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.
LG Electronics has recently unveiled its latest addition to the acclaimed UltraGear monitor lineup – the LG UltraGear GS95QE. This high-performance monitor targets serious gamers seeking an immersive and responsive experience, boasting top-tier specifications and a premium design.
The LG UltraGear GS95QE boasts an impressive IPS panel with a native resolution of 3840 x 1440 (WQHD). The monitor is curved at 800R and has a 21:9 with a peak brightness of 1,300 nits. This will allow the stunning visuals with sharp details and vibrant colours of the monitor to properly immerse you in your content. Ideal for enjoying the latest AAA titles in all their glory. Gamers seeking an edge in fast-paced competitive titles will appreciate the monitor’s rapid refresh rate of 240Hz and 0.03ms GtG response time.
It’s not just about the resolution and refresh rate with the LG UltraGear GS95QE, LG is looking to deliver a truly immersive visual experience. NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for seamless visuals, while AMD FreeSync Premium technology ensures compatibility with a wider range of graphics cards. HDR support with DisplayHDR 400 certification further enhances the visual experience with deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a wider colour gamut, bringing games to life with stunning contrast.
The LG UltraGear GS95QE is designed to seamlessly blend into any setup. The sleek and virtually borderless design minimizes visual distractions, allowing players to focus on the in-game action. Ergonomic features like tilt, swivel, and height adjustments provide a comfortable viewing experience during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, customizable RGB lighting allows gamers to personalize the aesthetics of their setup, creating a truly immersive gaming environment.
Price and Availability
The LG UltraGear™ GS95QE is expected to be available in Malaysia starting from May 2024, with a starting price of RM5,999. It will be available in 34- and 39-inch sizes. Pre-orders are ongoing and will end on May 19, 2024.
While many are going paperless for a lot of things, it is still extremely convenient and useful to have a printer and scanner on hand. The HP Smart Tank 580 is one such All In One (AIO) that is easy to recommend as a purchase for the home office, home users, and students. With its ink tank system, refills are cheaper and much more economical compared to toner and cartridges. Adding the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and an easy setup, this is a great printer for your basic needs.
Pros
Low cost-per-print
No fuss ink refilling
Produces good detailed photos
Produces good quality black-and-white documents
Decent connectivity options
Easy to install
Easy to use app
Cons
Only supports manual duplex printing
No adjustable expendable scanner flatbed hinge
Lack of ethernet connectivity
Small access for maintenance
Specs
A4 Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Low cost-per-page at just 0.004 cent (color) & 0.004 cent (black)
Ink Tank system
Print, Scan, Copy and Mobile Fax
Print speed up to 12 ppm (black) and 5 ppm (color)
USB, Wi-Fi
Apple AirPrint™, Bluetooth, Google Cloud Print™, HP ePrint, Mopria™, Print Anywhere, USB, Wireless (Wi-Fi®)
Up to 6000 color or 6,000 black pages included
HP Thermal Inkjet
Max Input 100 sheets
Duty Cycle (Monthly, A4) Up to 3,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Page Volume 400 to 800
Dimensions Without Stand (W X D X H) 434.66 x 361.53 x 157.26 mm
Maximum Dimensions (W X D X H) 434.66 x 580.65x 259.37 mm
Minimum Dimensions (W X D X H) 17.11 x 14.23 x 6.19 in
Dimensions With Trays Up (W X D X H) 434.66 x 361.53 x 157.26 mm
Weight 5.03 KG
What’s in the Box
Design
The HP Smart Tank 580 is a reasonably well built machine that has a sturdy body and looks clean. Coming in at (WxDxH) 43.4 x 58.0 x 25.9 cm when fully unpacked, this AIO printer can take up a sizable space on your desk. So there might be some planning involved with many components that unfold or expand.
Also, it is a shame that the printer’s output swinging tray seems fragile and easy to break in an otherwise well build printer.
The display and menu buttons are the Smart Tank 580 is on the small side and doesn’t give much information. The HP Smart app is the easiest and main way to interact with the printer for maintenance.
The transparent housing of each ink tank reservoir on the front ensures easy, quick monitoring for when you need to get refills. It also comes with an integrated ink sensor to warn you as well if you forget to look.
Maintenance and Consumables
Like most inkjets printers, there is some fair amount of maintenance for these printers. Printheads can clog and you may need to run printhead cleaning or an ink purge to get it print well again. Nothing really new on that front, just standard issues you would have with any inkjet printer.
The tanks are quite a good size on the HP Smart Tank 580 and you shouldn’t be having to refill them often. You are looking at up to 6,000 colour or black and white documents per refill.
Even when you have to refill, it is super easy and cheap with their ink refill bottles. Also, is essentially mess free with their spill-free refill experience.
The same, however, can’t be said for the printer heads. With only one small access to the printer’s guts, anyone with big hands or short fingers may have trouble installing/maintaining/replacing the printer heads or fixing paper jams. This is where having the scanner bed being able to lift would have been a great feature to have for easier maintenance.
Print heads should be about RM40 to replace and ink bottles would be RM34 for the black and RM31 per colour.
Scanner
The HP Smart Tank 580 comes with a basic flatbed scanner that can scan 8.5 x 11 inches and A4 size. It has no adjustable flatbed hinge and no Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). So if you want to scan a book or multi page documents, you will struggle with the process. Otherwise, it works well for what it is and will allow you to make copies and scans relatively easily. Also, the copy ID card function is also quite nice to have.
Mobile App & Connectivity
HP has one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use apps to control and send prints to the printer. This is also how you will be troubleshooting and maintenance the HP Smart Tank 580.
This printer is easy to connect to your Wi-Fi network allowing easy of printing and scanning. Any devices that are connected by Wi-Fi will be able to easily access the printer. Sadly, there are no ethernet capabilities and may have trouble if more than 3 people try using the printer at the same time. There is also an ability to connect via USB as well.
Printing
Printing black and white documents, the printer performs well and at a good speed of about 12 pages per minute (PPM). The colour printing, however, is on the slower side, especially for any large images. You are looking at an average of 4-5 PPM for mixed image and text documents. For those full A4 size coloured prints, it will take almost a minute to print. This is pretty standard for more budget friendly printers and is still a good speed for daily use on the small scale.
The print qualities overall are quite good and detailed, but we notice some small loss of colour variability. This will make some images feel ever so slightly muted as shown on the top print vs the bottom. Though if not comparing anything side by side, the prints are of good quality and are great for the price.
Now, for making multiple copies of the same document, the buttons could be a bit fiddly to get the number you want. The user needs to keep pressing the copy button or hold until you get to your desired number and let go.
Also, the printer is relatively quiet, but will shake a less than sturdy table. So make sure the table is heavy and sturdy enough to compensate for the printhead moving back and forth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HP Smart Tank 580 is a solid choice for home offices or budget-minded users. The print quality is good for everyday tasks, and the large ink reservoirs with spill-free refills keep printing costs down and easy. However, those who need a machine for heavy-duty photo printing or frequent multi-page document scanning might be better served looking elsewhere. Consider the trade-offs between affordability, ease of use, and features before deciding if the HP Smart Tank 580 is the right fit for you.
Regarding phones, Xiaomi is never far behind in its release, be it their flagship series like the recently released Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 14T (China only). Xiaomi always has something that keeps their customers on their toes. This time around they released the Redmi 13C, which goes just slightly above the norms of budgeted phones. The Redmi 13C comes in 4 vibrant colours: Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Glacier White and Clover Green. Priced at RM499.00 on their official store. The unit I received for review was the Navy-Blue Variant.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The box has a set of double-point charger heads, a USB Type-C cable, and a user manual. The unwrapping experience is still enjoyable as it was seamless and easy to open with the general kit you would normally see. I would like to say that I was happily pleased with the inclusion of a charger head as not many phones supply the charger heads anymore. Besides that, my first impression of the phone surprised me. At first glance, it looked polished and nearer to the high-end looks, thanks to its sleek and clean design and larger screen. This is one of its main highlights that I like.
Design
Xiaomi made a bold move by updating the Redmi 13C with a more refined and modern look. Minimal bezels and a U-shaped notch house the 8MP front camera, while the 6.74-inch LCD screen takes centre stage. The back has a matte coating that hides fingerprints and gives the device a shiny, clean appearance to appreciate. However, the back material makes it very smooth and, in my experience, makes it very slippery on certain surfaces and even when holding it in my hand.
Besides the slippery backside, the phone has a lightweight design and is decently sturdy. This phone provides a pleasant experience for any user. It also has a separate microSD slot for expandable storage, which can go up to 1TB. A 3.5mm headphone jack and a side fingerprint sensor, thoughtfully placed on the phone, all of which contribute to its user-friendliness. However, note that while using the phone, the side buttons feel incredibly flat against the surface. While some will take that as a plus, I found it a bit of a worry as the power button, which is also where the finger sensor is located, is so flattened that I worry if usage of pressing the power button can have it stuck down or wear it down to the point you can’t click it which is something to look out for long-term use.
Display
With a 90Hz refresh rate, the 6.74-inch LCD screen of the Redmi 13C has an immersive viewing feeling that most users will enjoy without any issue. However, during my phone use, there was an annoying glare from the display in certain positions or from certain viewing angle. It shouldn’t be much of an issue for most standard smartphone users in daily use. The display and screen are equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring scratch resistance and long-lasting protection. The display’s mix of colour accuracy and vibrancy makes for a great everyday experience.
With a peak brightness of 600 nits, it tackles outside visibility and decently holds itself even in dark or low-lighting areas. Besides that, to ensure users’ eyes are always protected, the display also has reading and dark modes, which can easily be turned on or off with a tap. It’s also to note that the brightness display and control is quite unorthodox to me as it was longer than standard brightness control bars, but it gives more minute control to users, that’s for sure, on how bright or dim they wish it to be.
Performance
The Media Tek Helio G85 processor allows the Redmi 13C to breeze through regular chores. With 128 or 256 GB of storage and a choice of 4, 6 or 8 RAM, you can multitask with ease and speed. According to benchmark ratings, this smartphone performs admirably compared to others in its price range. But I wouldn’t recommend it for long gaming periods as the phone can overheat pretty decently and has a warning system. Besides that, the phone, thanks to its processor, can hold up decently with most heavy base games like Mobile Legends, and if you can tweak it a bit, it can even run to play heavy-duty games like PUBG or even Call of Duty. Still, it won’t be as smooth or visually pleasing compared to more expensive phones.
Redmi 13C also comes installed with MIUI 14.0.1, which improves the software experience and is based on Android 13. But some features are missing from this phone, such as the floating or minimised screen feature. If you used this function a lot on your previous phones, it’s sad to say you will not get it here. Kinda feels like a small nifty feature that would make this phone easily better.
Camera
The Redmi 13C has a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP macro camera, and an 8 MP selfie camera. Good and Standard results are achieved in daylight photography, while low-light performance is decent enough. Still, overall, when taking photos using the back camera, it seems reasonable and can keep up with most standard users who don’t have a lot of needs for their photography. Despite its 2MP resolution, the macro lens makes close-up photography quite lovely. While it doesn’t have many features compared to more expensive phones, the features include Portrait Mode, Night mode, Macro mode and 50mp mode. Besides that, when it comes to video recording, the quality is decent at 1080p, and it also has a nice time-lapse feature.
Charging and Battery Life
During my use of the phone, the most appealing part of it is its excellent battery life, lasting over two days for moderate users (when not using intensively or using it heavily), which is due to its large 5000mAh battery but when used for daily be it as a student or a working adult, the phone can easily last all day.
Now there is a large downfall here. While its battery life can withstand extended usage, the charging is so slow. A standard charger of 10W can easily take up to 1 to 2 hours (depending on your phone percentage when you plug in to charge) to reach 100 per cent. But when a fast-charging wire or charger head is used, a full charge can be reached in under two hours, and the charging process takes approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on how low your battery percentage is. So, if you’re in a rush and the battery is low, I recommend a power bank on the go because even with fast charging, it isn’t so fast.
Conclusion
Overall, the Redmi 13C shines out from the rest thanks to its sturdy, upgraded design and good all-rounded performance. It can easily compete successfully in the budgeted smartphone market as it also supports 5G and has a feature-rich MIUI. This phone’s only major downfall was its slippery nature without a phone case and the prolonged charging. Besides that, the Redmi 13C is a budget and user-friendly phone with features that make it seem more than a regular budgeted phone and still has the class to it. Overall, my experience with the phone has been a positive one, and I would recommend this phone to those who want a phone that won’t burn a hole in their pocket and, overall, is able to hold up close to some of the more expensive phones in this bracket.
Infinix’s GT 10 Pro boldly steps into the realm of smartphone design with its striking Cyber-Mecha aesthetics which comes in two variants: Cyber Black (black with orange stripes) and Mirage Sliver (silver with white strips on its back). With its futuristic design, the phone has the perfect aesthetic for any hardcore or casual gamer. The variant that we received was the Mirage Silver variant.
Design and Aesthetics
Regarding design, Infinix’s GT 10 Pro is a bold departure from the essential standard phone back covers as it draws inspiration from a futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic. One of its most fantastic features is the LED indicator positioned alongside the camera, creating an illusion of elements embedded in a transparent plastic back. The LED has a captivating 3D effect with multiple effects: Blinking, Breathing and Meteor, Flowing Light, GT Racing, and Helium Flash. The phone’s flat back houses a camera island accommodating three cameras and a LED indicator. Notably, the LED indicator lights up during gaming, notifications, calls, and charging.
Despite the glossy surface, fingerprint smudges are not overly problematic, and the silver variant offers better resistance to such smudges and surprisingly cleans easily. The Infinix GT 10 Pro was very light and easy to hold as it was not as bulky nor heavy as your usual standard gaming phones. This makes the phone a big plus for those who want a gaming phone that won’t feel like a small brick in hand or something so bulky it has difficulties fitting in tight pockets.
But there is some downfall to this slim and sleek design. While everyone’s experience may vary, I found that I didn’t always have a good proper grip. I had to be constantly conscious of my grip when using the phone for daily tasks like calls or scrolling social media. Only the familiar landscape manner when playing games felt comfortable to me. I felt like it could easily slip through my grips when I am on the move while using the phone.
The Infinix GT 10 Pro has two side buttons on the right of the phone for power and volume. These are considerably thin and flat and may be easily mistaken for each other due to their proximity. Pressing the volume button instead of the power button was constant issue until muscle memory kicked in.
Material and Feature
The materials used for the GT 10 Pro primarily made from plastics, which initially felt fragile and not long lasting. I feel it I were to drop it by accident, it would most certainly chip. The plastic frame has a glossy texture which is quite notable. The phone’s right side houses the power and volume buttons, while the left side features a triple card tray that allows you to simultaneously use two SIM cards and a microSD card. The bottom of the device is home to the USB-C connector, one speaker grille, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Handling the GT 10 Pro is overall a reasonably comfortable experience despite the use of plastic. The shape of the phone makes it well-suited for gaming in landscape orientation. However, it can get annoying when your fingers curl around the camera island. It is slightly irritating to feel that slight texture and the eventual smudging of holding onto the camera subconsciously while playing. To have to consciously have to adjust to prevent camera smudging is not a fun experience.
Display
The Infinix GT 10 Pro has a 6.67-inch OLED panel with a centrally placed 32MP selfie camera. Thin side bezels contribute to the phone’s modern look, while the top and bottom bezels are slightly thicker. The display has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a responsive and smooth user experience which is also great for gaming. While it falls somewhat short of the advertised 900 nits of brightness, it still delivers a good viewing experience, whether in the dark or outdoors.
Battery and Charging
The Infinix GT 10 Pro has a 5,000 mAh battery that performs great in gaming and all-day use when tested. It lasted from 100% from 8 am to 18% by 11 pm, and the device supports rapid charging with the included 45W charger. To charge fully from 1% to 100% will roughly take an hour. However, overall, the battery is long-lasting and performs dependably.
Audio Quality
The Infinix GT 10 Pro features a hybrid dual speaker setup, with the bottom speaker louder than the earpiece. Together, these speakers provide decent audio quality. However, when equipped with Bluetooth earbuds, the sound quality seems to diminish and sounds slightly off, but overall, it was pleasing to use and listen to.
Interface, Special Features and Customization
The device runs on Pure XOS 13, which is based on Android 13. Infinix’s software customisation features include the Magazine service on the lock screen, theming options, and extensive home screen customisation. However, the software does comes with pre-installed apps and customised UI elements, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
On the home screen, while there is the standard home screen, there is also an alphabetised app drawer with a search bar when you scroll from bottom to top, giving phone users more access to search for apps even if it’s not on the main screen. Like most smartphones, the notification and control centre can be accessed separately through the standard top-down swipe on either the left or the right to pull down the notification screen or the control centre. Besides that, it also comes with lighting multi-window, a floating app feature so you can have more than one screen at a time, and an intelligent panel, a side panel feature that pulls out when you long pull from either side of the phone. There are also multiple more features like Social Turbo, Game Mode, and even its gaming app, XArena, which will store/place your games automatically in one convenient location for easy access and can customise certain buttons to suit specific game mechanics or boost and optimise a game functions.
Gaming
A MediaTek Dimensity 8050 processor powers the Infinix GT 10 Pro. It delivers reasonably good performance but may experience throttling under sustained loads. The device supports a high refresh rate control with multiple modes, including 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz, along with an Auto Switch mode. It also comes with ample Storage of 256GB and 16 GB of RAM9( 8+8 RAM), ensuring this phone can withstand any games with ample storage needed and runs smoothly while playing. In contrast, the device does heat up when gaming or when recording. It wasn’t so hot that it had to be set down but is noticeable. The phone also has settings to ensure it does not overheat during gaming.
Camera
The Infinix GT 10 Pro’s camera system includes a 108MP primary camera, a macro shooter, and a depth sensor. The 108MP primary camera captures detail, boasting a large sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. The camera app provides various shooting modes and customisation options.
The camera performs admirably in well-lit conditions, delivering good detail and a wide dynamic range. Activating the AI mode enhances colour saturation, resulting in visually pleasing photos. However, the 2x zoom mode may fall short in low-light scenes.
The device supports 4K@30fps video recording, with the option for a Super Steady mode for stabilisation. In 4K video recording, the Infinix GT 10 Pro delivers good detail and colour quality. However, the Super Steady mode sacrifices resolution for stabilisation. These are some of the images taken with it.
Conclusion
The Infinix GT 10 Pro is impressive with its eye-catching Cyber-Mecha design and many appealing features, all at a decent price of RM999. While its performance may not meet the demands of the heavy real hardcore gaming, the device works wonderfully with its display, battery life, and camera system. While there are some drawbacks to the camera being slightly on the lower end compared to other cameras, the device and its other features make up for it. Overall, the phone is solid in all functions and great for most people who are not camera aficionados and are gamers.
Monitors aren’t just empty displays anymore. They’re becoming miniature Smart TVs that are optimised for work. LG is just the latest one to bring brains to its monitors with the new LG MyView smart monitors. The new MyView smart monitors come equipped with webOS 23 which allows it to bring all the software you need for basic productivity.
Source: LG
The new lineup of LG MyView smart monitors consists of three models: the 32SR85U, the 32SR83U and the 32SR70U. All three come with a 31.5-inch screen size and 4K UHD resolution. They are also equipped with IPS panels that support HDR 10. That said, they only sport a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time – not ideal for gaming. However, more than enough for day-to-day tasks and remote work.
The monitors adopt a similar design aesthetic to the LG TV lineup with virtually borderless displays and a slim form factor. There are two distinct designs for the MyView smart monitors. The 32SR85U and the 32SR83U come with a height-adjustable stand with a circular cutout. The 32SR70, on the other hand, comes with a low-profile base making it more compact.
The webOS-based software allows you to leverage Bluetooth and USB 2.0 to connect a keyboard and mouse. This will help with remote work as you will be able to use applications like Microsoft 365 (office) and the Google Productivity suite remotely or on the browser natively – no computer needed. The 32SR85U can even be paired with an optional detachable webcam which has Full HD resolution for video conferencing.
The MyView smart monitors also come equipped with a remote control. Of course, since they run webOS 23, you’ll also be able to use them as smart TVs to watch your favourite shows on apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
Pricing & Availability
LG hasn’t announced any pricing or availability details just yet. However, the MyView smart monitors will be on display at CES 2024.
