Jabra Elite 7 Active is engineered with our unique Jabra ShakeGrip™ technology, sweat and waterproof durability, and ultra-compact design, they’ll stay in place through even the toughest workouts. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough features allow a customized level of immersion, so you can be in control of your workout and your sound. If you need to keep an ear free, mono mode lets you use either bud independently. Stash the one you’re not using in the case, and you can even extend your battery by using one and charging the other. And Alexa Built-in and Google Assistant are at your command with just the tap of the bud. Multipoint connects to two devices at once, lets you seamlessly switch between devices, and is available as a firmware update via the Jabra Sound+ app.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I have been happy with my old Jabra Elite 65t and my more recent Elite 85t, but didn’t have a set of sport/active true wireless earbuds for my morning jogs and workout routines. I decided to give the Jabra Elite 7 Active a try since they are designed for active use with their new ShakeGrip technology to ensure that the earbuds stay in the ears. I’ve been using the Elite 7 Active for the past few days and have mixed feelings about them.
First here are the Elite 7 Active’s Key Features: *Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation & Hear Through *IP57 rating for water-proofing and dust *Up to 8 hrs of battery on a single charge, 30 hrs with the case *Fast charging provides up to 1 hour of play time with a 5 minute charge. *Qi-certified wireless charging *Ability to re-assign functions to each button for personal configuration
And here’s What’s in the Box: *Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds with case *usb-c charge cable *small and large ear gels, with the medium ear gels pre-mounted on the earbuds
Here’s what I think Jabra got right:
+Superior comfort and fit: Jabra claims that the design for the Elite 7 earbuds were conducted on scans of 62,000 unique ears. It seems to have worked. The earbuds fit very well in my ear canal. The seal is firm, and I didn’t have any feeling of pressure discomfort that I typically get when wearing earbuds. The earbuds were so comfortable that it felt like I was not even wearing them at all. These earbuds are also lighter than my Elite 65t and 85t.
+Compact size: The Elite 7 Active earbuds are noticeably smaller and more compact than my Elite 65t and 85t. Those are so bulky compared to the Elite 7 Active. Moreover, when wearing them, it’s welcoming to know that they don’t protrude out of my ears as much compared to the 85t. The charging case is also slimmer and fits easier into my jean pockets.
+ShakeGrip technology: It works well to keep the earbuds from falling out when moving around. I go on one hour daily jogs, and break out a good sweat. The earbuds remained solidly sealed to my ears even with dripping sweat.
+Call quality is good: My virtual meeting participants heard me loud and clear during my work meetings, even when I was walking outdoors next to a busy street. The Elite 7 Active’s four microphones with wind protection work well. However, when I put on my Elite 85t, people on the other end of the line noticed that my voice was a little clearer. So, the Elite 7 Active is good, but not as good as they can be.
+The Sound+ app is great: From the main menu, you have all the important features that matter without needing to flip through the sub-menus. Up top on the screen, the app lists the remaining battery for each earbud as well as the remaining charge on the case. You can toggle through the different sound modes (Active NC, Hear Through, Off), adjust the music to your liking with the 5 band equalizer, or play Soundscape noises to mask the noise around you.
+Mono mode for right and left earbud: This is a great improvement over my Elite 85t. On those earbuds, mono mode is reserved only for the right ear bud. Now, on the Elite 7 Active, I’m not limited to mono mode for the right bud. I can use either ear bud for mono mode. All you need to do is put the unused earbud back in the case.
Well, that’s where the good things end for the Jabra Elite 7 Active in my opinion. Here’s where the Elite 7 Active suffers.
--Sound Quality: I love the audio quality on my Elite 65t and Elite 85t; they’re well balanced across the frequency spectrum without having to needlessly fiddle too much with the equalizer, so I expected the same sound signature on the Elite 7 Active. The audio quality on the Elite 7 Active is a marked departure from the balance sound I grew accustomed to. The factory tuned audio is much brighter, which means the trebles are boosted. For example, on Adele’s ‘Easy on Me’, her voice just doesn’t sound natural and lacks vocal presence on the Elite 7 Active compared to the Elite 85t. Adjusting the equalizers brought the treble down a bit, but the vocals/mids are still not as prominent. I’m not sure what happened at the factory when they were tuning the Jabra Elite 7 Active. Maybe it’s just me, and the 62,000 ears they used to test these earbuds can’t be wrong.
The Elite 7 Active redeems itself on bass. The bass punches through when needed without being overpowering.
--Active Noise Cancellation: ANC on the Elite 7 Active is subpar. I went through all of the initial calibration setup for the earbuds and the ANC. I went to a noisy environment as directed by the app, which in my case is the sidewalk next to a busy highway, so that the Sound+ app could work its analytical ANC calibration magic. When it came time to finally use the ANC, I was disappointed. I could still hear a lot of ambient noise. I checked that I had a good seal on the earbuds, so that wasn’t the problem. I even raised the ANC to the highest setting on the Sound+ app. The Elite 7 Active ANC is pretty weak. Once I put my Elite 85t back on my ears, I could feel the difference in the ANC quality. The Elite 85t ANC was able to make the surrounding ambient noise fade away, something that the Elite 7 Active struggled with.
--Difficult to open the case. Perhaps it’s due to the smaller, lower profile case, but I initially had trouble opening the case for the earbuds. The first few times I tried, the case ended up slipping off my hands and dropping to the ground as I struggled to get it open. I concluded the best way to get it open is to wedge a fingernail in the interface between the two halves of the case.
In summary, I think the Jabra Elite 7 Active are good wireless earbuds. I just need some time to get used to a different audio signature since I’m so used to my Elite 85t. While the ANC isn’t good, the comfort, fit, and ShakeGip technology are sufficient to make up for it.
Meet Pixel 6. It’s completely reimagined, inside and out. Powered by Tensor, Google’s first-ever processor, it’s fast, smart, and secure. The all-day battery adapts to you.* The Pixel Camera captures a moment just how you experienced it. And the Personal Safety app and the new Titan M2TM chip help protect you, your stuff, and your privacy.**
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Google combines excellent hardware, software, and features at a remarkably reasonable price making the Pixel 6 a standout value smartphone. Setting up the phone couldn’t be more seamless. If you’ve used Google pixel phones before, then you know that all you have to do is connect your old phone to the Google Pixel, and it will transfer all of your apps and information over to the Pixel. After updating the android software to the latest version, you are ready to begin enjoying the phone.
And what a joy it is to use. The exterior of the phone is all glass except for the aluminum edges. The portion that contains the rear camera has a raised rectangular glass bump out. It might annoy some users, but I find that the raised bump out allows my index finger to rest on the bottom ledge of the bump out to provide stability to the phone when holding it. The glass exterior makes the phone difficult to hold because it is so slippery, but that is easily remedied once a cover is placed over it.
The Google Pixel 6 has a 6.4” Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen and a 20:9 aspect ratio. It has a FHD+ (1080 x 2400) OLED screen at 411 ppi.
I found it difficult to use only with one hand, but then again, my hands are roughly medium size. So, those with larger hands will not have any issue with one hand use.
The fingerprint sensor is integrated with the screen. I registered my thumbs and index fingers. The sensor requires a firm press on the screen for it to recognize my fingerprint to unlock the phone. Often times, the sensor could not recognize my finger print, and I had to resort to entering my PIN to unlock the phone.
Google developed its own Tensor chip for the Pixel 6, a powerhouse under the hood that makes the whole user experience more fluid, the Assistant smarter, the camera more powerful, and the Android system more secure. Apps open with no hesitation, swiping is smooth and responsive, and the user interface is improved. Google developed customizable color themes that allow personalization of icons and widgets for the user interface, calling it Material You. It’s pretty, it works well, and gives the phone that personal touch.
The Google Assistant is even more powerful with the latest Android 12 iteration and the hardware in the Pixel 6. There are too many features to go over in this review. Here are some of the main ones.
Speech recognition is improved. Dictation for voice typing is now more natural, with the ability to recognize when punctuation is needed and when a sentence ends and a new one begins. The Pixel 6 also introduces the Live Translate feature that will translate messages into a different language as you type; it will translate incoming messages; it will translate live captions. The pixel 6 retains the ability to translate text with Google Lens. It is very useful when traveling to a different country and needing to read text such as street signs, restaurant menus, etc. Finally, the Assistant will translate for you when you tell it to “Be My Interpreter.” I had fun using the Assistant as an interpreter because my Korean mother-in-law and I can communicate with each other since she doesn’t speak any English and I don’t speak Korean. Such a practical tool!
The Pixel 6 also offers Calling Assistance. For toll free numbers, it will provide an estimate for the current and projected wait times for the rest of the week. Also, when making calls, the Google Assistant will transcribe the automated menu options in real time and display them on the screen. Finally, with the Hold For Me feature, the Google Assistant will wait on the line for you and notify you when the hold is over. Again, this only works for toll free business calls.
The camera is also very good on the Google Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 sports two rear cameras, a 50 MP wide angle camera and a 12 MP ultrawide camera. The front camera is an 8MP shooter. The camera allows greater photo editing capabilities with the Magic Eraser function. You can now delete unwanted things from photos such as distracting background objects. It’s fun to use and works most of the time, but it is no substitute for real photo editing software. For simple backgrounds such as blue skies, the Magic Eraser works well. However, for photos with a busy background, the Magic Eraser has a more difficult time eliminating the unwanted objects. The camera can also capture motion blur with the Action Pan feature, and also allows you to create Long exposure shots such as the gorgeous light trails you see on photos without needing to use a tripod. The Google Pixel 6 retains the Night Sight feature found on the pixel phone lineup that enables the ability to take natural looking photos in dark environments without any flash. It works amazingly well. The camera also features Portrait, Panorama, and Photo Sphere modes. Google does an excellent job with computational photography, which uses its intelligent software to capture a series of images to blend together with a wide dynamic range to produce a single photo. Pictures, both in daylight and low light, taken using the Pixel 6 are clear, vibrant, vivid, and detailed. Video on the Pixel 6 is also excellent. The rear camera records in 4K (30fps and 60fps) and 1080p (30fps and 60fps). The front camera records in 1080p (30fps and 60fps). You can also get creative with making time lapse and slow motion video.
The internal stereo speakers sound as tinny as any other smartphone. And don’t kid yourself, there is zero stereo separation. No surprise here.
Battery life will vary depending on how you use it. I got around 6-7 hours of moderate use from web browsing, emails, picture taking, video streaming, and music before needing to recharge.
Google now offers an impressive 5 years of updates and security patches, a marked improvement when it used to only offer 3 years of updates.
In summary, Google crafted a feature rich, practical smartphone at a price that is hard to beat. It is an amazing phone, and I haven’t been as excited about a phone as I am about the Pixel 6. The user experience is quite phenomenal, and combined with the latest Android 12 features, Live Translation, and a splendid camera producing beautiful photos, the Pixel 6 is really all I need in a phone without needing to spend more than $600. And with an insane 5 years of Android updates, the phone is guaranteed to have 5 years of future proofing. No other manufacturer can match this. This 6th iteration from Google is the one worth buying!
What’s in the Box -Google Pixel 6 -Usb-c to Usb-c cable -Usb-c to usb-a adapter -Sim card ejection tool -Warranty and regulatory booklet
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Google Pixel 6 delivers vibrant colors!
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Night Sight Feature - Photo taken in the middle of the night with only lighting from street light.
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Night Sight Feature - Middle of the night with ambient lighting seen in the picture.
Connecting virtually with friends and co-workers gets a major upgrade with the monitor’s built-in camera, noise-cancelling microphones and dual 5W speakers. You’ll enjoy amazing video clarity and crystal-clear sound. Versatile USB-C connectivity delivers video, audio and data, and charges your laptop. Plus, with just one cord, you'll have a clutter-free desk space. A super clear 5MP IR pop-up camera features facial recognition through Windows Hello for convenient, instant sign-on to Windows. The best part? The camera stays hidden until you're ready for video chatting or selfies. A height-adjustable stand and a monitor that tilts, swivels and pivots so you look your best and feel your best for all-day conferencing.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Dell’s latest 24” full high definition (FHD) 1920 x 1080 monitor integrates a webcam, noise cancelling microphone, speakers, power delivery, and usb connections all in a single monitor to make a clutter free workspace. I have a small table at home that I use for work, so the compact size of the 24” monitor doesn’t take up much table space. And with the super thin bezel along the sides and the top, it feels larger than 24 inches. I also like that the monitor can tilt, swivel, and be raised up and down for the best viewing ergonomics. As an added bonus, I can rotate it 90 degrees into portrait mode which is great for providing a much greater view of the list of emails in my inbox and for reading long paragraphs of text. Not many monitors nowadays can boast having the ability to tilt, swivel, adjust height, and swing into portrait mode. Well done Dell!
While I like the vividness of glossy displays, I really enjoy the anti glare matte display on the Dell monitor. My workstation is set up such that I constantly get the reflection and glare from my window and lights. I’ve used glossy displays in the past, but had to frequently move my head around to see the screen due to all the reflection and glare. Now, I only consider screens with anti glare properties.
There are plenty of options for connecting the monitor to your computer. There is an HDMI 1.4 port, Display port 1.2, and a usb-c port. However, connecting via the usb-c port will allow the greatest use of the monitor. With a single usb-c cable, it will provide power delivery up to 65 watts to your laptop along with video, audio, and data. Rounding out the other ports, there is a 3.5mm audio out jack, and two usb 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one of which can provide up to 2A of charge for devices such as cellphones. Did you catch what is missing? There is no LAN network connection on the Dell 24”. You’ll need to look at other monitors for that if you want to hardwire into your network.
Dell also did a great job with a well-thought out webcam design. It’s a pop-up style webcam that can be pushed down away from view to ensure both full privacy and avoid any unintentional mishaps. The webcam can be used with Windows Hello for face recognition login. It does a decent job with video. It’s crisp and clear when there is plenty of light, but gets a bit grainy in lower light conditions. It’s quite a bit better than my laptop’s built-in 720p webcam. The noise cancelling microphone on the Dell monitor also works well. I used it throughout the week for several video conference work meetings, and my meeting participants all heard me loud and clear even when the gardeners were mowing the lawn next to my open window.
The integrated 2 x 5 watt speakers are well tuned for voices for video conferencing but leaves much to be desired if you’re planning to use them for entertainment purposes. Using the speakers for music and movies was disappointing. There are adjustments on the menu for different audio profiles (standard, voice, music, movies, games), but none of them really made much of a difference. Audio enthusiasts should keep their external speakers close by.
The display menu is easy to access from the buttons on the lower right hand edge of the monitor. There are plenty of options to adjust color, brightness, contrast, etc. One feature from the menu that I want to highlight is the option to allow the laptop to continue charging from the connected usb-c cable even when the monitor is turned off.
Something to take note of, the 65 watt power delivery may not be sufficient for your laptop. Some of the current laptops need more than 65 watts of input power for optimal performance. I’m using a Dell XPS 15” and with the power delivery from the usb-c cable plugged in from the monitor, I get a warning notification on my laptop that it is still receiving charge, but not charging optimally.
Finally, it’s not entirely a plug and play set up. When you plug in the usb-c cable, you may need to go into your laptop’s settings to enable it to use the external monitor’s webcam, microphone, and speakers. Otherwise, you might encounter a situation where you are using the Dell monitor’s webcam, but the laptop’s microphone is being used instead of the Dell noise cancelling microphone or the audio is coming out of your laptop’s speakers instead of the speakers from the monitor.
In summary, I think Dell developed a useful video conference monitor that the work from home professional will appreciate. It has the critical video conference features such as a pop-up webcam with noise cancelling microphone along with speakers tuned for clear dialogue. Connecting the monitor using a single usb-c cable also provides a clutter free set up. Rotating the monitor into portrait mode is a big plus for those needing to view column-type content such as paragraphs of text. Dell packed a lot of outstanding and useful features into the monitor, making it one of the standouts in a crowded field of monitors.
What's In the Box Dell 24" monitor with stand charging cable usb-c cable pictorial installation guide warranty and regulatory information
Keep your office equipment safe with this APC battery backup. It has six outlets with surge protection, four of which also have backup protection to keep your important electronics powered short-term during an outage. Audio and light alarms on this APC battery backup let you know if something is wrong.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The APC Home Network Battery Backup UPS with 450VA/255 Watts and surge protector is one of those devices where you just set it and forget it until it's needed when the power goes out or when there is a voltage drop. I have this device plugged into my home networking equipment composed of the internet service provider’s internet gateway and my wireless router. After I powered it up and charged the battery to the recommended 24 hours, I tested it by unplugging the unit and seeing how long the battery backup lasted. For my use case, I was able to get around 1 hour 45 minutes, which is plenty to finish off whatever I’m doing on the internet and shutting down properly. The APC Home Network 450VA just plain works. Another great feature of this unit is that it is compact and unobtrusive measuring 9.98” L x 4.13” W x 5.51” H. There are also a total of 6 outlets, 4 of which offer battery backup plus surge protection, and the remaining 2 are surge protectors only. The 4 outlets are generously spaced apart to allow you to plug in wall warts. It even comes with wall mount holes. You’ll need to hang on to the included user manual because it provides valuable information on what all the different battery indicator modes and status indicator lights and alarms mean. An improvement would be for these modes and indicators to be placed as a stickered label on the unit itself for quick reference in case the user manual is misplaced. I highly recommend this device to protect your valuable home networking equipment and to provide the extra power to your network during blackouts.
The Satechi USB-C On-the-Go Multiport Adapter helps make productivity portable. Designed for portability and convenience, the Adapter features USB-C PD charging, HDMI and VGA display ports, USB-A data ports, SD card slots, and Gigabit Ethernet, with two detachable USB-C cables - perfect for on-the-go or docked at your desk. With its sleek aluminum finish and plug and play design, the On-the-go Multiport Adapter enables you to work at your best wherever you are.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
**What’s In the Box** User Manual 9-in-1 Multiport Adapter 4” usb-c cable 39.5” usb-c cable
**Ports** 1 HDMI 4K at 60Hz 1 VGA 1080p 1 usb-c PD (up to 100 watts) 1 usb-c data (does not support charging or video) 2 usb-A 3.0 1 SD slot 1 micro SD slot 1 Ethernet
**My Thoughts** I have a Dell XPS 13” laptop. While I like it’s ultra portability, it only has two usb-c ports, one of which is a thunderbolt 3 port. The Satechi usb-c On-the-Go Multiport adapter provides the expansion ports that I need to connect peripherals. I’ve been using the Satechi multiport for the past several days, putting it through its paces on 9 hour workdays connected to the ethernet, a portable scanner, an external monitor, and a thumb drive all the while being powered through the laptop’s power charger connected via the usb-c PD port. I don’t have any complaints. It works as designed. It has performed nearly flawlessly. There was only one hiccup that I experienced in all the days I was using it. It failed to communicate with my external monitor which was connected via the hdmi port. I simply unplugged the hdmi cable from the multiport and re-plugged it back in and it worked again. Again, it only happened one time, so I’m not sure if the problem was with the multiport adapter or my laptop.
Here are some of the other things I like about the Satechi adapter:
+Compact Design: As you can see in the photograph, it fits in the palm of my hand. +Well Thought Out Cable Management: The short 4” usb-c cable tucks away entirely within the chassis of the adapter. +Quality usb-c cable: The 39” long cable is thick and sturdy
And some of the things I didn’t like: -It gets very warm, but I suppose that is expected since it is drawing power through the device -It can only support one external display at a time. If you have two external monitors connected, one with the VGA port and the other with the hdmi port, it will only mirror content.
**Do I recommend it?** If you’re using an ultra portable laptop like me and have peripherals to connect to, then it is necessary to purchase a multiport adapter like this Satechi adapter. The online marketplace is saturated with these adapters. At the price point the Satechi adapter is being sold for at msrp, it is an expensive proposition. However, if you can get it on sale at Best Buy, then it is worth considering.
The Dell XPS 15 laptop features a stunning, new 4-sided InfinityEdge FHD+ display that shows off a 5% larger 16:10 screen and 92.9% screen to body ratio. All the power and features to maximize prodcutivity - Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 Ti graphics. A premium 15" touch laptop with a thin and light design.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The Dell XPS 9510 is a beautifully crafted machine offering a winning combination of excellent build quality, high performance, and exceptional user experience. There are many configurations for the XPS line. The one I received has the following configuration: 15” non-touchscreen with a 1920x1200 FHD+ with an anti-glare matte screen, 512 gb m.2 NVMe SSD, 16gb of RAM, 11th gen Intel Core i7-11800H, with a dedicated NVDIA GeForce 3050Ti graphics card.
The XPS line is renowned for its excellent build quality and Dell continues this tradition on the 9510. It has a CNC machined smooth aluminum body with carbon fiber palm rests. The structural frame is solid with no flexing.
Performance on the XPS 9510 is also one of its strong points. In my line of work, I use CAD software to perform modeling and renderings and also dabble in video and photo editing software. Having the dedicated graphics makes the workflow so much smoother and reduces processing time. This is a great laptop for those types of use cases.
The user experience is simply steller. The lid can be opened with one hand. The keyboard has the right feedback and travel, allowing long and speedy typing without fatigue. I’m also loving the touchpad. The glass surface precision touchpad is one of the best I have used. For one thing, the touchpad is huge, plenty of area to maneuver around! It is smooth, responsive, and on point. The backlit keyboard has two brightness levels with illumination levels that won’t become a distraction.
The connection ports consist of two thunderbolt 4 (USB Type C) with display port and power delivery along the left edge. Along the right edge, there is 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C with display port and power delivery, a 3.5 headphone jack, and a slot for a full sized SD card. Dell also provides a USB Type C adapter to USB-A 3.0 and HDMI 2.0 for additional connectivity.
The 1920 x 1200 resolution is plenty sharp on a 15.6” screen. It has wide viewing angles without losing any of the display colors and brightness. Speaking of brightness the display can achieve up to 500 nits of brightness. I love the bright display as this allows me to easily view the display outdoors. The matte screen prevents glare and reflection, great to eliminate all that light when sitting next to windows and bright concentrated lighting. The disadvantage though of having the matte screen over a glossy screen is that with the matte screen, the images don’t have the vividness and have less contrast than on a glossy screen. Finally, the bezels on this laptop are super thin, what Dell calls InfinityEdge.
I’m usually not impressed with the speakers from laptops. In general, I have to resort to using external speakers for some quality audio. However, the XPS 9510 has some decent quality to them. Dell was able to squeeze in 2.5Wx2 woofers and 1.5Wx2 tweeters for a total of 8 watts of peak power. And it sounds pretty good! There is some depth to the audio and a little bit of punch to the bass.
The laptop can get pretty warm when the processor or graphics card is working hard. I guess this is to be expected since the processors would need more power to crunch all that data for renderings and video output. It can get uncomfortably warm when I have it on my lap, and the fans kick in and become kind of loud. However, I found out that Dell does allow the user to modify four thermal profiles (Optimized, Cool, Quiet, and Ultra Performance) on the laptop to manage the amount of heat dissipation and noise from the fans. So, on those occasions when you’re mobile and have the laptop on your lap, then you’ll want to use the ‘Cool’ setting. And for those times when you’re in an environment where you don’t want the fan noise to become a distraction, you can select the ‘Quiet’ setting.
How long the laptop battery can run before needing a recharge will be highly dependent on the power settings, display brightness, and how you use the laptop. For me, a typical day would be a nine hour work day running office software, web meetings, web browsing, running rendering and video software with one-quarter to one-half brightness. I was able to get through a full work day without reaching for the charger.
The only thing I didn’t like about the laptop is the 720p built-in webcam. It’s good when there is plenty of uniform ambient lighting, but becomes grainy and loses contrast in more challenging lighting conditions. You would think that with so many of us on video conferencing, we should not have to resort to having to purchase a dedicated webcam for a better experience. Maybe in the next iteration, Dell can offer a higher quality built-in webcam.
Should you purchase the XPS 9510? Well, it’s got plenty of horsepower for business and creative applications, and I think for the majority of users other than serious gamers, the Dell XPS 9510 is a great choice and you will be pleased with what you get. The XPS is Dell’s premium line and it doesn’t come cheap, but I think it is worth it if you can afford it for the reasons I mentioned at the beginning: excellent build quality, high performance, and exceptional user experience. And that's their textbook winning formula. Dell seems to understand these three pillars in the premium laptop market and I think that’s why the XPS, including the current XPS 9510, will remain popular.
Soundcore by Anker Select 2 is the perfect crystal-clear portable Bluetooth speaker. Using our exclusive partycast technology, you can link over 100 partycast speakers together for synchronized music and lights. A 20-hour playtime paired with IPX7 waterproof technology that makes it the ideal outdoor speaker. You can also customize the sound and lighting using the Soundcore app to create the perfect mood. A detachable strap keeps it from falling off during more rugged adventures.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
What’s In the Box *Soundcore Select 2 *usb-c cable *detachable shoestring strap *quickstart guide
Anker doesn’t need an introduction. The company is well known in the consumer electronics world for its high quality portable phone chargers and computer peripherals. Among them are their bluetooth speakers. The latest offering from Anker, the Soundcore Select 2, shows that a good quality bluetooth speaker can be had without spending a small fortune.
You can tell that Anker didn’t spend much R&D money on aesthetic design. The Soundcore Select 2’s design is mundane, in fact rather downright unattractive. You could easily overlook it on a retail display, next to all the sexy, flashy speakers. For all intents and purposes, it is a black colored 17.8 oz. brick with a speaker grille in front to protect the 16 watt dual drivers and dual passive radiators.. The exterior is wrapped in a thick, high grade rubber material that can stand drops, scrapes, and bumps. It is well sealed to give it an IPX7 waterproof rating. The Soundcore Select 2 is well prepared to go on all your silly selfie adventures, be it the swimming pool party or a hot and humid hike through the rainforest.
Up on top of the speaker are all the buttons you’ll need. Power on/off, volume +/-, Bluetooth connection/NFC, and the multi-function button. The buttons themselves are rather large that it’s hard to miss. It has a single usb-c charge port to one side and a place to attach the shoestring strap on the other side. It sits atop a non-slip rubber base.
Enough on how it looks. You’re more interested in how it sounds, right? Well, the audio quality has exceptional presentation especially coming from a budget bluetooth speaker by a company without a well established history in audio products. Let’s start with the dual passive bass radiators. Anker’s BassUp Technology is at work here. The bass is tight and punchy; there when you need it without dragging down the audio spectrum. The dual drivers put the mids and vocals front and center, and are able to produce enough high end notes. You’ll need to download the Soundcore App to get to the 9 band equalizer which allows you to create and save different equalizer profile settings for the different types of music you listen to. Or you can simply use one of the Soundcore’s preselected audio profiles. Equipped with 16 watts of power, the Soundcore Select 2 can get loud and easily fills a room.
I also compared the audio from the Soundcore Select 2 to some of the higher end wireless bluetooth speakers (which shall remain nameless) that I own just for a comparison of audio quality. The Soundcore Select 2 came close in audio quality to those speakers costing twice as much or more. However, the Soundcore Select 2 did lack some detail and clarity that some of the more expensive bluetooth speakers are able to achieve. When listening to music, there was definitely less separation between the vocals and instruments from the Soundcore Select 2. When there are several instruments playing simultaneously on the audio track, the Soundcore Select 2 is a little muddy. I am not complaining, however. For the price point of the Soundcore Select 2, this thing sounds fantastic!
Other things I really like about the Soundcore Select 2 is that it has a usb-c connector for the charger. Type C is pretty much standard today, but you’d be amazed that some companies are still using the micro-usb for its connection. I also like that the speaker has a 20 hr playtime, which easily gets me through the day without having to anchor it to a wall outlet.
What I find gimmicky about the speaker is the Party Cast feature which allows you to link more than 100 speakers for synchronized music. I don’t think most folks would buy multiple Soundcore speakers so that they can play music in sync. I think they would rather be able to purchase one additional Soundcore speaker for a wireless stereo pair. The Soundcore Select 2 sadly does NOT have stereo pairing capability. This is where I feel the engineers at Anker missed an opportunity to capitalize, and consequently this is a major disadvantage of purchasing the speaker.
It is best to install the Soundcore app to get the most functionality out of the speaker. From the app, you’ll be able to download the latest firmware, adjust the audio with the equalizers, use the app to turn off the speaker, turn off the annoying musical jingle whenever the speaker powers on/of or makes a bluetooth connection, and set an auto timer to power off the speaker automatically when not in use.
I also tested the speaker with video content. There is imperceptible audio/video lag. Audio is in sync with the video.
The speaker has a built-in microphone enabling it to be used as a speakerphone. Folks on the other end of the call heard my voice clearly.
Should you buy this speaker? The Soundcore Select 2 pumps out excellent audio well above its price point. It is safe to say that this is a value speaker, you definitely get more audio quality than what you pay for! Apart from its mediocre design and inability to pair two speakers for stereo sound, the Soundcore Select 2 is one that you should give a try.
Enjoy big sound with the super-compact SRS-XB13 wireless speaker, featuring EXTRA BASS, a waterproof and dustproof design and up to 16 hours of battery life.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The Sony SRSXB13 bluetooth speaker is super portable, simple to use, and sounds good. This is a very small cylindrically shaped speaker with a small footprint that almost looks like a small coffee mug. It has a single speaker at the top and a passive radiator at the bottom. The buttons are located along the side and provide controls such as power on/off, bluetooth/stereo connection, play/pause, and volume up/down. It comes with a strap to allow you to hang the speaker. In the box you’ll also find a usb-c charging cable and the instruction manual.
This speaker easily fits in a bag and is very lightweight. I hung it on my bicycle handlebars and listened to tunes while riding around town. Then I hung it on the shower caddy while I showered. With an IP67 rating, you can take it anywhere with you without worrying about moisture and dust.
What I like about this speaker is that it is simple to use, without needing to connect to an app. In fact, there is no app to connect this speaker with. You just pair it via bluetooth and you’re done. No app to fiddle with.
This speaker sounds good for its size. The small mono speaker at the top combined with the equally small passive radiator manage to squeeze as much sound out as they possibly could. The bass is decent without being overly emphasized. The mids are clear. At max volume, it is fairly loud, but not loud enough to use for a larger setting when there are many people speaking in a room such as during a party. It is better used in a smaller gathering. Even running my table fan, the speaker at max volume had difficulty overcoming the noise. If you want more volume and separation, you can purchase another SRSXB13 speaker for a wireless stereo pair.
Battery life is rated at 16 hours, which is plenty for a day of listening. It takes up to 4.5 hours to fully recharge the battery which is quite long considering such a small speaker.
When watching video, I noticed a very slight audio/video lag.
The speaker has a microphone and can be used as a speakerphone. I tried this out and folks on the other end told me that I sounded far away, like my voice was coming from the background somewhere.
In summary, the Sony SRSXB13 is great for those who want a bluetooth speaker that is lightweight, ultraportable, easy to use, and still sounds good. It’s a capable speaker for small gatherings, but can easily get drowned out since its max volume doesn’t get very loud.
The latest in curved screen technology, the A650 ultra QHD monitor showcases ultimate user comfort and productivity. The A650 monitor provides 1000R curvature, 21:9 aspect ratio, and USB Type-C port with 90W charging power. With HDR10 technology, colors will look vivid and lifelike while the TUV-certified eye comfort care will reduce eye fatigue and keep you productive. The minimalistic, virtually borderless design, clean cable management and slim, sleek stand gives you an optimized clutter-free workstation.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The Samsung A650 34” ultra wide curved monitor has been beautifully crafted and engineered to give you more screen without adding to the desktop clutter. With the A650, I eliminated a docking station and a pair of aging 23” monitors from my desktop.
First of all, this monitor has excellent build quality. It is a heavy monitor, requiring an all metal base and metal stem to support it. I love that there are three degrees of freedom to make physical adjustments to the monitor. The monitor slides smoothly along its stem to allow vertical height adjustment. This means I no longer have to resort to stacking old textbooks to adjust the height of the monitor. It also tilts up and down and can also swivel left and right.
The monitor has plenty of choices for input connections: HDMI, Display Port, and USB Type C. It also has a standard headphone jack, 3 USB Type-A ports, and a LAN interface. With this many connections, it basically turns the monitor into a docking station. I’m using a Dell XPS which lacks ports of any kind except the usb-c thunderbolt connector. Now I only have a single cable running to the monitor. No need to have a separate power charger to the laptop when I have it docked and charged to the monitor. The monitor provides up to 90 watts of power. I have access to all my portable external hard drives which are connected to the usb ports on the monitor. What a clean setup! It made my desktop literally clutter free. Another welcome sight is that the power cord for the monitor is simply a regular cord. There is no bulky power brick attached to the cord like you would find on many monitors in the market today.
The 34”curved screen is nothing short of amazing. It has very thin bezels. It is bright with excellent contrast, sharpness, and vivid colors. The screen is anti-glare and non-glossy. You can set it up anywhere in your room without worrying about having too much reflection. It also has wide viewing angles. The screen has a 21:9 aspect ratio. Using Windows Snap features, I am able to mimic a dual monitor setup and use half the screen for my e-mail browser while the other half is reserved for working on documents and spreadsheets. Beside the standard screen adjustments to color, brightness, contrast, etc., the Samsung A650 has a feature to change the warmth of the display to make it easier on your eyes and reduce fatigue. The monitor also features Picture In Picture (PIP) and Picture By Picture (PBP). Both PIP and PBP allow you to view contents on the monitor simultaneously from two different input sources. PIP basically places the second display as an inset to the larger display. I find PBP to be the more useful of the two since it splits the display in half with the left side from one input device and the right side from another device.
Another bonus with this monitor is that it has VESA mounts. The mount spacing is 100mm x 100mm.
I can’t find anything negative to say about the Samsung A650. I use it solely for office productivity and watching videos, and I am very happy with it. In fact I am even contemplating purchasing another one for a super ultra wide dual curved monitor setup, but that would defeat the purpose of having a clutter free desktop. So much for clearing up my desktop, I’m in...I’m getting another A650 monitor!
SoundLink Revolve+ II, the best-performing portable Bluetooth speaker from Bose, is engineered to spread deep, jaw-dropping sound in every direction. Place it in the center of the room to give everyone the same experience. Or set it near a wall and sound will radiate and reflect around the room, immersing you in that same feeling you felt at your favorite show. The tapered cylindrical shape with a flexible handle makes this wireless speaker easy to grab and go, while a durable aluminum body provides worry-free protection. And it’s water and dust resistant so you can keep the party going, even if it starts to rain. The rechargeable, lithium-ion battery plays up to 17 hours — for full-day listening. Voice prompts talk you through Bluetooth pairing, and there’s a built-in speakerphone for calls. Use the Bose Connect app to pair two SoundLink speakers for Stereo or Party Mode. The app also helps you manage your devices, unlock features, and access future updates. Available in Triple Black or Luxe Silver.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I’ve been using my trusty Bose Soundlink Mini II since 2015. I’ve always enjoyed the sound from this speaker, but lately I’ve been itching to see what else is out there. When I heard that Bose released the Soundlink Revolve+ II, I simply had to give it a shot.
Here are the things I thought Bose got right with the Revolve+ II:
+Sound Quality in a small package - Bose continues to deliver on precision audio quality, delivering big sounds from small devices. The 360 degree sound radiating from the speaker is nothing short of awesome. Place it next to the corner of a room, and the audio sounds more spatial, adding more dimension, and fullness. The speaker is well balanced across the audio spectrum. Bass thumps are powerful without being obtrusively overbearing. Mids are clear and prominent. Dialogue and voices have such clarity that when you’re listening to a program or podcast, it almost sounds like the person is present in the room with you. And what I enjoy most of all is the crispness and sparkle at the treble frequencies (which my mini II lacks).
I think this speaker sounds so good that it can substitute as a soundbar for watching movies. I have tested the speaker with videos and the audio/video latency is minimal. So go ahead and use this speaker to watch your favorite movies.
And all of this splendid audio is coming from a tapered cylinder that is only 7” tall, weighing only 2 lbs that you can easily carry in one hand with the rope handle.
+Battery Life - Bose claims 17 hours of use on a fully charged battery. I don’t know how they tested the battery, but most of the time I don’t listen to music at full volume. I listen more at mid-volume. I’ve been going for over 20 hours, and there is still 30% battery left. Basically, battery life is excellent!
+AUX jack - So many bluetooth speakers have eliminated the 3.5 mm aux jack. I am so glad Bose kept it for the Revolve+ II since I sometimes have the need to plug it into legacy audio equipment.
+Tripod Mount - For those times when I’m outdoors doing gardening work and don’t have a stable surface to place my speaker and don’t want to place it on the grass or dirt, I can bring out my tripod and attach it to the receiving tripod mount on the bottom of the Revolve+ II. It takes the standard tripod screw mount.
+Not a smart speaker - I have plenty of smart speakers in my home already. I don’t need another one listening in on all my private conversations. I’m glad this is a good ole bluetooth speaker. With that said, however, you can still use it with the voice assistant on your phone if you need it. The speaker’s microphone becomes an extension of the microphone on your phone. You’ll just need to press the multi-function button on the speaker to activate the assistant from your phone. Then you’ll be able to make or take calls, check the news and weather, play music, etc.
+Speaker Phone - Audio quality is super clear using the speaker as a speaker phone. The speaker’s microphone works well, too. Callers on the other end of the line heard me clearly.
While I love singing the praises of the Revolve+ II, I think Bose could have done some things better:
-This speaker is still using the Micro-USB port to charge the battery. I don’t know why Bose doesn’t switch to the USB-c charge port, other than to save a few cents in using the older usb standard.
-The Bose Connect app is okay, but could be better. You can control voice prompts, check the battery meter, add another speaker for party/stereo, change the name of the speaker, connect to a new bluetooth source, set an auto timer to turn off the speaker, and of course update the firmware. What this app lacks is treble/bass controls or equalizers. As much as I enjoy Bose’s signature sound, there are times when I might want to turn up or down the bass/treble to suit the specific audio I am listening to. If Bose could add this feature in a future firmware update, then this app would be super useful!
-Powering off the speaker doesn’t really power it down. You would think that if you pressed the power button on the speaker to turn it off, the speaker would power down completely, right? Well, it doesn’t power it down completely. The speaker’s bluetooth antenna still draws power continuously, draining the battery. Someone at Bose thought it would be a good idea to include a feature where the speaker can be turned on directly from the Bose Connect app. So if your speaker is in the off position, you can simply turn it on from the app. I personally do not like this feature because it continues to draw power and deplete the battery. That means you could have the speaker turned off for a few weeks, and when you turn it on, you may find out that there is not much battery charge remaining. I would recommend that Bose provide a firmware update to allow the user an option to decide whether or not to have the speaker power up from the app.
-IP55 - The first digit describes the resistance to intrusion from solids such as dust, while the second digit is for resistance to intrusion from liquids. The Revolve+ II can be sprayed with a low pressure water jet, but don’t submerge it in water, otherwise this expensive speaker is toast. There are a number of bluetooth speakers on the market that have a higher IP rating allowing them to be submerged in water. If being able to take your speaker to the pool party and dunk it in water is important to you, then this speaker isn’t for you.
-Lower bumper quality is questionable. On my Revolve+ II, the top protective bumper appears to be made of a high quality rubber material that can take some abuse. However, the lower bumper doesn’t feel as thick as the rubber material at the top of the speaker. It appears to be hard plastic and lacks the resiliency of the top bumper. In fact, there are already a few light permanent scratches on the lower bumper of my speaker, and it hasn’t even been taken outdoors yet. Take a look at the picture I took showing the scratches.
Should you buy the speaker? This speaker is expensive, but the audio quality is superb! I would recommend the speaker based on audio quality alone. Since audio is highly subjective and based on individual experiences, I would recommend that you audition the Revolve+ II with other speakers. Other than audio quality, this speaker does not compete well with other more rugged speakers from competitors that could survive being submerged in water.
PowerCore III 20K is a slim and powerful portable 20000mAh battery. With two USB-A port outputs and one USB-C PD input, this is all you need as your charging companion.
The Anker PowerCore III 20K is rated at 72 Whr, which is within the FAA limit of 100 Whr. It is allowed on an airplane. I took it on an airplane without issue.
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
What version of Windows does Surface Laptop Go ship with?
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Can you switch out of S mode on Surface Laptop Go?
Yes, Microsoft allows you to switch out of S mode to Windows 10 Home. Once you switch out, it is permanent and you will not be able to revert back to Windows in S Mode.
Get work done with this Dell Inspiron Chromebook laptop. The 14-inch Ultra HD touch screen supports EMR pens, and the Intel Core i3 processor powers system tasks smoothly with the 4GB of RAM. The 128GB of eMMC storage lets you store documents and media files on this Dell Inspiron Chromebook laptop.
I know this thing isn't light. But how much does it weigh? I don't see that in specs
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
Can it be wall mounted? I don't see any mounting screw holes from the back picture.
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
Can you mira cast or screen cast from your phone/tablet/laptop wirelessly?
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Can anyone who has used these AND the Bose QC35 comment on the overall comfort for long trips? The QC35s are good, but I can't wear them for more than 3-4 hours before my outer ears start to hurt from the pressure from the cups.
I have both the QC35 and the 1000XM2. The QC35 is more comfortable on long trips. The 1000XM2 headband forces the earcups to press more firmly against my ears and is less comfortable.
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Does the cable come with a built in remote? This includes, volume, play pause and microphone.