The SharkPOWERDETECT upright vacuum has the most powerful suction and the most advanced cleaning technology to deliver the best overall cleaning of any vacuum*. It features Shark’s most advanced cleaning technologies in the new DuoClean Detect nozzle which includes a network of proprietary Intelli-Sense sensors that automatically sense and react to hidden dirt by boosting suction and brushroll speed when you need it most across floor type, corners, edges, and it even detects direction for powerful suction in forward and reverse to grip-& capture- dirt, debris & hair. Large piles, fine dust, and & pet hair are no match for DuoClean Detect. For above-floor cleaning, you can Lift Away the detachable pod and take your cleaning to stairs, furniture, windowsills, and more. In addition, when you lift away the pod, you transform your vacuum into a stick, for easy motorized cleaning under furniture. Shark’s Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors inside your vacuum to help freshen your home. Plus, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filtration seals and traps 99.99%** of dust, dander, and allergens inside of the vacuum, and out of the air you breathe. *Based on a geomean of combined tests -IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 FWD, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 REV, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.5 FWD, IEC62885 Sec 5.5 REV vs. upright market. **Based on ASTM F1977, down to .3 microns. Allergens refers to non-living matters.
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 Shark PowerDetect puts the smarts that are in a lot of the rechargeable, handheld vacuums into a full-size up right. INTRODUCTION Using a myriad of sensors located in the power head, this vacuum self-adjusts based on the cleaning scenario. The vacuum will adjust such things as brush roll speed, suction power, suction direction, etc. based on its perceived cleaning environment with data received from the embedded sensors.
The Shark PowerDetect has 4 sensors that it monitors to help improve your cleaning. Included in the sensor array are the DirtDetect Sensor, FloorDetect Sensor, and the EdgeDetect Sensor. Their names are self-explanatory.
The FloorDetect Sensor looks at what surface type the vacuum is moving over and can optimize its performance based on the floor type. Bare floors (hardwood, tile, etc.), low-pile carpet, and high-pile carpet. Each one with its own unique cleaning algorithm.
The DirtDetect Sensor constantly monitors airflow from the motorized head. If it detects poor quality / high particulate air moving past the sensor, it determines that the surface requires additional cleaning. This, in turn, increases suction power, brush roll speed, and cleaning accordingly. It works surprisingly well.
The last sensor is the EdgeDetect Sensor. Using a pair of sensors, one on each side of the motorized head, the vacuum can decide when it is sweeping up against a wall or other piece of furniture. When this sensor detects an edge, it will increase the brightness on headlight that side of the power head and divert suction power to that side.
Lastly, should the vacuum fail to correctly identify the flooring, or you simply want more control, two buttons on the handle allow you to override the SmartDetect features and use the vacuum as a normal upright.
USE Putting these smart features on a full-size upright seems unnecessary, but I will admit, this vacuum does a GREAT job. My current vacuum is a Shark upright and while I always thought it did a good job of cleaning, now I’m not so sure. I don’t know if my old Shark, that is only 2 years old, is worn out, or the PowerDetect is that much better.
After having just cleaned the house within the past couple of days of the arrival of the PowerDetect, I wasn’t expecting too much in my ability to thoroughly test the new Shark. I had literally just vacuumed and cleaned with little to no foot traffic since. But I gave it a shot and I was honestly astonished at the results.
This is why I don’t know if my old Shark is already worn out or the PowerDetect is just that much better. After re-vacuuming 2 bedrooms and our game room, the dust bin on the new Shark was FULL. Embarrassingly full. I take pride and commit a good amount of free time in keeping up the house. I’m not a clean freak, but my stuff is kept up and clean. But, WOW. This was shocking. I would never have guessed that there would be this much trash sucked up, EVER.
DETECT SENSORS – GIMMICK OR LEGIT? My handheld vacs with the dirt sensors work great on my hardwood and tile floors, but let's face it, they don’t work the greatest on carpets. Did Shark really change things up with the vacuum or are the detection sensors just a marketing gimmick? Only one way to find out!
There were 2 places I knew would make or break the review of this vacuum. One is right in front of the door that leads to the attic and the other was in the game room where I had cut holes in the drywall to install streaming speakers, a flat-panel TV mount and a power outlet.
Our game room gets minimal use, so the PowerDetect chugged along in low-power mode through most of the entire cleaning. But did it fail my test? No. It passed with flying colors. Both areas of interest immediately triggered the DirtDetect sensor, ramping up suction power accordingly. It took several passes before the new Shark was happy with the results and did not spin up anymore. I found it quite surprising. I installed those speakers close to two years ago. I swept up the area with a shop vac after I completed my work, followed by multiple vacummings over the course of time. Yet the new Shark PowerDetect still found the dirty spots and cleaned them accordingly. Same with the area in front of the attic door. Simply amazing. The sensors really do work as described.
Same with the EdgeDetect Sensor. It never failed to work and direct added cleaning power to whatever edge I was up against. The EdgeDetect triggers within about an inch of an edge and seemed to disengage once I got about 2 inches out.
FINAL THOUGHTS I was surprised, impressed, and embarrassed with the new Shark. Surprised at how precise and accurate the sensor array is. Impressed with the new Shark’s cleaning ability. Embarrassed that my floors were so dirty.
This has all the same maneuverability that is built-in to all Sharks uprights, with just more brains. Unfortunately, those extras also cause the disadvantages of the vacuum. First off, those sensors can and will get dirty and require cleaning to function properly (The Shark will tell you when there is an issue). While it is not a huge chore to clean them and make things right again. It is added maintenance. Not only that, you have to be aware of what you are doing as those sensors have the potential for damage.
Secondly, all this tech adds weight. While this new Shark doesn’t feel substantially heavier than my older Shark, the weight is noticeable while cleaning. The new PowerDetect is markedly more difficult to push in carpet than my old Shark.
Still these quibbles are not enough to keep it from earning a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating.
As the world's most customizable toolless mechanical gaming keyboard on the market, the HyperX Alloy Rise takes personalization to the next level. Not only can you hot-swap in key switches, but also magnetic top plates, badges, and more. All that customization is built onto the Alloy Rise’s solid frame and ultra-responsive 8k polling rate. Out of the box, this keyboard features pre-lubed HyperX Linear Switches rated for up to 80 million keypresses as well as pre-installed HyperX PBT Keycaps. You’ll also get an upgraded RGB experience courtesy of the ambient light sensor that auto-adjusts the brightness, 10 keyboard profiles saved directly to the keyboard, and powerful customization via HyperX NGENUITY Software. Get one step closer to your endgame with the HyperX Alloy Rise.
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.
DESIGN There is a definite heft to the new Rise keyboard. Made with a bunch of aluminum, it is one of the heaviest and beefiest feeling keyboards I’ve used to date. Once you put it on your desk. It is staying. Tie this big chunk of aluminum with some Red Linear switches and you have a premium product no matter how you stack it up.
Each manufacturer has their take on how their Red switches should feel while typing. HyperX is no different. I have used Red switches from nearly every manufacturer of keyboards and even though the switches are all basically the same, each keyboard feels different. HyperX has split the difference between a full-on clicky experience and a muted, almost membrane-like quietness other Red switch users chose. The Rise isn’t as loud and annoying as my go-to keyboard but isn’t muted like my gaming 65% keyboard (each from different manufacturers). It is a nice balance between the extremes of the spectrum.
The Rise is a new take on keyboard design. Instead of having keyboards that require re-purchasing the product if users want to customize their purchase, HyperX’s Rise keyboard has a removeable aluminum cover plate that magnetically attaches. Currently, there are white and blue top plates as options. There is also a swappable, magnetic badge on the side of the keyboard that can be customized as well, that I find more a gimmick than anything else.
One item that did win me over is the included ambient light sensor. I wish all manufacturers included this in their products. HyperX has even made the lowly sensor customizable as well. You have 3 options for the sensor: Off, Normal (it dims and brightens the keyboard as expected based on lighting), and Reverse (The light sensor brightens the keyboard opposite the lighting conditions, making it brighter as it gets darker). Kudos to HyperX for this addition!!
SOFTWARE The HyperX Rise keyboard uses the new NGENUITY software for customization and control. Kudos to HP (HP must now own HyperX, as the Ngenuity software is created by HP). The app is simple and intuitive. It is easy to adjust settings are without bloatware and fluff. Not to mention, the overall download size is nearly ¼ of HyperX’s competition. Excellent!
However, the one thing the new Ngenuity software fails miserably at, is per key customization. If I have a keyboard using the wave color cycling, I like to keep certain keys’ colors static. Keys like Num Lock, Ctrl, Alt, FN, Windows Key, etc. I like to keep a static color, usually white. It is just a preference thing as I find that by doing this, I don’t change color schemes switching between work and gaming. To me, one color scheme can serve two purposes. The HyperX software fails miserably, not allowing me to do per key static colors while keeping the color cycling scheme playing on the others.
FINAL THOUGHTS Like everything else in the world, nothing is perfect. Same with the Rise. There are things to like about the keyboard and things that are so frustratingly simple, one has to question why they aren’t included. HyperX has designed a robust product that is uniquely customizable. More customizable than many other competitors’ products, even if some of those customizable options are gimmicky.
If you are already invested in the HyperX ecosystem, this is worth a look. If you are not in the ecosystem, I’m not sure there is enough to bring outsiders under the HyperX umbrella. Not that it is a bad product, it just doesn’t offer anything revolutionary. I don’t see the gimmicky badge or swappable faceplate changing peoples’ purchases. However, the keyboard is a good product. It has an undeniable heft, excellent clickiness to key presses, and the font and backlighting are legible and pleasing. Now HyperX needs to improve their key by key customizations, or at least make it easier to change, if I am missing something.
Pairs perfectly with LG OLED B4, C4 and G4 series TVs. Experience higher dimensional audio with this premium 9-channel soundbar. The up-firing center speaker, a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, let you configure the most immersive surround sound environment. Dolby Atmos¹ and DTS:X² technologies create a spatial audio dome that fills even the largest rooms. Our new up-firing rear speakers have true wireless connectivity —no special receiver needed. Not only do they deliver an immersive audio experience, they can be positioned anywhere and calibrated accordingly.
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.
TLDR: A versatile system that is extremely easy to set-up and is wire-free (minus power). It does not have the best audio quality compared to the big player in the market but does a good job a providing an enveloping surround sound environment with an app that is easy to use and navigate. However, the remote and LED display are useless.
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to set-up the new S95TR. After unplugging my existing soundbar and plugging the HDMI cable into the appropriate eARC/ARC port in the LG, supplying power, things went very smoothly.
The soundbar, sub, and surround configuration is accomplished through LG’s minimalist LG Soundbar App. This is not a ding on LG. Quite the opposite. The app is easy to use and understand without a bunch of fuss and bloatware. Settings, functions, etc. are easily accessible via a one-page interface, with more detailed adjustments available in the simple to access and find settings menu. After my current soundbar underwent a major app design overhaul this spring, I am happy to report that LG’s app is much easier to use than their primary competitor.
While I don’t consider the app and the accompanying documentation perfect, LG has done a good job at streamlining the process. However, this isn’t to say that they couldn’t print a QR code or two in their literature to link you directly to the Play Store or Apple App Store. Come on LG.
Not sure what to expect, I installed the soundbar and powered it up. The LG app recognized the speaker after a few seconds and immediately downloaded a mandatory firmware update. No issues. The update installed without drama and after only a couple of minutes, the soundbar rebooted and was good to go.
The simplicity LG designed into the S95 and the app is impressive. Unlike some of their competition that requires you to manually pair their companion sub and surrounds, LG needs no extra steps. Getting the whole system up and running was frustration-free. After being plugged in, the sub and the surround sound speakers paired at once to the soundbar. Outstanding work LG.
USE
The S95 pairs nicely to my existing LG OLED TV, even with it being several years old and one of the first few generations. The TV recognized the soundbar and was easily setup to use the ARC channel for audio. Buyers of newer LG TVs can use the super slick Wowcast feature and eliminate the hardwired connection altogether. Sweet.
LG’s wireless communications protocol is robust and dynamic. The 4 speakers (soundbar, sub, 2 surrounds) blend together with no discernible lag or awkward timing imbalance. While I could not find specs on the system, the surrounds appear to support the full audio spectrum 20Hz – 20kHz, or close enough that the sub can pick up for what they lack. Sound is enveloping.
LG offers a variety of listening modes, which I find are mostly a gimmick. I find the AI Sound Pro my most used listening mode. Other modes just make the audio sound un-natural and sadly, muted. One thing I find odd, is that by default the surround function is turned off when setting up the system. While this may be the “proper” way to use the S95, I find it odd that LG wouldn’t showcase the surrounds and have them on by default. For those that have a home theater AVR, this setting enables “All Channel Stereo” or “Multi-Channel Stereo” to use the setting name from a competitor.
NEGATIVES
LG has tried too hard to copy their greatest home streaming speaker ecosystem. The minimalist approach to the S95 doesn’t work nearly as well as the competition. The 3 multi-colored LED’s on the front panel of the S95 do absolutely nothing to help out. After installing and trying the speakers, I still have no idea what the different colors really mean or why I would even care. I agree with what others have said around the interwebs, to make the soundbar great, LG needs to have a better display or eliminate the LED’s all together. I get why they are there. My current big name streaming system gives no feedback without directly using the app. LG has tried to remedy this problem by installing the 3 LED’s, but the end result is lackluster and unhelpful. A mark missed. This missed mark also extends to the remote control. With minimal feedback offered via the LED’s using the remote to change functions and control the soundbar turns into a guessing game. To me the remote is useless. It easier just to use the app to get what you want versus the remote. It’s easier, eliminates guesswork, and provides feeback that your commands were sent and recognized.
While the LG offers a plethora of channels, the overall sound quality from each of those channels are not as good as my primary soundbar’s drivers. The LG sounds overly bright, thin, and tinny. Not horrible, or fingernails on a chalkboard, but none the less are inferior to their streaming rival’s products. I think some of this awkwardness could be tuned out via a firmware update, but as used and configured with the LG room correction app, the drivers and audio sound harsher than the competition.
Lastly, I have to comment on LG’s poor mounting solution for their soundbar. I’ve sound bars from 4 different manufacturers now and the LG implementation ties as the worst. Not only are the mounting brackets for the soundbar and surrounds ugly, but the soundbar’s mounting locations are in the wrong place for the American market. The soundbar’s mounting holes are 35” apart, center-to-center. National building code requires wall studs a maximum of 16” on center. This squarely places one or both the mounting brackets out of location of a stud, and if mounting on drywall, forces the buyer to utilize a less than ideal drywall anchor to mount at least one of the two brackets. LG’s competitors have a much better bracket to mount their product, especially the biggest player in the home speaker streaming market. Their bracket is thinner, spans the entire length of the soundbar and is nearly invisible once installed and the speaker mounted. Even with the S95 mounted, the brackets look like cheap after thoughts.
FINAL THOUGHTS
LG has done a good job of updating its S95 lineup. There are a lot of channels to take advantage of the latest and greatest Dolby Atmos mixes in music and movies. Channel timing is spot on with no discernible lag between the sound and video, at least in my use.
Setup is simple and LG should be commended for streamlining the entire process like they have done. The app is easy to use and understand with all the basics and little to no fluff to add confusion. To make things even easier, LG has even included an AI Room Calibration feature to their app. It works as intended, even if more rudimentary than the competition.
While I find the sound quality of my current soundbar superior to the LG, it doesn’t make the S95 bad. It is just a matter of preference. Honestly, my current system should sound better, as I’ve paid more for just the soundbar and sub than this whole LG system retails for. The difference in price helps overcome the perceived thinness (and at times, tinniness) of the LG drivers. Owners looking for a premium system to complement their TV should put this on their list of auditions. The LG S95 offers a full surround experience in one easy-to-use, tidy, package.
Meet the Ninja DoubleStack XL 2-Basket Air Fryer, the only stacked 2-basket air fryer that can cook up to 4 foods at once. Designed for efficiency, versatility, and easier family-sized meals, Ninja’s stacked 10-QT design maximizes counter space while giving you the power and capacity of 2 air fryers in the footprint of 1. Only Ninja has DoubleStack Air Frying technology that delivers the optimal air flow and even heat required to cook 4 foods at once for crispy, golden perfection every time. Simply load your veggies onto the crisper plate, insert the stacked meal rack into the basket, and place your proteins on top to cook 2 different foods in one basket. Two 5-QT baskets allow you to simultaneously prepare different dishes, making multi-tasking in the kitchen a breeze. Cook more food in a smaller footprint—easily fits two 5-lb chickens or 5 lbs of wings in each drawer. Perfect for smaller kitchens, enjoy delicious homemade meals while keeping your counter tops clear of clutter. * vs NINJA AF080 (power) and CHEFMAN 5QT Air Fryer
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.
TLDR: The DoubleStack offers advantages over the normal XL models, but the normal XL models have more accommodating baskets, allowing larger portions of food to be cooked in each one.
INTRODUCTION My Ninja Air Fryers are a staple in the household. They are versatile, easy to use, and most importantly, easy to clean up afterwards. During a 5-day work week, the Ninjas get used at least 2 of those days and when I’m not using the air fryer, I am probably using the Ninja Woodfire grill. Like I said, my Ninjas get used heavily by us.
The DoubleStack XL is a new twist on the dual air fryer. Instead of placing identical baskets side by side and keeping the overhead heating elements, Ninja redesigned the machine, stacking baskets on top of each other and moving the fans and heating elements to the rear. Ninja touts the space-saving design of this layout and while it is true that this saves horizontal counter space, the DoubleStack still takes up a good amount of real estate, they are just trading horizontal real estate for vertical.
The DoubleStack XL sports a generous 10qt capacity, easily besting my single basket XL’s capacity of 6.5qts. Unfortunately, while overall volume has increased, having 2 baskets means each basket’s capacity drops to 5qts, substantially smaller than the 6.5qt basket and making some things challenging to fit in at one time, in one basket.
To make up for this, Ninja has come up with a clever dual level basket design. A traditional, perforated plate sits on the bottom on the basket, elevating the bottom level off the floor. A wire rack can then be dropped into the basket, allowing for another level of cooking. It’s a slick idea and allows for cooking up to 4 different things all at once.
Ninja also thought ahead realizing cooking up to 4 different things, all at the same time, could be a pain logistically. In their wisdom, Ninja set the DoubleStack up to take out the guesswork and stress. Cooking the exact same thing in both baskets? No problem. Use the Match Cook button. It cooks both baskets the same. Cooking 2 different meals in the baskets? No problem. Click the Smart Finish button, set your cooking time and temps and the Ninja will make sure everything gets done at the same time. It’s simple. It’s intuitive. It’s logical. Kudos Ninja!!
USE I was a bit skeptical when I first looked at the new design. Why mess with something that has proven solid for Ninja and countless others? Moving the cooking elements to the back, exhausting out the right side seemed illogical. The main selling points of having an overhead cooking configuration is that all the items in the basket get even heat distribution. Heat gets blown down on all items uniformly, I don’t see how it would be possible with all the items in the DoubleStack being in the back. Surely, the items in the back of the basket will get cooked much more than those at the front and furthest away from the heating elements.
To test this theory out, I wanted to start with cooking something not as forgiving as a burger or steaks. I decided on asparagus along with some blackened salmon. I will admit, whatever Ninja did during the design phase paid off. The DoubleStack cooked all the salmon filets evenly and uniformly. The filet closest to the back were no more cooked than the filet at the very front. I was quite surprised at the uniformity.
CONCLUSION To date, I have made close to a dozen different foods in the new DoubleStack XL. All the kudos I’ve given to my other Ninja products applies to the DoubleStack. Food cooks evenly and quickly. The new design that I was skeptical about before use, has won me over. Regardless of what protein I’m cooking, what vegetable I’m cooking, or what meal I’m preparing together in one basket, the DoubleStack has performed flawlessly.
The only nit pick is that due to the smaller basket volume, I find myself using both baskets to cook a full meal versus what I would normally be able to get away with just one in my normal XL. However, the ability to double stack food in the DoubleStack is a game changer in this household. Being able to put vegetables under your protein in the same basket and have them both turn out exceptionally well, is great. The versatility of the DoubleStack XL has cut back on the amount this family uses the cooktop and microwave during meal prep. Parts of the meals we would normally cook separate from the air fryer can now be included during cooking.
Samsung's 32" Odyssey OLED G8 Gaming Monitor brings content to life with 4K UHD OLED. Images shine with 250 nits of brightness and a wider spectrum of colors, shades, and contrasts. 240Hz refresh rate, and 0.03ms response time (GtG) allow near-instant response time to stay ahead of the competition, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro eliminates screen lag and image tears. The new OLED Safeguard+ – including Dynamic Cooling & Thermal Modulation systems – helps prevent burn-in. OLED Glare-free technology significantly reduces glare, and the Dynamic Black Equalizer analyzes and adjusts sharpness, saturation, and black details. Gaming Hub provides instant access to streaming platforms and gaming consoles, or you can watch your favorite shows with Smart TV apps. The sleek metal design with heightadjustable screen that swivels and tilts for total gaming comfort, and the Easy Setup Stand enables installation of the monitor with no tools or screws. 3-Year warranty.
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.
TLDR: The new Samsung Odyssey G8 combines the best features of a computer monitor, TV, and smart streaming device. You would be hard pressed to find a better monitor.
KEY SPECS Anti-Glare OLED Panel 4k Resolution 240Hz Refresh Rate HDR 10 / HDR 10+ 99% Color Gamut Reproduction Bluetooth 5.2 USB 3.0 Hub 1 x DP 1.4 Port (HDCP 2.2) 2 x HDMI 2.1 Ports (HDCP 2.2) Tilt / Swivel / Pivot / Height Adjustments (including 90 degrees of rotation)
SET-UP This is the first computer monitor I have owned that has an actual set-up process. Samsung has combined elements of their best line of Odyssey gaming monitors with their wildly popular OLED line of televisions. This is the first monitor I have had that doubles not only as a computer monitor, but also as a standalone streaming device.
Samsung’s Tizen OS does an admirable job of walking you through to the initial monitor configuration, including customizing and installing desired streaming apps. The list of available apps is just as comprehensive as you would get with an external streaming stick, but built into a very slick looking interface, specific to Samsung. All the major players are available, including Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Fandango, Plex, Disney, etc. All major streaming services are present, as are Samsung's TV Hub, Samsung Smart Apps, and even gaming services are present allowing you to play certain games directly via an app like XBox without a console.
Apps, settings, adjustments, etc are all accessible via the included remote control. The remote is simple and intuitive and while it only has a few buttons to work with, it is sufficient to get you to where you need to be without a lot of unnecessary controls. Simple and easy to operate. One thing worth noting about the remote, it is rechargeable. It has a small solar panel on the back side to easily recharge it by laying it upside down during the day. Super slick!
PERFORMANCE If you have never used an OLED monitor for productivity or gaming, you are definitely missing out. No other panel technology can compare to the picture quality of an OLED. Blacks are perfectly black and shadow details are on a whole other level. LCD and LED panels can’t completely shut off all their pixels, leading to light bleed in the darker parts of the screen, even with full array local dimming. It is just the inherent nature of the technology. OLED panels can fully shut off unused pixels, making blacks perfectly black.
Games like Call of Duty take full advantage of this technology. Players that like to hide in shadows because it makes them so hard to distinguish no longer have the advantage of concealment. Items that used to get washed out in the darker parts of the screen, no longer bleed together and remain visible. Combine those awesome black levels with what used to be an unheard of refresh rate of 240Hz for an OLED panel and you get a winning combination. Frame rates are smooth and judder-free. Samsung claims a G-t-G refresh time of only .03ms response time. While I have no way to measure this, I will say that this monitor’s responsiveness is far superior to the Samsung monitor it replaces.
OLED BURN-IN Burn-in is often an area that keeps folks away from taking the plunge into the world of the OLED. Rightfully so. While this monitor is new and does not have any form of noticeable burn-in, I am happy to report that my other Samsung OLED monitors that are older than this, have not exhibited any burn-in artifacts to date, even though they are inferior models compared to the new G8.
Samsung has gone to great lengths to help prevent the dreaded burn-in. Incorporating technologies like a Dynamic Cooling System, Thermal Modulation System, and most importantly for those that want to use the monitor as a streaming device, Logo and Taskbar Detection. All technologies Samsung has built-in to the firmware to help ensure years of trouble-free service. For example, the Dynamic Cooling System uses and actual heat-pipe, much like on a CPU cooler to keep the OLED panel cool. The Thermal Modulation System analyzes the brightest parts of screen and automatically reduces peak brightness to prevent overheating. Excellent!! All these algorithms work seamlessly and unnoticeably in the background.
NEGATIVES While the G8 does support HDR 10 and HDR 10+, there is no support for Dolby Vision. Not a huge loss, as HDR 10 is the more common standard of the two.
Speaking of High Dynamic Range, while the monitor is capable of displaying HDR content, it only reaches a peak brightness of 250 nits. While there are so many things to praise about OLED technology, this is one area where the technology falls short of its normal LED and LCD counterparts.
FINAL THOUGHTS If I haven’t already gushed enough over the new G8, I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t just me being awe inspired by a new shiny gizmo. I wanted a second opinion, as I am already partial to OLED’s to begin with.
I brought this monitor in to my teenager’s room for him to try out. I told him nothing about the monitor, simply that was a new 32” monitor and as he plays so many video games, I wanted a second opinion.
His monitor is a 32” LED monitor and he has spent hundreds of hours gaming on it with no complaints. It sports a 2560 x 1440 resolution with only a 60Hz refresh rate. All his current games of choice have their settings at Max, Epic, or whatever the best is by the game.
After getting it all set-up, I asked him to try a few games and play for a while and report back to me later in the day with his opinion. It didn’t take long. He queued up a match in Call of Duty: Warzone. He summed up my entire review in just one sentence. After no more than 5 minutes of playing it, he paused the game, his eyes big, turned to me and said: “Whoa, this thing is Amazing!” His opinion has changed since.
Experience the pinnacle of wireless performance with Archer BE11000 Pro. With its exceptional 11 Gbps tri-band WiFi 7 speed, this router sets new standards in connectivity, offering lightning-fast speeds, significantly reduced latency compared to WiFi 6 routers, support for the 6 GHz frequency band, and an impressive array of ports including a 10G WAN port and four 2.5G LAN ports. Archer BE11000 Pro is the ultimate solution for demanding users who crave unparalleled speed and uncompromising performance.
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.
TLDR: The TP-Link BE11000 offers all that Wi-Fi 7 promises to offer, supporting multi-gigabit wireless and wired connections and a robust suite of parental controls, security protocols and, customization options.
KEY SPECS Wi-Fi 7 with backwards compatibility Up to 11Gb/s throughput One 2.5G WAN Port / Four 10G LAN ports TP-Link HomeShield Compatible (Full Features require a subscription) Easy-Mesh Wi-Fi Compatible
INTITIAL CONFIGURATION The hardest thing of installing and configuring the new TP-Link router is accessing your ISP provided device and disabling all its half-baked hardware. I have never had an ISP provided router / gateway that could come close to what an aftermarket router has to offer. While setting up a new router can seem very intimidating, TP-Link's Tether app does its best to make it as hassle-free as possible. The end user needs to follow the directions specifically, as there is a first set-up step where the new router configures itself to work with your existing ISP provided hardware.
Being somewhat efficient with networking, thinking I could skip all or part of the Tether process proved to be bitterly disappointing. Starting the initial configuration phase again, following the directions provided to the letter, eliminated most of my errors and frustrations. The Tether app configured the router without fuss and set many parameters automatically, doing its best to balance compatibility with security, making the process simple, efficient and mostly frustration-free.
USE The Tether app is the go-to app to manage your entire home network easily from any Android or iOS device. The Tether app allows the user to configure a variety of functions within the BE11000. This, being a Pro model, includes many advanced features often left out in lesser models. Included are advanced Parental Controls to help keep kids safe online, the ability to configure a separate IOT network for those devices often vulnerable to IOT based attacks, and most importantly, the ability to run a VPN service, allowing specific devices to access the internet through a secure VPN channel, without the need for installing VPN software on each and every device. The BE11000 can function as an OpenVPN, WireGuard VPN, PPTP, or L2TP VPN Server.
COVERAGE The BE11000 has 6 internal antennas and supports beamforming. Installed in a 4-bedroom house with about 3,300 square feet (about the area of a tennis court), the BE11000 had no problems providing Wi-Fi to all corners of the house. Granted at the farthest points of the house, Wi-Fi coverage did drop from the 5GHz band to the 2.4GHz band, which limited maximum speeds, but did not hinder connectivity. I'm hoping to improve the coverage by relocating the BE11000 in a more favorable location, but even in its unoptimized location, I have no complaints about coverage and throughput.
A nice feature with the BE11000 is that it supports TP-Link's EasyMesh standard. The EasyMesh implementation is a great feature to have in that it can turn your standalone Wi-Fi device like the BE11000 into a full featured mesh network with the addition of a compatible EasyMesh router. This is a huge benefit for those with multi-story houses or those with large backyards where Wi-Fi signals struggle to reach. Having an EasyMesh enabled system allows the user to have only 1 Wi-Fi SSID and devices can easily roam and switch between devices seamlessly without user intervention. A mesh system is far better than a network that relies on repeaters and extenders to function properly.
CONCLUSION The new BE11000 Pro is an awesome upgrade for existing home Wi-Fi networks. Currently, there are only a few Wi-Fi 7 enabled clients available, so most users can't and won't see the full benefits of a full Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure. However, rest assured those devices you have that support either Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E will see new speeds and throughput.
There are so many details and features that I could expand on, but my review would be even longer and more boring than it already is. I know I have only touched the surface on what the BE11000 Pro offers and what it can do for a whole home network.
A few years ago, I would have never considered using TP-Link devices in my home networks. I always used products from one of TP-Link's primary competitors. I am thoroughly impressed with TP-Link's products, and have had no hiccups, performance issues, network intrusions, or struggles with the app. To me, that speaks volumes.
Unlock 100+ game audio presets with Arctis Nova 5X and the Companion App. Switch detailed EQ profiles for games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and more without leaving the game. With 60-hour battery life, and 2.4GHz/Bluetooth wireless, play longer on Xbox, PC, PS, Switch, and mobile with a USB-C wireless dongle.
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.
TLDR: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X offers up an impressive 60 hours of battery life along with very good audio quality when using the included 2.4GHz dongle but comes up way short on Bluetooth audio quality compared to its competition.
CONFIGURATION I initially configured the Nova 5’s on my Windows PC, which is my primary gaming PC. I would recommend initial configuration be completed with a PC before using the 5X with other devices due to a mandatory firmware update this is required on first power up. Fortunately, the firmware update to both the dongle and the headset completed quickly and without any fuss or issues.
One thing SteelSeries needs to work on is their Windows apps. They have a total of 5 different apps you can download that are applicable to the 5X. Users must download the Gaming Gear app for firmware updates and then a separate app, Sonar, for audio configuration. While both apps are easy enough to use, I don’t like the multitude of different apps. Not to mention the other 3 offerings for game captures, recording, etc. While separate apps do make for a much lighter weight install than SteelSeries’ competitors, it also makes it cumbersome to find the app you want when you want to make changes.
USE The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X boasts an impressive battery life, up to 60 hours! With a 15-minute fast charge option that nets you up to 6 hours of use. Wow! Using them for several hours playing games on the PC didn’t faze the 5X’s as they were still showing 98% battery life. Outstanding.
Like other manufacturers have started doing, the 5X’s allow the user to switch seamlessly between the 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth with just a press of a button. It works well & I was able to switch between my PC (2.4) and my iPad (Bluetooth) with ease. I’m glad manufacturers have started making it simple to switch between multiple devices.
SteelSeries states the Nova 5X’s can reproduce the full audio spectrum, 20Hz – 20,000Hz using their included 40mm drivers. When I first tested them, I was concerned that the 40mm drives would be substantially weaker than the now standard 50mm drivers found in most premium headphones. I was surprised at their ability to reproduce such low bass frequencies with drivers that are 20% smaller than a lot of the competition.
Speaking of audio quality, the Nova 5X do a very good job sonically using the included 2.4GHz dongle. Audio is punchy and decently accurate (note that these do not offer any noise cancellation). There are over 100 different presets available in the either the Windows Sonar app or the SteelSeries companion app to help tailor the Nova 5’s to your liking. To be honest, 100 different presets is really overkill. Listed mostly by game (though there are several presets for movies and music) each preset is just a very subtle variation of the next and I couldn’t tell a discernible difference between most of them.
I like other manufacturers’ approaches where they offer a basic configuration based on the game genre and then let you just fine-tune the settings from there, as like I said, the differences between 100 different presets are minimal for the most part.
NEGATIVES As much as I enjoyed the sonic performance of the 5X’s while using the 2.4GHz dongle, I dislike their performance over Bluetooth. Quite frankly, these are some of the worst performing headphones over Bluetooth I’ve used in a long time, regardless of price point.
Audio was muddied, muted, and lackluster to say the least. No amount of fine tuning via companion app was able to correct the poor audio quality. To add insult to injury there was a very noticeable Bluetooth lag. So much so, that only after about 20 minutes, I had to stop watching a movie with them. It was too distracting having the screen so far out of sync with the audio. Ugh.
FINAL THOUGHTS I really enjoyed gaming with the Nova 5X’s linked to the included 2.4GHz dongle. The audio was very dynamic and aggressive. More aggressive than many others. The Sonar spatial audio works well and is very convincing at creating a virtual surround sound environment along with offering many different adjustments to help tweak the audio to your liking. What I don’t like, is that I cannot use Dolby Atmos or DTS Headphone X with the Nova 5’s.
However, what really holds these headphones back is their poor Bluetooth performance. I have ear buds that cost 1/3 as much as the Nova 5’s that sound better via Bluetooth. I will give the Nova 5’s a recommended rating if being used with the 2.4GHz dongle. But, if used solely with a Bluetooth connection, it would be a not recommended.
The Homey Pro (Early 2023) is the next generation of smart home hub. It is packed with state-of-the-art technology to talk to and unify your smart home devices. It is compatible with WiFi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, Infrared, Matter, and Thread technologies. So it works with over 50,000 devices from more than 1,000 brands—and counting. Use Homey Flow within the Homey app and make all your devices work together seamlessly, And when you use Homey Pro in conjunction with the Homey Bridge (sold separately), you can extend wireless coverage throughout your home.
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.
TLDR: The Homey Pro has a lot of potential, but the steep learning curve, lack of documentation on Homey’s behalf, and lack of customization options does not make for an ideal solution.
SUPPORTED PROTOCOLS Wi-Fi Zigbee Z-Wave Infrared Bluetooth Matter Thread
INITIAL CONFIGURATION & INSTALLED APPS The Homey Pro was reluctant to get up and running on my Galaxy smartphone. I went through many restarts of the app and multiple set-up attempts before the Homey decided to finally play nice and fully connect to my home Wi-Fi. Once connected, it automatically downloaded a firmware update and since, the stability of the Homey seems to have improved considerably. However, it was quite time consuming in the beginning.
SET-UP Depending on the device you are wanting to control, depends on how the Homey handles set-up. Some devices, like IR devices, need no additional apps to make work, as the Homey has a built-in IR emitter. Other products, like my Eufy devices, iRobots, Ecovac, etc. require an app download to find and add products to the Homey ecosystem. Have your passwords handy. When you download an app, it is basically a version of the manufacturer’s app contained within the Homey app. Some apps are supported directly by Homey, other apps are supported and created by users.
Having this amount of depth and resources to pull from, allows the Homey Pro to support up to a staggering 50,000 different devices from over 1,000 different manufacturers, at least according to Homey press material. Apps supported directly by Homey are a huge plus as users are pretty much assured that the integrations and bug fixes remain current. However, apps created by the community can be hit or miss. Some community created apps work better than others and if a creator doesn’t keep on top of changes, apps and compatibility can quickly fall out of date and sync with each other.
USE In a nutshell, the Homey app resembles the IFTTT. If This, Then That. That’s the nitty gritty of the Homey app. If something happens, then this happens. Homey refers to this as Flows. Homey has done a GREAT job at making flows easy to use and create. Super easy compared to other, older players in the market. The Homey app has a simple to use GUI that allows a buyer to easily create and customize different scenarios. Whether it be actions based on a geofence, time of day, button push, water detection, motion, etc. The possibilities are nearly endless.
But those nearly endless possibilities are also Homey’s Achilles heel. The Homey Pro requires a serious commitment from the buyer to get down in the weeds of home automation. From downloading and incorporating apps, recreating accounts within the Homey ecosystem, setting up devices, creating flows, it is a time consuming and often frustrating endeavor. Maybe I would have had better luck with and iPad or iPhone, but I find the Homey app for Android buggy and often slow to respond and update when trying to install new devices. Several times, new devices are not correctly discovered, and I must force close or cancel set-up and start over. By several times, my success rate of installing a new device on my Galaxy phone in just one attempt is approximately 25%. To be fair to Homey, if all, or nearly all, my home automation products were from the same vendor or a limited number of vendors, things would have undoubtedly been much easier. However, I have products from many different vendors and set-up was time consuming and hit or miss.
The most frustrating part of my entire set-up process was my home theater. The easiest, most straight-forward room in my house for the Homey. I set up the Homey in a sweet spot, ensuring all devices were easily visible to the Homey’s IR emitter. There were no apps to download, nothing to configure, just IR devices (aside from the Fire TV). An Epson projector, Sony AVR, Sony Blu-ray player, Xbox Series X, Amazon Fire TV Stick Max, and Lutron IR controlled dimmer switches.
Epic failure. The Homey could not reliably communicate with any of my devices. IR commands were spotty, often leading to missed commands. Examples include: my AVR that would power on, but not power off. My Epson projector that would power on but could not power toggle to shut off. Not only was the IR performance spotty and unreliable, the Homey app does not allow you any customizations that I can find. For example, my Sony AVR has different inputs based on the device. Game, Blu-Ray, Media Box, etc. While the functions are there in Homey, you can’t rename the inputs based on the remote. You are stuck with HDMI-1, HDMI-2, etc., at least what I could find.
COMPATIBILITY Homey claims a very deep and robust list of compatible devices that work with the Pro. They do have some very heavy hitting, mainstream manufacturers listed, a majority that are surely to be in most everyone's’ homes. Sadly, while those big label manufacturers are listed, Homey doesn’t support all their devices, whether new or older. For example, while Homey has compatibility with Eufy, they don’t support the full Eufy ecosystem. Maybe I just got the oddball Eufy products, but there were several devices that I have not listed as compatible. Those that were compatible took a minimum of 3 different attempts to finally connect to the Homey ecosystem, that doesn’t count the colossal time suck that it takes to get the Eufy app to work within Homey.
Maybe its just my choice of products, but there are too many holes left unfilled by the Homey Pro to justify me making it my whole home hub. There are things I want to control, that I just can’t, due to lack of compatibility. Eufy was just the beginning. Examples include; my Ecovac is supported only by the community, so actual control of my device is a workaround from another mopping / vacuum compatible Ecovac model, leaving some features unsupported. My Blueair air filters are not supported. My Honeywell thermostats are not supported, my Chamberlin MyQ garage door openers. The list goes on.
FINAL THOUGHTS Homey’s main premise and selling point is that you keep control of your home automation at the local level, not needing a constant connection to the cloud to operate devices. While that is partially true, once you get a device set-up and configured, you don’t need a cloud connection to operate it, Homey can do it locally. But you still must have that cloud connection for initial account set-up.
For me, local control of your devices isn’t as big of a selling point as Homey tries to make it. Why? Even if Homey is controlling your devices locally, those devices are still connected to the cloud. Homey doesn’t sever their connection; they still have phone home to operate. Take my Sonos systems for example. Homey will control them, but they are still communicating with the Sonos app via the cloud. Any changes I make in the Homey app gets reflected in the Sonos app.
In the end, I can’t justify giving the Homey Pro a Recommended rating. My success with the product is much lower than others have reported. It isn’t due to a lack of trying; I have spent many hours over several days trying to get everything working properly. I will fully admit that my results are improving, and more items are working, it is the simple stuff that I really want to work that doesn’t. Not to mention the endless amount of frustration involved during initial configuration, just makes the hassle not worth it in the long run. Those hoping this device will be something that can replace a full-on whole home automation system with a centralized controller, will most likely be left disappointed. I am.
A perfect blend of form and function, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3, powered by the latest Intel processors, has an ultra-compact design that fits seamlessly into any home. With blazing SSD storage and lightning-fast connectivity, you can connect, make, and share effortlessly with all your friends and family.
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.
TLDR: This is a difficult PC to review. On the one hand, it falls right in line with machines in its price range as far as included options, but offers only the basics for upgrading. The lack of upgradeability is something I don’t like & a laptop is a much better option.
SPECS & PORTS Intel Core i5-14400 Processor (10 Cores – 6P / 4E) 8GB DDR4 RAM 256GB Western Digital SN740 NVMe SSD Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth 5.2 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 Port (Front) - This DOES NOT support video out 2 USB-A 2.0 Ports (Rear) 4 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (2 Front / 2 Rear) SD Card Reader (Front) 3.5mm Headphone Jack & Mic Jack (Front) 1 Ethernet Port (Rear) 1 VGA Port (Rear) 1 HDMI 2.0 Port (Supports 4k output @ 60Hz)
INITIAL CONFIGURATION & INSTALLED APPS Lenovo includes minimal bloatware with the IdeaCentre. Just 3 unnecessary apps are included: McAfee and 2 Lenovo added apps. The Lenovo apps are not horrible and honestly do a decent job of helping a new, unsavvy computer user get set-up and going. However, most folks will find their nagging alerts annoying and just remove them like I did.
The Lenovo set-up was not perfect. While the little IdeaCentre did an admirable job of walking me through the initial set-up and registration process, there were some inconsistencies with the pre-installed drivers and bios. While the Lenovo updated Windows without issue, it seemed laboriously slow. Using Computer Management, all drivers showed up to date, but in an attempt to download a 6.6GB, I had to give up. Total download time was showing 2 – 3 hours. This same download took approximately 2.5 minutes on my other desktop. Fortunately, downloading a set of fresh drivers from the Lenovo website seems to have cured the issue, but it is puzzling as to why they weren’t picked up via Windows Update, or as to why Lenovo’s homegrown apps didn’t pick them up.
I blame part of the problem on Lenovo choosing to pair a Realtek Wi-Fi card with the Intel chipset. I have had mixed results with the two together. For me, Realtek has always performed better on an AMD based system and an AX based Wi-Fi card with an Intel system.
The initial bios update was quite concerning as well. While the bios updated with little fanfare, the screen had images overlapping with each other and at first blush honestly appeared like it was corrupted. Thankfully, the bios did update, but I was concerned during the entire process. Hopefully, future updates will cure the inconsistent video.
USE After the first few hiccups were overcome, the Lenovo has performed decently for what little it must work with. I would advise anyone buying the desktop to seek drivers directly from either Lenovo or from Intel as Windows struggles getting the latest options. This is something I haven’t noticed so much with other vendors, but for some reason, Lenovo’s submissions to Microsoft seem to lag drastically behind.
This is a decent computer for doing basic tasks. Emails, surfing, watching videos, typing, etc. are handled well. I am using the desktop to write this review and it has given me zero issues. If you set your expectations accordingly, the desktop should serve you decently. But understand, this machine has extremely limited upgrade potential.
While the case supports a dual slot PCI-E component (think low-profile SFF graphics card), the motherboard does not. Thankfully, Lenovo does include the ability to upgrade the RAM and SSD, which the machine sorely needs, as the 256GB / 8GB is really the bare minimums these days. The IdeaCentre supports 3200MHz DDR-4 RAM up to 32GB and accepts a standard 2280 NVMe SSD. There is even a tray to accommodate a 3.5” HDD, along with the necessary power connectors that come pre-installed.
NEGATIVES Like I have said before, the major negative is the lack of upgrade options. Not being able to add a PCI-E component is surprising. The header is on the motherboard, but there is no connector soldered to it.
The second negative to me is the lack of Display Port output. VGA tech is antiquated enough at this point that I think an HDMI and DP port would be better served versus a VGA port. I get why its included, I’m sure Lenovo is going for absolute best in compatibility, but the VGA interface is obsolete. I would rather do a HDMI or DP to VGA adapter. Especially since the included Intel Arc 730 GPU can support resolutions up to 4k / 60Hz.
FINAL THOUGHTS There isn’t a lot of graphics horsepower to play many games other than the basics. But, as far as chips go, the i5 is decently powerful and can handle most any task thrown at, assuming you aren’t trying to do any gaming to speak of.
The IdeaCentre sits there, quietly working away, making a barely a whisper. The Lenovo keeps its composure, even when asking it do things it isn’t intended to do. While the fan does get louder, it is one of the quietest PC’s I’ve used to date. Frankly, that’s the whole point. The main issue holding this PC back is the lack of a video card, even a basic one. But that isn’t the point of this machine. A simple desktop, with no frills, that will do what is asked (within reason) and do it quietly and unobtrusively.
I will reluctantly give this laptop a recommendation, but I think the average consumer would be better served by opting for a laptop. You can get a similarly spec’d and priced laptop from Lenovo at the price point of the IdeaCentre. In the long run, I think a laptop makes far more sense than this desktop, but if a small desktop is your need, this is a decent option.
Sit back, relax and enjoy family movie night with the Vankyo L570B projector. The Vankyo Leisure 570B wireless smart WebOS mini projector delivers a full HD 1080P picture up to 200". Featuring 200 lumens and a 1000:1 contrast ratio for vivid color and a sharp image. Enhanced features include keystone adjustment, eliminating the need for manual tweaks during use and guaranteeing flawless display quality. Featuring DolbyAudio surround sound and dual 5W speakers for a truly amazing viewing experience. And, with Smart WebOS included, you can tune into all your favorite streaming channels, including Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime and more. 100" screen included.
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 little Vankyo is surprisingly good for its modest specs and price.
CONNECTIVITY Connections are basic, but thorough. These options include: 3.5mm headphone jack 3.5mm AV input 2 USB-A Inputs 1 HDMI Input Multiple positioning options (Front, Ceiling, etc including a ¼ x 20 insert for a tripod)
SET-UP The Vankyo does a good job at helping the end user set up the machine. Frankly all one really needs to do is adjust the one foot to raise the image to the desired height and set focus, and the Vankyo does the rest. The 570 will automatically adjust keystone based on the measured angle of the projector. As with all projectors, the closer to level you can get it, the better it is for the machine and image. Trying the 570 at nearly its steepest angle, produced an image that was nearly completely square and keystone free. Admittedly, the minor inconsistency is most like user error and not having the projector perfectly parallel to the wall.
Once the Vankyo receives an image, it will self-correct its keystone, only tasking the user with adjusting focus and zoom, if needed. It is simple and works surprisingly well. I have had many different projectors in my home theater over the years and none have been as easy to set-up and use as the little Vankyo.
FEATURES I was quite surprised at how many different streaming options and services are available. Vankyo has their own little ecosystem of apps, including such heavy hitters as: Prime, Netflix, and Plex. Movies and TV streamed without issue using the native Vankyo apps. I was quite surprised at how well the apps performed on the 570. I have had no stuttering, glitching, nothing. The only real fault I can find is that the apps are entirely unorganized and hard to find. Vankyo’s marketing advertises apps like Disney+ and Max, but I couldn’t find them in the app store. I’m sure they are there, but the app store needs better organization.
I must give a shout out to the Vankyo user interface and responsiveness. While I am not a fan of the app store organization, the user interface and menus are the exact opposite. The user interface is clean, simple, and easy to understand. No matter what I was asking of the 570, system responsiveness was very good. While it did appear to bog a couple of times, it was not bad, and it was not for long. It was in no way frustrating or concerning. Well done Vankyo.
PICTURE QUALITY If you keep your expectations in line, the Vankyo should have no problems meeting its buyer’s needs. The 1080p picture is sharp with no discernable signs of ghosting or rainbowing. With only 200 lumens to work with, the 570 does an admirable job of squeezing the life out of every last one of its lumens. Yes, the picture can be a bit washed out and yes only a little stray ambient light can wreak havoc on the, but all in all, it is a very good picture for such modest specs.
Like other reviewers have commented, the picture does improve markedly with a better background. It is great that Vankyo throws in a portable screen, but that screen is too transparent for good image quality. A flat white or off-white wall or board improves picture quality tremendously.
AUDIO QUALITY I must throw this in. The Leisure 570 has two 5W speakers with Dolby Audio processing. Why do I even take the time to talk about them in the review? Because they are shockingly good. My current HT projector has built-in speakers (No, I don’t use them. I have a full Atmos set-up) but I tried them out after installing the projector for review. My HT projector costs anywhere from 5 – 10x more than the Vankyo and the Vankyo blows it away with its audio processing. I was shocked at how good the speakers sound for such small built-ins. While they are no match for a good set of headphones.
FINAL THOUGHTS Maybe I had just set my expectations too low when I got the Leisure 570 in. I don’t think so. I am particular when it comes to audio and video. The Vankyo Leisure 570 exceeded my expectations for a device with specs this modest and at this price point.
With only 200 lumens and a 1000:1 contrast ratio the picture can look dull and washed out, especially during movies with a lot of darker scenes image (this became very apparent while watching Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire). Fine details get lost in the dark backgrounds quickly. Speaking of things getting lost in the dark, the remote could use backlighting. The buttons are hard to see in a darkened room and many of the buttons all have the same shape and texture making it hard to differentiate one button from the next using just a tactile touch. While you are at it Vankyo, could you throw in some playback buttons too?
However, for a portable projector that can stream video via Wi—Fi, has an HDMI port to plug in a Roku stick or game console, and USB inputs to mirror cell phones, the 570 checks a lot of boxes and is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
What if a vacuum was so advanced it could sense the type of floor it’s cleaning? BISSELL SurfaceSense Pet vacuum can! Its intelligent SurfaceSense Technology can detect floor types and automatically adjust the brush roll speed to give you optimal cleaning performance on any floor type. It’s also our first vacuum with a Tangle-Free, Multi-Surface Brush Roll which has stiff bristles for cleaning carpet and soft bristles for vacuuming hard floors, so it can pick up everything from fine dust to larger debris across all floor types. SurfaceSense Pet vacuum has a One Touch, Easy Empty dirt tank and a SmartSeal Allergen System that traps fine dust and allergens while you clean. The LED headlights illuminate hidden dirt and debris while the Quick Release Extension Wand and above floor tools work together to clean hard-to-reach spaces, like upholstery and stairs. And this vacuum doesn’t just clean up after pets, it helps save them, too! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
Is this a self-propelled vacuum? Is there a Bissell that is?
Yes, it's that powerful: Play with performance with a powerful AMD processor and mighty graphics. All that power stays cool with our frosty OMEN Tempest Cooling. We can't stop others from feeling a little envy. Gaming shouldn't feel this good: Feast your eyes on this 16.1 diagonal inch machine, boasting a high resolution and fast refresh rate. The floating hinge design and Audio by Bang & Olufsen show it off while you go off. And the long battery life lets you play even longer. One place. All play. OMEN Gaming Hub is your one-stop shop to elevating your play. From getting rewards just by gaming, to controlling every little performance and lighting option of your machine, the list goes on. Every game, every play, every moment is now in your control.
Yes, it's that powerful: Play with performance with a powerful AMD processor and mighty graphics. All that power stays cool with our frosty OMEN Tempest Cooling. We can't stop others from feeling a little envy. Gaming shouldn't feel this good: Feast your eyes on this 16.1 diagonal inch machine, boasting a high resolution and fast refresh rate. The floating hinge design and Audio by Bang & Olufsen show it off while you go off. And the long battery life lets you play even longer. One place. All play. OMEN Gaming Hub is your one-stop shop to elevating your play. From getting rewards just by gaming, to controlling every little performance and lighting option of your machine, the list goes on. Every game, every play, every moment is now in your control.
I don't believe so. Unlike other laptops, that have both integrated graphics for the main display and an aftermarket solution (AMD or nVidia) for an external display, this laptop appears to be use the onboard, integrated graphics at all times.
Yes, it's that powerful: Play with performance with a powerful AMD processor and mighty graphics. All that power stays cool with our frosty OMEN Tempest Cooling. We can't stop others from feeling a little envy. Gaming shouldn't feel this good: Feast your eyes on this 16.1 diagonal inch machine, boasting a high resolution and fast refresh rate. The floating hinge design and Audio by Bang & Olufsen show it off while you go off. And the long battery life lets you play even longer. One place. All play. OMEN Gaming Hub is your one-stop shop to elevating your play. From getting rewards just by gaming, to controlling every little performance and lighting option of your machine, the list goes on. Every game, every play, every moment is now in your control.
About how long does the battery last from a full charge?
For on-the-GO peace of mind. Use UV light with or without a vacuum function so you can safely clean your phone, car and plane seat, hotel room, luggage and more.
Pure One S11 is a high-performance cordless vacuum. It features iLoop™ Smart Sensor Technology which senses hidden dirt, dust, hair, pollen, and dander, and automatically adjusts suction power in real-time for an effortless cleaning experience. Pure One S11’s full-size multi-tasker power brush ensures you get a deep, thorough clean of carpets, bare floors, fabric, and more. Get up to 130W of suction power in Max mode.
Good Afternoon, No, this vacuum doesn't come with 2 batteries. Just the one. One a positive note, the wall mount includes a spot to charge a 2nd battery and can charge a 2nd battery simultaneously while charging the battery in vacuum.
Pure One S11 is a high-performance cordless vacuum. It features iLoop™ Smart Sensor Technology which senses hidden dirt, dust, hair, pollen, and dander, and automatically adjusts suction power in real-time for an effortless cleaning experience. Pure One S11’s full-size multi-tasker power brush ensures you get a deep, thorough clean of carpets, bare floors, fabric, and more. Get up to 130W of suction power in Max mode.
DOES THE POWER BUTTON HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY CONTINUALLY HELD DOWN BY THE USER TO KEEP THE DEVICE IN THE RUNNING MODE ( AS WITH THE DYSON CORDLESS VACUUMS ) ?
Good Afternoon, No, you don't have to hold the trigger down the whole time like your Dyson. There is a small lever just above your thumb (assuming you are right-handed) that can be used to hold the trigger down while in use.
Enhance your TV experience without compromising your room’s design with the Sonance MAG SSTVAUDIO Sonos Powered 2.0-Channel Soundbar Alternative. This premium 2.0-channel TV audio solution combines LCR in-wall speakers, a Sonos Amp, and a behind-the-TV Sonance wall box, delivering stunning clarity and deep sound while keeping all electronics hidden from view. Designed as a discreet soundbar alternative, this system features two MAG6 LCR speakers with pivoting silk dome tweeters and dual 6.5" woofers, ideal for media rooms, living rooms, and TV audio upgrades. The included Sonos Amp powers your speakers, supports AirPlay 2, and connects directly to your TV via HDMI ARC, making it easy to control everything with your existing TV remote. The included PowerBridge kit and Sonance wall box conceal the Sonos amp, wiring, and even streaming devices like Apple TV®, Roku®, Amazon Fire TV Stick®, and Google TV Streamer®, eliminating the need for TV stands or exposed cables. Paintable grilles blend into your walls, making this system ideal for any TV in any room of your home. With a design-first approach, the MAG SSTVAUDIO is the ultimate in-wall TV speaker system for design-conscious homes.
Can you attach a sub to this system as well for extra bass, or are you stuck with just the 2 included speakers?
And is the amp powerful enough for a sub?
Good Evening. Yes, you can pair a sub with this system. Using the Sonos app, you can add a Sonos sub or the amp has a line out to add a sub via line out connection. The sub will have to be self powered, the Sonos amp will not supply power to drive the sub.
HP OMEN Obelisk by HP Desktop: Play graphically intense games with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer. You can easily store large amounts of media and other data on the 1TB hard drive and install games and programs on the 256GB SSD for fast access. This HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer has 16GB of memory for multitasking effectively, and the Intel Core i7-9700 processor handles resource-intense programs efficiently.
Why in the graphics for the specs its says intel hd graphics is there not a gtx 1660 TI?
HP OMEN Obelisk by HP Desktop: Play graphically intense games with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer. You can easily store large amounts of media and other data on the 1TB hard drive and install games and programs on the 256GB SSD for fast access. This HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer has 16GB of memory for multitasking effectively, and the Intel Core i7-9700 processor handles resource-intense programs efficiently.
Is there a gtx 1660ti installed or not? What size pwr supply?