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I tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 and liked its large display and fast performance – but it doesn’t have the best battery life

12:10 pm | June 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Chromebooks Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

Acer Chromebook Plus 516: Two-minute review

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a large device with a reasonably strong spec, making it ideal for various productivity and entertainment needs. It might not look terribly auspicious, and the color is a little dour, but it's surprisingly thin for a Chromebook this size, which helps to make it more sleek.

It’s also a well-made machine, with materials that feel durable yet light. What’s more, the lid hinges allow for easy opening and offer stability at any angle all the way up to 170 degrees.

It also has one of the best Chromebook keyboards in terms of layout, with plenty of keys included, such as a number pad, without compromising spacing. This makes typing easy, and the snappy nature of the individual keys makes them satisfying, too.

The touchpad is equally capable, providing responsive inputs and plenty of accuracy, which, combined with its large size, makes for easy navigation. It also manages to keep out of the way while typing.

Close-up of keyboard and touchpad on Acer Chromebook Plus 516, open on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Port selection on the Chromebook Plus 516 is quite good, and I was pleased to see the inclusion of two USB-C ports. However, it’s a minor shame both are on the same side, which may limit your options when plugging into an outlet. Still, the two USB-A ports, HDMI port and audio jack are all welcome additions.

In terms of performance, the Chromebook Plus 516 handles most tasks well. It loads apps quickly and multitasks very well. Even mobile gaming on high settings is viable. It also takes Ultra HD content in its stride, streaming it without a hitch for the most part. Viewing such content is made all the more enjoyable thanks to that large, crisp, and vibrant display, which also does an admirable job of keeping reflections at bay.

Unfortunately, the battery life of the Chromebook Plus 516 isn’t particularly impressive relative to its rivals. During our movie playback test, it failed to break past eight hours, a threshold many modern Chromebooks can exceed.

With a starting price of £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830), the Chromebook Plus 516 sits somewhere in the middle of the market. However, it's good value when you consider its performance, display, and productivity credentials.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Price and availability

Starts from £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830)
Available from August in the UK
Mid-market pricing

The Chromebook Plus 516 starts from £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830) and is available in the UK from August in one colorway. Multiple storage, CPU, RAM and graphics options are configurable. A backlit keyboard can also be specified, as can a touch screen.

It’s about the same price as the equally capable but slightly smaller Acer Chromebook Plus 514. Like that model, the 516 sits somewhere in the middle of the market, but perhaps represents slightly better value owing to the larger screen size and extra keys.

However, if you still want great performance but at a lower price, the older Acer Chromebook Plus 515 remains a great pick, and its 15.6-inch measurement is still big enough to please those who prefer large displays; there’s a reason we think it’s one of the best student Chromebooks, after all.

If you’re after something cheaper still, we think the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is the best student laptop for those on a budget. Its performance is no match for the mightier Chromebook Plus 516, and it’s also much smaller, but it has the advantage of being a 2-in-1 device, thanks to its 360-degree rotation and touchscreen.

Value: 3.5 / 5

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Specs

These specs pertain to my review unit of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516:

Price	£399.99 (about $540 / AU$830)
CPU	Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)
Graphics	Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	8GB LPDDR5
Screen	16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10
Storage	128GB UFS
Ports	2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Camera	HD 1080p
Weight	3.75lbs (1.7kg)
Dimensions	14.1 x 10 x 0.8 inches (359 x 253 x 19mm)

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Design

Close-up of left-side ports on Acer Chromebook Plus 516, open on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Smart and well made
Plenty of keys
Both USB-C ports on same side

The Chromebook Plus 516 adopts the fairly typical Acer aesthetic, with a sleek but understated appearance. There’s nothing particularly spectacular about its looks, but it’s at least free from too many fussy details.

Despite its large size, it’s pleasingly thin and not quite as heavy as you’d expect it to be. It’s no match for smaller Chromebooks in terms of portability, but all sides are quite flat and smooth, which helps when sliding it into your bag.

The build quality is on par with the best Chromebooks. Certain materials look more premium than others, but all feel solid and durable. The keycaps are perhaps the least impressive visually, but they’re tightly fitted.

The hinge mechanism is similarly well-engineered. The lid is easy to open and move into any position, and its maximum recline angle of 170 degrees makes it versatile for various setups. What’s more, it remains stable in any position; there’s next to no wobble, which is all the more impressive given its thinness and lightness.

The keyboard features numerous shortcut keys on the F row, all of which are quite useful. Highlights include one for taking screenshots, one for dictation, and one for opening a menu containing various accessibility functions.

Being a Chromebook Plus, you also get a Quick Insert key, used for accessing files, opening recent documents or creating new ones, inserting links, using AI tools, and other productivity-based functions.

The keyboard even includes a navigation cluster and number pad, both of which I welcome. More impressively, these don’t compromise the layout spacing, thanks to the width of the device itself. The touchpad also manages to not get in the way while typing, despite its relatively large size.

I was pleased to see the Chromebook Plus 516 features two USB-C ports, although unfortunately they’re both the same side, which somewhat limits versatility when plugging into an outlet. Still, it’s nice to have more than one, and the further ports – two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headset jack – are all welcome additions. There’s no SD card slot, though, which might be a problem for some users.

Design score: 4 / 5

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Performance

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 open wide on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Fast and capable multitasker
Can handle light gaming
Sharp display

Benchmarks

These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Acer Chromebook Plus 516:

TechRadar Battery Life Test: 7 hours and 35 minutes
Jetstream2 Benchmark: 295.772
Kraken Benchmark: 398.5ms
Speedometer 3.0: 18.8 (±1.0)

The Chromebook Plus 516 is quite a capable performer. Creating and editing documents and spreadsheets is no problem for it, while switching between apps and multiple tabs is taken in its stride.

Gaming performance is also admirable. I managed to play Asphalt Legends Unite on high graphics settings without issue, running smoothly with little stutter. This was especially impressive given that the game recommended I play on lower settings based on the specs, but you’ll still want one of the best gaming laptops if you plan on playing more intensive games.

It can stream ultra HD content with relative ease as well. During my testing, I encountered little in the way of buffering or stuttering, making for seamless viewing in the main.

Back of Acer Chromebook Plus 516 open on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

The experience is made even better thanks to the surprisingly vibrant display, which also avoids the washed-out appearance that afflicts some Chromebooks. Reflections do reveal themselves somewhat in darker scenes and unfavorable lighting conditions, but generally they’re kept at bay quite well.

Moreover, the 1920 x 1200 resolution is suitably sharp for its large size, which makes the UI very clear, while the thin bezels ensure that the most is made of the allotted real estate.

Typing on the Chromebook Plus 516 is also a pleasure. Despite the inauspicious looking keys, they perform well, with their light actuation and just enough dampening to make them tactile. Despite the inclusion of a number pad and other extra keys, I didn’t find the layout cramped, which made for an accurate and comfortable typing experience.

The trackpad is brilliantly smooth and very precise, tracking perfectly with my finger movements and gestures. As with the keys, it only requires a light touch, which makes it easy to use.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Battery life

Close-up of camera on Acer Chromebook Plus 516 with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

The Chromebook Plus 516 doesn't have a terribly impressive battery life, posting a below-average score during our test. We ran a movie on a continuous loop, and it gave up the ghost after seven hours and 35 minutes.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 we tested fared better, managing to last almost an hour longer. The much smaller Chromebook Spin 312 also eclipsed it, running all the way past 11 hours before total depletion.

However, the Chromebook Plus 516 still did better than the older Chromebook Plus 515, which only managed five hours. However, if you’re after a device that can really go all day, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is perhaps your best choice, as this lasted over 16 hours in our movie playback test.

Battery life: 2.5 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Chromebook Plus 516?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	The Chromebook Plus 516 has a price you might expect for a Chromebook Plus, although its size and keyboard impart extra value.	3.5 / 5
Design	The Chromebook Plus 516 is pleasingly thin for such a large device, and the build quality is respectable. The keyboard is great for productivity, too.	4 / 5
Performance	The Chromebook Plus 516 can handle all sorts of tasks, including light gaming, while the sharp and vibrant display is great for viewing Ultra HD content.	4.5 / 5
Battery life	The Chromebook Plus 516 is far from the best in class when it comes to battery life, with many others capable of outliving it.	2.5 / 5
Total Score	The Chromebook Plus 516 is a great performer with a vibrant display and a useful keyboard. If you’re after a large Chromebook for work and play, it fits the bill quite well – so long as you don’t plan on using it unplugged all day long.	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a large display
At 16 inches, the Chromebook Plus 516 is one of the larger Chromebooks on the market, and the resolution is sharp enough to match.

You want fast performance
The Chromebook Plus 516 can handle most productivity tasks and even light gaming, thanks to its relatively strong spec.

Don't buy it if...

You want a convertible device
The Chromebook Plus 516 isn’t a 2-in-1 device, so it can’t be used like the best tablets.

You want the best battery life
Seven and a half hours is all you’ll get with continuous movie playback, which ranks in the lower half of the Chromebook league.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Also consider

	Acer Chromebook Plus 516	Acer Chromebook Plus 514	Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
Price	Starts from £399.99 (about $540 / AU$830)	$399 / £399 (about AU$560)	$399.99 / £399.99 (around AU$633)
CPU	Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)	Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)	1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4020 (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 2.8GHz Burst)
Graphics	Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics	Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 600
RAM	8GB LPDDR5	8GB LPDDR5	4GB DDR4
Screen	16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10	14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10	11-inch IPS touchscreen, 1,366 x 768
Storage	128GB UFS	128GB UFS	64GB eMMC
Ports	2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio	2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio	2x USB-C with charging, 2x USB-A, microSD
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
Camera	HD 1080p	HD 1080p	720p
Weight	3.75lbs (1.7kg)	3.15lbs (1.43kg)	2.64lbs (1.2kg)
Dimensions	14.1 x 10 x 0.8 inches (359 x 253 x 19mm)	12.9 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches (32.7 x 22.5 x 2cm)	0.7 x 11.41 x 8.18 inches (17.8 x 290 x 207.8mm)

Here are some alternatives to the Chromebook Plus 516:

Acer Chromebook Plus 514
An almost-equally large Chromebook Plus, the 514 boasts a similar performance and spec, although I would say the 516 has a slightly better display quality. The 514 also lacks the extra keys of the 516, which might deter those interested in extracting the maximum productivity from their machine. Read our Acer Chromebook Plus 514 review.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
If you want something smaller, cheaper, and more versatile, look no further than the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook. It’s convertible, so you can use it like a tablet, and it has an excellent battery life to boot. However, it’s not the quickest performer, but it's still sufficient, which is why it makes the best student laptop for those on a budget in our view. Read our Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook review.

How I tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 516

Tested for two days
Used for a variety of tasks
Abundant Chromebook reviewing experience

I tested the Chromebook Plus 516 for a few days, during which time I used it for a variety of tasks, including productivity, gaming, and browsing.

I edited spreadsheets and documents, used multiple tabs when browsing in Chrome, and streamed 4K content. I also played Asphalt Legends Unite, and connected various peripherals via Bluetooth.

I have used various Chromebooks and other laptop devices for decades, and have reviewed a number of them too (including other Acer models), varying in their price points, form factors, and performance.

First reviewed: June 2025
Read more about how we test

Garmin Forerunner 570 is a ‘marvel’ of a running watch – but there’s no hiding that Forerunners are getting more expensive

6:28 pm | June 28, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: AMOLED, Garmin Forerunner, GPS | Comments: Off

Garmin Forerunner 570: One minute review

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a solid, stylish upgrade to what’s long been Garmin’s best running watch. It’s no revelation by any means, but it is a welcome refinement and for the right person, that might be enough.

In short, this is the Forerunner that finally looks the part. It swaps out the safe, functional aesthetic of older models for something bolder and a bit more expressive. Between the colorful two-tone straps and sleek aluminium bezel, the 570 is easily the most fashion-forward Forerunner to date. If you’re not into raspberry and turquoise combos and prefer to play it safe, a plain ol’ black option still exists.

The real highlight, though, is the new AMOLED display. It’s bigger, brighter and sharper than what came before, and makes the whole interface feel slicker and more modern. It’s the kind of screen you’d happily gaze at all day, whether checking your stats, skimming a notification, or seeing what’s playing on Spotify.

Performance-wise, this is still a Garmin device through and through. It tracks over 90 sports, handles GPS and heart rate with accuracy, and delivers all the in-depth training insights you could possibly need. The new Elevate v5 heart rate sensor performs particularly well, even during interval workouts, and feeding into metrics like Training Readiness.

There’s also a subtle push into smartwatch territory. You can now take calls from your wrist, trigger your phone’s voice assistant, and hear alarms or music through the built-in mic and speaker, all of which you couldn’t do on previous Forerunners. These are handy additions for day-to-day use.

The downsides? They’re not huge, but they’re worth noting. Battery life is down slightly from previous models thanks to that power-hungry AMOLED display, and while Garmin’s added polish, it hasn’t added any major new features. There’s no ECG, no offline maps, and nothing particularly game-changing on the software front. And now, Garmin Connect’s richer insights – like advanced sleep and adaptive training plans – are hidden behind a monthly subscription, which stings a bit after paying nearly $549.99 / £460 / AUD$999 for the watch itself.

All in all, the Forerunner 570 is top-notch. It’s not groundbreaking by any means, and it won’t be for everyone – especially if you already own a recent Garmin – but it’s a confident step forward for the series. After almost a month of daily wear, I consider it a strong choice for runners and multi-sport users who want a more stylish training companion that still does the basics exceptionally well.

Garmin Forerunner 570: Price and availability

Garmin Forerunner 570 home watch face — (Image credit: Future)

Availability: Buy now worldwide in two sizes (42mm and 47mm)
Price: From £459.99 / $549.99 / AU$999
Colors: Multiple colorways

The Garmin Forerunner 570 launched in May 2025 and is available directly from Garmin as well as most major retailers in two case sizes – 42mm and 47mm.

This time 'round, Garmin has injected some seriously snazzy colors, which have never been seen before in the series and are certainly more loud and playful. While my test model is the straight-up black for those who want to keep things minimal, there are some fruitier-named options to choose from, such as a Raspberry Aluminum with a Translucent Bone/Mango band, Amp Yellow Aluminum with a Translucent Whitestone/Turquoise combo, or Indigo Aluminum with Translucent Imperial Purple/Indigo Band.

They’re pretty out-there, and I can imagine they’ll divide opinion among potential customers, but from what Garmin has said, that’s the point.

At $549.99 / £459.99 / AUD$999, it’s firmly into upper mid-range territory. That’s £30 more than the Forerunner 265 cost at launch, and significantly more than competing watches like the Suunto Race S ($349 / £325 / AU$599) or Coros Pace Pro (£349.99 / $450 / AU$690), which offer features like offline maps and longer battery life at lower prices.

There’s also an added consideration now with Garmin Connect’s recently introduced subscription model. Previously free features such as advanced sleep tracking, adaptive training plans and full HRV trend analysis are now part of Garmin Connect Plus; a paid tier costing from £6.99 / $6.99 per month.

While you can still sync workouts, view metrics and access your training history on the free tier, the move has drawn plenty of criticism from long-time users, particularly those paying premium prices for hardware like the Forerunner 570. For many, that monthly fee will be worth it for the richer data and personalized feedback, but it’s still a frustrating shift, especially for new buyers who expect those features to be included as standard after forking out for a very expensive watch!

Value score: 3 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 570: Design

Garmin Forerunner 570 sports tracking - testing in gym — (Image credit: Future)

Premium-feeling aluminum bezel
Colourful strap options make it more appealing
AMOLED screen is bright, vibrant and sharp

It’s fair to say Garmin’s never been one to push the boundaries when it comes to design, but the Forerunner 570 finally dares to break tradition, at least to some extent. In my opinion, this is the most stylish Forerunner to date, thanks to its vibrant color options and new aluminum bezel that upgrades what has traditionally been Garmin’s focus on functionality over form.

Quite ironic, then, that my review device was the smaller 42mm model in the bog-standard black variety, which looks just like any other Garmin watch. Still, the display is the star of the show here anyway.

The Forerunner 570’s 1.2in AMOLED panel is a stunner. Its resolution of 390 x 390 pixels is super crisp, colorful and bright enough to read, even in strong sunlight, and especially when displaying data screens or notification previews.

Despite the big display, the Forerunner 570 stays comfortable for all-day wear. It weighs just 50g (47mm) or 42g (42mm), and the silicone straps feel soft and comfortable on the wrist. Some models also feature slightly translucent straps, a subtle design touch that helps elevate the overall sporty aesthetic.

The traditional five-button Forerunner layout returns, alongside touchscreen controls. The buttons aren’t quite as tactile as those on Garmin’s chunkier Fenix line, but they’re still reliable and work well during sweaty sessions. There’s now also a speaker and mic on board, discreetly integrated into the sides of the case – but more on that later.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 570: Features

Garmin Forerunner 570 face and strap — (Image credit: Future)

No major new software tricks
Grouped glance folders improve on-watch UX
Speaker and mic add a lifestyle smartwatch vibe

The Forerunner 570 brings very little that’s new in terms of features and that might disappoint some. Most of its tools and widgets already exist elsewhere in Garmin’s ecosystem, especially on the older Forerunner 265 and 965 devices. But what it does, it does very well.

Glance folders are now enabled by default, giving you smarter access to related stats like Body Battery, HRV, sleep and training readiness, which helps reduce the scroll-fatigue that often plagues Garmin watches. You can create your own, too, which is a handy upgrade.

Somewhat annoyingly, there’s no ECG support, despite the bundled Elevate v5 sensor being physically capable of it (just like the cheaper Venu 3). It feels like an arbitrarily paywalled feature. There’s still no offline mapping - Garmin saves those features for the higher-end 965 and 970 models. I don’t know about you, but I find that pretty tough to swallow considering the watch’s price. Gulp.

You do get some modest smart features, though. With the built-in mic and speaker, you can now take calls from your wrist (as long as your phone is nearby), use voice assistants, and even hear alarms or music directly from the watch. Music playback supports local MP3s as well as streaming service syncing from Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music.

Notifications, calendar previews and music controls are here too, alongside access to Garmin’s ConnectIQ store, though it remains limited compared to the watchOS or Wear OS ecosystems.

Features score: 3.5 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 570: Performance

Tracking and training tools remain best-in-class
HR and GPS are reliably accurate
Battery life is slightly shorter than its predecessor

If there’s one thing Garmin fans care about, it’s performance and, thankfully, the Forerunner 570 doesn’t disappoint. For starters, it tracks just about every sport you can think of, with over 90 activity modes available. Newer additions include gravel biking, squash (the lack of which I always grumbled about), rucking and obstacle course racing, alongside your staple sports like running, cycling and pool swims. As always, these are easy to find, easy to activate and offer you an overview of stats when you’ve finished tracking them.

The Elevate v5 optical heart rate sensor proved impressively accurate throughout my testing. During workouts like easy runs and long indoor rides, readings seemed consistent.

Where it really stood out, though, was in high-intensity efforts. Wrist-based sensors typically struggle with sudden changes in effort, with heart rate often lagging behind. But the Forerunner 570 seemed to keep up well with rapid shifts in heart rate and recovering smoothly in between spikes. This might be down to improved sensor layout and refined algorithms in the Elevate v5, helping it react faster and with more consistency.

Dual-band GPS with SatIQ mode means you get impressively accurate tracking as well, even in tough urban areas with high rises or wooded environments in more rural settings. It held up well in twisty city runs as well as out in the countryside, delivering routes that aligned near-perfectly with those on the ground. You can pair external sensors too, including cycling power meters.

As always with Garmin, training insights remain reliable. You get VO2 max estimates, race predictions, lactate threshold estimates, and newish metrics like Training Load Ratio, which balances your acute and chronic effort, and environmental acclimation (heat and altitude readiness). You can also access Garmin Coach triathlon training plans, create multi-sport custom workouts, and get Morning and Evening Reports that summarise your readiness, recovery and planned sessions. These aren’t entirely new, but their presentation is slicker than ever on the Forerunner 570.

As a result of that gorgeously bright and vibrant display, however, battery life has taken a bit of a hit. With the AMOLED screen always on, I managed just short of four days of regular use, including daily workouts, notifications and sleep tracking. That’s definitely less than the Forerunner 265, which, in our review, lasted about ten days without a charge with intermediate use. However, this does depend completely on how you use it. Daily long-distance runs with GPS versus a few gym workouts per week are going to give you completely different results.

Nevertheless, in GPS-only mode, the Forerunner 570 manages around 18 hours, which will drop to about 14 if using all-systems GNSS plus music. While that’s not so bad, it’s not best-in-class either, especially considering rivals like Coros and Suunto deliver more.

You can squeeze more juice out of the watch by disabling always-on mode or speaker use if you’re desperate, but this is going to impact your experience. If battery life is the priority for you, you might be best off with a watch from Garmin’s Fenix series.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Garmin Forerunner 570: Scorecard

Garmin Forerunner 570 sensor — (Image credit: Future)

Category	Comment	Score
Value	A little on the high end of the scale for value	3/5
Design	Lightweight, comfortable and new colourways.	4.5/5
Features	Good, but more comprehensive options available.	3.5/5
Performance	Excels as a training tool; tracking best in class	4/5

Garmin Forerunner 570 running outside — (Image credit: Future)

Garmin Forerunner 570: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a stylish Garmin

The colorful designs and aluminum bezel give this the flair older models lacked.View Deal

You need great training tools

From accurate HR and GPS to detailed recovery metrics, it’s rock solid for fitness.View Deal

You like smartwatch extras

Taking calls, playing music, and voice assistant access are welcome additions.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You already own a Forerunner 265

There’s not enough new here to justify the upgrade.View Deal

You want offline maps or ECG

Those features are still locked behind Garmin’s pricier models. View Deal

You’re chasing battery life

The AMOLED screen might be a pull in terms of style, but it hits longevity hard.View Deal

Also consider

Garmin Forerunner 265 (£299)

Still a top performer with most of the same tracking features, and now much cheaper. A smarter buy for many.

Check out our full Garmin Forerunner 265 review View Deal

Coros Pace Pro

Lighter on style but bigger on stamina. A top pick for endurance athletes and budget-conscious buyers

Check out our full COROS Pace Pro review View Deal

Suunto Race S

A solid mid-range AMOLED sports watch with offline maps, better battery life and competitive tracking performance.

Check out our full Suunto Race S review View Deal

How I tested

How I tested I wore the Garmin Forerunner 570 almost daily for three weeks, using it to track a mix of outdoor runs, indoor cycling, strength training and racket sports. I compared GPS tracks and heart rate data against other premium watches, and I also tested its smart features, including music playback, notifications and voice assistant integration. I used the Garmin companion app, Garmin Connect, to review performance and training insights.

First reviewed: June 2025

I tested the Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV, and it has Sony’s most impressive picture quality to date – and that’s saying something

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: DTS, OLED, Sony Bravia, TV | Comments: Off

Sony Bravia 8 II: Two-minute review

The Sony Bravia 8 II is the company’s flagship OLED TV for 2025. Whereas its Sony Bravia 8 predecessor used a mid-range W-OLED display panel, the Bravia 8 II uses a QD-OLED panel, the same type found in the Samsung S95F.

Adding QD-OLED to the Sony Bravia 8 II mix has resulted in a TV with a notably brighter picture than the Bravia 8. It also improved color gamut coverage, with colors looking consistently rich, yet accurate on the Bravia 8 II. The TV’s effective anti-reflective screen lets it carry over those picture quality benefits for bright-room viewing, though the Bravia 8 II’s detailed, refined picture is best appreciated when you dim the lights.

On most of the best TVs, the Bravia 8 II’s slim design might indicate potentially anemic audio –you need to put decent-sized speakers somewhere to get good sound, and slim TV frames don't accommodate that. But Sony provides an ingenious workaround with its Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature, which positions actuators behind the TV’s QD-OLED panel that turn the entire screen into a speaker. As a result, the Bravia 8 II provides relatively full and robust sound for a TV, and its Acoustic Center Sync feature also lets you use it as a dedicated center channel with a compatible Sony soundbar or speaker system.

Google TV is used as the Bravia 8 II’s smart TV platform, and it's an easy-to-navigate system. A built-in mic lets you control the TV using Google Voice Command, and you can also control it using a mic button on the remote or with Alexa speakers if you’re part of the Alexa ecosystem.

PlayStation 5 users unsurprisingly enjoy gaming benefits on the Bravia 8 II, which automatically switches to a preset Game mode and engages auto HDR tone mapping when a connected PS5 console is turned on. The TV also supports 4K 120Hz input, but with only two HDMI 2.1 ports, gamers looking to also connect both an Xbox Series X console plus one of the best soundbars will be disappointed.

The Bravia 8 II is undoubtedly one of the best OLED TVs to be released in 2025, but it has stiff competition from flagship OLEDs such as the Samsung S95F and LG G5, both of which are brighter and more feature-packed. All three sets are currently priced around the same, making the Bravia 8 II a bit of a tough value call, but its charms are many, and its great overall picture and sound quality let it effectively compete with other flagship TVs.

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Price and release date

Sony Bravia 8 II showing abstract painting — Google TV's screensaver mode lets you choose images and artworks to display when the TV is in standby mode (Image credit: Future)

Release date: April 2025
55-inch: $2,999 / £2,499 / AU$3,999
65-inch: $3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,999

Unlike its Bravia 8 OLED TV predecessor, which was available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch screen sizes, the Bravia 8 II is limited to 55- and 65-inch models (though the older Sony A95L TV is being kept around in a 77-inch model only, in case you want a larger option).

Since its April unveiling, prices for both sizes have dropped in the US and Australia, with the 55-inch now priced at $3,299 / AU$2,999 and the 65-inch at $2,999 / AU$3,999.

The Bravia 8 II’s reduced price more closely aligns it with other flagship OLED TVs such as the Samsung S95F ($3,399 / £3,399 / AU$5,295 at launch) and LG G5 ($3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299 at launch). Both those models have also seen early discounts in the US, with the S95F dropping as low as $3,099 and the G5 to $3,199.

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Specs

Screen type:	QD-OLED
Refresh rate:	120Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Smart TV:	Google TV
HDMI ports:	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 3.0 (US)

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Benchmark results

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Features

Sony Bravia 8 II rear panel ports — The Bravia 8 II has four HDMI 2.1 ports, including two inputs with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)

QD-OLED display panel with strong anti-reflection layer
Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound
Perfect for PlayStation 5 gaming tech, but limited other features

The Sony Bravia 8 II features a QD-OLED display panel – an upgrade over the standard W-OLED panel used by its Bravia 8 predecessor. It also uses Sony’s XR Processor, which provides AI-based scene recognition to enhance pictures, along with a bunch of picture processing features that come under the XR umbrella, such as Contrast Booster, Clear Image, and OLED Motion. The Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range formats are supported, but not HDR10+.

A glossy screen with an anti-reflective coating helps to reduce screen glare from indoor light sources on the Bravia 8 II. There’s no Filmmaker Mode, but a range of custom presets, including IMAX Enhanced, Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, and Prime Video Calibrated Mode, are available to optimize pictures for movies, TV shows, and sports.

Sony TVs regularly rank among the best TVs for sound, and the Bravia 8 II provides a range of features that help distinguish it from other TVs when it comes to audio performance. The main one is Acoustic Surface Audio+, which positions actuators behind the TV that turn the entire screen area into a speaker.

There’s also Acoustic Center Sync, a feature that accepts an audio input from a compatible Sony soundbar or speakers so the TV's built-in audio system can be used as a center-channel speaker.

Sony’s 3D Surround Upscaling does exactly what its name implies by boosting two-channel and 5.1-channel soundtracks to an immersive audio presentation, while Voice Zoom 3 uses AI to recognize voices in soundtracks and give them an extra volume boost. Both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats are supported by the Bravia 8 II.

Sony TVs use the Google TV smart TV platform, and the Bravia 8 II has a built-in mic that lets you use Google Assistant for voice commands. A mic button on the TV’s remote control can also be used for voice commands, which has the benefit of not having to leave the TV’s microphone perpetually on (there’s a mic on-off switch on the TV’s input panel).

You can wirelessly stream content to the Bravia 8 II using Google Cast and AirPlay. And if you’re part of the Alexa universe, with Alexa speakers in your home, you can also control the TV using Alexa voice commands.

The Bravia 8 II’s gaming features include support for 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate, auto low-latency mode, and Dolby Vision gaming. It also has a new Gaming Menu 2 for making gaming-related adjustments, and is “Perfect for PlayStation 5,” with an auto HDR tone mapping and auto genre mode features kicking in when a PS5 console is connected.

Unlike the best gaming TVs, which typically provide four HDMI 2.1 inputs, the Bravia 8 II’s HDMI 2.1 input count is limited to two ports out of its four HDMI ports in total.

Features Score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Picture quality

Sony Bravia 8 II showing image of landscape — The Bravia 8 II has above-average brightness for an OLED TV. Its picture holds up well in brighter room lighting conditions, but looks best with lights dimmed (Image credit: Future)

Good brightness for an OLED TV
Inky, detailed shadows and black tones
Rich, yet natural color

When we tested the Sony Bravia 8 in 2024, it yielded only average HDR brightness levels, topping out at 817 nits peak and 182 nits fullscreen brightness in the Standard picture mode.

The new model’s QD-OLED panel pushes peak HDR brightness levels substantially higher, with the Bravia 8 II measuring 1,439 and 1,067 nits in Cinema and Standard modes, respectively. Fullscreen brightness, on the other hand, is only slightly higher, with the Bravia 8 II measuring 183 nits in Cinema mode and 250 nits in Standard mode.

The Bravia 8 II’s brightness results, while an impressive leap over last year’s model, still fall short compared to other 2025 flagship OLED TVs we’ve tested, such as the LG G5 and Samsung S95F, both of which reach well into the 2,000 nits of peak brightness range, and over 350 nits of fullscreen brightness.

That’s not to say that the Bravia 8 II isn’t sufficiently bright; its picture just doesn’t stand up equally well in bright room lighting conditions as those two TVs.

I measured the Bravia 8 II’s coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces in Cinema mode at 99.9% and 87.5%, respectively. Those are both excellent results and are similar to what we measured on the Samsung S95F.

Color point accuracy in the same mode averaged a 2.6 Delta-E value (which is the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3.0 being undetectable by the human eye). In contrast, Cinema mode grayscale accuracy was 5.4 – a less impressive result.

Viewed in dimmed lighting conditions, a 4K Dolby Vision stream of the movie Civil War looked impressively punchy, with the bright highlights from spotlights and bonfires in a nighttime encampment scene contrasting well with the black night sky. Shadow detail was also strong, and the multiple adjustments in the TV’s picture Brightness submenu could be used to fine-tune black levels to bring out even more detail.

I had the same impression when I watched another movie, Alien: Romulus, in 4K Dolby Vision. Blacks in the ship’s shadowy chambers looked inky and deep, and the colored lights of the control panels popped with a high level of brightness.

These and other reference movies I watched with my room's overhead lights turned on lost some of their contrast punch, but black levels remained mostly consistent. The TV’s anti-reflection screen also did a good job of eliminating glare, though lamps positioned across from the TV were reflected in a mirror-like manner.

The Bravia 8 II does an excellent job upscaling older movies and TV shows. Streaming an episode of the detective show Columbo from the 1980s, the picture looked impressively solid and clean, and I could even make out textures in the mullet haircuts of guests in a wedding scene.

Colors in both older and more recent movies looked consistently natural, and the Sony was able to show accurate skin tones while also vividly rendering brightly colored objects, such as a magenta flower bush and a yellow children’s toy, in a scene from Civil War.

Motion handling is very good on the Bravia 8 II. Watching a reference scene from the film No Time to Die, where James Bond walks across a hillside cemetery, there was only a slight degree of judder and blur visible, and it could be easily lessened by setting the TV’s Motionflow Smoothness settings to Film (2) and Camera (2).

Picture quality score: 5 / 5

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Sound quality

Sony Bravia 8 II speaker on back panel — Actuators positioned behind the Bravia 8 II's OLED display panel effectively turn the TV's screen into a speaker (Image credit: Future)

Acoustic Surface Audio+ turns the screen into a speaker
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Acoustic Center Sync lets you connect TV with external speakers

Acoustic Surface Audio+ on the Bravia 8 II uses actuators positioned behind the TV’s screen that transform the entire screen into a speaker. This design provides a sense of dialogue emanating directly from the characters on-screen, and it also lets sound effects track accurately with the action.

Both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats are supported by the Bravia 8 II, along with IMAX Enhanced. The latter means you can stream the library of movies with DTS:X soundtracks contained in both the Sony Pictures Core and Disney+ apps, and experience them with IMAX Enhanced post-processing, which is intended to deliver the same extended dynamic range you hear in IMAX cinemas.

Dialogue in movies like Civil War sounded clear and well-defined on the Bravia 8 II, and the Voice Zoom 3 feature helped to elevate voices in battle scenes with lots of background noise. The TV’s Acoustic Center Sync feature, meanwhile, let me use it as a center channel speaker by connecting a cable from the TV to Sony’s Bravia Theater Quad wireless speakers, while the Bravia Connect app made it easy to calibrate the center channel level for a smooth blend with the rest of the system.

Once I had that set up, the TV worked very effectively as a center channel speaker, with voices sounding natural and full-bodied. Listened to on its own without the Bravia Theater Quad setup, the TV’s built-in speakers delivered reasonably full sound with movies, with a good sense of ambience, but bass was limited – something to be expected from a TV with such a slim profile.

Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Design

Sony Bravia 8 II support foot on TV stand — The Bravia 8 II's two-way support feet can either be set flush or at a 3-inch height level (as shown) to clear space for a soundbar (Image credit: Future)

Slim One Slate design
Two-way aluminum support feet
Full-sized, backlit remote control

Sony’s Slim One Slate design for the Bravia 8 II gives the TV a bezel-free 'all-picture' look, and its textured back panel makes things look good even from the back and sides. Sturdy aluminum support feet at the TV’s outer edges can be set for either a flush installation with the screen positioned directly on a stand or an elevated one, with three inches of space cleared for a soundbar.

Connections are located in a side-mounted panel and include four HDMI ports with two HDMI 2.1 inputs providing 4K 120Hz support, a mini-jack speaker input for the Acoustic Center Sync feature, USB-A and Ethernet ports, and an antenna input for the TV’s ATSC 3.0 broadcast tuner (US-only). Sony gives you detachable panels to conceal the input and power cord sections post-installation, which will reduce cable clutter and maintain the TV’s 360-degree good looks.

Sony’s medium-sized remote control sits comfortably in the hand and includes a full enough array of control buttons that you won’t have to visit the TV’s onscreen menus to do something as simple as switch inputs. Direct access buttons are provided for key apps like Netflix and Prime Video, and also for more obscure ones such as the Crunchyroll Anime service.

Oddly, the Bravia 8 II’s remote isn’t the same Eco Remote version provided with last year’s Bravia 8 and Sony Bravia 9 TVs, one that uses a USB-C port for charging. It is made from 79.7% recycled plastic, however.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Smart TV and menus

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Sony Bravia 8 II Google TV interface — The Bravia 8 II's main For You homescreen (Image credit: Future)

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Google TV
Live program grid integrates FAST and broadcast channels
Quick Settings menu provides easy access to adjustments

Sony TVs use the Google TV smart TV platform, one with a homescreen dominated by a big rotating banner up top with ads for shows. Some of those ads, along with the row of ‘Top picks for you’ content suggestions directly below, are based on your viewing and web browsing activity, which is something you give Google access to when you sign in with a Google account.

Google TV offers a complete array of streaming apps, and these are arrayed in a row at the bottom of the homescreen in an order that can be customized. Tabs at the top of the homescreen let you access Live TV and Sony screens, among other options, with the Sony screen providing access to Sony Pictures Core movie streaming selections as well as instructional videos on how to operate the TV.

The Live TV screen is worth commenting upon because it nicely integrates Google Freeplay free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels with broadcast TV ones pulled in by the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner. Both FAST and broadcast channels can be browsed in a time-based program grid, with program information provided for each channel.

As with other Google TVs, accessing picture, sound, and system settings on the Bravia 8 II involves pressing the gear icon on the remote, or the same thing on the top right corner of the Google TV homescreen. Sony provides an extensive range of adjustments for dialing in the Bravia 8 II’s picture, although getting to these involves wading deep through menus.

An easier option for making adjustments is to press the wrench icon button on the remote, which calls up the TV’s Quick Settings menu at the bottom of the screen. From here you can scroll through options like picture settings, picture modes, brightness, and various audio adjustments, and you can also edit the menu to add or remove options.

Smart TV & menus score: 4 / 5

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Gaming

Sony Bravia 8 II showing image of game with Game bar menu — The Bravia 8 II's Game Bar 3 menu overlay (Image credit: Future)

Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support
Perfect for PlayStation 5 features
Comparatively high 16.3ms input lag

The Bravia 8 II offers a fair number of gaming features, the most notable being 'Perfect for PlayStation 5' features, which include an Auto HDR Tone Mapping mode when input from a PS5 gaming console is detected to match the dynamic range of the generated images to exactly what the screen is capable of showing.

An Auto Genre Picture Mode feature will also automatically turn on the TV’s Game picture mode for the PS5, and Sony’s Game Menu 2 lets you make onscreen gaming-related picture and other adjustments.

Other gaming features supported by the Bravia 8 II include Dolby Vision gaming, variable refresh rate, and auto low-latency mode. Two of the TV’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs support 4K 120 Hz input for gaming consoles, though nowadays it's becoming more common to see three or more HDMI 2.1 inputs on TVs.

Using a Leo Bodnar 4K meter, I measured input lag in Game Mode on the Bravia 8 II at 16.3ms, a notably higher level than on other TVs we’ve recently tested, some of which measure below 10ms on the same test.

Gaming score: 4 / 5

Sony Bravia 8 II review: Value

Sony Bravia 8 II remote control held in hand — The Bravia 8 II's medium-sized remote control lacks the USB-C charging capability of the Sony Eco Remote provided with 2024 Sony TVs (Image credit: Future)

Priced roughly the same as top OLED competition
Lower overall brightness than top OLED competition
Less extensive gaming features than competition

At its $2.999 reduced price in the US, the Bravia 8 II currently costs less than the 2025 flagship OLED TVs from LG and Samsung. But does that make it a great OLED TV value?

The Bravia 8 II has fantastic overall picture quality, with high brightness for an OLED TV. Its picture lacks the mini-LED-rivalling brightness levels of the Samsung S95F and LG G5, however, and it looks best in dimmed lighting conditions, where the TV’s exceptional contrast, rich color, and fine detail can be fully appreciated.

Sony’s top OLED also has impressive sound quality for such a slim and stylish TV, and it provides several features that let it easily integrate with compatible Sony soundbars and wireless speakers for even better sound performance.

The Bravia 8 II’s Gaming features, while good, aren’t as extensive as what you’ll find on top TVs from Samsung and LG, though there are particular benefits for PlayStation 5 console owners.

Looked at in terms of value, the Bravia 8 II is specifically a best bet for movie fans who don’t mind dimming the lights a bit, though its picture is also bright enough to hold up in well-lit rooms. It doesn’t exactly beat this year’s flagship OLED TV competition, but with price reductions having already kicked in, at least it's competitively priced.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Sony Bravia 8 II?

Sony Bravia 8 II with Sony Theater Quad wireless speaker — The Bravia 8 II's built-in audio system can be set up to serve as a center channel speaker when paired with Sony's Bravia Theater Quad wireless speakers (shown) or soundbars (Image credit: Future)

Sony Bravia 8 II
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Innovative Sony-centric audio features and special capabilities for PS5 owners make this an appealing TV for Sony fans	4.5 / 5
Picture quality	Impressive brightness, color and contrast plus a detailed, accurate picture make this set especially easy on the eyes	5 / 5
Sound quality	Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ feature delivers relatively full, spacious sound from a slim TV	4.5 / 5
Design	A slim, elegant design with cable management and two-way adjustable feet that can clear space for a soundbar	4.5 / 5
Smart TV and menus	Google TV is a solid smart TV system and Sony's Quick Settings menu provides easy access to picture and sound adjustments	4 / 5
Gaming	Good features for PS5 owners, but only two HDMI 2.1 ports and comparatively high input lag in Game mode	4 / 5
Value	Pricey, but its impressive picture and sound quality help it to stand up to the premium OLED competition	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a great TV for movies
The Bravia 8 II has great overall picture quality, and its picture processing makes everything, even old TV shows and YouTube videos look good, but it really shines with 4K movies on streaming and Blu-ray disc.

You want to use it with a Sony soundbar or wireless speakers
The Bravia 8 II has audio features that let it be used as a center speaker in a Sony surround sound system with compatible Sony soundbars and wireless speakers.

You mainly watch in bright rooms
While the Bravia 8 II has high brightness for an OLED TV, it doesn’t hit the same mini-LED brightness levels as its flagship competition, a quality that makes those TVs a good option for bright room viewing.

Don't buy it if…

You want the best TV for gaming
The Bravia 8 II has a solid set of gaming features, but there are only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and it lacks the same cloud-based gaming options found on LG and Samsung TVs.

You mainly watch in a bright room
While the Bravia 8 II has high brightness for an OLED TV, it doesn’t hit the same mini-LED brightness levels as its flagship competition that makes them a good option for bright room viewing.View Deal

You want to save money
The Bravia 8 II is a premium OLED TV that sells for a premium price. Cheaper mini-LED TV options are widely available that offer very good picture quality at a much lower price.

Sony Bravia 8 II: Also consider...

	Sony Bravia 8 II	LG G5	Samsung S95F	Sony Bravia 8
List price (65-inch)	$3,399 / £3,399 / AU$5,295	$3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299	$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299	$2,799 / £2,699 / AU$4,495
Screen type	QD-OLED	OLED	QD-OLED	OLED
Refresh rate	120Hz	165Hz	165Hz	120Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG	Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV	Google TV	webOS	Tizen	Google TV
HDMI ports	4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)	4x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

LG G5
The LG G5’s innovative ‘four-stack’ OLED panel delivers exceptional brightness levels for an OLED TV. It also has a superior set of gaming features compared to the Bravia 8 II, along with a more advanced smart TV platform.

Here’s our LG G5 review

Samsung S95F
Samsung’s flagship OLED TV is another OLED that delivers mini-LED-rivalling brightness levels, and its Glare Free 2.0 screen effectively eliminates reflections when viewing in bright rooms. Like the LG G5, it also has a superior set of gaming features and a more advanced smart TV platform.

Here’s our Samsung S95F review

Sony Bravia 8
The Bravia 8 is still available, and it provides many of the same audio and gaming features as the Bravia 8 II. Its picture has notably lower peak brightness than the Bravia 8 II, but if you’re okay with dimming the lights, you’ll get a great OLED picture at a much reduced price.

Here’s our Sony Bravia 8 review

How I tested the Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense U9N TV being measured for brightness by reviewer — Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

I spent about 15 viewing hours in total, measuring and evaluating
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using them for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with the smart TV menu and picture adjustments.

I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.

For the Sony Bravia 8 II, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

First reviewed: June 2025
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The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni got my filthy windows sparkling clean in minutes, and I can’t quite believe it

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Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: two-minute review

I've reviewed a lot of products during my time as a tech journalist, from tiny smart rings right the way through to electric cars, but I can honestly say that the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni is one of the most impressive devices I've ever used.

It does exactly what it promises, getting even filthy windows spotlessly clean, and it's so easy to use that you barely need to glance at the instruction manual. In the words of the late Steve Jobs, it just works.

TechRadar Smart Home Week

This article is part of TechRadar's Smart Home Week 2025. From lighting and switches to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, we're here to help you pick the right devices to make your life easier, and get the most out of them.

It's more expensive than some of its rivals (such as the Hobot S7 Pro, which we tested recently), but the Winbot W2 Pro Omni offers a lot to justify its price tag. Its portable power station is particularly useful, allowing you to use the bot even when you can't access a power outlet.

The station holds enough charge for about 100 minutes of cleaning, and doubles as storage for the bot and its accessories, so you can clean the outside of your home without having to feed power cables through windows or rely on extension leads.

Bumpers on each of the Winbot's edges let it know when it's reached a window frame and needs to change direction, but it also has a small spherical sensor on each corner that allow it to detect the edges of frameless glass panels. This means you can use it on glass balcony walls, as well as shower doors and even mirrors.

You can use the bot straight out of the box – just fill its reservoir with cleaning solution, dampen its cleaning cloth and you're ready to start – but connecting it to your phone via the Ecovacs app unlocks its full set of cleaning modes, including light cleaning for interior surfaces that need a quick spruce-up, spot cleaning for troublesome grime like bird poop, and edge cleaning. There's even a manual mode, so you can drive the bot around your window yourself.

Most importantly, the Winbot will get glass really, really clean. I tested it on some embarrassingly filthy windows that hadn't seen soap in over a year, and despite only using a spritz of cleaner and a damp cloth, the bot got them spotless with just one cleaning cycle.

The bot never lost suction either, though the power station should be weighty enough to anchor it in the unlikely event that it does drop. There's even a tether so that you can secure the power station to something solid for even more peace of mind.

I only encountered two minor issues during my time with the Winbot. First, the fact that it has a round sensor in each corner means the microfiber cloth can't get right into the corners of your windows where dirt sometimes accumulates. It's not a huge problem, though, and you can give them a quick wipe after removing the cloth from the robot post-cleaning.

Second, the noise of the Winbot's fan sometimes drowns out the spoken instructions emitted through a speaker on the power station. A volume control would be a worthwhile addition, even if it's only accessible through the app.

In all other ways, the Winbot excels, and I'd happily give it a place in my own home; I don't think my windows have ever been so clean, and it took virtually no effort.

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: price and availability

Costs $699.99 / AU$999, but sometimes on offer
Not currently sold in the UK
More affordable Winbot devices are also available

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni is Ecovacs’ top-end window-cleaning robot, and costs $699.99 / AU$999. It’s sometimes available for a discount, and if you have any of the company’s other products (such as a robot vacuum), you can save a little more cash by signing up for the membership program within the Ecovacs app and completing tasks like connecting your robot via Bluetooth for the first time.

It’s certainly a premium price tag, but if your budget won’t stretch that far, there are other options. For example, the regular Winbot W2 Omni, has all the same features as the Pro, except for the ability to charge its battery and clean simultaneously. This is the only version of the bot available in the UK, where it costs £519.99.

If your windows are all within reaching distance of a power outlet, you might prefer to opt for the Winbot W1 Pro, which costs $399.99 / AU$799. It’s currently sold out in the UK, but has similar specs to the £329 Hobot S7 Pro, which we tested recently.

There’s also the smaller Winbot Mini, which is $239.99 / £299 and can clean windows less than 25cm wide. The Winbot Mini isn’t available in Australia.

Value score: 4/5

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: design

Portable power pack for cleaning away from an electrical outlet
The Winbot itself is lightweight and ergonomically designed
Strong cable to prevent the bot dropping if it loses suction
Power pack can also be tethered for peace of mind

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni is unusual for a robot window cleaner in that it’s connected to an external battery pack, so you can use it without a permanent connection to a power socket. This makes it easy to move around the inside and outside of your house, and helps you get the job done faster.

The standard Winbot W2 Omni also has a power pack, but as mentioned above, the Pro version can clean while it charges. This means you can juice it up while cleaning your interior windows, then take it outside fully charged for the exterior work.

WinBot W2 Omni inside charging case — (Image credit: Future)

The power pack has a robust, comfortable handle with a rubberized grip, and a soft base that protects and grips onto hard floors. It doubles as a storage case for the Winbot and its accessories. These include a bottle of cleaning solution, two cleaning cloths, and a charging cable.

The power station weighs 11.5lbs / 5.2kg, which will probably be enough to anchor the bot in the unlikely event that it drops off the window, but there’s also a strong tether with a carabiner clip so you can secure the station to something solid for extra peace of mind.

WinBot W2 Omni charging cable and tether — The power station alone should be heavy enough to anchor the Winbot in the unlikely event that it falls, but you can also secure it using a tether for extra peace of mind (Image credit: Future)

The Winbot itself is very light in the hand, with a soft, leather-like handle and a power button that’s easily operated with your thumb. Blue lights on the top and underside of the bot show when the power is on.

On the top you’ll find a small reservoir for cleaning fluid, which holds about 60ml. That might not sound like much, but the bot is very frugal with it. When the bot is working, the fluid sprays out of nozzles on the top and bottom depending on its direction of travel, and is mopped up with the cloth.

Adding window cleaner to WinBot W2 Omni — The Winbot has a reservoir for cleaning solution, and will alert you when it's starting to run low (Image credit: Future)

Turn it over and you’ll see two tracks that allow the bot to move across your window, an inlet for the suction that holds it firmly against the glass, and a textured surface that holds a microfiber cloth in place.

Bumpers on each edge tell the bot when it’s met a window frame, and spherical sensors in each corner detect the edges of surfaces without a frame. You’ll be prompted to clean these regularly, which only takes a quick wipe.

Cleaning cloth attached to WinBot W2 Omni — The bot comes with two microfiber cleaning cloths, so you can wash one while using the other (Image credit: Future)

The Winbot is connected to the power pack by a robust cable, which according to Ecovacs has a tensile strength of up to 100kg. The cable has a smooth braided nylon exterior, which lets it move smoothly without snagging if you need to run it through an open window.

Before using the Winbot, you check the reservoir has enough cleaner, then dampen the cloth and place it on the bottom of the machine. Unlike the Hobot S7 Pro, it uses one cloth at a time, so you don’t have to worry about lining up separate pieces. When it’s dirty, either turn it over and continue cleaning, or toss it in the wash and use the spare one provided.

Design score: 5/5

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: performance

Exceptional cleaning, even on very dirty windows
Can also be used on frameless glass surfaces
Never lost suction during testing
Fan sometimes drowns out spoken instructions

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni exceeded all my expectations, and made light work of some frankly filthy windows, despite only using a spritz of cleaner and a damp cloth. The before and after image below shows just how much grime its ‘thorough’ cleaning program can remove with a single pass on each side of the glass, and I think it speaks for itself.

Split image showing window before and after cleaning with WinBot W2 Omni — Window before using the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni, and after (Image credit: Future)

The Winbot is also extremely easy to use, and the battery pack even comes pre-charged so you can start cleaning straight away. To begin, just fill the reservoir with cleaning solution (the bottle has a fine nozzle that prevents accidental spillage), put the damp cloth in place, hold the button on the power pack for two seconds until you hear a chime, then hold the Winbot against your window and hold its button for another two seconds.

The suction will begin and the bot will swivel a little to make sure it’s established a good seal against the glass. A speaker in the power pack will announce when the bot is firmly attached to the window and it’s safe to let go.

Person's hand holding WinBot W2 Omni against window — Press the power button for two seconds and the Winbot will attach itself securely to your window (and wiggle a little) (Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve released it, the bot will roll across your window, gently nudging your frame or detecting the edge of the glass, and changing direction accordingly. Its wide-angle nozzles will spray a little cleaner every few seconds, while the cloth works to lift dirt. The Winbot will ‘remember’ the dimensions of your window, helping ensure it gets right to the edges on subsequent passes.

Once it’s finished cleaning, the bot will always return to where it started, making it ideal for cleaning tricky windows where you can’t reach the whole pane.

Because the robot only uses a light spray of cleaner and a damp cloth, there’s no need to worry about runs and drips. However, I’d still recommend working from top to bottom in case the spray hits your bottom windows as the bot is moving.

WinBot W2 Omni cleaning window seen from the outside — The bot has a spherical sensor at each corner, which detect if it's reached the edge of a pane of glass (Image credit: Future)

Although it’s not mandatory, the Ecovacs mobile app gives you access to a lot more cleaning modes, including edge cleaning, light cleaning for indoor surfaces, and manual control so you can drive the bot around the window yourself and tackle stubborn marks.

Setup is straightforward - just install the app and create an account, allow it to connect to the bot via Bluetooth, and give the bot a name to unlock its full collection of cleaning modes:

Fast cleaning
Spot cleaning
Deep cleaning
Thorough cleaning
Edge cleaning
Zone cleaning
Heavy-dury cleaning

Controlling WinBot using Ecovacs app — Using the Ecovacs app will unlock the Winbot's full set of cleaning modes (Image credit: Future)

The last mode is particularly useful, allowing you to change the cloth partway through cleaning a pane, then resume in the same place.

I particularly appreciated the Winbot’s ability to clean frameless glass. This would be very handy if you have frameless glass panels around the edge of a balcony, but it also means you can use it to clean mirrors or even shower doors. Unlike the Hobot S7 Pro, the Winbot W2 Pro Omni copes well with surfaces that are too small for it to make a complete turn.

WinBot W2 Omni on window — Sensitive bumpers on the bot's edges let it know when it's reached the window frame (Image credit: Future)

The bot never ran into trouble during my testing, but if it does somehow lose suction, the speaker on the power pack will issue a loud warning chime and the light on the Winbot will turn red to indicate a problem.

In fact, I only experienced two small issues during my time testing the bot. First, although the Winbot W2 Pro Omni is relatively quiet (Ecovacs cites a range of 76dB to 63dB, and during my tests it averaged around the lower end of this scale), sometimes the noise of its fans made it hard to hear the spoken instructions from the speaker in the power pack. I would have appreciated a volume control to make the announcements a bit louder.

Secondly, the spherical sensors on the underside of the bot mean the cloth can’t reach right into the very corners of your window. I can’t really see a way to avoid this, and you can easily give the corners of the glass a quick wipe with the microfiber cloth after you’ve removed it.

Overall though, I was extremely impressed by the Winbot W2 Pro Omni. I had modest expectations after hearing about my colleague Ruth’s experiences with her first window-cleaning robot, but the Winbot blew me away. If you’ve been wondering whether to pick one up, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Winbot W2 Pro Omni?

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Ultra score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	A premium robot window cleaner with a price tag to match. Slightly lower-spec versions are available if your budget won't stretch this far.	4/5
Design	The portable battery pack is a great addition that lets you use the bot virtually anywhere, and anti-drop systems give peace of mind. Bot itself is light and comfortable to hold, and easy to use.	5/5
Performance	Exceptional cleaning performance with or without the app, even on frankly filthy windows, with easy clean-up afterwards.	5/5

Buy it if

You struggle to clean windows manually
Cleaning windows is labor-intensive, but with the Winbot W2 Pro Omni, there's no scrubbing, carrying water, or worrying about ladders.

Your home has a lot of glass
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni can handle glass with or without a frame, making it great for a lot more than just windows.

Don't buy it if

You can't reach your windows at all
Even if you can't touch the entire window, you need to be able to reach far enough to place the Winbot on the glass and take it off again.

You have particularly small windows
The Winbot W2 Pro Omni doesn't need much space to work, but bear in mind that it measures 10.7 inches / 27cm square, so it won't physically fit on very small panes of glass.

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni: also consider

Ecovacs Winbot W2 Omni

This robot window cleaner has everything the Pro version does, except for the ability to charge while it's cleaning. If you can't quite justify the price of the top-end model, it's one to consider.

Hobot S7 Pro

The Hobot S7 Pro is a more affordable window-cleaning robot, though during our testing it didn't clean as well as the Winbot. If your windows aren't too dirty then it may be worth investigating.

Read our full Hobot S7 Pro review

How I tested the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni

I used the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni to clean windows of various sizes, including floor-to-ceiling panes, on the inside and out using the cleaning solution provided. Many of the windows were very dirty on the outside and presented a tough challenge. I used the robot in its default mode (thorough cleaning), and tested its various different presets.

I also tested the Winbot on frameless glass panels, including a shower door and mirrors of various sizes to see whether its sensors would successfully detect the edges, and how well it would cope with surfaces not much larger than the bot itself.

I assessed how easy the Winbot was to use, and checked for any design features that might prove problematic over time. I also checked the volume of its fan in operation using a decibel meter.

First tested June 2025

They’re ‘fine’, but JLab’s new open earbuds fall victim to just how many ace pairs I’ve tested this year…so fine no longer cuts it

1:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

JLab Epic Open Sport: Two minute review

The hottest earbuds craze of 2025 is open earbuds. These are usually hook-like headphones (no headband or neckband) that don't invade your ear canals and as such, let in surrounding sound so you can be safe and aware outdoors.

That said, not all makers have figured out to solve the fit and sound quality problems that come with the design territory. Key player JLab isn’t going to be left out of the tournament, but its most premium offering – the Epic Open Sport and the subject of this review – in the space doesn’t do enough to compete with what I've seen in the first half of the year.

The JLab Epic Open Sport were released over six months after JLab’s last offering in the area, the JBuds Open Sport, and our list of the best open earbuds has been changing near-constantly during that time. Back when those older buds were released, I hadn’t tested any that I thought provided decent sound quality, and was constantly facing buds which fit poorly and without a tip to anchor the buds in the ear.

That’s no longer the case though and while the Epic Open Sport match some of their top contemporaries in terms of price, the buds lack refinement in a few key areas and they simply don’t have that one unique selling point or draw that’ll cause you to consider them over their rivals.

When I say ‘lack of refinement’, I’m primarily looking at design. The case is bulky and cheap-feeling, with a poking-out-logo that catches dust. The grooves for the buds within said case don’t hold them very well. The buds too are bigger than many rivals (although I never had any comfort problems when wearing them).

The earbuds don’t have too many features either, beyond the relative must-haves in 2025 (an equalizer; the ability to customize what touch controls do) with a battery life that’s decidedly average too. And in terms of sound, the JLabs are nothing to write home about, although the sound profile does feel custom-picked to appeal to sports users so I’ll give kudos for that.

You can probably guess, given that my main issue with the JLab Epic Open Sport is that I don’t think they offer value for money or a competitive hook in a crowded marked, that there’s not anything particularly wrong with them either. They work well and rarely in my testing did I find something to grumble about. Purchase them and you won't be disappointed – you just won't be wowed either.

But if you’re on the market for open-ear buds, you’ve got plenty of superior options to consider for the money (more on those later), so it’s hard to make a case for the JLabs over those, in this busy market.

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Specifications

Component	Value
Water resistant	IP55
Battery life	7 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total)
Bluetooth type	Bluetooth 5.4
Weight	16.8g / Charging case: 49.9g
Driver	14mm

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Price and availability

The JLab Epic Open Sport on a tennis racquet. — (Image credit: Future)

Released in April 2025
Cost $114.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99
JLab's priciest sports or open-ear buds

The JLab Epic Open Sport were announced in April 2025 and put on sale near the end of that month.

The buds cost $114.99 / £99.99 / AU$199.99, which makes them JLab’s priciest open-ears, $55 / £40 / AU$50 more than last year’s JBuds Open Sport. It also makes them JLab’s most premium sports-hook earbuds too.

In the open-ear market, you can also find the likes of the excellent Huawei FreeArc, Honor Earbuds Open and (less fantastic, but still) Acefast Acefit Pro for roughly the same asking fee – it’s a really competitive price area.

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Design

Case has a few minor issues...
... but supports wireless charging
Buds feel bulky, but fit well

Both the case and the buds for the JLab Epic Open Sport feel a little on the big side – in the former case at least it’s far from the chunkiest I’ve seen though.

Let’s start with that case. It weighs 49.6g (discounting, I presume, the buds themselves), measures 26 x 76 x 67mm and comes adorned with a large and slighty-jutting-out JLab logo (you can actually push it in a tiny bit if you want, which seems like an unintentional design decision). It opens in a clamshell style and there’s a USB-C charging port at the back.

The case’s plastic material feels a little cheap in the hand, and the looks of the thing make it seem unrefined. The buds also don’t sit in the case properly if you lightly drop them in, and I had to push down on them to make sure they were charging properly. However, points awarded for one premium feature: the case supports wireless charging.

Onto the buds themselves, these weigh 16.8g each so are some of the heavier open-ear buds I’ve tested, but it’s a negligible difference of a few grams. They consist of a bulky bud, a sport loop and a counterweight, all of which you can see in the images.

What you may not see is all the touch controls: the button atop the bud is obvious but you can also tap the JLab logo for a different function. I found the latter pretty unreliable in picking up my touch but the use of a physical button for the former made these buds much easier to use than some touch capacitive solutions I've tested.

Despite being a little heavier than the norm, I found the JLabs comfortable to wear. I could use them for long periods of time without feeling them weigh me down or rub my ears, and they stayed in place solidly without moving around too much above my ear.

There’s only one color option: black, for both the buds and case – so if you want snazzier colors you're out of luck here. The buds do have an IP55 rating which offers limited protection against dust ingress and also protection from low-pressure water jets (including rain), but they can't be immersed in water – so no swimming, OK?

Design score: 3.5/5

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Features

7-hour battery life (30 for case)
Useful 10-band EQ
Small ambient sounds library within the app

JLab has put the Epic Open Sport battery life at 7 hours, a figure I’d roughly back from my testing time, with the charging case bumping that up to 30 hours.

Those figures are both basically standard for earbuds, although some open-ears beat that figure by a considerable margin. Like most (though not all) same-form rivals, there’s no noise cancellation at play here – you may laugh, but the aforementioned Honor Earbuds Open do have ANC, and very good it is too.

To get the most of your Epic Open Sports, you can download the smartphone app, simply called ‘JLab’.

This lets you adjust both the touch and button controls of the buds, set a volume limit and toggle between Music Mode and Movie Mode (nowhere on JLab’s site or app can I find information on what this does but, judging by rival devices’ equivalents, the latter likely reduces latency at the expense of detailed audio quality). The app also has a limited library of ambient sounds you can listen to, which is a fairly unusual – though hardly unheard-of – inclusion.

Its equalizer is perhaps the main reason you’d download the JLab app. There are two presets, simply called EQ1 and EQ2, but a 10-band custom mode lets audiophiles design their bespoke mix.

All things considered, that’s a pretty light feature set, with no unique selling point or range of extras to win over buyers. At least the Bluetooth connection was reliable, not dropping at all during testing, and pairing was quick and easy.

Features score: 3.5/5

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Sound performance

14mm driver
V-shaped audio profile helps sports users
Max volume could be higher

The JLab Epic Open Sport aren’t going to top my list of the best-sounding open ear buds I’ve ever tested, but they’re definitely nearer the top of the list than the bottom.

JLab has given the buds 14mm drivers and they connect via Bluetooth 5.4. They support the SBC, AAC, MPEC-2 and LDAC codecs which could appease some audiophiles but, as you can tell from the name, these are mainly for sports users.

The buds have a V-shaped sound, emphasising bass and treble and leaving mids by the wayside. As someone who likes balanced sound, initial impressions weren’t in the JLab’s favor, but when I started using them for sports (specifically, for Epic Open Sport, the only type I know), it all fell into place.

This kind of profile benefits exercisers: heavy scooping bass to keep the rhythm, piercing treble to cut through the noise at the gym. A little bit of peaking, some tinny sibilance, a limited sound stage can be overlooked. It’s not for audiophiles, but I think people who want tunes as they work out or run will appreciate how these sound more than some better-sounding rivals.

What isn’t as handy is the max volume, which isn’t quite as high as I would’ve liked. When I was running past busy intersections my tunes would fight against the sound of traffic — and lose, lots of the time.

Sound performance score: 3.5/5

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Value

The JLab Epic Open Sport aren’t cheap, and their price roughly matches some competitive rivals (read more in the next section of this review).

However the specs don’t quite match up — the JLabs are good, but you can get greatness for the same price and in light of these competitors, it’s hard to view the Epic Open Sport as offering that good value for money.

If you find these things reduced below the $100 / £100 / AU$200 mark, that’ll definitely change. But for now, their lack of refinement or a unique selling point makes them hard to recommend from a value perspective.

Value score: 3/5

JLab Epic Open Sport review: scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	At recommended retail price, the Epic Open Sport don't offer much to draw your attention away from other options that cost the same.	3/5
Design	The earbuds fit well and sit on the ear reliably, with a useful button for controls. But they're a bit big and the case isn't one of the better ones I've seen.	3.5/5
Features	The feature set is quite limited, although what the JLab does have works well.	3.5/5
Sound	Sports users will enjoy the V-shaped sound which offers ample bass and treble, though audiophiles will find the sound lacking.	3.5/5

JLab Epic Open Sport review: Should you buy them?

Buy them if...

You're buying sound for sports
The sound profile of the buds will appeal most to people who need thumping bass and clear treble as they run or work out.

You rely on an equalizer
An equalizer is no sure thing when you buy headphones, but the JLabs' 10-band one gives you customization over your sound.

You want an option with wireless charging
Wireless charging isn't a common feature in earbuds, let alone open-ear ones, so if you really want such a product, the JLab might be one to consider.

Don't buy them if...

You like a lightweight case
Sure, open earbuds cases tend to be pretty big, but you can find smaller and better-designed ones on other buds.

You want a full suite of features
If you look elsewhere on the open-ear market you can find noise cancellation, listening tests, 'find-my-bud' features and a lot more.

You want a budget option
JLab sells lots of cheap earbuds, including sports and open-ear options, but the Epic Open Sport aren't them. These are more premium offerings.View Deal

Also consider

Component	JLab Epic Open Sport	Huawei FreeArc	Honor Earbuds Open	AceFast AceFit Pro
Water resistant	IP55	IP57	IP54	IP54
Battery life	7 hours (earbuds) 30 hours (total)	7 hours (earbuds), 28 hours (total)	6 hours (earbuds), 40 hours (total)	6 hours (earbuds) 25 hours (total)
Bluetooth type	Bluetooth 5.4	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.4
Weight	16.8g / Charging case: 49.6g	8.9g / Charging case: 67g	7.9g / Charging case: 52.5g	7.8g / Charging case: 80g
Driver	14mm	17x12mm	16mm	20x8mm

Huawei FreeArc

The best-sounding open earbuds on the market right now come from Huawei, which match the JLab in price (though aren't available everywhere). They're also much lighter than the Epic Sport.

Read our full Huawei FreeArc review

Honor Earbuds Open

If it's the feature set you care about, then the same-price Honor Earbuds Open are worth considering. These offer noise cancellation, the ability to hunt down missing earbuds and even a translator. The case is also lovely and small.

Read our full Honor Earbuds Open review

How I tested

I used the JLab Epic Open Sport for over three weeks before I started writing this review, and I continued to test them during the writing process.

I wore them to the gym and on runs, but also in non-sports situations like walking to the shops or working at home. They were paired the whole time with my Android smartphone.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar for over six years and that's included plenty of open-ear buds, especially through the first half of 2025.

Where lies man, so lies dark

Herald of Yatagarasu converses with Raidou in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

In 1930s Japan, a young lady approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a shocking request. She wants you to kill her. But before you can hear exactly why, she’s kidnapped by mysterious individuals in red capes.

So, in steps Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, an apprentice detective at the Narumi Detective Agency who aims to serve the capital – not only by helping citizens with their day-to-day needs, but also by keeping things in check within the Dark Realm – a curious juncture between the real world and the netherworld, where demons lurk.

And now it’s down to Raidou and his allied demons to solve the mystery of the kidnapped girl... which, in turn, leads you to unveil a far greater conspiracy than you could ever imagine.

Of course, I don’t want to give away too many details plot-wise. But I can assure you that there are plenty of twists and turns as the mystery unravels – and that mystery remains gripping throughout. In addition, you don’t have to sit through hours of warm up before the story really gets going.

Best bit

Ippon-Datara converses with Raidou in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

The best part of any Megami Tensei title is witnessing the often wacky and wild nature of the various demons you encounter. At one point, I ran into a deeply troubled demon named Ippon-Datara who felt compelled, desperate even, to construct a wall blocking my path. It was only after I called him stupid, and got an earful about eating brains with a spoon that he eventually cleared the way. Classic SMT.

Yep, you’re flung straight into the middle of a dark case, in a city flooded with characters in need of your support – sometimes in the main story, and other times through brief, yet enjoyable side quests called Case Files. And you’ll meet a real range of individuals throughout the game’s runtime. No really, I ran into everyone from a yakuza captain through to a zany demon-fusing scientist – and that’s just in the real world!

These characters help to expose many of the game's key themes, which are tightly interwoven with the 1930s setting. There are frequent questions around the morality of war and the role of economic injustice on people’s everyday lives, for instance.

And I felt that I could connect to the cast thanks to newly added voice acting – one of the best inclusions in this remaster. Whether it's the somewhat lazy, yet playful Detective Narumi or rival Devil Summoner, Rasputin, expressive voice acting injects so much more personality into each character. Even the demons have some incredibly entertaining – sometimes bizarre dialogue that add so much whimsy to the experience. The commanding voice of Hayataro or the iconic hee-ho’s of Jack Frost even made me reluctant to fuse them into something else.

Your feline companion, Gouto, is also at hand to guide you through the case's key plot points and provide pointers if you get a bit stuck. Those tips are often handy, and generally, Gouto is far less invasive than a certain other cat that Atlus fans will be well acquainted with. I won’t name names of course... but it starts with ‘M’ and ends in ‘organa’.

Raidou’s revamped

Raidou Kuzunoha XIV in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

So, there’s an engaging plot and intriguing cast to match, but what about gameplay itself. Well, this is where the picture starts to get a little more mixed.

I’ll start with combat. You’re not getting the turn-based press turn battle system from Shin Megami Tensei titles, with this game instead taking a real-time action approach. However, the combat system has been significantly overhauled in Raidou Remastered, when compared to the original game.

There are no more pesky random encounters, Raidou can now use two demons in battle (as opposed to one in the original), you’ve got the ability to lock on to enemies, and much, much more. These alterations are all most welcome and have made combat feel way more fluid than before.

When doing battle, you’ll want to focus on draining MAG, which is expended when demons use magic attacks, such as the fire spell Agi or volt attack Zio. In order to get your MAG back, Raidou can dish out light attacks, which fill up the bar swiftly, enabling you to regularly exploit enemy weaknesses, and as a result, stagger them for an easier route to victory.

Combat in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

Other than those light attacks I mentioned, Raidou can use heavy attacks, fire his gun, cast magic abilities of his own (Summoner Skills) and unleash highly punishing moves like Devil’s Bane and Spirit Slash. You'll gain new Summoner Skills as the game progresses, and you'll also be able to allocate stat boosts to Raidou when he levels up across strength, magic, vitality and luck.

I went for a mixed strength / magic build, and my main strategy in battle was to whack out as many light attacks as possible, fueling one demon’s use of healing magic and another’s devastating elemental damage. You can also use items in battle, but I basically never needed to do this.

Most of the time, my strategy proved to be a sure-fire way to win battles, meaning that combat could get a little repetitive. Also, despite enhanced battle mechanics – which includes more fluid maneuvering – I found that Raidou could feel a little clunky to control, especially in the air. This was rarely a huge issue, but if you’re expecting incredibly seamless, ultra-smooth movement from this title, you might be a little disappointed.

Boss fights are still good fun, though, and can often pose a decent challenge. Here, I found that blocking and dodging was a bit more important. Just spamming my light attacks and expecting my demons to do the rest was rarely good enough. I’m sure this would ring even more true if you’re playing on hard mode, but I played on Private Eye difficulty – which is essentially the standard level of challenge.

Before we continue talking gameplay, though, I just wanted to flag that this game has a great soundtrack – there are some seriously catchy tunes here. I still can’t get the theme from Narumi’s Detective Agency out of my head.

Battling our demons

Jack Frost in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

Anyway, let’s continue chatting gameplay – and the real highlight here, for me, is filling out the demon compendium and fusing the most powerful creations imaginable.

You can recruit demons pretty much hassle free – not always the case in other Atlus entries (I’m looking at you, SMT 4). And you can also request the help of the peculiar Dr. Victor in the Goumaden, who enables you to fuse multiple demons together and forge new, stronger companions to take into battle. You can also fuse swords, spears or axes for Raidou, which come which come with fresh abilities as well as differing stat boosts.

During demon fusion specifically, you can pass on abilities and passive skills which will help you target the weaknesses of opponents in the Dark Realm – just make sure you keep an eye on their Investigation Skills, which will come in use outside of battle.

And that brings me onto what is, without doubt, the weakest part of Raidou Remastered – solo investigations. These occur when Raidou is unable to progress through an area himself, and he instead enlists the help of his demons (which most humans are unable to see in the real world). You can send a demon out to gather clues or investigate blocked off locations, which sounds interesting, but ends up being just boring.

Most demons move pretty slowly, and the sprint button doesn’t work when they’re out investigating. On top of that, retrieving clues usually just consists of pressing a single button to search an area, read a mind, or squeeze into a tight area. I just wish that these parts of the experience were more interactive, especially given that being a detective is central to the game’s plot.

Kaya glowing blue in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

Finally, a quick note on the experience playing on Nintendo Switch 2. Typically, I played with my Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the game controlled nicely. Switching between targets while locked on took a bit of getting used to – it could, at times, feel a little rigid. But everything else, from using attacks, summoning demons, sprinting and dodging felt totally fine.

Similarly, performance was very strong – though I would expect this given it's hardly the most demanding title out there. It runs at a maximum of 60fps at 1080p, which looks solid, though the lack of 4K may disappoint some.

Overall, though, I love how the game remains faithful, visually, to its PS2 roots, while still ensuring characters and backgrounds look polished. Oh, I also rarely experienced frame rate issues – that is unless I performed Raidou’s ultimate attack, Spirit Slash. This would sometimes cause a little bit of slowdown, but never to a degree that it cost me a battle or anything.

In the end, I had a blast with Raidou Remastered. I was keen to complete almost every Case File, the main story had me hooked, and of course, I loved summoning some of my favorite demons from the SMT series. Combat, though fairly layered, could sometimes get a little samey and I really wish solo investigations didn’t feel like a chore. But overall, Atlus did an excellent job with this remaster and I’m grateful that it’s enabled me – and so many other fans – to solve this mystery for the very first time.

Should you play Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army?

Satake converses with Raidou in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

Play it if...

You love the worlds of SMT and Persona
If, like me, you adore titles like Persona 4 Golden and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, I’d say that Raidou Remastered is well worth your time. It’s not as long as these games and doesn’t offer turn-based combat either (still my preference). But you’ve got mostly the same demons, and another host of awesome characters to interact with – crucial aspects that drew me to previous Atlus entries.

You’re a sucker for narrative-driven RPGs
There’s no vast open world to explore in Raidou Remastered. Sure, you can roam around the capital and get busy working on Case Files, or even take a trip to the Dark Realm. But the main event isn’t really exploration. It’s the games narrative, which at times, takes turns that you may not have foreseen. If you love story-driven RPGs, you’re likely to enjoy this mysterious adventure.

Don't play it if...

You’re not such a fan of real-time action gameplay
So, I mentioned it earlier, but if you’re only really into turn-based combat, it may be worth giving Raidou Remastered a miss. This game makes use of real-time action combat, meaning you’ll engage in much more intense, time-sensitive battles.

You want fully-fledged, shiny current-gen graphics
The bones of Raidou Remastered’s PS2 origins are very prevalent in this game, visually speaking. Personally, I was charmed by that, but I’m certain that it won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Oh, and this game runs at 1080p on Switch 2, rather than 4K, so if you’re expecting to be wowed by the flashiest graphics in the world, you’ll be disappointed.

Accessibility features

The game includes subtitles, button remapping in the controls section, a control stick sensitivity slider, and the ability to toggle vibrations on and off. There are some other subtle changes you can make, such as the option to simply hold the A button, rather than press it repeatedly to confine a demon. There are four difficult modes, including one which makes combat extremely basic for those who want to essentially focus on story alone. There isn’t a colorblind mode for anyone seeking that out, though.

How I reviewed Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army:

Atlus disclaimer in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army — (Image credit: Atlus)

I spent more than 30 hours with Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, playing through the main story and the vast majority of Case Files. I had the game set on Private Eye difficulty – essentially normal. I’ve played a ton of Atlus titles before, from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne through to Persona 3 Reload, so I was already plenty familiar with systems like demon fusion.

I played the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, which I downloaded digitally via a code supplied by Sega. Usually, I played in docked mode in 1080p at 60fps, but I did try playing for a while in handheld mode too. When docked, I had my Nintendo Switch 2 connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2, with audio playing from the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

First reviewed June 2025

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is so good that I wish I could use it on anything

6:55 pm | June 27, 2025

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

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: one-minute review

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller launched alongside the console itself, and I’ve been using it as my go-to Switch 2 gamepad since launch day. While I was already impressed with it at a Switch 2 hands-on preview event a few months back, actually having it at home has solidified it as perhaps my favorite controller of the year.

The mission statement is a simple one: provide an updated version of the excellent Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - easily one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for that original console - while keeping the things players loved about that original model intact. I feel this has mostly been achieved with the Switch 2 Pro Controller.

It’s incredibly comfortable in the hands, sporting simply lovely build quality from chassis to buttons. The thumbsticks are ultra-smooth and responsive, and additions like two remappable buttons on the rear, as well as a headphone jack, are extremely welcome.

Furthermore, the original Pro Controller is remembered fondly for its frankly absurd battery life, lasting around 40 hours on a single charge. I’m happy to report that’s also the case with the Switch 2 Pro Controller; after three weeks of testing for a few hours most days, I’ve only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen.

So what’s holding it back from truly being the greatest of all time? Well, unlike the original Pro Controller, this new model isn’t currently compatible with PC. It’s likely we’ll need to wait for a Steam compatibility update, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens in the near future. I also would’ve loved a trigger lock feature, allowing players to switch between digital and analog sensitivities to suit a wider range of genres (analog triggers naturally work better for racing games, for example).

Lastly, Nintendo seemingly remains committed to not having Hall effect thumbsticks, which is a massive shame. What this means is that, eventually, I expect the Switch 2 Pro Controller to develop stick drift. Perhaps not as quickly as the Joy-Con 2 - of which there are already reports of users experiencing drift - but for a controller that costs as much as it does, the lack of sturdier Hall effect thumbsticks hurts. Doubly so, considering the sticks themselves feel fantastic during play.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: price and availability

$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
Cheaper on average than a set of Joy-Con 2 ($94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95)
A price increase in the US bumped it up from the originally planned $79.99

If there’s one potential criticism I can levy at the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it’s that it certainly isn’t cheap.

It’s available to purchase now from Nintendo’s own website as well as stocking retailers for $84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95. US folks have it slightly worse here due to a price increase that’s seen the controller’s RRP pushed up from the original $79.99.

Overall, though, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is cheaper in the US than a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99), while being priced the same as those in the UK (£74.99).

That said, cheaper alternatives do exist in controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 ($69.99 / £59.99 - around AU$90). This is an exceptional controller that’s well worth looking into, especially as it’s recently received a firmware update to allow for Switch 2 connectivity.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Specs

Price	$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
Weight	8.3oz / 235g
Dimensions	5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch 2
Connection type	Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)
Battery life	Around 40 hours

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: design and features

Pleasing light gray-on-black aesthetic design
Adds GameChat and GL/GR buttons, as well as a headphone jack
Otherwise, very similar to the original Pro Controller

Put the Switch 2 Pro Controller side by side with the original model, and you’ll notice a lot of similarities. Its large face buttons are about the same size here, the d-pad is very similar, and the controller still uses digital triggers. I think an option for quicker triggers would’ve been nice here, via trigger locks, for genres like racing games. But there are some other upgrades here that I’m very happy about.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller adds some very welcome features. There’s a dedicated GameChat button like we see on the Joy-Con 2 for accessing the console’s bespoke voice chat system. Additionally, you’re getting a 3.5mm headphone jack, which - alarmingly - wasn’t present on the original Pro Controller. Lastly, a pair of GL/GR buttons on the rear of the pad can be remapped on a per-game basis, though I’ll touch more on those in the following performance section.

In terms of looks, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is simple, but pretty eye-catching. The semi-translucent look of the original has been replaced with a matte black shell. Meanwhile, the top that houses the bumpers and triggers - as well as the thumbstick shafts - have taken on a light gray coating that I think looks nice juxtaposed against the otherwise all-black gamepad. I wouldn’t say it’s winning any awards in the aesthetics department, but it’s a simple and elegant design that doesn’t look out of place.

Otherwise, there isn’t much to report on the design front beyond the fact that this is an incredibly comfortable asymmetrical controller that sits firmly in the hands. I find that the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s grips are of a perfect size, and the pad fits snugly in my hands with my index fingers set firmly on the triggers. I felt this way about the original Pro Controller, too, but its successor does feel ever so slightly more refined in this regard.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Performance

Thumbsticks feel excellent during gameplay
A frankly absurd amount of battery life
GL/GR buttons are actually a godsend

Right away, let’s talk about the thing that most people fondly remember the original Pro Controller for - its seemingly endless battery life. While there have been no noticeable improvements here with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, I can’t exactly say that’s a bad thing.

Yep, you can expect this new model to go the distance with around 40-45 hours of battery life. Since launch, on average, I’ve played my Switch 2 with the Pro Controller for around 1-3 hours daily.

Three weeks later, I have only just seen the low battery warning flash up on my screen. This is absolutely best-in-class battery life that leaves even the best Nintendo Switch controllers in the dust. It is worth noting that such a hefty battery does take some time to charge up again - around 3-4 hours to be exact - but do this overnight via USB-C and you’ll never need to worry about running out of juice.

Otherwise, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is just a joy to play games with. The thumbsticks are the real heroes here, feeling almost impossibly smooth and incredibly responsive during play.

This makes precise platformers like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury or white knuckle racers like F-Zero GX feel fantastic to play (even if the latter still benefits more from the wireless GameCube controller’s button layout).

My one gripe here would be that the thumbsticks are not Hall effect, with Nintendo seemingly opting once again for more traditional potentiometers. It’s a frustrating commitment that we also see from Sony and Microsoft in their first-party pads, and as a result, it’s currently hard to gauge just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sticks will last before developing drift. That said, the thumbsticks here do feel decidedly sturdier than those on the Joy-Con 2, so I do expect them to last a good deal longer.

However, I think my favorite addition to the Switch 2 Pro Controller has to be the rear GL/GR buttons. We’ve seen remappable buttons like these on countless third-party controllers, but I really like how Nintendo has implemented them. By holding down the Home button while in-game, you’ll bring up a quick menu that lets you assign GL and GR as secondary inputs.

This works on a per-game basis, too, meaning you don’t need to constantly reassign them while you’re hopping from game to game. They can be an absolute lifesaver, too. In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for example, I bound the sprint and jump actions to these buttons, letting me still have access to camera controls.

Similarly, in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, binding the left and right d-pad inputs to GL/GR let me cycle through my inventory of items without having to stop moving or adopt an awkward claw grip instead.

Otherwise, you can expect a controller that performs just as well as the original where it counts. Gyro aiming is still incredibly solid and accurate for games like Splatoon 3, and you still have near-field communication (NFC) support for scanning amiibo figures in your favorite games.

Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?

Buy it if...

You want a cheaper (and better) Joy-Con 2 alternative
Sure, you’re not getting the Joy-Con 2’s fancy directional rumble or their aptitude for co-op play. But given the lower US price point, higher comfort factor, and sublime thumbsticks and GL/GR buttons, the Pro Controller wins out for me.

You prefer wireless play
You’re absolutely laughing here, as the Switch 2 Pro Controller seriously goes the distance in terms of battery life, putting in an impressive 40+ hours on an average full charge.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
While I wholeheartedly recommend the Switch 2 Pro Controller at its price point, I can’t say it’s exactly cheap. There are more affordable options around $10-$20 cheaper that do a similar job, such as the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate 2, or indeed the original Pro Controller.

You’ve had bad luck with stick drift
Without drift-resistant Hall effect sticks, I can’t say for sure just how long the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s thumbsticks will last before developing drift. If you’ve fallen foul of stick drift in the past, you may want to consider some alternatives.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Also consider

If the Switch 2 Pro Controller isn’t exactly what you’re after, there are a couple of great alternatives for you to consider.

	Switch 2 Pro Controller	8BitDo Ultimate 2	Switch Pro Controller
Price	$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95	$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$90 (or $59.99 / £49.99 for PC-only model)	$69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95
Weight	8.3oz / 235g	8.7oz / 246g	8.7oz / 246g
Dimensions	5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm	5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm	5.9 x 4.2 x 2.4in / 152 x 106 x 60mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch 2	PC, Android (Switch/Switch 2 version sold separately)	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Connection type	Bluetooth, USB Type-C	2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C	Bluetooth, USB Type-C
Battery life	Around 40 hours	10-15 hours	Around 40 hours

8BitDo Ultimate 2
A fantastic follow-up to my favorite Nintendo Switch controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 takes everything that made the original so good - Hall effect sticks, superb build quality, included charging dock - and upgrades it. Battery life is sadly worse overall, but you honestly can’t go wrong with either this or the original model.

Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate 2 review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The original Pro Controller is still a worthy purchase and compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. You may want to opt for this one if you’re looking to save some cash, especially as it’s still a top contender in the field of Switch accessories.

Read our full Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Tested for three weeks, on average 1-3 hours per day
Compared to the original Pro Controller and similar third-party gamepads
Played a wide variety of games, both modern and retro

I tested the Switch 2 Pro Controller from launch until now - a period of around three weeks. On average, I played with the controller for around one to three hours a day, largely opting for docked mode play on my LG CX OLED TV.

In my time with the controller, I put it through its paces with games across a wide variety of genres. This includes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, F-Zero GX, Deltarune, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.

I compared the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s feature set to that of the original Pro Controller and third-party gamepads, including the GameSir Tarantula Pro and the original 8BitDo Ultimate. While I do wish Nintendo’s pad brought Hall effect sticks to the table, its overall feature set and comfortable play experience still make it well worth considering in a crowded controller market.

First reviewed June 2025

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: two-minute review

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor, as the name suggests, is a palm-sized device that triggers your smart lights when it detects movement. That's not all, though – it also works as a home security sensor, alerting you to potential intruders while you're away. Just tap a button in the app to 'arm' the Motion Sensor (plus any other Philips Hue cameras and sensors in your home) and it'll enter security mode, making your lights behave differently and sending you a phone notification if something happens in your absence. For example, your lights could turn red or flash, while the app lets you call an emergency contact with a tap.

The Motion Sensor requires a Philips Hue Bridge to work, so it's best if you already have an established smart lighting setup. If you're not familiar with the Bridge, it's a small hub that connects to your Wi-Fi router, and uses the Zigbee wireless protocol to connect all your Philips Hue devices in a mesh network.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, which means it's not the cheapest motion sensor around, and if you're not going to use its security functions then you might be better served by a simpler Zigbee device instead. However, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor's extra security features mean it could even be a cornerstone of your security system, and from that perspective it's excellent value.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor mounted on wall — The Philips Hue Motion Sensor may be small, but it's an extremely capable device and could be a key part of a home security system. (Image credit: Future)

The sensor is a small, lightweight device and comes ready to go, with two AAA batteries already installed. To connect it, just scan the QR code on the back using the Philips Hue app, then hold the 'setup' button until the LED on the front flashes orange to pair it, as instructed on screen.

Once the sensor is paired, you'll be prompted to assign it to a room, then asked which lights you want it to control. These lights don't have to be in the same location; for example, you may want to have a light activated in your study if motion is detected in the porch so you don't miss a package delivery (provided it's under cover – you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor if it's going to be exposed to the elements).

The sensor can turn lights on and off, but you can also use it to adjust their brightness, and even apply scenes.

Setting up lights with Philips Hue Motion Sensor in app — You can change the way your lights react to movement depending on the time of day, which is particularly helpful for keeping lights dim in your hallway at night (Image credit: Future)

Like the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch the Philips Hue Motion Sensor allows you to set different actions for your lights depending on the time of day.

During my tests this worked perfectly, and helped me and my partner avoid being dazzled at night. I installed the sensor in our hallway and kept the lighting level low after 11pm so we could find our way to the kitchen for a drink of water without being jarred into full wakefulness after bedtime.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor detection alert in app — Once your Philips Hue Motion Sensor is armed, you can choose to receive notifications on your phone when movement is detected, and the app will keep a log of events that occurred while you were out (Image credit: Future)

As I mentioned earlier, the Dimmer Switch also functions as a security device (either by itself or with other Hue sensors and cameras), the app lets you decide what events it should trigger when it's set to 'armed'. By default, it will make connected Philips Hue lights flash when motion is detected, but you can also simply make them turn on, or have them change color. An intimidating red might be a good option.

The sensor doesn't have a siren of its own, but if you have a Philips Hue Secure camera, it can play an audible alert when the sensor detects movement.

Setting up security notifications for Philips Hue Motion Sensor in app — Set up an emergency contact, and the app will allow you to call them with a single tap when you receive an unexpected movement notification (Image credit: Future)

During my tests the app reliably sent me a notification whenever my partner wandered by and the system was armed – and he informed me that the living room lights turned pink as well. After increasing the sensitivity a little, the sensor was able to detect him entering the living room even when mounted on a wall at the other end of the room, opposite the door.

It's worth noting that although you can change the direction of the sensor by simply shifting it on its magnetic mount (as described below) and dial its sensitivity up and down, the absence of a camera on this sensor means it's not possible to create custom zones that won't be monitored, so you might need to spend some time experimenting with the settings so it picks up movement near doors and windows.

That's not a major issue though, and the magnetic mount can even be fitted to the ceiling, making it simple to keep an eye on potential entry points.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: price and availability

Costs $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95
Often discounted, particularly in sales events

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is available globally direct from Philips Hue, and from third-party retailers including Amazon.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, but is often available at a steep discount, particularly during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. You'll find today's best prices in your area listed below.

You can also find it bundled together with the Philips Hue Bridge and a set of smart light bulbs as part of a Philips Hue Starter Kit.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: design

Can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing
Magnetic wall mount allows you to angle the sensor
Only available in white

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a discreet white device with a magnetic back containing a single screw, which you can undo to replace the two AAA batteries powering it. The sensor can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or simply placed on a piece of furniture if you'd prefer not to drill holes.

It measures 6.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches / 174 x 72 x 55mm (H x W x D) and weighs 2.8oz / 80g.

Hand holding Philips Hue Motion Sensor with magnetic mount — (Image credit: Future)

The mount (which comes with two screws and a wall plug) is a small circular magnet. Once it's screwed in, you simply place the sensor on top, then tilt it to face the direction you want to monitor. During my tests the sensor felt most secure when facing straight on, but it never felt likely to fall off when tilted.

Unlike other Philips Hue accessories (such as the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch) you can't attach the Motion Sensor to your wall using 3M tape. The mount has a slightly rubberized finish that doesn't work well with adhesives, and the strength of the magnets means the tape would likely pull away when you remove the sensor unit.

Installing mount for Philips Hue Motion Sensor on wall — (Image credit: Future)

Unlike some Philips Hue accessories, the Motion Sensor is only available in white. However, since it's likely to be mounted close to a white ceiling, that's not too much of an issue.

The sensor isn't weather-resistant, and therefore can't be used outdoors. If you want a sensor for detecting movement in your yard, you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor, which is also wireless and can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing.

Should you buy the Philips Hue Motion Sensor?

Buy it if

You can't fit a whole security system at home

Whether it's the price, the inconvenience, or the need to drill holes in the walls, a full hard-wired security system isn't the right fit for a lot of homes. With one (or more) of these little sensors, you can enjoy peace of mind for a fraction of the price, and with none of the hassle.

You want hands-free lighting

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a particularly great option for dark hallways, especially when you're coming home at night with your hands full, and groping for the light switch is a hassle. It can also trigger more gentle after bedtime so you can find your way to the bathroom without being dazzled.

Don't buy it if

You have a Ring doorbell and no Hue lights

If you already have a Ring doorbell and no Philips Hue Bridge, it makes sense to stick with Ring for your home security needs. Depending on which Ring Home membership you choose, you can have several devices covered by the same plan. Take a look at our full guide to Ring subscriptions for more details.

You want to be alerted when a door opens

The Philips Hue Contact Sensor works in a similar way to the Motion Sensor, triggering lights and sending you an alert on your phone if a door or window is opened. Depending on your security needs, it may be a better option. Both devices are about the same price.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: also consider

Ring Alarm Motion Detector

If you've already got a Ring doorbell, it's worth checking out the company's motion sensor before plumping for the Philips Hue version. It's mostly made with security in mind, but can also control smart lights if you create an automation using IFTTT (If This Then That).

Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor

This sensor works in much the same way as the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, activating lights and/or sending an alert to your phone, but instead of movement it's triggered when a door or window is opened. Ideal for your front door or a dark cupboard.

How I tested the Philips Hue Motion Sensor

I connected the Philips Hue Motion Sensor to my home smart lighting setup, which includes several bulbs, switches, and a pair of Philips Hue Play Light Bars. I started by installing it in my hallway so I could test its sensitivity and time-based functionality (specifically triggering dimmer illumination at night). I then moved it to the living room to test its security features, triggering alerts on my phone and setting the main ceiling lights to pink while my husband was home to monitor the effects.

I tested the EnGenius EOC655 bridge, an innovative product that combines Bluetooth and GPS

1:59 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: CPU, GPS, MSRP, RAM | Comments: Off

The EnGenius EOC655 outdoor bridge features two Wi-Fi 6 radios offering a combined throughput of 2 Gbps.

Specification

CPU: Dual-core Qualcomm ARM CPU

RAM: 1GB

Storage: 8GB NAND

Radios: Two 2x2 5GHz Wi-Fi 6, One 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for management

Wireless throughput: Theoretical 2Gbps

Ports: 1Gb Ethernet with PoE, 2.5Gb Ethernet with proprietary PoE

Weight: 1.84 kg

Dimensions: 26.7 cm x 22.7 cm x 8.2 cm

Power Consumption: 21W maximum consumption, 15W with one client connected

MSRP: $999

The manufacturer-specified range of 10km is under ideal conditions. In reality, a reliable link is achieved at 1km or less. Its IP67 rating delivers reliable operation under harsh outdoor conditions, and with dual GbE ports, it can extend the reach of a remote location with wired Ethernet to over 100 meters. AES-256 encryption boosts security, and optional support for FIPS-140-2 compliance ensures reliable and secure communication.

The built-in GPS enables accurate device location and network mapping, making it essential for asset tracking and seamless network integration.

Web-based monitoring and management through the unified cloud service and mobile app allow auto-provisioning and large-scale deployments. The EOC655 consumes 21W, making it ideal for remote locations where energy supply is limited, such as a solar farm. A dual-core A53 CPU, supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of eMMC, provides premium features such as quality of service and VLAN support.

The EOC655 costs $999 per unit and does not include an external antenna. The same unit, equipped with two 18dBi antennas, costs $1100 and can cover up to 10 km. The EOC655 can be bundled with an even better antenna, providing up to 10km of range at higher throughput for $1300.

EnGenius EOC655: Design

The EnGenius wireless bridge ships with one accessory box containing the mounting kit, Ethernet wires, and a PoE adapter. A metal ring secures the unit to a outdoor post with screws. The white plastic enclosure lacks a heat dissipator and will become warm over time. Two Ethernet connectors link the box to the network while two N-type female connectors allow the addition of external antennas to boost the bridge’s range. The box measures 27 cm x 23 cm x 82 mm and weighs 1.84kg.

Internally, the EOC655 is based on a Qualcomm chipset. The processor is a Dual-Core 1GHz ARM CPU supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash memory. The two Ethernet ports can connect to 2.5 Gb and 1 Gb networks, supporting speeds as low as 10 Mbps. The connectors have a plastic enclosure that surrounds the Ethernet cable, preventing water from entering the bridge.

The two Ethernet ports function as PoE ports, but they differ slightly in operation. The 2.5 Gb port supports a proprietary version of PoE that is compatible only with the supplied adapter. The 1Gb port supports the regular 48V PoE and can be connected to a standard PoE switch. To facilitate installation, the bridge features additional hardware, including a GPS module and Bluetooth connectivity.

The two-radio architecture allows the use of both internal and external antennas. The maximum power for transmission is set to 27 dBm, which is higher than that of consumer products. The C18 model has built-in antennas with gains of 3.5 dBi at 2.4 GHz and eight dBi at 5 GHz. The second radio uses an N-type connector for the 5 GHz band. The base version of the bridge drops the 5GHz internal antenna, resulting in both radios operating through N-type connectors.

EnGenius EOC655 bottom — (Image credit: Future)

EnGenius EOC655: In Use

At least two units are needed to start the setup. A base unit connects to the wired network that needs extension. A second EOC655 is a subscriber and associates with the base over Wi-Fi 6. There is no visual indicator to show if things are working well. If a PoE switch is available, connecting the base unit will likely occur through the 1G port, as the faster 2.5G port is only compatible with the proprietary power supply.

The setup is entirely completed through the Engenius SkyConnect mobile app, available on Android and iOS. It is frustrating that an additional app is required for this process, as Engenius's other products, including access points, utilize the more familiar Cloud-To-Go platform. Once powered, the base unit emits a management SSID and waits for remote units to reply. The EOC655 supports up to 16 subscriber stations, working in a star configuration. As such, adding stations won’t necessarily increase the network's range.

Integrating a GPS module and a dedicated 2.4 GHz radio for management simplifies the installation process. The GPS provides real-time unit location and an accurate time source for the embedded NTP server. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth channels prevent downtime during Wi-Fi 6 radios configuration and firmware updates. Finally, a built-in compass provides additional help when no GPS signal is present.

EnGenius EOC655 back — (Image credit: Future)

EnGenius EOC655: Competition

The EOC655 bridge is an innovative product that combines various technologies, including Bluetooth and GPS, under a single roof. For this reason, it is challenging to find a suitable competitor.

The Zyxel WAX655E offers many features similar to those of the EnGenius, and it is faster, boasting a 4x4 radio architecture. The WAX655E lacks the convenience provided by the GPS module, making installation more difficult. The Zyxel product does not have a second Ethernet port, which prevents the network from being extended further without an Ethernet switch.

EnGenius EOC655: Final Verdict

The EOC655 meets the requirements when long-range Wi-Fi is needed. It's not a router or an access point; it is pretty useless on its own. It shines when two or more are used in a mesh configuration to extend the reach beyond one kilometer. And it does it well. The installation is smooth, thanks to features such as geolocation via GPS and setup via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The throughput isn’t the best, but it will be reliable over larger distances.

We appreciated that you could install external antennas, which offer better gain than embedded ones. However, the lack of visual cues on the unit makes working with the mobile app a necessity.

Buy the EOC655 if you want to extend the reach of your network without sacrificing reliability.

Don’t buy the EOC655 if you want the best throughput available.

We list the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

I watched Squid Game season 3 on Netflix, and it’s a nail-biting, poignant last hurrah for the streaming giant’s most popular TV Original

10:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Netflix Streaming | Comments: Off

Spoilers follow for Squid Game seasons 2 and 3.

Squid Game season 3 marks the end of the most-watched Netflix TV Original. Hwang Dong-hyuk's incredibly successful survival drama has had us on tenterhooks since its first season debuted in September 2021. And, with its final season out now, viewers want to know how Gi-hun's story ends, and if Hwang and company have fittingly stuck the landing with its last hurrah.

At the time of publication, it's impossible to say if that's the case because critics couldn't watch Squid Game's last-ever episode ahead of time. However, I have seen the first five chapters of season 3, and they're as thrilling, incredibly moving, and at times predictable as its forebears' entries were.

Death and despair

Jun-hee, Gi-hun, and Hyun-ju staring at the ground in despair in Squid Game season 3 — Devastation reigns among some contestants after last season's heart-wrenching finale (Image credit: Netflix)

Picking up immediately after season 2's heart-breaking finale, Squid Game 3 reunites us with an emotionally crushed Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after his unsuccessful insurrection. His best friend Park Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) was also executed by Front Man, aka Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the competition's latest installment and posed as an ally of Gi-hun's before ultimately quashing the uprising. Numerous contestants who joined the rebellion lost their lives amid the failed revolt, too.

With three rounds left until a winner is crowned, though, the games must continue. That is, unless Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and his team of hired mercenaries can locate the secret island where the games are held and help Gi-hun put a stop to them once and for all.

Squid Game 3 found new ways to emotionally ruin me

Given last season's cliff-hanger ending and the narrative tissue that connects the pair, Squid Game 3 feels more like season 2 volume 2 rather than a standalone entry.

That's not an inherently bad thing, but six months have passed since last season originally aired. The passage of time has largely nullified the full effects of that season's gut-punch ending, so you'll want to rewatch season 2 episode 7 to redigest its true impact, reimmerse yourself in this world, and remind yourself of events concerning characters like Jun-ho and reluctant Squid Game soldier Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young). I didn't, and it took me an entire episode – i.e. the season 3 premiere – to reconnect with Squid Game's drama-fuelled story and eclectic cast of characters.

Four contestants gathered around a coffin in Squid Game season 3 — You'll see plenty more coffins in Squid Game season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)

Once I was locked back in, Squid Game 3 found new ways to emotionally ruin me, through – yep, you guessed it, more character deaths. I'd argue the demise of certain individuals is far more impactful, too, because of the emotional investment I've put in them. After all, I've spent more time with this cast than contestants who featured in seasons 1 and 2.

Regardless, with its battle royale-like structure, the titular games demand death, so in this final season of one of the best Netflix shows' even darlings and love-to-hate characters have to die. The former's deaths are tear-jerking, while plenty of the latter get their deserved comeuppance in highly satisfying fashion. If it was ever in doubt, Squid Game season 3 is an emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word.

Gi-hun crying as he's held down by pink jumpsuit-wearing soldiers in Squid Game season 3 — Seong Gi-hun is a broken man after last season's finale (Image credit: Netflix)

As the series' protagonist, it's Gi-hun's story that understandably takes center stage, although it takes an episode to get going again. Hey, he's lost the will to live after his best friend's demise, and feels extremely guilty over the deaths of other contestants he convinced to join his uprising, so cut him some slack.

Once it kicks into gear, Gi-hun's season 3 arc becomes an introspection of the series' primary theme of humanity and the fight to retain your morality when events and people want to beat it out of you. I enjoyed – if that's the right word to describe it – Gi-hun's one-man quest to battle back from the brink; the formerly jovial yet determined protagonist succumbing to, and then railing against, the blind rage, shame, and darkness within. It's not until this season's midway point that the fire in his belly is reignited, too, so there's scope for Squid Game 3 to make Gi-hun's descent into madness an unsettling watch. And it does so with aplomb before he gets up off the proverbial canvas.

Game on

Gi-hun walking through a knife-shaped archway to join his fellow contestants in Squid Game season 3 — Season 3 introduces new games that are as thrilling and dangerous as their siblings are (Image credit: Netflix)

Gi-hun's inner turmoil isn't helped by the introduction of new games that initially prey on his guilt-fueled fury, one of which was teased in Squid Game season 3's first clip. Ever the humanitarian, though, that emotional turbulence is replaced by his one-man quest for redemption, which centers on a key detail in Squid Game 3's first trailer and becomes an unexpectedly crucial component of the games' final three rounds.

Squid Game 3 does a superb job of slowly ratcheting up the tension through spine-chilling and hair-raising moments

Whether it's Jump Rope – which features giant robot Young-hee, introduces her companion Chul-su, and literally heightens the sense of fear among contestants and viewers alike – or other new games I can't spoil, Squid Game 3 knows how to raise the stakes. Like its forebears, it does a superb job of slowly ratcheting up the nail-biting tension before delivering spine-chilling and heart-pounding moments aplenty. Add in some narrative curveballs during and between the games that further tighten the screw, and Squid Game 3 surprises and captivates in equal measure.

Front Man sitting in a chair with a glass of whiskey in his left hand in Squid Game season 3 — If you were expecting plenty of Front Man in season 3, prepare to be disappointed (Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game season 3 isn't above reproach, mind you.

Indeed, it gives Front Man far less to do than season 2 did – a grave disappointment when he was such a compelling and complicated antagonist last time around. Season 3 belatedly and pleasingly addresses this oversight in its second half, but I was nonetheless frustrated by his absence for large swathes of the show's final chapter.

Jun-ho sitting on a rocky shore with his diving suit and equipment on in Squid Game season 3 — The side story involving Jun-ho is lost at sea for much of season 3, too (Image credit: Netflix)

Jun-ho's perennial quest to rediscover the island where the games take place drifts aimlessly in an ocean of subplot mediocrity, too. Bogged down by extraneous story exposition and a narrative that goes around in circles, it would've been more effective as a side story with less screen time and some genuine forward momentum. It doesn't actually get exciting until episode 4.

Jun-ho's perennial quest to rediscover the island where the games take place drifts aimlessly

Season 3 does right by one underutilized character, though, in No-eul. Outside of what we learned about her in season 2's first episode, the renegade soldier is given a proper arc in Squid Game's final season and, whisper it quietly, might be the real MVP (most valuable player) of season 3.

A close up of No-eul wearing a pink jumpsuit and looking at someone in Squid Game season 3 — No-eul is the biggest beneficiary of more screen time in season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)

It's unclear what impact, if any, No-eul will have on the series' final episode.

However, season 3 episode 5 sets up an engrossing finale that'll see Squid Game's various storytelling threads intersect and, hopefully, give it the send-off it deserves. I just hope its runtime is considerable enough to sufficiently and effectively wrap up each plotline. Based on how this season's fifth chapter ends, it's still got a lot of legwork to complete before the credits roll for the last time.

My verdict

Based on five of its six episodes, Squid Game season 3 is as gripping and delightfully miserable as I expected.

The show's final round could've been braver and less formulaic with its storytelling choices, and its incessant plot exposition regularly grated on me. But, as a character study and exploration of man's inhumanity to his fellow man and other sociopolitical themes, it's hard to argue that finale notwithstanding, Squid Game 3 is a grandstand finish to an unmissable series that fully deserves its place in the pantheon of Netflix TV Originals.

Squid Game season 3 is out now in full on Netflix.

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