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Shot Scope V5 review
6:28 pm | February 6, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Comments: Off

Shot Scope V5: One minute review

Shot Scope V5

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

If money is no object and you want one of the best golf watches at any price, then there are technically better options out there than the Shot Scope V5. However, if you aren’t looking to spend upwards of $500/£500/AU$900 on a watch that you only plan on wearing for golf, the V5 is a great option as it offers some features that you wouldn’t usually get in the mid-price range it falls in.

As well as providing the basic front, middle, and back yardage numbers, the V5 offers some other useful functions too, such as accurate distances to hazards, layups, and doglegs. It comes with 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide and you also get full maps of each hole so you can see what lies ahead as you prepare your strategy on the tee.

The V5 is button-operated rather than touchscreen, rather like some of the best running watches, which might seem a little outdated but it’s arguably more practical and efficient during activities. Many golfers find touchscreens can be a little erratic, especially in the rain or while wearing gloves. The button system is simple to use once you become familiar with it, making it easy to scroll through the hazards and record your score on each hole.

Where the V5 really stands out though is in the post-round shot tracking and the analytics on offer. It comes with 16 individual club tags which attach to the butt of a club’s grip and record data from each shot. After the round, you have access to all manner of useful data that allows you to hone the areas you need to improve. Other brands offer this too, but usually, you have to pay for the tags and/or a yearly subscription to access the data. Shot Scope offers all of this at a very reasonable single price point.

Shot Scope V5: Specifications

Shot Scope V5: Price and availability

Shot Scope V5

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
  • £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99
  • One price and color
  • Cheaper than many rivals

The Shot Scope V5 costs £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99 and is widely available from numerous online retailers. There is only one color choice (black) and there are no alternative strap color options either.

If you do want alternative color options then the very similar Shot Scope X5 might fit the bill, as it does offer a slightly more premium look and has a choice of five straps, but in terms of features and functionality, there’s very little between the V5 and the X5. In fact, almost all of the features are the same – but the V5 is button-operated whereas the X5 uses a touchscreen.

The V5 is £40 cheaper as a result of that, but many people will actually prefer the buttons, which makes the price very attractive. It’s also worth mentioning that touchscreens can often suffer in rainy conditions and buttons are certainly more reliable in the wet. The V5 has a longer battery life too, so in our view, it’s the better option, especially at this lower price point.

  • Value score: 5/5

Shot Scope V5: Design

Shot Scope V5

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
  • Simple, clean design
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Doesn't intrude on swing

The V5 probably isn’t a watch that many will choose to wear away from the golf course but personally, I’d have no qualms about doing so. It’s a simple, black design and looks nice on the wrist. It’s very comfortable and lightweight too (weighing just 50g), so on the course it’s not intrusive or distracting during the swing. The dust-resistant silicone strap is nice and flexible and sits snugly on the wrist. In fact, it’s actually one of the more comfortable golf watches I’ve tested.

In terms of construction, the V5 has a 1.2” daylight-readable color display made from hardened mineral glass. While I’ve mentioned already that for the watch itself, there are no color options other than black, in terms of the display you have five colors to choose from. Four buttons (two on each side) are used to operate the watch, but the buttons are quite discreet and certainly don’t stand out too much or detract from the aesthetics.

  • Design score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Features

Shot Scope V5

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
  • 36,000 preloaded courses
  • Shot tracking
  • In depth stats

The V5 comes preloaded with 36,000 golf courses and you get the standard front, middle, and back yardages. However if you can see where the pin is on the green and want a more specific number, there is a function that allows you to move the pin around on the screen to the right location. This will provide more accurate yardage, but I had no interest in using this feature, to be honest; scrolling through the options to find the pin and then continually clicking the button to move the flag around to the desired spot can be irritating. Frankly, I don’t need a number to be that accurate, as I’m not that good of a player to know, to the exact yard, how far I’m likely to hit my approach shot. A ballpark figure is more than sufficient for me, but the option is there for those who want it.

You do have access to excellent shot tracking information if you use the tags that come with this watch. They attach to the grip of your club and will record each shot you hit which then gives you access to very detailed information on your performance. If you’re into that, then this is an excellent feature. It’s very similar to services provided by Garmin and Arccos, but the difference is that you have to pay a yearly subscription fee for those whereas Shot Scope provides this free of charge.

I could talk all day about how in-depth this is as there are statistics available for everything you can think of, as well as plenty that you probably can’t! As well as being able to get ‘shots gained’ data, there are other interesting things available, such as how well you historically play particular golf courses or even specific holes. If you’re a golf nerd, this is something that will really appeal to you, and given that you don’t have to pay for any of it once you have made the initial purchase of the watch, for me this is the main selling point of the Shot Scope V5.

  • Features score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Performance

Shot Scope V5

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
  • Unlock button can be annoying
  • Shot tracking not automatic
  • Very easy to use

Upon arrival at the course, I found that the V5 identified the course fairly quickly. It isn’t always the same speed though. The first time I used it I found it was very quick, probably less than 10 seconds. Other times it has taken a little longer and on one occasion it was around a full minute. I find that to be normal though, and I’ve tested premium Garmin watches that have taken longer to locate the course than the V5 does, so from that perspective, I was quite impressed.

The trickiest thing for me, to begin with, was getting used to pressing the unlock button before attempting to access any of the functions. Without pressing the unlock button (the bottom left button), nothing else works, and initially, it was quite frustrating simply because I normally use a watch where I don’t need to do that. By the time I got to the back nine, I was generally okay with it, although I would occasionally still forget. After that first round, though, it became second nature.

That being said, having to press the unlock button first does make it slightly more of a pain to access some of the functions I like to use, such as the hazard map and distances, but this isn’t a premium watch – so there will naturally be some compromises to be made.

The watch does not automatically track individual shots on the course, but you can activate the track option after hitting a shot. Again, this is not ideal for me personally, as I often forget to do it, especially if I’m chatting with playing partners or feeling rushed due to a group behind me.

Some more expensive watches, such as the Garmin Approach S62 (my current watch of choice) or the newer Garmin Approach S70, track shots automatically and you don’t have to do anything. You hit your shot, start walking and the watch will immediately begin counting the yards until you reach your ball. This is a feature I use all the time, not specifically so I can see how far I’ve hit it, but more because it makes finding a ball that has strayed from the fairway a lot easier. For instance, if like me you know you usually carry your drive 200 yards, then it really narrows your search area considerably if the watch is telling you where exactly 200 yards is and you’re having to just guess. Having used the Garmin Approach S62 for a few years I’ve come to completely rely on that feature, and because it does it automatically it is hard to then get into the habit of doing it manually.

So when testing the V5 I kept forgetting to activate it and it was very frustrating, but that’s more of a me problem than a failing of the watch. Automatic tracking would be nice, but at the price point the V5 comes in at, it would be unreasonable to expect it.

There’s a lot to like about the V5 though. The app is excellent and simple to use; it’s just a case of downloading to your smartphone, creating an account, and then adding your device (in this case the V5, but there are other Shot Scope products you can add too).

It was straightforward enough to set up the tags too. They are pre-marked so there’s very little to do other than screw them into the specific club. Then, in the app, you can make up your bag by adding in your specific clubs. There are 16 tags so you can have spare clubs, which is handy if, for example, you occasionally switch out a hybrid for an extra wedge or vice versa.

In terms of the charger, the cable is extremely secure. Perhaps too secure, as I had to be quite forceful to remove it and that makes me nervous. I’ve had enough iPhones over the years to know how easily charging ports can be damaged when you’re too heavy-handed with them.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Scorecard

Shot Scope V5: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re looking for detailed analytics without extra cost

For the golf nerd who wants to soak in as much information about their own strengths and weaknesses, this is a fantastic option and the club trackers come free with the watch.

You prefer using buttons to a touchscreen

While many people prefer the functionality of a touchscreen, it can be more difficult to use in wet or cold conditions. The V5 utilizes four buttons for navigation and (once you get used to them) it’s very easy to operate.

You want something with nice features that doesn’t cost a fortune

There’s enough here for the golfer who wants more than just the basic front, middle, and back yardages, and the detailed data available through the Shot Scope app when using the tags is really next level.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want your golf watch to be a top smartwatch

If you're looking for your next golf watch to be a versatile, fully functioning smartwatch that you can wear all the time then this is absolutely not the watch for you. It isn’t going to allow you to read messages, track your heart rate, or do any of the other things you get from an actual smartwatch.

You want a watch with a touchscreen

As previously mentioned, the V5 operates using four buttons rather than a touchscreen. So if you’re used to a touchscreen and that’s your preference, you might want to look at something else.

Also consider

Garmin Approach S70

An ultra-premium, do-it-all golf watch.

Read our full review

Garmin Approach S62

The best golf watch we’ve tried for maps. A bit older, but it’s now also a bit cheaper.

Read our full review

How I tested the Shot Scope V5

I have played two full rounds and a further nine holes using the Shot Scope V5. Weather conditions were varied and on one occasion the rain was quite heavy for a time. To find out how accurate the GPS numbers were I compared the numbers to that of my Garmin Approach S62 and also used a laser for a more exact yardage. The Shot Scope V5 was always within two yards of the laser and was usually bringing up the same numbers as the Garmin.

First reviewed: February 2025

I reviewed Sony’s LinkBuds Speaker, and it’s the Bluetooth speaker that best fits into my real home life, thanks to unique features
5:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: | Comments: Off

Sony LinkBuds Speaker: Two-minute review

Sony has released a fair few speakers in its day but the new LinkBuds Speaker is the first to be released under its LinkBuds branding; the original Sony LinkBuds were novel for having open-ring designs so you could hear your surroundings while also streaming music, but the name now just seems to be used for a range of lifestyle audio options instead of applying to that particular open design, so here we are.

I often having to get name whingeing out of the way early when I review products like the Sony LinkBuds Speaker, because I want to save the rest of the review to focus on compliments on the device (and because I love a good name-whinge).

Don’t make the mistake I did when I first started using the speaker – unlike many other entries into our annals of the best Bluetooth speakers, this creation isn’t designed for house parties or loud gatherings. Instead, it’s a svelte house-trained pet that does its best work when you keep it domestic.

That’s most evident from the charging cradle, which was my favorite aspect of the entire speaker. It charges the speaker when you’re not using it (or when you are), acting as a hub that you can easily whisk the speaker away from when you’re marching into another room.

But there’s more evidence as to the LinkBuds Speaker’s introverted state. Its understated design means it fits snugly into your home decor, but it's not as rugged as the best waterproof speakers. Its microphone means you can use it as an ersatz home assistant (via your phone, at least) and a range of other features such as a programmable musical alarm clock and hourly time alerts all indicate that this is a housebound gadget.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be left in the lurch if you take it outside, especially with a surprisingly big 25-hour battery, but you might not find the audio fits parties or summer cookouts. That’s doubly the case with audio which proves quite directional, and doesn’t quite equal some rivals on the market in terms of energy and vibrancy – if you’re looking for a party speaker, the Sony will disappoint.

I was pleasantly surprised with the feature set offered by Sony, with its Sound Connect app boasting quite a few handy features – some are ones I haven’t seen on rival devices, which is a neat touch. Admittedly some of these features are hidden deep in the app – I still have no idea how I enabled the aforementioned hourly notification – and not all of them work wonders.

But it’s another illustration of how the Sony offers brains over the raw brawn of some of its rivals. It’s no slouch in the audio department, but it’s found a different way to best the likes of the JBL Flip 6: the features.

I should cap this intro by saying one more thing if you like the ideas of these extra features: only buy this if you use Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel. Loads of the extra features require a subscription to one of these three streaming services so you're not going to be able to use all the features if you use Tidal, Apple Music or YouTube Music.

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Price and release date

  • Released in October 2024
  • Officially priced at $179.99 / £139 / AU$249

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker was announced in October 2024, alongside two new earbud additions to the brand: the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open.

You can buy the speaker for $179.99 / £139 / AU$249 so it costs a little more than rivals in the area such as the JBL Flip 6, Ultimate Ears Boom 4 or Bose SoundLink Flex, but it roughly matches the Sonos Roam 2 which we rate as the best Bluetooth speaker.

I should point out that at the time of testing, three months after the LinkBuds Speaker’s release, it’s already on offer from some retailers, so it’s worth hunting around to find a discount as they're easy to find.

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker on a shelf beside a bed.

(Image credit: Future)

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Specs

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker on a shelf beside a bed.

(Image credit: Future)

Sony LinkBuds Speaker: Features

  • A 25-hour battery life
  • Lots of features thanks to Sound Connect app
  • Many tools require Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker offers a surprisingly admirable 25 hours of battery life, which laps most of its close rivals – you can expect between 10 and 15 hours of listening time on its competitors.

Thanks to how the aforementioned charging cradle fits into my real-world experience, I never actually had to test this figure the hard way, but that’s not the end of the world – it just goes to prove that you’ll never have battery anxiety with the LinkBuds Speaker.

You can get many more features from the LinkBuds Speaker by using Sony’s Sound Connect app – until recently called Headphones Connect.

One useful feature is auto-play, so you can set your speaker to start auto-playing from Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel at certain times on certain days, basically like an alarm clock. In my testing, I was unable to choose which playlist Spotify auto-played from, and it default to carrying on whatever I last listened to, but the writing in the app suggests that I should be able to pick them. Hopefully a software update will change this.

As I'll discuss in the Design section of this review, the speaker has a quick access button. Using the app, you can map this to use two of: Spotify Tap, Amazon Music Play Now or Endel Quick Access (all three bring up a curated playlist from the app of choice). As you can tell, these are the only three apps supported by Sony’s app – sorry, Tidal fans – but you can use other streaming platforms for standard speaker playback. You just can’t use the extra features.

Audiophiles will also be pleased to hear that there’s an in-app equalizer. It’s a five-band one with an extra Clear Bass dial to increase or decrease bass prominence between -10 and 10. You can save two different custom EQs, and there are no presets. In my experience I didn’t find that the equalizer made much of a difference on the sound quality.

Sony’s auto-EQ mode is back, but I’ve not previously been impressed by this, and the LinkBuds Speaker didn’t change that. The way it works is that the app presents you with five different EQ mixes and you have to choose your favorite; you do this twice and the app creates a custom mix for you. The problem is that the mixes it suggests to you are often so indistinct that I can never tell the difference between them, so it’s not a good way of gauging my actual tastes.

I was impressed by a few of the quality-of-life features Sound Connect offers. You can choose the auto-power-off length, toggle on a battery-saving mode that stops you overcharging the speaker, connect two multiple devices (including LinkBuds earbuds, which can automatically switch your music from the buds to the speaker when you get near) and can enable a Sony-made audio decompression feature to improve the sound of music on lossy streaming services. They all just improve the way you use the speaker in small but meaningful ways.

A feature I got really close to liking is the ability to set hourly reminders. This was surprisingly convenient to help mark the passage of time through the day, reminding me that it was lunchtime or that my working hours were finished… except there's no way in the app to silence it for certain hours. I was woken several times by the speaker announcing that it was 2am or 3am and so turned this otherwise-handy feature off.

I’ll briefly touch on pairing: when I first started using the LinkBuds Speaker, I simply couldn’t connect to it via Bluetooth pairing. However as soon as I opened the Sound Connect app, it immediately recognized and paired. So if you’ve just bought this gadget and can’t get it to connect, download the app now!

  • Features score: 4/5

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker on a shelf beside a bed.

(Image credit: Future)

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Design

  • Black or gray squoval
  • Has a hook for hanging; charging pad in box
  • A fair range of buttons

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker basically looks like a small furry squoval. (It's a real word! A portmanteau of square and oval!) Compared to lots of other portable speakers it’s a little plain looking, but I liked how it blended into the background of my home more than other speakers I test. Sometimes nondescript is good. The fabric cover also gives it a premium look that many other rivals lack.

It’s not a huge speaker, measuring 11cm tall and with body dimensions of 8.4 x 9cm, but it’s a little heavier than you’d think at first glance at 520g.

The ‘back’ of the speaker – a word I use because the sound is pretty directional, as I’ll get into in the sound quality section – has its power button as well as the USB-C charging port (which you can use instead of the included base plate, another feature I’ll explain later on). It also has a hook that you can use to hang the speaker on a hook in the bathroom, on the back of a chair or wherever works – but it’s not that big so it was hard to clip onto certain objects, plus the way the speaker hangs has problems with the directional sound (yet another tease about a future point to discuss).

On top of the speaker are buttons: volume up, volume down, play/pause/accept phone call, and the quick access button. There’s also a small light: white when the speaker is on and red when it’s off, and purple sometimes… for some reason? If there’s a way of turning the LED off, I couldn’t find it, which was a little annoying at night.

I’d be remiss not to include mention of the LinkBuds Speaker’s base plate, because it became an integral part of the experience during my testing. Included in the box is a charging cradle, which you plug into a USB-C charger, and it holds the speaker firm and slowly charges it up. Once I set this up in my office, it became a ‘home’ of sorts for the speaker – when I was listening during work, it would power up so that there was charge for when I was taking it out and about. Super convenient, two thumbs up from me.

You can buy the speaker in black or light gray, and your choice will affect the base plate as well as the speaker itself. It has an IPX4 rating so it’s protected against splashes of water but not solid jets or submersion, so it may not be at home at a pool party.

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker on a shelf beside a bed.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Design score: 4/5

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Sound quality

  • Good, not great audio quality
  • Volume fine indoors but not loud enough for outdoors
  • Directional audio poses a problem

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker combines a tweeter and woofer in a classic two-way system; I couldn’t find much information on either component from Sony's materials.

There’s no use beating about the bush; the LinkBuds Speaker doesn’t quite sound as great as rivals I’ve tested at this price point from Ultimate Ears and JBL. It offers a balanced audio mix, but lacks the 'oomph' that portable Bluetooth speakers generally need.

For example: there’s ample bass, but not as much as you’d get on an outdoor speaker; clear treble, but a distinct lack of shine to some instruments; the same lack of soundstage that you get on smaller speakers like this thanks to mono audio. The maximum volume is sufficient if you plan to use the speaker exclusively at home or in your garden, but in wider open spaces, it might prove hard to hear. Unlike its rivals, Sony hasn't turned any one element up to 11.

The mono audio problem can be fixed, according to the Sony website, by simply buying a second speaker and pairing them together to get stereo sound. That will, of course, double the amount you’re paying to listen.

My main concern when I started listening to the LinkBuds Speaker was simply that audio didn’t sound as energetic or exciting as on many other portable speakers I’ve tested; lots of rivals are designed as party devices and going in with the same expectations here will leave you disappointed.

This was underlined when I used the LinkBuds Speaker to play music at a gathering; after a few drinks, balanced audio isn't as important as vibrant bass. However once I figured out that the Sony is designed for a different use case – namely home listening – I could appreciate it a little more.

The LinkBuds Speaker’s sound depends a lot on the direction you are to it – that’s not uncommon in speakers, as 360-degree audio is a rare treat. But it makes a marked difference in the LinkBuds Speaker, and it’s doubly annoying for two reasons.

Firstly, due to its design, it’s pretty hard to glean which way the front is from a glance – close up, you can see the way the buttons are facing and where the hook is. If the speaker is in the corner of a room, you’ll have to guess if you’re getting the full experience. Secondly, when you use the hook to hang the speaker up, its positioning means that the tweeter and woofer point downwards – the only person getting optimal audio is the downstairs neighbor.

Sony boasts about its Sound Diffusion Processor in the LinkBuds’ web post, which is supposed to spread sound from the speaker out into a wide area, but I can only assume this listing was written on opposite day because my experience was that music sounded so much better when the speaker was facing you.

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker on a shelf beside a bed.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Sound quality: 3.5/5

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Value

I can't go so far as to say that the Sony LinkBuds Speaker is outstanding value for money, but it ticks all the boxes that you want when you're paying this much.

The range of features, the audio quality, the design; I'm pretty sure I'd be able to accurately predict the LinkBuds' price because it's in line with expectations.

That changes a little if you can find the speaker discounted, though, and if you find it nearing the $100 / £100 / AU$180 mark, it may tip more into 'must-buy' territory.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker on a shelf beside a bed.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Sony LinkBuds Speaker?

Buy it if…

You're a homebody
Looking for a Bluetooth speaker that you plan to use at home, rather than in outdoor events? Look no further.

Battery life is important
No-one likes that most gadgets take constant charging. You can put it off for 25 hours at a time with the LinkBuds Speaker, and top it up super-easily.

You want to be woken up by music
The LinkBuds Speaker's musical alarm clock feature has woken me up for the last week, and I'm all for it.

Don’t buy it if…

You're a party planner
The LinkBuds Speaker lacks the max volume, overwhelming bass or rugged design needed to make it a real party speaker.

You're not an app fan
Some people don't like having to use an app to control their speaker or headphones, and that's a fair stance, but you won't like the LinkBuds Speaker in that case.

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Also consider

JBL Flip 6
It's been around for years, but it remains a stalwart rival in the Bluetooth speaker space. It has a balanced sound and a hardy design, though it lacks some features (and the long battery life) that the Sony has – you can dig into it in our full JBL Flip 6 review.

Bose Soundlink Flex Gen 2
Another well-received rival from Bose, this gadget takes some party speaker DNA but not as much as some other rivals. It provide balanced audio, but perhaps doesn't quite have the charm of the Sony, but you can read more in our full Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review.

I tried out the Asus ExpertWiFi EBR63 – read how easy this Wi-Fi 6 router is for price, and security
2:27 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

Asus’ ExpertWiFi product family speaks to small businesses and retail outlets requiring a complete network security solution that’s affordable and simple to deploy. The EBR63 is a prime example: this deceptively small router teams up dual-band Wi-Fi 6 services with a heap of gateway security measures and delivers them all for only £125.

On the wireless side, the EBR63 has an AX3000 rating derived from claimed speeds of 574Mbits/sec on its 2.4GHz radio and 2,402Mbits/sec on the 5GHz radio, with the latter supporting high-performance 160MHz Wi-Fi 6 channels. However, the EBR63’s switch is only endowed with gigabit WAN and LAN ports so you won’t see the full performance potential of its Wi-Fi 6 credentials.

A positive takeaway is support for Asus’ AiMesh technology so you can use any compatible Asus wireless device to increase wireless coverage with up to 12 mesh nodes. You can also create up to five wireless SSIDs and present custom captive portals to guests and customers.

The EBR63 is a compact plastic unit that can be wall- or ceiling-mounted using the two holes in its rear panel. It also has a flip-out desk stand, but we wouldn’t recommend using this in a busy environment as it’s quite flimsy and, with the router only weighing 415g, it could easily get knocked over.

Internet redundancy is present, with the dual WAN feature able to apply failover or load balancing across two internet connections using the WAN port and a LAN port of your choosing. A quick fix if your main internet connection goes down is to connect a mobile to the EBR63’s USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port and use it as an instant internet backup.

Full view of the Asus ExpertWiFi EBR63

The EBR63 is deceptively small and delivers decent overall speeds (Image credit: Future)

Deployment is a breeze using the ExpertWiFi mobile app. With this loaded on an iPad, we connected it to the router’s secure default SSID and followed a wizard to activate the device and update its firmware.

Management choices abound. The EBR63 presents a well-designed web interface, which we used to create more wireless, or self-defined, networks. This is nicely handled as you choose from a list that includes employee, portal, guest, scheduled and IoT options, then fill in the fields presented and choose WPA2 or the more secure WPA3 encryption. The “Scenario Explorers” makes this even easier as you choose an environment such as office, coffee shop or home working and it will present you with the most appropriate settings.

Security features are quite remarkable considering the price. The SPI firewall can be customized with up to 128 rules, while the Trend Micropowered AiProtection Pro service blocks malicious sites, stops infected systems from accessing the network, provides intrusion prevention services (IPS) and generates security assessment reports.

Web content and app filtering can be applied to selected clients where you tick boxes next to any of the four categories, choose a discovered device from the drop-down list and add a new rule. VPN options are outstanding, as Asus supports PPTP, OpenVPN, IPsec and WireGuard VPN servers, while the VPN Fusion feature creates secure connections for devices that can’t run VPN client software. In addition, quality of service (QoS) features are handled by Asus’ Adaptive QoS, which prioritizes traffic from different apps and activities using a customizable list.

Desktop screenshot of the Asus ExpertWiFi EBR63's web interface

The EBR63 delivers great security and traffic analysis features (Image credit: Future)

Despite only having gigabit ports, the EBR63 delivered respectable speeds in our real-world tests. Using a Dell Windows 11 Pro workstation equipped with a TP-Link Archer TXE75E Wi-Fi 6/6E PCI-E adapter, we saw close-range large file copies between the client and a LAN-connected Windows server return a rock-steady 112MB/sec, dropping to 89MB/sec with the router placed ten meters away in an adjoining room.

The ExpertWiFi EBR63 will appeal to small businesses that want all their network services and security in one, easily-managed device. The gigabit ports do limit wireless performance but overall speeds are impressive nonetheless, and Asus delivers an incredible range of security measures at a very tempting price.

We also rated the best software for small businesses.

I tested the Zyxel XMG1915-10EP – see how this pocket-sized switch delivers on power
2:21 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 356 of PC Pro.

Zyxel’s XMG1915 family of switches is aimed at small businesses that want plenty of multi-gigabit ports in a space-saving design and at a competitive price. The range comprises three models, and we reviewed the XMG1915-10EP, which provides high-power PoE++ services.

Measuring only 250 x 104 x 27mm (WDH), this desktop switch packs in eight 2.5GbE multi-gigabit ports all capable of delivering up to 60W. It partners them with a pair of 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports for high-speed uplinks. It has a good power budget of 130W, which is facilitated by a chunky 150W external power brick that’s over half the size of the switch.

The switch uses its chassis as a heatsink and its fan-less design means it’s completely silent. Management options are good: you can run it in standalone mode or hook it up with Zyxel’s Nebula Control Center (NCC) service for full cloud access.

The switch packs plenty of LEDs into its front panel, with lights showing system and cloud connection status, while a three-color PoE LED warns if you’re getting close to the power budget. Each port is also assigned an LED that shows whether its connection speed is 100Mbits/sec, gigabit or 2.5GbE.

Full view of the Zyxel XMG1915-10EP

The diminutive XMG1915-10EP packs in eight 2.5GbE multi-gigabit ports (Image credit: Future)

The switch is easy to deploy in standalone mode, with its local web console presenting four wizards for setting a default admin password and SNMP community names, and configuring security features, VLANs and quality of service (QoS). Not that it will concern the target audience, but the XMG1915-10MP is a pure Layer 2 switch and doesn’t offer the “Lite-L3” static routing features found in Zyxel’s larger PoE switches.

Standard L2 features are plentiful and include port and protocol-based VLANs plus static and LACP link aggregation groups. VoIP networks are on its radar as the switch identifies traffic from IP phones using a customizable organizationally unique identifier (OUI) list and automatically prioritizes it by dynamically creating voice VLANs.

The web console’s dashboard shows details on system utilization, port speeds, whether they’re supplying power and overall power consumption for all connected powered devices (PDs). One of three power priorities can be assigned to each port so if the power draw gets close to the maximum available, those with the lowest priority will be switched off first.

Unless you’re planning on deploying power-hungry PoE IP cameras with integral PTZ functions, it’s unlikely you’ll get close to the maximum power budget. We tested this by connecting two Zyxel Wi-Fi 6E access points (APs) and the new WBE660S Wi-Fi 7 model plus Netgear’s tri-band WAX630E AP; we saw from the web console that the total draw didn’t go above 43W, leaving us with 87W still to play with.

Cloud deployment is swift. We used the Nebula iOS app on an iPad to scan the QR code label on the switch’s base. Two minutes later the switch popped up in our cloud portal and received all our site settings, including a new admin password.

Desktop screenshot of the NCC cloud service featured with Zyxel XMG1915-10EP

The switch can be managed in standalone mode or remotely from Zyxel’s NCC cloud portal (Image credit: Future)

The widget-based NCC dashboard can be easily customised and we added widgets to show the online status of our switch and total power usage. Selecting the switch took us to its monitoring page, with color-coded views of all ports and 24-hour traffic and power graphs, which can be extended to seven days with an optional NCC Plus license and to one year with the Pro version.

For general switch operations, Nebula provides remote access to all the same features as standalone mode. Up to five global PoE schedules can be assigned to specific ports that determine when attached PDs are active and you can disable and enable PoE services on each one as well – very handy for remotely rebooting a PD that isn’t responding.

The compact XMG1915-10EP is a great choice for small businesses that want plenty of multi-gigabit ports and high-power PoE++ services. It supports standalone and cloud management and the remarkably low price includes an impressive set of features.

We also ranked the best apps for small businesses.

I tried the TP-Link VIGI NVR1004-4P, see what I thought of this surveillance and recording solution
2:18 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 356 of PC Pro.

TP-Link may be best known for its affordable business networking products, but it also has a strong presence in the video surveillance market. Its VIGI family offers a range of network video recorders (NVRs) and cameras, and in this review we look at its NVR1004-4P four-channel NVR and test it with TP-Link’s latest C540V outdoor PTZ IP camera.

Costing under £100, the NVR looks great value but you’ll need to add the extra cost of a SATA hard disk to store video recordings. At the rear are four network camera ports, each delivering PoE+ services, and it has a total power budget of 53W.

HDMI and VGA ports support local monitors, two old-school phono jacks are provided for audio in and out and a separate Fast Ethernet port facilitates NVR web management. Setup is easy; after fitting a 4TB Western Digital Red Pro hard disk in the NVR, we connected an HD monitor and followed the onscreen wizard.

To secure access, you choose an admin password and provide a recovery email address. You can also set a global username and password as well as a recovery email that are applied to VIGI cameras when they first come online.

The wizard finishes by displaying QR codes for TP-Link’s VIGI mobile apps. To use them, you create a TP-Link ID account and bind the NVR to it from its web console. We also loaded TP-Link’s Security Manager app on a Windows host and linked it to our ID account for remote NVR access, although this doesn’t provide event management.

Full view of the TP-Link VIGI NVR1004-4P

It’s great value, but you’ll need to add a SATA hard disk to store recordings (Image credit: Future)

To add the C540V camera, we connected it to a PoE port and waited ten seconds while the NVR discovered it. All security settings and firmware updates were applied for us, and the NVR assigned a base set of video parameters that included enabling the latest H.265+ codec.

This IP66-rated camera delivers great image quality. Along with good contrast and color balance, it has a sharp focus, handles bright sunlight well and its motorized pan and tilt functions cover a lot of ground. The IR LED provides good night illumination up to around 20 meters, its white LEDs are blindingly bright, and the powerful integral speaker will scare the living daylights out of intruders.

The C540V camera is designed for home surveillance

(Image credit: Future)

The NVR1004-4P can’t match Synology’s DVA appliances, which provide slick people counting, face recognition and crowd control features, but it does offer a good range of detection and recording features. For basic motion detection, you draw multiple polygonal shapes in the camera view where you want it applied, set object height and width filters, tweak the sensitivity and enable human and vehicle detection.

Smart events go further, and allow you to draw lines in the camera view to denote digital fences and choose one-way or two-way directions. Custom detection zones can be monitored for objects being removed or those that linger in them for a specific period, while entry and exit regions are used to keep an eye on specific areas such as building entrances.

Along with event recording, trigger actions can include pop-up warnings, sounding NVR and camera audio alarms and activating a camera’s security lights. Recordings can be viewed from the NVR’s local monitor or web console, the Security Manager and mobile app, with options to choose camera channels and scroll through their timelines to points of interest.

Examples of recordings taken by the C540V camera

The NVR supports a wide range of motion detection events (Image credit: Future)

The NVR1004-4P supports ONVIF-compliant IP cameras and it discovered our D-Link models as soon as we connected them to the PoE ports. We customized the live view to show all camera feeds, but features are more limited as we could only apply basic motion detection events to them.

You’ll need to use TP-Link’s VIGI cameras to get the best from it, but the NVR1004-4P is a good choice for small businesses seeking affordable in-house video surveillance. It offers plenty of video analytics features, the C540V camera scores highly for image quality, and the components are offered at very competitive prices.

We've also rated the best secure smartphones.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Android users rejoice! finally a good wireless charger that’s not made just for iPhones
12:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review

The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger is listed at $32.99 / £26.99 on the INIU website and is also available to purchase at Amazon. This price makes it a more costly alternative to the similar non-MagSafe Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand, but this is warranted due to its performance and flexible design.

As this isn't a magnetic charger (although phones do need to be MagSafe to charge on it), there's nothing to stop a phone from sliding off if knocked, but the design is otherwise pretty sturdy thanks to the charging stand's overall weight and square base.

The adjustable viewing angle is my favorite part of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger's design. The phone cradle pivots on the top with a range of 90 degrees, so my phone could be positioned vertically or laid back almost flat. The included USB-C power cable is only a meter long – this may be adequate for some, but I would have preferred a longer length, as it limited my placement options.

The INIU I212 Adjustable Wireless Charger holds an iPhone and is angled as far back as it will go.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

At first, I was unimpressed with the charging speed of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, as it took over three hours to charge an iPhone 13 Pro from 0% - 100%, a test I perform on all chargers I review to be able to make a solid comparison. As this was a questionably long time for a charger that claims to be "fast", I had a read of the small print and found that INIU recommends using a charging adapter of 18 watts or higher.

Personally, I feel that any charger requiring a wall adapter above a specific output to achieve anywhere near the charging speeds stated should include one in the box. The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger does not. Naturally, I have plenty of spare plugs about, but the average buyer may not; so it's worth bearing this in mind, as a further purchase may be needed to get the most out of this charger.

The INIU I212 Adjustable Wireless Charger is pictured sitting on a grey stone surface against a pink background. There is an iPhone on the charger; its screen shows that it is charged to 100%.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Once I'd repeated the test with a suitable plug, the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger was able to fully charge the iPhone 13 Pro in 2 hours and 16 minutes, putting it in the same league as most of the MagSafe chargers I've tested so far. This also makes it much faster than the Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand that currently features in our list of the best wireless chargers. This result made me do a 360 on my opinion of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, as this charging speed is good for the price.

Overall, this is a well-designed and versatile phone charging stand. The vast majority of the wireless chargers I test are compatible with iPhones only, so to test a charger that can charge a range of devices at a good speed with a sturdy and adjustable design has been refreshing. So if you're on the lookout for a decent and fairly priced phone charger that'll remain usable even if you switch your allegiance come upgrade time, the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger is a good shout.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Price & specs

Should I buy the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger?

Buy it if…

You want viewing flexibility
If you're anything like me and will more often than not continue to use your phone as it recharges, then an adjustable stand is a must. The viewing angle on this INIU charger is easy to alter, making it easy to consume content while it's juicing up.

You want a versatile charger
Whether you're rocking two phones, or want a simple charging solution located in a communal space, this INIU charger's compatibility with both iPhones and Androids means less cables and clutter.

Don't buy it if…

You're a die-hard iPhone user
As much as I like this charger, as an avid iPhone user, I much prefer the reassurance that a MagSafe charger provides. It provides a more secure hold, which is appreciated by someone as klutzy as me.

You don't want to feel tethered
Granted, this isn't the only charger that comes with a disappointingly short power cable, but the 3.3 ft / 1 m cable can limit placement options.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Also consider

Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand
If you're just looking for something cheap and cheerful, and aren't fussed about charging speeds or adjustable angles, then this Anker charger may just take your fancy. Like the I212, it's compatible with iPhones and Androids and can accommodate phones up to 5mm thick.

The CMF Watch Pro 2 feels like more of a spin-off than a sequel
9:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: | Comments: Off

CMF Watch Pro 2: One minute review

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is undoubtedly one of the best cheap smartwatches you can buy right now, if not the absolute best pick, and it wins huge points purely for its incredibly affordable price tag.

Despite the cost-saving efforts, it has an impressive design and build and comes with plenty of features that make it a perfect beginner smartwatch for anyone new to the form factor. The screen is perfectly adequate, the software works well enough, and there are myriad smartwatch features including workout tracking, sleep monitoring, GPS, and more.

However, it lacks a couple of key features, including NFC payments, and it can't really be used in water. Also, some of its features, like raise and tap to wake, as well as workout detection, are a little temperamental. Perhaps my biggest issue with it is that I prefer the larger, squircle shape of the previous model, but I've reviewed it here on its own merits.

Nothing still sells both, and it's a big departure from what I believe is the ultimate smartwatch success formula. However, it does deliver some good upgrades, including a better display and more watch faces.

CMF Watch Pro 2: Specifications

CMF Watch Pro 2: Price and Availability

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)
  • $69 / £69 / AU$99
  • Four colors

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is available now in two colors from Nothing's website as well as from retailers like Amazon. It costs $69 / £69 / AU$99 but does occasionally see discounts of up to 25%.

There's only one size, the 42mm watch face, available in four colors: Blue, Ash Grey, Orange, and Dark Grey pictured here.

Pound for pound, this has to be the best-value smartwatch you can buy on the market right now, considering it's compatible with both iPhone and Android and it has an impressive feature set. It only gets a 5/5 because I can't award a higher score.

  • Value score: 5/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Design

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)
  • Cool circular display
  • Divisive change from the 1st-gen
  • Solid, premium build

You're going to hear a lot of "for a $69 watch" in the next few minutes. But honestly, for a $69 Watch, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is a really impressive piece of design.

Nothing is famous for making cool-looking tech gadgets, and the CMF Watch Pro 2 is no different. However, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. I'm very much team "smartwatches should be squircle," but the CMF Watch Pro 2 eschews the design of the first CMF Watch Pro in favor of a completely circular design more akin to the Google Pixel Watch 3. It's a big change, and one fans of the first watch might not like. The 42mm display is housed in a 45mm chassis, and the rather thick bezel is tapered towards the middle to create a unique bowl effect.

While the styling is divisive, it's certainly not generic. The digital crown is also premium and feels nice and responsive to use. My only build gripe is the liquid silicon strap, which is pretty thin and not very premium-feeling. That being said, it is comfortable, and I didn't experience much in the way of wrist fatigue during any of my testing.

The bezel is interchangeable, so you can pop it off and replace it with a purchased alternative to change up the style and color of your watch pretty quickly. This is another fairly unique feature that you won't really find on other smartwatches.

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)

The display is a 1.32-inch AMOLED measuring 466x466. It's a slight upgrade on the previous generation, now putting out 620 nits of peak brightness with a 60fps refresh rate, vs 58Hz and 600 nits in the old one. The display is considerably smaller than the previous model, another divisive change. However, the overall shift makes the watch much smaller in profile, so people with smaller wrists or those who want a more unintrusive experience will prefer this.

The screen has a new auto-brightness feature, as well as five levels you can manually select from. At 620 nits peak, it's not exactly a looker (even the Apple Watch SE 2 puts out 1,000 nits) but it's perfectly adequate. In fact, for a $69 watch, it's definitely a decent display.

Some colors look a little washed out, like the temperature dials on my multifunction face. But colorful faces like the Prismatic Time face definitely have some pop to them. There are some weird pixel-shifting issues I've seen on some of the interfaces, lines that should be straight are wonky in places, but I can't tell if this is a hardware or a software issue. At a glance, it's not really that noticeable.

Durability-wise, the CMF Watch Pro 2 comes with an IP68 water rating. That means it's dustproof and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, Nothing says the Watch Pro isn't suitable for use while swimming, in the shower, saunas, steam rooms, or any kind of water sports or activity. Basically, water is a no-go, which is definitely a key weak spot.

  • Design score: 4/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Features

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)
  • Lots of sports tracking and health metrics
  • Bluetooth, GPS, heart rate metrics
  • No NFC

For a $69 watch (I won't stop), there's an awful lot going on here. The CMF Watch Pro 2 offers a myriad of features you'd expect to find in a smartwatch, with a couple of key missing features reflective of the price.

Let's start with what you do get. Underpinning most of the best smartwatches these days is health and fitness, and the CMF Watch Pro 2 offers 120 sport modes, as well as five smart recognition activities that can detect your workouts without manual input (I'll get to whether this works in the Performance section). Some exercises even have a warm-up option that triggers a quick slew of animated warm-up stretches and movements before you work out, something you won't even find on any of the best Apple Watches.

Health tracking delivers an Active Score, round-the-clock heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, step count, calories, resting heart rate, and alerts for abnormal heart rate and blood oxygen.

You also get key features like reminders, music controls, a remote camera control, a calendar, a calculator, and alarms. The Watch Pro 2 works with both iOS (13 and above) or Android (8.0 and above), so you should get plenty of cross-compatibility and synchronization between features like reminders and alarms on your watch and whichever smartphone you use.

You'll also get a Find My Phone feature, flashlight, and a voice assistant functionality, although I found the latter one is a bit of a gimmick, it's supposed to trigger your phone's voice assistant, and while I could see the watch waking up Siri on my iPhone, I couldn't actually ask questions or use it for anything.

Crucially, the Watch Pro 2 lacks NFC, so can't be used to make mobile payments from your wrist, which might be a deal breaker for some.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Performance

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)
  • Decent workout tracking
  • Some obvious quirks
  • Snappy day-to-day use
  • Good battery life

I'll start with the performance positives because there are a couple of quirks with the CMF Watch Pro 2 you should be aware of.

I generally found workout tracking to be consistent. A direct test with my Apple Watch Series 10 for an indoor run measured almost identical readings for distance traveled. The average heart rate was just one bpm off, and the range was pretty much spot-on. As far as workout tracking on a smartwatch can be accurate (the jury is out on just how useful it is generally), I'd say the CMF Watch Pro 2 delivers pretty reasonable accuracy across the board.

I've seen other reviews comment on GPS quirks, but I didn't experience any issues with it. Battery life on the Watch Pro 2 is pretty impressive, rated for up to 11 days of typical use, 9 days of heavy use, or 25 hours using GPS. I've found that generally to hold true in testing, and the battery life is definitely one of the positives.

CMF Watch Pro 2

(Image credit: Future)

While syncing with iOS and my iPhone was generally seamless, it doesn't play nice with Apple's notifications because these are restricted for third-party hardware. As such, iOS Focus modes don't work, one consideration for iPhone users. Notifications are pretty limited in use also, whereas you can respond to them in watchOS on devices like the Apple Watch or Wear OS, all you can do is read and dismiss them here.

As you might have picked up, the CMF Watch Pro 2 runs Nothing's proprietary smartwatch software rather than Wear OS. I actually prefer the look and feel over Wear OS, but like Wear OS, some elements of the UI remain poorly optimized for the circular display. Scrolling and swiping were very snappy overall, and I never experienced any performance lags. In fact, the Watch Pro 2 is noticeably snappier than even the Garmin Instinct 3 I was recently hands-on with.

Throughout my testing, I couldn't get 'raise to wake' to work at all. I even wrote this portion of the review, describing it as the CMF Watch Pro 2's biggest flaw and one that really hobbled the user experience. Then, out of nowhere, the feature began to work perfectly.

Now, whenever I lift my wrist, the watch immediately springs into life. Tap to wake is less reliable, and I've seen other reviews flag that raise to wake is an issue. So while I can no longer say it doesn't work full stop, it is definitely quirky and a problem to watch out for.

Workout detection does work, sort of. While out walking, my watch notified me that I was doing exactly that and asked if I'd like to track the experience. I tapped yes, but the tracker started from zero. Workout detection on Apple Watch is always running in the background, so if you get a detection notice after 10 minutes of walking, that 10 minutes of activity is included in your metrics. The Watch Pro 2 starts from scratch, which isn't exactly how I'd expect workout detection to function. Basically, it's handy if you forget to start your workout and need a reminder.

One final flaw, the vibration motor isn't nice. It resonates at just the wrong frequency and shakes the whole watch with an annoying, high-pitched buzz, it's the only part of the experience that feels cheap.

  • Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Scorecard

CMF Watch Pro 2: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You've never had a smartwatch before

This is a perfect beginner smartwatch, an easy investment to see if using one is for you.

You're on a budget

You'll struggle to find a better smartwatch at this price.

Don't buy it if...

You like water

Nothing warns against use in any kind of water, so this is not the pick if you want a watch you never have to take off.

You want true software synchronization

Both Apple Watch or Wear OS models are going to offer better integration with their respective operating systems

CMF Watch Pro 2: How we tested

I used the CMF Watch Pro 2 over a number of weeks, as a daily smartwatch, during workouts, and more. I tested all of its main features and it was connected to an iPhone for the duration of testing.

CMF Watch Pro 2: Also consider

The original CMF Watch Pro is still fantastic, similarly priced, bigger, and has more battery life. It's a great alternative, as there aren't a ton of improvements in the new one.

Read our full CMF Watch Pro Review

For exactly the same price, this Amazfit offers a similar experience with a more Apple Watch-esque design. It's GPS is impressive and it's light and comfortable, but you won't get the same build quality or workout tracking accuracy. Really, consider this pick vindication that Nothing is king of the cheap smartwatch.

Read our full Amazfit Bip 3 Pro Review

First reviewed: February 2025

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2 review: a basic, lightweight gaming mouse that doesn’t quite live up to its potential
12:30 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Mice Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: | Comments: Off

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Two-minute review

The GM41 Lightweight is a super simple wired gaming mouse appealing to serious gamers with its light weight and laser-like focus on gaming over extravagant features.

This even extends to its looks. It sports a sleek, low-slung design with little in the way of adornments, or anything to offset the total black colorway. A large RGB light on the body is the only element that brightens up proceedings, which can be customized by holding the DPI button and pressing other buttons or moving the scroll wheel to adjust aspects such as the brightness, mode, speed, and color.

The thin, long shape will likely suit those with long hands, although it might not be wide enough for some. As it’s flat and lower to the ground than many of the best gaming mice, your hand is barely raised from your desktop, which again, some may prefer and some may not. The mouse buttons are relatively flat too, meaning claw grippers might not find them to their liking.

Its texture is smooth all over, save for the rubberized sides that help with grip, but they’re not as sticky as some others are, which I prefer.

The DPI switch is located on the bottom, which isn’t the most convenient, although this does help to keep the GM41 Lightweight as minimal as possible, and prevents mispresses from occurring.

Close-up of MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2 on desk

(Image credit: Future)

There’s no removing the braided cable as it's hardwired. It also feels more durable than other braided cables, although it’s not as soft to touch. And while it’s light, it’s not as light as some of those adorning its rivals.

In order to tweak the GM41 Lightweight further, the MSI Center software can be downloaded for free. However, compared to other peripheral software, it’s disappointingly basic.

There are only a handful of rebinding options, including other mouse buttons and a few multimedia functions, but there are no keyboard assignments or system-level functions available. The same is true of performance enhancements. While you can select the increments for DPI cycling, the only other adjustments are for the polling rate, angle snapping, and lift-off distance – the latter of which only features two settings with no distance unit given. Those who like to tinker with their debounce time or toggle motion sync will be left out here.

When it comes to actual gaming, the GM41 Lightweight acquits itself reasonably well. The lightness makes for easy maneuverability, while the mouse clicks are snappy, thanks to their lack of travel. However, this lack of travel also reduces feedback somewhat. This makes spamming clicks harder, as does the relative heaviness of the clicks themselves and that aforementioned flat shape of the buttons. On a more positive note, however, I did find the mouse buttons to be also pleasingly resistant to slam clicks.

The scroll wheel, however, is very fast yet still provides enough notching to make for controlled flicks when needed. The scroll click is a little heavy, however, making it hard to actuate at times, but thankfully, it’s secure enough to prevent accidental mis-scrolls.

Underside of MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2 on desk

(Image credit: Future)

The side buttons are very thin, but light enough to use with ease. They offer slightly more travel than you might expect, but they are satisfyingly damped, making them more enjoyable to use than you might expect.

However, while the cable is light, I found it did create drag when making large swipes. The issue seems to stem from the lack of angle on the strain relief, as it did little to elevate the first portion of the cable from my desktop surface. Depending on the layout of your setup, this might not be an issue, but you may benefit from using the GM41 Lightweight with a mouse bungee.

Thankfully, the PTFE skates allow for smooth gliding on hard and soft surfaces, although they are quite thin, and there’s no spare set included in the box. But if you stick to mouse pads, then you should have no problem moving the GM41 Lightweight around.

If you’re looking for a basic gaming mouse with no extra buttons or features, then the GM41 Lightweight is a solid choice. Its main rivals boast similar prices, such as BenQ’s range of EC mice. However, there are others, such as the Cooler Master MM311 and the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, that are cheaper and offer brilliant gaming performance, all without requiring a cable.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Price & availability

Close-up of mouse buttons on MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2

(Image credit: Future)
  • $54 / £29 (about AU$85)
  • Available now
  • Black only

The GM41 Lightweight costs $54 / £29 (about AU$85) and is available in one colorway: black. It doesn’t come with any replaceable parts, such as grip tape or a spare set of skates.

Its price is in line with other 1K wired gaming mice. The BenQ Zowie EC2-C, which is our pick as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2, costs about the same. However, that mouse is heavier at 73g, and that’s excluding the cable, but we still found its performance to be excellent.

There are wireless gaming mice for less. The Cooler Master MM311, for instance, is our budget champion and also features a 1K polling rate, although it has no rechargeable battery. Likewise, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is only marginally cheaper than the GM41 Lightweight, and is our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Specs

Should you buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2?

Buy it if...

You want something simple
The stripped-back nature of the GM41 Lightweight means there’s nothing to distract or delay you from gaming – just plug and play.

You want something light
At 65g, the GM41 Lightweight is undeniably lean, which makes fast movements a breeze. There is some drag though, which might be improved with a mouse bungee.

Don't buy it if...

You want extra features
The GM41 Lightweight has no extra buttons besides the usual, and the software doesn’t offer much in the way of customization and tweaking.

You want the best performance
With a 1K polling rate and lack of advanced settings, the GM41 Lightweight might not offer enough precision and tweakability for elite gamers.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Also consider

Cooler Master MM311
As budget mice go, you’d be hard pressed to do better than the MM311. It offers a 1K polling rate and great performance, yet undercuts many gaming mice on the market, wireless and wired. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, though, and at 77g it’s considerably heavier than the GM41 Lightweight, but it could be a better choice for those who prefer no trailing cables to deal with. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

BenQ Zowie EC2-C
The BenQ Zowie EC2-C is an esports champ in our eyes, as it’s the best for shooters like Counter-Strike. It marries excellent performance with a comfortable design, and it’s also available in multiple size variants. However, like the GM41 Lightweight, it only has a 1K polling rate, so those after something more should look elsewhere. Read our BenQ Zowie EC2-C review.

How I tested the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2

  • Tested for several days
  • Played various games
  • 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the GM41 Lightweight for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

In order to push the GM41 Lightweight to its limits, I played fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, which is the ultimate test for any gaming mouse.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have used a large number of mice during that time. I have also reviewed many of them, from budget picks to high-end offerings, all with various shapes, sizes, weights, and feature sets.

Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: it’s cute, but cute only gets you so far when you’re a battery
8:00 pm | February 5, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review

The Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank is a low-cost portable phone charger compatible with the iPhone 12 – 16. Its list price is $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$93.99 on the official Iniu website; however, discounts are often applied. At the time of writing, a 55% – 57% discount is available, and it's also available for less than the list price at Amazon. Unlike some other brands' power banks, it comes with a USB-C cable and a little travel pouch, providing it a little protection against scuffs and scratches when on the go.

I would argue that the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t the most compact example of a MagSafe charger. Its dimensions are 3.8 x 0.9 x 2.7 inches / 97 x 23 x 69mm, which feels quite bulky in one’s hand when trying to continue using a phone as it charges. It feels pretty weighty, too, at 9.2oz / 261g.

An iPhone is charging on the INIU B43 power bank which sits on a marble-effect surface.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank features a super-soft touch matt finish and smooth rounded corners. It offers both MagSafe charging, plus there is a USB-C in/out, and a USB-A out port for wired charging, too. The MagSafe charging area stands proud of the power bank’s surface by roughly 2mm.

The design of the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t a far cry from your typical power bank. On the front face of the charger, there is the Iniu logo in the top-right corner, while in the bottom left, there’s an animal paw print that acts as an indicator light to communicate the level of charge remaining in the battery pack.

Charging an iPhone 13 Pro with the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank proved disappointingly slow, taking three hours and ten minutes to achieve a full charge. To put this in context, it took the similarly priced Anker 633 Magnetic Battery just two hours and fifteen minutes to do the same, plus it has the added bonus of a built-in stand, so it’s easy to continue watching content as your phone charges.

The charging pad of the INIU B43 power bank sits on a marble-effect surface.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Overall, if you’re not fussed about fast charging and like the novelty of the blue paw print, the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank wouldn’t be a bad choice. However, there are certainly faster alternatives within the same price range, like the UGREEN Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W, for example, that have novelty value of its own, displaying cute little faces on its screen depending on the level of charge.

So it’s clear the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t up to the standard required to feature in our selection of the best wireless chargers or the best iPhone chargers, but it would make an adequate enough purchase if you’re prepared to forgo fast charging speeds.

The INIU B43 power bank sits on a marble-effect surface, with the paw print-shaped light angled slightly toward the camera.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: Price & specs

The INIU B43 power bank sits on a marble-effect surface, with the paw print-shaped light angled slightly toward the camera.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Should I buy the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank?

Buy it if…

You don't want any bells or whistles
Aside from the light-up paw print, there's nothing particularly fancy about this charger. There's no built-in stand or LED screen, so if you want something super simple, this charger would prove satisfactory.

You like tactile finishes
One thing I liked about this power pack was the soft matt finish of the material and its nicely rounded corners.

Don't buy it if…

You want to use your phone as it charges
Although marketed as a compact power bank, its depth makes it a little too bulky to be comfortable to hold when attached to your phone. I recommend checking out our pick of the best power banks if you'd like to continue scrolling as you juice up your phone.

You want a built-in stand
Many portable chargers make terrific travel companions, but this power bank sadly isn't one of them. With no stand included, you're limited to lying it flat on a surface to charge, making it hard to binge-watch Netflix during a flight or hotel stay.

Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: Also consider

Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank
Not only is this power bank lower in price, it's also slimmer and lighter. It offers similar charging speeds, but would make an ideal alternative for anyone who struggles to put their phone down for extended periods of time. If you'd like to learn more, head over to the full Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review.View Deal

I tested the Saramonic Ultra, and it’s a wireless mic with pro audio features that undercuts DJI and Rode
5:24 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Camera Accessories Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

Saramonic Ultra: one-minute review

The Saramonic Ultra is a portable wireless mic system in the same vein as the popular DJI Mic and Mic 2. Aimed primarily at people who need to create audio and video content on the go – vloggers, podcasters and journalists – the Ultra is available as a package containing two wearable transmitters, one receiver and a portable charging case to keep everything together.

This kit allows for single and dual-channel audio, and the receiver can be connected to a variety of devices for adding high-quality 24-bit sound to recordings. Adapters are included for iPhones, iPads, USB-C smartphones and computers, 3.5mm camera inputs and even for Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe, but the transmitters can also record audio on their own thanks to 8GB of on-board space. When recording directly onto this memory, users can even record 32-bit float audio – a data-rich, high dynamic range format prized by audio professionals.

Saramonic’s build quality doesn’t feel quite as rock-solid as some of the alternatives, but the fact that the transmitter is waterproof to IPX5 levels suggests that the company is doing something right. And, despite the noise cancelling being far from the most effective I’ve encountered with wireless mics, the audio quality is generally excellent in a variety of environments.

Saramonic Ultra microphone main components

The whole kit includes two transmitters, one receiver and a charging case (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Saramonic Ultra: Price and release date

  • $249 / £259 / AU$449 for 2-Channel Set with receiver, two transmitters and charging case
  • Also available with lavalier mics included
  • Available now in black and white colour finishes

The Saramonic Ultra is available to purchase in a set that includes two transmitters, one receiver, a charging case, adapters for Lightning, USB-C and Sony Multi Interface, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, two windscreens and a drawstring bag to hold everything. This package is available in a black or white finish and costs around $249 / £259 / AU$449. For a little more money, you can purchase the same package with two cabled lavalier mics included ($299 / £289).

As far as I can see it isn’t possible to buy the individual components separately, or just a transmitter and receiver package (as is available for those who want to save money on a DJI Mic 2, for instance).

That being said, at a price that falls quite a bit below that of premium rivals like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, and even below the relatively affordable Sennheiser Profile Wireless, the Saramonic can lay claim to being one of the most affordable higher end wireless mic sets around.

Saramonic Ultra microphone components in open charging case

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Saramonic Ultra: Specs

Saramonic Ultra microphone receiver attached to Apple iPhone 13

The Saramonic Ultra receiver comes with USB-C and Lightning adapters for direct smartphone connection. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Saramonic Ultra: Design

  • Most elements slot into charging case for transport
  • Entire package weighs 210.5g / 7.4oz
  • Adapters for USB-C, Lightning and Sony Multi Interface Shoe included

Like most wireless mic setups, the Saramonic Ultra is centered around two main elements: a small wearable transmitter and an almost as small wearable receiver. The transmitter (of which two are supplied here) has a clip and a strong magnet allowing it to be attached to clothing, with the magnet being best suited to thin garments like t-shirts. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer purposes, and a 3.5mm jack for attaching a wired lavalier mic if desired. The transmitters are IPX5 certified too, making them waterproof against rain – something I’ve not seen with rival mics.

The receiver, which links wirelessly to either one or two transmitters, also has a clip, which doubles as a mounting option for sliding into camera cold shoes. It also comes with adapters for Lightning and USB-C devices, and something I haven’t seen on its competitors: an optional antenna to boost its wireless range to 300m (Saramonic claims the range without the add-on is 250m). The receiver also features an OLED touchscreen accompanied by a pressable dial for adjusting settings and viewing gain levels which, while both are small, I had few problems using. Those of a larger fingered persuasion may find them a tad fiddly, however.

Saramonic Ultra microphone receiver and transmitter in hand

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The supplied charging case has room for both transmitters, the receiver and the Lightning and USB-C adapters for the latter. Unfortunately, there’s no space inside for extras like the transmitter’s windshields or any of the cables. Still, the case, which has a leather-effect texture and a nice light-up logo on top to indicate remaining battery life, is a neat way to carry (and recharge) the core elements of this setup. Its construction is a little creaky compared to that of the DJI Mic 2’s case, but not to the degree I’d be concerned about it falling apart.

Saramonic Ultra microphone receiver with antenna attached to Panasonic GH6 camera

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Saramonic Ultra: Performance

  • Choice of 16, 24 and 32-bit recording
  • Transmitters can be used solo
  • Noise reduction, Vocal Boost and Low Cut modes

Like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, the Saramonic Ultra has an option to record high-quality 32-bit float audio directly onto the 8GB on-board memory of the transmitters. 32-bit float is to standard 16 or 24-bit audio what RAW photographs are to JPEGs – a much larger file size with much more data, allowing for more post-production manipulation of the sound. In my opinion, while it’s a useful option to have, particularly for professional users, the smaller file sizes of the 24-bit audio, and the fact that it can be transmitted wirelessly, means I’d be using 24-bit audio nine times out of ten.

It’s not like the 24-bit audio is bad, either. In fact, it’s nice and crisp, and turning on the Vocal Boost mode lends speech some real heft and body. If you want your voice to sound deeper and more authoritative, it’s probably going to be switched on most of the time. The mic can also be set to record 16-bit audio, which is presumably included as a space-saving option.

Another optional mode is Low Cut, which removes some of the lower frequency noise from recordings, and the three-level noise cancelling mode does reduce background sounds – albeit not to the extent of the highly effective noise cancelling employed by the DJI Mic 2. For example, traffic noise was still very loud in my test recordings, even with Saramonic’s noise cancelling dialled up to its top level.

Saramonic Ultra microphone with windshield attached

The attachable furry windshield is a must for outdoor recordings. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Wind noise is also noticeable on my outdoor recordings, even in relatively calm conditions, which is why the furry windshields should rarely leave the transmitters if you’re using them outside – they do a good job of reducing it.

Gain can be set manually, with the receiver’s screen providing both a live indication of levels and a means for adjustment, but the Auto Gain setting can also be used in trickier, changeable environments. It’ll adjust gain on the fly to compensate for changes in background noise or subject distance from the mic, so it’s ideal for non-studio settings.

There’s no backup recording mode here, so no protection against signal drops. That being said, with the antenna attached you should get a consistently strong wireless signal. I wouldn’t rely it to work perfectly over the 300m maximum range claimed by Saramonic (and I take all manufacturers’ range claims as best-case scenarios) but for the vast majority of users that’s never going to be put to the test. I had no signal issues myself using the microphone while walking around my home, despite walls and floors potentially getting in the way.

Another pro-friendly feature you’ll find here is timecode support, allowing users of multi-camera shoots to easily sync their mics and cameras in post-production. It’s something few people will use, but very handy to have – and of the recent wireless mic launches, this and the Rode Wireless Pro are the only two models that offer it.

Battery life is decent, with around 6 hours of operating time on each transmitter and the receiver, plus an addition 12 or so hours (or two charging cycles) in the charging case. In theory, you can record for around 18 hours in total before needing to find a power socket to recharge.

Should I buy the Saramonic Ultra?

Buy it if…

You want an affordable pro-friendly wireless mic

The Saramonic Ultra is packed with useful and often premium features, such as 32-bit float recording, despite being one of the more affordable wireless mic packages around.

You need a waterproof solution

With IPX5-rated water resistance, you could use the Saramonic Ultra’s transmitters in a rainstorm (or even during your morning shower) without fear of damage.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to buy the components separately

The Ultra is only available as a two-transmitter kit supplied with a charging case. So if you need just one transmitter and one receiver and are hoping to save money, you’re out of luck.

You often record in very noisy places

With the on-board noise cancellation tech far from the best around, recording in noisy environments like busy roads can be risky.

Saramonic Ultra: also consider

DJI Mic 2
Packed with pro-friendly features like 32-bit float recording and AI-assisted adaptive noise cancelling, DJI’s second-gen wireless mic is well-built, well-designed, easy to use and more than capable of levelling up your vlogs, interviews, podcasts and other recordings. It also plays nicely with DJI’s camera drones, eliminating propeller noise automatically.

Read our DJI Mic 2 review

Sennheiser Profile Wireless
More affordable than the DJI and Rode alternatives and similarly priced to the Saramonic Ultra, Sennheiser’s wireless microphone set is a great (if slightly lacking in features) one-stop solution for improving vlog audio. Its innovative charging bar even doubles as a handheld mic for interviews.

Read our Sennheiser Profile Wireless review

Saramonic Ultra microphone

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

How I tested the Saramonic Ultra

  • Used regularly for a week in both quiet and noisy environments
  • Paired with iPhone 13 and Panasonic Lumix GH6

I tested the Saramonic Ultra mic both inside and outdoors, and with its receiver physically connected to devices (my Apple iPhone 13 smartphone and Panasonic Lumix GH6 camera) and in solo mode. I made sure to record in a variety of environments in order to see how the microphone handled different background noises and weather conditions.

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