Monthly Archives: January 2018

Living with Wahoo Tickr Fit: Heart rate monitoring from the arm

Should you swap your wrist based monitor for one that lives on your forearm?

I know a lot of people hate wearing heart rate monitor chest straps. I’m not one of those people, but I can fully appreciate why they don’t have a lot of fans. While they are still regarded as the gold standard for accuracy, there’s no getting away from the fact that they can be uncomfortable to wear underneath your gym or running kit whether you’re going for a run or sweating bucketloads in your spin class.

It’s the main reason we’ve now seen HRM sensors crop up in fitness trackers, smartwatches, sports watches and even headphones. To deliver that heart rate data from a more comfortable place without sacrificing the accuracy you get from a chest strap.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/sport/wahoo-tickr-fit-review-080

Top 10 Best Marine Speakers of 2018

Here are our top picks for the best marine speakers that deliver really good sound performance and are perfect for installation on boats, by the poolside or water prone areas. These marine speakers are constructed with durable materials for resistance to rust, corrosion and humidity, and come with high quality grilles that protect the internal speaker circuitry from weather conditions.

They are plenty of fun to listen to and can really enhance the overall boat ride experience with quality sound. Our experts have tested over fifty marine speakers to determine which ones give the best sound performance and delivery really good value for money. These marine speakers are capable of delivering really crisp and crystal clear sound quality despite their tough and rugged construction. If you are looking for the best marine speakers to install on your boat or by the pool, be sure to check out these marine speakers for your audio setup.

Read full post here:
https://www.bassheadspeakers.com/best-marine-speakers/

FUJIFILM X-A5 Hands-on Review : First Impressions

Following in the footsteps of the affordable X-A3, the Fuji X-A5 is aimed at entry-level photographers wanting a reasonably capable camera on a tight budget. It might look a whole lot like its predecessor externally, but a major update awaits on the inside, as we’ll soon find out!

A very familiar body with a couple of changes

The only externally-obvious changes from the earlier camera are a new cover on the left side of the X-A5’s plastic body — behind which you’ll find a new 2.5mm mic / remote jack — and the lack of a focus mode switch on the front deck. (If you look more closely, you’ll also spot a new Motion Panorama position on the mode dial, replacing the earlier camera’s Custom position.)

Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/fuji-x-a5/fuji-x-a5A.HTM

MacBook Buying Guide 2018 – Which Mac should you buy?

When it comes to purchasing a Mac, we’ve got the lowdown on each model to help you make a buying decision.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re thinking about buying a new Mac and may be in need of a little guidance. Fortunately, we’re quite familiar with Apple’s Macs, and we’re happy to help you choose the right Mac for you.

Before we proceed, we should specifically address Apple’s desktop Macs. It’s been a while since the company has updated the Mac mini and Mac Pro. While our advice for each Mac model provides guidance as to which model you should buy, you might actually consider waiting to see if Apple releases a new Mac mini or Mac Pro, or consider buying an iMac.

Read full post here:
https://www.macworld.com/article/2018990/mac-buying-guide.html

Fujifilm X-A3 vs Fujifilm X-A5 – The 10 Main Differences

The Fujifilm X-A5 is one of the latest iterations in Fujifilm’s X-A range of interchangeable lens cameras. With its sleek retro design, user-friendly interface, and flip-up touch-sensitive LCD screen, it heavily targets social shooters who want to take a step up from smartphone photography.

If you want to find out more about how this new model compares to its predecessor, the X-A3, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ve listed the ten main differences, although as you’ll discover, they have much more in common than not!

What they share:

On the horizon: The state of real-time translation hearables

The what’s what of translation hearables

Technology is gradually breaking down language barriers. You can use translation tools to read websites and text, and can even use tech like VR to place yourself in another country entirely. So it’s a real bummer that, in person, the barrier goes back up.

Universal translation has been in the human conscious since Star Trek popularized the idea many decades ago – even if it was really just a way to invent a host of languages and make audiences read subtitles. Cynicism aside, it was still an inspiring idea of unification for engineers of the future.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/hearables/translation-hearables-pilot-bragi-doppler-2919

Best hot hatches 2018 (and the ones to avoid)

What’s the best hot hatch money can buy? We name our favourites and reveal the ones to avoid at all costs

A hot hatch needs to excel in several areas if it’s to be the crowned the cream of the crop.

First, it must be able to get your pulse racing on a twisty back road; if it can’t get you from corner to corner without the edges of your mouth turning up, it has fallen at the first hurdle. So, handling prowess and power delivery are key here.

Ride quality is also important. A firm ride is inevitable on something so sporty, but the suspension must be able to deal with the worst that British roads can throw at it.

And hot hatches are likely to be used every day of the week, so they also need to possess a practical, comfortable interior and have reasonable running costs.

Read full post here:
https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hot-hatches-2018-and-the-ones-to-avoid/n17005#1

Ryzen CPUs explained: Everything you need to know about AMD’s disruptive multicore chips

AMD’s powerful Ryzen processors democratize CPU cores and challenge Intel’s high-end chips.

After a decade of fielding ho-hum FX-series processors, AMD’s finally released its highly disruptive Ryzen chips, throwing down the gauntlet and challenging Intel’s supremacy in high-end computing.

AMD’s Ryzen chips include several CPUs (and CPU families) of various levels of potency. What’s more, Ryzen introduces a completely new motherboard platform, and the processors require different memory and coolers than their predecessors. There’s a lot to sift through—so let’s sift!

Read full post here:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3176907/ryzen-cpus-explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-amds-disruptive-multicore-chips.html

Ulefone Power 3S Review: A Perfect Smartphone For Power Users

Now a day’s Smartphone’s are the basic utility for every person, it consists of latest technologies, cameras, network connections and many more things which make their use more in a day to day life. In order to explain Smartphone in few words then that is it is a pocket size computer system.

In this Smartphone trendy world, Ulefone introduced world with their new and latest version of Smartphone names as “Ulefone Power 3S”. As its name depicts it is a very powerful phone. They basically focus on battery power. It provides heavy battery power as compared to other telephonic devices.

Many people fed up with changing their Smartphone’s so this is the phone which meets there a requirement in a smart manner. This phone has slim designing, smooth in touch. Many of its features make it much better than other Smartphone. Ulefone power 3S has a budget-friendly pricing.

Read full post here:
https://technosoups.com/ulefone-power-3s-review-perfect-smartphone-power-users-presale-gearbest/

Best Fitbit Ionic bands: Third party straps to help you freshen up your smartwatch

Fitbit Ionic alternatives for exercising, dressing up and everything else

Buying the best Fitbit Ionic band is the perfect way to breathe new life into your smartwatch.

Whether you’ve already got the company’s first official smartwatch on your wrist or you’re simply looking to fill the stocking of a Fitbit enthusiast, the Ionic already has a few third-party strap options for you to explore.

Fitbit itself, too, has consistently churned out its own bands and also collaborated with fashion houses in order to give its fitness trackers a more premium look.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/fitbit/best-fitbit-ionic-bands-6924

Transcend DrivePro 520 dash cam review: Front and interior cameras in one neat package

This dash cam lets you track the action in front of you and in the car.

If you’re more interested in keeping track of what’s going on inside your vehicle than what’s behind, the DrivePro 520, with its integrated interior camera, could be just what the doctor ordered. Uber and Lyft drivers take notice.

Transcend’s DrivePro 520 is our first look at a dual-channel camera with a secondary mission that isn’t tracking the traffic behind you, but monitoring your car’s interior. The feature could be a boon for cab, Lyft, Uber, and even family drivers.

The DrivePro 520 is also easy to use and takes good video, but you need to commit to the type of mount (semi-permanent or suction) you want ahead of time. Only one type is included in the package.

Read full post here:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3243091/transcend-drivepro-520-dash-cam-review.html

2018 Honda CR-V vs 2018 Nissan QASHQAI Comparison

Nissan’s popular QASHQAI takes on Honda’s upsized CR-V in a comparison that explores the benefits of multi-segment cross-shopping!

Worthy rivals with different strengths

Honda’s fifth-generation CR-V goes head to head with the new Nissan QASHQAI, a likely rival despite its smaller dimensions.

Nissan’s all-new small SUV comes in a three-model line-up that, importantly, boasts improved safety equipment across the entire range. Meanwhile Honda’s mid-sizer returns bigger and better, with the addition of a third row of seating; but only on one version of its five-model range.

Read full post here:
https://www.motoring.com.au/honda-cr-v-v-nissan-qashqai-2018-comparison-110553/

August Doorbell Cam Pro 2 review: This is a good-looking video doorbell

August’s latest smart doorbell is impressive, but it’s not perfect.

The August Doorbell Cam Pro 2 provides a sharp, clear picture of what’s happening on your doorstep, with two-way audio via your smartphone. Subscription fees, on the other hand, are high side compared to the competitors such as Ring (and Skybell has no subscription fees at all).

If you want to make a bit of a statement at your front door, the August Doorbell Cam Pro 2 will do the job. At just under three inches square and an inch deep (7cm square and 2.5cm deep) and with a large oversized button, it’s sure to be noticed by callers.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3250256/august-doorbell-cam-pro-2-review.html

Swiss smartwatch watch: All you need to know about traditional tech timepieces

Meet the Swiss-made watches with connected smarts

Smartwatches come in many forms nowadays, with the likes of Apple, Fitbit and Samsung offering full touchscreen and more discreet smart analogue options from companies such as Fossil Group, Nokia and Garmin.

And slowly but surely, companies from the spiritual home of watchmaking, Switzerland, have been getting in on the action.

Way back in 2015, Manufacture Modules Technologies (MMT), a collaboration between California’s Fullpower Technologies and Swiss company Union Horlogère, announced the Horological Smartwatch Open Platform – an initiative to provide the technical platform for Swiss smartwatches that play nice with iPhones and Android phones.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/best-swiss-smartwatches-2016

How to build a powerful, portable mini-ITX Ryzen gaming PC

Tuck this 6-core rig under your arm and bring it to a LAN party.

Computers don’t have to be big to be powerful. While opting for a small form-factor PC once required sacrificing system speed, recent technological advances have shrunk even potent PC hardware into pint-sized packages. Case in point: The 6-core, 12-thread mini-ITX gaming PC we’re building in the wake of AMD’s recent Ryzen CPU price reductions. This football-sized rig is tiny enough to tuck underneath your arm and ferocious enough to spit out fast framerates during an all-night LAN party session.

Graphics card and memory shortages mean it’s a horrible time to build a gaming PC, but a specialized rig like this simply can’t be found at most big box retailers. Portable yet powerful PCs yearn for a personal touch. The hardware needs to do everything you need with limited expansion and connection slots, but more crucially, it all needs to fit. There’s not much wiggle room inside a mITX case.

Read full post here:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3252066/how-to-build-a-mini-itx-ryzen-gaming-pc.html

Vizio SB3651-E6 SmartCast Sound Bar review: The high-tech feature set comes with a few sonic tradeoffs

This 36-inch soundbar delivers true 5.1-channel surround sound, but you’ll need to hear it to decide if Vizio made the right compromises in its effort to hit this price point.

Vizio delivers true 5.1-channel surround sound in a streamlined footprint and at a very low price point.

There’s simply no substitute for a surround-sound system with discrete speakers. The problem is, many consumers can’t tolerate the aesthetic compromises or setup hassle that can come with it. While traditional soundbars are pleasing to the eye and simple to configure, they just can’t recreate the audio magic that discrete speakers can deliver.

That’s where Vizio’s 5.1 Smart Cast Sound Bar System comes (look for model number SB3651-E6, which is how I’ll describe it from here). This system consists of a 36-inch soundbar; a compact, wireless subwoofer; and two satellite surround speakers. Audio voodoo need not apply.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3251728/vizio-smartcast-sound-bar-sb3651-e6-review.html

Starmobile UP Selfie Review: Back on Track with the Budget Segment?

Starmobile’s UP series are budget-oriented phones that offer good features for an affordable price. The same goes for the UP Selfie, which is Starmobile’s most premium model in the UP line. At $136, you get a dual front camera setup (one normal and one wide-angle), 3GB of RAM, and a fingerprint scanner. Is the UP Selfie worth your hard-earned money this 2018? Let’s take a quick look at the specs:

Starmobile UP Selfie Specs

HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which display interface reigns supreme?

Both are capable of sending high-def video and audio from a source device to a display. So what’s the difference?

The HDMI audio/video interface standard is everywhere. You’ll find the connection in TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, A/V receivers, gaming consoles, camcorders, digital cameras, and even some smartphones.

You’ll also find an HDMI port in most consumer desktop and laptop computers. No modern all-in-one is complete without an HDMI input that allows you to connect a gaming console or a set-top box to the computer so you can use its display for a second purpose.

But given HDMI’s ubiquity, you might have forgotten the other digital audio/video standard: DisplayPort. Though you’ll find it alongside HDMI in many late-model, add-in video cards, as well as in laptops marketed to business users, it rarely appears in Windows PCs aimed at consumers.

Read full post here:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2030669/hdmi-vs-displayport-which-display-interface-reigns-supreme.html

Why the hell do we need 400 megapixels? We don’t even need 100 megapixels, and I’ll prove it

Hasselblad announced a new version of their medium format camera that is capable of producing 400 megapixel images. Generally the first reaction to this kind of thing is of course, “oh wow, that’s wild!” But for me, it was a resounding, “Why?” Off and on over the course of digital photography, the industry has engaged in what many affectionally call the “resolution wars” or “megapixel wars.” Any increased emphasis on resolution in marketing materials from one manufacturer is quickly met with the same from rivals, and the megapixel rating becomes the main selling point of everyone’s cameras. Never mind that these cameras likely have many other more impressive features to those paying attention. The megapixels always win out in marketing materials.

This is likely because the average consumer has no idea how or why sensitivity matters, the difference between on-sensor stabilization and digital stabilization, the tech behind autofocus engines, or how any number of other features that a camera has work the way they do. They just take those for granted or ignore them in favor of something they do understand: Photo size. Megapixels.

Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/articles/why-the-hell-do-we-need-400mp-we-dont-even-need-100mp-and-ill-prove-it

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 is coming February 25. Here’s everything we know about it

Samsung’s flagship makes a return to Mobile World Congress.

It might seem like the Galaxy S8 just arrived, but we’re already looking ahead to the S9. Samsung blew us away with the Infinity Display and all-glass design of the S8. Expectations are high for S9, as the highly anticipated smartphone sets the stage for the rest of 2018 flagships to follow. Here’s everything we think we know about Samsung’s next Galaxy phone.

Galaxy S9 design

Samsung made a splash with the 18:9, slim-bezel design of the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Rumors suggest the S9 won’t stray too far from that formula. As serial tipster Evan Blass pointed out on Twitter, this is a “tock” year for the Galaxy S, meaning it will likely focus on performance enhancements rather than physical changes. Code-named Star 1 and Star 2, according to Blass, other reports have suggested that the top and bottom bezels could be trimmed, but otherwise the front of the device will likely look very similar to the S8’s.

Read full post here:
https://www.greenbot.com/article/3242214/samsung-galaxy-s9-features-specs-release-faq.html

Best fitness trackers and wearables for HIIT workouts

These are the devices to take to your next high intensity training session

It’s fair to say that HIIT or high intensity interval training is a popular choice for gym goers right now who want to sweat it out when time is short, or just when you think the hour session on the treadmill isn’t doing you any good. The short, intense bursts of exercise with or without gym equipment can quickly ramp up that heart rate and to help fight the fat.

If you want to keep a closer eye on those sessions or want to do some HIIT in the comfort of your own home, there are of course heart rate monitor chest straps that do a very good job of it. There’s also a crop of wearables that now make it possible with more on the way. It’s not just sports watches either, with wearables now delivering those tracking powers from the wrist, the head and even the ears.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/sport/best-wearable-for-hiit-workout-320

KEECOO P11 Review: Cheap But Definitely Worth It

With the unveiling of the trendy and most expected Phablet going to take place this month end thereby KEECOO lovers could expect a bunch of Rumours and leaked gadget photos that are hanging in the tech world. Although Phablet is more open to the technology, KEECOO fans are eagerly waiting for the recent update from one of the leading smartphone Manufacturers.

Founded in 2009, KEECOO only started making smartphones two years ago. Their first phone, KEECOO K1, released in July 2016, claimed to be “the smartphone for women” but sadly, couldn’t live up to that expectation. Trying to up their game, the company decided to release a new smartphone shortly after. Finally, on December 21st, 2017 they released the KEECOO P11 which is cheaper (only 99.99 USD) but with much better features.

Read full post here:
https://technosoups.com/keecoo-p11-review-cheap-definitely-worth/

Michael Kors Access gets colourful for the new Spring 2018 collection

New apps also set to be added to the fashion smartwatch mix

Michael Kors is ready to bring a dash more colour to its Kors Access Android Wear smartwatches with its new Spring 2018 collection.

The Access Sofie, which is the model designed for women, will now come in four new colors including a new two-tone, a new rose-gold tone, brilliant sky blue and a white silicone-wrapped style. For the Access Grayson (that’s the men’s option), you’ll have your pick of a silver-tone, black and dark green shades.

All of the new-look watches will include the same features as the current models, so you can expect Google’s Android Wear 2.0 operating system to run the show, letting you customise watch faces, track fitness and speak to Google Assistant. Those bands will be interchangeable too, in case you want to mix things up further; new strap options will be available alongside the new watches.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/android-wear/michael-kors-access-spring-2018-collection-5670

New Ford Mondeo vs used BMW 3 Series: which is best?

You’re after an executive car but you have a difficult choice – do you buy a new one that’s extremely practical or a used one with a premium badge?

When buying a new car, a moment’s hesitation can turn into a serious dilemma.

For example, you’re just about to sign on the dotted line for a brand-new Ford Mondeo, one of the most popular and capacious of all executive cars, when word reaches you that for the same price you could buy a barely used BMW 3 Series, the car that has been so consistently ahead of its field that it’s actually come to define the class.

Both cars do a similar job of dismissing motorway journeys with ease, as well as handling impractical loads and unknown roads with disdain, and both have deeply impressive on-paper economy, but which one makes more sense for you – the wonderfully spacious Ford or the temptingly classy BMW?

Read full post here:
https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-ford-mondeo-vs-used-bmw-3-series-which-is-best/n16533

Apple Final Cut Pro X (2017) review: A great prosumer video editor that some pros will like, too

It’s more prosumer than professional now, but it still offers a lot to independent creators of all types.

The Mac-exclusive Final Cut Pro X is the very definition of a “prosumer video” editing program—descended from a much more expensive professional tool, it attempts to bridge the gap or hit a sweet spot between consumers who want something powerful but easy and affordable, and professionals who can’t bear to lose a single piece of functionality.

The Mac-exclusive Final Cut Pro X is the very definition of a prosumer video editing program. Descended from a much more expensive professional tool, it attempts to bridge the gap between consumers who want something powerful but easy and affordable, and professionals who can’t bear to lose a single piece of functionality.

Read full post here:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3250207/final-cut-pro-x-review.html

OPPO A83 vs ASUS ZenFone Max Plus Specs Comparison

In this episode of specs comparison, we will be putting two new smartphones side-by-side that were released in the country this year and we will check out which one has the better specs in key aspects.

The OPPO A83 is the company’s first smartphone to be released this year in the country. It has a 5.7-inch HD+ display with 1440 x 720 resolution, a MediaTek MT6763T (Helio P23) processor, a 32GB internal storage, a 3GB RAM, a 13MP rear camera with LED flash, an 8MP front camera with screen flash and AI Beautification Technology, and a 3,180mAh battery.

The ASUS ZenFone Max Plus is the company’s first smartphone that’s released this year as well. It has a 5.7-inch FHD+ display with 2160 x 1080 resolution, a MediaTek MT6750T processor, a 32GB internal storage, a 4GB RAM, a dual 16MP + 8MP rear cameras with LED flash, an 8MP front camera with screen flash, and a 4,130mAh battery.

Read full post here:
https://www.yugatech.com/mobile/specs-comparison-oppo-a83-vs-asus-zenfone-max-plus/#f2GpdEvlmEMYPBQD.97

Ring Floodlight Cam review: An excellent choice—if you’re living in Ring’s ecosystem

If you’re already using one of Ring’s doorbell cameras or spotlight cams, this porchlight replacement will be a great addition.

The Ring Floodlight Cam is easy to recommend if you’re already vested in the Ring ecosystem. Your decision will be more complicated if you haven’t gone down that path.

Ring built a better mousetrap and quickly became the king of video doorbells. Lots of competitors followed, but few have a truly better doorbell. Ring wasn’t the first to integrate a video camera into an outdoor light—Netatmo introduced one in late 2016, and Kuna had one earlier than that—but if you own one of Ring’s doorbells, you like it well enough to pay for a subscription, and you want to surveil more of your yard, you should add one of Ring’s other outdoor products. The Ring Floodlight Cam will make an excellent replacement for any existing floodlight.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3250641/ring-floodlight-cam-review.html

66 Audio Pro Voice wireless headphones review: Alexa moves out of the smart home

Wearing these on-ear cans is like strapping a pair of Echos to your head.

66 Audio’s Pro Voice headphones deliver a fantastic audio performance for the money. That they also do a great job of tapping Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant makes them all that more impressive.

If you liked the concept of ONvocal’s OV Bluetooth headset, but skipped it because you didn’t like the combination of in-ear headphones and a neckband, you’ll want to check out 66 Audio’s Pro Voice cans. These on-ear headphones host only Amazon’s Alexa (the OV supported Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri), but they’re simpler to operate, far more comfortable to wear, and—most importantly—they sound better.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3251708/66-audio-pro-voice-wireless-headphones-review-alexa-moves-out-of-the-smart-home.html

Why building your own gaming PC is a really bad idea these days

You’ll save hundreds of dollars buying prebuilt now. That’s how bad DIY component prices have become.

It crushes my soul to say this, but if you need a new gaming PC, don’t build your own. Buy a prebuilt computer instead.

That’s not permanent advice. I’m a diehard DIYer. Few things in life are more satisfying than seeing your handmade rig POST the first time you boot it up. The deck is stacked against homebrew PC builders in today’s market though, as hardware shortages and the cryptocurrency boom have sent the cost of crucial components sky-high.

Current graphics card prices are ludicrous unless you’re targeting entry-level GPUs, with most models selling for at least twice their suggested price. The Radeon RX 570 is supposed to start at $170, for example, but the cheapest I can find on Newegg right now costs $470, and the vast majority go for closer to $600. It’s no better at other retailers, or even with used graphics cards. We’ve even taken the drastic step of suggesting that gamers in a bind snag an Xbox One S with Forza Horizon 3 for $240 or an Xbox One X for $500 until the GPU pricing pain stops. Ugh.

Read full post here:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3251504/dont-build-a-gaming-pc.html

Checkup time: What Apple, Samsung and the rest are doing with digital health

What are the big companies up to in digital health?

One of the big trends right now in technology, and wearables like fitness trackers in particular, is digital health. Nearly every big tech company is looking at a way to get in on your health – to help you take better control of it.

However, each of these companies is also going about health in different ways. Naturally, each of them is leveraging its own unique products and business strategies in their pursuit of dominating the health games.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/health-and-wellbeing/digital-health-guide-samsung-apple-microsoft-google-fitbit-241