Monthly Archives: January 2019

Ricoh Announces Pentax 11-18mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2 Lenses

Ricoh Announces Pentax 11-18mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2 Lenses

Cameras, , , , , , ,

Ricoh has just announced the new HD PENTAX-DA 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens and HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 Lens for Pentax K-mount.

The full-frame 35mm F2 is based on the smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 AL from the film era and features HD and SP coatings, with the former reducing reflections and the latter repelling water from the front element. The lens has six elements in five groups and a six-blade aperture. The weather-resistant 11-18mm F2.8, equivalent to 16.5-27mm when mounted on an APS-C body, has 16 elements, a nine-blade aperture and an HD coating.
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https://www.dailycameranews.com/2019/01/ricoh-announces-pentax-11-18mm-f-2-8-and-35mm-f-2-lenses/

Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd review: Perfect for listening to music from bed

Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd review: Perfect for listening to music from bed

Wearables, , ,

Listen comfortably.

We’re bombarded with the latest wireless and true wireless gadgets and gizmos, but Beyerdynamic keeps things simple with the Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd wired earphones. The angled nozzles and slim housings make for an unbelievably comfortable fit, and sound quality is above par as we’ve come to expect from the company. For $89, though, it may be hard to justify what appears to be a seemingly basic product.
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https://www.soundguys.com/beyerdynamic-soul-byrd-review-21801/

2019 MINI Cooper LCI Review : Quick Spin

2019 MINI Cooper LCI Review : Quick Spin

Cars, , ,

The latest MINI Cooper matures with a mid-life update including new visual traits that hark back to its British heritage

What’s it all about?

The third-generation MINI Cooper salutes its British heritage with Union Jack styling cues and equipment updates across the range.

The MINI remains a lone ranger in the small car segment, in my honest opinion. Its retro styling continues to stand out from the crowd, 16 years after its modern reprise. The 2018 MINI Cooper five-door hatch joins the three-door hatch, MINI Clubman, MINI Countryman and MINI Convertible to complete the brands five-model offering.
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https://www.motoring.com.au/mini-cooper-2019-review-116719/

Asus Chromebook C523NA Review

Asus Chromebook C523NA Review

Computers & IT, , , , ,

Chromebook displays are generally on the small side, but now larger options are finally starting to sprout up. A giant compared to its direct competitors, the Asus Chromebook C523NA flaunts a large 15.6-inch, 1080p panel. You get that crisp display along with an aluminum chassis and good performance for just $349. However, the C523NA’s short battery life damages its strong value.

Asus Chromebook C523NA Price and Configuration Options

The Chromebook C523NA is available in two configurations. For $269, the base model gets you a 15.6-inch, 1366 x 768-resolution nontouch display, an Intel Celeron N3350 CPU, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/asus-chromebook-c523na

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 teardown reveals slider phone’s magnetic tricks

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 teardown reveals slider phone’s magnetic tricks

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

Before foldable phones and buttonless phones became the center of attraction of the mobile market, there were slider phones. Honor, Lenovo, and, of course, Xiaomi all rebelled against the motor and spring-driven contraptions suggested by the Vivo NEX S and the OPPO Find X. But how does the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 perform its sliding action? JerryRigEverything digs in to find out.
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https://www.slashgear.com/xiaomi-mi-mix-3-teardown-reveals-slider-phones-magnetic-tricks-30564108/

Ticwatch E2 review : Mobvoi's waterproof Wear watch still offers good value for money

Ticwatch E2 review : Mobvoi’s waterproof Wear watch still offers good value for money

Wearables, , , , ,

Proper smartwatches are expensive. But if you’re in the market for one that runs on Google’s Wear OS and don’t want to break the bank, we usually point people in the direction of Mobvoi’s Ticwatches. The TicWatch E2 once again fits that profile.

The Ticwatch E and S launched on Kickstarter in 2018 and marked the first time the Chinese company ditched its own OS for Google’s.
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https://www.wareable.com/android-wear/ticwatch-e2-review-6884

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR Review

Fujifilm XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR Review

Cameras, , , , ,

Introduction

The Fujifilm XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR is the widest-angle lens in Fujifilm’s extensive XF range, which is suited to APS-C cameras like the X-T3, X-H1 and X-Pro2. The rectilinear Fuji 8-16mm F2.8 lens boasts an angle-of-view similar to that of a 12-24mm optic in a 35mm system.

The main highlights include a constant F/2.8 maximum aperture, an optical formula that comprises 20 elements in 13 groups, including 4 aspherical and 6 extra-low-dispersion elements, a close-focus point of 25cm, an iris diaphragm with nine rounded blades, fast and quiet auto-focusing achieved via a linear motor, a field curvature correction mechanism, and weather-proof construction.
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https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_xf_8_16mm_f2_8_r_lm_wr_review

Sony AG8 (KD-55AG8) 4K OLED Preview : IMAX Enhanced

Sony AG8 (KD-55AG8) 4K OLED Preview : IMAX Enhanced

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , ,

The Sony KD-55AG8 is the company’s entry-level 4K OLED TV, and utilises the X1 Extreme picture processor, which includes Object-based HDR Remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and Dual Database Processing. The AG8 also supports High Dynamic Range, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

The 55AG8 includes Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio which provides a more immersive sound experience with the sound coming from the entire screen, enveloping viewers.
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https://www.avforums.com/review/sony-ag8-kd-55ag8-4k-oled-review.15756

Mercedes-2019 Benz X 350d 4MATIC Power v 2019 Volkswagen Amarok V6 Ultimate 580 Comparison

Mercedes-2019 Benz X 350d 4MATIC Power v 2019 Volkswagen Amarok V6 Ultimate 580 Comparison

Cars, , , ,

It’s the battle of the Euro utes… Can the new V6-engined Mercedes-Benz X 350 take out the ultimate Volkswagen Amarok?

Guten tag mate

Who would have ever thought we’d find ourselves broiling in the outback summer sun deciding which German 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 is the King of the Aussie 4×4 dual-cab heap.

Arriving in the desert north-west of the Flinders Ranges via Stuttgart (but built in Barcelona alongside the Nissan Navara upon which it is based) comes the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz X 350 d 4MATIC Power — all $80,000 worth before you add options and on-road costs!
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Raed full post here:
https://www.motoring.com.au/mercedes-benz-x-350d-4matic-power-v-volkswagen-amarok-v6-ultimate-580-2019-comparison-116703/

The Best 13-Inch Laptops of 2019: Portable Notebooks for Any Budget

The Best 13-Inch Laptops of 2019: Portable Notebooks for Any Budget

Computers & IT, , , , , , ,

Editor’s Note: We’ve put the new XPS 13 up against the Razer Blade Stealth and MacBook Pro. Check out our face-offs here (XPS 13 vs. Blade Stealth) and here (XPS 13 vs. MacBook Pro).

13-inch laptops have boomed in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. These devices offer the best balance between portability and productivity. Students can effortlessly carry 13-inch laptops around campus, and business professionals can slip these machines into briefcases when traveling. Additionally, these laptops’ compact size makes them suitable 2-in-1s for customers who want tablet functionality.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-13-inch-laptops

Sony ZG9 (KD-85ZG9) 8K LCD Preview : 8K Master

Sony ZG9 (KD-85ZG9) 8K LCD Preview : 8K Master

Audio & Video, , , , , , ,

The Sony KD-85ZG9 is the company’s first 85-inch Master Series 8K (7680 x 4320) LCD TV, which uses a full array LED backlight and local dimming. There is also a 98-inch version available, and both will be updated to HDMI 2.1 to allow 8K to be delivered via HDMI.

The ZG9 utilises a proprietary algorithm based on the X1 Ultimate picture processor, which has been optimised to handle the 33 million pixels of 8K and enable the newly developed 8K X-Reality PRO to upscale any content closer to true 8K picture quality using a new, dedicated 8K database.
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https://www.avforums.com/review/sony-zg9-kd-85zg9-8k-lcd-preview.15755

Apple’s Q1 iPhone sales VS Samsung: Guess who’s winning?

Apple’s Q1 iPhone sales VS Samsung: Guess who’s winning?

Phones, , , , , , , ,

Net sales for Apple in their reported Q1 earnings this afternoon showed the iPhone at odds with the rest of the company. Mac, iPad, and Services net sales were up compared to this same quarter one year ago. The category called “Wearables, Home, and Accessories” also rose in net sales year-over-year. The iPhone category was the only category where net sales did not rise.

The decline in revenue for the iPhone category hit 15% this quarter, while Apple’s other products and services grew by 19% when tabulated as a single category.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apples-q1-iphone-sales-vs-samsung-guess-whos-winning-29564002/

Sony AG9 (KD-65AG9) 4K OLED Preview

Sony AG9 (KD-65AG9) 4K OLED Preview : Ultimate processing

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , , ,

The Sony KD-65AG9 is the company’s latest Master Series 4K OLED TV, and utilises the X1 Ultimate picture processor. It also has a Pixel Contrast Booster feature designed to deliver more colour and contrast in bright areas. The AG9 supports High Dynamic Range, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

The 65AG9 includes Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ which provides a more immersive sound experience with the sound coming from the entire screen, enveloping viewers.
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https://www.avforums.com/review/sony-ag9-kd-65ag9-4k-oled-review.15757

2019 Honda Passport First Drive: 5-seat SUV with off-road style

2019 Honda Passport First Drive: 5-seat SUV with off-road style

Cars, , , , , , , ,

Few cars fill their niche quite so completely as the 2019 Honda Passport. Riding high on record US passenger car sales, Honda’s attention has turned to the growing midsize SUV category where the pickings are rich if you get the packaging right, but fierce competition leaves little margin for error. Go big, go bold, or go home.

The Passport is no “four-door sports coupe-sedan crossover” designed to squeeze a few thousand extra sales out of the minute gray-area between existing models. Slotting in-between the smaller, less powerful CR-V, and the larger, three-row Pilot, this newest SUV is designed to staunch a leak in Honda’s customer base. Around 35,000 buyers per year defect from the automaker, looking for a two-row, five-seat midsize SUV.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2019-honda-passport-first-drive-5-seat-suv-performance-specifications-price-availabilty-29563933/

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Roberts Stream 67 review

Audio & Video, ,

‘Consistent’ is not how many of us would care to be described. At best it means you’ve made the most of a limited array of talents. At worst, you’re euphemistically being labelled perennially useless.

So when we describe Roberts as being consistent, it’s a genuine compliment – and not just a reference to its cabinet full of What Hi-Fi? Awards. Whenever one of the British manufacturer’s radios or speakers arrives in our test room, we feel safe in the knowledge there will be much to praise and relatively little, if anything, to criticise.
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https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/roberts-stream-67

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Huawei MateBook 13 review

Computers & IT, , , , , , ,

It’s not hard to see where Huawei laptops take inspiration. Just as the MateBook X Pro aped a lot from the MacBook Pro, the new MateBook 13 doesn’t exactly scream “original.” But this time, Huawei has its sights set on a new target. The MacBook Air.

Boasting a starting price of $1,000 along with a sleek new design, the MateBook 13 looks like it has what it takes to challenge the Air. Is it just another copycat, or is it the real deal?
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https://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-reviews/huawei-matebook-13-review/

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Honor View 20 vs. OnePlus 6T: Hole punches versus notches

Phones, , , , ,

The notch is dead — long live the hole-punch display. Honor’s View 20 is the forerunner of the new hole-punch movement, and it’s a doozy of a phone, with a powerful Kirin 980 processor, a massive display, and some gorgeous good looks. But here be monsters, and the OnePlus 6T is the kraken of the midrange phone market, with power, looks, and features far beyond its sub-$600 price tag. Can the Honor View 20 take down the beast and claim a place in the pantheon of the best phones of 2019? We took a look to find out.
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https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/honor-view-20-vs-oneplus-6t-specs-comparison/

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Elac Debut B5.2 review

Audio & Video, , , , ,

The Elac’s original Debut speaker range was launched around three years ago to a fair amount of acclaim. Now it’s back with Debut 2.0, and these are the entry-level Debut B5.2 speakers.

We tested the entry-level Debut B5s (£250 at the time) and liked their combination of fluid midrange and timing, though found dynamics and drive fell short of that delivered by the class leaders. Established budget superpowers such as Q Acoustics and Dali could rest easy knowing their respective products still held the upper hand.
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https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/elac-debut-b52

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Hands on: Philips The One (7304) review

Audio & Video, , , ,

Let’s start with the name. Philips has decided its new LCD model is so important and so uniquely well positioned that it needs a name rather than a number, calling it ‘The One’. Even if we ignore the fact that one is a number, The One is also referred to in the company’s press materials by the product number 7304.

It’s a hit and a miss on the naming front, then, but almost everything else about The One seems pretty on point, based on the information provided so far and a brief hands-on at the launch event.
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https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/philips-the-one-7304

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2019 Mazda 3 first drive review

Cars, , , , , ,

Since 2003, Mazda has sold more than six million examples of the Mazda3. As one of the core models in the company’s lineup, comprising roughly a third of its annual sales, the venerable compact is hugely important to the automaker’s bottom line. With the release of the all-new, fourth generation car, Mazda has focused on the details, seeking to enhance the fundamentals of the driving experience while elevating the premium vibe both inside and out.
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https://www.digitaltrends.com/car-reviews/2019-mazda3-review/

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Aurender S5W review

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , , ,

In hi-fi circles, wireless has never truly meant wireless. There’s always some form of physical cable that needs to be used, especially when it comes to premium stereo speakers. The Aurender S5W speakers hope to change that.

Previously, even those speakers that actively promote the concept – the excellent KEF LS50 Wireless (£1,999) or Dali’s Callisto 6 Cs (£3,199) – still need mains cables to each speaker, and in the KEF’s case, a link between the two channels to help synchronise things.
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https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/aurender-s5w

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Sony Xperia XZ4: Release date, specs and all the latest leaks

Phones, , , , ,

Sony is expected to launch the Sony Xperia XZ4 in less than a month, and the word on the street is that this will be the company’s most noteworthy smartphone release in recent years. Here’s everything we think we know about the Sony Xperia XZ4 ahead of launch, including alleged specs, features and camera details, as well as leaked images.
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https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/sony-xperia-xz4-release-date-price-specs-3651061

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2019 iPad and iPod Touch coming, according to iOS 12.2 beta

Tablets, , , , , , , , ,

Rumours of a new iPod Touch and a 2019 range of iPad’s has been given extra weight with the beta release of iOS 12.2, which mentions a pair of 2019 iPad models and the iPod Touch in its code.

Developer Steve Troughton-Smith made the discovery, digging into the code and catching a reference to two new iPads in both WiFi and Cellular models, in addition to a new iPod Touch.
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https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/mobile-news/2019-ipad-ipod-touch-coming-according-ios-12-2-beta-3651084

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The Huawei P20 Pro has just dropped to its lowest ever price

Phones, , , ,

The excellent Huawei P20 Pro has had its price slashed to its lowest ever SIM-free price. Now’s the time to snap up one of the best smartphone cameras going.

The Huawei P20 Pro was one of the most innovative smartphones from last year, ushering in a new generation of multi-camera setups. Not content with just two cameras, the P20 Pro introduced a third and the rest is history.
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https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/huawei-p20-pro-just-dropped-lowest-ever-price-3651326

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 vs VIVO NEX Dual-Screen Version

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 vs VIVO NEX Dual-Screen Version

Phones, , , ,

Xiaomi’s MIX series has been always known as the embodiment of innovation technologies. But recently, a few other companies have started gaining momentum and making a good competition to this line. VIVO is among them. The latest creation of this manufacturer is already out. And it’s quite interesting to know how the VIVO NEX Dual-Screen can struggle with the Xiaomi Mi MIX 3. Of course, these handsets have different form factors, but they are full of technology and art.
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https://www.xiaomitoday.com/xiaomi-mi-mix-3-vs-vivo-nex-dual-screen-version/

Sony XG95 (KD-65XG9505) 4K LCD Preview : Now with Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced

Sony XG95 (KD-65XG9505) 4K LCD Preview : Now with Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , ,

The Sony KD-65XG9505 is the company’s flagship LED LCD 4K TV and features the X1 Ultimate processor, with Object-based Super Resolution, Object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and Dual database processing.

The 65XG9505 also features a full-array local dimming backlight with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, X-Wide Angle that minimises the colour change when viewed from the side, and X-Motion Clarity keeps fast action clear and smooth with no loss in brightness.
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https://www.avforums.com/review/sony-xg95-kd-65xg9505-4k-lcd-review.15758

Zeblaze THOR 4 Plus Review: The best smartwatches from Zeblaze

Zeblaze THOR 4 Plus Review: The best smartwatches from Zeblaze

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

The wearable market is growing rapidly. Every month (perhaps even more often), Chinese manufacturers release new devices. The Zeblaze company is known for its Android smartwatch. The Zeblaze Thor 4 watch series is one of the most popular on the market. Recently, the Chinese manufacturer has introduced another version of the smartwatch called Zeblaze THOR 4 Plus.

Zeblaze THOR 4 Plus smartwatch is a little bit more expensive than Thor Pro, but the new watch has a larger battery, a better processor, a higher screen resolution, a new version of Android 7.1 and, most importantly, 4G LTE support. As you can see, the Zeblaze THOR 4 Plus looks much better than the Zeblaze THOR Pro, but let’s make the final conclusion after a full review. As usual, we start with unpacking.
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https://www.xiaomitoday.com/zeblaze-thor-4-plus-review-the-best-smartwatches-from-zeblaze/

Umidigi One Max VS Umidigi F1 Comparison

Umidigi One Max VS Umidigi F1 Comparison

Phones,

Umidigi is a well know Chinese smartphone marker that into the production of all sort of smartphone. Off recent, the brand announced two beautiful phones earlier this month which one is Umidigi One Max and the other is Umidigi F1. Both phones feature a beautiful body design with impressive features as well. Below we will be looking at the comparison between the Umidigi One Max and the Umidigi F1 smartphone. The brand is gradually diverting to flagship phones no doubt
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https://www.xiaomitoday.com/umidigi-one-max-vs-umidigi-f1/

Sony XG90 (KD-49XG9005) 4K LCD Preview : Small of screen and feature-packed

Sony XG90 (KD-49XG9005) 4K LCD Preview : Small of screen and feature-packed

Audio & Video, , , , , , , ,

The Sony KD-49XG9005 is the company’s mid-range LED LCD 4K TV, and comes in a smaller 49-inch screen size. It features the X1 Extreme processor that incorporates Object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and Dual database processing.

The 49XG9005 also features full-array local dimming with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO. In addition it has X-Motion Clarity for clear and smooth motion, while minimising blur even during fast-moving scenes with no loss in brightness.
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Read full post here:
https://www.avforums.com/review/sony-xg90-kd-49xg9005-4k-lcd-review.15759