With Euro 2020 now in full swing, a lot of us are thinking that our ageing, grubby TVs could do with an upgrade. If that’s you, you might want to check out Hisense’s 2021 TV range, which will be hitting UK shops imminently.
It’s headed up by the flagship U9GQ (£3299), a Mini-LED model whose 10,000+ pcs backlight unit and Full Array Local Dimming Pro produces a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Hisense’s Quantum Dot Colour claims to give you more than 1 billion colours, and the 75in screen should make the footy action more immersive than ever. It features HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, a high refresh rate of 120Hz, and MEMC technology to do help eliminate the dreaded soap opera effect.
That’s not the only big-screen offering from Hisense. It also has a couple of laser TVs in its line-up, although the press release we were sent didn’t have the specific range name. We do know they are available in 88in and 100in sizes, while their ultra-short-throw laser engine promises stunning picture detail and precise colours. Their ambient light-rejecting screens supposedly give a more natural viewing experience with low blue light content.
Lower down the pecking order is the A9G line. This OLED TV range boasts 55in and 65in models, with HDR technologies (HDR10+ and Dolby Vision) onboard. IMAX Enhanced support should make compatible content more cinematic too.
Taking another step down, you find the U8GQ (available in 55in and 65in). This 4K set features Quantum Dot Colour, Full Array Local Dimming Pro and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. Also onboard are Hisense’s Game mode, IMAX Enhanced support.
There are three mid-range models available too: the A7GQ, E76GQ and A4G. The first two offer Quantum Dot tech, 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos along with a 60Hz MEMC. The A4G, meanwhile, has DTS:Virtual:X and the VIDAA U5 Smart OS.
Rounding out the range are the A6G and A4G. Spanning screen sizes from 43in all the way up to 75in, the A6G is a 4K model with 60Hz MEMC. The A4G only comes in 32in and 40in sizes and is HD resolution.
Here’s the full list of model numbers, sizes and prices.
A powerful, striking and truly one-of-a-kind wireless speaker, but not the most entertaining one at this level
For
Big, broad, room-filling sound
Heart-in-your-mouth bass
Striking aesthetic
Against
Lacks transparency and subtlety
App isn’t a UPnP controller
In-app multi-room flakiness
Despite having welcomed many Devialet Phantom wireless speakers into our test rooms over the past few years, we still find ourselves struck by the beauty and bass reproduction of the latest iteration.
This new flagship Phantom I brings with it a simplification and expansion of the iconic, brand-defining line: the compact Phantom Reactor is now ‘Phantom II’ (in 95dB, 98dB and special-edition Opéra de Paris models), above which sits the ‘Phantom I’ (in 103dB, 108dB and Opéra de Paris variants).
Devialet has now introduced a £349 ($350) Arch configurable connectivity hub for Phantom too, giving owners the option to add sources (including a turntable) either via its built-in phono stage and RCA line-level inputs, or alternatively two coaxial digital inputs.
Features
Without that accessory, the Phantom I is reliant upon a network, with support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP and Roon (both up to 24-bit/96KHz) over ethernet or wi-fi, although there is Bluetooth onboard, as well as an optical input (up to 24-bit/96KHz) at the rear.
Devialet Phantom I 108dB tech specs
Power output 1100W
Airplay 2 Yes
Spotify Connect Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Roon Ready Yes
Dimensions (hwd) 25.5 x 25.2 x 34.2cm
Weight 11.4kg
The decibel ratings attached to the names represent their maximum sound pressure level at one metre – something that sets Devialet Phantoms apart not only from one another but most of their competition, considering they can go between the approximate relative loudness of a lawnmower and a chainsaw.
The sample on test here is the Phantom I 108 dB, which is available in dark chrome or white/gold finishes and covers a claimed frequency range of 14Hz to 27kHz. The Phantom I 103 dB, meanwhile, comes in light chrome or matte black and encompasses a slightly narrower bandwidth (16Hz to 25kHz).
Many of Devialet’s patented technologies are present in the new Phantom I, including its ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) amplification, designed to combine the benefits of Class A analogue (high performance) and Class D (high efficiency and power) designs.
At the risk of using too many acronyms, HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) represents Devialet’s efforts to produce deep, impactful bass from the compact enclosure; its ACE (Active Cospherical Engine) design takes care of outputting sound evenly in various directions from the spherical chassis; and Speaker Active Matching (SAM) processing works to optimise the signal and performance in real-time.
Such patented technologies have been part of the Phantom line-up from the start, but the new Phantom I aims to take performance further with a next-generation system-on-chip and improved thermal dissipation (it’s four times more energy-efficient than the previous model).
Build
The Phantom’s iconic, visually striking spherical design, which we’ve likened to an ‘Alien bug’ and ‘Storm Trooper’s lunchbox’ lives on, but not totally unchanged. It’s now like a miniature jet engine, with a matte finish, new signature side panels and LED status lights at the rear – it’s eye-catching in the best way possible.
The Phantom I comes with a new puck-like remote that’s as other-worldly and premium as the speaker aesthetic and price deserves, too. We like how you rotate the whole outer ring to change volume (you can also play/pause and skip tracks with the central touchpad), although ergonomically it doesn’t feel all that natural in the hand to do so.
The alternative is Devialet’s dedicated app, which provides similar playback functions, as well as settings such as ‘AV sync’ for reducing latency if you’re using the Phantom I with your TV via its optical input, and ‘Night mode’ for sucking some of the bass out of the performance (which it does effectively, too).
Somewhat disappointingly, the app doesn’t also serve as a UPnP streaming controller, so those wanting to access local or networked files or music services will need to use the paid-for Roon platform (the Phantom I is Roon Ready), or download another third-party UPnP app such as BubbleUPnP (Android) and mconnect Player (Android, iOS), both of which are perfectly usable free apps.
We’re also a little let down by the app’s imperfect multi-room and stereo pairing experience, which in our testing proves occasionally flaky by not displaying the connection, or doing so but not initiating through the speakers. If you’ve spent several thousands on a multi-room wireless speaker set-up, you are perhaps entitled to expect seamlessness.
Sound
You also expect a ‘wow’ performance, which in some areas the Phantom I delivers. This is one of the clearest, most bassy and broadest-sounding single-chassis wireless speakers we’ve come across since the previous full-sized Phantom we tested.
For a wireless speaker of its size, Devialet’s latest can, like the iterations before it, excavate a bass line. The jaunty electro-funk lows underpinning Childish Gambino’s 19:10 are deep and impactful – and visually represented by the enthusiastically pumping side-firing drivers. Play something denser such as 65daysofstatic’s Retreat! Retreat!, and it’s not afraid to get down and dirty with the cacophony of drums and electrics while ensuring they don’t bog down the whole presentation.
The Phantom I produces a broad, open soundstage that far belies its compactness. If you’re looking for the biggest sonic footprint from a small physical one, a single Phantom I can output more than is necessary to fill most living rooms. But, while one of the Devialet’s unique selling points is its spectacular power output, the presentation ultimately becomes harsh and, consequently, less listenable when really pushed.
Such is the Devialet’s midrange clarity that upon hearing it for the first time, you’ll want to queue up songs by your favourite vocalists. We find ourselves doing just this; Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, ANOHNI, and The Tallest Man on Earth’s Kristian Matsson come through with purity and polish. But it isn’t long before we realise that such tangibility isn’t complemented by the levels of transparency we’d expect at this price – and especially from a Phantom.
While the Phantom I can distinguish between a soprano and a piano, it’s only able to draw the silhouette of a vocal or instrument rather than reveal any of its colour or shading. It doesn’t rise and fall with Simone’s dynamic delivery, nor does it get under Matsson’s subtle inflections.
We play Ludovico Einaudi’s piano-led Oltremare, and while the notes float across a soundstage that, if you closed your eyes, could pass for one from stereo speakers placed close together, there isn’t the dynamic insight or finesse necessary for you to thoroughly appreciate the variation in his masterstrokes.
We find ourselves creeping the volume up in an effort to feel more involved in the piece – a sign of a performance that falls short of captivating. For the Devialet’s not insignificant asking price, we expect more in the way of sonic sophistication.
Verdict
Devialet’s original Phantom arrived at a time where wireless speakers were slowly but surely maturing into the high-end market. Today, that premium space is more competitive, and with it, the level of performance has improved too.
You’ll struggle to find another that can fill a room or dig up a bass line quite like the Phantom I, but your search for a wireless solution – single-box or otherwise – capable of more insight for the money will be easier. The Phantom I remains a one-of-a-kind option with undisputed talents, but overall its performance leaves us a little cold.
Team Xbox will take to the stage alongside Bethesda to showcase a 90-minute presentation of games for E3 2021. It’ll last 90 minutes, and it’ll apparently show off games coming to Xbox this holiday season, games that’ll soon be coming to Xbox Game Pass, plus some other announcements. Microsoft is calling the event its “biggest moment of 2021 so far,” so Xbox fans shouldn’t miss this one.
Here’s how you can watch it:
When does the Xbox and Bethesda game showcase begin?
It’ll start at 1PM ET / 10AM PT on Sunday, June 13th.
How can I watch the Xbox event?
You can watch it at Xbox’s Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter pages. It’s available in other ways around the world, too. Microsoft says it’ll be available “simultaneously on channels across the globe, including Bilibili in China, Jeuxvideo in France, and VK in Russia, OTT platforms including Samsung TV+, Xumo, PlutoTV and Vizio, and regional Xbox pages on Facebook and elsewhere.”
The show will be broadcast in 1080p at 60 frames per second, but Microsoft says that videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second will be uploaded to the Xbox YouTube channel following the stream.
Novak Djokovic can win his second French Open title tomorrow – if he can beat talented Greek pro Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Men’s Singles Final at the Roland-Garros. Both players have aced their way to the finale, but who will win the legendary Grand Slam? UK fans can watch the 2021 French Open Men’s Final free on ITV Hub on Sunday! Make sure you know to watch a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream for free from anywhere.
Played at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris annually, the French Open attracts the world’s top tennis players. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal found themselves in the same half of the draw but Federer withdrew at the quarter-final stage to protect his recovering knee injury, leaving the path clear for a Nadal–Djokovic semi-final.
World number three Nadal – the most successful player ever to have competed at the French Open – took a marathon first set but Djokovic levelled the match with the second, took the third set 7-6 and then cruised to victory in the fourth set. Nadal’s dream of 21st major title are now on hold.
Djokovic’s opponent, Stefanos Tsitsipas, faced a tough challenge it the semis. The Greek pro took the first two sets before 24-year-old German Alexander Zverev took the next two to level the match. But, in the end, it was Tsitsipas’ experience that won out as some 5000 Parisian fans cheered a masterful display (not to mention a few baseline zingers).
Djokovic has looked at home throughout this year’s Roland-Garros but can he fully recover from Friday night’s epic semi-final win over Nadal? Or will Tsitsipas win his first ever Grand Slam title? New balls please!
Here’s how to watch a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream for free, and catch the clay court action from anywhere in the world.
Watch Djokovic vs Tsitsipas free in the UK and Ireland
ITV has the rights to air the 2021 French Open in its entirety on ITV4. Provided you have a TV licence, it’s completely free to watch Djokovic vs Tsitsipas and can be accessed by any viewer located in the UK.
Away from UK during the tennis? Simply use a VPN to access ITV Hub from anywhere, without being blocked. We recommend ExpressVPN as it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Djokovic vs Tsitsipas will also be shown live on Eurosport which you can watch in both HD (channel 521 and 522) and in 4K HDR on Virgin Media (channel 205 and 999).
Not a Eurosport subscriber? You can watch the 2021 French Open finals for £6.99 per month on Eurosport Player, or grab an annual pass for £39.99. Top tip: subscribe through Amazon Prime Video and get a free 7-day trial.
F1 live stream: how to watch the Formula 1 from anywhere
Watch Djokovic vs Tsitsipas free from anywhere in the world using a VPN
Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Djokovic vs Tsitsipas rights holders, you won’t be able to use them when outside your own country. The service will know your location based on your IP address, and will automatically block your access.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you get around this obstacle. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet, such that the servers and services you’re accessing aren’t aware of what you’re doing. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted.
There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. As a rule, we’d suggest a paid-for service such as ExpressVPN which offers a 100 per cent risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.
French Open 2021 Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee with its VPN service. You can use it to watch on your mobile, tablet, laptop, TV, games console and more. There’s 24/7 customer support and three months free when you sign-up. Try it – it’s easier than you think.
Watch a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream in the USA
NBC is broadcasting full live coverage of the 2021 French Open, including the Men’s Final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas. You’ll need a cable subscription to NBC Sports, which will also allow you to stream the tennis live, via the NBC Sports app.
Don’t have cable? You can get a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream on Peacock TV, NBC’s streaming service. Peacock costs just $4.99 a month and includes thousands of movies, TV shows, kids content and other live sport.
Going to be away from the States during the tennis? Simply use a VPN to access Peacock TV from anywhere in the world, without being blocked. We recommend ExpressVPN as it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Another option for is to watch NBC via a cable-replacement service such as Fubo TV. New subscribers get a 1-week free trial, cancel anytime. After that it’s $65 a month. So, not cheap, but Fubo does get you a ton of premium channels, from ESPN to A&E.
Lastly, US fans also have the option to subscribe to Tennis Channel Plus for $110 per year. This gets you Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream plus comprehensive coverage of over 100 ATP & WTA events.
Watch a free Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream in Australia
Channel 9’s Wide World of Sport is the place to see the 2021 French Open Men’s Singles Final live and free-to-air. Aussies can also get a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream via the 9now website.
Watch a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream in Europe
Eurosport holds the rights to broadcast the 2021 French Open Men’s Final in continental Europe.
You can get a Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live stream by purchasing a monthly or annual subscription to Eurosport Player here.
In France, you can see Djokovic vs Tsitsipas live on free-to-air channel France TV Sport. The same goes for Servus TV and ORF in Austria.
French Open 2021 schedule
May 30th – June 1st: Round 1
June 2nd – 3rd: Round 2
June 4th – 5th: Round 3
June 6th – 7th: Round 4
June 8th -9th: Quarter-Finals
June 10th -11th: Semi-Finals
June 12th: Women’s Singles Final
June 13th: Men’s Singles Final: Djokovic vs Tsitsipas
See Roland-Garros website for latest order of play
Shakur ‘Fearless’ Stevenson will fight Jeremiah “Low Key” Nakathila for the interim WBO super featherweight title at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas this Saturday in a blockbuster 12-round bout. Can 23-year-old Shakur Stevenson produce another boxing masterclass and bust into the big time? Follow our guide on how to watch a Stevenson vs Nakathila live stream, from anywhere in the world.
Stevenson vs Nakathila live stream
Date: Saturday 12th June
Main card: 3am BST / 10pm ET
Ringwalks: 5am BST / 12pm ET
Venue: The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
US stream: ESPN+
Watch anywhere: Try ExpressVPN
Buy tickets: eTix
Top Rank promotions has put together another unmissable bill of live boxing but all eyes will be on Shakur Stevenson vs Jeremiah Nakathila.
Stevenson (15-0) is undefeated thanks to a unanimous decision win over Toka Khan Clary in December, so a win over Nakathila would make the American southpaw a two-weight world champion. More importantly, it could put him one step closer to a big-money bout against WBC junior lightweight champ Oscar Valdez.
“I just feel like, when I’m at my best, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is,” said Stevenson at this week’s weigh in. “It’s been like that my whole career since I’ve been an amateur. You don’t know who you’re going to fight in the amateurs. You come up, and you just gotta fight people.”
Jeremiah Nakathila (21-1) is the underdog according to the sports books but could the Namibian boxer upset the odds on his US debut? Stranger things have happened and Nakathila has won 10 straight fights – by knockout – since the only loss of his career.
Saturday’s sizzling showdown is exclusive to ESPN and can be streamed live on ESPN+. Here’s how to find a Stevenson vs Nakathila free live stream from anywhere in the world.
Watch a Stevenson vs Nakathila live stream on ESPN+
Boxing fans can watch Stevenson vs Nakathila on ESPN, or live stream it via the ESPN+ app or website.
ESPN+ costs just $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. You can also subscribe to ESPN+ in a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu (ad-supported) for $13.99 per month.
All of those options are a bargain – but they are geo-restricted to the United States.
Going to away from the US this weekend? Simply use a VPN to access ESPN+ as if you were back home in the USA.We recommend ExpressVPN because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
Another option is to subscribe to FuboTV, which carries ESPN. New subscribers get a free 7-day trial. After the trial ends, you’ll pay $65 a month for 120 channels.
The Stevenson vs Nakathila ringwalks are expected at midnight ET.
Watch a Stevenson vs Nakathila live stream anywhere in the world using a VPN
Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Stevenson vs Nakathila live stream rights holders, you won’t be able to access these streaming services when outside your own country. The service will know your location based on your IP address, and will automatically block your access.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you get around this obstacle. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet, such that the servers and services you’re accessing aren’t aware of what you’re doing. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted.
There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. As a rule, we’d suggest a paid-for service such as ExpressVPN.
Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee with its VPN service. You can use it to watch Canelo vs Saunders on your mobile, tablet, laptop, TV, games console and more. There’s 24/7 customer support and three months free when you sign-up.
Stevenson vs Nakathila fight card
Shakur Stevenson vs. Jeremiah Nakathila (Vacant WBO interim Junior Lightweight title)
Jose Pedraza vs. Julian Rodriguez (Junior Welterweights)
Xander Zayas vs. Larry Fryers (Welterweights)
Tyler McCreary vs. Manuel Rey Rojas (Junior lightweights)
John Bauza vs. Christon Edwards (Junior Welterweights)
Bryan Lua vs. Frevian Gonzalez (Junior Lightweights)
Troy Isley vs. LaQuan Evans (Middleweights)
Watch Stevenson vs Nakathila in the UK
Sky has the rights to show Stevenson vs Nakathila in the UK. It’s available to Sky Sports subscribers or non-Sky customers using the the PAYG Now platform
A one-day Now Sports Pass costs from £9.99 and buys you coverage of the fight as well as everything else on Sky Sports for the duration of the pass.
Now Sports Pass Watch Stevenson vs Nakathila from just £9.99 A day pass for sports on Now can cost as little as £9.99, with a monthly pass coming in at £33.99 for those wanting to see the Indy 500 plus a few F1 grand prix, as well as football, golf and tennis.
Stevenson vs Nakathila tale of the tape
Name: Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson – Jeremiah “Low Key” Nakathila
Is Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter the most hyped, most mismatched and most bizarre celebrity boxing match yet? We’ll let you decide but the three-round pay-per-view bout is not to be missed. Ice-T and Coco are your hosts. Tonight’s celebrity boxing is exclusive to Fite.TV. Follow our guide on how to watch a Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter live stream on PPV, from anywhere in the world.
Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter live stream
Date: Friday 11th June 2021
Main card: 2am BST / 9pm ET
Ringwalks: 4.30am BST / 11.30pm ET
Venue: Showboat Hotel, Atlantic City, USA
Live stream: Fite.TV ($29.99)
Watch anywhere: Try ExpressVPN
Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter takes place today, Friday, 11th June, live from the iconic Showboat Hotel on the Atlantic City boardwalk (one for Sopranos fans).
Former NBA basketball star Lamar Odom, aka Khloe Kardashian’s ex, is bursting with confidence. Possibly because he’s over six inches taller than Carter and has a huge reach advantage. “I’m gonna put him to sleep early,” said Odom earlier this week.
Why is Odom fighting? He’s friends with MMA star Nate Robinson, who was knocked out in the second round by Jake Paul recently. Odom believes he may have a shot at avenging that loss – if he can outbox Carter.
As for Aaron Carter, the US rapper and producer is best known for his song, Aaron’s Party. He is the brother of Nick Carter, of Backstreet Boys fame.
“I’m really excited to be fighting Lamar Odom,” said Carter. “This is a crazy matchup. It’s like David and Goliath. He’s 6 foot 7, I’m 6’1. So it’s gonna be kind of crazy, know I can [beat Lamar]. Come June 12, like I said, like Apollo Creed said, ‘I’m gonna drop him like a bad habit,’ and I mean that.”
Tonight’s celebrity boxing pay-per-view is exclusive to Fite.TV. Follow our guide to watch an Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carte live stream from anywhere in the world.
Watch a Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carte live stream on Fite.TV
Boxing fans can see Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter live on Fite.TV tonight. This celeb boxing bonanza is a $29.99 pay-per-view.
You can order it right now and get prepped for a fascinating night of entertainment. The price includes unlimited replays to re-watch the fight online for free.
Fite.TV is accessible worldwide but if you find yourself geo-blocked, simply use a VPN to access Fite.TV from anywhere in the world. We recommend ExpressVPN because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
The Fite.TV app is available from the Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Roku TVs and players and Huawei App Gallery.
Special guests include former UFC star Chuck Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.!
Watch a Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter live stream anywhere in the world using a VPN
Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter live stream rights holders, you may find yourself geo-blocked if you’re away from your own country. If that’s the case use a VPN to make sure you can access the stream.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you get around this obstacle. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet, such that the servers and services you’re accessing aren’t aware of what you’re doing. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted.
There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. As a rule, we’d suggest a paid-for service such as ExpressVPN.
Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee with its VPN service. You can use it to watch Lamar Odom vs Aaron Carter on your mobile, tablet, laptop, TV, games console and more. There’s 24/7 customer support and three months free when you sign-up.
(Image credit: Future / Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Xbox Game Studios)
LG’s premium OLED TVs now come with a five-year warranty, so any defects within that time period will be fixed free of charge.
It applies to the LG OLED G1 (above), which comes in 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes, and the OLED Z1 8K set, which comes in 77- and 88-inch sizes.
The warranty starts from the date you buy the TV. It covers parts and labour for the first year after purchase, and a free panel service for the five-year period.
The 65-inch version of the G1 bowled us over, earning five stars in our review. It boasts a beautiful, punchy, sharp picture with tons of detail and a better remote control. About the only downside we could find was the lack of feet or stand in the box, and the slightly underwhelming audio performance. But that can always be righted by adding a soundbar or surround sound system.
It’s interesting that the C1 OLED, which sits just below the G1 in LG’s 2021 OLED range, doesn’t get the same warranty. Could this be another way in which LG is attempting to encourage purchasers to step up to the next model?
We haven’t tested the Z1. But considering it’s an 8K monster, it’s sure to deliver tons of fun.
Th G1 range starts at £2000, while the Z1 will set you back a cool £20,000 for the 77 incher, and £30,000 for the 88-inch model. For that money, we’d certainly want any problems fixed by our own personal batman.
MORE:
Look at the best TVs around
Ready for a deep dive? LG 2021 TV lineup: everything you need to know
Compare that with the full Samsung 2021 TV line-up
The first drop of Record Store Day 2021 records arrives on Saturday 12th June. It’s that time of year when record shops stock all manner of rarities, reissues, special editions and exclusives produced especially for the big day itself. For us vinyl anoraks, it’s like Christmas, but without the family commitments. So better than Christmas, then.
This year, Record Store Day 2021 takes place over two days – the next is Saturday 17th July. Both days will offer another bumper crop of vinyl, with the first drop alone comprising no fewer than 347 releases. If you want to see what’s worth checking out without trawling the full list yourself, see our picks below. And if you do want to do the trawling for yourself? We’ve got you covered there too, with our full list of Record Store Day drop one releases. Enjoy!
The Doors – Morrison Hotel Sessions
The Door’s Morrison Hotel studio album turned 50 recently, and here for the first time on vinyl is a collection of rare session tapes from the original recording sessions. It promises to give a unique insight into the creative process that birthed Roadhouse Blues, Peace Frog/Blue Sunday and Queen Of The Highway, among others. The limited edition package was mixed and assembled by The Doors’ original engineer Bruce Botnick, who also put together the new liner notes. It’s limited and numbered to 16,000 copies, so better get in early Doors (sorry).
The Academic – Tales From The Backseat
Mick Jagger likes this Irish four-piece (he handpicked them as a support act for the Stones), and so should you. Their guitar-driven sound is uplifting and melodic, and tight as a drum – hardly surprising considering they’ve been playing together since school. This is their debut album, originally released in 2018, and now getting a special limited edition re-release on yellow vinyl. Very summery.
Warpaint – The Fool. Andrew Weatherall Sessions
Andrew Weatherall, the legendary musician and producer, who sadly died last year, was given access to the master tapes of 2010’s The Fool, with two of his efforts making the finished product: Baby and Undertow. For the first time, this Record Store Day edition brings together all the mixes Weatherall created while working on the project, including a never released before, finished version of Jubilee. A must for fans.
Belle & Sebastian – The Boy With The Arab Strap
This is a reissue of the band’s critically acclaimed album, on green vinyl. Don’t know what an Arab Strap is? (Neither did the band, reportedly.) Trust us, don’t Google it. But do enjoy this excellent slice of indie rock.
Bernard Butler – People Move On
The ex-Suede guitarist’s first solo album gets a reissue for the first time since 1998, and it’s no standard repressing – this one comes on two 180g clear vinyl discs, marking it out as a Record Store Day special edition. Get it while it lasts.
The Chemical Brothers – The Darkness That You Fear
Tom Rowlands and Ed Simon’s first new music since 2019’s No Geography is a proper summer anthem – an uplifting jam that provides a much-needed glimpse of hope. The single came out in April, but is getting another bite of the cherry for Record Store Day, alongside a B-side which is as yet unreleased. Exciting.
The Flaming Lips – The Soft Bulletin (Companion Disc)
This was originally only available as a promo CD, handmade by the band’s management and dished out to lucky media outlets around the release of The Soft Bulletin (one of The Flaming Lips’ best-selling albums). It has since been widely circulated among the fan community, and now is available as an official Record Store Day 2021 release. It features outtakes, alternate mixes, and radio sessions from the era. Essential.
Genesis – Live at Knebworth
This legendary concert was only ever released on DVD and as a two-CD set, but now for the first time it gets the full vinyl treatment. Each one is numbered, so you can be sure you’re getting a piece of musical history, and each sale helps raise money for Nordoff Robbins, a charity that uses music to enhance the quality of life for those with life-limiting illness, disabilities or feelings of isolation.
The Jaded Hearts Club – Live At The 100 Club
This supergroup is made up of Miles Kane (The Last Shadow Puppets), Nic Cester (Jet), Matt Bellamy (Muse), Graham Coxon (Blur), Sean Payne (The Zutons) and Jamie Davis. Their ambition? To mine the history of rock and soul music to create original interpretations of lost classics. And with a lineup like that, they’re better equipped than most to do so. This is a live recording of their first ever gig, at London’s legendary venue, and includes the hits Gloria, Have Love Will Travel, My Generation and Sunshine Of Your Love. It’s like the best wedding set ever.
Oneohtrix Point Never – Russian Mind
Daniel Lopatin’s experimental electronica has gained popularity since his award-winning soundtrack for Good Time and, more recently, Uncut Gems. He’s also grown in stature since gaining production credits for major pop acts like The Weeknd. For RSD 2021, five of his out-of-print works are being released on coloured vinyl.
Primal Scream – Dixie Narco EP
This rarity hasn’t been reissued since its original release in 1992, so it’s something of a treat. Recorded at Ardent Studios, Memphis, it picks up a lot of the themes explored in the preceding – and critically acclaimed – Screamadelica album; namely it’s a similar blend of acid house and country blues influences, with the same thrilling end result. There’s even a rare Dennis Wilson cover. If you missed it first time around, this is the perfect opportunity to right that wrong.
Thelonius Monk – The Custodian’s Mix
Step back in time to 1968 Palo Alto, before that town became a tech hub that’s home to Apple, Google, Tesla and Facebook. Then, legendary jazz pianist Thelonius Monk took to Palo Alto High School’s auditorium with his quartet to deliver an electrifying performance. This limited edition LP was recorded by an unknown high school custodian, so you’ll hear the concert as if you were right there in the audience.
Mogwai – ZeroZeroZero
Mogwai created the soundtrack to the eight-part crime drama TV series ZeroZeroZero, and now it’s available exclusively on double white vinyl for RSD 2021. It’s only been available digitally before, and comes with a free MP3 download, should you want to listen to it on the move as well. But it’s of course all about the vinyl really…
View all the vinyl: Record Store Day 2021 release list
(Image credit: The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games)
NBCUniversal will air live coverage of the Tokyo Olympics in 4K HDR, a first for a US broadcaster. The NBC Olympics coverage will also be accompanied by Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Events that will be featured in 4K HDR during the rearranged Tokyo ‘2020’ games include track and field, swimming, diving, tennis, beach volleyball, golf, gymnastics and more.
NBCU has yet to announce the schedule, but with the Olympics said to be “100% happening” and the opening ceremony expected to get underway at 12pm BST on Friday 23rd July, the clock is very much ticking.
Accessing high-quality coverage of the world’s best sprinters and swimmers might not be as easy as it sounds, though. NBCUniversal notes that while it will distribute 4K HDR coverage to its partners (i.e. cable and satellite TV networks), it will be up to those partners to decide whether to broadcast the coverage in 4K HDR or step down to a lower quality.
Not a cable subscriber anyway? NBC has confirmed it will stream live coverage of “selected” Olympic events though its Peacock streaming platform, but hasn’t yet said whether any of those streams will be in the 4K HDR format. The Peacock app is available on a long list of devices that now includes most Samsung smart TVs.
Still, with Japan’s borders closed to foreigners, and lingering uncertainty as to the level of athlete participation this year, NBCUniversal’s 4K HDR Atmos coverage could prove to be the best seat in house.
The BBC has the rights to broadcast the Olympics in the UK and has the capability to stream in 4K and HDR via the iPlayer app. Whether it will offer both for live events is yet to be confirmed, and the broadcaster has never offered Dolby Atmos before. There’s a first time for everything, though.
In need of a smarter set for Tokyo 2020? Here’s our guide to the best TVs and the best media streamers on the market. Live in Europe? BBC iPlayer and Eurosport 4K are expected to broadcast coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 4K HDR.
MORE:
Our pick of the best streaming services for TV and movies
Soon the Xbox experience will come baked right into your TV. That’s thanks to an Xbox TV app that Microsoft is launching that will bring games directly to your big screen with no console required.
Don’t have a smart TV? No problem. Microsoft has streaming devices in the works, too, which will bring Xbox gaming to any set with an HDMI port.
Microsoft made the announcement ahead of the E3 games conference, which kicks off tomorrow.
“We’re working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Game Pass experience directly into internet-connected TVs so all you’ll need to play is a controller,” the blog post reads.
There’s no word on when the app will launch, nor which TV makers will offer it. There’s also no mention of which games will be available, although the suggestion appears to be that it will tied into Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate service, which gives subscribers unlimited access to over 100 top-tier games (including all first-party Microsoft titles) for £10.99 ($14.99, AU$15.95) a month.
The spec of your TV will likely matter a bit, too, but the speed of your internet connection will likely be a bigger factor. Both the Xbox Series X and S are powerhouse consoles, so with no dedicated games machine in the equation, all that processing grunt will have to be handled somewhere.
“We’re also developing standalone streaming devices that you can plug into a TV or monitor, so if you have a strong internet connection, you can stream your Xbox experience,” the post goes on. These could be a streaming stick or dongle along the lines of the Google Chromecast with Google TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, or it could be a bigger, Apple TV 4K-sized device.
The Vergedescribes it specifically as an xCloud streaming stick, but this appears to be an assumption on their part as Microsoft hasn’t confirmed this in the announcement.
Microsoft is also opening up cloud gaming to more devices by enabling it through the Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Apple Safari web browsers. According to Microsoft, “players will be a click away from gaming on almost any device.” Again, there’s no word on hardware or internet requirements.
Xbox’s Phil Spencer has previously hinted at these developments, saying in November that he would expect the TV app to land within a year. So it could be a Christmas treat for anyone still unable to lay their hands on a new Xbox.
MORE:
Find your next console: Xbox Series X stock update
Prefer a PS5? PS5 stock and where to buy
Or are you unsure which to buy? PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which is better?
Bang & Olufsen has gone big, or at least a bit bigger, with the arrival of a 55-inch Beovision Contour OLED TV to sit alongside its 48-inch model.
Based on the latest LG panel technology, the luxury set from the famous Danes comes fitted with a sound system based on the company’s Beosound Stage soundbar. Eleven drivers and amplifiers lurk within, ready to produce a three-channel experience with Dolby Atmos support.
The speaker array includes a set of 4 x 4-inch bass drivers which are custom made with enclosures that allow a larger movement of the cones, said to improve bass performance down to as low as 30Hz.
All of this, of course, is discreetly tucked away into the kind of tasteful aluminium frame that the Struer-based company specialises in manufacturing at its Factory 5 facility. Naturally, the remote control, the Beoremote One, is also crafted from a single piece of matching metal.
There are three mounting options available: the rotating aluminium floorstand (pictured above); Bang & Olufsen’s wall bracket; and a tabletop stand made from a solid, rectangular aluminium billet that allows the TV to be placed on a shelf.
There are also three aluminium frame finishes for the TV itself – Silver, Black Anthracite or Gold Tone – and a choice of wood veneer or fabric for the speaker grille.
The 55-inch Beovision Contour is available to buy now at £6300/$7750 or £7100/$9200 with the wood veneer.
MORE:
Take a look at the best Dolby Atmos soundbars you can buy.
Read the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar review – the best high-end soundbar we’ve tested.
Apple is bringing one of streaming’s trendiest features to iPhone users with the debut of SharePlay in iOS 15 later this year, allowing FaceTime users to stream music, online videos, and movies together with friends. The move positions FaceTime to compete more directly with platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Houseparty, which all offer ways to video chat while watching things as a group.It offers Apple a chance to hook a new generation of users on FaceTime — but the service is still missing some key integrations to make that happen, particularly for the teens most likely to use it.
SharePlay, announced earlier this week and likely arriving in the fall, will allow FaceTime users to share and stream media in real time from an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. It’s a neat tool for the pandemic era, and it takes inspiration from the watch party modes that many major streaming platforms — including Disney Plus, Hulu, and Prime Video, among others — added themselves in the last year. For services where it’s not supported, like Netflix, there are popular extensions that enable simultaneous streaming and chatting as well.
The goal isn’t to compete with those native platforms, though. After all, you’re still watching Hulu, just in a different space. Instead, the update puts FaceTime square against services like Facebook Messenger that dominate messaging and have already been trying to build out co-watching experiences, but without as robust of a service list as Apple has the ability to line up.
SharePlay particularly makes sense for the next generation of iPhone users, as teens are more inclined to watch videos on their phones. Video-based social media apps like Instagram and TikTok are immensely popular among teens, and an overwhelming majority of teens have access to these apps on their own personal smartphones. Video chatting is hugely popular, too, with a 2015 survey from Pew Research finding that 59 percent of US teens video chatted with their friends.
The introduction of SharePlay also jibes with Apple’s reported plans to make iMessage compete more directly with Facebook-owned WhatsApp by becoming more of a social network. It makes a lot of sense that the company would similarly invest in developments for its video-calling product as well, which is just a couple of taps away.
But if Apple wants SharePlay to be a success among the demographic of consumers most likely to use it, it’ll need to expand the number of apps that support it.
Apple said that at launch, Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, HBO Max, Hulu, MasterClass, Paramount Plus, Pluto TV, TikTok, and Twitch will be supported on SharePlay, which is a somewhat limited grab bag of streaming options. Granted, there’s plenty of time for that list to get longer before iOS 15 officially rolls out to users in the fall. And Apple told The Verge that SharePlay will be available to any streaming app that wants to support it, so we’re likely to see wider adoption down the road.
Some of the best applications of this feature failed to make their way into Apple’s initial slide of supported services, though. Netflix is perhaps the most obvious of these simply on the basis that virtually everyone has a Netflix login, whether they’re actually paying for it or not (at least until the inevitable password crackdown). But YouTube was not mentioned either, and neither company had comment to share about potential support down the line when contacted by The Verge this week. A spokesperson for Peacock, however, told The Verge that SharePlay support was on its “roadmap.”
YouTube, in particular, seems like a huge miss for Apple, especially where teens are concerned. YouTube hosts just about every digital media format imaginable — music, movies, news, personalities, tutorials, live feeds, etc. — but most importantly, it’s free. As video callers tend to skew younger already, apps with highly shareable content like livestreams seem like the best use case for SharePlay outside of live sporting events. That’s particularly true given that for paid services, each participant in a SharePlay streaming session will need a login for the app. After all, if the tool didn’t require credentials and allowed just anyone to drop in a FaceTime stream of content from a paid service, SharePlay would be a piracy nightmare.
But that’s part of what makes the practical application of SharePlay a bit of a puzzler. Streaming the game or a movie premiere could get expensive fast. If your friends are watching NFL coverage on Sling TV, you’ll need a $35 subscription to join in (assuming the content is included in one of the service’s base plans). If you wanted to watch a Premier Access release like Cruella on Disney Plus, you’d need to pay the $8 monthly subscription cost on top of an additional $30 early access ticket fee. (A spokesperson for Disney Plus confirmed to The Verge that SharePlay users still need to pay for access to watch.)
It’s hard to imagine that most users would pay for a service just to be able to FaceTime while they’re watching a title. Then again, based on recent media consumption trends among teens, maybe SharePlay is part of the future of how entertainment is consumed, at least for the younger subset of Apple users.
It makes sense that a company investing heavily in its services offerings would jump on the watch party trend, if not a little late, and it does feel like a natural way for Apple to not only stay relevant but also sell subscriptions and hardware — even if right now, SharePlay alone seems unlikely to balloon numbers for streaming services. Free, social-leaning services and streaming titans are most likely to see success with this feature, and livestreaming apps seem likely to perform best. But they’ll actually have to beon SharePlay for that to work. As it currently stands, many are not.
Ahead of E3 Microsoft and Xbox are putting a heavy emphasis on cloud gaming and its Game Pass subscription program alongside its existing console ecosystem. This includes new, dedicated streaming hardware for any TV or
monitor
. It is also updating its cloud datacenters to use the
Xbox Series X
, so that gamers who stream are getting the company’s most powerful hardware.
Xbox’s announcement
comes ahead of Xbox’s joint E3 games showcase this Sunday with its recent acquisition, Bethesda, and also comes with a slew of new attempts to push Xbox onto just about any device you might already have. The Xbox division is moving to get its software embedded into internet-connected TVs, which would require no additional hardware other than a controller to play cloud games.
Additionally, the company is looking into new subscription offerings for Game Pass. (though it didn’t get into specifics), and is looking into new purchase options for Xbox All Access, which lets people buy the console and Game Pass for a monthly fee, rather than paying up front. (This is similar to how many pay for smartphones in the U.S.).
Building its own streaming devices, however, is a bigger push to make Xbox an ecosystem outside of consoles and even moves Xbox into competition, to a degree, with Chromecast, Roku and Apple TV for the living room. (Chromecast is scheduled to get
Google Stadia
support later this month).
Still, the company sees its consoles, the Xbox Series X and Series S, as its top-notch offering, even while it expands in mobile, on PC and in streaming. In fact, that’s the other major piece of hardware Xbox is working on: the next console.
“Cloud is key to our hardware and Game Pass roadmaps, but no one should think we’re slowing down on our core console engineering. In fact, we’re accelerating it,” said Liz Hamren, corporate vice president of gaming experiences and platforms.
“We’re already hard at work on new hardware and platforms, some of which won’t come to light for years. But even as we build for the future, we’re focused on extending the Xbox experience to more devices today so we can reach more people.”
This isn’t exactly surprising. Consoles start getting designed years in advance, and these days, the mid-life cycle refresh cycle is common. Microsoft has also positioned the latest consoles as a “series” of devices, so it’s possible there will be new entries in the line that remain compatible with the current options.
Cloud gaming in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is set to launch in Brazil, Japan and Australia later this year. Meanwhile, cloud gaming in a web browser, including support for Chrome, Edge and Safari, will go live to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers “in the next few weeks.” The Xbox app on PC will also get cloud gaming integrated this year.
Hamren said that Game Pass has more than 18 million subscribers, though that wasn’t broken down between the console, PC and ultimate plans, (which include game streaming).
The Series X and S haven’t seen a ton of new titles from Microsoft Studios yet, but it sounds like that will change.
“In terms of the overall lineup, we want to get to a point of releasing a new game every quarter…” said Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Game Studios. “We know that a thriving entertainment service needs a consistent and exciting flow of new content. So our portfolio will continue to grow as our service grows.”
Xbox has more than 23 studios and also recently acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios, as well as id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog and Roundhouse Studios.
Game Pass games are released simultaneously on PC and Xbox, which Xbox Head Phil Spencer used to poke at its competitors, namely Sony and its
PlayStation 5
.
“So right now, we’re the only platform shipping games on console, PC and cloud simultaneously,” Spencer said. “Others bring console games to PC years later, not only making people buy their hardware up front, but then charging them a second time to play on PC. And, of course, all of our games are in our subscription service day one, full cross-platform included.” (PlayStation brought Horizon Zero Dawn and Days Gone to PC but long after their PlayStation 4 releases.)
Tim Stuart, the chief financial officer for Xbox, said “we’ll do a lot more in PC for sure.” There have been rumors of big changes to the Microsoft Store on Windows, including making it easier for developers to sell games. That’s another avenue we may see explored soon, as Microsoft explores
what’s next for Windows
later this month, after E3.
The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase will take place on Sunday, June 13 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and will stream on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook and Twitter.
Sharp has announced its new 4K TV range just in time for the Euro 2020 kick off, and there are some seriously affordable big-screen options. Both the DL and DN ranges come with very slim bezels, the Android TV operating system, HDR tech and sound by Harman Kardon.
HDR10 and HLG formats of HDR come as standard, and the DN series TVs also have Dolby Vision on board. The DN sets also feature Sharp’s Active Motion 600 technology, which sharpens up movement and reduces distortions, and 12-bit HDR colour coding to improve the smoothness of shading and reduce banding and colour disruptions common to standard non-HDR sources. The 65-inch model has a slim, full-aluminium body enhanced with a high brightness LCD/LED panel producing 400 nits output.
And there’s plenty of audio tech to get your teeth into (or ears into, rather). As well as integrated speaker systems from sonic specialists Harman Kardon, there’s Dolby Atmos tech onboard (though only on the DN models) to give 3D audio. The DN range also benefits from DTS Virtual:X post-processing tech, apparently improving clarity and ensuring better-quality high frequencies. Again, the 65-inch model gets a little extra – in this case, a 15W Harman Kardon sub to go with the 10W stereo speakers, making a 2.1 system.
The usual apps are present and correct, including Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Deezer and Tidal. Google Chromecast tech lets you stream content from your mobile device or laptop to the big screen, and of course Google Assistant lets you control it just by speaking.
Unusually, the 50-inch models have more HDMI inputs than their 65-inch siblings (four compared to three). Go figure.
The entry-level 50-inch 50DL3KA costs £530, and the 50DN3KA (with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision) is £550. Stepping up in size, the 65-inch 65DL3KA is £730, and the 65DN3KA is £750.
They will all be available “this summer”. So probably not in time for Euro 2020 after all. Ho hum. if you need a set for then, why not check out our list of best TVs?
MORE:
Check out the other best cheap TVs
Go big this year: best projectors
Find out how to set-up a home cinema in your garden
Monoprice seems to be on a mission to make Dolby Atmos technology as accessible as possible. After releasing a 5.1.2 system for less than $450 earlier this year, the company has announced the SB-300, a 2.1 soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos that comes in at just $180.
While the SB-300 doesn’t have any upward-firing drivers or surround speakers for ‘true’ Dolby Atmos, Dolby’s Virtual Atmos technology utilises DSP (digital signal processing) and psychoacoustics to (theoretically) reproduce the height dimensions of compatible content for a more cinematic home theater experience.
Despite the bargain price, Monoprice has still given the SB-300 a decent feature set that includes two HDMI ports and an HDMI eARC output, as well as coaxial and optical inputs.
A USB port allows for audio playback of MP3s from a hard drive, while Bluetooth 4.2 is onboard for streaming from portable devices. There’s also a 3.5mm analogue audio input, which means this budget bar is well suited to those with an older TV set.
The soundbar offers ‘Movie’, ‘Music’, and ‘News’ modes to tweak the sound depending on the content you’re watching. Music mode is (obviously) for music playback, Movie mode attempts to focus on both dialogue and sound effects for a more dramatic movie experience, and News mode emphasises dialogue clarity.
Included in the box is an infra-red remote, HDMI cable and hardware for wall mounting.
The SB-300 is available in the US now for $180.
MORE
Best Dolby Atmos soundbars 2021: the best Atmos TV speakers
10 of the best Dolby Atmos movie scenes
Dolby Atmos: what is it? How can you get it
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