Monthly Archives: September 2017

Top 10 Best Cameras For A £250/$325 Budget 2017

*** Note : £1 = $1.30

The way camera technology is progressing these days makes it possible to get fantastic technology in cameras that are classed as budget. In fact, if you have around £250/$325 to spend on a camera, you can get your hands on some pretty decent kit. Take a look at our ten suggestions below.

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70 

Panasonic Lumix TZ70 Black (13)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70 isn’t brand-new but it’s still a cracking compact that’s well-worth considering. At 1p under our £250 mark, it just scrapes into our list where it takes the top spot. Why? Well, there aren’t many pocketable compact cameras that have both a 30x optical zoom lens, and an electronic viewfinder, or LVF as Panasonic call it. The TZ70 has all the features you’d want from a travel camera and doesn’t disappoint in terms of its image quality. The camera has full manual controls, and shooting RAW didn’t slow the camera down. The LVF is a handy extra that you don’t see on many compact cameras and its addition will appeal to many, as there are many photographers who much prefer to compose shots using a viewfinder rather than the screen. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70 offers plenty, for a reasonable price.

Read full post here:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-cameras-for-a–pound-250-budget-30001

Can You Use Your Gaming Laptop for Video Editing?

So you’re thinking about plunking down some major cash for a gaming laptop with plans to have it moonlight as a video-editing system. But you have some concerns about whether your snazzy, new PC can tackle the challenge. The short answer is that, in all likelihood your rig can help you trim your videos and add transitions and all kinds of fancy effects.

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But before you buy anything, take a bit of time to learn about PC video-editing requirements and what gaming laptops can and can’t do.

The Difference Between Workstations and Gaming Laptops

For video editing on a laptop, people tend to think of mobile workstations like Apple’s MacBook Pro, Dell’s Precision line or Lenovo’s ThinkPad P series. Typically available in sizes of between 15 and 17 inches, workstations are loaded up with powerful processors, high-resolution panels, a lot of RAM and powerful business-class GPUs, often from Nvidia’s Quadro line..

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/can-use-gaming-laptop-video-editing

2017 Skoda Octavia RS wagon v Renault Megane GT wagon comparison

Petrolhead parents on a budget are hardly spoilt for choice in today’s showrooms – especially if a hatchback is considered a bit too small and they prefer their driving experience, rather than outward view, to be elevated.

2017 Skoda Octavia RS wagon v Renault Megane GT wagon comparison

In the circa-$40,000 price zone, there are just three members of the sporty compact wagon breed: the Renault Megane GT, Skoda Octavia RS, and Subaru Levorg.

The WRX-engined Levorg is missing here as its MY18 update wasn’t available in time for testing, leaving us with a France versus Czech Republic scenario.

The Renault Megane GT load-lugger is the successor to the GT220 Sport Wagon that debuted in 2013 as part of the last-generation Megane range, and follows the GT hatch released in late 2016.

A [v]RS badge has sat on the rump of an Octavia since 2001 – or since 2007 for Australia, when the Skoda brand returned to our shores.

Read full post here:
https://www.caradvice.com.au/580600/2017-skoda-octavia-rs-wagon-v-renault-megane-gt-wagon-comparison/?source=carousel&slot=0

Westinghouse 4K Amazon Fire TV Review: Great for anyone, especially cord-cutters

Roku got a jump on the budget smart TV market, but Amazon’s own platform is ready to battle for top spot. The company first introduced its media box product in the form of the Fire TV and then the Fire Stick, and now that same system has been built into select televisions to bring the same features (and more!) without the actual dongle or box. Chief among these televisions is Westinghouse’s new 4K lineup.

Smart TVs are the natural progression of at-home entertainment. For every user who prefers Kodi or their own Plex media server, there are countless others who want something simple and ready-to-use out of the box. Set-top boxes like Android and Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire have filled that void, but tides are again changing.

Is a smart TV worth it?

For every upside that comes with a set top box — the ability to take it with you on vacation, to use it on any TV — there are downsides: it takes up room on your entertainment stand, it uses up one of the HDMI ports on your TV. Beyond that, the integration between box and TV is never quite perfect; you have two remotes to toggle between, an input you regularly toggle back to.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/westinghouse-4k-amazon-fire-tv-review-great-for-anyone-especially-cord-cutters-23498732/

And finally: Apple Watch Series 3 is selling faster than expected

The odds and ends of the week

In the wake of Apple’s big week, we got a whole bunch of new product revelations – both official and unofficial. Google’s got a big event coming up soon, but a leak has given us a sneak peak at new Daydream View colors. We also got our first look at the adorable, pebble-like Google Home Mini, meant to go right up against the Amazon Echo Dot.

And finally: Apple Watch 3 selling fast

We also learned that Amazon is working on a pair of Alexa-enabled smartglasses, which sound a lot like Vue’s hearable smart glasses, which coincidentally we also just tried out.

August and Nest went big, announcing a slew of new products to help protect your home. While August updated its existing products, Nest expanded its ecosystem with a doorbell, a security system and an outdoor cam.

But that’s not all that happened this week. We’ve collected some of the other stories of the week here, and if you still don’t get your fill you can check out our dedicated news section.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/apple/apple-watch-series-3-selling-fast-399

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Prime Unboxing, Quick Hands-on Review: Budget Selfie Shooter?

We Unbox the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Prime!

While we’re still waiting on Xiaomi’s take on an Android One smartphone to arrive at HQ and for the full review of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2, this budget alternative from the Chinese brand arrived at our doorstep. Like all Xiaomi phones, the Note 5A Prime offers a good price to performance ratio with looks and a familiar processing package that fans of the brand may be familiar with but this time they’re taking aim at the folks who love taking selfies. Before we show you what’s inside the box, here’s its spec sheet.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Prime

Under $800 College Gaming Laptop

In 2017, every college student needs to own a laptop, even if they also have a powerful desktop PC at home. Forum user Modern_Mo is looking for a 15-inch college laptop that he or she can carry to school and use when their $2,200 home desktop isn’t available. Modern_Mo needs the laptop get at least 4 hours of battery life, have fast Wi-Fi connections and be able to play “small level” games such as Unturned, an undemanding zombie game.

hmltp dell inspiron 15 7000 lead
The good news is that it’s easy to find a 15-inch laptop which meets these requirements. The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is probably the best choice. This gaming-centric laptop currently starts at $749 with a 1080p screen, Intel Core i5-7300HQ quad-core CPU, discrete Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. We’d definitely spend the extra $50 to get a model with a 256GB SSD and Nvidia GTX 1050Ti graphics. There’s also a brand new version of the Inspiron 15 7000 that has a better screen and starts at $999, more than Modern_Mo’s budget.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/under-800-college-gaming-laptop

Mini Cooper SD Countryman (2017) review: Mighty improvements for the mega Mini?

Do you remember the exact moment when every manufacturer scrambled to add a high-riding SUV to their line-up? It was around the time the Nissan Qashqai started to become a runaway sales success. As a result, all sorts of bizarre shapes started to appear on forecourts.

Mini started to expand its line-up in 2007, first with the launch of the Clubman and then the larger Countryman in 2010. The idea was to entice families growing up from the smaller Minis, or those wanting a trendy small car but who also demanded the chunky body addenda, additional space and raised driving position afforded by rival SUVs.

Except the previous Countryman wasn’t actually that spacious, the driving position not that high and — to some eyes at least — it was hideously ugly.

That said, it has proven a success. So for 2017, along comes Countryman II. Based on the same platform as some smaller BMWs, it’s designed to answer the major flaws of its predecessor — namely space. So, busting the Mini maxim, it is 20cm longer than its predecessor, increasing interior roominess and boot space.

Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/cars/reviews/mini/140076-mini-cooper-sd-countryman-2017-review-mighty-improvements-for-the-mega-mini

JBL Everest Elite 750NC wireless headphone review: As much—or as little—noise cancellation as you want

Watch out Bose, JBL is gunning for your crown in the ANC headphone space with its wireless Everest Elite 750NC.

Kết quả hình ảnh cho JBL Everest Elite 750NC

Bose dominates the active noise cancelling (ANC) headphone market, but JBL has the company squarely in its crosshairs with its new Everest Elite 750NC wireless headphones.

The Everest Elite 750NC, available from Best Buy for $299.99, sit at the top of JBL’s ANC headphone lineup. They’re available in three metallic colors: Gunmetal, mountain silver, and steel blue. My review pair arrived in the latter. This reserved color palette is a stark departure from traditional black or the bold, bright colors in JBL’s other headphone lines.

A soft, faux leather wraps around the headband and memory-foam ear pads. The click-adjustable metal band gave me a very comfortable fit with most of the pressure on the top of my head and little from the sides. JBL says it specifically designed the headband to lessen pressure on the ears, and my experience confirms that.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3223233/jbl-everest-elite-750nc-headphone-review.html

Inside ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550VE – disassembly, internal photos and upgrade options

The disassembly of the ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550 is pretty straightforward and easy – the bottom lid and the screws that hold it are the only things getting in the way.

ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550VE
  • Intel Core i7-7700HQ
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB GDDR5)
  • 512GB SSD
  • 8GB RAM
1. Removing the bottom plate

Removing all the Torx screws around the bottom will release the panel and then you can easily take it off with the help of a thin plastic tool, for example.

2. Storage

The storage configuration is simple – it has only one M.2 SSD slot. In our case, the notebook shipped with a Samsung PM961 PCIe NVMe SSD with 512GB capacity. The 2.5-inch drive is missing from all configurations of the ZenBook Pro UX550.

Read full post here:
https://laptopmedia.com/highlights/inside-asus-zenbook-pro-ux550ve-disassembly-internal-photos-and-upgrade-options/

Onkyo DP-X1A Digital Audio Player review

The humble MP3 player may well be considered dead in the consumer world, but among audiophiles there is still a use for a great music player. Why? Well, it turns out the audio converters on your phone aren’t always that great.

That begs the question, if you’re looking for an MP3 player, which one should you get? There are a few choices on the market, and they’re not all created equal. Onkyo, however, is here to make your search easier with its flagship music player, the DP-X1A, a brand-new digital audio player that’s built for portability without doing away with great performance.

When you think MP3 players, the first device that might come to mind is iPod. But this, folks, is no iPod.

The DP-X1A not only looks great, it’s an absolute beast in performance world. But it doesn’t come cheap – the $799 (£559, AU$649) price tag may be enough to put off even the seasoned audiophile.

Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/onkyo-dp-x1a-digital-audio-player

Samsung CFG70 Series 27-inch Curved Gaming Monitor review

While most 27-inch gaming monitors are focused on increasing pixel density or stretching the aspect ratio, Samsung has thought differently with its Samsung CFG70 Series 27-inch curved gaming monitor.

By skipping out on an Ultra HD resolution and sticking with the good ol’ 16:9 approach, the company has been able to masterfully craft a 144Hz monitor with a fully articulating dual-hinge while squeezing in its signature quantum dot technology for markedly more vivid colors and deeper blacks.

Opting for a higher refresh rate over more pixels means that gamers can anticipate faster response times – therefore lower latency – and more frames per second in competitive multiplayer games like Overwatch and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). However, it also means that fans of predominately single-player and indie experiences should consider other affordable options.

Whatever the case may be, you have to know what you’re signing up for first. Because while Samsung’s 27-inch CFG70 is well-built and shrewdly designed, it isn’t likely to bear much appeal beyond a specific niche, a qualm we’ll discuss further later on. But first, the price.

Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-cfg70-series-27-inch-curved-gaming-monitor

Asus ZenBook Flip S Review

Kết quả hình ảnh cho Asus ZenBook Flip S

I don’t remember if it was my mom or kindergarten teacher who first told me not to judge a book by its cover, but I doubt they were talking about the Asus ZenBook Flip S. Yet I dropped my guard and let the $1,400 2-in-1 entice me with its looks, only to find that everything else about it is merely … OK. Despite the laptop’s solid, Core i7-based performance and good speakers, I couldn’t force myself to love the shallow keyboard, the low-resolution webcam or the short battery life. The ZenBook Flip S is more than usable, but it’s not as luxurious as I expected when first I laid my eyes on it.

Design

The ZenBook Flip S is derivative of Asus’ other laptops of late, like the ZenBook 3 Deluxe. I’m OK with that, because the Flip S, like the Deluxe, is really damn gorgeous. The aluminum, navy-blue construction is rock-solid, and its gold accents scream luxury. The lid features Asus’ trademark concentric circles with the Asus logo in gold in the center.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/asus-zenbook-flip-s

New Volkswagen e-Golf vs BMW i3 Comparison

Electric hatchbacks don’t come much more usable than VW’s latest e-Golf. But is it better than the radical BMW i3?


PC or Mac? Regardless of your interest in tech, it’s a question you’ll no doubt have an answer for. In reality, both do virtually the same job – namely, to act as a personal computer – and yet they encapsulate two entirely different ways of thinking.

The same can be said for the two cars in this test. Both are electric, both claim a near-identical range and both achieve similar results, albeit by following distinctly different paths. For example, the BMW i3 has been built from the ground up to be the ultimate urban electric car. It positively shouts about its electrification with its carbonfibre construction, quirky rear-hinged rear doors and futuristic styling.

The Volkswagen e-Golf, on the other hand, takes a more functional approach, sacrificing none of the excellent ergonomics that make the standard Golf a dominant force. It’s restrained and classless and blends into the crowd. So, which approach results in the best electric hatchback?

Read full post here:
https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-volkswagen-e-golf-vs-bmw-i3/n16032

Top 10 Best Portable Headphone Amps of 2017

In this review we feature the top 10 best portable headphone amps that will greatly enhance the sound performance and bass output from your headphones, all at a fraction of the cost and selling at very good prices. Headphone amps are necessary if you are using high quality headphones or IEMs that require a more powerful source to drive them apart from your PC or mobile device outputs. These quality headphone amps are designed to enhance your listening experience by bypassing your mobile device or laptop’s internal sound circuitry and acts as a standalone digital soundcard to process audio signals and boost sound output.

If you are looking to upgrade your listening experience from conventional headphones, purchasing a dedicated headphone amp is a definite must in order to get the most out of your headphones. Furthermore, some of these amps are powerful enough to drive high impedance audiophile-grade headphones (>200 ohms) and will literally transform your listening experience, making your music sound richer, smoother and more impactful with deeper separation and soundstage. At the time of writing, some of these best portable headphone amps are now selling at discounted prices, so don’t forget to check them out!

Read full post here:
https://www.bassheadspeakers.com/top-10-best-portable-headphone-amps/

Olympus E-M10 III vs Canon EOS M100 – Comparison

Here is the quick review and comparison of Olympus E-M10 III vs Canon EOS M100. In this article you can find the key differences between these entry-level mirrorless cameras.

The Olympus E-M10 Mark III has a 16.1-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor powered by a dual quad-core TruePic VIII Processor. There’s 4K video recording and the continuous shooting goes up to 8.5 frames per second. The Micro Four Thirds camera is selling for $650 body only. See the first tests with samples.

The EOS M100 brings 24.2MP sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus to the Canon’s entry-level mirrorless range for the first time. Improvements over the M10 are the DIGIC 7 processor as well as 1080/30p to 1080/60p video capture and 4 fps burst shooting with continuous AF (6 fps with single AF).

So what may be the main differences when consider Olympus E-M10 III vs Canon EOS M100 specs list?

Differences between Olympus E-M10 III vs Canon EOS M100 Cameras

Let’s compare the Olympus E-M10 III vs Canon EOS M100. Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera.

Read full post here:
https://www.dailycameranews.com/2017/09/olympus-e-m10-iii-vs-canon-eos-m100-comparison/

HP ZBook 14u G4 Review

Sometimes, you need a laptop that’s a little more powerful than your average system. That’s where the HP ZBook 14u G4 comes in. Billed as the value-option mobile workstation in HP’s ZBook lineup, the laptop offers a fairly powerful AMD FirePro graphics card and limited ISV certifications for semi-intensive tasks. However, its dual-core processor prevents it from performing more of the heavy lifting you’d expect from a traditional workstation.

But if you need a mobile laptop with solid battery life and better performance than your average business notebook, the ZBook is a good candidate.

Design

At 3.6 pounds and measuring 13.3 x 9.3 x 0.87 inches, the HP ZBook 14u G4 is lighter (yet thicker) than Ultrabook-style mobile workstations like the Dell Precision 5520 (4.4 pounds, 0.7 inches thick) and HP ZBook Studio G4 (4.9 pounds, 0.7 inches thick). It’s more in line with the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 (3.48 pounds, 0.79 inches thick) or MacBook Pro 13-inch (Touch Bar)(3 pounds, 0.6 inches thick), but it’s thicker than both.

Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/hp-zbook-14u-g4

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 Gaming Router Review

Kết quả hình ảnh cho ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300

A spaceship-like router carrying the Republic of Gamers (ROG) branding landed on our HQ. Meet the ROG GT AC5300 Rapture, ASUS’ answer to completing your gaming setup. Here’s our take on the router that feels like it came from outer space.

What’s in the Box

ASUS went all out in providing their consumers the whole package. Inside the box, the router came with eight antennas, three power plug options (Type I, Type F, Type G), a power brick, and a black LAN cable, which is more than enough to get you started.

Design and Construction

The Raptures design is a far cry from the rectangular or elliptical routers we commonly see on the market. It has intricate angles and cuts around its square body and a red black and orange color scheme. You’ll also notice that once all eight antennas are attached, it looks like a wing of a modern aircraft.

Read full post here:
https://www.yugatech.com/gadget-reviews/asus-rog-rapture-gt-ac5300-gaming-router-review/#VJohG7uYiEKU0iuS.97

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3 (2017) review

Remember the sublime Xiaomi Air laptop we reviewed last year? Well, the Chinese manufacturer, better known for its smartphone range, has refreshed its entire 12.5 and 13.3-inch range (and introduced a gorgeous 15.6-inch Pro range) with a clear eye on the lucrative prosumer/business audience.

Available in gold or silver color schemes, the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3-inch model comes as a Fingerprint Edition – which we are reviewing today – and a Classic Edition. The latter is simply the renamed older 2016 model which uses older components and lacks the fingerprint reader, but at the same time has a much lower price tag (as little as £540 – that’s around $730).

Design

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The first thing you notice is the lack of any logo on the top side of the laptop – there’s simply an inconspicuous stylized MI logo underneath the chassis with stickers bearing useful printed details. You can peel them off to leave the device totally devoid of any distractions.

Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/xiaomi-mi-notebook-air-133-2017/2

Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2518H review

The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2518H is the first gaming monitor from the well-known PC gaming brand, and if you’ve kitted yourself out with one of Alienware’s impressive gaming PCs, such as the Area 51 Threadripper Edition, then it’s an ideal accompaniment.

As with other Alienware products, the Alienware 25 AW2518H combines impressive build quality and gamer-centric features with an attractive design that’s sure to appeal to discerning gamers.

With a 240Hz refresh rate, support for either Nvidia G-Sync or AMD Free-Sync technology and a low 1ms response time, the AW2518H ticks many of the boxes that gamers look for in a display – especially if they play fast-paced competitive multiplayer games.

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Pricing and availability

For a 25-inch 1080p monitor, the Alienware 25 AW2518H is on the pricey side at $699.99 (£670, around AU$870). However, at the time of writing both the US and UK Dell stores were offering price reductions that lower the price to $599.99 and £550 respectively for the version with Nvidia G-Sync technology built in.

Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/alienware-25-gaming-monitor-aw2518h

JBL Pulse 3 review

JBL has been a leader in the Bluetooth speaker world for years due to its dedication to sound quality and the sheer number of speakers it offers.

A quick look at JBL’s site and you’ll quickly discover that the company has 10 different Bluetooth speakers for you to choose from. The selection may seem a bit overwhelming but, on the bright side, it also means somewhere hidden in that line-up there’s a speaker that will fit your specific needs.

If you want an ultra-portable speaker, get the tiny JBL Clip 2. If you want bass without breaking the bank or your back, get the JBL Charge 3.

But what if you want a Bluetooth speaker that gets loud, sounds great, and offers a light show that’ll keep young ones (and yourself) entertained? JBL has you covered with the $200 (£200, about AU$252) JBL Pulse 3.

Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/jbl-pulse-3

2018 Benelli TnT135 Preview

We were intrigued when Honda introduced its Grom for the 2014 model year, as the little 125cc street-legal playbike looked to be a fun and accessible way to ride a motorbike around town. It proved to be one of Honda’s best-sellers in its street lineup. It was lightly updated for 2016, which inspired a ridiculously fun shootout between new competitors from Kawasaki(Z125), Kymco (K-Pipe 125), and the SSR Razkull.

092217-2018-benelli-tnt135-f

Now Benelli is joining the fray with the introduction of the TnT135 to the American market, boasting a 135cc fuel-injected motor claiming 13 horsepower when rated at its crankshaft. That should translate into more than 10 hp at the rear wheel, which would handily trump the 125cc Grom’s best-in-class 8.3 rwhp.

The little TnT’s curb appeal might also lead the class, with sharp overall styling augmented by an attractive trellis frame and awesomely cool double-exit high pipes reminiscent of an MV Agusta. Fitting the playbike theme, the TnT rides on 12-inch wheels and uses disc brakes at each end.

Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/benelli/2018-benelli-tnt135-preview.html

2018 Lexus LC review

There’s been a lot of debate among the Roadshow staff about where the 2018 Lexus LC 500 fits into the automotive world. Overall performance is darn good, with a brilliant V8 churning away under the hood and excellent cornering abilities, but a curb weight of 4,300 pounds means it’s not a full-fledged sports car. The 2+2 coupe layout adds some practicality, but a tight backseat, small 5.4 cubic-feet trunk and firm ride manners means that it’s not a purebred Grand Tourer, either.

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Track capable

Once behind the wheel, I don’t allow myself to get too caught up in figuring out which car group the LC fits into, especially given the opportunity to flog it around GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Mich. Down straights, the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine belts out beautiful noises as it spins toward its 7,100-rpm redline, with satisfying power to boot. The engine is the same naturally aspirated V8 I love so much in the GS F, and here it makes 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.

Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2018-lexus-lc-review/

Onkyo DP-S1 review

Looking at the Onkyo DP-S1, we get the feeling we’ve tested it before – the player’s design is incredibly similar to the recently-released Pioneer XDP-30R. Pioneer sold its AV division to Onkyo in 2014, and each company has put its own spin on a similar design theme since.

But just because something looks the same doesn’t mean that it will sound the same, and the DP-S1 has a few differences that give this player its own individual flavour.

Build and features

On the surface, just a few cosmetic changes set the DP-S1 apart. The lock button, which stops its touchscreen being activated, is circular rather than square; the word ‘Balanced’ is highlighted, signifying the player’s 2.5mm headphone jack.

Those with unbalanced headphones, fear not – there’s a conventional 3.5mm socket too.

Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/onkyo/dp-s1/review

Google’s $1.1bn HTC deal: 5 things to know

Google has gone shopping, spending $1.1bn on picking up some of the key Pixel team from long-time Android partner HTC. It’s not the outright acquisition that many predicted, and nor is it a wholesale sell-off of the HTC smartphone team. Instead, the deal – though couched in the usual “testament to the decade-long strategic relationship between HTC and Google” hyperbole – seems more akin to a hybrid talent-grab and bailout, dressed as cooperation. Here’s what you need to know.

1. No, Google hasn’t bought HTC

HTC will still be a separate company, even after the agreement between it and Google closes in early 2018. The phone-maker will continue to have its own staff, largely unchanged it appears, and it’ll have its own “branded smartphone strategy” even amid “a more streamlined product portfolio” as HTC phrases it.

The $1.1bn involved in the transaction reflects that: HTC would undoubtedly have wanted significantly more if it had been selling off the whole business. That’s assuming it could even find someone to buy it all.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/googles-1-1bn-htc-deal-5-things-to-know-21501064/

2018 GMC Terrain First Drive: Small SUV, Big Ambition

There are a handful of brands that are uniquely positioned to take full advantage of soaring public interest in crossovers and SUVs, and GMC – alongside Land Rover and Subaru – is one of them. Long the truck-focused division of corporate parent General Motors, GMC has enjoyed rousing success thanks to sales of family-oriented vehicles like the Yukon, the Acadia, the Terrain, and the enormously profitable Denali luxury line.

It’s the smallest member of that SUV trio – the GMC Terrain – that has been thoroughly updated for the 2018 model year. Following in the footsteps of the equally-new Chevrolet Equinox, (which went on sale earlier this year, and with which the Terrain shares a platform), the Terrain offers a fresh look combined with a host of intriguing drivetrain changes that significantly alter the course of the previous generation.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/2018-gmc-terrain-first-drive-small-suv-big-ambition-21501072/

AOC AGON AG322FCX Gaming Monitor Quick Look Review

144hz FreeSync Curved Display for the pro gamers

Last September 20, AOC launched its new line of AGON Gaming monitors together with their partnership with 20th Century Fox for the theatrical release of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. 

Prior to being treated to a first-class experience of watching Kingsman: The Golden Circle at SM Megamall’s Director’s Club, members of the media had a sumptuous dinner at TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie, along with a preview of AOC’s new AGON gaming monitors. Of the 8 monitors introduced to us, it was their top-of-the-line AG322FCX that became the centerpiece.

The AG322FCX is a 31.5-inch curved Full HD monitor that sports a 16:9 aspect ratio for a full cinematic experience. It is a 144Hz panel that has support for AMD’s FreeSync–ensuring smooth frame rates while pairing the monitor with AMD’s Radeon Video Cards. A silver aluminum stand holds the AG322FCX, making it tiltable for optimal viewing while playing games or watching your favorite TV shows and movies.

Read full post here:
https://www.unbox.ph/gadget/quick-look-aoc-agon-ag322fcx-gaming-monitor/

22 Top Third Party Nikon Fit Lenses

Third party lenses, ones that aren’t made by the same company that made your camera (which in this case is Nikon), are often less expensive than name-brand lenses so they’re an excellent alternative should you want to save a little bit of cash. You won’t be compromising on image quality, either, as all of the lenses featured in our top list perform incredibly well and you often get more choice in regards to focal lengths with third-party lenses, too. For example, as well as providing popular focal lengths as name-brand lenses do, they also fill gaps in the market so you’re more likely to find a not-so-common focal length in a third-party lens.

When it comes to third-party lens manufacturers, there are several well-known brands, all of which feature on our list, that you can trust and this includes Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, ZEISS, Irix and Samyang.

If you do purchase a third-party lens, make sure it has the specific mount for the camera type you’re using. If you purchase a lens with the wrong lens mount, you won’t be able to use it with your camera.

Read full post here:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-29-best-third-party-nikon-fit-lenses-2018-30990

2018 Volvo XC40 revealed

The all-new 2018 Volvo XC40 has been revealed, ahead of an Australian debut confirmed for the second quarter of next year.

It’s a badge that has been in the offing for more than five years, and now it’s official, with the 2018 XC40unveiled at a standalone event in Milan tonight.

2018 Volvo XC40 revealed

The new small SUV joins the only recently revealed (and driven) new-gen XC60, and the big XC90, as the third model in the brand’s growing XC-badged SUV range.

We had our first official look at the new XC40 in May last year, with the unveiling of the XC40.1 – a concept whose name left little to the imagination. And, last week, an early leak confirmed the small SUV’s final design would not stray far from the look of its show-car progenitor.

Importantly for Volvo, the XC40 is the first model built on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform developed together with Chinese parent company Geely. CMA will underpin all 40-series models, including a number of full-electric variants.

Read full post here:
https://www.caradvice.com.au/586252/2018-volvo-xc40-revealed/?source=carousel&slot=0

Every Fossil Group designer wearable coming in 2017

We pin down which devices are making up the 300-strong Fossil army

Just like last year, Fossil Group is once again spending 2017 launching scores of smartwatches from its bevy of fashion brands.

Last year, the magic number was 100, and this year it’s looking to launch 300 – that’s right, 300 – different styles for your wrist. With Android Wear 2.0 arriving earlier this year, many new brands have also decided to embrace the full touchscreen look, as well as providing hybrid equivalents to their regular, dumb collections.

Fossil wearables dropping in 2017

Of course, it’s nigh on impossible to offer a full review of each variation released under the Fossil umbrella over the course of this year, but let’s take this opportunity to run through the releases company is overseeing in 2017.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/fossil/fossil-group-wearables-smartwatches-hybrids-2017