Razer Kishi controller review: Unlock your phone's gaming potential
Gaming is more popular than ever, and there are even more ways to play games in modern times, with mobile phone gaming really soaring over the last few years with no signs of slowing down. But some games can be a tad on the fiddly side, and that is even more irksome on a mobile, which is where the likes of the Razer Kishi come in. This is one of the most famous examples of a traditional controller being mapped onto the form factor of a phone. We've been sent a review unit of the Razer Kishi mobile controller (specifically the V2 edition for iPhone) and we've been testing it out on our iPhone 12 Pro of late to really put it through its paces. But how is it? Does it meet our mobile gaming needs? Read on for our full thoughts! Jump to: Razer Kishi review summary What is the Razer Kishi? How much does the Razer Kishi cost? Razer Kishi setup Razer Kishi design Razer Kishi features Razer Kishi performance Should you buy the Razer Kishi? Where to buy the Razer Kishi Razer Kishi review summary If you'd like to get to the point nice and quickly, suffice it to say that the Razer Kishi delivers exactly what we'd want it to. Mobile games that support controllers will work like a dream with it, as will cloud services (depending on your internet signal's strength), and the setup process quite literally takes mere seconds. There's no audio jack, so you'll need your Bluetooth headphones if you're playing on the go, but other than that this a perfect mobile-gaming controller. What is the Razer Kishi? The Razer Kishi is a controller designed for mobile phones, but with a difference! Whereas most tend to connect via Bluetooth, this connects directly, which means that the annoying lag you can get should be virtually non-existent. So AAA games will now be playable, dependent on the title, and you can really take your gaming on the road with you now! How much is the Razer Kishi? The Razer Kishi mobile controller's recommended retail price is around the £99.99 GBP mark – depending on which version you opt for on the Razer website – but you might find it a little cheaper in places such as Amazon. Shop around and you may be able to get one for closer to £65, which is a tidy saving if you ask us – so it's worth browsing around before buying. Note that we reviewed the V2 iPhone edition. Razer Kishi setup We're pleased to report that setting up the Razer Kishi is remarkably easy. We reviewed the iPhone version, and all we had to do was take the Kishi out of its box and attach it to our iPhone. The Kishi is adjustable in its width, so it should fit all the modern iPhones just fine. You stretch it over the back of your phone, making sure the input bit goes into your phone's charging port, and that's all it takes. It really is that easy! Your phone should detect the device instantly (ours did) and you will be prompted to download a Razer app that can point you towards compatible games. Razer Kishi design The design of the Razer Kishi is exactly what you'd expect from Razer. That is to say, it's darkly coloured and sleekly shaped, without being so over-the-top that you'd be embarrassed to be seen with it in public. In fact, we'd say it's so cool-looking that you'll be actively hoping that people spot it and ask you questions about it. The buttons and D-pad have a satisfying amount of 'click' to them, and the triggers have a generous amount of give, while the analogue sticks feel impressively responsive for such a small form factor. Here's one design point we'd particularly like to shout about: the Kishi has a subtle-looking but strong-feeling grip on its rear, meaning that you shouldn't have to worry about slips and spills on your commute (or wherever else you fancy using it). And here's one design point that slightly disappointed us: there's no 3mm audio jack here, meaning that you'll need to connect Bluetooth headphones rather than wired ones. Of course, Razer has you covered in that regard – you can buy the Razer Hammerhead earbuds from Amazon, and they will work perfectly with the Kishi. These are now available for 60 per cent off the original price at just £32. On the flipside of that: the Backbone One, one of the main competitors to the Razer Kishi, has the opposite problem. While it does have a headphone jack, the Backbone One does not have a good amount of grip on its back. So if you're wondering how to pick in the Backbone One versus Razer Kishi battle, that might be the deciding factor - which would you rather have out of those design options? Razer Kishi features In terms of features, the Razer Kishi's offering is fairly self-explanatory. This gamepad's primary feature is that it connects to your phone, making your Apple or Android handset look a bit like a Nintendo Switch or a Steam Deck, allowing you to play the best mobile games on the market in more of a console-like way. (Saying that, it's worth noting that not every mobile game supports controllers, although it is becoming more common. We'd recommend knowing which games you want to play on a Kishi before you buy one.) The Razer Kishi is compatible with a number of native mobile games as well as Apple Arcade, Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Remote Play (the latter of which will allow you to stream gameplay from your PS4 or PS5 straight onto your mobile screen, with the Kishi controlling your input). It does also work with Google Stadia, although that streaming service is shutting down soon. It'll work with NVIDIA GeForce Now, as well, which allows you to play a number of PC games on your phone over the cloud. In short, the Kishi unlocks the gaming potential of your phone. That's its sole reason for existing and we'd say it does it very well. Razer Kishi performance The Razer Kishi's performance is basically faultless. When you're playing a native mobile game that supports controllers, it really does feel like you've transformed your phone into a mini console. With these types of games, there's no discernible lag between your input and the movement on the screen, and the overall experience is a very positive one. Downloadable games from the likes of Apple Arcade and Netflix Gaming run like a dream here, as will any offline games you grab from the App Store or Google Play Store. As ever, with products like this, it's worth noting that game-streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, Google Stadia and NVIDIA Geforce Now do rely on a strong internet connection. And when you're streaming a game over the web, there's always a chance that your internet will drop out or sink to speeds where lag and lost connections are possible. If you're playing in a casual, chilled-out way, this won't be a problem. But if you're playing a competitive shooter or a sports game where milliseconds of stuttering could ruin your match, you'll want to make sure you're nearby to a powerful router if you're trying to use the Kishi and your phone to compete. The Kishi works just fine with all those services, but you're at the mercy of the internet! Our verdict: Should you buy the Razer Kishi? In the final analysis, yes, we would say that the Razer Kishi is worth it. If you're thinking about buying one, we're sure it will live up to your expectations. The price of admission isn't that high, and the potential you unlock with this purchase is significant. As is always the case with gaming tech, we'd recommend checking first which games you actually want to play with the Kishi before you buy one. The free Razer Kishi app is a handy way to check which controller-enabled games are available on your device. Are you away from your PlayStation enough that a dedicated remote-play controller is worth it? Does the Xbox Cloud Gaming library have titles you're dying to play? Are there native mobile games with controller support on your mobile of choice? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, game on! Where to buy the Razer Kishi The Razer Kishi mobile controller can be bought from a lot of major retailers, including the likes of Amazon and Argos. There is also an official Razer website, where you can browse the whole range and order directly from the source if that's what you'd prefer. Our handy widget below should pull together deals from around the web. If you'd like to see the controller in action before you buy it, take a look at the trailer below. The version we reviewed was the Razer Kishi V2 for iPhone. View oEmbed on the source website Hungry for more gaming? Visit our video game release schedule, or swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home — subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
PSVR 2 review: Horizon Call of the Mountain teases epic future for VR
We put Sony's PlayStation VR 2 headset to the test with its big launch title.
The PSVR 2 was released on 22nd February 2023, and RadioTimes.com put Sony's new headset to the test to bring you this detailed PSVR 2 review. We've also tested its big launch title, Horizon Call of the Mountain, and a number of other PSVR 2 games. You may remember that the original PSVR launched back in 2016 as an optional add-on to the PS4. That first attempt ended up hosting some of the best VR games, including the brilliant Astro Bot Rescue Mission, but it never really took off in a mainstream way. (It was also a pain to connect, needing various cables and a camera to work.) Five million units were eventually sold for PSVR 1, which sounds impressive until you find out that over 100 million PS4 consoles have been sold over the device's lifetime. Considering that only something like five per cent of their PS4 user base made the transition to VR, we would've forgiven Sony if they quietly shelved the idea. However, you've got to respect the tenacity here because Sony has done exactly the opposite of taking the easy way out. The hardware giant has developed PSVR 2 instead, leveraging the power of the PS5 to take your virtual gaming life to new levels. But how does it hold up? Read on to find out! Jump to: PSVR 2 review summary What is the PSVR 2? How much does the PSVR 2 cost? PSVR 2 design PSVR 2 features PSVR 2 games PSVR 2 set-up PSVR 2 performance Should you buy the PSVR 2? Where to buy the PSVR 2 PSVR 2 review summary The PSVR 2 headset is a definite improvement on PSVR 1, with a much easier set-up process and vastly improved graphics capabilities. That being said, the fact that your headset always needs to be plugged in does feel like a shame when the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 headsets offer similar experiences without a wire in sight. In terms of games, Horizon Call of the Mountain doesn't feel like an essential play and likely isn't the 'system seller' that Sony needs to push VR into more people's homes. Hopefully, bigger and better games will follow in time, as this feels like a headset that lots of people would enjoy if they gave it a chance. What is the PSVR 2? Let's backtrack a bit. What actually is the PSVR 2? In short, this is Sony's shiny new VR headset — it plugs into a PS5 and allows you to play a swathe of virtual reality titles on the powerful console. The games are all sold separately, though. In the box, you will also get two wireless PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers — you hold one in each hand, using both traditional buttons and motion controls to influence the action on the screen. These controllers have decent battery life (similar to that of a normal PS5 controller) and can be charged up using any USB-C cable. There is one included in the box, handily enough. How much is the PSVR 2? The PSVR 2 price is £529.99 when you buy the headset from PlayStation Direct. That price, which seems prohibitively expensive for casual players, includes two Sense controllers but doesn't throw in any games. On that same PlayStation Direct webpage, you'll also see a bundle that costs £569.99 and adds Horizon Call of the Mountain into the mix. You can also buy a Charging Station for the PSVR 2 controllers that costs £39.99 — this is totally optional as the controllers charge just fine with the included USB-C cable. Traditional retailers like Argos and John Lewis have also started carrying PSVR 2 stock since its release, for its RRP of £529.99. PSVR 2 design On first look, the PSVR 2 design looks like a total winner. As we said in our PSVR 2 preview, it looks much cleaner and smoother than the original PSVR, with a less clunky design that is much easier on the eye. The addition of four outward-facing cameras has been made without sacrificing symmetry, and the whole thing looks much less messy with one cable rather than the multitude that PSVR 1 needed. The Sense controllers look great, as well, borrowing the round design that has become popular on other VR platforms. They feel great to hold and the wrist straps are easy to use if you want that extra safety. It took us a little while to remember where all the buttons are (it feels a bit odd that Triangle and Square are in your left hand), but once the muscle memory kicked in there weren't any complaints there. Our only real complaint about the PSVR 2 design is that the headset itself, while comfortable to wear, is a bit chunky when it comes to storage. With the head strap extending over the top of the headset, the whole thing is actually too 'tall' to fit in the drawers of our TV stand. We've taken to keeping it in the box it came in, which does create an extra stage of faff when it comes to setting up a play session. PSVR 2 features In terms of what's new under the hood, it's worth noting that the PSVR 2 is a major upgrade on the PSVR 1 from a technical standpoint. It offers 4K HDR gameplay on an OLED display with a 110-degree field of view. That's 10 degrees more than PSVR 1, which only offered 1080p resolution. This is the same difference you would've seen if you've upgraded from a HD TV to a 4K one in recent memory. PSVR 2 also offers eye tracking, allowing you to navigate menus and complete simple tasks without using the analogue sticks at all. Plus, there is haptic feedback in the headset itself and in the Sense controllers, adding to the immersion with vibrations (similar to those in the DualSense controller). Thanks to the on-headset cameras, you no longer need to set up an external camera in your play area. Instead, these built-in cameras will scan your surroundings and help you set up a safe activity zone every time. There is also a dedicated button on the headset that allows you to see through the cameras and check your surroundings — handy if you've got a pet or a partner that could wander in at any moment. All these quality of life changes help to make the PSVR 2 experience feel like a significant leap forward. One thing we would've loved to see, in terms of features, is a wireless mode. Although the biggest and glossiest games understandably need to be plugged into the sheer power of the PS5, it would be nice to play simpler titles with more freedom of movement. Sadly, that cable is welded on and the headset does nothing unless you plug it into the console. PSVR 2 games Any gaming device is only as good as the games you can play on it, and this is where PSVR 2 is looking a little bit thin at launch. Horizon Call of the Mountain, a virtual reality spin-off to the Horizon Zero Dawn franchise, is the main event in terms of day-one releases. The game offers some stunning scenery and there is a certain thrill to seeing those familiar animalistic machines writ large in a fully immersive environment. But this does feel like more of a side show than the main event, especially when compared to the vast open experience of last year's Horizon Forbidden West. Here you'll spend a lot of your time climbing various tall structures, and you might find your arms aching and your enthusiasm waning as this gets more repetitive and less exciting. The combat, when it comes, is a lot more fun. You can craft powerful arrows on the fly, scan your foes for weak spots and dodge their attacks with motion controls. (You can also switch to a more traditional control scheme, if you'd prefer.) This is where the game feels most thrilling, and it makes the slog of climbing feel worth it for the most part. It's hard to see Horizon Call of the Mountain as a 'system seller', though, and that's what Sony really needs for this platform. As a spin-off from one of their newer in-house franchises, focused mainly around climbing, it doesn't feel like an essential play. Its graphics are great, though, and it offers a strong proof-of-concept for what the PSVR 2 can do. The same goes for the visually stunning VR mode recently added to Gran Turismo 7. A number of third-party games were also supplied to test out with the headset, and we had some fun trying them all out. Again, though, nothing really stands out as an essential experience that makes it seem worthwhile to drop £500 on the hardware. Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is a fun, throwaway jaunt through a few small corners of that galaxy far, far away. Again, it shows you what a first-person action game could look like on this hardware, but its thin storytelling and short runtime make it seem more like a tech test than a fully-fledged product worth forking out for. That being said, in this and Horizon, dispatching foes in first-person VR does feel great when it goes well. We had a different kind of fun with Moss: Book Two, the sequel to an old PSVR favourite, where you guide a sword-wielding mouse through a series of puzzles and combat scenarios. Moss opts for a third-person perspective of sorts, with the player looking down on the action as your rodent friend runs around on screen. This allows you to interact with the action in a different way, using the analogue sticks to control the mouse and your motion controls to move other objects around in the space. PSVR 1's best game was Astro Bot Rescue Mission, a platformer that used a similar format to Moss, allowing you to control a cute character through traditional controls and do other things with motion controls. Sadly, there's no Astro Bot sequel launching with PSVR 2, but we're still hoping that Astro will return at some point (his inclusion in the PS5's built-in demo certainly makes it feel like Astro is still in Sony's plans). In terms of third-party titles, we also tried out a fun rhythm action game called Thumper and a chilled boating game called Kayak VR: Mirage. There is plenty to play on PSVR 2 at launch, it would seem, but none of it feels particularly weighty. The existence of cool new indie games like The Last Worker does give us hope for the future, though. Looking ahead, we do think it would be good if Sony announced some future plans to whet players' appetites. A VR version of God of War could be great, for example, and it's easy to imagine the Leviathan Axe flying into Kratos's hand as the Sense controller wallops your palm with haptic feedback. For now, though, all we have are proof of concepts. Based on this launch-day selection, the future of VR looks like it could be epic, but it hasn't arrived just yet. PSVR 2 set-up Setting up the PSVR 2 headset is wonderfully simple. Because the headset only has one cable, all you need to do to get started is to plug it into the USB-C port on the front of your console. Do that, turn it on, and your PlayStation 5 should start on-boarding you into VR immediately. Instructions on screen will show you how to connect up your two Sense controllers and create your virtual play space, the latter of which is done using the cameras on the front of the headset. They will scan your surroundings and help you find a safe space to play in, which only takes a couple of seconds. It's also easy to tweak your set-up later, with the Options button adjusting your display and bringing you back to the centre of the action whenever you hold it down. We'd recommend checking your settings from time to time, especially if things seem to go out of focus at any point. PSVR 2 performance In terms of performance, we don't have any qualms with the PSVR 2. We didn't experience any crashes or glitches that seemed to be caused by the hardware. We had a few little hiccups in Horizon Call of the Mountain (including one moment where our character simply floated away), but that seemed like more of a software situation. The PSVR 2 feels great to wear and easy to play with for decent stretches of time. The controllers, too, deserve a special shoutout. They feel just right in your hands and have a good amount of grip to stop you from dropping them. If you're worried about motion sickness, we'd say that you're in pretty safe hands here. Although some players will always be susceptible to lurches of the stomach, you should be okay if you remember to tweak your settings to your own personal preference wherever possible. Most games have a variety of sensitivity options when it comes to freedom of motion, and there's no shame in embracing the softer side of that if you need to. We did just that in Horizon, which has a fun alternative to analogue-stick control (which our stomach really can't handle in VR sometimes), allowing you to move in the game by feigning a walking motion with your hands instead. All in all, the PSVR 2 feels like a solid and reliable platform for VR, and it's certainly a step up on the last generation. Here's hoping that, in time, it gets the games it deserves. Our verdict: Should you buy the PSVR 2? We'd say that, for now, the PSVR 2 is probably only worth buying for hardcore VR enthusiasts. It doesn't have many exclusive titles yet, and unless you're a die-hard Horizon fan, Call of the Mountain probably won't be enough to tempt you into making a purchase at this price point. And that's okay! If you do consider yourself a VR fan, and you have some disposable income, this is a great headset and it's definitely worth adding to your collection. Of course, only time will tell how long Sony supports it for and what kinds of games it receives, but we'd hope that it will have plenty to offer over the next few years. If you're stuck in the middle and sitting on the fence, we'd say that it's worth keeping an eye on the PSVR 2. It feels like a strong platform and Sony has already invested a lot in it. Perhaps you can start saving now and then pull the trigger when a game you really want hits the market. Where to buy the PSVR 2 You can buy the PSVR 2 from PlayStation Direct, Sony's official website for PlayStation hardware. Traditional retailers like Argos and John Lewis have also started carrying PSVR 2 stock since its release for its RRP of £529.99. Read more on PlayStation: The very best PS4 & PS5 games What is PS Plus? Price and perks explained Can you play PS4 games on PS5? PS5 controller charger - best ways to charge your DualSense PS Plus free games - full list and when the next ones come out PS5 stock - how to buy the new console PS Plus offers - the latest deals Hungry for more gaming? Visit our video game release schedule, or swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home — subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
With 4K streaming in-built, this affordable soundbar offers more than just good sound.
Streaming players are what Roku do best. For over 10 years, the American brand has created devices to make it easier for us to watch our favourite streaming services on the bigger TV screen. Released last year, the Roku Streambar is one of the brand's newest creations and is designed to be a one-stop-shop for upgrading your TV. A combination of a soundbar and smart TV stick in one, the Roku Streambar not only brings apps and channels to your 'non-smart' TV but improves its sound, too. With any amalgamation, there are always doubts around whether these products are promising too much and if they can really deliver on both fronts. So, are you better off spending more on two individual products? Or does the Roku Streambar come through? In short, the Roku Streambar does everything it says it does. It's quick and easy to set-up, voice control makes searching the homepage simple, and both the sound and streaming qualities are excellent. But to answer these questions fully, we put the Roku Streambar to the test. We assessed its streaming quality, sound quality and design, alongside practical factors such as how easy it is to set-up and use. All this is considered against its price tag to decide if its good value for money and worth of a high star rating. Here is our Roku Streambar review as we put this affordable, all-in-one device to the test. Looking for more streaming devices? Read our Amazon Fire TV Cube review, Nvidia Shield TV Pro review and Chromecast with Google TV review. Or head straight over to our best streaming device round-up for our favourites. Jump to: Roku Streambar review: summary What is Roku Streambar? How much is Roku Streambar? Design Sound quality Streaming quality Roku Streambar set-up Difference between Roku Streambar and Roku Premiere Our verdict Where to buy Roku Streambar review: summary It is hard to find fault with the Roku Streambar. At £79.99, it offers brilliant value combining crisp sound with 4K streaming capabilities in one device. Voice control is offered via the remote and works well, particularly excelling when searching the Roku homepage. It offers a great range of streaming services and apps, including Disney+, BT Sport, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. There's no better device to upgrade an old TV with. Price: The Roku Streambar is available forr £79.99 at Amazon and Currys PC World. Key features: 4K streaming Automatically quietens loud adverts Voice remote Works with Alexa and Google Assistant Private Listening mode streams audio to your phone and allows you to listen via your headphones Free extra remote with the Roku mobile app Stream music with Bluetooth and Spotify Connect Access to apps including Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BT Sport Pros: Great value for money Small soundbar fits into any set-up Can be mounted Produces crisp and well-rounded sound Great choice of channels and apps Cons: No Dolby Vision What is Roku Streambar? The Roku Streambar can be used to upgrade any TV with streaming apps and richer sound. Launched in September 2020, the Roku Streambar is a step up from a traditional streaming device like the Roku Premiere while still providing that same 4K streaming quality. It's both a decent streaming player and soundbar with a good sound and streaming quality, user-friendly homepage for an affordable price. What does Roku Streambar do? The Roku Streambar is designed to give you access to apps and channels such as Amazon Prime Video, Spotify and BT Sport and improve your TV's sound. One remote controls both elements and includes buttons for voice control, volume, pause/play and shortcuts to Spotify and Netflix. 4K HDR streaming Stream music via Bluetooth or Spotify Connect Automatically quietens loud adverts Ability to watch live TV along with streaming services like Netflix, NOW TV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video Private Listening mode (via Roku app) so that you can listen to your TV audio through your headphones How much is Roku Streambar? The Roku Streambar retails for £79.99 and is available at this price at Amazon, Currys PC World, and Argos. Is Roku Streambar good value for money? The Roku Streambar is brilliant value for money. For an RRP of £129.99, the soundbar delivers 4K streaming quality that does not buffer and well-rounded sound that is a vast improvement on TV-only audio. It is on the smaller side, but the volume and quality of sound were impressive for its size. Plus, considering that soundbars can cost upwards of £800, you're getting a lot of extra features such as voice control for a very affordable price. For a full breakdown on costs, we have a dedicated explainer on Roku's costs. Roku Streambar design Almost half the size of most soundbars, the Roku Streambar should slot into any TV set-up you have without too much reorganising. With curved edges at each end, the sound covers an impressive area and is not noticeably one-directional. And while the Roku Streambar is not strictly designed to be portable, the size and ease of the soundbar's set-up mean that it is no trouble to unplug and move. You should have no problem moving it around the house and switching it to another TV once its in use. Style: With an all-black design, the Roku Streambar has a sleek yet simple design. The brand's name is positioned, also in black, on the front of the soundbar. Robustness: While not particularly heavy, the Roku Streambar feels sturdy. We had no concerns about it getting damaged while moving it about and setting up, and it feels well-balanced, so you do not have to worry about it tipping over or getting knocked. Size: The main hub is only 40cm long, 10cm deep and 8cm tall. It will fit comfortably on any TV stand or can be mounted. The accompanying remote is a tad smaller than a traditional TV one but has all the essentials, including play/pause, volume and home buttons. Roku Streambar sound quality When buying a soundbar, there is nothing more important than sound quality. Yes, the Roku Streambar has more additional features than most, but to do its job well, Roku has to first get the sound quality right. And it has. We saw an immediate improvement from our TV audio as the sound was crisp and well-rounded. The device has four internal speakers to create a rich sound with Dolby Audio. We saw the biggest improvement when it came to background tracks on games, TV shows and music, which were a lot clearer or, in some cases, noticeable for the first time. The volume range is good, too. We rarely had to go above 16 (out of 100) on the volume level, and the sound filled the room. This is helped by the curved shape of the soundbar, which means that the sound isn't only sent directly out of the device's front but to each side, too. Even when the volume was up high, the Roku Streambar had no problem picking up requests when using voice control. The voice control worked best when searching the homepage for apps or channels but was 95% accurate with any request, including pausing and playing TV shows or music. Roku Streambar streaming quality The Roku Streambar offers 4K HDR streaming of apps and channels, including BT Sport, NOW TV and BBC iPlayer. The picture quality was sharp and bright across the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, and there was no lag. On occasion, a film took a second to load, but this is to be expected and is no different to if it was loaded on a smart TV. A Roku device is a good option if you want a more neutral offering than big entertainment brands such as Amazon or Apple. For example, on the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Prime Video content is incredibly prominent on the homepage. If you have an Amazon Prime Video membership, this is unlikely to bother you, but if you don't use it very much or at all, you may prefer the more balanced Roku TV homepage. Roku Streambar set-up: how easy is it to use? Roku prides itself on the set-up of its devices being easy, and it is. Everything you need to get started is supplied in the box. This includes the Roku Streambar itself, a remote, power adaptor and cable, high-speed HDMI cable and even two AAA batteries (for the remote). From the box to watching TV, the whole process took just under 18 minutes. This may seem like a while, but this did include all those fiddly elements such as making a Roku account, finding the Wi-Fi password and adding payment details for any subscriptions or downloads. All this considered, we were pretty happy. The instructions were clear, simple and largely prompted via the TV. It is also worth noting that this time would be considerably less if you have a Roku TV because several steps can be bypassed. Finally, we would also suggest downloading the Roku app. Some brand's apps can be a little superfluous, but Roku's actually has a few features that make it worth it. First, it comes with a free extra remote. If you're the type of person who is always losing everything down the back of the sofa, you need this. And second; is the Private Listening mode. Designed to let you watch TV without disrupting others, the feature allows you to stream the TV audio via the app so that you can watch with headphones in. For anyone with an unconventional sleeping pattern, works night shifts or doesn't want to cause too much noise, this function is brilliant. What is the difference between Roku Streambar and Roku Premiere? The two most obvious differences between the Roku Streambar and the Roku Premiere is the size and price of these two streaming players. Because of its additional audio features, the Roku Streambar is over 40cm long and has an RRP of £79.99, while the Roku Premiere is considerably less at £19.99 and is the same size as a fun-size chocolate bar. However, they both function by slotting into the HDMI port in the back of the TV and provide 4K streaming of apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, NOW TV and YouTube. The added benefit of the Roku Streambar is that it will also improve your TV's audio, including quietening overly loud adverts. Beyond this, both have the same Roku TV homepage, voice control and the same great variety of apps. The Roku app is also available with both devices and makes typing out passwords a lot easier. An extra remote is included within the app, along with the Private Listening mode that allows you to listen to the TV audio via the app with headphones. It is a great feature if you have a usual sleeping pattern or don't want to disrupt others in the house. The physical remotes look pretty similar, too, although the Roku Streambar's remote has the addition of TV controls such as volume and power buttons. Deciding between these two devices largely depends on how much you're looking to spend and whether you feel like your TV audio could do with a boost. If you feel like the latter applies to you, buy the Roku Streambar. Otherwise, the Roku Premiere will suit you just fine. If your TV does not have 4K capabilities, we suggest saving a bit of cash and trying out the Roku Express or NOW TV Smart Stick instead. To find out more about the USB-style stick, read our What is a NOW TV Stick explainer. Buy Roku Streambar for £79.99 at Amazon Buy the Roku Premiere for £19.99 at Amazon Our verdict: should you buy Roku Streambar? The Roku Streambar is punching way beyond its price tag. For £99.99, you not only get 4K streaming and access to apps such as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify and YouTube, but also richer sound quality. The Roku Streambar is almost half the size of most soundbars, but it still delivers well-rounded sound that is noticeably better than that of a TV alone. Plus, the size means that it will fit into any TV set-up no problem. Admittedly, if you're trying to fill a cinema-sized room with sound, the Roku Streambar will likely fall a little short, but if you're simply upgrading a TV that has seen better days, there's no better device than the Roku Streambar. It goes way beyond any offering from even the best streaming stick for only marginally more than the Amazon Fire TV Cube. The streaming quality is great, with no lag and voice control via the app remote means that you can search the homepage hands-free. Roku has quickly become known as the go-to brand for affordable streaming devices, and the Roku Streambar is a true representation of this. Design: 4/5 Sound quality: 4/5 Streaming quality: 4/5 Set-up: 5/5 Value for money: 5/5 Overall: 4.5/5 Where to buy Roku Streambar The Roku Streambar is available at several retailers. £79.99 at Amazon £79.99 at Currys PC World £79.99 at Argos Looking to upgrade your TV setup? Head over to our best smart TV guide for advice on the best TV to buy. Then take a look at our best streaming service recommendations for something new to watch.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) review
Find out if the new Amazon Echo Show 8 improves on its predecessor.
This month has seen the release of two new smart displays from Amazon; two welcome updates to their popular Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8. Naturally, we had to put them to the test, so to see how the smaller device did, head to our Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) review or stick around to find out how the mid-range model fared. Featuring an 8-inch HD touchscreen and a 13MP camera with auto-framing, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) looks on paper to have a lot going for it. But is it an improvement on its predecessor, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st Gen), or does the execution of these new features fall short? To answer these questions, we tested the smart display against our rated categories of design, sound quality, ease of set-up and value for money to decide if we think the Amazon Echo Show 8 is worth your money. Here is why the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is one of the best smart displays you can buy right now. To see how other Alexa speakers compare, read our Amazon Echo Dot review and Amazon Echo Show 10 review. Or, head to our best smart speaker round-up. Jump to: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review: summary What is Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)? How much is Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)? Design Sound quality Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) set-up Difference between Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) Our verdict Where to buy Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review: summary The addition of a higher quality 13MP camera and a new auto-framing function makes for a better video call experience. This, combined with the reliably good voice control via Alexa and 8-inch HD touchscreen, makes the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) a brilliant choice, irrelevant of whether this is your first smart display or you're adding to a collection. For most rooms, the Amazon Echo Show 8 feels like the right balance between offering a good screen size to watch Netflix, YouTube and other streaming services while not taking up excessive counter space. This Amazon smart display remains one of the best on offer. Price: The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) costs £119.99 and is available from Amazon, Currys and Very. Key features: 8-inch HD touchscreen 13MP camera that auto-frames for video calls Built-in voice assistant Alexa Works with various streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix Doubles-up as a digital photo frame Built-in camera cover Pros: Good value for money Brilliant voice assistant with Alexa Bright display Good camera quality Cons: No built-in Zigbee smart home hub What is Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)? The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is the brand's new mid-range smart display. This new device replaces the original Echo Show 8 that was released in 2019. At £119.99, the new Amazon Echo Show 8 has a number of new and improved features, including a higher-spec 13MP camera and a new auto-framing function. However, there's plenty of features that remain the same, including Alexa built-in, numerous Alexa skills, and it still doubles up as a digital photo frame. What does Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) do? The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a step-up from Amazon's smart speakers. While the likes of the Amazon Echo Dot is best suited to playing music, podcasts and responding to various voice commands, the Echo Show 8 is set up for those who are more visual. It enables you to make video calls, watch your favourite Netflix series and see who is at the door via your Ring doorbell. 8-inch HD touchscreen 13MP camera that auto-frames for video calls Built-in voice assistant Alexa Works with various streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix Doubles-up as a digital photo frame Built-in camera cover How much is Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)? The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) costs £119.99 and is available from retailers including Amazon, Currys and Very. Latest Deals Is Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) good value for money? At £119.99, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is Amazon's mid-range smart display. It's a little more expensive than the smaller Echo Show 5, but it's still over £100 less than the premium Amazon Echo Show 10. However, buying the Echo Show 8 doesn't necessarily mean missing out on features. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a good balance between being compact and still offering enough screen to be practical. The smart display features comprehensive voice control via Alexa, good video call quality thanks to a 13MP camera and a responsive 8-inch HD touchscreen, making the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) great value for money. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) design As the brand's mid-range, mid-sized smart display, the Amazon Echo Show 8 can easily fit on the kitchen counter or bedside table. The 8-inch display takes up most of the front of the device, with the 13MP camera in the top right. While the easiest way to control the Echo Show 8 is via Alexa, the smart display also has buttons across the top for covering the camera, muting the microphone and adjusting the volume. It's also obvious when the cover is across the camera lens because it swipes across to reveal a red underside. This means that you can tell from a glance if the camera is available or not. The touchscreen is responsive, and the default text is large enough to be read from a distance. The likes of alarms, reminders and routines can be chosen this way, although we found using the Amazon Alexa app to be easier. The app is extremely user-friendly and the easiest way to control multiple Alexa devices or to make announcements through any multi-room system you set up. Style: Available in Glacier White or Charcoal, the 2nd generation smart display looks extremely similar to its predecessor. Robustness: The Echo Show 8 does have some weight to it to keep it well-balanced but not enough that we'd describe it as heavy. This helps to make it feel well-made. Size: Featuring an 8-inch HD touchscreen, the Echo Show 8 measures 200 mm wide x 135 mm tall x 99 mm deep. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) sound quality Featuring two 2.0-inch speakers, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is surprisingly good for a mid-range smart display. The device throws out well-balanced music that is of the standard of Amazon's more audio-focused echo speakers. The volume range is also pretty impressive, with the Echo Show 8 able to be turned up extremely loud. This is reassuring if you intend to use the smart display in a large or open-plan space. But, where the device excels is with speech-heavy audio. Podcasts and audiobooks are clear, and all speech is easy to understand, even with background noise. And, Alexa remains one of the best voice assistants on the market. Alexa has no problem hearing commands over loud music or background noise and is quick to respond to any questions with the correct information. Music, audiobooks and podcasts can all be controlled via the touchscreen, physical buttons or the Amazon Alexa app, but we found voice commands via Alexa to be the easiest. This allows you to control the smart display from a distance and is particularly useful when cooking or baking and you don't have a free hand. Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) set-up: how easy is it to use? Setting up the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) takes about 10 minutes and is fairly simple to do. Once the device is plugged in, you are prompted through the set-up process via the touchscreen. At this stage, it includes creating (or logging into) an Amazon account, choosing language settings and connecting to the Wi-Fi. Then, you're ready to go. The majority of the settings are controlled via the Amazon Alexa app. On the app, you can see all your Amazon devices in one place, make announcements through any speaker in the house and add new Alexa skills, including Fitbit, Uber and Netflix. Because the smart display needs to be plugged in to work, you are a little limited about where you can place the Echo Show 8. However, it is a similar story to most smart displays on the market. What is the difference between Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)? The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) was not the only new smart display to be released in June. The 8-inch smart display was revealed alongside the smaller Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen). Naturally, there are plenty of overlapping features thanks to Alexa, but there are a few differences to consider. First, and perhaps most obviously, is the size difference. The Amazon Echo Show 5 has a smaller 5.5-inch display, while the Echo Show 8 boasts an 8-inch HD touchscreen. This is reflected in the price. The Echo Show 5 is Amazon's cheapest smart display at £74.99. The Echo Show 8 is a little more expensive at £119.99 but still considerably cheaper than the premium Echo Show 10 at £239.99. Beyond this, the Echo Show 8 has a couple of additional features that help justify the price. The first is that the Echo Show 8 has a 13MP camera, a significant step-up from the 2MP camera of the Echo Show 5. This 13MP camera also comes with an auto-framing function for video calls to ensure that you're always centred in the frame even if you need to move about the kitchen. Choosing between the two smart displays will largely depend on your budget and how often you intend to use the camera. If you know you will use the camera daily for video calls or as an indoor security camera, it is worth spending a little more on the Amazon Echo Show 8. Our verdict: should you buy Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) The Amazon Echo Show 8 offers everything you could want from a mid-range smart display. The 8-inch display means it should slot in nicely into most settings without being overbearing. However, it is also big enough that it provides a better alternative to watching Netflix series on your phone and can be used as a digital photo frame when not in active use. It has all the features you'd want from a smart display, including Alexa built-in, a good-quality 13MP camera and a speaker that pumps out impressive sound for its price. Admittedly, it doesn't have a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, which would give you better control over managing your Alexa compatible devices, but that doesn't stop you from being able to connect your smart lights or plugs and using the Echo Show 8 to turn them on or off. Overall, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) continues to improve on the already-popular smart display that was the original Echo Show 8. Whether you're looking to buy your first smart display, or add to your growing collection, the Amazon Echo Show 8 is one of the best you can buy. Rating: Design: 4/5 Sound quality: 4/5 Ease of set-up: 5/5 Value for money: 5/5 Overall: 4.5/5 Where to buy Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) is available at a number of retailers, including Amazon. £119.99 at Amazon £119.99 at Very £119.99 at Currys Latest Deals For more reviews and product guides, head to the Technology section.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a flagship device without a flagship price. It has decent power and battery life. Just don’t go thinking it will replace your laptop anytime soon.
Amazon’s entire Fire tablet range has been designed to appeal to the widest possible demographic. The Fire 7 is a cheap and cheerful entry-level device. The HD 8, and HD 8 Plus occupy the lower and higher ends of the mid-range spectrum. There are even Kids Editions in each size. Then there’s the Amazon Fire HD 10. It’s a flagship device without a flagship price. It’s more powerful, with a larger display than its siblings – to appeal to more “pro” tablet users – all while offering the same level of entertainment features. In fact, it’s the only HD Fire tablet that actually has a Full HD screen (more on that later). But are all of these upgrades worth paying three times as much as the Fire 7? Plus, if you’re in the market for a more pro tablet, does Amazon’s flagship tick the boxes? To see how this tablet performs against its smaller sibling, you can read our Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus vs Amazon Fire HD 10 article. In our Amazon Fire HD 10 review, we look at what the 10-inch tablet offers compared to its siblings, we review its performance and display upgrades, and we see if there is still a place for a relatively cheap 10-inch tablet in today’s tablet market. To compare this device with other options, check out our best budget tablet, best tablet and best tablet for kids articles. Jump to: Amazon Fire HD 10 review: summary What is the Amazon Fire HD 10? How much is the Amazon Fire HD 10? Amazon Fire HD 10 features Amazon Fire HD 10 screen and sound quality Amazon Fire HD 10 design Amazon Fire HD 10 set-up Amazon Fire HD 10 battery and performance Our verdict Where to buy Amazon Fire HD 10 review: summary Price: RRP £149.99, now £134.99 Key features: 10-inch Full HD tablet powered by Fire OS – Amazon’s take on Android 32GB or 64GB of storage, both expandable to 512GB via microSD 2GB RAM 12-hour battery life Alexa-built in meaning this tablet can double up as an alternative to the Echo Show 10 Pros: Very affordable way to buy a full HD tablet Wealth of content on tap Easy to setup and use Three gadgets in one – a Fire tablet, Echo Show and Kindle Cons: Doesn’t have the wireless charging seen on the Fire HD 8 Plus Lacks support for native Google apps – including Drive, YouTube and Gmail The Amazon Fire HD 10 is available at Amazon for £134.99 What is the Amazon Fire HD 10? In the wider Amazon devices range, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is positioned as the flagship tablet. It’s more expensive than any of its siblings and promises 30% more power than the previous version. It also claims to have a 12-hour battery life. It comes in at £149.99 (RRP), meaning the HD 10 is three times the price of the entry-level Amazon Fire 7. Yet it’s only £40, and £60 more than the Fire HD 8 Plus and Fire HD 8 respectively. If anything, the Amazon Fire HD 10’s nearest competitor, price-wise, is the £139.99 Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition. For the latter, though, you get a free Amazon Kids+ subscription bundled in, which explains its higher price. All Fire tablets, so the Fire HD 10 included, come with less-than-adequate 2MP cameras on the front and rear, and all are powered by Amazon’s take on Android – Fire OS. This software looks and feels largely like pure Android, albeit with a whole load of Amazon promotions and ads thrown in. However, the biggest difference is the lack of a Google Play Store and namely the lack of native Google apps. This means you can’t download apps for Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, Gmail and more. It is possible to access each of these services via Amazon’s pre-installed Silk browser as bookmarks, but the experience is clunky and less than ideal, especially if you’re a heavy Google user. Amazon doesn’t position the Fire HD 10, or any of its Fire tablets for that matter, as being productivity workhorses. They’re built for entertainment, and that’s what Amazon wants you to use them for, meaning the lack of Google apps won’t be a deal breaker for many. For the extra money when buying the Fire HD 10, you get a Full HD screen instead of a regular HD display and an octa-core processor, rather than a dual-core version. These give it both a viewing and power boost. It’s also larger and slightly thicker to accommodate the 10-inch display. Delving into the specs further, you’ll notice that the Fire HD 10 isn’t a flagship device across all categories. It shares the same battery life but doesn’t come with the wireless charging option of the Fire HD 8 Plus. It also has 1GB RAM less than the Plus model. Elsewhere, it charges an hour slower than the Fire HD 8 (four hours vs five). It is possible to expand the built-in 32GB or 64GB storage on the Fire HD 10, but it only accepts microSD cards up to 512GB. This is half the amount of additional storage seen on the Fire HD 10’s cheaper siblings. What does Amazon Fire HD 10 do? Amazon’s Fire HD 10 follows suit with the rest of the range, providing access to cheap, portable entertainment and browsing. As a result, it comes with all of Amazon’s own-brand services – Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Audible and Kindle pre-installed – and the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer are a click away via the Amazon App Store. Media streaming with Amazon Prime Video installed by default Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub, SkyGo and Disney+ available from the Amazon App Store Kindle e-reader and access to the Kindle Store, plus Kindle Unlimited (for an extra fee) Show Mode turns the Fire HD 10 into an Echo Show, complete with Alexa Skills Alexa built-in means you can use the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition to control Echo, plus other compatible smart devices, using your voice or the Alexa app Available in black, plum, blue and white How much is Amazon Fire HD 10? Unlike the smaller models in the Fire range, it’s not possible to pay extra to remove the lock screen ads on the Fire HD 10. This means you only get to choose between the 32GB or 64GB model and which colour you want. The Amazon Fire HD 10 price, when bought directly from Amazon, is as follows: Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB storage: £139.49 Amazon Fire HD 10 64GB storage: £167.39 You can also buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 from the following places: Currys: £129 Argos: £179.99 Is the Amazon Fire HD 10 good value for money? If you’re in the market for a cheap 10-inch tablet, even one that offers the hardware and entertainment of the Fire HD 10, £149.99 (RRP) may seem steep. In this respect, Amazon is very much a victim of its own success. By selling tablets so cheaply across the board, it makes a very affordable, Full-HD tablet that would – in normal circumstances – seem like a great deal, feel overpriced. It’s not, though. The Fire HD 10 is almost staggeringly cheaper than some of the rival 10-inch tablets from the likes of Samsung and Huawei. These rivals range from £170 up to £500+ for wildly different specifications. And, of course, Amazon isn’t stupid. It’s actually very shrewd with its tablet pricing strategy. By making the £149.99 10-inch version seem expensive, it makes the Fire HD 8 range more appealing. By pricing the HD 8 Plus at only £20 more than the lower-end HD 8, people almost feel obliged to go for the 8 HD Plus because it feels like such great value for money, comparatively. Amazon may lose out on £40 per sale for the HD 10, but it’s more likely to sell a greater number of the 8 HD Plus, meaning the losses are soon swallowed. All while offering a 10-inch model to those who really care about the better screen. This explains why Amazon added wireless charging to the 8 HD Plus and the 8 HD Plus only and why the expandable storage is better on the Fire HD 8 range. All things considered, the Fire HD 8 Plus represents better value for money than the HD 10, but we’d still recommend the latter. The larger, Full HD display lends itself much better to be a portable entertainment device, and it packs a whole load of punch for relatively very little. Despite what the pricing strategy would have you believe, the Fire HD 10 is still great value for money. Amazon Fire HD 10 features If you’ve read our previous Fire HD 8 review, Fire HD 8 Plus review or even our Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review, the below is going to sound very familiar. The Fire HD 10 runs Fire OS, like all Fire tablets do, which means it also uses Amazon’s bespoke Silk Browser by default. Almost every element of this OS is geared towards making you sign up for various Amazon products and services. Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Audible, Kindle and, of course, the Amazon Shopping app are all front-of-centre on the homepage and throughout the setup process. This, coupled with the lock screen ads, can become a bit much, but it’s ultimately what allows Amazon to price its tablets so low. So we’ll take that hit. A hit we struggle to take, however, is the lack of Google apps. This includes YouTube, Chrome and many more. This won’t feel like a big problem for some people, but it’s worth noting because we missed these apps. The standout feature for us in the Fire HD 10 – as it was in the Fire HD 8 and HD 8 Plus – is Show Mode. Either by asking Alexa to “enable Show Mode”, or enabling it via the on-screen controls, you can transform your HD 10 into an Echo Show 10. Without forking out an additional £240. Show Mode gives you the same full-screen Alexa experience as the original. It replaces the normal menus and app icons with a simple screen that you control with your voice. It’s great for propping the Fire HD 10 up in your kitchen to follow recipe videos, catch up on your favourite shows, ask questions, get weather and news headlines, and make video calls. Plus much more. It’s not an exact like-for-like, of course. The new Echo Show 10’s much better-quality, 13MP camera follows you around the room and keeps you in the frame, thanks to its rotating base. By comparison, the Fire HD 10 has a static, 2MP camera. Measly by comparison. On the plus side, you don’t have to keep the Fire HD 10 plugged into the mains, though. Nor is it £240. We’d go as far as to say the Fire HD 10 in Show Mode is better than a standard Echo Show because of this increased portability. We must warn you, though, if you’re using multiple Alexa-enabled devices – tablets, Echos or more – in the same vicinity, they’ll all spring into action when you call their name. This can get confusing. Amazon Fire HD 10 screen and sound quality As previously mentioned, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is the only Fire tablet to come with a Full HD screen. To be classified as HD, a display needs to have more than 921,000 pixels. To reach full HD status, it must have 2 million, minimum. The Fire 8 HD and 8 HD Plus both have HD screens, but they fall short of the technical definition of Full HD by around 1 million pixels. The Amazon Fire HD 10 has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200, which equates to 2.3 million pixels. The day-to-day difference isn’t hugely stark, and you don’t really notice the shift unless the HD and Full HD screens are next to each other. The edges on the smaller icons and notifications are much sharper on the HD 10 than on the smaller tablets, but that is also because the screen is larger, so these icons themselves aren’t as small by default. The Full HD screen comes into its own when watching Netflix, Amazon Prime et al. High-quality content looks more crisp and vibrant, while the Full HD makes low-quality shows look even worse. The quality of sound that comes out of the Fire HD 10’s dual speakers is admirable. Just like the other tablets in the Fire range, its sound certainly isn’t loud enough to fill a busy room, but it’s enough to help you watch shows over the sound of your preparing dinner or similar. Thanks to the partnership with Dolby Atmos, the sound is much more well-rounded and less tinny than we’d expect for such a relatively cheap device. Plus, they do a good job of making voices sound clear when audiobooks are being read aloud or during video calls. Amazon Fire HD 10 design The Fire HD 10 has the same overall design as the rest of the Fire tablet range – a fat bezel, chunky shape, rounded corners, and plastic casing. Albeit in a larger size. It may be due to the way you hold the larger 10-inch device or the quality of the Full HD screen, but the Fire HD 10 doesn’t feel as cheap as its siblings. It’s more balanced, meaning it’s more comfortable to hold when used as a Kindle. It’s significantly heavier, too – weighing in at 504g vs the 355g of the Fire HD 8s – which subconsciously gives it a more luxurious, expensive feel. Conversely, despite this extra weight and heft, the Fire HD 10 doesn’t feel as robust as its smaller equivalents. This may be because there is more screen to break, but it’s a strange paradox. In terms of ports on the Fire HD 10, there’s a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, a USB-C charging port and a microphone. Amazon Fire HD 10 set-up Ease-of-use and simple, intuitive screens are at the heart of the Fire tablet range. The HD 10 is no exception. You’re guided through, step-by-step, how to get your Amazon Fire HD 10 connected to your Wi-Fi, signed into your Amazon account, and how to add on various Amazon services (or sign into them, if you’re already a subscriber.) You’re even presented with a screen of popular apps that you can download from the setup screen, rather than having to find them in the Amazon App Store. A series of promotional messages punctuate this setup and, while this is a minor inconvenience, it’s an inconvenience nonetheless. Amazon Fire HD 10 battery life and performance For every tablet we review, we test its battery life by playing an HD video on repeat. We set the brightness to 70% and have aeroplane mode enabled. This video loops from full charge until the battery goes flat. Amazon promises that the Fire HD 10 will last 12 hours, but it fell a little short in our test, reaching 10 hours and 14 minutes. This is a tad disappointing and worse than the battery performance of the 8 HD Plus. It’s only marginally better than the 8 HD. We did have a feeling that the HD 10, with its Full HD screen, would miss the mark by comparison, so this isn’t a huge surprise. The battery lasted a lot longer when using the Amazon Fire HD 10 for everyday tasks. The occasional game of SimCity, catching up with three episodes of a podcast, a video call with our parents, and general browsing for a few hours every day, saw the tablet last into the fourth day. The longest of any of the Fire tablets we’ve tried. This may have something to do with the fact it has a relatively souped-up, octa-core processor, the only processor in the range to have eight cores. Not only does this help improve the performance and reduce the lag, seen on other Fire tablets, but by seemingly optimising the software to work better with this processor means it works more efficiently with the battery, too. Don’t get us wrong. The Fire HD 10 isn’t lightning-fast, but it’s a noticeable improvement on other Fire tablets we’ve tested. It can be a little slow to switch between regular and Show Mode, and there can be delays when loading shows, but by and large, its speed is more than adequate for an entertainment device. Our verdict: should you buy the Amazon Fire HD 10? When tablets first hit the mainstream, a 10-inch display was the default for many manufacturers. It was large enough to distinguish the tablets from the, then, much smaller smartphone displays while positioning the tablets themselves as laptop alternatives. Over time, the screens on tablets (particularly those at the cheaper end) have shrunk, while smartphone screens have grown, and the two devices now occupy a very similar space. Today, you have the choice of smaller, cheaper devices aimed at more general consumers to either compliment or sit in lieu of a larger, more expensive phone. And pricey, 10-inch devices aimed at pro consumers looking to do everything and more on them. Amazon’s Fire HD 10 occupies a welcomed middle-ground. You get a well-balanced, largely well-designed 10-inch device on which to watch your favourite shows. It has enough power to do a range of tasks, and the addition of Show Mode just increases its versatility and appeal. All without charging a fortune for the privilege. Rating: Features: 5/5 Screen and sound quality: 3/5 Design: 4/5 Set-up: 5/5 Battery life and performance: 3/5 Overall rating: 4.2/5 Where to buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Amazon Currys Want to compare with other Amazon Fire HD models? Check out our Fire HD 8 review, Fire HD 8 Plus review and our Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review to help you decide, or, if you think you might prefer an iPad, check out our Apple iPad Air (2020) review.
Amazon's cheapest Fire TV Stick is simple but effective.
The first Fire TV Stick was released back in 2014, and since then, Amazon has upgraded and expanded its Fire TV range to include three smart TV sticks and the more sophisticated Amazon Fire TV Cube. The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite was one of the newest additions, having been released late last year, becoming the cheapest Fire TV Stick yet at £29.99. But does the price mean you're missing out? Or is there no need to spend any more? In our opinion, the answer largely depends on whether you're willing to spend £10 more. If you are, the result is the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which was also updated last year. For the most part, the features, such as HD streaming and voice control, are the same, but the extra addition of power and volume buttons on the remote do make for a more enjoyable TV experience. If you think having to swap between remotes to turn off the TV or change volume is going to bug you, you may want to think about paying that extra tenner. Otherwise, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is more than capable of streaming all your favourite shows. To find out how this smart TV stick compares to other devices, read our NOW TV Smart Stick review, Nvidia Shield TV Pro review and Roku Express 4K review. Or try our best streaming device round-up for more options. Jump to: Summary What is Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite? How much is Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite? Design Streaming quality Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite set-up Difference between Amazon Fire TV Stick and Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Our verdict Where to buy Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite review: summary Being the cheapest Amazon Fire TV Stick, you know that it isn't going to have the sophistication of the Amazon Fire TV Cube. After all, the bigger device is nearly four times the price. The Fire TV Stick Lite is simple but still gives you access to the Fire TV homepage, the same good choice apps and channels as all the other Fire TV devices, and HD streaming. The annoyance of having no volume and power buttons is lessened somewhat by circumnavigating it with voice control, but it is a little tiresome. Price: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is available from Amazon for £29.99. Key features: Full HD streaming Voice search via Alexa Voice Remote Lite Apps available include Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, NOW TV, YouTube and Netflix Pros: Good value for money Plugs into HDMI port and is hidden behind the TV Great choice of apps and channels Voice control makes it easy to navigate Batteries included Cons: No 4K streaming No volume or power buttons on remote Homepage a little heavy on Amazon Prime Video content What is Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite? The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is the cheapest of Amazon's Fire TV devices. For £29.99, the streaming stick offers full HD streaming of on-demand and streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. With the accompanying voice remote, you can use the Alexa voice button to control your TV and search the Fire TV homepage. What does Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite do? Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite gives you access to various on-demand and streaming services from one device. It is particularly useful for allowing you to stream on older TVs that do not have smart capabilities. Amazon makes four Fire TV devices, and the Fire TV Stick Lite is the cheapest at £29.99. Streaming in full HD Plays live TV along with streaming services like Netflix, NOW TV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video Stream music from Amazon Music Unlimited, Spotify and BBC Sounds How much is Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite? The Fire TV Stick Lite is Amazon's cheapest smart TV stick and costs £29.99. It is available from Amazon, as well as retailers such as John Lewis and AO. Is Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite good value for money? At £29.99, the Fire TV Stick Lite is the most affordable streaming stick Amazon has made to date. Despite being £10 less than the original Fire TV Stick, the Lite has many of the same key features. Both stream in HD and have the same Fire TV homepage and apps, making the Fire TV Stick Lite good value for money. The one major difference is that the Fire TV Stick Lite does not have power or volume buttons on the remote. If you don't think it will bother you having to switch between remotes, buying the Fire TV Stick Lite will save you a little bit of money, and it is unlikely that you'll feel like Amazon has scrimped on any other areas. Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite design Buying any smart TV device will mean another cable to contend with, but the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is one of the neatest. Like all the other Fire TV Sticks, the Lite plugs straight into the HDMI port in the back of the TV. This means that, for the most part, it is hidden and out of the way. The Voice Remote Lite that comes with the smart TV stick is smaller than a traditional TV remote. The design is extremely simple, with a total of nine buttons, including pause/play and home and an Alexa voice button. The voice control helps side-step the lack of volume buttons and makes the already user-friendly homepage easier to navigate. The Fire TV interface is dominated by Amazon's own apps and channels, especially when it comes to Prime Video shows. Anyone with an Amazon Prime Video membership will therefore find it extremely familiar and intuitive. Style: With an all-black remote and Fire TV Stick Lite, the design is simple but sleek. Robustness: Both the smart TV stick and remote are lightweight and designed to be portable. However, because of this, the device is solid and would travel well. Size: Measuring less than 9cm long and 3cm wide, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is small and easily hidden behind the TV. Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite streaming quality For voice search, Alexa is activated by the ‘microphone/voice’ button at the top of the remote. Fire TV is quick to respond to any request and had no trouble taking us to the requested app the first time. We found the voice search function made navigating the Fire TV homepage simple and quick. As the cheapest Fire TV Stick, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite only offers HD streaming. However, we found that we still enjoyed watching TV shows via the smart TV stick and that there were no buffering or delays between apps. It is worth noting that if you intend to use the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite to bring an old TV back to life, it might not be worth spending any more. The price of more expensive smart TV devices is largely justified because they can stream in 4K – rather than HD like the Fire TV Stick Lite. However, if you do not have a 4K TV, you will not be able to take advantage of these capabilities and therefore, saving some money with a cheaper device like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite or Roku Express is definitely worth it. Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite set-up: how easy is it to use? The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite comes with all the equipment you need to get started, including AAA batteries and a power adaptor. You do not need to buy anything separately. The whole set up process took approximately 15 minutes, although software updates took up a good chunk of that time. We suggest going to make a cup of tea while you wait. Once the device is out of the box, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite slots into the HDMI port in the back of the TV, instructions will then appear on the TV screen, and you will be prompted through them. This includes entering the Wi-Fi password and logging into an Amazon account. When you are through this initial stage, you can adjust various parental and privacy settings and restore any apps you may have had installed on previous Fire TV devices. The parental settings allow you to filter out any non-age appropriate shows that you may not want younger family members watching on their profile. This is also an opportunity to add any additional apps you may want from first use, although you can add and download additional apps at any time. What is the difference between Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite? The Amazon Fire TV Stick and its cheaper counterpart, the Fire TV Stick Lite, are almost identical in design and features. For example, both will have the same apps and channels, including the newly-launched IMDb TV, which is free of charge to watch for those with a Fire TV device. However, there are a few key differences that are worth highlighting. The most obvious difference is the price. The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is £10 cheaper than the original Fire TV Stick. With the higher RRP of £39.99, the Amazon Fire TV Stick has additional power and volume buttons on the remote. This allows you to fully control the TV with the Alexa Voice Remote Lite, rather than switching to and from the main TV remote. The lack of volume controls on the Fire TV Stick Lite's remote can be somewhat worked around with the voice controls. Activated by a button on the remote, you can request the Fire TV Stick turn up or down the volume, negating the need for the main TV remote. Our verdict: should you buy Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite? If you have a lot of Amazon subscriptions and you want a cheap device to help you watch them all from one place, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite will do the job. The design of the smart TV stick and remote is simple but provides you with a way to stream a great range of apps and channels in full HD. Because the Fire TV homepage is very heavily geared towards Prime Video content, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite will always better suit those with a membership. Still, there's plenty of other on-demand services to watch too. The only slight annoyance is the lack of power and volume buttons on the remote. Many will be fine switching between remotes to change volume – or use voice control – but if you know it will bother you, you may want to consider spending just £10 extra for the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Design: 3/5 Streaming quality: 3/5 Value for Money: 4/5 Ease of set-up: 4/5 Overall rating: 3.5/5 Where to buy Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is available at several retailers. £29.99 £12.99 (save £15 or 57%) at Amazon £29.95 at John Lewis £29 at AO £29.99 at Very £29.99 at Currys For the latest tech news, guides and deals, check out the Technology section. Looking to upgrade your TV setup? Head over to our best smart TV guide for advice on the best TV to buy.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation) review
Everything you need to know about Amazon's new, smallest smart display.
Released on 9th June, the new Amazon Echo Show 5 is the second generation model of the brand's smallest and cheapest smart display. But, how much has the smart display changed from the original? And can the affordable smart display deliver on quality, or are you better off spending a little more? We answer these questions and more in our Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) review. At first glance, it's hard to argue that this new Echo Show 5 doesn't deliver. It features everything from an accurate voice assistant in Alexa to doubling up as a digital photo frame when not in active use. Looking at the smart display's set-up, design, and sound quality, along with features such as voice control and camera quality, we put the Amazon device to the test in our Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) review. And, here is why we think the new Amazon Echo Show 5 is the best choice if you're buying a smart display for the first time. For more on Amazon devices, try our Amazon Fire TV Stick review and Amazon Fire TV Cube review. Or, head straight to our best smart speaker guide. Jump to: Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) review: summary What is Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)? How much is Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)? Design Sound quality Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) set-up Difference between Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Our verdict Where to buy Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) review: summary The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is one of the brand's newest smart displays. It also happens to be the smallest and most affordable. And while it only has a 5.5-inch touchscreen display, it still has all the features you'd expect from an Amazon device, including voice control via Alexa, a 2MP camera for video calls, and can be connected to other Alexa speakers to make a multi-room system. If you're primarily looking for an Amazon device to play music off, you may be better with the Amazon Echo Dot. But if you want to dip your toes in the world of smart displays, there's no better option than the new Amazon Echo Show 5. Price: The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) costs £74.99 and is available from retailers including Amazon, Currys and Very. Key features: Built-in voice assistant Alexa 2MP camera for video calls and indoor security camera Works with various 'Alexa Skills' including Spotify, Uber, Just Eat and Fitbit Doubles-up as a digital photo frame Built-in camera cover Pros: Compact design Good value for money Brilliant voice assistant with Alexa User-friendly Alexa app Cons: Average camera quality Music occasionally sounds a little tinny What is Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)? Released on 9th June, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is the second generation model of the brand's smallest smart display. It was released alongside the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) and joined the Amazon Echo Show 10, which was released earlier this year. Unlike a smart speaker, a smart display has a touchscreen that allows you to make video calls, watch TV shows and doubles up as a digital photo frame. What does Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) do? The compact size of the Amazon Echo Show 5 makes it ideal for living on your bedside table, where you can make the most of Alexa to set alarms, reminders and manage routines. It contains all the features you'd expect from an Amazon Echo Dot with the addition of a 5.5-inch touchscreen display. Built-in voice assistant Alexa 2MP camera for video calls and indoor security camera Works with various 'Alexa Skills' including Spotify, Uber, Just Eat and Fitbit Doubles-up as a digital photo frame Built-in camera cover How much is Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)? The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) costs £74.99 and is available from retailers including Amazon, Currys and Very. Latest Prices Is Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) good value for money? The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is one of the most affordable smart displays on offer. Google's cheapest smart display, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen), costs £15 more at £89.99. The size of the touchscreen has a significant part to play in the price. The Echo Show 5 is one of the smallest smart displays you can buy with a 5.5-inch screen. In comparison, the Google Nest Hub is a bit bigger at 7-inches. However, beyond this, the Echo Show 5 has many of the same features as the more expensive Amazon devices, including Alexa, a camera for video calls, all the various Alexa skills, and it doubles up as a digital photo frame. There's no doubt that the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is great value for money. Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) design With a 5.5-inch touchscreen, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is Amazon's smallest smart display. The majority of the device has a fabric grill finish, although the top of the screen is lined with buttons to mute the microphone, turn up or down the volume and cover the camera when needed. The compact size makes it perfect for being placed on a bedside table, which should allow you to make the most of the alarms, customisable routines, and reminders that can be controlled via Alexa. However, it is small enough to fit on pretty much any surface without becoming an annoyance. The screen resolution is only 960 x 480, but because of the size, it still looks bright and sharp. The same can be said for the 2MP camera. This isn't the best quality camera, and it can only be used in well-lit conditions, but it is a good improvement on the 1MP camera found in the 1st generation model. For those who would prefer an extra level of privacy, the built-in camera cover is there to be slid across the lens when not in use. Style: Available in three colours (charcoal, white and blue), the design is simple and similar to that of the 1st generation device. Robustness: The smart display is solid and feels well-made. It is weighted and balanced well so that there's no chance of knocking it or it falling over. Size: The Echo Show has a 5.5-inch display and measures 148mm wide x 86mm tall x 73 mm deep. It can easily perch on a bedside table or kitchen counter. Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) sound quality As you would expect with an Alexa device, most of the features are geared towards supporting speech more than music. This means that, on occasion and at high volume, music can sound a little tinny. However, we wouldn't go as far to say the sound quality is bad, and the volume range is brilliant for such a small device. The sound isn't particularly directional either, so you get the same volume and quality of sound from pretty much anywhere in the room. If you want to be able to listen to the occasional playlist while making dinner, the Amazon Echo Show 5 will do a more than good enough job for that. Where the Echo Show 5 really excels, though, is with the audio quality of speech and the voice recognition technology. The quality of podcasts is great, and Alexa remains one of the best AI voice assistants on the market. The voice assistant has no trouble hearing commands over loud music and is quick to respond. Alexa is pretty accurate, too. When asking for the Echo Show 5 to play albums off Spotify, we could generally get away with asking for the album title followed by the phrase 'on Spotify' without having to list the artist as well. It may seem fairly minor, but it does make the commands a lot less of a mouthful. When you'd rather speak to Alexa, the microphone can be muted. Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) set-up: how easy is it to use? From taking the device out of the box to being ready to go, the whole set-up process takes about 10 minutes. Once plugged in, you are prompted through the process via the Echo Show 5's screen. This includes logging into your Amazon account, choosing language preferences and connecting to the Wi-Fi. Then, you're ready to go. To get the most out of the Amazon Echo Show 5, downloading the Amazon Alexa app is recommended. With the app, you can link various Alexa skills to your account, including Fitbit, Spotify, BBC Good Food and Uber, set up routines or manage your preferences for camera and privacy settings. If you want to use the Amazon Echo Show 5 as part of a multi-room system, you can also use the app to make announcements through other smart speakers or displays in the house. Amazon suggests you can use this to tell the whole house dinner is ready without shouting, but you can get as inventive as you like. The smart displays do need to be plugged in to work, so that does limit you a little as to where you can place them, but this is fairly standard with all smart home devices. What is the difference between the new Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)? The Amazon Echo Show 5 was not the only smart display to be released in June, as the Amazon Echo Show 8 also got an upgrade. The two 2nd generation models have plenty of similarities, but there are a few key differences to be aware of. The two most obvious differences are the size and price. The Amazon Echo Show 5 is the cheaper and smaller of the two, while the Echo Show 8 boasts an 8-inch display and a price tag of £119.99. This means that the Echo Show 8 is almost double the size, providing more room for a bigger speaker system, too. The camera of the Echo Show 8 is also of a higher specification at 13MP, rather than the 2MP of the Echo Show 5. This should improve the picture quality of your video calls, along with the auto-framing feature available with the Echo Show 8 that will keep you centred in the video. However, beyond these differences, the smart displays are extremely similar as they both use Alexa, have the same Alexa skills and can both be used as digital photo frames. Choosing between these two Amazon devices will largely depend on what you want to spend and space limitations. Our verdict: should you buy Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)? If you're looking for your first smart display, or you're not looking to spend too much, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is a brilliant choice. At £74.99, it is one of the cheapest ways to get all the key smart display features, including video calls, voice control with Alexa, and it even doubles up as a clock and photo frame when not in active use. Its small size makes it perfect for a spot on the bedside table or on a kitchen shelf, and it can be used as an indoor security camera when you're out and about. If you primarily want to use it to play music, you might be better off with an Amazon Echo Dot, but the Echo Show 5 still has an impressive volume range for its size. Plus, the sound quality is more than good enough for casual everyday use when you just want to listen to the radio or Spotify. If you're new to smart displays or just want a small device to add to your collection, the Amazon Echo Show 5 delivers. Rating: Design: 4/5 Sound quality: 3.5/5 Ease of set-up: 4/5 Value for money: 5/5 Overall rating: 4/5 Where to buy Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is available from a number of retailers, including Amazon and Very. £74.99 at Amazon £74.99 at Very £74.99 at Currys For more product reviews and guides, head to the Technology section. Looking for offers? Read our list of the best Amazon Echo deals.
Meet the Amazon Echo Show 10 – the most sophisticated Amazon smart display yet.
Almost four years after the first Amazon Echo Show was revealed, Amazon has released its third iteration – the Amazon Echo Show 10. Joining two other smart displays in the form of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8, the Amazon Echo Show 10 is the largest, newest and most advanced Amazon device available. Released in February 2021, the Amazon Echo Show 10 is the first Amazon device to feature a 10-inch touchscreen display that follows you around the room as you chat, tidy or simply get on with your day. The result? The screen should always be in view, no matter how much you move around. In this Amazon Echo Show 10 review, we test out its sound quality, voice recognition technology and design, as well as practicalities such as set-up and how easy it is to use day-to-day. These are assessed against its price tag to decide whether it is worth spending your well-earned cash on. Here is why, despite a few teething issues, the new Echo Show 10 proves that Amazon remains leaps ahead of its competitors when it comes to its smart home technology. Is Alexa your voice assistant of choice? Head over to the best Alexa speakers and best streaming devices guides for our Alexa-powered favourites. To build up your smart home collection, try our best Alexa-compatible devices, too. Jump to: Amazon Echo Show 10 review: summary What is Amazon Echo Show 10? How much is Amazon Echo Show 10? Design Sound quality Amazon Echo Show 10 set-up Difference between Amazon Echo Show 10 and Amazon Echo Show 8 Our verdict Where to buy Amazon Echo Show 10 review: summary Designed to follow you around the room as you chat, cook or tidy, the Amazon Echo Show 10's display can rotate almost 360 degrees. This makes it not only the most advanced Amazon device but one of the most advanced smart displays regardless of brand. For £20 more than the Google Nest Hub Max, the Amazon Echo Show 10 offers sophisticated voice recognition technology, an extensive range of skills and apps, including Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Uber. All that, and it can double-up as a digital photo frame. Price: The Amazon Echo Show 10 is available at Amazon for £239.99. Key features: Automatically follows the user around the room Built-in camera can be used for security Make video calls via Alexa app or Skype Voice control via Alexa Pros: Responsive 10-inch touchscreen Intelligent voice recognition technology Can be used as a digital photo frame Microphone/camera off buttons Great range of skills and apps available Cons: Occasional issue with locating the user What is Amazon Echo Show 10? The Amazon Echo Show 10 is the brand's most advanced smart display. With a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the Echo Show 10 can be used to make video calls, watch Amazon Prime Video or display your favourite pictures. It also has all the typical smart speaker features you've come to expect from the likes of the Amazon Echo Dot. These include weather, news and traffic updates, along with apps and skills such as Ring, Uber, Spotify, Skype and BBC Sounds. What does Amazon Echo Show 10 do? 13MP camera for video calls Automatically follows the user as they move around the room Can be used as a digital photo frame when not in active use Built-in camera can be used as an indoor security camera Compatible apps (known as Alexa skills) include BBC Sounds, Uber, Netflix and Spotify How much is Amazon Echo Show 10? The Amazon Echo Show 10 is available to buy at Amazon for £239.99. Is Amazon Echo Show 10 good value for money? At £239.99, the Echo Show 10 is Amazon's most expensive Alexa device. However, that price tag takes into account that several features are only available on the Echo Show 10. The first is that the screen automatically follows you as you move around the room so that it is always in view. It is currently the only smart display to offer this function, which is particularly handy during video calls or while cooking. The second consideration is the camera. The Echo Show 10 has a much higher spec camera than the Amazon Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 5. While the Echo Show 8 has just a 1MP camera, the Echo Show 10's is a 13MP camera. This will make a significant difference to your video calls or indoor security footage. Overall, we think the Amazon Echo Show 10 is good value for money considering the range and quality of features it offers. Amazon Echo Show 10 design With a 10.1-inch display, the Amazon Echo Show 10 is the biggest Amazon smart display. The shape is a little different to that of its predecessors as it now comes with a rounded, fabric base to allow the screen to rotate and follow the user around the room, rather than a square design. The elevated screen makes the device feel a lot bigger but does mean any photos, videos, or calls can be seen across the room with ease. Style: Available in two colours, charcoal and glacier white, the Amazon Echo Show 10 has a rounded fabric base. Attached to this is the 10.1-inch HD touchscreen that can rotate up to 360 degrees. Robustness: The Amazon Echo Show 10 is weighty, particularly the base, which has been designed to avoid it toppling over as the display follows you around the room. Size: This Amazon smart display is the biggest the brand makes. It has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the base is 6.7-inches in diameter. It also needs additional space cleared around the device to prevent anything from being knocked over when it rotates. Amazon Echo Show 10 sound quality With two 1-inch tweeters and a 3-inch woofer, Amazon has worked hard to improve the sound quality on the new Echo Show 10 compared to its older smart displays. And overall, the sound quality is good. There's a good range of volume, and music sounds crisp and balanced. It is more than good enough for casual everyday use, but if you primarily want to use the display for playing music, you might be better off with a smart speaker like the Google Nest Audio or Amazon Echo Dot. However, where this smart display performs best is when voice recognition technology is involved. Alexa is both responsive and accurate to requests for music, news and weather updates, and even when it comes to random trivia. The Amazon Echo Show 10 works with a huge range of 'Alexa skills' including Uber, BBC Sounds, Fitbit and even Pointless, so you can quiz against your friends and family. The screen is also incredibly responsive to touch. While we found it easier to navigate via voice commands, that does not mean you cannot set-up alarms and reminders manually with the screen itself. The display can also be controlled via the Amazon Alexa app, which is also the easiest way to manage settings, including turning off the motion. Amazon Echo Show 10 set-up: how easy is it to use? From the box, the Amazon Echo Show 10 takes a total of 15 minutes to set-up. As part of Amazon's push to be more sustainable, the smart display arrives in packaging that is 99% wood fibre-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources. Everything to get started is included in the box, which is simply the device and a power cable with an adaptor. To begin setting up, the Echo Show 10 needs to be placed down in the location where you intend for it to stay. A paper cut-out is provided to ensure you have cleared enough space around the device before it is turned on. This ensures the Echo Show 10 will not knock over or break any nearby items. The next step is to turn on the device and follow the instructions on the screen. This will include downloading the Amazon Alexa app and creating an account if you do not already have one. The final element is setting how far you would like the display to rotate and a quick run-through of how to set up features such as alarms and routines. On a couple of occasions following the set-up, the Echo Show 10 struggled to locate us. However, we were prompted to give feedback on the motion, and by the end of the first day of use, the user detection and motion was much more accurate. What is the difference between Amazon Echo Show 10 and Echo Show 8? Our verdict: should you buy Amazon Echo Show 10? The Amazon Echo Show 10 is a combination of well-loved smart home features and new additional flares. The biggest addition is, of course, the display's ability to automatically move with the user as they move around the room, but there's also a new, higher-spec 13MP camera and better sound quality. These join sophisticated voice recognition technology in the form of Alexa, which allows you to set hands-free reminders and alarms, get news updates and make video calls. And when that's all done, the smart display can simply double-up as a digital photo frame or indoor security camera. Yes, at £239.99, there are definitely more affordable smart displays available, but if you want the most advanced device, you need the Amazon Echo Show 10. Where to buy Amazon Echo Show 10 The Amazon Echo Show 10 is available to buy at Amazon for £239.99. Latest Prices For more reviews, head over to our technology section. Or, try our Amazon Echo deals page for the latest offers on Amazon's smart speakers and displays.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is essentially a repackaged Fire HD 8 that costs £50 more – yet it’s an investment more than worth making in our view.
Before we had kids, we – very naively – said we’d never let our child become reliant on a tablet for entertainment. Fast-forward three years and various scenarios – car journeys, trying to cook dinner, working from home with them in tow, and more – have meant we’ve well and truly backtracked. On the plus side, our toddler now has a firm understanding of technology. He’s also learned things from YouTube Kids that we hadn’t taught him. Singing Happy Birthday to himself at his first birthday party, for instance. The tricky thing is that few brands make tablets designed specifically with children in mind these days. And even fewer pack them full of features and sell them for as relatively cheap as the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition. If you’re in the market for the best tablet for kids, you need to weigh up the price with how robust it is, as well as what protection it offers in terms of apps and parental controls. In our Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review, we look at the pros and cons of buying this child-friendly tablet versus buying a regular tablet. We compare the Kids Edition with the standard Amazon Fire HD 8. We also get our toddler to test how easy it is to use and how robust it is. Plus, we take a look through the various controls and customisation options to give you peace of mind. Head to our what is Amazon Kids+ explainer next to find out if the child-centric subscription is worth the money. Jump to: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition summary What is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition? How much is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition? Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition features Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition screen and sound quality Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition design Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition set-up Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition battery and performance Our verdict Where to buy Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review: summary Price: £139.99 Key features: Full-featured, 8-inch HD tablet powered by Amazon’s take on Android – Fire OS A child-proof case comes as standard. Available in blue, pink or purple 32GB of storage, expandable to 1TB via microSD 12-hour battery life Every purchase comes with a free, one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ (formerly known as Fire for Kids Unlimited). This usually costs £79 a year, or £49 for Prime members and gives kids unlimited access to child-friendly apps, games and videos Amazon Kids+ includes educational apps for preschool, and key stage 1–3 Parental controls, including screen-time limits, are controlled via the Parent Dashboard available on the Kids+ phone app or via your Amazon account Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition comes with a two-year guarantee, and Amazon will replace the tablet for free if it breaks within this period Pros: Designed with kids first and foremost; it’s not just an adult tablet with child-friendly features tacked on or buried away Easy to set up and use Can be used as an adult tablet by setting up additional profiles Up to four children can share yearly Kids+ subscriptions Three gadgets in one – a Fire tablet, Echo Show and Kindle Cons Not cheap Basic design Sluggish No Google apps – including YouTube Kids The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is available at Amazon for £139.99. What is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition? At its core, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is a repackaged Amazon Fire HD 8. It comes with all the features and design elements of the original yet is sold with a kid-friendly case, parental controls enabled by default, and free access to Amazon Kids+. For these additions, you’ll pay an extra £50 on top of the price of a standard Fire HD 8, or £30 more than a Fire HD 8 Plus. This price gap becomes even wider when you consider the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is £90 more expensive than the entry-level Amazon Fire 7. Hardware-wise, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition has an 8-inch HD screen. It’s powered by a dual-core processor and runs on 2GB of RAM. The tablet itself comes with 32GB storage, but you can expand that up to 1TB with a microSD card. On both, the front and rear is a 2MP camera, and Amazon promises a 12-hour battery life. The main difference between the Kids Edition and the standard Fire HD 8 is that the latter comes in an additional 64GB model. This is largely moot, though, given the fact you can expand both of them up to 1TB. The Fire HD 8 Plus, despite being cheaper, comes with an extra GB of RAM and wireless charging. All Fire tablets are powered by Amazon’s take on Android, called Fire OS, but the Kids Edition comes with an extra layer of parental controls and kid-friendly apps. Even if you don’t subscribe to Amazon Kids+, the Kids Edition has a redesigned web browser designed with child safety and security in mind. Compared to the £50 entry-level Amazon Fire 7, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition has dual speakers, tuned by Dolby Atmos, rather than a basic mono output, and it’s much faster thanks to having twice the RAM and twice the power. You can also buy a 7-inch Amazon Fire Kids Edition for £99.99 or upgrade to a 10-inch Kids version for £199.99. All Kids Editions of the Fire tablet come with a free year’s Amazon Kids+ subscription and child-friendly case. In our view, however, the 10-inch is too big for smaller hands (it might suit a teenager better) while the 7-inch isn’t powerful enough. The 8-inch Fire HD Kids Edition is the Goldilocks of the bunch. What does the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition do? Amazon has taken the ethos of its standard Fire tablet range – to provide access to cheap and portable entertainment – and made it child-friendly. Signing up to Amazon Kids+ is part of the setup process. You can alternatively download child-friendly apps via the Amazon App Store via your Parent Dashboard. When you switch to an adult profile, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Audible, and Kindle are all pre-installed. Games, apps, books, web videos and a child-friendly web browser are all included as part of your free subscription to Amazon Kids+ Media streaming with Amazon Prime Video installed by default Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub, SkyGo and Disney+ available from the Amazon App Store on an adult profile Kindle e-reader and access to the Kindle Store, plus Kindle Unlimited (for an extra fee) Child-friendly Audible audiobooks on the Kids profile or the full catalogue on an adult profile Show Mode turns the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition into an Echo Show when using an adult profile, complete with Alexa Skills Alexa built-in means you can use the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition to control Echo, plus other compatible smart devices, using your voice or the Alexa app Skip to the deals How much is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition? The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition price, when bought directly from Amazon, is as follows: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition 32GB storage: £139.99 Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition 32GB storage with BuddyPhones headset: £179.98 (for ages 3-7) and £174.98 (8-15) This price includes a year’s Amazon Kids+ subscription worth £79 (£49 for Amazon Prime members). You can also buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition from the following places: Currys: £140 AO.com: £139 You can sign up for Amazon Prime for a 30-day free trial, after which it costs £7.99 a month. Is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition good value for money? On paper, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition seems expensive. Especially compared to the standard £90 Fire HD 8 and £110 Fire HD 8 Plus. Of course, it’s far cheaper than the £400 iPad Mini, as an example, but £140 is still an investment. In this instance, though, we feel it’s an investment worth making. When you add in all the extras, you’re getting a decent deal. The Fire HD 8 is £89.99; a shock-proof case is around £15; a year’s Amazon Kids+ subscription is, at best, £49 if you already pay for Prime. This takes the total to £154 – a saving of £14. Not huge, but it’s not quite the price difference it first seems. What’s almost priceless, though, is the fact that Amazon has taken a lot of the hassle out of setting up child profiles and navigating through parental controls on multiple apps. You’re also paying for the peace of mind that if it breaks, you’ll get a replacement for free. Adding to this is the fact you can set up multiple profiles on the tablet. This means it can become a family tablet – with a protected adult profile and access to standard apps, alongside the kid-friendly software features. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition features While the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition's hardware specifications are identical to the original HD 8, the software couldn’t look and feel further from it. The Kids Edition runs on a child-friendly version of the original’s Fire OS, which is a take on Android. The small homepage icons and dark colour scheme of the regular version have been replaced by brightly coloured pages and large thumbnails on the Kids Edition. The Recent Apps button has been dropped from the on-screen menu, while a Parents menu has been added in the bottom left-hand corner. Your child’s name and preferred colour scheme are shown on the home page, and you can swipe through to select Games and Apps, Shows, Educational Apps, and more. The most recently watched shows or apps are also shown, allowing your little one to jump straight back into what they were doing last time. The on-screen Home and Back buttons disappear as soon as any app or show is selected to avoid distracting your child or being knocked by accident. The extra money you pay for the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition secures you a year’s free access to Amazon Kids+, and we cannot stress enough how fantastic this service is. It contains all of our toddler’s favourite shows – Peppa Pig, Mister Maker, The Gruffalo, PJ Masks – and various other mainstream, plus more niche titles. All perfectly aimed at younger children. Not only does this make it incredibly easy for children to search, browse and select their shows, it means you don’t have to jump from Disney+ to Netflix to BBC iPlayer and so on, like you do on the standard Amazon Fire HD 8 or other tablets. There are then books your child can read, or that can be read to them, National Geographic collections, games, packs based on various kids’ interests such as cars, dinosaurs, animals and so on. There is even a child-friendly browser that has parental controls and restrictions in place by default. One downside – or an upside, depending on your view – is that the Amazon App Store does not support Google’s suite of apps. This includes YouTube and YouTube Kids. If your children are avid YouTube fans, this may not be the tablet for them. It is possible to watch YouTube via the web browser if need be. However, if you’re trying to wean them off watching hundreds of videos of other children opening Kinder Eggs, then this may be a major positive. Another more significant complaint is that many of the apps and games were too advanced for our toddler. Amazon says that the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is suitable for ages three and up, yet all the games and apps are pretty much lumped together and aren’t categorised by age. Our toddler would often click on games appropriate for his age, in terms of content, but too advanced in terms of controls. This led to quite a few frustrations. On the iPad Mini, he’s learned to press the physical Home button to go back to the main menu. He then selects which app he wants. The disappearing Home button on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition meant he was shouting for us every few minutes because he’d got bored of the app he was on and couldn’t get out of it. Considering we use a tablet to keep him amused because we need to get on with cooking, or while we’re cleaning up the mess from a recent arts and craft session, this defeated the point somewhat. A major plus point in the Kids Edition’s favour is that you can add multiple profiles, including a profile for yourself. Once you’ve enabled an adult profile, you get the full functionality of the Fire HD 8. This includes Show Mode. Show Mode is the standout feature for us in the 2020 versions of the Fire HD range. Rather than paying extra for an Echo Show 8, simply ask Alexa to enable Show Mode on your Fire HD 8 Kids Edition (with an adult profile selected), and you have a fully-fledged alternative. Show Mode gives you the full-screen Alexa experience. You can use it in your kitchen to get step-by-step recipes, see weather and news headlines from a distance, catch up on your favourite shows hands-free (in the bath, for instance), make video calls and add to your Amazon shopping list. Plus much more. What’s more, because the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition comes with a case and a stand, you don’t have to prop it up against something or pay extra for a dock – like you do with the HD 8 and HD 8 Plus. We should warn you, though, if you’re using it in Show Mode in the same vicinity as any other Alexa-enabled devices when you shout “Alexa”, they’ll all kick in. Eager to come to your assistance. This can get confusing! Skip to the deals Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition screen and sound quality In our Amazon Fire HD 8, and HD 8 Plus reviews, we marked the tablets down slightly because the screens weren’t quite Full HD quality. They fall short of the technical definition of full HD by around 1 million pixels, and they only just qualify officially as HD. When judging the same screen, with the same resolution, on the Kids Edition, this dip in quality feels less important. As adults, many of us are used to 4K screens, but our toddler doesn't know the difference. Even our 10-year-old barely flinched at the fact that the display didn’t match up to our TV's quality. If anything, the quality – considering this is a tablet aimed at kids – feels more than adequate for what it’s being used for. Like on its “adult” sibling tablets, there are areas where the low definition is visible, on smaller icons and notifications particularly. Yet because the software is deliberately bright and colourful, and the buttons are all larger, this is less of an issue on the Kids Edition. The screen is highly reflective, though, which can create some problems. Not to mention the fact it shows up all of your child’s many sticky fingerprints. Thanks to the partnership with Dolby Atmos, the quality of sound that comes out of the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition’s dual speakers is decent. It’s not super loud, but this is a good thing for little ears. At full volume, the sound can become a little tinny on certain games and shows, but the speakers do a good job of making voices sound clear when audiobooks are being read out loud. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition design As the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition has the same overall design as the Fire HD 8 and HD 8 Plus, our critique is the same. It’s basic and looks cheap. This is due to its large bezel, chunky shape and size, rounded corners, and plastic casing. However, with the Kids Edition case attached, you don’t see any of this. It looks cheap and chunky, but then it’s meant to. The shock-proof kid-friendly case is overly big, but that’s deliberate. It’s designed to protect the tablet and make it easy for small hands to grab hold of. The volume controls aren’t easy to access because the case is so thick, but again we imagine that’s deliberate. To keep them out of reach of young users. Plus, the robustness and thickness of the case mean the balancing issues we had with the regular HD 8 models is no longer an issue. Moving onto the ports on the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, there’s a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, perfect for Amazon’s BuddyPhones headset, a USB-C charging port and a microphone. Skip to the deals Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition set-up The step-by-step guide on the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is straightforward to follow, and you can get multiple profiles added in minutes. You don’t need to set up individual Amazon accounts for your kids; they can just be added to yours. If you've been bought the tablet as a gift and don’t already have an Amazon account, you’ll need to set one up, but even this can be done via the guide. Unlike on the original HD 8 tablets, you don’t need to wade through a series of promotional messages and notices for Amazon’s services. Nor are you met with a host of pre-installed Amazon apps or ads when enabling a kid’s profile. The overriding benefit of buying this tablet for your kids is that you can rest assured, out of the box, this tablet will entertain your children safely and securely without you ever having to tweak and mess with various parental controls. You can, of course, edit these controls in Settings and via the Amazon Parent Dashboard, but if you don’t want to, or you don’t know how they’re protected as standard. Speaking of the parent dashboard, this is a great little app that lets you monitor usage and control screen time remotely, all with a very simple user interface. You can access it via the Amazon Kids+ app on your phone or via your online Amazon account. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition battery life and performance Amazon promises a battery life of 12 hours and, in our looping video test (in which we play an HD video on repeat at 70% brightness and with aeroplane mode enabled), the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition took 10 hours 2 minutes to go from full charge to flat. This is lower than what Amazon promises and three hours lower than the battery life on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus. However, even though the tablet shares hardware specs with the original Fire HD 8, the Kids Edition battery lasted around an hour longer. When using the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition for everyday tasks – playing a PJ Masks racing game, watching The Gruffalo (for the umpteenth time), helping Mister Maker draw shapes – the tablet lasted days. Literally. It only died by the end of day three. The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is seemingly running apps and games that are less power-hungry and intense than those used on the standard models, which is reflected in the battery life. Performance-wise, though, the HD 8 Kids Edition is less impressive. It’s as sluggish as its siblings and even more so when you switch between profiles and enable Show Mode. It works fine once enabled, but getting there can feel like a slog. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. Our verdict: should you buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition? Before we started writing this Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review, we weren’t sure why anyone would buy a tablet aimed specifically at children in this way. Especially not when it costs substantially more than “adult” tablets with identical hardware specs. Yet, just like we backtracked on our toddler ever using a tablet, we’ve backtracked on this. You get the best of all worlds with the Kids Edition – minimal hassle and worry about what your kids are watching, minimal stress about them breaking it, maximum value for money. For £149, you’re effectively getting an Amazon Fire HD 8 (£89.99), a case (£15), an Echo Show 8 (£120) and a year of Amazon Kids+ (£79) – a bundle of products and services that would set you back more £300 if bought separately. Plus, you can’t put a price on being able to drink a hot cup of tea while they amuse themselves for five minutes. Interestingly, all the points we marked the HD 8 and HD 8 Plus down for don’t seem as relevant or as bad on the Kids Edition. It’s not perfect, but the things we’d change are very minor, and given how our toddler has taken to the tablet, he wouldn’t change a thing. Rating: Features: 5/5 Screen and sound quality: 3/5 Design: 4/5 Set-up: 5/5 Battery life and performance: 3/5 Overall rating: 4.3/5 Where to buy Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Buy from Amazon Buy from Currys Buy from AO.com Latest Prices Still comparing tablets? Read our Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus review or our best Android tablet guide. Searching for a tech or tablet deal?
With 4K streaming, Roku Premiere has a lot to offer at a very affordable price.
Having been making smart TV devices for over a decade, Roku pride themselves on making easy-to-use media players that deliver quality streaming at an affordable price. It seems the American company must be doing something right because it is now on its eighth generation of products and has over 30.5 million users worldwide. The Roku Premiere is one of the brand’s streaming devices on sale in the UK, along with the cheaper Roku Express, and the more comprehensive Roku Streaming Stick+. As the mid-range device, the Roku Premiere offers HD, 4K and HDR streaming of live TV along with access to streaming and catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, UKTV Play, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video - all for under £35. On the subject of Disney+, you may be interested to hear that a new channel, Star on Disney Plus, has launched on the platform, one that isn't targeted at a family audience. Check out our lists of Disney Plus Star shows and Disney Plus Star movies to find out what you can expect. A streaming stick or streaming player like the Roku Premiere is a fantastic option for those looking to make an old TV “smarter” or are new to streaming more generally. In addition to offering all the above apps, Roku Premiere also allows users to cast music and photos to their TV, has a simple interface and an even simpler set-up. But, does the affordable price mean users are compromising on quality? Or, does the Roku really deliver on all fronts? Here’s why we think the Roku Premiere is one of the best value smart TV devices available right now. Not sure which smart TV device to buy? Read our Amazon Fire TV Stick review and Amazon Fire TV Cube review. Jump to: Summary What is Roku Premiere? How much is Roku Premiere? Design Streaming quality Roku Premiere set-up Difference between Roku Premiere and Roku Express Our verdict Where to buy Roku Premiere review: summary Roku brand themselves as providing quality streaming players at a lower cost - and that is certainly what Roku Premiere delivers. The media player streams in HD, 4K and HDR, has a quick set-up, easy-to-use interface, and offers almost any app, channel or catch-up service you could possibly want. A decent streaming player that is good quality, affordable, and simple to navigate. Price: The Roku Premiere is available for £34 from Amazon Key features: Streams in HD, 4K and HDR Watch live TV along with all the major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video Use voice search and cast music and photos to your TV Private Listening mode streams audio to your phone and allows you to listen via your headphones Free extra remote with the Roku mobile app Pros: Good value for money Simple and quick set-up Small and inconspicuous media player Great choice of channels and apps Easy to use Roku mobile app Private Listening mode allows you to watch TV anytime of day without disrupting others Cons: Remote has to be within line of sight of media player Lack of power and volume buttons on remote What is Roku Premiere? Having first been developed in collaboration with Netflix back in 2008, Roku now has a line of three low-cost media players available in the UK. Roku Premiere is the company’s mid-range media player that offers HD, 4K and HDR streaming of live TV along with apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. What does Roku Premiere do? Roku Premiere allows those without a smart TV to watch streaming services. The media player has access to over 150,000 movies and TV episodes, as well as numerous music, sport and entertainment apps. Offers streaming in HD, 4K and HDR Ability to watch live TV along with streaming services like Netflix, NOW TV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video Cast music, videos and photos to your TV Private Listening mode (via Roku app) so that you can listen to your TV audio through your headphones How much is Roku Premiere? The Roku Premiere offers HD, 4K and HDR streaming for £34 and is available on Amazon. It also has a cheaper counterpart Roku Express, which costs £24.99 and just has HD streaming capabilities. For a more detailed breakdown of Roku pricing - and the media players on offer - take a look at our guide to Roku’s cost and what you get for your money. Is Roku Premiere good value for money? In our opinion, Roku Premiere is great value for money for those looking for a more neutral offering than that of an Amazon Fire Stick or NOW TV Stick. The low cost means that the interface is simple but user-friendly, the remote is light but feels robust, and the streaming quality is decent. A fantastic option for first-time streamers or those looking to get a little bit more out of an older (non-smart) TV. Read our Roku vs Fire TV Stick guide to see how the Roku Premiere fares in a head-to-head battle with Amazon's original Fire TV Stick. Roku Premiere design Barely bigger than a fun-size bar of chocolate, the Roku Premiere is small, sleek and inconspicuous. It weighs less than 40g, too, so will easily sit on top of your TV with help from the adhesive strip provided, or can just perch below the screen. The accompanying remote is simple, with only 11 buttons in total, including arrows for navigating, channel shortcuts, a pause/play button and a home button. The only minor irk was that there was no volume or on/off buttons. However, we suggest taking advantage of the Roku mobile app (Android/iOS) because a remote is built-in. Not only does this give you an extra remote, but the keyboard makes typing much easier, it works outside of the direct line of sight, and there are additional features such as voice search. Style: The media player is a small, black, rectangular box with rounded edges and the Roku logo embossed into the top. The remote is also black but with purple accents and fits neatly into your hand. Robustness: Both, the media player and the remote, feel ultra light but sturdy. The remote’s rubber buttons have a good click and feel like they will last. Roku even suggests taking the streaming player on holiday with you and we have no concerns about any knocks it may encounter during that journey. Size: The Roku Premiere measures 3.5 x 8.4 x 1.8 cm and will easily perch on top of the TV or on any media unit. Roku Premiere streaming quality With Roku media players often being marketed as low-cost, it is bound to bring up some concerns about the streaming quality. However, we have found the Roku Premiere has provided consistently good streaming quality in HD and 4K. For more information about Ultra HD television, don't miss our what is a 4K TV article. The media player responds immediately to the remote - and the Roku app remote - without any lag. For audio, Roku Premiere does support Dolby, digital stereo and DTS, though the Roku remote does not have volume buttons so this has to be adjusted via your usual TV remote. It does not offer Dolby Vision or HDR10+, which the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K does, instead it is the industry-standard of HDR10. However, the Roku Premiere is priced £15 cheaper than the 4K version of the Amazon Fire Stick so we feel this is reflected in the price and still makes the Roku Premiere one of the best streaming sticks on the market. It is worth noting that the streaming quality largely depends on your TV. The media player is designed to optimise the picture quality of your TV to ensure that there is always sharp resolution and rich colour - and it does a pretty good job at it, too. Most TVs available online today do provide 4K resolution or higher but it is something worth checking before purchasing any media player or smart TV stick. If your TV is slightly older it may not have 4K resolution and this will limit your ability to get the crisp picture quality that the Roku Premiere is capable of. If this is the case, we’d suggest saving some money and purchasing the Roku Express, which offers all the same features but with only HD streaming. Roku Premiere set-up Set-up for the Roku Premiere was simple and took less than 10 minutes in total. Everything you need to get started is in the box including a HDMI cable, USB power cable (and adaptor) and two AAA batteries for the remote. Once everything is out of the box, the whole process is relatively intuitive, with detailed diagrams as well as written instructions. Once the media player is connected, it will prompt you to create a Roku account. This is by far the most time-consuming element of the set-up and it still only took five minutes maximum. Past this step, all you have to do is choose which channels you would like to add to your interface - though you can, of course, add to this at any time - and you’re all set. However, we would suggest taking an extra five more minutes to download the Roku mobile app. It’s free, and doubles up as a remote. Not only does this remote work outside of the line of sight of the TV but the app keyboard is also so much easier to use than the one built into the interface. The app also features additional extras such as Private Listening mode, which allows you to listen to your TV audio via headphones through the Roku app. This means you can watch the TV anytime without disturbing anyone else in the house. A fantastic feature if you’re a night owl or work unconventional hours. What is the difference between Roku Premiere and Roku Express? The Roku Premiere has only two main differences with its cheaper counterpart, the Roku Express. First, is the price. At £24.99, the Roku Express is almost £10 cheaper than the Premiere media player. The second, is its streaming capabilities. The Roku Express only provides HD streaming, while HD and 4K are available with the Premiere. 4K is higher resolution and therefore, the image quality should be significantly better. So, if you are fortunate enough to have a 4K TV, we suggest getting the Roku Premiere to make the most of it. The only other difference worth mentioning is that the Roku Express is slightly wider than the Premiere media player. However, it is still lightweight, small and will easily blend into any TV set-up. Beyond this, the two devices provide access to the apps, channels and catch-up services, the remotes are the exact same and they use the same easy-to-navigate interface. When we take this a step further and compare Roku Premiere to its competitors, it is hard to see how it can be beaten on value for money. For example, while the NOW TV Smart Stick has a cheaper starting price, a lot of the content available requires a monthly subscription and these costs can quickly add up. On the other hand, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K does have a few additional features that the Roku Premiere does not. These include supporting the higher spec HDR10+, and being Alexa-compatible allowing you to complete daily tasks such as check the weather or write shopping lists from your TV. However, to get the most out of all the Amazon Fire TV Stick’s features, you need to be an Amazon Prime Member and have a number of Alexa-compatible devices to connect to. Again, this all has an additional cost and can get pretty expensive fast. Our verdict: Should you buy Roku Premiere? The Roku Premiere is one of the most competitively priced streaming devices on the market. The range of apps, channels and catch-up services is near unbeatable, and well thought out features such as the Private Listening mode, make the Roku Premiere feel more expensive than it is. This, in addition to a good HD and 4K streaming quality, easy-to-use interface and a well-designed app, means that the Roku Premiere is brilliant value for money. We would particularly recommend this media player for first-time streamers or those looking to upgrade an older, or non-smart, TV without spending a lot. Design: 4/5 Streaming quality: 4/5 Value for money: 5/5 Ease of set-up: 5/5 Overall rating: 4.5/5 Where to buy Roku Premiere The Roku Premiere is available from Amazon. £34 at Amazon Thinking of upgrading your TV? Be sure to check out our best smart TV guide for buying advice and our tried-and-tested recommendations.
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro crams 4K streaming and PC gaming into one device.
Nvidia may be best known for its graphics processing units popular with gamers, but the brand also has its own range of streaming devices. The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the brand's premium 4K streaming player that combines access to on-demand services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix and the ability to play games like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us and Rocket League. But at £178.99, is the streaming device worth the price? We put the Nvidia Shield TV Pro to the test to find out. In this Nvidia Shield TV Pro review, we break down all the streaming device's key features from 4K streaming and AI upscaling to everything the brand's cloud gaming service GeForce Now offers. And, here is why we think the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is one of the best streaming devices you can buy right now. Want to know how the Nvidia Shield TV Pro compares? Read our Roku Express 4K review and Chromecast with Google TV review. Jump to: Nvidia Shield TV Pro review: summary What is Nvidia Shield TV Pro? How much is Nvidia Shield TV Pro? Design Streaming quality Gaming features Nvidia Shield TV Pro set-up Difference between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Amazon Fire TV Cube Our verdict Where to buy Nvidia Shield TV Pro review: summary The experience of using the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is seamless. Offering a lot more 'oomph' than a basic streaming stick, apps are quick to load on the Nvidia device, the homepage is easy to navigate, and Google Assistant is built-in. However, the selling point is GeForce Now, the brand's cloud gaming service, and the AI upscaling that takes video from HD to 4K. Unique to Nvidia, the AI upscaling works in real-time to upgrade video for a crisper image and enhance finer background details – and it does a good job at it, too. The only minor qualm we have is that we can't help but wish that a shield controller was included in the package, but this is lessened somewhat by the fact that Xbox and PlayStation controllers also work with the Nvidia device. At £178.99, the Nvidia streaming player won't be within everyone's budget, but if you can afford it, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is one of the best streaming devices you can buy. Price: The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is available from £178.99 at Amazon, Curry's and Very. Key features: 4K streaming Chromecast built-in AI upscaling to boost video from HD to 4K Dolby Atmos GeForce Now cloud gaming service Pros: 4K streaming AI video upscaling from HD to 4K Chromecast built-in Market-leading gaming features Cons: Shield controller sold separately What is Nvidia Shield TV Pro? The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the brand's premium streaming device. Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, the Shield TV Pro's set-up is a little more sophisticated than the entry-level streaming sticks, including the likes of the Roku Express and Fire TV Stick Lite. The brand currently has two streaming devices; the Nvidia Shield TV Pro and the cheaper Nvidia Shield TV. What does Nvidia Shield TV Pro do? Released just over a year ago, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers 4K streaming and gives you access to apps including Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, YouTube, Deezer and Twitch. Alongside these streaming capabilities, the streaming device also features GeForce Now, allowing you to play games such as Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on the TV. 4K streaming Chromecast built-in AI upscaling to boost video from HD to 4K Dolby Atmos GeForce Now cloud gaming service How much is Nvidia Shield TV Pro? The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is available from £178.99 at Amazon, Curry's and Very. undefined Is Nvidia Shield TV Pro good value for money? The Nvidia Shield TV Pro may be one of the more premium streaming devices, but that doesn't mean it's not good value for money. It is more powerful than the traditional streaming sticks, provides 4K streaming and, as it's an Android-powered device, there's a great range of apps to take advantage of. Even when compared to similarly priced devices like the new Apple TV 4K, the Shield TV Pro has a lot to offer and provides the most comprehensive gaming experience of any streaming player in the form of GeForce Now. Unique to Nvidia, the cloud gaming service connects to digital PC game stores so you can stream your own library of games on the TV. With such a broad range of features – executed to a high quality – there's no doubt that the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is brilliant value for money. Nvidia Shield TV Pro design Considering how powerful the streaming device is, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is surprisingly small. The streaming player is tall and slender, measuring 15.9cm x 9.8cm x 2.6cm (H x W x D). The black device comes with green accent details and features an HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports and an ethernet port down the side. The streaming player comes with a remote control. Rather than being the typical rectangular shape, the remote is a triangular prism. The remote is pretty comprehensive and includes a Netflix shortcut button, a mute button, a navigation wheel and a button to activate voice control via Google Assistant. However, while Google Assistant is built-in, the Shield TV Pro also works with Alexa to work with both Alexa compatible devices and Google Home accessories. It also has IR control built-in so that it can be used to turn on/off or control the volume of the TV. Style: The sleek design means that the Nvidia Shield TV Pro should fit into any TV set-up without being an eye-sore, and it's small enough not to draw attention away from the screen. Robustness: To stop the streaming device from being accidentally knocked over, you can buy a stand for it, but it is sold separately. The Nvidia Shield TV Pro can stand up without it, but it is a little unstable. Size: The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is approximately the size of an A5 notebook. It's small and slender so you won't have to clear a lot of room on your TV unit for it. Nvidia Shield TV Pro streaming quality Along with a promise of 4K HDR streaming, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro also supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. There's no lag when switching between the homepage and apps and no buffering during TV series or movies, either. The picture quality is bright and crisp, helped by AI upscaling that will automatically enhance video from HD to 4K quality in real-time. Activated by a slider, AI upscaling can be easily switched on or off with an immediate difference. It's worth mentioning, though, that it won't work on everything. Anything you're watching needs to be 1080p (HD) or below for you to see the benefits, and you won't see any improvements on any picture quality above this. On the odd occasion, it can look a little artificial. However, for the vast majority of the time, the changes are subtle and just add a crispness to video that would have otherwise looked soft. There's no doubt it's a great addition that noticeably improves the TV-watching experience. Nvidia Shield TV Pro gaming features If you're considering buying the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, it is likely that it's gaming possibilities that have piqued your interest. The built-in GeForce Now cloud service is what elevates this streaming device into its own league. While most streaming devices primary function is to facilitate you watching streaming services such as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix on a 'non-smart' TV, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro does that and goes beyond. GeForce Now gives you access to PC games without the need for a gaming PC. There are over 800 games available on the service, including the likes of Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, Watch Dog Legion and Rocket League, with new games added every Thursday. By linking up your accounts, GeForce Now will also give you access to games you already own on Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect and GOG. The AI upscaling function can also be applied to gameplay to enhance the image in real-time up to 4K quality. Naturally, the streaming quality will largely depend on your internet speed, but games should play smoothly if you have a strong connection. We found the AI upscaling to exactly what it promised – with image quality improved in real-time. The effect it had on gameplay was similar to that it had on TV and was most effective at sharpening up far-off details, taking away some of the fuzziness you sometimes get in the background. To make the most of the cloud gaming service, you might want to consider paying for a Priority Membership for £8.99 a month. This will give you priority access to gaming servers and the option to play extended gaming sessions. There is a free membership for those who'd rather not pay; it just comes with the limitation of 1-hour gaming sessions and standard access to servers. Nvidia Shield TV Pro set-up: how easy is it to use? Setting up the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is simple. Once out of the box, the streaming device plugs into the TV's HDMI port and what follows is the typical flow of log-ins and Wi-Fi passwords. A small note; an HDMI cable isn't supplied with the streaming device, so it will need to be bought separately. Two AAA batteries are included, though, which is always welcome. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, and the most time-consuming element is remembering all your passwords for various apps and streaming services. Apps are front-and-centre on the homepage making it easy to navigate. If you have used any other Android-based TV devices, it should look relatively familiar. However, the benefit of Google Assistant built-in is that, if you prefer, voice control can also be used to search the homepage. This can often be useful if you're struggling to find a specific app or TV show and don't feel like scrolling. To activate Google Assistant, hold down the 'mic' button on the remote. The Nvidia Shield TV Pro has a 16GB storage capacity. It's a decent, if not a massive amount, but it's on par with competition as the Amazon Fire TV Cube also offers 16GB of storage. What is the difference between Nvidia Shield TV Pro and Amazon Fire TV Cube? The Nvidia Shield TV Pro has some fierce competition from the likes of Google, Apple and Amazon when it comes to streaming devices – no more so than from Amazon's premium streaming player, the Amazon Fire TV Cube. At £109.99, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is the brand's most powerful and sophisticated streaming device. Compared to the standard Amazon Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Cube also comes with more comprehensive voice control via Alexa, typically only found with Amazon Echo speakers. Like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, the Fire TV Cube also provides 4K streaming and access to various streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube and BBC iPlayer. Choosing between the Nvidia Shield TV Pro will largely come down to two factors; how many Amazon subscriptions you have and whether you intend to use the streaming device for gaming. The Amazon Fire TV Cube is far more suited to provide quick and easy access to everything from Amazon Prime Video to Amazon Music Unlimited. However, if you want 4K streaming and gaming in the same place, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best streaming device for you. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. Our verdict: should you buy Nvidia Shield TV Pro? With the Shield TV Pro, Nvidia has delivered a streaming player that offers more than just access to on-demand apps and streaming services. The streaming device is jam-packed with everything you could want from such a product, including 4K streaming, Dolby Atmos, and built-in Google Assistant. The homepage is user-friendly and easy to navigate – made even easier by the ability to voice search it. However, while executed brilliant thanks to the powerful NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, these aren't the selling points of the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. The best-selling point of this streaming player is GeForce Now. Making it hands-down the best streaming device for games, the cloud gaming service gives you access to over 800 games in a relatively painless manner. This comes with the caveat that you do need decent internet and either the use of your own controllers or face buying a Shield controller separately, to make the most of its gaming features. And yes, it does come at a slightly higher price point, but we think it is more than worth it for what the Nvidia Shield TV Pro delivers. If you want a streaming device that delivers more than the basics, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the one for you. Our rating: Design: 5/5 Streaming quality: 5/5 Gaming features: 4.5/5 Ease of set-up: 4/5 Value for money: 4/5 Overall: 4.5/5 Where to buy Nvidia Shield TV Pro The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is available from a number of retailers. £178.99 at Amazon £179.99 at Very £179 at Curry's undefined Looking to upgrade your TV? Try our best TV to buy guide for some advice on where to get started. And, head to the Technology section for more reviews.
A much needed upgrade on the Google Chromecast Ultra.
Released late last year, the Chromecast with Google TV is the brand's latest smart TV device. Available in three colourways – white, coral and blue – the device's design is a sleeker take on the traditional, round Chromecast, but the improvements are internal, too. Serving as a replacement for the old Chromecast Ultra, the Chromecast with Google TV offers 4K streaming, voice control via Google Assistant and the new addition of a remote. Unlike the standard Google Chromecast, the new streaming device does not rely on you choosing content to cast. Instead, there is a Google TV homepage where you can find all the typical apps, including Spotify, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, pre-installed and ready to use. This new and improved streaming stick is more similar to what we are used to seeing from that of the NOW TV Smart Stick or Amazon Fire TV Stick, so we put it to the test to see how it compares. The streaming quality, voice recognition technology and design were all assessed alongside how easy the Chromecast with Google TV was to set up and how user-friendly the interface was to use daily. All this is considered against its price for us to decide whether its good value or not. So, it is worth spending £59 on the Chromecast with Google TV? Or do you get better value for money with the £20 cheaper Roku Premiere? The former is definitely more stylish, and here's why we think Google's multi-room technology makes it the perfect companion to the Google Nest Audio smart speaker. To find out more about the Chromecast's competition, read our Amazon Fire TV Stick review, Nvidia Shield TV Pro review and Amazon Fire TV Cube review. Or, check out our best streaming stick guide for a full rundown of our top-rated smart TV sticks. Jump to: Summary What is Chromecast with Google TV? How much is Chromecast with Google TV? Design Streaming quality Chromecast with Google TV set-up Difference between Google Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV Our verdict Where to buy Chromecast with Google TV review: summary With a new voice remote powered by Google Assistant, Chromecast with Google TV is a decent step up from its predecessor, the Google Chromecast Ultra. The voice remote has only 10 buttons, including shortcuts to Netflix and YouTube, a home button, a power button and volume buttons. It streams in 4K HDR and delivers a bright and sharp image. Price: The Chromecast with Google TV is available for £59.99 at John Lewis. Key features: Offers 4K HDR streaming Voice control via remote Access to apps and channels including YouTube, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Spotify Cast phone screen, photos and music to the TV Pros: Plugs into HDMI port and remains hidden behind the TV Good choice of streaming services and apps Supports Dolby Atmos and Vision Batteries and power cable/adaptor included Three colourways available Cons: No pause/play button on remote What is Chromecast with Google TV? The Chromecast with Google TV is one of two streaming devices created by Google. The Google Chromecast is the brand's original device, and the Chromecast with Google TV was brought in last year to replace the Chromecast Ultra. The Chromecast with Google TV is the more expensive of the two and is the only one to offer 4K streaming. Powered by Google Assistant, the voice control on the Chromecast with Google TV is much more comprehensive and is done through the voice button on the new remote. To find out more about how this new device compares to the old Chromecast Ultra, read our Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra guide. What does Chromecast with Google TV do? The Chromecast with Google TV gives you access to more than 400,000 films and TV shows, along with entertainment apps such as YouTube, Spotify and Deezer. Unlike the original Google Chromecast, it doesn't require you to cast from a secondary device such as your smartphone; instead, all the apps can be download straight to the Google TV homepage. This gives you one central location to view all your subscriptions and pick a TV show or movie to watch. Supports streaming in 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Atmos Cast videos, photos and phone screen to TV Voice control via Google Assistant How much is Chromecast with Google TV? The Chromecast with Google TV is priced from £59 and is available at several retailers, including John Lewis, Currys PC World and Argos. Is Chromecast with Google TV good value for money? At just under £6o, the Chromecast with Google TV is a good, mid-range option. Prices for 4K streaming sticks begin at around £39.99 for the Roku Premiere and can be upwards of £199.99 for more premium streaming devices like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. This device is on the more affordable end by that benchmark and offers a significantly more sophisticated set-up than its £30 counterpart, the Google Chromecast. Unlike the Chromecast with Google TV, the original device does not have its own interface; instead, it requires you to cast from apps on a secondary device like a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Compared to the Roku Premiere, one of the most obvious differences is that the Chromecast with Google TV is completely hidden from view when in use. A direct line of sight is required between the Roku Premiere streaming player and remote for it to work, so it needs to be placed on top of the TV stand or screen. While the Roku Premiere is small, some may prefer the more slick and out-of-sight design of the Chromecast with Google TV. Chromecast with Google TV design With a simple yet modern design, the Chromecast with Google TV plugs directly into the HDMI port and is hidden from view once in use. The accompanying remote comes in the same colour – in our case, white – is also simple and has a total of nine buttons. On the remote, you will find a Google Assistant button, shortcuts to Netflix and YouTube, and a mute button. One of the only major faults we could find with the Chromecast with Google TV was the lack of a play/pause button on the remote. Instead, the device requires you to use the navigation button at the top of the remote to press play on the TV display. It is hardly a make-or-break feature but can be a little fiddly. However, we found the Google Home app to be a brilliant companion to the streaming device. The app is extremely user-friendly and a great tool for managing settings quickly and efficiently. It is via the app that you can also cast your phone screen to share photos or videos with friends and family. Style: The Chromecast with Google TV is an oval-shaped device with a short, bendy HDMI cable. There are colour options of white, blue and coral available, and it is supplied with a small remote with rounded buttons and on each end. Robustness: Both the remote and streaming stick itself feel well made and unlikely to break if dropped. Size: Because it is not the traditional USB-style smart TV stick, it is a little bigger than the likes of the NOW TV Stick, but it is still completely hidden behind the TV once in use. Chromecast with Google TV streaming quality Paying a little extra for the Chromecast with Google TV means that you get 4K HDR streaming and support for Dolby Digital Plus and Vision. The picture was bright and sharp and had no problem with buffering during any videos, TV shows or films. For the price, we think you'll be hard-pressed to find better streaming quality. Google TV responded to the remote without any lag, and voice control was particularly useful when searching the homepage. Voice control is activated by holding down the Google Assistant button on the remote and found it quicker to use than scrolling through the homepage. However, the homepage is very user-friendly so, if you prefer to search manually, it is very intuitive. We particularly enjoyed how prominent YouTube was on the homepage. Because you sign into the Chromecast with Google TV with your Google account, you can also see a selection of new videos from your subscriptions on the homepage without having to log in to YouTube separately. This also allows you to click straight onto a video without searching out the YouTube app first, saving you time. Chromecast with Google TV set-up: how easy is it to use? Set-up for the Chromecast with Google TV can be done via the TV screen or the Google Home app. In both cases, the Chromecast with Google TV slots into the HDMI port in the back of your TV and you are prompted through the instructions. These include the usual of connecting to the Wi-Fi, signing into your Google account and choosing the apps you initially want at your disposal. More apps can be downloaded at any time from the App Store. Everything you need for this initial set-up is included in the box. This includes the streaming device, remote, power cable and adaptor and two AAA batteries. The process from opening the box to watching TV took less than 15 minutes. However, a good chunk of this time was taken up by updates and installing apps. We suggest making yourself a cup of tea while it does its thing, and it should be done when you get back. What is the difference between Chromecast with Google TV and Google Chromecast? The Chromecast with Google TV is Google's newest streaming device and replaces their previous 4K device, the Chromecast Ultra. The brand now has just two TV streaming sticks, the Chromecast with Google TV and the original Google Chromecast. The first difference you will likely notice is the price. At £59, the Chromecast with Google TV is a little more pricey than the £30 Chromecast. This price difference is reflected in the picture quality. While the Chromecast with Google TV streams in 4K, the Google Chromecast only offers HD streaming. The more expensive streaming device is also supplied with a remote, which is not available with the original Chromecast. This is because the new device has its own interface that does not require you to cast from a smartphone or tablet like the Google Chromecast set-up. The Google TV interface can also provide one homepage for all your apps, channels and subscriptions. To find out how this model compares to its older counterparts in more detail, head over to our Google Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra guide. Or, check out our Chromecast vs Fire TV Stick and Roku vs Fire TV Stick explainers to see how they compare. Our verdict: should you buy Chromecast with Google TV? The Chromecast with Google TV is by far the sleekest smart TV stick on offer. Its rounded design certainly looks the part and showcases itself as a more elevated version of older Chromecast devices. The improvements don't end there, either. As the first Chromecast device to come with its own fully-formed interface, the streaming device does not require you to cast from a secondary device like a smartphone. The result? A more effortless experience that allows you to switch from Disney+ to YouTube in no time with the remote or via Google Assistant with voice control. And because the Chromecast with Google TV offers 4K streaming, once you're watching a show, the picture is clear and crisp. We did find a couple of quirks with the voice control, but once we'd perfected Google Assistant's preferred commands or phrases, it worked without a hitch and was extremely responsive. The Chromecast with Google TV is a brilliant option for anyone looking to upgrade from their old Google Chromecast. It can also be used to make a multi-room system by connecting to the likes of the new Google Nest Audio or smaller Google Nest Mini, making it the perfect purchase if you're looking to expand your smart home devices. That doesn't mean we would rule it out for newbies to smart home devices, though. The Chromecast with Google TV is extremely user-friendly, making it a good choice for anyone looking to get 4K streaming for under £60. Design: 4/5 Streaming quality: 5/5 Ease of set-up: 4/5 Value for money: 3/5 Overall: 4/5 Where to buy Chromecast with Google TV Chromecast with Google TV is available at several retailers. £59 at John Lewis £59.99 at Currys PC World £59.99 at Argos Latest Deals For the latest tech news, guides and deals, check out the technology section. Looking to upgrade your TV setup? Head over to our best smart TV guide for advice on the best TV to buy.
Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? review: Hugh Laurie’s all-star caper is a delight
This unabashedly old-fashioned Agatha Christie adaptation is exactly what it needed to be.
For almost a decade now, Agatha Christie on the small screen has been taking a turn for the dark, the meditative and the experimental. Led deftly by screenwriter Sarah Phelps, we've seen gritty adaptations of lesser known stories such as The Pale Horse and Ordeal by Innocence - even Poirot became an obsolete, suffering outcast in The ABC Murders. These have been daring, risky adaptations and for the most part have received critical praise for their inventiveness. However... sometimes all you want from a Christie adaptation is a good old-fashioned caper, with quips, car chases and intrigue. Enter Hugh Laurie, who pulls triple-duty as writer, director and actor for BritBox's new series Why Didn't They Ask Evans?, an adaptation of the 1934 novel. Will Poulter stars as Bobby Jones, a vicar's son and former naval officer who happens upon a dying man at the bottom of a cliff. With his dying breath, the man asks a question - "Why didn't they ask Evans?" Cue a cross-country journey, undercover detective work and a shadowy conspiracy, as Bobby teams up with his old friend Frankie (Lucy Boynton) to discover how the man died and just what his final question alluded to. Poulter and Boynton make for a likeable, charming and dynamic double act, bouncing off each other with a natural chemistry. Bobby is loyal, reserved and noble, while Frankie is smart, excitable and witty. The pair are perfectly cast, as Poulter's performance betrays a toughness beneath his amiable disposition, while Boynton lights up every scene she's in with a sparkling, quick energy. Laurie's direction is competent and unobtrusive, with his acting background shining through as he allows the performances to take precedence over camera trickery or structural experimentation. That said, the series looks gorgeous, having been shot on location in Surrey and the Gower Peninsula during summer. The sight of sun-dappled cliffs and opulent country houses will never not be appealing, and combined with some excellent set-design and costuming, makes for an old-school visual treat. If there's one thing this series and Sir Kenneth Branagh's recent Death on the Nile have in common, it's that they both prove where Christie's novels are concerned, the stars will seemingly always come out to play. Here we have a supporting cast of big-name actors including Dame Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Paul Whitehouse, Conleth Hill and Laurie himself. It's an embarrassment of riches, particularly from a comedy standpoint, and with the stars placed in strategically small yet memorable roles, their appearances never detract from the story at large. Instead, Thompson, Broadbent and Whitehouse help to keep the tone light, while Hill and Laurie play into more dramatic and sinister developments. The series clips along at a well-judged pace, taking its time to develop the central relationship and character dynamics while also making sure there are enough thrills, spills and action beats to keep mystery fans engaged. And even if the resolution isn't the strongest from Christie's oeuvre (it's more an "ah" than a "what?!" and subsequent character beats feel somewhat rushed), the journey is the real highlight here, and viewers are unlikely to come away feeling short-changed. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? may not be particularly innovative or groundbreaking, but it didn't need to be. Instead it's a well-told story with an all-star cast on top form, gloriously lush costumes, set design and visuals and more than enough twists and turns to keep things engaging. If you're looking for a cosy evening in front of the TV, you could do a lot worse. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? is available on BritBox now – you can sign up for a 7-day free BritBox trial here. Check out our Drama hub for more news, interviews and features or find something to watch with our TV Guide. The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 isn't a huge departure from its predecessor, the S21. However, it's packed full of features and it looks great. We got hands-on with the new Samsung phone to see if it's worth your cash.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is set to be one of the stand-out phones of 2022. Fresh from the success and widespread popularity of the S21 range, Samsung finally let us get our hands on the new handset ahead of its imminent release. But is it worth your cash? We’ll be testing the new Samsung handset at length as soon as possible, but after a brief hands-on, the early signs are generally good. The phone is compact, with the smooth user experience we’ve come to expect from Samsung and a display that really pops. It's a relief that the initial signs are good too, as the S21 range consistently ranked among the best Android phones of the last generation. Released as part of the wider S22 range, the Samsung Galaxy S22 hits the market alongside the S22 Plus and S22 Ultra. It’s the most affordable handset in the range, but it still packs plenty of power and a fantastic line-up of features. Under the hood, the S22 looks pretty well equipped. It comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. In our brief hands-on it performed well, navigating between apps and features is easy and Android 12 – overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 4.1 – is all fairly intuitive. If you’re a Samsung user already, the phone will feel very familiar. So, with its UK release just around the corner, is the Samsung Galaxy S22 the ideal phone upgrade for you? Read on to hear all our findings from the hands-on event. If you are not sure which S22-series smartphone is best for you, be sure to read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S22 vs S22 Plus vs S22 Ultra comparison guide. Samsung Galaxy S22 release date The Samsung Galaxy S22 is available to purchase now, from a range of UK retailers and mobile providers. Shop S22 Series at Samsung Shop S22 Series at Currys Shop S22 Series at Virgin Media Shop S22 Series at Very Shop S22 Series at ID Mobile Shop S22 Series at EE Shop S22 Series at Vodafone For more on the wider Samsung Galaxy S22 family, take a look at our Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra hands-on review. How much is Samsung Galaxy S22? There are two storage options for the Samsung Galaxy S22 — either 128GB or 256GB of storage. They cost £769 and £819 respectively. If you like the S22 but have a slightly larger budget, the S22 Plus is a very similar handset with a few spec boosts. That's also available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, for £949 or £999. When we recently reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE — or 'Fan Edition' — one of our main criticisms was its price-point in the marketplace. The consistently impressive Google Pixel 6 compares well to most Android phones and costs just £599. It will be interesting to see how the S22 compares when we get our hands on one for further testing. Shop the Samsung Galaxy S22 now Samsung Galaxy S22 specs 6.1-inch AMOLED display 120Hz refresh rate 8GB RAM 128GB or 256GB of storage 3700mAh battery Wireless charging Android 12 and One UI 4.1 IP68 water resistance rating 50MP wide camera/12MP ultra-wide/ 10MP telephoto 10MP front camera 5G connectivity Samsung Galaxy S22 features The S22 basically seems as feature-packed as we expected. It’s got all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from this level of Samsung phone. Notably, that 8GB of RAM is sure to make for a smooth user experience and help the S22 make the most of its cameras. It's also compatible with 15W wireless charging, so you'll be able to make use of — increasingly common — wireless charging points and keep topped up. Elsewhere, they're basic features but the fingerprint sensor is always a good addition for security and the IP68 water rating means the phone is resistant to being submerged in water up to 1.5m deep for up to thirty minutes. We wouldn't really recommend testing this out yourself, but it's confident to know your phone is robust. Samsung Galaxy S22 camera The Galaxy S22 packs a triple-camera array on its reverse. The fairly hefty camera bump houses a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP telephoto camera, capable of 3x optical zoom. Typically the photo processing on Samsung phones makes for bright images where the colours really pop. In our brief hands-on with the S22, the camera was very easy to use and delivered that burst of contrast that we expected. There were a wealth of settings to play around with too and an impressively detailed 3x zoom feature. Solid camera performance was a hallmark of the S20 and S21 ranges — it looks like Samsung has delivered on this promise again and we can't wait to test this camera in-depth. Samsung Galaxy S22 design You can see the design roots of this phone at a glance and unsurprisingly, the look of the S22 isn’t a huge departure from the S21. It’s got nice rounded edges and a reverse camera bump, housing that potent three-camera array. In black or white, it looks fairly minimalist. There are also green and 'pink gold' colour options for the standard handset. As usual, the 6.1-inch base S22 is the smallest handset in the range, compared to the 6.6-inch Plus and the 6.8-inch Ultra. In terms of look and feel, size difference aside, the standard phone and the Plus are almost identical, while the Ultra looks, feels and works like something else entirely. We liked all three phones but there’s no disputing that the Ultra is a level or two above – as it should be. We like that Samsung has kept a relatively tight, small form-factor for the base S22 phone though, with so many brands offering larger handsets as standard. It’s nicely pocketable and easy to use with one hand. View Gallery on the source website Samsung Galaxy S22 battery life Unfortunately, our hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy wasn’t long enough to test the battery’s limits. When we get our hands on a review sample and undertake a full, rigorous test, then we’ll be sure to let you know how the battery life compares to its predecessor and its competitors. Notably, though, the S22 only has a 3700mAh battery. When we consider that there are plenty of handsets out there that cost less than half the price of the S22 but pack 5000mAh batteries, that might be a slight concern. However, we’ll hold off on rendering a full verdict until we’ve really put this battery through its paces. For example, the £159 Moto G9 Play packs an impressive 5000mAh battery. For more on this, take a look at our best Motorola phones article. How to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S22 The S22 is to purchase now from a wide range of UK retailers. Check out the links below for buying info and up to date pricing. Pre-order S22 Series at Samsung Pre-order S22 Series at Currys Pre-order S22 Series at Virgin Media Pre-order S22 Series at Very Pre-order S22 Series at ID Mobile Pre-order S22 Series at EE Pre-order S22 Series at Vodafone The Samsung Galaxy S22 is also available on contract from EE and Vodafone with additional extras such as Galaxy Buds Pro and Disney Plus included with some deals. For the latest news, reviews, and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section.
This tidy Panasonic 48-inch OLED TV certainly doesn’t downsize performance. It’s a premium 4K HDR screen certain to impress the most demanding of movie lovers. Auto AI image processing ensures excellent picture quality from all programme types, while top notch HDMI connectivity makes the most of next-gen games consoles. Time to dig a little deeper into this bijou belter… Jump to: Panasonic JZ980 summary What is the Panasonic JZ980? How much is the Panasonic JZ980? Panasonic JZ980 features Panasonic JZ980 design Panasonic JZ980 picture quality Panasonic JZ980 sound quality Our verdict Where to buy Panasonic 48-inch JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B) review: summary While we tend to like our OLED screens larger than life, we can make an exception for this diminutive diva. It’s compact enough to fit most any viewing space, but offers outstanding OLED image quality with beautiful contrast and rich colours. It also has a well-stocked smart TV hub, plus high-end connectivity options for demanding gamers. Price: £1,099 Key features: HCX Pro AI Processor My Home Screen smart platform Dolby Vision IQ Freeview Play Pros Auto AI picture mode Universal HDR format support Good streaming and Catch-Up TV options Cons A bit pricey for the screen size Only two HDMI inputs support High Frame Rate gaming You can buy the 48-inch Panasonic JZ980 from Argos for £1,099 What is the Panasonic JZ980? The Panasonic JZ980 is a 4k OLED HDR TV It uses Panasonic’s own My Home Screen smart TV platform In addition to regular HDR10 and HLG, it supports Dolby Vision IQ HDR and HDR10+ Adaptive formats Two of its four HDMI inputs can display high frame rate (HFR) games at 4k 120fps from a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console It works with Amazon Alexa and Google smart assistants Intelligent Sensing technology automatically adjusts picture quality to match available light in the room. A Freeview Play tuner ensures all main channel Catch-Up TV services are on board How much is the 48-inch JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B)? This 48-incher is widely available for £1,099. Additional screen sizes in the JZ980 range are 55 and 65 inches (TX-55JZ980B and TX-65JZ980B respectively), and these typically sell for £1,299 and £1,799. Although a bit on the pricey side, features and connectivity options can be considered suitably high-end. You can buy the 48-inch Panasonic JZ980 from Argos for £1,099 You can buy the 55-inch Panasonic JZ980 from Argos for £1,299 You can buy the 65-inch Panasonic JZ980 from AO for £1,799 Is the Panasonic TX-48JZ980B OLED TV good value for money? Considering all the leading edge technology is on board, we think the JZ980 can be considered a solid value buy. There are rival OLED flat-screens from the likes of LG and Philips which sell for less, but they can’t match this Panasonic offering when it comes to HDR format support, which is class leading. Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B) features The set’s feature spec is comprehensive. The JZ980 is built around Panasonic’s own smart hub. My Home Screen, which appears here in its sixth iteration. Much refined as a result, it’s an easy to use but powerful smart platform that’s big on customisation. Streaming options are plentiful. Freeview Play ensures the main channel Catch-Up players are built in, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and UKTVPlay. Key premium streaming apps are present too, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten TV, BritBox and Disney+. The set also works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa smart assistants, with smartphone mirroring courtesy of Chromecast. Panasonic TX-48JZ980B design and set-up As we’ve come to expect from Panasonic, the JZ980 is well made and boasts classic, classy lines. A dark grey micro bezel sits above two slot-in feet. With a less visible OLED panel than larger screen sizes (but the same electronics, speakers and inputs), it does seem a little chunky (at 67mm), but viewed square-on you’ll not notice. Connectivity is leading edge, with two of its four HDMI inputs supporting top end features like High Frame Rate 4k 120HZ video playback, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and eARC (for use with a soundbar). Computer gamers will appreciate that the TV is also AMD Freesync Premium certified, for smoother gameplay. There’s also ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) game mode support, so the set always jumps to the right setting when you power up your console. Gaming credentials extend to the set’s input lag performance, which is reassuringly low at 14.6ms (1080/60). Additional connectivity includes a trio of USB ports, a digital optical audio output and Ethernet to complement Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Setup is straightforward, with helpful on screen prompts. The slim remote control comes with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Rakuten TV, YouTube, Prime Video and Freeview Play. Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B) picture quality Image quality, even on this relatively small OLED screen, is massively impressive. Its pictures are deliciously filmic, with deep blacks, superb contrast and rich, vibrant colours. Panasonic is one of the few TV brands to offer comprehensive HDR format support. The JZ980 covers all the standards in use today - regular HDR, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ and HLG. Not that you need to understand this jargon. This automatically makes the most of any 4k HDR picture it receives. Both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive cleverly use the set’s on board sensor to adjust picture parameters to match the ambient lighting in your viewing room. Without such clever trickery, some HDR shows can just look a tad too dark when viewed in bright room conditions. The TV is able to maintain layers of detail and texture, no matter if you watch with all the lights off and a bucket of popcorn on your lap, or midway through a bright afternoon with tea and cake. Even industry standard Filmmaker Mode, included amongst the viewing presets, similarly boasts Intelligent Sensing, to give the picture more punch when required. The set also boasts a Netflix Calibrated mode, designed to present Netflix shows as their director intended. Key to the JZ980’s excellent detail and colour is Panasonic’s all-new HCX Pro AI Processor. It presents colours that are deep and striking, without being oversaturated. Disney+ animations, in particular, look superb. The set’s HDR performance can be considered better than average, with plenty of sparkle and believable picture depth. While there are a wide variety of image modes, you don’t actually need to worry too much about choosing the right one. The set’s Auto AI mode, powered by that HCX image engine, is smart enough to recognise content styles and adjust accordingly. Just select that as your default and you’re sorted. Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B) sound quality While the JZ980 has innovations aplenty on the picture side, its audio performance is a little more prosaic. Performance is constrained by the set’s two channel speaker arrangement, and 15W amplification. The good news is that it’s compatible with Dolby Atmos cinema-style audio, which can route that out of the TV using HDMI eARC from the likes of Netflix and Disney+, to a waiting compatible soundbar or sound system. Our verdict: should you buy the Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B)? While you’ll pay a price premium for its 48-inch screen size compared to a larger 55-inch model, if the form factor fits, the JZ980 can be considered a superb buy. Picture quality is outstanding, with beautifully judged colour reproduction, deep blacks with nuanced shadow detail, and punchy contrast. The fact that the JZ980 supports all flavours of HDR is a bonus. Its up-to-date HDMI connectivity also makes this a cracking display partner for any next-gen games console. Overall we rate this is a fab performer that’s as future-proof as you can buy right now. Design 5/5 Picture quality 5/5 Sound quality 3/5 Value for money 4/5 Where to buy the Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B) You can buy the 48-inch Panasonic JZ980 from Argos for £1,099 You can buy the 55-inch Panasonic JZ980 from Argos for £1,299 You can buy the 65-inch Panasonic JZ980 from AO for £1,799 For more product guides and reviews, head to the Technology section. Or, take a look at our best smart TV guide for help choosing a new TV.
Ooh... Barracuda! Is this snake-named Razer headset worth dropping a hundred quid for?
Trying to choose a gaming headset is a bit of a minefield these days as there are so many out there for you to choose from - and the number of companies making them is growing ever larger. One of the leading brands out there at the moment is Razer - who do more than just headsets - and one of their latest is the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset which is out now. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. We break down the ins and outs of the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset in our review so you can learn for yourselves whether it is one worth picking up, or if you would be better off looking elsewhere. Jump to: Razer Barracuda X gaming headset review: summary What is the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset? How much is the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset? Design Features Performance Razer Barracuda X gaming headset setup Our verdict Where to buy Razer Barracuda X gaming headset review: summary A very likeable gaming headset, the Razer Barracuda X is supremely comfortable and noticeably light in terms of how much it weighs. It has, over the last few months, become the primary headset that I keep on my desk for Zoom calls, Teams meetings and gaming sessions alike. It would've been great to see iPhone support and greater portability (the Barracuda X doesn't really fold up in a travel-friendly way), but still, that doesn't stop this from being a great headset for home. What is the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset? The Razer Barracuda X is a gaming headset that will work across a number of devices - mainly PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Android phones/tablets. Designed for comfort as well as power, this will give you surround sound while also keeping your ears nice and comfy as you play. The Razer Baraccuda X has wireless capabilities but it is not a Bluetooth headset - rather, it uses a special little dongle that you will need to plug into your console or device. If you don't want to faff around with the dongle, you can also plug in a 3mm audio jack cable (which comes included) and play in wired mode instead. How much is the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset? We've been taken aback by the cost of many headsets that seem to be getting pricier and pricier as time goes on. Happily, the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset retails at around £99 which is a fraction of the cost compared to many others. Plus, you might see a tidy deal from time to time - Amazon, for example, will sell you one for £55.99 at the time of writing! Razer Barracuda X gaming headset design In terms of design, the Barracuda X gaming headset is winningly subtle - rather than going over the top with flashing lights and streaks of shiny colours, this Razer product realises that many of us are looking for headsets that will do the job for both hardcore gaming sessions and important work calls. It's a sleek, simple design that makes this headset a very tempting purchase. The black version in particular looks ambiguous enough that your colleagues might think it's a normal work headset, not the secret gaming beast that it really is. And in another nice design touch, the microphone boom is easy to attach or detach, as is the 3mm audio cable that comes included, so you can tailor this headset to your needs on the fly. Razer Barracuda X gaming headset features The main feature advertised is the Razer Barracuda X's versatility, and that really does stand out - on a wireless level, it works wonderfully with PC and Android devices, and it also comes with a USB-C dongle that will connect it to your PS5 or Nintendo Switch. Plus, the 3mm audio jack allows you to connect it to pretty much any device that has a traditional audio port. One particularly fab feature is the memory foam cushioning on the ear cups - truly, gaming headsets rarely get any more comfortable than this! We would have liked to see some sort of foldaway capabilities to make this a bit easier to stick in your backpack, but that doesn't stop the Barracuda X from being a very strong choice. Another handy feature is the volume dial on the left earcup - without having to look away from your call or your game, you can roll this dial with a thumb or finger to change the audio level, which comes in very handy! Razer Barracuda X gaming headset performance We've been testing out the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset for quite a while now, and there really haven't been any problems to write home about. The audio is crystal clear, and it really does work with all the devices it claims to. We do wish it had iPhone and iPad support, but hey, you can't have everything in this life. Particularly impressive, in terms of performance, is the 3D audio surround sound on offer here - whichever device you're playing on, the Razer Barracuda X will deliver the goods straight into your ear holes. The audio quality never disappoints, and we particularly enjoyed being able to use one headset for almost all our work/gaming needs. If it did work with iPhones, it would pretty much be perfect! Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Razer Barracuda X gaming headset setup The simplest headsets to set up are the ones that come with a wireless dongle, so we were pleased to see that the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset has one included. All you need to do is plug the dongle into your device of choice and away you go - it doesn't get much simpler than that! Or if you're more of a wired person, just plug in the 3mm jack and you'll be all gravy. Our verdict: Should you buy the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset? Unless you’re absolutely dedicated to the idea of nabbing a headset that will work wirelessly with an iPhone, we’d wager that the Razer Barracuda X would be a very solid purchase. It’ll do the job for all your gaming needs whilst also looking so sleek and understated that you won’t mind wearing it on the train. Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 4.5 / 5 Features: 3.5 / 5 Performance: 5 / 5 Value for money: 4 / 5 Overall star rating: 4.4 / 5 Where to buy the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset for PlayStation The Razer Barracuda X gaming headset is out now, so you should be able to find it at most major retailers, including Amazon and GAME. If you're looking to save a few quid, check out our handy deals widget below, which should compile the best prices it can find from around the web. If our review has convinced you to make a purchase, click away and grab one of these while they last. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
The Secretlab Titan gaming chair is well worth a buy if you're looking for comfort!
If you are on the hunt for a gaming chair, then it will not take long for you to come across the name Secretlab. They are one of the leading brands of chairs to meet your gaming needs, with a vast collection of different ones to choose from. One of their many chairs is the Secretlab Titan gaming chair that comes with the sort of price tag that you expect from them. But is it worth parting with so many pennies when there are cheaper ones out there? For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. We’ll let you know that and more right now with our Secretlab Titan gaming chair review. Note that we reviewed the 2020 version in Charcoal Blue and XL, but there are loads of other colours and sizes available on the Secretlab website. Jump to: Secretlab Titan gaming chair review: summary What is the Secretlab Titan gaming chair? How much is the Secretlab Titan gaming chair? Design Features Performance Secretlab Titan gaming chair setup Our verdict Where to buy Secretlab Titan gaming chair review: summary The Secretlab Titan gaming chair is one of the very best in the business, offering supreme comfort at a not-too-terrifying price point, as well as chucking in just the right amount of design flourishes and customizability. Truly, we can’t recommend this gaming chair enough. What is the Secretlab Titan gaming chair? This is another gaming chair from the masters of gaming chairs – Secretlab. They are known for making some of the best chairs in the business, and this is another stylish one that comes in a whole range of colours and sizes, including some custom designs that pay tribute to Batman, Game of Thrones, Cyberpunk 2077 and many more famous franchises. How much is the Secretlab Titan gaming chair? Secretlab gaming chairs are never overly cheap, but you do get what you pay for with them for the most part. The Secretlab Titan gaming chair can be found for around £369 on the Secretlab site, although bigger and fancier ones will cost you a bit more. It’s a pretty big investment, then, but well worth it, in our humble opinion. Secretlab Titan gaming chair design The Secretlab Titan gaming chair design is really sleek and elegant, especially if you choose a design that isn’t too visually overpowering. It has an eye-catching design and a unique shape without looking silly. With the charcoal blue colour scheme that our review unit came with, the Secretlab chair treads the line between cool and practical very nicely – it doesn’t look out of place on work calls, but it does look and feel like a proper gaming chair. It is a chunky piece of kit (especially because we reviewed the XL version), and it will dominate any area you put it in, but the Secretlab Titan makes the most of every inch, and it still just about fits under a desk when you need it to. Secretlab Titan gaming chair features The Secretlab Titan gaming chair has all the features you would expect – you can adjust the height of the seat and the position of the armrests, and there is even a little head cushion that you can take on and off depending on just how luxurious you want your noggin to feel. The real killer feature, though, is one you might not expect – the Secretlab Titan gaming chair has adjustable lumbar support, with a sturdy bar built into the chair which you can pull forwards or push back using a handy dial that you can reach at any time. Get this bar in just the right spot, and you’ll find that the Secretlab Titan supports your body in all the right ways, making those lengthy gaming sessions (or working days) that extra bit more comfortable. Secretlab Titan gaming chair performance Once you’ve got a Secretlab Titan gaming chair, it’s hard to imagine living without one, in all honesty. The comfort levels really are staggering, especially when you’ve got the armrests and the customisable lumbar support bar in exactly the right place to suit your body type. Truly, this chair will make your gaming den and/or working area exceptionally comfortable, enabling you to work or play to your heart’s content without getting a bad back, sore shoulders or unhappy elbows. We’ve been using this chair for quite a while now, and we really don’t want to give it up. It really is a top-tier performance! Secretlab Titan gaming chair setup There is not much in the way of differences from other Secretlab chairs we have set up in the past. It can be a tad cumbersome to get this assembled, more so if you are doing it single-handedly, but it is nothing too difficult, and you will find clear instructions that are easy to follow. Allow yourself about 30 minutes to get it all done, and you should have it completed with a few minutes to spare. If you’re planning to carry this chair up a few flights of steps prior to setting it up, you might want to recruit someone to help you carry it – the box mine came in was pretty heavy, and it probably wasn’t a pretty sight as I lugged it up to my third-floor flat on my own. Once the box was in the right place, though, the entire process of setting it up was very simple. I don’t look forward to moving house with this hefty piece of kit, though! Read more: Best gaming chairs Play Haha gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Our verdict: Should you buy the Secretlab Titan gaming chair? Yes. If you can afford it, we’d highly recommend that you splurge on a Secretlab Titan gaming chair. We can vouch personally for the XL Charcoal Blue 2020 version, but we’d also wager that all the other sizes, versions and designs are just as good, as long as you get one that is right for you. Once you’ve experienced this level of comfort and support, you won’t want to go back. Review scores: Set-up: 4.5/5 Design: 5/5 Features: 5/5 Performance: 5/5 Value for money: 4.5/5 Overall star rating: 4.8/5 Where to buy the Secretlab Titan gaming chair The Secretlab Titan gaming chair is out now in a whole range of styles, but you might be wondering where to buy it. Secretlab products don’t often appear on third-party websites, so you should be able to buy one directly from Secretlab in the colour and size of your dreams. Happy shopping! Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
The third generation of Apple's iconic AirPods is finally here, but are they worth your cash? We put them through their paces to find out.
Apple’s iconic wireless earbuds are back. The all-new AirPods 3 will slot into the middle of Apple’s earbuds family – they’re more expensive and feature-laden than the AirPods 2 but less so than the AirPods Pro. We put them through their paces to see if Apple’s latest offering is worth your cash. The first thing you’ll notice about the AirPods 3 is their design. In many ways, the new buds look like a hybrid of the AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro. They’ve got the short stems of the Pro model but lack the silicon tips. For many, this will be off-putting, as the tips can offer a closer fit. While the fit may prove divisive, the sound quality and usability of the AirPods have to be commended. They have a full, clear sound and couldn’t be any more straightforward to pair and use. Their small charging box is perfectly light and pocketable. Read on for our full verdict on the AirPods 3 and information on how you can get yourself a pair. Jump to: AirPods 3 review: summary What are the AirPods 3? How much are AirPods 3? Design Features Sound quality Battery life Set-up Our verdict Where to buy AirPods 3 review: summary At £169, the AirPods 3 are on the expensive side, despite lacking the active noise cancellation – or ANC – that’s present in some cheaper competitors. For that price, though, you do get great sound and call quality, a reliable connection and plenty of features. Key features: Adaptive EQ 6-hour battery life plus four full charges in the case Spatial audio support and head tracking IPX4 water and sweat resistant MagSafe compatible charging case Pros: Great sound Great call quality Compact tactile design Cons: The fit won’t suit everyone A little pricey Some features don’t work out of the box with Android What are the AirPods 3? The AirPods 3 are – as their name suggests – the third iteration of Apple’s iconic earbuds. There are some interesting updates in terms of specs, and the user experience is a smooth one, especially when paired with Apple tech. What do AirPods 3 do? Adaptive EQ 6-hour battery life plus four full charges in the case Spatial audio support and head tracking IPX4 water and sweat resistant MagSafe compatible charging case How much are the AirPods 3? The new AirPods slot into the middle of Apple’s earbuds family. They’ll set you back £169, compared to the £119 of AirPods 2 and £239 for AirPods Pro. The stand-out difference between the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro is the ANC. It’s a premium feature that’s missing from the AirPods 3, and that will no doubt put off some would-be buyers. When Apple originally launched the AirPods, with a similarly large price tag, there was a lot less competition on the market, and wireless earbuds were still fairly niche. Now though, there are a huge amount of buds to choose from, and it is worth weighing up your options before forking out for Apple’s own version. Are AirPods 3 good value for money? Value is certainly an area where the AirPods 3 score slightly less highly. Their £169 price tag doesn’t represent poor value for money as such, but it places them in a premium place within the earbuds marketplace. Many of the premium AirPods competitors have ANC and still cost less than Apple’s offering. AirPods 3 design Essentially the form factor of the latest AirPods looks like a hybrid of the AirPods and AirPods Pro – or like the AirPods Pro with no silicon ear tips. The lack of those silicon ear tips will doubtless annoy some users, and – as always – the in-ear fit of the AirPods has divided opinion. We found them a much better fit than the previous generation, and Apple claims to have done a huge amount of research into crafting that in-ear feel. They’re light and un-intrusive, meaning you could listen to them for long periods without them becoming uncomfortable. However, the light-touch nature of the fit means it is quite easy for them to come loose and – as a result – they’re not ideal for running or intense exercise. If you can’t decide which iteration of AirPods are for you, then take a look at our Apple AirPods vs AirPods Pro breakdown. AirPods 3 features ANC is a notable omission and will put off some would-be buyers, but the Apple AirPods 3 still pack some great features – especially when used in conjunction with other Apple products. For example, when used with an iPhone, iPad, or similar, the buds will make use of special sensors to pause whatever you’re playing if the buds are taken out of your ears. This is a returning feature, but it’s one that – according to Apple – has been improved with even better sensors in the AirPods 3. The new sensors detect moisture on your skin so that if you pocket If you’re dead set on having earbuds with ANC, there are plenty of options out there. The AirPods Pro have ANC but so do many cheaper options, like the £100 Panasonic RZ-S500W earbuds and the £69.95 Earfun Air Pro. For more on the latter, take a look at our full Earfun Air Pro review. The in-built mics are great for calls, but – at the same time – the performance is far from revolutionary. AirPods have consistently offered a good phone call experience, and one of the best available still comes with Apple’s wired earphones. So on this front, the AirPods 3 score well without surprising anyone. Notably, the buds are now sweat and water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating. This twins nicely with closer integration with the Apple ‘Find My’ app, meaning they’re easier to find if you lose them and they’re harder to break. These peace-of-mind features really help when the AirPods command such a hefty price. AirPods 3 sound quality Overall the AirPods 3 provide enjoyable sound quality and a good volume range. Smooth midrange and top-end tones give way to sharper bass and a sound that – all-round – is full and enjoyable. Those bass capabilities were perfectly shown off across genres, from ‘Hip Hop’ by Dead Prez to ‘Good Times’ by Chic and’ Bullet in the Head’ by Rage Against the Machine. The AirPods 3 also come with the same adaptive EQ capabilities as the AirPods Max and AirPods Pro. This uses an inward-facing microphone that listens to what you hear and – according to Apple – adjusts the low and mid frequencies in order to suit your specific ear shape. 3D spatial audio isn’t necessarily the game-changer Apple claims it is, or not just yet anyway. This is because only a limited amount of music has been mixed to be compatible with the format, and – so far – the jury is out on the spatial audio versions of songs that have been made available. In many cases, the older stereo version is just better. That said, the AirPods 3 still create a wonderful soundstage and must be praised for that. Across a range of genres, the AirPods deliver rich, full sound. From the crashing drums of ACDC’ Shoot to Thrill’ to the relaxing folky vocals of Adrianne Lenker’s ‘Anything’, the AirPods consistently deliver a soundstage that is a joy to listen to. Battery life Battery life has never been the strongest suit of Apple’s AirPods, and that’s still the case, but noteworthy improvements have been made, and these buds can now compete more closely with the other options on the market. The AirPods 3 now offer six hours from a single charge, with four more full charges in the case. It’s not best in class, but the battery boost is a welcome improvement. Set-up and connectivity If you use the AirPods 3 with iOS devices, the experience is seamless. Connect them up to a Windows device, though, and things aren’t quite as smooth. Many of the convenience features don’t work out of the box when the earbuds aren’t being used in conjunction with an Apple device. That said, set up is simple whatever device you’re using and – as always – the AirPods deliver a consistent connection. Our verdict: should you buy AirPods 3? Ultimately the AirPods 3 excel where it matters, giving a full, detailed sound that is wonderful to listen to. For Apple iPhone and iPad users, there are bags of quality of life features that take the AirPods’ offering to the next level. For those with Android phones, the fact many of those features – like the sensor-driven auto-pause – don’t work out-of-the-box is a real drawback. The lack of ANC is also a shame, especially in this price bracket. Many potential buyers are likely to be lured away by competing headphones at similar – or lower – prices that do have ANC. Numerous entries on our best wireless earbuds list will challenge the AirPods in this regard. All that said, if you don’t deem ANC essential and you like the AirPods style in-ear fit, then the AirPods 3 will be a fantastic match for you. These buds offer the ultimate user experience for iPhone users and slot brilliantly into the Apple ecosystem. Where to buy AirPods 3 Follow the links below to bag yourself a pair of AirPods 3 right now. Because they’re so new, there isn’t really anything in the way of deals right now, but we’ll be providing updates on this as more become available. £169 at Amazon £169 at Currys For the latest news, reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. Still unsure about what iPhone to buy? Read our iPhone 12 vs mini vs Pro vs Pro Max guide for a breakdown of the key differences or take a look at the latest offerings from Apple in our iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro reviews.
Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset review
There is a hefty price tag here – but is the Logitech Astro A50 worth it?
Gaming headsets seem to be popping up more than ever before, which on the one hand, is great – more to choose from – but it does make narrowing down which one will be best for you all the more tricky. There are headsets you can buy on a budget, premium models that cost a lot more, and ones that exist in between. The Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation sits on the costly side, topping the £200 mark, but does it do enough to warrant the high price? We break down the ins and outs of the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation in our review so you can learn for yourselves whether it is one worth picking up or if you would be better off looking elsewhere. Jump to: Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset review: summary What is the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset? How much is the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset? Design Features Performance Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset setup Our verdict Where to buy Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation review: summary For this to get a 2021 release and not be compatible with the PS5 is a problem. You can get it to work, but not without forking out even more money on adapters. As for how it works on the PS4, well, it is brilliant when it comes to sound, and we have no complaints to make there. Less so with the microphone, which suffers from the problems that most headset mics do, and not being able to connect it to a mobile device is frustrating. So too, is the price tag that is far higher than it should be. It’s a good headset in general, but there is too much holding it back for us to give it a full recommendation. What is the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation? This is a powerful and premium headset that works with the PS4 – extras will be needed for it to work with the PS5. It comes with a wireless charging base station so you can power it up with ease, and a microphone is included with the headset for gaming chat. You can also use the headset with a PC. How much is the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation? We imagine what we are about to say will be enough to put some people off – and understandably so. The Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset with the base station for PlayStation costs £299 on the Logitech website, which is definitely on the high end of what you can pay for one. Buy Astro A50 for £299 at Logitech Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation design The Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation impresses design-wise before you have even got it out and set up. The box that it comes in is different to most headsets, this one opens up book style and helps the product feel premium before you even get a good look at it. You’ll get the headset out first, and it is impressive to look at, although the square style earcups are never a preference to us and remind us of the cheaper headset models on the market. They also don’t feel the strongest as the side of them is made from matte black plastic – happily, it is durable and survived a light’ snap test’ from us. We appreciate the simplicity of the colour here, as dropping an assortment of colours from the design makes it look more elegant and smart, and the headset looks right at home on the stand placed on our shelf. The right earcup is home to the buttons you would expect to be there, so the volume control, mute and power buttons. Here is also the micro USB port on the bottom of the right earcup if you wish to charge it without the base station. As for the microphone, it doesn’t detach (a mild annoyance), but it does flip all the way up, and it will auto-mute when you do so – a nice and easy way to shut it off that goes some way to making up for the inability to remove it altogether. Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation features Let’s start with the base unit that the headset comes with. It does all it needs to and gives you a base to charge the headset on that looks great while giving the set power in a reasonably fast time. The smaller design than the previous base unit that came with the last model is a welcome change too. Other than that, it has all the features you would expect it to have. Volume control and muting are easy to do thanks to the handy positioning on the ear cup, the mic moves well and is easy to mute, and both the audio quality and the mic can be tinkered with in the settings so you can have them both sounding exactly how you want them to. Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation performance Sound-wise we found this to be nigh on perfect as soon as we started using it. But it is worth keeping in mind that you can play about with the settings here in the Astro Command Centre as we have seen people who have found them to be a bit off without tinkering with them prior to use. Sounds from all around you in-game are crystal clear, be it footsteps approaching from behind you or the distant sound of gunfire from a nearby battle. It is impressive on every level, and were the rest of the headset able to match the quality of the sound, then it would almost be worth the £300 cost. Listening to music through it is great, too, and even songs with heavier bass are played in exceptional quality. It is let down in other areas, though. Microphones are rarely exceptional with headsets, but we had hoped the price would mean that a decent one was provided here – not so. It is not a bad mic by any stretch of the imagination, but it is lacking, and you would be right to expect better from this. Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation setup Happily, this was very simple. Just connect the base unit with the headset connected to your PS4, and it will work without issue – or at least it should and did for us. There is an important caveat to keep in mind here, though, which is that it will not work instantly if you own a PS4 Pro. For that, you will need to connect it to your TV to get it working or, alternatively, pick up an HDMI splitter or audio converter – this is something else we do wish had been made clearer and fixed – the Pro has been out for some time now! Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Our verdict: Should you buy the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation? We would love to be able to recommend this as the sound quality truly is exceptional and blew us away on numerous occasions. But with the mic issues and the limited things you can use it for, and when you factor in the cost, which is approaching silly money territory, we are more inclined to encourage you to shop around as the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation does not do nearly enough to warrant the hefty price tag. Review scores: Set-up: 4/5 Design: 4/5 Features: 4 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 2.5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.6 / 5 Where to buy the Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation The Logitech Astro A50 gaming headset for PlayStation is out now, so you can buy it now from the Logitech website. If you’re looking to save a few quid, check out our handy deals widget below, which should compile the best prices it can find from around the web. If our review has convinced you to make a purchase, click away and grab one of these while they last. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
Is it worth paying the hefty Razer Enki price? Find out with our review of the new gaming/office chair.
If you want a gaming chair, you will not have a tough time finding one as there are so many on the market now, and their numbers continue to grow - so choosing one out of the many is no simple task. One of the options worth some consideration is the Razer Enki gaming chair, which has been designed with both gaming and working from the home office in mind. Made for lengthy comfort while gaming, the Razer Enki is a great choice to have alongside your new Xbox Series X/S or PS5 current-gen console. It is designed to stay comfortable for long periods of time, so no matter what you play on, whether it is the Nintendo Switch or a PC, then it will do the job and then some. Razer, the Singaporean-American company, has been making waves in the gaming world for some time now. When it comes to gaming chairs, they have more than proven that they are a company worthy of spending your money on if you want to game in both comfort and style. But is it worth buying the Razer Enki? Keep on reading, and we’ll lay down all the essential info in our full review! Jump to: Razer Enki gaming chair review: summary What is the Razer Enki? How much is the Razer Enki? Design Features Performance Razer Enki gaming chair setup Our verdict Where to buy Razer Enki gaming chair review: summary While the price tag is higher than many other brands of chairs, do not let that put you off, as you very much get what you pay for here. The design is simply gorgeous, and there is a comfort level that many of its competitors can only dream of. A few small niggles such as poor armrests let the side down a tad, but not enough for us not to recommend this to anyone on the hunt for a new chair for all their gaming needs. What is the Razer Enki gaming chair? The Razer Enki is one of the latest chairs to come from Razer - a company that has a proven track record of making some of the best chairs out there. This one makes a few sacrifices to lower the price while making sure that the levels of comfort they are known for are not weakened. How much is the Razer Enki gaming chair? The cost of the Razer Enki clock in at around £339.99, which may seem like a heck of a lot of money, and for some it is, but this is down from Razer’s more premium chairs, and you get a chair that feels like it is worth every penny spent on it. So don’t let that cost put you off if you can afford it. Buy Razer Enki for £339.99 at Razer Razer Enki gaming chair design As far as gaming chairs go, this is one of the best out there when it comes to design, and we spent more time just staring at it in wonder than we care to admit. But as far as comfort goes, it should come as no surprise to learn that this is top-quality, as Razer consulted aviation design specialists when putting the design of the chair together. So those that are responsible for airline pilots staying comfy on long haul flights are the same people who are making sure we are comfy when gaming on our Razer chair - and it shows from the moment you take your first seat on it. The chair feels like it has more space to it than others you can buy, and it stays comfy the entire time you are on it. And that is not an exaggeration. Every single chair we have used begins to feel uncomfortable after a while, no matter how much they cost or how big the brand is. But not once did we find that with the Razer Enki - and we spent many days in it for hours at a time blitzing a game through to review recently. The material used is really nice too - both to look at and to touch. It doesn’t feel like the cheap leather material that many chairs do, and that is because it uses dual-textured eco-sustainable synthetic leather, which you will find in high-end cars. The pattern on the fabric serves two purposes in that it looks nice, and it stops you from sliding about on the chair. Razer Enki gaming chair features Let’s get the drawbacks out of the way first. The armrests move up and down, but that is as far as the manoeuvrability of them goes. It is an irritating oversight as, more often than not, we find ourselves wishing they moved from side to side - it is far from a dealbreaker but something that should have been included and is standard with a lot of other chairs. But that is really where the problems end. The Razer Enki does almost everything that you would expect a gaming chair to do and does so in style. The gas lift is present and accounted for, tilt is included for reclining the back (more on that in a moment, though), and the materials used feel better than almost any other chair we have got our hands-on. Razer Enki gaming chair performance We’ve spoken enough about comfort elsewhere (it’s super comfy if you need a reminder) so let’s look at everything else related to the Razer Enki performance. The articulating lumbar arch of Iskur - the last big chair that came from Razer - is missing in action of the Enki. There is a smaller version of it here that does still feel like it gives you the support needed, but it is not quite the same. That being said, for the difference in price, it is a sacrifice well worth making. Another thing that is a bit of a step down from the Iskur is the reclining function, but again, this is a cost-saving measure. The chair does recline to up to 152 degrees, but there is not as much tilt as we would have liked or expected. Everything else, though, is on the money. We have very few complaints about much to do with the Razer Enki. It is a premium chair in almost every sense of the word, and any negatives are almost entirely thrown out of the window by how strong everything else is. You also get a memory foam head cushion that can be taken off whenever you like, and we always love anything that is made from memory foam - it remembers you! Read more: Best gaming chairs Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair setup We have had quite a bit of experience assembling gaming chairs, and even we get increasingly frustrated while trying to assemble some of them. Not so with the Razer Enki set-up. It is heavy, far heavier than many other chairs we have tested, and that makes it a challenge when connecting parts, but other than that, it is a simple assembly with parts clearly marked out. A special mention must go to the instructions. Usually, we get a small booklet crammed with information that can be hard to follow. Here, the instructions are all on one giant page, and it makes them so much easier to follow. And on the reverse of them, you get a nice welcome letter! Our verdict: Should you buy the Razer Enki gaming chair? If you can afford it, absolutely. The positives far outweigh any negatives here with the Razer Enki. Comfort is key with a gaming chair, and you certainly get that here along with something that feels like a premium product. You are unlikely to face much in the way of disappointment with the Razer Enki. Review scores: Set-up: 4.5/5 Design: 4.5/5 Features: 4.5/5 Performance: 4.5/5 Value for money: 4/5 Overall star rating: 4.4/5 Where to buy the Razer Enki gaming chair You can buy the Razer Enki directly from Razer. If you’re looking for a deal, check out our snazzy widget below, which should automatically pull together the best prices on the web. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more tech reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
iPhone 13 Pro review: is this outstanding flagship worth the price?
Find out if the iPhone 13 Pro is worth the investment.
Despite Apple launching four handsets in the iPhone 13 range at its September 2021 event, there is a distinct divide in the group. On the one hand, you have the two entry-level models – the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini – and on the other, you have two flagship models – the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Not only are the Pro models more expensive, but they come with a host of upgrades that improve on what has come before in a way that’s been designed to appeal to a different audience – a Pro audience of Apple power users. The iPhone 13 Pro is the smaller, cheaper of the two Pro models, yet it comes with many of the same features and advancements seen on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. All in a smaller, 6.1-inch design. In this iPhone 13 Pro review, we put the handset to the test to see whether the entry-level Pro is worth the investment. Jump to: iPhone 13 Pro review: summary What is the iPhone 13 Pro? How much is the iPhone 13 Pro? iPhone 13 Pro features iPhone 13 Pro design iPhone 13 Pro screen quality iPhone 13 Pro camera iPhone 13 Pro battery life and performance iPhone 13 Pro set-up Our verdict Where to buy iPhone 13 Pro review: summary Key features: £949 (128GB); £1,049 (256GB); £1,249 (512GB); £1,449 (1TB) 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology and Ceramic Shield protection IP68 (waterproof for 30 mins up to 6 metres) iOS 15 5G connectivity Apple A15 Bionic Chip with 16-core Neural Engine 12MP Pro system on the rear, with Telephoto, Wide and Ultra-Wide sensors 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front with support for FaceID Macro Mode, Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles 22-hour battery life (video playback), 75-hour battery life (audio playback) MagSafe and Qi wireless charging up to 15W Pros: Incredible, professional camera setup Sharp, clear display Responsive and fast Excellent battery life Cons: Expensive Lacks some of the power and battery life of the iPhone 13 Pro Max The iPhone 13 Pro is available to buy SIM-free with prices starting at £949. Latest Deals What is the iPhone 13 Pro? The iPhone 13 Pro is the cheaper of the two “professional” handsets released by Apple at its September 2021 launch event. It sits below the larger, more powerful, more expensive iPhone 13 Pro Max and just above the slightly technologically inferior, more consumer-focused iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. This means that it has a number of Apple’s most advanced mobile features, but in a form and at a price-point that should make it a tad more accessible. As the successor to the iPhone 12 Pro, released in September 2020, the iPhone 13 Pro has the same 6.1-inch display, fitted with the same Super Retina XDR OLED panel. It also shares the same IP68 waterproof rating. It runs iOS 15, Apple’s latest operating system, and is powered by what Apple calls its “fastest, most efficient” processor – the A15 Bionic Chip with a 16-core Neural Engine, 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU. On the rear is a 12MP camera system that combines a Telephoto lens alongside a wide and ultra-wide sensor. On the front is a 12MP True Depth selfie camera with the FaceID module built-in. Both camera setups have been optimised to support new modes, including Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles. The front-facing camera setup – found in a now-smaller notch at the top of the display – also houses the FaceID sensor that allows you to unlock the device using your face. While the rear camera now offers a Macro Mode. The entire iPhone 13 Pro hardware and software setup is said to have been optimised to help the battery last longer than on last year’s models, and Apple promises an extra 1.5 hours between charges, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro. What does the iPhone 13 Pro do? Takes professional-style photos and up to 4K video thanks to a rear-facing Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra-Wide camera setup Offers advanced video and photo tools with Cinematic Mode, Photographic Styles and Macro Mode Supports biometric security with FaceID; can be used to unlock the hardware as well as apps and online accounts Allows for high-end gaming and augmented reality with the A15 Bionic chip powered by a 16-core Neural Engine iOS 15 brings spatial audio, a new Portrait mode, and new Focus features to help users reduce distractions when working, driving or sleeping, as well as Live Text, which allows users to copy text from images Media streaming with the Apple TV app installed by default. This app acts as a remote control for Apple TV streaming boxes; a library for video content purchased from the iTunes store; and a hub to find and watch Apple TV Plus shows (for subscribers) Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub, SkyGo and Disney+ are available from the Apple App Store, as are millions of apps Lasts up to 22 hours when watching videos, or up to 75 hours over audio MagSafe compatible, offering peak power wireless charging, up to 15W, alongside support for standard Qi wireless charging hardware Support for 5G (when available) Smart Data mode saves battery life by automatically shifting iPhone to 4G when 5G speeds aren’t needed, while ProMotion mode preserves battery by automatically switching between the optimal screen refresh rates Available in silver, graphite, blue and gold How much is the iPhone 13 Pro? The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has an RRP of £949. Latest Deals Is the iPhone 13 good value for money? There was a time when spending a thousand pounds on a new phone was seen as excessive – and in many cases, still is, particularly when the phone in question isn’t the most advanced handset on the market, as is the case with the iPhone 13 Pro. The iPhone 13 Pro offers enough additional features and performance upgrades to warrant being purchased over the iPhone 13 without making too many sacrifices when compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. We feel the addition of Cinematic Mode, Macro Mode and the improved refresh rate justify paying a bit extra on their own. It also offers a step-change in features and performance over the iPhone 11 range and previous models. If you’re currently using and are happy with the iPhone 12 Pro, these changes may not be significant enough to warrant such a hefty outlay, certainly not so soon after last year’s purchase. Yet when you consider the sheer amount of technology that has been crammed into the iPhone 13 Pro and the new modes that are unique to the iPhone 13 Pro range, it does represent decent value for money, especially if you can get a good deal with a contract. iPhone 13 features The iPhone 12 range introduced a host of hardware upgrades to the display, camera and connectivity, and the iPhone 13 Pro carries a number of these over. Albeit with a selection of upgrades and tweaks. Firstly, it runs on the latest generation of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 15. This software comes with new communication features that let you share movies, music, or whatever’s on your screen in FaceTime and uses spatial audio to make these calls sound more natural. It has new Focus features designed to reduce distractions and stop all but urgent interruptions when you’re working, sleeping, or with friends. Elsewhere, the Weather app has been redesigned to make better use of graphics when showcasing air pollution, rain levels and the hourly forecast. Meanwhile, Apple Maps now displays routes and walking directions with 3D and AR features. From a productivity viewpoint, you can now search for photos directly from the Search bar at the top of the screen, and, thanks to the neural engine in the A15 Bionic Chip, you can now quickly and easily copy text from inside images. The latter has been a game-changer for us. This new software has been optimised to work with the hardware as efficiently and effectively as possible. In addition to making sure the phone and apps are super fast, the battery life on the iPhone 13 Pro is optimised, too. Apple claims the iPhone 13 Pro will last up to 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro, and this doesn’t do it justice. You can read more about why the iPhone 13 Pro battery life is so good in the Battery section below. The 12MP camera setup on the rear now comes with an improved Telephoto lens, which offers greater optical and digital zoom options and makes videos and images look steady thanks to more advanced sensor-shift optical image stabilisation. Both front and rear-facing cameras support Apple’s new Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles, bringing professional and automatic focusing and editing tools to your videos and photos. We explain more about these additions in the iPhone 13 Pro camera section below. Security-wise, there is a FaceID sensor embedded into the True Depth camera on the front of the device, and this camera and sensor now sit on a slightly smaller, redesigned notch at the top of the display. The iPhone 13 Pro comes with a number of pre-installed apps. In fact, there are so many, they take up a total of 15.1GB of storage space alongside the iOS. These apps include Camera, Photos, Health, Messages, Mail, Music, Wallet, Safari, Maps, Siri, Calendar, iTunes Store, App Store, Notes, News, Weather, Reminders, Stocks, Calculator, Voice Memos and more. Plus free apps including iMovie, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, GarageBand, Apple Store, iTunes Remote, and Clips. Apple softens this blow a little by giving you 5GB of this storage back when you sign up to iCloud, but it’s still a pain. As with all Apple products, it’s not possible to physically expand the storage on the iPhone 13 Pro, and the entry-level storage options are the same as last year’s, starting at 128GB. However, for the first time, you can buy an iPhone Pro with 1TB, taking the total number of storage options to four – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. You can remove any or all of the pre-installed apps if they take up too much room. You can also pay extra for iCloud storage, which starts at 79p a month for an extra 50GB up to £6.99 for 2TB. But that will be on top of paying for a phone that is already expensive as it is. iPhone 13 design The biggest difference between the cheaper iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini handsets and their Pro equivalents is the fact the more expensive models are housed in aluminium rather than glass. This not only makes them feel more premium to the touch, but it also makes them feel more sturdy and robust. As with those seen on the cheaper models, the notch on the iPhone 13 Pro is 20% smaller than on previous models and, seeing as the iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Pro have the same size display, the impact (or lack thereof) of this smaller notch is the same. The iPhone 13 Pro is a tad thicker and heavier than last year’s iPhone 12 Pro. The aluminium design gives it a more luxurious feel and, with that, it gives the illusion of being more sturdy and therefore heavy. However, in reality, the differences in thickness and weight are barely tangible. What’s more, this extra heft is a small sacrifice to make for having a more powerful battery, processor and additional 5G components inside. The improved camera modules on the rear are positioned in the same way they always have been on Pro phones – two sensors on the left with a third sensor mid-right, below the flash. This high-tech setup does take up a fair chunk of room and protrudes enough to stop the phone from sitting flat on a surface even when it’s in a case. Port-wise, it has a Lightning connector – sadly, there’s still no sign of the iPhone range getting USB-C ports like the latest iPads. Then there is a power button, which can also be used to enable Siri, on the right-hand side of the handset, opposite the volume buttons on the left. The speakers sit on either side of the charging port. iPhone 13 screen quality The iPhone 13 Pro has the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display seen on last year’s iPhone 12 Pro with the same 2532 x 1170-pixel resolution at 460 PPI. Contrast ratio and support for the P3 wide colour gamut remain, as does the use of True Tone technology that adjusts the white balance on screen based on the lighting conditions you’re in. Yet, there are two noteworthy upgrades. The first is relatively minor – the iPhone 13 Pro has pushed the typical maximum brightness levels to 1,000 nits up from 800 nits. This makes it easier to read in direct sunlight and can help make colours more vibrant. The second upgrade is more significant. The iPhone 13 Pro’s display comes with a new feature called ProMotion, designed to automatically choose the optimal refresh rate – between 10Hz and 120Hz – to suit whatever you’re doing. For reference, the displays on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini handsets only go up to 60Hz. If you’re simply moving between apps or scrolling, ProMotion drops the refresh rate lower. If you’re gaming or drawing, ProMotion automatically increases it to make it more responsive. It was difficult to discern the differences during our testing, but the iPhone 13 Pro felt much faster and responsive across the board. It also seemingly brought battery benefits. By not running at a higher refresh rate than is needed, the iPhone 13 Pro used less energy on everyday tasks, saving it for the more energy-intense ones. In terms of colours and clarity, the OLED panel on the iPhone 13 Pro really shines. Games and HD content look particularly great, and colours are vibrant and black tones look deep and dark. All of which improves contrast and adds a high level of detail. Elsewhere, the display has native support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. To protect this display, Apple has coated it with Ceramic Shield technology. As was the case with the Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 – and as it is now across the entire iPhone 13 range – Apple promises this shield gives the iPhone 13 Pro four times better protection and durability when dropped. iPhone 13 camera Apple calls the new camera setup found on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max its “biggest camera advancement ever.” On the rear is an improved telephoto lens, alongside a Wide and Ultra Wide sensor. The latter has a 120° field of view, a larger ƒ/1.8 aperture and a new sensor with autofocus which enables the addition of Macro Mode on the iPhone 13 Pro – the first time macro shots have been possible on an iPhone without the need for an attachment. In particular, the new autofocus system works with a new 2cm minimum focus distance to let you capture images, as well as videos, much closer than before. The new ƒ/1.5 aperture Wide camera is described as Apple’s largest sensor ever, capable of capturing 2.2x more light than the iPhone 12 Pro. While the new Telephoto camera has a 77mm focal length and 3x optical zoom. What these improvements mean in practice is that the cameras capture better photos, even in low light and indoors, and from a larger range of distances than before. Macro Mode, in particular, has been a game-changer when photographing food, for instance, or capturing the detail in close-up scenes. We have also relied far less on Night Mode with the iPhone 13 Pro camera setup. We’re big fans of Night Mode, but because you often need to apply a delay for the sensors on older models to capture the best shot, and this requires your subject to remain still, it wasn’t always suitable for capturing action shots. The new setup is much more capable of doing this, supported by the sensor-shift OIS technology. This camera setup and iOS 15 also allow for two new features – Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles. Cinematic Mode uses a technique used by cinematographers in feature films known as rack focus to switch attention between subjects, while adding a depth-of-field effect. This is available on both the latest iPhone Pro models, and it helps create superb, professional-looking footage even if you have limited experience or skill, like us. Photographic Styles allows you to switch up the appearance of your photos to one of four new styles – Vibrant, Rich Contrast, Warm, and Cool. Beyond just applying a filter, Photographic Styles uses “deep semantic understanding” to make nuanced adjustments to light, brightness, contrast and more, all while taking each individual person’s skin tone into account. This makes a subtle yet highly impactful difference to images, particularly group shots. In addition to Night Mode, the iPhone 13 Pro continues to support Deep Fusion and HDR video recording with Dolby Vision, and the latter now supports 4K at 60 fps on all cameras (up from 4K at 30 fps on the iPhone 12 Pro). The True Depth camera on the front, which also houses the FaceID sensor, has had fewer upgrades and tweaks, but it does support Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles, as well as Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 4K at 60 fps. A boon for vloggers. iPhone 13 battery and performance Apple claims its new 6-core CPU, found across the entire iPhone 13 range, is up to 50 per cent faster than the competition. Yet on the iPhone 13 Pro, this CPU is also joined by a new 5-core Apple-designed GPU, said to deliver the same percentage speed upgrades. During everyday tasks, these speed boosts aren’t discernible. Even when we ran our iPhone 12 Pro Max alongside the iPhone Pro 13, we didn’t notice differences in responsiveness. As in that’s to say, they were both incredibly fast, and we never experienced any lag that affected whatever we were trying to do. That said, when we switched to playing graphic-heavy games, like Fornite, or streaming high-quality content from Netflix, the refresh rate on the iPhone 13 Pro coupled with the processor speed increases did make for a super-smooth super-fast experience, and we couldn’t fault it. Over both 4G and Wi-Fi. In terms of battery life, Apple promises an extra 1.5-hours of usage when using the iPhone 13 Pro, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, making it capable of lasting up to 22 hours when watching videos and up 75 hours when listening to audio. We found the iPhone 13 Pro to surpass both of these Apple estimates. In our tests – in which we used the phone to stream at least one episode of Married at First Sight, send WhatsApp messages, play Sim City, and watch TikTok alongside a couple of audio calls – we averaged a highly impressive 32 hours. iPhone 13 set-up Setting up an iPhone is always straightforward, thanks to an on-screen, step-by-step guide. If you’re an Apple customer, you can get the phone setup in minutes. If you’re moving from Android, the process is a little longer but still easy enough to navigate via the Move to iOS app. With the iPhone 13 range, though, Apple has taken this a step further. Firstly, if you don’t have enough space on your current handset to back everything up, Apple now lets you use as much iCloud Backup space you need while you’re moving data to your new device. Meanwhile, Apple has also made it easier to move Photo albums, files and folders, and Accessibility settings to your new iPhone. If you’re not already an Apple customer, you’ll need to create an Apple ID and manually download the apps you want, but you can get through the setup process and do this later, should you need to. Our verdict: should you buy the iPhone 13 Pro? The iPhone 13 Pro represents the best option of the entire iPhone 13 range because it combines next-level hardware with optimised software, all within a form factor that will suit most people. The display is clear, bright and crisp but not so large, it can’t be controlled one-handed. The design is sturdy and robust. It brings performance and battery upgrades that elevate it about anything that’s come before, and the camera advancements alone are highly impressive. The price will likely be a sticking point for many people, but if your budget can extend to it, you won’t be disappointed. Rating: Features: 5/5 Screen quality: 5/5 Design: 5/5 Camera: 5/5 Battery life and performance: 5/5 Set-up: 5/5 Overall rating: 5/5 Where to buy the iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro off-contract Currys John Lewis AO Very Latest Deals iPhone 13 Pro on contract Available from Sky for £33 a month and £0 upfront (36-month contract) Available from EE for £57 a month and £100 upfront Available from Vodafone for £57 a month and £49 upfront Available from O2 for £60.50 a month and £30 upfront Available from Tesco Mobile for £56.99 a month and £0 upfront Can’t decide which is the best iPhone for you? We’ve put the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12 head-to-head to help you choose.
How does the WD Black D30 Game Drive perform?
Western Digital has been making gamer-friendly hard drives for years now, and we’ve been putting the WD Black D30 drive to the test. This is an external SSD that came to market recently. Lots of gamers will be considering external drive purchases at the moment. After all, games have been getting bigger and bigger for years now, and the larger the game, the more space it will take up in your storage. The chances are that even with a brand new console, you will need some extra storage fairly early on, so having a game drive is a must for those who like to have all their favourites lined up and ready to play. But is the WD Black D30 a game drive that is worth buying? Keep on reading, and we’ll lay down all the essential info in our full review! Jump to: WD Black D30 review: summary What is the WD Black D30? How much is the WD Black D30? Design Features Performance WD Black D30 setup Our verdict Where to buy WD Black D30 review: summary The cost lets this down, in all honesty. You’ll get a decent game drive with the WD Black D30, but it does not do anything better or quicker than most other major hard drives out there. It’s good, don’t get us wrong, but when you can buy just as good for a lot less, it is hard to recommend it. What is the WD Black D30? The WD Black D30 is a portable SSD storage drive for PC and consoles. You simply plug it into your device of choice, and away you go – you’ll have extra storage in no time! It comes in 500GB, 1TB or 2TB. We reviewed the 1TB version. How much is the WD Black D30? There are three different price points to be aware of here – the WD Black D30 with 500GB storage will set you back £84.99, while the 1TB version costs £129.99 and the 2TB version is costed at £229.99. We’ll be honest, the cost here is a bit too much for us to fully recommend picking it up. At just shy of £130, the 1TB version that we tested is fairly pricey, and that is especially true when you compare it to other hard drives of the same size. WD Black D30 design You get a military-style design here that makes it look different from most other external hard drives that are on the market. The size of this surprised us when we opened it up, it was far smaller than we imagined it to be, and it is hard to even spot on our shelf behind the PlayStation 5 that it is plugged into. WD Black D30 features Not a lot to say here. It does what it needs to do, and anything it comes with is essential to it working. You really just get the drive itself and a wire to connect it, but then what else do you really need? On the wire front, it does not come with a standard hard drive connection but one that still works on consoles. Our main complaint is that the wire itself is tiny, so if you need to place it some distance from your console, you’re out of luck unless you invest in a bigger wire separately. WD Black D30 performance Performance-wise, for the bare basics, it does the job just fine. You get transfer speeds of around 850MB/s and 1050MB/s, and it was compatible with both our Xbox Series X and our PlayStation 5. That being said, Series X owners will have issues with getting games to load from it as while it will save them with no problem at all, the system restrictions Microsoft has put in place will cause problems for games that are upgraded for the X. Older games will work fine. Both reading and writing files seemed to work without issue, and the aforementioned speed is more than enough to not make you feel like you are waiting an eternity for a file to copy. There are faster drives you can find, though, and some cost less, so that is definitely something to keep in mind before you decide to purchase it. WD Black D30 setup When it comes to the setup for the WD Black D30, there is not a huge amount to say as it is simple as you would imagine. Simply connect the game drive to your console of choice, wait a few moments, and you should get a notification saying that it is ready to use – it really is that easy! Our verdict: Should you buy the WD Black D30? The WD Black D30 does what it needs to do for the most part, and in that sense, you could do far worse than picking this up. The main thing that will likely put you off is the price, and it would be hard to convince you otherwise when you get something that does the same thing for a fraction of the cost. Review scores: Set-up: 5 / 5 Design: 3.5 / 5 Features: 4 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 3 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.7 / 5 Where to buy the WD Black D30 You should be able to find the WD Black D30 Game Drive from most of the usual haunts, and we know that Amazon currently has them in stock with varying storage space. If you’re looking for a deal, check out our snazzy widget below, which should automatically pull together the best prices on the web. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more tech reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are fantastic all-round performers, offering knock-out sound quality and some great features. Are these the best wireless earbuds available right now?
Sony is a brand that’s generally known for producing quality at a price, and the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are no exception. The buds produce fantastic sound quality, fit nicely in the ear and come in a compact, tactile charging case. There are some premium touches that help these earbuds to justify their price tag – the dedicated app and overall build quality, for example – but really, what you’re paying for is sound quality. That’s the most important metric for any set of earbuds or headphones unless you’re buying some for a specific use-case like running or phone calls, so it’s a positive that that’s where these buds excel. During our tests, we found the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds to be fantastic performers all round, generally living up to the expectations we have of Sony’s audio equipment. They fit nicely, are relatively simple to pair before use and produce great sound. There were some stumbling blocks, though, largely surrounding less-than-essential features. These will be discussed in more detail later. Jump to: Sony WF-1000XM4: summary What are Sony WF-1000XM4? How much are Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds? Design Features Sound quality Battery life Set-up Our verdict Where to buy Sony WF-1000XM4: summary We’ll go into more detail in the remainder of this review, but the headline summary of the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds has to be their knock-out sound quality. They create a wonderfully rendered soundstage that you’ll want to spend time in, listening to your favourite music and to crystal clear audiobooks and podcasts with a good volume range. While there is a good feature set, including great quality ANC, the sound quality really steals the show and makes up for the one or two small drawbacks that users will encounter. What are Sony WF-1000XM4? The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are Sony’s latest and greatest wireless earbuds. They’re well suited to all music and audio playback, and they’re highly portable, so they make a great partner to your smartphone for audio on the go. They’re also the successors to Sony’s highly rated – though not catchily named – WF-1000XM3 earbuds. How much are Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds? The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds retail at £249 and only arrived earlier this year, so we’re not likely to see any big discounts yet. Of course, that hefty price tag places these earbuds right at the top of the market, alongside some other great-sounding contenders. Proudly rocking similar prices are the Grado GT220 (£249) and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 (£279). Read more on these in our full Grado GT220 review and our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review. The Sony earbuds more than hold their own in this esteemed company and are amongst the very best when it comes to sound quality. Design The buds fit really nicely in the ear, though some users may need to purchase extra tips as there are only two sets included out-of-the-box. As with any pair of earbuds, the fit is very personal and getting it right can be crucial to your experience of the earbuds, so it’s worth making sure your tips are the right fit for your ears. The buds’ case is a fantastic design. It’s compact, pocketable and well-made. A small light occasionally appears when opening the case to let you know how much charge it has, and generally, it’s fantastically tactile. If you’re planning to use the buds while running or at the gym, then they are one of the better options out there. We found that they stayed in comfortably during short runs or during light exercise. However, a slightly longer distance saw them become dislodged and fall out once or twice. They do compare well to many similar earbuds in this field, but if you are specifically looking for gym or running earbuds, then it’s best to pick a pair with over-ear wings, like the Beats Powerbeats Pro, which we listed as the ‘best earbuds for workouts’ in our best wireless earbuds round-up. Take a look at our full Powerbeats Pro review for more on those, or browse the latest deals on them below. Features One of the central features of the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds – and any earbuds in this price bracket – is their active noise cancelling, or ANC. The ANC is effective and easy to switch on or of using the touch controls. A tap on the left earbuds will see the buds switch between ANC mode and ambient sound mode. There is an Adaptive Sound Control option, which automatically switches between ANC mode and ambient sound depending on where you are and the noise of your surroundings. However, this feature is rendered almost unusable by the frustrating notification sound, which overrides whatever you’re playing at the time and loudly beeps to inform you that the earbuds have switched modes. The earbuds’ app asks you whether you want to turn Adaptive Sound Control on during setup, and we would highly recommend leaving it switched off, if only for your sanity. Besides, it’s easy to switch between ANC and ambient modes using the touch controls on the left earbud, so the need for this to be automated really is minimal. Sony’s ‘Headphones’ app offers one or two unusual features, including the option to analyse the shape of your ears and tailor sound to suit their shape – a feature Sony calls '360 Reality Audio’. However, this feature only works on a limited number of smaller music apps (360 by Deezer, Artist Connection, nugs.net and Tidal at time of writing). The likes of Spotify and Amazon music aren’t included. One small bugbear with the earbuds is the fact that the left bud can’t be used on its own. The right can, and it’s not a huge issue – especially with ambient sound mode being available to help users be aware of traffic and their surroundings. However, when the cheapest £20 pairs of earbuds manage to work independently of each other, there doesn’t seem to be too much of an excuse for this small chink in the WF-1000XM4’s usability. Another small footnote is the fact that the earbuds lack a multipoint pairing facility. It’s another small ease-of-use feature that is far from essential but would be nice when shelling out £250 for top-of-the-range earbuds. Sound quality This is where the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds really excel. In terms of sound quality, it’s hard to get much better in this form factor. For the uninitiated, though, it is worth noting that wired headphones and over-ear headphones can generally produce similar or better quality sound at lower price points. That’s simply because they can pack in larger drivers – or speakers – allowing for higher highs and lower lows. However, for something you can pop in your pocket, these are very hard to beat! With that acknowledged, let’s give these Sony earbuds the praise they deserve. The sound quality is absolutely fantastic and can actually compete with some over-ear headphones. We’re yet to find a genre that these earbuds don’t deliver fantastically well. We tested the earbuds across a range of genres and were as impressed with bass-y beats of Bicep and Photek as we were with the well-rendered mid-tones of classic folk-rock, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and more. Vocals are clear, crisp and well-realised too. The Hot 8 Brass Band’s cover of Sexual Healing perfectly demonstrated the earbuds’ ability to produce an immersive soundstage. The listener feels ensconced in the middle of the performance, with different elements of the eponymous brass band, each sounding distinct and taking its own place within the overall soundstage. When it comes to the quality of the noise cancellation, this is also impressive and ranks among the best available. It will easily help you manage calls during a busy commute or block out unwanted noise while you soak up your favourite album. The ambient sound setting is great, too, allowing you to hear more sound from your surroundings when you need to hear traffic to cross a road or similar. However, whether the ANC is quite top of the pile – as Sony claim – is debatable. Battery life The earbuds offer up to eight hours of audio playback on one charge, with two more full charges – or 16 hours – in the case. That’s a solid offering and a noteworthy improvement on the six hours of playback that the WF-1000XM3 offered. The case is charged with a standard USBC port and provides charging prompts using a traffic light system when opened. Green – fully charged, orange – some charge, red – please charge. This is a subtle and handy queue that’s hard to overlook and adds to the aesthetics of the charging case. The battery life seems even more impressive when compared with Apple’s £249 AirPods Pro, which offer up to 4.5 hours of battery life, though there is 24 hours worth of charge in their case. For more information, read our full Apple AirPods Pro review. Set-up The earbuds require you to install Sony’s ‘Headphones’ app. This provides a little more information than just connecting via the phone’s settings menu but doesn’t revolutionise the user experience. As discussed in the features section, the app does contain a '360 Reality Audio’ tool that uses photos of your ears to tailor the earbuds’ output to you, but this feature is only compatible with a very small amount of music provider apps at present. Our verdict Whether or not these are the right earbuds for you will depend heavily on your budget and what you really need from your buds. Really, if you’re looking for a pair of running headphones, or you don’t fancy spending £250, then look elsewhere. For anyone with a focus on top-quality, portable sound, though, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are absolutely ideal. You’ll like them as soon as you take them out of the box, thanks to that pleasing premium build quality. Then, prepare to be wowed by the sound. Whatever genre you’re craving, these earbuds will deliver top-notch audio and reliable connectivity. While there are one or two small chinks in the armour, they ultimately don’t stand in the way of the buds’ main appeal and – as a result – they haven’t impacted heavily on our rating of the earbuds. Where to buy If you like the sound of these pocketable powerhouses, take a look at the best deals available right now in the panel below. If you’d love a pair of similar Sony earbuds but can’t quite stretch to the price of the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds, then try their predecessor, the Sony WF-1000XM3 pair. Take a look at the latest deals on those below. For the latest news, reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. Looking for present ideas? Head to our tech gifts guide.
iPhone 13 review: is there still room for the original handset in 2021?
We put the iPhone 13 through its paces to find out if there's still room for the mid-range offering in Apple's smartphone series.
There was a time when Apple would release one, maybe two handsets at its annual Autumn event and fans would either opt for the high-end model or a lesser equivalent. In recent years, however, the Cupertino tech giant has been increasingly adding variations to the range in order to appeal to a broader range of buyers. This year's September 14 event included four different handsets with the moniker iPhone 13. At the lower end of the specification and price spectrum is the iPhone 13 mini, which starts at £679. At the top end is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which, when bought with the maximum 1TB of storage, will set you back £1,549. Then there are the mid-range handsets, including the iPhone 13 (from £779) – the subject of this review – and the iPhone 13 Pro (from £949). Although these four handsets technically fall within the same iPhone 13 range, the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 are a tad inferior in terms of design and features versus the more expensive, "professional" 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. In this iPhone 13 review, we put the original handset, from which the others' names stem, to the test to see if there is still a place for such a mid-range phone in the iPhone series in 2021. Jump to: iPhone 13 review: summary What is the iPhone 13? How much is the iPhone 13? iPhone 13 features iPhone 13 design iPhone 13 screen quality iPhone 13 camera iPhone 13 battery life and performance iPhone 13 set-up Our verdict Where to buy iPhone 13 review: summary Key features: £779 (128GB); £879 (256GB); £1,079 (512GB) 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield protection IP68 (waterproof for 30 mins up to 6 metres) iOS 15 5G connectivity Apple A15 Bionic Chip with 16-core Neural Engine 12MP dual‑camera system on the rear, with Wide and Ultra-Wide sensors 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front with support for FaceID Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles 19-hour battery life (video playback), 75-hour battery life (audio playback) MagSafe and Qi wireless charging up to 15W Pros: Clear and vibrant display; makes content and games shine Takes professional-looking photos, especially in low light Great battery life Cons: Lacks the power, performance, and camera advancements of the Pro range 60Hz refresh rate may not suit hardcore gamers The iPhone 13 is available to buy SIM-free with prices starting at £779. Latest Deals What is the iPhone 13? The iPhone 13 is Apple's latest mid-range handset, released alongside three other models – the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max – at a virtual launch event in September 2021. It is the successor to the iPhone 12, released in September 2020, and it comes with the same 6.1-inch, True Tone, Ceramic Shield display, and the same IP68 waterproof rating. However, it also comes with a number of upgrades. Most notably, an improved 12MP dual-camera setup, the addition of Apple's "fastest, most efficient processor ever", and improved battery life. Plus, new storage options, new video and photography modes, and a host of new software features in iOS 15. Under the hood, the iPhone 13 is powered by the A15 Bionic Chip with a 16-core Neural Engine – alongside a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU – in a system designed to make the handset better equipped at handling more intense tasks such as machine learning and AI programs, high-end games, and streaming high-quality video. This setup is also said to have been optimised to help the larger battery last longer than on previous models – up to 2.5 hours longer each day than the iPhone 12. There is a wide and ultra-wide sensor on the rear in the 12MP dual-camera system, accompanied by a 12MP True Depth sensor on the front. All of which have been optimised to work with iOS 15 and support new modes, including Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles. These new software additions help you take better and more professional looking photos and films. What does the iPhone 13 do? Takes professional-style photos and up to 4K video thanks to improved dual-camera setup and the new Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles Supports biometric security with FaceID, used to unlock the hardware as well as apps and online accounts iOS 15 brings spatial audio, a new Portrait mode, and new Focus features to help users reduce distractions when working, driving or sleeping, as well as Live Text, which allows users to copy text from images Media streaming with the Apple TV app installed by default. This app acts as a remote control for Apple TV streaming boxes; a library for video content purchased from the iTunes store; and a hub to find and watch Apple TV Plus shows (for subscribers) Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub, SkyGo and Disney+ are available from the Apple App Store, as are millions of apps A full charge lasts up to 19 hours when watching videos, or up to 75 hours over audio MagSafe compatible, offering peak power wireless charging, up to 15W, alongside support for standard Qi wireless charging hardware Support for 5G (when available) Smart Data mode saves battery life by automatically shifting iPhone to 4G when 5G speeds aren't needed The iPhone 13 can be used to control and manage smart home devices via HomeKit iCloud support means you can sync content, purchases, and downloads across multiple Apple devices, including Macs, other iPhones and iPads Available in off-white, black, red, blue and pink How much is the iPhone 13? The Apple iPhone 13 has an RRP of £779 and is available at a number of retailers off-contract. Latest Deals Skip to view the pay monthly (contract) prices Is the iPhone 13 good value for money? Apple made a significant step-change in hardware when it launched the iPhone 12, and many of these improvements have carried over onto the iPhone 13. Suppose you're already using an iPhone 12. In that case, the advances in camera technology and software features – many of which are available on iOS 15, regardless of which handset you're running – may not warrant spending another £800. Plus, unless you're after a new colourway, you won't be upgrading to the iPhone 13 for its design changes. However, if you're running older handsets or are due for an upgrade, the iPhone 13 hits a sweet spot. It's powerful, durable, its cameras are great and, now with double the storage compared to before, its price point makes it good value. We can't say it's cheap, because it's not, but if you're looking for a lot of bang for your buck, you can't go wrong with the iPhone 13. iPhone 13 features The iPhone 13 takes the features of the iPhone 12 and, largely, raises them to the next level. It runs on the latest version of Apple's mobile software – iOS 15 – and, as is the case with every new Apple release, the hardware onboard the handset has been designed to work as efficiently and effectively as possible with this new operating system. Most importantly, this means that the battery life on the iPhone 13 is superior to all like-for-like iPhones that have come before. Apple claims the combination of the optimised hardware and new software, as well as a larger battery, means the iPhone 13 will last up to 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12. You can read more about this in the iPhone 13 battery section below. It also means that the improved 12MP dual-camera hardware on the rear and the True Depth camera on the front of the iPhone 13 can take full advantage of the new Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles software found across the iPhone 13 range. We explain more about these additions in the iPhone 13 camera section below. Elsewhere, iOS 15 includes what Apple describes as "new ways to stay connected." A number of existing features have been redesigned – namely how notifications look and appear, the way the Weather app showcases air pollution, rain levels and the hourly forecast, and how Apple Maps displays routes and walking directions with 3D and AR features. Wallet now adds support for home keys, and there are new privacy controls in Siri and Mail to protect them both from unauthorised use. There are also new Focus features designed to reduce distractions. In addition to the existing Do Not Disturb options, you can enable Personal Focus, Sleep Focus and Work Focus settings. Each one lets you disable notifications at certain times. You can set it so that only certain people can contact you when Focus is enabled, and you can ask Siri to send a message to people who contact you during this time, telling them that Focus has been switched on. This also comes with the option to share these Focus settings across all connected devices. However, the most useful additions include the ability to search for photos directly from the Search bar at the top of the screen instead of going via the Photos app and the new Live Text tool. This uses the neural engine in the A15 Bionic Chip to recognise writing in a photo or image and allows you to cut, copy and share this text as if you were copying from a document. There's also a small feature that Apple introduced in iOS 14 that works perfectly with Live Text. This allows you to copy text from a photo on your phone and automatically paste it onto your MacBook or iPad from a shared clipboard. This may seem insignificant, but it's been a game-changer in terms of productivity. The phone itself comes with a whole host of pre-installed apps including Camera, Photos, Health, Messages, Mail, Music, Wallet, Safari, Maps, Siri, Calendar, iTunes Store, App Store, Notes, News, Weather, Reminders, Stocks, Calculator, Voice Memos and many more. That's not to mention the free apps iMovie, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, GarageBand, Apple Store, iTunes Remote, and Clips. The new App Library storage feature from iOS 14 means that these apps aren't too unwieldy, but manually removing those we don't want is a little tedious. Another downside to having all of these pre-installed apps, plus the operating system, is that they eat into your device's storage. 15.1GB of storage, to be precise. Plus – as with all Apple products – it's not possible to physically expand the storage on the iPhone 13. Thankfully, storage options are much improved, by default, on the iPhone 13. The entry-level handset now has twice as much storage than on the iPhone 12, at 128GB, and this now rises to 512GB. You can remove any or all of these apps or pay for up to 2TB of iCloud storage for an additional cost should you need to, but it's an ongoing pain. Security-wise, there is a FaceID sensor embedded into the True Depth camera on the front of the device, and this camera and sensor now sit on a slightly smaller, redesigned notch at the top of the display. Despite its smaller form, we didn't notice any discernible delays in unlocking the phone with this sensor. iPhone 13 design Very little, visually, has separated iPhones for some time. From a glance, it's difficult to determine between the different models but look closely, and you will see some upgrades and tweaks. As mentioned, the notch on the iPhone 13 is smaller – by around 20% – than that seen on the iPhone 12. This doesn't make a huge difference to 6.1-inch screen real estate as videos and games still have to fit around it, but it is a noticeable tweak. The iPhone 13 is marginally thicker and heavier than previous iPhones, but it's barely tangible, and we'll take that hit for the improved battery life, more powerful processor and the increased number of 5G bands needed to make this phone super fast. On the rear, the new camera modules are positioned diagonally rather than one above the other. The iPhone comes in new colours – starlight, midnight, blue, pink and red, the latter being from the PRODUCT(RED) partnership, which raises money for AIDS charities. Every other measurement is identical to the iPhone 12, including the IP68 water-resistant rating. It has a Lightning port, and there's still no sign of the iPhone range getting USB-C ports like the latest iPads; the power button, which can also be used to enable Siri, is found on the right-hand side of the handset, opposite the volume buttons on the left. The speakers sit on either side of the charging port. Latest Deals iPhone 13 screen quality Just as the design of the iPhone 13 has remained largely the same, so too has the screen and sound quality. It has the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with the same resolution that was first seen on the iPhone 12. It's also toughened by the same Ceramic Shield. As was the case with its predecessor, Apple promises that this shield gives the iPhone 13 four times better protection and durability when dropped. The back glass has also been strengthened through what Apple calls a dual ion-exchange process, making it "the toughest glass on a smartphone" – we haven't put this through any rigorous tests, but anecdotally the iPhone 13 does feel sturdier than previous models. All that said, we'd still not feel comfortable using it without a case. The iPhone 13's OLED display is crisp and clear. Support for the P3 wide colour gamut means colours look vibrant and realistic, particularly when the phone is the highest brightness setting, which itself has been boosted 28% to 800 nits for SDR and 1,200 nits for HDR content. This makes games and HD content shine, almost literally. Plus, because each OLED pixel has its individual light source, it helps make blacks look deeper and darker and helps improve contrast. Elsewhere, the display has native support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. For the lower price point, you do get a lower 60Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 13 display versus the 120Hz seen on the Pro models. For everyday tasks, you'll barely notice this. However, if you're a keen gamer, it will present a point of difference that might see you needing to move to a Pro model. iPhone 13 camera As has been the case for as long as we can remember, the camera improvements that come with each iteration of the iPhone are usually a major – and in some cases, the main – reason to upgrade to the latest model. The iPhone 13 range and its new camera technologies are no exception. Despite, on paper, the hardware looking near-on identical to that seen on the iPhone 12 – a 12MP dual-camera Wide and Ultra Wide system on the rear and a 12MP True Depth camera on the front – Apple has taken it to another level through a number of software and sensor upgrades. Firstly, the Wide rear camera sensor is larger, meaning it captures 47 per cent more light. This improves the detail and contrast of images taken in low light, while a new sensor on the Ultra Wide Camera helps reveal more of the dark areas of a shot with less noise. This makes it better for us indoors, especially as the winter nights come in and the weather takes a turn. The Neural Engine inside the phone and an advanced image signal processor in the A15 Bionic Chip help enhance images and videos further, making shots more steady. Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini have Night mode, Deep Fusion, and HDR video recording with Dolby Vision seen on the iPhone 12. However, the latter has been upgraded to support 4K at 60 fps on all cameras (up from 4K at 30 fps on the iPhone 12). Night mode helps take even better photos at night, while Deep Fusion captures multiple shots at multiple exposures and "fuses" them together to present the best possible image. As a result of the sensor upgrades, we found ourselves using the Night mode feature less often because the low-light performance was more than good enough in a large number of scenarios. Secondly, Apple has added some great new features, including Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles. The former uses what's known as "rack focus" – a technique used by cinematographers in feature films. It's used to guide the viewers' attention by switching focus between subjects and adding a depth-of-field effect. Users can mirror this effect on the iPhone 13 in Cinematic Mode and create professional-looking videos, with the same focus options seen in films and TV shows. We didn't find this feature quite as easy to use as the demonstrations would suggest, but our videos looked incredible when we did master it. We almost couldn't believe we'd filmed them. The new Photographic Styles feature is decent, albeit not quite as impressive or impactful as Cinematic Mode. Each time you take a photo, the iPhone will show you the balanced, true-to-life image alongside four alternative styles – vibrant, rich contrast, warm, and cool. As you cycle through these styles, iPhone 13 uses a "deep semantic understanding" to apply different adjustments to different parts of the photos and change their overall appearance. In many respects, it's similar to adding a filter to the photo; however, Photographic Styles is more intelligent because it makes these adjustments while taking each individual person's skin tone into account. This may not sound like a big deal, but adjusting the warmth of a photo and treating each person's tone the same results in an overall "washed-out" appearance. It also doesn't represent their skin in a realistic way, which can mess with the overall balance of a photo. At face value (excuse the pun), the differences may not be huge, but having the option to boost our photos with minimal effort is always welcomed. The True Depth camera on the front, which also houses the FaceID sensor, has had fewer upgrades and tweaks, but it does support Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles, so you can snap and film selfies using these new tools, and it supports the same Night mode, Deep Fusion and Dolby Vision HDR recording, up to 4K at 60 fps. The latter will be of particular interest to vloggers looking to produce professional-quality content. Latest Deals iPhone 13 battery and performance When it comes to performance, Apple made a lot of the power and capabilities of its new A15 Bionic Chip during its launch event. It claims its new 6-core CPU is up to 50 per cent faster than the competition, "the fastest in any smartphone", while the new 4-core GPU is up to 30 per cent faster. In everyday use, it's hard to discern these speed increases and confirm just how much faster they are, but we never once had any problems with lag on the iPhone 13. Switching between apps and tasks is instantaneous, and we are yet to experience any slowdowns, even when streaming high-quality content from the likes of Netflix. This power boost, combined with the Super Retina Display and support for Dolby Vision, also makes gaming quick, responsive and immersive. As previously mentioned, the 60Hz refresh rate is lacking in comparison to the more expensive iPhone models, and it was detectable when playing Fortnite – not enough to affect our performance, but enough for us to notice. When it comes to battery life, though, the iPhone 13 comes into its own. According to Apple, you'll get an extra 2.5 hours of battery life when using the iPhone 13, compared to the iPhone 12. This means the phone will last up to 19-hours when watching videos and up 75 hours when listening to audio. Of course, day-to-day use combines a mixture of video, audio and other tasks, so while these numbers are a good guide, they don't reflect real-world use. They also seemingly don't do the iPhone 13 justice. In our tests – in which we used the phone as we would normally do over the course of a week and recorded how long the phone lasted in between charges – we averaged an impressive 29 hours. Our daily use typically includes streaming at least one episode of Married at First Sight, sending WhatsApp messages, playing Sim City, watching TikTok and a couple of audio calls. Not only is this impressive on its own, and is undoubtedly because of the way the software and hardware have been optimised to work perfectly with one another, but it's impressive when you take the other advancements into consideration. Namely, the improved brightness and the extra behind-the-scenes work being done by the Neural Engine when filming video and taking photos. iPhone 13 set-up Setting up the iPhone 13 – as with all Apple products – is straightforward. Especially if you're an existing Apple customer, you simply sign in to your account and let the phone do the hard work for you, pulling in your existing settings, app downloads and syncing all relevant data from your latest backup. You can additionally set up or disable FaceID, Siri and sharing settings via the step-by-step guide. Or choose to manually update the tablet if you want to limit which apps are installed on the iPhone 13. However, Apple has added a couple of new features to make this process easier. The first allows you to temporarily use iCloud Backup to move your data to the new device, even if you're low on storage. Currently, if you don't have sufficient storage either on the handset itself or in the cloud, you have to delete apps, remove content and so on to make sure everything is backed up. With this new feature, Apple now gives you as much iCloud space as you need to complete a temporary backup, free of charge – additional iCloud space usually comes with a fee – and for up to three weeks from when you buy the iPhone. Plus, if you're moving from an Android phone to iOS, Apple has added some new tools to its Move to iOS app. It's now easier to move Photo albums, files and folders, and Accessibility settings over. If you're not already an Apple customer, you'll need to create an Apple ID and manually download the apps you want. Our verdict: should you upgrade to the iPhone 13? Out of all of the new handsets released by Apple at its September 2021 event, the iPhone 13 makes the least sense on paper. If you can afford to buy a handset outright, it makes more sense to stretch slightly and buy the entry-level Pro model. Similarly, if you want a mid-sized phone, the iPhone 13 Pro offers much more in the same form. In reality, however, the iPhone 13 makes a lot of sense. It has a number of "pro" features without the need to spend "pro" prices. It's fast enough to do everyday tasks and play everyday games, its screen is high-quality enough to play high-quality content, and it now comes with double the storage. Not to mention the fact it's a relatively affordable way to get Apple's new Cinematic Mode, which is worth a chunk of money on its own if you're into shooting videos. You don't get all the bells and whistles seen on the Pro range, so there are some sacrifices to be made, but it's very clear why Apple has continued with its four-way handset release – the iPhone 13 offers the most appeal to the widest group possible. Rating: Features: 5/5 Screen quality: 4/5 Design: 4/5 Camera: 4/5 Battery life and performance: 5/5 Set-up: 5/5 Overall rating: 4.5/5 Where to buy the iPhone 13 iPhone 13 off-contract Latest Deals Currys John Lewis Amazon AO Very Argos iPhone 13 on contract Available from Sky for £27 a month and £0 upfront (36-month contract) Available from iD Mobile for £40.99 and £29 upfront Available from EE for £49 a month and £80 upfront Available from Vodafone for £43 a month and £29 upfront Available from O2 for £48.98 a month and £30 upfront Available from Three for £52 a month and £29 upfront Available from Tesco Mobile for £49.49 a month and £0 upfront Not sure which is the best iPhone for you? We've compared the iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12 to help you decide.
It's certainly cheap, but is it worth a purchase?
A relatively good gaming headset that costs under £20 is surely some kind of myth, right? Wrong. You will find that exact thing with the Gioteck HC2+, and this is a headset that is better in many ways than we thought it would be - while also lacking in areas we expected too. But what about all the ins and outs of the Gioteck HC2+? Does it match up to other headsets on the market, and will it be useful for all the things you want to do with it, considering how ridiculously cheap it is? Have a read of our full review, where we will, hopefully, answer all the questions you have about the Gioteck HC2+. Jump to: Gioteck HC2+ review: summary What is the Gioteck HC2+? How much is the Gioteck HC2+? Design Features Performance Gioteck HC2+ setup Our verdict Where to buy Gioteck HC2+ review: summary Don't expect to be blown away by the Gioteck HC2+ (and with the price, you shouldn't), but what you will get is a headset that performs fairly well - particularly with aspects of the microphone. We suspect that the look of it may be off-putting to some, though. What is the Gioteck HC2+? The Gioteck HC2+ is what we call a 'plug and play' headset, which means it comes with an audio cable that can plug into pretty much anything. You can connect it up to the controller of your console, the audio output of your PC, or even the audio jack on your mobile device (as long as your mobile device still has an audio jack, that is – lots of the iPhones don't have one anymore). This multipurpose headset could come in really handy, then. How much is the Gioteck HC2+? The Gioteck HC2+ retails at around £19.99, which is a fantastic price to pay to get your hands on a gaming headset. While it may feel its price in many ways, this is still worthy of consideration to purchase for the cost of it. undefined Gioteck HC2+ design The Gioteck HC2+ is a bulky headset - far bulkier than it needs to be - and it creates a headset that looks a little strange. The earcups are a bizarre shape. They are sort of like a diamond shape but not quite, and they don't look appealing in the slightest - quite ugly if we're totally honest and likely enough to put some people off. While the material used should mean that we have a comfy headset on our hands, they don't feel like they fit right. It didn't take long to start feeling a slight level of discomfort while wearing them - and we had to continually adjust them to try and improve the experience. It is also far from sturdy, and it feels like it would not take much to break them. Normally we try bending headsets a tad to see how they hold up, but we refrained here after one attempt as it felt like they were about to give way, so definitely keep these out of the hands of young children if you want the headset to survive. Gioteck HC2+ features We do not really have much in the way of features to discuss when it comes to the Gioteck HC2+ - but that is hardly surprising for something you can buy getting a bit of change from a £20 note. The microphone is detachable, which was a pleasant surprise - we felt sure it would be stuck in place - and the wire that you get to connect to your device is a generous enough length that should suit more setups than it doesn't. As for volume control, there is a little gadget halfway down the connection wire that you can use to adjust it, but it is quite rigid and feels cheap and, like the rest of the headset build, like it could break quite easily. Gioteck HC2+ performance We have to be honest – the audio you will get from the Gioteck HC2+ is not the best out there, and it is not going to blow anyone away. But then was it ever going to? The cost of this headset is so low that to expect a mindblowing performance would be unrealistic and what we have is something that is serviceable and gets the job done - it just doesn't dazzle as it does it. There was no way something this cheap was going to deliver the audio goods, but for the casual gamer who is not too fussed about having the best quality, this is still worthy of some consideration and falls firmly into the 'cheap and cheerful' category of headsets. The volume is loud, which is a plus, but things like vocals do suffer - although listening to music and trying a film out with them was actually better than we expected. One thing that did surprise us, though, was the bass with packs far more of a punch than we ever expected it to. It's not the best out there, but we were ready for it to be poor, and that is certainly not the case. The microphone was another surprise - again, it is not amazing, but it actually performed better than many more expensive headsets we have tried out, with the exception of noise-cancelling, which is virtually non-existent. Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Gioteck HC2+ setup Very simply, all you need to do to get the Gioteck HC2+ working is to plug it into your device of choice, and away you go! There is nothing fancy you need to do and no settings that need to be played around with - simple! Our verdict: Should you buy the Gioteck HC2+? The more hardcore gamers among us will likely not get much from the Gioteck HC2_ as it will not deliver the sound quality you would expect and are probably used to - even if you may find the mic is strangely superior in certain ways. But if you are a casual gamer who just wants a headset for the odd occasion they would use it, then this would absolutely be a smart purchase - you have little to no chance of getting a better headset for the same price let alone cheaper. Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 2 / 5 Features: 3 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.3 / 5 Where to buy the Gioteck HC2+ The Gioteck HC2+ gaming headset is out now, so you should be able to find it at most major retailers, including GAME. If you're looking to save a few quid, check out our handy deals widget below, which should compile the best prices it can find from around the web. If our review has convinced you to make a purchase, click away and grab one of these while they last. undefined Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless gaming headset review
Is this under £100 gaming headset worth a purchase?
Finding a decent, wireless headset for a low price is not an easy task to undertake especially when you want one that will do what you need it to and sound as good as you would want it to - so you should definitely give some strong consideration to picking up the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless. But what about all the ins and outs of the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless? Does it match up to other headsets on the market, and will it be useful for all the things you want to do with it considering it is a headset that just ducks under the £100 mark? Have a read of our full review, where we will, hopefully, answer all the questions you have about the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless. Jump to: Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless review: summary What is the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless? How much is the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless? Design Features Performance Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless setup Our verdict Where to buy Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless review: summary This is one of the best headsets you can buy for under the £100 mark, and it is well worth some consideration. Sure, there are headsets out there that are far better and give better results, but for a pair of headphones as cheap as this, you will find very little to complain about with the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless. What is the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless? The Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless is a 4 in 1 gaming headset - it can wirelessly connect to a PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or Android device, offering low-latency audio thrills on whichever of those platforms you prefer. It also has a steel-informed headband (meaning it's extra sturdy) and in-built noise-cancellation technology (so you won't be disturbed while playing). It's pretty snazzy, basically! How much is the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless? The Steelseries Arctis 1 retails at around £99.99, which as anyone who has been on the hunt for a gaming headset will know, is a fantastic price for a product that does what this one can. Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless design While the foam pads on the earcups are comfy to wear for the most part and feel light to the touch, they do have a swivel motion to them that can be irritating as they have a tendency to move accidentally, forcing us to put them back into their original position a few times while testing these out. It is by no means a deal-breaker, but it is a minor inconvenience that could have easily been avoided. They have an oblong shape that works well, and the headphones really look impressive before you even get to experience what the audio will be like. This is a step up from the models of old as the plastic speaker driver on those had a habit of digging into your ear a bit - it is nice that it is no longer an issue. The microphone is now a detachable one that comes separately in the box when you open it up. This is another improvement as you don't want to be stuck with a mic if you are just chilling out with music, so being able to take it off is a lot handier than just being able to retract it, which was the case with the Steelseries headsets of old. There is metal inside the headband that feels is sturdy and attempts to bend it showed that it is durable. The fake leather used does feel nice, but if we are honest, it would not be our first choice as this type of material does have a habit of wearing away over time which is always a pain. It is worth mentioning that it is with the headband that we had issues getting the headset to sit right - comfy when you get do manage to get it to sit correctly, but it doe stake a bit of manoeuvring. Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless features The controls for the Steelseries Arctis 1 are all situated on the left earcup and everything you would expect to be included here and present and accounted for. You have the volume control here, which is a dial. The microphone can be switched on and off here too. The right earcup only has one button, which is the power control. The headset connects via a dongle as it is wireless, but you also get a second wire included, which is an audio/mic splitter for gaming PCs. This wire is massive, though, far longer than it needed to be, so you may find you want to invest in a shorter one when you see it. Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless performance The bass levels could certainly do with some work here. We have heard worse, certainly, but when you are playing a game that puts an emphasis on bass, you will notice that it does not feel as powerful as you may have expected. But that aside, you will be getting some great sounds coming out of the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless - especially for an under £100 headset. Voices and gunfire came from all directions, and the audio experience was far better than it ordinarily is when it just comes out of the speakers on our TV - listening to music is fine too, but again, the bass levels make it an experience that could be a tad better. As for noise dampening, we did hear some sounds from our real-world surroundings while playing but not enough to cause a distraction. This is a headset that does what it needs to do for the most part and gives off a sound quality that is admirable for a headset that is not selling for a premium rate. The microphone is fine, but like many other gaming headsets, this has let itself down a little as while people will be able to hear what you are saying, the quality of your voice could and should be better as it can, on occasion, sound a little muffled. Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless setup Very simply, all you need to do to get the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless working is to plug the accompanying dongle into your device of choice, and you are ready to do - as simple as can be. We tried it on numerous devices and ran into no problems along the way. Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Our verdict: Should you buy the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless? It may not be the best quality headset you can choose, but that is expected with the price. However, if you just want something cheap and cheerful that will do the job to an acceptable level. The Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless should be strongly considered - and the price of it will likely make you realise that for yourselves. Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 3.5 / 5 Features: 3.5 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.8 / 5 Where to buy the Steelseries Arctis 1 wireless The Razer Opus X headset is out now, so you should be able to find it at most major retailers, including Currys. If you're looking to save a few quid, check out our handy deals widget below, which should compile the best prices it can find from around the web. If our review has convinced you to make a purchase, click away and grab one of these while they last. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition gaming headset review
Is this a worthy headset despite the low cost?
If you are on the lookout for a new gaming headset, then you have plenty of choices out there, with more seemingly on sale now than ever before. The only problem is that a lot of them tend to be on the pricey side, but if you are looking for a good one that will not cost you the Earth, then take a look at the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition. The price is not the only selling point here as there is a lot to like about this particular headset, from the design to the quality of sound it will give you. Read about that and more in our full review to help you decide whether this is the new gaming headset for you. Jump to: LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition review: summary What is the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition? How much is the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition? Design Features Performance LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition setup Our verdict Where to buy LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition review: summary Buying the LucidSound LS25 will give you a decent headset that gives you acceptable sound, with a better microphone than some of the premium ones out there. Given the price of this, it is definitely one well worthy of some consideration if you need a new headset and you don't want to spend a lot to get one. What is the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition? The LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition is more than just a pair of headphones - designed with competitive gamers and esports professionals in mind, this headset aims to offer superior performance across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile devices. It works with the next-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but it's also compatible with the older PS4 and Xbox One hardware - that could come in very handy if you're planning to upgrade at some point in the future or play across generations. How much is the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition? The LucidSound LS25 manages to stay under the £100 mark by retailing at an impressive £51.99 – a frankly brilliant price for any gaming headset, let alone these ones. undefined LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition design We fell in love with the design of the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition from the moment that it came out of the box. The red and black design is immediately eye-catching, and while the headset itself may not be the best on the market, you could be forgiven for thinking it is one of the top tier ones by how great it looks. And that stretches to all the smaller details that the headset has, from the ear cushions and padding to the headband – this really is a lovely headset visually in every way, and we have zero complaints in that department. You get two cables with the headset, one is the ordinary jack, and the other is for connecting to controllers that is the shorter of the two and both of these are of a decent length that should fit the needs of most. As for comfort, these are actually comfier than we thought they would be when we first put them on. Initially, it feels as though they don't sit quite right, but after a bit of time with them, they began to feel like the perfect fit, and they are fine to wear for long periods of time – something that is normally the case when gaming. The microphone is detachable, which is something we always favour and connecting it is as easy as you would want it to be. LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition features When it comes to volume control, we are big fans of how this has been incorporated, and you wouldn't even know where the controls were if you didn't read the instruction manual first. The left ear has a dial that can be turned. The dial is essentially a large circle on the earcup, while the right has a hidden button that you can press in and out for muting – they are both nice touches. But that is really it for any bells and whistles with the LucidSound LS25. But that being said, there is not much more we would expect with a headset of this cost and it services all your basic audio needs well. LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition performance This brings us to one of the most important questions when talking about a headset, how does it sound? Pretty good is the answer to that! Given the price, you cannot expect to be blown away by the sounds that come out of the LucidSound LS25, but we were still pleasantly surprised with how things sounded – no matter what we were hearing coming out of them. Things like footsteps and gunshots are heard clearly, and, for the most part, we could work out what direction they were coming from, and while the bass could be slightly more impactful, this was still more than we bargained for when we first came across them. When it comes to the microphone, this is normally where gaming headsets have a tendency to fall short. Happily, that is not the case with the LucidSound LS25, as the mic impressed us far more than we were expecting it to. For starters, it is easily detachable, which is always a plus, but your voice will sound great while talking through it. It isn't quite crystal clear, but it is better than many of the others we have tried of late, and LucidSound deserve some praise for that. The one downside we did find was that the mic picks up other noise quite easily – so if you are using it while outside and a gust of wind hits you, it will go through the mic at quite the volume. Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition setup This is very much a plugin and play situation that is to be expected with a wired headset. But that does mean it is super easy to get up and running, and we ran into no issues when we first tried ours out on all the different consoles we own. Our verdict: Should you buy the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition? You will find many headsets out there for gaming that give you better sound than the LucidSound LS25, but the sound it does give truly is impressive given the low cost. So, if money is a factor and you don't want to break the bank forking out triple-figure amounts, and you just want a headset that does the job to an acceptable level – look no further than the LucidSound LS25. Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 4 / 5 Features: 3.5 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 4.5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.9 / 5 Where to buy the LucidSound LS25 Tournament Edition The LucidSound LS25 gaming headset is out now, so you should be able to find it at most major retailers, including Amazon. If you're looking to save a few quid, check out our handy deals widget below, which should compile the best prices it can find from around the web. If our review has convinced you to make a purchase, click away and grab one of these while they last. undefined Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
Steelseries Arctis 1 wired gaming headset review
Finding a headset below £100 can be a tough task, especially when you want one that will do what you need it to and manage to do it to a solid level – so the price of this one will likely catch your eye and leave you wondering whether something so cheap can be worth your pennies. But what about all the ins and outs of the Steelseries Arctis 1? Does it match up to other headsets on the market, and will it be useful for all the things you want to do with it, considering how cheap it is? Have a read of our full review, where we will, hopefully, answer all the questions you have about the Steelseries Arctis 1. Jump to: Steelseries Arctis 1 review: summary What is the Steelseries Arctis 1? How much is the Steelseries Arctis 1? Design Features Performance Steelseries Arctis 1 setup Our verdict Where to buy Steelseries Arctis 1 review: summary This is one of the best headsets you can buy for under the £100 mark and at around £50 is well worth some consideration. Sure, there are headsets out there that are far better and give better results, but for a pair of headphones as cheap as this, you will find very little to complain about with the Steelseries Arctis 1. What is the Steelseries Arctis 1? The Steelseries Arctis 1 is a 2.4GHz wired gaming headset designed to work with PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S – it can also be used as a regular pair of headphones with your mobile device of choice, as long as that device has an audio jack input! Lots of the iPhone don't these days, but you can find adapters online that will plug that gap for you. How much is the Steelseries Arctis 1? The Steelseries Arctis 1 retails at around £49.99, which as anyone who has been on the hunt for a gaming headset, will know is a bargain price for a product that more than holds it's own considering its inexpensive cost. Steelseries Arctis 1 design The foam pads on the earcups are comfortable and feel light to the touch, and the only issue we have come across with them is that they swivel a little too easily for our liking – we had to put them back into their original position a few times while testing these out which is, happily, nothing more than a small annoyance. The oblong shape of them works well, and they look impressive before you even get to experience how impressive the sound that comes out of them is. This is a definite improvement from the older models where the plastic speaker driver had a habit of digging into your ear a bit – so this is certainly a welcome change from them. Another change is the microphone that is now detachable and actually comes separately in the box when you first get it. This again is an improvement as you don't want to be stuck with a mic if you are just listening to music, and being able to remove it altogether is far better than the retractable mic that was part of the Steelseries headsets of old. The metal inside the headband is sturdy enough and survived us trying to bend it more than anybody normally would, and while the fake leather used does feel nice, it would not be our go-to choice for the material they could have used as this does tend to wear away easily over time. It is also here that you will find the most trouble with getting these to sit comfy – they are comfortable, but the design of the headband makes it a little tricky to get it to sit right on occasion. Steelseries Arctis 1 features As you can see in the above picture, the controls for the Steelseries Arctis 1 are placed on the left earcup, and you will find all the features you would expect to be included neatly positioned on it. You'll find the volume controls, the ability to switch the microphone on and off, and a connection port here too. It is worth noting that the extra 3.5mm port for sharing audio with a second headset is missing from this set which may be an annoyance for some people, but it is likely one of the things that keep the cost of this down as low as it is – so it is an understandable thing to leave out. The headset connects via a single 3.5 mm audio jack, and you also get a second wire included too which is an audio/mic splitter for gaming PCs, although keep in mind this wire is way longer than it needs to be, which will is a bit of pain when you are using it. Another thing to keep in mind is that while the Arctis 1 does work with mobile phones, this wired version will only do so with those that have the correct port – something the newer models frustratingly tend to leave out. Steelseries Arctis 1 performance Let's get the negative out of the way first, and that would be the bass which is not the heaviest out there and does feel, at times, that it could do with a little extra oomph going into your ears. This is fine in a lot of cases, but when playing something like Call of Duty, it is noticeable. Other than though, you will be getting some great sounds coming out of the Steelseries Arctis 1. We could hear things like voices and gunfire coming from all directions, and the audio experience was far more complete while wearing them as opposed to playing with the regular sound that comes out of our TV. Music sounds great, too, and while not perfect, it was far better than we expected from a headset that costs so little. We could hear some sound from our real-world surroundings while playing but not enough to cause a distraction, and the best way we can sum up the audio power and clarity is by saying that it does the job well enough and while there are better ones out there that will give you more, we had no glaring complaints from the several hours we spent trying these out – particularly when the low cost is factored in. As for the microphone, it's fine but hardly anything to write home about. Many gaming headsets let themselves down a little with the mic, and that is the case here too. People will be able to hear what you are saying, but the quality of your voice could and should be better. Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Steelseries Arctis 1 setup This is very much a plugin and play situation that is to be expected with a wired headset. But that does mean it is super easy to get up and running, and we ran into no issues when we first tried ours out on all the different consoles we own. Our verdict: Should you buy the Steelseries Arctis 1? If you want the best quality when choosing your headset that this will likely not be for you as it, expectedly with the price, falls short on many of the top tier ones on the market. But if you just want something cheap and cheerful that will do the job to an acceptable level, then the Steelseries Arctis 1 should be strongly considered – you will be hard-pressed to find better any cheaper. Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 3.5 / 5 Features: 3.5 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.8 / 5 Where to buy the Steelseries Arctis 1 The Razer Opus X headset is out now, so you should be able to find it at most major retailers, including <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=radiotimes-1346408&awinmid=1599&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.currys.co.uk%2Fgbuk%2Fgaming%2Fgaming-accessories%2Fgaming-headsets%2Fsteelseries-arctis-1-7-1-gaming-headset-black-10195271-pdt.html%3Fstore%3D2261%26%3D--present--%26istCompanyId%3Dbec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7%26istFeedId%3D2928af81-b29b-476c-a180-ac5de265a98e%26istItemId%3Ditlxpiaix%26istBid%3Dt%26srcid%3D198%26cmpid%3Dppc%7Egg%7E1016%2B%28Shopping%2BAds%29%2BGaming%2BAccs%2B-%2BGeneric%7E1016%2B%28PLA%29%2BPC%2BGAMING%2Bad%2Bgroup%7EExact%26mctag%3Dgg_goog_7904%26kwid%3DGOOGLE%26device%3Dc%26ds_kids%3D92700063700910273%26tgtid%3D1016%2B%28Shopping%2BAds%29%2BGaming%2BAccs%2B-%2BGeneric%26PLA%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwvuGJBhB1EiwACU1AiSoF74enAA3i4z9G8vy1K_2OIeQ4KL4z37Al5-eduUAKTEetdbAY-RoCzLsQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Currys. If you're looking to save a few quid, check out our handy deals widget below, which should compile the best prices it can find from around the web. If our review has convinced you to make a purchase, click away and grab one of these while they last. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more audio reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
This gaming chair is one of the most affordable you will find, but how does it perform? We put it to the test to find out if it's the right chair for you.
Gaming chairs have come a long way over the years, and they are now comfier and snazzier than ever, with many out on the market that you can choose from. One of the options worth some consideration is the Play Haha gaming chair, and that is especially true if cost is a factor. If you now have your shiny new Xbox Series X/S or PS5 next-gen console, or you have an older model, a Nintendo Switch or a PC, then you will likely already know the importance of not just being comfortable while you game but sitting in something stylish while you do it. But is it worth buying the Play Haha gaming chair? Keep on reading, and we’ll lay down all the essential info in our full review! Jump to: Play Haha gaming chair review: summary What is the Play Haha gaming chair? How much is the Play Haha gaming chair? Design Features Performance Play Haha gaming chair setup Our verdict Where to buy Play Haha gaming chair review: summary You will likely notice the price before anything else, and that would not be a bad thing as this is without question the best gaming chair that we have seen that does not break the £100 barrier. And not only that, but it is sturdy, comfortable and you will find it remains comfy over longer periods of time. What is the Play Haha gaming chair? This is the Play Haha Racing Style Office chair that can be used as a regular old work chair, but its design and comfort also make it a great choice if you are looking for a chair to sit in while delving into the next big video game to hit your PC and console. How much is the Play Haha gaming chair? Buying a decent gaming chair that will stand the test of time and look good while keeping you comfy is never going to be cheap, but the Play Haha one is certainly on the cheaper end – the version we reviewed is going for £75.99 on Amazon, which is a fantastic price given that finding a decent one under £100 can be a hard task. And as you can see in the widget below, there are other variations from Play Haha, which come even cheaper! undefined Play Haha gaming chair design There is no denying just how cool this chair looks when it is fully assembled, and while we went with the stylish black design, it looks just as good in the other three colours that you can buy the chair in – purple, blue and red. The images of it don't really do justice to how good this looks, and the materials used – high-density foam and soft-touch faux leather – ensures that it is nice to the touch and, more importantly, comfortable the whole time you are in it. Play Haha gaming chair features Feature-wise it is only the standard fare here, but then what else could you want from a gaming chair? The arms are a good length and comfy to rest on, the chair's wheels are easy to attach and work perfectly if you need to shuffle from one part of the room to another. You get the height adjustment here, and there were zero issues to report on when it came to the gas lift. There isn't much in the way of bells and whistles here, but again, this is a chair, and the main thing it needs to do is to be a relaxing place to sit while gaming – and it does just that. Play Haha gaming chair performance Let's get down to the important details first, and that is how comfortable this is to sit in – you will be sitting in the Play Haha chair for quite some time if you are as into your gaming as we are. Happily, there are no complaints here, and this stayed comfy for as long as we were sitting in it – we were actually surprised at just how comfy it was given the relatively low price tag attached to it. The 5-star base and pneumatic gas lift are robust and as effective as you would want them to be, and the height change is generous when you adjust it. The armrests are not quite as impressive, though. They are not bad, and they do the job perfectly well, but for anyone that likes their armrests to have a degree of manoeuvrability, you may be a tad disappointed as they are far more rigid than some of the more premium chairs on the market. The base has wheels that make it easy to zip around the room, and if you are a fan of spinning around in a full circle, then you can indeed do that with this chair too. Read more: Best gaming chairs Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Play Haha gaming chair setup While no more complicated at first glance than most other gaming chairs, this proved to be a fiddly chair to put together at times, and while many aspects were simple, small annoyances like the screws taking a lot of work to line up did prove to be frustrating. Having an extra pair of hands to assist does make it easier and is advised as it is a weighty chair, but even then, it was a tad irritating on occasion and doing it single-handedly is even more so. You will get it assembled, but you may let out a few frustrated expletives along the way. Our verdict: Should you buy the Play Haha gaming chair? The lack of manoeuvrability of the armrests is slightly irksome, and this was a bit of a chore to assemble at times, but if you keep a keen eye on price, then this is absolutely a worthy purchase. You'll find a chair that is super comfy to sit in while also feeling sturdy and well-built – all for under £100. Review scores: Set-up: 3.5 / 5 Design: 4.5 / 5 Features: 4 / 5 Performance: 4 / 5 Value for money: 5 / 5 Overall star rating: 4.2 / 5 Where to buy the Play Haha gaming chair At the moment, we have spotted that Amazon has some in stock, and they currently have the version we reviewed for £75.99. There are some other versions which seem to be even cheaper, too! If you’re looking for a deal, check out our snazzy widget below, which should automatically pull together the best prices on the web. undefined Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more tech reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset review
Is this another win from the team at HyperX?
All the extras that you need to fully complete your gaming set-up appear to be growing bigger and bigger, and there is so much choice out there now for all kinds of different makes of microphones, gaming headsets and all the other bits and pieces that we find ourselves needing. When it comes to headsets – and many other things actually – HyperX are one of the biggest and best in the business, and one of the stellar headsets of recent times was the Cloud II. Now we have an upgraded version of it, and this time it has made the leap to being wireless. But is it any good, and is it worth the cost? We have the answer to those questions below in our full HyperX Cloud II Wireless review! Jump to: HyperX Cloud II Wireless review: summary What is the HyperX Cloud II Wireless? How much is the HyperX Cloud II Wireless? Design Features Performance HyperX Cloud II Wireless setup Our verdict Where to buy HyperX Cloud II Wireless review: summary While it is a bit pricey compared to the improvements made in the last model, this remains another brilliant HyperX headset that gives incredible sound while feeling nice and comfy to wear for long durations. Excellent battery life too! What is the HyperX Cloud II Wireless? This is the follow up to The HyperX Cloud II headset that makes several improvements, including making it wireless – something that feels very much needed with headsets, as many of us sitting further and further away from our screens. How much is the HyperX Cloud II Wireless? We all know by now that getting one of the best headsets out there will require you to spend a bit more than you might otherwise choose to. That is the case here with the HyperX Cloud II Wireless having a price tag of £149, and while it is no doubt a truly great headset and you would be unlikely to be disappointed in your purchase, it is a bit of a jump from the cost of the last and doesn't quite do enough to justify it. If you don't mind having a wire, the EPOS H3 is a little bit cheaper than this headset, so it might be worth considering that as an alternative. Or, if you want to splurge, the LucidSound LS50X costs a fair bit more, but it does have some extra features. Decisions, decisions... undefined HyperX Cloud II Wireless design If you are looking at this latest HyperX headset and find yourself thinking that it looks very much like the last one they released, that would be because it is indeed almost identical. This is an upgrade to that most recent release and, as such, HyperX hasn't attempted to reinvent the wheel. This is hardly surprising as the previous model was about as close to headset perfection as you can get, so it makes sense not to even think about changing the mould for this upgraded follow up. There are some tweaks, though. For one, the ear cup covers now have a matte coating rather than the glossy material used previously, and the style has been honed with little pieces removed to make them slightly smaller – a tiny change but a welcome one nonetheless. Overall it feels sturdy, and the dashes of red compliment the black perfectly to make these look as cool as they are to use. We wish that the little connecting wires weren't loose and visible from the earcups to the headband, though, as it gives a slightly messy feel that could easily have been avoided. HyperX Cloud II Wireless features On the actual headset itself, you won't find much in the way of buttons with there only being three – the on/off button, one for muting, and then a dial where you can easily change the volume on the other ear. But that's it with things once again being kept simple, and it does not even feel like anything else could have been added – all you would expect to be included is present and accounted for. The Microphone is detachable and comes loose in the box along with the speech pad with a port on the ear to connect to. Also in there is the all-important dongle that will allow you to wirelessly connect to your devices with ease, as well as a wire for charging them that is way shorter than it has any right to be – honestly, it's tiny. HyperX Cloud II Wireless performance The first thing you will want to know about the HyperX Cloud II Wireless is how well things sound when they are using them, and, happily, we have absolutely zero complaints in that department. We were pleasantly surprised by just how powerful these are. That being said, while they are exceptional for gaming, we were not quite as impressed when we tried them out with some music or a movie. It wasn't a bad sound, but we have certainly heard better, and these are unlikely to challenge our current go-to regular headphones at the top of the pile. One drawback is the microphone, which, like most other headsets on the market, could do with some work. People can hear what you are saying well enough for the most part, but it is not always crystal clear, and if you planned to use the mic for anything else, you would likely be disappointed. HyperX Cloud II Wireless setup No issues here for the set-up process, which was fairly simple. All you have to do is to plug the Bluetooth USB dongle that you get with your headphones into your device of choice, and they will connect after a few seconds. Distance-wise, these stretch to around 20 metres, so you should never lose connection just walking around the room. Read more: Best gaming chairs Best gaming headsets Play Haha gaming chair review Secretlab Titan gaming chair review Corsair TC70 gaming chair review Razer Enki gaming chair review Our verdict: Should you buy the HyperX Cloud II Wireless? While there are many headsets on the market to consider, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless is certainly worth some strong consideration as not only is it comfy and easy to use, but it sounds great when it's up and running when used for gaming – less so if used for streaming or music. This comes down to how much the few improvements mean to you and how much you want your headset to be wireless. If they are important, picking this up is highly recommended, even if you can probably find something cheaper. Sound is the key here, and it does the job and then some, even if the microphone leaves a little to be desired. Review scores: Set-up: 4.5 / 5 Design: 4 / 5 Features: 4 / 5 Performance: 4 / 5 Value for money: 3.5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.9 / 5 Where to buy the HyperX Cloud II Wireless You shouldn't have too much trouble getting your hands on the HyperX Cloud II Wireless as it is available in most of the places you would expect it to be. Amazon currently has it in stock for £149, and so do most of the other usual suspects. undefined Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. If you’re looking for more tech reviews, don’t miss our best soundbar and best wireless earbuds round-ups.