Lenovo is no stranger to creating solutions for mobile work. Their new ThinkVision lineup takes a step in empowering working from anywhere. The new lineup is not just made of traditional monitors but also mobile ones that allow users to complement their workflow with an extra display. In fact, the new lineup could be the perfect complement for the new ThinkPad X1 Extreme.
Their biggest champion for work from anywhere is the new ThinkVision M15 mobile monitor. It’s the most portable and versatile monitor from Lenovo to date. The monitor comes with 15.6 inches of visual real estate. It has a 13.3-inch, Full HD resolution display. The ThinkVision M15 can also be height adjusted for ergonomics. It connects with a single USB type C cable. The monitor also doesn’t take away from connectivity; in fact, it extends it with 2 USB Type C on the body. It can be powered by a 65W power source via USB Type C or simply with a single USB-C cable from a laptop. The external monitor weighs only 0.86kg.
Together with the portable monitor, Lenovo also announced a larger, fixed monitor built for those who want a fixed workspace. The Lenovo ThinkVision T24m-20 is a one cable monitor solution. It can connect via a single USB-C cable and supports power delivery of up to 90W via USB-C. It comes with an array of ports that can be used to daisy chain monitors or extend your connectivity. The 23.8-inch ThinkVision comes with Full HD resolution. It also features Lenovo’s Colour Display Centre software – ThinkColor – which allows you to customise your experience via a simple point-and-click interface.
To complete the line up, Lenovo also announced a new ThinkVision webcam. The new Lenovo ThinkVision MC50 Monitor Webcam is a Full HD solution with built-in microphones. It’s built to complete your setup with a versatile webcam for your video conferencing needs. It comes with dual noise cancelling microphones to ensure that audio pick up is crisp. It also has an red light to indicate if it is turned on. The webcam is plug-and-play not requiring any additional software. It’s also able to tilt and swivel allowing you to adjust just the camera for your setup.
The current pandemic has spurred a revolution in the way we work. The new work from home arrangements may not ever go away instead many experts predict a significant part of the workforce will continue to work from home; or rather anywhere. Video conferences and virtual meetings may be the new norm in the workplace. With that in mind, Dell is introducing their new UltraSharp Webcam.
Dell is looking to give users the best front of screen experience with their first 4K UltraSharp Webcam. The company has poured its R&D into developing an external webcam imbued with nine patent-pending technologies and AI. The company drew inspiration from DSLR cameras aspiring to bring the same quality to a webcam.
To achieve that quality, the company started with the lens and equipped the Dell UltraSharp Webcam with a large 4K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor complemented with a multi-element lens. This allows the camera to capture more light and detail. With the main hardware covered, they worked on imbuing the camera with software that would help draw out the best video quality. The Dell UltraSharp Webcam comes with Digital Overlap HDR which assists it to capture and reproduce true-to-life images – even in low light.
They also include a variety of AI-assisted technologies that help make sure you’re always the focus. The highlight of which is the auto-framing feature. The feature keeps you in focus and centred all the time. It shifts the frame slowly to ensure that people viewing the video feed don’t feel disoriented by the camera movement. The webcam also comes with software that allows users to choose from 65°, 78° and 90° fields of view to suit their environment and up to 5x digital zoom.
The Dell UltraSharp Webcam also integrates seamlessly with software. The IR sensor embedded in the camera allows it to work with Windows Hello to allow seamless logins. It also comes with Dell’s ExpressSign-in technology to work in concert with Dell PCs. With ExpressSign-in, Dell PCs automatically log users out when they step away from the computer by using the proximity sensors in the webcam. Keeping privacy at the core, the webcam also comes with a magnetic cover to make sure the camera isn’t seeing anything.
All of these technologies come in a sleek, cylindrical body made of aluminium. It also comes with a magnetic mount and tripod that allow users to transition seamlessly between mounting it on their monitors or a tripod.
Pricing & Availability
The Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) will be available on Dell’s website soon. It will be priced at MYR1,112 in Malaysia and USD$199.99 worldwide.
The Lenovo Smart Clock was one of the simplest ways for you to get started on a smart home ecosystem. Right next to Google’s NEST speakers, the first iteration of the Lenovo Smart Clock is the best smart home peripheral you might be able to put on your nightstand. It does not look totally invasive as a home tech; it looks like a regular bedside clock. It is also powered by a Google Assistant. How could the Lenovo Smart Clock be better?
Lenovo has the answer to that in the new Lenovo Smart Clock 2 though. If it is not obvious enough with the naming scheme, the Lenovo Smart clock2 is the follow up to the original Lenovo Smart Clock. It shares all the great design cues that made the Lenovo Smart Clock a great one. Lenovo added a few more things to make it even better though.
Source: Lenovo
The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 still has a 4-inch display. This time though it is an LCD display that you can use to display your photos and clock. It even has a night mode that turns down its display brightness just enough that it does not hurt your eyes when you see it first thing in the morning. While the display remains the same size, the entire device got a bigger compared to before though. That also means that it stands a little more upright than before.
While it is also still powered by a MediaTek processor that you find on the previous Lenovo Smart Clock, the larger body allows Lenovo to hide 3W front-firing speakers just below the display. The new Smart Clock 2 rocks a 1GB RAM to work with Google Assistant and to display your gallery. With 8G of storage, you can even store some music in the clock alongside photos you want to display.
Like the original Lenovo Smart Clock, the Smart Clock 2 does not have a camera to work with, or to spy on you. The new Smart Clock to also includes a button that a mute toggle to turn off the microphone at the back of the device. There are no USB charging ports on the clock itself though.
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
Source: Lenovo
To remedy that is a secondary plate dock that you can use with the Smart Clock 2. The base adds an additional wireless charging pad that sits right beside the clock. The charges at up to 10W, which also means that it should quickly charge your smartphones, including the Apple iPhone. The base also adds a USB-A port behind the entire clock assembly for wired charging too.
The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 will be available globally September 2021 onward. It will be available in three colours – Abyss Blue, Cloud Grey, and Shadow Black. It will retail for US$ 89.99 (MYR 373*) onward. There is no word on whether we will see the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 coming to Malaysia though.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.14 as per xe.com as of 28/06/2021
We were planning to review this item on video. The problem was our studio had to close because of the Pandemic. It is now a written review instead.
There is a reason why we wanted to review the Razer Seiren Mini on video though. We technically can use it as our audio input for the video, completely using the audio recorded from the Razer Seiren Mini as our voice over for the video. Why? Because it made sense.
The Razer Seiren Mini is not necessarily a new product segment for Razer though. They had the Razer Seiren X before this, a big mic thing that Razer made for streamers. That USB mic received plenty of praises for being one really good mic especially for streamers.
It was a little big though. Then again, having a big mic is not really an issue when you have a streaming set up at home. Having a big mic is never really touted as an issue at all for streamers.
So, what is the Razer Seiren Mini? Why would anyone buy this little mic if they could just get the adult sized Razer Seiren? Is it even something you should consider?
Design
It comes in three colour shades; it comes in plain black, solid white, and even pink. There are no green mics though; quite odd considering this is Razer we are talking about. But at least the black is universal enough that it does not look like it is out of place on the video. If you want a little bit of a flavour, the pink should fit your style nicely. Keep in mind that it does not taste like cotton candy though, it tastes metallic.
Literal taste aside though, the whole package of the Razer Seiren Mini is rather unassuming. The capsule looking body with mic does not look like it is made to impress anyone. The whole package comes with its own mini legs too, which is nice, because that means you do not need to get a separate mic stand for it. It is easy to set up too because the mic uses a proper, regular mic stand ¾-inch thread. There are two standard mic holder thread though, so do check properly.
In some ways, it looks cute because it is just so tiny, and light. It looks and feels durable too, and that is the best part because we think that users might use this mic as a portable mic set-up as well. At least, that is also what Razer is selling this product as, a “portable mini microphone”. The only missing thing from the whole package, in that case, is a carrying case for the mic.
Hardware
Inside this tiny capsule is a 14mm super cardioid condenser. Which also means it is not a passive type of dynamic mic that words by just plugging it into an amp or mixer; you need power. At the same time, you cannot plug this into any XLR, or ¼” jack though. It is a USB Type-C mic that also draws its power from the PC it is connected to.
Specifications
Sample Rate
44.1 KHz – 48 KHz
Microphone
14mm Super Cardioid Condenser Built-in Shock Mounting
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 KHz
Power
5V 500mA Via Micro USB
Sensitivity
17.8 mV/Pa (1 KHz)
Max SPL
110 dB
Features
While the mic does not look like much, there is quite a lot of things packed into the small capsule mic though. It is a USB Type-C mic, which also means it is a simple plug and play now. The USB port is designed to sort of hide the cable connection and make the whole capsule look whole. There is some clever surprise inside the capsule body as well.
Flush USB Plug and Play
Micro USB is not necessarily new in electronics. The difference between this one mic with other mics of its type is how they hide the cable. Well, they did not really hide the cable, just the fact that they made it seem like the cable is a part of the mic capsule itself. Of course, they colour match the cables too.
Razer does not just give you a regular looking USB cable for you to connect to your Razer Serine mini and calls it a day. They made an effort to properly design a USB cable head that matches and sits flush with the body of your Razer Seiren Mini.
While it is a plug and play mic solution, it is not Razer Synapse compatible unfortunately. That can be a good thing too though; it just works. To control the volume, you just go to Windows audio settings and sort it out. All you have to do is figure out the best place to put your mic and you can get streaming, podcasting, and even use it in your video conference.
Super Cardioid Condenser
Source: Razer
What you get inside the capsule mic, as mentioned before, is a 14mm super cardioid condenser. A condenser cannot work without a power source, unlike dynamic mics. There are advantages to dynamic mics compared to condensers. For example, on a dynamic mic, you get cleaner audio and it is simple to work with. Dynamic mics are known to be durable as well, just find a studio and ask them for their oldest Shure SM58 mic, ask them how old it is, and you will understand why.
Condensers have their own advantages as well though. Condensers tend to be a lot more sensitive than dynamic mics. Heightened sensitivity allows you to place the mic further away from you or have more control over sensitivity depending on where you place the mic. But that also means that you have more freedom to place your mic in different locations and positions to pick up different sounds like ambient noise and such. On top of that, condensers can be a lot more compact than dynamic mics.
Super cardioid refers to its pickup pattern which centers mostly at its front and a little bit at the back. It is a tighter pattern compared to a general cardioid mic though which also means that it will be a lot less sensitive to noise and sounds from the sides of the mic. Which also means you really want to point the front of the mic toward the source of the sound you want being picked up, you. At least that is straight forward enough to do; the front of the mic is where the power indication LED and RAZER branding is.
Built-in Shock Mount
Because condensers are also more sensitive, every little bump and shake can be picked up by the mic. That is why shock mounting is important when you get a condenser. That was our concern as well when we picked up this little Seiren Mini. Fortunately, Razer thought of that and figured out a way to fit a shock mount into the capsule, and it works. You still hear knocks on the mic, obviously, but when you place it on the table, knocks and bumps on the table is hardly heard through the mic, unless it is a hard knock. If you are using a boom arm and accidentally brushed or knocked your hands against the boom arm, the shock is also hardly heard through the mic. You only head knocks and bumps very clearly if you are bumping or knocking against the mic directly.
Tilting Stand
We will not call this the best quality tilting stand that you can find in the market. We are going to say that this is a good mic stand for your Razer Seiren Mini though. The best part about it is that you can use it with other mics or mic holders with standard mic stand threads. That also means that you can technically use different mic with a standard mic holder, and it works too. Although, you do want to make sure that you either balance the weight properly or that the mic is not too heavy to work with; dynamic mics like the Shure SM58 should be fine.
It is made with plastic mostly, even the base is covered with plastic material. Excluding the mic, there are two parts to the stand that comes standard with your Razer Seiren Mini. You get a base with a tilting thread, and a plastic stem that adapts the base to the mic because the thread on the base is a smaller standard thread. The base also comes with an anti-slip foam at the bottom to grip ensure that it does not get to move too much on your desk. The foam bottom also helps eliminate micro vibrations from your desk, which is a bonus in getting cleaner sound from you.
Performance
When you talk about the performance of a mic though, its sound quality and reproduction is everything. The thing is, specific mics serves different purposes in its design though. Mics like the Seiren Mini is really built for streamers and podcasting. That also means that it should deliver that ‘radio voice’ quality over voice chats and when you are recording a podcast, or in video calls.
Audio Quality and Reproduction
First of all, before you start thinking about downloading software solutions from Razer to control the mic, forget it. Even Razer’s synapse does not recognise the device. That also means that Razer’s own apps will not control the mic’s pickup. There are no physical buttons to the mic either, which also means you have to go into Windows 10’s or MacOS’s sound settings and control the mic sensitivity there.
No complains on that though, because it is simple enough to get to Windows audio settings and set the mic to default to the Razer Seiren Mini, set the volumes correctly in different use cases and just leave it from there. In most cases, we leave our mics to 100% sensitivity in Windows settings, especially when we tuck the mic further away from us (about 0.5m away from the mouth).
When we do our podcast though, we stuck the mic closer to our mouths and lowered the sensitivity on Window itself because the mic is now that much closer to our mouths to the point that we are almost kissing the mic. Here we find a problem with the Razer Seiren Mini. It does not have a pop-filter and Razer does not sell a Seiren Mini specific pop-filter too. That results in pops when we say things like “pick”, or “ping”, or “pack”. It is easily corrected by buying a generic pop-filter though. You only have to worry about mounting the stuff.
The audio you get from the mic is quite remarkable though. You get the same sort of sound signature with the bigger Seiren X from this little capsule. That also means a crisp voice with very clear mid-frequencies and low frequencies for great and clear voice. That also means your teammates or audience can hear you very clearly. Just be sure that nothing else is making noise behind you though, since it is a condenser.
Of course, you need to be the judge of the sound quality that the Razer Seiren Mini reproduces for you too. So, we have included a few voice clips for you to listen to. We used Adobe Audition to record all sample sound tracks.
The Razer Seiren Mini – Portable Goodness in Value for Money Package
You can get your hands on the Razer Seiren Mini at MYR 249 from Razer’s official store on Shopee, or their own online store. If you really look through Shopee, you can get a Seiren Mini for even lower prices. There are three colours to choose from as well with the Razer Seiren Mini – Quartz, Mercury, and Black. We do suggest the Black for a more professional and cleaner look.
Still, if you do want to spice up your set up a little bit, the white coloured mercury colour scheme looks great too. While we are not fans of the pink Quarts colour scheme, we do think that there are plenty who would like that colour option too. Whatever it is, the colour options do give a little more freedom for expression, we think.
While we would like to see USB Type-C replacing Micro USB on the Razer Seiren Mini, there is nothing much wrong with Micro USB. A lot of older USB devices still work nicely. Plenty of audio interfaces in the market are still relying on USB Type-B ports too. With the provided cable anyway, the connection is secure and reliable.
At the same price with the Razer Seiren Mini, there are other solutions like HyperX’s Solocast USB microphone. The Solocast does come with a nice built-in stand that looks extremely sturdy. The mic is also taller and a little bigger than the Razer Seiren Mini. Because of that though, it is a little more cumbersome, less portable. When connected to your PC, the USB cable sticks out like a sore thumb too, which could be less appealing in terms of cable management. The HyperX Solocast does have a touch sensitive ‘mute’ button though, while the Razer Seiren Mini does not.
Thing is, recommending the Razer Seiren Mini is really easy for us. At its price, it is hard to find a compelling enough mic that boasts the same quality and features. It is also a relatively economical and simple way to increase the audio quality of your conference calls and even streams. Because it is so small, you can easily throw it in your bag and set up anywhere and anytime.
Keeping yourself fit is more important than ever. At these trying times, exercising is not just about keeping yourself physically fit anymore though. Exercising has also become a way to keep yourself mentally. Keeping yourself fit is also about keeping tack about how you are doing through your exercise journey. In that case, you need a fitness tracker.
What do you get though? The market is not exactly starved for choice. The fitness tracker market is a huge one since the first smartwatches launches off the shelves. What we are saying is that there are plenty of choice and different budgets to work with, when it comes to fitness trackers.
Garmin just launched their new Forerunner 55 smart fitness trackers. The Forerunner 55 is a new smart fitness tracker, but it retains all the classic, rugged, and functional look that is signature of the Forerunner series. It is a little bigger than the Forerunner 45 though, to fit larger wrist and for people who want bigger displays. It also features a few new things over the Forerunner 45.
Source: Garmin
They call the Forerunner 55 a running GPS smartwatch. While it is slightly larger at 42cm, the display size stayed the same at 1.04 inches. The 208 by 208-pixel touch sensitive display is encased in a 5 ATM water resistant rating so you can take it for a swim.
Launched in tandem with the annual Global Running Day, the Garmin Forerunner 55 boasts two weeks in battery life; a signature of a Garmin smartwatch. Because it is made for runners also, there is built-in GPS for runners to track their running pace and path. It also tracks your heart rate in real-time, which is useful not only when you run. If you wear it to sleep, it also tracks your sleep as well.
The Garmin Forerunner is also your health coach and tracker. It can keep track on even your calories if you let it. You get personalised workout suggestions from the forerunner 55. PacePro built into the Garmin Forerunner 55 could also guide runners customise their run patterns on their selected course, or distance. It will also time your run so that you know what to aim for in the future.
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
The Garmin Forerunner is not just a running tracker though. It will also track other activities including swimming, Pilates, Yoga, or even HIIT exercises. Just so that you do not hurt yourself, the Garmin Forerunner tells you your optimum recovery time to ensure that you get enough rest before then next push.
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is now available on Lazada, Shopee, AECO e-store, and all Garmin authorised resellers. Available in black, grey, white, or aqua colour options, the Garmin Forerunner will set you back MYR 960. More information on the Garmin Forerunner 55 can be found on Garmin’s website.
Razer’s Opus that was launched last year drew some resemblance with a certain wireless over-ear headphones from a different brand. Nothing wrong with that, there are not many ways to design a sleek and stealth looking headphone set without falling back into similar design structures. At the same time, we would like to see more colours from Razer’s stables. It is Razer after all.
They did come up with an answer a year later in 2021 with a new range of Opus lifestyle-centric headphones. Except, they are not the high-end type of headphones the Opus is. They are called the Opus X.
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
The Razer Opus X has very similar design cues with the higher end THX certified Opus. They share the same general shapes and curves in all the right places to make it look less gamer, more general use. The only difference you might find on the outlook is probably the colour choices you get with the Razer Opus X, which incidentally gave away the “gamer” look.
The Opus X comes in three colour choices. You get to choose between the white ‘Mercury’, pink ‘Quartz’, and Green (Razer.com exclusive). The more expensive Opus only gets the Black colour option. While the Green and Quartz might stand out in the crowd, we think the Mercury colour option could be more subtle.
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Inside the headphones are still two beefy 40mm dynamic drivers to deliver super low frequencies from 20Hz to super high frequencies at 20kHz. Obviously, there is no microphone stems here because Razer understands that you have a life outside of your house and a microphone stem outside your home looks odd. It does have the same noise cancelling microphones built into the sleek chassis for both voice chat and phone calls.
It is wireless like the Opus, obviously. You connect your PC or smartphone to it via Bluetooth 5.0 for stable connection and high-quality audio transmissions. You also get 30 hours of battery life with it, which matches the best the market has to offer in terms of wireless headphones. When the battery runs out though, there is always a trusty 3.5mm jack with included cables when you buy the product.
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
Source: Razer
While this Razer Opus X does not feature THX’s touch like its more premium brother, it does offer Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). In that sense, this is one of the more affordable products that feature ANC in the market currently. With 60ms low latency connection, this should also be one of the more affordable Bluetooth enabled gaming headphones with ANC capabilities. We prefer over-ear solutions for gaming too, we think this would be perfect if you are trying to lose the cables on your desk.
Price and Availability
We kept saying that it is a more affordable product, but we have not actually mentioned its price. The Opus X is already available in Malaysia and you can buy it from Razer.com online store, or Razer’s dealers and official stores across the nation. It is also about half the price of the THX Certified Opus at MYR 549 (US$ 99.99*). If we are honest, you can hardly find decent ANC enabled headphones at that price currently.
When Sony introduced the world to the WF-1000XM3 last year, it was rated as one of the best truly wireless headphones that you can buy. There is little doubt to that claim and why it is so. The WF-1000XM3, the second-generation noise cancelling truly wireless earbuds from Sony packed arguably the best noise cancelling technologies in the world. It came with battery life longer than anything you can find in the market too at the same time without compromising on audio quality and fidelity. That is why we decided to own one.
To live up or replace the WF-1000XM3 then is no mean feat. It looks like Sony has done so though in their new WF-1000XM4. Except, the changes might not be too much around sound quality but more around additional features instead.
Integrated Processor V1 – Better Noise Cancelling
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
That is not to say that they have skimmed on trying to make it sound better. They developed a new processing chip for the WF-1000XM4, the Integrated Processor V1. It is supposed to be cleverer than the Mark III’s QN1e processor and more powerful, at least for this form factor. That also means better noise cancellation algorithms, supposedly. Alongside two noise sensors, noise cancelling is a lot more accurate too. The new chip is also a little more power efficient than the older chip, which explains the slightly more compact body.
Redesigned 6mm Drivers
To improve sound quality, a newly designed driver unit now boast 20% more magnet volume for increased low-end power for that much needed bass line. The driver is still the same size at 6mm though, that also means that it should be as power efficient as before. But this also means that noise cancellation can be even more precise with better low-end anti-noise reproduction from the drivers. They have also redesigned the Noise Isolation Tips to be more durable and more comfortable as well as reducing outside noise. The new processor even detects wind and automatically cancels it out.
Hi-Res and LDAC support with DSEE Extreme
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Sony is known for their Hi-Res audio, so it was a little funny when Sony did not include the Hi-Res certification to the old WF-1000XM3. On the new Sony WF-1000XM4, that changes. It now supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless and all this is thanks to the now inclusion of Sony’s brilliant LDAC technology. With up to 990kbps of data transfer speed, high-resolution audio can easily be transmitted to the headphone with minimal loss. Latency might also be improved on the headphones.
DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) Extreme also finally makes it to the WF-1000XM4. The technology upscales music in real time on device to deliver even better sounding music than you are probably used to with Bluetooth Headphones. The technology fills gaps and restores any lost ranges and dynamics in music to deliver a richer and more complete audio experience.
Better Conversations with Speak-to Chat and Bone Conduction
Of course, the speak-to-chat function makes it to the WF-1000XM4. You can quickly start a conversation and the WF-1000XM4 automatically cuts music volume just so that you can easily order your favourite coffee or have a quick conversation with your friends. If you want to just quickly turn down the volume to hear announcements, simply place a finger over the left earbud. Of course, just like any older Sony headphone, Adaptive Sound Control is supported on this pair of headphones too.
Using the WF-1000XM3 for phone calls have not been its strongest suit. That is also about to change with the WF-1000XM4 though. Sony fitted the wireless headphones with Precise Voice Pickup technology and bone-conduction sensors to clearly and more accurately pick up your voice for calls. Additionally, beamforming microphones focuses on only picking up voices coming from your mouth and rejects unwanted noise from the background.
Compact, Comfort, Long-Lasting
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Besides being 40% smaller, the case is also a wireless charging unit. That also means you can lose your cables and just place your WF-1000XM4 on your existing wireless charger to get it up and running the next round you move out. Smaller case also means smaller earbuds at 10% reduction compared to it predecessor.
Speaking of size though, an earbud’s fitting in your ear is everything to get the best audio experience. Sony’s Headphone Connect App now helps you find the best fitting earbud tip size by measuring your ear size just with a simple photo. A perfect fitting earbud tip also helps with long term comfort, of course.
Finally, the Sony WF-1000XM4 truly wireless headphones are IPX4 certified. That also means that the headphones could be your perfect exercise buddy. Just do not take it swimming. On top of that, you can be sure that your earphones can continue playing your favourite tracks from the gym to the office and even to home with 8 hours of use. The case gives you an additional 16 hours of battery life to give you a total of 24 hours in battery life.
Simpler Than Ever
Connecting the Sony WF-1000XM3 was not exactly a difficult affair, but the WF-1000XM4 is easier than ever to connect to your devices. With Google’s Fast Pair features, you only need to open the case and you are one tap away from connecting your Android smartphone to the headphones. Even Microsoft’s Windows gets some love with Microsoft Swift Pair for the WF-1000XM4 to quickly pair with Windows 10 devices.
Availability and Price
The Sony WF-1000XM4 will be available in Malaysia mid-July 2021 onward. You can get your hands on for MYR 1,099. You can also pre-order yours now until 15th July 2021. Like the older WF-1000XM3, there are only two colour options – black or silver. Pre-orders can be made at Sony Store The Curve and KLCC, Sony Store Online, and Sony’s authorised stores across the nation. For more information on the Sony WF-1000XM4 truly wireless headphones with noise cancelling capabilities, you can visit Sony’s website.
Just about a month after Apple releases the biggest update to iOS in recent history, Apple releases yet another update to the platform alongside their other products like the iPad, mac OS, watch OS, and even tvOS. To be fair, tvOS 14.6 is a minor update that is supposed to improve the general stability and performance of the interface for Apple TV devices. That is at least according to their release notes for the tvOS 14.6. For everything else, the updates are more than just bug fixes despite what the numbers suggest.
iOS 14.6 & iPadOS
iOS 14.6 is not as big as 14.5 in terms of updates. It is also partly a bug fix that fixes issues found on iOS 14.5 such as issues with unlocking your iPhone via your Apple Watch. Some users were reporting that reminders show up as blank lines now even when they have keyed in their information. The new update on both iOS and iPadOS should also improve Bluetooth connections with Bluetooth enabled hardware. Users should also see improvements in device performance with the update.
There are some added features too on iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6. While fixing some early issues with AirTag, the UI now allows users to use their email address for tracking purposes instead of phone numbers. There are added support in Apple Podcast too allowing users on iOS and iPadOS to opt for subscriptions to shows and get extra exclusive contents. There is an added Apple Card support too in the sense that you can now share your Apple Card with up to five members of your family via Apple Card Family. The new function also allows you to keep track of expenses and manage limits. Users can also now unlock their iPhone or iPad for the first time after a restart via their voice.
iOS 14.6 is now available for Apple iPhone 6s and newer. iPadOS 14.6 is also now available for iPad Air 2 and later, 5th Generation Apple iPad and later, iPad Mini 4 and newer, and the 7th generation iPod Touch.
watchOS 7.5
Apple’s WatchOS 7.5 received a minor update when Apple released iOS 14.5 too. That minor update that updated WatchOS devices from Apple Watch Series 3 and later to WatchOS 7.4.1 was mostly a security update for the Watch. WatchOS 7.5, in contrast to the iOS and iPadOS updates is more of a feature update.
The Apple WatchOS 7.5 now allows access to subscribed content in the Podcast app for one. You can even manage and track your Apple Card expenses from your Apple Watch. Malaysia is getting some added love in the new WatchOS 7.5 too. Apple Watch Series 4 and later will get ECG app support now in Malaysia. Users of Apple Watch in Malaysia will also now get support for irregular heart rhythm notifications.
The Apple WatchOS 7.5 is now available for Apple Watch Series 3 and later.
macOS Big Sur 11.4
The new macOS Big Sur 11.4 update is also one of Apple’s largest since 11.3 just about a month ago. The update for macOS is more bug fixing than anything else. The new update fixes keyword exclusions when exporting photos from the Photos app. It also fixes certain website viewing issues with Mac devices. It also fixes certain stability issues with PDF documents on macOS 11.3.
On top of the bug fixes, macOS Big Sur 11.4 brings paid subscriptions to Apple Podcast app. You can now pay subscriptions for Podcasts within the ecosystem and get exclusive contents or early access to additional contents from creators. Apple Podcast also introduces channels to group shows from podcast creators.
macOS Big Sur 11.4 is now available on devices running on mac OS Big Sur 11.
Last year Samsung launched something of a game changer, in our opinion. It has nothing to do with gaming, or entertainment, to be fair. It has more to do with work than anything else.
In November of 2020, Samsung introduced the world to their first ever desktop monitor that is also outfitted with Tizen OS. Effectively also, the particular monitor is Samsung’s first smart monitor. They introduced the world to what is effectively a 4K smart TV in a 32-inch desktop monitor form factor. They called it the Samsung Smart Monitor M7. They also introduced two Full HD variants called the M5 series.
To be fair, there is not that much in terms of choice with Samsung’s Smart Monitors at launch. You get to choose between two sizes for the Full HD variant and no choice at all if you want the 4K UHD variant. That has changed this year though.
Samsung Smart Monitor M7 43-inch
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Samsung has just introduced a 43-inch variant of the 4K UHD M7 series Smart Monitor and 24-inch variant of the Full HD M5 series Smart Monitor for 2021. On top of that, they are also introducing a new white colour option for the existing M7 and M5 models. Now you can really spice up your workspace at home.
The 43-inch Smart Monitor M7 (43M70A) is technically similar to the 32-inch model. It features a 4K UHD resolution for starters. It also supports HDR10, not exactly HDR10+ of their high-end TVs to be fair, but good enough for you to enjoy a variety of contents. Like the 32-inch variant, the 43-inch M7 is also a VA panel desktop monitor, which also means you are not necessarily getting a premium OLED experience.
Still, VA panels are bright and vibrant enough for a high colour accuracy, especially for making quick work of simple video and photo editing work. While it only boasts 60Hz in refresh rate, that is good enough for something like a PS4 Pro. Even the new gaming consoles can easily take advantage of the 4K resolution.
Samsung Smart Monitor M5 24-inch
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
On the smaller scale end, the M5 now comes in a 24-inch variant (24M50A). Unlike the 4K UHD 43-incher it launches with, you get an IPS panel with the 24-incher though. Even its bigger 27-inch and 32-inch M5 siblings are fitted with VA display panels. That also means that the Full HD 1080p panel should display images with great colour contrast and highly accurate colours. It is also an HDR10 display to ensure you get the best out of Tizen OS. It only refreshes at 60hz though. Then again, it is not a gaming monitor.
The new Smart Monitors M7 and M5 both are Wireless DeX enabled too. That also means that if you have modern Samsung Galaxy device with wireless DeX enabled, you do not even need to get extra cable to connect to the display. You do not even need to get your PC to connect to your smartphone for it. The Tizen OS fitted monitors are also Apple AirPlay 2 enabled, so even if you are on an iOS device, it will work for you too.
Like a Smaller, More Productive Smart TV
Samsung’s Smart Monitor M7 and M5 also comes with a modern SolarCell solar powered remote. The smart remote is very much like your Samsung Smart TV remotes and functions with Voice command like one too. Additionally, you do not have to replace any batteries, just leave it under the sun near the window to keep it charged.
Tizen OS also means that you get access to Netflix, Prime Video, and the upcoming Disney+ app without even needing to connect to a PC, or smartphone. In that case, your enjoyment is also not limited to your supporting hardware. With TV Plus, you get access to selected live and on-demand contents for free. This technically can be your TV if you have limited space.
You can plug your PC in via USB Type-C Thunderbolt connection (43M70A). If not, you have the benefit of HDMI 2.0. DisplayPort is not technically necessary for this display. The 43-inch monitor can also double as your USB hub as well with 3 additional USB ports. The 24-inch has one additional USB port for an added working flexibility.
What makes the Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and M5 though is the fact that you can work with Microsoft 365’s PC on screen. It is technically a remote PC technology that allows you to access your Microsoft 365 suite from the display, even if your PC is not necessarily plugged into your monitor. All you need is a Microsoft 365 account and internet connection.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and M5 is already available in select regions. Malaysia is not part of those select regions though. Currently, the 32-inch M7, 32-inch M5, and 27-inch M5 are available in Malaysia from MYR 1,188 (RRP) onward. For more information for the newly released Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and M5, do head over to Samsung’s website.
Android Wear or Wear OS as it was renamed a few years ago has been a little anaemic when it comes to updates; that is until NOW. Google took the stage at I/O 2021 to announce what could be the biggest and most important update to Wear OS: Google and Samsung are partnering to push Wear OS to the next level. The announcement confirms rumours which have been making their rounds for months.
Source: Google
The new partnership sees Samsung bring their know-how, expertise and features from their successful Tizen OS to Wear OS. As the companies put it, they are bringing “the best of their platforms together into one unified experience”. So what does this mean exactly? Well, the biggest change is that Samsung’s next Galaxy Watch will be shipping with Wear OS instead of Tizen OS. While this might seems like Samsung will be leaving their older watches behind, the company reassures its users that Galaxy Watch and other Tizen OS powered wearables will be receiving updates and support for at least 3 years after their launch.
Improvements Under the Hood
That aside, the new collaborative Wear OS approach also brings a slew of improvements that will not only be improving the user experience but also making developing for Wear OS a lot easier. The collaboration’s biggest improvement comes in its improved load time. Google is touting a whopping 30% improvement in app load times. In addition, Samsung and Google have made improvements to the lower layer of Wear OS to improve battery life. If you’ve used Wear OS smartwatches, you’d know that battery life can be an issue with them.
Source: Google
Google and Samsung have optimised background processes, making them more efficient and less intensive on the processors. In fact, processor-intensive processes like continuous heart rate monitoring have been optimised to use lower power cores to conserve power. This also opens the doors to more power-efficient features for wearable devices. Samsung has also helped with power efficiency with its bundled sensors which allow them to include more than one sensor in a single module.
More Diverse User Experience
Aside from improvements under the hood, the improvements are also creating a more diverse user experience. Manufacturers are now allowed to skin the operating system to have a more unified look across their devices. This also means that we might see slightly different experiences from manufacturers like Tag Heuer, Fossil and even Samsung will have their own design language when it comes to the user interface for their wearables. Google is expecting that the new customizability will result in a more diverse Wear OS ecosystem.
Google is also opening up more features in the OS to developers. Developers will be able to bring features like tiles to their apps. They have also integrated development for Wear OS into Android’s Development Studio. They are creating a more unified development experience across Android and Wear OS with a single touchpoint for development. Development is also made easier with Google’s Jetpack development suite which allows developers to call and implement API more readily. In addition, they are bringing Kotlin APIs to Wear OS.
Wear OS is also getting more focused on health with help from Samsung. Developers will be able to create new apps and improve their current apps with a more streamlined and simplified work flow. This comes thanks to the new Health Services platform which allows developers to retrieve data without building from scratch. Developers are able to take advantage of continuous data from the sensors and other contextual metrics without impacting the battery life of the device too much.
New Apps, Better Experience
Finally, these improvements directly impact how the OS performs and how accessible apps will be for the platform. The most direct improvements that users will be benefiting from is improved navigation on wearables. Google is bringing simple improvements like a double-tap to jump to your most recent app and even simpler swiping gestures to access your information.
Source: Google / Double Tap for Recent App
Source: Google / Tiles
Google is starting the ball rolling with updates coming to its core apps like Google Maps, Google Pay, Google Assistant and YouTube Music. The first change that will be coming to these apps is the adoption of the new “Material You” design. In addition, Google Maps will be getting better, more visible turn by turn navigation to help with using the app on the go. There are plans to take Google Maps offline. The same applies to YouTube Music as well. Google Assistant and Google Pay will be getting improvements as well. The latter will be making its way to 26 countries in the next few months while the former will become more user friendly on Wear.
It isn’t just Google that is improving its offerings. Spotify has revamped its experience on wearables; allowing users to seamlessly move on the go. The simplified interface allows users to not only control their music but also seamlessly switch between speakers and their Wear OS device. Other companies like Nike, Calm and Adidas have been working on revamping their experiences on OS. Fitbit will also join the Wear OS family. Wear OS apps will also be more visible on the Play Store with a dedicated section and recommendations.
The new Wear OS will be making its way to the market in the coming year. Current Wear OS devices find out if they are getting the big update in the coming months.
