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DJI Mic Mini review: the tiny wireless mic to beat for smartphone-first content creators
3:41 pm | December 11, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Camera Accessories Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

DJI Mic Mini: one-minute review

You're hardly short of options if you're looking for a new wireless mic. My recent favorite is the DJI Mic 2, which is one of the best wireless mics on the market, boasting pro-quality features such as 32-bit float audio. However, for many content creators, especially those who shoot mostly with a smartphone, the Mic 2 is overkill. That's where the Bluetooth-equipped DJI Mic Mini steps in: it's a smaller, simpler and cheaper alternative, with the same DJI reliability that I've come to appreciate over years of using its devices.

The Mic Mini is positively tiny, weighing just 0.35oz / 10g (without magnet), and it pairs easily with smartphones and cameras for better quality audio on the fly. Oh, and it's half the price of the Mic 2.

Its natural rival is the recently announced Rode Wireless Micro; however Rode's new wireless mic is only for smartphones, whereas the Mic Mini can be used with cameras too, via its 3.5mm jack, which means it's more versatile. It's not a sweeping victory for the Mic Mini, though – if you're only going to shoot with a smartphone, the Rode Wireless Micro might be the better pick because its receiver is tiny and sits flush along the underside of your phone, whereas the Mic Mini's receiver sticks out awkwardly.

Audiophiles will probably prefer the Mic 2 over the Mic Mini too, not just for its pro audio quality with forgiving 32-bit float capability, but because the transmitters feature built-in storage and can be used independently, while you can monitor levels on the receiver's LCD touch display for peace of mind.

Having used all three of the above mics extensively, I would personally go for the Mic Mini. The audio quality from all three is fantastic, but for outright ease of use, value, reliability, and versatility for phones and cameras, it's the one that ticks all the boxes. DJI has created another trustworthy wireless mic; and trust me, reliability is an unsung attribute. I've ditched many other wireless mics for letting me down at crucial moments, leaving me without proper audio. I would have no such concerns with the Mic Mini, and it earns my five-star seal of approval.

DJI Mic Mini transmitter attached to clothing

The Mic Mini transmitters are tiny and discreet, much more so than the DJI Mic 2's. It's also available in white. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

DJI Mic Mini: price and release date

  • $169 / £145 / AU$245 for the compete kit with 2x mics, receiver and charging case
  • Components available individually
  • Available now

DJI sells the Mic Mini components individually but also as a complete kit, whereas the Rode Wireless Micro is a complete kit only, and you need to select the USB-C or Lightning receiver version.

The Mic Mini transmitters (mics) are available in Infinity Black or Arctic White. One transmitter costs $59 / £49 / AU$69, a transmitter with receiver costs $89 / £79 / $AU125, while the complete kit, which includes two transmitters, a receiver and a charging case, costs $169 / £145 / AU$245. The complete kit is probably your best bet if you're starting from scratch.

The receiver is attached to a phone using a USB-C connector, but if you're using an iPhone with Lightning port you'll need to purchase the adapter separately for $19 / £19 / AU$39. When connecting to a camera, you use a 3.5mm jack instead.

The list price for the kit is similar to that of the Rode Wireless Micro, despite the Mic Mini's greater versatility – it's roughly $15 / £10 / AU$20 more than Rode's offering – while it's around half the price of DJI's Mic 2. I think it's excellent value.

DJI Mic Mini kit inside charging case on a wooden table

The complete kit includes the charging case, two transmitters, one receiver and a USB-C connector for the receiver. There are also windshields and USB-C cable in the box. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

DJI Mic Mini: specs

DJI Mic Mini transmitter in the hand, wooden table background

Components can be bought separately; the transmitters by themselves, or a single transmitter with receiver (a small charging doc is included in absence of the charging case). (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

DJI Mic Mini: Design

  • Tiny, discreet and available in black or white
  • Easy clip or magnetic attachment
  • Receiver with manual audio levels gain, but no monitoring

The neat thing about DJI's Mic Mini is that there are several ways you can connect to your phone or camera, and several ways to buy; individual components, a mic and receiver kit, or the complete kit which contains two mics (with magnets), one receiver, a charging case, plus wind muffs for the mics.

I had the complete kit for this review with USB-C connector, though technically you only need a single mic to get going with the Mic Mini because it can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. For manual control of audio levels, plus the added stability and richer audio quality, I prefer connecting a phone to the mic through the Mic Mini receiver, rather than relying on Bluetooth.

The mics, also called transmitters, are tiny and easily droppable, but they attach easily to clothing using the built-in clip, or the magnetic mount, one half of which fixes to the back of the clip, with the other half going inside your jacket or similar – DJI knows how to make a powerful magnet with a reliable hold. If you want a discreet mic in your shots, you'll struggle to find a smaller alternative, plus you can buy the mics in black or white to blend in with clothing.

When using a camera, you can slot the receiver into the camera's hotshoe / coldshoe and then connect it using a 3.5mm jack (the cable is provided). The receiver is a good fit for cameras, but it is a little awkward with a phone when attached via the phone's USB-C / Lightning port, because it sticks out a lot and the connection feels a little loose (see image below).

The receiver is a simpler offering compared to the one you get with the Mic 2. It features a power button, pairing button, 3.5mm jack and a ±12db audio level dial. That's it. The Mic 2 receiver features a basic LCD touch display through which you can monitor audio levels for both mics and make more advanced audio adjustments. The bulkier Mic 2 transmitters also feature built-in storage, and can be used independently of your camera of choice, or used as a backup device.

DJI Mic Mini receiver connected to a phone

The receiver is a little clunky when attached to a phone. It's a better fit slotting into the hotshoe / coldshoe of a camera (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

DJI Mic Mini: Performance

  • Two-level noise reduction, and Automatic Limiting to prevent audio clipping
  • 11.5 hours battery life (transmitter), 10.5 hours battery life (receiver)
  • Omnidirectional audio and up to 400m range

Where DJI's wireless mics differ here is that the pricier Mic 2 features 32-bit float audio that can more effectively avoid clipping when your audio suddenly gets loud, and internal storage for direct recording so that you can use it independently of a camera or as a backup, while its receiver features a display to let you monitor audio levels.

The Mic Mini is a much simpler device, with its receiver offering basic manual ±12db audio level control, but otherwise it's really for those who want the mic to capture excellent quality audio with minimal fuss.

I used the Mic Mini complete kit over several weeks and found it to be completely reliable and glitch-free, whatever phone or camera I paired it with. It's transmission range is rated up to 400m (with clear line of sight), which is plenty enough for any conceivable scenario – I've never been even close to that distance from my camera when recording audio wirelessly.

As for audio quality, I've recorded clips using a Bluetooth connection and the receiver in the quiet indoors, outside in the wind, and in noisy environments, and in general the Mic Mini captures clear audio in any of those scenarios. Vocals aren't quite as rich as with the Mic 2, but for 99% of people the difference won't be noticeable. You should also note that audio drops from 24-bit to 16-bit if you connect via Bluetooth, so there's not quite the same richness in vocal quality.

Having such relatively limited control over audio settings was a little disconcerting at first, especially compared to using the Mic 2, but the real plus to the Mic Mini is its sheer simplicity – you can rely on its connectivity and two-level noise reduction to do the job, including the one-touch denoise control when in particularly loud environments.

What I didn't do for this test was pair the Mic Mini kit with a DJI camera, such as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – a top-rated vlogging camera – or the Osmo Action 5 Pro. Doing so affords additional benefits courtesy of the DJI ecosystem – for one, the cameras have a built-in receiver, so you only need a transmitter from the Mic Mini kit. I've previously paired the Mic 2 with the Osmo Pocket 3 and found the experience completely seamless, so if you're using a DJI camera it makes sense to opt for a DJI mic over rivals.

DJI Mic Mini kit on a wooden table

The transmitters have just a power and a pair buttons, while the receiver also includes a ±12db audio level control (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Should I buy the DJI Mic Mini?

Buy it if…

You want a simple wireless mic for phones and cameras

DJI has stripped back the design and audio modes from its pro Mic 2 to create a simple wireless mic for phones and cameras that you'll trust, and can generally keep in auto.

You want a discreet mic

I find the DJI Mic 2 mics a little bulky and cumbersome; the Mic Mini mics, which are available in black or white, are much more discreet.

You want flexible buying choice

DJI offers the Mic Mini as a complete kit, a half kit, or the components individually, meaning you don't need to overspend for what you won't use, or if you need to replace just a single item in the future.

Don’t buy it if…

You only shoot with a phone

The Rode Wireless Micro is even simpler and its receiver is purpose-made for use with smartphones, whereas the Mic Mini's receiver is a little bulkier.

You want some form of manual control

The Mic Mini is for those who want an automated mic with minimal fuss, and are happy to rely on its quality without needing peace of mind from features such as audio-level monitoring.

You want the absolute best audio quality

The pricier Mic 2 offers richer sound with more depth, and fully avoids clipping in particularly challenging environments.

DJI Mic Mini: also consider

Rode Wireless Micro

If you're hoping for a fuss-free mic and only shoot with a smartphone, the Rode Wireless Micro is the sensible choice. However, if you might branch out to vlogging with a camera, or want more flexible buying choice, then the Mic Mini is the clear way to go.

Read our Rode Wireless Micro review

DJI Mic 2

If you want audio quality a cut above the Mic Mini's, and are prepared to do a little work in the editing suite, the the pricier Mic 2 is the better bet, especially if you're mainly shooting with pro mirrorless cameras. However, if you shoot more often with a phone, you'll appreciate the simplicity that comes with the Mic Mini.

Read our DJI Mic 2 in-depth review

DJI Mic Mini transmitter attached to clothing

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

How I tested the DJI Mic Mini

  • Used for several months
  • Paired with cameras and smartphones
  • Used Bluetooth and receiver connection methods

I've been using the DJI Mic Mini on and off for months, both with mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH5 and smartphones such as the Google Pixel 6. I've paired the Mic Mini to a phone using Bluetooth and via the receiver attached to my phone. I haven't used the Mic Mini with DJI cameras such as the Osmo Pocket 3 and Osmo Action 5 Pro (though I have used the Mic 2 with them), for which the compatibility is even easier given they both feature a built-in receiver.

I've made sure to test the mic in a range of environments: the quiet of indoors, in still outdoor conditions and in wind, and in noisy places too, with and without denoise applied. I've also been able to compare it directly to the Rode Wireless Micro which I was testing at the same time.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer review
12:47 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer two-minute review

The Dreame Glory hair dryer balances well-thought-out design, ease of use, and a strong performance. It's comfortable to hold and maneuver, thanks to its lightweight and streamlined build, and this also makes it easy to store and travel with.

In terms of design, the Glory looks modern, with the curved edges and white gloss finish making it look more expensive than it is. Its main controls are on the rear of the barrel, which can make it difficult to switch modes mid-style, but the power and speed settings are within easier reach on the handle. The fan is then positioned at the base of the handle, where it meets the 5.9ft / 1.8m cord. While this makes the barrel smaller and prevents hair getting caught in the blades, it's too easy to block this fan with your hand during styling.

There are four temperature modes (Cold, 57C Constant, Hot, and a Hot/Cold Cycle) plus two airflow speeds (Low and High). The high-speed 70 m/s airflow is impressive, allowing quick drying even when paired with one of the lower heat settings. The dryer then uses ion technology that releases millions of negative ions to help break down water molecules quickly, reduce static, and leave hair with a smooth, frizz-free finish. When I used the Hot/Cold Cycle on High speed, it took less than five minutes to dry my hair completely, leaving it looking healthy, soft, and shiny.

The Cold setting is one of my favorites. It offers a true cool blast, perfect for setting styles in place and reducing frizz. I noticed my curls and waves held up significantly better throughout the day after being blasted with the Cold mode. I also found the 57C Constant setting to be a good balance, especially for fine or damaged hair, as it provides a moderate heat that dries efficiently without overexposure.

The included magnetic attachments – a concentrator nozzle and, in Europe, a diffuser – click securely into place and are easy to swap mid-style. The concentrator nozzle is relatively compact and great for directing the fast airflow, while the diffuser’s wider bowl design allows for even distribution, reducing frizz and boosting the definition of my curls. That said, I found the diffuser a bit large compared to the sleek barrel of the dryer, and I'm not a fan of the brown color. Plus, its large size makes it trickier to store and travel with.

On the noise front, the Dreame Glory operates at an average of 76 dB, making it reasonably quiet; it's possible to have a conversation during use and the app refers to it as the equivalent to being inside a car. At higher speeds, it does produce a bit more noise, approaching an average of 80dB, and this is noticeable in quieter environments. Even so, this is quieter than similarly priced models and remains comfortable to use.

In terms of value, the Dreame Glory offers great features for its price. Despite minor quirks, the dryer delivers quick, effective drying with a smooth finish. Its combination of high-speed airflow, heat control, and ergonomic design make it a worthwhile investment if you're looking for a dependable hair dryer.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer review: price & availability

  • List price: €139/AU$299
  • Available: EU/AU

The €139 / A$299 Dreame Glory sits between the €79 Dreame Gleam and €159 Dreame Pocket.

It's predominantly sold in continental Europe and Asia-Pacific directly from the Dreame website and Amazon. In Europe, the dryer is known as the Dreame Glory Combo and ships with a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment. Outside of Europe, the dryer only ships with the nozzle. Depending on the region, the Glory dryer is then sold in white, and rose gold.

The dryer was previously sold in the UK at a list price of £119 but has since been discontinued, although you may still be able to buy it via third parties. Elsewhere, Dreame's PR told us that the Glory is only available offline in the US, and it's available from select sites in other regions, including Walmart Canada.

Its price and power puts the Glory dryer in the lower mid-range bracket, sandwiched between the likes of the €130 Parlux Alyon and €150 Parlux Advance dryer, and the €140 Babyliss 4Artist Steel FX dryer.

It should be noted that the Parlux, and Babyliss competitors only ship with concentrator nozzles, although the Parlux models are available in a wider range of colors than the Glory. With all of this in mind, the Dreame Glory is good value for money and versatile and, with its focus on hair health, it is a worthy investment.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer specs

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer review: design

  • Compact design
  • 4 heat modes and 2 airflow speeds
  • Concentrator and Diffuser attachments

The Dreame Glory hair dryer strikes a decent balance between design and usability. Its light, 12.2oz / 345g weight, coupled with its compact design, is the first thing I noticed when picking up the dryer for the first time.

The relatively small 3 × 3.2 in / 7.6 × 8.2 cm barrel means you can get the Glory close to your head, making it great for precision drying and when styling your roots or bangs. Meanwhile, the long, slim 10in / 25.5cm handle gives a good level of control. I was worried that the seeming mismatch between the length of handle and barrel would make the dryer feel unbalanced but it was surprisingly ergonomic, without ever making my wrist feel strained, or feeling awkward as I moved the dryer around my head.

This compact size and weight also means the Glory is easy to store, and easy to travel with.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Onto attachments. Both the concentrator nozzle and diffuser click into place on the dryer with a satisfying magnetized system. These magnets are strong enough to keep the attachments in place during styling, but give you the freedom to twist and turn the nozzle – should you need to change the angle – while also making it easy to switch between attachments without fumbling.

I’ve had dryers in the past where the nozzles were so tight that I had to wrestle them off, but the Dreame Glory's attachments are much more smooth. The attachments don't get too hot during styling either, which adds to this ease-of-use.

The nozzle is relatively compact, although the diffuser is bigger than I'd like and looks bulky and large next to the shape and size of the Glory. This means you can style a lot of curls and hair at the same time but it's a shame. As is the brown color.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Visually, the Glory has a modern, minimalistic design that blended in well with the rest of my stylers. I tested the white model and this coloring, coupled with its glossy finish, makes the Glory dryer look and feel more expensive than it is.

The dryer’s body is cylindrical, with rounded edges. On the rear of the dryer, where the fan is usually found, is a flat panel with four icons on it, each one representing the four temperature modes:

  • Cold: Blows cool air for to set your style
  • 57°C Constant: A consistent temperature designed to prevent heat damage.
  • Hot: Suitable for fast drying.
  • Hot/Cold Cycle: Alternates between seven seconds of hot air and five seconds of cool air to reduce heat damage without sacrificing speed.

The Cold and Hot modes are relatively self-explanatory. The Hot/Cold Cycle Mode then cycles between hot and cold air as you style your hair. I first used this feature on the BaByliss Air Wand and more recently on the Dreame Pocket and while it increases the styling time slightly, it made a noticeable difference to the finish and feel of my hair.

To switch between these four modes, you have to press the circular button found on the rear of the handle until the icon for your chosen mode lights up. Due to the position of the panel on the rear of the dryer, it's difficult to select different modes mid-style without looking. The more you use the dryer, the more you get used to what the different modes sound and feel like but it's not massively intuitive.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Above this button is a sliding power switch that lets you toggle between the two speed settings – Low and High. In a world of increasing buttons and even touch-based controls on rival dryers, I really appreciated how easy this switch is to operate, even mid-drying. It’s located in just the right spot so that your thumb can easily reach it without having to re-adjust your grip, which is a small but welcome feature.

The fan is then positioned at the base of the handle, where it meets the 5.9ft / 1.8m cord. This is increasingly common as the shape and size of hair dryers barrels continue to shrink, but I don't love this design. I quite often cover the fan with my hand by mistake, or the fan grill – designed to be removed for easy cleaning – has a tendency to slip off. Both are minor points but do detract from an otherwise good design. One positive of this design is that your hair won't get caught in it, thought, which is always a problem for me when using traditional dryers.

The air outlet at the front of the Dreame Glory is then wide enough to provide the strong 70 m/s airflow, but doesn’t feel overly bulky and adds further to the precision of the dryer.

All things considered, the Dreame Hair Glory ticks a lot of boxes in terms of style and substance. It's lightweight, user-friendly and its shape and controls are largely well thought-out. There are a number of small flaws and things I'd change, but none of them are dealbreakers.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer review: performance

  • 1600-watt motor
  • High-speed motor operates at 110,000RPM
  • 76dB average noise

When it comes to performance, the Dreame Glory offers almost everything you want in a dryer – it dries your hair quickly and efficiently, even at low speeds, without frying it or leaving it full of knots and frizz. My preferred mode was the Hot/Cold Cycle on High speed. This combination took my long, thin hair from wet to dry in just under five minutes, and left it looking and feeling soft and shiny. Something I credit to the millions of negative ions the dryer claims to produce. These ions help break down water droplets faster, reducing drying time while smoothing the hair cuticle for a sleeker finish.

It was possible to style my hair almost a minute faster on Hot mode but this left my hair looking dryer and less shiny, while using Low speed with the Hot/Cold Cycle pushed the styling time up to almost seven minutes; a noticeable difference. The 57C Constant mode is a good middle ground – not too hot, not too cold – which will suit damaged or curly hair. The different heat settings, paired with airflow options, does bring out the versatility of this dryer, though.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Elsewhere, the Cold mode worked like a dream. Cold shots tend to just drop the dryer's regular heat temperature slightly, which doesn't make much of a difference. On the Glory, however, the air actually felt cool almost instantly when using Cold mode. This was a game-changer – not just because it helped enhance the shine of my hair but because it meant my styles lasted much longer than they normally do. My hair is naturally curly so becomes frizzy easily, especially in humid environments. This rarely happened during the time I was reviewing the Dreame Glory. I could leave the house in the morning and my hair would look very similar by the time I got home.

The Cold mode also helped me set styles that weren't even created using the dryer. For example, after curling my hair with a curling wand, I used the Dreame Glory's Cold setting coupled with the diffuser to lock in the finish. The blast of cool air worked like a charm, setting the style without leaving any frizz. I found that using the Cold shot also extended the life of my curls by several hours compared to how long they usually last.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the diffuser, I could really feel the difference in how evenly it distributed the airflow on the Dreame Glory – no random blasts of air that can leave curls looking more chaotic than defined. The diffuser’s wide, bowl-like design cupped my hair well, allowing me to dry it without losing any natural bounce or movement.

Similarly, the concentrator nozzle really shines – literally. It helped direct the airflow where I needed it and added to the precision that comes from the dryer's design. I found it particularly helpful when I wanted to smooth out sections of my hair, like those around my face.

In terms of noise, the Dreame Glory operates at an average 76dB on Low speed and 80dB on High speed. I could hold a conversation while using both speeds, although at High speed it was a little harder to hear my son from across the room. This noise level will be fine for most users, but if you're particularly sensitive to sound or often style your hair in a shared space, it could be a slight downside.

The Dreame Glory's powerful airflow, combined with its range of controls, left my hair looking shiny and feeling smooth. The Cold shot helped to lock in styles that lasted and it's a quiet machine. This performance is impressive anyway, let alone when you factor in the price.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame Glory Hair Dryer?

Buy it if…

You want a lightweight, ergonomic dryer

The Dreame Glory's 12.2oz / 345g weight and balanced design make it comfortable to use.

You need a choice of heat and speed settings

The Glory has four temperature modes and two speeds to provide a range of styling options for different hair types and styles.

You want frizz-free, shiny hair

The Glory's ion technology helps smooth hair cuticles, reduces frizz and leaves hair looking shiny and soft.

Don’t buy it if….

You need a compact diffuser attachment

The diffuser, though effective, is bulkier than the dryer’s streamlined design.

You need a super-quiet dryer for shared spaces

The Glory dryer’s noise levels aren't excessive but, on high speeds, they could potentially be disruptive in quieter environments.

You want a wider range of colours

Color options for the Dreame Glory are limited to white and rose gold which may not suit all aesthetics or needs.

How I tested the Dreame Glory Hair Dryer

I used the Dreame Glory as my daily hair dryer over the course of four weeks at home and during a week-long cruise. I used it most mornings as a replacement for my usual hair dryer – the Revlon One Step – to dry and style my long, thin hair.

To thoroughly test the dryer, I experimented with the full range of speed and temperature combinations, and attachments. I paid close attention to the dryer’s features, how fast and effectively each of the modes and attachments worked, and how easy it was to use. I measured the decibel levels of the dryer on Low and High speeds throughout the testing period to achieve an average noise score.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered review: A more than worthy remaster
8:00 pm | December 9, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Developer Aspyr, fresh from remastering the first three Tomb Raider games, has cleaned off its brushes and given vampiric poster-boy Raziel his own substantial makeover in Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered. Every character from the main players in Crystal Dynamics' time and space-bending epic right down to the lowly grunts and creatures has received new, highly-detailed models.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: December 10, 2024

We’ve seen similar levels of uplift in Aspyr’s previous efforts but nothing on this scale. Raziel himself, as the character players will spend almost all of their time viewing, has obviously received the biggest overhaul. Raziel’s wraithlike figure now appears more tangible than before.

His previous skull-cap-like hair is now a thick black bonnet, complete with his trademark bangs that hang down before his glowing white eyes and his garb, the clan banner used to mask his horrific disfigurement sporting high-resolution textures while his exposed bones and muscles now protrude convincingly through his blue skin.

Raziel’s transformation, and that of everything in Legacy of Kain 1&2 Remastered, is easy to admire thanks to Aspyr’s use of the original source code, enabling players to instantly flick between new and classic visuals with a single press of the right analog stick.

Throughout my playthrough, I found myself frequently swapping graphics modes to see how extensive Aspyr’s remaster ventured and I was consistently impressed. The aforementioned assortment of grunts, the low-level enemies that Raziel dispatches along his blood-soaked vendetta, have received a remarkable level of reworking, with all new art assets that go above and beyond a simple texture swap.

This is also true of the collections’ pantheon of grotesque bosses with Raziel’s devilish foes now presented with reworked geometry, hair, skin, bone, and gore that revels in the dark and twisted nature of Nosgoth.

Speaking of the land of Nosgoth, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered decorates every surface with high-resolution textures that preserve the overall look and feel of the originals and adds a copious amount of details to intricate stone carvings around the gothic chambers, stained glass windows within strongholds and the twisted, haunting sinewy strands of the spectral realm.

Elevated Raziel… not reduced

A screenshot from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered showing the upgraded visuals in a side-by-side comparison

(Image credit: Aspyr)

While long-time fans will likely get a kick out of the new visuals, giving Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered a lick of paint is only half the battle when rereleasing these titles in 2024, with a revamp of the twenty-five-year-old control scheme requiring just as much attention.

Thankfully, the remaster brings a substantial improvement to the somewhat clunky controls of the original release and marries the new scheme with a welcome bump up to a solid 60fps.

While Soul Reaver 2 always had the cameras mapped to the right stick on controllers, its forebearer required players to rotate the camera around Raziel using the L2 and R2 buttons (on PS5). The original controls also meant that players couldn’t move the camera through the Y-axis, which often made looking for a way forward a cumbersome exercise in trial and error.

Aspyr has rightly corrected this issue with a camera now tied to the right stick and, to highlight just how much care and attention has gone into this remaster, they’ve even created new, moody sky boxes to accommodate Raziel’s newfound ability to look up.

Best bit

A screenshot from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered showing the player character in an expansive environment

(Image credit: Aspyr)

Hearing the late Tony Jay’s booming voice as the Elder God at the start of Raziel’s quest transported me back to 1999. Jay’s vocal performance here is one of the all-time greatest and the exceptional script gives him plenty of juicy lines to chew on, and the upgraded visuals make the Elder God seem that much more of an unsettling presence than before.

The vastly improved camera controls aren’t the only new feature that makes navigating Nosgoth a smoother experience. A brand-new map and onscreen compass remove the frustration of finding your way around the sprawling realms. Purists may be pleased to hear that the map and compass are optional and easily deactivated, however, the maps of Nosgoth, created in collaboration between Aspyr, Crystal Dynamics, and key members of the Legacy of Kain community are truly beautiful works of art that shouldn’t be ignored.

The only area that could benefit from further modernization is the combat. While Raziel must still dispatch vampiric foes, either by impalement, submerging in water, engulfing in fire or bathing in sunlight, before given these opportunities the actual hack-and-slash gameplay of hand-to-hand combat hasn’t aged particularly well and is faithful to a fault.

While the ability to lock on, block (in Soul Reaver 2), and perform dodges have all returned, there’s no way to cycle through targets when facing off against multiple foes. The modern control scheme also means Raziel always feels considerably overpowered against his adversaries from the get-go, making combat throughout both games a bit of a bore. Some of the unlockable powers and skills alleviate the monotony somewhat but it’s a shame we didn’t see some improvements to the basic scrapping.

Thankfully, brawling has always played second fiddle to exploration and puzzle solving in Soul Reaver and the intricate mind-benders are back and, thanks to the various control tweaks, easier to navigate than ever before.

A loving legacy

A screenshot from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered showing combat in action

(Image credit: Aspyr)

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered evolves beyond a simple visual touch-up in other ways too, adding new features and a heap of goodies for fans and newcomers to dig into.

For those who can’t resist getting a bit snap-happy during their gameplay sessions, a new photo mode is available, although it’s currently a little rudimentary. Pausing the action by pressing in on both analog sticks together gives players free control of the camera and some basic vignette options to toy around with.

It’s functional, but lacks the extensive options available in many other photo modes, with elements such as frames, filters, character poses, and changeable facial expressions all missing. Some of these options were also absent from the Tomb Raider Remastered photo mode at launch before being added in a post-launch patch so hopefully Soul Reaver will receive the same improvements down the line.

Performing much better though is the raft of extras available from the main menu. It’s frankly overwhelming how much high-quality content is on offer here. Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered packs in everything including galleries showcasing concept art, renders, and fan cosplays, a music player to listen to the soundtracks from both games, a movie viewer, and beautifully produced scripts for each title.

A screenshot from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered and the lost levels content

(Image credit: Aspyr)

The undeniable standout here though is the Lost Levels. Previously cut sections from the first game have been restored to a playable state and offer a glimpse into an alternative conclusion to Soul Reaver. Each of the small disconnected playable areas presents an interesting curio more than anything you’ll spend a lot of time in but it’s great to see what could have been and be able to poke around in levels that never saw the light of day.

Introduced by a written foreword from pillar of the Legacy of Kain community and creator of The Lost Worlds fansite, Ben Lincoln, the Lost Levels demonstrates the love and passion that has gone into remastering these classic titles. The Lost Levels acts as a reward of sorts for the fans who have supported the series and yearned for another entry since the last game in the franchise, Legacy of Kain – Defiance, released in 2003.

Whether you’re new to the franchise or a returning player, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is an exceptional package that improves on almost every aspect of these classic titles and delivers two unmissable epics that every gamer should experience.

Should I play Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered?

Play it if...

You love the originals
The bonus content included with Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is exceptional. Aspyr has gone the extra mile by harnessing the passion of key figures within the Legacy of Kain fanbase to provide an extensive, lovingly crafted treasure trove of bonus features for fans and newcomers to experience and enjoy.View Deal

You thirst for a powerful narrative
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered brings together two of the most poetic narratives in gaming history. Every line in the script carries impressive heft, the characters are exceptionally well realized with best-in-class voice acting and the whole thing is wrapped up in a new, gorgeous skin.View Deal

Don't play it if...

You want thrilling combat
Boss encounters aside, scuffles in Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered remain painfully faithful to their gameplay origins from a quarter of a century ago.View Deal

Accessibility

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered provides only a few, basic accessibility options for players. Subtitles are enabled by default in both games and are clear to read with a subtle grey background to them. Controller settings can be tweaked with optional vibrations and adjustable stick sensitivity.

Aspyr has included new in-game maps, a compass, and gameplay hints in both titles to make navigation through Nosgoth easier for players and all of these features are optional and easily disabled in the pause menu.

A screenshot from Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered showing the main character jumping

(Image credit: Aspyr)

How I reviewed Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered

I played through the campaigns of Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered over a week while seeking out as many secrets as I could find. I explored all of the newly curated bonus content including reading through the various scripts, viewing all of the gallery content, and playing around in the new Lost Levels.

I played Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered on PS5 on a 4K Sony Bravia TV, with my DualSense controller and PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset for the most part and occasionally through the built-in TV speakers.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve also played Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain after it was released on PS+ Premium and revisited the original PS1 and PS2 versions of both Soul Reaver games, enabling me to appreciate and analyze the differences in controls, visuals and playability to the new remaster.

Nothing Ear (open) review: One issue upsets Nothing’s first-draft open-ear headphones
7:35 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Nothing Ear (open): One minute review

I started testing for this Nothing Ear (open) review under the impression that, like other open ear headphones, they were designed for fitness use. Over the last few years open earbuds, or air conduction headphones, have become a popular type of sports headphone to let you hear your surroundings while running, cycling or working out outdoors.

When judged against this use case, though, the Nothing Ear (open) fly far from the mark, and they're not ideal for going on walks along roads either, and it’s all from one questionable design decision. I found them frustrating to use and had to force myself to put them on my ear every time I was going to hit the gym or go on a run.

It’s a shame, because Nothing has become a reliable name in earbuds in the last few years. Its Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) from earlier in 2024 were both impressive and affordable earbuds with amazing bass and unique feature sets, and there were high hopes for the Ear (open), which mark the company’s first foray into the open-ear headphones market.

I’d wait until the second foray to buy some of these buds though, because as I said one design issue ruins the user experience with these buds. That issue is in the band hook, which loops over your ears to connect the body of the bud (which goes over your ear, providing the music), with the rest of it which goes behind your ear.

This band is made of a very flexible material which does a poor job at holding the bud and counterweight still. This means that when you’re moving; say, going on a run or bending down at the gym to pick up some weights, or even walking, it wobbles. Wobbles enough to change how the music sounds for a little moment, and wobbles enough to slap against the tragus of your ear (that’s the sticky-outy bit in your ear) if you’re moving rapidly or repeatedly.

Going for workouts with the Nothing Ear (open), then, was an exercise in patience: could I survive the tap-tap-tap of the wobbling bud for long enough to complete a course or a workout routine? For the purposes of this review I endured it, but I don’t think I would have if not for that!

Putting aside fitness use, it was also an issue when I was walking at any speed (though it was more pronounced the quicker my pace), and given that the entire point of open ear buds is that you can hear your surroundings when walking on roads, this means they miss the mark as non-fitness earbuds too.

Beyond the annoying design, the Ear (open) would need to be incredibly impressive to get a decent review, and unfortunately it missed that high bar. Primarily, the audio wasn’t on par with other open-ear headphones I’ve tested, particularly in the volume department — this latter is vital to combat surrounding sounds when you’re in busy areas.

I did like a few aspects of the buds: the case is the main one, as it’s pretty slender compared to other open-ear headphone cases and was attractive all things considered. Plus the touch controls on the earbuds were handy to use, and there was no sound leakage which fixes a problem I’ve faced in other earbuds (open-ear and not).

These elements show that Nothing is on the right track with the Ear (open), but I only see these buying a worthwhile buy if you’re not into your exercise. If you simply want earbuds you can wear in public without being unaware while crossing roads, it could be a decent option — as long as your walking pace isn’t too quick!

Nothing Ear (open) review: Specifications

Nothing Ear (open) review: Price and availability

The Nothing Ear (open)

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced and released in September 2024
  • Priced at $149 / £129 / AU$249
  • Middling price for this kind of tech

The Nothing Ear (open) costs a reasonable $149 / £129 / AU$249, and was both announced and released in September 2024.

That price puts them slap-bang in the middle of a host of other open ear headphones on our list of the best open ear headphones (excusing the exceedingly-premium Bose Ultra Open, which costs twice as much).

The Nothing roughly matches the $149.99 / £149.99 (about AU$290) 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50, a competitor with which the Ear (open) has a lot in common (namely, a poor fit). If you want to spend a little more you can opt for the Shokz Openfit at $179.95 / £179.99 / AU$289 but if you want to save money, the OpenRock Pro go for $129.99 / £119.99 (roughly AU$185).

Bear in mind that open ear headphone tech is in its infancy, so you’re paying a premium no matter what you opt for; if you’re conscious about price, opting for ‘standard’ headphones will get you superior audio quality at a much lower price.

  • Value score: 3/5

Nothing Ear (open) review: Design

The Nothing Ear (open)

(Image credit: Future)
  • Bendy hook makes buds wobble
  • IP54 rating and light weight
  • Case is nice and slender

I’ll start with the case, because you will too when you take the buds out of the box.

If you’ve tried other ear-hook headphones, you’ll know that the cases often end up being pretty large to house the hook. The Nothing Ear (open)’s case is comparatively small, due to its thickness of only 2cm. Its total dimensions are 12.6 x 4.4 x 2 cm and it weighs 63.8g – I found it more pocketable than many other open ear headphone cases that I’ve tested.

Like most other Nothing headphone cases, this one has a see-through front, so it’s easy to double-check whether the gadgets are in there or not.

The headphones also resemble Nothing earbuds, in that they’re small and see-through with rounded designs, but with the addition of a long silicon hook to go around your ear and a counter-weight at the end. The buds weigh 8.1g each, so they’re lighter than many rivals, which is obviously really important for fitness earbuds.

In terms of an IP rating you’re looking at IP54: protection against dust ingress and sprays of water, but not full immersion in liquid. The important thing, though, is that they’re sweat-proof.

I’ve often touted Nothing’s buds as having some of the best touch controls: they’re pinch-controlled, so you get a nice haptic ‘click’ when you trigger the function. While the Ear (open) don’t provide this same click, they’re also pinch-controlled – they’re easy to use but impossible to accidentally trigger.

That’s a lot of praise for the Nothing Ear (open)’s design, and you’ve (presumably) already read in this review’s introduction that design is the Achilles Heel of the earbuds. And that’s correct.

The Nothing Ear (open)

Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is. (Image credit: Future)

As I mentioned earlier, the hook is made from silicon, a very weak and flimsy material being used in a very thin hook. The result of this is that, when you move about, the body of the bud isn’t held in place – it bounces around horizontally which is really annoying to feel and affects the sound quality you’re getting. Sometimes, poor fit can be justified by a reviewers’ ears not matching the size of the buds, but given that this is an issue with the build, it’s a lot less subjective than that.

The fit is a lot less rigid than on other open ear headphones I’ve tried, which I can see some people hailing as making them comfortable, but this just exacerbated the issues that I faced. I’d rather firm-feeling wearables than ones that keep flicking me!

This floppy build quality made the Nothing Ear (open) infuriating to use when on a run, as the body would bounce up and down, and at the gym, as bending down to pick up weights or leaning back on a bench would see the gravity pull the body away from my ear. That’s why I said these aren’t fitness headphones – I found myself opting to hear the clunks and grunts of my gym than endure the Ear (open) wobbling around near my ears.

A problem like this doesn’t solely affect exercise though, and it was even a problem when going on walks. It’s hard not to view these as a ‘draft one’ version of the earbud, if the problem is this pronounced.

  • Design score: 2/5

Nothing Ear (open) review: Features

The Nothing Ear (open)

(Image credit: Future)
  • 8-hour battery life, up to 30 if counting case
  • Minimal feature set but equalizer present
  • ChatGPT function for certain users

In its marketing, Nothing loudly cites that the Ear (open) has a 30-hour battery life, but you have to delve into the small-text to realize that this refers to the combined lasting power of the earbuds and the case.

On their own, the earbuds last for 8 hours of listening time before they need to be charged, which is slightly above average compared to other earbuds — the lack of ANC helps here. The case holds 22 hours, for a grand total of 30, which is a little on the low side compared to some other bud cases on the market but it’s not a terrible figure.

In headphone reviews, ANC usually goes in the ‘features’ section, so I should touch on it for anyone using CTRL-F: there is none, of course, due to the nature of open earbuds. You don’t want to cancel noise, you want as much of it as possible!

In terms of the rest of the feature set, the Nothing Ear (open) has a few taken from other Nothing earbuds, but a few missing too. Using the Nothing X app you can change what the touch controls do, play with an equalizer, turn on a low-latency mode (for gaming, which doesn’t seem like something you’d want to do on open-ear buds?), and set off a ‘find my earbud’ alert which makes them play a loud chirping sound if you’ve lost them.

The Nothing Ear (open)

(Image credit: Future)

The equalizer is the main feature there, and it’s just as intuitive as Nothing fans will be used to. It’s default option is a three-band customization model between mid, bass and treble, but there’s an advanced option with an eight-band equalizer for people who know their way around EQ.

In the default Simple mode, there are three four presets as well as the ability to customize your own mix, which I think most people will go for. A few Nothing features like Bass Enhance mode and Listening Test are missing, but that’s not unexpected given the nature of these headphones.

If you own a Nothing or CMF phone you get an extra feature: you can use ChatGPT as your smart assistant from the buds. You can easily squeeze the button and ask your buds what the weather’s like, what the time is or how many kilometres are in a marathon — given that it’s ChatGPT, though, there are no guarantees that the answer will be correct!

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Nothing Ear (open) review: Performance

The Nothing Ear (open)

(Image credit: Future)
  • Max volume isn't high enough
  • Lacking bass and mid
  • Little sound leaking

You can’t expect incredible audio quality in open-ear headphones, due to the way they work — it’s just the nature of the beast, and a trade-off you get with the increased situational awareness of wearing them. That’s not even factoring in how background sounds will get in the way of your tunes.

However even with this in mind, I wasn't blown away with how the Nothing Ear (open) sounded. I’ve typically found Nothing earbuds to provide overwhelming bass and admirable treble and mid, but that wasn’t the case here.

The earbuds didn't offer as much bass as fitness-bud fans will be accustomed to, and while they did fare a lot better in the treble department, mid was left in the wayside. There was quite a bit of peaking and distorting too, particularly on drums but it affected other instruments to a noticeable degree too.

Some of these issues could be fixed with the EQ, and I squeezed enough extra bass into tunes to emphasize some workout tracks, but was always aware that I could get a better sound quality purely by changing to another pair of earbuds (normal, workout or open).

A gripe I’ve had with previous Nothing earbuds reared its head, in that the maximum volume wasn’t that high. I listened at max volume for most of my listening, and lots of the time when I was outdoors I could barely hear my music.

One thing I do appreciate — though it could be a knock-on from the volume issue — is that there’s very little audio bleed. People around you won’t be pestered by the tunes you’re listening to.

  • Performance score: 3/5

Nothing Ear (open) review: scorecard

Nothing Ear (open): Should I buy?

The Nothing Ear (open)

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You own a Nothing or CMF phone

The extra features that the buds provide alongside a Nothing-created phone are a neat extra that may sway your decision.

You're worried about sound leaking

Don't worry: despite the design, people around you aren't going to hear your tunes with the Nothing Ear (open).

You own in- or over-ear headphones

These shouldn't be your only pair of headphones, not if you like music. But to complement another pair, they might be acceptable.

Don't buy it if...

You exercise

For reasons explained in detail before, these earbuds just aren't good for exercising with. Sorry.

You'll wear them in noisy areas

The limited maximum volume of the Nothings means that it's hard to make out the words to songs if you're in busy areas.

Also consider

OpenRock Pro

These are some of the better-sounding open ear headphones I've used, but the best aspect was the long battery life. Plus, they're cheaper than the Nothings.

Read our full OpenRock Pro review

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50

Another feature-packed open-ear option which was again let down by an unreliable fit is these 1More buds, which match the Nothings in price.

Read our full 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 review

How I tested

To write this review, I used the Nothing Ear (open) for roughly three weeks. During the first two weeks of that, I only used them for exercise: on a run or at the gym (so perhaps five hours per week), but for the final week I made sure to use them a lot more.

This latter testing involved use at home, at my office, on walks in various areas and on public transport. Most of my testing was done using Spotify and Tidal though I watched a few videos and played games to see how they fared. It was paired with an Android phone during the process.

I've been reviewing technology for TechRadar for almost six years as of writing this, which includes many audio and fitness devices. I've also tested open-ear headphones and other Nothing earbuds prior to the Nothing Ear (open).

GigSky eSIM
4:32 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Imagine you have just landed in a foreign place, ready to explore, and then the reality hits - you have no internet connection. Here’s where GigSky enters the scene. This little eSIM solution, intended to work across the globe, promises to keep you connected nearly everywhere without any of the SIM-swapping hassles, roaming charges, and spotty Wi-Fi.

With the instant connectivity and ‘data-only’ model of its international eSIM, supported by 400 partners in the world, GigSky might be just what the data-hungry digital nomad crowd needs. But is it too good to be true and how does it really hold up against competition?

GigSky: Pricing and plans

GigSky’s pricing varies depending on the region (and situation, like if you are on a cruise ship or plane) and the amount of data you need. The paid plans range from 512MB to unlimited data, starting from $2.99 for 7 days and 1GB of data in Bulgaria, for instance, to up to $139.99 for larger plans that cover longer durations, more exotic regions, cruises, and/or more GBs.

For those who intend to visit more than one country in a particular region, GigSky has regional solutions too. Let’s say you are planning to visit Africa - you can choose among plans ranging from 1GB for 7 days at $8.99 to 10GB for 30 days, while world travelers can opt for the 5GB World Plan with a duration of 30 days and costing $69.99.

If you are on a cruise through the Americas and the Caribbean, it is possible to get just 512MB of data during one day, albeit at a slightly higher price than the other pricing plans - $19.99. Having the same amount of data for the same duration at a world cruise would set you back by $26.99.

There is also a free 100MB travel data plan, regardless of the region, and no credit card is needed. This is an extremely limited amount of data but does come in handy if you need urgent online access or just want to get a taste of what GigSky brings to the table.

It is also important to note that there are no hidden fees or subscriptions, which feel like a breath of fresh air. You only pay for what you need - a win for budget-conscious travelers. But if you are the kind that plays online games, shares large files, or streams an entire Netflix series on the go, be prepared - heavy streaming can chew through data faster than you can say ‘bonjour.’

You should also keep in mind that, due to implementing fair usage policies, GigSky eSIM slows down the traffic in its unlimited plans after you have gone through the first 2.5GB in a day - resuming normal speed on the next day, starting from the time the plan is activated.

Even at these reduced speeds, the company guarantees you will be able to perform less data-intensive tasks, like sending and receiving emails and making VOIP voice calls.

GigSky: Features

GigSky features

(Image credit: GigSky)

What makes GigSky stand out is its seamless installation. As there is no physical SIM to fumble with, you can be in any of the supported destinations and rely on this handy eSIM that is a breeze to download and install (just make sure to do so before you enter the target country).

Not only that, but it works in 200 countries and regions in the world, more than 200 cruise ships, and over 20 airlines, alongside a wide array of cruise ships and airlines, giving you a virtual backstage pass to the digital world almost anywhere. So whether you are in Paris checking Google Maps for the best croissant spot or on a beach in Bali scrolling through Instagram, GigSky can cover you.

The best part? GigSky eSIM works with most recent smartphones and some tablets, so there is no need to lug around any extra hardware. Simply purchase a data package for the region you are headed to, install the eSIM profile, and you are ready to go. Just make sure your device is unlocked for international carriers beforehand, or you might get an unpleasant surprise at the airport.

GigSky: Installation

GigSky

(Image credit: GigSky)

Installing GigSky eSIM is as simple as it gets, especially since there is no physical card involved (great news if your nails have seen better days or you can’t find that tiny needle).

After downloading the app, the platform guides you through each step, starting with creating your account, choosing your destination (or situation - like a cruise or flying) and package, hooking up the eSIM, activating it, and getting online as soon as you arrive.

A word to the wise - install your eSIM before you head out or while you still have Wi-Fi access in your country/point of departure. It is just one of those things that can save you a heap of trouble if the airport Wi-Fi suddenly decides to go on strike.

Furthermore, GigSky is compatible with lots of devices, including iPhone XR and newer, a long list of Android systems, all cellular-enabled iPad Pro 12.9-inch and newer, as well as others, including Microsoft Surface Pro X, Fairphone 4, Honor Magic 4 Pro, and many more.

That is, as long as your device is not locked for international use by your current carrier (as might be the case with financed phones on a prepaid contract).

GigSky: Support

GigSky

(Image credit: GigSky)

In terms of customer support, GigSky offers its own through email and its apps, with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that is actually quite helpful and detailed. There is also a Help Center with categories that include troubleshooting, getting started manuals, and announcements.

Responses tend to be fairly quick and knowledgeable, and it is a 24/7/365 service - available whenever you need it. The apps are very intuitive as well, guiding you through the process and ensuring a smooth experience. You can use them to top up, change plans, or just get in touch if you hit a road bump.

Gigsky: Final verdict

So, should you give GigSky’s eSIM a whirl? If you are a frequent traveler who values convenience and does not mind paying a bit more for the simplicity of staying connected, it is a solid option. That said, this is not the cheapest data source, particularly for those who plan to burn through data fast.

But for the average traveler who wants to avoid the hassle of changing SIMs in every new country and does not mind the ‘data-only’ model, GigSky eSIM is a nifty travel companion that will get you (and keep you) connected in just a few taps. Just make sure to first look up the experiences of other users visiting the same place.

All things considered, if the idea of exploring the globe with easy connectivity and no extra plastic to worry about appeals to you, GigSky might just become your new best friend - only don’t expect it to cover all your communication needs.

Gigsky: FAQs

Can I install GigSky eSIM using QR code?

Yes. Just like with other eSIMs, you can install a GigSky eSIM on your device using a standard QR code activation method. To do this, you will need to visit the Gigsky website or app and purchase a plan. After this, you will receive a QR activation code in your email. Scan the code on the device you want to install the eSIM on and follow the prompts.

Do I get 5G connectivity with GigSky?

Yes, GigSky currently offers 5G connectivity where available, since some places may be at 4G or 3G speeds. So if your device is compatible with 5G, you are good to go. Keep in mind, though, that 5G connections consume a lot of data, so you may run out of your data limits quickly.

Does GigSky eSIM cover phone calls or SMS?

No, GigSky eSIM is a data-only service, which means it does not come with a telephone number, so regular phone calls and SMS are not supported. That said, texting and VOIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, iMessage, and the like can be used.

How many plans does GigSky offer?

All new customers receive a free 100MB eSIM just by signing up on the GigSky app. Beyond that, you only pay for the data plan you need and scale it up based on duration and data volume. There are multiple one-time plans with various data limits for different regions or cruises, as well as unlimited data options.

Synology Diskstation DS423+ review
2:26 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 358 of PC Pro.

Synology’s DiskStation DS423+ is a home and small office NAS, offering four SATA drive bays, and supporting up to a whopping 72TB of storage. With a Celeron J4125 processor and 2GB of RAM, it’s similarly specified to the two-bay DS224+. Unfortunately, that extends to its dual gigabit Ethernet ports, which look like a misstep when many competitors now offer 2.5GbE. Synology hasn’t been overly generous when it comes to other ports, either. You won’t find HDMI here, and there are only two USB-A 3.2 ports – and they’re the slower, 5Gbits/sec Gen 1.

The DS423+ does have a trick up its sleeve in the shape of two NVMe SSD slots. Drives in these can be configured as a cache for hard disk volumes, used to create a flash storage pool, or split between the two roles. A single SSD doesn’t offer data redundancy, though, so you’ll need to use both slots for caching if you want to accelerate disk writes as well as reads.

Rear view of the Synology Diskstation DS423+'s two cooling fans

The dual Ethernet ports are sadly only of the gigabit variety (Image credit: Future)

This is one of the easiest NAS devices we’ve tested when it comes to setup. Its lockable caddies are tool-less for 3.5in disks. It’s also quicker and easier than the norm to access its NVMe slots – you simply flip the enclosure on its back, pop open two small covers and click the drives in. Even the memory expansion slot can be accessed without tools.

We initially configured this NAS with four 1TB disks configured in a RAID5 array. While Synology, like other manufacturers, is usually quite relaxed about the brand of hard disk you fit, this doesn’t extend to NVM drives. The DS423+ was happy to use two unapproved 1TB WD Black drives as a disk cache, but you can use only approved SSDs to create a storage pool. At the time of our review there were just four approved SSDs on the compatibility list: they’re all made by Synology and have either 400GB or 800GB capacities, limiting you to an 800GB maximum for a flash volume with data redundancy.

With or without disk caching, this isn’t a particularly fast NAS. It lined up closely with other gigabit Ethernet devices in ATTO Disk Benchmark, hitting peak transfer rates of 110MB/sec (write) and 113MB/sec (read). It scored a fair 348 in the PCMark 10 Data Drive benchmark, and managed 59MB/sec writes and 46MB/sec reads in our 11GB Windows file copy test. We retested it when configured with two large WD disks, but its performance was essentially unchanged.

It’s fair to point out that disk caches become more effective over time, and our benchmarks don’t particularly show the benefits. It’s also worth noting that port bonding – in which the NAS balances the load across both Ethernet ports – would help the DS423+ deliver a greater throughput in a multi-user setup. Even so, no single user would see data transfer rates above the 113MB/sec gigabit Ethernet limit, which puts this NAS at a disadvantage when compared with 2.5GbE rivals such as QNAP’s TS-464.

Full view of the Synology Diskstation DS423+

Visible, lockable disk caddies tell you the DS423+ is cut out for business (Image credit: Future)

That’s a shame, because it’s simple to manage Synology NAS boxes. DSM manages to combine user friendliness with plenty of functionality, spanning networking, security and convenience features such as QuickConnect, which lets you access the NAS remotely. You can bolt on extras through the Package Center, which at the time of writing offered 107 apps.

Highlights include strong third-party apps such as Plex Media Center, WordPress and various developer tools, but also Synology’s own software, which tends to focus on business requirements. Examples include Surveillance Station, Synology Mail Server and even the Synology Office suite. There are also tools such as Synology High Availability, which lets you use a second NAS to provide failover cover should the active server fail.

Desktop screenshot of the easy-to-use Synology NAS interface

Synology’s excellent software lifts all of its products above rivals (Image credit: Future)

In most ways, the DS423+ is a great product for small businesses, and if speed isn’t a major concern then it’s a good choice. However, with only 1GbE network interfaces – and no expansion slot to upgrade them – it could become a bottleneck in a growing business, particularly one that needs to back up or work with large volumes of data. If that’s likely to be you, we’d advise stretching your budget to get the upgradability of Synology’s DS923+ or the better specification of Asustor’s Nimbustor 4 Gen2.

We also ranked the best apps for small businesses.

Synology Diskstation DS224+ Review
2:21 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 358 of PC Pro.

At first glance Synology’s DiskStation DS224+ looks much like the cheaper DiskStation DS223. It’s the same color and dimensions, and has the same button, port and LED layout on the front panel. Snoop around a bit and you’ll spot a significant improvement, though: this NAS has dual 1GbE ports, which can be used to offer faster throughput and failover support.

There’s a bigger upgrade inside, where the DS224+ has an Intel Celeron J4125 processor rather than the limp Realtek in the DS223. Its 2GB of memory is also upgradable to 6GB via a spare slot, accessible without tools if you remove the drive caddies. Synology talks up the enhanced performance of the DS224+ when compared to previous-generation devices, and this processor should certainly help if you’re intending to use it as a media server in the home.

It’s usually easy to set up Synology devices, and the DS224+ obliges with tool-free caddies for 3.5in SATA drives – as with other contenders here, you’ll need to screw in 2.5in disks. You can quickly track down any local DiskStations via the Web Assistant. Once you’re into the web interface, it’s simple to install Synology’s DSM software and configure the storage.

Rear view of the Synology Diskstation DS224+ displaying the cooling fan

The DS224+ is compact and looks smart enough for any home office (Image credit: Future)

We added two 4TB disks provided by Synology, configuring them in a RAID1 array and formatting them with Btrfs; EXT4 is available if needed. The DS224+ delivered on its improved specifications, outpacing the DS223 in 4KB and 16KB file operations in ATTO Disk Benchmark. It was also a little quicker to write files in our Windows file copy test, hitting 60MB/sec compared to 52MB/sec for the DS223.

This is something of a distraction from the fact that this NAS is throttled by its gigabit Ethernet ports. In our tests it sustained a maximum transfer speed of 113MB/sec. In comparison, 2.5GbE connections can deliver up to 283MB/sec. It’s easy to bond the two network interfaces, but this won’t improve speeds to a single client; instead it helps increase bandwidth when there are multiple users.

Synology pitches this NAS as a data storage device for edge deployments, which is likely to mean home workers and micro offices. Synology’s software is certainly more than equal to the role, combining a solid feature set with 107 apps available through Package Center. Perhaps this NAS’s slower Ethernet won’t be a problem for home workers primarily connecting via Wi-Fi, but if you have several users we’d recommend paying more for an alternative with a 2.5GbE interface.

We've also rated the best laptops for working from home.

Synology Diskstation DS223 review
11:23 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 358 of PC Pro.

The DS223 sits almost at the bottom of Synology’s huge NAS range, with only the single-slot DS124 and the more basic two-slot DS223j variant sitting below it. Accordingly, it’s not particularly well specified, with only two SATA drive bays and no NVMe slots. There’s 2GB of RAM onboard, which can’t be upgraded, while all the processing work is done by a lowly four-core Realtek CPU clocked at 1.7GHz. Perhaps just as significantly, this NAS has just a single 1GbE network port, immediately putting it at a disadvantage to 2.5GbE devices when it comes to fast file serving.

Still, the DS223 is designed and built with Synology’s usual quality. Pull off the front panel and its two drive caddies slide in and out smoothly – they’re tool-less for 3.5in disks, but you’ll need to screw 2.5in devices in place. We fitted two 4TB Synology disks, turned the NAS on, then connected to its web interface to create a RAID1 array and format it with the Btrfs file system.

While other NAS manufacturers continue to improve their software, Synology remains the master. Its DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system strikes almost the perfect balance between functionality and ease of use. Storage Manager makes it intuitive to create and manage storage pools and volumes, while all the network, user and other settings are gathered together in Control Panel.

You can enhance and add to the DS223’s functionality through the Package Center, which at the time of our review offered 107 apps covering a range of multimedia, backup, business and communication roles. However, this NAS drive’s modest power means it could struggle to run multiple demanding apps at once.

Rear view of the Synology Diskstation DS223 showing the cooling fan

This is a compact and smart NAS that’s easy to install and configure (Image credit: Future)

This NAS was an underwhelming performer in our tests anyway, even compared to other devices limited to a 1GbE interface. In ATTO Disk Benchmark it was around 20% slower than other Synology NAS enclosures for a 4KB file size, and about 10% slower for 16KB files. Even though it caught up when moving 2MB files, it still managed only 111MB/sec writes and 113MB/sec reads – about the maximum possible over gigabit Ethernet. Surprisingly, however, the DS223 was quite competitive when writing files from a Windows 11 PC.

We love this NAS drive’s simplicity and comparative ease of use, but it’s significantly more expensive than QNAP’s TS-233. It’s quicker, but if speed is important we’d recommend spending more on a 2.5GbE alternative such as the QNAP TS-264.

We also ranked the best small business servers.

QNAP TS-264 review
10:50 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

This review first appeared in issue 358 of PC Pro.

Q NAP makes so many NAS enclosures that it can be hard to place specific models within the range. The TS-264 comes under the “Mid-range First Choice” bracket, which is QNAP’s way of saying it’s intended for small offices, homes and micro businesses. The “2” tells you this is a two-bay device, accepting up to two 3.5in or 2.5in drives.

Inside there are NVMe slots capable of accepting up to two 2TB SSDs, which can be used as storage or an SSD cache for the hard disks. QNAP pairs an Intel Celeron N5095 processor with 8MB of onboard RAM, which can’t be further upgraded. At the back you’ll find an HDMI socket, two 2.5GbE connectors, two USB-A 2 ports and a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, with another Gen 2 socket on the front panel.

That’s not at all bad for this price, but if needed you can upgrade with a dual-port PCI-E 10GbE network card. There’s also support for various tower and rackmount storage expansion units, some of which require a mini SAS connector card that takes up the PCI-E slot.

Rear view of the QNAP TS-264

QNAP’s TS-264 is packed with ports, including two 2.5GbE connectors (Image credit: Future)

In theory you can set up this NAS entirely without tools, but you’ll struggle to fit NVMe drives without taking off the side panel, which requires a screwdriver. Even with it removed, the two slots are partially obstructed by the hard drive cage, making it hard to insert SSDs. Put it all back together and you can run Qfinder Pro to locate the NAS on your network, connect to its web admin interface and begin configuring QNAP’s QTS operating system.

While QTS is generally excellent, it feels more technical and less slick than some rivals – particularly Synology’s DSM software. It’s great to have the choice between thick and thin provisioning, or using a more conventional static disk volume, but this does complicate things compared to its great rival. If using NVMe drives, you’ll need to provide their physical security ID (PSID) number to securely erase them in the setup process, so it’s a good idea to photograph them in situ before you put the case back on.

Full view of the QNAP TS-264

The gold and black TS-264 may not look businesslike, but it’s happy to work (Image credit: Future)

We loaded up the TS-264 with 14TB and 12TB NAS disks and two 1TB NVMe SSDs provided by WD, initially configuring these as two separate RAID1 volumes formatted with Btrfs (you can choose EXT4 if you prefer). Over a single 2.5GbE connection, it recorded competitive PCMark 10 Data Drive scores of 487 for the disk performance and 482 for SSDs. In ATTO Disk Benchmark, the TS-264 was level with competing two-bay enclosures for 4KB and 16KB file operations, but some distance ahead for 2MB files thanks to its faster network connection.

File-copy tests confirmed that the TS-264 is fast in real-world use, but the margin over 1GbE devices wasn’t as great as we were expecting. That said, with disk caching configured this NAS put a little more daylight between itself and the 1GbE competition, particularly when copying larger files.

QTS is full of usability and connectivity features, including myQNAPcloud, which makes it easy to access and manage the NAS remotely. You’ll also find a wide range of high-quality apps in the AppCenter – we counted 107, spanning content management, dev tools, security, networking and entertainment. Unlike the home-focused TS-233, you get a full suite of surveillance apps including QVR Pro, and extensions covering face recognition and even automated door access.

Desktop screenshot of the QNAP TS-264's operating system

The QTS operating system is capable of handling any task (Image credit: Future)

Despite its diminutive size, the TS-264 makes sense for demanding users. Like other QNAP NAS enclosures, it can act as a DHCP, web or proxy server, and even a domain controller. Other apps let you configure it as a proxy, web or backup server, and even to host and manage containers. Its ability to scale and upgrade is also a bonus, although it’s not badly specified out of the box.

While we wouldn’t choose this NAS as a starting point for a small business, it is a good choice as a home NAS if you’ll be using it for both work and entertainment. The TS-264 has the grunt to handle media serving and transcoding, while its twin network interfaces can be bonded to preserve network speeds as you gain users.

We've also rated the best NAS & media server distros.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 review: a luxurious vision of flight sims, let down by some Ryanair execution
5:00 pm | December 8, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Before this year’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, developer Asobo achieved something momentous in 2020: they found a way to make a Flight Simulator game feel not just relevant to a mainstream audience, but vital. For at least a few weeks there in that strangest of masked-up, doomscrolling times, we were all budding pilots, exorcising our lockdown cabin fever by exploring a virtual Earth from above.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Release date: November 19, 2024

The tech - some dark wizardry that pulled Bing Maps data from the cloud via Microsoft Azure - was eye-catching enough that even people who’d never dreamed of buying their own cockpit stopped what they were doing and paid attention. The trouble was, of course, there wasn’t much game to it.

That might sound like an unfair thing to say about a game that gave you an entire planet to fly around, and just about every known airport to take off or land on, but it’s true. Outside of a few scenarios and challenges, the experience was down to you to sculpt and define in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

Asobo’s 2024 follow-up addresses that point with a laser focus, introducing an all-new career mode that’s so astoundingly deep and varied that you can even play it purely as a business sim and take all the actual flying out of the equation entirely. If you do that, though, you’re missing out on – deep breath – firefighting, search and rescue, helicopter cargo transport, air ambulance, agricultural aviation, mountain rescue, skydiving, and aerial construction missions, each requiring a different set of disciplines and familiarity with numerous cockpits and flight models.

It’s here that the developer can really show you what all this ambitious streaming tech and map data can do. The locations are hand-picked for gorgeousness and just the right amount of flight challenge. It’s an absolute treat and an extremely shrewd addition from a studio that didn’t have to go this extra mile in order to impress. Career mode provides a clear mandate for a sequel, in an age when most simulators just whack a few new vehicles into the mix and tout ‘improved physics’. It’s going to keep the non-hardcore engaged for longer, and might even drive a few flight stick sales.

Failure to take off

A screenshot from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showing a plane flying over fields and woodland

(Image credit: Microsoft/Asobo)

Now to address… the unpleasantness. Career mode remained a mystery to me through launch week, not because it’s particularly impenetrable, but because I simply wasn’t able to access it. n the 16 years I’ve been reviewing games, I’ve never wrestled with a launch quite this bad. For the first 24 hours I couldn’t even say definitively whether the game had even managed to fully install itself, such was the labyrinthine mess of loading screens that I was presented with.

On the rare occasion that I did manage to fly a plane in that launch window, I was greeted by flip-book frame rates, random crashes, planes that seemed to have a life of their own, yet more life-sapping loading screens between menus, and poorly calibrated pad controls.

Most bizarre of the lot are certain landing challenges – and this persists to the present build – in which the plane takes a sudden, unnerving change of direction just before you take control of it and turns a simple test of skill into a harrowing air disaster, every warning indicator blaring in your ears as you try to wrestle control of the plane in time to avoid terra firma. Odd and nightmarish in equal measure.

The loading screens are much quicker now. The (technical) crashes have all but abated. But even on my 1GB internet connection, I’m all too often greeted by heinous low-res textures where an impressive view should be for too long. The streaming tech powering Flight Simulator 2024 simply can’t prop up the ambitions of the game for many of its users. I hope that changes, but during the process of reviewing the game I can’t simply assume that it will, nor ignore such an abysmal launch experience.

The first rule of flight club...

A screenshot from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showing a plane flying over the river Hudson

(Image credit: Microsoft/Asobo)

Now that what must be said has been said, we can transition back into the content. Where else does the new Flight Simulator build on its predecessor? Well, airports are notably more detailed now. And that’s just the auto-populated ones, not the bespoke ones Asobo offers in the various higher-priced editions of this game. Vehicular and human traffic is much higher, and the overall experience of taking off and landing is much more immersive.

The flight model, too, has had a tune-up. I must confess I didn’t notice this when using a pad, but with a HOTAS flightstick you can feel a bit more detail about the plane’s reaction to your inputs and the weather conditions around it. It’s especially satisfying to feel the gentleness of your inputs rewarded and to fly in a more precise manner afforded by some increased responsiveness.

There’s a ‘but’, of course. Particularly with a pad, but also with a flightstick, it took a long time to dial in the level of assists that made sense, and quite often I was left baffled by unresponsive controls or confusing results to my inputs that were down to a) I didn’t know that they were turned on and b) I didn’t understand the workings of.

Best bit

A screenshot from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showing a pilot flying over the pyramids of Giza

(Image credit: Microsoft/Asobo)

Virtual tourism’s always been this series’ big strength and when everything’s working, the sights look sharper, better tessellated, and rendered more accurately to scale than before. Check out the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone Park, the Pyramids of Giza, and Lisbon’s Pena Palace and you’ll agree.

To an extent, that comes with the territory. Planes are tremendously complicated things, and my penchant for flying commercial jets only exacerbates that phenomenon. Could you imagine actually piloting such a behemoth using an Xbox controller? What would that feel like? Terrifying. Confusing. A bad idea. Imagine boarding a flight and seeing the pilot charging up his controller before take-off. You’d be getting off that flight. With that in mind, this game does a pretty marvelous job of mapping such a complex array of instruments to a pad and having it feel fairly logical and responsive, most of the time.

But the fact remains that until you figure out each plane’s characteristics, you’re often wrestling with assists as much as physical forces. This befuddling assist situation also belies a weakness in Flight Simulator 2024’s Flight School mode. Learning to fly is the core activity of this experience, and the dedicated tutorials should go so much deeper than they do. More than that, they should explain which assists are on by default and let you experience what it feels like to fly with them turned on and off. They’re not particularly responsive to how you perform in each lesson, either. It’s nice to get a grade at the end, but I’ve been given Bs for terrifying near-death ordeals and what seemed to me to be nigh-perfect procedures alike.

Where I ended up having the most fun was in a slightly less forensically minded kind of experience, not trying to understand the subtleties of an Airbus A330, not trying to put out a forest fire in the most business-efficient manner, but taking photos.

Snap to it

A screenshot from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showing a close up view of the interior of a cockpit

(Image credit: Microsoft/Asobo)

World Photographer mode exists for the player who just wants to take in the best bits of that astonishing world map. You embark on short flights to picturesque locations, frame photographs according to a few specific criteria, and enjoy the views. It’s meditative, non-taxing, and demonstrates what the tech can do beautifully.

It couldn’t have been a worse take-off, but now that Flight Sim 2024’s airborne, the real work begins. There’s the blueprint for a fantastic experience in here, one that satiates hardcore sim heads and aspiring real-world pilots and also caters to casual players looking to sample the incredible tech without having to take an aeronautical engineering degree. Career mode is such a pleasant surprise, full of bespoke experiences that remold this sim sandbox into different shapes.

But the blueprint hasn’t been realized properly yet. I won’t pretend to understand the vagaries of how Microsoft’s Azure cloud data streaming actually makes this title work, but I can categorically say that it can at present be summed up as ‘not as intended’. There are still significant, miserable performance issues even after some emergency patching work - alt-Tab this game at your peril - and they simply don’t let you enjoy Flight Simulator 2024’s best qualities yet.

Should I play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Play it if...

You’ve got the wanderlust
The world map remains Flight Simulator 2024’s strongest asset, and the new career and photo modes give you a fresh excuse to see more of its best bits. If your internet connection can keep up, the scenery can be gorgeous.View Deal

You’re in it for the long haul
Once you dial in the right peripheral mappings, deadzones, assists, and display settings, there’s a deep treasure trove of content waiting for you. But it’s not a pick-up-and-fly experience, despite the pad functionality and photo mode. View Deal

Don't play it if...

Your internet’s spotty
The cloud streaming tech powering this sim has been unstable so far, even on lightning-quick connections. If you’re still alternating between AOL free trial disks, it’s probably not worth it. View Deal

You’re a frame counter
Performance issues persist beyond launch, and although in perfect conditions this game’s easier to run than its predecessor at 4K, it’s still extremely demanding and temperamental. View Deal

Accessibility

Never shy of adding menus and options, Flight Simulator 2024 has a welcome array of accessibility options that include text-to-speech functionality allowing players with differing setups to communicate, and an in-game text chat translation tool to that same end.

There’s screen narration, subtitles, and adjustable HUD opacity, along with scalable text size. Mercifully for the motion sickness, you can turn off camera shake, too.

A range of different input options are available here, from pad and peripheral inputs to old-school mouse and keyboard, including the ‘Legacy’ mode that uses the old ‘90s control layout.

Finally, colors can be adjusted to accommodate protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia, and you can find high-contrast menu schemes to aid visibility.

A screenshot from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showing a fighter jet flying over rocky desert

(Image credit: Microsoft/Asobo)

How I reviewed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

I logged around 20 hours of flight time using either an Xbox controller or a Logitech G X56 HOTAS, dividing that time between Flight School, Career, World Photographer, and the surprisingly compelling Landing Challenges.

The virtual cockpit for this one was my gaming PC, outputting to a 30-inch display via my RTX 2080 TI. This isn’t a resource-light title, but I typically found that connection speed was a greater deciding factor on performance than GPU, whereas its predecessor seemed more bound to local hardware performance.

First reviewed December 2024.

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