Archive for the ‘Review’ Category

tech4xmas Review: PRISM+ Q65 Quantum Edition Pro Android TV

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021

tech4xmas 2021: The Q Series Quantum Edition (QE) Pro series are the flagship Android TVs by Singapore brand PRISM+. I tried the Q65-QE Pro and found that it indeed offered excellent value-for-money. Quality that’s almost as good as the flagship of established brands – but at a fraction of the price.

 

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The PRISM+ Q65-QE Pro standing pretty in front of my Samsung 55-inch TV. The image quality isn’t far behind but the price is like half. Super value-for-money.

Appearance-wise, the Q65-QE Pro looks really smart with almost no bezel on three edges – left, right and top sides.

Along the bottom of the TV is a 1-cm bezel as well as the brand logo and LED status light on a thin extension below the centre of that bezel.

Excluding the stand, the panel measures 1447 x 827 x 85 mm with a weight of 19.9kg

Including the stand which is very stable, the TV measures 1447 x 904 x 290 mm, with a weight of 20.15kg.

The TV can also be mounted on the wall with a mounting measuring 400 x 200mm.

Picture quality-wise, Dolby Vision’s HDR technology provides good natural colours, with better tone definition, contrast management and greater detail.

The IPS panel accords a wide viewing angle (178 degrees), while the Quantum Color backlit technology of the series further enhances overall brightness and contrast, as well as greater colour volume and accuracy than similarly priced TVs.

Compared to its predecessors (Q-series), the Q65-QE definitely offers a wider colour gamut and higher dynamic range.

In fact, I find the image quality quite almost as good as my own Samsung 55” TV, which is priced roughly twice the Q65-QE Pro.

Audio wise, I find the 2 x 10W output adequate – I don’t think an external soundbar is necessary, except perhaps to boost the bass.

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Review: Xiaomi Mi 11T Android Smartphone

Monday, December 6th, 2021

Xiaomi 11T, together with the Xiaomi 11T Pro and a refreshed Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, is the latest addition to the Xiaomi 11 family of flagship smartphones. Overall, you get a mid-range smartphone with flagship-level features at a reasonable price.

The Xiaomi 11T comes in 3 colors: Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.

The Xiaomi 11T comes in 3 colors: Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.

The Xiaomi 11T & Xiaomi 11T Pro are the company’s first smartphones to do away with the Mi prefix and branding.

Both phones continue the product line’s focus on creators and content creation.

There are two configurations available for the Xiaomi 11T, both with 8GB RAM:

  • 8GB + 256GB (S$649)
  • 8GB + 128GB (S$629)

With only S$20 separating the two configurations, it’s a no-brainer to go for the version with 256GB storage.

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TUCU Review: Belkin SCREENFORCE UltraGlass Treated Screen Protector for iPhone 13 Pro Max

Sunday, December 5th, 2021

Tech-U-Can-Use (TUCU): Guest reviewer Jennifer Lee just received her new iPhone 13 Pro Max so in order to protect it, she got herself the Belkin SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector and applied it herself to the phone. Here’s her experience.

#tech4xmas: This SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector from Belkin makes an ideal Christmas present for the iPhone 13 Pro Max owner.

#tech4xmas: This SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector from Belkin makes an ideal Christmas present for the iPhone 13 Pro Max owner.

I am amazed at how easy the application was.

No fuss, just follow the very simple step by step visual guide (included) using the Easy Align Tray.

Belkin makes it easy and fuss-free to self-apply the SCREENFORCE UltraGlass screen protector DIY, as the reviewer tried out.

Unlike most screen protectors, the Belkin Ultraglass application was flawless, precise and bubble-free even at the first attempt.

The Ultraglass feels seamless on the screen, without any curves or bends and you won’t realise there is another layer of screen protector on top.

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TUCU: Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W

Saturday, December 4th, 2021

Tech-U-Can-Use (TUCU): My mom’s in-box power supply for her phone died on her, so I got her a replacement wall charger – as a replacement and upgrade.

The Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W is an intelligent charger for those new phones that doesn’t include chargers in the box, as a second charger at the office, or simply as a spare/backup charger.

The Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD 3.0 PPS Wall Charger 25W is an intelligent charger for those new phones that doesn’t include chargers in the box, as a second charger at the office, or simply as a spare/backup charger.

The main features of Belkin’s BoostCharge 25W wall charger can be gleaned from its lengthy name.

It’s a wall charger, it can charge at up to 25W max power, it uses USB-C, it is PD 3.0 certified, and it is equipped with PPS technology.

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tech4xmas Review: Rakuten Kobo Sage & Kobo Libra 2 E-Readers

Thursday, December 2nd, 2021

An e-reader makes a fantastic Christmas present for an avid reader. I’ve gotten my wife the latest Rakuten Kobo Sage for this year’s X’mas. For those who prefer a slightly smaller form-factor (and lower price-tag), the Kobo Libra 2 is also an excellent e-reader.

The Rakuten Kobo Sage (left) and Kobo Libra 2 are both waterproof to IPX8 rating so you can safely read by the pool and in the bath. In this photo, the new Dark Mode is enabled on the Kobo Sage. Notice that the text is clearly legible even under bright sunlight.

The Rakuten Kobo Sage (left) and Kobo Libra 2 are both waterproof to IPX8 rating so you can safely read by the pool and in the bath. In this photo, the new Dark Mode is enabled on the Kobo Sage. Notice that the text is clearly legible even under bright sunlight.

The Kobo Sage (S$399.90) and Kobo Libra 2 (S$289.90) are the two latest e-readers that Rakuten Kobo launched in October.

The Kobo Sage is slightly cheaper than Amazon’s flagship Kindle Oasis, while the Kobo Libra 2 is similarly priced to the latest Kindle Paperwhite.

 

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Christmas prezzies for the wife and son who are avid readers. The 8″ Kobo Sage (left, in Dark Mode) and 7″ Kobo Libra 2 (with an audiobook) in their sleepcovers which protects them and doubles up as a stand.

The 8-inch Kobo Sage is the new flagship of Kobo’s e-reader line-up, taking over the baton from the Kobo Forma (S$349.90) which is still available.

The 7-inch Kobo Libra 2 is the new version that succeeds the Libra H2O that my wife has been using, with great satisfaction, for the past year – it was her Christmas present for last X’mas.

So what are the key improvements of the two new e-readers?

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New Arrival: Huawei Watch GT 3 & Watch GT Runner Smartwatches

Wednesday, December 1st, 2021

Powered by HarmonyOS, The Huawei Watch GT 3 and Huawei Watch GT Runner will hit the shelves in Singapore on 18 December 2021, with pre-orders from 11-17 Dec. Prices start from S$298. Promotions & pricing details below.

Customers making the pre-order will also receive a free audio neckband, Huawei FreeLace worth S$98 to complement their exercise routines with the Huawei Watch GT 3.

Customers making the pre-order will also receive a free audio neckband, Huawei FreeLace worth S$98 to complement their exercise routines with the Huawei Watch GT 3.

First unveiled last month in October, the Huawei Watch GT 3 Series comes in two sizes – 46mm and 42mm – offering more accurate health and fitness monitoring as well as a new dynamic interface design.

 

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The Huawei Watch GT 3 feels light and looks classy on the wrist.

The Huawei Watch GT Runner has been specially designed for runners and is equipped with a dedicated professional running ability evaluation system for comprehensive tracking.

More details below about the Huawei Watch GT 3 smartwatches from the press release.

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New Arrival: Nanoleaf Lines Backlit Colour-Changing LED Light Bars

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021

Nanoleaf Lines comprises short, backlit, colour-changing LED light bars connected with hexagonal joints and pasted onto the wall or ceiling to provide mood lighting. Prices below.

Nanoleaf Lines provides mood lighting for the home, entertainment, and hybrid workspaces.

Nanoleaf Lines provides mood lighting for the home, entertainment, and hybrid workspaces.

The new Nanoleaf Lines comprises short, backlit, colour-changing LED light bars connected with hexagonal joints and pasted onto the wall or ceiling to provide mood lighting.

Each set of Nanoleaf Lines is controlled by a controller which connects to a phone app via Wi-Fi.

More details below from the press release.

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New Arrival: Omnidesk Launches New Standing Desk Ascent

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

The Omnidesk Ascent will be available in Singapore from 6 December at S$1,298 for the standard resin-top version and S$1,647 for the Wildwood version with wood-top.

 

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The Omnidesk Ascent is available in standard (resin-top) or Wildwood (wood-top) versions while the frames (legs) come in black or white. This is the Wildwood version.

Pre-orders for the new Omnidesk Ascent begins today (see sidebar for promotional prices).

The controller for the Ascent has been re-designed to look more pleasing and includes a 5V USB charging port, as well as control buttons to adjust the height of the table.

The controller is located to the left of the Ascent and includes 4 buttons for pre-programmed heights, as well as an OLED screen for adjusting other settings for the table.

Newly introduced for Ascent is a companion iOS/Android app – “Omnidesk Life” – which enables users to adjust the height of the table remotely (via Bluetooth), including 9 pre-programmed heights and other features such as tracking the time spent sitting or standing at the desk.

 

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The standard (resin-top) version of the Omnidesk Ascent standing table.

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Event: Huawei APAC Autumn Product Launch 2021

Thursday, October 28th, 2021

Huawei unveils the MateBook 14s, Watch GT 3 and nova 9 during its APAC Autumn Product Launch online. The MateBook 14s and Watch GT 3 will hit Singapore shelves soon but there are currently no plans to bring the nova 9 to Singapore. Prices TBA.

The Huawei MateBook 14s and Watch GT 3 will hit Singapore shelves soon but there are currently no plans to bring the nova 9 to Singapore.

The Huawei MateBook 14s and Watch GT 3 will hit Singapore shelves soon but there are currently no plans to bring the nova 9 to Singapore.

The Huawei MateBook 14s features a sleek and portable body frame, weighing approximately at 1.43kg.

It has a 2520 x 1680, 213 ppi Huawei FullView Display and a 90 Hz refresh rate with a ratio of 3:2, to create an immersive visual experience.

Powered by the 11th Generation Intel Core processors, the Huawei MateBook 14s is capable of handling intensive tasks and multi-tasking needs.

Delivering an upgraded, more powerful, and convenient user experience, the new Huawei Watch GT 3 is more dynamic and intelligent.

On top of its fashionable appearance, comprehensive upgrades, and new interface design, it also comes with accurate health and fitness monitoring with TruSeenTM 5.0+, 14-day battery life with new design, and an Intelligent Dynamic Adjustment Plan.

Huawei nova series aims to be the most popular smartphone for young people.

More details below from the press release.

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New Arrival: Yubico Introduces Security Key C NFC

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021

The YubicoSecurity Key C NFC” (US$29) is the latest keey to join the Security Key Series.

The new Security Key C NFC key from Yubico.

The new Security Key C NFC key from Yubico.

The blue Security Key C NFC offers FIDO-only support in a USB-C form factor with NFC capabilities.

It provides enhanced, modern security for applications, services, and user accounts for both desktop and mobile authentication.

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