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I tested the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer and was blown away by how easy it makes precision styling at home

11:14 am | May 22, 2025

Dyson Supersonic r: two-minute review

The Dyson Supersonic r began life as a professional-only hair dryer, but is now available to the general public. It looks unlike any other hair dryer on the market; there's no barrel to speak of, but instead the handle curves to a right angle, so the whole thing looks like a pipe – or a lower case "r", if you like.

I tested the model to see how it compares to the rest of the best hair dryers on the market, and overall I was impressed. It's lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the unusual shape makes it super-easy to direct the airflow with precision, even in awkward spots such as the back of your head. As I'd expect from Dyson, it's also impressively powerful, making speedy work of rough-drying hair.

The compromise of the design is that in order to achieve the ultra-streamlined shape, Dyson has shifted some of the mechanics into the plug, which in turn is so chunky, it likely won't fit into some sockets. I also found the controls – which are small and positioned on the back of the handle – slightly fiddly to use, and a little too easy to accidentally press while styling. It feels like a design that would work just fine for professionals, who have a clear view of the buttons as they hold the dryer in front of themselves; but it's a little awkward for drying your own hair.

The magnetic attachments are thoughtfully designed and work well. Sensors enable the dryer to recognize which attachment is snapped on, and automatically adjust to your last-used temperature and airflow settings, which helps streamline the styling process.

Price-wise, it will come as a surprise to no one that we're in ultra-premium territory here. While the Supersonic r's build quality is impeccable, and the design innovative, some customers might find themselves more inclined to spend that amount on the Dyson Supersonic Nural, with its hi-tech Scalp Protect mode and ability to auto-pause when it's put down (both of which are absent from the Supersonic r). Most of the Supersonic r's appeal is in that lightweight and streamlined shape, and on that front it really is a standout option, and unique on the market, too.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dyson Supersonic r review.

Dyson Supersonic r review: price & availability

List price: $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
Launched: April 2025 (consumer version)
Available: Worldwide

The original version of the Dyson Supersonic r hit the market in February 2024, but it was available to professional hairstylists only. The consumer version reviewed here launched in April 2025.

At list price it costs $569.99 / £449.99 / AU$799. That's firmly in the premium bracket for hair dryers, and one of the priciest on the market right now – possibly beaten only by Dyson's other dedicated dryer, the Supersonic Nural, which comes in at $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$749.

However, the outlay is perhaps a little easier to justify with the latter, because the Nural offers several features not found in other models on the market, whereas the Supersonic r, for the most part, is simply a very efficient hair dryer.

As I'd expect from Dyson, build quality is top-notch, and there's plenty of meticulous research and engineering that's gone into the development of this dryer. It looks and feels premium, and as mentioned, it's incredibly well suited to precision styling. Nevertheless, if the outlay is too much, there are plenty of excellent dryers available for a far lower price.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r specs

Wattage:	1,700W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm
Weight:	Confirming
Airflow settings:	3
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m

Dyson Supersonic r review: design

Lightweight, with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape
Some mechanics have been shifted into the plug, which is enormous
Magnetic attachments with setting memory

The Dyson Supersonic r looks nothing like the Supersonic that helped cement Dyson's status in the haircare market. In fact, it doesn't really look like a hairdryer at all – it looks like a pipe. It's tubular in build, with a top end that curves to a stubby right-angle.

The only difference compared to the professional version is that the cable is shorter. It's now 9.2ft / 2.8m, which is still up there with the longest on the consumer market.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with Powerful air attachment — (Image credit: Future)

That diminutive build is made possible by some redesigned mechanics. On the inside you'll find a more streamlined air heater than the one found in the regular Supersonic hair dryers. Ten heater foils follow the curve of the dryer, apparently to offer more consistent temperatures, with no hot or cold spots. That sits alongside a Dyson Hyperdymium motor (unconfirmed whether this is the same / a version of the Hyperdymium motor that powers today's best Dyson vacuums).

Plug for Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

Dyson has also redesigned the plug socket, which now "incorporates primary electronics" that would otherwise have been inside the dryer itself (it looks very similar to the one included with the Dyson Airstrait.) That shifts extra weight away from your arm, but it does mean the plug is now pretty chunky – the main part measures 4.8in / 12.2cm (excluding the wrap at the top of the cord), with a part that protrudes downwards from the pins and lies flat to the wall. If you have power outlets that sit close to the floor or above protruding baseboards, it might not fit.

There's a removable filter cage, with a flashing yellow LED to tell you when it needs cleaning.

Close up of filter cage on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

The consumer Supersonic r is one of the first Dyson haircare gadgets to introduce the brand's new colorways (currently being rolled out across the full range). Rather than the tropical tones we're used to seeing, it's available in the more delicate Ceramic Pink and Jasper Plum.

Controls

In terms of settings, there's a rocker switch to increase and decrease temperature, and another for windspeed. There are three levels for each, indicated by lights. There's also a separate power button. All can be found on the rear of the handle. Round the front, beneath the curve of the dryer, is a cool-shot button.

Close up of control buttons on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

Attachments

In terms of attachments, there's an impressive selection. Compatible attachments include a Professional Concentrator, Powerful Air Attachment, Gentle Air Attachment, Flyaway Attachment, Smoothing Nozzle, Diffuser and Wide-Tooth Comb. Beware, though, what's included in the box varies by region.

Personally, I'm a fan of the way the model is being offered in the UK: just as with the Dyson Airwrap i.d., you can choose between a Curly+Coily Supersonic r and a Straight+Wavy one. Both have a Powerful Air Attachment, Professional Concentrator and Flyaway Attachment, then the one for curls adds a Wide-Tooth Comb and Diffuser, and the other swaps in the Smoothing Nozzle and Gentle Air Attachment. That means you don't end up with a bunch of attachments that aren't suitable for your hair type, gathering dust.

Attachments supplied with our review model of the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

As is standard for Dyson haircare products, the add-ons attach via magnets. And like the Supersonic Nural, they contain RFID sensors, which means the Supersonic r knows which one is attached. The recommended settings will kick in as default, and if you change them then the hair dryer will remember your preferences next time you snap that attachment back on.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Supersonic r review: performance

Comfortable to hold and incredibly easy easy to direct airflow
Controls a little fiddly and can be pressed accidentally
Attachment setting memory helps streamline the styling process

Dyson describes the r as being geared towards "fast, precision drying", with the unusual design making it easier to reach areas that would otherwise be tricky to tackle – namely, the back of your head. On test, that absolutely held true. It's comfortable to hold and extremely easy to direct; perfect if you want to be able to dry with precision. My only slight complaint is that I found the handle a touch too short.

Airflow is nice and powerful, drying my hair quickly; a rough-dry won't take long at all. However, the Supersonic r is really geared towards more complex styling tasks, where its light weight and easy-to-direct airflow come into their own.

The Supersonic Nural has a feature where it will automatically drop into low-powered mode if you put it down. That' isn't present here, and I missed it, although I will concede that it's a nice-to-have rather than an essential.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with Pro concentrator attached — (Image credit: Future)

Moving on to the controls, the design of which I was a little less sold on. The switches to adjust speed and temperature are tiny and a little fiddly to use, and the positioning on the back of the handle means they proved fairly easy to press accidentally. I feel like they're better suited to professional use – where the person drying the hair can easily see the buttons; they're a little fiddly if you're trying to dry your own hair.

I was far more impressed with the cool-shot button, which sits on the inside of the handle, where it's comfortable to depress for setting your style.

Close up of cool shot button on Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer — (Image credit: Future)

Attachment performance

All the attachments are well designed and good quality, and the magnetic connection feels secure in use. Usefully, all the attachments have areas that stay cool, so you can comfortably remove them immediately after using if switching to another, for example.

Attachment memory is a welcome addition. It helps streamline the drying process, and means less fiddling about with controls as you dry. It will prove most useful for people who use multiple attachments throughout their styling routine. I guess it might also help with hair health, if it makes you less likely to default to "hot and fast" for everything.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer with diffuser attached — (Image credit: Future)

Curly haired users might miss the two-part Wave+Curl Diffuser, which was introduced with the Supersonic Nural but is absent here – you're just getting the standard all-in-one option instead.

A special shout-out should go to the Flyaway Attachment, which uses the Coanda effect (the same thing that makes the Airwrap work) to attract and smooth your locks once you've finished styling. It's unique to Dyson's dryers, and it made a noticeable difference to the sleekness of my hair.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson Supersonic r?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Very much a premium buy, and while the quality is outstanding, the list of special features is relatively short.	3.5 / 5
Design	Lightweight with a unique, ultra-streamlined shape and a wide range of well-designed attachments. Plug is very bulky, though.	4 / 5
Performance	Powerful airflow that's extremely easy to direct, while automatic attachment recognition saves time. Buttons are a little fiddly.	4.5 /5

Buy it if...

You spend lots of time styling
The lightweight-yet-powerful Supersonic r will really come into its own for those with long, thick hair and/or spend a lot of time styling as they dry.

You want precise control
It's incredibly easy to direct the airflow from this dryer, even in tricky areas such as the back of your head.

You want a luxe option
The Dyson Supersonic r looks and feels ultra-premium, and comes with a price tag to match.

Don't buy it if...

Your plug sockets are near to the floor
The scaled-up plug protrudes downwards, which means that depending on the placement of your sockets and what's going on beneath them, you might not actually be able to plug in the hair dryer.

You need something for travel
The voltage of the Supersonic r will match the country of purchase, and Dyson warns that it shouldn't be used abroad.

You're concerned about scalp health
The Supersonic Nural has a Scalp Protect mode that adjusts the temperature based on how close the machine is to your head, meaning you can get right up close without burning your head. The Supersonic r is missing this mode.

Dyson Supersonic r: alternatives to consider

	Dyson Supersonic r (reviewed)	Dyson Supersonic Nural	Laifen Mini
Wattage:	1,700W	1,600W	1,100W
Dimensions (L x H x W):	9.4 x 1.5 x 3.1in / 24 x 3.8 x 8cm	10 x 4 x 3.1in / 24.5 x 9.7 x 7.8cm	8.6 x 3. x 2.5in / 22 x 7.7 x 6.3cm
Weight:	Confirming	1.9lbs / 680g (with cord)	0.7lbs / 299g (no cord) 1.1lbs / 482g (with cord)
Airflow settings:	3	3	2
Temperature settings:	3 + cool shot	3 + cool shot	2 + cool shot
Extra modes:	None	Scalp protect	Child mode, auto-temperature cycle
Cord length:	9.2ft / 2.8m	8.5 ft / 2.6m	5.9ft / 1.8m

Dyson Supersonic Nural

The Nural is Dyson's other dryer option. It's heavier and bulkier, but has an innovative Scalp Protect mode that's absent on the Supersonic r. It will also automatically drop into low-powered mode when you put it down.

Read our full Dyson Supersonic Nural review

Laifen Mini

Laifen's original dryer was a blatant Supersonic dupe, but the newer Mini version is more unique. While not as streamlined as the Supersonic r, it's still super compact and lightweight, with a stylish matte design and some cool specialist modes, including temperature cycling. It's not as widely available as Dyson's dryers.

Read our full Laifen Mini review

How I tested the Dyson Supersonic r

I used the Dyson Supersonic r as my primary hair dryer for over a month. During this time, I tested all the settings and explored the different attachment options. I paid particular attention to how easy it was to use, and how efficient it was at drying and styling my hair. I compared my experience with other hair dryers I've used.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2025

I tested Asset Panda and found it provides powerful customization and mobile app features for all business sizes

11:09 am |

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

Asset Panda is a cloud-based IT asset management software platform. It helps businesses track and manage their physical assets from anywhere. Its standout feature is a customizable interface that adapts to your workflows, so you don't have to change your processes. The platform allows unlimited users on any plan, making it great for organizations that want to boost adoption.

During our testing, we were particularly impressed with its mobile features. Asset Panda includes built-in barcode scanning and GPS location tracking for assets. You can customize fields, workflows, and reports easily, even without coding skills. This empowers non-technical users to tailor the system to their needs. However, we noticed that the website lacks clear pricing. New users must request quotes based on the number of assets they want to track.

The software provides real-time visibility into asset status, location, and lifecycle history. This helps organizations make better decisions about maintenance, replacement, and use. We found the reporting tools to be strong, allowing us to create custom reports on asset depreciation and maintenance schedules. While the initial setup has a learning curve, Asset Panda's customer support and onboarding help ease the transition.

All in all, Asset Panda offers great value. It improves accountability, reduces asset loss, and streamlines workflows. The company claims customers see an average 800% ROI, which seems believable based on our observations. Although the mobile app sometimes has syncing issues and lacks full offline functionality, the platform’s strengths make it a solid choice for businesses wanting to modernize their asset management.

Asset Panda pricing — (Image credit: Asset Panda)

Asset Panda: Plans and pricing

Asset Panda does not show pricing on its website. Instead, potential customers must contact sales for a custom quote based on their needs. The pricing mainly depends on the number of assets tracked, not the number of users, which is unlimited for all plans. We found that plans usually start at about $1,500 per year for small businesses tracking fewer than 500 assets. Enterprise pricing increases based on asset volume and custom implementation needs.

The company offers a 14-day free trial that provides full access to the platform's features. This allows organizations to try its capabilities before making a commitment. We like that Asset Panda includes unlimited cloud storage, custom fields, and mobile app users in all plans. This avoids the extra charges seen with some competitors. Customer support, training resources, and regular updates are part of the subscription price. However, organizations needing more help can purchase premium onboarding and dedicated support packages for an extra cost.

Asset Panda: Features

Asset Panda provides a full set of tools for asset management. These tools help organizations track, manage, and optimize their physical assets throughout their lifecycle. The platform is flexible and supports various industries, including IT, facilities management, healthcare, education, and construction. Here are some standout features we found during testing.

Customizable workflows

Asset Panda's flexible workflow engine lets users tailor the platform to fit their processes. We created custom fields, forms, and actions for our test environment without coding skills. The system has role-based permissions that manage what user groups can see and do. This ensures data security while promoting collaboration between departments.

Mobile functionality

The mobile app is one of Asset Panda's best features. It offers almost all the desktop functions in a touch-friendly design. The built-in barcode scanner worked well with different asset tag types. Plus, capturing photos and attaching them to asset records was very helpful for documentation. The GPS tracking feature records location data when assets are scanned or updated. This creates a useful audit trail of asset movements.

Asset lifecycle management

Asset Panda tracks assets from start to finish. It covers procurement, deployment, maintenance, and retirement. The platform lets you schedule maintenance, track warranties, and monitor depreciation in one place. We appreciated the automated alerts for maintenance deadlines and warranty expirations. These alerts help avoid costly mistakes.

Integration capabilities

The platform provides strong integration options via its API and ready-made connectors for popular business systems. We personally tested the integrations with G Suite for user authentication and Zendesk for managing support tickets about asset issues. Plus connecting Asset Panda with accounting systems like QuickBooks and ERP platforms lets asset data move smoothly between key business systems. All of this cuts down on redundant data entry and boosts accuracy.

Asset Panda reports — (Image credit: Asset Panda)

Asset Panda: Analytics

Asset Panda's reporting tools offer clear insights into asset use, status, and financial performance. You can access both pre-built and custom reports. The dashboard is user-friendly, making it easy to view key metrics, such as asset distribution by location, maintenance status, and upcoming expirations. You can save reports for quick access and set up automated email delivery to stakeholders. This keeps everyone informed without extra work.

The platform’s filtering and grouping options let users analyze asset data in various ways to spot trends and find optimization opportunities. For example, you can create custom reports on depreciation forecasts, maintenance costs by asset type, and utilization rates across departments. The report builder may have a small learning curve for complex analyses, but even simple reports offer valuable insights.

Asset Panda interface — (Image credit: Asset Panda)

Asset Panda: Ease of use

Asset Panda has a clean and modern interface that's generally easy to use. However, the many customization options can be overwhelming for new users. Still, the platform balances power and usability well. It features logical navigation and helpful tooltips for common tasks. Your team can customize dashboards based on their roles, which helps streamline the experience. That way, team members see only the information relevant to their jobs.

The mobile experience is impressive. It offers almost all the features of the desktop version in a touch-friendly format. During our testing, we liked how easily we could switch between devices while maintaining access to key data and functions. The setup process does take time to customize fields, workflows, and permissions, but the implementation team is there to help new customers.

Asset Panda: Support

Asset Panda provides support through email, phone, and live chat during business hours. We were impressed by their quick response times. Their knowledge base is extensive, with detailed articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides for common questions and use cases. We especially appreciated the regular webinars and training sessions. These sessions cover basic functions and advanced features, like custom report building and workflow automation.

Asset Panda: Security

Asset Panda prioritizes data security. They use industry-standard measures like SSL encryption, regular security audits, and role-based access controls to keep customer information safe. And the platform runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which offers strong infrastructure security and compliance certifications like SOC 2 Type II.

We particularly liked the detailed permission settings during our evaluation. These settings let administrators manage what information different user groups can access, modify, or report on based on their roles at the company. This helps organizations maintain data integrity while promoting collaboration.

Asset Panda: The Competition

AssetCloud by Wasp is an affordable option for small businesses needing simple asset tracking. However, it doesn’t offer the extensive customization that Asset Panda does. EZOfficeInventory and Snipe-IT have similar core features at competitive prices. Snipe-IT even has an open-source option for groups that can self-host.

For enterprises using ServiceNow or IBM Maximo, their asset management modules integrate well with IT service management. However, they usually come at a much higher cost.

Organizations focused on IT asset management may prefer Lansweeper or ManageEngine AssetExplorer. These tools offer better automated discovery for networked devices. UpKeep and Fiix excel in maintenance management, which is important for groups prioritizing equipment uptime.

Asset Panda is flexible and serves many purposes, but these specialized tools can provide deeper functionality in certain areas. But they may lack the all-in-one appeal that Asset Panda has for managing diverse asset types.

Asset Panda: Final Verdict

Asset Panda offers a strong and customizable asset management solution. It adapts to many tracking needs across various industries. Its unlimited user model, mobile features, and customization options provide great value. However, pricing is not clear, and it has a steep learning curve. For organizations that rely on spreadsheets or outdated systems, Asset Panda brings a mix of flexibility and structure. This can change how assets are managed throughout their lifecycle.

We've also listed the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

I tried out Ezo, and found it to be a reliable asset management experience with easy-to-use features

10:40 am |

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

Ezo is a surprisingly straightforward IT asset management software for inventory across multiple locations. The platform provides clear visibility into asset lifecycles, from acquisition to retirement. Its clean interface avoids overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity. We were impressed with how quickly we could implement the system during testing and start tracking equipment without extensive training.

The software shines in its asset tracking capabilities. It allows you to assign equipment to users and maintain accountability throughout the organization. During our tests, Ezo's QR code scanning worked flawlessly, making check-ins and check-outs a breeze. The reporting tools offered meaningful insights into asset use, though the dashboard could have been more intuitive for first-time users.

Ezo does have some weaknesses in its mobile experience. We noticed a few performance issues during testing. There was lag when processing multiple items at once, but the mobile interface feels less polished than the desktop version in general. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall value remains strong. Especially for remote businesses with inventory management needs across multiple locations, Ezo could be a keeper.

Ezo's preventive maintenance features were a point of highlight during testing. They help you schedule and track regular equipment upkeep. We appreciated the automated alerts for upcoming maintenance tasks, which could extend the lifespan of assets. Being able to generate custom reports also helps you analyze inventory data on demand. However, we wish there were more advanced filtering options for different scenarios.

Ezo: Plans and pricing

Ezo has a tiered pricing system for businesses of all sizes. The Basic plan starts at $9.99 per user monthly (billed annually). It includes core asset tracking, limited to 500 assets, and basic reporting. But we found that the Professional plan at $19.99 per user monthly offers the best value. It provides unlimited asset tracking, advanced reporting, and maintenance scheduling, which greatly improved our asset management workflow.

Enterprise pricing comes through custom quotes. This includes extra features like API access, dedicated support, and custom integrations with current business systems. Ezo also offers a 14-day free trial for all new users. All plans come with free updates and standard customer support. However, premium support is only available at higher tiers.

Ezo: Features

Ezo offers a complete set of asset management tools that can simplify inventory tracking and maintenance scheduling for any organization. We found the platform's easy-to-use interface very helpful quick implementation across departments. But beyond that, here are the features that stood out to us the most:

Asset tracking

The core asset tracking feature lets you document equipment details, location, and user assignments. We were impressed by how easily we could create and attach QR codes to physical assets. This could make check-ins and check-outs much more efficient. The system also retains a full history of each asset, including maintenance records and location changes.

Maintenance management

Ezo's maintenance scheduling feature was a big hit during our testing. You can set recurring maintenance tasks based on time or usage. The system automatically generates work orders and notifies team members. This could help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your assets by addressing issues early on.

Mobile accessibility

Ezo has a mobile app for teams working in the field or from different locations, available on both iOS and Android. It manages basic tasks like asset scanning, status updates, and location changes well in most cases. The option to take photos of assets and link them to inventory records could be helpful during equipment audits. But, we noticed synchronization delays in areas with weak connectivity and the app lacks many features available to desktop users.

User management

The platform has a strong user management system in place. It lets administrators assign specific permissions and access levels to team members. We loved the option to create custom roles that fit different organizations. Plus the audit trail feature tracks changes per user, assisting with compliance.

Ezo: Analytics

Ezo's reporting features offer detailed insights into asset use, maintenance history, and inventory status. In our tests, the pre-built report templates met most of business scenarios. They provided quick access to depreciation schedules, maintenance compliance, and asset allocation metrics. Being able to schedule automated report delivery via email was a nice touch.

A custom report builder lets you create tailored analyses. You can select specific data points and visualization options to answer specific business questions. We liked the easy drag-and-drop interface. It allowed us to build complex reports without any SQL knowledge. However, we found that generating reports with very large datasets sometimes slowed performance. Some optimization here could help organizations with extensive inventory records.

Ezo: Ease of use

We found Ezo's interface very easy to use. We were able to set up quickly and start tracking equipment without much training. QR code scanning worked perfectly during our tests. It made asset check-ins and check-outs much faster than manual methods. However, some user reviews mention an initial learning curve, especially when using the advanced search function.

Ezo's mobile app offers key features for teams in the field, but we noticed some performance issues during testing. We liked being able to take photos of assets and attach them to inventory records during audits. This can be very helpful for keeping accurate documentation.

But despite a few minor UI issues, our overall user experience was intuitive. Most professionals can quickly adapt to the platform's main features, then explore advanced use cases over time.

Ezo: Support

Ezo provides various support options: email, phone, and chat. Their team is available on weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm US Eastern time. They also offer after-hours help for urgent issues.

In our evaluation, we found the customer service team very responsive. They typically reply within the same day and focus on finding solutions to our questions. Each license includes up to 90 minutes of onboarding help. This allowed us to quickly learn key features like asset tracking workflows, reporting capabilities, and best practices to optimize our processes.

Ezo: Security

Ezo shows a strong commitment to security with several key certifications. These include ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, and CSA STAR Level 1 certification. Plus the platform runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a top cloud computing service known for its strong security measures.

Ezo: The Competition

There are several alternatives to Ezo, like Asset Panda, Sortly, and GoCodes. Each has similar asset tracking features but with different pricing and capabilities.

Asset Panda is a cloud-based platform that excels in warranty tracking and multi-location management. Sortly specializes in inventory management, offering great expiration date tracking and reminder features. GoCodes stands out for its strong equipment tracking and workflow management, appealing to organizations that want to prevent lost or stolen tools.

Ezo's pricing places it in the mid-range compared to its competitors. But ultimately, choosing the right platform depends on specific needs. Ezo generally offers a good balance of functionality and value for most business asset management needs.

Ezo: Final Verdict

Ezo offers a strong asset management experience. It balances ease of use with effective tracking. The platform shines particularly in showing asset lifecycles. Key features include QR code scanning, maintenance scheduling, and reporting tools that give insights into asset use.

We found some limits in the mobile app, plus some user interface areas could use an upgrade. Still, the overall value is high. Especially for businesses facing inventory challenges across many locations or with remote workers.

We've also listed the best software asset management tool.

I tested the Fujifilm X half retro compact, and it’s double the fun – I’m still smiling

8:06 am |

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Compact Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: SD | Comments: Off

Fujifilm X half: Two-minute review

Every now and then, a refreshingly unique camera hits the market, and the Fujifilm X half retro compact is one of those few examples.

It's a niche, digital alternative to half-frame film cameras such as the Pentax 17, and for most people is the better choice of the two.

Fujifilm has really let loose in designing the X half, and it's a love letter to film photography, specifically half frame. It offers quirky features such as a touch-sensitive film canister window-like screen, plus a Film Roll mode which is so charming that I dedicated a whole article to it. Each idea, weird as they might seem for digital, actually make perfect sense in the spirit of film.

There's no other digital camera that comes as close to the film camera experience as the X half, and the beauty is that you can take or leave many of these features because it's digital, nor are you hobbled by the ongoing costs that come with using an actual film camera.

Fujifilm X half compact camera being held up to person's eye — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

On a technical level, the X half is pretty basic. The vertical-format 1-inch sensor records JPEG-only photos up to 18MP, while video is limited to vertical Full HD. Its fixed 32mm (equivalent) lens with f/2.8-11 variable aperture is only moderately sharp, too.

To mark the X half down for such reasons, however, misses the point – this camera is all about the fun, in all the right ways. Those perceived limitations such as JPEG only are rightly there, in the spirit of film – the Film Simulation you choose is locked in once you press the shutter.

The X half is a tidily packaged retro model too. Its robust plastic body tips the scales at just 8.5oz / 240g, plus its fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens is tiny, meaning you can slip the camera into a pocket. Battery life is particularly good, too.

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I love the unique design touches – that touch-sensitive LCD which emulates a film canister window, and a lever that mimics the film wind lever for diptych composites and to move onto the next frame in the Film Roll mode.

Picture quality is actually pretty decent, but after a month using the X half, I'm less focused on outright quality – this is a different kind of camera.

I've read many comments bemoaning the price of what is a toy-like X half, and to an extent I see the point. However, I see value in products that I will actually use, and after a month with the X half, the novelty hasn't worn off.

Fujifilm designers with a soft spot for analog have clearly let loose with the X half, and it's simply in a world of its own.

Fujifilm X half: Price and availability

The X half was announced on May 21 and available globally from June 12 2025
It cost costs $849/ £699 / AU$1,349 and is available in three colorways: silver, charcoal and black
There's a (free) dedicated Fujifilm X half app on iOS and Android stores

Fujifilm launched the X half globally on June 12 for $849 / £699 / AU$1,349, which for most people counts it out as an impulse purchase – if it was about 30% cheaper I think the X half would fly off the shelves.

The price feels high, but an alternative such as the Pentax 17 film camera costs $499 / £449, and that camera doesn't have all the digital components that the X half does.

There are three colors to choose from: silver, charcoal and black. I think the silver version is most in keeping with the spirit of the X half, but I can also envisage it being produced in additional colors down the line if it sells well, which I expect to be the case.

There were no dedicated accessories at launch. I'd like to see optional accessories such as a half-leather case, which could look the part.

Alongside the camera, Fujifilm announced a dedicated app for the X half for iOS and Android devices, which can be used to upload images from the camera, and through which you load photos taken using the Film Roll mode. It's a really fun app.

Price score: 3.5 / 5

Fujifilm X half compact camera in the hand — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Fujifilm X half: specs

Quick Specs
Camera type:	Compact
Lens	10.8mm f/2.8 (32mm equivalent)
Sensor:	Vertical 1-inch, 13.3 x 8.8mm, 18MP
Video:	Full HD, vertical
Battery:	880 shots
Weight:	8.5oz / 240g

Fujifilm X half: design

Unique twin vertical displays
Fixed 32mm (equivalent) f/2.8 lens
Weighs just 8.5oz / 240g with battery and SD card inserted

The X half is unmistakably a Fujifilm camera, while packing unique features and sharing certain similarities with the Pentax 17.

It might be plastic, but the X half is a well-built and lightweight retro compact, packing a tiny fixed lens with a 32mm-equivalent focal length and mechanical aperture, which can be manually adjusted between its f/2.8 to f/11 settings using a handy lever.

There's an on-off switch on the top of the camera. When set to on, a lever – which is designed to mimic a film-wind lever – juts out from the camera for easy access. This lever is used to activate the diptych feature, which we'll get into shortly, plus move onto your next frame in the charming Film Roll mode.

The shutter button is set within an exposure compensation dial, and I must say that all of these controls ooze a reassuring quality, with a suitably stubborn resistance.

Also on the top is a coldshoe for mounting accessories, but it's not a hotshoe, so that means no accessories such as a flash gun.

In the absence of optional flash accessories, a low-powered LED flash sits above the lens to provide some fill light that's particularly handy for indoor close-ups. The flash can be turned on and off using a switch on the X half's left side, while on the other side is a USB-C port for charging the camera.

Battery life is a healthy 880 shots, with the X half utilizing the WP126S battery that's been a long time staple in the Fujifilm X series range, used by cameras like the X100VI.

On the back there's a small and basic look through optical viewfinder at the top-left, which comes in handy particularly for the Film Roll mode – more on this shortly.

There are no control buttons or dials on the camera's rear, just a photo / video switch and a playback mode. Instead, the action happens through the twin touch displays – and this is where things get really interesting.

First up, I adore the new touch-sensitive LCD which (by default) mimics the film canister window present in many film cameras.

A swipe up or down on this display scrolls through the various Film Simulation modes, with a stripped back selection of 13 looks. It can also be used to adjust certain camera settings, depending on which part of the menu you're navigating.

Then there's another unique touch LCD: a vertical display for live view and the X half's four menus, each of which is accessed via a swipe from one of the four sides.

One menu accesses basic camera settings such as exposure mode, another the Film Simulations and picture effects – Fujifilm has added several new film photography-inspired effects, including light leak.

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Close up of Fujifilm X half compact camera's Film Simulation LCD screen — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Fujifilm X half compact camera's back, on a wooden surface — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Close up of Fujifilm X half compact camera's battery — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Close up of Fujifilm X half compact camera's lens aperture ring — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

With a picture effect active or when in another menu, that second LCD displays the picture effects or camera settings instead of Film Simulations, effectively making it a secondary navigation tool.

Another menu on the main LCD accesses a new Film Roll mode, which is a fabulous concept. Select your 'film roll' – if you're not already familiar with them, Fujifilm Film Simulation color modes mimic the look of actual Fujifilm film stock – and the number of shots you'd like in the film, and start shooting.

Once the Film Roll mode is active, the display is inactive, so your only compositional tool is the optical viewfinder. Given the lens is moderately wide, you can point in the direction of your subject without relying on the viewfinder for composition.

In the Film Roll mode, you're also locked into the selected Film Simulation and settings such as ISO. And with no raw format available, once you've picked your look, you've made your bed. It's such a fun idea which pays homage to film photography.

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Fujifilm X half camera in the hand at golden hour — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

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Design score: 4/5

Fujifilm X half: Performance

18MP JPEG-only vertical photos, Full HD vertical video
13 Film Simulations and new picture effects
Face-detection autofocus

If you take photography seriously, a word of advice – don't write the Fujifilm X half off on the basis of its image-making qualities, which on the face of it are pretty basic.

For one, JPEG-only photos and no raw? That's a bold move by Fujifilm, but I get it. After all, the X half is supposed to be like a film camera, and since when could you work from uncompressed raw data to make drastic color and exposure adjustments to film? Locking in the look at the point of capture is in the spirit of film.

The X half's video-making skills are also fairly stripped back, maxing out at Full HD resolution, but once again I don't mind that.

Those vertical photos and videos are recorded using a vertical 1-inch sensor. It's a 20MP 2:3 aspect sensor, but output is 3:4, which means the maximum photo resolution is 18MP.

Just taking the 3:4 portion of the 2:3 sensor also means the lens, which would be a 28mm-equivalent focal length, is actually more like 32mm – that's a suitable perspective for everyday photography.

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London's china town, Chinese lanterns, sunny day street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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London's china town, street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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Male portrait in London's china town, street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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For close-ups, that 1-inch sensor and maximum f/2.8 aperture lens can capture nice blurry backgrounds, especially when you're pushing nearer the minimum 0.1m focus distance.

Fujifilm's Film Simulations number 20 in all, but the X half includes a stripped-back selection of 13 of the supposedly most popular looks.

It also gets some new picture effects, so in addition to the gimmicky mirror and toy-camera effects you have aptly analog-inspired options like light leak.

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Closeup of maneki-neko in London's china town — Shoot close and use the maximum f/2.8 aperture, and soft backgrounds are possible (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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Fujifilm's tagline in the X half marketing is, 'Half the size, twice the story'. This refers to the half-frame format of the pictures and the diptych-making feature for photos and videos.

The diptych feature is activated using the 'film-wind' lever, and composites two 3:4 images side by side, just as a half-frame film camera does onto a roll of 35mm film (it works for video, too).

However, they're not strictly half-sized; the resolution of each photo is preserved, meaning a diptych composite is doubled in width, from the 3648 x 4864 pixels of each photo to a 7296 x 4864 pixel composite with a 3:2 aspect – that's the same aspect as a frame of 35mm film.

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Closeup of street fare in London's china town — Two vertical photos composited into a diptych – just like with half-frame film cameras (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

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Female portrait in London's china town, street scene — (Image credit: Tim Coleman / Viktoria Shilets)

There's a modest selection of autofocus modes. As far as I could tell, focus is locked to the central portion of the frame; however, there's face-detection autofocus too, which is active anywhere in the frame.

I must also touch on the Film Roll mode which is guaranteed to charm photographers with a soft spot for analog photography. You select the film simulation you want and the number of frames in the film roll; 36, 54 or 72.

Once the roll starts, you're locked into the film simulation – just as if you were using a roll of film – and the rear display switches from live view to a frame count instead.

After each shot, you 'crank' the lever on the rear to move onto the next frame – the camera won't take the next shot until you do this. Like liveview, image playback isn't available mid-roll.

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Fujifilm X half app UI, developing film, contact sheet, image gallery — (Image credit: Future)

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Once the 'roll' is done, you upload the shots wirelessly to the Fujifilm X half app, which is where you'll see your photos for the first time. The app reimagines the photo lab in such a fun way, 'developing' the roll and then displaying it as a contact sheet – as someone who learned photograph in the darkroom, this feature has won me over.

If you approach the X half as a fun camera for casual snaps with some creative looks to try out, and as a convenient digital reimagining of analog photography, then you'll be wholly satisfied.

Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Fujifilm X half: testing scorecard

Fujifilm X half
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	Given the fun factor, the X half feels pretty expensive. But if it gets you out shooting, then it's decent value.	3.5/5
Design	Packed with charming features, the X half's retro plastic body is truly pocketable and eye catching	4/5
Performance	Not one for outright quality or high speed performance, the X half is a different kind of camera that reimagines the analog photography experience beautifully.	3.5/5

Should I buy the Fujifilm X half?

Buy it if...

You have a soft spot for film photography
The X half is clearly made be film camera fans, and wonderfully reimagines the format in digital form.View Deal

You simply want a bit of photography fun
Forget the specs, the X half is a cute, retro bundle of fun.View Deal

You'd like a truly compact camera
The X half is so small, even with its fixed lens, that'll easily slip into your pocket.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re a stickler for image quality
Shooting 18MP JPEG-only photos and Full HD video with a vertical 1-inch sensor, the X half's image quality is pretty basic.View Deal

You're on the look out for a 'regular' compact
The X half is essentially in a category of its own and clearly geared to film photography fans.View Deal

Fujifilm X half: Also consider

Pentax 17

Should you want the genuine half-frame film experience the Pentax 17 is an obvious recommendation, sharing as it does many design similarities with the Fujifilm X half. The Pentax 17 is cheaper as an initial outlay, but remember there will be the ongoing film costs. A super-cheap half frame alternative would be the Kodak Ektar.

Read our in-depth Pentax 17 review

Ricoh GR III

If it's the compact proportions and fixed wide-angle lens that appeal, then the Ricoh GR III is a pricier, high-quality alternative. In fact, with larger APS-C sensor and 24MP stills it delivers the best image quality from a pocketable camera, full stop. However, the GR III a 'regular' camera so you'll miss out on the fun features.

Read our in-depth Ricoh GR III review

Three Fujifilm X half compact cameras side by side, each a different color — (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

How I tested the Fujifilm X half

A short session with the camera ahead of its global announcement
Fujifilm consequently loaned me the camera for several weeks
I've tried various Film Simulations and picture effects, plus the diptych and Film Roll modes

I had the Fujifilm X half in my pocket for several weeks, during which time I tried out the various Film Simulation modes, picture effects, and shooting modes for photos and video. These include the diptych feature and the Film Roll. In essence, I've tried out every feature the camera has to offer.

On a technical level, I shot a series of images adjusting the lens aperture stop by stop, from its maximum f/2.8 aperture to f/11, and examined those images to compare image quality at each setting.

I've also switched between various autofocus and manual focus modes to see how each option handles. I shot images at the minimum focus distance too in order to check the camera's close focusing capabilities and for any lens distortion.

First reviewed May 2025

Dell’s S3225QC OLED monitor won my heart with its in-built sound system, but where did all the ports go?

6:51 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Forza Motorsport, Google Docs, Google Sheets, OLED | Comments: Off

Dell S3225QC: two-minute review

The Dell S3225QC offers a unique value proposition. I want to say that it’s the best value 32-inch all-rounder if you want awesome 4K OLED picture quality and epic integrated sound, backed up by a serviceable 120Hz refresh rate and a satisfying contrasting figure of 1500000:1, but there are a handful of things holding back my praise.

Dell has positioned the S3225QC as an all-rounder, claiming that its mix of features is “perfect for play, school and work” when it was announced back at CES 2025 in January. At first principles I think this monitor is capable of shifting between these different use cases quite well – the 5 x 5W speakers that run across the bottom of the display output brilliant audio, the screen itself doesn’t blur text and is perfect for a mix of writing documents, viewing content and playing games, and the 32-inch size is definitely a boon for blowing up whatever task you're performing.

Backed up by a design that’s fairly inoffensive and doesn’t take up much space on a desk, the S3225QC may be the perfect multitasking display for your home or office. The addition of two USB-C ports on the back and an accessible USB-C port on the front is also very welcome, especially for quickly charging a phone or mouse, or for transferring data to your computer in a pinch. One port pops in and out of the monitor, allowing it to be tucked away when not used.

The USB-C port that pops out from the Dell S3225QC monitor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Additionally, unlike some OLED monitors, the display doesn’t have annoying care programs – shortly after the monitor is turned off following a lengthy period of use, it’ll automatically shift into refreshing mode, which will take between six and eight minutes. Dell recommends refreshing the pixels every four hours, but I wasn't bugged once about doing this.

However there’s one big thing that’s holding Dell’s new OLED monitor back – its severe lack of ports.

I’m annoyed that the only inputs for displaying audio and video are HDMI and a Display Port-capable USB-C, and my particular use case, as somebody who bases everything they do in their home around a monitor, kind of underscores this as a weakness (so please excuse my incoming tangent). Most streaming services don’t show video in the highest resolution when functioning through a browser, and to watch Andor on Disney+ in all its glory, I wanted to connect my Google TV streamer to the S3225QC.

The Dell S3225QC's sensor close-up — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

But the Google TV Streamer, as you’d expect, uses HDMI to connect to a display – I couldn’t use the Display Port-capable USB-C connection, as the TV Streamer doesn’t output audio and video through its USB-C port, and so my only solution was to physically swap the HDMI cord between my PC and the Streamer.

It’s not the end of the world and indeed the monitor displayed 4K streaming content brilliantly, along with all the things I played, but it begs the question: why are there only two audio/video inputs in the first place? This will surely be an issue for folks in similar positions looking for a more encompassing all-rounder solution, and this lack of connections is anomalous among similarly priced screens.

For people that might have one primary computer connected via HDMI and, separately, a laptop via the DP-Alt USB-C, this is unlikely to be a problem – but still be ready to factor in purchasing a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to Display Port cable to get over these hurdles depending on what you’re doing at your PC. A quick and easy solution may be an external HDMI splitter.

Dell S3225QC: price and availability

The Dell S3225QC monitor at an angle on a desk — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

How much does it cost? $799.99 / £879 / AU$1,299.10
When is it available? Available now (not currently listed on Dell US)
Where can you get it? Dell's website in the US, UK and Australia

For a monitor that comes with high-quality integrated audio, an OLED panel and a massive 32-inch size, the Dell S3225QC is priced quite competitively. There are very few monitors on the market that are offering this particular combination of features, which makes it difficult to compare, but the feature set is pretty impressive.

The price is slightly undermined by a couple of factors, the foremost being a lack of input ports, with only HDMI and a USB-C (DP-Alt) available. Another is the comparatively low refresh rate for an OLED panel, limited to 120Hz at a maximum 4K resolution. There is, however, a built-in USB hub, so keyboards, mice and other peripherals are able to connect directly to the PC via the monitor’s USB-C ports.

If you’re shopping for an alternative, I’d recommend the MSI MPG 271QRX (a 27-inch gaming OLED monitor with a higher refresh rate) or the Dell UltraSharp U3225QE (a non-OLED 32-inch monitor with similar specs, more ports and a lower price).

Value: 5/5

Dell S3225QC: specs

Screen size:	31.6-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	3,840 x 2,160 (120Hz)
Brightness:	250 cd/㎡ / 1,000 cd/㎡ HDR peak
Response time:	0.03ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:	178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:	1,500,000:1
Color support:	1.07B
Inputs:	1X HDMI 2.1, 1X USB-C (5Gbps upstream, Display Port 1.4 alt mode, 90W power delivery), 2X USB-C 5Gbps downstream ports (data, 15W power delivery)
Weight:	10kg (22.05 lbs)

Dell S3225QC: design

The backside of the Dell S3225QC — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Inoffensive design with white colorway
Speakers across the entire bottom
Nice USB-C placement

The Dell S3225QC is designed to be an all-purpose monitor, and so it has a neutral design without anything too jarring. The monitor is only available in a white colorway with an anti-glare matte OLED panel, sitting atop five integrated speakers.

While this speaker system appears at first glance to have a webcam inbuilt, it’s actually a proximity sensor that detects the user’s distance from the screen and adjusts sound quality accordingly. More on that in the Features section.

The stand has a coarse texture to it and is completely white. It doesn’t take up much room, with the stand consisting of a long cylindrical pole and the monitor footing being a flat rectangle. The monitor doesn’t take up too much room on a desk and has a fair amount of height, tilt and swivel adjustment to it.

The Dell S3225QC monitor switched on — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

One of the USB-C ports physically moves in and out from underneath the monitor, allowing for quick access. It’s an interesting aspect of the monitor that seems a little overdesigned – while popping a component in and out is convenient, I’m confused as to why this needs to move at all.

Surely an immobile USB-C port pointed downward would have achieved the same goal without the risk of getting stuck or broken? The rest of the ports are located around the back, while the monitor’s joystick and power button can be found to the bottom right of the screen’s backside.

Design: 4/5

Dell S3225QC: features

The buttons on the back of the Dell S3225QC monitor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

In-built speakers across the bottom
Handy USB-C port on the front with upstream/downstream support
Only two audio/video input ports (HDMI/DP via USB-C)

The Dell S3225QC is aimed at being an all encompassing display, capable of switching between work and play without a problem. It has a gorgeous screen and a handful of useful USB-C ports across the back and front, though there's a crippling lack of audio/video ports.

The main feature propping up the all-rounder goal is the sound system running across the bottom of the display, which offers enhanced surround-sound audio made possible thanks to its spatial tracking camera. The end product is frankly the best audio I’ve ever heard from a monitor, though I did find that two red lights would often appear on the soundbar, indicating that my head couldn’t be seen by the tracking tech – meaning sound wasn't always able to be optimized for my position. As someone whose home entertainment setup is based around their computer desk, I love monitors with inbuilt audio, so this focus on high-end audio is a win for me.

There’s a USB-C port on the front and the two USB-C ports around the back, one of which doubles as a Display Port alternative for audio/video (AV) signals, meaning you can plug your monitor in with a USB-C port and use it as a second screen. Those regular USB-C ports can serve as sockets for your laptop and keyboard while still using the DP-capable USB-C port for AV. It’s a great alternative to a dedicated USB hub, and that DP-capable USB-C port can even double as a 90W charger, meaning you won’t need a separate power cable for most connected laptops (beastly gaming models excepted).

The Dell S3225QC's ports on the back — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

I liked how well laid-out the inbuilt operating system was, and how easy it was to quickly change settings using the joystick on the back. It’s so fast and responsive that I would often adjust things like audio directly through the monitor.

What burned me the most about the monitor was its lack of any additional HDMI or Display Port sockets. All that’s on offer is a HDMI port (4K@120Hz) and the aforementioned DP-capable USB-C port. Somebody that’s merely switching between a laptop and a desktop PC likely won’t have any issue with the ports that are in use, but for my purposes (I tend to have a Chromecast connected to my screen), the arrangement resulted in an awkward dance of unplugging and plugging in cables constantly. For a monitor billed on versatility and being able to fulfill so many needs, it’s absolutely baffling how limiting it is in its design.

Features: 4/5

Dell S3225QC: performance

The Dell S3225QC displaying Assassin's Creed Shadows — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Epic OLED, 4K panel @ 120Hz
Deep, rich spatial sound
Ideal for productivity, fine for games

It’s tempting to say that the Dell S3225QC makes compromises to service a broad appeal, but I personally don’t think the specs reflect that – the hardware set here is solid.

Dell has sourced its 4K OLED panel from Samsung, and with the Korean tech giant so good at making such screens, it’s a win on all fronts. Colors pop perfectly and as it's OLED, blacks are perfect as they aren’t lit by pixels. A contrast rate of 150,000:1 keeps picture quality accurate, though brightness is limited to a maximum of 250nits/1,000nits HDR peak (a fairly standard figure for an OLED, but low compared to high-end non-OLEDs).

I think the OLED panel is fairly inconsequential when you’re using the monitor for stuff like writing up documents, editing things together or simply when casually browsing the web – and you’ll be better off purchasing a much cheaper display if these are the only things you’re doing. There’s no haziness around typed characters to be seen, but these days you don’t have to go up-market for a clear monitor to do work on.

The Dell S3225QC monitor displaying a clip from Star Wars Andor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

It’s with stuff like gaming and streaming video that the S3225QC can really pull out the stops. The 120Hz refresh rate might seem a little low for PC gaming, but let me be clear – it’s perfectly fine, and unless you're an especially demanding (or competitive) gamer, 120Hz is more than enough for fast and fluid gameplay. I use a fairly high-performance gaming PC and though in many games I can far exceed a 120 fps framerate, I’ve never been left wanting more.

As we've previously mentioned, the audio system is fitted with a spatial camera that detects how close you are to the screen. With that detected, it then adjusts the sound profile to best suit the distance. In my experience it worked brilliantly, though the sensor certainly suffered when there wasn’t much light (and I tend to keep lights off in my office... I’m a bit of a caveman).

The S3225QC will still deliver rich sound without detecting your distance from the panel, however when the sensor isn’t capable of making that measurement, it displays two dark red lights beside the camera (appearing in the image below as purple). It’s a tad annoying when watching something cinematic in the dark, as the sensor is quite reliant on being in a well-lit environment, but ultimately when it doesn't completely work the results are harmless.

The sensors on the front of the Dell S3225QC — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Should I buy the Dell S3225QC monitor?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	A unique feature set at a fair enough cost makes the Dell S3225QC a screen to consider.	5 / 5
Design	An unassuming white colorway and a nice OLED panel positions the S3225QC well for specific settings.	4 / 5
Performance	There’s no holding the S3225QC back as an all-rounder monitor for work and play.	5 / 5
Features	The inclusion of high-quality speakers across the bottom is nice, but there is a severe lack of HDMI/DP ports.	4 / 5
Average rating	Although we’d like to see more inputs, the Dell S3225QC is likely to be a good fit for folks looking for a one-stop solution monitor.	4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You’re craving an OLED monitor that isn’t completely gaming-oriented

Dell’s new OLED screen is sure to be a hit among non-gamers looking for gorgeous picture quality, or gamers looking to skip aggressive aesthetics and craving speaker sound.

You want brilliant in-built sound

I’ve never had sound on a monitor impress me more than the S3225QC and it’ll be hard to beat its room-filling audio.

You want an all-encompassing solution

Audio/video inputs for USB-C (DP) and HDMI make the S3225QC uniquely suited for switching between a desktop and laptop setup.

Don't buy it if...

You crave more input freedom

Only offering two audio/video inputs makes the S3225QC a much less capable monitor, especially for one marketed as being all-purpose.

You want to save money

The Dell S3225QC is fairly priced but still doesn’t come cheap and you may be better off saving some money and going with a non-OLED alternative for less.

You want better gaming specs

You’ll find higher refresh rates and lower response times on similarly priced 4K OLED monitors intended for gamers.

Also consider

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF

Want a more gaming-oriented monitor? The Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is priced similarly and is available as a 27-inch or 32-inch screen.

Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF review

Screen size:	27-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	3,840 x 2,160
Brightness:	250 cd/㎡ / 1,300 cd/㎡ HDR peak
Response time:	0.03ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:	178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:	1,000,000:1
Color support:	Max 1B
Inputs:	2X HDMI, 1X Display Port, 2X USB-A, 1X USB-B Upstream, 1X 3.5 headphone jack
Weight:	6.89kg (15.2 Ibs)

MSI MPG 271QRX

Cheaper and fitted with a 2K OLED panel, the MSI MPG 271QRX is a worthwhile solution if you’re not craving such high-end specs.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Screen size:	26.5-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	2560 x 1440p
Brightness:	250 cd/㎡ / 1,000 cd/㎡ HDR
Response time:	0.03ms (GtG)
Viewing angle:	178˚(R/L), 178˚(U/D)
Contrast ratio:	1500000:1
Color support:	1.07B
Inputs:	1x Display Port, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C (DP alt.) and 90W PD charging, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A 1, 1x USB 2.0 Type-B
Weight:	10.8kg (24 lbs)

Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub

After the USB-C connectivity that the S3225QC offers, but don’t care for OLED or the high-end sound? Dell’s 32-inch Thunderbolt Hub monitor is much cheaper with many more ports on offer.

Read our full Dell Ultrasharp 32 4K Thunderbolt hub review

Screen size:	31.5-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	3,840 x 2,160
Brightness:	450 cd/㎡, 500 cd/㎡ HDR peak
Response time:	5ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:	178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:	3,000:1
Color support:	1.07B
Inputs:	2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x Display Port 1.4 (in/out), 1x HDMI 2.1, 7 USB-A downstream, 3.5mm audio-out
Weight:	9.34kg (20.59 lbs)

How I tested the Dell S3225QC monitor

Tested over a couple of weeks
Productivity software used include Canva, Photoshop, Google Docs, ClipChamp and Google Sheets
Also used for a mix of streaming content and playing video games

During my time with the Dell S3225QC, I tried to use the monitor as a hub for everything I did. This included using it to get work done on my laptop by connecting a MacBook Air to the display via USB-C, but also connecting my gaming computer to it for video games and my Google TV Streamer for movies and TV shows.

Most of my time with my monitor was spent using it for entertainment, playing games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Counter-Strike 2, Wreckfest, Forza Motorsport, R.E.P.O, Marvel Rivals and Star Wars Outlaws, but I also took time to watch plenty of Disney+, Netflix and YouTube content on the display. I also used it for music streaming via Spotify.

Of course the monitor was also used for more casual things – doomscrolling on Bluesky, browsing websites on Chrome and messaging friends on Instagram and Messenger for example.

First review May 2025.

I couldn’t wait to review the Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam, but it’s a mixed bag

7:11 pm | May 21, 2025

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

Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam: two-minute review

I tried the original Nexar Beam dash cam around three years ago, but I seem to recall that it did everything I wanted it to do at the time. Things have moved on since then, though, and for the Beam2 mini Nexar has tweaked the design and features in a bid to stay up there with the best dash cams.

In fact, none of the latest crop of Beam models bear much resemblance to the original incarnation. The Nexar Beam2 Mini is my pick of these products – there are also Beam2 (road only) and Beam2 road and cabin model variants, plus an optional rear view camera.

The others are chunkier, and might suit folks with space on their windshields and the willingness to spend more for a beefier array of features. The Nexar Beam2 mini is right up my street though, especially when I need to fix it to the small screen of my sports car. I’m looking for compact, which was a key part of the appeal with the first edition.

However, the Nexar Beam2 mini isn’t quite as dinky as I’d anticipated, at 6.86 x 6.49 x 3.83 inches / 17.4 x 16.5 x 9.7cm. It feels quite hefty too, weighing in at 1.74lbs / 0.8kg, but that’s no bad thing, as it helps make the package feel like a quality purchase. Perhaps some of the additional weight comes from the internal storage, as there's no microSD media card slot available on this model.

This model features a landscape-oriented body design, with a 160-degree field of view lens that can be swiveled to get the view of the road suited to any type of vehicle. It attaches to the windshield in standard fashion, using a self-adhesive pad that sticks the base of the camera unit to the glass.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam — (Image credit: Future)

The Nexar Beam2 mini is available with 4G LTE connectivity, which means that it can deliver ‘always on’ performance including remote video live streaming. There’s 1080p resolution and internal storage of up to 256GB, though as mentioned there's no external microSD storage. It features GPS tracking, a parking mode with real-time alerts plus 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and comes with an ODBII pass through connector cable, rather than a 12V plug for power.

Nexar offers the Beam2 mini with three different storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which offer recording storage times of 30 hours, 62 hours and 130 hours respectively. The internal storage can work harmoniously with Nexar’s unlimited cloud storage option, plus there’s the option to invest in an ongoing LTE Protection Plan that boosts this model’s appeal for just $9.99 (about £8) per month.

Due to its core 'always on' functionality, the Nexar Beam2 mini is ideally suited to folks who want to be sure they can keep tabs on their vehicle from anywhere, and at any time. The Nexar app helps here, enabling you to check in on your vehicle, as long as connectivity is retained. There are quirks, though, such as the need for a permanent connection, which can present power implications and add extra hassle during setup.

Performance is solid enough, and the features and functions do what they’re supposed to do. Nexar has tried to make purchasing the Beam2 mini as easy as possible too, with an array of plans to suit all budgets. There are cheap and cheerful models out there though, that offer greater plug-and-play simplicity, which might make the Nexar Beam2 mini seem a little too quirky for some needs.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: price and availability

Price starts at $149.95 / £113
There are three storage capacity variants: 64GB, 128GB and 256GB

The Nexar Beam2 mini is available in three storage variants. The base-level edition currently costs $149.95 / £113 (down from $199.95) and features 64GB of capacity. The 128GB model is $169.95 / £128, while the range tops out in terms of storage at 256GB, which costs $199.95 / £151.

An optional LTE Protection Plan is also available, and costs $9.99 per month or $71.90 annually, which at the time of writing represents a 40% discount. The latter delivers live streaming capability, unlimited cloud storage, a 24/7 Live Parking mode, real-time GPS tracking, and real-time emergency alerts too.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: specs

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam specs
Video	Front 1080p FHD
Field of view (FOV)	135 degrees front
Storage	Internal 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, Cloud
GPS	Yes
Parking mode	Yes, with constant ODBII power cable
App support	Nexar app
Dimensions	6.86 x 6.49 x 3.83 inches / 17.4 x 16.5 x 9.7cm
Weight	1.74lbs / 0.8kg
Battery	Yes

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: Design

Slimline letterbox design and no screen
ODBII connector supplied for always-on power
Internal storage, with 64, 128 and 256GB versions

Anyone who needs something fairly compact will find the design of the Nexar Beam2 mini one of its most appealing aspects. This is a landscape-oriented box of tricks, with very little on its exterior to either fiddle with or go wrong. The design might not work for everyone, though, firstly because there’s no rear screen, so everything has to be done via the Nexar app. Second, until you have the app installed it’s quite tricky to get the angle of the lens correct.

The lens itself is housed in the front of the unit, and can be swiveled up or down, depending on the angle of the windshield in your vehicle. The power cable port is up on top of the unit though, which means it's easy to get this out of the way during installation. The dash cam can be fitted to the windshield in the usual way, either using an anti-static film sheet first and sticking the adhesive mount to that, or directly to the glass itself. There's no suction-cup arrangement though, and no removable option in the mount design either. Again, not for everyone.

There’s a small blue/green indicator light that flashes during setup and stays on when the camera is doing its thing. Power to the unit comes from a supplied ODBII connector setup, which is why this model is good if an ‘always on’ setup is required. However, the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam will also work if it’s plugged in via a sufficiently high-powered USB port, which widens its appeal somewhat, especially if a user doesn’t require constant surveillance. Don’t bother looking for a card slot though, because there isn’t one. My review unit came with a 64GB internal storage drive instead.

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam: Performance

Fiddly setup
Decent image and audio quality

I have to admit that initial setup and installation wasn’t as seamless as I’d hoped for. Sure, the power cable procedure is simple enough, just as long as you know where your ODBII connector is under the dash – these can be quite tricky to find in some vehicles. The Beam2 mini can be powered by a cable running into the 12V socket if preferred, although this isn’t supplied with the package, which only contains a ODBII adapter. Hard-wiring it is also an option, but you’ll need to pay for this additional accessory.

The main problem I had was connecting and verifying the app. Downloading it was easy enough, but the country code listings for inputting my number weren’t listed alphabetically. I then twigged Nexars lists by country codes on the right-hand side of the menu. Even then, with my country code and phone number entered, I couldn’t get a verification text to come through. Curiously, right after I’d tried this, I also got a couple of spam calls, so I’m hoping this was coincidental rather than anything to do with the Nexar setup process.

As it turned out, and after I got in touch with Nexar directly, I was told that there is currently an issue with UK cell phone companies blocking the verification codes. This appears to be a country-specific issue, so for US users this should hopefully not be an issue. A note on the Nexar website to explain this would have stopped me wasting a lot of time though.

One other thing that appears to be a potential issue, especially for anyone wanting to use the Nexar Beam2 mini in the UK, is that a strong mobile signal is needed for it to function correctly. As I drove off on my first journey, while the camera was doing its initial setup procedure, I kept on getting an audible alert suggesting I find a stronger cell phone signal. However, after a reboot, things seemed to settle down somewhat and the message stopped.

Maybe I was just unlucky, but the various teething troubles tainted my experience of the Nexar Beam2 Dash Cam somewhat. Nevertheless, this is a very decent dash camera, with results that left a positive impression. It’s great at capturing video in a wide variety of scenarios, and the audio quality seems really good too. Things look slightly less impressive on finer details, such as license plates, but this model is affordable, so some element of compromise is inevitable.

Should you buy the Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam?

Buy it if...

You want 'always on' recording
A big bonus of this model is its ability to stay on using a permanent power connection, which unlocks extra features and functions.

Remote viewing using an app is essential
This dash cam also benefits from having an app that allows connected monitoring of your vehicle, which can be useful in less secure neighborhoods.

You need a compact design
The Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam is smaller and more compact than the other Beam2 models, but offers much of the same functionality.

Don't buy it if...

You want simplicity and ease of use
This model purports to offer plug and play functionality, but in some cases there can be some hiccups during setup due to verification texts not coming through.

You’d like a rear screen
If a rear screen is a must then the Nexar Beam2 mini Dash Cam should be avoided as everything has to be done via the app, even when it comes to getting the lens angle right.

A removable media card is an essential
While this model does offer lots of storage, this is all done using internal memory and the cloud. There'ss no removable microSD card option across the Beam2 range.

How I tested the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam

I installed the dash cam in one test car for an initial period of two weeks
I used it for a wide range of journeys during the day and at night
I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings to assess their quality

I was sent a loan package of the Beam2 mini Dash Cam by Nexar, which also provided me with the LTE Protection Plan for good measure. The camera was installed in a car I was testing at the time, and powered using the setup described in the review above. I also installed the Nexar app on an iPhone, which required me to follow a verification process that required the phone to receive a text in order to proceed.

I then tested the Beam2 mini over several days and in a variety of driving conditions, including local roads as well as larger highways. I was able to explore its capabilities in various weather conditions, including rainy days and in low-light as well as after dark.

First reviewed May 2025

I tried Google’s Android XR prototype and they can’t do much but Meta should still be terrified

2:32 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Artificial Intelligence Computers Computing Gadgets Software | Comments: Off

The Google Android XR can’t do very much… yet. At Google I/O 2025, I got to wear the new glasses and try some key features – three features exactly – and then my time was up. These Android XR glasses aren’t the future, but I can certainly see the future through them, and my Meta Ray Ban smart glasses can’t match anything I saw.

The Android XR glasses I tried had a single display, and it did not fill the entire lens. The glasses projected onto a small frame in front of my vision that was invisible unless filled with content.

To start, a tiny digital clock showed me the time and local temperature, information drawn from my phone. It was small and unobtrusive enough that I could imagine letting it stay active at the periphery.

Google Gemini is very responsive on this Android XR prototype

Google's Android XR prototype demonstrated at Google I/O 2025 — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The first feature I tried was Google Gemini, which is making its way onto every device Google touches. Gemini on the Android XR prototype glasses is already more advanced than what you might have tried on your smartphone.

I approached a painting on the wall and asked Gemini to tell me about it. It described the pointillist artwork and the artist. I said I wanted to look at the art very closely and I asked for suggestions on interesting aspects to consider. It gave me suggestions about pointillism and the artist’s use of color.

The conversation was very natural. Google’s latest voice models for Gemini sound like a real human. The glasses also did a nice job pausing Gemini when somebody else was speaking to me. There wasn’t a long delay or any frustration. When I asked Gemini to resume, it said ‘no problem’ and started up quickly.

That’s a big deal! The responsiveness of smart glasses is a metric I haven’t considered before, but it matters. My Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses have an AI agent that can look through the camera, but it works very slowly. It responds slowly at first, and then it takes a long time to answer the question. Google’s Gemini on Android XR was much faster and that made it feel more natural.

Google Maps on Android XR wasn’t like any Google Maps I’ve seen

Then I tried Google Maps on the Android XR prototype. I did not get a big map dominating my view. Instead, I got a simple direction sign with an arrow telling me to turn right in a half mile. The coolest part of the whole XR demo was when the sign changed as I moved my head.

If I looked straight down at the ground, I could see a circular map from Google with an arrow showing me where I am and where I should be heading. The map moved smoothly as I turned around in circles to get my bearings. It wasn’t a very large map – about the size of a big cookie (or biscuit for UK friends) in my field of view.

As I lifted my head, the cookie-map moved upward. The Android XR glasses don’t just stick a map in front of my face. The map is an object in space. It is a circle that seems to remain parallel with the floor. If I look straight down, I can see the whole map. As I move my head upward, the map moves up and I see it from a diagonal angle as it lifts higher and higher with my field of view.

By the time I am looking straight ahead, the map has entirely disappeared and has been replaced by the directions and arrow. It’s a very natural way to get an update on my route. Instead of opening and turning on my phone, I just look towards my feet and Android XR shows me where they should be pointing.

Showing off the colorful display with a photograph

The final demo I saw was a simple photograph using the camera on the Android XR glasses. After I took the shot, I got a small preview on the display in front of me. It was about 80% transparent, so I could see details clearly, but it didn’t entirely block my view.

Sadly that was all the time Google gave me with the glasses today, and the experience was underwhelming. In fact, my first thought was to wonder if the Google Glass I had in 2014 had the exact same features as today’s Android XR prototype glasses. It was pretty close.

My old Google Glass could take photos and video, but it did not offer a preview on its tiny, head-mounted display. It had Google Maps with turn directions, but it did not have the animation or head-tracking that Android XR offers.

There was obviously no conversational AI like Gemini on Google Glass, and it could not look at what you see and offer information or suggestions. What makes the two similar? They both lack apps and features.

Which comes first, the Android XR software or the smart glasses to run it?

Should developers code for a device that doesn’t exist? Or should Google sell smart glasses even though there are no developers yet? Neither. The problem with AR glasses isn’t just a chicken and egg problem of what comes first, the software or the device. That’s because AR hardware isn’t ready to lay eggs. We don’t have a chicken or eggs, so it’s no use debating what comes first.

Google’s Android XR prototype glasses are not the chicken, but they are a fine looking bird. The glasses are incredibly lightweight, considering the display and all the tech inside. They are relatively stylish for now, and Google has great partners lined up in Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.

The display itself is the best smart glasses display I’ve seen, by far. It isn’t huge, but it has a better field of view than the rest; it’s positioned nicely just off-center from your right eye’s field of vision; and the images are bright, colorful (if translucent), and flicker-free.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses reflecting Times Square on author's face — The author in Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses looking dumbfounded (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)

When I first saw the time and weather, it was a small bit of text and it didn’t block my view. I could imagine keeping a tiny heads-up display on my glasses all the time, just to give me a quick flash of info.

This is just the start, but it’s a very good start. Other smart glasses haven’t felt like they belonged at the starting line, let alone on retail shelves. Eventually, the display will get bigger, and there will be more software. Or any software, because the feature set felt incredibly limited.

Still, with just Gemini’s impressive new multi-modal capabilities and the intuitive (and very fun) Google Maps on XR, I wouldn’t mind being an early adopter if the price isn’t terrible.

How the Android XR prototype compares to Meta’s Ray Ban Smart Glasses

Ray-Ban meta glasses up close — My Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are mostly just sunglasses now (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)

Of course, Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses lack a display, so they can’t do most of this. The Meta Smart Glasses have a camera, but the images are beamed to your phone. From there, your phone can save them to your gallery, or even use the Smart Glasses to broadcast live directly to Facebook. Just Facebook – this is Meta, after all.

With its Android provenance, I’m hoping whatever Android XR smart glasses we get will be much more open than Meta’s gear. It must be. Android XR runs apps, while Meta’s Smart Glasses are run by an app. Google intends Android XR to be a platform. Meta wants to gather information from cameras and microphones you wear on your head.

I’ve had a lot of fun with the Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses, but I honestly haven’t turned them on and used the features in months. I was already a Ray Ban Wayfarer fan, so I wear them as my sunglasses, but I never had much luck getting the voice recognition to wake up and respond on command. I liked using them as open ear headphones, but not when I’m in New York City and the street noise overpowers them.

I can’t imagine that I will stick with my Meta glasses once there is a full platform with apps and extensibility – the promise of Android XR. I’m not saying that I saw the future in Google’s smart glasses prototype, but I have a much better view of what I want that smart glasses future to look like.

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I tested Zluri and found it delivers complete SaaS management, with excellent discovery tools, security, and cost-saving features

1:56 pm |

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

Zluri provides a comprehensive software asset management platform that helps IT teams see and control their SaaS applications from start to finish. We found it great for discovering apps across the organization, even the most elusive shadow IT. During our tests, Zluri's easy-to-use dashboard helped us track usage, manage licenses, and optimize spending on a range of business software.

The platform's main strength is its discovery engine. It uses 9 different methods to ensure 100% SaaS discoverability. We were impressed by how quickly Zluri connected with existing systems like SSO, financial tools, and browser extensions. The automated workflows for onboarding and offboarding employees can save your IT team a lot of time. It automatically manages access based on employee status changes, too.

Cost optimization is another area where Zluri excels. It helps you spot underused subscriptions and duplicate apps. We liked the renewal monitoring feature, which tracks end dates and sends reminders. This prevents missed renewals and opens up chances for negotiation. AI-powered license forecasting helps with budgeting, allowing your team to make informed decisions about software.

Setting up Zluri needs some initial time, but the responsive customer support team makes it easier than you might expect. We found the multi-level access certification workflows very helpful for compliance. They ensure no access issues are missed. While the platform could use more detailed documentation and more integrations for niche apps, Zluri's ongoing improvements suggest these issues will be resolved in future updates.

Zluri pricing details — (Image credit: Zluri)

Zluri: Plans and pricing

Zluri has a flexible pricing model based on employee count. Plans start at about $4-8 per user each month for their core SaaS management platform. The pricing includes Standard, Professional, and Enterprise options. Higher tiers come with extra features like advanced automation, custom integrations, and dedicated support.

In our testing, the Professional plan stood out for mid-sized organizations. It strikes a good balance of features and value. This plan gives access to key tools such as application discovery, license management, and basic workflow automation.

Zluri also offers a free trial. This lets organizations test the platform before subscribing. We liked the clear pricing model — there were no hidden fees or surprises during our evaluation. For larger enterprises, Zluri offers custom pricing. This can be tailored to include specific modules or integration options based on needs.

Zluri: Features

Zluri's complete SaaS management platform has many strong features. During testing, we found it great for spotting shadow IT and improving workflows for IT admins. Here are the key features that stood out during our evaluation:

Application discovery and management

Zluri's discovery engine was very effective at finding SaaS apps used in our testing, even those not approved by IT. We were impressed by how the platform connected with our financial systems, SSO providers, and browser agents to build a complete app inventory. The central dashboard simplified categorizing apps, tracking usage metrics, and spotting security risks. This gave us clear visibility into the whole SaaS landscape.

Automated workflows

The workflow automation features reduce admin work by simplifying onboarding, offboarding, and access management. The pre-built workflows were easy to customize, allowing us to automate license assignments and access revocations.

Another great thing is that the platform integrates with HR software systems, so employee status changes automatically trigger updates to software access. This reduces security risks and keeps you compliant with internal policies.

License optimization

Zluri's license management features uncovered major cost-saving opportunities in our sample portfolio. The platform's analytics showed us underused licenses, duplicate subscriptions, and chances to consolidate or downgrade. We especially liked the renewal calendar, which gave alerts for upcoming renewals. This could help the procurement team negotiate better and avoid unwanted auto-renewals.

Compliance safeguards

The security and compliance features give lots of useful insights into vulnerabilities in a software ecosystem. We found the risk assessment dashboard particularly helpful for spotting applications with poor security practices or compliance issues. The access certification workflows make it easy to review user permissions, so that regulatory requirements can be met even with less administrative work.

Zluri: Analytics

Zluri's analytics offer deep insights via data visualization into SaaS usage, spending, and security. The easy-to-use dashboards provide both broad overviews and detailed views. This helps IT admins spot trends, anomalies, and chances for optimization quickly. We found the spend analytics especially useful. They clearly visualized costs by department, application category, and time period. This helped us find ways to combine redundant tools and renegotiate contracts.

User-level analytics give clear insights into application adoption and engagement across the organization. We were able to track inactive users, find power users, and monitor license usage. This data could help you make smart choices about resource allocation. The customizable reports also generate specific insights for different stakeholders, making it easier to get to the issues you care about.

Zluri: Ease of use

Zluri's user interface balances strong functionality with an easy-to-use design. This makes it friendly for teams new to SaaS management. The dashboard is clean and organized, showing key metrics at a glance. You can navigate it easily to get detailed views for specific applications, departments, or users. During testing, we were able to master the interface quickly, after only a brief orientation. Contextual help features also offer useful guidance for complex tasks.

The platform’s workflow automation cuts down the learning curve even more by simplifying common tasks that usually need several steps. We liked the smart design of the application discovery process, which can integrate with various data sources without coding. Some of the advanced features, like custom integrations and complex workflows, need technical skills however. Still, Zluri offers templates and wizards to make these features easier to access.

Zluri help center — (Image credit: Zluri)

Zluri: Support

Zluri provides different support options based on pricing plans. All customers can access email support, knowledge base resources, and regular webinars. In our evaluation, we found the support team to be both responsive and knowledgeable. They usually reply to inquiries within a few hours and offer clear, actionable solutions. The platform's implementation specialists are especially helpful during setup. They give personalized guidance for integrating with your systems and customizing workflows to meet your needs.

Zluri trust and security — (Image credit: Zluri)

Zluri: Security

Zluri shows a strong commitment to security. It has SOC 2 Type II certification, regular penetration testing, and robust data encryption for data both in transit and at rest. The platform's handling of user permissions is also pretty robust. It offers granular role-based access controls, letting organizations define what team members can see and change in the system based on their jobs.

Zluri's clear security documentation was another highlight during our research. But it doesn't just commit to these security standards for its own platform. Zluri can proactively spot security risks in your existing SaaS ecosystem. This includes applications without proper security certifications or those storing sensitive data.

Zluri: The Competition

Zluri has many competitors, including BetterCloud, Torii, and Productiv. Each has its strengths and focus areas.

BetterCloud excels in workflow automation and has been around longer. However, Zluri's discovery engine is better at spotting shadow IT. Its interface is also more user-friendly for daily tasks.

Torii offers similar core features, focusing on automated workflows and a sleek interface. Still, Zluri stands out with stronger financial optimization and vendor management.

Productiv is all about application engagement analytics and benchmarking. This appeals to organizations that value adoption metrics and ROI analysis. For enterprises using ServiceNow, Productiv's SaaS Operations Management module provides integration benefits. However, it lacks the same depth and specialization as Zluri.

While each competitor has unique strengths, Zluri provides the best mix of discovery, cost optimization, workflow automation, and ease of use.

Zluri: Final Verdict

Zluri delivers on its promise of great SaaS management. It offers strong discovery features, an easy-to-use interface, and useful cost optimization tools.

During our evaluation, we found the platform excels at finding shadow IT, improving workflows, and giving insights to optimize software spending.

The initial setup does take time and resources. Some advanced features can be harder to learn. Still, Zluri's ongoing improvements and helpful support team make it a strong option for organizations with a complex tech stack.

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I tested ServiceNow and found it offers a powerful and comprehensive ITSM platform ideal for larger organizations

1:27 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: ITSM | Comments: Off

ServiceNow is a powerful cloud-based ITSM tool that streamlines workflows and service management in IT, HR, and customer service. During our testing, we were impressed with its ability to automate complex processes. This feature lets organizations swap manual tasks for advanced digital workflows without any coding knowledge. The platform's flexibility helps businesses define, design, and automate their service delivery, enhancing operational efficiency for larger enterprises.

ServiceNow connects easily with popular tools like Jira, DocuSign, Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce. We liked how the customization options allowed us to tailor it to our needs. However, this flexibility comes with a steeper learning curve than we expected. The self-service portals were particularly useful, letting end-users create tickets and report incidents easily.

While researching the platform, we noticed how many reviews mention that the user interface feels dated. While the recent upgrade to the Next Experience UI addresses much of these issues, some occasional clunkiness still remains. And the reporting and business intelligence features, while functional, were not as strong as some competing systems we looked at.

Still, ServiceNow's AI-powered intelligence is quite impressive. It automatically categorizes, prioritizes, and routes incoming tickets based on historical data, cutting response times. For large organizations with complex IT environments, ServiceNow provides great value due to its service management tools and automation features. However, smaller businesses might find the platform's complexity and high licensing costs challenging.

ServiceNow pricing — (Image credit: ServiceNow)

ServiceNow: Plans and pricing

ServiceNow uses a subscription-based pricing model. Prices vary based on modules, features, and the number of users. We found that the company does not share pricing publicly. Instead, potential customers must contact the sales team for a tailored quote based on their needs. That said, current users mention that annual contracts usually start at $75-$100 per user per month for companies with 50 to over 100 users.

The platform has several product lines, including IT Service Management, IT Operations Management, Customer Service Management, and HR Service Delivery. Each line has its own pricing structure. Most organizations begin with the IT Service Management (ITSM) package, with the option to add more modules later. ServiceNow also provides a limited free trial, which is helpful for testing basic functions, but it does not include all features available in paid subscriptions.

ServiceNow: Features

ServiceNow offers a complete set of tools to improve workflows and service delivery across departments. In our tests, we were impressed by how well the platform automates complex processes. It also allows for easy customization. Here are the key features that stood out to us:

Workflow automation

ServiceNow's workflow automation is key to its offerings. It let us design, implement, and optimize complex workflows with little to no coding. We found the visual workflow editor easy for business analysts to use for basic processes. It also offers the depth developers need for complex automation. The platform triggers actions based on set conditions, cutting down manual work during testing. Automated escalations and notifications helped ensure nothing was missed.

Service catalog and request management

ServiceNow's service catalog can create a central marketplace for all your services. During our evaluation, we made a number of custom request forms. These forms had dynamic fields that changed based on user selections, making requests intuitive for end-users. The approval workflows were strong. They allowed multi-level approvals and delegation, ensuring business continuity even when key approvers were unavailable.

Knowledge management

The knowledge management system in ServiceNow offers strong tools to create, organize, and share information. We liked how the platform suggests relevant articles to service desk agents based on incident details. This feature greatly reduces resolution times. The knowledge base also has solid version control and review workflows that keep content accurate. Plus, the self-service portal helps users find solutions before submitting tickets.

Configuration management database (CMDB)

ServiceNow's CMDB gave us a clear view of the IT infrastructure and service links. This was crucial for change management and solving problems. During our review, we saw that the discovery tools mapped relationships between configuration items well. They created a visual map of how systems work together. The platform tracked changes to configuration items over time. This feature added important context for troubleshooting. And its integration with incident and problem management modules made managing IT services seamless.

ServiceNow reporting tool — (Image credit: ServiceNow)

ServiceNow: Analytics

ServiceNow's reporting and analytics tools give clear insights into service performance and operations. They offer both pre-built and customizable dashboards. We found the Performance Analytics module very helpful for tracking key performance indicators. We used it to monitor metrics like mean time to resolution, SLA compliance, and ticket volume trends over time. The platform also let us dig into specific metrics, helping us spot bottlenecks in service delivery and make informed decisions on resource use.

The platform includes predictive intelligence features. These use machine learning to find patterns and predict future service demands based on past data. We were impressed by how the system can automatically categorize and prioritize incoming requests. This significantly lessened the manual workload for any service desk team. However, creating custom reports sometimes needed more technical skills than we expected. Additionally, the visualization options were not as flexible as those in some dedicated business intelligence tools we have used.

ServiceNow interface — (Image credit: ServiceNow)

ServiceNow: Ease of use

ServiceNow offers a mixed experience with usability. Its comprehensive interface can be overwhelming for new users. Our testing revealed a steep learning curve, especially for administrators and developers. The navigation structure is logical, but it has many menus and options. End-users may sometimes struggle to find specific services in the portal.

The platform does include features that improve usability, like role-based views. These views show only relevant information and functions for each user type. We also liked the mobile app, which simplified approving requests and checking status updates. Recent updates have brought many UI improvements, but some parts of the system still feel like traditional enterprise software.

ServiceNow: Support

ServiceNow provides tiered support options based on subscription levels, including Standard, Enterprise, and Elite packages. During our evaluation, we found the knowledge base and active community forums helpful for troubleshooting common issues. This allowed us to solve problems without contacting official support.

But the Elite support package offers 24/7 assistance, with quicker response times for critical issues. But complex customization questions still sometimes needed escalation to specialized technical teams. ServiceNow also offers professional services for implementation and optimization. Smaller organizations with limited IT resources may find these helpful due to the platform's complexity.

ServiceNow: Security

ServiceNow has SOC 1, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 certifications for its cloud infrastructure. It also offers strong role-based access controls.

Apart from that, the platform provides detailed audit trails that record all system changes to make compliance reporting easy. ServiceNow's data encryption, both in transit and at rest, meets industry security standards. It also offers regular security updates and strong vulnerability management tools to keep pace with growing security threats.

ServiceNow: The Competition

The enterprise service management market has several alternatives to ServiceNow. Atlassian's Jira Service Management is a popular choice for organizations using the Atlassian ecosystem. In fact, Jira Service Management is easier for smaller teams and much cheaper. But it lacks some of ServiceNow's advanced workflow features.

BMC Helix is another strong competitor. It has similar enterprise functionality and a more modern user interface than ServiceNow. But, it requires a similar effort for implementation.

For those seeking simpler solutions, Freshservice stands out. It has an intuitive interface and a faster implementation timeline, making it great for mid-sized businesses with basic needs. Zendesk also competes in this space. Its service management offerings are excellent for customer service but lack depth in IT operations management compared to ServiceNow.

ServiceNow: Final Verdict

ServiceNow is a powerful platform that offers great value for large businesses ready to invest time and resources. During our testing, we were impressed by its customization options and strong workflow automation. But the learning curve is steep and the costs high. Hopefully, ServiceNow's added efficiency will make the price worthwhile for large-scale IT operations.

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I tested Spiceworks and found it offers great functionality for a free help desk tool, making it perfect for SMB IT teams

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Spiceworks offers a complete IT service management solution that's packed with features — for free. We found it very easy to set up, needing little configuration to manage tickets. The clean interface is very easy to navigate, but the ads can be a bit distracting.

The ticketing system is central to Spiceworks' functions. It lets your team track and manage IT support requests via email and a customizable self-service portal. We liked the automated notifications and response templates. They made the overall workflow smoother and improved communication with users. The platform also has useful asset management tools that work well with the help desk, giving you a full view of our tech setup.

Spiceworks impressed us with its strong reporting tools and customization options. However, we did face some performance issues during testing. Sometimes, the system took longer than expected to restart after shutdowns. We also experienced a few moments where the app became unresponsive. Despite these issues, the overall value is compelling, especially for smaller organizations with tight budgets that don't need enterprise-level features.

The cloud-based version of Spiceworks replaced the desktop app after December 2021. It provides the same core functions with the added benefit of access from anywhere. The mobile apps offered easy access to tickets, though they had limited functionality compared to the full web interface. For organizations looking for a free way into help desk automation, Spiceworks strikes a strong balance of features, usability, and community support. And for those wanting more than that, there's a Premium version at $6 per user per month.

Spiceworks: Plans and pricing

Spiceworks has a unique pricing model. It offers a free tier and a new Premium option for teams needing more features. The Core plan is free for up to 5 seats. There are no limits on tickets, users, or storage. This makes it great for small to medium-sized businesses with limited IT resources. Our testing showed this approach is clear and easy to understand. However, the free version does show ads, which can distract from support tasks.

For teams with 5 or more users who want an ad-free experience, Spiceworks offers a Premium tier. It costs $6 per seat per month. This option includes all the features of the free version without ads. It provides better value than many competitors in the help desk market. We liked that Spiceworks keeps its pricing simple with just two tiers. There are no complex features or hidden costs, making budgeting easy for organizations of any size.

Spiceworks: Features

Spiceworks offers a complete set of help desk tools for IT support teams. In our tests, we found the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. It has intuitive workflows without losing depth. Here are the standout features that impressed us the most.

Ticket management

The ticket management system is key to Spiceworks. It provides flexible options for creating, assigning, and tracking support requests. We found the email integration very useful. It automatically turns incoming messages into tickets while keeping the entire conversation history. The customizable ticket fields and status workflows let our team tailor the system to our needs. However, we sometimes wanted more advanced automation for complex routing scenarios.

Knowledge base

Spiceworks has a strong knowledge base feature. It helped our team cut down on repetitive support requests by offering self-service options. We liked how simple it was to turn resolved tickets into knowledge base articles. These articles included rich formatting, attachments, and internal notes. The platform also provides public and private knowledge base options. This lets us share some information with end users while keeping other documents for internal use only.

Asset management

The integrated asset management tools give clear insights into your IT infrastructure and support activities. In testing, the network scanning tool successfully found and listed our devices. It gathered detailed data on hardware specs, installed software, and warranty status. Linking tickets to specific assets helped our support team understand issues better. However, we noticed that the scanning sometimes missed devices or provided incomplete information.

Community support

Spiceworks has a unique advantage with its large IT community. This community acts as a support resource and a professional network. Our team often found answers to technical issues in the community forums. Thousands of IT professionals share advice and troubleshooting tips there. The link between the help desk and the community lets you search for solutions while working on tickets. This can save you a lot of research time.

Spiceworks reports — (Image credit: Spiceworks)

Spiceworks: Analytics

Spiceworks offers strong reporting tools that show help desk performance and workload distribution. During testing, we found that the pre-built reports covered most key metrics we needed. These included ticket volume, resolution times, and support team performance. The dashboard gives quick insights through customizable widgets. However, we sometimes wanted more flexibility to create fully custom visualizations.

The platform also has advanced reporting features. You can add filters or mix filters to make reports that fit your needs. We liked generating reports that ranged from simple overviews of open tickets to detailed analyses of pending tickets over specific timeframes. For organizations needing deeper data analysis, Spiceworks provides a custom Power BI Desktop Data Connector. This tool lets you pull data directly from your Cloud Help Desk account and refresh it into your Power BI report template with one click after setup.

Spiceworks user interface — (Image credit: Spiceworks)

Spiceworks: Ease of use

Spiceworks has an easy-to-use interface. Even team members with limited tech skills found it simple to navigate. The dashboard gives a clear view of ticket status, recent activities, and key metrics. The menu structure is logical, making it easy to access different features. During testing, we liked the contextual help tips and the option to customize views. However, we sometimes had to click through multiple screens to finish tasks.

The ticket creation and management process is straightforward. It has clear status indicators and lets users quickly assign, prioritize, and categorize support requests. We found the email integration user-friendly. It allows users to create and respond to tickets without logging into the system. The knowledge base editor feels like a familiar word processor, making it easy to create and format documentation. However, the search function sometimes struggled to return the most relevant articles when using partial keywords.

Spiceworks community — (Image credit: Spiceworks)

Spiceworks: Support

Spiceworks offers different support channels, each with varying response times based on your tier. We found the knowledge base and community forums to be the most useful. They often provide solutions faster than direct support. Premium users enjoy priority email support, which has quicker response times. Free users can submit tickets but may wait longer for complex issues. The company also provides regular webinars and training resources to help users maximize the platform.

Spiceworks: Security

Spiceworks takes security seriously. They use industry-standard measures to protect sensitive help desk data. Our testing showed that the platform uses TLS encryption for data in transit. Regular security audits and SOC 2 compliance add extra reassurance. The granular permission system lets administrators control which team members can access certain information and perform specific actions. However, we would have liked more detailed audit logging to track user activities in the system.

Spiceworks: The Competition

For organizations looking for alternatives to Spiceworks, Freshdesk is a strong choice. It has a better ticketing system with advanced automation and a clean, ad-free interface, even at lower tiers. In our testing, we found Freshdesk's multichannel support and AI features to be more comprehensive. However, its pricing can rise quickly, especially as you add users and features, making it pricier than Spiceworks' Premium tier.

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is another solid alternative, especially for larger organizations needing ITIL compliance and better workflow customization.

For teams focused on project management but with some help desk needs, Jira Service Management offers better integration with development workflows and more customization. Zendesk is also a strong competitor, providing better omnichannel support and advanced reporting tools, but it comes at a significantly higher cost than Spiceworks.

But for organizations on tight budgets, Spiceworks' free tier stands out for its functionality without any financial commitment.

Spiceworks: Final Verdict

Spiceworks offers great value as a help desk solution, especially for small to medium-sized organizations with tight IT budgets. In our testing, we saw that the platform balances functionality and simplicity well. It provides essential help desk features in an easy-to-use package that doesn't need a lot of training.

While the ads in the free tier can be distracting, and some advanced features from premium competitors are absent, the affordable Premium tier is a strong option. It makes Spiceworks appealing for growing teams that need dependable ticket management without overspending.

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