Friday, March 29, 2024

Reviews

The Roku Channel: Everything you need to know about the free streaming service

Watch movies and TV shows, including "original" content, for free, even if you don't have a Roku device.

A 1080p Chromecast for Google TV model could be around the corner

The cheaper device tops out at 1080p and could launch in the coming weeks. Will we see it on October

Google is also launching new smart home hardware on October 6

Will we finally see the rumored cheap Chromecast?

OnePlus could reveal a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone at the end of the year

It sounds like OnePlus might not wait for 2023 to reveal a next-gen flagship phone.

Daily Authority: 🎁 Unwrap new Google hardware

All the new products Google is planning to launch at its October event and more tech news you need to

Sony’s next Xperia product is ‘made for pro gamers’

Is it a gaming controller or could it be a gaming phone?

Sony Xperia 5 IV comes with 4K camera, 120Hz display, and ‘affordable price’

Sony recently revealed its newest smartphone, Xperia 5 IV. Like its predecessors, the Xperia 5 IV incorporates design cues from Sony’s more expensive Xperia devices into a more compact, cost-effective body.The 6.1-inch display on the Xperia 5 IV will have a 21:9 aspect ratio, remaining unchanged from the previous model. Like the Xperia 5 III, the display includes a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1080p OLED panel. Sony also claims the display will be 50% brighter, have an FHD+ resolution, and have image quality optimization with a real-time HDR drive.The display is paired with new stereo speakers enclosed in a structure that eliminates housing vibration when watching movies or listening to music. Not quite as impressive as the 4K display we’ve seen before, but it’s an apparent cost-cutting measure when trying to make a more affordable smartphone.The Xperia 5 IV has a three-camera array with 16mm, 24mm, and 60mm, each with an F2.2, F1.7, and F2.4 apertures. These modules use 12MP and feature 120fps readout speeds, capable of shooting 4K / 120p HDR video.Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 will power to Xperia 5 IV and the device comes standard with 5G connectivity, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Along with Android 12, the phone will get three years of security upgrades and two Android updates.Among the additional features are a 5,000mAh battery, IP65 / 68 rating, better stereo speakers, quick charging (30W), wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging via Sony’s Battery Share function. There is a 3.5mm headphone port, too.The SIM configuration will be the same as the Xperia 1 IV, with an eSIM for the second SIM slot and a tray for a physical SIM and microSD.The Xperia 5 IV, which comes in Black, Green, and Ecru White, will go on sale for £949 in the UK. Sony also says “for approximately $1,000” in the US. Depending on your location, pre-ordering the phone will get you brand new LinkBuds S or WF-1000XM4 earbuds. The handset is scheduled to deliver on October 27th.For more information about Sony Xperia 5 IV, check the official Sony website.

Checking out SOUNDPEATS Mini Pro and Free2 Classic wireless earbuds

Need to pick up a new pair of wireless earbuds as you settle into a “new normal” this fall? Whether it’s commuting to and from work, chilling in the lounge between classes, or getting in some yard work, having music in your ears can make a big difference. You don’t need to drop a bunch of money to get your hands on something decent. In fact, there are a few brands who specialize in offering low-cost products with a decent suite of hardware. SOUNDPEATS, for instance, has built its portfolio around earbuds that run less than $100.We’ve had two different models of SOUNDPEATS earbuds (Free2 classic, Mini Pro) here in the office for a couple of weeks. Priced just $30 and $60, respectively, I feel they’re definitely worth a look.By no means are these to be considered premium earbuds or high-end models. But, they definitely punch above their weight. I’d much rather recommend these over other lesser-known brands with similar price points. SOUNDPEATS Free2 classic ($30)If you’re only after the basics and you don’t care too much about special features, the Free 2 classic are a good get for $30. You’ll have up to eight hours of playback per charge with upwards of 30 hours total when including the carrying case. The earbuds are IPX5 rated against water meaning workout sweat and splashes won’t have an impact.FeaturesStylish leather texture appearance & Comfortable fit Long battery life for 8 hours playtime per chargeThe superior sound delivered by a 6mm bio-compound diaphragm driverFlawless call & Multi-functional touch controlSOUNDPEATS Mini Pro ($60)Step things up a smidge in pretty much all areas and you end up here – and that’s a pretty nice spot, especially considering the price. The earbuds and the case are a bit higher quality as is the box that they come in. They just feel better.Enjoy cool features like support for codec like Qualcomm aptX, aptX-Adaptive, and SBC as well as Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. With a low latency of 60ms in game mode, the standard experience is a very respectable 80ms. They just sound better, too.FeaturesHybrid Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency modeBluetooth 5.2 & Aptx-AdaptiveClear Call Guaranteed by CVC 8.0 Noise Reduction Tech7 Hrs Single Playtime & USB-C ChargeLearn MoreHead to the SOUNDPEATS website to learn more about the Free2 classic and Mini Pro wireless earbuds. While there, check out some of the other models available as they’re also priced to sell and feature their own solid mixes of hardware.

Sling is the first live streaming TV service to let you video chat with friends

Your friends might not even need a subscription to watch.

9 shows like Moon Knight for fans of the Marvel series on Disney Plus

Dark stories featuring multiple personalities, memory loss, and more for fans of the Marvel series.

What are the best Netflix shows of all time? See our top 15

We look at critical darlings, award winners, blockbuster hits, and more to bring you our 15 top picks.

The final update for the Pixel 3a and 3a XL comes out today

The Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL are getting updated from SP2A.220505.006 to SP2A.220505.008.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE gets September 2022 security patch

Update: The September 2022 security patch is hitting the Galaxy S20 FE 5G.

Huawei Mate 50 series beats rivals to the punch with satellite support

Huawei's new flagships also offer a primary camera capable of switching from f/1.4 aperture all the way to f/4.

A Google speaker controlling Apple Homekit accessories? We just saw it in action

The Matter smart home protocol is almost ready and we got to see its benefits in a simple demo.

Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, 6 Gen 1 announced: Premium features trickle down

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 seems like a Snapdragon 695 Plus, if anything.