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.
Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: which new flagship phone is best?
These new flagship offerings from Xiaomi and OnePlus are comparable in a lot of ways, but are marked by several key differences. We took a look at the new flagship devices to see which is the best purchase for you.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro and the OnePlus 10 Pro are two of the stand-out flagship phone releases of 2022 so far. They aim to go toe-to-toe with the iPhone 13 and the Samsung S22 Series, but how do they compare to those market leaders? And how do they compare to each other? We've tested both phones extensively and gave both generally positive reviews, with one or two notable caveats. Thanks to these small hitches and the comparative strengths of the two smartphones, there isn't necessarily a black and white answer to which one is best. However, we can advise you on which phone is best for particular use cases. For our in-depth analysis of the Xiaomi 12 Pro in isolation, you can read our full Xiaomi 12 Pro review, or alternatively try out our full OnePlus 10 Pro review. Read on for our in-depth analysis of these two phones, as we decide which is the best purchase for you — whether you're a gamer, a power user, or just want a fantastic flagship smartphone for day-to-day use. Buy OnePlus 10 Pro for £799 at Amazon Buy Xiaomi 12 Pro for £1049 at Currys Buy Xiaomi 12 for £849 at Carphone Warehouse Jump to: Key differences at a glance Design Specs and features Price Storage Battery life Camera Display 5G connectivity Which should you buy Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Key differences at a glance Xiaomi 12 Pro is £248 more expensive Xiaomi 12 Pro can overheat Both phones feature the same processor OnePlus' Oxygen OS is smoother than Xiaomi MIUI operating system Xiaomi 12 Pro has 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus 10 Pro has 8GB or 10GB Xiaomi 12 Pro feels more premium and marks up less OnePlus 10 Pro offers less megapixels and very slightly less camera performance Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Design The first you'll notice in terms of the design of these two handsets is their eye-catching camera arrays. That of the OnePlus 10 Pro is a little more unconventional than the Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera bump and has split opinion. Personally, our testers preferred the look and feel of the Xiaomi handset, but it ought to feel slightly more high end, given its higher price point. Both handsets are as slim and light as you'd expect, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro has a little more of an authoritative heft to it. It's not a bad thing and it's not heavy by any stretch of the imagination, but the handset has a real premium feel to it. Likewise, when it comes to marks, the Xiaomi 12 Pro just doesn't pick them up. It's one of the best phones we've ever tested in dodging that 'fingerprint magnet' label. You won't find grubby finger marks and scratches all over the handset after a day's use and while that feels relatively minor, it was a noticeable plus of our time with the handset. The OnePlus 10 Pro doesn't fare badly in these stakes, but we found that the built-in screen protector picked up marks and the matte-finished back could pick up scratches from keys and similar items quite easily, just from rumbling around in your pocket or bag, Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Specs and features Both of these smartphones are powered by the cutting edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It's the latest flagship processor from Qualcomm and most of the top-end phones on the market right now use it. This gives both handsets the ability to handle complex tasks and to multi-task with ease. Both handsets max out at 256GB of storage, with the OnePlus 10 Pro also available in a 128GB version. The larger OnePlus comes with 12GB of RAM, rather than the 8GB offered by the Xiaomi. When it comes to camera specs, the Xiaomi 12 Pro packs three 50MP snappers on the back and a 32MP selfie camera on the front. Conversely, the OnePlus's Hasselblad triple-camera array is made up of a 50MP, a 48MP and an 8MP camera. On the front, there's a 32MP selfie camera. Both handsets also have 5G support and come with impressive wired fast chargers. The Xiaomi's is a touch quicker. It's also worth noting that both phones are capable of 50W wireless fast charging and that the OnePlus packs a 5000mAh battery compared to the 46000mAh battery of the Xiaomi. Of course, the OnePlus 10 Pro comes with OnePlus's signature operating system, Oxygen OS 12.1. That's a win for the OnePlus as Xiaomi's MIUI 13 is slightly clunkier. Scrolling and navigation is much cleaner and smoother on the OnePlus. One notable performance issue that disappointed us was the Xiaomi 12 Pro's ability to overheat during particularly demanding tasks. That means that, if you're a keen mobile gamer, then the Xiaomi 12 Pro is not the phone for you! The phone suffered well-documented issues with overheating during gaming stress tests and similar ordeals, with the OnePlus 10 Pro encountering no similar issues. Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Price The OnePlus 10 Pro is the cheaper of the two handsets. The version with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage costs £799. Or, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for £899. For the Xiaomi 12 Pro, it's £1049 and the handset comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. There's also the standard Xiaomi 12 to consider, which is available for £849. Buy OnePlus 10 Pro for £799 at Amazon Buy Xiaomi 12 Pro for £1049 at Currys Buy Xiaomi 12 for £849 at Carphone Warehouse We can see from these price ranges that Xiaomi intends the 12 Pro to be an altogether higher class of phone, happily breaking the £1000+ mark. The touch and feel of the Xiaomi handset certainly is more premium, but how does it stack up elsewhere? Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Storage Both handsets max out at 256GB of storage, with no SD card slot for additional memory. Of course, additional memory card slots aren't the norm in handsets of this price point, but it means that some users will have to take to the cloud for their extra storage needs. This storage capacity is pretty much par for the course. It's the same max storage capacity offered by the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus and while the S22 Ultra goes up to one terabyte of storage, it'll cost you much more to do so. Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Battery life It's the OnePlus 10 Pro that offers a larger battery, 5000mAh to the 4600mAh of the Xiaomi 12 Pro. When it comes to efficiency, getting the most battery life out of either of these phones depends on you turning that display refresh rate down from the 120Hz max. During our tests of both handsets, we found this little tweak made a big difference to battery life. Neither phone is best in class when it comes to battery life, but both are passable. The real stand out feature in the battery stakes is the fast charge facilities on offer. The Xiaomi comes with a 120W fast charger that can charge the battery from 1-100% in around 25 minutes. That's hugely impressive and one of the best offerings on the market right now. Conversely, the OnePlus comes with an 80W fast charger, which can take the battery from 1-100% in around 35 minutes, which is still hugely impressive. During our testing we charged the battery from 60-100% in just 18 minutes, meaning it's easy to quickly top up your battery, even if you've only got a short window to charge these phones. During our testing of the OnePlus 10 Pro, we did get left high and dry with an empty battery on one occasion, during a day of very heavy use. Again, this could have been avoided had we adjusted the settings. During our time with the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the battery just about hung in there, despite its small size. In our experience, the Xiaomi comes out slightly on top here despite the smaller battery. However, for the lower price, the OnePlus 10 Pro still offers a large, solid battery that performs well enough and charges fast. Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Camera On the numbers side of things, the Xiaomi 12 Pro puts more megapixels on the table, but that doesn't always mean better photography. In this case, the Xiaomi phone has three 50MP cameras on the back and a 32MP selfie camera on the front. We found the camera responsive and easy to use and enjoyed the time we spent testing it. OnePlus made a big noise about the OnePlus 10 Pro's Hasselblad camera array, packing a 50MP, 48MP and 8MP camera on the reverse, plus a 32MP selfie camera on the front. However, we found that the 'Hasselblad-ification' of the camera didn't feel like it made too much of a difference. Sure, there were some nice extra settings to tweak and ways to shoot, but in terms of the camera's base performance, we weren't left with the impression that the partnership with an iconic photography brand left this phone miles in front of its phone camera competitors. There's not too much to split these two and we found both were feature-packed, easy to use and delivered great colour and detail — without beating the equivalent Samsung Galaxy S22 — but on balance, the more expensive Xiaomi probably just takes this one. Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Display Both handsets offer an adaptable 1-120Hz refresh rate to give you a smooth scrolling experience while simultaneously saving battery where possible. Honestly, during testing, both displays were a joy to use and worked well across a wide variety of use-cases, from streaming to social media scrolling and video calls. However, during our testing periods, the built-in screen protectors on both handsets did experience some minor issues, with small air bubbles appearing, or marks becoming visible. We found that the Xiaomi experienced these issues marginally less. Xiaomi 12 Pro vs OnePlus 10 Pro: 5G connectivity As flagship offerings, both of these phones come with 5G connectivity built-in. Increasingly it's available as standard, even on more affordable phones. However, whether or not you get 5G connectivity while using the phone depends entirely on your provider, your contract and the area you're in. During testing, we experienced no connectivity issues with either of these handsets. Both were consistent and reliable. Our verdict: Which flagship phone should you buy? As much as we liked both of these phones, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's overheating issue has to be raised straight away. If you're a power user or a keen gamer, the phone's capacity to overheat completely rules this phone out for you. The phone can overheat and shut down apps during particularly demanding tasks. That's a rare and major issue. However, if you're a standard user and you want general day-to-day use including social media, streaming, web surfing and photography, then the Xiaomi 12 Pro will beat the OnePlus 10 Pro in a lot of categories. The fact that the Xiaomi is much more expensive though and still overheats is definitely a concern though. Ultimately, the OnePlus 10 Pro is a better all-rounder thanks to its operating system, price and performance. It performs pretty well across the board, but if you want more premium, tactile touches and a slightly better camera, then the Xiaomi 12 does win in those selected categories. However, given that these phones are no longer the 'flagship killers' that these brands used to offer, then it's also worth considering the flagships on offer from the big boys in this market — Apple, Google and Samsung. We've included links to the OnePlus 10 Pro, the Xiaomi 12 Pro and those key competitors below, plus listed some of the latest deals. Buy OnePlus 10 Pro for £799 at Amazon Buy Xiaomi 12 Pro for £1049 at Currys Buy Xiaomi 12 for £849 at Carphone Warehouse Alternatives worth considering: Samsung Galaxy S22 Series, iPhone 13, Google Pixel 6 Pro and more For more on tech and phones head over to our technology homepage, or check out our best smartphones guide.
Apple event 2022 LIVE: iPhone SE 3, new iPhone 13 colours, iPad Air unveiled
Our team of tech experts is following the livestream to bring you the latest news and announcements from Apple's "Peek Performance" event today.
Welcome to the RadioTimes.com live blog for today’s “Peek Performance” March Apple event! Our team of tech experts are following along to bring you the news and reveals from the virtual showcase, which is the company’s first event of the year. There are multiple products expected to be unveiled today, so strap in Apple fans as we are hopefully about to hear some exciting hardware announcements. View oEmbed on the source website Want to read more about the latest iPhones? Don’t miss our iPhone 13 review, iPhone 13 mini review, iPhone 13 Pro review and iPhone 13 Pro Max review. Shopping for smartphone add-ons? Here's the best iPhone accessories you can buy in 2022, the best smartphone tripods and the best portable chargers. Want the latest news, reviews and deals? Sign up to our technology newsletter.
Samsung Galaxy S22 launch live: today's Unpacked 2022 news as it happens
Our team of tech experts brings you live coverage of Samsung Galaxy Unpacked. The Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra have officially been unveiled.
Hello and welcome to the RadioTimes.com coverage of Samsung Galaxy Unpacked! Stay with us throughout the event as we break down the biggest news and announcements live, including when you can get your hands on the phones and tablets, and how much money each of the devices cost in the UK. Pre-orders are open now via the Samsung website: Pre-order Galaxy S22 and S22+ via Samsung Pre-order Galaxy S22 Ultra via Samsung Pre-order Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra via Samsung
The Beats Fit Pros are a feature-rich set of wireless ANC earbuds that find a sweet spot in the existing line-up, but can they beat the Apple AirPods?
Beats has really found its groove with the Fit Pro wireless earbuds – a premium entry in its 2022 line-up that expertly balances design, features and audio quality while offering something for both Android and Apple iOS users to enjoy. Hitting the UK a couple of months after the U.S. launch, they come in hot with a new look that really shines when you use the earbuds for exercising. With a £199.99 price tag and housing the same H1 chip that’s found in the Apple AirPods Pro, the wireless buds are fairly pricey but aim for greatness. Often, they manage to reach it. The main appeal here is the decision to add a flexible silicone “wing tip” onto each of the buds, meaning they fit snugly in the ear even while you are moving about. It takes the exercise-friendly design of the Powerbeats Pro (£219.95) but combines it with the more subtle and stylish aesthetic found in the Beats Studio Buds (£129.99). As should be expected for the pricing, the Fit Pro earbuds have many of the high-end features found in Apple's iconic white flagship buds – the AirPods Pro. This includes Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, “Hey Siri” control and “Find My” support, alongside a solid 27-plus hour battery life. But even if iOS it’s the users that will get the most feature-full experience, Beats has thankfully made sure Android users can still enjoy enhanced features via its official app, which opens up fast pairing, battery icons and button customisation. So if you have a Google Pixel 6 Pro or a Samsung S21 FE, be assured that you can access most, if not all, of the Fit Pro’s abilities. While the Fit Pro are not perfect, they remain a very compelling option for anyone who loves the features and ANC of the AirPods, but wants a pair of earbuds that are much better suited for exercise. For alternatives or to find out how the Beats Fit Pro compare to rivals in the market, don't miss our lists of the best wireless earbuds and best budget wireless earbuds. Jump to: Beats Fit Pro review: summary What are the Beats Fit Pro? How much are the Beats Fit Pro? Design Features Beats Fit Pro set-up Our verdict Where to buy Beats Fit Pro review: summary The Beats Fit Pro earbuds with noise cancellation are positioned as a premium entry in the Apple-owed audio giant’s 2022 line-up, in between the Beats Studio Buds and the Powerbeats Pro. The £199.99 pricing reflects how much tech has been stuffed into the small buds, placing them in the same arena as the AirPods Pro (£189). Whether you are willing to part with that much money is ultimately your call, but we found the Beats Fit Pro to be a worthy rival to the AirPods Pro, especially if you love running or heavy gym sessions – largely thanks to the addition of the wing tips. Those wing tips that protrude from the back of each bud are fashioned in a way that keeps the buds ultra-secure while being worn. They’re built-in so thankfully there’s no fiddly setup – just a simple twist to find the right positioning for your own ears. Audio is punchy, crisp and clear in all of the listening modes, and we found the Beats Fit Pro can easily handle all genres of music alongside voice calls with clarity, while the bass – especially with ANC on – sounds full without overwhelming the mix. Broadly, the Fit Pro spec sheet is great: spatial audio support, dynamic head tracking, active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, on-bud controls and over 25 hours of battery life using the charging case. The design looks, and feels, sleek. And it’s great to see Beats catering for the Android crowd, even if it's iPhone holders that will ultimately get the most feature-full user experience thanks to the iOS-only capabilities such as Automatic Switching and support for the Siri assistant. You will also never hear this reviewer complain about Apple products using USB-C. Even so, while there are often glimpses of Beats earbud greatness to be found here, in our opinion, they are held back from perfection by a few small factors. Namely, the case’s rather bizarre lack of wireless charging, the lack of an option to have volume control and listening mode switching at the same time, and longer-term comfort. None of those were deal-breakers during our time with the wireless earbuds, and we were ultimately very impressed with them. While many users may be drawn towards the instantly-recognisable AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro’s are an enticing alternative. Price: £199.99 (RRP) at Apple Pros: Wing tip design great for the gym Contains Apple’s H1 chip Works well with Android and iOS Fantastic audio quality for all genres Cons: May be too pricey for some users No wireless charging case Not quite as comfortable for all day use No vocal alerts for switching modes What are the Beats Fit Pro? The Beats Fit Pro released in the UK on 28th January, 2022 – pitched as a premium entry in its line-up of buds and headphones. They are powered by the Apple H1 chip, and will give you a variety of premium features including active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and 25+ hours of battery life. One major draw is the wing tip design that keeps them secure while exercising, alongside a full-sounding audio mix that performs very admirably with all types of music. The design should be flexible enough for most ear shapes, and you will also find a selection of different ear cover sizes in the box that will help you find the best fit. How much are Beats Fit Pro? The Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds cost £199.99 in the UK. That places them below the Powerbeats Pro (£219.95) but above the Beats Studio Buds (£129.99). Apple’s AirPods Pro buds - which have very similar ANC, audio quality and features - are now priced from £189.99, while the third-generation AirPods set you back £169. They may be considered pricey for some, especially as there are now viable budget wireless earbud options out there. We can recommend the EarFun Free Pro 2s which also have a type of wing tip design and noise-cancelling but cost under £80. For Beats fans, though, the Fit Pro buds combine design, audio quality and several genuinely high-end features so we don’t feel short-changed. Quite the opposite. Beats Fit Pro design While the Beats Studio Buds had a more traditional in-ear design – the Fit Pro’s offer a slightly more unique wing-tip styling that you can manoeuvre into your ear for the right fit. The flexible silicone end piece isn't removable, but we feel that it’s malleable enough that the buds should mould into most ear shapes and sizes. We tested the Beats Fit Pro over the course of a week, using them both in the gym for weights and running, and working at a desk for multiple hours paired to devices including a Google Pixel 6 Pro and a MacBook. We are fans of the design choice, and believe it to be a major win. They stayed in place even during more rigorous routines and we didn’t encounter any issues with having to stop to fix placement. That said, we did notice some slight discomfort after multiple hours of use – with the wing tips not being just as comfortable as over-ear headphones or even a wired set of EarPods. That’s ultimately not surprising, however, as the Beats Fit Pro appear to have been intentionally made to be snug while others are a bit looser to wear. We found during testing that wearing the Beats Fit Pro for between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours was generally fine for comfort levels, but anything after that and they may need a slight readjustment to reduce some slight discomfort. The “b” button on each of the earbuds gives you additional music control, take calls and switch between the three listening modes – ANC, Transparency or Adaptive EQ, which like the AirPods Pro is turned on as standard if not in the other two settings. Tapping once pauses music, tapping twice will skip the track while tapping in three quick clicks will go back. Holding down will switch through the three modes. It’s a bit of a shame that there’s no voice announcement to tell you which mode you are actually in as you switch, however, and the fact it's only a small chime may be a bit confusing for newcomers to Beats. This can be solved by opening up the Beats app, which lets you toggle between each of the labelled modes while also showing other helpful metrics including the battery life of the buds and the case. In the Beats app menu, you can choose to alter the bud press-and-hold to be used for volume control instead of changing between the listening modes (left for higher and right for lower) but you can only have it set as either/or – not both. Again, not a deal-breaker – and it’s actually an option for AirPods users to be jealous of, even if they do have the ability to control output using the Siri assistance. We tested the black version of the Beats Fit Pro and they looked sleek, with only the “b” logo standing out in the brand’s typical red colour. The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also available to buy in White, Sage Grey and Stone Purple. They all look good. None of our major downsides are linked to the buds. We found it was the charging case that had the most issues. For earbuds in this price range in 2022, it feels like a huge missed opportunity not to have the option of wireless charging. The case is larger than expected, the lid doesn't feel strong enough when extended too far and the plastic material is smooth enough to feel just a little too fiddly in the hand. Read more of our earbud reviews Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds review Beats Studio Buds review Beats Powerbeats Pro review EarFun Air Pro 2 review Razer Hammerhead X gaming earbuds review Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review Jabra Elite 85t review Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ review Beats Fit Pro features The Fit Pro earbuds have a feature set to match the premium pricing. That goes for both iOS and Android users, although it’s the iPhone holders that will clearly get the most of the product. Thanks to the same Apple H1 chip found in the AirPods Pro, you can expect a very similar quality of audio and specs with the Beats Fit Pro. The more affordable Beats Studio Buds do not have this chip so are more limited in how they connect to other Apple devices and software. The H1 opens up a variety of high-end features for iOS users, including spatial audio with dynamic head tracking – which is essentially surround sound – automatic switching between iCloud devices, audio sharing, integration with the “Find My” app and “Hey Siri” voice control. That doesn’t mean that these instantly become too much of a lesser product for any Android phone users, though, as the Beats app can be used to enable fast pairing, switching between listening modes and customising what the on-buds controls do – and that includes using one to launch the connected device’s voice assistant. So yes, iPhone users may get the smoothest experience, but Android is not far behind. No matter the device, the Fit Pro use Apple’s skin-detection sensors to automatically play or stop content when the buds are put in or removed. This ended up being very useful during testing as it reduced unwanted playing while saving battery. In terms of that battery life, the Beats Fit Pro will give you up to six hours of listening time for each bud, and that increases to around 27 hours of total playback when also using the charging case. You can boost the length to around 30 hours in total if you only use the buds in Adaptive EQ mode. We never had an issue with the power, and a “fast-fuel” feature gives you one hour’s playback with five minutes of charge. The earbuds will go from dead to full in about one hour and 30 minutes. Of course, sound quality is hugely important for a pair of high-end earbuds. And the Beats Fit Pros don't disappoint. We threw a wide range of genres at them - from rock to synth-wave via folksy acoustic – and were impressed with the audio profile. There’s more than enough bass in the mix without being overpowering, and you can clearly hear every aspect or instrument of the song playing. All of the listening modes were solid, although our preference was to have ANC on for some extra oomph. The buds were plenty loud for the gym and did a nice job blocking out background noise coming from the (always too loud) TV and other people working out. They also blocked out a lot of some nearby construction noises when at louder volumes. Beats Fit Pro set-up: how easy are the earbuds to use? It won’t be surprising for anyone who is used to Apple products but setting up the Fit Pro buds is almost shockingly easy on both iOS and Android. Thanks to fast pairing you simply open the charging case beside an unlocked iPhone and follow the basic on-screen instructions. On Android, you download the Beats app, select the right model and open the case lid beside the phone. A notification will show at the top of the screen and you tap to pair them together. It takes well under a minute. If you do need to re-pair after changing devices, there’s a reset button on the case. Our verdict: should you buy the Beats Fit Pro? The Beats Fit Pros are a pricey but feature-rich set of wireless ANC earbuds that find a sweet spot between the existing models in the line-up. Essentially they take many of the abilities of the AirPods Pro and put them into a smaller frame that will be very appealing for anyone who spends hours exercising. The wing tip design means they won’t fall out, while the active noise cancellation and audio quality are great. While they are slightly held back by the case – especially the strange decision not to have wireless charging – the Beats Fit Pros are more than worth your time and money. Our rating: Set-up: 5/5 Design: 4.5/5 Features: 4 Sound quality: 4.5 Value for money: 4 Overall rating: 4.4/5 Where to buy the Beats Fit Pro The Beats Fit Pro released in the UK on 28th January 2022 after pre-orders went live four days prior. Here's where you can pick up a new pair today: Buy Beats Fit Pro at Very Buy Beats Fit Pro at Currys Buy Beats Fit Pro at John Lewis Buy Beats Fit Pro at AO Buy Beats Fit Pro at Argos Buy Beats Fit Pro at Apple Buy Beats Fit Pro at Beats For the latest news, reviews, and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section.
Sony WF-1000XM4 vs AirPods Pro: which wireless earbuds should you buy?
Are Apple's premier earbuds better than the outstanding Sony WF-1000XM4 buds? We took a closer look to help you make the right purchase.
Wireless earbuds are a must-have tech accessory right now. Music, podcasts, and calls on the go are made easier than ever — and if you want a good pair, you could do much worse than the Apple AirPods Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds. But which is better? They're both top-rated pairs of earbuds that have impressed our experts during testing, but there are one or two key differences that will make them more, or less, suited to your needs. We'll be dissecting these in detail and helping you find the latest deals on these well-loved earbuds. First off, it's worth noting that — as ever with Apple — the AirPods Pro work best when used alongside other Apple products. To get all of their features to work straight out of the box, you'll need to pair them with an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device. Bear in mind also that these are both premium sets of earbuds. If you're looking for something more affordable, check out our best budget wireless earbuds page. That said, both pairs of earbuds have seen significant discounts since November last year, thanks to the price slashing that took place in the Black Friday sales. Some of those reduced prices stuck and currently both the AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4 are available for less than the circa £250 they both originally demanded. Jump to: AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: key differences at a glance AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: features AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: sound quality AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: value for money AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: set up AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: design Which wireless earbuds should you buy? How to buy AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: key differences at a glance AirPods Pro are more feature-packed when used in conjunction with other Apple products, like the iPhone 13. The Sony WF-1000XM4 offer some of the best sound quality available from any wireless earbud on the market. AirPods Pro only come in white. The Sony earbuds are available in black or silver. AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4 in detail AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: features Both have active noise cancellation (ANC) and that's often an elevating feature for top-end earbuds, but increasingly some affordable buds carry ANC too. For example, the Earfun Free Pro 2 cost just £69.99 and have ANC, but can't boast quite the level of sound quality we see in these offerings from Sony and Apple. Both sets of earbuds also have touch controls, silicone ear tips, and an IPX 4 rating sweat resistance — making them solid companions for going running. In more sophisticated news, both sets of buds also offer settings that can analyse the shape of your ear and tailor your listening experience to suit — to some extent. In terms of battery life, the AirPods Pro manage 4.5 hours on a single charge (reducing to 3.5 if you're heavy on calls) and the Sony buds offer a much more impressive 8 hours on a single charge — that's a clear win for Sony. AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: sound quality The Sony WF-1000XM4 are some of the best wireless earbuds we've heard in terms of sound quality. They're an absolute joy to listen to, rendering bass, mid-tones, and top-end frequencies with equal accuracy and vigour. They're perfect for music and podcasts and work well in both ambient and ANC mode. For more detail on the sound quality of the Sony earbuds take a look at our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review. Comparatively, our reviewers said they were "pleasantly surprised" by the sound quality of the AirPods Pro. That's obviously positive, but not exactly what you want to hear when you're paying around £200 for a pair of wireless earbuds. Both sets of earbuds have a good volume range and perform well across different genres, but the Sony buds definitely had the edge in terms of crisp, accurate, well-rounded sound. AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: value for money As we've already discussed, these are both premium-end options, so neither of these sets of earbuds is cheap. That doesn't mean they can't be good value though. As mentioned in the sound quality section, the Apple and Sony earbuds both deliver impressive sound, to a level not available from many manufacturers. AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: set-up If you're pairing your earbuds with an iPhone then set-up is a crucial win for the AirPods Pro. It just couldn't be simpler. You'll have them out of the box and paired in seconds. With an Android phone, it takes a few moments longer and some button pressing, but there are no major issues. Conversely, the Sony earbuds require you to install a dedicated app and go through a comparatively lengthy set-up process. However, it's still pretty simple and the app does gift the user some extra settings and customisation to play around with when it's all sorted. AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: design We liked the design of both of the cases of these earbuds. Compared to some more tacky-feeling competitors, there is obvious build quality and a tangible, satisfying feeling of quality to both sets of buds. They're both small enough cases to be easily pocketable too. Of course, the actual look of the earbuds is very much a subjective decision as to which you prefer. We liked the styling of the black Sony earbuds but thought they stuck out a little oddly from the ears when in use. Conversely, the bright 'look at me' shade of white on the AirPods Pro won't be for everyone, but they sit in the ear in a slightly more conventional way. That said, when it comes to the in-ear fit of the earbuds — which is far more important than their looks if you plan to listen to them for extended periods — both excel. We found the AirPods Pro to be snug and compact and while the Sony buds were less compact, they fitted fantastically well during testing. Both are ideal for work-outs and can manage reasonably well on runs, despite the lack of a wing-tip fitting. However, our reviewers did find that the AirPods Pro became slightly uncomfortable after about three hours of listening. This will vary from user to user, but we experienced no such issues with the Sony buds. AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: which should you buy? Overall, we have to favour the Sony WF-1000XM4 thanks entirely to their catchy name. We jest, but they are the best pair of earbuds in this head-to-head. They stand well ahead of the AirPods Pro in terms of sound quality and battery life, which are arguably the two most important elements when it comes to a pair of wireless earbuds. Elsewhere, there are no clear wins for the AirPods Pro over the Sony offering. The only real reason to pick the AirPods Pro over the Sony WF-1000XM4 is if you're a dyed-in-the-wool Apple fan and already have several Apple devices. If so, the AirPods Pro will work seamlessly with them. However, our recommendation is the Sony buds – it's worth spending that little bit extra. How to buy Thankfully both sets of earbuds have tumbled in price, down from the £249 both the Apple and Sony buds released at. Take a look at the links below for the latest deals on both options. Sony WF-1000XM4 | £250 £186.67 at Amazon Sony WF-1000XM4 | £229 at Currys Sony WF-1000XM4 | £229 at Argos Latest Prices AirPods Pro | £189 at Amazon AirPods Pro | £219 at Currys AirPods Pro | £219 at Argos Latest Prices For more on Apple audio, read our dedicated Apple AirPods review and Apple AirPods Pro review. Or, head to our iPhone 13 availability guide to find out where to buy the new flagship device.
The Free Pro 2 earbuds are a great companion for the gym, commutes and travelling. So if you need ANC-on-a-budget, check them out.
Great audio quality. Compact. Affordable. Comfortable. Durable. Attractive. Not many wireless earbuds can offer you all of those traits. Most, even the high-end models, typically seek to find a balance. Premium models, such as the Apple AirPods, offer top-notch sound quality at a price. Budget models often give you affordability – but you will have to compromise on audio. And no, we are not about to sit here and claim that the Free Pro 2s find the perfect balance. Like all earbuds, they try to find the sweet spot between specs, price, comfort, and design. But they definitely did surprise us. At £69.99, they won’t break the bank. Noise cancellation was more than enough to block out the strange choice to have Songs of Praise playing in the gym on Sunday. They look great, fit well in the ear and are bundled with multiple attachments. Audiophiles aside, most people are likely to be more than satisfied with the EarFun Free Pro 2s. The price is right, and compromises are ultimately minimal. Keep reading to find out how we got on with the earbuds during testing over the past week. Check out our EarFun Air Pro 2 review for more on the brand. If you want high-end, be sure to read our Apple AirPods 3 review and Sony WF-1000XM4 review. Jump to: EarFun Free Pro 2: summary What are the EarFun Free Pro 2s? How much are EarFun Free Pro 2s? Design Features Sound quality Battery life Set-up Our verdict Where to buy EarFun Free Pro 2 review: summary Like other models from the EarFun brand, the Free Pro 2s are a sub-£100 pair of wireless earbuds that come with active noise cancellation (ANC). Unlike the EarFun Air Pro 2s, they do not have an AirPods-like stem design, instead offering a squared-off in-ear bud closer in looks to the Bose QuietComforts or the Jabra Elite Active 75Ts. They fit snugly in the ear and have IPX5 water and sweat proofing, making them very well-suited for running and gym sessions. At just under £70, they fit well into the category of budget earbuds. But we were pleasantly surprised by the audio quality, particularly with ANC on. The bud output is full, loud and bass-heavy without sounding muddy, and there are Normal and Ambient modes too if you need to let some of some sounds from the outside world in, for example, when walking down a busy street. Like the previously-reviewed Air Pro 2s, we are not particularly enamoured with the ambient mode, and we still wish there were more colour options available. But it’s a thumbs up for the Free Pro 2s: touch controls work well, the battery is solid, the case can be charged wirelessly, and they are easy to set up. Sure, Apple won’t be worried, but if you are looking for ANC-on-a-budget, we recommend them. Price: EarFun Free Pro 2s are available at Amazon, priced at £69.99. Pros: Very affordable at under £100 Great audio quality for the price Compact charging case Wireless charging case Cons: There’s no dedicated app No fun colour variants What are the EarFun Free Pro 2? The EarFun Free Pro 2s are a pair of wireless earbuds that are attractively priced at £69.99. The selling point is the noise cancellation of up to 40 decibels (dB), which is a scale used to show the sensitivity of your ears to sound frequencies. Of course, this won’t block out every loud sound around you but will typically be more than enough for exercising, commuting, and travelling. It won’t get rid of car horns or alarm clocks, but 40dB is roughly the frequency of a quiet library. This is the exact same level offered by the EarFun Air Pro 2s, and both work well. EarFun Free Pro 2 features: Noise cancellation up to 40dB 30+ hours total playtime with case Works for hands-free calls Lightweight and comfortable Case supports wireless charging On-bud touch controls IPX5 water/sweat resistance On-bud voice assistant activation How much are the EarFun Free Pro 2? The EarFun Free Pro 2s are firmly in the budget category of wireless earbuds and currently sell for £69.99 on Amazon. That’s not the more affordable pair out there – brands such as JLab, Skullcandy and Anker have models priced between £20 and £40, but these won’t have any significant noise cancellation, and we would be wary of any earbud that claimed to have decent noise cancellation for that price. undefined EarFun Free Pro 2 design The EarFun Free Pro 2s are in-ear earbuds that shirk the stem design popularized by the Apple AirPods. They have a nice two-tone colour scheme: the bottom side closest to the bud being black, and the front – home to a subtle EarFun logo – is a gunmetal grey. Around the sides is a rubbery ear hook that helps keep it in place. Each bud is a little under 2 cm, and they benefit greatly from using a matte colour scheme. They look more premium and understated when compared to the shiny materials used on some other budget earbuds, including the Air Pro 2s. We really liked the minimalist aesthetic, but just like other models from the brand, we can’t help but wish there were a couple of fun colours that echo the company’s name. Perhaps a black/orange or blue/grey – something more out-of-the-ordinary that would really help to set the EarFun buds apart from the black-grey crowd. EarFun Free Pro 2 features You get quite a lot of features on the EarFun Free Pro 2s for your £70. While there is nothing as fancy as swipe controls or a dedicated smartphone app to alter the EQ mix, there are lots of ways to control your audio by simple touch commands. One tap on the right will raise the volume, one tap on the left will lower it, while three taps on the right bud will skip to the next track. Tapping twice on either of the earbuds will answer or end a call. Switching between listening modes – normal, ambient and ANC is done by holding down the left bud for two seconds. A voice assistant announces the new mode as you toggle between them. It can be a little fiddly, but we found the controls to be broadly intuitive once you know how to work them. A couple of times, we changed the volume or paused the music when we actually wanted to change the listening mode but found the touch commands to generally be responsive and smooth. They are highly portable, in large part thanks to the slim-line charging case, which retained a surprisingly premium feel with a matte grey colour scheme. And when you bring them out into the world, having an IPX5 waterproof rating will help protect them against splashes – including sweat from a gym workout. The Free Pro 2 charging case can be charged using any Qi wireless charger. It worked well during testing and is a welcome feature to have for anyone who has a pad on their desk. If you don’t have one, check out our guide to the best wireless charger. Speaking of welcome features, the EarFun Free Pro 2s launch a voice assistant when connected to your phone by tapping and holding the right bud for two seconds. Doing so on our Pixel 6 Pro gave the option of using Google Assistant or Alexa. It is not a feature that we used much during daily use, but great to have at this price point. Read more of our earbud reviews Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds review EarFun Air Pro 2 review Razer Hammerhead X gaming earbuds review Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review Beats Studio Buds review Powerbeats Pro review Jabra Elite 85t review Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ review EarFun Free Pro 2 sound quality During our time testing the Free Pro 2s – with a Google Pixel 6 Pro – we were more than satisfied with the audio they produced. There is no app for altering EQ mixes or anything as fancy as that, but sound output is solid out-of-the-box. Over the course of a week, we tested the earbuds in the gym on multiple occasions and found the ANC mode to be impressive in blocking out unwanted distractions, while the normal mode is nice to have for home use – when you may need to listen out for deliveries or timers. We found ourselves ignoring the ambient mode. That’s not to say it’s terrible, more so that it’s just an awkward middle ground. The ANC mode produces, in our opinion, the best listening experience. Bass is loud without sounding muddy and works well with multiple genres of music. We have a couple of go-to playlists for testing out sound mixes – Deftones’ White Pony, Spotify’s ‘Beats to think to’ playlist, Metallica’s Battery, and Flume/Moon Holiday’s Insane – and the Free Pro 2s performed admiralty in all. Sure, audiophiles used to the high-end brands need not apply, but for a pair of £70 earbuds, we walked away impressed – and believe the EarFun Free Pro 2s do more than enough to satisfy most typical users. Some more options to control the EQ mix would be welcome, but we found the audio quality to be strong throughout. EarFun Free Pro 2 battery life The EarFun Free Pro 2 earbuds each contain a 35mAh battery, while the charging case has a 420mAh battery that can be refuelled using a Qi power bank. In unison, that will give you more than enough juice for multiple gym sessions, a commute to work and back, or a long flight (not all of those activities without topping up, of course). The case charges using a supplied USB-C cable. With the ANC on, you will get roughly five hours of playback time, which increases to around 25 hours with the case. With noise-cancelling off, you will get around six hours of playback and roughly 30 hours of power with the case. As with all earbuds, battery life will be hugely impacted by volume level and how long they’re on. Charging the earbuds and case to full using the supplied USB-C cable takes roughly two hours, which rises to approximately 3.5 hours if using a Qi wireless charger. EarFun Free Pro 2 set-up From unboxing to pairing, it only takes a couple of minutes to get the EarFun Free Pro 2s set up. Before you start listening, it’s advised to fully charge the buds and the case. (You will see a solid white light on the case indicator when full). Be sure to have a look at the extra ear tips and ear hooks that come in the box. It’s important for the earbuds to fit snugly if you want the best sound quality. Pairing to an Android or iOS smartphone (via Bluetooth 5.2) is simple, too. Opening the case for the first time enters the earbuds into the pairing mode. Simply select the Free Pro 2 option from the list of available devices when it pops up. If you want to alter what handset, tablet or computer the buds are paired to, you can either unpair them from the connected device’s Bluetooth menu or hold both earbuds at the same time for three seconds to re-launch into the pairing mode. Our verdict: should you buy the EarFun Free Pro 2? The EarFun Free Pro 2 earbuds aren’t out to destroy Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, Sony or any of the high-end audio giants. Priced at just under £70, they are firmly in the category of budget, but that doesn’t mean that they should be dismissed. If you want an affordable set of noise-cancelling earbuds with an easy set-up, touch controls and compact design, the Free Pro 2s are unlikely to disappoint. While the brand’s appeal is clearly based on offering good-sounding affordable earbuds, but we do wish it did a little more to stand out from the crowd. Scrolling through Amazon, you could easily gloss over the Free Pro 2s among the sea of black or grey models. Not having some fun colours in the mix is a missed opportunity. They are a great companion for the gym, commutes and travelling. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and offer solid audio quality regardless of the genre – whether you are a metalhead or a fan of low-fi beats. They are not intended for audiophiles, but anyone who needs ANC-on-a-budget should check them out. Our rating: Features: 3.5/5 Sound quality: 3.5/5 Design: 4/5 Ease of set-up: 4/5 Value for money: 4/5 Overall rating: 3.8/5 Where to buy the EarFun Free Pro 2 The EarFun Free Pro 2s are available at Amazon, priced at £69.99. EarFun Free Pro 2 at Amazon EarFun Free Pro 2 at EarFun undefined For the latest news, reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. Here’s our list of the best budget wireless earbuds of the year.
The Xiaomi Pad 5 is a great companion to have for both home and travel, and an Android-based alternative to the entry level Apple iPad.
Tablets are in a weird spot right now. They're pretty much perfect for travelling, but that remains more limited than normal due to you-know-what. For home use, many people now have a large phone in their pocket that's more than suitable for scrolling through TikTok, watching YouTube or making family video calls. So when the Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet arrived for testing, we had one question: does the slate have a reason to exist? Now, a couple of weeks later, we have an answer. Even though it is often easier to reach for the smartphone, it's still a definite yes. And more than simply having a reason to exist, we found it became the go-to way of consuming social media, video apps and streaming content while lounging on the sofa or relaxing with a black coffee before starting work in the morning. Whether it's reading news, checking emails, watching Twitch or bingeing Netflix, we consistently wanted to keep the Pad 5 within easy reach. When you have a Google Pixel 6 Pro in your pocket and a laptop nearby, that's a sizable compliment. We tested the Cosmic Grey variant of the device with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. From display to battery life to price point, we were impressed with the tablet. That's not to say there were no drawbacks, and we will delve into our full experience with the Xiaomi Pad 5 throughout this full review. If you just want to know if you should buy one, here's the one-paragraph verdict: it's a great Android tablet and a viable alternative to the entry-level iPad. It feels great to hold, and a high-end vibe permeates the device. It's a shame that it doesn't come with a stylus, and while it certainly won't replace your laptop, it feels premium for the sub-£400 price and does more than enough to earn a recommendation from us. For more on tablets, be sure to check out our guides to the best Android tablet, best budget tablet, best tablet for kids and our list of the best tablet of the year. Jump to: Xiaomi Pad 5 review: summary What is the Xiaomi Pad 5? How much is the Xiaomi Pad 5? Xiaomi Pad 5 design Xiaomi Pad 5 display and audio Xiaomi Pad 5 features Xiaomi Pad 5 set-up Xiaomi Pad 5 battery and performance Our verdict Where to buy Xiaomi Pad 5 Xiaomi Pad 5 review: summary The Xiaomi Pad 5 is an Android tablet that's very well suited for both home use and travelling. With a vivid display, strong battery life and a premium vibe, it shines when the focus is on watching media content or online shopping. For anyone who doesn't want an iOS tablet, it's a viable alternative to the entry-level Apple iPad. Price: The Xiaomi Pad 5 is priced at £369 in the UK Key features: Vivid 11-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate Snapdragon 860 chip gives smooth performance Frame is thin and light but still feels premium MIUI for Pad software is refined and clutter-free Great for watching videos and social media Pros: Nice 2560x1600 display 120Hz refresh rate Intuitive, fast software Cons: No stylus bundled in the box Selfie camera placement No 3.5mm headphone jack What is the Xiaomi Pad 5? The Xiaomi Pad 5 is an Android-based tablet that is suited to anyone who wants a portable device for consuming media, social media or mobile gaming. While it follows the standard template for what an Android tablet should look like, it has a sleek modern aesthetic that earns extra points for being so thin. Seriously, it is thinner than a Google Pixel 6 smartphone. We suspect many others. Priced from £369, it's more affordable than the iPad Air 4 (from £579) and Yoga Tab 13 (from £699), so it's closer to the Huawei MatePad Pro (£399), the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (£329) and, of course, the entry-level iPad (from £319). It has several high-end specs. A refresh rate of up to 120Hz and the 1600x2560 (WQHD+) display are standouts – but that's not all. The 8720mAh battery lasts for multiple days at a time, and the quad-speaker setup is both loud and clear. It comes in two colours – Pearl White and Cosmic Grey – and benefits from smooth performance thanks to a Snapdragon 860 chipset that's lurking inside. The "MIUI for Pad" Android skin is pleasing, too. There's very little clutter or unwanted apps out of the box, and it boasts intuitive multitasking shortcuts and navigation menus. What does Xiaomi Pad 5 do? Runs on the Android operating system, so it has full access to the Google Play marketplace and all of its major apps – from Netflix to Wayfair. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset and has zero trouble with streaming or gaming apps such as Twitch, YouTube or Call of Duty. Scrolling through apps is silky smooth due to the 120Hz refresh rate option, which allows the screen to refresh itself 120 times every second. Comes with an 11-inch 1600 x 2560 (WQHD+) display that is great for both home use and travelling, while its light weight is a big plus too. Supports accessories including stylus and keyboard cover (sold separately), so it's possible to make the tablet much more useful for your work life. How much is the Xiaomi Pad 5? The Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet with 6GBRAM/128GB storage costs £369 in the UK and is available via the Xiaomi website (mi.com) and Amazon (stock permitting). Is the Xiaomi Pad 5 good value for money? Taking inspiration from phone-lingo, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is something of a mid-range tablet when it comes to price. The very compelling sub-£400 tag puts it up against two major competitors: the iPad 9 (£319) and the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (£329). The Apple iPad remains the dominant tablet brand, and for anyone who is already in the iOS ecosystem, it's a no-brainer that the iPad 9 is the best option. The S6 Lite from the slightly better known Samsung does not have a 120Hz refresh rate but is a bit more affordable and comes with an S-pen stylus in the box. But the Pad 5's price point is a far cry from the ultra-premium iPad Pro 12.9-inch or the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. After testing, we are confident that Xiaomi's offering more than justifies its figure, and you are very unlikely to feel short-changed. Read our full iPad (2021) review and check it out on Amazon Xiaomi Pad 5 design It can be difficult to stand out from the crowd for Android tablets. Most will be a familiar slate, often black or grey, with a glass front and plastic or aluminium back. You will see at a glance that the Xiaomi Pad 5 follows that general style. That's not to say it's bad. In fact, it's pretty great. The first thing that you are likely to notice is that it's thin. Like, thinner than most modern flagship smartphones. We loved that. It just feels nice to hold. If we wanted to browse YouTube and had a choice between the tablet and our phone, the Pad 5 would win most times. The metallic frame runs along every side of the device and gives it a premium feel, while the plastic back has a matte-but-reflective coating that does a good job of limiting fingerprints. Any smudges that do appear will wipe away well. It's subtle and minimalist, which we also liked. The top of the Xiaomi Pad 5 houses two speakers and the power button, while the bottom has two more speakers and a USB-C port. The left side has three connectors for accessories. The right side is where you will find the volume buttons, which have a satisfying clickiness. It won't win design awards, but it works. It feels adult, and everything is broadly where you would expect it to be, with the only potential issue being the selfie camera. In one of the bigger snags, some users may find the front-facing 8 MP lens to be a little oddly placed. The camera is on the top of the device (when held in portrait orientation), meaning if you switch to landscape, it leaves you at a slightly awkward angle. Anyone using their Pad 5 tablet for video calls should be aware of this. The dark bezels (borders) that run along the edges of the display are under 1 cm and offer plenty of space for your fingers when holding the device. We generally prefer bezels to be as small as possible - giving more screen to play with - but we never had an issue with the size of the Pad 5's borders during day-to-day use. Xiaomi Pad 5 display and audio A tablet's display is the star of the show. After all, it's what you will actually use to watch all that content. Unlike on smartphones, a low-resolution panel is painfully obvious when blown up to 11-inches, and can instantly ruin the experience. While the Xiaomi Pad 5 doesn't have anything as fancy as an OLED, we were very impressed with its screen. Bright, vivid and responsive, there were no complaints about how the 2560x1600 panel showed high-resolution YouTube video. The size was perfectly suited to watching content on Netflix and Amazon Prime. The WQHD+ panel display has a 16:10 aspect ratio and 500 nits of brightness - that's roughly the same as the Apple iPad 9 and the latest iPad Mini 6. You can choose from two refresh rates in the settings menu: standard (60Hz) and maximum (120Hz). Broadly, the bigger the number, the smoother the performance on the display, but often at a cost of some battery life. We chose 120Hz and never looked back. This is a major selling point for the Pad 5 to have at this price. Audio was impressive, too, with four Dolby Atmos-sporting speakers giving more than enough bass for the profile to sound full without loss to clarity. Using a Dolby Atmos demo video - a scene from Mad Max: Fury Road - the setup did a great job of separating the distorted rumble of cars from the narrator's voice. The speakers go louder than we would ever use them in public, and when you are out and about, the tablet has Bluetooth 5.0 for pairing wireless earbuds alongside a single USB-C port. Be warned, though, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack on this one. Read more of our tablet reviews: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) review Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab review Huawei MatePad Pro review Lenovo P11 Pro review Apple iPad Air (2020) review Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 review Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus review Xiaomi Pad 5 features In many ways, it was the simplistic and no-fuss features of the Pad 5 that won our attention. That sounds bad, but it's not. As a media device, the tablet does exactly what you would want it to do. The menus are intuitive, the touch controls are highly responsive, there are never any app crashes, and the display is top-notch. Xiaomi's version of Android software – MIUI for Pad – is customizable and has a lot of options to make it your own. There's a dark mode and a reading mode that may help with your eye comfort, and much like on Android phones, you can choose from gesture or button navigation controls. We liked the option to mirror the back and menu buttons. This brings the back button to the right side, so your thumb is in a much more natural position when using the tablet in portrait orientation. There are also two separate drop-down menus on the home screen. Swiping down on the right side shows a control centre with quick links to WiFi, Bluetooth, mute, Aeroplane mode, brightness and more. Swiping down on the left opens up your active notifications, alongside the date and time. It's a small but nice touch. Holding down the nav bar's middle button opens up Google Assistant, so you can control the tablet's software or ask questions using voice commands. And multitasking on the Xiaomi Pad 5 is simple but effective. Tapping the square button on the nav bar shows you an overview of all open apps. From there, hold down on one of the windows and tap a split view icon, and it will place the tab on one side of the screen. You can have another app open on the other side. We didn't use it a lot, but it's great to have if you want to watch a Twitch stream while also checking your emails or reading the news, for example. And it definitely works best in landscape mode, which gives apps more room to breathe. On the back of the Xiaomi Pad 5 is the rear 13MP camera. For video, it can shoot 4k, 1080p or 720p at 30 frames per second (fps). Image results are adequate in good light, but it's not a feature we have ever used too much on a tablet. Even in dimmer lighting, the selfie camera has more than enough quality for video calls. The tablet is only available in a WiFi variant, so there's no cellular features such as phone calls or text messages via a network provider, nor 5G connectivity. The slate supports add-ons and accessories that are sold separately - including the official keyboard case and Xiaomi Smart Pen. In one of the biggest misses of the tablet, the Pad 5 does not come with a stylus in the box, and unfortunately, at the time of writing, the accessories do not appear to be easy to buy in the UK. For anyone wanting to use their new tablet for artistic projectors or drawing apps, the lack of a stylus means the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (£329) may be a better option as it comes with a pencil stylus in the box and is £40 more affordable. It is one of the only big misses but may be overcome with third-party add-ons. Xiaomi Pad 5 set-up If you have ever set up a modern Android smartphone, you won't find any surprises with the Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet. It's a streamlined and easy to follow set-up process, as it gives you the option of setting up your theme, Gmail, passwords, Google Play logins etc., in a step-by-step guide. The only account you may not already have is a Xiaomi (Mi) profile, and you will have to sign up for a free one at this stage. At the initial stages, you can connect to your home WiFi and update the tablet to the latest software. You can also transfer data from another device if needed. It is a straightforward process that's intuitive and easy to understand for everyone. Xiaomi Pad 5 battery and performance The Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet has an 8720mAh battery that promises the equivalent of over 16 hours of video playback and more than 10 hours of gaming. That's all very well from a marketing perspective, but what does that mean in reality? Here's a breakdown: The battery will easily last for an entire day and likely closer to two Under very heavy use, say for gaming, you will get around 10-12 hours 33W fast charging boosts battery from 40% to full in under one hour The battery will go from dead to 100% in around two hours Like smartphones, battery life will be hugely influenced by how much the tablet is being used, but it has a "battery saver" mode to boost it further. On the Pad 5, turning on that mode at 100% was showing us a massive 116 hours. Of course, that number is much lower in reality and would it only be anywhere near that amount if you don't touch, or even look at, the device. For heavier use, you are likely to get between 10 and 12 hours of battery life, but that would massively extend to multiple days if you were only using the tablet for shorter blasts. It isn't unusual to pick up the tablet a few times a day to watch some videos before putting it back down, and, coming back 24-48 hours later, it would still have plenty of charge in the tank. The Xiaomi Pad 5 supports 33W fast charging. We found the iPad 9 battery gave around 10 hours of constant video playback. Tests have shown that the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite lasts around 12 hours in heavy use. The Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is a high-end mobile processor. The performance during our weeks of testing was consistently great. Apps opened quickly, there were no unexpected crashes, and the high 120Hz refresh rate really added to the overall feeling of smoothness. Our verdict: should you buy the Xiaomi Pad 5? We started by questioning if the Xiaomi Pad 5 even had a reason to exist with so many great phones in pockets. From our time with it, it's an easy yes. It's not a tablet that will replace your laptop, and it's not incredibly well suited for work productivity. However, when used as a portable media consumption device, for streaming platforms, online video and gaming, the Xiaomi Pad 5 shines. If you prefer the Android ecosystem, it's a viable alternative to the entry-level iPad. We're happy there's another company that's willing to enter the tablet space and compete against Apple, Samsung and Lenovo devices that still dominate. While the big players are unlikely to be too worried by the release of the Pad 5, that doesn't mean Xiaomi hasn't created a compelling new rival. And while Xiaomi should be commended for nailing the aesthetics and premium feel of what is a fairly affordable slate, the Pad 5 is not perfect. The biggest miss is that it doesn't come bundled with a stylus pen, and the add-ons, including the official keyboard case, don't appear to be readily available in the UK at time of writing. Without the pen, it loses appeal for artistic projects. Without the keyboard, it loses any sense of being useful for some productivity sessions. There are likely to be decent third party options sold separately as the tablet uses USB-C and has Bluetooth 5.0, but the lack of official accessories is certainly felt. We only tested the standalone device throughout the review process. There's no 3.5mm headphone jack, zero expandable storage options, no 4K display and no 5G or cellular connectivity on the Xiaomi Pad 5, either. If you are a heavy stylus user, we recommend the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite instead. Ultimately, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is a fantastic all-rounder of a tablet with intuitive software, great app performance and a sleek design. It didn't replace our phone or laptop during our weeks of testing but became a go-to method for watching YouTube and Twitch. The 11-inch display size perfectly complements that style of use. Rating Features: 3.5/5 Screen and sound quality: 4/5 Design: 3.5/5 Set-up: 4.5/5 Battery life and performance: 4.5/5 Overall: 4/5 Where to buy Xiaomi Pad 5 The Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet with 6GBRAM/128GB storage costs £369 in the UK and is available via the Xiaomi website (mi.com) and Amazon (stock permitting). For the latest news, reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. For more on this tech, check out our guide to the best Android tablet.
TCL RP620K (55RP620K) 4K HDR Roku TV review
Find out how our TV expert got on with the wallet-friendly TCL Roku TV.
The TCL RP620K is a budget-priced mid-range 4K HDR TV with the Roku streaming service built-in. Roku is best known for its HDMI media streamers. The company is the main rival to Amazon Fire TV, distinguished by a calmer, some might say more intuitive, user interface. The Roku app choice is class-leading. If you want a streaming service, you’ll find it here. The RP620K is also a well-specified Freeview Play TV, with Dolby Vision HDR to keep movie fans happy. So is this the best value smart TV out there right now? We put the 55-inch version of the TV on our test bench to find out. To find out more about the Roku devices on offer, take a look at our best streaming device guide or read our Roku Express 4K review and Roku Streambar review. Jump to: TCL RP620K review: summary How much is the TCL RP620K? TCL RP620K features TCL RP620K design TCL RP620K picture quality TCL RP620K sound quality Our verdict Where to buy TCL 55-inch RP620K (55RP620K) review: summary This first collaboration between TCL and Roku is a huge success. Offering every streaming service you might reasonably expect, coupled with a high level of performance for what is essentially a budget-priced telly, the RP620K is difficult to resist. There are caveats, but not enough to dampen our enthusiasm. Price: £449 Key features: Built-in Roku smart platform Freeview Play Dolby Vision Pros: Excellent Roku smart platform Freeview Play Stonking value Low input lag Cons: HDR not the brightest 1080p upscaling could be better Audio performance is average You can buy the 55-inch Roku RP620K from Currys for £349. What does the TCL RP620K do? The TCL RP620K is a 4K HDR LED LCD smart TV It’s built around the Roku streaming platform and has a Freeview Play TV tuner In addition to HDR10 and HLG, the RP620K supports Dolby Vision, as used by Netflix and Disney+ The TCL RP620K works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa smart assistants, as well as Apple Airplay 2 How much is the 55-inch TCL RP620K? The 55-inch TCL RP620K (55RP620K) sells for £449. The model is also available in 43-, 50- and 65-inch screen sizes (43RP620K, 50RP620K and 65RP620K), priced at £349, £399 and £549, respectively. This puts it in the same ballpark as other entry-level smart screens of comparable size. Bag one with a discount, and you’re really winning. There’s not a direct equivalent to this model in the US, although the TCL 5-Series comes close. You can buy the 43-inch TCL RP620K from Currys for £269 You can buy the 50-inch TCL RP620K from Currys for £299 You can buy the 55-inch TCL RP620K from Currys for £349 You can buy the 65-inch TCL RP620K from Currys for £469 Is the TCL 55-inch RP620K TV good value for money? We rate this TCL 4K cheapie extremely good value for money. The Roku smart platform is easy to use and has a great selection of streaming apps. With a current user base of around 53 million Roku devices worldwide, that’s likely to remain the case. TCL actually offers two Roku ranges in the UK, the RP620K featured here and the cheaper RP520K series. This step-up model is differentiated by the provision of Dolby Vision HDR and a better video processor. We think this makes the RP620K worth the price premium. TCL 55-inch RP620K (55RP620K) features The RP620K is all about the Roku operating system. It’s the first thing you see when you switch it on, and it’s the launch pad for all your streaming apps. Thankfully, it’s rather good. We like the fact that it’s really easy to navigate and customise. You certainly won’t feel the need to add a separate streaming media player to your equipment stack. Services include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, AppleTV+, NOW, and BT Sport. It’s also a Freeview Play TV, which ensures you get all the mainstream catch-up players (BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5, UKTVPlay), plus a large selection of gratis box sets. As a bonus, you also get the Roku Channel, which is exclusive to Roku devices. It’s a mix of old library content and all-new Roku TV shows. The set works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants, plus Apple Airplay and Apple Homekit. That’s a lot of smart home bases covered. Not only is the screen perfect for binge-watchers, but it also caters for gamers. We measured input lag in Game mode at 12.1ms (1080/60), which is outstanding for a display in this price category. When you hook up your games console, you can be confident you’ll not be disadvantaged by slow response times. TCL 55-inch RP620K (55RP620K) design and set-up The RP620K is fairly generic when it comes to design. It’s distinguished mainly by a glossy black bezel and two widely spaced feet, so make sure you have AV furniture wide enough to accompany it. The screen uses a direct LED backlight, so it isn’t pencil-thin, but for the price paid, it’s tidy enough. Around the back, you’ll find four HDMI inputs (all v2.0), one of which has ARC (Audio Return Channel) for connecting a soundbar. There’s also a digital optical audio output and AV mini Jack. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard, but if you want to hardwire the set to your home network, there’s an Ethernet port. The remote control is a standard zapper, with dedicated buttons for Freeview Play, Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV and Rakuten TV. You can also control the TV via a dedicated app on your smartphone. As we’ve come to expect from Roku, setup and tuning are straightforward. TCL 55-inch RP620K (55RP620K) picture quality Overall, we were impressed with the picture from this budget screen. Treat this TCL to 4K content, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, textured images and ribald colours. It was easy to appreciate the fine architectural detail and texture in Bridgerton’s (Netflix) period costumes. The TV looks less impressive with regular SD content and HD. When it comes to upscaling technology, the set could probably do better. HDR performance is a tad dimmer than we hoped, but Dolby Vision compatibility really helps maximise its HDR talents with Dolby Vision content. Gradations are smooth and images cinematic. TCL 55-inch RP620K (55RP620K) sound quality The RJ620 is a reasonable audio performer. Its 2x8W stereo speaker system isn’t short of welly, and you’ll not struggle to hear dialogue in the average-sized living room. There’s a selection of sound presets to explore – Normal, Speech, Theatre – but we found Normal to be the best default. While fine for everyday listening, it’s worth taking advantage of the ARC HDMI connection to add a soundbar for greater clarity and slam. Our verdict: should you buy the TCL RP620K (55RP620K)? If you’re after a modestly priced large screen smart TV, this Roku-centric offering is well worth shortlisting. Picture performance is impressive with 4K Dolby Vision content, images are pin-sharp and vibrant, and the Roku smart platform is brilliantly simple to use. Overall, we rate this TCL a brilliant buy for streaming telly addicts. Our rating: Features: 4/5 Design: 3/5 Picture quality: 3.5/5 Sound quality: 3/5 Value for money: 5/5 Overall rating: 4/5 Where to buy the TCL 55-inch RP620K You can buy the 55-inch TCL 55-inch RP620K from Currys for £349. For more product guides and reviews, head to the Technology section. Or, take a look at our best TV to buy guide for help choosing a new TV.
Find out how our TV expert got on with the Samsung Q70A, one of the brand's more affordable 2021 4K TV models.
The Samsung Q70A is the affordable star performer in Samsung’s 2021 QLED 4K TV line-up. It boasts many of the features found in the brand’s more expensive QLED 4K models but comes with an altogether more tempting price tag. It features an advanced image processor, Samsung’s terrific Tizen smart TV platform, and has the right connectivity to appeal to owners of a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The Q70A also comes in a wide variety of screen sizes, specifically 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch screens sizes (QE55Q70A, QE65Q70A, QE75Q70A and QE85Q70A, respectively). In this review, we’re concentrating on the 55-inch model. Jump to the following headings: Samsung Q70A review: summary How much is the Samsung Q70A? Samsung Q70A features Samsung Q70A design Samsung Q70A picture quality Samsung Q70A sound quality Our verdict Where to buy Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A) review: summary The Q70A is an ultra-slim QLED LED TV that combines Samsung’s polished, smart TV platform with an AI-enhanced picture performance. The Q70A boasts better connectivity than the slightly cheaper Q60A and, more importantly, makes extensive use of AI technologies to enhance sound and vision. The Q70A is one of the most affordable 4K TVs to 4K high frame rate HDMI support, which is good news for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X gamers. Price: £999 Key features: QLED Edge-lit panel Tizen smart platform HDMI v2.1 connectivity Pros: AirSlim design Object Tracking Sound LITE Cons: Only one HDMI supports High Frame rate 4K 120fps No Dolby Vision support You can buy the 55-inch Samsung Q70A at Currys for £849 What does the Samsung Q70A do? The Samsung Q70A is a QLED Quantum Dot LED TV that uses the Samsung Tizen smart TV platform It lacks a Freeview Play terrestrial tuner but offers all mainstream catch-up TV players In addition to standard HDR, it supports HDR10+ as used by Amazon Prime Video, for a more consistent, cinematic viewing experience with that service It has Object Tracking Sound Lite technology which uses signal processing to create the illusion of extra height for cinema-style sound One HDMI input can display high frame rate games at 4K 120fps from a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console The Q70A works with Google and Amazon Alexa, as well as Samsung’s own Bixby smart assistant How much is the 55-inch Samsung Q70A? The 55-inch Q70A sells for £999, making it one of the more affordable screens in Samsung’s QLED range. Other screen sizes available are 65-, 75- and 85-inches (QE65Q70A, QE75Q70A, QE85Q70A), priced at £1299, £1999, and £2799, respectively. You can buy the 65-inch Q70A from Currys for £1099 You can buy the 75-inch Q70A from Currys for £1999 You can buy the 85-inch Q70A from Currys for £2499 Is the Samsung 55-inch Q70A TV good value for money? The 55-inch Q70A can be considered excellent value. It’s one of Samsung’s cheapest Quantum Dot TVs and benefits from the same advanced AI image processing found higher-up the QLED range. Smart connectivity is top-notch, and its super-slim design is a winner too. Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A) features The Q70A shares much in common with its fellow QLED TVs. It operates Samsung’s Tizen smart interface, which is easy to use and comes with a comprehensive selection of streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Apple TV+, YouTube and Disney+. It also has Samsung’s new Game View and Game bar user interface. Samsung TVs (inexplicably) don’t have Freeview Play tuners, but at least all the catch-up TV services are available, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5 and UKTV Play. Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A) design and set-up The Q70A boasts an AirSlim cabinet design and sports a minimal picture bezel. It’s quite a head-turner. The screen has four HDMI inputs, but only one is 4K 120fps ready. We probably shouldn’t moan too loudly, as any High Frame Rate support at this price point is welcome. All remaining HDMIs are all 4K 60fps enabled, and there’s eARC compatibility too. There’s also Ethernet, USB and an optical digital audio output, plus Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi wireless support. Samsung’s new slimline One Remote control is powered by indoor lighting, so that should save on batteries. Overall setup is pretty straightforward. The set should take no more than about 15 minutes to get up and running. Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A) picture quality The Q70A is powered by the latest Samsung Quantum Processor 4K, with AI machine learning. Picture characteristics include high average picture brightness, vibrant colour and strong contrast. There’s the usual range of picture modes, including Standard, Dynamic, Natural and Movie. We recommend Standard and Natural for most content. The screen is at its best with native 4K, as you’ll find on the top streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, and its Quantum Processor 4K will upscale lesser sources to make them look better. AI technology compares content with an on-chip database and then tweaks the image to improve detail and texture. To improve contrast, two different colour temperature LED light modules are used. HDR support includes regular HLG and HDR10+, but not Dolby Vision. Samsung’s motion handling is very good these days, making this a good choice for sports fans. Leave motion handling on Auto, as it works well with most fast-moving content. Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A) sound quality Perhaps inevitably, where the Q70A falls short is sound performance. Like all thinner, edge-lit LED TVs, there are not many options when it comes to placing physical speakers. The TV has a simplified OTS (Object Tracking Sound) system that relies on DSP signal processing to enlarge the soundstage. The Q70A also uses SpaceFit, a clever room calibration system designed to tune the set’s audio output to your living room, and AVA (Active Voice Amplifier) technology, which adjusts the dialogue level to counter any ambient noise in your living room. As the set is Dolby Atmos compatible, we would suggest partnering with a Dolby Atmos soundbar at some point. Our verdict: should you buy the Samsung Q70A? We rate the Q70A as a fine bright-room 4K TV, ideal for everyday use. It occupies a sweet spot in Samsung’s 2021 QLED roster and looks sharp from a design point of view. It’s not a screen for hardcore gamers, although that solitary 4K 120 fps HDMI input will work well with either a Playstation 5 or next-gen Xbox, and home cinema fans will probably be unhappy at the lack of Dolby Vision support. These caveats can be balanced against Tizen, which is a solid, smart platform with generous streaming options. Our rating: Features: 4/5 Design: 4/5 Picture quality: 4/5 Sound quality: 3/5 Value for money: 4/5 Overall: 4/5 Where to buy the Samsung Q70A The 55-inch Samsung Q70A is available at Currys and John Lewis. The 65-inch Samsung Q70A is available at Currys and John Lewis. The 75-inch Samsung Q70A is available at Currys. The 85-inch Samsung Q70A is available at Currys. For more product guides and reviews, head to the Technology section. Or, take a look at our best TV to buy guide for help choosing a new TV.
Find out how our expert got on with the top-of-the-range LG G1 (OLED65G1) TV.
The LG G1 is the flagship of LG’s 2021 TV range. The ‘G’ stands for Gallery because this is a TV that’s designed first and foremost for wall mounting, gallery-style. You can put it on regular AV furniture if you insist, but that’ll involve buying an additional pedestal. The G1 boasts all the advanced picture processing and smart TV doodahs that you’ll find elsewhere in the LG range, but significantly it’s the first TV we’ve seen to sport the brand’s advanced, high brightness EVO panel. Will that make a big difference when you kick back with Corrie or Succession? Read on and find out. For more TV recommendations, head to our best smart TV guide. Jump to: LG G1 review: summary What is the LG OLED65G1? How much is the LG OLED65G1? LG OLED65G1 features LG OLED65G1 design LG OLED65G1 picture quality LG OLED65G1 sound quality Our verdict Where to buy LG G1 (OLED65G1) review: summary The LG G1 has a style all its own, and we think it’s a great looking 4K HDR flatscreen. If you can rise to the wall-mounting challenge, hide away all the wires, and afford the spenny price tag, you’ll get to enjoy top-notch picture quality and excellent connectivity. But if you want a screen you can pull from a box and quickly plug in, then it’s probably not the TV for you. The G1 is a bit more demanding than that. Price: The 65-inch LG G1 TV has an RRP of £2,799, but typically can be found for less (£2,199) at Currys. undefined Key features: High brightness EVO panel Gallery design 4K HDR with Dolby Vision IQ Web OS smart platform Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support HDMI v2.1 connectivity Pros: Top-notch 4K picture quality Interiors friendly design Cutting-edge panel 4K 120fps High Frame Rate support Cons: You’ll probably need to wall-mount a soundbar A bit on the pricey side What is the LG G1? The LG G1 is a no-compromise 4K OLED TV with a home decor bent, available in 55-, 65- and 77-inch screen sizes (OLED55G1, OLED65G1, and OLED77G1, respectively). Our test sample is the 65-inch model. What does the LG G1 do? The LG G1 is a Freeview Play OLED TV with an advanced webOS 6.0 smart platform. Its Freeview Play tuner offers all mainstream catch-up TV players LG’s all-new EVO OLED panel offers higher average picture brightness than the rest of LG’s OLED range, so images really pop It features Dolby Vision IQ, which will automatically adjust picture parameters to make 4K HDR programmes look better when viewed in rooms with bright light It can send Dolby Atmos cinematic audio to a Dolby Atmos soundbar or home cinema system It has a Game Optimizer mode that allows console gamers to optimise the screen to best suit the games they play It can display high frame rate games at 4K 120fps from a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console It works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa How much is the LG OLED65G1? The 65-inch G1 is listed at around £2,799 but can be found for less. The 55- and 77- models are listed at £1799 and £4799 respectively. It’s priced at the higher-end of the posh TV market. Buy the 55-inch LG G1 for £1499 at Currys Buy the 77-inch LG G1 for £3999 at Currys undefined Is the LG OLED65C1 TV good value for money? It’s probably a stretch to describe this Gallery series screen as ‘good value.’ It’s premium-priced for a reason: this is currently the only LG model in the world to offer an EVO screen ( you can expect the technology to trickle down to other models during 2022), and it adopts a premium design and finish. ‘Reassuringly expensive’ is a better description - and remember, if you don’t want to wall-mount, you’ll need to budget for a different stand option. That said, the set has been subject to some heavy price-cutting, which does make it more attractive. LG OLED65G1 features Smart functionality, aided by more than a little AI (artificial intelligence), heads up what is an impressive feature set. The G1 works with Google Assistant and Alexa, while LG’s own ThinQ AI technology powers voice control and content search. The TV has a Freeview Play tuner, which means there’s a full set of catch-up TV players built-in, along with copious free to watch box sets. LG’s webOS smart platform, v6.0, comes with a huge variety of streaming apps, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5, Apple TV+, Now, Sky store and YouTube. You’ll not be short of shows to binge on. The set also boasts LG’s new Game Optimizer interface, which offers gamers specific presets to make the most of their preferred games - there are dedicated modes for FPS shooters, RPG role-playing or RTS strategy games. The screen is a good choice for gamers. We measured image lag at 12.7ms (1080/60) in Game optimizer mode, which can be considered very good. LG OLED65G1 design and set-up That Gallery tag means the set has a uniformly flat back, ideal for flush wall mounting. It’s 2cm deep and has a really thin black bezel. Minimal sums it up. In addition to a regular stand mount, available separately, LG also offers a cool, retro-style tripod stand. The G1 comes with the latest version of LG’s Magic cursor remote control. This sports dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Rakuten TV, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa shortcuts. Connectivity is leading edge. All four HDMI inputs are the latest v2.1 spec and support 4k 120fps sources (that’s games consoles, to you and me). They’re also blessed with eARC, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), VRR G-Sync, and VRR AMD Freesync. That’s a lot of acronyms. Set up is straightforward, aided by simple onscreen prompts. Once online and terrestrial channels are tuned, it’s all plain sailing. LG OLED65G1 picture quality We had high hopes coming to the G1, and we’re pleased to report that it doesn’t disappoint. Images are sharp and colour-rich, with superb levels of contrast. Handling the heavy lifting is LG’s processor du jour, the brilliant 4th gen Alpha 9. LG’s new AI Picture Pro picture system, which is able to analyse picture content in real-time, also does a remarkably good job. It uses Auto Genre selection, trained by clever deep learning, to distinguish what is displayed and optimise the picture accordingly. The set offers a variety of picture presets. Straight from the box, it comes with the Eco mode as the default. We would suggest you swap this to Standard, as it gives slightly punchier images. Other options include Sports, Cinema, Filmmaker Mode. ISF Expert bright/Dark and Vivid. Select Dolby Vision content on Netflix, and you’ll unlock Cinema and Cinema Home options; the latter is a really satisfying option for movie watching. That EVO panel gives a slightly brighter overall picture. The benefit isn’t quite as pronounced as we might first have imagined, at least when compared to the brand’s C1 model, but we’ll take it. LG OLED65G1 sound quality By design, the G1’s sound system is meant to be ‘invisible’, and it largely succeeds - but you’ll certainly know it’s there. Overall power output is rated at a fierce 60W, and for casual viewing, most users will find it acceptable. The G1 has a Dolby Atmos decoder onboard, but it doesn’t really have the speakers to deliver cinema style sound (it uses a simple down-firing driver array), but it does pass Dolby Atmos over eARC HDMI out to a Dolby Atmos soundbar or AV system. Our verdict: should you buy the LG OLED65G1? If you’re happy to wall-mount your TV and are prepared to pay a tad extra for a premium viewing experience, the LG G1 is a mouth-watering prospect. If you’d prefer a more conventional stand mount set-up, you’ll need to budget extra for a pedestal. Our first taste of LG’s EVO OLED panel has left us suitably impressed. Picture quality is vibrant yet cinematic, with superb detail and OLED’s characteristically perfect black level performance. Contrast is excellent. The set’s webOS smart platform also offers a healthy selection of top drawer streaming apps, while Freeview Play means you’ll not be short of catch-up. The G1 also has excellent connectivity, perfect if you want to hook up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X games console. The G1 isn’t going to be for everyone, but it’s pretty special nonetheless. Our rating: Features: 4/5 Design: 4/5 Picture quality: 5/5 Sound quality: 3.5/5 Value for money: 4/5 Overall rating: 4/5 Where to buy the LG OLED65G1 The LG OLED65C1 is available at Currys and John Lewis. undefined For more reviews and product guides, head to our Technology section. Want to see how this smart TV model compares to the brand’s others? Try our LG C1 review.
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.
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.
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.
Fortnite Season 8 map: How to find IO Guards and new POI locations
The Fortnite season 8 map is awash with cubes, but IO Guards are proving hard to find.
The alien war is over, and now Fortnite Season 8 has arrived - a live event over the weekend saw ominous cubes falling from the sky in Epic Games' iconic battle-royale experience, giving us a Fortnite Season 8 map that is ripe with intrigue and excitement. But if you're struggling to find IO Guards, you've come to the right place for some help. The new season of Fortnite is titled 'Cubed', with these three-dimensional squares altering the map in some major ways - as the official announcement blog says, "the Cubes aren’t only spreading corruption — they’re spreading portals to The Sideways too (“Sideways Anomalies”). Gravity is very low in this mysterious world, and the air is unfriendly to building. Read more: When does Fortnite Chapter 3 come out? "This world isn’t just colliding with our world. It’s bleeding into it, meaning a certain POI will be covered in Sideways each match. These altered POIs are known as Sideways Zones". The map doesn't just look different, basically - it will also behave differently during your matches, and you may find yourself scrambling to random 'point of interest' locations in search of Sideways Zones. Plus, you might have noticed that IO Guards are rather elusive, despite being tied to one of the current quests in the game. Read on to find out more. What's new on the Fortnite Season 8 map? When you look at the Fortnite maps for Season 8 from an aerial view, the first thing you'll notice is the brown splotches at various key locations - this discolouration was caused when the alien cubes fell from the sky at the start of the season. The middle point of the map has once again received a makeover to mark the new season, as well, as is something of a tradition. If you're more of a visual learner, you can take a look at the new map right here... View oEmbed on the source website The cubes littered around the map will spit out monsters and other bad vibes, but they'll also open up portals that allow players to visit The Sideways - this is an alternate reality, with less gravity, where the building of structures is very difficult. There are also Sideways Zones, which move around the map - in each battle, a different point of interest will be taken over by The Sideways, and you'll be able to find special loot and weapons in these areas. Where are IO Guards in Fortnite? Fans of Fortnite are trying to find IO Guards today, but these NPCs are proving very difficult to find on the Fortnite Season 8 map. One of the quests in Charlotte's IO Heist questline is telling players to 'eliminate IO Guards', but finding one is not always easy! At least one player has managed it, though, judging by the video below. Take a look for yourself and you'll see that this gamer found two IO Guards hiding out at Base Rio, which is located the right/east of Pleasant Park. All the details you need to eliminate some IO Guards are in this video: View oEmbed on the source website Where is Shanty Town in Fortnite? Another area that Fortnite fans have been flocking towards today is the Shanty Town, which can be found to the west/left of Sludgy Swap (formerly known as Slurpy Swamp), down in the bottom-left corner of the map. If you're trying to get there for any reason, here's a handy video that shows you where to drop: View oEmbed on the source website Where is Rainbow Rentals in Fortnite? Rainbow Rentals is another location that players are looking for today, and you'll find this location on the beach to the west/left of Holly Hedges - again, this is over on the leftmost side of the map. This video will show you how to find this little hut, which can be a bit tricky: View oEmbed on the source website Where is Fort Crumpet in Fortnite? Players today are also interested in Fort Crumpet, which is another location on the lefthand side of the map (also known as the westerly side). You'll find Fort Crumpet to the left of Believer Beach, as this video below can handily demonstrate for you: View oEmbed on the source website Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news. Or if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide.
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.
Does the sound quality do justice to the brightly coloured design?
Razer Opus X headphones come in a variety of colours, including a delightfully garish green, and if you care about more than the colour of your headsets, then you will be pleased to know that for what it does with brightly coloured designs, it matches it when it comes to the sound that comes bursting out of the speakers. But what about all the ins and outs of the Razer Opus X? 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? Have a read of our full review, where we will, hopefully, answer all the questions you have about the Razer Opus X. Jump to: Razer Opus X review: summary What is the Razer Opus X? How much is the Razer Opus X? Design Features Performance Razer Opus X setup Our verdict Where to buy Razer Opus X review: summary You will own something that is snug and comfy on the ears with the Razer Opus X headset, and while you can happily use it for PC gaming, you will find that it does the trick for various other uses, too, and they could end up being your go-to pair for when you are about to embark on a long journey. What is the Razer Opus X? The Razer Opus X is a Bluetooth gaming headset, which means you can use it with any device that supports Bluetooth. That would be most smartphones and tablets, then, and now the Nintendo Switch as well - Bluetooth support for Switch was added to the console recently. You couldn't use this headset with a PlayStation or Xbox, though, unless you bought an adapter separately that could make the connection work (neither of those console families currently supports Bluetooth headsets outright). How much is the Razer Opus X? The Razer Opus X manages to stay under the £100 mark - but only just. Retailing at around £99.99, this is not a bad cost for the type of sound quality that these headphones produce and considering we have seen others that are less impressive for more, we are not about to say that it is too pricey – a fair cost for a good product. Razer Opus X design The bright, luminous, green design of the headset we have for review will certainly prove to be a questionable choice for some. We love that they are quite a loud looking set of headphones, they certainly stand out, but we can well imagine others opting for something not quite as in your face as what we have on our hands here. You can also get them in a bright white colour, and a pink variety exists too. Outside of that, though, we have very little in the way of complaints about how these feel when you are wearing them - comfort is key, and this ticks the box there. The only downsides we noticed in relation to this were that the earcups did get a little hot and sweaty after a while of wearing them, but after taking them off for a couple of minutes, that soon sorted itself out. In short, it's probably not a good idea to wear these while you are out for a run. And there was a little bit of outside noise that crept in while we were using them, but this was negligible and didn't dampen our experience of using them. As for the materials used, while the headphones do not sound cheap when they are using them, they do feel it a little to touch but not to the degree that it looks like you have purchased a lesser product, The faux leather on the ear cups is fine, other than overheating issue, and the same material seems to have been used for the centre of the headband. Razer Opus X features Let's talk about connections first, and we had no issues synching this up to our PC with Bluetooth - that being said, Bluetooth is the only way to connect to a PC, so if you have one that doesn't have it built-in, you are not going to have much luck at getting these to work. As for all the controls, they are handily all placed on the same earcup, the right one, and you will find everything you expect to see there included. So, volume control and the power button are present and accounted for. There is also a multi-function button which, as the name would suggest, can be used for several different things, including answering calls, ending calls and switching between calls. Holding the button down will also activate Gaming mode. Back to the power button again, this can be used for things other than turning the headphones off and on as it is also designed to toggle 'Quick Attention Mode', which lets you hear what is happening around in the real world without having to take the headphones off. It is not exactly an essential feature, but it is a welcome one all the same. Razer Opus X performance When it came to sound, there was little fault we could find with the Razer Opus X, and it gave us great sound regardless of what we were using it for. We heard small details that we hadn't noticed before, thanks to the crystal clear quality that came through, and the volume goes up to a level that should suit those who like to have their tunes cranked up to the max – although be careful about doing that too much! They stay on your head without much wobble, so they shouldn't fall off unless you are doing something out of the ordinary, and as we say, a small heat issue aside, they are comfy as they sit there. Razer Opus X setup As easy as can be is the best way to describe the set-up process here that was so simple that the hardest part was getting it out of the tight cellophane that the headset was delivered to us in - we wish we could say that was the trickiest part of all the bits of tech we get to review. Once out of the box, we just turned the Razer Opus X on and then paired it with our device of choice in seconds, and you really don't get simpler than that. 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 Razer Opus X? While we wish these headphones, which are a little on the bulky side, had come with a carry case, these remain a brilliant pair for having with you if you are about and about. They are not only super comfortable to wear, but the battery life will ensure that they will survive trips that are on the longer side. These are not the best you can buy, but they remain a solid purchase and a pair of headphones that we can happily recommend - and you'll never lose the green set in the dark, that's for sure! Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 3.5 / 5 Features: 4 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 4.5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.9/ 5 Where to buy the Razer Opus X The Razer Opus X 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. 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.
Razer Hammerhead X gaming earbuds review
Razer has some really exciting products on sale at the moment, from the Razer Opus X headset to these nifty little earbuds that may be tiny, but they get the job done in most of the important areas, and they won't require you to sell an organ to be able to afford them - always a bonus. But while the sound is good, what about all the other features that the Razer Hammerhead X has at its disposal. Do they make it an even more worthy investment, or do they leave a lot to be desired? Well, we have answered that and more in our full Razer Hammerhead X review! Want to see how these compare to other models? Read our HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset review and LucidSound LS50X Gaming Headset review. Razer Hammerhead X review: summary What is the Razer Hammerhead X? How much is the Razer Hammerhead X? Design Features Performance Razer Hammerhead X setup Our verdict Where to buy Razer Hammerhead X review: summary Decent sound and impressive battery life, complete with a case that charges for you, make the Razer Hammerhead X earbuds a worthy purchase that does not cost an arm and a leg to buy. Reasonably priced and effective, there is every chance you will be delighted with these from the moment you see them packed in their stylish box to the moment you have a song blasting out of them for the first time. What are the Razer Hammerhead X earbuds? The Razer Hammerhead X earbuds are Bluetooth headphones designed with gaming in mind, which means they would be ideal for playing on your iPhone or Android device of choice. You could also use them with Nintendo Switch, now that Bluetooth support for the Switch has been added to the console. They wouldn't work natively with PlayStation or Xbox consoles, though, unless you have a Bluetooth adapter. How much are the Razer Hammerhead X earbuds? Headphones are not as cheap as they once were, and you could literally spend several hundred on a decent pair. We're telling you that so you know the price here of around £75.50 really is on the cheap end - particularly for a pair of headphones that deliver such great sound. Razer Hammerhead X earbuds design Interestingly, whereas most earbuds are designed to sit in the ear canal, these ones are not and instead, the aim here is to have them sit loosely in the ear cup. This does not do much to impact the sound but has been done with safety in mind so that you can still hear your surroundings to a degree - this may be irritating to some, but it is not something that we will be complaining about. For wearing out and about, they do the job well and manage to stay in place for the most part - even if you're out for a run, you shouldn't have them annoyingly drop out of your ear - although they almost certainly will if you are doing anything too strenuous. Razer Hammerhead X earbuds features The actual buds themselves have controls on them that we didn't even know about until we accidentally pushed it further into our ear and paused the song we were playing. You can skip tracks and restart tracks with the simple touch of a finger, too, and while it can get muddled and do the wrong thing on occasion, it mostly does the job as well as we would have hoped. The controls are on both earbuds so take your pick, which is your go-to for this! Game mode is also controllable this way, so you can turn it on and off and control the volume, although if we are completely honest, it can be fiddly to get this to work. The buds turn on and light up the moment you flip open the case for them, which is a nice touch and, as expected, will turn off as soon as you put them back in and close the lid. You also get access to a mobile app if you are one of the more technologically-minded among us, and in there, you can do all sorts to adjust many aspects of the audio to your personal preferences. It's a nice touch, but after playing around with it, we found that the original sound we had was just as good and there was not much need to explore it more fully. Razer Hammerhead X earbuds performance Let's start with the battery life here, and we are pleased to report that ours did not die with our volume cranked up until around 6 hours after we started using them - a decent length of time for any powerful pair of earbuds. That being said, if you activate the illuminated touch surfaces, then you will see that battery length drop a tad which is something to keep in mind if heading out with them for a long journey. While in this case, you get three charges out of the headphones, which does mean you should be fine without completely running out of juice. That being said, there is no indicator on the case itself to tell you how charged they are, which is an irritating oversight that should have been factored into the design - you get a USB-C cable in the box for charging, and it normally takes around 60 minutes to get one full charge. Sound is great here, if not as loud as we had expected, but then that makes sense given that they are designed to still let you hear what is going on around you while enjoying what you're listening to at the same time, and we can't say that outside noise ever became too much of a problem. Same too with speech, and we were able to hear the person on the other end of the line perfectly when we gave it a go. The bass is not the best we have heard, but it is far from the worst, and we tried this with lots of different songs from lots of different genres to see if there were any issues we found, and we were pleased with the results - from hip hop to classical to hard rock, they all sounded brilliant blasting out of these tiny earbuds. Razer Hammerhead X earbuds setup Getting these set up took no effort at all. In fact, as soon as we opened up the box, our phone alerted us to the fact they were detected and then they ran instantly - if only everything was as easy as this. 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 Razer Hammerhead X earbuds? In short, if you prefer your headphones to be of the bud variety and you don't want to break the bank in finding a decent pair, then the Razer Hammerhead X earbuds are ones that you should give some serious thought to. The sound may not be as loud and all-consuming as it can be with other models, but we were impressed with this overall, and it is a great pair to have with you when out and about. Review scores: Set-up: 5 /5 Design: 4 / 5 Features: 4 / 5 Performance: 4 / 5 Value for money: 4 / 5 Overall star rating: 4.5 / 5 Where to buy the Razer Hammerhead X earbuds The Razer Hammerhead X earbuds are out now, so you should be able to find them at most major retailers, including the likes of 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. 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.
The Stan Lee wisdom that inspired Marvel Future Revolution mobile game
How the great Marvel Comics writer inspired the new mobile game, Marvel Future Revolution.
A brand-new mobile game called Marvel Future Revolution launched this week, developed by Netmarble and published by Marvel Games. It does an impressive job of cramming an open-world experience with high-quality graphics onto handheld devices, complete with voice acting and a musical score - it’s an achievement that wouldn’t have seemed possible a few years ago. The opening level of this RPG introduces the player to a multiversal cataclysm where multiple realities are merging into one Prime Earth, which is now made up of several recognisable locales from Marvel lore - there’s a Hydra Empire, an Asgardian settlement and a heaving metropolis called New Stark City, as well as communities from the planets Sakaar and Zandar, all jostling for space in this fledgling world. During an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com alongside his colleagues and collaborators, Marvel Games VP of Creative, Bill Rosemann enthused about just how groundbreaking Marvel Future Revolution is. He told us: “There's many layers to what's revolutionary about it - the gameplay, the open world, the amazing graphics that you're seeing on a mobile device, and also the story.” Making such an ambitious project for mobile isn’t easy - especially when you’re creating a story campaign alongside a whole bunch of PvP and PvE multiplayer experiences - and there were plenty of challenges along the way. Joe Lee, Production Designer at Netmarble, explains: “Coming from the game-creation perspective, when you go for all of this - this huge gameplay experience, and all of the top-notch graphics and visual stuff - you always have to go for the quality and the performance, and you balance this out for your given play environment. “You actually have to start making a lot of compromises, especially earlier on in the game-making. But then, later in the iterations, you actually come to a point where you start feeling that you are actually reaching the target quality that you set early on. And I think we actually came up with a pretty good achievement. I'm pretty proud of what we actually created.” When you’re creating a game that is so revolutionary - you could say futuristic, even - sometimes it helps to look to the past. This is the story of how the late, great Stan Lee - the legendary Marvel Comics writer and editor, who you’ll recognise from his movie cameos - inspired this project with some of his fondly remembered wisdom. The “very, very challenging” task of getting everyone on board Introducing the Marvel Future Revolution gameplay experience and its multiverse-mashing story in a way that would entertain fans both new and old - as well as pleasing hardcore gamers, without alienating casual players - came with its own challenges. Simon Sim, President of Netmarble US, tells us: “Marvel is a worldwide popular IP, from Marvel Comics and also Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some users are very, very familiar with the details [of Marvel] and the deep core mechanics [of gaming], but some users might not be. Some gamers might very casually play games. “So we put a lot of effort [into working out] how to meet those broad audiences. That was rather challenging - to make this big scale game but at the same time [make it] easy to get onboard from a less-familiar gamer's perspective.” Sim says that Netmarble was trying to make a game that would work for “someone who knows the Marvel Cinematic Universe or enjoys Marvel movies” as well as casual gamers and “more in-depth gamers”, which he described as being “very, very challenging.” “We did a lot of user tests and then iterated again and again,” he says. “With Marvel, together, we debated a lot, and now we believe our onboarding process is very well tailored.” And there’s some Stan Lee wisdom that sounds like it came in handy, too. The Stan Lee wisdom that “we always keep in mind” Rosemann also spoke about “creating something that connects both with really hardcore gamers and also super Marvel fans,” mentioning that Marvel Future Revolution is “packed with Easter eggs and Marvel lore.” And when it comes to including all that in a way that doesn’t alienate newcomers, well that’s where Stan Lee comes in. Rosemann revealed: “We always keep in mind what Stan Lee said. Stan Lee, who was one of the founders of Marvel, said, 'Any comic could be someone's first comic.' Right? And so, by that we mean we don't dumb anything down. You know, we always engage the reader." Or the player, in this case. “I always remember when I was young and I read comics,” Rosemann continues, “they always asked me to step up and learn that vocabulary and learn about this world-building. And we apply that through everything we do. “And so, in the game, yes, it's filled with Marvel lore, but we make it very clear who everyone is, where you are, what are the relationships... so even if your Marvel knowledge isn't vast, it will all make sense to you. “And then the more you play, the more you get into it, the deeper you can get. So in both gameplay and story it rewards both casual players and really in-depth veteran hardcore fans and gamers.” Read more: Marvel Games boss talks multiverse, MCU and more Applying that advice to “over 400 million costume combinations” When they say that Marvel Future Revolution is packed with Easter eggs, they’re not kidding. Danny Koo, Director of Product Development at Marvel Games, says that “over 400 million costume combinations can be done per hero,” and many of these outfits pay homage to Marvel history. The playable characters at launch are Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Iron Man, Star-Lord, Storm, Captain Marvel and Captain America, and each one has a vast library of outfits for players to unlock. Many of these styles are from the comics, but there are also some movie-inspired MCU skins in the game as well. You can customise the colours and textures, as well as mixing and matching the legs, arms, torsos and heads from any outfit to craft your own unique look for each character. Koo tells us that making this system work was “part of the good challenges and fun challenges for this title”, and after several iterations of that system, “we nailed down one that works well, looks nice, and it runs great on the phone itself.” Harking back to that Stan Lee advice, the developers were keen to ensure that the customisation never stopped characters from being recognisable to newcomers. Rosemann recalls, “We had big discussions on what makes it Captain America and not [just] a patriotic character. “And so we talked about visual cues - when you see Captain America, you think about the 'A' [on his helmet], you think about the star, you think about some sort of striping. You think about his boots, his gloves, the shield. “So all those elements are together, and then we can riff on them. And maybe they can even be different colours, and you can change what they look like, but that's still Captain America. And then the team was so good [at making that work]. “Even when you mix and match - it could be a Hydra Empire Captain America mixed with Sakaar Captain America, or New Stark City, or Zandearth. But he's always identifiable, even when you mix and match. “And the beauty of it is, when you play your character, there might not be any other version of your Doctor Strange that anyone else has. It's your Doctor Strange. And so that will really, I think, be cool. People will be impressed by the kind of combinations people dream up.” People will indeed be impressed, and we reckon that Stan Lee himself would be proud. Marvel Future Revolution is available now for free on iPhone and Android devices. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights. Or if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news. And if you're a Marvel fan, don't miss our round-up of Marvel gifts.
Gamescom 2021 recap: All the big news, must-see trailers and major reveals
Saints Row, Marvel's Midnight Suns and a new football game have been revealed at Gamescom 2021 - and Jeff Goldblum showed up!
The Gamescom 2021 schedule is rolling towards its conclusion, with only one more night of presentations planned before the virtual conference closes its digital doors. Across such events as Opening Night Live, the Xbox Stream and the Destiny 2 Showcase, Gamescom 2021 has served up an impressive amount of news so far - and this is the place where we've been recapping it all along the way. The Saints Row reboot and Marvel's Midnight Suns are among the biggest reveals so far, and it was also interesting to see a brand new football game called UFL being announced - of course, only time will tell if UFL can really rival EA's FIFA 22 and Konami's eFootball. The most surprising celeb appearance came at the Future Games Show, where Jeff Goldblum stopped by to talk about Jurassic World Evolution 2 - you can watch that clip on YouTube, and we've also got an exclusive interview with the game's director where he talks about Goldblum's "amazing force of personality." If you've been looking for a handy summary of all the major news and must-see trailers from Gamescom 2021, read on for our full rundown of what you need to know from the show. Gamescom 2021 recap (Thursday 26th August) Thursday, the third day of Gamescom 2021, was a slightly smaller affair than the previous two days - there was an Awesome Indies Showcase, the Future Games Show, and a Dying 2 Know stream all about Dying Light 2. Let's dig into them below! Awesome Indies, Future Games Show and Dying 2 Know - Gamescom Day 3 recap You can click any of these links to rewatch the Awesome Indies Showcase, the Future Games Show and the Dying 2 Know live streams. Or if you don't have the time, these brief bullet points should bring you up to speed on the core points: As well as the Goldblum-starring Jurassic World Evolution 2 trailer, the Future Games Show also gave us new looks at Life is Strange: True Colours, Jurassic World Aftermath 2, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl and many more - all the trailers from that presentation are on GamesRadar's YouTube channel (it is their show, after all). The Dying 2 Know Stream gave us a new Dying Light 2 gameplay video all about parkour and combat. The Awesome Indies Showcase opened with a trailer for Blasphemous: Wounds of Eventide, and it ended with a trailer for Oaken - many other games were featured, with the beaver-based building game called Diluvian Winds looking particularly interesting. Gamescom 2021 recap (Wednesday 25th August) Gamescom stepped it up a notch on Wednesday, with its Opening Night Live event providing some big reveals and surprises, as gaming industry fave Geoff Keighley once again called the shots. Check out our handy recap of the Opening Night Live stream below. 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. Opening Night Live - Gamescom Day 2 recap If you didn't follow along on YouTube yourself, we've summed up the key points from the biggest games at Gamescom 2021 Opening Night Live right here: Opening Night Live began with the reveal trailer for Saints Row, and gave us some gameplay footage, confirming a 22nd February release date. The first trailer was revealed for UFL, the new football game from Strikerz Inc. A new Marvel game was unveiled! Wolverine, Doctor Strange and many more heroes popped up in the reveal trailer for Marvel's Midnight Suns, a tactical RPG from 2K coming March 2022. The Horizon Forbidden West release date was confirmed for 18th February 2022, with pre-orders starting on 2nd September. Far Cry 6 also got a new trailer, focusing on Giancarlo Esposito's character. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga got a new trailer and reaffirmed its Spring 2022 release window. Microsoft dropped a surprise new trailer for Halo Infinite, and confirmed 8th December as the new release date - plus, there will be limited edition Halo Infinite versions of the Xbox Series X console and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2. We got an extended look at Call of Duty: Vanguard, with Laura Bailey stopping by to introduce her character from the campaign. Hideo Kojima shared a new deep-dive video for Death Stranding: Director's Cut, revealing new gameplay features and locations. There were so many other games that showed up to surprise us during the event, as well, and these are some of the other moments - beyond the AAA blockbusters - that we wanted to shout about: The new trailer for Jurassic World Evolution 2 confirmed its 9th November 2021 release date. Marvel Future Revolution got a new trailer to mark its release on mobile devices today. The Jungle Book content is coming to Fall Guys, a new trailer revealed. Jumanji: The Curse Returns got a new trailer. Genshin Impact fans got a new trailer for the Horizon Zero Dawn/Aloy content in the game. Ubisoft shared a new trailer for Rider's Republic, which launches a free beta today. There was a new trailer shown for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. Amazon's New World MMO game shared a new trailer and revealed its next beta dates (9th-12th September). Tales of Luminara and the Tales of Arise mobile game both shared new trailers. A few indie games and smaller titles got given some time to shine, with trailers shown for SIFU, Midnight Fight Express, Cult of the Lamb, Splitgate, Super Monkey Ball, and more. The pre-show, hosted by Kyle Bosman, featured new trailers for King of Fighters 15, The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes, Bus Simulator 21, Soundfall, Dolmen, Nine to Five, Nobody Saves the World and more. Gamescom 2021 recap (Tuesday 24th August) The main highlights from the first day of Gamescom 2021 were the Destiny 2 Showcase and the Xbox live stream, each of which packed in plenty of exciting surprises. As the day progressed, we kept adding new information below to keep track of what happened: Xbox Stream - Gamescom Day 1 recap Microsoft was the second (and final) company to take to the virtual stage on the first day of Gamescom 2021, hosting an Xbox stream on YouTube and Twitch. Here's our recap of what was revealed during the stream: Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Xbox consoles in the holiday season at the end of 2021, allowing you to jump into new games on your console without any downloads - check out the trailer here. Forza Horizon 5 showed a cover-revealing trailer, eight minutes of gameplay footage, and a very colourful custom Xbox controller. A fast-paced trailer revealed a number of Humble Games titles that will come to Xbox Game Pass on their day of release. We saw the reveal trailer for Into the Pit, one of those Humble Games titles, an 'Eldritch horror' experience across multiple gory dungeons. Sea of Thieves is getting a Borderlands-inspired Mayhem ship - you can unlock it through gameplay between 24th August and 7th September. Psychonauts 2, which comes out tomorrow, got a colourful launch trailer. An Age of Empires 4 developer interview used real-life footage to show off some sling-based trebuchet catapult mechanics. Cult of the Holy Detention DLC for Wasteland 3 got a trailer and release date (5th October 2021). There was a visually stunning trailer for The Gunk. A deep dive gameplay video was revealed for Dying Light 2: Stay Human. We saw the swordplay-heavy reveal trailer for Stray Blade, from Point Blank Games. State of Decay 2: Homecoming DLC got a new trailer ahead of its 1st September release date. The next-gen Xbox adaptation of Crusader Kings 3 got a trailer. Lots of reveals for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox: the game will update soon with new satellite imagery for Germany, Switzerland and Austria; new aircraft, called 'local legends', are also being added; Reno Air Race content is coming in autumn 2021; plus, Top Gun: Maverick DLC is coming alongside the film, but it's firmly under wraps for now. Destiny 2 Showcase - Gamescom Day 1 recap Bungie was the first company to present at this year's virtual Gamescom, with the Destiny 2 Showcase lifting the lid on the game's next major DLC chapter - it's called The Witch Queen, and it's launching next year. You can watch the whole thing on YouTube, or check out our summary below: We got a reveal trailer and a gameplay trailer for The Witch Queen DLC. Crossplay goes live in Destiny 2 today, as does the Season of the Lost content. Weapon crafting is coming to Destiny 2, and there will be a new energy weapon called The Glaive. The Gjallarhorn weapon is making a comeback in Destiny 2, and a Nerf version is also coming in real life. Bungie confirmed that, after The Witch Queen and Lightfall, the final chapter in The Light and Dark Saga will be a DLC drop called The Final Shape - but Destiny 2 will continue beyond that point. 15 minutes before the main show, Bungie's Luke Smith and Jason Jones sat down for a chat about their history with gaming. Fans and content creators sent in short clips for the pre-show, summing up their favourite Bungie moments. Choral music played over eye-catching fan art during the pre-show, as Bungie did its bit to highlight the creativity of its fans. Gamescom 2021 pre-conference recap Before Gamescom 2021 properly began, the first nuggets of news started to appear online, as the gaming industry got itself ready for one of its biggest weeks of the year. Here are a couple of interesting pieces of information that arrived on the web before the event kicked off: Host Geoff Keighley shared a 'hype trailer' for Wednesday's Opening Night Live event. The official Gamescom website is running a series of 'quests' where you can sign up and earn rewards. As more news breaks, we'll be sure to update this page all through Gamescom 2021. Feel free to bookmark this page and come back each day for more insights from the virtual conference. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights. Or if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.
Destiny 2 Showcase at Gamescom 2021: How to watch the Witch Queen DLC reveal LIVE online
Destiny 2's The Witch Queen DLC will soon be revealed!
Another big week of gaming news is upon us! The developers from Bungie are kicking things off at Gamescom 2021 with a special live stream about Destiny 2. Dubbed the Destiny 2 Showcase, this online video is slated to reveal the "next chapter" of the hugely popular online sci-fi shooter. Destiny 2 has been on the scene since 2017, and it doesn't show any signs of letting up! We already know that the next major DLC story beat in Destiny 2 will be called The Witch Queen - it is believed to focus on a long-teased character called Savathun, and it's expected to arrive early next year. But during today's event, we should learn a lot more about it. So, if you're the type of Destiny 2 fan that likes to stay fully up-to-date with all the latest news on the game, you'll want to tune in to watch this reveal live as it happens at Gamescom. Keep on reading to learn how. When is the Destiny 2 event at Gamescom 2021? The Destiny 2 Showcase event is taking place on Tuesday 24th August 2021. It's been a little while since Destiny fans were treated to such a big reveal, so it's only natural that hype seems to be seriously big at the moment. Thankfully, there's not much longer to wait! What time is the Destiny 2 event at Gamescom 2021? From a UK perspective, the Destiny 2 Showcase has a start time of 5pm BST this afternoon. One hour prior to that, a pre-show stream for the Destiny 2 Showcase will start at 4pm BST here in the UK. If you want to skip the preamble, you can, but it should be fun for fans if you can spare the time. How to watch the Destiny 2 event at Gamescom 2021 You can watch the Destiny 2 Showcase event right here! There's no physical event for Gamescom this year, so it's all taking place online, and so you should be able to find the stream on Bungie's official YouTube and Twitch channels. We've saved you the effort, though! Here's the video you'll want to click into to watch the show: View oEmbed on the source website If you're looking for a handy summary of what happened during the event, check out our Gamescom 2021 recap - we're going to update it all through the week with all the biggest news, so you might even want to bookmark it! Read more: Check out our interview with Destiny's Crow/Uldren actor What will feature in the Destiny 2 event at Gamescom 2021? Teasing the content of the event, Bungie has posted this cryptic description on the company's official website: "Seven years of Destiny have led us here – to the precipice of an adventure unlike any we’ve encountered before. Join us and begin to understand what lies ahead. Will you survive the truth?" We can be fairly certain that the next Destiny 2 DLC chapter, The Witch Queen, will be front and centre at this event! Yesterday, Bungie posted the teaser below to get us pre-emptively hyped: View oEmbed on the source website "Truth is a funny thing", the teaser ominously intones, over images of a character (presumably Savathun, the Witch Queen) walking through an ocean littered with skeletons. That's all we've got to go on for now, but we should learn an awful lot more tonight. Set a reminder now and don't forget to tune in for the Destiny 2 Showcase at Gamescom 2021. After the Destiny 2 stream is finished, Microsoft will take to the virtual Gamescom stage to host an Xbox live stream - you might want to tune into that one, too! Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights. Or if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.
Gamescom 2021 schedule: Dates, UK times and how to watch live from home
All the UK start times for the main Gamescom 2021 shows.
The summer of gaming rages on - E3 2021 and EA Play Live have been and gone, and now Gamescom 2021 has begun! The iconic European trade show is sure to supply many exciting surprises and new trailers. There is no physical version of Gamescom this year, with the traditionally Cologne-based gaming industry conference taking the shape of an online-only event this year for the second August in a row. The all-digital Gamescom 2021 promises four days filled with the biggest news that gaming has to offer, and many of the big companies are going to be in attendance. There are a couple of notable absentees, but we should have fun without them! Follow our Gamescom 2021 recap page for all the latest updates But what does the schedule look like for Gamescom 2021, and how do you watch it all? Read on to discover all of the important information about this year's show and how you can get involved! When is Gamescom 2021? The Gamescom 2021 schedule has begun - the official event's main schedule of live streams started on Tuesday 25th August 2021 and it will run until Friday 27th August. That's a good few days of fun, then, which should be ample time for the companies in attendance to show off their latest trailers with plenty of chatter in between. And here's some good news - the show is free, so you won't have to spend a penny to keep up with it all. How to watch Gamescom 2021 You can watch Gamescom 2021 in a number of different places, and we've got all the relevant links for you right here - you can take your pick from the conference's official channels on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Gaming or even Twitter. It's also worth remembering that when a big company is hosting its own showcase as part of Gamescom 2021, you should expect to see the stream on that company's own channels, which we'll be sure to link for you during the schedule below. Gamescom 2022 schedule There are Gamescom 2021 live streams going on from Tuesday through until Friday this week, and we've compiled all the important start times for you below (from a UK time zone perspective). Take a look at this list and you'll have your head wrapped around the Gamescom 2021 schedule in no time. If you struggle to keep up with all the news as it happens, check out our handy Gamescom 2021 recap - we'll be updating it throughout the week with all the biggest news. All the mainline Gamescom shows should be viewable on the Gamescom YouTube channel, and we've included links below for all the others. Tuesday 24th August 2021 5pm UK time: Destiny 2 Showcase 6pm UK time: Xbox Gamescom 2021 Live Stream Wednesday 25th August 2021 6.30pm UK time: Gamescom Opening Night Live Pre-Show 7pm UK time: Gamescom Opening Night Live 9pm UK time: Gamescom Opening Night Live Aftershow Thursday 26th August 2021 6pm UK time: Gamescom Studio (updates from various companies) 7pm UK time: Dying 2 Know Gamescom Edition (Dying Light 2 showcase) 7.30pm UK time: Gamescom Awesome Indies Showcase 9pm UK time: Future Games Show Friday 27th August 2021 6pm UK time: Game Scoop Live 7pm UK time: Gamescom Studio (updates from various companies) 10.30pm UK time: Gamescom Wrap-up Show Note: PlayStation and Nintendo will not be presenting at Gamescom this year, as far as we know. If there's another company you're hoping to see that isn't listed formally on the schedule, it's worth keeping an eye on Opening Night Live, the Future Games Show, the Awesome Indies Showcase and those 'Gamescom Studio' slots in the schedule - that's where we could see surprise appearances from quite a few prominent companies in the industry. Fingers crossed for some big reveals... 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. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or check out some of the best subscription deals in gaming below: Get unlimited gaming with Utomik 3 month subscription for £13.49 Buy Nintendo Switch Online 12 months membership for £14.99 Get a 14-day trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for £2.99 Get PS Plus 12 months at CDKeys for £43.99 Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news. Looking for something to watch? See our TV Guide.
Psychonauts 2 review: A feast for the senses on console and PC
16 years on from the first Psychonauts game, is the latest title from Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions worth the wait?
Way back when in 2005, acclaimed indie-game director Tim Schafer – who, at the time, was perhaps best loved for his work on Grim Fandango at LucasArts - released a brilliant 3D platformer called Psychonauts. Taking control of a young acrobat called Raz, players explored the minds of several unique characters – literally, you would enter other people’s minds and complete quirky platforming levels within them - as Raz got to grips with his newfound mind powers. The game earned a lot of strong reviews and put Schafer’s then-brand-new company, Double Fine Productions, on the map. Jump forward 16+ years to today, and Double Fine has become a staple of the gaming scene – as of 2019, the company is owned by Microsoft as part of Xbox Game Studios. The first Double Fine game to launch since the Microsoft acquisition will be Psychonauts 2 – a sequel to the company’s very first game, it picks up not long after the conclusion of that game from 2005 (there is a short VR game, 2017’s Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin, slotted in between the two stories). But is it worth jumping into Psychonauts 2, whether or not you’ve played the original game or its VR follow-up? The answer to that question is a resounding yes, and you can read on to find out why in our full review. First things first, don’t worry if you missed either of the previous entries in the Psychonauts franchise – although you will appreciate the returning characters and callbacks if you’re a fully-fledged fan of the series, Psychonauts 2 does a great job of bringing everyone up to speed in its opening moments. Raz, still a young child, finally makes his way to Psychonauts HQ in the game’s opening scenes, and it’s not long before he’s pulled into a mystery involving a returning villain and the founding members of this Men in Black-like psychic institution. What unfolds from that simple beginning is a terrifically imaginative experience, as Raz ventures into mind after mind in search of answers and understanding. Although this game has a few more ‘real world’ locations compared to the original, most of the meaningful gameplay segments still take place within the off-the-wall confines of people’s brains. This, as returning fans will already know, is a recipe for some truly bonkers and infinitely memorable levels. For us describe these experiences in any real detail would probably spoil the fun of you discovering them for yourself. But suffice it to say - we weren’t expecting there to be a cookery level, and there were surprises to be found around every corner. Where to buy Psychonauts 2: Play Psychonauts 2 through Xbox Game Pass (14 day trial for £2.99) Get the PS4 version from the PlayStation store (£49.99) Buy the PC version from CDKeys (£53.99) The gameplay in itself is genuinely very fun. In a similar-ish way to the brilliant It Takes Two, Psychonauts 2 regularly throws new game mechanics at you. You’re picking up new skills all the time, right up until the third act stage of the story, and you end up with a satisfyingly stuffed wheel of powers. (There are points when the combat draws to mind the ability-mixing gameplay of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.) This, combined with the fact that pretty much every level takes place in a new brain, means that no two points in Psychonauts 2 are ever the same. Sometimes the structure might feel familiar – you’ll often need to fetch a few McGuffins and overcome a boss battle in order to complete a mind – but the content is always changing. It’s worth stressing that the game has mature themes. The minds that you enter are sometimes affected by mental health struggles, and these may feel all too real for some people – an early level touches on gambling addiction, while panic attacks are a recurring feature in a later segment. Of course, everyone will react differently to seeing matters like this depicted in a wacky platforming game. For this reviewer, I’d say that there isn’t a nasty bone in Psychonauts 2’s metaphorical body. The game is fun, funny and filled with neat surprises. The overall tone is pure and hopeful with a side order of silliness, which will hit the spot very nicely for a lot of players. The graphics are great throughout most of the game – one or two minds maybe lack a bit of a pizazz, but there are so many other ones that are simply stunning. Double Fine has come far in the 16 years since the first game, and there are moments where the surreal visuals will really blow you away. The area around the Psychonauts HQ is also very eye-catching, and there are plenty of secrets to be found here if you fancy some exploration between missions. The music is also excellent – it’s a real feast for the senses, hopping between trippy guitar riffs and John Williams-aping orchestral parps - and the soundscape is especially impressive in one level that features a brilliant performance from Jack Black. We’re sworn to secrecy on the specifics of his character, but we’re confident in assuming that his segment will be remembered as one of the standout parts of this game. The rest of the voice cast is solid, too, and the writing does well to toe the line between embracing outright silliness and maintaining a human story. Just when you think the game is in danger of jumping the shark, it pulls you right back in with a heartfelt punch in the gut. We really enjoyed going on this journey with Raz, and we’d be quick to recommend this game to anyone who’d listen. So whether you’re a returning fan or an intrigued onlooker, this is one that you won’t want to miss. Psychonauts 2 launches 25th August 2021 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 and PC. We reviewed it on Xbox Series X. The PS4 version will be playable on PS5 via backwards compatibility, and the Xbox version will be available via Xbox Game Pass. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights. Or if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.
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.
A new microphone has entered the game – and it has made quite the impression!
The Roccat Torch Microphone has recently been released, and this good-looking mic is targeted at gamers and aspiring content creators. But is it worth buying? You've come to the right place to find out! These days, of course, there are plenty of people creating content for YouTube, Twitch and podcast platforms. And if you fancy breaking into that world yourself, the Roccat Torch Microphone might be one of the options that you consider investing in to support that dream. This microphone will service almost every need you can imagine in the recording world, and it does so with some added visual flare, which gives it a bit of an edge over its competitors. But what else do you need to know about the Roccat Torch? You can learn all the key details, and find out whether you should buy one in our full review! Jump to: Roccat Torch Microphone review: summary What is the Roccat Torch Microphone? How much is the Roccat Torch Microphone? Design Features Performance Roccat Torch Microphone setup Our verdict Where to buy Roccat Torch Microphone review: summary A microphone that will boost any recording set up, the Roccat Torch not only sounds great and comes with welcome extras that make it stand out, but it also looks the part and is one of the more stylish recent additions to the microphone market – a very worthy purchase without breaking the bank. What is the Roccat Torch? In the words of its creators, "The Torch is ROCCAT's all-new USB microphone designed to deliver studio-grade performance for gamers, streamers, and aspiring creators." If you're looking to start your own podcast or YouTube channel based around gaming, this is one of the microphones that you might find yourself considering, not least because it looks the part! How much is the Roccat Torch Microphone? The Roccat Torch microphone is on sale for £89.99, which may seem a tad pricey if you stick to basic mics, but given the quality that this one lets you record at and how great it looks when it is up and running, it's a fair price for Roccat to ask and you are unlikely to regret spending it. Roccat Torch Microphone design Let's start with how this looks, and as soon as we saw it, it instantly became one of the nicest that we have seen. It's fairly small, smaller than we expected, but that was actually a welcome surprise as it makes it easy to position anywhere without it getting in the way. The colour changing function adds to the effect, and it will light up in a certain colour depending on whether you are recording or not – you also get a cool little display at the bottom that tells you if you are live or not, so you can always see if you are recording when you think you are. Then there is the base that has several different functions on it, and this too looks like a sturdy and professional bit of kit. Even the packaging is designed well with a simple nice-looking box, and all the wires, including variations on length if needed, are all neatly stored inside. Roccat Torch Microphone features The Roccat Torch really is a fantastic microphone with a lot going for it against the competition. It has a dual condenser design offering 24-bit audio with up to 48kHz sampling, which means that your voice will be crystal clear either through playback or if you are talking to someone live. You get three pre-selected pick-up patterns. First up is Cardioid, which is your go-to for streaming and gaming. Vocals and instruments are covered with Stereo mode, while Whisper is on hand for when you need to talk quietly. And what makes it even better is you can access all these, and fine-tune settings and adjust the volume all from the base of the device itself, which means you should not have to play about with the settings on your computer too much to get the microphone recording exactly as you would want. Roccat Torch Microphone performance The main thing you will want to know is how well the mic picks up your voice and how clearly it comes out on a recording, and we were delighted to quickly learn that the Roccat Torch does both things exceptionally well. Even before we played about with the settings, things sounded great, and if you do run into any issues, then changing those should sort the problem out instantly. We tried the mic out on a number of different systems to see if it worked better on others, and we found it to be just as effective no matter what it was plugged into. The mute button is a great addition here that, normally, just requires you to gesture towards it to toggle it on and off. That being said, it does not always work the first time, and it can be a bit frustrating to assume you have muted it only to realise it hasn't worked. Normally it does, but there are a few occasions where it didn't, and it can be quite irritating. Roccat Torch Microphone setup We love super simple setups, and that's what we found with the Roccat Torch. It looks like it may be a bit complex when you first get everything out of the box, but for us to get it working, all we had to do was plug it in, and after a few seconds, it all came to life. Easier than we expected and really quick. Our verdict: Should you buy the Roccat Torch Microphone? We are happy to say that yes, you should. This really is a top-quality microphone in the way it is used, the way it looks, and the incredible sounds that it gives. There are cheaper ones on the market, and if you only use a mic for in-game chat, then you may be better off looking for one of them, but anyone who uses their mic for anything more substantial will be happy they chose to go with the Roccat Torch. Review scores: Set-up: 5 / 5 Design: 4.5 / 5 Features: 4.5 / 5 Performance: 4.5 / 5 Value for money: 4.5 / 5 Overall star rating: 4.5 / 5 Where to buy the Roccat Torch Microphone The Roccat Torch Microphone is a fairly new addition to the market, and Amazon appears to be the first major retailer to get a product page live – others will probably follow suit in the coming weeks and months. Head over to Amazon and order one, then if we've convinced you to make a purchase! 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.
Fortnite Imposters mode revealed, but it's not related to Among Us
Now you can get sus with your favourite skins.
After weeks of rumours that Among Us would be coming to Fortnite, Epic Games has finally revealed an imposters-inspired mode - but it's not quite an official crossover with the biggest breakout game of 2020. Epic Games has announced Fortnite Imposters, a brand new game mode that sees eight Agents attempt to maintain the bridge while two imposters attempt to overtake it. Read more: When does Fortnite Chapter 3 come out? If you think that sounds familiar, that's because the mode is clearly a riff on the mafia-esque gameplay popularised by Among Us. However despite Fortnite collaborating with absolutely everyone from Guardians of the Galaxy to Ariana Grande, this appears to be more of a homage than an official crossover with Among Us creators Innersloth. It's bad news for fans who were hoping for crewmate skins in Fortnite, but now players can enjoy the classic sleuthing game with Jonesy and co. on all of Fortnite's platforms - technically arriving ahead of the Among Us PS4 and Xbox release date. Here's everything you need to know about the new Fortnite Imposters mode. What is Fortnite Imposters mode? If you're one of the many players who have tried Among Us, then Fortnite Imposters will sound very familiar. Up to eight players can play as Agents of the Imagined Order, while two will play as Imposters. Agents must complete Assignments on The Bridge, such as calibrating chests, delivering storm reports and repairing the famous Battle Bus. However, Agents will not know who the Imposters are, whose job is to eliminate enough Agents to take control of The Bridge. Imposters will also have plenty of extra abilities to help them, such as the power to disable assignments, teleport players and turn all players into fan-favourite character Peely. If Agents find a fragment of an eliminated fellow Agent, they can teleport everyone to the bridge and start a Discussion. At the end of Discussions, players can either vote to eliminate someone from The Bridge or skip their vote. Be careful though - if you vote out a fellow Agent, Imposters are one step closer to winning... Agents win the game if they complete their Assignments or vote out all the Imposters, while Imposters are declared winners if they eliminate enough Agents to take over The Bridge. Epic Games have released a brief trailer setting up the premise: View oEmbed on the source website Communicating is of course a big part of the game - so to keep things fair public voice chat is disabled in this mode but emotes and a brand-new quick chat menu can be used to talk to your fellow players. Players can also enjoy a custom game of Imposters with friends by selecting the 'Private' option when there are at least four players. Is Fortnite Imposters related to Among Us? While clearly inspired by the viral Among Us game, Fortnite Imposters is not an official crossover but rather seems to be a homage to Innersloth's creation. This comes as a surprise however, as rumours had suggested a proper collaboration between the two games for some time - and less than a week before the announcement the Among Us developers wrote on Twitter that a collaboration would be "super cool". View oEmbed on the source website Sadly this seems to be the one Fortnite collaboration that won't actually happen - but at least we get a new take on an old formula, even without an official crossover or some new space-themed skins. Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights, or check out some of the best subscription deals in gaming below: Get unlimited gaming with Utomik 3 month subscription for £13.49 Buy Nintendo Switch Online 12 months membership for £14.99 Get a 14-day trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for £2.99 Get PS Plus 12 months at CDKeys for £43.99 Know a fan? Head to our guide to Among Us gifts. Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news. Or if you’re looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide
HyperX Cloud Alpha S gaming headset review
A great headset to get your hands on – if you play on PC.
Looking for a gaming headset isn't easy – there are so many to choose from, but which one is right for you? But if you're wondering whether the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is worth a look, you've come to the right place for some insights. TVs these days are capable of blasting out gorgeous sounds just from the main unit, but there are always ways to improve the experience, and buying yourself a snazzy gaming headset is one of the easiest ways to enhance your gaming audio. You are not short of choice when it comes to picking up a headset, as there are many out there on the market that you can pick from. HyperX is a company that knows a thing or two about crafting amazing headsets, and they have another solid one on their hands with the Cloud Alpha S. But is this a headset that is worth buying? Is it as good as the sleek design indicates? Keep on reading, and we’ll lay down all the essential info in our full review! Jump to: HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset review: summary What is the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset? How much is the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset? Design Features Performance HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset setup Our verdict Where to buy HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset review: summary It may not be the fanciest headset on the market, but the HyperX Cloud Alpha S does have a lot going for it – as well as offering great sound quality, it's also extremely comfortable, and there are even two different earcup coverings to choose from. But this headset does leave a little to be desired in some areas, especially if you're trying to use it on a console (rather than the PC setup it is designed for). What is the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset? HyperX has been making Cloud Alpha headsets for a while now, and this latest iteration throws a few new features into the mix while trying to keep everything we all loved about the last one present and correct for this new version – something that is achieved in certain areas while lacking somewhat in others. But still, it's an okay choice at this price point. How much is the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset? You'll be forking out just under the hundred-pound mark for the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, with it retailing at around £99. Amazon claims that the RRP was originally set at £119.99, but nowhere seems to be selling it at that price point right now. You don't get much more than the headset in the box other than the accompanying wires that you will need (including a little removable microphone). There are a couple of leaflets included and the instruction manual, as well as a nice little travel bag, but that's it – so don't expect much in the way of fancy extras, as you won't be getting them here. undefined HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset design The best word to describe the look of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is sleek. There are three different colours you can buy, and we went with black, which is a colour that covers the whole of the headset. The logo on either ear is barely visible, and yet somehow, that makes it look even better, and the slight variation of tone and the pattern around the portion that goes over your head really adds to the style and vibe it gives off. It retains the metal frame that the last did, which keeps it sturdy, and the soft foam and leatherette of the earpiece are as comfy to wear as ever. If, for some reason, those sorts of earpads are not for you, then you do have the option to swap them out for ones made from fabric, and you'll find this backup pair at the bottom of the box – they're easier to wear if you use glasses while you play. The headset is a little bulkier than we expected, but this is no bad thing and just takes a little getting used to. Overall, this is just a polished and pleasing bit of equipment to look at. But this should come as no surprise to those familiar with the Cloud Alpha as it stays very close to what the last one looked like, and given that it is one of the nicest around, we are not surprised that there has not been much in the way of style changes for this next one. The microphone can be muted – something we have to do a lot when the rage in something like CoD overwhelms us – but those controls are part of the USB adapter, which may prove to be a niggling annoyance for some. It is an even more obvious annoyance with consoles, though, where you have to adjust the volume through the console menu rather than on the mic – something that should have been avoided in 2021. It's a hard sell for gamers if they have to back out of a game just to change the volume, and it is a little bemusing that this is the case. HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset features Something to keep in mind is that while you can use this headset for console gaming on devices like the PS4, it is still a 3.5mm gaming headset. The focus here is on making it a go-to headset for PC gamers, and many of the differences between the S and the last model are focused on that. It comes with a USB adapter with an audio control unit, and bass adjustment has been factored in, and the vents along the bottom of both headphones are there to help with just that – they can be opened up either all the way or halfway, depending on your preference. Much like the last, there is a detachable 3.5mm microphone included – it's stored in a stylish bag (which also doubles as a travel bag) that you get in the box along with other wires needed – and this can be moved about and placed wherever best suits you as you play. HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset performance As mentioned, this is a stellar headset for PC gaming, and while it will work with the PS4 and other consoles, you will find that the performance is not quite as strong if you're playing on a console rather than a computer. One of the big drawbacks here is the lack of surround sound for consoles which will likely be a dealbreaker for some. It is worth noting that the headset’s stereo performance does make up for this to a degree, but it is still disappointing to not have it work fully unless you are connected via a PC. That being said, the PS5 and the Xbox Series X have the capability of creating their own surround sound (3D audio was one of the buzzphrases of this console generation, after all) that will play through any compatible headset – so you won't be missing out if you're up to date with the latest gaming consoles, but you will notice the differences with the likes of the Xbox One and the PS4. To get the best sound, we have found it best to have the vents at the bottom of the headset all the way open, and the surround sound option activated when playing on PC. Largely the sound is just as good as we had hoped, and that is also the case when we gave it a shot with the PS5. The smallest of noises like footsteps are clearly heard, and, while playing Assassin's Creed Valhalla, there were elements of sound in a brutal fight we found ourselves in that we had never heard until we played the game wearing these. Sadly, noise cancelling is not a big part of this, and we were able to hear things going on around the house while we were playing – and those in the room with us could hear the action of the game coming out of the headset while we were in a noisy section. It was not to the point of distraction but worth noting if you like to keep the sound in the headphones and you don't want any distractions from the outside world. You can get into the more nitty-gritty areas of the volume and sound controls by downloading the Hyper X NGENUITY app, which will give you many options to tweak and hone it to what best suits you. Using this isn't required, and you can get things almost as good as they can be without it, but the option is there for more tech-minded gamers. As for how comfy it is, I sunk a few hours into Fortnite while using it and never did I begin to feel uncomfortable. The earpieces themselves are so soft that the comfort you feel when you first put them on lasts until you take them off, and you can easily adjust them if they are too tight or loose. Then there is the microphone which was a bit of a disappointment in the last model, and there remains room for improvement this time around too. It's not bad per se, and those listening to you will be able to hear what you are saying without any trouble, but there is a tin can like effect that pops up quite a bit, and the volume is not as powerful as it should be. So it does the job but won't be winning any mic of the year awards. HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset setup There is not a huge amount to say here, but that is actually a good thing, as there isn't much you need to know before setting this up to use. It's about as simple a process as you can have, with it being a case of just plugging it in (with the 3mm audio jack cable included) and playing. And while things can get a bit more involved if you are fine-tuning it with the aforementioned app, the actual process of getting going is quick and painless – just how we like it! 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 Alpha S headset? If you are a PC gamer and you are looking for a new headset that won't break the bank, this is a highly recommended one to go for, as it appears to be made with PC gaming in mind. There are others out there that will do the job just as well, but we were happy with how this performed on PC, and we are comfortable in recommending it. Truthfully though, we can't say the same thing about consoles. With the older models like the Xbox One and the PS4, we would advise looking elsewhere as you will be able to find headsets released in the past that will give you an equally, or at times better, experience at a lower price. Same too for the Xbox Series X and the PS5, as while that sounds much better than the older versions, there are still some annoyances such as not being able to adjust the volume in-game that will quite rightly have people looking elsewhere. So, in short, definitely worth a purchase if you play on PC, but you can be forgiven for looking elsewhere if consoles are your thing. Review scores: Set-up: 5 / 5 Design: 3.5 / 5 Features: 3.5 / 5 Performance: 3.5 / 5 Value for money: 3.5 / 5 Overall star rating: 3.6 / 5 Where to buy the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset Available stock of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headset appears to be few and far between in many of the usual haunts right now, but we do know that Amazon seems to be carrying it here in the UK. If you really want one, then it might be wise to buy it sooner rather than later. 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.