Organizer
Gadget news
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro review
2:31 am | March 10, 2025

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

Xiaomi is a long-time player in the wireless earbuds market, and the Buds 5 Pro are its latest flagship offering. As such, they bring a jam-packed set of features, including triple drivers, adaptive noise cancellation, aptX Lossless streaming, dual device pairing and head tracking, just to name a few. We’ve already reviewed the semi in-ear Xiaomi Buds 5, which impressed us with its sound and rich feature set, and we are now turning our attention to their Pro counterpart. The visual resemblance between the two Buds 5 models is striking. The obvious difference is that the Pro go for...

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro review
2:31 am |

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

Xiaomi is a long-time player in the wireless earbuds market, and the Buds 5 Pro are its latest flagship offering. As such, they bring a jam-packed set of features, including triple drivers, adaptive noise cancellation, aptX Lossless streaming, dual device pairing and head tracking, just to name a few. We’ve already reviewed the semi in-ear Xiaomi Buds 5, which impressed us with its sound and rich feature set, and we are now turning our attention to their Pro counterpart. The visual resemblance between the two Buds 5 models is striking. The obvious difference is that the Pro go for...

I’ve reviewed dozens of dash cams, and 70mai’s new rotating 4K dash cam is unlike any other
2:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: one-minute review

I remember reading the review of the original 70mai 360 Omni Dash Cam just over a year or so ago and thinking it was something of a curio. After all, it’s easy to ponder over the appeal of a camera that can rotate 360 degrees while attached to the windshield of a car. As it turns out though, the 70mai 360 Omni is ideally suited to anyone who wants to record a variety of angles using just one in-car camera. It is also perfect for anyone who vlogs from behind the wheel.

The new and improved version of the original is called the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam and the not-so-secret is in the title; a new Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 sensor which delivers crisp and clear 4K video footage up to 60fps. Performance is therefore beefier than the earlier incarnation, but there are other highlights too, including AI Motion Detection 2.0, 70mai’s after dark tool called Lumi Vision, voice control and dual-channel HDR capability.

If you’ve never seen it before, the Omni is a quirky looking creation. The design hangs down from your windshield in a similar way to the smaller and less capable Nextbase Piqo. In fact, it’s a slightly odd thing to look at, far removed from the more conventional design lines of, say, the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam or indeed any of the other best dash cams out there for that matter. However, the design is perfect for the task in hand as it includes a revolving lower section that contains the lens assembly, which rotates as and when it’s needed.

Another addition this time around is the option for two-channel shooting, thanks to this particular bundle containing a secondary rear-facing camera, which captures video in 1080p. It’s more conventional to look at than the front-facing Omni and connects to the main unit via a lengthy piece of cable. Both cameras can be controlled using 70mai’s app, which has been reinvented in order to exploit the newer features and functions offered by the upgraded Omni unit. Voice activation is another bonus control option.

As you’d expect from an upgraded product, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is more potent. In fact, 70mai’s own figures suggest a 68 percent improvement in sensor size compared to the original Starvis, a 90 percent improvement in light sensitivity and a 100 percent improvement in low light performance. In addition, there’s a larger rear screen, improved field of view, beefier Wi-Fi plus a supercapacitor/ button cell battery setup for increased efficiency. On paper, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam sounds like a drastic improvement over the older product.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: price and availability

The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam will cost from $279.99 / £268 for the single model and $406 / £389 for the 4K Omni with the rear camera, 256GB microSD card and a hardwire kit. There will also be various bundle offers from 70mai offering variations on the theme, details of which can be found on their website or by searching for the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam on Amazon.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: specs

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: Design

On first impressions, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam looks remarkably similar to its lower specification predecessor. The bulbous body design has been retained and this both looks and feels like a quality component. However, as noted in the previous review, the body does need to be handled with care as the lower part contains the 360-degree rotating lens section, which if forcibly handled feels like it could affect performance. Aside from that, the overall design of the body feels rugged enough and is manufactured from quality plastic.

As before, the buttons on the side are brightly colored in red while on the other side of the unit, there now sits a microSD card slot. This also has a rubberized type of cover on it to keep dust, dirt and moisture out, even when the card is in situ. Meanwhile, there’s an angled joint that divides the sticky part of the windshield attachment with the rest of the body, so it’s quick and easy to get the camera positioned correctly, no matter what the angle of the screen is.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Around at the back of the main camera body is the 1.4-inch IPS screen, which is a step up from the 1.2-inches of the previous model. Again, the screen covering looks and feels rugged enough while the resolution of the various graphics is crisp and clear. Most of the management of the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is best done via the supplementary app, although there is also the added bonus of voice control, which is useful when you’re behind the wheel.

The same level of quality extends to the rear camera unit as well. This is a fairly standard barrel-type of design, with a rotating lens protruding at one end along with a short cable that needs to be press fitted to a longer one. This then feeds into the main camera unit via a small jack plug next to the power cable. Expect to spend some time pushing the associated cables behind trim panels, but there’s a small plastic tool included to help you do just that.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: Performance

As always with setting up a dashcam for the first time, some of this is best done before you get the camera into position. Equally, however, it does need to be on the windshield so the angle can be previewed, via the app ideally, and then adjusted for an optimal view of the road. The same goes for the rear-facing camera, which in some ways I found even trickier to position due to the angle of the rear glass and an obtrusive parcel shelf. Expect to take some time for this setup process.

I haven’t tried the original incarnation of the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam, but the performance delivered by the new model seems like a step up, especially based on the specifications. The Sony Starvis sensor is beefier than before and there’s the 4K capability. After popping a microSD card in and running through the setup process, the camera was quick to get started. Registering an account was the most time-consuming part of the process because you get sent a code to your email, which then needs to be dialled in before a time limit runs out.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Nevertheless, once everything is up and running I found the cameras to be everything I expected from them. Front-facing 4K footage is just that, and of a very decent quality. Adjustments can be made to video settings if storage is an issue too, although 70mai does have a cloud option within the package if the microSD card isn’t going to be substantial enough, even though recordings are done in the usual loop fashion. The rear-facing footage is very acceptable too, with a good level of clarity that allows license plates to be read and recorded as and when needed.

I do like the way the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam can be controlled using voice commands, which works particularly well for the vlogging environment. Anyone who needs to tell a tale while they’re at the wheel and doesn’t want to be distracted by fiddling with controls will find this feature a real boon. On command, the lens simply rotates around the cabin and focuses on the driver, and it works to good effect, although there is a slight fish-eye effect as it pans around.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

The 70mai app is okay and comes with all of the features and functions I needed. However, alongside the rest of the kit setup, it did feel a little less impressive than alternatives from the likes of Nextbase, and is perhaps the weakest link in the chain. Everything works as expected, but I think it could do with a little tightening up on the functionality front. It’s not always quite as intuitive as I’d like either and I quite often found myself fiddling inside menus when I shouldn't really have had to. It’s not a deal breaker, just mildly irritating in places.

Should you buy the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam?

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You need more coverage than most
The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam can be bought as a dual camera bundle, with the added attraction of a 360-degree lens for vlogging.

Easy installation and setup is a must
There’s quite a lot of wiring to hide but apart from that this model is very straightforward to get up and running.

You want better quality footage
The old model didn’t shoot 4K, whereas this one does and there’s the benefit of the high-quality rear-facing camera too.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not in need of added features
Some of the features and functions might not be needed by some motorists so it’s worth checking the specification before buying.

You don’t tend to vlog
Being able to record videos of yourself in-car is a neat trick, but it’s not an essential requirement for many vehicle owners.

You prefer plug and go simplicity
While this model is easy to use, there are lots of features, some of which require the optional hardwire kit in order to function.

How I tested the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam

  • I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
  • I used it for several journeys during both day and night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

70mai loaned me the Omni and supplied everything I needed to test it. This included a microSD memory card and a hard wire kit, which is an optional extra. I installed the camera in a test vehicle, which I was also reviewing at the time, which allowed me to try out all the features and functions. Testing also meant plumbing in all of the wiring around the car, which meant I was able to check that cable lengths were adequate even in large size vehicle.

I used the 70mai Omni over an initial period of two weeks, although I have since continued to use it in test vehicles being used for review purposes. However, due to the temporary nature of test loans I have been unable to permanently fix the dash cam into a vehicle using the hard wire kit. Nevertheless, the test period did allow me to explore all of the core features and functions of the 70mai Omni 4K, aside from the additional parking options that come as a result of the hard wire installation. The dash cam was also used in a variety of winter conditions, which included plenty of low light and after dark scenarios, along with lots of variation in temperature.

  • First reviewed March 2025
Top 10 trending phones of week 10
11:21 pm | March 9, 2025

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

After missing a week as were roaming the MWC grounds in Barcelona, the tredning chart is back. Following the industry's largest and busiest event a lot has changed with the most popular phones in our database. Newly announced Samsung Galaxy takes off where its predecessor left off and immediately goes top, followed by Xiaomi's new beast of a cameraphone - 15 Ultra. [#InlinePriceWidget, 13603, 1#] The Galaxy A36 took third, while Nothing Phone (3a) Pro ranks fourth. Xiaomi 15 is the first phone in this week's chart that didn't see its official announcement over the past two...

MWC 2025 wrap-up
7:23 pm |

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

This never gets old – MWC week brings a high concentration of new launches, big strategy announcements and all sorts of cutting-edge concepts that may show the path to the future or may never be seen again. We were in Barcelona as always and got to experience the launches – and the new devices – firsthand. Here we will summarize all that happened this week, organized by brand. By the way, the results for the MWC 2025 Awards were announced a few days ago. Google took home Best Smartphone (Pixel 9 Pro) and Breakthrough Device Innovation (for its Gemini AI). Xiaomi scored the Best in...

I spent more than two weeks testing the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro and found it to be exceptionally comfortable and stylish, though not revolutionary
6:00 pm |

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

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: One-minute review

Effectively an updated re-release of the initial AndaSeat Kaiser 3, despite the glamorous naming glow-up, the Pro line practically changes nothing compared to its predecessor. The only significant difference now comes in the form of the inclusion of AndaSeat's 5D armrests. These are the same controversial rests found in the Kaiser 4 line and the X-Air Pro as well. In fact, it seems the AndaSeat's pivoting that ‘Pro’ branding to be exactly that, an indication that the chair in question comes with those 5D beasties.

That said, it's not by any means a bad chair. The Kaiser 3 proved to be an exceptionally comfortable gaming throne, and the 3 Pro is no different (likely because it's identical). There's some fantastic comfort from the cold-foam padding, the leather is suitably soft (although it does lack some breathability), and the ergonomic support, including the magnetic headrest, is solid and dependable without being all-encompassing. If you're not a fan of the Kaiser 4's weird and wonderful pop-out backrest but want something a little more traditional than the X-Air series but are still curious about those wide-angled armrests, then the 3 Pro offers a good compromise between the lot of them, satisfying a hole within AndaSeat's own product lines.

Still, I've got some serious questions about just how many of these AndaSeat are shifting with the 5D option. The armrests just don't feel like quite the unique selling point that I imagine the company's hoping they'd become. Being able to flip up half the rest vertically, even at a variety of different angles, feels like a solution to a problem that we don't have. It's still one of the more comfortable gaming chairs out there today, mind you, and for the larger individual, the XL series is pretty top-tier in that regard; the bolsters aren't going to trap you in place like in some other offerings.

It's not all armrests and daisies, however. The build experience was a challenge. I had a few broken parts on my unit once it had finally shipped (although it did come to me directly from China to the UK), and a few bolt threads were seriously difficult to get secured, but that's not a huge deal, and once you've got it built, you're pretty much set. It's still far easier to piece together than the likes of the X-Air Pro.

Is it a contender for our best gaming chairs list? Perhaps, perhaps not. Yet, if you're interested in those funky armrests and don't want the pop-out lumbar that seems all the rage these days, it could still be a solid pick for your posterior to call home.

The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro viewed from the front. The headrest and armrests are visible.

(Image credit: Future)

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Price and Availability

  • List price: $550 / around £436 / around AU$866
  • Available on Amazon US
  • Leatherette and cloth versions

While the Kaiser 3 Pro is available in the US, unfortunately, the old Achilles heel of Andaseat strikes again in one region: availability in the UK. At the time of writing, you can only find the Andaseat Kaiser 3 Pro stateside. There's no UK availability sadly; although you can still purchase the standard Kaiser 3 and the XL version of that, you'll just be devoid of those 5D armrests (which might be a blessing depending on your perspective).

There's one major hiccup on the pricing of this thing though, particularly in the states, where the Kaiser 3 XL exists. That might sound a little ridiculous, but unfortunately, the price difference between the two is a staggering $100. That's quite a lot, for what effectively amounts to a different set of armrests.

On top of that, you can currently only get the 3 Pro in three different colorways: black, pink, or black fabric, and that's it. The standard 3 XL, with far better availability, has six leather options and one fabric option at your disposal. At least on Amazon, there is far better availability on AndaSeat's webstore directly, and even the option for an anti-stain PU leather variant too.

It's also quite a tricky one to place as the Kaiser 4 line also comes in at $570, just $20 more for arguably a more feature-rich chair with better build quality.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Specs

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Design and Aesthetics

  • Classic bucket seat style
  • Great material use
  • Not particularly dramatic

Once you've finished building this thing, honestly, the Kaiser 3 Pro really does look the part. Certainly in its PVC leather edition that I have on test. I've been using, building, and reviewing chairs for longer than I care to admit, and honestly, the styling on the AndaSeats always impresses me.

It's not just following industry trends like some of the other offerings and brands do out there. Right now it feels like everyone either opts for weird and wonderful gaming-esque solutions that are overly ergonomic to the point of ridiculousness, or that old "it'll look nice in your CEO's office" vibe, or the holey grail super mesh, breathable air-fabric solutions (although AndaSeat does have one of those).

No, the Kaiser 3 Pro is just exactly that. It's a bucket seat design; it's got a touch of light orange thread running around it. It has a matte leather finish running through most of it, a pseudo carbon fiber-esque pattern leather in the bolsters, and everything just works. It's not gauche; it's not in your face; it's just a good chair like that. Odd to be complimented in such a way, good job AndaSeat the Kaiser 3 Pro is bang average (you can quote me on that), but honestly, in a world of gaming insanity, that needs praising.

The bucket-shaped seat of the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Comfort and adjustability

  • 5D armrests are still so diabolical
  • Lumbar adjustment is subtle
  • Foam padding is luxurious but probably not good for you

I once had a long chat with Noblechairs' PR rep many years ago about why their chairs were so hard and so stiff compared to the competition. Their response was that, actually, it's better for your ergonomics to have a stiff-based chair so that your muscles don't atrophy and waste away. You feel more comfortable with stronger back muscles, and so forth. My argument, as a man who'd spent much of his youth gaming on a hard wooden chair, was fairly simple: "But it's not comfortable though." And it's true, it wasn't. The thing is, I do still have that Noblechair, and even after all these years, it's still remarkably good.

That said, the Kaiser 3 Pro, on the other hand, very much embraces that alternative way of thinking. Comfort is first and foremost a critical thing here, and you can tell that in the design and in the way AndaSeat advertises it. The soft padding, the seating, the bolsters, the plush, fluffy magnetic headrest—it's all designed to boost comfort above all else, and it works exceptionally well. There's just a real satisfaction about being sat in this thing for any length of time; you almost don't notice you're in it. Whether that's good for you long-term, it's hard to say, but for the moment it feels darn good.

A close-up view of the headrest on the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

AndaSeat's kitted out this particular model with its DuraXtra synthetic leather, which is apparently more abrasion-resistant, even more so than that found on the Kaiser 4. In fact, it's been tested for 5,000 abrasion cycles without breaking. An abrasion cycle simply takes a piece of material and rubs it repeatedly against an abrasive surface. Each cycle is marked as one, and the manufacturer measures how long that material will last. Interestingly, the leather on the Kaiser 4, it's a more premium option, is only rated for 2,000 cycles.

On top of that, you get a strong, sturdy steel base, solid castor wheels, plus built-in lumbar support for when you need it. It even comes with a fairly robust backrest recline and a rocking mode as well, for those who like the terror of tilting back.

Of course, I can't leave this review without discussing the wildly debatable 5D armrests on the Pro line. The entire premise of this model, in fact. In short, it can move up, down, right, left, backward, and forwards, rotate up to 70 degrees, and then split in half and fold upwards by 40 degrees if you'd like it to. That's a lot of movement, and yes, technically, that does help you get them exactly where you want them for everyone's weird and wonderful body shapes.

The problem, though? They're huge, seriously wide. The back part alone is 5.5 inches wide, tapering off to a 4-inch front, and they're 13 inches long, and honestly, it's just too much. It's incredibly difficult to get comfortable on them, particularly if you're on the shorter side of AndaSeat's recommended height range, and that's a problem, a big one because it makes it entirely difficult to recommend them for everyone.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Assembly

On to construction then, and honestly, it's a very simple process; there's little to write home about. Pop the castor wheels into the steel frame, insert the gas piston, attach the tilt mechanism to the base of the chair, pop on the plastic handles, slide it onto the gas lift, remove the bolts from the chair back, slide it carefully onto the brackets, and secure it in place with those same bolts. AndaSeat's tensioned backrest tilt arm even has a nifty bracket to help you slot it into place, which is a nice touch too.

The problem I had, however, was with the bolt threads themselves. Two of them in particular were incredibly difficult to secure, try as I might. I slackened them all off, tightened them all, and tried securing just the topmost bolt first, but nothing would do the job. In the end, I had to resort to pushing the entire chair base aggressively into the wall and leaning into the bolt with the included Allen key with no small amount of force to finally get it to purchase. Less than ideal, and hopefully a one-off, but a frustrating one nonetheless. Adding to my woes, the security bolt that's usually secured to the chair to stop the retention arm from snapping or moving during assembly had also come loose, so just something to watch out for if you do decide to take the plunge. Shipping can be a harsh mistress at times.

The bolts on the side of the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Should You Buy The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want to dabble in weirdly big armrests
They're long, proud, can move in every way under the sun, and might be perfect for the taller human.

You just want a classic gaming chair
All bucket seat, all the time. It's a classic design, and it looks great in any gaming setup, no weird and wonderful shapes or ergonomic surprises here.

Don't buy it if...

If you're on the shorter side
Those weird and wonderful armrests are just too long to easily get comfortable on, you're going to have better luck with the standard Kaiser 3 or 3 XL.

You're after the best value from your chair
$100 for an upgraded set of divisive armrests is a difficult pill to swallow.

Also consider...

Not your style? Just want something without fancy frills, or looking for something that's refined the design beyond all expectations? Then try out these alternatives.

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
It's still our number one gaming chair of choice. It's even the same price as the Kaiser 3 Pro XL, remarkably, and has similar dimensions too, without being an XL design. If you fit in the weight and height categories, it could be a good pick. With top-tier quality, materials, and features, it's one of the comfiest chairs on the market and our favorite of the lot, with good reason.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL
No seriously, if you just can't get past those armrests or you don't want to take the risk, then the Kaiser 3 XL is the next best thing. $100 cheaper, it's equally one of our favorite gaming chairs of all time, making the top list for its comfort, quality, and generally cheaper price tag than similar alternatives.

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL review

How I tested the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro

  • Sat in it for more than two weeks in total
  • Tested in multiple positions and compared to other chairs
  • Used through all manner of tasks

I spent over two weeks working with the Kaiser 3 Pro using it as my regular office chair while analyzing its performance. I kept a detailed document open when using it, noticing any bugbears, and kept detailed records of my time building it, along with first impressions and more.

Similarly, I've had a lot of experience with both AndaSeat's 4D and 5D armrest systems and tested the Kaiser 3 XL as well, giving me particularly good insight into this lineup.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

Deals: Nothing Phone (3a) launches, Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra available, Apple unveils new iPads
4:01 pm |

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

With MWC kicking off, this was an exciting week. Xiaomi brought the 15 and 15 Ultra over to Europe, meanwhile Nothing unveiled its (3a) series of phones. Over at Cupertino, it was “Air” week as Apple announced new iPads and MacBooks with upgraded chipsets. Note that the new Apple devices are on pre-order and will be available from March 12 (Wednesday). The Xiaomi 15 Ultra impressed in our review (also check out the video review) and has a solid claim of being the best camera flagship of 2025. It is pricey, though. If you are a Prime subscriber, you can knock 10% off the price. Even if...

The Philips Sonicare 7100 is a powerful, stylish, but overpriced electric toothbrush
2:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Philips Sonicare 7100: Two-minute review

The Philips Sonicare 7100 isn’t quite as eye-wateringly expensive as the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige, but at £350 (around $450 or AU$715) it’s still extremely pricey for a sonic toothbrush with a lithium rechargeable battery that will eventually decay. However, it’s a gorgeous piece of kit with a powerful motor, four brushing modes, three intensities, and a couple of cool accessories such as a charging travel case (downgraded from the Prestige's leather to cheaper plastic) as well as a stand. It's definitely up there with the best electric toothbrushes on our list.

The brush is very satisfying to hold and use. It feels premium: I’m used to very plasticky cheaper electric toothbrushes, so I’m pleased to say that if you're paying all this money, the Philips at least is satisfyingly weighty and incorporates metal into its design. Coupled with the black outer shell, it’s slightly reminiscent of a lightsaber, albeit one that cuts through plaque rather than Sith lords.

At 62,000 bristle motions per minute, the Philips Sonicare 7100 is on a par with the Sonicare 9900 Prestige in terms of its brushing performance. It’s got four brushing modes (Clean, Sensitive, White and Gum Health), and each one has three intensities, for 12 brush settings in total. It’s a case of trial-and-error to find the right one for your brushing routine, and I have a sneaking suspicion that a few of these setting and intensity combinations end up being repeated, based on sound and mouthfeel alone.

However, one thing’s for sure: this toothbrush is powerful. After using my cheaper, lower-powered brush for a while, the blast of the full-power Clean setting on the Philips was surprising, to say the least – a bit like grabbing onto a metal handrail and experiencing a static shock. After prolonged usage, and with the option for such a high-power setting should I want it, I’m not sure I could go back to my comparatively underpowered usual toothbrush.

Philips sonicare 7100

(Image credit: Future)

The power is evident in the motor, which does emit a moderate whine: using my phone’s decibel meter app, I measured readings of 55-57 decibels, equivalent to a soft conversation. The Ultim8 Supermouth brush, which I’m also testing, measured 44-46 decibels in comparison. The Philips is at the louder end, then, but it’s worth it for that extra oomph.

The battery life – up to three weeks – is largely immaterial, as your brush will likely either be on the charging stand or in the charging travel case most of the time. However, such a good battery life does mean that when you’re caught on the hop – for example, taking your case on long trips – that the brush will hold out and still provide a good clean.

There are only two issues I have with the Philips Sonicare 7100. The first is its price: while it’s an excellent toothbrush, it is more expensive than most in its category, although it does seem to receive frequent discounts. The second is in its name – Sonicare. This is a sonic toothbrush, which is a lot better than a manual brush, but some studies have shown that some oscillating brush heads are marginally more effective at getting rid of plaque than sonic ones. Our guide to sonic vs rotating toothbrushes can tell you more, but the power of the Philips will ensure that with regular proper usage, you’re still getting a great clean.

Philips Sonicare 7100: Specifications

Philips Sonicare 7100: Price and availability

Philips Sonicare 7100

(Image credit: Future)
  • £349.99 in the UK (around $450 / AU$715)
  • Frequently on sale
  • The Sonicare Expertclean 7500 is the similar equivalent model in US and Australia

The Philips Sonicare 7100 is available in the UK priced at £349.99 (around $450 / AU$715). This is crazy money for a toothbrush, but it’s frequently on sale: at the time of writing, Amazon has it for £158.99 (around $205 / AU$325). I don’t know what it is about electric toothbrushes that means they're priced so highly and then get such severe and almost permanent discounts, but it’s a recognized phenomenon.

Want one in the US or Australia? Philips doesn’t sell the Sonicare 7100 there as it categorizes its products differently in those regions. However, it does sell a very similar Sonicare Expertclean 7500, with four relabelled modes (Clean, White+, Gum Health and Deep Clean) and a slightly differently-shaped charging case. That retails for $199 / AU$312.

If the Sonicare 7100 wasn’t so frequently on sale I’d consider it poor value. However, it should be fairly easy to pick this brush up for around £150-£200, which makes it a very good buy indeed.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Philips Sonicare 7100

(Image credit: Future)

Philips Sonicare 7100: Scorecard

Philips Sonicare 7100: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want more power

Want a serious sonic clean? The Sonicare 7100 has the power to tackle the toughest plaque.

You want to brush on the go

The charging case is convenient and very well-designed, with space for your brush head.

You want lots of options

With four modes, each with three intensities, you’ve got 12 combos to choose from.

Philips Sonicare 7100

(Image credit: Future)

Don't buy if if...

You can’t find it on sale

No toothbrush that I’ve yet tried is worth spending £350 / $450 / AU$715 on.

You want an oscillating brush head

As powerful as the Sonicare line is, if you’ve been advised to use an oscillating brush head by your dentist, consider the Oral-B iO Series.

You want to repair it

Unlike sustainable toothbrush manufacturer Suri, this toothbrush is not designed to be taken apart.

Also consider

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush

The best sustainability-focused sonic toothbrush.

Read our Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

The best premium electric toothbrush.

Read our Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige review

How I tested

I used the Philips Sonicare 7100 for one week. I charged it using both the plug-in base and carry case, tried all the different modes on the toothbrush, and used a decibel meter app to calculate how loud the brush was compared to other brushes on the market.

First reviewed: March 2025

I wasn’t a fan of syrup in coffee until I tried the Jura J10 espresso machine – here’s why
2:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

Jura J10: two-minute review

If you like elaborate coffees with flavored syrup, the Jura J10 is the fully automatic coffee machine of your dreams – and if you don’t, it might just change your mind.

The J10 also does a great job of the basics, producing consistently rich and well-balanced espresso thanks to a grinder that monitors the consistency of the grind, from which the J10 recommends the optimum temperature and extraction time for each drink (while still letting you tailor the settings to your preferences). The crema isn’t quite as thick and stable as that created by the KitchenAid KF6, but it’s still up there with the best espresso machines – and the J10 has a lot more to offer besides.

In addition, its cold brew option works well as well, and is in fact one of its stand-out features. It uses a different process to the Jura Z10 we reviewed back in 2023. The Z10 also offered a cold brew option, but the J10 works by pulsing water slowly through the grounds rather than forcing it through at high pressure, as you can see in the video below, which the company says should yield a more rounded flavor.

During tests, I found the process delivered a similar flavor profile to traditional overnight cold-brewing methods, taking the bitter notes out of your beans and producing a drink that’s much smoother than one brewed hot. With an ice cube or two to bring down the temperature a bit further, you’d be hard-pressed to differentiate it from the real thing.

The J10 certainly isn’t a cheap option; even if you’re currently placing takeaway coffee orders several times a week, it will take some time for it to pay for itself. Nevertheless, it’s a pleasure to use. The Sweet Foam system isn’t complicated, but it’s implemented perfectly and works exactly as promised. The flavor is distributed evenly throughout the milk rather than being concentrated in the bottom of your cup, so you’ll actually need less syrup for the same intensity of sweetness, and you can use any type of coffee syrup you like, including sugar-free ones.

Adjusting the milk foam setting on the Jura J10 coffee maker

A dial on the front of the machine lets you choose between hot and foamed milk (Image credit: Future)

The J10 does an impressive job of texturizing milk, on a par with the excellent Siemens EQ900 Plus, and with a dose of syrup its foam is even more stable, lasting to the very last drop.

It has a couple of quirks, though. The drip tray is unusually shallow, which means you have to take care not to spill its contents, and the customization menus time out sooner than I’d like. Overall, however, the Jura J10 is a treat to use.

Jura J10: price and availability

  • Launched in early 2025
  • Priced at £1,795 / AU$3,990 (about $2,300)
  • Not yet available in the US, but that may change soon

The Jura J10 launched in early 2025, and is available to buy direct from Jura and from a handful of third-party retailers. It has a list price of £1,795 / AU$3,990 (about $2,300), but at the time of writing (March 2025), it isn't yet available to buy in the US. Other Jura machines are available in the States, so hopefully it will only be a matter of time before it hits those shores.

Jura is charging a premium price for its fully automatic espresso machine then, but it isn't the most expensive around. It comes in less than both the Siemens EQ900 Plus (also a great option for well-extracted espresso paired with perfectly foamed milk) and the KitchenAid KF8 (more stylish to look at, but not so good with dairy).

  • Value score: 4/5

Jura J10: specifications

Jura J10 review: design

  • Hopper for whole beans and ground coffee
  • Detects which of its two dispensers you're using
  • Sweet Foam system attaches to milk texturizer

The Jura J10 is a smart-looking espresso machine with a glossy piano-black finish. The exterior is made entirely from plastic (even the silver-colored components), which in my opinion isn't a bad thing – the whole machine is easy to wipe clean and isn’t excessively heavy. Some of its rivals weigh over 37.5lb / 17kg, so a machine I can move easily is a refreshing change.

Milk container attached to Jura J10 coffee maker

The Jura J10 is an attractive machine, and the company has even considered what its removeable milk system looks like (Image credit: Future)

Unusually for an automatic coffee machine, it has two dispensers: one in the middle for coffee and hot water for espressos and americanos; another on the right for lattes, cappuccinos, and steamed milk, with optional syrup added as the milk is texturized.

There’s a single, generously sized hopper on top, with an airtight seal to keep your beans fresh. Like the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine K8, the Jura J10 also has a chute for adding a scoop of pre-ground coffee, if you want to try something different.

Image 1 of 2

Bean hopper of Jura J10 coffee maker

The Jura J10 has a single, generously sized bean hopper (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

Grind setting adjustment on Jura J10 coffee maker

A control dial allows you to adjust the grind size. and the chute lets you add two scoops of ground coffee (Image credit: Future)

Personally, I prefer the twin-hopper setup of the Siemens EQ900 Plus, which can be filled with two different beans at once. Nevertheless, it’s still nice to have an option if you want to switch to decaf in the evening, or have a guest who’s particularly fond of a certain bean or blend.

The J10's water tank is accessed by lifting a flap at the top of the machine and then pulling it out of the side. It’s easy to remove, reinsert, and carry to the tap thanks to a convenient folding handle. The J10 is supplied with a water filter, with a cartridge that pushes onto a plastic adapter and then twists into place in the bottom of the tank to help reduce limescale buildup and remove impurities. Additional filter cartridges are available direct from Jura for $20 / £15.95 / AU$27.90 each.

Water tank removed from Jura J10 coffee maker

The J10's water tank is easily removed, and has a replaceable filter to help prevent limescale (Image credit: Future)

The only drawback of the design (and it’s a minor one) is that the drip tray is wide and long, but shallow, which makes it relatively easy to spill the contents while carrying it to the sink. The machine doesn’t warn you until it’s almost full, so I found myself emptying it before I was prompted to avoid getting water on the floor. I did appreciate the spout shape at the back of the tray, though, which makes it easy to pour out the contents when you get it over the sink.

In general, the milk systems of fully automatic coffee makers are quite ugly, often taking the form of open plastic tubs attached to an otherwise stylish machine by a length of slightly medical-looking rubber tubing. This isn't the case with the Jura J10, which has a glass milk container with an airtight lid that’s designed to be stored in the fridge between uses, and which attaches to the machine’s foaming dispenser using a tube with a metal sleeve. It’s a much more stylish solution than most, and works well.

Syrup container for Jura J10 coffee maker Sweet Foam system

The Sweet Foam system uses a small container of syrup that attaches to the milk texturizer (Image credit: Future)

You do get a plain plastic tube, but this is only used for cleaning the milk system. The Jura J10 comes with a two-part tank that sits on top of the drip tray when it’s time for a deep clean. Just add some cleaning tablets (again, available to buy from Jura), choose the program, and the machine will do the rest, pouring hot water onto the tablets to make a cleaning solution, pumping it through the unit, and depositing the waste water into the smaller section ready to be poured away.

The Sweet Foam system uses a small container that you fill with your preferred syrup (regular or sugar-free), which you attach to the milk foamer. As the steamed milk is dispensed, it becomes infused with syrup, distributing the flavor evenly throughout the milk.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Jura J10 review: performance

  • Espresso is consistently well-extracted with rich crema
  • Milk is perfectly foamed, and Sweet Foam system works brilliantly
  • Cold brew tastes authentically milk and well-rounded

There’s an impressive assortment of presets, including espresso drinks, hot and steamed milk, and hot water. Tap the arrow button above the drink menu and you’ll see a set of extra options including cold brew, extra shot, and Sweet Foam. Select one of these, and you’ll see an icon over the drinks that can be prepared in the way. It’s a smart system that means you don’t have to browse through multiple menus to prepare custom drinks.

As you’d expect with a premium automatic coffee machine, you can also create your own custom beverages, adjusting the temperature, volume, and brew time to suit your preferences. It’s also easy to tweak the machine’s own presets, which is a nice feature that means you can tailor the whole menu to suit your tastebuds – and your cups.

Drink menu on Jura J10 coffee maker

The Jura J10 offers an extensive menu of customizable drink options (Image credit: Future)

I was occasionally frustrated when the customization menus timed out and returned me to the home screen before I’d finished making my choices, but that was the only drawback for me. I just had to be more prepared and not spend time dithering.

When you select a drink, the machine will recommend a grind setting from "mild" to "intense". This is fairly unusual – most fully automatic espresso machines I’ve tested will adjust the grind size for you automatically, and again you’re not given a huge amount of time to do it.

Image 1 of 4

Making espresso using the Jura J10 coffee maker

The Coffee Eye system detects where you've placed your cup, illuminates either amber or white, and changes which drink options are shown on the menu (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4

Jura J10 coffee maker preparing a latte macchiato with syrup

The milk texturizer is excellent, and foam with syrup lasts even longer (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 4

Latte macchiato made using Jura J10 coffee maker

The Jura J10 makes an impressive latte macchiato (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 4

Cup of espresso made using Jura J10 coffee maker

Espresso is delicious, even though the crema isn't quite as thick and stable as that produced by the KitchenAid KF6 (Image credit: Future)

Both dispensers can be easily moved up and down to accommodate different sized cups, and the J10 has a system called Coffee Eye that detects which one your cup is beneath, and only displays beverages that will be dispensed there. It’s a clever addition, and one that eliminates any potential confusion. The machine also has different colored lights that illuminate to show where you’ve placed your cup – white for the espresso dispenser, and amber for the cappuccino dispenser.

The Sweet Foam container lets you control the amount of syrup added to the milk, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your preferences, and you can use any type or flavor you want, including sugar-free. I used a Tate & Lyle coffee syrup provided by Jura; not only were the results delicious, with the flavor distributed much more evenly than it would be if you simply added a pump of syrup to the cup, it also made the foam on my latte macchiato even more stable and long-lasting.

You have to remove and clean the container after each use, but this doesn't require much effort. Having the syrup in some sort of tank inside the machine for use on-demand would mean the machine would need another type of cleaning cycle to wash out the sugar, and you’d be limited to one type of syrup at a time.

In the J10's setup, the syrup doesn’t enter the rest of the milk system at all, so there’s no sugar in the machine to act as a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, you can use a different flavor whenever you feel like it. I washed the container by hand, which took only a moment, and Jura recommends popping it in the dishwasher once a week for a deeper clean.

I was particularly interested to try the cold brew option, which promises authentic-tasting cold coffee drinks in moments, with the same flavor profile as cold brew that's been extracted in the traditional way over the course of many hours. Cold brew does take longer to dispense than a shot of hot espresso, but not by much – it drips from the dispenser, rather than issuing in a stream – and the taste is very impressive. It might not be quite as flavorsome as authentic cold brew, but it’s very close; it's sweeter, with far less bitterness than espresso brewed hot. Throw in some ice and I think you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

Cleaning the milk system of the Jura J10 coffee maker

The Jura J10 comes with a two-part tank for deep-cleaning the milk system (Image credit: Future)

Like any fully automatic coffee maker, the Jura J10 requires regular cleaning to keep it hygienic and ready to brew. One feature I particularly appreciated was its ability to run a rinsing cycle automatically when it hasn't been used for a certain period of time. This is something I’ve only previously seen on commercial bean-to-cup machines, and it makes a lot of sense. You can tinker with the cleaning and maintenance settings (including rinsing) by tapping the small arrow button on the bottom of the coffee menu.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Jura J10

Buy it if

You enjoy decadent coffee drinks

The Jura J10 lets you replicate even complicated coffee orders at home, and gives much better results than just adding a pump of syrup to your cup.

You enjoy cold brew

The J10's updated cold brewing system is fast and effective, producing a flavor profile strikingly similar to coffee brewed cold overnight.

Don't buy it if

You prefer traditional coffees

If syrup and cold brew aren't your thing, you can get excellent results from a more affordable machine such as the standard Siemens EQ900.

You're a bit clumsy

The wide and shallow drip tray can be prone to spilling if you're not careful, and the J10 won't warn you until it's very full.

Jura J10: also consider

Not completely sold on the Jura J10 coffee maker? Here are two other premium bean-to-cup machines for you to consider.

Siemens EQ900 Plus

Another premium fully automatic espresso machine, the Siemens EQ900 Plus makes the best latte macchiato I've had at home. If you want a more affordable option, the standard EQ900 is very similar, only lacking the smart cleaning function.

Read our full Siemens EQ900 Plus review

KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Not interested in syrup or cold brew? The KitchenAid KF8 brews exceptional espresso, and has specially configured settings to handle both dairy and milk substitutes.

Read our full KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review

How I tested the Jura J10

I used the Jura J10 with three different coffee beans: my favorite Burundi and Panama Winter Blend from local coffee shop Mokoko; Jura Malabar Monsooned India Pure Origin; and Jura Cafe Creme Guatemala, Brazil, Costa Rica Blend. The latter two were provided by Jura, along with Tate & Lyle Barista caramel syrup.

Bags of coffee beans and bottle of syrup used when testing Jura J10 coffee maker

(Image credit: Future)

I used the milk system with chilled whole milk, purchased that day. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

First reviewed April 2025

Weekly poll: Samsung Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26 vie for your attention
12:31 pm |

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

This year the Samsung Galaxy A56, A36 and A26 represent three different takes on the mid-ranger formula with three different price tags. Below are prices for Europe, India and the US – yes, the A5x is available in the US this time around, which is a big deal. Galaxy A56 Galaxy A36 Galaxy A26 128GB US $500 $400 - EU €480 €380 €300 UK - - - IN ₹42,000 ₹33,000 - 256GB US - - $300 EU ...

« Previous PageNext Page »