Hisense is flexing real hard at IFA 2024. The company is showcasing its innovative large-screen displays and gaming-enhancing partnerships. However, instead of focusing on AI, the company is sharing a new, refreshing approach called “Scenario-driven Tech”.
Gaming Immersion with 100-inch TVs and Partnership with Black Myth: Wukong
Hisense is doubling down on its partnership with the recent hit game, Black Myth: Wukong. The company leveraged its partnership to showcase its new 100-inch displays. The company’s 100-inch U7 and E7 PRO TVs are, specifically designed for gaming. The displays come with vibrant colours, 4K resolution and immersive audio that help bring the world of Black Myth: Wukong to life.
Joining the lineup of TVs is Hisense’s range of laser displays. The Hisense Laser Cinema PX3-PRO, certified as “Designed for Xbox,” offers a super large, immersive projection size of up to 150 inches. The projector’s high refresh rate and advanced features deliver smooth, lag-free gameplay and stunning visuals.
The Hisense Laser Smart Mini Projector C2 Ultra, also certified for Xbox, provides a versatile projection experience with a range of 65 to 300 inches. Its high brightness, contrast ratio, and advanced features make it ideal for gaming and entertainment.
Expanding Home Entertainment with ULED X and Canvas TV Series
Hisense also introduced its new ULED X and Canvas TV series, catering to the diverse entertainment needs of families. The Hisense ULED X Mini LED 110-inch UX offers a cinematic experience with its exceptional picture quality and immersion. The TV leverages Mini LED technology to deliver vibrant, true-to-life colours.
Hisense Laser Smart Mini Projector C2 Ultra delivers a next-level immersive large-screen gaming experience on Xbox
The Hisense Canvas TV 65-inch S7 combines art and technology, transforming into a personal art gallery with its Art Mode. The anti-glare Hi-Matte Display and customizable StyleSwap Frames create a unique and visually appealing experience.
Hisense has not indicated any release date for the devices showcased at IFA 2024. However, it’s worth noting that some of them are already available in markets globally.
Toshiba has unveiled its newly renovated showroom in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The showroom will not only serve as a customer service touchpoint but will also showcase Toshiba’s latest home appliances. It also marks a significant investment in enhancing the customer experience in Malaysia. The RM500,000 revamp aims to provide customers with a premium and immersive shopping environment.
To celebrate the showroom’s grand reopening, Toshiba has launched the “Beyond Details Buy & Win” campaign. Running from August 1st to January 15th, 2025, this campaign offers customers a chance to win a Lexus ES250 Premium with every purchase of Toshiba products.
The revamped showroom features Toshiba’s innovative JAPANDi-style appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and small kitchen appliances. This curated collection highlights the company’s focus on combining modern technology with aesthetic appeal.
In addition to the “Beyond Details Buy & Win” campaign, the company has introduced the “Sama-Sama Gemilang” campaign, offering customers the opportunity to purchase a free electrical toaster or blender with selected appliance purchases. This promotion runs from August 1st to September 30th, 2024.
Haier is no stranger to home appliances. The company has recorded an impressive 43% year-on-year (YoY) growth for the first half of 2024. In line with that growth, the company is bringing a whole new lineup of Refrigerators, Freezers and Wine Chillers to bolster its 2024 home appliances. The new lineup comes with a total of 12 models and variants to cater for any home size and need.
New Technology Provides Peace of Mind with Haier’s New Refridgerators
The new lineup is spearheaded by the new HRF-IM758FG(SG)U1 – a 4 door mega capacity fridge complete with the latest technology for food preservation. One of the many features is “Fresher Shield” that prevents thermal shock when defrosting food by minimising heat transfer. The new “Humidity Control System” allows you to keep your perishables fresher for longer as well. The system takes advantage of separated wet and dry zones as well as separate humidity levels to fit the food stuffs being stored. Freshness is also prolonged with a brand new ABT-PRO technology that uses UV light and a photocatalyst filter to ionise air. This destroys bacteria and eliminates odours.
The management team of Haier Malaysia unveiled their new COOLING lineup, featuring advanced technologies that elevate home refrigeration standards to extend food freshness (From Left: Mr Julian Thean, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing Assistant Director, Mr Zhou Yong Jiang, Haier HQ Product Manager, Mr Eric Meng, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing & Sell Out Director, Mr Fan Jing, Haier Malaysia Managing Director & Mr Patrick Seow, Haier Malaysia Chief Operating Officer)
The new HRF-IM785FG(SG)U1 also makes storing your 785L of food items easier with ample room and separated storage and humidity controls. This also allows foods to be kept in optimal conditions maximising shelf life. Strategically placed air vents on every level of the cavernous, compartmentalized space further facilitate this. The fridge also comes with a lighting system that bathes the interior with gentle light and provides clear visibility of items even those at the back. The fridge also comes with AIoT features that allow you to control its settings via the HaiSmart App and it also has twin inverter technology for energy efficiency.
Alana Dunsmore (@alanaspinktravels), a Scottish mualaf content creator shares her personal experience using a Haier fridge at home to complement her food and beverages exploration
Complementing this flagship is Haier’s Multidoor HRF 585 and 480 series which come with 529L and 480L capacity respectively. There are multiple variants of these series and they come with features that make storing foods and drinks a non-issue. The Magic Zone compartment uses an advanced ventilation system to control the flow of cold air with temperature settings that can be set at 0°C, 2°C, and 4°C for optimal storage of meats, fish and dairy. The 585 comes with a 95° anti-tipping bottle holder that minimises spillage. These models also come with twin inverter technology with a 20-year warranty.
Chilling Solutions for Your Spirits and Long-Term Storage
Haier also launched its HWS-84G & 49G Wine Cellars. These units will help you keep your spirits at their perfect temperature. They are VDE-validated to maintain a constant temperature and the right humidity, providing the best storage environment for wines and spirits.
The cellar comes with a triple-layered glass door that helps block out harmful UV rays while insulating the inside environs preventing temperature fluctuations. Both can store your wine at temperatures of about 5°C to 20°C, with a humidity range of 50-70%.
The management team of Haier Malaysia with the newly launched freezers and wine cellars (From Left: Mr Zhou Yong Jiang, Haier HQ Product Manager, Mr Eric Meng, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing & Sell Out Director, Mr Fan Jing, Haier Malaysia Managing Director, Mr Patrick Seow, Haier Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, & Mr. Julian Thean, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing Assistant Director)
Things get sub-zero when it comes to Haier’s new line of upright freezers. The new HUR-181NE, HUR-261NE and HUR331NE Upright freezers offer a multilayered layout for easy, organized storage with temperatures as low as -24°C. It can also accommodate regular refrigeration with temperatures as high as 8°C. These freezers come with Haier’s Pro Frost-free cooling technology that allows them to circulate air uniformly, saving electricity. They’re also quiet running at a low 37dB.
Pricing & Availability
Haier’s flagship HRF-IM758FG(SG)U1 refrigerator will be available starting in August. It will be available in a sleek grey design with a slate texture for RM7,899.
The Multi Door 585 model will be priced at RM3,899 and RM4,399 depending on its finish and features. It will be available with options with a glass or metal chassis and in four colours: gemstone blue, glass white, glass black and metal black. The model will be available starting in August.
Meanwhile, the Multi door 480 model will be available starting in August. It will be available in a piano black glass chassis and a gemstone blue metal chassis. Priced at RM3,399 and RM3,499.
The 84-bottle capacity HWS-84G retails for RM5,499 and the smaller 49-bottle capacity HWS-49G retails for RM3,999.
These new freezers retail at RM2,199 for HUR-181NE, RM3,099 for HUR-261NE and RM3,699 for HUR-331NE.
Apple has expanded its popular HomePod mini lineup with the introduction of a stylish new colour option – Midnight. Joining the existing white, blue, yellow, and orange options, the Midnight HomePod mini offers a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into any home environment.
Source: Apple
Despite the new colour, the core functionalities and design of the HomePod mini remain unchanged. This compact smart speaker continues to deliver impressive sound quality with its full-range driver, dual force-cancelling passive radiators, and Apple’s computational audio technology.
The HomePod mini thrives as the heart of your smart home, seamlessly connecting with your Apple devices to control a variety of accessories. Using intuitive voice commands via Siri, you can adjust lighting, control thermostats, manage smart plugs, and access a variety of other features.
Source: Apple
Apple prioritizes user privacy and security within the HomePod mini. On-device intelligence ensures your requests are processed without sending information to the cloud unless explicitly requested. Additionally, features like personalized listening profiles and secure authentication further enhance user privacy.
The HomePod mini in Midnight doesn’t compromise on functionality. You can still utilize the intercom feature to broadcast announcements throughout your house, and pair two HomePod mini speakers for immersive stereo sound.
Pricing & Availability
The Apple HomePod mini in Midnight will be retailing for USD$99 internationally and for RM529 in Malaysia. It’s now available for order from Apple’s website and the Apple Store app While Apple hasn’t revealed the official pricing details for the Midnight HomePod mini in Malaysia, it is expected to be priced similarly to the existing colour options, which retail for RM99.
Play for Dream Technology, a mixed reality company currently based out of China, is taking Apple’s Vision Pro head-on with its new Play for Dream MR. The new mixed reality headset is not only bringing a lot of the features that made Apple’s Vision Pro notable, but it’s also making some big improvements.
The Play for Dream MR headset runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR+ Gen 2. The processor is built from the ground up for Mixed and Extended-reality experiences. It has 16GB of RAM supporting this processor and is available with up to 1TB of onboard storage. When it comes to optics, the Play for Dream MR comes with two 8K micro OLED screens – one per eye. Unlike other mixed-reality headsets, the Play for Dream MR headset comes with a Pancake optics solution that is developed by the team at Play for Dream Technologies. The company’s solution is made of ultra-lightweight resin which reduces the weight of the lenses tremendously. According to the company, it’s the lightest available right now.
Design-wise, the same approach is also being used when it comes to the design of the wearable. The MR headset is built to not only look futuristic but also be light. The main factor behind this approach is simply the comfort of wearing the headset over prolonged periods of time. The headset is only 33mm thick and even has a built-in battery. You can also get extra juice with an additional power bank for even longer MR sessions. It’s also designed with a 3:2 weight distribution to minimise neck strain.
There are a total of 11 high-performance cameras that are paired with 7 different types of sensors and 22 infra-red LEDs for precise multimodal interaction. The main cameras on the Play For Dream MR are dual 32-megapixel sensors which are used for view through for extended and augmented-reality application. In addition, these cameras can also be used to capture immersive, 3D content that can be used with the Play for Dream MR. The MR also has a large 103° field of view with about 45 pixels per degree (PPD).
On top of these specs, Play for Dream Technologies has also developed its own MR OS called DreamOS based on Android. This OS while built on Android expands the capabilities of it to include productivity features, the ability to create 3D content and more. What could be a hallmark feature when it comes to the MR is its AI Assistant, Xiao Hu. The cute, furry little creature is the Play for Dream MR’s visual manifestation of Iron Man’s Jarvis. For now, Xiao Hu is able to handle searches, music composition, translation and precise voice control. That said, Xiao Hu is only one of the AI features that will be coming with the MR.
While augmented- and mixed-reality are amazing, it’s not worth much if there’s no content. Play For Dream Technologies is partnering with over 100 content companies to ensure that the platform has a robust app and content ecosystem. In addition, partners like Unity are helping the company figure out apps as both immersive 3D experiences and regular app experiences. When it comes to content, the headset is able to provide an immersive theatrical experience as the in OS screen can provide experiences that mimic a screen that is over 1000-inches big.
The development of immersive content experiences has also influenced the design and features of the headset. The Play for Dream MR comes with speakers that are able to deliver DTS:X audio and IMAX immersive audio. These speakers are developed in partnership with Xperi (the company behind DTS:X) and IMAX. The built-in speakers are able to deliver simulated 7.1-channel audio that has been IMAX Enhanced certified. The built-in speakers are also able to create 3D immersive sound. CEO and Founder of Play for Dream, Huang Feng, mentioned that the company chose to go with built-in speakers to create a more immersive experience but more importantly, to provide an integrated experience that is more conducive to long hours of use. He iterated that using earbuds may not be the best option.
Like other VR headsets, the MR comes with controllers or joysticks. These controllers come with 6DoF and lack the halo design we’re used to seeing in other systems. However, they are more accurate and have better range of movement. In addition, the Play for Dream MR has basic and advanced gesture controls. These gestures are developed in collaboration with Sogou, a company that has already made waves with gestures based controls in the past. These gestures are detected by the large number of sensors on the headset. These sensors are supposedly able to track the gestures with increased accuracy and precision.
Pricing & Availability
The only official pricing announced during the launch of the Play for Dream MR is USD$1X99 – which is a fraction of the price of the Apple Vision Pro. However, the MR will be rolling out officially in Malaysia and Singapore starting in October 2024. Other Asia Pacific countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and more will follow in 2025.
We expect that the headset will be priced at about USD$1,899 or just a tad bit lower. However, at this point, the MR is entering a market which is stagnating barring the interest behind the Apple Vision Pro. However, with an option that is not only cheaper, but more open for everyone with a lower price point and what looks like to be a promising competitor that can invigorate the space when it comes to gaming and even how we consume our conent.
Apple TV has become a central hub for many home entertainment setups, offering a convenient way to stream movies, shows, and music. This year’s tvOS 18 update promises to take your viewing experience to the next level with a focus on intelligent features, improved accessibility options, and a seamless connection with other Apple devices.
InSight – Making that Rabbit Hole Easier to Dive In
Imagine getting more out of your favourite movies and shows than ever before. tvOS 18 introduces InSight, a groundbreaking feature that displays real-time information about the actors, characters, and music on screen. With a simple glance at your Apple TV remote or iPhone acting as a remote, InSight reveals details about the actors you see, allowing you to learn more about their filmography with a tap. Similarly, InSight can identify and display information about musical pieces playing in the background, enriching your understanding of the soundtrack that complements the visuals. This intelligent feature goes beyond passive viewing by offering a more interactive and informative experience.
Enhanced Dialogue
For those who struggle to hear dialogue amidst background noise or music, tvOS 18 offers a solution: Enhanced Dialogue. This feature utilizes machine learning and computational audio to isolate and amplify dialogue, making voices clearer and easier to understand. Imagine watching a movie with a complex plot or characters speaking in accents, and having the dialogue cut through any distracting background noise. Enhanced Dialogue is a boon for viewers with hearing impairments or those simply seeking a more focused listening experience. It’s important to note that while initially available on Apple TV 4K, Enhanced Dialogue is expected to be compatible with built-in TV speakers, HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth-connected devices in the future, offering wider accessibility.
Automatic Subtitles
Subtitles are a valuable tool for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, those learning a new language, or simply those who prefer to follow along with on-screen dialogue. tvOS 18 introduces automatic subtitles that appear seamlessly, ensuring viewers never miss a beat. Imagine watching a foreign film without needing to manually activate subtitles, or having subtitles automatically appear when the language in a show or film doesn’t match your device language. Additionally, tvOS 18 automatically displays subtitles when you mute your TV, ensuring a smooth viewing experience regardless of the audio setting. These automatic subtitle features enhance accessibility and cater to diverse viewing preferences.
Other Minor Enhancements
While InSight, Enhanced Dialogue, and automatic subtitles take centre stage in tvOS 18, there are additional refinements worth mentioning. For movie buffs seeking a more cinematic experience, tvOS 18 offers 21:9 support for playing movies and shows on projectors. Imagine enjoying a widescreen cinematic experience in the comfort of your home with compatible projectors. Additionally, tvOS 18 introduces a range of new screen savers, including options that showcase stunning portraits, iconic movie and TV show imagery, and even a delightful animation featuring Snoopy and Woodstock.
A cinematic experience has become more important in recent years as more and more people are looking to spend less at theatres. With the ready availability of several streaming services, this has become easier to achieve. However, with other factors becoming easier, the main factor – the television itself – has become even more complex. Consumers are faced with choices ranging the gamut of technology and prices. It wouldn’t be surprising to be utterly lost with the choices. Do you buy something that is cheaper or do you buy something more expensive?
We’re taking a deep dive into one of the more affordable options available in the market – the Hisense U6K PRO ULED TV. It’s a smart TV that brings Google TV into the home opening up doors when it comes to apps. But, is it really worth investing in it? We’re breaking down the experience of owning a Hisense U6K Pro and putting the TV to the test to find out.
Design
The trend nowadays is to have a large, thin, nearly bezel-less TV. One that can blend seamlessly into your living room and appear to be part of the décor. The Hisense U6K Pro checks most of the boxes off when it comes to these criteria. It’s a near bezel-less display and it appears to be thin. It’s also got two available sizes: 55- and 65-inch to fit your home environment.
However, the TV is a bottom heavy. It’s a large screen with a little bit of a thicc bottom. It’s a bit on the heavier side so don’t try to set this up on your own. Being bottom-heavy isn’t all bad, the added weight near the base and the stand gives it a little bit more stability when it comes to putting it on a console. This also means that your toddler or cat isn’t going to be able to topple the TV over as easily. The stand that comes with the U6K Pro adds some more stability thanks to its T-shaped design. This design also means that you’ll need a little more room on your console when you put it there. It’s about 35cm in depth for your console with about 200cm in length to fit the TV comfortably. You also have the added option to mount the U6K Pro on the wall using a VESA mount.
Once you’ve set up the TV in your preferred setup, the U6K Pro looks stunning. Its bezels are hardly noticeable and it feels like the TV itself is a picture upright. The footprint of the TV for a, now standard, 55- or 65-inch TV is actually on the slimmer side of things. Even with the stand, it can easily fit on a standard TV console.
You’ll appreciate some of the thickness of the base when it comes to audio quality. The base holds most of – if not all of – the tech in the Hisense U6K Pro. This also means that it has tweeters that are on the larger side of things for a TV of its price and size. The benefits of this are pretty obvious when you’re watching things like Blood of Zeus on Netflix where the sound design is immersive and plays a crucial role in the storytelling. We’ll go into more detail when we go into the sound section of the review.
Overall, the design of the TV is pretty standard flair. However, Hisense has made some changes that make setting up the TV less of an issue. It also brings some added benefits thanks to the technology that Hisense is able to fit in with the design.
Features
Specifications
Size(s)
55-inch 65-inch
Resolution
Ultra HD (3840×2160 pixels)
Smart TV OS
Google TV
Input(s)
1x RF-Radio Frequency 1x AV Input 2x USB-A 1x Optical/SPDIF 1x Earphone Jack 3x HDMI 2.0
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 WiFi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Ethernet (RJ 45)
Audio System
Stereo speakers
Audio Output
10W
Audio Enhancements
Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos
Misc
Apple AirPlay Miracast Anyview Cast DLNA
Price (RM)
3,999 (55-inch) 4,999 (65-inch)
Google TV
The Hisense U6K Pro features Google TV – the latest iteration of Android TV. This opens up the smart TV’s app offerings significantly. It also means that it comes with a whole bunch of features built-in that simplify things like screen sharing. However, there is a question on what Hisense update policy is when it comes to software. Throughout our time with the TV which was about 3 weeks, we didn’t get any notifications of security updates or OS updates. However, it’s worth noting that, unlike Android on smartphones, Google TV doesn’t have a strict update schedule.
Having the Google Play Store on the TV opens up the U6K Pro to a treasure trove of apps. Even apps that don’t natively come on the TV like Disney+ and Tubi TV can be downloaded from the store which is now a tab called “Shop” in the interface. Speaking of, the Google TV interface has gotten a lot more intuitive since its debut as Android TV. The apps that you interact with most are front and centre. You also have options to highlight “streams” from apps. These “streams” allow you to keep up with releases or shows that you’re watching on apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more.
Hisense implementation of Google TV on the U6K Pro is pretty smooth. The interface has little to no lag when interacting with the remote that came with the TV. The added benefit of running on Google TV is the fact that the TV can play nice with Google Home. This allows you to be able to control the TV from your smartphone through the Google Home app. It also allows you to use the Google Assistant to turn on the TV. That said, you will need to enable certain features like Wake on LAN or Wake on WLAN to fully leverage the feature.
Google TV also brings along with it Chromecast functionality. This will allow you to project to the TV using your smartphone and laptop. It’s pretty straightforward with Android phones but will require you to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge if you want to cast from your laptop. Apple users will be able to do the same with the TV’s HomeKit compatibility.
Hi-View Engine, AI Picture and Game Mode Plus
The Hisense ULED U6K Pro comes with the company’s own AI-powered chip – the Hi-View Engine. This chip allows the TV to process scenes frame by frame; analysing and optimizing the viewing experience to fit the scene dynamically. This is supposed to ensure that you have the best viewing experience across a wide range of content types. However, in the time we had with the U6K Pro, there were some quirks when it came to how this functioned. It was able to adapt and optimise with movies, series and cinematic content. This delivered a pretty respectable viewing experience with the brights, darks and vignettes of the scenes. The details were clear if not a little muddled by post-processing. That said, when it came to animations and animated content, particularly 2D animated content, the TV defaulted to high contrasts and brightness which resulted in some colours – particularly yellows and reds being overblown. This required a simple fix in changing the display mode to the most comfortable for your viewing.
AI Picture allows it to be able to adapt to the colours and contrast that best suit the scenes. Using this mode actually yielded better results than just relying on the Hi-View Engine processing. This mode was able to get the tuning for animated content pretty quickly and the result was pretty impressive. However, I found myself mostly adjusting the calibration to my own custom settings that I preferred.
Of course, the AI optimisation and modes don’t just end there. The U6K Pro also comes with dedicated modes for Gaming and Sports. Both take full advantage of the 60Hz refresh rate of the panel. Both modes deliver pretty decent performance with some hiccups when it comes to snappy scenes or scenarios. This is mostly due to the lower 60Hz refresh rate that limits the optimisations that can be done – particularly with gaming as most gamers prefer a higher 120Hz for most games. That said, with consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, most games cap out at 60Hz although more modern games are beginning to take advantage of 4K resolution at 120Hz.
ULED Local Dimming & Adaptive Light Sensing
The Hisense U6K Pro is trying to address common issues with the modern TV in modern living spaces. One of which comes as more and more homes are open and allow natural light to come in. This poses a challenge for most TVs, particularly in the U6K Pro’s price range. Mostly, this is caused by glare that occurs due to direct sunlight or even from LED beam lights. Hisense is trying to address this with Adaptive light sensing that automatically turns the TV’s ULED panel to its max 500+ nits peak brightness to combat the glare. This sensor, while becoming increasingly mainstream in newer TVs is still a hit or miss in most TV sets; this includes well-known brands. It’s also worth noting that the finish on the panel while not totally matted also reduces glare. This particular feature was pretty good during our review. There was little glare from our fluorescent lights.
Hisense’s ULED technology is also on display with the U6K Pro. This technology allows the TV to individually dim pixels. This creates deeper blacks and whiter whites when it comes to the picture. This technology paired with the Hi-View Engine and AI picture produced very respectable picture quality in the U6K Pro. That said, some people may be looking for additional HDMI ports particularly if you have cable TV like Unifi TV or ASTRO and multiple consoles as the U6K Pro only comes with 3 HDMI 2.0 ports.
Picture & Sound Quality
The Hisense ULED U6K Pro comes with a 4K UHD resolution. That gives it a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels which is the standard. The ULED panel allows for local dimming resulting in deeper blacks and whiter whites. This, also known as Quantum Dot technology, allows the panel to individually turn off pixels that create deeper blacks. It’s also able to accurately reproduce colours and provide a viewing experience that is close to the content creator’s vision. With HDR10+ Adaptive it’s also able to highlight details and reproduce low-light scenes with detail.
While the Hisense panel did perform well when it came to colour reproduction and depth, the TV did have some issues when it came to picture quality. The panel itself produced some visual blooming particularly when it came to the edges of the panel. This was particularly obvious in low-light scenes or even when displaying a clear white scene. While it didn’t take too much away from the visual immersion, it can be distracting. It is common to see this blooming in LED-based technologies and more so in LCD panels. However, it would improve the picture quality if this could be reduced or done away with altogether. Aside from this, the colour reproduction of the panel was pretty spot on. It didn’t blow out or overcompensate for contrast and brightness. Overall, the picture quality of the Hisense U6K Pro ULED TV is not too bad.
The sound performance of the Hisense ULED U6K Pro was acceptable. It was able to produce sufficiently deep bases and high highs. However, the 10W stereo speakers did struggle when pushed to the max. That said, there shouldn’t be a situation where you’re maxing out your TV speakers as they were able to produce very immersive ambient sounds and even lift the dialogue audio when needed. During our review period, we rarely went beyond 25 for volume. Overall, the sound was pretty acceptable although, if you have the budget for it, a sound bar would take your audio experience to the next level.
A well Rounded Experience with Some Room for Improvement
The Hisense ULED U6K Pro TV is one of the more affordable when it comes to smart TVs running Google TV. It’s feature-rich with a robust app ecosystem which is well supported by 3rd party developers. It’s well-rounded with good picture quality, acceptable sound quality and some of the best technologies available in the market at the moment. However, it does have a few areas where it can improve.
That said, with prices starting at RM2,999, the Hisense ULED U6K Pro is one of the most affordable on the market. Aside from a few small hiccups, it’s built from durable materials. It’s also got sufficient ports for the everyday user although more wouldn’t hurt. It’s an affordable option for those looking to start off on the right foot when it comes to their entertainment setup.
Acer has introduced two new lines of monitors with Google TV built-in, offering a versatile solution for entertainment, work, and gaming. The Acer DA1 series caters to those who prioritize high-resolution visuals and productivity features, while the Nitro GA1 series focuses on providing a smooth gaming experience. Both series come in space-saving 27-inch and 31.5-inch models.
High-Resolution Displays and Integrated Entertainment
The Acer DA1 series, including the DA271K and DA321QK models, boasts 4K UHD resolution for crisp visuals and vivid details. Conversely, the Nitro GA1 series, including the Nitro GA271U P and Nitro GA321QU P models, features WQHD resolution with a high 180 Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay and minimal input lag. Both series come with HDR10 and 250 nits brightness for enhanced image quality and colour accuracy. Additionally, they are compatible with AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC, minimizing screen tearing for a smoother viewing experience.
Acer Nitro GA1 (Source: Acer)
The star feature of these monitors is undoubtedly Google TV integration. This allows users to access popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube directly on the monitor, eliminating the need for a separate streaming device. Casting movies, shows, and photos from smartphones or tablets to the monitor is also effortless using Google Cast.
Enhanced Convenience and Versatility
For added convenience, both the DA1 and Nitro GA1 series come with wireless projection and screen mirroring capabilities, reducing cable clutter. Bluetooth connectivity allows for connection to speakers, peripherals, and other devices. As internet-connected devices (IoT), these monitors can integrate seamlessly with smart home ecosystems.
Acer DA1 (Source: Acer)
A noteworthy feature for multitaskers is the Multiview function, which allows users to split the screen into sections and view content from different sources simultaneously. The monitors also include a built-in stand that allows for ergonomic adjustments and VESA wall-mount compatibility for a more streamlined setup.
Pricing and Availability
The monitors are expected to be available in North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) in Q4 (October-December) 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices:
Sharp is no stranger to home and living products. The company boasts a long history of manufacturing and innovating in the home and living technology segment. What’s more, its Plasmacluster Ion (PCI) technology alone has been headlining its products for about 24 years now after being introduced at the turn of the millennium.
Improved Plasmacluster Ion Technology
The Plasmacluster ion technology brings along with it a whole suite of benefits that make it one of the industry-leading technologies when it comes to purification and preservation. This year, Sharp is upping the ante by introducing improvements to the technology that makes it even more compelling than before. Plasmacluster Ion products are now getting labelled with three different PCI labels: High Density 7000 (Copper), High Density 25000 (Silver), and NEXT 50000 (White). Each label indicates the speed at which PCI is able to neutralise airborne pathogens and purify the air. The new NEXT certification comes with the guarantee of being able to clear the air in a mere 9 minutes.
Plasmacluster Ion technology works by injecting charged hydrogen and oxygen ions derived from hydrolysed water molecules into the surrounding space. These charged ions will then react with the protective layers of bacteria, moulds and viruses exposing vital structures and neutralising them. In application, this helps reduce the density of harmful microbes which help preserve food and manage allergens. Sharp shares that its PCI technology is able to reduce the density of the Alpha variant of COVID-19 by up to 95% and help manage allergies by reducing the density of allergens.
New Generation PureFit Air Purifiers
Sharp’s new generation of PureFit Air Purifiers is leading the charge when it comes to the new generation of Plasmacluster Ion products. The new air purifiers are designed with simplicity in mind. The minimalist, functional design has also earned Sharp the much coveted iF Design award in 2021.
The lineup consisting of two variants, the Sharp PureFit and PureFit Mini, are built specifically to cater to different-sized rooms. The PureFit can effectively purify rooms of up to 84m2 or 900 sqft while the Mini can do the same in rooms of up to 30m2 or 330sqft.
The PureFit series is able to provide effective purification thanks to its dual airflow system with three layers of filtration. It also comes with HEPA filtration to eliminate up to 99.8% of impurities and microbes as small as 0.02 microns. The PureFit series spearheads Sharp’s extensive air-purifer lineup which also includes a version with a mosquito catcher to help keep mosquitoes and dengue at bay.
New Generation Plasmacluter Ion Appliances
Together with the new generation air purifiers, Sharp is also incorporating its latest Plasmacluster ion technology into other product categories. This includes its washer-dryers and refridgerators. The new Sharp Pro-Flex washer-dryer comes with a dry airwash mode which injects Plasmacutter Ions to sanitise and clean garments without water. It also incorporates the PCI technology when washing and drying for a cleaner wash.
Sharp is also incorporating it into its refridgerators to help keep food fresher for longer. Sharp claims that PCI technology helps destroy mould, bacteria and other harmful microbes that cause food decay. This combined with the AG Nano deodouriser keeps food fresh and the refridgerator smelling clean for longer.
Pricing & Availability
Sharp’s extensive list of appliances will be available in the market in the coming weeks. Prices start at RM699. Appliances listed below:
Item
Model No.
RRP (RM)
84m2 PureFit Air Purifer
FXS120LH
4,699
30m2 Mini PureFit Air Purifer
FSP40/42
1,699
30m2 Plasmacluster Technology Air Purifer with Mosquito Catcher
FPJM40LB
1,500
10m2 Baby Sharp Air Purifer
FUNC01W
829
62m2 AIoT Plasmacluster Technology Air Purifer
FPJ80LH
3,719
38m2 Plasmacluster Technology Humidifying Air Purifer
The BenQ W5800 is a recently unveiled 4K laser projector targeting home theatre enthusiasts. This projector boasts specifications and features designed to deliver a high-quality viewing experience.
The W5800 offers a native 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), promising sharp and detailed visuals for on-screen content. Additionally, the projector boasts 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, which may appeal to users who prioritize colour accuracy and a wider range of colours.
It utilizes a laser light source, providing a brightness level of up to 3000 ANSI lumens. Laser light sources typically offer extended lifespans compared to traditional projector lamps, potentially reducing long-term maintenance costs. The projector also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which can enhance the contrast ratio between blacks and whites, potentially resulting in a more lifelike image.
Gamers and fans of action movies may find the W5800’s MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology appealing. MEMC technology aims to reduce motion blur and judder, potentially contributing to smoother visuals during fast-paced scenes.
The BenQ W5800 features a motorized zoom lens along with horizontal and vertical lens shift capabilities. This allows for a wider range of projector placement options without necessarily sacrificing image quality. Users can adjust the image size and position to better suit their screen or wall space.
Pricing & Availability
The BenQ W5800 is priced at USD$5,999 (approximately RM25,490). It’s important to note that final Malaysian pricing and availability may vary depending on retailers. The projector is expected to be available for purchase in Malaysia later in 2024.
