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G-Technology ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD Review: Your Phone is the Key

Our Verdict

G-Technology’s ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD is ready for almost any condition or abuse and comes with secure, always-on 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption.

For

+ Competitive 10 Gbps performance
+ AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
+ Rugged design
+ 5-year warranty

Against

– Single 2TB capacity
– Bulky size
– Costly

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Features and Specifications

By leveraging your phone’s biometrics, such as touch or FaceID, G-Technology’s ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD makes passwords a thing of the past in an attempt to remove the most common inconvenience when it comes to data security — entering a password. The ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD is a secure portable storage solution with fast, consistent performance of up to 1 GBps of sequential read/write throughput that keeps your data safe with always-on 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption. Plus, it carries robust abuse ratings that ensure it will maintain reliability in the toughest conditions, perfect for those adventurous types.

Data security is becoming more important for a large swath of users, from creators in the media and entertainment industry to professionals in finance, government, healthcare, IT enterprise, and legal fields. Password protection backed by AES 256-bit encryption is the norm for those who need to ensure the data they have remains locked down and secure. Ranging from a simple password manager launching within the host OS to alphanumeric keypads with PIN protection and even fingerprint scanners, we have seen quite a few ways of unlocking password-protected storage devices over the years. Unlocking your secure storage with only a phone app seems convenient; let’s put it to the test.

Specifications

Product	ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD 2TB
Pricing	$499.99
Capacity (User / Raw)
Interface / Protocol	USB-C / USB 3.2 Gen 2
Included	USB Type-C & USB Type-C to USB Type-A
Sequential Read	1,000 MBps
Sequential Write	1,000 MBps
Interface Controller	ASMedia ASM2362
NAND Controller	WD Architecture
DRAM	DDR4
Storage Media	WD 96L TLC
Power	Bus-powered
Endurance	IP55 water-dust resistant
	2-meter drop protection
	1,000 lbs. crush resistant
Security	AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
Dimensions (L x W x H)	134 x 82 x 19 mm
Weight	200 g
Part Number	0G10484-1
Warranty	5-Years

G-Technology’s ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD is available in just one 2TB model priced at $400. The SSD delivers up to 1,000 MBps of sequential throughput. Unlike most consumer-grade SSDs, the ArmorLock NVMe SSD’s write performance won’t significantly degrade below its rated performance under high abuse. Of course, that is assuming that it is connected to a compliant USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. The company backs it with a long five-year warranty for peace of mind, too.

Software & Accessories

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G-Technology includes two twelve-inch USB cables, one Type-C, and one Type-A to Type-C, with the ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD.

ArmorLock App

You configure and manage the device through the company’s ArmorLock app, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Not only does the app enable firmware updates, formatting, and even secure erasing the device, but it can also track the last known location of the SSD and simplifies multi-user and multi-drive management. You cannot unlock the ArmorLock drive by connecting it directly to a PC — you have to use the app. As such, at installation, the app creates a recovery key that you store separately. This key allows you to install the app onto another phone if you lose your phone or uninstall the application, thus enabling you to unlock your storage device.

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A Closer Look

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G-Technology’s ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD features a fairly rugged design and an activity indicator light. It carries an IP67 dust and water resistance rating and can handle a three-meter drop, and the company states that it boasts 1000-pound crush resistance. Its thick finned aluminum core aids with heat dissipation, but it comes at the expense of size.

While the device is pocketable, it is very large at 134 x 82 x 19 mm, and the plastic casing gives it a clunky and toy-like feel in the hand. We were even able to twist the casing, which ironically helped during our disassembly process. It is also fairly heavy, weighing roughly 200 grams, which is two to three times heavier than many portable SSDs.

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G-Technology’s ArmorLock uses a Bluetooth low energy module by Raytac that’s based on a Nordic nRF52840 SoC solution that allows communication between your drive and the app. When plugged in, the ArmorLock Encrypted NVMe SSD’s LED indicator light will show it is locked until you unlock the device with the app.

The ArmorLock uses 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption, which provides stronger data protection by taking advantage of two AES keys instead of just one, and NIST P-256 elliptic curve-based key management to eliminate side-channel attacks, ensuring data stored on the devices remains secure.

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An ASMedia ASM2362 USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 GBps to PCIe 3.0 x2 bridge chip manages host-to-SSD communication. G-Technology outfitted the ArmorLock with WD SN730 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3-compliant SSD. This SSD is similar to the SN750 but comes as a client solution that uses BiCS4 96-Layer TLC flash. It features a multi-core, DRAM-based architecture and offers plenty of speed to saturate the bridge chip’s capability.

MORE: Best SSDs

MORE: How We Test HDDs And SSDs

MORE: All SSD Content

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Features and Specifications

Next Page 2TB Performance Results

Corsair RM750x (2021) Power Supply Review

Our Verdict

The new Corsair RM750x (2021) achieves top performance, isn’t noisy, and is equipped with a top-notch ML fan.

For

+ Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
+ High overall performance
+ Silent at low and mid loads
+ Fully compliant with ATX v2.52
+ Highly efficient at light loads
+ Long hold-up time
+ Low inrush current
+ Magnetic Levitation fan
+ Two EPS and four PCIe connectors
+ Fully modular
+ 10-year warranty

Against

– High OCP triggering points on the minor rails
– A small overall efficiency boost would be nice
– The fan speed profile could be even more relaxed
– In cable capacitors
– Small distance between peripheral connectors

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Specifications and Part Analysis

It wasn’t easy to deliver a better product than the existing RM750x (2018), but Corsair managed to do this, and the new model achieves notably better performance. Compared to the previous model, it loses in quietness, but you cannot call it noisy with 28 dBA overall noise output. All in all, this is an excellent power supply, so that it will replace the older RM750x in our Best PSU Picks article. Notable competitors are the XPG Core Reactor 750W and the Seasonic Focus GX-750.

Corsair decided to make some notable changes in its RMx line, among the most popular ones in today’s market. This was not an easy task since the existing RMx units only counted three years in production and delivered excellent performance and silent operation simultaneously. When you try to upgrade something that is already very good, you face many challenges since you also have to keep the budget under control.

The new Corsair RMx (2021) line consists of five models with capacities ranging from 550W to 1000W, and the main differences with the previous models are depicted below.

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Product Photos

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We will look at the third stronger member of the new RMx line in today’s review, with 750W capacity. The RM750x is made by Channel Well Technology, like the rest of the line, and all of its cables are modular. The external design looks nice, and the fan grille, with the triangle perforations, doesn’t look so restrictive. The PSU’s dimensions are normal, which is a good thing since the smaller the power supply, the higher the noise output.

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Product Photos

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Specifications of Corsair RM750x

Manufacturer (OEM)	CWT
Max. DC Output	750W
Efficiency	80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Gold (87-89%)
Noise	Cybenetics A- (25-30 dB[A])
Modular	✓ (fully)
Intel C6/C7 Power State Support	✓
Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load)	0 – 50°C
Over Voltage Protection	✓
Under Voltage Protection	✓
Over Power Protection	✓
Over Current (+12V) Protection	✓
Over Temperature Protection	✓
Short Circuit Protection	✓
Surge Protection	✓
Inrush Current Protection	✓
Fan Failure Protection	✗
No Load Operation	✓
Cooling	140mm Magnetic Levitation Fan (NR140ML)
Semi-Passive Operation	✓
Dimensions (W x H x D)	150 x 85 x 160mm
Weight	1.64 kg (3.62 lb)
Form Factor	ATX12V v2.53, EPS 2.92
Warranty	10 Years

Power Specifications of Corsair RM750x

Rail		3.3V	5V	12V	5VSB	-12V
Max. Power	Amps	20	20	62.5	3	0.3
Max. Power	Watts	150	750	15	3.6
Total Max. Power (W)		750

Cables & Connectors of Corsair RM750x

Description	Cable Count	Connector Count (Total)	Gauge	In Cable Capacitors
ATX connector 20+4 pin (610mm)	1	1	16-20AWG	Yes
4+4 pin EPS12V (650mm)	2	2	18AWG	Yes
6+2 pin PCIe (600mm+150mm)	2	4	16-18AWG	Yes
SATA (500mm+110mm+110mm+110mm)	1	4	18AWG	No
SATA (520mm+110mm+110mm)	2	6	18AWG	No
4-pin Molex (450mm+100mm+100mm+100mm)	1	4	18AWG	No
AC Power Cord (1400mm) – C13 coupler	1	1	18AWG	–

There are two EPS and four PCIe connectors, which are enough to deliver the unit’s full power without any issues. The number of peripheral connectors is increased, and our only complaint here is the small distance between the 4-pin Molex connectors. SATA drives’ slots might be close to each other in most chassis, not in all, though, but this usually is not the case for the devices that take power from 4-pin Molex (e.g., case fans). Finally, the in-cable caps can be a headache during cable routing and management.

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Cable Photos

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Component Analysis of Corsair RM750x

We strongly encourage you to have a look at our PSUs 101 article, which provides valuable information about PSUs and their operation, allowing you to better understand the components we’re about to discuss.

General Data	–
Manufacturer (OEM)	CWT
PCB Type	Double Sided
Primary Side	–
Transient Filter	4x Y caps, 2x X caps, 2x CM chokes, 1x MOV
Inrush Protection	NTC Thermistor SCK-037 (3 Ohm) & Relay
Bridge Rectifier(s)	2x GBU1506 (600V, 15A @ 100°C)
APFC MOSFETs	2x On Semiconductor FCPF190N60E (600V, 13.1A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 0.19Ohm)
APFC Boost Diode	1x Power Intergrations QH08TZ600 (600V, 8A @ 95°C)
Bulk Cap(s)	2x Nippon Chemi-Con (400V, 470uF & 390uF each or 860uF combined, 2,000h @ 105°C, KMW)
Main Switchers	2x On Semiconductor FCPF190N60E (600V, 13.1A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 0.19Ohm)
APFC Controller	Champion CM6500UNX & Champion CM03X
Resonant Controller	Champion CU6901VAC
Topology	Primary side: APFC, Half-Bridge & LLC converter Secondary side: Synchronous Rectification & DC-DC converters
Secondary Side	–
+12V MOSFETs	6x On Semiconductor NTMFS5C430N (40V, 131A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 1.7mOhm)
5V & 3.3V	DC-DC Converters: 2x UBIQ QM3054M6 (30V, 61A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 4.8mOhm) & 2x UBIQ QN3107M6N (30V, 70A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 2.6mOhm) PWM Controllers: UPI Semi uP3861P
Filtering Capacitors	Electrolytic: 7x Nippon Chemi-Con (1-5,000h @ 105°C, KZE), 7x Nippon Chemi-Con (4-10,000h @ 105°C, KY), 1x Rubycon (4-10,000h @ @ 105°C, YXJ) Polymer: 33x FPCAP
Change Over Switch	1x Sync Power SPN3006 MOSFET (30V, 57A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 5.5mOhm)
Supervisor IC	Weltrend WT7502R (OVP, UVP, SCP, PG)
Fan Controller	Microchip PIC16F1503
Fan Model	Corsair NR140ML (140mm, 12V, 0.27A, Magnetic Levitation Bearing Fan)
5VSB	–
Rectifier	1x PS1045L SBR (45V, 10A) & IPS ISD04N65A
Standby PWM Controller	On-Bright OB5282

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Overall Photos

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Like the RM1000x model, which we reviewed first, the OEM didn’t change, so Channel Well Technology (CWT) makes the new RMx units. The platform has several differences to offer improved performance and ATX v2.52 compatibility. The major change is the new fan, and the PCB’s dimensions haven’t changed, so there was space for a 140mm fan, allowing for good airflow.

The build quality is high, and CWT used good parts, including On Semiconductor FETs, Japanese caps by Chemi-Con and Rubycon, and lots of FPCAP polymer caps.

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Transient filter

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The transient filter has all required parts to provide adequate protection and, at the same time, suppress both incoming and outgoing conducted EMI emissions.

The inrush currents are suppressed by an NTC thermistor and relay combination, which does a good job.

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Bridge rectifiers

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The bridge rectifiers are powerful and are installed on a dedicated heat sink, so they won’t get too hot even under high loads and increased operating temperatures.

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APFC converter

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The APFC converter uses two FETs, provided by On Semiconductor, and a single boost diode. The bulk caps are by Chemi-Con, and their combined capacity is high enough to provide for a longer than 26ms hold-up time.

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Main FETs and primary transformer

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The main FETs are installed in a half-bridge topology, and an LLC resonant converter is also used to boost efficiency. The resonant controller is a Champion CM6901VAC IC.

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12V FETs and VRMs

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Six FETs regulate the 12V rail while a pair of DC-DC converters generate the minor rails.

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Filtering caps

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Chemi-Con mostly provides the filtering caps, so there won’t be any issues in the long run. Besides electrolytic caps, we also find a large number of polymer ones by FPCAP.

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5VSB Circuit

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The 5VSB rail uses an SBR on its secondary side, and the standby PWM controller is an On-Bright OB5282 IC.

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Supervisor IC Board

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The Supervisor IC is a Weltrend WT7502R, supporting all basic protection features but OTP (Over Temperature Protection). The latter is implemented through another circuit.

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Modular Board

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There are several bus bars on the modular board for power transfers with minimized energy losses. Many polymer caps are also installed on this area for lower ripple on all rails.

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Soldering quality

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Soldering quality is satisfactory, but in some areas of the PCB’s finish doesn’t look so good.

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Cooling fan

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The major change between the previous and the new RMx generation is the Magnetic Bearing fan, able to withstand super-tough operating conditions without sweating.

MORE: Best Power Supplies

MORE: How We Test Power Supplies

MORE: All Power Supply Content

If you’re more into hi-fi than music, that’s a problem

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Always give your opinion piece an incendiary or inflammatory headline, and then follow that up with a provocative statement and a hardline stance you’ll spend the rest of the article attempting to climb down from:

There is no such thing as a test track, no such thing as real music and nobody takes your existence as self-appointed cultural gatekeeper at all seriously.

I’m not referring specifically to you, of course. But we all know someone to whom this does refer, don’t we? (If you don’t then please concentrate, because I probably am referring to you.)

Firstly, I have to raise my hands and admit my role in this circus of snobbery. I am a part of this industry, after all, which tends to celebrate machinery over art. I spend most of my time explaining why a lack of dynamic expression with this or that component makes it undeserving of your attention beyond my review.

I don’t even hide particularly well the part I play in the whole test track phenomenon, to be honest. I’ve written literally tens of articles listing them and my name is on the top of every single one.

But if there is a hill I’m prepared to die on, it is that music cannot be treated as a science. Music is vital, and it is to do with the soul. Not forgetting that is the key to doing this job.

Missed the What Hi-Fi? Virtual Show? You can still register and watch all the sessions until 24th May, completely free of charge.

Cleanliness is not always next to Godliness

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So I suppose it’s worth distinguishing between what I refer to as test tracks in those articles, and what I mean for the purpose of this one.

When I test an amplifier or pair of speakers, I have to use music. There’s no real way around that. So by definition there are test tracks, but their only defining feature is that they are music. Some highlight certain aspects of sound better than others, and that is what I try to get across when making suggestions, but mostly I’m just trying to share music I like. The most important point is that those lists are varied.

What I can’t abide is the idea that there are tracks that can and tracks that can’t be used for testing hi-fi. That only the very cleanest recordings, or those of a certain genre, are capable of telling us how well a piece of equipment is performing.

Testing a pair of speakers, for me at least, is only about whether they allow that music to speak. And if I can’t hear the music, metaphorically I mean, then further listening is required to find out why not. But that most important aspect invariably reveals itself almost immediately.

In fact, using only one type of music while tuning something is a common pitfall of even the most experienced engineers and designers. That’s because it forgets why we have a pair of speakers, or an amplifier, or a CD player. It is as a mouthpiece only.

It is not the lungs, nor the voice box, nor the brain figuring out what to say. That is all to do with the music; and that means any music. There is no hi-fi music, there is no real music, and there isn’t even good music; there is just music.

So, who is it with whom I’m actually arguing? Well there are some people like this inside the industry, of course, though they only reveal themselves really when a product they’ve created or a brand they represent has received a less favourable review than hoped for.

To make this point, I once referenced the same piece of music in a five-star review that had caused great consternation when used in a four-star write-up for the same brand, and heard nothing about its unsuitability second time around. Petty, yes, but the legs of this high horse could not have grown themselves.

I am also speaking to a small section of some of our readers. Or, at least, I am talking to certain people who comment on our articles and on social media; I know that actually reading an article beforehand is not truly a pre-requisite when one aims to have an opinion.

I do read those comments though because, as much as I enjoy being abrasive, I am also extremely sensitive and want to make you all happy. I am also genuinely interested in finding out what you have been listening to, and what you’d add to various lists. What I’m not interested in is why the production of certain records is not good enough for testing a headphone amplifier, as if it is the job of the music to make the kit sound good rather than the other way round.

A wider problem

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Still, it is quite a trivial nuisance to be so animated about; I’ll give you that. But I think the reason I am so is because it’s symptomatic of a larger problem of pretentiousness present among so-called music fans.

The idea of music as a meritocracy makes me nauseous. And those who consider their tastes better or more refined than others, or any more worthy of note due to some arbitrary parameters, can quite honestly miss me with their nonsense.

I will make a couple of concessions. There is, I understand, objectively bad music. Anybody who has given up time to attend a child’s recorder recital frankly deserves some kind of tax relief. And I’ve played enough gigs in empty halls to know the majority of unsigned bands make their contractual status abundantly clear within a few bars of their opening number.

It is fun to make sweeping statements about music, too. And sometimes, despite being hugely reductive, those also end up being true. All 80s pop songs sound like Christmas songs, for example. But the concept of real music or good music almost constituting a separate genre is as excruciating as it is insulting.

That said, we all know immediately what someone listens to when they opine as such, don’t we? It’s either things with guitars – usually from the 1960s to 1980s, with a smattering of more modern bands they believe to share the same influences, but never anything more brusque than Led Zeppelin – or it is western classical.

Rarely, if ever, are they referring to music that wasn’t created either at the time or within the culture in which they grew up, or fed to them at an early age. For the record, in twenty years these types of people – currently teenagers – will be saying the same thing when referring to trap and drill, and they’ll be equally as wrong.

Bach, Beethoven, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits: all real music, yes, but not even beginning to scratch the surface of the art form, or what you could hope to put forward as definitive.

The duty of a music fan

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You don’t have to listen to every type of music, of course, and you are allowed narrow but very intense tastes. I’m not trying to be a hypocrite; I’m attacking an attitude, not anyone’s musical palate.

Because of course it gets continually more difficult to find music you like. And that’s the case for everyone, since music began. Nothing is going to hit you now in the same way your favourite artists did when you were 14 years old. Nothing will ever be so immediate, nothing will ever be so fresh.

But then you’ll probably remember your elders at the time telling you just how awful that music was, how it was derivative and who came up with it first. And hopefully, if you were any sort of 14-year-old at all, you’ll have told them where to go.

It’s okay to be that kind of adult now, too. You can’t be expected to bite your tongue each time a new act is just a little overly inspired by the band that helped shape your adolescent personality. But, just as younger generations don’t have to listen to Madonna to enjoy Lady Gaga, you have to remember things weren’t better or particularly that original back then either.

It boils down to having a kind of a duty as a music fan. If things aren’t hitting the same way as they did, you need to broaden your horizons. Instead of saying something isn’t real or good, look further afield until you find something different that you do like. Past a certain point in our lives, and certainly as more artists and genres clamour for our attention, we can’t expect music to just happen to us any more.

If you truly open yourself to all types of music, put in the work and still only like albums released by bands beginning with P, released in the first half of 1978, then fair enough. Nobody can question your diligence.

But remember, when you’re speaking to someone with differing tastes, what you like isn’t hi-fi music, isn’t real music and isn’t good music. What you like listening to is just music.

MORE:

Why not wash this down with a selection of our favourite test tracks?

12 of the best-produced recordings to test your speakers
40 of the best 1990s albums to test your speakers
65 great British albums to test your hi-fi system

Roku does customizable buttons right on the Voice Remote Pro

Roku has a strange relationship with remotes: it’s one of the worst offenders when it comes to branded buttons, with a seemingly ever-rotating list of streaming services — Netflix, Sling, even Rdio at one point — that have come and gone over time. One of its remotes even bears a mysterious glyph that’s never been used for anything.

And yet, Roku also leads the pack when it comes to customizability. For the last couple years, some of its remotes have offered programmable buttons, and its recently released Voice Remote Pro elevates them to new heights.

The programmable shortcut keys, labeled with just a 1 and a 2, are almost infinitely customizable. And Roku actually has the software support to back them up in an easy and approachable way, one that the updated Voice Remote Pro’s mic makes even easier with its hands-free commands.

Speak any voice command — be it as basic as opening a streaming app that Roku doesn’t have a sponsored button for, or as complex as “lower the volume to 10 percent” — and then press and hold the button afterward, and you instantly create a shortcut to do that action on command.

As my colleague Chris Welch explains in his review:

The buttons labeled “1” and “2” can save any voice command that Roku supports; just long-press either button after the voice command, and it’ll be set as that button’s function. This can be as simple as using them as two shortcuts for apps that don’t have their own button, like “open HBO Max” or “open Peacock.” But you can also use the shortcut buttons for searches (“show me free movies”), input selection (“switch to antenna TV”), or TV controls (“turn the volume up,” “turn on closed captioning”).

It’s a clever system, one that leverages Roku’s voice controls to allow for complex commands, without requiring that users muck around with complicated software menus to program in exactly what they want. You just say what you want your Roku to do, and then save it for as long (or as little) as you need.

Roku’s customization system is also easily reprogrammable on the fly: want a dedicated button that just plays Iron Man 2? You can have it. Trying to learn French by watching Netflix’s Lupin? You can quickly make a button to toggle captions. The only real limit is your imagination (and Roku’s surprisingly deep bench of voice command options).

Roku’s system also helps to alleviate one of the biggest issues with voice assistants — sometimes, you don’t want to bother your housemates with the noise of you constantly asking your TV to change channels. Once programmed, the shortcut buttons make it possible to use complex or long voice commands silently, making them the perfect complement to Roku remotes’ similarly roommate-pacifying headphone feature.

It’s a system that’s so useful, it’s a wonder that companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google — all of which feature set-top boxes with their own robust voice assistant setups — aren’t looking to offer a similar feature in the future.

Voice remotes are all well and good, but at the end of the day, no one wants to hear you shouting over the sound of the latest episode of your favorite show.

Motorola Moto G Play (2021) review: a fairly good phone for a very good price

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The Moto G Play is the least expensive of four phones that Motorola introduced for the US market earlier this year. Introduced at $169, it’s already enjoying an apparently permanent $10 mark down, placing it firmly in budget territory.

Most of what you’ll find on the G Play’s spec list makes a lot of sense given that price point: a 6.5-inch 720p LCD with standard refresh rate, Snapdragon 460 processor with 3GB of RAM, and a generous 5,000mAh battery.

There’s another factor that might sway some shoppers toward the G Play, too: as LG leaves the budget phone space and its remaining stock disappears from retailers’ shelves, Motorola’s budget-friendly phone will be one of a smaller number of options. In the US. we haven’t seen the kind of sub-$150 devices from Motorola that the company has introduced in other markets this year, so for now, the G Play is a likely candidate for the budget-oriented phone shopper’s consideration.

There are a couple of aspects of the phone’s feature set that feel underwhelming even considering the price: namely, a paltry 32GB of storage (though it can be expanded after the fact) and a 13-megapixel main camera when more advanced, high-resolution pixel-binning sensors are becoming the norm at every price point, for example. But in short, the G Play performs just fine for its price. Just know that you’ll need to bring patience and acceptance of a few shortcomings, and that spending an extra $50 to $100 if your budget allows would get you some meaningful upgrades.

The G Play’s 6.5-inch display is a bit low-res for its size and hard to see in bright outdoor light.

Moto G Play performance and screen

The G Play uses a Snapdragon 460 chipset which was introduced over a year ago and is an entry-level Qualcomm processor. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, it manages to keep up with routine tasks like jumping between apps and scrolling social media, albeit with subtle-but-noticeable stuttering along the way. Heavier tasks like starting and stopping Google Maps navigation take an extra couple of beats. It’s not as frustrating as my experience with the LG Stylo 6 was, but it’s a step down from the kind of performance you can expect from a phone that’s $50-100 more expensive, including those in Motorola’s own G-series lineup.

The screen, likewise, gets the job done but doesn’t particularly shine. Its 720p resolution is stretched thin across the 6.5-inch display and images are noticeably pixelated. Colors are on the cooler side and the screen is a bit dim unless you max out the brightness. Even with the brightness cranked all the way up I had a hard time seeing it outdoors. We spend so many hours looking at our devices that this is one area where it might be worth upgrading. That said, there isn’t exactly anything wrong with the display — it’s just not very nice.

There’s better news on the battery front. The G Play includes a 5,000mAh battery, which is significantly bigger than the typical 4,000 or 4,500mAh found in other comparably sized Android phones. Motorola claims it will get three days of battery life, which is probably true if you’re a light user and conservative with your screen brightness. I had no problem getting two days on a charge with a couple of hours each day of screen-on time. A full day and then some of heavy use is definitely reasonable to expect.

The Moto G Play includes just 32GB of storage — about as low as it gets in 2021. Considering roughly half of that will be taken up with operating system files, it’s just not enough. Storage is expandable via microSD card, so plan on that extra $10-15 as a necessary part of the purchase if you don’t already have one.

The G Play ships with Android 10 installed. While it’s on Motorola’s list to receive an Android 11 update, the timing is unclear and, given the company’s track record, could be many months away. The phone will receive security updates until January 2023. That’s an unfortunately short life span, so you might want to count on trading it in or cashing in your upgrade with your carrier after a couple of years.

There’s just one camera on the Moto G Play’s rear panel — plus a depth sensor and a flash.

Moto G Play camera

The G Play has just one 13-megapixel rear-facing camera (accompanied by a 2-megapixel depth sensor) and a 5-megapixel selfie camera. That’s it. Even in the budget class, that’s not many cameras in 2021. I don’t think anyone (myself included) will miss having the low-quality macro camera that manufacturers keep putting on their devices these days, but not having an ultrawide is a bummer considering it’s not hard to find a phone that offers one at this price.

If nothing else, the G Play’s camera offerings are very straightforward. There are just two main shooting modes in the native camera app: photo and video. Portrait mode and a few other extras are available in the shooting menu, but there’s no night mode here.

Outside in good lighting, this 13-megapixel camera does okay. Overall exposures are balanced and the camera doesn’t try to do too much HDR-ing, which I appreciate, but you don’t have to look too close to notice that details in grass and leaves are smoothed over. Things go downhill quickly in less good light — the G Play just isn’t up to low-light photography. The selfie camera is also guilty of aggressive over-smoothing at its default “Face Beauty Auto” setting that made my face look like a glazed donut. Thankfully, you can turn this off.

The G Play is well-priced for what it offers, but spending a bit more would mean some valuable upgrades.

Clearly the G Play has its share of shortcomings — at $160, it has to. The question is whether these are trade-offs you can live with for a couple of years. If you enjoy a very casual relationship with your phone, the G Play will do all of the things you need it to do.

Everyday performance for the basics — light web browsing, social media, email, music — is sufficient. If you just use your phone camera for quick snapshots out and about and don’t expect too much from it, the G Play will do fine.

If you suspect that you need a little more from your phone, or that you want the experience of using your phone to be a little more enjoyable, then I’d strongly encourage spending a bit more on something like Motorola’s own Moto G Power for a better camera. Samsung and OnePlus have recent entries in the sub-$200 class that are worth looking at, too; I haven’t tested them, but they’re specced competitively.

If your relationship with technology is less complicated than those of us who spend hours each day of our precious time on this Earth staring at the little glowing screen in our hands, jumping between social media apps, and pushing our phone cameras to their limits, then you’ll get along fine with the Moto G Play. Just spare a thought for the rest of us, please?

Photography by Allison Johnson / The Verge

Amazon’s pay raise for over 500,000 workers comes at an interesting time

Amazon has announced that over 500,000 of its workers will get a permanent increase in their hourly wages starting in mid-May, from as low as an additional 50 cents an hour to as much as three extra dollars per hour (via GeekWire). That’s a substantial chunk of its 1.3 million person workforce getting at least a small pay bump, and the company shared that it’s investing over $1 billion in these pay increases. Amazon said that it’s also on a hiring spree for “tens of thousands of jobs across our operations in the US.”

Amazon previously recognized its warehouse and delivery workers with a $2 pay bump last March as the company worked to meet increased demand during the pandemic, but that was a temporary raise that disappeared in May 2020, shortly after the United States had reached 100,000 deaths; the coronavirus pandemic has killed over 400,000 additional people in the United States since then. The company confirmed to The Verge that the pay bumps announced Wednesday are permanent, however, and new hires will be eligible for them as well.

Here’s the full text of Amazon’s announcement, from Amazon’s Darcie Henry:

Amazon is hiring now for tens of thousands of jobs across our operations in the U.S., and we’re looking for great people to join our Customer Fulfillment, Delivery, Package Sortation, and Specialty Fulfillment teams. In support of this effort, we pulled forward our annual fall pay review for these teams and will be rolling out increases from mid-May through early June.

More than 500,000 people will see an increase between at least 50 cents and $3 an hour, which is an investment of over $1 billion in incremental pay for these employees. This is on top of our already industry-leading starting wage of at least $15 an hour and the more than $2.5 billion that we invested last year in additional bonuses and incentives for front-line teams. These jobs come with a range of great benefits, like medical, dental, and vision coverage, parental leave, ways to save for the future, and opportunities for career advancement—all in a safe and inclusive environment that’s been ranked among the best workplaces in the world.

Other teams are continuing with their regular annual compensation review plans, which will occur throughout the remainder of 2021.

Wednesday’s news comes just a day before the company’s earnings tomorrow, April 29th. It also arrives as a fired Amazon worker is attempting to unionize other warehouse employees after the failed union vote in Bessemer, Alabama.

Akko 3084 World Tour Tokyo Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Introduction

Akko, a brand not even 5 years young yet, has created waves already with some fantastic keycap sets that have grabbed the eyes of many around the world. Our own introduction to the brand came in the form of their Neon keycap set, and thanks to Epomaker, we have our hands on a full Akko keyboard this time around. Thanks again to Epomaker (and Akko) for sending a review sample to TechPowerUp!

Perhaps fittingly with all the delays to the event, this review will hopefully come up when the fervor to the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics is still ongoing. Akko wanted to create a whole series dedicated to Tokyo, nicknamed World Tour Tokyo, including multiple keyboards in different form factors, as well as accessories consisting of replacement keycap sets, a wrist rest, and even a desk mat. The common theme is a pink base with designs that take inspiration from popular Japanese elements, such as Mt. Fuji and Sakura. The Akko brand is also one of very few to offer uncommon keyboard sizes, which I wanted to take advantage of by going with the 84-key version seen above. We will go over all the features in detail and begin with a look at the specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Akko 3084 World Tour Tokyo Bluetooth Keyboard
Layout:	84-key, 80% form factor in a modified US ANSI layout
Material:	ABS plastic case, PBT plastic keycaps, and steel plate
Macro Support:	Yes
Weight:	0.85 kg/1.88 lbs.
Wrist Rest:	Available for purchase separately
Anti-ghosting:	6-key rollover Bluetooth and N-key rollover USB
Media Keys:	Available as a layered function
Dimensions:	126 (L) x 315 (W) x 38 (H) mm
Cable Length:	6 ft/1.8 m
Software:	No
Switch Type:	Choice of Cherry MX Red, Brown, or Blue mechanical switch
Backlighting:	No
Interface:	Bluetooth 3.0 or USB
Warranty:	One year

Oppo Find X3 Neo review: Can it compete?

(Pocket-lint) – There will always be those who clamour for the latest specs, studying all the latest flagships to ensure that when they eventually part with their hard-earned cash it goes on the device that has the top numbers. Those phones will come with the highest resolution screens, the latest processor, and the most cameras on the back.

But here’s the thing: you don’t necessarily need all of those things. Which, if you’re looking to save a bit of cash, is where the likes of Oppo’s Find X3 Neo comes in. Unlike its predecessor, the Find X2 Neo, Oppo’s second-in-command phone from its Find X series has a previous flagship chip instead of a current mid-range processor. Does that make it the perfect balance of power to price?

Design & Build

Dimensions: 159.9 x 72.5 x 7.99mm / Weight: 184 grams
Finish options: Galactic Silver / Starlight Black

In a market filled with big-scale devices, it’s always a relief – specifically for the hands – when a smartphone comes along that’s noticeably more nimble. That’s the Neo through and through.

Pocket-lint

The Find X3 Pro was noticeably more comfortable to hold than most of its competitors, and the Neo is smaller and therefore feels even more compact in the palm.

It’s about 8mm thick, which is technically thicker than an iPhone 12, but its curved edges on the front and the back make it feel sleek and slim when you actually hold it. The camera protrusion on the back is fairly minimal too. Despite featuring four cameras, it retains that compact rectangular design of the phones that came before it, not the more heavily protruding set – like you’ll see in, say, Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Captured in the right kind of light, the Find X3 Neo’s shape and overall design has a minimalist quality about it. The dark blue/black model we were sent for review – that’s where the Starlight Black name comes from – has an unmistakeable glittery quality to it. It also has a soft almost-grippy texture to the glass on the back, but a visual sparkle whenever it catches the light. We have a feeling you’ll either love or hate this.

Pocket-lint

Still, that texture on the back means it’s refreshingly non-slippery. It won’t fall from your hand, it doesn’t randomly slide off flat surfaces and – more crucially – struggles to pick up fingerprints. It’s a great finish, whether or not you’re a fan of the twinkly quality.

Display & Software

6.55-inch FHD+ (1440 x 1080 resolution) AMOLED display
90Hz refresh rate, 120Hz touch sampling rate
1100 nits peak brightness

We’ve seen more than one manufacturer opt to put a Full HD display into its phones in 2021. In fact, where QHD+ resolution used to be the norm for flagships, it now seems having that 1440p panel is reserved for only the ultimate, top tier devices.

That’s the same for Oppo. The Find X3 Pro is the one with the higher resolution, 120Hz high frame-rate display. That means the Neo has the lower Full HD+ resolution and mid-level 90Hz with this one.

Pocket-lint

We find the 90Hz refresh is more than adequate for pretty much everything. In our testing we’ve not seen too much to suggest that 120Hz is an absolute must from any phone. In fact, even those that can push 120 frames every second have recently opted to use adaptive rates as to not waste battery life.

In reality, 90hz means that all your animations – whether they be general interface or during gaming – will be smooth and respond quickly to your gestures on screen.

As for the display’s visual properties, those a decent too. Granted, you don’t get the same eye-popping brightness and colours as you might from the Pro, but it’s certainly not a dim screen. The Neo’s smaller panel is bright and vivid, with deep blacks lending a hand to make visuals pop.

If there’s any criticism it’s that it seems to suffer a little with excessive contrast, most notable when the brightness is low. Some colours at these times seem a bit too dark and unnatural. Once you have your favourite show on, or you’re smashing the latest levels of your favourite game, you don’t particularly notice any real issues though.

Software-wise, it’s practically identical to what we saw on the Pro model. Here you’ll find Oppo’s ColorOS 11, based on Google’s Android 11, which means lots of useful and fun features. We like the customisation interface that lets you see your changes in real-time on the home screen as you pick the wallpaper or adjust the shape and design of the icons.

Other highlights include the completely customisable always-on display. There’s also the Relax app that plays soothing sounds to help you get rest or fall to sleep at night – this includes nature sounds and relaxing music as well as sounds recorded in cities around the world.

Pocket-lint

As well as the same software benefits as per the Pro, the Neo experience similar quirky issues. There’s some inconsistency in the way it handles notifications, in that visual alerts don’t appear everywhere you’d expect. For instance, you might have icons on the always-on display and in the status bar, but not on the lock screen. It made it impossible for us to see what a notification was without opening the app and checking. It’s little irks like this that hold ColorOS back a mite.

Apple’s spring product line-up special – Pocket-lint Podcast 100

By Rik Henderson
·
28 April 2021

Performance & Battery

Snapdragon 865 processor, 12GB RAM
256GB storage, no microSD
4500mAh battery capacity
65W Super VOOC 2.0 flash charging

As we alluded to at the beginning of this review, this phone isn’t equipped with 2021’s top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. It’s not got a step-down Snapdragon 700 series chipset either. Instead, Oppo opted for the last-gen top-tier option, the Snapdragon 865.

Pocket-lint

By going down this route, Oppo has effectively skipped the ‘almost-flagship’ range and gone with a proper flagship one instead – albeit from 2020. And when you consider the Neo’s screen refresh rate tops out at 90Hz and it’s a Full HD+ resolution, that processor choice is more than enough to make it feel like a properly fast phone.

As you’d expect, the resulting experience is one that’s quick and responsive. Because, after all, a processor which was the fastest and most powerful just a few months prior to launch hasn’t suddenly just become slow and sluggish over night.

Settle into your daily routine and there’s just no trouble from the Oppo phone. It loads games and apps without a care in the world. Loading screens transition quickly, graphics start sharp and remain that way while the high refresh touch sampling rate ensures that your gestures on screen result in quick animations from the display.

It’s a similar situation with battery life. Having a Full HD+ display and a relatively large 4500mAh battery capacity means you can easily get through a full day with the Neo, even on really busy days. Oppo’s battery optimisation is famously quite aggressive – and that means for some moderate/light users that two days on a full charge isn’t out of the question. We’d often get to the end of a day with more than 40 per cent left over.

Pocket-lint

The other plus side to this battery is that it features Super VOOC 2.0 charging, which makes it possible to refill it really quickly. It uses the 65W wired flash charging tech that can completely fill the battery in around 35 minutes. It’s not quite as speedy as the updated OnePlus 9 Warp Charge, but it’s still fast enough to make battery anxiety a thing of the past.

Cameras

Quad rear cameras:
- Main: 50-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilisation (OIS)
- 2x optical zoom: 13MP, f/2.4
- Wide-angle: 16MP, f/2.2
- Macro: 2MP
32MP front-facing selfie camera
Video: 4K up to 60fps

Like its internals, the camera makeup is of a flagship level too. Or, at least, the primary camera is. It uses the same 50-megapixel sensor as its more expensive sibling, the Find X3 Pro.

Pocket-lint

: Primary lensPrimary lens

That means when you’re taking photos in the ‘1x’ mode you’re going to get great-looking pictures, especially when there’s good light. Shooting outside will get you sharp images with great colour and a lovely natural depth – more pronounced when shooting objects that are close to the camera.

However, the supporting act cameras just aren’t quite as strong. The ultra-wide camera sometimes left us with pictures that looked a little flatter in terms of colour and depth, and it’s not as strong at focussing on nearby subjects. Similarly, the overall look of those pictures was just a tad rough compared to the main camera.

As for that 2x optical zoom camera, that’s similar to the ultra-wide – in that it can capture decent enough pictures, but again they lack some of that crispy vibrance you see from pictures from the primary sensor.

Pocket-lint

: 1x Primary1x Primary

Still, while they’re far from perfect, those additional focal lengths do at least mean the camera system is versatile. They add an extra dimension to the photography experience and will let you capture those wide landscapes or zoom in on something a little further away to good effect.

The one camera that really isn’t up to scratch is the macro sensor. It’s baffling that instead of equipping the system with an ultra-wide camera that can also be used for macro, Oppo utilised a 2-megapixel macro sensor – the kind we’d expect to see in a much cheaper phone.

Shots from camera’s dedicated macro mode are really quite harsh. Details are lacking, there’s a real lack of decent colour, and the background blur is awful looking.

Pocket-lint

: Macro Macro

In our testing we found it was better just to switch to the main camera in regular photo and get close up to a subject. If you want a tighter shot, simply crop the photo afterwards – as that way you get far better detail, colour and depth.

Verdict

It’s easy to see the appeal of the Find X3 Neo. It’s a slim and nimble phone with great battery life, flagship speeds, and a very good main camera. The Snapdragon 865 processor inside means it’s not just an over-priced mid-range device.

However, the Oppo’s biggest challenge will likely be competing with other similarly priced phones. The OnePlus 9 is technically more powerful and costs less, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is a phone powered by the same chipset but for less money.

For many, we suspect it might come down to the battle of the cameras. And with the Neo’s primary camera sensor delivering great results – not that can be said about its other cameras – it’s in with a shot.

On the whole, the Oppo Find X3 Neo is a refined experience – one that offers an appealing alternative to the much bigger and much more expensive premium devices on the market.

Also consider

Pocket-lint

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

It may have a plastic back, but the ‘Fan Edition’ was one of the surprise hits of 2020 – and is still a great buy. It has a fluid and smooth display, IP68 water- and dust-resistance and similar internal hardware to the Oppo. Crucially, it’s also cheaper.

Read our review

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Pocket-lint

OnePlus 9

If your main aim is getting the top-tier processor for as little money as possible, the OnePlus 9 is a great shout. It’s not quite as nimble and thin as the Oppo, but it’s got a Snapdragon 888 processor, fast charging, and great software. Also at a lower price.

Read our review

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Writing by Cam Bunton. Editing by Mike Lowe.

Best media streamers 2021: The best TV streaming devices

Best Media Streamers Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best media streamers you can buy in 2021.

No BT Sport or ESPN+ app on your TV? You need to get yourself a media streamer, but which one? Not all media streamers are the same. The best media steamers will provide a total and endless supply of TV shows, films and music but there are performance differences too. Some look and sound better than others.

Whether it’s Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, a service dedicated to skateboarding or free 1970s kung fu films, it’s a media streamer’s job to deliver them.

Few smart TVs cover all the apps and a media streamer will put that right without you having to spend big. It’s a media streamer’s raison d’etre to make sure that they’re stacked with services. With more competition in the market than ever, prices are low, standards are high and any gaps in their app offerings could be a killer weakness.

TV streaming devices are pretty much foolproof too. All you do is plug them into your flatscreen, connect them wirelessly to your home wi-fi network and get watching. Despite their ease of use, though, there is quite some difference in how much they cost. More advanced models that offer 4K, HDR and voice controls will charge more, but there are plenty of simple streaming sticks for those on tight budgets too.

Before you chose, bear in mind that to enjoy HD and 4K content, you’ll need a fast broadband connection. Netflix recommends a steady connection of 25Mbps or higher for 4K video, for example.

You should also check which services each device offers, especially as exclusive, original TV shows and films are all the rage. So whether you want to use Apple’s library or Google’s, watch the latest Netflix, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime Video TV show, independent films on MUBI, or live sport courtesy of Now TV, our round-up of the best media streamers has got you covered.

HDR TV: What is it? How can you get it?
Disney Plus streaming service: everything you need to know

(Image credit: Google)

1. Chromecast with Google TV

Google’s cracked it this time.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 4K | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Output: HDMI | HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Dimensions (HWD): 12.5 x 6 x 16cm

Reasons to Buy

Lots of apps

Excellent HDR picture

Dolby Vision and Atmos

Reasons to Avoid

No Apple content available

Rivals sound more dynamic

Google was in Amazon’s media streaming shadow until the arrival of the most recent Chromecast and, specifically, the Google TV user-interface that comes with it. While this streamer and the Fire TV Stick 4K are an even match for performance, it’s Google’s superior operating system that wins the day.

Google TV is the successor to Android TV and is beginning its roll-out across smart TVs from 2021. It’s better looking, more intuitive, more searchable and, crucially, excellent at making suggestions of what to watch next.

That’s best underlined in the way that it presents search results with an even hand. Top suggestions will always be from streaming services to which you already subscribe, and in top quality where possible, rather than Google trying to sell you content to which you already have access.

While, natively, it doesn’t have quite as many apps as some rivals, you can make up for that by casting anything it doesn’t have from your mobile or tablet instead. The only caveat is that it won’t bring access to Apple TV or Apple Music. If you need those, then try Amazon or the more expensive Apple TV 4K instead.

Read the full Chromecast with Google TV review

2. Amazon Fire TV 4K

Amazon’s excellent streaming stick is amazing value.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 4K | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Output: USB, HDMI | HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Dimensions (HWD): 9.9x3x1.4cm

Reasons to Buy

Supports all current HDR formats

Dolby Atmos

Impressive performance

Reasons to Avoid

Big and awkward for a stick

Limited 4K HDR film selection

Amazon’s 4K streaming stick is as worthy a no.2 as you’ll find. It offers unbeatable value, 4K streaming, support for multiple HDR formats and all with the Alexa voice-activated personal assistant.

Amazon Prime Video comes as standard (of course), alongside Netflix, the terrestrial catch-up services (BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5), Now TV, BT Sport, Apple TV, Disney Plus and the bonus of music services Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music and Tidal. The only minor omissions are an official Rakuten app and Google Play Movies & TV.

The main reason that this device doesn’t score quite as well as the Chromecast above is because its operating system isn’t as good. It’s too Amazon-focused doesn’t perform quite as well for suggestions. That said, it’s worth noting that Amazon’s latest Fire TV OS will arrive on the Fire TV Stick 4K in the coming months and that could be a game-changer for usability. Watch this space or, specifically, the one just above.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

3. Apple TV 4K

Not cheap, but up there with the best streaming devices around.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 4K | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Output: HDMI | HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision | Dimensions (HWD): 3.5×9.8×9.8cm

Reasons to Buy

Lots of 4K HDR content

Strong picture and sound

Loads of apps

Reasons to Avoid

Pricier than stick alternatives

This box of tricks offers the typically slick experience we’ve come to expect from Apple. Voice controls come courtesy of Siri – Apple’s personal assistant – while 4K and HDR are all part and parcel of the package. There’s plenty to watch too, thanks to Apple’s extensive catalogue of 4K and HDR content.

And with the arrival of the Apple TV+ streaming service that’s only got better. Netflix, iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video are offered with Now TV and All 4 both present now too. It’s not cheap – it’s positively exorbitant compared to some on this list – but if you’re happy with life in the Apple ecosystem and you can afford it, it’s money well spent for the home streaming enthusiast.

Read the full review: Apple TV 4K

4. Google Chromecast (2018)

A cheap, quick and convenient media streamer.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 1080p | Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Output: HDMI | HDR: n/a | Dimensions (HWD): 5.2×1.38×1.38cm

Reasons to Buy

Affordable

Casting is neat

Good video and sound

Reasons to Avoid

Little new of note

No dedicated remote

At just £30/$30, this is one of the cheapest video streaming devices around. Chromecast is a decent little device and if you don’t have a 4K TV, its 1080p resolution is all you need. You can ‘cast’ Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4, My5 and Now TV, along with Google Play Movies and YouTube TV. On the music front, Spotify, TuneIn and Tidal are all catered for. Amazon Prime Video is now included too.

You have to control Google Chromecast from your phone or tablet, so it’s a different proposition from most of the streamers here. But it does what it does very well indeed.

Read the full review: Google Chromecast (2018)

5. Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa

This sophisticated streaming device is a joy to use.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 1080p | Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Output: HDMI | HDR: n/a | Dimensions (HWD): 3×8.6×1.3cm

Reasons to Buy

Alexa voice control

Responsive UI

Multiple streaming services

Amazon’s cheaper streaming stick loses the 4K and HDR, but retains the Alexa personal assistant for voice control. All the major streaming services are supported, apart from Now TV, and the sound quality is impressive for such a cheap device. If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to start streaming, this might be the one for you.

Read the full review: Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa

6. Roku Streaming Stick+

An excellent, all-round video streamer with a tempting price tag.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 4K | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Output: HDMI | HDR: HDR10 | Dimensions (HWD): 2×9.4×1.2cm

Reasons to Buy

Stable 4K picture

Great app selection

Easy-to-use interface

Reasons to Avoid

No ethernet connection

No Dolby Vision

Roku might not be as well known in some parts, but it’s a big global player in the streaming market and this device is a solid bet. It’s affordable, boasts 4K and HDR (albeit limited formats for the latter) and doesn’t need mains power to run. Because Roku doesn’t make its own shows, there’s no hard sell as to what to watch, as there is with Amazon devices, and all the major streaming services are supported, including Now TV (which you won’t find on an Amazon device).

Read the full review: Roku Streaming Stick+

7. Now TV Smart Stick

Sky content streamed via a stick, without the subscription.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max resolution: 1080p | Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 and 7.1 | Output: HDMI | HDR: n/a | Dimensions (HWD): 8.4×2.3×1.3cm

Reasons to Buy

Inexpensive

Easy-to-use interface

No contract or dish

Reasons to Avoid

Limited app selection

Sky content limited to 720p

At under £20, this is one of the cheapest ways to turn your old TV into a smart TV. Most of the main streaming services are here, except for Amazon Prime Video, and as you’d expect, it gently nudges you towards Sky’s Now TV streaming service at every turn. While it can stream in 1080p, Now TV tops out at 720p. If you can put up with these limitations, it’s a bargain, and a great way to get Sky TV without a subscription.

Read the full review: Now TV Smart Stick

MORE:

30 of the best TV shows to watch on Netflix

21 of the best TV shows to watch on Amazon Prime Video

Best video streaming services

Raijintek Pan Slim
Case Type:	Desktop
Material:	Steel and aluminium
Weight:	6.2 kg
Slots:	3
Drive Bays:	4x Internal 2.5″ 2x Internal 3.5″
Motherboard Form Factors:	Mini-ITX
Dimensions:	629 x 354 x 174 mm
Front Door/Cover:	N/A
Front Fans:	N/A
Rear Fans:	N/A
Top Fans:	N/A
Floor Fans:	4x 120 mm (optional)
Side Fans:	N/A
Front Radiator:	N/A
Rear Radiator:	N/A
Top Radiator:	N/A
Floor Radiator:	240 mm
Side Radiator:	N/A
I/O:	1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2x USB 3.0
Fan/LED Controller:	N/A
Compatibility:	CPU Cooler: N/A GPU: 340 mm PSU: SFX/SFX-L

Ducky Mecha SF Radiant Keyboard
Layout:	65% key form factor in a US ANSI layout, other languages supported based on your region
Material:	Aluminium plastic case, PBT plastic keycaps, and steel plate
Macro Support:	Yes
Weight:	0.87 kg/1.93 lbs.
Wrist Rest:	No
Anti-ghosting:	Full N-key rollover USB
Media Keys:	Available as layered functions
Dimensions:	105 (L) x 325 (W) x 40 (H) mm
Cable Length:	5 ft/1.5 m
Software:	No
Switch Type:	Choice of Cherry MX Red, Silent Red, Speed (Silver), Brown, Black, or Blue RGB mechanical switch
Backlighting:	Yes, per-key 16.8 M colors
Interface:	USB
Warranty:	One year

Our Verdict

For

Against

Features and Specifications

Specifications

Software & Accessories

ArmorLock App

A Closer Look

Our Verdict

For

Against

Specifications and Part Analysis

Product Photos

Product Photos

Specifications of Corsair RM750x

Power Specifications of Corsair RM750x

Cables & Connectors of Corsair RM750x

Cable Photos

Component Analysis of Corsair RM750x

Overall Photos

Transient filter

Bridge rectifiers

APFC converter

Main FETs and primary transformer

12V FETs and VRMs

Filtering caps

5VSB Circuit

Supervisor IC Board

Modular Board

Soldering quality

Cooling fan

Cleanliness is not always next to Godliness

A wider problem

The duty of a music fan

Moto G Play performance and screen

Moto G Play camera

Introduction

Specifications

Design & Build

Display & Software

Performance & Battery

Cameras

Also consider

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

OnePlus 9

1. Chromecast with Google TV

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

2. Amazon Fire TV 4K

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

3. Apple TV 4K

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

4. Google Chromecast (2018)

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

5. Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa

Reasons to Buy

6. Roku Streaming Stick+

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

7. Now TV Smart Stick

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Introduction

Specifications

Watch via our Vimeo Channel (Below) or over on YouTube at 2160p HERE

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) vs Fire TV Stick 4K: price

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) vs Fire TV Stick 4K: design

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) vs Fire TV Stick 4K: features

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) vs Fire TV Stick 4K: picture and sound

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) vs Fire TV Stick 4K: verdict

Introduction

Specifications