelty. There are better and easier ways to both play Super Mario Bros. and check the time. But the Game & Watch has the right blend of nostalgia and functionality to make it worth checking out for me. I certainly don’t need it, but I want it. It’s similar to Nintendo’s line of miniature consoles, which kicked off a surprisingly long-running trend following the release of the NES Classic way back in 2016.
Here’s the thing: only Nintendo would release a kitschy, novelty handheld the same week that its biggest competitors are launching ambitious home consoles. The situation is indicative of Nintendo as a whole. While Sony and Microsoft are focused on out-maneuvering each other, Nintendo is in its own world, divorced from concerns like frame rates or 3D audio or 4K graphics.
This isn’t always a good thing. Often, Nintendo’s single-minded nature leads to outright failures, like the ahead-of-its-time Wii U. But right now, the company’s distinct focus is a clear positive. Just yesterday, Nintendo revealed that the Switch has been the top-selling console in the US for 23 straight months, and its global lifetime sales are soon to eclipse the Nintendo 3DS. Meanwhile, Animal Crossing: New Horizons — which only released in March of this year — is already the Switch’s second-bestselling game, moving more than 26 million copies.
It’s not clear how long this momentum will last. Maybe one day Nintendo will finally release a 4K Switch, as has long been rumored. For now, though, the company’s current philosophy — that an underpowered tablet with great games is the best experience for most people — is working. And it appears that no amount of intimidating next-gen consoles will change that.
It’s a good day for subscribers of Tidal’s HiFi service: millions of tracks from Warner Music Group have now been added to the streaming service’s catalogue as high-resolution Tidal Masters. New Tidal Masters albums include works from The Notorious B.I.G., Missy Elliott, LCD Soundsystem and Madonna.
Tidal has also improved the discovery of Tidal Masters – and in doing so the overall hi-res streaming music experience – by introducing ‘Master Edition’ Artist Radio and Track Radio, which allow subscribers to listen to an uninterrupted stream of Tidal Masters tracks based on their listening habits. Also in response to listeners’ requests, Tidal has also added the Master Edition of My New Arrivals, a personalised playlist of newly released music.
For the uninitiated, Tidal Masters are hi-res (typically 24-bit/96kHz) tracks available to subscribers of Tidal’s £20/$20-per-month HiFi service. Hi-res streaming comes courtesy of MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which efficiently captures and stores original studio master recordings as files that are small and convenient enough to stream, without the sonic sacrifices traditionally associated with compressed files.
(Image credit: MQA, Tidal)
Streamers of Tidal Masters have apparently doubled since 2019, and Tidal HiFi users now stream 40 per cent more tracks than they did last year. This latest Warner Music Group expansion means Tidal now offers the largest MQA catalogue outside of China. If you haven’t yet tried Tidal HiFi but are curious about streaming in optimum sound quality (and why wouldn’t you be?), now is a good time to try it: Tidal is currently offering new subscribers three months of the service for just £3 ($3) – that’s just £1 ($1) per month for glorious hi-res streaming!
UK: Tidal HiFi hi-res streaming just £3 for 3 months
US: Tidal HiFi hi-res streaming just $3 for 3 months
It’s been a big month for Tidal. The service recently launched Tidal Connect – a similar concept to the Spotify feature with the same suffix. The ‘casting’ feature allows subscribers to control music streaming (including of Tidal Masters and Dolby Atmos Music tracks) on compatible products (from Bluesound, Cambridge Audio, DALI and KEF, for example) directly from within the Tidal mobile apps.
MORE:
First Tidal Connect products confirmed: NAD, Naim, KEF and more
Samsung has a striking smartphone in development with a transparent housing, which consists of 100% screen surface and has a sliding camera system.
Samsung has now released several smartphones with a flexible display, including the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable smartphones. However, a flexible screen is not only applicable to foldable devices. For example, a bendable screen can also serve to create a wrap-around display smartphone, such as the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha with Surround Display introduced last year.
Samsung also seems to be investigating the possibilities of developing a smartphone that consists completely of screen surface. Although the device that Samsung has patented is significantly more advanced than Xiaomi’s Mix Mix Alpha.
This time, there is no frame visible at all – not even at the top and bottom and not even around the camera system. The Samsung smartphone that LetsGoDigital reports on today consists of 100% screen surface. It is not only the design where this phone is progressive, Samsung also seems to have some very special functions in development.
Samsung Galaxy phone with surround display
The brand new patent entitled ‘Electronic device’ was applied for by Samsung Electronics at the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) in July this year and was published on October 29, 2020 and included in the database of the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office), for worldwide protection of the patented technology.
The 70-page documentation describes in detail how Samsung wants to realize this special smartphone design. The mobile phone is provided with several screens to enclose the entire device with a display surface.
A curved display is used for the front. A flat screen is applied to the back and several semi-rounded displays are used for the edges. Different types of screens can be used, including an AMOLED or LCD display. In practice, you will not realize that it concerns multiple displays, the content can – depending on the app – simply flow from one screen to the other.
For the development, especially in the rounded corners, it is easier to process multiple screens than one large display. Nevertheless, as an alternative, the documentation also mentions the use of one large wrap-around screen, which is folded around the entire device. This would make it easier to adjust the display resolution and also saves on power consumption.
To give some life to the patent sketches, in-house 3D designer Giuseppe Spinelli (aka Snoreyn) made a series of product renders, based on the images and documentation as patented by Samsung Electronics. These 3D color renders are for illustrative purposes only, to better visualize the proprietary technology.
Samsung smartphone with transparent housing
The housing is made of a transparent material that can transmit light, such as transparent acrylic or transparent polymer material. By making the housing transparent, and having it consist of two parts, it can be placed over the screen – which of course makes a big difference with all models available today.
All necessary components are placed inside, even under the surround display, for this purpose support columns are used. Thus, the components are not visible despite the housing being transparent.
The transparent housing has several advantages, as this device can adapt to the environment – like a kind of chameleon! For example, the device as a whole can change depending on external factors, such as the weather.
For example, the smartphone can receive weather information and display it on the entire screen. Is it raining or snowing? Then the drops literally fall off your screen. Predefined graphic elements are used for this. The same also applies to your state of mind. The device can track your activities and thus provide comprehensive information about your health and / or training performance.
The documentation also mentions the possibility of scanning the environment using the camera. The colors from the environment are detected, after which the smartphone will show an image similar to the environment in which it is located. As an example, there is talk of pebbles that are located within the camera range of the smartphone.
The color information of these stones is captured by the camera, then the device searches for matching images and displays them on all display panels. This way your smartphone can completely disappear in its environment.
Are you at a metro station? Then the camera can not only detect color information from the metro station, sound can also be detected through the microphone. The content displayed on the smartphone screen will then correspond even better to the environment in which the user finds himself.
Thanks to AI (Artificial Intelligence), this device can also recognize user patterns and adjust the information displayed accordingly. Do you always drive to work around the same time in the morning and always check the weather forecast in advance? After doing this a number of times, your phone will recognize the patterns and then automatically display the weather report of the particular location you are in every day at time X. This works the same for displaying traffic information etc.
Samsung smartphone with sliding camera system
Samsung has even more details in store for this surround display smartphone with transparent housing. Samsung also wants to provide this device with a sliding mechanism to hide the cameras. By sliding the rear part of the housing down, relative to the front part, the camera system with flash appears.
The camera is mounted on the front housing and is aimed at the back, in order to be able to take regular photo and video recordings. Since the device also has a screen at the rear, you can easily turn the smartphone around to be able to take selfies or make video calls with the same camera system.
By using a sliding mechanism, no camera is visible when you use the device folded – like a normal smartphone. This is a clear difference from the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha’s vertical camera strip. As this Samsung smartphone consists entirely of screen, the device will have a very striking and futuristic appearance, especially in combination with the transparent housing.
Although a sliding camera offers sufficient photo and video possibilities, the documentation also mentions a second camera module that is placed under the screen. This camera is directed towards the front, so that it can be used to detect the user, in order to determine which displays should be switched on based on use.
For example, is the phone lying flat on the table, or is it held in the hand? Depending on the use, the device determines which display and / or displays should be activated. At the edges, the content will continue from the main screen – regardless of whether you are using the front or back screen.
The display that is not in use can show a preset graphic object, such as a photo of your beloved dog. Thumbnails can also be displayed on the side surfaces. As an example, the documentation mentions the camera application, where thumbnail images of your most recently captured photos are displayed along the edges of the screen.
By simply clicking or dragging such a thumbnail image you can view it enlarged. If desired, the user can also easily display that particular thumbnail image on the rear screen.
Another example mentioned in the patent documentation; a video is shown on the front, by turning the device over you will see the corresponding information of that video – think of the file name, recording date, video resolution and file size. Are you with several people and do you want to enjoy a movie together? Then you can also decide to show the video on all displays at the same time. The video can also be displayed in split-screen mode.
The necessary sensors will be placed under the display, including a fingerprint sensor and possibly also the speaker. Remarkably, no buttons or connectors are visible on the patent illustrations. The documentation states that this unit can be turned on and off via the screen – instead of a physical power button. For this, a piezoelectric film sensor is used, which generates a voltage (electrical charge) as soon as a touch is detected on the screen, after which the display will be switched on.
Replacement for the SIM compartment can be found in the eSIM (built-in electronic SIM) – just like the Motorola RAZR 2019 can also be used exclusively with eSIM. High-end devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Apple iPhone 12 offer the possibility to use an eSIM thanks to dual SIM functionality, but can also be used in combination with a physical nano-SIM if desired.
Although no USB-C connection is visible on the patent images, the documentation does mention the possibility of wireless and wired charging. It would not be the very first smartphone without buttons and connections though, the special Meizu Zero was introduced at the beginning of last year – where the model name refers to the fact that this phone has “zero” holes and notches.
Uniquely designed Samsung smartphones
LetsGoDigital already reported on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with a 3D curved display last year. Samsung also patented the design of a dual display smartphone and even a Samsung smartphone with a transparent display is not entirely new.
Such Samsung smartphones are not yet available, but that does not mean that Samsung is unable to produce such phones. The market must also be ripe for it, in addition such a smartphone should deliver sufficient extra added value, compared to the higher price.
For example, the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha was introduced in September 2019, this particularly futuristic smartphone with wrap-around display and 108MP camera carried a suggested retail price of € 2,500. The device was to be produced in a limited edition, but was ultimately never brought to the market. The exorbitant sales price will undoubtedly be related to this. However, that does not alter the fact that the technology is already there.
Incidentally, it is too easy to think that Samsung has copied the ideas for this surround display smartphone from Xiaomi. Because the Koreans already registered a patent in their homeland Korea in 2016, on which this new patent is further elaborated. Partly for this reason, it is certainly not unlikely that such Samsung prototypes already exist – no matter how futuristic they look like.
However, the question remains whether such a smartphone can deliver sufficient added value and when the price / quality ratio will be sufficient to actually put such a device on the market.
Samsung Galaxy Z Series
If Samsung wants to release such a mobile phone, it is certainly not inconceivable that it will be placed within the relatively new Galaxy Z series. This also includes the foldable phones, such as the Z Flip and Z Fold 2.
Most likely, the Galaxy Z Flip 2 will be the next foldable device from Samsung, but this folding phone is not expected until the summer of 2021. First up is the release of the Galaxy S21 series, these high-end smartphones will probably already be announced in January.
Last year, the Z Flip was introduced simultaneously with the S-series devices, however Samsung seems to be making a small change in the coming year. The Samsung S21 is expected a month earlier than usual, while the Z Flip 2 will be released a few months later.
View the documentation of the Samsung Surround Display smartphone here.
NOTE :The product images shown in this publication are created by in-house designer Giuseppe Spinelli (aka Snoreyn). The renders are for illustrative purposes only, this product is not for sale. The images are based on the patent drawings from Samsung Electronics. You can use this 3D artwork for free, as long as you include a clickable source link into your publication. Thank you very much for understanding.
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