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Honor Magic V3 review
4:18 pm | September 5, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones reviews | Comments: Off

TCL announces 50 NxtPaper and 50 Pro NxtPaper smartphones
4:15 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

TCL just announced two new smartphones with its NextPaper display technology, which is aiming to reduce the strain on your eyes. The phones are called 50 NxtPaper and 50 Pro NxtPaper , and while they have more in common than the names might make you believe. For starters they share the 6.8" NxtPaper display with Full HD+ resolution and up to 120 Hz refresh rate. The NxtPaper panel is 2.5D curved on the sides, and since it does not allow for a fingerprint scanner underneath, the sensor is embedded in the power key. There is a punch hole for the selfie camera, which has an 8 MP sensor...

Lockly Visage Zeno Series deadbolt smart lock review: a big improvement made even better by Apple
4:05 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: | Comments: Off

One-minute review

How can you unlock a door? Let me count the ways. That's the ethos of the current generation of best smart locks, including the new Lockly Visage Zeno Series smart deadbolt. It will happily let you gain access with an old-fashioned key, fingerprint, pin code, your face, your smartphone, and even your smartwatch.

This is the second Lockly smart lock I’ve brought into my home and, if I'm being honest, I didn't have high hopes. My last Lockly worked well enough, but it also ate through AA batteries as if they were candy (eight at a time!), needed a dedicated and finicky Wi-Fi hub, and seemed incapable of remembering fingerprints for more than a week. It was also large, loud, and – as my wife often told me – ugly.

The Lockly Visage, though, is a welcome change of pace. Not only is it 35% smaller and more attractive-looking on both sides of the door, it finally uses a rechargeable battery pack, and it even ships with two batteries so that when one drains, you have another fully-charged one ready to go.

It's got built-in Wi-Fi (and Bluetooth), which means you no longer need to have a separate hub and, perhaps best of all, it's Apple Home Key-compatible, which means you can unlock your door with one of the best iPhones.

Unlike my last Lockly, the Visage does not include a video doorbell, but that's fine, since that only worked half the time with my old lock. Instead, there's a camera on the front that lets you use your face (once you've registered it) to unlock the door. While I got so tired of the various quirks of my previous Lockly that I didn’t bother to change out the batteries, so we were basically using it as a dumb deadbolt, the new Lockly Visage feels like its first truly smart lock.

In particular, the integration with Apple Home Key allows us to do proximity unlocking. When we pull into our driveway, the home network sees that we’re there and asks if we want to run the unlock routine before we even set foot on the front porch. I could get used to this.

Lockly Visage Zeno Series review: price and availability

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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
  • List price: $349
  • Available at Home Dept starting September 5
  • Not currently for sale on Amazon
  • US only

At $349, the Lockly Visage Zeno Series smart deadbolt ranks as one of the more expensive smart locks. The August Smart Lock Pro, which lacks features like facial recognition, and fingerprint unlocking (like the Lockly, it does support Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google) might run you a hundred less. Such is the price of versatility.

Along with the two control units (for the front and back of the door), the Lockly Visage ships with a pair of rechargeable batteries, the deadbolt, door-open sensors, and two keys.

The smart deadbolt is only available in the US for now. Lockly says: "The Zeno Series of locks will launch in the US first. The company will continue to bring new products to the global audience, including the Zeno Series, at a later date."

  • Value: 4/5

Lockly Visage Zeno Series review: specifications

Lockly Visage Zeno Series review: design and installation

Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
  • Helpful video guide
  • Drops the ball on wiring storage
  • Solid construction

Even under the best circumstances, deadbolt installation can be difficult. While much of the hardware is standardized, I’ve found that you often must make small adjustments to compensate for differences in hardware. Sometimes, this involves chipping away a bit of wood to make space for slightly different-shaped deadbolt plates, while other times you might need to carve out space for a sensor.

I was lucky, though. My previous Lockly smart deadbolt installation meant that most of the pieces of the Lockly Visage just fit. I didn’t even have to cut a new space for the magnet side of the deadbolt sensor; I just left the old one in place in my door frame and lined up the new sensor with it on the door side.

This is not to say there were no installation issues. Smartlocks use DC electricity and a bundle of wiring to make their magic and I found that while most of Lockly's installation instructions were clear, when I had to fit a cluster of cables behind the interior side lock and battery pack, they didn’t fit. It took me a bit of trial and error to realize that some of that wiring had to be shoved back inside the lock housing to properly seat the interior lock on my door.

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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Lockly also shipped me an optional smart deadbolt insert that I could've used to get rid of the external door-closed sensors. Unfortunately, the installation would have entailed dismantling a sealed part of the Lockly Visage's interior housing, and I didn‘t feel comfortable doing that (at least not yet).

Once I had everything seated properly, both sides of the lock fit snugly against my door. The exterior plate is smaller and less cluttered than my old Lockly. I like that it no longer has what I saw as an unnecessary metal cover over the keyhole. 

The interior cover now slips off easily to access a battery compartment that takes one palm-sized battery pack. As soon as I put it in and pressed the program key for four seconds, the Lockly Visage began a self-check. I noticed that the battery was only 60% charged. I plugged the other one into a USB-C charger just to make sure it would be ready for when this one died. One of the benefits of using Apple HomeKit is that I can run the Lockly without Wi-Fi access and save a significant amount of battery life. I've left it on to see how quickly the battery drains and, after almost a week of use, its down to 58%, just 2% lower than where it started.

  • Design and installation: 4.5/5

Lockly Visage Zeno Series review: control

  • Decent app with a lot of options (sometimes hidden)
  • The best use of Apple HomeKit
  • Unlock the way you want

The app setup was easy, and integration with Apple HomeKit was a matter of scanning the code on the lock and then adding it to my Home.

Apple HomeKit and the Home app controller turned out to be a highlight of the Lockly Visage experience. The Home app asked me if I wanted to automate unlocking using my iPhone and I said yes. All four of my family members are registered as part of my Apple iCloud Family account, which means that now all of them can unlock the door with their phones.

To unlock, you need to hold your phone near the lock and using FaceID to confirm your identity.

Lockly Visage Zeno Series smart lock on Apple Home

Lockly Visage Zeno Series on Apple Home (Image credit: Future)

My wife, ever the skeptic about all things smart-home, was impressed that the system just worked. And when she found that she could set up the system to unlock when she arrived home she admitted, "That might be useful." And when it actually worked she called it "amazing." That's high praise indeed from someone who expressed outright hatred for our previous Lockly smart lock.

While I was happy to continue using my phone and watch to unlock the door, I did set up fingerprint recognition, which let me register multiple fingers in succession. I like that the fingerprint scanner is now on the front of the external lock instead of the side.

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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

For FaceID unlocking, I registered my face by looking at the lock from different angles as the app on the phone guided me through the process. Such operations require Bluetooth, which means I need to keep my phone close to the lock for face unlock to work.

I am a bit disappointed that Lockly went with Bluetooth 4.2 instead of the longer-range BLE 5.0. Similarly, it's unfortunate that the Lockly Visage only supports 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi and not 5GHz Wi-Fi.

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Lockly Visage Zeno Series smart deadbolt

The smart lock with the deadbolt extended (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series smart deadbolt

The magnetic door open/closed sensor (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

To unlock with my face, I need to tap a small circle on the Lockly Visage outside unit’s screen. It worked pretty much instantly. Both Lockly and Apple's Home App will notify me when the door is locked, unlocked, or jammed. I turned off the notifications from Apple's Home app because it was becoming too much.

Another nice but not immediately obvious upgrade is that this smart deadbolt is a lot quieter than my last Lockly. I can still hear the motor locking and unlocking but, it's noticeably quieter.

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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future)
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Lockly Visage Zeno Series

(Image credit: Future)

Performance: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Lockly Visage Zeno Series ?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Lockly Visage Zeno Series review: Also consider

Lockly Visage Zeno Series not for you? Try out one of these alternatives...

How I tested the Lockly Visage Zeno Series smart deadbolt

  • I installed it in my home's front door
  • We use it every day

I installed the Lockely Visage Zeno Series smart deadbolt in my home’s front door, which is our primary point of access.

We tested and continue to use all the features of the lock, especially the HomeKit-enabled automation features.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

DJI Neo review: autonomous simplicity with a few surprises up its sleeve
4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers Drones Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off

If you’ve heard of the HoverAir X1, you’ll already have some idea of what the DJI’s latest drone, DJI Neo is capable of. But in true DJI fashion, the Neo isn’t simply capable of incredibly easy-to-operate autonomous flight to capture photos and videos, it can also be flown like a camera drone and even used as an FPV drone when paired with DJI’s FPV controllers and goggles.

It’s often said that one size rarely fits all, but the Neo does an impressive job of catering to a wide range of drone pilots from absolute beginners looking for pure simplicity to advanced FPV pilots and everyone in between. It’s an interesting and exciting concept that moves the Neo away from simply being a clone of the HoverAir X1.

DJI Neo head on sitting on stone

(Image credit: James Abbott)

It’s still an extremely simple drone, electronics and algorithms aside, with only downward visual positioning and a single-axis gimbal. Stabilization is provided in-camera unless switched off with Rocksteady or HorizonBalancing modes available. Stabilization is achieved thanks to the 1/2-inch sensor providing plenty of pixels to cover up to 45 degrees of horizontal tilt when capturing video.

Photo and video capture is pretty basic with 4K 30fps being the only UHD option, while FHD can be shot at 30, 50 and 60fps. 12MP photos can only be captured in JPEG format and can be set to 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios. This comes as little surprise given the competitive price of the Neo, but with multiple controller and flight options available, a little more functionality in the photo and video department is always welcome.

DJI Neo: release date and price

  • Released September 5 2024
  • The base kit costs just $199 / £169 / AU$299
  • Fly More Bundle costs £299 / AU$539 but not available in the US

The DJI Neo was announced and is available for sale in the DJI Store and other retailers on September 5 2024. Despite the multiple ways the Neo can be controlled, there are two main kits available with the base kit including the drone, battery and accessories costing $199 / £169 / AU$299. 

This kit allows for controller-free and app-controlled flight, while the Fly More Bundle includes the drone, a DJI RC-N3 Controller, three Smart Batteries and a Battery Charging Hub. This kit costs $289 (DJI Neo Combo in US which doesn't include the controller) / £299 / AU$539.

The Fly More Bundle allows for controller-free, app control and to fly the Neo like a camera drone using the RC-N3 Controller. The Neo can also be paired with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 and DJI Goggles 3 for manual FPV flight, or the goggles and the DJI RC Motion 3 for intuitive FPV control. 

If you don’t already own these devices, they will drive up the cost of the Neo substantially to the point where the DJI Avata 2 could be the better option if FPV is your thing.

DJI Neo on stone at an angle

(Image credit: James Abbott)

DJI Neo: design and handling

  • Micro whoop design
  • Enclosed propellers
  • Single axis gimbal

To cut a corner or two, the easiest way to describe the Neo is to say it’s a little like a mini DJI Avata 2; it has propeller guards, but with top and bottom guards to protect people during autonomous flight, and the camera sits at the front and moves and stabilizes mechanically on a single axis. Horizontal stabilization is applied electronically in-camera.

DJI Neo key specs

Camera: 12MP 1/2-inch sensor
Video resolution: Up to 4K
Frame rates: 4K 30fps / FHD up to 60fps
Video transmission range: 6.2 miles (FCC), 3.7 miles (CE/SRRC/MIC)
Flight modes: Sport, Normal, Cine (Manual with the FPV Controller 3)
Battery: 1435mAh / up to 18 minutes flight time
Charger type: USB-C / Battery Charging Hub
Weight: 4.76oz / 135g
Dimensions: 5.12x6.18x1.90in / 130×157×48.5mm

In DJI’s signature light grey that’s used for the Mini series of drones, the Neo is incredibly small and lightweight. It’s essentially slightly larger than the palm of your hand, which is ideal for palm take-off and landing, and weighs in at a mere 4.76oz / 135g. This makes it regulator-friendly in most regions since it’s below the all-important 250g threshold, but remember to check local rules if it’s your first drone.

Despite the low weight, the Neo is built to a high quality and feels robust in the hand. The top-mounted propeller guards are removable to allow the propellers to be changed when necessary, but the main propeller guards are part of the airframe. This suggests that home repairs won’t be possible if damage occurs in a crash so if you plan on using the Neo for FPV, taking out DJI Care Refresh would be a good choice.

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DJI Neo top view

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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DJI Neo bottom view

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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DJI Neo downward vision sensors

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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DJI Neo propeller guards

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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DJI RC-N3 Controller for the DJI Neo

(Image credit: James Abbott)
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DJI Neo Battery Charging Hub

(Image credit: James Abbott)

I’ve already listed all of the controller options so I won’t go into detail again, but will instead focus on the DJI Fly app and the RC-N3 Controller, which are part of the standard kits and are likely to be the most commonly used control methods. 

The Neo can be flown without an app, using just the mode button on the top to initiate autonomous flight, using the DJI Fly app as a ground station for autonomous flight or using the on-screen controls.

The Fly More bundle include the DJI RC-N3 Controller, which extends the transmission distance from 50m when using the app with the Neo’s WiFi to standard camera drone distances. 

These are, of course, governed by the aviation authority where you live. The RC-N3 Controller also makes the Neo behave like a camera drone, with standard controls and features such as Return to Home.

DJI Neo: features and performance

  • Unremarkable flight speeds
  • Intelligent flight modes
  • AI subject tracking

The Neo is pretty pedestrian in terms of flight speed at just 1.11mph in Cine mode, 13.42mph in Normal mode and 17.89mph in Sport mode when flying autonomously or using the RC-N3 Controller. It feels slow but is certainly fast enough to track most subjects, including cyclists, with that top speed.

Flight speed is doubled to 35.79mph when using the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 in Manual mode, so it does have some grunt tucked up its sleeve if you have the right controller and DJI Goggles 3. Not to mention, the skills and ability to fly in this mode alongside the cash available to purchase the controller and goggles if you don’t already own a set.

For beginners though, these speeds won’t cause any issues and the ability to fly the Neo with or without any other device, through voice control or manually like a camera drone using the DJI Fly app controls or the RC-N3 Controller is ideal. For drone-only use of the Neo, it can take off and land in the palm of your hand once the selected intelligent flight mode has completed, except for Follow mode.

DJI Neo close-up of flight mode options on the drone

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Intelligent flight modes include Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight and Custom (Omni, Helix, and Boomerang). AI subject tracking also aims to keep the subject in the centre of the frame during photo and video capture, so if you’re taking a group photo with the Neo, for example, you’d have to make sure you’re standing centre front.

The overall design of the Neo has safety in mind, and when used with the RC-N3 Controller you can enjoy GPS, an on-screen map and Return to Home. There’s no collision avoidance, but there are downward vision positioning sensors with a precision range of 0.5-10m. Plus, the Neo offers up to level 4 wind resistance, which is 18mph.

When used with the DJI RC Motion 3 Controller, as well as enjoying intuitive motion controls for FPV flight, you can also take advantage of Easy ACRO where you can Flip, Roll and 180° Drift the Neo. It’s an easy way to enjoy acro flight without advanced manual flight skills and is inherited from the Avata 2 when paired with the Motion 3. This is by far the easiest way to fly FPV flight.

DJI Neo: image and video quality

  • 1/2-inch sensor
  • Up to 4K 30fps video
  • 12MP JPEG photos

The Neo features a 12MP 1/2-inch sensor which allows for 45 degrees of horizontal tilt when using Image Stabilization with either Rocksteady or HorizonBalancing modes. The camera provides a 117.6-degree field of view, with a full-frame equivalent focal length of 13mm, so nice and wide for close-to-subject tracking.

Keeping things simple, the aperture is fixed at f/2.8 with fixed focus providing focus from 60cm to infinity. The ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 6400 in both Manual and Auto shooting modes, with the shutter speed ranging from 1/8000 to 1/10 sec for photos and 1/8000 to 1/30 sec for video.

DJI Neo close up of the camera

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo and video functionality is pretty basic, but you get everything you need at a consumer level with 4K video locked at 30fps with a bitrate of 75Mbps, so it’s reasonably compressed but not too much. 

The color profile is Standard for straight-out-of-camera footage, with no flat profile available for color grading within a professional workflow. Looking at the design of the Neo and the camera, it doesn’t look like it would support ND filters to control shutter speed, but I could be wrong.

Photos can only be captured in JPEG format, which is a shame but no big deal since DJI’s JPEG processing is respectable. Photos can be captured in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, with Single and Timed Shot available, so once again basic but adequate for a beginner drone.

There’s no microSD card slot on the Neo, but you do get 22GB of on-board storage which DJI says equates to 40 minutes of 4K 30fps video or 55 minutes of 1080p 60fps video. This can be transferred to the the DJI Fly App when connected to the Neo’s WiFi using Quick Transfer, or downloaded to your computer when the Neo is connected via the included USB-C PD cable.

How I tested the DJI Neo

  • Limited access to features due to pre-release issues
  • Flown with the DJI RC-N3 Controller
  • DJI Fly app options checked

I was flying a pre-release version of the DJI Neo and faced several issues between my phone and the pre-release version of the DJI Fly app, which meant that the camera feed wasn’t showing in the app. 

This made simple autonomous flight impossible because the drone needs to see a face before it will take off. It was, however, possible to fly the Neo with my phone connected to the DJI RC-N3 Controller.

There was still no camera feed and capturing photos and video was impossible, but with GPS available and standard flight controls, I was able to test the flight performance. Plus, with the propeller guards.

I was able to confidently fly close to and through tight gaps; it wasn’t FPV, but it was still a clear advantage of the Neo’s design that provided enjoyable flights.

First reviewed September 2024

Honor Magic V3, MagicPad 2, and MagicBook Art 14 go global
4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

As expected, Honor took the stage at IFA today to announce the global debut of its thin and light Magic V3 alongside the MagicPad2 tablet and the MagicBook Art 14 laptop. The Magic V3 is revolutionary thin and light - 9.2mm and 226 g - not much thicker than a Galaxy S24 Ultra with its 8.6mm - but more importantly, lighter - 232g. That svelteness doesn't impede everyday robustness though - the foldable IPX8 rated for water immersion. We even tried our hand at killing it and couldn't. The Honor Magic V3 has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with either 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM, and a 5,150mAh...

Honor Magic V3 review: raising the foldable bar
4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Honor Phones Phones | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Honor Magic V3: two-minute review

Honor already offered the world’s slimmest folding phone with its impressively sleek Honor Magic V2, but rather than resting on its laurels, the brand is back with an even skinnier book-style foldable: the Honor Magic V3.

It's hard to overstate just how slim this phone is – the rear section barely has enough room for its USB-C port. You could easily mistake the Magic V3 for a non-foldable device, and plenty of candy bar phones are actually thicker than Honor’s latest foldable (indeed, the Magic V3 is almost as thin as the iPhone 15 Pro Max).

Of course, dimensions are only one part of the puzzle, and with premium pricing, you want performance to match. On that front, Honor has stuffed the latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor into the Magic V3, along with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a sizable 5,150mAh battery.

The cameras look to impress, too, with large sensors, wide apertures, and high resolutions across the board. The amazing Studio Harcourt portrait effects that debuted on the Honor 200 Pro are also available on this phone. It's a serious contender for the best foldable camera phone.

Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

Of course, in 2024, there's more competition than ever in the foldable space. Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and Vivo all offer very compelling options, but the Honor Magic V3 still has one of the most stacked spec sheets around, as well as wider availability than much of its Chinese competition.

However, it's not perfect. Despite having a large battery pack, the Magic V3's longevity failed to impress. It's serviceable, but even with all the extra milliamp hours, it doesn't seem to last any longer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. On the flip side, it charges a lot quicker, which makes it easier to live with.

Then there's the software, which takes a very different approach to Android with many iOS-inspired choices. It definitely won't be for everyone, and multitasking could use some work, but there are a lot of cool features built-in, and I have grown quite fond of it.

On the whole, I've loved living with the Honor Magic V3. If you're keen on a big screen foldable, but find their typical size and weight off-putting, this is the device for you. It's a real feat of engineering that feels premium through and through.

Honor Magic V3 review: price and availability

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

The Magic V3 in its protective vegan leather case (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

The Magic V3 in its protective vegan leather case (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

The Magic V3 in its protective vegan leather case (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
  • Costs £1,699
  • Available in the UK and Europe; no release for the US or Australia

Honor Magic V3 was originally launched in China on July 12, 2024, before being released globally at IFA 2024 on September 5. It's now available to pre-order in most regions across the world, but as usual, that list excludes the United States.

In the UK, it costs £1,699 and is available in Tundra Green, Velvet Black and Red color options. There's also a Snow (white) version with a unique textured rear panel, but that one's only available in China.

Honor Magic V3 review: specs

 Here’s a look at the Honor Magic V3’s key specs:

Honor Magic V3 review: design

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
  • The slimmest foldable so far
  • Velvety-feeling matte glass back
  • IPX8 water resistant

The most striking thing about the Honor Magic V3's design is how slim it is. The phone measures just 9.2mm thick when folded, which is almost 3mm slimmer than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Samsung's slimmest foldable to date. It's also one of the lightest large-format foldables around, tipping the scales at just 226g. For reference, that's a couple of grams lighter than Honor's own non-folding flagship, the Honor Magic 6 Pro.

Combine these dimensions with some smooth curved edges, and you have a device that feels impossibly thin. It's especially apparent when unfolded, as there's barely room for the USB-C port on the phone's 4.35mm frame.

Unlike some of the competition, the Magic V3's cover display has fairly typical smartphone dimensions, and this makes it feel very natural to use folded down. It's one of the only foldables that I’ve repeatedly mistaken for one of my non-folding phones; the dimensions are so similar that it's easy to get confused at a glance.

While the phone remains slim elsewhere, there's a very sizable centrally-placed camera bump on the rear. It effectively doubles the thickness of the phone in that specific area. However, it does so for good reason, as there are some serious sensors on this device. 

The camera island is a circular number finished with black glass, and it has a smooth octagonal aluminum bezel around its perimeter. I'm a big fan of the positioning, as it gives me a nice shelf to rest more of my forefinger on when I'm holding the phone one-handed.

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

The Magic V2 (left) and Magic V3 (right) (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

The Magic V2 (left) and Magic V3 (right) (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

The Magic V2 (left) and Magic V3 (right) (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

The volume rocker and power button are placed on opposite sides of the phone when unfolded, and this means that they're staggered by a few millimeters when the phone is shut. It didn't bother me when I was using the cover display, but it takes some getting used to when it's unfolded, as most other foldables place these buttons on the same side. It's easy enough to adapt to, and if you're coming from the Honor Magic V2, you're all set, as they're in the exact same place.

The global version of the V3 comes in three color options, and I've had hands-on time with the black and green variants. Both of these versions have a similar velvety-feeling matte finish on the rear glass and dark gray metallic accents around the camera and frame. If you opt for the red model, you'll get a faux leather rear and golden accents; it's easily the flashiest of the bunch.

There's a very nice vegan leather case included in the box, and it comes in a matching hue. It's the kind of case you'd expect to pay a premium for; it feels luxurious, and it's well-designed. This case is more protective than most, too. There's a section that protects the hinge, a thick metal ring to keep the lenses safe and even an adhesive bumper to protect the front section.

The metal ring that surrounds the cameras can be folded out and doubles up as a kickstand; it's a very smart design. It's not always the most sturdy stand, depending on the angle you choose, but the subtlety makes up for it and it's certainly better than having no kickstand. I also found myself flicking it out and using it like a pop socket on occasion – I'm not sure if that's an intended use, but it works fairly well for one-handed use of the Magic V3’s main display.

  • Design score: 5 / 5

Honor Magic V3 review: display

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
  • 6.43-inch 120Hz OLED cover display
  • 7.92-inch 120Hz foldable main display
  • 5000-nit cover display, 1800-nit main display

If you're looking at foldable phones, then you obviously care about displays, and Honor aims to impress with both of the panels on the Magic V3.

On the outside, there's a 6.43-inch OLED display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an ample 1060 x 2376 resolution. It's an extremely bright display, able to output up to 5000 nits at peak, and it's protected by Honor's super tough NanoCrystal 2.0 glass tech. I've been daily driving the Honor Magic 6 Pro for a while now, which has a similar coating, and I've been impressed by the lack of scratches despite using it without a protector. Hopefully, the Magic V3 fares just as well in the long term. 

Honor reckons its glass is up to 40 times more impact-resistant than the glass on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I didn't fancy whacking it with a hammer, though, so I'll just have to take the company’s word for it. 

The glass has symmetrical, subtly curved edges on three sides, and slightly less of a curve on the hinge side. The curves are small enough to avoid creating distracting reflections, but they still make gesture controls feel super smooth; it's a great middle ground.

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

Opening the device up, you're greeted with a spacious 7.92-inch foldable display and one of the shallowest creases I've seen on a phone like this. It's still present, of course, but it's miles ahead of the groove that runs through the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6’s display, and the far less glossy screen protector serves to hide it even more. This protector is supposedly tougher, too – Honor says it's up to five times more scratch-resistant than previous versions.

The foldable display also boasts a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and has a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels. It's not as bright as the outer display, maxing out at just 1800 nits, but I never had trouble seeing it, even outside on bright sunny days.

The only thing that I don't love about the main display on the Magic V3 is the positioning of the selfie camera cutout. It matches the outer screen and is centrally placed on the right-hand side of the display. This means that when you're watching letterboxed 16:9 content, the selfie camera will often cut into the image. I still prefer it over Samsung's distracting under-display unit, but I wish it was positioned in the corner, as on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Both screens look excellent in use with vibrant, accurate colors and smooth motion. Watching HDR content on Netflix and YouTube really lets the panels show what they're made of, with dazzling highlights and tons of shadow detail.

If you're concerned about eye health, Honor has arguably done more in this department than any other brand. For starters, this phone has some of the highest PWM dimming rates of any foldable phone, with 3840Hz supported on the inside and 4320Hz on the outside. Then, there are all the usual low blue light and adaptive brightness features, plus a brand new feature called AI Defocus Display.

To be completely honest, this feature is a little beyond my understanding, but it uses AI to simulate a myopic defocus lens. The goal is to reduce eye strain when using the display for long periods. As someone who stares at screens all day anyway, I didn't notice a huge difference, but it's probably a good thing in the long term.

  • Display score: 5 / 5

Honor Magic V3 review: cameras

Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
  • 50MP main (f/1.6)
  • 50MP 3.5x telephoto (f/3.0)
  • 40MP ultra-wide with PDAF (f/2.2)

As the chunky camera bump suggests, the Honor Magic V3 has some impressive imaging hardware on the inside. There's a 50MP main snapper with a wide f/1.6 aperture and a 1/1.56-inch sensor, a 50MP 3.5x telephoto, and a 40MP ultrawide with macro capabilities.

Each screen gets its own 20MP f/2.2 punch-hole selfie camera, but since this is a foldable phone, you can easily use the rear trio for selfie snaps as well.

The Honor Magic V3 produces poppy sharp images with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. It finds focus quickly, and just like the Magic 6 Pro, it's great at freezing motion for action shots in the daytime. At night, the phone continues to impress with its sharp visuals and wide dynamic range, but motion blur and noise become more of an issue, particularly when using the ultra-wide.

The main camera produces the cleanest shots, especially in the dark, but I found myself using the 3.5x telephoto just as much, if not more. It's roughly equivalent to a 90mm lens on a full-frame camera, and it's a great focal length for portraiture and street photography.

You can digitally zoom all the way up to 100x in the camera app, but you shouldn't, as your images will look like an AI-generated mess if you do. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by the results up to around 15-20x zoom, where you can capture very usable images.

The ultra-wide isn't quite as sharp as the other lenses, but it's a useful focal length for architecture, landscapes, and group shots. I was pleased to see that it has autofocus, as well as macro shooting capabilities, which makes it all the more useful – take notes, Samsung.

The selfie cameras are decent but unremarkable. You get an identical unit on both displays and they're great for video calls and casual snaps, but if you're looking to impress, it's well worth flipping the phone around and using one of the rear lenses.

That becomes even more true when you activate the new Studio Harcourt portrait mode, which only works on the rear lenses. This is a feature that was introduced with the Honor 200 Pro recently, and the results are just as impressive here. The big difference is that it's easy to use these effects for selfies, thanks to the folding form factor.

Honor has also added a new AI eraser to the suite of editing tools, so you can easily remove unwanted items or people from your photos. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it works well. 

When it comes to video, you can shoot at up to 4K 60fps on every rear camera, and up to 4K 30fps on the selfie cameras. The stabilization is solid and the microphones sound decent but the videos are a little more contrasty than I'd like as standard. Thankfully, this is easily remedied by applying one of the built-in filters, and if you switch to Pro Video mode, you can even add your own LUT.

  • Camera score: 4 / 5

Honor Magic V3 camera samples

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 camera sample

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Honor Magic V3 review: performance and software

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

Zenless Zone Zero on the Magic V3 (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

Zenless Zone Zero on the Magic V3 (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
  • 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
  • Magic OS 8.0, based on Android 14

The Honor Magic V3 is powered by Qualcomm’s top-performing chip in 2024, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it's paired with a generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Unsurprisingly, this results in zippy performance in all situations and it games like a champ, too. I put a few hours into my current favorite timesink, the graphically challenging Zenless Zone Zero, and it happily ran at max settings with very few frame drops.

After a while, the phone does get pretty hot to the touch, but that’s to be expected with such a powerful chip in a slim chassis. On the plus side, it never became concerningly warm, and performance didn't seem to take too much of a hit, either.

The Magic V3 runs the same software as Honor’s other recent devices, MagicOS 8.0. It's a heavily modified version of Android 14 that takes a lot of inspiration from iOS, and it's guaranteed to divide opinion.

I’ve spent a lot of time using Honor phones lately, and though it took a while to adapt, I have grown quite fond of MagicOS. I particularly like Honor's Dynamic Island clone, Magic Capsule, as it gives you quick access to timers and playback controls no matter what you have running in the foreground.

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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

Magic Portal on the Magic V3 (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
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Review image of the Honor Magic V3

Magic Capsule on the Magic V3 (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

Another standout feature is Magic Portal, which lets you drag images and text from one app to another, as a contextually aware menu pops up at the side of the display. I mainly use it to quickly reverse image search with Google and drag addresses into Google Maps, but it can do a lot more than that, as there are now over 150 apps that support Magic Portal.

Honor is continually adding more AI-powered features to Magic OS, too. It can now reduce background noise on your voice calls in both directions, live translate text and audio using Google's Cloud AI, and soon, it'll be able to detect deepfakes in video calls to protect you from scammers.

Since this is a large-screen foldable, multitasking is quite important, and I feel like Honor could have done more with the Magic V3. You get a quick-access taskbar, and you can split the display or use floating windows, but there's not a whole lot added compared to default Android options. 

Comparatively, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a much more intuitive layout, while the OnePlus Open stands out with its awesome Open Canvas mode. The Magic V3 is perfectly capable of multitasking, but it could be so much better. 

  • Performance & software score: 4 / 5

Honor Magic V3 review: battery

Review image of the Honor Magic V3

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)
  • 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery
  • 66W wired charging
  • 50W wireless charging

The Honor Magic V3 uses silicon-carbon tech to cram a sizable 5,150 mAh battery into its tiny chassis, and it also uses AI-based battery enhancements to increase efficiency. These two factors gave me high hopes about this device's stamina, but the reality was slightly more underwhelming.

The phone never failed to make it to the end of the day, but it would often cut it fine. Generally speaking, I found the battery performance to be quite similar to that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its comparatively small 4,400 mAh pack. In fairness, the majority of my testing was done on pre-release firmware; there's every chance battery life could improve as updates roll out.

Where this phone does have the edge, though, is with its charging speed. The Magic V3 charges at up to 66W with a wire or 50W using Honor's Wireless SuperCharger. Yep, that's double the Galaxy Z Fold 6's wired charging speed without needing to plug in – impressive stuff. 

I found I was able to go from flat to fully charged in under an hour, which makes keeping this device topped up very convenient. What's more, the 66W wall adapter comes included in the box, so you can enjoy the top speeds from day one. Nice work, Honor.

  • Battery score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Honor Magic V3?

Buy it if...

You want the slimmest, lightest book-style foldable
Simply put, if you're looking for a skinny book-style foldable, they don't come slimmer than this. Plus, there's the fact that the Magic V3 is lighter than some of its non-folding competition. It's a big-screen delight without the usual drawbacks.

You don't want to compromise on cameras
Surprisingly, despite having such a slim frame, there's no compromise in the imaging department. An array of speedy cameras with relatively large sensors keeps you well-equipped for all kinds of photography.

You hate the crease
Of course, creases are inevitable with folding displays, but the Magic V3 has one of the shallowest and least noticeable creases of the current crop. It's easy to forget about, which is exactly what you want.

Don't buy it if...

You need ultra-long battery life
The Magic V3 may boast a relatively large capacity battery, but in practice, it's less impressive. It should still get you through the day, but it doesn't have the stamina of some rivals.

You want a vanilla Android experience
Magic OS 8.0 is a heavily modified Android skin that starts to resemble iOS more than stock Android. It's not a bad system, but it's certainly not for everyone.

Honor Magic V3 review: Also consider

The Honor Magic V3 is a powerful large-format foldable with speedy performance and impressive displays, but there's plenty to be said for its competition, too.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
If Honor's Magic OS 8.0 software sounds a bit too Apple-influenced for your tastes, then consider the antithesis, Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which has the most Android-y Android software available. It also boasts a bigger main display and a fetching flat-sided design.

Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung's latest foldable goes all in on AI features, and while Honor has some tricks of its own, it can't come close to matching Samsung's comprehensive suite of tools. You'll have to be OK with a smaller cover screen and a pretty significant screen crease, though. 

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review

How I tested the Honor Magic V3

  • Review test period: Two weeks
  • Testing included: everyday use including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
  • Tools used: Geekbench 6, 3DMark, GFXBench, native Android stats, included charger and Honor Wireless SuperCharge stand

I used the Honor Magic V3 as my main handset for around two weeks before reaching any conclusions. I used it exactly as I would use any other phone, taking lots of pictures, gaming, messaging, working, streaming video and navigating with Google Maps. It even accompanied me on an international flight.

I also compared my experience of playing graphically demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile to my experience with other Android foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. To confirm my findings, I ran a suite of benchmarks on the handset including 3DMark, GFXbench and Geekbench to compare stats across models.

Battery performance was assessed based on my real-world usage and charging times were measured using the included wall adapter and cable. I also tested the wireless charging using Honor’s Wireless 100W SuperCharge stand.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

HMD Fusion announced with modular design
3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

HMD Fusion is the newest member in the series of post-Nokia devices from the brand and it aims to tackle the modular smartphone design with what it calls Fusion outfits. These are interchangeable covers that can add all kinds of useful features from wireless charging to more rugged protection or a ring light for live streaming. They attach via Smart Pins located on the back of the device and HMD will let you 3D print your own designs via the open-source HMD Fusion Development Toolkit. HMD will begin sales of its first-party Fusion outfits later in Q4 including a gamepad. HMD...

Astro Bot review: an engrossing and joyful platformer that’s one of 2024’s best games
3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off
Review info

Platform reviewed: PlayStation 5
Available on: PlayStation 5
Release date: September 6, 2024 

Sony surprised players with the genre-defining Astro Bot Rescue Mission back in 2018. Japan Studio’s PSVR captured our hearts with fun platforming and brilliant use of the DualShock 4 controller. While 2020’s Astro’s Playroom was a glorified tech demo for the PlayStation 5, it still had the charm and soul of its predecessor and left me wanting more.

And more has finally come. With Astro Bot, Asobi Studio has created one of the best modern platformers in history, and definitely one of the best PS5 games going. Now with no virtual headset required! Platform mascot giants like Mario and Sonic really need to watch out for Astro, as he can stand toe to toe with them. Astro Bot is also a celebration of PlayStation’s history, and the game brings plenty of nostalgic memories to the fore. The game makes me feel excited about Astro’s future but also makes me appreciate the past.

Astro Bot starts off with our adorable and lovely mascot Astro as he flies in a PS5-inspired spaceship but gets caught by a giant green alien that rips it apart. Crash landing on a desert planet, Astro now has to scour different galaxies to find all the missing parts and put the spaceship back together again. While Astro Bot isn’t a story-heavy game, the setup is simple enough for a family-friendly adventure that lets the most important aspect do the talking: the action and gameplay. 

A screenshot of Astro in a dungeon-type setting in the game Astro Bot

(Image credit: Team Asobi/SIE)

A journey across the universe

Astro’s unique abilities are built to complement the game’s colorful and astounding level design. From a chicken jetpack to clapping monkey cymbals, there’s always a sense of awe and wonder about how you’re going to progress through the levels or find a collectible with them. For example, there’s a level completely dedicated to a mouse ability that makes Astro small, and Asobi designed some really clever ways to hide collectibles. 

There are a few instances where you have to crawl under something while in Astro’s small form, then switch to being normal-sized again to uncover the secret underneath. Another ability has Astro curl up into an indestructible ball like Samus and cross dangerous areas that he normally couldn’t like an entire path filled with spikes. Astro Bot constantly rewards you for thinking outside the box and keeps you engaged throughout each level.

Best bit

A screenshot of Astro on a tightrope in the game Astro Bot

(Image credit: Team Asobi/SIE)

Astro Bot’s ingenious level design makes every planet feel distinct and memorable. The sheer creativity in designing Astro’s abilities around each of the levels continually keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.

The main collectibles in Astro Bot consist of Astro finding other bots scattered throughout the universe’s levels. Some are plain, but many others are cameos from PlayStation’s first-party franchises and also quite a few third-party ones. There’s nothing more exciting than finding a cameo bot and discovering which franchise it's from. Astro can also find map pieces that help unlock new features, such as camera mode and a gacha machine. Don’t worry though, no real-world currency is involved. Instead, in-game coins are commonly spread around levels and can be spent on the gacha machine to purchase new cosmetics like costumes for Astro and skins for his ship.

One type of collectible I found annoying was the portals to Lost Galaxy levels, which act as a type of bonus level. In a few of the normal levels, you can find a portal that leads to a brand-new level in a separate galaxy. When this happens, the game treats the current level as complete, meaning you have to start it over even if you didn’t get to the intended normal end. It detracts from the game’s pacing a bit, especially if you’re trying to find as many collectibles as you can the first time around on a new level.

A screenshot of Astro on a DualSense-shaped rocket ship in the game Astro Bot

(Image credit: Team Asobi/SIE)

A little help

Astro Bot also takes advantage of the DualSense Wireless Controller to a huge degree. The haptic feedback feels lifelike as Astro jumps onto platforms with a thud. It doubles as an indicator of whether you’ve landed correctly, which is helpful for a platformer because you need to be as precise as possible. Elsewhere, every time Astro punches an enemy or shoots laser beams from his tiny legs, there’s a particular vibration that matches the action that runs through the DualSense, making the experience feel more immersive.

The adaptive triggers are put to good use too. For example, when Astro descends into a level riding his PS5 DualSense-shaped ship, you can hold down on the L2 and R2 triggers to fire off thrusters to move faster. Some of the collectibles can actually only be found this way, making it a compelling reason to start the level even earlier. A few of Astro’s new abilities, such as the frog-shaped boxing gloves, get a feeling of springy tension with the adaptive triggers when he’s punching enemies from a distance, too.

Fortunately, after completing a level at least once, on subsequent attempts you can spend a few coins that you’ve accumulated to summon a bird that puts out a signal when an undiscovered collectible is nearby. It’s a convenient way to mop up any remaining collectibles you missed the first time around and makes finding collectibles much less of a headache.

Astro Bot’s main campaign can be completed in between 10-15 hours. Completionists, however, might be looking at 20 or a little bit more hours to conquer everything the game has to offer, including finding all its collectibles. The game isn’t difficult by any means, but there are a few surprises at the end that might make you want to pull your hair out. So in rare instances, player skill is involved.

The relatively short run time for Astro Bot might leave some wanting more, especially since it’s a full-priced game, but those hours are filled with some of the best modern platforming gameplay ever. You won’t regret a single hour or penny. 

A screenshot of Astro on a beach setting in the game Astro Bot

(Image credit: Team Asobi/SIE)

Accessibility

Astro Bot has a good amount of accessibility options, such as the ability to change all the gyro controls to stick, in order to accommodate those who can’t perform motions. There are also plenty of visual aids like aiming reticles that can help players perform specific actions easier. Camera options allow you to do things such as recenter the camera.

Should you play Astro Bot?

Play it if...

You love platforming games and nostalgia
Astro Bot’s level design is unparalleled and surpasses its predecessors. It also expertly blends PlayStation’s legacy into a fun and family-friendly game. You won't find another game like this. 

You enjoy games that embrace the DualSense's features
While some games implement the bare minimum with DualSense features, Astro Bot was made with them in mind. Asobi Studio went all out in trying to make the game as immersive as possible right down to the smallest details, and the results are a huge success.

You’re looking for a short and sweet adventure
Astro Bot bucks the trend of many developers and publishers wanting their games to last forever. Astro Bot only stays around for a few hours, but it’s an unforgettable experience. 

Don't play it if...

You don’t want to feel joy
This might sound like a joke but I’m not really kidding: Astro Bot brings unbridled joy to anyone who plays it, so if you're after more serious affairs, you'll have to move on.

How I reviewed Astro Bot

I played about 22 hours of Astro Bot on PlayStation 5 with a DualSense Wireless Controller, and I’m currently on my way to earning the Platinum trophy. I played it through my PlayStation Portal as well when I was cleaning up the rest of the collectibles after beating the main campaign.

I played the game on an Insignia 50" Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD TV, using the Razer Leviathan V2 X Bluetooth gaming speaker. I also recently revisited Astro’s Playroom to check out the new content updates Sony added in, mainly finding the new collectible bots. Astro Bot takes all of Rescue Mission and Playroom’s ideas up a notch. 

First reviewed August/September 2024

Samsung rolls out One UI 6.1.1 update for Galaxy S24 series, Flip5 and Fold5
1:43 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung's custom Android skin, One UI 6.1.1, which was introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 in July, is now available for the Galaxy S24 series. Samsung has released the Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1 for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra in South Korea, but the rollout should expand to other regions soon. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra The update is rolling out in South Korea with firmware version S92xNKSU3AXH7 and requires a download of 2.8GB. At the ongoing IFA exhibition, Samsung announced that One UI 6.1.1 will bring features such as Live Translate...

Backbone One 2nd Gen review: one of the best mobile controllers gets better
12:07 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

As the name would suggest, the Backbone One 2nd Gen is the second version of the Backbone One mobile controller. It’s available in two distinct flavors, a plain Black and the white PlayStation Edition. Which of these you choose will ultimately boil down to your personal aesthetic preferences, though I think the PlayStation Edition edges ahead thanks to the smooth DualSense Wireless Controller style clear plastic used for its buttons, which feels slightly more premium than the rougher plastic of the Black and is reminiscent of some of the best PC controllers.

Both the Black and PlayStation Editions can be purchased with either a USB-C, which will work with most Android phones and the iPhone 15 series, or a Lightning connector for older iPhone models. While it may be tempting to pick up the Lightning model if it's the connector found on your phone, I would suggest that you hold off on your purchase until you have upgraded to a more recent iPhone if you already have any plans to do so. As USB-C is now the dominant standard across iOS and Android, you run the risk of splashing out on a Lightning controller that you can't use with your next device.

The Backbone One 2nd Gen offers all of the same features as the original Backbone One, which is to say that it’s a capable mobile controller. There have been some choice upgrades this time around, though, including improvements to its d-pad and buttons. The buttons are just as tactile as the original, but feel a little firmer and less fragile to the touch. Although it looks largely unchanged, the d-pad is also a vast improvement. It’s much less stiff and is absolutely butter-smooth in its motion. It allows for much faster, more accurate inputs that are absolutely perfect for fast-paced mobile games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile or Dead Cells.

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The left hand grip of the Backbone One 2nd Gen PlayStation Edition on a bright blue desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)
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The right hand grip of the Backbone One 2nd Gen on a bright blue desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

There have also been improvements to how the controller fits around your phone. The Backbone One 2nd Gen can extend a little further, letting it comfortably clasp my iPhone 15 Plus. The fiddly rubber adapters that were included with the original Backbone One have been replaced with slick magnetic ones that are remarkably quick to change once you get the hang of it. The included large adapters even allow the controller to be used with most phone cases - completely eliminating one of my biggest complaints with the original model.

The only problem with the Backbone One 2nd Gen is less the fault of the controller and more reflects changes in the mobile controller market. There wasn’t much competition when the Backbone One first launched in 2020. Now, however, there are loads of compelling alternatives to choose from, some of which offer comparable features at a fraction of the price. Even within its price range, it’s still facing stiff competition from similarly designed Bluetooth alternatives such as the Scuf Nomad. While the Backbone One 2nd Gen still comes out ahead thanks to its quality build, a small price cut would have made this revision much more competitive

The Backbone One 2nd Gen and Backbone One 2nd Gen PlayStation Edition on a bright blue desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Price and availability

  •  $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99 
  • Black and PlayStation Edition available 
  • Discount for original owners 

Every model of the Backbone One 2nd Gen costs $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99 and is easy to find at retailers like Amazon. This includes the licensed PlayStation Edition, not to mention the Lightning and USB-C variants of each. Existing Backbone One owners with an active Backbone+ subscription, which costs $3.99 / £3.99 a month, can claim a 30% discount from the official store when they upgrade to the 2nd Gen model without needing to trade in their controller.

Even without that offer, the controller is frequently available on sale. You can often find it for $69.99 / £69.99, which is an absolutely killer price for what you’re getting. Given the rise of cheaper alternatives like the GameSir X2s Type-C, which costs only $45.99 / £49 / AU$69, it’s a shame that this discounted rate is not the standard rate.

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Specs

The right hand grip of the Backbone One 2nd Gen PlayStation Edition on a bright blue desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Design and features

  • Same great design as the Backbone One
  • Improved d-pad and buttons 
  • Now fits a phone case 

On the surface, very little has changed between the Backbone One and the Backbone One 2nd Gen. The Backbone One 2nd Gen maintains the same overall design, with two halves of a regular controller separated by an extending mechanism where your phone rests. The biggest changes here are in the buttons which are extremely tactile and have a pleasant, audible click. The same was true of the original model, but they are now a little firmer and more consistent.

The d-pad has also received an overhaul and is vastly improved. It’s less stiff and has quite a bouncy feel to it. The closest point of comparison is the d-pad of the Nintendo 2DS, minus all of the sponginess. The little adapters, located on either side of the extending back, have been upgraded too. They are now attached magnetically, rather than weakly slotting in, and are therefore much easier to swap out. A pair of large adapters is included in the box, which fit perfectly around my iPhone 15 Plus in its official silicone case. You can even use the controller without any adapters fitted at all, which could come in handy for those with a particularly thick phone.

Like the original Backbone One, the Backbone One 2nd Gen features charging passthrough via a USB-C port on its right-hand grip. The left-hand grip has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is perfect if you have a wired pair of any of the best gaming earbuds

The Backbone One 2nd Gen is also compatible with the Backbone app. It allows you to tweak your controller settings and can be accessed at any time by hitting the orange Backbone button on the controller. It’s a decent hub, but the optional Backbone+ subscription leaves a sour taste. It costs $3.99 / £3.99 a month and unlocks some additional features such as video capture, in-app voice chat, and some in-game perks. 

Thankfully, no integral features are paywalled but that just leaves this subscription feeling like a bit of a waste of money overall. Luckily, a free trial is available so you can at least see if it is for you before committing to a payment plan.

The Backbone One 2nd Gen PlayStation Edition with a phone fitted on a bright blue desk mat.

(Image credit: Future)

Backbone One 2nd Gen: Performance

  • New d-pad and buttons are great
  • Great for mobile games and game streaming 
  • Compatible with lots of games and apps

If you’ve ever used the original Backbone One, then you’ll know pretty much exactly what to expect from the performance of the Backbone One 2nd Gen. The only real differences come from the improved buttons and d-pad, which do make games that require extensive use of the d-pad or rapid button inputs more satisfying and responsive. The controller is compatible with a wide range of games and apps, including some game streaming services such as Amazon Luna and GeForce Now, and offers a much more console-quality experience than relying on on-screen touch controls - though it’s still a little behind the incredible comfort offered by more premium alternatives like the Razer Kishi Ultra.

I tried a wide variety of games including Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Minecraft, Diablo Immortal, and much more, and was very satisfied with the performance. While perfectly compact, the Backbone One 2nd Gen sits comfortably in the hands and never feels too cramped even over periods of extended use.

Being able to use the controller with a phone case attached is also a bit of a game changer. One of the biggest issues with the original Backbone One was the fact that you needed to constantly take off your phone case in order to use it - leaving your precious device unprotected and giving you one more thing to keep track of on the move. I would say that this difference alone makes the Backbone One 2nd Gen a worthwhile upgrade if you are a phone case user, especially if you have access to the 30% discount or find it on sale. If you don’t own a Backbone One but are currently shopping for one, then this is definitely the model to go for.

A close up shot of the left hand grip of the Backbone One 2nd Gen.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Backbone One 2nd Gen?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If you’re not interested in what the Backbone One 2nd Gen brings to the table, then seriously consider these two other excellent mobile controllers. 

A close up shot of the bright orange Backbone button.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Backbone One 2nd Gen

  • Tested over a week
  • Compared to other mobile controllers 
  • Tested against the original Backbone One model 

I tested the Backbone One 2nd Gen mobile controller over the course of a week. During that time I played with both the regular Black version and the PlayStation Edition using my iPhone 15 Plus. I tried a wide variety of compatible mobile games, sourcing suggestions from the Backbone App. This included plenty of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and Zenless Zone Zero, in addition to a few hours in Dead Cells, Diablo Immortal, Minecraft, and some streamed games via Amazon Luna.

Throughout my time with the controller, I compared its performance to other mobile controllers such as the Razer Kishi Ultra, Scuf Nomad, GameSir X2s Type-C, Rog Tessen, and, of course, the original Backbone One. For my audio, I relied on the wired Final VR500 earbuds and a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

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