Monthly Archives: June 2016

Volkswagen Tiguan first drive: All grown up

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Volkswagen was early to market with the last-generation Tiguan. It sold so well (1.8 million since 2007), it’s a bit confusing as to why VW has been shy at coming forward to join the SUV revolution.

But hurrah, never fear, the new Tiguan is here. And it heralds the start of an onslaught of new SUV models from the people’s car company, from big to small.

The last Tiguan, for all its sales success, looked more than a little gawky. The interior lacked the quality you’d expect from a Volkswagen. And it drove with little panache.

The new Tiguan changes all that. In comes a much sharper, modern VW design language — all creases and sharp surfacing with delicious little surface sections cut out around the rear section — and is bigger, longer, wider and slightly lower than its predecessor. That means it looks much more four-square and planted on the road. But it also feels like a more grown up car.

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Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/cars/reviews/volkswagen/138021-volkswagen-tiguan-review-all-grown-up

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Note 5 vs Note 4: What’s the rumoured difference?

Samsung’s Galaxy Note device is expected to launch in August, adding another smartphone to the company’s 2016 flagship portfolio.

galaxy-note-5-14

Read on to find out how the Galaxy Note 7 compares to the Note 5 and the Note4, based on the rumours.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 measures 153.2 x 76.2 x 7.6mm and hits the scales at 171g. Although it still very much looks like a Note device, the Note 5 is more refined than its predecessors, falling more in line with the Galaxy S6 devices and tying the flagships together.

Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/buyers-guides/samsung/137774-samsung-galaxy-note-7-vs-note-5-vs-note-4-what-s-the-difference

2017 Volvo S90 Review : Living the (Nearly) Self-Driving Life

With warning bells ringing in my ears and the Volvo S90 perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, it occurred to me that the car’s engineers probably didn’t envision their luxury sedan packed full of safety features would be gingerly shepherded down what amounted to a mountain goat path in Spain. But the unintended off-road experience–plus hours of hands on (and hands-off) driving–proved that the technologically tricked out S90 is more than just a pretty face. It’s also the first car to come standard with an array of semi-autonomous driving features.

The 2017 Volvo S90 is the second model from the automaker, following the XC90 SUV, that’s based on a new engineering platform and features Volvo’s touch-screen based connected car system. Volvo has upped the safety and self-driving features on the sedan, adding large animal detection and taking the initial Pilot Assist version from city-only driving up to 80 mph highway speeds. It works well compared to similar systems from other automakers, but there’s a learning curve for drivers anxious to adopt the latest technology.

Read full post here:
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/2017-volvo-s90,review-3726.html

Apple MacBook vs HP Spectre : Superthin Laptop Showdown

Every laptop maker wants to one-up the MacBook. And why not? Apple’s $1,299 ultraportable is extremely light and thin, and packs a rich Retina display and plenty of staying power into that stylish design. HP’s answer is the Spectre (starting at $1,169), which is even thinner than Apple’s machine and boasts more ports, a full-power Core processor — no dinky Core M here — and a cushy keyboard. However, the Spectre makes trade-offs — just as the MacBook does.

Spectre-vs-Macbook-home-scr

To find out which supersvelte system is tops, we put them through nine rounds of competition. Although this contest was very close, the HP Spectre came out on top. Here’s why.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/apple-macbook-vs-hp-spectre

Now TV Smart Box Hands-on Review

Now TV launched in 2012 as Sky’s internet TV service, offering access to the company’s premium content without the need to install a satellite dish. A year later, the company launched its first Now TV Box, providing an easy way to add Smart TV functionality to any television. With this market now becoming crowded, the new Now TV Smart Box aims to help Now TV get ahead of the competition.

The big change here is the addition of a Freeview tuner, adding free-to-air TV channels to the option of premium Sky content and catch-up TV channels.

Launched alongside a new range of Now TV Combo packages, with access to TV, broadband and phone, and a new Now TV router, the new Now TV Smart Box is Sky’s new take on the set-top box. We take a closer look.

Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/now-tv-smart-box-review

Olympus E-M1II Coming with Dual SD Card Slot

More details are coming for the upcoming Olympus E-M1II mirrorless camera. The flagship MFT model is expected to feature dual SD card slot.

After the mention of the new handheld high resolution mode which will help pro users for better stabilization. Now the Olympus E-M1II is said to include dual SD card slots. So it is highly likely that the mirrorless shooter will be bigger than the current E-M1 model.



Read full post here:
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/2017-volvo-s90,review-3726.html

Samsung Z3 Corporate Edition launched with SD410 SoC

After launching the Z3 back in October last year, Samsung has now launched a new variant of the Tizen-powered device. Dubbed Z3 Corporate Edition, the handset – as the name suggests – is aimed at enterprise customers, and is available for purchase in Russia.

It’s worth mentioning that the variant launched in Russia is different from the original Z3 (that was launched in India) in that it is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon MSM8916 (SD410) chipset, supports 4G LTE, and is SAFE certified for business use in Russia.

Read full post here:
https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_z3_corporate_edition_launched_with_sd410_soc-news-19125.php

Lenovo Miix 310 Review : an affordable 2-in-1 PC

Lenovo has a new 2-in-1 PC for those who want the convenience of a tablet and the truly usable form factor of a proper laptop. Unlike some competing 2-in-1 systems, the Ideapad Miix 310 features a keyboard with a hinge — attach the tablet portion to the keyboard and the combination of the two feels nearly identical to an ordinary laptop. It’s not just a laptop, though, and it’s all the better for it. Is the Miix 310 the inexpensive 2-in-1 you’ve been waiting for? Read our full review to find out!

Lenovo Miix 310 Review: an affordable 2-in-1 PC

Hardware

The Lenovo Miix 310 comes connected to its keyboard out of the box; upon removing it, you feel like you’re picking up a netbook from years back. Open the display, though, and you’ll be able to tell by the reversed display-to-keyboard weight that you’re holding a 2-in-1 system.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-miix-310-review-an-affordable-2-in-1-pc-29446491/

2016 Nissan Leaf vs 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf : Range-Anxiety

Electric cars may be the future, but so is range anxiety. That’s the lingering conclusion after testing two of the most popular, competitively-priced EVs on the market, the 2016Volkswagen e-Golf SE, and the 2016 Nissan Leaf SL. Unlike anything from Tesla’s forecourt, you’ll get change from $40k even buying brand new, and various subsidies tickle the sticker prices even lower. Question is, are either of these all-electric chariots really ready to join the rat-race?

2016 Nissan Leaf vs 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf: Range-Anxiety

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/2016-nissan-leaf-vs-2016-volkswagen-e-golf-range-anxiety-29446431/

Leica S (Typ 007) review

Introduction

With no background in medium-format film cameras, Leica was able to start with a clean slate when it decided the time was right to begin offering its users a larger sensor. Although the S1 was the first of its S-series models, it was a scanning camera and not closely related to the S models that followed. The S2 was the beginning of the current format, which was announced in 2008 and released for sale in 2009. Leica wanted to make a medium-format handheld camera that was small and easy to use, so it steered away from the Hasselblad/Bronica/Pentax 645 format of long-nosed SLRs and went with a shape more like the Pentax 67 SLR or Mamiya 7 rangefinder, and actually not that dissimilar to its own lovely R system of 35mm film SLRs.

Confusingly, Leica’s naming structure has altered since the introduction of the S2, so we had the S (Typ 006) instead of an S3, and now we have an S (Typ 007), representing the fourth generation of the series. This new model introduces some important changes for the system and brings with it features and functions that make it a thoroughly modern medium-format camera in a world in which the main players are only just moving away from bodies designed and created in the last century. It stands out too as the only digital medium-format camera built in the likeness of a 35mm-style DSLR. It also uses its own unique sensor size with a 3:2 aspect ratio, and is ploughing its own furrow when it comes to the sensor manufacturer.

Read full post here:
https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/leica-s-typ-007-review

Dell Inspiron 17 7000 2-in-1 Review

Size matters. The Dell Inspiron 17 7000 2-in-1 (starting at $899, $999 as tested) is the first 17-inch 2-in-1, using a 360-degree hinge to switch among laptop, tablet, presentation and tent modes. Not surprisingly, the laptop’s size poses some challenges when you try to bend the screen back with normal, adult-size arms and hands. However, the Inspiron 17’s high-quality screen and solid performance make it a worthy choice for those who want the biggest display they can get with loads of versatility baked in.

Design

The Inspiron 17 7000 is a mammoth 2-in-1; a Brobdingnagian-brushed-aluminum slate that looks far less nimble than it is. The lid is spartan with a black Dell logo, and when the computer is opened, you’ll see the 17.3-inch, 1080p touch screen; full keyboard with number pad; and a brushed-aluminum deck.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/dell-inspiron-17-7000-2-in-1

Beyerdynamic T1 Generation 2 review

We reviewed the original T1 headphones back in 2010. They cost £880/$1320 at the time and stunned us with their performance. It was enough to see them pick up a Best Buy award in the high-end headphone category that year.

Build and design

Six years on and we have the Generation 2 version, and on first acquaintance little seems to have changed. The only visual differences are that the headband is now lined with leatherette rather than the real thing, and the cable – still 3m long but now detachable – is fully shielded and covered with a textile braid.

Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/beyerdynamic/t1-generation-2/review

 

 

 

Devialet’s Gold Phantom is heavy, mental

Bombs and Rockets. If French audio company Devialet was an ’80s synth band this would be the title of its sophomore album. For while the company gleefully compared the amount of pressure inside the Silver Phantom to a type of bomb, it says the new Gold Phantom has the same power as a rocket launch. Lesson in short: don’t drop these things from a great height.

In terms of price alone, the Devialet is winning the arms race when it comes to high-end wireless speakers at $3,000 or £1,690 (about AU$3,050). Below it sits models such as the Raumfeld Stereo L, the Naim mu-so and two other Devialet Phantoms.

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Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/devialet-gold-phantom-preview/

TomTom Via 52 and 62 nav units use smartphone for traffic info

TomTom has unveiled a pair of new portable navigation devices called the Via 52 and Via 62 that both have smartphone connectivity.

That connectivity with your smartphone means you can leave your phone in your pocket and still make or receive phone calls and have up to date traffic information. Each of the navigation devices can be used as hands free kits.

Hands free capacity is a big deal in areas where it’s illegal to talk on a phone without hands free technology. The big thing with the smartphone connectivity is that the navigation devices are able to use the smartphone to get real-time traffic information and live speed camera alerts.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/tomtom-via-52-and-62-nav-units-use-smartphone-for-traffic-info-29446356/

Microsoft LifeCam HD 3000 Review

In a glaring case of “you get what you pay for,” Microsoft offers its $22 LifeCam HD 3000 as a low-cost alternative to built-in cameras. However, the device produces blurry photos and videos, which are only marginally better than those of the absolute worst laptop webcams. If you can stretch your budget by just a few dollars, competitors offer significantly better output than Microsoft’s weakest webcam.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/accessories/microsoft-lifecam-hd-3000

Technics EAH-T 700 Headphone Review

 

Remember Technics? They made turntables, right? Yes, they did, and now they’re making them again. The brand’s history dates back to 1965 when it debuted the Technics 1 monitor speaker. The brand went on to create a wide range of components, including a tube amplifier in 1966, and in 1970 the world’s first direct-drive turntable, the SP-10. Many other products followed, but the Technics name faded from view a few years ago and then roared back to life in 2015 with a couple of stellar speakers and a new line of electronics. This year, Technics showed an all-new SL-1200 Series turntable and these remarkable headphones, the EAH-T700.

These crisply styled beauties feature finely crafted aluminum earcups and deliciously thick padded ear cushions and headband; pictures fail to convey how it feels. These headphones look like they can shrug off a little rough handling with ease. The EAH-T700 were designed and made in Japan, precisely because Technics engineers want to maintain the strictest quality control standards.

Read full post here:
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/technics-eah-t700-headphones#wfXbZX1EZZEqpCAm.97

Artison RCC Nano One Wireless Subwoofer Preview

Executive Overview

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So you bought a soundbar or you have small in-wall speakers and they don’t give you the bass that you really want and your significant other says a giant floor subwoofer is out of the question. Now you’re in luck. Artison might have an answer for you with their RCC Nano One wireless subwoofer. Artison touts the RCC Nano One as the world’s smallest high performance subwoofer and at $1000 it better perform.  Measuring only 7.5” x 8” x 9” including feet and grilles, it certainly is small!

Artison started development from the ground up with this new sub giving it a whole new driver design.  With a piston area of an oversized 8” woofer, the 6.5″ driver has 20mm (0.78″) of linear excursion (how far the cone can move without distortion), coupled with large magnet structures and with multi-layer voice coils.

Read full post here:
https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/artison-rcc-nano-one

LG VPInput lets you control your LG flagship from your PC

Anyone who works with a computer daily is probably familiar with the frustration of having to reach out for your smartphone just quickly check or do something. Not only is it inconvenient, it is also unproductive. LG has just announced its solution that fixes. Provided you have an LG G5, G4, or even aV10. Simply called VPInput, the Android app and accompanying PC program allows you not just to view but also control your smartphone right from the comfort of your desktop or laptop.

Connecting a PC and an LG smartphone is as easy as downloading themobile app from Google Play Store and the PC or Mac counterpart from LG’s website. No Internet or even Wi-Fi is needed, as the wireless connection is done over Bluetooth, which means the PC must have that functionality. Not a problem for laptops, but not all desktops are properly equipped.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lg-vpinput-lets-you-control-your-lg-flagship-from-your-pc-28446311/

Fujifilm Medium Format Camera Coming with 3 New Lenses

The rumor mill is in talks of a future Fujifilm medium format camera. The company expected to unveil the camera with three new lenses.

As you might remember from the previous rumors. A new Fujifilm medium format camera is in the works. It will feature a large 50-megapixel image sensor.

The announcement of the medium format Fuji might be by the end of this year. However the release date or availability of the upcoming camera should be sometime in 2017.

Hasselblad X1D officially announced a few days ago. It comes with a 50MP CMOS sensor delivering up to 14 stops of dynamic range. The mirrorless camera comes with two new lenses with 90mm and 45mm focal lengths.

Read full post here:
http://www.dailycameranews.com/2016/06/fujifilm-medium-format-lenses/

The best budget fitness trackers

Activity tracking is cheaper than you think: Misfit, Jawbone, Fitbit, Razer and more...

If you’re looking for a cheap fitness tracker that doesn’t compromise on features, you’re in luck.

The best budget fitness trackers

So far, we’ve already seen an influx of next-generation products from the likes ofFitbit and Misfit that seriously lowers the cost of getting the latest wearable tech. Quality fitness tracking needn’t break the bank.

These devices are our choices for the best affordable trackers currently on the market, for (about) $50 or less.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/fitness-trackers/best-budget-fitness-trackers-under-gbp-50

Hands on : WileyFox Spark review

WileyFox is a British smartphone firm which launched in 2015 with two solid, affordable handsets in the Swift and the Storm – and it’s building on its early success at the bottom of the mobile market with a trio of new devices. The most affordable of those is the new WileyFox Spark.

It will set you back just £89.99 SIM-free, and from a quick glance at the spec sheet it looks to be fantastic value for money. There’s a 5-inch display, 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 8MP rear camera and an 8MP front snapper.

The 1GB of RAM is a slight worry, while the 8GB of internal storage isn’t particularly useful – especially as you’ll get just 3.6GB of that to actually use. There is, however a microSD slot in the WileyFox Spark allowing you to expand on the measly internal offering.

Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/wileyfox-spark-1324070/review

Vernee Apollo Lite vs. OnePlus 3 in design comparison video

Presale period for the Vernee Apollo Lite is soon coming to an end and Vernee announced that they are ready to start the distribution soon.

It’s the second phone they have released this year and because it’s also one of the few deca-core devices coming so far the spotlight and scrutiny is immense. Vernee are not afraid to even compare it with another titan of the industry in form of OnePlus 3 and the following video is comparing their product with it.



Read full post here:
https://www.gizchina.com/2016/06/27/vernee-apollo-lite-vs-oneplus-3-design-comparison-video/

Acer Chromebook 14 for Work Review

Because of their web-centric nature, Chromebooks traditionally have been associated with the education market and budget shoppers. But the Google for Work initiative has given rise to a new class of Chromebooks intended for business. Part of this new group, the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work (starting at $349; $749 as configured) features a sleek chassis that survives 4-foot drops, serious IT management features and optional high-end features such as a 1080p display, a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 32GB of local storage. If not for its relatively high price tag, the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work would be a no-brainer for both consumers and companies of all sizes.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/acer-chromebook-14-work

Revo SuperSignal review

Features

If the SuperSignal is to besmirch the Revo name it won’t be on the basis of specification – it’s absolutely on the money for a product of this type.

DAB, DAB+ and FM radio reception, aptX Bluetooth streaming capability and auxiliary inputs (stereo RCA and 3.5mm) constitute the sources, 10W of Class-D amplification provides the oomph and a 3.5in flat diaphragm driver (reinforced by a downward-firing reflex port in the bottom of the cabinet) delivers the sound.

There’s a bright, crisp OLED display to keep you informed, a very acceptable remote control if the responsive little joystick control on the fascia is too much of a faff, and alarm functions in case you want to position the SuperSignal next to your bed.

Specification is absolutely on the money for a product of this type.

Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/revo/supersignal/review

Explained : How to install watchOS 3 on your Apple Watch

Apple unveiled watchOS 3, its forthcoming operating system for the Apple Watch, at WWDC 2016. And while the Apple Watch 2 is still MIA, the beta for watchOS 3 is here and anyone can download to try out the latest features.

There are some caveats. Firstly, it’s beta for a reason, so you have to accept the possibility that your Apple Watch could become less stable, crash or worse. And you’ll need to sort that out yourself. Secondly, if you play it by the book, you’ll need access to an Apple developer account, and that costs $99 a year. Still interested? Read on for more.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/apple/apple-watch-series-2-review

Huawei Matebook Review

Huawei is already the third-largest smartphone maker, trailing just Samsung and Apple, but it seems like that’s not enough for the company. With the MateBook, Huawei is expanding into the world of Windows 2-in-1s with a top-notch detachable design and some luxurious leather-bound accessories. Starting at $699 (without a keyboard), the 12-inch MateBook looks to steal some glory from systems such as the Samsung TabPro S and even the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. However, its anemic battery life, slow storage speed and so-so keyboard prevent it from overtaking or even matching its competitors.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/huawei-matebook

Lenovo Pocket Projector Review — a 110″ display in your bag

Lenovo has tablets with built-in projectors, but that’s not practical for some. If you want to enjoy the same kind of projector sans the entire tablet arrangement, there’s the new Lenovo Pocket Projector. As the name suggests, this newly launched projector is small…small enough to fit in many pockets, and definitely small enough to fit in whatever bag you’re using. Is the image quality worth it, though? Read our review to find out!

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-pocket-projector-review-a-110-display-in-your-bag-27445233/

LG SH7B review

While Samsung and LG may be known variously as “those TV guys,” or even “they make cell phones,” both have been making inroads into audio for some years. Samsung says it wants to compete with Bowers and Wilkins, and LG was collaborating with hi-fi specialists as far back as 2008.

While LG’s partnership with Mark Levinson was short-lived, the company has seemingly been focused on sound quality ever since. The last few years of LG sound bars have been largely excellent — see 2015’s LAS751, for example — and the SH7B continues in this tradition.

For a $400 sound bar, the LG SH7B has a few more features than most in its price class, including multiroom streaming, Bluetooth and an HDMI input. Its performance is also a cut above competitors with a skilfully blend between the wireless sub and sound bar. While it’s best for movies, as most sound bars are, if you’re looking for a music player as well it will also do a more than creditable job.

Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/products/lg-sh7b/1/

Hasselblad X1D vs Sony A7r II vs Canon 5DS vs Pentax 645D : Size Comparison

The groundbreaking mirrorless medium format Hasselblad X1D looks ultra-portable in the product photos provided by Hassy, but how small is it really? We used the Camera Size tool to put it up against some of its competition.

X1D_Lifestyle_Sitting

When we found out the X1D was already on Camera Size (thanks SAR), we immediately started playing with a few comparisons. We were not disappointed.

Read full post here:
https://petapixel.com/2016/06/23/sony-a7r-ii-vs-hasselblad-x1d-camera-size-comparison/

HP Chromebook 11 G5 Sports Touchscreen for Android Apps

Chromebooks will gain access to Android apps later this year, opening a whole new world of software to the web-centric platform. To get ready for this upgrade, HP has built the 11.6-inch Chromebook 11 G5, a lightweight laptop, which will start at $189 and offer an optional touchscreen when it launches in October.hp chromebook

Touchscreen Chromebook 11 G5 models will start at $269, but this finger-friendly display will come at the price of slightly less battery life. While the company claims the nontouch Chromebook 11 G5 lasted 12.5 hours on one of Google’s battery tests, it admits the touchscreen version made it only 11 hours on the same benchmark.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/hp-chromebook-11-g5-features-price