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Sticky Password Review: Pros & Cons, Features, Ratings, Pricing and more

4:40 pm | July 22, 2025

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

Lots of password managers are free, and plenty more only unlock a good range of features if you pay loads of cash – but Sticky Password tries to bridge the gap.

Sticky Password is developed by Lamantine Software, a company that includes some of the original creators of AVG Antivirus.

This app attempts to deliver the best of both worlds by offering a free version with loads of features, including unlimited encryption and storage and biometric authentication – so it’s very capable for lots of people. The paid version is no less impressive, with cloud syncing, secure sharing and emergency access.

Then there’s Sticky Password for Teams, which is a comprehensive password management solution tailored for businesses. It offers all the security features as its consumer variant, alongside administrative controls to help streamline the use of passwords for a team of users.

We’re going to find out if Sticky Password can compete with the best password managers currently available.

Sticky Password: Key Features

Sticky Password offers essential features such as password sharing, password autofill, password generation, automatic syncing, and encrypted storage of credit cards and digital notes.

Sticky Password can generate long, complex password strings up to 99 characters long. You can customize the length and character types, and can combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to maximize protection.

Sticky Password business plan review — (Image credit: Sticky Password)

The app can also help you save lots of time with its automatic form filling feature. You can use it to create and manage identities, and save everything from personal, email, and address details to credit card details, passport information, and more. Besides these, the app also lets you securely save any text with its Secure Memos feature.

Sticky Password also offers a suite of powerful features designed specifically for business. For instance, it allows admins to specify different permissions for different people. This makes it easy for businesses to streamline their password management and reduce points of weakness in the system.

The app also monitors the dark web and will alert you (and the concerned employee) if any of the managed credentials are found in known data thefts or leaks.

As a business product, Sticky Password for Teams has a centralized admin console. You can use it to add or remove users, delegate administrative rights, and more. As an admin you can even manage the entire team's licenses, including renewals and seat allocations, through this interface.

You can also grant, manage, and remove access to shared passwords with specific permissions for different people, to ensure your employees can collaborate securely. You can even earmark individuals who can access critical accounts in case of emergencies.

For this, the app allows you to set the conditions under which access will be granted. The emergency contact will be granted access after sending you a request that you can reject during the waiting period.

The paid version of the app ensures all your passwords, and other encrypted data is synchronized across all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. It offers multiple options for this purpose, which is one of its best features.

You can either choose to sync the data over the cloud, which is very convenient if you have employees on the go, or, you can choose to sync over the local Wi-Fi router. Local Wi-Fi sync means that devices on the same network can share encrypted passwords and credentials without this data ever leaving the premises. This is ideal for businesses operating in one primary location because you can share passwords among colleagues in total security.

Importantly though, Sticky Password gives you full control over the devices and the network your data is synced over.

A final security feature we haven’t seen before is Sticky Password’s use of Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) to further secure the sensitive data stored on a device. So even if an employee’s computer is stolen, the thief will be unable to access Sticky Password data that is encrypted and stored deep within the device’s CPU chip. Note however that this requires you to have a 7th Gen, or newer processor.

Sticky Password: Security and compliance

Top-notch security protocols are essential for any password manager, and Sticky Password doesn’t disappoint. Sticky Password uses all the industry-standard encryption protocols, and also goes further, offering innovative security features that are perfect for businesses.

Not only does Sticky Password encrypt all data end-to-end with 256-bit AES encryption, but it does not store the master password or the encryption key. Without these, no one, not even Sticky Password, can unencrypt your business’s valuable passwords and data. Elsewhere you’ve got fingerprint scanning, and this software runs portably – so it can boot from USB sticks and memory cards.

To ensure security when transferring passwords, Sticky Password uses the concept of trusted devices. These are devices that have been specifically authorized to access and synchronize your encrypted password database.

Such devices are added to a whitelist on the admin console, after which they can perform synchronization operations. The first device you use with Sticky Password is automatically authorized during the initial setup. Additional devices require individual authorization, which is done by sending a one-time PIN.

For added security, you can also enable two‑factor authentication, which works in conjunction with the Google Authenticator app. Sticky Password can also be made to use biometric authentication. For this, you can verify your identity with a swipe of a finger on Android and iOS devices.

Sticky Password’s storage space and back-end system reside on secure Amazon AWS services (Amazon S3 and Amazon EC2), and according to its Privacy Policy, the app adheres to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards.

Sticky Password: Setup

Sticky Password has native apps for all the popular desktop, and mobile operating systems, including several releases of macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

The platform is also compatible with over a dozen of the best web browsers, from popular ones like Google Chrome, Brave, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, to other more obscure options like Vivaldi, Comodo Dragon and Sidekick.

The apps themselves are easy to download and install. It’s necessary to make an account before logging in, but this simply requires an email and password. We also recommend installing the Sticky Password browser extensions.

While it doesn’t have native Linux apps, you can use it on the best Linux distros like Ubuntu, and Fedora, and even on Chromebooks, through the contactless connect feature. This feature also gives you access to your passwords on shared computers where you can’t install the Sticky Password app.

Using contactless contact involves scanning a QR code with the Sticky Password app on your mobile device. That said, accessing passwords through this feature, while being completely secure, requires a little running around, and isn’t as convenient as using a native app.

Sticky Password: Interface and performance

The Sticky Password desktop application has a pleasing layout and makes it easy for the user to find important information and control their account. The security dashboard is particularly useful for visualizing security weaknesses.

We were impressed with the speed of syncing. Using both a mobile and desktop device simultaneously resulted in a seamless experience. Once we had entered credential information on a desktop site, we could immediately log in password-free on a mobile device.

When setting up Sticky Password for Teams, the first person to activate the team license key on their device automatically becomes the team administrator. Once the admin is set up, you can invite other team members through the admins’ web interface.

Head to My team under the StickyAccount section to add and remove team members.

You can invite users via their email addresses. They’ll then receive instructions on how to install Sticky Password and join the team. Once added, you can also assign (and later revoke) admin rights to other team members.

If your colleges already have a StickyID, you can simply email them the team license key, which they can then plug into their account.

It’s a good idea to check your list of trusted devices from time to time. Head to Dashboard > Trusted devices to see the list of trusted devices, and remove the ones that are no longer in use. Removing a trusted device will also remove the local database and backups created by Sticky Password on this device.

The other tasks can be performed by the team members from their native Sticky Password desktop app. The first thing they should do is head to Menu > Import to import all their passwords in bulk. Sticky Password can import data from all the popular web browsers, as well as from the best password managers such as Bitwarden, BitDefender, KeePass, LastPass, RoboForm, and more.

They can then also navigate to the Web Accounts tab to manually store their usernames and passwords for online accounts and services. Then there’s the App Accounts section where your users can store credentials for any locally installed app, such as for Skype or a remote desktop connection.

Then there’s the Sharing Center where you can share passwords with other Sticky Password users, and manage their access and permission levels. As an admin, you can set individual permissions for each team member, and grant them either limited read-only rights, or full rights. The latter gives them the same rights as you, and they even have the authority to revoke your access as well.

Finally, head to Emergency Contacts under the Sharing Center section to add emergency contacts.

One of the most important sections of the Sticky Password app is the Security Dashboard. From here your users can monitor their password hygiene, and security posture. It helps identify and change weak, expired, reused passwords, and those that were exposed in a data breach.

Sticky Password: Plans and pricing

Sticky Password offers a single Premium plan for businesses, with access to a 30-day free trial first. It costs $29.99 user/year, making Sticky Password more affordable than most of its competitors.

Similarly, individuals also get a single Premium product, which costs $29.99 for a one-year license. However, if you’re sure that you want to stick with Sticky Password for the long haul, the lifetime license for individuals costs $79.99.

Individuals can also use Sticky Password for free, which is meant for users who need to store and access their passwords from a single device, since it doesn’t have any synchronization ability. Also, just like business users, individuals too can take the Premium version for a spin with a 30 day free trial.

Sticky Password: Support

The Sticky Password website has a help center, so most of the time, troubleshooting can be done online without needing to contact the Sticky Password team.

For more complicated issues, businesses have access to online support with an average wait time of fewer than 24 hours. We would like to have seen a more responsive support service, as the lack of phone support might deter some businesses from investing in Sticky Password.

Sticky Password: The competition

While Sticky Password provides an excellent core service, we think businesses might be better off considering a password management solution with greater administrator control over user settings and privacy.

Competitors such as NordPass, LastPass, and RoboForm all provide more advanced analytics that medium and large-sized businesses are likely to appreciate. Although these providers are more expensive, companies that value user management and centralized access control might prefer to consider one of them.

Also note that unlike many other business password managers, you can’t use Sticky Password for Teams to provision users by integrating with in-house or cloud directory servers like active directory, or Microsoft Entra ID.

Sticky Password: Final verdict

Sticky Password is a middle-of-the-pack password management solution. Although it may not be the best password manager available, it is still a highly secure platform with just enough features to please business users.

In particular, we think local WiFi sync and Intel SGX are innovative features that might convince businesses to rely on Sticky Password for their organization. However, the lack of advanced business features like Active Directory integration means the app will only work for small businesses, rather than large companies.

On the flipside, its limited feature set means Sticky Password is also more affordable than many of its competitors. Given the fact that it makes no compromises when it comes to security, Sticky Password manages to successfully position itself as one of the most secure password managers available for small businesses.

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ManageEngine Password Manager Pro Review: Pros & Cons, Features, Ratings, Pricing and more

4:30 pm |

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

The password manager market contains a huge variety of products, from basic individual products to enterprise-level utilities – and that’s where ManageEngine Password Manager Pro comes in.

This tool delivers the kind of features admins need with a business password manager, with rock-solid security, an incredible number of customization options and granular, in-depth options for managing your entire company’s identities and passwords.

It’s no wonder that it’s trusted by more than one million admins and users and has already been deployed by businesses like Walmart, VMWare and NASA. It’s also no wonder that this product is produced by Zoho, as that company has loads of experience producing enterprise software.

After you’ve discovered whether you should roll out ManageEngine Password Manager Pro to your business, head over to our verdict on the best password managers.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Key Features

Password Manager Pro aims to equip admins with enough features and functionality to help transform password management from a security liability into a structured, controlled process.

Being aimed at large enterprises, the platform claims to deliver a complete solution that can help you control, manage, monitor, and audit the entire life cycle of privileged access.

Like all its peers, it offers a centralized password vault where your users can store all their passwords in a secure, encrypted database. As an admin, you can create a hierarchical structure of folders within the vault to organize passwords based on departments, systems, apps, or any other logical grouping.

The platform also enables you to define granular access controls to control who can access specific passwords, and whether users can only view the password, or even change it. They can also set time-based access restrictions, and even force approvals for password access.

Similarly, you can also restrict access based on IP addresses or IP ranges. Admins can also assign ownership of specific password records to other authorized users, allowing for decentralized management, which is especially useful in larger organizations.

Password Manager Pro can store more than just passwords, which makes it pitch itself essentially as a centralized, encrypted repository for business-critical data. You can, for instance, use it to securely house all kinds of documents, images, and files, as well as Windows service accounts, digital signatures, SSL certificates, SSH keys, and more.

The platform also offers password lifecycle management features. You can use it to create and enforce organization-wide password policies. It enables you to specify complexity requirements (minimum length, character types), word usage (password should not contain dictionary words, or login name), password aging (how often passwords must be changed), and password history (preventing reuse of recent passwords).

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro review — (Image credit: ManageEngine)

You can also manually reset passwords for any account in the vault, and also enforce mandatory password resets for users. Passwords can be changed any time on demand, or automatically at periodic intervals. You can also configure passwords to be automatically reset after every usage.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro also offers several disaster recovery options, including live and scheduled database backups. You can restore the backed up data to the Password Manager Pro database using the provided recovery scripts.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Integrations and Compatibility

As an enterprise solution, Password Manager Pro integrates with your existing Active Directory (AD) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) installations. This allows your users to log in to Password Manager Pro using their existing AD or LDAP credentials, eliminating the need for separate logins.

Moreover, when a password is reset in Password Manager Pro, it can automatically update the password in the corresponding AD or LDAP account. Similarly, when users are added or removed in AD or LDAP, Password Manager Pro automatically updates its database to reflect these changes.

Password Manager Pro can also integrate with third-party Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. It also integrates with IT Service Management (ITSM) tools like ServiceNow and Jira to automate password retrieval and management within incident and problem management workflows.

The platform also has plugins for several popular continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) platforms including Jenkins, Ansible, Chef, and Puppet. Thanks to these plugins you can securely inject secrets into your CI/CD pipelines, instead of hardcoding credentials in scripts.

The platform also provides three APIs to enable all kinds of enterprise apps to securely retrieve passwords from ManageEngine Password Manager Pro.

The platform also has a remote login feature that your users can use to securely access remote machines directly from the Password Manager Pro web interface, without needing to manually enter passwords. This comes in handy especially for establishing one-click connections to RDP, SSH, and telnet sessions.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Security and Compliance

Unsurprisingly, ManageEngine Password Manager Pro has faultless security credentials. This software uses dual 256-bit AES encryption, first at application level, and then at database level.

You can also set it up to run in the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) compliant mode where all encryption is done through FIPS 140-2-certified systems and libraries.

Password Manager Pro also supports smart card authentication. You can further compliment this by various two-factor authentication (2FA) provisions to provide an extra layer of security. The platform supports PhoneFactor, Google Authenticator, Duo Security, YubiKey, and several more 2FA mechanisms.

Password Manager Pro can also be configured to detect and send alerts when it detects passwords that violate your organization's IT policy, or have expired. Alerts can also be generated when users request access to specific passwords or resources.

When it comes to auditing, the platform gives you as admins access to detailed audit logs that track all activities performed within Password Manager Pro. This covers events like password access, modifications, policy changes, user logins, and administrative actions.

All events are reported together with timestamps and user details. These logs will help with security analysis, incident investigation, and compliance reporting. Password Manager Pro also lets you grab compliance reports for PCI-DSS, NERC-CIP, and ISO/IEC 27001 standards.

To ensure that none of its logs can be tampered, in addition to restricting access, the platform ensures they are encrypted with AES-256 encryption.

The platform can also record videos of sessions initiated through Password Manager Pro for RDP, SSH, telnet, and remote database connections. The videos include everything the users see on their screen, along with all the actions they perform during the sessions.

These videos help organizations meet audit requirements, and help comply with regulations like PCI-DSS, FISMA, and HIPAA.

Remember though that recording sessions can be resource-intensive in terms of storage space. Also, depending on the number of concurrent recordings, and the resources of the Password Manager Pro server, there might be a slight performance impact on user sessions.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro setting up — (Image credit: ManageEngine)

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Setup

Unlike many of its peers, Password Manager Pro is a self-hosted, on-premises password management solution. You can set it up on top of a Windows or a Linux machine, as it offers 64-bit installers for both platforms.

Before installing it, make sure the machine has at least a Dual Core or Core 2 Duo processor, with no less than 4GB of RAM. The product itself needs about 200 MB of disk space, and recommends earmarking 10GB at the minimum for the database.

The disk space requirements vary on usage, and you’ll need a lot more if you’ll be recording sessions regularly.

Besides this, you’ll also need an external mail server that Password Manager Pro can use to send emails and notifications to users. It can work with both your own in-house SMTP server, or a publicly available one.

Once that’s done, you can access ManageEngine’s settings through a web portal. At this point you’re going to get lost unless you’re an IT admin or someone with plenty of technology experience. This is a powerful tool, but that means you will be confronted with lots of different menus.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Interface and performance

By default, Password Manager Pro has five predefined roles that come with a specific set of permissions. Administrators can set up, configure, and manage the platform, while Privileged Administrators can additionally configure privacy and security controls.

Then there are Password Administrators who can perform resource and password-related operations, while Password Auditors can also access all audit reports. Finally, there are Password Users who can view (and optionally modify) only those passwords that are shared with them by the Administrators and Password Administrators.

You’ll most likely login as an admin, which gives you extensive control over the platform. You can, for instance, perform bulk actions on password records, which helps save significant time and effort when managing a large number of passwords.

Indeed, the ManageEngine interface is not one for beginners. Its Dashboard has options for configuring mail servers, adding users and managing your company’s data, and the Dashboard also provides a quick overview of your password conflicts and violations – and how users across your whole network are managing passwords.

Go beyond the Dashboard, and in sub-menus, you’ll find in-depth areas for managing resources, groups, connections, certificates and SSH keys.

There’s lots going on here and you’ll have to know plenty about system administration to find your way around, but the interface is straightforward and unfussy – so it’ll fit right into your workflow.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Plans and pricing

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro is a complex, technical product designed for medium business, large companies and huge enterprises, so its pricing structure is necessarily complex – and it’s not exactly a cheap bit of software.

As we’ve said before, Password Manager Pro has five predefined roles, and the licensing restricts the number of administrators as a whole. That said, there is no restriction on the number of Password Users and Password Auditors.

The Standard edition starts at $595 / £550 / AUD$ 900 for a year-long license for two administrators, and prices rise if you add admins. The Premium software starts at $1,395 / £1,250 / AUD$ 2,000 for a five-admin, one-year deal, and the Enterprise edition costs $3,995 / £3,800 / AUD$6,000 for a ten-user package. It’s also possible to buy perpetual licenses, although prices obviously rise further.

The Standard Edition has all the basic features to store your passwords and selectively share them among users. The Premium Edition adds more enterprise-class password management features such as remote password resets, session recording, IP restrictions, privacy settings, and more. To access every feature though you’ll need the top of the line Enterprise Edition.

Importantly though, you get support for adding unlimited resources and for managing an unlimited number of users, with each plan.

It’s also possible to add SSL/TLS certificate discovery, CSR, public CA integration and several other extra features to your package with the Key Manager Plus add-on. And while this is all very complex, ManageEngine’s enterprise-level feature set does mean that you’re able to contact the company for a customized quote too.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Support

You get plenty of support options if you fork out the cash for ManageEngine Password Manager Pro, with toll-free phone support, email forms, direct email addresses and active user forums all available. Suffice to say that you will be able to get help if you need it, no matter the time.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: The competition

ManageEngine has plenty of strong competitors in the enterprise and big business password management space. Parent company Zoho has its own Vault password management system, and it’s worth exploring that product if you’d like a password management product that can be integrated with wider CRM, workplace and finance products.

Beyond Zoho and ManageEngine, we’d also recommend N-Able Passportal, which deploys a top range of impressive, high-end features for enterprise-level password management. It’s a great standalone product, although N-Able doesn’t have the same broad packages you’ll get with Zoho or ManageEngine.

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro: Final verdict

We’ll say this right away: ManageEngine Password Manager Pro is not the tool to buy if you want small business password management or a family product. It’s a high-end tool for enterprises and large businesses, and both its price and feature set reflect that status.

If you’ve got the budget and you need a high-end password management tool, though, there’s not much better than this. It’s just as good as its rivals, and you only need to consider which product has the features and integrations that your organization needs.

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The Ugreen M571 wireless vertical mouse changed the way I work at my desk and it’s a fantastic cheap alternative to premium options

7:49 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Mice Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: DPI, US, USB | Comments: Off

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse: two-minute review

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse from the side — (Image credit: TechRadar/Max Delaney)

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is an attractive, affordable alternative to more expensive options from brands like Logitech, making it a compelling option for those seeking ergonomic benefits without the price tag.

In contrast to traditional mice that often compel the wrist into a pronated (or palm-down) position, this model boasts a 57º near-vertical angle to it's 'sail'. This design encourages a neutral, handshake-like wrist position that I found significantly more comfortable when using a mouse for extended periods.

While the Logitech Lift is considered the best vertical mouse on the market, this Ugreen model offers a key point of differentiation – its size. Many vertical mice, including the Lift, have a small frame. I have bigger mitts, and my pinky finger is often sliding around on the desk with the mouse, rather than resting on it.

The Ugreen M571 offers a much wider base and larger frame overall, very reminiscent to the Logitech MX Vertical. This allows for stable movement across a wider range of hand sizes, as your entire hand, including your little finger, remains on the pointer. This Ugreen model's overall larger size doesn't make it unsuitable for smaller hands, though, as the main grip area is shaped to accommodate almost any hand size.

Ugreen M571 Ergonomic Mouse in-hand — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

From unboxing (where you'll find little more than the mouse itself and a warranty booklet) to daily use, the experience with using this mouse is simple and straightforward. For me, that was a good thing. However, for those that do require more advanced functions, like the ability to customize their mouse for keyboard-free use, this will be a significant downside.

When I'm not tapping away on the keyboard, I generally only need my mouse for the most basic of uses and I found the M571 to be fantastic for my needs. Ugreen boasts that the mouse offers "99% silent click and scroll" and, while neither the clicks nor the scroller are truly silent, they are heavily subdued. It’s also incredibly easy to scroll and left or right click without changing the position of your hand or fingers, maintaining that ergonomic posture.

One key negative regarding its design is its cheap feel. Made entirely of hard plastic, this is most noticeable in its palm grip, which features only a rippled design instead of the rubberized grips found on some more expensive competitors. While it's not slippery, it's the same material as the rest of the mouse and I found this grip area could become greasy after long periods of use. I imagine this would become even more of an issue for those living in warmer climates.

Beyond its core ergonomic feel, the particular model of M571 I tested for this review (SKU number 55916) is a slightly cheaper option that only connects via the wireless USB dongle. Spending a bit more can get you a version with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, which could be a must-have for anyone planning on using it with a laptop – particularly MacBook owners, which no longer have the necessary USB-A port you’d need to use the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

The underside/battery compartment of the Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Convenience aside, I found the 2.4GHz connection to be reliable and, even in a busy tech-focused office space filled with dozens of wireless devices, I didn’t experience any interference with connectivity.

The mouse is powered by a single AA battery and after using it for several hours a few days a week for two months, I've seen no signs of depletion. This suggests the mouse should last for months of daily use before the battery will need to be replaced.

A slightly confusing design choice with the Ugreen Vertical Mouse is that it offers a dedicated mode for both Windows and Mac systems. This is toggled via a switch on the bottom of the device, and the changes affect the two side buttons that sit above the thumb rest. In Windows mode, those buttons control your browser’s forward and backward functions, but on Mac they switch applications. I tested exclusively on a Mac and found this feature quite useful for quickly switching to Slack to reply to teammates, though it still seems like a potentially unnecessary addition.

When it comes to the feel of the buttons, I found the main left and right clicks were soft and quite sensitive, although I could still lift and move the mouse without accidentally clicking. I personally liked their feel, despite them not providing a lot of tactile feedback.

The two thumb-side buttons are similar; they offer a satisfyingly deep press without feeling mushy. The scroll wheel is also slightly notched, rather than completely smooth, making it both harder to slip off and easier to control when making shorter scrolls that require a touch more accuracy.

The M571’s optical sensor offers up to 4,000 DPI tracking, making it suitable for any regular application and even arguably providing high enough sensitivity for fast-twitch gaming. You can also reduce the DPI to three levels (1,000, 1,600 or 2,000) for times when different levels of accuracy are required. This is easily done with one press of the middle button that sits below the scroller.

Using the M571 ergonomic mouse with my MacBook — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

While I had no issues during my review period, the M571’s all-plastic construction and light weight do suggest that heavy daily users might see wear and tear sooner than with a more robust, pricier alternative. Witnessing the minimal wear on my colleagues' more expensive Logitech Lift, it’s clear that high-quality materials can be more important for a mouse than one might think. The M571’s finish could also get grimy after intense work or play sessions that result in sweaty fingers.

However, given its affordable price, it's hard to complain too much about these shortcomings. The M571 is an excellent option for those looking to try a vertical mouse for the first time without spending three or four times its price on a top-tier option. Costing just a fraction of the Logitech Lift, it offers fantastic value for some small concessions.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse review: Price & availability

The face of the Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Cheapest model: AU$34.99 for the 2.4GHz wireless via USB dongle
£22.99 / AU$39.99 for the more advanced dual-connectivity model
Similar model available in the US for $29.99

The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is an incredibly affordable option, making it an excellent entry-level choice for those new to vertical mice. I personally prefer its feel compared to a regular mouse, though it won't be for everyone.

Its affordability makes it an even more attractive prospect, allowing users to try a vertical mouse before committing to a more expensive alternative. And, it's available to users across the world thanks to its wide availability on Amazon.

However, do note that the $29.99 model available in the US differs slightly from the model I tested, the Bluetooth-enabled version of which is available in both the UK and Australia. While it boasts the same specs – with both Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz connectivity – it features ridges in the thumb area that the others lack.

Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse review: Specs

The battery compartment of the Ugreen M571 Vertical mouse — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Specifications
Interface	2.4GHz wireless via included USB dongle (other versions offer Bluetooth, depending on your region)
Ergonomics	57° vertical angle, right-handed ergonomic design
Buttons	5 (two main, two thumb and DPI control + scroller)
DPI	Up to 4,000 (four levels)
Power	1 x AA battery
Weight	106g tested (130g with AA battery)

Should you buy the Ugreen M571 Wireless Vertical Mouse?

The thumb rest on the M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Whether you opt for this dongle-only model or its Bluetooth-enhanced sibling, the value is undeniable. Offering solid connection, quiet clicking and excellent speeds for the price of a few coffees.	5 / 5
Design	Ergonomically, the design of this mouse was excellent. However, its larger frame might make it better suited for medium to large-sized hands and it's made with cheap material.	4 / 5
Perfomance	Offering 4 different DPI levels up to 4,000, this mouse is able to handle some fast-paced gaming as well as day-to-day work.	3.5 / 5
Overall	The Ugreen M571 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is very good for its price, but it lacks features like remappable buttons, and its inexpensive build means it likely won't stand the test of time. Still, it excels as an entry point to using vertical mice.	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You experience wrist strain

I found the 57º vertical angle of this mouse genuinely effective at promoting a natural hand and wrist position, significantly reducing discomfort during long hours of use. It's well worth a try if you struggle with normal mice.

You're on a tight budget

This mouse offers excellent ergonomic benefits and versatile connectivity at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. Even if you don't necessarily want a vertical mouse, its value is hard to ignore.

You have larger hands

While I've used the Logitech Lift and other vertical mice with little issue, this mouse is made for medium to large hands, and I found it very comfortable to hold and use.

Don't buy it if...

You want a more versatile mouse

This is a very simple device, offering only the bare minimum functions while better situating your wrist for long sessions of use. However, some people may prefer to spend more on a mouse with additional buttons and functionality.

You require high-end durability

The plastic build, while contributing to its low price, may not hold up to years of heavy daily use as well as some higher-priced alternatives. It could be worth spending more upfront if you're confident a vertical mouse is suitable for you.

You prefer a rechargeable mouse

This mouse uses a single AA battery, meaning you'll need to keep spares or factor in replacements. However, the alkaline battery we tested with did last fantastically well.

Also consider

Logitech Lift

If your budget allows, the Logitech Lift offers a similar ergonomic vertical design with a more premium feel, a rechargeable battery and potentially better software customization for advanced users. It's often lauded for its comfortable fit for smaller to medium hands.

Read our full Logitech Lift Ergonomic Vertical Mouse review

Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse Ergonomic

Yes, Logitech boasts another vertical mouse in its arsenal. It's a little long in the tooth, but this 2018 model is still an ergonomic mouse worth considering thanks to its comfortable design, multiple connection options and built-in four-month battery.

Read our full Logitech MX Vertical review

Logitech MX Master 3S

While not a vertical mouse, the MX Master 3S is a top-tier ergonomic mouse for productivity, featuring a sculpted design that supports the hand, an exceptional MagSpeed scroll wheel and extensive customization options. It's a pricier mouse, but offers a more feature-rich experience for those prioritizing productivity and advanced functionality.

Read our full Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral is another solid controller from the brand, but I’d still recommend other gamepads instead

10:00 pm | July 21, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Final Fantasy, Forza Horizon, PC | Comments: Off

GameSir T7 Pro Floral: one-minute review

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral comes from a third-party controller brand I rate very highly, and one I put right up there with the likes of 8BitDo and Victrix. Many of GameSir’s controllers feature in our buying guides, too, including best Xbox controllers and best PC controllers.

But that doesn’t mean every single one of the brand’s controllers are out-and-out bangers. While I like the GameSir T7 Pro Floral, I certainly prefer and would be more likely to recommend other pads from the brand, including the GameSir Kaleid and GameSir Tarantula Pro. Not because the Pro Floral is bad, far from it. It’s more that GameSir has put out so many quality pieces of hardware that this gamepad comes across as just a little less impressive.

It certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to looks, though. I’m a child of the early noughties, so eye-catching gaming hardware designs that look good enough to eat are right up my alley. Case in point, the GameSir T7 Pro Floral’s translucent icy blue finish - emblazoned with flowery imagery - is utterly stunning.

It’s helped by reactive RGB lights, too, which move around the controller depending on the direction of the sticks or which face buttons you press. GameSir always finds a way to include nice little aesthetic flourishes like this, and that’s no different on the Pro Floral.

Otherwise, the Pro Floral plays all the GameSir hits. It packs Hall effect sticks, a pair of remappable buttons on the pack, as well as trigger locks that let you swap between analog and digital presses. Said trigger locks can be a bit inconsistent, as the digital trigger presses didn’t register in some games I tested, but when they do work, they’re a welcome inclusion.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: price and availability

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89
Available on GameSir's website
Cheaper than the Xbox Wireless Controller

The GameSir T7 Pro Floral is available now for $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89, and can be purchased directly from GameSir’s website. It’s similarly priced to other GameSir controllers such as the GameSir Kaleid ($49.99 / £59.99) and cheaper than the official Xbox Wireless Controller ($64.99 / £59.99). If you’re after a cheaper Xbox alternative, then I can definitely recommend checking out the Pro Floral, so long as you don’t mind the lack of wireless connectivity.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Specs

Price	$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89
Weight	7.7oz / 217g
Dimensions	5.71 x 3.66 x 2.32in / 145 x 93 x 59mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB Type-C)
Battery life	N/A

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: design and features

As I mentioned at the top, the standout design choice of the GameSir T7 Pro Floral is its aesthetics. I’m a huge fan of the semi-translucent shell, and the icy blue buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, and d-pad complement the white gradient really nicely. The RGB lighting here is another excellent, if subtle, touch; different sections of the controller light up depending on stick direction, or which buttons you’re pressing. Something you probably won’t notice while gaming, sure, but I love the detail here.

There are some neat design flourishes for the buttons, too. The triggers, d-pad, and rear remappable buttons are fully transparent, while the sticks and face buttons are a pleasing light blue hue. The overall look here is a lot more carefully considered than cheaper pads that might just splash some artwork across the front and call it a day.

Otherwise, there’s not a ton to report in terms of design and features. The Pro Floral’s silhouette is almost identical to that of the Xbox Wireless Controller, and also features a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the pad. Meanwhile, those aforementioned trigger locks are located on the back, just above the two remappable buttons.

The Pro Floral does feel a good bit lighter than the Xbox Wireless Controller, though this may be because it’s not housing a pair of AA batteries or the Xbox Play & Charge Kit. While lightweight, it’s thankfully not flimsy or listless in the hands, still offering firm placement thanks to its textured grips.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Performance

In terms of actually using the GameSir T7 Pro Floral for gaming, it doesn’t really put a foot wrong outside of one key area, but I’ll get to that soon. It’s otherwise a very capable gamepad that provides longevity thanks to its drift-resisting Hall effect thumbsticks. Plus, the addition of two remappable buttons and trigger locks grants you some customizability for button shortcuts or if, say, you prefer instant digital trigger presses over a more fulsome analog squeeze.

I played a wide variety of games over my two weeks of testing the controller, including some of the best fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, racing games like Forza Horizon 5, and action titles like Lies of P, Nioh 2, and popular MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 Online.

Now, while the trigger locks are a nice addition, I did find them to be pretty inconsistent, even when compared to other GameSir pads like the Tarantula Pro. They worked where it mattered; I prefer digital presses for Final Fantasy 14 Online, for example, as it lets me access my secondary hotbar abilities faster. However, some titles did not register the presses while in digital mode at all, including Elden Ring Nightreign, and Hades 2. It’s worth noting that your mileage may vary here, but these are not the most reliable trigger locks out there.

Otherwise, the last thing you’ll have to contend with is the lack of wireless connectivity. This isn’t necessarily a complaint, as plenty of excellent GameSir controllers opt for a wired-only connection. It’s more a matter of preference; if you prefer going wireless, you might want to consider a controller that supports that, such as the GameSir Tarantula Pro or even the cheaper GameSir Nova Lite, which also works on PC.

Should I buy the GameSir T7 Pro Floral?

Buy it if...

You want a gorgeous controller
The Pro Floral brings one of the nicest-looking controller chassis I’ve seen in a while. The blue-to-white gradient is lovely, and that titular floral pattern isn’t something you see much of among game controllers. Its looks are a real winner.

Don't buy it if...

You want more reliable digital triggers
The biggest weakness of the Pro Floral is its trigger locks. While analog presses work just fine across the board, digital trigger presses are inconsistent and didn’t work in some games for me.

GameSir T7 Pro Floral review: Also consider

You should consider the following two similarly priced GameSir alternatives if the T7 Pro Floral controller isn’t quite what you’re looking for.

	GameSir T7 Pro Floral	GameSir Kaleid	GameSir Nova Lite
Price	$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89	$49.99 / £59.99 / AU$109	$24.99 / £19.99 / AU$39
Weight	7.7oz / 217g	7.5oz / 213g	7.2oz / 205g
Dimensions	5.7 x 3.7 x 2.3in / 145 x 93 x 59mm	6.1 x 4.21 x 2.4in / 156 x 107 x 60mm	6.1 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 155 x 104 x 61mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, PC	Xbox Series X\|S, Xbox One, PC	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB Type-C)	Wired (USB Type-C)	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)
Battery life	N/A	N/A	10-15 hours

GameSir Kaleid
One of the best, most affordable Xbox controllers on the market. I love the feeling of its microswitch face buttons, which provide tactile and instantaneous presses. A pair of RGB strips flanking the controller is also an eye-catching flourish. It’s one of my go-to Xbox controllers, and I would recommend it over the Pro Floral if you’re torn between the two.

Read our full GameSir Kaleid review

GameSir Nova Lite
Single-handedly the best budget controller out there, the Nova Lite isn’t compatible with Xbox, but can be used on Switch, Switch 2, and PC. Wireless connectivity is also supported here in both 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth formats. And yes, it still packs a pair of Hall effect sticks despite the low price.

Read our full GameSir Nova Lite review

How I tested the GameSir T7 Pro Floral

Tested across a period of two weeks
Played a wide range of games in that time, on both Xbox and PC
Compared to the Xbox Wireless Controller and GameSir Kaleid

I tested the GameSir T7 Pro Floral over the course of around two weeks. In that time, I played a wide variety of my favorite games on both Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC. These include Tekken 8, Final Fantasy 14 Online, and Lies of P.

I went back and forth testing the Pro Floral against some of its contemporaries, including the Xbox Wireless Controller and the brand’s own Kaleid. I ended up preferring the Kaleid overall, thanks to its more tactile-feeling buttons. But if you’re an aesthetically minded player, then the Pro Floral’s lovely design might just do it for you instead. I can wholeheartedly recommend both at the end of the day.

First reviewed July 2025

Zoner Studio: Pricing & plans

Zoner Studio is available for a monthly subscription of $5.99, or $59 for the year. A family plan, letting two or more users in the same household use the app, is available for $9.98 a month or $98 a year.

For me, the pricing here is a big plus. There may not be a free version available (although there is a welcome free trial), but the cost is low, especially when compared to Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite of apps. The Photoshop and Lightroom Photography plan is currently priced at $22.99 a month. Your other option would be a tool like Affinity Photo, which has a one-off cost of $70.

The main differences between Zoner Studio and its rivals is that Zoner is only available on Windows machines, and it leans slightly more towards entry-level and intermediate users compared to Affinity Photo and Photoshop’s professional-grade photo editor.

You can check out Zoner Studio by clicking here.

Zoner Studio: First impressions

Zoner Studio during our review — (Image credit: Zoner // Future)

Minimum requirements

Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit

Processor: Intel or AMD CPU 64-bit with SSE 4.2 support

RAM: 8GB

Storage space: 2GB

Screen resolution: 1280 × 800

If you’re familiar with photo editing software, you’ll have no problems navigating Zoner Studio. And, if you’re not, it’s not especially tricky to figure out - for me, that’s part of the appeal of the app, making it pretty welcoming to new users who want to do more with their photographs.

The main part of the screen is devoted to your selected image, with files and folders beneath, which can be scrolled through with your mouse. It’s a nice touch, making navigation that much easier.

Where new users may come unstuck are the five options to the right of the screen. Manager, Develop, Editor, Print, and Video (ok, those last two are self-explanatory). So, a little exploration wouldn’t go amiss - Zoner does at least feature non-destructive editing, letting you experiment with new tools without irretrievably modifying the original file.

Basically, Manager is for organizing and tagging photos. Develop is Zoner’s take on Lightroom, where you can edit RAW images, and Editor is for all other tweaks you want to make to your media, like adjusting the color temperature, or sharpening images. It’s all nicely laid out and generally easy to find what you’re looking for - and most options are also replicated in menus along the ribbon, which contextually change depending on which mode you’re in.

Zoner Studio: In use

Using Zoner Studio isn’t especially tricky, but it may still feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to image editing given the sheer amount of options available here. I’d also advise beginners to hover over the side-panel icons - there are a lot here, and not all of them are especially intuitive, so hovering your mouse will serve up a name and brief description of each.

Your photos automatically appear in Zoner, since there’s a file explorer tab to the left of the screen (there is an import function along the ribbon, too, but I never found the need to use this). These will appear on a timeline at the foot of the main panel. When you’ve selected your image, it can then be edited and adjusted via the Editor tab.

All the familiar tools are here, from cropping and rotating to adding watermarks or directional blurring. As expected, then, there are heaps of tools for toying with the exposure (shadows, contrast, and so on), white balance (temperature and tint), and color (like saturation). I also like the addition of the tone curve, as you’d find in Lightroom, for lightening or darkening an image, or bringing specific color channels to the fore.

There’s also a Quick Edit option, which populates the panel with the core tools most photographers and designers use without needing to fumble through the menus. The editing process can further be streamlined with the likes of Quick Fix and, ideal for social media, Quick Filters. All of these work instantly, just a press of the button.

The software includes some AI-powered tools, all of which deliver good results impressively quickly. This includes AI Masking, found in the Develop tab. Choosing this gives you the option to let Zoner automatically select the photo’s subject, background, objects, or sky for fine-tuning. For anyone looking to streamline the workflow, these are must-use tools, and I was pretty pleased with the speed and accuracy here.

One of the stand-outs for me is the AI Background Remover, which I found generally works very well. Once completed, I could then add a color background or create a transparent one for compositing into other images. Occasionally, the process removed elements of the image subject - typically when on darker or a similarly colored backgrounds - but on the whole, I had no serious complaints with this one-click background removal tool.

Perhaps the biggest issue, at least for those looking to make the switch away from Photoshop, is the lack of support for .PSD files. Instead, the software uses its own .ZPS files, which functionally work the same with layers and effects. But there’s no way to import or export Photoshop files into the app.

Overall, Zoner Studio packs in a wealth of tools for photo editing. It will take some getting used to if you’re new (and absolutely no time at all if you’re familiar with any of the best photo editors). But if you don’t need .PSD file support, there’s plenty to like here, especially for the price.

Should I buy Zoner Studio?

Buy it if...

You’re new to photo editing: This is a great place to start if you’re new to editing images but want a good amount of powerful tools for bringing out the best in your photos.

You don’t want to spend too much: Zoner Studio is a lot cheaper than Adobe Photoshop or similar pro-grade packages.

Don't buy it if...

You want a basic app: If you’re just looking to crop or brighten images, you’ll find plenty of other options that won’t overwhelm.

You want a professional-level app: Similarly, if you want a pro-level software that delivers the very best results, you’ll get better results from the likes of Photoshop and Lightroom.

Fast Fusion is a real technical showcase for Switch 2, but one that won’t live long in the memory

6:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Comments: Off

Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

Even though I didn’t love anti-grav racer Fast Fusion as much as I wanted to, I still think you should absolutely buy it. Its $14.99 / £13.49 price tag on the Nintendo eShop is quite frankly a steal, and a very fair price considering what you’re getting from this Switch 2 launch game. There’s not a metric ton of content here, and it is an experience you can get the most out of in around 10-12 hours, but that low cost of entry is worth it for the presentation alone.

Fast Fusion is arguably the best-looking Nintendo Switch 2 launch game. It might not have the artful whimsy of Mario Kart World, but in terms of sheer graphical fidelity, developer Shin’en Multimedia has delivered in spades. To me, that comes as no surprise; I maintain that 2019’s The Touryst (also by Shin’en) is one of the most visually impressive games on modern hardware, and that’s definitely the case with Fast Fusion, too.

Another reason to buy the game is that its performance is basically bulletproof. Its Quality graphical setting, which I used for the majority of my play time in docked mode, holds 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) at all times, even with some light ray-traced reflections enabled.

But even though Fast Fusion is certainly a looker, it unfortunately falls short as a racing game. While tracks look beautiful, they don’t offer much in terms of variety, usually boiling down to a handful of obstacles and one or two alternate shortcuts. AI drivers also employ an absurd amount of rubber-banding, sticking to your tail like glue even after an extended period of boosting.

I’m also not a fan of how the game handles progression, as unlocking new cups can require huge sums of currency. This has improved since launch, with patches increasing the amount of money you can earn in a championship, but you’ll still find yourself having to grind out an extra run or two just to have enough to unlock the next set of races.

Overall, Fast Fusion is a beautiful, ‘fun while it lasts’ racing game. A lack of online play definitely hurts its longevity, but given how cheap the game is at retail price, I can’t fault it too much for a lack of content, and I did have a decent time with it regardless. It's certainly not one of the best Switch 2 games, but it's hard to argue with the value on offer.

Double or nothing

Fast Fusion is a futuristic, anti-gravity racer, inspired by subgenre legends like F-Zero and Wipeout. The goal is simple: enter a championship, drive faster than your opponents, get money for more vehicles and events, rinse and repeat.

Your vehicle is capable of boosting and jumping - the latter to avoid obstacles and grab boost tokens floating in the air. Said tokens fill up your boost meter, so collecting them throughout a race is imperative - especially as they also increase the amount of in-game currency you have.

The swap mechanic from Fast RMX also returns, which lets you change between blue and orange forms in order to make use of the same-colored boost pads littered throughout each track. Finally, boosting into an opponent who isn’t boosting will cause them to spin out, hampering their race and netting you some more tokens.

While content in Fast Fusion is light overall, there’s still a decent amount of it to check out. The main championship mode features five cups of three races, split across three speed classes. Local multiplayer (including GameShare) and time attack modes are featured, too.

There’s also Super Hero Mode, which is an additional challenge mode that mimics the F-Zero series’ style of play. Here, your boost gauge is also your health bar, and crashing or running out of health retires you from the race. It’s a pretty thrilling side mode and quite challenging, adding some much-needed replayability to Fast Fusion.

Two become one

Easily my favorite part of Fast Fusion is its titular fusion mechanic. By accessing the Fusion Shop from the main menu, you can not only unlock new vehicles with currency, but also choose two to fuse together into one super-powered machine.

Every combination is accounted for, leading to an extremely impressive array of vehicles. They all have unique looks, liveries, and name amalgamation depending on your chosen two. Not all are made equal, though; the game will let you know how powerful the fusion is on a grading system. For example, a lower rank ‘C’ fusion will have worse stats, but cost less to fuse. Meanwhile, an ‘A+’ beast can get close to maxing out in performance, but will naturally cost more.

Best bit

I love the titular ‘fusion’ mechanic in Fast Fusion. Combining two vehicles into one for a more powerful craft, it’s always interesting to see the results. Especially when it’s an amalgamation of both crafts, complete with a livery change and a hybridized name. There’s loads to see here, and experimentation is practically necessary in order to beat the more challenging championship events.

You’ll need to rely on the fusion system when tackling the game’s hardest speed classes, too. Not only do AI drivers rarely make mistakes, but they have some of the most egregious rubber-banding I’ve seen in a racing game in quite some time. You can fully maximize a track, hit every shortcut, and spend most of your time boosting, and you’ll still get at least two AI drivers zooming past you on the final lap.

And as I mentioned earlier, racing in general, despite being a futuristic anti-grav racer, feels disappointingly grounded. Vehicles are extremely grippy, and hitting a wall has practically no negative impact. Track design also plays it rather safe - there’s very little in the way of demanding corners like hairpins, meaning braking and tilting rarely get used outside of the final speed class. It’s a far cry from Wipeout or F-Zero GX, where you often really have to wrestle your machine around corners and you are heavily punished for colliding with walls.

Should you play Fast Fusion?

Play it if...

You want a real showcase of the Switch 2’s graphical chops
Fast Fusion is stunning to behold, sporting a high level of graphical fidelity, rock-solid performance, and convincing motion blur and incredible weather effects. The low price of admission is worth it for all those ‘wow’ moments, especially if you own a 4K display.

You want a cheap game that’s actually worth it
The Nintendo eShop’s relationship with cheap games is a sloppy one, but Fast Fusion proves you can still offer a very compelling experience at a budget price.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for bags of content
Overall, Fast Fusion will probably last you around 10-12 hours if you’re planning on doing absolutely everything. While that’s expected for the price, it certainly doesn’t have the longevity of F-Zero GX or Mario Kart World.

You want a true anti-grav racer
The vehicles in Fast Fusion may as well have wheels, given how overtly grippy they are. The ships all look very cool, but their handling doesn’t exactly scream ‘anti-gravity’.

Accessibility

There isn't much in the way of accessibility settings in Fast Fusion. You can fully rebind controls in the options menu to suit your preferences, as well as enable tilt controls via gyro aiming should you prefer. However, don't expect anything in the way of colorblind settings or other visual options.

How I reviewed Fast Fusion

I played 10 hours of Fast Fusion on Nintendo Switch 2, clearing all Grand Prix and Super Hero Mode content across the three speed classes, while also unlocking most vehicles and playing around a good bit with the fusion system.

I primarily played the game in ‘Quality’ mode, which offers 4K 60fps performance while docked, as well as some basic ray-traced reflections. I also tried out the ‘Ultra Quality’ mode, which increases fidelity further at the cost of a 30fps frame rate. While this mode does look utterly stunning, I much preferred the smoother performances offered by other graphics modes.

For gameplay, my gamepad of choice was the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, while also using the Joy-Con 2 controllers while playing in handheld mode.

I’ve spent 40-plus hours punching Nazis, deciphering puzzles, and platforming with my bullwhip in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and can safely say the PS5 version is the definitive way to play the game

4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Playstation | Tags: Indiana Jones | Comments: Off

Released at the tail end of 2024 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows, action-adventure game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle quickly established itself as not only one of the year's best games, but an incredibly immersive, cinema-rivaling romp that perfectly captured the spirit of Spielberg's beloved trilogy. Surpassing expectations, the first-person game didn't deliver the Uncharted or Tomb Raider rip-off many assumed we'd get. Nor did it turn out to be a shooter similar to developer MachineGames' successful Wolfenstein games.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5 Pro
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: April 17, 2025

While either of those approaches probably would have worked just fine, the Swedish studio and publisher Bethesda Softworks went off the beaten path – much like Dr. Henry Jones Jr. himself – to produce an ambitious, story-driven, sublimely satisfying experience that's on par with the archeologists' best big screen adventures. As a result, it's now one of the best PS5 games and best PS5 Pro games you can play.

A thrilling ride worthy of the films

For those yet to don the fedora, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle spins an original canon yarn set in 1937, between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade (remember, Temple of Doom serves as a prequel to Raiders). The globe-trotting tale finds Indy exploring the likes of Vatican City, Thailand, Egypt, and beyond in his quest to uncover the secrets and mysteries behind the titular Great Circle.

For fans, this means participating in plenty of relic-hunting, puzzle-solving, and Nazi-pummeling antics across incredibly detailed, semi-open world maps. But it's the deft pacing and organic implementation of these various elements that make the game shine brighter than the Ark of the Covenant. Puzzles hit the sweet spot between being challenging but never to the point that frustration overshadows the fun, while the combat – which sees you fighting fascists with everything from fly swatters to frying pans – is a visceral blast.

Best bit

It feels fantastic wielding Indy's signature whip and pistol, but beating up baddies with every random object – from spatulas and brooms to candlesticks and various musical instruments – is a surprisingly satisfying way to thin the Third Reich's ranks, especially with the DualSense's bells and whistles upping the immersion.

On the subject of putting Hitler's heavies in their place, the game, of course, arms you with Indy's trusty pistol and bullwhip. But rather than regularly relying on these items, you use them smartly and sparingly, supplementing them with lots of sneaking around, stealth takedowns, and improvisational melee combat. Seriously, breaking a mandolin over a baddie's head never gets old.

This sort of balanced, organic approach also translates to puzzle-decryption and environmental exploration, as you'll rarely find yourself simply mimicking on-screen prompts, chasing down shiny symbols, or following icons. Instead, you'll rely on Indy's intuitive camera and info-packed journal to naturally progress through objectives.

And while the critical path will keep you busy, the expansive sandboxes are brimming with optional collectibles, secrets, and surprises worth seeking out. On that note, expect to discover plenty of manuals that help you upgrade Indy's abilities, an especially cool feature that forgoes the usual, game-y skill trees in favor of a leveling system that more naturally suits the character.

Whether you're cracking ancient conundrums or Nazi skulls, the game offers an absorbing visual and audio experience that seamlessly blends its first and third-person perspectives. Most of the action unfolds from the former, while the latter perfectly frames some platforming sequences – like climbing and swinging – as well as cutscenes. Toss in some epic set pieces and Troy Baker's spot-on Harrison Ford performance, and the Great Circle puts the whip in your grip like never before.

PS5 fortune and glory

All that said, the game's original release did suffer from some graphical and performance issues, especially on the Xbox Series S. With this PlayStation 5 version - particularly when played on a PS5 Pro - however, those problems have been squashed like a crypt-inhabiting creepy crawly beneath Indy's boot.

Where many titles on both the standard PS5 and Pro consoles offer a choice between Performance and Fidelity modes, the Great Circle ditches those options for a beefy default that delivers both native 4K resolution at 60fps. Supported by advanced ray tracing tech – putting some of the prettiest lighting and reflection effects I've ever seen on screen – the result is an absolutely stunning, incredibly sharp visual presentation complemented by performance that feels as smooth as a poison-dipped date.

Of course, the PS5 release also cranks the immersion through the DualSense controller's nuanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, LED lighting, and touchpad effects. Whether feeling the building rumble of Raiders' iconic boulder trap, splintering a guitar over a goose stepper's head, or pulling your whip as it wraps around a foe's limbs, you'll never experience the same tactile sensation. Smaller touches, like the LED light flashing green when you apply a life-saving bandage, further make you feel like you're actually under the hat.

More than a mere port, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 is easily the definitive version of the game, thanks to the various features, upgrades, and enhancements that this version built for Sony’s consoles brings to the adventure.

Should you play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PS5?

Play it if...

You love the Indy films
Highly evocative of Indy's Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade era, The Great Circle offers an incredibly immersive action-adventure romp that's as close as you'll come to a playable Indiana Jones movie. A must-play for fans of the franchise.

You have a thirst for adventure
While the Great Circle puts you under the hat like never before, you needn't be an Indy nerd to enjoy it. The rewarding mix of deep exploration, puzzle-solving, collectible-gathering, and improvisational combat will satisfy any fan of the genre’s thirst for adventure.

You've been waiting for the best console version of the game
PlayStation owners may not have gotten Indy's latest interactive adventure when it arrived late last year, but the wait was worth it. While the Great Circle impressed on Xbox platforms, its PS5/PS5 Pro release is the prettiest, most immersive console version of the game.

Don't play it if...

The content didn't get you cracking the whip the first time
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle receives notable graphics and performance upgrades on the PS5/PS5 Pro, but its content is identical to that of the Xbox and PC versions released last year. If you're looking for different or new content – like the upcoming Order of Giants DLC – you won't find it here.

Accessibility

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle goes pretty deep in terms of accessibility features, offering a solid suite of options for those looking to tweak and tinker. Both the size and color of the user interface elements can be adjusted, while subtitles and closed captions can also be personalized to your preferences. Camera modes, like motion blur and screen shake, can also be turned on or off.

There are also protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia color filter modes for color blind players, as well as various HUD adjustment settings. The game also offers a number of difficulty settings for both its action elements, which can tweak enemy quantity and behavior, as well as adventure aspects, which can adjust puzzle difficulty and toggle objective markers.

How I reviewed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

I played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for over 40 hours, with about a third of that time invested in optional activities and additional exploration. I reviewed the game on the PlayStation 5 Pro, but also put several hours into the Xbox Series X version to compare the visuals and performance. I also tested all the new DualSense-specific features. I played on my budget model TCL 4K display with HDR enabled. For audio, I used my television's onboard stereo speakers, but also tested with PlayStation's Pulse Explore earbuds.

First reviewed May-June 2025

There are plenty of expensive SSD NAS, but I tested the TerraMaster F4 and it might deliver exactly what many people want from this technology

2:11 pm |

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

TerraMaster F4: 30-second review

Terramaster has effectively carved out a niche in the NAS world with a combination of well-constructed hardware that supports a feature-rich environment and is aggressively priced.

As a result, it has attracted many home and small business customers who wouldn’t pay Synology, Asustor, or QNAP prices, but wanted solid equipment to manage and distribute data.

The F4 SSD isn’t the first SSD-based NAS that TerraMaster has produced, but it immediately stands out as something distinctly mainstream, significantly cheaper than the majority of products in this sector.

This small box can mount four PCIe Gen 3 NVMe drives, providing a total capacity of 32TB, and then distribute them over the network using a 5GbE LAN port.

The core of this solution is an Intel N85 processor, and it comes with 8GB of DDR5 memory, which is easily upgradable to 32GB by the user.

It utilises TerraMaster’s own TOS 6.0 operating system, although you don’t invalidate your hardware warranty if you use a third-party NAS OS, such as TrueNAS SCALE, Proxmox, etc.

With all this flexibility for a modest price, what’s the catch here?

The issue with this system is that the CPU’s power is on the low side, and therefore, it wouldn’t be ideal for running multiple simultaneous applications, Docker containers, or virtual machines.

At best, this hardware is best for primary tasks with perhaps a secondary role, but accept that file serving will take much of the power in this machine.

However, even with those limitations, this is a neat and helpful platform for those who want a tiny, silent and efficient NAS solution.

TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS — (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

TerraMaster F4: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From $400/£380
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Direct from the makers or through an online retailer

Unlike some brands, TerraMaster is widely available and also sells its hardware directly from its website.

The asking price for the only available SKU is $399.99 on Amazon in the United States and £379.99 on Amazon in the United Kingdom. That’s $200 less than the larger F8 model, and half the price of the F8 Plus.

That’s dramatically cheaper than the Ugreen NASync DXP480T, which costs about double this and still only takes four NVMe drives. However, that machine has a much more powerful i5 platform, a 10GbE LAN port and Thunderbolt.

The Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T is slightly more expensive, offering a six-drive option with increased processing power and dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, but it comes with only 4GB of memory.

Closer to the Ugreen option in price is the QNAP TBS-464-8G for $589.99 from Amazon, powered by the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095. The downside of that option is, other than the price, that the 8GB of RAM is not upgradable.

However, not all competitor devices are sold as NAS. One competitive alternative is the Minisforum MS-01-S1260 Mini Workstation, a mini PC that utilises the Core i5-12600H processor, supports three M.2 2280 drives, and features dual 2.5GbE LAN ports and USB4.

In a barebones configuration where the customer must provide an operating system, RAM, and storage, the MS-01-S1260 can be purchased for just $399.99 on Amazon, and there are SKUs that feature more powerful Core i9 CPUs.

Excluding mini-computers overlapping NAS territory, the TerraMaster F4 is the cheapest mainstream branded SSD NAS around, and represents excellent value for money.

But, only if the use case doesn’t require significant amounts of processing power.

Value: 4 / 5

TerraMaster F4: Specs

Item	Spec
CPU:	Intel N95 (4 cores, 4 Threads)
GPU:	Intel Graphics (16EU)
RAM:	8GB DDR5 expandable to 32GB
SATA Storage:	N/A
M.2 Storage:	4x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0
Ports:	2x USB3.2 Gen2 USB-A (10Gbps)
	1x USB3.2 Gen2 USB-C (10Gbps)
	1x HDMI 2.0b
Networking:	1x RJ45 5GbE LAN
OS:	TOS 6.0
Maximum Capacity:	4x 8TB M.2 NVMe (32TB)
RAID Modes:	TRAID, TRAID?, Single, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID5, RAID 6, RAID 10
PSU:	12V 4A 48W
Dimensions:	138 x 60 x 140 mm (LxWxH)
Weight:	600g

TerraMaster F4: Design

Chimney layout
Easy access
Simple and silent

The design and layout of this machine seem vaguely familiar, as it employs a concept similar to that of the Beelink Me mini system I recently reviewed.

What they share is a cooling solution where the case acts as a chimney, drawing cool air from below, gathering heat as it rises over the motherboard and M.2 storage before being expelled out of the top.

In the F4, the air is propelled by two almost silent 50mm fans on the bottom, and the book-like form factor is arranged with the M.2 slots on one side and the processor and memory on the other.

What’s slightly different is that the front face of the unit, where it says TerraMaster F4, is clearly not the end that should be facing you. As all the ports and the power button are at the opposite end, which is the rear.

What’s great about this unit over some other NAS is how easy it is to get inside to add drives and upgrade memory. A single thumbscrew on the rear releases the outer skin, allowing it to slide off easily.

With this plastic shell removed, the M.2 slots and the memory are available, and this doesn’t require any tools. However, TerraMaster does include a screwdriver, which is useful for those easy-to-misplace M.2 screws, and thankfully, some spares are included in the box.

I’m surprised that the designers didn’t use a sprung plastic retainer, like those on the Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T, as it would have made this design entirely tool-free.

According to TerraMaster, the M.2 slots are designed for up to 8TB drives, and there is sufficient room for modules with integrated heatsinks to be used. What I recommend is that if you use any double-sided modules, you should add a heatsink to them, as there’s no thermal pad connecting them to the case, which is mostly made of plastic.

For those wondering what the best drives to use are, TerraMaster has a good selection of approved brands and models in stark contrast to the own-brand path that Synology has recently taken.

Interestingly, I used an idiosyncratic mix of brands in my testing, some of which weren’t on this list, but I didn’t have any issues. The only ones the makers suggest to avoid are S500PRO modules by Fanxiang, and that’s across all their NAS boxes that can accept M.2 modules.

The only limitation on physical size for the F4 is that all drives must be NVMe and 2280, as there are no retainer positions for 2260, 2242, or 2230 drives.

If I were deploying one of these on a budget, I’d be considering using a drive like the Crucial P3, where the 4TB model can be found for under $220. Using these, a system with 16TB of storage can be constructed for close to $ 1,200, and as SSD NAS go, that’s cheap.

The strength of this design lies in its relatively low power consumption and vertical tube topology, which make for a simple-to-deploy and nearly silent NAS.

For those who would like a small NAS to sit on their desk, perhaps to keep a live backup of a running system, the F4 is ideal in many respects.

Design: 4 / 5

TerraMaster F4: Features

Intel N95 CPU
No ECC memory
Only 9 PCIe Lanes

When Intel first introduced the Atom series of processors, many wondered why customers would purchase such low-power systems. These days, platforms that are scaled back to run 24/7 or deliver just enough performance for the primary task are common.

The Intel N95 is where low-power computing took Intel, and it’s not anything you would ideally wish to use on a desktop computer.

While it does have an integrated GPU with sixteen execution units, this processor is more limited by its four-core CPU, which doesn’t support hyperthreading. Four cores on Windows 11 would be a nightmare, but for the custom Linux platform of TOS 6.0, it is sufficient. Additionally, with 8GB of RAM, expandable to 32GB, it is also more than enough for file-serving duties.

However, the wall and running into that barrier are never too far away with the N95, and this isn’t a system that would enjoy being pre-loaded with demanding applications. Those who put Plex on it don’t expect it to do that and also run a torrent client, a mail server and three Docker containers, because it won’t be smooth sailing.

Precisely where the N95 runs out of road entirely depends on how demanding the apps are, but if you want to run many applications, then there are alternatives that use more powerful Intel and AMD processors that will be better choices.

The other limitations of the N95 are that it can only address a single memory module and has limited PCIe Express lanes. There is only one memory channel, and thankfully, TerraMaster engineers used a DDR5 module on it to maximise bandwidth.

Intel claims it can address up to 16GB, while TerraMaster says 32GB, but whichever is correct, they both agree it doesn’t support ECC memory, unfortunately.

I believe, and this may be misinformation, that the standard memory model of the N95 allows only 16 GB. The additional 16GB of memory can be used for things like virtual machines.

If you don’t intend to use VMs, then putting more than 16GB in the F4 is probably pointless.

Even 16GB is a good amount of memory for a small server, especially when you consider that the drives in this unit don’t require much caching to perform well.

A bigger issue is the PCIe lanes, since these dictate exactly how much data can flow through the system and to externally connected devices.

With only nine PCIe 3.0 lanes, there isn’t enough bandwidth for the SSDs to have the full X4 lanes that modern NVMe drives are designed for. Two of the slots have been downgraded to X2, while the other two remain at X1. Therefore, it’s a futile exercise to populate these slots with modules meant for PCIe 4.0, since they will be downgraded to PCIe 3.0 by the system.

Being pragmatic, achieving 1GB/s from two drives and possibly 2GB/s from two others is still well beyond the performance required to saturate the 5GB/s of the single LAN port fully.

As there were no PCIe lanes left to add a card slot, the only way to get more network bandwidth is by using USB adapters. There are relatively inexpensive 5GbE adapters that can utilise USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, but I cannot personally confirm whether they would work on this platform.

Again, if you want better than a single 5GbE LAN connection and more PCIe lanes for faster drives, then this probably isn’t the NAS for you.

Overall, the F4 makes the most of its hardware, but this machine won’t break any records for having excess performance on tap or for its responsiveness.

Features: 3 / 5

TerraMaster F4: Software

TOS 6.0
Applications
Yes to TrueNAS and UnRaid

For those who started with TerraMaster early on, and I’m happy to say that includes me, the evolution of the TerraMaster OS, or TOS, has been impressive.

Now in its sixth incarnation, this is a pretty mature platform that offers a wide range of functionality and applications.

While it doesn’t quite reach the levels of polish that Synology prides itself on, the feature set of TOS 6.0 ticks plenty of boxes.

One interesting change of direction that TerraMaster isn’t unique in taking is a shift away from first-party applications to those that are installed either as Docker-packaged containers or as virtual machines. Some compiled TOS apps, such as Qtorrent and Plex, are available on the TerraMaster application store. However, you can install later versions of these tools by finding the Docker container and using it instead.

While TerraMaster isn’t competing with the likes of QNAP and Synology for the number of available apps on its platform, there is more than enough for the majority of customers, and it isn’t a closed environment that requires approved tools.

TOS 6.0 isn’t for everyone, but TerraMaster is one of those NAS makers that is entirely customer-focused and is happy for their hardware to be used with TrueNAS Scale, UnRaid, Proxmox, or any other NAS OS the owner wishes. You won’t receive software support from TerraMaster if you opt for this approach, but hardware issues are still covered during the warranty period.

It’s interesting to see that TerraMaster and Ugreen are both pitching the ‘NAS-your-way’ approach, whereas other brands seem less confident about allowing alternatives into their playgrounds. This direction appears opposed to where Synology is heading, where the turnkey solution comes with much stricter limits on what you can and can’t do.

This is certainly more customer-friendly, but will it lead to a future where NAS makers no longer bother with a branded OS and instead offer a pre-loading service of a popular third-party OS? Only time will tell.

In short, TOS 6.0 offers a plethora of features that cover the majority of tasks that NAS commonly use, and if these don’t quite match your needs, the ability to run Docker containers and VMs is a viable answer.

Software: 4 / 5

TerraMaster F4: Final verdict

There are good things about the F4, and some other things that aren’t wonderful.

Unless you kludge a NUC into a mini server, this is undoubtedly one of the most affordable SSD NAS options available. However, being realistic, the cost of the F4 is likely to be dwarfed by that of the M.2 modules unless you only install 1TB or smaller drives in it.

If you can afford to populate this with 8TB modules, or even 4TB, then you might get more performance in return by investing in an Asustor or Ugreen SSD NAS.

The other issue here is that the Intel N95 limits the system’s capabilities somewhat, as it lacks the performance to handle multiple apps or Docker containers. It also dictates that there is no USB4/Thunderbolt, which on other systems can be used to locally network to a host PC while the LAN ports support other users.

The natural space this device occupies is either as a network location for live synchronisation or as a directly connected external storage system. In both these scenarios, the 5GbE LAN port can deliver and retrieve data at over 500MB/s, making it as fast as a USB 3.2 Gen 1 attached SSD. The lure is that it can offer capacities much larger than even the biggest USB-connected SSDs, which typically only offer 8TB as their largest option.

Outside of this use, justifying the investment becomes tougher, since this doesn’t have the power to be an all-purpose NAS or the LAN connections to handle a 10GbE network.

Should I buy a TerraMaster F4?

Value	Inexpensive, if you ignore the M.2 modules	4 / 5
Design	Elegant chiney cooling and easy access	4 / 5
Features	5GbE LAN, 8GB of RAM, but only a four-core CPU	3 / 5
Software	TOS 6 has plenty to like	4 / 5
Overall	Some improvements, removed features at twice the price	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You need a live local backup
With a 5GbE LAN port and up to 32TB of local storage, this could be the perfect device for live synchronising files from a desktop or workstation PC. The only caveat is that the unit must be either directly connected or used with a 5GbE network infrastructure.

You need a flexible solution
The app selection on ADM 5.0 is extensive and covers all the possible requirements, and for specialist user there are always Docker containers or VMs.

Don't Buy it if...

You need massive capacity
Even using 8TB SSDs, the four slots limit the practical space this NAS can have. If you use redundancy, that could be 24TB or less. Since a single conventional hard drive can have that much, this isn’t ideal for those with large datasets.

You need a flexible solution
The app selection on ADM 6.0 is extensive and covers all the possible requirements, but with only four cores running, more than a couple of demanding tasks isn’t a realistic option. If you want a more flexible NAS, then there are more powerful systems.

Also Consider

Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X
An older Asustor machine that can take twelve M.2 drives, giving a maximum potential of 96TB, should you have the funds for that many 8TB drives.

What this unit lacks is processing power, as it's powered by an Intel Celeron N5105. That chip also means it only offers USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting external storage.

Read our full Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X review

Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus
A beautifully engineered NVMe NAS that takes 2280 drives of all sizes in its four slots.
Twice the cost of the F4, it features an integrated heatsink design, a single 10GbE LAN and Thunderbolt 4.0 ports.
Given its feature set, this is a viable alternative, admittedly with the same potential capacity.

Read our full Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus review

For more storage solutions, we've reviewed the best NAS hard drives and the best NAS devices.

I tested the Getax ZX10 G2 and this rugged tablet is designed to withstand the most demanding users and the most challenging environments – but it’s not cheap

1:16 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone & Communications Pro | Tags: GPU | Comments: Off

Getax ZX10 G2: 30-second review

Getac is one of those companies that likes to keep the names of products the same while changing the underlying hardware. Thankfully, with the new ZX10 release, someone decided to add “G2” to differentiate it from the prior version, even if they are remarkably similar in many respects.

On one level, this is a standard 10.1-inch Android tablet designed for business users who require stock control or a shop floor with mobile computing needs.

What separates this from a typical Android tablet is that it is designed to handle a high level of abuse or a challenging environment without issue, and it features hot-swapable batteries to ensure it is always ready for the next shift.

Like the original ZX10, the focus of the hardware is to provide a powerful SoC, while being less interested in peripheral features, such as the cameras.

What it offers above the prior G1 is a more powerful platform with increased memory, storage, a brighter display, and WiFi 6E communications.

Oddly, it’s running Android 13, not a cutting-edge release, but an improvement over the Android 12 that its predecessor used.

The build quality and accessory selection are second to none, so it’s no surprise that the device’s cost is relatively high. However, even at this price, it might make it into our selection of the best rugged tablets.

A question that business users might reasonably ask about this hardware is how many cheap tablets could we go through for each one of these?

Getax ZX10 G2: price and availability

How much does it cost? From $1200 / £1175 (plus tax)
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? From a Getac reseller

Unlike many of the tablets we typically discuss, the Getac ZX80 doesn’t come with a standard price tag, as each device is tailored to meet the specific needs of its owner. The review unit we assessed is likely to start at over $1200 in the USA, not factoring in any accessories, service agreements, or upgrades.

The UK price is a whopping £1175.00 plus VAT, making it one of the most expensive 10-inch tablets around.

Options such as different sensors, cradles, additional batteries, and external chargers can substantially raise the total cost. If your finance department is already wary of Apple equipment pricing, they might need to brace themselves for the investment in this equipment.

That said, the durability of this design, combined with a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, implies that most customers should expect good service from this device.

Value score: 3/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Specs

Item	Spec
Hardware:	Getac ZX10 G2
CPU:	Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490
GPU:	Adreno 643
NPU:	Qualcomm Hexagon Processor
RAM:	8GB
Storage:	128GB
Screen:	10.1-inch TFT LCD 1000 nits
Resolution:	1200 x 1920 WUXGA
SIM:	Dual Nano SIM 5G+ MicroSD option
Weight:	906g (1.99lbs)
Dimensions:	275 x 192 x 17.9mm (10.8" x 7.56" x 0.7")
Rugged Spec:	IP67 and MIL-STD-810H
Rear cameras:	16.3MP Samsung GN1 Sensor
Front camera:	8MP Samsung GD1
Networking:	WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
OS:	Android 13
Battery:	4870mAh (extra slot for 2nd battery)

Getax ZX10 G2: Design

Sturdy construction
Unusual layout
High brightness screen

Getac has extensive experience in making rugged equipment, and the ZX10 G2 is a prime example of how the lessons its engineers have learned are implemented in their recent designs.

The tablet is constructed with a metal chassis encased in a nearly impenetrable reinforced polycarbonate outer shell that has a subtle texture, making it easy to handle.

On paper, the new design is slightly lighter than its G1 predecessor, but that difference is likely due to the battery design, as the screen remains the same 10.1-inch-sized panel as before. This one is slightly brighter at 1000 nits over the 800 nits in the first ZX10.

Getac engineers prefer a form factor that is decidedly skewed towards right-handed users, with the five buttons, including power and volume controls, located on the right front face of the tablet.

The lanyard-connected stylus is also on the right, although you could rotate the tablet to bring that and the buttons to the left.

But if you do that, then you can’t use the harness accessory, as it uses two metal studs that project proud of the top left and right corners.

The bottom edge of the tablet features an edge connector for docking the unit when it is not in use, and pass-through antenna connections.

The physical connection points along this axis are significant enough that they will lock a hinged keyboard accessory to the ZX10, turning it into an Android laptop.

Another feature of Getac hardware that I appreciate is that the ports that could potentially be impacted by moisture are hidden behind a sealed door that clicks into position when shut.

I’ve seen way too many rugged tablets that use rubber plugs for water/dust proofing, and they will ultimately perish. These Getac covers will last much longer, if not for the working life of the machine.

On our review hardware, the top edge featured a 1D/2D imager barcode reader, which was linked by default to one of the two custom buttons on the left. The other button takes a picture with the camera, but these can be altered to fit the specific use case.

Getac offers smartcard readers and NFC if you specifically need those technologies.

Like the ZX80 I previously reviewed, the screen has an anti-glare coating that makes it relatively easy to see the display even in bright sunlight. However, the filter that applies to the image softens it in a way that won’t attract drone pilots, as it tends to blur the finer details in the image, such as thin branches or wires.

This is a shame, because the 1000 nits of brightness this LumiBond display outputs ticks a lot of boxes for outdoor use in other respects.

On the rear is a slot for the stylus, two slots for batteries, and an access panel for mounting a smartcard reader. The SIM slot is inside the top battery slot, and the MicroSD card slot is in the lower battery bay. I’ll talk more about the batteries later, but the ability to charge them using an external charger and then swap over without rebooting the machine is extremely useful.

Overall, the ZX10 G2 has many positive aspects for industrial and military users who may be looking for a dedicated data capture device or a service support system.

Design score: 4/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Hardware

Powerhouse SoC
Limited storage
Dual battery options

When I reviewed the ZX80, it used a Qualcomm SM7325, aka the Snapdragon 778G 5G Mobile Platform, and again, with this machine, Getac engineers have gone with a Qualcomm SoC.

The Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 is specifically designed for high-performance edge computing. It features up to 8-core Qualcomm Kryo CPUs, an integrated Qualcomm Adreno 643 GPU, and a robust AI engine (NPU + DSP), capable of achieving up to 12 TOPS.

In use, this makes the ZX10 remarkably responsive and reactive to user input, and the machine is capable of local data processing should the mission require it.

In the review machine, it came with 8GB of LPDDR5 memory and 128GB of storage, of which only about 80GB was available after a handful of test apps were loaded.

The amount of storage does seem low, and the Getac specifications do hint that a 256GB model is available for those who don’t want to expand storage using the MicroSD card slot.

Our review machine only had a single 4870mAh battery installed, enabling the total capacity to be doubled with the addition of a second. Getac also offers an enhanced high-capacity battery that can be installed in either slot, delivering a minimum of 9740mAh. While switching to those will offer considerably longer running times, it will also make the tablet more cumbersome to carry.

In the accessories, there is an external battery charger that can keep extra batteries ready for use. Having a policy where, at the start of each shift, the batteries are swapped and placed in the charger should help avoid dead tablets.

I prefer the dual battery arrangement over the external and internal battery model used in the ZX80, because, in theory, this machine never needs to be recharged directly if it isn’t convenient. And, because each battery can be changed independently, it makes it much easier to enhance the running time with either a single extended battery or two.

If the purchaser makes the right accessory purchases, the ZX10 should be able to operate almost indefinitely, and even if away from mains power, a small collection of extra batteries should keep it operating for days at a time.

Hardware score: 4/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Cameras

16.3MP sensor on the rear
8MP on the front
Two cameras in total

The Getac ZX10 G2 has two cameras:

Rear camera: 16.3MP
Front camera: 8MP

As with other Getac hardware, the specification doesn’t detail what the sensors are for the front and rear cameras. However, even without that input, I can say with some certainty that these aren’t the best sensors I’ve seen on a tablet, and they’re a notch below what an entry-level phone was delivering in 2020.

While the Android distribution was compiled for several 16MP sensors, my prior experience suggests that the rear sensor is the Omnivision OV16a10, and the front sensor is the Omnivision OV8856.

Those assertions are based on the ZX80 cameras, as these seem identical.

The one positive feature of the rear Omnivision OV16A10 is that it records 4K video at 30 fps, although there are no frame rate controls available at this resolution. In fact, the camera application has relatively few controls, and it lacks special shooting modes.

Being simple isn’t a bad thing if the system takes care of things like exposure and focus, but the camera app here does practically nothing, even though it has an AI processor sitting idle that could easily identify the subject of an image and how best to capture it.

With still image control, you have a resolution selection and digital zoom, as well as the ability to turn the flash on or off.

To be direct, nobody using this equipment is likely to be distracted from work by the temptation to enhance their photography skills.

Like the ZX80 and its sensors, the images from these cameras are workable, but only if any image is acceptable. However, the camera doesn’t balance light or colour well, and the digital zoom is an abyss of graininess.

Evidently, no special attention was paid to the cameras on this hardware or the capture application, as it was lifted directly from a prior product without any changes.

Getax ZX10 G2 Camera samples

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Getax ZX10 G2 camera examples — (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

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Camera score: 2/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Performance

Decent SoC
GPU is game-friendly
Slow charging battery

Tablet		Getac ZX10 G2	Getac ZX80
SoC		Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490	Snapdragon 778G 5G
		Adreno 643	Adreno 643
Mem/Storage		8GB/128GB	8GB/180GB
Battery Capacity	mAh	4870	4060 + 4870
Geekbench	Single	1142	1137
	Multi	3044	3056
	OpenCL	2877	2891
	Vulkan	3159	3159
GFX	Aztec Open Normal	47	44
	Aztec Vulkan Normal	51	49
	Car Chase	44	41
	Manhattan 3.1	76	59
PCMark	3.0 Score	9360	9521
	Battery Life	8h 27m	15h 24m
Charge 30	Battery 30 mins	31%	18%
Passmark	Score	14639	15029
	CPU	6902	7097
3DMark	Slingshot OGL	7777	7781
	Slingshot Ex. OGL	6761	Maxed
	Slingshot Ex. Vulkan	Maxed	Maxed
	Wildlife	3387	3411
	Steel Nomad.L	312	310

The obvious comparison for me was to the smaller ZX80 model, which uses a similar platform and delivers nearly identical performance.

Even if you are uninterested in either of these two machines, these results demonstrate that the Dragonwing QCS6490 performs at the same level as the Snapdragon 778G 5G, also by Qualcomm. As they both feature the same memory architecture, core counts and GPU, this isn’t hugely surprising.

Where things get interesting is when we explore battery life, since the ZX10 had only a single 4870mAh battery, whereas the ZX80 had an internally integrated 4060mAh battery plus an external 4870mAh battery.

That extra internal capacity nearly doubles the operating time of the ZX80, although it can’t replace the internal battery, which must be recharged in situ. Had Getac provided the second battery for the ZX10, I’d be surprised if its inclusion would not exceed the run time of the ZX80 by at least an hour, and probably longer.

One result here is highly misleading, and that’s the recharge percentage after 30 minutes. Given the capacity of the ZX80, it recovered approximately 18% of its total 8930mAh, or 1607 mAh. Conversely, the recovered power on the ZX10 was 1,510mAh. Given that the ZX80 has two batteries, not one, it’s safe to conclude that there’s no charging improvement over the ZX80 in the ZX10.

This is a weakness of this design, since it takes more than 90 minutes to fully recharge a 4870mAh battery, and it would be safe to assume double that if you have the second battery. The draw on the power supply is only 20W, which is why it isn’t faster.

I’ve seen phones and tablets with 25000mAh batteries that can recharge much faster than this using 66W power supplies. Getac may have taken the view that slower charging will extend battery life, and therefore, is in the customer’s interest. However, I found it curious that the Chicony-branded PSU included with the machine is rated for 20V at 65W, even though it can only take a third of that power when recharging.

Overall, this is a powerful tablet that offers performance beyond what most tablet makers are currently providing, with the possible exception of the Unihertz Tank Pad 8849 and its Dimensity 8200 platform.

Performance score: 4/5

Getax ZX10 G2: Final verdict

I liked this design substantially more than the Getac ZX80, as I think it better balances the user experience with the capabilities. However, it’s not without some issues, most noticeably that it’s launched with a three-year-old version of Android.

Also, Getac doesn’t see camera sensors as a selling point, as the ones in this tablet are below what you might expect in a budget phone.

The strengths here include a solid computing platform, interchangeable hot-swap batteries, and a fantastic selection of accessories for docking and carrying the tablet throughout the day. It also comes with a warranty where Getac won’t argue with you about accidental damage for three years.

However, the cost of well-made and engineered equipment, which can withstand being in a warehouse or garden centre, is disturbingly high.

It’s a matter of convincing those senior people who control budgets that devices like the Getac ZX10 G2 ultimately save money with fewer issues and downtime, since the investment is likely to be substantial when deploying these into any decent-sized business.

Should I buy a Getax ZX10 G2?

Getax ZX10 G2 Score Card
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Expensive for an Android tablet	3/5
Design	Built to take knocks and keep working	4/5
Hardware	Powerful SoC, dual hot-swap batteries, tons of accessories	4/5
Camera	Poor sensors and grainy results	2/5
Performance	Powerful platform but slow charging	4/5
Overall	Highly durable, but you pay for the privilege	4/5

Buy it if...

Your environment is harsh
Most brands claim IP68, IP69K dust/water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H Certification, but this equipment is built to withstand much more than these dubious endorsements.

It comes with a three-year warranty that includes coverage for accidental damage, which is a testament to the abuse these devices can withstand.

You need a powerful platform
The processor in this Android tablet is at the top end of what is available and delivers a stellar user experience. With this much power available, it’s possible to locally process data before sending it to the Cloud.

Don't buy it if...

You are working on a budget
The price of the tablet is high, and once you’ve included a keyboard, extra batteries, an off-line battery charger and other accessories, the total package might run to $2000 or more. There are more affordable options that offer you more for less.

You need decent photography
The camera sensors in this device are like going back to the past for most Android phone and even tablet users. The results aren’t good, and it’s a weakness in the Getac tablets that I’ve observed so far.

Also Consider

Unihertz Tank Pad 8849
Larger and slightly heavier than the Getac ZX10 G2, this is a powerful Android tablet featuring an impressive 21000 mAh battery and the latest 50MP Sony IMX766 camera sensor. Although it may not offer the accessory selection of the ZX10 G2, at around $600, it’s nearly half the price and a better all-around performer.

Read our full Unihertz Tank Pad 8849 review

Getac ZX80 Rugged Android Tablet
Another super-robust design from Getac aimed at tough environment use. It uses a different Qualcomm SoC, and has a wide selection of accessories, including replaceable batteries.

However, like its ZX10 G2 brother, it’s on the expensive side, so it’s not an impulse purchase.

Read our Getac ZX80 Rugged Android Tablet hands on

For more durable devices, we've reviewed all the best rugged phones, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

I tested the surprisingly cheap Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB lens for Sony cameras, and it’s made me fall in love with the 35mm focal length

12:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Camera Lenses Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE: one-minute review

Professional lenses typically offer the best image and build quality, but at a cost. Plus, when thinking about features on prime lenses, most are fairly straightforward despite the aforementioned characteristics. One of two lenses bucking this trend is the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE, the other being the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 lens.

The latter is available for both Sony E and Nikon Z mount, with the 35mm soon to be available for Z mount, too. The thing I love about these lenses is that, despite being primes they're surprisingly feature-packed, and are available at extremely attractive prices.

The 35mm f/1.2 LAB costs just $999 / £959 at Amazon, which is an amazing price for what you get (if you're buying from Australia you can purchase the lens in USD.) This price is especially impressive when the slower Sony FE 35mm f/1.4GM is considerably more expensive. The Sony is, of course, a flagship G Master lens, which may suggest superiority, but the 35mm f/1.2 LAB holds up well by comparison.

That extra 1/3 stop of light-gathering capability makes a difference in two ways. First, it makes the lens better for astrophotography. Second, it produces a beautifully shallow depth of field. Detail is also impressively sharp wide open at f/1.2, so for portraiture and astrophotography this is a truly stunning lens.

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Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE front element — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE controls close up — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Check out more of the best Sony lenses

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE specs

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE specs
Type:	Standard prime
Mount:	Sony E mount (Nikon Z coming soon)
Sensor:	Full-frame
Focal length:	35mm
Max aperture:	f/1.2
Minimum focus:	13.4 inches / 34cm
Filter size:	77mm
Dimensions:	3.51 x 8.80 inches / 89.2 x 121.8mm
Weight:	32.5oz / 920g

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE: Design

Digital color screen
Large and heavy for a 35mm lens
Excellent build with weather sealing

Most prime lenses are fairly simple in their design, relying on their fast maximum apertures and excellent image quality to act as the main selling points. The 35mm f/1.2 LAB certainly follows suit here, but it also has a few tricks up its sleeve that set it apart from other primes. It’s also a beast of a lens, at 3.51 x 8.80 inches / 89.2 x 121.8mm and weighing32.5oz / 920g.

It’s certainly nowhere near as large and heavy as the 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens, but it’s close to double the weight of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4GM and is slightly larger. The fact that it's an f/1.2 lens is a contributing factor, but Viltrox LAB series lenses do seem to be pretty hefty, to say the least.

Both lenses are made of aerospace-grade magnesium-aluminum alloy with a die-coating, so they have a premium look and feel alongside being of an extremely high build quality. Plus, the lenses feature a dust and moisture-resistant construction, making them perfect for outdoor photographers.

The filter thread is 77mm, so not too large and ideal for both circular and square filters, while the 11-blade aperture produces smooth bokeh with circular highlights. The minimum focusing distance is 13.4 inches / 34cm, which isn’t the shortest you'll find but is still pretty good.

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Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE color screen showing information — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE Mult-Function Ring — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens mount with USB-C port — (Image credit: James Abbott)

As mentioned, despite being a prime lens, the 35mm f/1.2 LAB is fairly feature-packed. It has a customizable multi-function ring, which by default is set to control the aperture, with clicked and clickless operation selectable using a switch.

There are also two customizable Fn buttons and a small color digital screen that shows the focus distance, aperture, and the active Fn button. The screen can, alongside the Fn and multi-function ring, be customized by connecting the lens via Bluetooth to the Viltrox Lens app.

Since this is a third-party lens, firmware updates and customization can’t be applied in the same way as OEM lenses. But, with the lens unattached from a camera, it can be powered via a USB-C port on the lens mount and then connected to the app. This works incredibly well; a firmware update was required during testing and only took a few minutes to complete.

The ability to personalize the controls is extremely useful for tailoring the lens to the way you like to shoot. I was quite happy with the default configurations, so although I looked at the options available in the app, I left everything as it was.

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE: Performance

Excellent image quality overall
Impressive sharpness at f/1.2
Sharpest at f/8

The image quality produced by this lens is sensational, with incredible sharpness and detail wide open at f/1.2. Sure, with this lens you’ll need to stop down on some occasions, but most people want a lens like this for that fast maximum aperture, and the 35mm f/1.2 LAB is incredible when shooting wide open. It’s not perfect, but it’s seriously impressive.

The 35mm f/1.2 LAB produces exceptional center sharpness at f/1.2, and while extreme corner sharpness is quite soft, edge sharpness is excellent. Corner sharpness increases gradually as you get closer to the center of the frame and as you stop down the aperture, with f/4 showing greatly improved extreme corner sharpness.

Overall sharpness continues to improve up to f/8, which, like many lenses, is the sweet spot at which most detail is resolved and the overall image produced is sharpest. Beyond f/8, diffraction begins to come into play, with f/11 providing slightly less sharp images, and f/16 exhibiting the least sharp results.

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Photo of punts on a river taken with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Photo of a radio telescope taken with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Photo of a woman in long grass taken with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Photo of daisies taken with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Photo of a street scene taken with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Photo of peeling paint on a wooden door taken with the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE — (Image credit: James Abbott)

Vignetting is most visible at f/1.2 as you’d expect, and becomes less noticeable until f/2, where it almost disappears, and completely disappears at f/2.8. This is normal for a prime lens, and it’s not an issue at all because vignetting is easy to remove with software.

There isn’t a profile available in Adobe Lightroom yet since this lens is still relatively new after an April 2025 release, so any corrections currently have to be made manually. Chromatic aberration is minimal, with only the tiniest amount of fringing visible, and this was easily removed.

Autofocus performance is fast and precise, with the lens locking onto subjects quickly and silently. The AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB features Quad Viltrox HyperVCM motors, which Viltrox claims provide 150% faster AF than STM motors. I couldn’t perceive a difference in speed.

The lens also supports subject recognition, which I tested by using people/eye recognition to shoot portraits wide open. This worked exceptionally well, with perfectly sharp eyes and a dramatic fall-off in depth of field.

Should you buy the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE?

Buy it if...

You’re on a budget

Considering the image quality, build quality and features alongside the amazing price, this lens is an absolute bargain.

You shoot astrophotography

35mm is a great focal length for astrophotography, and the fast f/1.2 maximum aperture enables lower ISO settings for improved image quality.

You shoot portraits

35mm is also a great focal length for environmental portraits, and the sharpness available at f/1.2 is outstanding.

Don't buy it if...

You’d like a compact and lightweight lens

The 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a chunky and fairly weighty lens. There are lighter and more compact alternatives available, although they're also slower.

You need versatility

Primes typically offer the best image quality and faster maximum apertures, but zoom lenses are, by their nature, more convenient and versatile.

You shoot APS-C

If you shoot with an APS-C camera, there are more appropriate Viltrox lenses available to you, including the Viltrox AF 27mm f/ 1.2 Pro, which is almost half the price.

How I tested the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE

I tested it over several weeks
I used it to capture multiple subjects
I tested it with an unforgiving Sony A7R V

I tested the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE over several weeks attached to an unforgiving Sony A7R V, shooting a range of relevant subjects and using different aperture settings to test sharpness and distortion. I shot both static and moving subjects to test autofocus performance.

With 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

First reviewed July 2025

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