Monthly Archives: March 2018

Toyota Vios to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2018: Key things to know

Toyota is set to unveil the Vios sedan in India at Auto Expo 2018. The company has shared teasers of the upcoming sedan prior to its unveiling. Once launched, the Toyota Vios will slot into the premium family sedan market in India, which has recently seen a lot of growing interest in the country. Here are the key things that you need to know about the company’s upcoming sedan in India.

1. The Toyota Vios is essentially a low-cost trim of the Yaris Ativ sedan that already sells globally. It is being tuned for the Indian market in terms of the pricing, ground clearance and other such factors that are intrinsic to the Indian car buyer’s preference. Globally, the Vios has ground clearance of 133mm, which is possibly going to be raised to suit Indian roads.

Read full post here:
https://www.digit.in/features/car-tech/toyota-vios-to-be-unveiled-at-auto-expo-2018-key-things-to-know-39406.html

Samsung Galaxy S9 vs Galaxy S8 vs Galaxy Note 8 Spec comparison: Here’s what has changed

Samsung stole the show at Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona by launching the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+, two flagships that will be the flagbearer for other OEMs this year. While not much has changed from the outside, theGalaxy S9 and the S9+ are whole new beasts from the inside. The focus this time is on the camera and we have noted that the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ are going to delight an enthusiast photographer. Nevertheless, last year’s Galaxy S8 and the S8+, and more importantly the Galaxy Note 8 still stand the test of time and remain worthy of your hard-earned money despite being overshadowed somewhat by the newer entrants.

In this comparison piece, we list out what has changed and what’s new in the Galaxy S9 and the S9+ based on the spec sheet. A detailed comparison piece will be done after we intensively test out the new phones.

Read full post here:
https://www.digit.in/features/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s9-vs-galaxy-s8-vs-galaxy-note-8-spec-comparison-heres-what-has-changed-39805.html

HP Omen X Laptop first impressions: The Best Gaming Laptop HP has on offer

Due to crypto currency mining, PC gaming hardware is mostly expensive. If you want to  build your own gaming PC, we suggest you wait for the price of hardware to drop. However, if you are considering a gaming laptop and are looking for the best money can buy, then there is a contender for you to consider. The HP Omen X laptop is everything you need from a top of the line gaming laptop in a very handsome looking package. It has the latest gaming mobile CPU, a GTX 1080 GPU, G-Sync display, RGB lighting, mechanical keyboard and looks to give any other laptop a run for their money. I had the chance to take a look at the laptop at the launch event and I was lucky enough to play The Witcher 3 on it and these are my first impressions of the machine.

Everything looks good with RGB lighting

HP has upped the design game in the last couple of years. The HP Spectre was a beautiful looking laptop and that premium design language has been passed on to other HP products as well. A great example of this is the newly launched HP Omen X Compact desktop.

Read full post here:
https://www.digit.in/features/laptops/hp-omen-x-laptop-first-impressions-the-best-gaming-laptop-hp-has-on-offer-40029.html

Spec comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 5 vs Xiaomi Redmi 4

Xiaomi has just launched the successor to redmi 4 series of smartphone called the Redmi 5 (obviously). During the launch of the device the company’s Global VP and India Head, Manu Jain said that the Redmi 5 improves upon its predecessor in three areas, namely design, performance and camera. Let’s take a look at the new things the Redmi 5 brings to the table based on those three parameters

Design

The most obvious difference between the two phones is the design. While the redmi 4 sported a 16:9 aspect ratio, the new phone sports an 18:9 display aspect ratio. This means that while the Redmi 5 sports a larger 5.7-inch display as compared to the 5-inch display on the Redmi 4 (review), it is still only a few millimeters wider than its predecessor. The Redmi 5 is 72.8mm wide, while the Redmi 4 is 69.96mm wide.

Read full post here:
https://www.digit.in/features/mobile-phones/spec-comparison-xiaomi-redmi-5-vs-xiaomi-redmi-4-40003.html

Wear OS super guide: The missing smartwatch manual

Everything you were afraid to ask about your new smartwatch

Android Wear has a new name: Wear OS. Google has rebranded its smartwatch OS, moving away from the Android moniker to account for the high number of iPhone users wrapping a Google-powered wearable around their wrist.

But name aside, everything else is the same. Wear OS can be a complicated and frustrating beast at times, even if your smartwatch is running the latest software.

That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate Wear OS guide of guides to help you with everything from setting up your smartwatch to choosing the best apps, games and watch faces and getting music onto your device.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/android-wear/android-wear-super-guide-the-missing-manual-001

2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Review

Luxury cars need more than a smooth ride to appease drivers. When dropping $50,000 (or more) on a vehicle, people want something that glides but can also quicken the pulse. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and even Cadillac are delivering on all of those fronts. Now with the RLX Sport Hybrid (starting at $61,900), Acura is getting close too.

The top-of-the-line Acura sedan takes cues from the automaker’s NSX supercar. Make no mistake, these are two different cars, and the chances of seeing an RLX drifting around a corner during a track day are pretty much nil. But what the car lacks in pole-position cred it makes up for in solid AWD (all-wheel drive) handling, comfortable accommodations and aggressive styling. Unfortunately, the infotainment system doesn’t live up to the rest of the car.

Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/15/acura-rlx-sport-hybrid-review/

ThinkPad X1 Yoga review (2018): Flexibility comes at a cost

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the ideal business laptop. But it’s also strictly a traditional notebook. If you’re looking for something a bit more flexible, the X1 Yoga might be a better option. Just like Lenovo’s other Yoga machines, it has a hinge that lets you twist the screen a full 360 degrees, letting you use it as a giant tablet or in a tent formation. And of course, it also offers most of the features we loved on the X1 Carbon.

The two laptops look pretty similar — that is, until you put them side by side. They share the same sleek black carbon-fiber aesthetic and sturdy build quality, but the Yoga is noticeably larger. It’s also significantly heavier, weighing in at 3.1 pounds compared to the X1 Carbon’s 2.5 pounds. The Yoga is more of a throwback to ultraportables from a few years ago whereas the X1 Carbon looks and feels more modern.

Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/16/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-yoga-review-2018/

Somfy One review: Sound the alarm, smart home security gets serious

When it comes to protecting your home and your family, there are plenty of smart home security camera options to choose from. So many, that it might be hard to decide which one is right for you. Which is why manufacturers are working hard to deliver powerful smart home cameras with a variety of capabilities to pique your interest.

If you’re looking for a system that can not only keep an eye on your home, but help ward off unwanted guests using a siren/alarm system, then the Somfy One could be just what you’re looking for. But is it worth the money?

It’s Galaxy S9 launch day: Here are the best deals

The Galaxy S9 is here at last, and with its status as a flagship device, it obviously costs a decent bit of cash. While the Galaxy S9 doesn’t match something like the iPhone X in terms of pricing, the Galaxy S9+ does come close, which puts just how expensive this phone can be into perspective. Luckily for anyone who wants to make the Galaxy S9 or S9+ their daily driver, all four major carries in the US are running promotional offers on this new device.

Of course, if you prefer to buy without being tied to a carrier, you can pick up an unlocked Galaxy S9 directly from Samsung by paying full retail price. That may not be an option for a lot of folks, but if you don’t like being tied to a two-year long payment plan, it’s pretty much your only one – though these carries have some tempting deals in place, they only apply if you purchase your Galaxy S9 on a device installment plan. It should be noted, however, that Samsung now also offers financing on the phones it sells direct to consumers, which allows you to pay monthly and also pick your carrier.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/its-galaxy-s9-launch-day-here-are-the-best-deals-16523437/

The 5 Galaxy S9 must-have accessories on launch day

It’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ release day, but Samsung’s newest Android smartphone shouldn’t be the only thing you put in your pocket. No new gadget is complete without the essential accessories that make it easier to live with, and the Galaxy S9 is no different. Read on for our favorite picks in charging and protecting the S9 and S9+, as well as some other must-have accessories.

A wireless charger makes S9 life easier

Samsung has been onboard the wireless charging train for several years now, well before Apple decided to embrace the cord-free life, and it has a new 2018 version of its Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand. Priced at $69.99, that supports any Qi-compliant device – which means your friends’ iPhone X will work on it too – and either stands the S9 upright so you can still see the screen, or flat by folding the top down. It’s available in either black or white.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/the-5-galaxy-s9-must-have-accessories-on-launch-day-16523454/

Razer Nommo Chroma review: Cylindrical 2.0 PC speakers with RGB lighting

These cylindrical shaped computer speakers provide customisable RGB lighting to illuminate your desk

Razer is a company best known for its colourful PC peripherals and, latterly, it has branched out into laptops and even smartphone production. Surprisingly, though, it hasn’t delved (in a big way) into the realm of speakers. The firm had the Leviathan soundbar in its range and a smaller Bluetooth unit, but its main focus on the audio front has been gaming headsets. The Nommo speaker range, from which we’ve reviewed the Chroma here, changes that, expanding the company’s choice of PC speakers from one to four in a single blow.

What you need to know

As you might expect from Razer, these are speakers aimed at gamers and PC users. They’re designed to be used on your desk, positioned to the left and right of your screen and keyboard and, in terms of the audio setup, they’re a pretty straightforward stereo pairing in that there’s no subwoofer to reinforce the bass.

Read full post here:
https://audioprimate.blog/2018/03/14/dawnwood-gt-36-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/

Dawnwood GT-36 Hands-on Review : Unboxing and initial impressions

Beauty isn’t everything. There’s an old song by Jimmy Soul that goes: “if you wanna be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. Some folks will dig this design, or maybe the Captain America or Iron Man versions you can also get. These have plastic construction throughout, long plastic fake strain reliefs that have sharp edges, and shiny gold plastic accents.

The build quality is such that I am certain that I could break the headphones with my hands. The cable has no strain relief at the jack end, in addition to the fake strain reliefs at the transducer end. The big housing had difficulty getting a good fit in my ear – Dawnwood GT-36.

Read full post here:
https://audioprimate.blog/2018/03/14/dawnwood-gt-36-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/

Sony Xperia XZ2 review

1. Introduction, specs, unboxing

Introduction

It’s no secret that Sony is undergoing some substantial changes, with more likely still ahead on the company roadmap. While we can’t exactly say for sure how the recently-announced, upcoming CEO change will trickle down to other management positions, as well as products and design directions in particular divisions, like Sony Mobile, it is pretty clear that the company is already morphing.

You don’t really have to look any further than the new Xperia XZ2 and its little Compact sibling for proof that Sony is evolving even if slowly. The 2018 flagship is different in a number of ways, some of which more controversial than others.

Read full post here:
https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz2-review-1735.php

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ review: New Pi gets a welcome performance hike

CPU bump and faster networking make the Pi more versatile than ever

Everyone’s favourite pico-computer has just received its latest hardware refresh. It isn’t a drastic overhaul: as the (increasingly unwieldy) name implies, it’s instead an updated version of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, originally released in February 2016.

The changes are all for the better, though. The processor is faster than ever before, and the Wi-Fi controller now supports dual-band 802.11ac, which is a big step up from the 2.4GHz-only 802.11n provision of its predecessor. The Ethernet port gets a boost, too, to 300Mbits/sec.

Read full post here:
https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/pcs/1406859/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-plus-review

New Volkswagen Up GTI vs Abarth 595 Comparison

Volkswagen had added some spice to the city car class with the sporty new Up GTI. The car it has to beat is the Abarth 595

The contenders

*** Note : £1 = $1.39 (correct at time of post)
Abarth 595 1.4 T-Jet 145
  • List price £15,510
  • Target Price £15,510

Sharp styling and a potent turbocharged engine make this a desirable little hot hatch.

Read full post here:
https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-volkswagen-up-gti-vs-abarth-595/n16722

6 Best Canon DSLR Lenses to Buy in 2018

Here are the 6 Best Canon DSLR Lenses to buy in 2018. The lenses vary in price and application, so make sure you think about what your application is before you pick one up!

Grabbing the perfect photo is never easy, but, luckily, a smart choice of lens can make your images better quality. We looked at all lenses from Canon and other companies and selected the best choices based on good priceusefulness and high image quality.

Whether you shoot landscape, sports, action photography or street, there are dozens of choices that offer far more control than the standard kit lens.

If you have one of Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras, here is a compilation of 6 best Canon DSLR lenses to buy in 2018. This list will help you find one that’s sure to up your photography game. Of course, some of these lenses are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. Check out the list below to find the best one for your needs.

Read full post here:
https://www.dailycameranews.com/2019/03/6-best-canon-dslr-lenses-to-buy-in-2019/

ReSound LiNX 3D Hearing Aids REVIEW : Sound Has Never Been So Clear

Change the quality of your hearing through the aid of the LiNX 3D from ReSound.

In my early 20s, I started noticing that I was having a hard time hearing conversation. I could hear people’s voices, but couldn’t quite make out what they were saying — even when they were looking directly at me. I got very good at playing the head nod game — you know, where you nod your head in agreement like you know what is going on in the conversation. It was a fake out. I had no idea because unbeknownst to me, my hearing was beginning to fail me.

Not too long after that, I noticed that I could no longer hear higher pitched noises like birds and wind chimes. I knew this because environments that I was once familiar with were suddenly foreign to me and I was no longer enjoying life in the same way that other people do. It became harder and harder for me to participate in any group functions or family gatherings and as a result, I became somewhat of a hermit. I isolated myself from the outside world because it was easier than dealing with only hearing half of a conversation.

Read full post here:
https://macsources.com/resound-linx-3d-hearing-aids-review-sound-has-never-been-so-clear/

Google on the future of Wear OS: Smarter Assistant, deeper health, new hero watch

Expect more frequent updates for the smartwatch operating system

Google is rebranding Android Wear to Wear OS, a change to reflect the high number of iPhone owners using a Google smartwatch. That means a new logo, which will appear on all future Android Wear – sorry, Wear OS – smartwatches, while all existing watches will be rebranded in an over-the-air update in the coming weeks.

But what about new features – and the future of the platform? Sadly this isn’t Android Wear 3.0 by another name, but Google has promised a handful of features soon, some of which we learned about when we sat down with Dennis Troper, head of product at Android Wear. He also hinted at some other improvements we can expect to see in Wear 3.0 over the coming months.

From new health updates to an improved Assistant, here are the new features and changes you can expect to see in the coming months.

Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/google-on-wear-os-interview-2834

ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ Review: Widescreen Madness

You’ve finally done it. You’ve managed to build a pretty sick gaming PC with not one, but two (even three) top-of-the-line GPUs, and are looking for a way to maximize your rig’s potential. At this point, you have two options: go through the hassle of cobbling multiple displays together (and hope your brain ignores those bezels when you play) or opt to pay even more cash for an ultrawide monitor.

As much as a money sink as getting an ultrawide is, it’s a much better, easier and cleaner way to play games on your PC. And ASUS’ ROG Strix XG35VQ is your best bet if you’re looking for a an ultrawide display made specifically for gaming. It’s a spendy item, but if you’re really serious about getting your game on, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

Read full post here:
https://www.unbox.ph/gadget/asus-rog-strix-xg35vq-review-widescreen-madness/

2018 MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR First Ride Review

Billing yourself as a boutique manufacturer of motorcycle art invites intense scrutiny and whether fair or unfair, a cosmetic blemish or performance shortcoming when found is profoundly magnified. It’s the cross MV Agusta must bear, along with its tumultuous history of financial liquidity as well as its family history of adopted ownerships. Regardless the burden, MV remains relevant by ceaselessly pushing the boundaries of motorcycle design by offering enthusiasts something more than a two-wheel commodity.

A 2018 example of MV’s commitment to bettering its stable of show horses is the revised Brutale 800 RR. While not every reason the old model Brutale 800 lost to the new-for-2017 Triumph 765 Street Triple RS in our 800cc Euro Triples Streetfighter Faceoff has been addressed by MV engineers at the factory in Varese, the litany of updates do mandate another shootout be commissioned (hint, hint MO staffers).

Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/mv-agusta/2018-mv-agusta-brutale-800-rr-first-ride-review.html

Adding a turbo to the 2018 Mazda6 is surprisingly affordable

Mazda has priced up the 2018 Mazda6, with its handsome midsize sedan packing a turbocharged engine option for the first time. Unveiled at the LA Auto Show last November, the new Mazda6 keeps the classic styling of the old model, but throws in higher-quality materials and more tech for the cabin, as well as a brand new drivetrain under the hood.

The standard engine is still the naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G 2.5, good for 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Happily Mazda is still offering it with the six-speed manual transmission, too – a welcome choice in a segment dominated by automatics – though there’s a six-speed auto with Sport Mode for those who’d prefer it. Pricing kicks off at $21,950 for the Mazda6 Sport manual, and $23,000 for the auto version.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/2018-mazda6-price-availability-turbocharged-engine-15523379/

2018 Lexus LX570 Review – Road Test

Big, capable and luxurious: Lexus' LandCruiser spin-off is suitably over the top

Big and brash – the Lexus LX 570 is a vehicle that needs little introduction. But it is also a vehicle that has confounded critics and the public ever since the first incarnation arrived in 2008: “Why would you purchase one of these over a LandCruiser 200 Series?” they might argue. Petrol-powered and more expensive than its mainstream namesake, the Lexus is limited in appeal. But it is strangely endearing at the same time.

Different horses

It would be easy to dismiss the 2018 Lexus LX570 as an oversized, overpriced petrol guzzler. To many people, it is.

Read full post here:
https://www.motoring.com.au/lexus-lx-570-2018-review-111594/

Top 5 Reasons to BUY or NOT buy the Lenovo IdeaPad 120S (11″)!

Quite recently, we shared with you our in-depth review of the Lenovo IdeaPad 120S (11″) – a budget-friendly notebook that can handle all your daily tasks. If the device has caught your attention, then today’s article will be quite useful as it sums up its top 5 pros and cons.

3 reasons to buy Lenovo IdeaPad 120S (11″)

1. Good build quality (+ light and compact)

The Lenovo IdeaPad 120S features a refined chassis that is stable and compact at the same time. Furthermore, the body is made firm and robust and it is also resistant to fingerprints. In addition, the plastic bottom allows quick access to the internals. You could also easily carry your device around as it weighs just 1.23 kg, while the thickness is 21.5 mm.

Read full post here:
https://laptopmedia.com/highlights/top-5-reasons-to-buy-or-not-buy-the-lenovo-ideapad-120s-11%E2%80%B3/

Fitbit Versa vs Fitbit Blaze: What’s the difference?

The Fitbit Blaze was Fitbit’s first “watch”, the company’s first foray into devices that were larger than the fitness bands it previously offered. It marked a fork in the path for the company’s products, shifting from Flex-based design (Flex-Charge-Surge) into something more like a sports watch.

The Ionic is a natural development of Blaze, the company’s first “smartwatch”, while the Fitbit Versa slots into the middle. It effectively updates the Blaze with some of the Ionic’s tricks.

Here’s how the Blaze and the Versa compare.

Huawei MediaPad M5 (8.4-inch) review: Genuine iPad Mini competition

The tablet industry has been in a lull for the past couple of years. Apart from Amazon with the really affordable Fire tablets, or Apple with the iPad series, there’s been very little in the way of movement – particularly those based on Google’s Android operating system.

But just when you thought the Android tablet market might be completely dead, Huawei announced new MediaPad models at Mobile World Congress 2018. There’s a small 8.4-inch model, as reviewed here, and a larger 10.8-inch Pro model with a stylus (no prizes for guessing which Apple products the company is directly competing with here).

Reolink Argus 2 review: Better than its predecessor in all the right ways

All the impressive features of the original, but now with a rechargeable battery.

The Argus 2 is a fantastic option if you want just the security essentials with an easy setup and an affordable price.

Reolink’s Argus filled a much-needed niche in the home security camera market: a truly wireless camera that pared down features to just the essentials for a modest price. We loved it. But we love the Argus 2 even more.

Obviously knowing it has a winner, Reolink has left most of the original Argus intact. The Argus 2 retains its predecessor’s white capsule-shaped enclosure and its impressive specs: a 130-degree field of view, 1080p resolution, night vision up to 33 feet, motion detection, and two-way audio. It also keeps the IP65 ingress protection rating, meaning neither harmful dust nor projected jets of water can get in and damage the camera.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3261014/reolink-argus-2-review-better-than-its-predecessor-in-all-the-right-ways.html

6 Best Nikon DSLR Lenses to Buy in 2018

Here are the 6 Best Nikon DSLR Lenses to buy in 2018. Whether you shoot landscape, sports, action photography or street, there are dozens of choices that offer far more control than the standard kit lens.

Grabbing the perfect photo is never easy, but, luckily, a smart choice of lens can make your images better quality. We looked at all lenses from Nikon and other companies and selected the best choices based on good priceusefulness and high image quality.

Here is a compilation of 6 best Nikon DSLR lenses to buy in 2018. This list will help you find one that’s sure to up your photography game.

Read full post here:
https://www.dailycameranews.com/2018/03/6-best-nikon-dslr-lenses-to-buy/

Logitech G adds G560 LIGHTSYNC speakers and G513 keyboard

Logitech G, the company’s gamer-centric division, has added a new G513 Mechanical Keyboard and G560 PC Gaming Speaker to its line-up, complete with plenty of color-changing LEDs. The two new peripherals join Logitech’s existing range of keyboards, mice, and headsets, all of which have been designed with hardcore gamers in mind.

Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Logitech has given the G413 a bigger brother, taking the ethos of its affordable gaming keyboard and giving it a premium twist. Now, it uses an anodized and brushed, aircraft-grade 5052 aluminum top-case, and has a detachable USB cable for easy replacement. There’s also an integrated USB pass-through port, which supports both power and data.

Unlike the G413, there’s also a wrist-rest that comes with the G513. That’s made of high-quality memory foam and wrapped with a premium leatherette. Logitech has designed it to be individually adjustable in addition to the keyboard angle, too.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/logitech-g-adds-g560-lightsync-speakers-and-g513-keyboard-15523274/

Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker review: Fantastic features, but not much bass

This portable speaker comes close to perfection, except in its lack of thump.

If this $50 weatherized speaker’s audio performance matched its comprehensive feature set, it would stomp the competition. But the M400 sounds only so-so, even when two are paired for stereo reproduction. We can’t wait for them to send us something not limited by size and waterproof materials.

If we cared only about features and ease of operation, the $50 Sbode M400 Bluetooth speaker would be a serious contender. It’s weather-resistant, it can play music stored on a microSD card, it can double as a speakerphone, it can be paired with a second M400 for true stereo reproduction; heck, it even has an old-fashioned FM radio onboard. About the only thing missing is the ability to charge other mobile devices via USB.

Read full post here:
https://www.techhive.com/article/3252778/sbode-m400-bluetooth-speaker-review-fantastic-features-but-not-much-bass.html

Sony A7 III Lowlight Comparison : a7III vs a7RIII vs a6500 vs GH5

Photographer and filmmaker Max Yuryev just tested and compared the new Sony a7 III low-light against the Sony a7R III, Sony a6500, and Panasonic GH5 mirrorless cameras.

The a7 III (Amazon | B&H | Adorama) comes with a 24MP back-illuminated full-frame sensor, a 693-point AF system, 4K video with advanced features. It has 5-axis stabilization, ISO 204800, 10fps shooting, dual SD slots, weather-sealing, and a 3-inch tilting touchscreen.

Sony A7 III Key Features